South Africa: IEC postpones voter registration weekend by two weeks

The Electoral Commission on Wednesday announced it has postponed the voter registration weekend by two weeks in light of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic currently sweeping the country.

At a special meeting, the commission resolved to reschedule the voter registration weekend from 17-18 July to the weekend of 31 July  1 August.

The decision was made following a review of the current conditions, including the rate of infections and hospitalisations over the past seven days and its impact on preparations for the registration weekend.

The commission also considered concerns raised by political parties through the National Party Liaison Committee of proceeding with voter registration as well as warnings from health officials and other experts during last weeks oral submissions before the Moseneke Inquiry regarding the risks of proceeding with a voter registration weekend under the current conditions.

Health experts told the inquiry last week that the current third wave of infections was likely to persist until at least the end of the month.

Taking into consideration the various factors including the constitutional time-frame which requires the elections to be held before 1 November 2021 and the minimum period required for the election timetable, the commission resolved to postpone the voter registration weekend to the latest possible date - which is 31 July  1 August.

The two-week postponement will have a knock-on effect on certain dates and activities associated with the proclamation and election including delaying proclamation by four days until 6 August.

However, the commission remains confident that successful elections can be held within a reduced election timetable of 82 days rather than the original 86 days, the Electoral Commission said.

The Electoral Commission has briefed the National Party Liaison Committee on the decision and the revised timelines and plans.

The commission has taken this very difficult decision in the interests of saving lives of voters, election staff, party representatives and all citizens while still preserving the Constitutional requirement to hold elections.

While the commission accepts that two weeks delay may not be ideal to allow the third wave to begin to decline in all provinces, the Commission has very limited scope to move the registration weekend without postponing the elections themselves.

Most party representatives at the meeting welcomed the decision to postpone for two weeks although parties in favour of a postponement of the elections urged for a longer postponement.

The commission is still awaiting the final report of the Moseneke Inquiry into whether the elections can be free and fair if they proceed as scheduled on 27 October.

The inquiry is being led by Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke who is scheduled to present his report and its recommendations to the commission by 21 July 2021.

The commission said it will continue to monitor developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the outcome of the Moseneke Inquiry and all other relevant factors over the coming weeks.

Any further changes to the election plans will be made in consultation with political parties, government authorities and other key stakeholders and will be communicated with all stakeholders.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-07-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: Government leaders virtually gather for winter school

Members of executives from across the countrys three spheres of governance have this week gathered in a winter school programme in an effort to improve the performance of the state and promote economic growth.

Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Mayors, and Members of Mayoral Committees have since Monday been converging in a National School of Government (NSG) Economic Governance School for Members winter school programme. It concludes on Friday.

The innovative Economic Governance School, which was approved by Cabinet for implementation by the NSG, was a seasonal initiative aimed at members of executives and was approved by Cabinet for implementation by the NSG.

The NSG in a statement said: Like the inaugural Economic Governance Spring School that was held in November 2020, the Winter School is arranged into five sub-themes, one for each of the five days of the programme.

These are Governance and Economic Growth; Development and the Global and Regional Economy; Fiscal and Monetary Policy Interventions; Building State Institutions as Instruments of Growth; and Leading Inclusive Growth.

The initial partnership for the design and delivery of the programme involves the NSG, the European Union (EU) and the WITS School of Governance where a depth of expertise is derived, the school said.

It said participating Members of the Executive would be required to engage with academic literature and case studies on the significance of effective governance in promoting inclusive growth.

They will be challenged to analyse and reflect on their own decisions in the portfolios they lead and the extent to which these can be characterised as manifestation of effective governance, reads the statement.

Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu said the programme would enable Members of the Executive across the spheres to reflect and broaden perspectives on the critical topics as we work towards building a capable, developmental, ethical state and economic recovery.

The programme was part of several learning engagements that The NSG was implementing in partnership with higher education institutions locally and internationally, targeting elected officials and public sector employees.

In compliance with lockdown Adjusted Alert Level 4 regulations, the Winter School programme was facilitated virtually. Among the 40 participants from the three spheres of government were:

Patricia De Lille and Noxolo Kiviet, respectively Minister and Deputy Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure.

Ronald Lamola and Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa, respectively Minister and Deputy Minister for Justice and Correctional Services.

Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation.

Sindisiwe Chikunga, Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration

Faith Mazibuko, Gauteng MEC for Community Safety.

Thembisile Nkadimeng, Executive Mayor of Polokwane, and President of SALGA.

Kenetswe Mosenogi, North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism.

Mzimkhulu Thebolla, Executive Mayor of Msunduzi Municipality.

Patrick Mabilo, Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality together with Members of his Mayoral Committee.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: SA honours Dr Kaunda with national memorial

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, has described the former late Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda, as a man of great discipline and dedication, conviction and conscience, as well as humour and humanity.

Speaking at the National Memorial Service for Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Mthethwa said Kaundas background was shaped by lessons from his parents - his mother who was a teacher and father, who was a reverend.

Dr Kenneth Kaunda made it abundantly clear that Zambias support and participation in the liberation struggle was not based on a desire to make social, economic and political investments.

Rather, it was simply doing what was morally correct and therefore, should not concern themselves with the question of whether or not there would be eventual rewards for the Zambian sacrifices, Mthethwa said.

Mthethwa said Zambia, under Kaundas leadership, opened its borders up to those who were fleeing oppression and hosted leaders of liberation movements.

This came at enormous cost because of their difficult geographical situation. South Africa, like many of the then frontline States, owes her freedom and independence to this gallant statesman, a jovial man, a creative worker, a sportsman and above all, a true and sincere African liberator, Mthethwa said.

Mthethwa said Kaunda commanded respect and admiration among his peers all-round, as shown by the frontline States.

In international platforms, Dr Kaunda always expressed his determination to fight for the freedom of all oppressed African nations and all other nations of the world.

The national memorial was hosted under the theme, Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Dr Kenneth Kaunda and was streamed on virtual platforms. Kaunda passed away at the age of 97 on 17 June 2021.

International Relations Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, said Kaundas internationalism and Pan-African activism was evident even before he became the first President of an independent and democratic Zambia.

This commitment to ending colonial subjugation of Africans became central to his role as the President of Zambia.

Pandor said President Kaunda placed the people of Zambia and Zambia in the firing line of the government of apartheid South Africa and other countries seeking to hold on to the privileges of empire on the African continent.

He did this through his unwavering support for African liberation movements, included through providing them sanctuary in Zambia.

As we celebrate his life and his achievements, let us ensure that we complete what he and his great friend President Nelson Mandela aimed for.

Let us honour President Kaunda by ensuring that we all support the role of President Ramaphosa as the vaccines champion for the African Union.

Pandor said South Africans will forever be grateful for having an opportunity to associate with the late Dr Kaunda. We will remain grateful to Dr Kaunda.

Zambia's High Commissioner to South Africa, Major General Jackson Miti, said the first President of Zambia, fondly known as KK, was not only a leader and an inspiration to both the people of Zambia and continent, but was also a true gallant Statesman.

Due to Dr Kaundas strong belief in continental cooperation, he advocated the need for unity of the liberation movements in individual countries, Miti said.

Despite Zambia being exposed to numerous attacks and reprisals by white-ruled Southern Rhodesia and South Africa, Dr Kaunda did not relent in his quest for an independent continent.

Dr Kaunda will be remembered for his outstanding leadership in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) amid aggressive controversy between the Western and Eastern blocs during the Cold War of the mid-1940s to the early 1990s.

Dr Kaunda, a being a good-natured comrade of the South Africa liberation struggle, was close to veterans of the liberation movement such as the late Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Chris Hani, and former President Thabo Mbeki, among others, Miti said.

At the funeral service of Dr Kaunda last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa described him as a loyal friend of the South African people.

He stood by us during our long struggle for liberation. Even as the brutal apartheid regime sought to wreak havoc in the frontline States in its efforts to destroy the liberation movement, Dr Kaunda stood firm, and never wavered in his support for the people of South Africa and the region.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-07-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Scientists show the importance of contact with nature in the city during the lockdown

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.

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Depression, suicidal thoughts plague ailing coal miners, study finds

More than a third of coal miners and former coal miners suffering from black lung disease struggle with depression, and more than one in 10 has recently considered suicide, a new study finds.

The study is believed to be the first to examine mental-health issues in a large population of coal miners in the United States. Based on the troubling results, the researchers are calling for more mental health resources and treatment for current and former miners. They also are urging further study of potential contributors to the problem, including social determinants of health, substance use and workplace safety.

"Although coal mining is on the decline, the rates of black lung in Southwest Virginia continue to increase. Coal miners in Central Appalachia face disparities in health related to a range of complex social, economic, occupational and behavioral factors," said researcher Drew Harris, MD, a pulmonary medicine expert at UVA Health. "This study highlights the unrecognized crisis of mental illness in miners that warrants urgent attention, resources and expanded care."

Miners' Mental Health

Harris serves as the medical director of the Black Lung Clinic at Southwest Virginia's Stone Mountain Health Services, the only federally funded black lung clinic in Virginia. Black lung is a progressive lung illness caused by inhaling toxic coal and rock dust within coal mines. The dust literally blackens the insides of the lungs and leaves patients struggling to breathe. This devastating disease has few treatment options and is increasingly being diagnosed in Central Appalachian coal miners: Out of more than 1,400 coal miners X-rayed in the last year at Stone Mountain, more than 15% had progressive massive fibrosis, the most severe form of black lung.

To gauge the mental wellbeing of black-lung patients, Harris and his colleagues reviewed data collected at the clinic since 2018 assessing patients for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

More than 2,800 miners voluntarily completed a mental-health survey. The average age was 66; 99.6% were white; and 99.7% were male.

Of the participants:

883 patients, or 37.4%, reported symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder.

1,005 patients, or 38.9% had clinically significant anxiety.

639 patients, or 26.2%, had symptoms of PTSD.

295 patients, or 11.4%, had considered suicide in the last year. (For comparison, this figure is only 2.9% among Virginia men overall.)

"These rates of mental illness far exceeded those documented in coal mining populations internationally," the researchers write in a new scientific paper outlining their findings.

Rates skewed highest among sicker patients who required supplemental oxygen to help them breathe. Among that group, 47.7% reported anxiety; 48.5% reported depression; and 15.9% reported considering suicide.

The researchers note that depression and other mental-health issues not only affect patients' quality of life but can reduce the likelihood they will stick with their medications.

"The rates of mental illness identified in this large population of U.S. coal miners is shocking," Harris said. "Improved screening and treatment of mental illness in this population is an urgent, unmet need that warrants urgent action."

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Findings Published

The researchers have published their findings in JAMA Network Open. The research team consisted of Harris, Timothy McMurry, Amanda Caughron, Jody Willis, Justin C. Blackburn, Chad Brizendine and Margaret Tomann, McMurry disclosed that he serves as a statistical consultant for the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety.

To keep up with the latest medical research news from UVA, subscribe to the Making of Medicine blog at http://makingofmedicine. virginia. edu .

This story has been published on: 2021-07-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Ryan Smith to present at the 8th Aging Research & Drug Discovery Meeting 2021

Thursday, July 8, 2021, 2PM London -- Ryan Smith, Cofounder of TruDiagnostic, will present the latest research on the topic Longitudinal Epigenetic Methylation Signatures of Covid-19 and the most up to date data on the DunedIn Pace of Aging Methylation Clock, at the worlds' largest annual Aging Research and Drug Discovery conference (8th ARDD).

Ryan Smith is the cofounder of TruDiagnostic. TruDiagnostic is a CLIA certified lab and health data company focused on serving integrative and functional medicine providers in the United States. Founded in 2020, TruDiagnostic has over 21 approved IRB research studies investigating the epigenetic methylation changes of a variety of longevity and health interventions. Since Tru Diagnostics inception, they have created one of the largest private epigenetic health databases in the world with over 13,000 patients tested. Through this data, TruDiagnostic has been able to add insight into the conversations of healthy aging and longevity.

In his lecture, Ryan Smith will review TruDiagnostics' collaborations with academic institutions such as Cornell University and Duke University. This will include a review of the DunedinPoAm rate of aging clock and its application for clinical use and drug discovery. The DunedinPoAM algorithm is one of the most innovative and exciting aging clocks to date as it provides an instantaneous rate of aging rather than an overall age.

Ryan will also discuss the preliminary results of a research collaboration with Cornell university. With the help of immunology researchers at Cornell, TruDiagnostic has assessed the longitudinal epigenetic changes of patients before and after documented COVID-19 infection and the epigenetic changes associated with the mRNA based COVID Vaccines. The measurable differences of these longitudinal changes give insight into post covid syndromes and give us an epigenetic signature tied to covid-19 exposure which is more sensitive than anything currently published to date.

Ryan Smith attended Transylvania University and graduated with a degree in Biochemistry. In that time, he had multiple research internships at the University of Kentucky and the University of Pennsylvania studying large scale protein synthesis and physical chemistry. After graduation, he attended medical school at the University of Kentucky for 2 years. After finishing all the educational curriculum and passing USMLE Step 1 he decided to leave and help open up a pharmacy in the United States that focused on peptide synthesis and formulations for pharmaceutical preparations. Since that time, Tailor Made Compounding has become the 4th fastest growing company in healthcare and 21st fastest growing business in the US. Tailor Made Compounding was the first pharmacy to offer an extensive list of peptides in the US and continues research and expansion for the use of these products for the integrative medicine space. Since then, Ryan has opened many businesses including TruDiagnostic, a company focusing on methylation array-based diagnostics for life extension and preventive healthcare.

The conference proceedings of the ARDD are commonly published in peer-reviewed journals with the talks openly available at http://www. agingpharma. org . Please review the conference proceedings for 2019 and 2020.

"Aging is emerging as a druggable condition with multiple pharmaceuticals able to alter the pace of aging in model organisms. The ARDD brings together all levels of the field to discuss the most pressing obstacles in our attempt to find efficacious interventions and molecules to target aging. The 2021 conference is the best yet with top level speakers from around the globe. I'm extremely excited to be able to meet them in person at the University of Copenhagen in late summer.", said Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, MD, Ph.D., University of Copenhagen.

"Aging research is growing faster than ever on both academia and industry fronts. The ARDD meeting unites experts from different fields and backgrounds, sharing with us their latest groundbreaking research and developments. Our last ARDD meeting took place online and was a great success. This year's event will be a hybrid meeting with virtual and in-person attendees. I am particularly excited that being part of the ARDD 2021 meeting will provide an amazing opportunity for young scientists presenting their own work as well as meeting the experts in the field." said Daniela Bakula, Ph.D., University of Copenhagen

"Aging research is gaining traction in the biopharmaceutical industry. To my knowledge, 6 out of the top 30 pharmaceutical companies in the world prioritized aging research for early-stage discovery or therapeutic pipeline development and several companies employ artificial intelligence for this purpose. We organize the annual ARDD conference for eight years in a row and the level of interest in aging biomarkers and noticed exponential growth in registrations over the past two years", said Alex Zhavoronkov, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, and the founder of Deep Longevity.

Building on the success of the ARDD conferences, the organizers developed the "Longevity Medicine" course series with some of the courses offered free of charge at Longevity.Degree covered in the recent Lanced Healthy Longevity paper titled Longevity medicine: upskilling the physicians of tomorrow.

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About Aging Research for Drug Discovery Conference

At ARDD, leaders in the aging, longevity, and drug discovery field will describe the latest progress in the molecular, cellular and organismal basis of aging and the search for interventions. Furthermore, the meeting will include opinion leaders in AI to discuss the latest advances of this technology in the biopharmaceutical sector and how this can be applied to interventions. Notably, this year we are expanding with a workshop specifically for physicians where the leading-edge knowledge of clinical interventions for healthy longevity will be described. ARRD intends to bridge clinical, academic and commercial research and foster collaborations that will result in practical solutions to one of humanity's most challenging problems: aging. Our quest? To extend the healthy lifespan of everyone on the planet.

About Scheibye-Knudsen Lab

In the Scheibye-Knudsen lab we use in silico, in vitro and in vivo models to understand the cellular and organismal consequences of DNA damage with the aim of developing interventions. We have discovered that DNA damage leads to changes in certain metabolites and that replenishment of these molecules may alter the rate of aging in model organisms. These findings suggest that normal aging and age-associated diseases may be malleable to similar interventions. The hope is to develop interventions that will allow everyone to live healthier, happier and more productive lives.

About Deep Longevity

Deep Longevity has been acquired by Regent Pacific (SEHK:0575.HK), whose shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Deep Longevity is developing explainable artificial intelligence systems to track the rate of aging at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, system, physiological, and psychological levels. It is also developing systems for the emerging field of longevity medicine enabling physicians to make better decisions on the interventions that may slow down, or reverse the aging processes. Deep Longevity developed Longevity as a Service (LaaS) solution to integrate multiple deep biomarkers of aging dubbed "deep aging clocks" to provide a universal multifactorial measure of human biological age. Originally incubated by Insilico Medicine, Deep Longevity started its independent journey in 2020 after securing a round of funding from the most credible venture capitalists specializing in biotechnology, longevity, and artificial intelligence. ETP Ventures, Human Longevity and Performance Impact Venture Fund, BOLD Capital Partners, Longevity Vision Fund, LongeVC, co-founder of Oculus, Michael Antonov, and other expert AI and biotechnology investors supported the company. Deep Longevity established a research partnership with one of the most prominent longevity organizations, Human Longevity, Inc. to provide a range of aging clocks to the network of advanced physicians and researchers. https:/ / deeplongevity. com/

About Endurance RP (SEHK:0575.HK)

Endurance RP is a diversified investment group based in Hong Kong currently holding various corporate and strategic investments focusing on the healthcare, wellness and life sciences sectors. The Group has a strong track record of investments and has returned approximately US$298 million to shareholders in the 21 years of financial reporting since its initial public offering. https:/ / www. endurancerp. com/

About TruDiagnostic

TruDiagnostic is a leading health data company with a focus on multiomics and insights gained from the fluid epigenome. Established in early 2020, after development and build out of its 10,000 sq ft state of the art laboratory with Illumina equipment and consultation it launched its first physician and patient test "TruAge". Today, Tru has built a premiere epigenetic database of DNA Methylation markers and covariates which is one of the largest in the world. The company is currently involved in several clinical studies to examine the effectiveness of products that claim to offer anti-aging benefits, and research projects to create and validate other algorithms to track aging and disease.

This story has been published on: 2021-07-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hong Kong: Dept heads respond to media reports

The heads of the Immigration and Customs & Excise Departments today confirmed they attended a dinner at a catering premises and were issued fixed penalty notices for failing to meet the maximum number of people allowed to be seated together rule under the Prevention & Control of Disease Ordinance.

In response to media reports, Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang and Commissioner of Customs & Excise Hermes Tang issued statements separately confirming their attendance at the dinner, adding that the fine has been paid.

In his statement, Mr Au said he will exercise particular caution when attending events in the future and be sure to meet with the requirement. Mr Tang made the same pledge in his statement.

Regarding media reports that the dinner was connected to a criminal case, both officials stated it was not related.

As the case's legal proceedings are ongoing, both officials have declined to comment further.

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Hong Kong: Govt condemns US acts

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today condemned the so-called "continuation of the national emergency with respect to Hong Kong" announced by the White House, describing it as a continuation of the US' blatant interference in the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The US for well over a year has been adopting a totally unjustified stance with regard to actions taken by the Hong Kong SAR Government to enforce the National Security Law and making outrageous statements that blatantly disregarded the rule of law, the statement said.

By so doing, the US is clearly breaching international law and the basic norms underpinning international relations, it added.

The unilateral measures under the US President's executive order issued in July 2020 targeting the PRC and the Hong Kong SAR, which include the so-called sanctions against officials of the central government and the Hong Kong SAR Government, are barbaric acts reflecting the self-proclaimed US supremacy.

Such despicable actions taken by the US have achieved nothing but harmed the relations and common interests between the PRC and the US, and that of the Hong Kong SAR and the US, causing damage to the companies and people of the US, the statement said, noting that it is regretful though not inconceivable the new US administration has chosen to continue the wrongful path.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that taking account of the severe situation in the Hong Kong SAR posing national security risks, the central authorities have made timely and necessary decisions to enact the National Security Law and improve the electoral system in the Hong Kong SAR.

Since its implementation in June 2020, the National Security Law has restored peace and stability and safeguarded individual rights and freedoms in the Hong Kong SAR and the law's positive effects are there for all to see.

As for the electoral system, the improvement to it has plugged the loopholes and will ensure patriots administering Hong Kong, which is in line with international norm as no country would allow its governance power to be vested in people who are not patriotic and will endanger the interests of the country.

Both decisions by the central authorities will go a long way towards ensuring the faithful implementation of one country, two systems in the Hong Kong SAR, the statement said.

The US is urged to immediately stop interfering in the internal affairs of the PRC and the Hong Kong SAR.

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RTHK: US mission to Afghanistan to end in August: Biden

President Joe Biden on Thursday said it is up to the Afghan people alone how they run their country, as he announced the US military mission in Afghanistan will end on August 31 despite new concerns about the possibility of a civil war.

"We did not go to Afghanistan to nation-build," Biden said. "It's the right and the responsibility of the Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run their country."

Biden delivered his most extensive comments to date about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan under pressure from critics to give more explanation for his decision to withdraw.

Biden also said US plans to move thousands of Afghan interpreters out of the country in anticipation of the end of the US military mission in the country on August 31.

The United States last weekend abandoned Bagram air base, the longtime staging ground for US military operations in the country, effectively ending America's longest war. The Pentagon says the withdrawal of US forces is 90 percent complete.

Washington agreed to withdraw in a deal negotiated last year under Biden's Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Biden overruled military leaders who wanted to keep a larger presence to assist Afghan security forces and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a staging ground for extremist groups.

Instead, the United States plans to leave 650 troops in Afghanistan to provide security for the US Embassy.

Biden's order in April to pull out US forces by September 11 after 20 years of conflict has coincided with major gains by the Islamist militant Taliban movement against overwhelmed Afghan forces after peace talks sputtered.

The commander of US troops in Afghanistan, General Austin Miller, warned last week that the country may be headed toward a civil war. (Reuters)

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Partnership contributes toward sharp eyes for MOLLER experiment

NEWPORT NEWS - Thirteen universities working on a new experiment to be carried out at the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility have recently been awarded new grants totaling more than $9 million. The grants come from the National Science Foundation and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, with a matching award for the CFI grant from Research Manitoba. The grants benefit the Measurement of a Lepton-Lepton Electroweak Reaction Experiment, called MOLLER.

MOLLER is an experiment designed to precisely measure the electron's weak charge, a gauge of how much influence the weak force exerts on the electron. MOLLER's precision measurement will test the theory that describes the particles and interactions that make up everyday matter.

The experiment will be carried out in Jefferson Lab's Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility, a DOE Office of Science user facility. In the experiment, polarized electrons from CEBAF will interact with electrons from atoms inside a liquid hydrogen target. After the interactions, electrons that come flying out of the target will be bent by spectrometer magnets. These magnets separate the electron-electron scattering signal events from background events, where the beam electrons scatter off of the protons rather than the electrons in the target. The signal events will be collected in state-of-the-art detector systems in Jefferson Lab's Experimental Hall A.

The MOLLER research program was established at Jefferson Lab as a DOE Major Item of Equipment (MIE) project to support the experiment. Preparation for this high-priority experiment kicked into high gear in December 2020, when the MOLLER MIE project received a designation of Critical Decision 1, or CD-1, from the DOE. CD-1 allowed the project to engage in design and prototyping of equipment.

Now, a new partnership forged between the DOE, the National Science Foundation and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation to support this important experiment is propelling work forward with new grants.

James Fast is Jefferson Lab's MOLLER MIE project manager. He says the new grants provided by the NSF and CFI with matching award from Research Manitoba (CFI/RM) will go toward critical detector components. The grants also lower the DOE total project cost from $57.6 million to $48.2 million.

"The partnership between the DOE, the NSF and the CFI/RM will enable MOLLER scientists to make a more precise measurement. It contributes to the proposed design of the detector systems. That upgrade will enable an even higher-statistics measurement than initially thought," Fast said. "It allows them to pin down normalization and systematic uncertainties by mapping the scattered electron distributions."

NSF Support for MOLLER

In the partnership, NSF in-kind contributions will go toward the design and construction of key beam characterization, detector, tracking and data acquisition systems. The CFI/RM will contribute toward obtaining the precision needed to achieve important aspects of the MOLLER measurement.

The NSF Midscale Physics Projects program grant includes individual grants totaling $5.7 million to researchers at nine institutions. These include Idaho State University, Louisiana Tech University, Muskingum University, Ohio University, Syracuse University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary.

The lead principal investigator on the NSF collaborative grant for MOLLER is Mark Pitt. Pitt is a professor and chair of the Department of Physics at Virginia Tech.

He says the NSF grant will support the design and construction of MOLLER's tracking system, background detectors, main detector mechanics, auxiliary asymmetry detectors, the data acquisition system, and certain aspects of beam monitoring and polarimetry.

"We're pleased that the NSF has made this award to support a variety of different systems that will contribute to the experiment," Pitt explained. "Each institution will design, build and test their system. Then we'll bring them all together at Jefferson Lab, integrate them, and run the experiment."

The NSF grant will also support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. These early-career scientists will benefit from crucial training, hands-on research and leadership opportunities.

CFI/RM Support for MOLLER

In the partnership, the CFI/RM grant totals $3.7 million (converted to U.S. dollars) for detector hardware contributions.

The Canadian team who received the MOLLER grant is led by researchers from the University of Manitoba, with Principal Investigators Michael Gericke and Juliette Mammei and Co-Investigator Wouter Deconinck. The team also includes the University of Winnipeg, the University of Northern British Columbia, the Memorial University of Newfoundland, and TRIUMF.

According to Gericke, the CFI/RM grant will be used to design and construct a high-resolution detector. This detector will allow for detailed measurements of the particles that emerge from the electrons' interactions.

Additional grant funds provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada will support postdocs and students. These funds will also provide support for travel and small equipment needs for MOLLER.

Unlocking the Electron's Secrets

All of these nuclear physicists are excited about the possibilities that MOLLER's precision measurement of the electron may unlock.

"The electron's weak charge is a fundamental prediction of the Standard Model that we currently have to explain particles and their interactions. It's a fundamental property of the electron. By measuring it precisely, we are sensitive to a whole range of physics possibilities beyond the Standard Model," Pitt explained.

"The electron is currently considered to be a so-called point or fundamental particle, which means that no one has ever observed it to have any excited states or spatial extent." Gericke said. "MOLLER is potentially sensitive to effects of electron structure, and there are hints that the point particle picture may not hold at arbitrarily small distance scales."

In 2009, the MOLLER experiment was highly rated in its review by the Jefferson Lab Program Advisory Committee. This group reviews the scientific merits and technical feasibility of proposed experiments. In 2011, the committee awarded the experiment its full beamtime request of 344 days of running, pending full funding and following completion of the 12 GeV CEBAF Upgrade project, which concluded in 2017.

More than 100 nuclear physicists from more than 30 institutions are actively involved in the MOLLER experimental collaboration.

###

Jefferson Science Associates, LLC, a joint venture of the Southeastern Universities Research Association, Inc. and PAE, manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, or Jefferson Lab, for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https:/ / energy. gov/ science .

This story has been published on: 2021-07-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Baidu will expand its autonomous ride-hailing service to as many as 30 domestic cities within the next 2-3 years to serve more and more customers, Robin Li, the technology giants chairman and CEO revealed at this year's World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).

Robin Li; photo credit: Baidu

Last month, the company launched the latest generation of autonomous ride-hailing vehicle Apollo Moon, to make travelling much cheaper than current ride-hailing services. Baidu Apollo has begun to offer Robotaxi ride-hailing services in such cities as Beijing (newly added Tongzhou area), Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing.

The company is also rapidly developing its brand-new intelligent vehicle, which is expected to be more like a robot and offer user experience within 2-3 years, the executive added. Different from those who think vehicles should be a big-sized mobile phone or those who think vehicles should be a computer with four wheels, Baidu thinks that intelligent vehicles in the future should be more like robots.

Robin Li visiting JiDU; photo credit: Baidu

Just the day before the WAIC conference, Robin visited JiDU Auto, its joint venture with Geely. Registered on March 2 this year, the joint venture completed many important tasks in 128 days, such as team building, product development system building. It took only two months to finish nearly 500 design drafts, half of the time traditional automakers used to do the same work. Currently, the new companys first model has entered the stage of engineering development.

We hope to bring the most advanced AI technology to market as soon as possible," said Robin Li.
Beijng (Gasgoo)- Wholesale sales of China-made Tesla vehicles stood at 33,155 vehicles in June, representing a slight decrease from the previous month (33,463), surpassing those of SAIC-GM-Wuling (30,479) and SAIC Motor PV (10,493), the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) said on Thursday. But Teslas monthly wholesale volume is less than that of BYD Company (40,532).

Last month, Tesla exported 5,017 Shanghai-made new energy vehicles to other foreign markets, far more than the respective export volume of SAIC Motor PV (2,300), BYD (215) and JAC Group (127).

In the first half of this year, the cumulative wholesale sales of the American electric vehicle brand totaled 161,743 vehicles.

In terms of retail sales, Tesla sold 28,138 locally-made vehicles in June. Other automakers whose monthly retail sales surpassed 10,000 vehicles included BYD (40,317), SAIC-GM-Wuling (31,285) and GAC AION (10,403).

Tesla Model Y; photo credit: Tesla

Earlier today, Tesla launched the Standard Range version of the China-built Model Y with a starting price of 276,000 yuan ($42,585), 71,900 yuan ($11,094) less than that of the long-range version, and only 10% higher than the most-basic locally-made Model 3. Deliveries of the new version are expected to start in August of this year, which may help to increase the sales of the Model Y.
Update: 08-07-2021 | 11:26:51

Implementing the "dual goals" of Covid-19 prevention- control and economic development, 48 enterprises in the province have so far finished preparing material facilities for employees to stay at their factories to work.

When staying at factories for working, they are provided 3-4 meals a day, necessities together with additional allowances with the average level of between VND1 million to VND 3 million per person per month. Noticeably, Earth Corporation Vietnam Co. Ltd. in the North Tan Uyen Industrial Park has given workers with the subsidy level of VND 5.5 million per person for 3 weeks staying at the company to work.

Provincial Labor Union is continuing coordinating with trade unions at all levels to mobilize enterprises to allow workers to stay at factories for working in order to ensure Covid-19 prevention and control. However, they must ensure foods, accommodations, health care and other essential needs for workers when staying at factories to work.

As of July 7, Covid-19 epidemic has made impacts on 361 enterprises in the province with 30,673 workers affected. Provincial Labor Union is continuing totaling up the number of workers affected by Covid-19 epidemic for timely support.

Reported by Quang Tam-Translated by K.T
Biden Plans to Coerce People Door to Door

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Liberty Counsel

July 7, 2021



WASHINGTON, July 7, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a shocking announcement, Joe Biden is threatening to send federal agents door to door to coerce citizens into receiving a COVID shot.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than half of Americans, or approximately 157 million people, have received all the COVID shots. However, data from the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) through June 25, 2021, reveals 6,985 deaths, 23,257 hospitalizations, 775 miscarriages, 2,757 heart attacks and 1,930 myocarditis/pericarditis incidents as a result of Americans getting the injections. The number of reported deaths from the COVID shots in just six months exceeds the number of reported deaths from all vaccines since VAERS was launched on July 1, 1990.

The teams deployed by the White House will be composed of officials from the CDC, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), and other federal health agencies.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration's efforts will include "targeted by community door-to-door outreach to get remaining Americans vaccinated. You don't just give up just because you haven't reached every single person."

Psaki added the administration will first target communities with lower vaccination rates. The door-to-door outreach efforts will get information about the COVID shots to people who haven't received them yet.

The Biden administration has also stated other initiatives include providing more assistance to pharmacies, doctor's offices, and medical facilities and distributing the shots at sporting events, summer events, and religious activities.

This "outreach" is reminiscent of when Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933 and wanted to locate and destroy the Jews of Germany, Europe and the world. The Jewish News Syndicate wrote, "The IBM company hired thousands to execute a door-to-door racial census. Once Hitler had the names and locations of Germany's Jews, IBM created systems to tabulate that data against professional and employment databases as well as financial institutions. That data was then used to organize the mass transfer of Jews from their homes into ghettos. There was even an IBM customer site in almost every concentration camp, some with tabulating machines and some with card organizers. IBM even engineered Germany's odious extermination-by-labor campaign, where skills were matched to slave labor needs and Jews were called up to be worked to death. IBM's code for a Jewish inmate was '6' and its code for a gas chamber was '8.'"

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "Forcing any person to receive one of these COVID injections approved only under the emergency authorization use is a violation of federal law. The COVID injections are still in the investigation and experimental phase. No one should be coerced to take these injections. Federal law requires full informed consent."

Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.



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US wields sanctions to bully other countries

17:32, July 07, 2021 By Su Jingjing ( People's Daily Online

For a long time, unilateral sanctions have been an important tool used by the US to bully other countries. By taking advantage of its powerful status, the US has long imposed unilateral sanctions on countries such as Iran, Syria and Venezuela, causing severe humanitarian crises there.

Cartoon by Lu Lingxing)

The US unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in May 2018, and re-imposed and expanded unilateral sanctions on Iran. As the COVID-19 pandemic raged in the Middle East, the US continued its sanctions, making it difficult for Iran to purchase anti-pandemic medical supplies and protect its people from the virus.

"Sanctions are a swindle on the people, direct oppression on the poorest in society, an abuse of the rights on the sick who lack medicines," said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Similarly, Syria has long been a victim of US sanctions. The so-called Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which targets individuals and businesses that provide funding or assistance to the war-torn country, was signed into law in 2019. The US paralyzed Syrias economy by implementing the act and imposing "long-arm jurisdiction".

The Syrian Foreign Ministry said the US sanctions violated international law and norms and were a new type of terrorism.

All these examples reveal that the US always violates human rights in other countries in the name of protecting human rights and seeks hegemony under the pretext of national security. The US has a terrible record of human rights violations, as it always bullies other countries and endangers their peoples lives.

Related:

US wages illegal wars, disturbs international order

(Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji)
Haiti's interim prime minister calls for calm in wake of president's assassination

Xinhua) 08:04, July 08, 2021

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)

Moise has been ruling Haiti by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed. Disputes have been around on when his term ends.

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.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Ever Given leaves Suez Canal after settlement contract signed

Xinhua) 08:07, July 08, 2021

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.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
World scientists slam COVID-19 lab-leak theory

(Global Times) 08:17, July 08, 2021

Screenshot of an open letter on international media journal The Lancet, urging that science, not speculation, is essential to determine how the virus that triggered the COVID-19 pandemic reached humans. Photo: website of The Lancet.

Despite mounting political pressure, dozens of scientists recently published an open letter on international media journal The Lancet. In the letter they urged that science, not speculation, is essential to determine how the virus that triggered the COVID-19 pandemic reached humans, reiterating that the virus most likely originated in nature and not in a laboratory and they refuted the US-led "lab-leak" theory that put some prominent epidemiologists into a difficult situation.

Such a brave and clear way of refuting rumors, targeted bashing, disinformation and conspiracy out of political purposes is very much needed, which was welcomed by scientists, officials and the public.

Twenty-four scientists around the world including Peter Daszak, a member of the WHO-led team studying the coronavirus's origins, said in the letter that besides reaffirming solidarity with those in China who confronted the outbreak, they wanted to express their view on the most likely scenario that the SARS-CoV-2 originated in nature, not in a laboratory - a conclusion drawn on the basis of genetic analysis of the new virus and well-established evidence from the 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," said the open letter, which was also seen as a highly courageous move in refuting the growing conspiracies concerning the origins of the virus considered as a coordinated political campaign led by anti-China hawks from former Trump administration officials like Mike Pompeo.

The right-wing press has been contacting authors, one by one and repeatedly, throughout the last six months, pushing them to state whether they would change their stance. For example, the Daily Mail has published pictures of all the scientists who had signed the letter and said that some of the scientists changed their stance by believing in the 'lab-leak' theory, a source close to the open letter in The Lancet told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The source said that they line up pictures and go through each person because they're targeting scientists individually. This is the same strategy the right-wing press used for attacks on climate change scientists - revealing private emails by freedom of information act requests, then attacking them in the press.

"This re-confirmation from almost all of the authors shows there is still strong support for scientists in China and around the world working on COVID-19 and that personal attacks will not change the facts of the issue - there is no evidence of a lab leak, but mounting evidence that the virus spilled over from wildlife in the same way SARS did," the source said, noting that it also calls for continued scientific collaboration with China to learn about the origins, rather than politically motivated attacks.

Prominent US and Australian scientists focused on tracing the COVID-19 origins are now facing tremendous political pressure, and some have been sidelined for not yielding to politicians-driven conspiracy theories on the matter and they received anonymous threats, the Global Times recently learned from people with knowledge of the matter.

Since the Biden administration ordered in May the US intelligence agencies to report on COVID-19 origins within 90 days, several US scientists had been put at the center of the political storm, who have also been suppressed by the Republicans and extremists.

Science works best in an environment of trust and respect, which permits objective and transparent collaboration, Gerald Keusch, professor of medicine and international health at Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health and who signed the open letter, told the Global Times on Wednesday via email.

"Until that is fully restored the next-phase scientific investigations the entire world so desperately needs will be more difficult to establish. The longer this takes, the more difficult will be the task," he said.

The Washington Post said in an article in May that the "lab-leak" theory jumps from "mocked to maybe" as Biden ordered an intelligence review, as the hypothesis has been ridiculed by scientists as a baseless conspiracy theory fueled by Trump in order to shift the blame as the US government's failed response to the pandemic had triggered public outrage.

Some analysis suggested that the Biden administration appeared to be responding to political pressure when he decided to renewe the conspiracy from his predecessor. However, intelligence collected showed that the majority leaned toward the natural origins scenario, but some were inclined to the "lab-leak" theory, on which Biden described as "low or moderate confidence" in their conclusions, while other branches of intelligence did not have enough evidence, the Financial Times reported in May. And this has also sparked concern that the 90-day investigation on the matter ordered by Biden is not long sufficient to reach any solid conclusion.

Uphold spirit of science

"I admire Western scientists who dare to speak out even in such a dire environment. I believe the Lancet and other scientific publications should give them a greater chance to voice their suggestions," Zeng Guang, a former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The most ridiculous thing that the Biden administration has put forward is asking intelligence groups to investigate the issue, Zeng said, noting that it backed off as the Biden administration announced that US intelligence officials are cautioning that a 90-day review into the origins of the COVID-19 virus may not produce a definitive explanation.

"I believe the Biden administration knows that the Wuhan 'lab-leak' theory could not be proved as it is not true at all. They are sticking to the hypothesis just to throw mud at China, and divert public attention to China to cover their bungling of the pandemic," he said.

A source close to the matter told the Global Times earlier that some scientists are being threatened by emails, phone calls and messages on social media, and in the US, people who attacked them generally have far-right and even white supremacist leanings. The GOP members of Congress are whipping those extremists up.

"There is a coordinated political campaign to undermine anyone involved in the origins-tracing work if they do not fit the 'lab-leak' narrative. This is coming mainly from the right wing circles in the US, Australia, and in Europe, mainly the UK," the source said.

However, there were courageous scientists around the world who joined to write this open letter to fight such a political maneuver.

"All of us, and so many colleagues who were not part of the original correspondence and the current update believe that high quality expert global collaboration among scientists who know and trust one another is essential to trace the pathway from bats to people," Keusch said.

Jeremy Farrar, director of Wellcom, a global charitable foundation which supports science to solve urgent health challenges, and the co-author of the letter on the Lancet, was quoted as saying in an email the foundation sent to the Global Times on Wednesday that "in my view, the most likely scenario is that the virus crossed from animals to humans and then evolved in humans. The best scientific evidence available to date points to this."

It is most likely it crossed the species barrier to infect and then adapt to humans at some point in 2019, but there are other possibilities which cannot be completely ruled out and retaining an open mind is critical, Farrar said, noting that there is no place for unsubstantiated rumors, or conspiracy theories often fueled for other purposes.

"The general trend of the international community to respect science and uphold justice will remain unchanged," Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a press conference on Wednesday, in response to a question about the open letter.

The authoritative conclusion of the WHO-China joint expert group will not change, and work on COVID-19 virus origins should be based on a global perspective and not limited to a certain region, Wang stressed.

What's next?

A joint WHO-China report on tracing the origins of coronavirus was released in March, which still leaves the question of the virus origins unanswered.

The report, generated after WHO experts visited Wuhan, the Chinese city first reporting a COVID-19 case, dismissed the "lab-leak" conspiracy theory, and recommended transmissions between animals and humans, and transmissions through frozen food.

We continue to assess all of the sequence information about the virus and its origins, which remains overwhelmingly convincing of the origins over decades in nature, from bats to people, probably with intermediate mammalian hosts, although those remain uncertain, Keusch noted.

"That is the problem now. If we don't know how it reached humans it is not possible to target the response to be sure this will not happen again," he said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the research results of Chinese medical and scientific professionals have been published in international journals, including the Lancet, many times, providing valuable references for researchers around the world to better understand the virus and the symptoms of the deadly disease. Observers also said those journals know science and academic freedom shouldn't be taken hostage by politics.

Judging from the pattern of coronavirus transmission, we can see that the virus grows from less transmissible to more transmissible, and at that time in Wuhan, the virus became very infectious that it soon caused cluster infections, Zeng noted.

"Then we have to look back, where it was hiding when it is less transmissible? Would it be possible that it hid in countries where earlier cases than Wuhan had been reported, such as Italy, Spain and the US? Should those countries, too, be subjected to the WHO virus origins probe?" Zeng asked.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
China slaps antitrust fines on companies including Alibaba, Tencent

CGTN) 08:24, July 08, 2021

China's market regulator on Wednesday fined 22 companies for violating anti-monopoly rules in 22 mergers and acquisitions deals they made without seeking regulatory approval in advance.

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) slapped a fine of 500,000 yuan (about $77,360) on each companies for the deals they were evolved, including Alibaba's purchase of Guangzhou F.C., Tencent taking a controlling stake in Xingin International Holding Limited, and Suning.com and Bank of Nanjing starting a joint venture.

All the cases were found to have caused an unlawful concentration of business operations, although they were not considered to have limited or restricted competition.

The SAMR ruled companies have to restore to the state before concentration.

China issued antitrust guidelines on the country's platform economy in February, signaling stricter antitrust enforcement against monopolistic behaviors in the country's internet platform sector.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Global COVID-19 death toll exceeds 4 million: WHO

Xinhua) 08:30, July 08, 2021

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)

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China keen to enhance cooperation with Lebanese army: ambassador

Xinhua) 09:05, July 08, 2021

BEIRUT, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Qian Minjian said on Wednesday that China is keen to boost friendly ties with Lebanon and enhance cooperation between the armies of the two countries, a statement by the Chinese embassy in Lebanon said.

Qian's remarks came during his meeting with the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Joseph Aoun.

Hailing the Lebanese army's positive role in maintaining state security, territorial integrity, and social stability, Qian appreciated Aoun's consistent support for China.

China's peacekeeping forces in Lebanon have always carried out duties with full responsibility to safeguard the security and stability of southern Lebanon and the region, said the Chinese ambassador, stressing that China will continue to support Lebanon in safeguarding sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

He called on the two sides to take the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Lebanon as an opportunity to further advance pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and the armed forces.

For his part, Aoun thanked China for providing invaluable support for the Lebanese army.

Expressing his appreciation for Chinese peacekeepers' outstanding contribution to peace and stability in Lebanon, Aoun voiced his hope that the armed forces of the two countries will boost friendly cooperation.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese envoy calls for efforts to maintain political stability in DRC

Xinhua) 09:09, July 08, 2021

People wait to get aid delivered by humanitarian organizations in Sake, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), May 31, 2021. (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua)

China will continue to support the efforts of the DRC government to achieve long-term peace and stability in the country, and is ready to work with all parties to make positive contributions to peace, stability and development in the DRC, said a Chinese envoy.

UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for efforts to maintain political stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to promote the security situation in the east of the country.

The current political situation in the DRC is generally positive. The formation of the new government and the adoption of a three-year program of action demonstrate the firm resolve of President Felix Tshisekedi and the DRC government to maintain peace and stability, promote reforms, improve people's livelihood and enhance governance. China expects all parties in the DRC to unite as one and work together to achieve these goals, said Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

The security situation in eastern DRC remains grim with armed violence continuing unabated. It is hoped that the DRC government will promote the disarmament, demobilization, community reintegration and stabilization program and effectively tackle the root causes of conflict and violence, he told the Security Council.

At the same time, he said, countries in the region should strengthen cooperation to jointly deal with the illegal exploitation and trade of natural resources, and prevent the cross-border movement of weapons, ammunition and combatants.

Due to the effect of the volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, COVID-19 and Ebola, the humanitarian situation in the DRC is facing severe challenges. China hopes that the international community will honor its commitments for assistance, help the DRC rebuild its economy, improve people's livelihood and the humanitarian situation, and enhance its capacity to respond to epidemic and natural disasters, he said.

China will continue to support the efforts of the DRC government to achieve long-term peace and stability in the country, and is ready to work with all parties to make positive contributions to peace, stability and development in the DRC, said Dai.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Pakistani FM speaks highly of Pakistan-China friendship

Xinhua) 09:11, July 08, 2021

ISLAMABAD, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here on Wednesday said Pakistan-China friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of the people of the two countries.

Qureshi made the remarks while addressing a conference related to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Qureshi highlighted the importance of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, saying Pakistan's partnership with China would not only serve the interests of the two countries but also ensure peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

"Our seven-decade journey comprises of greater solidarity, deeper confidence, mutual trust and mutual understanding. Our deep-rooted and ironclad friendship has been nurtured by successive generations of leaders and people of both countries," Qureshi told the conference entitled "Pakistan-China at 70: A Unique Bilateral Partnership," organized by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI).

Qureshi explained how the two sides have the tradition of standing by each other through difficult times, including the latest challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic when China provided Pakistan with relief goods, equipment, medical expertise and COVID-19 vaccines.

On the occasion, Chairman of the PCI, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed also said, "Pakistan-China relations are unshakable and they rest on a very strong foundation."

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Generation Z becomes major consumer of China's "red tourism"

People's Daily Online) 09:19, July 08, 2021

Generation Z, a term commonly used to refer to those aged between 13 and 27 years old, has emerged as the main consumer group behind China's "red tourism".

Red tourism, a subset of tourism in which people visit sites with historical significance for Communism in China, is booming in the country, with the number of tickets booked at related scenic spots in the first half of this year increasing 208 percent year on year and 35 percent compared with the same period in 2019, according to statistics from Ctrip, a travel service provider in China.

Students of the No 61 Middle School of Taiyuan city visit the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall in Wuxiang.(Photo/Xinhua)

It is worth noting that members of Generation Z have become the biggest fans of red tourism, accounting for nearly 60 percent of its total consumers. Furthermore, the number of tourists born after the 1990s soared by nearly 40 percent compared with that in the first half of 2019, according to Ctrip.

With the rising sense of patriotism among young people, the number of tourists born after 2000 participating in red tourism has increased significantly. In fact, statistics showed that ticket numbers bought by this group for red tourist attractions through Ctrip in the first half of this year rose by about 2.5 times over the same period in 2019.

According to Fang Zeqian, an industry analyst with Ctrip, the growing popularity of red tourism among the general public, especially young people, can be attributed to the popularization of patriotic education in the country.

Furthermore, statistics from Ctrip also showed that of all the activities related to red tourism, the favourite for Generation Z is visiting red relics, followed by going to revolutionary memorial museums, joining red themed tours, embarking on in-depth trips to old revolutionary base areas and enjoying red performances.

Gen Z's preference for visiting relics related to the history of the establishment of a republic in China can be explained by their stronger confidence in Chinese culture and institutions. Meanwhile, a wide range of revolutionary memorial museums has attracted members of Gen Z with their interactive exhibitions, explained the report released by Ctrip.

In fact, more than 40 percent of young tourists are interested in red tourism, mainly due to the fact that they "are fond of immersive experiences", and can gain historical knowledge that they were previously unfamiliar with, according to a report from Mafengwo, a travel website.

Among them, 76.92 percent of the post-1995 generation want to participate in red tourism, mainly to get an idea of the extraordinary years when accompanying their parents for travel. In stark contrast, however, the post-90s are more likely to tour red scenic spots with their partners or friends, while the post-85s see it as a great opportunity to start a red research trip together with their children.

"Young tourists' enthusiasm for red tourism is rising year by year, which can be explained by our growing cultural confidence," explained Feng Rao, director of the Mafengwo tourism research center.

Thanks to the all-round development of China's tourism industry, red tourism is no longer a stereotyped tourism experience, Feng noted, adding that empowered by big data as well as the latest science and technology, red tourism destinations and scenic spots have gradually shown new vitality by adopting the best aspects of film and television, animation and immersive tourism products.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
China achieves record summer grain yield

People's Daily Online) 09:55, July 08, 2021

China saw a good harvest of summer grain crops this year, with its total output setting a new record, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

A reaper harvests wheat in the fields of Pingyi County, Linyi City, east China's Shandong Province, June 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Wu Jiquan)

Summer grains are the first part of the entire year's grain production, and its success lays a solid foundation for the target of keeping the annual grain output above 1.3 trillion jin (650 million tons), said Tang Renjian, director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Affairs and minister of agriculture and rural affairs. "The bumper summer grain harvest represents our combined efforts," noted Tang.

There are two factors behind the bumper harvest. Firstly, China issued a series of supportive policies to effectively boost farmers' incentives for growing grain. Furthermore, the area of summer grains rose by more than 3 million mu (200,000 hectares) to 335 million mu, reversing the trend of decline for four consecutive years.

Secondly, various localities have ramped up the construction of high-standard farmland, rationally allocated fertilizers and water, and strengthened technical guidance. As a result, the yield is expected to increase by 3 kg per mu.

Ma Jitao, a grain grower in Dacaozhuang village, Yangzhuang town, Sanhe city, north China's Hebei Province, is pleased with his summer grain harvest this year.

Ma disclosed that the wheat grown on the more than 400 mu of land he contracted grew particularly well, with a yield of 630 kg per mu, an increase of about 100 kg over last year, and the purchase price of wheat is 2.5 yuan ($0.38) per kg, which is also much higher than that of last year.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Strayed elephant sent back to forest home in China's Yunnan

Xinhua) 09:57, July 08, 2021

KUNMING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A male elephant that broke away from the wandering elephant herd was captured and sent back to its forest home on Wednesday in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, local authorities said.

Yuxi City headquarters in charge of monitoring the herd's migration launched emergency measures for the capture and transfer of the elephant early Wednesday morning to prevent the strayed animal from entering densely populated areas.

At 3 p.m., the elephant was transferred to its habitat -- a national nature reserve in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. The animal is in sound health.

The herd of 15 wandering wild Asian elephants traveled about 500 km north from its forest home in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, before reaching provincial capital Kunming on June 2.

The male elephant strayed from the herd on June 6, and moved around in the cities of Kunming, Anning and Yuxi, with an activity area of 140 square km and traversing a distance of 190 km. It was mainly fed by locals or foraged in villages.

The animal was 72 km from its herd in the forested area of Hongta District in Yuxi when it was captured and transferred to its jungle home.

Experts said it is difficult for the strayed elephant to return to the herd or its habitat on its own.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
FM Wang Yi hails iron-clad friendship with Pakistan

Xinhua) 10:10, July 08, 2021

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.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China to better protect workers' rights in new labor forms to boost flexible employment

Xinhua) 10:16, July 08, 2021

Delivery man Fu Luqiang gives the takeaway food to a customer in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Feb. 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Li An)

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China will better protect the rights and interests of workers engaged in new forms of employment, to boost flexible employment, create jobs and increase people's income, the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Wednesday.

"The lawful rights and interests of workers engaged in new forms of employment must be upheld. The flexibly employed now total over 200 million across the country. Last year, we realized fairly sufficient employment, and flexible employment saw an increase of 7.7 percent." Li said.

"New forms of employment have become a key source of job opportunities and an important underpinning for keeping overall employment stable," he said.

To adapt to the new types of employment, multiple forms of labor relations that help protect workers' rights and interests will be established. Enterprises that engage in labor dispatch and outsourcing should provide appropriate safeguards for workers' rights and interests.

"The lawful rights and interests of workers engaged in new labor forms must be protected. Such protection needs to be compatible with the relevant laws and regulations, and various forms of labor relations should be established, to promote the sound development of flexible employment," Li said.

Enterprises should pay work remuneration on time and in full, and refrain from setting any evaluation criteria that endanger workers' safety and health.

Platform enterprises were urged to solicit opinions from worker representatives when formulating or adjusting the rules and algorithms on order distribution, commission rate, among others, and make the results public. No unlawful restrictions shall be imposed that prohibit workers from taking jobs on multiple platforms.

Occupational injury insurance for the flexibly employed will be piloted, with ride-hailing, food delivery and instant delivery as the priority. Vocational skills training models tailored to new forms of employment will be developed, and subsidies will be provided to eligible workers participating in such training programs.

The household registration restrictions will be lifted for the flexibly employed to enroll in basic pension and medical insurance schemes in places where they work.

"Enterprises should assume their obligations and responsibilities for ensuring the rights and interests of the flexibly employed, including reasonable pay, accident insurance and vocational training. There should be proper regulation wherever needed," Li said.

"The government has the job to provide for essential needs. Household registration restrictions should be removed regarding basic pension and medical insurance," he said.

The meeting also decided to make medical insurance services more efficient and convenient to better protect people's health and enhance their sense of gains.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese books attract Egyptian readers at Cairo int'l book fair

Xinhua) 10:47, July 08, 2021

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.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
U.S. urged to play constructive role in safeguarding peace, stability in Taiwan Strait

Xinhua) 10:49, July 08, 2021

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."

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China promotes traditional Chinese medicine culture

Xinhua) 10:58, July 08, 2021

Students learn to dispense traditional Chinese medicinal materials under the instruction of a pharmacist in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 21, 2020. (Xinhua/Jia Minjie)

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.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China, UAE vow to enhance parliamentary cooperation

Xinhua) 11:02, July 08, 2021

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.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Namibian ruling party officials laud CPC's forward-looking policies

Xinhua) 11:32, July 08, 2021

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.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Serbian ruling party leaders hail relations with China

Xinhua) 11:34, July 08, 2021

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. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Calling the CPC "a great guarantee of multilateralism in political and economic relations between sovereign states," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pointed out that China's transformation has become an inspiration and brought hope far beyond Chinese borders.

BELGRADE, July 7 (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.

Aerial photo taken on April 11, 2020 shows a logistic station of the Erenhot Port in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

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.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
US is behind anti-China bloc that smears China

15:32, July 08, 2021 By Xin Yue, Qin Chuan ( People's Daily Online

Canada, on behalf of Western countries, made unwarranted accusations against China over issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet in a statement at the 47th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Some countries have turned a blind eye to the humanitarian crises they have caused and joined the US and other Western countries in forming an anti-China bloc. Its crystal clear that who is behind the scenes and pulling the strings over such double standards.

According to reports by several media outlets, including the Jerusalem Post, Israels largest-circulating English language newspaper, Israel endorsed the anti-China joint statement under pressure from the US.

Since taking office, the Biden administration has been pursuing hegemony and power politics under the banner of multilateralism, fabricating and hyping up China-related rumors, politicizing human rights issues, and attempting to form an anti-China bloc in the international community through a carrot and stick approach. The US aim is to suppress and contain China and maintain its hegemony over the world.

Moves by the US and other Western countries to slander China over issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet and interfere in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights issues go against international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

A small group of Western politicians have fabricated rumors about the human rights situation in China, which are pure nonsense.

On June 24, Chinas State Council Information Office issued a white paper titled The Communist Party of China and Human Rights Protection -- A 100-Year Quest, which provides a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the philosophy and practice of the CPC in respecting and protecting human rights.

Chinas human rights development is rooted in its realities and serves its people. China regards the rights to subsistence and development as the primary and basic human rights and believes that living a life of contentment is the ultimate human right.

In contrast, the US and other Western countries have terrible records of human rights violations. While Canada was leading the criticism of China at the UNHRC, shocking and horrific news emerged of abuse and violence toward indigenous children in the country at boarding schools that led to the loss of over 4,000 lives.

Its common knowledge that the US expelled and killed native Indians. Forced labor is still a serious problem in the US, with as many as 100,000 people trafficked to the country from abroad for forced labor every year.

The attempts by the US and other Western countries to suppress and contain China by forming an anti-China bloc are doomed to fail. At the UNHRC session, more than 90 countries voiced an appeal for justice, and supported and echoed Chinas view. They opposed the politicization and double standards on human rights issues, politically motivated and groundless accusations against China based on disinformation, and interference in Chinas internal affairs under the pretext of human rights, reflecting Chinas support among the international community.

China is unswervingly determined to promote and protect its own human rights and safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests.

In stark contrast, the US and other Western countries collude on human rights issues and international affairs and form cliques based on ideology for confrontation, which reveals their hypocrisy and double standards.

The US and other Western countries should grasp the facts, conform to the trends of the times for peaceful development, respect the right of people of all countries to independently choose the path of human rights development in light of their national conditions, and seek win-win cooperation. That's the way forward.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Syrians relieved to get Chinese vaccine against COVID-19

Xinhua) 15:37, July 08, 2021

HASAKAH, Syria, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A band of locals were waiting for a COVID-19 jab at a medical center in the northeastern province of Hasakah on Wednesday. Sixty-year-old Seham Aslan joined the line, as Syria has prioritized the elderly and medical workers in the vaccination race against the virus.

In the country there are several types of vaccines, including a Chinese one. Aslan has encouraged acquaintances to receive an injection, saying the Chinese vaccine, in particular, has been proven safe.

"I am so happy for taking the Chinese vaccine to protect ourselves and everyone against any possible infection," she told Xinhua. "I hope everyone can take this vaccine because it's a protection."

In April, Syria received a batch of the Chinese vaccine as part of the Chinese government's aid to the war-torn country in the face of the health crisis.

Marwan Salem, another 60-year-old, told Xinhua he had weighed up the pros and cons before deciding to take a shot. Among prudent Syrians still in voluntary quarantine to protect themselves and beloved ones, he rejoiced at having the Chinese vaccine, calling it "effective and safe."

"I took the Chinese vaccine," he said, "because it's effective and because it's from a friendly country, which supports us."

Last year China sent to Syria several batches of assistance, including face masks, goggles, protection suits, testing kits, and ventilators. Chinese medical workers also held video conferences with their Syrian counterparts to update them on how to cope with the deadly coronavirus.

In the eyes of Issa Khalaf, head of the health department in Hasakah, it is particularly significant to have the Chinese vaccine and a mass roll-out at this particular time, as the U.S. sanctions have caused a harsh economic crisis.

Chinese and Russian friends, on the contrary, have given the vaccine for free to Syria "as this vaccine has been distributed across Syria and given to medical staff since the beginning of this year," Khalaf said, "so the Chinese positive role is obvious."

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Clean energy accounts for half of China's installed capacity

Xinhua) 15:40, July 08, 2021

BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- China's installed clean energy power generation capacity increased to 1.08 billion kW by the end of 2020, accounting for nearly half of the country's total installed power generation capacity, according to the People's Daily on Thursday.

A report on national renewable energy power development was recently released by the National Energy Administration, noting that China's actual consumption of electricity from renewable sources was more than 2.16 trillion kWh in 2020, accounting for 28.8 percent of its total electricity consumption and up 1.3 percentage points year on year.

The average national utilization rates of wind power and photovoltaic power generation in 2020 were 97 percent and 98 percent, respectively. In major river basins, the water energy utilization rate was 97 percent.

Nonfossil energy accounted for 15.9 percent of China's primary energy consumption in 2020, the world average, while coal consumption dropped to 56.8 percent, administration head Zhang Jianhua was quoted as saying by the People's Daily.

China has been boosting green and low-carbon energy development, said Zhang. The intensity of carbon emissions had been reduced by 48.4 percent from 2005 to 2020.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Viet Nams fishery exports are on the way to fulfil the target of US$8.5 billion in value in 2021, after hitting more than $4 billion in the first half of this year, on the recovery of consumption demand in major markets such as the US and the EU, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Statistics showed that Viet Nam earned $4 billion from fishery exports in the first half of this year, representing a year-on-year rise of 13.6 per cent. The total fishery output was estimated at 4.1 million tonnes, up by three per cent against the same period last year.

This was a very positive result amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy general secretary of the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), said.

Exports of many seafood products were robust, such as shrimp and tra fish, Nam said.

At the end of June, the US Department of Commerce announced the final results of the 16th period of review for the period from August 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019 regarding Viet Nams frozen tra fish exported to the US.

Accordingly, the anti-dumping duty for two Vietnamese tra fish exporters Vinh Hoan and Nam Viet is zero per cent per year, which would help increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese fish products in the US.

VASEP said that this was a good opportunity to expand exports of tra fish to the US, adding that Viet Nam was the top frozen tra fish supplier for the US market which accounted for 90.5-95 per cent of the US tra fish import value.

Vietnamese tra fish products also saw good sales in China. Viet Nams tra fish held a market share of 26 per cent in China, the largest share among tra fish exporters to the country although there was signs of decline due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other markets also saw good consumption of Vietnamese tra fish products, including Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Thailand, the Netherlands, Colombia and Russia with triple-digit growth rates of 100-450 per cent. The association said that these were potential markets for Viet Nams tra fish exports, which would help make up for the decline in the Chinese market.

Besides tra fish, other seafood products also saw good export revenue in the first half of this year, such as tuna with revenue of $364 million, a year-on-year increase of 24 per cent, squid and octopus with $277 million, up by 15 per cent and other fishery products at $847 million, up by 13 per cent.

Truong inh Hoe, VASEPs General Secretary, said that the exports of squid, octopus and tuna increased significantly in most major markets of Viet Nam. In recent months, the US increased tuna imports from Viet Nam by 1.5 times against a year ago. The US market was importing 43 per cent of Viet Nams tuna.

Tuna exported to other markets also saw good growth, such as Italy by 122 per cent, Israel by 37 per cent and Canada by 62 per cent.

Squid and octopus exports to the Republic of Korea, which accounted for 41 per cent of Viet Nams squid and octopus exports, saw increases of around 7-8 per cent.

Squid and octopus to Italy saw rapid expansion by 170 per cent in recent months, with nearly 70 per cent in the first half of this year.

Hoe stressed that there was significant potential for squid and octopus exports in the coming months.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien said that the fishery industry would continue to reduce the number of fishing boats and fishing output, especially inshore fishing, with an aim to conserve fishery resources and at the same time to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing to remove the ECs yellow card and contribute to building a sustainable seafood industry.

Viet Nams fishery exports totalled $8.6 billion last year.  VNS
BR 01 Cyber Skull OW 21



For its 9th edition, the biennial auction of unique timepieces sold for the benefit of research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will take place on Saturday 6 November 2021, in Geneva. Christies remains the auctioneer of choice under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Among the watch manufacturers, Bell & Ross supports the Only Watch project and its incredible fundraising efforts in the fight against this disease. The Brands contribution takes the form of an exclusive one-off version of its recent BR 01 Cyber Skull model: the BR 01 Cyber Skull : BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch.

A multifaceted, multiverse and multi-talented timepiece.

At The Confluence of Haute Horlogerie, Art and Design

The skull, an accepted sign of death, has a philosophical meaning as it symbolizes the fragility and brevity of life, particularly in vanitas works of art. Memento mori - remember you must die - recall gruesome depictions in ancient paintings or in curiosity cabinets owned by humanists from the Enlightenment.

The Cyber Skull models mark another break with style. This timepiece revisits the art of the skull watch. A one-of-a kind. Its avant-garde design projects this iconic series into the future. The exclusive watch takes on an extremely innovative style with several faces. It is where symbolism, watchmaking, design, and bold creativity meet.

Not belonging to any set family, the special BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch lays claim to avant-garde Haute Horlogerie. Breaking with tradition, it finds its raison detre in the rich history of the Bell & Ross Skulls family which was launched in 2009 and broke traditional watchmaking codes.

Extreme Sophistication

Bell & Ross chose sapphire to create this bespoke BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch version, a high-quality material made of corundum, an oxide of alumina (Al2O3) that has taken millions of years to occur in nature.



Synthetic sapphire is produced by growing matter (molten alumina) from a seed crystal. The process requires very precise management of the melting temperature, drawing speed, and cooling time. The growth of the material must be perfectly controlled according to these criteria to obtain a perfect sapphire in terms of crystalline structure. A substantial and challenging method. The exceptional properties of synthetic sapphire, especially its hardness, make it a particularly difficult material to machine. Only diamond tools are capable shaping sapphire by grinding.

BR 01 Cyber Skull  Bell & Ross

Bell & Ross worked on clear luster and elegant transparency to their fullest potential. The precious timepiece is conceived in its entirety with sapphire, for both the case and decoration. The BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch sapphire case is machined from three blocks of sapphire: crystal  middle-piece and case-back. The Skull dial from six blocks.



Compounded by the brute force of the material, the aesthetic force of the timepiece merges technologies together. Machined by grinding using diamond powder meant the facets could be resurfaced, in the same way jewelers cut a precious stone. The process is extremely thorough. It takes a week to complete the work on all the elements of the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch case. At last comes the polishing process that is also highly delicate and requires a very high level of know-how. Its case is inspired by the original BR 01, but its contours have been revised with sharp edges that give it an ultra-contemporary look. To maintain the purity of its design, the lugs have disappeared and the housing for the rubber strap has been cut out of the volume of the case, measuring 45 mm x 46.5 mm.

Sculpted Like a Precious Gem

The exclusive BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch fits in perfectly with this style. It is characterized by the stylized and angular treatment of the skull on its dial. Each element of the watch, the case, crown, skull, crossbones, is structured within the many faces that sculpt the surfaces, creating volumes and a 3D image. Emphasized by its sharp edges, its many facets offer a fascinating play on the multiplication of perspectives, between flat and smooth surfaces. Futuristic origami? Memento mori 2.0? New cameo by a cyborg?



The BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch produces a multifaceted approach. The geometric shapes of the timepiece create a pixilation effect. This phenomenon appears when the points of an image become clear. The angular representation of the skull and the femur bones on the dial are inspired by this.

BR 01 Cyber Skull  Bell & Ross

For this bespoke version of the Cyber Skull, Bell & Ross used the orange color to provide its owner with a unique piece for its wrist. Made of transparent sapphire, the Skull dial was metallized on the back that has a smooth side to give this orange effect. Orange is the ultimate color for aeronautical instrumentation due to its high level of legibility and capacity to make essential information stand out from contrast. It is also the emblematic color code of Only Watch, which is used on its logo. The back of the watch also features a special engraving for only Watch.



A Hidden Treasure

Behind its provocative, symbolic, and artistic face, the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch hides the secrets of an automaton watch belonging to the world of Haute Horlogerie. To create it, Bell & Ross developed the BR-CAL.209: a caliber entirely designed by the manufacture. While the mobiles were mounting on 21 jewels, the balance benefits from an Inca bloc type shock-absorbing system. The brand also worked on the skeletonization of the main plate and bridges to reveal the essential. The finishes are highly sophisticated: rhodium-plated movement, polished chamfers, velvet sanded hollows, hand-drawn strokes decorations.

BR 01 Cyber Skull  Bell & Ross



Only perfect mastery of the operation of a mechanical movement could, in reality, conceal the BR-CAL 206 hand-wound movement under the faceted decoration. The main plate closely follows the shape of the skull, while extending up to the four corners of the case, underneath the femurs. The whole was fixed on the case. An architecture like this makes the skull appear to float weightlessly inside the case. An impression which is enhanced by the total transparency of the dial, highlighted solely by 12 baton-shaped engraved under the crystal. The complete clarity of the watch reveals the key to the mystery through the Skull.

In addition, there is a surprise that will make you laugh. The automaton movement activates the jaw which opens and appears to snigger when winding-up the spring. Behind the mandible hides the barrel that you will discover when the skull grins back at you! Making up the brain of this skull - which has finally come to life - the anthracite balance wheel reveals its oscillations. The beating of the same, serves as a reminder of the watch's mechanical heart.

Conclusion

Ahead of the auction, a roadshow is planned from 22 September to 6 November in 10 cities across the world to introduce the unique collection to the public. The tour will start during the Monaco Yacht Show. The one-of-a-kind luxury timepieces will be auctioned at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues at 2pm (UTC+1), and all proceeds will be donated to Monacos LAssociation Monegasque contre les Myopathies. Avant-garde and sculpted, the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch reinvents the style of the skull watch. Unifying, it can move art lovers and aesthetes in the same way it can move watch collectors.
Singing the nation's glories has been 91-year-old musician's lifelong quest Lyu Qiming vividly remembers the day in 1965 when he was commissioned to compose the Ode to the Red Flag. A young composer at the Shanghai Film Studio at the time, the then 35-year-old Lyu had risen to fame for the soundtrack he'd composed for the popular Chinese movie, The Railway Guerrillas, just under a decade earlier in 1956. Ode to the Red Flag was the name chosen for the piece by well-known conductor Huang Yijun (1915-95) and was due to be premiered during the 1965 Shanghai Spring festival, China's longest lived music festival, which was founded in 1960 and later renamed the Shanghai Spring International Music Festival. "It was a huge and challenging task for me then. I spent months working on it," recalled the now 91-year-old Lyu. "Ode to the Red Flag portrays the exciting scene when the national flag was first raised on Tian'anmen Square during the founding of the country in 1949. Many people sacrificed their lives for that to happen and the piece pays tribute to the revolutionary martyrs." Lyu borrowed musical elements from China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers, which was composed by Nie Er, with lyrics by poet Tian Han. He also included elements of Chinese folk songs. In May 1965, Ode to the Red Flag, conducted by Chen Chuanxi (1916-2012), was performed by three Shanghai-based symphony orchestras at the opening ceremony of the 6th Shanghai Spring festivalthe Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, the Shanghai Film Orchestra and the Shanghai Wind Ensemble. The composition won wide applause at its premiere and has continued to do so ever since. Ode to the Red Flag has been adapted on multiple occasions and has been performed by Chinese symphony orchestras around the world, receiving a warm response from audiences of different generations. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, Lyu, who became a Party member in 1945 at age 15, was awarded the July 1 Medal, the highest honor given by the CPC Central Committee. It's the first time that the medal is being awarded to outstanding Party members and is part of this year's centenary celebrations. As is Ode to the Red Flag. This year, the piece has been revived by a number of Chinese symphony orchestras to mark the centenary. During a concert on April 29 at the Shangyin Opera House for the 37th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, it was performed by the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zhang Yi. The concert featured several of Lyu's classic pieces. At the end of the concert, Lyu came on stage and spoke excitedly to the audience. "My work is inspired by the country's achievements and development, as well as by the Chinese people, who work hard to contribute to the country. I am proud that my compositions are well-received by audiences of different ages. The greatest wish of any composer is for their music to be enjoyed by as many listeners as possible, and the longevity of a piece matters most," he said. "I am glad that Ode to the Red Flag is one such piece." Born in Wuwei county in Anhui province, Lyu had a tough childhood. He lived with his family and anti-Japanese troops at the New Fourth Army base in southern Anhui. His father, Lyu Huisheng, who was a Party member, was arrested and killed by the Japanese in 1945 at age 43. Ode to the Red Flag also expresses Lyu's love for his father. At the age 12, he met He Luting (1903-91), a musician who encouraged him to learn the violin. After joining the Party, Lyu performed in the military art troupe. He arrived in Shanghai along with the army the day before the city was liberated on May 27, 1949, and has lived there since. In 1949, he became a violinist at the Shanghai Film Studio, and in 1951, he started to compose. Many of his pieces feature in movie soundtracks and are patriotic and revolutionary. Between 1959 and 1964, Lyu studied composition and conducting at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. The productive composer has written music for 200 movies and TV dramas, among them Sentinel Under the Neon Lights (1964), Romance on Lushan Mountain (1980), and Jiao Yulu (1990). One of his most famous compositions is a song entitled Playing My Beloved Pipa, which was made famous by the 1956 movie, The Railway Guerrillas. The song, which riffs on the folk songs of Shandong province, reflects the optimism and positive spirits of soldiers during a time of war. "I've seen with my own eyes those lovely soldiers who, despite their struggles, were full of passion and confidence," the composer said. He retired in 1990, but not even that has slowed him down. In 1997, Lyu was commissioned to compose music for the Yuhuatai Scenic Area in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, which is known for tourist attractions that preserve the stories of the revolutionary martyrs. The 60-minute composition, which is divided into 15 chapters, has been played at Yuhuatai since 1999. When the novel coronavirus hit last year, Lyu wrote a new piece entitled Caprice Norman Bethune in the Jin-Cha-Ji Base Area, which was based on the soundtrack he composed for the 1965 movie about a well-known Canadian thoracic surgeon who served as a doctor for the Chinese guerrilla army during World War II. He dedicated the new composition to medical workers fighting against the pandemic worldwide. "I wrote many pieces for movies, which enabled me to tell stories through music. Music is a great way of doing that, and a way to deliver messages directly to the heart. The stories I tell with my work are about the country and its people, which I am proud of," he said.


President also hopes Czech Republic can play a positive role for China-EU dialogue President Xi Jinping highlighted on Wednesday the need to carry forward the relations between China and Greece in order to facilitate post-pandemic economic recovery and enable the two ancient civilizations to contribute their wisdom to the improvement of global governance. The two sides should maintain mutual understanding and extend support for each other regarding their respective core interests and major concerns, and set an example of friendship and mutual trust for the international community, Xi told Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during their telephone conversation. Xi said he appreciated that Mitsotakis offered congratulations for the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, saying that the CPC is willing to work with all peace-loving nations and people to uphold the values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom shared by all mankind and to make greater contributions to world peace and human progress. Xi urged the two nations to work more closely together in jointly building the Belt and Road and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, through which the two nations can set up a model for win-win cooperation and an example for the international community of mutual learning between civilizations. Xi noted that China and Greece, as two ancient civilizations, have both experienced hardships and glories in the course of their development and held similar concepts about the progress in human civilization and the reform in international order. With this year marking the 15th anniversary of their establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership and next year marking the 50th anniversary of their establishing bilateral diplomatic ties, Xi called upon the two sides to boost exchanges in governance experience, deepen traditional friendship and pragmatic cooperation and to bring their relations to a new level. It fits in with the interests of both China and the European Union and follows the trends of times to conduct dialogues in the spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground while putting aside differences and pursuing openness and win-win cooperation, he said, adding that he hopes that Greece can also play a positive role in this regard. Mitsotakis said the CPC has not only changed the future and destiny of China but also altered the course of global development, adding that he believes China will continue to secure greater achievements under Xi's leadership. Greece attaches great importance to relations with China, and it is willing to expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, economics, tourism and green development, he said. Xi also spoke by telephone on Wednesday with Milos Zeman, president of the Czech Republic. With the global landscape undergoing complex and profound changes and human society facing common challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is in keeping with the trends of times and the common aspirations of both peoples to maintain and develop the bilateral relations, Xi said. Xi said he hopes more Czech people can see China and its development in the right perspective, can stay committed to bilateral communication and cooperation and properly handle relevant issues so as to make the bilateral ties healthy and vigorous. Win-win cooperation The two countries should make good use of platforms such as the Belt and Road, deepen their cooperation in fighting the pandemic, promote the opening of businesses and economic recovery and encourage two-way investment and trade, he said. Xi highlighted the need for both countries to create more opportunities for joint development, saying that he hopes the Czech side can play a positive role for the dialogue and win-win cooperation between China and the EU. Zeman offered his congratulations for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, saying he hopes that China will attain even greater achievements under Xi's leadership. The Czech side remains committed to friendly cooperation with China, and the nation is willing to rise above distractions, seek closer communication with China and ensure the healthy and smooth development of bilateral ties, he said.


Riddle-solving game launched for citizens to learn Party history Pub Date:21-07-08 09:41 Source:www.cnanhui.org Residents in a community in Huaibei city, East Chinas Anhui province, solve riddles on July 2, 2021. The activity was launched to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Communist Party of China (CPC). Local residents learned the history of the Party through solving riddles. (Photo/Huaibei Daily)

Editor:Rita

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Statement By Ambassador Tan Jian, the Chinese Permanent Representative to the OPCW,During the General Debate of the Ninety-Seventh Session of the Executive Council

2021/07/07

Mr. Chairman,

Please allow me, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, to begin by congratulating you on your election as the Chairman of the Executive Council and on your chairmanship for EC session for the first time. China is confident that, with your diplomatic experience and skills, you will surely be able to improve the work and the atmosphere of this Council, consolidate the spirit of unity and consensus among States Parties, and bring this session to a successful conclusion. The Chinese delegation will actively work with you and all the other delegations, in a concerted effort to complete the proceedings of this session successfully.

The Chinese delegation wishes to thank the Director-General and the Vice-Chairpersons for their respective reports. This delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by H.E. Mr Fikrat Akhundov of Azerbaijan on behalf of the NAM CWC States Parties and China. Now, please allow me to elaborate China's views further on the following issues.

Firstly, as an integral part of the international arms control and disarmament mechanism, the OPCW plays a unique and indispensable role in promoting the realization of "a world free of chemical weapons", fostering international cooperation in the chemical industry and maintaining international security and stability. However, it is worrying that political differences and confrontation among States Parties on some sensitive issues have adversely affected the conduct of the normal work of the OPCW. On June 11, at the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed three principles to advance the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation processes. These principles are that, firstly, we need to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefits, promote peace and security through cooperation, stand firm against Cold War mentality and zero-sum game, and work to achieve security for all; secondly, we need to uphold fairness and justice, strengthen the authority and effectiveness of the UN-centred multilateral disarmament mechanisms, reject exceptionalism and double standards, and work to achieve universal security; Thirdly, we need to take a comprehensive approach to improve governance. We should address immediate prominent security challenges, and at the same time also take multi-pronged policies to remove potential threats, for the purpose of achieving sustainable security. These three principles are applicable to the OPCW as well. China appeals to all parties to return to our tradition of seeking consensus, work jointly to improve the working atmosphere in the OPCW and preserve the authority and effectiveness of the Convention in earnest.

Secondly, the comprehensive and complete destruction of chemical weapons (CWs) is the core component and object of the Chemical Weapons Convention. China has noted the progress in the destruction of CW stockpiles in the recent years, and urges the only remaining CW Possessor State to fulfil its obligations under the Convention effectively by completing the destruction within the timeframe established by the Conference decision on the extension of the deadline for CW destruction.

The destruction of ACW constitutes an important integral part of the Convention, on which the realization of "a world free of chemical weapons" hinges. Despite the impact of Covid-19, China has overcome a multitude of difficulties in carrying out a vast amount of work and reaching agreement with Japan regarding an anti-pandemic plan for the destruction work. These efforts facilitated the resumption of the destruction at Haerbaling last May. In light of Japan's undertaking to complete the destruction by the end of 2022, the current overall pace of destruction is still lagging far behind schedule. China urges Japan to fulfil its obligation as an Abandoning State in earnest by stepping up its inputs, making steady headways in the destruction process and addressing such prominent issues as the contaminated soil properly. China will maintain communication and enhance coordination with Japan and the Secretariat, and provide its assistance as always.

Thirdly, on the issue of the elimination of the Syrian CW programme, China has always stood for dialogue and cooperation as the only right approach to solving the Syrian CW issue. China has taken note of the relevant reports circulated by the Director-General and by Syria. China encourages Syria and the Secretariat to keep up engagement and dialogue, so as to forge positive progress on resolving such outstanding issues as the clarification of Syria's CW initial declaration. At the same time, China calls upon the international community to create favourable conditions for both sides to strengthen cooperation and solve the pending issues, instead of denying or even impeding such efforts.

China has always stood against the use of CWs by any state, organization or individual under any circumstance for any purpose. The incidents of the alleged use of CWs should be investigated and addressed strictly in line with the provisions of the Convention and its Verification Annex and in adherence to the principles of objectivity, impartiality, and professionalism. The investigation should be based on solid facts, and come to the conclusions that can stand the test of time and history. As for the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT), China has stressed from the very beginning that its establishment went beyond the mandate of the Convention, and has had concerns over its working methodology, procedure and personnel composition. China calls on the relevant parties to return to the principle of multilateralism at an early date, bring the issue of the investigation of the alleged use of CWs back into the framework of the Convention, avoid creating further conflicts and confrontation among States Parties, cease constantly politicising the work of the OPCW and safeguard jointly the authority and integrity of the Convention.

Finally, China encourages the Chairman, the Vice-chairpersons, and the facilitators to continue playing their enabling role in facilitating each consultation mechanism to take measures to improve the working methodologies, so as to advance the Convention-related work in all aspects in a comprehensive and balanced manner.

The Chinese delegation requests that this statement be circulated as an official document of this session, and be published on the public website and the extranet of the OPCW.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
China's UN ambassador Zhang Jun called for the removal of unilateral sanctions against Syria and for the expansion of humanitarian assistance to the war-torn country on the basis of transparency.

"For China, definitely we want to see a solution concerning unilateral sanctions, concerning cross-lines, concerning the transparency of the cross-border. We are not simply tackling the cross-border, the extension of the cross-border. We are talking about the general humanitarian situation in Syria," Zhang told media Tuesday after a closed UN Security Council meeting.

The Security Council consultation, which focused on the humanitarian situation in Syria, came days before a resolution on the renewal of the cross-border humanitarian aid delivery mechanism is set to expire on Saturday.
Ryuji Ishida interviews Ueda. Photo by Ryuji Ishida

By Wang Shanning

Ryuji Ishida, a researcher at the International Peace Research Institute at Meiji Gakuin University, has been dedicated to the study of the history of Japan's aggression on China for many years. He has visited war witnesses living in various parts of Japan for many years. On the 84th anniversary of the July 7 Incident of 1937, he introduced the war criminals he had contacted and their experiences in restoring the truth of the war to Japanese society and promoting China-Japan friendship in the latter half of their lives.

"As an invading soldier, I am full of apologies to the Chinese people"

Among the war criminals released in 1956 after the education and trial in China, there are still five people alive, among whom three are over a hundred years old and the other two are nearly one hundred years old. The one who impressed Ishida most is the 99-year-old man, Ueda. "Elderly people at this age are mostly sick or weak, but Ueda is able to drive out by himself a few years ago. He welcomes young people to visit his home and tells them about his experience in the war and after the war," Ishida introduced.

In a letter to Ishida last year, Ueda wrote that "as a member of the invading army, I have committed many crimes against the Chinese people. Tragic scenes have been recurring in my mind. My heart is full of deep apologies to the Chinese people."

Ueda made it clear that his apology is not in the past tense with an over, but is continuous, and remains unchanged to this day.

Ishida pointed out that Ueda is different from other centenarians who had experienced World War II. As a war criminal, Ueda has been released and returned to Japan for 65 years. But over the years, he has been participating in China-Japan friendship activities. What Ueda said shows a sense of concerns and responsibility for Japan-China relations and the status quo of the Japanese society, as well as a sense of urgency that he will never give up until the last moment in his life.

"I vowed to dedicate the rest of my life to China-Japan friendship"

It is not easy to fully admit one's guilt," Ishida said. These war criminals thought they had participated in a holy war to defend their nation, but it was aggression and a diabolical war crime. Many war criminals confessed that after pleading guilty, they seemed to be reborn. The peace organization formed by this group of war criminals who have experienced the trial in China, the Association of Returnees from China (ARC), has been unremittingly engaged in anti-war peace activities for many years.

"China and Japan cannot communicate directly before establishing diplomatic relations and the China-Japan Friendship Association has become a window of non-governmental communication," Ishida said. Many members of the ARC have also joined the association and actively organized exhibitions of Chinese specialty products, paintings and calligraphy, etc. so that Japanese people can come into contact with Chinese culture.

After World War II, Japanese society lacked understanding of China and even had a strong hostility. As a China-Japan friendship group, the ARC continued to carry out friendly activities under the circumstance. In 1965, the ARC was invited by the Chinese government and sent a delegation to China to participate in the exchange activities, and was received by then Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing.

Ueda chose to stay in Shimane Prefecture, received several Chinese visiting groups for friendly activities in Japan for a long time. In 1991, when he was 70 years old, Ueda retired and actively participated in the activities of the ARC. Ueda mentioned in the letter that he is committed to contributing what he had learned in China to Japan all his life and vowed to work harder and devote the rest life to the cause of China-Japan friendship.

Ishida mentioned that the other four returning war criminals who are still alive also participate in friendly activities to varying degrees. Tamamura and Imagawa are still engaged in peaceful activities in their 90s. They shared their crimes in the war of aggression against China and their activities after returning to Japan in front of the younger generation. Inada published his self-reflection and anti-war record at his own expense at the age of 90.

"Japanese war criminals' confession and repentance are not results of brainwashing, but self-reflection"

Why would the war criminals spend most of their lives conveying their reflections on the war to Japanese society after returning to Japan? Why can they continue to this day without complaint and regret in face of strong resistance and attacks in Japan's conservative political culture?

Ishida said that those war criminals turned from ghost-like criminals into anti-war peace forces, precisely because of China's leniency and humanitarian policy on them.

Judging from the Tokyo Trial and other international courts, the more than 1,100 Japanese war criminals detained by the People's Republic of China obviously deserve severe punishment. At that time, every Chinese person who participated in the trial was entangled. Many people expressed their resentment towards the Japanese war criminals more or less and believed that they should be severely punished.

However, Chinese officers in charge of education work first began to study and change their thinking and understanding, and figured out the historical and international significance of reforming Japanese war criminals. They made it clear that the ultimate goal is not revenge, but to transform them into defenders of peace.

Ishida said that the war criminals he interviewed almost unanimously expressed admiration and gratitude to the staff of the management units and education officers for their generosity and firm beliefs, and they will never forget the education they received.

He pointed out that the management unit did not completely abandon strict control measures. In fact, the overall policy is based on strictness to achieve self-control. When it comes to the sophistry, the staff did not simply reacted emotionally with anger, but refuted rationally and methodically.

After this group of war criminals returned to Japan, they have always maintained a deep understanding of aggression and their own crimes, carried out peaceful activities throughout their lives, conveyed the historical truth and the attribution of war responsibilities to Japanese society. As the main body of confession and repentance, they have always practiced the peace concept.

"I hope that by understanding this group of war criminals who are not subjected to compulsory and brainwashing, but self-reflection, as well as their anti-war and peace activities after returning to Japan, I can clarify that the trial of Japanese war criminals by China is neither diplomatic trade-off nor hegemonism, but the practice in the pursuit of pacifism and internationalism and use this as a clue to find out a path to achieving peace in Japan, China and even East Asia," said Ishida.

Editor's note: This article is originally published on the paper.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.
The US is test-flying its Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) at the Island of Kauai, Hawaii on March 19, 2020.(File photo)

By Luo Xi

As the international strategic landscape is being shaken up, traditional nuclear powers, such as the US and Russia, have shown changes in their perception and judgment of the deterrent effect of nuclear weapons in recent years. As a result, strategic offensive and defensive weapon systems represented by nuclear weapons become an important instrument in the toolbox of major-country strategic competition.

Risks of an arms race in strategic offensive and defensive weapons are mounting.

At present, traditional nuclear states like the US, Russia, Britain and France are taking faster steps to upgrade their nuclear arsenal, regarding nuclear weapons as an important means to maintaining their advantages, raising their position and winning the competition. After multiple rounds of nuclear disarmament, Washington and Moscow still own about 4,000 in-service nuclear warheads each, accounting for about 91% of the global nuclear forces. By May 2021, more than 2,000 nuclear warheads in the world are in a state of high vigilance.

After Biden took office, he didnt honor his political commitment to mitigating the nuclear arms race but carried on the Trump administrations plan to spend about USD 1.2 trillion over the next 30 years on modernizing the nuclear arsenal. Russia, on the other hand, always views nuclear weapons as a way of raising its major-country position and competing with the US. Therefore, it is accelerating the modernization of its sea, air and land-based nuclear system, aiming to raise the modernization rate to 88.3% by the end of 2021. Britain, which originally followed the principle of minimal nuclear deterrence, also announced recently to lift the upper limit of its nuclear warheads to 260, while France plans to invest EUR 25 billion in the next four years to upgrade its nuclear arsenal too.

In strategic defense, the US spent USD 15.3 billion in the fiscal year of 2021 on anti-missile defense, which will be further raised to USD 20.4 billion the FY2022, while the US military is determined to establish a multi-layered, integrated global strategic defense system. Russia, to strike a strategic balance with the US, is speeding up the integration of its anti-missile air defense system and the R&D and commissioning of new types of anti-missile weapons.

Washington and Moscow are also competing fiercely in hypersonic-speed offensive and defensive technology. The global strategic power balance and status of strategic stability are getting more complicated.

Major countries become more practical in arms control negotiations.

As the US and Russia are having less strategic mutual trust in each other, pragmatism is driving them to seek a more liberal, proactive and flexible mode of nuclear disarmament, which has two features compared with the traditional mode. For one thing, political commitment or diplomatic initiative proposed by the head of state is replacing traditional arms control treaties such as protocols or technical appendices as they are easier to reach and operate.

For the other, routine notification is replacing the vigorous intrusive check. The traditional check, which is basically conducted on site, is prone to the leak or theft of secrets, a problem that doesnt exist in data notification or information sharing,but the new mode is less binding and harder to execute. This will exert new and complex impacts on the international process and the major-country game of nuclear arms control.

Regional nuclear non-proliferation led by major countries remains tortuous.

Due to major-country competition, the nuclear status in certain regions remains fraught with twists and turns.

The Biden administration has recently completed the assessment and adjustment of its DPRK policy, reaffirming the strategic goal of realizing complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. So far, its diplomatic approach remains dominant in Americas DPRK policy while pressuring plays second fiddle.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, the contracting parties to the Iranian nuclear deal held a meeting in Vienna on April 6 this year to discuss America and Irans resumption of fulfilling the deal. Yet six rounds of discussions have been held and serious divergences remain between the two countries.

In 2018, the US unilaterally backed out of the Iranian Nuclear Deal in defiance of the international communitys objection and has kept imposing maximal pressure on Iran ever since, which is the root cause for the current dilemma of the Iranian nuclear issue. As the initiator of all this mess, the US is obligated to return to the deal unconditionally. However, although it claimed to do so, Washington refused to lift its unilateral sanctions on Iran and has even set preconditions for resuming the deal. This means that the White House has not changed its non-proliferation policy that essentially means forceful pressuring, and that implies numerous difficulties in resuming dialogue between the US and Iran. Now that EbrahimRaisi, known for his hawkish stance toward the US, is elected Irans new president, Washington is also facing many uncertainties on its way back to the deal.

(The author is from the War Research Institute of the PLA Academy of Military Science)
Chinese medical peacekeepers to Lebanon administers the COVID-19 vaccine for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops at the camp in Southern Lebanon on June 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Yu Wei)

By Lei Yang

As shells flew over my head and exploded with a deafening sound, I insisted on holding the syringe in my hand, recalled Mao Li, a nurse from the Chinese peacekeeping force in Lebanon. She told the reporter what she experienced in the previous days work to conduct COVID-19 vaccination.

Since May 6, peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have consecutively taken COVID-19 vaccination at Chinas 19th peacekeeping medical contingent to Lebanon, including peacekeeping officers from countries like Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil and El Salvador, and international staff that the UN recruited from countries such as the Philippines, Morocco and Lebanon.

The Chinese peacekeeping medical contingent deployed in southern Lebanon is stationed at a location less than 10 kilometers from the Blue Line on the border between Lebanon and Israel. These days, warfare has been reignited in Lebanon, with large-scale demonstrations taking place in many places of the country. Due to the multiple threats such as military conflicts, ethnic contradictions, and the COVID-19 outbreak, peacekeeping missions now face mounting risks. Nevertheless, the Chinese medical peacekeepers have never suspended their efforts to vaccinate the UNIFIL troops against COVID-19.

I once vaccinated more than 80 people a day, said Pu Ying, a doctor who has served in the military for 37 years. As soon as I took off my protective clothing after returning from the vaccination site, I put on an isolation gown to do rehabilitation therapy for a patient.

There have been only one to two doctors for each discipline in the contingent , so they must devote themselves to both vaccination and emergency treatment. One day, I saved the life of an emergency patient, and still completed my vaccination task at the same time, recalled Zheng Faren. A service member must keep calm in emergencies and consciously follow orders.

After the centralized vaccination for UNIFIL began, all doctors, nurses, and administrative and logistic staff of the contingent have devoted themselves to the frontline of the vaccination work. They informed the recipients of vaccination details , inquired about their health conditions before inoculation and publicized post-vaccination knowledge. Meanwhile, they standardized procedures such as COVID-19 vaccine storage management, technical specifications for inoculation, and reporting and treatment of post-vaccination abnormal reactions, so as to prevent vaccination accidents.

Apart from health and logistic support for UNIFIL, we also provide humanitarian medical assistance, said Yang Deng, a staff officer in charge of health and logistics. During the vaccination period, we sent medical and epidemic control supplies to the local Red Cross Society twice.

Chinas 19th peacekeeping medical contingent to Lebanon, established by the Guilin Joint Logistic Support Center, consists of 30 members. Since its arrival to mission zone on July 28, 2020, peacekeepers have won high acclaim from UNIFIL, the Lebanese government and local people for their outstanding performance, and they were all awarded the UN Peace Medals of Honor, the highest honor for UN peacekeepers.
Haiti is under a state of siege, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced during a national address on state television Wednesday morning.

The announcement came hours after President Jovenel Moise was assassinated by a group of unknown gunmen at his private residence in Pelerin, a wealthy suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Prime Minister Joseph said he is in charge of the country and has imposed martial law, as Haiti's borders and its main airport closed.

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack and expressed condolences in a statement issued by the White House. "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," the statement said.

Biden called the attack "worrisome," adding that "we need a lot more information" while responding to a reporter's question before boarding Marine One enroute to Joint Base Andrews Wednesday morning.

 Assassination Details

The Haitian prime minister described the attack, which occurred about 1 a.m., as "highly coordinated" by a "highly trained and heavily armed group" whose members spoke in English and Spanish.

Moise's wife, Martine, was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment, Joseph said. One of the president's children, who was at home during the attack has been taken to a secure location. Joseph said the national police force is in control of the situation now and has taken measures to ensure the continuity of government, as well as to secure the nation.

Joseph urged the international community to investigate the murder. "We also call 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," he said in a statement emailed to VOA. Joseph vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters Wednesday that the world was at a perilous point in the coronavirus pandemic, as fast-moving variants continued to spread because of an uneven global vaccination effort.

From the agency's headquarters in Geneva, Tedros said that some countries with high vaccination rates were making plans to roll out booster shots in coming months and were dropping public health social distancing measures and relaxing as though the pandemic were already over.

But the WHO chief said that because of what he called a "shocking inequity in vaccination," and highly contagious variants of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, far too many countries in every region of the world were seeing spikes in cases and hospitalizations. He said that had led to an acute shortage of oxygen and treatments and was driving a wave of death in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Tedros said around the world, variants were winning the race against vaccines because of inequitable vaccine production and distribution, which, he said, also threatened the global economic recovery.
The price gap between apartments in Seoul and other provinces has widened to more than W700 million since President Moon Jae-in took office in 2017 (US$1=W1,137).

The reason was a spate of failed government policies aimed at combating property speculation in the capital region amid a dire housing shortage.

According to KB Kookmin Bank on Thursday, the average sale price of an apartment in Seoul last month stood at W1.14 billion, up around W500 million or 85 percent from four years ago. But apartment prices in five major cities outside of the capital rose only by W100 million or 39 percent, from W263 million to W364 million.

That expanded the price gap from W355 million to a whopping W779 million.
Chinese and foreign friends experience traditional Chinese culture in Luo Xin Study

By:Zhao Chunyuan | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-07-07 19:40

Recently, on the occasion of Slight Heat, one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar, a book-club meeting called Pursuit of origin, Diverse culture, Enhance the soft power of the city was held in Luo Xin Study located at Laya Plaza in Pudong District, Shanghai. Visitors from Chinese and foreign families, overseas Chinese in Japan, international students, Chinese and foreign enterprises and international communities in Shanghai took part in the activity.

Chris (second from right) is appointed as a "Chinese Cultural Experience Officer".

The Chinese and foreign guests visited an exhibition featuring China's traditional 24 solar terms, tasted Chinese tea, enjoyed Chinese folk music and shared Chinese & foreign cultural books. Chris, from the United States, and his wife were invited to be Chinese Cultural Experience Officers. Luo Xin, a cultural celebrity and the founder of Luo Xin Study was invited to be the General Advisor of Culture and Art of Green City (Biyun in Chinese) International Community, which is known as the Little United Nations.

Luo Xin talked about the original intention of founding Luo Xin Study, and recommended excellent books from China and abroad. When we are learning from books and understanding culture and art, we should deeply explore its essence, said Luo Xin.

Chris and his wife shared their knowledge of cultural differences between East and West, and the charm of Huizhou architecture in China. They have been living in China for more than 20 years. The friendliness of Chinese people contains traditional Chinese virtues and the Chinese people around us, both young and old, love to learn new things. Shanghai is also our favorite city because of its openness, vigour and internationalization. In addition, technology is developing rapidly in China. When I go out in China, I need to only bring a mobile phone because cities in China have very efficient life service systems. Sometimes when I go back to the United States, Im not accustomed to the life there without so much convenience, said Chris.

A book-club meeting

The guests visited an exhibition featuring China's traditional 24 solar terms, tasted Chinese tea and appreciated Chinese folk music.

The organizer of the activity, Jinchen Green Book Club, is a public welfare cultural organization that regularly organizes various cultural activities for the international community, aiming to enhance the soft power of the city.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 90F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 74F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
New Braunfels fire crews are using the former Ninth Grade Center, set to be demolished in August, for special training exercises.
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Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
TWIN FALLS  The Bureau of Reclamation is sending 17,300 acre-feet of water down the Snake River to help migrating salmon.

This flow follows the bureaus release of 214,000 acre-feet down the Boise and Upper Snake river systems earlier this year as part of its salmon flow augmentation program.

Shoshone Falls will be majestic soon. 2021 flow augmentation delivery to begin Monday

The bureau began releasing this additional water June 28, and it will likely continue until July 12. This release is needed to make up for lower than anticipated water levels in the Payette River System, said Joel Fenolio, water management group operations team supervisor for the bureaus Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region.

What happened this year is the Payette missed the refill of (storage accounts in its reservoirs), which is the first time in the last 20 years, Fenolio said.

This additional release is taking place later in the year than is ideal because the Payette River System did not reach the water levels the bureau anticipated. Jonathan Ebel, a staff biologist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, said earlier releases better align with peak migration of chinook and steelhead in the river.

The water released earlier this year was helpful for salmon migration, Ebel said. But, due to the timing and the relatively low volume of water, it is difficult to determine how much this recent release will help.

The additional water could help cool down the river system as the Snake River is running a few degrees cooler than the Salmon River, which could help the fish, Ebel said.

Low water levels and warm air temperatures have heated up the water in the Salmon River to temperatures not usually seen this early in the year. The water in the river at the point where it meets the Snake River is 75 degrees. At this time last year, it was 64 degrees, which is a lot friendlier for fish.

"The hotter temperatures are not good for the salmon," Ebel said.

The bureau has released water down the Snake River to help migrating salmon since 1991. This process has changed over the years and currently takes place in accordance with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's 2008 biological opinion.

Under this opinion, the bureau aims to release 487,000 acre-feet annually sometime in early summer. But given the levels of drought the Pacific Northwest is facing, Fenolio said the agency is lowering its target to 427,000 acre-feet this year. This additional release is needed for the bureau to reach that number.

The bureau has rights to the water it releases for this augmentation program. This includes water the agency owns outright or leases from irrigators. Fenolio said the bureau cannot force people to give up their water rights.

The additional water the bureau is releasing this year is coming out of a storage account reserved for drier years. This will have no effect on what is available for other water users, said Brian Stevens, water operations group manager for the bureaus Snake River Area Office in Heyburn.

Theres no way it would affect the irrigators, Stevens said.

Nonetheless, local irrigation districts and canal companies oppose the bureaus decision.

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Although the bureau has a right to send this water downstream, the release is happening at an awkward time, said Jay Barlogi, general manager of the Twin Falls Canal Company.

A few weeks ago the company announced it would begin reducing water delivery from 3/4 inch per share to 5/8 inch effective July 6 due to the ongoing drought.

This release will not affect the water available for the companys shareholders, but it does send a mixed message to people, Barlogi said.

In each reservoir, everyone has their own bucket of water, Barlogi said. This water doesnt come out of our bucket, but it doesnt look right to folks.

Irrigation companies worry about 'scary' drought conditions this year and the next

John Lind, general manager for the Burley Irrigation District, is also concerned about the optics of the situation.

Youre telling farmers and other landowners they are cutting back, while water for other purposes is being sent out into the ocean, in essence, Lind said.

Lind does not anticipate the district implementing mandatory cutbacks on allotments this year, although the district would welcome any volunteer reductions in water use.

If the dry conditions persist through the summer, the districts storage could potentially be depleted by the end of the irrigation season, Lind said. This would mean the district is completely reliant on a wet winter and spring before next years irrigation season.

Irrigators ordered to stop pumping groundwater

Lind said the district is on board with the salmon flow augmentation program overall. But he is concerned about future additional releases if the next few years are as dry as this one.

It doesnt mean less water for us, Lind said. We just feel like its not a good precedent to send additional water out of the reservoir system.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comments from Jonathan Ebel, staff biologist with the Idaho Department of Fish and game.
DES MOINES  Rachel Cutrer says a cattle operations brand needs to go beyond a sign hanging over the driveway entrance.

Building a brand is a lot like building a set of working pens, she says.

Cutrer and her husband own Ranch House Designs and also raise cattle in Texas. She says creating a brand and promoting it is vital in this era of social media and consumer interest in ag products.

Cutrer spoke to producers at the Beef Improvement Federations research symposium and convention here June 22.

She cited five necessities when it comes to establishing a brand. The first is the brand itself.

You want to have a brand that is worth talking about, Cutrer says. What are the things that will make people look favorably on that brand?

She says those factors include cattle, social responsibility, emotional appeal, workplace quality, financial performance, vision and leadership.

Cutrer says the next step is determining who needs to see your brand and learn what it means.

Target a group of people who care about your product, she says. Build a persona that describes your ideal customer. You have to be able to define your core customer.

Producers also need to be able to tell their story and get their message out to their customers. Cutrer says that message needs to be consistent with the brand.

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Once a brand has been established, she says it needs to be advertised. Cutrer says there are a variety of platforms to use, including a website, paid advertising and social media.

A website is very important because you completely control the message and you can put what you want on it, she says.

Using social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram can also help boost brand recognition.

Set goals for social media, Cutrer says, adding those include number of reaches for posts and followers.

Using platforms such as Facebook is very low cost but has the potential to reach a large number of customers.

Post often and be consistent about it, Cutrer says, adding the number of posts should be determined by the number of followers.

Quality photography is also part of a successful and attractive social media site, she says.

Finally, Cutrer says producers must do what they can to measure their brands success. This can be determined by popularity on social media and number of sales.

She says those who have yet to establish a brand should take their time when developing it.

You want to build your brand in a very intentional way, Cutrer says. It should be very precise from day one.
DOLTON  Veteran firefighter Robert Morgan, who died unexpectedly on Wednesday while vacationing in the Dominican Republic, is being remembered as someone who embraced adventure and devoted his life to public service.

Morgan, 50, was found dead in his hotel room on Wednesday morning, Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard said in a statement. A cause of death has not yet been determined.

Watch Now: Riding Shotgun with NWI Paramedics

"My son was a national and international traveler," said Sandra Morgan, Morgan's mother. "He was an adventurer. He loved zip-lining, bungee jumping, parachuting out of airplanes. He even got a chance to fly a plane once."

A Calumet City native who graduated from Thornwood High School and Western Illinois University, Morgan was equally passionate about serving others, his mother said.

Morgan was a social worker after college and was looking through job listings for his clients one day.

"He happened to see that Dolton was hiring (firefighters)," Sandra Morgan said. "He called me and asked me how would I feel about him becoming a firefighter. I told him, 'I wouldn't run into a burning building, that's your thing.'"

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Morgan was set to observe his 21st anniversary in the department on July 17. He had served in a variety of capacities, including most recently as fire engineer.

"Today our hearts are heavy as our beloved Robert has made his transition," Henyard said in a statement. "Robert was a tireless worker and one of the most genuine persons within our administration. His contributions not only to the upward mobility of the Dolton Fire Department, but to the Dolton community at large were second to none."

Henyard said Morgan was scheduled to fly home Tuesday night and return to work on Wednesday morning.

"Fire Engineer Morgan has been a dedicated member of the Fire Department for 21 years, serving our residents proudly," Fire Chief Pete McCain said in a statement. "Bobby was a son, a father and a great friend. He was loved by all and will be missed by his first service family."

In addition to his mother, Morgan is survived by his daughter, Aliyah. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
INDIANAPOLIS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IntelinAir, Inc., the maker of AGMRI, today welcomes four new team members to its company.

Ken Isley has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Isley brings more than three decades of experience working across the agricultural industry in a Fortune 100 company and U.S. federal agency. Most recently, Mr. Isley served as USDA's Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Prior to his USDA appointment, Mr. Isley spent 29 years with The Dow Chemical Company and Dow AgroSciences.

has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Isley brings more than three decades of experience working across the agricultural industry in a Fortune 100 company and U.S. federal agency. Most recently, Mr. Isley served as USDA's Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Prior to his USDA appointment, Mr. Isley spent 29 years with The Dow Chemical Company and Dow AgroSciences. Robyn Heine has been named Vice President of Communications. Ms. Heine spent the last 20 years with Dow AgroSciences and Corteva Agriscience leading strategy and teams in the areas of internal and external communications, issues management, media relations, brand, change management, and business and organizational health transformations.

has been named Vice President of Communications. Ms. Heine spent the last 20 years with Dow AgroSciences and Corteva Agriscience leading strategy and teams in the areas of internal and external communications, issues management, media relations, brand, change management, and business and organizational health transformations. Doug Hoberty has been named Business Development Manager. Prior to joining IntelinAir, Mr. Hoberty spent more than 32 years with Dow AgroSciences in a variety of sales, marketing, and supply chain roles. Most recently, he was the Key Account Manager for United Phosphorous Limited North America.

has been named Business Development Manager. Prior to joining IntelinAir, Mr. Hoberty spent more than 32 years with Dow AgroSciences in a variety of sales, marketing, and supply chain roles. Most recently, he was the Key Account Manager for United Phosphorous Limited North America. Sandy Stinson has been named Senior Executive Assistant. Ms. Stinson had a 25-year career at Dow AgroSciences and Corteva Agriscience in various executive assistant roles, including support of the President and CEO of Dow AgroSciences.

These four leaders have more than 120 years combined experience in the agricultural industry.

Al Eisaian, IntelinAir's Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Co-Founder said, "These four leaders have more than 120 years combined experience in the agricultural industry and will bring even more breadth and depth to our world-class management team. IntelinAir is relentlessly focused on execution to drive growth of its differentiated technology, and these leaders will play a key role in supporting our growth plan and innovation investments."

About IntelinAir, Inc.

IntelinAir, Inc., the automated crop intelligence company, leverages AI and Machine Learning to model crop performance and identify problems enabling commercial growers to make improved decisions. The company's flagship product, AGMRI aggregates and analyzes data including high resolution aerial, satellite, and drone imagery, equipment, weather, scouting, and more to deliver actionable Smart Alerts on specific problems in areas of fields as push notifications to farmers' smartphones. The proactive alerts on operational issues allow farmers to intervene, rescue yield, capture learnings for the next season, and identify conservation opportunities for sustainable farming. Annually IntelinAir analyzes millions of acres of farmland, helping growers make thousands of decisions for improved operations and profitability. For more information, follow IntelinAir on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit https://www.intelinair.com/.

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Press Release

July 7, 2021 Binay, Senate Economic Planning Office, hold webinar on open access in data transmission bill The Senate Economic Planning Office, in partnership with the Office of Sen. Nancy Binay, today held the webinar, "Deleting the Digital Divide," which tackled the legislative proposal adopting an open access in data transmission. With roughly 200 participants coming from the Senate Secretariat offices, Senators' offices and stakeholders, the webinar discussed the issues and challenges in data transmission under present legal and policy environment and how the proposed measure would help address the situation. The proposed Open Access in Data Transmission Act is filed in the Senate under Senate Bill Nos. (SBN) 45 authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Sen. Grace Poe, and SBN 911, authored by Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. Both bills seek to establish a policy that will encourage the entry of more players in the data transmission industry, the development of the digital infrastructure and the strengthening of the National Telecommunications Commission. It is expected that the enactment of this legislative proposal will result to wider coverage, lower cost and better quality of internet services for all. In a recorded opening remarks, Binay, chairperson of the Committee on Science and Technology, said she hopes that the fruitful discussion in the webinar would be able to help the Senate in responding to the people's need for better connectivity. "... If we are to chart a new normal and to ensure that no one will be left behind, we will need to introduce reforms to the way things are being done. What must we do to address the poor quality and high prices of internet services that have bogged down our attempts to achieve interconnectivity and the benefits that come along with it?" Binay asked. For his part in a recorded message, Sen. Revilla said he filed SBN 911 in response to the clamor of Filipinos for a better information and communications technology infrastructure. He said his bill numbered 911 is very telling, as the state of internet and data transmission in the country needs rescue and prompt assistance. Grace Mirandilla-Santos, the webinar's main resource person and Lead Policy Researcher for Broadband Infrastructure and Cyber Security under the Coalitions for Change Program of the Asia Foundation Philippines, pointed out that the country suffers from broadband infrastructure gap and that legal obstacles in outdated laws prevent the growth of Philippine Internet. "The Open Access in Data Transmission Act is a curative law designed to address specific legal obstacles and as a result, bridge this infrastructure gap," Mirandilla-Santos said. She also stated that the availability of broadband infrastructure is at the heart of the digital divide. Many regions in the country remain to be underserved or unserved by internet service providers (ISPs) and Internet use dips below 40 percent outside of the National Capital Region. She added that more than 60 percent of barangays do not have a cellular tower, and over 70 percent reported not having access to fiber optic cables. Reports also show that only 1 percent of barangays in some regions, like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, have access to basic broadband facilities. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Asec. Alvin Navarro said that the agency and the Executive Department support the bills. Echoing the position of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee, Navarro stressed that internet connectivity is a critical enabler of financial and economic inclusion in the new economy. He added that the DICT has pushed for the President's certification of the said legislative proposal as an urgent measure. ### PRIB/SEPO
Former South African president Jacob Zuma, sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court, finally constituted himself as a prisoner Wednesday before midnight.

Half an hour before the end of the ultimatum, a convoy of a dozen cars left Mr. Zumas residence in Nkandla, in Zulu country, at high speed.

He was neither seen nor heard, but until late in the evening, well after the curfew set at 21 hours, dozens of supporters sang and danced, some wearing traditional headbands made of animal skin.

Finally, the news came in a tweet: President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order. He is on his way to a correctional facility in Kwazulu-Natal province, said the foundation that represents him.

The police department confirmed shortly afterwards that he had been taken into custody. This is not an admission of guilt, but Zumas spokesman, Mzwanele Manyi, said. The former president was convicted of stubbornly avoiding answering questions from a commission of inquiry into corruption

One of his daughters, Dudu Zuma-Sambudla, mocked on social networks celebrating the imprisonment of the freedom fighter, who spent ten years in Robben Island penitentiary alongside Nelson Mandela.

The spokesman for the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Pule Mabe, hailed a victory for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in this young democracy.
The Kuwaiti police have arrested Jamal Al-Sayer, a prominent political activist and poet, for insulting Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed al-Sabah, reports say.

Al-Sayer, his lawyer told Reuters, has been detained since Monday evening following his interception by three police cars in the street.

He has been charged with insulting the Emir, spreading fake news that could harm the states image and misusing his mobile phone, Muhannad Al- Sayer told the news agency.

Your highness (the emir) and your highness the crown prince, the situation has become unbearable. You have allowed the government to disrupt and violate the constitution, defying the parliament and the peoples will, Sayer said in a tweet on June 28.

His arrest sparked outrage among some MPs, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports.

We will not accept becoming a police state in which constitutional rights are violated Following mafia and gangs style and hacking freedoms are crimes against democracy and the rule of law, tweeted opposition lawmaker Abdul Aziz Al-Saqabi.

The Gulf countrys government has been under scrutiny by the parliament for malpractices including corruption.
The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has received a boost in its plan to convert Machakos Country Bus and Nairobi Law Courts parking areas into underground lots.

Director-General of the NMS, Maj-Gen Mohammed Badi, said two international investors have shown interest in funding the project.

The NMS is looking to convert the lots at a cost of Sh5 billion in a public-private partnership. The potential investors are international companies in two European countries, one of which is from Austria.

Badi said the successful investor will build and operate the two projects till they recoup their investments then hand them over to the NMS.

NMS is working together with the newly established Public-Private Partnership Directorate headed by Director-General Chris Kirigua.

We have engaged him and he is positive about the projects. He has already contacted the two countries which have expressed interest to enter under a 25-year PPP program. We are hoping for a positive reply soon, Badi said.

Earlier this year, Badi said the underground multi-storey parking bay will be operated digitally and charged hourly.

It will be affordable and once the motorists reach the parking lot, you will pay through mobile money, leave your car there and it will be parked for you in whichever floor of that building, Badi noted.

The parking bay will mirror the four-storey car park at the Holy Family Basilica which Chinese contractor China Zhongxing Construction Company constructed. The parking bay that used to accommodate 120 cars now boasts 536 parking slots.

We have seen it is affordable and we are now going to ensure that theres enough underground parking for Nairobi residents, said Badi.
Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has entered negotiations with a woman who accused him of failing to take responsibility for their unborn child.

During the mention of the case on Wednesday, Lusaka through his lawyer Peter Wanyama told the court that he has engaged the woman to settle the matter out of court.

My client has advised me to tell the court that hes engaging the lady concerning issues of birth maintenance My client has an open mind The issues of maintenance of the child will be addressed, said Wanyama.

The woman who dragged Lusaka to court seeking Sh200,000 per month or an alternative lump sum amount of Sh25 million confirmed that they have started negotiations.

Through her lawyer Danstan Omari, the woman sought seven days to conclude the negotiations. During this time, the woman wants Ken Lusaka to buy her a house matching the standard of Lusakas other children.

But the Speaker opposed the demand saying 7 days are not enough to conclude negotiations and buy a house. Instead, Lusakas lawyer Wanyama asked the court to grant his client a month.

Its not correct that my client cant make prenatal expenses .that has been sorted And we are saying lets wait for the baby to be bornThey are putting us under pressure to say that they need a house within seven days, who can buy a house within seven days? Wanyama posed.

My client has involved us lawyers to have the matter settled The lady is three months pregnant Because of this, it is true we are urging the court to adjourn the matter. Once the baby is born in about seven months, we can then substantively address the issue on the upkeep of the baby. I dont think seven days will be sufficient, the court heard.

The High court gave Kenneth Lusaka until July 28, when the matter will be mentioned for further directions.
A student at the Mount Kenya University has been charged with being in possession of marijuana.

Brian Kamau Kariuki, who is undertaking a course in Public Administration, was reportedly arrested in the Nairobi CBD with cannabis worth Sh2000.

The court heard that on July 6, 2021, at the Globe Cinema roundabout in Nairobi, the accused was found to be in possession of 200grams of marijuana.

According to a statement recorded at the police station, Brian confessed to the police that the weed was for personal use.

He appeared before Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku at Milimani law courts where a plea of not guilty was entered after he said the marijuana was not 200gms but 23gms.

Kamau also pleaded for lenient bail terms saying he is a student.

Your honor I am a student at Mount Kenya University and I have my student ID with me, I plead for a lenient cash bail, he said.

The court released him on a cash bail of Sh5000 or bond Sh10,000 and one contact person.
A section of MPs wants to immortalise ODM Party leader Raila Odinga with a road in the capital city.

Kangema MP Muturi Kigano proposed that Mbagathi road in Nairobi should be renamed after the Opposition leader.

The MP spoke on Tuesday, July 6 while contributing to a petition filed at the house proposing the renaming of Karura Forest after the late Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.

MP Kigano argued that Raila was responsible for the stability of Mbagathi road when he was the MP of Langata for more than a decade.

The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chairman said it was better to recognise leaders contributions to nation-building when they are still alive.

Narok North MP Moitalele Kenta supported the proposal saying Raila is an icon who deserves recognition.

This comes days after Lake Basin Development Authority chairman Odoyo Owidi made similar calls for Mbagathi Way to be renamed after the former Prime Minister.

Owidi argued that Raila is a household name in the Kenyan political space.
The long-awaited Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system on Thika and Mombasa roads will be run by a private company in the transport sector, the govt has announced.

Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority acting director-general Francis Gitau said the govt will offer a private firm a 12-year concession to manage the project.

Gitau said the firm would run 300 BRT buses from February 2022, when the initial rollout is expected to take place.

BRT will be run through a transport service contract. A concession of about 12 years. The concession will be procured competitively. We are currently developing the request-for-proposal document, Gitau told the Business Daily.

The BRT buses are expected in the country starting December of this year. Gitau said the first batch of 6 electric buses will be shipped in by private sector players.

The government plans to launch six BRT corridors in Nairobi.

Priority corridors are the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Likoni, James Gichuru-Rironi, and Bomas to Ruiru roads. Other motorways are Ngong Road, Juja, Mama Lucy, T-Mall and Balozi to Imara roads.
According to information published by Tass on July 8, 2021, the Project 12700 mine countermeasures (MCM) vessel Yakov Balyaev (Alexandrite-class) has dramatically increased the MCM capabilities of the Kamchatka brigade of patrol ships near Kamchatka.

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Project 12700 mine countermeasures MCM vessel Yakov Balyaev (Picture source: Twitter account of @RALee85)

The keel of the Yakov Balyaev was laid down in late December 2017 at the Sredne-Nevskiy Shipyard (a subsidiary of the United Shipbuilding Corporation); in January 2020, the vessel was launched. In late July 2020, the naval platform was transitioned to the Pacific Fleet. It covered 12,000 nautical miles via the Northern Sea Route, reached Vladivostok, completed the requires tests and trials, and joined the Russian Navy (MF) on December 26, 2020. In May 2021, the MCM vessel joined the Kamchatka brigade of patrol ships.

The Yakov Balyaev is going to conduct MCM tasks along with other minesweepers of the unit. The vessel is also set to practice cohesion with the Project 21980 (Grachonok-class) counter-sabotage boats.

The Yakov Balyaev features a higher speed compared with that of the Soviet-age minehunters. The vessels full speed reaches 16.7 knots, while a Project 266 (Yurka-class) minesweeper produces no more than 9 knots.

The Project 12700 MCM vessel is built upon a reinforced fiberglass hull that features high strength and serviceability. The n

The propulsion of Project 12700 consists of two M-503M1 diesel engines, two rudder propellers with nozzles, and two transverse thrusters. The ship can reach 16.5 knots (31 km/h) with a maximum cruising range of 1,600 nmi (3,000 km; 1,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). She has an endurance of 10 days with a crew of 45 people. The ship is armed with one 30mm automatic cannon AK-306 SAM, 9K38 Igla short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, an MTPU 14.5mm marine pedestal machine-gun mount, as well as UDM, MTPK and PMR series of mines.aval platform has a displacement of some 890 t, a length of 62 m, a width of 10 m, a full speed of 16 knots, and a crew of 44 servicemen.

The export-oriented variant of the Alexandrite-class minehunter is designated Project 12701 Alexandrite-E-class MCM vessel. According to the United Shipbuilding Corporation, the platform has a displacement of 890 t and is 61.6 m long and 10.3 m wide. The naval platform is intended for counter-mine protection of naval bases, offshore areas, exclusive economic zones, and maritime mineral deposits; detection and destruction of all types of sea mines; counter-mine protection of blue force ships during sea cruises; counter-mine reconnaissance; and deployment of sea mines.

The MCM vessel features a draught of some 3.1 m. The platform is powered by two diesel engines with a power output of 2,500 h.p. each, producing a speed of 16 knots, a cruising range of 1,500 nautical miles, and an endurance of 10 days. The vessel is manned by a 44-strong crew.

The Alexandrite-Es sensor suite integrates the Diez-12700E control system, Livadiya-ME mine detection sonar, two Alister 9 counter-mine unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), two K-Ster I UUVs, 10 K-Ster C disposable remotely operated vehicles, Inspector-Mk.2 unmanned surface vehicle, a GKT-2 or GOKT-1 contact mine sweep system, and a ShAT-U sonar mine sweep system. The Project 12701 MCM vessel also carries some armaments, including an AK-306 30 mm close-in weapon system, eight short-range surface-to-air missiles, and an MTPU naval gun mount with a 14.5 mm heavy machinegun (this weapon system can be replaced by two 6P59 12.7 mm heavy machineguns). It should be mentioned that the Alexandrite-E is capable of using both traditional minesweeping systems and cutting-edge robotized MCM systems. The platform also has high seaworthiness.

The Alexandrite-E-class vessel also features relatively high potential in the global arms market. In March 2020, Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Dmitry Shugayev told Russian media that Russia would enter an Indian competition for a new MCM vessel with the Project 12701 Alexandrite-E-class platform.

A mine countermeasures vessel or MCMV is a type of naval ship designed for the location of and destruction of naval mines which combines the role of a minesweeper and minehunter in one hull. The term MCMV is also applied collectively to minehunters and minesweepers.
According to a tweet published by Ryan Chan on July 6, 2021, Singapore Navy frigate RSS Tenacious fires a Harpoon anti-ship missile during a coordinated strike in the waters off Guam during Exercise Pacific Griffin 2021.

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RSS Tenacious firing Harpoon anti-ship missile (Picture source: Twitter account of Ryan Chan)

RSS Tenacious (71) is the fourth ship of the Formidable-class stealth frigate of the Republic of Singapore Navy.

The Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigates are the latest surface platforms to enter into service with the Republic of Singapore Navy, and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy's La Fayette-class frigate.

The Formidable class have a significantly reduced profile than the La Fayette class and its other derivatives, due to the smaller superstructure and the use of enclosed sensor mast technology. The frigate is also constructed entirely of steel, unlike the La Fayette class which makes extensive use of weight-saving composite structures in its aft superstructure block. The frigates also possess better sea-keeping qualities and are able to stay at sea for longer periods of time.

The frigates are equipped with the Thales Herakles passive electronically scanned array multi-function radar, which provides three-dimensional surveillance for up to 250 km (155.3 mi). The radar provides all-around automatic search and tracking of both air and surface targets, and is integrated with the MBDA Aster air defence system. Utilizing the DCNS Sylver vertical launch system (VLS), each frigate is equipped with 32 cells. It is reported that the frigates have a special surface-to-air missile configuration, combining the Thales Herakles radar with the Sylver A50 launcher and a mix of Aster 15 and 30 missiles.

The frigates are equipped with Boeing Harpoon missiles and Oto Melara 76 mm guns for surface defence. The Harpoon missile has a range of 130 km (70 nmi) and uses active radar guidance. It is armed with a 227 kg (500 lb) warhead.
According to a press release published by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on July 8, 2021, the firm has entered into contracts with Norway and Germany to deliver ORCCA Combat Systems elements to the six new 212 CD submarines and the naval strike missile to the two nations' navies.

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ORCCA combat system elements (Picture source: Kongsberg)

The contract for NSM is a joint procurement by Norway and Germany valued at 4,404 MNOK. Germany is the 6th nation to select NSM. For Norway, the contract will serve to replenish and update the current inventory.

NSM is the latest 5th generation, long-range, precision strike missile in the market today. The NSM has a stealth design and passive infra-red, imaging sensor making it difficult to detect, increasing its accuracy thus avoiding collateral damage. The NSM is multi-mission (sea- and land targets) with a stand-off range of more than 100 nautical miles.

The contract for the ORCCA(tm) Combat System is a subcontract from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH, the prime contractor for the 212CD submarines, to kta naval systems AS. KONGSBERG's share of the combat system contract is valued 3,800 MNOK.

ORCCA(tm) combines, for the first time, maximum adaptability with the highest level of IT security. It enables its operators to conduct advanced data analytics from a wide range of sensors and systems via the multi-functional console providing a comprehensive and accelerated decision-making process.

KTA naval systems AS was founded in October 2017 as a joint venture between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, it's Naval Electronic Systems business unit (ATLAS ELEKTRONIK) and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace. Based on the combined expertise and products of the joint venture partners, KTA naval systems with its product family of ORCCA(tm) Combat Systems will exclusively develop, produce and maintain all future submarine combat systems for ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems submarines.

The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is an anti-ship and land-attack missile developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA).

The state-of-the-art design and use of composite materials is meant to give the missile sophisticated stealth capabilities. The missile will weigh slightly more than 400 kg (880 lb) and have a range of more than 185 km (100 nm). NSM is designed for littoral waters ("brown water") as well as for open sea ("green and blue water") scenarios.

The usage of a high strength titanium alloy blast/fragmentation warhead from TDW is in line with the modern lightweight design and features insensitive high-explosive. Warhead initiation is by a void-sensing Programmable Intelligent Multi-Purpose Fuze designed to optimise effect against hard targets.

Like its Penguin predecessor, NSM is able to fly over and around landmasses, travel in sea skim mode, and then make random manoeuvres in the terminal phase, making it harder to stop by enemy countermeasures. While the Penguin is a yaw-to-turn missile, NSM is based on bank-to-turn flight. In 2016, it was confirmed by the Royal Norwegian Navy that NSM also can attack land targets.
According to information released on July 7, 2021, the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) officially handed over the fourth 209/1400mod class submarine, named S44, to the Navy of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Following the strict corona prevention measures at the shipyard, the handover took place in Kiel.

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ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) officially handed over the fourth 209/1400mod class submarine, named S44, to the Navy of the Arab Republic of Egypt. (Picture source TKMS)

The contract for the delivery of the first two 209/1400 mod class submarines to the Arab Republic of Egypt was signed in 2011. In 2015, Egypt decided to take the option for two additional units. The first submarine was handed over in December 2016, the second in August 2017 and the third in April 2020. All four submarines will enhance Egypts defense capabilities and combat efficiency, achieve maritime security, and protect Egyptian coasts as well as the economic interests between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

About S44: In September 2020, the S44 was named and launched at the shipyard of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Kiel. The submarine is extremely reliable, can stay submerged for a long time, is fast, and hard to locate thanks to their low signatures.

The average Type 209 has a crew of 30 and displaces 1 594 tons submerged. The type is 62 meters long with a 6.2-meter pressure hull diameter. It can dive to a maximum depth of 250 metres and is armed with eight torpedo tubes with 14 torpedoes.

Egypts new Type 209 submarines have a range of 11 000 nautical miles, a top speed of 21 knots, and a displacement of over 1 400 tonnes.

The Type 209/1400 mod series submarines are claimed to be are extremely reliable, can stay submerged for a long time, are fast, and are hard to locate thanks to their low signatures. It is the latest version of the HDW Type 209 family with over 60 boats built or under contract.

The Egyptian Type 209/1400 submarines have eight 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes and are able to carry and launch up to 14 missiles and torpedoes, in addition to deploying naval mines. They will be fitted with SeaHake mod 4 torpedoes and UGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles (AShM).
Emory's Office of Government and Community Affairs acts as the university's official government liaison and monitors proposed and enacted legislative and regulatory policies at the federal, state and local levels. Learn more about recent developments on two issues of interest to the Emory community.

Pell Grants

Last month, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) co-sponsored legislation that would double the Pell Grant award, index the award to inflation and make other changes to expand the award for working students and families. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act also makes the Pell Grant funding fully mandatory to protect it from funding shortfalls, expands the program to include DREAMers, and restores lifetime eligibility for the program to 18 semesters.

Increasing the Pell Grant has been a long-time legislative priority for Emory. During the 2019-2020 school year, 1,539 Emory students received Pell Grants, totaling over $8 million. University support of our students far outstrips federal support; the university spent over $350 million in scholarships, grants and benefits during the 2019-2020 academic year. The federal government can, and should, do more. Doubling the Pell grant is the most direct way of supporting our Pell-eligible students.

July 13 marks the kick-off to a coordinated national effort to double the Pell Grant maximum from $6,495 to $13,000. The Double Pell Advocacy group has launched the Double Pell Campaign website. It features student Pell Grant stories, useful information on the history of, and data on, the Pell Grant program, and Take Action resources for advocates. Please join us in advocating for Pell.

International scholars

Emory is proud of its international community members and is looking forward to welcoming our students, scholars, researchers and faculty from around the world back to campus next month. In the meantime, Emorys Office of Government and Community Affairs and International Student and Scholar Services have been working together to advocate for our international colleagues.

Specifically, Emory has been working with our partner associations and peer institutions, as well as our congressional delegation, to urge the U.S. Department of State to allow an international student/scholar to apply for a visa without an in-person interview, encouraging the use of zoom and other virtual tools. In addition, we are asking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide greater flexibility for continuing F-1 students who must enroll from abroad because they cannot return to the U.S. this fall due to the pandemic.

Finally, Emory has signed onto an amicus brief in support of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the ongoing WashTech litigation. The higher education community weighed in on OPT due to its critical role in experiential learning, including the ability for international students to practice and implement the very educational skills developed on campuses. For more information on the litigation, here is a full list of signatories, the press release, and the litigation page.
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Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Professor Latif Kalin has been selected to receive a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to perform research in Brazil.

Kalin, who holds the title of Alumni Professor and serves as associate director of the schools Center for Environmental Studies at the Urban-Rural Interface, will work at the Federal University of Santa Maria, or UFSM, as part of a project to quantify sediment load to the Salto Dam and to identify sediment hotspots in the Upper Uruguay River Basin.

The Salto Dam provides 44% of Uruguays electricity but is threatened by the access sediment coming from the Uruguay River Basin, 73% of which is in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the host institute, UFSM, is located.

Soil erosion and sediment transport are global problems, and tackling global problems, such as disease outbreaks, food and energy needs and environmental degradation, requires a holistic approach, thus learning from each other and knowing each other, Kalin said. This opportunity will allow me to be a scientific and cultural ambassador of the U.S., transfer my knowledge gathered over the years working in the southeastern U.S. to southern Brazil, as well as learn their practices and their success and failure stories.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Kalin will share knowledge and foster meaningful connections across communities in the United States and Brazil. Fulbright Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations that started abroad, and lay the groundwork for future partnerships among institutions.

Upon returning to their institutions in the United States, they share their experiences and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars to campus and encouraging colleagues and students to go abroad.

Dr. Kalin is a superb choice to receive a Fulbright Scholarship, said School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Dean Janaki Alavalapati. This honor will allow him to play a significant role in combating sediment transport and soil erosion, which increasingly threaten the well-being of countless people living in Brazil. This unique opportunity reflects the continuing global impact of the research and work of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences faculty.

Kalins career will also be enriched as he joins a network of thousands of esteemed Fulbright Scholar alumni that includes 60 Nobel Prize laureates, 88 Pulitzer Prize recipients and 39 heads of state or government.

The Fulbright Program is the United States flagship international educational exchange program and is supported by the U.S. and partner countries around the world. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the program, and celebrations throughout the year are celebrating its accomplishments and legacy.

(Written by Teri Greene)
Perm resident to appear before court in the case of the rehabilitation of Nazism

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

14:44 08/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 8 (RAPSI)  The Perm Regional Court is to consider a criminal case against Maxim Gusev, who posted a photo of the former head of the Cossack reserve of the German SS Andrey Shkuro, on the Immortal Regiment website, the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office informs.

Investigators allege that on May 2, 2020, Gusev, in order to rehabilitate Nazism, that is, to approve the crimes defined as such by the verdict of the International Military Tribunal for the trial and punishment of the main war criminals of the European Axis countries on October 1, 1946, using his personal computer.

By this action, the defendant in fact filed an application for a public demonstration of photographs of the former chief of the Cossack reserve of the German SS to an unlimited number of persons on the Immortal Regiment Online website along with the veterans of the Great Patriotic War, the statement reads.

Gusev was charged with committing a crime of rehabilitation of Nazism.
Son of gold mining company founder arrested in absentia  Moscow court

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

17:39 08/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 8 (RAPSI)  Moscow's Tverskoy District Court has arrested in absentia Alexey Maslovsky, son of Pavel Maslovsky, the former director of gold mining company Petropavlovsk Plc, the press service of the court informs RAPSI on Thursday.

The Tverskoy District Court ruled to detain Maslovsky for a period of two months from the date of his transfer to Russian authorities in the event of extradition or deportation to the national territory, or from the moment he is apprehended on the territory of the Russian Federation, court said.

Alexey Maslovsky had been charged with embezzlement on an especially large scale.

Currently, Pavel Maslovsky is being held in custody. Investigators believe that in 2018 he and sine other defendants involved in the case embezzled about 100 million rubles (about $1.3 million at the current exchange rate) of the enterprise.

Petropavlovsk Plc is a large gold mining company registered in London. The mines are located in the Russian Far East.
Russias Cabinet approves proposal to grant prosecutors right of legislative initiative

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

13:25 08/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 8 (RAPSI)  The Government Law-Making Commission has approved an initiative to empower prosecutors with the right to submit their bills to regional legislative assemblies, the press service of the Association of Lawyers of Russia informs RAPSI.

Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his message to the Federal Assembly, emphasized that the prosecutor was a cross-cutting supreme power that monitored the implementation of laws, regardless of any regional circumstances, the press service quotes the Chairman of the Board of the Association Vladimir Gruzdev as saying.

According to the Association Chair, in some constituent entities of the Russian Federation such a right is established by regional legislation, but in other regions where there are no such laws, prosecutors have no right to take legislative initiatives.

Thus, the right to take legislative initiatives at the regional level depends on the position of local deputies. The said initiative confirms at the federal level the right of prosecutor's offices in regions to propose their legislative initiatives. This work will contribute to improving the quality of regional rule-making, excluding the complex and costly work of protesting illegal acts and challenging them in court, Gruzdev explained.
Seguin, Texas (78155)

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 8, 2021

2021/07/08

Xinhua News Agency: According to local media reports, Senegal's President Sall thanked China for its funding and technological support for the Diamniadio park while attending a ground-breaking ceremony for the park's phase two projects. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: First, warm congratulations on the ground-breaking of Diamniadio park's phase two projects! The park is a flagship of the country's national development strategy "Plan for an Emerging Senegal" (PES). It is also the latest outcome of China-Africa cooperation in promoting sustainable development with the concept of "building nests to attract phoenixes".

The first phase projects of the park were financed by the Senegalese government and contracted by Chinese companies. Many enterprises including Chinese ones have already established business there. The second phase is financed by the Chinese side. The two sides have overcome the impact of COVID-19 and completed the initial stage of work. After the recent ground-breaking, the projects are scheduled to be completed by 2023. To date, more than 20 producers in various sectors like pharmaceutical, electric appliances and textile have expressed interest in setting up operations there. Just as President Sall said, once completed, the park will play a positive role in improving Senegal's economic structure and realizing import substitution. It is expected that 23,000 local jobs will be created before 2023. The UN Industrial Development Organization's representative to Senegal spoke highly of the projects' contribution to the country's industrialization.

Progress in the Diamniadio park epitomizes how China and Africa have worked hand in hand to fight COVID-19 and boost economic recovery. It also embodies the two peoples' spirit of solidarity, cooperation, hard work and perseverance. China stands ready to continue working together with Senegal and other developing countries including those in Africa to achieve more concrete cooperation outcomes and deliver benefits to the people.

Reuters: There has been a record number of COVID deaths in Thailand and Indonesia in the past 24 hours, as well as a spike of infections in Myanmar and Vietnam. Is the Chinese foreign ministry concerned about this, and does it have any plans to change its border policy with Southeast Asia?

Wang Wenbin: We've seen relevant reports. The pandemic is still ongoing in many parts of the world. In light of the evolving global situation, China will decide on prevention and control measures in a coordinated way based on science and professional advice with a responsible attitude towards the life and health of Chinese and foreign citizens. At the same time, we stand ready to work actively towards the healthy, safe and orderly cross-border flow of people.

CCTV: It was announced at yesterday's press conference of the State Council Information Office that the number of giant pandas in the wild has exceeded 1,800 and the species has been downgraded to "vulnerable" from "endangered". Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: This is great news. We are glad to see one great story after another in China's ecology conservation efforts. The living conditions of rare and endangered species in the wild such as giant panda, Tibetan antelope and the milu deer have all been improved. Appearances of mysterious species such as the Chinese mountain cat and rufous-necked hornbill were once again captured. We've seen Siberian tigers paying visits to villages, wild Asian elephants on a northward journey and a whale spotted in Shenzhen's Dapeng Bay. The concept that lush mountains and clear water are worth their weight in gold and silver has taken root among the public in China. Respect for, harmony with and protection of nature has become a conscious choice for all levels of government and the public.

I would also like to stress that the ecology and environment bears on the wellbeing of all humanity, and international cooperation is essential to protection efforts. As a participant and pacesetter contributing to global ecological endeavors, China practices multilateralism and works towards an equitable and sound global environmental governance system featuring win-win cooperation. The Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2021 will be held this month with the theme of "Low-carbon Transition, Eco-DevelopmentBuilding A Life Community of Human and the Natural World Together". In October, China will also host the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. We stand ready to work with all sides to strengthen international cooperation in ecological preservation and environmental management to jointly protect the beautiful planet we all call home.

Shenzhen TV: Russia's Finance Ministry has completed the asset structure adjustment to the country's sovereign wealth fund the National Wealth Fund (NWF). The shares of the Chinese yuan was increased to 30.4% from 15%. What's your comment?

Wang Wenbin: We welcome Russia's decision to significantly increase shares of the renminbi in its sovereign wealth fund the NWF. It shows Russia's confidence in the prospects of China's economic growth and China-Russia cooperation. We will continue to deepen mutually-beneficial bilateral cooperation, offer each other support in regional and international affairs and safeguard our shared interests.

AFP: British lawmakers urge their government to take tougher action against China over its treatment of minority groups in Xinjiang. They suggested boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics and a cotton trade ban. Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: I already answered a similar question yesterday. I would like to reiterate that China firmly opposes the politicization of sports, and the interference in other countries' internal affairs by using human rights issues as a pretext. Some people attempt to disrupt, obstruct and sabotage the preparation and convening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games out of political motivation. 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 such practice that is doomed to fail.

China Review News: An Australian official recently said that the claim Australia was undermining China's vaccine aid to Papua New Guinea was "absolutely not the case". Do you have any comment to this?

Wang Wenbin: There's detailed and in-depth media coverage on how Australia has obstructed and sabotaged China's vaccine cooperation with Pacific island countries. Rather than deny it all, it is advisable for the Australian side to state publicly that it welcomes China's vaccine cooperation with Pacific island countries and stands ready to work with China to help the countries fight COVID-19 and safeguard people's health.

CNR: The US Department of State recently published its Trafficking in Persons Report 2021, claiming that 17 countries including China do not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and there is a government "policy or pattern of widespread forced labor". Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: In disregard of facts, the US side fabricates such reports full of false information year after year by repeating the old rhetoric to groundlessly attack and smear China. It is hellbent on advancing its "lying diplomacy". China deplores and rejects this.

In this report of 600-plus pages, the US glosses over its own problems with less than half a page. This fully reveals the double standard of the US side of being strict with others while treating itself with leniency. Why don't we take a look at some truthful descriptions of forced labor and human trafficking in the US?

The US is the origin, transit and host country of victims of forced labor, debt slavery and involuntary servitude. In the past 5 years, all 50 states and Washington D.C. reported cases of forced labor and human trafficking. Up to 100,000 people are trafficked into the US for forced labor annually and half of them are sold to sweatshops or enslaved in households. In 2019 alone, the FBI reported 1,883 cases of human trafficking, over 500 more than 2018. According to the statistics of some US academic institutions, at least 500,000 people in the country have been subjected to modern slavery and forced labor. The victims include not only US citizens, but also foreign citizens from almost every region of the world, even vulnerable groups such as women, children and the disabled.

According to a story published by The Guardian on June 29, 2017, prisons and jails across the US have chaotic management. Human traffickers often smuggle incarcerated women out of correctional facilities and force them into sex trade through drug control, brutal beatings and other means. Those women are caught in the endless trap of criminal exploitation and incarceration. According to information disclosed on the website of the US Department of Justice on July 11 and November 8 in 2018, Eric Scott Kindley, a former federal prisoner transport officer, repeatedly committed sexual assaults against female prisoners during his time in office, causing serious physical and mental harm to the victims.

The US government treat asylum seekers with cruelty. According to a CNN report on September 30, 2020, 21 people died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in the 2020 fiscal year. That's more than double the number of deaths in fiscal year 2019 and the highest annual death toll since 2005. The Los Angeles Times reported on October 30, 2020 that a large number of migrant children are detained for a long period of time. Data shows that of the 266,000 migrant children held in US government custody, 25,000 were detained for longer than 100 days over the past years. Nearly 1,000 migrant children have spent more than a year in refugee shelters. Several children have spent more than five years in custody. More than a dozen women from Latin America and the Caribbean filed a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, accusing an ICE detention center gynecologist of performing "medically unnecessary" surgery without their consent, including hysterectomy, which wreaked havoc on their mind and body. According to a Guardian report on October 22, 2020, US immigration officers threatened Cameroonian asylum seekers and forced them to sign their own deportation orders. Those who refused to do so were choked, beaten, pepper-sprayed and were put in handcuffs and their fingerprints were taken forcibly in place of a signature on documents called stipulated orders of removal, by which the asylum seekers waive their rights to further immigration hearings and accept deportation.

The US government has continued to forcibly repatriate immigrants amid COVID-19. According to ICE data, as of January 14 this year, 8,848 detainees have tested positive for COVID-19. The Los Angeles Times reported on November 18, 2020 that the US administration had expelled at least 8,800 unaccompanied migrant children since March in disregard of the risk of virus transmission. UNICEF has said migrant children forcibly returned from the United States to Mexico and Central America are facing danger and discrimination.

The US report, blind to plain facts, wantonly smears and maligns China. The Chinese government attaches high importance to cracking down on human trafficking and has achieved notable results. It earnestly implements the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. In 2007, 2013 and this year, we adopted three national action plans on combating trafficking in women and children for the periods of 2008-2012, 2013-2020 and 2021-2030 respectively. At the State Council, an interdepartmental joint meeting mechanism on fighting abduction has been established consisting of 35 departments. We have improved a government-led working mechanism with the broad participation of all social sectors. This has provided a strong institutional framework to prevent and fight human trafficking and rescue and protect victims. In China, the annual average of cases involving children being stolen or grabbed is only about 20 and the cases are virtually all promptly resolved after quick investigation.

The US has no authority to act as a judge on human rights. It should earnestly reflect on its human rights crimes including forced labor and human trafficking, stop vilifying others and stop interfering in other countries' domestic affairs with human rights as a cover.

AFP: About Afghanistan, the situation is changing fast in the country as the Taliban has launched major offensives against the government forces. I would like to know, does China fear return to power of Taliban? Does China have regular contact with the Taliban? And in exchange for supporting the Taliban, could China ask them to stop all contact with the Uyghurs?

Wang Wenbin: Currently, the Afghan situation is at an extremely important crossroads between war and peace, chaos and order, which poses grave challenges. Although the US has basically finished the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, it still bears the responsibility of helping the nation to uphold stability, forestall turbulence and realize peace and reconstruction. As the culprit that started the Afghan issue, the US should act in a responsible manner to ensure smooth transition in Afghanistan. It shouldn't shift the blame and responsibility to others and simply take to its heels. Efforts must be made to make sure the withdrawal doesn't lead to turbulence and fighting.

China always believes that political negotiation is the only right way to resolve the Afghan issue. We call on parties to the peace negotiation to put the interests of the country and people first, sustain the momentum for intra-Afghan talks, work for the return of the Afghan Taliban in a moderate way to the political mainstream, jointly forge a broad-based and inclusive future political framework, and lay the foundation for lasting peace in Afghanistan.

China stands ready to join regional countries and the international community in making active efforts to advance intra-Afghan talks and Afghanistan's peace and reconstruction.
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.

Additional imagery

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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 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.

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SpaceX CRS-22 undocking is planned for Thursday, July 8 at 10:35 a.m. EDT, with NASA TV coverage scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

NASA and SpaceX flight control teams continue to monitor the weather and splashdown locations. 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. Additional opportunities are available on July 9 and 10. The space freighter's departure had been scheduled for earlier this week but was postponed due to weather conditions off the coast of Florida.

Meanwhile, the Expedition 65 crew members stayed focused on a variety of science activities including human health, robotics and physics.

Flight Engineers Shane Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet took turns working out on an exercise cycle Wednesday for a fitness test. The veteran astronauts attached sensors to their chests and pedaled for an hour on the device more formally known as the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization, or CEVIS. The test took place in the U.S. Destiny laboratory module and measures how microgravity affects the duo's physical exertion, or aerobic capacity.

NASA Flight Engineer Megan McArthur focused on electronics maintenance and robotics research throughout Wednesday. The two-time space visitor powered up a cube-shaped AstroBee robotic helper and tested new technology that monitors the acoustic environment of the station. SoundSee seeks to demonstrate that "listening" to station components can help detect anomalies in spacecraft systems that need servicing.

Space manufacturing using colloids is being investigated for the ability to harness nanoparticles to fabricate new and advanced materials. Station commander Akihiko Hoshide conducted three runs inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox of the InSPACE-4 study today that could improve the strength and safety of Earth and space systems.

The trio that launched to the station aboard the Soyuz MS-18 crew ship practiced an emergency evacuation drill during the morning. NASA Flight Engineer Mark Vande Hei joined cosmonauts Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov and reviewed procedures such as donning gas masks, quickly entering the Soyuz spacecraft, undocking and reentering the Earth's atmosphere.

Vande Hei later assisted McArthur with cable management work inside the Tranquility module. Novitskiy and Dubrov wrapped up the day disconnecting antenna cables inside their Soyuz vehicle.

NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than Wednesday, July 21, for Crew Dragon Endeavour's International Space Station port relocation operation. Kimbrough, McArthur, Hoshide Pesquet will suit up in their launch and entry spacesuits for Crew Dragon's automated relocation maneuver from the forward to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module. The maneuver frees up the forward port to prepare for the arrival of NASA's Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission at the microgravity laboratory at the end of July.

On-Orbit Status Report

Payloads

Astrobee/SoundSee: The crew participated in a crew conference, set up the appropriate hardware, and initiated the SoundSee science session. Investigation of Deep Audio Analytics on the ISS (SoundSee Mission) tests monitoring of the acoustic environment using an audio sensor on Astrobee, a mobile robotic platform aboard the space station. Microphones collect acoustic information, and the Astrobee determines the sensor's position. The system can detect anomalies in the sound of components inside a machine, providing autonomous monitoring of the health of infrastructure such as life support and exercise equipment.

Collapsible Contingency Urinal (CCU) Crew Use: Following the CCU demo yesterday which used fruit punch as a test fluid, the crew, today, attempted to use a single CCU for all urinations over a one-day period. The CCU is exploration hardware flown to 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.

Fluids Integrated Rack/Light Microscopy Module (FIR/LMM): The crew removed the processed Advanced Colloids Experiment-Temperature (ACE-T)-11 module and installed the ACE-T-5-3 module. The crew also installed desiccants to allow observations at lower temperatures for ACE-T-5. ACE-T-5 examines the physical and chemical characteristics of a new class of soft materials, bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels, or bijels. Bijels have a unique structure of two liquid phases separated by a layer of small particles or colloids, which has significant potential for the design and synthesis of composite materials. A more thorough understanding of the factors that influence their mechanical stability and processing will advance this potential.

Functional Immune: The crew gathered saliva samples in support of the Functional Immune investigation. The human immune system is altered during spaceflight, which may increase the likelihood of adverse health events in crew members. The Functional Immune Alterations, Latent Herpesvirus Reactivation, Physiological Stress and Clinical Incidence Onboard the International Space Station (Functional Immune) investigation analyzes blood and saliva samples to determine the changes taking place in crew members' immune systems during flight. The changes in the immune system are also compared with crew members' self-reported health information. Results are expected to provide new insight into the possible health risks of long-duration space travel, including future missions to Mars, asteroids, or other distant destinations.

Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Ellipsoids (InSPACE-4): The crew distributed particles within the sample vial and initiated three experiment runs. The particle distribution is being performed by an alternate method where only a fraction of the particles are dragged to the area of interest with the magnet. InSPACE-4 studies the assembly of tiny structures from colloids using magnetic fields. These structures change the properties of the assembled material, such as its mechanical response to or interaction with light and heat. Microgravity allows observation of these assembly processes free of confining sample walls and sedimentation and during timescales not possible using simulated microgravity. Results could provide insight into how to harness nanoparticles to fabricate and manufacture new materials.

Systems

Air Avionics Assembly (AAA) Fan Dry Out: Following yesterday's inspection, ground teams have confirmed that there was no microbial growth on the AAA and attributed the debris as dust from the AAA filter. Therefore, the crew cleaned the debris and configured the AAA on the Node 2 Maintenance Work Area (MWA) for a 24-hour dry out using three portable fan assemblies.

Node 3 Utility Outlet Panel (UOP) Power Cable Troubleshooting and Remove & Replace (R&R): The crew used a multimeter and power bypass cable to verify proper voltage and resistance of the Node 3 UOP power cable as part of troubleshooting the UOP's lack of power after installation in May. Following troubleshooting, the crew removed the installed -6 type UOP and replaced it with a -5 type UOP. The crew did not complete a checkout of the new UOP as the earlier troubleshooting was indicative of configuration issues upstream of the hardware. UOPs are panels aboard ISS that are used to provide power and data connectivity to a wide variety of payloads, systems hardware, and gadgets on ISS.

Alternating Current (AC) Inverter Deploys and Remove & Replace (R&R): The crew deployed two new 120 Volts Direct Current (VDC) to 120 Volts AC (VAC) Inverters in LAB and Node 2 to support upcoming payloads and systems operations. Additionally, the crew performed an R&R of a 120 VDC to 120 VAC Inverter in Node 1 that had a failed J2 power port.

On-Board Training (OBT) Soyuz Descent Drill: Using a simulator, the 64S crew completed a Soyuz emergency descent OBT to maintain their proficiency for an expedited Soyuz undocking and landing in the event of an ISS emergency.

Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Portable Emergency Provisions (PEPs) Inspection: Today, the crew performed the periodic PEP inspection, which involves utilizing a PEPs matrix and inspecting various emergency provisions such as Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFEs), Portable Breathing Apparatuses (PBAs), Quick Don Masks (QDMs), and Extension Hose Tee Assemblies at multiple locations throughout the space station. The crew spends several minutes on each item and notes any visible damage. Inspections are performed routinely to ensure the PEPs are in good operational condition.

Max Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS): The crew completed a Max CEVIS session today which is used by the medical community to evaluate astronauts' aerobic fitness. The test is performed every 90 days and upon the crew's arrival and departure from the ISS.

Completed Task List Activities:

ESA PAO Message Tour De France

78P USOS Unpack

Today's Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Crew Dragon Quiescent Checkout

Cargo Dragon Propellant Checkout

Solar Array Commanding for DC-1 Purges

LAB MCA Deactivation

LAB CDRA Activation (In Work)

Look Ahead Plan

Thursday, July 8 (GMT 189)

Payloads:

Cold Stowage Pack for Return

Food Physiology

Functional Immune

InSPACE-4

J-SSOD Desiccant Stow

Systems:

SpX-22 Undock

JEM Return Grille Cleaning

Crew Dragon Free-Flight Fire OBT

AAA Fan Teardown

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

Saturday

July 10 (GMT 191)

Payloads:

Crew Off-Duty

Systems:

Crew Off-Duty

Today's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

HRF Generic Saliva Collection

CCU Crew Use

HRF Generic MELFI Sample Retrieval and Insertion Operations

ISS Emergency Soyuz 748 Descent OBT

LAB1P3 Audit

Plug-in Plan (PiP) AC Inverter Deploy

INSPACE-4 Experiment Run Ops

CCU Crew Use Conference

UOP Bypass Cable Gather

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Profile of Mood States (POMS) Questionnaire

PiP AC Inverter R&R

HMS ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT)

Node 3 UOP 5 Troubleshooting and R&R

Countermeasures System (CMS) Max CEVIS

JR Astronaut Video Recording

ACE-T5 Module Configuration #2

Astrobee OBT Review

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Light Install

Astrobee Crew Conference

USOS Window Shutter Close

IFM AAA Dry Out Set Up

ECLS PEPS Audit

SoundSee Data Collection

UOP Bypass Cable Restow

Astrobee Dock Secure

Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Termination

Food Physiology Fecal Sample Collection

METOX Regeneration Initiation

Food Physiology MELFI Sample Insertion 1

Food Physiology Fecal Sample Collection Hardware Stow

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The two-year-old filly pacers in the second $50,400 division of the New York Sire Stakes learned a couple of valuable lessons at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night that sharing is a good thing.

A Girl That Twirls (Chris Lems) and April Angel (Jim Morrill, Jr.) finished in a dead-heat for the victory and the tandem also had to share a new track record in doing so as they toured the half mile oval in 1:55.2. It eclipsed the old mark of 1:55.3 established on July 3, 2019 by Fashion Hall (Tyler Buter).

In the other division, Twenty Grand ($2.80) showed she was worth more than that in beating Symphony Hall in 1:56.4.

But the talk of the night was the deadlock between A Girl That Twirls (American Ideal-Heels On The Beach) and April Angel (American Ideal-Royal Distraction).

"She (A Girl That Twirls) raced phenomenal, especially being on the outside going around the final turn", driver Chris Lems said. "She just kept digging in."

Jim Morrill, Jr., who was on the bike behind April Angel ($3.60) said, "I didn't realize it was a track record or a dead-heat. I thought maybe (A Girl That Twirls) would bobble a little bit in the stretch to give us an edge but she kept coming and my horse came back a bit in the end."

A Girl That Twirls ($5.60), who entered undefeated in two qualifiers, is owned by D Racing Stable and is trained by Deborah Daguet.

April Angel is co-owned by Nanticoke Racing Inc, Jeremy Pentoney and Keesha Givens and is conditioned by Les Givens. It was her first triumph after a second place finish in her career debut.

In the other bracket, Twenty Grand (Mark MacDonald), after setting the tempo, had to rally and was able to turn back Symphony Girl (Morrill, Jr.) and Lorrie Sue (Kevin Cummings).

"She's (Twenty Grand) green so I was glad to see that five (Lorrie Sue) come up alongside and grab her attention," said MacDonald after the race. "I took it easy with Twenty Grand around the turns but it was good to come back nice in the stretch."

Setting splits of :28.4, :58 and 1:27.4, Twenty Grand (Huntsville-Up Front Kellie Jo) looked in deep trouble turning for home as Lorrie Sue was able to grab about a half-length advantage. But Twenty Grand didn't waver and stayed strong to pull off the comeback victory.

Co-owned by trainer Ray Schnittker, Steven Arnold and Mark Ford, it was the second victory in three career tries for Twenty Grand. The win upped his bankroll to $33,975

Liewhentruthwilldo ($4.60) wired the field in 1:57 to collect the victory in the first $15,000 division of the Excelsior A Series. Driven by Morrill, Jr., Liewhentruthwilldo beat Patsville (MacDonald) by 1-1/2 lengths with Ashlees Supreme (Greg Merton) finishing in third.

The other bracket saw a big upset as King Princess (Lems) registered a $25.80 score in 1:57.2 over Seahuntsidealbeach (MacDonald) by 2-1/2 lengths. Nadina Hanover rolled in for third place.

The $6,300 Excelsior B event, a non-betting affair, had Center Attraction (Denny Bucceri) collect a head decision over Manhunt (Kevin Cummings).

Racing will continue on Friday night at 5 p.m. with a nine-race card scheduled. There are just five programs remaining in the 2021 live racing season.

For more information including the latest news, race replays, entries and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.

(Buffalo Raceway)
The Maine Harness Horsemens Association (MHHA), in collaboration with Love To Race author Amber Sawyer, will give a signed copy of the childrens book to the first 20 kids under 12 that attend live harness racing at Cumberland on Saturday (July 10).

The MHHA is excited to attract young people to the harness races, and as a bonus, provide kids with an opportunity to meet an accomplished harness horsewoman-turned-author, stated MHHA president Mike Cushing.

We love this book and were pleased when offered the opportunity to help distribute copies to youngsters.

Amber Sawyer will visit Cumberland as part of a whirlwind book signing tour that brought the author from her home state of Wisconsin to Goshen Historic Track and the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in New York, to the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey, and then on to the great state of Maine.

The book recounts the story of harness racehorse Derek Bromac N. After racing in New Zealand as a two-, three-, and four-year-old, Derek was shipped to California to begin his racing career in the United States. He immediately began dominating his competition at remarkable race times. This classy bay gelding found success wherever his travels took him and was often a barn favourite. His crazy antics of always sticking his tongue out while being harnessed, and on the racetrack, made him a horse that wouldn't easily be forgotten.

From California to New Jersey, and every racetrack in between, he was driven by some of the most elite and talented in the harness racing business. He was always known as the horse that always "gave his all."

Follow Dereks narration, written by his owner, Amber Sawyer, and beautifully illustrated by Tami Joe DeLisle.

Sawyers love for horses began at an early age, and as a little girl, she would ride on her fathers lap on the jog cart as he brought the horses back from the track to the barn.

A second-generation horsewoman, Sawyers travels have led her to race horses in Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Dakota and Minnesota.

The well-traveled harness horsewoman said, I have been fortunate enough to race, jog, or train hundreds of horses from first-time starters, to a former Hambletonian contender, a $400,000 winner, and even a former track record holder.

Besides working full time and being a single mother, Sawyer is also a freelance writer for Hoof Beats, and also writes for the Wisconsin Horsemans News and the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association.

Live harness racing from Cumberland is presented each Tuesday and Saturday through July 31 at 2:30 p.m., with two additional dates  Aug. 4 and 5 at 11 a.m.  having been added to the end of the meeting. For more information, go to firsttrackscumberland.com.

(First Tracks Cumberland)
The Manitoba Standardbred Racing Industry (MSRI) handed out its annual awards for the 2020 season and one of the most prestigious awards is the Ron Waples Award, presented to the individual that goes above and beyond the call of duty to better the harness racing industry in Manitoba. This year it was awarded to MSRI racing charter, 19-year-old Trisha Mason of Killarney, Man.

Mason  who, as the charter, must record the distance separating the horses at the quarter, half, three-quarters, the stretch, and the finish of a race  was humbled by the honour. I was really honoured to have my name alongside so many people who make racing happen every year in Manitoba, said Trisha. My dad won in 2008 so it was cool to share an award with him and with all the other people who have won it over the years.

When asked if it compares to any other accolades she had received, Trisha simply replied, I really dont think so; this is a huge honour.



Aaron and Trisha Mason with pacer Sin Machqueen Aaron and Trisha Mason with pacer Sin Machqueen

Trisha comes from a harness racing family. Her parents, Darryl and Sherri Mason have owned and trained horses for decades. Trishas sister, Paula is also a trainer while her brother Aaron is preparing to apply for his trainers license. Trisha was a caretaker before she found her perfect fit as a race charter. At the age of 12, she was given the chance to try charting races as the position became vacant, and Darryl quickly turned to see if his daughter was up to the task.

I started [charting] in 2014 at the end of the summer because the last charter quit. Dad sat me down in front of the T.V., put on The Meadowlands and he had me chart a race and it wasnt so bad. I ended up charting the races on the Manitoba Circuit the next weekend and I havent stopped since.

Trisha is eagerly awaiting to apply to Veterinary school but hopes she can still be involved with Manitoba harness racing as much as she can be. I would love to keep doing this. Even if I cant come back to charting in a few years because of school, Id love to come down and visit. Maybe once I become a vet, I could do the vet work at the track or maybe Ill keep charting, who knows?

As a key member of the Manitoba harness racing team, Mason thinks it is important to keep promoting the product and the industry. A lot of younger people just dont know, so I think that advertising on social media and putting a lot more ads out there will help. Simulcast will help bring viewers from different backgrounds too. Miami Fair is sharing similar issues to many tracks across Canada, including how to grow the fan base.

Once you get into it, you love it, stated Mason. Its the getting-people-into-it thats tough. I cant imagine my life without it. I know its not something everyone finds interesting but if they gave it a chance, I think they would really like it.

Trisha is excited about Manitoba harness racings future expansion plans into Winnipeg. I think it will be a good opportunity. I think having a permanent track will be great. I personally like the fair atmosphere as well, so I think combining the two will be a good experience.

Shes equally excited about the race dates slated for Saskatchewan's Marquis Downs this fall. Mason wasn't sure if her services were required for the meet at Marquis but she would jump at the opportunity if presented. If there is nobody else out there, they (MSRI) would love to take me. Im excited about going somewhere new, to bring harness racing back to Saskatchewan and to get a new audience opened up to it.

Although Trishas work is all behind the scenes, the rest of the Mason family will be front and centre this Saturday (July 10). Darryl is scheduled to drive five horses, including Inside Joke in Leg #1 of the Golden Boy. The three-year-old gelding is owned and trained by Darryls other daughter, Paula Mason. Miami Fairs post time is 3:00 p.m. CDT / 4:00 p.m. EDT.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Trey Colbeck)
After a perfect 10-for-10 campaign in 2020 that led to Dan Patch Award honours as the two-year-old Colt Pacer of the Year, expectations were high that Perfect Sting would return this year and keep a firm hold atop the three-year-old division.

After a bit of a bumpy start in his first three starts in 2021, the road to repeat glory for Perfect Sting likely will have to begin on Saturday night (July 10), when the colt lines up in post five in the second of two seven-horse $50,000 eliminations (race eight) of the Meadowlands Pace at The Meadowlands.

Its time to start asserting his dominance, thats for sure, said trainer Joe Holloway. I think its time for him to step up his game and move to the head of the class.

The task wont be easy for Perfect Sting, as his heat includes recent Messenger Stake winner American Courage (four-for-four this year), 2020 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes champion Southwind Gendry (two wins and two seconds this year), and Abuckabett Hanover, who saw his perfect four-race win streak this year snapped when he made a break in the Messenger final.

Were in a good spot in a short field, said driver David Miller about Perfect Sting, who is listed as the 2-1 morning line favourite in the Pace elim. I dont see any problems and I think things will work out.

I have confidence in him. I have confidence in his ability and his talent and Im confident everything is going to go just fine.

Any perceived pressure of the continuance of Perfect Stings perfect record evaporated quickly this year when the colt suffered his first ever defeat in his seasons debut in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes division on May 16 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. In that race, Perfect Sting came up a head short of the winning Abuckabett Hanover in 1:50.

I dont worry about (a win streak), said Miller. I try to put him in position to win every race. Going undefeated, thats added pressure and added anxiety on yourself, and you end up racing the horse too hard trying to keep the winning streak alive. I dont want that. I dont even like that being brought up. I already know hes a good horse and I know he gives 110 per cent.

When three-year-old opens didnt fill at The Meadowlands, it forced the hand of trainer Joe Holloway to enter Perfect Sting in a June 19 overnight against older horses. Challenged several times throughout the mile, Perfect Sting was able to post a game career best 1:48.1 victory.

Seven days later in a PASS division at The Meadows, Perfect Sting led at every call before crossing the finish line second, but the colt was elevated to first via disqualification of the winner.

I believe (the race against older horses) took a toll on him, opined Miller. He went to The Meadows the next week and he still finished second. It wasnt like he stopped and finished fifth. He got beat a length. The horse had every right. Im not disappointed in him at all; I think hes a great horse.

Holloway said he plans on making a shoeing change for the Pace elim, switching to aluminum shoes.

I had a shoe with a pad on, and I thought the shoe was kind of moving around on his foot, said Holloway, who trains the $629,977-winning three-year-old son of Always B Miki out of the world champion mare Shebestingin for breeders-owners Brittany Farms and Val DOr Farms. I thought going lighter with aluminum would give the horse stability. It had nothing to do with speed; I just thought it was better for him.

The top five finishers in each elim will return for the $700,000 (est.) Meadowlands Pace final on Saturday (July 17).

The 9-5 favourite in the first elim (race six) is the Nancy Takter-trained, Tim Tetrick-driven One Eight Hundred, who has six wins in eight starts this year. The $800,000 yearling purchase of Takter and Brixton Medical Inc. is coming into the elim off a career best 1:48 win in a June 26 overnight at The Meadowlands. Closing out that victory with a final quarter of :25.3, the effort edged South Beach Star and Perfect Stings 1:48.1 clocking as the fastest mile by a three-year-old pacer thus far in 2021.

The Meadowlands Pace elimination fields, with post position, horse (driver, trainer) and morning line odds are:

First Elimination (Race 6)  Purse $50,000

1. Chase H Hanover (Brian Sears, Scott Cox), 12-1

2. Charlie May (Brett Miller, Steve Carter), 3-1

3. One Eight Hundred (Tim Tetrick, Nancy Takter), 9-5

4. Heart Of Chewbacca (Dan Noble, Ron Burke), 4-1

5. Rockyroad Hanover (Dexter Dunn, Tony Alagna), 5-1

6. Exploit (Todd McCarthy, Tony Alagna), 8-1

7. Hellabalou (Andrew McCarthy, Eddie Dennis), 15-1

Second Elimination (Race 8)  Purse $50,000

1. American Courage (Matt Kakaley, Travis Alexander), 3-1

2. Abuckabett Hanover (Andrew McCarthy, Tony Alagna), 4-1

3. Lawless Shadow (Mark MacDonald, Dr. Ian Moore), 6-1

4. Red Right Hand (Todd McCarthy, Nancy Takter), 15-1

5. Perfect Sting (David Miller, Joe Holloway), 2-1

6. Simon Says Hanover (Scott Zeron, Tony Alagna), 15-1

7. Southwind Gendry (Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke), 7-2

(USTA)
Tech Mahindra announced the Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) partnership with Palo Alto Networks. This agreement leads to the expansion of Tech Mahindras global partnership with the company to provide a full suite of Managed Security Services.

As a Palo Alto Networks NextWave Partner, Tech Mahindra is working towards creation of specialized Industry solutions and IP, leveraging the best of breed Palo Alto Networks solutions covering all major security solutions towers. As an MSSP, Tech Mahindra would be able to offer complete visibility and control of the network, endpoint, and cloud security including value added services like risk assessment, posture management, workload protection, orchestration etc. to global customers.

Rajesh Chandiramani, Global Business Head ESRM (Enterprise Security Risk Management), Artificial Intelligence, Data & Analytics, Cloud, Tech Mahindra, said, Tech Mahindra is committed to providing world-class security, delivering trusted and mission-critical services to customers globally. This partnership with Palo Alto Networks is in line with our Nxt.Now framework, to bring global scale with cybersecurity experts along with its MSSP services covering security for cloud, endpoint, network and application managed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation.

With this specialization, Tech Mahindra will amplify its MSSP offerings with a wide variety of services catering to all solution towers like application security, network security and cloud security. Further, it will bring different security services under a single and flexible customizable offering.

Anil Valluri, Regional Vice President for India and SAARC at Palo Alto Networks, said, With the increased adoption of the hybrid work model, it is critical for organizations to ensure that infrastructure and resources essential for work remain available and secure. This partnership with Tech Mahindra will help provide an end-to-end approach towards cybersecurity, and meet customer needs in a dynamic security market, helping organizations simply and securely navigate digital transformation.

As part of NXT.NOW framework, which aims to enhance Human Centric Experience, Tech Mahindra focuses on investing in emerging technologies and solutions that enable digital transformation and meet the evolving needs of the customer.
DB Schenker, a global supply chain and logistics provider, announced the start of construction of its third expansion phase with another mega logistics centre at Dubai Souths Logistics District, bringing the total contract logistics footprint in Dubai to 84,000 sq m by June 2022.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, Christopher Smith, CEO of DB Schenker Middle East Africa, Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of Logistics District, Dubai South and Ako Djaf Vice President Contract Logistics/ SCM Middle East and Africa, DB Schenker; among other senior executives from both organizations.

The new state-of-the-art, green logistics centre will have a 37,000-sq-m warehouse space that includes a 5,000-sq-m mezzanine area dedicated for value-added services and spare-parts operations, in addition to temperature-controlled areas and ambient-temperature zones. It will also utilise 100% renewable energy and act as a distribution hub for the GCC.

In his comments, Ako Djaf said: The new warehouse is a necessary step to accommodate the increasing demand of our customers for best in-class services and unique solutions that DB Schenker is providing in the UAE market. The project also confirms our commitment to operating sustainably, and we want to underpin our leading ecological position in the UAE market by reducing CO2 emissions and costs, which is a competitive advantage for our customers and us.

Dubai South has been at the forefront of the e-commerce and logistics sectors in delivering Dubais first dual-licensed, hybrid-bonded facilities. Its success can be demonstrated with its host of global and regional players that benefit from Dubai Souths customer-centric processes with its seamless, multimodal connectivity between road, air and sea transportation.

Mohsen Ahmad said: DB Schenkers expansion at Dubai South is a testament to our bespoke, customised services and fast-paced ecosystem that benefits from centralisation and economies of scale, servicing the region as well as local markets. We will continue supporting our valued clientele and offering them optimal solutions to accommodate their expansion requirements to meet their demands to grow their business.

DB Schenker in the Middle East and Africa region has facilitated the market entry of many international companies to expand their footprints across the globe in this high potential market.

This has made the company one of the fastest growing logistics service providers in the region expanding the total area of its operated logistics canters from 40,000 to 325,000 sq m in the last seven years.-TradeArabia News Service
Global hospitality group IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed the deal for InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road, the second hotel to be developed under the master development agreement with Riva Development Company via its wholly-owned subsidiary Riva Hospitality for Hotel Services Company.

Pioneering luxury travel since 1946, this year, the iconic InterContinental brand is celebrating its 75th Diamond anniversary. The brand also has a strong legacy in Saudi Arabia, having opened InterContinental Riyadh, in 1975 - IHG, has since positioned itself as one of the largest hospitality players in the country.

InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road is the second of at least seven hotels to be announced with the partner, with all openings set to take place in Saudi Arabia across IHGs portfolio of brands in the coming years, said the statement from IHG.

The hotel will represent the best-in-class product with a refreshed, modern design, and will feature 250 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 150-unit apartments as part of InterContinental Residences as well as a pool, fitness centre and spa where guests can relax and rejuvenate, it stated.

The latest development follows the signing of Hotel Indigo Riyadh King Abdallah Road, it added.

Expected to open in March 2025, InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road will add to IHGs current brand portfolio of nine operating InterContinental hotels in the Kingdom.

On the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: "As part of our continued growth strategy, and in line with the Saudi Tourism Development Strategy, we are proud to partner with Riva as we expand our presence in the kingdom."

"IHG has a strong and credible reputation in the luxury segment through the iconic InterContinental brand which has enjoyed great success in Saudi Arabia over the last four decades. InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road will be a brand defining property and will offer guests exceptional experiences immersed in local hospitality and international service excellence," he stated.

The new property will feature a business centre, 784 sq m of meeting and events space including a 600 sqm ballroom to cater to the demands of business travellers visiting Saudi capital, he added.

Engineer Mugbel Bin Suleiman Al Thukair, the Co-founder, Riva Development Company and Chairman of Riva Hospitality for Hotel Services Company, expressed delight at the first signing of seven hotels to be opened with IHG in Saudi Arabia.

"InterContinental is an iconic and prestigious brand, with a long-standing reputation in Saudi Arabia and we look forward to working alongside IHG to bring provide guests with a luxurious and truly memorable experience when we open in 2025," he added.

IHG currently operates 38 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn , Staybridge Suites and voco with a further 20 hotels in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.-TradeArabia News Service
Pearson, the worlds learning company, has announced its new online events series to highlight the expedite adoption of digital transformation solutions in the Higher Education.

The accelerated innovation and the need to embrace technological solutions for the education industry to remain competitive has helped many institutions achieve their strategic objectives of offering students flexibility in creating their own learning experiences.

According to the recent Pearson Global Learner Survey, as students around the world experienced a major virtual transition in learning since the outbreak of the pandemic, theyve gained life skills  both social and educational, that opened their eyes to the importance of continued perseverance, finding silver linings, and reassessing future paths based on those new skills. Digital transformation and adoption have led students to many opportunities, including greater use of learning analytics, more control on the pace of their learning, access to recorded lectures, increased engagement, and wider access to education.

In continuation to bring the fundamentals of learning during and post the pandemic to light, Pearson Middle East has crafted a selective collection of fireside chats with key thought leaders, interactive workshops, eye-opening webinars, digital innovation events, and much more to support the Higher Education community in the Middle East to get together, learn something new, exchange ideas and get inspired.

Majid Mneymneh, Vice President- Higher Education, Pearson Middle East, commented: Even before Covid-19, there was already high growth and adoption in education technology, with global edtech investments reaching $18.66 billion in 2019 and the overall market for online education projected to reach $350 billion by 2025. Technology is bound to play a vital role in the new era of learning and teaching. Implementation of innovative techniques to teaching is becoming as important as innovation. The pandemic prompted a newfound urgency to reinvent the curriculum and offer flexible learning.

To address the challenges in the new normal for the education industry requires a global approach and cannot be addressed by individual institutions. At Pearson, we aim to generate thought-provoking discussion with key industry leaders and educators through this series to support universities and educational institutions in the UAE and across the Middle East region at this challenging yet exciting time.

The first webinar which was scheduled on July 6 2021 titled Optimise STEM skills with Virtual Labs had Heather Myler  Head of Instructional Design, Beyond Labz and Fouad Ibrahim  Digital Advisor, Pearson Higher Education discuss strategies to support, engage and assess students with virtual immersive experiments.

On July 7, 2021, the organisation scheduled an interactive workshop to address the key Soft Skills for todays changing work demands with Lamis Hezbawi  Learning Advisor for Career and Student Success, Pearson Higher Education.

Most employers today complain of millennials, school leavers, university graduates or perhaps simply youngsters lacking the soft skills needed in todays workplace. Lamis Hezbawi will dig deep into the relative importance of soft skills at the workplace and how these skills can be developed.

On July 13 2021, another interactive webinar with Ahmed Samir  Learning Advisor at Pearson Higher Education will highlight the importance of offering proctoring exams. The need to offer a consistent, streamlined testing experience and reach more candidates  even those in rural geographies  by offering the convenience of at-home testing has resulted in a huge demand for proctored exams. The webinar will uncover the benefits of fully web-based solution designed to run as a stand-alone experience to offer candidates the comfort and convenience of taking remote tests using their own equipment, with minimum prerequisites.

On July 14, 2021, a fireside chat on Refining College and Career Readiness to Improve Success with Dr David Conley  Professor Emeritus of Educational Policy and Leadership, University of Oregon and Lamis Hezbawi  Learning Advisor for Career and Student Success, Pearson Higher Education will address the development of the skill set and mindset that will help equip all students to succeed academically and professionally.

July 27, 2021 will host the last webinar for July with Helen Miller, an expert in Pearson MyLab and Mastering. The webinar will focus on MyLab Management and how it helps educators connect with students meaningfully, even from a distance. This digital platform helps educators activate learning to fully engage learners, assess their work online and make use of interactive tools to decide what to teach and how best to teach it. -- TradeArabia News Service
Clemenceau Medical Centre Hospital Dubai (CMC-Dubai) has hosted a reception in honour of Roland Diggelmann, CEO of British multinational medical equipment manufacturing company Smith + Nephew.

Diggelmann is on a visit to the UAE to commemorate Smith + Nephews collaboration with CMC-Dubai to introduce the CORI Surgical System  a state-of-the-art robotics platform for both total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty applications being used for the very first time anywhere in EMEA.

The reception was attended by renowned Emirati Orthopedic surgeon and robotic surgery specialist Dr Ali Al Belooshi  with whom CMC Dubai has partnered to operate the CORI Surgical System, making him the first to perform a robotic-assisted surgery in EMEA using CORIs pioneering technology  as well as senior executives of Clemenceau Medical Centre Hospital including Abdulrahman Khansaheb, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Dr Mounes Kalaawi, Chairman of Clemenceau Medicine International (CMI) and Group CEO of Clemenceau Medical Centre Hospital, and Basel Aboujalala, Managing Director of Middle East and Africa at Smith + Nephew.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Abdulrahman Khansaheb, Clemenceau Medical Centre Hospital Dubai, said: Our hospital is already home to some of the worlds most advanced and exclusive surgical devices and medical technologies, and now with the addition of CORI, which practically redefines the concept of robotic surgery by allowing for more precise and minimally-invasive surgical procedures, we reinforce our reputation as a pioneer in the regions dynamic healthcare sector. Its a matter of pride to us that were the first hospital in EMEA to bring this cutting-edge solution from Smith + Nephew to patients, and we are very pleased to welcome their CEO Diggelmann to our premises and introduce him to our state-of-the-art facilities.

Diggelmann said: Ive been watching in awe the giant leaps that UAE has been taking in the field of healthcare innovation, and its great to see Clemenceau Medical Centre Hospital being at the centre of this transformation, taking the lead in embracing tomorrows technologies and introducing new medical solutions that benefit patients and give them more control over their health, in the process helping cement UAEs place on the global healthcare map.

The CORI Surgical System is small, portable, and designed for todays crowded operating rooms. It uses surgeon-controlled robotics, and its modular design will enable it to be scaled across the orthopedic service line. The benefits of robotics-assisted surgery for patients are myriad and may include improved patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and shortened length of hospital stay.

-- TradeArabia News Service
Siemens Mobility has been awarded $3.4 billion in contracts in the US to design, manufacture and technically support 73 multi-powered trains for Amtrak, the national railroad passenger corporation.



There is also a possibility for up to 140 additional trains and further maintenance agreements. The order is the Railroads latest endeavour to acquire the most sustainable and efficient trains on the market, which include dual powered and hybrid battery vehicles.



The trains will operate across the Northeast Corridor and across various state-supported routes, including operations in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. With expanded capacity and the ability to shorten trip time, Amtrak expects the new trains will add over 1.5 million riders annually.



These new trains will reshape the future of rail travel by replacing our aging 40-to-50-year old fleet with state-of-the-art, American-made equipment, said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn. This investment is essential to preserving Northeast Regional and state-supported services for the future and will allow our customers to travel comfortably and safely, while reducing carbon emissions.



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, CEO of Siemens Mobility.



Accompanying the manufacturing contract will be a long-term service agreement for technical support, spare parts and material supply. The trains include wireless communications, remote monitoring and fully integrated digital diagnostics for increased reliability. These advanced features will enable Amtrak to test and develop new technology and introduce new maintenance approaches to drive efficiency, increase availability and reduce long term costs.



The order includes dual power and hybrid battery trains. The first will be delivered in 2024, while the first of its kind Venture Hybrid battery train will begin testing in 2025. The trains for the Northeast Corridor and State Supported routes will be delivered from 2024 through 2030. Through the use of multi-power systems, including hybrid battery operation, they will also provide a substantial environmental benefit through reduced emissions compared to the existing fleet.



The latest trains will feature more comfortable seating, individual power outlets and USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting and panoramic windows, a more contemporary food service experience, including self-service options, as well as state-of-the-art customer trip information, digital seat reservation system and navigation display systems. The trains were designed with the latest health and safety standards, including enhanced HVAC, touchless restroom controls, and automated steps.



In addition, they will be designed with Amtraks new standard of enhanced accessible features, including inductive hearing loops, accessible restrooms and vestibules, accessible Food Service car, and lifts for customers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. The trains meet all the latest safety regulations and standards, providing improved structural safety.



The trains will be manufactured at Siemens Mobilitys North American rail manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California and will comply with the Federal Railroad Administration Buy America Standards.  TradeArabia News Service
Dutch firm Damen Shipyards Group has concluded a licence agreement with US-based Conrad Industries to construct two Damen Multi Cats 3013 for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, a press release stated.

The two vessels covered by this agreement will be the first Damen Multi Cats to be built in the US. Fully compliant with the US Coast Guard and US Army Corps of Engineers stability criteria, the Multi Cat is the ideal platform for dredging support operations.

"This is a milestone moment for the US shipping industry and our company," said Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp CEO Lasse Patterson. "The Multi Cats will give us the ability to dredge with enhanced operating efficiencies needed to maintain our shorelines and waterways."

With its large winches and deck cranes, the Multi Cat can perform a wide range of tasks including handling submerged and floating pipelines as well as anchor handling and logistics supply.

Damen Sales Manager Daan Dijxhoorn said: "These Damen Technical Cooperation (DTC) licencing agreements are a means by which US-based operators are able to access Damens vessel portfolio in a manner fully compliant with the Jones Act. Licence holders construct the vessel themselves in the country, drawing upon Damens experience in the engineering and production of the platform and on Damens support throughout the building process."

Construction of the first Multi Cat will begin on July 13.
Aveva, a global leader in industrial software, has reaffirmed its support for power providers joining the new breed of digital-industrial companies that are changing their business models to take full advantage of new digital capabilities.

The companys domain expertise across different segments of the electricity value network underscores its ability to speak to the varied needs of power providers globally.

It is uniquely placed to offer cutting-edge solutions for power operators to deliver safe, resilient, sustainable, and efficient services while minimising risk and lowering total cost of operations.

Today, the key players in the power and utilities sector are striving to balance the fuel mix through big data analytics, accelerating the adoption of natural gas and renewables; optimising plant operations by using analytics to reduce cost and emissions while maximising economic output; and developing new ways to interact with customers. The speed and scale of the digital transformation is impacting multiple industries. The digital agenda is being driven by a combination of technologies from cloud, analytics, mobile, machine learning to IoT.

Together, these technologies are putting data and intelligence at the centre of new business models. Industries, companies and business leaders are grappling with a world that is more volatile and more complex, yet demands greater agility, more speed, and more digital competence.

Although power companies are making progress on digital transformation and many have adopted technologies that would be considered disruptivesuch as AI, analytics, and machine learning - many are still weighing up and exploring the opportunities. Avevas comprehensive industrial solutions portfolio ranges from the Digital Twin, Asset Strategy and Asset Performance Management to Connected Worker and Mobile Operator Rounds all designed to enhance digital acceleration and the utilisation of cloud technologies across the power sector.

Aveva has a track record of co-innovation with major power and utilities customers globally who rely on Aveva solutions to increase efficiency and safety of workers, improve plant reliability, reduce risks, augment productivity and advance overall business performance with transformative digital and cloud solutions.

 Leading global producer and distributer of electricity and gas ENEL recently deployed AI-infused Aveva Predictive Analytics to drive its autonomous plant vision. Today, Avevas solutions are enabling ENEL to optimise the performance and reliability of its assets and to improve business performance. The solutions empowered ENELs workforce to pivot overnight to working from home when the pandemic struck, ensuring resiliency and sustainable delivery of critical services.

 Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) in Mexico, deployed Aveva Smart Grid portfolio to align its assets, operations and workforce to international standards and supply reliable and sustainable electricity across the country.

 US-based Duke Energy is an electric utility company that has also leveraged Avevas predictive asset analytics software to centrally monitor its power generation assets. The company has saved USD $50 million through reduced failures, including a saving of USD $ 30 million from a single early catch event.

The process of digital transformation is not as straightforward as it sounds. It requires investing in infrastructure and new technologies; changing mindsets, public policies, and business models; investing in people through education and on-the-job skills upgrading and developing open standards and ensuring interoperability. It also will require the highest degree of cyber security against potential data privacy and system security risks.

The current challenging macro-economic environment means that it is even more vital for power companies to equip themselves with technologies that will modernise legacy systems and processes to propel them into the digital future. Avevas solutions portfolio, supports this approach by offering power customers a holistic view of the asset lifecycle and value chain. This helps customers to greatly improve operational safety and eliminate information silos from across IT and OT systems, and also improving collaborative efficiencies in the process.

The rapid move to industrial sector digital transformation was not affected by the pandemic, with even more power industry players realising the importance of having high data availability and embracing a cloud-first approach to increase efficiencies, automate processes, maximise productivity and ensure continuity in all events, said Evgeny Fedotov, Senior Vice President and Head of EMEA, Aveva. Our solutions are helping to play a critical role in enabling companies from all sectors to transform their organisations, through technology, to become more resilient, reliable and efficient. The power sector is currently undergoing a digital transformation that will continue to play out for the next few year to come and it is this transformation that is enhancing the way energy is produced, delivered, and consumed.

-- TradeArabia News Service
Qatar Petroleum (QP) has entered into a 15-year LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with CPC Corporation, Taiwan (CPC) for the supply of 1.25 million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG.



The SPA was signed Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and Shun-Chin Lee, the President and Acting Chairman of CPC, during a virtual ceremony attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, CEO of Qatargas and senior officials from both sides.



Pursuant to the agreement, LNG deliveries will commence in January 2022, and will be delivered to CPCs receiving LNG terminals. This SPA further demonstrates the State of Qatars continued commitment to meeting the growing energy requirements of its customers around the world in the form of reliable long-term LNG supplies.



Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said: We are pleased to enter into this long term LNG SPA, which is another milestone in our relationship with CPC, which dates back to almost three decades. We look forward to commencing deliveries under this SPA and to continuing our supplies as a trusted and reliable global LNG provider.



We are grateful to CPC and all our customers around the world for selecting us as their trusted LNG supplier of choice. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management of CPC and the negotiating teams from both sides for their efforts in concluding this SPA. I also would like to offer my thanks and gratitude to Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, CEO of Qatargas, for his valuable contribution, to achieve this important milestone, he concluded.



Since the first LNG delivery in March 2006 to date, CPC has received more than 63 million tons of LNG from Qatar.  TradeArabia News Service
From April to June, Hong Kongs exhibition scene has been picking up more momentum with the return of a series of close to 20 physical exhibitions at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Featuring a wide variety of products and services ranging from technology, and lifestyle, to arts and jewellery, the successful fairs attracted over a million visits under the pandemic, which is a promising sign for the exhibition industry.

The positive response clearly indicates that the value of physical shows is high and Hong Kong has demonstrated how to safely and seamlessly resume large-scale business events gradually, and pave the way for further recovery including international conventions and trade fairs.

Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said: "We are delighted to see such a strong pick-up in demand for physical fairs. These events are a good demonstration of Hong Kong's readiness to welcome business events of any scale, and also an encouraging sign for the exhibition industry that the physical show is invaluable and we are very much looking forward to a resumption of more trade fairs in the coming months.

Inaugural physical show drives future of business

GOVirtual Business Expo is newly launched to provide a one-stop trade platform to support enterprises to unlock and capture the boundless potential of virtual business in the post-pandemic economy, and to encourage active interactions between tech industry and business sectors which will inspire frequent cooperation, says Culsin Li, Managing Director of Baobab Tree Event, organiser of GOVirtual Business Expo, with which the GS1 HK Summit is co-located.

We are thankful to host this new show safely and help our visitors to explore virtual business opportunities, and technology and business trends in the Greater Bay Area, Li added.

Positive feedback, remarkable attendance

Priscilla Lo, Director of Hongkong-Asia Exhibition (Holdings) Ltd., organiser of the 18th Hong Kong Mega Showcase, the 19th Hong Kong Food Festival, the 21st Hong Kong Homex 2021 and the e-Expo & Auto HK, was ecstatic about the impressive attendance during the pandemic. "We are glad to see that our efforts paid off as our exhibitors and visitors alike were very satisfied with the overall arrangements. Were grateful to HKCEC for its support and flexibility to enable the smooth and safe delivery of our events," she shares.

Hygiene and safety are our top priority, says HML

"By implementing stringent preventive measures at the HKCEC and working closely with organisers, a number of well-attended exhibitions and conferences have been held safely and successfully since January 2021. The safety of visitors, users and staff of HKCEC is paramount. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML) ensures that organisers integrate preventive measures in event arrangements and in compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, assures Monica Lee-Muller, Managing Director of HML.

First HKTDC physical show since Covid taps into pent-up demand

The five-day inaugural Lifestyle ShoppingFest of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) delivered a one-stop shopping experience for over 55,000 consumers keen to explore a broad selection of products, from global delicacies to fine jewellery and much more, presented by 430 exhibitors.

Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC said that the positive response to the new event reflected the fact that physical shows are irreplaceable. "We are pleased that our inaugural Lifestyle ShoppingFest was held successfully, with 75 per cent of exhibitors believing physical shows can help boost their business, while 82 per cent of visitors were satisfied with the health and safety measures at the show. Next, the HKTDC will host three concurrent trade fairs in July, its first B2B events since the onset of the pandemic.

Strengthening the citys position as a leading exhibition hub

The citys recent success in hosting physical events in a safe and seamless manner and the enthusiastic response from the public, together with the strong free venue rental support from the HKSAR government, all are solid encouragement for the citys upcoming B2B trade shows, such as Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong held by Informa Markets in late June, the inaugural HKTDC International Sourcing Show and TKS Exhibitions International Travel Expo Hong Kong in July, just a few of the citys even stronger line-up in the third quarter.

Lee-Muller of HML highlighted: The Governments Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme can certainly strengthen our competitiveness in attracting exhibitors and buyers and reinforce the citys position as the regions leading exhibition hub. The subsidy scheme will be extended for six months to June 30, 2022 to benefit more convention and exhibition activities and enhance the confidence of event organisers in staging activities in Hong Kong. - TradeArabia News Service
The regional travel & tourism contribution to GDP in the Middle East decreased significantly in 2020, dropping by 51.1%, compared to the average global decline of 49.1%, said the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in a new report.



While domestic spending declined by 42.8%, international receipts saw a much steeper fall of 70.3%, added the new annual Economic Trends Report from WTTC.



The region, which was highly reliant on international tourism in 2019, saw international spending as a share of total Travel & Tourism spending decline from 62% of the total in 2019 to 46% in 2020.



Meanwhile, domestic spending grew in share, from 38% of the total in 2019 to 54% in 2020. In 2020, travel & tourism employment fell by 17.4%, equating to 1.2 million jobs. In Saudi Arabia, employment decreased by 10.1%, while the drop in the Kingdoms domestic travel spending was 30.9%.



Across both indicators, the declines were less severe than in the rest of the Middle East. To minimise the effect of Covid-19, the Saudi government introduced several support and recovery measures that are likely to have helped. A subsidy worth SR9 billion ($2.4 billion) supported the salaries of Saudis in the private sector, including travel & tourism.



Tourism fees were dropped, and training programmes in July 2020 were organised to coincide with a Saudi Summer Season marketing campaign designed to stimulate domestic travel to ten destinations.



Meanwhile, in the UAE, Travel & Tourism GDP contracted by 60.3%, a steeper decline compared with regional and global average, mainly due to countrys strong reliance on international spending which witnessed a significant drop.



Travel & tourism GDP in Africa dropped 49.2% in 2020, in line with the global average. Domestic spending declined by 42.8%, while international spending saw a much steeper contraction at 66.8%.





Globally, Asia Pacific was the region hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the travel sectors contribution to GDP dropping a damaging 53.7%, compared to the global fall of 49.1%, according to the report.



International visitor spending was particularly hard hit across Asia Pacific, falling by 74.4%, as many countries across the region closed their borders to inbound tourists. Domestic spending witnessed a lower but equally punishing decline of 48.1%.



Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: WTTC data has laid bare the devastating impact the pandemic has had on Travel & Tourism around the world, leaving economies battered, millions without jobs and many more fearing for their future.



Our annual Economic Trends Report shows just how much each region has suffered at the hands of the crushing travel restrictions brought in to control the spread of Covid-19.



WTTC believes governments around the world should take advantage of their vaccine rollouts, which could significantly ease travel restrictions on travel, and help power the wider global economic recovery, Messina added.



The report showed domestic spending in Europe declined by 48.4%, offset by some intra-regional travel, however international spending fell at an even sharper rate, by 63.8%. Despite this, Europe remained the top global region for international visitor spending.



The WTTC Economic Trends Report shows how the Travel & Tourism sector enables socio-economic development, job creation, and significant positive social impact, including providing unique opportunities to women, minorities, and youth.



It suggests that the sector will pivot and adapt to ultimately return stronger post Covid-19, identifying trends already gaining traction and exploring the shifts that may be required to sustain travel & tourism in the future.



From a demand perspective, Covid-19 is transforming traveller inclinations and behaviours toward the familiar, predictable, trusted and towards perceived low risk destinations. According to the report, more regional holidays, with extensive research and planning, and the great outdoors, will reign in the short-term.



Covid-19 is also proving to be a catalyst in the travel & tourism sectors quest for innovation and the integration of new technologies such as biometrics, which would enable a more seamless traveller experience.



As global travel & tourism starts seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and work to accelerate the resumption of safe international travel takes place, it is essential the sector rebuilds trust to travel. While the pent-up demand is significant, ever-changing travel restrictions have affected consumer confidence to book.  TradeArabia News Service
Oracle has announced that Saudi Arabia's Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has completed a major Oracle Cloud implementation supporting the organisations objective in enabling investors and drive the development of Saudis tourism sector.

With a capital of $4 billion, TDF aims to be the key enabler of tourism development in the kingdom. By providing financing solutions for investors, TDF is planning to drive the development of distinguished tourism projects in various regions of the kingdom, thereby accelerating the National Tourism Strategys goal of raising the tourism sectors contribution from 3% to 10% by 2030 and creating 1 million new jobs by 2030.

The implementation, which spans Oracle Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud solutions, is designed to drive automation and integration of TDFs core functions including core banking, finance, human resources and procurement.

By implementing a Cloud First strategy, TDF is driving data integration and unified business processes across its core functions, resulting in a number of benefits such as increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved controls, said the statement from Oracle.

Streamlined operations and enhanced connectivity will better position TDF to enable the investors driving the development of Saudis tourism sector.

Yasser Alkhathlan, Executive Director Business Technology of TDF, said: "The Oracle Cloud implementation is key to our success, enabling us to respond quickly and transparently to businesses that operate in the tourism ecosystem."

"The integration and automation of core business functions also allows us to scale our operations quickly and securely, introduce innovative solutions to support tourism sector SMEs, and monitor the performance of our fund in real time," he noted.

"We are now also running a pilot project with Oracle to explore the implementation of Artificial Intelligence capabilities to drive further automation and deliver an unmatched customer and employee experience," he added.

The Oracle Cloud implementation includes the migration of core IT systems to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and the implementation of Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM).

Alkhathlan said: "We also have confidence in Oracles services given that their next generation cloud region is in Jeddah, and that it is also a certified Level 1 cloud provider, as defined by the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) in Saudi Arabia."

"Since its cloud solutions are hosted in the country, they are aligned with the Kingdoms Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework (CCRF) and compliant with the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) security models," he added.

Fahad Al Turief, Oracle's Managing Director (Saudi Arabia) and VP (Cloud) for Saudi Arabia and LEENA markets, said: "With this end-to-end implementation, TDF is realizing all the benefits of cloud including lower total cost of ownership, improved agility and secure performance, access to upgrades, and the ability to continuously innovate."

"TDF is a true catalyst for Saudi Arabias tourism sector and with this initiative, the organization now has access to a connected business platform that will result in further enhanced operations," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
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In a statement the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) said the UAPA and other draconian laws must be immediately repealed to end the arbitrary, wrongful and unnecessary incarceration of all peace and justice-loving Human Rights Defenders, political activists, journalists, academicians, artists and others.

NEW DELHI  Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has condemned the complicit role of the state in Father Stan Swamys death.

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We are deeply pained and outraged to learn about the death of Father Stan Swamy under judicial custody, ACPR said in a statement.

APCR said that Father Stanislaus Lourduswamy was a priest and human rights defender who dedicated and sacrificed his life in seeking rights and justice for the marginalised. The NIA arrested Swamy for alleged links to Maoist forces in the Bhima Koregaon violence case and booked him under the draconian UAPA law. The 84-year-old was kept in jail for more than nine months and denied bail sought on medical grounds.

Stan Swamy had been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease before being jailed and contracted Covid-19 while in prison but the NIA since October repeatedly opposed his bail request in court through its inhuman arguments of no conclusive proof of his medical ailments.

APCR General Secretary, Malik Motasim Khan said, Stan lives in our struggles and memories and we pay our homage to this brave human rights defender who not only devoted his whole life for the cause of the poor and downtrodden but also sparked the flames of struggle in the hearts of many.

He further said, The custodial death of Father Stan Swamy is a perfect example which depicts how the process becomes punishment whenever the principles of natural justice and human rights are undermined in the hands of authoritarian governments.

APCR said that, the UAPA and other draconian laws must be immediately repealed to end the arbitrary, wrongful and unnecessary incarceration of all peace and justice-loving Human Rights Defenders, political activists, journalists, academicians, artists and others. The overcrowded prisons should be decongested and our prison system should be compassionate and humane enough which meets the basic human rights standards. Our punitive criminal justice system calls for urgent reforms to make it more accountable, sensitive and responsive which is competent enough to safeguard the rights and civil liberties of the people of India from power.

We extend our deepest condolences to Father Stan Swamy and his family and loved ones. His contributions and values will always be remembered and will work as fuel to ignite our fight for rights and justice, APCR said.
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:
Hart, Miles

On Thursday, July 8, 2021, Miles Ezra Hart, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in his home after battling cancer while surrounded by his loving family members. His family often referred to him as 'Ez," but most knew him by Miles. He was born and raised in Parma, Missouri, on August 6, 1940, to parents Roosevelt and Sylvia (Ramsey) Hart. On April 14, 1961, he married Wanda Louise Morrow-Hart, and they raised two children, Scott and Ginger. Miles joined the navy in 1960 where he was a boilerman, and was stationed in California on the aircraft carrier, USS Ranger,where he served a total of four years. He later graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy in Frankfort, KY on April 10, 1967, and retired as "Detective Sergeant" in July of 1988, after twenty one years of service. Miles further served the Commonwealth of Kentucky as Henderson County Jailer and Jailer Elect from March 1997 to August, 2005. After retiring from the state police, Miles had a passion for intricate woodworking and created detailed wooden miniatures of steam engine locomotives, ships, farm equipment, and automobiles. He painstakingly carved each and every piece down to the smallest of pieces, the size of toothpicks. They were often displayed at art shows where many could admire and purchase his rare carved pieces. He was especially known for his quick wit, his infectious laughter, and most of all, his jokes and storytelling. In fact, up until his last day, he was sharing humor with all of those around him. Miles was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt and Sylvia Hart, and siblings Lucy Bennett, Hank Hart, Vera Ross, Clarice Goldsmith, and Ruth Jennings. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, his two children-son, Scott (Cindy) Hart; daughter, Ginger (Robert) Hornbrook; grandchildren-Rachel Hart-Bubnis, Matthew Hart, Michael Hart, and Addilyn Hornbrook; sister, Helen Hart-McClintick; and many in laws, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1 PM, Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home located at 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray, KY 42071. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1 PM at the same location. All friends and family are invited to attend. Online condolences may be left at www.imesfh.com Imes Funeral Home and Crematory, downtown Murray, is in charge of arrangements.
People display China's national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in support of implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" at Tamar Park in Hong Kong, March 6, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

In an appalling move that should have shocked anyone with a conscience anywhere in the world, the Hong Kong University Students' Union Council on Wednesday night observed "a minute of silence" for the death of Leung Kin-fai, who took his own life after stabbing an on-duty police officer in the back in a busy street in Hong Kong on the night of July 1.

The council then proceeded to pass a motion to express its "deep sadness" at the assailant's death, as well as its "appreciation for his sacrifice to Hong Kong". Such a brazen display of contempt for human decency and the most basic moral standards in no way represents the will of the majority of HKU students; and it could not have been sanctioned by them.

Obviously, it is another stunt by those political zealots, whose minds and souls have been twisted by ideological bigotry and who have managed to get a grip on the council and made it a handy platform to promote their political agenda. There is no doubt they took such a hideous decision to vent their anger and frustration over their inability to further pursue their illegal political aspirations after the promulgation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, aside from other malicious purposes.

The student union council's glorification of an act that the authorities have described as homegrown terrorism could be viewed by others who have been politically radicalized in the city as a call to action. With or without such an evil intention, those political fanatics in the HKUSU Council behind the immoral beautifying of attempted murder are in effect condoning and encouraging terrorist attacks.

The HKUSU Council's move to turn the attacker into a martyr came just a few days after University of Hong Kong law professor Johannes Chan Man-mun justified paying tribute to the attacker by saying that people might be mourning his death "out of sympathy". Chan's apologist stance and rhetoric have surprised few in Hong Kong: Like "Occupy Central" co-founder and former University of Hong Kong associate law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting, Chan has been a vocal supporter of the opposition camp in Hong Kong.

It is rather unfortunate for Hong Kong people that their most prestigious institution of higher education has been turned into a training camp for radicals by political demagogues operating under the guise of academics, who are brainwashed with ideological bigotry to the extent that they no longer see even the need to make any pretense of respecting human decency and morality, much less the rule of law.

Both Hong Kong's education chief Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and the spokesperson for the University of Hong Kong have rightly condemned the act of whitewashing violence and glorifying terrorism. But that is far from enough. Action must be taken to stop all political machinations on campuses, especially to rid them of the demagogues who keep poisoning young minds.
Several international chains have closed their stores and investors are putting their plans on hold. The departure of Norwegian telecom company Telenor is causing concern. Digital rights activist wonders: Will privacy still exist in Myanmar?

Yangon (AsiaNews)- Several international chains and brand names are divesting and pulling out of Myanmar.

Stores have closed due to "the changing operating environment", while the remaining foreign companies are cutting or stopping investments in the country.

In recent days, the US company Auntie Anne's, Chinas Little Sheep and Taiwans bubble tea franchise KOI The have left Myanmar.

Norwegian telecom operator Telenors decision to sell all of its activities in Myanmar to the Lebanese M1 group for US$ 105 million is causing concern.

Telenor entered Myanmar because we believed that access to affordable mobile services would support the countrys development and growth, said Telenor president Sigve Brekke.

However, The situation in Myanmar has over the past months become increasingly challenging for Telenor for people security, regulatory and compliance reasons. Hence, We have evaluated all options and believe a sale of the company is the best possible solution in this situation.

For Telenor, the sale agreement to the M1 group will guarantee the continuity of operations.

The Norwegian operator was one of four telecom operators present in the country, but when the military junta that took power in a coup on 1 February it cut off mobile and internet connections in an attempt to stifle popular resistance.

According to Oliver Spencer, an advisor at the digital rights group Free Expression Myanmar, Telenors departure from Myanmar will worsen the already limited digital rights locals have.

If Telenor leaves, all of that limited freedom that they had will also leave, he explained. Will privacy still exist in Myanmar? he wonders.

The arrival of foreign brands in recent years had allowed Myanmar to emerge from economic isolation, but after the coup, the economy has taken a nosedive.

The countrys banks have closed and according to the World Bank, the local economy is expected to shrink by 10 per cent.
by S. Roberta Pignone

Sister Roberta Pignone, missionary of the Immaculate Conception, is a doctor at Damien House. Speaking about COVID, the number of cases is underestimated, she said. The most affected areas are now those far from the big cities, where vaccines do not arrive. Yet, life goes on with the same pains and hardships.

Khulna (AsiaNews)  COVID-19 continues to strike very hard in Bangladesh. Sister Roberta Pignone, an Italian nun with the Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception, is a medical doctor. Since 2012, she has run Damien House, a medical facility located in Khulna, a city in southern Bangladesh, that treats leprosy and tuberculosis patients. She sent her testimony on the health situation in the country and on the daily life of a missionary in an age of pandemic.

A new very strict lockdown was imposed in Bangladesh on 1 July. People cannot leave home for any reason and there are no means to move, except by rickshaws, whose prices have doubled.

An attempt is underway to control a pandemic that has not yet reached its peak. I think the numbers of cases is underestimated. According to official sources, Bangladesh has reported 955,000 cases with 15,000 deaths.

If before large cities were mainly affected, now with the arrival of vaccines the situation is reversing. The hottest areas are those on the border with India, while cases have declined in urban areas.

People have not fully grasped the gravity of the situation. Many people go around without a mask, and social distancing and disinfection are far from being applied. People who have been infected often do not tell their contacts. Some decide to isolate themselves, while others continue to lead a normal life. Consequently, the number of unreported cases is certainly high.

There is great social stigma, but the problem of poverty is even greater. It is hard to make daily labourers understand the situation if they face the risk of dying from hunger because they cannot work due to the lockdown.

If the poor stay at home and don't work, how can they buy food? This question affects my choices regarding the hospital. As soon as I returned from Italy, I made sure that the children who work with me and their relatives were vaccinated.

As soon as the second dose was done, vaccines were no longer available in the country. All this tells me that once again there is a special protection for us and I do not think it is accidental, because we are thus able to continue our work with tuberculosis and leprosy patients. Protected by the vaccine we can do and give more.

I don't know what will become of the country; it could end up like India. We are starting to run out of oxygen. People are demanding the health minister resign. Yet, life goes on.

Yesterday I was talking to a patient who comes in for treatment. She is a very intelligent, lively young woman, who worked in an office and caught tuberculosis in a hospital operating room during a medical procedure.

With COVID, she and her husband lost their jobs and can now eat only thanks to her sisters generosity. Thanks to the almost daily visits, she began to confide in me. Yesterday she told me that she thought she was pregnant but thank goodness it turned out that she was just late.

I told her to be careful and try to avoid becoming pregnant now, but as I explained the periods to pay attention to, she replied: Do you think my husband listens? I asked her what her husband was like: He beats her and, in her home, things are done only as he says. She then told me: You were right not to get married, getting married means ruining your life.

I tried to make her understand that I too am married, in another way. She is a Muslim, but she told me that she understood and that for sure mine is the best husband you can find. In her eyes I was lucky, she was not.

This is a situation we deal with every day. Our patients keep coming, with their illnesses, their pains and their hardships and they help us in some way to keep our feet on the ground.

I ask the Lord to continue giving me the strength and ability to be close to my people like this, without ever getting tired, without ever trying to put my interests first.

The strength comes to me from the Lord, who never stopped making me feel his closeness, his care, and his comfort, so that I too can continue to be the same for these people.
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.
In the night three rockets hit the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. In recent days there has been an escalation of violence. The attacks celebrated by pro-Iranian Shiite militias active in the country. Iraqi analyst: the operations are a "show of force," but "have no effect on Washington's presence in Iraq."

Baghdad (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Three rockets grazed the US embassy in Iraq in the early hours of today. The attack came after yesterday local militiamen launched one of the most important operations in recent months against U.S. interests in the country. They included an attempted drone assault in neighboring Syria, confirming a climate of instability denounced by the Chaldean Patriarch, Card. Louis Raphael Sako.

The raids are rarely claimed or have a clear matrix; however, they are almost always carried out by pro-Iranian Shiite militias present on the territory. The assaults of the last 24 hours come eight days after a series of air raids by the air force in Syria and Iraq against the guerrillas of the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), now an integral part of the Iraqi armed forces, with 12 victims among the militiamen. The leadership of Hashad immediately promised "revenge".

In this climate of tension, three rockets rained down during the night near the US embassy in Baghdad. The C-RAM defense batteries went into action, in an attempt to defuse the attack, which did not reach the diplomatic representation, but fell on an area not far from the green zone of the capital. Yesterday afternoon the air base of Ain al-Assad, in the western Iraqi desert, which hosts American soldiers, was in the crosshairs. At least 14 missiles fell during the assault claimed by the self-styled group "Brigades of revenge for the death of Al-Mohandis", without victims or wounded.

Since the beginning of the year there have been at least fifty assaults against US interests, with an escalation in recent days. The base of Ain al-Assad had already been targeted on July 5 by three rockets and, a few hours later, a drone tried to hit the U.S. Embassy, but it was also shot down by the C-RAM system.

The following day there was a new operation against the airport of Erbil, in the Iraqi Kurdistan, which hosts a base of the international coalition. For Iraqi analyst Ali Beder, interviewed by Afp, these operations are a "show of force", but "have no effect on the U.S. presence in Iraq". He points out that in the country are still deployed about 2,500 U.S. soldiers. The danger is represented by the use of drones, which can evade anti-aircraft defense systems better than missiles.
A bitter clash is under way between the two supposedly allied nations over production quotas. The Emirates were asking for an upward revision, after having increased extraction capacity. In the background is the struggle between the two hereditary princes for political, economic and commercial supremacy in the Middle East region. Experts say battle is inevitable.

Abu Dhabi (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Rivalry and tensions between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are driving up oil prices, which have reached the highest level in six weeks. On paper the two countries are allies in an anti-Iranian key: in reality they have long been competing for supremacy in the Gulf. In recent days there has been a bitter clash between the two kingdoms over production quotas, which has caused the Saudis to withdraw from the negotiating table and left the energy markets in limbo.

The 23 Opec+ member nation, which includes the organisation's top producers and allies such as Russia, have had to postpone negotiations indefinitely, fuelling fears of global instability. The group has been instrumental over the past 18 months in tackling the global economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a collapse in prices in the early stages.

The problem came to a head last week when the Emirates rejected a proposal by Opec+ leaders Saudi Arabia and Russia to extend production limits for another eight months. Abu Dhabi was calling for a renegotiation of the current baseline - the level from which cuts or increases are calculated - to ensure greater freedom of extraction. This request met with firm opposition from Moscow and Riyadh.

The negotiations took an anomalous turn when the energy ministers of the Emirates and the Saudis made their differences public. "The rift has come as a surprise, but perhaps the tussle was inevitable," says Ben Cahill, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "Abu Dhabi's production capacity is at odds with its Opec quota. It has invested a lot of money to raise its production. And now demand is picking up. That's why the UAE has been frustrated over the last year at its inability to increase production," he adds.

The personal ties between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his Abu Dhabi counterpart Mohammed bin Zayed, who in the past were instrumental in cementing the alliance between the two nations, are part of the clash. Both are seen as the de facto rulers and have ambitious visions.

For some time, there has been deep cooperation on strategic issues, but cracks have emerged in the past two years, starting with the withdrawal of Emirati troops from Yemen, leaving the Saudis alone in managing the war against the pro-Iranian Houthi. Moreover, in January the Emirates reluctantly accepted a Saudi-sponsored agreement to end the Qatari embargo. At the same time, Riyadh did not seem enthusiastic about Abu Dhabi's decision to normalise relations with Israel.

The cracks reached worrying levels in February, when Saudi Arabia issued an ultimatum to multinationals to relocate their regional headquarters in the kingdom by 2024, on pain of losing government contracts. The move was perceived as an attack on Dubai, the economic and commercial heart of the Middle East region. With the Wahhabi kingdom increasingly geared towards adopting an aggressive economic strategy, there are many areas where competition is strengthening, starting with tourism, financial services and technology.

"Saudi Arabia is the giant in the region which is now waking up. And at some level that's a concern for the Emiratis," says Neil Quilliam, an associate fellow at Chatham House in London. "In 15 to 20 years' time, if Saudi Arabia transforms into a dynamic economy, then that would be a threat for the Emirati economic model."
by Vladimir Rozanskij

It should strengthen guarantees for believers of all faiths. Facilitated registration and termination of religious associations. The measure has a very "European" character. Uzbek Islam still has strong fundamentalist traits.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Yesterday, Uzbek President Savkat Mirziyoyev signed the new version of the law "On freedom of conscience and religious associations", which provides a simplified procedure for the registration and termination of their activities. The document was published in the Parliament Official Gazette and has already entered into force.

Interfax reports that the measure aims to strengthen the guarantees of freedom of conscience and religious confession. It perfects the legal mechanisms that ensure that every citizen can freely profess his or her religious beliefs or refrain from professing any.

The new law reduces the number of citizens required to establish a religious community, mosque or church at the local level by half (now no more than 50 people are needed).

The requirement of 100 founders is also abolished for the creation of a central administrative body of the religious association, and for religious formation institutions. Suspension or termination of activities is delegated only to the courts, removing it from the registrars office.

The legislation establishes the professional status of religious education, which is prohibited from being taught outside the religious association's educational institution. It also removes the ban on appearing in public places wearing the clothing and vestments of one's own religion, which had caused controversy in the past.

The law has a very "European" character. Data released by the Uzbek Senate reveals that the law incorporates the recommendations of experts from various international organizations, including the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

According to the State Committee for Religious Affairs in Tashkent, in Uzbekistan 94% of the population professes Islam, 3.5% are Orthodox of the Moscow Patriarchate, and the remainder belong to other religious denominations.

Catholics number about 5,000, out of a population of 25 million inhabitants: they are organized in 5 parishes and are cared for by the Latin Rite Apostolic Administration of Uzbekistan. There is also a small community of Catholics of Byzantine rite, which depends on the special apostolic administration for Greek Catholics in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The apostolic nuncio in Moscow is also accredited to the government in Tashkent.

Uzbek Islam is not without fundamentalist traits. At the end of June, a group of Muslim faithful led by the rector of the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, Musaffar Kamilov, carried out an aggressive "inspection" in bookshops in the center of Tashkent: they wanted to check the extent to which the books sold corresponded to the ideology of the Islamic religion.

Kamilov, who is vice-president of the government's Committee for Religious Affairs, was accompanied by other Islamic authorities, such as the collaborator of the Center for Muslim Civilization Abror Abduazimov and the former Imam-khatib of the mosque in Tashlaksk (Fergana province), Sukryllo Egamberdiev.

They denounced some books as "contradicting our faith, in so far as "some volumes present the theses of orientalists, while they must first of all correspond to our religious convictions, then to the morals, traditions and customs of our people."

Books deemed "foreign" to Uzbek Islam include those on Western artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt, along with several others that for the inspectors "should be blocked at the border.
Officers and clinicians say their efforts have been held back by increased calls for service and limited staffing. There are just 20 part-time and full-time clinicians, and only 12 officers who have taken 40 hours of crisis intervention training, that are available to respond to behavioral health incidents in a county of nearly 830,000 residents.
People who received a vaccine were given guidance as to when and where to get their second shots if they opted for one of the two-dose shots. Those from out of state are encouraged to call their local health departments if they had more questions.
Health & Beauty



Mamey Fruit for Digestive Health and Weight Loss



The sweet fruit mamey contains about 9 grams of soluble and insoluble fiber per one cup serving which equates to almost half of the daily fiber recommendations (between 21 to 38 grams depending on your age and gender). Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Have you seen a strange looking fruit in the local stores that on the outside looks like a dirty potato and on the inside looks like a cross between a mango and a pumpkin? Well, that's the fruit, mamey!



Mamey is a nutrient rich fruit containing high amounts of vitamins C, A and B6, the minerals Copper, Iron and Potassium, as well as Fiber. Fiber is a carbohydrate that cannot be broken down by your digestive system, and is either soluble or insoluble.



So how does soluble and insoluble fiber aid in digestive health and weight loss?



Let's start with soluble fiber. This is fiber that a lot of people may not be aware of, but is very important for gut flora! Soluble fiber found in foods like mamey contributes to increases in good bacteria in your large intestine and actually nourishes them. Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and pass through the digestive system to the large intestine where it is turned into energy by gut bacteria. Different gut bacterial species play different roles in the body, such as blood sugar control, which contributes to weight loss, regulating metabolism, improving immunity and even assisting in brain function!



Conversely, insoluble fiber cannot dissolve in water and passes through the digestive system mostly unchanged and acts as an internal 'brush,' cleaning and bulking up the waste products in our stool as they exit the body. This type of fiber adds bulk to your gut, thereby suppressing your appetite by making you feel full so you eat less, and less food means less calories and a higher likelihood of healthy weight loss. The higher the fiber in foods, the better it is at reducing your appetite and extra food intake.



The sweet fruit mamey contains about 9 grams of soluble and insoluble fiber per one cup serving which equates to almost half of the daily fiber recommendations (between 21 to 38 grams depending on your age and gender). This fiber not only acts as a bulking agent, which stimulates smooth bowel movements, but also aids in intestinal bacterial health, which helps to delay the onset of hunger. Thirty percent of this fruit's carbohydrates come from starch and it is these complex carbohydrates that contribute to long-term satiety because they take us longer to digest.



Additionally, the insoluble fiber found in mamey take up space in your stomach to help you feel fuller on fewer calories, and its soluble fiber slows the rate at which digested food exits your stomach, lessening the need to eat more, all of which can contribute to healthy weight loss. However, at approximately 200 calories per fruit, it is not advisable to consume one every day if you are hoping to lose weight. Eating mamey in moderation has numerous excellent properties to aid in both digestive health and weight management.



This fruit has a unique and creamy taste and is often described as being a combination of pumpkin, apricot, and almond. The texture is similar to that of a mango, sweet potato and avocado mash-up, but try it for yourself and see what you think!



To select the best one for consumption, ensure it has been picked when it is mature because only mature fruit continue to ripen even after they are harvested. To check its maturity, slightly scratch the surface. Under the brown outer skin, it should not be green. Look for mamey with smooth skin, blemish, scratch, cut, crack, bruise and wrinkle free, and that is firm, not hard nor soft, to the touch. Think of the texture of an avocado to get a better gauge. Give this creamy mamey a try with my filling recipe below.



Mamey Satisfying Smoothie Recipe

Makes 1 serving



Ingredients

1 mamey

1 cup oat milk

1 tablespoon linseed

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon



Directions



Cup open the mamey, remove seed, and spoon fruit into a blender.



Add oat milk, linseed and cinnamon.



Blend well.



It will blend to a thick consistency, add more oat milk if needed.



This satisfying smoothie makes a great breakfast or snack option and will have you feeling full for hours!



Lonneke Botello Hernandez is a Clinical Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, who has experience in helping with many health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight, energy, joint health and many other areas. Contact her via the Aslon Antiaging Clinic Facebook page or website to see how she can help you on your health journey. - Have you seen a strange looking fruit in the local stores that on the outside looks like a dirty potato and on the inside looks like a cross between a mango and a pumpkin? Well, that's the fruit, mamey!Mamey is a nutrient rich fruit containing high amounts of vitamins C, A and B6, the minerals Copper, Iron and Potassium, as well as Fiber. Fiber is a carbohydrate that cannot be broken down by your digestive system, and is either soluble or insoluble.So how does soluble and insoluble fiber aid in digestive health and weight loss?Let's start with soluble fiber. This is fiber that a lot of people may not be aware of, but is very important for gut flora! Soluble fiber found in foods like mamey contributes to increases in good bacteria in your large intestine and actually nourishes them. Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and pass through the digestive system to the large intestine where it is turned into energy by gut bacteria. Different gut bacterial species play different roles in the body, such as blood sugar control, which contributes to weight loss, regulating metabolism, improving immunity and even assisting in brain function!Conversely, insoluble fiber cannot dissolve in water and passes through the digestive system mostly unchanged and acts as an internal 'brush,' cleaning and bulking up the waste products in our stool as they exit the body. This type of fiber adds bulk to your gut, thereby suppressing your appetite by making you feel full so you eat less, and less food means less calories and a higher likelihood of healthy weight loss. The higher the fiber in foods, the better it is at reducing your appetite and extra food intake.The sweet fruit mamey contains about 9 grams of soluble and insoluble fiber per one cup serving which equates to almost half of the daily fiber recommendations (between 21 to 38 grams depending on your age and gender). This fiber not only acts as a bulking agent, which stimulates smooth bowel movements, but also aids in intestinal bacterial health, which helps to delay the onset of hunger. Thirty percent of this fruit's carbohydrates come from starch and it is these complex carbohydrates that contribute to long-term satiety because they take us longer to digest.Additionally, the insoluble fiber found in mamey take up space in your stomach to help you feel fuller on fewer calories, and its soluble fiber slows the rate at which digested food exits your stomach, lessening the need to eat more, all of which can contribute to healthy weight loss. However, at approximately 200 calories per fruit, it is not advisable to consume one every day if you are hoping to lose weight. Eating mamey in moderation has numerous excellent properties to aid in both digestive health and weight management.This fruit has a unique and creamy taste and is often described as being a combination of pumpkin, apricot, and almond. The texture is similar to that of a mango, sweet potato and avocado mash-up, but try it for yourself and see what you think!To select the best one for consumption, ensure it has been picked when it is mature because only mature fruit continue to ripen even after they are harvested. To check its maturity, slightly scratch the surface. Under the brown outer skin, it should not be green. Look for mamey with smooth skin, blemish, scratch, cut, crack, bruise and wrinkle free, and that is firm, not hard nor soft, to the touch. Think of the texture of an avocado to get a better gauge. Give this creamy mamey a try with my filling recipe below.1 mamey1 cup oat milk1 tablespoon linseed1/2 teaspoon cinnamonCup open the mamey, remove seed, and spoon fruit into a blender.Add oat milk, linseed and cinnamon.Blend well.It will blend to a thick consistency, add more oat milk if needed.This satisfying smoothie makes a great breakfast or snack option and will have you feeling full for hours!



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NEW DELHI (PTI): Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane on Thursday met his Italian counterpart Lt Gen Pietro Serino and Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini in Rome and held extensive talks focusing on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military engagement.



The Chief of Army Staff arrived in Rome on Wednesday on a two-day visit on the second leg of his two-nation tour of the UK and Italy.



About his meeting with Italian Defence Minister Guerini, officials said they exchanged views on strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.



"General MM Naravane #COAS interacted with Lieutenant General Pietro Serino, Chief of Italian Army and discussed aspects of joint military cooperation," Indian Army tweeted.



The Chief of Army Staff is also scheduled to inaugurate an Indian Army memorial in the Italian town of Cassino.



The memorial has been built to pay homage to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War II.



Ways to further intensify defence cooperation had figured prominently at a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in November last year.



The two Prime Ministers had underscored the need to further expand defence engagement through greater two-way collaboration and technology cooperation, including co-development and co-production of military hardware.



Italy has been a source of procurement of military hardware and platforms by India's armed forces.



Gen Naravane's visit to Italy comes days after Indian naval ship INS Tabar and Italian frigate ITS Antonio Marceglia carried out a two-day maritime partnership exercise in the Tyrrhenian sea.



The exercise on July 4 and 5 covered a wide range of naval operations, including air defence procedures, replenishment at sea, communication drills and cross deck helo operations by day and night, an Indian Navy spokesperson said.



Defence and military ties between the two countries have witnessed steady expansion.




After the Second Karabakh War, the tripartite ceasefire agreement on November 10, 2020, opens a possibility for Iran to become connected to the southern railway network in the South Caucasus. As a result of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, an important part of the South Caucasus Railway, which passed through the Nakhichevan region, Syunik Province in southern Armenia, and Jabrail, Fizuli and Zangilan regions in southern Azerbaijan, was destroyed or removed from communication routes. As a result, unlike Turkey and Russia, Iran has no rail connection to the Caucasus.

BACKGROUND: During the 1930s and 1940s, the Soviet Union built a railway connection between Baku and Nakhichevan through Armenias Meghri region, running parallel to Irans border. The Iranian railway connected in Julfa District of Nakhichevan through the city of Jolfa in East Azerbaijan Province in northwestern Iran. In 1990 and 1991, the volume of cargo exchanges through the Jolfa border amounted to 2.69 and 2.37 million tons respectively, amounting to over 10 percent of Irans imports. After the First Karabakh War, the regions of Fuzuli, Jabrayil and Zangilan near the Iranian border came under Armenian control and the railway connection between Nakhichevan and mainland Azerbaijan was severed. While the northern railways from Armenia to Georgia and Azerbaijan to Russia continued to operate, Irans railway connection with the Caucasus was cut and cargo exchanges through this border dropped sharply.

The November 10, 2020, tripartite ceasefire agreement concluding the Second Karabakh War stated that All economic and transport links in the region shall be unblocked, raising expectations that after three decades, the deadlocks created in the transportation system of the region, especially the railways, will be removed. This will provide Iran with an opportunity to connect to the railway network of the South Caucasus.

Before the 2020 Karabakh War, two important efforts were made to connect Iran with the Caucasus via rail. The first was an attempt by the governments of Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan within the framework of the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor. The three parties signed an agreement on constructing the route in 2005, building on a Soviet extension of the railway southwards to Astara in Azerbaijan, at the southern border with Iran. In order to establish rail contact, it was necessary to build a railway from Astara to Rasht and Qazvin in Iran. While the RashtQazvin section opened on 22 November 2018, the Rasht-Astara section is still under construction and will cost US$ 500 million. The sanctions imposed on Iran by the U.S. during the Trump administration have played an important role in slowing down the project. Under the Biden administration, Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan all hope that the U.S. will return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and lift financial and banking sanctions on Iran, allowing the implementation process of the Rasht-Astara railway to accelerate.

A second attempt to establish a railway connection with Iran was made in 2009, when Armenia and Iran signed an agreement to construct the Southern Armenia Railway that would connect Yerevan and Tabriz via Syunik. The railway line has a total length of 470 kilometers and its construction will cost an estimated US$ 3.5 billion in total, which is comparable with Armenias annual budget. The project has not been implemented, due to limited financial resources as well as political will. In recent years, the Armenian government has sought to involve China in financing the railway project within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These efforts have nevertheless yielded no clear results.

IMPLICATIONS: After the Second Karabakh War, a new opportunity has emerged to connect Irans rail network to the Caucasus, by reviving the old Soviet-era connections in the Nakhichevan region and along Armenias and Azerbaijans southern borders. The ninth point of the ceasefire agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia calls for regional transportation links to be unblocked, and more specifically stipulates that new infrastructure will link Nakhichevan with mainland Azerbaijan. While the three sides are working out the exact details, Azerbaijan is already forging ahead with a new rail link to the Armenian border. The new route will relieve Baku of the ordeal of reaching its disconnected western exclave via an 840-kilometer detour around Armenia through Georgia and Turkey.

The revival of the Soviet-era railway will provide Iran with two rail routes, both starting from Jolfa city in East Azerbaijan Province in northwestern Iran and Julfa District of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. The first route (south-north) is the Jolfa railway connection to Nakhichevan and then Yerevan and Tbilisi. The second route (west- east) runs from Jolfa to Nakhichevan and then crosses the southern borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to Baku and from there to Russia. In Julfa, Nakhichevan, the railway route is divided into three parts: south to Jolfa in Iran, west and north to Yerevan, and east along Armenias southern border towards Azerbaijan.

After the ceasefire, Tehran has been quick to articulate its support for the Nakhichevan connection. According to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, The re-opening of the Julfa-Nakhichevan railway line is necessary for Irans access to neighboring countries and the Eurasian market. The Managing Director of Iran Railways, Saeed Rasouli, visited Yerevan on May 29, 2021, and announced that the completion of the western part of the corridor will connect Iran to the Black Sea and Russia via Jolfa, Nakhichevan, Armenia, and Georgia. Indeed, he emphasized that reconstructing the Jolfa-Armenia railroad will pave the way for a CaspianBlack Sea Transit Corridor in the near future, and that a memorandum of understanding was signed between Iran and Armenia so that the two countries can exchange tariff information to reach an executive plan to start the exchange of rail freight as soon as possible. Rasouli and Irans Transport and Urban Development Minister Mohammad Eslami also visited Nakhichevan as well as Baku, where they emphasized that existing infrastructure can potentially join Nakhichevan to the rest of Azerbaijan Republic, while the Tabriz-Nakhichevan railway can be revived and extended to Tbilisi, as well as the possibility of constructing a railway from Nakhichevan to Kars in Turkey.

Despite Irans interest, there are serious obstacles to reviving the Soviet-era railway. Despite Nikol Pashinyans victory in Armenias June 20 parliamentary elections, the countrys position on implementing the Nakhichevan corridor to Azerbaijan remains ambiguous, while funding remains uncertain for the reconstruction of war-damaged railways in the regions of Fuzuli, Jabrayil and Zangilan near the Iranian border, which the southern railway route passes through.

This author visited the Aghdam region on April 12, 2021, and witnessed the condition of the railway network in this area, which is unusable and needs to be completely replaced. Some Iranian experts are also concerned that a revival of the Soviet-era railway will sideline the Rasht-Astara railway project. Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, however, has stated that his country needs both the Soviet-era railway and the Rasht-Astara project.

CONCLUSIONS: If paragraph 9 of the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement is implemented, a very important change will take place in the Caucasus region. Reviving the Soviet-era railroad in the region could help the region converge and play a reconciliatory role between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Irans connection to the South Caucasus railway network after three decades can help the process of integration, complete the north-south corridor and allow for the introduction of a 3 + 3 (Iran-Russia-Turkey + Armenia-Azerbaijan-Georgia) regional cooperation model in the South Caucasus.

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Dr. Vali Kaleji is an expert on Central Asia and Caucasian Studies in Tehran, Iran.

Image Source: Public Domain


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GTHS Ombe Atia Azohnwi

The Minister of Secondary Education, Prof. Nalova Lyonga has said all stolen or grabbed school lands will be recovered in the days ahead.

Minister Nalova Lyonga was speaking Wednesday, July 7, 2021, during her visit to some schools and GCE examination centers in the South West Region.

The Ministers first stop was in Bimbia where the government has allocated 20 hectares of land for the extension and construction of Government Technical College in Bimbia. The land will also serve the agriculture departments authorized to go operational in technical colleges.

I give praises to the administrative people in Fako for making this possible because we are going to have the agricultural and technical school, said Nalova Lyonga.

From Bimbia, the Minister made a stop at Ombe where she said plans are afoot for Government Technical High School (GTHS) Ombe to be given a facelift given its historical nature. The ongoing construction of an ultra-modern story-building at the 69-year-old academic facility may well be part of the governments plans to refurbish the school which has drastically lost its standards held in 11952 when it went operational.

Enter GTHS Ombe

As far back as March 2014, teachers, students, and parents of the school lamented that GTHS Ombe, which once had the image of the best technical college west of the Mongo, can no longer boost of training students on theoretical and technical knowledge, given that its workshops are composed of equipment of antiquity.

After going round the workshops with the students and looking at the kind of machines they are using, I can say that the standards of this school have fallen. These equipment are only good for an industrial museum, Herbert Njoh said, wondering the kind of conditions under which his children were studying at the time.

To him, it is time for the government to improve the status of GTHS Ombe.

Let the government hear our cry and grant us a Polytechnic here in Ombe. During our PTA meetings, we realize that the budget put at the disposal of the school by the ministry of secondary education cannot replace the decades-old equipment in the workshops, he said.

In March 2014, Robinson Ningo of the welding and metal fabrication department said teaching with the very ancient equipment in modern times is overwhelmingly difficult.

Our equipment are managed by the aid of adaptation due to the worn-out nature of the equipment. Our principal has been very supportive. We think that the government should come in at this point to help us, he said.

He stated among other things that GTHS Ombe is dead, and that if it is dead, it is due to the nature of the very of equipment.

Kenye Leon, Vice Principal Industrial back in 2014 said: We dont have good equipment. We are trying our best, but we can only teach the theory to the students. It is difficult for us to implement modern-day knowledge on the old machines. The equipment are obsolete.

... most paramount, we think GTHS Ombe should be upgraded to a polytechnic which could be an arm of the college of technology in the University of Buea as a fruit of and direct benefit of celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the reunification, stated Douma Paul Laurent, then principal of GTHS Ombe.

Back in 204, it was announced that the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development had struck a deal with the Arab Development Bank for Africa (BADEA) for the restructuring of Government Technical High School (GTHS) Ombe.

According to the financing agreement, the colossal sum of 7.5 million US Dollars, an estimated FCFA 3.75 Billion was to be made available by BADEA to finance the project to construct and equip GTHS Ombe, a school found in Fako Division of the South West Region.

The project included the construction of 36 study classrooms, 10 specialized halls, 10 workshop blocks, and administrative blocks.

To this day, no sign of the vast project has been seen at GTHS Ombe.

Warning to land grabbers

Minister Nalova Lyonga of Secondary Education, during her two-day visit to the South-West region, said school land encroached into by individuals will be reclaimed.

We are not silly to say that school land should remain school land. If they havent built on it, that is not a reason for the population to go there. They are the same population who will be asking for schools soon. So I am firm, the SDO is firm, the Governor is firm, our school land will be secure, she said.
We dont know and well wait on the advice of the public health professionals. The CDC said they are developing reopening guidelines for schools across the country. They are to release that at some point this summer so were waiting on those, Superintendent George Arlotto said at the Board of Education meeting.
Fifty seats will be made available to the public and in-person public comment will be limited to those seated in the board room. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents participating virtually will also be allowed to speak, but must register by 9 a.m. the day of the meeting. More information can be found on the school systems website, hcps.org.
Because of Deery injuries, Summs asked Miller to allow him home monitoring to seek treatment, and pointed out that he had no history of substance abuse or mental health issues. His face was still bleeding when she spoke to him, she said, and Deery did not have enough of a background to be considered a danger to the community.
My suspicion is there was no further evidence on the day they dismissed it as the day they arrested her. I thought it was rather shocking, Robinson said. I can tell you she was very upset that she spent all this time on house arrest and was deprived of liberty for something she didnt do.
Ramos mental conditions caused him to become so consumed that he lost touch with reality, she said. Lewis testified she asked him why he killed people who had nothing to do with his grudge other than working for the paper that published an article about him about seven years earlier.
No matter how much some nativists might wish it were so, the United States does not have the authority to force other countries to take back their citizens. Also, for illustrative purposes, let us say it would cost an average of $1,000 per person (transportation to the departure site, housing and food until departure, and the return flight). This basic estimate suggests that the cost could approximately be $10,500,000,000 to remove all undocumented immigrants. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement estimate of the average cost per deportation was $10,854 including all costs necessary to identify, apprehend, detain, process through immigration court, and remove an alien. This estimate accounts for the costs of law enforcement efforts of apprehension and physical removal from the country, and the efforts of the legal system and courts required to remove someone out of the country. Removing all undocumented immigrants would reduce the nations GDP by nearly 6% and substantially decrease the workforce by the number of people removed.
Democrats in the State House hold most of the power to redraw the states political maps following the 2020 Census. Maryland law allows the governor to submit the first drafts of the proposed maps  a task Hogan said hell leave to the commission he created in January  but lawmakers are free to tweak those maps or replace them wholesale. Democrats hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, giving them more than enough votes to override Hogans proposals if Democratic lawmakers remain largely united around their own plan.
Hogan has repeatedly said that he thinks cutting off the more generous benefits will help push people back into the workforce, alleviating problems that some employers have reported with hiring and retaining workers. Economic researchers have found that the enhanced benefits did not affect the number of people seeking work, and other states that have ended the additional federal benefits, such as Missouri, have not seen a surge in job-seekers.
Clay Center, KS (67432)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
The Tribal Council elections are coming up and Char-Koosta News has new election logos. We can't decide which is the best. That's where you come in. Check out the logo options below and then vote. Which logo do you prefer? Answer below!

You voted:
Balance. It used to be the most popular burgers were super over-the-top with all those toppings. But we are going back to the simple style where each component is important. Sometimes people ask for substitutions (for my burger), but everything is made to go together. If youre going to try the burger, you want it the way it should be presented.
Im incredibly and eternally grateful for everything that the community has done for me, Velez said, with his son translating. Im not asking for any more fundraisers. No more. None of that. I just want people to come see me at the restaurant and get my food and just continue the support that theyve always given me.
His case was perhaps the most significant of them all in generating the clemencies that the governor issued, said Marshall, now a professor at Stanford Law. The spectacle of him having come so close to execution, literally within two days, literally having been fit for a suit for the coffin, and only later through Northwestern students for the truth to emerge about his absolute innocence was something that was hard for any fair-minded person to ignore. It generated a sense of outrage. I remember it being said that several people said, What does it mean that we need college students to be able to determine that we have an innocent man were about to kill? So it was very moving.
The man who was killed was Darren Williams, 53, who lived on the same block where he was attacked, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. The office has failed to reach a conclusion about the cause and manner of the mans death, said spokeswoman Brittany Hill, instead labeling the case as pending police investigation.
The indictment alleged that between them, Austin and Wilson got new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, bathroom tiling, sump pumps and an HVAC system for free or at a discount. The central developer in the indictment, now deceased, was working on a 91-unit project in Austins Far South Side ward.
His attorney argued that Shields in November was acting in a clear case of self-defense, that he has demonstrated he will take responsibility, and that he has showed symptoms of suffering from PTSD and therefore needs mental health treatment. According to the attorney, Shields poses no threat to the community and should stay with his mother or another relative on a home monitoring device.
After the shooting, investigators found the Malibu parked in front of a residence in the 200 block of East 89th Street in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, the complaint said. The investigators also found 9 mm shell casings on the windshield on the drivers side of the car that were the same type of casings found at the scene, according to the complaint.
Daina Jauntirans, whose daughter is a rising senior at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee under the Midwest Student Exchange Program, said the reciprocity program saved her family about $6,000 to $7,000 per year on tuition. Jauntirans, who lives in Evanston, said she did not receive notice that Illinois was no longer part of the program from her daughters school or the state but instead found out on Facebook messaging boards.
Earlier Wednesday, a 26-year-old man was shot in the abdomen and knee in the 4800 block of West Van Buren Street around 5:35 p.m., according to a police media notification. He was taken in a private vehicle to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:47 p.m., officials said.
The lack of resolution in these cases has prompted advocates to seek other ways to help survivors heal. In some cases, for example, Balata has secured civil restraining orders for survivors, which she said has helped them feel their experience was noted by a court and protection granted. She tries to manage expectations around what happens if they cannot get accountability through the court system. She might ask, Are there other ways in which you would like the harm acknowledged?
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.
Psaki said: 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.
The exhibition "Futurism of the Past  Contemplating the Past and Future in Chinese Contemporary Art," presented by Beijing Contemporary Art Expo, was launched at Beijing Exhibition Center earlier this month and will run until August 31. The exhibition of the representative works of 40 artists focuses on the rethinking of Chinese art history and the rich imagination of the future by artists of different generations over the past century.





The exhibition kicks off the actual Beijing Contemporary Art Expo which will be held from August 26 to 29 at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center in Beijing. More than 55 galleries and art institutions have so far registered to take part in the fair.





Futurism was an artistic movement that originated in Italy and Russia in the early 20th century, glorifying the charm of industry, machine, technology, power, and speed while repudiating all the artistic styles and forms from the past. The exhibition features works of 40 artists, demonstrating their signature styles. In the two almost symmetrical gallery spaces, viewers will encounter a mixture of visions of the future, recollections of the past, and reverie of the past from a future perspective. The exhibition tries to answer whether art can play the role of foreseer when the ideas of the art of the past have become reality, and today's reality is even ahead of them.





Bao Dong, the curator of the exhibition, told CGTN that visitors to the exhibition will witness the use of traditional culture and the "future world" in the eyes of young artists, such as multimedia artist Cao Fei's "The Birth of RMB City" and Fan Wennan's cyberpunk-style multimedia work "China 2098." When asked whether the theme of the exhibition "Contemplating the Past and Future in Chinese Contemporary Art" is too broad, Bao Dong responded that many current exhibition themes are too limited and lack a grand narrative concept.





From the curators' point of view, these works, whether classic or new, not only present the future image, imagination, and narrative in contemporary art, but also show the historical expectation of China in past years and the outlook in 2021, and more importantly, reflect an endlessly dynamic view of China. Future generations will look upon us just like we look upon our past  from East Jin Dynasty (317  420) calligrapher Wang Xizhi's "Lantingji Xu."




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Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow will be back on screen, with Aussie director Cate Shortland's film to be released on July 9.

In the Marvel studios' action-packed spy thriller, the black widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.

Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Romanoff must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationship left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

Shortland is best-known for her acclaimed debut Somersault, starring Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington, which won a record 13 awards in 13 categories at 2004's Australian Film Institute Awards.

She posted on her social media Instagram, saying Black Widow will come back this week.
A male elephant that broke away from the wandering elephant herd was captured and sent back to its forest home on Wednesday in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, local authorities said.

Yuxi City headquarters in charge of monitoring the herd's migration launched emergency measures for the capture and transfer of the elephant early Wednesday morning to prevent the strayed animal from entering densely populated areas.

At 3 p.m., the elephant was transferred to its habitat -- a national nature reserve in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. The animal is in sound health.

The herd of 15 wandering wild Asian elephants traveled about 500 km north from its forest home in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, before reaching provincial capital Kunming on June 2.

The male elephant strayed from the herd on June 6, and moved around in the cities of Kunming, Anning and Yuxi, with an activity area of 140 square km and traversing a distance of 190 km. It was mainly fed by locals or foraged in villages.

The animal was 72 km from its herd in the forested area of Hongta District in Yuxi when it was captured and transferred to its jungle home.

Experts said it is difficult for the strayed elephant to return to the herd or its habitat on its own.
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."
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.
 Flash

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.
 Flash

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here on Wednesday said Pakistan-China friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of the people of the two countries.

Qureshi made the remarks while addressing a conference related to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Qureshi highlighted the importance of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, saying Pakistan's partnership with China would not only serve the interests of the two countries but also ensure peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

"Our seven-decade journey comprises of greater solidarity, deeper confidence, mutual trust and mutual understanding. Our deep-rooted and ironclad friendship has been nurtured by successive generations of leaders and people of both countries," Qureshi told the conference entitled "Pakistan-China at 70: A Unique Bilateral Partnership," organized by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI).

Qureshi explained how the two sides have the tradition of standing by each other through difficult times, including the latest challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic when China provided Pakistan with relief goods, equipment, medical expertise and COVID-19 vaccines.

On the occasion, Chairman of the PCI, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed also said, "Pakistan-China relations are unshakable and they rest on a very strong foundation."
You are here: World

 Flash

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.

In his first speech as president, Herzog vowed to serve the entire citizens of Israel. He said there is a need for a more moderate tone in Israeli politics and to stop the incitement that divides and polarizes Israeli society.

"The shared values are more brittle than ever," he said, adding that hate and incitement lead to "heavy prices" such as "harming our national resilience."

He called for a greater integration of Arabs in society and to stop street violence and killings in Arab towns.

"My mission, the task of my term, will be to do everything to rebuild hope" for the society, he said.

Herzog replaced Reuven Rivlin who has served as the president for the past seven years.

Herzog is a former chairman of the Jewish Agency and the son of Israel's sixth president Chaim Herzog.
 Flash

The government of the Central African Republic (CAR) received on Tuesday a batch of COVID-19 vaccine donated by China.

President of the CAR Faustin-Archange Touadera and his Prime Minister Henri-Marie Dondra went to the Bangui airport to welcome the Chinese vaccine donation, accompanied by Chinese ambassador to the CAR Chen Dong.

Facing the pandemic, China and the CAR are side by side in a joint fight, demonstrating a community of common destiny. The friendship between our two peoples is reflected once again in this donation of vaccine, Chen said.

China has provided an example to follow in its effective fight against COVID-19, thus contributing to the world's fight to defeat the pandemic. Thanks to this donation of vaccine, which arrived at an opportune moment, the CAR is better equipped in its combat against the coronavirus, said the CAR health minister, Pierre Somse.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), the CAR has so far reported 7,142 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 98 deaths.


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Louisiana Leads in Protecting Unborn Children

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Liberty Counsel

July 8, 2021



BATON ROUGE, La., July 8, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards recently signed five new bills into laws that are aimed at protecting unborn children. One takes effect immediately and the others on August 1.

Gov. Edwards is a Democrat who opposes abortion. When his wife was 20 weeks pregnant with their first child, a doctor discovered their daughter Samantha had spina bifida and encouraged them to abort her. They refused and years later, Samantha is now married and working as a school counselor.

The first bill, HB 578, known as "The Abortion Pill Reversal Disclosure Act," requires medical staff to inform women taking the abortion pill that the drug-induced effort to terminate a pregnancy could be reversed and the baby's life saved. The abortion pill reversal protocol has been credited with saving more than 2,000 children's lives. Both the state Senate and the state House previously overwhelmingly passed the bill.

Mifepristone, when used together with misoprostol, can be administered up to 10 weeks into a pregnancy when the baby already has a beating heart as well as arms and legs. The first pill in the regimen, mifepristone, cuts off blood and nutrients to the baby, slowly starving it to death over one to two days. The second pill induces labor.

HB 578 includes information about the abortion pill reversal protocol to state informed consent requirements and requires abortion facilities to inform women that the first abortion drug, mifepristone, may be reversed. The legislation requires an abortionist dispensing abortion pills to provide women with the following statement: "Research has indicated that the first pill provided, identified as mifepristone, is not always effective in ending a pregnancy. If after taking the first pill you regret your decision, please consult a physician or health care provider immediately to determine if there are options available to assist you in continuing your pregnancy."

Gov. Edwards also signed HB 357 which requires that any minor who wants an abortion without a parent's permission must petition to a court in her local area instead of where the abortion facility is located, as the law currently stands. The new law also requires more information to be collected, including zip codes, regarding the circumstances around abortions in Louisiana particularly for minors.

The third bill is HB 423 which requires hospitals to provide data to the state about abortion complications that they treat. Since most complications that arise after an abortion are treated by a local hospital instead of an outpatient abortion facility, this legislation ensures that the state has better statistics on the rate of complications from abortion. Under the new law, the Department of Health must share reports on a quarterly basis about abortions performed on children under 13 with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and Louisianas attorney general.

Fourth, HB 218 allows Baby Boxes to be installed in hospitals to discreetly allow mothers to surrender their newborn babies up to 60 days old to authorities without repercussions if they cannot care for their child. Once the child has been placed in the box, medical care is immediately provided to the child before the baby is placed for adoption. According to the National Safe Haven Alliance, more than 4,000 babies have been saved to date because of safe haven laws.

Finally, Gov. Edwards eliminates state sales tax on feminine hygiene products and diapers, making it more affordable for families to obtain the necessities required to raise their children. This law went into effect immediately on signing.

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "I applaud Governor Edwards and Louisiana legislators for protecting the lives of precious unborn babies. Louisiana is leading the way in the fight to make the womb a safe place once again in America."

Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.

SOURCE Liberty Counsel



CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org



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The science has proven the vaccines currently available are both safe and effective, Trinity Health of New England CEO Dr. Reggy Eadie said in a statement. We feel strongly that the COVID-19 vaccine is the single most effective tool in slowing, and even stopping, the spread of the coronavirus. As leaders in health care we have an obligation to do our part to protect ourselves, our colleagues, our patients and our communities.
As the cannabis industry grows, there will be demand for college graduates who can develop new strands of cannabis, cultivate and harvest the crops, and process the product for sale, he said. There will also be demand for graduates who understand the business and policy side of this industry. Easterns cannabis program and focus on the liberal arts are intended to fill both needs while ensuring our graduates are prepared not only to enter this industry but develop into leaders in their fields.
Courts have been divided on the question as the suits have begun moving through the judicial process. In many cases courts have sided with the schools, pointing to a concept known as educational malpractice, which holds that courts are ill-quipped to issue judgments on whether online education is inferior to in-person learning. Others have ruled for students, avoiding the relative benefits of in-person and online learning, concluding the students paid for in-person education and didnt get it.
The shops will not close just yet, but they cannot keep selling products under the Edwards label because of the noncompeting clause, he said. Edwards said ideally he could find someone to take over the stores and run them under a new name.
Throughout his career, Vincent has spoken to just about any star he ever wanted to  except Lana Turner, who once canceled their lunchtime meeting because of a headache  and thats where the material for his speeches before and after the films comes from.
The DOC currently supervises about 66,180 people, according to a release from the department. About 72% of persons under its care have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 65% are fully vaccinated. As of Thursday, there are four active COVID-19 cases among inmates and 13 among staff.
Elza said he doesnt know if that footage was from June 11, but recalled he was at his apartment that night, with plans to cook on a charcoal grill, when he knocked a pack of cigarettes off his balcony. He said he uses the lighter fluid for his grill.
Only a select few directors from the South have had the privilege of directing Dilip Kumar, and B. Gopal is one of the lucky ones. When the director heard the news of the actors demise on Wednesday, his mind was filled with recollections.

The filmmaker directed Dileep Kumar in the 1988 film Kanoon Apna Apna, a remake of superhit Telugu film Collector Gari Abbai (which was also directed by him).

After hearing the unfortunate news, my heart became heavy; I remained silent for the next few hours, Gopal shares. I first met Dilip Saab when we went to discuss the project. I was completely star-struck, recollects B. Gopal. I touched his feet and we began discussing the project, he says, adding that calling out action...camera...rolling on the first day of the shoot was still fresh in his memory.

B Gopal with his wife Uma and Dilip Kumar

The director says that despite being such a big star, Dilip Kumar had no airs and always worked hard and did his homework. The actor understood the script very well and would also give inputs. He was such a sport. He was OK even if his suggestions were not considered, because he believed the director should take the final call, Gopal says.

The director also recalls that the thespian had his own style of shooting very slowly. Midway through the filming, Gopal said he asked Dilip Kumar whether the shooting could be speeded up, eliminating too many pauses, because in the South, the tendency was to shoot quickly. Dilip Saab laughed and said OK, remembers Gopal.

After the shooting was wrapped up, Dileep Kumar watched the film at the editing table. He complimented the director saying, I am very satisfied with the film; you have done a good job. Remembering that occasion, a beaming Gopal says, Coming from someone like him, it was unbelievable.

Cool couple

Gopal also recalls that Dilip Kumars wife, actress Saira Banu, would come to the sets every day, at around lunch time. The couple made quite a sight, he says. After having lunch with Dilip Saab, she would go back home, but come again in the evening. They would return home together after pack up. Describing the actress as very humble in her approach, Gopal says Saira Maam was a great heroine too, but shes a woman of few words.

Dilip Kumar having a word on the sets of Kanoon Apan Apna

First glimpse

Apparently, B. Gopal first saw Dileep Kumar in real life when the superstar attended the function to celebrate 100 days of Telugu film Adavi Ramudu, starring NTR. Gopal was the Assistant Director of the film.

It was in August 1977. Dilip Saab came to Vijayawada. Generally, he is very reserved, so it was a great thing that he came all the way from Mumbai to grace the event. He was mobbed by fans, says the director, and reveals that on that occasion, he saw the Bollywood actor only from a distance.

Two legends

One of the schedules of Kanoon Apna Apna was also shot in Hyderabad in a private studio owned by Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Apparently, ANR dropped in on the sets of the film. Being a huge fan of ANR too, B. Gopal was thrilled to see both his favourite heroes, and chatted with them.

It was one of the best moments in my film career. Both of them shared their experiences and I felt as if I were in a film school, remembers B Gopal.

Five years later, B Gopal met Dileep Kumar again in Chennai at a studio where both were filming.
New Delhi: India's education system has taken a giant leap with the introduction of the new National Education Policy (NEP), newly appointed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Thursday.

Pradhan was given the education portfolio in a reshuffle-cum-expansion of the Union Council of Ministers on Wednesday. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Subhas Sekhar and Annapurna Devi were appointed as Ministers of State for Education.

In his first meeting as Education Minister, Pradhan said, "The Indian education system has taken a giant leap with the introduction of NEP, towards fostering an environment for creating a future-ready India. The policy has not only been welcomed in India but also foreign countries."

"We are committed to making students and the youth the primary stakeholders in propelling India towards an equitable knowledge society," he said.

The meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attended by heads of centrally funded technical institutions, including IITs and IISc.
Rachakonda commissioner of police appealed to public that wherever they notice children employed in hazardous occupations, they must inform Child line number 1098, Dial 100 or message WhatsApp No. 9490617111. Representational Image (Twitter)

Hyderabad: Continuing the crackdown on child labour as part of Operation Muskaan-VII, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Rachakonda police, along with Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), Telangana, on Tuesday night rescued 19 minor children employed as labour in two manufacturing companies.

In a late night operation, police, BBA, and other stakeholders rescued 16 children, including 14 girls, employed as child labourers by Venkateshwara traders, which manufactures paper egg cartons at Damara village near Choutuppal mandal under Rachakonda police commissionerate.

All these children are from Mandala district of Madhya Pradesh. After producing them before Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairperson Jayasree of Yadadri district, police shifted them to Bless Worth Christian Association premises for shelter.

In another rescue operation, Rachakonda police and other stakeholders traced three minor girls working in godowns manufacturing sweets at Srinivasa Nagar in Abdulapurmet mandal of Hyderabad. Enquiries revealed that the girls are from Devarakonda village in Nalgonda district. They have been produced before the area CWC and provided shelter in Don Bosco, Rangareddy district.

Cases have been booked under sections 370(5) IPC (Trafficking of persons), 374 IPC (Unlawful compulsory labour) and several sections of JJ Act.

Rachakonda commissioner of police Mahesh M. Bhagwat appealed to public that wherever they notice children employed in hazardous occupations, they must inform Child line number 1098, Dial 100 or message WhatsApp No. 9490617111.
The ties between the two countries significantly nosedived after India announced in August 2019 its decision to withdraw the special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: India on Thursday strongly trashed as "baseless propaganda" Pakistan's claim that it was behind a bomb blast near the house of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed in Lahore last month, and asked Islamabad to take "credible and verifiable" action against terrorism emanating from its soil instead.

At a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi asked Pakistan to focus on setting its own house in order in containing terror networks and said that the international community is well aware of that country's credentials when it comes to terrorism.

He also said that the Pakistani leadership continues to "glorify terrorists like Osama Bin Laden as 'martyrs'".

"It is not new for Pakistan to engage in baseless propaganda against India. Pakistan would do well to expend the same effort in setting its own house in order and taking credible and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from its soil and terrorists who have found safe sanctuaries there," Bagchi said.

Pakistan's National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf told reporters in Islamabad on Sunday that the mastermind of the attack "is an Indian citizen" and he is associated with RAW (Research and Analysis Wing).

"The international community is well aware of Pakistan's credentials when it comes to terrorism. This is acknowledged by none other than its own leadership, which continues to glorify terrorists like Osama Bin Laden as 'martyrs'," the MEA spokesperson said.

He was replying to a question on the allegations levelled by the Pakistani NSA.

"Through the forensic analysis, electronic equipment, which has been recovered from these terrorists, we have identified the main mastermind and the handlers of this terrorist attack and we have absolutely no doubt or reservation in informing you that the main mastermind belongs to RAW," Moeed had said.

Three persons were killed and 24 others injured when a powerful car bomb exploded outside Saeed's residence at the Board of Revenue (BOR) Housing Society in Johar Town in Lahore on June 23.

The ties between the two countries significantly nosedived after India announced in August 2019 its decision to withdraw the special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories.

Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue. India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Islamabad in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

India has been maintaining that the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.
Bengaluru: Amid continued attacks by some within the BJP in Karnataka against Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, his political secretary M P Renukacharya on Thursday said the party MLAs will meet the high command in Delhi and demand for their expulsion.

The Honnali MLA also challenged Yediyurappa's detractors to resign and face the election fresh, as he credited the lingayat strongman for the party's growth and its coming to power in the state.

"Is Yediyurappa a ready-made food? He has built and nurtured this party. Criticising Yediyurappa is the same as criticising the BJP," Renukacharya said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said Yediyurappa is not involved in any corruption or anything.

"We are warning, making repeated statements embracing Yediyurappa is not right. We the legislators together will meet the high command. The Lok Sabha session will start at that time we will meet national leaders and demand for expulsion of those making statements and creating confusion, as it is hampering the party's image," he added.

The Monsoon session of Parliament will commence from July 19 and will continue till August 13.

According to sources, Renukacharya along with some legislators had met Yediyurappa earlier in the day.

His statement has come after recent comments by disgruntled BJP leaders like Vijayapura City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Tourism Minister C P Yogeshwar and MLC A H Vishwanath that has embarrassed the party and the government, despite warnings of disciplinary action by the leadership.

Calling Yediyurappa a "great leader", who built the party and brought it to power, Renukacharya challenged those questioning his leadership to resign from the MLA post and then contest the election fresh.

"Those who are making statements against him (Yediyurappa) daily, we will release documents of corruption and scams against them," he warned.

Yatnal, who has repeatedly accused Yediyurappa and his family members, more specifically his son and state BJP Vice President B Y Vijayendra, of corruption and interference in administration on Tuesday had called the CM "inactive", and asked him to retire respectfully.

While Yogeshwar had spoken on the issue of leadership change in the state, without taking any names, by linking the CM post to that of the elephant that carries the golden howdah during Mysuru Dasara, which are replaced from time to time, depending on their ability.

BJP national General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh, who was on a visit to the state last month, amid rumblings within the party on the issue of leadership change and open statements by state leaders on the issue had warned action against violation of party discipline.

He had ruled out any move to replace Yediyurappa.
The new party chief expressed his determination to defeat the TRS party with support from all sections of the society and to bring more youths into politics. (Twitter)

Hyderabad: Newly appointed TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday paid visits to the Pedamma Temple at Jubilee Hills and the Dargah Yousufain in Nampally, where he offered prayers on the occasion of his takeover of the party leadership.

At the Pedamma Temple, Jubilee Hills, he sought blessings from the goddess and then headed for Gandhi Bhavan in a massive rally.

He visited the Dargah as part of a rally after taking charge as party chief and paid floral tributes there. He told the media there that he as TPCC chief would treat the Hindus and Muslims with as much care as he would give to his two eyes. Congress party had provided 4 per cent reservations to Muslims, he noted.

Revanth Reddy said the former Congress government had provided financial aid to unemployed Muslims on a large scale. During the term of the TRS, Muslims could not get any help from the government. Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao has betrayed Muslims by promising them 12 per cent reservations. The TRS took votes from Muslims by making false promises to them. It usurped the Wakf lands, he said.

The new party chief expressed his determination to defeat the TRS party with support from all sections of the society and bring more youths into politics, fulfil their dreams and develop Hyderabad city in a big way.
Amaravati: A day after the BJP termed the Krishna water dispute as a "cooperation" devised between the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana government to "loot" people, the Jana Sena Party on Wednesday alleged the row was 'a drama played out between both the chief ministers".

The party has said that it will form a committee with irrigation experts to study the issue.

"Many are saying it is a drama being played out by the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Jana Sena Party will form a committee with irrigation experts and party leaders to study the issue," said Jana Sena Party leader Kandula Durgesh while briefing the media after a meeting of the party's Political Affairs Committee (PAC).

The meeting was chaired by party president Pawan Kalyan and PAC Chairman Nadendla Manohar.

The crux of the water dispute between the two states is the allegation by the Andhra Pradesh government that Telangana is drawing Krishna river water from the Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Pulichintala projects for hydel power generation without obtaining clearances from the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB).

On the other hand, the Telangana government claims that KRMB has no right to stop power generation and it is generating Hydel power well within the law.

At the time of bifurcation in 2014, 299 TMC water from Krishna River was allocated to Telangana and 511 TMC was allocated to Andhra Pradesh.

Alleging that farmers are suffering, law and order has deteriorated and the youth is jobless, the Jana Sena Party leader said that the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh has failed to tackle these issues, adding that the party shall fight and mount pressure on the state government to address these issues.

Durgesh said, "The YSRCP government has boasted even from before coming to power that it would provide 2.6 lakh jobs. But it has utterly failed in providing jobs. The youth of the state is disheartened. They want Jagan to fulfill the promises he had made when he was the opposition leader."

Durgesh alleged that the state government procured paddy from the farmers but has not paid them yet. He further accused the state government of failing to pay insurance, exgratia, and minimum support price to the farmers. He also alleged that only the farmers supporting the state government are benefitting.

"Farmers in the state are suffering a lot. But the govt is not responding at all. The govt procured paddy from farmers but did not make payments to date. Almost two months after procurement. Groundnut and jawar farmers in the Rayalaseema region are also deprived. Farmers supporting YSRCP only are getting benefits. The government has failed in paying insurance, exgratia, and MSP to the farmers," said Durgesh.

He went on to allege that the law and order in the state has deteriorated. He accused YSRCP workers of indulging in violence against women, adding that the police has turned blin-eyed towards such incidents.

"A woman is gang-raped near Tadepalli where the CM resides, but the accused have not been arrested till date," said the Jana Sena Party leader.

He further said, "Jana Sena Party PAC has decided to fight and mount pressure on the state govt on these issues."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modis first big Cabinet shakeup in his second term government saw the departure of three big names -- health minister Harsh Vardhan, I&B minister Prakash Javadekar and information technology and law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

The apparent mishandling of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic finally cost the good doctor, Harsh Vardhan, his portfolio. Dr Vardhan submitted his resignation from the Union council of ministers ahead of Wednesday evenings swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The second wave of the pandemic, that claimed over one lakh lives, damaged the image of the Prime Minister and his government both nationally and internationally. The second wave also exposed simmering cracks in the health infrastructure and the failure of the administration to provide basic healthcare like oxygen cylinders. The vaccine crisis in the early phases of the second wave also hit Dr Vardhan hard.

If the devastating Covid-19 second wave cost Dr Vardhan his job, the snowballing Twitter controversy over the new information technology rules sealed Mr Prasads fate. Sources also said that the attempts to regulate the OTT platforms boomeranged for Mr Javadekar. While Dr Harsh Vardhan was reportedly told to put in his papers a day before the reshuffle, the move to drop him caught Ravi Shankar Prasad by complete surprise. The sources said Mr Prasad was sitting with some people in his office when he received the call at around 12 noon today. The mood in the room immediately changed and Mr Prasad swiftly left for home.

Armed with the new IT guidelines, Mr Prasad had set out to discipline the social media, particularly Twitter. Following the farmers movement and the alleged misuse of the so-called toolkit, the Indian government had virtually locked horns with Twitter. The situation with the micro-blogging platform led to Mr Prasads account being temporarily blocked for a few hours, allegedly over complaints of a violation of the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Speculations is rife that information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar had to go as complaints from the film industry poured in after he tried to regulate OTT platforms. Mr Javadekar had claimed that he received complaints that two Amazon Prime shows -- Tandav and Mirzapur -- had hurt religious sentiments. However, sources close to Mr Javadekar denied that this was the reason for his removal but did not give any further details.

As the Covid-19 situation worsened in India, the health ministry kept getting embroiled in controversies one after another. Dr Harsh Vardhan came under severe criticism from within the party and outside when he went after former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. On April 18, the former PM had written a letter to Prime Minister Modi suggesting a few changes to the countrys vaccination strategy. Dr Harsh Vardhan lost his cool, and not merely sent out a stinging response to the former Prime Minister but also tweeted saying that History shall be kinder to you Dr Manmohan Singh ji if your offer of constructive cooperation and valuable advice was followed by your @INC leaders as well in such extraordinary times. His response stunned even his colleagues within the party and government and did not sit well with the BJP leadership.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday told the Centre it was free to take action against Twitter Inc in case of any breach of the new IT Rules and that no interim protection was granted, even as the new IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said those who live and work in India will have to abide by the rules of the country.

Locked in a standoff with the Central government over the new Information Technology (IT) Rules, Twitter Inc, meanwhile, informed the High Court it has appointed an interim chief compliance officer, who is a resident of India, and said it will make an endeavour to fill the regular position within eight weeks as per the rules. The court granted two weeks time to the microblogging platform to file an affidavit, notarised in the United States, on compliance with the new rules.

It is made clear that since this court has not passed any interim order, this court has granted time to Respondent No 2 (Twitter Inc) to file affidavit, no protection is granted. It is open to Centre to take action against the Respondent 2 in case of any breach of the rules, a bench of Justice Rekha Palli said while listing the matter for further hearing on July 28.

Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Twitter, told the court it was not seeking any protection either.

The consequence (of non-compliance) is that the protection to intermediaries falls off. Im not seeking any protection, he said. Meanwhile, Vaishnaw while responding to a question by reporters on the issue of Twitter not adhering to the IT rules said whosoever lives and works in India will have to abide by the rules of the country.

The US-based company has been in the eye of a storm over its alleged failure to comply with the new IT rules in India, which mandates, among other requirements, the appointment of three key personnel  chief compliance officer, nodal officer and grievance officer by social media platforms with over 50 lakh users. All the three personnel have to be residents in India. While the rules came into effect on May 26, Twitter is yet to adhere to the social media guidelines, despite repeated reminders from the government.

Vaishnaw, a Rajya Sabha member from Odisha, on Wednesday took oath as the Cabinet Minister and was given the charge of Railways along with the IT ministry. He replaced senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad in the IT ministry.

At the high court, Justice Palli also directed that affidavits on compliance with the rules be also filed by the officers appointed by Twitter under the new IT Rules.

Twitter prays for two weeks time for filing notarised affidavit of competent official of respondent nos 2 (Twitter Inc). Two weeks time is granted. Scanned copies to be filed by Tuesday, July 13, the court said after Poovayya submitted that he would get notarised affidavit from the U.S and the same would require some time.

The high court on July 6 had directed Twitter to inform it by July 8 as to when it will appoint a resident grievance officer (RGO) in compliance with the new IT Rules.

Poovayya told the court that pursuant to the direction, a note was filed, clarifying the status of appointment of the interim chief compliance officer (CCO), interim RGO as well as a nodal contact person on interim basis.

While an interim CCO has already been appointed on July 6, an interim RGO and interim nodal contact officer will be appointed by July 11 and within two weeks, respectively, Poovayya told the court and said that Twitter was actively recruiting for permanent position.

He said that usage of interim would not lessen the responsibilities imposed on these officers to ensure compliance with the new IT Rules.
The Twitter MD resides in Bengaluru, and his office is located in the city, Nagesh pointed out. (AFP Photo)

Bengaluru: Twitter India Managing Director Manish Maheshwari on Thursday sought the quashing of a notice issued by the Uttar Pradesh police seeking his physical presence in connection with a case registered for uploading and circulating a "communal sensitive" video on the platform.

Appearing on behalf of Maheshwari before the single bench of Justice G Narendar in the Karnataka High Court, his counsel C V Nagesh contended that the notice under Section 41 -A of the CrPC was issued "without jurisdiction, without the sanction of law."

He claimed that the first notice was issued on June 17 under Section 160 of the CrPC.

The legal obligation under Section 160 of the CrPC is based upon a person who resides at a place which is located within the territorial jurisdiction of the police station where the crime is registered, the counsel argued.

After the notice under Section 160 was issued, Maheshwari told the investigators that he did not know anything about the issue, Nagesh said.

He added that even if Maheshwari appeared before them in person, the reply would be the same.

"The IO (investigating officer) was not satisfied because there was a hidden agenda. Then what he (IO) did is, he invoked the powers under Section 41-A of the CrPC, which is not right", he alleged.

"Law does not empower him (the IO) to do so. It is an act which has been done without the sanction of law," the counsel argued.

The Twitter MD resides in Bengaluru, and his office is located in the city, Nagesh pointed out.

Maheshwari had earlier indicated that he was prepared to cooperate with the investigation through video conference.

The case has been posted for further hearing on Friday.

The Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) police issued the notice under Section 41-A of the CrPC on June 21 asking him to report at the Loni Border police station at 10.30 AM on June 24.

Maheshwari then approached the Karnataka High Court as he lives in Bengaluru in Karnataka.

On June 24, the High Court, in an interim order, restrained the Ghaziabad police from initiating any coercive action against him.

Justice Narendar had also maintained that if the police wanted to examine him, they could do so through virtual mode.

The Ghaziabad Police on June 15 booked Twitter Inc, Twitter Communications India Pvt. Ltd. (Twitter India), news website The Wire, journalists Mohammed Zubair and Rana Ayyub, besides Congress leaders Salman Nizami, Maskoor Usmani, Shama Mohamed and writer Saba Naqvi.

They were booked over the circulation of a video in which an elderly man, Abdul Shamad Saifi, alleges he was thrashed by some young men who also asked him to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' on June five.

According to police, the video was shared to cause communal unrest.

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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.
It takes about 1 minute for the ufo to show up on Lou's video. Also it is easier to see it in the video than the picture to the right...
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HAYS  A former daycare provider in Hays has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of an 8-week-old baby.

Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson Jr. said the charge against Michelle Sarver alleges the childs unintentional death was caused by recklessness, The HaysPost reported Thursday.

The infant died after being found unresponsive on Aug. 10, 2013, at the Michelle Sarver Day Care Home.

According to an emergency order of suspension from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at the time, a nearly 8-week old infant was left unattended for about 30 minutes after being propped up with pillows and a blanket for a nap on a bed in the daycare.

Sarver began CPR after the child was found unresponsive and lying on its stomach, the health agency said.

The infant died at a Wichita hospital.

Anderson said was asked to review the case shortly after he took office after being elected last year.

Sarver was served by summons and is not currently in custody.
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This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
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The cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are priced even lower

There a lot to be excited about with Samsung new foldable smartphone. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 will be unveiled at the Unpack event next month. Earlier reports suggested the new phones would be cheaper.

That good news for people who are reluctant to buy a foldable smartphone because of the price. There is even a chance of getting a new foldable smartphone cheaper at a lower price.

Trade-in old for new, making new folding furniture cheaper

We can exclusively reveal that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are getting significant price cuts. They will be 20% cheaper than the previous ones. Subsequent reports confirmed the price cut.

Recent rumors out of South Korea further reiterate that the new foldable products will cost less than the previous generation. If consumers own Samsung existing foldable smartphones, they will be able to buy them at a lower price.

The company will run promotions inviting people to trade in their existing Galaxy Z Fold or Galaxy Z Flip phones. The value transaction may be important, thereby reducing the overall cost to the customer.

Just like last year Thom Brown edition, a special edition will be released separately this year. The launch of the new foldable phone is reportedly timed to coincide with the rumor. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are expected to be available on August 27.

Samsung has not confirmed this, but there is reason to believe its next Unpack event will take place on August 11. In addition to the new phones, the event will also unveil new smartwatches and earplugs.

The lower price of the cheaper Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 affects the price of the macbook screen replacement

People maintenance of old-fashioned equipment may also have severe changes. For technical consulting or more information about macbook screen replacement, send an email to: info@oriwhiz.com.

The global consumer electronics repair and maintenance market is expected to grow from $ 8.01 billion in the first half of 2021 to $ 9.5 billion in the second half of 2022, with a continuously rising compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The increase was primarily due to operational challenges as various macbook screen replacement companies rearranged their operations and recovered from the impact of COVID-19, which earlier led to restrictive containment measures, including social distances, remote work, and the closure of commercial activities. The market is expected to reach $ 22.16 billion by 2025, with a CAGR OF 8.1%.

Factors that affect the cost of macbook screen replacement

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the consumer electronics repair and macbook screen replacement industries, as governments around the world have imposed blockades and restricted non-essential services to prevent the spread of the virus. Repair and maintenance services are heavily dependent on labor, and the availability of labor during such a pandemic is a huge challenge. Maintenance industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Middle East and India have also seen increased labor costs due to labor shortages during the blockade. On Average, The Repair Industry Repairs About 25 Million Electronic Devices in A Month, But Because of Lock downs and Social Distance Norms, The Products Are Expected To Pile Up for Repair.

The increase in equipment failure rates and the cost-benefit of servicing old equipment rather than disposing of old equipment is expected to drive the macbook screen replacement repair and maintenance market. Branded and non-branded low-cost macbook screen replacement often flood the market and require repairs due to poor material quality or regular maintenance. However, research shows that many merchants are now taking a different approach, building products that are easy to fix, as fixing macbook screen replacement problems is always more cost-effective than buying new products, thus strengthening customer trust. For technical consulting or more information about macbook screen replacement, send an email to: info@oriwhiz.com

Factors affecting the price of macbook screen replacement

As the most widely used digital products, mobile phones and tablets are becoming more affordable, but maintenance costs remain high. Among all the reasons for mobile phone failure, accidental screen damage caused by falling or hitting is the most common, but such accidental screen damage is not guaranteed by any mobile phone brand, and the cost of replacing the screen is often beyond the expectations of consumers.

China macbook screen replacement mobile phone accessories market, including macbook screen replacement, is expected to reach 550 billion yuan in sales by 2022, according to a forecast by China Central Television macbook screen replacement financial channel. In the context of global 5G commercialization, the next 5 years will be the period of the rapid growth of the 5G industry. Driven by continued growth momentum and a rapidly developing 5G ecosystem, the number of 5G users worldwide will reach 3 billion in the next five years, according to ComMS technology expert Ericsson. And by the end of 2025, 5G will cover 75 percent of the world macbook screen replacement population and handle 45 percent of the world macbook screen replacement mobile data traffic.

The rapid development of 5G will make the demand for a new generation of mobile phone accessories also grow. The forward-looking industry research institute expects that in 2026, the market demand for the mobile phone accessories industry and macbook screen replacement market will maintain a high growth rate, but the growth rate will gradually decline with the gradual popularization of 5G. It is expected that in 2026, The sales volume of the machine parts industry is expected to exceed 2.1 trillion yuan.

Your mobile phone model determines the macbook screen replacement charge

Technical personnel in your local macbook screen replacement can repair all major brands of mobile phones, including Apple, HUAWEI, MIUI, Samsung, LG and other brands. Here are a few factors that can affect the cost of repairing a phone.

For some repairs, pricing will vary depending on the make and model of your phone.

Newer phone models tend to be more expensive to repair.

As phone models age, maintenance costs typically fall.

If you have a particularly old phone, it is a good idea to contact your nearest repair shop to make sure they have the parts they need to fix it.

Choosing the right supplier of the macbook screen replacement is also important

Oriwhiz (Shenzhen Dongye Tengfei Electronic Co., Ltd) is a professional iPhone, iPad, Mac Book, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung, Sony, LG, Asus repair parts and repair tools supplier which has served thousands of repair shops with wholesale parts and hundreds of thousands of individual customers with the parts needed to fix their own iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and other digital devices.

Oriwhiz.com understands that there is competition in the marketplace offering lower prices, but with lower prices comes lower quality. Oriwhiz team aims to provide the best quality cellphone replacement parts and repair tools to all customers.

Oriwhiz provides comprehensive solutions for cellphones, digital devices, Computer Repair Shops with Powerful and Handy Cellcheck Repair Packaging, Repair Tools, and Repair Machines. For technical consulting or more information about macbook screen replacement, send an email to: info@oriwhiz.com
(The Center Square)  A new program will help fill a labor shortage in Michigans foodservice industry while helping those exiting the justice system secure a job.

The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) announced Wednesday it is partnering with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to bring the Hospitality Opportunities for People (re)Entering Society (HOPES) program to Michigan.

HOPES is a job skills program that trains those exiting the justice system for jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

The U.S. Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration awarded NRAEF a $4 million grant to launch HOPES in four states  Delaware, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas.

We are honored to play a role in bringing the HOPES program to communities in Michigan to both create a pathway for justice involved individuals into an industry that can become a lifelong career and provide solutions to restaurants and hotels facing a statewide workforce shortage, MRLA President and CEO Justin Winslow said in a statement.

The unemployment rate for individuals leaving the justice system is five times the national average.

HOPES provides skills training, mentoring, and job placement services to those leaving the justice system so they can re-enter society and build a pathway to financial stability and independence.

The hospitality industry is known for being a first job opportunity and offering second chances to people from all backgrounds. With more than 30,000 industry job openings currently in Michigan, the HOPES program providing training and employment opportunities to justice-involved individuals is a viable way to support communities while helping operators hire, MRLA Executive Director of Educational Foundation Amanda Smith said in a statement. Our partnership with the NRAEF allows us to bring life-changing programs like HOPES to Michigan.

HOPES partners with Departments of Corrections, community-based organizations, and state restaurant associations. Although COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in Michigan, business owners face fierce competition to attract workers.

Republicans blame the labor shortage on boosted $300/week unemployment benefits extended through September 6.

Partner organizations provide case management services and industry-recognized credentials. HOPES partners with interested individuals at participating correctional facilities, as well as after release and during parole. Once a HOPES participant completes training, the individual will be placed in a local restaurant or foodservice position and receive follow-up support for one year.
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A poster for KBS's TV drama "Be My Dream Family"/ Courtesy of KBS





By Kwak Yeon-soo







TV and film productions are being halted as the country enters what appears to be a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. Companies including KBS and Netflix confirmed disruptions to their shooting schedules.







On Tuesday, a press conference for tvN's reality show "Udo Inn" was canceled abruptly because actress Kim Hee-sun had to undergo COVID-19 testing after Cha Ji-yeon, who has been starring in the musical "Red Book" and preparing for the upcoming musical "Gwanghwamun Sonata" and Netflix's series "The Bride of Black," tested positive for the virus on Sunday.







Kim as well as the rest of the cast and crew for "The Bride of Black" have been tested and were all confirmed negative.







Cha's infection has also dented the live theater sector. The musical "Red Book" has been suspended until July 17, while a press conference for "Gwanghwamun Sonata," which was originally scheduled for Monday, was called off.







Since the beginning of July, the number of new confirmed cases in Korea has shot up, prompting the government to review elevating the social distancing rule to the highest level. Some 1,275 cases were reported on Thursday, the highest tally Korea has seen throughout this pandemic which began early last year.







A scene from "Bogota: City of the Lost" / Courtesy of Megabox Plus M





Earlier on July 2, the production team for the crime drama film "Bogota: City of the Lost," starring Song Joong-ki, announced it halted filming after one of the actors had been in contact with a person known to have been infected.







"Shooting of the film will not resume until the whole cast and crew end their self-quarantine. We will adjust production schedules after paying close attention to the situation and making full preparations for safety," the film's distributor Megabox Plus M said.







KBS, a major public broadcaster, has suspended filming the daily TV series "Be My Dream Family" after an actor tested positive on Monday. The cast and crew all tested negative, but the show will not be airing episodes from July 19 to 23 as a result of the precautionary measure.







"Complying with the health guidelines of the government and for the safety of our cast and crew, we have decided to pause production schedules for now," the production team said.







Korean media reported that Netflix has halted some productions including "Suriname" a crime drama film starring Hwang Jung-min and Ha Jung-woo, and "Money Heist," a Korean remake of a Spanish crime series revolving around a group of criminals carrying out a major heist planned by a mastermind.


gettyimagesbank



Global IB research papers see diminishing influence



By Anna J. Park



Global investment banks have been publishing a flurry of "sell" reports  or "underweight" or "underperform" opinions  on Korean companies, as they view the firms' valuations have gone up above their substantial values recently amid the KOSPI's bullish performance.



Goldman Sachs gave an underweight opinion on Hanwha Solutions earlier this month, setting its target price at 40,000 won ($35), 10 percent lower than its current price as of Thursday's close. The rationale behind the sell position on the Hanwha affiliate is based on growing uncertainty due to low entry barriers to the solar energy business, which the bank says means its profitability should be estimated in a long-term period. Considering competitors' increasing equipment investments, Hanwha Solutions' stocks need to be discounted, it insisted.



A recent research paper by Hong Kong-based CLSA suggested "sell" on E-mart stocks following a negative assessment of Shinsegae Group's acquisition of eBay Korea. CLSA's target on E-mart is 139,000 won, a drop of more than 12 percent compared to the stock's 155,000 won closing price as of Thursday.



Leading battery companies have also been targeted by major investment banks to receive a lukewarm reaction. Morgan Stanley voiced an "underweight" position on Samsung SDI, changing from its previous status of "equal-weight" of the Samsung affiliate on the basis that battery manufacturers' profitability is expected to worsen amid heated competition. Despite the sell opinion, Samsung SDI's stock price rose by 20 percent in just a month, up to 732,000 won as of Thursday from 622,000 won early last month.



Credit Suisse wasn't favorable on LG Chem last month, when it gave an "underperform" view on the country's top chemical company. Its research paper asserted LG Chem's stock price should be discounted, given that its 100 percent stake in spun-off affiliate LG Energy Solution (LGES) would be lowered to 70 percent with its public offering later this year. LG Chem's stock price, however, increased from 814,000 won a month ago to 859,000 won on Thursday's closing.





gettyimagesbank
People line up for COVID-19 testing near a public health center in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap



Almost none of subscribers could win benefits



By Lee Min-hyung



Korea's insurance firms are playing a joke on customers by offering "vaccine insurance," as customers can rarely receive any benefits in exchange for providing their personal data when subscribing to the services.



With more than 30 percent of the population having received at least one vaccine shot, non-life insurers here are rushing to launch their COVID-19 vaccine insurance products, targeting those with fears of vaccine side effects. The companies include leading non-life insurers  such as Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance  and medium-sized companies and small businesses  including DB Insurance, Lina Korea and Carrot Insurance.



Customers have been able to sign up for most of the products for free by offering their personal information in the hopes that they can claim payouts if they suffer from any possible vaccine side effects.



But the problem is that almost none of the subscribers could win the benefits, as the vaccine insurance products provide money only to subscribers who have a rare allergic reaction  anaphylaxis  following a coronavirus vaccination.



According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, only 416 cases were reported to have had symptoms of the reaction among the 18.87 million vaccine recipients here, as of the end of June. This rate was equal to a chance of 0.0022 percent, showing that very few of the vaccinated here will experience this life-threatening allergic reaction. Those who have signed up for vaccine insurance can generally receive up to 2 million won ($1,700) if they exhibit the right symptoms.





From left are Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance CEO Choi Young-moo, Hyundai Fire & Marine Insurance CEO Cho Yong-il and DB Insurance CEO Kim Jeong-nam. Courtesy of each firm
A rendering of a'strict's media art installation, "Whale #2" (2021) / Courtesy of the artist and Kukje Gallery





By Park Han-sol







Two immersive, site-specific media art installations evoking natural water landscapes, produced by a'strict, will be displayed at Times Square during New York's hottest summer months. As a collaborative media art group formed by the space-based UX digital design company d'strict, a'strict made its debut last year with a visually compelling, multisensory installation wave piece in Gangnam.







From July 16 to Aug. 2, the group's gigantic whale and waterfall will appear before the eyes of millions in the U.S. for the first time.







"Whale #2," scheduled to play daily from July 16 to 27, will occupy a 1,400-square-meter digital screen located at Times Square's Pedestrian Plaza. The screen will transform into a surreal 3D oceanic tank, where a massive blue whale will move rhythmically while basking in the rolling waves.







A rendering of a'strict's media art installation, "Waterfall-NYC" (2021) / Courtesy of the artist and Kukje Gallery





Following the piece is "Waterfall-NYC," which will be installed on the exterior of the iconic One Times Square building using four vertical screens, standing at a total height of 102.5 meters. The artwork will be, in fact, approximately three times higher than the similarly themed, 36-meter-tall installation, "The New York City Waterfalls" (2008), by artist Olafur Eliasson.







The digitally cascading water, amidst the towering skyscrapers, brick buildings and steel frame structures that make up a large part of the sleepless city, is expected to create a compelling, otherworldly presence for viewers.







It was last year when a'strict debuted with its immersive video art project titled "WAVE." The outdoors digital billboard at K-Pop Square outside of the COEX mall in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, usually reserved for ads, turned into a gigantic container with transparent walls. Inside, the realistically rendered blue waves roared and thrashed, captivating viewers.







Since then, the group has participated in the group exhibition "The Nature of Art" at the Busan Museum of Art, and produced one of the chosen pieces for "JAY CHOU X SOTHEBY'S," a major contemporary art auction series hosted by Sotheby's Hong Kong.




Cartoon fans turn their attention away from Japanese manga and towards mobile-friendly webtoons



By Lee Hae-rin



Rafael Zerbini, 30, a Brazilian graphic designer, is an avid reader of Korean web comics, better known as webtoons in Korea, or web-based, scroll-down comics optimized for smartphone users.



He used to be a huge fan of Japanese manga since childhood, but grew tired of zooming in and out on his smartphone screen to read poorly-scanned pages. In 2018, he discovered South Korea's webtoons, realizing they constituted a whole new world for comics lovers.





Rafael Zerbini / Courtesy of Rafael Zerbini

"It was love at first sight," says Zerbini. "The first time I learned that Korean webtoons are made for a mobile experience, I got really curious. I'd always thought: how come there is nothing optimized for a smartphone?"



French citizen Adelaide Lucena is another webtoon fan converted from Japanese manga. For her, reading webtoons is part of her daily routine. "The webtoon's digital format is something the French market hasn't seen before. French readers are now getting used to the fast, efficient and colorful reading experience of Korean webtoons," she said.



Naver, the nation's leading search engine, which runs the biggest webtoon platform, under Naver Webtoon, launched a French-language service in 2019, five years after it started an English-language service. France is one of the fastest-growing web comic markets in the world.



In Korea, webtoons have become the most popular source for small and big screen content, with over 250 webtoons having been adapted into films and TV series.



When it comes to global influence, webtoons are not comparable to K-pop or Korean dramas. But their influence is gradually growing in Europe.



A recent survey conducted by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) shows that South Korea's webtoons are beginning to captivate a growing number of young French fans.



In a survey of 580 people, seven out of every 10 French citizens answered they had never heard of webtoons. But some 20 percent of the respondents said that they read webtoons every day.



Global comics fans are increasingly looking to Korean webtoons, turning their attention away from Japanese manga, which has been popular since the 1990s.





Adelaide Lucena / Courtesy of Adelaide Lucena

Zerbini and Lucena are two exemplary comics fans who stopped downloading scanned manga prints and started to enjoy mobile-friendly Korean webtoons.



A French media outlet said that mobile-based webtoons have become a norm for comics lovers.



"People no longer turn pages to read comics, but instead, they scroll down on a mobile screen," the Le Monde newspaper wrote in an article published in February. The French newspaper said that South Korea's digital technology is breathing new life into the static comic industry and ended up creating a new, digital dimension of a reading experience.



"Webtoons are neat and easy to read on smartphones. They're very different from Japanese manga, which we read by downloading scanned pages," says Nina Pontreue, a French student who has read webtoons for 5 years. "You only need an internet connection, or not even that if you are eager enough to download some episodes in advance. Then you can enjoy a handful of high-quality comics wherever, whenever you want."



The installation of free wifi in the Paris metro in 2020 was a game-changer for Korean webtoons, according to the newspaper, Le Parisien. Now many people read comics on mobile devices, thanks to the unlimited internet access.



Many international webtoon readers point to its generic features and high-quality content as the keys to success. Webtoon creators don't feel pressure when telling their stories, as there are no space limits on digital platforms. Also, multimedia functions, such as animation and sound, make the reading experiences more enjoyable than before.



"Korean webtoons feature great narratives with exceptional graphic delivery. I love their use of colors and unique drawing styles," says Pontreue, a French reader who discovered the genre while surfing on social media five years ago. Her favorite series include, "The Distant Sky," "It's Mine" and "Ghost Teller."



Another French reader, Kathleen Dangoumau, said she loves how webtoons depict interesting subjects. She said that the "Fragile Hero" and "Revenge Girl," series about bullying and suicide in the young generation, are two of the webtoons she recently had enjoyed most. In France, she said that such topics are considered taboo by the French media.





Quiandez McAfee / Courtesy of Quiandez McAfee
People prepare to pay their respects to the statues of late North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il ahead of the 27th anniversary of the death of Kim Il-sung, at Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, July 7. AFP-Yonhap



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a mausoleum for his late grandfather and national founder Kim Il-sung to mark the anniversary of his death, state media reported Thursday, dismissing rumors about his health.



Kim paid tribute at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where Kim Il-sung's body lies in state, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, a day after rumors surfaced in South Korea that Kim fell unconscious after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage and his uncle Kim Pyong-il had forced him from power.



"Kim Jong-un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun at 0:00 on Thursday," the KCNA said.



"At the halls where Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il lie in state the General Secretary made a bow of best wishes to the President and the Chairman who performed undying feats before the country, the people, the times and the revolution with their profound ideas and theories, extraordinary leadership ability and sweeping revolutionary practices," it said.



The visit was to mark the anniversary of the death of Kim Il-sung in 1994. Leader Kim Jong-un has paid tribute on his late grandfather's death anniversary every year since he took power in 2012, with the exception of 2018.



Accompanying Kim on the visit were members of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party and other senior officials. KCNA photos showed Choe Ryong-hae, president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), and other members standing in the front row as they paid tribute right next to leader Kim.



But absent from the front row was Ri Pyong-chol, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, which reinforces speculation that he has been dismissed as a member of the politburo that consists of five members, including leader Kim.



Instead, Ri was seen standing in the third row, along with alternative members of the politburo, confirming that he was sacked from the presidium and demoted to a lower position.



Pak Jong-chon, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, who was speculated to have been among those dismissed, was seen standing in his usual second row wearing a vice marshal badge.



However, Pak was standing at the very left side of the row, suggesting that he was demoted to some degree.



Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, was seen standing in the fifth row, while North Korea's first vice foreign minister, Choe Son-hui, paid tribute in the back.



At an extended politburo meeting last week, leader Kim berated officials handling anti-epidemic measures for neglecting duties and dismissed key party members. State media did not provide details, raising speculation over which members were dismissed. (Yonhap)






South Korea's national think tank on nuclear power has been exposed to a hacking attack presumably launched by North Korea, but no major data was leaked, the state spy agency said Thursday.







"An investigation is underway after receiving a damage report from the Atomic Energy Research Institute on June 1. ... It was exposed (possibly) to North Korea for about 12 days," Rep. Ha Tae-keung, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, told reporters, citing a briefing from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).







"It is presumed to be done by North Korea via an organization affiliated with a third country," other officials also said, adding, "No core technology data was leaked."







According to Ha and another committee member, Rep. Kim Byung-kee, the country's damage caused by hacking groups backed by national entities rose by 9 percent in the first half of the year from the second half of last year.







Ha said there were also signs showing the Korea Aerospace Industries, South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, may have been hacked, and currently an investigation is under way to evaluate how long it was exposed.







Referring to the physical condition of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the NIS said Kim is reigning the country "normally" after losing about 10 to 20 kilograms recently.







The NIS sees "there's no problem with his health," Ha said. (Yonhap)


Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, left, and Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung / Korea Times file



By Nam Hyun-woo



The issues of handling North Korea's nuclear program and improving inter-Korean relations are losing prominence among presidential hopefuls in South Korea, as heavyweight candidates have not offered specific policy roadmaps in their bids to run in the election slated for next March.



Experts said Thursday this is because inter-Korean relations are currently at an uneasy moment for contenders to roll out their policies, and the South Korean public's interest in North Korea has been drained as the Moon Jae-in administration has shown no concrete outcomes lately despite multiple inter-Korean summits and Washington-Pyongyang talks during its tenure.



In his official declaration to run in the presidential race, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung addressed the North Korea issue only in a single sentence under a subcategory of his economic pledges. He said: "The establishment of the Korean Peninsula Peace Economy System and revitalization of the northern economy will become a big boost for new growth."



In the 14-minute speech by Lee, who is the leading hopeful of the ruling liberal bloc, there was no single mention of North Korea by name, and the only North Korea policy he has disclosed so far is exploiting the economic potential of Pyongyang.



This is in a stark contrast to his previous presidential attempt in 2017, when he was contesting with then-contender Moon in the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) primary. Lee at the time placed his idea of "national interest-centric independent diplomacy" and provided detailed plans to achieve that.



The situation is similar for other contenders who are close to President Moon. Former Prime Ministers Lee Nak-yon and Chung Sye-kyun, who revealed their presidential bids on Monday and June 17, respectively, mentioned briefly that they will continue former liberal presidents' diplomacy toward North Korea, but did not specify what kind of policies they will pursue to improve inter-Korean relations.



Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who is believed to be the leading contender in the conservative bloc, has also yet to provide specific policy ideas related to North Korea.



When declaring his bid, Yoon said, "South Korea should show it is founded upon the common values of civilized countries, so that it can provide predictability to enemies, friends, competitors and partners," but did not elaborate further. In a following press conference, Yoon also used theoretical rhetoric, saying "North Korea is our main enemy, but we have to cooperate in some aspects which can help establish sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula."



Hwang Kyo-ahn, former prime minister during the previous Park Geun-hye administration, criticized the Moon government's North Korea policy and pledged to build "sustainable peace" during the announcement of his candidacy on July 1, but did not elaborate further.





Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon sits during a TV debate among Democratic Party of Korea presidential contenders in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, July 4. Yonhap



The contenders' moves are in contrast with previous presidential elections. During the 2017 election, Moon and main opposition candidate Hong Joon-pyo both kept North Korea at the center of their pledges. And in the 2012 election, then ruling party candidate Park Geun-hye and Moon each came up with their own North Korea policy roadmaps.



Experts said North Korea issues have become too thorny to touch for both ruling and conservative candidates.



"For contenders from the ruling bloc, it is difficult to evaluate the current administration's North Korea policy, given the slim chance of resuming talks with Pyongyang during Moon's remaining term," said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University. "If the ruling bloc presidential hopefuls say they will continue with Moon's North Korea policy and the North instigates provocations during the election period, they may end up being criticized for making the wrong pledges."



Park said the current inter-Korean stalemate is also uneasy for conservative contenders. Though the Moon government has yet to make concrete results toward North Korea's denuclearization, it has at least brought momentum for peace talks. Against this backdrop, a hasty approach to North Korea issues may leave them open to criticisms over their ideological approach, he said.



"In a broader view, the public is not that interested in North Korea issues," Park said. "With the Moon government constantly making offers to the North, the regime is not showing desirable responses. This makes the public tired of North Korea issues. Also, the Moon government's efforts to help North Korea's COVID-19 battle are also pushing the public away from North Korea issues."




By Bahk Eun-ji



The nation's human rights watchdog said Thursday that it is discrimination against preschoolers of foreign nationality to exclude them from the government's emergency anti-virus relief fund for children, and recommended that the health and welfare ministry change its related policies.



The National Human Rights Commission of Korea made the recommendation in response to petitions filed by civic groups advocating for the rights of immigrants.





The National Human Rights Commission of Korea / Korea Times file
A member of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions speaks during a press conference at Seoul National University, Seoul, Wednesday, criticizing the school for workplace bullying that allegedly led to the death of a female janitor. Yonhap



By Kang Seung-woo



The death of a female janitor at Seoul National University has been met with allegations that she met her demise as a result of workplace bullying by her supervisor.



A woman in her 50s was found dead in the staff lounge of a dormitory building at the school, June 26, but police said there was no evidence of homicide or suicide.



However, a subsidiary union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions claims that a newly appointed manager, in charge of the dormitory's safety management, abused his power unduly toward janitors who were already suffering from poor working conditions.



"The deceased was extremely stressed out by the workplace bullying, military-style work orders and high intensity of labor she experienced," the union said in a press conference on the school campus, Wednesday.



The union criticized the manager's unreasonable orders.



"The manager held a meeting with janitors every Wednesday. He forced male employees to dress in a formal way and female employees to dress themselves beautifully," it said, adding that those who failed to bring pens and notepads to meetings were subject to disadvantages in their employee performance reviews.



In addition, the manager required the janitors to take a written test that had nothing to do with their job, including questions such as the year a specific dormitory building had been built.



"The manager asked the janitors to write the name of the dormitory in English or Chinese characters during the written test," it said. "He then publicized each employee's results and publicly shamed them."



Along with the bullying, the union took issue with the facility's poor working conditions.



"The deceased janitor worked in a four-story building without an elevator, had to carry 100-liter trash bags on six or seven occasions every day with her own hands, and she also had to dispose of recyclables and food waste," the union said.



"With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic resulting in more waste from increased food deliveries, the intensity of the work must have become severe."



However, an SNU official said the written test was part of a move to let workers know about the history of their workplace.



In response to the death, a group of SNU professors urged the school to come up with countermeasures to prevent the reoccurrence of such a tragedy, Thursday.



"Based on media reports, the janitor suffered from a heavy workload due to the prolonged pandemic," it said.



"It is irrational to urge janitors to dress in a formal way and have them take unnecessary tests."



Belatedly, a petition has been filed at Cheong Wa Dae's website, urging the government to take action to stop workplace bullying. As of 2 p.m., Thursday, more than 140,000 people had signed the petition.


Han Jong-seob / Courtesy of Korea University Medicine



By Bahk Eun-ji



Han Jong-seob, an 89-year-old resident of Anam-dong, Seongbuk District in northern Seoul, has donated more than 500 million won to Korea University (KU) Medicine, a foundation operating all of KU's medical facilities and its colleges of medicine and nursing.



According to KU Medicine, Han delivered 506 million won to the hospital recently after selling her house located close to the hospital.



"I hope KU Medicine will keep fighting against all the bad diseases so that people can live comfortably," Han said in a recent ceremony at the hospital to commemorate her donation.



"I'm so relieved that I can make a donation finally although I made up my mind to do so a while ago. It's not because I have a lot of money, but because I like this hospital."



She said she remembered how the Anam-dong hospital, which was integrated with KU in 1971, took the lead in making efforts to contain infectious diseases after the Korean War in the 1950s. "I hope this hospital will fight against bad diseases just like it did in the past, so that many people can live without worrying about illnesses."



Han said she lost her family during the war in 1951 when she moved to the South from the North. She has been using the hospital as a local resident ever since she settled in Anam-dong, where she raised her six children.



"It may be a small amount, but I hope that a lot of good energy will be centered on the hospital to create a better society where everyone can live a healthy and happy life," she said.



Kim Young-hoon, president and CEO of KU Medicine, said, "We express our deep respect for her as she did not lose hope in the face of countless hardships and adversity throughout her life and for the way she showed how to share with other people."



He added, "We will keep doing our best to fight against contagious viruses and diseases as Han wishes."


From left, Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon, Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Kim In-ho and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon seal a time capsule containing objects related to the 30th anniversary of the re-institution of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, which is slated for opening in 2091, at the council building in central Seoul, Thursday. Korea legislated the Local Autonomy Act in 1949 and the first Seoul Metropolitan Council members were elected in 1956. However, it was dismissed after the May 16 military coup of 1961 and reorganized in 1991. Yonhap
gettyimagesbank



By Yoon Ja-young



As the country finds itself with an aging population, the government is exploring ways to keep senior workers in the labor force. But it is looking into various options and treading carefully as an abrupt, one-sided extension of the legal retirement age will likely face backlash from younger workers as well as jobseekers.



With the country's record-low birthrate continuing to drop, Korea's population started to decrease last year  the number of babies born totaled only 272,400, while 305,100 people died. The working age population, or those aged from 15 to 64, started to decline even earlier, in 2018. That figure is expected to fall to 29.66 million in 2038 from 37.65 million in 2018.



These realities mean that in the future, the government will be able to collect less tax revenue from workers, while there will be more elderly retirees who need financial support. Every 100 individuals in the working age population will have to support 76 elderly people in 2065, which is the highest number of elderly among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries.



To dampen the shock of this demographic cliff, extending the retirement age is being explored as one possible solution.




By Nam Sang-so





Most building defects are the result of human error and they are avoidable. They occur not through a lack of basic knowledge but by the non-application or misapplication of it. Knowledge is mislaid from time to time.



Construction involves every facet of endeavor: design and delineation of such information into the universal language of drawings, the preparation of materials and finally assembly of components at the site. The construction industry increases its capability by learning from its mistakes, but many of the failures could be avoided if they knew about the mistakes made by others.



When a failure occurs, there usually follows a long argument and litigation. Sometimes there is a single explanation, but mostly it is a combination of conditions, mistakes, lack of oversight, ignorance, incompetence and even dishonest performance  and worst of all, the potential corruption that comes along the way to the site.



Contrary to the common belief that a single architect runs every field of the design activities, there are several engineers who contribute to the completion of a design. They are soil/foundations, structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, a specifications writer and so on. It's teamwork.



CNN has reported that at least 24 people are dead and 124 people are still unaccounted for (as of July 5) after a residential building partially collapsed in Florida's town of Surfside. Three years before the deadly collapse of the condominium complex, a consultant found alarming evidence of major structural damage to concrete slabs and abundant cracking and crumbling of columns, beams and walls in the 13-story and 40-year-old building; and the complex's management had known about some of the problems. The collapse of an apartment building in America, one of the world's wealthiest nations, has stunned construction industry experts not only in the United States but also around the world.



The Florida news flashed my memory back to the tragic and ill-reputed collapse of the five-story Wau Apartment building in western Seoul in April 1970. I was a member of the structural investigation team looking into the cause of the accident, in which the building was squashed flat, killing 34 and injuring more than 40 residents. It was a combination of ignorance, incompetence and dishonest performance by the contractor who had colluded with the supervising authorities in the government.



We discovered the stunningly poor quality of the structure  some columns were reinforced far less than the design requirement and there had been no quality control over the concrete operation. The compression tests made on the specimens registered less than a quarter of the structural requirements. "That's all we had" a foreman of the contractor shouted back to us when we questioned him. He meant that the majority of the money needed in the field had leaked away before it reached the site.



As I have said, most building defects are avoidable only if the architects, engineers and construction contractors faithfully follow the terms of the contract and technical specifications, all of which have been prepared by the technical laboratories based on the tragic history of construction failures.





The writer (sangsonam@gmail.com) is retired architect/engineer.


By Alex Gratzek





As the most recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict fades, certain developments have arisen that give me hope for the beginning of change in the region.



The year of 1948 witnessed the birth of Israel, founded as a homeland for Jews due to the shame and horrors of the Holocaust. The land set aside was called Palestine, ruled by Great Britain. It was to be partitioned between an Arab Palestinian state and a Jewish Israeli state.



Great Britain, exhausted from World War II, simply walked out of its Palestinian mandate and washed its hands of the simmering crisis, which soon simmered over into open warfare.



Neighboring Arab states objected to the partition of Palestine and the establishment of a Jewish state. They tried to strangle the fledgling Israeli nation in the cradle.



Many Arabs viewed Israel through a historical lens as the newest incarnation of Medieval Crusader States. Furthermore, it was Hitler, a European, who killed the Jews, so why was Arab land being taken as compensation?



The attack threatened its very existence because Israel is a narrow strip of land and it lacks strategic depth. It's always one military defeat or political miscalculation from being "pushed into the sea." The attempt failed and to the victor goes the spoils.



It naturally took more land than had been allocated for security purposes and stronger partners and patrons.



In 1956, an Anglo-French force seized control of the Suez Canal with the connivance of Israel. Israel was happy to see a friendly buffer between itself and Egypt. The three miscalculated their ability to act in the face of American-Soviet opposition and backed down. Israel came to know it was dependent upon America's good graces.



In 1967, amid a period of high tensions, Israel pre-emptively attacked and decimated its Arab neighbors in the Six-Day War. In 1973, Israeli leader Golda Meir knew Egypt and Syria were going to attack.



She knew her hesitancy to strike first would cost the lives of Israeli soldiers but to save those lives would mean attacking first and running the risk of no American supplies, thereby threatening the very existence of Israel. Her reluctance to be the aggressor was later revealed to be correct as no aid would have been forthcoming from Nixon.



She faced a gut-wrenching decision, but ultimately she made the difficult decision in the interest of Israel as a whole, rather than her personal feelings or the soldiers who would be on the receiving end of the 1973 attack. Since Israel won that war, it has not faced any threatened "push into the sea."



What Israel needs now is a leader of Golda Meir's caliber. Someone who could play the role of Nixon when he went to China. Sadly, the man who had the stature to pull it off, Ariel Sharon, suffered a stroke and entered a coma in 2005. The peace process went comatose along with him, helping to give rise to Netanyahu in 2009.



From 2009 to 2021, Israel was led by Netanyahu. He pandered to religious zealots who gradually grabbed land and kept a permanent embargo on Gaza, turning it into an open-air prison with no hope for a better future.



He took maximalist positions in negotiations, previously considered beyond the pale, while also inflaming international tensions to suit his domestic needs. A man indicted "on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust" while in office.



Since 2009, the issue of Palestine has remained like a pot of beans on the stove, constantly simmering with occasional outbursts of violence, both Hamas and Netanyahu benefiting in domestic political gains.



It's not unreasonable to suspect Netanyahu helped egg this current conflict on to remain prime minister for the protections it offered against his legal woes, and there were reports a deal was shaping up to oust him from power. The resulting 11 dead Israelis? Pawns sacrificed in one man's quest for continued political survival.



As a truce settles across the region, the question becomes: what's next? Will Israel continue "mowing the lawn" in perpetuity? Recent developments have given me hope for the region that I've never held in all the years I've followed the conflict. Most importantly is the replacement of Netanyahu by Naftali Bennett.



Bennett's coalition represents Israelis from all political stripes, religious and nonreligious, far rightists to far leftists, Arabs, Jews and Christians as they united to oust Netanyahu and they succeeded by a single vote.



I don't know much about new Prime Minister Bennett but I hope he proves to be a wiser leader than Netanyahu. With just how low Netanyahu has set the bar, it shouldn't be a hard feat. Hopefully, he will govern with the thought of Israel and all its citizens on his mind, rather than solely for his political career.





Alex Gratzek (ajgratzek@gmail.com) is an American who has lived, studied and worked in South Korea. Check his website at alexfromabroad.com. The views expressed in the above article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.


Contenders should not try to deceive voters



Presidential aspirants are trying hard to woo voters by proposing a set of policy options to revive the economy, stabilize housing prices and create more jobs. Yet most people are wondering if their campaign pledges can be put into action, whoever wins next year's election. The answer is anything but positive.



Rep. Lee Nak-yon of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has promised to increase the proportion of the country's middle class to 70 percent from the current 57 percent. This promise came Monday after he declared his bid to run for the presidency. It is important to expand the middle class, which is often called the backbone of democracy, and so no one should object to this pledge.



But it seems almost impossible to keep such a promise, given that the middle class has continued to decline from 71.7 percent in 2000 to 67.5 percent in 2010. Former President Park Geun-hye once made a similar pledge, which she failed to keep. So therefore, Lee should present a concrete plan to replenish the middle class; otherwise, the public cannot trust his words.



On Tuesday, Lee, a former prime minister and ex-DPK chairman, said that he will draft three bills designed to introduce the concept of "public ownership of land" to stamp out real estate speculation. The key points of the bills are to put a limit on housing land ownership and allow the government to collect the development profits from private landlords.



But this concept appears to be unfeasible. Similar legislation was put forward under the rule of former President Roh Tae-woo. But they were declared unconstitutional in the 1990s because they infringed on the people's right to private ownership. It is urgent to fight property speculation and bring runaway housing prices under control. Yet it is irrational to restrict private ownership as an anti-speculative measure.



Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, a leading DPK presidential hopeful, has floated the idea of creating a public corporation that will purchase homes and lease them to the public. His idea, if implemented, could bring about the effect of stabilizing housing prices. But it goes against market principles by empowering the government and local authorities to control housing prices directly.



Also disappointing is that the governor has stressed the need for much heavier taxes on homeowners, especially those with multiple homes, to prevent them from making profits from speculation. Everyone knows that imposing higher taxes alone cannot prevent speculation. Supplying more homes at affordable prices is crucial to cooling the overheated housing market.



We urge the presidential contenders, both from the ruling and opposition blocs, to come up with campaign promises that are feasible and market-friendly. They should not try to deceive voters with sugar-coated words or populist ideas. Voters, for their part, need to deliver a stern judgment on any reckless and irresponsible candidates who only make empty promises.




By Casey Lartigue Jr.





North Korean refugee Yeonmi Park did it again, this time she went viral because of her comments about political correctness at Columbia University. While some people honestly analyzed her words, some of her loudest critics inadvertently made her case for her with their vitriolic responses.







As a disclaimer, I first met Yeonmi in 2012, worked closely with her in 2014 when we hosted a podcast together, and I was her mentor for her One Young World speech that got international attention. My opinions obviously here are my own, not hers.







Over the years we have talked about what she was going through at Columbia, and I shared my own experience as a student at Harvard. Several North Korean refugees have told me that they felt liberated to be able to speak their minds after going through round-the-clock brainwashing and self-criticism sessions in North Korea.







When they began sharing their stories as free people, however, it didn't take long them for people to hit them with ad hominem attacks, trifling comments and even death threats. Additionally, North Korean refugee women receive numerous dirty and threatening messages from perverts.







Several of the refugees have asked me why they receive such vitriol from people. My explanation: in North Korea, if others don't like what you say or do, they can report you to the authorities. In the U.S., South Korea and other countries, people are free to blog, gossip and spread rumors, set up YouTube channels, try to "cancel" you, destroy your career or business, and even make death threats, but they usually can't call the police. Dogs rarely bark at parked cars, so one could take the complaints as compliments.







In response to Park saying that classmates and professors had tried to shut down her opinions, those who consider themselves "woke" responded by acting like extremists, trying to shut her down.







I'm not entirely surprised about Park not fitting in with those classmates and professors who are more conformist than curious. She entered Columbia at the age of 22 or 23, but her age should be measured in dog years. Shortly after she had escaped from North Korea at the age of 13 she witnessed her mother being raped by a Chinese broker. Later, they were both later sold to Chinese men.







She was a bestselling author by the age of 21 when many of her college classmates were probably taking the SAT. She was making a trade-off that her classmates may never have. She could have spent the last four years traveling around the world giving speeches and selling her book, rather than studying at Columbia.









She is a

who barely went to school when she was in North Korea. In South Korea, she mostly studied at libraries and on the internet before she was accepted into college in South Korea, after getting her GED.







Conformity on college campuses is not something that only Park has experienced. I have heard from and about many strivers about their struggles in classrooms with college students more interested in shutting them down rather than in exchanging ideas.







A friend of mine who first entered Harvard at the age of 21 and then returned when he was 25, after serving in the army, often clashed with classmates. He returned later for grad school, and says that things only got worse. There would be a "chill" in the room whenever he disagreed with a classmate or professor. I then characterized it as being like communist party leaders of a purge asking, "Do you have a dissenting thought, comrade?"







Charges of anti-intellectualism aren't new. Thomas Sowell, a high school dropout who later served in the Marines, entered Harvard University at the age of 25. He graduated from Harvard in 1958, then got a master's degree from Columbia in 1959. He has written about Harvard that "smug assumptions were too often treated as substitutes for evidence or logic." He described Columbia as "a sort of watered-down version of Harvard, intellectually."







As a student at Harvard, I often encountered students who were quite tolerant  until they disagreed with you. The sensitive minority students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education even held at least one meeting trying to figure out what to "do" about me. I informed the intellectual jacket-pulling students and professors trying to slow me down: I was paying and borrowing money to be at Harvard, so I was a student there to learn, not to be a parrot.







Park and other North Korean refugees may have thought they had left conformist comrades and criticism sessions behind when they escaped from North Korea. It turns out that the conformist comrades were also waiting for them in freedom, also asking, "Comrade, do you have a dissenting thought?"











Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of Freedom Speakers International (FSI) along with Eunkoo Lee, is the 2017 winner of the "Social Contribution" prize from the Hansarang Rural Cultural Foundation and the 2019 winner of the "Challenge Maker" award from Challenge Korea. He can be reached at CJL@alumni.harvard.edu


President Moon Jae-in sits in an electric vehicle loaded with batteries from a local manufacturer, at an LG Energy Solution plant in Cheongju, North Chuncheong Province, Thursday. Yonhap



Tax incentives, R&D support to get boost amid greater global competition



By Kim Bo-eun



President Moon Jae-in said Thursday that his government would use all available policy measures to ensure that South Korea becomes a global secondary battery-manufacturing powerhouse by 2030.



"Korea's goal is evident. Simply put, our country aim is to become a global battery-manufacturing powerhouse by 2030. South Korea has become the world's top battery-producing country in terms of market share in small-sized batteries by passing Japan in 2011. In the mid- and large-sized battery markets, the country is competing with China for the top position," Moon said at the start of a speech at the LG Energy Solution (LGES) battery manufacturing plant in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province, Thursday afternoon, according to Cheong Wa Dae press pool reports.



Moon was attending an event there marking the update of the country's battery strategy. "The government will truly back Korean companies' efforts to advance the K-battery strategy. The global battery market has doubled over the last five years and by 2025, the market is expected to surpass the memory semiconductor market. By 2030, the battery market is estimated to be worth $350 billion. This is a huge opportunity and simultaneously a challenge," Moon said, according to the reports.



Attending the event were top executives from LGES, Samsung SDI and SK Innovation (SKI) and senior government officials. "By 2030, LGES, Samsung SDI and SKI will invest more than 40 trillion won into small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). I appreciate your courageous efforts and show my respect to you," the President said.



Moon also vowed to introduce large-scale tax incentives for investments in research and development at a time securing high-tech parts is considered on a par with national security amid ongoing geopolitical tension. He added the government has determined that batteries are a core technology alongside semiconductors and vaccines, and so will offer a maximum tax credit of 20 percent for investments into equipment, and tax credits of up to 50 percent for R&D spending.



"The development of battery technology, which will become central to future means of mobility including electric vehicles, is a core driver that will transition Korea's economy into a leading one," Moon said.



"South Korea aims to commercialize lithium-sulfur batteries by 2025, solid-state batteries by 2027, and lithium-metal batteries by 2028. We will invest at least 500 billion won to actualize large-scale research and development projects, and plan to create a next-generation battery park where research, testing and personnel training will take place."



Thursday's updated policy on secondary battery investment is the second such one after the President unveiled a similar package for semiconductors in May, given these have become key sources of competitiveness for major economies.



Battery technology and production have become a core asset in achieving carbon neutrality, a common goal of governments worldwide as they seek to better protect the environment. U.S. and major economies in Europe are rushing to strengthen their local supply chains as a means to secure a stable supply as the market for clean vehicles continues to grow. And some have sought to attract Korean battery manufacturers to build plants in their country.



Korean companies have rapidly scaled up their competitiveness in the battery industry. LGES is competing with China's CATL for the top spot in the global EV battery market. CATL accounted for 32.5 percent of the market, followed by LGES with 21.5 percent in the first quarter of 2021, according to SNE Research, with Samsung SDI and SKI ranking fifth and sixth, respectively.




POSCO Chemical, North Gyeongsang Province and Pohang City sign an investment agreement for a cathode plant. From second to left, POSCO Chemical CEO Min Kyung-joon, North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo and Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok and other local government officials. Courtesy of POSCO Chemical



Company vows to build top-tier production base



By Kim Hyun-bin



POSCO Chemical is scheduled to build a new cathode material plant in the southeastern port city of Pohang, with an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons.



Cathodes are a key material in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and the 600 billion won ($525 million) plant is being built to meet rising demand for EVs.



POSCO Chemical CEO Min Kyung-joon, North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo and Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok attended a ceremony at Pohang City Hall, Thursday, to sign an investment agreement for the plant.



"In cooperation with North Gyeongsang Province and Pohang City, which have been evolving as the center of the battery industry, we will build a top-tier production base," POSCO Chemical CEO Min Kyung-joon said.



However, the company did not specify when construction will commence or when the plant is expected to be completed.



When the new cathode plant goes into operation, POSCO will be able to produce 160,000 tons of cathodes per year, which is enough to supply 1.8 million EVs with 60kWh battery packs, the company said.



POSCO Chemical currently operates two cathode material plants in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, and Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province. The company is also searching for a suitable overseas location in the U.S., Europe or China for a new plant with an annual production capacity of 110,000 tons to meet its goal of becoming a top global secondary battery material manufacturer by 2025.



Currently, LG Energy Solution (LGES) and General Motors are major partners and POSCO is considering building plants in Europe and the U.S.



LGES is currently building a new EV battery factory in the U.S. state of Ohio scheduled to be completed in 2022. LGES said it will partner with GM to construct a second $2.3 billion EV battery plant in the U.S. state of Tennessee, another potential location for a new POSCO plant.



POSCO Chemical also seeks to increase its production capacity from 40,000 tons of cathodes a year to 270,000 tons by 2025 and 400,000 tons by 2030. The company aims to produce at least 160,000 tons from local production and 110,000 tons from overseas plants by 2025.



The investment plan comes as the EV industry is growing rapidly due to rising global demand, while some carmakers have been looking into manufacturing their own automotive rechargeable batteries. All of these developments signify increased demand for cathodes. POSCO Chemical believes that the next two to three years will be a golden opportunity to secure the lead in the secondary battery materials sector.



POSCO Group has been speeding up efforts to boost its EV business in recent years as part of its diversification strategy. In May, POSCO broke ground for a plant in Gwangyang to extract lithium hydroxide, a key material for EV batteries.



According to a UBS report, the size of the global EV market stood at 3 million vehicles in 2020, but is expected to rise to 35.5 million by 2030.


During an appearance on a radio show, GOT7 member Bambam revealed that Lisa of BLACKPINK listened to his solo album "riBBon" before its release. Keep on reading to see what she thought of his debut release!

GOT7 Bambam Talks About His Friendship With BLACKPINK Lisa

GOT7 member Bambam recently appeared on SBS Power FM's podcast "Park Sohyun's Love Game" to promote his new album, "riBBon." While on the show, the MCs spoke about Bambam's close friendship with the Thai idols, namely (G)I-DLE's Minnie and BLACKPINK's Lisa.

The show noted that Bambam calls Minnie by her name, but he calls Lisa "noona" despite being born the same year. Bambam explains that he does so because he and Lisa grew up together. When they were kids, he used to be so short that he only reached her waist, so the term "noona" seemed natural for him to use.

However, he states that he only calls Lisa "noona" when speaking in Thai and not in Korea.

As they continued to talk about Lisa and Bambam, the MCs noted how the two are successful best friends whose faces are all over Thailand due to their popularity in their homeland. They then stated that they must have never known that they were going to receive so much love as idols.

Bambam agreed, saying that they never even knew they would end up in South Korea together.

GOT7 Bambam Reveals BLACKPINK Lisa Listened to His Solo Album 'riBBon' Before Its Release  This is What She Thought

Following talks about Bambam and his friendship with BLACKPINK member Lisa, the MCs then asked the male if Lisa has listened to his album and if she left any special messages.

It was then when he revealed that he let Lisa listen to his album before it was even released! The "How You Like That" songstress said that she thought Bambam's album has an addictive factor to it.

Bambam then sent Lisa the highlight medley for "riBBon," and she told Bambam that her favorite song from the tracklist is "Pandora."



Bambam revealed why he let Lisa listen to his album, saying that he wanted to hear the opinions of those around him. As he wanted his album to be a surprise for his fellow GOT7 members, he sought out the opinions of those closest to him.

The MCs then asked if he would collaborate with Lisa on something and noted that she has yet to do the "riBBon" challenge. Bambam acknowledged this, saying that he and Lisa have not had the chance to meet up just yet. The MCs then express their hopes that the two Thai idols will collaborate, and Bambam stated that he would like to as well and will try to make it happen.

Bestie goals! Do you have a Bambam or Lisa in your life? Tell us in the comments below!

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Alexa Lewis
In the hopes of increasing SF9 ranks and points, fans of the group, collectively known as Fantasy, have been purchasing SF9's albums. However, instead of receiving SF9's albums, they received NCT DREAM's instead, according to numerous fans.

Keep on reading to know more.

SF9 Fans Left Confused After Receiving NCT DREAM Albums Instead of SF9's

Aladin is a well-known South Korean online shop that sells e-books, books, albums, and more. As Aladin is a reputable shop, many fans of K-Pop trust the store to make their albums and merchandise purchases, in addition to their album purchases at Aladin being counted towards music charts.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: NCT 127 to Make Comeback With Full-Length Album

However, on July 7 KST, a netizen recently took to an online community platform to share how numerous fans of SF9 have experienced receiving NCT DREAM's repackaged album, "Hello Future" instead of SF9's recently released ninth mini-album, "Turn Over," that was just released on July 5.

According to the netizen, Fantasys had ordered their SF9 albums from Aladin, and as they are confused about the situation, they have taken to their own social media to voice out their concern.

 ..?

      SF9     ..        10   ..         ?     ... pic.twitter.com/zp8GERm5Yp   (@_Rowoon_) July 7, 2021

One SF9 fan asked if there was anyone who had purchased NCT DREAM's albums but instead got SF9's. "I was wondering if there was anyone who had purchased NCT DREAM's albums but got SF9's albums instead. Not only were these albums different from what I had ordered, but I also got these 10 albums that I didn't order," said the SF9 fan.

Soon after, numerous SF9 fans have also spoken up about the mix-up on their social media. Many of which asked if any of NCT DREAM's fans, NCTzen, had a mix-up in their album orders as well - such as receiving SF9's "Turn Over" album.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: Hanteo Chart Unveils the Countries and Fandoms that Actively Participated in the First Half of 2021

Amid the mix-up, numerous fans have also expressed their frustration, especially during this time period. As SF9 had just recently made their comeback with "Turn Over," the first week is a crucial period to boost the group's album sales, which can heavily impact the success of their comeback, such as whether or not SF9 can win first place in various music shows - as one of the criteria to increase music show points comes from album sales.

Aladin has yet to release a statement regarding the mix-up.

Meanwhile, SF9 made a comeback with their title song "Tear Drop" back on July 5.

Check out the music video here:

What are your thoughts on the issue?

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Robyn Joan
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Datalore Technologies Inc (multiple openings) Raleigh, NC: Softw Engr: Dsgn, dvlp, assess & improve functionality, performance of existing syst's. Softw Dvlpr, Apps: Install, configure, deploy, monitor tasks incl monitoring middleware products for syst's resources along w/ API side validations. Sr. Softw Dvlpr: Dsgn, implement, & support tchncl solutions supporting new PeopleSoft HMC syst. Dsgn tchncl solutions & prepare implementation docs, process flow diagrams & work estimation. All Positions req travel/reloc to various unanticipated client locs thruout U.S. w/ expenses paid by employer. Mail resume & position to President, Datalore Technologies Inc, 5540 Centerview Dr, Suite # 200, Raleigh, NC, 27606.

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ENERGY SPECIALIST Join the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) as we transform energy for the State of Maryland. Through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund and the Maryland Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS), you will have an opportunity to work on the cutting edge of shaping and implementing Maryland's clean energy policies. MEA is looking for the best and the brightest people to join the team that has made Maryland one of the nation's leaders in clean, affordable and reliable energy. Responsibilities: Energy Specialists are the first tier of Maryland's activities in expanding clean energy in Maryland, promoting energy affordability and encouraging reliability and resiliency. Energy Specialists conduct a wide array of grants administration, data analysis, research, communications and other activities in support of the MEA's program and policy activities. Energy Specialists provide ongoing front line support across a number of energy technologies and disciplines. Each Specialist will typically support three to six program, technology or policy areas (e.g., solar, geothermal, resiliency) enabling a diversity of career growth and knowledge expansion. This is an entry level position requiring a high level of organization, common sense, professional communication skills, and attention to detail in a collaborative team environment. Energy Specialists may be responsible for, but not limited to, the below: Reviewing, receiving, processing grant and rebate applications including customer information and data;

Responding to public and customer inquiries regarding energy programs, policies and issues;

Providing fundamental quality control and implementing opportunities for process improvement;

Conducting financial and statistical analysis including graphically displaying data from a variety of sources public sources including MEA's salesforce customer management system, key public databases and other sources as available; Writing web content, blogs and program announcements and assisting with program outreach and marketing;

Representing MEA in various venues (e.g., virtual and in person conferences);

Identifying and tracking relevant trends in energy technologies, policies and funding opportunities;

Support emergency management and energy assurance functions on a periodic basis;

Schedule and coordinate meetings and Minimum Qualifications: Successful candidates will ideally have: Education: An associates degree from an accredited college or university. Direct experience and relevant demonstrated proficiency may be substituted at a rate exceeding two years for every year of traditional post secondary academic schooling. Experience: This is an entry level position Desired Qualifications: Experience with clean energy, energy efficiency or similar subjects;

Experience with, and be at ease in, meeting and interacting with the general population as well as with co-workers in a professional environment; positive customer service experience a plus;

Analytical acumen with which to understand financial and energy related statistical data;

Excellent written and oral skills, well organized and able to meet deadlines, and the ability to work well with both internal staff and external parties;

Experience with and a command of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint);

Knowledge of and experience with the google business suite (G Suite) is a plus;

Knowledge of and experience with database applications (such as Access or SalesForce) is a To Apply: Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements by email with "Energy Specialist"1 the subject line to Jobs.MEA@mary land.gov. Candidates receive notification of receipt; however, only the top candidates will be invited to interview for the position. Salary: Approximately $27 hourly commensurate with experience. This is a State contractual position with partial benefits.

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Wor-Wic Community College is accepting applications for a part-time instructor to teach daytime developmental reading courses for the Fall 2021 semester.

Requirements include a bachelors degree in English or other relevant field with a minimum of 12 credits in English or education.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience teaching reading in K-12 or higher education settings. This position is currently vacant and does not include benefits.

If you like to be challenged and help people realize their dreams, you will love working at Wor-Wic. We offer a strong sense of community and collaboration. Faculty, administrators and staff all contribute to the success of our students and our community through innovation and excellence. Due to our small size, employees are able to participate in activities and contribute to the mission in a way they might never experience at a larger organization.

This position is currently vacant and does not include benefits. To be considered for this position, you submit a complete application and all required documents through Wor-Wics online employment application system at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/worwic/jobs/2097514/part-time-credit-faculty-pool-general-education?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobsApplications without a resume, cover letter, transcript copies, and applicable license or certification copies will not be reviewed.

This position will remain open until filled; applications received by July 18 will be given first consideration.

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Elementary Special Education Teachers

Waynesboro Area School District

Special Education PA certificate and school-based experience required.

Looking for strong candidates with background knowledge/experience to work with a diversified population of students who have varying disabilities and Autism.

Applicants must have a strong desire to work with learners who are challenged with academic and behavior needs. The district is interested in teachers who will work in teams to support our neediest students.

The Waynesboro Area School District will strive to match your strengths with the needs of our learners.

Only serious applicants need to apply. Please email Sherri Sullivan, Director of Special Education & Student Support Services, for additional information.

Email Sheri at sherri_sullivan@wasdpa.org, or click APPLY today!

Accepting applications online through AppliTrack: https://www.applitrack.com/wasd/onlineapp

EOE

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Description

Req #16596 Monday, June 14, 2021 Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services.



Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.



To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

News - Reporter/Education Westchester-Rockland The Journal News/lohud.com is looking for a reporter to cover K-12 education in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties, a high-profile beat of interest to students, parents, teachers, administrators and taxpayers as they grapple with getting learning back on track post-COVID 19. This is not a sit-in-meetings-and-report beat. In this role, you will write for and about students most impacted by Americas legacy of discrimination and its ongoing impact on education. You will participate in our award-winning coverage of one of the most compelling education stories in the United States: The East Ramapo (Rockland, NY) school district, where two-thirds of the student population attend loosely regulated private Yeshivas and the other one-third, who are mostly Black and brown, attend public schools controlled by a school board dominated by white ultra-Orthodox Jewish men. Public-school advocates accuse the board of cheating the districts public-school students out of badly needed funding while directing more and more district money to the private schools. This inequity has ensued for years despite state monitors being installed to watch over the budget and policies of the district. You will cover some of the most affluent districts in the country --- along with majority-minority and struggling urban districts. You must be able to cover breaking news from individual school districts as the need arises, provide smart and fresh coverage of regional and statewide education trends that affect our audiences, and develop enterprise and watchdog projects that hold public school districts accountable. If you value, as we do, making journalism more diverse, equitable and inclusive, and are passionate, as we are, about flexing your reporting and writing muscles through riveting storytelling, this is a role for you.

The idea candidate will: Create regular content about education (articles, social media post, videos, photos) that accurately informs and engages our audiences.

Own the story of education in the aftermath of COVID-19, including how schools will safely reopen, assess and address learning gaps, integrate best practices from remote learning and cope with children and adolescents who are struggling with emotional and mental fallout.

Give special focus to the impact of disrupted learning on members of marginalized communities, relying on interviews with community members, records searches and discussions with experts.

Provide thoughtful, clear, engaging analysis of complex issues, particularly testing, teacher evaluation and the financial streams of school funding. Balance daily stories, enterprise stories that demonstrate regional education trends, and longer-term watchdog projects on subjects of particular interest to our audiences.

Plan and execute engagement opportunities with our key audiences through social media, participation in community events, creating and appearing in video panels, and more. Connect with parents, taxpayers, educators and students when appropriate to establish expertise on education and our key role in delivering education content.

Some collaboration will be expected with our New York and USA TODAY NETWORK Atlantic Region teams on education reporting.

This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Bilingual (Spanish-English, Yiddish-English) strongly preferred. #content Gannett Co., Inc.is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation, or veteran status. Job Family Frontline Journalists

Job Function Consumer

Pay Type Hourly Other details

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Requirements

None




Req #16663

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

We are dedicated to helping our clients grow based on their unique needs. When they win, we win!



As a Marketing Solutions Sales Executive for Phone Guides, you will:



Be equipped with the regions best marketing services and solutions, empowering you to deliver unparalleled results to your customers



Develop partnerships with large local businesses and assist them in reaching their goals

Identify customer needs to develop and execute account plans and custom client solutions





What you need to do to be successful in this role:



Pursue and close new business and revenue streams

Retain, manage, and grow clients in the ever-changing marketing landscape

Work within a team to manage the client relationship and retain and build account revenue

You will identify and understand market potential, develop and execute sales strategies

Articulate and present our products to business decision makers

Communicate with customers proactively via phone, video conference tools (i.e., MS Team or Zoom), email and in-person

Conduct face-to-face customer meetings, presentations, proposals and demonstrations

Manage a specified sales pipeline and develop a strategy for long-term sustained success

Conduct client check-ins, upsell/cross-sell accounts, and address client market share concerns

Utilize CRM effectively and efficiently recording all sales activity





What you bring to the table:

1 or more years of Sales Experience (Previous Media Sales Experience Preferred but not Required)

Passionate solution-seeker

The ability to work independently to acquire new business remotely

Competitive nature and a winning team spirit

Problem solver who thrives on challenges and can simplify the complex

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Willingness to continuously learn, try new things and adapt to change

Proficient in MS Office Suite including Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook

This role requires a valid driver license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by law



We offer an energized, passionate team within a fun & flexible workplace. We offer competitive compensation with uncapped incentives and world-class benefits, including comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision coverage, 401(K), Paid Time Off and more.



This is an opportunity to work alongside digital leaders




ReachLocal is looking for a Client Success Manager to develop and execute on digital marketing strategies for our companys clients. This role will formulate appropriate strategies and implementation plans and will be responsible for the ongoing management of the clients digital marketing plan.





The Client Success Manager will advise our clients on how best to leverage current and emerging marketing solutions to meet their business needs. This role will possess strong expertise in existing and emerging business marketing solutions and will collaborate with our sales consultants to identify opportunities and effectively deliver on marketing solutions to best suit our clients business needs & maximize their return on investment (advertising expenses).

Strong proficiency in customer relationship management, online search and display advertising techniques and ReachLocalproprietary technologies are required. This role will manage day to day campaign performance, assess digital campaign trends, facilitate client advertising performance discussions, and identify creative new advertising techniques to further our clients digital marketing needs.



About Your Responsibilities:

Build rapport with client representatives and marketing staffs through routine and scheduled interactions

Develop & advise on marketing strategies by understanding client expectations, assessing feasibility and identifying marketing and advertising opportunities for our clients

Monitor, evaluate, and leverage standard processes to manage SEM/display campaign performance across ReachLocals publisher networks to determine improvement opportunities

Troubleshoot performance issues using digital advertising best practices while creating new, innovative solutions to meet the changing needs of our clients

Drive campaign ROI and leverage client relationships to assist the sales team in growing accounts

Manage client expectations, communication and performance metrics Incorporate constantly evolving technologies and processes into the client solution delivery process

Key Skills

Ability to quickly master business process, marketing and technology concepts

Demonstrated expertise in customer relationship management

Mastery of key technologies and systems to manage digital marketing campaigns

Advanced capabilities to effectively manage digital advertising campaigns Search, Display, Marketing Management Systems etc.

Strong technical skills to establish, assess, modify/adjust, and routinely improve marketing campaigns over their lifecycle

Demonstrated expertise with digital marketing publishing systems & processes

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Key Competencies

Customer Focus

Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients

Seek client feedback and incorporate it into future activities

Demonstrate dedication to meeting client expectations and requirements

Organization

A ble to manage time and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Organize tasks, deliverables and meet commitments on time

Analytical Thinking

Capable of interpreting data and making recommendations to prove performance

Quickly identify the symptoms and underlying cause of problems

Business Process and Technology Acumen

Capable of quickly mastering business processes

Ability to master technology solutions

Conflict Management

Good at focused listening

Can find common ground and explains differing viewpoints comprehensively

About You:

Bachelors Degree in General Business, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Journalism or English

2+ years hands-on experience managing online/digital advertising campaigns

Must have 3+ years of client service/account management experience.

About ReachLocal:

Are you looking for a company that values innovation, passion, and a healthy work/life balance? A job where you feel supported and appreciated? At ReachLocal, we know our employees drive success, and we strive to create a thriving company culture where youll enjoy coming to work every day. Here, you can walk through the halls and bump into our CEO, catch an inter-office ping pong tournament, or support a local cause with your fellow employees. Are you ready to join a company where you can have fun and work with some of brightest people in digital marketing? Our mission is to help local businesses all over the world reach more local customers online. As a leader in powering online marketing for local businesses, ReachLocalhas been recognized for outstanding products and exceptional employees, having won Googles Quality Account Champion in North America and Googles Innovation Champion Award in Canada.



ReachLocalis headquartered in Woodland Hills, CA, with over 35 locations throughout the United States, Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.



We invite you to learn more about us, connect with us, and grow with us here:



Career Site: http://careers.reachlocal.com

Blog: http://blog.reachlocal.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reachlocal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/reachlocaljobs

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/reachlocal

Hear from our employees: http://blog.reachlocal.com/reachlocal-services-spotlight-meet-some-of-our-marketing-experts

ReachLocalis an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings are welcome and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by state, federal or local law. It is the intent of the Company to comply with all applicable federal, state and local legislation concerning equal opportunity in employment. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee.



#reachlocal






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Is Wall Streets ESG a threat to the BTC industry?

The energy consumption of Bitcoin transactions has been a hot topic for a while. The reason is that the technology used by Bitcoins mining transactions requires a considerable amount of electricity.

The majority of the energy Bitcoin consumes is from mining transactions. This consumption escalates when BTCs price increases, since that leads to increased demand for coins.

It is a chain effect because coal-fired power stations mainly supply the electricity consumed by Bitcoin transactions. As we know, fossil fuels are not environmentally sources of energy.

Therefore, the more electricity is consumed, the higher the coal consumption and waste emissions increase, which in the long term contributes to global warming.

According to Digiconomists Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index, the annual power consumption of Bitcoin is around 118.9TWh and astonishingly can be compared to the consumption of countries like Pakistan (125.9TWh) and the Netherlands (117.1TWh).

What has BTCs energy usage got to do with Wall Street?

Investors are concerned about Bitcoins impact on the environment and are looking to invest in assets with low or negative carbon footprints, in short: ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance ) sustainable investments.

Just recently, Elon Musks tweets about Bitcoin's mining technology needing to reduce the carbon footprint caused a huge uproar and sharp decline in the price of Bitcoin.

It seems the cryptocurrency industry is forced to explore alternative methods to reduce its carbon footprint drastically.

How does ESG affect crypto traders?

The good news is that Bitcoin is not the only coin available for trading. There are a plethora of other coins that consume considerably less energy than Bitcoin.

Take Cardano, for example; it is a digital currency that is far more sustainable than Bitcoin. According to its developers, Cardano only consumes 6GWh of energy. In addition, 1000 Cardano transactions can be achieved in 1 second, compared to Bitcoin's seven transactions.

Cryptocurrency brokers like MrGuru offer many cryptocurrencies to trade, among which is the Cardano coin. In addition, Mr Guru offers crypto trading on a WebTrader platform with quick order execution functionality. You do not have to download the software; it's accessible through your browser from any mobile device.

MrGuru's other benefits include a dedicated support team to assist customer's queries and guide them through their online trading. They also accept multiple forms of payment such as wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets, thereby providing fast deposit and withdrawal methods. Another stand out feature is monitoring trade activities for any suspicious behaviour ensuring your account remains secure.

Bottom Line

The crypto industry is actively implementing methods to reduce its carbon footprint by developing greener coins. However, it still does not replace Bitcoins energy load and finding ways to minimize this is more important than ever. MrGuru's broad offering of more environmentally friendly crypto is a move in the right direction. It is our responsibility to join brokers like these who promote sustainable investments.

By S N Chatterjee

Copyright 2021  S N Chatterjee - All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.






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If the two sides could hammer out a deal, it would be a massive step toward restoring train service in the Lehigh Valley. In April, Amtrak revealed it wanted to reconnect the two cities by 2035, and a May report showed Amtrak not only plans to offer two daily round trips between the cities, but a proposed Lehigh Valley route might also include stops in Bethlehem and Easton on the way to New York City.
We produce 12-foot diameter products for city water systems. So you bury a pipeline in the ground and a pipeline is pretty rigid, but the ground is moving, its settling different. So dynamic settlement joints that allow that pipeline to move, literally that fit on the back of an 18-wheeler, that Victaulic product sits on the back of an 18-wheeler. To a fire protection system with a complete system that if there was a fire in this room, it would put the fire out, the computer would still operate and all the electronics will still operate. We would be fine. Thats used in applications like data centers or control rooms for an industrial facility. Hospitals.
While Joseph Mankiewicz seemed to have a knack for most film genres, the new-to-Blu-ray There Was a Crooked Man (1970, Warner Archive, R, $20) marked his first and last Western. For the occasion, he rounded up a handful of actors much associated with the genre, including Kirk Douglas, Henry Fonda and Warren Oates.
Empire Weather, which provides localized forecasts for The Morning Call, says the Lehigh Valley will be in between two main areas of lift  one to the north where a front indirectly grabs Elsas moisture, and one to the south with Elsa itself. It means we should be more dry than not today, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible as moisture ahead of Elsa arrives during the afternoon hours.
Fort Madison, IA (52627)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
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International

Bases housing US troops in Iraq, Syria attacked, 2 injured

U.S. military personnel survey damage at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar, Iraq, on Jan. 13, 2020.

BAGHDAD, JUL 7 (AP) | Publish Date: 7/7/2021 1:22:24 PM IST

US-backed Syrian fighters and American troops foiled an attack with drones Wednesday on a base housing members of the US-led coalition in eastern Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces said. In neighbouring Iraq, rockets hit a base housing US troops, inflicting two minor injuries.

The attacks come as tension has been on the rise between US 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 US-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 Iraqs 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. The group is named after Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who was killed last year in a US drone attack in Baghdad along with Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

In Syria, the US-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 US 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 US-led coalition in Syria are not common. Hundreds of US 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 US airstrike along the Iraq-Syria border last month.

The US has blamed Iran-backed militias for attacks which had targeted the American presence in Baghdad and at military bases across Iraq. The attacks have recently become more sophisticated, with militants using drones.
International

Former S. African prez Zuma hands himself over to police

CAPE TOWN, JUL 8 (IANS) | Publish Date: 7/8/2021 12:30:47 PM IST

South Africas former President Jacob Zuma has handed himself in to police to begin serving a 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court.

He was admitted to Estcourt Correctional Centre in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday, the BBC reported.

Police had warned that they were prepared to arrest him if he did not hand himself in by midnight.

Zuma, 79, was handed the jail term last week after he failed to attend a corruption inquiry.

The sentencing sparked an unprecedented legal drama in South Africa, which has never seen a former president jailed before.

Zuma had initially refused to hand himself in, but in a short statement on Wednesday, the Jacob Zuma Foundation said he had decided to comply.

His daughter, Dudu Zuma-Sambudla, later wrote on Twitter that her father was en route (to the jail) and he is still in high spirits.

Zuma was sentenced on June 29 for defying an instruction to give evidence at an inquiry into corruption during his nine years in power. He has testified only once at the inquiry into what has become known as state capture - meaning the siphoning off of state assets.

Businessmen have been accused of conspiring with politicians to influence the decision-making process while he was in office. But Zuma has repeatedly said that he is the victim of a political conspiracy.

Though he was forced out of office by his own party in 2018, the African National Congress (ANC), he retains a loyal body of supporters, especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

On Sunday, crowds formed what they called a human shield outside Zumas palatial home in an effort to prevent his arrest. Similar crowds gathered before he handed himself in on Wednesday.
International

Haiti Prez Jovenel Moise assassinated at home

Jovenel Moise

PORT-AU-PRINCE (HAITI), JUL 7 (AP) | Publish Date: 7/7/2021 1:22:56 PM IST

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 hospitalised 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 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. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, the streets were largely empty in the Caribbean nations capital of Port-au-Prince, but some people ransacked businesses in one area.

Joseph said police have been deployed to the National Palace and the upscale community of Petionville and will be sent to other areas. Joseph condemned the assassination as a hateful, inhumane and barbaric act. He said some of the attackers spoke in Spanish but offered no further explanation.

Haitis economic, political and social woes have deepened recently, with gang violence spiking heavily in the capital of Port-au-Prince, inflation spiraling and food and fuel becoming scarcer at times in a country where 60% of the population makes less than USD 2 a day.

These troubles come as Haiti still tries to recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew that struck in 2016.

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.
Elephants are known for their migrations, which consist of long marches over savannahs and deserts performed purely by memory. Still, the voyage for 13 captive elephants in Kent will be much different.

That's because their journey will be one-way and by plane, and it will be the first of its kind-a rewilding initiative aimed at transporting all 25 tons of pachyderm back to their original habitat of Kenya via flight.

Big-Time Collaboration

Such a task necessitates the use of seasoned brains, but the team behind the massive effort is among the greatest in the world. The Aspinall Foundation, specializing in wild animal translocation, collaborates with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Kenyan Wildlife Service.

The Aspinall Foundation guarantees that every exotic species reproducing and living in safety at Howletts' Wild Animal Park in Kent, near Canterbury, produces the income required for them or their descendants to be released into the wild.

Related Article: VIDEO: Female Elephants in Israeli Zoo Protect Their Calf During Air Raids



Back to the Wild Initiative

Their 'Back to the Wild' initiative has already seen many animals born in Kent parks return to their native environments. Western lowland gorillas, black rhinos, Javan langurs and gibbons, European bison, and clouded leopards are now not only prospering but also effectively reproducing in the wild.

For almost 50 years, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya has been conserving wild elephants, rescuing wounded ones, nursing them back to health, and returning them into Kenya's wilds.

"We at the Aspinall Foundation have decided on an extraordinary initiative and a true world first after years of considering the advantages and risks," she added. "This is the first time an elephant breeding herd has been rewilded."

Elephants in Captivity

"Elephants don't do well in captivity," said Damian Aspinall, the foundation's founder, on BBC Radio Kent. There aren't many of them. Females live roughly half as long as men. Obesity affects more than half of elephants kept in captivity. They have difficulties with their feet, skin, and mental health."

"I think we would have done something good in the world if we can achieve this," he added. "Once they get out there, they are going to be so happy, wandering about, meeting other wild elephants, breeding."

Related Article: Suspected Poacher 'Trampled to Death by Elephants' Splits Netizens



Rewilding Elephants

The 13 elephants include three calves, which lent the idea of naming the specially-designed 747 in which they will travel the "Dumbo" jet.

Angela Sheldrick, CEO of the Sheldrick Trust, said: "Since the 1970s, we have been helping elephants. 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."

"When these 13 elephants step foot on African land, home where they belong and allowed to live wild and free as nature intended, we look forward to providing them with the same opportunity."

Also Read: Gym Owner Does Pull-Ups on an Elephant's Tusks Gets Viral

For the most recent updates from the animal kingdom, don't forget to follow Nature World News!




Scientists have just lately documented an extremely uncommon and unknown plant that grows in the woods of Bicol, Philippines. The Amorphophallus caudatus is a member of the voodoo lily family and the gabi plant, whose leaves are used to make the Bicolano delicacy laing.

Maverick Tamayo and researchers from the Philippine Taxonomic Initiative found the voodoo lily from Bicol, one of the most unusual plant species in the Philippines, during a field reconnaissance operation in the woods of Camarines Norte in 2020.

"It's one of the plant kingdom's tallest and strangest flowers," Tamayo tells Esquire Philippines. Instead of pleasant perfume, the bloom gives out a carrion odor comparable to a decomposing body.

Smelly Flowering Season

"During the flowering season, several of the plants in this genus produce a carrion odor. According to Tamayo, 16 of the 17 species known to exist in the Philippines are endemic, meaning they can only be found in the Philippines and nowhere else on the planet.

According to Tamayo, the bloom has a strong, disagreeable odor that attracts pollinators like flies and beetles.

Related Article: Rare Nepalese Orchid is Being Threatened by Illegal Trading



Small Find

Unfortunately, during their fieldwork, Tamayo and his colleagues did not locate as many members of the species.

In a study published in the Nordic Journal of Botany, Tamayo and his co-authors noted, "The plant is unusual in the area and was only spotted at one site in the forest."

Rare Endangered Flowers

Tamayo and his team assigned it the conservation category of Critically Endangered, based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) criteria, due to its rarity and limited distribution in the region. There were less than 250 adult individuals found, with an occurrence area of less than 100 square kilometers and an occupancy area of less than 10 square kilometers.

The scientists noted, "Anthropogenic disturbances like coconut plantations in the lower half of the region are considered as possible risks to the species."

Tamayo isn't the first person to find uncommon plant species in the Philippines. For example, he found an ultra-rare species of fire orchid, which he dubbed fire flower, just this year.

Amorphophallus Calciola

In Bohol, Tamayo discovered a new species of voodoo lily, Amorphophallus calcicola, which he named. He thinks that by bringing these unknown and endangered animals to the public's attention, the public and government can work together to conserve their environment.

Philippine Floral Diversity

The Philippines is one of the world's 18 mega-biodiverse countries, accounting for two-thirds of the planet's biodiversity and 70 percent to 80 percent of all plant and animal species. The Philippines is home to 5% of the world's flora and ranks fifth in plant species. In addition, the nation ranks fourth in bird endemism, with at least 25 genera of plants and 49 percent of terrestrial animals covered by species endemism.

With at least 700 endangered species, the Philippines is also one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, making it one of the top worldwide conservation regions. The national list of endangered faunal species was created in 2004 and contains 42 land mammal species, 127 bird species, 24 reptile species, and 14 amphibian species. In addition, the Philippines has at least 3,214 fish species, with around 121 being indigenous and 76 being endangered. Furthermore, a nationwide list of endangered plant species was established in 2007 by an administrative order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, showing that 99 species were severely endangered, 187 were endangered, 176 vulnerable, and 64 other threatened species.

Also Read: California Couple Fined $18,000 After Destroying and Burying Highly Protected Joshua Trees

For more news about rare plant species, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Pfizer and BioNTech, which produce the vaccine, are also updating it to directly address the Delta variant that was first detected in India and now is becoming the dominant strain in other countries, including the United States, CNBC reported. Clinical trials on that are expected to commence in August.
Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Americans on Thursday to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible in the face of a fast new rise in cases and illnesses blamed on the virulent delta variant of the virus.
Under the 2015 decision, Goldfein said, the city must conduct a thorough assessment of every homeless New Yorker who requests a reasonable accommodation and those whom the city knows to have a disability or other health issues.
Theyre bypassing the community boards that are involved in the work they want to do, Abbate said of the planned changes. The community boards are made up of people who spend a lot of time and energy to have discussions with the city agencies to decide what they should do.
Just after midnight that evening, Presti left Macs Pub and was walking alone to his car when two men yelled his name and started running up behind him, the suit claims. Presti did not know they were law enforcement and believed it was related to an earlier attempted break in by three men, two in ski masks, on Dec. 4, the suit says.
Eduardo Hernandez, 17, was on 40th Rd. near Junction Blvd. when he was shot twice in the torso about 4:25 p.m. in what police believe was a drug dispute, authorities said.
There is no hope, she said. Every day I just feel worse and worse because every day my son would text me, Mommy good morning, I love you and I would always say, Stay safe at work, my son. And who is going to send that to me now? No one. No one.
Officers arrived on scene and met with the victim who stated that multiple suspects entered the store, grabbed merchandise and fled the scene in multiple vehicles, said Michael Andraychak, a police spokesman. During the incident the suspects damaged glass cases and other store property. ... Our investigation involves analyzing videos and speaking with witnesses which include store employees and customers.
Max was a truly special guy, reads a GoFundMe for his family. He was charming and funny. He had a heart twice the size of the average kid. He was always willing to share whatever little he had with his classmates even if they werent his closest friends.
The family noticed something was wrong around 5 a.m. Tuesday when they saw a man prowling around their house in the small community of Grayson, about 80 miles south of Sacramento. The father confronted the man and tried telling him to leave, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office.
A 17-year-old high school student was headed home from a Houston Astros game with his family Tuesday night when he was shot inside his car during an apparent road rage incident, according to police.
But after Tylee and J.J. disappeared in September 2019, police took another look at Charles Vallows death and determined that 911 wasnt called for 40 minutes and a second bullet was fired into Vallows body as he lay on the ground. After reviewing text messages between Lori and her brother, authorities in Maricopa County charged Lori with conspiracy.
There were a number of boats going back and forth, and they were combing the shoreline, and I was on a dock on the shoreline, Ken Yonker, also a diver, who owns property next to the dam in Allegan, about 40 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, told the outlet.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis revealed that local lawmakers on Tuesday accepted a proposal from Musks The Boring Company to build a transit system beneath the Florida city. The underground passageway will be traveled exclusively by Teslas carrying passengers from the downtown area to the beach for a cost of $5-8 per person, officials have previously said.
She packed up, and out the door she went, Paavo told WOOD-TV. Said she was going to go to Dairy Queen because she was hungry for ice cream.
The suit also alleges that some parents were upset about a sign in a common area of the school that explains how to be an ally to the LGBTQ community  a message that, according to the couple, utterly fails to put any part of this explanation into perspective within mainstream Catholicism.
An investigation revealed that two Texas suspects recruited the teenage girl in Houston a few days earlier and brought her to the Terrytown motel, where she was forced to have between 10 and 20 prostitution dates, NOLA.com reported Wednesday. The accused pimp, 33-year-old Randi Lewis, stood outside the room during the sex acts and then took all the money that was given to the child, authorities told the news site.
Although the court sent a very strong message of punishment and deterrence in imposing the maximum sentence on Mr. Heller, there are no winners here, District Attorney Matt Weintraub said. Jason Kutts death is still heartbreaking. But ending this prosecution with a guilty plea, I hope Jasons family can now remember him and grieve his loss on their own terms, separated from Mr. Heller and the criminal justice system.
The confidential hotline was shut down for a couple weeks following the 2019 premiere episode of the prison dramas seventh season in which the phone service was prominently featured. An ICE spokesperson claimed at the time that the toll-free number was interrupted because it was being used as an intermediary to connect inmates with family members, which isnt allowed. According to NBC News, Freedom for Immigrants, which operates the line, argued that ICE, under the Trump administration, was acting in retaliation for its work with prisoners.
The tragic events that unfolded today are senseless, said Indiana Governor Eric Holdcomb. Our heart breaks for Detective Greg Ferencys 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 Ferencys family as I know they will be steadfast in honoring his life, service, and dedication to the residents of Vigo County.
What we want to do is send a clear message to the cartels and anyone doing illegal operations in the High Desert, your days are over and we are coming for you, Villanueva said.
We want to remind the community to be sure to talk to your children about guns, even if you do not own guns. If you own guns, gun safety must be taught to all those that are near the gun, the gun must be stored unloaded and locked up. All keys to the locks should be hidden.
According to Austin McDaniel, a spokesman for the troopers, the teen had asked the pilot to fly the plane earlier during the flight and initially asked to sit in the unoccupied copilot seat. Both requests were denied by the pilot, he wrote in an email to the newspaper.
As of Thursday afternoon, 76 people remained unaccounted for, though officials have not been able to confirm whether all of those were actually in the building at the time of the collapse. Authorities were still working to identify 24 of the 64 bodies recovered so far.
Koch used to say you know when a governor does something good for New York City thank them, praise them and when they dont, you know, challenge them, take them on, de Blasio said, referring to late Mayor Ed Koch. And I think thats the right way to proceed.
Biden has proposed pouring $40 billion into public housing throughout the U.S. over the next several years, but Schumer and Velazquez are saying its not enough and ultimately want the federal government to pony up more than $80 billion to address the mold, old roofs, leaky pipes and other squalid conditions that have plagued New York City Housing Authority residents for so many years.
Team Cuomo  which has been battle-scarred by scandal in recent months, including several revolving around sexual-harassment claims against the governor  appeared eager to stem conflict with Adams, whos facing Republican Curtis Sliwa in Novembers general election, but is likely to become the next mayor since the majority of voters in the city are Democrats.
The brown shirts, or Storm Detachment, were a paramilitary group affiliated with the Nazi party. Often referred by the German initials SA, they were active participants in Hitlers rise to power during the 1920s and 30s, which often targeted Jews and other perceived enemies.
Cops described the attackers as heavily armed and well-trained. Their motive, or the motive of whoever hired them, is still unclear. Moise had recently faced large protests as he moved to increase his power.
The two U.S. citizens were found hiding in bushes in the Haitian capital by a crowd on Thursday. Some citizens grabbed the duo by their clothes while others took turns slapping them before police arrived to arrest the two.
The rainbow flag with a black ribbon flutters during a protest against the killing of Samuel Luiz in the Puerta del Sol in central Madrid, Spain, Monday, July 5. Authorities in northwestern Spain are asking for time to fully investigate why a 24-year-old man was beaten to death, a crime that has triggered widespread condemnation because friends of the victim claim he was targeted for being gay. (Bernat Armangue/AP)
Then theres J.D. Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy. The Republican golden boy who grew up poor in Appalachia, went to Iraq, then graduated from Yale Law School and became a venture capitalist is in the midst of a bout of self-flagellation for telling the truth about Trump in 2016. Back then, he tweeted that Trump was reprehensible for his views on immigrants, Muslims, etc. and told NPR, I cant stomach Trump. In his desperate bid to get on the right side of the monster, Vance has deleted the offending tweets, saying I regret being wrong about the guy.
Military intervention is likely the last thing Haiti needs now, but it badly needs a lifeline. The United Nations, which brought help in the wake of an earthquake and hurricane and also brought cholera, must urgently convene its Security Council. If it is not now useful, it is useless. Demand new elections  clean ones. Honor their result.
Staten Island: Stop the destruction of the Graniteville forested wetlands. The cutting down of the trees has begun. We are no longer asking for help. We are now demanding a stop to this insanity! In this age of climate change and sea-level rise, torrential rainstorms and storm surges, and with the city talking about resilience for shoreline communities, why are they destroying the only resilience this Black, brown (60-70%), elderly, disabled and low-income community has? When Graniteville loses its forested wetlands, we will not only be at high risk for flooding and asthma, COPD and other illnesses from toxic air and water pollution, but it will create a heat island effect, which means higher temperatures in this community. I just now received an alert on my cell phone to reduce electrical use or we will have energy disruptions. This is the new normal. This is madness! Gabriella Velardi-Ward
The most frequently raised argument against requiring COVID vaccination is that the vaccines are only approved by the FDA under emergency use authorization. Given that the vaccines were first used in December 2020, the earliest that the vaccine manufacturers could have presented their data to the FDA for full approval was in June, which Pfizer and Moderna have now done. The overwhelming amount of safety and efficacy data already publicly available suggest that these two vaccines are in position to gain full FDA approval.
Movies that currently have theatrical productions returning to Broadway this fall, such a Moulin Rouge!, The Phantom of the Opera and Mrs. Doubtfire, will be a part of the initial lineup of the free series, which officially kicks off Aug. 23 with the sunset screening of Clueless.
As a Disney kid, Id burn through my VHS tapes and adored every single magical story that the world of Disney introduced me to. I learned in those that stories that anything is possible, especially if you believe in magic and the goodness rooted deep inside us all.
We appreciate the DA and the Sheriff promising to provide Mr. Weinstein with quality medical care, but he is midstream in a critical and sensitive course of treatment with an ophthalmologist in Buffalo that is necessary to prevent him from going blind, lawyer Mark Werksman said in a statement to the Daily News.
She represents the story we wanted to tell with the collection. Its the beginning of a whole new chapter in American history, in the kind of clothes were wearing and are attracted to. Shes the breath of fresh air, Hernandez said during a preview, according to Womens Wear Daily.
Shonda makes shows that get the world talking, and weve seen the power of her creative vision to translate in any language, Bela Bajaria, Netflixs head of global TV, said in a statement. Shondas a brilliant businesswoman and a terrific partner and were thrilled to expand our relationship with her for years to come.
Lastly, Sea Life Aquarium Orlando has reintroduced a behind-the-scenes tour that allows visitors to learn about the care and feeding of its sharks and the thousands of other creatures living at the International Drive attraction.
There are no Middle Easterners there, he tells me. The first location, we had mostly tourist customers, but we expanded to three restaurants in the next three-or-so years and then we were supported by military people mostly, who have been to the Middle East and are familiar with the food And you can taste that it comes from the heart.
Grenier said then he didnt see any issue with bringing the statue to the county where notoriously racist Sheriff Willis McCall loomed large from 1945 to 1972 and emerged as a central villainous figure in the racially unjust Groveland Four case. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned convictions in the trial of the young Black men accused of kidnapping a 17-year-old white housewife from a rural roadside in 1949 and raping her.
More than nine years after the bills passing, the Orange County Sheriffs Office, which led the investigation of Caylees death, and neighboring agencies reported little to no use of the law. Some argue the bill was driven by emotions or politics in response to public outrage over the verdict, but others say the measure increased parental accountability.
In this 2012 photo, Iraq War veteran Brian Kolfage sits with his wife Ashley Kolfage at their then Tucson, Ariz., home. Kolfage, who federal authorities say is now a Florida resident, is a triple-amputee who lost his limbs serving in Iraq in the U.S. Air Force. He started a GoFundMe page to help fund construction of President Donald Trump's border wall. (The Arizona Republic, Pat Shannahan via AP) (Pat Shannahan/AP)
The contents of Artiles inbox could reveal tentacles in all directions, and he didnt want some of them exposed. His attorneys tried to block release of details of financial transactions involving Wade Scales, a South Florida man who gave Alexis Rodriguez $9,000 at Artiles direction, according to prosecutors. Artiles can assert a constitutional right of privacy on his own behalf, but not for others. If he was a financial conduit for larger political forces with deeper pockets bent on fixing an election, that must be found out.
It is parents  not the state or physicians  that have an interest and responsibility in making medical decisions for children. This right includes respecting parents ability to make medical decisions to consent or forgo recommended medical interventions for children. One Supreme Court case made it starkly clear: Most children, even in adolescence, simply are not able to make sound judgments concerning many decisions, including their need for medical care or treatment. Parents can and must make those judgments. Children may legally assent, or acquiesce, to health-care decisions.
Why is it funny? Because Trumps mentee, Gov. Ron DeSantis, encouraged the Florida Legislature to pass a law that would have kept tech companies from terminating platforms spewing hate speech and encouraging actions which could end in harm to others (like storming the Capitol or screaming fire in a crowded theater). Unfortunately for Trump and DeSantis, a court blocked the law from taking effect, saying it violated the First Amendment to the Constitution. For four years Trump basically ignored the tenets of the Constitution and the rule of law.
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Tunisian Gendarmerie units have foiled 12 illegal migration attempts and rescued 193 people off the Tunisian coast, after their boat broke down and took in water, a Tunisian security source said on Thursday
New York, US (PANA) - A new government action plan in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has the potential to reverse the urgent and tragic deterioration in the east of the country, where thousands of human rights abuses are being committed against civilians by armed militants, the senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Accord Thursday agreed with the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Organised Crime (UNODC) to train Libyan national executives to fight against drugs and organised crime
New York, US (PANA) - Action must be taken now to halt alarming attacks against children and abductions - including of students - in parts of West and Central Africa, the head of the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement on Wednesday
Philanthropists donate $1.4b to construct schools nationwide in Iran

07/08/21

Source: Tehran Times

School building benefactors have allocated a total of 60 trillion rials (nearly $1.4 billion at the official rate of 42,000 rials) to construct educational spaces over the past four years, IRNA reported on Wednesday.



A school in Izeh, Iran with primitive conditions

Over the past year (March 2020-March 2021), some 50 percent of the country's schools have been constructed either entirely charitable or in partnership with the government and charities, Mehrollah Rakhshanimehr, director of the Organization for Development, Renovation, and Equipping Schools, has said.

Over the past year, a sum of 30 trillion rials (about $700 million at the official rate of 42,000 rials) has been allocated to school construction and renovation by the benefactors, he explained.

"Brick-by-brick" national plan has so far collected 80 billion rials (about $2 million at the official rate of 42,000 rials), Rakhshanimehr further stated.

The plan started early last year and was highly welcome by benevolent people, aiming to encourage people to donate money for building schools in deprived areas of the country, he added.

Rakhshanimehr said in August 2020 that some 30 percent of the country's schools have been constructed by school-building benefactors; there are 450 school-building charities in Iran.

Iran has many school-building benefactors amounting to 650,000 people inside and 1,000 people outside the country.

A total of 36 trillion rials (nearly $857 million at the official rate of 42,000 rials) has been allocated to renovate the schools nationwide over the past 8 years, Seyed Mohammad-Ali Afshani, former head of the Organization for Development, Renovation, and Equipping Schools, said on Saturday.

There are some 107,000 schools nationwide with 530,000 classes, 160,000 of which are dilapidated, not meeting safety standards, accounting for 30 percent of the schools nationwide.
i3 Energy PLC's (LON:I3E, ) Majid Shafiq and Graham Heath join Proactive London to explain the C$65mln deal to expand its footprint in Central Alberta.

The firm will acquire assets producing around 8,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day from .

As well as strong free cash flow, the deal is expected to deliver extensive operational synergies, predictable low-decline production, and a large reserve base with multi-year development inventory.
's ( ) chairman Professor Richard Conroy joins Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam to discuss the due diligence drilling on the Clontibret deposit which is now complete.

The drilling was conducted ahead of the final sign-off of the proposed joint venture between Conroy and Demir Export, a Turkish conglomerate.

Conroy says it's 'marvellous to be at this stage and it's beginning to feel like a lot of momentum is coming on and things are moving on very well'.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren said that crypto exchanges "dont have the same commonsense regulations as traditional securities exchanges to protect consumers from scams or manipulation"

Bitcoin prices were on the slide on Thursday after the chair of the US Senates Subcommittee on Economic Policy pressured the headof the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to come up with answers on the crypto market with a view to crafting new legislation to regulate the sector.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren warned that the highly opaque and volatile crypto market posed growing risks to consumers and financial markets, according to a Reuters report, adding that the lack of regulation governing the market was unsustainable.

Cryptocurrency exchanges dont have the same commonsense regulations as traditional securities exchanges to protect consumers from scams or manipulation. Im asking the SEC to explain how it can close the regulatory gaps & ensure a safe crypto marketplace, Warren tweeted on Thursday.

Warren also said in a letter to SEC chair Gary Gensler on Wednesday that she required answers by July 28 on the watchdogs authority to protect consumers that invest and trade crypto and whether congressional action was needed in the future to craft new rules for the market.

The letter also warned that crypto trading platforms lacked the same protections as traditional exchanges. Warren also requested information on whether digital currency exchanges were undermining the SECs ability to ensure markets operate in a fair, orderly and efficient manner.

The increasing pressure on the market from Congress piled pressure on Bitcoin prices, which sank 6.3% to US$32,592 in late afternoon trading in London.
( ) is making great strides to secure the financing required to fully fund the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project in Tanzania into development and production.

The latest step has seen the company close a 1 for 10 non-renounceable entitlement issue with Walkabout to reel in more than $7.6 million in funding, with new shares slated for issue on July 12 and quotation set 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.

Part of companion equity

Walkabout Resources CEO Andrew Cunningham said the bulk of these funds would be deployed as part of the companion equity for Lindi Jumbo development in the coming weeks and months.

He said: Importantly, it also represents another third of the equity contribution required to meet the major condition precedent of the US$20 million in project debt from CRDB Bank.

Fresh capital to support growth

The 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.

Lindi Jumbo project details

Walkabout's flagship Lindi Jumbo project is in south-eastern Tanzania, around 200 kilometres from the port of Mtwara.

The company holds 100% of a mining licence M579/2018, formerly part of prospecting licence PL9992/2014, which hosts the Lindi Jumbo graphite deposit and 70% of PL9993/2014.

These licences are within the highly prospective Mozambique belt, a region that hosts some of the worlds highest grade, coarse flake graphite deposits.

WKT has taken the project from discovery in October 2015 to the completion of a highly robust definitive feasibility study within 16 months and has been granted a mining lease over the deposit.

Lindi Jumbo has a JORC-compliant proven and probable ore reserve of 5.5 million tonnes at a grade of 17.9%, the highest ore reserve grade of any graphite development project in Africa, with the ore reserve based only on 37% of the measured and indicated portion of the mineral resource estimate.

A definitive feasibility study (DFS) was based on annual production of 40,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate with a high-grade feed to the plant at an average of 230,000 tonnes per annum over the mines 24-year lifespan.

Kimoingan Project

Walkabout is continuing to assess in-country growth potential in Tanzania and potentially extend its graphite footprint through reconnaissance and exploration campaigns.

At Kimoingan in the country's north, the company has hit high grades of up to 27% total graphitic carbon (TGC) following detailed mapping on PL1114/2017 while multiple parallel mineralised graphitic units of up to 12 kilometres in length have been mapped out with further extensions possible undercover.

The Kimoingan Project is near the Merelani graphite deposits that are being exploited on a small scale by private companies.

Detailed mapping and sampling within the licence area have delineated multiple graphitic zones up to 2 kilometres in length with most of the tenement covered by soils and or calcrete and with grab sample results up to 27.0% TGC.

The exploration potential range for the licence area is estimated to be between 22 and 72 million tonnes of in situ graphite bearing material at 10-15% TGC.

Walkabout has also generated new and more refined exploration targets at the flagship Lindi Jumbo Project, where further interpretation and reprocessing of historical VTEM data and exploration campaigns at the Gilbert Arc deposit area has extended the exploration potential range (EPR).

The EPR over its two flagship graphite tenements in Tanzania is now between 72 and 172 million tonnes at a grade ranging from 8% to 15% TGC.

Eureka Lithium Project

Walkabout also holds 100% of the prospecting rights over 2,000 square kilometres in what is potentially one of Namibias most prospective regions for lithium-bearing pegmatites.

The project comprises two exploration prospecting licences, EPLs 6308 and 6309 in the extreme south of Namibia, around 25 kilometres north of the Orange River and the border of South Africa.

Member of European Raw Material Alliance

In May, the company joined the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA), a membership that aligns with WKTs commitment to improve the resilience of critical supply chains and energy security.

With graphite included on the 2020 European Commissions list of 30 critical raw materials, and Lindi Jumbo set to be the second-highest margin graphite project in the world, the relationship enables Walkabout to collaborate with European Union end users, financiers and stakeholders of lithium-ion battery technologies.

Speaking to the alliance, Cunningham said: With prestart construction activity underway at our Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine, and with natural graphite named one of 30 critical raw materials on the European Commissions list in 2020, the company is delighted to be accepted into the European Raw Materials Alliance.

The alliance is the ideal platform to collaborate with industry specialists in Europe and to support efforts to secure future supply of an alternative new source of graphite through strategic partnerships while making a lasting and meaningful economic contribution to the region of origin.
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Battery and electric vehicle producers worldwide, among them BYD, VW and Tesla, are transitioning to the use of lithium ferro phosphate cathode material in lithium-ion batteries.

s ( ) ( ) (FRA:3MW) subsidiary VSPC Ltd has dispatched its second-generation lithium manganese ferro phosphate (LMFP) cathode power to potential customers after meeting industry performance and physical property specifications.

This comes at a time when battery and electric vehicle producers worldwide, among them BYD, VW and Tesla are transitioning to the use of lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) cathode material in lithium-ion batteries.

LIT says that lithium-ion batteries of both the LFP and LMFP type are cheaper and safer than those containing nickel and cobalt, and LMFP has up to 25% improvement in energy density over LFP.

VSPCs LMFP cathode material is available to both established battery manufacturers and other potential customers for testing, on schedule with previously released plans.

Ability to produce high-performance LMFP

Speaking to the high-performance of cathode material to customers, LIT managing director Adrian Griffin said: "Lithium Australia has not only demonstrated its unprecedented ability to produce high-performance LMFP (the next generation of energy-storage material) but has done so on schedule.

Potential customers can now access this advanced material for testing in commercial format lithium-ion cells.

Meanwhile, Lithium Australia continues to evaluate commercial production opportunities in the most rapidly expanding battery markets globally, with a view to shortening supply chains and reducing the carbon footprint of battery production."

Background

A developer of advanced cathode powders for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), VSPC has conducted extensive research in order to develop LMFP, a high-capacity LIB cathode powder containing no nickel or cobalt.

LMFP is a lower-cost and safer cathode material for applications requiring higher-energy density batteries, including electric vehicles ('EVs') and large-scale stationary energy storage.

VSPC produced its second-generation LMFP material using its recently developed and patented RC (reduced cost) process, as well as a cost-effective reagent regime.

The work was carried out at VSPC's Brisbane, Queensland-based pilot plant which houses a fully equipped laboratory.

Product samples sent

Samples of VSPC's second-generation LMFP have been dispatched to established and potential customers for testing in commercial format LIBs.

More LMFP  in limited quantities  will be made available to battery manufacturers focused on the EV market, on the basis that the LMFP be used to produce safe, cost-effective alternatives to nickel-based EV battery packs.
Attracting such high-quality institutional investors speaks to the potential of the project and experience of our team, says MD Peter Ledwidge.

Cornerstone support of $6.3 million was received from North American and European strategic investors.

( ) has received binding commitments for a two-tranche placement to raise $10 million before costs and is now fully funded to deliver an accelerated exploration program as part of its growth strategy at the flagship Napie Gold Project in Cote dIvoire.

The placement, which was strongly supported by new and existing institutional investors, will comprise the issue of up to 125 million new fully paid ordinary shares in Mako at an issue price of 8.0 cents per share.

Promisingly, Mako has also received cornerstone support of $6.3 million from high-quality North American and European strategic investors including Dundee Goodman Merchant Partners, DELPHI and Sparta AG.

Accelerate exploration

Mako managing director Peter Ledwidge said: We are extremely pleased by the overwhelming support from quality domestic and international institutional investors.

Attracting such high-quality institutional investors speaks to the potential of the project and experience of our team.

Proceeds of the placement will strengthen Makos balance sheet and provide a pathway to accelerate exploration at the Tchaga Prospect on the Napie Project as we move towards and beyond a maiden mineral resource estimate.

The funds raised will also allow us to implement significant drill programs on other prospects at Napie and to fast-track exploration on our Korhogo Project.

We are pleased to welcome a number of new institutional shareholders to our register and sincerely thank our existing shareholders for their continued support.

Potential new projects

The placement has ensured that Mako is well funded to execute its strategic plan that includes, accelerated exploration and drilling campaigns and testing new and existing high priority targets at the Napie Project.

The company is also aiming to extend the consistent high-grade, shallow gold mineralisation identified to date at Tchaga and to complete infill drilling to underpin its maiden JORC resource at this prospect.

In addition, Mako has plans for exploration and drilling campaigns at the Korhogo Project located within 30 kilometres of Barrick Gold Corps ( ) Tongon Gold Mine.

Lastly, the company targets to acquire potential new projects in the near future.

Cornerstone support

Discovery Capital Partners and Dundee Goodman Merchant Partners acted as joint lead managers to this placement.

The latter cornerstoned the placement with a binding commitment to subscribe for around 37.8 million shares (approximately $3.0 million) and will emerge with a holding of 9.9% in Makos pro-forma issued capital.

Mako also secured binding commitments to subscribe for around 41.25 million shares from two strategic German Institutions: Delphi Unternehmensberatung AG, the parent company of Deutsche Balaton AG, and Sparta AG, a subsidiary of Deutsche Balaton.

DELPHI and Sparta will collectively emerge with a holding of 12.7% in Makos pro-forma issued capital following completion of the placement.

Placement information

Makos issue price of 8.0 cents represents a 12.1% discount to the companys last close on July 5, 2021, of 9.1 cents, a 7.8% discount to the 5-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of 8.68 cents and a 7.5% discount to the 15-day VWAP of 8.65 cents.

Placement shares will rank equally with existing fully paid ordinary shares and settlement of tranche 1 is expected to be completed on Wednesday, 14 July 2021.

Subsequently, settlement of tranche 2 of the placement is expected to be completed in mid-August 2021 and subject to prior shareholder approval at a general meeting to be scheduled.

Tranche 1 of the placement has been conducted pursuant to Makos existing placement capacity under ASX listing rules 7.1 and 7.1A.

The company will issue a total of 38,586,240 new shares under listing rule 7.1 and 25,724,160 new shares will be issued under listing rule 7.1A.

- Ephrems Joseph
The company is excited by the prospect of a new project with nickel-copper-PGE potential at the northern part of a province that is attracting considerable attention.

PVW plans to begin magnetic anomalies assessment as soon as exploration tenure is granted.

PVW Resources NL ( ) has tenement applications in place for three large exploration licences covering 950 square kilometres at Ballinue Project on highly prospective ground in the West Yilgarn Nickel-Copper-PGE Province of Western Australia.

Recent success by numerous explorers such as ( ), ( ), ( ), ( ) and Desert Metals Ltd (ASX:DM1) attest to the exploration potential within the province.

The company plans to begin the assessment of magnetic anomalies as soon as exploration tenure is granted.

Shares have been as much as 22% higher intra-day to 16.5 cents.

"Excited by prospect of a new project"

PVW executive director George Bauk said: We are excited by the prospect of a new project with nickel-copper-PGE potential in the Mid-West of Western Australia.

Located around 300 kilometres from Geraldton, the project provides PVW with exposure to the West Yilgarn Nickel-Copper-PGE Province.

Highly underexplored

Recent success by explorers including Chalice has demonstrated that these terrains are highly under-explored for nickel-copper-PGE mineralisation.

The fertility of the Yilgarn Craton margin is further attested by success gained by many other companies within the highly prospective West Yilgarn province.

WAs Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has accepted the companys three new tenement applications covering 950 square kilometres, a large landholding in this sought-after region.

The applications are within the Youanmi Terrane and Narryer Terrane, both highly prospective subdivisions of the Yilgarn Craton, and potential hosts of layered mafic-ultramafic complexes with nickel-copper-PGE mineralisation.

Bauk said: We have developed a low-cost entry into this exciting province through a number of new tenement applications.

Low-impact regional exploration

Once the Ballinue Project is granted, the company intends to start low-impact regional exploration such as soil sampling, mapping and reconnaissance to confirm target areas.

Detailed geophysics and geochemistry will be key to testing regional geophysical anomalies and identifying new targets.

While PVW is focused on exploring for gold at its three core projects, the addition of the Ballinue Project provides the company with medium-term options for organic growth through discovery.
The two companies will tackle the agricultural business sector through Fresh Supply Cos customer network.

Fresh Supply Co will provide ongoing sales referrals and actively develop business opportunities with and for Cirralto

( ) has signed a five-year non-exclusive referral agreement with Fresh Supply Co Pty Ltd to grow CROs global payments and cashflow solutions business that is addressable via cross border payment processing and export cashflow products.

Collectively, Cirralto and Fresh Supply Co will tackle the agricultural business sector through Fresh Supply Cos customer network.

In conjunction with Invigo, Cirralto will provide trade finance solutions and integration services to business customers, in addition to merchant on record payment services via existing arrangements.

The company will also provide its payments processing services to the agricultural businesses to further leverage its revenue-generating potential.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fresh Supply Co may introduce joint customers to Cirralto through sales referrals and business opportunities and Cirralto will retain at least 70% of the gross profit margin on each customer contract.

Very humbling

Speaking to the agreement, chief executive officer Adrian Floate said: Working with Fresh Supply Co to help Aussie farmers is very humbling.

By utilising our flexible payment solutions and the data mining technology intrinsic in Fresh Supply Cos business, we are able to positively impact Australias Agricultural industry to drive improved cash flow and better business growth for those businesses.

Data like animal health, weight, age and fat score are part of the animal specification that forms material terms of an agricultural sales contract.

Fresh Supply Co are constantly gathering this data from all sorts of data point and creating a digital feed that enables a farmer to demonstrate to a buyer and us as a non-bank lender that is complying with a sales contract.

They give visibility into the farming process which means we can reward a farmer for achieving their contract targets with faster payment and lower cost finance."

Specialising in operational farming data

Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia and founded in 2017 by Dr Benjamin Lyons and David Inderias, Fresh Supply Co operates in several countries including Australia, Japan, USA, Latin America and Europe.

Its executive team consists of CEO David Inderias and COO Georgie Uppington, who has several decades global experience in technology management.

Fresh Supply Co acts as a data layer specialising in capturing operational farming data from a variety of sources and making it consumable by the financial sector.

The ongoing data flow is visible through Fresh Supply Cos technology and enables continuous credit risk assessment, minimisation of exposure, and automated triggering of payments based on the meeting of specific milestones or criteria.

Combining this data mining technology with Cirralto's established Business to Business (B2B) payment solutions and trade finance services enables B2B transactions with a reduced risk of non-payment, improved efficiency, and cash flow for the customer.

Strong pipeline of opportunities

Specific to the agricultural industry, this agreement will enable Fresh Supply Cos network of more than 20 livestock, grain, fruit and vegetable farmers the ability to utilise Cirraltos flexible payment solutions and access finance at a better rate.

The companies are currently working on a strong pipeline of opportunities in payments and non-bank lending presenting a material revenue-generating opportunity for Cirralto.

Working to provide transparency

Fresh Supply Co CEO David Inderias said: As a supply-chain digitisation company weve been working to provide the agricultural business with transparency across the supply chain.

This agreement combines the collective knowledge and resources of both parties to facilitate better access to working capital for the agriculture business.
Lithium Australia subsidiary VSPC dispatches high-performance cathode material to potential customers

Lithium Australia NL's (ASX:LIT) (OTCMKTS:LMMFF) (FRA:3MW) subsidiary VSPC Ltd has dispatched its second-generation lithium manganese ferro phosphate (LMFP) cathode power to potential after meeting industry performance and physical property specifications.

This comes at a time when battery and electric vehicle producers worldwide, among them BYD, VW and Tesla are transitioning to the use of lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) cathode material in lithium-ion batteries.

LIT says that lithium-ion batteries of both the LFP and LMFP type are cheaper and safer than those containing nickel and cobalt, and LMFP has up to 25% improvement in energy density over LFP.

VSPC's LFMP cathode material is available to both established battery manufacturers and other potential customers for testing, on schedule with previously released plans.



"Ability to produce high-performance LMFP"

Speaking to the high-performance of cathode material to customers, LIT managing director Adrian Griffin said: "Lithium Australia has not only demonstrated its unprecedented ability to produce high-performance LMFP (the next generation of energy-storage material) but has done so on schedule.

"Potential customers can now access this advanced material for testing in commercial format lithium-ion cells.

"Meanwhile, Lithium Australia continues to evaluate commercial production opportunities in the most rapidly expanding battery markets globally, with a view to shortening supply chains and reducing the carbon footprint of battery production."
The company is retiring its Anadarko leasing facility by repaying the fund in full, a decision that will make Brookside debt-free and strengthen its cash position as it prepares for revenue from oil & gas sales.

Jewell Well production facilities with the tank battery in the background and separators in the foreground.

Brookside Energy Ltd (ASX:BRK) (FSE:8F3) has constructed the necessary production facilities for the Jewell Well operation, an oil and gas asset within Oklahomas world-class Anadarko Basin.

With construction now complete, the ASX-listed energy stock has the surface facilities required to accommodate oil & gas production from the Jewell Well.

A tank battery and separators have been set on location and plumbed in, ready to receive and commercialise oil, gas and associated natural gas liquids from the Oklahoma well as soon as it is completed for production.

Meanwhile, Brookside is working on a gas pipeline that will tie in with a nearby DCP gas sales line, with construction progressing on schedule.

In a major financial move, the ASX-lister has also moved to retire its Anadarko leasing facility by repaying the fund in full. This will make Brookside debt-free and strengthen its cash position as it prepares for revenue from oil and gas sales.

Black Mesa, Brooksides controlled subsidiary, operates the Jewell Well within the SWISH Area of Interest (AOI), a key portion of the Anadarko Basin.

Production facilities complete

News that work on Jewells surface production facilities has been finalised comes just three weeks after Brookside announced it had started construction on the facility. Positively, all work was completed safely, on schedule and without incident.

Brookside is also hard at work constructing an approximate 2,700-foot, 6-inch gas line from the Jewell Well to a tie-in point with a DCP Midstream gas sales line.

Now Jewells production facilities are complete, the oil and gas producing hopeful intends to commission the surface facilities and finish the DCP gas sales line.

Brookside will also prepare the location to move-in and rig up completion equipment.

Leasing facility to be retired

Now it is gearing up for production from the Jewell Well, Brookside has set its sights on becoming debt-free by retiring the Anadarko leasing facility.

With the facility poised to mature at the end of this month, the energy stock has decided to pay off the outstanding US$3 million balance through a share placement and cash payment.

Brookside intends to raise as much as US$2 million by issuing fully paid ordinary shares under its existing placement capacity, while the remaining US$1 million owing will be repaid in cash.

Overall, the company believes funding the majority of the repayment through an equity issue represents a strong endorsement of the companys prospects and the work that has been completed to de-risk the Jewell Well and the SWISH acreage more generally.

Once the Anadarko Leasing Facility is retired  a move which should complete by weeks end Brookside maintains it will be debt-free with a strong cash position.

Inaugural well

Importantly, preparation for production at the Jewell Well represents an important first step in Brooksides broader drilling program.

In fact, the Jewell Well will be the first Brookside-operated well to be drilled and completed in the Jewell DSU within the SWISH AOI.

More broadly, its the first in a potential five-year, 20-plus well development drilling program across three operated DSUs that Brookside controls within the SWISH AOI.

The Jewell, Flames and Rangers DSUs will be developed as part of a conservatively estimated 11,606,000 net barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) prospective resource.

Promisingly, other producing wells in close proximity give Brookside hope that Jewell will be a strong producer.

To date, a Casillas Operating, LLC-operated well, around three miles west of the Jewell DSU, has produced around 580,000 BOE over 19 months - considerably higher than Brooksides conservative estimate for the Jewell Well.

In addition, a Continental Resources Inc-operated well, around one mile southwest of the Jewell DSU, has produced roughly 430,000 BOE in approximately 14 months.
The total resource has increased by 25% since Bellevues Stage 1 Feasibility Study in February 2021, while the indicated resource has grown by 34% in the same period.

The increased inventory will underpin the Stage 2 Feasibility Study scheduled for release later this quarter.

( ) (OTCMKTS:BELGF) has expanded total resources to 3 million ounces at 9.9 g/t, further enhancing the already strong viability of its namesake project in Western Australia.

This 11% increase also bolsters the companys strategy to increase its forecast annual production rate at Bellevue Gold Project.

Bellevue has come a long way since its maiden 500,000 ounces tally in August 2018, with the resource growing at a compound annual growth rate of 84%.

Promisingly, the total resource has increased by 25% since Bellevues stage 1 feasibility study completed in February 2021.

Indicated resources have also grown by 34% to 1.4 million ounces at 11.0 g/t in that period, up from 1 million ounces.

De-risking project

Bellevue managing director Steve Parsons said the project was making outstanding progress on every front. We are advancing, growing and de-risking the project at the same time.

This substantial resource increase means we have ticked an important box in our strategy to grow the forecast production rate by expanding mill throughput to 1 million tonnes per annum.

The increased inventory will form the basis of the Stage 2 Feasibility Study which is scheduled for release later this quarter.

New study

Bellvues new feasibility study will consider the option of increasing production plant capacity from 750,000 tonnes per annum to 1 million tonnes.

This expansion is expected to incur minimal additional capital expenditure but will have a material impact on the projects economics.

Parsons said: Given the surplus capacity built into the Stage 1 Feasibility Study, we believe we can achieve this expanded throughput rate for minimal additional cost.

This means we stand to generate increased free cashflow from the higher production rate and greater economies of scale, which in turn should increase the overall project economics significantly.

The increased resources and work on the expanded feasibility study come as Bellevue prepares to compile a shortlist of the project debt funding proposals it has received from several lenders.

The strong outlook for the project is also demonstrated by the highly favourable indicative proposals we have received from lenders, Parsons said.

We expect to compile a shortlist of lenders in coming weeks.

Resource upgrade

Bellevue Gold Projects resource has been updated to include drilling completed between the cut-off date for the feasibility study in November 2020 and mid-June 2021.

The revised estimate reflects the upgraded Marceline/Deacon North and Deacon Lodes which have been the subject of extensive surface and underground diamond drilling programs during the first half of 2021.

Significantly, the combined areas of Marceline and Deacon North now total 800,000 ounces at 8.8 g/t including 400,000 ounces at 9.9 g/t in the indicated resource category.

Refurbishment continues

Bellevues preliminary engineering studies indicate the area will be accessed by a new northern decline which will allow mining to progress simultaneously from both ends of the Deacon lodes over 2.2 kilometres of strike.

In addition, the company has started the development access to the Marceline Area with a second heading being developed to the north to provide access to the Marceline and Armand area.

More than 120 metres of decline development has been as the southern decline refurbishment continues.

Notably, more than 2,300 metres of underground development has been completed to a vertical depth of 200 metres below the surface.

With the resource upgrade to Marceline and Deacon North, the Deacon structure now hosts 1.28 million ounces at 10.0 g/t including 690,000 ounces at 11.6 g/t of indicated resources.

Further drilling in progress

Bellevue is continuing drilling along the Deacon structure from the surface and underground targeting further resource growth and reserve conversion.

Since the cut-off for the Stage 1 Feasibility Study in November 2020, the company has continued to grow the resource at about 75,000 ounces per month.

Currently, drilling is ongoing with five surface diamond rigs continuing with an additional two underground rigs operating with another underground rig scheduled to arrive on site later this year.

Substantial shareholder lifts stake

Recognising the strong progress made by Bellevue Gold, substantial shareholder Group has increased its holding to more than 122.7 million shares, which represents a 14.28% stake.

This was reached on July 6 and follows a series of on-market purchases.

- Ephrems Joseph
Sales orders reached US$409,272, compared to US$371,944 in the 1Q 2021 and US$44,600 in the 2Q 2020

BioHarvest launched its flagship VINIA in 2017 in Israel, where the nutraceutical product is made, and entered the US market in June

BioHarvest Sciences Inc ( ) has reported record second-quarter sales orders in Israel.

For the period ended June 30, 2021, the company said sales orders reached US$409,272, compared to US$371,944 in the 1Q of 2021 and US$44,600 in the 2Q of 2020.

These results represent a 10% month-over-month increase and an 840% year-over-year jump, respectively.

READ: BioHarvest Sciences sets out to win over the American consumer with its first nutraceutical product VINIA

BioHarvest launched its flagship product VINIA in 2017 in Israel, where the nutraceutical product is made. In early June 2021, the company entered the US market with VINIA.

VINIA is a supplement based on the skin of red grapes, containing a rich complex of polyphenols designed to increase the dilation of arteries to improve blood flow, physical energy, and mental alertness. The product is developed via the companys unique technology -- the first and only industrial-scale plant cell process capable of producing active plant ingredients without the necessity to grow the plant itself.

In the 2Q, the company also said its customer count grew by 5% month-over-month, and the average sale per customer reached US$182, another 5% month-over-month increase.

BioHarvest noted that its direct-to-consumer launch in the US is off to a very encouraging start.

After the first six weeks, the company said it is still early to provide sales order guidance for the US, but key metrics such as advertising click-through rates, purchase conversion rates, average dollar sales, percentage of revenue in recurring subscription packages, and churn rates are already performing "at very promising levels" for a new brand launch.

"As a biotech innovator, our goal is to bring the benefits of our BioFarming platform technology to multiple verticals and geographies, said BioHarvest CEO Ilan Sobel in a statement.

The acceptance of VINIA, as manifested in the stellar quarter sales orders in Israel and the encouraging performance metrics in the US, are important indicators of the prospects of the Company in general and, specifically, of the broad applicability of the Company's BioFarming technology platform. I am excited about the prospects of Bioharvest, given the opportunities stemming from our pipeline of BioFarming based nutraceutical and Cannabis products. I look forward to another record quarter for Q3."

Major milestones

The company also said it has recently accomplished a number of major milestones as part of its journey to unlock the secrets of plant biology and to commercialize its cannabis-based products in the first half of 2022.

Firstly, BioHarvest announced its progress in optimizing the density of Trichomes, refining the drying process, and creating new measurement methods.

In addition, the company announced that its first Cannabis cell reservoir has now been continuously producing cannabis Trichomes for two full calendar years.

These technological breakthroughs demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of the company's BioFarming technology to produce the "flowering" stage of the cannabis growth cycle at scale.

Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham
The resource company boosted its land package at the Nevada gold project by 50%

Swift now spans 18,348 acres or 75 square kilometres of ground in the Cortez District

Corp ( ) ( ) ( ) has boosted its land package at the Swift gold project in Nevada by 50%.

The junior resource company said that it had staked an additional 312 claims surrounding the project in a bid to consolidate the projected strike extent of two prospective targets.

Swift now spans 18,348 acres or 75 square kilometres of ground in the Cortez District.

Ridgeline is hoping that the new claims cover the projected strike extent of the Mill Creek and Goat Anticline targets, both of which saw its potential increase substantially after a Phase I drill program confirmed the presence of the fully preserved Wenban Formation stratigraphic section.

According to Ridgeline, Wenban host rocks had never been identified at Swift until Ridgeline's Phase I program. In a statement, the company called it a significant development for the project because the type of rock is the primary host to largescale deposits in the Cortez district of the Battle Mountain - Eureka trend, such as Nevada Gold Mine's Pipeline, Cortez Hills, Goldrush and Fourmile deposits.

"We are delighted to substantially increase our landholdings in the Cortez District, which continues to yield high-grade gold discoveries at a pace unmatched anywhere else in Nevada, Ridgeline CEO Chad Peters said. Swift now represents a district-scale exploration opportunity with the potential to host multiple Carlin-Type gold discoveries."

Ridgeline boasts a 125-square kilometre exploration portfolio across four projects in the highly prospective Carlin and Battle Mountain - Eureka Trends.

Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas
A combination of infill and expansion targets are planned with a focus on extending the historical high-grade zones that included 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57m

Goldseek Resources Inc ( ) (FRA:4KG) (OTCMKTS:GSKKF) said it is preparing to begin a 5,000-meter (m) drill program this month on its Beschefer Project in Quebec.

The company noted a combination of infill and expansion targets are planned with a focus on extending the historical high-grade zones that included 55.63 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 5.57m.

We are excited to start our first drill program on the Beschefer Project, which has demonstrated size and grade potential. Since announcing the option to earn 100% of the Project in March 2021, we have been busy modelling the mineralized system currently defined by relatively widely spaced drilling, Goldseek Resources CEO Jon Deluce said in a statement.

The modelling has confirmed continuity, and the historical results highlight the significant high-grade potential in the system. We look forward to releasing details on our model and detailed drill plans shortly, Deluce added.

Goldseek said it considers Beschefer an advanced gold exploration project with significant near-term resource potential, with mineralization that shows high-grade gold-bearing structures hosted in a lower grade envelope, which highlights the regional potential along the already defined shear zones located on the property.

It added it is currently finalizing its 3D model of the multiple gold zones/lenses at the project and will release the model and full drill targeting details in the coming weeks.

Goldseek Resources is on the hunt for economically viable gold deposits through its interests/ownership of six projects in Canadas Hemlo, Detour Gold Trend, Urban Barry, and Quevillon camps, which have previously yielded some big discoveries.

The Ontario-based companys current focus is on developing the Beschefer project in Quebec, which is under a four-year 100% earn-in agreement with ( ) (OTCMKTS:WLBMF) (FRA:WC7).

Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com
The royalty company holds a 0.36% NSR royalty on the entire Los Azules project containing copper, gold, and silver metals

The royalty company said McEwen Copper intends to pursue an initial public listing within 12 months from the closing of the offering

( ) ( ) ( ), a green energy metals royalty and gold company, said that has created McEwen Copper Inc and is initiating a private placement of up to US$80 million to advance its Los Azules Copper project in Argentina.

TNR Gold holds a 0.36% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the entire Los Azules project containing copper, gold, and silver metals. TNR Gold does not have to contribute any capital for the development of the Los Azules Copper project.

The royalty company said McEwen Copper intends to pursue an initial public listing within 12 months from the closing of the offering.

Proceeds from the offering will be used exclusively by McEwen Copper to advance the Los Azules Copper Project to a pre-feasibility study, to construct a new year-round access road to the project, carry out exploration drilling at Los Azules, and to complete environmental permitting and community relations, said the company.

In a statement, McEwen's chairman and main owner Rob McEwen said: "This is a significant and exciting moment for McEwen Mining because of the value it should release. Currently, the market appears to be giving us little value for our Los Azules copper deposit, despite its impressive size and robust economics at present copper prices.

Unfortunately, the scale of the required project development expenditures would require McEwen Mining to issue a massive number of additional shares. This share dilution would not be acceptable. However, we believe that by putting our copper assets, Los Azules and Elder Creek, into a separately listed company exclusively focused on copper, we can create an attractive copper investment vehicle.

He said the move would allow the company to raise the money necessary to fund progress towards the rapid development of one of the world's largest copper resources.

We expect that McEwen Copper will compare very favorably to other single-asset copper developers, said McEwen. Within 12 months of closing this offering, we plan to take the company public.

The Los Azules Copper project is an advanced large-scale porphyry copper exploration project located in the prolific Andean Cordillera copper belt, 56 miles (90km) north of Glencore's El Pachon project and near the border with Chile. In 2017, McEwen Mining completed a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the project.

"I am very pleased to see this very exciting and significant development for the Los Azules Copper project and personal support by Rob McEwen of the newly created McEwen Copper," said Kirill Klip, the executive chair for TNR. The essence of our business model is to have industry leaders like McEwen Mining as operators on the projects that will potentially generate royalty cashflows to contribute significant value for our shareholders."

Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive
The Rana project includes the past-producing Bruvann nickel mine that operated from 1989 to 2002

( ) (OTCMKTS:GLBEF) (FRA:5GE2) said it has completed its acquisition of a 10% strategic interest in the Rana nickel-copper-cobalt project in Norway, which includes the past-producing Bruvann nickel mine.

As part of the transaction, the company will also acquire a 1% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the property from Chincherinchee Nominee Private Limited.

Sourcing and developing materials for battery production made with renewable energy under strong ethical and governance frameworks is key to GEMCs strategy, Global Energy Metals CEO Mitchell Smith said in a statement.

As an emerging European battery manufacturing hub in the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway is not only one of the world's most prolific nickel districts but also has the added benefit of leading the charge in renewable energy, Smith added.

Global Energy Metals will issue 3.3 million of its shares in exchange for a 10% interest in Rana in addition to the 1% NSR. The shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of the issuance.

The company noted that Rana is one of the few drill-ready Class-1 nickel projects globally with low capex anticipated to get it up and running, while also being located in close proximity to a growing end-user market including FREYR AS, a Norwegian incorporated company that is developing environmentally friendly lithium-ion based battery cell facilities in Norway.

It added that the Bruvann nickel (with copper and cobalt) mine, which operated from 1989 to 2002 at an average nickel price below US$4 a pound, has 9.15 million tonnes of resources remaining in the underground mine.

As well, Global Energy Metals said Bruvann resembles Canadas world class Voiseys Bay deposit and other major nickel deposits.

Global Energy Metals provides investors with exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineral assets.

The Vancouver, British Columbia-based junior holds interests in several precious and battery metals projects globally.

Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com
Ximen Mining (CVE: XIM  OTCQB: XXMMF) CEO Christopher Anderson joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news about the companys newly acquired 100% interest in the Wild Horse Creek Gold Project. Anderson telling Proactive, this property, about 15 kilometres northeast of Cranbrook, British Columbia, adjoins Ximens Hughes Range claims. There has been a lot of historical work on the property and now the company is about to start drilling it.

Anderson said, in conjunction with one of the property vendors, they are starting a helicopter-supported drill program that will focus on the 2016 hole that saw gold values ranging up to 3.26 g/t gold over 1m and try to extend it to further and define the boundary of the mineralized zone.
Spatio-temporal expanse of violent incidents in Bengal reflect appalling apathy of state government towards plight of appalling apathy of state government towards plight of victims: NHRC panel in its report to Calcutta HC.

Situation in Bengal a manifestation of 'law of ruler' instead of ''rule of law'', says NHRC panel in its report on post-poll of 'rule of law', says NHRC panel in its report on post-poll violence.
Bankruptcy proceedings against VIM Airlines extended again

 flickr.com/ Papas Dos

10:43 08/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 8 (RAPSI)  The Tatarstan Commercial Court has once more extended bankruptcy proceedings against VIM Airlines for six months, according to court records.

Previously, the proceedings were extended in December 2020.

In May 2020, the former co-president of VIM Airlines Rashid Mursekayev and his wife Svetlana filed a cassation appeal against recovery of wages totaling to 28.9 million rubles (over $450,000) which had been paid in excess to them.

In late December 2019, the court ordered Mursekayev and his wife to return the overpaid funds. The court therefore declared salary orders as well as accounting and paying scale up wages registered in March 2017 invalid upon an application lodged by bankruptcy trustee Alexander Maksimov. In February, an appeals instance upheld the ruling.

In July 2019, the court extended bankruptcy proceedings against VIM Airlines for six months upon a motion by Maksimov.

In April 2019, he filed claims to recover over 7.5 million rubles (about $120,000) of overpaid salary and compensation for employment agreement termination from 17 ex-managers of the air carrier. He also demanded invalidation of salary orders as well as accounting and paying scale up wages from January 2018 to late March 2019 invalid and collection of compensation from the former managers.

On September 26, 2018, the court declared VIM Airlines bankrupt on the request of the company RNGO. Earlier in August, the court granted an application filed by the company, including a 3 billion-ruble ($44 million) debt into the creditors demands list.

On October 17, 2017, a criminal case was launched over premeditated bankruptcy of VIM Airlines. In September of the same year the court returned a bankruptcy claim against the airline back to the Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA). According to the court, due to the social tensions surrounding the activities of the airline, the applicant decided to recall the motion.

Investigators believe that certain top managers and owners of the air carrier intentionally made losing bargains in 2016 and 2017 including those aimed at siphoning of assets abroad. The deals led to enormous financial outlay and undoubtedly resulted in the companys failure to pay debts to creditors in full.

According to investigators, employees of VIM Airlines continued to sell tickets to clients despite being aware that the airline was not able to transfer passengers because there were not enough funds to buy fuel. Investigators believe that the employees embezzled more than one million rubles ($17,000).

VIM Airlines CEO and chief accountant Alexander Kochnev and Yekaterina Panteleyeva have been arrested as part of the case. Co-owners of VIM Airlines Rashid Mursekayev and Svetlana Mursekayeva fled Russia and are currently residing abroad, according to investigators. Allegedly Mursekayev and Kalashnikova fled Russia to hide from investigative authorities. In December, the Basmanny District Court of Moscow issued an arrest warrant for Mursekayev in absentia.




Dispute between Bank Trust and ex-owner of Promsvyazbank suspended

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

11:00 08/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 8 (RAPSI)  The Moscow Commercial Court has suspended proceedings for the application of National Bank Trust seeking to include a debt of ex-owner of Promsvyazbank Dmitry Ananyev worth over 113 billion rubles in the creditors list, according to court records.

The lawsuit is suspended until the ruling on the banks suit againt the former owners of Promsvyazbank is delivered.

In July, the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals upheld a lower courts refusal to overturn seizure of monetary assets and other property worth over 113 billion rubles ($1.5 billion) belonging to Ananyev.

In April, the Moscow Commercial Court, at the request of Bank Trust, seized funds and other property of the Ananyev brothers, as well as those of ex-top managers of Avtovazbank.

Taking into account that the failure to take interim measures might complicate the execution of this judicial act, as well as in order to prevent damage to the claimant, the court found it necessary to seize the property of the defendants.

The decision to take interim measures was made in the framework of a lawsuit the Trust Bank filed to recover more than 113 billion rubles ($1.5 billion at the current exchange rate) from the Ananyevs, Oleg Vdovin and Nikolai Taran.

In October 2020, the Russian Supreme Court dismissed Dmitry Ananyev's complaint against the ruling on declaring him bankrupt. The objections set out in the complaint do not indicate the presence of any significant violations of substantive law and (or) procedural law and cannot serve as sufficient grounds for canceling the contested judicial acts, the Supreme Court noted then.

The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals declared Ananyev bankrupt on June 15, 2020 at the request of Nastyusha Grain Company, and a debt restructuring procedure was introduced with respect of that person The board of appeals canceled the determination of a first instance court of November 25, 2019, by which the proceedings on the banker's insolvency sought by the company were terminated.

In a complaint submitted by Ananyev to the Supreme Court, he asked to cancel the decision of the Court of Appeals and refer the case for a new trial.

In also worth noting that in September 2019, the Russian Supreme Court dismissed Ananyevs move to cancel the decision on the initiation of the respective bankruptcy case.

Earlier, in June 2019, the Moscow Commercial Court dismissed a request to seize Ananyevs property worth 2.8 billion rubles ($36 million) when examining his bankruptcy case.

At that time the court established that the applicant had not presented evidence proving that the failure to take interim measures could complicate or make impossible the execution of the respective judicial act.

However, on May 29, 2019, the Moscow Commercial Court satisfied an application of Promsvyazbank seeking to seize the property of the former owners of the bank, Alexey and Dmitry Ananyevs, in the amount of 282.2 billion rubles ($3.6 billion) in the framework of a claim to recover losses in the amount of 282.2 billion rubles from twelve former top managers of the bank.

On December 15, 2017, the Central Bank of Russia introduced a temporary administration for the management of Promsvyazbank. The functions of the provisional administration were entrusted to the Management Company of the Banking Sector Consolidation Fund.

As a measure aimed at improving the financial stability of the bank and ensuring the continuity of its activities in the banking services market, it is planned that the Central Bank will participate as an investor using the funds of the Banking Sector Consolidation Fund.

In October 2019 the Moscow City Court upheld the arrest of Alexey and Dmitry Ananyevs in absentia in a criminal case over embezzlement on an especially large scale, as the press service of the court informed RAPSI.




Community service of third defense witness in Efremov case replaced with fine

 Moscow's Presnensky District Court

12:13 08/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 8 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court on Thursday replaced community service passed upon Andrey Gayev, the third defense witness in a case against actor Mikhail Efremov who had stated that the defendant had not driven his Jeep, with a fine of 50,000 rubles, the courts press service told RAPSI.

In late April, three defense witnesses in the case of Efremov were convicted and sentenced to community service for false testimony. On July 7, sentence of Gayevs friend Alexander Kobets and one more defendant Tevan Badasyan was upheld.

According to the case materials, Kobets and Gayev, who had been charged with giving false evidence in the case, were not present at the site at the time of the accident and could not be witnesses of the crash.

Altogether, three cases were initiated against persons claiming they were witnesses of the crush on suspicion of giving deliberately false testimony. Thus, Kobets and Gayev said they saw not Efremov, but someone else driving the car at the time of the accident. The third defendant, Tevan Badasyan, alleged that he detected another person being in the car alongside the actor.

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.
Moscow court refuses to return sanitary code breach case of Sobol to prosecutors

 Moscow's Perovsky District Court

15:55 08/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 8 (RAPSI)  Moscows Preobrazhensky District Court on Thursday refused to return a case over abetting violation of sanitary norms at an unauthorized rally held in Moscow in winter against Lyubov Sobol, an ally of Alexey Navalny, to prosecution, the courts press service told RAPSI.

The court thus dismissed the defense motion.

Hearings on merits are scheduled for July 15.

The woman is under restraining order. She is prohibited from leaving home from 8 pm to 6 am, communicating about the investigation online, sending and receiving mails.

Sobol stands charged with breaching sanitary and epidemiological rules. She could face up to two years behind bars if convicted.

According to police, coronavirus-positive persons ordered to isolation were identified among participants of the Moscow rally. A criminal case over violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules was opened over this fact.
Spain extradites Russian businessman accused of $16 mln embezzlement

 flickr.com/GonchoA

16:06 08/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 8 (RAPSI)  Spain has granted extradition of businessman Vladimir Kovalenko to Russia as part of a case over embezzlement over 1.2 billion rubles ($16 million) from the Moscow United Power Grid Company (MOESK), the Prosecutor Generals Office reports.

According to investigators, Kovalenko acting as director of BusinessGroup company repeatedly overpriced supplies of electric equipment of the Moscow United Power Grid Company (MOESK). Following that, he fled abroad and was put on the international wanted list.

In the summer of 2016, he was found in Spain. Russias Prosecutor Generals Office twice forwarded requests for his extradition to the Spanish JusticeMinistry.

The businessman will be transferred to Moscow on July 8.




A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, a Rajya Sabha member from Odisha, has taken charge of the Ministry of Electronics and IT and Railways.

He has also taken charge of the Communications Ministry.

Vaishnaw succeeded Ravi Shankar Prasad in both the ministries. Prasad was handling the IT Ministry since 2016, 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, Pennsylvania 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.

On Wednesday, Vaishnaw tweeted: "With the blessings of PM @narendramodi ji, I will take charge tomorrow and work relentlessly to realise his vision. #Govt4Growth."

The industry has also expressed high hopes from the 50-year-old incoming minister.

Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA, said: "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.

Debjani Ghosh, President, of NASSCOM tweeted: "Congratulations @AshwiniVaishnaw. Never before opportunities in India's tech sector to grow global leadership and impact. Look forward to working with you to achieve the goal of making this decade India's #techade."
In the run up to launching her political party in Telangana on Thursday, Y.S. Sharmila visited her father YS Rajasekhar Reddy's grave and offered prayers on the birth anniversary of her father on Thursday.

Arriving in the morning at her father's final resting place at Idupulupaya near Kadapa, Sharmila spent time in prayers.

She was accompanied by her husband Anil Kumar, mother Vijayalakshmi, and other family members. Later, she proceeded to Hyderabad by air.

The aspiring politician, who is Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's sister, is set to announce the formation of her Telangana-based political party from Rayadurgam in Telangana on Thursday evening.

On April 9 at a public meeting in Khammam, Sharmila had announced her intention to launch a new political party in Telangana.

YSR's daughter had said she was launching the party to question those in power and to fulfill the aspirations of Telangana movement and for the self-respect of the state.
Senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Eknath Khadse was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for over 8 hours before he was allowed to go home late on Thursday.

Emerging from the ED office, he got into his SUV without interacting with the waiting media persons and it was not clear whether he will be summoned again for probe in the alleged corruption cases against him.

"The case against me is politically motivated. My and family members and I are being targeted politically to defame us. However, I am cooperating fully with the probe agencies," said Khadse this morning, before going to the ED office for the probe into the Pune land deal case.

The ED summoned Khadse, 68, for the second round of probe - a day after arresting his son-in-law Girish Chaudhary in connection with the alleged money-laundering and other irregularities in the purchase of a plot of land in 2016.

Khadse added that entire Maharashtra is witnessing what is going on, as the case has already been probed five times, the Anti-Corruption Bureau had given him a clean chit, yet it is being investigated again.

The ED has contended that Khadse and Chaudhary had bought the government-owned plot at Bhosari near Pune for Rs 3.75 crore against the prevailing market rate of over Rs 31 crore.

The agency also suspects that Khadse, as the then Revenue Minister in the BJP-led government, had reportedly misused his official position to force the officials concerned officials on the transaction for his family, and contended that the source of funds for the deal was not genuine as the money had been routed through shell companies.

A former de-facto No 2 in the state government, Khadse, a former Bharatiya Janata Party minister, was shunted to the political wilderness for almost five years following political differences with the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and he joined the NCP in October 2020.

"I left the BJP and joined the NCP, that's why I am being harassed like this. It's a political conspiracy," Khadse hit out in a brief interaction with the media outside the ED office.

Meanwhile, after intensive interrogation on Wednesday, Chaudhary was produced before a special PMLA court in Mumbai which sent him to the ED's custody.

Khadse is the second prominent NCP leader besides former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and his family facing the ED heat for alleged corruption.
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.
Four persons suspected of assassinating Haiti's President Jovenel Moise have been killed in a shootout with the security forces, police said.

Two others have been detained, while officers are still in combat with some remaining suspects in Haiti capital Port-au-Prince, the BBC reported citing officials.

"They will be killed or captured," police chief Leon Charles said.

Moise, 53, was fatally shot and his wife was injured when attackers stormed their home early on Wednesday.

The unidentified gunmen entered the private residence in Port-au-Prince at 1 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT). Moise was killed, but First Lady Martine Moise survived and has been flown to Florida where she is receiving treatment.

She is reported to be in a stable but critical condition.

"Four mercenaries were killed (and) two were intercepted under our control," Charles said in a televised statement late on Wednesday. "Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered."

"We blocked (the suspects) en route as they left the scene of the crime," he added.

"Since then, we have been battling with them."

Speaking after the killing, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph called for calm and declared a nationwide state of emergency.

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.

US President Joe Biden offered condolences to the people of Haiti for the "horrific assassination". UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, called it "an abhorrent act" and also appealed for calm.

Moise became president of Haiti in 2017, but in recent times faced widespread protests demanding his resignation.

Coups, political instability, widespread gang violence and natural disasters have plagued the country for decades and rendered it the poorest nation in the Americas.

Joseph said 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 who carried 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".

Four persons suspected of assassinating Haiti's President Jovenel Moise have been killed in a shootout with the security forces, police said.

Two others have been detained, while officers are still in combat with some remaining suspects in Haiti capital Port-au-Prince, the BBC reported citing officials.

"They will be killed or captured," police chief Leon Charles said.

Moise, 53, was fatally shot and his wife was injured when attackers stormed their home early on Wednesday.

The unidentified gunmen entered the private residence in Port-au-Prince at 1 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT). Moise was killed, but First Lady Martine Moise survived and has been flown to Florida where she is receiving treatment.

She is reported to be in a stable but critical condition.

"Four mercenaries were killed (and) two were intercepted under our control," Charles said in a televised statement late on Wednesday. "Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered."

"We blocked (the suspects) en route as they left the scene of the crime," he added.

"Since then, we have been battling with them."

Speaking after the killing, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph called for calm and declared a nationwide state of emergency.

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.

US President Joe Biden offered condolences to the people of Haiti for the "horrific assassination". UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, called it "an abhorrent act" and also appealed for calm.

Moise became president of Haiti in 2017, but in recent times faced widespread protests demanding his resignation.

Coups, political instability, widespread gang violence and natural disasters have plagued the country for decades and rendered it the poorest nation in the Americas.

Joseph said 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 who carried 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".
Milan, Italy -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/08/2021 -- The Language Grid, a leading corporate English training school in Milan, offers an innovative English Training Software that helps businesses train their employees. Unique features and a clear structure make it a reliable software to learn English language without any difficulty or extra efforts. Their AI-driven software allows each learner to follow a personalised course of activities and live classes, designed to help them reach their individual goals in one-third of the time of traditional courses. It has a variety of engaging content from popular talk shows, nature documentaries and funny commercials to sharpen your language skills.



TLG' s English Training Software focuses on teaching you conversational English with lots of interactive exercises. Learners will get many hours of lessons covering both language and native English culture. TLG's software is a truly unique English language learning tool that will take individuals' business communication skills further. The software has many listening practices that can improve individuals' pronunciation like native speakers. Easy to use and understand, TLG' s English Training Software is designed for everyday users who would like to improve their English.



Talking more about their English language training software, a representative from the company stated, "Whether you want people to brush up on a single topic or want to offer a comprehensive in-house training program  we give you the content and technology you need to learn English online and maximise ROI. Our AI-driven digital learning platform makes it easy to roll out internal training. You get robust technology  branded for your organisation  that you can deploy, and scale as needed."



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Due to the nature of work, construction is one of the most dangerous industries around the world. Construction employees are usually exposed to a variety of weather conditions and other hazards that increase their risk of injuries, serious health conditions, or even death. Risks to the construction crew include tools malfunctions, injuries due to falls from height, falling objects, and structural collapse, etc. This is the reason; it is very much important for contractors to focus more on the health and safety of their employees to keep them for the long run. Along with offering competitive wages, general contractors need to do many other things to keep the construction crew safe and healthy.

This article contains different ways construction companies and contractors can improve the safety and health of employees.

Basic Health & Safety Training

Construction employees usually work in high and medium risk environments. That's why there must be enough construction health and safety training for employees so they can stay safe and healthy while performing their duties. Educate them to make them aware of all the associated risks and dangers with their jobs especially when they are working with heavy equipment or working at height. Also provide them with basic awareness to first aid, medical treatments, and life-saving techniques to improve workplace safety.

Invest in Right Contractor Insurance

Investing in the right insurance policy is one of the best ways to improve the safety and health of construction workers. For instance, if you are providing services as a remodelling contractor, you must buy an appropriate remodel contractor insurance as per your needs and requirements to reduce your risks and improve employee safety at the project site. A comprehensive insurance plan may include general liability coverage, workers compensation, tools coverage and auto insurance etc. However, you should compare different insurance providers and available insurance plans to make a wise decision.

Inspect Tools and Equipment on a Regular Basis

Construction projects are usually completed with help of heavy machinery and tools. Employees rely on such tools to perform their duties efficiently. If the tools are unsafe, poorly maintained, or broken, they can cause higher risks of accidents, injuries, and property damages as well. That's why construction companies and contractors should inspect their tools and equipment on a regular basis to schedule preventive maintenance in a timely fashion. Proper inspection highlights the defected and malfunctioned tools before they break down or cause serious workplace accidents and injuries. It not only reduces the injury rate at the workplace but improves the life of equipment too.

Manage Employee Workloads Effectively

The construction sector is a competitive one, and employee retention is not easier for contractors. However, you can keep your construction crew for longer by managing the workload effectively. Delegate tasks to employees as per their skills and expertise so they can complete the assigned jobs efficiently without feeling overwhelmed. Offering part-time compensation is also a great idea to make them feel you recognize their efforts and care for their health and safety as well. Also provide your construction employees with necessary protective gears when they work in critical weather conditions or on height.

Develop an Effective Communication Plan

Effective communication is one of the main elements in keeping construction employees safe and healthy at the project site. Provide your employees with quick and easier methods of communication so they can interact with each other whenever needed. In this way, they can easily tell the contractor or other concerns if any potential threats or risks are identified. Also, organize safety and health training programs often to make them aware of basic health and safety techniques so they can avoid workplace accidents and injuries on their own.

Along with implementing above mentioned tactics to keep your construction crew safe and healthy, listening to your employees is another great way to improve workplace health and safety plan. Ask your employees what changes should be made in business operations or processes to make their jobs safer and provide them with a healthy work environment. Also, establish an easier and simple system of accident reporting so employees can highlight the issues in real time to promote a safe and healthy workplace culture. You can also conduct risk assessment strategies to figure out potential risks and dangers before ahead of time.
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As of July 7th, there were two (2) persons who tested positive for COVID-19. There was no recoveries today. The total active cases is now twenty seven (27). The total number of confirmed cases is two thousand six hundred thirty two (2632).





The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) are monitoring twenty five (25) people in home isolation. Two (2) patients remain hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center. The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at thirty four (34).





The number of people recovered since the first case surfaced on St. Maarten remains at two thousand five hundred seventy one (2571). Thirty one (31) people are in quarantine based on contact tracing investigations carried out by CPS.





The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) Airport Health Team in collaboration with Health Care Laboratory Sint Maarten (HCLS) have tested 3, 287 travelers arriving at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), while CPS tested 35, 043 people throughout the community. As the numbers continue to fluctuate, CPS will continue to actively execute its contact tracing measures.





Minister Ottley encourages the public to come out and get vaccinated this Friday, July 9th, at the Festival Village from 12 PM to 6 PM. We hope that persons living nearby and businesses in the vicinity will encourage their staff to come to the Village to get vaccinated




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The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley extends his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sint Maartens 34th COVID-19 victim, who has passed away. Minister Ottley wishes the family much strength during this time.





As of July 6th, there were three (3) persons who tested positive for COVID-19; however three (3) persons have recovered; bringing the total active cases to twenty five (25). The total number of confirmed cases is now two thousand six hundred thirty (2630).





The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) are monitoring twenty three (23) people in home isolation. Two (2) patients are hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center. The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 has increased to thirty four (34).





The number of people recovered since the first case surfaced on St. Maarten has increased to two thousand five hundred seventy one (2571). Twenty seven (27) people are in quarantine based on contact tracing investigations carried out by CPS.





The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) Airport Health Team in collaboration with Health Care Laboratory Sint Maarten (HCLS) have tested 3, 257 travelers arriving at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), while CPS tested 33, 371 people throughout the community. As the numbers continue to fluctuate, CPS will continue to actively execute its contact tracing measures.





Minister Ottley encourages the public to come out and get vaccinated. Friday, July 9th, will be the last day to receive your vaccine as part of the mass vaccination campaign. Belair Community Center reopened for COVID-19 vaccinations and will be open on Monday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.




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The Honorable Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson visited the Military Academy Marine Kazerne Suffisant today, Tuesday, July 6th, in Curacao. Minister Richardson was welcomed by Mr. Frank Boots - Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean who doubles as the Director of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard at the Ministry of Defense, Mr. Steven Baan - Commanding Officer of Barracks and Mr. Arno van der Meer - Head of Training and Education. A presentation was given of the educational structure cadets undergo to either prepare for a military career or the work force.





Both Aruba and Curacao are outfitted with military bases and even their own militia. Considering Sint Maarten is the most prone to catastrophic experiences such as hurricanes, it is deemed eminent that Sint Maarten begin to take steps toward establishing its own military base, complete with an academy that prepares local men and woman to serve on this level of armed forces.





Minister Richardson stated, For several years, I have been interested in seeing a military academy established on Sint Maarten, as I believe an institution where discipline is embodied in its structure, is vastly needed. I am hopeful that these opportunities will be equally afforded to young adults on Sint Maarten in the near future. I am also grateful that the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Honorable Silveria Jacobs is also a proponent of such an initiative. In the interim, possibilities are being explored for Sint Maarten youth to join the programs in Curacao.





The Juvenile Detention Center was another significant visit during the second day of Minister Richardsons work visit. She was welcomed by the Director Ms. Charente Pinedo-Alberto and her support staff. Minister Richardson discussed matters related to the Miss. Lalie Youth Detention Center on Sint Maarten. There was much willingness for the start of a working relationship.





Minister Richardson also visited the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and Naval base and concluded the day with a visit to the Customs Department. She was greeted by the Interim Director  Mrs. Soraya Pols-Strick and her Management Team (Mr. Leslie Fredema, Mr. Randall Lourens, and Mr. Luthsel Lourens).




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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 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 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.




Why sea turtles and dolphins drying in our waters last month?

by Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne

I am an ex-SBS person, member of elite Sri Lanka Navy Special Boats Squadron, the Naval Commando unit.

When our country fought against LTTE, our small groups were deployed in enemy beaches for reconnaissance. These highly trained four-man group of SBS personnel infiltrate in to enemy held area discreetly under cover of darkness. They stay there either for reconnaissance or to establish an Catche of ammunition and other supplies required for future operations in the area.

When such risky clandestine operation was conducted those days, when I was CO SBS, committing my best men for these operations, I also go into a cell, staying day and night sleeping in operations room next to our secure communication set, eating the same rations my boys eat out at enemy held area, some days only few chocolates, until they complete their task and get back to safety. Then I used to share cooked hot meal ( mostly Rice, chicken curry, dhal dry curry and pol Sambol) with them.

I am into a different vigil these days. My worry is a bad news.

Not because my boys are deployed, but because my life long friend Mrs Willy is in danger. Not like my SBS boys those days, whom I exactly knew where they are deployed. I do not know where she is in this moment, whether in Andaman -Nicobar island chain - 690 nautical miles East of us or in Maldivian archipelago, 425 nautical miles West of us. Further I failed to meet her or track her in her labour room,(where she lay eggs every year) under huge Nuga tree in Turtle Bay, Coral Cove this year ! I am worried of your safety my dear friend.

Bad news poured in every day for last one month, that of dead sea turtles and dolphins washed ashore. Some of these carcasses were badly decomposed and some are fresh. Some of their skins were burnt , mouths burnt and few polytene bags found in their stomachs. Dead Dolphins were found with burnt skins. We now know that for sure this catastrophe due to toxic waste of burning container carrier MV X-Press Pearl closer to Colombo harbour. Real scientific evidence yet to be revealed. However more than hundred carcasses of Dead Sea turtles washed ashore during last month in Western and Southern coast.

Dead Huge Sea Turtle found

in Pinwatta, Panadura

First, the sea turtles carcasses found on our Western and Southern beaches were smaller in size. Gradually their sizes became bigger. Most alarming was on 30th June, the huge sea turtle (Leatherback) carcasses found in Pinwatta, Panadura beach. Their bodies showed evidence of very painful deaths. An animal survived from Dinosaurs- time has faced painful deaths due to human activities.

Leatherback sea turtles are the champion amongst sea turtles. They grow largest, swim longest and dive deepest. Loosing such grown up sea turtle, as per newspaper explanation, larger than a cow-calf was very sad. She must be at least 100 years old. It was sad to hear such a huge sea turtle, at her prime egg-laying age faced such horrific death. I was very sad.

Do you know the longest recorded journey of leatherback sea turtle by satellite tracking was 12,774 miles ( 20,558 Kilometers) from Indonesia to Oregon (US Pacific North Western region). Satellite-tracking fully-grown Green sea turtle has recorded swimming 4000 Kilometers continuously without a stop for eating. Green sea turtles are the breed of Mrs Willy.

Mrs Willy

I am worried about my life-long friend, huge green turtle coming every year to Trincomalee Naval Base , Coral Cove, Turtle bay to lay her eggs for last 40 years.

Human interaction with a sea turtle for 40 years is very long time, probably one of the longest in the World. Please go to archives of Island newspaper epaper dated 18th June 2020 and read about this huge green sea turtle, fondly known as Mrs Willy.

I was tracking Willy for last 40 years. She lay 30-35 eggs in Turtle bay, Coral Cove, Trincomalee every year during May- July season, except for few years. That means, she has produced more than 1200 children ! What a great lady who looked after her endangered spices existence in this World !

She knows me well. Meeting her almost every year in Turtle Bay, Coral Cove. When I talked to her from a distance, and walk towards her after she lay eggs, she stopped her crawl towards sea and allow me to touch her. When I aim my dim electric torch to her face, l always saw tears in her eyes.

Tears may be due to labour pains she had during laying eggs or seen me and knowing that her eggs are under best protection until hatching is over and her children crawl into sea after 60 days. I miss those tears my friend !

So many Naval children, including my son who knows her and touched her when they were young, asking me whether Mrs Willy is safe ? I said yes!, but my heart and mind saying its not.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) doing their noble duty of protecting this innocent sea creatures continue silently. They protect breeding sites, protect sea turtle eggs and ensure baby sea turtles were released to sea safely. They kept an account of sea turtles they released in to sea. In 2017, SLCG released 5440 baby sea turtles from Wellawatta, Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. In months of February to June, mother sea turtles comes even to metropolitan beaches of Galleface and Wellawatta to lay their eggs under your nose. Those detected by SLCG beach patrols and were protected by SLCG personnel day and night for next 60-65 days until they hatched and babies crawl in to sea.

In 2018, the number of babies released by SLCG were 8469 to be exact. In 2019 staggering 13641 babies! In 2020, number was 9934. In this year so far, 7370, still counting. This is apart from our work at Turtle bay, Coral Cove, Naval Base, Trincomalee.

Eighty-four (84) sea turtle hatchlings born out of 115 turtle eggs conserved at Wellawatte under SLCG Waruna were released to the sea on 20th February 2021. (Photo courtesy SLCG)

Highly commendable job by Silent service  of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Coast Guard (under Sri Lanka Navy).

Why sea turtles and dolphins drying in our waters last month ? As both sea turtles and dolphins surface time to time for breathing, it is possible thin layers of toxic material or liquid floating on the sea surface due to the MV X-Press Pearl accident May have done skin injuries. Other fish May have not effected by this toxic layer as they do other surface for breathing. Anyway we have to wait for an proper inquiry or scientific explanation.

Meanwhile, I am keeping my vigil for my dear friend. I cannot cry for you dear Mrs Willy. I have seen enough of deaths and distractions during conflict time, but I didnt cry. Please come back to Turtle Bay one of these days dear friend.

(The writer, Retired from Sri Lanka Navy and former Chief of Defence Staff )
Curiosity demands to take cognizance of several natural and man-made disasters that has befallen Sri Lanka recently.

by Mass L. Usuf

The standard dictionary meaning of Calamity is aloss, misfortune or an event causingsudden destruction; a disaster; a state of deep distress or misery. Unseen means the metaphysical, literally cannot be seen with the naked eye. In this column to mean some incorporeal and intangible power.

It is clear that the whole community of human race in the universe is governed by Divine Reason and the law of causality (Karma). Divine Will can overpower the Causality (Karma) and such phenomenon in theistic theology falls into the category of miracles.

According to the influential philosopher, theologian, and jurist Thomas Aquinas, the light of natural reason, whereby we discern what is good and what is evil, which is the function of the natural law, is nothing else than an imprint on us of the Divine light. It is therefore evident that the natural law is nothing else than the rational creatures participation in the eternal law.(From Summa Theologica).In this sense,value judgments which are considered to be the assessment of something as good or bad becomes part of the rationality of human beings. These are common denominators regardless of religious beliefs.

Deva Kannalawwa

Deva kannalawwa is a Sinhala term meaning, beseeching gods. Given the context and circumstances, the affected personsbeseech gods and goddesses, saints and holy spirits, with special novenas (Catholic masses), offerings, ... and the chanting of religious verses , as wellas resorting to sorcery and the placement of charms and curses on those deemed responsible. (Malathi de Alwis, Motherhood as a Space of Protest, South Asian Peace Studies Vol.3).

Curiosity demands to take cognizance of several natural and man-made disasters that has befallen Sri Lanka recently. It is reasonable to inquire if there is any divine intervention or the law of collective karma or retribution that is playing a part in stirring calamities, one after the other? It is normal for victimised people to first exhaust all possible avenues of seeking relief or redress via the human agencies  especially, the politicians, police, media, bureaucracy and courts. Thebeseeching from the Unseentakes place later  Allah, Jesus, Krishna, Deva Kannalawwa etc.Malathi de Alwis under the sub title, Religious Rituals As Resistance, quotes the then Minister of Industries, Science and Technology Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe telling the mothers in relation to the disappearance of children: If your children have disappeared, it is alright to beseech the gods. After all, if there is no one else to give you succour it is fitting to look to ones gods. (Page 161, ibid).

Black dot increases

Who are these people who are calling upon the many gods seeking justice, redress and relief? They are the ones who have been denied justice and had been victimised and oppressed by the system.People whose trust had been breached and the promises made to them not honoured. Those who were not treated with equality, denied the rule of law and the list goes on.

Explaining hypocrisy, Imam Ali said, Verily, hypocrisy begins like a black dot in the heart. Each time hypocrisy increases in sin, the dark dot keeps increasing in size until the whole heart is darkened. (Mazhari, Shuabal-Iman 37).Basically, what it means is that once a person commits a wrong and continues towrong, that personsheart becomes desensitised and hardened. It reaches a stage where it no longer feels the sense of guilt when doing a wrong.

Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for men's minds and hearts are tested by the God of righteousness. (Bible: Psalm 7:9)

All are Pleading

Very recently, the Cardinal fervently led prayers in the Church seeking justicefor the victims of the 21/4 bombings. Muslims,too, are praying for justice as they have been unfairly victimised collectively, consequent to the attack. Those incarcerated in hundreds following the bombings with no charges are praying. Their suffering families too are praying. Early this month (June), a Joint Resolution was approved by the European Parliament involving among other matters, the controversial Prevention of Terrorim Act (PTA). It specifically indicates to the systematic use of the PTA for arbitrary arrests and the detention of Muslims and minority groups in Sri Lanka including Ahnaf Jazeem and Hejaz Hizbullah.Until recently,Shani Abeyesekera was in detention. Others like, Rishard Bathiudeen, Azath Sally, among the public figures, and many others; The EU resolution refers to those who have been kept in detention without due process or access to justice. Please note that the call is for justice. This writer had written about the same justice even on behalf of Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapakshe, former Defence Secretaryin December, 2017. If any one of them has committed a wrong swiftly investigate and prosecute them. However, the point emphasised here is that each of these families are praying and invoking the Unseen.

Then there are those who were denied the right to bury their loved ones who succumbed to covid 19 virus, at a place of their choice. Ground water contamination was the loud cry. Today, Pearl Express disaster has polluted an entire shore line. Killing marine life, depriving fishing literally, a marine biological and environmental disaster that may last for several years. Others among the beseechers include the farmers, the fishermen, the daily wage earner, the villagers who are attacked by elephants, the venerable monks, those standing in the long queues leading to the Pawn Shops. All of them are praying, pleading and beseeching their respective deities, that Unseen power. Some are cursing and invoking the wrath of God. It is all in the media.

Is This The Message?

Those who were keen to grab power attracted the attention of the people by putting on a superficial show of virtuousness. Kindled feelings of Sinhala Buddhist nationalism. Deeply divided the society. Treated the minority communities with disdain. The venerable monks today openly admit that they too are fully responsible for supporting such endeavours.

They (the hetanamalakshaya referring to the 69 lakhs who voted) succeeded by winning but temporarily.Their expectations on deliverance have all ended up in frustration, because their intentions (Cetana) were not clean and pure. The Right view (samma-ditthi) and Right thought (samma-sankappa) were absent. Today, the hetanamalakshayaare also protesting, criticising and cursing. The natures law of retribution nevertheless will visit them too, for their misdoings.The tests may come firstly, as a warning. It may be in different forms, intervals and intensity. Not paying heed to repetitive warnings may result in calamities.The Quran states:

See they not that they are tried (trial) once or twice every year (with different kinds of calamities, disease, famine, etc.)? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it).(Chapter 9 Verse 126).

The philosophy behind trials and afflictions may be explained in various ways. For those who are in authority, if they abuse or shirk in the use of power, such may be tested to remind them of their responsibilities. The idea is to bring man back towards righteousness, to remind him of his limitations and to make him mindful of his deeds.The Quran in one place lists five types of tests and trials that man will be subjected to. In Chapter 2 Verse 155, it states:

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, 

Yesterday we witnessed all these losses. Today we are seeing it happening and tomorrow will be no different. It is said that reverse conditionality of the twelve nidanas in paticca-samuppada (Dependent Origination, in Buddhism) will lead to cessation of suffering. Similarly, the signs from the Unseen are clear. It beckons to reform and return to justice, equity, rule of law, reasonableness and humaneness. Effective change in the ways of thinking and acting is the path (magga). If not, be assured that no one can escape the wrath of God or the Law of Karma.

Open your mouth for the mute,

For the rights of all the unfortunate.

Open your mouth, judge righteously,

And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. (Bible: Proverbs 31:8-9)

(The writer is an Attorney-at-Law and a former Corporate and Legal Advisor)
When he was president, Donald Trump ensured the rich got richer. That was a far bigger betrayal of the American people than the tax fraud charges his business is facing.

by Sonali Kolhatkar

After many months of anticipation and nearly three years of investigation, the Manhattan district attorneys office has charged the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg with 15 offenses related to tax fraud. According to the lengthy indictment, former President Donald Trumps namesake corporation engaged in a 15-year scheme to compensate Weisselberg and other Trump Organization executives in a manner that was off the books. While many are disappointed that Trump himself was not directly indicted, the sweeping charges offer some vindication for those who have watched wealthy elites like Trump hoodwink authorities for decades. Recall his response to his rival Hillary Clinton during a 2016 presidential debate when she accused him of evading taxes: that makes me smart. But when put into the broader context of how the wealthiest Americans manage to avoid paying taxes without breaking any laws, the Trump Organization charges seem like a minor affair.

A much bigger story than the Trump Organizations alleged tax fraud was a ProPublica story in June of how fabulously wealthy individuals like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Tesla founder Elon Musk, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg have paid little to nothing in federal income taxes for years. Reporters obtained confidential tax records for thousands of wealthy Americans from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and concluded that, the wealthiest canperfectly legallypay income taxes that are only a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions, if not billions, their fortunes grow each year. The heart of the story is that the form of wealth owned by the richest Americansstocks, real estate, and other assetsis simply not taxed until it is sold.

Based on tax information published by the New York Times last fall, Trump, like Bezos and other billionaires, has paid little to nothing in taxes for years. The scheme that the former president relied on in order to do this was somewhat different. His reports to the I.R.S. portray a businessman who takes in hundreds of millions of dollars a year yet racks up chronic losses that he aggressively employs to avoid paying taxes, explained the New York Times.

The point is that there are so many legal ways for wealthy elites to avoid paying taxes that its no wonder the Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance took nearly three years to come up with charges that involve a paltry $1.7 million worth of perks that ought to have been reported to the IRS as income. The sweeping and audacious illegal payments scheme that Vance accused Weisselberg of meant that the Trump Organization CFO pocketed less than a million dollars that he should have paid in taxes and reaped a little over $100,000 in tax refunds he should not have received.

The inordinate focus on the tax fraud charges against the Trump Organization obscures a far larger grift that Trump and his party were responsible forall conducted through the legislative process and considered perfectly legalthe 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

A recent investigation by Greenpeace UKs Unearthed showcased just how financially significant that law was for the worlds largest corporations such as ExxonMobil. A lobbyist for Exxon named Dan Easley admitted on video that, the executive branch and regulatory team for Exxon had extraordinary success over the past four years in large part because the [Trump] administration was so predisposed to helping. When asked what Exxons biggest wins were under Trump, Easley rattled off a series of victories and then added, tax has to be the biggest one. The reduction of the corporate tax rate was probably worth billions to Exxon. In fact, ExxonMobils profits reportedly quintupled after the Trump tax cut.

Republican lawmakers also directly benefited from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as did Trump himself. The far more scandalous punchline is that most elites need not resort to risky efforts such as tax fraud when such generous and perfectly legal giveaways are available.

Ordinary Americans are supposed to sit out the debate on tax rates, as complex economic analyses are apparently required in order to fully appreciate the ramifications of raising or lowering taxes. The tax code is so complicated, we are told, that we could not possibly understand the rationale for why rich individuals and corporations deserve to be taxed less. The part we are not told is that the complexity is deliberate.

In spite of the media missing the broader context for stories such as the Trump Organizations tax fraud charges, there is massive public support across the political spectrum for a seemingly radical and yet far simpler idea: enact stiff taxes on wealthy individuals and large corporations. Even CNBC commentator and economist Jim Cramer, who has claimed he is wedded to higher stock prices rather than any political affiliation, admitted when he read ProPublicas story of billionaire tax avoidance that these revelations make me sick, and that he favored a surtax on the massively wealthy.

While Republicans are honest about their craven allegiance to the profits of the wealthy, Democrats claim to care about fairness and rising inequality. Unsurprisingly, much of the Democratic Party noise on the matter amounts to lip service and empty gestures such as reintroducing a bill to tax millionaires. Even Senator Elizabeth Warrens tax plan aimed at the richest Americans doesnt go far enough and targets only 2-3 percent of amassed wealth.

President Joe Biden earlier this year proposed a series of reforms that would generate $1.5 trillion in federal revenues largely based on higher taxation of the wealthiest Americans but still bowed at the altar of wealth by making a wholly unnecessary pledge to elites that I think you should be able to become a billionaire or a millionaire but pay your fair share.

Democrats, who wont even ensure through the legislative process that their own party is able to win future elections through fairer voting rules, are hardly going to be aggressive about legislating higher taxes on the wealthy. As long as they can demonstrate to their voters that they care about higher taxation, actually enacting higher taxes will remain purely theoretical.

At the global level, President Biden recently led an effort at the G-7 to impose a minimum corporate tax rate to undermine offshore tax havens. But the rate that governments settled on was so embarrassingly smallonly 15 percentthat a spokesperson for Oxfam complained, They are setting the bar so low that companies can just step over it. Unsurprisingly, Republicans are opposing even this.

Only Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, two of a handful of self-declared socialists in Congress, have stated a belief radical enough for our times: that billionaires should simply not exist. Yet, this should not be a radical notion. Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, one of the worlds wealthiest people, admitted that Sanders remarks were justified when he said, On some level, no one deserves to have that much money.

Considering that the global pandemic has foisted suffering on so many millions of people worldwide while enriching the already-super-wealthy, the current moment could not be more appropriate for a rethinking of wealth and how it is taxed at both the individual and corporate level. Not only should the worlds governments be redirecting needed resources to those suffering the worst economic impacts of the pandemic, but they should also be preparing for the massive public spending that will be required to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of climate change. The obvious source of funding such things is the mountain of money that wealthy elites have been silently amassing. While it may give many Americans a small modicum of satisfaction at seeing the Trump Organization being slapped with minor tax fraud charges, the headline-making story is sadly a distraction from the vast wealth that elites and corporations even wealthier than Trump have legally accumulated.

This article was produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute.

Sonali Kolhatkar is the founder, host and executive producer of Rising Up With Sonali, a television and radio show that airs on Free Speech TV and Pacifica stations. She is a writing fellow for the Economy for All project at the Independent Media Institute.
US President Biden and other West European leaders have come to the conclusion that the war in Afghanistan have become too costly for them and it would be prudent to withdraw , inspite of the setback to the global fight against terrorism.

by N.S.Venkataraman

The decision of the USA / NATO forces to withdraw from Afghanistan is a definite incentive for the Islamic terrorists and extremists to continue their offensive moves around the world. By withdrawing the forces, USA and other NATO countries have virtually conceded their defeat against acts of terrorism in a decisive manner. If the USA and other NATO partners think that they would not be affected by Taliban terrorists taking over Afghanistan, this would be a naive view .





It is well known that the real target of Islamic terrorists is the USA and West European countries . Now that these countries have boosted the confidence of the terrorists by running away from the battle in Afghanistan, the determination of the Islamic terrorists to weaken the western nations and spread their influence around the world will become much more stronger. They would further increase the intensity of terrorist acts and seriously disrupt the peaceful conditions in several countries .

Obviously, US President Biden and other West European leaders have come to the conclusion that the war in Afghanistan have become too costly for them and it would be prudent to withdraw , inspite of the setback to the global fight against terrorism.

Perhaps, some section of the people in the USA and Western Europe question as to why they should take responsibility for checking the spread of terrorists across the world. They would realize that their thought process is flawed , if they understand that they themselves would be the victims of the acts of terrorism in the coming years, if global terrorism would be left unchecked.

Already the demographic balance in several West European nations and in Canada and even in countries like Australia have been seriously disrupted due to the massive entry of muslim population as migrants and refugees , of which some could be terrorist outfits. It is well known that Islamic extremists believe that they can take over Europe and North America by rapidly increasing the muslim population in these countries. Past US Presidents realized this and tried to stop the flow of immigrants but the present US President Biden seems to have other ideas. Several people in European countries realize their folly of allowing unchecked flow of muslims as migrants and refugees but it is too late now and the damage has already been done.

Apart from the Islamic extremists , the immediate gainer of the US and NATO forces withdrawing from Afghanistan would be China, which is always ready to fish in troubled waters. China may not be concerned about the spread of terrorism in one part of the world or the other, if China could convert the situation to its advantage by self centred clever strategies.

Certainly, the image of USA and West European countries as strong nations with uncompromising commitment to the cause of democracy and freedom have been weakened. In this situation, Chinas ambition to emerge as super power in the world would be strengthened in the coming years. China may even succeed in attaining this status before long , if US President Biden would give up or dilute the fight against terrorist outfits.

With Pakistan now being reduced to the level of extended territory of China for all practical purposes, China would cleverly use the Pakistan government to enter Afghanistan by negotiating with the Taliban terrorists and would bring Afghanistan under its control

India would be a major sufferer due to the weakening stance of USA and West European countries against terrorism , since India is also an important target for Islamic terrorists , just as USA and West European nations are.

India is facing serious threat due to the likely unholy axis between China, Pakistan and Taliban led Afghanistan, as they all have the common aim of weakening India and disrupting the peace in the country.

In short, President Biden seems to have reacted without adequate forward planning and with a sense of panic by withdrawing from Afghanistan and giving a free hand to the Taliban terrorists there.

In the past, the USA had bitter experiences in Vietnam and Korea when it sent its troops to fight against the local forces, in the name of fighting for peace and democracy. U S virtually gained nothing in the process.

While Vietnam somehow rehabilitated itself by becoming a democratic country, North Korea has gone under Chinas influence and is now a bitter opponent of the USA. Afghanistan too may shape like North Korea and come under Chinas control and becomes a bitter opponent of the USA.
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Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fc001b841c8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001b57820)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fc001b841c8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001b57820)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fc001b69980)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001b57820)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001b57820)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001152e18)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fc001b84270)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fc001b84270)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

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context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951

/var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fc0016a14d0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001543c60)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fc0016a14d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001543c60)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fc0016999e8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001543c60)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc001543c60)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fc0011521a8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fc00166eb70)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fc00166eb70)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
It was all hands in the air for students in Darylian Wrens Summer Journey sixth grade class at Confluence Academy. Along with educational enhancement, the program has also offered swimming lessons and hands-on activities like cooking and art.
Here, the undisputed evidence shows that unregulated cruise ship operations would exacerbate the spread of COVID-19, and that the harm to the public that would result from such operations cannot be undone, the CDCs request for the stay pending appeal says. Cruise ships are uniquely situated to spread COVID-19, due in part to their close quarters for passengers and crew for prolonged periods, and stops at foreign ports that risk introducing new variants of COVID-19 into the United States.
His doughnuts come in 65 flavors including Sriracha bacon, creme brulee and even drunken doughnuts that come with small dispensers ready to inject Malibu Rum, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua into your treat. There is also a vegan selection. What customers may not expect are the familys expert Argentinian empanadas with an American twist, like their Buffalo chicken empanada.
The Delray Art Leagues series will take place every third weekend of the month throughout the 2021-2022 season. For the first event, hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 17 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18.
South Florida is home to the largest concentration of Haitians in the United States, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute. From 2014 to 2018, Florida was one of two states that were home to nearly 70% of Haitians, with Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties having the greatest number of Haitians.
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.
This case is basically the word of the teacher versus the word of the student, Assistant State Attorney Dennis Nicewander wrote on Nov. 30, 2018. There is a significant delay in reporting the offense and no evidence to corroborate the allegations. The sexually inappropriate comments by the teacher and his other flirtatious activity tend to support the victims version of events, but this evidence is most likely not admissible in court.
A motorist who had stopped on the causeway to Gooseberry Island struggles to re-open the door due to the high winds as tropical storm Elsa makes its way across the region Friday, July 9, 2021 in Westport, Mass. The fast-moving storm Elsa lashed New York City and New England with heavy rain and high winds Friday, flooding streets, toppling trees and hindering some rail service.(Peter Pereira/The Standard-Times via AP) (Peter Pereira/AP)
The New York City Democratic primary, the de facto election of the citys new mayor, was actually held on June 22. But as of this writing, on July 6, there is still no declared winner, two weeks after the election. The ranked choice voting process has been a complete disaster, an embarrassment, and this is what you want to bring to Florida? I could call that a mistake but it would be a gross understatement.
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced this Thursday in the House of Commons that tourists resident in the UK who have been fully vaccinated will be exempt from the ten-day quarantine rule when they return to England from their holidays in an amber-list country, as per the UK governments traffic light system. The amber list currently includes Spain.

The rule change comes into force from July 19, coinciding with the planned lifting of almost all Covid-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom. The move is an important shot in the arm for the Costa del Sol tourism industry as British tourists are the biggest customers, and in a normal year make up 30 per cent of foreign tourists to the area.

The rules at the moment only apply to England with the other UK nations expected to announce their interpretation in the coming days.

However, there was disappointment for British people living in Spain who have had their vaccines in the Spanish system, as it is only UK residents who have had their injections in the UK who will be exempt. The British government has said it hopes to add approval of certificates issued from other countries, including those in the EU, at a later stage, with the next review due for 31 July.

"British residents who return will not have to carry out the ten-day quarantine, but they do require a negative Covid-19 test that cannot be more than 72 hours old," Shapps explained during his statement. A PCR test is also required before the end of the second day of stay in England.

The requirement to still pay for tests was also criticised on Thursday by British parliamentarians as it can add several hundred euros to the cost of a family holiday.

While the move is a welcome relief for the tourism sector on the Costa del Sol, it is key that Spain remains on the amber list and does not slip onto the red list in coming weeks - the next review by the UK government of that list is scheduled for 15 July. This review will catch Spain and the Costa del Sol in a period of increasing infections. The province of Malaga currently has a cumulative incidence of positive cases in the last 14 days of 319.

If the United Kingdom decided to relegate Spain to its red list of countries, British tourists would be obliged to quarantine in specially adapted hotels on return.
A fifteen-year old boy is being investigated for allegedly starting a small fire, near a residential area in Malaga, that spread rapidly after it was fanned by winds on Wednesday (7 July).

If it wasnt for the swift response of the firefighters some houses could have been destroyed said one of team deployed to the Cerrado de Calderon blaze, that was finally extinguished just metres away from the residential properties.

The alleged fire-starter is a teenager who was playing with some friends in the field and who, apparently, only intended to start a small bonfire. However, gusts of wind fanned the flames and it spread out-of-control.

The fire started shortly after 9pm and the emergency services received a barrage of calls, including distressed residents from nearby houses. Police were moved to the area in case residents need to be evacuated from their properties.

Firefighters from various stations across Malaga city tackled the blaze and eventually brought it under control after an hour. It affected an area of some 8,000 square metres, but crews with thermal imaging camera remained on the scene through the night in case it flared up again.

A local woman, who had seen a small group of six youths in the field, provided their descriptions to the police. Officers searched the local area and found three of them, aged from 12 to 15 years old, in a shopping centre. A witness said that he had seen the three boys at the scene of the fire, but they were not responsible for starting it. The boys were taken back to their homes in unmarked police cars

Shortly afterwards National Police officers were approached by another youth who, scared, had gone to catch a bus home before changing his mind, returning to the scene and telling the officers, I have messed up. I started the fire.

He was taken to the police station for questioning and faces possible charges.
Police officers have arrested the wife of a 65-year-old Belgian man after he was stabbed between the ribs with a kitchen knife.

The emergency services were swamped with calls from witnesses as the victim, bleeding profusely, staggered into the street seeking help after the alleged attack at his home in Arroyo de la Miel.

The man was urgently rushed to Malagas Regional Hospital in a serious condition, although he is now stable and his life is now out of danger after the incident on the afternoon of 1 July.

National Police arrested the woman at the scene after she was allegedly trying to leave the area.

The exact reason for the attack is unknown, although the main theory is that there was a heated argument between the pair before the 51-year-old Belgian woman grabbed the kitchen knife and stabbed her partner.
Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, was forced to interrupt his visit to the NATO base in Lithuania after an unidentified aircraft, presumed to be Russian, was detected in the area.

Sanchez was speaking at a press conference with the Lithuanian President, Gitanas Nauseda, when the security services gave the order to vacate the area.

The two leaders appeared alongside one of the two Eurofighter aircraft that Spain has stationed in Lithuania, operating under the NATO umbrella, when the alarm was raised.

Russian incursions into the airspace of the Baltic republics are reported to be a common occurrence.

Later, the press conference resumed on another area on the base.
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Clearfield, PA (16830)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
MBABANE  SARFED is making a call to Africa and international institutions to support the competitiveness of the country despite the civil unrest that has been reported.

The Southern African Research Foundation for Economic Development (SARFED) felt Eswatinis economic position was playing a vital role not only in the Southern Africa region, but at African Union level as well. This is because the country like any other African states subscribed to the African Union development agenda of 2063 whose first implementation was to be reviewed in 2023, said SARFED Regional Coordinator George Choongwa.

Country

Choongwa said Eswatini needed the support because the country scored recommendable results in various sustainable development agendas for both regional and global attainment such as leading in malaria elimination and improvement in infrastructure development. The countrys National Development Strategy of 1999 had scored massive developments, some of which included the national infrastructure development such as improved road network, telecommunications services, tourism, improvement in the health care services, rural development programmes, as well as the improvement of the investment climate for both local and internal investors, said Choongwa. SARFED said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) fact finding mission for Eswatini should motivate regional as well as international economic support for the country. At regional level, the African Union should be active in ensuring that the countrys economy remained sustainable and competitive. Therefore, essential activities such as supply chain of essential commodities to Eswatini should be considered as a regional priority to ensure that the country doesnt experience market failure due to economic disintegration, said SARFED.

Prioritise

Choongwa further made a call to SADC and AU to prioritise investor confidence and fiscal balance in the country. He said the intervention of SADC - Troika to the Eswatini civil unrest has been perceived as being timely whose results to the commission of enquiry also has potential to boost the countrys investor confidence and support from the rest of development institutions both regionally such as the Southern African Customs Union, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) AU and internationally in general. The civil unrest the country underwent during the period of June, 2021 which resulted in national riots and destruction of both private and public property, has potentially put the country on both short and long term social economic challenge of which both national and regional development organisations should aim to address sustainably as a way of resuscitating the investor confidence of the country.
MBABANE  A multi-stakeholder team comprising political parties and civil society actors have written to the Acting Prime Minister, Themba Masuku, proposing a meeting to discuss the possibilities of a dialogue.

The multi-stakeholder team, which has about 20 representatives, has stated that the dialogue or negotiation was meant to map a way forward to take the country out of the political quagmire that has resulted in the ongoing turmoil. The letter was written by human rights lawyers and one of the founding members of the Institute for Democracy and Leadership (IDEAL) Thulani Maseko, who is chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholders Co-ordinating Team. Greetings your Excellency in these hard times of political turmoil in our country. We have been requested by the vast number of political parties and civil society actors to reach out to you and to propose a meeting, reads the letter.

It was stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibilities of a dialogue for a stable democratic dispensation. The acting PM was informed that leaders of political parties and civil society have found it fit, necessary and proper that they write to him understanding that the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Troika had dispatched three ministers on a fact-finding mission on the volatile situation engulfing the nation. While the SADC may mediate the process and of course the mediation is welcome, we should not lose sight of the fact that fundamentally, the governance problems that the country faces can and should be resolved by the Swazis (emaSwati) themselves for sustainable peace, wrote Maseko. He stated that the international community, including SADC, would only assist in ensuring that the people of Eswatini peacefully resolved their issues.

They further asked Masuku to respond to their request at the soonest opportunity. He said it was in the best interests of the country that they all committed to a genuine process of dialogue and negotiation to find a lasting solution to the political and governance crisis facing the country at this moment. We appeal for an urgent response, sir, recognising that many lives have been lost in the ongoing turmoil. Many have been injured and continue to be injured at the hands of the security forces, in particular the defence forces that have been dispatched into the streets of the country and other areas, reads the letter. Maseko further said the country needed a political as opposed to a military solution. When asked if the acting PM had received the letter, Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini confirmed that the acting PM received the letter of invitation. This was at around 5:40pm on Tuesday.

Mediated

IDEAL further forwarded a similar letter to Troika with five issues which included an all inclusive and mediated political dialogue led by SADC and underwritten by the African Union (AU), the Commonwealth, the United Nations (UN) and or other such body of similar stature as may be agreed by the parties. All parties to this political dialogue process should come to the table as equals, with no one party enjoying superior legal status, reads the communication.
SITEKI  A total of 17 suspects yesterday appeared at Siteki Magistrates Court charged with allegedly looting property amounting to over E6 million at Buy Cash Hardware at Sithobelweni last Wednesday.

The exact amount of the alleged looted property is E6 668 377. The accused persons appeared before Principal Magistrate Dumisani Magagula. They were all represented by Maxwell Nkambule from Nkambule Attorneys based at Siphofaneni.

Senior Prosecutor Pat Mkhatshwa represented the Crown.

Jointly

In count one, the 17 accused persons are charged for of contravening Section 15 (3) (f) of the Public Order Act No. 12 of 2017 in that upon or about June 30, 2021, and at or near Sithobelweni Buy Cash Hardware in the Lubombo Region, the said accused persons, either each or all of them acting jointly in the furtherance of a common purpose, did unlawfully and wrongfully damage Sithobelweni Buy Cash Hardware and further loot stock valued at E6 668 377.75, and did thereby contravene the said Act.

In count two, the accused persons are charged for contravening Section 18 (1) (c) of the Public Order Act No. 12 of 2017 in that upon or about the 30th of June, 2021, and at or near Sithobelweni Buy Cash Hardware in the Lubombo Region, the said accused persons, either each or all of them acting jointly in the furtherance of a common purpose, did wilfully and unlawfully destroy or damage or do an act that will impair the usefulness or efficiency or impede the working of Buy Cash Hardware, being property used in providing essential services to the community and did thereby commit the said crime.

Alternative charges, in count one, are that the accused persons are charged with the offence of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft in that upon or about June 30, 2021, at or near Sithobelweni Buy Cash Hardware in the Lubombo Region, the said accused either or all of them acting jointly in the furtherance of a common purpose, did wrongfully, unlawfully and with intent to steal, break and enter Sithobelweni Buy Cash Hardware and did steal items valued at E6 668 377.75, the property of Sithobelweni Buy Cash Hardware in the lawful possession of one Sidumo Simelane and did thereby commit the said crime. Senior Prosecutor Mkhatshwa asked the court to give him time to consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office in Mbabane and requested that the matter return to court next week Monday. The accused persons lawyer, Nkambule, had asked the court to consider the application of bail as some of his clients were still attending school.

Pray

I pray that the court considers admitting my clients to bail as this is a bailable offence and the court should also consider that my clients should have appeared in court within 48 hours after their arrest, he argued.
MBABANE - The recent pro-democracy protests which culminated in vandalism, looting and loss of life have caught the eye of the United Nations (UN).

Following a regular briefing for reporters at the UN in Geneva, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) issued a statement, where it condemned the violent scenes witnessed in the Kingdom of Eswatini in the past few days. In particular, the UN has called for an investigation to be conducted to ascertain if human rights were violated. It was stated in the statement that the eruption of violence in the Kingdom of Eswatini in recent days was deeply concerning, amid reports that alleged dozens of people had been killed or injured during the protests calling for democratic reforms.

Statement

A statement was also issued later on the day where the OHCHR called for inclusive and meaningful dialogue, to end the violence. The statement highlighted that the unrest first began in May, when the youth took to the streets to call for accountability for the death of a 25-year-old Law student, allegedly at the hands of the police. The deceased is Thabani Nkomonye whose death caused an uproar which made government take a decision to appoint a coroner to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances that led to his death. Recent eruption of violence is deeply concerning, amid reports of killings and injuries during protests calling for democratic reforms. We urge the government to open dialogue to address underlying public concerns, it was stated in the UN statement. It was mentioned that in late June, the protests grew into daily pro-democracy marches in several locations around the kingdom, with protesters voicing deep-seated political and economic grievances. The statement quoted OHCHR Spokesperson Liz Throssell saying her office had received allegations of disproportionate and unnecessary use of force, harassment and intimidation by security forces, including the use of live ammunition by police. She, according to the statement, urged the authorities in Eswatini to fully adhere to human rights principles in restoring calm and the rule of law, in particular the obligation to minimise any use of force.

Transparent

We also call on the government to ensure that there are prompt, transparent, effective, independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of human rights violations, including those by law enforcement personnel in the context of the demonstrations, and that those responsible are held to account, she was quoted. It was also mentioned that the spokesperson reminded authorities that peaceful protests were protected under international human rights law, including under Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Kingdom of Eswatini was a State party.
MBABANE  Stop with the fake news.

Government has noted with concern allegedly malicious disinformation circulating mostly on digital media platforms about the country following the riots that ensued around the country last week. According to a press statement issued yesterday by Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini, there was disinformation which was clearly intended to tarnish the image of the country. Dlamini said the disinformation was meant to mislead the susceptible audiences that government was fighting citizens with no consideration for the concerns and safety of people. At a time when the country is working tirelessly to restore peace and stability, some people have abused their access to digital platforms to manipulate information to suit their narrative, said Dlamini.

He said recently, there had been a barrage of graphics, videos and articles circulating on social media platforms purporting that government had issued an order to kill innocent civilians. This cannot be further from the truth. No order has been issued to kill citizens. Security forces are deployed to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of emaSwati after a violent week, said Dlamini. Citing examples of the fake news, Dlamini said a viral video of a police officer purportedly shooting indiscriminately at citizens along the Mbabane-Manzini Highway was one of the many used to push the narrative that security forces were trigger-happy.

Clarify

We wish to clarify that the police were escorting private cars that were using the highway, which had been blocked by criminals with rocks, guardrails and burning tyres, narrated Dlamini. He said the police had to disperse the criminals blocking the highway in order to make way for motorists to drive through safely. Dlamini said no one was injured or killed from this operation. Another example of fake news cited by government was that of an image of a member of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) lying on the road and purported to have been killed by civilians had also been circulating on social media. We wish to clarify that the soldier was not shot by citizens, but was involved in a car accident near Mahhala. He is stable and recovering from the injuries he sustained in the car accident, said Dlamini.

He further stated that there were allegations that Eswatini police had detained and harassed two journalists who were in the country to cover the unrest. Government wishes to make it clear that no journalist is detained in the country. We can confirm that two journalists were taken in for questioning at Sigodvweni Police Station after they were found recording videos and taking pictures, said Dlamini. He said they were released unharmed when their identity was determined and advised about the accreditation process they had to follow if they wanted to work in the country as journalists, as per global standard procedures. Government has warned the alleged perpetuators of these fake news to desist from doing so.
MBABANE  Government, through the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has admitted to have ordered the shutdown of the internet in the country.

The minister explained the incidents that led to the decision to switch off the internet in an interview with Newzroom Africa during the programme called InFocusOn405 on Tuesday evening. The minister was on air from 9pm and the interview with Newzroom Africa journalist Thabo Mdluli lasted 25 minutes. Khumalo was responding to Mdlulis questions, who had asked him (Khumalo) to explain the issues around the internet shutdown in Eswatini. Khumalo started by saying internet was available in Eswatini.

Agents

He explained the evolution of events since the violence broke out last Monday. He said government discovered that there were foreign agents who were mobilising through the internet and channelling funds to Eswatini to sponsor the violence. Khumalo said the alleged foreign agents were providing resources to the people in Eswatini. He made an example that they provided the funds to assist the protesters with transportation from one place to another. He said the mobilisation was happening through the internet and social media. The minister said the transportation issues during the protests were well-orchestrated. Khumalo said as a means to isolate the agents of destruction, government had to go through a series of processes of elimination until a time when government figured a way out. He said although it took government long to see businesses getting back after the riots, since last Friday, business, banking and email platforms were fully restored.

Violation

He was asked if shutting down the internet did not amount to violation of freedom of speech as MTN Eswatini admitted that switching off the internet was a direct order from government. Khumalo responded by saying governments position was to put the lives of emaSwati and the protection of infrastructure first. He said they also had a responsibility of preserving utilities. He said this was a conscious decision to figure out a way to isolate the alleged agents of the destruction. Khumalo said as the governments IT technicians were doing that, they could not get consistent internet up-time and social media could not be separated on time. This was not ideal, he said. Khumalo said switching off the internet was not a matter of policy or a tendency in Eswatini. He said the country was dealing with a specific situation and even other countries did such when faced with severe threats.

He made an example of the United States of America scenario during the elections where the country had to suspend certain accounts of people who were associated with mobilisation of attacks in Parliament.


MBABANE  Emalangeni have been advised to meet and engage His Majesty King Mswati III regarding the political unrest in the country.

This was communicated to Prince Masitsela, who was questioned if there were any means to engage His Majesty the King on the current unrest in the country, which had resulted in the death of an unconfirmed number of people, while businesses were vandalised, looted and others burnt. In response the senior Prince (Masitsela) said; Itawukhulunywa lendzaba, meaning the issue would be addressed. When asked about the statement which was made by Princess Sikhanyiso purportedly on behalf of the King on national radio, Prince Masitsela said; Akuphikiswa lesekushilo Inkhosi, meaning you cannot challenge what had already been said by the King. He stated that anyone had a concern on what the King had said, needed to address it with him (King) in a very respectful manner. Prince Masitsela said it was important to put respect ahead when addressing the King. Further, he mentioned that there were chiefs in the different chiefdoms who were the Kings watchful eye.

Attention

Prince Masitsela said there was a lot that needed His Majestys attention, which had to be reported to those working closely with him. Labafana labasebenta nayo Ingwenyama ngubona lekumele bamtjele loku lokuphatselene nelive. Also he said chiefs had emissaries who they worked with and they were the ones responsible to request appointments on their behalf if they wanted to relay information to the King. His Majesty has not said anything yet regarding the political instability in the country, but the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Princess Sikhanyiso, spoke on national radio on behalf of royalty. In a circulating voice clip which has been posted on social media platforms, Prince Masitsela is heard talking to another prince who addresses him as father.

The caller requested Prince Masitsela to approach His Majesty King Mswati III, following remarks that were made by Princess Sikhanyiso in a recorded voice note aired on the national radio, Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS).

According to the caller, the princess made a statement that allegedly came from the King that he was sorry on what the princes and princesses had been posting and saying on social media, which was in bad taste and that the concerns of emaSwati did not fall on deaf ears but were being considered. Further, she pleaded for the unity among the nation not to be broken by outside influence. The caller, who refers to Princess Sikhanyiso as his sister, mentioned that; Lesitatimende lesikhishwe ngudzadze wetfu sesishise live. This is loosely translated to mean: the statement made by the princess has caused turmoil. He said it was wrong for the princess to address the nation but His Majesty could have at least requested the senior princes who were King Sobhuza IIs children to speak on his behalf.
Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will enter into a new stage of economic, commercial and investment partnership over the next few days with the support of the two countries political leaderships, a media report said.



This partnership stems from ambitious goals set by Oman Vision 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030, which encompass a huge volume of investment opportunities that collectively constitute a springboard for economic diversification, reported Oman News Agency (ONA).



This approach envisages the creation of favourable conditions for the private sector and investors so that they could play a greater role in the future in generating employment opportunities for the national manpower and stimulating economic growth based on innovation.



Within the context of Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate strives to build solid grounds of economic diversification informed by technology, knowledge and innovation. It will be a type of economy based on consolidating frontline connections and rear-side support with the purpose of expanding a production-export base, in addition to achieving diversity of commercial partners. The trend will deepen investment in high added value sectors and enhance the contribution of non-oil sectors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).



The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms that its investment capabilities constitute a propeller of economic diversification. Programme of Development of National Industry and Logistic Services, which is seen within the context of Saudi Vision 2030, boosts the infrastructure of basic sectors. Saudi Vision 2030 forms one of the core pillars for promoting the Kingdoms competitiveness and its attractiveness as an ideal investment hub.

This is in addition to the Kingdoms ideal use of resources, the improvement of commercial balance, the creation of cutting-edge local industry that competes in global markets and the realization of other sustainable advantages based on innovation and stimulation of investments.



Over the past few days, a number of government officials and private sector representatives joined hands in formulating a vision that enables the two sides to identify areas of economic cooperation and joint investment.



They presented proposals to activate trade ties between the Sultanate and Saudi Arabia, augment commercial exchange and increase investment opportunities, with emphasis on non-oil fields (logistic and tourism) and in areas of food security, mining, industry, health and education. They also formed a joint public-private sector committee at the level of ministers and under-secretaries to follow up and enhance cooperation.



The two sides affirmed that the speeding up of the Oman-Saudi direct carriageway will help cut down the cost of transport and import-export freighting and facilitate the movement of merchants and investors. They pointed out that the road will power the sectors of logistics and tourism and greatly enhance the setting up of joint ventures.



It will also benefit from the ports of Sohar and Duqm. Once the Omani-Saudi highway is opened and, in case a railway route is added, the two sides can easily set up joint investments at Sohar Industrial Estate and at the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (considered one of the most important private investment hubs in the Sultanate).



On the Sultanates side, the Omani-Saudi road begins at Tanam roundabout in the Wilayat of Ibri, A'Dhahirah Governorate, and runs till the area of Ramlat Khailah on the Saudi borders (155 kilometres). On the Saudi side, the road begins at the Haradh-Batha junction and runs till Shaiba oilfield and further to Um-Azzumool checkpoint along the borders with the Sultanate, a stretch of 564 kilometres.

Saudi Arabia figures among the most important trade partners of the Sultanate. In 2020, it occupied second place in the list of top importers of Omani non-oil exports, as well as fourth place in the list of re-export countries and fifth place in the list from which the Sultanate imports goods.



In terms of Omani fish imports in 2019, Saudi Arabia occupied second place among GCC states and fourth place among world countries.



Data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) show that the total volume of commercial exchange touched RO960 million ($2.48 billion) in 2020 compared to RO506.2 million in 2010. In that year, the value of imports from Saudi Arabia stood at RO240.7 million.



The value of Omani exports stood at RO265.5 million of which RO182.5 million were non-oil exports and RO82.93 million as re-exports.



The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered a strategic partner in many economic projects in the Sultanate. These projects include one for the development of Kazaen Economic City, the independent power plant Salalah 2 (a synergy combing Saudi Arabias Aqua Power, Japans Mitsui and Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding Company) and Salalah Desalination Plant.
Abu Dhabi's state-owned airport operator has cancelled a contract with a consortium, led by Turkey's TAV Insaat, and UAE-based Arabtec and Greece-headquartered Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) as its members, for a terminal at the airport, said a report.

The deal for the AED10.8 billion ($2.94 billion) Midfield Terminal Building was scrapped after the group over-ran project costs, reported Reuters, citing senior sources.

Abu Dhabi Airports and TAV Insaat declined comment. Arabtec, which filed for liquidation in January, and CCC representatives could not be reached for comment.

The terminal, which is still under construction and was once scheduled to open in 2017, has been plagued by years of delays. Abu Dhabi Airports in 2019 said that construction of the new terminal was 97.6% complete.

Two sources said Abu Dhabi-headquartered Trojan had been awarded the contract to finish the terminal's construction.
Bahrain Specialist Hospital is taking a step forward by setting up a Drive-through Covid-19 testing facility in Juffair. Its Mobile Medical Unit will reach out to various locations across Bahrain reducing the burden to travel long distance for the Covid-19 Test.

The virus is highly infectious and the Drive-through facility is an added measure where one can get tested without worrying about exposure to the virus while standing in the queue and also takes the pressure from hospitals struggling to cope up with the flood of patients that require sample collection and analysis, said Dr Kasim Ardati, Managing Director at Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

Drive-through Covid-19 centres across the kingdom play a key role in reinforcing the steps taken by the MOH in reducing infections and protecting health and safety. Bahrain Specialist Hospital Drive-through Centre makes it a convenient, affordable and accessible option for citizens and residents to get tested.

Patients can book an appointment and drive through the swab collection point, where they wait inside their car to have their nasal swab samples taken by trained medical staff. The samples are then tested at the Bahrain Specialist Hospital Laboratory for quality, accurate and timely results. Patients are advised to remain in their own vehicle to minimise contact with other people, reducing the risk of infection to everyone, said Ardati.

We will ensure that all regulatory and mandatory Covid-19 protocols and precautions are followed during the entire Drive Through process and also at the Mobile Medical Unit for Swab collection points. The results will be uploaded on the ministrys website, which can be viewed on BeAware App. We aim to succeed in this initiative by performing maximum tests whilst providing comfort, safe and contactless experience to our patients, commented Majed Ardati, Chief Operating Officer at Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

Majed Ardati further added that the Drive-through facility will be initially available only at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair while the Mobile Medical Units will be visiting areas such as Riffa  Location; BSH West Riffa Clinic, Askar Industrial Area - Location; Midal Cables, Sitra Industrial Area - Location; Gulf Closures, Hidd Industrial Area - Location; Imerys Al Zayani - and Budaiya area. Corporates and Institutions can also book and schedule the Mobile Medical Unit to visit their own locations making it easy for them to schedule the working hours of their employees.-- TradeArabia News Service
Motorcity, the distributor of world-renowned vehicles in Bahrain has welcomed Jetour, a new game changing brand to its growing portfolio of global automotive vehicles.

Jetour is part of a globalised automobile group based in China with over 20 years of formidable experience in automotive engineering. The association boasts an array of self-owned and joint-venture brands with its independent subsidiaries focusing on vehicle segments in the market. The group made their mark in the business in terms of evolving the technological aspect of their vehicles and dedicating itself to capitalising on these advanced technological options and maintaining affordability of its products.

Jetour Bahrain will be initially launched with three new models; the X70, the X70S and the flagship X90 at the Motorcity Showroom in Sitra. The latest range was created with a young audience in mind, who appreciate premium quality, significant technological features and overall affordability.

The Jetour 70 range (X70 & X70S) in accordance with the characteristics of Jetour products like good looks and large space, have a timeless design and multi-functional features. It consists of a 6 speed DCT automatic gearbox that intelligently switches gears. The multi-gear technology matches the engine speed, and a smooth shift that provides stable driving control. The 7-seater is the dream vehicle for families that are frequent travellers and campers. Jetour is a vehicle for those who wish to turn an ordinary weekend into a mini holiday drive.

Motorcity Chief Executive Officer, Michael Brightmore welcomed the brand to Bahrain, anticipating good things in its future: Motorcity has always strived to introduce the best quality, reliable and affordable vehicle brands to the Bahraini market. Jetour was created by a strong group with over 20 years of market leadership and a dynamic product team behind its beautiful cars. We recognise Jetours importance in the growing affordable SUV and Crossover segment and anticipate the people of Bahrain to enjoy the new range.

The Middle East has always been a market of strategic importance to Chinese brands that have kept expanding their market shares in this region in recent years. The successful launch of the Jetour brand in Saudi Arabia is of great significance to the further establishment of the Jetour presence in Bahrain and the Middle East. -- TradeArabia News Service
Sabre, a leading software company in the global travel industry, has implemented its Sabre Revenue Optimizer solution with multiple airlines, including ASKY, Croatia Airlines, Gulf Air, and Vietnam Airlines via remote delivery.



When Sabre was thrust into the remote work environment, we did not let our inability to physically work side-by-side with our customers get in the way of delivering on our commitments, said CemTanyel, Chief Services Officer at Sabre Travel Solutions.



The way in which our teams at Sabre and our customers have collaborated to pioneer complex migrations virtually is truly impressive. Through adaptability, agility and innovation, we have been able to deliver successful implementations under new and challenging circumstances. We have gained valuable insights that have and will continue to change the way in which we operate in the years to come.



Croatia Airlines migrated in August 2020. Implementation for this complex project was planned on site for H1 2020, but when the pandemic unexpectedly stopped all traffic, technology implementation and training had to be handled virtually. Remote sessions leveraging virtual collaboration tools allowed for a continuous flow of group conversations and live interactions as well as project documentation accessible to all team members at any time. The project teams at Sabre and Croatia Airlines adapted to the change in circumstances, coming together and collaborating in a constructive, transparent, and productive way, reducing the geographical distance, and ensuring the success of the project.



Additionally, on the airline side, Japan Airlines migration to Sabre Crew Manager, which helps airlines control total crew cost while improving productivity, was also completed remotely.



On the agency side, despite the turbulent times, Sabre delivered an on-time implementation with BIDTravel, the leading business and leisure travel network in Southern Africa, and the cluster head of Rennies BCD Travel, Quadrel Travel Management t/a CWT, Travel Connections and Harvey World Travel. Sabre virtually mobilized global teams across five different time zones to accelerate the go-live; providing BIDTravel with the right technology to help it rebuild consumer confidence to travel, while crafting differentiated experiences.



We had resources sitting in excess of 18 countries, remotely across the globe, and were able to achieve a project that typically takes between nine and 12 months in just three months, said Herby Seedat, CIO, BIDTravel. To operate in a multitude of countries remotely, meet an accelerated project delivery timeline and to achieve all of this virtually is digital transformation at its best.



Further to this, Royal Travel, one of the leading travel companies in the United Kingdom, signed a multi-year agreement with Sabre in December. Royal Travel implemented Sabres intelligent GDS platform, Sabre Red 360, allowing it to harness more data, content and flexibility to differentiate its offering, manage its operations and workflow more effectively and to help agents offer their travelers an enhanced, more personalized experience.



Despite the challenging environment, Royal Travels businesses were successfully migrated to Sabre using an entirely digital program, which included virtual scoping completed ahead of signing the contract to increase the pipeline velocity. The delivery was particularly complex as, in addition to a website and call center, Royal Travel has a vast network of sub-agents who had to be considered in the implementation process. Sabre delivered virtual training to many of these sub-agents in their native language of Urdu, thereby helping minimize the change management risk.



Sabre has shown great commitment and support towards our fast-evolving needs during this challenging time, said Waseem Majid, Director of Royal Travel. The rapid implementation of Sabres innovative solutions and tools meant that we could respond to the new market demands and provide personalized travel offers to each customer.



The pandemic has permanently changed the travel ecosystem requiring all players to evolve. Sabre is embracing this change and using it as a catalyst to innovate and drive forward in collaboration with our customers, added Tanyel.  TradeArabia News Service
Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways has announced the successful completion of the capital increase of KD10 million ($33 million) through the issuance of 20 million shares at a subscription price of 500 fils per share, representing 10% of the issued and paid-up capital of the company.

Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) acted as the lead manager and subscription agent.

The subscription coverage rate of the capital increase stood at 210%, as announced by both Jazeera and Markaz, marking the completion of the first tradable preemptive rights in Kuwait, which ran from June 15 to July 5, said the statement from Jazeera Airways.

Preemptive rights were traded on Boursa Kuwait from June 15 to 28 at a reference price of 143 fils per right for the first day of trading and average price of 165 fils per right, which resulted in the trading of approximately KD460,000 worth of preemptive rights, said the statement from Jazeera Airways.

The subscription coverage rate reflects the high demand for the company's shares by shareholders and investors who benefited from the trading of preemptive rights, it stated.

On the capital hike, CEO Rohit Ramachandran said the subscription process fulfilled all legal requirements, and witnessed the issuance of tradable rights securities for the first time on Boursa Kuwait.

"This was done in an effort to compensate shareholders who did not subscribe to the capital increase, and fulfill regulatory requirements, while supporting Jazeera Airways future operations," he noted.

Ramachandran said the Kuwaiti airline was planning to increase the number of its destinations, from the current 35 to 65 destinations over the next three years, after adding 13 new aircrafts, bringing its fleet to a total of 30.

He pointed out that during the pandemic, Jazeera launched 10 new routes including Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Colombo (Sri Lanka) in addition to Tbilisi, Bodrum, Trabzon, London Heathrow, Bishkek, Tashkent, Antalya, and Kiev in Ukraine.

Ramachandran said the government nod to permit vaccinated expatriates to travel and return to Kuwait beginning from next month was an important step towards restoring the balance from a health and economic perspective in addition to the move to gradual reopen the airport.

Jazeera Airways, he stated, was looking forward to reactivating a series of flights that were stopped during the pandemic.

"We have requested the reactivation of 8 destinations in August, and are currently integrating systems in preparation for the beginning of August, as travellers must show proof of vaccination when booking flights on the company's website," he added.

Markaz CEO Ali H Khalil expressed delight at the success of the subscription process.

"We take pride in being the lead manager of this issuance, considering it is the first tradable preemptive rights to date, in Kuwait, and in collaboration with a prominent company such as Jazeera Airways, which seeks to benefit from the recovery of the global economic situation post the pandemic," remarked Khalil.

"We recognize the importance of capital markets in supporting the stability of an economy, and hence, at Markaz, we are keen to contribute to the development of Kuwaiti capital markets and provide shareholders with various investment opportunities through the management of capital increase subscriptions, in addition to bonds, sukuk and others," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
At the invitation of the Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, Mr. Pavlo Riabikin, the WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, visited the cities of Odesa and Kyiv in Ukraine from 4 to 7 July 2021. His visit included a meeting with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Volodymyr Zelensky.

Secretary General Mikuriya visited Odesa Airport and Sea Port to observe Customs in action, including risk management and cargo inspections. While in Kyiv, he went to Customs Headquarters for a meeting with the Customs management team, during which they discussed progress with ongoing Customs reform and the way forward. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Mikuriya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mr. Riabikin to launch the Global Trade Facilitation Program, funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO).

Secretary General Mikuriya then met with President Zelensky at his office to discuss Customs modernization. The President underlined the important role played by Customs in duty and revenue collection, which accounts for half the countrys fiscal revenue, as well as the need to improve Customs image.

Based on his trip to Odesa and the discussions with Customs management in Kyiv, Dr. Mikuriya confirmed that the countrys Customs reform was on track as regards adoption of the relevant legal framework and use of technology. He asked President Zelensky to support Customs in providing stability, both in terms of leadership and organizational arrangements. He also stressed the need to grant enforcement powers to Customs. A further recommendation to the President entailed strengthening human resource management to make Customs a more appealing employer, by offering good working conditions and prospects for career development with suitable training. Dr. Mikuriya added that improving integrity required robust support at the highest political levels, together with cooperation from the private sector.

President Zelensky welcomed and supported the Secretary Generals recommendations and expressed his appreciation for the WCOs continuous collaboration in Customs modernization matters.

Dr. Mikuriya also gave an interview to the National News Agency of Ukraine (Ukrinform) to share his views on Customs reform and how Customs should adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
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.
Drug Cases Move Forward Against Couple

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Two people arrested last week were arraigned in McCracken District Court on Wednesday.The McCracken District Court Clerk said 27-year-old Nickole Console and 36-year-old Edward Ibold entered not guilty pleas before Judge Todd Jones. Their preliminary hearings are set for July 15.They were arrested July 2 after a detective noticed Console acting suspiciously in the parking lot of a hotel on Cairo Road. Detectives said Console appeared to be under the influence, and they saw her meet Ibold at the front door of the building. When deputies approached, they fled inside, but were caught.Ibold was wanted on a warrant for a probation violation, and detectives said they found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during searches.On the Net:
Drug Charges For McCracken County Woman

By West Kentucky Star Staff





MCCRACKEN COUNTY - A traffic stop led to the arrest of a McCracken County woman on various drug charges Wednesday.According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office a deputy stopped a car for a traffic violation on Benton Road. A search of the vehicle found a digital scale containing methamphetamine in the possession of the passenger of the car.The passenger, 40-year-old Lora Jordan, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance 1st degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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.
Brookport Man Arrested for Child Abuse

By West Kentucky Star Staff

BROOKPORT - A Brookport man has been arrested for felony child abuse according to Illinois State Police.On Monday State Police were called by the Massac County Sheriff's Office to investigate serious injuries of a four-year-old child at a home in Brookport. They say the child had to be flown to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries.On Wednesday police arrested the childs father, 27-year-old Deandre L. Wright, and charged him with aggravated battery of a child.State police say the investigation is ongoing.
Marshall County Shooting Leads to Four Arrests

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MARSHALL COUNTY - An apparent shooting incident Wednesday night in Marshall County led to the arrest of four people on gun and drug charges.Marshall County deputies encountered several people outside a home and began to clear the area while attempting to find the victim and suspect.The victim was located a short time later and taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Deputies located the firearm and the suspect, Joshua Adams of Benton.Deputies also reportedly found over one pound of crystal meth at the scene, and arrested Jocelyn McCurdy of Murray, Amber Amaro of Hardin, and Charles Morgan of Calvert City.Adams was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of marijuana.Amaro and Morgan were each charged with possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. Amaro was additionally charged on an outstanding warrant from Calloway County.McCurdy was charged with trafficking in meth, tampering with physical evidence, promoting contraband, drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and an outstanding warrant from Calloway County.They were taken to the Marshall County Jail.
Fugitive Caught By Police in Princeton

By West Kentucky Star Staff

Trevion Clary

LYON COUNTY - A fugitive that fled from an Eddyville traffic stop Thursday morning was found and arrested in Caldwell County.According to the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, Trevion Clary ran from state police after he was pulled over on I-69 near Eddyville. He ran into a wooded area and avoided capture.The sheriff's department said Clary committed a burglary in Lyon County, stole a vehicle, and drove to Princeton. He was arrested on the west side of town by Princeton Police.He was found to have outstanding warrants out of Marshall, Grayson, and Christian Counties for failure to appear charges.He was also served a warrant out of Lyon County for fleeing or evading police, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, trafficking and giving police false information.Previous Story (12:15 pm)Kentucky State Police say they are currently searching for a suspect in Lyon County they consider armed and dangerous.Authorities sayfled on foot Thursday morning from a traffic stop near the 70 mile marker on Interstate 69 near Eddyville.Clary is described as black, approximately 6'1" and weighing 165 pounds. He has short hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be in a wooded area near Pebble Creek Drive and KY 3305.Anyone with information on someone in the area matching this description is asked to call 911 or Kentucky State Police, Post 1 at 270-856-3721.
Porter Road Opens New Meat Facility in Princeton

By West Kentucky Star Staff

CALDWELL COUNTY - A Princeton-based meat processing company has opened their new facility, which will create more than 80 jobs.In a Thursday press release, Governor Andy Beshear's office congratulated Porter Road Butcher Meat Co., LLC on the start-up of their facility."Just over a year ago, we announced Porter Road Butcher Meat Co. would locate a new meat processing operation in Princeton, and I am thrilled the facility is now operational and creating quality job opportunities for residents in the area," Beshear said. "Our food, beverage and agritech sector is at the center of our efforts to create an economy that works for everyone, and the industry's rapid growth is evidence that we are on the right path for sustained success."Porter Road's new 28,000-square-foot facility is located on Masonic Drive in Princeton. The move increases the company's production space from its previous 7,000-square-foot facility. The project, initially announced in June 2020, also provides Porter Road with a larger cutting room and expanded packaging and shipping capabilities.The 83 announced jobs include various wage levels with a focus on production staff, such as butchers and packaging and shipping positions. An increase in administrative and management, as well as maintenance roles, are also expected. Porter Road currently employs 42 people in Caldwell County.The opening comes on the heels of $10 million invested in the company through Series A fundraising earlier this year. Leadership at Porter Road anticipates the company will invest approximately $12 million into local, pasture-based agriculture over the next 12 months."We have received tremendous support from the City of Princeton and the State of Kentucky as we prepared for the expansion of Porter Road, furthering our commitment to creating even more well-paying jobs for our community and maintaining close proximity to our farmers," said Chris Carter, Porter Road co-founder and CEO. "This new facility and our increased capabilities will accelerate our mission to build a better food system."
Crews Working to Remove Passengers From Stuck Ship

By West Kentucky Star Staff

TRIGG COUNTY - Passengers still stuck on a sand bar in Lake Barkley will soon be on their way to Nashville, just not on the cruise ship. According to WKDZ radio the U.S. Coast Guard has now begun efforts to remove the passengers from the American Jazz.Buses from American Cruise Lines arrived in the area Friday morning to help transport the ship's 120 passengers to Nashville, where the ship was headed.However, the Coast Guard and the ship's crew are still working on a plan to get the passengers from the boat to the buses.The boat apparently veered out of the marked channel on the lake Wednesday afternoon and ran aground in four to six feet of water near the US 68 bridge in Trigg County.Along with its 120 passengers the ship is also carrying 54 crewmembers on a week-long cruise from Memphis through Paducah, Dover and Clarksville, and ending in Nashville.The Coast Guard in Paducah sent a 29-foot shallow water boat crew to the scene on Thursday.No damage, pollution or injuries were reported following the incident. The Coast Guard and American Cruise Lines are still working on a plan to dislodge the vessel.On the Net:
Rollover Accident Sends Mayfield Man to Hospital

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAVES COUNTY - A Mayfield man was airlifted to Nashville after a single-vehicle rollover accident in Graves County early Wednesday morning.According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office the accident happened on KY 408 near Ethel Road. Deputies said a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Russell A. Davis of Mayfield dropped off the side of the highway and rolled over at least twice. Davis was ejected from the vehicle.Davis was treated at the scene, then transported to Kentucky State Police Post 1 where an Air-Evac helicopter transported Davis to a Nashville hospital for treatment of head trauma.
Tonight's Ballard County Tractor Pull Postponed

By West Kentucky Star Staff

LA CENTER - Organizers of a benefit tractor pull in Ballard County tonight have announced that it has been postponed.On Facebook, Ballard County Fairgrounds and Kids Helping Kids Ballard County both announced the change, based on the amount of rain that has fallen and the chance for heavy storms again tonight. They are working on rescheduling the event.However, at least one of the other fundraisers is still taking place - the drawing to give away an $1,800 John Deere gun safe will be held tonight. Raffle tickets are being sold at the 4-H office, and will also be sold at the fairgrounds between 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Soft drinks and popcorn will also be available at the fairgrounds.Proceeds from the drawing and the rescheduled tractor pull will go to the families of Emily Dulworth and Hudson Pace, who are both battling childhood cancer.Original Story:There will be plenty of noise and raw horsepower at the Ballard County fairgrounds tonight to benefit a good cause.A benefit tractor and truck pull begins at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Proceeds from the event will go to the families of Emily Dulworth and Hudson Pace, who are both battling childhood cancer.It will feature super stock and super farm tractors, pro-stock diesel trucks, 4.1 limited pro, hot farm tractors and light mixed tractors.The Ballard County 4-H will raffle off a John Deere gun safe, valued at $1,800. Raffle tickets are $10 each. Ticket stubs must be turned in by 4 p.m. Friday at the 4-H office at 110 Broadway in La Center. The drawing will take place at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. You do not need to be present to win.There will also be a silent auction from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and concessions will be available.Admission is $10 per person. Kids 8 and under get in free.Click the link below for more information.On the Net:
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 21:54:35|Editor: huaxia

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Yangtze finless porpoise YYC lives with its mother at the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province.

YYC, a 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. 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.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 23:24:38|Editor: huaxia

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Sudanese officials and leaders of political parties commended the accomplishments achieved by the Communist Party of China (CPC). #GLOBALink

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 23:33:21|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows the Ever Given container ship sailing on the Great Bitter Lake in Ismailia Province, Egypt. 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. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

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.

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.

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.

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. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 02:53:36|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Wednesday welcomed the Ethiopian government's approval of humanitarian flights into the restive Tigray region and said it will catch up as soon as possible.

"We are aware and of course welcome the government of Ethiopia's announcement that it has 'granted flight permission for all interested parties to provide humanitarian services in Tigray region,'" said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"Unfortunately, no flights have yet been able to travel directly from Addis Ababa to Mekelle or Shire (in Tigray) this week. However, we are following up with all relevant actors to ensure that direct flights are able to operate as soon as possible, in light of the announcement," said the spokesman.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reports no secure air or road access into Tigray, Dujarric said. It prevents them and other emergency responders from scaling up to reach hungry and vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas.

The WFP on Friday resumed emergency response operations in Tigray after a 48-hour suspension because of fighting, he said. However, the WFP is getting to only a fraction of the number it should reach due to the challenges threatening the entire humanitarian response in the region, said the spokesman. "We, of course, urge all the parties to agree to a cease-fire so that those routes can be used to reach those in need."

The WFP is calling for 176 million U.S. dollars to continue to scale up its response in Tigray from July through December. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 03:04:28|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken at the UN headquarters in New York on July 7, 2021 shows Bintou Keita (on the screen), the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), briefing the Security Council via video link. The top UN envoy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday highlighted four areas of international support for the African country. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The top UN envoy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Bintou Keita, on Wednesday highlighted four areas of international support for the African country.

Keita said the international community has four immediate, primary tasks: to actively support the implementation of the DRC government's program of action; to intensify good offices to facilitate the 2023 elections; to intensify political engagement in the search for non-military solutions to the conflicts in eastern DRC while increasing pressure on armed groups through a more active force posture; to reach an agreement on a set of transition benchmarks with the DRC government, which clearly link the government's program of action to the adjustment of the UN peacekeeping mission's presence.

The DRC government's program of action includes elements relating to the protection of civilians and the neutralization of armed groups, a new program for disarmament, demobilization, community reintegration and stabilization, and the commitment to holding national and local elections in 2023, she told the Security Council in a briefing.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that the 2023 elections are held within constitutional deadlines. In particular, it is essential that a national consensus be found on the appointments of CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) officials, and then on the reform of the electoral law," said Keita, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC.

The security situation in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu continues to be of grave concern as civilians remain under serious threat from the attacks of armed groups and intercommunal tensions. With the transition of the UN peacekeeping mission depending in large part on the return of peace and stability to these areas, there is still much work to be done before the mission can responsibly withdraw, she said.

The peacekeeping mission, known by its French acronym as MONUSCO, continues to implement a holistic strategy to address security challenges in the east, which includes the maintenance of a robust posture to counter threats to the civilian population, she said.

However, military means alone cannot provide lasting solutions. Without the restoration of state authority, including local civil administration, a meaningful security sector reform plan, and the reconciliation of local communities, sustainable progress is unlikely, she warned. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 03:54:13|Editor: huaxia

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ANKARA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish soldier was killed and three others injured in the southeastern province of Mardin in cross-border gunfire from northern Syria, semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday.

The gunfire hit a Turkish military vehicle patrolling near the border town of Senyurt, Anadolu said.

The driver, identified as Cihan Ciftcibasi from the infantry, was shot and died in the hospital.

The three others were injured when Ciftcibasi lost control of the vehicle which overturned later. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 07:12:05|Editor: huaxia

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Former South African President Jacob Zuma attends a press conference at his home in Nkandla, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, July 4, 2021. The police said on July 7, 2021 that Jacob Zuma surrendered himself to the police late Wednesday night. (Photo by Yeshiel/Xinhua)

JOHANNESBURG, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Former South African President Jacob Zuma was taken into custody on Wednesday night, said the police.

South African Police Service national spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo confirmed the news to Xinhua after Wednesday midnight.

"He's been taken to custody well ahead of the deadline," Naidoo said. "He will be handed over to a correctional facility as we speak now."

The Jacob G Zuma Foundation on Twitter also confirmed the news.

"Please be advised that 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." It said a full statement will be issued later.

The Constitutional Court last week found Zuma guilty of contempt of court, in relation to an order to appear before the State Capture Inquiry. The apex court sentenced him to 15 months in jail.

The highest court said Zuma should hand himself to the police to begin his prison sentence within five days or Police Minister Bheki Cele should within three days take all the necessary steps to make sure he was delivered to a correctional center. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 08:12:55|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

- - - -

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil registered 1,648 more deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 528,540, the health ministry said Wednesday.

A total of 54,022 new infections were detected, raising the total caseload to 18,909,037, the ministry said.

- - - -

SANTIAGO -- Chile reported less than 2,000 COVID-19 cases for the second consecutive day, continuing a gradual decline in infections prior to a lifting of a lockdown, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Health Minister Enrique Paris said that in the last 24 hours, 1,892 COVID-19 infections were reported, bringing the total number to 1,576,336.

- - - -

HAVANA -- Cuba registered a new record of daily COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, with 3,664 cases, for a total of 214,577, along with 18 more deaths to total 1,405.

National director of hygiene and epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health Francisco Duran reported that of the total number of new cases, 3,622 were from community transmission.

- - - -

ANKARA -- Turkey on Wednesday confirmed 5,160 new COVID-19 cases, raising the tally of infections to 5,454,763, according to the health ministry.

The death toll from the virus in Turkey rose by 52 to 50,048, while 4,636 more people recovered in the last 24 hours.

A total of 225,253 tests were conducted over the past day, it said.

- - - -

BANGUI -- The government of the Central African Republic (CAR) received on Tuesday a batch of COVID-19 vaccine donated by China.

President of the CAR Faustin-Archange Touadera and his Prime Minister Henri-Marie Dondra went to the Bangui airport to welcome the Chinese vaccine donation, accompanied by Chinese ambassador to the CAR Chen Dong. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 08:26:21|Editor: huaxia

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ACCRA -- 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. (Ghana-Motor-Death)

- - - -

ANKARA -- A Turkish soldier was killed and three others injured in the southeastern province of Mardin in cross-border gunfire from northern Syria, semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday.

The gunfire hit a Turkish military vehicle patrolling near the border town of Senyurt, Anadolu said. (Turkey-Syria-Gunfire)

- - - -

GENEVA -- 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." (WHO-COVID-19-Outbreak)

- - - -

SANTO DOMINGO -- 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. (Haiti-President-Assassination) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 10:33:21|Editor: huaxia

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A soldier stands guard in front of Haitian President Jovenel Moise's home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 7, 2021. (Photo by Tcharly Coutin/Xinhua)

"The alleged assassins of President Moise were intercepted by the Police in Pelerin shortly before 6 p.m.," Secretary of Communication Frantz Exantus said on Twitter.



MEXICO CITY, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Haiti's National Police on Wednesday apprehended the gunmen suspected of killing Haitian President Jovenel Moise earlier in the day at his residence, said reports from the Caribbean island country, citing a Haitian government official.

"The alleged assassins of President Moise were intercepted by the Police in Pelerin shortly before 6 p.m.," Secretary of Communication Frantz Exantus said on Twitter.

Officials would shortly release more details of the police operation in Pelerin, the upscale district where Moise's residence is located, said Exantus.

Photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows bullets holes in the facade of Haitian President Jovenel Moise's home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Photo by Tcharly Coutin/Xinhua)

Residents in Pelerin reported hearing heavy gunfire in the afternoon.

Moise was shot dead in the early hours of the morning by a commando of armed men during an attack, in which his wife, Martine Moise, was wounded.

The men, armed with rifles, allegedly spoke English and Spanish, according to Haitian authorities. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 11:18:34|Editor: huaxia

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People walk along the Street in New York, the United States, June 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Michael Nagle)

- Global COVID-19 deaths surpass 4 million

- China's Yunnan reports 2 new confirmed cases

- Brazil reports 1,648 more deaths

- Cuba registers new record number of daily cases

BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

- - - -

NEW YORK -- Global COVID-19 deaths surpassed 4 million on Wednesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

- - - -

BUENOS AIRES -- Argentina registered 457 more deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising the total death toll from the pandemic to 97,439, the Health Ministry said Wednesday.

In the same period, tests detected 19,423 new cases of infection, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4,593,763, the ministry said.

Medical workers sort out swab samples for nucleic acid test in Ruili City of southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

- - - -

KUNMING -- Southwest China's Yunnan Province reported two locally transmitted COVID-19 confirmed cases, both in the city of Ruili, on Wednesday, the provincial health commission said Thursday.

The two confirmed cases were previously found and categorized as asymptomatic infections in the all-inclusive nucleic acid testing in Ruili, the commission said.

Passengers wearing face masks sit inside a bus amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 21, 2021. (Photo by Rahel Patrasso/Xinhua)

- - - -

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil registered 1,648 more deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 528,540, the health ministry said Wednesday.

A total of 54,022 new infections were detected, raising the total caseload to 18,909,037, the ministry said.

- - - -

SANTIAGO -- Chile reported less than 2,000 COVID-19 cases for the second consecutive day, continuing a gradual decline in infections prior to a lifting of a lockdown, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Health Minister Enrique Paris said that in the last 24 hours, 1,892 COVID-19 infections were reported, bringing the total number to 1,576,336.

A man wearing a face mask walks with a handcart in Havana, Cuba, July 3, 2021. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua)

- - - -

HAVANA -- Cuba registered a new record of daily COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, with 3,664 cases, for a total of 214,577, along with 18 more deaths to total 1,405.

National director of hygiene and epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health Francisco Duran reported that of the total number of new cases, 3,622 were from community transmission. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 11:55:33|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday condemned "in the strongest terms" the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

In a press statement, the council members expressed their condolences to Moise's family and to the Haitian people, and urged to swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime.

The council members made an emphatic call on all political stakeholders in Haiti to refrain from any acts of violence and any incitement to violence. They called on all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid any act that could contribute to further instability, and expressed their steadfast support for dialogue.

The members of the UNSC affirmed their determination to monitor the ongoing situation in Haiti and reiterated the essential need to respect the rule of law, and to ensure the security of all people and UN operations. They expressed their continued solidarity with the people of Haiti. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 12:00:19|Editor: huaxia

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NEW YORK, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A group of Western researchers have said recent studies only bolstered their belief that the coronavirus evolved naturally rather than originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

Though the lab leak theory has been widely discussed in some countries, this eminent group of scientists wrote in The Lancet, a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal, that there's still no evidence for it.

In February 2020, they dismissed the lab leak origin as a "conspiracy theory," and cited a string of academic papers to back up their belief that the coronavirus "originated in wildlife" before infecting millions.

"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," they wrote on Monday.

"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. Recrimination has not, and will not, encourage international cooperation and collaboration," the experts wrote.

In the face of increased speculation, the scientists urged commentators and officials to take a step back and provide evidence if they want to push the lab leak theory, saying "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."

The group of scientists includes Charles H Calisher, Dennis Carroll, Rita Colwell, Ronald B Corley, Peter Daszak, etc. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 13:28:08|Editor: huaxia

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MEXICO CITY, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Haitian police have arrested two of the gunmen who are suspected to have assassinated President Jovenel Moise early Wednesday, while four others were killed when apprehended by the authorities, said Leon Charles, director general of the National Police.

The police operation also led to the release of three police officers the gunmen had kidnapped in the attack at Moise's residence, Charles, accompanied by Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph and other officials, told the press.

The suspects were apprehended following an intense shootout with police in the upscale Pelerin district, where Moise's residence is located, "shortly before 6 (p.m.) in the afternoon," Secretary of State for Communication Frantz Exantus said earlier via Twitter.

At the briefing, Minister of Culture and Communication Pradel Henriquez said the assailants are foreigners who speak Spanish and English, but did not provide details about their nationality or identity.

The interim prime minister stressed that the country's security situation was "under control" in the aftermath of the assassination.

He added that a forensic report was made on Moise's death and his body was then transferred to a morgue in the capital.

Regarding the state of health of the first lady, Martine Moise, who was injured in the attack, Joseph said she was "out of danger" after being transferred to a hospital in Miami, Florida.

"Fortunately, many sectors of the opposition condemned the murder," said Joseph, who hours earlier expressly asked the opposition to join in denouncing the assassination.

Moise was shot dead at his residence during an early morning raid by a group of gunmen. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 13:35:17|Editor: huaxia

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A man waits to receive the Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 at a medical center in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah on July 7, 2021. TO WO WITH "Feature: Syrians relieved to get Chinese vaccine against COVID-19" (Str/Xinhua)

by Hummam Sheikh Ali

HASAKAH, Syria, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A band of locals were waiting for a COVID-19 jab at a medical center in the northeastern province of Hasakah on Wednesday. Sixty-year-old Seham Aslan joined the line, as Syria has prioritized the elderly and medical workers in the vaccination race against the virus.

In the country there are several types of vaccines, including a Chinese one. Aslan has encouraged acquaintances to receive an injection, saying the Chinese vaccine, in particular, has been proven safe.

"I am so happy for taking the Chinese vaccine to protect ourselves and everyone against any possible infection," she told Xinhua. "I hope everyone can take this vaccine because it's a protection."

In April, Syria received a batch of the Chinese vaccine as part of the Chinese government's aid to the war-torn country in the face of the health crisis.

Marwan Salem, another 60-year-old, told Xinhua he had weighed up the pros and cons before deciding to take a shot. Among prudent Syrians still in voluntary quarantine to protect themselves and beloved ones, he rejoiced at having the Chinese vaccine, calling it "effective and safe."

"I took the Chinese vaccine," he said, "because it's effective and because it's from a friendly country, which supports us."

Last year China sent to Syria several batches of assistance, including face masks, goggles, protection suits, testing kits, and ventilators. Chinese medical workers also held video conferences with their Syrian counterparts to update them on how to cope with the deadly coronavirus.

In the eyes of Issa Khalaf, head of the health department in Hasakah, it is particularly significant to have the Chinese vaccine and a mass roll-out at this particular time, as the U.S. sanctions have caused a harsh economic crisis.

Chinese and Russian friends, on the contrary, have given the vaccine for free to Syria "as this vaccine has been distributed across Syria and given to medical staff since the beginning of this year," Khalaf said, "so the Chinese positive role is obvious." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 14:00:21|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Dec. 2, 2020 shows paintings by children with disabilities displayed at an art competition under the theme of "We and Coronavirus" in Capital Governorate, Kuwait. (Photo by Ghazy Qaffaf/Xinhua)

"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," a group of researchers wrote in The Lancet.

NEW YORK, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A group of Western researchers have said recent studies only bolstered their belief that the coronavirus evolved naturally rather than originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

Though the lab leak theory has been widely discussed in some countries, this eminent group of scientists wrote in The Lancet, a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal, that there's still no evidence for it.

In February 2020, they dismissed the lab leak origin as a "conspiracy theory," and cited a string of academic papers to back up their belief that the coronavirus "originated in wildlife" before infecting millions.

"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," they wrote on Monday.

"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. Recrimination has not, and will not, encourage international cooperation and collaboration," the experts wrote.

A citizen receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Bangkok, Thailand, June 26, 2021. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)

In the face of increased speculation, the scientists urged commentators and officials to take a step back and provide evidence if they want to push the lab leak theory, saying "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."

The group of scientists includes Charles H Calisher, Dennis Carroll, Rita Colwell, Ronald B Corley, Peter Daszak, etc. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 14:06:59|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, July 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 69 Taliban militants were killed and 23 others wounded after the Afghan security forces evicted militants from Qala-e-Naw city, capital of western Badghis province, the country's Defense Ministry confirmed on Thursday.

"The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), including national army' commandos, supported by Afghan Air Force targeted militants' aggregation in multiple locations in Qala-e-Naw on Wednesday," the ministry said in a statement.

Heavily-armed Taliban militants stormed and briefly took control of the city On Wednesday before the Afghan security forces launched a counter-offensive.

The ANDSF also seized some militants' weapons and ammunition, the statement added.

"Reinforcement was dispatched and more Afghan National Army commandos arrived in Qala-e-Naw Wednesday night. The security forces' counter-attack is in full swing now and the situation in the city is getting better," the statement said.

Taliban militants, who captured control of all Badghis suburban districts, have not commented on the report so far. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 16:04:45|Editor: huaxia

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MANILA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The performance of manufacturing production in the Philippines continued to accelerate in May, hitting a growth record, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday.

Based on the preliminary results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI), the PSA said the year-on-year value of production index (VaPI) and the volume of production index (VoPI) increased by 249.5 percent and 265.0 percent in May, respectively.

The year-on-year growth rate in May "was the second positive growth since April 2019 and the highest annual growth in the 2018-based data series," the PSA said in a statement.

The PSA said the sharp increases in most of the 18 industry divisions that registered positive annual growth rates led to the VaPI's upward trend. The manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products was among the top contributor with 1,472.7 percent yearly growth.

On the other hand, the PSA said only four industry divisions contracted led by the manufacture of tobacco products which declined by 69.3 percent.

The VoPI also posted an annual rate of 265.0 percent in May, faster than the 155.6 percent increase recorded in April.

The PSA said the expansion in the VoPI for the manufacturing sector was observed in 18 out of the 22 industry divisions. The manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products registered the fastest growth at 1,366.1 percent, it added.

On the contrary, the PSA said four industry divisions recorded decrements with the manufacture of tobacco products registering the fastest annual decline of 68.7 percent. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 16:24:11|Editor: huaxia

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A staff member monitors the temperature of the alligator nest at the Anhui Chinese alligator national nature reserve in Xuancheng City, east China's Anhui Province, July 7, 2021. Chinese alligators at the Anhui Chinese alligator national nature reserve greet their breeding season in recent days. The eggs are collected by staff to be sent to the artificial breeding center to be artificially hatched. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 16:39:19|Editor: huaxia

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People visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 7, 2021. The highly transmissible Delta variant has overtaken the Alpha variant to become the dominant variant in the United States, according to new estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Delta, which was first found in India and is now in over 100 countries, represented 51.7 percent of new infections in the United States over the two weeks ending on July 3, according to the CDC. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 16:36:44|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory letter on the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund and the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD).

Over the past five years, the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund has actively supported developing countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, respond to humanitarian crises, and achieve poverty reduction and development, Xi noted.

The ISSCAD is committed to sharing national governance experience between China and other developing countries and training high-calibre government management talents for the developing countries.

"The fund and the ISSCAD have played an important role in advancing South-South cooperation," Xi said, stressing that China is ready to work with other developing countries to further release the potential of South-South cooperation and share development opportunities.

It is hoped that the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund will continue to help developing countries achieve sustainable development, and ISSCAD will continue to build high-calibre talent training bases and research exchange platforms for developing countries to make greater contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

China International Development Cooperation Agency and the Ministry of Commerce jointly held an event Thursday in Beijing to mark the 5th anniversary of the fund and the institute. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 17:02:16|Editor: huaxia

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BAGHDAD, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Three rockets landed early Thursday in the heavily fortified Green Zone that houses the U.S. embassy in central Baghdad, the Iraqi military said.

"An outlawed group targeted the Green Zone at 2:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Wednesday) with three Katyusha rockets," the media office of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command said in a statement.

Two of the rockets landed inside the fortified zone: one near the headquarters of the Iraqi National Security Service and another landed in the Grand Celebrations square. The third landed in a residential area in the Sheikh Omer neighborhood outside the zone, damaging a civilian vehicle, the statement said.

The intelligence will track down those responsible for such attacks that target foreign diplomatic missions and endanger life, according to the statement.

An interior ministry source told Xinhua anonymously that sirens were heard in the zone during the attack, while the U.S. air defense system fired to intercept the rockets.

The heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses some main Iraqi government offices and the U.S. embassy, has frequently been targeted by insurgent mortar and rocket attacks. The zone of roughly 10 square km is located on the western bank of the Tigris River, which bisects the Iraqi capital. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 17:43:17|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the recent crash of a Russian passenger plane.

In his message, Xi said he was shocked to learn that the plane unfortunately crashed in the Kamchatka Territory, killing all passengers and crew members on board.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences over the victims, and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 18:39:23|Editor: huaxia

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Strengthening international cooperation requires joint efforts of all countries and China will play a vital role in this respect, former Moldovan President Igor Dodon has said. He believes that bilateral ties between China and Moldova will be further boosted as some important documents will be signed in the near future.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 19:02:30|Editor: huaxia

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HARARE, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe has become the first country to exempt all member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from visa requirements, state-run Herald newspaper reported on Thursday.

SADC is a regional economic community whose goal is to further regional socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among 16 countries in southern Africa.

Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava made the remarks in a statement on Wednesday.

"Regarding the implementation of the visa exemption among SADC Member States and the facilitation of free movement of SADC citizens within the region, I wish to highlight that Zimbabwe is the first and only country that has exempted all SADC Member States from visa requirements, other SADC Member States are undertaking internal processes to ensure that SADC citizens can travel freely in the region," he said in the statement.

African countries are relaxing visa rules for each other to boost trade and tourism facilitated by the historic free trade agreement, AfCFTA, ratified by African Union (AU) member states.

AfCFTA is an African free trade area established in 2018 to create a single continent-wide market for goods and services and to promote the movement of capital and people. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 19:20:41|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved to enter clinical trials in China, a health official said Thursday.

To date, four COVID-19 vaccines have been granted conditional marketing approval and three have been authorized for emergency use within the country, said Yuan Lin, an official with the National Medical Products Administration, at a press conference in Beijing. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 19:47:05|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, July 8 (Xinhua) -- More than 120 Taliban militants were killed and over 50 others wounded as Afghan government security forces continued clashes in the countryside to prevent the militants from advancing, according to multiple sources on Thursday.

Early on Thursday, five militants were killed and three others wounded in a security forces' ambush on the outskirts of Kunduz city, capital of northern Kunduz province, Esmatullah Muradi, a provincial government spokesman told Xinhua.

The militants tried to assault police security forces in the area.

While the U.S. and NATO troops have been leaving the country, violence in the country is on the rise.

In neighboring Takhar province, a Taliban shadow intelligence chief, Ahmadullah for Takhar Thursday morning died of wounds inflicted during a recent battle with security forces in suburban Farkhar district, Abdul Khalil Asir from the provincial police told Xinhua.

In the western Nimroz province, five Taliban militants were killed and three Taliban, including Gul Nabi, a Taliban shadow district chief for Dilaram district, were wounded after Afghan Air Force targeted a Taliban vehicle in Dilaram, army's 215th Maiwand Corps confirmed in a statement.

A Taliban vehicle, two motorbikes and two AK-47 guns were also destroyed.

Forty-three Taliban were killed and 23 others wounded during military operations and Afghan air force-led multiple airstrikes in suburban districts of Marja, Garmser, Nahri Sarraj and on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah city, capital of southern Helmand province on Wednesday, the army corps said, adding 13 militants' motorbikes and handful weapons and ammunition were also desorbed.

The province is notorious for militancy and opium poppy cultivation.

In western Badghis province, at least 69 Taliban militants were killed and 23 others wounded after Afghan security forces evicted militants from the provincial capital, Qala-e-Naw city, on Wednesday, the country's Defense Ministry confirmed earlier in the day.

Heavily-armed Taliban militants stormed and briefly took control of the city on Wednesday before the Afghan security forces launched a counter-offensive.

The ANDSF also seized some militants' weapons and ammunition, the ministry said in a statement.

"Reinforcement was dispatched and more Afghan National Army commandos arrived in Qala-e-Naw Wednesday night. The security forces' counter-attack is in full swing now and the situation in the city is getting better," the statement said.

Sporadic clashes and fighting continued in Qala-e-Naw during Thursday, according to sources.

On Wednesday, Afghan warplanes also destroyed a fast-moving Taliban suicide car bomb outside Qala-e-Naw city. The Taliban tried to detonate the massive car bombing near a defense line of Afghan soldiers.

The Taliban militant group has not made comments on the reports so far. Details about possible casualties on the side of the security forces were unclear.

The Afghan provinces have been the scene of heavy battles in recent weeks as Taliban militants continued their fighting against government security forces and captured about 100 suburban districts out of the country's 400 districts since the drawdown of U.S. troops on May 1. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 20:51:05|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed on Thursday in a private jet crash over a forest in Mount Lebanon, Elnashra news website reported.

Civil Defense teams rushed to the site of the crash in Ghosta and the Lebanese army prevented people from approaching the area until the end of investigation.

The reason behind the crash has not yet been identified. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 20:52:47|Editor: huaxia

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Deputy Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly, or the lower house of the country's parliament Qasim Khan Suri (1st L) addresses the closing session of a seminar in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on July 8, 2021. Held by the Pakistani think-tank Pakistan-China Institute, a two-day seminar related to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan was concluded here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

ISLAMABAD, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Deputy Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly, or the lower house of the country's parliament Qasim Khan Suri said here on Thursday that China has always stood by Pakistan in the most challenging times throughout the 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"China has always supported Pakistan over issues pertaining to its core interests and the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries is based on the principles of integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Suri said while addressing the closing session of a seminar related to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.

The closing session of the two-day seminar held by the Pakistani think-tank Pakistan-China Institute, was also attended by Pakistan's Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam, Chairman of Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong.

Hailing China's unmatched record of poverty reduction over the last decades, the deputy speaker said that the world has a lot to learn from China as the country under the wise and strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, has secured a complete victory in its fight against poverty.

"Pakistan has been following the footsteps of China to bring socio-economic changes in the country and improve the lives of common people...and China has been helping us in this regard," he said.

Suri said a number of development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are being implemented across the country, which will greatly benefit Pakistan and beyond.

"CPEC is a harbinger of economic prosperity and regional peace. CPEC projects will play vital role in creating progressive environment, giving impetus to national economy, and bringing favorable change in the lives of common people in Pakistan," he added.

On the occasion, Nong said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, equality, mutual respect and mutual assistance have remained the "core values" in the bilateral ties, adding that the two countries have always firmly supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

"China will uphold the principles of mutual benefit and win-win, openness and inclusiveness, to cooperate with Pakistan to promote CPEC construction with high quality, to help Pakistan advance industrialization, urbanization and digitization, and realize the vision of 'Naya (New) Pakistan' at an early date," he said.

During the seminar which started on Wednesday, experts, scholars, businessmen from both China and Pakistan discussed bilateral relations, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and the regional situation. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 20:56:13|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Since early April, representatives from China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran have held six rounds of negotiations in the Austrian capital, aiming to bring the United States back to the Iran nuclear deal and prepare the ground for its full implementation. The deal, commonly known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in July 2015.

Although demonstrating good progress in the first phases, on the verge of the seventh round, the Vienna talks on the revival of the agreement have paused with no clear prospect of resumption, putting the restoration of the agreement in limbo.

CHANGE OF ADMINISTRATIONS

In May 2018, former U.S. President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions against Tehran, in a bid to bring the Islamic republic to the negotiating table and hammer out a new deal. Meanwhile, current U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration earlier this year, along with his willingness to revive the JCPOA, have rekindled hopes of restoring the deal in its original format, which has led to the Vienna talks.

In late June, Ebrahim Raisi was announced the winner of Iran's presidential election. He is expected to succeed President Hassan Rouhani in early August, who has served two consecutive terms in office since 2013.

Iran's position on the nuclear deal and the removal of sanctions will not change with the shift of the Iranian government, Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Tuesday.

"The government of (President-elect Ebrahim) Raisi will also be committed to it (a potential agreement) ... Because adherence to the commitments and promises is always a principle for the Islamic republic," he said during a weekly press briefing.

Progress has been made at the nuclear talks in Vienna, and this is acknowledged by all parties to the negotiation, Khatibzadeh said.

Last week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the Vienna talks are "arduous" but are making "step-by-step progress."

"Surely there will be now a decisive phase in which one has to await whether the newly elected Iranian president will continue to support what we have negotiated, as there are things about which we have already agreed on. That is our expectation," he said.

RECIPROCAL MEASURES

Despite calls by the international community for the removal of the sanctions against Iran, the Biden administration continues to maintain pressure, which is reciprocated by Tehran's further reduction of commitments under the deal.

The policy has been repeatedly decried by Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who urged the United States to remove the sanctions as a sign of its willingness to restore the JCPOA.

Tehran's latest response to Washington's tenacity has been the announcement that Iran would soon produce enriched uranium metal.

A uranium silicide plate enriched to 20 percent purity would be used as fuel for a research reactor in Tehran, said Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's representative to the international organizations in Vienna, while notifying the International Atomic Energy Agency of this plan.

Tehran has repeatedly announced that its nuclear program is peaceful.

Reacting to Iran's measure, Britain, France and Germany in a statement expressed "grave concern" about the decision, calling on Tehran "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 only way out of this vicious circle is the resumption of the Vienna talks without delay and full restoration of the JCPOA," Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, tweeted.

TIME FOR SERIOUS DECISIONS

The negotiations in Vienna focused on resolving the technical issues and preparing the draft text of the outcome of the initial rounds.

It naturally takes more time and seriousness for the signatories to make their decisions on the remaining key issues.

In comments at the end of the sixth round of the talks, Abbas Araqchi, who is also Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs, said that each side had managed to make progress, especially on the draft text of the conclusion of their talks, calling on the relevant parties to make the necessary decisions with "seriousness and strong will" in order to restore the deal.

The finalization of the agreement on the revival of the JCPOA "depends on the political will and tough decisions of other parties involved," Khatibzadeh also noted on Tuesday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 20:56:34|Editor: huaxia

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Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is seen on a large screen as he announces a new state of emergency in Tokyo, Japan on July 8, 2021. The Japanese government decided Thursday to put capital Tokyo under the fourth state of emergency over COVID-19, covering the duration of the Olympics, in an effort to curb a recent surge in infections. (Photo by Christopher Jue/Xinhua)

HONG KONG, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government decided Thursday to put capital Tokyo under the fourth state of emergency over COVID-19, covering the duration of the Olympics, in an effort to curb a recent surge in infections.

The emergency state will be effective from Monday to Aug. 22, which may cause the Summer Olympic Games to be held without spectators at venues in the capital.

The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 920 new infected cases on Wednesday, reaching a new high since the peak of Japan's fourth wave in mid-May and exceeding the figure from a week earlier for the 18th straight day.

South Korea reported its highest-ever daily COVID-19 cases, leading the health authorities to officially announce that the country entered the fourth wave of the pandemic.

In the latest tally, 1,275 more cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the country for the past 24 hours, raising the total number of infections to 164,028, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

India's COVID-19 tally rose to 30,709,557, as 45,892 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours across the country, according to the federal health ministry's latest data.

Besides, 817 deaths due to the pandemic since Wednesday morning took the total death toll to 405,028.

Pakistan on Wednesday reported 1,683 new COVID-19 cases, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said, and the country's number of overall cases had risen to 967,633.

Thailand reported a new daily record of 75 deaths from COVID-19, taking the death toll to 2,462 since the pandemic began, with the country mulling new restrictive measures to stem the fast spread of the deadly virus.

The Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), the country's COVID-19 task force, reported 7,058 new cases, the second highest daily case tally, raising the total number of infections to 308,230.

Afghanistan's Public Health Ministry reported 1,226 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total nationwide infections to 131,586. The pandemic has so far claimed 5,561 lives in Afghanistan since February last year, including 84 deaths in the past 24 hours, the ministry said in a statement.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared that Sydney is at a "critical" point in its coronavirus lockdown.

Morrison met with the National Security Committee of Cabinet to discuss the outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia's most populous state, New South Wales (NSW).

The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) urged its residents to reduce unessential activities, as 38 daily COVID-19 cases in the state capital of Sydney were reported despite an obvious drop in test numbers.

The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 5,484 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 1,455,585. The death toll climbed to 25,650 after 191 more patients died from the viral disease.

Indonesia recorded 38,391 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, marking the highest daily spike and bringing the total tally to 2,417,788, the health ministry said. The COVID-19-related death toll added by 852 to 63,760.

New Zealand reported a new COVID-19 case in recent returnees in managed isolation facilities and no cases of COVID-19 in the community. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 20:58:57|Editor: huaxia

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HEFEI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electric carmaker NIO's first shipment of battery-swap stations and superchargers left for Norway on Wednesday and is expected to arrive there in early August, said the company.

The first batch of superchargers and home charging piles will be delivered to users in Norway in September 2021. Meanwhile, the company's first four battery-swap stations in Norway are scheduled to go into operation before the end of 2021.

More battery-swap stations will be set up in five Norwegian cities in 2022, according to the company.

The company has obtained an EU certification from TUV Rheinland, a leading testing and certification service provider based in Germany, which will allow its battery-swap stations, supercharging piles and home charging piles to be legally launched in the EU market.

The products have been adapted to meet standards and usage habits in Norway.

NIO announced its market entry into Norway on May 6, marking its first step to develop overseas. It also plans to establish a full-fledged operating ecosystem encompassing vehicles, services, digital experience and lifestyle in Norway. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:06:19|Editor: huaxia

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MACAO, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced on Thursday to loosen border control with the neighboring Guangdong Province in the mainland, given the improving COVID-19 epidemic situation in Guangdong.

Starting 10:00 a.m. Saturday, travelers crossing the border between Macao and Guangdong will be required to present negative nucleic acid test reports effective within seven days instead of the current 48 hours, according to the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Center of Macao.

On June 7, Macao announced to tighten border control with Guangdong. Prior to that, travelers were required to present negative nucleic acid test reports effective within seven days.

As of Thursday, Macao has reported no locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases for 466 consecutive days, the center said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:09:13|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The delivery of COVID-19 vaccine to Africa through COVAX facility, donations and direct purchases from manufacturers has accelerated, hence injecting vitality in the continent's fight against the pandemic, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said Thursday.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, said that significant progress in vaccine deliveries after a prolonged crunch will boost efforts to suppress a third wave sweeping across the continent.

"With much larger COVID-19 vaccine deliveries expected to arrive in July and August, African countries must use this time to prepare to rapidly expand the roll-out," Moeti said in a statement, stressing that African governments and partners should expand vaccination sites, improve cold chain capabilities and embark on community-based awareness campaigns to boost uptake of COVID-19 jabs.

According to Moeti, more than 1.6 million vaccine doses were delivered to Africa in the last fortnight through the COVAX facility while more than 20 million doses from Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech are expected to arrive soon.

She said that 49 countries have been notified of the allocations they are expected to receive, adding that significant donations from some European countries will be delivered to the continent in the coming weeks.

So far, 66 million doses have been delivered to Africa, including 40 million secured through bilateral deals, 25 million through COVAX and 800,000 supplied by the African Union African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team. And 16 million people, or less than 2 percent of Africa's population, are fully vaccinated amid plans to supply 520 million doses to the continent by the end of 2021.

COVAX partners have intensified negotiations with manufacturers to secure additional vaccine consignment and inoculate high risk groups against the coronavirus, Moeti said, noting that WHO has partnered with African countries to conduct a review of the initial vaccine rollout in the continent to help inform successful rollout of the jabs during the second phase.

According to Moeti, countries that have registered successful rollout of the vaccine so far include Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana and Rwanda.

Richard Mihigo, coordinator of Immunization and Vaccines Development Program at WHO Regional Office for Africa, said that an accelerated vaccine supply to the continent will boost efforts to suppress new coronavirus strains that are behind the current surges. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:24:38|Editor: huaxia

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A flag-raising ceremony is held at the Golden Bauhinia Square by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government to celebrate the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

A spokesperson for the office strongly disapproved and firmly opposed repeated U.S. meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, saying these acts have grossly trampled on international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

HONG KONG, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Thursday expressed indignation and condemnation over the so called "continuation of the national emergency with respect to Hong Kong" and the extension of relevant Hong Kong-related sanctions announced by the White House on July 7.

A spokesperson for the office strongly disapproved and firmly opposed repeated U.S. meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, saying the above acts constituted another proof of the United States' unrepentant interference.

The spokesperson said the U.S. side, in an attempt to disrupt Hong Kong and suppress China, deliberately distorts "one country, two systems," wantonly interferes in Hong Kong affairs, emboldens anti-China and destabilizing forces in Hong Kong, and plays up Hong Kong-related issues on various international occasions.

These acts have grossly trampled on international law and the basic norms governing international relations, gravely endangered China's sovereignty, security and development interests, and severely undermined the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

Fishing boats flying China's national flags and the flags of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) cruise at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

However, the U.S. side talks black into white. It has claimed that actions taken by the Chinese side in Hong Kong pose a threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, and arbitrarily passed Hong Kong-related sanctions through legislation and executive order. This kind of unscrupulous gangster logic and self-centered hegemonic act has long been notorious and despised by people around the world, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson pointed out that the firm resolve of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests should not be underestimated. The common will of Hong Kong society to defend the rule of law, prosperity and stability of the HKSAR should not be misread, and the historical trend of the HKSAR, with the protection of the national security law and the improved electoral system, from chaos to stability, then to greater prosperity is irreversible.

The spokesperson stressed that the U.S. side has made too many misjudgments on Hong Kong-related issues, taken too many erroneous acts, and left too many stains, urging the U.S. side to reflect on itself, change course, and observe international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

The U.S. side must stop distorting "one country, two systems", stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, and abandon any wishful thinking of obstructing China's full and faithful implementation of "one country, two systems" through pressure and sanctions. Otherwise, it will be resolutely opposed by all the Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, the spokesperson said. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:28:45|Editor: huaxia

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HANOI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The 13th Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) on Thursday concluded its third plenary session one day ahead of schedule after completing all the set agenda, Vietnam News Agency reported.

At the session, the committee discussed and reached a high consensus on introducing 23 more personnel to the state apparatus, which is yet to be approved by the 15th National Assembly (NA), the country's top legislature, at its first gathering later this month.

In early March, the CPVCC nominated 27 people for top positions of the country at its second session. The 14th NA later elected Vuong Dinh Hue as the new NA chairman, Nguyen Xuan Phuc as the state president, and Pham Minh Chinh as the prime minister, among other personnel decisions.

Delegates also gave their opinions about the implementation of five-year plans on socio-economic development, national finance and public investment in the 2016-2020 period.

At the closing session on Thursday, General Secretary of the CPVCC Nguyen Phu Trong stressed that the content put on the table at this session was "of great significance and drew utmost attention of people." Trong asked members of the central committee to further bring into play their sense of responsibility, set an example and take the lead in implementing the assigned tasks.

The third plenary session of the CPVCC started on Monday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:39:43|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Five bus passengers were killed and four others injured in a road accident in Nigeria's southwest region on Thursday, local authorities said.

The incident, involving a truck and a bus travelling along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in the southern part of the country on Thursday morning, was due to wrongful overtaking, said the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE).

Olusola Ojuoro, a commander of TRACE, told reporters that a driver of one of the vehicles had attempted to overtake the other without caution.

Ojuoro said the survivors, with varying degrees of injury, were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Normalcy has since returned to the busy expressway, said the official who advised motorists to always exercise patience and desist from wrongful overtaking, to avoid accidents and unnecessary loss of lives. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:40:04|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Thursday called for the extension of the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) which is expected to end on Aug. 31, according to a statement by Lebanon's Presidency.

Aoun noted that Lebanon aims to extend the UNIFIL's mandate without any modification to its mission and the number of peacekeepers.

"The UNIFIL has played an important role, in cooperation with the Lebanese army, in preserving peace and stability in southern Lebanon since 2006," he said.

The president's remarks came during his meeting with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka.

Aoun hoped to see an immediate resumption of indirect talks for the demarcation of maritime borders between Lebanon and Israel which would fall in the interest of the concerned parties.

Wronecka said the UN Security Council will convene on July 22 to discuss the political, social and economic developments in Lebanon. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:42:59|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday welcomed the cooperation between Egypt and China in producing Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines in Egypt.

"The cooperation between Egypt and China is a successful model for international cooperation and transfer of global expertise, which contributes to achieving the UN (United Nations) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," said Naeema Al-Gasseer, WHO representative in Egypt, in a statement.

Egyptian Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA) and Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac signed an agreement in April to jointly manufacture Sinovac vaccines in VACSERA's factory in the North African country.

Egypt has recently celebrated the production of the first one million doses of the vaccine, seeking to meet local demand and further export them to other countries in the region.

Al-Gasseer said that cooperation between Egypt and China in this regard helps achieve Goal 3.8 of the SDGs, concerning "access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines."

On June 1, the WHO validated the Sinovac vaccine for emergency use, assuring countries that the Chinese vaccine meets international standards for safety, efficacy and manufacturing.

The WHO also appreciates Egypt's plan to vaccinate 40 percent of its citizens and residents by the end of this year, saying it is consistent with the organization's call.

It values Egypt's plan to "achieve self-sufficiency in vaccines to become a center for exporting vaccines in Africa," said the statement.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, China and Egypt have been cooperating closely by exchanging medical aid and expertise. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:47:26|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland will resolutely thwart the attempts of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority to meddle in Hong Kong affairs, a mainland spokesperson said Thursday.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks when commenting on a recent report by Taiwan's mainland affairs authority that blatantly attacks the mainland's Hong Kong policies.

The DPP authority has been ceaselessly meddling in Hong Kong affairs of late, while aiding violent forces under the guise of "supporting Hong Kong," said Zhu, adding that their malicious attempts are obvious.

The national security law in Hong Kong has restored law and order in the city, and social stability and economic prosperity have been ensured, said Zhu, noting that the status quo is widely welcomed by Hong Kong residents. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 22:28:21|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of 306 editions of The Communist Manifesto will go on display to the public at the National Library of China in Beijing from Thursday.

The exhibits include 78 editions of the book in Chinese, as well as those in 54 other languages, including German, Russian, English and French, according to a press release from the library.

The exhibition is made up of four parts, covering the birth of The Communist Manifesto and its distribution across the world and in China, the statement said.

It highlights the book's translation into the Chinese language and its distribution in China, as well as its influence on the Chinese revolution, the statement added.

Visitors will also see rare editions of books, manuscripts, magazines and newspapers from the revolutionary period.

Members of the public will have access to the exhibition free of charge, but they must reserve a place in advance. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 22:54:03|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Thursday called for the extension of the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) which is expected to end on Aug. 31, according to a statement by Lebanon's Presidency.

"The UNIFIL has played an important role, in cooperation with the Lebanese army, in preserving peace and stability in southern Lebanon since 2006," Aoun said.

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UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday repeated his appeal for a global vaccination plan to boost vaccine equity as deaths from COVID-19 topped 4 million worldwide.

"Today the world marks yet another grim milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic. Four million souls have now been lost to the virus. This tragic toll is more than the population of one out of three countries on earth," Guterres said in a message.

- - - -

WASHINGTON -- As Group of Twenty (G20) finance ministers and central bank governors are set to gather later this week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday called for urgent action to address a worsening "two-track" recovery.

"The world is facing a worsening two-track recovery, driven by dramatic differences in vaccine availability, infection rates, and the ability to provide policy support," IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva wrote in a blog, noting that it is a "critical moment" that calls for urgent action by the G20 and policymakers across the globe.

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RIGA -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Latvia on an official visit Wednesday to meet with top Latvian officials and to tour a military base hosting a Spanish contingent.

"We share common views on security, European and climate matters. I believe that the dialogue between the two countries is successful," Sanchez said at a joint news conference with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins following their talks. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 23:02:28|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The China-Italy Youth Future Fashion Design Competition kicked off at Tsinghua University on Thursday, aiming to build an international innovation platform for the two countries' young people.

As one of the major activities of the "China-Italy Year of Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship," the competition was held by Tsinghua University, the Polytechnic University of Milan, and the government of Keqiao District, Shaoxing City, in east China's Zhejiang Province.

Tsinghua University said that the competition would promote innovation, production, and education in design and discover and cultivate cutting-edge design talent with creativity and vitality.

Fu Zhiyong, the deputy director of the China-Italy Design Innovation Hub and associate professor at the School of Fine Arts of Tsinghua University, said the competition welcomes Chinese and Italian young innovators under 45. It is also open to global artists, designers, teachers, students, and design lovers.

With the theme of "Tech for Fashion," the competition has categories like Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, and Fashion Lifestyle. In the case of Fashion Technology, it focuses on combining arts and technologies, including applying new materials and technological innovations.

Participants may register and submit an entry through the official website and sign up as individuals or teams. The entry collection is open until September 6. An expert panel will evaluate the entries for the first and second rounds. The Final Round Evaluation and the Award Ceremony will take place in the Keqiao District of Shaoxing City in October.

Prize winners of the competition will qualify for a special exhibition held by the China-Italy Design Innovation Hub during the 2022 Milan Design Week.

The competition aims to combine science and technology, arts, culture, and a vision for a better life to promote international cultural exchanges and cooperation, said Fu.

"More importantly, we hope to gather young people's innovative powers from both countries, link them with fashion design, have more exchanges in creativity and culture, and promote innovative achievements," he added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 23:10:53|Editor: huaxia

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Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlovic (front) gives a speech at a ceremony of donation for the construction of a water supply system in the village of Metovnica, Serbia, on July 8, 2021. Chinese mining company Zijin Mining, which owns and operates a copper mining and smelting complex in the Serbian city of Bor, on Thursday donated to the local community one million euros (1.19 million U.S. dollars) for the construction of a water supply system that would serve 1,000 people in the nearby village of Metovnica. (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu)

BOR, Serbia, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese mining company Zijin Mining, which owns and operates a copper mining and smelting complex in the Serbian city of Bor, on Thursday donated to the local community one million euros (1.19 million U.S. dollars) for the construction of a water supply system that would serve 1,000 people in the nearby village of Metovnica.

The agreement on the donation was signed in Metovnica by the Mayor of Bor, Aleksandar Milikic, and representatives of Zijin Mining and a local water supply company at a handover ceremony in the presence of Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlovic, Chinese Embassy officials and several local inhabitants.

Thanking the state authorities and the Chinese company, Milikic said that the donation will enable all households in the village located some ten kilometers south of Bor to get drinking water by the beginning of November.

he added that the presence of Zijin in Bor since 2019 has increased the city's tax income, raised its annual budget by 40 percent, and created jobs for 1,500 local young people.

Mihajlovic, who is also the country's minister of energy and mining, recalled that "mining isn't just about the ore" and that Zijin Mining's donation shows how it can improve living conditions.

"Around 300 children attending the village school will have a future, and in this future they will have water, electricity, roads, and the opportunity to get employed," she said.

Mihajlovic said that this autumn, a major mine called Cukaru Peki will be opened. It will be one of Europe's largest exploitation sites of copper and gold, and the first "green mine" in Serbia.

"It is truly going to be a green mine, and it will differ from all those we got used to seeing and working in," Mihajlovic said, adding that the mine will be the second largest copper and gold mine in Europe after Poland.

Dejan Markovic, a representative of the local community council, expressed gratitude to the Serbian state authorities and the Chinese company.

"This time they are helping us build a water supply system, which is of historical importance for us, because Metovnica has never had a water supply system, so we had major problems with obtaining water."

"In the future, we will continue to realize the vision of Zijin Mining to develop mining to the benefit of the whole society, actively engaging in social responsibility, giving back to the community, contributing to the society and undertaking all practical activities in order to promote the common development of both the company and the community," said Fu Feilong, general manager of Serbia Zijin MiningFu.

Liu Kai, economic counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, said that the joint construction of the Metovnica water supply system "once again revealed the level of social responsibility of the Chinese company. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 23:14:19|Editor: huaxia

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-- Despite the Xinjiang cotton boycott instigated by some Western politicians under the pretext of "forced labor," the region's cotton and textile industry has shown resilience by further tapping markets and winning over more customers with its superior quality.

-- In the first four months of this year, China's export volume of cotton textiles and garments hit 19.7 billion U.S. dollars, up 44 percent year on year.

-- "China's cotton has contributed a lot to the global cotton industry and we deserve fair treatment and due respect," said Gao Fang, director of the China Cotton Association.

by Xinhua writers Tao Fangwei and Gu Yu

URUMQI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- In a textile plant in the city of Shihezi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, machines with 100,000 spindles rumbled to spin cotton into yarn.

"We are producing at full capacity as Xinjiang yarn is in heavy demand from downstream companies," said the production director of the plant. "Our yarn sales have rebounded markedly in the past few months and we have little inventory left."

Despite the Xinjiang cotton boycott instigated by some Western politicians under the pretext of "forced labor," the region's cotton and textile industry has shown resilience by further tapping markets and winning over more customers with its superior quality.

A worker packs spindles at a textile plant in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Gu Yu)

FREE PUBLICITY

Xinjiang is the largest cotton growing area in China. The region's cotton output hit 5.16 million tonnes in 2020, accounting for 87.3 percent of the total in the country, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Demand for Xinjiang cotton has continued to increase as stocks decreased in recent months, according to the China Cotton Association (CCA).

By the end of May, the inventory turnover of commodity cotton in 43 warehouses in Xinjiang stood at 1.97 million tonnes, down by 502,700 tonnes over end-April.

"There's an upside about Western boycott of Xinjiang cotton: it gets a lot of free publicity," Zhou Run, head of a cotton farmers' cooperative in Shihezi, said in a lighter vein.

"Many farmers are willing to grow cotton because of the handsome income and the high mechanical picking rate," said Zhou, noting that a member of his cooperative rented 133 hectares of cotton farmland this year.

A saleswoman introduces products made of Xinjiang cotton at a store of Chinese brand Li-Ning in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Gu Yu)

STRONG DOMESTIC SUPPORT

The West's mudslinging campaign has not only put Xinjiang cotton under the global spotlight but also drawn many consumers to its high quality, which is attributed to ample sunshine, arid weather and significant temperature differences between day and night.

Many apparel companies are proud to show off their use of Xinjiang cotton as a signature of high quality. Chinese brand Li-Ning has been putting "made of Xinjiang cotton" on their price tags. A cotton sample is even attached to some products.

"After the boycott, many teenagers have come to our store specifically asking for clothes made of Xinjiang cotton. Sales can go over 100 pieces a day," said Huang Qiuyan, a saleswoman in a Li-Ning store in Shihezi.

Textile products made of Xinjiang cotton are also popular at Chinese stores of Japanese retailer Muji, which has said it would continue to use Xinjiang cotton as no proof of forced labor has been found. On many e-commerce platforms, "made in Xinjiang" or "shipped from Xinjiang" were highlighted as sales boosters.

The CCA expected the country's cotton consumption to expand about 5.9 percent year on year in the 2020-2021 period.

An automatic production line is seen at a textile plant in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Gu Yu)

GROWING OVERSEAS DEMAND

In the first four months of this year, China's export volume of cotton textiles and garments hit 19.7 billion U.S. dollars, up 44 percent year on year, according to China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles.

The growth rate is also 11 percentage points higher than that of total textiles and garments exports over the same period.

"Despite the impact of the Xinjiang cotton boycott, the demand for Chinese cotton products in the international market is very strong," said Zhang Xi'an, deputy director of the chamber.

In late April, the CCA launched an initiative to promote the sustainable development of China's cotton, after signing deals with leading domestic cotton producers, some of them in Xinjiang.

The initiative aims to establish China's sustainable cotton standard and certification system, promote domestic cotton consumption and expand its global market share.

"China's cotton has contributed a lot to the global cotton industry and we deserve fair treatment and due respect," said CCA director Gao Fang.

(Video reporter: Zhang Xiaocheng; Video editor: Liu Yuting) 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 23:41:54|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT -- Three people were killed on Thursday in a private jet crash over a forest in Mount Lebanon, Elnashra news website reported.

Civil Defense teams rushed to the site of the crash in Ghosta and the Lebanese army prevented people from approaching the area until the end of investigation. (Lebanon-Jet-Crash)

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TOKYO -- Japanese government decided Thursday to put Tokyo under the fourth state of emergency over COVID-19, covering the duration of the Olympics, in an effort to curb a recent surge in infections.

The emergency state will be effective from Monday to Aug. 22, which may cause the Summer Olympic Games to be held without spectators at venues in the capital. (Japan-Emergency-Olympic Games)

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TEHRAN -- At least three people were injured in the derailment of a freight train on the Semnan-Tehran route in northern Iran on Thursday, Iran's Young Reporters Club news agency reported.

In the accident, the driver of the freight train, which was moving at a speed of more than 160 km per hour from Semnan city towards the capital Tehran, could not control the speed of the train due to the failure of braking systems, according to the report. (Iran-Train-Derailment)

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MOSCOW -- A private two-seater aircraft crashed on Thursday in north Russia's Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region and both people on board survived.

The plane that was deployed to fight forest fires went off the radar hours after it took off from a local village. Rescuers arrived at the crash site, evacuated the survivors and took them to a nearby hospital, local media reported. (Russia-Aircraft-Crash) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 23:43:48|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Thursday wrapped up its COVID-19 vaccination drive in Phnom Penh after 2.12 million people, or 99 percent of the capital's adult population, have completed the two-dose inoculation, officials said.

Health ministry's secretary of state and spokeswoman Or Vandine announced the completion during a visit to an inoculation site in the capital's Chroy Changvar district.

"A total of 2,128,791 people have been inoculated, or 99.22 percent of the adult population (in Phnom Penh). This is a great achievement," she said. "This clearly shows that our citizens are really eager to get vaccinated."

Vandine said besides Phnom Penh, vaccinations have been rolled out in 14 provinces and will be expanded to the rest of the kingdom soon.

Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Khuong Sreng said infection rates in the capital are on the decline as around 300 new cases are detected daily, which is lower than over 500 cases a day in early May.

"We can say that we've gotten successful in providing vaccines to the people in Phnom Penh because none of the vaccine recipients have suffered serious side effects. It's a great success," he told reporters.

Meach Chumno, a doctor in charge of a vaccination site in Chroy Changvar district, said he was confident that infection rates in the capital city will go down soon after most of the people have been inoculated.

"Today is the last day of our COVID-19 vaccination drive in Phnom Penh after we have launched it for nearly five months," he told Xinhua. "As almost all of the adult population in Phnom Penh have been fully vaccinated, we hope that the number of infections will decline in the near future."

Nurse Chhay Kimlang expressed her thanks to the Cambodian government for providing free COVID-19 vaccines to the people and to China for donating and selling the vaccines to Cambodia timely.

"China, if there were no your vaccine supplies, we would not have enough vaccines to inoculate our people," she said.

Vaccine recipients said Thursday that they felt quite safe after getting their second dose with China's Sinovac vaccine.

"I just received my second dose of the Sinovac vaccine. The injection was painless, and I feel pretty safe now," Phea Sokheng, a 20-year-old student at the Phnom Penh International University, told Xinhua.

"A friend in need is a friend indeed. China, your kind support will be engraved in our hearts forever," she said.

Chok Chivoan, a 23-year-old deliveryman, said he has not seen any side effects after completing his two-dose injection.

"I'm quite confident in the quality and efficacy of China's Sinovac vaccine. I believe that it will be able to protect my life from COVID-19," he said.

"Our joint fight against COVID-19 between Cambodia and China should be a role model for international cooperation and I believe that it will contribute to building a community of shared future between our two countries," he added.

Cambodia confirmed 954 new cases on Thursday, pushing the national caseload to 58,057, the health ministry said, adding that 27 new fatalities were reported, bringing the overall death toll to 825.

The Southeast Asian nation began a vaccination drive on Feb. 10, with China being the key vaccine supplier.

As of July 7, some 8.14 million vaccines had been administered in the country, with 4.7 million people receiving their first dose and 3.44 million having completed the two-dose inoculation, the health ministry said.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said last week that the country was accelerating its immunization drive, aiming at inoculating at least 10 million out of its 16 million population by November. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:01:16|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of foreign political parties and governments continued extending warm congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In messages addressed to General Secretary Xi Jinping of the CPC Central Committee or to the CPC Central Committee, they spoke highly of the great achievement and important contributions to the world the CPC has made, and expressed their strong belief that the party will make new greater achievements.

Mark Brown, prime minister of the Cook Islands and leader of the Cook Islands Party, said that General Secretary Xi and the CPC have led China into a new era at an unprecedented pace.

The century-old history of the CPC has provided his country with reference and wisdom, he added, while wishing the CPC and the Chinese government greater success.

Premier of Niue Dalton Tagelagi said that the CPC has led China to win independence and embark on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, making remarkable achievements. The premier said he looks forward to deepening cooperation between Niue and China and wishes the CPC greater success.

Tanzila Norvaeva, chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan's Supreme Assembly, said that China's making of unprecedented achievements in a relatively short period of time is inseparable from the leadership of the CPC.

Speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly Fatafehi Fakafanua said that China has made remarkable achievements under the leadership of the CPC, which provides beneficial enlightenment to developing countries, including Tonga.

Kuwait's Deputy Emir and Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said that the CPC has played a very important role in promoting the country's development, while wishing that the strong traditional friendly relations and sustainable cooperation in various fields between Kuwait and China would make a greater progress.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said that under the outstanding leadership and unremitting efforts of several generations of the CPC leaders, China has made great achievements in such fields as poverty alleviation, which have drawn the attention of the world.

As a responsible major country, China has made important contribution to regional and world development, he added.

Vivian Balakrishnan, member of the Central Executive Committee of the People's Action Party in Singapore and the country's foreign minister, said that China's peace and prosperity have vigorously enhanced regional and global stability and development, while expressing his belief that the CPC will continue to lead China towards new victory. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:01:56|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia on Thursday wrapped up its COVID-19 vaccination drive in Phnom Penh after 2.12 million people, or 99 percent of the capital's adult population, have completed the two-dose inoculation, officials said.

Health ministry's secretary of state and spokeswoman Or Vandine announced the completion during a visit to an inoculation site in the capital's Chroy Changvar district. (Cambodia-COVID-19 Vaccination Drive)

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DHAKA -- Bangladesh reported the highest daily spike of 11,651 new COVID-19 cases as of 8:00 a.m. local time Thursday, surpassing the number recorded earlier this week and bringing the tally to 989,219, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said.

Besides, 199 more deaths were recorded, raising the death toll to 15,792. A total of 36,850 samples were tested as of 8:00 a.m. local time Thursday across the country. (Bangladesh-COVID-19-Highest Daily Spike)

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NEW DELHI -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reshuffled his cabinet, which is the biggest ever changes in government positions that he ever made since assuming power in 2014.

As many as 43 new ministers, including seven women, took oath of office (and secrecy) on Wednesday in the major cabinet reshuffle. Now, the Indian government is run by a council of 78 ministers headed by Modi. Key portfolios like Atomic Energy and Space remain with the prime minister. (India-Cabinet Reshuffle)

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KABUL -- At least 69 Taliban militants were killed and 23 others wounded after the Afghan security forces evicted militants from Qala-e-Naw city, capital of western Badghis province, the country's Defense Ministry confirmed on Thursday.

"The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), including national army' commandos, supported by Afghan Air Force targeted militants' aggregation in multiple locations in Qala-e-Naw on Wednesday," the ministry said in a statement. (Afghanistan-Taliban) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:15:10|Editor: huaxia

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HARARE, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe on Thursday received a batch of Sinovac vaccine doses purchased from China, its largest single COVID-19 vaccine order so far.

The arrival of the vaccines comes at a time when the country is battling the third wave of the pandemic, prompting authorities to introduce new restrictive measures to curtail the further spread of the virus.

A resurgence in COVID-19 cases has increased demand for the vaccine, and vaccination centers across the country have been overwhelmed by people seeking their first jabs.

Zimbabwe registered 2,264 new cases of COVID-19 infection and 34 deaths Wednesday, the worst day so far in terms of the virus infection.

The country has recorded 60,227 positive cases and 1,973 deaths so far.

A total of 819,058 people have been vaccinated, according to a daily update by the health authorities.

Addressing the media after receiving the consignment at Harare's R.G. Mugabe International Airport, Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care John Mangwiro said the latest delivery will accelerate the country's inoculation program.

He said the uptake of vaccines across the country increased significantly following the arrival of a batch of Sinopharm vaccines from China last week.

Speaking at the same occasion, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said the country is expecting to procure more vaccines by the end of July.

"So we are determined to go on to this blitz program to make sure that Zimbabweans who need to be vaccinated are indeed vaccinated and we can open the economy safely," he said.

Ncube said the government is aiming to inoculate 60 percent of the country's total population to achieve herd immunity by the end of the year, with a budget of 100 million U.S. dollars having been set aside for the accumulation of vaccines and about 40 million dollars having been spent on the procurement of vaccines. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:18:33|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses an event marking the 5th anniversary of the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF) and the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- South-South cooperation is a great initiative of developing countries seeking strength through unity, and China will join hands with developing countries to work toward higher, broader and greater achievements in South-South cooperation, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday.

Wang made the remarks when addressing an event marking the 5th anniversary of the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF) and the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD).

Over the past five years, SSCAF and ISSCAD have developed into important public products for China's commitment to South-South cooperation, as well as important international brands for developing countries in promoting South-South cooperation and sustainable development, Wang stressed.

Noting that South-South cooperation is a great initiative of developing countries seeking strength through unity, Wang said that China will continue to deepen international anti-epidemic cooperation to help developing countries overcome the pandemic as soon as possible, while continuing to deepen cooperation on economic issues and people's livelihoods to help developing countries to swiftly achieve recovery.

China will continue to strengthen cooperation on governance and administration to help developing countries further enhance their independent development capabilities, and will continue to strengthen cooperation on multilateralism to help developing countries better safeguard their legitimate rights, Wang added.

Wang said that China is going to hold high the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind and work hand in hand with the vast number of developing countries to promote a greater development of South-South cooperation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to the event offering congratulations on the 5th anniversary of the establishment of SSCAF and ISSCAD, saying that the United Nations is looking forward to working with SSCAF and ISSCAD to realize sustainable development for all mankind. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:19:34|Editor: huaxia

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NICOSIA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus' recovery and resilience plan was well balanced and addressed key structural challenges it was faced with, said visiting President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen in Nicosia on Thursday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, von der Leyen said that the plan is an important step for the disbursal of 1.2 billion euros (1.42 billion U.S. dollars) in grants and loans to Cyprus from the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Funds, to help the eastern Mediterranean island recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Anastasiades said that the implementation of the plan will add seven percentage points to the growth of Cyprus' GDP while creating 11,000 jobs.

The planned investments are aimed at supporting the green and digital transitions and strengthening Cyprus' growth potential, job creation and economic and social resilience.

The Commission plans to raise up to around 800 billion euros (944 billion U.S. dollars) in grants and loans to its member states to help them come out of the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:27:33|Editor: huaxia

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RABAT, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Morocco announced on Thursday 1,336 new COVID-19 cases, taking the caseload in the North African country to 538,589.

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 522,377 after 706 more were added.

The death toll rose to 9,346 with five new fatalities reported during the last 24 hours, while 282 people are in intensive care units.

The COVID-19 fatality rate in Morocco stands at 1.7 percent while the recovery rate is 97 percent.

Meanwhile, 10,317,807 people have received so far the first vaccine shots against COVID-19 in the country, and 9,213,535 people have received the second doses.

The North African country launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Jan. 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccines. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:30:26|Editor: huaxia

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WUHAN, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese official has stressed the prevention and control of environmental pollution by solid waste and building a beautiful China with harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Wang Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks during a law enforcement inspection tour in central China's Hubei Province from Tuesday to Thursday.

While recognizing the achievements made in the prevention and control of solid waste pollution in Hubei, Wang said the building of environmental infrastructure is still lagging behind and solid wastes such as ardealite are still technologically hard to be dealt with.

Wang called for full and accurate implementation of the new development philosophy, urging efforts to establish a sound economic system featuring green, low-carbon and circular development.

He also stressed collection and disposal of hazardous and medical wastes and addressing prominent ecological and environmental problems affecting people's daily life. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:51:28|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Thursday expressed strong disapproval and firm opposition, condemning the act of a U.S. consular official who openly exerted pressure on judicial proceedings in the HKSAR, grossly interfered in the internal affairs of the HKSAR and its judicial independence, and attempted to whitewash anti-China, destabilizing forces in Hong Kong suspected of violating the law.

A spokesperson for the office pointed out that the HKSAR is governed by the rule of law, where laws shall be abided by and rigorously enforced, and no one shall be above the law. Human rights and freedoms are not pretexts for engaging in criminal acts. The action taken by the Hong Kong Police Force towards the relevant persons and the trial conducted by the HKSAR court in accordance with law are legitimate and necessary efforts to safeguard national security and defend the rule of law and justice in the HKSAR.

The spokesperson said that it is purely an internal affair of the HKSAR, and external forces shall not interfere. Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Article 55 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations stipulate that diplomatic and consular personnel have "the duty to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State" and "the duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of the State".

"We strongly urge the relevant consular officials to earnestly respect China's sovereignty and security, observe international law and basic norms governing international relations, adhere to the laws of China including the HKSAR, and abide by their duties as consular personnel. They must stop colluding with anti-China, destabilizing forces in Hong Kong, refrain from going further down the wrong path, and stop playing with fire," the spokesperson said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:56:53|Editor: huaxia

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JUBA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations in South Sudan on Thursday urged leaders to use the tenth anniversary of independence to be marked Friday to inject fresh momentum into the peace process to deliver stability, peace, and prosperity that citizens deserve.

In separate statements, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the world body stands with all South Sudanese in pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and stable nation despite the many challenges the country has faced since independence in 2011.

"We also urge the country's political leaders to seize this opportunity to make the hopes and dreams of a decade ago a reality by securing the sustainable peace needed to enable full recovery and development," said Nicholas Haysom, special representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.

Haysom said significant progress has been made since the signing of the 2018 peace deal, including the formation of a transitional government, reconstitution of the national legislature, and the convening of a constitution-making process.

The implementation of the revitalized agreement, however, is slow, and peace remains fragile, he said. "The journey from war to peace has been a long and difficult one and there is still much to be done so that people can exercise the democratic right they earned a decade ago."

According to UNMISS, South Sudan still continues to face many obstacles to sustainable peace, including the lack of a unified security force, pervasive insecurity related to inter-communal conflict and opportunistic crime driven by economic deprivation.

"It is important that these issues are addressed through the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement which provides a credible framework for bringing durable peace," Haysom said.

OCHA on its part said it will seek partnerships and cooperative arrangements with the government based on common values.

It said ten years ago, the people of South Sudan set out on a path of self-rule and independence with the promise of a better future.

The UN agency said many challenges ensued, and progress toward nationhood was stifled because of recurring conflict and the incalculable loss of life.

According to OCHA, opportunities for a smooth transition to peace to enable the people of the world's youngest nation to achieve their economic, social and political aspirations were missed.

"However, despite some lost opportunities, it is never too late to invigorate the peace process so that humanitarian assistance is more effective, and conditions are created where development activities can have broader and greater impact," said Matthew Hollingworth, the outgoing humanitarian coordinator ad interim in South Sudan.

Hollingworth, who is also WFP Representative in South Sudan, said despite the challenges, the UN has provided unwavering humanitarian assistance, aid, and development assistance that has been a crucial lifeline for millions of people in South Sudan.

Each year, the South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan guides hundreds of humanitarian organizations to save lives and protect people, ensure people's access to basic services and enable people to recover from the crisis, Hollingworth said.

The UN agency said to continue providing lifesaving and life changing interventions in the country, it is paramount that aid workers can work in a safe and secure humanitarian space, free of targeted attacks which inevitably undermine access to vulnerable populations in need of assistance.

Arafat Jama, incoming humanitarian coordinator ad interim and UNHCR Representative, said a decade of providing humanitarian assistance to the needy, the threatened and the displaced has saved countless lives in this new nation.

"Now, the international community must look forward to helping stabilize South Sudan by supporting solutions and sustainable development, while maintaining a robust emergency response capacity," Jama added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 03:04:40|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for efforts to maintain peace and stability and to improve the security situation in West Africa and the Sahel.

During this year, Gambia will hold general elections and Mali has reached a critical stage of political transition. The international community should encourage relevant parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, encourage the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union to continue to play a leading role, while respecting the sovereignty and ownership of the regional countries when providing constructive support, said Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

Since the beginning of this year, the situation in West Africa and the Sahel has been generally stable, he told the Security Council in a meeting on the work of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel.

Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger and Benin have completed their general elections and formed new governments. Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo and others have actively promoted political dialogue. ECOWAS is active in maintaining regional peace and stability by participating in mediation efforts in Mali. China appreciates these developments, he said.

However, the security situation in the region remains fragile with frequent terrorist attacks and violent incidents, resulting in a large number of civilian casualties, said Dai.

"The international community should continue to support countries in the region to enhance capacity in maintaining peace and stability and countering terrorism, and encourage them to strengthen security cooperation by jointly addressing cross-border security challenges, such as piracy and drug trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea," he said. "At the same time, it is necessary to adopt integrated policies to treat both the symptoms and the root causes, and to tackle the problems at the source."

In the current situation, it is important to help relevant countries restore state authority, improve governance, promote economic and social development, and provide security guarantees to people and allow them to share the fruits of poverty reduction and development so as to counter the infiltration and influence of extremism and terrorism, he said.

ECOWAS held a summit last month, where a series of important measures were announced to advance regional economic integration, including joining in the creation of the African continental free trade area and working on West African single currency. These are firm steps toward regional integration. UNOWAS must support regional countries to promote friendship, deepen cooperation, advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel, he said.

The efforts of regional countries to actively fight COVID-19 deserve full recognition. At present, the virus is still spreading in Africa. The international community should provide more assistance in anti-pandemic supplies, medicines, technologies and funding, and ensure vaccine accessibility and affordability, said Dai.

"We must also pay attention to the economic and social impact of the pandemic on regional countries and coordinate the prevention and control work and post-pandemic reconstruction. Relevant developed countries should fulfill their international responsibilities, take pragmatic measures in debt relief and development assistance, support regional countries in accelerating industrialization and modernization, and enhance Africa's capacity for development and innovation."

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, China has been firmly standing with the countries in the region by actively sharing experience, providing much-needed COVID-19 vaccines and anti-pandemic supplies in multiple shipments, and supporting them to resume work and production, he said.

In May this year, China and African countries jointly launched the Initiative on Partnership for Africa's Development. China welcomes more countries and international organizations to join this initiative and form synergy in support of Africa's development, he said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 04:48:29|Editor: huaxia

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STOCKHOLM, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Several people were killed when a small airplane crashed at a Swedish airport on Thursday evening.

The plane, with nine people on board, including the pilot, crashed shortly after taking off from the airport in Orebro, 160 kilometers west of the capital Stockholm.

Initially authorities could not confirm the casualty. But according to police sources, "several people were killed." One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The passengers belonged to a group of skydivers, local media reported.

The accident happened almost two years to the day after another group of eight skydivers and the pilot were killed in a crash outside Umea, 800 kilometers north of the capital. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 05:17:42|Editor: huaxia

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The UN Security Council holds a meeting on the disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, at the UN headquarters in New York on July 8, 2021. The UN secretary-general's special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, on Thursday called on Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan to reach an agreement on the Blue Nile dam in Ethiopia. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The UN secretary-general's special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, on Thursday called on Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan to reach an agreement on the Blue Nile dam in Ethiopia.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) encapsulates the conflicting narratives, hopes and fears, challenges and opportunities related to water usage, security and energy in Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa, he told the Security Council in a briefing.

In the past year, despite various attempts at negotiations, the parties have been unable to agree on a framework of engagement to settle the remaining contentious issues, he said. "While member states have also acknowledged that most aspects related to GERD have been addressed, we do understand the parties still have to agree on some core issues, including a dispute resolution mechanism and on drought mitigation, particularly the filling and operation of the dam under drought years."

The Ethiopian government on Monday wrote a letter to the governments of Egypt and Sudan to inform on the commencement of the second-year filling of GERD. Both Egypt and Sudan have objected to the move, reiterating their position that any further filling should take place in the context of an agreed-upon framework, said Onanga-Anyanga.

Each of the countries sharing the Nile waters has both rights and responsibilities, and the use and management of this natural resource requires the continued engagement of all nations involved, in good faith with a view to reaching common ground, he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has always encouraged member states to pursue negotiations in this manner. To assist in this process, he has entrusted the UN Environment Programme to provide technical advice based on the best available scientific data and knowledge, with a view to helping countries reach a mutual understanding on how to handle this delicate matter, he noted.

"Clearly, more needs to be done given that recent negotiations have yielded little progress and it is undeniable that this is a matter of critical importance. We, therefore, call on all parties to deal with the matter and to avoid any pronouncements that would increase tensions in a region that is already subject to a series of challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 and violent conflicts," said Onanga-Anyanga.

"We believe that together, along with other interested partners, there is room to move forward with a view to addressing the matter of GERD in a peaceful, constructive and comprehensive manner, in line with the spirit of cooperation highlighted in the 2015 Declaration of Principles," he said.

The United Nations remains available to promote a win-win solution in supporting member states in navigating this complex issue, where genuine political will, compromise and good neighborliness are essential, he said.

This important issue, if properly addressed, could offer significant opportunities for all the parties and countries in the region and beyond. Cooperation is not a zero-sum game and a collective effort could help deliver on the development potential of the region as a whole, he said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 06:10:34|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government on Thursday announced closing its border with neighboring Tunisia over concern about the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

Due to the deteriorating pandemic situation in Tunisia amid the rise in infections with the Delta variant, as well as the announcement of the collapse of Tunisia's health system, the Libyan government decided to close the air and land borders with Tunisia for a week starting from 00:00 local time Friday (2200 GMT Thursday), said the government's spokesman Mohamed Hamuda.

Through the consulate in Tunisia, Libya will take care of its nationals stranded in the Tunisian territory and facilitate their return to the homeland, he said.

The spokesman also said that schools and universities in Libya have closed temporarily until the Eid Al-Adha holiday, which is expected to start on July 20.

For weeks, Tunisia has been hit by an outbreak of the Delta variant, which caused record infections and deaths and forced many cities in the country to impose lockdown against the pandemic.

Libya has witnessed a significant increase in COVID-19 infections over the past few days. On Thursday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Libya rose by 1,384 to 199,526, including 180,204 recoveries and 3,227 deaths. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 07:22:56|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for the resumption of negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile.

The three countries are all at an important stage of development and the Nile waters are of great significance to their survival and development. China supports the three countries in reaching an agreement on a transboundary water cooperation program through dialogue and consultation so that all the riparian countries can benefit from the river, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

"China believes that through joint efforts, the completion of GERD can become a tripartite development project to enhance mutual trust and win-win cooperation," he told the Security Council in a meeting on the disputes over GERD.

China attaches great importance to the issue of GERD and appreciates the fact that in 2015 the three countries signed a declaration of principles and later held multiple rounds of negotiations under the auspices of the African Union (AU). The AU has made great efforts to facilitate tripartite negotiations. China appreciates the active role played by President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa as current and former AU chairpersons, said Zhang.

The utilization of transboundary water resources involves the distribution of national interests upstream and downstream, which is very complex and sensitive. China fully understands the legitimate concerns of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan regarding GERD. On this issue, China remains consistent in its position that the parties should resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation and achieve mutually beneficial and win-win results, he said.

"African countries have a fine tradition of resolving regional problems through dialogue and consultation. Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan are all important countries in the region and good friends of China. China sincerely hopes that the three countries, in the spirit of friendly cooperation, will resume dialogue and consultation as soon as possible, reach an agreement at an early date on a solution acceptable and beneficial to all three," he said.

China hopes the AU will continue to play its due role. The international community, including the Security Council, should support the three countries in resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, and to that end, create a favorable external environment to jointly maintain peace, stability, and development in the African region, said Zhang.

China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role along with all the parties, he said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 20:44:55|Editor: huaxia

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Temple caretakers are seen at the Philae temples on Agilkia Island in Aswan, Egypt, on June 26, 2021. On a brief boat voyage in the Nile River in Upper Egypt's tourist city of Aswan, an island called Agilkia appears in the distance, where fortress-like walls surrounding ancient large pylons and columns of a number of temples form the magnificent Philae temple complex. What's more astonishing than the breathtaking view is the fact that the Philae temples did not belong to where they are now. They were submerged by floodwater and later salvaged and relocated from Philae Island to the higher Agilkia Island, 500 meters away, in what the UNESCO describes as "the greatest archaeological rescue campaign of all time." (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

by Mahmoud Fouly

ASWAN, Egypt, July 8 (Xinhua) -- On a brief boat voyage in the Nile River in Upper Egypt's tourist city of Aswan, an island called Agilkia appears in the distance, where fortress-like walls surrounding ancient large pylons and columns of a number of temples form the magnificent Philae temple complex.

What's more astonishing than the breathtaking view is the fact that the Philae temples did not belong to where they are now. They were submerged by floodwater and later salvaged and relocated from Philae Island to the higher Agilkia Island, 500 meters away, in what the UNESCO describes as "the greatest archaeological rescue campaign of all time."

The UNESCO's international campaign to save the monuments of Nubia ran from 1960 to 1980 and included Egypt's temple complexes of Abu Simbel and Philae, both in Aswan, and others in neighboring Sudan.

The temples were submerged because of the construction of Aswan Low Dam in early 1900s and the later construction of Aswan High Dam in the 1960s.

Abdel-Moneim Saeed, director general of Aswan and Nubia antiquities, said the process of dismantling, relocating and reassembling the Philae temple complex took at least eight years, from 1972 to 1980, before it was reopened to visitors in March 1981.

"It took more than five years to store the dismantled pieces and review the inscriptions and drawings on them at el-Shallal area in Aswan, three km from Philae Island, and then they started to move the pieces to the new site, Agilkia Island," Saeed told Xinhua.

"If building these temples was a miracle in ancient times, I consider as an archeologist that relocating them in that manner and with that technology was also a miracle," he noted.

The Philae temple complex consists of several temples demonstrating historical diversity, for it includes monuments dating back to Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Arabian eras, which is why architecture and art are diversified and mixed inside the temple complex.

It includes the temples of Isis, Horus, Imhotep, Arsenophis, Mandoulis, Nakhtenbo, in addition to the eastern and western columns of the main courtyard, the inner eight-column vestibule, the Birth House (Mammisi), the Nilometer and Hadrian's Gate.

"Relocating the temples of Abu Simbel and Philae via the UNESCO was a very important project for it showed the whole world that the antiquities of Egypt's civilization don't concern Egypt alone but the entire world," said Egypt's top archeologist Zahi Hawass.

"It was one of the most important projects of the UNESCO. Actually, the name of the UNESCO became very renowned for its preservation of the temples of Abu Simbel and Philae," Hawass told Xinhua.

Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), described the UNESCO international rescue project that involved many donor states as "evidence of the pricelessness of the Egyptian heritage and antiquities."

Being one of the main tourist destinations in Aswan, Philae temple complex is the number one choice for local and foreign tourists visiting the Nubian-oriented city.

"It's the first time in my life to see something so beautiful. It's so huge and magnificent and the details and inscriptions on the walls are indescribable," Lebanese tourist Piotr Nehme said inside the complex, adding he wouldn't have believed those temples were relocated if he hadn't been told.

Alice Kanterian, a woman from Germany, said she thinks Philae temple complex "is probably the most beautiful one in Egypt" after a visit to main temples in Luxor and Aswan.

"I like it (Philae) because it is so well preserved and the ceilings are so high. It gives you a feeling of how the people were living in ancient times," the German tourist told Xinhua at one of Philae temples. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 01:37:34|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here on Wednesday said Pakistan-China friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of the people of the two countries.

Qureshi made the remarks while addressing a conference related to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Qureshi highlighted the importance of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, saying Pakistan's partnership with China would not only serve the interests of the two countries but also ensure peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

"Our seven-decade journey comprises of greater solidarity, deeper confidence, mutual trust and mutual understanding. Our deep-rooted and ironclad friendship has been nurtured by successive generations of leaders and people of both countries," Qureshi told the conference entitled "Pakistan-China at 70: A Unique Bilateral Partnership," organized by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI).

Qureshi explained how the two sides have the tradition of standing by each other through difficult times, including the latest challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic when China provided Pakistan with relief goods, equipment, medical expertise and COVID-19 vaccines.

On the occasion, Chairman of the PCI, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed also said, "Pakistan-China relations are unshakable and they rest on a very strong foundation." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 12:42:15|Editor: huaxia

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WELLINGTON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand reported a new COVID-19 case in recent returnees in managed isolation facilities and no cases of COVID-19 in the community on Thursday.

The newly imported case came from Russia and has remained in a managed isolation and quarantine facility in Auckland, according to the Ministry of Health.

The number of active cases in New Zealand is 41, and the total number of confirmed cases is 2,408, said a ministry statement.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases detected at the border is three, it said.

On Thursday, New Zealand said that the pause on Quarantine Free Travel from Australia's Queensland and New South Wales to New Zealand will continue.

This followed a risk assessment by public health officials which determined there was still "a need to get a better understanding of the developing situation and the number, and pattern, of cases being reported in these Australian states," according to the ministry. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 13:59:19|Editor: huaxia

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by Zhang Jianhua and Yang Zhou

VIENTIANE, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Laos hopes to continuously strengthen the traditional Laos-China friendship based on their shared ideal of socialism, Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, has said.

Extending congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Thongloun told Xinhua in a recent interview that "the Lao party, government and people feel greatly pleased to see that the Chinese party, government and the brotherly Chinese people have made great achievements."

"China's leapfrog development results in rising influences in the world and (it is) becoming a model for the world's socio-economic development," the president said.

"The CPC has been unswervingly following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, pushing forward the industrialization and modernization of the country, which presents important references for the Lao party and government, and provides inexhaustible impetus for the causes to defend and build the country in Laos," said Thongloun.

He stressed that the CPC has led the Chinese people to score a complete victory in the fight against poverty and to realize its first centenary goal -- building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

In the face of the COVID-19 epidemic in early 2020, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, personally took charge of the national response, which has achieved effective containment of the virus and the quick resumption of production activities, Thongloun added.

"The series of China's brilliant achievements have fully demonstrated the great advantages of the leadership of the CPC and the socialist system," Thongloun said, adding that China has become an example of success for developing countries around the world, including Laos.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Laos and China, Thongloun said the two sides have seen their traditional friendship continuously develop during the 60 years, with cooperation in various fields deepened, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, throughout which the two parties, countries and peoples have also built high-level mutual trust.

"The Lao side will actively implement the agreements and consensus reached by the two parties and the two countries, deepen the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future, and strengthen the cooperation with China in the international community" to promote regional and world peace, cooperation and development, he noted.

"We firmly hold the belief that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, the Chinese dream of (great) national rejuvenation will be realized," Thongloun said.

On the remarkable occasion of the CPC's centenary, Thongloun said he wishes China success in achieving its second centenary goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and achieving national rejuvenation. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 15:03:38|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia reported 1,510 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, taking the country's total infections to 131,962, the country's health ministry said Thursday.

The ministry said that 9,002 samples were tested across the country in the past day.

Meanwhile, nine more deaths were reported, raising the national count to 682.

Among the total confirmed cases in the country, 93,840 have recovered so far.

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, around 55 percent of the country's total population have been fully vaccinated against the virus, according to the ministry. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 17:05:52|Editor: huaxia

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TASHKENT, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan will hold an international forum on regional trade, economic, transport and communications ties between Central and South Asia, the Uzbek president's press service said Thursday.

The forum, scheduled for July 15-16 and named "Central and South Asia: Regional Interconnectedness, Challenges and Opportunities," was called by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, according to the press service.

"The main goal of the forum is to strengthen historically close and friendly ties, trust and good-neighborliness between the states of Central and South Asia in the interests of all peoples and countries of both regions," it said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghanistani President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani are said to attend the forum, the press service said.

The forum will gather foreign ministers of the countries of Central and South Asia, as well as representatives of major international and regional organizations, global financial institutions and companies, and leading research and analytical centers, it added.

The agenda will include proposals to bolster the stability and security of the two regions. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 17:14:04|Editor: huaxia

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CANBERRA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared that Sydney is at a "critical" point in its coronavirus lockdown.

Morrison on Thursday met with the National Security Committee of Cabinet to discuss the outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia's most populous state, New South Wales (NSW).

Following the meeting he urged residents of Sydney to comply with lockdown restrictions, saying it was an "absolutely critical time" in the pandemic response.

"And I also understand how frustrating it is that you can't do those things. But, this is an absolutely critical time," he told reporters.

"And, so I'd just underscore the request by the New South Wales government, which I urge you as prime minister to follow, and ensure that we all keep a check on each other to do just that here in Sydney, to ensure that we can suppress this latest outbreak."

NSW Health on Thursday reported 38 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, 11 of which were infectious in the community.

On Wednesday, the state government announced to extend the two-week lockdown on Greater Sydney by a further week until midnight July 16.

In response to the extension, Morrison announced that the federal government's COVID-19 temporary disaster payment for workers affected by lockdowns would be made more available.

He also said that the federal government will bring forward an additional 300,000 extra vaccine doses, and particularly to see those targeted towards the areas of the outbreak, especially in South Western Sydney, "and to target particularly those who are most vulnerable in the community." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 18:07:02|Editor: huaxia

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JAKARTA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Floods and landslides in three districts in Indonesia's South Sulawesi province have killed one person and submerged more than 1,000 houses, the country's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Thursday.

"The three districts hit by wet hydrometeorological disasters are Jeneponto, Bantaeng, and Sinjai," BNPB's spokesperson Abdul Muhari said.

Heavy rains have fallen since early Wednesday and submerged houses between 50 and 200 cm high in Jeneponto, where the floods killed one resident. Government buildings, schools, health care offices and 148 houses were inundated, with 26 houses heavily damaged.

The floods are gradually receding, while officials are distributing humanitarian assistance and collecting data on those affected, Muhari added.

In Sinjai district, heavy rains since Thursday caused floods and landslides in five villages, and eight families were forced to evacuate. About 1,000 houses in eight villages were flooded by 50 cm high, and officials are still assessing the impact of the floods in the Bantaeng district.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency has predicted heavy rains in South Sulawesi province and other areas on Sulawesi island such as Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi from Friday to Wednesday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:30:38|Editor: huaxia

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TOKYO, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Olympic minister Tamayo Marukawa said here Thursday that spectators will not be allowed to enter venues situated in Tokyo during the Olympic Games.

Marukawa said after a five-party meeting which was also attended remotely by IOC president Thomas Bach.

"The venues in Tokyo will not include spectators," she said through an interpreter. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 00:35:18|Editor: huaxia

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Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (R) and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a joint news conference in Riga, Latvia, on July 7, 2021. Pedro Sanchez arrived in Latvia on an official visit Wednesday to meet with top Latvian officials and to tour a military base hosting a Spanish contingent. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)

RIGA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Latvia on an official visit Wednesday to meet with top Latvian officials and to tour a military base hosting a Spanish contingent.

"We share common views on security, European and climate matters. I believe that the dialogue between the two countries is successful," Sanchez said at a joint news conference with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins following their talks.

Noting that Spain and Latvia are marking the centenary of their diplomatic ties this year, the Spanish prime minister praised successful bilateral cooperation in various areas, including defense. Spanish troops are serving with a multinational NATO battle group stationed at the Adazi base outside Riga.

Karins said that relations between Latvia and Spain are significant and good and that both countries have close cooperation in the framework of the European Union (EU) and NATO. The Latvian prime minister described Spain's contribution to the region's security as "extremely important" and thanked Spain for its involvement in Latvia's defense.

Karins also mentioned the busy economic exchange between the two countries, especially, cooperation on high technologies and Spanish entrepreneurs' interest in the Rail Baltica railroad project. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 06:41:20|Editor: huaxia

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BRUSSELS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from the business sector launched on Thursday an initiative to support the commitments of China and the European Union (EU) to green and sustainable development.

The Green Action Initiative was presented at an online forum called China-EU Green Economic Cooperation and Development Summit.

Thursday's summit drew hundreds of business leaders, banking experts, researchers and high-level officials, including former president of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and Luxembourg's Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna, to discuss the importance of cooperation in green transition and ways to facilitate the growth of green finance.

The summit "stands united in supporting China and the EU to timely achieve their domestic goals, also in view that their action and cooperation on these matters will benefit the international community," read the initiative.

"The participants to the Summit aim to contribute and to reach climate neutrality within the foreseen deadlines," it added.

In his speech at the summit, Xu Haifeng, chairman of both Bank of China (Luxembourg) S.A. and the China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU), urged all relevant enterprises to join forces and subscribe to the initiative.

"Climate change and the transition to greener and more sustainable growth are surely key areas in which Sino-European cooperation can change the future of the planet," he told the summit.

China seeks to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The EU aims to become climate neutral by 2050, and reduce at least 55 percent net emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

In an effort to reach the ambitious target, the European Commission is to release a package dubbed "Fit for 55" next week to update the bloc's Emission Trading Scheme. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 06:57:08|Editor: huaxia

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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| 2021-07-08 12:34:34|Editor: huaxia

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LOS ANGELES, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the western U.S. state of Montana on Wednesday disclosed details of a fatal bear attack in which a woman was pulled from her tent and killed by a grizzly bear early Tuesday.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a release that details surrounding the attack indicate the bear entered the town of Ovando on Tuesday morning and came to an area near a post office at about 3 a.m. local time (1000 GMT), where the victim was sleeping in a tent.

The bear initially woke the victim and another couple who were sleeping in a tent nearby but then ran away. The three campers removed food from their tents, secured it, and went back to bed. About half an hour later, the two people in the tent adjacent to the victim were awakened by sounds of the attack, exited the tent and sprayed the bear with bear spray. It has not been seen since, according to the agency.

After two days of searching by helicopter and on the ground, the grizzly bear has not been found, said the agency, adding that the search even included the use of infrared technology.

Bear experts believe the bear was an approximately 400-pound (181 kg) male, judging by behavior and footprints.

Officials said efforts to find the bear are now focusing on traps near Ovando as bear specialists and wardens are continuing to monitor culvert traps set in the area.

The victim of the attack was identified as 65-year-old Leah Davis Lokan of California, reported The Great Falls Tribune, a Montana newspaper.

Montana has been the scene of at least a dozen serious grizzly bear-human interactions in the past year, said paper. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 17:04:09|Editor: huaxia

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LOS ANGELES, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles County has seized more than 16 tons of illegal marijuana worth an estimated 1.19 billion U.S. dollars, County Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced at a press conference on Wednesday.

The operation, jointly launched by neighboring counties' Sheriff Offices and the U.S. Army, began on June 8 and lasted for ten days. It resulted in the largest eradication of illegal marijuana cultivations in the history of Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the United States.

A total of 131 suspects were arrested and more than 200 locations were served with search warrants in the sting operation, Villanueva said, adding nearly 375,000 marijuana plants and 33,480 pounds of harvested marijuana were seized, along with 65 vehicles and 180 animals.

Officials said they believed international cartels were behind the illegal large-scale marijuana farms located in the remote desert area in the Antelope Valley, about 110 km north of downtown Los Angeles.

"What we want to do is send a clear and loud message to the cartels and anyone doing an illegal operation in the high desert: Your days are over and we're coming for you," Villanueva said.

While California legalized the recreational use of marijuana in 2018, illegal planting of the weed has been on the rise in the state. Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Bureau identified over 500 illegal marijuana cultivations in 2021, increasing from the 150 identified in 2020, according to a statement released by the office in June. Enditem
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press release

Efforts by the Police to eradicate drug trafficking through intelligence-driven approach by operationalizing information received from the public, yielded positive results when members attached to Provincial Organised Crime Investigation's Narcotics Section based in George (OCI-Narcotics George) arrested a 34-year-old man at his residence in Parkdene, George yesterday, Tuesday, 06 July 2021. This follows an Intelligence-driven operation when members executed a search warrant which proved to be positive.

Yesterday at approximately 10:00 members of OCI-Narcotics George, assisted by members of the newly established Eden Cluster Flying Squad, pounced on the residence of the suspect, armed with a search warrant. On arrival they ensued with a search of the premises. During the search members found 1.81kg of Tik, 800 Mandrax Tablets with a combined estimated value of R673 500-00, a substantial but undisclosed amount of cash as well as suspected stolen furniture pieces to the estimated value of more than R100 000-00. The estimate value of the seized exhibits is estimated at about R 754 500-00.

Members also seized land survey-equipment that was positively linked to a theft from vehicle case that was registered at Conville SAPS during November 2021.

As a result of the find, members arrested the 34-year-old suspect who is scheduled to appear in the George Magistrates' court on Thursday, 08 July 2021. He faces charges of Dealing in Illicit Drugs as well as Possession of Suspected Stolen Property.

Currently members of the detective team are following up information to ascertain the origin of the suspected stolen furniture.

The Acting Eden Cluster Commander, Brig Phumzile V Cetyana lauded members involved with the bust for their relentless efforts to eradicate drug distribution in the Southern Cape and to bring the culprits thereof to book.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen T Patekile had nothing but praise for those involved in bringing the suspect to book and encouraged members to align themselves with the strategic and operational objectives of the SAPS to ensure that our communities are and stay free from the scourge of Drug abuse.
The government has cut the budgets for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) by up to 40 per cent due to worsening effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and projected revenue underperformance of Shs2 trillion.

According to a July 2 circular from the Finance ministry to all accounting officers, the budget cuts will also allow the government to generate emergency financing totalling Shs600 billion for Covid-19 response.

"As a consequence of the projected shortfall in revenues of Shs2 trillion and the need to respond to Covid-19 emergency through a supplementary of Shs600 billion, budgets of MDAs have been suppressed by up to 41.2 per cent," the circular reads.

While addressing journalists at the ministry headquarters yesterday, Mr Patrick Ocailap, the acting Secretary to the Treasury, said the government has also decided to freeze travel, workshops and seminars to cut costs.

"Reprioritisation within the sector is also important. If they had planned to travel for World Health Organisation meetings and the rest, they have to scale down on those meetings and try to reallocate money to areas such as disease surveillance and procure more test kits," Mr Ocailap said.

"We need to recruit more health workers so that we can increase surveillance when businesses and schools reopen," he added.

According to the Financial Year 2021/2022 Budget circular, accounting officers are "not expected to warrant any funds against these items [travel, workshops and seminars] during the first quarter."

Although this will likely affect the workplans of MDAs, the Mr Ocailap said in the circular that expenditure limits have accorded protection to salaries, pension and gratuity.

Part of the Shs600 billion, Shs371.7 billion will finance Covid-19 emergency response but the balance will be kept in the Contingency Fund for future releases and related activities, according to the ministry.

"The supplementary for Covid-19 expenditures of Shs371.7 billion has been programmed for immediate release upon submission of the detailed allocations by each benefiting entity through the Programme Budgeting System (PBS)," it reads.

Mr Ocailap explained that not all MDAs were affected by the budget cuts. A review by this reporter indicates the health and social protection sector, local governments, security and presidency, and the agriculture sector only suffered cuts in budgets for travel and workshops.

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This ranged from 0.1 per cent to 5.9 per cent of the budgets of MDAs, which the Finance ministry categorised as "protected" basing on the role they play on governance and Covid-19 response.

Mulago National Referral Hospital, the biggest Covid-19 treatment centre in the country, suffered a 0.1 per cent budget cut. This is Shs40 million against the Shs39.7 billion for non-wage and development.

But the Uganda Aids Commission, the agency leading the fight against a major killer disease, suffered a cut of Shs412 million, against their budget of Shs9.7 billion for non-wage and development.

Regional referral hospitals, which are at the forefront of Covid-19 fight as the disease penetrates the country, suffered a total 0.2 per cent budget cut. This is Shs314 million cut against Shs131.4 billion budget for non-wage and development.

The National Medical Stores suffered Shs3.1 billion cut against their budget of Shs585 billion for non-wage and development.

The Office of the President suffered a Shs1.9 billion cut (1.5 per cent) against their total budget for non-wage and development of Shs124 billion.

But the cut for State House budget was a bit higher at 2 per cent, (Shs8 billion), against their budget of Shs391 billion.

While at the Office of the Prime Minister, the budget cut was as high as 3.8 per cent (Shs4.3 billion from the relatively smaller budget of Shs114 billion.

Ministries of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Lands, Housing and that of Urban Development, and Uganda National Road Authority, among others, suffered 41.2 per cent budget cuts.
A protester stands atop a police structure in Ikeja, capital of Lagos state, during #EndSARS demonstrations on October 11, 2020. Ayodeji Adegoroye (@ayodeji_dodo)/Twitter

analysis

Recent disturbing events in different regions of the world poignantly reveal how the creative arts can contribute to making sense of difficult situations and stressful times. This is particularly true of performance art.

Performance art provides ways of seeing, thinking, expressing and mindfulness. It highlights the idea that human beings, regardless of race, class or gender, have creative forces within them.

In African societies, including Nigeria, the use of the creative arts as political tools of assertion in crises is not new. This includes dance, music, art and drama.

For example, in colonial Nigeria, the famous Aba Women's riot of 1929 is still a reference point. Tens of thousands of militant, resilient, scantily clad or nude women engaged with a highly charged protest dance. They forced the colonial government to change its system of governance in southeastern Nigeria.

Prominent Nigerian historian Adiele Afigbo described the women's protest as "one of the most telling poems of resistance against colonial hegemony". Nigerian women became politically visible to an extent that has never been repeated.

More recently Nigeria's #ENDSARS in October 2020 represented a similar example of public protest as art.

Many Nigerians see their country as a failing state. This is due to the steady downhill slide of the economy and vanishing resources, dilapidated social amenities, massive unemployment, violence, insurgencies, mounting poverty and police brutality. It also includes the highhandedness of those in power.

Young Nigerian youths dared bullets and machine guns and took over public spaces to assert their right to a better life. For weeks, in a unified social body, they peacefully contained the "danced" protests.

One can view #ENDSARS as exquisitely organised politically motivated protests, fuelled and sustained by creative art making. Not many have investigated it as an event which has made a unique contribution to the understanding and study of non-verbal psychotherapy as an emerging field of study in Nigeria.

Creative art therapies

In 2015, at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan I successfully defended the first clinical trial experimental research in dance and movement therapy as an aspect of creative arts therapy in Nigeria. My research tested and validated the effectiveness of dance and movement therapy treatment in adult inpatients suffering from schizophrenia and depression.

The subjects in the research learnt to trust and use art as a tool to connect to themselves. They were able to get quantifiable levels of improvement in health.

Similarly, Nigerians in the #ENDSARS protests intuitively embraced improvised art making for the release of pain and anguish, and for mustering strength for survival.

The popular adopted slogan for the protests was sorosoke, a Yoruba word which translates as "speak up". Apart from its political connotation, it was also a group therapy engagement.

The therapeutic space of this event lasted a few weeks. During this time millions of Nigerians in large groups performed for their mental health.

Nigeria's heavily burdened and impoverished population has been publicly branded as "lazy" and good-for-nothing citizens with no goals or aspirations.

But through their many united voices and bodies they became powerful and they found voice. Hence the importance of the slogan sorosoke.

Experts in the field of mental health agree that to have a voice is as much a part of daily living as it is of therapy. It signifies self-awareness and active agency and participation in staying healthy and productive.

Artmaking and the search of mental health in #ENDSARS

At the turn of the 20th century, and building on earlier research, the neurologist Sigmund Freud founded psychoanalysis - or the talking therapy - as a medical breakthrough in traditional psychotherapy. His approach has since become a vital aspect of the fields of psychiatry and mental health.

Freud also founded other significant theories including the theory of sublimation.

As a theory, sublimation is central to psychoanalytic theory about the arts.

Freud's analysis of literal and visual narratives of great artists was based on psychological nuances and influences of consciousness and beingness. To him, the subjective domains were symbolic communication of libidinal drive or fulfilment of these desires.

Beyond this, it was his critical evaluations of the experience of unconscious conflicts and their expression through the process of sublimation that laid the foundation on which the psychoanalytical study of art and the artist evolved.

For Freud, and countless other examples, including those in Nigeria, the channelling and communication of stored painful memories can be released through a work of art - a socially acceptable form of creativity.

Equally significant is the symbolic form - or aesthetic appearance - of the work of art which meaningfully camouflages the hideous elements of consciousness, yielding some measure of beauty, enjoyment and appreciation.

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For instance, as an art, dance is a specific, precise, intricately organised creative activity. It is pervaded by ideals of universality and inclusive sociality that evoke emotional and aesthetic appeal and response.

The #ENDSARS protests are a good example of this. They incorporated and presented potent, meaningful visual, verbal, non-verbal art displays and an overall visual quality. These yielded some measure of pleasure to both the performers and spectators. These powerfully interactive and meaningful performances were densely psychotherapeutic in form and content.

The protests rejected the irrational continual denial of the tragic realities in Nigeria's socio-political landscape. Rather it was a creative way for the battered bodies and minds of Nigerians to confront their harsh, unfriendly environment.

And it paved the way for healing, vitality and a new vista of productive life.

This therapeutic goal was monstrously cut short by the Lekki Toll Gate massacre. This inflated the frightful circles of mental illness and exposed hurting Nigerians in need of psychotherapy to brutal violence.

Gladys Ijeoma Akunna, Visiting Scholar, Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Drexel University
analysis

Nigeria's north central region, consisting of the country's capital city Abuja and six other states, is home to several minority ethnic groups. More than 200 languages are spoken there. The region is vulnerable to several forms of conflict - between ethnic and religious groups; people who trace their ancestry to a state and people who have merely lived there for some time; people who keep cattle and those who farm crops.

Data presented in my doctoral thesis show that in the last decade, there were 1,412 incidents of conflict reported in the region and 7,399 deaths across the north central states of Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory.

The escalating violence has deeply unsettled the local economy. Agriculture, the mainstay of the region's economy, has been badly hit. Many farmers in the affected areas have abandoned their farms for fear of attack. And as a result of the herder-farmer conflict, the Nigerian government loses an estimated $13.7 billion in revenue annually.

Previous studies on violence in Nigeria have mostly examined what drives it in urban centres. Few have included rural communities.

In my recently published paper, I sought to identify what factors enable violent conflict in both rural and urban areas of north central Nigeria. I wanted to be able to provide information for policy response by the federal and state governments.

My study led me to conclude that building and strengthening community resilience must become an important policy objective of government to foster peace in the region. Resilience involves communities adopting measures to live amid conflict and cultivate peaceful coexistence.

The research

I interviewed 555 household heads and conducted 10 key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders - residents, youths, community and religious leaders as well as state and non state security actors. I sought information on broader issues causing violence in the north central region.

I found a number of mutually reinforcing factors which aid violent conflict in the region. They included:

1) rise of criminal groups and criminal activities,

2) hate speech,

3) governments' inability to protect most citizens against violent crime,

4) political intimidation of the opposition by the ruling party,

5) over-militarisation of the public space,

6) rising population pressure,

7) proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and

8) open grazing.

I analysed four of the factors that residents ranked as dominant drivers of instability.

Small arms and light weapons: Violence and threats of violence in the region largely occur in a context of widespread poverty, mounting unemployment and drug abuse. About 42.7% of the region's population are poor. The region also accounts for 10% of drug users in Nigeria.

Added to this is a proliferation of small arms and light weapons, particularly locally manufactured ones. Nigeria has over 6 million small arms in circulation. In Benue and Plateau states, locally made weapons were used in about 50% of crimes committed. Also, reports show that ammunition from at least 21 different nations has been used in the herder farmer conflicts in north central Nigeria.

During election cycles, politicians have been known to provide youth with ammunition to intimidate political opponents. Youth gangs were hired and armed by politicians to fight their political opponents, steal ballot boxes, and generally rig the vote. After elections, the gangs kept the weapons and used them to develop criminal enterprises.

I interviewed residents about the impact of arms trafficking on security. Respondents said the porosity of the country's borders, particularly in the north, makes it easy for arms to be brought in from neighbouring countries such as Chad and Cameroon. They said that the footpaths used are mostly unknown to the security agencies.

Militarisation of the public space: From 2015 to 2020, six military operations were launched in the north central region. They were meant to deal with armed conflicts and violent crimes, including cattle rustling, armed banditry and clashes between pastoralists and farmers.

But respondents said that the conduct of the soldiers worsened the security situation and strained civil-military relations. The military officers acted unprofessionally and violated human rights.

Residents have also become dissatisfied with the militarisation of the civilian space in restoring order. Civilians are taking the law into their hands, and some military personnel have even been killed.

Failure of governance: Respondents in Plateau and Benue states said bad governance had resulted in widespread poverty, unemployment, corruption and insecurity. These conditions create frustration and an environment ripe for the eruption of violent conflict.

People also alleged that police were ineffective and took bribes to ignore raiding of villages, destruction of property and other incidents. This was confirmed by an Amnesty International report.

Open grazing ban: Over the years, the rural communities in Benue and Plateau states have witnessed incessant clashes between pastoralists and sedentary farmers. The farmers accuse the pastoralists of leading their cattle to graze on their farms and destroy their crops. Pastoralists say this happens because the farmers block their grazing routes.

In 2017 the Benue state government enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, effectively banning cattle grazing in the state.

The state government created a Livestock Guard to enforce the ban. Subsequently, the guards clashed with Fulani pastoralists and expelled them from large areas of Benue, seizing and shooting cattle. This triggered large-scale attacks by herders on farmers in Benue.

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Policy implications

As shown in my study, all drivers of conflicts point to the pervasive failure of governance. The Nigerian government at all levels must address these drivers.

The policy solutions to security challenges must include strategic improvement in border security, collaboration between the federal and state governments, active intelligence gathering, better community policing and stronger ammunition controls policy. Such concerted efforts can boost surveillance and stem the flow of arms and drugs. Prompt arrest and diligent prosecution of perpetrators of violence could also be a deterrent.

Since it will never be possible to prevent all conflicts from leading to violence, building and strengthening community resilience to violent conflict must become a policy objective of all tiers of government in Nigeria. This means the government must support and strengthen communities' efforts to build bridges between warring groups, fostering peace and security.

The conflict associated with open grazing must be addressed through a pragmatic national livestock transformation plan.

Oluwole Ojewale, PhD candidate, Obafemi Awolowo University
analysis

The 6th edition of The Mabati Cornell Kiswahili Prize for African Literature, suspended last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is back. Founded in 2014, the prize recognises writing in African languages and encourages translation from, between and into African languages. Kiswahili is widely spoken across the east coast of Africa. This year's prize also offers a special award designed to promote and popularise a Kiswahili vocabulary for technology and digital rights. We spoke to the prize founders - literary academic Lizzy Attree, also of Short Story Day Africa, and literature professor and celebrated author Mukoma Wa Ngugi - on the challenges of growing literature in African languages.

What's the idea behind the special Nyabola prize?

Lizzy Attree: The Nyabola prize gives us the opportunity to work in a new area that is really exciting for us. Nanjala Nyabola, the Kenyan writer and activist, approached us with the idea and the funding to target vocabulary for technology and digital rights. This was particularly interesting to us for two reasons. Firstly, we have long wanted to offer a short story prize, but have stuck with longer works because of the opportunity it gives us to focus on Kiswahili literature as a fully mastered form. But we are aware that a short story prize is a good place to start for those who are only beginning to write. Secondly, Kiswahili is often considered to be steeped in archaic, or historically poetic technical words and forms. These must be updated to accommodate the modern language of science and technology. It has been an interesting adventure to find out which words can be adapted or amended to fit with modern digital and technological advancement.

Mukoma Wa Ngugi: There is also the idea that African languages are social languages, emotive and cannot carry science. Most definitely not true. All languages can convey the most complex ideas but we have to let them. There is something beautiful about African languages carrying science, fictionalised of course, into imagined futures.

Mukoma, you also write speculative fiction; what is its power?

Mukoma Wa Ngugi: At the height of dictatorship in Kenya under president Daniel arap Moi, when writers and intellectuals were being detained and exiled, and their books banned, it was the genre writers who kept the politics alive. In fact I dedicated my detective novel Nairobi Heat to two such Kenyan writers, David Mailu and Meja Mwangi. We inherited a hierarchy of what counts as serious literature from colonialism, the division between minor and major literatures. It is important for us to blur the lines between literary and genre fiction - they are both doing serious work but in different styles. And the same goes between written literature and orature (spoken literature). Orature is seen lesser-than but, as writers and scholars have argued, orature has its own discipline and aesthetics.

How has African language publishing changed since the prize began?

Lizzy Attree: Sadly I don't think African language publishing has advanced very much in the last seven years or that there are enough academic studies focusing on this area. The demise of the Noma Award for Publishing in Africa was part of the decline, or indicative of it. However, book festivals are growing, and we hope that in time this will lead to more awards and more publishing in African languages. Mukoma's father, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, is a pioneer in this area, and it's been wonderful to see his novel shortlisted for the International Booker Prize recently. Although there are many other good examples of where changes are happening, considering the size of the continent and the number of languages, there is still a huge gap.

Mukoma Wa Ngugi: Jalada Journal is a good example of how attitudes to writing in African languages have changed for the better. In 2015 Jalada took a short story written by Ngugi in Gikuyu and self-translated into English and had it translated to close to 100 languages. This made it the most translated African short story. But the genius of their initiative was that most of the translations were between African languages. The Jalada example is important for two reasons - it shows that innovation can happen when African languages talk to each other. And that for the younger writers, African languages do not carry the same sense of inferiority - English is just another language. All in all I don't think the Nyabola prize, for example, would have been possible 10 years ago. A lot has changed where it matters the most; the ideology around African languages is shifting.

Do awards work and why are there so few major literary prizes in Africa?

Lizzy Attree: I think awards certainly work in raising the profile of writers and their work, but it is difficult to find funding for these kinds of projects.

Mukoma Wa Ngugi: It is all about setting up a viable and thriving literary ecosystem for writing in African languages. Literary agents, publishers, readership, critics, literary prizes and so on. Prizes are just one aspect. We realised that from the onset so our winners, in addition to the monetary awards, have also been published by Mkuki na Nyota Press in Tanzania. We have been trying to get them translated into English but as Lizzy points out, funding is a huge problem. We were lucky to partner with Mabati Rolling Mills and the Safal Group. We have a de facto slogan: African philanthropy for African cultural development. But all the living parts of the African literary ecosystem have to be thriving. In this, we all have work to do.

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Why is African language literature so important?

Lizzy Attree: It's been clearly demonstrated that learning in one's mother tongue brings huge advantages to students. And where else must we find ourselves reflected if not in our own literature, in our own languages?

Mukoma Wa Ngugi: You can think of language as the sum total of a people's history and knowledge. We store history and knowledge in language. To speak only English is to be alienated from your past, present and future. It is a pain we should all feel deeply. In my book, The Rise of the African Novel: Language, Identity and Ownership, I give the example of how early writing in South African languages remains outside our literary tradition. I talk about how that leads to truncated imaginations. We write within literary traditions, but what happens to your imagination when you cannot access your literary tradition?

The shortlist will be announced in October/November 2021, with the winners announced in Dar es Salaam in December 2021.

Mukoma Wa Ngugi, Associate Professor of literatures in English, Cornell University and Lizzy Attree, Adjunct Professor, Richmond American International University
A screenshot of the South African correctional services department statement on the imprisonment of Jacob Zuma, shared by journalist Chriselda Lewis.

analysis

Minutes before midnight, Jacob Zuma's foundation announced: 'Dear South Africans and the World. Please be advised that President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order.'

Jacob Zuma's motorcade sped out of his Nkandla homestead at about 11.20pm on Wednesday, as he ostensibly rushed to hand himself over to the Correctional Services in order to avoid arrest.

It is understood that the president being transported by his state-sponsored VIP protection was agreed upon by police leadership at a provincial and national level.

Minutes before midnight, Zuma's foundation announced: "Dear South Africans and the World. Please be advised that 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. A full statement will be issued in due course."

Fifteen minutes later, the spokesperson for the police ministry, Lirandzu Themba, tweeted that Zuma was in custody, in compliance with the order of the Constitutional Court.

The motorcade arrived at the recently refurbished "state-of-the-art" Estcourt Correctional Centre at about 1.20am. At 2am, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) issued a statement confirming Zuma had been admitted.

"Mr Zuma will be taken through all the admission processes as...
A former military governor of Kaduna state Col. Dangiwa Umar (rtd), has berated the federal government over the security situation in the country, wondering why the goveement was according undue attention to the threats by separatist movements despite the more daunting security threats posed by bandits, kidnappers and insurgents in the North.

In a statement on Wednesday in Kaduna, Umar, asked the federal government to go beyond the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and pay greater attention to the more serious security challenges threatening to cripple the country.

According to him, the activities of bandits and insurgents have resulted in the evacuation of over 20 per cent of the villages in North West and North east, while hundreds of people were being murdered, maimed and kidnapped for ransom every week as million of others have been rendered internally displaced, facing disease and starvation.

Umar said bandits had abducted over 1,000 school children in the north in the past eight months, adding that over 300 others are still in captivity, with the bandits demanding humongous ransom payments.

He said, "The recent rearrest of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was greeted with a loud sigh of relief and celebration in some sections of the country.

"It also elicited congratulatory messages to the federal government which appears overwhelmed by the intractable security challenges and in dire need of any redeeming act.

"This is clearly an exaggeration of the security threat Nnamdi Kanu and indeed IPOB pose to our nation's security and unity".

He said, "It is quite strange and disturbing that the federal government is according undue attention to the threats of separatist movements in contrast to the more daunting ones posed by bandits, kidnappers and insurgents in the North West, some parts of North Central and North East.

"Hundreds are being murdered and maimed every week. Many more are kidnapped for ransom".

He lamented further that millions of people have been rendered internally displaced, facing disease and starvation. "Over 1,000 school children were abducted in the past 8 months with over 300 still in the hands of the bandits and kidnappers demanding humongous ransom payments.

"Rape of women and young girls has become a daily occurrence. Most economic activities,particularly farming, which is the mainstay of the people in these areas, are now all but impossible.

"Government's earlier claim of having technically defeated the Boko Haram insurgency in the North east has turned out to be empty propaganda", he said.

Umar maintained that "Contrary to this claim, the enemy has morphed into a more determined and deadly force, threatening to overrun the whole of the North east."

Col Umar said, "For the average northerner living in these zones, who is barely aware of the activities of separatists, banditry, kidnappings and insurgency are of greater threat and concern to him."

He argued that, "The arrest of Nnamdi Kanu is of no serious consequence, since it does nothing to ameliorate this harsh and brutal condition."

He said however that in recognizing the right of every citizen or groups to express the desire for self determination, the use of violence should not be supported or condone.

"IPOB and its leader may well be responsible for some of the violence, including the murder of security personnel, arson and destruction of public and private properties for which they should be held to account.

"We must however be honest enough to identify the cause of the current growing restiveness in the South East", Umar said.

He called on the government to deploy nonviolent means in addressing the problem of people agitating for self determination.

The retired army officer said, "It is self evident that justice, fairness and equity are the best means of building a united and virile nation, particularly one as diverse and fragile as Nigeria.

"It is my long held believe that this country is more beneficial to all the federating units, if only because it provides a security umbrella to all its units.

"None of them will fare better in a balkanized Nigeria due to their similar diversities.

"The recognition of Nigeria as the giant of Africa is not on account of its huge oil wealth but its size, diversity as well as other potentials. These not withstanding, the nation can only remain united and prosperous when all its citizens and the component parts feel a true sense of belonging.

"Without it, the nation's unity will be in serious jeopardy similar to what Nigeria is currently experiencing.

"Truth be told, the Buhari administration has so far exhibited poor skills in its management of our diversity.

"Yet it has the benefit of great examples by past administrations and statesmen which should guide it."

He recalled that after the civil war from July 1967 to Jan 1970, the then Head of the Federal Military Government, General Yakubu Gowon, declared a no victor, no vanquished reconciliation and reintegration policy, noting that its implementation may not have been perfect, but it produced a guiding vision which served as a template for the reintegration of the nation.

Umar's statement read: "In 1978, eight years after the civil war, the NPN (National Party of Nigeria), Presidential candidate, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a former Commissioner of Finance in the Gowon Government, picked his running mate, Dr Alex Ekweme from the South east. "They won the 1979 Presidential election and enjoyed an enviable brotherly relationship as President and Vice President.

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"They won a second term in 1983. President Shagari's Government pardoned the former Biafra secessionist leader, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, which permitted him to return from exile in 1982.

"He went on to contest a senatorial seat under the NPN.

"These are in sharp contrast to the declaration of President Buhari after his election in 2015 in which he promised not to treat, on equal terms, those who gave him only 5% of their votes with those who gave him over 97% of theirs.

"This may account for his government's refusal to appoint an Igbo as head of any of the security services.

"A review of this ill-advised policy will go a long way to neutralise the growing influence of IPOB among Ndigbo, both at home and in diaspora", he said

Umar stressed that "federal government must go beyond the arrest of Kanu and pay greater attention to the more serious security challenges threatening to cripple the country completely.

"The apparent failure of our security forces to deal decisively, as the President so often commands them to do, with these security threats is obviously due to the acute shortage of manpower and equipment.

"These deficiencies have resulted in the thin spread of our forces and lack of timely rotation in areas of conflict. Government must massively increase security manpower and equipment. As we have seen, mere change of Service chiefs would appear far from being the solution."
The federal government has said that it is working conscientiously to ensure that the country meets the global demands on cleaner energy.

The vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said this yesterday at the opening of the 2021 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference holding at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Osinbajo represented by the minister of state for petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, noted that the country had no option than to move with the global trend being signatory to international protocols on cleaner energy.

He said the federal government was leaving no stone unturned at ensuring that the country moved to cleaner renewable energy but that the step must be gradual.

He explained that government had already directed stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to focus on natural gas resources as a transition fuel that would function as a bridge between the dominant fossil fuels and the cleaner energy.

"Natural gas has the intrinsic abilities to meet the increasing global requirements for cleaner primary energy use, while at the same time enabling much needed domestic industrialisation for rapid economic growth in very few endowed countries such as Nigeria.

"We are not unmindful of the peculiar challenges confronting the gains from oil and gas operations in Nigeria.

"From infrastructural deficiency and insecurity to high cost of operations, to mention just a few, the government is working conscientiously to tackle all without lagging behind on our path to meeting the cleaner energy global demands.

"In spite of the current global challenges in the industry, government has been supporting the aggressive implementation of the nationwide gas infrastructure blueprint.

"This informed our recent declaration of year 2021-2030 as "the Decade of Gas" after the successful kickoff with the National Gas Expansion Programme in 2020," Osinbajo said.

Malam Mele Kyari, the Group General Manager, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) said investment in the oil and gas industry had dwindled by 30 per cent due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kyari said energy transition was not just about moving from fossil fuel to renewable energy but that it was creating the right balance.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Wednesday, declared that the former Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, did not need the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) discharge certificate to take up ministerial appointment in the country.

Adeosun had resigned her appointment as Minister of Finance and returned to the United Kingdom following controversy surrounding her NYSC status. She was accused of presenting a fake NYSC discharge certificate.

She however instituted a suit against the federal government and also joined the Attorney General of the Federation.

Delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Taiwo who granted all the reliefs prayed by the plaintiff, noted that Adeosun, who graduated in a London University in 1989 at 22, was already 36 years old when she returned to Nigeria, adding that in line with the requirements of the scheme she was exempted from service.

According to the judge, Adeosun cannot present herself for National Youth Service because under the 1979 Constitution, which was in force at the time of her graduation, she was not a Nigerian citizen either at the time of her graduation or when she turned 30.

The court held that available fact before it proved that the former minister was a United Kingdom citizen having been born there in 1967 and remained there till 2003 when she came back to Nigeria.

He noted further that Adeosun, who became a Nigerian citizen by virtue of the 1999 Constitution which came into force on May 29, 1999, did not possess a Nigerian passport at graduation and therefore was not affected by the NYSC Act.

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Justice Taiwo said that Adeosun would have committed a grave crime against Nigeria if she had participated in the NYSC when she returned having attained the exemption age and marked 36 years.

The judge stated that the constitution did not require the plaintiff to present her first-degree certificate or any other certificate, including the NYSC certificate, before she could be appointed as a minister.

To this extent, the court held that the ministerial appointment of Adeosun was not illegal, neither was it unconstitutional, even without presenting the NYSC certificate.

In its ruling on a suit for constitutional interpretation filed at the court in March 2021 by the firm of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, on behalf of Adeosun, the court said since the 1979 constitution, which was in force at the time did not recognise dual citizenship, Adeosun could not have served because she was a British citizen.

Adeosun graduated from the University of East London in 1989 at the age of 22.

The court ruled that Nigerian citizenship only reverted under extant constitution by which time Adeosun was well above 30, and by the court ruling ineligible to participate in NYSC scheme as the scheme was exclusively reserved for Nigerians.

The court accordingly granted all reliefs sought by Adeosun's counsel.
The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) in collaboration with the International Organization for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJ) has published a report on genocide, religious persecution, among other crimes in Nigeria.

The report titled "Nigeria's Silent Slaughter: Genocide in Nigeria and the Implications for the International Community reveals how the Boko Haram terrorist group killed more than 40, 000 Nigerians.

It also exposed the ongoing attack by militants, who according to the report, killed many Nigerians, primarily Christian farmers.

Based on the data collected between January 2000 and January 2020, deaths resulting from Militant attacks are recorded to be 19, 101 across the country. Similarly, 52, 861 is recorded to have been killed by the Boko Haram terrorists' group, while 44, 303 were documented killed by other actors.

The report presents researched and documented data and analysis that highlights the critical need for intervention by the United States (coordinated by an empowered Presidential envoy) to address this situation in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

ICON states that it had empowered a team of international lawyers to make a prima facie case that religious persecution/genocide is occurring and call on the United States to intervene and coordinate an international response to address the growing human rights abuses and threats in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region.

The NGO expects the Nigerian government to upgrade the quality of service chiefs to personnel who can demonstrably, emphatically, and proactively tackle and address the present crisis of insecurity in order to make the country safe again.

It also, among others, expects the Nigerian government to review the country's constitution. This, according to the report, will correct inconsistencies, inequalities, and jurisprudential mischief that compromise the letter and spirit of the country's civil association as political community.

Vanguard News Nigeria
The governors also urge President Buhari to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.

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.

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"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 forum's 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.
Presidente @FSagasti: Con este lote de mas de 13 000 dosis de vacunas, el Gobierno entrego mas de 150 000 dosis a la region #Huanuco. Asimismo, entregaremos equipamiento medico, que fortalecera la capacidad de UCI en hospitales de la region.#AccionesEnLasRegiones pic.twitter.com/oSWrZRQcpE
YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. Prosecutor General of Armenia Artur Davtyan met with Prosecutor General of Italy Giovanni Salvi in St. Petersburg, Russia, on the sidelines of the Conference of Heads of Prosecutors Offices of European States, Mr. Davtyans Office told Armenpress.

The cooperation between the Offices of the Armenian and Italian Prosecutor Generals were discussed.

Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan said Armenia and Italy have signed a lot of international agreements within the Council of Europe and the UN which give broad opportunities for the provision of legal mutual support.

Both sides noted that the coronavirus-related restrictions hadnt had a great impact on the international cooperation as the use of online communication tools allowed to avoid the delays of respective events.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. At the beginning of the Cabinet meeting today, caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan touched upon the launch of the new patrol service of the Armenian police force.

Yesterday a very important event took place in the life of our Republic. In particular, the Patrol Police started its operation in Yerevan. This is a new type of police, both in terms of content and human means. Nearly 700 patrol police officers conduct service, and I want to note that 70% of the staff are people who have not worked in the police before, in other words, they came to the police from a civilian life. And the 30% are the police officers who must bring their best experience, and we will have a new type of police, Pashinyan said.

He informed that the road police has stopped its operation in Yerevan from July 7, and now a special unit of road police is operating which has completely different function and will not communicate with the citizens for the maintenance of legal order.

The patrol service conducts the functions of both the road police and the patrol service, as well as conducts functions on preventing, revealing crimes, etc. I want to note that we have received a mandate from the people to carry out more decisive and more thoughtful reforms, the positive outcome of which would be maximally predictable. The process of introducing the patrol service must continue definitely in the future, he said, thanked the international partners  the US, EU and World Bank for the support provided to the program.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. More than 5,000 vaccinations against COVID-19 have been carried out in Armenia on July 7, which is a record high number, caretaker Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan said during the Cabinet meeting today.

Yesterday we have registered 186 new cases [of COVID-19]. Of course, we have conducted more tests  5093. We observe increase in new cases and reproductive rate, which once again warns that we need to pay focus on accelerating the vaccination process, she said.

She informed that as of now a total of 97,711 COVID-19 vaccinations have been carried out in Armenia. The number of yesterdays vaccinations is 5416. And we need to keep this growth rate. Two-three weeks ago we were conducting up to 2000 vaccinations, she said, adding that the citizens trust towards the vaccines has increased. All the three vaccines are available for all citizens in Armenia: people can choose which one they want. Actions are being taken to import other vaccines to Armenia.

In his turn caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the current figure of vaccinations should not decline, adding that the trust towards the vaccines is increasing worldwide.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. Many foreigners visit Armenia for getting vaccinated against COVID-19, which causes a lot of queues in polyclinics in downtown Yerevan, caretaker Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan said at the Cabinet meeting.

She informed that yesterday a decision has been adopted according to which the polyclinics will provide service only to the citizens of Armenia and those who have a residence permit.

But those arriving from abroad can get vaccinated at outdoor mobile sites. And we hope this problem of queues will be solved. This once again shows how important is the existence of vaccines in the country, the government has made all efforts for providing them to the citizens free of charge, she said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. On the sidelines of consultations with the heads of a number of political forces, caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received today leader of the Prosperous Armenia party Gagik Tsarukyan, Pashinyans Office told Armenpress.

Pashinyan thanked Tsarukyan for accepting the invitation to meet and stated: I have already released our assessment: according to it the domestic political crisis has been overcome as a result of the elections. I think we need to take all possible measures to solve the problems facing our country, to unite the cooperation forces and find correct formats.

Of course, the Prosperous Armenia party has played a very tangible role in the political life of Armenia for many years. The party, however, lost these elections, but I think that it still remains an influential force in Armenias domestic political life, Pashinyan said, expressing wish to listen to the party leaders views and positions.

Dear Mr. Prime Minister, after the elections, as I thanked the people, the voters, I also said that not everything depends on the mandate, if there is no mandate, it doesnt mean that we are not with the people. We stand by the people, we have discussed and informed about our vision, our approach on how to overcome this situation. Regardless of not being represented in the Parliament, we stand by our people, he said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. As part his consultations with a number of extra-parliamentary political forces, caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan today met with head of Free Democrats Party Khachatur Kokobelyan.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Free Democrats Party did not participate in the parliamentary elections and highlighted the importance of holding regular consultations with extra-parliamentary forces in the current stage of the political life.

''Of course, it was possible to overcome the domestic political crisis through the early parliamentary elections, but this does not mean that the challenges the rose in front of our country as a result of the war have been also overcome. We have numerous challenges and we think that for overcoming them we must involve the best of our public and national potential.

I would like to hear your opinions over the future of the political life and also your approaches about what we can do to make the Government and extra-parliamentary forces could have better interaction'', Pashinyan said.

Khachatur Kokobelyan thanked for the invitation and for the opportunity to talk about the important issues raised by Nikol Pashinyan. ''I want to congratulate you on the occasion of the elections, as well as the international assessments, which are undoubtedly important for our country. Naturally, there can be some problems and we should understand that.

Of course, I will not conceal that I would like the pre-election campaign to be organized slightly otherwise. And maybe that was one of the main reasons that we did not want to participate. But I have to emphasize that you have come across a very difficult period and I mean not only the war, but in general, related with the institutions and different factors, Kokobelyan said.

He noted that for now the most important issues are security and the war prisoners.

Khachatur Kokobelyan considered such discussions very important, noting that it is impossible to solve those problems only behind closed doors.

''Naturally, the Armenia we all dream of is a developed Armenia with its own economy and security system. And such problems are not solved in one day. But I think there is an opportunity to solve those problems, there is an opportunity to put Armenia on the right track in terms of development. I will not hide that you, of course, have that opportunity. I hope that you will make full use of it. We are living in an absolutely new reality and that must be comprehended'', head of ''Free Democrats' Party Khachatur Kokobelyan said.
YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. Head of the Integration and Development Analytical-Research NGO, coordinator of the Eurasian Expert Club, political analyst Aram Safaryan thinks that the Armenian-Russian military-political and military-technical relations are at the highest level since the independence of Armenia.

Commenting on Putin-Pashinyan meeting in Moscow, Aram Safaryan told ARMENPRESS that bilateral military-political and military-technical relations have never been so interconnected, coordinated and deep-rooted as they have been in the recent months.

- Mr. Safaryan, caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan paid a working visit to Moscow on July 7, where he met with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. This was his first foreign visit after the snap parliamentary elections. The Russian President congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on the election results. The two leaders touched upon the Armenian-Russian relations, the Nagorno Karabakh issue, the border situation, the issue of prisoners of war, the supply of Russian vaccines, etc. In your opinion, what was the main purpose of the visit, what results can be expected after this meeting, especially on security and POWs issues?

- Thank you. This visit, as a political event, has several messages. The first message is that the caretaker Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, soon the Prime Minister, pays his first foreign visit to Moscow. This shows the place of the Russian Federation, official Moscow in the political realities of Armenia, as well as shows how the legitimately elected government of Armenia highlights building multifaceted relations with its strategic ally, ready to start that process immediately after the elections.

Speaking about the second message, Aram Safaryan noted that the meeting shows that Russia, as Armenia's key military-political partner and security guarantor, is interested in Armenia's problems, is ready to assist and will spare no efforts to exert influence on Azerbaijan in order to resolve the issues raised. Aram Safaryan noted that the main problems facing Armenia at the moment are delimitation and demarcation issues and the POWs issue.

Under the trilateral agreement of November 9, 2020 we have the right to expect an exchange of prisoners "all for all." We have the right to expect that our captives will be returned to us in the nearest and shortest possible time, without undue complication, without politicizing this process unnecessarily, without going through the propaganda of enmity and hatred. We have the right to expect this; our society has demanded from the authorities that all resources be used so that these people can return to their relatives. As you can see, the process is continuous, it has already taken place in two stages, but most of them have not returned yet, we are waiting for the majority. From this point of view, it is very important that when the Armenian leader says to the Russian leader, "Please, use your influence and opportunities to speed up this process", we are assured at that level that Russia will spare no effort on bringing this process to a logical conclusion under the agreement, Safaryan said.
YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. Tajikistan needs technical assistance, but there is no need for CSTO collective forces to defend the border with Afghanistan, ARMENPRESS reports Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff Anatoly Sidorov said in an interview with RT.

"Based on what we saw here, our contacts with the leaders and heads of the law enforcement agencies, we came to the conclusion that at present there is no need to replenish forces from other CSTO member states," he said.

According to him, there are some difficulties, and in all probability, it will be necessary to provide logistical support.

The Taliban movement has set up checkpoints on the Afghan-Tajik border. Sidorov said that no aggressive actions are currently being observed in the northern parts of Afghanistan.

Earlier, Tajikistan applied for the assistance of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states to meet the challenges posed by Afghanistan.
Finance Ministry said it has not received any order from any French court and will take appropriate legal remedies after it gets an order

Cairn Energy Plc has secured a French court order to seize some 20 government properties in Paris to recover a part of the USD 1.72 billion due from New Delhi.(Photo: Twitter @CairnEnergy)

New Delhi: In a setback to India, Britain's Cairn Energy Plc has secured a French court order to seize some 20 government properties in Paris to recover a part of the USD 1.72 billion due from New Delhi following an arbitration panel overturning levy of retrospective taxes.

The centrally located properties mostly comprise of flats, valued at more than EUR 20 million, were used by Indian government establishment in France, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The French court, Tribunal Judiciaire de Paris, on June 11 agreed to Cairn's application to freeze (through judicial mortgages) residential real estate owned by the Government of India in central Paris, they said adding the legal formalities for the same was completed on Wednesday evening.

While Cairn is unlikely to evict the Indian officials residing in those properties, the government cannot sell them after the court order.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry said it has not received any order from any French court and will take appropriate legal remedies after it gets an order.

In its statement, Cairn further said that in absence of any resolution to its tax dispute, it must take all necessary legal actions to protect the interests of its international shareholders.

A three-member international arbitration tribunal that consisted of one judge appointed by India, had in December last year unanimously overturned the levy of taxes on Cairn retrospectively and ordered refund of shares sold, dividend confiscated and tax refunds withheld to recover such demand.

The government has not accepted the award and has filed a 'setting aside' petition in a court in the Netherlands - the seat of the arbitration.

With its shareholders - who include the biggies of the global financial world - egging it to get the money back, Cairn has got the arbitration award registered in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Mauritius, France and the Netherlands. It has since started seeking enforcement action.

It has identified USD 70 billion of Indian assets overseas for the potential seizure to collect award, which now totals to USD 1.72 billion after including interest and penalty.

Last month, Cairn brought a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York pleading that Air India is controlled by the Indian government so much that they are 'alter egos' and the airline should be held liable for the arbitration award.

Similar lawsuits are likely to be brought in other countries, primarily with high-value assets.

Stating that the government of India has not received any notice, order or communication from any French court, the finance ministry said it is trying to ascertain the facts, and whenever such an order is received, appropriate legal remedies will be taken, in consultation with its counsels, to protect the interests of India.

Government of India will vigorously defend its case in Set Aside proceedings at The Hague, it said. It is also stated that the CEO and the representatives of Cairns have approached the Government of India for discussions to resolve the matter. Constructive discussions have been held and the Government remains open for an amicable solution to the dispute within the country's legal framework.

Cairn also said it is looking an amicable settlement.

Our strong preference remains an agreed, amicable settlement with the Government of India to draw this matter to a close, and to that end, we have submitted a detailed series of proposals to them since February this year, it said.

However, in the absence of such a settlement, Cairn said it must take all necessary legal actions to protect the interests of its international shareholders.

Sources said the French court order affects some 20 centrally located properties, belonging to the Indian Government, as part of a guarantee of the debt owed to Cairn.

This is the necessary preparatory step to taking ownership of the properties and ensures that the proceeds of any sales would be due to Cairn, one of the persons said.

The move by Cairn is similar to a court in the British Virgin Islands ordering in December last year hotels in New York and Paris owned by Pakistan International Airlines to be used to settle a claim against Pakistan's government by a Canadian-Chilean copper company.

The Scottish firm invested in the oil and gas sector in India in 1994 and a decade later it made a huge oil discovery in Rajasthan. In 2006 it listed its Indian assets on the BSE. Five years after that the government passed retroactive tax law and billed Cairn Rs 10,247 crore plus interest and penalty for the reorganisation tied to the flotation.

The state then expropriated and liquidated Cairn's remaining shares in the Indian entity, seized dividends and withheld tax refunds to recover a part of the demand.
A lion in Kenya

Conflict between people and wild animals is one of the main threats to the survival of some of the worlds most iconic species, a report has warned.

Human-wildlife conflict is a development and humanitarian issue as well as a conservation concern, with people at risk of losing their lives, livestock and incomes due to wild species such as lions or elephants, the study said.

The report from the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) and nature charity WWF is calling for efforts to help humans and wildlife coexist to be included in plans to implement UN sustainable development goals.

Polar bear mother and cub scavenging, Cape Tobin, Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

It also calls for measures to support human-wildlife coexistence to be at the heart of the new international framework to help nature, being decided by world leaders at a global meeting in October in Kunming, China.

The study, which involved 155 experts from 40 organisations in 27 countries, warns that humans and wildlife live together on more than half the Earths surface.

A rising demand for space, made worse by climate change and loss of natural habitats, means interaction between people and wild animals are on the increase, the report said.

In some cases, people kill animals in self-defence or as pre-emptive or retaliatory killings, with conflict-related killing affecting more than 75% of the worlds wild cats as well as species such as polar bears and elephants.

The report highlights how 121 people were killed by elephants in Sri Lanka in 2019, while 405 wild elephants also died as a result of human-elephant conflict, as increasing deforestation means the animals more frequently encounter people when moving from one area of forest to another.

Enclosure built using recycled plastic poles to protect livestock (Mara Predator Conservation Programme/PA)

In Tanzania an average of 60 people are killed and 150 lions die each year as a result of human-lion conflict, which often happens at night when livestock are in traditional enclosures or free-ranging.

As well as the risk of death, communities may find incomes hit by loss of livestock, competition with wild animals over natural resources and damage to their land and crops  sometimes occurring on top of other devastating problems such as war or drought.

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But the report also highlights how effective management can reduce human-wildlife conflict.

WWF said it was working on solutions to help people and wildlife live side-by-side, such as a project in the Mara in Kenya where 46 plastic pole predator-proof enclosures have been built to protect 4,600 cattle from night-time predation.

Paul De Ornellas, chief wildlife adviser at WWF, said: People around the world benefit from wildlife populations flourishing as key parts of healthy ecosystems that provide vital services on which we rely, such as food, and support livelihoods.

This report is a clarion call to elevate the problem of human-wildlife conflict and give it the attention it deserves in national and international processes

Susan Gardner, Unep

But too often those living closest to wildlife, who are often among the most marginalised and vulnerable communities on our planet, bear all the risks and see few of the benefits.

As climate change and habitat loss drive people and wildlife ever closer together, world leaders attending the Kunming biodiversity conference in October must put the effective management of human-wildlife coexistence at the centre of plans to halt the destruction of nature.

Susan Gardner, director of Uneps ecosystems division, said: This report is a clarion call to elevate the problem of human-wildlife conflict and give it the attention it deserves in national and international processes.

It is a call for the adoption of approaches that identify and address the deeper, underlying causes of conflict while developing systemic solutions with affected communities as active and equal participants in the process.

As demonstrated in many of the case studies in this report, coexistence is both possible and attainable.

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American Airlines jet on runway (AP)

A US flight was cancelled after 30 teenagers on board a jet refused to wear face masks, according to reports.

Dozens were left stranded when the captain of an American Airlines service from North Carolina to Nassau in the Bahamas refused to take off.

Flight 893 was forced to remain on the ground because the youngsters allegedly would not comply with legal requirements at 9.30am local time on Monday.

As a result, the 17 and 18-year-olds were forced to sleep in Charlotte Douglas International Airport overnight as they were too young to check into a hotel.

Passengers also on the service said the group from Boston were very obnoxious.

They are believed to be on their way to the Bahamas for a graduation trip.

Malik Banks, who was seated next to them, said: It was bad. First, they were yelling. They were cursing. They were being very obnoxious.

Fellow passenger Stephanie Krzywanski filmed the bust up and called local news station WLTX from the cabin.

She said: There were a group of high school seniors celebrating their graduation who were being rowdy and not wearing their masks.

"What transpired was a lot of back and forth between, I assume, the parents.

Christina Randolph added: All they had to do was follow the rules, put the mask on, sit there. No smart-mouth comments. And they couldnt do it.

An airline spokesperson confirmed to WLTX the group was non-compliant with the federal mask mandate that requires passengers to wear a face covering on planes.

Police sources said that no one was arrested.

A spokesperson for American Airlines told The Standard: Prior to departure on July 5, multiple members of a group traveling on American Airlines Flight 893 from Charlotte (CLT) to Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) were reported to be noncompliant with federal mask requirements, became disruptive to other customers and refused to follow crew member instructions while on board.

As a result of issues associated with members of the group, the flight incurred multiple delays before departing for NAS on Tuesday, July 6.

Story continues

We expect our customers to comply with our policies when they choose to fly with us, and we take action when that is not the case. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.

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Trump supporters rally outside the ballot counting headquarters

Democracy relies on winners and losers - but there is a section of the US electorate that won't trust results when Donald Trump is the loser.

Volunteers in a bright green, blue and yellow t-shirts use matching spinning turntables to review stacks of ballots. Others photograph them or scrutinise folds in the paper.

It was June 2021, and ballots from the 2020 presidential election were still being counted here in a stadium in Maricopa, Arizona's largest county.

The unusual, Republican-led audit of the state's election result, in which Joe Biden was declared the winner of the race in Arizona by the slimmest of margins, began in April.

The process is hailed as a "forensic" truth finding mission by former President Donald Trump and his supporters - but critics consider it a "fraudit" fueled by sore losers.

The audit results have yet to be released. They will not change the outcome of the election. But the continuing effort has pitted populist voters who back Mr Trump against traditional Republican conservatives, and threatens to split the party.

About a dozen Trump supporters pray as the audit goes on

"There's a lot of people in Arizona that questioned whether the 2020 election was done correctly and so the State Senate asked for an audit," said Ken Bennett, a former Arizona Secretary of State and an audit spokesman. "We're out here counting every ballot."

Mr Bennett says they are just trying to identify any fraud or irregularities to improve the system.

But many - including some of the volunteers recounting ballots - believe that the results could be overturned and that Donald Trump could be reinstated US president this summer (he won't).

The temperature outside the stadium stood at 111F (44C), but despite the sweltering heat, a dozen Trump supporters were gathered to pray. A handful of others sat under a pop-up shade tent with signs reading "Expose Voter Fraud" and "Ban The Machines."

"We want the truth to come out. We just want the truth," said one of the men in the shade, surrounded by Trump 2020 signs.

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I didn't catch his name because I was politely asked to leave the private car park by a man armed with an assault rifle, which can be legally openly carried in Arizona.

Sunset over Maricopa County

The security detail for Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs arrived first at the cafe where I met her on a blistering hot day. Since the 2020 election, she has received death threats and armed protesters have turned up outside her home.

"It's a sham," she said of the ballot counting. "This is not a real election audit". But the exercise could cause real destruction.

"I'm very concerned about what Trump's followers' response is going to be when their audit report comes out," she said.

Secretary Hobbs is a Democrat, but her sentiments are shared by many Republicans who fear their party and country are being further divided by the audit. Every elected official in Maricopa County - most of them Republicans - signed a letter dismissing it as a "circus".

The audit "is a black eye to the state of Arizona and Maricopa County and it needs to stop," said Bill Gates, a Maricopa County supervisor, adding that it's "tearing at the foundations of our Democratic Republic".

Stephen Richer, the Maricopa County Recorder, agreed. He is "100 percent confident" that the election results in Arizona were accurate, he said, and feared this audit will discourage voters from turning up at future elections.

"I just don't see how it's a logical campaign approach to go around telling people that the system's rigged, their vote doesn't matter, but please vote for us in 2022," Mr Richer said. "That seems silly."

Signs hung up by Trump supporters outside the stadium where Arizona's 2020 election audit is taking place

Yet the audit has become a regular stop on the campaign trail of Republicans trying to align themselves with Mr Trump and his supporters. Delegates from more than 12 battleground states have visited the audit site in the last few weeks and many have called for something similar to be replicated in their states.

It's put Republicans in a tricky position. Arguably, Donald Trump remains the most popular Republican in the United States - rejecting his conspiracies and claims of voter fraud risks losing the votes of his most ardent supporters.

But that's only about 30% of the Republican party and no matter how engaged they are, elections can't be won with such a slim fraction of votes.

"The whole effort is drawing the Republican Party into this minority party that's never going to be in a position to win significant elections," said Mr Gates. The Maricopa supervisor wants his party to get back to Reagan-style, traditional, small government values.

"We need to win on ideas, not on insults."

Mr Bennett, the audit spokesman, said he wished Democrats would join the process. He invited Secretary Hobbs to be his co-liaison between the Cyber Ninjas and the Senate.

Ms Hobbs is unlikely to show up any time soon. The Democrat, now running for governor, is focused on the 2022 elections. Many Republicans in Arizona wish their party would do the same.
Val Kilmer documentary charts Hollywood rise and fall Val Kilmer's children Jack and Mercedes Kilmer attended the launch of "Val" at Cannes

Val Kilmer has made an intriguing and bittersweet return to the big screen at the Cannes film festival in a new documentary charting his stratospheric rise and later fall in Hollywood through his own home recordings.

The Amazon-produced documentary "Val" is a tender portrait of the actor, now 61, whose career has seen more ups and downs than the fighter jets in his breakout film "Top Gun".

Most striking is Kilmer's voice, turned into a near-incomprehensible rasp by treatment for throat cancer.

It has not quite ended his career -- he is due to reprise his iconic role as Iceman this autumn in the long-awaited sequel "Top Gun: Maverick".

But the documentary shows him as as a shadow of his former self, reduced to a life of signing autographs at conventions -- as he puts it, "selling his old self".

The film draws heavily from Kilmer's huge library of home videos -- he carried a camera with him throughout his life -- providing intimate behind-the-scenes footage from his hits, including "Tombstone", "The Doors" and "Batman Forever".

- 'Difficult' reputation -

The Hollywood Reporter described the film as "agile and alive", and praised the frankness of its star: "How many certified movie stars would allow themselves to be filmed so physically altered, and on the inescapable downslope of an A-list career?"

There is a juicy clash with director John Frankenheimer on the set of "The Island of Dr Moreau", a flop that marked the start of his career's decline in the late 1990s, but the documentary mostly downplays his obsessive -- and reportedly exasperating -- work habits.

"The film-makers sometimes gloss over aspects of Kilmer's legacy that would have been fascinating to interrogate, such as his reputation for being difficult with his directors," wrote Screen Daily.

But it said there was "a fragility to 'Val' -- and not just in Kilmer's physical presence -- that's unexpectedly moving."

Story continues

Kilmer was the youngest person ever accepted to New York's fabled Juilliard school and longed to make serious films, only to find himself in a series of schlocky blockbusters and expensive flops.

"Being difficult was the price he made everyone pay for trapping him in a system he found too little satisfaction in," said Variety.

Chastened by a decade or more of low-budget movies, Kilmer was mounting a comeback in the 2010s with a successful stage show about Mark Twain that he hoped to turn into a film, when he was struck by cancer.

"Yet he now has the aura of a man who was dealt his cosmic comeuppance and came through it," wrote Variety. "He fell from stardom, maybe from grace, but he did it his way."

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AUBURN  Artist Terry Plater, of Ithaca, has traveled extensively in Europe and Africa, and less widely in the Caribbean and Asia.

I'm naturally curious and I'm an experiential learner to a certain extent, so being there in order to know works for me, she said. I've also been most interested in getting to know places that are as different from the United States as possible, with respect to politics, religion, and ethnicity and culture.

But Platers current exhibition, Harriets Legacy, focuses a lot closer to home: her own family and locations in upstate New York that were stops along the Underground Railroad.

The idea for this show came together in an iterative fashion as I contemplated three things: the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans in the now United States; the release of the film Harriet, which so richly conveyed the life, struggles and triumphs of Harriet Tubman; and an ongoing project I have been undertaking, painting from old family photographs, she said.
"I think the New York State Department of Health understands the developmentally critical nature nature of having school be as normal as possible for our children," said Hamburg School Superintendent Michael Cornell, who also is president of the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association.

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.
The 27 rest stops along the New York State Thruway are about to get a massive makeover.

Construction begins this month at 10 service areas  Chittenango, Clarence, Clifton Springs, Indian Castle, Iroquois, Junius Ponds and Pembroke on Interstate 90 and Ardsley, New Baltimore and Plattekill off I-87. The rest stops will close July 29 for the initial phase of a $450 million project  the first major improvements to the service areas in three decades.

The rest stops, with the exception of fuel services, will be closed during construction. The first phase continues in 2022 with construction at six more service areas  Oneida, Pattersonville, Scottsville and Seneca on I-90 and Sloatsburg and Ulster on I-87. Work at the remaining 11 service areas will commence in 2023.

"This expansive project will modernize the buildings and amenities, provide diverse and healthy food options with new restaurants and Taste NY products, and enhance the amenities for the commercial trucking industry," said Matthew Driscoll, executive director of the Thruway Authority.
The collaboration between the private and public sectors is important, according to Natarajan. He said that the combined efforts can help increase resiliency against cyber threats.

"We want to have reasonable response capabilities," Natarajan said. "But, ideally, we want to prevent these from even occurring."

Katko has been a proponent of increased funding for CISA, which is within the Department of Homeland Security. He wants to make it a $5 billion agency, even though budget proposals have fallen short of that target.

He, along with Natarajan, also highlighted the jobs that are available in cybersecurity fields. While there is a cybersecurity workforce shortage, there are efforts to encourage more people to pursue careers. More colleges are offering cybersecurity programs and there are even cybersecurity programs available at community colleges.

With more collaboration and educational opportunities, Katko hopes his goal can be achieved.

"To get to the point where we are not just talking about what happened with an attack, we are talking about how our systems are hardened that we're thwarting attacks," he said. "We do every day, and we need to do a better job of that."

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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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."
Marvel veteran Eric Pearson had the task of writing the script and took advantage of the fact that the character seemed to change and become more emotionally vulnerable between Civil War and Infinity War/Endgame, which is when Black Widow is set.

Were looking at what happened there, Pearson said. What happened when she went back and confronted her past that unlocked her heart and kind of opened her up to the world and eventually led her to make that all-time sacrifice at the end of Endgame.

Part of that involved introducing a sort-of sister character in Yelena Belova, played as an adult by Florence Pugh, who also had the traumatic experience of being trained in the Red Room as a child.

Florence is so vibrant and interesting to watch that you think, OK... theres going to be life here, Johansson said.

Despite not really knowing one another beforehand, they quickly connected on set, partly due to a natural chemistry between the two and partly due to the extreme nature of filming a big budget action thriller.
Sergio Rodriguez, who lives near the RV park, said he raced to the scene fearing friends staying at the park might be hurt.

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.

In South Carolina, a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah crew rescued a family that became stranded on Otter Island on Wednesday after their boat drifted off the beach due to Elsa. A man, his wife and daughter, and three cousins were hoisted into a helicopter and taken to Charleston Executive Airport in good health Wednesday night, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

The hurricane center said rainfall totals between 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) were expected through Friday for eastern Mid-Atlantic states and into New England. Isolated totals up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) were possible. There was a risk of considerable flash and urban flooding.

More than 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain was recorded at a weather station near Gainesville, Florida, the weather service reported.
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.
Johnston initially was skeptical about leading circles virtually. I just dont do things like that, he recalled saying when he first was approached. But the work has made for meaningful experiences and conversations.

When the time for individual sharing comes, Johnston said, frequent topics include loss, isolation, sadness, students being separated from or locked down on reservations or contracting COVID-19 themselves.

Beyond concerns about the pandemic, the circle offers a chance to talk about issues that are likely best understood by other Indigenous people, said Tony Velarde, 24, of Chandler, a member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation whos studying political science.

I could just keep coming back and be like, Guys, this is the thing and this sucks and I just want to share it with you, Velarde said. Especially if the issue was particularly because you were Native, there werent a lot of other places you could share that information, where people would understand it to that degree.

Laura Gonzales-Macias, interim director of ASUs American Indian Student Support Services, described the talking circle as a gathering of a safe space, a place that recognizes there have been some devastating impacts in tribal communities.
Allen West, the former chairman of the Texas GOP, has announced he will challenge Gov. Greg Abbott in the GOP primary. Former GOP state Sen. Don Huffines and conservative commentator Chad Prather also announced runs for the job. On the Democrat side, former US Rep. Beto ORourke and actor Matthew McConaughey are mulling runs for governor. If the election were today, who gets your vote for Texas governor?

You voted:
Once again, the US showed it's two-faced by denying over 500 Chinese students' visa applications to study in the US.

Of the affected students, a quarter had been awarded US scholarships and had received offers to pursue postgraduate studies as STEM majors at top US universities.

Though the Biden administration said in April it would ease restrictions on Chinese and other students traveling to the United States and most affected students submitted visa applications after President Joe Biden took office, the rejections were still based on the Trump-era Immigration and Nationality Act and Presidential Proclamation 10043, which suspends entry for Chinese students and researchers who Washington deems as being connected to China's "military-civil fusion strategy".

How hypocritical that the US pretends to hold an open attitude to international students while actually sticking to the wrong policy of suppressing Chinese students and scholars. Such a policy to sever academic exchanges will only release more political viruses and further poison the already severely damaged Sino-US ties.

Such a move not only harms the legitimate rights of the Chinese students, interrupting the normal education and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, but also casts a shadow on US higher education.

China remained the largest source of international students in the US. There were over 372,000 Chinese graduate students and Optional Practical Training students in the US from 2019 to 2020, and this number has been increasing for the 16th consecutive year, according to the Institute of International Education, a nonprofit in New York.

No doubt the US administration's discrimination against Chinese students will prompt many Chinese families to remake their decisions after they feel the chill of the US's wrong policy. The policy will eventually deal a blow to the whole US education market for international students.

To play smart and wise, the US should stop using all kinds of excuses to restrict and suppress Chinese students, and create a healthy atmosphere for China-US people-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation.

The US-China relationship is chilly, and "trust deficits" should be mended. The key to increasing mutual confidence is rational dialogue and active communication. Only by establishing people-to-people exchanges for dialogue can the two countries avoid strategic misjudgment.

An effective favorable condition for Sino-US cultural and educational exchanges for coordination can be an antidote to the poison of the US political atmosphere. US politicians shouldn't destroy that.




On July 7, China Investigation Police University held an auction of eliminated police dogs. A buyer told reporters that 54 police dogs had been auctioned off on the spot within half a day, and the highest bid was 330,000 yuan($50,985).

On June 22, the official website of the university issued the "Announcement on the Sale of Eliminated Dogs". Each dog starts at about $30, with bids increasing by $7.70 until the auction ends. The school said buyers must sign an agreement to follow government regulations for the proper care of the canines, which the new owners will be prohibited from reselling or otherwise rehoming.

The school said the 54 dogs, most of them German Shepherds, were rejected from the police dog training program for reasons including timid personalities, physical weakness or frailty, failure to follow instructions and refusing to bite when prompted.




After hosting a successful father-daughter dance earlier this year, the Beatrice Mary Family YMCA is having a new event just for the moms. Its first Mom Prom will be held at Classics, 1301 Oak St. in Beatrice, on Saturday, July 10 starting at 7 p.m.

Shely Bauman, the YMCAs Wellness Director, said tickets are $30 and people can pre-order or walk-in the day of. She said despite the name, any woman 21 and older is welcome to attend, whether theyre a parent or not.

Classics is catering heavy hors doeuvres, and well have games throughout the night and dancing, Bauman said. We have a fun game to find a prom queen. Really, its just about women celebrating being women.

According to the Mom Prom website, the event was created in Canton, Michigan in 2006 at St. Thomas aBecket Catholic Church. It is a ladies night out for charity in which women wear their old prom gowns, bridesmaids dresses, wedding gowns, or formals and dance the night away for a worthy cause.

Any dress that women want to wear that they feel beautiful and perfect in, it doesnt have to be a prom dress, Bauman clarified.
BANGKOK (AP)  The Norwegian telecoms company Telenor, one of the biggest carriers in Myanmar, said Thursday it has agreed to sell its entire operations in the country to the M1 Group, a Lebanese-based investment firm, for $105 million.

Telenor earlier announced it was writing off the value of the business after a military takeover ignited a public backlash and the authorities imposed limits on mobile and internet access.

Further deterioration of the situation and recent developments in Myanmar form the basis for the decision to divest the company, Telenor said in a statement.

It said Beirut-based M1 Group would take over its entire Myanmar business, acquiring 100% of the company, its spectrum, licenses, contracts and operations, employees and customers. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals in Myanmar.

The implied value of the entire business is about $600 million, it said.

Telenor earlier had said its continued presence in the country would depend on whether it could contribute positively to the people of Myanmar" under the current military leadership, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Steep limestone ridges prevented fire engines from reaching portions of the fire during the crews initial attack, according to an update posted Tuesday from the BIA. A Type Two Interagency Crew has arrived at the scene, with the total personnel assigned to the Section House fire now at around 100 people. Spang said winds Tuesday evening did stir up the fire while it burned within the completed fire line, but they did not spur any spot fires outside of the line.

Although the fire is burning in an area near fasting sites and burial grounds that are significant to the Crow Tribe, and buildings that have stood since the start of the 1900s, Spang said that none have been damaged. The entire 260 acres that the fire has burned are in a section of land leased to a local rancher as a grazing management unit, but all of the ranchers cattle are safely out of danger.

Over the next several days, Spang said crews will start to make their way into the interior of the burn, starting from the dozer line. With temperatures looking to cool starting Friday, he said firefighters should reach about 100 yards into the dozer line by Sunday.

From what weve experienced on the Buffalo Pasture fire and the Crooked Creek fire, theres one big burning period, then a mop-up for a week later, he said.
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.
The health department is proposing to add a variety of services to achieve those goals. That includes adding contingency management to an outpatient treatment pilot program. Contingency management is an approach that encourages positive behavior changes, like abstaining from drugs, by reinforcing when a patient meets treatment goals and withholding that reinforcement or punishing negative behaviors.

One report on the approach said that positive reinforcement could be a voucher to buy something, and withholding that voucher or a negative report to a parole officer could be the withholding of reinforcement. The state is proposing that program for Medicaid members ages 18 and older with a stimulant- (cocaine, methamphetamines or other drugs) use disorder.

The waiver application includes the proposal to add tenancy support services for Medicaid members ages 18 and older. The program would target those with a substance use disorder, serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance who experience chronic issues with accessing housing or housing instability and frequently engage with crisis systems or institutional care.

The tenancy support will include services to help a person prepare for and transition to housing and then maintain it.
One of the flights for Two Bear Air also has tech that allows them to detect cell phones in the area, even if there is no serviceAfter that flight, they detected other cells but not Tatums, she said.

A helicopter with the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office joined flights over the search area Wednesday.

Ground teams have already found her tent at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation, a hike of about eight miles from the West Fork Trailhead, and started searching the routes that she may have taken. Those include paths to the top of Sundance, Bowback, Castle and Whitetail mountains. Although none of the summits require ropes to reach, car-sized boulders, scree and snowfields make the terrain difficult to navigate. Three volunteer dog teams are searching the area around her camp.

Joining Red Lodge Fire and Rescue on Wednesday were search and rescue teams from Gallatin and Big Horn Counties, along with Park County in Wyoming. Personnel with the U.S. Forest Service, Yellowstone County and Carbon County sheriffs offices have brought the number of people in the search effort to around 50.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in the election, fled the country after the vote under official pressure. She urged Belarusians Thursday to subscribe to media channels on a popular messaging app to support independent media.

The regime is so much afraid of the truth that it blocks all independent media, denies accreditation to foreign journalists, shuts editorial offices, blocks editorials and puts editors behind bars, Tsikhanouskaya said. They hope that if they abduct journalists and close media outlets people will forget about falsifications, violence and repressions by the regime. But our memory and the truth are stronger than that.

The European Union and the United States have responded to the crackdown by slapping Belarus with sanctions. They have imposed new, tougher restrictions after Belarus diverted a passenger jet on May 23 to arrest an opposition journalist.

Speaking Thursday to graduates of military academies, Lukashenko accused the West of trying to deprive us of our sovereignty and enforce external governance."

But we will not come down on our knees, he said. We are defending ourselves, our families, our children and our land.
With no data to show where the river is at now, it would be difficult to prove that changes to the Stillwater ecosystem could be damaging to the fishery, or the effects of possible climate change, Courtnage wrote in an email to TU members.

If we see deterioration we will at least know about it and do what we can to address it, Osborne said.

In concert with the water monitoring, Osborne also sought out partners through the Ucross Foundation-Yale School of the Environment to fund a graduate student to conduct geographic information system research along the Stillwater River. This would update that data by focusing on key natural resource features in the basin. Mapping already shows points of diversion along the river and its tributaries increasing from about 550 in the 1800s to 2,400 by the 1900s.

Personal

The work is personal for Osborne, who has seen the effects of drought on lakes and rivers while on the job in Africa and Arizona. By building knowledge about the Stillwater River system, hes hoping to increase the cooperation of everyone reliant on the river and its water.
Midco is ramping up a $500 million fiber network upgrade throughout its Midwest footprint, an advancement executives say will benefit telehealth, education, government operations and remote working.

The cable provider in 2019 announced a goal to upgrade its network to 10-gigabit speed by 2030.

"Now we think we can do it sooner," President/CEO Pat McAdaragh told the Tribune in advance of Thursday's formal announcement. The phased upgrade begins in earnest in 2022, doubling Midco's fiber network to 22,000 miles.

Work in North Dakota will cost about $200 million, beginning with a $100 million first phase in Bismarck, Dickinson and Fargo, lasting about three years.

"Then immediately we'll begin spending the other $100 million and getting to areas we haven't gotten to done yet, so we're looking at more of a six-year process than 10," McAdaragh said.

More than 25 communities, many of them rural, stand to benefit from the upgrade in North Dakota, from Belfield to Buffalo.
The Billings County Commission will not pursue plans to build a bridge over the Little Missouri River across the property of landowners who objected to the project.

The county would have had to use eminent domain to carry out the effort at the site in the Badlands, which is a rugged and scenic landscape home to ranching and oil production in western North Dakota.

We did not want to do that," Commission Chairman Michael Kasian said. "We dont need any more enemies.

The three-member county commission decided 2-1 Tuesday to stop pursuing the project across the Short family ranch. County officials have thought for years about building another bridge over the river, with the idea gaining more traction over the past decade. The site where they ultimately sought to build the bridge and a road connecting to it through the Short ranch proved particularly controversial.

Family members who opposed the bridge are descendants of former U.S. Rep. Don Short and his father who established the ranch north of Medora. Among their concerns is that the bridge would have drawn oil-related traffic through the property.
The California state law has exemptions for some trips, such as travel needed to enforce California law and to honor contracts signed before the states were added to the list. Travel to conferences or out-of-state training are examples of trips that can be blocked, according to The Associated Press.

Its unclear what effect Californias travel ban will have, the AP reported. Bonta did not have information about how many state agencies have stopped sending state employees to the states on the list or the financial impact of California's travel ban on those states.

The Tribune's inquiries found only some memories of California visits to North Dakota in recent years.

California lawmakers met with a North Dakota interim legislative committee circa mid-2012 to learn about the Legacy Fund oil tax savings account and to tour the Bakken oil field.

"They came up here, and I think they spent two or three days here," said Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson. "That is the only time I remember we had anything to do with California."

Department of Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms recalled that a California state employee attended the 2019 Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission meeting in Medora.
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.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Sunday, July 4, 2021, dawned clear and bright, a cool breeze complementing the warm sun.

At the North Dakota Capitol, the breeze brought American flags lining both sides of the mall to attention while the sun flood-lighted the red, white and blue.

With due imagination, you could almost hear Thomas Jefferson and John Hancock and Ben Franklin and John Adams and the other 52 discussing that the Creator had endowed all people with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Never mind some apparent contradictions attributable to their time in history. They said all people. If these rights are endowed to all people, how many of us should not have them?

If these rights are unalienable, who can they be taken from?

History has proved these statements, from a bold declaration of freedom, to be as much aspirational as actual. Certain groups of people didnt get them when they should have. Others have had them snatched away when they shouldnt have been.

And yet we continue to prove that we aspire to live in a country where everyone -- no one gets left out -- should have life and liberty and an ability to pursue what they believe makes them happy.
Religion is critical to a free society because it provides the moral and ethical structure to guide people to act as they ought in a state where the government allows them to act as they want. []

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially endorsed the Declaration of Independence. Parades, public readings, and bonfires ensued. These spontaneous celebrations developed into the Independence Day traditions that Americans still enjoy today.

The United States has retained many of these festivities in the years since, yet it is worth considering how much of the framers actual philosophy has been preserved as well.

The United States was founded on the idea of liberty. As Thomas Jefferson famously declared in the Declaration of Independence, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The proximate cause of the American Revolution was to protect these rights among the colonists from infringement by Great Britain. But the ultimate goal was to create a society that protected these natural rights and liberties universally.

The founders understood, however, that liberty by itself cannot guarantee human flourishing. They recognized that religion is also necessary to realize the good life. One decade after the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote the following in Notes on the State of Virginia:

God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.

Jefferson correctly saw that the liberties of a nation cannot be secure when religion is removed as the basis for those freedoms.

Writing in the early 19th century, the French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville also commented on the important relationship between religion and liberty. In Democracy in America, Tocqueville wrote that American liberty was born in the bosom of religion and is still sustained in its arms.

But what is it about religious belief that is so important for sustaining liberty and achieving a good life? Tocqueville again offers an answer:

America is still the place in the world where the Christian religion has most retained true power over souls; and nothing shows better how useful and natural religion is to man, since the country where today it exercises the most dominion is at the same time the most enlightened and most free. . . . At the same time that the law allows the American people to do everything, religion prevents them from conceiving of everything and forbids them to dare everything.

Thus, religion is critical to a free society because it provides the moral and ethical structure to guide people to act as they ought in a state where the government allows them to act as they want.

There are certain behaviors and ways of life, knowable through human reason, which are morally correct and necessary for full human flourishing. The most basic of these  such as the prohibition on homicide  are enshrined in civil law and are generally accepted. Others  such as the importance of family, local community life, and charity  are not fully recognized by the state, but are still critical to human flourishing.

In a free society that emphasizes personal liberty, it is not the governments role to encourage or mandate these virtues. That is the proper role of true religion. Religion educates citizens and orders their lives towards the objective goods of civic and private life, away from the reach of the state. Its not just that the state is incapable of providing this structure from a practical standpoint. To do so would require the state to unjustly impinge upon the freedom of its citizens. In conjunction with liberty, religion is necessary to secure these facets of the good life.

The decline in religious values in previous decades has contributed to many of the problems in the modern world. As church attendance has declined since the 1950s, American society has grown more lonely, more atomized, and more materialistic. Citizens are still free to do what they want, but religion no longer guides them to do as they ought: to prioritize family, to participate in local community, and to live virtuously.

Contrary to the vision of the founders, America has retained the liberty inherent to a free society, but is no longer sustained in the arms of religion, and that is a problem.

Which begs the question: How can the United States restore the symbiotic relationship between religion and liberty imagined by Tocqueville and the founders? One easy way is for citizens to return to church pews. Research indicates that greater civic engagement and personal fulfillment will follow from that decision. If people do not adopt this course, then alternative solutions will be necessary to restore a higher degree of virtue to American life (e.g., investment in local communities and family-oriented public policy).

The widespread adoption of a moral compass will make the United States truly free. A return to liberty and faith will allow America to celebrate future Independence Days in the spirit originally imagined by the founders.
Im not denying anything. I had problems, and these problems were a long time ago by the way, Kohan said.

But some problems are still ongoing, such as the hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes owed on its Esplanade mall in Louisiana. The municipality took over two parcels at the mall that were not paid for, and discovered previous unpaid taxes from 1992 that it says Kohan must pay. Kohan said he doesnt believe he should be responsible for the taxes prior to his ownership, and is trying to renegotiate with the title company.

I can guarantee you that these things would not happen at McKinley, Kohan said.

Its Great Northern Mall in Onondaga County owed $3 million in back taxes as recently as last year, but Kohan said he has sold one of the malls parcels to help pay the debt and will continue to make payments.

It was the circumstances of the property. It was not producing and the taxes were so high, he said.

KRIGs Adrian Mall in Michigan was condemned last year for needed repairs, but Kohan said that mall is now under contract to be sold. And its Chapel Hill Mall in Ohio, which fell into foreclosure last year owing $753,000 in back taxes, has been resolved with the malls sale a few months ago, he explained.
In all, Sackler family members are contributing $4.5 billion in cash and assets in the charitable funds toward the settlement. They are not admitting any wrongdoing and no court has found any by a family member.

The agreement also prohibits the Sackler family from obtaining naming rights related to their charitable donations until they have paid all the money owed under the settlement and have given up all business interests related to the manufacturing or sale of opioids.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who had been the first attorney general to sue members of the Sackler family, praised the modified deal in a statement early Thursday. She pointed to the $90 million her state would receive and the way the company could waive attorney-client privilege to release hundreds of thousands of confidential communications with lawyers about its tactics for selling opioids and other matters.

While I know this resolution does not bring back loved ones or undo the evil of what the Sacklers did, forcing them to turn over their secrets by providing all the documents, forcing them to repay billions, forcing the Sacklers out of the opioid business, and shutting down Purdue will help stop anything like this from ever happening again, Healey said.
Sal Gorino grew up near Parkside and Hertel, and recently moved his business, Modular Comfort Systems, to Buffalo from Rochester. When the opportunity arose to lease a fifth-floor apartment at 1585 Hertel, with a clear view of the sunset, Gorino was immediately sold on the idea.

Gorino has known John Daly since they were both kindergarteners at St. Mark's. "His passion for the city is so contagious," Gorino said.

On the first floor, the Dalys were expecting to have a burger and beer restaurant, and a Perks Coffee shop as retail tenants. But during the pandemic, the restaurant pulled the plug on the idea, and Perks folded.

"We had to find all new retail tenants," John Daly said.

The owner of the Sweat Society gym discovered the building when she was looking at apartments. Now, Sweat Society is preparing to open there after outgrowing its current space. Next door, Marianna Bridal is fulfilling Susan Christopher's dream of opening an elegant shop of her own.

Christopher named the business after her grandmother, whom she grew up next door to on the West Side. The logo is based on her grandmother's signature on her passport from Italy in the early 1900s.
Two years ago, Evers issued 78 partial vetoes and four of them were challenged in court. The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down three of them, but its ruling did not directly address a governors veto authority going forward.

Evers said that court ruling absolutely limited his ability to make more sweeping vetoes this year.

This budget isnt good enough for our kids," Evers said, surrounded by elementary school children. "Republicans could have and should have done more.

Evers wanted to spend more on schools, but Republicans essentially held funding flat. Evers was able to tap $100 million in federal COVID-19 funds for schools outside of the state budget.

Republicans also directed about $650 million to schools but did it in a way that the money must be used to reduce property taxes, rather than go toward new spending by the schools.

Republicans stripped hundreds of Evers proposals from the $87.5 billion spending plan, which takes effect immediately and runs through the middle of 2023. The budget Evers signed does not expand Medicaid, legalize marijuana, reinstate collective bargaining rights for public workers, raise taxes on the wealthy, increase the minimum wage cap enrollment in private voucher schools or enact gun control measures as Evers had proposed.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Prosecutors have asked the judge who handled former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvins murder trial in George Floyds death to rewrite his sentencing order to delete suggestions that child witnesses did not suffer trauma.

Attorney General Keith Ellison, in a filing released Thursday, stressed that hes not seeking any change to Chauvins 22 1/2-year sentence. But he asked Judge Peter Cahill to revisit the document to remove suggestions that four girls who witnessed Floyd's death and testified at Chauvin's trial weren't traumatized by what they saw. He cited research showing that children process trauma differently from adults and that adults tend to discount the impact of trauma on Black girls.

Discounting the trauma of the children who testified at trial  in an authoritative judicial opinion, no less  will only exacerbate the trauma they have suffered," Ellison wrote. "The Court should correct the public record to avoid that result.
Over Fourth of July weekend we celebrated our freedoms. We have the right to bear arms to defend ourselves. If a rogue country were to mount a massive attack to our shores they would be met with the worlds tallest standing army as more than 300 million Americans have access to firearms to protect ourselves. This right and privilege is not meant for us to kill each other.

Over the history of our country there have been many wars. More than 1 million men and women have been killed along with hundreds of thousands wounded in combat. All of these casualties have been saluted with posthumously presented Purple Heart Medals to families on behalf of those killed or presented to those wounded. It is Americas way of saying thank you and honoring all those who have sacrificed all or some of themselves to keep us free and safe.

We also have the right to vote for government representation in hopes we elect the best possible president, congressmen, senators and all government officials to create the fairest of laws that best serve us all as one undivided America. It is the will of what we hope is an informed citizenry to move us forward in the right directions of peace, justice and liberty for all of us.

Our American flag is our symbol of freedom; forever may it proudly fly to proclaim us the greatest country in the world.
Erie Community Colleges finances were precarious before the coronavirus pandemic hit. ECCs interim president, William Reuter, told the Erie County Legislature this month that if not for federal pandemic relief funds and county aid from the past two years, the college would be precariously close to falling off a fiscal cliff.

Reuter told lawmakers what has become obvious: We cannot continue to fully support three full-service campuses. He said hard decisions will have to be made.

Closing one of the schools three campuses will not be simple, but its no longer just an interesting idea  its a necessity.

The pandemic has made for tough times in higher education. The National Student Clearinghouse reported this month that overall college enrollment this spring fell 3.5% from the previous year. And more than 65% of the undergraduate losses were from community colleges.

Community colleges saw a 9.5% drop in enrollment from the previous academic year. Enrollment at ECC has declined by 29% in the past four years.

Economic downturns typically can work to the advantage of community colleges, with some students wanting to attend a two-year school before moving to a more expensive undergraduate institution. That did not happen during Covid-19.
(Bloomberg) -- Singapore buyout firm Novo Tellus Capital Partners is considering setting up a special purpose acquisition company to list in the city-state as regulators prepare to authorize the vehicles in the local market, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The technology and industrials-focused private equity firm has had preliminary discussions with banks, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the process is private. The company is awaiting official exchange guidelines before making a final decision, the people said.

Novo Tellus would join Vertex Holdings Ltd., a unit of Temasek Holdings Pte, in seeking to be among the first to launch a blank-check company in the city-state, Bloomberg News reported this week. A SPAC-driven surge in listings would benefit Singapores exchange, which has seen just three IPOs this year, raising $242 million in total, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Deliberations are ongoing and the firm may decide not to proceed with the vehicle, the people said. A representative for Novo Tellus declined to comment.

Singapores exchange consulted the market on a framework for SPAC listings earlier this year. Regulators proposed requirements including a minimum S$300 million ($223 million) market capitalization threshold for listing a blank-check company.

The consultation took place amid a frenzy for SPACs in the U.S. that helped drive first-half global IPO volumes to an all-time record. While about $118 billion has been raised through blank-check firm listings globally so far this year, the trend may be losing steam. SPACs accounted for about 13% of IPO volumes in the second quarter, compared to nearly half the amount raised in the first three months, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

IPOs for SPACs on exchanges outside the U.S. have raised $6.3 billion so far this year, up from $907 million raised in all of 2020, the data show.

Novo Tellus raised $250 million for its second Southeast Asia fund in December, according to its website. The firms portfolio includes stakes in Tessolve Semiconductor Pvt., an Indian semiconductor engineering services firm, and Procurri Corp., a Singaporean provider of equipment and services to data centers.

Story continues

(Updates with non-U.S. SPAC figures in seventh paragraph.)

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ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is ready to extend its support and expertise on migration to Lithuania, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, after Lithuania accused Belarus of flying in migrants from abroad, including Turkey, 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 crossing illegally into its territory. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said a large number of the migrants had come from Turkey.

Speaking at a news conference in Helsinki, Cavusoglu said he had discussed the issue with Landsbergis in Vilnius on Wednesday and that the minister, along with a Lithuanian delegation, would come to Ankara in the coming weeks to further discuss the issue.

He added that the parties should determine whether migrants were flying to Belarus on their own, as they cannot fly without valid passports.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Jonathan Spicer)
MARK ABERNATHY of Elkhead shows off a paperback copy of his first novel, Sons of a Citizen Soldier at the Sparta branch of the Christian County Library.
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This was a dream we had to improve our flagpole presentation, Volk told the gathered crowd.

Next to the wall is silhouettes of military servicemen. Fixed lights will shine on those silhouettes. Volk said the wall cost about $30,000, with all the money donated by private groups.

When you see this area at night, it will make your heart drop, because its so gorgeous, Volk said. It will remain here for all who come to enjoy.

The display continues to evolve. Several inscribed paver stones will be placed in the ground when they arrive. Volk said he hoped they would come before the fair, but they are on back order.

Leroy Janske, Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council secretary/treasurer, was impressed with the wall and upgrades to the veterans display.

I liked it from the beginning (in 2013), Janske said. The improvements and expansion is just making it better. The backdrop, the new wall, is just going to make it better. And its a great location. Everyone who enters the fair has to walk by it.

State Rep. Rob Summerfield, R-Bloomer, was among the spectators who watched the solemn ceremony.
Authorities didn't immediately say how the men escaped, but said they should not be approached by members of the public under any circumstances.
Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday signed the Republican-authored state budget, heralding its more than $2 billion in income tax cuts and vowing to provide an additional $100 million in federal money for the states schools beyond what the GOP provided.

Talking to reporters at Cumberland Elementary in Whitefish Bay, Evers said the GOP budget didnt go far enough in spending on schools, but vetoing the budget in full was not an option as doing so would put in jeopardy about $2.3 billion in federal education funds through COVID-19 stimulus packages.

Evers, who is running for reelection next year, touted the budget as a bipartisan effort. All told, seven Democratic lawmakers  four in the Assembly and three in the Senate  joined Republicans in support of the budget last week. The last time a state budget received bipartisan support was in 2007.

I signed the budget, simple as that. I could have vetoed that, Evers said Thursday. I made a promise to the taxpayers of the state that we would reduce middle class taxes by 10% and we did 15% so it was a bipartisan effort.

Legislative Republicans quickly criticized Evers for taking credit for tax cuts introduced by the GOP-led Legislature.
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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order institutionalizing the inter-agency council in charge of ensuring the stability of the country's financial system.

Singed on July 6, Duterte's EO No. 144 officially establishes the Financial Stability Coordination Council, which is composed of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Finance Department, Securities and Exchange Commission, Insurance Commission, and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The agencies convened in October 2011 in pursuit of a stable financial system for the Philippines, and signed a memorandum of agreement in January 2014 to create the council.

"Consistent with the objective of the national government to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos through a well-functioning financial system, the government hereby reiterates its policy of enhancing the stability of the financial system by mitigating systemic risks through timely policy interventions," read the order.

The BSP Governor will chair the executive committee governing the council, the EO added. Its members shall be the Finance Secretary, Insurance Commissioner, PDIC President and the SEC Chairman. One senior official from each member agency designated by its head shall also serve as non-voting members.

The National Treasurer may also be invited to committee meetings as a special non-voting member, the EO said.

The FSCC is tasked to strengthen the national financial system's stability by "mitigating system risks through timely macroprudential policy interventions."

It is mandated to come up with a Macroprudential Policy Strategy Framework that will guide its policy interventions, be made available to the public, and updated periodically as warranted.

The inter-agency body also has the following powers and functions:

- issue directives, policy regulations in pursuit of financial stability

- align various policies, regulations, supervisory frameworks, programs and initiatives on financial stability

- coordinate with foreign regulating bodies on financial stability, macroprudential policy

- collaborate with public and private organizations for data collection and research for forming informed policy recommendations

- formulate and adopt governance operational guidelines as necessary

The FSCC's operations shall be charged against the central bank's budget, according to the EO.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  D&L Industries, a plastic and food input producer listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, plans to team up with more local government units following its partnership with Quezon City to vaccinate more Filipinos against COVID-19, its top official said Thursday.

"We're open to working with other LGUs. We've already reached out," D&L chief executive officer Alvin Lao said, without identifying the localities.

In a statement, D&L said its partnership with the government of Quezon City has already conducted three weekend vaccination drives. D&L has been equipping Quezon City with about 30 health workers per day for the immunization program.

This will continue in the coming weeks, the company added, as the city government expects to receive a fresh supply of vaccines.

"We find the partnership highly innovative and responsive to the needs of our people during this pandemic," Lao said.

The listed firm also said some of D&L's employees under the A4 category have been vaccinated in Quezon City.

"We put serious efforts into educating our employees about the benefits of getting vaccinated. As a result, an overwhelming majority of them are now inclined to take the vaccine," Lao said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  Sen. Risa Hontiveros expressed hope that President Rodrigo Duterte would "think twice" about his supposed decision to run for vice president after stepping down from Malacanang next year.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday, Hontiveros said seeking the vice presidency in the upcoming polls "simply flies in the face of the constitutional provisions."

"Sana magdalawang isip si Presidente diyan," the senator said. "It simply flies in the face of the constitutional provisions na dapat alamin niya bilang isang abogado rin."

[Translation: I hope the President would think twice about it. It simply flies in the face of the constitutional provisions which he is supposed to know as a lawyer.]

"At saka ano pa ba ang ipagpapatuloy nila?" she also said. "Natupad na ba niya yung mga pangako niya with only 365 days to go?"

[And what else is he supposed to continue? Was he able to deliver his promises with only 365 days to go?]

Hontiveros also said the Duterte administration "has fallen far short" of its promise to accomplish the Build, Build, Build projects in the pipeline by taking "big, unfeasible projects off the list" and simply resorted to "credit-grabbing" from the previous administrations.

"Is this the kind of legacy that the President wants to continue with a second term?" Hontiveros asked. "I don't think bending the Constitution is at all a proper way to go here."

In a meeting with members of PDP-Laban on Wednesday, Duterte said he was "slightly sold to the idea" of running for vice president which the ruling party has been proposing.

Last week, Duterte told the public to "consider" him for the second highest government post "to maintain equilibrium."

READ: Duterte 'seriously thinking' about running for vice president

Critics previously stressed that Duterte's VP plan might be a step to maintain his power and would eventually violate Article 7, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution. That particular provision reads: "The President shall not be eligible for any re-election. No person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time."

The President will deliver his last State of the Nation Address on July 26.

Aspiring candidates have until October to decide whether they will file their certificate of candidacy for next year's polls.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  Amid the horror in Sulu following the fiery crash of a C-130 military plane, ordinary citizens and militiamen turned into heroes in the hopes of saving their countrymen.

Residents and para-military forces in this often-perceived conflict-torn island risked their limbs and lives to save those who were onboard the burning plane.

Just moments after the C-130 went up in flames on Sunday, Sulu residents pitched in to rescue passengers who jumped out or were thrown out of the plane.

A Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit assigned near the crash site took turns pulling out their comrades.

"Pagkatapos kunin lahat ng tropa, may dumating na ibang tropa para tumulong. Sibilyan, halos lahat ng sibilyan takbo talaga doon para kunin yung tropa," CAFGU member Benhar Awaluddin said.

[Translation: When we got them, some more arrived to help. Almost all the civilians ran to help the troops.]

The Army in Jolo is eyeing to honor the militiamen with the military bronze cross medal in recognition of their heroism.

Also among the first responders are the villagers of Patikul, a town often perceived to be a hotbed of local terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. The residents are now being hailed as heroes in one of the Armed Forces' worst tragedies in history.

Forty-nine out of the 52 people who perished are troops from the Armed Forces and Air Force, with only 19 bodies identified so far.

Army chief Major General Andres Centino assured the families of the victims that they will receive all the benefits and assistance.
(CNN)  Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates are giving themselves a two-year trial period to see if they can co-parent the massive charitable foundation that they have treated as another one of their children.

When the couple announced their divorce two months ago, they said they would both stay on as co-chairs of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. But on Wednesday, the foundation's CEO announced a contingency plan "to ensure the continuity of the foundation's 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," CEO Mark Suzman said.

If that happens, Bill Gates would remain in control and, essentially, buy her out of the foundation, Suzman said. Melinda French Gates would receive "personal resources" from Gates for her own philanthropic work  resources that would be "completely separate from the foundation's endowment."

The Gates Foundation is one of the world's largest charitable foundations, and its founders think of it as their "fourth child," Suzman told the Wall Street Journal recently. But its reputation has been under scrutiny since the couple announced their divorce in May. Soon after, media reports emerged about Bill Gates' alleged improper behavior with Microsoft employees decades ago.

In another potential blow to the foundation, one of its major investors, Warren Buffett, resigned from his role as a trustee last month. Buffett, a longtime friend of Bill Gates, didn't specify why he was leaving. "My goals are 100% in sync with those of the foundation, and my physical participation is in no way needed to achieve these goals," he wrote.

In addition to the break-up contingency, Wednesday's statement from the foundation announced the couple had committed $15 billion to the foundation's endowment.

The Gateses are also expanding the number of trustees overseeing the foundation's governance to "bring new perspectives, help guide resource allocation and strategic direction, and ensure the stability and sustainability of the foundation."

In the two decades since the foundation was established, it has contributed more than $55 billion  much of it from the Gateses' personal wealth  to a wide range of initiatives related to global health, poverty alleviation and, more recently, the global rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, according to its website. As co-chairs, the Gateses have steered the organization's vision, with Suzman overseeing the day-to-day operations.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Bill Gates could oust Melinda French Gates from their foundation in 2023."
(CNN) -- Richard Branson will take a rocket-powered space plane on a 2,400 mile-per-hour ride to the edge of space this weekend. That's if everything goes according to plan. And there's plenty that could go wrong.

The rocket motor could fail to light up. The cabin could lose pressure and threaten the passengers' lives. And the intense physics involved when hurtling out of  and back into  the Earth's atmosphere could tear the vehicle apart.

And now Branson is ready to follow in the footsteps of the test pilots and Virgin Galactic employees who have already flown on VSS Unity, the vehicle Branson's company, Virgin Galactic, has spent nearly two decades working to develop. If all goes as planned, Branson will also be the first billionaire ever to travel to space aboard a vehicle he helped fund the development of, beating fellow space baron Jeff Bezos by just nine days.

Still, Virgin Galactic has built safety backstops into its spaceplane, completed more than 20 test flights, three of which have successfully reached the edge of space, received the go-ahead from an internal safety review board and a green light from federal regulators to host passengers.

Any time humans are on an airborne vehicle, there's risk involved. Here's a breakdown of just how much danger Branson - and the three people going with him  will be taking on.

About the space plane: VSS Unity

Richard Branson founded Virgin Galactic in 2004, after watching a space plane called SpaceShipOne rocket into space to win the Ansari X Prize. Branson bought the rights to that tech, and a team of engineers set to work developing a larger vehicle capable of carrying two pilots and up to six paying customers on a high-speed joy rides. The evolved designed is called SpaceShipTwo.

SpaceShipTwo takes off from an airplane runway attached beneath the wing of a massive, custom-designed quad-jet double-fuselage mothership known as WhiteKnightTwo. Once the mothership reaches about 40,000 feet, the rocket-powered plane is dropped from in between WhiteKnightTwo's twin fuselages, and fires up its engine to swoop directly upward, accelerating up to more than three times the speed of sound, or 2,300 miles an hour.

Once it reaches the very top of its flight path, it hangs, suspended in microgravity, as it flips onto its belly before gliding back down to a runway landing. From takeoff to landing, the whole trip takes roughly an hour.

VSS Unity  the name of the SpaceShipTwo that Branson will be taking to space and the first to make the full trek  has completed three successful test flights that've reached space. But the company's development program has also endured years of delays for a variety of reasons, including a fatal 2014 crash that killed a test pilot.

A planned test flight in December was also halted when VSS Unity's onboard rocket motor computer lost connection. And Virgin Galactic encountered a potentially serious safety hazard during a test flight in 2019, New Yorker staff writer Nicholas Schmidle revealed in a new book, "Test Gods." A safety probe was ordered to investigate why a seal on its space plane's wing had come undone, risking loss of the vehicle and the lives of the three crew members on board. No one was harmed in the test flight, which was publicly deemed a success.

But after VSS Unity's third test flight in May, the company received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to begin flying passengers. That doesn't mean, however, that the FAA  which is focused primarily on ensuring safety of people and property on the ground  is guaranteeing the spacecraft is safe. That decision is left up to Virgin Galactic, and the company made the surprise announcement on July 1 that Branson would be on the very next test flight  becoming the first non-crew member ever to make the trek  this Sunday.

Markus Guerster, an aerospace industry professional who co-authored a 2018 paper on the risks of suborbital space tourism, said there is never a perfect time for a company to deem its spacecraft safe enough to fly members of the public.

"It's kind of a difficult decision to make  if you're ready, or if you're not ready, because there is some risk remaining. But if you don't try it, you're also not going to learn," Guerster said. "I think the first group of people who will fly on this acknowledge the risk. There are plenty people out there who climb Mount Everest."

Orbital vs. Suborbital flights

When most people think about spaceflight, they think about an astronaut circling the Earth, floating in space, for at least a few days.

That is not what Branson  or Bezos, for that matter  will be doing.

They'll be going up and coming right back down. Virgin Galactic's flights are brief, up-and-down trips, though they will go more than 50 miles above Earth, which the United States government considers to mark the boundary of outer space.

Virgin Galactic's suborbital flights hit about more than three times the speed of sound  roughly 2,300 miles per hour  and fly directly upward. The plane will hover at the top of its flight path, giving passengers a few minutes of weightlessness. It works sort of like an extended version of the weightlessness you experience when you reach the peak of a roller coaster hill, just before gravity brings your cart  or, in Branson's case, your space plane - screaming back down toward the ground.

VSS Unity will then deploy what's called a "feathering system," which allows the space plane's wings to fold up, mimicking the shape of a badminton shuttlecock so it can reorient itself as it begins its descent. It then unfurls its wings again and glides back down to a runway landing.

But it hasn't always worked well. The feathering system was determined to be the "probable cause" of Virgin Galactic's fatal 2014 test flight incident, which took the life of the co-pilot, Michael Alsbury, and left the pilot badly injured. The feathering system was deployed prematurely due to human error, causing the vehicle to rip apart mid air. The company has since parted ways with its manufacturing partner and installed a computerized safe guard to prevent the same mistake from occurring again.

New Shepard vs. SpaceShipTwo

Though Branson has denied that his attempt to reach space this weekend has anything to do with the timing of Bezos' flight, it's sparked plenty of talk about a billionaire space race. And, when it comes to risk, Guerster said there are plenty of pros and cons about the vehicles Branson and Bezos will be taking.

Virgin Galactic's space plane has some inherent advantages: The fact that VSS Unity has wings and takes off horizontally from a runway give the pilots more time to correct course if something goes wrong. With the New Shepard's rocket-and-capsule system Bezos will be flying on, there's slimmer room for error, according to Guerster. Though, New Shepard does have an emergency escape system in place that can eject passengers away from a malfunctioning rocket, and jettison them to a parachute landing if necessary.

The other major difference between the spacecraft is that VSS Unity requires two pilots to fly, while New Shepard is fully automated. Experts are split when it comes to assessing those different approaches.

"You can't really say what is better what is worse," Guerster said.

Still, New Shepard has also flown 15 different test missions and never had a catastrophic accident. And that's why Guerster said that  if he had to choose which spacecraft he'd strap himself into first  he'd chose Bezos' New Shepard.

But then, Guerster added, he'd also be willing to take a trip on Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity.

"I think it's a more exciting ride," he said.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Richard Branson is taking a big risk going to space".
(CNN)  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.

This story was first published on CNN.com Haiti's leader has been killed. Here's what you need to know
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  The Philippines received $1 million (about 48.5 million) in new weapons and munitions from the United States, the US Embassy said Thursday.

It confirmed in a news release the delivery on July 4 of 14 M2A1 .50 caliber heavy machine guns, seven M240B machine guns, and thousands of rounds of ammunition to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The weapons were funded by a US grant assistance.

Officials from the Joint United States Military Assistance Group - Philippines (JUSMAG-P) made the delivery, which aims to "enhance the AFP's counterterrorism capabilities and readiness," added the embassy.

Col. Stephen Ma, JUSMAG-P chief and senior defense official to the Philippines, welcomed the delivery, which coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Manila and Washington.

The Philippines, the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region, has received $1 billion (over 48.6 billion) in security support from the US since 2015. the embassy said.

Just this June, the country received 183 million worth of new weapons and equipment from the US.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo rejected the proposal of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to scrap licensure examinations, including the Bar exams.

I respect Secretary Bellos opinion but as far as I am concerned we should maintain the bar exams so that we can test qualifications of those who aspire to join the legal profession, Gesmundo told reporters on Thursday.

The chief magistrate pointed out the requirement for the bar exams.

So for as long as it is in the Rules of Court we have to comply with it, he added.

Rule 138 outlines the requirements for applicants for admission to the bar as well as the duties of lawyers.

Bello in a media briefing said there is a need to review the holding of licensure exams, noting that the several years of education and the accompanying tests students go through before graduating are enough to prepare them for work.

But Gesmundo pointed out the legal profession is vested with public interest.

And we should see to it that only those who are fit and qualified to join the ranks of legal profession meet the standards required of them, he said.

Amid the pandemic, Justice Marvic Leonen, who chairs the 2020-2021 bar exams, said the November exams will push through  and for the first time, will be taken digitally in a number of local sites.

"I would like to clarify and every law student and applicant should know this: The Bar exam is conducted by the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines," Leonen said.

"A Cabinet secretary is honorable, very well respected, he is even my friend. And had it been his Bar, I know that he would have taken advantage of this program. I know where he came from. But SC has not suspended the bar exam. We are full throttle in terms of preparing this," Leonen added.
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
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8) - The country received a total of 1,124,100 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from Japan on Thursday.

"Let me assure everybody that throughout the rollout we will prioritize the safety and quality of the vaccines we will be distributing," President Rodrigo Duterte said as he welcomed the arrival of the donated doses at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Japan's donation is on top of over two million AstraZeneca vaccines from the COVAX Facility that will arrive on July 9. Co-led by the World Health Organization, Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, COVAX aims to ensure all participating countries have equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Japan also pledged donations to other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The Philippines has so far received over 17 million vaccine doses - both donated and procured.

The national vaccination program is currently prioritizing medical frontliners, senior citizens, people with comorbidities, essential workers, and indigent individuals.

The government aims to vaccinate up to 70 million Filipinos by the end of the year in hopes of achieving herd immunity.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David was elected president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, CBCP News reported Thursday.

"He was elected Thursday, during the first of the two-day bishops' online plenary assembly," CBCP News said in its report.

David will replace Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles.

The 62-year-old David has been serving as CBCP vice president since December 2017. He will be succeeded by Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara.

"The newly elected officials will begin their terms on Dec. 1, 2021," CBCP News said.

David was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of San Fernando in 1983. He was named as the auxiliary bishop of the same archdiocese in 2006. He was transferred to the Diocese of Kalookan in January 2016.

David has been outspoken against President Rodrigo Dutertes controversial policies, particularly on the bloody war on drugs, which the chief executive has repeatedly defended from criticisms of local and international human rights groups.

He had been a target of Dutertes tirades. Duterte once accused him of pocketing Church donations. But the prelate was quick to hit back and deny Dutertes allegations against him.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  A Senate investigation into the military plane crash in Sulu will bring up issues surrounding the deployment and modernization of the Armed Forces, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Thursday.

She echoed the call of other senators to conduct a probe and address issues involving the maintenance of air assets, budget allocation for military modernization, training of uniformed personnel, and safety measures for the deployment of soldiers to different parts of the country.

"My colleagues are also pointing out various angles of this tragic accident that we need to get to the bottom of, so as to prevent recurrences," Hontiveros told CNN Philippines' The Source.

"This tragedy highlights and brings together many urgent and important issues that we need to raise in terms of honoring the memory of these many people, including many young people serving in the Armed Forces who have lost their lives unnecessarily," she added.

Hontiveros did not say when the investigation will likely take place, but she noted that the probe will definitely be prioritized when senators go back in session. Congress will begin its third and final regular session on July 26.

In separate statements on Monday, Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Francis Pangilinan raised the need to put in place safety measures and equipment in military planes, while Sen. Ronald dela Rosa reiterated the importance of military modernization to replace "antiquated military aircrafts" which he described as "flying coffins" or "widow makers."

Hontiveros, on the other hand, expressed hope that the probe will also shed light on how the military's external defense can be improved, especially when engaging with China on issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea.

On Wednesday, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said 49 soldiers and three civilians died after the C-130 plane crashed in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.

The bodies of 19 military personnel were identified, while the blackbox of the C-130 plane was sent to the United States for analysis.

READ: Death toll from Sulu plane crash still at 52, AFP clarifies; 19 bodies identified
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  A member of the House of Representatives is asking why President Rodrigo Duterte's political party, PDP-Laban, used a government broadcast station to air a recent meeting.

"This is an unabashed display of impunity in using government time and resources for a clearly partisan political activity aimed at pandering the whims of Pres. Duterte to escape accountability and extend his tyrannical influence, control and power beyond June 30, 2022," House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said in a statement Thursday.

Duterte is the chairman of what now appears to be a divided PDP-Laban. One faction is identified with Duterte while the other one is led by Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Sen. Koko Pimentel, son of the party's co-founder, Sen. Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel.

On Wednesday, state-run station PTV-4 aired a two-hour meeting of the party.

"Has the government station become the private property of PDP-Laban or is it in line with Pres. Duterte's penchant for claiming taxpayer's paid services and personnel as his own?" Zarate added.

The lawmaker also observed that airtime seemed to be reserved for so-called "favored presumptive candidates of the president" on government channels, particularly when the program where they are featured are simulcast with other networks.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque responded to criticism over the airing of the meeting during a televised briefing Thursday.

"Ang alam ko po, whenever it's news-worthy it's covered kasi kung hindi po, masu-scoop naman sila. PTV is still a news agency," he said.

[Translation: From what I know, whenever it's news-worthy it's covered otherwise they will fall behind. PTV is still a news agency.]

Zarate has not responded to Roque's comment.
(CNN)  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.
The Mosemans grew up in small-town Nebraska - Mark Moseman outside Oakland and Carol Moseman in Brainard, and are descendants from immigrant homesteaders and settlers who came to Nebraska in the 1800s.

Mark Moseman said his earliest memory of farm life was putting up hay with his father and grandfather. He recalls a vibrant family and social life on the farm and in the surrounding community  the farms were small, and the families helped each other.

Mark and Carol Moseman, both graduates of UNL, said as they became older, they saw the centuries-old farm life begin to change. Hands-on labor transitioned to mechanized farming, which needed fewer people. As technology advanced, farms got bigger, and the small towns that depended on their business emptied out.

It was a gradual, slow death, Mark Moseman said of the exodus from family farming. The loss of those people and culture is something that should be noted. It shouldnt just be something that dies on the vine.

The Mosemans decided to do their part to document that story through the art they collected  not just the exodus from the farm, but the way ones relationship to the land has changed and what has been lost in the transformation, including ones role and responsibility as caretaker.
Its by chance that Hadley found out about Hill, Hadley said, as he was contacting cemetery officials in Dodge County to find the last Civil War veteran to be buried. As it turns out, Bill Perrin was involved with the Purple Cane Cemetery.

He said, Wait a minute. The last guy wasn't buried in Fremont, we have the last guy right here, Hadley said.  So, we switch gears and we're going to have a ceremony on the 10th.

Bill Perrin declined to be interviewed by the Sun, but his great-grandfather, William Perrin, was one of the founders of the Purple Cane Methodist Episcopal Church; the cemetery was established just south of the future church site in 1881, according to the Suns sister publication. The church closed in 1964.

So far, Hadley said, the organization has recognized the last Union soldier to be buried in 20 of the 92 counties.

There's only one county that doesn't have a Civil War soldier buried in it, so that's why I say 92, he added. Roughly, there's less than 20,000 but there (are) several thousand Civil War soldiers buried in the Nebraska borders.

Hadley said SUVCW works with the landowners of cemeteries of all kinds, even rural and private ones, to make sure that Civil War veterans are being properly remembered.
During the bloody battle of Fort Wagner in Charleston, S.C., 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 in Boston.

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 of the BLM crowd and Critical Race Theorists?

Americas not perfect now, and it never was.

But BLM and the others are 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.
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.
The sheer force and visibility of the explosion suggested the presence of a combustible substance. 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 the 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.
Source: Adobe/Vahe

A leading South Korean regulatory chief has repeated calls for banks to stop complaining about absorbing crypto exchange-related risks and accept that any partnerships they undertake with trading platforms must be done so at their own peril.

As previously reported, banks in South Korea have stated with increasing certainty that they think only four trading platforms  almost certainly the big four of Upbit, Bithumb, Korbit and Coinone will beat a government-imposed September 24 deadline. After this date, all crypto exchanges will need to register with the Financial Services Commission (FSC), adopt anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, obtain data security management accreditation and find banking partners who offer wallet-liked, real-name authenticated fiat on/off ramp accounts if they want to keep operating.

Banks have called on regulators to soften their stance after the FSC said that banks would be made to undertake 100% of the risk involved with taking on an exchange client. That would in effect mean that should an AML violation take place on a partner exchange, the bank would be held accountable, and the same could also be true of a hack or a case of fraud.

Banks claim that exchanges themselves should be made to accept blame, or that another solution should be found  claiming that their overseas business could be placed under threat should AML violations be detected on partner exchanges. Concerns such as these have led to a growing number of major banks simply ruling out the notion of partnering with trading platforms. So far, Woori, KEB Hana, Kookmin and BNK Busan have claimed they will not consider crypto-related business  leaving only Shinhan, NongHyup and K-Bank yet to comment.

The soon-to-be-launched Toss Bank has also been coy on the matter of crypto banking partnerships.

And the FSC chairman Eun Sang-soo has asked banks to stop talking about the matter. After earlier this month stating that it would be good for banks to stop bringing up this matter, Eun yesterday doubled down on the sentiment.

KBS quoted Eun as stating:

If casinos are suspected of money laundering, [banks] are required to report this matter to the [regulatory] Financial Intelligence Unit. Banks have all accepted this, so why are they still just talking about crytpoassets?

Eun added banks should not complain about being burdened with responsibility for exchanges, adding that managing risk was the job of the banking [sector].

Meanwhile, after the ruling Democratic Party said earlier this week that it was considering a measure that would see a 20% levy on crypto trading profits delayed, a second proposal to delay the tax to 2023 is set to hit the National Assembly.

Another MP  this time a ruling party MP  has launched a private members bill in a bid to postpone the introduction of the tax, meaning that traders would be able to continue to operate tax-free until well after the next general election.

Per Newsis, the MP in question, Noh Woong-rae, stated that the move would ease the burden on crypto investors and would support more stable growth in the cryptoasset market, which he added, is only in its infancy.

Another bill, from an opposition MP, has already been put before the house, with the Democratic Partys new crypto taskforce claiming that it was discussing adding its support to the motion. Consolidating the bill with Nohs measure could potentially help the party save face  and drive up cross-party support.

____

Learn more:

- South Korean Crypto Exchanges Ready for Legal Fight Amid Closure Threats

- South Korean Banks See Crypto Exchange Commission Fees Grow Tenfold

- Barclays' Binance Customers Looking for Alternative Apps, Banks & Countries

- Citigroup Ready to Go Crypto as Goldman Sachs Wades Deeper into Bitcoin
Coronavirus

COVID-delta variant for print

The fast-spreading delta variant is clouding Americans hopes for a carefree summer  and casting a shadow of doubt over plans to get back to business as usual in the fall.

The shift in sentiment marks a reversal from the spring, when it looked like the U.S. immunization campaign would turn the tide definitively against the coronavirus. But lingering vaccine hesitancy in some areas has converged with the arrival of the more contagious delta strain and darkened the mood across much of the country.

The delta variant re-creates this anxiety that many of us had prior to being vaccinated, said Megan Ranney, an associate professor of health services, policy and practice at Brown University. Are we safe? Are our kids safe? Is it OK for me to go to a restaurant? The things that we had started to accept were normal again.

While U.S. health officials say delta is on its way to becoming the countrys dominant strain, an analysis by genomic testing company Helix suggests its already there, accounting for about 40% of new infections. As hospitalizations rise in some states, the Biden administration is sending response teams to less-vaccinated areas to try to combat its spread.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data updated for a two-week period ending June 19 shows the delta variant as the third most prevalent variant (10.7%) of COVID-19 for Region 3 in the United States, comprised of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

The CDCs data shows the delta variant in Pennsylvania at 3.4% of total cases for the same time period. Right now, the most dominant variant in Pennsylvania is the B.1.1.7 strain that was originally detected in the U.K. It is also known as the alpha variant.

Those numbers are expected to increase in the CDCs estimates for the two-week period ending July 3. The delta variant will become the dominant variant in the country at 51.7%. In Region 3 it is expected to rise to 31.4%.

First seen in India, the mutant is estimated to be 55% more transmissible than the alpha variant that surfaced in the U.K. While the severity of disease the newer strain causes isnt fully clear, some data suggest it leads to a higher risk of hospitalization than alpha.

Delta and vaccines

Vaccines from Moderna Inc., Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca Plc give protection against delta, research shows. Yet for millions of unvaccinated Americans, largely concentrated in the south and central regions of the country, the variant presents a serious threat, Ranney said.

Many unvaccinated people live in low-income areas and are at greater risk of developing severe disease because of underlying conditions, she said, so deltas spread could lead to even greater disparities in health outcomes.

Theres also the looming potential that if the virus continues to spread and evolve, it could take on a form capable of evading vaccines. A related strain called delta-plus has already emerged, but researchers have said theres no evidence yet to suggest it adds to the danger.

Weapons we have work against this virus, said Mark Pandori, director of the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory. But we could let this virus stay in the community, and it will become something that our weapons dont work on. And thats what we should be afraid of.

Already, the variant has disrupted some nations plans for a return to normal life. Prime Minister Boris Johnson pushed back the lifting of many U.K. restrictions by a month to mid-July and is now saying some precautions will remain even longer. Regions of Australia have responded to its spread with lockdowns.

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.

Some Arkansans are being more careful about going out in public, and even some who are fully vaccinated are still masking, she said. State officials are already looking to the fall, asking about how the variant could affect schools when they come back into session.

In Missouri, where delta has also fueled cases, the St. Joseph School District moved summer programs at two schools online after students had to quarantine because of COVID-19 exposure, Superintendent Doug Van Zyl said. Now, as those programs have ended, the school district is looking at its plans for the fall, he said.

Continuing to use vaccines and masks will be key to allowing workers to return to offices, said David Holtgrave, dean of the School of Public Health at the University at Albany.

The more we use those tools now, with urgency and on a large scale, the more well be able to think about returning to office and school this fall in a way that looks like a return to normal, he said. The less we do that now, the more disruption there will be.

Local data

The state Department of Health reported three new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Wednesday.

Wednesdays report included 74 total test results, with two probable cases. Comparing just the number of negative tests (71) and confirmed positive tests (one), the county saw 1.4% of its tests come back positive.

There were three patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the county in Wednesdays report, with none in an intensive care unit and one on a ventilator.

In data updated Tuesday evening, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 129,036 people have been fully vaccinated in Cumberland County, or 50.9% of the countys total population of 253,370. For the countys vaccine eligible population of people ages 12 and older, 129,027 people have been fully vaccinated, or 58.8% of that population. CDC data is current as of 6 a.m. on the day it is posted.

Southcentral region cases County numbers in the southcentral region (for July 7): Adams County (pop. 103,009): 2 new cases; 9,696 total cases (8,013 confirmed, 1,683 probable); 37,855 negatives; 189 deaths; 41% of county population vaccinated

Bedford County (pop. 47,888): 7 new cases; 4,736 total cases (3,299 confirmed, 1,437 probable); 10,512 negatives; 142 deaths; 29.9% of county population vaccinated

Blair County (pop. 121,829): 0 new cases; 13,523 total cases (10,620 confirmed, 2,903 probable); 40,906 negatives; 343 deaths; 39.8% of county population vaccinated

Cumberland County (pop. 253,370): 3 new cases; 20,636 total cases (16,592 confirmed, 4,044 probable); 84,433 negatives; 526 deaths; 50.9% of county population vaccinated

Dauphin County (pop. 278,299): 3 new cases; 26,152 total cases (22,765 confirmed, 3,387 probable); 110,174 negatives; 559 deaths; 47.7% of county population vaccinated

Franklin County (pop. 155,027): 5 new cases; 15,486 total cases (13,113 confirmed, 2,373 probable); 55,699 negatives; 375 deaths; 36.3% of county population vaccinated

Fulton County (pop. 14,530): 1 new case; 1,379 total cases (770 confirmed, 609 probable); 4,172 negatives; 16 deaths (+1); 25.6% of county population vaccinated

Huntingdon County (pop. 45,144): 0 new cases; 5,173 total cases (4,334 confirmed, 839 probable); 16,849 negatives; 135 deaths; 38.6% of county population vaccinated

Juniata County (pop. 24,763): 0 new cases; 2,142 total cases (1,937 confirmed, 205 probable); 5,540 negatives; 88 deaths; 32.7% of county population vaccinated

Lebanon County (pop. 141,793): 1 new case; 16,207 total cases (14,031 confirmed, 2,176 probable); 54,664 negatives; 295 deaths; 41.8% of county population vaccinated

Mifflin County (pop. 46,138): 0 new cases; 5,441 total cases (5,138 confirmed, 303 probable); 15,320 negatives; 182 deaths; 39.2% of county population vaccinated

Perry County (pop. 46,272): 0 new cases; 3,854 total cases (2,998 confirmed, 856 probable); 11,205 negatives; 101 deaths; 37.8% of county population vaccinated

York County (pop. 449,058): 4 new cases; 47,078 total cases (38,315 confirmed, 8,763 probable); 164,010 negatives; 832 deaths; 45.1% of county population vaccinated
HARRISBURG  Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday said it is a disgrace to democracy that a Republican state lawmaker is trying to launch what he calls a forensic investigation of Pennsylvanias 2020 presidential election, similar to what is happening in Arizona.

Wolf, a Democrat, said on Twitter that the sham election audit being attempted by Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano is also a profound waste of time and taxpayer money, in addition to being a disgrace.

Meanwhile on Thursday, Wolf's administration issued a directive to counties, warning that they should not provide access for third parties to copy or examine state-certified electronic voting systems and election management systems or components.

Also Thursday, Democratic state senators wrote to officials in Philadelphia and two counties to tell them that they should not comply with Mastrianos requests.

The four Democratic members of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, chaired by Mastriano, said in the letter that elections are not in its purview.
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.
DEAR ABBY: I like to jump on our neighbors' trampoline when they're out of town. I have been doing it for decades. Normally it's no big deal, but last weekend they returned home earlier than usual and caught me in the act. Now my wife is ashamed to show her face around the neighborhood, and she's blaming me for the whole thing.

Abby, I have a simple solution to this mess. If the neighbors don't want me jumping on their trampoline, they should cough up the money for a privacy fence. Don't you agree? -- BOUNCING INTO TROUBLE

DEAR BOUNCING: If you are so jumpy and can't keep your feet on the ground, it may be time to buy your own trampoline, which would save your wife a world of embarrassment.

Your comment about the neighbors building a fence may have been offered in jest, but it is sensible. If someone's child were to play on that trampoline in their absence and be injured, your neighbor could wind up paying a lot more than the cost of a fence.

Why did you arrive at the decision you did? Make a list of the reasons you made your choice and recite them when you are asked. You are all adults. Your reasons are valid ones, and this should not be couched in terms of one son being loved better than the other, which is childish.
The world is a lot smaller than you think, and you can make it even smaller than that if you just reach out and talk to different folks, he said. When Im sitting in a restaurant and see somebody at a table, if Im drawn to them in any way, Ill speak to them. When Im going in and out of Mirandas (Grill), I speak to everybody thats at a table between me and the door, and Ive met a lot of different people that come in there on a regular basis.  Its just part of who I am and its part of what were called to do as Christians.

Warren has been volunteering with SUMC for many years, serving as a trustee chair, lay speaker and substitute pastor and now as director of Stanardsville Station. He will be on hand during operating hours to keep the coffee pods stocked, the Keurig full of water and to just chat with anyone who might happen to be stopping by or calling to book the meeting room.

Ive been around since Moby Dick was a minnow, so Ive dealt with just about every issue you can either in regular life or out with the American Legion Post, said Warren, who is a Vietnam veteran. (The Station) is another way for me to meet the people in the community to establish relationships, meet them where they are and see whats going on in their lives and if some way I can assist.
Truslow was not so fortunate. Along with hundreds of other U.S. troops who were captured, killed in action or froze to death at the reservoir, he was declared missing and presumed dead on Dec. 12, 1950.

On June 10, 2021, he was declared found.

Truslows remains were identified in a cache turned over to the United States in 2018 after a meeting between then-President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

For Howe, it was a shock.

I hadnt heard anything for years and then I got a phone call just after his last living sister died, so I thought maybe it was a scam, Howe said. The man was talking about coming out and talking with me about everything. I figured that he probably got information from the obituary for Elwoods sister, Denona Carver.

She let him talk.

I was waiting for him to get to where he was asking for money. When I asked if it would be OK if my grandson, an Army officer, could be there when we met and he said thatd be fine, well, thats when I realized it was real, she said.
Yes. I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home.

No. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage.

I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it.

Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time.

Vote

View Results
About Documentation Centre

The Documentation Centre of ICSF was initiated in 1999, in Chennai, India. The main aims behind the setting up of the Centre were to disseminate relevant information pertinent to small-scale fisheries and fishworkers in a format that would be easily available. The focus areas of information collection of the DC has been: artisanal fisheries, working conditions of fishworkers, fishworkers unions, fishworker movements, social security, women in fisheries, fisheries statistics, fishing technology, fishing communities, aquaculture, fisheries trade, fisheries management, coastal ecosystems and legal instruments, from different parts of the world.
World News: Explainer: What' at stake in WTO talks on fishing rules?

by Emma Farge

July 08,2021 | Source: Reuters

The World Trade Organization hosts talks next week aimed at reaching a deal to cap subsidies that contribute to the overfishing of the worlds seas and oceans. Prospects for a breakthrough appear dim. WTO delegates have been negotiating for 20 years and only last December agreed on the definition of fish. The WTOs new director general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said a deal is a top priority but she has also expressed doubts about a July conclusion. The portion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels has plunged from 90% in 1990 to less than 66% in 2017, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation, with some regions like the Mediterranean significantly lower. Environmentalists say knocking out harmful subsidies is the single most important thing governments can do to help reverse the decline. WTO delegates in Geneva are negotiating to try to clinch a deal ahead of the July 15 virtual ministerial meeting. However, negotiators have already missed a 2020 deadline fixed by the United Nations, and the DG herself has expressed doubts about a July conclusion.



What is the main problem?



Governments have been subsidising their fleets for centuries for reasons ranging from food security to national pride to pressure from industry lobbies. Since World War II, global marine catches have continued to grow, until they peaked at 86 million tonnes in 1996. Without government intervention, smaller catches would put some fishermen out of business. But subsidies which reduce their operating costs such as for fuel mean they can continue. This is creating what fisheries biologist Daniel Pauly at the University of British Colombia describes as a race to the bottom, with countries that have depleted stocks in their own waters travelling further to compete for those that remain. The Pew Charitable Trusts estimates that an ambitious deal at the WTO could boost global fish biomass by 12.5% by 2050, based on a model it shared with negotiators here. However, a more recent draft showed more modest gains of less than 2%.



Where is the crisis deepest?



Among the biggest losers are developing countries like Senegal whose economies rely heavily on fishing but who do not have resources to develop large industrial fleets to compete with those entering their own waters. This can deprive locals of both livelihoods and a vital source of protein. Already, falling stocks of predator fish like white groupers have forced a switch to smaller sardinella. The environmental impact of subsidies is also being felt on the high seas, beyond nations territorial waters. Some activists point to the Indian Ocean as a good example, where 94% of yellowfin tuna stocks are overfished and the biggest single fleet is from the EU, according to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. There are also concerns that hundreds of Chinese squid jiggers that come to fish near the Galapagos Islands each year will deplete stocks and rob other species such as tuna, fur seals and hammerhead sharks of their prey.



Who are the major subsidisers?



Global subsidies are estimated at $35.4 billion according to a 2019 study published in Marine Policy here. The top five subsidisers are China, the EU, the United States, South Korea and Japan, it said. However, not all subsidies are harmful and within the scope of a WTO agreement. Without subsidies, much high-seas fishing would not be profitable, including damaging deep-sea bottom trawling, a 2018 article in Science Advances here said.



How close is the WTO to a deal?



Countries have failed before, with talks ending in discord at the last WTO ministerial meeting in Buenos Aires in 2017. But analysts warn that coming away empty-handed would be a major blow to the organisation, which has not agreed a multilateral deal in years. In this round of talks, led by Colombias Santiago Wills, five draft versions of the agreement have been produced. However, in a sign that much remains to be decided, the latest draft released last week still had 84 pairs of square brackets, indicating parts of the draft that have not yet been agreed on. Negotiators say the most vexed outstanding issue is the size of exemptions for developing countries, with countries like India pushing for big carve-outs. Beijing continues to oppose a high-seas provision which many delegates see as problematic. Some also see proposals such as one by Washington on forced labour in May as unhelpful since they are unlikely to be agreed by all 164 members. Many negotiators see the virtual format of the July meeting imposed by COVID measures as a handicap.

 2021 Reuters.
Gujarat: Tauktae relief package: CM felicitated for providing aid to fishermen

July 08,2021 | Source: The Indian Express

Various fishermen community leaders of Gujarat felicitated Chief Minister Vijay Rupani for the relief package of Rs 105 crore the government announced for losses sustained by the fishermen due to Tauktae cyclone that hit the Saurashtra coast in May, said a government release Monday. The release also quoted vice-president of All India Fishermen Association in Gujarat Veljibhai Masani as saying that due to timely action of the state government, 300 fishermen were brought to safety before the cyclone hit the coast and that within a month of announcement of the relief package, all the affected fishermen got it. Office bearers of All India Fishermen Associations Gujarat chapter felicitated Rupani by giving him a memento. On the occasion, office bearers of other fishermen bodies like Jafrabad Boat Association, Okha Boat Association, were also present.

 2021 The Indian Express [P] Ltd.
Below are excerpts from our conversation that have been edited for length and clarity.

When did the idea of UFOs first emerge?

The idea of aliens and that other worlds might be inhabited actually goes back to ancient times. The question was a matter of real debate among philosophers, scientists and theologians in the Western world by the 18th century and it was widely accepted that alien civilizations existed.

But something changed in the 19th century. Thats when you first start to see these reports of people seeing what they say were flying ships overhead. The things people describe back then sound a lot like the things they were familiar with  they literally saw ships and vessels that would normally float on the sea in flight. Some people would see steam-powered ships.

But its really not until the summer of 1947 that people began to regularly speak of seeing flying objects that some attributed to extraterrestrials.

What happened in 1947?
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The Denver City Council will consider two proposals from Clerk and Recorder Paul Lopez in the coming weeks that would change the way the city holds municipal elections.

The first proposal would move Denvers May municipal election to April, keeping the runoff election in June. The second proposal would implement a ranked-choice voting model, eliminating the citys current runoff structure.

Denvers charter has become antiquated with the way modern elections are to be conducted, said Lopez, Denvers chief elections official. Both models are viable options, and we are prepared to administer either option with the standard of excellence our office is known for.

Lopez proposed the changes to align Denvers municipal elections with a federal requirement recently adopted by Colorado. Under the new requirement, cities must provide ballots to overseas and military voters 45 days before elections. The requirement became an issue because Denvers municipal elections are followed by runoffs 30 days later, with only the top two candidates appearing on the runoff ballot.

Under ranked-choice voting, known as RCV, voters rank candidates by preference on their ballots. If no candidate get the majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated and all ballots with that candidate selected first move to their second preference. This is repeated until a candidate has a majority.

Denver used the RCV model in its municipal elections from 1916 until voters repealed it 1935, replacing it with the current runoff system.

Supporters of ranked-choice argue it assures winning candidates arent opposed by most voters, even if the winner isnt their first choice, and allows voters to select their true picks instead of feeling limited to choosing between the top two candidates. RCV also prevents voter fatigue, and saves time and money by only requiring one election, a benefit Lopez acknowledged in his proposal.

We can join the growing number of cities using RCV, or we can spend well over $1.2 million dollars on a second, three-month-long election, said Linda Templin, executive director of RCV for Colorado. There is a better way and it is available.

Opponents say ranked-choice voting does not guarantee winning candidates have majority support as runoff elections do and it can result in voter disenfranchisement by throwing out ballots that do not rank the most popular candidates.

For example, the winning candidate of an RCV election in San Francisco in 2010 was only listed on 4,321 ballots out of the 20,440 ballots cast, meaning only 21.1% of voters voted for the candidate and about half of them the candidate as their second, third or lower choice.

The candidate won the election after 20 rounds of elimination because 21 candidates were running and the majority of voters did not rank all 21 on their ballots, according to the San Francisco Department of Elections.

Trouble also was reported when New York City held its first ranked-choice election in June, with one mistaken announcement of results. It took more than two weeks to announce all the winners.

Denver Councilman Kevin Flynn, a member of the clerks advisory committee, argues that the complicated nature of RCV could lead to lower voter participation and higher rejections of improperly filled out ballots.

Denver already has a superior system in the runoff, and the timing issue is easily fixed by changing the date, Flynn said. The runoff is the only election system that guarantees a majority winner every time. RCV not only can't guarantee a majority victor, it actually routinely fails to do so.

Five of the seven members of the clerks advisory committee recommended moving the municipal election to April over implementing ranked-choice, Flynn said.

While moving the municipal election to April would come with its own problems.

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, this years Census data was delayed by six months and wont be delivered to states until Sept. 30. The delay has caused major delays in Denvers redistricting process, which could disrupt the City Councils 2023 election.

To run for Denver council, candidates must live in their council districts for at least one year. But if redistricting is not completed by May 2022  one year before the next council election  council members and prospective candidates whose districts are changed cannot run for office.

And moving the election from May to April would give the council one less month to complete the months-long redistricting process in time, which may not be possible.

Lopez said he considered other solutions to the voting timing problem, including moving municipal elections to November, changing elections to a plurality model and changing to approval voting where voters could select as many candidates as they want.

His last two proposals were the most popular options chosen during his public outreach and engagement process, Lopez said.

Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for voters to decide on who is entrusted to lead our city, he said.

If either proposal is passed by the City Council, members will be added to the November 2021 ballot for voters to consider.
Having recently played down speculation that a sale of its Myanmar operations might be imminent, Telenor Group has now agreed to sell its operations in the country.

Telenor Group has entered into an agreement to sell 100 percent of its mobile operations in Myanmar for what is described as a total consideration of $105 million, of which $55 million is a deferred payment over five years.

The mobile business is being sold to M1 Group, an investment company long active in Myanmar that was founded by brothers Taha and Najib Mikati, a former prime minister of Lebanon. The transaction, which awaits regulatory approval, corresponds to an implied enterprise value of approximately $600 million. M1 Group will acquire all the shares in Telenor Myanmar and continue the current operation.

According to a report in the UKs Financial Times newspaper, the Norwegian group had already written off its entire $780 million investment in the country in May. However, it felt then that it could still make a difference in Myanmar.

The company now says, The situation in Myanmar has over the past months become increasingly challenging for Telenor for people security, regulatory and compliance reasons. We have evaluated all options and believe a sale of the company is the best possible solution in this situation. The agreement to sell to M1 Group will ensure continued operations.

Working with a military dictatorship would also have a negative effect on the companys values and image, especially as it could involve helping the countrys military leaders to spy on citizens.

As we reported earlier this week, a number of laws have been passed involving cybersecurity and the amending of privacy rules to allow interception of communications. An order has also been made that senior executives of major telecoms firms, both foreigners and Myanmar nationals, must seek special authorisation to leave the country.

This is not the only departure from the country of a major business name. The Financial Times notes that other exits include those of the Japanese brewer Kirin and South Korean steelmaker Posco.
Dr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, a Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament of India) Member of Parliament (MP) from the state of Odisha, and former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer has been allocated with three portfolios - Telecom, Electronics and Information Technology, and Railways.

The 51-year-old bureaucrat, MBA, techie, and politician has replaced Ravi Shankar Prasad as a new telecom minister in a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday evening.

He has an MBA from the Wharton School, Pennsylvania University, an MTech from IIT Kanpur. Vaishnaw also had a brief stint in the Prime Minister Office when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was in office, and quit civil service in 2010.

"A former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1994 batch, he handled important responsibilities over 15 years and was particularly known for his contribution to the PPP (public-private partnership) framework in Infrastructure," the government said in a note.

Vaishnaw, a bureaucrat-turned-entrepreneur-turned politician held multiple leadership positions across multinationals such as General Electric and Siemens and worked as a Managing Director with GE Transportation.

According to Vaishnaw's Linkedin profile, he has 17 years of experience in leadership positions in infrastructure development.

He authored a controversial law that required social media firms to remove and identify the "first originator" of posts deemed to undermine India's sovereignty, state security, or public order.

Social media companies and privacy activists fear the vagueness of the rules means they could be forced to identify the authors of posts critical of the government.

Dr. Vaishaw tweeted yesterday announcing his induction in the Union Cabinet and thanked the Prime Minister.

Devusinh Chauhan has been entrusted with the charge of the Minister of State (MoS) for Communications, replacing Sanjay Dhotre who was also holding the portfolios of IT and HRD.
Orange Poland (Orange Polska) has transferred to its joint venture Swiatlowod Inwesticje (Fibre-Optic Investments) fibre connections covering around 672,000 households, as the new company starts operations.

Swiatlowod Inwesticje, which is set up earlier this year as a 50:50 partnership with Dutch investment fund APG, plans to deploy cover around 1.7 million households more by 2025, taking its network to 2.4 million households.

"The company is thus becoming a new player on the market, offering open access to its own fiber optic network," said Maciej Nowohonski, Member of the Management Board of Orange Polska for Wholesale Market.

Since June 21, the company has been managed by Magdalena Russyan, who is a Member of the Management Board for Operations. "Thanks to the agreement signed between Orange Polska and the Dutch APG fund, we will be able to effectively finance further expansion of the optical network without the participation of public funds," said Magdalena.

"In recent years, Orange has invested heavily in the development of its fiber optic network, reaching over 5 million households throughout the country. In the following years, we want to reach new customers, more often than before using contracts with infrastructural partners, such as Swiatowod Inwestycje," added Maciej.

According to the agreement signed in April, the APG fund is to pay PLN 1,374 million for 50% of shares in the joint venture Swiatowod Inwestycje. The first tranche of PLN 887 million is to be credited to Orange Polska's accounts in the third quarter of this year, and the remaining PLN 487 million will be settled in 2022-2026 adequately to the schedule of investments.

Orange Polska (formerly TPSA and PTK Centertel) is a provider of telecommunications services in Poland. Orange provides, among others mobile and fixed telephony, internet access, TV, and voice over the internet (VoIP) services.
Zain Bahrain, the Mobile Broadband network operator in the kingdom, has selected Ericsson to expand its 4G and 5G coverage as well as introduce 5G low-band (sub-6GHz FDD) and mid-band (sub-6GHz TDD) carrier aggregation.

By deploying the Ericsson 5G carrier aggregation service, Zain Bahrain can support the 5G uplink operating on a lower band than the 5G downlink, which operates on both low-band and mid-band. This will provide subscribers with enhanced 5G coverage across the country and increase network capacity to accommodate users and raise data speeds.

The coverage extension benefits of low-band and mid-band Carrier Aggregation reduces the need to densify 5G mid-band new sites, making it an energy-efficient way to handle data increase.

Implementation of 5G low-band and mid-band Carrier Aggregation delivers enhanced network capacity along with improved 5G speeds and higher reliability, allowing consumers to enjoy optimized video streaming and faster downloads over 4G services.

Ali Al-Yaham, Director of Technology at Zain Bahrain said: This latest Ericsson deployment allows us to continue to provide better coverage and faster download speeds in a digital-first world. In line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and the Telecommunication Regulatory Authoritys objectives, were providing world-class networks and improving our service to customers across the kingdom.

Wojciech Bajda, Vice President and Head of Ericsson GCC said: As a game changer for harnessing valuable, mid-band spectrum 5G Carrier Aggregation will help meet the increasing demand for mobile data. It will give Zain Bahrain subscribers access to higher speeds of the mid-band plus coverage extension across the nation of the mid-bands when aggregating with the low-band.
Frank Ferguson Fellowship Programme 2022-2023; Applications now open

News

The Irish Government, in partnership with the Engineering Institution of Zambia and the National University of Ireland, Galway, have established a Frank Ferguson Fellowship award that will fund one successful Zambian candidate each year to study on a masters level engineering programme in Ireland. The Engineering School at NUIG is ranked in the top 1% globally and boasts strong research support in one of the world's most welcoming cities.

This fellowship is in recognition of the achievements, and in memory of Frank Ferguson who was an engineer and innovator who dedicated fifty years of his life to promoting development in Zambia through numerous high-quality infrastructure projects.

Frank Ferguson Fellows should be prepared with the potential to make significant contributions to the development of Zambia.

The scholarship award covers course fees, required flights, accommodation, monthly allowances, insurance and other incidental expenses. Eligible Masters programmes in Ireland commence in the period August to September each year and, depending on the course, scholarships will run for between 10 and 16 months.

Eligible Countries:

Zambia

Eligible Courses:

Applicants must select from the following list of courses offered by the National University of Ireland, Galway:

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Frank Ferguson Fellowship, applicants must:

Be a citizen of Zambia and be residing in Zambia.

Hold a Degree in Engineering or related discipline with Merit or higher from an accredited and government-recognised higher education institution,

Have achieved the necessary academic standard to be accepted onto a Master's level course of study in Engineering

Not already hold a qualification at masters level or higher

Be applying to commence a new course at masters level in Ireland no sooner than August/September 2022.

Have identified and selected two relevant courses from the above list of engineering courses at NUI Galway.

courses from the above list of engineering courses at NUI Galway. Have a clear understanding of the academic and English language proficiencies required for both courses chosen.

Must not have applied for an Ireland Fellowship on more than one previous occasion.

Ireland Fellowship on more than one previous occasion. Be a member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia.

Have a minimum of three years' relevant work experience.

Be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to the development of Zambia.

Meet any relevant procedural requirements of the Government of Zambia.

Applicants will be required to submit a research proposal in an area linked to a social problem in Zambia. Applicants who are shortlisted by the Engineering Institution of Zambia will be invited to present their research proposal to the Embassy of Ireland and will be subject to further screening.

Applications

Please read the Application Guidance Note carefully before completing as eligibility criteria may differ from country to country.

How to apply

The application process consists of three stages:

Stage 1 Preliminary Application;

Stage 2 Detailed Application;

Stage 3 Interviews.

Application forms can be downloaded from here. All Stage 1 applications must be emailed to Zambiafellowships@dfa.ie. Applicants who are selected to go forward to second stage will be required to sit an IELTS, or Duolingo English Test unless they are already in possession of an IELTS certificate or Duolingo test certificate that is dated 2020 or later at the time of application which shows the applicant has achieved the necessary score for the course they intend to apply to. Early preparation for the IELTS and Duolingo English test exam is strongly advised, even for native English speakers.

The deadline for receipt of Stage 1 applications is 1st August 2021.

Please include "Frank Ferguson" in the subject line of all emails

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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.
St. Paul A.M.E Church Lay Organization in Ozark will host the 2021 Men and Women Conference on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Perry Recreation Center located at 223 Community Drive in Ozark. The theme is Breaking Down Barriers, and there will be three speakers: Sister Pertrenna Jackson, Liberty Christian Church of Dothan, Pastor Sam Jackson, III, Liberty Christian Church of Dothan, and Pastor Grandville Anderson, Pleasant Hill AME Church of Salem. The pre-registration fee is $20 and is due by Saturday, July 31. The onsite registration fee is $25. To register or get more information, contact Sandra Edwards, president of the St. Paul AME Church Lay, at 334-828-3149 or Tonita Williams at 813-966-9232.

Enterprise Womens Day Class of Community Bible Study will begin Aug. 16. The class will meet on Mondays from 10 a.m. until noon in the chapel of First Baptist Church located on 302 North Main Street. For those who cannot meet in person, a dedicated online Core Group will be offered. The class will spend 30 weeks studying 1 and 2 Peter and Revelation. Online registration is open now for the in-person class or the online Core Group at enterprise.cbsclass.org, or interested parties can contact the Class Coordinator by phone at 334-494-2039 or by email bandL@yahoo.com. Registration will be offered throughout the year. A Childrens Ministry is in progress, and children will be put on a waiting list.
Aglow Internationals monthly meeting will be held on Saturday, July 17 at 10 a.m. at PoFolks Restaurant. The guest speaker will be Margaret Gibbs from Wicksburg. The community is invited to attend and bring a friend!

July 19The annual meeting of the Coffee County Farmers Federation will be held on Monday, July 19 6:30 p.m. in the community room at the Extension Office Complex in New Brockton. Only one registration per membership for door prizes is permitted, and all members are encouraged to attend.

July 20The Enterprise City Council will convene in a work session followed by a council meeting on Tuesday, July 20 at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

July 21The Republican Women of Coffee County will meet on Wednesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. at the Enterprise Country Club. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall will be the guest speaker. Social time begins at 11 a.m. and an optional $12 lunch buffet opens at 11:30. The program begins at approximately noon. Everyone is invited, but reservations are required. To RSVP, call 334-494-3763 or email rwccreservations@gmail.com by July 18.
As Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dennis Coe begins his first full year, he is set on creating a new environment at DCS to bring the community together like family.

When he left his position as DCS chief operations officer to take on the role of interim superintendent in September of 2020, he was dropped in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple campus reconfigurations, but he did not feel blindsided by any of it, Coe said.

I was already doing work behind the scenes with the reconfigurations, so that gave me some exposure, Coe said. I was born and raised in this area, so I was familiar with Dothan schools and Ive worked in systems all over the state. Every school system has its own unique challenges, but my prior experience helped me maneuver through some of the problems weve had here.

Coe said he is excited to see how the reconfigurations will work out after extensive reviews and changes, one of those changes being the creation of a separate freshman academy to address overcrowding concerns.

I want to make sure we get that off on the right foot with our upcoming freshman, Coe said. Im excited about the opportunities they will have at a separate facility where we can better prepare them for high school.
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 company's 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. It's completely different experience, you don't realize it."

But she doesn't 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.
MONTGOMERY  The owner of a grant-writing business who narrowly missed a runoff for a congressional seat on Thursday became the fourth candidate to enter the U.S. Senate race in Alabama to replace retiring Sen. Richard Shelby.

Jessica Taylor introduced herself to state voters with a video that stressed conservative themes and, like other candidates in the race have done, emphasized her fealty to former President Donald Trumps agenda as well as her dislike of President Joe Biden's administration. Speaking of Vice President Kamala Harris, Taylor said she would be Kamalas worst nightmare.

Its long past time serious conservatives like us rise up and finish Trumps mission of draining the swamp," Taylor said in the campaign launch video.

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Ill protect life, defend the Second Amendment, support our police, a strong military, finishing President Trumps wall, and Ill never bend the knee to Communist China. And no, I still wont apologize for it. We already have plenty of RINOs, career politicians, and lobbyists in the swamp, and theyve been effectively useless, Taylor said, using the acronym for Republican In Name Only.
LONDON (AP)  Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday that most British troops have left Afghanistan, almost 20 years after the U.K. and other Western countries sent troops into the country to engage in what they described as a war on terror.

Johnson stressed that the threat posed by al-Qaida to the U.K. has substantially diminished, but he sidestepped questions about whether the hasty military exodus by his country and its NATO allies risks undoing the work of nearly two decades or leaves Afghanistan vulnerable to the Taliban, who have made rapid advances in many northern districts.

The prime minister declined to give details about the troop withdrawal, citing security reasons. But he said that all British troops assigned to NATOs mission in Afghanistan are now returning home, adding that most of our personnel have already left.

Most U.S. and European troops have also pulled out in recent weeks.
People shop at a supermarket in Ho Chi Minh City on July 8, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Tat Dat.

People in HCMC continue to stockpile consumer goods ahead of the social distancing period despite official assurance of supply.

Hoa in Go Vap District came to VinMart on Pham Van Chieu Road at 8 a.m. Thursday but only managed to buy a cabbage and a few bitter melons.

"There was almost nothing left in the meat and vegetable sections."

At MM Mega Market and Big C, supplies have increased as many people stockpiled products.

Hanh of Thu Duc City said she prioritized buying vegetables due to fear of them running out.

"I can see employees working non-stop to replenish stock."

Stockpiling was also seen at traditional markets and grocery stores. Hoa, a meat seller in Go Vap District, said she had doubled her supply to 150 kilograms Thursday but everything was sold within the first hour of opening.

"People buy about four to six kilograms each instead of a few hundreds of grams like on an average day."

A vegetable vendor next to her sold all her stock by 7 a.m. even though she had tripled the volume.

Online apps operated by VinMart, Lottemart, Co.opmart and Big C all suffered issues due to large orders. Buyers either cannot place orders due to items being sold out or cannot access the app altogether.

Most chains say they have increased stock to prepare for large demand.

A spokesperson of VinCommerce, which operates VinMart outlets, said the chain had tripled its supply from a normal day, but empty shelves were still seen due to surging demand.

Big C also tripled its supply. It plans to increase meat volumes by seven times to 70 tonnes a day. FMCG goods is set to increase by 30 percent from a normal day.

"Residents should not worry and stockpile since it would intensify the situation," said Nguyen Thi Bich Van, head of communications of Central Retail in Vietnam, which operates Big C.

Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy head of the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade, said grocery outlets would continue to operate during the social distancing period and there is no need for stockpiling.

"Trucks are bringing goods to the city and people will see shelves filled with goods in upcoming days."

Although the three wholesale markets in HCMC have been closed, around 900 tonnes of goods are still delivered each day to surrounding storage facilities.

It is estimated around 1,200 tonnes of goods each day are being transported directly to customers instead of through these markets.

Ho Chi Minh City has over 110 markets operating along with 106 supermarkets, over 2,400 minimarts and 28,700 convenience stores.

The city will commence a 15-day social distancing period starting Friday as nearly 8,600 local cases have been confirmed here since April 27.
Rising freight costs and the continuing shortage of containers can severely affect seafood exports, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers has warned.

It has called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to resolve the problem.

By May, freight costs had doubled for the year at some ports and were up six times from early last year, VASEP said. For instance, refrigerated container freight from Vietnam to the British port of Southampton was $9,100 per container in May as against $5,000 last December.

Many shipping lines increased rate restoration for shipments from Vietnam to Asian destinations to $50-100 per container.

But despite the higher rates, seafood exporters have found it very hard to get containers for hire, VASEP said.

Vietnams seafood exports were worth $4.05 billion in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of 12.5 percent, according to the General Statistics Office.
China seizes two tonnes of smuggled pangolin scales from Vietnam

Beijing banned imports of pangolins and their by-products in 2018, but they continue to be smuggled into the country. Photo by AFP.

Customs agents in southwest China have seized 2.2 tonnes of pangolin scales and busted an endangered wildlife smuggling gang, state media reported.

Two suspects were detained in the city of Yulin in Guangxi by customs officers, who also seized two kilograms of pangolin paws, the People's Daily said Tuesday.

The pangolin scales had been smuggled across the border from Vietnam, reported official state news agency Xinhua.

Pangolins are among the world's most endangered species and their scales are prized in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for various ailments.

China has raised the animal's protected status to the country's highest level due to dwindling numbers, meaning harsher sentences for poachers and smugglers.

In January, a Chinese court imprisoned 17 people for smuggling 23 tonnes of pangolin scales worth $28 million into China from Nigeria.

China banned imports of pangolin products in 2018, and outlawed poaching the animals in 2007.

Studies have suggested that the pangolin may have been the intermediate host that transmitted the coronavirus to humans when it first emerged at a wet market in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year.

China will host the U.N.-convened COP-15 Biodiversity Conference in the southwestern city of Kunming in October.
Starting Friday, HCMC will halt all lottery services, either via retailers or street vendors, as well as food and drink takeaways for 15 days.

The rules are part of social distancing measures for Ho Chi Minh City to curb the Covid-19 spread.

It will also suspend all motorcycle taxi drivers, either traditional or ride-hailing, for the 15-day period, but shipping services are to continue.

For the food and drink takeaways, even shipping services via food delivery apps must also be suspended.

In late May, the city had ordered all restaurants, drink stalls and street food eateries to only provide takeaway services to avoid large gatherings in confined spaces.

The latest policies arrive at a time when the city has decided to impose a 15-day social distancing order starting Friday.

The campaign, imposed under Directive 16 that comprises the most stringent social distancing regulations, requires residents to stay at home and only go out for basic necessities like buying food or medicines or seek medical treatment, to work at factories or public offices that are allowed to open, or in case of funerals, fire or other disasters.

People must wear face masks when going out and keep a distance of at least two meters. No more than two people can gather in public apart from workplaces, schools or hospitals.

The majority of public transportation will be shut down and there will be no travel to other localities.

Production facilities, construction sites, traffic and construction works, establishments providing essential products such as food, pharmaceuticals, gasoline, electricity, water, banks, treasuries, service providers directly related to banking activities and supporting businesses such as notaries, lawyers, registry, registration of secured transactions..., securities, postal, telecommunications, transportation support services, as well as import and export services, medical examination and treatment, and funerals are allowed to continue operating.

Crew members of foreign and domestic ships entering and leaving HCMCs seaports are not allowed to go ashore. For inland waterway vessels, only one crew member is allowed to go ashore to complete port-related procedures.

The city also assigned the Department of Transport to propose to the Ministry of Transport to restrict or suspend air and rail transport services to and from HCMC.

Saigon Railways has announced to suspend picking up and dropping off passengers in HCMC during the social distancing period.

HCMC, home to 13 million people, is suffering the worst Covid-19 community outbreak ever.

It is now the most infected locality with more than 8,500 local cases recorded so far in the ongoing wave that hit Vietnam on April 27.

Hundreds of new cases have been confirmed daily in recent days, with many detected via random testing at hospitals and mass tests in the community.
Vietnamese and American officials check a container of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine that arrived in Hanoi, July 7, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Tran Minh.

A batch of 97,111 Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine doses arrived at Hanois Noi Bai International Airport on Wednesday morning.

The batch forms part of a contract for 31 million vaccine doses developed by American firm Pfizer and German BioNTech Inc.

The vaccine called Comirnaty is developed from the messenger RNA or mRNA, which contains the instructions for human cells to construct a harmless piece of the coronavirus called the spike protein.

Based on evidence from clinical trials among people aged 16 years and older, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 95 percent effective and requires two doses given 21 days apart, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since Sept. 9 last year, as the vaccine entered its final phase of trials, Vietnams Ministry of Health has sought to obtain a batch for domestic distribution.

After 20 meetings and discussions in over 10 months, the ministry had signed a contract with the developer on June 7 to buy 31 million doses, Deputy Minister Truong Quoc Cuong said.

The vaccine purchase is funded by the state at an undisclosed price.

The ministry said earlier it expects three million doses of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines to be delivered in the third quarter, and 27-28 million doses in the fourth.

On June 12, Vietnam had approved the vaccine for emergency use.

The U.S. last week also announced the destinations of 55 million doses of vaccines it was going to donate, with Vietnam being one of them. The first two million doses of Moderna vaccine are expected to arrive in Vietnam around the weekend.

Vietnam has garnered commitments for the supply of 105 million doses from different sources.

The country is negotiating for an additional 45 million doses, aiming to secure 150 million vaccine doses this year to cover 70 percent of the population.

It has been using the AstraZeneca vaccine for its inoculation program thus far. Over 3.92 million people have been vaccinated to date, and 235,570 or 0.2 percent of the population have received two shots.
Phu Quoc Island off Kien Giang Province is seen from above, January 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh.

The Ministry of Transport has suspended all flights between HCMC and popular tourist destination Phu Quoc Island from Thursday amid the continuing Covid-19 crisis in the city.

They will only resume when the pandemic is brought under control.

Authorities in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, home to Phu Quoc, had sought the suspension two days earlier saying the island has limited Covid testing capability and medical facilities and equipment for quarantine, and it could be very dangerous if the infection reaches its shores.

Provincial authorities are seeking to prioritize vaccination for the 100,000 residents of Phu Quoc as the island has got the green light from the Politburo to trial vaccine passports.

Carriers operate 23 flights a week on the HCMC-Phu Quoc route.

The island received over five million visitors in 2019, including 541,600 foreigners.

HCMC is the new epicenter of the current wave and leads the country with the highest numbers of cases, 8,385.

The city is set to make social distancing regulations more stringent from Friday, with residents only permitted to leave home to shop for items like food and medicines or go to work at factories or businesses that are allowed to open.

Earlier the ministry suspended flights between HCMC and Hai Phong and Quang Ninh in northern Vietnam, and Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Binh, and Gia Lai provinces in the central region.
Right now, I work four days a week with a kid who has autism, he said.

In 2018, Bell obtained his drivers license in Carson City, of all places, noting how easy it was to pick up driving again after 20 years.

I drove through Vegas during rush hour on the Strip during the NFR (National Finals Rodeo). Driving is awesome, he said.

Bell is in the process of fundraising for the purchase of a van  which needs to be altered to allow for his ability to get in the vehicle, store his wheelchair and perform driving tasks without the use of his legs.

The reason Im doing this is to raise money for a vehicle I can drive. The Stampede board decided to make me the grand marshal, donated $1,000 to my fundraising and gave me last years Old West bronc spurs, Bell said. Leah Gregory was the person who contacted me and told me what they were doing. It was really awesome.

Through On the Hunt 4 Wheels  a fundraising project by Friends For Life that aids people with disabilities to purchase of specialized vehicles, wheelchairs, beds with wheels, walkers, etc.  Bell began the fundraising process through a series of raffles and silent auctions that will run through the conclusion of the Silver State Stampede on Sunday, July 11.
On 18 June, the Connecticut legislature legalized recreational cannabis use for residents twenty-one and older. The bill changes state law to allow the government to tax and regulate the commercialization of cannabis products.

After the signing, Governor Ned Lamont said that the law is a first step at correcting the injustices and disparities of the War on Drugs. Gov. Lamont hopes that the new law will eliminate the dangerous, unregulated market and support a new and equitable sector of our economy that will create jobs.

While opponents argue that this could make the public less safe, Gov. Lamont highlighted the new funding included for prevention and recovery services, which will be used to help prevent cannabis use by minors and to promote safe, healthy use of cannabis by those of legal age.

The passage of this law comes after then-Gov. Dannel Malloy signed a bill that decriminalized possession of some cannabis products in 2011.

At the time, Gov. Malloy assured some that opposed the move that the state was not legalizing the use of marijuana. Instead, the decriminalization represented a modification to the law and that the government would continue recognizing that the punishment should fit the crime, and acknowledging the effects of its application.

The governor also believed that there still could be cases where charges would be pursued, for example, if a person were to tell marijuana to minors. However, it was also his position that the states criminal justice resources could be more effectively utilized for convicting, incarcerating and supervising violent and more serious offenders.

In 2012, the medical use of marijuana was legalized.

What changes to the law does the new bill include?

Commercialization

The details over how, where, and when dispensaries will open are unknown, but most expect it to be sometime in 2022. Lawmakers hope that legalization will also increase public revenue as a tax of 6.35% will be applied to cannabis products.

Possession and Public Use

While the commercialization aspects of the law will not take effect until next year, on 1 July, possession of small qualities of marijuana was legalized.

Possession of more than 1.5 ounces of marijuana or any other controlled substance will still be classified as a misdemeanor. For those under eighteen found with more than five ounces of a cannabis product with no criminal record will be given a warning, and such person may be referred to a youth services bureau. Consequences become more severe after the second infraction.

The law also protects cannabis users by making it illegal for the sole reason of a police stop to be that an officer smells cannabis. Also, it mandates that municipalities with populations larger than 50,000 must designate public areas where cannabis can be consumed publicly.

Righting Injustices of the Past

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, in Connecticut, Black residents are four times more likely than their white counterparts to be arrested for marijuana possession.

This fact led some Democratic lawmakers to oppose an earlier draft that they felt did not include sufficient social measures to right this injustice.

The final bill also acknowledges the disproportionate impact the War on Drugs has had on communities of color and mandates that least half of all initial licenses be reserved for social equity applicants. More details on these programs will be released in the coming months.

Will criminal records be expunged?

The Connecticut law included a provision that allows certain convictions to be erased or expunged if they happened after 1 January 2000.

Convictions that occurred between 1 January 2000 - 1 July 2021 that qualify include,

Possession of four ounces or less of a cannabis-type product

Use, possession, or intent to use drug paraphernalia to to store, contain or conceal, or to ingest, inhale or otherwise introduce into the human body cannabis.

Additionally for those who were convicted of manufacturing, selling, gifting, transporting, or basically any other action to sell cannabis may have the ability to erase the conviction from their record. The law stipulates that an individual can appeal to have the sentence erased as long as the quantity in question is less than or equal to four ounces or six plants grown inside such person's own primary residence for personal use."

Marijuana legalization -- a national movement

Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level and is categorized as a Schedule I drug, meaning it was deemed unsafe even under medical supervision. Other Schedule I drugs include heroin and MDMA (or ecstasy).

This criminalization of cannabis formed part of the War on Drugs, where the federal government believed that by creating script rules for drugs, use and illegal commercialization would slow. It did not, and more importantly, it led to mass incarceration and an underfunded health system to help those suffering from addiction.

In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to fully legalize the recreational use of cannabis. At the time, public support for full legalization stood at around twenty-eight percent.

Earlier this year, Pew Research published the findings of a poll that found ninety-one percent of voters support either medical legalization or medical and recreational use of cannabis, a rate never captured in any previous polling.

Over the past decade, sixteen more states have legalized recreational use. Many more have passed laws to allow medical use or to decriminalize possession. In addition to Connecticut, this year alone, New York, Virginia, New Mexico legalized cannabis for recreation use, Alabamas state legislature legalized it for medical use, and Louisiana decriminalized possession.

The vast majority of Americans live in states where the use of cannabis is legal under state law, and most experts believe that it is only a matter of time before federal law catches up.
The delta variant is quickly becoming the dominant strain of covid-19 in the United States. One of the states hardest hit is Missouri where cases have doubled in the last month.

On 3 June, the state reported 516 new covid-19 cases, on 4 July, that number was 1,108. Case numbers this high have not been seen since February. In response, state officials requested help from the federal government who will be sending a covid-19 surge team.

Adding to this increase in cases is the low vaccination rate in the state. Nationally the average of partially vaccinated adults stands at sixty-seven percent, in Missouri that rate is more than ten points lower. Nationally, around fifty-eight percent of the population is fully vaccinated and in Missouri, the number is under fifty percent.

Dr. Anthony Fauci highlighted the risk unvaccinated Americans are taking on Meet the Press this Sunday. Fauci cited a new study that found that in June, 99.2% of those who died from covid-19 were unvaccinated. Fauci, who has been at the front lines of fighting this pandemic since last spring, described the deaths as avoidable and preventable."

Covid-19 Surge Response Team arrives in Missouri

The heart of the outbreak is in the Southwest corner of the state, where the Kansas City Star has also reported that not a single county has a fully vaccinated population above thirty-five percent.

The increased transmission of the delta variant has led hospitals to fill up quickly, with one, Mercy Hospital Springfield, running out of ventilators on the Fourth of July. Luckily, neighboring states are not experiencing the same rise in cases and have been able to send over the needed supplies.

To combat the quick rise in cases and hospitalizations, a federal covid-19 surge response team is being sent to Missouri.

On 7 July, a CDC epidemiologist arrived in Springfield with another expert on the way, according to the White House. The team will work with local and state officials to increase testing and vaccination.

In an interview with Star, Dr. Cameroon Webm a White House covid-19 policy expert said that Theres no one-size-fits-all with this pandemic," adding that his team is aware that the actions taken by the surge team will vary by location." One of the tactics being tossed around is door-to-door promotion of the vaccine.

However, a tweet sent by Governor Mike Parsons, a Republican, read that he had directed our health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR a welcome strategy in Missouri! The governor followed up the initial tweet sharing photos of him and his wife receiving the vaccine.

What services do Covid-19 Surge Response teams provide?

During a press briefing by the White House Covid-19 Response Team on 1 July, the groups coordinator Jeff Zients described a new program the federal government developed to help states and municipalities fight covid-19.

Groups of health experts, or Surge Response Teams, will provide additional testing support to bring the test positivity rate down. This expansion will allow for the increased detection of the virus and allow public health authorities to do contact tracing to help contain outbreaks.

The Surge Response Teams will also help treat those with covid-19 as hospital beds fill up and health care staff is stretched thin. This additional and targeted support helps to keep nurses, doctors, and other professionals free to treat non-covid patients, which should decrease excess death.

The teams will also where needed and where requested to address gaps and augment local staff supporting vaccination, testing, and therapeutics work. Increasing vaccination is one of the most critical responsibilities of the response teams as many are and will be sent to places where the vaccination rate is lower.

Lastly, these teams include CDC technical experts who will help communities experiencing or at risk for becoming hotspots with containment, including assisting with epidemiology, data analysis, field investigations, and other public health response work.




Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue (Photo: VNA)

The two leaders shared the view that in the time ahead, their countries should step up bilateral trade and investment while boosting investment promotion and business matching activities.

They expressed their delight that the Vietnamese community in Morocco have integrated well into the local society.

Both sides also agreed to keep close coordination at multilateral forums and support each others stances on regional and international issues of common concern.

Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that Vietnam is ready serve as a gateway for Morocco to enhance cooperation with other ASEAN countries.

In response, El Malki said his country is also willing to act as a bridge for Vietnam to intensify partnership with African nations.

He added as Vietnam has obtained major development achievements, including in the automobile and aerospace industries, Morocco wishes to reinforce ties with the Southeast Asian nation in these fields.

Morocco is also ready to share its success stories in developing agriculture and renewable energy like wind and solar power with Vietnam, the Speaker went on.

Meanwhile, the top legislator of Vietnam voiced his belief that based on the sound political ties, the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries will flourish more strongly for the sake of their people as well as for peace, stability, and development in each country, their respective regions, and the world as a whole./.
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
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.
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.

[ Editor: WPY ]
Picture by Qianli

For some time, the US has been making a big fuss about the origin of the novel coronavirus and has produced ridiculous lies about it - one of the most absurd was the lab leak theory that came out of nowhere. Those behind such conspiracy embrace the presumption of guilt, and trust me, they are good at finding evidence with a predesigned conclusion in hand. However, doing so is not making any sense at all, nor is it consistent with facts. It undermines the global fight against COVID-19, and is detrimental to the public.

Anti-intellectualism in the US is inconceivable

In the early days of the outbreak, The Lancet, the worlds top medical journal, published a statement signed by 27 prominent public health scientists across the globe, pointing out that conspiracy theories do nothing but create fear, rumors, and prejudice that jeopardize our global collaboration in the fight against this virus.

The open letter has, unfortunately, brought trouble to Stanley Perlman, the famous American virologist from the University of Iowa. The Washington Post reported that in early June, he received a letter of threat that accused him of being Dr. Frankenstein  yes, the Frankenstein who made monsters.

This reminded me of a book I read  Anti-intellectualism in American Life. According to Richard Hofstadter, the distinguished historian and author of the book, anti-intellectualism is a resentment and suspicion of the life of the mind and of those who are considered to represent it; and a disposition constantly to minimize the value of that life. To put it simply, anti-intellectualism shows a lack of rationality. It refers to people who turn a blind eye to facts that contradict their views, and those who only believe in things they think are right.

Inconceivable cases of anti-intellectualism in America keep popping up  many Republicans believe that global warming is merely a hoax sponsored by the liberals and some foreign governments, so they refuse to even talk about it. To make matters worse, some in the US believe the coronavirus is simply another flu strain, so people can still gather, there is no need for masks, and no need to take the jab.

The truth is, there are widely shared conclusions among scientists on the origin of the virus that are against the so-called lab leak theory.

Massimo Galli, head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan, Italy said that the coronavirus is an unknown virus with no signs of genome engineering inside, and that the lab leak theory has no scientific basis.

Also, a team consisting of researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US recently published a report after analyzing 24,000 blood samples, which found that some Americans got infected with the coronavirus as early as mid-December, 2019.

Despite all these findings, one has to admit that, as a scientific matter, origin tracing is not something that can be completed within a short period of time. The lab leak theory obviously fits well with anti-intellectual imaginations. There are people buying the theory, and some are hyping it up out of their ulterior political agendas. As a result, the lab leak theory became rampant in the US for a while.

The lab leak theories for COVID-19 range from accidental to deliberate and even state-sponsored. These are easy claims to make, comprehensible to everyone, part of popular culture and catering to political discourse, said Dominic Dwyer, Australian immunologist and epidemiologist, and a member of the WHO team tasked with origin-tracing of the novel coronavirus.

In fact, anti-intellectualism not only underlines the absence of scientific spirit, it also signals the collapse of American political morality at a time when its social stratification becomes more rigid, domestic politics more polarized and the Cold War mindset is coming back. Externally, anti-intellectualism is manifested by compensation claims against China and the lab leak theory; internally, its evidenced by the fact that no political solutions are found for the Black Lives Matter campaign, racial discrimination against Asians and the rampant gun violence.

American scholar Francis Fukuyama wrote that in as early as 2014, he had lamented the deep-rooted corruption of American politics and the fact that the countrys governance bodies were becoming less effective. The situation only got worse after Trump entered the White House. It has since been deteriorating at an alarming speed and eventually reached a staggering level, and thats why the chaos like protesters raiding the Capitol could happen in January.

Lets play track & field instead of wresting

Ive noticed how much controversy there is recently in the US surrounding the lab leak theoryit shows how divided the American society is.

Christopher Ford, former Assistant Secretary of State, recently published a lengthy open letter to prove his innocence, but the letter can be summarized in one simple line  I didnt collude with the Communist Party of China.

According to Ford, during his tenure the US was engaged in a full-government competition against the security challenges China brought to the US and its allies. He also said that he went to the UK to press the British government to immediately give up on Huawais technologies.

But why would such a diplomatic elite be labeled by some in the US as a CCP spy?

Now in retrospect, American media believe its because some senior officials in the US State Department refuted the lab leak theory in the early days of the pandemic. It is widely perceived in the US that these officials sided with China, and that Ford is one of them.

Though filled with false accusations against China, Fords open letter demonstrated how the US State Department created the lab leak theory and scapegoated China. To put it simply, someone is trying to stick the lab leak label onto China despite the fact theres no scientific evidence for it.

It ironically attests to the fact that when some in the US say they are tracing the origin, they are actually fabricating the origin of the virus.

Peter Daszak, zoologist, member of the WHO team tasked with origin-tracing and President of the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, dismissed the US intelligence reports as political, not scientific.

Then why some people in the US work so hard to hype up the scandal?

For the majority of the incumbent political leaders in the United States, their careers started in the Cold War era. The 78-year-old Biden, for example, entered politics in 1970, at a time when Americans liked to seek enemies for their global strategy. The political mindset of these people is clearly lagging behind as rules of the jungle, the Cold War mentality, and the zero-sum game still dominate their thinking. The insecurity that American hegemony may one day be replaced or threatened is forever lingering on their mind.

Under such outdated mindset, the US even eavesdropped on its European allies, nor to mention China, a country with a different ideology but is quickly catching up with its growing strength. Steven Bannon, once Trumps strategist, said that America only had a time window of five years to contain China. Anxiety has intensified since Biden took office when it became clear that the US could not completely contain the development of China.

This change in mentality is also perceived by people outside the country. Prof. Kishore Mahbubaniof the National University of Singapore said bluntly that the US had an indescribable fear of China after spending three months in the United States.

The World Health Organization has called for scientists to carry out their researches based on reliable evidence, because otherwise the world may not get an answer from the origin tracing effort. Polluting the working environment of origin tracing will clearly not help mankind understand how and where the virus started. Very unfortunately, some in the US are only into hyping the issue up and bundling it with Xinjiang and Taiwan, in the hope that China would bear the brunt of international pressure, Chinas image would be tainted and that the US could shift its domestic pressure elsewhere.

Helga Zepp-LaRouche, President of the Schiller Institute, a US think tank, said recently that to accuse China of making the novel coronavirus is a malicious effort and an old trick by the West to smear China.

But we live in a different time today, this global pandemic has taught us that the world is interconnected and mankind share the same destiny. Win-win cooperation should be the theme of this new era, and if there has to be competition, countries had better play the track and field type of game where one catches up with another and all countries progress together; instead of the wrestling game where countries attack one another.

By observing the performance of the Wuhan Institute of Virology that stands at the very center of this hoax, one will find a different type of philosophy:

According to The Daily Telegraph, when Peter Daszak, the zoologist I mentioned earlier, was on that trip to Wuhan, he was told by the institute that nobody even cared about the lab leak theory there, because they didnt want to fuel such groundless conspiracy theory. When asked about the theory in her interviews with foreign press, Shi Zhengli, a researcher with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, said that she was only concerned about the characteristics of the novel coronavirus and its latest strains.

As I write now, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the US have exceeded 30 million, and the death toll has exceeded 600,000. These are not numbers, but human lives. This is by no means how the worlds leading power should look like.

I sincerely hope that instead of hyping up the lab leak theory, the US can show political courage, get rid of the fetters of old thinking, shoulder up the responsibility for its own people and work on improving its competitiveness.

Now it seems that the Chinese slogan of handle our own business well not only works for China itself, but also for the United States.

Contributed by Longyuan from Official WeChat account of Poquanle

[ Editor: Liu Jiaming ]
South China Morning Post published an article on July 1, saying that the Communist Party of China (CPC) has successfully transformed China into a moderately prosperously society, and has also excelled in the provision of public goods.

The articles said that the 100-year-old CPC is one of the few political parties in the world that has stood test of time. As for what has the CPC delivered to Chinese people, it said that the CPC has successfully solved the problems of feeding Chinas large population and keeping people adequately clothedand it has achieved for China a moderately well-off society.

The CPC has also excelled in the provision of public goods, said the article. Moreover, it also mentioned that China has also made great strides in public health. At last, the article shows its confidence in Chinas economic growth in the coming decade.

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
On Thursday, July 8, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Results of Intl European University's first year of work in Ukraine. Tasks, plans for next year." Participants include Ukrainian statesman, politician and scientist, civil servant of the first rank, PhD in Philosophy, academician of the Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Chairman of the Development Assistance Council of the International European University Anatoliy Tolstoukhov; descendant of Emperor Franz Joseph, President of the International European University Franz-Volodymyr von Habsburg-Lothringen; founder and vice-rector for scientific and pedagogical work and international relations of the International European University Alla Navolokina; Chief Rabbi of the World Forum of Russian-Speaking Jewry, Chief Rabbi of the Brodsky Synagogue in Kyiv Moshe Reuven Azman. By Skype: partners of the university from Austria, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Pakistan and other countries (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot.
Oleksandr Kohut, Kyivstar Regulatory Dirrector

About two years ago, the government and mobile carriers came up with a win-win solution to provide quality mobile communication and mobile web connection in villages and small towns and on public roads.

In 2019, a Memo was concluded by the Government of Ukraine and leading mobile carriers. Under the Memo, the latter undertook to provide the largest possible 3G and 4G coverage. In turn, the government undertook to support the process which is both critical to subscribers and resource-intensive to carriers.

What did the government and mobile carriers agree upon under the Memo?

Building a 4G network in rural areas;

Providing over 90% of the country's population with access to 4G networks;

Ensuring coverage of domestic and international highways.

Clearly determined terms & conditions and KPIs made it possible for the mobile carriers to increase investments in expanding 4G networks. According to projections, the investments of Ukraine's three major providers in the internetization of rural areas will tot up to 15 billion hryvnias having reached over 1.2 billion hryvnias so far. It should be mentioned that the Ukrainian "big three" have invested over 63 billion hryvnias in the development of their telecommunications networks in the last six years.

A few more words about investing. In the year 4G networks were launched, Ukraine's mobile carriers invested about 50% of their revenue which constituted 3.4% of total capital investments around Ukraine. On average, Kyivstar invests 24% of its revenue in 4G annually. As a result, Kyivstar and its main competitors managed to deploy 4G networks about two times as fast as the EU member states. To complete the initiative of the president of Ukraine to overcome the "digital divide" between urban and rural areas, Kyivstar has yet to invest about 5 billion hryvnias.

It ought to be noted that telecommunications services are quite heavily taxed in Ukraine. The average tax burden on mobile carriers is 35% of the total market turnover. The value is much higher than the European average which is 21%.

According to the official records of the State Tax Service of Ukraine, telecom companies paid a total of 10.4 billion hryvnias in taxes in 2017, 12.6 billion hryvnias in 2018, 14.8 billion hryvnias in 2019, and 15.8 billion hryvnias in 2020, the year of crisis. That is, the annual amount of fees paid within the telecommunications sector has been steadily increasing by 12 billion hryvnias considering the fact that the lease of frequencies has not been indexed.

Under the Memo, the Ukrainian government undertook to stop the rise of fiscal and regulatory burden on mobile carriers according to the terms & conditions of the Memo and to suspend the rise of radiofrequency rent (RFR) tax for four years.

However, these undertakings were not applied within three years of the Memo conclusion. Instead, the government sent up Bill No. 5600 stipulating the rise of the RFR tax by 5% from 1 July 2021 in violation of its own responsibilities. Thus, the government plans to win 102.5 million hryvnias per year more from mobile carriers. Sadly, most MPs approved the bill on first reading despite numerous appeals by telecom companies and warnings by the industry Regulator, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and the dedicated committee of the parliament on the negative effect the bill may have on the nationwide internetization once it's passed.

Such unpredictable regulations constitute an additional financial burden for carriers and may slow down the development rate of mobile networks. At the same time, the government is currently demanding the carriers to speed up the fulfillment of their responsibilities under the Memo. These include providing 4G coverage of four major international highways by the end of 2021, instead of the end of 2022 as stipulated by the license.

The government's attempts to increase the inflow of funds to the state budget are quite reasonable. In these terms, workers of the telecommunications industry are amenable to a compromise that would create investment incentives for mobile carriers, increase the budget inflow, cut the expenditure for tax administration, and improve the budget inflow transparency. Instead of increasing the radio frequency lease cost, it is possible to cancel spectrum fees as they require too complex administration and cause losses to the budget income. Mobile carriers look forward to the capacity increase in existing networks, improvement of the data transfer rate, and implementation of new generations of telecommunications technologies. Spectrum auctions may bring in up to 4 billion hryvnias to the budget. The first shot is a sale tender of the radio frequency band 2,100 MHz. It may bring in up to 1 billion hryvnias but it also may fail if spectrum fees are not canceled.

The cancellation of spectrum fees has been advocated by the State Tax Service and the National Commission for State Regulation of Communications and Informatization. Previously, the Committee on Digital Transformation of the Verkhovna Rada took a stand for spectrum fee cancellation.

Therefore, there is a possible win-win for the government and mobile carriers. Spectrum fee cancellation may bring in about 1 billion hryvnias to the government in the short term alone, as well as annual income amounting to 263 million hryvnias. This will make it possible for the government to fulfill its responsibilities under the Mariupol Memo at no cost.

On top of that, spectrum fee cancellation will mark the government's encouragement of investments in the development of the telecommunications sector. This, in turn, will accelerate the deployment of quality telecom networks in small towns and villages and on public roads. To sum up, such regulatory and fiscal scheme is the required win-win solution capable to bring profits to all sides.
Agroholding Kernel has made changes to the initial design of an oil extraction plant under construction in western Ukraine with an estimated processing capacity of up to 1 million tonnes of oilseeds per year, increasing the growth in the estimate of capital construction costs by 55% - to $279 million due to the expansion of storage and logistics capacities and the rise in the cost of construction work and materials.

"The additional costs are the result of changes made to the initial design of the plant, related to the expansion of capacities for receiving and storing sunflower seeds, improving the capabilities of road and rail logistics, along with reflecting global trends in the rise in the cost of construction materials and labor," the group of companies said in a message posted on the Warsaw Stock Exchange late Wednesday night.

The agricultural holding clarified that after commissioning, scheduled for the spring of 2022, the capacity of the oil extraction plant for processing sunflower seeds will amount to 1 million tonnes per year.

According to Kernel, the project for the plant under construction includes the construction of a thermal power plant producing renewable electricity from biomass with an estimated capacity of 22.5 MW.

As reported, in October 2018, the company announced plans to build a plant for processing oilseeds in Starostiantynivsky district of Khmelnytsky region in early 2021. The design capacity of the processing plant was planned at the level of 1 million tonnes of oilseeds per year, the volume of storage facilities is 100,000 tonnes. At that time, commissioning was scheduled for early 2021.

Kernel is a large producer and exporter of sunflower oil, operating in the production, export and domestic sales of sunflower oil, crop production, export of grain crops, provision of services for storage and transshipment of grain at elevators and port terminals. The largest co-owner of Kernel through Namsen Ltd is Andriy Verevsky with a 39.97% share. Cascade Investment Fund (the Cayman Islands), the beneficiary of which is ex-MP Vitaliy Khomutynnik, owns 6.59% of Kernel's shares.
Ukraine has refused to buy electricity from the Belarusian nuclear power plant (NPP), Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said following talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Vilnius on Thursday.

At a joint press conference, she welcomed Ukraine's withdrawal from dangerous suppliers and its desire to join the European ENTSO-E electricity market.

According to her, the "green" transition is also important.
The Ministry of Energy is initiating the introduction of a blacklist for unscrupulous participants in the electricity market in order to increase their liability for violations of contractual conditions, the ministry said on its website on Thursday.

At the same time, it is specified that the Ministry of Energy proposes to amend the regulations for organizing and holding an electronic auction for the sale of electricity at the Ukrainian Energy Exchange, providing for the introduction of a list of systematic violators of contractual obligations - the so-called Black List, which will temporarily restrict their participation in auctions under bilateral agreements.

As reported, after a sharp drop in the price at the day-ahead market on July 1-4, PJSC Centrenergo announced that more than a third of the company's partner traders stopped buying out the electricity volumes agreed by contracts due to losses. National Nuclear Generating Company Energoatom, for its part, warned its counterparties that it would not consider proposals for early termination of contracts.
Some 91.2% of foreign workers working in Poland said they did not regret that they stayed in this country during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the findings of a sociological survey "A foreign employee in Poland in the pandemic" conducted by the EWL company (Poland).

At the same time, 4.6% of respondents said that they regret it, and 4.2% found it difficult to answer.

Some 29.8% of respondents answered that they feel completely safe in Poland during the pandemic, 34.6%  that they rather feel safe, 25.1%  feel uncertain, 5.8%  rather, feel danger, and 4.7%  feel danger.

Some 36.4% said that in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, they are most afraid of losing their jobs, 27.7% of the economic crisis, and 24.8% of the need to return to their country.

Some 15% of those who took part in the survey reported that they are afraid of a salary cut in Poland during the pandemic, while 12.9% are afraid of contracting the coronavirus.

Some 69.6% said that they did not notice an increase in negative stereotypes regarding foreigners in Poland due to the epidemic, 14% said they did, and 16.4% found it difficult to answer the question.

Some 50% of respondents noted that they stayed in Poland during the epidemic due to the fact that they worked in Poland before the start of the pandemic and did not want to change plans, 36.7%  that they wanted to continue working in Poland as long as possible, 24.3%  that their legal residence and work permits were automatically renewed, 23%  that there is not enough work in their country during the pandemic, 12%  that they feel safer in Poland than in their own country, 7.1%  that otherwise they will not be able to come to Poland for a long period, and 6.2%  that the healthcare system in Poland works better than in their country.

Some 51.6% of respondents said that they came to Poland during the pandemic, since earnings in Poland are higher than in their country, 37.7% planned it earlier and did not want to change their plans, 32.9%  because their country has a bad political and economic situation, 26.6%  because the living standard in Poland is higher than in their country, 24.1%  because there was no work in their country during the pandemic, 18.2%  because the epidemic did not bother them, 13.7%  because they lost their jobs in their country during the pandemic, and 6.6%  on the recommendation of friends and relatives.

Some 31% of respondents noted that they plan to continue to find employment in Poland until the end of the pandemic.

Some 36.1% of foreign workers in Poland said that they are ready to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Poland, if there is such an opportunity, 31.1%  that they are not ready, and 32% found it difficult to answer. Some 0.8% of respondents have already been vaccinated.

Some 51% of those surveyed said they would like to work in Germany, 48.1%  in Poland, 25.9%  in the Czech Republic, 25.1%  in the United States, 23%  in Canada, and 21.4%  in Norway.

The survey was conducted in April-May 2021. Some 620 respondents took part in it. Some 92.4% of respondents are from Ukraine, 4.2%  from Belarus, 2.3%  from Moldova, and 1.1%  from other countries.
Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov, while on a visit to Brussels, took part in a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Commission, the press service of the Reintegration Ministry said on Wednesday.

"In his speech at the meeting of the commission, Oleksiy Reznikov informed the ambassadors of the Alliance states about the security situation in eastern Ukraine and around the Crimea and the city of Sevastopol temporarily occupied by Russia. He also briefed international partners on the progress of consultations within the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, OSCE)," the ministry said.

It said that special emphasis was placed on explaining the tactics of the Russian side, which refuses to fulfill its obligations and is trying to avoid responsibility for armed aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of part of Ukrainian territories.

"Our goal is to form a comprehensive understanding of what is happening. After all, the Russian side is carrying out a rather aggressive campaign of disinformation. By specific examples, I showed that Ukraine has fulfilled all the obligations of the summit of the leaders of the Normandy Four in Paris in 2019. But Russia has not fulfilled anything and is trying to block consultations, resorting to blackmail and escalation. The main thing is that NATO has a clear awareness that Moscow is a participant in an international armed conflict, responsible for its solution and in no case is a mediator," Reznikov said.

It is noted that during the meetings, specific steps were discussed that will allow maintaining the high dynamics of contacts between Ukraine and NATO at the political level, as well as moving faster to achieve compatibility.

Separate ideas for expanding areas of cooperation between Ukraine and the Alliance were also presented.

"I thank Mr. Geoana and representatives of NATO member states for supporting Ukraine. This is very important for us. There were many questions that showed a desire to better understand the specifics of the moment. I also voiced Ukraine's expectations for the implementation of the decisions of the 2008 Bucharest summit. I really liked the open and the pragmatic nature of the discussion, and I hope that it will have practical implications," Reznikov said.

It is specified that during the meeting of the Commission, representatives of 30 NATO member countries made speeches.

In addition, during his working visit to Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister Reznikov met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana.

"During the meetings, interest was expressed in sending a mission to Ukraine to counter hybrid threats," the ministry said.
A soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received shrapnel wounds as a result of shelling by Russian-occupation forces over the past day. Since the beginning of this day, Russian-occupation forces in Donbas have violated the ceasefire three times in the area of the Joint Force Operation (JFO).

"As a result of the shelling, one soldier received shrapnel wounds. After providing first aid, the soldier was transported to a hospital. The condition of the wounded is satisfactory," the JFO said on the Facebook page said on Thursday

At the same time, from the beginning of the current day on July 8, three violations of the ceasefire have been recorded.

"Over the current day, there are no combat losses among the servicemen of the Joint Forces," the headquarters said.

In particular, near Opytne, the enemy fired at the positions of the Ukrainian defenders from large-caliber machine guns. At Novozvanivka, the enemy fired from automatic easel grenade launchers, large-caliber machine guns and small arms, and not far from Nevelske they used 120-caliber mortars.

Over the past day, on July 7, six violations of the ceasefire by Russian-occupation forces were recorded in the JFO area. Thus, near Pisky, the enemy fired at the positions of the Ukrainian defenders from automatic easel grenade launchers and small arms. Near Starohnativka, 82 caliber mortars were used. At Zolote-4, the positions of the Ukrainian defenders were fired at from heavy anti-tank and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. In the area of Prychepylivka, the emeny fired from 120-caliber mortars, automatic easel and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. Near Luhanske, the enemy opened fire from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers, large-caliber machine guns and small arms, and in the direction of Avdiyivka, the enemy fired at Ukrainian positions from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers.

"The Ukrainian side of the JCCC informed the representatives of the OSCE Mission about the facts of violations by Russian-occupation forces, using the established coordination mechanism," the headquarters said.
Ukraine needs to make even more efforts in the fight against corruption and the implementation of the rule of law, as they are key reforms, Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonyte said.

At the Fourth Conference on Ukraine's reforms in Vilnius on Thursday, she said that lack of progress in these areas will undermine efforts on any others, it will not provide an opportunity not only to attract, but also to retain foreign investment.

The head of the Lithuanian government welcomed the progress of Ukraine in these areas, but recalled the abolition of the mandatory declaration by the Constitutional Court in 2020, which showed the fragility of the changes.

Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen said that time is pressing on us, delay means the loss of people's trust and there must be real actions.

She said the rejection of these reforms could lead to the loss of support not only from the IMF, but also from Ukraine's political partners.

Cmilyte-Nielsen said it is hard to follow the road of reforms, but the officials have gathered to support the people of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Simonyte, among other important Ukrainian reforms supported by Lithuania, named the further integration of the gas market into the European one, joining the European Green Deal program and the opening of the land market.

She also stressed the importance of corporate governance, transparent and fair appointment of top managers.

Speaking about the experience of Lithuania, which can be useful for Ukraine, Simonyte pointed out two key lessons of rebuilding the country from almost zero. The reform should cover all stakeholders and consolidate them, and it is necessary to use all the support of international partners, she said.
SkyUp Airlines is canceling Odesa-Thessaloniki-Odesa flight, which was opened on July 6.

The indicated direction was removed from the schedule due to insufficient number of people. At the same time, the first flights (to Thessaloniki on July 6 and back to Odesa on July 13) are being operated according to the schedule, the press service of the company informed the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

Passengers of subsequent flights that will not be operated (starting from July 13 to Thessaloniki and back from July 20 to Odesa) were offered two options at SkyUp: change the plane to Kyiv - Thessaloniki - Kyiv flight with the same departure dates; request a refund, including through the passenger's balance in the personal account on the airline's website. Previously, the airline company planned to operate this route once a week - on Tuesdays.
The editorial boards of the Baranovichi newspaper Intex-press and Brestskaya Gazeta have reported visits by law enforcement officials to the offices of the Belarusian media outlets.

Intex-press said on its Telegram channel on Thursday that "State Security Committee officials have come to search the editorial office."

The paper was earlier issued a warning by the Information Ministry for an interview with former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. The paper's editor-in-chief and founder Vladimir Yanukevich was then fined for dissemination of prohibited information.

Brestskaya Gazeta also reported a visit by law enforcement officials on its Telegram channel on Thursday. "Law enforcement officials have come to the Brestskaya Gazeta editorial office, according to employees who are not in the editorial office," the report said.

It was reported on Thursday that user access to the website of the opposition media outlet Nasha Niva had been blocked. The editorial board reported the detention of the publication's editor-in-chief Yegor Martinovich and searches of the employees' residences.

Igor Kazmerchak, editor of the Orshansky regional portal, was detained on Thursday morning.

"Officials from the Financial Investigations Department knocked on the door at the apartment of our site's editor Igor Kazmerchak and another employee of the site at around 6:00 a.m. today. Igor's laptop computer and mobile phone were seized during the search. Igor was also asked to come with them immediately after the search. It's not clear where he is now and when he will be released," the portal said.
Prospects for involving Israeli companies in irrigation projects in Ukraine were the subject of a meeting between the Ambassador of Ukraine to the State of Israel Yevhen Korniychuk and the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Roman Leshchenko. The Embassy of Ukraine reported this at Facebook.

The Minister informed about the reform of the national water management, as well as the state, problematic aspects, development prospects and ways to modernize the irrigation system of Ukraine. Taking into account the relevant technological potential of Israel, the prospects of involving Israeli companies in irrigation projects in our country were also discussed, - the statement says.

The Embassy notes that based on the results of the meeting, it was agreed to prepare a relevant presentation with an invitation to a commercial offer for the Israeli side in the near future.

The parties also agreed to organize bilateral expert consultations.
Former press secretary of the President of Ukraine Yulia Mendel will work as a freelance advisor to head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak for communications with foreign media, a source in the President's Office said.

"Yulia Mendel will work as a freelance advisor to Andriy Yermak and will be responsible for communications with foreign media. Not right away, she needs some time to rest. Approximately in a month," a source at the Office of the President of Ukraine reported.

As the source said, "Mendel's resignation from the post of the president's press secretary was associated exclusively with a very heavy load in her work."

On April 30, it became known that Yulia Mendel wrote a letter of resignation from the post of press secretary of the President of Ukraine. At the same time, it was reported that she will continue to work at the President's Office and will be responsible for interaction with foreign media.
On Friday, July 9, at 10.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference of state-owned concern Ukroboronprom CEO Yuriy Husev on the occasion of summing up production results for the first half of 2021, as well as the adoption of the concern's transformation strategy (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the Youtube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists is required until 1800 on July 8. Details at: (044) 586 2472, pr@ukroboronprom.com.
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.

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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.

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The World Health Organisation praised Egypt on Wednesday for producing the first 1 million Sinovac vaccine doses as well as for the countrys plan to vaccinate 40 million citizens against the virus by the end of the year.

The government announced this week that it has produced 1 million Sinovac doses through the state-owned Egyptian Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA).

The manufacturing of Sinovac vaccine doses is part of an agreement signed between VACSERA and the Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac.

Egypts plan to vaccinate 40 million citizens against the pandemic by the end of the year is in line with the WHOs call for countries to vaccinate at least 40 percent of their citizens in 2021, a statement by WHO Egypt read.

The organisation also hailed Egypts effort to achieve self-sufficiency in producing coronavirus vaccines so that it can become a hub for exporting doses to Africa.

The WHO and its partners will work on expanding the capabilities of vaccine manufacturing for low- and middle-income countries, the statement said.

The WHO is therefore working to facilitate the establishment of at least one centre to transfer technology and provide training for manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries, the statement added.

On 1 June, the WHO validated the Sinovac coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, assuring countries and funders that the Chinese vaccine meets international standards for safety, efficacy and manufacturing.

Naeema Al-Gasseer, the WHO representative in Egypt, hailed the cooperation between Egypt and China as a successful model for international cooperation and the transference of international expertise.

Egypt has also imported millions of vaccine doses developed by Chinas Sinopharm.

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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said the current Egyptian and Sudanese move in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in terms of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue aims to enhance the African path.

The UNSC is scheduled to hold a session over the GERD dispute on Thursday. This comes only a few days after Ethiopia informed Egypt and Sudan that it started the second phase of filling the dam despite the lack of an agreement among the three states, a step condemned by the two downstream countries.

In a phone call with Felix Tshisekedi, the African Union chairman and president of DR Congo, El-Sisi affirmed that the move also aims to highlight the African Unions (AU) leadership over the GERD negotiation track, an Egyptian presidential statement read.

The move also seeks to enable the AU, in cooperation with the participating countries and parties, to carry out an effective role in conducting discussions on the issue and assisting the three countries in reaching a legally-binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam within a clear and fixed timeframe, El-Sisi said.

El-Sisi said Egypt and Sudans request for the UNSC to hold a session on GERD came as a result of Ethiopias intransigence and attempts to impose a fait accompli, a matter that stalled the ongoing AU-sponsored talks.

The Egyptian president hailed the importance the DR Congo attaches to the GERD issue, as the current chair of the AU, and the efforts Tshisekedi made to sponsor the negotiations among the three countries with the aim of reaching an agreement that meets the three countries mutual interests and preserves their water rights.

Tshisekedi, during the phone call, hailed Egypts efforts to ensure the success of the negotiations and reach a solution to the GERD issue, the statement read.

He affirmed the importance of continuing the intensified coordination between Egypt and DR Congo during the coming period to work on reaching a fair and balanced agreement on this vital issue.

The Congolese president said the Egyptian and Sudanese move in the UNSC would support the endeavor to reach African solutions to African problems.

He also stressed the need for concerted efforts to provide the required means to enhance the African path to enable the three countries to reach an agreement and avoid instability in the region.

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 a fait accompli on the two downstream states.

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Egypt's Ministry of Health reported 161 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total infection tally officially to 282,582 since the outbreak began in February 2020.

The health ministry also reported 26 new deaths, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 16,332.

The statement said that 789 patients have been discharged after recovering from the COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 216,217.

Egypt's daily infection tallies recorded by the health ministry have been on a downward trend since early June after passing the pandemic's third wave, which caused the daily tallies to surpass the 1000-case threshold over the two preceding months.

The country, on the other hand, continues its efforts to contract and locally produce new batches of the deadly virus vaccines, the latest of which producing the first 1 million Sinovac vaccine doses earlier this week, a step that was praised by the World Health Organization WHO.

as well as for the countrys plan to vaccinate 40 million citizens against the virus by the end of the year.

The manufacturing of Sinovac vaccine doses comes as part of an agreement signed between VACSERA and the Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac to produce 40 million doses by the end of the current year.

In line with the WHOs call for countries to vaccinate at least 40 percent of their citizens in 2021, the North African country also seeks to vaccinate 40 million citizens against the virus by the end of the year

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Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry asked the international parties, topped by the United Nations (UN) and the UN Security Council (UNSC), to assume the responsibility and push Ethiopia to engage in serious negotiations and in good faith to reach a fair deal on the dam dispute.

In a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Wednesday evening, Shoukry reviewed Egypts stance concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The meeting is part of Shoukrys ongoing meetings with UN members and other parties to brief them on Egypts position on Ethiopias controversial dam, ahead of the UNSC session to debate the matter on Thursday.

The UNSCs meeting will be held upon the request of Egypt and Sudan, who raised the matter with the 15-member body after the African Union-sponsored tripartite negotiations with Ethiopia reached a deadlock earlier this year.

Shoukry reiterated to the UN chief the urgent need to hash out a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam, taking into account the water interests of the parties involved, according to a statement by Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez.

He also emphasised Egypts categorical rejection of Ethiopias unilateral move to proceed with the dams 2nd filling, of which the upstream country notified Egypt and Sudan on Monday despite the lack of a legal agreement between the three countries.

The step, Shoukry said, aims to impose a fait accompli on downstream countries and constitutes a flagrant breach of international law and norms, as well as the Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia in 2015.

Shoukry also warned of the grave consequences of such unilateral actions on regional security and stability.

Both downstream countries see eye to eye on the importance of securing a legal deal guaranteeing binding rules for filling and operating the Ethiopian dam in a manner that does not cause significant harm to the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples, who rely on the Nile as a main source of fresh water.

Egypt, which relies on the Nile River for more than 95 percent of its renewable water resources, fears the unilateral filling and operation of the massive dam will significantly diminish its water supply, which at 560 cubic metres 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 flows from the River Nile  though its needs stand at 114 bcm.

Sudan said the unilateral filling of the GERD would threaten the lives of millions of its people living downstream of the dam, jeopardise the operational safety of its dams, and consequently risk Sudans national security.



Tunisia, the only Arab member of the 15-member body, submitted last Friday an Egyptian-Sudanese GERD-focused draft resolution to the UN body, calling on the three nations to resume negotiations at the joint invitation of the chairperson of the AU and the secretary-general of UN to finalise the text of a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD by January 2022.

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Egypt has added 28 more countries to its list of nationalities able to obtain a tourism visa electronically through the newly-launched e-visa portal, as part of the countrys efforts to drive more visitors to the country.

The country now permits 74 nationalities to obtain tourism e-visas.



The latest update will contribute to encouraging many tourists of different nationalities to visit Egypt, Ghada Shalaby, the vice minister for tourism and antiquities, said.

She explains that the online e-visa portal supports 8 languages. The portal also answers many tourist inquiries and features secure electronic payment. An Egyptian tourist e-visa costs US$25 for one entry or US$60 for multiple entries. The visa is issued in a maximum of 7 days.

Shalaby said that the new additions to the list are expected to have a positive impact on increasing tourist numbers in Egypt.

Egypt resumed international flights to and from all its airports in July 2020, after a four-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign tourists, however, are allowed in tour groups into three coastal Egyptian governorates which are the least affected by the pandemic: the Red Sea, Marsa Matrouh, and South Sinai.

Egypt requires travellers arriving in the country to present a negative PCR test certificate performed 72 hours before taking off time, or a recognised certificate proving they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. Both certificates should be stamped with a QR Code.

Travellers coming from spots hit by the new virus variants will be subjected to a 15-minute molecular test known as ID NOW. If the result comes back positive, they will be deported if they are non-Egyptians.

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The United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has started a closed-door consultation session at the expert level on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam's (GERD) dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, only a few hours before the UN body members convene to discuss the issue later on the day, sources in New York told Ahram Online.

Ahead of the consultations session, which is set to last till 7pm Cairo local time, the member state of the UN body had submitted their notes concerning the Egyptian-Sudanese GERD-focused draft resolution that was submitted by Tunisia to the international body on Friday.

An amended draft resolution will be prepared by the end of the experts' consultations to be distributed on Thursday night prior to the UNSC session, which is slated for 9pm Cairo local time or on Friday morning at most, the sources added.

Another consultation session, the sources noted, is set to be held on Monday on the final draft resolution before it is put to vote between 14-16 July.

The sources added that the voting will take place at the request of the concerned parties after setting the date of the session in accordance with the rules followed by the UN Security Council.

Putting off the votes nearly a week after the UNSC session will give Egypt and Sudan a chance to further explain the situation and secure the needed votes of the international body's member states to pass the draft resolution, sources told Ahram online on Wednesday.

"A 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 explained.

Tripartite negotiations faltered earlier this year after Ethiopia refused to include other mediators in the talks, as Egypt and Sudan requested, to help the African Union (AU), the current mediator, with securing the long-awaited deal.

Tunisia, the only Arab member of the 10 elected and non-permanent members of the UNSC, submitted a draft resolution calling on the three parties involved to resume negotiations to reach a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD by January 2022.

The negotiations, according to the draft, should be held at the joint invitation of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU)and the Secretary-General of the United Nations

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 filling the GERD for the second year without reaching a deal with Egypt and Sudan, a step that angered the two downstream countries.

Both downstream countries see eye to eye on the importance of securing a legal deal guaranteeing binding rules for filling and operating the Ethiopian dam in a manner that does not cause significant harm to the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples, who rely on the Nile as the main source of fresh water.

Throughout the decade-long negotiations, Ethiopia has been evading the legally binding deal and only seeking guidelines that can be modified at any time at its discretion.

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 of the dam, jeopardise the operational safety of its dams, and consequently risk Sudan's national security.



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Russia to resume charter flights to Egypts Red Sea resorts

The decision ends a near six-year suspension of flights following a deadly crash over Sinai in 2015

Russian President Vladimir Putin rescinded a 2015 decree banning Russian charter flights to Red Sea resorts in Egypt, Russian News TASS reported on Thursday.

The decision ends a near six-year suspension of flights following a deadly Russian plane crash over Sinai in October 2015. According to TASS, the decision was published on an official, legal Russian website.

In April, Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Russian counterpart agreed on the resumption of flights between Russia and Egypts Red Sea airports, including Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.

Russia suspended direct flights to Red Sea resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh as well as other Egyptian airports following the 2015.

Russias flight suspension to Red Sea resorts has taken a heavy toll on Egypts tourism industry  a key source of hard currency  since Russian visitors were major contributors to the tourism market in the country prior to 2015.

Since then, Egyptian authorities have upgraded all safety and security measures at all of the country's airports.

As a result, Russia resumed flights to Cairo International Airport in April 2018, ending a 30-month suspension, but did not resume flights to Egypt's Red Sea destinations.

Over the past several years, Russian aviation and security experts have repeatedly inspected safety measures at Egyptian airports, including Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.

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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is convening in New York on Thursday to discuss the latest developments on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) at the request of Egypt and Sudan.

The session follows the failure of talks between the two downstream countries and Ethiopia. Negotiations were meant to culminate in a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Ethiopian dam.

The UNSC meeting comes three days after Ethiopia had announced it started the second filling of the dam in a unilateral action, a move against which consequences Egypt and Sudan had been warning for months. The two downstream countries have repeatedly voiced their categorical rejection of the filling.

Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdy are attending the New York session after having spent the past four days in meetings with UN officials and representatives of permanent and non-permanent state members in the council to explain the dam crisis.

Ahram Online is covering the session live. Reload the page frequently to get the latest updates.

2:00pm

The United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has started a closed-door consultation session at the expert level on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam's (GERD) dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, only a few hours before the UN body members convene to discuss the issue later on the day, sources in New York told Ahram Online.

Ahead of the consultations session, which is set to last till 7pm Cairo local time, the member state of the UN body had submitted their notes concerning the Egyptian-Sudanese GERD-focused draft resolution that was submitted by Tunisia to the international body on Friday.

An amended draft resolution will be prepared by the end of the experts' consultations to be distributed on Thursday night prior to the UNSC session, which is slated for 9pm Cairo local time or on Friday morning at most, the sources added.

Another consultation session, the sources noted, is set to be held on Monday on the final draft resolution before it is put to vote between 14-16 July.

The sources added that the voting will take place at the request of the concerned parties after setting the date of the session in accordance with the rules followed by the UN Security Council.

Putting off the votes nearly a week after the UNSC session will give Egypt and Sudan a chance to further explain the situation and secure the needed votes of the international body's member states to pass the draft resolution, sources told Ahram online on Wednesday. Read more

4:00 PM

Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is set today to warn members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) against the possible worrying consequences of allowing Ethiopia to get away with its unending intransigence that has blocked all possible chances so far to reach an agreement among the three Blue Nile Basin countries (Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt) on the filling and operation of the mega dam that Addis Ababa is building on the Blue Nile.

According to an informed Egyptian source, Shoukrys statement will go beyond the speech of last year, when the top Egyptian diplomat, in June 2020, briefed the council on the length and width of Egyptian diplomatic attempts to work with Sudan and Ethiopia to secure a deal that would guarantee Ethiopia its economic interests without inflicting massive harm on Egypts water rights. Read more

7:00 PM

The Sundanese News Agency has published the letter sent by the Sudanese Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas to his Ethiopian counterpart Seleshi Bekele on Wednesday, saying that the second filling of the dams reservoir was in direct contradiction with the principles of cooperation and of not causing significant harm as stipulated by international law.

The minister expressed hope in the letter that Ethiopia would accept Sudans proposal to resume talks on the GERD as soon as possible, provided that the negotiations would be effective and meaningful. Read more



7:31 PM

Sources told Dubai-based Al-Hadath News channel that Ethiopia has rejected in the past few hours international mediation attempts to stop the second filling of the reservoir.

According to the channel, the upstream country refused to return to the negotiations on the condition that it stops the second filling. Ethiopia also refuses to adhere to the Washington agreement of early February 2020, which it had refused to sign.

The channel added that Ethiopia wants to return to the negotiations only after the second filling is complete, and insists that the African Union should be the only sponsors of these negotiations.

7:40PM

The European Union (EU) has expressed its regret over Ethiopia's decision to commence with the second filling of the GERD's reservoir despite the absence of a binding agreement with Egypt and Sudan.

The EU called upon the three parties to resume negotiations under the aegis of the African Union, Al-Ghad TV channel reported on Thursday. Read full statement here

8:00 PM

An hour before the meeting starts here are some important facts about the Nile river.

At 6,695 kilometres (4,160 miles), the Nile is one of the world's longest rivers and a crucial supplier of water and hydropower in a largely arid region.

Its drainage basin of more than three million square kilometres (1.16 million square miles) covers 10 countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

The two main tributaries -- the White Nile and the Blue Nile -- converge in Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea.

Around 84 billion cubic metres of water is estimated to flow along the Nile every year. Read more

8:30 PM

Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed with his Tunisian counterpart President Kais El-Said the latest developments in the GERD issue. During the telephone he received from El-Said, El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for Tunisias support for both Egypt and Sudans efforts at the UNSC to safeguard their water rights.

Tunisia is the only Arab non-permanent member in UNSC in its current session. Tunisia has also presented a draft resolution aiming to resume the GERD talks between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia within six months to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation policies of the GERD, while the second filling is to be suspended immediately.



9:00 PM

The UNSC session on GERD starts

9:15 PM

Special envoy to the United Nations for the horn of Africa Parfait Onanga outlines the crux of the GERD issue and explains the position of each of the concerned parties, briefing the council on the current state of negotiations and encouraging Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to cooperate to find a solution to the GERD crisis. I call on all parties to remain engaged and to avoid any pronouncements that would increase the tensions in a region that is already subject to a series of challenges including the impact of COVID 19 said Onanga



9:30 PM

The representative of the DRC acknowledges that the current state of the GERD can compromise the stability and wellbeing of neighbouring countries Egypt and Sudan.

It appears that 90 percent of the technical problems have been resolved, and now it remains for the parties to iron out the outstanding technical and legal differences, namely the nature of the agreement to be signed, the dispute resolution mechanism, and water flow management during drought periods, he said.



9:40 PM

Tunisias permanent representative to the United Nations Tarek Ladeb has asked the United Nations Security Council to intervene in the GERD issue by encouraging the three parties to resume negotiations under the umbrella of the African Union and with the encouragement of the international community.

Ladeb called for time-bound talks with the aim of reaching a legally binding agreement as proposed in the draft resolution submitted by Tunisia on Friday.

The agreement, Ladeb added, should be reached within a reasonable timeframe and should help upstream Ethiopia achieve its objectives without causing harm to downstream countries Egypt and Sudan.

"It is not impossible it only needs a genuine political will and refraining from taking any unilateral measures," Ladeb assured.

9:50 PM

Norwegian Representative to the UNSC Mona Juul said that a "sustainable solution" to the long-running issue can only be reached by the parties themselves by engaging in "constructive" talks and refraining from any action that may undermine negotiations.

10:00 PM

Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the UN Dame Barbara Woodward said the UK is calling on the three countries to refrain from unilateral actions and to engage immediately in constructive talks under the auspices of the African Union and the support of the international community.

Woodward said that the UK supports the 2015 Declaration of Principles, especially the principles of not causing harm and the right to utilise resources, adding that the UK has a close relationship with all three countries.



10:04 PM

The representative of Estonia asserted that there are no easy solutions to the GERD crisis and that all parties involved will have to make concessions and negotiate in good faith to arrive at a fair solution.

It is crucial to find a peaceful solution at the earliest opportunity before tensions escalate. We are urging all parties to refrain from taking unilateral action to avoid escalation, he said.

10:10 PM

United States representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield said her country is ready to support any collaborative efforts to resolve the GERD issue by reaching a "balanced and equitable" solution.

The US representative said the African Union is the most appropriate entity to address the GERD dispute, while assuring the US' willingness to assist in the process by helping resolve the outstanding technical points.

The US diplomat assured that the concerns of Sudan and Egypt regarding the safety, operation and filling of the dam can be reconciled with Ethiopias development needs.

"We urge the three parties to refrain from any action or statement that could jeopardise negotiations," she concluded.

10:20 PM

Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said that the Russian Federation is closely following the GERD issue and it notes the legitimate concerns of Sudan and Egypt concerning the Ethiopian dam, especially during times of drought.

Russia believes that only diplomacy and negotiations will help resolve the dispute, as was the case previously in the Declaration of Principles, Nebenzya said.

The Russian representative added that Russia has concerns about the use of the rhetoric of force in comments exchanged between the three countries.

We believe that gradually reaching an agreement could lead to de-escalation between the three countries, he said, adding that all the countries of the Nile Basin should participate in talks about the GERD under the auspices of AU.

Nebenzya added that Russia does not believe that increasing the number of mediators would be beneficial, but that the matter is up to the three countries.

Nebenzya also offered Russian satellite monitoring of GERDs filling process if the three countries agree.

10:26 PM

T. S. Tirumurti, the permanent representative of India to the United Nations, said that India, as both a downstream and upstream country with transboundary rivers, knows firsthand the challenges and concerns of the three countries.

India believes the Declaration of Principles is a good basis for continuing negotiations under the auspices of the African Union to resolve the dispute, Tirumurti said.

10:30 PM

Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Zhang Jun said that China appreciates the legitimate concerns of Sudan and Egypt, and that it calls for the immediate resumption of talks between the three countries under the auspices of the AU.

Zhang added that the 2015 Declaration of Principles is an important reference for resolving the dispute as well as a good basis for talks.

10:35 PM

Representative of France Nicolas De Riviere said that France supports resolving the GERD crisis through dialogue, taking into consideration the current challenges faced by each of the concerned parties and recognising the mounting tensions caused by the GERD situation after 10 years of negotiations.

All the involved parties have legitimate interests, but after 10 years of negotiation, trust has been shattered, De Riviere said.

De Riviere also acknowledged that it is the responsibility of the Security Council to prevent a prolonged dispute from becoming a threat to international peace, and that the filling of the dams reservoir stokes tensions between the involved parties.

De Riviere also called on observers to take a more active role in the negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan.



10:40 PM

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that the GERD poses an existential threat to Egypts population of over 100 million people. He added that mere days before the UNSC session was set to convene, Addis Ababa commenced with the second filling without reaching a legally binding deal with the downstream countries.

Ethiopia has unilaterally started filling the reservoir without first reaching an agreement to protect downstream countries from danger, which illustrates Addis Ababa's disregard of international law and its intention to impose a fait accompli, Shoukry said.

Shoukry called on the UNSC to take a step similar to the one taken earlier today by the European Union, which has denounced Ethiopias unilateral step.

The FM urged the 15-member body to live up to its responsibility to preserve peace and security.

Egypt has engaged in a decade of negotiations with Ethiopia to reach an agreement to secure the interests of all parties involved, Shoukry said, noting that while Egypt has displayed commitment to Ethiopia's prosperity and development goals by calling for a legally binding deal, Ethiopia wants non-binding guidelines on the dams filling and operation.

The desired agreement must be reasonable and equitable and must ensure Egypt's water rights, especially during periods of drought. Read full text here

11:25 PM

Sudans Foreign Minister Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to play a positive role to resolve the GERD issue. She stressed that her country reaffirms the need to continue the GERD talks under the auspices of the African Union to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.

The Sudanese FM said her country supports Ethiopias right to development, but under the condition that this does not harm downstream countries.

Citing a number of successful examples of transboundary water management, like for the Senegal river in 1972, Al-Mahdi said that Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan can reach such an agreement if there is a real will to reach a legally binding deal.

In the absence of a legally binding agreement, the advantages of the GERD can turn into a threat to the populations of Sudan and Egypt, the foreign minister said.

The Sudanese FM said that Sudan's approach to the GERD is based on three points: the security of Sudanese citizens, the security of Sudans dams, and the strategic security of Sudan.

[In 2020], Ethiopia unilaterally informed Sudan that they would release nearly 4 billion cubic metres of water in only two weeks, which led us to inform citizens to evacuate their homes, and you can imagine the horror this caused for civilians, she said.

She also said that immediately after the first filling of the GERD reservoir in July 2020, the impact caused drought and three major three stations stopped working in Khartoum

Minister Al-Mahdi also said that 70 percent of the agricultural land in Sudan depends on the Roseires Dam, which is connected to other dams in the country.

The Roseires Dam is in danger, as are other dams in the country. How can we plan for future agricultural projects if there is no legally binding agreement? she said.

This is causing and will cause more trouble, she said.

Sudan participated effectively in all of the AU-led negotiations, but they all failed without reaching an agreement due to Ethiopias stubbornness, she said.

Nevertheless, the Sudanese foreign minister called for the resumption of the talks under the umbrella of the African Union and called on Ethiopia to abstain from taking unilateral actions.





11:41 PM

The Ethiopian minister of irrigation called upon Egypt and Sudan to take part in the AUs green belt afforestation program in order to make better use of the water resources available to Nile Basin countries.

It must also be clear that the underlying problem for the difference between the three countries is the quest to preserve the colonial and monopolistic status quo over the Nile, the Ethiopian minister said.

The minister also asserted that Ethiopia will exercise restraint and cooperate with neighbouring countries, but stressed that Ethiopia does not respond well to political pressure.

The minister also said that Ethiopia is attempting to undo a colonial heritage.

It is only fair that a country which generates 77 billion cubic meters of water impounds a small fraction of the annual inflow for this hydroelectric dam. Egypt and Sudan do not need to convince us of the fortunes they will acquire upon the completion of the Dam, he said.

Ethiopia also said that it is not the place of the Security Council to mediate this conflict.

The Ethiopian minister asserted that there will be no damage to neighbouring countries amid the filling of the GERD reservoir.
Sudanese Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas said on Wednesday that the information sent officially by Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dams (GERD) second filling on Monday was actually useless as a fait accompli had been made on its Roseires Dam, reported the Sudanese news agency SUNA.

Abbas added in a message sent to his Ethiopian counterpart Seleshi Bekele that the Ethiopian decision to start filling the Renaissance Dam for the second year in a row constitutes a threat to Sudan.

Ethiopia had decided to fill the dam for the second year, actually in the first week of May, when it decided to continue the construction of the middle passage of the dam. Therefore, it was clear that when the water flow exceeded the capacity of the two lower gates, the water would be stored until the dam was filled and eventually water would cross over it, the Sudanese minister said in his letter.

The minister added that Sudan has taken many measures to reduce the expected negative economic and social repercussions of the second filling of the dam, which would mitigate only a few negative impacts on the safe operation of its national dams.

Abbas reiterated that the second filling of the dam was in direct contradiction with the principles of cooperation and non-causation of significant harm stipulated by the international water law.

Moreover, the filling and operation of a large dam such as the GERD without conducting basic and very necessary studies to assess the environmental and social impact are considered a direct violation of established international practices and norms in the construction and operation of big dams.

Concerning the Ethiopian offer to exchange data, Abbas stated in his letter that Sudan requires that the data exchange comes within a legally binding framework that addresses Sudans concerns, including the dam's safety conditions and requirements for an environmental and social impact assessment.

Abbas referred to the fact that Ethiopia itself had taken a similar step in its letter to Sudan dated 7 December 2020, which conveyed to Sudan the need to conclude an agreement on the exchange of information between sovereign states.

Minister Abbas stressed that he sincerely hopes that Ethiopia would accept Sudans proposal to resume talks on GERD as soon as possible, provided that the negotiations would be effective and meaningful. Therefore, Sudan proposed enhanced negotiations in which the African Union leads a group of international and regional bodies to support reaching an amicable agreement.

Egyptian Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel-Ati also sent a letter to his Ethiopian counterpart conveying Egypts categorical rejection of the Ethiopian unilateral move before reaching a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation policies of the dam.

Today, Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdy are in New York to attend the United Nations Security Council session on GERD, held at the request of Egypt and Sudan.

The session follows the failure of talks between the two downstream countries and Ethiopia. Negotiations were meant to culminate in a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Ethiopian dam.

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Egypt has welcomed Russia's decision on Thursday to lift a ban on charter flights from and to Egyptian destinations as announced by the Kremlin.In a statement released by the Foreign Ministry, Egypt said it is looking forward to resuming Russian tourism to Egypt's resorts which would in turn enhance bilateral cooperation in the tourism field especially in light of the precautionary measures taken by the government to contain the coronavirus pandemic.The decision reflects strong Egyptian-Russian relations at all levels, the statement stressed.President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday lifting a Russian flight ban on Egyptian Red Sea resorts.A statement by the Kremlin said that the presidential decree of the Russian Federation of May 8, 2015 on securing Russian national security and a presidential Decree No. 7 issued on Jan. 2, 2018, including amendments on a presidential decree to protect Russian citizens are no longer effective.Direct flights between Egypt and Russia came to a halt on 8 October 2015 and were resumed in April 2018, with no flights operating to Red Sea resorts.
Egypts Minister of Defence and Military Production Mohamed Zaki said on Thursday that the Armed Forces are capable of deterring anyone who would undermine the security of Egypt.

In a meeting with army officers who were recently appointed to senior military posts, Zaki said that defending the homeland and protecting its national security is a sacred mission that requires constant combat readiness and building a force that is able to face challenges.

The minister conveyed to the officers greetings from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, who congratulated them on their new positions.

The meeting was attended by top military brass.

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Ethiopia's construction of a massive dam on a tributary of the Nile River, which the UN Security Council meets about on Thursday, is raising regional tensions notably with Egypt, which depends on the Nile for 97 percent of its water supply.

- Ten countries -

At 6,695 kilometres (4,160 miles), the Nile is one of the world's longest rivers and a crucial supplier of water and hydropower in a largely arid region.

Its drainage basin of more than three million square kilometres (1.16 million square miles) covers 10 countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

The two main tributaries -- the White Nile and the Blue Nile -- converge in Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea.

Around 84 billion cubic metres of water is estimated to flow along the Nile every year.

- Africa's biggest dam -

Ethiopia in 2011 launched construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, roughly 30 kilometres from the border with Sudan.

The $4.2-billion dam will produce more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity, making it Africa's biggest hydroelectric dam and doubling Ethiopia's electricity output.

Ethiopia began the first phase of filling the reservoir for the 475-foot (145-metre) dam in mid-2020.

- Egyptian thirst -

Egypt, an arid nation of nearly 100 million people, depends on the Nile for most of its water needs, including for agriculture.

Cairo claims a historic right to the river dating from a 1929 treaty between Egypt and Sudan represented by colonial power Britain, that gave Egypt veto power over construction projects along the river.

A 1959 treaty boosted Egypt's allocation to around 66 percent of the river's flow, with 22 percent for Sudan.

Ethiopia was not party to those treaties and does not see them as valid.

In 2010 Nile basin countries, excluding Egypt and Sudan, signed another deal, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, that allows projects on the river without Cairo's agreement.

- Flashpoint -

Ethiopia, one of Africa's fastest growing economies in recent years, insists the dam will not affect the onward flow of water.

But Egypt fears its supplies will be reduced during the time it takes to fill the 74-billion-cubic-metre capacity reservoir.

Egypt considers the dam as a threat to its existence and Sudan has warned millions of lives will be at "great risk" if Ethiopia unilaterally fills the dam.

A decade of negotiations have failed to result in a deal.

Earlier this week, Egypt and Sudan said Ethiopia had started the second phase of filling the reservoir, an operation as yet not confirmed by Addis Ababa.

The Security Council meeting on Thursday was requested by Tunisia on behalf of Egypt and Sudan.

- Tigray tensions -

Another source of regional tension is the conflict since November in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, which has sent some 60,000 refugees fleeing into Sudan, a nation struggling with its own economic woes.

The Sudanese and Ethiopian armies have recently remilitarised the fertile Fashaga border region where Ethiopian farmers have long cultivated land claimed by Sudan.

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Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed on Thursday the latest developments and updates in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis with Tunisian counterpart President Kais El-Said in a telephone call, the Egyptian presidency said.

The United Nations Security Council has convened a session to discuss the dam issue at the request of Egypt and Sudan.

Tunisia is the only Arab non-permanent member of the Security Council in its current session. Tunisia has presented to the council a draft resolution to help revive the GERD talks within six months.

The draft resolution stipulates that Ethiopia should stop the second filling immediately until the signing of a legally binding agreement that recognises its right to development as long as this does not infringe on the water rights of the downstream countries.

From his side, President Kais El-Said asserted his countrys full support for Egypt and its right to safeguard its national security, which is part of Arab national security.

He also added that Tunisia supports the decision by Egypt and Sudan to resort to the UNSC to work towards reaching a legally binding agreement.

President El-Sisi expressed in the telephone call he received from his Tunisia counterpart his appreciation for Tunisias support for Egypt and Sudan as a member of the Security Council, as well as its support for the Egyptian stance to reach a legally binding agreement that safeguards the historical water rights of the Nile Downstream countries.

The two presidents also discussed the latest developments concerning bilateral relations as well as the current situation of the coronavirus pandemic in the two countries.

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Your Excellency Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations and President of the U.N. Security Council

Distinguished Representatives of the Member States of the United Nations Security Council,

Dear Sister the Foreign Minister of the Sudan and Dear Brothers the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Ethiopia,

At the outset, I would like to extend my congratulations to Ambassador de Riviere on assuming the presidency of the Security Council, and to thank Under-Secretary-General Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of UNEP, and the U.N. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa for their remarks.

Mr. President,

Egypt  a nation of over one hundred million souls  is facing an existential threat.

A grand structure of mammoth proportions has been constructed across the artery that bequeaths life to the people of Egypt 

A colossal wall of iron and steel has arisen along the banks of a great and ancient river and has cast a long, dark shadow over the future and fate of the people of Egypt  With every brick and every layer of mortar  the GERD grows higher and its reservoir grows larger and it continues to constrict the lifeblood of innocent millions living downstream of this giant dam.

Last year, on June 29, 2020, Egypt came before the Security Council to warn the international community of this burgeoning danger that was brewing on the horizon.

We alerted the world to the impending first filling of the GERD  and we cautioned against the costs of seeking to establish exclusive control over a river on which our survival depends.

We implored this august body to act with vigilance and vigor to avert an escalation of tensions that could prejudice the peace in a fragile region.

We called upon our brethren with whom we share the riches of the Nile to exercise responsibility and to recognize that the future and fortunes of our peoples are intrinsically intertwined.

And yet ... within days of the previous Security Council session held on the question of the GERD  the Rubicon was crossed.

Ethiopia commenced the unilateral filling of the GERD, and its foreign minister declared  with no small measure of impudence  the river became a lake ... the Nile is ours.

Nonetheless, Egypts response to this assault on the river was to act with restraint and pursue the path of peace by seeking a settlement to this crisis through an equitable agreement that preserves the interests of all three parties.

We wholeheartedly embraced the initiative of the-then Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, to initiate negotiations under the auspices of the African Union  and we engaged in a whole year of talks that were convened and facilitated by our African brethren to forge an African solution to this intractable problem.

And yet, we have failed.

After a year of abortive negotiations and despite the tireless efforts of the Chairpersons of the African Union and our international partners  we find ourselves  again  confronted by the reality of the unilateral execution of the filling of the GERD without an agreement to protect downstream communities against the dangers of this dam.

Indeed, in a further demonstration of its obstinacy, Ethiopia announced, on July 5, 2021

 a mere three days before the convening of this session  that it has commenced the second year filling of the GERD.

This blatant act of unilateralism is not only a manifestation of Ethiopias irresponsibility and its callous indifference to the damage that the filling of this dam could inflict upon Egypt and Sudan  but it also illustrates Ethiopias bad faith and its attempt to impose a fait accompli in defiance of the collective will of the international community as expressed and embodied in the holding of this Security Council session to discuss and take action on the question of the GERD.

And in this regard, I take note and commend the European Union for issuing a statement today expressing regret that Ethiopia begun executing the second filling without an agreement. And I encourage the Security Council and its member states to take a similar position in response to this deeply troubling development.

This persistent practice of unilateralism betrays Ethiopias disregard  if not its contempt 

of international law  and reflects its underlying policy objectives of seeking to arrest the Nile

and transform this transboundary river of life into an instrument of political influence and control,

all of which threatens to undermine peace and security in the region.

This is why, Mr. President, Egypt has elected to  again  bring the question of the GERD before the Security Council.

Ethiopias unrelenting unilateralism 

the continued failure of negotiations  and the absence  at this juncture  of a viable path towards a political settlement of this matter  have all impelled Egypt to call upon the Security Council to intercede  expeditiously and effectively  to prevent an escalation of tensions and to address this situation which could, as stated in Article 34 of the United Nations Charter, endanger the maintenance of international peace and security.



We have come to this chamber out of an abiding faith in the value of international law and an unwavering belief in the virtue of multilateralism as a vehicle for promoting peace and preventing conflict and strife.

We are driven by a commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and an enduring confidence in the capacity of the Security Council to discharge its duty to maintain international peace and security by taking the necessary action in relation to the question of the GERD.

Indeed, the great value to humanity of this body is its ability and authority to act preemptively to protect and uphold the peace, and not to stand-by in a state of indifferent abeyance as the rights of nations and their very existence are threatened.

Mr. President,

Egypt has engaged in a whole decade of negotiations on the GERD.

Since Ethiopia unilaterally commenced the construction of this dam  without fulfilling the duties incumbent upon it as an upstream state to notify and consult its downstream co-riparians  Egypt has sought to reach an agreement on the GERD that would preserve the rights of our three countries and promote their common interests.

Our hope was  and remains  to conclude a legally binding agreement that enables Ethiopia to achieve its developmental objectives by generating hydropower from the GERD expeditiously, efficiently, and sustainably.

This reflects the fact that Egypt was  and remains  committed to Ethiopias stability and prosperity and it also exemplifies Egypts longstanding policy of engendering and expanding cooperation with our co-riparians throughout the Nile Basin. However, any agreement on the GERD must be equitable, reasonable, and legally binding.

It must include provisions to mitigate the adverse effects of this dam, especially during periods

of drought  it must prevent the infliction of significant harm on the riparian interests of Egypt and Sudan  it must guarantee the safety, functionality, and resilience of downstream dams  and it must ensure that Egypts water security is not imperiled by the filling and operation of what will become Africas largest hydropower facility.

Realizing this objective of concluding a fair

and balanced agreement on the GERD is not unsurmountable nor is it beyond reach.

Indeed, the continued failure of negotiations is not due to a lack of scientific solutions to the outstanding technical issues, nor is it because we lack the requisite legal expertise to draft an agreement.

Rather, the singular source of our failure has been  and remains  Ethiopian intransigence.

This reality is best reflected in the following statement from the letter addressed by H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia to the Security Council on June 23, 2021 

Filling and operating the GERD without seeking agreement from Egypt and Sudan is the bare minimum of the exercise of this sovereign prerogative as a riparian country of an international watercourse.

The sentiment in this statement,

Mr. President, is the root of the problem.

It demonstrates that the cause of this crisis is political.

It reveals that Ethiopia is operating under the assumption that it is engaging in negotiations on the GERD out of comity or charity 

Ethiopia has conveniently decided to ignore the realities of geography and appears to be under the illusion that the Blue Nile is an internal river that it can exploit to its exclusive benefit  and it seems to presume that this watercourse that freely and naturally flows to the territories of its co-riparians can be subjected to its sovereignty and placed under its dominion.

This unfortunate posture has thwarted every effort to reach an agreement  and has been echoed in the positons that Ethiopia adopted throughout a decade of negotiations.

For instance, Ethiopia refuses to sign a legally binding agreement  It has even objected to calling the instrument being negotiated an agreement and has proposed to designate the text as merely guidelines and rules.

Ethiopia also refuses to include any form of binding dispute resolution provisions  and insists on codifying an unlimited right to alter and amend the GERD agreement whenever it so desires.

Ethiopia has sought to justify these unreasonable positons by invoking some mythical injustice that had been wrought upon it by so-called colonial treaties or by an unfair status quo.

Nothing can be farther from the truth.

Ethiopia was never a colony, and has never concluded a treaty relating to the Nile under the threat of coercion or compulsion  Moreover, Egypt has never objected to Ethiopias right to harness the resources of the Blue Nile.

However, Egypt expects, and indeed demands, that its upstream co-riparian complies with its international legal obligations, which require it to prevent the infliction of significant harm against the interests of its downstream neighbors.

Ethiopia is also seeking to use the GERD negotiations as a back-door through which to consecrate an unlimited and an unregulated right

to construct future projects along the Blue Nile and has demanded that its co-riparians sign a hydrological blank-check that grants it unrestricted control of the river.

This was expressed in no uncertain terms in a letter dated January 8, 2021 from H.E. Ethiopias Minister of Water in which he stated 

Ethiopia does not have an obligation emanating from law or practice to acquire agreement from downstream countries to construct the GERD or any future water development project.

This policy was put into practice when the H.E. the Prime Minister of Ethiopia announced, on May 30, 2021, that his country plans to construct over 100 dams over the coming fiscal year, without even the slightest mention of the interests or equities of its co-riparians, as if Ethiopia holds exclusive proprietary rights

over the Nile and the other rivers that it shares with its neighbors, which was especially apparent in the damage inflicted by Ethiopia on

Lake Turkana in Kenya.

Mr. President,

Despite Ethiopias persistent pattern of bad faith and in spite of its incessant unilateralism, Egypt continued to negotiate in good faith and with a genuine political will to reach an equitable agreement.

For a whole decade  we explored every avenue and exhausted every opportunity to conclude a document that would enable Ethiopia to fill and operate the GERD while mitigating

its harmful downstream impacts  an agreement that would become an instrument of regional integration and collaboration and that would herald a new era of cooperation between our three countries.

We sought an agreement through years of fruitless trilateral negotiations during which Ethiopia effectively torpedoed our efforts to undertake joint studies on the socio-economic impacts of the GERD and to assess its environmental impacts  and as a result of Ethiopias obstructionism we now have no impartial scientific record of the adverse effects of this mega-dam.

Egypt also accepted an invitation to participate in negotiations facilitated by the United States of America and the World Bank Group, and in which Ethiopia participated fully and freely, and that led to the drafting  after twelve rounds of intensive negotiations  of a comprehensive agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD, which Egypt signed, but which Ethiopia rejected.

We also engaged in negotiations held upon an invitation from H.E. the Prime Minister of Sudan, which  despite the significant progress achieved  were ultimately undermined by Ethiopian intransigence.

Moreover, for a whole year, since the previous session convened by the Security Council on the question of the GERD, Egypt participated actively in the negotiations that were led by the African Union.

We engaged in this A.U.-led process with a sense of optimism and faith in the ability of our African brethren to facilitate the adoption of an agreement on the GERD.

We worked diligently to implement the instructions of the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union at the summit level to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD  and we welcomed the constructive engagement of our partners from the European Union and the United States in this process.

However, after a year of faltering negotiations  and despite the highly appreciated good offices and untiring efforts of H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and H.E. President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during their respective periods as Chair of the African Union  the A.U.-led process failed to yield the desired agreement.

Our three countries were even unable to execute the simple task of compiling a complete text of a zero-draft of the GERD agreement that provides a record of their negotiating positions  and countless weeks were exhausted in ineffectual virtual meetings and disagreements on peripheral matters of procedure.

More troublingly, throughout this process, Ethiopia effectively derailed the A.U.-led negotiations.

It repeatedly attempted to redirect the talks towards reaching non-binding arrangements for the filling of the GERD or for the appointment of focal points for the exchange of technical data.

While these ideas may appear reasonable to the untrained eye  the reality is that these Ethiopian proposals contravene the instructions of the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union which directed us to agree on the rules governing both the filling and the operation of the GERD.

More importantly  the practical effect of these Ethiopian proposals is to deny the downstream states any meaningful protection against the adverse effects of the GERD  and entitle Ethiopia to fill its reservoir and activate its massive turbines without instituting rules to mitigate the harmful impacts of this dam and regulate its operation, thereby posing a grave danger to our rights and interests.

Furthermore, despite claiming to support the granting of an enhanced role to our partners who attended the A.U.-led negotiations as observers  the reality is that during the latest ministerial meeting held in Kinshasa on April 4-6, 2021, upon a kind invitation from H.E. President Felix Tshisekedi, Ethiopia rejected every proposal submitted by Sudan and Egypt to augment the A.U.-led process and expand the role of our partners in order to assist us in reaching an agreement on the GERD.

As such  I find it deeply disheartening that I must report to the Security Council that the A.U.-led process, in its current format, has reached an impasse.

A whole year of negotiations was expended in fruitless talks, while Ethiopia continued the construction of the GERD and has now reached the point of continuing to unilaterally fill its reservoir.

Mr. President,

Throughout these winding and arduous processes and at every juncture of the negotiations, Ethiopia remained implacable.

It refused every proposal and rejected every idea presented by Egypt that would have guaranteed that Ethiopia would be able to generate hydropower from the GERD at optimal levels of efficiency, while protecting downstream states against the potential harms of this dam.

Ethiopia also blocked every compromise formula submitted to us by our international partners, and continued to adopt inflexible positions designed to evade and elude any commitment to protect  or even provide minimal safeguards  to the interests of Egypt and Sudan.

Even our efforts to engender confidence an build bridges of trust between our countries came to naught.

We signed the 2015 Agreement on Declaration of Principles to affirm our commitment to reaching a fair and equitable agreement on the GERD.

We presented a plan to establish a common infrastructure fund to broaden the horizons of cooperation between our countries  we proposed to contribute to the financing of the GERD to turn this dam into a symbol of friendship and brotherhood between our peoples  and we suggested to extend our power lines to help energize Ethiopia and assist its quest for development; and still Ethiopia remained unyielding in its intransigence.

As a result, the two downstream states are now left vulnerable to the evils of the GERD.

We have no independently verifiable guarantees regarding the safety and structural stability of the GERD  and as such 150 million Sudanese and Egyptians are condemned by Ethiopia to live under the harrowing specter of a towering structure that can hold up to 74 billion cubic meters of water without assurances regarding its safety and reliability.

Nor do we have any protections against the incalculable damage that the GERD can inflict during future periods of drought.

At a time when the river grows dry  and the land gets parched under the searing sun and the livelihood of Egyptians is imperiled  Ethiopia is unwilling to release the waters of the Blue Nile to quench the thirst of the downstream valley.

Indeed, that is the crux of the problem.

All that Egypt has called for and sought is a binding agreement that includes an insurance policy against the harmful impacts of the GERD on Egypts water security by designing a mechanism through which our three countries would cooperate to collectively bear the burden of addressing future periods of droughts. Unfortunately, however, Ethiopia remains steadfast in its rejection of any form of agreement that provides any meaningful measure of protection to the interests of downstream states.

And so, Mr. President, it is not an overstatement to affirm that, for Egypt, the GERD is an existential threat.

Our estimates and scientific models indicate that this mega-dam can wreak incalculable damage on Egypt, despite the precautionary measures that we have taken in anticipation of Ethiopias unilateral filling of the GERD and our tireless efforts at conservation and water reuse.

For us, the harm that the GERD might inflict will affect every aspect of the lives of the Egyptian people like a malignant plague.



In the absence of an agreement that regulates its filling and operation, the GERD can cause cumulative water shortages in Egypt amounting to 120 billion cubic meters  it will diminish access to clean drinking water  it could deprive millions of farmers of the water they use to irrigate their fields  it will rob countless families of their income and livelihood  it will destroy thousands of acres of arable land  it will increase desertification and degrade the riparian eco-system  and it will increase vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

This is a situation that Egypt cannot, and will not, tolerate.

It is, therefore, imperative for the international community to exert every effort  including by acting through the Security Council  to preempt this eventuality and prevent the GERD from becoming a threat to the very existence of Egypt.

This requires the Council to unequivocally call upon the parties to reach an equitable agreement on the GERD, within a defined timeline, and to encourage them to work diligently and with earnestness to achieve that objective forthwith.

Otherwise, if its riparian rights are jeopardized or if its survival is imperiled  Egypt will be left with no alternative but to uphold and protect its inherent right to life that is guaranteed by the laws and customs of nations and the imperatives of nature.

Mr. President,

The fact that Egypt has brought this matter, which is of the greatest consequence, to the attention of the Security Council is a testament to our unshakable faith in the ideals of the Charter of this organization as expressed in its preamble which affirms our collective commitment to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.

We come here in search for a viable path towards a peaceful, amicable, and negotiated solution to this crisis  and to avert the dire consequences of our inability to reach a settlement to this matter.

Our hope is that the Security Council will recognize the gravity of the situation and fulfill its responsibility to maintain international peace and security.

Our expectation is that this Council will take the necessary measures to ensure that the parties engage in an effective process of negotiations that could yield an agreement that serves our collective interests.

Indeed, the people of Egypt  and peoples throughout the region  are watching the deliberations of the Security Council today with great interest and high hope  and they look to the United Nations, and to this Council, as the guarantors of peace and the custodians of the collective will of our human family, and are confident that you will not fail in the discharge of your responsibilities in this regard.

It is in this spirit that I wish to underscore that  in executing the unique responsibility conferred upon the Security Council to maintain international peace and security, the members of this Council are instructed, pursuant to Article 24 of the Charter  to act on behalf of the general membership of the United Nations and in furtherance of the noble purposes for which this organization was established and the principles that guide and inspire its work.

And, therefore, it behooves the honorable members of this Council to consider the matter that is before us today, not from the narrow lens of your respective national interests, but in light of your collective responsibility to act on behalf of the international community to preserve the peace and uphold the principles of justice and equity.

Accordingly, Egypt calls upon the Security Council to adopt the draft resolution on the

question of the GERD that was circulated by the Republic of Tunisia.

As evident from the text of this draft resolution, we do not expect the Council to formulate solutions to the outstanding legal and technical issues  nor did we request that the Council impose the terms of a settlement of a riparian dispute on the parties.

Rather, this resolution is political in nature  and its purpose, which we believe is eminently balanced and constructive  is to relaunch negotiations according to an augmented format

that retains and enhances the leadership of the Chairperson of the African Union and that enables our international partners, including the United Nations, to use their expertise in this area to aid our three countries in their quest to conclude, within a reasonable timeframe, an equitable agreement on the GERD.

Indeed  if anything  this resolution aims at implementing and effectuating the outcomes of the two meetings of the Bureau of the African Union Assembly that were held on this matter  which instructed the parties to expeditiously finalize, with the assistance of our partners attending these talks as observers, the text of a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD, and called upon them not to take unilateral measures that could jeopardize this process.

Adopting this resolution would reaffirm the Security Councils resolve to upholding its responsibility to maintain international peace and security  and would send an unequivocal signal of reassurance that it remains committed to the peace and prosperity of our African continent, while failure to take effective action on the question of the GERD would be a disheartening dereliction of duties.

Finally, I assure you, Mr. President and members of the Council, that Egypt will exert every effort to reach an agreement on the GERD that upholds the unbreakable bond of brotherhood between our countries and that reflects the timeless kinship among the peoples living along the banks of the Nile River.

And I call upon my colleagues, brothers, and sisters in Sudan and Ethiopia to embrace this spirit and redouble our efforts to secure a future of peace and prosperity for our countries and peoples.

I thank you, Mr. President.



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Algeria's new parliament took office on Thursday following June elections, dominated by status quo parties and independent figures backing President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Independent former doctor and public health official Brahim Boughali, from the Berber Mozabite minority, was elected head of the 407-seat lower house with 295 votes.

The 57-year-old beat Ahmed Sadok from the Islamist MSP party, who took just 87 votes.

The June 12 elections were marked by record abstentionism amid boycott calls by the Hirak mass protest movement.

The poll was won by the National Liberation Front (FLN), which ruled Algeria for decades under a one-party system following its 1962 independence from France.

But the FLN's majority was reduced and it now holds 98 seats, while independents hold 84 and the MSP has 65.

There are only 35 women in the new legislature, after a quota system was scrapped.

"There are many challenges," FLN deputy Zoheir Naceri told AFP. "The first is to revamp the legislature, which was mutilated because of previous practices."

Naceri admitted that his party, associated with the corrupt and autocratic rule of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, was partly responsible for the electorate's lack of enthusiasm for politics.

Bouteflika resigned after mass Hirak protests against his rule in 2019.

The movement continued to stage rallies demanding deep reforms, until they were snuffed out by the coronavirus pandemic, and a revived movement has faced an intensified government crackdown in recent months.

"We must restore trust between the people and the government," said Abderrahmane Salhi, from the Moustakbal Front, allied with the FLN.

Algeria's new government, led by Prime Minister Aimene Benabderahmane but largely made up of old faces, also started work Thursday a day after being sworn in.

They face huge challenges as the country is roiled by social and economic crises exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

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More than 120 Taliban militants were killed and over 50 others wounded as Afghan government security forces continued clashes in the countryside to prevent the militants from advancing, according to multiple sources on Thursday.

Early on Thursday, five militants were killed and three others wounded in a security forces' ambush on the outskirts of Kunduz city, capital of northern Kunduz province, Esmatullah Muradi, a provincial government spokesman told Xinhua.

The militants tried to assault police security forces in the area.

While the US and NATO troops have been leaving the country, violence in the country is on the rise.

In neighboring Takhar province, a Taliban shadow intelligence chief, Ahmadullah for Takhar Thursday morning died of wounds inflicted during a recent battle with security forces in suburban Farkhar district, Abdul Khalil Asir from the provincial police told Xinhua.

In the western Nimroz province, five Taliban militants were killed and three Taliban, including Gul Nabi, a Taliban shadow district chief for Dilaram district, were wounded after Afghan Air Force targeted a Taliban vehicle in Dilaram, army's 215th Maiwand Corps confirmed in a statement.

A Taliban vehicle, two motorbikes and two AK-47 guns were also destroyed.

Forty-three Taliban were killed and 23 others wounded during military operations and Afghan air force-led multiple airstrikes in suburban districts of Marja, Garmser, Nahri Sarraj and on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah city, capital of southern Helmand province on Wednesday, the army corps said, adding 13 militants' motorbikes and handful weapons and ammunition were also desorbed.

The province is notorious for militancy and opium poppy cultivation.

In western Badghis province, at least 69 Taliban militants were killed and 23 others wounded after Afghan security forces evicted militants from the provincial capital, Qala-e-Naw city, on Wednesday, the country's Defense Ministry confirmed earlier in the day.

Heavily-armed Taliban militants stormed and briefly took control of the city on Wednesday before the Afghan security forces launched a counter-offensive.

The ANDSF also seized some militants' weapons and ammunition, the ministry said in a statement.

"Reinforcement was dispatched and more Afghan National Army commandos arrived in Qala-e-Naw Wednesday night. The security forces' counter-attack is in full swing now and the situation in the city is getting better," the statement said.

Sporadic clashes and fighting continued in Qala-e-Naw during Thursday, according to sources.

On Wednesday, Afghan warplanes also destroyed a fast-moving Taliban suicide car bomb outside Qala-e-Naw city. The Taliban tried to detonate the massive car bombing near a defense line of Afghan soldiers.

The Taliban militant group has not made comments on the reports so far. Details about possible casualties on the side of the security forces were unclear.

The Afghan provinces have been the scene of heavy battles in recent weeks as Taliban militants continued their fighting against government security forces and captured about 100 suburban districts out of the country's 400 districts since the drawdown of US troops on May 1.

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Rhetoric has been used in Iraq to gain broader influence in local politics and to focus attention on special interests. The practice has been instrumental in avoiding commitment to a national agenda and in fuelling discussion on communal aspects of the evolving situation.

Not so this time: making decisions and taking options on the presence of the foreign, mostly US, troops in Iraq is a massive challenge on which the countrys leaders have failed to make progress for far too long.

The question now is how to take action on this daunting problem while Iran continues to use its proxies to wield influence in Iraq and to try to push the US out.

One of the major issues at stake is the position of incumbent Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, who seems to be torn between the two rivals: Iran and the US, and how heightening tension between them is dragging Iraq towards the brink.

Things came to a head after a US air raid against the Popular Mobilisation Force (PMF) along Iraqs border with Syria on 27 June that killed at least seven fighters and sparked calls for revenge from Iraqs Iran-aligned militias.

Al-Kadhimi has voiced his anger over the US attack, which followed a series of violent incidents in Iraq pitting Iranian-backed Shia militias against US forces and installations.

Iraqs Ministerial Council for National Security, headed by Al-Kadhimi, strongly condemned the US bombardment, which it described as a flagrant violation of Iraqi sovereignty. A statement by Al-Kadhimis office said the government would look into legal options to prevent such actions in the future.

Iraqs Ministry of Foreign Affairs also blasted the US airstrikes as an aggression and violation of national sovereignty and stressed Iraqs objection to being a party to any conflict to settle scores on its territory.

What was significant about the unprecedented Iraqi government rebuff of the US airstrikes is that they underscored that Al-Kadhimi is going in the troubling direction of appeasing Iran, which continues to use the militias to wield influence in Iraq.

It was a rare criticism of the US by Al-Kadhimi, who has promised to build a strategic relationship with Washington and pledged to rein in Iraqs unruly Iran-backed militias that have been threatening US interests in Iraq.

The Pentagon said US bombers had targeted weapons-storage facilities used by the militia groups Kataib Hizbullah and Kataib Sayed Al-Shuhada, which like many of Iraqs paramilitaries operate under the umbrella of the PMF.

The Biden administration has defended targeting these Iraqi groups with airstrikes to deter militants and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities.

In recent weeks, militias have carried out five drone attacks on US targets, including a CIA hangar in the northern city of Erbil in the spring. Since 2019, they have launched rockets to hit bases where US forces are stationed, killing at least four Americans and a number of Iraqis.

The Biden administration has been demanding that Al-Kadhimi stop the militia rocket and drone attacks on US interests in the country. US commanders have also warned that their forces will act in self-defence if they are attacked.

The escalation and Al-Kadhimis failure to hold the militias accountable for their long list of transgressions have raised concerns about whether the Iraqi leader is betting on rhetoric to deal with a serious geostrategic problem.

The US sent thousands of troops to join a US-led International Coalition in Iraq after the Islamic State (IS) terror group seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

The 83-nation coalition against IS helped the Iraqis to defeat the militants and retake the territories, but it fractured because of ambiguity in the Iraqi governments policy towards the future of the troops.

Acting under pressure from pro-Iran blocs, the Iraqi parliament told the government that all foreign troops should be ordered out of the country after the US killing of Al-Quds Force Commander Qassem Suleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis in January 2020.

Since then, the US has agreed in talks with Iraq to remove all combat forces and to redeploy others whose mission in Iraq has been shifted to training and advisory roles and to a few camps in the desert on the border with Syria and the Kurdistan Autonomous Region.

The moves came amid repeated statements by Biden that he has been looking for ways to wind down what have come to be dubbed endless wars in the US. This has encouraged pro-Iran Shia paramilitary groups in Iraq to carry out near daily rocket fire on US troops to accelerate their departure.

However, Bidens decision to launch retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq has demonstrated a major shift in the administrations plans to handle attacks on US troops and facilities in the region.

US officials told the Washington Post last week that the US would respond forcefully even if no American personnel were killed or injured, a lower bar for retaliation then was employed by the former Trump administration.

Acting US Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat IS and acting US Counterterrorism Coordinator John T Godfrey have even underscored the United States continued commitment to ensuring the enduring defeat of IS.

In a related move, Washington has moved troops and supplies from its military base of Al-Sayliyah in Qatar to Jordan, which will position the US to deal with threats from Iraqi militias and reflects the militarys changing priorities in the region.

Supplies from the bases, as well as a support mission based in them, are now part of the Area Support Group-Jordan, a US Central Command statement said. In March, Jordan and the US reached a defence agreement that allows the free entry of US forces, aircraft and vehicles onto the kingdoms territory.

Back in Iraq, it remains unclear to what extent Al-Kadhimi is ready to appease Iran and its proxies in Iraq, while failing to meet the countrys need for security by working together with Iraqs partners in the fight against IS.

Pro-Iran groups are using the standoff to push Al-Kadhimi to speed up a full US withdrawal from Iraq. Following the US airstrikes, the head of the Al-Fatah Coalition, which brings together Iran-backed militias in the country, called on the government to expel the American occupiers from Iraq immediately.

Yet, experts say that security in Iraq is still fragile, and a limited presence of foreign troops is still needed to maintain pressure against what remains of IS in Iraq, since this has been regrouping.

IS militants have increased their operations recently after reorganising in mobile groups of fighters to conduct smaller-scale attacks. In January, a bombing of a crowded Baghdad market claimed by IS killed more than 30 people.

Last week, the group claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on Iraqs national power grid using Katyusha rockets and explosives and causing severe damage to parts of the network and a widespread power outage across Iraq.

For a country hit hard by the Covid-19 epidemic, a worsening economic crisis that has come as the result of a precipitous decline in the price of oil, rampant corruption and government inefficiency, fears are growing that Iraq can hardly survive further destabilising events.

Looming over everything is the potential for increasingly likely conflict with the approach of Iraqs forthcoming parliamentary elections on 10 October and as pro-Iran groups gear up to compete against other parties for a majority of the seats and a monopoly over the government.

Amidst this turmoil, Al-Kadhimi has not been able to provide a roadmap for how to handle a resurgent IS without International Coalition support or how to deal with militias that are expected to go their own way after the US troop withdrawal.

Last week, Al-Kadhimi flew to Brussels to ask NATO to bolster its non-combat training and advisory mission in Iraq. Yet, it is highly unlikely that the Western organisation will work separately from the United States.

As Iraq continues its lurch into chaos, the countrys leadership should stop flattering Iran and its proxy militias and think carefully about the consequences of expelling the US and allied troops.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Thursday the state was keen on paying special attention on women while drawing up its policies on handling the coronavirus crisis to spare them the pandemics repercussions.

This comes out of the countrys awareness that women are the most affected groups when such crises occur, El-Sisi assured during the inauguration of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperations (OIC) 8th ministerial conference on women.

The government has earmarked large financial allocations to strengthen social protection services provided for women, enhancing measures for protecting them against violence, El-Sisi said.

The country also developed financial and economic policies to further empower women economically and create job opportunities for irregular female workers. It also sought to support womens health via the related presidential initiatives, he pointed out.

El-Sisi arrived earlier today in the countrys New Administrative Capital to inaugurate the conference.

El-Sisi said hosting the event reflects the attention the country pays to enhance cooperation between the member states of the OIC.

This years edition of the OIC conference is themed Preserving the gains of gender equality and empowering women in light of the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

The conferences theme, El-Sisi added, was chosen with the aim of achieving a leap in various work fields related to womens issues and in order to keep pace with the latest developments in this regard.

The event witnessed the launch of the Womens Development Organisation (WDO) at its permanent headquarters in Egypt, which will specialise in promoting and protecting womens rights in all member states of the Islamic organisation.

President El-Sisi asserted that Egypt has spared no effort to support the WDO technically and logistically since its charter entered into effect.

Last month, El-Sisi instructed the government to bear the cost of the annual contributions of all 22 least developed countries to the Womens Development Organisation, whether they are members or are about to join the organisation.

El-Sisi, during Thursdays event, called upon all countries that have not joined the WDO to take the step to achieve with other organisation members the desired progress in different fields to serve the issues of women.

The president said Egypt, during its presidency of the OICs 8th conference in the coming two years, will strive to empower women economically, which he described as a key pillar to promoting gender equality, as well as countering the negative impact of terrorism and extremism on women.

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During a recent television interview, I was asked whether, in my opinion, the Egyptian writer had a sufficient degree of freedom. I answered that no writer in Egypt or elsewhere was free enough to fully express his or her views. Part of the writers mission throughout history has been to fight restrictions on freedom imposed by political authorities, non-governmental institutions such as the church, or the prejudices and biases of society.

Some people might think that writers in the US have unrestricted freedom because they can expose a president who violates the law, as occurred with Nixon, or criticise a president for his arrogance and racism, as occurred with Trump. But what would happen if a writer took on an issue as controversial as the USs special relationship with Israel and the pro-Israeli bias which sometimes leads Washington to pursue policies that are detrimental to its own interests and undermine the integrity of its foreign policy in the eyes of world? Could they oppose the official stance of their government without being accused of antisemitism or barred from practising their profession? The experience of the long-serving member of the White House press corps Hellen Thomas tells us no. Could they so much as ask, just ask how the White House can claim that human rights is a pillar of its foreign policy when it not only turns a blind eye to the flagrant human rights violations that Israel perpetrates in the occupied territories but also wields its veto to prevent the passage of any UN resolution to bring Israel to account for them?

All societies impose restrictions and boundaries to freedom of expression. Governments may not always be the ones to do so. Everyone who fought for womens rights, the emancipation of slaves or other such causes ran up against societys intolerance and bigotry even before the authorities laws and regulations. Yigal Amir, the young Israeli who assassinated Yitzhak Rabin for having signed the Oslo Accords which would give our land to the Arabs is emblematic of the anti-Arab fanaticism ingrained in Israelis. In Egypt, the assassination of Farag Fouda and the attempts on the life of Naguib Mahfouz and Makram Mohamed Ahmed were carried out by religious extremists in an attempt to stifle the freedom of opinion and expression enshrined in international and domestic laws and conventions.

One of the underpinnings of a persons sense of belonging to his nation is their reassurance that they enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed and protected by the countrys constitution and laws. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines the freedom of opinion and expression as an intrinsic human right. Article 19 states: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. The freedom of the press and access to information serve the broader development goal of empowering people. Human empowerment is a multifaceted socio-political process intended to help people control the course of their personal lives.

The Egyptian Constitution of 2014 includes more than 40 articles that had not existed in previous constitutions. Most concern freedoms. The architects of the constitution followed a two-pronged approach in this regard. They incorporated texts explicitly providing for basic rights and freedoms, and they simultaneously enshrined international human rights conventions in the constitution. Article 93 gives the international agreements, covenants and conventions of human rights that have been ratified by Egypt the force of law. Thus the principles and guarantees of human rights and freedoms under the Egyptian constitutional system are grounded in both domestic and international sources.

Article 92 of the 2014 Constitution states: A citizens rights and freedoms are inalienable and may not be suspended or diminished. No law regulating the exercise of rights and freedoms may restrict them in such a way as infringes upon their essence and foundation.

The Egyptian Constitution contains a chapter with 47 articles detailing the rights and freedoms Egyptian citizens should enjoy and the duties for which they are responsible. For example, every individual has the inviolable right to dignity and it is incumbent upon the state to respect, guarantee and protect it. All forms of torture are a crime that has no statute of limitations. Article 53 states, Citizens are equal before the law, possess equal rights and public duties, and may not be discriminated against on the basis of religion, belief, sex, origin, race, colour, language, disability, social class, political or geographical affiliation, or for any other reason. Discrimination and incitement to hate are crimes punishable by law. The state shall take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination. The next article guarantees personal freedom as a natural right that cannot be infringed upon. Another article addresses the right to privacy. It states, Telegraph, postal and electronic correspondence, telephone calls and other forms of communication are inviolable, their confidentiality is guaranteed and they may only be confiscated, examined or monitored by causal judicial order for a limited period of time, and in cases specified by the law. The state shall protect the rights of citizens to use all forms and public means of communication, which may not be arbitrarily disrupted, stopped or withheld from citizens.

This is the moral and legal arsenal that writers are armed with in their ongoing battle against attempts to restrict their freedom, a battle they have fought valiantly throughout history. The various forms of threats, abuse, prison and sometimes torture writers have endured is proof of the degree of their steadfastness which, over the years, has helped build, establish and secure the extensive body of rights and freedoms enshrined in international conventions and national constitutions.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Int'l community must push Ethiopia into serious GERD talks: Egypt's FM tells UN chief



Ahram Online, MENA, , Thursday 8 Jul 2021



Foriegn Minister Sameh Shoukry emphasised Egypt's 'categorical' rejection of Ethiopia's unilateral move to proceed with the dam's 2nd filling



Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry asked the international parties, topped by the United Nations (UN) and the UN Security Council (UNSC), to assume the responsibility and push Ethiopia to engage in serious negotiations and in good faith to reach a fair deal on the dam dispute.



In a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Wednesday evening, Shoukry reviewed Egypts stance concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).



The meeting is part of Shoukrys ongoing meetings with UN members and other parties to brief them on Egypts position on Ethiopias controversial dam, ahead of the UNSC session to debate the matter on Thursday.



The UNSCs meeting will be held upon the request of Egypt and Sudan, who raised the matter with the 15-member body after the African Union-sponsored tripartite negotiations with Ethiopia reached a deadlock earlier this year.



Shoukry reiterated to the UN chief the urgent need to hash out a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam, taking into account the water interests of the parties involved, according to a statement by Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez.



He also emphasised Egypts categorical rejection of Ethiopias unilateral move to proceed with the dams 2nd filling, of which the upstream country notified Egypt and Sudan on Monday despite the lack of a legal agreement between the three countries.



The step, Shoukry said, aims to impose a fait accompli on downstream countries and constitutes a flagrant breach of international law and norms, as well as the Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia in 2015.



Shoukry also warned of the grave consequences of such unilateral actions on regional security and stability.



Both downstream countries see eye to eye on the importance of securing a legal deal guaranteeing binding rules for filling and operating the Ethiopian dam in a manner that does not cause significant harm to the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples, who rely on the Nile as a main source of fresh water.



Egypt, which relies on the Nile River for more than 95 percent of its renewable water resources, fears the unilateral filling and operation of the massive dam will significantly diminish its water supply, which at 560 cubic metres 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 flows from the River Nile  though its needs stand at 114 bcm.



Sudan said the unilateral filling of the GERD would threaten the lives of millions of its people living downstream of the dam, jeopardise the operational safety of its dams, and consequently risk Sudans national security.



Tunisia, the only Arab member of the 15-member body, submitted last Friday an Egyptian-Sudanese GERD-focused draft resolution to the UN body, calling on the three nations to resume negotiations at the joint invitation of the chairperson of the AU and the secretary-general of UN to finalise the text of a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD by January 2022.



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/416813.aspx
UNSC experts begin consultation session on GERD dispute: Sources



Ahram Online, , Thursday 8 Jul 2021



The UN body members submitted notes concerning the Egyptian-Sudanese draft resolution on the issue earlier today and the voting is expected by next week



The United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has started a closed-door consultation session at the expert level on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam's (GERD) dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, only a few hours before the UN body members convene to discuss the issue later on the day, sources in New York told Ahram Online.



Ahead of the consultations session, which is set to last till 7pm Cairo local time, the member state of the UN body had submitted their notes concerning the Egyptian-Sudanese GERD-focused draft resolution that was submitted by Tunisia to the international body on Friday.



An amended draft resolution will be prepared by the end of the experts' consultations to be distributed on Thursday night prior to the UNSC session, which is slated for 9pm Cairo local time or on Friday morning at most, the sources added.



Another consultation session, the sources noted, is set to be held on Monday on the final draft resolution before it is put to vote between 14-16 July.



The sources added that the voting will take place at the request of the concerned parties after setting the date of the session in accordance with the rules followed by the UN Security Council.



Putting off the votes nearly a week after the UNSC session will give Egypt and Sudan a chance to further explain the situation and secure the needed votes of the international body's member states to pass the draft resolution, sources told Ahram online on Wednesday.



"A 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 explained.



Tripartite negotiations faltered earlier this year after Ethiopia refused to include other mediators in the talks, as Egypt and Sudan requested, to help the African Union (AU), the current mediator, with securing the long-awaited deal.



Tunisia, the only Arab member of the 10 elected and non-permanent members of the UNSC, submitted a draft resolution calling on the three parties involved to resume negotiations to reach a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD by January 2022.



The negotiations, according to the draft, should be held at the joint invitation of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU)and the Secretary-General of the United Nations



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 filling the GERD for the second year without reaching a deal with Egypt and Sudan, a step that angered the two downstream countries.



Both downstream countries see eye to eye on the importance of securing a legal deal guaranteeing binding rules for filling and operating the Ethiopian dam in a manner that does not cause significant harm to the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples, who rely on the Nile as the main source of fresh water.



Throughout the decade-long negotiations, Ethiopia has been evading the legally binding deal and only seeking guidelines that can be modified at any time at its discretion.



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 of the dam, jeopardise the operational safety of its dams, and consequently risk Sudan's national security.





https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/416825.aspx
KYODO NEWS - Jul 9, 2021 - 00:49 | All, Japan

The Japanese government and the International Atomic Energy agreed Thursday to work together to monitor Japan's planned discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.

Japan sees the involvement of the U.N. nuclear watchdog as important from the standpoint of ensuring credibility and transparency in the monitoring process, the Foreign Ministry said, amid strong opposition by neighboring countries to the plan to release the treated water into the Pacific Ocean.

Under the deal, Japan and the IAEA will cooperate in reviewing the safety and regulations of the water discharge as well as in evaluating the effect of the release into the sea, the ministry said.

A task force will be set up in the IAEA secretariat to provide such support, and it will include a group of internationally recognized experts selected by the agency from its member states, according to the ministry.

The Japanese government decided in April to release the treated water that has accumulated at the Fukushima plant, which suffered core meltdowns in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters.

Water pumped into the ruined reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant to cool the melted fuel, mixed with rain and groundwater, is being treated using an advanced liquid processing system.

The process removes most radioactive materials except for tritium, which is said to pose little health risk in low concentrations.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 8, 2021 - 08:51 | All, World

Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead in an apparent assassination at his private residence in a suburb of capital Port-au-Prince early Wednesday, local media reported.

An armed group stormed into the president's residence and shot him. His wife Martine was also injured and treated at a hospital, the reports said.

Following the death of Moise, acting Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph condemned the attack and declared a state of siege.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres also condemned the assassination "in the strongest terms" and said "the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice," according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

The U.N. chief urged "all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united" in the face of the attack and "reject all violence."

U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement that he was "shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination" of the Haitian president and the attack on the first lady.

"We stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti," the statement added.

In Haiti, the poorest country in the Caribbean region, political turmoil has continued recently while its parliament has ceased functioning since last year.

Moise announced in February of this year that there had been an attempted coup against him and detained more than 20 people.

Moise, who took power in 2017, had been at odds with opposition parties over the length of his presidential term. The parties maintained that his term expired in February, while the president claimed he could stay in the post until next year, resulting in demonstrations calling for his resignation.

According to the reports, some members of the unidentified armed group spoke in English and Spanish, although Haiti's official language is French.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 8, 2021 - 14:07 | All, World, Japan

Japan and Britain will hold a joint military drill in the Gulf of Aden in the near future to demonstrate their cooperation in various geographical areas, according to Japanese government sources.

The drill will involve Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force units currently engaged in an antipiracy mission in the Gulf of Aden and a British aircraft carrier strike group led by the Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy's largest warship, they said.

The strike group left Britain in May for the western Pacific to show London's increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific amid China's growing maritime assertiveness in the region.

The joint military exercise in the Gulf of Aden may also be joined by U.S. and Dutch naval vessels accompanying the British strike group, according to the sources.

Japan and Britain are expected to hold a joint drill around September when the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier group, which also includes destroyers and a submarine, makes a port call in Japan.

The British vessels are scheduled to head north in the Sea of Japan and pass through the Tsugaru Strait, which separates the Japanese main islands of Honshu and Hokkaido, before arriving at Yokosuka, southwest of Tokyo, the sources said.

On a seven-month journey, the British group is set to make port visits to around 40 nations including South Korea, India and Singapore and conduct military exercises with them in an attempt to bolster security ties.

The move came as Japanese and British foreign and defense ministers reaffirmed in a virtual meeting in February their cooperation toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific region, a vision promoted by Japan and the United States to counter China's growing clout in the area.

In line with the vision, Japan has recently been deepening defense cooperation with multiple countries including those in Europe.

Beijing is engaged in territorial disputes in the East and South China seas with its neighbors.

Japan has been angered by repeated intrusions into its territorial waters around the Tokyo-administered Senkaku Islands by Chinese vessels. The islands in the East China Sea are claimed by Beijing, which calls them Diaoyu.

In May, Japan, the United States and France held a large-scale joint exercise in southwestern Japan that involved urban warfare and amphibious operation drills.

France, which has dispatched a naval vessel to Japan, has strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific where it has territories, including the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean and French Polynesia in the South Pacific.

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KYODO NEWS - Jul 8, 2021 - 19:48 | World, All, Coronavirus

Taiwan will extend its coronavirus-induced restrictions for another two weeks though with some relaxations, authorities said on Thursday.

Health minister Chen Shih-chung, who heads the Central Epidemic Command Center, told a press conference that the current Level 3 epidemic alert, one level short a full lockdown, will remain in place until July 26, despite a steady decline of local transmissions.

Meanwhile, about 1.13 million does of British AstraZeneca vaccine donated by the Japanese government to Taiwan arrived at Taoyuan International Airport in the north on Thursday afternoon.

Chen thanked Japan for the latest donation, which comes after it supplied 1.24 million doses of the same vaccine in early June.

As of Thursday, Taiwan's total number of confirmed cases was 15,149, including 718 deaths.

After the capital Taipei and New Taipei City raised their epidemic alert to Level 3 on May 15, the Level 3 alert was issued for all of Taiwan on May 19 and has since been extended four times. The current restrictions were slated to end next Monday.

Under the heightened state of alert, wearing masks outdoors is mandatory, while gatherings of more than five people indoors or 10 people outdoors are prohibited.

All schools, public places and religious venues have been closed, and restaurants can only do take-outs.

Despite the two-week extension, some concessions will be made for such activities as going to national parks, museums or movie theaters.

Restaurants and beverage establishments can also resume offering dine-in services if they meet certain requirements such as maintaining at least 1.5 meters between co-workers and customers and among customers themselves.
New Delhi:

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will have to scale up production of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), asserting that the government has not "ditched" the project for any other fighter jet.

Sitharaman also said the government was eagerly awaiting the "Mark II" version of the Tejas and that a number of countries have shown interest in the aircraft indigenously developed by HAL.

"We are not ditching the LCA. We have not gone for anything instead of Tejas. The HAL has to increase production capacity of LCA," she told reporters.

Currently, the HAL is producing around eight Tejas, a single engine multi-role aircraft, annually and the defence ministry wants it to increase the number to 18 planes per year.

"We are very confident that Tejas Mark II will be a big leap forward to fulfil the single-engine fighter requirement of the forces," she said, adding the government was also considering the export potential of the aircraft.

Official sources said the government is likely to soon launch the process to float a global tender for procurement of a fleet of fighter jets to augment IAF's depleting fighter squadrons. The IAF currently has 31 fighter squadrons against the authorised strength of 42.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) had ordered 40 Tejas Mark-1 version.

Also Read: With eyes on China, India, Vietnam resolve to work for prosperous Indo-Pacific

A request for proposal (RFP) was issued to HAL by the IAF two months back for the procurement of 83 Tejas of the Mark-1A version at a cost of around Rs 50,000 crore.

Sitharaman said the government was examining how to increase the production of the LCA, adding a number of countries have shown interest in procuring the aircraft.

The defence minister's remarks came amid reports of a view in the defence establishment that Tejas was not enough to maintain IAF's combat readiness and it needed to quickly procure a fleet of foreign single-engine fighters to deal with any possible security challenges facing the country in the wake of the dwindling size of its fighter fleetThe HAL has been maintaining that Tejas is a world class fighter jet and can effectively play its "defined" role in securing Indian skies.

The HAL is investing Rs 1,300 crore to augment the existing infrastructure so that production of Tejas can be increased to 24 aircraft per year by 2021.

Official sources said no decision could be taken on the long-pending fifth-generation fighter jet project with Russia due to high-cost involved in it.

The cost of the project is very high. It is still under consideration, they said.

A high-level committee set up by the government to examine various aspects of the project had submitted its report last year and the defence ministry is likely to take a call on it soon.

Also Read: Assembly Election 2018 results: Congress single largest party in Meghalaya, to stake claim to form govt

In 2007, India and Russia had inked an inter-governmental pact for the FGFA project. In December 2010, India had agreed to pay USD 295 million (Rs 1,897 crore) towards the preliminary design of the fighter, which is called in India as the 'Perspective Multi-role Fighter'.

However, the negotiations faced various hurdles in the subsequent years. In February 2016, India and Russia revived talks on the project after a clearance from the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar.

The sources also said that Vietnam has shown interest in procuring Brahmos missiles.

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Alirajpur:

A policeman was booked in Alirajpur of Madhya Pradesh on charges of abducting and sexually harassing a15-year-old girl, a senior police official said.

Narrating the sequence of events, Superintendent of Police Vipul Shrivastava today said, "Constable Dilip Jamre(24) and an unidentified accomplice went to Sondwa area on Thursday afternoon on the pre text of investigating a case despite there being no case which he was authorised to probe."

He said that the two concocted a story and started interrogating people. "During the course of this interrogation, he asked the victim to accompany him on his bike to the police station. However people got suspicious and started following them. They found out that the constable was taking the victim to anisolated place," the official said.

ALSO READ: Gauri Lankesh murder: Man linked to Hindu Yuva Sena taken into police custody

He said that the accused touched the victim inappropriately and then fled the spot when he saw people approaching. On Thursday, the victim filed a complaint after whichan initial probe showed that the constable and his accomplice had behaved inappropriately, the official said. He said that yesterday, a case was registered againstthe constable and his accomplice for kidnapping, wrongful confinement and sexual harassment.

Relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) werealso invoked. "Further investigations are underway. A search is onfor the accused who are absconding," the official said.

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Hyderabad:

Regional parties will be key to government formation after the next parliamentary polls and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao will play an important role in that, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Sunday.

He claimed that the Congress failed to deliver after the 2009 elections, and the BJP also did not live up to the peoples expectations since it came to power at the Centre in 2014.

So, I feel that regional parties will have a very, very important role whenever the next Parliament elections are held, Owaisi told reporters Hyderabad.

I am of the opinion that Chandrashekar Rao will play an important role before and after Parliament elections. I am of the opinion that the country is looking towards regional parties. The country is looking towards those parties which are against the BJP and the Congress, he said.

He said Raos remarks on Saturday, when he expressed keenness to participate in the national politics to bring about a change, will have a far-reaching effect.

Rao had also said that he was in talks with other political leaders to form a platform of like-minded parties.

Owaisi said there is a need for that sort of political platform.

I welcome his statement... It is encouraging. It is a statement which will have far reaching impact on the national politics, Owaisi said.

Rao, as a political leader, has proven himself, the Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad said. In the last four years, KCR (as the chief minister is popularly referred to) has given a fantastic governance in Telangana. Now, Telangana is a progressive state, he said.

I feel KCR can become a pivot against the Congress and the BJP. He has the political far-sightedness and vision. There is a vacuum in the country and people are looking for an alternative, Owaisi said.

He said Raos statement should be welcomed by everyone, and expressed hope that the Telangana chief minister will take forward the idea of playing a role in national politics.

On whether Rao has the ability to bring different parties together, Owaisi said: Let us not speculate quickly. He has given an idea and I am sure it will appeal to everyone. But, I am sure that he will be successful in what he is doing.

Asked if he would support Rao for the post of prime minister, Owaisi said: Lets not stretch things to that extent. I would reiterate that KCR can definitely play and should play an important role in getting all the non-Congress and the non-BJP parties (together) and that is what he hinted at yesterday.

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Shillong:

Meghalaya threw up a hung Assembly on Saturday with the ruling Congress emerging as the single largest party after winning 21 seats out the 59 that went to polls last month.

The National Peoples Party (NPP) was at the second position with 19 seats, according to the results.

The BJP, which contested 47 seats, could win only two.

Polling for 59 Assembly seats, out of a total of 60, was held on February 27. A Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate was killed in an IED blast, which resulted in countermanding of the polls in one seat.

To form the government in Meghalaya at the present juncture, a party or coalition requires a minimum of 30 seats.

The Congress had no pre-poll arrangement with any party.

Also Read | North East Assembly Election results: When the sun sets, it's red but saffron when rises, says PM Modi on Tripura win

The BJP, which made a serious bid to dethrone the 10-year-old Mukul Sangma government, also had no seat-sharing arrangement with any party.

However, the NPP is an ally of the saffron party at the Centre and in Manipur.

NPP chief Conrad Sangma said, We are hopeful that we will be able to form the government. People are fed up with the corrupt Congress government and are looking for a change.

All eyes are now on the regional parties and independent candidates.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has won six seats followed by the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) with four and the Hill State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDP) with two.

The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement and the Nationalist Congress Party won one seat each. The UDF and the HSPDP have a pre-polls alliance.

Independent candidates won three seats.

The Congress has rushed two senior leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath to the state to explore the possibility of forming the government.

The Congress move comes in the wake of criticism in the past that the party was caught napping in Goa and Manipur, where despite emerging as the single largest party it failed to form governments there.

After the Assembly elections last year threw hung verdicts in Manipur and Goa, the BJP formed governments there with the help of smaller parties and independent candidates.

Patel said there would no repetition of Manipur and Goa.

Nath said, It is clear that we will form the government. The will of the people of Meghalaya will be reflected in our Congress government.

We are in touch with everybody. Everybody is in touch with us, he said, adding that we will stake claim tonight.

Nath alleged the BJP is trying to use money power to cause as much disturbance as possible.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who won from the two seats he contested, said the results were not on expected lines and he would keep his cards close to his chest with regard to the Congress forming the government.

For the first time, Sangma contested in two seats.

We are in touch with like-minded regional parties and independents to form the government, state Congress working president Vincent H Pala told PTI.

Meghalaya is one of the five states where the Congress has been ruling. The other states where the party is in power, are Punjab, Karnataka, Mizoram and Puducherry.
New Delhi:

The Central Bureau of Investigation, on Sunday, flew with Karti Chidambaram, the son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, to Mumbai for investigating further in connection with the INX Media money laundering case. He is being brought face-to-face with Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukerjea separately.

Karti Chidambaram, who is the main suspect in the INX Media money laundering case, is accused of receiving Rs 10 lakh from the INX Media. The CBI had arrested Karti on Wednesday from the Chennai airport and brought him to Delhi.

On Thursday, Delhis Patiala House Court sent Karti to a five-day CBI custody, while allowing his lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi to meet him for one hour each in the morning and the evening.

The CBI had produced Karti before the court and sought a 14-day custody, saying he was being non-cooperative during the interrogation. The CBI said, Karti used his influence to manipulate a tax probe against INX Media in a case of violation of FIPB conditions to receive investment from Mauritius.

The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had carried out a series of raids on the properties of Karti. He was questioned several times by the ED. A lookout notice was issued against him, which prevented him from traveling abroad.

Also Read: INX Media money laundering case: SC to hear Karti Chidambaram's anticipatory bail plea on Mar 6

In November, the Supreme Court allowed Karti Chidambaram to go to the UK for his daughter's admission to the Cambridge University. His father was not available for comments but he had earlier denied the involvement of his son in any case.

CBI had probed Karti twice in August last year for allegedly taking money from INX media then owned by businessman Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjea with respect to influence public servants in the probe into foreign investments in the company from three Mauritius-based entities.

The INX Media case is one in which irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Karti Chidambaram's father was the Union finance minister came into light.

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New Delhi:

India and Vietnam will explore "substantive and practical measures" to achieve the bilateral trade target of USD 15 billion by 2020, according to a joint statement issued in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation level talks with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on Saturday, who is on a three-day India visit.

The joint statement further said both the sides agreed to hold the next Meeting of the Joint Sub-Commission on Trade in Vietnam's capital city Hanoi in 2018 at the earliest. "In order to realize potential to both increase the volume of trade and diversify its composition, they (Modi and Tran) requested the relevant ministries and agencies on both sides to explore substantive and practical measures to achieve the trade target of USD 15 billion by 2020 including but not limited to utilising established mechanisms, strengthening exchanges of trade delegations, business-to-business contacts, regular organisation of trade fairs and events,".

ALSO READ: Syrian troops captures villages and towns in a rebel-held region

As per the statement, both the sides urged leaders of business and industry of both countries to explore new trade and investment opportunities in identified priority areas of cooperation. The Vietnamese president applauded Prime Minister Modi's efforts which improved India's ranking in the 'ease of doing business', it added.

Referring to defence cooperation, the joint statement pointed out that their cooperation in oil and gas exploration, thermal and hydroelectric power and renewable energy and energy conservation is registering remarkable progress. The Vietnamese president "welcomed Indian businesses to expand their oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities on land and in the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Vietnam," the joint statement said.

It also pointed out that the Vietnamese side took note of the request by India on actively considering signing the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance with a view to strengthening the cooperation in the renewable energy space.

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New Delhi:

The Indian National Congress which on Sunday emerged as the single largest party in Meghalaya Assembly Elections 2018 staked claimed to form the government.

After no single party could reach the majority mark of 30 seats, voters of Meghalaya have elected a hung Assembly, with no single party or pre-poll alliance securing enough seats to be able to form the government.

Senior leaders of both Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have rushed to the state to stitch ties to top regional leaders to form the government. A coalition will need to have at least 30 seats in the 60-member Assembly to stake claim to form the government.

According to sources, the party wrote a letter to Governor Ganga Prasad to stake the claim on power in the state. Another media report suggested the party leadership met the governor late last night and said they are single largest party to get votes and that they should be invited to form a government at the earliest.

Voters had returned a hung assembly in Meghalaya on Saturday. Congress emerged as the single largest party with 21 seats, down from 28 from last assembly polls, Conrad Sangma's National People's Party (NPP) won 19 seats, while UDP managed to secure six seats.

With alliances elsewhere in the country and at Centre, NPP and UDP are more likely to join hands with BJP and each other to form a non-Congress government in the state.

Here are all the live updates:

# It's positive that regional parties got together to work for the region. It's people's decisions and we need to respect that: MoS Home Kiren Rijiju

# 1 MLA out of every 2 MLAs of all the parties will form part of the govt. So 1 MLA, out of the 2, of BJP will be a part of it too: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP

# Conrad Sangma will be the next chief minister of Meghalaya, there will be no deputy CM: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP

# Next 2-3 days are very crucial because Assembly term gets over. The House expires on 7th before that everything has to take place and by tomorrow everything will be clear: Conrad Sangma

# NPP's Conrad Sangma met Meghalaya Governor to stake claim to form a government. Oath ceremony to take place on 6th March at 10.30 am.

NPP's Conrad Sangma met #Meghalaya Governor to stake claim to form government. Oath ceremony to take place on 6th March at 10.30 am. pic.twitter.com/27NaL1UAwV  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018

# Meanwhile, Tripura BJP chief Biplab Deb says, MLAs of BJP and ally IPFT will meet on March 6 to elect their leader.

# MLAs from NPP, UDP, BJP and HSPDP arrived at Governor House in Shillong

Correction: MLAs from NPP, UDP, BJP and HSPDP arrived at Governor House in Shillong #Meghalaya  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018

# Congress submits letter to Meghalaya Governor stating Congress naming Mukul Sangma as the leader of the Meghalaya Congress Legislature Party

# Respect mandate of the people. I met Governor& I have indicated that I will come back with letters of support from like-minded people. BJP has only 2 MLAs how would they like to form the govt? They want to fire from the shoulder of other political parties: Mukul Sangma in Shillong

# Manik Sarkar submitted his resignation as Tripura CM to Governor Tathagata Roy. Sarkar will continue as the CM until the new govt is sworn in.



# Kiren Rijiju also met UDP leader Donkupar Roy

# NPP Chief Conrad Sangma meets senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju



# Newly elected MLA A.L. Hek declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party



# NDPP-BJP alliance will stake claim to form govt in next couple of days: Ram Madhav



# Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar arrives at Governor House in Agartala

# Shillong: Independent candidate Samuel.S.Sangma met BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma & extended support to BJP

Shillong: Independent candidate Samuel.S.Sangma met BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma & extended support to BJP. #MeghalayaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/nULvHvAw2b  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018

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New Delhi:

The second part of Parliament's Budget Session begins on Monday, with the opposition ready to corner the government on the issue of bank frauds. Congress deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma has given a notice for a discussion under rule 267 of the House on the issue. His party is also likely to raise the issue of government formation in Meghalaya. Also, BJP is likely to counter the attack with the allegations against Karti Chidambaram, the son for former finance minister P Chidambaram.

Here are the Live updates:

# 02:14 PM: Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day due to uproar by the Opposition over the issue of PNB Scam

# 12:50 PM: The TDP, a constituent of the BJP-led NDA, has reportedly held unofficial meetings with the Congress, seeking opposition support for special staus to Andhra Pradesh.

# 12:35 PM: Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who went to visit his grandmother in Italy during the Holi weekend, is back as the second part of Parliament's budget session begins.

# 12:06 PM: Opposition continues to create ruckus in Lok Sabha as soon as it meets after an adjournment

# 12:12 PM: Lok Sabha adjourned for the day after ruckus over PNB Scam

# 11:14 AM: Rajya Sabha also adjourned till 11.20 am after protest by TDP over 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh

# 11:10 AM: Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon after protest by TDP over 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh

# 11:00 AM: Delhi: Telugu Desam Party MP Siva Prasad dressed as Lord Krishna during TDP protest demanding 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh

# 10:54 AM: Matter of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi is connected to Congress, the problem started during their time, they cannot mislead the nation on this issue: Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal

# 10:44 AM: PM Narendra Modi arrives in parliament, welcomed by BJP Chief Amit Shah and Union Ministers.

# 10:36 AM: TMC MPs protest near Gandhi statue in Parliament

# 10:34 AM: Telugu Desam Party MPs protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament premises demanding 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh

# 10:19 AM: CPI Leader D Raja gives adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha over PNB Scam # 10:09 AM: Jan Adhikar Party chief Pappu Yadav gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over alleged SSC Exams Scam # 09:52 AM: RJD MP JP Yadav gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over PNB Fraud Case

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New Delhi:

India and Vietnam on Saturday vowed to join hands for an open and thriving Indo-Pacific besides ensuring an efficient and rules-based regional security architecture, seen as a thinly veiled message to China over its increasing military posturing in the region.

After wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, the two strategic partners inked three pacts providing for cooperation in nuclear energy, trade and agriculture. They decided to explore co-development projects in defence sector and boost ties in oil and gas exploration, including trilateral cooperation.

Modi said both sides expressed commitment to an open, efficient and rules-based regional architecture and to expand bilateral maritime cooperation further.

We will jointly work for an open, independent and prosperous Indo Pacific region where sovereignty and international laws are respected and where differences are resolved through talks, Modi said in a media statement in the presence of the Vietnamese President.

In an apparent reference to the South China Sea dispute, the Vietnamese president said it supports Indias multi-faceted connectivity with ASEAN and asserted that there must be freedom of navigation and over flight in the region. He said that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means.

Vietnam and several other ASEAN member countries have territorial disputes with China over the resource-rich South China Sea.

While India, the US and several other world powers have been pressing for resolution of the dispute on the basis of international law, China has been favouring a bilateral framework with respective countries.

Modi said India and Vietnam will also look for trilateral partnership in oil and gas sector.

Earlier on Friday, Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang had reached New Delhi along with wife Nguyen Thi Hien on a three-day visit to India. They arrived in the country at the invitation of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.

On Saturday morning, Quang has issued a press statement along with PM Narendra Modi and exchanged agreements between both the countries.

"Vietnam has an important place in India's framework of Act East policy and India's relations with ASEAN," said PM Modi during his speech at the joint press statement.

"We have decided that we will enhance cooperation in defence production and explore opportunities in the transfer of technology. We will jointly work for an open, independent & prosperous Indo Pacific area where sovereignty and international law is respected."

"We agreed to strengthen our relations in different sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, textiles & Oil & gas. In Oil & gas sector, not only we will strengthen our long-standing bilateral relations but also work along with other nations on trilateral possibilities," Modi added.

"Warm welcome to the Vietnamese President, Tran Dai Quang and his wife Nguyen Thi Hien on a state visit to India!," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted earlier.

"Vietnam is an important pillar in India's #Act East Policy and the two countries share civilisational relationship spanning over 2000 years," Mr Kumar said.

Earlier in the day, the Vietnam Prez inspected the guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday. Quang was also accorded a ceremonial welcome in the presence of president Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Delhi: Exchange of agreements between India and Vietnam. pic.twitter.com/7Gt2C0Ihrb  ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Delhi : Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang inspects guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/vx8O0N01I4  ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome @RashtrapatiBhvn in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/QKpc9pHELd  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 3, 2018

EAM Sushma Swaraj has met Tran Dai Quang and discussed several ways to strengthen India's comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors.

Delhi: Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/trq8Oa13c7  ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Post that, Quang has reached Raj Ghat along with wife Nguyen Thi Hien and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

Delhi: President of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang pays tribute at Raj Ghat. pic.twitter.com/uQ9uzqeq4S  ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

PM Modi, who welcomed Quang on his first State visit to India at the Hyderabad held bilateral talks over 'Act East Policy.'

PM @narendramodi welcomes Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on his first State visit to India at the Hyderabad House ahead of the bilateral talks. India and Vietnam enjoy warm and cordial relationship with common roots in history. #ActEastPolicy pic.twitter.com/2ASuB1m6uk  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 3, 2018

Also Read: Prez Kovind, PM Modi extend greetings to all citizens on occasion of Holi

President Quang visited Bodh Gaya in Bihar, a Buddhist pilgrimage site, before reaching New Delhi on Friday.

Vietnam is an important partner in Southeast Asia and is currently the country coordinator for India with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional bloc, a role that will be handed over to Thailand later this year.

Warm welcome to the Vietnamese President, Tran Dai Quang and his wife Nguyen Thi Hien on a State visit to India! Vietnam is an important pillar in India's #ActEastPolicy and the two countries share civilizational relationship spanning over 2000 years. pic.twitter.com/XqS3wg9QKD  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 2, 2018

Also Read: PM Modi in Puducherry | Pays tribute to Sri Aurobindo, releases postage to commemorate him

Apart from ASEAN, India and Vietnam closely cooperate in other regional forums such as the East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) besides the UN and WTO.

India-Vietnam trade stood at $6.24 billion in fiscal 2016-17 and the two sides have agreed to raise this to $15 billion by 2020.

Defence has emerged as an important pillar of the bilateral relationship and Indian ships regularly make friendly port calls to Vietnam.

Also Read: PM Modi, Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau discuss terrorism, trade ties

India is also an important development aid partner for Vietnam and has extended several lines of credit for capacity building in the southeast Asian nation.

Vietnam is also among the larger recipients of scholarships offered under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

In a move to ban deadly firearms, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has suspended licences for all the deadly automatic weapons in the country.

After assuming office in August, Abbasi delivered an inaugural speech in Parliament wherein he had promised that he would outlaw all deadly weapons.

The ministry through a notification on November 7 has suspended all automatic weapons, an official of interior ministry said.

All the owners of automatic weapons have been asked to swap the current firearms with semi-automatic ones or surrender them for Rs 50,000.

ALSO READ | Rex Tillerson to PM Abbasi: Eliminate terrorists operating from Pakistan soil

We have given the owners of automatic weapons the deadline of January 15, 2018 to surrender the weapons, the official said.

Another official said the step has been taken as part of efforts to rid the country of the menace of dangerous weapons that end up in the hands of criminals and terrorists.

(With PTI inputs)

ALSO READ: Pakistan appoints Zafar Mahmood Abbasi as new Navy Chief

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New Delhi:

In a big U-turn in the Shopian firing incident, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday told the Supreme Court that Major Aditya Kumar's name was not mentioned in the FIR filed against Army personnel.

The apex court was listening to the plea of Lt Col (retd) Karamveer Singh, the father of Major Aditya, seeking to quash the FIR against his son. The Jammu and Kashmir government submitted in a status report to the court that the Army officer had not been named when the police lodged an FIR to investigate the firing incident, rendering the cause for Singh's petition moot.

A three-judge bench stayed the investigation into the Shopian firing, and by extension Major Aditya's role or lack thereof in it, till the next date of hearing on April 24.

"Major Aditya is an army officer and cannot be treated like ordinary criminals by the J&K police," the SC said.Though J&K government told SC that the FIR does not name Major Aditya as an accused, the bench said because his name is mentioned in the narrative of the FIR, he could be roped in at any time.

Last month, the top court had restricted+ the Mehbooba Mufti-led government from taking any "coercive steps" against Army officers, including Major Aditya Kumar, accused in the case.

In its report, the Mufti government complained that the Army does not respond to its letters and asked "Are they above the law?" and "Whether Army has a license to kill?".

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New Delhi:

A nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems from Russia is yet to be concluded mainly due to differences over price which India would look to sort out during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's upcoming visit to Moscow, official sources said.

India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly when China has been ramping up its military manoeuvring along the nearly 4,000 km Sino-India border. In 2016, India and Russia had signed an agreement on Triumfinterceptor-based missile system which can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of unknown number of the S-400 missile systems to China.

ALSO READ: Ghaziabad Couple found dead in naked state after Holi celebrations, Police investigation underway

The sources said Sitharaman will travel to Moscow within the next six weeks and she may push for sealing the long-pending deal at the earliest. "Sealing the S-400 deal will be a major focus of Sitharaman's visit to Russia," said a source familiar with the deal, which would be one of biggest with Russia in recent years. Negotiators from both countries have been in talks for over one and half years for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 which are capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence.

The S-400 is an upgraded version of the S-300 systems. The missile system is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and has been in service in Russia since 2007. The sources also said that no decision could be taken on the long-pending fifth-generation fighter jet project with Russia due to the high cost involved in it.

A high-level committee set up by the government to examine various aspects of the project had submitted its report last year and the defence ministry is likely to take a call on it soon. In 2007, India and Russia had inked an inter-governmental pact for the FGFA project. In December 2010, India had agreed to pay USD 295 million (Rs 1,897 crore) towards the preliminary design of the fighter, which is called in India as the 'Perspective Multi-role Fighter'.

However, the negotiations faced various hurdles in the subsequent years. In February 2016, India and Russia revived talks on the project after a clearance from the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar. The issue may also figure during Sitharaman's visit to Moscow.

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Kohima/ Agartala:

The newly elected MLAs of alliance partners NDPP, BJP and others would meet on Monday to elect senior NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio as CM candidate.

NDPP secretary-general Abu Metha said the coalition is proposed to be named the Peoples Democratic Alliance.

The first sitting of MLAs of the alliance partners would be held tomorrow to officially elect Rio as the leader, Metha said.

Rio, a three-time chief minister and a senior leader of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), staked claim earlier in the day to form a coalition government in Nagaland, saying he has the support of 32 MLAs.

The NDPP and the BJP have won 18 and 12 seats respectively while the lone JD(U) MLA G Kaito Aye and Independent legislator Tongpang Ozukum were backing the alliance, Metha said.

In Tripura, IPFT seeks respectable representation

The MLAs of the BJP and the IPFT will meet in Agartala on March 6 to elect their leader, Tripura BJP president Biplab Deb said on Sunday, even as the saffron partys ally demanded a respectable representation in the government.

Also Read | Setback for Congress as BJP ally stakes claim to form govt in Meghalaya, announces Conrad Sangma as CM candidate

The BJP has 35 MLAs and the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) has eight.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari will be present at the meeting, Deb told PTI.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many Union ministers are likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

The elections in 59 seats of the 60-member Assembly were held on February 18. Polling was countermanded in one seat due to the death of a CPI(M) candidate.

Meanwhile, the IPFT sought a respectable representation for its MLAs in the new state government, a day after the party and the BJP swept the Assembly polls, ending the 25-year Left Front rule in the state.

IPFT president N C Debbarma also asked the BJP to select the chief minister from among the tribal MLAs.

The tribal party won eight of the nine seats it had contested. The BJP won 35 seats on its own, giving it a majority in the 60-member Tripura Assembly.

We demand a respectable representation of IPFT MLAs in the new Cabinet, Debbarma told a press conference.

He, however, did not clarify what he meant by respectable representation.

The IPFT came into being in the late 1990s and campaigned for a separate state by carving out the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, which constitute two-third of the states territory.

However, it forged an alliance with the BJP on the basis of a common minimum agenda and the saffron party made it clear that it was opposed to the demand for a separate state.

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Washington:

A man shot himself to death as he stood near the fence along the north side of the White House, the Secret Service said.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were in Florida at the time.

The man was identified by the Secret Service and the city's Metropolitan Police Department, but his name was not immediately released so authorities could notify his relatives.

The incident began at about 11:46 am (local time) on Saturday when the man approaches the fence, "removed a concealed handgun and fired several rounds, none of which appear at this time to have been directed towards the White House," Mason F. Brayman, an assistant special agent in charge for the Secret Service, said in a statement.

Also Read: Donald Trump to impose import tariff on steel, aluminium

No one else was injured.

The White House said earlier it was of the situation and that Trump was briefed.

The police department will take the lead in the investigation.

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New Delhi:

The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Saturday removed its tag of being a party of Indias Hindi belt as it was poised to a massive landslide victory in the Tripura assembly election.

The saffron party with it ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) was also heading towards majority mark in another North Eastern state of Nagaland.

However, it was a close in call in Meghalaya where Congress and NPP were fighting a neck to neck battle with other parties gaining enough seats to be the King Maker.

North East Assembly Election results LIVE: BJP breaches 'Red Fort' in Tripura, Congress single largest party in Meghalaya

Here is how the politicians reacted on BJPs impressive show in North East Assembly polls:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: People of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura have spoken! I thank the people of these states for supporting the good governance agenda and Act East Policy of @BJP4India & our valued allies.

BJP President Amit Shah: In 2014 Narendra Modi Ji had said western side of the nation has developed a lot but the same has not reached the eastern side yet. He immediately started his 'Act East Policy'. I believe this is the victory of his policies, stamped by the 3 states of the north-east.

Ahmed Patel (Congress): We have a clear majority in Meghalaya. We have a setback in Tripura in Nagaland, we will have to work on that.

CPI(M): BJP has, apart from other factors, utilised massive deployment of money & other resources to influence the elections. BJP was able to consolidate all the anti-Left votes virtually appropriating the erstwhile main opposition, Congress.

Ravi Shankar Prasad: In a way, the entire North East is now with the BJP. Initially, we used to say "Congress Mukt Bharat' now I think we can say 'Vaampanth Mukt Bharat" also.

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New Delhi:

King Abdullah II of Jordan on Tuesday evening reached Delhi for his three-day visit to India. He was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the IGI Airport.

The Jordan King is in India to address on Islamic heritage and to promote moderation. PM Modi along with senior dignitaries and representatives of leading Islamic institutions from across the country will attend the special address by Abdullah II at Vigyan Bhavan on Thursday.

The Jordan King will also release a translation of a book A Thinking Persons Guide to Islam  the Essence of Islam in 12 verses from the Quran.

Indian dignitaries and Jordan counterparts will also discuss various issues and key areas on how to boost defence and security cooperation.

Also read: PM Modi, Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau discuss terrorism, trade ties



According to reliable sources in the Ministry of External Affairs, Palestinian issue will be a major part of the discussion.

Sources added that discussions on ways to deal with terrorism radicalisation and extremism and ways of increase trade ties will be discussed between Pm Modi and the Jordan King.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Shillong:

NPP president Conrad Sangma met Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad on Sunday evening and staked claim to form the government in the state with the support of 34 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.

Meghalaya threw up a fractured mandate on Saturday with the ruling Congress emerging as the largest party, marginally ahead of its rival, the National Peoples Party (NPP), an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Manipur.

We met the Governor and submitted a letter of support from 34 MLAs, 19 of the NPP, six of the the United Democratic Party (UDP), four of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), two each of the Hill State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDP) and the BJP and an Independent, 40-year-old Sangma told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan Shillong.

The NPP leader is the youngest son of former Lok Sabha Speaker (L) P A Sangma who died in 2016. He was elected a Member of Parliament in a by-election from Tura constituency after his fathers death.

Also Read | Immature Rahul Gandhi announced govt formation without calculating seats: BJP

A delegation of three Congress leadersKamal Nath, Ahmed Patel and C P Joshihad Saturday staked a claim to form the government in the state at a meeting with the Governor.

We met the Governor and sought his invitation to the single largest party to be called first to form the government as per convention, former Union minister Nath told PTI.

"Opportunity must be given to the single largest party. If it can't prove majority then party at the 2nd position could be invited. They don't want democracy & want to create an environment of fear. It won't go on for long, people will understand this gradually," Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said.

The Congress won 21 seats out the 59 that went to polls last month. The party is 10 seats short of a simple majority. The Congress has been in power in the state for the last 10 years.

Asked about the challenges of running a coalition government, Sangma today said, It is not an easy task. But the parties who are supporting us are committed to working for the welfare of the people and the state. We will work on a common agenda.

The Congress this time got eight seats less than in the last elections.

The BJP, which drew a blank in the last elections, bagged two seats.

The NPP won 19 seats, the UDP secured six seats while its alliance partner the HSPDP got two seats. The PDF bagged four seats while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and three Independents got one seat each.

Polling for 59 Assembly seats was held on February 27. A Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate was killed in an IED blast, resulting in countermanding of the polls in one seat.

Outgoing Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had contested and won the elections from two seats. He will have to give up one seat.

After heavy losses in Tripura and Nagaland, Nath, Patel and Joshi reached Meghalaya from Delhi in a bid to form a government.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The Central Bureau of Investigation, on Sunday, flew with Karti Chidambaram, the son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, to Mumbai for investigating further in connection with the INX Media money laundering case. He is being questioned with Indrani Mukerjea face-to-face and will be questioned with Peter Mukerjea separately.

Karti Chidambaram, who is the main suspect in the INX Media money laundering case, is accused of receiving Rs 10 lakh from the INX Media. The CBI had arrested Karti on Wednesday from the Chennai airport and brought him to Delhi.

The CBI had produced Karti before the court and sought a 14-day custody, saying he was being non-cooperative during the interrogation. The CBI said, Karti used his influence to manipulate a tax probe against INX Media in a case of violation of FIPB conditions to receive investment from Mauritius. On Thursday, Delhis Patiala House Court sent Karti to a five-day CBI custody, while allowing his lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi to meet him for one hour each in the morning and the evening.

The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had carried out a series of raids on the properties of Karti. He was questioned several times by the ED. A lookout notice was issued against him, which prevented him from traveling abroad.

Also Read: INX Media money laundering case: SC to hear Karti Chidambaram's anticipatory bail plea on Mar 6

The INX Media case is one in which irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Karti Chidambaram's father was the Union finance minister came into light.

Here are the LIVE updates:

# 02:17 PM: Six CBI officers are questioning both Karti Chidambaram and Indrani Mukerjea in the Byculla jail, along with two female police constables and a male constable monitoring the situation from outside

# 11:18 AM: Karti Chidambaram brought to Byculla jail in Mumbai by CBI

INX Media Case: #KartiChidambaram at Byculla jail in Mumbai; he will be brought face-to-face with Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukerjea, separately pic.twitter.com/zqtEn7GNQh  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018

INX Media Case: #KartiChidambaram brought to Byculla jail in Mumbai by CBI, he will be brought face-to-face with Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukerjea, separately, say CBI Sources. pic.twitter.com/aq5gU6624D  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018

# 10:56 AM: Karti Chidambaram has been brought to Mumbai by CBI

INX Media Case: #KartiChidambaram has been brought to Mumbai by CBI, visuals from Mumbai Airport. pic.twitter.com/6jht8uoKuj  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018

# 10:11 AM: Karti Chidambaram will be brought face-to-face with Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukerjea

INX Media Case: #KartiChidambaram has been brought to Mumbai by CBI, he will be brought face-to-face with Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukerjea, separately, say CBI Sources.  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018

# 07:44 AM: Karti Chidambaram taken to Mumbai for further investigation

CBI has taken #KartiChidambaram to Mumbai for further investigation in the INX Media case. (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/ktruU9yfXD  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Amid the ongoing multi-agency probe into the Rs 12,700 crore Punjab National Bank scam, the NCLT has restrained more than 60 entities, including Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, various individuals, companies and limited liability partnership firms, from selling their assets.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) have passed the directions against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the alleged main perpetrators of the fraud, as well as their firms and relatives, among other entities, as per a public announcement by the corporate affairs ministry.

The ex-parte order was passed on a petition filed by the ministry under various sections of the Companies Act, 2013.

The ministry moved the petition under various provisions such as section 221, which pertains to freezing of assets of company on inquiry and investigation, and section 222 that relates to imposition of restrictions upon securities.

It has been passed against 64 entities that includes Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, few individuals related to the Punjab National Bank, various companies and limited liability partnerships.

Gitanjali Gems, Gilli India, Nakshatra Brands and Firestar Diamond are among the barred companies, while partnership firms include Solar Exports and Stellar Diamond.

According to the ministry, the petition came up for urgent hearing before the Mumbai bench of the NCLT on February 23 and that an ex-parte order was passed.

There is an injunction against these entities from removal, transfer or disposal of funds, assets and properties till further order, according to the announcement.

The NCLT has posted the matter for further hearing on March 26 when the entities concerned have been asked to present before the tribunal.

As per the public announcement, in case the entities fail to appear on that day, then the matter would be heard ex-parte.

Apart from the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under the ministry is also probing the matter.

Last month, sources had said the ministry has ordered the SFIO to investigate around 110 companies, including some listed ones, and about 10 LLPs linked to Modi and Choksi.

The estimated Rs 12,700 crore fraud was perpetrated by way of fraudulent Letter of Undertakings (LoUs) in connivance with some bank employees.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian telecom Oi SA said on Wednesday it had received the go-ahead from a court to sell a majority stake in its fiber optic business to funds managed by Banco BTG Pactual.

Oi, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2016 and has since been selling assets to pay creditors, said the court had determined there were no other bids on the table.

Oi in April accepted a 12.9 billion reais ($2.5 billion) offer for a 57.9% stake in its fiber optic business from BTG's funds. Other parties, however, still had the right to make bids although BTG's funds had the right to match any offer.

($1 = 5.23 reais)

(Reporting by Jamie McGeever; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
STOCKHOLM, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hygiene and health company Essity expands its partnership with United Nations (UN) Foundation by joining a cross-industry group that brings together corporate experts in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Essity is a global provider of hand hygiene and wound care solutions, essentials in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, one of the greatest global public health threats predicted to be responsible for 10 million annual deaths worldwide by 20501. Essity has been a partner to the United Nations Foundation since 2017.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and other microorganisms change in ways that make medication ineffective and infections persist in the body. The main causes of AMR are lack of clean water and sanitation, inadequate infection prevention/control and antibiotic misuse. The World Health Organizations (WHO)2 outlines reduction of the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention as one of the key measures in tackling AMR. Essity research3 shows that 73% of the general public agree that AMR is a threat to global health and 47% are worried or very worried about AMR.

"To preserve life-saving antibiotics for current and future generations, we need to take action on a global level. As a hygiene and health company with sales in 150 countries, Essity addresses issues where hygiene and health are part of the solution. Working together with the public sector and other companies makes it possible to accelerate change with higher impact in the fight against AMR," says Magnus Groth, President and CEO of Essity.

When it comes to fighting AMR, Essity's expertise is in improved hand hygiene solutions through its Tork brand and infection prevention and management. With the brands Cutimed Sorbact and Leukomed Essity provides wound care dressings, that use an innovative approach to reduce bioburden in wounds without using any chemically active agents, which may help reduce the excessive use of antibiotics.

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"Essity's expertise and experience from driving antimicrobial stewardship will be a great asset to this group of companies that will contribute policy and practical input to the United Nations-led efforts to fight antimicrobial resistance" says Kate Dodson, Vice President, Global Health Strategy, UN Foundation, which hosts the cross-industry working group through its Business Council for the UN.

To learn more about how Essity fights AMR through infection prevention, please listen to the episode "Resisting the Resistance" from the podcast series "Essential Talks".

More information about the Business Council for the UN at the UN Foundation, and the Cross-Industry Expert Working Group on AMR, please contact Ilze Melngailis, Senior Director, BCUN imelngailis@unfoundation.org. The Cross-Industry Expert Working Group on antimicrobial resistance is a first of its kind gathering of leading corporations from human health, agriculture, animal husbandry, veterinary services, the financial sector and other industries driving anti-microbial stewardship and solutions in lockstep with UN-led global efforts.

1

WHO (2019) New report calls for urgent action to avert antimicrobial resistance crisis

2

WHO (2015) Global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, World Health Organization

3

Essity (2020) Essential Initiative Survey 2020-2021, a global study amongst general public in 15 countries around everyday hygiene and health behaviors, stigma's and worries.

CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:

Karl Stoltz, Media Relations Manager, +46 8 788 51 55

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/essity/r/essity-joins-united-nations-foundation-expert-group-in-tackling-antimicrobial-resistance,c3381687

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FILE PHOTO: The Daimler logo is seen before the Daimler annual shareholder meeting in Berlin,

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's largest consumer protection group filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against car maker Daimler that it said would make it easier for Mercedes owners to gain redress over a diesel emissions scandal.

The lawsuit, filed by the VZBV at a regional court in Stuttgart, seeks to set a precedent that would enable owners of Mercedes GLC and GLK cars to gain compensation over software that was allegedly used to trick emissions tests.

"Those who may have been affected will obtain certainty over whether Daimler AG deliberately installed illegal defeat devices in several vehicle models," VZBV chief Klaus Mueller said in a statement.

"Despite official recalls, Daimler AG to this day denies it deliberately manipulated the emissions of its cars. The Stuttgart regional court should declare this. That would bring legal clarity for many consumers who have been affected."

Daimler said it considered emissions litigation against it to be baseless and would contest the case brought by the VZBV.

The VZBV estimates that a total of 254,000 Mercedes vehicles were recalled in Germany. Its so-called Musterfeststellungsklage - or Model Declaratory Action - covers nearly 50,000 Mercedes GLC and GLK models.

The recall was ordered in 2018 and the VZBV said it was filing its case before Daimler's potential legal liability expires after a three-year period has elapsed.

Daimler has not admitted wrongdoing in the matter, which is part of the wider 'Dieselgate' emissions scandal that has cost rival Volkswagen more than 32 billion euros ($38 billion) in vehicle refits, fines and legal costs.

($1 = 0.8457 euros)

(Reporting by Douglas Busvine and Alexander Huebner, editing by Thomas Escritt)
WASHINGTON, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, global litigation firm Hausfeld filed a complaint against the government of South Sudan on behalf of seven former international aid workers from Internews, an American media freedom NGO, and the widow of a murdered Internews journalist.



According to the lawsuit: "The case seeks to hold South Sudans government accountable for the notorious Terrain Hotel attacka rampage of torture, gang-rape, and murder that targeted aid workers.

"As South Sudan, the worlds youngest nation, marks its 10th anniversary of independence on July 9, the fledgling democracys first decade has been marred by ongoing impunity for human rights violators and a pattern of weaponizing rape.

"Todays complaint asserts that the Internews aid workers and journalists were brutally attacked and gang-raped by South Sudanese military forces on July 11, 2016, during a raid on the Terrain Hotel, a residential compound housing aid workers.

"Since 2016, the South Sudanese government has retraumatized the victims through repeated violations of due process and false promises of compensation. In 2018, a South Sudanese court martial convicted 10 soldiers and ordered the government to compensate the victims. The victims appealed the grossly inadequate amount of compensation: only $4,000 to rape-victims and 51 cows to the heirs of a murdered journalist. The government obstructed the appeal, however, by 'losing' the entire case file under suspicious circumstances.

"Since 2019, the government has misled the victims and U.S. officials into believing that the government was committed to fairly compensating the victims. In reality, the government struck a fraudulent deal with a lawyer posing as counsel to the victims and then foisted the terms of that deal on the victims. In August 2020, several victims relented to government pressure and accepted the deal. But nearly one year later, the government has failed to keep its promises. To date, the government has not compensated a single victim of gang-rape, torture, and other atrocities."

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In the course of recent negotiations with Hausfeld, the South Sudanese government responded to the victims demands by encouraging them to bring claims and consented to the filing of a complaint in U.S. federal court.

Todays filing is brought under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which allows federal courts to hear claims against foreign states when those states have waived their immunity, which the defendants have done.

The Terrain Hotel attack shocked the worlds conscience. But the governments continuing mistreatment of the victims suggests that no lessons have been learned, explained Hausfeld human rights attorney Scott Gilmore, who is leading this case alongside Hausfelds James Gotz and Jeanette Bayoumi. The Terrain victims deserve fair compensation and all victims of sexual violence in South Sudan deserve meaningful accountability.

While the Terrain hotel company was given more $2 million, the compensation offered to a subset of the victims was demeaning and reflected utter disregard for human suffering, said Plaintiff Natalie Chang. Our attempts to appeal the case in South Sudan have been cut off since the Presidents Office claims to have lost the court martial case file. Our patience with the government has run out, and we feel that we have no other choice but to pursue this claim in a US court.

Plaintiff Jane Doe, who is proceeding anonymously, stated, The trauma we experienced during the Terrain attack was just a small window into the horrific atrocities that South Sudanese men, women, and children have suffered throughout the countrys civil conflicts. As international victims, we must raise our voices for those who dont have the same opportunities to share their story.

Click here to read the full complaint.

NOTE TO EDITORS

For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Deborah Schwartz

Media Relations

(240) 355-8838

deborah@mediarelationsinc.com

About Hausfeld

Hausfeld is a global litigation law firm. Working alongside our clients, we have shaped law around the world, transformed legal practice with new ideas, and brought claims that others arent bold enough to bring. We pioneered the development of flexible fee structures and case funding, enabling our clients across the globe to pursue dispute resolution with no or limited legal cost risk or up-front financial burden. Our firm combines highly experienced litigators and arbitrators with a proven track record in claimant litigation across the following practice areas and sectors: antitrust and competition, commercial and financial disputes, environmental law, human rights, product liability, and technology and data breach issues. With 12 global offices in the US, UK and Europe, we continue to achieve landmark settlements and precedent-setting legal decisions in complex cases for our clients worldwide, often after hard-fought litigation against the biggest names in the legal market.

Socially minded and champions for the best corporate governance, we are proud to be at the forefront of the legal profession in improving access to justice for both individuals and businesses. That makes us a profoundly different law firm.

For more information about Hausfeld, including recent trial victories and landmark settlements, please visit www.hausfeld.com








This support will allow the Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatiere center to bolster its innovation and technology transfer capabilities.

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-LA-POCATIERE, QC, July 8, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Bas-Saint-Laurent region counts several dynamic businesses and organizations with innovative ideas helping to create a strong local economic fabric. Some organizations have succeeded in adapting to the pandemic and are prospering, while others have had to reduce their operations.

As the Government of Canada puts into place a plan for a robust economic recovery, it is important to support businesses as well as organizations that want to innovate in order to pursue growth and ensure their success.

With this in mind, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspesie-Les Iles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, today announced three non-repayable contributions totalling $1,513,250 to the Quebec Agrifood Innovation Center (QAIC), on behalf of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED.

First, an additional $1-million contribution has been provided to the QAIC in connection with its expansion project to broaden its service offerings for the fermented beverages industry. This is over and above the original contribution for the same project announced in 2017, which allowed the organization to complete the work to strengthen the entrepreneurial fabric and improve companies' innovation capabilities.

A $156,000 contribution was then provided for the QAIC's product development and marketing project for the emerging entomophagy sector, which promotes the human consumption of insects. This project will lead to the creation of two jobs. This financial support will be used to acquire and install laboratory equipment, including a centrifugal decanter and a lipid extraction press, as well as cover professional fees for training and installation work.

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Finally, the QAIC also received a $357,250 contribution to allow it to continue operating during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Government of Canada recognizes and supports innovative businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec's economic recovery relies, among other things, on organizations that are well grounded in the regional economy. Innovation is a major contributor to growth, in addition to being a key asset in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient and more just economy for all.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada has a mission to accompany the country's organizations into tomorrow's economy and help them seize the business opportunities that will arise. That is why we are providing our support to key sectors in various regions of Quebec, such as the agrifood sector in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Initiatives such as the QAIC project, which we have supported from day one, will help to ensure an inclusive recovery and create good jobs in our communities."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspesie-Les Iles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

"We are proud to help businesses effectively equip themselves with what they need to remain competitive, prosper and create good jobs, especially as part of our plan for a strong economic recovery. Thanks to our financial assistance, the Quebec Agrifood Innovation Center will be able to continue to innovate in a cutting-edge sector and consolidate its industry and market position, thereby helping to stimulate the regional economy and showcasing its expertise. This support will thus benefit the entire Bas-Saint-Laurent region and is fully in keeping with our efforts to help the Canadian economy bounce back."

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED

"The Quebec Agrifood Innovation Center is developing cutting-edge expertise in a number of emerging sectors. This support from the Government of Canada is essential for innovation and the development of these sectors as part of the new green and sustainable economy."

Charles Lavigne, CEO, Quebec Agrifood Innovation Center

Quick facts

The QAIC is a non-profit organization founded in 1995 which has developed expertise in three key areas: food processing, agronomic research and support for biotechnology companies.

The $1-million contribution was provided under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program, whose goal is to help communities seize promising economic diversification and development opportunities.

The $156,000 contribution was provided under CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program is geared towards entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and enhance their competitiveness, as well as regional economic stakeholders helping to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, across all regions.

The $357,250 contribution was provided through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. This initiative was launched by the Government of Canada to support SMEs and NPOs that are feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19 and that cannot access other support measures put in place by the federal government. Emergency financial assistance was provided to organizations with limited cashflow to help them remain operational. The measures were implemented across Canada by the six regional development agencies, including CED for Quebec.

A successful economic recovery will depend, among other things, on the vaccination of as many Canadians as possible. To learn more: Vaccines for COVID-19.

CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.

Associated links

Stay connected

Follow CED on social media

Consult CED's news

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/08/c0869.html
LONDON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightrock, a global impact private equity firm investing into scalable and tech-driven businesses around the key impact themes of people, planet, and productivity, closed its Lightrock Growth Fund I at USD 900m, with investments from LGT and its private clients.

Lightrock is a global private equity platform headquartered in London, backing purpose-driven entrepreneurs tackling the world's biggest challenges. With over 60 investments, the company already has one of the largest impact-focused growth portfolios in Europe, Latin America and India. More recently, Lightrock has also started building out a portfolio of investments across Sub-Saharan Africa. It invests in companies that pursue scalable and technology driven business models around the key impact themes "people", "planet" and "productivity". Specific investment sectors within these themes include education, healthcare, access to finance, mobility, transportation, renewables and circular economy transition. Lightrock investments across these themes and sectors align with global mega-trends and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Lightrock logo

The Lightrock Growth Fund I invests growth capital into businesses predominantly at series B or C in the target regions Europe, Latin America and India and in Lightrock's key impact themes. With LGT as its anchor investor, the fund has already invested into 26 companies, including five unicorns, across these regions and themes. The portfolio includes Infarm, an urban farming business from Germany providing innovative modular vertical farms that can be placed in grocery stores and retail distribution centers; German sustainable aviation company Lilium; PharmEasy, the largest e-pharmacy company in India; and Creditas, a leading fintech company in Latin America. The fund's most recent investments include digital insurer wefox, graph database platform Neo4j, and a follow-on investment in MedTech company CMR Surgical, where Lightrock is invested since 2016.

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Investors in the Lightrock Growth Fund I include LGT Private Banking clients, who have invested via the Lightrock Evergreen Fund, and LGT Group Foundation. The Lightrock Evergreen Fund was launched by LGT Private Banking and met large interest and demand, resulting in a five-fold oversubscription of the initial target size (the Fund is closed for new subscriptions). LGT is a leading international private banking and asset management group with USD 272 billion in AuM from private and institutional clients. The Lightrock Growth Fund I has been closed at USD 900m of commitments.

Pal Erik Sjatil, CEO and Global Managing Partner of Lightrock, says: "Our global investment focus at the intersection of impact, growth and tech proves appealing to a lot of investors, as the success of the Lightrock Growth Fund I demonstrates. Building on our long-term partnership with LGT and the commitment of the Princely Family of Liechtenstein to entrepreneurship and positive impact, we look forward to backing more purpose-driven founders and their teams in scaling their businesses."

About Lightrock

Lightrock is a global private equity firm backing purpose-driven entrepreneurs tackling the world's biggest challenges through entrepreneurial and tech-driven solutions.

Lightrock's investment portfolio includes more than 60 investments in fast-growing companies that provide products and services with a positive impact on society and the environment. The company employs over 50 people across five offices in Europe, India, Latin America and Africa.

Lightrock operates as an independent company headquartered in London and is affiliated with the Princely Family of Liechtenstein and LGT, the international private banking and asset management group.

https://www.lightrock.com

Your contact at Lightrock

Dr. Katharina Sommerrock

Phone: +41 79 876 1961

katharina@lightrock.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560016/Lightrock_Logo.jpg
The City of London financial district is seen with office skyscrapers commonly known as 'Cheesegrater', 'Gherkin' and 'Walkie Talkie' seen in London, Britain

By Anna Irrera

LONDON (Reuters) - Fintech companies based in London raised more funding from venture capital investors in the first six months of 2021 than in any other year, demonstrating the British capital's resilience as a hub for digital financial services post-Brexit.

Investors poured $5.3 billion into London fintech startups in the first half of the year, compared to $2.1 billion in the same period in 2020, new research from Dealroom and agency London & Partners found.

London's boom tracked soaring fintech investment levels globally as coronavirus lockdowns drove adoption of digital financial services, including payments and trading.

Fintech companies globally raised $54.1 billion between January and June, overtaking the total amount secured in the two previous years, the research showed.

London fintechs accounted for a large share of Europe's growth, representing over a third of the region's funding.

Globally, the city of London ranks second behind San Francisco and slightly ahead of New York, the research found.

Local entrepreneurs and investors said the figures showed the British capital could remain a leading fintech hub even after the country's exit from the European Union and the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Today's investment figures are a vote of confidence for the UK fintech sector," Anne Boden, CEO of neobank Starling, said.

Starling was among the London fintechs to secure a major funding round this year, raising 322 million pounds ($444.88 million). Other large rounds included $478 million for payments firm SaltPay and $450 million for payments unicorn company Checkout.com.

Despite the growth, concerns remain about the impact of Brexit, particularly around access to talent and licences.

"The loss of passporting after Brexit means that licensing and international expansion is no longer easiest in London," said Charles Delingpole, CEO of startup ComplyAdvantage. "London therefore has to move to a higher value added model focused on a global rather than European hub role."

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The new research emerges after a successful markets debut for Wise, one of London's best known financial technology companies.

Wise shares opened at 800 pence on its London Stock Exchange debut on Wednesday, giving a market capitalisation of 7.95 billion pounds, well above market expectations from earlier this year.

($1 = 0.7238 pounds)

(Reporting by Anna Irrera in London; editing by Barbara Lewis)
NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Set to grow by USD 8.06 billion during 2021-2025, Technavio's latest market research report estimates the office stationery market in Europe to register a CAGR of over 3%. With a focus on identifying dominant industry influencers, Technavio's reports present a detailed study by the way of synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. This report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Office Stationery Market in Europe by Product, Distribution Channel, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025

Request a Free Sample Report to Know More

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. 3M Co., ACCO Brands Corp., Argo Prima Ltd, BIC Group, BIELLA SWITZERLAND AG, CENTRUM SIA, Costco Wholesale Corp., Euroffice Group, ICO, and Lyreco SAS are some of the major market participants. Although product innovations and technological advancements will offer immense growth opportunities, to leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

Office Stationery Market in Europe 2021-2025: Segmentation

Office Stationery Market in Europe is segmented as below:

Product

Distribution Channel

Geography

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR45298

Office Stationery Market in Europe 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis and Scope

To help businesses improve their market position, the office stationery market in Europe provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the market. Some of these vendors include 3M Co., ACCO Brands Corp., Argo Prima Ltd, BIC Group, BIELLA SWITZERLAND AG, CENTRUM SIA, Costco Wholesale Corp., Euroffice Group, ICO, and Lyreco SAS.

The report also covers the following areas:

Office Stationery Market in Europe size

Office Stationery Market in Europe trends

Office Stationery Market in Europe industry analysis

The rising number of start-ups in Europe is likely to emerge as one of the primary drivers of the market. However, shifting preferences toward digitalization in work environments may threaten the growth of the market.

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Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

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Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research report on the office stationery market in Europe is designed to provide entry support, customer profile & M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support.

Related Reports on Industrials Include:

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Office Stationery Market in Europe 2021-2025: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist the office stationery market growth in Europe during the next five years

Estimation of the office stationery market size in Europe and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the office stationery market in Europe

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of the office stationery market vendors in Europe

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2020

Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025

Five Forces Analysis

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

Market Segmentation by Product

Market segments

Comparison by Product

Paper products - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Computer and printer supplies - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Desk supplies - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Mailing supplies - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Product

Market Segmentation by Distribution channel

Market segments

Comparison by Distribution channel

Offline - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Online - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Distribution channel

Customer landscape

Customer landscape

Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

Germany - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

France - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

UK - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Italy - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Rest of Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by geography

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends

Vendor Landscape

Overview

Vendor landscape

Landscape disruption

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

3M Co.

ACCO Brands Corp.

Argo Prima Ltd

BIC Group

BIELLA SWITZERLAND AG

CENTRUM SIA

Costco Wholesale Corp.

Euroffice Group

ICO

Lyreco SAS

Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: media@technavio.com

Website: www.technavio.com/

Report: www.technavio.com/report/office-stationery-market-in-europe-industry-analysis

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FOLSOM, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- One Inc, a leading digital payments platform provider for the insurance industry, today announced the appointment of fintech expert Elizabeth Hoemeke as Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective July 7, 2021. As CIO, Hoemeke will oversee implementation of One Inc's global IT roadmap, development of the overall strategic planning, transformation and innovation initiatives, and technology solutions security.

One Inc CIO Elizabeth Hoemeke

Hoemeke brings more than 20 years of technology and product development experience across the fintech, payments, banking, and energy industries. Most recently as Senior Vice President of Enterprise Engineering and Technology Strategy at U.S. Bank, Hoemeke drove internal change management, supporting enterprise-wide technology modernization and development of an engineering platform to fully enable cloud adoption both internally and externally. Earlier, she served as Senior Vice President of IT Strategy and Global Business Services for the bank's Elavon subsidiary, where she quadrupled the size of the IT team to over 300 and founded and scaled its patent-holding technology innovation lab, The Greenhouse. Hoemeke's tenure at U.S. Bank demonstrates her extensive experience in managing development teams around the world  including US, Philippines, Ireland, Poland, and India.

Before U.S. Bank, Hoemeke held various senior IT leadership roles at First Data Corporation, a leading global payments company, from 2010 to 2012 and at the global data, analytics and technology company Equifax, from 1996 to 2010.

"Elizabeth's visionary approach and technology skills have driven breakthrough innovations throughout her career," said One Inc Executive Chairman Ian Drysdale. "We are thrilled to welcome her to the One Inc family, with deep conviction that her payments and fintech experience will fuel our success in an industry in need of largescale technology acceleration."

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Hoemeke is strongly committed to technology education in her hometown Atlanta, with a special focus on women in STEAMearning several awards and recognition for her work. She sits on the board of directors for Women in Technology along with the Alma G. Davis Foundation that supports survivors of domestic violence, and is a Georgia Institute of Technology graduate, earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering. She also completed the Innovative IT Leader Program at Stanford University in 2018.

"I admire the One Inc team's ability to drive such massive change across insurance and look forward to being a part of the next wave of innovation as carriers and breakthrough insurtechs enter a post-pandemic environment centered around touchless payments," Hoemeke said, "I can't wait to work with the One Inc team and guide our continued pursuit of payments transformation and delivery of a better customer experience."

About One Inc

One Inc is modernizing the insurance industry through a unified and frictionless payment experience. Focusing only on the insurance industry, One Inc helps carriers transform their operations by reducing costs, increasing security, and optimizing customer experience. The comprehensive end-to-end digital payments platform provides expanded payment options, multi-channel digital communications, and rapid digital claim payment, even for the most complex insurance use cases. As one of the fastest growing digital payments platforms in the insurance industry, One Inc manages billions of dollars per year in premiums and claims payments. For more information, please visit www.oneinc.com.

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BELOIT, Wis., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Regal Beloit Corporation (NYSE: RBC) announced today that it plans to release its second quarter 2021 financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

Regal will hold a conference call to discuss the earnings release at 9:00 am CST (10:00 am EST) on Thursday, July 29, 2021. To listen to the live audio and view the presentation during the call, please visit Regal's Investors website: https://investors.regalbeloit.com. To listen by phone or to ask the presenters a question, dial 1.888.317.6003 (U.S. callers) or +1.412.317.6061 (international callers) and enter 1844651# when prompted.

A webcast replay will be available at the link above, and a telephone replay will be available at 1.877.344.7529 (U.S. callers) or +1.412.317.0088 (international callers), using a replay access code of 10158257#. Both will be accessible for three months after the earnings conference call.

About the Company

Regal Beloit Corporation (NYSE: RBC) is a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of electric motors and controls, power generation solutions and power transmission products serving customers throughout the world. We create a better tomorrow by developing and responsibly producing energy-efficient products and systems.

Regal is comprised of four operating segments: Commercial Systems, Industrial Systems, Climate Solutions, and Power Transmission Solutions. Regal is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales, and service facilities worldwide. For more information, visit RegalBeloit.com .

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LONDON, July 8 (Reuters) - Britain's government said it signed a free trade deal with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein on Thursday, its latest post-Brexit trade agreement.

The deal would help sectors including digital, financial and professional business services and cut tariffs for British exports, the trade ministry said.

The signing of the deal on Thursday followed an agreement in principle reached last month by the four countries.

(Writing by William Schomberg. Editing by Andrew MacAskill)
170 Pages Market Research Study by Fact.MR, a Market Research and Competitive Intelligence Provider, Offers Insights into Automotive Aftermarket Appearance Chemicals Market Growth and Highlights Factors Driving Market Revenue

The Fact.MR market analysis offers a comprehensive study on the automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market, covering factors fuelling the demand across key segments including product, vehicle type, and sales channel. It also highlights key strategies adopted by prominent market players and strategies they adopted

NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The global automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market exhibited a rather sluggish amid COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, yet positive outlook is forecast for the forthcoming decade owing to the proliferation of electronic vehicles.

FactMR_Logo

As per a study by Fact.MR, the market for automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals is likely to surpass a valuation of US$ 5 billion, growing at a CAGR of a little more than 2% over the forecast period 2021-2031.

Over the last forecast period 2016 to 2020, the market demonstrated a moderate growth at a CAGR of 3%, surpassing the value amounting to US$ 4 billion through 2020. However, the unprecedented outbreak of the novel coronavirus has severely impacted the aftermarket appearance chemicals market, disrupting the distribution channel amid lockdown.

Nonetheless, owing to the increase in sales of electronic vehicles, demand is expected to increase in the coming years. According to the International Energy Agency, the number of electric vehicles sales is likely to reach 125 million by the end of 2030. As these vehicles are estimated to utilize a notable amount of materials such as paints, tires, drivetrains among others, the sales outlook for the market remains positive.

Automotive aftermarket waxes/polishes have emerged as top-selling products and the sales for these products are expected to rise at a CARG of 3% through 2031. Growth in the sector is driven by the increasing sales of luxury cars. As these cars require high maintenance to retain their elegant looks, the demand for wax & polish is likely to bolster in the assessment period.

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"The COVID-19 outbreak has compelled manufacturers to develop novel strategies to recover their sales. With the emergence of digitization, a number of market players are shifting their focus towards e-commerce and taking their conventional distribution channel online to expand their market share," says the Fact.MR analyst.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=6400

Key Takeaways from Automotive Aftermarket Appearance Chemicals Market Survey

Demand outlook for automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market is positive in the U.S. It is likely to surpass a valuation of US$ 1 billion through 2021.

Automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market in China is expected to reach around US$ 1 billion, growing at a CAGR of 4% by 2031.

Owing to the increasing number of electric vehicles, the market in India, Australia, and South Korea is estimated to reach a valuation above US$ 700 million, collectively.

Automotive aftermarket protectants segment is anticipated to register growth at a CAGR of 3% during the forecast period.

Demand for windshield washer fluid is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 1 billion by the end of 2031.

Key Drivers

Increasing number of electric vehicles is spurring the demand for automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals.

Suring demand for used cars is expected to create growth opportunities for the market.

Rising ownership of luxury cars is heightening the sales of automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals.

Key Restraints

Availability of bogus products in the market is restraining the demand for automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals.

The coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected the market growth due to the closure of manufacturing facilities amidst lockdown.

Request Automotive Aftermarket Appearance Chemicals Market Customization at https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=6400

Competitive Landscape

Companies operating in the automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market are aiming at launching new products to expand their product portfolio and strengthen their market footprint. Besides this, some of the market players are engaging in collaboration and acquisitions to expand their market share. For instance,

Permatex Inc., an American company, announced launch of its new series of advanced epoxy adhesives in September 2020. The products include ready-to-use indicators and no drip gels.

In June 2020, Turtle Wax Inc., an automotive appearance product manufacturing company, introduced the Namaste India car care kit, as part of celebration on establishment of its new manufacturing unit across South Asia.

Some of the key players operating in the automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market profiled by Fact.MR are:

3M Company

Blue Ribbon Products Inc.

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Meguiar's Inc.

Niteo Products LLC

Northern Labs Inc.

Permatex Inc.

Protect All Inc.

Turtle Wax Inc.

More Valuable Insights on Automotive Aftermarket Appearance Chemicals Market

Fact.MR, in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2019 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections on in automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market with detailed segmentation:

Product

Key Questions Covered in the Automotive Aftermarket Appearance Chemicals Market Report

The report offers insight into automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals demand outlook for 2021-2031

The market study also highlights projected sales growth for automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market between 2021 and 2031

Automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals market 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

Automotive aftermarket appearance chemicals 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

Automotive Coatings Market - Demand and supply trends in the automotive coatings market are still being driven by coating process innovation and automotive design, with automakers researching materials for building multi-substrate designs and manufacturing light-weight cars. Coating is the most energy- and cost-intensive process in the automobile industry, with the highest environmental imprint. OEMs are constantly working to improve the car coating process while maintaining quality.

Coating Pigments Market - Color psychology is extremely important in successful vehicle marketing since it influences potential buyers' decisions. Leading automobile companies are using effect pigments to create goods with appealing colors and textures in order to pique consumer attention. Effect pigments also have the capacity to survive the effects of weather and UV rays, which increases their demand in automotive coating applications.

Aerospace Coatings Market - The demand for high-quality aerospace coatings is increasing as fleet sizes grow, ensuring longer lifespans by improving the durability of aircraft bodies to avoid corrosion, UV radiation, and abrasion caused by frequent use. In the Asian region, the short-haul market is expected to develop the most. Modern air travel places a strong emphasis on long-distance travel with low operating costs, which necessitates the use of aerospace coatings.

About Fact.MR

Market research and consulting agency with a difference! That's why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range  from automotive & industry 4.0 to chemical and materials & 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.

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Using Humboldts book Views of the Cordilleras as a guidebook, Church would retrace some of Humboldts journeys in a seven-month journey through South America in 1853. For Cotopaxi (1855), Church used Humboldts engraving of Ecuadors active volcano. In a second trip in 1857, Church would study Humboldts Mountain, which Humboldt had ascended to over 19,000 feet in 1802, setting a mountaineering record at the time. Church pays homage to this feat of the great explorer with his several stunning scenes, like Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador (1857).

Jefferson and Humboldt would continue their exchange of ideas in a 22-year-long correspondence. In 1845, Humboldts five-volume Kosmos unified the various branches of scientific knowledge in his attempt to examine the interweaving and interacting of all forces of nature. Not only was Humboldt a scientist who had written on astronomy, botany, chemistry, economics, geography, geology, physics, politics and zoology, but he also spoke out strongly about the treatment of indigenous people in South America who had been his guides in what was then New Spain. He was an adamant spokesman for the abolition of slavery, believing democracy should extend to all inhabitants of a nation, regardless of race or standing. This remains his strongest lifelong criticism of both New Spain and the United States.
Spotsylvania authorities on Wednesday declined to identify the man who died in a fire last week during a standoff with police.

Sheriffs Maj. Troy Skebo said he would not release the mans name until the state medical examiner officially identifies his charred remains. He said that could take some time because of the intensity of the fire and pending DNA results.

But Skebo acknowledged that police know who the man was and that only one person was in the house in the 13300 block of West Catharpin Road when it was destroyed by fire.

It is our policy to not release names until it is confirmed by the medical examiner, Skebo said. At this point, we dont know when that will be.

Spotsylvania deputies, Orange detectives and the U.S. Marshals Service went to the home the afternoon of July 1 looking for the resident, who was wanted on probation violation charges in Dinwiddie and Colonial Heights. He also had pending gun- and theft-related charges in Orange County and Spotsylvania.

Police said when they arrived, the suspect fired multiple shots in their direction. A deputy returned fire before the suspect barricaded himself in the house.
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.
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.
Prayuth was also forced to self-isolate this week after a businessman he had contact with at the sandbox launch tested positive for COVID-19.

Last-minute issues with the program meant some cancelations before it even began, and the initial target of 30,000 visitors for July was reduced to 18,000. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of Phuket Tourism Association, said now that the program is up and running he expects 30,000 visitors from outside Thailand in August.

There's still a lot of ground to make up to get back to the 2 million foreigners Phuket saw in the first five months of last year as the pandemic was beginning.

The COVID-19 situation might affect the overall picture of the country, but I believe that the visitors will understand that Phuket is safe enough for them so it should not affect their travel plans, he said.

Liron Or, a tourist from Israel, decided on a 10-day trip to Phuket with her husband and five children when she first heard about the sandbox plan three weeks ago.

They arrived on day one and she said the opportunity to relax on holiday has outweighed any of the mandated precautions.
NEW YORK (AP)  A tearful, repentant Michael Avenatti, the brash lawyer who once represented Stormy Daniels in lawsuits against President Donald Trump, was sentenced Thursday to 2 1/2 years in prison for trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike by threatening the company with bad publicity.
Fremont Police Lt. Kurt Bottorff said the departments candy handout extended beyond members of the public.

I had people approaching me off-duty and everything going, Hey, wheres my Twizzlers? And Im like, I dont have any with me, he said. It really took off with a lot more excitement than what I really anticipated, so it was really successful.

Throughout the month of June, the Fremont Police Department hosted its Twizzler Sizzler Summer Fun 2021 program, which had officers handing out licorice to members of the community.

The program started when a representative from Bakers reached out to Fremont Police Chief Jeff Elliott about a large amount of Twizzlers the grocery store had won in a contest.

He wanted to share them with our agency to do some positive community reaching for individuals within the community, Bottorff said. So I got with him, and they gave us like 300 packages of Twizzlers.

After storing the packages in his office, Bottorff said he came up with an idea to distribute the candy.
The first thing I asked was, Well, if this command came out in 2003, why havent we done anything yet? he said.

After being promoted to senior commander the next year, Surman and others in the organization including Welstead Camp Commander Paul Hadley began work on the ceremony.

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The team eventually decided to honor Hill with a 2-inch medallion that would clamp onto the flag holder at his grave. After raising funds, the project was finally completed earlier this year.

Hill was born on Dec. 16, 1841, in England before his family moved to Illinois. He enlisted in the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry in 1861, just months before he start of the Civil War.

As a Union private, Hill fought in the eastern part of the conflict. After losing his leg during the Battle of Antietam in Maryland, he was discharged and returned to Illinois, where he married Mary Ann Perrin.

In 1869, the Hills homesteaded 160 acres near Purple Cane and had four daughters together. Eight years after his wifes death in 1901, Hill moved to Albion, where he lived until his death on April 13, 1944.

Several people from the Purple Cane area remember Hill, and Surman said they could come to the ceremony.
Two Fremont residents were arrested Wednesday following a multi-hour pursuit and search that required assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol Air Wing Unit.

Dodge County Sheriffs Office deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop at approximately 5:15 p.m. on a Chevrolet pickup truck at Cloverly and Yager roads. The vehicle, occupied by 24-year-old driver Robert Patashinsky and 24-year-old passenger Cheyenne Smith, had previously been reported stolen from Omaha.

Both Patashinsky and Smith are Fremont residents.

A pursuit ensued following the traffic stop. The pursuit proceeded southbound on U.S. Highway 77 into Saunders County. The vehicle became inoperable and was located within Camp Cedars near Road 15 and Two-Mile Road in Saunders County.

Patashinsky and Smith fled on foot. Both the Saunders County Sheriffs Office and NSP Air Wing Unit assisted with the search, but the pair could not be located due to heavy brush and tree cover.

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At around 10:40 p.m., a citizen reported seeing two people walking on a county road near their residence. Deputies responded to the area and located Patashinsky and Smith.

The pair were placed under arrest.
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.
Tencent has announced that its expanding a rollout of facial recognition tech in China to comply with the countrys restrictions on play-length sessions for younger players.

The move aims to expand compliance with the countrys 2019 restrictions meant to restrict how much time minors spend playing video games. Most relevantly, the rules state that minors should not be playing between 10 PM and 8 AM, and that play time should be capped daily at 1.5 hours on weekdays and 3 hours on weekends.

In what should surprise absolutely no one who circumvented similar rules set by their parents elsewhere around the globe, determined kids found numerous ways around the restrictions, which relied largely on the use of a national ID system tied to the governments citizen database.

Just by using a different ID (or an adults phone), they could play into the wee hours of the night. ID theft by young players previously attracted national (and international) attention back in 2017.

Now Tencent is expanding its enforcement using facial recognition technology in games like Honor of Kings and Game for Peace. For accounts that have been played at night for more than a certain period of time and whose real names are adults, we will conduct a key face screening, the (Google translated) post states.

Anyone who refuses or fails face verification will be treated as a minor and included in the anti-addiction supervision of Tencent's game health system and kicked [offline.]

Tencents move here highlights the complex reactions many governments have taken in response to perceived damage caused by extended amounts of video game play.

Chinas restrictions on video game play are rooted in the allegation that extended play can contribute to myopia, while the UKs Department of Health Services has indicated it sees a link between loot boxes and gambling addiction in younger players.

However a 2018 Washington Post report pointed out that there isnt a lot of data backing up the link between myopia and video games, though there is apparently a wide spread of near-sightedness in Singapore, Hong Kong, and other Asian regions.

Meanwhile a recent study from UK org GambleAware argues it did find a link between gambling addiction and loot box mechanics.

The deployment of facial recognition technology also comes in a period where its use is widely on the rise (particularly in China) with privacy and racial justice advocates expressing concern over the use and refinement of the technology.

In both cases, video game developersincluding the massively successful Tencentfind themselves caught in a sea of broader social change.
The Taliban has captured Afghanistan's main border crossing with Iran, according to an Afghan official, as the militants continue their offensive against government forces.



Noor Ahmad Mohamadi, an Afghan customs official in the western province of Herat, said the militants seized control of the Islam Qala border crossing after clashes with government forces on July 8.



Truck drivers at the border crossing told RFE/RL that some Afghan border guards and servicemen fled to Iran's side of the border.



Earlier, local officials said government forces on July 8 retreated from two districts -- Zindajan and Kushk-e Kohnah -- to avoid civilian casualties. The Taliban said it was in control of both districts.



Only four of Herat's 19 districts are believed to be under government control, with the rest in Taliban hands.



The fighting in Herat came as Afghan government forces and the Taliban clashed in a provincial capital in northwestern Afghanistan for a second day as Kabul sent hundreds of additional troops to repel the militants' assault.



Taliban extremists launched an assault on Qala-e Naw, the capital of Badghis Province, on July 7, seizing government buildings, including police headquarters and offices of the country's spy agency.

It was the Taliban's 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.

Afghan officials said government forces had repelled the Taliban attack on July 7 even as locals said fighting was still raging in the city.



Badghis Governor Hessamuddin Shams said the militants launched another "large-scale offensive" on the city on July 8.



Shams claimed that the Taliban suffered "heavy casualties" and was "fleeing" the city, although there has been no independent confirmation.



His comments came as the Afghan government said it moved hundreds of troops to Qala-e Naw. The Defense Ministry said on July 8 that operations in the city had accelerated.

The Defense Ministry said air strikes in different parts of Qala-e-Naw had killed 69 Taliban fighters and wounded 23 others. The Taliban did not comment on the casualties.

Officials at the Badghis Provincial Hospital said at least 60 civilians, including women and children, were wounded in clashes over the past two days.



Afghan authorities have vowed to retake all the districts lost to the Taliban despite the U.S. troop withdrawal.

The U.S. Central Command said on July 6 that the U.S. withdrawal from the country was more than 90 percent completed.



U.S. forces have handed over seven facilities to the Afghan Defense Ministry since Biden's decision to pull the military out after almost two decades in the 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 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 coalition partners would continue to support Afghan security forces in the fight with the Taliban, even if there were no coalition troops on the ground.

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.

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.

This story is based on reporting by Radio Azadi correspondents on the ground in Afghanistan. Their names are being withheld to protect their safety.

Additional reporting by Reuters and AFP
A civil war in Afghanistan seems increasingly probable amid the withdrawal of foreign forces, the Talibans unwillingness to compromise, and the Afghan elites inability to come to a consensus. But we shouldnt give up hope for peace or stop discussing how to make such a peace sustainable.

Though the form of political settlement is still relatively vague, we can make certain assumptions about the political order the United States aims to leave behind in Afghanistan. The peace proposal from the office of peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad recommended the formation of a religious jurisprudence council, which was followed a few months later by talk of the formation of a Supreme State Council within Afghanistan.

The Talibans previous rejection of calls for early elections by President Ashraf Ghani and its evasive stance on any future participation in elections all point toward the importance of discussing how the pro-settlement elements within the Taliban envision the future Afghan political order.

A future order in Afghanistan with a council for religious jurisprudence would add a theocratic aspect to the state. Talk of Islamic theocratic states brings to mind the examples of Iran and Saudi Arabia.

In Iran, the supreme leader and the council of experts that elects him are religious scholars constricting the role of the president and parliament to conform to the overarching direction chosen by the religious authorities.

Saudi Arabia, though similar to Iran in the authoritarian nature of its nonelected head of state, differs from Iran in that the powers lying with the Saud family and religion have been delegated to Al-Sheikh (descendants of Sheikh Abdul Wahab who helped found the kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

The recent shift in vision and arrests of religious scholars in Saudi Arabia have shown the royal family reasserting their dominance over all important matters of the state. The Saudi monarchy has always ensured that it is the real authority within the state, an authority that the Taliban aspires to assume without having to compete in elections.

An Afghan executive jurisprudence council might evolve from the Supreme Council of the State. This council was intended to comprise influential political elites that presumably would hold executive authority and be tasked with monitoring the working of the state. Though there is currently controversy over whether it would have executive authority, this body could help transition into a new government by including the Taliban after a preliminary agreement over peace is reached.

One of the transitional governments tasks would be to review the constitution and decide the form of the future government. The Taliban has likely had some semblance of an agreement with the United States as part of their deal to be handed a council of jurisprudence that holds supreme authority in the state. Thus the Taliban can realize their goal of establishing an Islamic state without having to participate in elections that they are unlikely to unanimously win while maintaining an Iran-like control over politics.

There is an important question to be asked as to why the Taliban movement would set impossible conditions to participate in peace talks and escalate violence when it has been promised such a handover of power.

Khalilzad encouraged Ghani to declare his intentions of leading the republics delegation at the Istanbul summit. A meeting between the heads of the republic and the Taliban would have enabled the United States to frame the Afghan conflict as a contest of legitimacy.

Notwithstanding that this would have been another in a series of instances where Khalilzad and his team undermined the republics legitimacy by making the Taliban and republic leaders sit as equals across from one another, it would have granted legitimacy to the peace process and a possible transition.

However, the scale of grievances and distrust in the conflict have led the Taliban to take a stern stance on demanding a transitional government not involve Ghani, and the United States failure to realize such a promise seems to have led the Taliban to lose faith in the process altogether.

If the ultimate goal of the peace process is to end the war then we would only achieve a negative peace that lacks structural and societal reforms laying the groundwork for sustainable peace.

Any settlement that would hand over control of the state to the Taliban in the form of a religious council would betray everything that Afghanistan has achieved in the past 20 years. We would be compromising on democracy, education, and womens rights in a democratic theocracy run by the Taliban.

The Islamic revolution in Iran that was once welcomed by the West should be lesson enough not to recreate that world in Afghanistan.

These views are the author's alone and do not represent those of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. RFE/RL Gandhara is committed to publishing a diversity of views about critical issues in Afghanistan and Pakistan. If you would like to pitch an op-ed or analysis, please write to us: gandhara@rferl.org
Taliban militants say progress has been made in talks with a delegation of Afghan government representatives in Tehran on finding a political solution to the escalating violence in the war-torn country amid the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem tweeted on July 8 that the two sides agreed in a joint declaration that they had come to a common understanding of the dangers of continuing the war and the damage it would do to the country.

The talks in Tehran came as the hard-line Islamist group continues to push through northern areas of Afghanistan.

Both sides agreed that war is not the solution to Afghanistan's problems, and that all efforts must be directed towards a political and peaceful solution, he said, adding that another meeting will take place in the near future to discuss issues such as the mechanism for the transition from war to lasting peace.

War is not the solution to the Afghan problem and all efforts to reach a political and peaceful solution must be justified, he added.

There was no immediate comment from Afghan officials on the meeting in Iran or its results.

The Afghan Islamic Press agency reported on July 8 that the two sides also met with Russian government representatives on expediting intra-Afghan talks on the peace process to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.

The Interfax news agency reported that a delegation from the Afghan Talibans political office was in Moscow for further talks.

TASS reported that Russian officials had received a pledge from the delegation that the militants would not attack areas along the Tajik-Afghan border.

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 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 and have appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led military alliance that besides Tajikistan also includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

The high-level delegation for the Taliban was led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, a member of the Talibans Doha political office.

The Taliban's advances have created concern in Afghanistans neighboring countries, including Iran, which hosts 3 million Afghan refugees.

Earlier this year, Tehran warned against a political vacuum in Afghanistan that the Taliban could try to fill.
Ben Hoffer, with more than 23 years working as chef at fine dining establishments, is taking the plunge into restaurant ownership. He is opening High Rise Pizza Kitchen, 6660 Delmonico Drive.

The Olivers offered me an opportunity that was too good to pass up, he said of Michael and Betsy Oliver, the lease holders of the space. Hoffer had consulted with the family when they opened Colorado Crust Pizza Co. Ive had several ideas for restaurants and pizza was one of them. Ill be using my pizza dough recipe, which I had given the Olivers when they opened Colorado Crust. Its a three-day process and Im getting a new deck pizza oven.

Hes keeping the focus on making great pizza.

Im keeping the menu small with make-your-own pies, he said. There will be a few chef-driven specialty options, like maybe a Bahn mi or Korean bulgogi-style pie. We will sell slices too. There will be a few things like cheese bread, garlic knots and small salads.

Ingredients will be sourced locally.

Well make our own sweet and hot Italian sausage using locally produced pork, he said. Im shooting for making the best meatballs in town. Im sure we will get some local microgreens too.

He is targeting an Aug. 1 opening, depending on construction, hiring employees and inspections. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. A wine and beer license will be secured eventually.

End of week fun

ViewHouse, 7114 Campus Drive, is the place to be to end the weekend. Start with the Sunday brunch buffet, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For $34.95 adults, $12.95 kids 6-12 and free for under 5, you get a bloody mary bar, seafood tower, carving stations, waffle bar, made-to-order omelets, mimosas, fresh sushi and desserts.

Then stick around for Sunday Funday party with colorful boozy beverages, games, music and good times 2 to 6 p.m. Free admission. Details: 394-4137, viewhouse.com.

Meadery happenings

There are a couple of new things happening in the Springs for producers of honey wine.

 Black Forest Meadery has moved to 6420 Burrows Road, the home of Shapiro Family Farms, the owners of the meadery. The outdoor deck and farm have been expanded for serving all their wines, mead, and ciders. They also offer cheese platters. The Shapiros are also working on a tasting room in Peyton and one behind the Black Forest Bistro, 6750 Shoup Road. Details: 495-7340, blackforestmeadery.com.

 Antelope Ridge Mead, 3355 N. Academy Blvd., is a new operation serving from 14 taps for draft mead and cider, with another four taps for higher-alcohol meads plus bottles of the full-strength meads. They use local Lockhart Honey Farms and Beeyond the Hive honeys to make their meads. Details: 358-9629, anteloperidgemead.com.

Wine at the market

The Sweet Elephant at Vino Colorado Winery, 2502 W. Colorado Ave., is showcasing its wine at the Fountain Farmers Market in Metcalfe Park, 618 Ohio Ave., Fountain, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Details: 661-2910, sweetelephant.co.

Doughnuts for good cause

Dunkin of Colorado Springs has launched Coffee for Heroes, which is a way to give back to local military service members. Through July 31, every pound of coffee purchased at participating eateries will donate a pound of coffee to local active military service members and their families. Visit dunkindonuts.com/en/locations.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low near 60F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Mostly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 59F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn continued his crusade against critical race theory Wednesday after an associate professor at the Air Force Academy in favor of the theory called it vital.

The theory, Lamborn said in a Wednesday press release, shouldnt be taught to service members because it advances Marxist thought in its attempt to show that many American institutions are fundamentally racist.

In the release, Lamborn also called teaching critical race theory in military service academies  referring to Lynne Chandler Garcia, an associate professor at the United States Air Force Academy, who said that teaching the theory was not unpatriotic and vital  a direct violation of the expressed intent of the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

I am deeply concerned that an associate professor at the United States Air Force Academy has enthusiastically endorsed teaching critical race theory to the future officer corps of our Space Force and Air Force, Lamborn wrote in a Wednesday press release. Critical race theory is an anti-American ideology rooted in Marxism and has no place in any of our service academies.

That intent was laid forth when Austin testified before the Armed Services Committee in June that the United States military should not be taught critical race theory, Lamborn said. In March, Lamborn co-wrote a letter to Adm. Michael Gilday expressing his concern that a Navy reading program had included books on its reading list that advanced critical race theories.

Lamborn, a Colorado Springs Republican, has been a staunch opponent of critical race theory, as a debate on whether it should be taught in public schools has swept the nation.

In May, Lamborn co-wrote another letter to Secretary of the Air Force John Roth protesting the firing of Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier, a commander in the U.S. Space Force, following comments that the U.S. military has pushed Marxist policies.

The sponsors of that letter  24 in all, including U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz  called critical race theory a poisonous philosophy that will disrupt the United States ability to attract patriotic talent to serve in uniform.
Can IoT sensors spot wildfires sooner?

Record-setting temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and the increasing threat of wildfires have ramped up the urgency for early-detection technology.

As part of the Smart Cities Internet of Things Innovation (SCITI) Labs initiative, the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate partnered with first responders in California to run field tests in a controlled, outdoor environment at the Dye Creek Preserve. The June tests were the second phase of the divisions wildland-urban interface sensor technology program, which is reviewing a variety of prototype sensors and platforms to evaluate their smoke detection and alerting capabilities.

The sensors had already been validated in indoor and (largely) laboratory settings, with S&T partnering with the consulting and engineering firm Jensen Hughes to recreate levels of smoke concentration found during the early stages of a wildfire. Now, S&T has deployed the sensors at various distances from ignition points at prescribed burns so scientists can better assess their capabilities.

S&Ts commercial partners sensors address different aspects of wildfire detection.

Ai4 Technologies uses artificial intelligence for visual analysis of satellite imagery and LiDAR data. N5 Sensors Inc., Valor Fire Safety and Breeze Technologies measure air quality using a combination of thermal imagery and photoelectric sampling to detect common pollutants and identify smoke in the air. Additionally, S&T used Blue Sky Modelings framework to predict how smoke spreads through woodland areas at various stages of a fire.

The tests simulated scenarios of burning vegetation at various levels of heat, wind and air flow. The sensors were able detect the smoke from a wildfire at very low levels of concentration, officials said.

Through a combination of particulate, air quality, optical sensing, thermal imagery and photoelectric sampling, as well as the development of detection algorithms, this sensor technology will assist with early warning for wildfires, especially those near communities that have been devastated by these events in the past, S&T Program Manager Jeff Booth said.

This effort to automate early detection primarily serves to aid state and local fire services and residents in fire-prone areas. O fficials hope that controlled, real-world testing will help the sensor manufacturers and government partners more easily spot wildfires before they get out of control.

The tests were conducted in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and The Nature Conservancy. Additional observers included representatives from the California Governors Office of Emergency Services and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Working with our partners from FEMA, USFA, CAL FIRE and The Nature Conservancy has enabled research progress, even with the constraints of COVID-19, Booth said. These partners have been instrumental in the success of the program, and we will continue to support them in their emergency response mission through these SCITI Labs research initiatives.
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.
rnrir9 wrote:





I am Indonesian, 28yrs old Female. I am currently preparing for my GMAT test while shortlisting possible B-schools to apply in addition to CJBS and University of Toronto.



Graduated from top private university in Indonesia

GPA : 3.31/4

Major : Computer Engineering

Work Experience : +/- 1.5 year of working as a programmer and software QA

+/- 4 years of working in Internal Audit Division in 2nd biggest bank in Indonesia, most of my audit experiences are related to performance audit (advisory role), hence they require holistic overview and high level analysis to evaluate the strategies implemented by auditees. My audit universes are several divisions related to Treasury & Capital Market, Securities Subsidiary, Asset Management Subsidiary, Overseas Branches & Subsidiary, Pension Fund, Life Insurance, etc.



EC : I think I'm a bit lacking in this one, so I need some advices regarding my EC . mostly I'm involved in Student English Club in HS (Won first place for 2 Debate competitions) and in College (General Secretary and Member of Debate Team)

Christian related Committe whether in my current workplace (organized a service and served as First Secretary for both Christmas & Easter Celebrations), my university, and my church.

Other than that, I used to be in Choir, Cheerleading Team, Vocal Groups, and currently in Children Teaching Volunteering (not active since Covid-19 pandemic).



Achievements : Aside from debate competitions above, I got 2nd best graduate for Officer Development Program in my current workplace.



Could you tell me my chances and possible B-school to apply. I'm planning to specialized in Strategy or General Management

Thank you Hi,I am Indonesian, 28yrs old Female. I am currently preparing for my GMAT test while shortlisting possible B-schools to apply in addition to CJBS and University of Toronto.Graduated from top private university in IndonesiaGPA : 3.31/4Major : Computer EngineeringWork Experience : +/- 1.5 year of working as a programmer and software QA+/- 4 years of working in Internal Audit Division in 2nd biggest bank in Indonesia, most of my audit experiences are related to performance audit (advisory role), hence they require holistic overview and high level analysis to evaluate the strategies implemented by auditees. My audit universes are several divisions related to Treasury & Capital Market, Securities Subsidiary, Asset Management Subsidiary, Overseas Branches & Subsidiary, Pension Fund, Life Insurance, etc.EC : I think I'm a bit lacking in this one, so I need some advices regarding my EC. mostly I'm involved in Student English Club in HS (Won first place for 2 Debate competitions) and in College (General Secretary and Member of Debate Team)Christian related Committe whether in my current workplace (organized a service and served as First Secretary for both Christmas & Easter Celebrations), my university, and my church.Other than that, I used to be in Choir, Cheerleading Team, Vocal Groups, and currently in Children Teaching Volunteering (not active since Covid-19 pandemic).Achievements : Aside from debate competitions above, I got 2nd best graduate for Officer Development Program in my current workplace.Could you tell me my chances and possible B-school to apply. I'm planning to specialized in Strategy or General ManagementThank you



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Psaki said that the White House had been in touch with the acting prime minister and of course the administration is worried about, and closely monitoring, the security situation in Haiti. And she reiterated the administrations pledge to support the nation however needed.

We stand ready to provide support, provide assistance, in any way that is formally requested by the government there. We are looking forward to hearing from them on what they would request and how we can help them through this period of time, she said.

Meanwhile, the U.N.'s special envoy for Haiti, Helen La Lime, said in New York that interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph had told U.N. officials he plans to maintain the scheduled Sept. 26 election date. She said the U.N. is working with Haitian officials to look at the issues and to do our utmost to meet this date.



PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  At least two suspects in the killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise were found and roughed up by civilians in the capital of Port-au-Prince and were then turned over to police.
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.
Bored dogs tend to destroy furniture or shoes or pretty much anything they can get their paws on. Most of humanity may be burned out by the daily grind, but dogs actually like to work, and the docuseries Dogs with Extraordinary Jobs offers a look at the varied ways they contribute to human lives beyond companionship.

In the show, which premiered recently on the Smithsonian Channel, these are brief portraits at best. The format is almost numbingly straightforward in its news magazine approach, but give me a show that has dog in the title and Ill probably watch it.

Each episode is narrated by British dog trainer Victoria Stilwell (best known in the U.S. as host of the Animal Planet series Its Me or the Dog), and the dogs featured here all have that pleasantly expectant You rang? air about them. Of course theyre here to help. They want to help. Theyre happy to help.

A Great Dane named George belongs to a 13-year-old girl named Bella, who was born with Morquio syndrome. The condition limits her mobility, and this is where Georges size  specifically his height  comes into play: They walk side by side, him stabilizing her, which allows Bella to get around without the use of crutches or a wheelchair.
Pitts and other activists have said for months that the city should investigate the police department and Smiths death and settle the familys lawsuit. They accuse the City Council of not being transparent about its intentions.

Smith died in September 2018 after Greensboro police excessively restrained the homeless man while in the midst of what appeared to be a mental health breakdown. Unable to settle him, they immobilized Smith by binding his hands and feet together behind his back on a downtown street.

Smiths death after he was hogtied by police has become a flashpoint for many who say its no different than the case of George Floyd, another unarmed Black man who was also killed in police custody.

Since then, the tragedy has been a rallying cry for those concerned about how police operate in the city.

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Greensboro police have long since abandoned the practice of binding a persons hands and feet together behind their back, but questions about the conduct of officers and the people they serve and protect, particularly minorities, have lingered.

Smiths family filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit more than two years ago against the city, eight police officers and two county paramedics who were present when Smith stopped breathing.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Thursday said the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on Aug. 31, saying "speed is safety" as the United States seeks to end the nearly 20-year war.

"We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build," Biden said in a speech to update his administration's ongoing efforts to wind down the U.S. war. "Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future."

Biden also amplified the justification of his decision to end U.S. military operations even as the Taliban make rapid advances in significant swaths of the country. The administration in recent days has repeatedly sought to frame ending the conflict as a decision that Biden made after concluding it's an "unwinnable war" and one that "does not have a military solution."

"How many more, how many more thousands of American daughters and sons are you willing to risk?" Biden said to those calling for the U.S. to extend the military operation. He added, "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan, with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome."

Biden said he didn't trust the Taliban but trusted the capacity of the Afghan military to defend the government.
Nearly 1,000 of the cases came from Seoul and nearby metropolitan regions, home to half of the countrys 51 million people, where officials will elevate social distancing restrictions to an unprecedented Level 4 for two weeks beginning Monday.

The measures include prohibiting private social gatherings of 3 or more people after 6 p.m., shutting down nightclubs and churches, banning visitors at hospitals and nursing homes and limiting weddings and funerals to family-only gatherings. Protests will be banned and shopping malls will have to close after 10 p.m.

The surge in infections is a worrisome development in a country where a shortage in vaccine supplies have left 70% of the population still waiting for their first shot.

The countrys caseload is now at 165,344 after adding more than 8,300 cases in July alone.

Critics say the government made things worse by pushing for a premature easing of social distancing over economic concerns.



OTTAWA  Canadas chief public health officer says there are cases of the latest COVID-19 variant of interest in the country, but its too early to know how widespread it is or what impact it could have.
Hannah-Jones said Tuesday that she will turn down a faculty position at the school and instead join Howard University as a tenured professor. Last year, she submitted her tenure application after being recruited by the dean of the journalism school. But the submission stalled after a major donor, for whom the journalism school is named, intervened and raised questions about her Pulitzer-winning work on The 1619 Project.

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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 Tuesday, Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said leadership was committed to recruiting and retaining top scholars and making the university a more welcoming place.

But Black faculty and students say promises without action will not be enough.

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.
It means that beachfront structures in vulnerable areas should be inspected, and their safety reevaluated, in light of the impact of rising seas. It means that projects to stem worsening flooding, such as a massive 20-foot seawall that the Army Corps of Engineers proposes for Miami, should be given new urgency. It means that the price tag for such undertakings, however daunting it may seem, must be weighed against the cost in human life of doing nothing.

It means understanding that 100-year floods or 500-year hurricanes will no longer confine themselves to the intervals we have assigned them. Periods that once were considered extremely wet or dry will no longer be seen as extreme; the weather bell curve has widened and the temperature bell curve is shifting measurably to the warm side.

It means being smart enough to use the spending that will be necessary to adapt to climate change as an engine of economic growth and transformation. It means seeing adaptation not just as an environmental program but as a jobs program as well.

And it means being smart enough to limit the damage, not so much for ourselves as for our grandchildren.

The climate change and weather instability we are experiencing will be with us for centuries. But it will all get much worse unless humanity reduces carbon emissions by shifting to clean, renewable energy. One simple question for climate-change skeptics: What is it about 121 degrees in Canada that you dont understand?

Eugene Robinsons email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com.
Summer means its wildfire season and wildfire smoke can impact Montanas air quality, causing unhealthy air, the Department of Environmental Quality states.

Its important to pay attention to air quality as you are traveling around the state this summer, said DEQ Director Chris Dorrington. Check air quality on DEQs Todays Air website and take the necessary precautions whether youre visiting or youre lucky enough to call Montana home.

Exposure to wildfire pollutants can irritate lungs, cause inflammation, alter immune function and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Populations known to be vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposure include: children, senior citizens, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung diseaseincluding asthma and diabetesand outdoor workers. Other factors that may contribute to increased vulnerability include homelessness and limited access to medical care. Respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing are common to both wildfire smoke exposure. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, you should seek prompt medical attention by calling 911 or calling ahead to the nearest emergency facility.
DECATUR  Country superstar Dolly Parton, who topped the charts begging Jolene not to take her man, has no such qualms about giving away books to kids.

Lots and lots of books, averaging an extraordinary 1.8 million a month all over the world through a foundation she created called Dolly Partons Imagination Library.

And now the Imagination Library is up and running in Macon County and was launched Thursday with an introduction event hosted in the childrens section of Decatur Public Library.

The United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois is partnering with the Community Foundation of Macon County to underwrite the librarys operations. Parents or guardians who sign up a child aged between birth and 5 will see that child receive a free and new brightly-illustrated book every month from the Imagination Library until their 5th birthday.

To register, go to www.uwdecatur.org/DPIL and also follow events on the Macon County Imagination Library Facebook page.

Natalie Beck, CEO of the Community Foundation, explained how the library is underwritten: Her organization and the United Way partner to pay for the books, which are selected and mailed by the Imagination Library. The cost, a considerable price break over the normal cost of new books, works out at $2.10 per book.

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If we have say 5,000 children (in the age range) and say we get 65% enrolled, which I think would be optimistic and will take some time, well be looking at an investment of around $85,000 a year, Beck explained.

But that is an incredible rate to be able to buy books.

Families with multiple children each get multiple books and there are no fees to recipients. Beck says it encourages parents to read to their kids and that simple act can have voluminous benefits: studies show that kids who are read to have heard some 300,000 words by age 5; those who are never read to may have heard only 4,600 words.

By having books in the home and encouraging adults to read to their kids, we are hoping that when they enter kindergarten, they will be ready to read, said United Way President Debbie Bogle. This program is perfect for Macon County.

The first book the Dolly Parton Library will give away is the Little Engine that Could and Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe got the ball rolling Thursday with a spirited reading of the classic tale to a group of kids and parents who showed up for the library launch.

The kids sat enthralled as the mayor described a little train that really thought it could, and eventually did. Decatur parent Hillary Tucker, who brought her 1  year-old daughter Lily along, has an aunt in Tennessee who told her about the library program and shes very glad it managed to puff its way into Central Illinois.

Its a great idea for Macon County and it's a great idea for kids, for sure, she said.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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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. Robin Kelly, the Illinois Democratic Party chair, 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.

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 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 punchy 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. Biden, however, kept the margins close enough there to defeat Trump in a state that the former president had 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.

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We just wanted to thank Mr. Gilliam for his service to the commission at this point, co-chair Greta Harris, president and CEO of the Better Housing Coalition, said Tuesday. We appreciate your attendance, your thoughtfulness and your care to the democratic process.

Gilliam, appearing virtually, said he enjoyed his time on the panel and that he wished he could have met participants in person. The panel previously had met virtually because of COVID-19.

I do wish everyone good luck moving forward, Gilliam said. He said commission members have a difficult task ahead, and I wish you all the best.

The 14 remaining names on Norments original list are: Jeffrey Wayne Bolander of McGaheysville in Rockingham County; Erick Fletcher of Spotsylvania County; Thomas Douglas Heffernan of Elkton in Rockingham County; Ben Hudson of Montross in Westmoreland County; Thomas H. Hueg of Fairfax Station in Fairfax County; Charles Johnson of Williamsburg; Joni Organ of Lynchburg; Christian Ortego of Williamsburg; Mark G. Rinaldi of Williamsburg; Mary Catherine Slusher of Rockingham County; Shelly Smith of Powhatan County; John Thomas of Roanoke; Virginia Trost-Thornton of Forest, which is part of Bedford and Campbell counties; and Robert West of Norfolk.
Those four or five years were not fun for us, said Kuhr, noting how the federal cap also separated families that partially came before 2016 while the rest were stuck outside the U.S. even after being vetted by the government.

The separation of families  whether it be through work, living in separate countries or at the U.S.-Mexico border  is a significant stressor, Leon-Perez said.

***

For Al Barzanji, the daily phone calls are the closest option she has to bridge the 6,000-mile divide standing between her husband and their five children in Harrisonburg. Over the past five years, the conversations clung to hope that the pain in being apart will soon be worth it. Other times, they were filled with desperation. Fear. Doubt.

Fera, do you think we did the right thing? her husband asks.

She always reassures him with a yes.

We have to the best for our kids. ... But dont think too much about us, she tells him. If you are fed up with being apart, come here. I will go to work  factory work  for six months until youre able to work here again.
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.
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.
For two years, SWVA Together with Veterans has provided training on suicide awareness and prevention in the community and holds events for veterans and their spouses.

Its a suicide prevention program run and owned by veterans; theres no agency or department involved. Veterans and their families created it and run it, said Judd, who heads the group that serves veterans from Blacksburg to the state line in Bristol.

But we dont rule out anyone, he said.

Functions and classes like the recent blacksmithing course help get veterans out of their houses.

They learn something new and get their minds off of whatever, Judd said. Veterans talk, hang out and become somewhat of a peer group.

The group tries to meet monthly. In addition to the blacksmithing classes, there are art therapy classes where veterans spend several hours learning how to paint.

Teaching the class was Max Meadows blacksmith James Gee. A retired Army military police officer, Gee started hammering metal when he was 13, encouraged by his blacksmith father, who was also a veteran.

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Gee mostly teaches at his house, but for the classes for veterans, he is willing to make an exception.
The great news is that tourism is up in Northeast Tennessee. Weve got a lot of people moving here and visiting here  and I love that, and I understand the decision that was made to bolster those areas that are seeing weakness right now, the airport director said. But in the long run, we think its just as important to put every effort into growing the Tri-Cities area.

Like Cossey, Alicia Phelps, executive director of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, said she hadnt heard anything about Tennessee on Me before its launch.

We have always had a great relationship with the Tennessee tourism department, she said. Thats why this program is a little bit of a shocker, a bit of a disappointment.

Phelps said she understands the financial struggles of the states metro areas and why their tourism industries need a boost at this point in a pandemic that has been economically devastating. She was less OK, however, with the implication that the hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses in the Tri-Cities region dont need help.

Although the Northeast Tennessee area is not a large market when it comes to major metropolitan and business travel, we also experienced an economic downturn, Phelps said Wednesday. We all suffered, essentially.
Challenging that bleak assessment is the fact that the status quo is unsustainable. The clashes between Israel and Hamas underscore the anger and resentment not just of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, but of Arab citizens in Israel itself. Doing nothing is a formula for escalating conflict. Furthermore, the calculus that yielded the Oslo Accords nearly 30 years ago is still true: No one has presented a plausible one-state solution that would let Israel remain both Jewish and democratic. Unless Palestinians have their own nation, its hard to see how Israel can avoid becoming the illiberal state its critics say it already is.

The new government knows, as well, that U.S. sentiment seems to be shifting, especially among progressive Democrats, who were severely critical of Israel during the recent clashes. To win them back, and to bolster its traditionally strong bipartisan U.S. support, Israel would be wise to work with the Biden administration to improve the lives of Palestinians and keep open the possibility of peace.
How time flies. It has been almost a decade since the original series about New Yorks overprivileged Upper East Side youth shut down its scandalous blog. A toxic spinoff, majoring in attitude over coherence, updates the franchise to the social-media age of Instagram and Twitter, introducing a clique of glam and diverse TikTrash poseurs whose smartphones should all be confiscated for human-rights abuse. One neat twist involves the identity of the new Gossip Girl, targeting these insufferable students who look more suited for grad than elite high school. But even that gimmick grows stale after the umpteenth noxious tweet. (See the full review.)
In its western region, Catawba Valley Community College will serve as the primary hub location for in-person teaching and learning professional development activities.

The goal is to eventually have up to six hubs statewide to support all 58 community colleges.

As a part of this statewide initiative, CVCC also announced that Elizabeth Braun will serve as the co-director of the CVCC Teaching and Learning Hub for the West. Braun has a BA in English Education from Western Illinois University, an MA in Education from Augusta State University, a certificate in teaching writing from Fayetteville State University and an EdD in Organizational Leadership and Development from Gardner-Webb University. She has served in various capacities for nearly 30 years.

Braun also brings her experience in the planning and delivery of professional development and teacher training conferences both in the United States and abroad. Most recently, she has worked with the CVCC Center for Professional Excellence to help create and implement professional development for the college. She is the chair of the Fall Conference Planning Team and is helping develop the Quality Matters training initiative.

The Teaching and Learning Hub at CVCC will work collaboratively with the Center for Professional Excellence.
A 3D printed Google logo is seen in this illustration taken

By Diane Bartz, Paresh Dave and Karen Freifeld

WASHINGTON/OAKLAND, Calif. (Reuters) -Thirty-seven U.S. state and district attorneys general sued Alphabet Inc's Google on Wednesday, alleging that it bought off competitors and used restrictive contracts to unlawfully maintain a monopoly for its app store on Android phones.

The allegations about Google's Play Store stem from an investigation involving nearly every U.S. state that began in September 2019 and have already resulted in three other lawsuits against the company. The cases threaten to force major changes to how it generates billions of dollars in revenue across its businesses, including advertising, in-app purchases and smart home gadgets.

Google said on Wednesday the litigation was about boosting a handful of major app developers that want preferential treatment rather than about helping small businesses or consumers. It maintains that unlike Apple Inc with its App Store on iPhones, Android supports competitors to the Play Store.

"Android and Google Play provide openness and choice that other platforms simply don't," the company said in a blog post.

The states, led by Utah, New York, North Carolina and Tennessee, argue that Google has generated "enormous profit margins" from the Play Store by engaging in illegal tactics to preserve monopolies in selling Android apps and in-app goods.

In the United States, Google Play accounts for 90% of Android apps downloaded, according to the lawsuit.

"Google leverages its monopoly power with Android to unlawfully maintain its monopoly in the Android app distribution market," the lawsuit stated.

The states pointed to agreements already targeted in other lawsuits such as those Google has with mobile carriers and smartphone makers to promote its services.

But they added fresh claims after newly reviewing internal company documents. The states alleged that Google bought off developers so they would not support competing app stores, and that through numerous secret projects it intended to pay Samsung Electronics Co, whose rival app store posed the biggest threat, to stop competing.

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Samsung declined to comment.

The plaintiffs, which include California and the District of Columbia, also say Google has unlawfully mandated that some apps use the company's payment tools and give Google as much as 30% of digital goods sales. The "extravagant commission," compared with the 3% other marketplaces charge, has forced app makers to raise prices and consumers to spend more, the states said.

"Google Play is not fair play," Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said in a statement. "It must stop using its monopolistic power and hyper-dominant market position to unlawfully leverage billions of added dollars from smaller companies, competitors and consumers beyond what should be paid."

The states want the consumers to get their money back. They also called for civil penalties and a court-imposed monitor to ensure Google eases the process for consumers, app developers and smartphone makers to use or promote alternatives to the Play Store and the official payment system for 20 years. In addition, the states seek to stop Google's payments to Samsung and developers.

The states said on Wednesday they have not ruled out taking similar action against Apple over its App Store.

The filing drew praise from Meghan DiMuzio, executive director for the Coalition for App Fairness, which represents companies including Match Group Inc and Spotify Technology SA that oppose some of the Play Store rules.

"Anti-competitive policies stifle innovation, inhibit consumer freedom, inflate costs, and limit transparent communication between developers and their customers," DiMuzio said.

FEARING SAMSUNG

The lawsuit said that while Google does enable consumers to avoid the Play Store, it displays "generally misleading warnings and hurdles" to discourage such activity.

Google does not break out Play Store's financial performance but has said the unit along with several others together generated $21.7 billion in revenue last year, or about 12% of overall sales.

Google's worries about Samsung grew after the South Korean company worked with video game maker Epic Games Inc to exclusively launch "Fortnite" for Android devices in 2018, according to the lawsuit.

Epic's bypassing of the Play Store cost Google some millions of dollars in revenue, the states said.

Google "immediately launched multiple coordinated initiatives designed to block the emergence of a competing [Samsung] Galaxy Store," the lawsuit said. "Google viewed these projects as an integrated approach to eliminating the threat of more developers following Epic's lead."

Last year, Epic itself sued Google and Apple separately in federal court in California over app store policies. Proposed classes of developers and consumers have joined the cases.

A judge's decision in the Apple fight is expected in the coming weeks, and a hearing on Google's effort to dismiss the case against it is scheduled for July 22.

The lawsuits come amid growing antitrust scrutiny of big tech companies, but regulators suffered an early blow last week when a judge dismissed a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against Facebook Inc.

The ruling should not affect the Play Store case because it covers different circumstances, the states suing Google said.

(Reporting by Diane Bartz, Paresh Dave and Karen Freifeld; Additional reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Leslie Adler and Richard Pullin)
Dubai, Jul 8 (PTI) Oman on Thursday indefinitely suspended passengers flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of the Gulf nation's efforts to arrest the spread of the coronavirus.

The flights have been suspended until further notice, the sultanates official Twitter account for countering COVID-19 announced.

The decision was taken as part of the countrys measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, it said.

The other countries on the list include the UK, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil.

The ban on arrivals from some of these countries has already been in place since April 24.

Oman on Wednesday reported 1,675 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 280,235.

The country has reported 3,356 coronavirus-related deaths so far. PTI NSA NSA
New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) The Supreme Court Thursday dismissed a plea filed by Facebook India Vice President and MD Ajit Mohan challenging the summons issued by the Delhi Assembly's Peace and Harmony committee for failing to appear before it as witness in connection with the north-east Delhi riots last year.

A bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul termed Mohan's plea as pre-mature saying nothing has happened against him before the Assembly panel.

Pronouncing the verdict, Justice Kaul said that technological age has created digital platforms which can be uncontrollable at times.

The bench, also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy, delivered its verdict on the plea filed by Mohan, Facebook India Online Services Pvt Ltd and Facebook Inc which contended that the committee lacked power to summon or hold petitioners in breach of privileges for failing to appear before it and had exceeded its constitutional limits.

The top court said the option of not answering before the committee cannot be disputed and representative of the petitioner can deny answering the question if it falls within the prohibited domains.

It said the Assembly does not have the power to legislate on the issue of law and order which falls under the Union List in the Constitution.

It said the objective of peace and harmony go beyond law and order and police.

The bench said in the judgement, it has divided the issues into three categories  privilege, free speech and legislative competence.

The petitioners had challenged last year's September 10 and 18 notices issued by the committee which sought Mohan's presence before the panel probing the Delhi riots in February and Facebook's role in spread of alleged hate speeches.

The Delhi Assembly had earlier said that no coercive action has been taken against Mohan and he was only summoned by its committee to appear as witness in connection with north-east Delhi riots.

In an affidavit filed in the top court, the Delhi Assembly had said that Mohan has not been issued any summons for breach of privilege.

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During the arguments before the apex court, Mohans counsel had said that right to silence is a virtue in present noisy times and the assembly has no legislative power to set up a panel to examine the issue of peace and harmony.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the Facebook official, had said that setting up of the peace panel was not the core function of Delhi assembly as the law and order issue fell under the domain of the Centre in the national capital.

Senior advocate A M Singhvi, representing the panel of the assembly, had said that the assembly has the power to summon.

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had opposed the submission of the panel of the assembly saying that law and order squarely fell under the domain of Delhi Police which is accountable to the Central government.

Earlier in December last year, the Peace and Harmony committee had moved the top court seeking to intervene in the plea filed by Mohan and others.

On October 15 last year, the Centre had told the top court that proceedings of the Peace and Harmony committee is without jurisdiction as the issue pertained to law and order.

The apex court had said that its September 23 last year order asking the assembly's panel not to take any coercive action against Mohan, would continue till further orders. PTI ABA PKS SJK SA
Representaive image

Bissau [Guinea Bissau], July 8 (ANI): On the first-ever bilateral visit from India to Guinea Bissau (GB), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (Economic Relations) Rahul Chhabra undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral, and international issues, the MEA said on Thursday.

During his visit on July 5-6, Chhabra called on President Umaro Sissoco Embalo; Deputy Prime Minister Soares Sambu, held delegation-level discussions with Ude Fati, Secretary of State for international cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also interacted with prominent members of the Indian community.

An MEA release said both sides took stock of exchanges of bilateral visits, holding of Joint Commission and FOC meetings, bilateral trade and investment, development partnership, capacity building, people to people to linkages and opening of resident missions, regional and global issues.

Both sides noted with appreciation their cooperation on COVID-19 related issues including supply of medicines and made in India vaccines under COVAX initiative.

Bilateral relations between India and Guinea Bissau are warm and friendly and are poised to grow in the times ahead. The present bilateral trade of USD 135 million is below potential and there is considerable scope for higher growth. India imports close to 90 per cent of Guinea Bissau's raw cashew nuts and is the biggest export partner of Guinea Bissau. Both sides noted to expand trade basket, organization of business delegations and roadshows, both in-person and virtual platforms.

India has extended developmental assistance to GB worth over USD 25 million under lines of credit. India continues to extend capacity-building support with scholarships, skill development training under ITEC, MEA added.

The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. Both sides agreed to exchange bilateral visits at regular intervals. (ANI)
The talks, held in Tehran, resulted in a statement in which both sides agreed that a peaceful solution must be sought in Afghanistan (EPA)

Iran brought together envoys of the Afghan government and the Taliban movement in Tehran this week for a rare meeting between the two sides, in what appeared to be a diplomatic win for Tehran as well as a modest sign of progress in ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.

But with recent major battlefield advances by the Taliban and the departure of international troops, Afghans fear that such diplomatic rituals will fail to rein in the resurgence of the hardline Islamist network that once ruled the country and aspires to do so again.

The two-day Tehran summit, hosted by Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday and Thursday, yielded no breakthroughs but produced a statement recognising the need to end the countrys civil war.

The two sides understand the risks of continuing war for the country, and have agreed that war is not a solution to the Afghan issue, and all efforts should be made towards a political and peaceful solution, the statement read.

The Afghan government delegation included former vice president Mohammad Yunus Qanooni as well as Abdul-Salam Rahimi, an adviser to President Ashraf Ghani. The Taliban team was led by Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, head of the groups office in Doha.

Talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban, scheduled to take place in Istanbul in May, have been postponed indefinitely. Some analysts speculated that the Tehran meeting could be a precursor to more crucial talks being held at some point in the Qatari capital. Asadullah Sadati, the deputy chief of Afghanistans High Council for National Reconciliation, called the meeting a small step in the right direction.

In photos, Mr Zarif was shown positioned at the head of two facing tables where the Afghan government and Taliban teams were seated.

We are very proud that we remained alongside our Afghan brothers and sisters during the jihad of the Afghan people against the foreign occupation, he was shown saying in a short video clip.

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But many Afghans are gloomy about the countrys immediate future.

The meeting in Tehran came less than a week after United States and allied troops hastily departed from the massive Bagram airfield north of Kabul and handed it over to Afghan security forces. The move effectively marked yet another milestone in the wrapping up of the 20-year US and Nato military presence in Afghanistan. It also represented something of a propaganda victory for the Taliban.

Days after the departure from Bagram, Taliban forces swarmed the countrys far northeast along with the western province of Herat, taking over rural districts held by the government.

A smoke plume rises from houses amid ongoing fighting between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in the western city of Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis province (AFP/Getty)

The optics mean so much, said Martin Rahmani, executive director of the Afghanistan-US Democratic Peace and Prosperity Council, a Washington advocacy group. The way that the US and Nato troops sort of disengaged from the situation created a big vacuum for the Taliban to step in to, and allowed them to come out and say they had defeated a 17-nation army.

Backed by Pakistan and Arabian peninsula monarchies, the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban ruled the country from 1996 to 2001. It was overthrown in a Nato-backed war following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US by al-Qaeda, who were being hosted by the Taliban.

But over the last two decades, the Taliban, a collection of hardline Islamist militias rooted in Saudi-funded religious madrassas in Pakistan, regrouped and resurged, and now controls huge swathes of the desperately poor and landlocked country of 38 million.

Washington and other world powers have attempted to bolster both the Afghan security forces and the government in Kabul to help them fend off both the Taliban and the local branch of Isis. But over recent years, the US and its allies shifted course, and have instead tried to broker a peace deal between Kabul and the Taliban.

The US, the speaker of Afghanistans parliament and various civil society groups have offered dozens of proposals on ways to end the conflict, but the Taliban have largely ignored them.

The Taliban are aware of all this but they havent said what they want, Mr Rahmani said in an interview. The Afghan peace negotiations team earnestly tried to have these discussions with the Taliban. But up until now the Taliban have not done anything. There are no specifics on how theyd like to be integrated.

Afghan special forces gathering in northern Kunduz on 7 July (Reuters)

Iran shares a porous 570-mile border with Afghanistan and hosts an estimated 3.5 million Afghans. It has a keen interest in efforts to counter narcotics trafficking from Afghanistan and to curtail the efforts of the vehemently anti-Shia Isis. It also deems itself protector of Afghanistans Shia community, which is estimated to account for 15 per cent of the population and is concentrated in Kabul and the countrys central mountains.

Iran amassed troops along its eastern border and threatened war against the Taliban in 1999 after the group killed its diplomats in Mazar-e-Sharif, and helped the US topple the Taliban two years later.

But it has built up diplomatic ties with the Taliban in recent years, and has been accused of helping arm some of its elements in an effort to pressure US troops deployed to Afghanistan and to hedge its bets should the Taliban defeat the Kabul government.

But Mr Rahmani warned of another humanitarian crisis, and a surge of refugees into Iran and other nations, should the hardline Taliban take over and attempt to impose its austere puritanical vision of Islam on the country. Witnesses have described huge lines at passport offices for fear of the Taliban.

People are afraid; a lot of people are hunkering down for a long fight, he said. The Taliban do not respect womens rights. They have a history of violence against women. They have a history of illiberal policies and those seem to be coming back.

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Residents flee and prisoners escape as Taliban attacks capital of northwestern Afghan province

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Al Badhan, Palestinian Territories: Palestinian workers in the Israel-occupied West Bank are putting the final touches on a decommissioned Boeing 707 aircraft to ready it for a new kind of takeoff: as a restaurant.

Its enterprising owners, 60-year-old twin brothers Ata and Khamis al-Sairafi, expect to welcome their first customers within weeks at the site in an isolated mountain area near Nablus.

Inside the old jet's cabin, the seats have been stripped out and the window panes removed. Tables will soon be fitted in the fuselage, which has been painted white with laminate wooden floors.

The brothers plan to call their aviation-themed eatery " which is decorated with Palestinian and Jordanian flags " "the Palestinian-Jordanian Airline Restaurant and Coffee Shop Al-Sairafi Nablus".

"We will start by providing hookahs," said Khamis, for people who enjoy smoking tobacco through water pipes, before later expanding the business into an event space.

"The cockpit will be a suitable place for any newlyweds who come to us for their wedding ceremony."

The Sairafi brothers " identical twins who were sporting matching yellow shirts, khaki shorts and red sneakers during AFP's visit " are known for their interest in unusual initiatives.

Ata said he and his brother were working as scrap metal traders two decades ago when he learned about a 1980s-era passenger plane sitting near Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel.

They purchased it in 1999, even though there was " and still is " no airport in the Palestinian Territories, usually forcing residents who want to fly abroad to travel via Jordan.

'Strange idea'

The brothers negotiated with the Israeli owner, who sold it to them for $100,000, the engines removed.

"After we bought it, we had to move it from Israel ... which is a complicated process," Ata said. The twins paid an Israeli company $20,000 to move the jet to the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since it conquered the territory along with east Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967.

Story continues

The brothers said the 13-hour transport was coordinated between the Israeli and Palestinian sides. Key roads were closed so the plane could be rolled on a giant tow truck, its wings temporarily separated, to its current location.

"Loads of media outlets covered it, and the Israeli police intervened to organise the transfer," recalled Khamis. "We received the plane, which dates back to the 1980s, without any equipment that would enable it to fly," Ata said.

The twins said they hoped to run a restaurant out of the plane since around 2000, but the launch faltered with the outbreak of the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising.

"The events in the Palestinian territories at that time hindered the completion of our project, and we thought of reviving it two years ago, but the spread of the coronavirus also prevented us from doing so," Khamis said.

As they returned to their long-delayed passion project, the twins purchased a rickety retired gangway from Ben Gurion Airport, its name still visible in Hebrew and English characters.

The project faces one more, environmental, challenge. The plane sits on property abutting a waste sorting station which the twins are trying to convince local authorities to move elsewhere.

Ultimately, they said they are hopeful their project will finally take wing after being grounded for nearly a quarter-century.

"Having an aircraft in the Palestinian territories," said Khamis, "is such a strange idea that I'm sure the project will be a success."

Also See: Graffiti and resistance in Palestine: In Taqi Spateen's art, rage against injustice in his homeland, the world

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New site on Noah's Ark, Biblical deluge aimed at educating children opens at Berlin's Jewish museum

Read more on Arts & Culture by Firstpost.
Pope Francis greets people, as he arrives at the San Damaso courtyard at the Vatican for the weekly general audience in mid-June this year (REUTERS)

Pope Francis is planning a visit to North Korea, according to South Koreas intelligence chief.

If the trip goes ahead it would be the first by a pontiff to the totalitarian state. Information is sparse on how many of the countrys citizens are Catholic or how they currently practice their faith.

Fides, the official agency of the Pontifical Mission Societies, said that Park Jie-won, the director of the National Intelligence Service, made the announcement at a Mass in Mokpo, South Korea, on Monday.

Park told participants at the Mass that he would meet with Archbishop Kim Hee-jung of Gwangju and the Vaticans ambassador to South Korea, Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, to discuss a possible papal visit to Pyongyang.

Pope Francis is currently recovering from intestinal surgery in Rome. His next scheduled trip is to visit Slovakia and Hungary in September. The intelligence agency in Seoul has not publicly confirmed Parks comments.

The 84-year-old has previously made a number of appeals for for rapprochement between the two Koreas.

In 2018, South Korean President Moon Jae-in verbally relayed an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the pope. Kim and Moon had met a month earlier.

Vatican officials said afterwards an official written invitation would be considered, but it is not clear if any invitation then arrived.

Monsignor Lazzaro You Heung-sik, the bishop of Daejon in central South Korea, told The Telegraph: Im convinced that a possible visit to Pyongyang could represent a turning point, which would allow us Koreans to dialogue and understand each other better, and perhaps even reach the reunification of the South and the North.

In concrete terms, the Holy Fathers mediation could be a propitious opportunity to put an end to the conflict, the result of mutual distrust between the two parts of the peninsula which has lasted for too many decades.

North Korea has been sealed off from the rest of the world after closing its borders on January 2020 in response to the Covid pandemic.

Story continues

Kim Jong Un recently berated top officials for crucial failures in coronavirus prevention that he said caused a great crisis, with reports of food shortages in the country.

Despite this the the World Health Organisation (WHO) said last week that North Korea reported to it that it has tested 31,794 people for the virus through June 24 and that they all were negative.

Additional reporting by agencies

Read More

South Korea imposes strictest Covid rules yet after record spike in infections

North Koreas Kim Jong-un has lost up to 20 kilos, says Seoul spy agency

North Korea facing worst food shortage in a decade
Hoshiarpur SSP Navjot Singh Mahal. (Photo/ANI)

Hoshiarpur (Punjab) [India], July 8 (ANI): Following up on the arrest of four Afghan nationals a couple of days ago, Hoshiarpur police on Wednesday nabbed 12 people and claimed to have busted an international drug racket.

According to the Hoshiarpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Navjot Singh Mahal, police have recovered 20 kilograms of heroin and Rs 40 lakh drug money.

"Police have recovered 20 kilograms of heroin and Rs 40 lakh drug money.12 people have been arrested including FOUR Afghanistan nationals. Our teams have arrested them from three States--Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. A main wanted Jasbir was also arrested," said SSP.

Punjab Police on Sunday arrested four Afghan nationals and seized 17 kg heroin worth Rs 90 crore from a unit in South Delhi.

The accused were identified as Mujahed Shinwari, Mohammad Lal Kaker, Jannat Gul Kakar and Samiullah. (ANI)
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.
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill.  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.

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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.

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On paper, the proposal is Public Act 102-0017, a vertical and regional project stuffed into the states capital spending bill with a $25 million price tag.

In reality, the proposal is hope.

A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative, headquartered in a low-slung building in Burbank with smaller locations scattered throughout the southwest suburbs, is a school cooperative that works with 11 districts to provide education, therapy, care  hope  to roughly 700 students ages 3 to 22 who have fragile, complex cognitive and physical challenges.

Most of the students require constant supervision. Some have been diagnosed with autism. Some are nonverbal. Some have traumatic brain injuries. Some cannot walk or stand on their own. Their progress is marked by simple goals  pushing a button on a remote control, clapping their hands, washing a dish. They are our most vulnerable.

At A.E.R.O.s Burbank location, they climb off buses for summer school and head to classrooms where they receive therapies for speech and movement and interact with patient, smiling teachers. But their school building isnt designed for them. The classrooms are small and cramped. Many of the kids need to move around. To sit on a therapy ball. To pace. To deal with their anxieties.

They need a new school where they can have space for their wheelchairs, a gymnasium, a playground, a lunchroom, soft lighting. The teachers and aides who maneuver around desks and sit at makeshift cubicles need room too.

Led by Sen. Bill Cunningham, D- Chicago, lawmakers in Springfield approved $25 million total in the last two rounds of capital spending for a new facility that would be built on the old Queen of Peace grounds, an all-girls Catholic high school that closed in 2017. Taxpayers from this middle-class community, through those 11 school districts, have committed another $25 million.

All the project needs now is Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

James Gunnell, executive director of the cooperative, has been working on the concept of getting all the kids, including those in an emotional and behavioral challenged group A.E.R.O. serves, under one roof for years. Hes worried that delays in state funding could frustrate local taxpayers and deflate enthusiasm for the project.

While the money has been appropriated on paper, twice, its up to Pritzker to decide which projects in the capital bill actually get the spigot turned on. This one should be at the top of the list. If the money flows, groundbreaking could begin this fall with a fall 2023 opening date.

Its not right that the state spends capital dollars on pickleball courts and dog parks when projects like this one are waiting. Capital bills get stuffed with pork and pet projects that then compete against worthy projects like this one. There should be no competition.

Will you release the money, governor?

Chicago Tribune

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Court dates loom for Walnut Cove man charged in paving scam. Lige Bobby Boswell faces new charges in Gaston County.

Boswell Andrew Dye, Journal Somme Psalm taps asphalt back down into place on his driveway.

Lige Bobby Boswell, a convicted scam artist/paving contractor with a particularand provenpenchant for preying on vulnerable seniors, has seen this movie before.

He knows how it ends, and yet according to court records spread over more than 10 years across the length and breadth of North Carolina, he continues to follow the same plot line.

Boswell picks out a mark, pitches a too-good-to-be-true deal and then proceeds to do a substandard paving job with crummy materials at an inflated price.

Boswell, of Walnut Cove, had a court date Tuesday in Gaston County to answer for three felony charges connected to a similar dealobtaining property by false pretenses, conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses and exploitation of the elderly/handicapped. Two more court dates are slated for later this month, one in Forsyth County and another in Stokes, related to  paving scams.

The sad thing is that the last time Boswell answered to similar charges, in 2018, his lawyer offered this gem in his defense: Paving is all he knows.

Close, but not quite.

Long, well-documented record

Boswell is well-known to authorities including, but not limited to the Winston-Salem Police Department, the North Carolina Attorney Generals Office, the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office and investigators in Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Harnett and Wake counties.

Lawyers working for then-Attorney General Roy Cooper filed complaints against Boswell (and his various businesses) alleging that he engaged in deceptive business practices. Prosecutors said he failed to provide written contracts or quotes and would pressure people to pay exorbitant prices.

A temporary ban enacted in 2011 did little by way of deterrence, and a Wake County judge permanently banned Boswell from the paving business in 2014 and ordered him to pay civil penalties and $6,100 in refunds to three victims.

Ignoring court orders and continuing to cheat consumers is no way to do business, Cooper said in 2014. When problem pavers cant learn to play by the rules, well take action to shut them down.

Still, less than two years later in May 2016, detectives in Winston-Salem charged Boswell and five others with felony fraud and conspiracy for their role in  wait for it  a paving scam.

The men, police said, approached 69-year-old Mickey Reavis and told her theyd pave her driveway for free with asphalt left over from another job. She agreed, but when the work was done, the paving crew told her that she owed $6,500 for the sealant they claimed to have used.

When she balked, Boswell and crew countered with $3,700. I thought they were going to kill me if I didnt pay, Reavis told Judge John O. Craig of Forsyth Superior Court.

Boswell entered whats called an Alford plea, a weaselly legal maneuver in which the accused stipulates that the evidence is overwhelming and he (or she) agrees to be sentenced without actually admitting guilt. Which seems fitting for a slick talking scam artist.

Active prison time of between six months and one year, five months followed. Boswell was sentenced on the low end of the guidelines because he had no prior felony convictions and, legally speaking, exploitation of the elderly isnt considered all that serious.

Morally, though, taking advantage of the vulnerable is a different matter entirely.

A familiar playbook

Prison, much like the actions of the state attorney generals office before it, apparently wasnt much of a deterrent.

Last December, a Forsyth man came forward with a similar story about a paving scam. Somme Psalm contacted us (and the sheriffs office) and described what happened after a conversation that started in a Walkertown gas station.

Need your driveway redone? We have leftover asphalt. Well do it for free.

A truck showed, the asphalt poured and smoothed. Then came trouble.

I heard one of the guys say From here to here costs $1,000  itll cost $4,000 to finish, Psalm said. I said Hold it. Hold it. Nobody said anything about charging. I cant pay that.

Ronald Emerson, an associate of Boswell, told the Journal in December that he told Psalm upfront that the job using recycled asphalt would cost $1.40 per square foot.

At that point, perhaps, it was a business dispute. Except that the negotiation resulted in Psalm writing a $1,300 check to one L.B. Boswell.

Whoops.

Boswell is a friend of mine, Emerson admitted in December. He just happened to be with me He didnt have anything to do with the work.

Forsyth County sheriffs deputies werent buying. Boswell was charged Dec. 14 with one count of felony obtaining property by false pretense.

(Attempts to reach Boswell and Emerson on Wednesday werent successful. Which is just as well; nothing they say publicly at this point is likely to help their legal case.)

Incredibly, according to arrest warrants in Gaston County, they werent done. Boswell and Emerson were charged March 11 with three felonies in connection with  a paving job for a man named James Meek.

The cases were continued Tuesday until later this year, which is standard procedure. But with court appearances scheduled later this month in Forsyth County and Stokes for a probation violation, the clock is ticking for Boswell.

Paving is all he knows, a lawyer once said in his defense.

Maybe. But a long record supported by victims statements and court documents indicates that conning people runs a close second.
Its an early sign that Black Widow will be about an American Dream denied  or at least delayed  and a kind of anti-Captain America. Only when the dad flips a car to clear the runway do we have any sense that these arent your average Americans. And once they land in Cuba, we realize they arent citizens at all, nor are they a family.

Harbours character in fact is Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian, a Soviet-built super soldier made to compete with Captain America. Their family was a cobbled-together Ohio sleeper cell. The four of them are quickly split apart, and over a melancholy cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit, the opening credits roll with a montage of U.S.-Russian relations over time, mixed with images of Soviet mastermind Dreykov (Winstone) and his Red Room program of elite assassins  dubbed Widows  all of them plucked from the streets as young girls.

Twenty years later, the long-freed and reformed Natasha  now an Avenger  is well beyond her painful beginnings. But not as much as she thought. Her belief that she killed Dreykov is spoiled when she reunites in Budapest with her faux-sister from childhood, Yelena (Pugh), who informs her that not only is the Red Room very operational, but Dreykov has created a new, frightful method of control of his Widows.
Lawyers working for then-Attorney General Roy Cooper filed complaints against Boswell (and his various businesses) alleging that he engaged in deceptive business practices. Prosecutors said he failed to provide written contracts or quotes and would pressure people to pay exorbitant prices.

A temporary ban enacted in 2011 did little by way of deterrence, and a Wake County judge permanently banned Boswell from the paving business in 2014 and ordered him to pay civil penalties and $6,100 in refunds to three victims.

Ignoring court orders and continuing to cheat consumers is no way to do business, Cooper said in 2014. When problem pavers cant learn to play by the rules, well take action to shut them down.

Still, less than two years later in May 2016, detectives in Winston-Salem charged Boswell and five others with felony fraud and conspiracy for their role in  wait for it  a paving scam.

The men, police said, approached 69-year-old Mickey Reavis and told her theyd pave her driveway for free with asphalt left over from another job. She agreed, but when the work was done, the paving crew told her that she owed $6,500 for the sealant they claimed to have used.
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, died from their injuries. 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.

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An investigation by the Alcohol Law Enforcement led to Stevens being additionally charged with underage possession of alcohol and possession of fraudulent identification.
DHHS reported that, as of 1 p.m. Thursday, 4.52 million adult North Carolinians are considered fully vaccinated, or 53% of the population.

About 56% of those ages 18 and older have had at least one dose of vaccine.

About 4.19 million North Carolinians have gotten two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, while 338,930 have gotten the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

When including 12- to 17-year-olds, 50% of individuals 12 and older are fully vaccinated statewide. About 80% of North Carolinians 65 and older are fully vaccinated.

DHHS says 174,119 Forsyth residents are fully vaccinated, about 46% of the county population, while 184,776 have had at least one dose, or 48%.

Novant Health Inc. infectious diseases expert Dr. David Priest cautioned Tuesday that he expects an increase in cases over the next few weeks, particularly among those who are not vaccinated.

Priest said his warning comes in part because of the projected surge in local and statewide cases related to the delta variant, and in part as more people gathered mask-less over the four-day Fourth of July holiday period.

Priest said he is concerned that there are other individuals who are very against vaccination, and they dont want to get it.

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DHHS reported that, as of noon Wednesday, 4.51 million adult North Carolinians are considered fully vaccinated, or 53% of the population.

About 56% of those ages 18 and older have had at least one dose of vaccine.

About 4.18 million North Carolinians have gotten two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, while 338,180 have gotten the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

When including 12- to 17-year-olds, 50% of individuals 12 and older are fully vaccinated statewide. About 80% of North Carolinians 65 and older are fully vaccinated.

DHHS says 173,889 Forsyth residents are fully vaccinated, about 45% of the county population, while 184,618 have had at least one dose, or 48%.

A Novant Health Inc. infectious diseases expert cautioned Tuesday that he expects an increase in cases over the next few weeks, particularly among those who are not vaccinated.

Dr. David Priest said his warning comes in part because of the projected surge in local and statewide cases related to the Delta variant, and in part as more people gathered mask-less over the four-day holiday period.
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.
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."
Laphen filed one for $227,390 for deferred compensation, plus $13,850 in accrued interest.

Lundstrom filed five, including one for $481,697 in unpaid retirement plan benefits, which the FDIC paid him last October. Blackburn said the FDIC still owes him $2,748,561, plus interest, on the others.

The discovery prompted her to ask a federal judge to amend the order to make the restitution due and payable immediately and to order the FDIC to pay funds owed to Lundstrom and Laphen to the clerk of the court.

"Although the FDIC funds were not yet available to Lundstrom or Laphen at the time of sentencing, as an account receivable, the claims for the funds should have been disclosed by defendants. Indeed, defendants were required to disclose such allowed claims, but failed to do so," Blackburn wrote in a brief filed last week in U.S. District Court.

She called Lundstrom's receipt of the money in October and failure to inform the court "deceitful."

Attorneys for the men haven't yet responded to the filing.

Blackburn said, in theory, Lundstrom and Laphen could spend or transfer the money to try to avoid paying restitution.
Cindy Lange-Kubick Columnist Cindy Lange-Kubick has loved writing columns about life in her hometown since 1994. She had hoped to become a people person by now, nonetheless she would love to hear your tales of fascinating neighbors and interesting places. Follow Cindy Lange-Kubick 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

A couple of months ago, based on the erroneous belief that Dec. 1, 1998, would never actually arrive, I agreed to speak at the weekly meeting of the Downtown Rotary Club.

Not that I relished the thought of making a fool of myself in front of a few hundred business leaders and politicians, which included both my editor and publisher.

But when someone calls me months in advance and asks a favor such as: "Would you bake 10 dozen layer cakes, decorate them with marzipan angels and tiny handmade pink frosting rosebuds, then deliver them to the church basement at 5 a.m. on Dec. 25?" I say, "Sure, why not."

Or when someone asks: "Could you please shave your head and walk to work naked down P Street on Feb. 10 to raise money for Don Wesley's mayoral campaign?" "Love to," is how I respond.

And when that nice receptionist at Dr. Big Drill's office rings me up and says: "Let's set up a six month checkup to have your teeth scraped with a sharp instrument until your gums bleed," I always say, "Sure, let's do that!"

Because in my own deluded way, I believe God will somehow save me from my ill-thought-out promises.
Republican gubernatorial candidate and University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen is asking the Board of Regents to adopt a resolution opposing "any imposition of critical race theory" as part of any university curriculum.

"I believe critical race theory is factually and morally wrong," Pillen said Thursday. "I do not believe in teaching children to judge each other on the basis of their skin color. There is no place in our classrooms for this ideology."

Critical race theory is a framework that has been used for decades as way to understand how race and racism operate at a systemic level in the U.S., both historically and today.

Experts in critical race theory say it does not label white people as racist and is not as divisive as opponents want to paint it, but rather a lens for looking at how systemic inequities based on race create disadvantaged groups of people.

Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts recently has been holding town hall meetings across the state condemning critical race theory.

Pillen's resolution, which will be presented at the Board of Regents meeting next month, states that "we oppose discrimination in any form" while arguing that critical race theory proponents "seek to silence opposing views and disparage important American ideals."
As he reflected on the last 10 days at the site of the Champlain Towers South Collapse in Surfside, Florida, the chief of Nebraskas Task Force 1 stood mere yards away from the jungle of pulverized concrete and rebar that now serves as the site for a wake for those mourning the dead and missing.

The disaster site peeked out over the right shoulder of Brad Thavenet as he spoke with Nebraska-based reporters via Zoom, shouting into his phone as recovery operations continued not far behind him, fielding questions from 1,500 miles away.

It's the grieving families  of 60 people who died in the June 24 collapse and of the 80 residents who remain unaccounted for, all now presumed dead  who have kept Thavenet going, nearly two weeks into his deployment as the the only member of Nebraska's Urban Search and Rescue crew dispatched to the collapse site in Florida.

"We are 100% motivated by bringing closure," Thavenet said Thursday morning. "Closure to the family members who lost loved ones here. And that's what puts it in perspective.

"You can take the heat, you can take the long days, you can take the lack of sleep and all that, but knowing that you're indeed making a difference  that you can at least try to bring some hope and some closure so that they can move on."
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.
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.
For example, every day of Pride Month, our members have posted a fact or statement about the historical fight for justice amongst members and allies of the community. These posts support those who are struggling, educate our allies, commemorate the contributions of the activists before us and to inspire the activists of the future. Joining or even starting your own group can show your willingness to learn and accept those that are different from yourself.

Reach out to those who are struggling. The National Alliance of Mental Health reports that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are at a higher risk for suffering from mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety.

As allies or members of the community, we must do our best to check in on our LGBTQIA+ friends and family. During Pride Month, it was inspiring to see the community, local businesses and political leaders fly the Pride Flag, march in parades or post messages of support online. But let's remember to continue providing that support beyond June 30.

Listening to and supporting a struggling community member is one of the best ways to be an ally.
Gov. Pete Ricketts recently issued a proclamation designating the month of July to be Victims of Communism Remembrance Month. I was invited to the proclamation signing ceremony to share my familys experience of living in China under communist rule.

The Chinese Communist Party has been persecuting the Chinese people for decades. House Christians and Tibetans have long been persecuted, and in Xinjiang province there are likely over 1 million Muslims who are imprisoned.

My own family has been victimized by the CCPs persecution of Falun Gong, which is a meditation practice in the Buddhist tradition whose core principles are truthfulness, compassion and tolerance.

In 1999, when the number of Falun Gong practitioners in China exceeded 70 million, outnumbering the CCPs own membership, a brutal persecution to eradicate the practice was initiated.

I was 11 years old at that time, and I remember clearly the nonstop demonizing propaganda that was broadcasted on all media. Falun Gong practitioners were labeled as enemies of the state. The atmosphere was terrifying. My mom was arrested for appealing to the provincial government. It was the first time I experienced deep fear and helplessness.
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BURLINGTON RACE RELATIONS

Urging an end to 'us and them' attitude, task force proposes fight against racism in Burlington

LAUREN HENNING, Journal Times file photo Protesters holds signs demanding social justice for black people in this file photo from a 2020 demonstration at Wehmhoff Square in Burlington. Meyer Journal Times file photo Protesters gather outside Burlington City Hall in summer 2020 as the Burlington Coalition for Dismantling Racism pushes to confront reported incidents of racism in the schools and the community.

BURLINGTON  A task force on race relations is calling for tough action against racism in Burlington, while also raising questions about whether community leaders are willing to tackle the issue.

The task force organized by the City of Burlington recommends a targeted response in the schools, as well as public education and greater community engagement to promote an atmosphere of racial tolerance.

In a newly released report, however, the consultant running the task force cites community resistance on the issue, and urges Burlington leaders to spend the relationship and political capital needed to overcome racism.

We fielded some derisive comments associated with our efforts, the report states. In very simple terms, this us and them thinking needs to be replaced.

The report urges city officials to engage with individuals or groups who did not participate in the task force  an apparent reference to members of the Burlington Coalition for Dismantling Racism. The group opted out of the task force because of concerns about the consulting firm selected to lead the effort.

Report presented

The city paid Rockford, Illinois-based Organization Development Consultants to facilitate the task force and to formulate recommendations.

Calling it vitally important to achieve broad-based community involvement in combatting racism, the report states: We wonder about the extent to which the communitys leaders are willing and prepared to tee up the crucial conversations and tough talks that will inevitably need to happen.

The 110-page report was presented Tuesday to members of the Burlington City Council.

Mayor Jeannie Hefty, who was at the forefront of creating the task force, could not be reached for comment.

Alderwoman Theresa Meyer said Wednesday she supports the task forces findings, and she expects that the City Council will be asked to vote on implementing the recommendations.

Meyer acknowledged divisions among Burlington residents, but she said elected leaders  at least most of them  are committed to fighting racism and taking action to improve relations among people of different races.

We should celebrate the members of our community, whoever they may be, she said.

Other City Council members could not be reached for comment.

Dealing with racial issues

Burlington has been dealing with difficult race-related issues for several months, including many complaints about racial slurs involving students in the Burlington Area School District.

The state Department of Public Instruction in April released a report that BASD had permitted a racially hostile environment. Parents and others in the community have protested against racism both at School Board meetings and outside City Hall.

Hefty and other city officials created the task force to address the issue, agreeing to pay $10,500 to Organization Development Consultants to manage the effort.

The Burlington Coalition for Dismantling Racism was offered two seats on the task force. But the group declined, citing concerns that the consulting firm had no apparent background in dealing with race-related issues.

BCDR leaders could not be reached for comment Wednesday about the task forces findings.

All-day discussion

The estimated 20-member task force met behind closed doors, and city officials have refused to identify those selected to serve. Officials say it was a diverse group that included high school students, school administrators, elected officials and other private citizens.

The group held an all-day discussion on May 22 without permitting the general public to observe.

School district spokeswoman Julie Thomas said Wednesday that district administrators had not yet read the task forces report, and would not comment on the recommendations.

Much of the 110-page report includes background about how the task force was put together, and materials that were used to guide the discussion. The findings and recommendations are summarized in just a few pages, authored by Daniel Schroeder, principal of the consulting firm.

The task force recommends that Burlington: seek community feedback and draft a racial diversity strategy; create a core team or guiding coalition to lead the effort; identify areas for targeted action, starting with the schools; sponsor a series of public education forums about race and social justice; and hold more discussions like the May 22 task force event.

The task force describes the importance of taking action and implementing changes rather than just accepting the report. Community leaders should build a broader coalition and seek common ground with influential individuals and groups, some of whom now feel skepticism, frustration, anger, the report states.

Looking ahead, the next steps will be critical ones, it states. The May 22 session, in our opinion, was only a glimpse of what this community can do when it commits to collective action.

20-plus photos of Burlington mansion selling for $2.25 million Close
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.
Evers also called himself the Education Governor in a tweet Thursday, writing: For the first time in two decades, we will hit the mark for two-thirds funding for our schools while providing roughly $685 million in additional net general and categorical school aidspart of our continued work to reverse eight years of cuts to education in our state.

Before running for and being elected governor in 2018, Evers had spent a decade as Wisconsins superintendent of public instruction. Supporting our kids and schools is why I ran for governor, and its also why vetoing this budget in its entirety was out of the question  that wouldve likely meant our kids and our schools losing $2.3 billion in federal funds when they need it most, the governor stated Thursday, referring to how earlier Republican drafts of the budget wouldve put so little toward schools that the federal deluge expected to fund Wisconsins schools couldve been lost due to strings tied to the billions by Congress.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin regulators can impose operating conditions on factory farms and consider high-capacity wells' cumulative environmental impacts when deciding whether to grant permits, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The decisions mark a major victory for conservationists and clarify that the Department of Natural Resources has broad authority to protect Wisconsin's waters. The rulings cap a pair of fierce legal battles between industry associations and environmental groups that have raged for years.

This is a huge win for Wisconsin and for anybody who cares about protecting our water, said Evan Feinauer, staff attorney at Clean Wisconsin, one of the environmental groups that sued to force the rulings. At the end of the day, this about our shared water resources and the people who rely on them.

The factory farm case began in 2012 when Kinnard Farms in Kewaunee County asked the DNR for a water pollution permit that would allow it to add more than 3,000 cows, nearly doubling the size of its herd.

An administrative law judge ordered the DNR to impose conditions on the permit requiring the farm to monitor groundwater for contamination from manure and capping the number of animals.
Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday vetoed measures to eliminate the states personal property tax and create a new legislative human resources office, while signing several bills including one that deregulates natural hair braiding.

Evers earlier in the day signed the GOP-authored 2021-23 biennial budget, which includes setting aside more than $200 million to backfill local governments for the elimination of the personal property tax, which businesses pay on furnishings and equipment. However, the governor ultimately vetoed the bipartisan bill to officially do away with the more than 170-year-old tax.

In a veto message, Evers said he objected to the unusual and haphazard process by which the Legislature pursued the repeal of the personal property tax which has created potential unintended consequences for railroad and utility taxes as well as the manufacturing and agriculture credit.

Evers said the proposed bill could potentially apply to the states ad valorem utility taxes, which are based on property values of utility property.

Should this treatment be applied to the courts in order to adhere to the Wisconsin constitutions uniformity clause, the state could easily lose tens of millions in general fund tax revenue, if not more, Evers wrote.
In decisions that could have far-reaching implications for state government powers, the Wisconsin Supreme Court says the Department of Natural Resources can take steps to protect public resources even without explicit permission from lawmakers.

The high court issued a pair of opinions Thursday in cases involving the DNRs authority to protect groundwater from pollution and overuse.

One case hinged on whether the DNR can limit the number of animals and require groundwater monitoring at a Kewaunee County dairy as conditions of a permit allowing the farm to nearly double its herd.

The other involved DNR permits allowing large-scale withdrawals of groundwater by farm operations in places where department experts had said new wells would put drinking water at risk and worsen problems of lakes and streams drying up.

Siding with environmental groups and the Evers administration, the courts majority ruled that, in spite of a 2011 law known as Act 21 that prohibits state agencies from taking any actions not explicitly authorized by the Legislature, the DNR has the authority to consider the environmental impact of wells and to limit the number of animals on a farm.
According to Brittanica: Critical race theory proposes that (1) race is a culturally invented category used to oppress people of color and (2) the law and legal institutions in the United States are inherently racist insofar as they function to create and maintain social, political and economic inequalities between white and nonwhite people.

Opponents of critical race theory sidestep an underlying issue, which is the incomplete teaching of history in our schools.

The traditional enemies of big government have become its staunchest advocates in their efforts to ban the teaching of critical race theory, typically taught at the college level.

Curiosity drove me to study the history omitted from my school and college days.

An excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning more is the book, Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James Loewen.

For an excellent current examination of the negative impacts of institutional racism on every person in our country, read The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee.
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.

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ERIC is the Electronic Registration Information Center, an organization made up of 30 states and the District of Columbia. ERIC members pool information about their voter lists to help keep them up to date. In 2016, the Wisconsin Legislature passed a law requiring the state to join ERIC and to abide by ERICs membership agreement. ERIC helps its members keep their voter registration lists current by identifying voters who may have changed their address, moved out of state or died.

ERIC identifies voters who have told another government agency that they have moved recently. They do this by comparing Wisconsins database of registered voters to records from the Wisconsin DMV, change-of-address data from the U.S. Postal Service, and records from other states to identify voters who may have moved. The membership agreement requires the WEC to contact those voters and let them know that if they have moved, they need to reregister at their new address before the next time they vote. The membership agreement does not require WEC to deactivate those voters.

Why is it important for voters who move to reregister before an election?
MCHD provides free car seat checks and education to families by a child passenger safety technician and also provides car seats to families that meet the eligibility requirements.

Early childhood health and nutrition

Beginning in the 1970s, programs such as The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) were created to offer nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, supplemental nutritious foods and connections to other community services in response to the growing concern over the health impacts of malnutrition on families living in poverty from doctors, researchers, public health and anti-poverty advocates.

Maternal and child health

A focus on providing resources and education to families in the early stages of parenthood has helped to improve maternal and child health. MCHD nurses recommend resources during postpartum or newborn home visits such as parenting classes, behavioral observation techniques and opportunities for parents to connect with each other in the community, which allows growing families to reach the appropriate milestones through the stages of life.

Control of infectious diseases
Top billing at the Viroqua Centurama celebration next month will go to the colorful pageant, which will be presented on Saturday night in the city park bowl. The pageant is now being written by Mrs. Ada Allness, and is in the process of completion. An expert dramatist will be here several days before the date of the centennial in order to start rehearsals and whip the cast into shape for the big event. This announcement maintains the standard by which Viroqua is conducting its 100th anniversary celebration, and the big production will highlight the program which is rapidly taking form. The spectacular pageant will be of historical local significance and its cast will probably include several hundred persons, who will be dressed in costumes similar to those worn by the pioneers of early Vernon County.
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.

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A criminal complaint has been filed in La Crosse County Circuit Court against a Fargo, North Dakota, woman accused of driving nearly 140 mph on Interstate 90 before running out of gas.

Amy Torres faces a felony charge of attempting to elude an officer and misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the complaint, a town of Campbell police officer was running radar checks on Interstate 90 and detected a westbound vehicle operated by Torres traveling 119 mph in a 70 mph zone. The complaint says the vehicle had no license plates.

After the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Torres reportedly accelerated and reached a speed of 137 mph before exiting onto Hwy. B. The officer briefly lost sight of the vehicle but located it again on Interstate 90 parked on the westbound Mississippi River bridge with its hazard lights activated.

The officer reported that Torres was visibly upset and crying. She reportedly told the officer she was visiting friends in Austin, Minnesota, but left after they began acting weird. She said she intended to return to Fargo but headed the wrong way on Interstate 90.

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Conditions include strokes, other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions.

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fitchburg will join Dane Countys only other standalone rehab hospital, 50-bed UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital, which opened in 2015 on Madisons Far East Side near UW Health at the American Center. That facility, a joint venture with UnityPoint Health-Meriter and Kindred Healthcare, replaced a 21-bed rehab unit at UW Hospital and a 16-bed rehab unit at Meriter Hospital.

Louisville, Kentucky-based Kindred manages the UW facility and employs most workers, though the medical providers are affiliated with UW, UW Health spokesperson Sara Benzel said. The average census is about 40 patients.

SSM Health does not have a standalone rehab hospital in Wisconsin and sends patients to appropriate services, which can include nursing homes such as SSM Health St. Marys Care Center in Madison, said Margo Francisco, SSM Health Wisconsins regional vice president of strategy and business development.
Attorney Dan Bach, who represents the Ericksons, called the property landlocked.

In April, Jack Erickson was ticketed for trespassing on the property.

What happened was that the Village of Mount Pleasant condemned, through their eminent domain authority, about an acre and a half of the Ericksons business property along the frontage road, Bach said. In doing so, they took ownership of that slice of property, the village did  that eliminated the Ericksons access to the 11 acres that they owned.

Officials from the village have declined to comment on this story. Because this is a matter pending with the CDA (Community Development Authority), the Village of Mount Pleasant cannot comment at this time, Claude Lois, Foxconn project director for the Village of Mount Pleasant, said in an email.

The payment of $1,599,400 is considered to be an Award of Damages.

The village paid what they decided was fair compensation  for the part that they took, Bach said. The Ericksons disagree with the amount of compensation.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday used a visit to a community college in Crystal Lake, Illinois, to highlight how his spending on so-called human infrastructure would boost 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 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.
OxyContin maker Purdue Pharmas plan to reorganize into a new entity that helps combat the U.S. opioid epidemic got a big boost as 15 states that had previously opposed the new business model now support it.

The agreement from multiple state attorneys general, including those who had most aggressively opposed Purdue's original settlement proposal, was disclosed late Wednesday night in a filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y. It followed weeks of intense mediations that resulted in changes to Purdue's original exit plan.

The new settlement terms call for Purdue to make tens of millions of internal documents public, a step several attorneys general, including those for Massachusetts and New York, had demanded as a way to hold the company accountable.

Attorneys general for both states were among those who agreed to the new plan, joining about half the states that had previously approved it.

In a joint online news conference Thursday, some of the attorneys general who signed on noted that their states are in line to get more money faster to fund drug treatment and prevention.

But they continued to express ire with the company and especially members of the wealthy Sackler family who own the company and have not accepted any blame. No one is happy with the settlement, New York Attorney General Letitia James said. Can the Sacklers do more? Hell yeah, they can do a lot better, but it should first begin with an apology.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein noted Thursday that the deal includes about $1.5 billion more than it initially did.

In a statement, members of the Sackler family called the support of more states an important step toward providing substantial resources for people and communities in need."

Still, nine states and the District of Columbia did not sign on. One of the holdouts, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson complained: This settlement plan allows the Sacklers to walk away as billionaires with a legal shield for life."

A 10th attorney general, West Virginia's Patrick Morrisey, opposes the deal on separate grounds: That his state would get shorted when the money is allocated. He reiterated that position Thursday.

Purdue said in a statement that it will try to build even greater consensus for its plan.

Purdue sought bankruptcy protection in 2019 as a way to settle about 3,000 lawsuits it faced from state and local governments and other entities. They claimed the company's continued marketing of its powerful prescription painkiller contributed to a crisis that has been linked to nearly 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the last two decades.

The court filing came from a mediator appointed by the bankruptcy court and shows that members of the Sackler family agreed to increase their cash contribution to the settlement by $50 million. They also will allow $175 million held in Sackler family charities to go toward abating the crisis.

In all, Sackler family members are contributing $4.5 billion in cash and assets in the charitable funds toward the settlement. They are not admitting any wrongdoing and no court has found any by a family member.

The agreement also prohibits the Sackler family from obtaining naming rights related to their charitable donations until they have paid all the money owed under the settlement and have given up all business interests related to the manufacturing or sale of opioids.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who had been the first attorney general to sue members of the Sackler family, praised the modified deal in a statement early Thursday. She pointed to the $90 million her state would receive and the way the company could waive attorney-client privilege to release hundreds of thousands of confidential communications with lawyers about its tactics for selling opioids and other matters.

While I know this resolution does not bring back loved ones or undo the evil of what the Sacklers did, forcing them to turn over their secrets by providing all the documents, forcing them to repay billions, forcing the Sacklers out of the opioid business, and shutting down Purdue will help stop anything like this from ever happening again, Healey said.

Purdue's plan also calls for members of the Sackler family to give up ownership of the Connecticut-based company as part of a sweeping deal it says could be worth $10 billion over time. That includes the value of overdose-reversal drugs the company is planning to produce.

Money from the deal is to go to government entities, which have agreed to use it to address the opioid crisis, along with individual victims and their families.

Most groups representing various creditors, including victims and local governments, had grudgingly supported the plan. But state attorneys general until now were deeply divided, with about half of them supporting the plan and half fighting against it.

The attorneys general who had opposed the plan said they didn't like the idea of having to rely on profits from the continued sale of prescription painkillers to combat the opioid epidemic. The revised deal lets state and local governments opt out of receiving those funds. Attorneys general also said the deal didn't do enough to hold Sackler family members accountable or to make public documents that could help explain the company's role in the crisis.

Last month, Massachusetts' Healey told The Associated Press, The Sacklers are not offering to pay anything near what they should for the harm and devastation caused to families and communities around this country.

The support from additional states comes less than two weeks before the deadline to object formally to Purdue's reorganization plan and about a month before a hearing on whether it should be accepted.

With just nine states and the District of Columbia remaining opposed to the plan, it makes it more likely the federal bankruptcy judge will confirm the deal.

Activists also dislike it, and two Democratic members of Congress have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to oppose it. Reps. Carolyn Maloney of New York and Mark DeSaulnier of California said in a statement Thursday that allowing Sackler family members to obtain legal immunity through Purdue's bankruptcy would be a tragic miscarriage of justice. The Justice Department has not weighed in.

Last year, the company pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges and agreed to pay $225 million to the federal government.

In a separate civil settlement announced at the same time, Sackler family members agreed to pay the federal government $225 million, while admitting no wrongdoing.

The opioid crisis includes overdoses involving prescription drugs as well as illegal ones such as heroin and fentanyl. Purdue's bankruptcy case is the highest-profile piece of complicated nationwide litigation against drugmakers, distribution companies and pharmacies.

Trials against other companies in the industry are playing out in California, New York and West Virginia, and negotiations are continuing to settle many of the claims.
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.
A drive through todays Bridgeport area, which sits just to the east of the Conestoga River and Lancaster city, and the word vibrant does not come to mind.

A jumble of roadways converge at an awkward intersection at East King Street, Old Philadelphia Pike and Lincoln Highway East. Businesses set pretty far back from the street, including Weis Markets, present parking lots as the way into them.

Any pedestrians or bicyclists seem like a fish out of water.

The Bridgeport Crossroads project aims to change all of that, and last week a steering committee of local officials presented their latest choice of design options to fix congestion and access issues, and transform Bridgeport into an attractive mixed-use district complete with a public transit hub and recreation amenities on the Conestoga River.

The report comes after a public input-gathering process took almost three years to complete, a sign of just how complex and ambitious the Crossroads project is. The projects consultants, led by Lititz-based Derck & Edson, gathered in-person and online survey responses from some 800 residents, according to the report.

But most of the complexity comes from the fact that the boundaries of four municipalities meet within the small area near the Weis Markets on Lincoln Highway East: East Lampeter, West Lampeter and Lancaster townships and Lancaster city. That has prompted local officials to collaborate and look at the area holistically, said Scott Standish, executive director at the Lancaster County Planning Department.

We cant solve our transportation challenges, or housing issues or stormwater management issues by looking only within a single municipality, said Standish. We really need to look beyond those boundaries.

The laundry list of design proposals released last week are just that  proposals. No municipality has yet to move forward on any of them, said Tara Hitchens, assistant township manager at East Lampeter Township, nor has the process begun to secure federal or state funding for them.

Theres some minor changes in here, but theres also some very major changes in here, said Hitchens. Some of them can be done at each municipal level, some of them were really going to need to work with our neighboring municipalities even further.

The report lays out a list of federal and state programs and grants as funding options, but Standish also pointed to talks in Washington of a potential infrastructure bill from Congress as a potential source of money.

The countys planning department staffs the Lancaster Countys Metropolitan Planning Organization, a group that works with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to decide which local projects receive federal transportation dollars.

Heres a breakdown of the major design plans featured in the latest Bridgeport Crossroads report, and which of them local officials at each municipality said were at their top of their wish list.

The Intersection

One of the more eye-popping design proposals is a total reconfiguration of the congested intersection at the center of Bridgeport.

According to traffic studies featured in the report, the intersection at Lincoln Highway East and Pitney and Lampeter roads, and the adjacent intersection at Lincoln Highway East and Old Philadelphia Pike both fared poorly at peak hours. They respectively scored D and C grades when it came how well the intersections could move traffic at peak times.

If nothing changed, the report predicts that delays would increase from an average of 53 seconds now to 81 seconds by 2037.

The new design for the intersection would replace a small stretch of Old Philadelphia Pike with a roundabout next to Weis Markets, which the report says would improve traffic flows and cut down wait times at lights.

In keeping with the desire for improvements for pedestrians, the roadways at the proposed roundabouts and intersections would include contiguous sidewalks that connect the entire area, something not in place today.

The intersection improvement is a top interest for Lancaster city, said Stephen Campbell, the citys public works director. He said the proposed designs would serve the many commuters from east of the city coming into work by bike and help city residents get access to jobs east of the city as well.

The big elephant in the room is the (East King Street) bridge itself, it needs to be widened, frankly, said Ben Webber, township engineer at Lancaster Township. It needs to have pedestrian facilities incorporated into it beyond the small sidewalk thats on the north side. Its something we would love to be a part of."

Amanda Hickman, director of community development at West Lampeter Township, said addressing the traffic congestion is a high priority for everyone involved.

Its also the most expensive, its going to be the most work, but you know thats the biggest concern, she said.

Walkable streets and transit

Pedestrian- and bike-friendly streetscape designs are evident throughout the report, but the planning consultants singled out Lincoln Highway East and some nearby residential streets as crucial sites for such improvements.

The consultants reported that the most popular plan from survey respondents for calls for Lincoln Highway East to create space for sidewalks by removing one of the lanes on the eastbound side, and creating a landscaped center median.

Hitchens said this project would make a good first project for East Lampeter Township, since it would complement recent streetscape improvements on Route 30 farther east.

The report also recommends similar strategies, like added sidewalks, landscaped medians and on-street parking to slow down traffic on residential streets in the area that motorists have increasingly used to bypass busy intersections.

The emphasis on sidewalks would also help establish the area as a transit hub, since several bus lines already run through it, the report says. The report proposes creating a bus transit center somewhere closer to the main Bridgeport intersection, and spacing out bus stops, since moving by foot would be easier.

Webber said Lancaster Township officials may incorporate some sidewalk improvements into a future capital budget if its board of supervisors approve such a move. Theyre small projects that could be done without help or funding from other sources.

We do want to undertake some of those things that are easily done and try to achieve those sooner rather than later, Webber said.

Conestoga River trail

The Bridgeport Crossroads reports also calls for a major expansion of trails along the Conestoga River. The proposal would connect the existing Greenway Trail and Lancaster County Central Park trails to a new path that continues up the river to the Conestoga Pines Pool. The trail construction would cost about $5 million, the report estimates.

The design includes connection points from local streets, providing multiple places for cyclists and pedestrians to enter the trail.

Webber at Lancaster Township and Hickman at West Lampeter Township both said the trail projects would require some coordination, but Hickman said they would be an easier lift than the intersection proposal.

Land use

Perhaps most ambitious of all is the reports recommendation to create a village center through zoning changes. The village center could include a central plaza thats both inviting to pedestrians, new retail and restaurants, as well as denser housing developments.

This would be achieved, the report says, by creating two new zoning districts: "village center and village mixed-use.

The proposed village center district would be located within a quarter-mile radius of the main Bridgeport intersection. That would encompass Weis Markets, and land along the Conestoga River to the north and south of the East King Street bridge.

The village mixed-use district would run mostly along East King Street and Lincoln Highway East, and the report recommends slightly different standards that include lower building heights and longer setbacks from the street.

Not only would those zoning rules completely change the look and feel of the area, it would also require careful coordination between the four neighboring municipalities, each with their own set of zoning ordinances.

None of the officials on the Bridgeport Crossroads steering committee identified the zoning plan as a near-term priority, but the report calls it a short-term goal that would cost about $100,000 to execute.

For now, the disconnected zoning is evident on the streets of Bridgeport, said Mark Evans, director of planning at Derck & Edson, at a public meeting last week.

As you drive through Bridgeport, or walk through Bridgeport, it may be hard to feel a sense of place because we have a lot of different zoning standards, Evans said.
The Pennsylvania State Police trooper who shot at an East Lampeter Township man during a traffic stop in early May was justified in his use of force, according to Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams.

The trooper shot at David Pratt, who hit the trooper with a vehicle when he was fleeing from a traffic stop on May 11, in the 1600 block of Lincoln Highway East, according to the district attorney's office. Pratt, 18, was initially the passenger of Honda Civic, which police pulled over at 2:20 a.m. after a cigarette was thrown out of the window, police said.

Pratt was "extremely nervous," the district attorney's office said. When he was asked for his name, he told police "D" and said it was short for Donovan.

According to Adams, the driver was talking with another state trooper at the back of the vehicle when police asked Pratt for his license to cite him with littering  a fine that ranges from $50 to $300.

Police said Pratt then slid over to the driver's seat and started the car.

One trooper said, "don't do it," according to the district attorney's office.

Pratt accelerated, hit the trooper, who then landed and hung onto the hood of the car, the district attorney's office said.

Pratt then drove on the shoulder of the highway with the state trooper on the hood of the car, police said. The trooper shot once at Pratt while on the hood before falling off the car, the district attorney's office said. He then fired six more shots at the vehicle  four as he fell off the vehicle, and two after he landed on the ground.

None of the bullets struck Pratt, who crashed the car, abandoned it and ran from the scene half a mile from the traffic stop, police said.

Adams used video captures from the trooper's cruiser to corroborate the trooper's version of what happened.

The Troopers belief that deadly force was necessary to defend himself and others from serious bodily injury both as the vehicle struck him and as the vehicle fled, was objectively reasonable and therefore justified under the law, Adams said in a news release.

Police arrested Pratt 15 days later in Lebanon, the district attorney's office said. At the time of the traffic stop, Pratt had a felony warrant for a robbery that happened in Lancaster County.

Pratt is currently charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault and one count each of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, fleeing and eluding, depositing waste on a highway, false identification and driving without a license, according to the district attorney's office. He's in Lancaster County Prison on $250,000 bail.

Pratt waived his formal arraignment on June 22 and has a status conference scheduled for August 5.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and other state and local leaders visited Community Action Partnership in Lancaster on Thursday to celebrate $30 million in additional funding for early childhood education in the 2021-22 state budget.

Wolf began his visit by joining kids and CAP employees playing a parachute game outside. He and state Education Secretary Noe Ortega each grabbed a handle and, on the count of three, lifted the parachute as several kids excitedly scurried underneath before the parachute slowly fell to the ground.

To begin his remarks, Wolf thanked CAP for letting him play a game I could actually play.

Here are three takeaways from his remarks, as well as what others had to say on the issue of early childhood education.

A critical investment

The $40.8 billion budget Wolf signed June 30 included about $311 million in early childhood education funding, which is a $30 million increase from the previous fiscal year. Those funds, the governor said, will allow an additional 3,270 children to enroll in Pennsylvanias high-quality early learning programs, Pre-K Counts and Head Start.

Over the past six years, the state has increased funding by $145 million for those programs, Wolf said.

Investing in early childhood education, he said, helps supports children at the earliest possible stage and sets them up for a brighter future, from improved performance at school and work to a healthier family life. It also supports parents looking for a reliable source of child care, he said.

Jan Bergen, retired president and CEO of Lancaster General Health and current Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission board member, said every child served by a high-quality early learning program yields an economic profit of $27,000, Bergen said.

The impact of early childhood education

Melissa Melicio, coordinator of resource stability at CAP and a Pre-K Counts parent, said its important to have a place to send her 3-year-old daughter, Kamilah Montalvo, where she knows Kamilah will be treated with love and care.

Kamilah is happy, Melicio, of Lancaster, said. Shes learning and shes thriving, and thats all we wanted.

Also in attendance was United Way of Lancaster County president and CEO Kevin Ressler and his daughter, Acacia. Ressler said the luxury of child care is underappreciated by many families, but the pandemic has pushed child care and early learning programs, particularly universal prekindergarten, back into the spotlight.

Too many families, he said, are stuck in a position where they dont qualify for subsidized prekindergarten but cant afford it privately.

Universal prekindergarten is the objective, Ressler said.

More work to do

Wolf said he supports universal prekindergarten but added that more funding, and higher wages for educators, need to happen before that occurs. Early learning programs, he said, have high turnover, largely because of the low pay.

Expanding access could be critical for thousands of Lancaster County families, CAP Lancaster CEO Vanessa Philbert said.

Lancasters CAP facility has 300 staff members and 40 classrooms, serves more than 1,000 students and has a wait list of nearly 150 children, Philbert said. Even now, she said, about 3,400 income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds lack access to high-quality early education programs.
THE ISSUE

A 2017 law written by Republican state Sen. Gene Yaw of Lycoming County enabled the sale and purchase of consumer-grade fireworks in Pennsylvania. That law was hailed by lawmakers as a boon to state coffers because a 12% fireworks tax was levied on top of the states 6% sales tax. But as LNP | LancasterOnlines Lancaster Watchdog column noted Sunday, the revenue produced for the entire state doesnt add up to a lot, even though the amount nearly doubled in the just last two years, according to the Department of Revenue. Sales taxes on fireworks brought in more than $14.4 million in the fiscal year that ended on June 3  a relative drop in the bucket given the states annual budget totals $40 billion. Just a small portion of the tax revenue from fireworks trickles down to first responders, divided among various emergency services grant programs and training efforts as stipulated under the 2017 law.

Its been clear from the beginning that the 2017 fireworks law is a dud, producing mostly sound and fury and not much fiscal or societal benefit.

Our dogs hate it. Fire chiefs, police chiefs, emergency responders and hospital doctors and nurses hate it.

And, as Elizabethtown Borough police Chief Ed Cunningham told LNP | LancasterOnline in an email, There are many in our community who have served in the military and who still carry with them the memories from their service. Fireworks are especially problematic for those members of our communities who are living with (post-traumatic stress disorder) and who are still sensitive to those loud explosions.

The 2017 law needs to be repealed. It has given license to Pennsylvanians who seem to believe that the Fourth of July isnt a single day but an entire season, which needs to be marked by a series of earsplitting explosions every night after the sun goes down.

Yaw, the author of the law, doesnt care.

Were not going to repeal it, Yaw told PennLive last week. Get over it.

Get over it? Is that how lawmakers are supposed to respond to the legitimate concerns of Pennsylvanians?

According to PennLive, Yaw accused municipal officials of not wanting to take on the job of enforcing the law.

They want to pass the buck, Yaw said. Its as simple as that.

Lancaster city officials werent seeking to pass the buck when, in 2018, they passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of fireworks on city property, including streets, sidewalks and parks.

Even under the excessively liberal 2017 law, there are limits: You have to be at least 18 to use fireworks, and they cannot be ignited within 150 feet of a home or any occupied structure  which makes setting them off in Lancaster city difficult.

Unfortunately, enforcement can be difficult and not because, as Yaw suggested, municipal officials have no interest. The police cant be everywhere  which can be frustrating to those like the letter writer in todays edition who states that police havent responded when called about fireworks being set off close to houses.

If consumer-grade fireworks werent so easily available in Pennsylvania, more people would settle for professional fireworks displays and the police would have fewer fireworks-related complaints to address.

Nevertheless, Yaw insisted that municipal officials dont want to enforce the law. They want someone else to do it. I hear it every year.

If he hears complaints every year, thats probably because the rest of us are hearing fireworks every year  on successive nights in June and July and sometimes on New Years Eve, too  and people are fed up.

We love fireworks when they are conducted by professionals who understand things like noise ordinances and safety.

Tragically, as the York Daily Record reported, a fire in a duplex in West York Borough last weekend killed one child and left another child and their two parents hospitalized. The apparent cause of the blaze, according to the borough police chief: negligent fireworks disposal.

In East Cocalico Township, a couple was displaced from their home Monday night by a fire. The cause, according to Reamstown Fire Chief Scott Achey: improperly discarded fireworks.

He said it was a long, hard battle to get the blaze under control. The home, valued between $400,000 and $450,000, is likely a total loss from fire, smoke and water damage, the fire chief said.

We are grateful the homes residents and firefighters were not harmed. But they could have been.

As LNP | LancasterOnlines Lancaster Watchdog column noted Sunday, Pennsylvania saw fireworks-related injuries nearly double between 2019 and 2020, according to the Allentown-based Burn Prevention Network. Nationwide, there were 15,600 emergency room visits for fireworks-related injuries last year, and 18 people died. Most of the injuries and deaths occurred within 30 days of July 4, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Safety issues make any revenue generated by fireworks sales seem especially paltry.

The dangers that these fireworks present far outweigh any revenue the state gained from them, Lancaster City Bureau of Police Chief John Bey told LNP | LancasterOnline. Its really just putting our communities at risk. ... Its not worth it if some child is struck by one of those Roman candles or someone loses a home or a whole city block burns down. Its just not worth it.

We completely agree.

So were heartened that some state lawmakers want to repeal the 2017 law, even if their proposed bill is a long shot.

For the past few years, I, along with many of my neighbors have been awakened at all hours of the night from the loud barrage of fireworks near my home, said state Rep. Peter Schweyer, of Lehigh County, in a news release in March introducing House Bill 988. This goes beyond the borders of Allentown. Many of my colleagues in the House from Philadelphia to Easton and Pittsburgh to Erie have all shared similar fireworks problems in their communities. This legislation would repeal the most recent changes made to the fireworks law and would provide all municipalities more power to enforce the law and help restore quality of life back to city residents.

HB 988 still is languishing in the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

Someday, perhaps, quiet fireworks  of the kind that, according to The New York Times, are the only ones permitted in one Italian town  will become the standard here. (Quiet fireworks are not a new invention, the Times noted in 2016. In fact, they are used routinely in classic firework shows as visual effects to accompany the loud bangs.)

In the meantime, those of us annoyed with the incessant fireworks ought to make some noise with our state lawmakers and urge them to consider supporting HB 988.

Lets make it clear that were not over it, and wont be anytime soon.
As far back as I can remember, long-term care was never a focal point in Pennsylvanias state budget negotiations. Year after year, education, taxes and Marcellus Shale were always the primary issues. But that changed this year when critical funding was prioritized to our senior citizens in nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted living communities. And that change came when long-term care needed it most.

Pennsylvanias long-term care continuum was combating a dire financial crisis before becoming the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Skyrocketing personal protective equipment, testing and staffing costs only compounded the problem. This year, our leaders in the General Assembly  including House Speaker Bryan Cutler, of Peach Bottom  stood up and ensured that more than $280 million in American Rescue Plan funds were allocated to an industry that truly needed to be rescued: long-term care.

This funding will help sustain essential care for tens of thousands of vulnerable seniors, and maintain employment opportunities for frontline caregivers. In all, it will sustain the long-term care system in the months ahead. And we look forward to working with our elected leaders on additional, pivotal investments that will cement the future of care for our seniors.

To be clear: COVID-19 hasnt disappeared. And neither has the financial strain placed on our providers on the front lines of the pandemic. But this year, our elected leaders took a historic step in supporting our fastest-growing demographic  senior citizens  and their providers of care. Thats something we should all support.

Zach Shamberg

President and CEO

Pennsylvania Health Care Association
Julian Assange Did Not Violate the U.S. Espionage Act and Should Be Freed

July 7, 2021 (EIRNS)Consortium News Editor-in-Chief Joe Lauria, the late U.S. Sen. Mike Gravels close friend and aide, and veteran journalist, today begins a six-part series on Julian Assange and the Espionage Act, which exposes it as a measure that was first challenged by Alexander Hamilton and other patriots. This is part of a growing mobilization to free Assange.

In modern times, Lauria reports that although several U.S. Administrations had come close to punishing journalists for revealing defense information, they all pulled back until the Assange case. The First Amendment to the Constitution prohibits Congress from passing any law, including the Espionage Act, that curtails freedom of the press. The case of Assange is the first time a publisher and journalist have ever been charged under the 1917 Espionage Act for possessing and publishing state secrets.

Bidens Justice Department, now led by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, has not reversed the Trump Administrations decision to seek extradition of Assange from British prison.

Lauria writes there is a long history of attempts to prosecute speech in America, citing the attempt of William Cosby, Governor of the British colony of New York in 1735, on territory that would become the United States. Cosby put John Peter Zenger, publisher of the New York Weekly Journal on trial for printing an article accusing Cosby of rigging elections. Though the judge ordered that Zenger be found guilty based on the libel law at the time (which criminalized criticism of the government even if true), the jury acquitted Zenger, arguing that the law was unjust. This historic jury nullification paved the way for the First Amendment.

Lauria argues that were Assange to be extradited and go on trial in Alexandria, Virginia, a jury ignoring the Espionage Acts unfair restrictions on press freedom could be Assanges best hope for an acquittal, or a successful Constitutional challenge of the law on First Amendment grounds. Though the Virginia colonial legislature had passed a Declaration of Rights in 1776 that included the line, The Freedom of the press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained but by despotic language, there was resistance to this and other parts of a declaration of rights being adopted at the Constitutional Convention. But after three years, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in December 1791, Lauria reports. The first of these rights says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021

Brzezinskis Nightmare: a Khyber Pass Development Corridor

July 7, 2021 (EIRNS)The United States/NATO occupation of Afghanistan, the latest, long trail of fruitless wasting of blood and treasure in that suffering country, is now ending. There is an alternative start to peace through economic development which could now succeed, if the sine qua non which Lyndon LaRouche made clear years ago goes into action. The great powers in the regionChina, Russia, and Indiaalong with the United States, must cooperate, not with their special forces but with their engineers and their credits, to support that success.

This was proposed by LaRouches Executive Intelligence Review in special reports already in 1997. It was sabotaged by regime-change wars throughout the region. Proposed again by Russia in 2014an Afghan region development concept reported by EIR in its 2014 special report, The New Silk Road Becomes the World Land-Bridgeit was again sabotaged by Russias expulsion from the G8 after the Ukraine coup detat. Behind this was the British intelligence Bernard Lewis Plan, adopted by Zbigniew Brzezinski as Carters National Security Advisor, to use this region as an Arc of Crisis permanent weapon of war and terror against Russia and China.

The Belt and Road Initiative, initially a Chinese land-bridge infrastructure project across Eurasia but now involving more than 100 countries, offers economic development advantages and prospects to Afghanistan, including the Taliban, if major nations in the region cooperate on them.

The obvious question is why the U.S./NATO occupation persisted for so long in blocking the government of Afghanistan from negotiating on the Belt and Road, when it clearly was open to this and in desperate need of development as we show here.

Railway-technology.com, the Belt and Road News, and The Diplomat have all recently reported on the agreement reached in February 2021 by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan for a railway to be built at an estimated cost of $4.8 billion from Tashkent, Uzbekistans most northerly major city and its capital, through Mazar-e-Sharif and Kabul, Afghanistan, to Peshawar, Pakistan. Uzbekistanthe initiator of the plan, according to The Diplomatproposed to ask the World Bank to make a loan for this fund, and that request was made in April.

Moreover, a Peshawar-Kabul-Dushanbe highway project was recently agreed upon between Pakistan and Afghanistan representatives. As a Pakistani planned project, called the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor as an offshoot of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, this plan dates to March 2015, when a feasibility study was begun.

If the rail and road developments are combined, effectively a north-south transportation and economic development corridor begins to be launched running from the main Eurasian Land-Bridge on the north, to the Indian Ocean on the south. This is true even though the core Kabul-Peshawar stretch through the Khyber Pass runs east and west. Tashkent will connect the corridor north through secondary rail lines to the dry port of Khorgos, Kazakhstan, on the main Eurasian Land-Bridge rail line from Lanzhou Port in China to Russia and Europe. Peshawar, via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), will connect the corridor directly to Pakistans growing port of Gwadar on the Arabian Seaand of course, back into Chinas southern industrial heartlands. Mazar-e-Sharif in the extreme north of Afghanistan is the only Afghan city with rail connections now, largely into Uzbekistan.

Within Afghanistan itself, this rail-road corridor would turn the northeast quadrant of the Afghanistan Ring Road into a protected part of that international corridor; and through Mazar-e-Sharif, it would connect the Tajik capital Dushanbe which lies to the east of that corridor.

The major economic powers must turn from tensions, charges and confrontations, and cooperate for this potential to finally allow peace and development in Afghanistan. The rail line from Peshawar to Tashkent and potentially north to Russia will have serious logistical-engineering challenges, which only the Chinese rail-building companies can solve. The World Bank loan will only be made if the United States agrees to support the plan, and then the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) can become involved in providing additional credit. And development along the corridor will require a lot of new electric power, which can best be nuclear plants engineered by Russias world-leading nuclear exporter Rosatom.

These are only the beginning of the needs for power, water management, transportation, and urgently now, healthcare. They are the way out of the constant Arc of Crisis warfare LaRouche first exposed in his 1998 classic video lesson, Storm Over Asia.
Compton College Honors Mae Thomas

At the March 16, 2021, Compton Community College District Board Meeting, the Compton Community College District Board of Trustees recognized Mae Thomas for her continued support of Compton College and the Compton Community College District. Mae Thomas has been a member of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees since 2003. During her tenure on the Board of Trustees, Compton Unified School District and Compton Community College District have expanded dual enrollment, established the Early College High School, and has partnered on many grants supporting student success.

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Congressional Black Caucus Celebrates 50 years of Servitude and Outlines Future Progressive Works

Wednesday, June 30, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) gathered to publicly fortify their legislative priorities as the House enters into a district work period. U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) led the assembly by highlighting the current development of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act (HR-4), legislation to establish a commission to study reparation proposals for African-Americans (HR40), and the status of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Joyce Marie Beatty serves as the U.S. Representative for Ohios 3rd congressional district. Since 2013, she has been in that position and more recently, she became the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in 2021.

The congresswoman opened the floor with reflection of what the Black community has overcome due to the focus and dedication led by movements and diplomacy fighting for human equality and justice. The Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus also emphasized the continual work that needs to be done.

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Beatty mentioned that June 30 marks the 50th anniversary of the CBC, stating, For 50 years, the Congressional Black Caucus has fought for and on behalf of Black people and the communities we serve. Just as freedom fighters took to the dark roads in the dead of the night to call for an end to racism, for the right to votewe continue to stand committed to the work ahead of us.

The Chairwoman of the CBC elaborated on the works she is overseeing within the committee and outlined topics that are looking to significantly change the quality of life within communities of color. Beatty stated, We stand before you prepared to advocate, to speak out, and deliveryou will not ask us who we are, tonight will demonstrate to you who we are, what we stand for, and how we plan to deliver 

The legislative priorities that were discussed during the meeting include the John Lewis Voting Rights Act (HR-4), legislation to establish a commission to study reparation proposals for African-Americans (HR40), and the status of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. However, there is a full list of focused legislation on the official Black Caucus website, open to the public.

The first three legislative priorities read as the following:

Creating a statewide process to revoke the certification of a law enforcement officer that has committed serious misconduct and strengthens the Tom Bane Civil Rights Act to prevent law enforcement abuses and other civil rights violations.

Extend universal access to full-day transitional kindergarten programs to all 4-year-olds statewide at no cost to families, while also implementing quality improvements to address the social-emotional and early academic development of young learners.

Establishes clear guidelines for police accountability and responsibility while demonstrating a duty to intercede and report when witnessing excessive force by another member of law enforcement. Specifically, this bill incorporates additional measures used to establish a peace officers duty to intercede, and provides certain outcomes for failure to intercede.

During the gathering on June 30, the CBC emphasized the work behind the John Lewis Voting Rights Act (HR4). This act would bolster voting rights by enlarging the governments capability to respond to voting discrimination.

This hyper attention to the fairness of voting came into effect after the voting rights of 1965. It was designed to guarantee that minority voters across the country were able to participate equally in the electoral process.

Congressman James Clyburn also spoke on the matter on Wednesday. Clyburn is a retired educator serving as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina; he has been the House Majority Whip since 2019. As the meeting dissected the imbalance in resources that took place in the past, Rep. Clyburn called upon all of branches of government to look towards the future of this country.

Another bill highlighted during the gathering on June 30 includes the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. According to cbc.gov, this bill was designed under the collaboration of Congresswomen Karen Bass and other members of the CBC. The legislation is a bold, comprehensive bill focused on addressing police misconduct and creating systemic changes in policing.

The bill was brought to the public again on May 25, the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd by Minnesota police officer, Derek Chauvin. Beatty stated on that day, Exactly one year ago, the world watched in horror as George Floyd was brutally murdered. While the former police officer responsible for his death has been convicted, that is not always the case. So, I will continue to say the names and fight for all those who have died or been injured senselessly by law enforcement, he said.

Chair Beatty continued, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Andre Hill, Casey Goodson, Jr., MaKhia Bryant, Tamir Rice, and George Floyd should be alive. Unfortunately, nothing will ever bring them back or undo the unimaginable heartache and loss their family, friends, and our communities have had to endure, but we can turn agony into action. The American people are demanding change, transparency, accountability, and equal justice. That is why I am calling on the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act immediately.

According to the press release about the bill, Rep. Clyburn stated, The lynching of George Floyd was a moment in history that ignited a historic movement that hopefully will help redefine policing in our nation. And hopefully, the conviction of Derick Chauvin for perpetrating this inhumane act will help restore humanity and accountability in the culture of policing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Floyd family today and always for the profound loss they have suffered.

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Another part of legislation discussed was the establishment for a commission to study reparation proposals for African Americans (HR40). This was initially introduced to the House in the beginning of the year in January.

The Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act proposes a bill that will examine slavery and discrimination among African Americans from 1619 to present day and will recommend appropriate treatments.

The commission will outline the role of the federal and state government had in supporting slavery and further discrimination and identify it chronic effects imprinted on the Black community due to those social imbalances.
Juxtaposing Juneteenth and July Fourth: Emancipation, Independence and Democracy Claims

Seba Malcolm said it, we saw it and history has proved it. Indeed, he taught that of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research. Likewise, Dr. W. E. B. DuBois stated that We can only understand the present by continually referring to and studying the past. Thus, he continues saying When anyone of the intricate phenomena of our daily life puzzles us, when there arises religious problems, political problems, race problems, we must always remember that while their solution lies in the present, their causes and their explanation lies in the past. Within this understanding, if we want to know about and solve the problems of the present: the Supreme Court decisions gutting the Voting Rights Act; police violence; gentrification; racial deprivation, degradation and oppression in various forms; and the hypocrisy of claims of commitment to diversity, democracy, equity and inclusion, we must refer to and study Americas past.

And, of course, the guardians of the gate to radical and meaningful social change do not want this. They dont want to be informed and reminded of the genocidal, enslaving and other oppressive ideologies and practices that went into the framing and founding of this country. They are against critical race theory, the 1619 Project, Black Studies, Ethnic Studies, and critical thinking which exposes and explains the racist roots and continuing costs and casualties of the American system. And they are against us and the freedom, justice, equity and real democracy we seek. They want the old system back of education as authoritative allocation of knowledge, really information, that idolizes Whites and turns the curriculum into one long, shameless self-congratulatory White narrative.

In such a maze of racial myths and self-medication on illusions, it is claimed that the union is not flawed, but is perfect and only seeks to be more perfect. Likewise, to such self-delusionary minds, there is no genocide against Native Americans, only the need to kill the Indian to save the man, leaving out also appropriation of their land and human and material resources. Also, in such a maze of founding myths, the enslavement of Africans was not Holocaust, but trade with perhaps humanitarian problems, in other words, business gone bad with collateral damage. Indeed, the resident racist rumor, no longer openly offered but still maintained in unexpected corners of the realm, is that the Holocaust of enslavement was a salvational project in both the religious and cultural sense. There are similar and ample idiocies, insensitivities and immoral beliefs and assertions about the dispossession and oppression of Mexicans and about the brutal labor exploitation, pogroms and immigration exclusion against the Chinese. Thus, it is in the history of this maze of racist fantasies, hatreds, hostilities, and state and societal violence that we find the sources of resurgence racism, deeply rooted in American history and of current patterns and practices of domination, deprivation and degradation of different and vulnerable peoples.

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It is our lived history and study of this history that informs our understanding of America and of the critical junction in our lives and struggle at which we now stand and think deeply about how to continue to move forward in the most ethical, effective and expansive ways. And we are confronted with the urgent demands of our time to continue the struggle, to keep the faith and to hold the line. For at each point there are retrograde and reactionary forces almost insanely anxious to reverse all gains weve made to create a truly free, just, equitable and democratic society.

Recently, there have been conversations which juxtapose Juneteenth and July Fourth and the claims of emancipation for one and independence for the other, given to one and achieved by the other. But there is an undeniable distance and difference between Juneteenth and July 4th. Indeed, there is a clear difference between granting Juneteenth status as a national holiday and paying reparations owed us, providing conditions and cultivating capacities for us to live lives of dignity and decency due every human being. I speak here of the right to security of person against systemic violence  police and vigilante, against voter suppression and other denials of freedom, and the right to adequate housing, healthcare, quality education, guaranteed income, and a clean environment, i.e., of land, air and water. In other words, there is a difference in granting national recognition to a holiday and conceding human rights of freedom, justice and equality to fellow human beings and between effusively sharing #hastag messages of solidarity and equitably sharing wealth, power and status at every level of social life.

As to be expected, then, this year the marking of July 4th came with critiques and reflections on a larger scale than the usual Black nationalist and radical community. Congresspersons, entertainers, athletes, everyday people and others spoke of the hypocrisy of the celebration, its racially exclusive origin and current meaning. References were made as usual to Nana Frederick Douglass roaring freedom in our minds as we barbecued, picnicked, danced and did beach things, telling us that the Fourth was/is their holiday and celebration, not really or fully ours. They can rejoice in their freedom, he said, but we must mourn the awesome suffering and loss of life of our people in enslavement, and continue and intensify the struggle for liberation. In a word, he said we must become in righteous anger and struggle the fire, the storm, the whirlwind and earthquake that radically reorders the structure and functioning of things.

Thus, Nana Frederick Douglass tells a White crowd in Rochester in New York, it would be a mockery of the moral and decent for him to celebrate their independence in the midst of our enslavement and oppression. He speaks of the savage hypocrisy of thought and practice attached to claims of independence and freedom for all when it is essentially for Whites and enslavement and oppression for us. He will not blind himself to the suffering of his people in enslavement, even if he is out of it, but not really free himself. For he realizes with his sister and companion in the liberation struggle, Nana Harriet Tubman, that freedom is indivisible and the escape of one or many is not freedom in its fullest sense. This is why Nana Harriet defied capture and a threatened horrible death if captured, and went back several times and worked tirelessly to free all of us. Go free or die was her battlecry; dedication, discipline and sacrifice for the liberation of our people was her chosen way of understanding and asserting herself in the world.

Malcolm, like Douglass before him, emphasizes our need to avoid embracing an infantile patriotism and celebration of a system of oppression. They call on us to reject holidays that cultivate forgetfulness of our oppression and resistance, divert the righteous discontent of the masses, and create a false consciousness of unity that covers up and denies differences and division on vital questions of freedom and oppression, life and death.

And they would point out the hypocrisy of a Senate and a country that can pass a bill to make Juneteenth a holiday and deny the full rights and protection of the vote for Black people. Indeed, it is easy to nationalize a Black holiday which, through their interpretation honors them as saviors and liberators, and perpetuates the stereotypes of us as grossly unaware, dependent and deserving of restraints and restrictions. And after all, its symbolic, not substantive. Thus, in the final analysis, it is not about Juneteenth or July Fourth, but about justice, freedom from oppressions of all kinds and freedom to live good and meaningful lives, and to flourish and come into the fullness of our beautiful Black, soulful and sacred selves. And to this, as our ancestors taught, we can sing to sunshine and celebrate all year round and even forever.

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Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.AfricanAmericanCulturalCenter-LA.org; www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org.
Mayor Garcetti Appoints Taelor Bakewell to Housing Authority Commission

Bakewell Legacy of Community Service In Good Hands

Taelor Bakewell represents a strong voice for the Black community as the newly commissioned board member for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). Bakewell pulls strength and motivation from her loved ones and incorporates that support into bigger strides for improvement within the City of Los Angeles.

With previous career milestones as senior crisis management specialist and official spokesperson for Southern California Edison (SCE), head of public relations for Taste of Soul, and digital director for L.A. Sentinel, Bakewell is looking to apply her experience towards her new role in HACLA.

HACLA was established in the 1930s, stemming from a local directive (No. 1241), and now has become the nations largest and leading public housing authority, providing the largest supply of quality affordable housing to residents of Los Angeles.

Familiar programs under the HACLA umbrella include collaborations with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), such as the HACLA annual Capital Fund, the annual operating subsidy, Section 8 administrative fees, and rent from the public housing residents. The annual budget according to the HACLA website is more than $1 billion.

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Additional programs HACLA provides includes, the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), the Homeless Program, Homeownership Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA), and many more.

The mission behind this community-based firm is to preserve, enhance, and expand deeply affordable housing and improving of life for Angelenos; their focus is on the people, place, and pathways to opportunity.

Those principles are completely aligned with Bakewells vision; she is set on empowering the people around her. Commissioner Bakewell was appointed to HACLAs Board on May 25, 2021. As HACLA looks to remedy concerns for those living below the poverty line, Bakewell will provide a balanced voice to amplify the needs of the community.

The newly commissioned board member reflected on her role and stated, It is such an honor to be a part of this commission, Bakewell continued, The body of HACLA does amazing critical work and I am so honored to have my voice in the conversation in supporting the needs of the underserved.

Bakewell was raised to embrace and be involved in her community. Following her upbringing, Bakewell became ignited by the improvements seen across her community and decided to follow that lane set by the Bakewell family name.

As senior crisis manager for SCE, Bakewell had to face strenuous circumstances directly. Through her experience, she has developed an energy of resolve and ingenuity to get through various circumstances that some perceive to be beyond repair.

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Prior to joining SCE, she worked in her family-owned businesses, which are also pillars in the Black Community. Bakewell earned her role as lead public relations for Taste of Soul, the largest street festival west of Mississippi. In addition, Commissioner Bakewell headed the development of LA Sentinels digital media department.

For most of her life, Bakewell understood what her contributions mean to the rest of the community. She is part of the next generation of her familys legacy and mission, making a difference for people in the Black community. Bakewell contemplated the impact of community involvement in her earlier stages of life. She stated, I come from a background where civil rights and community involvement is really important and I have a lens that allows me to look at this from a holistic perspectivelike Black people being impacted by housing. According to the L.A. Times, the unsheltered population reaches over 66,000 and over 25 percent of that community is Black.

The Commissioner of HACLA continued, I think Im coming from a really unique perspective; one that is ingrained in the community. I really want to make an impact in this space.

Bakewell elaborated on her familys footprints in the community; that is what fuels her love for what she does as commissioner. She stated, Working at the Sentinel, you get people from all walks of lifeso, I think that really prepared me to be a commissioner for HACLA and to have such a well-rounded perspectiveto really observe and understand the way different people live and how this city can impact how people live their lives.

As a Black woman lending her perspective to HACLA, Bakewell reflected on all the strong women who molded her for this moment. I have a really strong family. I look to my grandmother, Aline Bakewell, my mother, Tana Bakewell, my aunts, of course, my dad and grandfather, she said. Like I said, I have a really strong family that supports me in everything that I do and have always allowed me to be myself. When this opportunity came, they were incredibly supportive and told me they couldnt think of anyone better to do the job.

Bakewell stated that she is regularly researching and talking with her fellow board members to receive a 360 view of her projects and vision. She has attended several board meetings since her appointment. Bakewell explained she meets with members of the organization regularly. So far, she has felt extremely welcomed at the HACLA organization. She also shared her gratitude for Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti in seeing that Bakewell was seamless fit for the job.

Bakewell is a L.A. native who graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg School of Communications and Lusk School for Real Estate Development, in addition to also receiving her credentials in California realty. This prepared her to work on major real estate projects in the heart of South Los Angeles, Compton, and parts of Pasadena and up the coast of California.

As a strategist and business woman of color, Bakewells priority is to be an advocate for the collective culture, pulling from her roots of community-oriented organizations, such as the Brotherhood Crusade and Mothers in Action. The goal for Bakewell is to form a pathway for more resources to be available for improved quality of life for all.

Bakewell stated her mission, I want to make an impact. I want to move the needleand so, it takes that little bit of legwork but the support of my family and friends, along with seeing the impact on the community I love, gives me all the confidence to know that Im the best person to do this.
Mothers In Action Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

COVID-19

Mothers In Action along with Team Boze from The Los Angeles Department of Public Health Mobile Clinic hosted a Covid Vaccination Clinic at the offices of the Los Angeles Sentinel on Crenshaw Blvd. on Friday, June 25, 2021. The vaccination clinic administered the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 & up.

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We know the importance of providing access to COVID-19 vaccinations in the Crenshaw District to help ensure our young people can return to life, work, family, school and extracurricular in person activities safer, stated Tracy Mitchell, president of Mothers in Action

The next vaccine pop up will be held on July 16, 2021, once again in the Los Angeles Sentinel parking lot located at 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 from 10:00am  2:30pm. The clinic will be available for those who just received their first vaccination to receive their second shot as well administer a 1st shot to anyone looking to get vaccinated. Walk ups are welcomed but appointments are encouraged to help us prepare properly for the volume of people that would like to be vaccinated.

Those wishing to make an appointment should email [email protected] . Those scheduling an appointment will need to provide their name, phone number, date of birth and an email address. You can also call to make an appointment. Those wishing to make an appointment or if you have questions can call (323) 290-0456 both 2nd and 1st doses will be provided.

The majority of people receiving a vaccination at the June 25 event were youth preparing to return to school for in person learning in the fall.

Everyone vaccinated will receive $50 once 2nd shot is received and they were automatically entered into a $500,000 drawing.

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Mothers In Action would like to give a special thanks to Team Boze medical staff of LA Dept of Public Health, The Mothers in Action village of volunteers and staff that assisted with operating the site, their community partners at Council District 10 (Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas) and Council District 9 (Councilmember Curren Price) that provided in-kind support for the site and everyone who came out and participated in the event to ensure our community is safer and stronger as we begin to return back to normalcy and fight off the effects of this global pandemic.
Suzzanne Douglas : Actress from The Parent Hood, Dies at 64

According to Deadline and several different sources, it has been confirmed Suzzane Douglas, from Robert Townsends 90s sitcom, The Parent Hood, has passed away at the age of 64. Douglas death was announced on Facebook, by her cousin Angie Tee.

The NAACP Image Award-winning actress was best known for her role as the family matriarch, Jerri Peterson on The Parent Hood (19951999). She was acknowledged for her role as Amy Simms in the 1989 film, Tap a dance/drama project.

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Within the announcement, Douglas cousin wrote Suzzanne Douglas a beautiful and talented actress made her transition today, She continued, She warmed our hearts on movie screens and television sets all over the worldThe world will miss your talent but your soul will live on forever.

Director, Ava DuVernay also reflected on the award-winning starlet, and described her as a quiet, elegant force. They worked together recently on the Netflix featured project, When They See Us.

Revolt TV captured actor, Robert Townsends reaction to the news, Her regal bright light will be missed, The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Douglas appeared on television throughout generations, sculpting American prime-time television. Her most recent noted work includes Bones and The Good Wife. Other series Douglas graced with her presence include The Parkers, The Cosby Show, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, NYPD Blue, and Touched by an Angel.

Douglas also performed live, she embodied the role of Jenny Diver in The Threepenny Opera. Noting she was the first African American to take on that rolE; Douglas is a two-time Image Award winner, a Reel Award, and a Mary Martin Award recipient.

Douglas married neuro-radiologist Roy Jonathan Cobb in February 1989 and together they have one daughter. The segment will be updated as more information continues to unfold.
Unapologetically Fighting for Black Student Success // No. 2

Using Data and Research to Ensure the Success and Retention of Black Students

Being involved in students academic journey is one of the best parts of my job as President/Chief Executive Officer of Compton College. Many students set goals and find their path right away, but research shows that Black students are often left behind. In addition, the COVID-19 crisis exposed inequalities in education, and Black students were disproportionally affected; many were unable to continue their education due to loss of income, COVID-19 cases, the percentage of COVID-19 related deaths in our communities, and other factors. But the fact is, the success of Black students was already declining even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking a comprehensive look at the collegiate success of Black students requires a data-driven approach while also listening to our students to learn precisely what they need. In this second article of my Unapologetically Fighting for Black Student Success series, I will share data, highlight what we are doing at Compton College, and discuss how we can increase the retention and success of Black students today and into the future.

Reviewing the Data

After more than a year of dealing with the many challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, our students and our institution face new barriers in meeting achievement goals pertaining to student enrollment, success, and retention. Food and housing insecurity added to the stress of learning in a new virtual setting. Students faced limited access to technology, lack of support, a disconnect from their peers, isolation, fear, and more.

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At Compton College, the success rate of Black students was just 60% in spring 2017. This number began decreasing and by spring 2020, had fallen to 51%. Similarly, retention rates for Black students were at 77% in spring 2017, and by spring 2020, they fell to 68%. The success rate (-16%) and retention rates for Black men (-15%) showed an even more significant decline from spring 2017 through spring 2020. This data can guide our efforts to make changes by showing the need for support and intervention. An excellent place to start is within the Guided Pathways Framework. Research shows that the practices used within the Guided Pathways Framework can help students complete academic goals faster. In fact, community college students are more likely to transfer to a four-year college or complete a degree if they set an academic plan early on. The important part of this framework is that everyone in the college community plays a role in student success.

Prioritizing Funding

Now that we have researched and identified barriers and challenges, what can we do to ensure the success of Black students? It is time to prioritize their achievement by providing intervention and support programs. And this takes funding. Budgets are a statement of values: If we value Black student success, we build budgets that support student success. According to the report Follow The Money: California Systematically Underinvests in Black Degree Attainment, higher education investment is not equitable across racial/ethnic groups. California Community Colleges enroll the vast majority of the states students while also disproportionately enrolling Black and Latinx students. Yet, California Community Colleges are funded at lower per-student levels than Californias other higher education systems. In fact, the state invests half the amount per community college student compared to their counterparts in the University of California system.

The California state budget has new money available to fund basic needs and affordability, workforce preparation, and for diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, the federal government has provided colleges and universities with new financial resources. So far from the federal government, Compton College has received a total of $2.5 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding, of which $2 million was set aside to provide students with direct emergency aid, including grants for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. We are also accessing funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund of $6.3 million and the American Rescue Plan Fund of $11.5 million. In total, with the federal funding, we anticipate disbursing a total of $9.5 million in emergency aid to Compton College students.

If something is important, you prioritize it, and you fund it. As colleges and universities receive funding in these areas, Race-Consciousness decisions must be made in terms of how to serve students of color best. As defined by research from Dr. Frank Harris and Dr. J. Luke Wood from San Diego State University, Race Consciousness recognizes the realities of race for people of color and the ways in which institutional racism shapes educational access, opportunity, and success in both historical and contemporary U.S. contexts.

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Putting Information into Action

At Compton College, we are doubling down on our need to boost Black student achievement by hiring a director of Black and Males of Color Success funded for the first two years through the American Rescue Plan Funds. This new position will be integrated into our Guided Pathways Framework work and help ensure that Black and Males of Color students have support in all aspects of academic life. The director will also provide professional development activities for faculty, staff, and managers/supervisors. Our Males of Color Taskforce has also offered several recommendations that have already been established. However, much more work needs to be done. We have added a culture, diversity, and equity graduation requirement for all students. Working with the Compton Community College District Board of Trustees, we are examining our hiring practices to ensure an equitable process for managers/supervisors, faculty, and staff positions.

Since homelessness, unemployment, and food insecurity disproportionately affect students of color, this is an opportunity for Compton College to identify new ways to approach basic needs, including increasing emergency aid to students. We will also continue to provide free food delivery from Everytable and offer Uber Eats vouchers to students while working with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services to ensure eligible students sign up for the CalFresh food assistance program. It is also a priority to ensure all students have the technology (laptops and headphones) and access to reliable internet outside the Compton College campus. Finally, making sure students have access to the COVID-19 vaccine and mental health services through our partnership with St. Johns Well Child & Family Center.

Closing the Loop

So now we have data, we have programs in place, but what do we know about the Black students behind the numbers? Funding and supporting programs that provide personalized and targeted interventions are essential to student success. We see the success through our campuswide events, implementing the Guided Pathways Framework, and the emergency aid provided to students. However, we still have much more work that needs to be done in support of Black students. Not just at Compton College but also other California community colleges and universities.

As we utilize these new state and federal funds, we need to be thinking about all Black student success, not just a few hundred in a particular program. Offering a safe space for all Black students to pursue their education, so they have a chance to excel and be seen for who they truly are is an important goal for colleges and universities. They say it takes a village, and that is absolutely true. Black students need mentors, role models, and others to look to for guidance in their academic and career journeys. Its time for alumni to step in and help current students and hold colleges and universities accountable for Black student success. Its time for us to motivate and mobilize the village. I will continue this topic in my story next week.
UPDATE: CALTRANS PAUSES SALE OF HAWKINS BURGERS PROPERTY

Following a story reported in last weeks Los Angeles Sentinel regarding Hawkins House of Burgers and Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation has decided to pause the sale of the state-owned parcel of land in the hopes of resolving the land dispute with one of the City of Watts most iconic Black-owned businesses.

In a statement sent to The Sentinel on Friday, July 2, from Mr. Michael Comeaux  Public Information officer for Caltrans  District 7, Caltrans has leased land to the Hawkins House of Burgers for its parking lot since 2016 and has been working with the owner to resolve an encroachment issue caused when the restaurant extended its patio onto Caltrans property. Caltrans is pausing plans to sell the leased property through public auction, so we can work with Ms. Hawkins on a resolution to help prevent any disruption to her business.

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The dispute, which is over 530 square feet of land that Caltrans says impedes onto Caltrans property, has threatened to disrupt the 80-year-old business. But Assemblyman Mike Gipson and other local officials, including Supervisor Holly Mitchell and State Senator Steve Braford, have all joined forces to help prevent any disruption of the business.

To date, no resolution has been worked out but many community residents are encouraging both Governor Newsom and Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin to step in and find a resolution that would allow Hawkins House of Burgers to remain fully in tact with no disruption or modifications to its existing business operations.

The State of California has pledged millions of dollars to help serve and support local Black businesses that have been disrupted because of the pandemic. I cannot think of a better use of some of these funds than to allocate a portion of these funds to Cynthia Hawkins (Hawkins House of Burgers) to purchase the land and continue serving the community that she loves and loves her in return, stated Danny J. Bakewell, Sr.  Board Chairman, Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade and executive publisher of The Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper.
Why Black-led Banks Are Key to Driving Racial Equity

A message from JPMorgan Chase

Over the past month, racial equity has been a key part of our national dialogue as we observed the one-year anniversary of George Floyds death, the 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre and Juneteenth, the oldest nationally recognized commemoration marking the end of slavery in the United States.

The issue of racial equity also gained fresh momentum earlier this month after lawmakers passed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

At JPMorgan Chase, our view is that true racial equity will occur in our society when a persons race is no longer a key determinant in the opportunities that come their way. In examining the unique history of Black Americans, weve certainly made significant progress since slavery ended 156 years ago. Black people have reached the highest levels of achievement across virtually every walk of American life and have been major contributors to the richness and fullness of our society.

But its also true that if youre Black, youre statistically more likely to face an uphill battle in overcoming the persistent racial disparities that continue to impact virtually every aspect of life in this country, including wealth creation, life expectancy, career success, educational achievement, incarceration and more. This is what systemic inequity looks like, and future generations will face these same challenges unless policymakers and industry-leading corporations like ours take meaningful steps towards driving sustainable change.

The scope of this challenge is vast, and we recognize that rooting out systemic inequities in banking simply wont happen overnight. Tilting the financial services system towards racial equity, and even individual institutions within it, can be likened to turning around an ocean liner. The vastness of the challenge means that improvements wont be felt immediately and that itll take considerable time to see clear evidence that were moving in the right direction.

But that cannot be an excuse for not bringing the full force of our firm to meet this challenge head-on.

In an effort to do our part, last fall JPMorgan Chase announced a $30 billion, five-year commitment to advance racial equity with a focus on Black and Latinx communities. Were directing this commitment towards improving access to affordable housing and homeownership, capital and mentoring for small business owners, and growing our pipeline of Black talent across all levelsparticularly amongst our senior-most positions.

Driving impact through investments in Black-led financial institutions

Were making significant investments in Black-owned and Black-led financial institutions that provide critical services to underserved communities. Our $30 billion commitment included a $50 million investment in Black and Latinx-led Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CFDIs). With $40 million of that investment already deployed to Louisiana-based Liberty Bank and Trust, North Carolina-based M&F Bank, New York-based Carver Federal Savings Bank and Los Angeles-based Broadway Federal Bank, weve increased our total investment to $75 million which could generate access to as much as $750 million in community lending. Well expand our target to include Latinx-led MDIs and announce new investments this summer.

Were also committing talent to Black-led financial institutions. Through our Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) Fellowship program, which consists of college underclassmen, our students are assigned summer sprint projects in support of Black-owned businessesincluding banks. Since the programs inception in 2019, ABP fellows have helped Black financial institutions to better engage consumers through projects focused on digital marketing, market expansion, talent development and more.

We recognize that MDIs and CDFIs have earned the trust of their communities as a resource that provides access to loans for consumers and small businesses in many Black communities across the country. Theyre also a significant provider of mortgages in underserved communities and offer a crucial alternative to high-cost alternative financial offerings like check cashing services, pawn shops and payday lenders which are far too common in communities of color.

At JPMorgan Chase, we recognize that we need to do a better job of ensuring that our branches are reaching underserved populations, and supporting MDIs and CDFIs is another way that we can drive a positive impact by helping communities obtain vital financial services.

Today, there are 142 MDIs in the U.S. with a combined $288 billion in assets, with 20 of these institutions serving Black communities. There are also more than 1,200 CDFIs operating across the country. Overall, the last year has been a good one for Black-led financial institutions, with the National Bankers Association noting that an estimated $150 million has been invested in Black-owned banks since the George Floyd tragedy.

But our investment in MDIs and CDFIs comes as these critical institutions face a variety of challenges including a lack of sufficient capital, high overhead costs, limited digital capabilities, dated technology and resource constraints. To put the threat of these challenges into perspective, the Milken Institute notes that more than 25% of MDIs have disappeared over the last decade due to consolidation or insolvency.

To help MDIs and CDFIs build capacity and broaden their ability to invest in communities, we launched Empowering Change earlier this year, a unique program that will allow these financial institutions to offer new investment products to customers, boost their technological capabilities and develop new revenues through fund distribution.

The Empowering Change program, which was anchored by a $500 million investment from Google, includes a new Empower money market share class for distribution by MDIs and CDFIs across J.P. Morgan Asset Managements suite of money market funds. This will enable these Black-led financial institutions to attract investments from institutional clients who are looking to create a positive social impact. We are also donating 12.5% of revenue received from the management fees on Empower share class assets to support development in underserved communities.

Looking ahead, we fully expect that these investments will help drive a more inclusive economic recovery from the pandemic, which hit communities of color much harder than the broader population. If we are to succeed in driving true racial equity and generate sustainable wealth for Black communities over the long term, Black-led MDIs and CDFIs must play a critical role.

Brian Lamb is JPMorgan Chases Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion. Byna Elliott is the firms Head of Advancing Black Pathways.
Thursday, July 8, 2021

The South Carolina Supreme Court has disbarred an attorney who had used entrusted funds to keep his firm afloat despite full repayment

Respondent admits he transferred money from his trust account to cover payroll and operating expenses for his law firm from November 30, 2017, to July 13, 2018, in the total amount of $95,981.46. Respondent acknowledges he was using client money to keep his law firm afloat and states he always intended to repay the money. Respondent began to repay the trust account on June 26, 2018, and completely repaid the account on September 30, 2018. The trust account has been reconciled, and all monies are accounted for. Respondent has turned over all accounting and bookkeeping functions to a licensed Certified Public Accountant and has given all trust account responsibilities to another lawyer in the firm. Respondent has also completed the Legal Ethics and Practice Program Ethics School, Trust Account School, and Advertising School.

(Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2021/07/the-south-carolina-supreme-court-has-disbarred-an-attorney-respondent-admits-he-transferred-money-from-his-trust-account-to.html
Chinas most popular social media service has removed accounts on LGBT issues run by university students and non-government groups.

The removal has caused worry that the ruling Communist Party is increasing its control over some sexual content. LGBT means lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.

The founder of an LGBT group said WeChat told the account holders that they had violated rules. But the social media service gave no details. The founder asked the Associated Press not to identify her out of fear of possible official retaliation. She said many accounts were shut down late on Tuesday. And WeChat removed everything, including personal stories and photos of group events.

Tencent Holding, which operates WeChat did not answer an AP email asking for comment.

It was not clear whether the action was ordered by Chinese officials. It comes as the ruling party tightens political controls and tries to silence groups that might criticize its rule.

The Communist Party decriminalized homosexuality in 1997. But LGBT and other sexual minorities still face discrimination. While there is some more public discussion of such issues, some LGBT activities have been banned by officials.

Two years ago, Chinas legislature received suggestions from the public about legalizing same-sex marriage, reports the official Xinhua News Agency. However, it did not say if legislators would take action.

The government position is increasingly against LGBT issues, the founder of the LGBT group said.

The former operator of a different LGBT group for university students said the move was a bad sign. The former operator also asked not to be identified.

University officials asked students two months ago to close LGBT social media groups or to avoid mentioning their school names, said the LGBT group founder. She said universities in the eastern province of Jiangsu were told by officials to investigate groups for womens rights and sexual minorities to keep stability.

Research suggests there are about 70 million LGBT people in China, or about 5 percent of the population, reports state media.

One important LBGT group, Shanghai Pride, canceled events last year. It also canceled future public events without explanation after 11 years of operation.

More official control over internet companies

On Wednesday, Chinese officials also moved to tighten control over the countrys fast-developing internet industry. The government announced fines in 22 cases against companies including Alibaba and Tencent Holding for improperly expanding the market power.

In April, Alibaba was fined $2.8 billion for suppressing competition. Over the weekend, ride-sharing service Didi was ordered to change its handling of users information.

Chinese leaders worry that the companies are expanding into finance, health services, and other businesses. And the ruling Communist Party has said it will center on anti-monopoly enforcement in technology this year.

Im Susan Shand.

The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

account  n. a company's record of the products or services used by a customer and of the money that the customer owes or has paid to the company

retaliation  n. to do something bad to someone who has hurt you or treated you badly

decriminalize  v. to make (something that is illegal) legal by changing the law

fine  n. an amount of money that you pay as a punishment for breaking a law or rule

monopoly  n. complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area or market

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Some 130 countries have agreed on a worldwide minimum tax, an idea backed by President Joe Biden. The minimum tax is part of an international effort to keep multinational companies from avoiding taxes by moving their profits to countries with low rates.

The agreement was announced last Thursday. It is an attempt to meet the difficulties of the interconnected and increasingly online world economy.

The deal calls for a world minimum tax of at least 15 percent. This is important for Biden as he seeks to raise more money for his American Jobs Plan. Technical details still need to be worked out. It would be at least 2023 before the agreement takes effect.

The agreement was announced by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The agreement includes taxing part of the profits of the largest international companies in countries where they do business online, but may have no physical presence.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire called it the most important international tax agreement in a century.

In one-on-one agreements, countries led by France have already started enforcing online taxes aimed at U.S. technology companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook. The U.S. considers this unfair trade practice. Under the new deal, other nations would agree to withdraw those taxes in favor of the international minimum tax.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump placed taxes on French goods after the French said they would tax American technology companies. France has welcomed the Biden administrations push to reach an international deal.

Online giants must pay their fair share of taxes where they have activities, Biden said. There is no reason a small or medium business should pay more taxes than an online giant simply because its physically present in the country where it carries out its activities.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called it a historic day.

Yellen said in a statement that for tens of years the United States has been in a self-defeating international tax competition. She said the U.S. lowers its corporate tax rate only to watch other nations lower theirs in response. She said it has become a race to the bottom.

Yellen said lower rates take away money for building projects, education, and efforts to fight the pandemic.

Manal Corwin is a tax specialist at professional services firm KPMG, and a former Treasury Department official. She said the deal was largely complete and the agreement remained similar to the U.S. proposal. She said it was important for countries to remove their online tax agreements.

Under the deal, countries could tax their companies foreign earnings up to 15 percent if they go untaxed through reductions in other countries. This removes the reason to move profits since they will be taxed at home. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development says such tax avoidance practices cost countries between $100 billion and $240 billion each year.

Not all of the 139 countries that joined the talks signed on to the deal. Irelands Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said it had overall support for the agreement, but could not agree to the 15 percent minimum. He said the countrys 12.5 percent rate is a fair rate. Ireland said it would continue with discussions going forward.

Signers include Bermuda and The Cayman Islands, two tax havens, and major economic powers China and India.

More discussion is expected by the worlds largest 20 economies, known as the G-20. Finance ministers of the G-20 meet next week in Venice. A convention will be needed for countries to sign a multilateral agreement, although the minimum corporate tax could be passed by each country through their national legislation voluntarily.

Tax experts say that the voluntary method could work if it was passed by countries that have many multinational companies headquarters, such as the U.S. and Europe. It would send the message that profits made anywhere will be taxed at home up to the minimum.

In the U.S., Biden has proposed a 21 percent minimum rate on overseas earnings of big American companies to stop them from moving profits. Bidens U.S. tax plan must first pass Congress where the Democrats have a small majority.

Im Gregory Stachel.

David McHugh reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.

___________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

minimum  adj. least or lowest possible in amount or degree

giant  n. a person or thing that is very large, powerful, or successful

medium  adj. in the middle of a range of possible sizes or amounts

response - n. something that is said or written as a reply to something

tax haven  n. a place where people go to live and companies go to operate in order to avoid paying high taxes

multilateral adj. involving more than two groups or countries

voluntary  adj. done or given because you want to and not because you are forced to: done or given by choice
Dilip Kumar, one of Bollywoods most famous actors has died. The Indian actor died Wednesday in a hospital in Mumbai after a long illness. He was 98.

Kumar was known as the Tragedy King. He played many serious roles. In several movies, the characters he played died as a heartbroken lover or from too much alcohol.

He was known as Bollywoods only Method actor. Method acting is a way of performing in which actors closely identify with the characters they play. Many of Kumars performances were very emotional.

Kumar was hospitalized two times last month with trouble breathing. His family announced his death in a tweet with a heavy heart.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet, Dilip Kumar will be remembered as a cinematic legend. His death is a loss to our cultural world.

Amitabh Bachchan is another Bollywood star. He tweeted: Whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written, it shall always be before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar.

Kumar was given a state funeral. His body was covered by the Indian flag. He was buried in a Muslim cemetery in Mumbai.

Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, a Muslim, on December 11, 1922. His family is from Peshawar, in what later became Pakistan when the country split.

Kumar was very popular in Pakistan. In 1998, he was awarded Pakistans highest civilian honor. He is 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.

He changed his name as he began his work in Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry centered in Mumbai. His first film was Jwar Bhata, or Sea Tides, in 1944.

Kumars career lasted more than 60 years with over 60 films. His first major hits were Jugnu, or Firefly, in 1947 and the 1948 film Shaheed, or Martyr.

He played many different characters over the years. But his role as a Muslim prince in the historical film Mughal-e-Azam gained him worldwide fame.

The popular movie Aan in 1952 was his first film in color. It was also the first of many lighter roles, as he tried to change his Tragedy King image.

He starred in many social drama films like Footpath, New Era, Traveller, and Message in the 1950s. His last film was Fort in 1998.

Indian media reports say he turned down the part of Sherif Ali in David Leans Lawrence of Arabia in 1962. That part went instead to Egyptian actor Omar Sharif.

In 1994, he was given the highest honor for 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, the actor Saira Banu.

Im Dan Novak.

Ashok Sharma reported this story for The Associated Press. Dan Novak adapted for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

_________________________________________________

Words in This Story

tragedy n. a bad event that causes great sadness and often involves someone's death

role n. the part an actor plays in a performance

character n. a person who appears in a book, play, movie, or show

cinematic  adj. of or relating to movies

cemetery  n. a place where dead people are buried

era  n. a period of time that is associated with a particular quality, event, person, etc.

versatile  adj. able to do many different things

career n. a job or profession that someone has for a long time


The U.S. Navy is halting development of a high-tech weapon designed to fire projectiles at up to seven times the speed of sound.

The Navy spent more than 10 years developing the weapon, called an electromagnetic railgun. The cannon-like railgun uses electricity instead of chemical substances to fire projectiles.

A report released earlier this year by the Congressional Research Service stated that the Navy had been developing the railgun as a firing weapon to support U.S. Marines operations. The report said the development also centered on possible use of the railgun as a missile defense system.

The move to cancel railgun development comes as the U.S. Department of Defense turns its attention to the development of hypersonic missiles, The Associated Press reports.

Hypersonic is a term that relates to speeds of more than five times the speed of sound, also known as Mach 5. In addition to flying at extremely high speeds, hypersonic weapons are designed to move in ways that make them difficult to find and destroy in flight.

The U.S. military has been putting money into the development of hypersonic weapons in recent years in an effort to keep up with hypersonic military programs in China and Russia.

Matthew Caris is a defense expert with the private advisory company Avascent Group. He told the AP that the railgun is, for the moment, dead.

The halt in railgun development, Caris said, suggests that the Navy saw difficulties in implementing the technology. In addition, the Navy likely recognized that hypersonic missiles have higher performing abilities than the railgun, he added.

Lieutenant Courtney Callaghan is a Navy spokesperson. She told the AP that the Navy's decision will free up resources for hypersonic missiles, as well as lasers and other electronic warfare systems.

The Navy spent about $500 million on research and development of the railgun, said Bryan Clark, a defense expert at the Hudson Institute.

The railgun held the possibility of providing an effective weapon at a much lower cost than smart bombs and missiles. Using electricity, a railgun can fire a projectile at six or seven times the speed of sound, creating enough energy to destroy targets.

But Clark said the program experienced a number of problems, including the limited range of the railgun in testing. In addition, its usefulness for missile defense was also limited by range and rate of fire, Clark added.

Another big question was whether the gun could stay together during continuous firing, said defense analyst Norman Friedman.

A normal gun can be fired about 600 times before the barrel has to be refurbished. But the barrel on tested railguns, Clark said, had to be replaced after about 12 to 24 shots were fired.

A few years ago, the Navy was talking about putting the gun on the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson, the last of three stealthy destroyers. But now, the Navy is developing what it calls a hypervelocity projectile, which is designed to be fired from existing gun systems.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

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Quiz - US Navy Cancels Development of High-Tech Railgun Weapon Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

__________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

projectile  n. an object that is thrown or shot forward with force

cannon  n. a large, powerful gun, usually attached to two or four wheels, that was used in the past to fire heavy balls

implement  v. to start using a plan or system

barrel  n. the long part of a gun that is shaped like a tube

refurbish  v. to improve or restore something to working order

stealthy  adj. quiet and careful in order not to be seen or heard
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.

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Community-based sheltering

'Busiest day of the year': Local animal shelters see increase in strays around Fourth of July
Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com.
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Critical fire conditions are expected to extend into the weekend.

Temperatures rise in the Southwest

Some records are in jeopardy over the next two days across California and Nevada before the heat will crescendo into the weekend, with additional records likely to fall.

"For the most part regional temperatures remain 5-10 degrees above average through the remainder of the week. This trend will continue into the weekend with some daytime and even higher overnight temps either touching or exceeding record territory," said the weather service in Reno, Nevada.

By the weekend, the large ridge of high pressure over the region will expand, covering the southwestern US, leading to sweltering temperatures in central California, Nevada and Arizona.

"This will bring a trend up in temperatures into the weekend with atrocious afternoon temperatures topping out between 100 and 108 for valleys near and below 5000 feet for the weekend (versus mid 90's to low 100's prior to Saturday)," the weather service in Reno said.
Bill author Rep. Elijah Behnke, R-Oconto, said the bill, rather than focus on a single timely issue like the critical race theory debate, will allow parents more access. He said attending a small private school in his childhood allowed his parents to be connected to what was happening in the classroom and that is a connection he wants all parents to have.

Words change, culture changes, but a parent's right to raise their own kids the way they want to should never change, Behnke said.

Sikma said he didnt believe a bill like this would chill any teaching about controversial issues, a concern that teachers in some states have expressed in the wake of anti-CRT legislation.

If there's concerns that something might be taught that's controversial, then hiding it isn't the way to move forward, he said. Having a productive debate at the local level will be a far better approach for facilitating that buy-in from parents and from the taxpayers who are paying the bills.

Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.
What's open

City agencies currently open for in-person services

Assessors Office, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and 1600 Emil St.

Clerk's Office, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Engineering Division, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and 1600 Emil St.

Fire stations and administration office

Goodman Pool, 325 W. Olin Ave., and Warner Park Community and Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Dr.

Madison Public Libraries

Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr.

Parks Division, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and 1600 Emil St.

Treasurers Office, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Housing Operations Division, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, closed on Fridays

Human Resources, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays

Madison Police Department district stations, open 8 a.m. -4 p.m. weekdays

Madison Water Utility, 119 Olin Ave., open 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays for limited services

Metro Transit public office, 1101 E. Washington Ave.

City agencies open by appointment only:

Community Development Division, Economic Development Division, Planning Division, Metro Transit Bus Barn (open to vendors), Building Inspection, Plan Review and Zoning Counter (Walk-in available for traffic or housing complaints and access to public terminal), Department of Transportation's Divisions of Traffic and Parking

City agencies to reopen later in July:
In March, the federal government authorized the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to address the variety of needs that arose amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The act included $21.5 billion in funding for emergency rental assistance. Dane County received more than $12.5 million of those dollars to address local issues like evictions and housing stability.

In partnership with Dane County, Urban Triage has improved processes to assure the prompt allocation of funds to families in need of financial assistance for rental arrears, fees, and forward rent. We're eager to offer stigma-free and humanity-centered support to our community, said Urban Triage founder and CEO Brandi Grayson. This moment is historic for many reasons; most importantly, we are an organization for the people by the people, grassroots, Black-centered and community-based providing support for all, in partnership with Dane County. It's a big deal. We're excited.

In the months leading up to the release of the American Rescue Plan, both the county and the city sought organizations to partner with in the administration of the funds that would come from the American Rescue Plan. That, in turn, led to the partnership between the county and Urban Triage, which was chosen to be the helping organization after a competitive RFP process.
A high-profile trial pitting Epic  the maker of the widely played Fortnite video game  against Apple concluded in late May. A decision from the federal judge who presided over the month-long proceedings is expected later this summer. Epic's lawsuit against Google is still awaiting trial.

Although its app commissions are similar to Apple's, Google has tried to distinguish itself by allowing consumers to download apps from other places than its Play store. Apple, in contrast, doesn't allow iPhone users to install apps from any other outlet than its store.

But the lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges Google's claims that its Android software is an open operating system that allows consumers more choices is a sham.

The complaint contends Google has deployed various tactics and set up anticompetitive barriers to ensure it distributes more than 90% of the apps on Android devices  a market share that the attorneys general argue represents an illegal monopoly. What's more, the lawsuit alleges Google has been abusing that power to reap billions of dollars in profit at the expense of consumers who wind up paying higher prices to subsidize the commissions, and the makers of apps who have less money and incentive to innovate.
Poppino said Idaho court officials sought advice from a handful of other states, including Florida, New Mexico and Iowa, that were using dispute resolution tools, though not always for renter-landlord disputes.

Idaho has so far spent about $21 million of the $190 million received in federal coronavirus rescue money to help with outstanding rent, utility payments and other expenses.

But homeless advocates say documentation and a lack of internet access to participate in online court hearings have stymied many renters. Those evicted face a tough housing market as home prices and rents have risen sharply with Idahos rapid population growth.

Jesse Tree is a Boise nonprofit that provides rental assistance. Its executive director, Ali Rabe, said some renters owe thousands of dollars in rent dating back to the beginning of the pandemic.

From my experience, when landlords take tenants to court, they want to get paid, Rabe said. That will definitely continue to be a challenge.

Rabe said eviction filings in southwestern Idaho have averaged 20 to 30 a month despite the moratorium.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  The number of wildfires and amount of land burned in parched California so far this year greatly exceed totals for the same period in the disastrous wildfire year of 2020.

Between Jan. 1 and July 4, there were 4,599 fires that scorched 114.8 square miles (297 square kilometers), according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

In the same time frame last year, there were 3,847 fires that blackened 48.6 square miles (126 square kilometers).

By the end of 2020, a total of 9,917 wildfires had charred a record 6,653 square miles (17,231 square kilometers) and damaged or destroyed 10,488 structures. Thirty-three people were killed.

This year's increased wildfire activity, which has damaged or destroyed 91 structures, has been driven by hot and dry conditions, Cal Fire said this week.

The entire state is in the grip of drought, much of it classified as extreme or exceptional. After a dry winter and early heat waves, the landscape is covered in extremely dry vegetation.
A criminal complaint has been filed in La Crosse County Circuit Court against a Fargo, North Dakota, woman accused of driving nearly 140 mph on Interstate 90 before running out of gas.

Amy Torres faces a felony charge of attempting to elude an officer and misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the complaint, a town of Campbell police officer was running radar checks on Interstate 90 and detected a westbound vehicle operated by Torres traveling 119 mph in a 70 mph zone. The complaint says the vehicle had no license plates.

After the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Torres reportedly accelerated and reached a speed of 137 mph before exiting onto Hwy. B. The officer briefly lost sight of the vehicle but located it again on Interstate 90 parked on the westbound Mississippi River bridge with its hazard lights activated.

The officer reported that Torres was visibly upset and crying. She reportedly told the officer she was visiting friends in Austin, Minnesota, but left after they began acting weird. She said she intended to return to Fargo but headed the wrong way on Interstate 90.
Zuma will wear standard prison garb and will be eligible for parole after serving a quarter of his sentence, Lamola said. The prison will comply with rulings coming from the two court applications that Zumas lawyers have filed against his imprisonment, the minister said.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said it was pleased Zuma is in custody but criticized him for failing to abide by the deadline set by the Constitutional Court, thus continuing a pattern of disregard for the rule of law and for our constitutional democracy.

The foundation said it is profoundly disturbed by the willingness of Mr. Zuma to court public violence and lawlessness in support of political and personal agendas. ... This is extremely dangerous in the contexts of a country where the rule of law is under siege at so many levels. ... It is vital that Mr. Zuma and his supporters be held accountable every step of the way.

Amnesty International South Africa also praised Zumas surrender and imprisonment.

Due process must be allowed to take its course and the Constitution and the law upheld. Former President Zuma handing himself over goes a long way in showing that no one is above the law in South Africa, said Shenilla Mohamed, executive director of Amnesty South Africa.
By the time we decided to order the one dessert, creme brulee ($4) with seasonal berries, it was too late and the restaurant was closing.

The prices at Sunset Lounge are reasonable, with pizzas, wings and beer priced as they are elsewhere in the Union. And Sunset Lounge doesnt take tips.

Breneman said diners can instead contribute to the Student Employee Advisory Groups Student Employee Recognition Fund. Boxes for donations are available throughout the Union.

The logo on the menu says Sunset Lounge, established in 2014. Thats because The Shannon Sunset Lounge opened that year as an addition to the Union. The lounge is used for events, and can serve as an extension of the theater lobby during events in Shannon Hall, formerly the Union Theater.

Breneman said she anticipates that the Terrace will offer completely first-come, first-served seating once again, after July 31. The outdoor restaurant is a pilot they might bring back in future summers, she said.

And its certainly catching on, judging from the crowd the Thursday we were there. I tried to make a reservation for 6:30 p.m. and settled for 7:30. Booking is handled through OpenTable, accessible through the Unions website.
According to the complaint:

The man told police he had been driving on Union Street. He saw a Chevy Malibu turn in front of him from a side street. As he drove behind the Malibu he saw someone on the passenger side look out the window, then stick half of his body out of the car and begin shooting at him.

He said the gunman, later identified as Grant-Amos, was the same man he had seen earlier at the tobacco store looking at his car. The man said he had bought cigarettes and was sitting in his car when he noticed Grant-Amos, who had just walked out of the store, looking at his car as if to see who was in it.

He said he didnt say anything to Grant-Amos or his girlfriend, who he said was driving the car that pursued him, and neither of them said anything to him.

The man showed a police detective a photo from his phone of a group of people that he said included the person who had shot at him.

Grant-Amos state Department of Corrections probation agent also saw Grant-Amos in a security video screenshot from the tobacco store.
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.

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Wisconsin would receive around $65 million as part of a proposed $4.3 billion settlement agreement that Attorney General Josh Kaul and officials in 14 other states have reached with the Sackler family and their company, opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma, for prevention and recovery efforts.

The proposed agreement, still subject to a bankruptcy courts approval, would also require the company to be wound down or sold by 2024 and for the Sackler familys foundations to be handed over to an independent trustee to be used to address the opioid epidemic.

The $65 million that would be directed to Wisconsin if the proposed deal is approved represents about 1.76% of the funds available to the states for distribution from the bankruptcy proceeding. Under the agreement, the Sacklers would pay out the $4.3 billion over the next nine years.

Thousands of individual victims would also be paid as part of the bankruptcy process.

The Sacklers would also be permanently banned from the opioid business and would relinquish control of family foundations holding $175 million in assets to the trustees of a foundation dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis.
Last year, the Air Force chose the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing as the host of a squadron of the $90 million F-35 jets. The first jets are expected to arrive in 2023 and are set to replace the current fleet of 1980s-model F-16s.

Boosters of the squadron have touted the economic impact of up to $120 million in construction projects and dozens of new jobs associated with the jets.

Maj. Joe Trovato, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Air National Guard, said in an email the 115th Fighter Wing is 100 percent committed to being good neighbors. He said the new generation of fighter jets would help secure the future of the base and its hundreds of jobs for decades.

We understand that some in the community have valid concerns, but our hope is that we can work together as a community to address those concerns to ensure that bringing the F-35 to Madison is a win for everyone in the community, he said.

While deep opposition remains, particularly around pollution and noise opponents say will disproportionately affect low-income people and communities of color living around the airport, its unclear what  if any  action could stall or stop the jets arriving.
Donald Trump says fraud is the only reason he lost the 2020 election. Some even think Trump will be reinstated once the truth comes out. Anyone who finds this narrative at all appealing should take 30 minutes to read the investigative report posted last week by Michigan Republicans. Its only 35 pages.

The report is from the GOP state Senates Oversight Committee, which synthesized testimony from about 90 people, plus thousands of pages of subpoenaed documents. The committees chair, Ed McBroom, was a Trump delegate at the 2016 GOP national convention, and in 2019 he was a guest at the White House, looking on while Trump signed an executive order.

While the report identifies clear weaknesses in our elections system that require legislative remedy, it is unsparing about misinformation and innuendo. As Democrats regained power after the 2016 election, McBroom writes, they were quick to utilize all of it to spend two years chasing every conspiracy and specious allegation. He adds: I pray my own party will not repeat this mistake for the next four years.
The last 16 months have tested even the best-situated families. We at RISE Wisconsin have heard from participants in our programs that their stress, worry, anxiety, isolation and feelings of depression have been heightened during the pandemic.

We and our partner agencies have been on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 crisis, helping some of our most vulnerable neighbors. We all shifted quickly to virtually deliver crucial educational, employment, housing and mental health services.

Now that Dane County has removed restrictions, RISE is resuming and increasing in-person contact, including serving more children at our Respite Center, offering much-needed support to families.

RISE and our partner agencies continued our services in large part thanks to support from key partners. Dane County, Madison and United Way of Dane County maintained or increased their support. As the demand rose, the generosity of donors grew through unrestricted donations and philanthropy.

RISE is proud to provide a critical piece of the human services puzzle. As we move out of the pandemic, we know that community needs will not wane. Meeting the most critical needs for families will require the continued compassion and generosity of our community.

-- Scott Strong, executive director, RISE Wisconsin
BOISE  Gov. Brad Little is appointing an old ally to fill a vacancy on the State Board of Education.

Bill Gilbert  a Boise businessman who co-chaired Littles 2019 education task force  will succeed Boise business executive Andrew Scoggin on the State Board.

In the weeks and months to come, Little will have the chance to make two additional State Board appointments, further putting his imprint on a body that has far-reaching power. Idahos eight-member board wields a lot of influence in normal times  its one of only a handful of state boards that sets K-12 and higher education policy. And now, the State Board will have an important role as Idaho tries to reverse learning losses throughout the education system.

The board is going to be very important coming out of the pandemic, said Greg Wilson, Littles education adviser.

A known quantity

The co-founder of Caprock, an investment advisory firm, Gilbert rose to statewide prominence in the summer of 2019. Months after taking office, Little asked Gilbert to co-chair his Our Kids, Idahos Future K-12 task force.
BOISE  Residents of the small, remote community of Dixie are being evacuated as a wildfire threatens the area, the Idaho County sheriffs office said.

The fire, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of Grangeville, had burned about 11 square miles (28 square kilometers) early Wednesday afternoon. The National Interagency Fire Center said in a report that the fire was showing extreme behavior, driven by wind with embers starting smaller blazes.

Idaho County deputies told residents in the Dixie and Comstock communities to evacuate Tuesday, according to the sheriffs office Facebook page.

The main road out of the area was intermittently closed to allow fire equipment and crews to get to the fire, but was opened once every hour to allow residents to evacuate.

Dixie started as one of the oldest gold mining camps in Idaho. Today, the remote community is one of Idahos smallest, though it serves as a popular destination for hunters and recreationists.

Some homes were also threatened by a separate fire burning about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Dixie, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
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Safety is a top priority for St. Lukes, as is our obligation to protect our staff, patients, and communities from vaccine-preventable disease, Roth said in the letter to staff. Weve made meaningful progress with more than 77 percent of our staff members and providers across the health system fully vaccinated against COVID-19. But were still not where we need to be  as an organization or as a state.

For those instances when someone may not be able to get vaccinated due to a medical condition or strongly held religious belief, St. Lukes said it has an established process for requesting exemptions that follows the current guidance used for other required immunizations.

The decision to receive the vaccine can be difficult for some and I believe it is important that team members who have not yet received the vaccine are able to ask questions and gather all the information they need, Roth said. We will be providing information and resources via multiple avenues for our employees and providers to assist them.

St. Lukes will require all employees, providers, contractors, students and volunteers to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 1.

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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.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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The controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention over systemic racism (critical race theory) points to the politicized nature of Christianity from the beginning.

The earliest issue was whether or not to fellowship with heathens. By the time of the Reformation, the church had been on a 1,500-year quest to amass wealth and influence in the world through political means.

When modern nations enforced separation of church and state, the church asserted its share of power by trying to control matters like marriage and family life, crime and punishment, and the building of happy and healthy cities. These things it achieves by bringing more folks into the society of the church, teaching proper lifestyle, and promising life in the hereafter.

But the process of separation has gone so far that many evangelical churches today see the larger society almost as an enemy, and so they are late comers, if they arrive at all, to social improvement efforts like the civil rights movement.

Jesus himself, however, dove into problems and solutions dealing with all sectors of society. He taught a kingdom of God that emphatically requires individual civic involvement in the secular realm as well as effort in the church realm.

Kimball Shinkoskey

Wood Cross, Utah

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There are about 511,000 people who live in the 190 towns throughout Virginia. Stuarts population is 1,442, and Ridgeway has 708 residents.

County allocations generally are based on population, so if the same were to hold true for towns, per capita Stuart would get two estimated ARPA payments of about $865,000, and Ridgeway would be expecting $425,000. But that turned out not to be the case.

Our initial allotment was $365,000, but were only going to receive about $85,000 total, Ridgeway Mayor and Town Manager Craig ODer said. For towns the amount of money received is based on a formula that uses the towns operational budget.

The paperwork with it is very restrictive to the point you wonder if they want you to spend it.

ODer said Ridgeway is relying on the Virginia Municipal League to help guide proper use of the funds.

MiNet [Martinsvilles fiber optic broadband network] has actually reached the township here and serves our library, ODer said. Were exploring thatmaybe create a hotspot in the town square.

Stuart Town Manager Terry Tilley did not respond to a request for comment.
Hannah-Jones and Coates' Howard appointments are being supported by nearly $20 million donated by the 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."

Coates celebrated his return to Howard, which is his alma mater.

"I heard a wise man once say, 'A man who hates home will never be happy.' And it is in the pursuit of wisdom and happiness that I return to join the esteemed faculty of Howard University. This is the faculty that molded me. This is the faculty that strengthened me," Coates said. "Personally, I know of no higher personal honor than this."
PET scan of a human brain with Alzheimer's disease. Credit: public domain

A research team at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified potential new treatment targets for Alzheimer's disease, as well as existing drugs that have therapeutic potential against these targets.

The potential targets are defective proteins that lead to the buildup of amyloid in the brain, contributing to the onset of problems with memory and thinking that are the hallmark of Alzheimer's. The 15 existing drugs identified by the researchers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other purposes, providing the possibility of clinical trials that could begin sooner than is typical, according to the researchers.

In addition, the experiments yielded seven drugs that may be useful for treating faulty proteins linked to Parkinson's disease, six for stroke and one for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The new study, funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is published July 8 in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

Scientists have worked for decades to develop treatments for Alzheimer's by targeting genes rooted in the disease process but have had little success. That approach has led to several dead ends because many of those genes don't fundamentally alter proteins at work in the brain. The new study takes a different approach, by focusing on proteins in the brain, and other tissues, whose function has been altered.

"In this study, we used human samples and the latest technologies to better understand the biology of Alzheimer's disease," said principal investigator Carlos Cruchaga, Ph.D., the Reuben Morriss III Professor of Neurology and a professor of psychiatry. "Using Alzheimer's disease samples, we've been able to identify new genes, druggable targets and FDA-approved compounds that interact with those targets to potentially slow or reverse the progress of Alzheimer's."

The scientists focused on protein levels in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma of people with and without Alzheimer's disease. Some of the proteins were made by genes previously linked to Alzheimer's risk, while others were made by genes not previously connected to the disease. After identifying the proteins, the researchers compared their results to several databases of existing drugs that affect those proteins.

"They are FDA-approved, and all of the safety data on the drugs is available," said Cruchaga, . "With what is already known about the safety of these drugs, we may be able to jump directly to clinical trials."

Cruchaga said the team's focus on protein levels in key tissues has certain advantages over prior efforts to identify genes linked to Alzheimer's.

"The classic genetic studies of Alzheimer's have attempted to correlate genetic mutations with disease, but we know that genes carry the instructions to build proteins and that diseases such as Alzheimer's occur when those protein levels get too high or too low," Cruchaga explained. "To understand the biology of Alzheimer's disease, we should look at proteins rather than only at genes."

As an example, Cruchaga pointed to the APOE gene, which was first linked to Alzheimer's risk decades ago. But even after all this time, it still has not clear how that gene contributes to the disease.

"In this study, we were able to see that APOE alters levels of several proteins in brain tissue and CSF," Cruchaga said. "We also saw changes in proteins linked to another gene called TREM2 that was associated with Alzheimer's risk more recently. Understanding how the protein levels are affected by these risk genes is helping us to identify pathways that lead to disease."

Past research has helped identify about 50 genetic signals linked to Alzheimer's, but only a handful of the genes responsible for those signals have been found. Cruchaga said that focusing on protein levels in tissue may help reveal what's happening with the other 40-plus genetic signals that appear to be connected to Alzheimer's risk.

The researchers analyzed proteins and genes from brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma from samples gathered from 1,537 people in the U.S. The samples are stored at the Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University. Half of the samples came from people with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease; the other half came from study participants who are considered cognitively normal.

The researchers measured protein levels in the samples from the brain, CSF and plasma. Using statistical techniques, they then connected the protein levels to disease. There were 274 proteins linked to disease in study subjects' CSF, 127 in blood plasma and 32 in brain tissue.

They applied those findings and machine learning techniques to distinguish among the protein differences and zero in on some of the proteins that contribute to damage that leads to Alzheimer's.

"We have targetsalthough I'm not saying all of these targets are going to work or that all of the compounds we identified are going to stop the progress of the diseasebut we have a real hypothesis," Cruchaga said. "And we expect it may be possible to move from these genetic studies into real clinical trials quickly. That's a big jump."

More information: Genomic atlas of the proteome from brain, CSF and plasma prioritizes proteins implicated in neurological disorders, Nature Neuroscience (2021). www.nature.com/articles/s41593-021-00886-6 Journal information: Nature Neuroscience Genomic atlas of the proteome from brain, CSF and plasma prioritizes proteins implicated in neurological disorders,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00886-6
The U-shaped pattern (in green) visible in the skin biopsy of an EBA patient. Credit: UMCG/UoG.

Scientists at the University of Groningen have trained an Artificial Intelligence system to recognize a specific pattern in skin biopsies of patients with the blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. The pattern is characteristic of a specific variant of the disease which can cause scarring of the skin and mucous membranes and may lead to blindness. The new system is easy to use and is better than most doctors in making the diagnosis. A description of this AI system is published in the American Journal of Pathology.

In patients with epidermolysis bullosa, layers of the skin get detached, causing large blisters. There are different forms of blistering diseases affecting different layers of the skin. One of these, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), is an autoimmune disease through which a patient's own antibodies attack the skin. It usually starts around middle age and the blisters can form scars. Scarring on the skin may lead to limiting the movement of joints but scars can also form in mucous membranes. When this happens in the eye, for example, it may lead to blindness. Early diagnosis is required to prevent the damage caused by scarring.

Pattern

"At the moment, it can take months to years before the diagnosis of EBA is confirmed," explains Joost Meijer, a dermatologist at the University Medical Center Groningen and joint first author of the paper. Diagnosing EBA happens through skin biopsies, where fluorescent markers attach to the autoantibodies in the basal layer of the epidermis. This produces a serrated U-shaped pattern, typical for EBA. "However, you need to find and recognize this pattern in a relatively large microscopic slide," Meijer continues. The pattern may only be present in small parts of the slide. To give an idea of how small it is, if the microscopic image is digitized as a picture of 20,000 x 12,000 pixels, the pattern could only take up a 30 x 30 pixel space.

Meijer wrote his Master's thesis on diagnostic techniques to recognize this pattern. He then went on to study the problem in his Ph.D. research, in which he teamed up with fellow Ph.D. student Astone Shi at the University of Groningen's Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Shi, the other joint first author of the paper, works with Convoluted Neural Networks (CNNs), a type of system that works with deep learning and is particularly suited for pattern recognition.

Patients

"One challenge was that there is no standard training program for this particular pattern," says Shi. He had to find the best type of CNN and the best way to train it. "There are millions of parameters in these neural networks, and we had to find the ones that work best." Another problem is finding data with which to train the CNN. Patients with EBA are rare; at the moment, there are only around 5 to 10 patients diagnosed per year in the Netherlands. Meijer and Shi were able to use biopsies from 46 patients; 42 to train the networks and the remaining four to validate the system.

After training nine different CNNs and repeating the procedure 10 times, the AI system was able to recognize EBA with both specificity and sensitivity equal to 89.3 per cent. This is better than the numbers published by a group of pathologists and dermatologists, and just below the accuracy of a small number of highly trained specialists. Shi explains that "this means that our system outperforms most doctors." The reason for this is probably that the human eye only takes a relatively small portion of a microscopic slide into account. Meijer says that "observers get a first impression from this, and then search the slide for confirmation. The AI system analyses the entire slide, which results in a more accurate diagnosis."

European study

The main advantage of this digital system is that it would be easy to use. Meijer continues that they "envisage a system where you upload an image and then get a diagnosis from the AI algorithm." However, it could also be used to train doctors in recognizing the specific U-serrated pattern of EBA. Although the system worked well in this research project, the results need to be confirmed for a new, larger dataset. For this purpose, a prospective European study has been started. Meijer concludes that "it will take a year to collect the data of new skin biopsies, which will be able to validate the system. Hopefully, we will then have a quicker and easier way to diagnose EBA and prevent the sometimes debilitating scarring."

Explore further Gene finding to eradicate severe blistering disorder of the skin found in dogs

More information: Chenyu Shi et al, Use of convolutional neural networks for the detection of u-serrated patterns in direct immunofluorescence images to facilitate the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, The American Journal of Pathology (2021). Journal information: American Journal of Pathology Chenyu Shi et al, Use of convolutional neural networks for the detection of u-serrated patterns in direct immunofluorescence images to facilitate the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.05.024
Pharmacologist Ayman El-Kadi is encouraging clinical trials of six commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, to find out whether they can help prevent the most severe and life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19. Credit: University of Alberta

A University of Alberta pharmacologist is encouraging the trial of common anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin to treat the most harmful outcomes of COVID-19.

Most people infected with SARS-CoV-2 recover without serious symptoms, reported Ayman El-Kadi, professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, in a recently published academic paper. However, some patients develop inflammation in the lungs, causing coughing and shortness of breath, and a few develop hyperinflammation that can lead to organ failure and death.

Men, people over the age of 60 and those with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes are known to be more vulnerable to this hyperinflammation, El-Kadi said. COVID-19 can interfere with their natural immune response, causing their bodies to produce more inflammatory molecules than anti-inflammatory molecules. El-Kadi aims to interrupt this process using medications that have already been approved for other uses.

"Our idea is to either prevent the molecules that promote inflammation or increase the molecules that have an anti-inflammatory effect, and there are many drugs that are already on the market that modulate this," El-Kadi said.

"Rather than developing new compounds to treat COVID-19, which can be very costly, we can potentially repurpose existing drugs and use them to reduce or prevent the inflammation that is the cause of mortality."

Timing is everything

El-Kadi, who is also associate dean of research and graduate studies, has spent his career looking at how anti-inflammatory drugs interact with various diseases including cancer and heart disease. He recommends that clinical trials be carried out to assess the impact of these drugs on COVID-19 inflammatory disease. He would also like to see trials to deliver the drugs using nanoparticles that can be targeted within a patient's body.

"COVID-19 affects several organs, including the liver, kidneys and brain, but the primary target is the lung," he said. "Because the antibacterial molecules are fragile, by delivering them with nanomedicine we can make sure they are delivered to this target."

El-Kadi warned in a previous paper that anti-inflammatory medicines are not recommended early in the course of a COVID-19 infection because they can interfere with the body's ability to fight the virus, but he said they might be useful later if hyperinflammation takes over.

He pointed out that these drugs may have fewer side-effects than other front-runner COVID-19 treatments such as remdesivir and dexamethasone.

"These (anti-inflammatory) medications are very safe. Some, like aspirin, are even available over the counter," he said. "We want to avoid higher toxicity drugs, especially for high-risk populations."

Along with aspirin, the paper lists five other drugs that might be repurposed: the cholesterol drug fenofibrate, the antifungal fluconazole, an antibacterial agent called isoniazid, the nutritional supplement resveratrol and 2-methoxyestradiol, an experimental drug that has been used to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

El-Kadi was part of a U of A team that worked to develop a detection kit for the first SARS virus, a coronavirus-caused illness first identified in 2003 that eventually killed nearly 800 people worldwide. He said while vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been developed quickly, mutations make it unlikely the disease will disappear completely, meaning treatments will continue to be needed.

Explore further Repurposing rheumatology drugs for COVID-19

More information: Sherif M. Shoieb et al, Targeting arachidonic acidrelated metabolites in COVID-19 patients: potential use of drug-loaded nanoparticles, Emergent Materials (2020). Sherif M. Shoieb et al, Targeting arachidonic acidrelated metabolites in COVID-19 patients: potential use of drug-loaded nanoparticles,(2020). DOI: 10.1007/s42247-020-00136-8
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The highly contagious coronavirus Delta variant "is already circulating" in Brazil's most populated state, Sao Paulo, said authorities Wednesday in the country with the world's second-highest death toll.

The variant, which has boosted infection numbers even in countries with high vaccination rates, "is already indigenous, that is to say, it is already circulating in our environment in people who have not travelled or have had contact with someone who had been, for example, in India," said Sao Paulo's health secretary Jean Gorinchteyn.

The variant was first detected in India.

Brazil, where more than half a million people are recorded to have died of COVID-19, a toll second only to that of the United States, had until last week recorded just over a dozen isolated cases of Delta infectionsall in people returning from India, or who had been in contact with people who had been there.

On Monday, however, the city of Sao Paulo reported the first case of a suspected local transmission, in a 45-year-old man who had not recently traveled abroad.

Two more cases were reported in the state of Rio de Janeiro the following day.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday announced the world had crossed the four-million threshold of coronavirus deaths.

Brazil, with 212 million inhabitants, experienced a particularly devastating second epidemic wave between January and April due, largely, to the Gamma variant first detected in Manaus in the northern Amazonas state.

To date, the South American giant has recorded more than 526,000 coronavirus deaths. But the daily mortality rate has flattened in recent weeksfrom about 2,000 in mid-June to 1,600 last week.

The Delta variant, more transmissible than any previous strain, has already been found in some 100 countries.

Explore further Brazil Covid variant now dominant in Manaus: researcher

 2021 AFP
The vast majority of electronic health record (EHR) alerts attempting to reduce the prescribing of high-risk medications linked to dementia in older adults went unread in a study led by Regenstrief Institute Research Scientist Noll Campbell, PharmD, MS published in the June 2021 print issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Credit: Regenstrief Institute

The vast majority of electronic health record (EHR) alerts attempting to reduce the prescribing of high-risk medications linked to dementia in older adults went unread in a study led by research scientists from Regenstrief Institute, Purdue University and Indiana University School of Medicine. The goal of the intervention was to facilitate the deprescribing of anticholinergics through both provider and patient-based alerts, however, engagement with the alerts was so low, the study team was unable to conclude if this approach could be an effective method.

Anticholinergics are drugs which affect the brain by blocking acetylcholine, a nervous system neurotransmitter that influences memory, alertness and planning skills. They are linked to dementia and prescribed for many conditions common in older adults including depression, urinary incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson's disease. These medications are used by approximately one in four older adults each year, and nearly half of older adults have used this type of medication at least once in a five-year period.

Many medical groups have come out in support of deprescribing anticholinergics, but it is challenging to execute in an already busy primary care environment.

"Deprescribing is very complex and rarely prioritized over common medical problems during visits with primary care providers," said study lead author Noll Campbell, PharmD, M.S., research scientist at the IU Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief and assistant professor of pharmacy at Purdue University College of Pharmacy. "In this study, we used principles of behavioral economics in the design of EHR nudges directed at both providers and patients to promote the deprescribing of high-risk anticholinergic medications. However, very few of the alerts were viewed by either recipient, so we are now evaluating how we can change or improve this approach."

In this study, an alert let the provider know that the patient had high-risk anticholinergic medications prescribed in the medical record and offered alternatives to those medications. Alerts also prompted staff to play a video providing education about the medicines and modeling a discussion that led to a change in prescription for patients who were prescribed one of the target medications.

The research team conducted the cluster randomized trial in Eskenazi Health clinics and compared the medication records to the previous year to see if there were any changes. They found there were no significant differences in deprescribing between the control group and the intervention group.

During the course of the study, 85 percent of alerts to providers and 95 percent of alerts to medical assistants went unread, so study authors cannot conclude that priming patients and providers for the discussion is not a feasible strategy, only that the methods used in this study were not successful in reaching the target recipients.

"One option going forward is to experiment with different design approaches in EMR-based nudges," said Dr. Campbell. "Alternatively, a shift towards human-based interventions that can manage the complexity of deprescribing activities may be more effective at deprescribing high-risk anticholinergic medications. While we pursue the goal of understanding clinical implications, we are also cognizant of the scalability of interventions if there is clinical benefit realized by reducing these high-risk medications."

Dr. Campbell and his colleagues at Regenstrief are currently conducting a clinical trial designed to determine if stopping anticholinergic medications results in sustained improvements in cognition. This trial involves clinical pharmacists working with physicians and patients to switch to safer medicines.

Another study at the IU Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief is testing an app called BrainSafe, which provides information on anticholinergics to patients with the goal of leading them to initiate a deprescribing conversation.

"Multicomponent behavioral intervention to reduce exposure to anticholinergics in primary care older adults" is published in the June print issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Explore further AMA Internal Medicine commentary highlights opportunity to discover modifiable risk factor for dementia
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

UK residents returning to England from the United States and most European countries will soon no longer have to self-quarantine if fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the government announced Thursday.

The quarantine change will start from July 19, when the government hopes to remove virtually all coronavirus restrictions in England. The travel industry hailed the step as vital for its recovery.

However, the broader plans to ease social distancing, mask-wearing and other virus curbs face growing criticism due to a surge in infections of the highly contagious Delta variant.

Under the existing rules, British-based travellers arriving from "amber" nationsthe middle tier in the government's COVID-19 risk rankingmust quarantine at home for 10 days on their return.

The list of countries comprises various countries around the world, including parts of Asia, the United States and most of Europe including tourist hubs France, Greece, Italy and Spain.

Travellers will still be required to get tested 72 hours before departure and on the second day following their return.

Children, who are not currently being inoculated under Britain's vaccination rollout, will also be exempt from quarantine.

The change applies only to people who were vaccinated in Britain before travelling abroad. UK expatriates who have been fully vaccinated abroad, and non-residents, will still have to self-quarantine.

Announcing the change, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told MPs the government was still working on easing requirements for expats and foreign visitors.

The boss of London's Heathrow airport, John Holland-Kaye, called it "a much-needed boost to millions of people".

The airport announced plans Wednesday to offer fast-track lanes for fully vaccinated arriving passengers, launching a pilot scheme for people coming from selected destinations.

Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss said the airline expected the government would soon further relax rules for all visitors arriving into Britain.

"(This) will pave the way to restart of the essential transatlantic travel corridor, without which 23 million ($32 million) is lost each day from the UK economy," he added.

'Dangerous and unethical'

July 19 has been dubbed "freedom day" by some media as the government targets a major reopening, including scrapping a requirement to wear face masks in enclosed spaces.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson argues that a successful vaccination campaignwhich has seen nearly two-thirds of adults fully jabbedhas weakened the link between infections and hospitalisations and deaths.

But a group of more than 120 scientists and medical professionals have slammed the unlocking plans, calling them a "dangerous and unethical experiment".

In a letter to The Lancet medical journal, they cautioned that a hasty unlocking could leave thousands with long-term illness due to so-called long COVID.

"This strategy risks creating a generation left with chronic health problems and disability, the personal and economic impacts of which might be felt for decades to come," the letter said.

"Allowing transmission to continue over the summer will create a reservoir of infection, which will probably accelerate spread when schools and universities reopen in autumn," the signatories added.

Britain recorded nearly 32,600 COVID cases on Wednesday, its highest daily number since January. It is already suffering one of the worst death tolls in Europe, with more than 128,000 fatalities.

Explore further Heathrow airport to fast-track vaccinated passengers

 2021 AFP
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

France warned its nationals Thursday against travelling to Spain or Portugal on holiday because of a spike in COVID-19 cases caused by the highly contagious Delta variant.

France currently allows people to travel to all other EU members as long as they are fully vaccinated or present a negative PCR or antigen test on their return.

But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal.

"For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries."

Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation.

"We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures."

Germany already has a ban on incoming travellers from Portugal, where the Delta variant has become dominant. Only its own citizens or residents are allowed in from Portugal, and they must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.

Beaune said France was "closely following the situation in countries where the flare-up (in infections) is very fast," singling out the Spanish region of Catalonia, where Barcelona is situated and "where many French people go to party and for holidays."

Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable."

But Beaune's remarks caused alarm among French tour operators, who accused the government of sowing confusion.

"What do they mean when they say they 'advise against' (travel to Spain and Portugal)," the head of the Protourisme travel consultancy, Didier Arino, asked.

"Either you close the border or you say nothing," he said.

The Catalonia region this week reimposed curbs on nightlife to try to tame a surge in infections, especially among unvaccinated young people.

Nightclubs there will be closed from this weekend and a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination will be needed to take part in outdoor activities involving more than 500 people.

Last week, nearly half of Portugal's population was again placed under night-time curfews after the number of daily new cases topped the 2,000 mark for the first time since mid-February.

Explore further Spain's Catalonia reimposes COVID measures as cases spike

 2021 AFP
This transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 -- also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19 -- isolated from a patient in the US. Virus particles are shown emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. The spikes on the outer edge of the virus particles give coronaviruses their name, crown-like. Credit: NIAID-RML

The Delta variant is surging across the globe, and the World Health Organization warns it will rapidly become the world's dominant strain of COVID-19.

Delta is more infectious than the Alpha variant, and preliminary data suggest children and adolescents are at greater risk of becoming infected with this variant, and transmitting it.

Is this true? And with Sydney school students set to begin term 3 remotely, what's the best way to manage school outbreaks?

Let's take a look at the evidence.

Delta in children and young people

In the United Kingdom, where the Delta variant has been predominating since May, infections are rising fastest among 17-29-year-olds, who are mostly unvaccinated. Infections are also increasing in younger age groups, but at a lower rate.

Overall, increased transmission among children and young people may partly be due to Delta. But also, in countries like the UK, these age groups are most susceptible to infection because older groups have been largely vaccinated.

While we don't yet have data on the severity of illness in children associated with the Delta variant specifically, we know with COVID generally, kids are much less likely to become very unwell.

Research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found children clear the virus more quickly than adults, which might go some way to explaining this.

How is Delta affecting transmission in schools?

In 2020, face-to-face learning wasn't a significant contributor to community transmission in Victoria. Similarly, during the first wave in New South Wales, transmission rates were low in education settings. Concerns children may bring infections home to vulnerable family members weren't supported by the evidence.

However, the situation is looking somewhat different now with the emergence of new variants and varying levels of vaccine coverage in different countries.

There does appear to be more transmission in schools. In the week ending June 27 there were outbreaks in 11 nursery schools, 78 primary schools, 112 secondary schools and 18 special needs schools in the UK.

While outbreaks in schools are increasing, the vast majority of transmission still occurs in households.

In 2021 in Australia, there have been very few school infections with Delta. In Western Australia, where schools have remained open, an infectious case attended three schools but this didn't result in any school outbreaks.

During the current NSW outbreak, there have been several schools and early childhood centres with COVID-19 cases, and we have seen one outbreak at a primary school.

Although schools in Australia have largely been spared, transmission rates have been higher than we've seen with other variants. Almost all household contacts of cases are becoming infected.

In the recent Melbourne primary school outbreak, our research yet to be published showed that 100% of the household contacts of children who were infected at school went on to test positive.

Fortunately, testing, tracing and isolating were very effective in containing the outbreak, even with the Delta variant.

But these recent school outbreaks highlight why it's so important adults of all ages, especially parents and teachers, get vaccinated.

Should we vaccinate children?

There are benefits of vaccinating children, particularly teenagers. These include direct protection against the disease, but also reducing transmission to vulnerable adults and enabling continued school attendance.

The risks and benefits need to be carefully calculated in a low transmission setting like Australia. In terms of risks, emerging data suggest the mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna are associated with a very small risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining) in young adolescents and adults, particularly males. Although most cases are mild, it can be a serious condition and is being closely monitored.

The United States, Canada, and a few countries in Europe are already vaccinating children over 12. Australia's drug regulator is currently weighing this up.

For now, we should continue to vaccinate adults in priority groups. We have a long way to go to get the most vulnerable vaccinated first, and are still constrained by vaccine supply.

As we grapple with the benefits and risks for teenagers, it's also worth asking them if they want to be vaccinated and why. Many have been adversely impacted by the pandemic and are desperate to move on with their lives.

What should parents look out for?

With the Delta variant, a headache, sore throat and runny nose are now the most commonly reported symptoms among unvaccinated people.

These symptoms have eclipsed fever and cough, the most common symptoms earlier in the pandemic.

So it's imperative parents still take their children to be tested if they become unwell, even if the symptoms appear more like the common cold.

Where to from here?

When adults are more widely vaccinated and our borders open, school outbreaks will likely continue to happen. Even in places like Israel, where a high proportion of the population has received two doses, school outbreaks have recently occurred.

Australia needs a clear plan that outlines how best to keep schools open, while preventing transmission and keeping children and teachers safe during any outbreaks.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians last week called for a national plan to this end.

This should include school staff being prioritised for vaccination.

And until we have high vaccination coverage, there's evidence that well implemented school-based mitigation measures work to prevent transmission in education settings.

This could include a range of measures, adjusted according to risk, such as keeping non-essential adults off school grounds, mask use in high school students (and possibly primary students too), staggering timetables, reducing class sizes and improving classroom ventilation.

By monitoring the effects of new variants on children's health, coupled with detailed risk-benefit analyses, we will determine the best time for children and adolescents to be vaccinated.

In the meantime, parents and all eligible adults can do their bit to protect children and reduce the risk of school outbreaks by getting vaccinated themselves.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Transmission electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, isolated from a patient. Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH

In March of 2020, thousands of scientists around the world united to answer a pressing and complex question: what genetic factors influence why some COVID-19 patients develop severe, life-threatening disease requiring hospitalization, while others escape with mild symptoms or none at all?

A comprehensive summary of their findings to date, published in Nature, reveals 13 loci, or locations in the human genome, that are strongly associated with infection or severe COVID-19. The researchers also identified causal factors such as smoking and high body mass index. These results come from one of the largest genome-wide association studies ever performed, which includes nearly 50,000 COVID-19 patients and two million uninfected controls.

The findings could help provide targets for future therapies and illustrate the power of genetic studies in learning more about infectious disease.

This global effort, called the COVID-19 Host Genomics Initiative, was founded in March 2020 by Andrea Ganna, group leader at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki and Mark Daly, director of FIMM and institute member at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The initiative has grown to be one of the most extensive collaborations in human genetics and currently includes more than 3,300 authors and 61 studies from 25 countries.

Ben Neale, co-director of the Program in Medical and Population Genetics at the Broad and co-senior author of the study, said that while vaccines confer protection against infection, there is still substantial room for improvement in COVID-19 treatment, which can be informed by genetic analysis. He added that improving treatment approaches could help shift the pandemicwhich has necessitated large shutdowns in much of the worldto an endemic disease that is more localized and present at low but consistent levels in the population, much like the flu.

"The better we get at treating COVID-19, the better equipped the medical community could be to manage the disease," he said. "If we had a mechanism of treating infection and getting someone out of the hospital, that would radically alter our public health response."

Harnessing diversity

To do their analysis, the consortium pooled clinical and genetic data from the nearly 50,000 patients in their study who tested positive for the virus, and 2 million controls across numerous biobanks, clinical studies, and direct-to-consumer genetic companies such as 23andMe. Because of the large amount of data pouring in from around the world, the scientists were able to produce statistically robust analyses far more quickly, and from a greater diversity of populations, than any one group could have on its own.

Of the 13 loci identified so far by the team, two had higher frequencies among patients of East Asian or South Asian ancestry than in those of European ancestry, underscoring the importance of diversity in genetic datasets.

"We've been much more successful than past efforts in sampling genetic diversity because we've made a concerted effort to reach out to populations around the world," said Daly. "I think we still have a long way to go, but we're making very good progress."

The team highlighted one of these two loci in particular, near the FOXP4 gene, which is linked to lung cancer. The FOXP4 variant associated with severe COVID-19 increases the gene's expression, suggesting that inhibiting the gene could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Other loci associated with severe COVID-19 included DPP9, a gene also involved in lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, and TYK2, which is implicated in some autoimmune diseases.

Mari Niemi, also at FIMM and lead analyst for the study, says the consortium prioritized communication as the scientists analyzed data, immediately releasing results on their website after they had been checked for accuracy. The team hopes their results might point the way to useful targets for repurposed drugs.

The researchers will continue to study more data as they come in and update their results through the "Matters Arising" format at Nature. They will begin to study what differentiates "long-haulers", or patients whose COVID-19 symptoms persist for months, from others, and continue to identify additional loci associated with infection and severe disease.

"We'd like to aim to get a good handful of very concrete therapeutic hypotheses in the next year," Daly said. "Realistically, we will most likely be addressing COVID-19 as a serious health concern for a long time. Any therapeutic that emerges this year, for example from repurposing an existing drug based on clear genetic insights, would have a great impact."

A new space for genetics

Ganna emphasized that the scientists were able to find robust genetic signals because of their collaborative efforts, a cohesive spirit of data-sharing and transparency, and the urgency that comes with knowing the entire world faces the same threat at the same time. He added that geneticists, who regularly work with large datasets, have known the benefits of open collaboration for a long time. "This only illustrates just how much better science ishow much faster it goes and how much more we discoverwhen we work together," Ganna said.

Daly, for his part, is excited by how clear and interpretable their results have been for geneticists. He says the insights from this work have been unique and potentially paradigm-shifting for the field of human genetics, which has been dominated by studies of common chronic diseases, rare genetic diseases, and cancer.

"These discoveries have been really informative and that has made us realize that there's a lot of untapped potential in using genetics to understand and potentially develop therapeutics for infectious disease," Daly said. "I hope this sets an example for how we might bring population genetics approaches to a new set of problems that are especially important in developing parts of the world."

Explore further Genes and sleep apnea associated with risk for severe COVID-19

More information: The COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19. Nature. Online July 8, 2021. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03767-x Journal information: Nature The COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19.. Online July 8, 2021. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03767-x
Dr Philip Koch and Professor Friedhelm Hummel performing an MRI. Credit: F. Hummel (EPFL)

When blood flow to the brain is somehow reduced or restricted, a person can suffer a stroke. Stroke is fairly common; in Europe alone, there are over 1.5 million new cases each year.

Some strokes can be lethal, and when they're not, they often result in serious damage to the victim's ability to move. In fact, stroke is one of the major causes of long-term disability today. Recovery can be a long and arduous road. Again, in Europe, under 15% of patients achieve full recovery, leaving 3.7 million patients with persistent impairments. Clearly, this is a medical problem that needs to be addressed.

But rehabilitation is a complicated problem to solve. Strokes can occur in different parts of the brain, affecting different brain systems, and patients who undergo rehabilitation show a 'heterogeneity in outcome,' which is the medical way of saying that recovery can vary between individual stroke victims.

"The key is to find the optimal neuro-rehabilitative strategy to maximize individual treatment outcome," says Professor Friedhelm Hummel, a neuroscientist and Director of the Defitech Chair for Clinical Neuroengineering at EPFL's School of Life Sciences. "If we want to address these challenges in everyday clinical practice, we have to first enhance our ability to predict the individual courses of recovery" adds Dr. Philipp J. Koch, the study's first author.

Hummel has now led an international team of scientists into a new approach for outcome prediction that can significantly improve stroke treatment. Publishing in the journal Brain, they demonstrate a predictive method based on two powerful, cutting-edge tools: connectomes and machine learning.

The team included scientists from Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine (Professor Y.-H. Kim), University Medical School of Geneva (Professor A. Guggisberg), Inserm Paris (Professor C. Rosso), Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome (Professor G. Koch), and EPFL (Professor Thiran).

MRI-based techniques are used to determine the individual structural wiring of the brain (left) and the underlying connectome (middle). Features from this complex information is used to classify patients with high precision in the group who does show natural recovery or who does not show natural recovery (right). Credit: F. Hummel (EPFL).

What is a connectome? Simply put, it's a map of a brain's wiring. The term itself was coined independently in 2005 by two scientists (one from Lausanne's University Hospital) to describe the "blueprint" of how a brain's neurons connect to each other, evoking the concept of the genomehence, "connectome."

Connectomes are generated by analyzing multiple images taken from magnetic resonance imaging and reconstructing the brain's structural or functional wiring non-invasively and in vivo. Today, connectomes are indispensable tools for neuroscientists, especially when they want to interpret structural or dynamic brain data and associate them with functions, functional deficits, or recovery processes. In short, the connectome shows how the brain is wired to control the body and its functions, which makes them important for working out the best recovery approach for a stroke victim.

In the study, Hummel's group analyzed connectomes from 92 patients two weeks after the stroke, tracking connectome changes up to three months later while assessing motor impairment with a standardized scale. This allowed them to monitor connection changes in the individual brains of the patients while they underwent recovery.

The scientists input the connectome information into a "support-vector machine," or SVM, which is a type of machine-learning model that uses examples to map an input onto an output. SVMs are particularly useful for classification, where they tell things apart and categorize them appropriately, e.g. spam and non-spam email.

In this study, the researchers trained the SVMs to distinguish between patients with natural recovery from those without based on their whole-brain structural connectomes. The SVMs then defined the underlying brain-network pattern of each patient, focusing on those who were severely impaired to make predictions about their recovery potential, with the accuracy of each prediction cross-validated internally and externally with independent datasets.

The result is a cutting-edge tool of personalized medicine: a machine-learning system that can identify neuronal network patterns to make high-accuracy predictions on the outcome of recovery for stroke patients. "This tool can support the prediction of individual courses of recovery early on and will have an important impact on clinical management, translational research, and treatment choice," says Hummel.

Explore further Neurotechnology holds promise for chronic stroke patients

More information: Philipp J. Koch et al, The structural connectome and motor recovery after stroke: predicting natural recovery, Brain (2021). Journal information: Brain Philipp J. Koch et al, The structural connectome and motor recovery after stroke: predicting natural recovery,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab082
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

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 dosein 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.

Explore further Should COVID vaccines be compulsory for care home staff? Experts debate

More information: Editorial: Mandatory covid-19 vaccination for care workers, The BMJ, DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n1684 Editorial: Mandatory covid-19 vaccination for care workers,
Adam Jones, research coordinator for the Piglet Nutrition and Cognition Laboratory at the University of Illinois, settles piglet into a custom-built hammock. Credit: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

If you've ever been to an eye doctor, there's a good chance you've felt the sudden puff of air to the eye that constitutes a traditional test for glaucoma. It's no one's favorite experience, but the puff is non-invasive and harmless.

Scientists use a similar method to test learning and memory in animals and humans. Like Pavlov's classic experiments linking a neutral stimulus with a physiological response, the eyeblink test pairs a light or sound with a quick puff of air to the eye. With repetition, the animal learns to close its eye, or blink, in response to the light or sound only. It's called associative learning, and the response is ruled by a brain region known as the cerebellum.

While the eyeblink test has been around since 1922, it had never been attempted in pigs until now. In a new study in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, researchers prove the eyeblink test works in 3-week-old pigs, a model species for nutritional neuroscience research in human infants.

"The idea is, if we can improve structural development in the brain through nutritional interventions, it should take pigs fewer trials to learn the rule. We're in the process of assessing the nutrition piece now, but we had to get the test to work first," says Ryan Dilger, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois and co-author on the study.

Dilger specializes in the effects of nutrition on the developing brain, with much of his work feeding directly into the infant formula industry. He uses neonatal pigs because, unlike rodents, their brain anatomy and structure, gut physiology, and nutritional requirements are strikingly similar to human infants.

Dilger's team typically studies pig brain response to new ingredients through magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, which focuses on the structure and size of various brain regions. They also rely on well-validated behavioral tasks, such as novel object recognition, that reflect activity in the hippocampus and striatum, some of the brain regions related to learning and memory.

But Dilger wanted a tool to specifically assess cognitive processing in the cerebellum. That's when he turned to Henk-Jan Boele and Sebastiaan Koekkoek, eyeblink specialists and neuroscientists at Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands.

Although humans and all sorts of animals have undergone the eyeblink test, the behavioral paradigm had never been validated for pigs.

"For human and mouse eyeblink conditioning, we use completely different systems," says Boele, a postdoctoral researcher with dual appointments at Erasmus and Princeton University. "Humans are easy to instruct, usually are very cooperative, and sit still during the experiment, which makes it easy to deliver the puff and measure the eyelid. Mice are mostly head-fixed during the experiment, which makes it easy to deliver the air puff and measure the eyelid. Pigs, instead, were a challenge because we did not want to fixate their head. It was really difficult to reliably deliver the air puff and measure the eyelid responses.

"We tried video cameras, diodes, and all kinds of things, to capture the blink. And we had to use a piece of equipment to deliver the air puff that was very close to the eye to avoid any delays. We need really sharp, short puffs that are not invasive for the animal but are still very precisely timed. So that was a challenge," he says.

The solution was taping a short piece of air tubing next to one eye, and pasting magnetic sensors on the forehead and eyelid to record the blink. The system measured the eyeblink down to the millisecond.

And yes, Boele puffed himself in the eye to test out the system. It worked. "Oh yes, I blinked," he laughs.

To ensure the pigs had free head movement but didn't get up and run around, the researchers placed them in a custom-built sound-dampening box fitted with a pig-sized hammock.

It was apparently very comfy.

Sangyun Joung, a doctoral student in the Neuroscience Program at Illinois and co-author on the study, says, "Each pig had five days of training to habituate them to the hammock and the testing environment. By day three, they were very relaxed, to the point where some of them were literally falling asleep. That was a little challenge for us during the analysis, because that definitely influenced their responses. But it also told us this whole behavior paradigm is not stressful for them. For us, it was interesting and frustrating at the same time."

Once the pigs were used to the setup, the real work began. The pigs did a series of eight tests in a row. The first was the air puff only, to measure the eyeblink reflex. The next six tests paired a small blue LED light with the air puff. The light came on for half a second, 500 milliseconds, and right at the end, with the light still on, the air puff was delivered. That last part, with both the light on and the air puffing, lasted a tiny 50 milliseconds. The final test was the light onlyno puff.

The researchers repeated each set of eight tests five times on each of five consecutive days. The time between tests varied a bit to keep the pigs guessing.

"It wasn't just on and off, once per second. The system waits until the eye is in a stable place, and then repeats the test at random times so the pigs can't anticipate the puff," Dilger says.

But they did learn, over the course of the five-day experiment, to anticipate the puff. Pretty soon, pigs were closing their eyes at exactly the 500-millisecond mark during the eighth trialthe one with a light but no puff.

"The timing is perfect. If you look at the conditioned eyelid responses, you can see that the eyelid is closed exactly at the moment the puff would have been delivered," Boele says. "Just perfect motor timing, down to the millisecond. That's beautiful."

The research team learned something else about pigs they hadn't known before.

"We learned that pigs can just close one eye at a time; they can wink. We weren't sure about that, actually," Dilger says. "But because they are pigs, they will frustrate you all day long. Some pigs would just lay there with their one eye closed, which meant we couldn't use that that particular subject. They're smart creatures."

The eyeblink test specifically targets activity in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for making quick, unconscious predictions. These predictions relate to motor responses, such as where to step while you're walking; and cognitive processes, such as predicting what someone is going to say next in a conversation.

"The cerebellum is making short-term predictions all the time, continuously. It's essential to interact with our environment. When we think about learning and memory, often we think about really complex cognitive things, but most of our daily life behavior is just smooth, automatic interactions with our environment," Boele says. "In eyeblink conditioning, your cerebellum basically solves the problem for you. You don't have to think about it. It's making this short-term prediction, and that's what we are studying."

Pigs are born with a more developed cerebellum than human babies. That's clear from eyeblink conditioning tests Boele has done with six-to-eight-month-old infants; they don't typically learn the task at that age.

Unlike humans, pigs need to be able to make motor and cognitive predictions right away, since they can get up and walk around minutes after birth. When Dilger studies the pig cerebellum using MRI, which focuses mostly on structure, he typically doesn't see much change due to nutritional interventions. That's because the cerebellum is more developed at birth in the pig, which makes them a precocial species. But nutritional changes might alter the functioning of the brain region. That is what the eyeblink test will tell him in future studies.

"Often, function follows structure, but not always. Having a nutritional deficiency may show a deficit in eyeblink conditioning, this associative learning task," he says. "We want to be able to use a nutritional intervention as a relatively non-invasive way of understanding cerebellar development here."

Explore further New pig brain maps facilitate human neuroscience discoveries

More information: Henk-Jan Boele et al, Young Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa) Can Perform Pavlovian Eyeblink Conditioning, Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience (2021). Journal information: Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience Henk-Jan Boele et al, Young Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa) Can Perform Pavlovian Eyeblink Conditioning,(2021). DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.690019
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Patients with COVID-19 aren't filling hospitals anymore. Fears of bringing the virus home and infecting loved ones has largely passed.

For Bill Engle, though, a nurse at St. Mary's Medical Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, the emotional wounds inflicted by the pandemic remain close to the surface.

"If I start talking about it, and I start to think what it was like, then it affects me," he said, his voice cracking. "Every day going in to work and knowing I was going to be in that N95 and seeing these people struggle and how scared they were and the physical toll that they took, it was next level."

He is hardly unique.

Interviews with doctors and nurses around the region revealed a sense of relief over a waning pandemic leavened by fears that the virus could surge again. They use different terms to describe what almost a year and a half of being on the front lines of treating COVID-19 has done: Moral injury. Trauma. Burnout. PTSD.

"I think it's changed most of us forever or for a very long time," said Carla LeCoin, a maternal-health nurse at Einstein Medical Center, "whether it's how we practice, how we look at our upper management, how we look at the public, the government."

In the rush to tackle a new and frightening virus, health care workers were buoyed by urgency and a sense of shared purpose. But its easing has left them with time to reflect on the death and sickness they witnessed, the anxieties of long hours and insufficient safety protections. Now they wonder whether COVID-19 is truly in retreat.

"If you're living on that adrenaline rush for a while, and then that starts to go away, then the reality sinks in," said Marc Moss, a doctor and researcher at the University of Colorado who studies mental health in health care workers. "You can overcome a lot of things in the heat of the moment but it's still taking an emotional toll."

The consequences of burnout among health care workers go beyond their own well-being. It can lead to an increase in medical errors and worse quality care for patients, Moss said. That reality was one of the factors that led the health care field to focus more seriously on practitioners' wellness about two decades ago. Yet, the pandemic laid bare that work remains to be done.

Though COVID-19 cases have dropped in the region, drained health care workers must still maintain a busy schedule as hospitals face a glut of patients who had put off health care out of fears of contracting the virus.

"Even though the rest of society wants to return to normal we can't because, as we should, we have to continue to care for these patients," he said.

For some, the months of long hours and hard work were an impetus to unionize. Others have found relief by getting out of the hospital and doing community service.

ER doctors and nurses in the Philadelphia region have come a long way since those first terrible months of the pandemic (from February 2021)

It remains unclear what the lasting impact of 2020 and the early months of this year will be on doctors and nurses, said Michael Weinstein, a former trauma surgeon at Jefferson University Hospitals who now works for the Philadelphia nonprofit Project HOME providing medical care and runs group sessions for doctors experiencing burnout and depression.

"This is going to affect people for quite some time, almost along the lines of a 9/11," he said.

The burden of health care

Health care workers are at risk for anxiety, depression, and burnout in the best of times, according to a March paper that Moss coauthored in The Lancet, the British medical journal. Heavy workloads, little control over their schedules, and the weight of responsibility contribute to doctors and nurses' burdens. Severe burnout can afflict up to 33% of critical care nurses and 45% of critical care physicians, according to the paper.

"This is something that the pandemic of course shot into a totally different level," said Anthony Rostain, chief of Cooper University Health Care's department of psychiatry. "We went into a crisis layered on a crisis."

A survey from the medical publication Medical Economics released in September 2020 found that 65% of physicians polled reported feeling more burned out because of COVID-19.

Nurses tend to be open about discussing the hardships of the job and their emotional state, Weinstein said. Maureen May, president of Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), noted about 10 colleagues at Temple University Hospital who organized their own wellness retreat to the Poconos.

Doctors, though, are more likely to try to white-knuckle their way through hardship.

"Especially for physicians, we're supposed to be kind of superhuman," Weinstein said. "In the press we're called heroes and that can be a lot to live up to."

The pandemic also put health care workers in unfamiliarly painful roles.

When health care systems limited visitors to keep COVID-19 from spreading through hospitals, Moss said, health care workers suddenly found themselves as proxies for family, standing by the bedside of patients in their last moments so they didn't die alone.

Engle, the St. Mary nurse, experienced that.

The 58-year-old described an elderly man on a ventilator whose wife was allowed in the room with him because she also had COVID-19. She and Engle kept a vigil as the machines keeping him alive were turned off. The man died a few minutes later.

"Then we just sat there," he said, and he began crying as he recalled, "she just talked about him."

Isolation and long hours

A less obvious consequence of the pandemic for health care workers was isolation. Gone were team lunches and idle chats with colleagues. And while telemedicine received credit for allowing doctors to interact with patients without the risk of contracting the virus, several doctors said they found those interactions deflating, and at times unhelpful.

"While it's a benefit in some circumstances, in other circumstances you wonder if you could do better if you saw the patient in person," said Steve Permut, a family practitioner with the Temple University Health System.

Permut, who has begun seeing patients in person again, found it difficult to diagnose people virtually due to problems as simple as bad camera angles.

Weinstein, too, missed his patients. He frequently works with lower-income patients, many of whom don't have access to a computer. "Telemedicine felt, to me, demoralizing," he noted.

Seeing patients in person again has improved morale, he said.

Help for the helpers: Health-care workers feel more stress and anxiety than ever as coronavirus restrictions lift (from May 2020)

The PPE shortages, long hours, and intense workloads also led health care workers to question their relationship with their employers. Greg Battaglia, a medical laboratory scientist at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, said efforts to unionize were already underway when the pandemic began, but the experience gave the initiative new urgency.

"It absolutely jump-started it, for sure," he said.

He and many of his coworkers are burned out, he said, but that experience has made them push for better wages. Like health care workers across several hospitals, Battaglia said a lack of personnel contributed to long hours, with his lab logging 70- to 80-hour weeks during the pandemic.

A spokesperson from Crozer Health, which operates Taylor Hospital, said the lab is staffed adequately. The recently formed union is beginning its first contract negotiation, Battaglia said.

Engle and May both noted that their colleagues have been less quick to agree to work overtime or extended shifts.

"You can offer me all the money in the world and I'm not doing it." Engle said. "Not anymore. I want to enjoy life."

Rebuilding communities

Hospitals have recognized the need for mental health assistance for staff since early in the pandemic. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania created a web service to connect workers with mental health resources. Cooper created a resiliency program.

"I think what most people want from their occupation or their place of employment is they want to feel supported and they want to feel appreciated," Moss said.

Each person will cope differently, he said. Participation in an office softball league or finding creative outlets may help workers regain a sense of normalcy. Rebuilding community is key, Moss said, but may be harder to capture through formal support programs.

"People that you can talk to and understand what you've been through and kind of talk through some of the issues," he said.

Cooper's resiliency program includes peer support groups. Kelly Gilrain, Cooper's director of psychological services, acknowledged that burnout may not leave people with the energy to participate in wellness initiatives.

"People are just tired of being tired," she said.

Morgan Hutchinson, assistant medical director at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's emergency department, said she is energized by the vaccination effort. She has participated in Jefferson's mobile immunization clinics, which bring doses to undervaccinated neighborhoods. Doing something to prevent COVID-19 cases, rather than treating them, is a welcomed change, she said.

"Every vaccine you give is like, so rewarding, to be able to get one more person vaccinated," Hutchinson said. "It's definitely helped me avoid burnout."

Ongoing struggle

LeCoin, the Einstein nurse, loves going to the movies. Yet she still doesn't feel comfortable, and has instead settled for home screenings with friends.

"If I go and we are distant, how do I know once the lights go down, how do I know they're being honest and are truly vaccinated?" the 54-year-old said.

In her 33-year nursing career, she always believed that she could leave the stress at work. During the pandemic, though, the threat was everywhere. Her home no longer felt like a haven. Now she looks askance at anyone not wearing a mask, and wrestles with worries that the pandemic isn't actually fading, but is just in a lull.

Lately, she said, she can be short tempered at work, and has felt impatient.

"I just want to sit down and eat my orange, but I can't because I have to deal with you," LeCoin has thought.

LeCoin is a devout Christian whose efforts during the pandemic went beyond her job. She and her husband made and distributed masks, she said.

"it was important for me to help out where I could and to do as much as I could," she said, noting that as a Black woman she thinks about others in the Black community who haven't had her opportunities. "This is my legacy of being a person of color."

She is hard on herself, though, when she feels weary.

"I'm such a terrible person," she thinks. "I'm a terrible nurse."

But she tries to take a step back, and remember what she's been through.

"It'll give me a chance to just go to the bathroom, eat my orange, wash my face, just little boundaries, put boundaries on myself, as well," LeCoin said. "It's OK if you take that little 15-minute period away from being super-nurse and super-Christian."

Explore further Better mental health supports for nurses needed, study finds

2021 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Depiction of classroom transmission. The classroom has five groups of students who are considered close contacts. The index case (dark red) attends a class in which all other students are susceptible. The index case may infect some other students directly (medium red), and they may go on to infect others (pale red). Transmission can occur within groups and between groups (at a lower rate). Credit: Paul Tupper (CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

A new study examines factors that underlie COVID-19 outbreaks in schools and suggests that large outbreaks can only be prevented with regular monitoring of everyone in the school setting. Paul Tupper and Caroline Colijn of Simon Fraser University, Canada, present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS Computational Biology.

Data from around the world show highly varied outcomes for COVID-19 clusters in schools, with some settings having many large outbreaks and others having few serious problems. The factors underlying this variability have been unclear, as have the most effective strategies for preventing large outbreaks.

To better understand COVID-19 dynamics at schools, Tupper and Colijn used a mathematical model to simulate disease spread in the classroom. The simulations incorporated two factors that could affect outbreak severity: differences between infected individuals in how easily they can transmit the disease to others, and differences in transmission rates for different environments and activities.

The simulations showed that, in a classroom with 25 students, anywhere from 0 to 20 students might be infected after exposure, depending on even small adjustments to transmission rates for infected individuals or environments.

The researchers then simulated the effects of different protocols to prevent large clusters. They found that, in scenarios with high transmission rates, preventive actions (such as closing down a whole class) that only took effect after a student developed symptoms and tested positive were too slow to prevent large outbreaks. In fact, large clusters could only be prevented with regular monitoring of everyone in the setting, for example with pooled rapid testing on site.

"We found that waiting until a student develops symptoms and tests positive is too slow a response, even though this was the method used in many jurisdictions to prevent COVID-19 transmission," Tupper says. "Screening students without symptoms works quite well in our model and could also be applied in workplaces or shared living accommodations."

The scientists plan to incorporate additional data and expand their model to explore the best strategies to prevent spread after a case is detected, both in classrooms and other settings.

Explore further Researchers examine which approaches are most effective at reducing COVID-19 spread

More information: Tupper P, Colijn C (2021) COVID-19 in schools: Mitigating classroom clusters in the context of variable transmission. PLoS Comput Biol 17(7): e1009120. Journal information: PLoS Computational Biology Tupper P, Colijn C (2021) COVID-19 in schools: Mitigating classroom clusters in the context of variable transmission.17(7): e1009120. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009120
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Tunisia's health system has "collapsed" under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health ministry spokeswoman said on Thursday, describing the virus's affect on the country as "catastrophic".

On Tuesday alone, Tunisia recorded 9,823 cases and 134 deaths, its worst daily toll from the virus.

Hospitals in the north African country have seen a significant influx of patients over the past two weeks.

The country of approximately 12 million inhabitants has suffered nearly 465,000 cases and 15,735 deaths.

"The current health situation is catastrophic," spokeswoman Nissaf Ben Alya said, in an interview with a local radio station.

"The number of cases has risen dramatically. Unfortunately, the health system has collapsed," she said.

Ben Alya said hospitals are overwhelmed, and it is difficult to find available beds and oxygen supplies.

"The health situation will get worse if efforts are not united," she added.

Some bodies of COVID victims have been left lying in rooms next to other patients for up to 24 hours, because there were not enough staff to organise their transfer to overstretched mortuaries.

The health ministry's Facebook page said special field hospitals set up in recent months are no longer enough.

The government of war-torn neighbouring Libya said Thursday it had decided to close the countries' shared border and suspend air links with Tunisia for a week, in response to the coronavirus situation and the health ministry's announcement.

Since June 20, authorities have imposed a total lockdown on six regions across Tunisia, including Kairouan, as the number of COVID cases spiralled.

The capital Tunis has been placed under partial lockdown since last week, with weekend lockdowns from July 10 to prevent crowding at beaches.

On Thursday authorities extended those measures until the end of the month, and banned all travel between regions.

Across Tunisia, only four percent of the population have received the full two doses of vaccine.

Explore further Tunisia hospitals struggle with COVID 'tsunami'

 2021 AFP
Ambassador of Belarus V.Bril meets Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the leadership of several ministries of Nigeria

On July 7, 2021, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Federal Republic of Nigeria Vyacheslav Bril met with the Secretary to the Federation of Nigeria Boss Mustapha. During the meeting, a wide range of issues of Belarusian-Nigerian cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, oil production and oil refining, were discussed. The Nigerian side expressed interest in developing cooperation with the Republic of Belarus in the above areas, as well as in the field of education and information and communication technologies. B.Mustapha positively noted the fact of the signing by the Belarusian side of memorandums of cooperation with the Nigerian states of Benue, Imo and Ekiti, as well as the efforts of the Belarus Embassy to establish cooperation between the two countries in the field of vocational education within the framework of the memorandum of cooperation with the National Directorate for Employment of Nigeria.

During the meeting of Ambassador V.Bril with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nigeria Muhammad Sabo Nanono, issues of expanding cooperation between the countries in the field of agriculture were considered. The Belarusian side conveyed to M.S.Nanon an invitation on behalf of the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus P.Parkhomchik to visit Belarus to get acquainted with the industrial potential in the production of agricultural machinery and equipment.

The Ambassador of Belarus also met with the Minister of Internal Affairs of Nigeria Rauf Aregbesola. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of cooperation between Belarus and Nigeria in the field of security, civil defense and prevention of emergencies, including an exchange of visits by delegations of relevant ministries.

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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.

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Weve been living on our parents and grandparents infrastructure for far too long, he said.

Starting about a month ago, Tester recalled, five Democrats and five Republicans in the U.S. Senate got together and negotiated an infrastructure bill. In late June, President Joe Biden endorsed the plan, saying it would create millions of jobs. The final language of the bill could be released soon and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer could bring the bill to the floor later this month.

This is truly a once-in-a-century investment in infrastructure in this country, Tester said. It will be one of the most impactful non-emergency bills, once its passed, in this nations history. And as I said before, its urgently needed. It will provide significant investment in Montanas roads, bridges, airports and water infrastructure.

The bill would improve broadband connectivity and create good-paying jobs in both rural and urban parts of the state, Tester said. It would create new spending on top of existing baseline infrastructure allocations.

Details are still scarce, but Tester said it would be funded in part by stricter enforcement of tax collections on the ultra-wealthy and a host of other revenue-increasing provisions.
Missoulians woke up to a blanket of hazy skies Thursday morning that is expected to linger in the area for at least a few days.

Smoke from wildfires in Idaho and Washington moved into the region Wednesday evening.

If youre thinking its too soon, you are correct. This is way too soon, said Missoula air quality specialist Sarah Coefield in a news release on Thursday.

Missoulas air quality was at a "moderate" level Thursday, while Frenchtown and Seeley Lake were designated as unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the release. In those areas, children and the elderly, and people with heart or lung disease, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider.

Air quality conditions should improve Thursday evening and into Friday as smoke lifts out of the valley, Coefield said, but well likely still have some haze.

If we see smoke into the evening hours, it may settle in the valleys overnight like it did last night. Overall tomorrows air quality should be better than todays.
Toyota will not seek refunds of contributions it already has made, spokesman Scott Vazin said Thursday in an email. He said the company hasn't decided if or when it will resume the contributions.

Immediately after Toyota's spending was reported, the company defended it, saying it did not believe its appropriate to judge legislators based only on their electoral certification vote.

The company took input from employees and government officials, Vazin said. But the most important factor was customer feedback, he said. That really drives our decision making, he said.

Contribution data showed that 34 companies donated at least $5,000 to the campaigns and leadership political action committees of one or more election objectors this year, Axios reported.

In addition to criticism on Twitter and elsewhere, the Lincoln Project, a group opposed to Trump, released an internet ad urging people to call Toyota to get the company to stop contributing to the GOP members of Congress.
The ground rules for drawing Montanas new second congressional district will be settled Friday, but not before the public has a final chance to weigh in.

Already there are 161 emails with advice to Montanas Districting and Apportionment Commission for dividing the state in two. Several hours of live comments are expected Thursday afternoon. One woman included a chart explaining what gerrymandering is.

Average Montanans don't want redistricting plans that put a finger on the scale to tip the balance in a way that skews elections, advised Kim Flohr of Billings. Her tiled, blue-and-red alignment chart resembled a Rubiks Cube guide to avoiding political shenanigans.

The Thursday testimony starts at 1 p.m. with commenters on Zoom, followed by those in person. It will last until everyone has a chance to speak, said commissioner Dan Stusek. He guessed 6 p.m.

There have been comments from across the state, but a disproportionate number from Bozeman and Helena, communities along a decades-dormant political fault line last active in 1991 when Republicans held the East, Democrats the west.

No state demoted to at-large status in Congress has regained a House seat until now.
NEWTON  Discovery Church of Newton and Morning Star First Baptist Church of Hickory have joined forces to host a womens conference with the goal of building bonds of Christian love and respect.

The conference will take place Aug. 6-7 at Discovery Church, which is located at 2201 Startown Road in Newton. The theme is Unity and Wholeness.Beginning the Conversation.

Our community is coming out of a challenging year where we faced the devastating impact of COVID-19 and social unrest, a description of the conference reads. This event will be a conduit and one of many first steps toward honest conversation and offer a place for rejuvenation, fun and fellowship. (It) promises to provide a welcome respite from the challenges of the pandemic, as well as an opportunity to build bridges of racial understanding in the Hickory community and beyond.

A partnership between Discovery Church and First Stone Church in the country of Belize sparked the idea for this gathering. Phillipa Herrera Miller, pastor of First Stone Church, expressed a desire to have the women of her congregation experience the positive benefits of a conference due to the hardships and isolation they endured because of the pandemic.
Prosecutors say a man accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend in Butte last month had blood all over his face and arms, said he was the devil and told officers to shoot him when they arrived at the scene.

They are among new details contained in updated documents charging 46-year-old Ronald Walter Roberts with deliberate homicide. He appeared from jail via video Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charge, which has maximum penalties of death or life in prison.

He is accused of killing 38-year-old Carmen Edwards at a residence in the 1800 block of Grand Avenue on June 12. Police said they had come to Butte from Salida, Colorado about two weeks prior and that Edwards was stabbed repeatedly with a knife.

But they offered no other details and prosecutors provided few when they filed the charge initially after the crime. According to the updated documents, Roberts admitted to police that he killed Edwards.

They dont say why he did it or what events led up to the crime, but say Roberts father called police at noon that day saying his son had just killed his girlfriend and he wanted the police. He also said they were in the yard of the residence.
The action approved by council Wednesday night gives Doherty the authorization to upgrade the restrictions to Stage 2 if necessary. Those ban more fire activities.

Doherty asked that commissioners suspend their rules so the request could be added to the Wednesday night meeting agenda on an emergency basis and then be approved. Both were formalities and the request was posted on the countys website on Tuesday.

Open burning requires a permit and was already closed before Wednesday night. Open burning includes burning a bonfire, rubbish fire or other fire in an outdoor location where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit.

Parts of Butte-Silver Bow County got some rain Wednesday, but coming up, the coolest day in the near forecast will be Friday, with a high near 80. The National Weather Service is predicting a slight chance of rain, along with some gusty winds, topping at about 18 miles per hour.

Highs Saturday through Tuesday will range from the mid-80s to around 90, with no significant rain expected.
At the time, Wild Thunder Rehab had another pelican it was treating for lead poisoning. Currently, it is unclear whether or not the pelican that Bakke had rescued is suffering from this same ailment or something else, as he has not heard any further details regarding the bird.

Im as curious as anyone else to find out how its doing and whats going on with it, Bakke said.

While they dont often need to rescue pelicans and are usually being called to assist with baby raptor birds such as hawks or owls, the officers at Muscatine County Conservation Board still encourage residents to call them at 563-264-5922 if they come across what they think is an animal in need.

They can call our office, and if its something small like a baby hawk and they can tell that its injured, if they want they can put it in a box and keep it safe and unfed and we can help get it to a rehabilitation center," Bakke said. "Otherwise, if they just call us if they think an animals in trouble; I dont mind when people call, and sometimes we can explain things to them or find out whats going on over the phone, so its good for people to call if they have concerns about an animal. Its always fine to call, and well help as much as we can."

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Member Tim Coleman wondered if that attitude would disrupt the timing to complete the update.

Is there like a deadline if we dont get (the information) by this date? he asked.

Vance did not directly answer the question, but did report that supervisor Brad Quigley had suggested a way forward.

According to Vance, Quigley sent an email proposing Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission make house visits to get the needed number of surveys. Vance said Quigleys suggestion was a logical step, since the supervisors were the ones who needed to push Southeast Iowa Regional forward.

The supervisors need to hold them accountable, he said, adding he assumed a contract had been made when the supervisors hired Southeast Iowa Regional.

Vance said Southeast Iowa Regional had said earlier this year that it would provide the Louisa County with the preliminary language for the comprehensive plan by its August meeting.

He said it would be up to the supervisors to ensure that time frame would be met.

The supervisors are the ones who are in control of that, he said.
Eric Adams, Brooklyn borough president and Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, speaks during a news conference outside Brooklyn borough hall in Brooklyn, New York on June 24, 2021.
You have already developed a thesis statement and developed an outline in which you explored two real-life international incidents from the past five years involving the United States as they received an elevated status as a world power. Now you will develop the final paper in which you explore your main points in detail. Prompt: Describe the manner in which the United States shifted to become the dominant force in international relations, and the consequences the United States faces as a result of its status as policemen of the world. Discuss two international events involving the US military from the past five years that can be traced back to a foreign policy created after the Civil War.

By the mid-20th century, the United States had become the dominant force in international relations. Some have argued that the United States military functions as the worlds police. This assignment covers the manner in which this shift occurred and the consequences the United States faces as a result of its status as policemen of the world. Using the Internet and reputable news sources, research two real-life international incidents from the past five years in which:

Answer

Introduction

This paper highlights the dominance of the United States in the things in the modern day world. The United States forces have been awe inspiring in the global context. They have taken the policing role in many of the things that have happened all over the world. The U.S. Military has taken many actions abroad where they had to interfere in order to stop the problems that were gradually increasing. United States has risen to a super power in the last hundred years that has changed the landscape of the world. The thesis statement of this paper is to find out the rise of United States in the global spheres.

One of the major incidents in which United States had to interfere is the step that was taken to prevent any further damages of the common people by stopping the war. Their intention was to stop any further World wars (Zinn, 2016). They also wanted to prevent the domestic malice in the several countries as well. At first, they went against Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. After the evil of 2001 in which the World Trade Center was completely mixed into dust, USA had completely grown fierce to stop any further damage to their country or any other in the future (Zinn, 2016)The rising power of ISIS militants had to be taken care of as well. This is why USA launched missions to destroy their bases. Secondly, USA had begun to develop some campaigns to prevent the nuclear weapon development (Barnaby, 2012). These campaigns were done in the countries like China, Syria, Belarus, North Korea and Venezuela.

This can be stated that America had begun to take up the roles of the super power policemen in the world with some of their steps. They had developed some ground rules that could help them to control the various countries from producing the weapons and military equipments. This would help them to become the policemen of the world indeed.

Another important thing is the fact that both the countries of Yemen and Libya had been on the central points of the terrorist activities for long. United States have been keeping all the records of these activities since they wanted to intercept all the necessary information and stop the terrorist activities permanently (Barnaby, 2012). These countries are quite vulnerable and United States has expressed its interest in taking the matters of leadership into its hands. They have always wanted to show the common people of that region that they are with them and they have all the sympathy with them (Cordner, 2014) They also wanted to show they are against the terrorism in every necessary way.

The third thing was the fact that USA was afraid of communism being spread all over the world. They followed capitalism and Vietnam was the follower of communism. Earlier during the cold war, USA had continuously tried to stop the spread of communism by stopping Soviet Union. They also tried to stop North Vietnam from spreading the communism to South Vietnam.

There are some incidents in which United States has taken the policing role in many incidents.

The war of Korea

In the 1950s, North Korea wanted to attack South Korea. USA discovered that China was backing North Korea and both the countries followed communism. This is why along with United Nations; USA had sent their troops to that country only. Thus they stopped North Korea to invade their neighbors (Lowe, 2014).

Intervention of Lebanon

In Lebanon, there was a huge tension between the Christians and the Muslims regarding the crisis related to Suez Canal. The entire scenario was heating up and the Christian President of Lebanon invited the inspectors from USA to send some inspectors. The Muslim President of Egypt was against the Christians and fought for Arab nationalism. Eisenhower had sent some USA troops in Lebanon to solve the issues for then. (Evron, 2013).

Civil war of Dominica

The last elected President of Dominican Republic had been killed. Since then the entire situation in the country had been in great chaos (Arnold & Wiener, 2012). The military turnover took place there. Therefore USA decided to send some troops over there to make everything well again. They wanted to establish peace and prosperity in the region again.

Conclusion

This paper can be concluded by saying that USA is considered to be one of the most dominating forces in the present time. They have interfered in many global scenarios by taking up the policing role and their military has been strong enough to confront the enemy forces at any territory.

References

Arnold, J. R., & Wiener, R. (Eds.). (2012). Cold War: The Essential Reference Guide: The Essential Reference Guide. ABC-CLIO.

Barnaby, F. (2012). How nuclear weapons spread: Nuclear-weapon proliferation in the 1990s. Routledge.

Cordner, G. (2014). Community policing. The Oxford handbook of police and policing, 148-171.

Evron, Y. (2013). War and Intervention in Lebanon (Routledge Revivals): The Israeli-Syrian Deterrence Dialogue. Routledge.

Lowe, P. (2014). The origins of the Korean War. Routledge.

Zinn, H. (2016). A people's history of the United States. Boxtree.
MultiChoice is facing the freezing of its bank accounts in Nigeria over a dispute involving 1.8 trillion naira (R63 billion) with the countrys Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Reuters reported.

According to the report, the Nigerian revenue services instructed banks to freeze the accounts of MultiChoice Africa and its Nigerian subsidiary.

FIRS alleged that MultiChoice breached agreements and denied access to their records for auditing.

The companies would not promptly respond to correspondences, they lacked data integrity and are not transparent as they continually deny FIRS access to their records, the executive chair of FIRS, Muhammad Nami, was quoted as saying.

Particularly, [MultiChoice Nigeria Limited] has avoided giving the FIRS accurate information on the number of its subscribers and income.

Nami said the revenue service instructed banks to sweep the balances in MultiChoice Africa and MultiChioce Nigerias accounts before executing any other transaction on behalf of the companies.

It is further requested that the FIRS be informed of any transactions before execution on the account, especially transfers of funds to any of their subsidiaries, he said.

According to Nami, Nigeria contributed 34% of total revenue for the MultiChoice group, and the bulk of revenue for MultiChoice Africa saying.

MultiChoices latest results for the year ended 31 March 2021 shows that South Africa accounted for 64% of total revenue, while its operations in the rest of Africa was 32% of revenue. The remainder of the revenue generated by the business comes from its international technology segment.

MultiChoice also noted in its most recent results that its cash holdings in Nigeria increased by R800 million in the past financial year to over R2.3 billion.

MyBroadband contacted MultiChoice for comment and it could not immediately provide a response to questions.
Amid South Africas third wave of Covid-19 thanks to the spread of the Delta variant, concerns have grown around another mutation of the virus which has drawn the attention of global health experts.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently added the Lambda variant as its seventh and latest Covid-19 variant of interest.

Initially called C.37, Lambda was first detected in Peru in December 2020, where it quickly spread to become the dominant variant.

It has been responsible for more than 80% of cases recorded in that country since April and has been found in 31 countries over the last four weeks. Outside of Peru, its spread is most prevalent among the countrys immediate neighbours in South America.

The good news for South Africa is that the Lamda variant has not yet been detected here.

We have not detected this particular variant, the acting executive director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Professor Adrian Puren, recently told SABC News.

As you know in South Africa we do have a network of laboratories together with the private sector that is constantly monitoring variants that are in circulation and obviously focusing on variants of interest, or [variants] of concern.

Much of the concern about this variant has been centred around the fact that Peru currently has the highest Covid-19 mortality rate of any country, in relation to the size of its population.

Almost 200,000 people have died from Covid-19 in Peru, which had a population of around 32.5 million in 2019.

However, Professor Tulio De Oliveira of the KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform (KRISP) has pointed out to eNCA, that many of Perus deaths were related to the pre-variant, and that Peru has also recently started counting certain excess natural deaths towards Covid-19 figures.

Most countries only note a death as related to Covid-19 when a person tested positive for the coronavirus that causes it.

Perus government has decided to include people who died within 60 days of a positive test, as well as other suspected cases to that figure.

While its mortality rate may be a more true reflection of actual Covid-19 deaths, it makes it difficult to compare with other countries.

The main questions around Lambda are whether it is more transmissible, more likely to cause death, or more resistant to vaccines.

Its important to note that the variant of interest (VOI) classification differs from the variants of concern (VOC) list, which currently only includes the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma variants.

According to the WHO, the latter four variants have shown to be associated with one or more of the following changes at a degree of global public health significance:

Increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in Covid-19 epidemiology

Increase in virulence or change in clinical disease presentation

Decrease in effectiveness of public health and social measures or available diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics

The WHO said Lambda has been associated with substantive rates of community transmission in multiple countries, with rising prevalence over time concurrent with increased COVID-19 incidence.

However, it notes that there is currently limited evidence on the full extent of the impact associated with its genomic changes, and further robust studies into the phenotypic impacts are needed to better understand the impact on countermeasures and to control its spread.

A report from the Financial Times explains that analysis of Lambda has shown it has a unique pattern of seven mutations in the spike protein that the virus uses to infect human cells.

One mutation, in particular, has intrigued scientists.

Called L452Q, it appears similar to the L452R mutation believed to contribute to the high infectiousness of the Delta variant.

Researchers at the University of Chile who studied Lambdas effect on viral infectivity found that that it was more infectious than the Alpha and Gamma variants and better able to escape the antibodies created by vaccines.

It should be noted, however, that the researchers only tested this against the Chinese Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine, which is not currently being used in South Africa. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed either.

It is therefore still unclear whether this variant is more transmissible or deadlier than those which came before it.

The good news is that multiple local health experts agree that current vaccines are likely to be effective against Lambda, at least to an extent.

De Oliveira said that the variant had a similar neutralisation status as the previous variant which spread through South Africa during the second wave  Beta.

While the efficacy of the vaccines against Beta was less than with pre-variant Covid-19, they were still very effective at preventing hospitalisation and death.

What we know at the moment is that the vaccines, especially the ones being rolled out in South Africa, the Pfizer and the Johnson & Johnsson vaccines, are likely to be very effective on that variant, De Oliviera stated.

Dr Richard Lessells of the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies concurred, and told SABC News that it was important to understand that none of the variants detected so far completely escaped the vaccines.

If you look at what the vaccines are designed to do, which is prevent severe illness, theyre holding up very well against all these different variants that are emerging, Lessells said.

We dont see big warning signs that this variant would escape the current vaccines.

There is also no evidence yet that the variant has spread to Africa, with one possible case in Zimbabwe still under investigation.

In the event that it does, early indications are that it wont be as infectious as the Delta variant.

In the UK, for example, only 8 cases of the new variant were recorded in the week leading up to 30 June, compared to 50,000 cases of Delta.

Dr Richard Lessels  SABC Interview



Professor Tulio de Oliviera  eNCA Interview



Now read: When you can expect to be vaccinated
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has published new regulations governing the safety measure couriers, postal services, network providers, and film and TV productions must implement to curb the spread of Covid-19.

These include regulations on how network operators and Internet service providers must handle imported equipment, additional regulations for their retail stores, and rules for technicians that work at client premises.

The regulations were published in the Government Gazette on Wednesday and will apply to lockdown alert levels 3, 4, and 5.

These are in addition to any health protocols and social distancing measures already specified in South Africas disaster management regulations for the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the network services value chain, the following additional rules apply:

All containers and shipments must, on arrival, be sanitised before handover.

All electronic communications facilities, equipment, and materials must be sanitised more than once daily, including at the warehouse.

All products must be sanitised before being packaged for consumers.

All staff must be thermal scanned daily and must sanitise throughout the day.

All staff must be equipped with face masks.

All staff must maintain adequate floor space, queuing distance and physical distancing, as prescribed in the regulations.

Retail and franchised stores of network operators and service providers must adhere to the following additional rules:

Staff must ensure adequate floor space, queuing distance and physical distancing.

Staff must, where possible, work in shifts with some staff members working from home to assist or call customers remotely.

There must be a one customer per consultant ratio, in addition to general social distancing requirements.

All customers and staff must sanitise before entering the store.

All customers and staff must wear face masks.

Staff must be screened.

Perspex dividers must be installed in stores.

There must be clear signage in stores highlighting health protocols and ensuring compliance with social distancing requirements.

The rules following apply to technicians who perform on-site installation, maintenance, and repairs:

Technicians must be thermal scanned daily and must sanitise throughout the day.

All equipment and materials must be sanitised more than once a day.

Technicians must be equipped with masks.

Technicians must keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from the customer when installing or repairing end-user and subscriber equipment.
One night, her father (David Harbour) comes home and informs mom (Rachel Weisz) and the kids they have an hour to blow town. Soon S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are in hot pursuit and the fam is on board a small plane to Cuba. (Dad's on the wing, somehow.) When they land safely, the kids are drugged, the innocence of their childhood gone with the plunge of a needle.

Turns out that idyllic family life was an elaborate decoy. Natasha's father is Alexei Shostakov, or Red Guardian, the Russian counterpart to Captain America, and mom is Melina Vostokoff, a Russian spy. The kids were part of their cover. And now Natasha and Yelena are sent off to General Dreykov (Ray Winstone), who trains them to be spies in his army of Black Widows. So much for a quiet life in the 'burbs.

Picking up in the story's present, Natasha is on her own and laying low; "Black Widow" is shoehorned in the MCU timeline between the events of 2016's "Captain America: Civil War" and 2018's "Avengers: Infinity War." When she tracks down her sister, now played by Florence Pugh, it's no happy reunion; they have a knock-down, drag-out fight in Yelena's Budapest flat, and only after they've both nearly killed each other do they sit down to chat.
Deputies were notified of a woman trapped under a boat propeller and drowning, but could not find the victim after a caller apparently unfamiliar with the lake asked them to head for Acorn Beach at the Oak Shores Day Use Area, recalled Mazar, who has served on both boating and land patrols at Lake Berryessa as well as a dive team during his Sheriffs Office career.

Then Mazar, learning that the information came from a hang-up 911 call, was able to trace the location by computer to a point off Big Island. There, he was flagged down by a ski boat whose passengers said they had a woman on board who was severely wounded.

The victim was on the boats back step, towels wrapped around her wounded thighs and chest as she lost blood from a propeller strike.

She was pale, and based on my training from Cal Fire and (American Medical Response), I realized she could go into shock, said Mazar, who had the woman strapped to a backboard, then had the boats occupants apply pressure to the wounds and keep her talking and conscious.

Mazar and the boaters reached the dock at Government Point, and a helicopter eventually carried the woman to the Vacaville hospital. As of Saturday, the woman was in stable condition, Mazar reported.
Yet hundreds of transitional foster care beds at family homes and small group facilities are not being used, according to government data. Four providers told The Associated Press that they have licensed foster families ready to take children. Two providers said about a third of available beds over the past month were not used. The others declined to specify.

Providers say interest in fostering migrant kids is booming with Americans getting vaccinated and virus-related restrictions being lifted on daily life. They are urging the government to move more kids into foster homes.

The United States rejected large-scale, institutional care for children more than 110 years ago, and we shouldnt accept it today for children who are seeking protection within our borders. Children belong in families, said Chris Palusky, head of Bethany Christian Services, which places migrant children in foster homes.

While there are not enough families licensed yet to take in the thousands of children in US custody, advocates say the homes could take many of the kids under the age of 12 and other vulnerable youth, such as pregnant teens, now at the governments unlicensed shelters. At the Los Angeles County fairgrounds in Pomona, last week there were some 300 children under the age of 12 among the nearly 1,400 minors housed there.
Tourism declined in 2020. Now, when tourist destinations are rebuilding their market, its not too soon to anticipate: Could the tourist resurgence become a deluge?

I googled overtourism to learn more. Overtourism is an excess of tourists. It is a malady to which world-class destinations are particularly susceptible. The risk is that they will adversely affect the quality of local lifeor of their own experienceand that Calistoga will lose its original intrinsic appeal and exist mainly to attract tourists.

Cornell University issued a sobering report, Destinations at Risk: The Invisible Burden of Tourism (2019). It described tourisms hidden costs (the invisible burden), warning that failing to protect and manage destinations puts ecosystems, cultural wonders, and community life at increasing risk, and places the tourism industry on a weak foundation that could crack under its own weight. The report cites possible costs such as infrastructure upgrades for water and sewer services; environmental degradation from traffic; higher costs of living; displacement of services for locals; and undermined community values.
Two of its lofty grape varieties are Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet. The latter, which arrived from France, fairs much better in the Alentejo where its excellent acidic structure makes it ideal for blending.

Portugal's most noted grape is Touriga Nacional, brought to the Alentejo from the Douro and Dao regions. It's fruit-forward with leathery and savory rustic notes.

Alicante Bouschet has thrived in the region since the mid-19th century and has managed almost single-handedly to put the Alentejo on the wine map. It is most ideal for blending with the leathery and licorice notes of Syrah grapes in American oak barrels, which softens it a bit, allowing for the wine to mature well in the bottle. Because of its intense flavors, Alicante, with its soft tannins, is easy to manage with fermentation, cutting back on maturation time.

The scorching hot Alentejo has also embraced exciting whites. Ervideira Winery, a family enterprise winery dating back to 1880, makes Invisivel (Invisible). The harvest is totally done by machine, and during the night to avoid oxidation fermentation, as during the temperatures can reach up to 42 degrees Celsius, said Ervideira winemaker Duarte Leal da Costa.
Acting PM: Armenia will defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity

Armenias Pashinyan: Azerbaijan is against border delimitation, demarcation

Daughter of Armenia town's arrested mayor addresses international community

Armenia acting premier: We so far were able to have 104 POWs returned from Azerbaijan

Armenia acting PM: Azerbaijan makes corridor statements to prevent opening of regional communications

Armenias Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine administrative building sealed

Armenia ombudsman video message broadcast at UN Human Rights Council session

Armenia MPs pay tribute to soldier who died near Azerbaijan border

European Council President Charles Michel to visit Armenia

163 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia Central Electoral Commission decides to allow arresting Goris city mayor

Lufthansa entering Armenia market

World oil prices dropping

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

Facebook Inc to invest over $ 1 billion in support of content creators

Newspaper: What decision will Armenia Constitutional Court make on petition challenging election results?

Jerusalem Post: Israel should be wary of Turkey's gifts

Pininfarina unveils TEOREMA concept car

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
Prosecutor General of Armenia Artur Davtyan, who is in St. Petersburg on the sidelines of the International Conference of Prosecutors General of Europe, had a bilateral meeting with Prosecutor General of Italy Giovanni Salvi.

As reported the Prosecutor Generals Office of Armenia, the parties discussed the cooperation between the Offices of Prosecutors General of both countries, as well as the development of partnering ties in the sphere of legal assistance in criminal cases.

Davtyan stressed that Armenia and Italy have signed a large number of international treaties within the scope of the Council of Europe and the United Nations and that Interpols communication channels provide the central bodies of both countries to establish contact in a timely manner and provide mutual legal assistance.

The parties also attached importance to the fact that the restrictions due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic didnt have a huge impact on international partnership since the use of online communication means allowed to avoid needless delays, as well as delays of time limits for case examination within the scope of mutual legal assistance.
Yesterday a very important event took place in the life of our country, particularly in Yerevan: the patrol police have started their activities. Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this at Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the interim government of Armenia.

"These are a fundamentally new type and nature of police; moreover, literally, both in terms of content and human resources. About 700 patrol police officers are on duty. I want to emphasize that 70 percent of the staff are people who have not worked in the police before," he added.

Pashinyan informed that as of Wednesday, the traffic police have stopped their service in the capital Yerevan. "Now there is only a special unit of the traffic police, which has completely different functions, it will not interact with citizens. (). I want to emphasize that we had planned this reform back in 2019," he said.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, however, there were obstacles in this process, but they have received a mandate from the people to implement the reforms more decisively. "The process of introducing a patrol service must continue in the near future," said the acting PM.
Armenian Ambassador to France Hasmik Tolmajian paid a working visit to Strasbourg, during which she, together with Ambassador Paruyr Hovhannisyan, the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the Council of Europe, met with French Armenian mayor Jeanne Barseghian of Strasbourg, the Armenian Embassy in France reported.

During the meeting, the avenues for closer and deeper cooperation with the Strasbourg authorities were discussed. Also, Ambassador Tolmajian thanked the Strasbourg city council for the humanitarian assistance it provided to the Armenians affected by the war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) last fall.

During their visit to Strasbourg, Ambassadors Hasmik Tolmajian and Paruyr Hovhannisyan met also with prefect Josiane Chevalier of the Grand Est and Bas-Rhin Region. Both sides stressed the importance of closer cooperation with Strasbourg and Grand Est.

Also, the Armenian Ambassador to France presented the complicated geopolitical and humanitarian challenges posed by the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijanand with the support of Turkeyagainst the civilian population of Artsakh.

Within the framework of the visit, a meeting was held also with the representatives of the Armenian community of Strasbourg and Grand Est.
Authorities continue the repression they had started during the pre-election period against the members of the "Armenia" bloc. The latter, which is led by second President Robert Kocharyan, noted this in a statement it released Thursday.

"Political persecution is being carried out, illegal actions are being taken in recent days against the members of the board of the Reviving Armenia Party, the persons on the electoral list of the Armenia bloc.

Such new manifestations of the internal social crisis further deepen the existing political crisis in the country. Thus, attempts to establish one-man rule in the country continue.

The purpose of these illegal actions is clear: to weaken the largest opposition faction in [the new] parliament, to divert it from the fight aimed at resisting internal and external threats to the country.

The Armenia bloc strongly condemns this working style of the authorities.

We are determined to continue the fight against the regime that wreaked havoc on the country. All those guilty of political persecution, illegal actions will answer," the statement of "Armenia" bloc also reads.
The Taliban have raised their flag on the bridge passing through Pyanj River and linking Tajikistan to Afghanistan, RIA Novosti reported.

After seizing the border position of Afghanistans government forces on July 5, the Taliban today raised a flag on the column on their side of the bridge passing through Pyanj River, in front of Tem checkpoint in Tajikistan, the source told RIA Novosti.

On the night of July 5, Afghan border guards surrendered their checkpoint to the Taliban without a battle, and 312 border guards and servicemen managed to cross over into the territory of Tajikistan via the bridge.

Currently, battles between government forces and the Taliban are taking place in Afghanistan, and the Taliban have seized major territories in rural areas and have launched an offensive against large cities. The escalation comes after the pullout of US troops which Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov referred to as the failure of the mission.
Juno 7 reports details about the assassination of President of Haiti Jovenel Moise, stating that he had received 12 firearm and other injuries and that the residence was found in ruins.

The 53-year-old president was found with dozens of injuries caused by gunshots fired from 5.56 mm and 9 mm caliber weapons. The bullets had hit his left ear, right hand and left leg. The assassins shot him in the abdomen once, and shot him in the forehead as well. It was also established that they had damaged the Haitian presidents left eye and broken his left leg.

The assassins also took some suitcases. It is reported that traces of cartridge were detected in many rooms. The presidents bodyguards werent injured after the attack, while his wife was admitted to a hospital in critical condition and is receiving medical aid in Florida. The couples children are also abroad.

On the night of July 7, a group of anonymous people attacked the residence of the President of Haiti, after which the latter received a lethal firearm injury. The presidents wife was also injured. The country has declared martial law.

Ambassador of Haiti to the United States Bokchit Edmond says foreign mercenaries are to blame for the presidents assassination and refuted the statement that employees of the USDEA were involved in the assassination of Moise since the assassins supposedly presented themselves as employees of the USDEAE.
Story Highlights A record-high 76% of Lebanese are struggling to get by

45% of Lebanese lacked money for food in the last year

87% said their standard of living was worsening

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab warned Tuesday that his country is "a few days away from the social explosion" as it spirals deeper into what the World Bank says could be one of most severe economic crises in modern history in terms of how it has affected people's living standards.

Beset on all sides by crisis since late 2019 with widespread unemployment, high levels of debt and a collapsing currency -- amid a global pandemic -- record numbers of Lebanese are now struggling to make ends meet. In late 2020, more than three in four Lebanese said it was difficult or very difficult to get by on their household income.

Line graph. Lebanese perceptions of their household incomes. In 2020, 76% of the Lebanese public said it was difficult or very difficult to get by, up from 63% in 2019.

The current situation is a far cry from where Lebanese stood financially before the country plunged into an economic crisis in October 2019 following government efforts to pass a tax on the "WhatsApp" application. After massive protests against the government, foreign currency flowed out of the country, exacerbating existing economic issues and deepening the country's economic woes.

Nearly Half of Lebanese Struggle to Afford Food

Since then, the country's currency has lost more than 90% of its value and continues to do so, aggravated by skyrocketing prices for food, medicine, fuel and other basic goods. The percentage of Lebanese people who said they could not afford food at some point in the last year tripled between 2019 and 2020, jumping from 15% to 45%. The percentage struggling to afford shelter more than doubled in the same period, rising from 7% to 18%.

Line graph. The percentages of the Lebanese public who have lacked money for food or shelter in the last 12 months. In 2020, 45% of Lebanese reported having lacked money for food and 18% said they lacked money for shelter.

Satisfaction With Standard of Living at Record Low

Before the crisis, more than half of the people in Lebanon (57%) were satisfied with their standard of living. Today's percentage is less than half that, with a quarter of the Lebanese public satisfied, the lowest point in Gallup's trend for the country.

Line graph. Lebanese' satisfaction with their standards of living. In 2020, 74% of the Lebanese public was dissatisfied with their standard of living, 25% satisfied.

Lebanese are even more pessimistic about their economic future. Just 6% in late 2020 saw their living standards getting better, while a record 87% saw them getting worse.

Line graph. Lebanese perception of the trajectory of their standards of living. In 2020, 87% of Lebanese said their living standards were worsening, compared with 6% who said they were improving.

Bottom Line

Lebanon's crushing economic issues have fueled widespread unrest in the country. Anger over these issues among the Lebanese public resulted in widespread protests, which continue to this day -- however sporadic they might be for now. Concurrently, the country's currency continues to plunge, the Central Bank is gradually curtailing the subsidies of staple food items and fuel, prices have gone up, and there are increasing shortages of goods, medicines and gasoline.

The country's political difficulties have only exacerbated these economic woes. Lebanon currently lacks the government stability required to implement any reforms or policies aimed at improving the economic situation. And, continued political squabbling has repeatedly prevented the formation of a governing cabinet during a time of economic crisis and global pandemic.

The crisis confronting Lebanon would be difficult for even a strong government to confront. However, the current political turmoil, lack of consensus among political leaders and economic conditions that are worsening by the day may prove difficult to overcome.

To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter.

For complete methodology and specific survey dates, please review Gallup's Country Data Set details.

Learn more about how the Gallup World Poll works.
HK stocks plunge on tech slump

The Hong Kong market fell for an eighth session. Image: Shutterstock

Tech shares continued to slide on Thursday, dragging the Hong Kong benchmark down for an eighth day, as investors got more jittery over a widening tech crackdown on the mainland.



The Hang Seng Index opened 79 points lower and came under heavy selling, plummeting as many as 850 points at one stage. The benchmark finished down 807 points, or 2.9 percent, at 27,110, on turnover of HK$205.25 billion.



More than 2,000 points have been shaved off the blue-chip index over eight days.



The Hang Seng Tech Index wrapped up the day off 3.7 percent.



Meituan plunged 6.4 percent. Alibaba sank about four percent. Tencent declined 3.7 percent. Xiaomi lost 1.2 percent.



The worst performer on the benchmark was Haidilao, which slid almost seven percent.



New World Development retreated nearly four percent, after the company announced that it has to demolish two towers under construction at a popular residential complex, over failed concrete strength tests.



Across the border, the Shanghai Composite Index trimmed 0.8 percent and the CSI300 index shed one percent, dragged by financial and energy stocks. The Shenzhen Composite edged down 0.5 percent.



Around the region, Japan's Nikkei fell 0.9 percent. South Korea and Singapore each dropped about one percent. But Sydney and Taiwan inched up slightly.
Simon Institute to host Murphysboro mayor in virtual event

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will host a virtual discussion with Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 13.

The conversation is part of the institutes bimonthly Meet the Mayor series, in which Illinois mayors talk with John Shaw, institute director, about their towns challenges and achievements, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stephens became the youngest mayor in Murphysboros history when he first won the office in 2013 when he was 31 years old. Before becoming mayor, Stephens served on the Jackson County Board from 2010 to 2012.

Stephens is also the general manager of WXAN 103.9 FM in Ava and hosts a daily talk show, The Will Stephens Show, in which he interviews elected officials, gospel artists, authors and business leaders. He also hosts the weekly Electric Blues Hours on WDBX 91.1 FM in Carbondale. Stephens is an SIU Carbondale alumnus.

Mayor Stephens is one of the most interesting and compelling young mayors in Illinois, Shaw said. He calmly and skillfully guided Murphysboro through the pandemic and has nicely positioned his community for future challenges. We are eager to learn more about his approach to governance.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required to receive a link to the Zoom webinar. Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/event-information to register. Attendees are invited to submit a question for Stephens through the registration form or by email to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank at Southern Illinois University Carbondale promoting better politics and smarter government and preparing young people for careers in public service.
Nicole Gorman, a graduate student in zoology and research assistant at Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, fits a captured bobcat with a GPS tracking collar. Gorman is studying bobcat and coyote movement in Southern and Central Illinois and their impact on areas where they live. She is focusing on multispecies systems and the spatial behavior of wildlife in the two different environments  one forested and the other agricultural and more influenced by humans. (Photo provided)

SIU student wildlife biologist researches how coyotes and bobcats travels impact ecosystem

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Youd probably be surprised just how far a coyote or bobcat will go for a steady supply of good food and habitat, says a graduate researcher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The occasional cougar or bear sighted in the Southern Illinois area notwithstanding, coyotes and bobcats are pretty much the apex wildlife predators in Illinois. The four-legged hunters like to sink their fangs into just about anything, be it feathered or furry, while living everywhere from farm fields, to city neighborhoods and college campuses to the deep, dark woods of the states national forests and state parks.

Nicole Gorman, a graduate student in zoology and research assistant at SIUs Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, is studying bobcat and coyote movement in Southern and Central Illinois and their impact on areas they live in. A Granger, Indiana, native, Gorman is focusing on multispecies systems and the spatial behavior of wildlife in the two different environments  one forested and the other agricultural and more influenced by humans.

Keeping an eye on predators

Its important that scientists study midsized predators such as bobcats and coyotes because they are the top predator species throughout much of North America, Gorman said. Looking closely at their impact on their prey and ecosystems is elemental to understanding how things work together.

Studying predator movement specifically can provide scientists with more details about their behavior and how they might be interacting with their environments and other species around them, Gorman said. This understanding can lead to effective wildlife management, benefiting predator and prey species alike.

Gorman began the project in November 2019. Since starting the project, she and others have captured and tracked 33 of the predators at two sites, including SIUs Touch of Nature Environmental Center and Giant City State Park near Makanda and the area around Lake Shelbyville in Central Illinois.

Getting up close and personal

Gorman captures the animals using foot-hold and cage traps, which safely detain them. But catching the wily creatures is an extremely complex process, she said.

We have to constantly think one step ahead of what the animals may do, she said.

Once captured, each bobcat and coyote is fitted with a collar that transmits their GPS location, which is recorded every 90 minutes. She then uses the uploaded data to narrow down each individuals home range and the habitat types available to it, such as forest, agriculture and the wildland-urban interface. Once the collar has been attached to an animal for one year, it automatically drops off for retrieval.

The data may reveal the animals habitat preferences, as well as what they tend to avoid. She also is examining interactions with deer and fawns and specifically whether the predators tend to move toward areas where fawns live during the summer.

After examining all the data, she also hopes to determine how individualistic the behaviors of bobcats and coyotes are, and how such differences impact the ways in which they select habitat.

Gormans work is part of a larger project studying white-tailed deer movement and their predators around Illinois. The U.S. Wildlife Restoration Fund, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is funding the work.

The study, which she hopes to complete in December, keeps her busy.

When Im not in the field for captures or in class, Ive worked on analyzing the data, looking at home range size and location, as well as the resources that the predators are selecting within their home ranges, Gorman said.

SIU values hands-on research for students

Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, an assistant professor in the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, supervises Gormans work and her development as a graduate student. He said bobcats were at the edge of extinction just 50 years ago in Illinois, but previous conservation efforts by others helped bring them back.

Understanding the space-use behavior of these predators will help us further understand their habitat requirements and how they can co-habit with humans, Bastille-Rousseau said. Coyotes are found throughout Illinois, including in urban, suburban and rural areas. Nicoles project specifically tries to understand how both species adapt their behaviors across these different landscapes.

Surprising preliminary findings

While the data are still coming in, Gorman said shes been fascinated to find the extent of their movement seems to be related to the type of habitat available to them.

The individuals here in Southern Illinois have a lot of forested habitat available to them and have smaller home ranges in general, she said. In contrast, the individuals we track in Central Illinois live in a much more agricultural area, which causes them to have much larger home ranges and move more around their area. This difference includes home ranges as small as 2 square miles to as large as over 200 square miles.

Another surprise is how far some of the animals will range.

Some of them leave the area completely, she said. One coyote weve named Arwen made a 100-mile journey from Lake Shelbyville to the eastern suburbs of St. Louis, and a bobcat, Mithrandir, made several excursions from Mattoon, Illinois, before heading 120 miles northeast, settling in Indiana.

It has been fascinating to see the aspects of their environment that influence predator behavior and how individuals react differently to the world around them.

Getting to know Illinois top predators in such an intimate way has been extremely rewarding, Gorman said.

Bobcats and coyotes are extremely interesting animals, and their adaptability allows them to live in many different surroundings, including around humans, she said. Many people probably have predators around their neighborhoods here in Southern Illinois and never see any sign of them.

SIU opens the future

Gorman currently is preparing to pursue her doctoral degree and hopes to become a wildlife biologist for the federal government. Making a positive impact on wildlife conversation is her ultimate goal, and SIU is helping her prepare for that journey.

The guidance from my advisor, as well as the close-knit community of the other graduate students in the Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab, have been extremely helpful in both my journey with this project and preparing me for my future research career, she said.

Bastille-Rousseau said Gorman is specializing in wildlife ecology and management, and that typical jobs in that field require an eclectic mix of skillsets ranging from hands-on experiences handling wildlife in harsh field settings to advanced computational skills. Her project is unique in that she can be hiking in frigid or pouring weather checking her traps for bobcats or coyotes in the morning and be attending a class or analyzing her data on the computer in the afternoon.

Nicole Gorman, a graduate student in zoology and research assistant at Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, fits a captured coyote with a GPS tracking collar. Gorman is studying bobcat and coyote movement in Southern and Central Illinois and their impact on areas where they live. She is focusing on multispecies systems and the spatial behavior of wildlife in the two different environments  one forested and the other agricultural and more influenced by humans. (Photo provided) Nicole Gorman, a graduate student in zoology and research assistant at Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, fits a captured coyote with a GPS tracking collar. Gorman is studying bobcat and coyote movement in Southern and Central Illinois and their impact on areas where they live. She is focusing on multispecies systems and the spatial behavior of wildlife in the two different environments  one forested and the other agricultural and more influenced by humans. (Photo provided)

Nicole Gorman, a graduate student in zoology and research assistant at Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, fits a captured coyote with a GPS tracking collar. Gorman is studying bobcat and coyote movement in Southern and Central Illinois and their impact on areas where they live. She is focusing on multispecies systems and the spatial behavior of wildlife in the two different environments  one forested and the other agricultural and more influenced by humans. (Photo provided) Nicole Gorman, a graduate student in zoology and research assistant at Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, fits a captured coyote with a GPS tracking collar. Gorman is studying bobcat and coyote movement in Southern and Central Illinois and their impact on areas where they live. She is focusing on multispecies systems and the spatial behavior of wildlife in the two different environments  one forested and the other agricultural and more influenced by humans. (Photo provided)
Welcome back to 10 Things in Politics. Sign up here to receive this newsletter. Send tips to bgriffiths@insider.com or tweet me at @BrentGriffiths.

Lightning strikes twice: Congrats to the Tampa Bay Lightning on their second straight Stanley Cup after shutting out the Montreal Canadiens to close out the series in five games.

Here's what we're talking about:

One thing to watch for: The first lady Jill Biden plans to visit Georgia as part of a nationwide tour to boost COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

With Phil Rosen.

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

1. FLORIDA'S MAN: Gov. Ron DeSantis is the biggest rising star in Republican politics today. His reelection campaign in Florida could dim a 2024 presidential run or further fuel his rise.

My colleagues took a look at the 13 people most responsible for propelling DeSantis thus far:

Phil Cox, who's leading DeSantis' reelection campaign: Cox is one of the GOP's best-known political consultants, with a powerful national profile that added further buzz to talk of a 2024 run.

Helen Aguirre Ferre used to work as Donald Trump's White House director of media affairs for Latino and African American news outlets. Andrew Patron/AFP via Getty Images

Helen Aguirre Ferre, the executive director of the Florida GOP: A Trump White House alumna, she's just one example of the staffers who have worked for both DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.

Brian Ballard, the president of the top lobbying firm Ballard Partners: Ballard is considered Florida's most powerful Republican lobbyist, fundraiser, and political consultant. He opposed DeSantis during the 2018 GOP gubernatorial primary but now calls himself a "big fan" of the governor. Ballard quickly worked behind the scenes during the general election and later cochaired DeSantis' inaugural committee.

And don't underestimate the first lady Casey DeSantis: She's her husband's top confidante. "His wife is probably his No. 1 counsel," Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican of Florida, told Insider at the Capitol. She's a former TV journalist who hit airwaves in 2018 with an ad touting DeSantis' support for Trump that later went viral.

Story continues

Check out the rest of the power players behind DeSantis here.

2. Four suspects in the Haitian president's assassination have been killed, police say: Haiti's police chief said the police killed the four suspects during a gun battle. Two other suspects were arrested, he said. A group of gunmen assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise and wounded the first lady early Wednesday. Follow our live updates as the story continues to unfold.

3. Job openings hit a record high: US job openings in May rose to 9.21 million from 9.19 million, marking another record high. The increase in openings also came as hiring rebounded after dismal growth in April. Taken together, the data suggests the nationwide labor shortage grew somewhat less intense as the US entered summer. More on what experts are saying here.

Members of search-and-rescue teams gathered for a moment of silence Wednesday for victims of the partial condo collapse in Surfside, Florida. Jose A Iglesias/Pool/Getty Images

4. Rescue operations have ceased in Surfside, Florida: The death toll of the partially collapsed condominium building now stands at 54, with 86 people potentially still missing, as officials say they will transition to recovery efforts after two weeks of searching, CNN reports. "While there seems to be no chance of finding life in the rubble, a miracle is still possible," Mayor Charles Burkett told reporters. More on what happens now.

5. Trump sues Facebook, Google, and Twitter: He filed class-action lawsuits against the tech giants and their executives Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, and Sundar Pichai, alleging that they censor users. The former president and other Republicans have increasingly accused mainstream tech platforms of serving a liberal agenda and discriminating against conservative users, a belief that is not backed by evidence. More on the legal fight here.

Christopher Helali; Hollis Johnson/Insider; Samantha Lee/Insider

6. Jeffrey Epstein's other little black book: Insider obtained a never-before-seen address book that appears to have belonged to Epstein in the '90s, connecting him to a new network of prominent financiers and political figures, including Melania Trump's best friend. Prominent entries not previously associated with Epstein include Morgan Fairchild, Suzanne Ircha, Carl Icahn, John A. Catsimatidis, Sandy Warner, and Martin Peretz.

Search through the rest of the 349 names.

7. Key fundraising group for GOP women calls Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert "carnival barkers": The Value In Electing Women Political Action Committee has supported every GOP woman serving in the US House and Senate, with the "intentional exception" of the two Republican freshmen, according to Julie Conway, VIEW PAC's executive director. Both Greene of Georgia and Boebert of Colorado have drawn attention as far-right conspiracy theorists and gun-rights enthusiasts.

8. Worldwide COVID-19 deaths have topped 4 million: "The number of lives lost around the world over the past year and a half is about equal to the population of Los Angeles or the nation of Georgia," the Associated Press reports. "By some estimates, it is roughly the number of people killed in battle in all of the world's wars since 1982."

9. Trump reportedly praised Hitler as doing "a lot of good things": The comment horrified his chief of staff at the time, John Kelly, according to a new book by the Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender. Trump was said to have made the comment during a tour of Europe to mark 100 years since the end of World War I. More on the book's reporting, which said Kelly was "stunned" after the president praised the German economy under Hitler.

10. Cars usually lose value fast, but now something weird is happening: Some used cars have steeper price tags than the same new ones. The pandemic has pushed people to hang on to their vehicles longer, so supply is tight at used-car dealerships. These 16 models are now worth more used than new.

Today's trivia question: The Liberty Bell's clapper has been immobilized since 1915. But on what occasion was the bell struck with the resulting sound broadcast throughout the nation?

Email your guess and a suggested question to me at bgriffiths@insider.com.

Yesterday's answer: It took an act of Congress and President Truman's signature to finally settle the dispute over the Hoover Dam's name in 1947. FDR's administration had previously refused to call it the Hoover Dam.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Fifteen states have reached an agreement with Purdue Pharma, the maker of the powerful painkiller OxyContin, that will see them drop their opposition to Purdue's bankruptcy plan, the New York Times reports.

The big picture: Purdue Pharma will release millions of documents, and the Sackler family, which owns the company, will pay out an additional $50 million as part of the settlement. The deal would shield the family from future opioid lawsuits.

Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free

The bottom line: The agreement will see the Sackler family pay out nearly $4.5 billion total over the next nine years.

Nine states and the District of Columbia continue to oppose the agreement because the deal "allows the Sacklers to still walk away with their personal wealth intact," said William Tong, the attorney general of Connecticut, per NYT.

Why it matters: The Sackler family has acknowledged that OxyContin has played a role in the opioid epidemic, which has contributed to some 500,000 deaths.

Purdue Pharma has pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges, but the Sackler family has never personally faced charges.

What they're saying: While this deal is not perfect, we are delivering $4.5 billion into communities ravaged by opioids on an accelerated timetable and it gets one of the nations most harmful drug dealers out of the opioid business once and for all, said New York Attorney General Letitia James, per the Times.

We will continue to work to build even greater consensus for our plan of reorganization, which would transfer billions of dollars of value into trusts for the benefit of the American people and direct critically needed medicines and resources to communities and individuals nationwide who have been affected by the opioid crisis."

Purdue Pharma statement, per NYT

What's next: A confirmation hearing for the bankruptcy plan is set for Aug. 9.

More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free
Police officers standing outside the Times Square police station. (AFP via Getty Images)

A teenager, accompanied by his mother, has turned himself in to police after shooting a Marine in Times Square.

The 16-year-old boy, who was named for legal reasons, is facing a charge of attempted murder following the shooting of Samuel Poulin, 21, last month in Times Square, near the Marriot Hotel.

The Marine was shot in the back by a ricocheting bullet from Mr Dardens gun and was taken to hospital but did not suffer serious injuries. He was believed to be in the city from his home in upstate New York to attend a christening.

According a statement from the New York Police Department, the 16 year-old, due to his age, will be indicted as a minor on the charges of attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon .

When asked to comment, his mother declined, according to theNew York Daily News.

She told reporters, I dont want to say anything about my son, as she left the police station on 7 July.

When the teenager was asked if he had a message for the family, he said, Yeah I got a message for the family, before mumbling something that could not be understood, according to the the New York Post.

NYPD officers told the Post that the shooting happened after a conflict between the teenager and a group of street performers. The teenager has been arrested five times prior, however the reasons were not made public.

From the same period last year, there has been a 27 per cent increase in murders from gun violence in New York City, according to police data. The pandemic prompted a 75 per cent increase in cities across the state, according to the New York Times.

On 6 July, the states governor Andrew Cuomo declared a gun violence emergency, pledging more than 138 million to tackle the problem, but acknowledged that it was a nationwide issue.

He said in his address, Just like we did with COVID, New York is going to lead the nation once again with a comprehensive approach to combating and preventing gun violence, and our first step is acknowledging the problem with a first-in-the-nation disaster emergency on gun violence. When we see an injustice we dont look the other way, we stand up and fight it because thats the New York way.

The new Democratic mayoral primary winner Eric Adams, a 22-year veteran of the NYPD, asked what took Mr Cuomo so long to act.

My first question is, what took so long? And why has it taken us so long, watching these babies die, year after year after year? No one seems to care, he said while appearing on CBS Radio.
Dividend stocks are the Swiss army knives of the stock market.

When dividend stocks go up, you make money. When they dont go up  you still make money (from the dividend). Heck, even when a dividend stock goes down in price, its not all bad news, because the dividend yield (the absolute dividend amount, divided by the stock price) gets richer the more the stock falls in price.

Knowing all this, wouldnt you like to own find great dividend stocks? Of course you would!

Using the TipRanks database, weve looked up three stocks that are offering dividends of 9% yield or better  thats more than 4x higher the average yield found in the markets today. Each of these is Buy-rated, with positive analyst reviews on record, and best of all, they all offer investors a low cost of entry, under $10 per share. Let's take a closer look.

Annaly Capital Management (NLY)

Well start in the real estate sector, with a real estate investment trust. These companies are known for their excellent dividends, a side consequence of tax regulations that require REITs to return a high proportion of their profits directly to investors  and dividends make a natural vehicle for that return. Annaly Capital Management, based in New York City, boasts over $14 billion in permanent capital and $100 billion in total assets; it uses these to build a portfolio of property investments. The companys focus is on commercial spaces -- mainly retail and office locations -- but it also invests in hotels, healthcare properties, and multi-family dwellings.

Since Q2 of last year, Annalys earnings have been steadily increasing. The company has posted four consecutive quarters of sequential EPS gains, with the most recent quarter, 1Q21, showing $1.23 per share and more than doubling the 60-cent EPS record in the prior quarter.

Strong earnings back a reliable dividend payment. The company declared its Q2 payment this past June, at 22 cents per common share. This is the fifth quarter in a row with the dividend at this rate; it was pared back in both 2019 and 2020. At the current rate, the payout ratio is only 28%, indicating that the payment is sustainable, while the yield is high at 9.9%.

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Covering Annaly for JMP Securities, analyst Trevor Cranston sees the company in a stable position.

[We] we believe NLY should trade at a material premium to peers based on its $12.9B market capitalization, diversified investment alternatives, significant operating scale, and its now internal management structure. Furthermore, we believe the currently favorable Agency MBS investing environment, with near-zero funding costs and continued Fed support, should continue to provide ballast to both future earnings and book value stability," Cranston opined.

To this end, Cranston rates the stock an Outperform (i.e. Buy) for the next 12 months, with a $10 price target suggesting a 13% upside potential. Based on the current dividend yield and the expected price appreciation, the stock has ~23% potential total return profile. (To watch Cranstons track record, click here)

The Wall Street decision on Annaly is an even split, with 3 recent Buy recommendations and 3 to Hold, giving the stock a Moderate Buy consensus rating. The shares are priced at $8.71 with an average price target of $9.60 implying room for a 10% upside. (See NLY stock analysis on TipRanks)

Presidio Property Trust (SQFT)

Now lets take a look at another REIT, this one based in San Diego, California. Presidio describes itself as contrarian real estate investor, with a focus on the acquisition and operation of properties in non-mainstream markets. Examples include retail space in Colorado Springs and office and industrial parks in Fargo and West Fargo. The company also has properties in Southern California, and the total portfolio exceeds 1.1 million square feet.

Presidio went public this past October, closing its IPO on October 9. The company put 500,000 shares on the market at $5 each, grossing $2.5 million in new capital. The company has a current market cap in the micro range, at $37.5 million.

The company has released three quarterly reports since going public, with top-line revenue holding steady between $5.52 million and $5.68 million. The most recent report, for 1Q21, came in at $5.67 million. During the quarter, the company executed 15 new and renewal office leases, totaling $1 million in monthly revenues, and collected 96% of rents due.

Turning to the dividend, Presidio pays out 10 cents per common share, and has done so for the past three quarters  since it went public. At an annualized rate of 40 cents per share, the dividend yields an excellent 10%. This compares favorably to Treasury bonds, with the 10-year bond yielding only 1.33% in the current low-rate environment.

Among the bulls is Colliers analyst David Toti who rates SQFT a Buy along with a $5 price target. At current prices, this indicates ~27% upside. (To watch Totis track record, click here)

The company focuses on high quality properties in targeted non-gateway markets with attractive growth dynamics and cap rates which exceed their cost of capital. The company concentrates on $10  $30 million property transactions that are not typically pursued by institutions or larger REITs, Toti noted.

The analyst added, The company continues its strong rent collections that existed throughout 2020. The diversified nature of the portfolio especially the office and model home portfolios have resulted in a company-wide collections rate of 96% of budget in the first quarter of 2021. The company signed fifteen office leases in the first quarter of 2021, with 5 new tenants and 10 existing tenant renewals. As many of the local COVID-related restrictions begin to be lifted, we believe that the optimism of an economic recovery will translate into more tenant renewals, and prospective tenants signing new leases."

Presidio appears to be flying under the Streets radar and currently Toti's is the sole review. (See SQFT stock analysis on TipRanks)

Investcorp Credit Management BDC (ICMB)

For the last stock on our high-yield dividend list, well take a look at business development company. These investment companies put their money into small- and mid-cap enterprises, making capital and credit available to corporations that sometimes have difficulty accessing capital markets. Investcorp has a 16-year history in the business, offices in London and New York, and some $35 billion in total assets under management.

The companys operations are mainly in the US and Western Europe, but it has been expending. At the end of June, Investcorp announced the acquisition of the Italian tech company CloudCare, investments in the Chinese Software-as-a-Service supply chain management company Linkedcare, and investments in Heritage Foods, a sauces and condiments maker with brand recognition in Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

So, Investcorps portfolio is highly diversified, entering East Asia was as including previous investments in Western private equity, real estate, and credit management. In the most recent quarter, the third of fiscal year 2021, the company reported net profit from that portfolio of $29 million. This came out to 29 cents per share, a dramatic year-over-year turnaround from 3Q20, when the company posted 3-cent net loss per share. Revenue, however, came in below the Streets estimates, with $6.01 million reported at the top line compared to the $6.76 million expected.

In recent years, Investcorp has been paring back the dividend, to keep it in line with the tougher business climate. The most recent declaration, for fiscal Q4, was set at 15 cents per common share; this was down from 18 cents in the last payment. Still, the company has demonstrated a commitment to keeping up the payments, and the current dividend declaration yields over 10%.

Raymond James analyst Robert Dodd, rated 5-stars, sees an attractive risk/reward in ICMB shares, noting: "If credit remains stable from here, we believe ICMB can cover its quarterly dividend beginning in F1Q22, which at our target price would provide a dividend yield 60 bps above the BDC group average. We view the risk / reward as attractive at current levels, though believe ICMB continues to embed high binary risk

Dodd gives this stock an Outperform (i.e. Buy) rating, and his price target of $6.50 implies a one-year upside of 16%. (To watch Dodds track record, click here)

Investcorp has slipped under most analysts radar; Dodd's rating is the only one on file for Investcorp at the moment. (See ICMB stock analysis on TipRanks)

To find good ideas for divdend stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
(Bloomberg) -- Four African finance ministers urged the Group of 20 nations to pressure the International Monetary Fund to accelerate the disbursement of new loans the continent needs to overcome the economic devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic and avert an insolvency crisis.

Timely, stable and sufficient long-term financing on fair terms for an inclusive and sustainable post-Covid recovery remains out of reach for many developing countries, Nigerian Finance Minister Zainab Ahmed and her counterparts Ken Ofori-Atta of Ghana, Nicolas Kazadi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Adama Coulibaly from Ivory Coast wrote in an op-ed published by Italys la Stampa newspaper on Friday.

Their call comes before a meeting of G-20 finance ministers and central bank governors in Venice this weekend.

The IMFs board last month unanimously supported a proposal to create a record $650 billion of new reserves, known as special drawing rights, or SDRs, for its members, but only $33 billion of that has been earmarked for Africa.

The plan still requires final approval by the Washington-based lenders board of governors, which is comprised of representatives from its 190 member countries -- typically their finance ministers or central bank governors.

The urgency now is to accelerate the disbursement of these SDRs to forestall the current emerging market liquidity crisis devolving into an insolvency crisis, the African finance chiefs said, calling on the IMF to outline how the rights will be dispensed and set reallocation and on-lending terms.

They also want the lender to replenish its Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, which provides support to low-income countries through interest-free loans, and other funding facilities.

France has committed to reallocating part of its SDRs to Africa. Leaders of the Group of 7 biggest economies last month discussed supporting plans for a $100 billion reallocation.

New Facility

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously said about a quarter of the total allocation, equivalent to around $162 billion, should be made available to African countries and called on rich nations to donate -- and not just on-lend -- their allotments. South Africa is the only African member of the G-20, which comprises the European Union and 19 other major economies.

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Ahmed, Ofori-Atta, Kazadi and Coulibaly also urged the G-20 to consider on-lending at least $30 billion in SDRs to a new facility that would catalyze investments to Africa, reduce the liquidity premiums on middle-income countries sovereign bonds and offer incentives for environmentally sustainable investments.

The facility would be similar to the European Stability Mechanism and help African nations address debt vulnerability and investment gaps, as well as threats posed by climate change, they said.

Rich nations should also accelerate the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines to the continent, according to the ministers.

Vaccine Deficit

As the developed world is steadily reaching its vaccination goals, Africa braces for a third Covid-19 wave, as short-term vaccine supplies dry up leaving many countries unable to even follow up with second doses for high-risk groups, they said.

Africa has taken delivery of just 66 million vaccine doses so far and less than 2% of the its population of more than 1.3 billion people has been fully inoculated, according to the World Health Organization. The 50 million doses administered on the continent to date account for just 1.6% of those administered globally.

Support for manufacturing vaccines in low-income countries and recognition that voluntarily licensing agreements can make a positive impact on global supplies is encouraging, the ministers said.

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.
As he works to attract Republican voters ahead of the August 2022 gubernatorial primary, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Wednesday that he will appeal a recent decision striking down a ban on a procedure that abortion opponents call dismemberment abortion.

Schmidts move continues a six-year court battle which led to the Kansas Supreme Courts landmark 2019 decision that the state constitution protects the right to an abortion. The decision sparked the campaign for a constitutional amendment to overturn the ruling.

Kansas voters will decide on the gubernatorial primary and the constitutional amendment in August 2022.

In 2015, Kansas passed a bill banning dilation and evacuation abortions, most commonly used after the 14th or 15th week of pregnancy.

A preliminary injunction sought by the Center for Reproductive Rights early in the court case prevented the law from ever being enforced.

The matter reached the Kansas Supreme Court in 2019. When the high court ruled that abortion is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution, it also sent the 2015 law back to the district court.

Based on the ruling, a Shawnee County judge ruled in April that the ban was unconstitutional.

In a statement Wednesday, Schmidt said his appeal will ask the court to reconsider its interpretation that abortion is a fundamental right.

Genevieve Scott, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights called Schmidts appeal a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The Kansas Supreme Court has been extremely clear on this issue: abortion is protected as a fundamental right under the state constitution. We will continue to fight on behalf of Kansans in court, Scott said in a statement.

In January the Kansas Legislature approved a constitutional amendment that would declare there is no state constitutional right to an abortion, and placed the question on the August 2022 ballot.

Jeanne Gawdun, director of government relations for Kansans for Life, said the vote will be important regardless of the outcome of Schmidts appeal.

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What the Supreme Court did was declare a path for unlimited abortion up to the moment of birth and paid for with tax dollars, Gawdun said. Its further evidence of why Value Them Both (supporters name for the amendment, referring to mother and child) is needed.

If argued in the Supreme Court ahead of the August 2022 vote, the appeal will give Schmidt an opportunity to publicly defend abortion restrictions, potentially wooing anti-abortion voters driven to the polls by the amendment.

I think theres probably a mix of motivations here, said Mandy Culbertson, director of communications for Planned Parenthood Great Plains.

Both the constitutional amendment and this challenge to the Hodes decision is part of a larger agenda to undermine sexual and reproductive health and rights, and impose the values of a few on millions of Kansans.

In a statement, former Gov. Jeff Colyer, who is running against Schmidt in the GOP primary, criticized the states highest court as out of touch with Kansans.

This terrible ruling is the result of a terrible court. The only dissenter was the only justice appointed by our administration, Colyer said.

We need not only a constitutional amendment fixing this ruling but one fixing this out of control liberal court.
The Telegraph

Bryson DeChambeau believes staying out of the "diabolical" rough at Royal St George's will be the key to improving his poor Open Championship record. DeChambeau powered to a six-shot victory in the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot, but has missed the cut in two of this three Open appearances to date and could only finish 51st at Carnoustie in 2018. However, the world number six did at least win two-and-a-half points from his three matches in the 2015 Walker Cup at Royal Lytham - albeit in a losing ca
YouTubers Hannah Aylward and Shane Burcaw (left) and travel blogger Cory Lee's broken wheelchair (right). Courtesy of Shane Burcaw, Curb Free with Cory Lee

Airlines break thousands of wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility equipment per year.

A broken wheelchair impacts a disabled person's mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Disability advocates are working to allow wheelchairs on flights and make planes accessible.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The day before his flight from Minneapolis to Orlando to speak at a conference, author, YouTuber, and president of Laughing At My Nightmare Shane Burcaw posted a message on Instagram begging Delta not to break his wheelchair.

"My wheelchair gets damaged often enough that every flight I take feels like a terrifying gamble," Burcaw, who makes videos about disability and relationships with his wife Hannah Aylward, told Insider. "I'd estimate there has been damage on 60% of the flights I've taken, but every trip I nervously hold my breath and expect the worst."

When Burcaw and Aylward boarded their flight, airport workers took his wheelchair to the cargo hold, as is standard procedure. Upon landing, Aylward filmed for the couple's channel, Squirmy and Grubbs, as she retrieved the wheelchair. One of the footrests had broken off, the seat was stuck in its fully leaned-back position, and it wouldn't turn on.

"When Hannah said my chair wasn't turning on, I immediately began running through worst case scenarios," Burcaw said. "What if we can't get to the speaking engagement? What if we can't even leave the airport? What if I'm without my chair for days or weeks?"

Airlines break thousands of wheelchairs and scooters every year

To board a plane, wheelchair users must surrender their devices, which are often custom made and cost tens of thousands of dollars, and hope that airlines return them from the cargo hold intact. Oftentimes, they don't, leaving passengers stranded or waiting months for repairs. Activists and politicians are fighting for change, advocating for accessible airplanes that allow passengers to stay in their wheelchairs on flights and prevent damage from happening in the first place.

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Airlines weren't legally required to report damages to mobility equipment until December 2018, when Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, who uses a wheelchair herself, added a provision into the FAA Reauthorization Act.

"When airlines damage my wheelchair, it's more than a simple inconvenience. It's like having my legs taken away from me again," Duckworth told Insider in a statement. "I'm proud to have passed legislation that is now in effect requiring air carriers to disclose how many checked bags, wheelchairs and motorized scooters they damage or mishandle."

In the first full year of tracking incidents, the Department of Transportation found 10,548 wheelchairs or scooters were "mishandled" in 2019. That's about 29 damaged, delayed, lost, or stolen wheelchairs every day.

That number decreased to 3,464 devices in 2020 - about 9.5 per day - as the coronavirus pandemic halted travel plans.

In the first quarter of 2021, airlines reported 712 mishandled wheelchairs or scooters - almost eight per day. Spirit Airlines had the highest percentage of incidents, damaging 2.88% of enplaned wheelchairs and scooters, followed by JetBlue (2.27%), American Airlines (1.57%), and Frontier (1.55%).

Emily Ladau is a disability advocate and author fighting to allow wheelchairs on planes. She says her wheelchair is broken on about 25% of flights. Courtesy of Emily Ladau

Emily Ladau, a disability advocate and author of "Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally," says these numbers are likely underreported since it's often faster for wheelchair users to handle the repairs themselves.

"Rather than following all of the channels and hoops that you need to jump through in order to report the issue and get the airline to support you in fixing it, I feel like a lot of people just want to get out of there and deal with someone who they already work with to fix their wheelchair, and not spend hours in the airport or hours on the phone fighting with people," she said.

That's what Burcaw and Aylward did in Orlando. After two and a half hours of waiting for Delta's repair company, Burcaw says he and Aylward found a technician from the conference they were scheduled to speak at who successfully talked them through the repair over the phone.

A Delta representative told Insider in a statement that Burcaw's wheelchair "was fully working approximately one hour after his arrival."

"We're sorry about this customer's experience after he arrived on a flight to Orlando when the power supply circuit breaker on his intact wheelchair needed to be reset," the statement said. "Our teams were supporting him and his party throughout their travels including troubleshooting assistance at his direction."

A broken wheelchair impacts a disabled person's mobility, independence, and quality of life

"I think that there's a lack of taking it seriously when it comes to handling mobility equipment and not recognizing that this thing that you're throwing around is someone else's lifeline and their source of movement and freedom," Ladau said.

In May, a video posted to TikTok showed Delta passenger Gabrielle DeFiebre sobbing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after her custom-made wheelchair was returned broken after a flight. The text over the video read, "Today my heart broke watching my best friend sob because Delta broke her wheelchair. She kept repeating, 'this is my life. This is the only way I can live my life.'" The video amassed over 16 million views.

Delta apologized for the incident, telling Insider in a statement that they were working with DeFiebre to repair her wheelchair and were conducting a full investigation.

Cory Lee, founder of the Webby Award-winning accessible travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, has traveled to 37 countries and all seven continents, but he says his $35,000 wheelchair comes back damaged after about 25% of his flights. The day Insider reached out, in fact, he said he found his wheelchair's right armrest and operating joystick broken and dragging on the ground after a Delta flight home from a trip to the Adirondacks.

"We knew within 10 seconds of seeing the chair that it was totally damaged and not going to be working," Lee said. "We used duct tape to tape the armrest to the chair, and that's still kind of holding it in place. But the joystick keeps flipping a little bit, so it's not the easiest to drive with it like this. And it is hurting my independence today, a lot, because it's not easy for me to move around as it should be. I'm still dealing with the effects of it."

Cory Lee in the Adirondacks. His wheelchair was broken on his flight back from this trip. Curb Free with Cory Lee

Lee said Delta apologized and would cover the cost, but had no way of knowing how long the repairs would take.

"It could be a few days. It could be a few weeks. And in some cases I've heard from other wheelchair users, it could even be a few months," he said. (Delta ended up sending a repair person to Lee's home nine days later.)

A Delta representative told Insider: "We consider a wheelchair as an extension of a person and understand that any mishandling of this mobility device directly impacts their daily living. We are affirmatively working with the customer to make things right. We're sorry for this customer's experience. We are proactively working with our Advisory Board on Disability and our cross divisional operations teams to continuously improve the travel experience for our customers with disabilities."

Activists and politicians are working to make air travel more accessible, but progress is slow

From lengthy boarding and deplaning to inaccessible airplane bathrooms, broken wheelchairs are just one of many difficulties disabled passengers face while flying.

"Every part of the process is, I would say, significantly more complicated simply because you're a wheelchair user," Ladau said. "And I think that much of this could be avoided if they would actually make progress on allowing wheelchair users to sit in their wheelchairs on the airplane."

Michele Campanelli-Erwin is working towards this goal as the president and founder of All Wheels Up, the only organization crash-testing wheelchairs and wheelchair tie-downs for commercial flight.

Aviation standards require airplane seats to withstand forces of 16 Gs, or 16 times the force of gravity. Wheelchairs and wheelchair-restraint systems in cars, buses, and trains exceed that standard, but Campanelli-Erwin says they aren't allowed on planes because the aviation industry has not invested funds in testing and certifying wheelchairs for air travel.

A wheelchair crash test conducted by All Wheels Up. Courtesy of All Wheels Up

"We're funded $25 at a time from every wheelchair user who wants to see this happen," she said. "Airlines aren't out to purposely damage someone's wheelchair, but they certainly like to stay within the box that they're given."

All Wheels Up funded the first wheelchair crash test in 2016 and brought the findings to Congress, who paid the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a feasibility study for in-cabin wheelchair restraint systems. The results, which will determine the future of this research, are due in August.

In March, Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Jim Langevin introduced the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2021, which includes legislation to ensure "proper stowage of assistive devices in the cargo hold to prevent damage." It would also require the Department of Transportation to establish civil penalties for violations, establish a private right of action for plaintiffs, and require new airplane designs to improve the accessibility of seats and bathrooms.

"Our bill would help ensure disabled travelers - many of whom are Veterans like myself - receive the same accommodations others take for granted," Duckworth, who is a cosponsor of the bill, told Insider.

Advocates like Burcaw, Ladau, and Lee hope they'll eventually be able to roll onboard an airplane without leaving their wheelchairs and risking damage to their devices - or themselves.

"It will take time and money to make these conversions and to develop the protocol, but the work needs to begin," Burcaw said. "It's not an unsolvable problem, but the powers that be need to want to solve it."

Read the original article on Insider
Ald. Carrie Austin through her lawyer pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges Thursday, a week after she and her chief of staff were accused of shepherding a real estate development through City Hall bureaucracy while they were given home improvement perks from a contractor seeking to influence them.

The 34th Ward alderman made her court appearance by telephone before U.S. District Judge John Kness. She was indicted July 1 along with her top aide, Chester Wilson, who also pleaded not guilty Thursday.

The indictment alleged that between them, Austin and Wilson got new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, bathroom tiling, sump pumps and an HVAC system for free or at a discount. The central developer in the indictment, now deceased, was working on a 91-unit project in Austins Far South Side ward.

Austin approved payments from city funds for infrastructure within the development, acknowledged that she had no objection to issuing building permits, and fought for the release of tax increment financing payments to the developers bank, according to the indictment.

Austin, 72, faces one count of conspiring to use interstate facilities to promote bribery and other charges, according to prosecutors.

Wilson, 55, of Chicago, is charged with one count of theft of government funds and faces bribery charges.

The parties in the case had agreed on conditions of release for Austin and Wilson, which included posting $4,500 bond.

Austin only spoke during the hearing to periodically indicate she understood her rights and the conditions of her release.

The defendants will next appear for a hearing by phone on Aug. 10.

In a statement on Thursday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot reiterated that a federal indictment against an alderman makes their ability to deliver for residents and their effectiveness as a member of the City Council, let alone a Committee Chair, very difficult.

But the statement fell short of calling for Austins resignation, either as a chairwoman or as a member of the City Council.

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I reached out to Alderman Austin upon learning of the indictment, and intend on having a substantive conversation with her about her future role in the City Council, Lightfoot said.

Austin became the third sitting Chicago alderman currently under federal indictment and the second to face charges this year. The indictment came two years after Austins ward office was raided by federal agents, leaving the long-serving alderman under a cloud of suspicion.

When federal authorities charged Ald. Edward Burke with corruption in January 2019, he stepped down as Finance Committee chairman.

Austin has so far not resigned her post as head of a committee on racial equity in contracts, which Mayor Lori Lightfoot gave her to soften the blow from taking away her Budget Committee chairmanship.

Touting her experience as a former federal prosecutor in the wake of Burkes corruption charges, Lightfoot ran for mayor as a reformer and pledged to clean up City Hall.

Chicago Tribunes Megan Crepeau contributed to this story.

mabuckley@chicagotribune.com
Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona, before his election defeat last year. (Reuters)

The top elections official in Arizona has urged the states attorney general to open a criminal investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies last year to halt or overturn the states counting of ballots from the 2020 election.

Katie Hobbs, whose position is the second-highest ranking executive job in the state, urged Attorney General Mark Brnovich in an email on Wednesday to investigate revelations that Mr Trump and his former attorney, Rudy Giuliani, made multiple attempts to get in contact with members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors as they oversaw the count of ballots in the states most populous county, which went for Joe Biden.

Their efforts were revealed in an investigation by The Arizona Republic, which uncovered that the two men made multiple attempts to personally get in contact with the county-level officials in charge of counting ballots and certifying election results for part of the state. Those officials were also contacted by Dr Kelli Ward, the states GOP chair, who urged them in texts to stop counting ballots, according to the Republic.

In her letter to Mr Brnovich, Ms Hobbs noted that anyone who induces an officer to violate or refuse to comply with the officers duty is guilty of a felony under state law.

I urge you to take action not only to seek justice in this instance, but to prevent future attempts to interfere with the integrity of our elections, Ms Hobbs wrote.

Mr Brnovichs office did not immediately return a request for comment from The Independent or other news outlets on whether his office would pursue an investigation into the efforts by the White House and state Republicans to interfere with the process.

Ms Hobbs, a Democrat, emerged as a top opponent of the GOPs efforts to overturn election results in her state last year and has been a vocal critic of the GOP-sponsored third-party audit of Maricopa Countys vote count. Members of the GOP-led county Board of Supervisors have also criticized the effort, which has been called a fruitless attempt to overturn Mr Trumps loss in the state.

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Following her election to the office, Republican lawmakers in the state moved to strip her of the power to defend state election laws in court, which she called an unconstitutional power grab.

This is a petty, partisan power grab that is absolutely retaliation towards my office," she told NPR. "It's clear by the fact that it ends when my term ends. ... It is at best legally questionable, but at worst, likely unconstitutional."

Mr Trump has reportedly kept a close eye on the Arizona audit while spreading false claims to supporters that he could be reinstated as president, though there is no mechanism to do so and no evidence presented thus far indicating that widespread fraud occurred in Arizona or any other state.

The presidents own attorney general and cybersecurity experts said last year that widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election had not been detected in any way that would have significantly affected results, though Mr Trump has remained unrepentant in claiming the election was stolen regardless.

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Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is seen with then-President-elect Donald Trump in Bedminster, New Jersey in November 2016. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Records obtained by The Arizona Republic showed Trump allies contacting Arizona election officials.

"We need you to stop the counting," Kelli Ward, Arizona GOP chair, told an official during ballot counting.

Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is calling on Trump and his allies to be investigated over the reports.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is calling for an investigation into former President Donald Trump and his allies over "intense efforts to interfere" with the counting of ballots in the 2020 election.

In a letter to Arizona's attorney general that was shared on Twitter, Hobbs urges him to look into reports that Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and Kelli Ward tried to interfere with election officials, potentially in violation of state law. She said they contacted officials in Maricopa County, where a GOP-backed audit of the election was recently underway, to disrupt ballot counting.

"Local reporting recently uncovered intense efforts to interfere with the tabulation of ballots and canvass of the 2020 election in Maricopa County," Hobbs said in a tweet. "In Arizona, interfering with election officials is a felony."

Read more: A key fundraising group for Republican women is shunning Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert, calling them 'carnival barkers'

Citing The Arizona Republic's reporting, the letter says Trump and his allies reached out to election officials during the ballot tabulation process "to induce supervisors to refuse to comply with their duties."

Hobbs notes an incident in which Ward, chair of the Arizona Republican Party, told the chairman of the board of supervisors, "We need you to stop the counting" and "I know you don't want to be remembered as the guy who led the charge to certify a fraudulent election."

The comments were made via text messages that were included in records obtained by The Arizona Republic.

Story continues

Hobbs called for Attorney General Mark Brnovich to investigate these reports and enforce any laws that were violated.

"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," she wrote. "I urge you to take action not only to seek justice in this instance, but to prevent future attempts to interfere with the integrity of our elections."

Hobbs, a Democrat and vocal critic of the GOP recount in Maricopa County, announced last month she will run for governor in 2022.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Armed robbers who had rushed into a home opened fire on Saginaw police Wednesday night when officers arrived on the scene, but no injuries were reported.

At some point, the robbers fled the home and escaped.

A search for the armed suspects continued on Thursday.

Saginaw police responded to the report of a home invasion in the 600 block of Redwing Drive.

Three armed men had entered the Saginaw home and threatened residents, according to a Saginaw police report.

When they arrived, three Saginaw police officers identified themselves and attempted to contact the suspects, police said.

One or more of the suspects then opened fire through the door. Saginaw police took cover, but they did not return fire.

Fort Worth police and deputies with the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office assisted in the search for the three suspects who fled the home into an adjacent wooded field.
Sydney has seen its worst day for COVID-19 cases this year after two weeks of hard lockdown.

New South Wales state reported its biggest daily rise in locally acquired infections on Thursday (July 8).

This raised the prospect of a further extension of restrictions, and tightening the already harsh curbs on international and inter-state travel.

Officials are blaming illegal family visits for a growing cluster of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Rodger Powell, managing director at consultancy Tourism and Hospitality Services Australasia:

"There's an increasing groundswell of dissatisfaction and frustration with not being able to travel with the complete lack of certainty...We are one of only two countries in the world where the citizens aren't allowed to leave the country, and the other is North Korea which is not one I'd want to be held up against."

Last year, when much of the world was in lockdown, Australia was successfully hosting cricket matches and tennis tournaments.

The economy also reopened earlier than expected in 2020, with more jobs now than before the pandemic.

But with the new virus outbreaks in recent weeks and a chaotic vaccine rollout, Australia is yet to announce any firm timeframe for international borders to fully open.

As crowds in London watch Wimbledon and the Euro Cup soccer finals, Australians confront new disappointments, with the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix canceled and holiday plans scuppered.

Sydney resident Nicole Powell booked five cruises when the industry reopened:

"And bit by bit they have just, you know, all been canceled. You know, which is really disappointing because I've been so looking forward to getting back to cruise ships and that lifestyle again."

She says she would welcome the idea of cruises that only allowed vaccinated people on board.

And her views are echoed by business owners, like Philip Koinis, director of Oxford Travel, who hope faster immunization would return some freedoms.
Mary Anne would have been 14 years old this September, possibly looking forward to starting high school in her South Central Pennsylvania neighborhood.

Her life was instead cut drastically short; she was killed as a newborn and disposed of in a dumpster behind a YMCA in 2007. The moniker Mary Anne was given to her because police did not know her real name, if she was given one.

Police investigated for more than a decade trying to determine who killed and discarded the baby until recent DNA evidence led to a breakthrough in the case. The girls mother, Tara Brazzle, was charged Friday with criminal homicide, Pennsylvania officials say.

Brazzle was questioned about the murder on July 1 and told police she put the baby in a dumpster, according to the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office. Officers didnt arrest Brazzle at the time because investigators were still trying to determine if Brazzle had an accomplice, but she was caught the following day after she had flown to California.

The death and circumstances of the discovery of Baby Mary Anne had a tremendous impact on this community, District Attorney Heather Adams said in a statement. The case was incredibly sad then and incredibly sad now, as those with ties to Baby Mary Anne begin to process and grieve a personal loss about which they are only now learning.

The investigation began Sept. 24, 2007, when YMCA employees discovered the newborn in the dumpster. The district attorneys office said the baby had been wrapped in a blood-stained towel and several plastic bags and placed into a canvas bag along with the placenta and the umbilical cord.

The babys cause of death was ruled as asphyxia, leading to an in-depth investigation into the homicide. Police ruled out 25 woman who tipsters said were pregnant at the time. The case eventually went cold.

In 2016, a new lead investigator in the case helped collect DNA evidence using technology not previously available. The babys DNA was uploaded into a public genetic genealogy database in 2018, and police used that to find a connection between the baby and Brazzle, the district attorney said.

Story continues

Brazzle was interviewed at her home last week in Indiana, where she said she had given birth to the baby.

Brazzle indicated that she knew she was pregnant, failed to seek any prenatal care for the baby and did not provide any medical care to the baby after giving birth, according to the district attorney. According to Brazzle, she placed the baby in the trash dumpster located behind the YMCA several days later.

Brazzle worked at the YMCA at the time of the 2007 discovery, according to a coworker who found the babys body.

That floored me when I found out who it was, David Ressler told Lancaster Online of Brazzles arrest.

Brazzle, 44, is a mother of three other children, her boyfriend, Anthony Ortiz, told Lancaster Online. Ortiz said his girlfriend was not fleeing to California, but rather traveling there to see him.

She was arrested by the San Jose Police Department as she disembarked the plane last week. She is being held at the Santa Clara Sheriffs Department with no bail as she awaits extradition to Pennsylvania, the district attorney said.

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Beauden Barrett returns to his favoured fly-half position and scrum-half Aaron Smith will captain New Zealand for the first time in a much changed All Blacks team named Thursday to face Fiji in the first Test.

Outside centre Rieko Ioane and winger George Bridge are they only players in the starting side for Saturday's match in Dunedin who also began last week's Test against Tonga.

Ethan Blackadder and George Bower, who came off the bench against Tonga, will get their first Test starts against Fiji.

Coach Ian Foster, who is keen to give his entire squad match time in the Tests against the Pacific islanders, is expecting a much tougher workout against Fiji than the All Blacks received in their runaway 102-0 win over Tonga.

"The Fijian team will bring a very different challenge from Tonga. They are a more established side made up of primarily overseas-based players, who are amongst some of the better players in Europe," Foster said.

"It should be a fast, physical match."

Scrum-half Smith, who did not lace up his boots last week, will be playing his 98th Test and will partner Barrett in the halves for the first time in 19 Tests, with the All Blacks preferring Richie Mo'unga in the 10 jersey and Barrett at fullback since then.

In the starting front row, alongside Bower making his first Test start, are hooker Codie Taylor in his 57th Test an Nepo Laulala playing his 30th Test.

Brodie Retallick and Patrick Tuipulotu, with 118 Tests between them, will lock the scrum while Blackadder is joined in the loose forwards by Shannon Frizell and Hoskins Sotutu.

Outside Smith and Barrett in the halves, David Havili returns to the All Blacks for the first time in four years to partner Ioane in the centres while Bridge, Sevu Reece and Jordie Barrett make up the outside trio.

Prop Ethan de Groot is in line to make his Test debut off the bench.

New Zealand (15-1):

Jordie Barrett; Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, George Bridge; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith (capt); Hoskins Sotutu, Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell; Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu; Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower.

Replacements: Dane Coles, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Sam Whitelock, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan.

cf/ns/arb/dh
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Beauden Barrett will start at flyhalf and scrumhalf Aaron Smith will captain the All Blacks for the first time when New Zealand meets Fiji at Dunedin on Saturday in the first of two rugby tests.

Barrett is in competition with Richie Mounga for the All Blacks No. 10 jersey after returning from a sabbatical in Japan. Mounga has been New Zealands starting flyhalf for most of the last two seasons and Barrett has been fitted into the national team at fullback in a dual playmaker role.

Barrett played at flyhalf during his time in Japan and has made clear he wants to play at flyhalf again for the All Blacks.

Mounga started at No. 10 in the All Blacks first test of the year against Tonga last week. Barrett now has a chance to make his claim to the role, with Mounga left out of the match 23. Damian McKenzie has been named on the bench as cover.

Smith has been picked to lead the All Blacks in his 98th test, restoring his former halves partnership with Barrett.

Aaron is a special player with real mana and a natural leader and his preparation is second to none, head coach Ian Foster said.

Lock Brodie Retallick returns to the lineup for the first time in almost two years after also taking up a contract in Japan. He will combine in the second row with Patrick Tuipulotu.

Loosehead prop George Bower and openside flanker Ethan Blackadder will start a test for the first time after making debuts from the bench against Tonga. Blackadder is the son of former All Blacks backrower and Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder.

Foster has selected David Havili and Rieko Ioane in another another new midfield combination. Ioane, a winger, started at outside side last weekend in partnership with new cap Quinn Tupaea. Havili, usually a fullback, has been used in midfield this season by the Crusaders in Super Rugby and the All Blacks now have also pressed him into that role. He will be making his first start Saturday in his fourth test.

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Jordie Barrett will start at fullback in a back three with the Crusaders pair of George Bridge and Sevu Reece on the wings. Will Jordan, who scored five of the All Blacks 16 tries in their 102-0 win over Tonga, is named on the bench.

Crusaders prop Ethan de Groot will likely make his test debut as a replacement.

The Fiji team will bring a very different challenge from Tonga," Foster said. "They are a more established side made up of primarily overseas-based players who are amongst some of the better players in Europe.

It should be a fast, physical match and our team are excited by what the weekend will bring.

The inexperienced Simione Kuruvoli will start at scrumhalf for Fiji in place of Frank Lomani, who has been unable to travel from Australia to New Zealand because of a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales state. Queensland-based scrumhalf Mosese Sorovi and flyhalf Teti Tela are also affected.

Fiji head coach Vern Cotter said Kuruvoli, who will be marking Smith in only his second game for Fiji, has big shoes to fill but he has trained really well, speaks and connects well with (flyhalf) Ben Volavola plus he has got Kini Murimiruvalu at fullback who will also guide him."

Cotter said Seta Tuicuvu will start on the bench as cover for fullback and the halves.

He is a talented player. Cotter said. "He doesnt talk much but he played very well at halfback during training and impressed us enough to be on the bench.

Fiji has named an experienced forward pack with Peni Ravia, Sam Matavei and Mesake Doge in the front row, Leone Nakarawa at lock and Albert Tuisue at backrow.

Leone Nakarawa coming back in the team has helped cohesion in the lineout and lineout calling as he brings experience," Cotter said. "Some young players have been named on the bench such as Peni Narisia who plays for Brive, has been playing well and has impressed us.

Uncapped Crusaders winger Manasa Mataele and Eneriko Buliruarua have been included on the bench.

___

Lineups:

New Zealand: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith (captain); Hoskins Sotutu, Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Reserves: Dane Coles, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan.

Fiji: Keni Murimurivalu, Eroni Sau, Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia (captain), Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Simioni Kuruvoli; Albet Tuisue, Mesulame Kunavula, Johnny Dyer, Leone Nakarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Mesake Doge, Samuel Matavesi, Peni Ravai. Reserves: Peni Narisia, Haereiti Hetet, Leeroy Atalifo, Tevita Ratuva, Peceli Yato, Setareki Tuicuvu, Eneriko Buliruarua, Manasa Mataele.

___

More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Belarus on Thursday barred access to the country's oldest news organisation and raided the offices of several regional newspapers as President Alexander Lukashenko's regime clamps down on media not under state control.

Authorities in the ex-Soviet country, which is in the throes of a months-long crackdown on dissent, blocked the online publication Nasha Niva over accusations it had published illegal content.

Belarus' KGB security services also raided its offices as well as those of several regional publications across the country.

The media crackdown comes a day after one of Lukashenko's main challengers, Viktor Babaryko, was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Nasha Niva -- founded in 1906 under the Russian Empire -- said on social media that raids took places at the homes of four of its editors and that two including its editor-in-chief Yegor Martinovich were detained.

It said that it had lost contact with one editor, Andrei Dynko, while Martinovich's wife said on Facebook he was in such bad shape after the raid at their home that he needed treatment in detention.

Nasha Niva said on social media that the raids were carried out as part of a probe into actions that grossly violate public order.

The opposition-leaning site covered anti-Lukashenko protests that erupted last year and many of its staff have been interrogated or spent time in jail.

"Nasha Niva is not just a website, it's the oldest Belarusian newspaper," exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said in a video posted on Twitter.

"I call on the international community to provide practical support for our independent media and journalists," she added.

Separately, the Belarusian Association of Journalists reported that the editor-in-chief of another independent news site, orsha.eu had been detained and that an outlet which covers the IT sector had also been blocked.

- Regional outlets targeted -

Security officers then came to two regional newspapers.

Story continues

According to Viasna, the KGB raided the editorial offices of the internet publication Intex-press in Baranovichi, a city south-west of Minsk.

Brestskaya Gazeta, an independent newspaper based in the city of Brest on the Polish border, said KGB officers had also come to its offices.

The move to bar access to Nasha Niva is part of a broad crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year.

Journalists who covered the mass demonstrations have come under mounting pressure in recent months, with several receiving long jail terms.

Popular news website Tut.by was blocked in May and several of its employees arrested on tax evasion charges.

Lukashenko, the long-serving authoritarian leader who sparked the rallies by claiming a sixth presidential term, has drawn condemnation from the West whose leaders say the vote was not free or fair.

A leading opposition figure and former banker, Babaryko, who was considered one of Lukashenko's strongest opponents in the elections, was jailed for 14 years this week on contested fraud charges.

Western nations have slapped a slew of sanctions on Lukashenko and his regime but they appear to have had limited effect as he maintains backing from key ally and creditor Russia.

Most recently, leaders in the West targeted key sectors of the struggling Belarusian economy to punish Lukashenko's government for intercepting a Ryanair plane in May and arresting an opposition activist and his girlfriend on board.

tk-jbr-oc-emg/yad
Critics say Biden's plan is burdening future taxpayers with massive debt  U.S. national debt is now nearly $28 trillion  unnecessarily bails out local and state governments with funding unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is slowing economic recovery by extending federal supplemental unemployment benefits while businesses are struggling to find workers, despite job growth.

President Joe Biden visited Chicago's northwest suburbs on Wednesday to talk about the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion package of new spending approved by Congress in March.

Biden spoke in Crystal Lake at McHenry County College. McHenry County is the only Chicago collar county that favored Donald Trump during last year's presidential election.

The American Rescue Plan provided new stimulus checks of $1,400 for individuals, set aside hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars for education and child care initiatives among other projects.

When we passed the American Rescue Act, there were a lot of naysayers, Biden said. The doubters said it would not work, well we have created over 3 million jobs since I've taken office.

One of the main points of Biden's speech is his a plan to rebuild America by investing hundreds of billions of dollars in education, infrastructure and other projects. Biden, for example, wants to make community colleges such as McHenry County College tuition-free for students by raising taxes on wealthier Americans.

To truly win the 21st century and once again lead the world, to truly build the economy from the bottom up, we need to invest in our people, Biden said.

In response, Republican Illinois state Sen. Craig Wilcox said American families will pay for Biden's new taxing and spending initiatives because they will stifle the economy.

For the President to say he has it all squared away and that it's all free, I don't think Americans are that naive to believe that their government is going to just hand out stuff for free, Wilcox said.

Story continues

Biden has proposed higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to pay for initiatives included in his overall Build Back Better agenda, which includes the American Rescue Plan Act. Wilcox said the higher taxes would hurt the economy by driving up inflation.

That's going to drive inflation, Wilcox said. Inflation is the hidden tax on every American. We have seen the price of gas, we have seen the price of lumber and groceries increase, and that's already eating into middle-class income.

Biden is the first sitting president to visit McHenry County.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Biden, State, Illinois, Education

Original Author: Andrew Hensel, The Center Square

Original Location: Biden calls for investment in education during Illinois visit
The United States' military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on Aug. 31, President Biden announced Thursday during an update on the withdrawal process.

Why it matters: The U.S. has almost completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan, though the departure has coincided with large territorial gains by the Taliban and a sharp increase in violence.

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The U.S. intelligence community has warned that the Afghan government could collapse as soon as next year as the Taliban's battlefield offensive grows.

Biden's original goal was to remove all U.S. forces from the country by Sept. 11.

What they're saying: We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build, and it is the right and the responsibility of Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run their country," Biden said.

The president said the U.S. will continue to support the Afghan government after its withdrawal and will still help to promote human rights in the country.

The president noted that a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan is "not inevitable" because the Afghan military outnumbers the Taliban and is better equipped.

He called the U.S. intelligence community's warning that Afghanistan's government is on the verge of falling "wrong."

"They clearly have the capacity to sustain the government in place. The question is will they generate the kind of cohesion to do it," the president said.

Of note: Biden repeatedly stressed the futility of attempting to force a governmental system on Afghanistan.

"It is up to the people of Afghanistan to decide what government they want, not us to impose the government on them. No country has ever been able to do that."

Zoom out: Biden said his administration will start finding and transporting Afghan nationals who helped U.S. forces during the Afghanistan War to host countries while they wait for U.S. visas this month.

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He added that the terrorism threat has "metastasized" beyond Afghanistan and said the U.S. needs "to meet the threats where they are today."

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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Afghan security officials inspect the scene of a bomb blast in Kandahar on Tuesday - Shutterstock

Boris Johnson has admitted that he is apprehensive about Afghanistan, as he said the UK and US must work together so blood and treasure was not wasted.

Appearing before the Commons Liaison Committee on Wednesday, the Prime Minister told MPs that he was not happy about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

Mr Johnson said: If you ask me if I feel happy about the current situation in Afghanistan, of course I dont. I am apprehensive. The situation is fraught with risks.

It comes as Mr Johnson will give a statement to the house on Thursday regarding Afghanistan, which has seen the Taliban advance throughout the country in recent days after coalition troops withdrew.

He is expected to pay tribute to the 454 British men and women who lost their lives during the 20-year conflict.

Earlier this week Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, told the national security strategy committee that the future of Afghanistan was of profound concern to the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, said that US president Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the country had left Britain and other Nato allies in a very difficult position to continue that mission.

He has since pledged that Britain will continue to work with the Afghan government and focus on the threats that emanate from Afghanistan and may grow to emanate towards the UK and our allies.

Mr Johnson added: We must hope that the parties in Kabul can come together to reach an agreement.

We have to hope that the blood and treasure spent by this country over decades protecting the people of Afghanistan has not been in vain and that the legacy of their efforts is protected. Thats what this Government will try to do with our American friends. The situation is difficult.

Mr Johnson added: The people of Afghanistan have been the beneficiaries of decades of UK support and investment. Weve done our level best to help the stability, security, and the peace of that country.

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Mr Johnson added that the war has been a huge, huge commitment that was demonstrated by the hundreds of British troops [who] have died in that cause.

Taliban fight into western Afghan city

By Ben Farmer

Afghan soldiers pause on a road at the front line of fighting between Taliban and Security forces, in Badghis province, northwest of Afghanistan, Wednesday, July,7 2021. 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. - Mirwis Omari/AP

Taliban fighters stormed into a provincial capital in north-western Afghanistan, briefly holding government buildings before being forced back by troops.

The push into Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis, marked the first assault on a major town during a two-month offensive which has seen dozens of rural districts wrested from government control.

Government offices including the local police headquarters and provincial office of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) were briefly seized before special forces pushed the militants back.

Around 200 prisoners are also believed to have escaped during the fighting.

As fighting erupted, the governor, Hessamuddin Shams, issued a warning: The enemy has entered the city, all the districts have fallen.

He later attempted to calm residents in a video message appearing with a rifle while gunfire could be heard in the distance.

I assure you that we will, all of us, together defend the city, he said.

Abdul Aziz Bek, the head of Badghis' provincial council, said the town had been in panic and Afghan forces began air strikes against Taliban fighters during the afternoon.

Qala-e-Naw was in a state of disarray as security forces and people do not know what to do now, he said during the fighting. More than 200 prisoners in the central prison of Badghis broke the prison gate and escaped.

A cascade of Taliban gains in recent weeks has caused alarm in both Kabul and Nato capitals, as the militants have appeared to march almost unchecked across swathes of rural northern Afghanistan.

Yet until Wednesday the offensive had steered clear of provincial capitals, which are thought to have been protected under America's withdrawal deal with the Taliban.

As the assault proceeded, footage was widely shared of Taliban fighters riding motorbikes into the town as onlookers cheered.

Afghanistan's defence minister, Bismillah Mohammadi, who has taken charge after a panicked reshuffle, admitted the government was in a very sensitive military situation, adding that the war is raging with the Taliban.

America's final withdrawal from the country is more than 90 per cent complete. Several provincial capitals are now largely surrounded and many fear the militants are only waiting for the final US departure in September before trying to take them.
Good Morning America

When Peter Morley, who has an autoimmune disease, was out and about on the streets of New York City for Pride Month celebrations in June, he wore a mask -- as well as a matching outfit with his best friend, Charlie. Morley has lupus, a disease caused when the immune system attacks its own organs or tissues. Immunocompromised people are more likely to become severely ill or die from COVID-19 than their non-immunocompromised counterparts, several studies show, and many immunocompromised people may still be adhering to mask and social distancing precautions as the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus threatens reopening efforts in states across the country.
By Andrew MacAskill and William James

LONDON (Reuters) -Most British soldiers have been pulled out of Afghanistan, ending Britain's official role in a two-decades long conflict even as the Taliban are gaining ground and amid fears the departure of foreign soldiers could lead to civil war.

"All British troops assigned to NATO's mission in Afghanistan are now returning home," Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament, praising what British forces had achieved while at the same time acknowledging the "perils" facing Afghanistan.

"For obvious reasons, I will not disclose the timetable of our departure, though I can tell the house (parliament) that most of our personnel have already left," Johnson said.

British forces were first deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 following the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States and played a major role in combat operations until 2014. A total of 457 British soldiers were killed in the country.

NATO, of which Britain is a member, said in April that its troops would begin withdrawing in co-ordination with a decision by President Joe Biden to pull U.S. troops out by Sept. 11.

Violence has raged throughout Afghanistan in the weeks since then.

The United States last week abandoned Bagram air base, the longtime staging ground for U.S. military operations in the country, effectively ending Americas longest war. The Pentagon says the withdrawal of U.S. forces is 90% complete.

Johnson said he did not underestimate the challenges facing Afghanistan, adding the government would continue to provide development assistance.

"I hope no one will leap to the false conclusion that the withdrawal of our forces somehow means the end of Britain's commitment to Afghanistan, we are not about to turn away, nor are we under any illusions about the perils of today's situation and what might lie ahead," Johnson said.

CIVIL WAR WARNING

Britain's Ministry of Defence said a small number of troops will remain to protect diplomats.

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Nick Carter, who as Chief of the Defence Staff is the head of the armed forces, said there is the possibility that Afghanistan could be on a path to civil war as American and other foreign troops leave.

Recent news from Afghanistan has been "pretty grim" and it is "plausible" that the country's state would collapse without foreign troops there, he told reporters.

Afghanistan could see a situation like the country's 1990s civil war "where you would see a culture of warlordism and you might see some of the important institutions like security forces fracturing along ethnic, or for that matter, tribal lines," he said.

"If that were to happen, I guess the Taliban would control part of the country. But, of course, they would not control all of the country."

Johnson said Britain could be proud of its role in Afghanistan. The U.S.-led coalition supported the Northern Alliance in toppling the Taliban government, accused by Washington of harbouring al Qaeda after the militant group carried out the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

He said there have been improvements in women's rights, and education, and there has not been a militant attack in the West launched from Afghanistan since the invasion.

"No-one should doubt the gains of the last 20 years, but nor can we shrink from the hard reality of the situation today," he said. "It is true that the Taliban are making rapid progress in rural areas, but that does not mean ... that they are guaranteed a victory in the whole of Afghanistan."

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill and William JamesEditing by Frances Kerry)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Thursday asked state residents to voluntarily reduce household water usage by 15% due to worsening drought conditions.

State of play: Newsom is yet to issue a California-wide state of emergency or mandate any water use restrictions. However, on Thursday, he expanded his regional drought state of emergency to apply to 50 of the state's 58 counties, which includes about 42% of the population, Newsom said.

Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free

Newsom encouraged residents to take shorter showers, run dishwashers only when completely full and refrain from watering lawns.

By the numbers: As of late June, 33% of the state was under 'exceptional' drought conditions, the most severe classification by the Energy Information Administration, Axios' Ben Geman writes.

What they're saying: "Were hopeful that people will take that mindset they brought into the last drought and extend that forward with a 15%, voluntary reduction, not only on residences, but industrial commercial operations and agricultural operation," Newsom said.

Go deeper: Tallying the Western drought's toll on California hydropower

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By Anna Mehler Paperny

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada is planning to take in hundreds of vulnerable Afghan interpreters, embassy staff and their families as the United States draws down its military presence in Afghanistan after two decades, a government source said on Wednesday.

Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan ended a decade ago, after which the country resettled about 800 Afghans who had worked for the country as interpreters or in other roles.

Now interpreters who remained in Afghanistan and Afghan staff at the Canadian embassy in Kabul want to leave, and Canada is looking to bring them in as immigrants, said a government source who asked to speak anonymously due to the sensitivity of the information.

Many fear reprisals from the Taliban for their involvement with Western countries once the U.S. forces depart.

There are about 45 embassy staffers and their families, for a total of about 235 people, and at least 40 interpreters and their family members, the source said.

Canada wants to bring them out as soon as possible, but the source could give no definite timeline. They may come as resettled refugees or in other immigration streams, the source said, but will probably be given permanent resident status on arrival.

The move comes as the United States looks for countries to take in thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. military over the 20 years it spent in the country.

Canada has no plans to take in Afghans who worked for the United States, the source said.

Last month, Human Rights watch called on countries involved in Afghanistan, including Canada, to "urgently accelerate" visa processing and relocation for Afghan interpreters and other employees.

"Afghans who worked with foreign troops or embassies face huge risks of retaliation from the Taliban," Associate Asia Director Patricia Gossman said in a statement.

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
CANNES, France (Reuters) - Israeli moviemaker Nadav Lapid's love-hate relationship with his homeland plays out in his competition entry to this year's Cannes Film Festival, a back-of-beyond tale inspired by his own experience of government meddling.

"Ahed's Knee" tells of an Israeli moviemaker who arrives in a dusty desert town for a screening of one of his productions. There he meets a young culture ministry official, who asks him to sign a form listing discussion topics he wishes to explore.

That triggers the moviemaker's outrage, but he also displays moments of affection for Israeli, recording a desert sunset on his phone for his dying mother, and sharing a joyous car ride with a local to the sound of Bill Withers' "Lovely Day".

The film has divided critics, and Lapid said his own conflicted sense of identity had crept into it.

"A sort of intimacy towards Israel sneaked behind my back and got into the screen," he told a news conference, adding that he was more interested in inner conflicts than in politics.

The film jumps between flashbacks to its filmmaking hero's time in military service, where the soldiers play cruel tricks on each other, to his growing despair in the desert.

"I want to show how people's souls are changed, tormented, perverted sometimes by a state, by a place, less than talking about the state of Israel itself," he said.

Back at home in Tel Aviv Lapid has started a new project - a film about Ahed Tamini, a Palestinian girl who in 2017, aged 16, slapped an Israeli soldier and served a prison term.

She became a hero to campaigners against the occupation of the West Bank.

(Reporting by Sarah White and Michaela Cabrera; editing by John Stonestreet)
China is coming down hard on LGBT student groups. Over 10 chat groups run by university LGBT activists on messaging platform WeChat, which is similar to WhatsApp, went dark and became inaccessible. Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

China's censors are silencing the country's gay rights movement by blocking access to online chat groups.

Screenshots circulated on Weibo, the country's version of Twitter, showing a list of now-inaccessible accounts.

The chat platforms were used as discussion groups for LGBTQ youth at the country's universities.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

China's censors have their eyes on a fresh target - the country's LGBTQ movement.

On July 7, at least ten chat groups run by university gay rights groups hosted on messaging app WeChat went dark and became completely inaccessible to members.

The Associated Press reported that WeChat sent account holders notifications that they violated community rules, but did not specify any further details.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in China in 1997. However, a Chinese court this year upheld a ruling that homosexuality can still be called a mental disorder in the country, proving that attitudes toward the LGBTQ community in China remain far from liberal.

At the time of reporting, Insider was unable to gain access to the WeChat accounts in question. However, screenshots have circulated on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, the country's version of Twitter, showing the chat groups with their names replaced by "Unknown Chat Group."

A list of the chat groups that were taken offline on Wednesday was also posted on Weibo. In this list were college LGBTQ groups based in schools across the Chinese mainland, including communities at elite colleges like Tsinghua University in Beijing, and Fudan University in Shanghai.

WeChat's operator Tencent, Tsinghua, and Fudan, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider.

CNN spoke to Cathy, 25, the moderator of a Beijing university's LGBTQ group that was around for six years and had 18,000 followers before being shut down. Cathy, who spoke to the news outlet under a pseudonym, told CNN that her group (which she did not name) saw the tone of LGBTQ-related conversations on campus change over the years. The group was forced to scale back on activities and keep their gatherings limited to private settings.

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"In recent years, our goal is to simply survive, to continue to be able to serve LGBTQ students and provide them with warmth. We basically don't engage in any radical advocating anymore," Cathy told CNN.

Reuters spoke to another manager of a deleted chat group, who also declined to be identified.

"They censored us without any warning. All of us have been wiped out," the chat group manager told Reuters.

"Feeling really depressed and powerless after what happened to the LGBT accounts. What's going to happen next? Are they going to fine people for being single? Are they going to make women wear face veils when they go outside? Are we sure we aren't regressing as a society?" said one Weibo poster with the ID "a-nyan" in a post on Wednesday.

"These chat groups gave a lot of people a sense of community, particularly those who've just realized they might be gay and need support. We gathered together in the community, tried to understand each other, and gave comfort to people when it was needed. It felt like a family," posted a Weibo user with the ID JiZhiNvHai. "I'm saddened, and disappointed."

While the takedown of the chat groups may have been sudden and unexpected, a gradual censorship clampdown might not come as much of a surprise to the Chinese LGBTQ community.

It was reported in February this year that the Cyberspace Administration of China would impose new rules on self-publishers, including those who write about the LGBTQ community, Shanghai Pride, was also canceled in 2020 after 11 years.

Read the original article on Insider
Democrats' Tax-Hike Bet Relies On Their New $500,000-Plus Voters

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, center, speaks to members of the media following Senate Democratic policy luncheons in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, on April 20, 2021. Credit - Stefani ReynoldsBloomberg/Getty Images

Inside Congress, Democratic lawmakers are working to make sure President Joe Bidens proposed tax hikes on corporations and the wealthiest Americans are codified into law.

Outside Congress, some of the most powerful lawmakers former staff members are working to make sure they arent.

Former staffers to nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers in Congressincluding Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosiare now working as lobbyists for some of the most prominent groups opposing Democrats proposed tax increases on corporations and wealthy Americans, according to an analysis of federal disclosure documents.

This is how Washington works. After stints on Capitol Hill, congressional staffers on both sides of the aisle frequently leverage their contacts and experience into lucrative lobbying jobs. But the dynamic underscores the uphill battle Democrats face in tackling one of the partys core policy proposalsaltering a tax code that benefits the richeven as they control the White House and Congress and the tax hikes remain popular with their constituents, according to a Morning Consult/Politico poll from April.

Democrats have already compromised, leaving the tax increases out of the bipartisan infrastructure agreement in an effort to gain Republican support for the deal. Now Biden and Democratic leaders say they will instead include some form of the tax hikes in a subsequent reconciliation bill, which they can pass along party lines. But their razor-thin majority in Congress means every Democratic vote counts. If these lobbyists manage to convince even one of their former bosses not to vote for the increases, Bidens policy is doomed.

If you are a corporation and you are trying to stop these tax hikes, you know all you have to do is pick off a couple of Democrats in the Senate and stop them to put the brakes on it, says Chuck Collins, a senior scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies and the author of The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Pay Millions to Hide Trillions.

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One Republican lobbyist familiar with these strategies, requesting anonymity to speak candidly, said Democrats unified control of government has presented these former staffers with a lucrative opportunity, even if it requires them to buck their partys policies. Being a recent former Democratic staffer at any level is a really valuable commodity right now, says the lobbyist. If you want to see any piece of these tax hikes go down, youre only aiming at Democrats. How do you get at those marginal Democrats? You need people with ties to those guys.

Biden has proposed two types of tax hikes to help offset the cost of his policy proposals: increased rates for corporations, and increased rates for the wealthiest Americans. Former Democratic Hill staffers are lobbying against both.

Business Roundtable, a nonprofit that represents over 230 CEOs of the countrys largest companies, including Amazons Andy Jassy and Goldman Sachs David Solomon, has said Bidens proposed corporate tax increases would make the United States uncompetitive as a place to do business and make U.S. companies uncompetitive globally. The group spent nearly $4.3 million on lobbying in the first four months of 2021, including $3.8 million on direct lobbying and over $450,000 paid to nearly a dozen outside lobbying firms. The lobbying was for a range of issues, from education and immigration policy to infrastructure and tax reform.

Lobbyists working for Business Roundtable specifically on tax related issues include a handful of former Democratic staffers, along with Republicans. Matthew Spikes, Business Roundtables Senior Director of Government Relations, is a former aide to Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, who chairs the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee. Arsha Siddiqui, one of three lobbyists at Akin Gump who lobbied on issues related to tax proposals in American Jobs Plan on behalf of Business Roundtable, was Pelosis senior policy adviser and counsel from 2003 to 2009. (The other two Akin Gump lobbyists working on this issue are former aides to Republicans: Ohio Sen. Rob Portman and former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch). And one of the five lobbyists at PriceWaterHouse Coopers advocating for Business Roundtable on tax policy is Todd Metcalf, who was formerly Oregon Sen. Ron Wydens chief tax counsel. (Metcalf is working alongside Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells former Deputy Chief of Staff.)

In May, Business Roundtable hired Resolution Public affairs, the government relations firm started by Heather McHugh, Schumers former legislative director and the former policy director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The firm was hired to lobby on infrastructure, including the corporate tax rate, and the two lobbyists listed by name on the disclosure form are McHugh and Lea Fisher Sulkala, who was formerly chief of staff for California Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.

Akin Gump and Resolution Public Affairs did not respond to requests for comment. PriceWaterHouseCoopers declined to comment on client-related work. A representative from Business Roundtable said they had retained several of these outside firms for many years, and their work centers on a wide range of issues.

Groups lobbying on behalf of industries like private equity and hedge funds, meanwhile, are taking aim at some of Bidens proposals to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, including by closing the the carried interest loophole. This provision of the tax code allows executives in these fields to have their income from carried interests taxed at a capital gains rate of 20% instead of the income tax rate of 37%. Carmencita Whonder, a former Schumer staffer, is now a lobbyist at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. Federal disclosure documents show she has lobbied this year for issues related to the taxation of private equity investments on behalf of Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm Brownstein has represented for decades. A representative from Brownstein did not respond to request for comment.

The American Investment Council (AIC), a trade group representing the private equity industry, spent more than $830,000 in the first three months of 2021 lobbying Congress and the White House, in part on this issue. The AICs in-house lobbyists working on tax policy include former aides to Reps. Karen Bass of California and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey. In February, AIC hired Ogilvy Government Relations for lobbying on legislation affecting the regulation of private equity including tax related issues, according to federal disclosure documents. Those lobbyists include former aides to Pelosi and New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez. Other external lobbyists working on behalf of AIC include Democratic fundraiser Steve Elmendorf and a former aide to Delaware Sen. Tom Carper.

None of the external lobbyists responded to requests for comment. When asked about using Democratic lobbyists to advocate against Democratic tax proposals, an AIC spokesperson said, We are working to ensure members of Congress on both sides of the aisle understand how new tax increases will discourage investment in small businesses, renewable energy, and other important priorities.

As proposals and frameworks give way to legislative text this summer, it will become clear if these lobbying efforts have paid off. Right now, there is broad consensus within the Democratic Party that the corporate tax rate needs to increasealthough there is disagreement about by how muchand that the carried interest loophole needs to be closed. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat who consequently holds outsized sway in the reconciliation process, was one of the co-sponsors of a bill introduced last spring to close it.

Still, the vast resources being put into opposing these policies has tax reform advocates on edge. Youve got corporate America against us, says Frank Clemente, Executive Director of progressive group Americans for Tax Fairness. This is a David versus Goliath fight.
Four inmates went missing from a county jail Wednesday in western Illinois, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office reported, advising local residents to stay indoors while the search continues.

Authorities were alerted to the escape when they discovered one inmate was missing from a cell block in the Lewistown jail Wednesday night. It was later discovered that three others were missing, according to a social media post from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.

It was not immediately clear how the inmates escaped, but police said they are at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. The jail is about 210 miles southwest of Chicago.

The suspects are all men between the ages of 23 and 36: Eugene Roets, Cody Villalobos, Jesse Davis, and Zachary Hart.

BIDEN CALLS FOR INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION DURING ILLINOIS VISIT

Roets's and Davis's charges include the possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon, while Villalobos's charges are also methamphetamine possession and resisting or obstructing police.

Hart's charges include a home invasion, possession of a firearm by a felon, and fleeing police.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is working with at least 10 other agencies to locate the missing inmates, including Illinois State Police.

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The Washington Examiner contacted the Fulton County Sheriff's Office but did not immediately receive a response.

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Original Author: Kaelan Deese

Original Location: Deputies search after four inmates flee from Illinois jail
About a month ago, the delta coronavirus variant first identified in India made up about 6% of genetically sequenced COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

Now, new national data predicts the highly contagious variant will make up about 52% of analyzed coronavirus cases in the country by the end of the two-week period ending July 3, officially deranking the previously dominant alpha variant first found in the U.K.

Thats a jump from about 30% in the two-week period ending June 19, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of reporting delays and multiple interfering variants, federal health officials say the latest estimates mirror case and hospitalization trends in different regions, particularly those with low vaccination rates.

In some states, such as Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, the delta variant comprises more than 80% of sequenced coronavirus cases there.

The most recent evidence shows the variant is about 60% more contagious than the alpha variant; its been causing major outbreaks in other parts of the world with low vaccination rates, sending some countries, such as New Zealand, Bangladesh and Australia, back into lockdown.

If ever there was a reason to get vaccinated, this is it, White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN on Tuesday, adding that the delta variant is not only more contagious, but it can also cause more severe disease.

So, what does the delta variant mean for the unvaccinated?

About 99.5% of coronavirus deaths over the last six months have occurred in unvaccinated people, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said last week during a White House COVID-19 briefing. She called the current suffering and loss ... entirely avoidable.

An Associated Press review of government data from May also found that breakthrough infections, or those that occur in fully vaccinated people two or more weeks after receiving all their shots, made up less than 1,200 of the more than 107,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations  about 1.1%.

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And of the more than 18,000 coronavirus deaths in May, only about 150 were in fully vaccinated people, or about 0.8% (five deaths per day on average).

Right now we have two Americas: the vaccinated and the unvaccinated America, Dr. Paul Offit, an infectious disease specialist at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, told NPR. Were feeling pretty good right now because its the summer. But come winter, if we still have a significant percentage of the population that is unvaccinated, were going to see this virus surge again.

How well do COVID-19 vaccines work against the delta variant?

The good news is that the currently available COVID-19 vaccines offer adequate protection against the delta variant and other variants of concern spreading in the U.S.

A study from Public Health England found that three weeks after one dose, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 33% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 caused by the delta variant. Two weeks following the second dose, which is recommended for full protection, it was 88% effective.

And new results from a laboratory study showed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine appears effective against the delta variant, with just a modest reduction in antibody levels compared to the original strain.

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine also spurred antibody activity against the delta variant, the company announced Thursday, and at an even higher level compared to that of the beta variant first identified in South Africa. In all, it was 85% effective against severe/critical disease and protected against hospitalization and death.

However, data from Israel shows the Pfizer vaccines effectiveness has dropped to 64% in preventing infection and symptomatic illness as the country deals with the delta variant, which has become the dominant version of the virus there.

Still, the shot remains 93% effective against serious COVID-19 and hospitalization.

While the COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. are effective enough to protect against severe disease and death caused by the delta variant, experts say the more the coronavirus hops from one person to the next, the more chances it has to mutate into a version that could one day evade the shots defenses.

The World Health Organization even suggested fully vaccinated people still wear face masks whenever possible, citing the delta variants increased transmissibility and risk of serious COVID-19. It has been found in at least 98 countries as of July 2.

The advice arrived more than a month after the CDC gave the green light for fully vaccinated Americans to ditch their masks in most scenarios. But in response to the WHOs advice, Walensky said if you are vaccinated, you are safe from the variants that are circulating.

The CDC said it will leave decisions on face mask requirements up to individual states; however many health experts outside either agency seem to agree with erring on the side of caution.
Whatever has been killing thousands of birds in the Southern and Midwestern states has now spread to the East Coast. The cause is unknown, and the threat so severe that the Connecticut Audubon Society, working closely with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is recommending that residents remove birdfeeders from their yards.

The unnamed menace, currently best described as a potential disease, has killed thousands of birds, starting in some Southern states, then in the Midwest and now toward the East Coast. It is uncertain whether the disease has spread to Connecticut yet. The Audubon Society says there have been reports of dead birds, including in Hartford, but that many of them dont line up with the symptoms found elsewhere.

The society itself has removed birdfeeders at its own centers, something it has rarely done; the last time was during the the spread of House Finch eye disease several years ago.

Asking that feeders be taken down is not a decision that was made lightly, says Connecticut Audubon Societys Executive Director Patrick Comins. Its detrimental to us. We sell a lot of bird seed. Its an important source of revenue for us.

Bird baths, hummingbird feeders and other objects which attracts birds should also be removed. The Audubon Society suggests you bring the feeders and baths indoors and clean them thoroughly with a 10% bleach solution.

Removing feeders lessens the amount of contact among birds of different species and can slow the spread of a fatal problem about which very little is known. Otherwise, with the fall migratory season approaching, the mystery ailment would spread must faster and further  even from Connecticut to the tropics, Comins fears.

The condition is so far limited to songbirds, but migration is starting now, with shore birds coming toward us. It will be very troubling if we start to see this in shore birds. He says hummingbirds may be affected, but it is difficult to locate dead hummingbirds because they are easy prey for other birds and animals.

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Audubon and DEEP follow Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, all of which advised the removal of birdfeeders.

Dead birds found in other states have been tested for every known pathogen of birds, Comins says, and nothing has been found. Toxicology tests are also being done, and those can take longer.

Among the known bird diseases and viruses that have been ruled out so far are salmonella, avian influenza, West Nile virus, Newcastle disease viruses, herpes and pox viruses and Trichomonas parasites. We havent ruled out pesticides, Comins says. One of the initial hypotheses was that the deaths corresponded with cicadas that had been sprayed. Or this could be a novel pathogen that we havent seen before.

Whatever the cause, its terribly worrisome, Comins says. We dont know how its being spread. A novel disease that takes time to isolate and cure or contain could have a sharp and immediate impact, since the affected birds eat and control pests that might breed more heartily otherwise.

What to look for

The birds most commonly affected include the American robin, blue jay, common grackle, yellowtail flicker, European starling, northern cardinal, house finch, house sparrow, Eastern bluebird, red-bellied woodpecker, and Carolina wren.

When you see a dead bird, check its eyes. If the eyes look swollen or cloudy or have a crusty discharge, notify DEEP.

If you see more dead birds than usual in a certain location, notify DEEP.

What to do if you find an infected bird

If the bird is alive, contact a state appointed rehabilitator. Information on rehabbers in various parts of the state is at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Rehabilitator/Dealing-with-Distressed-Wildlife.

Take a photograph of a dead bird from a safe distance, focusing the camera on the birds eyes. Send the photo to the DEEP.

Dispose of the bird. Dont touch it with your hands: use disposable gloves or cover your hands with a plastic bag. Double-bag it so that it can not affect other birds or animals, then put it in the trash.

For further guidance, contact the DEEP WIldlife Division at 860-424-3011.

Christopher Arnott can be reached at carnott@courant.com.
A woman charged with stealing a school bus in 2019 allegedly returned to the same school to attack a school superintendent and two other employees on Tuesday.

A Harlan County sheriffs deputy responded Tuesday to Cawood Elementary School after a report of a woman assaulting a school staff member. The woman, identified as 37-year-old Teresa Wells of Cawood, allegedly assaulted Harlan County Superintendent Brent Roark. Wells was charged and was scheduled to be in court Thursday for an arraignment. Her version of the events wasnt immediately available.

Ms. Wells assaulted a female custodian at Cawood Elementary for several minutes until Assistant Superintendent Brett Johnson and I arrived ahead of law enforcement, Roark told the Herald-Leader Thursday. Ms. Wells was actively assaulting the custodian when we arrived.

Mr. Johnson and I had to stop the assault on the custodian by restraining Ms. Wells until sheriffs deputies arrived and were able to place her in custody. Ms. Wells was very combative during the restraint and was charged for assaulting both of us as well as the custodian, Roark said.

Roark commended the sheriffs department for the quick response and professionalism.

He said no students were present, and cleaning crews were in the building preparing for the upcoming school year.

Wells was trying to flee from the school when the deputy arrived on the scene, according to court records. She was screaming and cursing and being disorderly, the deputy wrote in the arrest citation.

She was talking out of her mind and constantly screaming, the deputy wrote.

Teresa Wells was arrested and taken to the Harlan County Detention Center. She was charged with three counts of 3rd-degree assault, public intoxication (excluding alcohol) and disorderly conduct, according to court records.

She was held on a $2,000 cash bond.

In September 2019, Wells allegedly took a school bus from the Cawood Elementary School parking lot and drove it in the area for a short time, according to court records. A Harlan County School District employee got Wells to stop the bus before state police arrived, according to trooper Shane Jacobs.

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Wells initially refused to exit the bus, and when she did exit, she appeared to be under the influence, state police said.

She was stopped on Ky. 1137. She didnt have a drivers license, according to court records.

At the time, Wells appeared to be under the influence because she had slurred speech and glossy eyes, Trooper Michael Soltess from Kentucky State Police wrote in an arrest citation.

Wells pleaded not guilty to the charges after being indicted, but a change of plea hearing is scheduled for September, according to court records.

Chief Deputy Matt Cope said he wasnt aware of any reason that Wells was intentionally targeting the elementary school; she just happened to stay nearby.

I do not believe she had any connection at all with Cawood Elementary, he told the Herald-Leader Thursday.

Wells was also arrested earlier in 2019 when she allegedly stabbed someone with a pencil inside a Harlan County home, according to court records. She pleaded guilty to public intoxication (excluding alcohol) in that case.
The Award recognizes an ethics and compliance practitioner whose achievements exemplify the leadership and innovative practices modeled by the late ECI Fellows Chair Carol R. Marshall.

Vienna, VA --News Direct-- Ethics & Compliance Initiative

The Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI), the global non-profit organization that empowers organizations to build and sustain cultures of integrity, has presented its prestigious Carol R. Marshall Award for Innovation in Corporate Ethics to Blair C. Marks, Vice President of Ethics and Business Conduct for Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Each year, the Marshall Award is presented to an ethics and compliance practitioner whose achievements exemplify the leadership and innovative practices modeled by the late ECI Fellows Chair Carol R. Marshall. Annually, ECI issues a call for nominations from the public. The recipient is selected by an independent committee of practitioners who represent the ethics and compliance industry.

"Blair stood out among the nominees for the award this year, said Patricia J. Harned, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of ECI. "For the first time in the history of the award, an entire ethics & compliance leadership team nominated their supervisor because of her creativity, dedication and concern for others.

Blair C. Marks, Vice President of Ethics and Business Conduct for Lockheed Martin, is the winner of ECI's Carol R. Marshall Award for Innovation in Corporate Ethics

Marks is responsible for ensuring the application of the companys values across all aspects of operations. Her leadership has elevated Lockheed Martins Ethics and Compliance Training, which is recognized as a gold standard across the aerospace industry, according to Leo S. Mackay, Jr., Senior Vice President of Ethics and Enterprise Assurance for Lockheed Martin. Mackay said that Marks and her team guarantee that every employee and company associate complete this annual training. And, in 2020, she ensured that training was rapidly adapted to a myriad of transformational issues. Marks also has led the development of supply chain mentoring programs that have aided dozens of the companys suppliers to optimize their own ethics efforts.

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The men and women of Lockheed Martin congratulate Blair C. Marks on receiving the Carol R. Marshall award, said Mackay. Blair strives to grow our culture of integrity and consistently works to promote ethics, questioning the status quo and asking how we can continue to improve. I look forward to seeing how she continues to fortify our ethics culture and help the company live up to its core values.

ECI is the leading provider of independent research about workplace integrity, ethical standards and compliance practices. Every year, through this award program, the organization remembers and honors Carol R. Marshall for her innovative approach to applying ethics and compliance programs and her countless hours of service to non-profit organizations in the industry.

Marks represents Lockheed Martin on the board of the American Red Cross, National Capital Region. She also has served on the Georgia Techs College of Engineering advisory board, the Women in Engineering advisory board and the Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers board. Shes a past president of Women of Reform Judaism and serves on the boards of the Union for Reform Judaism and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Carol Marshall was the embodiment of leadership and innovation, and she was a mentor to many in the ethics & compliance profession, Harned said. In many ways, Blair displays those same qualities, making her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

The 2021 Marshall Award was funded through a grant by Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman is a proud sponsor of the Carol Marshall award for Innovation in Corporate Ethics, said Courtney Wallize, Corporate Director of Ethics and Business Conduct at Northrop Grumman. Carol Marshall exemplified collaboration and advancement in the field of ethics and compliance in the business environment. I was excited to learn that Blair won the award this year. In the 10+ years I have known Blair, I can attest that she embodies these same attributes. She is a phenomenal peer who uplifts and inspires us all.

For more information about the award and past winners, visit www.ethics.org/about/awards.

###

About the Ethics & Compliance Initiative

The Ethics & Compliance Initiative is a non-profit organization based in Vienna, Va. that empowers organizations to build and sustain cultures of integrity. Established in 1922, ECI is the leading provider of independent research and resources that help leaders build and sustain high-quality programs that foster respectful and safe workplaces. For more information about ECI, please visit www.ethics.org.

Contact Details

Ethics & Compliance Initiative

Florence Sumaray

+1 571-480-4425

florence@ethics.org

Company Website

https://www.ethics.org

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/the-ethics-and-compliance-initiative-presents-the-carol-r-marshall-award-to-blair-c-marks-of-lockheed-martin-261738667
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The European Union has proposed to Russia that they discuss the potential joint recognition of their COVID-19 vaccination certificates, TASS news agency cited the bloc's ambassador to Moscow as saying on Thursday.

Russia has approved four vaccines, none of which have been approved by the European Union. Moscow has not authorized any foreign vaccines for use.

TASS quoted EU Ambassador Markus Ederer as saying the 27-nation bloc has digital certificates allowing its citizens to travel freely within the EU, as well as a law that envisages the possibility of recognising other similar certificates.

"In that spirit, we have approached the Russian Ministry of Health and proposed discussing whether Russia would be interested in such a process," Ederer said.

Speaking to reporters on a conference call following Ederer's comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he thought a compromise could be found.

Moscow and several Russian regions have resorted to tough measures to encourage people to get inoculated, including by making vaccination mandatory to hold certain jobs.

The Kremlin has attributed a recent surge in cases in Russia to the more infectious Delta variant and the reluctance of people to get vaccinated despite shots being widely available.

Moscow's mayor said on Thursday the COVID-19 situation was gradually stabilising, but the new daily case tally remained high nationwide.

(Reporting by Anton Kolodyazhnyy and Gleb Stolyarov; Writing by Tom Balmforth and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
European car makers are grappling with another diesel emissions scandal, but this one has nothing to do with Dieselgate. Reuters reports the European Commission has fined BMW and Volkswagen a total of 875 million (just over $1 billion) for allegedly colluding in a way that limited technology for reducing diesel engines' nitrogen oxide emissions. The two, along with whistleblower Daimler, supposedly agreed to avoid competing on emissions-reducing AdBlue urea injection tech in discussions held between 2009 and 2014.

BMW, Daimler and VW reached a deal on AdBlue tank sizes, ranges, and average consumption, and even shared "sensitive" technical details with each other, the Commission claimed. This reportedly halted competition and stopped the trio from realizing the "full potential" of their emissions-reducing tech. They might have cleaned diesel output beyond EU requirements, but apparently chose not to.

All three have agreed to settle the case. Daimler had been facing a 727 million ($861.5 million) fine if it hadn't disclosed the behavior. VW also received leniency for its level of cooperation.

Commission Executive VP Margrethe Vestager noted that this was a novel case  it was the first time the regulator determined that collusion on technical development produced an illegal cartel. To that end, officials offered guidance on cooperation that wouldn't run afoul of antitrust rules, such as developing a unified AdBlue software system.

That pioneering conclusion might cause problems, however. VW said in a statement that it was considering a possible appeal against the fine for allegedly setting a dangerous precedent in unfamiliar territory. The automaker also maintained that the substance of the discussions was "never implemented" and that customers never suffered as a consequence. It's not certain VW would succeed with an appeal, but the fight could be far from over.
By Jan Schwartz

ZISLOW, Germany (Reuters) - Volkswagen's supervisory board will discuss on Friday whether to extend the contract of Chief Executive Herbert Diess, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The meeting, at which the sources said the board could decide in favour of a two-year extension for Diess until 2025, is taking place only days ahead of Volkswagen's strategy day scheduled for July 13.

A fresh contract would come shortly after Diess' long-term opponent Bernd Osterloh stepped down as works council head and took a management position at Volkswagen's truck unit Traton.

Diess, whose current contract runs until April 2023, had asked for an early extension towards the end of last year to get more backing for his efforts to reform Europe's top carmaker, but ran into opposition from powerful labour leaders, including Osterloh.

No firm decision has been taken and there is no guarantee that the supervisory board will reach an agreement at its meeting on Friday, the people said, adding several details still had to be hammered out.

A spokesperson for Volkswagen's supervisory board declined to comment.

An extension would give Diess the mandate to fulfil Volkswagen's declared ambition to become the world's largest electric vehicle maker by the middle of the decade and overtake key rival Tesla.

Diess, a former BMW executive, joined Volkswagen's management board in July 2015 before becoming CEO in April 2018 and has been the key driver behind the group's effort to transform itself.

(Additional reporting by Ilona Wissenbach and Christoph Steitz; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Facebook lost an important policy for three years and only noticed after the Oversight Board began looking at the issue, according to the latest decision from the board. In its decision, the board questioned Facebooks internal policies and said the company should be more transparent about whether other key policies may have been lost.

The underlying case stems from an Instagram post about Abdullah Ocalan, in which the poster encouraged readers to engage in conversation about Ocalans imprisonment and the inhumane nature of solitary confinement. (As the board notes, Ocalan is a founding member of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which Facebook has officially designated as a dangerous organization.)

Facebook had initially removed the post, as Facebook users are barred from praising or showing support for dangerous organizations or individuals. However, Facebook also had internal guidance  created partially as a result of discussions around Ocalans imprisonment  that allows discussion on the conditions of confinement for individuals designated as dangerous. But that rule was not applied, even after the users initial appeal. Facebook told the board it had inadvertently not transferred that part of its policy when it moved to a new review system in 2018.

Though Facebook had already admitted the error and reinstated the post, the board said it was concerned with how the case had been handled, and that an important policy exception had effectively fallen through the cracks for three years.

The Board is concerned that Facebook lost specific guidance on an important policy exception for three years, the group wrote. Facebooks policy of defaulting towards removing content showing support for designated individuals, while keeping key exceptions hidden from the public, allowed this mistake to go unnoticed for an extended period. Facebook only learned that this policy was not being applied because of the user who decided to appeal the companys decision to the Board.

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The board also chastised Facebook for not being transparent about how many other users may have been affected by the same issue. Facebook told the board it wasnt technically feasible to determine how many other posts may have been mistakenly taken down. Facebooks actions in this case indicate that the company is failing to respect the right to remedy, contravening its Corporate Human Rights Policy, the board said.

The case highlights how Facebooks complex rules are often shaped by guidance that users cant see, and how the Oversight Board has repeatedly challenged the company to make all its policies more clear to users.

Though its only taken up a handful of cases so far, the Oversight Board has repeatedly criticized Facebook for not following its own rules . They can't just invent new unwritten rules when it suits them, board co-chair Helle Thorning-Schmidt told reporters after they said Facebook was wrong to impose an indefinite suspension on Donald Trump. The board has also criticized Facebook for not alerting users to key parts of its policies, such as its satire exception. Its pushed the company to clarify its hate speech policies, and how it treats speech from politicians and other high-profile figures.

Facebook has 30 days to respond to the Oversight Board in this case, including several recommendations that it further clarify its Dangerous Individuals and Organizations policy and update its transparency reporting process.
Several airline passengers are facing thousands of dollars in fines from the Federal Aviation Administration for refusing to wear face masks and disrupting flights, the agency said Tuesday.

The fines range from $7,500 to $21,500, bringing the amount of proposed fines brought by the FAA against unruly passenger since the beginning of the year to $682,000.

The cases involve assaulting the flight crew and other passengers, drinking alcohol brought aboard the plane and refusing to wear face masks, the agency said in a news release Tuesday.

Heres a look at some of this rounds proposed fines.

Loud music, punching a passenger

Two passengers on a Republic Airlines flight from Indianapolis to Philadelphia on Feb. 19 are accused of blatantly disregarding instructions from flight attendants to put on a face mask while boarding and playing loud, obscene music.

The FAA said one passenger was told during safety announcements and cabin check to put on her mask. Shes also accused of threatening a passenger in front of her when the person closed the window shade as the plane was taxiing.

A flight attendant again instructed the party to settle down and wear their face masks, but they did not comply, the agency said. They continued to play loud, obscene music and use obscene language against the flight attendants and other passengers.

The crew eventually informed the captain, who turned the plane around and called for law enforcement to meet them at the gate.

The FAA said the passenger then argued with the captain about her removal and, as she stood up to leave, punched the female passenger who was seated in front of her, holding a small infant, in the back of the head.

She now faces an $18,500 fine.

A second person in the same group accused of refusing to wear a mask, playing music and talking loudly during the safety announcements was hit with a proposed fine of $10,000, the FAA said.

Making a flight attendant cry

A man flying from Utah to Arizona on Feb. 27 with Allegiant Air faces a $10,500 fine after the FAA said he kept moving his face mask under his nose.

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When told that he needed to cooperate and provide information to fill out a passenger disturbance report, he argued with the flight attendant, refused to provide his identification, said he would continue to pull his face mask down, and claimed that it was fine just over his mouth, the FAA said.

After the plane landed, the agency said the man went up to a flight attendant as she was preparing to open the cabin door and touched her, getting very close to her while he complained about the airlines mask policy.

This behavior intimidated the flight attendant and caused her to cry, the FAA said.

Fake hijacking

On a Jan. 23 Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Alaska, the FAA said a man called 911 claiming the plane had been hijacked as they were preparing to leave the gate.

He said someone was holding the flight attendant at knife point and repeatedly asked the dispatcher to stop the flight, according to the agency.

The same man reportedly tried to use the bathroom twice while the plane was taxiing on the runway, prompting flight attendants to intervene. The plane then diverted to a cargo ramp to meet law enforcement following the 911 calls.

As law enforcement came on board with rifles and evacuated everyone, the FAA said the man also called the FBI to report a bomb threat.

The flight was delayed for multiple hours while the plane was screened for a bomb and law enforcement questioned the passengers and crew. The man now faces a $10,500 fine, the FAA said.

Vaping mid-flight

A passenger traveling to Punta Gorda, Florida, from Syracuse, New York, on Dec. 19 unbuckled his seat belt mid-flight during what the FAA described as a period of moderate turbulence. He then tried to go to the bathroom.

When flight attendants told him it was unsafe to do so, he argued that he was drinking at the airport for five hours prior to the flight, the agency said.

He was ultimately allowed to use the bathroom but nearly fell on the flight attendants three times while returning to his seat.

According to the FAA, he wasnt wearing a mask and started vaping once he got back to his seat.

Throughout the rest of the flight he continued to vape, not wear his face mask, and get out of his seat, the agency said. The captain called for law enforcement to meet the passenger at the gate.

He faces a $10,500 fine.

Booze, boogers and e-cigarettes: FAA proposes hefty fines for unruly plane passengers

Passenger leaps from moving jet after trying to enter cockpit, California police say

Passenger fined after refusing to wear mask, then punching Southwest worker, FAA says
The unlikely possibility of former President Donald Trump becoming speaker of the House is fueling fundraising pitches on both sides of the aisle.

Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee based fundraising pitches off the firebrand Florida congressmans plans to vote for Trump for speaker in 2023.

At a July 3 Trump Save America rally, Gaetz told the crowd: My commitment to you is that my vote for the U.S. House of Representatives will go to Donald J. Trump.

CAPITOL FENCING WILL COME DOWN AS SOON AS FRIDAY

On Thursday, Punchbowl News reported a Gaetz fundraising email based on his Trump speakership pledge.

The outlet appeared to ding Gaetz for using an unlikely scenario in order to fundraise, saying that former Trump senior adviser Jason Miller said that the former president has zero desire to be speaker.

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Gaetz fired back, saying that he is in direct contact with Trump and that Miller was misinformed on the point. He referenced current Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy appearing to say in a Fox News interview that Trump wanted to be speaker, which he later clarified by saying he meant to say Trump wants him to stay speaker.

Doubt about the veracity of Trumps speakership ambitions isnt stopping Democrats from using the prospect as a fear-based fundraising tactic. The DCCC sent out an email Thursday that read SPEAKER DONALD TRUMP ALERT, noting Gaetzs pledge.

The situation is dire. Trump himself has already expressed interest in becoming Speaker, the DCCC email claims. And his mega donors have already rushed him $85 MILLION to put his plans into action.

Other recent DCCC emails have gone further.

One June 15 email signed by California Rep. Adam Schiff said: This month Donald Trump said hes interested in running for Congress and even replacing Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.

A separate June 15 email in red type exclaimed: BREAKING: TRUMP COULD REPLACE NANCY PELOSI AS SPEAKER. One from June 14 said: Trump just announced he wants to unseat Nancy Pelosi and become Speaker of the House.

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Trump said in a June Fox Business interview that it is "highly unlikely" he would run for a House or Senate seat in 2022, but said in an interview with another commentator that the idea of replacing Pelosi as Speaker is "interesting.

The speaker of the House is not required to be an elected House member, but every speaker thus far has been an elected member.

Non-House members sometimes receive votes during Speakership elections. In January, Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine voted for Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth to be speaker. In 2019, Duckworth, former Georgia gubernatorial Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams, and now-President Joe Biden received votes to be speaker.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

A non-House member such as Trump would still need to win over a majority of the House, at least 218 votes, to assume the position. The plan of making Trump speaker would rest on Republicans not only winning the majority in the 2022 midterm elections but that 218 Republican members would support putting him in the post.

Gaetzs promise, of course, would also require him to be in office in 2023 after winning a 2022 election. Federal investigators are reportedly looking into allegations that he had sexual relations with a minor or paid for sex. Gaetz has repeatedly denied the allegations and has said he will not resign.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Campaign, Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, DCCC, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House

Original Author: Emily Brooks

Original Location: Far-fetched Trump speaker bid fuels fundraising pleas on Left and Right
The first drawings in the states vaccine lottery are scheduled for Thursday afternoon, when one vaccinated Illinois resident will be awarded a $1 million prize and three vaccinated students will receive $150,000 scholarships.

In an effort to encourage the public to get vaccinated, Illinois is offering $7 million in cash prizes and $3 million in college scholarships through a lottery open to residents who have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine in the state.

The money, taken from federal coronavirus relief funds, will be distributed through weekly drawings beginning Thursday and ending in late August, according to state officials.

Illinoisans should keep their phones on and check their emails regularly to find out if theyve won, a state news release said. IDPH will call from 312-814-3524 and/or email from DPH.communications@illinois.gov. No personal information will be requested in the initial phone or email notification. Winners will have seven days to securely complete, sign and send the authorization form to IDPH to accept their prizes.

Winners will be announced eight days after the drawing unless they choose to remain anonymous, according to the state.

Residents who received at least one vaccine dose in Illinois are eligible, except those who were vaccinated at certain federal facilities, according to a state news release. But the state is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to make sure residents who were vaccinated at those facilities are included.

Vaccinated residents dont have to enter to qualify, as winners will be drawn from state vaccination records. There will be three $1 million cash prizes and 40 $100,000 prizes; 20 youths will win a Bright Start college savings plan worth $150,000.

The first four winners will be contacted starting Thursday by the Illinois Department of Public Health. State health officials will announce the counties or cities of the winners immediately after the drawings are complete, according to the news release.

Eligible residents are automatically entered into the lotteries, the state said. There are no sign ups, no forms, and no waiting lines. IDPH will continue to check their records before each drawing. Once entered, residents remain eligible in all future drawings, unless they win.

eleventis@chicagotribune.com
Police in Florida released bodycam video of a fatal officer-involved shooting over July Fourth weekend that shows a man pointing a gun at an officer before being shot.

The incident happened just after 10 p.m. Sunday when Tampa police responded to a call about a fight near the 3700 block of Temple Street, where one man was reportedly armed with a gun, the Tampa Police Department said.

MAN WHO SAT OUTSIDE NYPD PRECINCT ON CAR WITH FIREARM TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER STANDOFF: POLICE

Officer Bryan Velazquez, 33, shot John Reuben Turbe Jr. when Turbe raised a gun at the officer during a foot chase, police said. Turbe, 40, died at a hospital.

Tampa police released about two minutes of video footage leading up to the shooting.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

The video shows Velazquez stopping at a gas station to ask an employee where the suspect went and to give a description. Velazquez then leaves the store and spots a man armed with a gun as he walks through the parking lot.

"Hey, put the gun down," Velazquez yells. "Put it down! Put it down!"

The officer can be seen drawing his service weapon and giving chase when the suspect runs.

"Youre going to get shot," Velazques says as he catches up to Turbe. "Put the gun down now!"

Turbe appears to turn around and move toward the officer with a gun in one hand at his side. He then appears to raise the gun at Velazquez, who repeatedly orders him to drop the gun.

The video freezes and four gunshots can be heard. Velazquez can then be heard calling for backup as video cuts to another officer performing chest compressions on Turbe, who lay bleeding on the ground.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Police said no one else was injured in the shooting. Velazquez, who police said joined the Tampa police in 2019 and has prior law enforcement experience, was placed on administrative leave.

Police have yet to release the motive for the fight that initiated the police response.

The shooting remains under investigation.
Jul. 8A former Centerville Schools employee indicted Wednesday is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

Bryan C. Miller, 36, of Kettering, was booked into the Montgomery County Jail Wednesday night and will be arraigned in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court for seven counts of sexual battery.

He is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old Centerville High School student in 2016, according to Greg Flannagan, Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office spokesman.

His accuser is now 21, and the case was investigated by the Centerville Police Department, Flannagan said.

Miller was the Centerville High School Performing Arts Center technical director, a position that apparently has since been cut, and was named the 2017 Theatre Educator of the Year by the Ohio chapter of the Educational Theatre Association.

Miller also worked as a custodian at the high school but he resigned effective April 1, according to minutes from the April 19 Board of Education meeting.

Former Centerville High School English teacher Samuel Glenn, 32, also faces sexual battery charges in a separate case.

Glenn is charged with one count of sexual battery for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student in January 2017 when she was 18 and a high school senior. Glenn joined the U.S. Army after losing his teaching job, but before he was indicted.

There have been numerous delays in his case because of his military service and the coronavirus pandemic. It is not clear when he will go to trial but the next hearing is scheduled for July 22.
Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Tucker Carlson sought an interview with Vladimir Putin before he accused the NSA of spying on him.

Carlson publicly accused the NSA of monitoring him as part of a plot to take his show off air.

The NSA later said in a statement that Carlson's "allegation is untrue."

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Fox News host Tucker Carlson was seeking an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly before he accused the National Security Agency of spying on him, Axios reported Wednesday.

In late June, Carlson claimed the NSA was monitoring his Fox News show after he said a source tipped him off about it as part of a plot to take it off air.

Carlson said his source - "who is in a position to know" - repeated information for him and his team about a story they were working on "that could have only come directly from my texts and emails."

"It's illegal for the NSA to spy on American citizens," Carlson said during the June 28 segment. "Things like that should not happen in America. But unfortunately, they do happen. And in this case, they did happen."

The federal agency later denied his claim, saying the Fox News host "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." Carlson responded by calling the statement "infuriatingly dishonest."

Around the time he made the spying claims, Carlson was in talks with US-based Kremlin intermediaries to secure an interview with Putin, sources familiar with the conversations told Axios. The sources said US officials learned of Carlson seeking an interview with the Kremlin leader, and in turn, the Fox News host learned that the government was aware, thus fueling the basis of his spying accusation.

"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 said in a statement to Axios.

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Representatives from the NSA did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.

A spokesperson for Fox News told Axios that the media outlet supports "any of our hosts pursuing interviews and stories free of government interference."

Read the original article on Business Insider
PARIS (Reuters) - France's overseas territories minister on Thursday welcomed news that New Caledonia had elected Louis Mapou as its first pro-independence president since a 1998 deal with Paris to grant more political power to the French Pacific territory.

New Caledonia, which houses business operations for Brazilian multinational mining company Vale and French mining group Eramet, was hit by riots last year.

The archipelago became a French colony in 1853 and tensions have long run deep between pro-independence indigenous Kanaks, and descendants of colonial settlers who remain loyal to Paris.

"I welcome the agreement reached by New Caledonia's government to designate its president. I congratulate Louis Mapou and wish him success: in Paris or in video conference I am inviting him to discuss the various issues we have in common," Sebastien Lecornu said on Twitter.

The election comes a few months before the third and final referendum that the island can legally take on whether to secede from France under the 1998 agreement, known as the Noumea Accord.

Prior referendums in 2018 and 2020 both failed to win a majority in favour of independence, but support for remaining part of France dropped from 56.7% in 2018 to 53.26% in 2020.

New Caledonia lies some 1,200 km (750 miles) east of Australia and 20,000 km (12,500 miles) from Paris.

Under French colonial rule the Kanaks were confined to reserves and excluded from much of the island's economy. The first revolt erupted in 1878, not long after the discovery of large nickel deposits.

Up to three referendums by 2022 were permitted under the terms of the 1998 Noumea Accord, an agreement enshrined in Frances constitution and which set out a 20-year path towards decolonisation.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
By Mathieu Rosemain

PARIS (Reuters) -France's anti-trust watchdog will make a decision in the coming days over the way Google held copyright talks with some French publishers about paying for news content, the watchdog's head Isabelle de Silva said on Thursday.

Antitrust investigators have accused Alphabet's Google of failing to comply with the state competition authority's orders on how to conduct negotiations with news publishers over copyright, sources who read the investigators' report have said.

Several publishers complained the talks weren't made in "good faith" and that Google didn't provide access to some of its traffic data to determine a remuneration for news content online.

Google has repeatedly said it held talks in good faith.

Under a three-year framework agreement signed by Google and the Alliance de la presse d'information generale (APIG), a lobby group representing most major French publishers, Google agreed in January to pay a total of $76 million to 121 publications, according to documents seen by Reuters.

It is one of the highest-profile deals under Google's "News Showcase" programme to provide compensation for news snippets used in search results, and the first of its kind in Europe.

However, no individual licensing agreement has been signed by Google with an APIG member since then and talks are de facto frozen pending the antitrust decision, sources have told Reuters.

(Reporting by Mathieu RosemainEditing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Mark Potter)
By Sarah White

CANNES, France (Reuters) - French movie director Francois Ozon tackles the thorny issue of euthanasia in his latest movie at the Cannes Film Festival, with a story of two sisters grappling with their sick father's desire to end his life.

In "Everything Went Fine", Ozon does not take sides in the debate, preferring to let the siblings' struggle unfold and leave audiences to ponder what they would do in their situation.

"I don't think the film is either for or against (euthanasia). It proposes to the viewers a story that is very personal, and each one faces his or her own questions about it, on life, on death," Ozon told reporters in Cannes on Thursday.

The film starring Sophie Marceau is in the main competition at the world's biggest film festival being held on the French Riviera later than usual, after the coronavirus pandemic forced organisers to cancel it in 2020 and postpone it this year.

Spain became the fourth European Union country to allow assisted dying in March this year, joining Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, while Switzerland also has similar laws.

Euthanasia is still banned in France, although under a law from 2016, terminally ill patients have the right to be put into continuous deep sedation.

Ozon, a prolific filmmaker who released "Ete 85" last year, said he had discovered a world he knew little about after choosing to adapt the true story from a book by late writer Emmanuele Bernheim, who worked on several of his screenplays.

"This is what horrified me, to see that the state, society, the medical system do not take care of this, and that it's up to the children to organise it," Ozon said.

"Everything Went Fine" also features a star turn by Andre Dussollier as an 85-year-old who has a stroke, paralyzing him in one arm, and who calls on his daughters to help him end his life.

The sisters are torn between the hope that he will change his mind, as he displays flashes of humour or gets excited about his grandson's upcoming clarinet recital, and a growing sense of duty as they come to terms with his stubborn desire to die.

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Punctuated by lighter moments, such as when the irascible Andre expresses horror at the idea of being buried near the in-laws he hated, the film builds tension as the sisters wonder whether they can go through with their plan.

"This film has a dimension that urges us to think about this," Marceau told a news conference. "We don't really like the idea of this kind of death, but at some point we must get organised about this thing."

Frenchman Alain Cocq, who fought for years for the right to euthanasia at home, died in June this year in a medically assisted suicide in Switzerland at the age of 58, in a case that reignited the debate in France.

(Reporting by Sarah White; Editing by Mike Collett-White)
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP)  Braian Galvan and Andre Shinyashiki scored and the Colorada Rapids beat Minnesota United 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Galvan, a 20-year-old in his second MLS season, blasted a left-footer off the far post to open the scoring in the just prior to halftime. It was his first goal of the season, and second of his career.

Shinyashiki scored for the first time since April 24 when he ran onto his own misplayed ball and chipped in a side-netter for Colorado (6-3-2) in the 81st minute.

Minnesota (4-5-3) had its seven-game unbeaten streak snapped.

William Yarborough had two saves for the Rapids. The 32-year-old from Mexico has five shutouts this season, one more than he had as an MLS rookie in 2020.

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Asian and Chinese-American Trump supporters rally in Manhattan in 2016

Wu Qian can't take her eyes off her phone. She tirelessly checks a dozen Chinese-language Telegram chat rooms, where thousands of conservative Chinese-Americans discuss news, politics - and sometimes QAnon conspiracies.

The 33-year-old Australian researcher, who asked that her real named not be used for this article, tiptoes her way through these far-right Chinese-American networks as an "undercover" infiltrator in order to understand how disinformation flows through the diaspora.

"I see similar disinformation every single day," says Ms Wu. "I am fed up with it and curious to check out the origin."

She first noticed a surge of pandemic-related fake news in the overseas Chinese diaspora last summer as coronavirus swept the globe.

To combat the spread of misinformation, she organised a group of hundreds of volunteer fact-checkers to debunk these fake stories, but it didn't take long for them to be overwhelmed by a new flood of misinformation about the US presidential election.

False claims of voter fraud, in particular, spread like wildfire among extremely conservative Chinese immigrants in North America - a small but vocal group among diaspora communities.

"They are very politically active, and often act collectively," Ms Wu says.

Most members of these chat rooms are fervent Chinese-American supporters of former US President Donald Trump, identify as Christian and harbour strongly critical views of the Chinese Communist Party.

Ms Wu doesn't post anything in the chat rooms. She only observes conversations. But other chat participants exchange tens of thousands of messages every day.

Donating to the Proud Boys

Last December, Ms Wu spotted a fundraising appeal to benefit the Proud Boys - a far-right group designated by the Canadian government as a terrorist "neo-fascist organisation" - to cover medical expenses for members who were injured during a pro-Trump rally in Washington DC days earlier.

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Proud Boys members clashed with police and counter-protesters in December in Washington DC

The message starts with a poignant line in Chinese - "For those who pave the road to freedom, do not leave them struggling with thistles and thorns" - followed by rose and heart emojis, as well as links to a crowdfunding site.

While the Proud Boys are an anti-immigrant group, in the eyes of the Chinese-American far right, they are freedom fighters against communist forces.

The fundraising message was shared in multiple Telegram chat rooms within hours, reaching tens of thousands of Chinese-American conservatives.

"The more (donations), the merrier," it read.

A dozen donors stated on the fundraising site that they are Americans or Canadians of Chinese, Hong Konger or Taiwanese descent. Some commented in Chinese, wishing the injured Proud Boy members "a speedy recovery".

In less than a month, the fundraiser raised over $100,000 (72,000), according to data provided by the whistle-blower site Distributed Denial of Secrets and reviewed by BBC News.

Of the nearly 1,000 individual contributions, more than 80% came from donors with Chinese surnames.

A Chinese-American woman who gifted $500 told USA Today: "You have to understand how we feel - we came from communist China and we managed to come here and we appreciate it here so much."

Rise of the Chinese-American right

Chinese immigrants in the US have become a rising force in conservative politics.

Many are propelled to the right-wing political sphere by their opposition to affirmative action, a policy that aims to reduce inequality in education and employment, but is seen by some Chinese-Americans as damaging to the educational opportunities of their children and grandchildren.

Anti-communism beliefs also play an important role in mobilising right-wing Chinese Americans, as some had believed that the Trump administration's hardline policy on China would apply pressure on Beijing and eventually lead to the communist regime's downfall.

"Trump is the most supportive president in American history for China's human rights," says one Chinese immigrant in Los Angeles.

Trump supporter rally in New York City in 2019

As Beijing tightened its grip over Hong Kong and ramped up military pressure on Taiwan, an increasing number of Hong Kongers and Taiwanese placed hope on Trump's "tough on China" stance.

During the pandemic, an unlikely alliance has emerged between the Chinese-speaking diaspora and American conservatives, as Washington and Beijing clash over the origins of Covid-19.

For strident opponents of Beijing, blaming China for not containing the virus within its borders is another opportunity to condemn the Chinese government.

For the American right, on the other hand, blaming China for the pandemic shifts focus from criticism of the Trump administration's response and plays into the increasingly negative public opinion of China.

The collaboration between former Trump adviser Steve Bannon and Chinese exiled businessman Guo Wengui is a case in point. The duo has been involved in a sprawling digital network that disseminates misinformation about election frauds, coronavirus vaccines and QAnon narratives on multiple social media platforms.

Chinese immigrants often consume news bypassing traditional media gatekeepers, according to non-profit organisation First Draft.

Due to language barriers and news habits, many in the Chinese diaspora tend to read news in closed or semi-closed social media spaces. As there is already an existing trust among participants, the subscribers treat the information with less scrutiny, giving rise to "misinformation echo chambers".

"Once you are exposed to the misinformation network, it's hard to get out," Ms Wu tells the BBC.

'We the People'

When pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol in January, emotions turned frantic both online and offline among the far-right members of the Chinese diaspora.

In the Telegram chat rooms, people were "beyond excited", Ms Wu recalls. They were cheering for the rioters, and celebrating the "overturn" of the presidential election results.

On the same day, the fundraiser for the Proud Boys saw another spike in donations. A donor wrote in Chinese that "we must stop Satan from stealing the election".

Members in the chat rooms had previously planned logistics for the pro-Trump rally in Washington DC, ordering T-shirts saying "Chinese-Americans for Trump" and booking buses from various cities to the nation's capital.

On 6 January, more than 100 Chinese-Americans descended on Washington, joining other pro-Trump protesters in a march against the election outcome. Dozens in the crowd waved American flags, shouted pro-Trump slogans and held signs saying "End tyranny. End CCP (the Chinese Communist Party)".

A protester told a conservative Chinese-American YouTuber that the day would mark a new era for Chinese-Americans. "We have truly become Americans. We have finally entered the American political sphere," the middle-aged man says in Mandarin.

It's unclear how many of them went on to breach the Capitol. In a video that later went viral in the Chinese diaspora, it shows Congress in disarray as the Trump supporters flooded the building.

A man shouts the preamble to the US Constitution in Mandarin and English in the background: "We have occupied the Capitol We the People. Great people!"

But Ms Wu thinks the Chinese-American protesters, though empowered by freedom and democracy in the US, were blinded by political misinformation and showed a lack of judgement.

"They wanted to show 'the people's power' to the lawmakers," she says, "but they had no idea what the consequences may be."

When large majorities of Americans started to condemn the attack on the US Capitol, the Telegram groups swiftly removed the message history related to the riots.

Discussion of Trump's claims has since subsided, but the chat rooms remain active, with members sharing conspiracy theories about the Covid vaccines and President Joe Biden's alleged ties to China.

Many believe baseless claims that Biden is closely co-ordinating with China, or even controlled by Beijing, citing his son Hunter Biden's previous business ties with Chinese companies.

When President Biden skipped a word in a speech touching upon China, Ms Wu recalls, some in the chat rooms concluded that was the US leader "sending a signal" to his handlers in the Chinese government.

In the covert corners of the internet, the Chinese-American far right awaits the next political storm.
Now that COVID-19 vaccines are available, businesses and offices have started asking their employees to go into the office a handful of times a week. It can be challenging to plan meetings for hybrid workplace environments, though, when people are physically present in office premises on different days and at different times. That's why Google has updated the RSVP feature for Calendar that'll make it more suitable for flexible workplace models.

The tech giant has rolled out new RSVP options for Calendar invitations. Now, when you click "Yes" to a meeting invite on the Calendar interface, you'll see a drop-down menu that gives you a way to indicate whether you're attending it virtually or in person. Both the meeting organizer and the guests will see how attendees intend to show up when they look at the event detail. People who clicked "Yes" will have icons next to their names that correspond to their choice.

Google

That said, Google says the new RSVP choices are not shared with users on other platforms, such as Microsoft Outlook. Also, they'll only show up on Google Calendar itself at the moment, though the company says the options will be available in Gmail invites "soon."
Google Play logo in phone

Google is being sued by 37 US states over policies on its Android app store, Google Play.

The lawsuit claims that the tech giant has used "monopolistic leverage" to generate large profits from purchases made within its own store.

It also claimed Google had bought off its competitors.

Google said that there are rival app stores for Android devices, and that apps can also be downloaded directly from developers' own websites.

The 37 states involved in the legal action include New York, Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as Washington DC.

It criticises the commission Google takes on purchases made within Google Play, which can be up to 30%, in line with Apple's App Store policies and the stores of other rivals such as Amazon and Microsoft XBox.

In 2020, Google's gross revenue from Google Play was $36.8bn (26.7bn), reported Statista, while Apple chief executive Tim Cook has claimed not to know how profitable the App Store is as an individual entity within his company.

Google also says that 97% of developers do not pay it any "service fees" at all because they are not selling digital products within their apps.

"Google Play is not fair play," Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said in a statement.

"It must stop using its monopolistic power and hyper-dominant market position to unlawfully leverage billions of added dollars from smaller companies, competitors and consumers beyond what should be paid."

'Openness and choice'

In a blog, Google's senior head of public policy, Wilson White, described the action as "strange".

"We understand that scrutiny is appropriate, and we're committed to engaging with regulators," he wrote.

"But Android and Google Play provide openness and choice that other platforms simply don't."

The tech giants' app store policies are facing increasing scrutiny.

In May, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority launched an investigation into Apple's app store policies.

And Epic Games, the studio behind the hit game Fortnite, started legal action against both Apple and Google in the UK back in January, citing competition rules.

A study commissioned by Facebook in December suggested that the majority of apps used by people in the US were made by either Apple or Google, reported The Verge.
Google has dismissed the legal action as "meritless." Getty Images

Attorneys general from 36 states - and Washington D.C. - lodged an antitrust suit against Google.

The suit accuses Google of working to undermine alternative app stores available on Android devices.

Google called the suit "meritless", saying it was not about "helping the little guy."

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Google is facing yet another nationwide antitrust lawsuit in the US, with attorney generals from 36 states - and Washington D.C. - lodging a complaint over its control of the Android app store.

The move comes six months after a coalition of 48 states lodged an antitrust complaint over the tech giant's online advertising practices, accusing it of engaging in anticompetitive behavior by abusing its dominance in online ad sales.

The new suit, filed in the California federal court, is just the latest in a series of ongoing antitrust actions taken against tech firms by authorities in the US and Europe.

It claims that Google controls 90% of the market for Android apps, and accuses the tech giant of working to undermine competing app stores (such as Samsung's Galaxy Store), and refusing to let other app stores advertise on its search engine or YouTube.

The complaint also takes aim at Google's plan to charge app developers using its app store to pay a 30% commission fee on goods and services, which comes into force in September.

In effect, this will mean the likes of Netflix or Spotify - or any app where you pay for an in-app digital purchase - will be taxed.

The move will bring Play's rules in line with those of Apple's App Store, the latter of which sparked a dramatic legal battle between the iPhone maker and "Fortnite" developer Epic Games last year.

In a blog post published on Wednesday, Google branded the complaint "meritless", insisting its Play store competes "vigorously", "helps developers succeed", and "increases competition and choice."

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"The complaint is peppered with inflammatory language designed to distract from the fact that our rules on Android and Google Play benefit consumers," it reads.

"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."

The tech giant also said that scrutiny was appropriate but that Android and Google Play provided "openness and choice that other platforms simply don't."

Are you a current or former Googler with more to share? You can contact this reporter securely using the encrypted messaging app Signal (+447801985586) or email (mcoulter@businessinsider.com). Reach out using a nonwork device.

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.

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"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)
The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise was carried out by foreigners, but "there is no doubt" that they had internal help, Haiti's ambassador to the U.S. Bocchit Edmond told CNN Thursday morning.

State of play: Four suspects were killed by police on Wednesday and another two were arrested in association with the attack, according to Haitian officials.

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Interim prime minister Claude Joseph announced Wednesday that he had declared a two-week etat de siege  a state of siege  and urged Haitians to remain calm as he called for an international investigation.

Moise's wife, Martine Moise, who was critically wounded from gunshot wounds, was flown to Miami for treatment, AP reports.

What they're saying: "The most important thing is we need to continue with the investigations and look and identify those who financed them, those who paid them to commit this horrible act," Edmond said.

He declined to speculate on a potential motive for the attack while the investigation is ongoing, but said "it's certain that the head of state cannot be killed just for play."

"We do hope that the national police will continue to hunt them down because possibly there were more than six," Edmond said of potential suspects involved in the assassination. "We are trying to see how we can make sure that those are caught and identified and be brought to justice."

The big picture: The future of Haiti, which had already been reeling from a political crisis and spiking inflation and gang violence, is highly uncertain. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with acting Prime Minister Joseph on Wednesday and extended U.S. support for Haiti, but it's unclear whether Joseph will remain in power long-term.

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The men who attacked Haiti President and First Lady Jovenel and Martine Moise were mercenaries who allegedly posed as American DEA agents.

First Lady of Haiti Martine Moise was airlifted out of the country and transported to Miami after being shot during the attack that killed her husband, Haiti President Jovenel Moise, early Wednesday.

Mrs. Moise, 47, was transported to Fort Lauderdale from the sovereign nation and then taken to Miamis Jackson Memorial Hospital, Local 10 News reported.

First Lady of Haiti Martine Moise (above) was transported to Miami after being shot during the attack early Wednesday that killed her husband, Haitian President Jovenel Moise. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)

According to the report, she was wounded with gunshots to her arms, her thigh and had severe injuries to her hand and abdomen. Police surrounded her as she was taken off the air ambulance and put into a private one for transport to the hospital.

President Moise, 53, was elected in 2017. Calls for his resignation began in 2019 and eventually escalated to a political crisis after years of alleged corruption, the mismanagement of natural disasters, rising violence and, most recently, the coronavirus pandemic. He dissolved the nations parliament last January.

The Miami Herald is reporting that the men who assassinated Haitis president were mercenaries and assassins who allegedly posed as American DEA agents, according to Haitis interim national police chief Leon Charles. Four of the assailants were killed, and two were arrested.

At the moment I am speaking to you now the police is engaged in a battle, Charles said Wednesday. Authorities are determined to do their job of protecting the population, he emphasized.

President Haiti Jovenel Moise addresses the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

An article published by theGrio on Thursday questioned what President Moises assassination means for the impoverished nation and its citizenry. Written by Wen-kuni Ceant, it opined with no clear succession of power, it is up to the people of Haiti to navigate this new power vacuum and the international community to support and uplift them.

The chaos and unclear succession of power has left Haitians and the diaspora alike grasping for straws on what the future of Haiti will look like, wrote Ceant. The president of Haitis Cour de Cassation (Supreme Court) would naturally be the next in power  but the recent death of the last Supreme Court president, Rene Sylvestre, from COVID-19 complications makes matters even more perilous.

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No Supreme Court president, no senate, and no parliament. Not to mention, the neighboring Dominican Republic has closed its borders, and all flights in and out of the country have been immediately suspended until further notice, Ceant noted.

Yesterday, U.S. President Joe Biden tweeted, 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  and stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti.

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The post Haiti first lady airlifted to Florida for medical treatment after being shot appeared first on TheGrio.
Haitis National Police managed to kill four suspects and arrest two others they said were involved in the well-coordinated assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Law enforcement officials in the country say a gunfight between police and additional suspects is ongoing as of early Thursday.

Leon Charles, the countrys top cop, told reporters that police are still hunting for suspects, the New York Times reported.

"Four mercenaries were killed [and] two were intercepted under our control," Charles said, according to the BBC. "Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered. We blocked [the suspects] en route as they left the scene of the crime. Since then, we have been battling with them."

HAITIAN PRESIDENT JOVENEL MOISE ASSASSINATED AT HOME, OFFICIAL SAYS

The gunmen were highly trained and spoke Spanish or English, Claude Joseph, the countrys interim prime minister, said, according to the Associated Press. The BBC pointed out that Haitis official languages are Creole and French.

Another official in the country called the assassins "well trained professional commandos" and "foreign mercenaries" who carried high-powered guns, were dressed in black and masqueraded as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

Details of the attack have been scant and there is no known motive. The suspects killed in the shootout were not identified. Josephs office said the attack unfolded at the presidents private home in Port-au-Prince at about 1 a.m. local time and he was fatally wounded. Joseph told the paper that he is running the country.

HAITI PLANE CRASH KILLS 2 AMERICAN MISSIONARIES, 4 OTHERS ON BOARD: REPORTS

The Times reported that Martine Moise, the presidents wife, was also badly injured in the attack and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Florida. The BBC reported that she was listed in stable but critical condition.

Moise was a 48-year-old businessman with little political experience 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.

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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.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Haitian first lady Martine Moise arrived in Florida on Wednesday evening to be treated for multiple gunshot wounds after her husband, Haitian President Jovenel Moise, was assassinated earlier in the day.

Martine Moise touched down via aircraft in Fort Lauderdale around 3:30 p.m. before being transported in a gurney to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. The 47-year-old suffered wounds to her arms, thigh, hands, and abdomen. Her vitals are stable, though she is in critical condition.

Haiti, located in the Caribbean, is roughly 700 miles away from Miami.

Hours before her arrival, Jovenel Moise, 53, was slain at his home by assailants claiming to be with members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. However, a Haitian official insisted the attackers were "mercenaries."

In videos obtained after the incident, someone with an American accent is heard yelling in English over a megaphone, DEA operation. Everybody, stand down. DEA operation. Everybody, back up, stand down."

HAITIAN PRESIDENT JOVENEL MOISE ASSASSINATED AT HOME

Ned Price, a State Department spokesman, told reporters it was "absolutely false" that DEA agents were involved in the attack.

The countrys security situation is under the control of the National Police of Haiti and the Armed Forces of Haiti, said Claude Joseph, the interim premier, in a statement from his office. Democracy and the republic will win.

The interim premier characterized the assassination as a hateful, inhumane, and barbaric act." He did not reveal many details about the perpetrators other than some of them spoke in Spanish.

President Joe Biden condemned what he called a "heinous act" in the country.

"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 wrote in a Wednesday tweet. "We condemn this heinous act  and stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti."

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Similarly, State Department spokesman Ned Price referred to the assassination as a "tragedy."

"The U.S. strongly condemns the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on first lady Martine Moise in Haiti," he said during videotaped remarks. "We extend our deepest condolences to President Moises family and his loved ones and to the people of Haiti in the midst of this tragedy."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The country  which has had its economic, political, and social woes intensify recently  is scheduled to hold general elections later in 2021.

Moise, who was elected in 2016 and took office in 2017, announced the arrest of more than 20 people, including two high-profile government officials, on Feb. 7, accusing them of plotting to kill him and overthrow the government.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Haiti, Florida, Miami, Assassination

Original Author: Jake Dima

Original Location: Haitian first lady arrives in Florida for treatment on multiple gunshot wounds
Haitis military needs foreign assistance in light of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, according to the island nations top diplomat to the United States.

Its very important to give us the means for the armed forces to control the border, Haitian Ambassador Bocchit Edmond told reporters hours after the presidents murder overnight. But unfortunately, we've been facing resistance when it comes to the national armed forces.

Moises death leaves the outgoing prime minister as the acting head of government at a time when political officials with electoral legitimacy are few and far between. His murder is being described in some quarters as an attack by rival political factions.

Meanwhile, President Joe Bidens administration has pledged to aid the remaining government while urging officials to proceed with the 2021 elections.

What we know and what we will continue to do is to preserve Haiti's democratic institutions, State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. We know that by preserving Haiti's democratic institutions  that is key to restoring peace.

BIDEN: HAITIAN PRESIDENT JOVENAL MOISE'S ASSASSINATION 'VERY WORRISOME'

U.S. and Haitian officials announced an agreement in January allocating $75.5 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development to support an array of Haitian social and economic sectors, Price recalled, noting USAID has been funding pre-election activities. The State Department spokesman put a spotlight on American support for the Haitian National Police, but that support has not enabled local authorities to withstand what the United Nations calls an unprecedented level of violence in Haiti, so the government wants additional equipment.

We've been requesting that for the last six months, Edmond said. It's very important to equip the national police and to lead that fight against the gangs so peace and security can be reestablished in Haiti, particularly the capital city, Port au Prince  the country, unfortunately, is infested with gangs.

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The envoy said he was making a similar request for the Haitian military, which has been viewed with suspicion by international observers and even clashed in a shootout with the police in 2020. Edmond anchored that call in his suspicion that the team of assassins who killed the president and wounded Haitian first lady Martine Moise had escaped across the border to the Dominican Republic.

Therefore, it's very important to have a very robust security system on our borders to protect the borders, he said. The National Police itself cannot guarantee the full security of the country.

U.S. officials have been wary of supporting the Haitian military, which was disbanded in 1995 to shake a bleak tradition of repression that took place under a dictatorship that ruled in Haiti from 1957 to 1986. The murdered president reconstituted the military in 2017 after the withdrawal of a United Nations peacekeeping force that had been stationed in Haiti since 2004.

Its time to stop stigmatizing the armed forces, the ambassador said.

Moise was controversial before his death, partly due to corruption allegations and his desire to hold a referendum on a draft constitution that would allow him to seek reelection. He announced the appointment of a new prime minister this week, but incoming officials had not yet taken office when the president was killed. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph announced the emergency closure of the national airport.

We most vehemently deplore this attempt to undermine the institutional stability of the country, said Organization of American States Secretary-General Luis Almagros office Wednesday. Disagreement and dissent are part of a strong and vigorous system of government. Political assassinations have no place in a democracy. We call for an end to a form of politics that threatens to derail democratic advances and the future of the country.

Edmond, the Haitian ambassador, demurred when asked if the government would consider requesting a U.S. military intervention to maintain security.

It is not a decision for me to make, he said. Its between authorities, the U.S. authorities, and the Haitian authorities to discuss and to assess the situation and see where they want to help, how they can help.

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Price avoided giving a preview of the Biden administrations view of that question.

Haiti is a partner, and that is how we will treat this relationship," he said. We would echo what we have heard from the acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph in his calls for calm, his calls for the Haitian people to work together to ensure peace, to ensure democratic government. The United States has and will continue to stand by to provide assistance to the Haitian people."

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Tags: News, Foreign Policy, National Security, Haiti, OAS, State Department, USAID

Original Author: Joel Gehrke

Original Location: Haiti's ambassador to US calls for military assistance after president Jovenel Moise's assassination
The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise risks destabilizing the Caribbean country, which was already in crisis over alarmingly high violence and Moises increasingly undemocratic behavior.

Heres some essential background on Haiti, starting with the painful history that underlies so much of Haitis modern struggles.

1. Frances extortion

Haiti officially declared its independence from colonizer France in 1804 after a revolutionary war staged by enslaved laborers and inspired by the American Revolution.

But the French never quite gave up on reconquering their former colony, according to Marlene Daut, a historian of Haiti at the University of Virginia.

Between 1814 and 1825, France sent repeated delegations to Haiti to negotiate with its new leaders about restoring some formal relationship with France. When that failed, King Charles X in 1825 decreed that France would recognize Haitian independence, but only if the new country paid France the exorbitant price of 150 million francs.

The sum was meant to compensate the French colonists for their lost revenues from slavery, says Daut. Rejection of the ordinance almost certainly meant war.

Under threat of violence, the Haitian leader, Jean-Pierre Boyer, signed a document agreeing to pay France in five equal installments  the sum of 150,000,000 francs, destined to indemnify the former colonists.

The deal forced Haiti to take out enormous loans. The young nation defaulted on them, despite Boyers levying punishing taxes on the Haitian people in his failed effort to pay them off. Its debt to France took 122 years to pay off.

This was not diplomacy, Daut says of Frances demand for payment. It was extortion.

2. US occupation

By the 20th century, the United States was the foreign country exerting undue control over Haitis ailing economy.

It did so through a combination of military might, political maneuvering and private investment, writes Florida State University Professor Vincent Joos, who studies Haitis economy.

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The American military occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934 and controlled its government. During that period, the U.S. designed Haitis economic and social policies to attract foreign investment.

Bettman/Corbis

In practice, that meant keeping Haitian wages, corporate taxes and tariffs low, says Joos. In exchange, the theory went, foreign investment would bring infrastructure development and jobs, benefiting all Haitians.

Part of the Americans plan worked: American agricultural firms did begin profitably growing cash crops like coffee, bananas and sugar in Haiti in the 1910s and 1920s. Later, U.S. businesses and military agencies established rubber plantations and textile factories there.

But Haitis export-focused economic model hasnt benefited its people.

After decades of extremely business-friendly policies, three-quarters of Haitians still live on less than US$2.40 a day, writes Joos.

3. The earthquake

On Jan. 12, 2010, a massive earthquake left Haiti in shambles  physically, economically and politically. Upwards of 300,000 people were killed and nearly 1.5 million of Haitis 10 million people instantly became homeless.

Researcher Joseph Jr Clormeus was in Port-au-Prince that day and survived the earthquake. Some of his colleagues lost their lives while others were having limbs amputated to escape certain death under the rubble, he recalls. Outside, corpses littered the streets of the capital.

A man walks over the remains of several homes where bodies of earthquake victims had yet to be pulled from the rubble.

Last year, on the 10th anniversary of the quake, Clormeus and co-authors Jean-Francois Savard and Emmanuel Sael wrote a story assessing Haitis stalled recovery.

Haiti hasnt recovered from this disaster, despite billions of dollars being spent in the country, they concluded.

One big problem, according to their analysis: Haitis government was weak after decades of dictatorship in the 20th century and a series of unstable democratic administrations in the 21st.

Clormeus, Savard and Sael also blame the international-led disaster recovery effort for Haitis continued struggles.

After the earthquake, hundreds of foreign aid agencies and international organizations like the Red Cross flooded into Haiti, intending to help. But there was no coordination in the interventions of friendly countries in order to optimize the efforts on behalf of the victims, write Clormeus, Savard and Sael.

The international community failed to meet a humanitarian challenge of such magnitude.

4. Austerity and foreign influence

The international community has also failed in its efforts to alleviate the privation and struggle of the Haitian people. The average income is $5 a day, and many people live on much less.

Haitis government, likewise, remains cash-strapped. It is frequently unable to provide basic services like trash collection or to hold timely elections.

The country runs on borrowed funds, says Florida States Vincent Joos.

Loans sometimes fund 20% of Haitis national budget. That gives lending institutions like the International Monetary Fund outsized influence on domestic policies. In 2018, deadly protests erupted over gas prices after Haitis creditors recommended ending petroleum subsidies.

AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery

The International Monetary Funds de facto control over the economy of Haiti dates back decades  as do popular uprisings against it, says Joos.

5. Crisis under Moise

Long-standing discontent with Haitis unequal economy and its ineffective government grew during President Jovenel Moises 4 -year term.

Moises killing followed months of sustained protests demanding his resignation after he refused to vacate the presidency, which was meant to end in February. Moise said he planned to modify the Haitian constitution to allow presidents to run for reelection, potentially enabling him to stay in office even longer.

Moise had been ruling by decree, Tamanisha John, a Caribbean studies scholar at Florida International University, explained after the presidents assassination. 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.

Moise  the chosen successor of Haitis unpopular last president, Michel Martelly  lost the trust of the Haitian people early, according to John. In 2017, the first year of his administration, Moise was implicated in an embezzlement scandal in which at least $700,000 of public money was allegedly funneled into the banana business he owned.

Though Moise is dead, his party retains power. Prime Minister Claude Joseph, appointed by Moise on an interim basis in April after the sitting prime minister resigned, controls Haiti for now. The country, he says, is in a state of siege.

This story has been updated to more accurately characterize Moises proposed change to the Haitian Constitution.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts.

Read more:


Graduates throw their caps. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

They raised $8,000 for a senior trip to remember, but instead the graduating class of Isleboro Central School in Maine won't ever forget the lives they changed by donating that money.

The school is on an island that has 700 year-round residents, making it a tight-knit community. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the 13 members of the Class of 2021 organized festivals, worked concession stands, and held dinners to raise money for their class trip. In previous years, students traveled to Italy, Panama, and Norway, and this class considered going to Greece or South Korea.

The pandemic changed everything, and knowing that international travel was out of the question, the students started discussing going somewhere local. Student Liefe Temple told The Associated Press it would have felt "weird and definitely wrong" to take any sort of trip right now, since they could "really see how the whole world and the island, too, was struggling." So, they decided to donate $5,000 to the Island Community Fund, to help people who were out of work and needed money for food or rent.

"It felt really good to do that with our money, to give it back to the people who gave it to us," Temple said. Isleboro Community Fund President Fred Thomas told AP when the board learned of the students' donation, "there was a strong sense of pride in these students. That's because their decision demonstrated an awareness of the hardship in their community and a willingness to do something about it. They learned that giving is hard, but giving is good." The students still have $3,000 left in their travel fund, and are still deciding where to donate the money.

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A 54-year-old man crossing a Brooklyn street was fatally struck by a hit-and-run BMW driver, police said Thursday.

The victim was crossing Rockaway Parkway at Lenox Road in East Flatbush when he was struck about 10:55 p.m. Wednesday, cops said.

The heartless BMW driver continued south on Rockaway Parkway and has not been caught.

Medics rushed the victim to Brookdale University Hospital, where he died. His name was not immediately released.
A 17-year-old high school student was headed home from a Houston Astros game with his family Tuesday night when he was shot inside his car during an apparent road rage incident, according to police.

The teenager, identified by local outlets as David Xavier Castro, remains on life support, despite initial reports that he had died, the Houston Police Department clarified Wednesday.

Castro was one of two passengers in his fathers pickup Tuesday night when the older man exchanged hand gestures with the driver of a white Buick sedan, police said.

The other driver followed Castros car onto the freeway, then fired several shots into the truck, hitting Castro at least once.

Police have not publicly identified a suspect, but are searching for a Black man driving a four-door, white Buick sedan with a sunroof.

Anyone with information on the suspect or the wanted vehicle is asked to call the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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.
By Chayut Setboonsarng and Stanley Widianto

BANGKOK/JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia and Thailand are considering offering a booster shot to their medical workers immunized with Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine, a move likely to reduce public trust in the Chinese product that has been their main inoculation tool.

Some countries including Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have already started giving a booster shot to those inoculated with Chinese vaccines amid concerns that they may not be as effective against new and more transmissible coronavirus variants.

But the challenges facing Southeast Asia are much bigger. Many countries in the region rely heavily on Chinese vaccines due to tight supplies of Western products, and have low vaccination rates of less than 10%.

They are also battling a record-breaking surge in new cases and deaths, led by the highly contagious Delta variant, while rising infections among medical workers despite being fully immunised with the Sinovac shots have stretched already thin healthcare systems.

"There's a lot of doctors and medical workers who have been vaccinated twice but endured medium and severe symptoms, or even died," Slamet Budiarto, deputy chief of the Indonesian Medical Association, told parliament on Monday.

Indonesia has vaccinated millions of its healthcare workers with the Sinovac shot and thousands of them are now testing positive for COVID-19. [L3N2OJ0F8]

"It is the time for medical workers to get a third booster to protect them from the impact of more vicious and worrying new variants," said Melki Laka Lena, deputy chairman of the parliamentary commission overseeing health.

Siti Nadia Tarmizi, an official from Indonesia's health ministry, said it is waiting for recommendations from immunization advisory group and Indonesia's Food and Drug Agency (BPOM) about the use of a booster shot.

While some real world data showed the Sinovac vaccine is effective against hospitalisation and severe COVID-19 cases, there is no detailed data yet on its effectiveness against the Delta variant, first identified in India.

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Thailand, which expects to receive a donation of 1.5 million Pfizer-BioNtech shots from the United States later this month, plans to use it in inoculating its 700,000 medical workers, most of whom have already received two shots of Sinovac.

Senior health official Udom Kachintorn said the plan was aimed at increasing immunity, as the Delta variant increases case loads and scores of medical workers who had been fully vaccinated with the Sinovac became infected.

A leaked Thai health ministry document this week showed that the government was concerned about such a move sending a wrong signal to the public because it would be admitting that the Sinovac vaccine was not effective.

"It will definitely have an impact on the trust in the vaccine," said Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist at Australia's Griffith University.

"The vaccine isn't necessarily ineffective, but its efficacy slides down after six months. That's my prediction," he said, recommending authorities consider a booster shot as a solution and communicate the problems with the public.

Thai authorities have defended the vaccine's use and its plan to purchase more Sinovac vaccines.

"Don't downgrade Sinovac even though we know efficacy is lower. It reduces the number of patients with critical condition, and fatalities," Udom said.

Indonesian doctors also acknowledge that Sinovac might not be the best vaccine on the market, but say that for now that is all they have, and that is better than nothing.

"Up to now because we cannot produce (a vaccine) we have no (other) option," said Eka Julianta Wahjoepramono, the dean of the medical school at Pelita Harapan University.

"Sinovac is the only choice," said Eka, who was fully vaccinated with the Sinovac but got a severe case of COVID-19 last month.

Sinovac did not reply to a Reuters' request for comment.

'TIMELY RAIN' OR STILL DOUBTFUL

Doubts about the effectiveness of Chinese vaccines threaten to undermine China's so-called "vaccine diplomacy," through which Beijing has sought to increase its diplomatic influence around the world. China has shipped hundreds of millions of doses of locally developed COVID-19 shots overseas.

Singapore said this week people who received the Sinovac shots are excluded from its count of total vaccinations due to a lack of efficacy data for the 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.

China reiterated that its vaccines are safe and effective.

"Chinese vaccines have earned a good reputation in the international community with their safety and efficacy widely recognised," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday in response to a question about whether other countries have expressed concerns about Chinese vaccines.

"To date over 100 countries have approved Chinese vaccines... The first batch of vaccines to arrive in many developing nations are from China. They refer to the Chinese doses as 'timely rain'."

(Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat in Bangkok; Additional reporting by Karen Lema in Manila, Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul, Stanley Widanto and Agustinus Beo Da Costa in Jakarta, and Kate Lamb in Sydney, Aradhana Aravindan in Singapore and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Kim Coghill)
Jul. 7SOUTHERN INDIANA  The question at the center of a federal case brought in April against Indiana State Police for the shooting death of a Black man in Jeffersonville last year remains whether the officer was justified in the shooting or if he violated the man's constitutional rights.

Malcolm Williams, 27, died on the way to the hospital April 29, 2020, from injuries sustained by gunshots from Indiana State Trooper Clay Boley. Williams had been a passenger in the car when it was stopped around 1 a.m. on Middle Road in Jeffersonville for a broken tail light; his girlfriend was driving.

A complaint filed in April by Williams' family states that he was trying to hand Boley a gun that was in the car when the trooper shot at him six times. Indiana State Police have stated that Boley returned fire after Williams fired first.

Last July, Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull found no evidence for criminal charges against Boley, who reports say was treated for powder burns and abrasions from pinning Williams' gun as it fired.

No video footage of the incident exists. ISP did not use body-worn cameras and Boley's car was not equipped with a dash camera.

On Wednesday afternoon, attorneys representing Williams' family and Trooper Boley met telephonically for an initial pretrial conference. The case is being handled in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, and Wednesday's hearing was presided over by Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch.

David B. Owens appeared for the plaintiff and Alexander Robert Carlisle, who is with the Indiana Attorney General's Office, appeared for Boley and the as-yet-unidentified other trooper or troopers at the scene.

At the start of proceedings, Lynch asked defense attorney Carlisle the nature of the disagreement between the parties as to what happened early that morning.

In a response filed last week by the AG's office, attorneys for Boley denied that he shot without provocation, and 16 of the 61 ISP responses state that there was not sufficient information to answer.

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"I think further investigation is required to get the exact timeline for this," Carlisle said.

While some of the instances in which the trooper said he didn't have enough information to respond were things such as details about Williams' family or personal life, there are others the judge said she was surprised he didn't know.

One such instance was a paragraph in which the plaintiff stated that before the shooting, Williams told Trooper Boley that his girlfriend kept a gun in the car.

"How can defendant Boley lack knowledge of these allegations?" she asked.

When asked by the judge what the trooper says happened that night, Carlisle said there was an "incident with a traffic stop that resulted in the shooting," but did not elaborate on further details of the timeline for this hearing.

He later added that he thinks it could be "determined as a matter of law that Boley shot in self-defense," but Owens said the plaintiff does "not think this is a case solved with summary judgement."

According to the case management plan filed last week, the plaintiff plans to seek evidence in the case including all documents related to the shooting of Williams, personnel records related to Boley, including any complaint investigations or disciplinary actions, any evidence of Boley's prior use of force  specifically any use of deadly force  and the policies from any police agency that responded.

The deadline for the plaintiff to propose a settlement amount is Sept. 25, with a status conference to be set soon after that. A date for the expected four-day jury trial has not yet been set.
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese tech firms tumbled on Thursday, the worst day for Hong Kong's tech index in four months, as investors grew nervous about the widening ambit of a crackdown on the sector.

Didi Global Inc shares are down by nearly a quarter this week after China ordered the app removed from stores, while the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has launched security reviews on Didi and three other internet companies.

Below are some comments from investors and analysts on the outlook for China's tech sector:

DAVE WANG, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, NUVEST CAPITAL:

"There's a lot of fear right now. It's a sell-first-and-ask-questions-later approach.

"End of era for China tech? I think that's overblown. Sentiments come and go. We probably need a couple of good earnings seasons ...to show the impact, if any, on earnings.

"That is probably one or two quarters down the line, assuming we are at the end of the scrutiny."

MAX LUO, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT CO:

"The market needs to revalue relevant sectors. Under previous years' of barbarian growth, some companies could grow 50% a year. Now, (the) growth rate could come down to 30% under tighter regulations.

"Every (tech) company needs to be compliant on data security, whether you're an internet company, or a new energy vehicle company, because you collect data.

"If a company is not under probe now, that doesn't mean it will not be investigated later ... you need to make investment to become compliant, and that will impact growth."

MING LIAO, FOUNDING PARTNER, PROSPECT AVENUE CAPITAL:

"The Didi probe is an epoch-making incident that marks the end of barbarian growth of China's internet sector.

"Over the past 20 years, the Chinese government leaned toward efficiency and growth over fairness, taking a relatively laissez-faire attitude toward tech companies' legal compliance issues.

"Companies like Didi are too big to be fixed. No one knows what happens next. It's not time for bargain hunting for wise investors.

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"The No. 1 question is: 'is your business legally compliant?' If you have compliance issues, other questions, whether it's about business model or financial performance, become meaningless."

BRIAN BANDSMA, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, VONTOBEL QUALITY GROWTH:

"I do think it is a legitimate issue and I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect that Didi will need to make increased investments to assure data security. I also believe that it is likely Didi will face a meaningful fine.

"There has undoubtedly been excesses and limited investment in satisfying regulatory requirements in the past. As investors have limited visibility on whether companies are fully compliant, it is difficult to say where the next potential issue may arise.

"Overall, this should lead prudent company managements to increase internal assessment of businesses practices and reduce a willingness to take risks. It also may have the potential to reduce margins and growth potential."

ANDY MAYNARD, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF EQUITIES, CHINA RENAISSANCE:

"It's a complete sentiment knock to broad China TMT, no matter where it's listed and trading.

"Because it is data protection, there is an element of national security linkages to it ... it's going to be potentially far-reaching and much more widespread than the anti-monopoly campaign, which seemed to be just really hitting China e-commerce.

"How long does this last? You've got to think at least a couple of months ... but I do feel that the market is starting to realise that this is a short-lived thing. There is no rationale to try to kill these companies off because they're so embedded into the fabric of the Chinese new economy."

KEVIN FRANCIS MARCAIDA, EQUITY RESEARCH LEAD, CHINESEALPHA:

"This is just the beginning of these security concerns. We will likely see more crackdowns on companies that rely on storing large data on Chinese users, which may take up to three years before investors begin to regain confidence in these businesses.

"In the meantime, these companies will have to adapt to tougher government regulations imposed on them."

ELINOR LEUNG, ANALYST, CLSA:

"Reviews may extend to newly listed and to-be listed companies, especially on U.S. exchanges which may provide foreign governments access to sensitive information and data.

"Online platforms with social network and transaction information could also be under security reviews.

"Internet giants with strong technology advantage, such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu would likely face limited impacts, as they already adopt higher security standards and have already participated in multiple government projects."

ZHAN KAI, A SHANGHAI-BASED LAWYER:

"For internet companies like Didi, they face not just issues about data security. There are also issues around monopolistic behaviours and labour protection. Risk is only partly priced in."

(Reporting by Samuel Shen, Andrew Galbraith in Shanghai, Tom Westbrook in Singapore; Editing by Rashmi Aich and Mark Potter)
Associated Press

Prosecutors in May dismissed a defendants testimony that he was framed by two masked men for the kidnapping and killing of an Iowa college student, calling it a figment of his imagination. Jurors agreed, convicting Cristhian Bahena Rivera of first-degree murder in the July 2018 stabbing death of 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts in one of the states most high-profile cases in years. Both witnesses are unknown to each other, yet independently identified the same suspect to authorities after Bahena Rivera testified in his own defense May 26, his lawyers revealed in seeking a new trial for the 27-year-old Mexican national who came to the U.S. illegally as a teenager.
Majorca beach

Travel bosses have given a cautious welcome to the announcement that fully vaccinated travellers returning from amber-list countries will not have to self-isolate after 19 July.

EasyJet boss Johan Lundgren said he did not want to see "a return to flying being a preserve of the rich".

"Expensive testing could sadly make travel out of reach for some," he said.

Airlines and airports said millions of people could have a more normal summer, but there was still work to do.

The need to quarantine on return had hindered a travel industry recovery. Under previous rules, those returning to Britain from its top destinations, Spain, France, the US and Italy, all had to self-isolate for up to 10 days.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the Commons, however, that Britons returning from amber list destinations would still have take a Covid-19 test before they arrive home and then a second test on or before day two.

Children under the age of 18 will not have to self-isolate, but will need to take tests. There is no change to red-list travel restrictions.

Heathrow Airport chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: "This is excellent news that will give a much needed boost to millions of people across Britain looking forward to a more normal summer and reuniting with family and friends abroad.

"But the job isn't done," he said, adding: "The UK should open up travel to fully vaccinated people from more countries - particularly our key partners in the US - by the end of July."

He said Heathrow was "working closely" with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to demonstrate this could be done safely, with checks on departure, and no need for delays at immigration on arrival.

Dame Irene Hays, boss of independent travel agent Hays Travel, told the BBC she was "absolutely delighted" by the move.

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"I think it's a huge step in the right direction," she said, adding that it came at the right time for all those whose holidays had been cancelled last year and who had been "sitting there with their fingers crossed" hoping for good news.

She acknowledged that there were still "some constraints", especially involving testing, but advised would-be holidaymakers to have good travel insurance.

What are the new travel rules for double-jabbed passengers?

Fully vaccinated UK residents arriving in England from amber travel list destinations will no longer have to quarantine from 19 July

They still need to pay for PCR tests before and after their return, but will not need a day 8 test

The rules apply to people 14 days after their final dose of the vaccine

Under-18s returning from amber list places will also be exempt from quarantine

The guidance that people should not travel to amber list countries will also be removed from 19 July

The next review of countries on the green, red and amber lists will be on 15 July - next Thursday

But "an amber list country could still turn red", warned Mr Shapps, meaning hotel quarantine would become a requirement

Anyone arriving in England from a red list country must still go into government-managed hotel quarantine

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, said: "This is the news that UK holidaymakers have been looking forward to, as it finally signals a meaningful restart to international travel."

He said his firm would restart flights and holidays to all amber-list destinations from 19 July onwards.

Shai Weiss, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said the announcement was "a positive development" that provided "assurance for consumers and businesses who can now book and travel with greater confidence".

Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate described the new rules as "another small step in the right direction".

"However, with summer holidays just around the corner, we are approaching a crucial time for our industry and we urge government to remove other barriers inhibiting international travel, including the need for costly PCR tests for those who have been double vaccinated," he added.

British Airways chief executive and chairman Sean Doyle welcomed what he called a "common-sense approach which is already working safely for many other countries".

"But there is more work to do," he added.

"While the quarantine requirement for 'amber' countries is being lifted for fully vaccinated UK travellers, the government needs to quickly extend this to all vaccinated travellers, agree a reciprocal deal with the US, add more countries to the 'green' list and reduce the need for unnecessary, expensive tests."

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of industry body Airlines UK, said it was "a positive move towards the genuine reopening the sector has been looking for".

"We now urge the government to continue this momentum by adding many more countries to the green list next week and removing onerous testing requirements at its next review on 31 July, thereby opening up more non-quarantine travel to all."
President Joe Biden (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In 2009, only a few days before he was sworn in as vice president, Joe Biden gave a grim view of the state of the War in Afghanistan, telling The New York Times that the situation had deteriorated significantly and its going to be a heavy lift.

Now as president, Mr Biden is leading the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan after two decades of conflict and more than 2,000 American lives lost, as well as countless Afghan civilians. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has followed suit, announcing British troops would exit Afghanistan .

Many questions remain, though, especially as the Taliban have made significant gains across the country. And Mr Biden has been cagey when reporters have asked him questions about the drawdown.

But if Mr Biden has proven himself politically pliable on everything from abortion to LGBT+ rights to the economy, his skepticism of nation-building in Afghanistan is a consistent animating principle of his politics for more than a decade, often to the criticism of more established voices on foreign affairs.

In 2009, as then-President Barack Obama was weighing whether to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan, Mr Biden emerged a voice of dissent against then-Gen Stanley McChrystals request for a surge in forces.

Rather, Mr Biden wanted to focus on CT Plus, which emphasized building Afghanistans security forces, counterterrorism against al-Qaeda and trying to peel off some fighters for the Taliban.

Mr Biden might have also had reservations about nation-building because of the fact his son Beau served in the Delaware National Guard before entering politics himself. During one confrontation with Richard Holbrooke, Mr Obamas special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mr Biden snapped , I am not sending my boy back there to risk his life on behalf of womens rights! He added that It just wont work, thats not what theyre there for. The younger Bidens death from brain cancer in 2015 was one of the many reasons his father passed on running for president in 2016.

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Mr Bidens position put him at odds with many officials in the Obama administration, including then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who supported a troop increase .

Mr Bidens dissents also earned him the derision of some in national security circles. In an infamous 2010 profile of Mr McChrystal in Rolling Stone, the then-general was quoted joking that he misheard Mr Bidens name is Bite Me. Mr Gates wrote in his 2014 memoir that though be believed Mr Biden was a man of integrity, he thought Mr Biden has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.

Similarly, had Mr Biden run against Ms Clinton in 2016 for the Democratic presidential nomination, their contrasting views on Afghanistan would have been a major dividing line between the two candidates. In fact, Ms Clinton, together with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, expressed concern about the withdrawal of troops to the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this year.

But Mr Bidens critiques persisted. Ten years after his pre-swearing-in trip, amid the Washington Posts revelations in its deep dive of documents on the war, Mr Biden, then a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president, said during a debate that rebuilding that country as a whole is beyond our capacity.

This doesnt mean the president is a dove. While a senator, he was both chairman and the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and supported military action in Bosnia and Kosovo. Like many Democrats, Mr Biden supported the War in Iraq before eventually souring on the venture. In the days after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Biden joined 97 other Senators in the authorization of the use of force that launched the modern-day War on Terror.

Similarly, in his speech announcing the withdrawal from Afghanistan in April, Mr Biden said the United States would reorganize its assets to prevent the emergence of terrorists and said the metastasizing nature of terror was why military presence in Afghanistan made no sense.

At the same time, Mr Bidens choice to withdraw from Afghanistan shows he doesnt see it as worth spending national resources. He is, of course, not the first president to look at the war skeptically. His predecessor Donald Trump previously called the war a total disaster before increasing the number of troops.

Mr Bidens plan will likely continue to be criticized, especially if Afghanistan unravels or descends into chaos once the last troops leave the region. But now as commander-in-chief, after his critics have dominated much of the discussion in Afghanistan with America still bogged down in the conflict, Biden has an opportunity to see if his strategy is any better.

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Gun-toting Afghan women are marching in the streets in a show of defiance against the Taliban

Biden to house Afghan translators in foreign countries as they await US admission
Amy King is sending a vital message to parents in the wake of her cousin Josh Duggar's child pornography charges.

The mother of one shared a shirtless photo on Wednesday of her son Daxton Ryan, 2, enjoying a pool day but quickly deleted it and reposted to cover up the toddler's chest with a big blue heart emoji.

"Mom, where did the weekend go?? * I posted the unedited version, and then I thought to myself 'is that too much skin? Hes just shirtless. and then I thought you never know who is seeing this picture and what they are thinking and now Im going to be extra careful and protect him!" Amy wrote in a caption.

King went on to warn parents about being cautious about what they post of their kids online, suggesting that she's personally learned of the dangers of child predators without directly naming her disgraced cousin.

JOSH DUGGAR'S PARENTS, JIM BOB AND MICHELLE DUGGAR, SPEAK OUT AFTER SON'S ARREST FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

"I encourage all parents to be very careful on what we post from now on. I now have a new set of eyes and Im more of aware of how someone can use anything for evil. Its the sad truth, but something worth sharing for sure," she added. "Love yall! And well... we just miss the weekend we spent it eating yummy BBQ and tons of swimming!"

This isn't the first time King has been outspoken about predatory behavior against children. In May, the Arkansas native, who previously appeared in her family's former TLC show "19 Kids and Counting," demanded justice to be served in Duggar's case.

"I will just say that whatever you do in the darkness comes out in the light," King told TODAY Parents . "If youre going to look at such disgusting and sickening images, justice has to be served."

Duggar is currently staying at a property in Elkins, Arkansas with third-party custodians who were described in court as friends of the family. On April 29, U.S. Marshals assisted in the arrest of the former reality star, 33, who has since pleaded not guilty to charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. He's since been ordered by Magistrate Judge Christy Comstock to not have contact with any minors and can only see his six children when his wife, Anna Duggar , is present.

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JOSH DUGGAR LIVING IN 'EERIE, DESOLATE' HOME WITH CUSTODIANS AS HE AWAITS CHILD PORNOGRAPHY TRIAL

King also said at the time she was thinking about Duggar's kids. Anna Duggar is currently pregnant with the couple's seventh child.

"Who wouldnt worry about that? My heart goes out to all those innocent, sweet victims... It breaks my heart," King continued.

Duggar's trial was supposed to begin in Arkansas this week but the case was recently pushed to November. His parents, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, broke their silence about the family's TLC series "Counting On" not getting picked up for another season in the wake of his charges.

"It is hard to believe that more than 17 years have passed since we were first contacted by a production company wanting to do a one-hour documentary about the logistics of raising 14 children. Our family has grown (and grown up!) before our eyes and on national television, and the journey has been miraculousfollowing God is an exciting adventure!" Michelle and Jim Bob wrote in a statement posted to their website.

The couple called it an "amazing honor" to share their lives and faith with viewers, "including some of the most difficult and painful moments our family has ever faced."

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Duggar starred on TLCs "19 Kids and Counting" until it was pulled from the network in 2015 following revelations that he had molested four of his sisters and a babysitter. His parents said he had confessed to the fondling and apologized. In a court hearing in April, federal prosecutors cited Duggar's admitted molestation in 2015 as a sign that he was a danger to the community.

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Duggar also previously apologized for a pornography addiction and cheating on his wife.
Arlington physician Clinton Battle at times approved prescriptions for controlled substances without conducting exams, a U.S. District Court jury found on Wednesday.

Battle told his office staff to issue prescriptions for whichever controlled substance the patient wanted. In return, he received illicit drugs and other forms of payment.

After five days of trial, a jury convicted Battle, 68, of one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of a controlled substance, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas.

Battle routinely issued prescriptions for controlled substances, including hydrocodone, alprazolam, acetaminophen with codeine, tramadol, and phentermine, outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.

At trial, one of Battles former employees testified that she, her husband, and Battle agreed that Battle would provide the employees husband with illegal controlled substance prescriptions in exchange for cocaine. Battle would receive money in the form of fees paid by patients in exchange for controlled substance prescriptions.

Battle allowed his nurse practitioner, Donna Green, to use his DEA registration number and medical credentials to issue prescriptions for controlled substances, despite knowing that Green was not legally authorized to issue such prescriptions.

On the morning the trial was set to begin, Green pleaded guilty to acquiring a controlled substance through fraud, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Battle faces up to 15 years in prison. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Oct. 28. A grand jury indicted Battle and two colleagues on June 17, 2020.

Battles practice, Arlington Occupational & Medical Clinic, is at 615 East Abram Street in Arlington. He also worked at 817 Baker St. in Fort Worth.
Vice President Kamala Harris said Thursday the Democratic National Committee would more than double its planned spending on voter registration, outreach and protections ahead of the 2022 midterm election, but civil rights groups said a law is needed to counter new voting restrictions in some GOP-led states.

We have never really started this early before," Harris told cheering students at Howard University. "But folks, it is never too early to defend your rights.

Harris' comments, at a Democratic Party event at Howard, her alma mater, came after months of Democratic losses on voting rights in the Supreme Court and some Republican-controlled state legislatures. She said the party would spend $25 million on top of $20 million already announced for a party program called "I Will Vote" that began in 2014.

Her address at the nation's most prominent historically Black university was intended to link the effort to the civil rights movement. However, when Harris and President Biden later met for an hour and 40 minutes with civil rights leaders, the activists pressed for greater effort to get Congress to pass bills expanding voting access over Republican opposition.

"We will not be able to litigate our way out of this threat to Black citizenship voting and political participation," Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, told reporters afterward. "We must have legislation. We must have the president use his voice, use his influence, use his power and use what he clearly understands about this moment."

The Rev. Al Sharpton promised "a summer of activism" and "a summer of saying to the Senate and the Congress, 'You may be going home, but it's going to be warmer politically than you think on the ground.'"

The White House focus on voting comes at a time when Democrats and voting rights advocates are despairing over legal and political setbacks on the issue. An ambitious Democratic voting rights bill in Congress, which would bar some of the state efforts to limit voting access, was blocked by Senate Republicans last month, shortly after Biden tapped Harris to lead on the issue.

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The Supreme Court last week greatly weakened a provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act allowing challenges to election laws, in a 6-3 ruling in which its six conservative members were the majority. The decision upheld Republican-sponsored rules in Arizona that include a requirement for elections officials to throw out ballots cast in the wrong precinct, though the plaintiffs had argued that based on past experience, the policy would result in tossing twice as many ballots from minority voters as white voters.

The ruling is expected to make it much harder for Democrats to prevail in lawsuits against states, including Georgia, that have passed new voting restrictions in recent weeks following false claims by former President Trump that the 2020 election was rigged against him.

These laws create obstacle upon obstacle," Harris said. "These laws make it harder for you to vote because they dont want you to vote.

Republicans argue that Democrats are mischaracterizing the intent of the bills, which the GOP says are meant to prevent fraud.

"In a desperate effort to push their federal takeover of elections, Democrats continue to lie to the American people," Danielle Alvarez, Republican National Committee communications director, said in a statement Thursday. "Democrats refuse to join Republicans in supporting common-sense policies like voter ID, because their sole agenda is more power and partisan control.

Some Democrats, including voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams, have said they would consider identification requirements as part of a comprehensive federal voting rights law.

Nonpartisan studies have found little evidence of fraudulent voting, and none on a scale that would reverse election results.

Texas is expected to be the next state to pass a restrictive voting bill after GOP Gov. Greg Abbott, a Trump supporter, called a special session that began Thursday.

In late May, Texas Democrats blocked Republicans' initial attempt at passing voting restrictions by walking out during the regular legislative session.

The latest broadly written bill would ban drive-in voting, prevent election officials from sending out mail-in ballots unless voters request them, and stiffen potential criminal penalties for election officials, among other provisions.

Democrats, so far, have had little success in combating such laws.

People say Whats the strategy?" Harris said. "Well, I just outlined it. We are going to assemble the largest voter protection team we have ever had to ensure that all Americans can vote and have your vote counted in a fair and transparent process.

Democratic officials declined to say how much the party had spent on similar efforts in prior election cycles.

"In the past we have invested many millions of dollars in our voting rights litigation, voter protection staffing, voter education and protection technology, said Adrienne Watson, DNC communications director. This is the first time that we have launched a comprehensive program with a dedicated commitment across the board, and it represents a substantial overall increase that dwarfs our previous spending."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A 31-year-old Kansas City man was sentenced Wednesday to 13 years in prison for his role in home invasion where an occupant suffered a gunshot wound, according to Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd.

William R. McHudson had pleaded guilty in May in Platte County Circuit Court to second-degree assault, second-degree robbery and armed criminal action for the incident that occurred on Feb. 17, 2017.

McHudson agreed to testify against co-defendants, ReQuon Dillard, 24, and James Osler, 25. The three men were accused of grabbing a teenager off the street at gunpoint. They then forced the victim into his residence, Zahnd said in a press release.

While inside the residence, the men held several people at gunpoint. When the teenagers grandfather tried to intervene, he was shot in the chest and arm, Zahnd said.

The intruders stole a womans purse and fled the residence. The shooting victim was later treated at North Kansas City hospital.

During a criminal trial in 2019 against Dillard, the victims testified that Dillard was armed with a handgun when the men forced their way into the home and demanded money.

The evidence at Dillards trial was unclear as to which of the three defendants actually fired the shots.

Jurors convicted Dillard of first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, and armed criminal action. Dillard was sentenced to 21 years in prison, Zahnd said.

Osler later pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Under a plea agreement, Zahnd said his office agreed to ask that McHudson be sentenced to no more than 15 years in prison.

This defendant agreed to testify against his co-defendants, but he still needed to pay a heavy price for his involvement in these crimes, Zahnd said. A man was shot and nearly died as a result of the defendants and others criminal actions, and its only right that they will all serve lengthy prison terms.
This is one drive that Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock wont soon forget.

Lock, the former Lees Summit High School and Mizzou star, was driving across Interstate 70 in Kansas when a lug nut crossed the median and shattered his windshield.

Kansas state trooper Ben Gardner shared photos of Locks car on his social-media platforms:

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In an interview with Evan Kruegel of KDVR-TV in Denver, Gardner praised Lock for staying safe after the scary incident.

He did what we want and he was alert and he was quick to react and start taking the actions needed to keep himself and others safe, Gardner said. So you know, braking, slowing, moving away to the right, all the things that are good to keep himself safe on the roadway, as well as probably on the field.

Gardner said when he first arrived on the scene, he didnt realize it was Lock.

When I got there I was the first trooper on scene, Gardner said. When I walked up there, I was just making small talk with him, because clearly no one was hurt. So we were trying to assess what was going on and as we were walking up to his vehicle, my first thing to him was like, Man, you should take a picture of this and posted it to go viral.

And then he handed me his license. And I then recognized who I was dealing with and said, Yeah, certainly if you post this itll go viral.

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A Kentucky constable plans to plead guilty to a charge that he tried to kill an FBI agent.

The attorney representing Gary E. Baldock, a Pulaski County constable, submitted a motion requesting a hearing for Baldock to enter the plea.

U.S. District Judge Robert E. Wier scheduled the hearing for July 13.

Baldock was indicted last year on a charge that he conspired with another Pulaski County constable, Michael Wally Wallace, to violate the civil rights of people by conducting improper searches and seizing money and property.

When FBI agents tried to arrest Baldock early on March 6, 2020, at his home in Somerset, he allegedly shot at agents, wounding one.

Police blocked a street in Somerset on March 6, 2020, as FBI agents investigated a shooting that occurred when agents tried to arrest a constable.

Agents shot back and hit Baldock. The agent and Baldock both survived.

Baldock claimed earlier that the FBI agents did not properly identify themselves before breaking down the front and back doors of his house, according to a court document.

However, an FBI special agent said in an affidavit that officers turned on the emergency lights on their vehicles outside Baldocks home and used loudspeakers to identify themselves and call for Baldock to come out of the house.

Police knocked on the front and back doors when Baldock didnt respond.

Agents who were still outside could see Baldock in the house with his hand on a pistol. One of them repeatedly told Baldock to drop the weapon while identifying himself as a federal officer, according to the affidavit.

Baldock instead started shooting, the FBI said.

Baldock was charged with attempted murder of an FBI agent and using a gun in a crime of violence.

Pulaski County Constables Michael Wally Wallace, left, and Gary Baldock, right, were indicted in federal court in 2020.

He plans to plead guilty on the attempted murder charge, according to the motion by his attorney, Kevin West.

The maximum sentence on that charge would be 20 years in prison, while the other charge of using a gun in a violent crime carries a potential life sentence.

A federal jury recently convicted Baldock and Wallace on a charge of conspiring to violate peoples rights and a charge of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.

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The two kept meth to plant on people so they could make false arrests, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman said at their trial.

Wallace has requested a new trial, while Baldock has asked Wier to either overturn the jury verdict and acquit him or order a new trial.

Wallaces attorney, Robert Norfleet, argued in his motion that the government presented evidence against Wallace that it shouldnt have and used a witness who committed perjury, preventing Wallace from receiving a fair trial.

Baldocks attorney has argued that there was insufficient evidence to convict him.
A Kentucky State Police trooper and his girlfriend have both been charged with assault after allegedly getting into a fight in Central Kentucky, according to court records.

Trooper Chris Johnson was arrested early Tuesday in Georgetown after he and his girlfriend, Stephanie Smith, allegedly got into an altercation inside her apartment, according to court records. Johnson and Smith had visible injuries, according to an arrest citation written by Caleb Conley from the Scott County sheriffs office.

The altercation is being investigated by Kentucky State Polices Internal Affairs Branch, trooper Matt Sudduth told the Herald-Leader. Johnson has been suspended while the investigation is ongoing.

The sheriffs office responded to the scene after being alerted by Kentucky State Police Post 6, which is Johnsons assigned post. Dispatchers were told Johnson was sitting in his cruiser outside the apartment after the fight, according to court records.

The couple got into an argument over phone messages, Conley wrote in the arrest citation. Johnson told law enforcement that he attempted to restrain his girlfriend from committing further acts of violence by putting his elbow across her front collarbone area below her neck, according to the arrest citation. Both ended up on the floor.

Smith had significant scratch marks around the neck area, according to Sgt. Eddie Hart from the Scott County sheriffs office. She also had additional scratches on her chest.

Johnson, who was off-duty at the time, had a significant bite mark on his arm, Hart said. Johnson also told deputies he had been kicked in the groin, according to court records.

Johnson told law enforcement that a small child was in the home at the time. Johnson took the child to his cruiser with him after the fight, according to the arrest citation.

Family members showed up to pick up the child, Hart said.

Johnson and Smith had been drinking alcohol, according to court records. They both declined emergency protective order services at the time of the fight, according to court records.

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Johnson was charged with fourth-degree assault involving minor injury, according to court records. Smith faces the same charge.

The commander at state polices Post 6 was notified of the incident, Hart said.

The Kentucky State Police operates under a number of core values and principles to remain a professional law enforcement agency in service to the citizens of the commonwealth, Sudduth said.
Anti-transgender activists have allegedly previously targeted womens facilities to make their argument (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A patrons complaint about a trans customer exposing themselves in Los Angeles spa recently went viral, but LGBTQ advocates have since suggested the video may be a hoax.

Instagram user cubaangel posted a video on 24 June in which she confronted staff at Koreatowns Wi Spa about their trans policy. Right-wing commentators, including Fox News Tucker Carlson, amplified the account in the video.

Its ok for a man to go into the womens section and show his penis around the women, young little girls under age, your spa Wi Spa condones that, is that right? the woman shouts at staff in the footage.

We can not discriminate against gender identity, said a member of staff in a clip, responding to the womans complaints.

Following the coverage, a protest at the spa took place on Saturday, where brawls broke between trans rights activists and religious groups.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to The Independent that five people were injured during the clashes, but there were no arrests at the protest.

Blade, Southern Californias LGBTQ publication, has since speculated that the video could have been staged by an anti-trans group. The publication reported that anonymous sources within the LAPD explained to them that there is no corroborating evidence a transgender person was present on the day of the incident.

The LAPD confirmed to The Independent the viral video was never officially brought to its attention.

Blade also reported that Wi Spa had confirmed that no transgender person was booked in for any treatments on 24 June.

No transgender person can be seen in cubaangels footage.

Anti-transgender activists have allegedly targeted womens facilities to make their argument, including an incident in 2016 at Seattle Pool, when a man reportedly used the womens locker room.

The Washington Human Rights Commission responded to the incident at the time: When a man recently entered a womens locker room at a Seattle pool, his intent was obviously to make the women and girls in the restroom upset and uncomfortable, and to make some kind of misguided point about the Human Rights Commissions rules regarding equal access to gender-segregated facilities. His behaviour is inexcusable and reprehensible. And it is absolutely not protected under the law.

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Gay couple wins lawsuit against florist who took them to Supreme Court to avoid doing their wedding flowers

New York applauded for allowing third gender option to birth certificates and licences
TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libya's new unity government on Thursday announced it was closing its borders with Tunisia for a week due to the rise in coronavirus cases in the neighboring country, a government spokesman said.

The decision came as a precautionary step to what the government described as "worsening situation and collapsed health system," as well as the increasing number of cases with coronavirus delta variant in Tunisia.

The closure of both land border and airport with Tunisia will start as of Thursday midnight, Mohamed Hamouda, the Government of National Unity (GNU) spokesman said.

Hamouda also said universities and schools have suspended classes for around two weeks for the same reason.

After successfully containing the virus in the first wave last year, Tunisia grappled with a rise in infections. It has imposed a lockdown in some cities since last week, but rejected a full national lockdown due to its economic crisis.

The total number of cases in Tunisia has climbed to around 465,000, with more than 15,000 deaths recorded.

"The Libyan state ,through its consulate in Tunisia ,will take care of its nationals stranded in Tunisia territory as a result of this decision until their return to the country is facilitated," said Hamouda.

Many Libyans travel to Tunisia for medical treatment, but the number rose as the oil-rich country slid into chaos after the fall of former President Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

Libya has recorded 160,095 cases and 3227 deaths. The country's National Centre for Disease Control said 413,883 of its about 6.5 million residents have been vaccinated.

(reporting and writing by Ahmed Elumami in Tripoli;additional reporting by Tarek Amara in Tunis; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
In this article:

PARIS (Reuters) - Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel has left hospital after receiving treatment for COVID-19, the Luxembourg government said on Thursday.

The government added Bettel would resume official duties from July 9.

Bettel, 48, tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after a two-day European Union summit in Brussels at the end of June, where participants included French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and other European leaders.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Mark Potter)
Jul. 7Two Wasco city councilmen have asked Mayor Alex Garcia to step down following the recent revelation that he had been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in May.

At a City Council meeting Tuesday evening, councilmen Tilo Cortez and Vincent Martinez requested Garcia resign from his position as mayor, but remain on the council. The meeting was the first held since news broke of Garcia's arrest, which occurred May 22 on Highway 43, according to the Kern County District Attorney's Office.

The incident flew under the radar until The Shafter Press broke the story on July 1. Garcia has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor DUI charges stemming from the incident, and he faces a pre-trial hearing on Aug. 19.

"I believe he deserves due process, but if he believes possibly stepping aside from his leadership position as our appointed mayor to deal with his personal matters, and avoid unnecessary distractions from important city business, I would welcome that as an act of good faith," Cortez said on Tuesday.

Martinez claimed Garcia could not effectively serve as the face of the community due to the allegations.

"This would not be an admission of guilt, nor would it preclude you from serving as the mayor again in the future," he said. "Time, I believe, heals all wounds."

Garcia publicly addressed the charges for the first time, thanking the two councilmen for their comments in addition to extending his gratitude to the public and media for their "grace, patience and understanding" as his legal counsel tried to sort out the issue.

"I look forward to sharing the lesson of my experience with my peers and my community upon resolution," he said. "Until then, I retain the right to a presumption of innocence. Once legal proceedings are behind me, I will address the situation and comments made this evening."

He added that he was unable to say anything more due to the ongoing investigation.

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He did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Unlike chartered cities such as Bakersfield, Wasco is governed by the state's general law. On Wednesday, City Manager Scott Hurlbert said it was unclear what action, if any, the council could take to remove Garcia from office if he refused to step down.

"We're still looking into that," he said. "And as you might imagine, it's a complex issue internally."

In Wasco, mayors are appointed by members of the City Council through a vote that occurs at the beginning of each year. Largely ceremonial, the city's mayors preside over meetings and are the default choice to attend events like ribbon-cuttings. They do not have formal power beyond that of a councilmember.

Garcia was appointed to a one-year term as mayor in December. He has served on the City Council since 2016.

Cortez requested an item be placed on the agenda of the council's next meeting on June 20, to at least discuss the possibility of selecting a new mayor.

"It may be as simple as a discussion," Hurlbert said. "It's unclear whether there exists a procedure to compel the mayor to step down as mayor, or even if there is, whether the council will choose to follow that procedure."

You can reach Sam Morgen at 661-395-7415. You may also follow him on Twitter @smorgenTBC.
Jul. 8New Mexico State Police say a shooting involving the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in a neighborhood off Bishops Lodge Road northeast of the city left a suspect dead Wednesday morning.

It is the fourth shooting in Santa Fe involving law enforcement in the past two weeks  and the third that turned deadly.

Officer Dusty Francisco, a state police spokesman, confirmed a suspect was killed in the incident at No. 1 Entrada Capulin and said no deputies were injured.

More information about the incident would be released as it became available, Francisco said shortly after the shooting.

By late Wednesday, however, the agency had provided no information, including what had prompted deputies to respond to the Tesuque home; the identity of the slain suspect and the officers involved; what crime the person was suspected of committing; or even whether a deputy had fired the fatal shot.

Bishops Lodge Road was closed throughout most of the day as officers investigated.

Neighbors, who declined to give their names, said they heard screaming and then gunshots as they were having breakfast outdoors at their home around 8 a.m.

"I was outside on my porch and saw police cars fly by, then I heard two gunshots," one woman said.

Around 7:30 p.m., a blue Chevrolet truck was towed from the edge of the driveway of the residence  a modest adobe-style home with a wire fence that stands on the corner of the street.

A bouquet of flowers was laid at the foot of a tree outside the fence.

Officers walked to and from the back of the home while others wrapped up crime scene tape near the driveway.

State police also are investigating the three other recent officer-involved shootings.

While details have emerged in two of the incidents, the agency so far has refused to release information in another fatality involving the sheriff's office and has failed to provide a reason for withholding it.

Santa Fe County sheriff's deputies killed a man late at night June 23 at Siler Road and Rufina Court after he brandished a gun. The man was suspected of driving a stolen truck and led deputies on two separate chases that day, according to state police.

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Amid the second chase, the man got out of the stolen truck on Siler Road and pointed a gun at deputies, state police said. They fired back several times, striking him and riddling the truck with bullet holes.

The man's body lay for hours on the road as state police investigated.

The agency has not released the man's name or the names of the deputies involved in his death.

"Investigation into this incident is active and ongoing," Francisco wrote in an email late Wednesday. "As soon as investigators provide us with updated information on the incident and the deceased suspect, we will send it out via press release."

The comment is one the agency has repeated multiple times since the shooting.

Francisco did not respond to a request for an explanation on why the man's name has not been released.

Asked to provide the deputies' names, Francisco wrote, "Identities of officers involved are not released until after interviews have been conducted."

Earlier June 23, Santa Fe police Sgt. Bradley Lopez shot and killed Francisco Javier Lino-Gutierrez, 29, of Lamy on Old Santa Fe Trail downtown near the Loretto Chapel.

Lino-Gutierrez was a suspect in a shooting that morning at nearby De Vargas Park. He led officers on a foot chase through the downtown area and then pointed a gun at them before he was shot, state police said.

A woman also suspected in the De Vargas Park shooting, which left a woman with a neck wound, faces a charge of attempted murder and other counts.

Kalin Addison, 20, told officers she hadn't meant to pull the trigger and had been drinking and using methamphetamine that day, according to a criminal complaint.

On Sunday, state police officers shot and injured 40-year-old Jaime Bravo in a neighborhood on the city's south side.

A criminal complaint said a Santa Fe police officer responded to a request for a welfare check on a man sitting on railroad tracks near the N.M. 599 exit of Interstate 25 and encountered Bravo, who pointed a gun at the officer and then fled.

State police were called in to assist and found Bravo nearby.

Bravo began to flee again and fired at least one shot toward state police officers, who returned fire and struck him, the criminal complaint said.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment and now faces three counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer and two counts of evading an officer.
By David Shepardson and Daina Beth Solomon

WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -The United States and Mexico on Thursday agreed that a new union vote will be held at the General Motors Silao plant by Aug. 20, the U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR) and Mexicos economy ministry said.

Both countries released a joint statement that said Mexico has agreed to a number of safeguards before the vote, including having Mexican federal inspectors and impartial international observers from the International Labor Organization at the facility ahead of the vote. Mexico said in May that it would review labor practices at the GM plant in central Mexico after a formal complaint from USTR.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in a statement the agreement with Mexico will allow workers to vote on whether to approve their collective bargaining agreement in "free and democratic conditions." She praised Mexico "for taking swift action when they recognized that workers rights were denied."

Last month, Mexico sent a letter that formally kicked off a joint negotiation to resolve the U.S. complaint.

Workers had voted in April on whether to keep their current contract, however, halfway through Mexican officials detected "serious irregularities", including destroyed ballots and scrapped the vote.

The findings prompted the United States to ask Mexico to review the case for possible rights violations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Mexico agreed to "investigate and, as appropriate, sanction anyone responsible for the conduct that led to the suspension of the April vote and any other violation of law related to that vote... or in connection with the August vote."

The announcement came after 10 days of intense negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico, a senior U.S. official told Reuters.

Mexico's labor ministry said in June that the union at the plant, which employs about 6,000 people in the central city of Silao, must hold a new vote before Aug. 20 or lose the contract altogether.

Story continues

GM said in a statement it was pleased with the agreement between the United States and Mexico "to support a free and fair vote in August. We look forward to continuing to work with U.S. and Mexican government officials in support of the shared goal to protect workers rights."

USTR said GM will issue a statement of neutrality ahead of the vote and have a zero-tolerance policy for retaliation.

The U.S. official confirmed the contract would be terminated if the vote does not occur by Aug. 20. The Labor Ministry will oversee the vote, ensure the ballots and voting area are secure, the official added, saying there will be more than five times as many Mexican federal inspectors than the prior vote.

Labor remedies under the USMCA include revoking tariff-free access for the violating factory's goods.

In GM's case, that could mean applying a 25% U.S. pickup truck import tariff on Silao-made trucks, a move that could add thousands of dollars to each vehicle's cost.

The so-called request for review marks the first use of the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism in USMCA, which allows countries to target labor rights violations at specific factories.

(Reporting by David Shepardson and Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Leslie Adler and Diane Craft)
Platte County prosecutors have accused a 43-year-old Missouri man of sexual assault that allegedly took place on Monday at a residence in Parkville.

Sean J. Chase of Columbia was charged Tuesday in Platte County Circuit Court with second-degree child molestation.

According to court records, Platte County Sheriffs deputies were summoned to a residence to investigate a sexual assault. While there, deputies learned that Chase allegedly assaulted someone.

Chase was arrested and allegedly admitted to the assault to investigators, court records stated.

On Wednesday, Chase was arraigned in Platte County Circuit Court, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 13. Chase is being held in the Platte County detention center after failing to post a $100,000 cash bond.

Court records did not list an attorney who is representing Chase in the criminal case.

According to court records, Chase has no other prior criminal history.
Missouri state officials warn the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta variant in parts of the Midwest could happen in other parts of the country. Some areas are recommending masks and other COVID-19 restrictions to fight the spread.

As the pandemic hit Nixa, Missouri, Mayor Brian Steele tried to curb COVID-19 from spreading last year, including helping impose a mask mandate.

"We've had a lot of cases and hospitalizations and a few deaths in our community, so it's been a hard year," Steele told CBS News' Nancy Chen.

But his efforts have been met with pushback from residents. Steele is facing a possible recall election this fall after dozens of constituents signed a petition seeking to remove him from office for implementing COVID public safety measures.

"What's behind the outrage by some of these people and some of your constituents to wearing masks?" Chen asked.

"Sometimes they say it's because it damages the economy, sometimes they say it was because it wasn't done properly. Both of those things aren't true," Steele replied.

The virus is still a looming threat in Christian County, where Nixa is located. Vaccination levels are more than half the national average as COVID cases are spiking.

Emergency care centers near Nixa, like Mercy Hospital Springfield, are also stretched thin.

The hospital's health system announced Wednesday it would require staff to be fully vaccinated by the end of September or face possible termination. Local officials are warning surges in their state could be dangerous for everyone.

"The people that are admitted to our hospital now, 97% of them are not vaccinated. The real concern is that if we're seeing this high number of Delta variants here in southwest Missouri, why wouldn't we see it in other parts of the state or other parts of the nation?" Dr. William Sistrunk said.

Health officials in Springfield told the Kansas City Star that the spike in cases started around graduation season and Memorial Day weekend as people started to gather more.

Story continues

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The drama surrounding a zebra cobra that escaped from a home in a northwest Raleigh neighborhood last week may be dying down, but the debate over the call for stricter laws governing the ownership of venomous snakes is just starting.

North Carolina has no laws against keeping, breeding or selling non-native venomous reptiles  only rules about how those animals should be housed and transported and about notifying local law enforcement if the animal escapes. (Keeping native venomous reptiles, such as rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads, does require a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.)

Christopher Gifford, 21, of Raleigh faces 40 charges connected to the escape of his zebra cobra and the improper housing of other venomous snakes in his home. But all of the charges are misdemeanors.

The missing snake was reported to police after being spotted on the porch of a home about a half-mile from Giffords home on Monday, June 28, and captured at the same home on Wednesday, June 30.

Gifford has been under a spotlight since the search for his snake began. His social media accounts revealed he was keeping dozens of deadly reptiles in the basement of the home owned by his parents.

Raleigh Police have so far not answered questions from the media about when or how the zebra cobra escaped and whether or not any of Giffords other venomous snakes were removed from his possession.

Outdated laws

On July 2, two days after the cobra was captured by animal control agents, Democratic state Sen. Jay Chaudhuri of Raleigh sent an email calling for the General Assembly to look at amending the states laws on keeping venomous snakes.

This week, Raleigh City Council member David 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 said he is working with the citys legal team to figure out the best way forward, but aims to propose the ordinance when the council returns from its break in mid-August.

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In a council meeting Tuesday evening, Knight called the cobra escape a consequence of irresponsible, reckless and dangerous behavior.

Now, state Sen. Wiley Nickel, a Democrat who represents Wake County and the area of Raleigh where the snake escape occurred, 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.

I just had no idea that our laws were so outdated and that we had so little in the way of regulations, Nickel told The News & Observer on Wednesday. So were taking a good look at how other states approach this right now. But its clear that we need to do much more to keep people safe.

Nickel said after last weeks cobra search he heard from a number of constituents who were concerned about their safety.

You had a whole neighborhood that was essentially shut down, Nickel said. People were afraid to go out of their homes, and then you look at laws and we have virtually no regulation for this kind of thing.

Weve got enough going on in the world right now where people shouldnt have to worry about a neighbor with 70 dangerous venomous snakes living next to them.

Nickel said his staff is just starting the process of researching what a new law might look like, studying states like Florida, which has robust laws regulating keeping dangerous animals; and South Carolina, which has lax laws, similar to those in North Carolina, but which has taken steps this year to try to change that. (An effort by South Carolina to change dangerous animal laws this year failed, but at least one legislator there has said they will try again.)

Nickel said some of the things they are looking at for a prohibition against non-native dangerous snakes include insurance requirements, a grandfather clause and robust reporting requirements.

If someone has 70 snakes in their basement, you ought to be able to go online and find that out, Nickel said.

Were just starting this process now, and hoping to have a bill in the next week or two.

The law in other areas

South Carolinas minimal laws against keeping non-native venomous animals has led to a problem with black market wildlife trading there.

South Carolinas state House approved a bill in May that would require owners of venomous snakes to register their animals. Under that bill, owners of venomous snakes would not be allowed to register new ones once the first snakes die, a move that would act as an eventual ban.

But that bill did not pass the state Senate.

Rep. Bill Hixon, R-Aiken, told a reporter for The State newspaper in Columbia last week that he hopes the legislation will pass early next year.

We are going to do something when we come back, he said. We were scared to death for peoples safety.

In North Carolina, some counties and municipalities have passed their own ordinances to regulate the keeping or handling of dangerous wildlife.

Nearby 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. Violating those rules in Orange County could result in misdemeanor charges and fines.

There are no rules in Durham County prohibiting keeping wild and dangerous animals.
Bravo

In a recent Instagram share, Dr. Wendy Osefo showed off her vacation style in a string bikini, and the skimpy look put all of Wendy's freshly tweaked assets on display. But first, some context: In the Season 6 premiere of The Real Housewives of Potomac, which aired on July 11, Wendy pointed to her chest when producers asked her "what's new?" Smiling, the professor replied: "What's new? My two new friends!" In her interview, Wendy shared the scoop on her recent breast augmentation. "I breastfed a
Naomi Osaka is ready to return to the court for the Tokyo Olympics after a mental health break and says that deciding to step away from the French Open helped her learn and grow in new ways.

Osaka, 23, made international headlines in May when she announced she wouldnt participate in the post-match news conferences during the French Open, later leaving that tournament and withdrawing from Wimbledon. She said in social media posts at the time that she was instead prioritizing her mental health.

Osaka is featured on one of four Time magazine covers for the Tokyo Olympics and wrote an essay further explaining her decision to briefly step away from the game. While she has maintained a good relationship with the media, the press conference format is outdated and needs improvement, the athlete wrote.

The cover of Time magazine featuring Naomi Osaka. (Time)

I communicated that I wanted to skip press conferences at Roland Garros to exercise self-care and preservation of my mental health, Osaka said. I stand by that. Athletes are humans.

Osaka said that while she probably should have anticipated the criticism, the last few weeks have helped her grow. The messages she received made it clear that literally everyone either suffers from issues related to their mental health or knows someone that does," she wrote.

She also suggested that athletes be granted personal days that would allow them a mental health break without risk of sanctions. Osaka was fined $15,000 for missing a press conference after her match at the French Open, with implications that further absences could lead to more severe consequences. This, she writes, is not something that would be normalized in other workplaces.

In any other line of work, you would be forgiven for taking a personal day here and there, so long as its not habitual, Osaka said. You wouldnt have to divulge your most personal symptoms to your employer  there would likely be HR measures protecting at least some level of privacy.

Still, Osaka said, her time away from the court has left her recharged and ready for the international stage once again. She will be playing for Japan after forfeiting her American citizenship to play for the country where she was born.

While she said she is uncomfortable with the idea of being the face of athlete mental health, Osaka also wants to push herself to advocate for what she believes is right.

I do hope that people can relate and understand its OK to not be OK; and its OK to talk about it. There are people that can help, and there is usually light at the end of any tunnel, she said. Michael Phelps told me that by speaking up, I may have saved a life. If thats true, then it was all worth it.
Naomi Osaka Julian Finney/Getty Images

Naomi Osaka is speaking out in a new essay focused on mental health, standing by her steps to "exercise self-care" while thanking Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, and others for their support.

The tennis star in May withdrew from the French Open after she was fined $15,000 for skipping a mandatory news conference to focus on her mental health, and in an essay in Time published Thursday, she reflected on some of the lessons she learned. For one, she wrote that "you can never please everyone," pointing to the fact that "issues that are so obvious to me at face value, like wearing a mask in a pandemic or kneeling to show support for anti-racism, are ferociously contested."

In addition, though, Osaka said she's learned that "literally everyone either suffers from issues related to their mental health or knows someone who does," as affirmed by the messages she's received from a "vast cross section of people." Numerous people "in the public eye" like Michelle Obama, Michael Phelps, Steph Curry, Novak Djokovic, and Meghan Markle have expressed support and offered her "such kind words," she revealed.

Osaka went on to say she stands by her desire to skip press conferences during the French Open to "exercise self-care and preservation of my mental health," arguing the press conference format is "in great need of a refresh." She adds that she felt she was under "a great amount of pressure to disclose my symptoms" because "the press and the tournament did not believe me," something she doesn't wish "on anyone" else. While requesting "privacy and empathy," she calls for tennis players to receive a "small number of 'sick days' per year where you are excused from your press commitments without having to disclose your personal reasons."

After having time to "recharge," though, Osaka writes that she "could not be more excited" for the Tokyo Olympics. Read more at Time.

Story continues

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Northampton, MA --News Direct-- 3BL Alerts

NBK today released its fifth annual full Sustainability Report, summarizing the companys continued progress in advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management activities and performance. On the environmental front, NBK reduced its electricity consumption by more than 70%, and its water consumption by more than 80%, thanks to moving into its new headquarters office building (in line with LEED Gold) and to COVID-19-related reduced time at work for employees. As it was for companies around the globe, however, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the social dimension of sustainability front and center in 2020. The main axis of NBKs latest report focuses on the companys proactive initiatives to protect the health and safety of customers, employees, and community, while simultaneously maintaining the nations leading financial services and ensuring the resilience of its business.

NBKs readiness and incisive early action helped manage the emerging COVID-19-related risks. Every department played a role in NBK rapidly implementing and scaling up digital solutions and electronic services for remote work and for security and continuity in financial services provision. NBKs IT team supported the transition from on-site operations to a remote access infrastructure, enabling employees to work from home and to serve customers through virtual financial transactions. NBK also amplified customer support services to aid customers in this transition to mobile banking. Further, NBK leveraged all its social media channels and brand to inform, educate, and motivate both customers and community members regarding pandemic safety measures.

NBKs Chairman of the Board, Nasser Musaed Al-Sayer, provided an overview of the year: 2020 proved to be a stress test for NBK across our functions and operations, and we have proven to be strong in the face of these challenges.

NBK conducted a broad range of engagement initiatives with its major stakeholders  including surveys, partnerships, reports, meetings, environmental projects, and intensive dialogue sessions  to develop an exhaustive ESG Materiality Matrix of its sustainability priorities. What emerged were five major areas of highest priority: strengthening governance, enhancing business practices and building a richer customer experience, caring for employees, contributing to the larger Kuwaiti community, and reducing environmental impact.

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NBK made significant progress in all five key areas and its report, entitled Maintaining Course, covers the full range of specific ESG accomplishments.

This year we successfully engaged a wider scope of internal and external stakeholders to guide our Materiality Assessment. The result was a more focused effort that helped us successfully meet the COVID-19 challenge, strengthen our ESG-related governance, achieve breakthrough environmental improvements, better serve our customers, sustain the diversity of and increase training for our employees, and maintain our decades long commitments to our larger communities.

Nasser Musaed Al-SayerChairman of the NBK Board of Directors

Strengthening GovernanceNBK strengthened its commitment to the highest standards of governance by initiating the process to add two new independent members to the Board of Directors (completed this year), enhancing the role of the Risk and Compliance Committee in surfacing and managing a wide range of risks, and emphasizing its long-standing commitment to human rights by creating and approving a new Human Rights policy.

Enhancing Business Practices and Building a Richer Customer Experience In 2020, because in-person visits to branches decreased 44% and use of mobile banking increased 41%, NBK implemented numerous initiatives and programs to build a satisfying customer experience within that new environment, including digital transformation infrastructural changes, new reward and loyalty programs, concierge service, local delivery banking, youth programs and discounts, partnerships with popular retail outlets, and social-media-mediated education and support for customers as they navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer satisfaction remained essentially steady at 93% satisfaction despite the unprecedented changes forced by COVID-19.

Caring for EmployeesNBKs Sustainability Report details the dozens of leading edge practices NBK implemented to support the health of its employees in the midst of the pandemic, including increased and comprehensive sanitation, personal protective equipment, changes to physical facilities, transition to digital infrastructural practices, support for working from home, providing dedicated time every day to NBK parents to allow them to support their children with online schooling, and health, quarantine, and testing protocols. Alongside all the COVID-19 efforts, NBK sustained their high levels of diversity in their workforce (46% of the workforce being women with an extensive Women Empowerment Program), strong Kuwaitization progress (increased to 73%), and commitment to training, with more than 50,000 employee training hours during the year.

Contributing to the Larger Kuwaiti Community NBK continued its decades long commitment to the larger Kuwaiti community with both continued major financial contributions to NBK Hospital, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and the Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital, as well as new initiatives this year that leveraged its social media presence to educate and inform Kuwaiti society about COVID-19.

Giving back to the Community is one of our pillars of sustainability and this year was an exceptional investment towards the community during these difficult times. An estimated KWD 3.6 Million was invested into community welfare  including NBK Children Hospital, NBK donated KWD 1 Million to Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) as part of its humanitarian and social role to support in COVID-19 pandemic response, KWD 25,000 to the Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH), and KWD 121,600 to NBK's external community activities, engagements, partnerships, and donations, just to name a few notable investments. Note that the 3.6 Million KWD invested into community welfare was a 288%-change increase when compared to the previous year (almost triple the amount). Furthermore, the amount invested into NBK Hospital was almost double the amount, with a 233%-change increase.

Additionally, NBK achieved nearly 2 million engagements across their six major social media platforms.

Reducing Environmental ImpactWith the reduced time employees spent in the office due to COVID-19 and NBKs long-awaited move into its new headquarters office building in line with LEED Gold standards, the Bank achieved 70% and 80% reductions in its electricity and water consumption, respectively.

In keeping with NBKs commitment to reduce our environmental impact through major design changes, in August 2020, we moved into our new green headquarters building that we have been designing and building for several years. Our new Headquarters embodies a wide range of environmental benefits and design elements; including 34% energy saving and 40% lower water consumption. Key features of the new Headquarters include but are not limited to a large amount of open space, accounting for 60 percent of the towers land footprint, 100% energy-saving (LED) lighting, a refrigerant-management system to prevent ozone-damaging and other emissions, 20% of all materials used is recycled material, etc.

Moreover, as with each year, NBK continued to report its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, showing a total of 5,152 MT CO2efurther broken down in the report among scopes I, II, and II.

NBK also both reduced paper use and recycled nearly 100 metric tons of paper, lowering its GHG emissions by 615 metric tons just from those two efforts alone.

About NBK:Founded in Kuwait City in 1952, the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is the countrys longest-serving local bank  and the first shareholding company in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Over the past 69 years, NBK has established itself as Kuwaits leading financial institution. Today, NBK has more than 150 branches in 15 countries across 4 continents and, among numerous awards, was rated the Best Bank in Kuwait by Global Finance and Best Commercial Bank of the Year in Kuwait and Best Innovation in Retail Banking in Kuwait by The Banker. NBKs market capitalization as of 31 December 2020 was USD 19.0 billion. NBKs main operational focus is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. NBK also has an important presence in China, France, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The full 2020 NBK Sustainability Report can be found at:

https://www.nbk.com/nbk-group/our-approach/sustainability.html

The 2020 NBK Annual Report can be found at:

https://www.nbk.com/nbk-group/investor-relations/financial-reports.html

NBK on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NBKPageNBK on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbkgroupNBK on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/nbkgroupNBK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NBKGroupNBK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nbkgroup

For additional information about NBKs sustainability work, please contact:

Joe El-Ghazal at:

sustainability@nbk.comTel: (965) 22592665

# # #

Read the Report

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from 3BL Alerts on 3blmedia.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/national-bank-of-kuwait-nbk-releases-fifth-full-sustainability-report-continuing-its-middle-east-corporate-sustainability-leadership-785935746
As part of California's full reopening, Gov. Gavin Newsom held a news conference at Universal Studios on June 15. As restrictions wind down in California, Newsom has also been traveling around the state touting his budget proposals and work to assist Californians during the pandemic. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

For weeks, an anti-recall campaign ad has given Gov. Gavin Newsom credit for delivering free prekindergarten "for every California child regardless of income," touting the effort as one way he's bringing the state "roaring back" from the pandemic.

The governor and state Legislature have agreed to expand free education to 4-year-olds, but not all children would become eligible until the fall of 2025.

The ad is just one example of how the governor and his campaign have capitalized on the voter-friendly measures in California's flush $262.6-billion budget, continuing his habit in office of promoting plans long before the details are finalized at the state Capitol.

With an election on the horizon, the approach raises a type of political chicken-and-egg question that has dogged Newsom throughout his career and fed his critics: Did the policy or the campaign come first?

"His method of governing is joined intimately with electioneering," said David McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University who has followed Newsom's political career. "Running for office is always at the forefront of how he runs the office."

That characteristic, political consultants say, is what has made him a successful politician.

The governor's use of the bully pulpit also demonstrates the powerful advantage incumbents wield over their opponents in positive economic times.

Instead of telling voters what he plans to do to improve their lives if elected, Newsom hit the road months ago to trumpet his work in the governor's office. Newsom's defense against the recall has been to tell voters everything he's trying to do for them right now.

"It's precisely what I would be advising the governor to do," said Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant. "There's core constituencies that you need to placate in order to move forward with your objective, which is to get reelected."

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Newsom's role as an elected official and his campaign against the recall have become interchangeable this year, in large part because the governor has relied on his high-profile public post to get the attention of voters.

The governor christened his budget proposal the "California Comeback" plan and, since at least early March, has repeatedly declared that the state will come "roaring back" from the COVID-19 pandemic at events organized by his office. The messaging is also the hallmark of his campaign against the recall.

Shots of Newsom in a T-shirt and jeans picking up trash appear in a political campaign ad titled "Roaring Back" and in a video the governor's office released with his revised budget in May. The videos highlight the same budget proposals  stimulus payments, small-business assistance, housing for homeless people and universal prekindergarten.

California's healthy budget has given Newsom an easier path than the one former Gov. Gray Davis faced. Before his recall election, Davis had publicly pegged the state's deficit at at least $35 billion, and his approval rating among likely voters was just 21% in a poll released a few months before he was recalled.

Instead of slashing funding to key constituencies, Newsom's biggest challenge has been deciding how to spread around a record surplus, which he originally estimated to be twice Davis' financial shortfall. In a Public Policy Institute of California poll in May, Newsom had a 54% approval rating among likely voters.

Incumbents always get too much credit when things are good and too much blame when things are bad, said Dan Schnur, a former spokesman for Gov. Pete Wilson who now teaches political science at UC Berkeley and USC. But even in tough economic times, Schnur said, incumbents still carry the advantage of being able to frame the discussion during the campaign.

"The only thing better than being an incumbent is being an incumbent with a really big budget surplus," Schnur said.

Beyond the ads and fundraising emails, Newsom hasn't done much official, public campaigning against the recall. After very few in-person news conferences in 2020, the governor reemerged in February with a series of events touting his work on vaccines but still didn't address the recall for several weeks.

Although the governor now more openly discusses what he refers to as a "partisan" effort to oust him pushed by former President Trump's acolytes, his events have been run through his public office with a strict focus on his budget and work at the state Capitol.

The governor's purposeful lack of attention on the recall has helped deprive his opponents of airtime as he gave away millions of tax dollars' worth of cash prizes in California's vaccine lottery, announced the reopening of the state and dominated headlines with his plans to allocate the state budget and windfall.

Newsom has kept a relatively low profile over the last month as his staff members continue to work out final details of a looming budget agreement with the Legislature.

But an invitation to join President Biden in a conversation with governors from other Western states about wildfires brought national publicity for Newsom, who took a dig at Trump and implored people to "believe your own damn eyes" on climate change.

The governor toured the state on Wednesday to announce $1.1 billion in his budget for "Clean California," which he described as a program to increase funding for litter abatement at news conferences organized by his public office in Richmond, Fresno and Los Angeles.

"Californians want to see their governor doing the job," said Nathan Click, a spokesman for Newsom's political campaign against the recall. "Not only is it the right thing to do, it's what people expect."

As he tells people he's on the job, the governor has also gotten ahead of his team's work in Sacramento.

Newsom promoted his ongoing efforts around Project Homekey, a program in which the state secures empty hotels to house homeless people, and a plan to spend $12 billion in new funding to address homelessness at a news conference last month. The governor and the Legislature have still not provided details in a bill describing exactly how all of that budget allocation would be spent.

While Newsom's campaign has been heralding a prekindergarten expansion in ads for nearly a month, the Legislature did not pass a bill detailing the changes until Thursday. The Legislature and Newsom have still not reached a final budget agreement, in part because of all of the new programs the governor proposed in May.

Despite Newsom's tendency to announce policies before he's dotted his I's and crossed his Ts and to overhype his achievements, Schnur said it might not make a difference.

Voters read headlines and often don't pay attention to details, and there are no other viable candidates running to replace Newsom, he said

"Which is why he's running against Trump," Schnur said.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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Save 50% sitewide with the Noli Yoga Summer Sale. Images via Noli Yoga.

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Residents of an aging North Miami Beach condo complex ordered evacuated last week over concerns about its structural integrity can get back into their units on Friday.

But only for a maximum of 15 minutes to retrieve essential items  and with a police officer as escort.

Aside from that brief opportunity for dozens of displaced residents, city leaders on Thursday doubled down on their contention that the Crestview Towers complex isnt safe for occupation  rejecting the conclusions of an engineer hired by the homeowners association and leaving many residents scrambling for shelter. At a press conference, the city also released records showing more than $500,000 in fines for illegal construction, paint and other issues; as well as electrical problems and 18 different fire code violations.

The city ordered the building evacuated on Friday in the wake of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside as North Miami Beach joined a countywide audit of overdue inspections on older high-rises. Crestview is nine years behind on obtaining a mandatory 40-year recertification, which often forces associations to pay for expensive renovations and structural repairs.

The condo association is really the main person at fault for letting this drag out for so many years., North Miami Beach Mayor Anthony DeFillipo told the Herald on Wednesday. Until then, were not going to put anybody in danger.

City Manager Arthur H. Sorey III speaks at a press conference at the Crestview Towers Condominium in North Miami Beach on Thursday, July 8, 2021, about the building, which was closed and evacuated last week. Residents will get a brief opportunity to retrieve essential items on Friday  with a police officer as escort.

Mariel Tollinchi, an attorney for the Crestview association, told the Miami Herald on Wednesday that the city was not working in good faith to try to get owners back inside. While acknowledging the board could have acted with more urgency to submit the 40-year report, which was due in 2012, she argued the city should take into account a weekend survey from an engineer who found residents did not have to be displaced while repairs are made.

They too have dropped the ball, said Tollinchi. What I can tell you is that its very easy for the city to come nine years later to shut down this building because its deemed unsafe. ... At this point, its trying to show face.

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During a press conference Thursday morning, the city manager of North Miami Beach, Arthur Sorey, said the Crestview building was electrically and structurally unsafe. He referenced a Jan. 11 report by B & A Engineering Services conducted for the condos 40-year recertification that listed several cracked columns and visible spalling throughout the structure. He said the city had not ordered the building evacuated until last Friday because the association had not sent it to the city until July 2  six months after it was done and just a little more than a week after the June 24 Champlain South collapse.

I cant stress enough, this is a very serious situation, Sorey said.

But on Saturday, the day after the mandatory evacuation, a structural engineer hired by the condominium association inspected the building again. That engineer, Fernando Azcue, concluded in a 14-page report that the buildings structural integrity is in fair condition and residents could return while repairs were made.

But the city said that report did not reference or directly refute the findings from the report in January and requested that the condo submit a new 40-year recertification report that addresses the suggested repairs and submits it to the city in the correct format. In a statement, North Miami Beachs building official J. Daniel Ozuna added that the condo had also not pulled any permits to make needed repairs since January.

The city said no residents would be allowed back in until the issue was resolved.

Tollinchi, the board attorney, said the estimated costs of the repairs have exceeded a million dollars, and that it is unclear if the condo association can afford the full costs of the repairs.

In the Thursday press conference, officials expressed other concerns as well, saying only one elevator was working  although some residents in the crowd shouted that two out of three elevators were working properly.

Police Chief Richard Rand of the North Miami Beach Police also said his department was investigating email allegations of past financial improprieties by the association.

We are gonna get to the bottom of this, he said. Tollinchi did not respond to a request for comment regarding the allegations from the police chief.

Tough housing market

As for Crestview residents, they are scrambling to find a place to live. Some are staying in hotels, while others are crashing at family members or friends houses.

The city announced Thursday that residents would be allowed into the building Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only one representative from each family, accompanied by an officer, would be allowed in for 15 minutes at a time. Officials urged people not to grab any furniture or heavy items. They asked residents to get medications, clothes and any other items they need to keep living outside of the complex.

The Homeless Trust is currently housing 55 individuals, some young children, 6 dogs and 3 cats from the complex. Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dades Homeless Trust, urged residents to call the organization to arrange accommodations for the near future.

We are not going to abandon the citizens of North Miami Beach who have otherwise been put out because of the condition of their building and the potential threat to their health and safety, he said.

But Book also acknowledged to the Herald that with the COVID eviction moratorium expiring at the end of the month, the Homeless Trust is stretched thin. He said he has assured county representatives that we do not have the resources financial and otherwise that could be needed for large-scale evacuations.

We know in the days to come there will be more buildings, Book said. Miami-Dade County is the toughest rental market from an affordability standpoint in the country. Were in a terrible, terrible place when it comes to affordability.

Crestview Towers Condominium resident Ramaxel Gimenez attends a press conference at the condo building in North Miami Beach on Thursday, July 8, 2021, for an update on the building, which was closed and evacuated last week.

Other organizations, like the local American Red Cross, are also helping to house families. Some advocates have said several people have been living in their cars since the Friday evacuation.

Nori Morales was excited to celebrate her birthday in a few weeks and planned to have her visiting family stay in the apartment. Now, she is just hoping to find somewhere to live.

She lived in the condo complex for two years but is now staying in a friends house in Hallandale Beach. However, the friend needs her to move out soon, so she is hoping the Homeless Trust will help her out.

When she was evacuated from the building, she grabbed her Yorkie, Blue, and a suitcase, stuffed with jeans, a few other items and one pair of sandals.

Before the evacuation, she worked from home as a nail technician. Friday, she hopes to retrieve her nail equipment so she can begin making appointments and working again.

Estefania Grajales-Garcia, 25, lived in the towers with her husband and her two young children. They are now living in an apartment they found through her husbands job. Their rent is about the same as at the Crestview Towers.

When she was evacuated, she was only able to get clothes. She said her 4- and 5-year-old children are nervous and miss their toys constantly. What they really need now is furniture, because their current living situation consists of a comforter and inflatable mattress they were able to buy after fleeing their apartment.

She said she tries not to cry in front of them, but the situation has taken a toll on her.

Its frustrating because all our things are there and we dont have anything right now, she said.
Norwegian telecoms group Telenor said Thursday it is selling its subsidiary in Myanmar, where it is one of the major operators, as a result of the military coup there.

The agreement to sell Telenor Myanmar to M1 Group for $105 million will ensure continued operations of its fixed and wireless networks, it said.

"The situation in Myanmar has over the past months become increasingly challenging for Telenor for people security, regulatory and compliance reasons," Telenor chief executive Sigve Brekke was quoted as saying in a statement.

"We have evaluated all options and believe a sale of the company is the best possible solution in this situation," he said.

Telenor was pushed deep into the red in the first quarter after it was forced to write down all of its assets in Myanmar, taking their value from 6.5 billion kroner ($769 million) to zero.

Telenor has had a commercial presence in Myanmar since 2014 and employs a workforce of around 750 in the country.

Myanmar has been rocked by massive protests and a brutal military response since the February coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government.

More than 880 civilians have been killed in a crackdown by the State Administration Council -- as the junta calls itself -- and almost 6,500 arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

The sale is subject to regulator approval by the authorities in Myanmar.

The junta has vested interests in swathes of the country's economy, from mining to banking, oil and tourism.

NGOs have urged foreign companies to review their presence in Myanmar.

M1 Group is a holding company founded by former Lebanese prime minister Najib Azmi Mikati and his brother.

It holds a major stake in the MTN mobile operator that is a leader in Africa but which is also active in Asia.

M1 is also on the blacklist established by Burma Campaign UK, which monitors the business ties of international firms with the Myanmar military.

According to a 2019 report conducted by an international independent fact-finding mission presented the UN Human Rights Council on the economic interests of Myanmar's military, the M1 Group has a stake in a company that rents mobile phone towers to the MEC, an army-owned firm that owns the Mytel mobile network.

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The National Rifle Association took to a federal appeals court Wednesday after a judge decided on June 24 to uphold a Florida law that bars residents younger than 21 from purchasing firearms.

The NRA challenged the constitutionality of the law following its passage in 2018 under former Republican Gov. Rick Scott, who approved the restriction after the mass shooting that killed 17 people at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The pro-Second Amendment group filed its notice of appeal to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

No details were provided about the NRA's arguments for the appeal. The goal of the appeal is to "protect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all law-abiding adults," gun lobbyist Marion Hammer said.

NRA SUES FLORIDA OVER NEW GUN LAW

Florida's 2018 gun law prevents the sale of rifles, shotguns, or other long firearms to people ages 18 to 20. Federal law already bars the sale of handguns to those younger than 21.

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker's decision followed a precedent from the appeals court in upholding the law, he wrote in his June ruling, but called the case "squarely in the middle of a constitutional no mans land."

While the law prevents people aged 18 to 20 from purchasing guns, it does not prevent them from having guns, such as if they are received as gifts, according to Attorney General Ashley Moodys office.

"Floridas age qualification is reasonably calculated to advance the states interest because it applies only to the purchase of firearms," Moodys office wrote in a 2020 court filing.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The Washington Examiner contacted Hammer and attorneys for the NRA but did not immediately receive a response.

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Original Author: Kaelan Deese

Original Location: NRA appeals Florida judges ruling on gun sales to people younger than 21
Jul. 7On July 2, Brooke and Chase Moore were out walking their two dogs.

It was their normal evening routine, as they take their Yorkie and goldendoodle out on a two mile-walk every day.

However, on this particular night, they noticed something strange was going on at the end of their walk.

After seeing one of their neighbors with an Ector County Sheriff's car and noticing a box filled with nine puppies, it wasn't long until Chase and Brooke's weekend got a little more interesting.

The nine puppies (all from the same litter) had been found abandoned and dumped near a bunch of cactus and in need of medical attention.

But because their neighbors couldn't take them in due to limited space, Brooke and Chase decided to take over and help out the pups.

"We got to talking that one of our neighbors' husbands found these nine puppies dumped," Brooke said. "We started talking to the neighbor and they had a little one inside and were getting ready to move. With us not having any kids yet, we have a little more space and our garage is all finished out.

After Chase got his truck, the couple talked to their neighbors a little bit so that they can keep them up to date.

"Well, I wasn't sure what was going on at first but as soon as the lady told me that they couldn't keep them, I knew we would be taking them home with us," Chase said. "My wife and her love for animals, don't get me wrong, I do what I can to step in and help out..... it just makes me furious seeing how some people treat animals like they're disposable around here."

It wasn't long before Brooke and Chase set up a playpen for the nine puppies in the garage.

"We got them some puppy pads and got them all spread out," Brooke said. "It was before the holiday, which tied our hands up a little bit."

Because it was late Friday night and because it was the weekend of the Fourth of July, taking the puppies to a regular veterinarian's office was out of the question.

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The only option was to keep the puppies safe and sound throughout the night before taking them to the emergency vet the next day.

"We got them home around midnight, so of course, we're tired and emotions are high," Brooke said. "When I was looking at them, they had super bloated bellies which were a sign of parasites or worms and I felt terrible for them. I knew that we had to get them into the vet as soon as possible. But midnight on a Friday, we knew that we were going to have to wait until the next day to get them in to the emergency clinic because everything else was going to be closed."

Brooke said it was a long night and her husband Chase stayed up until about 3 a.m. cleaning up after the puppies.

"As soon as you got one clean, another one would make a mess and they would all run and slip in the mess," Brooke said. "It was a long night and morning but I was trying to give each one a bath so that they wouldn't get messy."

The puppies are estimated to be nine-10 weeks old. As far as what breed, Brooke and Chase aren't totally sure.

"They looked like some pitbull mix but we have no clue," Brooke said. "All we know is that they need homes."

The next morning, Brooke and Chase were in high spirits as they thought the hardest part would be to find the puppies homes.

"I was reaching out to past clients, asking if they need a puppy in their new home," Brooke said. "We had four or five homes lined up, thanks to the help of the community."

Brooke and Chase are realtors at EXP Realty.

Those plans quickly got scrapped when the vet told them that some of the puppies tested positive for parvo and worms.

"With how contagious that is, we couldn't give them to other people and make them sick so it changed the directory of things," Brooke said.

Doing home care for the puppies was out of the question due to the seriousness of the matter. They had to be in special care.

That was when they created the gofundme.com page to help out with the cost of the vets.

"We didn't want money to be the problem with them dying," Brooke said.

Their families started sharing it and it wasn't long before they raised $3,000 of the $5,000 goal.

As of Wednesday morning, the page has raised $3,080.

People can donate to the page at https://tinyurl.com/9pen5dyw.

"We're excited about that but originally, the vet had told us that it was going to be $1,000 per dog," Brooke said. "And with nine dogs, once you do the math, you're like, 'ok, these aren't my dogs but at the same time, you don't want to see them die just because somebody dumped them.' We didn't know what we were going to do but we also knew that we'd need the vet's help with at least half of them."

For Brooke and Chase, it was a very emotional time but they were also helped out by the West Texas Emergency Clinic.

"Of course, I was crying and asking all of the questions," Brooke said. "We knew that we didn't want to get our two (dogs) at home sick with how contagious it is. The owner of the place was so sweet. She talked to us and we were getting ready to take six of them home with us but the owner was so sweet, she said since they have the room, they'd just keep all of them and the ones that are doing well, they'd do outpatient care and no charge for those."

Sadly, one of the pups did die, named Fidget, on Tuesday, who was the sickest of the bunch.

However, Brooke says the rest are doing great and are still recovering.

The next goal is to find a rescue that can take over.

"They're calling a few rescues in the Dallas area because of how overworked the shelters are here," Brooke said. "I don't know when they'll be released. It's a day to day update. But I'm praying that we can find a rescue that will take them and our part can be done."

When asked if they were willing to keep one or two of the puppies when they've recovered, Brooke says that is still up in the air.

"My husband had an eye on a few of them," Brooke said. "They are super cute and we may, in the end, keep one of them but we'll see."

There's still a chance to donate to their gofundme page and Brooke and Chase are both grateful for the community's support.

"It was super exciting," Brooke said. "When we heard the cost of the bills at first, we thought how cool would it be to get the community together. It was cool to see. My family isn't from here, they're from Michigan and it's great to see old high school classmates donate and previous clients donating. I kept watching it and seeing all the names. It's cool to see it keep going and seeing that people do care. There are people who dumped puppies and then there are people who will help them live."

Chase echoed those thoughts.

"I'm actually shocked," Chase said. "I wasn't sure what we'd get. This is my first gofundme page that I've set up and a few people doubted us that we could even raise money. We just didn't know what to do. We weren't going to let money stop us from helping out but we didn't want to have to pay that much out of our own pockets. It's surprising but also warming to know that people actually care."
An off-duty police officer was knocked unconscious with one punch at a wedding reception in Tennessee last month after witnesses said he made racist comments, according to police records.

Knoxville Police responded to a report of a simple assault involving 22-year-old Tanner Holt, an off-duty officer in the department, around 8:55 p.m. on June 26, police said in an incident report. Holt had reportedly said he didnt know they let Black people in the reception hall before he was punched.

Holt is white. The man he was speaking to is Black.

In subsequent conversation, witnesses told police that Holt repeatedly stated he was part of the Black community. The man Holt was talking to asked him to drop the race subject, the report states.

(He) stated that he had asked Holt several times to stop talking to him about race, but Holt refused, officers said in the report. (He) stated that he couldnt take it anymore, and punched Holt in the face one time. Holt then fell to the ground.

When police arrived, the fire department and emergency services were already on scene. Holt was subsequently taken to the hospital.

No criminal charges have been filed.

At least four people witnessed the altercation  three of whom all gave similar accounts as to what led up to the assault, according to the report. A fourth witness said they didnt hear what was said before Holt was punched.

The witnesses also told police that Holt was very intoxicated.

Knoxville Police Chief Eve Thomas requested Internal Affairs open an investigation into the incident on June 28 after the responding officers notified their supervisors of possible violations of the police departments Code of Conduct Policy, police spokesperson Scott Erland told McClatchy News.

Holt, who is currently assigned to patrol in the West District, has not come back to work while he recovers from his injury. Erland said they dont know when he will receive medical clearance to return.

The Internal Affairs investigation is ongoing.

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Once that investigation is completed, it will be reviewed by Chief Thomas and her Command Staff, Erland said. Following that review, disciplinary action and/or required training or retraining will occur.

Black student leaders call on UNC officials to listen to these safety and equity demands

Police chief loses job after leaving KKK note for Black officer, Ohio mayor says

Officer fired over racist comments he posted in Facebook argument, Michigan cops say
Naomi Osaka described her withdraw from the French Open in an op-ed for Time Magazine. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Naomi Osaka explained for the first time in detail why she opted to skip press conferences at the French Open and ultimately withdraw from the tournament in an op-ed for Time's Olympic preview out on Thursday.

The four-time Grand Slam winner assured that it wasn't about the press reporters themselves, but the press conference structure that she takes issue with and offered mental health days as an option in the future.

"In my opinion (and I want to say that this is just my opinion and not that of every tennis player on tour)," Osaka wrote for Time, "the press-conference format itself is out of date and in great need of a refresh. I believe that we can make it better, more interesting and more enjoyable for each side. Less subject vs. object; more peer to peer."

Osaka: Don't wish French Open situation on anyone

Osaka, 23, announced days ahead of the French Open in May that she would not speak with reporters during the tournament despite it being required. She said it was to protect her mental health. The French Open organizers began fining her and noted she could face expulsion.

Bigger events require media availability for publicity to drive ticket sales, TV ratings and sponsorships, which all comes back around to higher pay days for the athletes themselves.

The then-No. 1 ranked tennis star ultimately pulled out of the tournament, citing her mental health, and did not play in Wimbledon. She wrote in her op-ed that she "felt under a great amount of pressure to disclose my symptoms."

"I do not wish that on anyone and hope that we can enact measures to protect athletes, especially the fragile ones," she wrote.

Osaka offers 'sick days' as option for tennis stars

She suggested a certain number of "sick days" athletes can use to be excused from press commitments without having to disclose the why in order to "bring sport in line with the rest of society."

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"Perhaps we should give athletes the right to take a mental break from media scrutiny on a rare occasion without being subject to strict sanctions," she wrote.

"In any other line of work, you would be forgiven for taking a personal day here and there, so long as its not habitual. You wouldnt have to divulge your most personal symptoms to your employer; there would likely be HR measures protecting at least some level of privacy."

Osaka wrote that she received support, encouragement and kind words from, among others, Michelle Obama, Michael Phelps, Steph Curry, Novak Djokovic and Megan Markle. Osaka has been open about mental health in the past and wrote in Time that she feels "uncomfortable being spokesperson or face of athlete mental health" but hopes people can relate and understand that it's "OK not to be OK, and it's OK to talk about it."

The tennis sensation will return to the court for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she'll compete for Japan. On Tuesday, Netflix announced a three-part documentary series following Osaka over her rise to international stardom. It will debut on July 16.

More from Yahoo Sports:
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Queen Elizabeth swapped Buckingham Palace for the fictional pub Rovers Return on Thursday when she visited the set of the world's longest-running television soap drama "Coronation Street".

The 95-year-old queen, who is the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch, was greeted with cheers and applause as she arrived on the set and stepped out onto a red carpet covering the show's famous cobble streets as its well-known theme tune was played.

She then met some of the soap opera's long-serving cast members outside the Rovers Return Inn to hear how the soap opera had coped with restrictions to allow filming to continue during the coronavirus pandemic.

"You've given us all such a lift for you coming, thank you very, very much," Barbara Knox, who has regularly appeared as Rita Tanner since 1972, told her.

"It's marvellous that you've been able carry on during this pandemic," the queen said.

"Ma'am, you're the one that's carried on," replied William Roache, who holds the record as the world's longest-serving soap star and has played the role of Ken Barlow since the first episode.

Coronation Street, with its gritty plotlines about life in a fictitious district in the northern city of Manchester, has become a national institution since it was first broadcast on Dec. 9, 1960.

There have been more than 10,000 episodes since its first transmission and it has been sold to more than 130 countries, garnering tens of millions of viewers worldwide.

Thursday's visit was the second to Coronation Street for the monarch, who is reportedly a fan of the show, after she opened a new set in 1982.

Her son and heir Prince Charles also made a special cameo appearance to mark the 40th anniversary of the show in 2000.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Mike Collett-White)
$1.25M annualized investment addresses critical gap in the health care system by adding urgently needed intensive treatment for addiction using innovative virtual model.

TORONTO, July 8, 2021 /CNW/ - The Ontario Government announced new annualized funding for Renascent in the amount of $1.25M, making a newly developed Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) for addiction available to Ontarians aged 16 years and older. The innovative new program was developed by Renascent over the course of the pandemic to address the lack of intensive treatment programs in the health care system and the rapidly growing wait times for addiction treatment.

"With escalating rates of substance use and addiction across our communities, it is critical to ramp up the health care system's treatment capacity and look at incorporating innovative approaches to treatment," said Laura Bhoi, Chief Executive Officer, Renascent. "This new investment in Renascent's Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program adds urgently needed intensive outpatient treatment for Ontarians with substance use disorders, using a promising new virtual model."

To help meet the growing need for addiction treatment and services, Renascent  a not-for-profit organization  launched its Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program in April 2020. Through donations made to Renascent Foundation, the program has been offered to the public at no fee, already enabling over 200 people to access the intensive treatment.

Clients who access the program receive 26 weeks of treatment, which includes six weeks of intensive programming, followed by 20 weeks of Continuing Care. There has been growing demand for the program over the last year, currently running with a waitlist and receiving high ratings from clients.

"This new Government funding doubles the number of clients we can serve and most importantly, it supports us to operate this desperately needed program in a sustainable manner," said Bhoi. "Investment in this new virtual intensive treatment can build a new pathway for many individuals seeking help, as part of a larger system including inpatient, outpatient and harm reduction services."

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"I was given a second chance with Renascent  which transformed my life. The Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program helped me understand and process my experiences, gave me connections to others who understood what I was going through, and provided tools to help me abstain from drinking while remaining at home," said Pat S., former Renascent Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program client. "This was my first time participating in any type of virtual setting and I was pleased by how engaging it was. The counsellors were welcoming, and I was amazed at how quickly we all bonded. I am so grateful for my journey with Renascent, as being sober gives me a whole new perspective on life."

In partnership with Ontario Shores' Research Team, the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program will undergo formal program evaluation to assess outcomes and potential for its expansion.

Anyone in need of addiction treatment is encouraged to contact Renascent directly. For more information about Renascent's Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program and other programs and services, visit: renascent.ca

About Renascent and Renascent Foundation:

Renascent has been a trusted leader in the treatment of substance use and concurrent mental disorders for over 50 years; helping more than 50,000 people experiencing addiction on their road to recovery. Renascent is an accredited non-profit treatment centre, which provides hope and healing to individuals, families, loved ones, communities, and organizations impacted by addiction. Renascent Foundation enables the health and well-being of people experiencing addiction by inspiring investment into mental health and addictions programs and services.

SOURCE Renascent

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/08/c5568.html
Barely a day passes without additional news of Taliban gains in Afghanistan.

Perhaps the Afghan government and its forces will prove more resilient than many expect, but if the country continues its slide toward chaos or, worse, the Taliban rapidly take Kabul, President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw a residual U.S. force will look like an amateurish, unforced error by a man who prides himself on his foreign policy experience and acumen.

With his top military leadership opposed and credible warnings that Kabul could fall within months after a withdrawal, Biden went ahead with it anyway on the basis of what an aide has called his gut.

So far, indications are that the president would have been better off heeding his military advisers than his viscera.

The Afghan war has, of course, stretched on for two decades and become a holding action satisfying to no one. But the cost to the U.S. of sustaining 3,500 troops in the country without losing anyone in combat for more than a year hasnt been high compared with the entirely plausible downside of Islamist extremists allied with al-Qaeda sweeping to power again in Afghanistan.

The desire to pull out of Afghanistan has been an area of rare Biden-Trump agreement. Then-President Donald Trumps foolhardy cease-fire deal with the Taliban in February 2020 set the predicate for Bidens withdrawal. It would have taken some determination for Biden to reverse the U.S. promise in that deal to withdraw its forces by May 2021, although the Talibans transparent bad faith provided plenty of occasion for it.

Biden says not to worry. The U.S. will continue to provide over the horizon support, i.e., from a distance, for the Afghan government.

This is likely a pipe dream, and nothing about Bidens poorly thought-out drawdown lends any more credibility to it. The U.S. withdrawal has gone quickly, and thankfully, been carried out without casualties. Otherwise, it has the hallmarks of a fiasco.

The CIA has been struggling to figure out what to do to try to maintain intelligence-gathering capabilities in Afghanistan. The agency has been very active in the country over the years, hitting terrorist targets in Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is no doubt that its operations will now be significantly curtailed.

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There will be no targets to strike from over the horizon if we dont have the assets on the ground to find them.

Ideally, the U.S. would locate some other base next door to Afghanistan, but there are no good options in the neighborhood. Pakistan, which cant be trusted and supports the Taliban, is inherently problematic. Vladimir Putin wont look kindly on our using the former Soviet republics.

Conducting operations from bases in the Persian Gulf eight hours away clearly isnt the same as doing it from Bagram. In congressional testimony, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the head of Central Command, said the long-distance missions would be extremely difficult to do, but not impossible. This isnt a ringing endorsement.

The U.S. withdrawal has had other troubling loose ends.

The contractors who have worked with the Afghan Air Force to maintain its planes are leaving, too, potentially stripping Afghan forces of air support. One official told The New York Times that Afghans wouldnt be capable of maintaining their own Black Hawks until the mid-2030s. The administration has been considering various kludgy alternatives for the contractor issue, including having them help maintain aircraft remotely.

The fate of the Afghans who have assisted U.S. forcesand of their familiesis uncertain, although under political pressure here at home, Biden has committed to getting them out.

Biden wants to provide $3 billion in security assistance to the Afghans, but who will do the training with that money?

The allies are leaving, with the administration anxious to get the Turks to stay to secure Kabul International Airport, crucial to the U.S. maintaining its embassy and aid groups gaining access to the country.

As the bad news in Afghanistan has piled up in recent weeksthe website The Long War Journal tracks the drumbeat of Taliban gainsthe Biden administration has tried to provide reassuring signals. One expedient is keeping our top commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Austin Miller, in the country a few more weeks. But are the Afghans, and the Taliban, not supposed to notice that nearly all his forces have already withdrawn?

When Miller leaves, The New York Times reports, General Kenneth McKenzie will assume the authority to carry out airstrikes against al-Qaeda and the Islamic State from Tampa, Florida, at least through August, and have the authority to move an additional 300 troops into Afghanistan in case of emergency at least through September.

Hows that for the long view?

One justification for leaving Afghanistan is that it will free up resources for us to concentrate on the growing threat from China. Its not as though the 3,000 ground troops are going to relocate to East Asia, though, and make a difference in the balance of power there. To the contrary, to the extent that striking al-Qaeda targets going forward has to be done from the Persian Gulf, involving longer, more taxing flights for U.S. aircraft, or requires keeping an aircraft carrier in the vicinity of Afghanistan, it will draw on the kind of resources we need to check China.

On top of this, if there is an unraveling in Afghanistan, controlling the fallout will become a consuming issue for the U.S. military.

Biden has gotten his drawdown. Now, he may reap the whirlwind.
By Krisztina Than and Gabriela Baczynska

BUDAPEST/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed on Thursday he would not give in to EU pressure to repeal a new law banning schools from using materials seen as promoting homosexuality, as the bloc's lawmakers called for penalties over the legislation.

The law, which came into force on Thursday, has set Orban on a collision course with rights groups, the EU executive Commission and other leaders who say it goes against the bloc's core principles.

"The European Parliament and the European Commission want that we let LGBTQ activists and organisations into the kindergartens and schools. Hungary does not want that," Orban said on his official Facebook page.

"Here Brussels bureaucrats have no business at all, no matter what they do we will not let LGBTQ activists among our children." The issue was one of national sovereignty, he added.

Critics say the law wrongly conflates paedophilia and pornography with LGBT issues. Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU's executive Commission has called it a "disgrace".

Later on Thursday, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the law and demanding that EU countries and the European Commission use every power to stop it.

The non-binding resolution - adopted with 459 votes for and 147 against - included calls for the Commission to launch a so-called infringement procedure taken against EU members who violate the bloc's laws.

"LGBTIQ rights are human rights," said the resolution, referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, as well as those questioning their sexual orientation.

It also called for a separate EU legal procedure that can cut funding for member countries that undermine rule of law. The effectiveness of this new mechanism has yet to be tested.

Orban, in power since 2010 and facing a challenging election next year, has grown increasingly radical on social policy in a self-proclaimed crusade to safeguard what he says are traditional Christian values from Western liberalism.

Story continues

On Thursday, the NGOs Amnesty International and Hatter Society flew a huge heart-shaped rainbow colour balloon over Hungary's parliament building in protest against the law.

"Its aim is to erase LGBTQI people from the public sphere," David Vigh, director of Amnesty International Hungary, said of the law, which he vowed not to observe.

(Reporting by Krisztina Than and Anita Komuves; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Andrew Heavens)
By Michael Erman and Julie Steenhuysen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Pfizer and partner BioNTech plan to ask U.S. and European regulators within weeks 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.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, however, in a joint statement that Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster COVID-19 shot at this time.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it was too early to determine whether more than the two shots that are currently required would be called for, saying it was confident for now that the established regimen was sufficient.

Some scientists have also questioned the need for booster shots.

Pfizer's chief scientific officer, Mikael Dolsten, said the recently reported dip in the vaccine's effectiveness in Israel was mostly due to infections in people who had been vaccinated in January or February. The country's health ministry said vaccine effectiveness in preventing both infection and symptomatic disease fell to 64% in June.

"The Pfizer vaccine is highly active against the Delta variant," Dolsten said in an interview. But after six months, he said, "there likely is the risk of reinfection as antibodies, as predicted, wane." Data would be submitted to the FDA within the next month, he added.

Pfizer did not release the full set of Israeli data on Thursday, but said it would be published soon.

"It's a small data set, but I think the trend is accurate: Six months out, given that Delta is the most contagious variant we have seen, it can cause infections and mild disease," Dolsten said.

The FDA and CDC, in their joint statement, said: "We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed."

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Pfizer's own data from the United States showed an erosion of the vaccine's efficacy to the mid-80s after six months, Dolsten said, against the variants circulating there in the spring.

He stressed that data from Israel and Britain suggests that even with waning antibody levels, the vaccine remains around 95% effective against severe disease.

The vaccine, initially devised by Germany's BioNTech, showed 95% efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in a clinical trial the companies ran last year.

PROMISING PROTECTION

Dolsten said early data from the company's own studies shows that a third booster dose generates antibody levels that are five-to-10-fold higher than after the second dose, suggesting that a third dose will offer promising protection.

He said multiple countries in Europe and elsewhere have already approached Pfizer to discuss booster doses, and some may begin administering them before a potential U.S. authorization.

Dolsten said he believes booster shots are particularly important in older age groups.

Dr. Eric Topol, a professor of molecular medicine and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California, said basing the decision on waning antibody protection ignores the role of important other parts of the immune response, including memory B cells, which can make antibodies on demand when challenged by the virus.

"You need better studies to be able to assert that. It isn't just neutralizing antibodies," Topol said.

European watchdog EMA stressed that available vaccines appeared to work well provided that the two-shot course, required for all but Johnson & Johnson's product, is completed.

"It seems that the four vaccines authorised in the EU protect against all the strains that are circulating in the EU including the delta variant," it said in a statement.

Pfizer has previously said people will likely need a booster dose, though some scientists have questioned when, or whether, boosters will be needed.

BioNTech has previously argued that while antibodies are the body's main weapon against an initial infection, the cellular immune response mainly shields against the disease breaking out and worsening.

Pfizer plans to launch soon a placebo-controlled efficacy trial of the booster with 10,000 participants. The study will run throughout the fall, Dolsten said, meaning it will not be completed ahead of the company's filing with the FDA.

European governments have braced for the possibility of repeat shots. Britain in April moved to buy 60 million more doses of the Pfizer vaccine ahead of a possible booster programme later this year, bringing its total order to 100 million doses.

The EU in May signed a new contract to receive 1.8 billion doses of the vaccine for 2021-2023, to cover booster shots and donations.

Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said even if Pfizer succeeds in getting its booster authorized by the FDA, it would still need to be recommended by advisers to the CDC.

Schaffner added that most of the public health bandwidth in the United States is still focused on encouraging Americans to get their first and second doses of the vaccine.

Because boosters would drive increasing demand for vaccines while much of the world is still unvaccinated, Dolsten said Pfizer is looking at ways to increase production.

It is already targeting production of 3 billion doses this year and 4 billion shots next year. Dolsten declined to give a forecast of exactly how many more doses the company could add.

Pfizer and BioNTech said they had designed a new version of the vaccine targeting the Delta variant with a clinical trial likely to begin in August, but added the current vaccine version had "the potential" to protect against the variant.

Pfizer expects the COVID-19 vaccine to be a major revenue contributor for years and has forecast sales of $26 billion from the shot in 2021. BioNTech said in May that vaccine supply deals for this year so far are worth 12.4 billion euros in revenues that accrue to it, with more contracts on the cards.

Global spending on COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots could total $157 billion through 2025, according to U.S. health data firm IQVIA Holdings.

(Reporting by Michael Erman; Additional reporting by Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago, Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt, Alistair Smout in London and Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler, Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Mark Potter)
Haiti's Communications Secretary Frantz Exantus announced Wednesday that local police arrested the "presumed assassins" of President Jovenel Moise.

Details: Haitian officials said in a press conference that four suspects were killed by police and another two were arrested. Exantus said the suspects were arrested in Pelerin, a district within the neighborhood of Petion-Ville, where Moise's residence is located, AP reports.

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The big picture: "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," AP writes.

Go deeper: Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated

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Jul. 8A man wanted in connection with the February slaying of a North Hills honors student was apprehended Wednesday in California, according to Pittsburgh police.

Howard Hawkins, 46, of Pittsburgh was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in North Hollywood on a homicide warrant for the shooting of 18-year-old Ahmir Tuli, Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz said.

Authorities say Hawkins has been on the run since the Feb. 21 shooting in Pittsburgh's Strip District.

According to court documents, Hawkins, who also goes by the name Mark McClendon, is charged with criminal homicide and firearms violations.

Tuli was shot in the head Feb. 21 outside Preeti's Pitt, a Strip District restaurant/bar owned by Tuli's mother, where he was working that night.

Hawkins's girlfriend, Chayla Robinson, 40, of Brentwood was charged in June for helping Hawkins escape from the shooting scene.

Police at the time alleged that Robinson drove Hawkins from the scene of the Penn Avenue shooting to a friend's home where he changed clothes.

According to a criminal complaint filed in June, the shooting happened just after 9 p.m. outside the restaurant. A witness working security told police he'd assisted in kicking out a man, later identified as Hawkins, who was drunk and disorderly.

The witness told police the man began to walk away but then returned to where the witness and Tuli were standing outside.

The witness said Hawkins stretched out his arm and fired one shot at Tuli's head.

Using footage from private and city surveillance cameras, police said Robinson and Hawkins left Preeti's Pitt and made their way toward a black SUV parked in front of the bar, according to the criminal complaint. Robinson got into the driver's seat while Hawkins retrieved something from the passenger side and returned to the rear of the building, officials said.

Robinson pulled out of the parking space as Hawkins shot Tuli, drove west on Penn Avenue and turned onto 27th Street, which is the same direction police said Hawkins fled after the shooting.

Story continues

During their investigation investigators tracked the black SUV to the North Side, where surveillance of the area showed Robinson in the same car meeting with a man later identified as Terrance Rainey, the complaint read. Robinson was pulled over by police as she left for failing to signal as she pulled away from the curb.

Rainey was detained and discovered to have an illegal gun on him, court records at the time showed. He was charged with firearms violations.

Police got a search warrant for the GPS and other digital information from Robinson's car, which showed her taking the same route as the security cameras when she left the Strip District the night of the shooting, the complaint read. It also indicated she'd driven to Rainey's home on Brighton Road.

Security footage from that night showed Robinson arriving at the North Side home that night, followed by Hawkins getting out of the car, going into Rainey's apartment and reemerging in different clothes, police said.

Court documents for Hawkins have not yet been updated since they were filed in February.

Robinson, who was released on $50,000 unsecured bond, has a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 21.

Megan Tomasic is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 724-850-1203, mtomasic@triblive.com or via Twitter .
A brother of Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday became finance minister, tightening the family's grip on power in the South Asian nation as it confronts growing economic troubles.

Basil Rajapaksa, 70, took over the finance portfolio from another brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The 72-year-old president has put Mahinda in charge of a newly created but lower level economic policies and planning ministry.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, 75, was the country's president for a decade up to 2015, and Basil, who is known as the family's political strategist, managed the economy then.

Basil takes charge now after the economy recorded a coronavirus-inflicted 3.6 percent contraction for 2020, the worst since independence from Britain in 1948.

With his entry, the cabinet headed by Gotabaya now has five members of the Rajapaksa family.

Eldest brother Chamal, 78, is minister of irrigation while the prime minister's eldest son Namal, 35, is the youth and sports minister.

Several Rajapaksa family members hold junior minister positions and other key positions in the administration.

Basil Rajapaksa was described as "Mr Ten Percent" in a 2007 US embassy cable published by the WikiLeaks organisation because of commissions he allegedly took from government contracts.

He has denied any wrongdoing and inquiries failed to find any evidence to back charges he syphoned off millions of dollars from state coffers.

As a dual US-Sri Lankan citizen, Basil was prohibited from standing in the 2020 election, but Gotabaya removed constitutional provisions which prevented his entry to the legislature.

aj/tw/axn
By Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Kanupriya Kapoor

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Evacuated residents warily began returning to their homes on Bangkok's outskirts on Thursday after a chemical factory went up in flames earlier this week, as experts called for air and water to be thoroughly tested for any lingering toxic chemicals.

One firefighter died and at least 33 people were injured in Monday's blaze at Ming Dih Chemical.

A storage tank containing styrene monomer, used to produce polystyrene foam, exploded and caused the fire. Styrene can be deadly if ignited and mixed into the air.

Last year, a leak of styrene gas at a factory in southern India killed 12 people, many as they slept, and sickened hundreds.

Thai authorities on Wednesday said residents living outside the immediate 1-kilometre (half-mile) radius could return home.

On Thursday, the Pollution Control Department told Reuters that air concentration of styrene was between 8 to 20 particles per million (ppm) within 1 km of the site, down from 1,035 ppm on Monday.

The safe level is up to 20 ppm, while exposure to 1,100ppm can have severe effects on human health.

"The air is now safe, because the pollutants have thinned out and risen up into the atmosphere," said Athapol Jaroenchansa, the department's director-general.

He said authorities are collecting water and soil samples every day, adding that any contamination was expected to dissolve within a week.

However, United Nations environmental expert Kakuko Nagatani-Yoshida said authorities should maintain long-term checks of aquifers and fish because styrene characteristically disperses into water.

She said the accident underscored a need for better safety regulations and urban planning in Thailand and across Asia.

"The pattern of industrial accidents is only becoming worse in Asia," said Nagatani-Yoshida, the U.N. Environmental Programme's Asia coordinator for chemicals, waste, and air quality.

One returning resident, Kanin, told Reuters the government's air quality report encouraged him to return to his house, just over 4 km (2.5 miles) from the factory.

"But that doesn't mean I'm not worried about future incidents, considering how lacklustre the government is at crisis management," said the resident, who asked to be identified only by his first name.

(Editing by Kay Johnson and Giles Elgood)
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Two rockets were fired at the U.S. embassy inside Baghdad's Greene Zone early on Thursday, Iraqi security sources told Reuters.

The embassy's anti-rocket system diverted one of the rockets, said one of the sources - a security official whose office is inside the Green Zone. The second rocket fell near the zone's perimeter, security officials said.

Sirens blared from the embassy compound inside the zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, the sources said.

(Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
(EPA)

After a New York court suspended him from practising law in the state for his demonstrably false and misleading statements in spurious legal challenges across the US to reject the results of the 2020 presidential election, Rudy Giuliani is now also suspended from practising law in Washington DC.

His suspension in New York automatically triggered his suspension in the the nations capital city while a panel performs a disciplinary review.

Last month, a New York State appellate court determined that the legal conduct of Donald Trumps longtime personal attorney and adviser immediately threatens the public interest and warrants interim suspension from the practice of law, pending further proceedings before the Attorney Grievance Committee, according to the ruling from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York.

On 7 July, the DC Court of Appeals ruled that Mr Giuliani remains suspended from the practice of law in the District of Columbia pending final disposition of this proceeding.

In January, the New York State Bar Association suspended Mr Giulianis membership in the wake of the Capitol riot on 6 January, fuelled by the baseless stolen election conspiracies promoted by Mr Trump and his allies.

The five-judge appellate panel said his false claims directly inflamed events that led to violence at the Capitol.

The suspension prohibits the former New York City mayor from representing clients in legal settings, but he is not disbarred, though some analysts have predicted that the revocation of his law license is inevitable.

Its now almost inconceivable that he will ever set foot in a courtroom again as anything other than a defendant, attorney and political commentator George Conway said following Mr Giulianis suspension in New York.

Before his two terms as New York Citys mayor, Mr Giuliani was a top official at the US Department of Justice, serving as US Associate Attorney General and as a US attorney in Manhattan.

Story continues

Lawsuits filed by Mr Giulianis legal campaign to overturn election results in states that Mr Trump lost were largely dismissed in court, and Mr Trumps own campaign and administration, along with officials from the Justice Department and the FBI, as well as elections administrators across the US have dismissed allegations of widespread voter fraud, despite Mr Trumps persistent lie that Democrats conspired to steal the election from him.

A scathing, 33-page ruling from a five-judge panel in New York on 24 June condemned false statements spread by Mr Giuliani in the wake of the election as he pursued lawsuits in Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania, states that Joe Biden definitively won.

When those false statements are made by an attorney, it also erodes the publics confidence in the integrity of attorneys admitted to our bar and damages the professions role as a crucial source of reliable information, according to the ruling.

That harm is magnified by Mr Giuliani, acting as an attorney, using his large megaphone to repeatedly spread those false claims, the panel wrote.

One only has to look at the ongoing present public discord over the 2020 election, which erupted into violence, insurrection and death ... at the US Capitol, to understand the extent of the damage that can be done when the public is misled by false information about the elections, according to the ruling.

Following his suspension in New York, the former president called his former adviser the Eliot Ness of his generation and the greatest mayor in New York Citys history while blaming the radical left for his suspension.

Can you believe New York wants to strip Rudy Giuliani, a greatAmerican Patriot, of his law license because he is fighting what has already been proven to be a Fraudulent Election? Mr Trump said in a statement.

The Independent has requested comment from Mr Giulianis attorney.

Read More

Giuliani falsely told Trump constitution gave Pence right not to certify 2020 election, book says

Trump has cut off Giuliani for asking to be paid for his failed election cases, new book claims

Rudy Giuliani rants after losing New York law licence: We do not live in a free state

Trump calls Giuliani the Eliot Ness of his generation after law license suspended

Rudy Giuliani has law licence suspended for helping Trump pursue false claims of election fraud
Rudy Giuliani was suspended from practicing law in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, just two weeks after he was barred from doing so in New York over his many lies related to the 2020 election.

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals said the order would remain in effect until disciplinary hearings in New York concluded.

Last month, a New York state appellate court said Giuliani would be temporarily barred from practicing law in the state for making false and misleading statements about the 2020 election, pending further proceedings into his behavior.

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 Trumps failed effort at reelection in 2020, the court wrote in its decision at the time.

Rudy Giuliani, center, was suspended from practicing law in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, just two weeks after he was barred from doing so in New York over his many lies related to the 2020 election. (Photo: Chris McGrath via Getty Images)" data-caption="Rudy Giuliani, center, was suspended from practicing law in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, just two weeks after he was barred from doing so in New York over his many lies related to the 2020 election. (Photo: Chris McGrath via Getty Images)" data-rich-caption="Rudy Giuliani, center, was suspended from practicing law in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, just two weeks after he was barred from doing so in New York over his many lies related to the 2020 election. (Photo: Chris McGrath via Getty Images)" data-credit="Chris McGrath via Getty Images" data-credit-link-back="" />

Giuliani was one of Trumps most vocal defenders following his defeat to Joe Biden in November, repeatedly claiming without evidence that the election had been stolen through widespread voter fraud. The court said such work only deepened partisan divisions across the country and eroded confidence in U.S. elections.

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The seriousness of respondents uncontroverted misconduct cannot be overstated, the court said in its 33-page decision. This country is being torn apart by continued attacks on the legitimacy of the 2020 election and of our current president, Joseph R. Biden.

The former New York City mayor and the former head prosecutor for the federal Southern District of New York plans to go to court to fight the New York decision. According to USA Today, he has been licensed to practice law in New York since 1969 and in Washington, D.C., since 1976.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Russia on Thursday proposed extending by six months a border crossing into Syria in a compromise at the Security Council, UN and diplomatic sources said, but the United States insisted that a full year was vital to save lives.

Russia, which backs President Bashar al-Assad and holds veto power at the Security Council, submitted a draft resolution to the 14 other members after a text by Ireland and Norway that would authorize one more year for the Bab al-Hawa crossing on the Turkish border.

But Russia, which requested that a vote on its draft take place on Friday, suggested a "possible prolongation" after the six months, one source told AFP.

This is the first time Russia has raised the possibility of extending the authorization.

Previously, Moscow had wanted to stop cross-border aid, maintaining that continuing to provide it without Damascus' approval violated Syria's sovereignty.

The United States has stressed in recent weeks that it viewed the renewal of the UN authorization as a test of possible cooperation between Moscow and Washington, after the June meeting in Geneva between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

During the meeting, Biden had pleaded for an extension of cross-border aid, which is set to expire Saturday.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States wanted an extension by a full year.

"We've been very clear that continuing cross-border access, it's a humanitarian imperative, and it's a humanitarian imperative because millions of lives are on the line," Price told reporters.

"We've heard very clearly from UN agencies and NGOs around the world that 12 months is critical to their work to reliably deliver aid while managing the lengthy procurement process," Price said.

"What we find before us in the coming days is an opportunity for the Security Council and more broadly the international community to stand up and show that it is on the side of the beleaguered and food-insecure Syrian people."

Story continues

- Security Council showdown -

Relief supplies into Syria -- where the UN estimates that 12.3 million people, or most of the population -- need assistance, can enter only the Bab al-Hawa crossing.

The draft proposed by Ireland and Norway, two non-permanent council members in charge of the humanitarian component in Syria, provides for a one-year extension of the authorization to pass through Bab al-Hawa.

Renewing authorization "for at least 12 months is a red line" for the United States, Britain and France and several other members, a diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Washington, London and Paris, all permanent council members, have veto power.

On Friday, the council must technically vote on the western resolution first before voting on Russia's. A similar scenario occurred at the end of 2019, and Russia -- along with China -- had vetoed the western draft.

"Let the games begin," another diplomat told AFP, also speaking anonymously, after the two drafts were announced. Until the vote, negotiations may still take place between council members in order to reach a consensus on a single text.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, Russia has used its veto 16 times on related resolutions, and China 10 times.

prh-ft/to-sct/sw
MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin scrapped Russia's ban on charter flights to Egypt on Thursday, six years after suspending them for national security seasons in the aftermath of a plane crash.

The flights were stopped after a Metrojet plane taking Russian holidaymakers back from Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg broke up over the Sinai Peninsula in October 2015, killing 224 people.

Russia concluded the plane was destroyed by a bomb. A group affiliated with Islamic State militants claimed responsibility.

Putin's decree lifting the ban will be a boon for Egypt's year-round resorts in Sharm al-Sheikh and Hurghada which attracted large numbers of Russians in the past.

Egypt later on Thursday welcomed the decision in a foreign ministry statement saying that it looks forward to the quick return of Russian tourists.

Russia and Egypt agreed to resume all flights in a call in April between Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egypt's presidency said at the time.

(Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh and Nadine Awadalla in Cairo,Writing by Tom BalmforthEditing by Peter Graff, Andrew Heavens and Jonathan Oatis)
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Jordan secretly last week and met with King Abdullah II at his palace in Amman, a former Israeli official tells Axios.

Why it matters: This was the first meeting between the king and an Israeli prime minister in more than five years. It follows a long period of tensions between Abdullah and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and comes as Bennett attempts to reset the relationship.

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At the top of the meeting, Bennett informed the king that he was prepared to approve a deal for the sale of water from Israel to Jordan, an issue that had proved contentious under Netanyahu, according to the former official.

Both Bennett and Abdullah agreed to turn the page and resume normal dialogue, the official says.

The Israeli Prime Ministers Office declined to comment, as did the Jordanian Royal Court and the Jordanian Embassy in Washington.

Go deeper:

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By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - South Korea's intelligence chief has said he is working on a possible visit by Pope Francis to North Korea, a Catholic news agency associated with the Vatican says.

Any visit would be the first by a pope to the reclusive state, which does not allow priests to be permanently stationed there. There is little information on how many of its citizens are Catholic, or how they practice their faith.

Fides, the official agency of the Pontifical Mission Societies, said that Park Jie-won made the announcement at a Mass in Mokpo, South Korea, on Monday.

Fides said Park told participants at the Mass that he would meet with Archbishop Kim Hee-jung of Gwangju and the Vatican's ambassador to South Korea, Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, to discuss a possible papal visit to Pyongyang.

Park is director of the National Intelligence Service.

On Thursday, a person who answered a call to the church where Park spoke confirmed his attendance but would not confirm any of his comments.

The intelligence agency in Seoul has not publicly confirmed Park's comments.

In 2018, South Korean President Moon Jae-in verbally relayed an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the pope. Kim and Moon had met a month earlier.

Vatican officials said afterwards an official written invitation would be considered. It was not clear if any invitation has arrived since then.

They said the pope, who has made many appeals for rapprochement between the two Koreas, would consider such a trip under certain conditions if it could help the cause of peace.

The pope is recovering from intestinal surgery in a Rome hospital. He is scheduled to visit Slovakia and Hungary in September. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said this was the only trip being considered now.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella, additional reporting by Sangmi Cha in Seoul, editing by Angus MacSwan)
US President Joe Biden speaks about the situation in Afghanistan from the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, July 8, 2021. (AFP via Getty Images)

US President Joe Biden appeared annoyed when he was asked by a reporter if he trusts the Taliban after delivering remarks on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Is that a serious question? Mr Biden asked the reporter, who said it was absolutely a serious question.

No, I do not, Mr Biden answered. When asked to amplify his answer, Mr Biden said it was a silly question.

Do I trust the Taliban? No, but I trust the capacity of the Afghan military, who is better trained, better equipped, and more competent in terms of conducting war, Mr Biden added forcefully.

The president said on Thursday that the US mission in Afghanistan would end on 31 August, arguing that speed is safety as the US attempts to leave the almost 20-year war behind.

We did not go to Afghanistan to nation-build, Mr Biden said. Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future.

Mr Biden tried to justify the move to end US operations even as the Taliban is advancing in large parts of the country. The administration has framed the end of the US presence in Afghanistan as a conclusion that was made because its an unwinnable war that does not have a military solution.

I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation to achieve a different outcome, Mr Biden said. The United States cannot afford to remain tethered to policies created in response to a world as it was 20 years ago.

When asked if the last 20 years of US military presence in Afghanistan had been worth it, he said you know my record, referring to his long-held resistance to US intervention in the country.

I opposed permanently having American forces in Afghanistan, he added. No nation has ever unified Afghanistan  no nation. Empires have gone there and not done it.

The president noted that he had personally visited the country and said that one of the objectives of the US mission was to bring Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell. Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan in 2011 by US Special Forces when Mr Biden served as Barack Obamas vice president.

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Another reason for the US military to go to Afghanistan was to eliminate Al-Qaedas capacity to conduct more attacks against the United States from that territory, Mr Biden said.

We accomplished both of those objectives. Period. Thats why I believed from the beginning why we should have gone to Afghanistan, he added. That job had been over for some time and thats why I believe this is the right decision, and quite frankly overdue.

Read More

Biden to house Afghan translators in foreign countries as they await US admission

Biden says he will not send another generation of US soldiers to Afghanistan

Biden says U.S. war in Afghanistan will end August 31
By Lewis Krauskopf

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Diverse reasons are driving the rotation in stocks and a slide in bond yields, but weakness in travel, leisure and other COVID-19-sensitive stocks suggest that fears of the Delta variant are doing their part.

Declines in the shares of companies tied to the reopening trade have broadly outpaced those of other so-called value stocks, which have been battered on worries that economic growth will be slower than expected in coming months.

Shares of cruise stocks Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have slumped 10% and 9%, respectively, in July, while American Airlines Group dropped 4% and United Airlines Holdings was off 5%. MGM Resorts International has fallen 5.5%, while Expedia Group has dropped 1.3%.

The Russell 1000 value index, which includes economically sensitive stocks, has fallen by 0.9% in the same time frame, while the S&P 500 has risen 0.5% in July.

There is a lot of uncertainty and I think the market is trying to add up how much risk this poses to global supply chains and activity down the road, said Steve Englander, head of North America macro strategy at Standard Chartered.

Since July 1, a basket of coronavirus-sensitive stocks tracked by Standard Chartered is down 7.3%, and off 9.4% relative to a group of tech and other stocks that outperformed during the pandemic last year.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note has dropped about 20 basis points to 1.29% this month and was falling for an eighth straight session, marking the longest streak since a nine-session drop that ended on March 3, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States was gaining speed. [nL2N2OK2A4]

The availability of vaccines - including their apparent ability to keep even those infected from developing serious complications - suggests that the extent of the shutdown measures last year to control the virus will not be required.

Still, some regions, including those without as much access to vaccines, are grappling with rising cases or putting restrictions in place. Cases are rising in places such as Spain and England, although the British government plans to reopen the economy later this month.

In Australia, Sydney has had a strict stay-at-home order in force since late last month, while Japan on Thursday declared a state of emergency in Tokyo, putting restrictions in place through Aug. 22. The pullback in coronavirus-sensitive stocks likely stems in part from concerns the variant spread could restrict travel and slow growth, said Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital in South Carolina. But those stocks may have been due for a decline after such a sharp run, he said. "A lot of these stocks moved quite significantly off the vaccine news," Todd said. "Part of this is concern about the re-emergence of this variant, but also just the fact ... you are giving some back."

(Reporting by Lewis Krauskopf; Editing by Ira Iosebashvili, Dan Grebler and Peter Cooney)
Former South African President Jacob Zuma turned himself into police Wednesday night to begin serving a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court, Reuters reports.

Why it matters: Zuma's successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has made rooting out government corruption central to his tenure, and the high-profile investigation into Zuma's government is seen as a test of the rule of law in post-apartheid South Africa.

Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.

The big picture: The 79-year-old former leader faced a midnight deadline to turn himself in, after being arrested and sentenced in late June for failing to appear at a hearing investigating alleged corruption during his time in office.

Zuma's time in office, from 2009 to 2018, was marked by financial scandal and accusations of mismanagement and corruption, per the New York Times. He also faces charges of racketeering, corruption, fraud and money laundering stemming from accusations tied to his time as deputy president in 1999.

What's next: South Africa's high court will hear a challenge to his jail term on July 12.

Zuma has said that the sentence is excessive and politically motivated, and that incarceration could expose him to COVID-19, per Reuters.

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South Sudan will mark 10 years of independence on Friday with little fanfare as the troubled country battles economic chaos and a desperate hunger crisis after a bloody civil war.

The world's newest nation was born on July 9, 2011, after a decades-long fight for statehood from Sudan, but was plunged into a brutal conflict two years later from which it has struggled to recover.

There will be none of the riotous scenes in the streets of Juba that accompanied that historic moment a decade ago. The anniversary has been marked only a few times since, with the last formal celebrations in 2014.

Government ministers on Wednesday raised concerns at a cabinet meeting about anniversary events being held in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

"His Excellency (President Salva Kiir) directs that the public, the citizens of South Sudan, celebrate in their own houses," Deputy Information Minister Baba Medan told reporters.

The minister said Kiir is scheduled to address the public "so everyone will see it on his own TV, or hear through your own radio, so that we also be avoiding any health issue".

A ceremony to swear in the MPs has been cancelled, without any official explanation.

The only formal event appears to be a fun run in the capital Juba. Medan said it would commence at 5am (0200 GMT) and encouraged people to take part.

Kiir blamed international sanctions for keeping South Sudan poor and depriving the state of revenue.

"This is why we are not celebrating the 10th anniversary the way the people would have wanted it to be," he told Kenyan broadcaster Citizen TV on Wednesday.

South Sudan enjoyed immense international goodwill and billions of dollars in financial support when its people voted overwhelmingly in a 2011 referendum to secede from the north.

But in late 2013, the country collapsed into a bloody civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people and forced millions more to flee their homes.

The conflict ruined the nascent country's economy and basic services for its 12 million people are in short supply, and financed almost entirely by foreign aid.

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The young country faces its worst hunger crisis since independence, with some 60 percent of the population enduring severe food shortages, some close to famine, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) says.

Kiir and his deputy, former rebel leader Riek Machar, rule in a fragile unity government created after the historic foes signed a peace deal in 2018 that ended the war.

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COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday appointed his younger brother Basil Rajapaksa as finance minister, in a move that further tightened the family's grip over the island nation.

Basil took over as minister of finance from Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, also his older brother. Mahinda was also given an additional role as minister of economic policies and plan implementation, according to presidential media division.

In addition to the latest changes, another of Gotabaya's brothers, Chamal, is minister of irrigation and a junior minister for defence. Mahinda's son, Namal, is minister for youth and sports.

Gotabaya and his older brother Mahinda won an overwhelming majority in parliamentary elections last year, giving the family the power to enact sweeping changes to the island nation's constitution.

Tourism-dependent Sri Lanka is battling the coronavirus pandemic. On Thursday, total confirmed COVID-19 infections in the country increased to 268,676 and the death toll was 3,351, according to health ministry data.

(Reporting by Waruna Karunatilake in Colombo; Writing by Neha Arora; Editing by Rupam Jain and Mike Collett-White)
ST. PETERSBURG  As murders in St. Petersburg quickly mount, police have a message for people who keep guns in their cars: Secure them.

Of the 150 firearms stolen throughout the city since the start of the year, 111 were taken from vehicles, Assistant Chief Mike Kovacsev told the City Council on Thursday. In the vast majority of those gun theft cases, Kovacsec said, gun owners left their vehicles unlocked with firearms inside.

Then, those end up in the hands of individuals who should not be having those guns, he said.

While police say crime across the city is down, homicides have risen sharply. The 20 homicides that have occurred so far this year already eclipse the 15 that occurred through all of 2020. Just Tuesday, 27-year-old Eric Thornhill Chavis was shot and killed at Leannes Rental Hall.

At current rates, the total number of homicides by years end will soundly pass the high mark shown in police data from the last two decades: 30 murders in 2005.

Kovacsev said that getting gun owners to lock their car doors could help address St. Petersburgs homicide spike.

Council member Darden Rice suggested the city use public service announcements to make citizens aware of what she described as an epidemic of unlocked cars that have loaded weapons in them.

I mean, come on. Lets not be dumb here. These guns are finding their ways to the streets, she said.

Although gun thefts occur opportunistically, when thieves try to open car doors and find them unlocked, Kovacsev said some gun thefts are more intentionally committed by people like juveniles, who cant legally obtain firearms. More rarely, thieves break windows to get into locked cars where valuables, like purses and computer bags, have been left in plain sight  with a gun inside.

When thieves find firearms in cars, they often sell them, the assistant chief said. With more illegally owned guns in circulation, altercations that might otherwise result in fistfights can end with shooting, and sometimes even homicides.

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It does have an impact. The weapons are out there, Kovacsev said.

Through June, St. Petersburg gun thefts are on track to hit a yearly high not met since 2017, data shared by police spokesperson Yolanda Fernandez shows. The number of guns taken from vehicles is on course to be the highest in the five years since 2016, the only years for which such data was reviewed.

Council member Brandi Gabbard asked Kovacsev if gun owners whose firearms are stolen and then used in crimes face any penalties. There are no such penalties, Kovacsev said, adding that some people argue penalties could discourage gun owners from reporting thefts when their weapons are stolen.

The whole responsible gun ownership piece of it is something that I think we as a city really need to get a handle on, Gabbard said.

Gabbard told the Tampa Bay Times that the city should work to educate gun owners on the need to secure firearms in their vehicles, adding that preemptive state policy doesnt allow the city to pass any potential penalties.

St. Petersburg police have recovered 40 stolen firearms so far this year, Kovacsev said.

Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders said Thursday that the city must take a more cognitive look at the reasons shooting deaths have surged.

Yes, leaving cars unlocked, absolutely. But conflict resolution, the -isms that have arised out of the pandemic, and the lack of having certain resources that all of our residents need to be a productive part of our city play an important role, Figgs-Sanders said.

As she linked St. Petersburg gun violence to gun violence nationwide, Figgs-Sanders praised local efforts to address the issue, including a new violence-prevention initiative called the Hidden Voices Project. The collaboration between the city and a local nonprofit will involve community members going door to door to provide education and resources to people impacted by recent shootings.

City police officers will also work with children as young as two or three-years-old in a new program Figgs-Sanders called the Preschool Officers Program. The effort is aimed at desensitizing kids to the fear and intimidation of those in uniform, she said.

It has to be systematic, it has to be intentional, it has to be a community effort.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  All-Star Juan Soto is getting warmed up for the Home Run Derby.

Yeah, (heck) yeah! the Washington Nationals hitting star said after muscling an opposite-field, three-run homer on the ninth pitch of Wednesday night's 15-5 win against the San Diego Padres. Its going to be a nice experience and Im going to enjoy it as much as I can."

Soto announced earlier in the day that he'd participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday night at Coors Field. Hours later, his shot to to left-center gave the Nationals a 3-0 lead three batters into the game. It was his 11th.

Padres right-hander Chris Paddack got into trouble right away when he hit Alcides Escobar with his seventh pitch and then allowed Trea Turner's single ahead of Soto's first-pitch homer that had just enough to clear the fence.

If I hit it hard in the air, Im always thinking it has a chance, Soto said. So weve been working on it. I get it in the air enough to go over the wall and Im just happy that happened.

Lefty Patrick Corbin appreciated the early run support.

Every time he hits the ball it seems like its 110 (mph) off the bat," Corbin said. "Hes at his best when he hits it left-center there, stays on the ball and hits it hard. When you can do that and still hit homers the other way, youre just not as fooled as much at the plate. Theres a reason hes one of the best hitters in the game.

Paddack (4-6) threw 31 pitches in the first inning en route to one of the worst starts in his three-year career. He allowed nine runs, eight earned, and nine hits on 75 pitches in two-plus innings. He struck out two and walked one.

The right-hander was coming off his longest outing of the season, seven innings at Philadelphia on Friday, which followed his previous shortest of the season, 2 1/3 innings against Arizona. Neither of those outings resulted in a decision.

Paddack struck out the first two batters in the second but then allowed the next five batters to reach. Josh Bell and Starlin Castro hit consecutive two-run singles to make it 7-0.

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Padres manager Jayce Tingler let Paddack hit for himself in the second and he came out for the third, but failed to get an out. Josh Harrison hit a leadoff single and scored on Victor Robles' double. Paddack committed an error trying to field Corbin's bunt and was lifted for Nabil Crismatt. Escobar had an RBI grounder.

Josh Harrison had an RBI single in the fourth to make it 10-0. He added a two-run double in the four-run eighth to finish with three hits and three RBIs.

Corbin (6-7) held the Padres to two runs and seven hits in six innings, with three strikeouts and two walks.

Manny Machado hit an RBI single with two outs in the fifth before being lifted for a pinch-runner. Eric Hosmer, who grounded out with the bases loaded to end the first, homered off Corbin leading off the sixth, his seventh.

San Diego's Trent Grisham hit a two-run homer in the ninth, his 11th.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Nationals: Reinstated RHP Daniel Hudson from the 10-day injured list and optioned RHP Andres Machado to Triple-A Rochester.

UP NEXT

The four-game series will conclude Thursday night with a marquee matchup between RHP Max Scherzer (7-4, 2.10 ERA) of the Nationals and All-Star Yu Darvish (7-3, 2.65) of the Padres. Scherzer is a three-time Cy Young Award winner. Darvish finished second in voting last year for the NL Cy Young Award.

___

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Jul. 7New Mexico State Police say a shooting involving the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in a neighborhood off Bishops Lodge Road northeast of the city left a suspect dead Wednesday morning.

It is the fourth shooting in Santa Fe involving law enforcement in the past two weeks  and the third that turned deadly.

Officer Dusty Francisco, a state police spokesman, confirmed a suspect was killed in the incident at No. 1 Entrada Capulin and said no deputies were injured.

More information about the incident would be released as it became available, Francisco said shortly after the shooting.

By late Wednesday, however, the agency had provided no information, including what had prompted deputies to respond to the home near Tesuque; the identity of the slain suspect and the officers involved; what crime the person was suspected of committing; or even whether a deputy had fired the fatal shot.

Bishops Lodge Road was closed throughout most of the day as officers investigated.

Neighbors of the area, who declined to give their names, said they heard screaming and then gunshots as they were having breakfast outdoors at their home around 8 a.m.

"I was outside on my porch and saw police cars fly by, then I heard two gunshots," one woman said.

Around 7:30 p.m., a blue Chevrolet truck was towed from edge of the driveway of the residence  a modest adobe-style home with a wire fence that stands on the corner of the street.

A bouquet of flowers was laid at the foot of a tree outside the fence.

Officers walked to and from the back of the home while others wrapped up crime scene tape near the driveway.

State police also are investigating the three other recent officer-involved shootings.

While details have emerged in two of the incidents, the agency has so far refused to release information in another fatality involving the sheriff's office and has failed to provide a reason for withholding it.

Santa Fe County sheriff's deputies killed a man late at night June 23 at Siler Road and Rufina Court after he brandished a gun. The man was suspected of driving a stolen truck and led deputies on two separate chases that day, according to state police.

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Amid the second chase, the man got out of the stolen truck on Siler Road and pointed a gun at deputies, state police said. They fired back several times, striking him and riddling the truck with bullet holes.

The man's body lay for hours on the road as state police investigated.

The agency has not released the man's name or the names of the deputies involved in his death.

"Investigation into this incident is active and ongoing," Francisco wrote in an email late Wednesday. "As soon as investigators provide us with updated information on the incident and the deceased suspect, we will send it out via press release."

The comment is one the agency has repeated multiple times since the shooting.

Francisco did not respond to a request for an explanation on why the man's name has not been released.

Asked to provide the deputies' names, Francisco wrote, "Identities of officers involved are not released until after interviews have been conducted."

Earlier June 23, Santa Fe police Sgt. Bradley Lopez shot and killed Francisco Javier Lino-Gutierrez, 29, of Lamy on Old Santa Fe Trail downtown near the Loretto Chapel.

Lino-Gutierrez was a suspect in a shooting that morning at nearby De Vargas Park. He led officers on a foot chase through the downtown area and then pointed a gun at them before he was shot, state police said.

A woman also suspected in the De Vargas Park shooting, which left a woman with a neck wound, faces a charge of attempted murder and other counts.

Kalin Addison, 20, told officers she hadn't meant to pull the trigger and had been drinking and using methamphetamine that day, according to a criminal complaint.

On Sunday, state police officers shot and injured 40-year-old Jaime Bravo in a neighborhood on the city's south side.

A criminal complaint said a Santa Fe police officer responded to a request for a welfare check on a man sitting on railroad tracks near the N.M. 599 exit of Interstate 25 and encountered Bravo, who pointed a gun at the officer and then fled.

State police were called in to assist and found Bravo nearby.

Bravo began to flee again and fired at least one shot toward state police officers, who returned fire and struck him, the criminal complaint said.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment and now faces three counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer and two counts of evading an officer.
The final piece of evidence documenting the pandemic-driven missing generation of college students was released today: a sharp rise in the number of students failing to return to college.

We can now add increased attrition of 2019 freshmen to the severe impacts of the pandemic, said Doug Shapiro, executive director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Related: College Enrollment Continues to Plunge, Marking the Worst Single-Year Decline Since 2011

The independent Clearinghouse collects the nations most authoritative college-going data. By matching high school graduation records against college enrollment records, the Clearinghouse determines which high school graduates enroll in college, which persist through the college years, and which end up earning degrees.

The data released today shows that of the 2.6 million students who entered college as first-time freshmen in the fall of 2019, 74 percent returned for their second year  an unprecedented two percentage point drop, the lowest level since 2012.

Not surprisingly, community colleges showed the steepest decline in persistence rates, down 3.5 percentage points to 58.5 percent. Community colleges attract a disproportionate number of low-income and minority students, and they have seen the most dramatic enrollment and persistence drops.

Persistence and retention rates fell greatest for part-time students in two-year community colleges. (National Student Clearinghouse Research Center)

In most cases, the explanations are straightforward: These students needed to get jobs  even low-skill, low-paying jobs  to support their families. In theory, these students could return to college now that the pandemic has eased, but theres little evidence in enrollment trends to suggest this is happening.

Instead, they appear to be forming a missing generation of college students, an unprecedented phenomenon likely to affect the nations productivity rate for years. Any countrys international competitiveness is forecast by the skills acquired by young people entering the workforce.

Before todays data release, there was ample evidence to suggest a missing generation was taking shape. This spring, overall college enrollment fell by 603,000 students, from 17.5 million to 16.9 million  a drop that is seven times worse than the year before when the pandemic first hit and marks the sharpest year-over-year decline since 2011, the first year the Clearinghouse began keeping track.

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While the pandemic was expected to eat away at college enrollment, many experts were surprised that a quick recovery in college-going never materialized. Todays data from the Clearinghouse only makes that news grimmer.

Related: New Data: Sharp Declines in Community College Enrollment Are Being Driven By Disappearing Male Students

These losses erase recent improvements that colleges have made in keeping learners on track early, said Shapiro. They will ripple through higher education for years.

Related: Sign up for The 74s newsletter
By Giulio Piovaccari and Ben Klayman

MILAN/DETROIT (Reuters) -Stellantis, the world's No. 4 automaker, said on Thursday it plans to invest more than 30 billion euros ($35.54 billion) through 2025 on electrifying its vehicle lineup.

The company, which was formed in January from the merger of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, said its strategy will be supported by five battery plants in Europe and North America as it gears up to compete with electric vehicle (EV) leader Tesla and other automakers globally.

"This transformation period is a wonderful opportunity to reset the clock and start a new race," Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said on a webcast. "The group is at full speed on its electrification journey."

Stellantis said at its "EV Day 2021" that it is targeting more than 70% of sales in Europe and over 40% in the United States to be low-emission vehicles - either battery or hybrid electric - by 2030. It aims to make the total cost of owning an EV equal to that of a gasoline-powered model by 2026.

It said all 14 of its vehicle brands - including Peugeot, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and Opel - will offer fully electrified vehicles. Another focus will be electrifying its commercial vehicle lineup, and rolling out hydrogen fuel-cell medium vans by the end of 2021.

Stellantis said on Thursday that one of the five battery plants will be at its engine facility in Termoli, Italy, joining previously announced factories in Germany and France. The automaker has also said it will put one in the United States.

It wants to secure more than 130 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery capacity by 2025 and more than 260 GWh by 2030. Stellantis said it has signed memorandums of understanding with two lithium geothermal brine process partners in North America and Europe to ensure supplies of lithium, a critical raw material for batteries.

Stellantis said it is targeting cutting battery pack costs by more than 40% from 2020 to 2024 and by more than an additional 20% by 2030. It plans to use two battery chemistries by 2024 - a high energy-density option and a nickel cobalt-free alternative. By 2026, it intends to introduce solid-state batteries.

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The automaker said its EVs will be built on four electric platforms and have driving ranges of 500 to 800 km (300 to 500 miles) on a single charge and fast charging capability of 32 km (20 miles) per minute.

MERGER SYNERGIES

At a separate EV strategy event last week, French rival Renault said 90% of its main brand models would be all-electric by 2030, whereas previously it had included hybrids in its target.

Germany's Volkswagen, the world's second-biggest automaker after Toyota, expects all-electric vehicles to account for 55% of its total sales in Europe by 2030, and more than 70% of sales at its Volkswagen brand.

General Motors Co said last month it planned to spend $35 billion through 2025 on electric and self-driving vehicles. It has set a target of selling all new light cars and trucks with zero tailpipe emissions by 2035.

Earlier on Thursday, Stellantis flagged that 2021 got off to a better-than-expected start despite a global semiconductor chip shortage.

Stellantis said its margins on adjusted operating profits in the first half of 2021 were expected to exceed an annual target of between 5.5% and 7.5%, despite production losses due to the semiconductor supply crunch.

It said synergies from its merger were well on track to exceed the first year's target and would help to contribute to a positive cash flow for the year as a whole. Stellantis has promised more than 5 billion euros ($5.9 billion) in annual synergies.

Shares of Stellantis extended losses after the automaker's EV announcement and were last down about 3.2% in Milan.

($1 = 0.8442 euros)

(Additional reporting by Clement Martinot, and Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by Agnieszka Flak, David Clarke and Paul Simao)
A heroin user

Drug addicts who turn to petty crime such as shoplifting should be spared prison, a government review has recommended.

Dame Carol Blacks review warns that too many drug users are cycling in and out of prison without being rehabilitated or their abuse being treated effectively.

She said the Government should use alternatives to prison such as community sentences with treatment orders that can help lesser offenders who were guilty of crimes such as low-level thefts or criminal damage.

Her review, commissioned by Sajid Javid when he was the Home Secretary, revealed the drugs market was driving most of the nations crimes, with half of all homicides and half of acquisitive crimes linked to drugs.

People with serious drug addiction occupy one in three prison places.

But Dame Carol said: Rarely are prison sentences a restorative experience. Our prisons are overcrowded, with limited meaningful activity, drugs easily available, and insufficient treatment.

'Costly cycle of addiction and offending'

Discharge brings little hope of an alternative way of life. Diversions from prison, and meaningful aftercare, have both been severely diminished and this trend must be reversed to break the costly cycle of addiction and offending.

The Ministry of Justices white paper committed to greater use of diversion schemes where an offender agrees to undergo treatment and community service in return for avoiding jail - but can be sent to prison if they breach the order.

But Dame Carol said it needed to be put into action now, with some 550 million in extra funding for drug treatment within the next five years to boost treatment services.

She also warned that too many offenders were being released from jail without the appropriate support, which meant they returned to crime.

Dame Carol recommended that all prisoners on release should have ID, a bank account and the ability to claim benefits, while those with drug problems should also get support in the community so they continued with their treatment.

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Her review estimated there were 300,000 opiate or crack cocaine users in England, and around one million people using cocaine per year. It also determined the illicit drugs market in the UK was worth 9.4 billion a year, but costs society more than double that figure.

If health considerations, the cost of crime and societal impacts are combined, the total cost of illegal drugs is 19 billion annually.

She recommended that drug addiction should be treated as a chronic health condition like diabetes, hypertension or rheumatoid arthritis because it required long-term follow-up.

Discharge after short-term treatment is currently used as a measure of success, but should be stopped, as it ignores the fundamental relapsing and remitting nature of the condition, said Dame Carol.

Focus on middle-class cocaine users

She warned that society could no longer turn a blind eye to the scale of the problem - and particularly the emerging threat from cocaine among middle-class users who did not believe they had a drug problem.

A million people use powder cocaine each year and the market is worth around 2 billion, she said.

The vast majority of users do not see themselves as having a drug problem and they are unlikely to come forward for treatment.

However, they are causing considerable harm to others through the supply chain, both here and abroad. This is a difficult group to influence but, as the Covid pandemic has so clearly shown, behavioural and attitudinal shifts in health behaviour are possible.

We need to invest now in an innovation fund to test out which marketing and behavioural interventions could work in the UK, building on evidence from abroad.

The Government said it would be setting up a new drugs unit to help end illegal drug-related illness and deaths and that it would consider her recommendations before presenting its response on what urgent action can be taken".
An Indiana gas station clerk chased a shoplifter into the parking lot and shot him in the face, Indianapolis police told local news outlets.

Vincent Bibbs, a 49-year-old Speedway convenience store clerk, has been charged with murder, WISH reported.

Before midnight on June 29, Bibbs confronted Damon McClain, 49, after he spotted him putting four packs of Red Bull in a garbage bag and heading out the door without paying, the TV station reported.

Instead of letting McClain leave with the energy drinks, Bibbs follows after him, the Indianapolis Star reported. One witness told police he heard Bibbs talking to McClain, saying just give it back, just give it back.

Witnesses saw McClain get into a car and tried to drive away, but Bibbs pulled out a 9mm handgun, ran up to the driver-side window and fired a shot, the Star reported.

The bullet struck McClain in the head.

Bibbs went back inside the store, helped two customers, and then called police, WISH reported.

When police arrived at the gas station, they found McClain dead in the car, according to the Indianapolis Star. At the scene, officers also found several four packs of Red Bull, a 9mm pistol and a spent bullet casing of the same caliber.

We value life over property. So, no ones life is worth four Red Bulls, a lawyer, who isnt connected to the case, told WXIN, explaining Bibbs legal situation.

In the state of Indiana, you cannot use deadly force to stop someone from stealing property, the lawyer said, adding that deadly force is only applicable in very limited circumstances.

The law is pretty clear, but we have to look through the eyes of the store clerk. What was he thinking at the time he confronted the shoplifter, they told WXIN. Was he trying to stop the shoplifter just because he was stealing Red Bulls, or was he in fear for his life?

According to the Star, while Bibbs initially denied he had any role in the shooting, he later admitted to police that he aimed the gun at McClain and it just went off.

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Bibbs has also been charged with carrying a handgun without a license, WISH reported.

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The Texas legislature is taking up restrictive voting legislation in a July special session. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Texas lawmakers are taking up legislation to tighten voting and election rules in a special session.

And conservatives in the legislature got a boost from a major Supreme Court decision.

The court raised the bar to prove racial discrimination in voting under the Voting Rights Act.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Texas lawmakers are reconvening for a special session beginning Thursday to take on a laundry list of conservative priorities including election reform - and Republicans in the legislature just got a boost from the US Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court took up the case Brnovich vs. Democratic National Committee to determine whether two Arizona voting laws that toss out provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct and make it a felony offense to return another person's mail ballot (with limited exceptions) violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

In a 6-3 decision with a majority opinion authored by Justice Samuel Alito, the Court upheld both laws under Section 2 and set new guidelines that make it more difficult to show voting rights violations under the law. Section 2 bans voting policies that "deny or abridge" the right to vote based on race, encompassing intentional and unintentional discrimination.

The Texas legislature is picking up where it left off in a high-stakes fight over election legislation. House Democrats successfully killed Republicans' previous proposal, Senate Bill 7, at the end of the regular legislative session in May by walking out of the chamber to deny the quorum necessary to pass the bill and running out the clock until the end of the session.

House Republicans unveiled their proposed special session election bill, HB 3, on Wednesday night. The Senate is expected to shortly file their bill, SB 1, and begin hearings on Saturday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said.

The House's proposed bill, like SB 7, would require voters to provide an identification number when requesting an absentee ballot, further criminalize paid ballot collection, increase the powers of partisan election observers, and ban several of the ways that predominately Democratic Harris County expanded (or tried to expand) voting access during COVID-19.

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The law would prohibit officials from holding voting for 24 hours a day during early voting, ban drive-thru voting, and make it a felony for election officials to send out unsolicited absentee ballot applications to voters.

Former Harris County clerk Chris Collins has said that voters of color made up the majority of those who took advantage of all-night and drive-thru voting, which makes those provisions vulnerable to lawsuits under Section 2 if they stay in the final bill.

In this Nov. 2, 2020, file photo, demonstrator Gina Dusterhoft holds up a sign as she walks to join others standing across the street from the federal courthouse in Houston, before a hearing in federal court involving drive-thru ballots cast in Harris County. AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File

A legal fight will likely follow the legislative one.

Any voting legislation passed will almost certainly be the subject of lawsuits from civil rights groups and possibly the Department of Justice, which is taking on restrictive voting laws with a renewed vigor under President Joe Biden and recently filed a Section 2 lawsuit against Georgia over its major GOP-backed election bill.

Texas is also no stranger to high-profile Section 2 litigation: The state lost a big lawsuit over its formerly much-stricter voter ID law in 2016.

Two Texas House Democrats offered differing views to Insider on whether the Court's decision curtailing the reach of Section 2 will embolden Republicans to pass a more restrictive bill.

Rep. John Bucy argued that Democrats' walkout forced some Republicans to concede some parts of the bill, including previously-proposed limits to Sunday voting hours and making it easier for losing candidates to overturn elections, weakening the GOP's starting position coming into the special session.

HB 3 also includes provisions advocated by Democrats to allow voters to fix problems with their absentee ballots and to lessen criminal penalties for voters who unknowingly voted while not eligible, a response to the prosecution of Crystal Mason.

"I think the pressure is on them to tone it down, come back to the negotiating table, and see where we're at. The ball's in their court, they're going to file the bill, but I don't anticipate this getting worse," Bucy said.

But his colleague Rep. Art Fierro was far less optimistic, arguing that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's upcoming reelection campaign raises the chances of a harsher bill.

"They have 83 members who are going to pass a very strong, restrictive, voter suppression bill," Fierro told Insider of the Republicans in the state House. "I hope that my friend [Bucy] is correct, but I don't have any confidence that the bill's going to get better before it hits the floor again."

In this May 6, 2021, file photo, a group opposing new voter legislation gather outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas AP Photo/Eric Gay, File

How proposed legislation could fare under the Court's latest decision.

The Supreme Court set five new "guideposts" for how courts should approach Section 2 lawsuits that raise the bar for litigants to show that a given law causes discriminatory effects and give states more leeway to defend voting restrictions.

The majority opinion said courts should consider:

If the law imposes more than the "usual burdens" of voting. The majority reasoned that since voting necessarily involves some cost (like getting to the polls or putting a ballot in the mail), plaintiffs should show that the law causes more than "mere inconvenience." In a non-pandemic context especially, it might be harder to argue that not holding early voting at 3 am or banning drive-thru voting meets that standard.

How the law in question compares to voting and election laws in 1982, when Congress last amended Section 2. This new standard could make it more difficult for plaintiffs to challenge restrictive voting laws since very few states offered in-person early voting or no-excuse absentee voting back in the 1980s. Still, it could cause courts to view rules that largely did not exist back in the 80s, like voter ID laws, in a different light, as The New York Times' Nate Cohn recently pointed out. That section of the majority opinion also said that courts should place greater weight on policies that have been in effect for longer and are in generally widespread use, like precinct-based voting systems. The expansions of 24-hour voting and drive-thru voting are not longstanding policy but were enacted for the first time in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and are not as common as precinct voting, for example.

How big of a racial disparity a given policy creates. The Court's majority stipulated that "small disparities" in access "should not be artificially magnified" and argued that the plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit against Arizona did not present sufficient statistical evidence to show that the ballot collection ban had a disparate impact on Native Americans. If provisions limiting all-night and drive-thru voting are signed into law, the evidence on how much they affect voters of color will likely be a major flashpoint point in a Section 2 lawsuit.

How easy or difficult it is to vote overall in the state. The syllabus in Brnovich begins with "Arizona generally makes it very easy to vote." This is not the case in Texas, which last year was ranked the hardest state to vote in the nation in a cost-of-voting index devised by a group of political scientists. Texas has a voter registration deadline 30 days out from Election Day, doesn't offer online, automatic, or same-day voter registration, requires an excuse to vote absentee, has closed hundreds of polling sites over the past decade, and mandates a photo ID to vote.

The state's interest in preventing voter and election fraud. The Court placed significant weight on lawmakers' interest in preemptively preventing fraud in upholding Arizona's ballot collection ban, which is good news for legislators in Texas aiming to further criminalize certain forms of ballot collection. But provisions limiting 24-hour early voting and drive-thru voting, for example, might have a more difficult time holding up under the guise of preventing fraud, which is far rarer with in-person than mail voting.



Read the original article on Business Insider
MOSCOW (Reuters) - A delegation of the Afghan Taliban's political office was in Moscow on Thursday, Russia's Interfax news agency cited a source as saying.

The report gave no further details. There has been a rapid deterioration in security in Afghanistan as the Taliban have made gains while the United States withdraws its forces after 20 years.

(Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Peter Graff)
Kabul  President Biden was to speak on Thursday about the situation in Afghanistan as America's involvement in its longest-ever war draws to an end. Mr. Biden is expected to say that the U.S. withdrawal is complete, but a force of around 1,000 troops will remain in country to provide security at the U.S. Embassy and Kabul International Airport.

But the Taliban militants the U.S. has spent two decades battling are now pushing toward provincial cities, bringing their battle with Afghan security forces ever closer to regional capitals.

Afghan commando units were back on patrol Thursday in the capital of Badghis Province, in western Afghanistan  just a day after they beat back Taliban militants who tried to storm the city.

An Afghan soldier stands guard along a road amid ongoing fighting with Taliban fighters in the western city of Qala-i- Naw, the capital of Afghanistan's Badghis province, July 8, 2021. / Credit: AFP via Getty

Unverified videos posted on social media appeared to show Taliban fighters speeding toward the center of Qala-i-Naw city on motorcycles. Amid the chaos, there was a jailbreak at the local prison.

With heavy gunfire still ringing out, the provincial governor tried to reassure residents: "Keep your composure and I promise you, we will defend the city."

The battle was the closest the Taliban has come to toppling a provincial capital since 2015, and it was part of an offensive that has seen the insurgency advance across the country at lightning speed.

Amid widespread surrenders, desertions and mass retreats by Afghan army soldiers  including more than 1,000 who fled across the border to neighboring Tajikistan  National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib insisted earlier this week that his troops had begun returning to their posts.

"They are being brought back. People are standing," he told reporters. "There is war, there is pressure. Sometimes things work in our way, sometimes they don't."

Defense officials tell CBS News that the Taliban is surrounding provincial capitals like Qala-i-Naw for now, waiting it out until U.S. troops are gone for good, and the threat of immediate airstrikes coming to the Afghan forces' rescue is diminished.

Story continues

The Afghan troops have been redeployed to defend the cities, setting the stage for a showdown.

Experts say areas with low COVID vaccine rates put U.S. at risk

Wisconsin art exhibit helps heal racial divisions

America's longest war ending with full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan by August 31
After a tumultuous debut of his namesake restaurant over the past year, Chicagos Tamale Guy will bring his beloved tamales to Lone Wolf, a bar in the West Loop, and go back to roaming the Chicago bar scene, tamale cooler in hand, at night.

Claudio Velez, known for decades as the Tamale Guy who sold his homemade wares out of coolers at Chicago bars, will take over the kitchen at Lone Wolf, 806 W. Randolph St., starting July 16.

Hes excited to go back out to the bars with his red cooler, which is what he loves, said Velezs son, Osmar Abad Cruz, spokesperson for his fathers new company. Velez is now CEO of the Authentic Tamale Guy.

Father and son plan to go out together beginning July 24, possibly hitting Damen Tavern or Rainbo Club on the old Tamale Guy route around the West Town area.

The Lone Wolf partnership, billed as a residency, will continue at least through December, said Hannah Turnbaugh Compton, a spokesperson for Lone Wolf and its restaurant group, Heisler Hospitality.

Knowing the challenges that Claudio has faced with past partnerships, it was important to both Claudio and Heisler that this partnership allowed him full autonomy of his finances, operations and brand, Turnbaugh Compton said. Claudio will run the kitchen independently from the bar, however Lone Wolf guests will have front-row access to Claudios legendary tamales.

Velez will have the option to renew the partnership every six months, Turnbaugh Compton said.

When Velez was asked Thursday how he was feeling, after contracting COVID-19 in August, he said in a mix of Spanish and English, Completamente great.

Velez used to go out six days a week, but will now reduce his outings to Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, his son said Thursday.

He says hes great, but hes still recovering, Abad Cruz said. Its not the same anymore, and he gets tired really quick.

What will be the same are pork, chicken, and salsa verde cheese tamales. Eventually, theyll add Velezs mothers tacos on weekends.

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Meanwhile, Velez is still fighting a legal battle with his Tamale Guy Chicago restaurant co-owners Pierre and Kristin Vega. The restaurant remains closed temporarily in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago.

The restaurant seemed a dream come true for the man who sold tamales from bar to bar for years. With help from a community-driven GoFundMe campaign, which raised over $36,000, it opened in August with fanfare and fans waiting in lines 10 blocks long for hours.

Two weeks later, Velez was hospitalized due to COVID and placed on a ventilator. Business partner Kristin Vega launched another GoFundMe campaign for his medical expenses, raising over $56,000.

Velez spent more than a month in the hospital. When he was released in October, the fanfare and fans returned, this time with doctors and nurses lining the halls at Rush University Medical Center to applaud him on his way out.

In March, Velez filed a lawsuit against the Vegas, accusing the couple of scheming to freeze him out of the restaurant, while continuing to profit off his likeness and tamale recipes. The Vegas denied all of Velezs allegations.

Im incredibly and eternally grateful for everything that the community has done for me, Velez said, with his son translating. Im not asking for any more fundraisers. No more. None of that. I just want people to come see me at the restaurant and get my food and just continue the support that theyve always given me.

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A Texas judge earlier this year ordered that a Muslim woman seeking a divorce appear before a tribunal governed by Sharia, a move that her lawyers said was unconstitutional.

In March, Collin County District Judge Andrea Thompson ordered that Mariam Ayad, a woman attempting to divorce her husband, Ayad Hashim Latif, forgo the usual legal paths and instead submit to arbitration under a Fiqh panel, governed by a traditional Muslim group based in Saudi Arabia. Thompson's reasoning rested on a prenuptial agreement between the two in which Ayad agreed to allow her marriage to be arbitrated according to Sharia.

TRUDEAU CALLS KILLING OF MUSLIM FAMILY IN ONTARIO A 'TERROR ATTACK'

Ayad said that when she signed the document, she did not realize that she was submitting to Sharia, according to court documents. Instead, she said she thought she was signing two copies of a marriage acknowledgment form. Under Sharia, a woman's testimony in divorce proceedings is worth half of a man's, making her plea to be removed from that agreement especially urgent, her attorneys wrote.

Ayad argued that she should be released from the agreement because she did not sign it voluntarily and because the agreement itself violates the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment. Under the agreement, her husband has the sole right to seek or deny a divorce and Ayad "will not have a meaningful right to be heard," her attorneys wrote.

Thompson, however, ruled in March that the agreement was binding. A revised order in June reaffirmed that decision, but it removed explicit references to the Fiqh panel, according to court documents. Under the order, Ayad's divorce case falls under the jurisdiction of the Islamic Association of North Texas, one of the largest Muslim groups in the state.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Thompson did not respond to a request for comment.

Ayad's attorneys took the case to a Texas appeals court, arguing that the Sharia proceedings are in direct conflict with United States divorce law. The agreement itself, they added, is "unconscionable" and in opposition to Texas law as well.

Story continues

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Texas, Court, Islam, Judge, Divorce

Original Author: Nicholas Rowan

Original Location: Texas judge denies woman divorce proceedings in favor of Sharia tribunal
Thailand had last year been seen as successful in combating the virus

Thailand's plan to re-open the country to foreign tourists in about 100 days has been thrown into doubt as it sees a new spike in Covid cases.

Some 7,000 cases and 75 deaths were reported on Thursday, a daily record for the country.

Thailand had last year seen success in combating the virus, with cases at one point dwindling to single digits.

But a spike in cases, linked to the highly infectious Delta strain, means its plans might have to be put on hold.

The rise in cases have put the country's medical system under strain - with reports suggesting that many hospitals have already run out of beds for critically ill patients.

Authorities announced earlier this week that they planned to convert a terminal at its airport into a field hospital with an intensive-care unit. The hospital will provide at least 5,000 beds.

Tourism hopes dashed by rising cases

Once a bustling holiday hotspot, Thailand's tourist industry has been hit especially hard by the pandemic.

Last month, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha set a 120-day target for the country to be fully reopened, with all businesses back to normal and freedom for vaccinated tourists to travel across the country.

He said Thailand could not "wait for a time when everyone is fully vaccinated with two shots, or for when the world is free of the virus, to reopen".

Earlier last week, Thailand opened its doors to its first batch of quarantine-free tourists in Phuket.

International passengers arriving Phuket International Airport

Around 2,000 travellers have entered there since the "Phuket Sandbox" - the island's scheme to revive tourism - began.

On Wednesday, Phuket reported its first overseas Covid-19 case - a male traveller from the United Arab Emirates.

Most of the country's cases, however, can be traced to the capital Bangkok.

Experts say the only way out of this is a lockdown. Stricter curbs have been placed on the city's restaurants and construction sites, but a full lockdown has so far been avoided.

"A strict lockdown is the only way out," Dr Anan Jongkaewwattana, a director of the research unit at the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, told Bloomberg.

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"If this situation continues, the Thai outbreak will be worse than Indonesia's on a per capita basis, with as many as 20,000 cases per day in the next few months," he said.

Bangkok is not yet under a strict lockdown despite a rise in cases

But some businesses say they cannot endure further lockdowns.

"If [my restaurant] closes down, what will I do? Will I have to give up everything I've built and lay off all my staff?" one restaurant owner told the BBC.

The country is also struggling on its vaccination front - failing to meet its monthly vaccination target of 10 million doses. Earlier last week, a senior health official admitted that only 5-6 million doses of the AstraZeneca jab would be available in Thailand.

The director of the National Vaccine Institute said the country would have to secure vaccines from other manufacturers in order to meet its goal.

According to the BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok, there is growing public anger over the government's failure to order enough vaccines - with vaccines having run out in many areas.

Around 15% of Thailand's population has received at least one vaccine dose - with 4.3% of that total having received both shots.
WASHINGTON  A top lawyer for America's cyberwarrior force is calling publicly for military operations against transnational criminal hackers, shedding light on a debate inside and outside the government about how best to deal with ransomware and other virtual threats.

Kurt Sanger, a Marine lieutenant colonel serving as general counsel at U.S. Cyber Command, argues in an article published last week on Lawfare.com that the disruptions from ransomware and other criminal hacking threats have become so harmful to national security that using military force against them  with lines of code, not bombs and bullets, as weapons  is justified and legal.

"Under ideal conditions, law enforcement organizations would address any type of criminal activity; however, in cyberspace, ideal conditions rarely prevail," Sanger writes with a co-author, Peter Pascucci, a judge advocate with the rank of commander in the Navy. "Transnational crimes, of varying scale and sophistication, can surpass the capacity of U.S. federal law enforcement to take immediate action. ... Operational opportunities often must be seized immediately by whatever entity is best positioned to do so."

The article includes a standard disclaimer that the views are those of the authors, not the U.S. government. But it was significant that Sanger, who has been laboring in the legal trenches of military cyber operations for years, came out publicly and forcefully in favor of hacking the hackers.

For years, successive administrations have been reluctant to respond forcefully with cyber weapons to hacking by either nations or criminals, in part because the U.S. is uniquely vulnerable in cyberspace and leaders feared the implications of a potential retaliation and escalation.

The authors framed the piece as a response to a Lawfare article by Jason Healey, a former White House cyber adviser who is now senior research scholar at Columbia University's School for International and Public Affairs.

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Healey had argued that a military cyber operation against criminal hackers should be considered only in the rare event that it met a five-part test that requires the threat to be imminent, extremely dangerous and linked to major nation-state adversaries.

"If implemented, Healey's five-part test would significantly disadvantage the United States and take major assets out of the president's hands," Sanger and Pascucci write. "The self-restraint imposed by this test is ill fit given the nature of cybercrime, the nature of cyberspace targets, and the threats cybercrime poses to the nation and its interests."

Such self-restraint may be "exactly what U.S. adversaries hope for when committing lawfare and engaging in gray zone operations," they write.

"Gray zone operations" refers to efforts by nation-states to use proxies and other deniable means to inflict pain on adversaries to an extent that is just short of an act of war, with the idea of limiting possible retaliation.

Traditionally, U.S. law and policy call for the military to be used against foreign and terrorist threats. But there have been real-world exceptions, as when Navy SEALs rescued a ship captured by Somali pirates.

Typically, the FBI investigates cybercrime with an eye toward prosecution. Military cyber operations against criminal hacking networks appear to have been extremely rare.

"We tend to divide cyber bad actors into different categories, and that sort of dictates who responds," said Gary Brown, a professor of cyber law at National Defense University and a former counsel to Cyber Command.

Last fall, according to people briefed on the matter, Cyber Command took down a huge botnet run by Russian-speaking hackers in the biggest known example of a military cyber operation against criminals.

As first reported by The Washington Post, the operation was justified to protect the 2020 election, because there was intelligence that the botnet could be used to interfere.

The botnet had also been used to install ransomware.

Those kinds of military cyber operations "can absolutely be disruptive" to criminal networks, Brown said, even if they can ultimately restore their operations.

Cyber experts say similar operations could be ordered against, for example, the REvil and DarkSide Russia-based ransomware gangs, which have recently crippled and extorted businesses in the U.S. President Joe Biden is under pressure to act as global businesses try to fend off yet another ransomware attack by REvil, three weeks after Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to crack down on criminal hackers in Russia.

Sanger and Pascucci argue that cybercrime is different in scope from other types of crime, meriting a national response that can include military force.

"Not long ago, it would take a well-resourced armed attack to achieve the strategic impacts that can be produced by some cybercrimes," they write.

The Colonial Pipeline hack, in particular, "highlights the broad and severe impacts criminals can inflict through cyberspace," they add. It was a crime, they say, but also a national security threat.

"The U.S. military's mission is not to carry out military operations. Its mission is to defend the nation," the authors write. "If the United States insists on customary alignment between threats, federal organizations, and capabilities, it certainly will fail to protect its citizens, its interests and its values."

In a statement, a spokesperson for Cyber Command said, "U.S. Cyber Command's roles are to enable our partnerswith the best insights available and act when ordered to disrupt, degrade, or otherwise impose consequences on our adversaries. The command provides optionsbut does not set policy."
WASHINGTON  Japanese automaker Toyota announced Thursday it will stop contributing to Republican members of Congress who on Jan. 6 voted against certifying the 2020 election results after a PAC said it would begin running ads criticizing companies for such donations.

Toyota's decision to donate to those lawmakers after Jan. 6 "troubled some stakeholders," and for that reason "we have decided to stop contributing to those Members of Congress," the company said in a statement.

The move came after an announcement by the Lincoln Project, a PAC formed by Republicans to defeat then-President Donald Trump in 2020, that it would target corporations that donated to Republicans who opposed the formalization of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential victory. An advertisement aimed at Toyota ran on Thursday.

"Toyota made the right choice today," the Lincoln Project posted on Twitter after Toyota's reversal.

The Lincoln Project also criticized the cable company Comcast for refusing to air their advertisement and "opting instead to shield corporate advertisers," the group said in a tweet. Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News. A representative for Comcast did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump and his supporters spent months trying to cast doubt on and overturn the results of the election, culminating in an effort to derail the official counting of Electoral College votes on Jan. 6 when a mob of his supporters attacked the Capitol.

After the mob had been cleared from the building, 147 Republicans voted to sustain the objections to the counting of the results in Arizona.

Toyota had previously defended their donations, saying the contributions were "based on their position on issues that are important to the auto industry and the company."

"We do not believe it is appropriate to judge members of Congress solely based on their votes on the electoral certification. Based on our thorough review, we decided against giving to some members who, through their statements and actions, undermine the legitimacy of our elections and institutions," a company spokesperson said previously.
Toyota Motor Corp. will no longer donate to members of Congress who voted against certifying President Joe Bidens 2020 election win in January, the company said Thursday.

"Toyota is committed to supporting and promoting actions that further our democracy. Our company has long-standing relationships with Members of Congress across the political spectrum, especially those representing our U.S. operations," spokesperson Edward Lewis told The Detroit News via email.

"Our bipartisan PAC equally supports Democrats and Republicans running for Congress. In fact, in 2021, the vast majority of the contributions went to Democrats and Republicans who supported the certification of the 2020 election. We understand that the PAC decision to support select Members of Congress who contested the results troubled some stakeholders. We are actively listening to our stakeholders and, at this time, we have decided to stop contributing to those Members of Congress who contested the certification of certain states in the 2020 election, the statement continues.

More: Toyota tops list of corporate donors to anti-election-certification Republicans in Congress after Capitol insurrection

The decision backtracks on Toyotas previous stance on funding members of Congress who voted not to certify the election. In April, the company told The Detroit News that it did not believe it is appropriate to judge members of Congress solely based on their votes on the electoral certification.

Between then and now, the motor company has donated more than $55,000 to Republicans who opposed certifying the results  more than three times as much as the next biggest donor, according to an analysis by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

More than 140 Congress members voted against certifying the 2020 election, all Republicans, baselesslyclaiming fraud. On Jan. 6, the same day as the certification, pro-Trump rioters, emboldened by widespread misinformation about the 2020 election, stormed the Capitol aiming to stop the formal counting of Electoral College votes.

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Toyota's first donation to an election objector after the Capitol siege was made on Feb. 4  less than a month after Jan. 6  to Rep. Alex Mooney, R-WVa.

"In the months since, corporate and industry interests have had to choose whether to do their part to uphold our democracy by turning off the flow of corporate donations to these members, also known as the Sedition Caucus, or to continue to support them in order to seek political influence," CREW reported. "Many have failed this test, some reneging on a promise to change their giving while others made no commitment and are giving like nothing ever happened."

More: Fact check: What's true about the 2020 election, vote counting, Electoral College

Toyotas decision to cut financial ties with election objectors came after The Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump political action committee, announced it would release a series of ads targeting companies that continued to donate to lawmakers who refused to certify Bidens 2020 win. Toyota was the PACs first target.

Toyota vehicles feature safety detection systems, smartphone integration, and more white nationalism than you might've expected, The Lincoln Project tweeted Thursday alongside its ad targeting Toyota.

After Toyota announced it would cease donations to Congress members that voted against certification, The Lincoln Project tweeted that the company put democracy ahead of transactional politics.

We hope that the rest of Corporate America will follow their lead, the tweet reads.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Toyota will stop giving election objectors political donations
Reuters Videos

An exhausted team of Afghan special forces had no time to recover from an overnight operation in the southern province of Kandahar before responding to an SOS call from a stranded police officer surrounded by Taliban fighters on the outskirts of Kandahar city.The officer, Ahmad Shah, had been held up, alone, for 18 hours and was injured. The rest of his team had surrendered to the Taliban and previous attempts to extract him had failed.Kandahar is one of many provinces to see a recent surge in offensives by the Taliban, which says it wants to be involved in running the country peacefully although it has always opposed the presence of foreign forces.The area where Shah was stranded is a hotly contested one in Kandahar - the birthplace of the Taliban in the 1990s and which continues to be a stronghold for the Islamist insurgents.The special forces team left in a convoy of eight Humvee vehicles carrying between 30 to 40 commandos.Just as the convoy entered the area where Shah was holed up, they came under heavy Taliban fire.A gun battle ensued as the convoy made its way to Shah's location, and he was hurriedly loaded onto one of the convoy vehicles amidst a hail of bullets.There was a series of loud explosions: The first three Humvees had been hit by rocket fire and destroyed. Personnel told Reuters they had been hit by an SPG-82, an anti-tank grenade launcher that is able to disable even armored vehicles.
Former President Donald Trump said Thursday that Big Tech platforms such as Facebook and YouTube are actively coordinating with the government to censor people, which he wants to bring to an end using his new lawsuits.

Trump, who has been banned from most major social media platforms, brought a class-action lawsuit Wednesday against tech giants Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, along with their respective CEOs Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, and Sundar Pichai.

The lawsuits will allow the former president to represent a larger group of affected people who he says have been unfairly censored by problematic content moderation policies caused by the collusion of government and Big Tech, Trump argued in an opinion article in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.

"In effect, Big Tech has been illegally deputized as the censorship arm of the U.S. government," Trump wrote.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS UNVEIL LEGISLATIVE PLAN TO BREAK UP BIG TECH AND STOP CENSORSHIP

Trump said that his lawsuit argues that "Big Tech companies are being used to impose illegal and unconstitutional government censorship," which he claims is occurring due to Democrats in Congress being able to "coerce platforms into censoring their political opponents."

The former president said that Congress has pressured Big Tech CEOs to censor false stories and disinformation, which they do using "an army of partisan fact-checkers loyal to the Democrat Party."

Conservatives, though, have not been constrained by Facebook's fact-checkers on high-profile occasions and often stretch or break the content moderation rules.

Trump also claimed that Big Tech platforms are "actively coordinating" with government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to remove content from social media.

Trump said this "coercion and coordination" between Big Tech companies and the government is unconstitutional and that the Supreme Court has ruled that Congress can not use private actors to achieve what the Constitution prohibits it from doing itself.

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However, the First Amendment's freedom of speech protections do not apply to private organizations and platforms, such as Facebook or Twitter, meaning that Trump's lawsuit is unlikely to succeed, according to a number of prominent First Amendment lawyers.

Trump also claimed that social media giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are manipulating and controlling the national political discourse by censoring content in the past year, including evidence that showed the coronavirus emerged from a Chinese lab, physicians discussing coronavirus treatments such as hydroxychloroquine, and certain articles critical of Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son.

Trump went on to cite people who he said had been unfairly banned from major platforms such as Facebook and YouTube for sharing information that violated their content moderation rules.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

However, just last week, a federal court blocked a controversial Florida social media law from going into effect, saying that forcing online platforms to host political speech violates the First Amendment.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Policy, trump, Class-action lawsuits, Censorship, Big Tech, Government, Facebook, YouTube, Donald Trump twitter, Twitter

Original Author: Nihal Krishan

Original Location: Trump argues lawsuit will stop Big Tech from being 'censorship arm of the US government'
From condo salesman to reality TV host to leader of the free world, Donald Trump has occupied several lifetimes worth of identities over a remarkable career of reinventions. Even so, the billionaire moguls latest metamorphosis  into a consumer-rights plaintiff seeking to regulate big business  is a peculiar one.

With a volley of lawsuits against the operators of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, former President Trump is asking the courts to do what tycoon Trump once would have denounced: tell some of Americas most powerful corporations that they have no choice who they do business with.

As a First Amendment and media law scholar, I believe the former president knows he cant win in court. Heres why  and why even his most ardent supporters dont really want him to.

Screenshot of the Voice of America website headline,

Content moderation rules

After the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by rioters bent on preventing Congress from certifying President Bidens electoral win, all of the major social platforms  Facebook, Twitter and YouTube  pulled the plug on Trumps accounts. The companies cited internal rules about misuse of their platforms to spread misinformation and incite violence.

Trumps lawsuit barrage seeks not just to overturn his own bans but to invalidate a 1996 federal statute, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, that entitles website operators to choose who and what appears on their pages without fear of liability. His attorneys are arguing  creatively, but I believe without much legal foundation  that the Communications Decency Act is unconstitutional in that Congress has given platforms too much speech-policing power.

Section 230 has been called the law that created the internet, as it enables anyone who operates or uses a website  not, as Trump claims, only social media behemoths  to disavow responsibility for what outsiders come onto the site and say.

The law does enable YouTube to deactivate videos, or entire accounts, without assuming ownership of anything libelous that remains viewable. But it also allows the proprietor of a small-town news site to entertain reader comments without being considered the publisher of  and thus liable for  every scurrilous statement that ends up in the comments section.

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Social networks have enforced their content moderation rules spottily and without much transparency. Thats a bad business practice, and its arguably unfair. But the Constitution doesnt offer a remedy for all of lifes adversities. It certainly doesnt offer one for Donald Trump here.

Social media isnt government

Court after court has rejected the argument that because social networks are widely considered  in the Supreme Courts words  the modern public square, speakers are entitled to demand access to their platforms just as they are entitled to use a physical public square. Thats not how the First Amendment works.

The protections of the First Amendment are triggered when a public agency exercises governmental power to restrict peoples speech  what is known as state action. On rare occasions, private organizations can be considered governmental  for instance, when a private hospital or university is given police power to make arrests on its premises.

But operating a video-sharing platform is not a governmental function  and judges have said so, unanimously.

Conservatives, including Trump, cannot possibly want private businesses to be governed by the same constitutional standards that apply to cities and counties. If courts started applying the Bill of Rights to Walmart or McDonalds just because they are large and powerful entities that control a lot of property, those establishments would be forced to welcome even the most disagreeable speakers  lets say, a diner wearing a F*** Trump T-shirt  no matter how many offended customers complain.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, a man with bright blue eyes, brown hair and a wiry hipster beard, speaking on a monitor.

Upending conservative gospel

For decades, conservatives have fought  quite hard and quite successfully in court  to establish that corporations have First Amendment rights equivalent to those of living, breathing people. That includes the corporations operating social media channels.

In a recent essay about democracy in the social media age, I explain how the Communications Decency Act has evolved into the near-impenetrable liability shield that it is today.

In the essay, I describe how the proprietor of a hotel or tavern isnt liable for harm caused by customers visiting the establishment  unless the customer has a known history of dangerousness that the proprietor chooses to ignore. That might offer a split-the-difference path for addressing the worst trolling behavior on social media by repeat bad actors  but, to be clear, its not the law today.

Today, the law unmistakably entitles the Twitters of the world to do just about anything with their customers posts: take them down, leave them up, add warnings or modifiers. If users are aggrieved by the way theyre treated, they can do exactly what theyd do in the offline world: Take their business somewhere else.

[Understand key political developments, each week. Subscribe to The Conversations politics newsletter.]

Old news

The Supreme Court already decisively dealt with this issue a half-century ago, when newspapers and television stations held power over political discourse comparable to that of Facebook and Twitter today. In the case, Miami Herald Publishing Co. v. Tornillo, the justices rejected a state legislative candidates insistence that he was entitled to space in the local newspaper to respond to criticism in two editorial columns.

While the justices acknowledged that a big-city newspaper might have a near-monopoly over information about local elections  sound familiar?  they agreed that the First Amendment would not tolerate commandeering the presses of a private publisher in the interest of government-enforced fairness.

A federal judge in Florida, relying on the Tornillo case, just ordered the state not to enforce a newly enacted anti-deplatforming law enabling any Florida political candidate whose social media posts are hidden, modified or deactivated to sue the platform. The judge concluded that the law violates the First Amendment rights of the platforms by (for example) compelling platforms to let candidates post anything they want, without moderation. Balancing the exchange of ideas among private speakers, the judge wrote, is not a legitimate governmental interest.

The top of the U.S. Supreme Court building.

No one involved with this case could be serious about winning in federal court. But that is not the court to which the former president is playing.

Tilting at Silicon Valley appeals directly to Trumps populist followers, many of whom probably suspect that their own clever tweets failed to go viral only because the system is rigged against them.

But even if, as experts suggest, Trumps case is destined to fail, dismissal would be yet another headline and fundraising hook, along the lines of, You knew those socialist judges were in Hillarys pocket. And even if Trump were ordered to pay Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerbergs attorney fees, theyd have to queue up behind decades worth of unpaid Trump creditors.

As Trump would tweet, if given the chance: So much winning!

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: Frank LoMonte, University of Florida.

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Frank LoMonte 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.
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France has fined Google 500 million euros in the latest twist of a dispute over paying for content. That's about $593 million. Officials say the search giant failed to comply with regulator's orders on how to hold talks with French news publishers. Companies including news agency AFP have accused Google of failing to conduct negotiations in good faith. The talks were supposed to find common ground on how to pay for news stories online. Google said it was very disappointed with the new ruling, but would comply. A spokesperson said the firm had always acted in good faith, and the penalty ignored the reality of how news works on its platforms. Google now has two months to come up with proposals on how to pay news publishers. If it fails to do that, it will face fines of up to 900,000 euros per day.
A mob of supporters of President Donald Trump fight with members of law enforcement at a door they broke open as they storm the Capitol Building in Washington on 6 January 2021 (REUTERS)

Pro-Trump supporters have organised a rally in Florida this weekend at the states Capitol building, calling for the release of political prisoners who have been arrested in connection with the 6 January Capitol riots.

The free our patriots rally has been organised by a Republican candidate challenging Marco Rubio for Senate and is billed as a peaceful demonstration against the corrupt federal government.

According to a press release, protesters are planning to gather on 10 July at 1pm at the Florida Capitol Building in Tallahassee.

Demonstrators will be demanding the release of all the patriots being held as political prisoners by the corrupt federal government in relation to 6 January.

On 6 January, pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol in Washington in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election result following a Save America rally hosted by former President Donald Trump.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested 500 people in connection to the riots, with attendees charged on a variety of counts including vandalisation, obstruction of proceedings and assault of police officers.

The sunshine state has seen a disproportionate amount of residents arrested in connection to the day, being tied with Texas for the most arrests following the riots at 47 individuals, a USA Today database showed.

More than 40 per cent of the members of right-wing militia group the Oath Keepers and a quarter of the Proud Boys arrested over the riots are also from Florida, the database also revealed.

The free our patriots release, which refers to Mr Trump as the legitimate president, says attendees will be campaigning for the exoneration of political prisoners arrested in connection with the 6 January.

Five people died following the violence at the Capitol, including one Capitol police officer. Violent footage released by the FBI has revealed the brutal assaults on officers by some Trump supporters.

The release emphasised that the event will be a peaceful demonstration to petition our great governor Ron DeSantis to demand the immediate release of the incarcerated patriots.

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We are sure that once Gov DeSantis takes the lead, other patriots elected officials throughout the country will make the same push and then Washington will have no choice but to bend, the release says.

The former president has baselessly maintained that the 2020 election was stolen from him without evidence and the free our patriots release pushed similar inaccurate sentiments.

The demonstration is being organised by the team of Luis Miguel for Senate, a candidate challenging Marco Rubio in the GOP primary for the 2022 race.

Folks, the patriots who have been hunted down by the corrupt, communist FBI are suffering. Many of them are veterans who fought for this nation, Mr Miguel said in a post on Twitter.

He added: Lets do our part to ensure theyre liberated. We cant allow this in America. Be there at the Florida Capitol 10 July.

The rally comes not long after Mr Trump held a rally in the state on Saturday during which he reiterated false voter fraud claims and suggested Joe Biden did not legitimately win the 2020 presidential election.

The former president also said on Wednesday that he thinks those arrested in connection to the riots are being treated unfairly during an announcement that he will sue Big Tech, including Twitter and Facebook, for banning him from their platforms for inciting violence amid the riots.

Read More

American Insurrection: How Trump legitimised far-right extremists

Trump says Capitol riot suspects being treated unbelievably unfairly

Trump once claimed to be the king of the tax code  but now pleads ignorance ahead of New York case

Fencing will come down, but Capitol still closed to visitors
U.S. Capitol Police announced Wednesday that they're opening a field office in Tampa to amid their investigation of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Why it matters: The agency told the News Service of Florida that the new offices  another is opening in San Francisco  will help them weed out potential threats to members of Congress.

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With Trump stirring up excitement for a 2024 run and suing social media sites, those threats don't seem out of the question.

Case in point: This weekend, a handful of far-right Florida Republican candidates will host a rally in Tallahassee calling for Gov. Ron DeSantis and others to put pressure on authorities to free the "political prisoners" arrested on Jan. 6.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration is considering offering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women politicians, journalists, and activists who may become targets of the Taliban, U.S. officials say.

Rights groups have been asking the State Department and White House to add up to 2,000 visas specifically for vulnerable women and women's advocates to a developing policy plan to evacuate thousands Afghans after the U.S. military pullout this month. The current plan https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-afghanistan-visas-idAFKCN2DR2KG includes translators who worked with foreign forces.

One of the officials said the administration is looking not only at women who are under threat, but also men and minorities in high-risk professions.

Women who made gains during the two-decade U.S. occupation, and their supporters and advocates, should be part of any expedited list, rights groups have argued to the White House and State Department.

"Lives are at risk, said Teresa Casale, advocacy director for Minas List, which advocates for womens representation in governments around the world. "Women leaders are being actively targeted and killed by Taliban forces. They receive threats against their lives and safety every day."

The group and others are recommending these visas be added to an expedited activation process for Afghan people most at risk, by creating a fast track program in State Department, and that U.S. officials actively pursue diplomacy to other countries as well to secure them.

The White House declined to comment on the push to secure more visas for Afghan women's rights advocates. President Joe Biden will speak Thursday afternoon about the U.S. military's withdrawal, and is expected to mention women's rights.

Women police officers, media workers, judges and medical workers have been assassinated in Afghanistan as foreign military left the country.

Women who appear on television and radio faced particular threats, Human Rights Watch wrote in April. "Female reporters may be targeted not only for issues they cover but also for challenging perceived social norms prohibiting women from being in a public role and working outside the home."

Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali, Heather Timmons, Andrea Shalal; Editing by Michael Perry)
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Security Council members on Thursday backed African Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks.

Egypt and Sudan both called on the U.N. Security Council to help resolve the dispute after Ethiopia earlier this week began filling the reservoir behind its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for a second year. Ethiopia is opposed to any Security Council involvement.

"A balanced and equitable solution to the filling and operation of the GERD can be reached with political commitment from all parties," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council.

"This begins with the resumption of productive substantive negotiations. Those negotiations should be held under the leadership of the African Union, and should recommence with urgency," she said, adding that the African Union "is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute."

Many council diplomats were wary of involving the body in the dispute - beyond holding the meeting on Thursday - as they are concerned it could set a precedent that could allow other countries to seek Security Council help with water disputes.

Ethiopia says the dam is crucial to its economic development and to provide power. But Egypt views it as a grave threat to its Nile water supplies, on which it is almost entirely dependent. Sudan, also downstream, has expressed concern about the dam's safety and impact on its own dams and water stations.

Tunisia has proposed a draft Security Council resolution that would call for a binding agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the operation of the giant dam within six months. It was not clear if or when it could be put to a vote.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on the Security Council to adopt the resolution.

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"We do not expect the council to formulate solutions to the outstanding legal and technical issues, nor do we request that the council impose the terms of a settlement," he said. "This resolution is political in nature and its purpose ... is to re-launch negotiations."

Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi also urged the council to act by calling for a resumption of negotiations and on Ethiopia to abstain from any unilateral measures.

Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Seleshi Bekele Awulachew, said an agreement on the operation of the $5 billion dam is "within reach" and he described it as regrettable that Egypt and Sudan pushed for the Security Council meeting.

"We urge our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters to understand that the resolution to the Nile issue will not come from the Security Council. It can only come from good faith negotiations," he told the council.

Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia suggested the countries meet while in New York to try to resolve some issues.

(Additional reporting by Aidan Lewis; editing by Richard Pullin)
By Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is responding to a request from Haiti's national police for investigative assistance following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, the U.S. State Department said on Thursday.

Moise was shot dead early on Wednesday at his home by what officials said was a commando of apparently foreign, trained killers, pitching the poorest country in the Americas deeper into turmoil amidst political divisions, hunger and widespread gang violence.

Haiti's police have killed or apprehended https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haitians-awake-uncertainty-after-presidential-assassination-2021-07-08 the suspected assassins, officials said on Thursday, and are hunting for the masterminds.

State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters that Washington has remained in regular contact with Haitian officials, including investigative authorities, "to discuss how the United States can assist going forward."

Price said he could not confirm if a U.S. citizen was among those detained for the assassination of Moise. James Solages, a U.S. citizen of Haitian descent, is one of the six people arrested so far, reported the Washington Post, citing Mathias Pierre, Haiti's minister of elections and interparty relations.

Price said the U.S. Embassy in Haiti was restricting movements of direct-hire U.S. citizens at the embassy and their family members until further notice, while warning politicians to keep the peace.

"We continue to urge Haitian government officials and political stakeholders to dialogue in the best interest of the Haitian people and to refrain from violence," Price said.

Moise's death has generated confusion about who is the legitimate leader of the country of 11 million people, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis, Humeyra Pamuk, Daphne Psaledakis and Doyinsola Oladipo; Editing by Leslie Adler and Rosalba O'Brien)
President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will come to end by August 31.

We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build, Biden said Thursday at the White House.

Its up to the Afghans to make decisions about the future of their country, Biden said.

The speech comes as the administration has attempted to frame the troop withdrawal as a decision that was made in light of the presidents conclusion that the conflict is an unwinnable war that does not have a military solution

How many more, how many more thousands of American daughters and sons are you willing to risk? Biden said in response to calls for the U.S. to continue the military operation.

I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan, with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome, he added.

Biden said that while he does not trust the Taliban, he trusts the ability of the Afghan military to defend the government.

They clearly have the capacity to keep the government in place, the question is will they come together, and will they do it, he said, noting that the U.S. had trained and equipped 300,000 Afghan troops in the past 20 years.

The announcement comes after the president announced in April the planned departure of U.S. forces.

Ahead of Bidens remarks, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden administration officials expect an uptick in violence and greater turmoil as the United States withdrawal advances but argued that continuing U.S. military involvement would have led to an escalation of attacks on American troops.

The question fundamentally facing him was after 20 years was he going to commit more American troops to a civil war in Afghanistan, Psaki said.

On Thursday, Biden said it is highly unlikely that one government will control Afghanistan after the U.S. pullout. He called on the Afghan government to reach a deal with the Taliban.

The president said there is no mission accomplished moment as the U.S. mission reaches an end.

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The mission was accomplished in that we got Osama bin Laden and terrorism is not emanating from that part of the world, he said.

More from National Review
A British parliamentary standards committee on Thursday cleared Prime Minister Boris Johnson of breaching a lawmakers' code of conduct over a luxury Caribbean holiday, but criticised his handling of the matter.

After a months-long probe, the House of Commons Committee on Standards concluded Johnson had accurately declared how he paid for the controversial trip with his then fiancee -- now wife -- Carrie Symonds to the privately owned island of Mustique over Christmas 2019.

However, the cross-party panel of MPs said it was "regrettable" that a full explanation of the opaque arrangements that saw a Conservative Party donor fund their holiday accommodation had not been provided earlier.

It noted the British leader has been previously admonished over other financial interest declarations, and urged all lawmakers "to avoid seeking or accepting gifts or hospitality on the basis of complex and unclear funding arrangements".

"This matter could have been concluded many months ago if more strenuous efforts had been made to dispel the uncertainty," the committee stated in a 47-page report on its probe.

"Given that Mr Johnson was twice reprimanded by our predecessor Committee in the last Parliament in the space of four months for 'an over-casual attitude towards obeying the rules of the House', we would have expected him to have gone the extra mile to ensure there was no uncertainty about the arrangements."

Johnson has faced multiple watchdog investigations over various issues since becoming prime minister in 2019, and has long been dogged by questions about the luxury holiday.

In the register of MPs' interests, he claimed the 15,000 ($21,200) worth of accommodation on the island was provided by David Ross, a businessman and donor to his ruling Tory party, who owns a villa there.

However, the committee was asked to investigate following a complaint that Johnson had inaccurately or only partially declared how the trip was paid for, amid reports he stayed in a different property.

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The investigating lawmakers, and a separate probe by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone, found Johnson did stay in another villa.

The report notes they eventually discovered there was "an ad hoc agreement in place" for Ross to subsequently provide the use of his own villa to the island's management company to compensate for the cost of alternative accommodation.

"It is regrettable that a full account and explanation of the funding arrangements for Mr Johnson's holiday accommodation has only come to light as a result of our own enquiries rather than at an earlier stage," the report said.

jj/phz/dl
The new regulations in the UK, if passed, will mandate that mollusks be humanely dispatched before cooking them. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

The UK may soon ban boiling lobsters alive under a new animal welfare bill.

The law, if passed, will consider invertebrates like lobsters and crabs sentient and capable of feeling pain.

The animal welfare regulation will also mandate that invertebrates be dispatched humanely.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you live in the UK, dropping a live lobster straight into the pot may soon mean that you're running afoul of the law.

A landmark piece of animal welfare legislation is making its way through the UK parliamentary system, per a report by the London Evening Standard. Under new amendments to the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, mollusks like lobsters, crab, octopuses, and squid will be recognized as sentient beings that can feel pain.

The bill previously only covered vertebrates. But amendments to it will mandate that chefs and fishmongers alike dispatch mollusks quickly and humanely by stunning them, instead of dipping them straight into boiling water.

In addition, the Evening Standard noted that encasing a live shellfish in shrink-wrap or sending crustaceans via post will likely be banned.

The new regulations to give mollusks more rights are now being considered in the House of Lords.

According to British news site The Independent, the regulations were introduced after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson undertook that his government consider creatures' feelings and welfare when drafting new policies.

However, the idea that lobsters might be put through more suffering than necessary while being cooked is not new. A report released by the Humane Society of the United States acknowledged in 2008 that crustaceans, too, are "sentient animals with the capacity to suffer." The report also noted that the crustaceans do not immediately die from common methods of slaughtering them like a knife through the head because they do not have a centralized nervous system.

British daily newspaper The Times spoke to animal welfare activist Maisie Tomlinson, the director of UK charity Crustacean Compassion, who said that the best way to humanely kill a lobster is by electrically stunning it.

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"Crabs, lobster, shrimp, and crayfish should be electrically stunned, rendering (them) unconscious within a second," Tomlinson told The Times. "You then need to make sure its nervous system is destroyed within minutes."

Boiling crustaceans alive is currently illegal in a few countries, including Switzerland and New Zealand.

Read the original article on Insider
The Ribbon Hotel, Edinburgh, alongside the poop emoji. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images/Insider

An upscale hotel in Edinburgh is being compared to the poop emoji.

Its curled bronze exterior was inspired by "coiled ribbon," the architects say.

A petition has already appeared to put "googly eyes" on it like the emoji.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A recently-unveiled hotel in Scotland in the shape of a coiled spiral has sparked unflattering comparisons with the poop emoji.

Edinburgh's bronze-colored Ribbon Hotel, which is nearing completion, is part of the upscale W chain, owned by Marriott International, according to The Guardian. It is part of an $800 million development in the Scottish capital that will include a mall, a movie theater and luxury apartments, the paper reported.

The architects behind the hotel, Jestico + Whiles, say on their website that it "has been designed as a bundle of 'coiled ribbons,' creating a free-flowing and bold building."

A view of the Ribbon Hotel under construction on June 04, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

But its curled shape has inspired an earthier reaction from locals. It has reminded people so much of the poop emoji that a petition to put emoji-like eyes on the structure garnered more than 1,100 signatures as of Thursday.

The petition, using a slang term for poop, calls on Edinburgh Council to "pit googly eyes oan the jobby."

"If we hiv tae tak look at it we should mak it mair entertainin," reads the copy accompanying the petition, written in the Scots language common in parts of Scotland.

A Twitter account named "@TurdHotel" has also appeared, with more than 2,300 followers.

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In a slightly kinder comparison, it has also been called the "Walnut Whip," after a cone-shaped chocolate that was originally made in Edinburgh, according to Scotland's Herald newspaper.



A spokesperson for W Hotels told Insider in a statement: "The architects have designed the building to encompass the 'festival spirit' of the city and its striking exterior facade will add a contemporary twist to the city's ever-changing skyline."

Read the original article on Insider
A U.S. citizen of Haitian descent was arrested in connection to the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, according to a Haitian official.

The unidentified man was one of six people arrested as suspects in Moise's murder, Mathias Pierre, Haitis minister of elections, said Thursday.

At least one other suspect arrested is believed to be Haitian American, Pierre told the Washington Post.

On Wednesday, Haitian law enforcement killed four alleged assassins during a gunfight and arrested two more in Pelerin, a district that encompasses Petion-Ville, the area where Moise's residence was located, shortly before 6 a.m. local time. Moise, 53, was shot dead, and his wife, first lady Martine Moise, was critically injured after assailants who claimed to be with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration stormed their property around 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Some Haitian authorities said the perpetrators were "mercenaries."

US AMBASSADOR TO HAITI SAYS HE HAS 'NO DOUBT' PRESIDENT'S ASSASSINS HAD 'INTERNAL HELP'

Someone with an American accent can be heard yelling in English over a megaphone, DEA operation. Everybody, stand down. DEA operation. Everybody, back up, stand down," in videos obtained after the incident. Ned Price, a State Department spokesman, told reporters it was "absolutely false" DEA agents were involved in the attack.

Claude Joseph, acting prime minister of Haiti, took on the role of interim premier.

At around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Martine Moise arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before being transported in a gurney to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami to treat multiple gunshot wounds. The 47-year-old suffered wounds to her arms, thigh, hands, and abdomen. Her vitals were stable, though she was in critical condition.

Haiti's ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, has acknowledged that the suspects are likely foreigners, though he said they had "internal help" from residents within the country.

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Indeed they were foreigners, but at the same time ... they have some help  internal help," he told CNN.

There is no doubt about it, there is some internal help, but the most important thing is we need to continue with the investigations and look and identify those who financed them, those who paid them to commit this horrible act," he added.

Edmond refused to speculate on a motive for the assault.

I just dont want to speculate on the motive because since there is an investigation going on, I have to wait for the results, but its certain that the head of state cannot be killed just for play," the ambassador continued. "There has to be a reason.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Multiple U.S. leaders, including President Joe Biden, have expressed outrage over the assassination in recent days.

"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," the president wrote in a tweet Wednesday. "We condemn this heinous act  and stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti."

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Haiti, Assassination, United States, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy

Original Author: Jake Dima

Original Location: US citizen arrested in connection to Haitian president's assassination, Haitian official says
GENEVA (Reuters) - Venezuela has paid its financial commitments to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility and will be allocated COVID-19 vaccine doses upon availability, a spokesperson for the Gavi vaccine alliance which helps run the programme said on Thursday.

President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday he was giving COVAX an "ultimatum" to send doses to the crisis-stricken South American country or return the money Venezuela had already paid.

Venezuelan officials said in June that several payments to cover the $120 million fee had been made, but that the final four payments had been blocked by Swiss bank UBS. Maduro's allies have attributed that to U.S. sanctions aimed at ousting him from the presidency.

The Gavi spokesperson, asked whether the funds had cleared UBS and the issue had been resolved, replied by email: "COVAX has received Venezuelas payments."

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Peter Graff)
A Loudoun County, Virginia, school district is fighting a judge's ruling to reinstate a teacher who was suspended after he criticized a proposed policy that would require educators to address students by their preferred pronouns.

A spokesman for Loudoun County Public Schools said on Thursday the district is appealing the court's decision to the Virginia Supreme Court, but said he could not comment further on pending litigation.

The Alliance Defending Freedom, whose attorneys are representing Cross, said "there is no reason" for the state Supreme Court to take the appeal.

Public schools have no right to suspend someone simply for respectfully providing their opinion at a public meeting, said senior attorney Tyson Langhofer in a statement. The school district wants to force Tanner to endorse its ideals and shut down any opposing views. That violates the Constitution and laws of Virginia, and so did the schools move to place Tanner on leave.

Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge James Plowman ruled in June that the teacher, Byron "Tanner" Cross, was exercising his free speech when he spoke out at a school board meeting against the pronoun policy and ordered the district to "immediately reinstate" him.

Byron

At the board meeting, Cross said he would not "affirm that a biological boy can be a girl and vice versa" because it goes against his religious beliefs. Cross, a physical education specialist at Leesburg Elementary School, went on to say that it is "abuse to a child" and is sinning against God.

During his speech, Cross referenced a "60 Minutes" episode that talked, in part, about young people who once identified as trans but changed their mind and detransitioned. He told the school board he was "speaking out of love for those who suffer with gender dysphoria."

Two days after Cross' comments, he was placed on administrative leave for engaging in conduct that was "disruptive" to school operations.

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Michael Farris, president and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, slammed the school's suspension and said it was "neither legal nor constitutional."

The policy at the center of the controversy states that any gender-expansive or transgender student would be allowed to use "their chosen name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence."

Educators would have to use the student's chosen name or pronoun when asked to do so, it says. The policy was drafted to create a "safe and inclusive learning environment" for students, according to the district.
The mood in Surfside was somber Wednesday night, shortly after officials broke the news to family members and loved ones that the 14-day rescue mission to find living victims of the Champlain Towers South collapse would transition into a recovery effort, with no expectation of finding survivors.

Rescuers, standing before a mountain of rubble from the controlled demolition of the upright portion of the 12-story building, said prayers as a ceremonial melody played softly behind them.

A few steps away, at the memorial set up to honor the victims of the collapse, Miami-Dade firefighters set up a banner that read Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Mourns With You.

In a video posted by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the camera panned to show, for the first time, the sheer amount of people involved in the search and rescue effort.

Religious clergy led an assembled group of first responders, politicians and mourners in prayer. The family of Nicole Langesfeld shared embraces with the mayors of Miami-Dade County and Surfside, and with each other. Participants held candles and rosaries as clergy members sang songs and prayed.

Meanwhile, work continued on the rubble, as heavy machinery was audible from across the street. Rescuers will continue searching for victims of the collapse, even though they no longer expect to find survivors.

At the front of the crowd was a group recognizable to those in the community and around the world who watch twice daily for updates: Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett, Vice Mayor Tina Paul, Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Ramirez, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Jose Pepe Diaz and Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Alan Cominsky.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who was thrust in the global spotlight for her role as Miami-Dades top administrator, stood in the middle and closed her eyes.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, center, prays with other officials in front of the rubble that once was Champlain Towers South. The large group of officials, search and rescue team members, police and other workers gathered at the site of the condo collapse for a moment of prayer and silence early in the evening on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Surfside, Florida.

Martin Langesfeld, the brother of Nicole, thanked rescuers and first responders for fighting to find his sister and her husband, Luis Sadovnic.

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I want to truly say thank you, Langesfeld said. We didnt get the outcome we wanted. But we did become a family. I want to say thank you everyone who came together for this.

At the makeshift memorial on Harding Avenue, dozens gathered in the street to join in prayer in front of a wall adorned with flowers, memorabilia and images of the missing and the dead. Nuns passed out rosaries and attendees repeated prayers for the dead and the missing in English and Spanish.

What we have behind us is not only rubble, we have brothers and sisters, said Mother Adela Galindo, of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. We didnt know their faces, we dont know their names personally but we cry for them and we cry for their families.

A choked-up Levine Cava spoke through tears at the media briefing a little earlier.

Our first responders have truly searched that pile every single day since the collapse as if they were searching for their loved ones, she said.

Burkett said that while the possibility of someone alive is near zero, people should continue to pray.

In the end, God is still in charge, he said Wednesday. Today is a heartbreaking day. But I have not lost hope that there could be a miracle.

With her dog Lilly in tow, Daisy Lazo rode her bicycle to the vigil after work Wednesday night to pray for Dr. Brad Cohen, an orthopedic surgeon who lived at Champlain Towers South and remains unaccounted for following the collapse.

Lazo, who lives in nearby North Beach, said Cohen was the on-call surgeon at Mt. Sinai Hospital who helped treat her husband after he got into a motorcycle accident in 2013.

When the couple saw Cohens face on the news, they wanted to pay their respects. She did not know about the vigil that was planned, but she left the prayer service with a rosary.

Times like this, you need something to believe in, she said.
By Abhinav Ramnarayan

LONDON (Reuters) -Wise's record breaking direct listing has come as a relief to other tech firms aiming to go public in the coming months, the bankers managing those deals and to post-Brexit London.

A souring of sentiment towards technology firm flotations in the British capital had been apparent in the disastrous post-IPO trading of Deliveroo and Alphawave.

But Wise's 7.9 billion pounds ($10.9 billion) valuation and subsequent market performance in London's first-ever direct listing looks set to quell concerns that it is not as receptive to tech companies as other venues such as New York or Amsterdam.

"London has the potential to be a global fintech centre, and someone like Wise listing on the stock markets gives other companies options," Rosh Wijayarathna, a managing director in the corporate banking division at Silicon Valley Bank, said.

Wijayarathna, whose bank provided funding for many of the companies which have listed in London, told Reuters there are 10 to twelve tech companies, including several fintech, planning to list on the London Stock Exchange in the next year or so.

"Not only do you have the flexibility of options but also that you can command the type of valuations that you can get anywhere else," Wijayarathna added.

Wise, a cross-border payments firm formerly known as TransferWise, made its market debut on Wednesday, becoming the biggest tech company to list on the London stock exchange.

"The Wise listing has been a huge success and very positive for the London market in terms of validating it as a great listing location for high growth tech and fintech companies," James Fleming, Citi's co-head of banking, capital markets and advisory in the UK and Ireland, said.

The Wise deal was structured as a sale of existing shares, known as a direct listing, rather than a traditional IPO, potentially trailblazing a path for others.

For interactive version click here: https://tmsnrt.rs/2TF6n1L

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WORD TO THE WISE

Companies including Britain's Checkout.com and WorldRemit and Swedish "buy now pay later" giant Klarna, which is Europe's biggest tech unicorn, are among those bankers expect to consider going public in the next 12-18 months.

And while bankers are unwilling to name any names, they expect companies to now consider an initial public offering, a direct listing or a merger with a special purpose acquisition vehicle (SPAC), with some as soon as September.

But while Wise has raised hopes, potential market debutants and their bankers will first watch carefully how Wise shares trade after their initial jump. A sharp stock slide could easily undermine confidence and dent London's listing ambitions.

Wise shares started trading at 800 pence and by 1530 GMT on Thursday had risen to 960 pence.

Professor John Colley, Associate Dean at Warwick Business School, has doubts over the valuation implied by such prices, especially given fierce competition in the payments sector.

Colley noted that the Wise share price as a multiple of sales was running at about 20 times earnings.

"It's the kind of valuation you would attribute to ... a Google or an Amazon," Colley said.

However, sources close to the Wise deal, citing analyst estimates that were given to investors before the listing, said an 8 billion pound valuation equated to 13 times projected earnings for 2022, which was in line with its payments peers.

Irrespective of how Wise shares trade, such a large listing will be a signpost for other firms, Keith Grose, head of international business at U.S.-based fintech Plaid, said.

"These types of hugely public success stories within a market serve as an incentive and example to the next generation of entrepreneurs and founders," Grose, whose firm is expanding into Britain, added.

($1 = 0.7266 pounds)

(Reporting by Abhinav Ramnarayan, Editing by Sujata Rao and Alexander Smith)
Hollis Johnson/Insider

On July 6, Insider published the contents of a never-before-seen address book that belonged to Jeffrey Epstein and dates to 1997.

The 1997 book predates Epstein's original "little black book" by at least seven years. The original book dates to 2004 and was published in 2015.

A woman found the 1997 book on the sidewalk of Manhattan's Fifth Avenue in the 1990s and kept it as a souvenir. She rediscovered it in a storage unit last year and sold it on eBay to a graduate student living on a farm in Vermont.

Insider took extensive steps to verify the authenticity of the book, including hiring a forensic document examiner to determine whether it had been recently forged or altered.

More than a dozen prominent people listed in the book told Insider on the record that they knew Epstein in the 1990s. None had previously been tied to Epstein.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

In mid-December, Insider received an unusual tip: A man living on a farm in Vermont claimed to possess an address book belonging to Jeffrey Epstein in the 1990s-one that predated his already infamous "little black book" by nearly a decade. He bought it on eBay, he said, from a woman in San Francisco who had found it on a Manhattan sidewalk in the mid-90s. A handwritten annotation on the book was dated October 1, 1997.

The tip came from Nick Bryant, a freelance journalist who published Jeffrey Epstein's "little black book" for Gawker in 2015. That book, which dates to 2004, featured the names of prominent politicians, leading academics, celebrities, and royalty. It gained new significance and scrutiny after Epstein's arrest and subsequent death in 2019. On the anniversary of Epstein's arrest, Insider published a searchable database of its 1,749 entries.

If legitimate, the 1997 book purchased on eBay would provide a window into Epstein's social circle at least seven years before the era captured by the 2004 book. Its format was remarkably similar to the 2004 book, with detailed entries for long-known Epstein associates, as well as many names never publicly connected to Epstein before.

Story continues

The address book's unconventional provenance prompted skepticism - but Insider found initial interviews with both the Vermont man and the eBay seller to be credible. The seller, a self-described "enigmatic rock chick" living in Manhattan's East Village, had found it on Fifth Avenue in the 1990s and kept it as a souvenir, intrigued by the famous names listed inside. She rediscovered the book while cleaning out her storage unit last year, and after realizing it belonged to Jeffrey Epstein, sold it on eBay after a friend suggested it could be worth some money.

The eBay listing created to sell the address book. eBay

Both had attempted to contact journalists. The San Francisco woman assumed the book was a copy of the book published on Gawker after outreach to John Oliver, Rachel Maddow, and The New York Times went unanswered. The Vermonter, upon realizing it was a unique artifact from the '90s, reached out to reporters who had previously covered Epstein, including Bryant.

Insider took extensive steps to verify the authenticity of the book, beginning with outreach to those listed inside. We extracted the text from a scanned copy of the book and organized its entries into a searchable database; a comparison with Epstein's previously known little black book found that the 1990s address book contained 221 unique names and 128 that appeared in both books.

In total, Insider reached out to four dozen prominent individuals who had never previously been tied to Epstein. More than a dozen told Insider on the record that they had crossed paths with Epstein in the 1990s.

Hollis Johnson/Insider

To rule out the possibility that the address book was a forgery, Insider hired a forensic document examiner to investigate the book, driving to retrieve the book in Vermont, where we filmed an interview with its most recent owner for a forthcoming mini-documentary. The document examiner concluded that the book dated to the mid-to-late 1990s and had not been altered.

"I'm confident that the book is circa 1995 to 2000," the document examiner told Insider. His investigation involved studying both the book's physical characteristics, which included a distinctive binding strip manufactured in the 1990s, as well as its contents, including entries that contained a Palm Beach area code that was retired in 1996.

The document examiner's research into the book's binding was echoed in interviews with experts who worked for the company that manufactured the type of binding strips used on the address book. One expert said it was technically be possible to bind a modern book with an original, 1990s-era strip - but the odds of finding one would be slim to none. "My recommendation would be to play the lottery, because you'd have a better chance of winning," the expert said.

Hollis Johnson/Insider

In addition to seeking the opinion of a forensic examiner, Insider spoke to sources who could corroborate accounts of the book's discovery. A longtime friend of the eBay seller told Insider that she recalls looking through the book in her Manhattan apartment in the 1990s.

While the book bears no inscription definitively identifying it as belonging to Epstein, it does contain an extraordinarily detailed directory of more than 80 phone numbers associated with the sprawling estates in Manhattan, West Palm Beach, New Mexico, and Ohio that Epstein owned in the early 1990s. It includes numbers for more than a dozen vehicles, a horse stable, a bunkhouse, dedicated lines for internet modems, and phone and beeper numbers for many known Epstein staff members.

Notably missing are his Paris apartment, purchased in 2002, and his private island, Little Saint James, acquired in 1998 - both of which appear in Epstein's later address book. The Rolodex, however, does contain an entry for Diane Cummin - misspelled as "Diane Cummings" - then-wife of financier Arch Cummin, who owned Little Saint James prior to its sale to Epstein. The book also lists detailed entries for Epstein's relatives, whose addresses matched residences listed in public records searches.

Read the full story, and access our searchable database, here:

Read the original article on Business Insider
After nearly three years on the Amherst County School Board, District 2 representative Amanda Wright said she is stepping down at the end of the year, opting not to run as a write-in candidate.

Wright, who joined the board in November 2018 to fill a vacancy after former member Jennifer Cumby resigned, was in the process of running for a second term in the Nov. 2 election but did not garner enough of the required signatures to place on the ballot, according to the Amherst County Registrars Office. She decided not to pursue running as a write-in candidate, she confirmed in an email to the New Era-Progress.

I have been honored to serve on the [board] and represent District 2, Wright said in an email. Amherst has a lot to be proud of: a CTE (career and technical education) program that offers an alternative career path to students in skilled trades; the Amherst Education Center, which supports our at-risk students in an alternative education school and an early college program, to name a few.

The District 2 seat, along with District 5 and one of two at-large seats on the board, were in the Amherst County School Boards first elected seats in 2017. County voters overwhelmingly supported moving to an elected board over a previous method of appointment through the Amherst County Board of Supervisors.
But in the 1970s, a group of concerned residents banded together to preserve this unique piece of Lynchburgs architectural heritage, forming the Diamond Hill Historic Society.

Diamond Hill became the citys first historic district in 1978, and now is on the Virginia Register and the National Register of Historical Places. The historic district  about 14 blocks, wedged between the U.S. 29 expressway and the heart of downtown  has 111 contributing structures and is the largest of the five historic districts in the city.

Where Diamond Hill got its name is unclear, but the name first appears in advertisements as early as 1825. Some speculated it came from the triangular-shaped lots dotting the community.

It is quite likely, however, that the area derives its name from Diamond Hill plantation which was established in the late 1700s or early 1800s by Edward Lynch, brother of Lynchburgs founder, John Lynch. Much of Diamond Hill was originally part of the plantation that Edward named for the deposits of white quartz he discovered on his land, according to the Diamond Hill Historic Societys website.

Before 1856, the only access to Diamond Hill was via Grace Street. That year, the ladies of Diamond Hill collected money to build a footbridge across the ravine at the foot of Church Street.
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.
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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.
Taking college classes while still in high school is more affordable than ever.

With the passage of LB 1008 by the Nebraska Legislature, community colleges are eligible to receive funds to support dual credit enrollment.

Dual credit classes are typically taught in the high schools by qualified instructors. They provide a head start on a college education by counting toward both high school and college credits simultaneously.

Mid-Plains Community College will use its allocation of the state funds to provide a $20-per-credit-hour discount to all students who enroll in a dual credit course for fall 2021 and spring 2022.

Thats up from the $10 per-credit-hour discount offered last year. The new amount will make the cost of tuition and fees $94 per credit hour.
It grew out of Cappas support of Pack 293s regular pinewood derby in February, including his donation of the roughly 40-foot track they use.

The Scouts will race at 1 p.m., followed by representatives from area businesses who will compete against each other.

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About 26 businesses had signed up for the event through Wednesday. They can build their own car or have a Scout do so for them.

Participating businesses are also donating entry fees of $50 or $100 that will go toward Pack 293.

Jenny Bayne, a committee chair and activities director of Pack 293, said about 20 Scouts will take part.

Its a lot of fun for them and the boys like to design their cars, Bayne said.

The main car show, which has been relocated from the Platte River Mall due to construction, will also be Saturday.

The cars will take over the downtown. Cappa estimated that 500 to 600 could be in the city for the event. He said the entrants come from across Nebraska and about nine other states.
Jamie Duan, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student studying for a doctorate in biological engineering, explained different things she was doing while flying the drone, like scanning a wide space of crops for different levels of nitrogen, which can affect plant growth. She was joined by Chuck Burr, Extension water and cropping systems educator.

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On the other side of the field, Brad Ramsdale, NCTA division chair and associate professor of agronomy explained to participants the mechanics of planters. Plenty of time was allowed for participants to ask questions, including Brooklyn Reiman of Cozad, who asked if the seeds were coated in anything. Ramsdale quickly answered yes, explaining that coated seeds are more likely to produce healthy roots and young shoots, eventually producing established plants.

After the two groups experienced both activities, everyone returned to the NCTA campus. The first group went to the drone obstacle course with Chuck Burr in the Student Union, while the second group learned about weed control with Jeff Golus, Extension research manager of plant science.
They look at his wealth, that hes not from here, that hes got buffalo and not cattle, and hes got the big fences, Davis said, referring to the higher fences needed to corral bison. Hes a pretty good neighbor in a lot of ways.

Davis said the only potential problem is that the management of the ranches now will change, from a ranch manager to a board of directors. Such a board might decide someday to file for a property tax exemption, he said. Though, Davis added, it would be hard to get a tax break as a nonprofit if theyre earning income from raising bison.

Exactly who will manage the new Institute was unclear this week. A year ago, the Nebraska Secretary of States Office registered a new nonprofit corporation called the Turner Institute for Ecoagriculture, but it was listed as inactive on the states website this week. The registration was dissolved on June 18 after an annual registration fee went unpaid.

A spokesman for Turner Enterprises Inc., on Tuesday, said he was unaware of the dissolved corporation in Nebraska.
Indianapolis, IN (46208)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 89F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

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Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Whoops, she did it again. Photo: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images

When Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene got into trouble for promiscuously deploying Nazi and Holocaust analogies in denouncing anti-pandemic measures earlier this year, it looked briefly like she had learned her lesson. After receiving a rare reprimand from her chief enabler, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and touring the Holocaust Museum, Greene issued a public apology for failing to understand the uniqueness of that great catastrophe and the inappropriateness of analogizing it to anything else. But when, in response to a question from Ben Jacobs, she failed to apologize for comparing the Democratic Party to the Nazi Party, you had to wonder if she really got it.

Now, just a few weeks later, we know she did not, as the Washington Post reports:

Biden pushing a vaccine that is NOT FDA approved shows covid is a political tool used to control people, Greene tweeted Tuesday afternoon. People have a choice, they dont need your medical brown shirts showing up at their door ordering vaccinations. You cant force people to be part of the human experiment.

Greene was responding to a speech earlier Tuesday in which Biden said, Now we need to go community-by-community, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and oft times door-to-door  literally knocking on doors  to get help to the remaining people protected from the virus.

Where to start with this gibberish? The three major vaccines being distributed in the USA were approved by the Trump administration FDA under an emergency use authorization, because waiting for the full approval process to play itself out would have resulted in many, many millions of deaths  not to mention more of the damage to the economy that people like Greene have so often deplored. It is remarkable how well these vaccines have worked with few (given the vast scope of the vaccination campaign) adverse effects. Instead of attacking those seeking to increase the pace of vaccinations  the key to making sure we dont have a national recurrence of COVID-19 in the near future  as medical brownshirts, Greene should be grateful that someone in authority is less irresponsible than she is.

Then there is her complaint that COVID is a political tool used to control people. Its unclear whether Greene thinks the 600,000 deaths in this country alone that are attributable to COVID represent a hoax, or that those deaths and millions more are acceptable in order to preserve the precious freedom to infect oneself and others with a coronavirus. Either opinion is, to use a technical term, despicable.

Thats how infuriating Greene is even before you get to the issue of Nazi analogies. Why does she keep going there? Clearly, she has bought into the historically illiterate idea (also promoted by her Alabama colleague Mo Brooks) that because the Nazis were the National Socialist Party and Republicans like to call todays Democrats socialists, Hitler and Biden must be soulmates. Yes, there has long been a libertarian meme treating anyone who believes in a large and powerful government as being of the Left, but no one (other than libertarians) has ever taken it seriously. The Nazis killed every socialist (and communist) they could get their hands on and viewed the entire political Left as part of a subhuman Jewish conspiracy to enslave the planet. Whatever else it was, Nazism (and the broader fascist phenomenon that shared most of its features other than exterminationist anti-Semitism) was a phenomenon of the political Right, motivated by a desire to restore the past glory of militaristic nationalists via counter-revolutionary violence  just as communism was (and is) a phenomenon of the political Left, focused on wiping out the very economic, religious, and social forces on which fascism relied. While no one today should appropriate the Holocaust and its perpetrators for political agitprop, its safe to say authoritarian-minded conservatives should be especially wary of this moral hazard.

All of this is to say that if Marjorie Taylor Greene needs a mendacious slur to apply to Biden and Democrats, she should stick to calling them communists, a term she recently applied to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. And much as Greene  with her gun-wielding, her violent rhetoric, and her lust for conspiracy theories  reminds me on occasion of those who wanted to make [Italy, or Spain, or Hungary, or France, or Belgium] great again in the 1930s, I would never compare her to the Nazis, who eternally stand alone  or so we all hope.
Photo: David Crockett/Getty Images

On Independence Day, which fell on Sunday this year, I found myself as an elder at my small mainline Protestant church lofting up a prayer for our nation, on its birthday, that we may overcome the conflicts dividing us and find peace and reconciliation. Im sure similar sentiments were expressed in many worship services on July 4, not to mention in op-ed columns and in private conversations at BBQs, community events, and family get-togethers. Many, if not most, Americans crave relief from a conflict-ridden and volatile political climate that has grown steadily more intense in recent years, starting even before Donald Trumps election.

But in retrospect, my pious hopes for unity were just that. And while I do pray a benevolent God may keep us Americans from ripping one another apart over our political and cultural differences, its time to recognize that they are real, not contrived; deep-seated, not superficial; and an authentic reflection of divisions in our population, not an invention of manipulative elites, politicians, or the news media. Embracing this fact is important, as history shows; avoiding legitimate forks in the road could lead the country into a wilderness of false compromises and a failure to address significant problems, just as happened when we initially put off dealing with the issue of slavery.

As the Pew Research Center documented in 2017, the breadth and persistence of our differences has been steadily increasing, even though we wish it were otherwise:

The divisions between Republicans and Democrats on fundamental political values  on government, race, immigration, national security, environmental protection and other areas  reached record levels during Barack Obamas presidency. In Donald Trumps first year as president, these gaps have grown even larger.

And the magnitude of these differences dwarfs other divisions in society, along such lines as gender, race and ethnicity, religious observance or education.

As Pew noted, partisan polarization (between Democrats and Republicans) is partly attributable to the ideological sorting out of the two parties that began during the civil-rights era. Because this process coincided with greater ideological polarization as well (between liberals and conservatives), its easy to pine for the days when there were liberals and conservatives in both major parties and things got done. But nostalgia for the good old days ignores the price that many Americans had to pay for this suspension of political hostilities. In the 1960s, open racism was still largely accepted; the idea of equality for women  and of legalized abortion  was highly controversial; equality for LGBTQ folks was a subversive, underground idea; and a global war against Communism was barely debated until it failed miserably in Vietnam.

While the subsequent decades were increasingly turbulent politically, with conflicts within and between the two parties over a wide range of domestic, foreign-policy, and cultural issues, weve been in a true era of polarization since the disputed election of 2000. And while it got immensely worse when Trump became president, his departure has hardly made things better, as Ron Brownstein recently observed:

These centrifugal pressures call into question not only the ability of any president to unify the nation, but also his or her ability even to chart a common course for more than roughly half of the country  either red or blue America. This divergence, across a wide range of issues and personal choices, is rooted in the continuing political re-sorting that has divided the parties more sharply than ever along demographic and geographic lines and produced two political coalitions holding inimical views on the fundamental social and economic changes remaking America. And that destabilizing process shows no signs of slowing, much less reversing, even after Trump  who fomented division as a central component of his political strategy  has left the White House.

Our stark divisions are so painful that its tempting to blame them on elites  on the media, who are thought to promote conflict to make a buck, and the political leaders seeking to energize followers by demonizing the opposition and refusing to compromise. But the idea of a unity-seeking citizenry being frustrated by partisan gabbers and pols simply isnt accurate. And the fact that a change of administration has barely reduced partisan conflict is telling. Its not just about Trump, as Emory Universitys Alan Abramowitz explains in a soon-to-be-published paper he shared with Brownstein.

One of the most important reasons why Democrats and Republicans intensely dislike each other is that they intensely disagree on a wide range of issues including the size and scope of the welfare state, abortion, gay and transgender rights, race relations, climate change, gun control and immigration, Abramowitz writes. As long as the parties remain on the opposite sides of almost all of the major issues facing the country, feelings of mistrust and animosity are unlikely to diminish even if Donald Trump ceases to play a major role in the political process.

The divisions, moreover, go beyond public policy to matters of personal conduct, as evidenced by the extraordinary reluctance of self-identified Republicans to take advantage of easily available COVID-19 vaccines, with many regarding their encouragement by the government as an infringement of personal liberty. But even the broadest understanding of partisan conflict may understate its pervasiveness and power. As the Bulwarks Joshua Tate points out, the long-standing conservative tendency to view Republican constituencies as the real America has evolved into a paradox: Alleged super-patriots despise much of what their country has become.

Trumpist writers have worked themselves into such a state that they have stretched their critique to include literally half of the American population. As Michael Anton, a former Trump aide who is now a Claremont Institute senior fellow and a Hillsdale lecturer, puts it, one side loves America, the other hates it  or can tolerate it only for what it might someday become, were the Lefts entire program to be enacted without exception. Anton, the articulate id of intellectual Trumpism, cuts America in two on religious, linguistic, and even moral grounds, casting the Biden coalition as speaking a babble of languages, worshipping wokeness with Dionysian abandon, and conceiving of justice solely through the lens of punishment. In a blunt essay, Glenn Ellmers, another Claremont and Hillsdale associate, claims most people living in the United States today  certainly more than half  are not Americans in any meaningful sense of the term.

Conservative longing for a lost American greatness finds its parallel in the lefts instinctive belief in the inevitability of progress, defined as a more rational and equitable political system bent on obliterating illegitimate privileges and empowering members of oppressed identity groups. Right-wing hatred of progressives as inauthentically American is reciprocated by progressive hatred of (or more accurately, contempt for) Trump voters, whom they deem, to use Hillary Clintons unfortunate phrase, deplorables determined to defend the worst features of the past.

There are, of course, self-identified Republicans who dislike or only conditionally back Trump and his supporters and self-identified Democrats who fear socialism or cancel culture or wokeness, but their numbers seem to be steadily declining. And while the public longs for bipartisanship in the abstract, what they really seem to want is the other sides surrender, not any actual compromise.

You can look at this pervasive polarization and bewail a lost, if increasingly imaginary, tradition of American unity. Or you can welcome the benefits that come with the costs of disunity: the new clarity and accountability that two parties with systematically opposed perspectives creates. Is partisan polarization dangerous? Of course, as the Civil War showed. Is an absence of partisan polarization dangerous too? Of course, as the oppressive period prior to the Civil War showed, when the two major national parties sought to avoid a reckoning over slavery. Sometimes an end to polarization simply reflects the victory of one set of beliefs over another, as when the Republican Party was formed to demand a curb on the slave power and eventually won power of its own; or when the Democratic Party decisively broke with its limited-government heritage during the New Deal and became the majority party for a generation.

Id argue we are at another big inflection point. Its more likely the country will turn left or right than achieve major compromises. That todays conservatives are frantically trying to suppress popular majorities by exploiting anti-democratic features of our system or, worse yet, by denying such majorities exist is a pretty clear sign of which way the wind is blowing. If the authoritarian strain in Republican politics exemplified by Trump morphs into the kind of reactionary movements that crushed parliamentary democracy entirely in Europe nearly a century ago, perhaps we will long even more for the phony solidarity of an imagined bipartisan past, when backs were slapped and deals were cut in Congress and justice and progress were denied.

More likely, we are destined in the very near future to acknowledge and resolve our differences by choosing sides and having it out. Thats far healthier than denying those differences or blowing up the whole system to avoid defeat.
WASHINGTON  Virtually all deaths from COVID-19 in the United States are now among people who have not received their coronavirus vaccine. And those deaths are highly concentrated in counties  many of them in the Midwest and Southeast  where vaccination rates are precariously low.

On the other hand, transmission has effectively ceased in Northeastern and Western states where governors have made vaccination a top priority, and where resistance was low among residents from the start.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. (Greg Nash/The Hill/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

We are seeing that communities and counties that have high vaccine coverage and low case rates are getting back to normal, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a Thursday briefing of the White House pandemic response team.

Walensky depicted a national scenario that has become highly fractured as a result of stark differences in vaccination rates. Those differences have to do with cultural, social, economic and political factors.

At the same time, the vaccines remain highly effective against every variant of the coronavirus, including the more transmissible Delta variant that Walensky said accounts for eight out of 10 new cases in parts of the Mountain West. Delta is now the dominant strain of the coronavirus in the United States.

Walensky said that in recent months, 99.5 percent of all deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. were among unvaccinated individuals. Those deaths were preventable with a simple, safe shot, the CDC director said. President Biden has made much the same point, and he and his top public health officials look for ways to galvanize a stalled vaccination effort.

Although some vaccinated people do contract the coronavirus, it tends to lead only to mild sickness.

For weeks, the path of the pandemic has been steadily bifurcating, with parts of the country returning to normal and others seeming to slip back into rising case rates. Overall, case rates and hospitalizations are rising slightly, while deaths are continuing to fall. But those national trends are not indicative of more nuanced on-the-ground realities.

Story continues

An undertaker in Tampa, Fla., tends to a man who died of COVID-19. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images)

In particular, Walensky singled out 173 counties with the highest incidence of new infections  100 or more cases per 100,000 individuals over the last week. Of those 173 counties, 93 percent have vaccinated less than 40 percent of their respective populations, according to Walensky.

In recent days, parts of Missouri and Arkansas have seen a sharp rise in cases. So have parts of Colorado and Utah.

Meanwhile, the high-vaccination state of Maryland is recording about one new coronavirus death per day.

Low vaccination rates in these counties coupled with high case rates and lax mitigation policies that do not protect those who are unvaccinated from disease will certainly and sadly lead to more unnecessary suffering, hospitalizations and, potentially, death, the CDC director said.

Unvaccinated people are supposed to continue wearing masks, according to the most recent CDC guidance. Walensky and other top public health officials have said that rather than returning to wearing masks, people should get vaccinated.

Widespread vaccination is what will truly turn the corner on this pandemic, Walensky said on Thursday. According to the CDC, 47.6 percent of the American population is fully vaccinated. That is among the highest rates in the world, but not nearly enough, most epidemiologists believe, to declare that final corner turned.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
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.
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Cumberland Township man involved in May standoff died of natural causes

Mike Jones / Mike Jones/Observer-Reporter Mike Jones/Observer-Reporter Jeffry Christopher died May 25 after a nearly 12-hour standoff with police at his Cumberland Township residence in Route 88 Mobile Home Park.

An autopsy performed on the man who held police at bay for nearly 12 hours while holed up in his Cumberland Township mobile home in late May determined that he died of natural causes following the standoff.

Jeffry Christopher died of morbid obesity and cardiovascular problems on May 25 after the lengthy standoff at his home at 76 Route 88 Mobile Home Park, Greene County Coroner Gene Rush said Wednesday.

Rush said Christopher, 59, also suffered from COPD and other health problems, which were noted in the autopsy report but were not considered contributing factors in his death.

The forensic services company operated by famed pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht performed the autopsy May 28, and the report was returned to Rush last week.

Rush declined to say whether the autopsy revealed if Christopher suffered any injuries during the standoff, and directed questions about the incident to state police, which is handling the investigation.

We turned all of our reports over to them, Rush said. Any injuries concerning that confrontation will have to come from them.

Trooper Forrest Allison, a state police spokesman, said Wednesday he did not have an update on where the investigation into the incident stood.

Cumberland Township police were called to Christophers home in the evening of May 24 after his daughter reported he was suffering from mental health issues.

Investigators said Christopher fired two gunshots in the direction of officers, prompting them to contact the state polices specialized response team.

After several hours, troopers used an armored vehicle to punch holes in Christophers mobile home and used tear gas in an attempt to get him to leave.

Troopers eventually removed him from the house, but he died in the back of an ambulance while being transported to a local hospital. He was later pronounced dead at WHS-Greene hospital near Waynesburg.


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I'm not sure. But this post on weibo has screenshots of some private messages. One was him asking what time the girl would get out of the class. https://t.co/GBC0cYsUU3  Dems  (@bjt_spambot) July 8, 2021

This one is on another level, asking the girl if she's taking the college entrance exam this year  pic.twitter.com/gWcqic5bSC  Dems  (@bjt_spambot) July 8, 2021

Kris Wu, an actor, solo artist, and former member of K-pop group EXO, has been accused by his rumoured ex-girlfriend, Du Meizhu, of targeting underaged girls. In her statement she claims to have learned that 30-year old Wu specifically targets girls born in 2000 and younger, including those prepping for the gaokao (which is the standardised college entrance exam in China, making the girls high-school aged). Du Meizhu herself would've been 18 at the time of the relationship.In her statement she claims that Wu has a WeChat account used to specifically add girls who are underaged; she also alleges that he would use manipulative tactics like saying he's casting for his music videos or signing girls to his agency as excuses to meet up, and then proceed to get the girls drunk. She then claims there are others who are middlemen in this, who operate like pimps for Wu. In the original Weibo post, she also attaches screenshots that allegedly show him messaging these girls including asking when they will get out of class and when they're taking the gaokao.Wu's team has responded by saying that the accusations are untrue, and they will be taking legal action against her for spreading false rumours about the star.For some background, in May of this year, 30-year old Wu was linked to Chen Ziyi, who was born in 2003 (he claimed it was a gathering of friends). He's also been previously linked to Xiao G Na, who was 19 whilst he was 25/26, and Qin Niu Zhengwei (Luna) a student and trainee who was 20/21 whilst Kris was 28.Source: 1
Three Whistleblower Retaliation Cases Result in Violations and Citations

The U.S. Department of Labor announces its decisions in cases related to whistleblower retaliation.

OSHAs Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and 25 whistleblower statutes. The Department of Labor shares its three whistleblower incidents.

Midvale Paper Box Co. Inc.

DOL filed a lawsuit against the paper manufacturing company and its owner on June 28. According to the press release, an employee was fired for raising safety concerns and asking several times for safety gloves to operate a shredder and baler. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in Scranton. On October 5, 2017, an OSHA compliance officer visited Midvale to conduct a safety inspection. This was conducted because the company failed to provide PPE and did not implement lockout/tagout procedures. A worker suffered from a hand injury.

After getting fired, the employee filed a complaint to OSHA leading to the assessment that Midvale and Frank, the companys owner violated Section 11(c)(1) of OSH Act when they terminated the employee for engaging in protected activities. The owner must reinstate and pay the compliant for past and future lost wages as well as other requests.

Employers who retaliate against workers for raising valid safety concerns are breaking the law and creating an unsafe work environment for all of their workers, said OSHA Regional Administrator Michael Rivera in Philadelphia. Employees have a right to a safe and healthful workplace, and must never fear that reporting their concerns will cost them their jobs.
Crude oil prices rose higher today after the Energy Information Administration reported an inventory draw of 6.9 million barrels for the week to July 2.

This compared with a draw of 6.7 million barrels for the previous week.

Analysts had expected the EIA to report a 3.925-million-barrel draw in crude oil inventories for the week.

Whatever the EIA estimates, they are unlikely to move prices very much this week or for very long, not with OPEC+ canceling its last meeting without making a decision about future production, prompting abundant speculation that this may be the end of the cartel.

While OPEC discusses its next moves, U.S. oil producers are keeping a lid on output despite rising prices. EIA estimated average daily production for the last full week of June at 11.1 million bpd, unchanged from the previous week and only 100,000 bpd higher than a year ago, at the height of the crisis caused by the pandemic.

This weeks full report, when it comes out later today, is unlikely to reveal any major upward changes either.

Meanwhile, the authority estimated a 6.1-million-barrel draw in gasoline stocks over the week to July 2, with production averaging 10.6 million bpd. This compared with a stock build of 1.5 million barrels for the previous week, and production of 9.6 million bpd.

In middle distillates, the EIA reported an inventory increase of 1.6 million barrels, which compared with a draw of 900,000 barrels for the previous week. Production last week averaged 5 million bpd, virtually flat on the week.

The increased uncertainty around OPEC+ caused oil prices to fall today. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $73.08 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $71.70 per barrel, after earlier this week the news of the OPEC discord pushed benchmarks higher. That spike only lasted briefly before traders retreated to wait for what OPEC would do next.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Just five Asian countries are now producing the vast majority of the regions coal, with little intention of reining in production as several companies invest in new coal plants. According to a study released in June, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Vietnam are producing around 80 percent of all Asian coal, with plans to develop over 600 coal power units. Together, the projects are expected to produce around 300 gigawatts of energy.

The continued reliance is surprising considering the many alternative energy projects that could be more financially appealing, as the cost of building new coal plants is extremely high considering global aims to reduce reliance on coal power.

Carbon Tracker, the London-based think tank that published the report, claims that solar and wind power generate significantly cheaper energy, with costs around 85 percent lower than existing coal production. And by 2026, close to 100 percent of coal production will be more expensive than constructing and operating renewable projects.

Europe, for example, is already phasing out coal production at an increasing rate, as the U.K. plans to decommission the countrys coal plants a year earlier than expected, by 2024. In addition, many of the U.K.s disused coal plants are now being converted for alternative energy use, including the creation of geothermal power plants.

Catharina Hillenbrand von der Neyen, head of company research and co-head of research at Carbon Tracker, stated of the findings, "The vast, vast majority of new coal projects that are currently being proposed is likely to be value destructive  a very bad deal for investors."

At present, China is the worlds largest investor in coal. And it plans to boost its coal energy production by 187 gigawatts, on top of its current 1,100-gigawatt output. In addition, in 2020 a Shanxi state merger established one of the worlds largest coal companies.

Despite aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2060, Chinas reliance on coal hasnt subsided as coal-powered industry accounted for 37 percent of its economic activity in 2020. In 2019, coal constituted around 57 percent of the countrys energy consumption.

Related: OPEC Stalemate Could Spark A New Oil Price War

So, while China is increasing its investment in renewables projects, with it expecting to add 90 GW wind and solar capacity to the grid in 2021, the importance of coal cannot be overlooked.

However, the report predicts that renewable energy will overtake coal production in India and Indonesia by 2024. And it will become less economically viable than renewables in Japan and Vietnam by 2022.

Meanwhile, other Asian countries are following in the footsteps of Europe and abandoning coal production. For example, Thailands largest coal producer, Banpu, has said it will not pursue any new coal projects in a shift towards greener energy.

Chaimongkol, CEO of Banpu explained, Since 2010, we talk about transformation. And since 2015, when I succeeded my predecessor as CEO, we started to implement a greener, smarter [plan]. For the past five years, we spent $2 billion and 90% of [that went on]  a greener investment, such as gas, such as renewable energy, and energy technology. Further, [There are] a lot of megatrends happening  digitalization, decarbonization, decentralization  and that sped up Banpu to produce a new, greener, smarter strategy.

While coal continues to fuel some of the largest Asian states, with more plants planned over the coming years, will these countries continue to pursue an energy strategy that is at odds with international green energy plans, or will they give in to renewables development?

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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OPEC member Nigeria is losing billions of U.S. dollars every year to oil theft and sabotage, which continue to plague the oil sector in Africas top crude producer and exporter. Every day, Nigerias oil production could have been up to 200,000 barrels higher if it werent for the still endemic and widespread oil theft, according to government and industry estimates.

Every year, Nigeria is missing out on billions of U.S. dollars of oil revenues because of crude oil losses, oil thieves rupturing pipelines and causing spills, and international oil majors declaring force majeure on loadings because they have to repair pipeline leaks resulting from theft or sabotage.

Big Oil acknowledges that oil theft and sabotage continue to pose significant challenges to their operations in Nigeria, mostly in the oil-rich Niger Delta. At a time when upstream assets are competing to stay in the majors core-operations portfolios amid divestments to free up cash for low-carbon energy, the biggest producer in Africa is not in a good position compared to other oil regions.

Oil theft and sabotage pose challenges to operations, while the oil spills play right into the hands of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues investors have with the worlds largest oil companies. Add to this the long-awaited new petroleum bill  20 years in the making  that Nigeria is getting ready to unveil and the attractiveness of Nigerian assets in Big Oils portfolios could be fading in the not-so-distant future.

42 Million Barrels Of Oil Lost To Theft and Sabotage In One Year

Crude oil losses due to theft and sabotage totaled 42.248 million barrels in 2019, valued at US$2.772 billion at an average price of US$65.61 per barrel for that year, the latest available figures from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) showed. This was 21 percent lower than the losses in 2018 and half the losses from the peak oil theft and sabotage losses in 2016. Yet, it is still a sizeable chunk of Nigerias oil production, depriving the country of much-needed oil revenues, which are the backbone of its export revenues.

According to OPEC, the oil and gas sector accounts for about 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in Nigeria, while petroleum exports revenue represents around 86 percent of total exports revenue.

Related: Oil Rally Grinds To A Halt NEITIs report found that Nigeria lost 138,400 barrels per day (bpd), or around 7 percent of its total production to theft and sabotage, local publication This Day reports. Between 2009 and 2018, Nigeria was losing an estimated US$11.47 million every day because its crude oil production was lower than what it would have been without pipeline vandalism.

NEITI highlights in its 2019 audit report that losses from crude oil theft and sabotage continue to be a major issue for Nigeria, with incessant crude losses in the industry.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it is working to ensure the safety of pipelines in collaboration with the federal government, but the problem is far from over.

Just this week, Nigerias Information Minister Lai Mohammed said that Nigeria was losing an average of 200,000 bpd, or over 10 percent of its crude production of around 1.5 million bpd, to pipeline vandalism. The costs to repair vandalized pipelines amount to millions of U.S. dollars, the minister added.

Shell Unit Worst Hit by Theft and Sabotage

The 2019 losses of crude oil production were the highest at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), a unit of Royal Dutch Shell, which accounted for 56.10 percent of all volumes lost to theft and sabotage, NEITIs report showed.

In its annual report for 2020, Shell said that the sabotage and security issues continue to pose significant challenges to its Nigerian operations.

Our share of production, onshore and offshore, in Nigeria was 223 thousand boe/d in 2020, compared with 266 thousand boe/d in 2019. Security issues, sabotage and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta remained significant challenges in 2020, Shell said.

Most of the spills were caused by sabotage, Shells Nigerian unit says in a graph on its website. In June 2021 alone, there were eight oil spills at assets the company operates, all caused by sabotage, Shells data showed.

In our Nigerian operations, we face various risks and adverse conditions which could have a significant adverse effect on our operational performance, earnings, cash flows and financial condition, Shell said in its annual report for 2020.

Those risks are not limited to oil theft and sabotage.

ESG and Oil Spill Lawsuits

In January this year, The Hague Court of Appeal ordered Shell to compensate Nigerian farmers for two oil spills in the country 13 years ago, in the first lawsuit in which a company had been held liable in the Netherlands for its actions abroad. The ruling of the Dutch court is setting a precedent for future lawsuits brought against oil firms in the countries where they are based, instead of the countries where oil spills or oil pollution have allegedly taken place.

Related: The Plastics Sector Is Suffering As Oil Prices Rise

Climate litigation now adds another challenge to Big Oils license to operate in the era of the net-zero emission pledges.

Shell, in particular, does not see its upstream oil operations in Nigeria as compatible with its strategy to become a net-zero energy business, chief executive Ben van Beurden said at the supermajors annual general meeting in May.

[T]he balance of risk and reward associated with our onshore oil portfolio in Nigeria is no longer compatible with our strategic ambitions. Because of this, we have started discussions with the Nigerian government to align on a way to move forward, van Beurden said.

In the fierce competition to remain core oil and gas assets for the majors, Nigeria may be fighting a losing battle with new petroleum regulations 20 years in the making, continued oil theft and sabotage, and lawsuits against Big Oil over oil spills.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The UAE took oil market watchers by surprise this month when it dug its heels in and refused to agree to an extension of the current OPEC+ production control deal under its original terms.

The emirates demanded an adjustment of baseline production levels, noting that November 2018 was hardly reflective of current production realities. Traditionally one of the closest allies of Saudi Arabia, the UAE has gone against its bigger regional partner, prompting fears of far greater uncertainty.

Behind the scenes, however, it all makes sense. The UAE is simply preparing for a post-oil world and is trying to make the best of the oil it has before demand begins to shrink for good. At least, thats according to sources in the know who spoke about the change in policy to the Wall Street Journal this month.

This is the time to maximize the value of the countrys hydrocarbon resources, while they have value, one of the WSJ sources said. 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.

If this sounds familiar, it is because it is familiar. Russia is doing the same thing. The worlds third-largest producer has enough oil to keep production at current rates until 2080 and it has enough gas to last it for another 103 years, but it is investing billions in new oil reserves in Eastern Siberia. According to estimates, the giant Vostok project could tap some 100 million tons of crude annually.

This is happening in the context of forecaster after forecaster warning that peak oil demand is looming on oil producers horizons.

BP, for instance, predicted that in the worst-case scenario peak oil demand has already arrived, and in the best-case scenario, it will come in 2030. Norways Equinor expects peak oil demand sometime in 2027 or 2028. Rystad Energy sees demand peaking in five years, and the International Energy Agency expects peak demand over the next decade. All in all, forecasts are within the range of 2030.

This means that Russia, the UAE, and all other big oil producers have very little time to diversify away from their main export commodity.

At the same time, they need money to fuel their economic diversification efforts. The most obvious place this money can come from is oil exports.

And this is why the UAE is standing up to its OPEC partners. While publicly it remains committed to the production curbs the cartel and its non-OPEC partners agreed last year, privately, like any self-respecting economy, the UAE is looking out for itself.

Related: Can The Middle East Survive Without Oil?

Market share is a key factor here, one oil industry executive from the Emirates told the WSJ. We want a bigger market share, to monetize as much as we can from our reserves, especially when we have spent billions developing them.



At the same time, the UAE will need the oil revenues to steer its economy away from oilsomething that, according to recent reports from the IMF and Moodys could prove a challenge.

Like other Gulf producers, the UAE has relied on oil revenues to fuel the non-oil parts of its economy for decades. It would be difficult to give up this habit without some social and economic repercussions.

It may be these that the UAE is trying to minimize with its approach to peak oil demand forecasts: the more money it manages to make from its oil while its still in demand, the bigger a social cushion it would have when economic diversification becomes inevitable, as most forecasts argue it will.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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U.S. shale oil producers have suffered billions in losses from hedging their output at lower than current prices, the Financial Times reported today, citing data from IHS Markit.

According to the consultancy, even though crude oil is trading at over $70 per barrel right now, U.S. shale producers are selling their barrels for an average of $55 because thats the price they hedged their future sales at.

For the first half of the year, IHS Markit says, losses have reached $7.5 billion but if oil prices remained around $75 per barrel, this could add another $12 billion during the second half of the year as demand continues improving.

This, the report notes, could give OPEC more pricing power: because of their badly miscalculated hedging, U.S. shale oil producers are unlikely start boosting production in any major way anytime soon. As a result, OPEC can do pretty much what it wants with its own production and push prices however high it wants.

Opec gets a pass to keep lifting prices right now if it wants to, without fearing much of a US supply response, Bill Farren-Price, an analyst at Enverus, told the FT. Shale producers are locked into selling their oil cheaply this year.

Meanwhile, U.S. shale producers have become wary of hedging, according to a Reuters report from earlier this week. After a surge in hedging in June, the report noted, companies have now retreated and adopted a wait-and-see attitude, not least because of bullish forecasts on oil prices.

"With every bank saying that oil will be at $90-$100, no one is going to put hedges on right now," one industry executive told Reuters.

Shareholders are sceptical of the benefits of hedging, too, Reuters reports, citing analysts. In fact, shareholders would rather companies ramped up production than hedging, which is acting as a deterrent factor, too. Still, some shale producers are hedging more, although these are a small minority.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Major cracks appear to be forming in the OPEC+ alliance. After several years of unprecedented cooperation between OPEC members and non-OPEC producers, the growing regional economic and power conflict between Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi is threatening the arrangement. While much of the analysis of the recent OPEC+ disagreement has focused on why the UAE refused to commit to the new export plan, there are other factors that have been largely overlooked. A closer look at the ongoing investments by the UAE in its upstream and downstream industry is one such example. Abu Dhabis national oil company ADNOC has put in place a production capacity increase that calls for a total reassessment of the underlying OPEC production baselines, which were agreed in 2018. At present Abu Dhabi is allowed to produce around 3.2 million bpd, based on the 2018 baseline, but has a capacity now of more than 3.8-4 million bpd. Looking at ongoing new projects and planned investments, production of more than 4 million bpd is possible in the coming years. The aggressive investment strategy of ADNOC means that the UAE is plenty of incentives to increase production. An extended and controlled OPEC+ export quota system would not only impact the UAEs revenue streams but could even turn some of its multi-billion dollar investments into stranded assets in the long term.

Recently, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed has been pushing an independent geopolitical and economic strategy for the UAE. After years of cooperating with Saudi Arabia on everything from OPEC policy to regional geopolitical crises, the two powers are now beginning to diverge. Former cooperation on issues such as the Yemen war and the Qatar blockade has weakened drastically. At the same time, Mohammed bin Salman has been aggressively pushing Saudi Arabias regional power. Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, the Kingdoms economic diversification plan, has driven the crown prince to take aim on other GCC countries as he attempts to force international investors and companies to set up shop in Saudi Arabia rather than Dubai or Doha. This transformation in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE certainly played a part in the recent OPEC+ conflict.

Riyadh is also targeting the logistics industry, an industry that the UAE has long dominated, establishing itself as a regional hub for logistics and connecting EU-Asian commodity and trade flows. In the last couple of months, Saudi Arabia has become increasingly aggressive in this space. While there has no been a direct conflict in this area, it is generally assumed that there is not enough space in the region for two supra-regional maritime logistic hubs. MBZ and Dubai are clearly unimpressed with Saudi Arabias attempts to muscle in on the industry.

Related: Russia Is Ready To Open The Taps

Another area of discord between the two nations is the UAEs increased cooperation with Israel. UAE-Israel cooperation in logistics, technology, defense, and agriculture, is a possible threat to Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 projects. By bringing Israeli tech and know-how to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the UAE projects will compete with the Saudi Giga-Projects, such as NEOM, for international investment. In response to these moves by the UEA, Riyadh has blocked technology and products exports by the UAE that are linked to Israel.

This economic and geopolitical confrontation is normal in the Arab world and is unlikely to cause a major rift between the two nations. The current cracks will likely be mended when one of the two parties is calling for a Majlis in the Desert. MBS and MBZ have more to win from cooperation than confrontation. A breakthrough in the OPEC discussions is certainly a possibility, but first, some saber-rattling must be done. Ultimately, MBS understands that both Aramcos and ADNOCs future revenues are important. Both NOCs will be able to gain a lot of market share in the coming years if they play their cards right. By being flexible while not losing face, both the nations could go on to cooperate in other fields. Emirati SWFs are still a viable source of financing for major projects in Saudi Arabia, while energy-transition projects in the Emirates thrive on Saudi cooperation and cash.

By showing a strong position in international and regional media, both Crown Princes aim to boost their own positions. MBSs strong approach towards regional economic issues is clear and will inevitably come into conflict with others. MBZs more aggressive regional and supra-regional power aspirations are also set out for all to see. OPECs infighting is a natural place for these tensions to play out. Both parties know that their long-term alliance will be key in the future. A full confrontation between the two nations would only serve as an advantage to the long list of regional adversaries for these two nations. By threatening non-compliance, Abu Dhabi is showing its willingness to confront market developments head-on. Saudi Arabia and Russia now need to understand that a Riyadh-Moscow agreement is not going to be enough to placate the other members. ADNOC is unlikely to destabilize the market by opening up its taps, but the symbolism of its resistance is important. Statements about the UAEs willingness to leave OPEC are based purely on rumors, not on facts. Stability is key in oil and gas, being part of the discussion inside of OPEC is more valuable to the UAE than being independent. There is plenty of complexity to unpick behind the scenes, but this particular disagreement is unlikely to cause any real problems for OPEC+

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

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Argentina is looking to impose sanctions on UK and Israeli oil firms for what it claims are illegal drilling activities off the Falkland Islands, a UK-run territory that has been at the center of a long-running dispute between the UK and Argentina.

Argentinian energy secretary Dario Martinez said at a news conference on Wednesday that the government had started a process to sanction UK-based Harbour Energy, which was created from the recent merger of Chrysaor and Premier Oil, as well as Israels Navitas Petroleum for illegitimately drilling off the Falklands, which Argentina calls Islas Malvinas.

The Falkland Islands, a UK-run territory, have been a long-standing territorial dispute between the UK and Argentina, who also staged a brief war over the Falklands in 1982.

Tensions between the UK and Argentina over the Falklands still flare up every few years. Nearly three years ago, the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom was said to have intercepted an Argentinian survey ship that a Navy commander suggested had been snooping for oil on the edge of British territorial waters off the Falkland Islands.

On Wednesday, Martinez held a press conference to announce sanctions regarding the illegal exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Argentine Continental Shelf, the energy secretary said.

There are companies that are neither authorized nor have they requested any type of authorization from the Republic of Argentina to operate in the North Malvinas Basin. That is why we started a procedure to notify and then sanction the companies, within the regulations allowed, Martinez added.

Since Argentina doesnt recognize the British rule over the Falklands, it considers any authorizations illegal and issued by illegitimate authorities.

The Argentinian center-left government has stepped up rhetoric that the Falklands are Argentinian territory. The government has also said it is seeking to achieve an energy independence in the country.

Argentina continues to bet on its shale resources and its largest shale play, Vaca Muerta in the Neuquen province.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Senior officials in the Biden Administration met this week with a younger brother of Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in what was the first officially acknowledged high-level meeting between the United States and Saudi Arabia since the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The meeting on Tuesday in Washington between U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Saudi Vice Minister of Defense, Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, a younger brother to the powerful crown prince, came just as the Biden Administration is urging the OPEC+ group  led by Saudi Arabia  to settle the ongoing dispute about baseline production levels and open the taps, as it was planned, and meet growing global oil demand.

The U.S. and Saudi officials discussed in their meeting 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, the White House said.

They also 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, the U.S. Administration noted.

Coordinating efforts to ensure a strong global economic recovery may have entailed discussions about the OPEC+ deadlock, which resulted from the standoff between OPEC members Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over what the Emirati believe is an unfairly low baseline level for its production quota.

We are closely monitoring the OPEC Plus negotiations and their impact on the global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday.

[W]ere not a party to these talks, but, over the weekend and into this week, weve had a number of high-level conversations with officials in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other relevant partners, she added.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The U.S. Embassy in Baghdads Green Zone was the target of a rocket attack early on Thursday as tensions in Iraq escalate with daily attacks on U.S. troops and personnel in what an analyst says is a coordinated escalation coming from Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq.

One of the two rockets fired at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday was diverted by the anti-rocket systems, while the other landed close to the perimeter of the Green Zone, Iraqi security sources told Reuters.

This was the third attack at bases or buildings housing U.S. troops and personnel this week alone.

On Wednesday, a base housing U.S. troops in Iraq was attacked with rockets, 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. n 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.

The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq was also hit with at least three rockets late Monday, presumably targeting U.S. forces stationed there, but causing no casualties.

It seems to me they have the green light from Iran to escalate, especially given that the nuclear negotiations are not going well, Hamdi Malik, an associate fellow at the Washington Institute and a specialist on Iraqs Shiite militias, told Reuters, commenting on the apparent Iran-backed escalation of attacks.

Meanwhile, diplomats havent set a date yet to continue the talks on the so-called Iran nuclear deal for potentially bringing back Iran and the U.S. to the agreement, which could result in Iranian oil legitimately returning to the market. The negotiations were adjourned just after the presidential election in Iran in June, in which Ebrahim Raisi was elected president.

Earlier this week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran had begun the production of enriched uranium metal, prompting the three Western negotiators in the Iran nuclear deal to issue a joint statement condemning the move.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Crime-and-courts

Omaha attorney who received plea bargain for domestic abuse cases faces new charges

In late May, an Omaha attorney stood before a judge on two reduced misdemeanors stemming from a series of altercations with his former girlfriend in 2020.

Per a plea bargain with the Douglas County Attorneys Office, Benjamin Maxell, a lawyer in private practice, was allowed to plead no contest to disturbing the peace, one of the lowest misdemeanors a person can face. Keeping with both sides agreement, Judge Darryl Lowe sentenced Maxell to two years probation and ordered the attorney not to have contact with his former girlfriend.

Within eight days of being placed on probation, authorities allege Maxell, 45, violated those terms by repeatedly texting the woman. Maxell, whose name appeared as recently as last year on an Omaha law firms marquee, now faces five misdemeanor counts of violating a domestic abuse protection order.

Accusations that he violated the protection order have turned attention to why he was given probation in the first place.

The woman had filed the protection order the day before Maxells original sentencing in the case. She laid out allegations that Maxell had broken into a locked bathroom in April 2021, held a screwdriver to her face and said, I should just kill you! In that same sworn affidavit, the woman accused Maxell of piling her clothes into the toilet and urinating on them and on my hair.

Yet, at Maxells sentencing for two 2020 domestic violence cases, both a prosecutor and a defense attorney said he would not be prosecuted for the April acts.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine, whose office handled Maxells case, said the plea bargain was reached because the woman hadnt been cooperative in the 2020 cases. Jen Meckna, head of Kleines domestic violence unit for the past decade, estimated that witnesses waver in at least half of domestic violence cases, often because theyre manipulated and courted back by the offender.

With the new accusations, Kleine said, he would have preferred to have seen his office do away with the plea bargain provided that she was going to cooperate.

Thats always the question  will the victim cooperate? Kleine said. Theres often a lot of back and forth in terms of the dynamics of these domestic cases, where the victim sometimes begins by cooperating and then backs out. We tried to get whatever we could with the hopes that he would comply. It appears that hasnt happened.

Maxells attorney, Peder Bartling, declined to comment and said his client would have no comment. Maxell, a general practice lawyer who has handled everything from civil matters to divorces, is contesting the womans request for a protection order. His law license is at stake  the Nebraska Supreme Court recently has disbarred two attorneys who were found to have committed violent acts.

TODD COOPER, THE WORLD-HERALD Benjamin Maxell, an Omaha attorney, was arrested by a sheriffs deputy in June on five misdemeanor counts alleging he violated a protection order.

Maxells ex-wife has sought protection orders against the girlfriend, saying she is not mentally stable and has broken into Maxells house. The ex-wife withdrew one of those requests; the other is scheduled for a hearing.

According to court records and law enforcement reports:

Police or sheriffs deputies were called at least five times since August 2020 for incidents involving Maxell and the 41-year-old woman, a neighbor who became his girlfriend. Many of them occurred at the womans home near 171st Street and West Maple Road.

On Aug. 27, the woman told sheriffs deputies that Maxell had entered her home through her open garage door and confronted her in her upstairs bedroom as she was getting ready for work. She said he took several items of clothing from her hands and threw them on the floor before grabbing her and throwing her to the floor. A sheriffs deputy wrote that the woman said Maxell put his knees on both of her arms to ensure she couldnt leave and spat on (the woman) while she was pinned. She said she kicked him and got away to near a stairwell when, she said, Maxell told her: It sure would be a shame if there was an accident and you fell down the stairs. Deputies said the woman had a knot on her left forearm, bruises on her arms and a scratch on her head. She told deputies she didnt believe Maxell would harm her further.

On Sept. 25, the woman said she went to a hotel room near 108th Street and West Dodge Road, where Maxell had been staying since his now ex-wife filed for divorce. Maxell accused her of stealing his phone; the woman said she had found it. Later, Maxell said he was going to her home to retrieve it. About midnight, Maxell arrived and found the womans door secured by a swing lock the woman said she had installed to prevent him from breaking in. Maxell forced open the front door, causing the door frame to break. The woman said Maxell approached her and began physically striking her. The altercation continued to the bedroom, where the woman said Maxell got on top of her, pinned her arms down with his knees and pressed his thumb on the center of her throat. The woman stated it was difficult for her to breathe, a deputy wrote. Maxell left in her 2012 SUV without her permission, she alleged.

On Nov. 27, the woman was hanging out with Maxell in his hotel room. She said she went to leave, but Maxell wouldnt let her, saying he didnt want her to go. Maxell grabbed her by both arms and pulled her back in the room, the woman said, but she resisted. As she did, Maxell struck the woman in the lip and the eye, possibly with his elbow, the woman said. Omaha police wrote that the woman had a bruise on her lip and her left eye was swollen.

On Jan. 12, Maxell entered the womans house through an unlocked basement window after hitting my mom earlier that night and breaking her car window, according to a protection order request filed by the womans 19-year-old son. He was trying to get to my mom; I protected my mom by getting a baseball bat and using it against Ben to make him leave, the teen wrote.

After the August and September cases, Maxell was charged with trespassing, vandalism and two counts of domestic assault, all misdemeanors. After the Nov. 27 case, he was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault. In January, he faced a misdemeanor in connection with the incident in which he was fended off by the bat-wielding teen. In February, he was charged with drunken driving.

All those cases were pending when, the woman told police, Maxell showed up at her house again. On April 15, the son called 911 and reported that Maxell almost killed his mom, according to a sheriffs report. The woman initially denied that an assault had occurred but later filed a sworn affidavit seeking a protection order.

In that affidavit, the woman wrote that she went to Maxells home to retrieve her laptop and other belongings. An argument ensued that resulted in him pouring beer all over me. The woman went to clean up in a basement restroom and locked the door. She wrote that Maxell attempted to enter the bathroom with a screwdriver and eventually pushed the door in. He shoved me into the shower and I fell resulting in bruising on legs and knees.

Maxell waved the screwdriver in my face, stating: I should just kill you!, the woman wrote. Afterwards, Maxell threw my clothes and shoes into the toilet and urinated on them. He also took nude photos of me saying, What did I ever see in you?! Maxell urinated on my washed hair and spit on me. The woman alleged he threw her cellphone at her and it shattered.

No charges were brought against Maxell over those allegations. The woman filed a request for a protection order on May 26.

On May 27, Maxell showed up for his sentencing. In a tape of the hearing  reviewed by The World-Herald  Bartling, Maxells attorney, noted to Judge Lowe that prosecutors would not be filing a warrant for Maxell based on the April accusations. Those allegations  of a screwdriver and threats and urination  were not relayed to the judge by prosecutors, according to the recording.

Instead, the parties proceeded with the probation deal.

We all go through struggles, Lowe told Maxell. And were either heroic enough to survive them, or we fall under their pressure.

In imposing two years of probation, Lowe noted that Maxell was to abstain from alcohol and to submit to searches by probation officers. The judge wrote additional conditions on the probation order: Full psychological exam and no contact with the woman or her son for the next two years.

Eight days later, Maxell sent two blank texts to the woman. Beginning June 4, he sent her a series of apple emojis, which the woman said was their code for I love you. In all, he sent 33 texts, apparently receiving no reply. The longest read: I will never get over you. You are all I want. I am (expletive) miserable without you. There is no one else. There never was. There never will be. Please give us another shot  or at least let me give you a final hug.

Instead, the woman showed up in a Douglas County courtroom in late June as Maxell sought to dismiss the protection order. A judge delayed the hearing. As Maxell left, he was greeted by a sheriffs deputy who arrested him on five misdemeanor counts alleging he violated the protection order. If convicted, Maxell faces up to one year in jail on each count.

To date, prosecutors have not charged him with violating the probation term that he not have contact with the woman. Meckna said such charges still are possible.

As he placed Maxell on probation in May, Lowe cautioned the attorney: Were looking to find justice  and we hope to serve justice today, to be fair to you and all of the perceived parties who may or may not have been victims. This is going to be a determination whereby you will be held accountable.

You will primarily hold the keys to your own jail cell.
Nebraska has seen an increase in reported hate crime incidents over the last few years, according to the FBI.

Eugene Kowel, special agent in charge at the Omaha field office, said at a Thursday press conference that the FBI region that includes Nebraska and Iowa has seen a 21% increase in the reporting of hate crimes.

A majority of hate crimes are committed on the basis of race and ethnicity, he said.

The FBI defines a hate crime as a traditional criminal offense, such as homicide, arson or vandalism, with an added element of bias. The bias can be against someones race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender or gender identity.

A hate crime is not just an attack on an individual, Kowel said, but an attack on a community.

Kowel said hate crimes have two elements: bias against a community and a use or threat of force.

When the FBI receives a hate crime report, agents work with local law enforcement to investigate the crime.

Well do what we can to bring the person to justice, Kowel said.
That was the job he said he loved best. He supervised production of 200 editions before his retirement in 1982.

In a farewell article, Farrells Combat Crew colleagues described him as an institution, and said they would miss his wit and expertise.

Years later, in 2018, he was honored again at Offutt, this time by the 55th Wing. Through the efforts of Mark Jensen, an Omahan who has befriended many veterans of the era, Farrell was presented with medals he had earned during World War II  the World War II Victory Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal in addition to the Air Medal.

More than 100 airmen applauded Farrell and stood in line to greet him.

Its a recognition of my career  and for all the men who didnt come back, Farrell told The World-Herald after the ceremony. Therell never be another war like that.

On June 11, he received one final honor. Guillaume Lacroix, the French Consul general in Chicago, presented Farrell the Legion dHonneur (or Legion of Honor), Frances highest award.

They are the Greatest Generation, said Jensen, who helped arrange for the award for Farrell and two other members of his World War II B-17 crew.
Authorities have described the shooting as an ambush that happened after Ferency stepped outside the office. The federal complaint said Ferency fired shots at Meehan, as did an FBI agent who ran outside after the shooting began. Meehan was shot twice but drove away from the scene to a Terre Haute hospital, where he underwent surgery for his wounds.

Paul Keenan, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Indianapolis office, said earlier Thursday that the suspected gunman was in FBI custody at a hospital. Keenan wouldnt say whether Ferency knew the gunman or was targeted for some reason.

Were still looking at motive and were leaving all avenues open at this time, Keenan said during a news conference in Terre Haute, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Indianapolis.

Kennan described the shooting as an ambush attack on Ferency without any apparent warning.

The suspect showed up there before Detective Ferency came out of the building, Kennan said. That was the reason we used that word.

The criminal complaint said Meehan drove a pickup truck near the Terre Haute FBI office repeatedly Wednesday afternoon before stopping near its parking lot gate and throwing a Molotov cocktail incendiary device toward the building.
CHICAGO (AP)  A former Illinois death row inmate whose exoneration became an incentive to end the death penalty in the state has died, his attorney announced Wednesday.

Attorney Jim Montgomery told WBBM Radio that Anthony Porter, 66, died this week. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office said Porter died from anoxic brain injury, probable opioid toxicity, and ruled the death an accident.

Porter was exonerated in 1999 and released from prison after another man confessed to the Aug. 15, 1982 fatal shooting of two people as they sat in a park on Chicagos South Side.

Alstory Simon confessed to the crime during an investigation of the murders by a team of journalism students from Northwestern University. Simon was later convicted and sentenced to 37 years in prison.

The Cook County States Attorneys Office re-examined Simons conviction in 2013 after he recanted his confession. Simon alleged he was coerced into making it by a private investigator, working with the journalism students, who he says promised him he would get an early release and a share of the profits from book and movie deals.
Pfizer is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying Thursday that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant.

Research from multiple countries shows the Pfizer shot and other widely used COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against the highly contagious delta variant, which is spreading rapidly around the world and now accounts for most new U.S. infections.

Two doses of most vaccines are critical to develop high levels of virus-fighting antibodies against all versions of the coronavirus, not just the delta variant -- and most of the world still is desperate to get those initial protective doses as the pandemic continues to rage.

But antibodies naturally wane over time, so studies also are underway to tell if and when boosters might be needed.

On Thursday, Pfizers Dr. Mikael Dolsten told The Associated Press that early data from the company's booster study suggests peoples antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier.

In August, Pfizer plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization of a third dose, he said.
She said the government recently learned that they both filed claims with the FDIC as receiver for TierOne Bank in 2010 that were approved.

Laphen filed one for $227,390 for deferred compensation, plus $13,850 in accrued interest.

Lundstrom filed five, including one for $481,697 in unpaid retirement plan benefits, which the FDIC paid him last October. Blackburn said the FDIC still owes him $2,748,561, plus interest, on the others.

The discovery prompted her to ask a federal judge to amend the order to make the restitution due and payable immediately and to order the FDIC to pay funds owed to Lundstrom and Laphen to the clerk of the court.

Although the FDIC funds were not yet available to Lundstrom or Laphen at the time of sentencing, as an account receivable, the claims for the funds should have been disclosed by defendants. Indeed, defendants were required to disclose such allowed claims, but failed to do so, Blackburn wrote in the brief.

She called Lundstroms receipt of the money in October and failure to inform the court deceitful.

Attorneys for the men havent yet responded to the filing.
Speaker Mike Hilgers of Lincoln has informed members of the Legislature that he expects to convene a redistricting special session on or about Sept. 13 with adjournment by Sept. 30 at the latest.

Hilgers told senators to be prepared for the possibility of two Saturday sessions during that time frame.

Senators will return to Lincoln to tackle the once-every-decade chore of redistricting legislative, congressional and other governing districts after receiving final population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, whose work was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The redistricting process typically shatters the nonpartisan nature of Nebraskas unique one-house Legislature as political party leaders influence, and sometimes drive, the process of creating new districts that will be in place for the 2022 elections.

In addition to reconstructing Nebraskas legislative and congressional districts to reflect population changes, senators will redraw less contentious districts for the Nebraska Supreme Court, University of Nebraska Board of Regents, Nebraska Public Service Commission and State Board of Education.
The Fourth of July is an occasion for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. But a better project might be the reading of the Constitution, a document that many Americans revere without fully understanding.

Among this group are many police officers, even though they take an oath to uphold it and are greatly affected by it in the course of their duties. One provision that sometimes gets short shrift is the Eighth Amendment, which says, Excessive bail shall not be required.

That provision rests on the longstanding right of criminal defendants to be granted bail except when no amount would ensure their appearance in court  notably in capital cases. But for others, the right to be released before trial is implicit in the amendment. Denying bail, after all, has exactly the same effect as imposing excessive bail.

Some states, recognizing this fundamental liberty, have enacted laws ending the use of cash bail. The reason is that requiring a money payment leaves huge numbers of defendants languishing in jail not because they have been proven guilty or are deemed dangerous but because they are poor. The vast majority of them will show up in court without it, and judges can require electronic monitoring to make sure they do.
Indeed, one of the central goals of this ongoing effort has been to help officials, law enforcement and the public understand the horrendous circumstances for victims. Then-Douglas County Sheriff Tim Dunning explained the matter well several years ago. Research has shown, he said, that its easier for law enforcement to build trust with victims and obtain information for prosecution when victims feel safe and respected. ... We have made progress through educating our law enforcement community to recognize that the old model of prosecuting human trafficking cases by treating victims as criminal defendants, in order to leverage them into forced cooperation against their traffickers, is ineffective. It also misunderstands the coercive nature of the victimization that occurs in human trafficking.
Economist, Kwame Pianim, says investors and entrepreneurs in the country must be nurtured and protected because they are key national assets.



Speaking at the Tesah Capital Dialogue Series on Investment in Accra on Wednesday (7 July), Pianim said, And all of us must decide and agree that investors and entrepreneurs are national assets and we must learn to nurture and protect them as a nation.



He spoke on the topic: Investing in Ghana: My Journey and Lessons.



 The investment landscape in Ghana can be exhilarating, fulfilling as well as very stressful. An unstable macroeconomic environment is our Achilles heel. It demands running fast to stand ones ground. We trust some of the takeaways and lessons from our journey will help new investors keep their heads above water as they navigate through big and small transactions and even angel investors, he said.



Pianim said Investing is the cradle and incubator for unleashing the entrepreneurial talent of our nation. And all of us must decide and agree that investors and entrepreneurs are national assets and we must learn to nurture and protect them as a nation.





But watch out the environment may wrestle us to the ground as it has done many warriors leaving us bereft of energy and the will to dare to dream continue we must; others have succeeded largely because nobody told them their dreams were impossible beware of the macroeconomic thief, he said.



He admonished investors not to invest with their heart, saying Investment is a calculated business, do not invest with your heart.

Source: asaaseradio.com









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Several ground-breaking innovations have been birthed during this pandemic as companies and industries are at their wits end, figuring out how to lessen the financial burden on their customers.



One of the most pioneering initiatives during the period was introduced by Vodafone Cash as part of its comprehensive support for Ghanaians. The Mobile Financial Service operator completely waived off charges on any amount of money transferred from Vodafone Cash to all networks in addition to its already existing no charges to other Vodafone Cash customers. In essence, customers do not incur any charges when they send money from their Vodafone Cash account to friends and loved ones on Vodafone and other networks.



This initiative, which remains the most innovative product from the industry, has brought great relief to millions of Ghanaians as well as Small and Medium Enterprises across the country, as Vodafone continues to absorb charges.



Vodafone Cash customers have expressed their appreciation and commended the operator across various social media platforms for the bold move. Some of the positive comments picked from Twitter include the following.



Sharing his delight using the Vodafone Cash service, Jude Focus said, Vodafone Cash is too good, there have been no charges on all transactions since last year.



According to Samuel Amenyo, I started laughing when I realized other networks charge as much as 10 cedis for sending money, meanwhile, I send money on Vodafone Cash without any charges.



Gerson Ato Essel wrote, Just transferred all my money from that network onto my Vodafone cash wallet because I know my money is safe from fraudsters.



Cobby Ing Jr. also tweeted, Thanks Vodafone cash, this has made my transactions more convenient than ever without thinking of the charges, Im grateful



Commenting, Martison Obeng-Agyei, Head of Vodafone Mobile Financial Services said:



It is very heart-warming to hear these testimonies from our cherished customers. We are excited that our decision to completely waive off charges on money transfers to other networks is making such a great impact in the lives of our customers and businesses. Besides the financial relief, this bold step has also broadly expanded digital financial inclusion which remains the focus. I am extremely excited that we have brought such relief to customers saving them millions of cedis in what would have been charged.



Prior to this initiative, Vodafone was the first operator that allowed customers to enjoy free charges on interoperability transactions below Ghc100 before the Bank of Ghanas directive for operators to waive the charges.



Customers who have not yet subscribed to the service can simply dial *558# to register. Non-Vodafone customers can also visit any Vodafone Retail Shop or Agent to port their number or purchase a SIM card, register with a valid ID card and then activate their cash wallet.





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.

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The Lagos state police command has arrested one Bolaniran Orimolade alias Bola Bebo, for intentionally infecting his wife, stepdaughter and twelve other women with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).



Chief Operating Officer Of Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Peoples Network, Ebenezer Omejalile said the suspect claimed to be chairman of Iyana Iba motor part and had boasted that he was above the law.



It was also learned that Mrs Bolaniran had two identical twins, both males who were born with HIV courtesy of their fathers status.



Omejalile said: He does it with so much impunity without any form of remorse, he was arrested several times but buys his way out and goes after his victims and makes life a living hell for them.



His latest atrocity was on his wife Mrs Bolaniran, who after infecting her with HIV, he domestically abused. He also sexually molested his stepdaughter who is now living with HIV.



Efforts to get Bolaniran arrested by Igando Police Station proved abortive initially.



Its also on record that Mrs Bolaniran had two identical twins, both males who were born with HIV courtesy of their fathers status.



Mrs. Bolaniran couldnt bear the trauma of humiliation her husband subjected her and her children to, so she moved out to seek refuge in a church.



Ever since she moved out of the apartment, Bolaniran has been going to the church to cause trouble.



Bolaniran was reportedly transferred to the Gender Anti-human trafficking unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligent Department (SCIID), Panti, following his arrest.



Omejalile added: Our findings on Bolarinan showed that he was once jailed for 10 years, which makes him an ex-convict.



Bolaniran has however been disowned by the National Union of Road Transport Workers after he claimed to be a member of the union.



Lagos State Secretary of the union, Oluwaseyi Bankole who debunked the claim said the suspect who reportedly operates at Iyana Iba Motor Park is not a member of the Union as the Lagos NURTW does not operate at the said park.



Bankole said; The man is not a member of our union. As a matter of fact, our union does not operate at Iyana Iba Motor Park. The park in question is operated by another union. NURTW is made up of law-abiding citizens, hence our members will not engage in criminal activities.



We have a database of our registered members, from units to state and the national headquarters of union, and these members are known to be above board in all their dealings.







Source: adomnews









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Information gathered indicate that Dr Frank Bani, the Director of Pantang psychotic hospital who recently got himself engrossed in land matters at Pantang has allegedly orchestrated attacks on Nii Agyemang Kesi III who is the Divisional Head of the Ga Paramount Stool and land committee chairman of the Afutu Brempong family.



Dr Frank Bani has been in the news lately for marking people's buildings for demolition without any court order and so the Nii Afutu Brempong family has kicked against his action.



Meanwhile, Dr Frank Bani is said to have taken his agenda to another level, starting a personal vendetta against top Ga Traditional leaders.



The attacks on Nii Agyeman Kesi III and his son occurred on Monday the 5th day of July 2021 at the premises of the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital when Nii Agyeman Kesi III who is the divisional head of the Ga paramount stool, went to the hospital to meet the Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations. At his arrival, some thugs alleged to be contracted by Dr Frank Bani pounced on Nii Agyemang Kesi III and his son Joram De-Grant Quaye who drives his father around, beat and tagged them to be land guards.



Sources indicated that the incident portrays as a planned attack purposely meant for the heads of the Afutu Brempong Family because of the seeming impasse between them and Dr Bani over the lands.



This news firm however established that the Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations was at the hospital to meet management over the same ongoing development regarding poor administration of the hospital under Dr Frank Bani.



According to sources, both senior and junior staff of the Pantang psychotic hospital are against the poor managerial and administrative style of Dr Bani for which matter attracted the attention of the Deputy Minister who was at the hospital to keep himself abreast with developments.



Is been gathered that Dr Frank Bani's action of assuming the role of a vanguard under the pretence of securing and protecting government lands is not being supported by workers.



Meanwhile, snippets of information received are that Ga Asafoatse Mei is preparing themselves to besiege the Pantang hospital over attacks on the divisional head of Ga Paramount Stool.



They said the attacks and accusations levelled against the divisional head of the Ga Paramount Stool, Nii Agyemang Kesi III is an insult not only to him but that the devious action embarked by Dr Bani has affected the Ga state at large.



Chiefs and elders of Pantang in an interview set the record straight and pointed out that, Nii Agyemang Kesi III is not a land guard as claimed by Dr Frank Bani. Emphatically they hammered that, Nii Agyemang Kesi III is a known Elder in the Ga State and as a result, immediate action shall be taken against Dr Frank Bani for his action.

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.

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The Minister for Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has indicated the governments resolve to increase rice production in the Bono East Region.



He made the observation on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, while addressing a gathering of farmers, extension officers, agricultural inputs dealers, regional directors at the Regional Coordinating Council, Bono East Region, as part of his tour of the region.



According to him, Bono East possess a high capacity for rice production, adding that "You have a high capacity with regards to your land to produce as much rice to feed the whole of the country."



To this end, Dr Afriyie Akoto assured the rice farmers of the government's support to enable them to increase productivity and achieve that set goal.



He urged the farmers and the assembly to prioritise the government's projects in the area while entreating them to ensure the country reaped the full benefits.



To ensure that government attends to the needs of the farmers directly without recourse to the assembly, the minister admonished the farmers to organise themselves into farmer groups to engender swift response to their needs.



With regards to the maintenance of government projects, he noted that government would prefer to employ the services of the private sector for continual sustainability.



He indicated the government's desire to sustain investment in agriculture to enable the sector to succeed, adding that the support of the private sector would also be engaged.



This, according to him, would ensure sustainability thereby enabling the country to reap the full profits.



Farmers in Yerenpenso in the Bono East Region appealed for a livestock council to facilitate swift interactions between the ministry and the farmer association.



".What we need now is a livestock council so that we can channel our challenges to the ministry for urgent attention," the Leader of the livestock farmers, Mohammed Bin, disclosed.



Mr Bin further pointed out that the establishment of a livestock council would aid farmers to relay their challenges to the government for a swift response.



Yam and maize farmers within the area also called for the need to fix their roads to aid their activities.



At Quest Farms, producers of maize seeds for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) at Dawadawa within Kintampo North District of the Bono East Region, the Farm Manager, Bendong Jonas, appealed for irrigation facilities to ensure year-round cultivation of crops.



He also noted that a reduction in the price of fertilisers would help increase agricultural produce in the region.

Currently, he said, the farm produces crops such as cashew, mango aside from maize for MoFA for onward distribution to farmers on the government's flagship programme, Planting for Food and Jobs (PFFJ).



Earlier, the minister called on the chief of Tachiman.



The minister on Monday and Tuesday toured and interacted with farmers and agricultural extension officers in the Ahafo and Bono regions respectively.

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.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said the government is committed to ensuring that about 10 per cent of Ghanas energy mix comes from renewable sources by the end of the decade.

He has, therefore, welcomed collaboration between the country and the Swiss government to attain the target.



President Akufo-Addo said this when he hosted the Swiss Minister of Environment, Traffic, Energy and Communications, Ms Simonetta Sommaruga, to a working lunch at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.



Ms Sommaruga, who is also a former President of the Swiss Confederation, is on a three-day visit to the country.



Roadmap



The two countries set out a road map for the swift implementation of a climate partnership agreement they signed in November 2020.



Ms Sommaruga initialed for her country, while the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, signed for Ghana.



Parliament is expected to ratify the agreement to pave the way for its full implementation.



Switzerland is a global pioneer in climate protection, setting a standard for international climate projects that respects both human rights and nature.



In recent months, Switzerland has signed bilateral agreements with Ghana and Peru for carbon offsetting projects in the two countries.



Ahead of the signing of the road map, Ms Sommaruga held discussions with the Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh; the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Dr Afriyie and a host of experts from Ghana and Switzerland.



The discussions focused mainly on measures to implement Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.



Relations



President Akufo-Addo traced Ghana-Switzerland relations to the advent of the Basel Missionaries in the country and said the relations had grown over the years.



He said cocoa continued to play a dominant role in the relationship between the two nations, adding that Ghana had reliable consumers of its cocoa in Switzerland.



The President also mentioned education and the environment as some of the sectors in which the two countries were collaborating.



Presidents visit



Ms Sommaruga described the visit by President Akufo-Addo to Switzerland last year as fruitful and said it further strengthened the relations between the two countries.



She also said the private sector could benefit from the carbon credit system laid out in the Swiss-Ghana bilateral agreement.



Switzerland, according to her, intended to allocate CHF65 million for economic development and cooperation in Ghana.









Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Madam Idayat Hassan, the Director, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) Nigeria, says women need the support of men of goodwill, who, already occupying positions of power, are willing to keep the doors open for them.



She commended the initiatives like HeForShe, because it correctly identified that women needed solidarity partners in men for gender equality to thrive.



We must find ways to entrench that thinking at the community level, where long standing societal norms have shaped the one-dimensional views of women in most of our communities, Madam Hassan stated in her virtual presentation at the Regional Conference on Women, Peace and Security in Accra.



The Conference on the theme, "Our Stories, Lessons and Marching Forward", was organised by the KAIPTC in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Partnership for Peace (P4P) Project and the G5 Sahel Secretariat.



It seeks to create a platform to exchange and share knowledge on progress made in the implementation of the WPS Agenda within the West African region.



Madam Hassan noted that another challenge was the ongoing conflict in the form of insurgency in West Africa; adding that women and girls often paid the highest price of insurgency as they were not only victims of extremists but militias and government forces.



Regarding exclusion of women in peacebuilding efforts, she said: In the G5 (Sahel) countries, the focus has long been in securing women and children as victims of conflicts, rather than including women in the security and protective services.



However, the exclusion of women denies security and peacekeeping processes of the unique perspective and experiences women bring.



She said that had dire implications not just on women, who often suffered a disproportionate share of the harm when peace failed, but also entire communities displaced by conflicts.



Madam Hassan said, however, that available data showed that women in peacebuilding represented about six per cent of police personnel, and a shocking zero per cent in the Armed Forces; declaring that this is unacceptable.



She said enhancing equal opportunities for men and women was, therefore, a key requirement for peace and development.



Absolute consideration of a gender perspective in conflict prevention and resolution in the Sahel region has become necessary, as women and children are often the main victims of the ongoing conflicts.



She said the challenges facing the Sahel region, especially that of security, had necessitated the engagement of different categories of the population of the Sahel to play a role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.



On the way forward, Madam Hassan said across the region, there had been remarkable efforts going on which should be scaled up, replicated and publicised across the region.



Major General Francis Ofori, the Commandant of the KAIPTC, said women continued to demonstrate their capacity to support in the quest for peace and security.



However, it was important to underscore the shift in conflict from the inter-state through intra-state to non-state actors.



The Commandant said recognising the important role women played in the peace and security architecture and the absence of a mechanism to support the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda on the continent, the KAIPTC in 2010 established its Women Peace and Security Institute (WPSI).

Source: GNA









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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Joseph Aphur, has said the soldiers were compelled to pull the trigger during the violence in Ejura in the Ejura Sekyedumase District in the Ashanti Region last week because some of the protesters allegedly fired at the law enforcers.



When we got to the general area of the cemetery, and they (protesters) started issuing warning threats to the police and military team; we started giving verbal warnings which we do in the military, but they didnt listen. So we fired warning shots, and we realised that some shots were also fired from the crowd, at that stage, it was becoming too bad for civilians to be firing at the security personnel, the military officer said.



Brig. Gen. Aphour was giving testimony before the three-member Committee of Inquiry under the chairmanship of His Lordship Justice George Kingsley Koomson of the Court of Appeal, yesterday.



The committee has been set up by the Minister of the Interior, Ambrose Dery on the orders of President Akufo-Addo, to hold public inquiry into the disturbances in Ejura on Tuesday, June 29, which left two people dead and four others injured following the murder of Ibrahim Mohammed, aka Macho Kaaka, a social media activist.



Returning Fire



According to the military officer, following the shots from the crowd, the soldiers returned fire to stop them.



I think the commander, at that stage, then had to use minimum force by ordering his personnel to begin firing at those who were firing from the crowd to maim them, he said, adding After our fire, we didnt have instant deaths. They were evacuated to the hospital, where we later heard two died. But at the instant of our fire, the crowd withdrew and everything came under our control.



When asked whether the use of live ammunition during the protest was appropriate at that moment, the Commanding Officer said it was, and added that the situation could have been worse if they had not taken those steps.



Of course, when you (security personnel) fire warning shots, and you see people firing from the crowd, certainly you have to use live ammunition to maim them, because we also arrested two persons with weapons that we have reported to the police.





Ministers Action



The officer also said the Ashanti Regional Ministers decision to involve the military to calm the situation was a step in the right direction because the situation would have been worse.



But if not for what we did together with the police in Ejura, I can bet you that there would have been more deaths to civilians, he said, adding if the chairman of REGSEC didnt give good judgement, and I believe the judgement he gave by inviting us to intervene was the right one, there would have been more deaths.



He disagreed with suggestions that the military should not be involved in civilian protests, saying the committee should add in their report that the military should be called upon in situations like this. If not, there will be a time that we (Ghana), will be in a serious crisis and the military wont intervene.



Unfortunate Deaths



The Commanding Officer of 4 Battalion, Lt. Col. Kwasi Ware Peprah also testified, describing the incident and the subsequent deaths as unfortunate.



He told the committee that it was not the intention of the soldiers to kill any civilian, insisting that if that was the agenda, we would have gotten not less than 100 people dying. It is just unfortunate.



He then refuted the claim that the soldiers used live bullets to disperse the crowd, saying it would have been fatal if that was done, and said some protestors were also wielding guns and firing back upon the arrival of the security operatives.



Firing Into The Air



You see, the soldiers started firing into the air, if you are not a professional and there are other guns firing you wouldnt know. And that is how come some people are saying that they (the protestors) were not handling weapons.



When an M16 rifle fires, I know. When a G3 rifle fires, I know but the ordinary citizen and the media wouldnt know. All you will hear is gunshots into the air. And since it started when the soldiers came, you will assume that it is only soldiers who are firing, he said.



Lt. Col. Peprah said the soldiers were not responsible for getting ambulances for casualties, insisting that I think the Ejura administration as well as maybe the police should have considered the ambulance issue because we the Calm Life Operation are not structured that way, we only react to incidents.

Source: Daily Guide









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Mohammed Salisu Bamba, the municipal chief executive for Ejura Sekyedumasi, has denied media reports that the two suspects in police custody in connection with the murder of Ibrahim Kaaka Mohammed are his bodyguards.



Bamba said although the suspects  Ibrahim Issaka and Fuseini Alhassan  are members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), they are not his employees.



Appearing before the three-member ministerial committee probing the disturbances in Ejura on June 29, the MCE said: Anyone who knows Ejura very well and our environment, my house is a place that, whenever any political head is coming to Ejura or anytime that there is any national activity, the media can attest to that fact that, my house is filled with a lot of people.



And the two gentlemen are our party [NPP] members, and they are polling station executives. And as a chief executive and parliamentary candidate, definitely, I will have a relationship with all my party people, he said.



A third suspect, who is a brother of Kaaka, is also in police custody.



Police briefing

Speaking to the media in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional police spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Godwin Ahianyo, said the deceased was ambushed by the two suspects in front of his house upon returning home at 1.30am on Sunday.



This morning we would like to inform the general public that the regional command has arrested two suspects in the attack and murder of Ibrahim Mohammed, alias Kaaka, aged 45, he said.



The suspects are Ibrahim Issaka alias Anyaas and Fuseini Alhassan, currently in custody. Both were arrested at about 10.45pm on Monday 28 June 2021 following police intelligence, ASP Ahianyo said.



He said the police have commenced investigations to ascertain whether the murder was linked to Kaakas work as a citizen journalist or the #FixTheCountry movement.





Source: asaaseradio.com









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Ashanti Regional Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sam Pyne, has slammed the organizers of the NDC ''March for Justice'' demonstration on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.



Hundreds of members and supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress embarked on a protest against the killing and brutalization of some citizens in Ghana by security forces.



The protesters marched through some streets to the Jubilee House, the seat of government, to petition the President.



"The hopes of every Ghanaian, including your political adversaries, were to see you uphold the tenets of our Constitution, sustain the peace you inherited from your predecessor, improve upon the economic wellbeing of Ghanaians, fight corruption ruthlessly, provide decent employment for the youth in particular, and ensure the safety of everybody, amongst other things; needless to say, these were the very teething issues you campaigned on and promised to deliver.



''Your Excellency, without mincing words, it is heart wrenching to state that your government has so far delivered the antithesis of almost all what you promised Ghanaians. It cannot be gainsaid that if you objectively and sincerely looked back, reflect on the state of the country bequeathed to you and what you have done with it in five years, you have eroded almost all the strides our country have made," portions of the petition read.



Speaking in relation to the protest on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Sam Pyne expressed disgust over the conduct of the protesters and organizers of the protest.



According to him, they abused the Coronavirus protocols.



He cited instances where the NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia not practicing social distancing and a majority of the protesters failing to wear nose mask.



"What pains me is the protocols that they abused. Initially, when the Police talked about COVID, people didn't understand it but yesterday, majority of them that I saw their pictures and videos weren't wearing masks," he said.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The General Secretary of the largest opposition National Demcratic Congress (NDC) has explained the reason why he chose to march with a car during his partys March For Justice demonstration.



According to Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the idea was to observe COVID-19 protocol by social distancing from the crowd whiles achieving his aim.



He also told NEAT FMs morning show host, Kwesi Aboagye that the idea was to sacrifice himself to any casualties plotted by the military to distract the peaceful march.



As a leader, I wanted the soldiers to first kill me up there when they start firing like how they did in Ejura, I will be ready for the first bullet on top of the car, he said on NEAT FMs morning show, 'Ghana Montie'.







Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) has described the late President of Zambia, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, as a deep thinker, who served his people selflessly till his death.



The Party said the late Dr Kaunda was a committed freedom fighter, who contributed greatly to free the entire continent of Africa from colonial rule.



Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, the 2020 Flagbearer of the Party, in a tribute, said the late Dr Kaunda was the last iconic African leader, who fought for the liberation of the continent together with Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Samora Machel, Jomo Kenyatta, Patrick Lumumba, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Mandela and Sekou Toure.



Mr Greenstreet was speaking at a photo exhibition and eulogy organised by the CPP in celebration of the Late Dr Kaunda, the last leader of Africas liberation era and founding President of Zambia.



The late Zambian leader was born on April 28, 1924 at Lubwa Mission Bear Chinsali in Northern Rhodesia.



He helped to establish the African National Congress (ANC), the first major anti-colonial organisation in Northern Rhodesia and was its Secretary-General from 1953 to 1958 under the ANC President Harry Nkrumbula.



Committed to his non-violent principles of Indias Mahatma Gandhi, he broke with Nkrumbula and became the President of the Zambia African National Union from 1958 through 1959.



When civil disorder led to banning of this Party, Kaunda was jailed for nine months and on his release, became the President of the new United National Independence Party in 1960.



On October 30, 1962 he was elected to the Legislative Council, where he formed a Coalition government with Nkrumbulas ANC and served as a Minister of Local Government and Social Welfare in 1962.



In October 1964, the new nation of Zambia was born, with the late Dr Kaunda as its President.



Mr Greenstreet noted that the activities of Dr Kaunda and his liberation fighters were towards the improvement and betterment of their nations.



They were real individuals who came not to serve themselves but to serve the interest and wellbeing of the society and their nation, he added.



The 2020 CPP Flagbearer said one could draw inspiration from their activities and conduct, which was the type of inspiration the current crop of African leaders needed to guide in the service of the people.



Nana Akosua Frimpomaa, the CPP Chairperson and Leader, said Dr Nkrumah once said: The Independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked with the total liberation of the African Continent."



She said the inspiration in that statement connected the CPP to Dr Kaunda, one of the last of a generation of African liberation leaders.



She said it seemed that with the departure of the last of the freedom fighters, achieving the total liberation of Africa was well and truly cut out for the Continent.



Nana Frimpomaa said the Continent must ensure a new awakening in themselves and the younger generation with the goal of leading them to achieve intellectual maturity, by thinking for themselves to improve their lot.



Mr Dishon Mambne, the First Secretary, Political and Administration, Zambian High Commission, commended the leadership of the CPP for the love shown to the founding father of Zambia.



He said for the Continent to honour his legacy we need to do exactly what he did with his colleagues in the liberation fight.



He said the liberation was to work in unity to make the Continent free.

Source: GNA









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Henry Nana Boakye, National Youth Organizer of the ruling NPP, has today celebrated the 3rd anniversary of his position in the party.



Celebrating his anniversary, he publicly expressed his profound admiration and affection for the youth and supporters of the party.



Taking to his Facebook page, he penned down his achievements saying "over the period, together with my two able deputies (Perpetual Lomokie Akwada and Joseph Kwayaja) we have achieved a lot in making the youth wing much stronger, united and result-driven."



He was also honoured with citation by the National Deputy Youth Organizers and all 15 Regional Youth Organizers for his kind leadership.



Read full statement below:



Today marks the 3rd anniversary of my election as the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



Over the period, together with my two able deputies (Perpetual Lomokie Akwada and Joseph Kwayaja) we have achieved a lot in making the youth wing much stronger, united and result-driven.



Its important to underscore that, yesterday, I was honored with a noble CITATION by the National deputy youth organizers and all the 15 Regional Youth Organizers for the kind of leadership I have provided thus far.



The words captured on the citation reads You have provided the NPP Youth Wing with quality leadership grounded in organisational commitment and patriotism. As a firm and charismatic leader, you have shown the true essence of leadership by leading the NPP Youth Wing to protect the gains of our great party in ensuring victory in the 2020 General Elections. You have diligently kept the vibrancy and visibility of the NPP Youth Wing intact. We are proud to celebrate you and your achievements as our leader.



In as much as Im excited about this awesome recognition, Im equally challenged not to rest on my laurels but strive to work assiduously to make the youth wing more attractive, vibrant and relevant to the Ghanaian youth.



Admittedly, there are some challenges confronting the youth. However, the unflinching support and constructive criticism of the youth gives me strong assurance that we can resolve many of the lingering issues collectively.



On this premise, I would remain eternally grateful to my deputies, all Regional Youth Organizers and their deputies, all constituency Youth Organizers and their deputies, the TESCON fraternity and the teaming youth for their support throughout this journey. Later today, we will be accounting for the youth wing's stewardship; 3 years of Nana B, Perpetual and Joseph's Participatory leadership.



Once again, Im grateful to the NPP youth for this honor.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected]









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Majority leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has debunked claims that former First and second Ladies including the current First and second ladies were going to be put on a monthly salary.



Earlier reports speculated indicated that it was only Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Samira Bawumia who were going to be paid.



However, that has been quickly shut down.



Reacting to this in an interview on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Suame constituency and Parliamentary Affairs Minister said there is the need to support the first and second ladies financially because it will not be inappropriate for them to be seeking for jobs to survive after their service to the nation.



Monthly Salary



According to him, the first and second ladies who are already on a monthly allowance are not going to receive a monthly salary but financial support as stated by the Emolument Committee.



"The first ladies are already receiving allowances since 1993, but it had not been made official . . . this was creating issues with the Auditor General and so it was decided that legal backing will be given to it," he explained.



He added that the recommendation for the formalization of the allowances made by the Emolument Committee, was subsequently taken to the 7th parliament, and approved by both sides of the House.



The Majority leader further explained why the allowance for the first and second ladies was going to be backdated to January 2017.



Listen to him in the video below





Imnformation Minister, Mr Oppong Nkrumah has explained that an arrangement that was introduced by former President John Agyekum Kufuor during the start of his Presidency in 2000 had seen spouses of Presidents and Vice Presidents, since then, enjoy allowances, though there was no formal documentation to support that.The allowances given the two ladies of the executive were considered as part of the privileges of the President and Vice President.President Kufuor, in his wisdom, instituted this because of the bad situations of some spouses of some former Heads of States then. Presidents Mills and Mahama even increased the rates of these benefits during their time.The truth of the matter is that all surviving spouses of Heads of State, current and former, have always received salaries. Lordina Mahama, Naadu Mills, Matilda Amissah-Arthur, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Faustina Acheampong, Fulera Liman etc have all been receiving salaries since President Kufuor's time.What has happened now is that the arrangement has been made formal but that was done legally based on the recommendation by the Emoluments Committee, the Information Minister emphasised.The five-member committee was set up in June 2019 by President Akufo-Addo to make recommendations to him and to Parliament on the salaries and allowances payable, and the facilities and privileges available to article 71 office holders.Under the chairmanship of Prof. Ntiamoa-Baidu and which also had former Majority Leader and former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, the Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Dr Edward Kwapong, the current Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, Dr Eric Oduro Osae, and a former Managing Director, Donewell Life Insurance Co. Ltd, Mrs Stella Segbawu, the committee had two terms of reference.They were charged to make recommendations in respect of emoluments and other privileges for article 71 office holders, as specified under the Constitution; and also to examine any other relevant matter which the Committee deemed appropriate to its work.Similar committee, set up in the past, were at various points chaired by Prof. Miranda Greenstreet, Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, Mr Ishmael Yamson, Prof. Marian Ewurama Addy, and Prof. Francisca Edu-Buandoh.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Governance Lecturer, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah has supported the $28 million car loan for MPs.



Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei Asare, on Tuesday, July 6, laid before Parliament a request for purchase of 275 vehicles for Members of the 8th Parliament.



According to the Finance Ministry's papers presented to Parliament, the loan will be sourced from the National Investment Bank (NIB).



By calculation, each MP is expected to receive over $100,000 for the purchase of a vehicle.



The Minister also presented a similar request for a $3.5 million car loan for members of the 8th Council of State for them to also purchase vehicles.



But scores on social media are calling on Parliament to throw out the request arguing the money should be used to ease the challenges of Ghanaians.



Reacting to the issue, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah is of a strong opinion that the MPs deserve the car loan.



He argued that the job of an MP comes with risks, so Ghanaians shouldn't have a problem with them buying cars.



To him, what should interest the citizenry is whether or not the MPs are effectively executing their duties, not a loan for them to buy cars.



'What will happen if an MP buys a V8? Look at where some of them come from, the risk and distance involved; so if the government helps an MP to secure a loan to buy a car, so what? My emphasis is for us to push them to execute their duties effectively," he asserted.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Researcher Masumi Yamamuro on the shore of Lake Baikal, Russia, the worlds largest lake. The bright green material on the ground is filamentous algae and the brown material is algal that washed up on the beach. Credit: Bob Mihalek

Many of the world's most iconic clear lakes are degrading at an alarming rateshallow, nearshore lake bottoms are being carpeted by bright green fronds of slimy algae, especially during the summer.

These filamentous algal blooms (FABs) need lots of light, so they occur at lake edges where people want to swim and play. Scientists are unsure why FABs are suddenly showing up in remote mountain lakes, as well as in some large lakes such as Lake Tahoe in the United States, Lake Baikal in Russia and Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand, but an international group of lake scientists is ready to tackle the problem.

In a scientific article published this week in BioScience, "Blue waters, green bottoms: benthic filamentous algal blooms are an emerging threat to clear lakes worldwide," scientists from around the world explore how nutrient pollution, climate change, loss of aquatic animals that eat algae, and invasive species contribute to the increased occurrence of green bottoms.

Sudeep Chandra, Ph.D., co-author and professor of biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, said, "The interdisciplinary, international team of scientists that met together at Lake Tahoe impressed upon me the need to develop a science-based framework to guide our future understanding of FABs. The paper highlights the factors from local to global pressures that might contribute to this profusion of algae on lake bottoms."

Lead author Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, Ph.D., a professor of biological sciences at Wright State University, is particularly concerned that widespread use of pesticides, or other stressors, may be killing aquatic insects, allowing the algae to grow unchecked instead of being consumed by grazing insects that then provide critical food for fish. She also thinks the public could play a role in helping scientists document the occurrence of FABs.

"Scientists tend to study lakes from boats in the middle of the lake, but the pristine shorelines that are afflicted by these green bottoms are the same places that attract people for swimming, fishing and boating. We see the public playing a crucial future role in documenting the occurrence of this emerging change in lakes," Vadeboncoeur said.

It is normal for scientists and the public to immediately think that, like other algal blooms, FABs are caused by excessive nutrient run off from sewage, lawns and farms, but often FAB lakes have extremely low nutrient concentrations in the water.

Marianne Moore, Ph.D., professor emerita of environmental science and biological sciences at Wellesley College, who conducts research in Lake Baikal, Russia, the largest lake in the world, said, "I was not surprised that human sewage contributes to FABs in Lake Baikal, but the prevalence of FABs in other clear-water lakes of the world amazed me, especially those where the cause(s) remains a mystery."

Chandra points out that FABs are occurring in clear mountain lakes in the western United States because invasive species are replacing native species, water temperatures are increasing and summers are longer. In Lake Tahoe, the increasing occurrence of extensive filamentous algal blooms in shallow waters is tied to reduced snow pack and changes in underground water flow associated with climate change.

Although it is concerning that we don't yet know why nearshore habitats are greening in clear lakes, these profound changes open up great opportunities for improved understanding of lake ecosystems.

Simon Stewart, an early career scientist at the Cawthron Institute in New Zealand, is concerned that FABs are occurring in essentially pristine lakes.

"Off-shore water quality monitoring, the method used for over a century, is not detecting near-shore degradation," he said. "Nearshore areas may be sensitive, previously overlooked, early warning indicators of ecosystem change; we are developing new approaches to better understand nearshore habitats."

More information: Yvonne Vadeboncoeur et al, Blue Waters, Green Bottoms: Benthic Filamentous Algal Blooms Are an Emerging Threat to Clear Lakes Worldwide, BioScience (2021). Journal information: BioScience Yvonne Vadeboncoeur et al, Blue Waters, Green Bottoms: Benthic Filamentous Algal Blooms Are an Emerging Threat to Clear Lakes Worldwide,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab049
Ethiopia's controversial mega-dam construction on the upper Nile River has caused a decade of regional tensions.

Ethiopia's construction of a massive dam on a tributary of the Nile River, which the UN Security Council meets about on Thursday, is raising regional tensions notably with Egypt, which depends on the Nile for 97 percent of its water supply.

Ten countries

At 6,695 kilometres (4,160 miles), the Nile is one of the world's longest rivers and a crucial supplier of water and hydropower in a largely arid region.

Its drainage basin of more than three million square kilometres (1.16 million square miles) covers 10 countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

The two main tributariesthe White Nile and the Blue Nileconverge in Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea.

Around 84 billion cubic metres of water is estimated to flow along the Nile every year.

Africa's biggest dam

Ethiopia in 2011 launched construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, roughly 30 kilometres from the border with Sudan.

The $4.2-billion dam will produce more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity, making it Africa's biggest hydroelectric dam and doubling Ethiopia's electricity output.

Ethiopia began the first phase of filling the reservoir for the 475-foot (145-metre) dam in mid-2020.

Egyptian thirst

Egypt, an arid nation of nearly 100 million people, depends on the Nile for most of its water needs, including for agriculture.

Cairo claims a historic right to the river dating from a 1929 treaty between Egypt and Sudan represented by colonial power Britain, that gave Egypt veto power over construction projects along the river.

Map of East Africa showing the Nile and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

A 1959 treaty boosted Egypt's allocation to around 66 percent of the river's flow, with 22 percent for Sudan.

Ethiopia was not party to those treaties and does not see them as valid.

In 2010 Nile basin countries, excluding Egypt and Sudan, signed another deal, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, that allows projects on the river without Cairo's agreement.

Flashpoint

Ethiopia, one of Africa's fastest growing economies in recent years, insists the dam will not affect the onward flow of water.

But Egypt fears its supplies will be reduced during the time it takes to fill the 74-billion-cubic-metre capacity reservoir.

Egypt considers the dam as a threat to its existence and Sudan has warned millions of lives will be at "great risk" if Ethiopia unilaterally fills the dam.

A decade of negotiations have failed to result in a deal.

Earlier this week, Egypt and Sudan said Ethiopia had started the second phase of filling the reservoir, an operation as yet not confirmed by Addis Ababa.

The Security Council meeting on Thursday was requested by Tunisia on behalf of Egypt and Sudan.

Tigray tensions

Another source of regional tension is the conflict since November in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, which has sent some 60,000 refugees fleeing into Sudan, a nation struggling with its own economic woes.

The Sudanese and Ethiopian armies have recently remilitarised the fertile Fashaga border region where Ethiopian farmers have long cultivated land claimed by Sudan.

Explore further Ethiopia begins second stage of filling mega-dam, angering Egypt

 2021 AFP
Larger fishing trawlers are seen in Point Judith, Rhode Island. Communities of vessels have varying responses to shift in species' distribution, based in part on the relative size of vessels. Credit: Courtesy of Eva Papaioannou

What happens when climate change affects the abundance and distribution of fish? Fishers and fishing communities in the Northeast United States have adapted to those changes in three specific ways, according to new research published in Frontiers in Marine Science.

Becca Selden, Wellesley College assistant professor of biological sciences, and a team of colleagues examined how fishing communities have responded to documented shifts in the location of fluke and of red and silver hake. The team found that fishers made three distinct changes to their approaches: following the fish to a new location; fishing for a different kind of fish; and bringing their catch to shore at another port of landing.

Selden began this research as a postdoctoral scholar at Rutgers University in New Jersey with Eva Papaioannou, now a scientist at GEOMAR. They combined quantitative data on fish availability from surveys conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and a unique geographic information system database from fishing trip records developed for this project. The researchers then interviewed fishers in 10 ports from North Carolina to Maine.

They explored three dominant strategies, and found that fishers throughout the Northeast were more likely to shift their target species. In interviews, the researchers learned that targeting a mix of species is a critical option for adaptation. Doing so can be complicated, however, because in many cases regulations and markets (or the lack of a market) constrain fishers' ability to take advantage of a changing mix of species in fishing grounds. For example, in Point Pleasant, N.J., fishers can't capitalize on an increase in dogfish in the region because of strict conservation measures that have been in place since 1988, when the species was declared over-fished, and the resulting absence of a market for those fish.

"Most communities tend to fish where they have fished for generations, and therefore, for any fishery management plan to be more climate-ready in the future, it needs to take that into account," Selden said. "They're less likely to move where they fish, more likely to switch what they fish, but only if they can, and regulations play a big role in that being successful."

The researchers also learned about a previously undescribed strategy in which fishers change where they bring the fish ashore to sell. This is particularly common for vessels coming from northern fishing communities that sell fluke in Beaufort, N.C. "Had we not combined the quantitative data with the in-depth interviews with community members, we would have totally missed the phenomenon we saw come to light in Beaufort," Papaioannou said. "It made for such a powerful way of analyzing the data, so that we were really using it to influence the questions we would ask in each interview, and the interviews would drive what we would examine in the quantitative data. I think that approach really made for a much more complete look at the impact of changes in species distribution and fishers' adaptations."

Of the fishing communities they studied, only the one in Beaufort used the tactic of following fish to new grounds. Unlike communities in the north, fishers in Beaufort have targeted fluke heavily in the past, and because the port is on the southern edge of the range for this species they are more vulnerable as the species shifts north. "Beaufort fishers have gone to tremendous lengths to keep fishing fluke," Selden said, "and following fish to new grounds brings its own constraints and concerns." These include the cost of increased fuel use, safety issues due to vessel size, and the local environmental knowledge needed to fish successfully in new locations.

All of these responses are intertwined, Selden said, so as we learn more about the effects of climate change on the future of fishing, understanding, predicting, and planning for any one of them will require examining all three together.

The researchers focused on the Northeast because it has been a hotspot of recent ocean warming, especially in the Gulf of Maine, and in some ways it is a harbinger of what other areas might be experiencing soon, Selden said. Along the East Coast, she said, "you have species that have these state-by-state regulations, you're passing through different jurisdictions and three different fisheries management councils, and species are crossing boundaries all over the place. This all has an impact on fishers, their behavior, and their communities."

Selden plans to continue this work on the West Coastwhere there are only three states and one fishery management councilto compare how stable their fishing grounds are and how much fishers are switching species versus shifting where they fish.

"Fisheries are really on the frontline of climate impacts," Selden said. "It's really a bipartisan issue, and there are stakeholders across party lines. That was my motivation to focus on how communities are adapting, how they've adapted to past change. We need to be able to understand how they might adapt to future change and potentially how we would need to change management to facilitate some of the adaptations that they are already demonstrating."

The team is building a website that fishers and communities can use to see some of these patterns and learn more about what their counterparts elsewhere are doing about them. Community leaders and fishery management officials could also use the information to promote a broader understanding of the issues and potentially prioritize fishery development projects or plan for where a species will go next.

Explore further Climate change threatens commercial fishers from Maine to North Carolina

More information: Eva A. Papaioannou et al, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost  Responses of Fishers' Communities to Shifts in the Distribution and Abundance of Fish, Frontiers in Marine Science (2021). Journal information: Frontiers in Marine Science Eva A. Papaioannou et al, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost  Responses of Fishers' Communities to Shifts in the Distribution and Abundance of Fish,(2021). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2021.669094
Credit: European Space Agency

From ESA's Materials and Electrical Components Laboratoryone of a suite of labs based at the ESTEC technical center in Noordwijk, the Netherlandsa view from an intricate test campaign for the next generation of European weather satellites.

The near infrared detector assembly of the Flexible Combined Instrument (FCI) imager aboard the Meteosat Third GenerationImaging (MTGI) satellite was found to be susceptible to unwanted "stray light" from the sun.

A solution was proposed to reduce this vulnerability: a very thin metal mask would be glued atop the assembly, with carefully designed slits that would allow light to penetrate only in the desired areas, minimizing the entry of stray light.

But the feasibility of this solution needed to be tested, in order to demonstrate if the alloy cover would remain securely in place as incoming direct sunlight heats it up repeatedly during moments of sun intrusion.

Accordingly, a new feature was added to the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) facility, part of the Materials and Electrical Components Lab. Originally designed as a vacuum chamber to expose samples to mono-energetic electrons down to cryogenic temperature, the ESD was upgraded to host an optical rack to hold a light source to simulate sunlight exposure onto the sample. Thanks to thisremovableoption, the detector could be exposed to light of varying intensity across thousands of cycles.

The mammoth FCIunder the responsibility of Thales Alenia Spacewill provide state of the art measurements of Earth's atmosphere across 16 visible and infrared channels. Developed in conjunction with Eumetsat, Europe's weather satellite organization, these MTG imaging satellites will be accompanied by additional MTG "sounding" satellites in geostationary orbit to provide simultaneous vertical profiles of the atmosphere.
Using a pioneering cultivation strategy, KAUST researchers have identified several microorganisms in Red Sea mangroves that were previously unknown to science. Credit: Morgan Bennett Smith

A pioneering cultivation strategy that recreates a mangrove environment in the lab has enabled identification of novel bacteria residing in Red Sea mangroves and will help improve understanding of mangrove ecosystem stability, resilience and sustainability.

Mangroves are highly productive, dominant coastal ecosystems that line between 60-70 percent of the world's tropical and subtropical coastlines. They harbor diverse microbial communities thought to make up 80 percent of the ecosystem's biomass. Many of the microbial species, families and taxa are unknown to science.

The cultivation strategy was developed by a team of KAUST researchers, including Fatmah Sefrji and Ramona Marasco.

"Red Sea mangroves are particularly interesting because they represent an extreme and unique version of mangrove environments that are exposed to stressful conditions, including high temperatures, salinity and oligotrophy," says Sefrji. "These environmental stresses exert a strong selective force on the mangrove's microbial communities and so favor the presence of unique species and families."

The team's key challenge was to recreate the mangrove environment in the lab so that they could grow the bacteria in their natural setting. They moved portions of the mangrove sediment and seawater to lab-based growth chambers because in artificial media, it is nearly impossible to reproduce all the molecules, such as nutrients and vitamins, and the molecular cross-communication that are necessary for healthy microbial growth.

"It is difficult to successfully cultivate so-called 'microbial dark matter'the environmental microorganisms that are unknown to science and have never been cultured before," says Marasco. "There are so many molecules and parameters important for the growth of a given microbial species from a particular setting."

Once the growth chambers were set up, the team cultivated the resident microbial communities by feeding them regularly with nutrients taken from the natural mangrove environment. They then analyzed the genotypes and phenotypes of selected bacterial isolates, discovering a series of new species, and even taxa. Two papers highlight the first two organisms new to science, the bacterium Mangrovivirga cuniculi (new family Mangrovivirgaceae) and a new bacterial strain called Kaustia mangrovi.

"Both organisms grow in the presence of relatively high salinity and temperature and in the pH range typical of mangrove sediment on the Red Sea," says Sefrji. "Despite their similar physiology, each bacterial isolate showed unique physical and biochemical characteristics, confirmed also by the analysis of their genomes."

The researchers hope the identification of these organisms will contribute to a wider understanding of mangroves and provide insight into effective ways of protecting these unique ecosystems, particularly in light of climate change. The ability to cultivate Red Sea mangrove bacteria at scale could have significant implications, and not just for mangroves themselves.

"Cultivating members of a microbial community adapted to the variable and harsh conditions of the Red Sea may represent an important source of metabolites and enzymes for future biotechnological applications," says Marasco. "For example, bacteria that promote plant growth could boost mangrove seedling establishment, while others could confer salt tolerance to cereal crops. We are actively characterizing our novel strains for such capacities."

Explore further Mangrove forests store more carbon when they're more diverse

More information: Fatmah O. Sefrji et al, Mangrovivirga cuniculi gen. nov., sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from bioturbated Red Sea mangrove sediment, and proposal of the novel family Mangrovivirgaceae fam. nov., International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (2021). Fatmah O. Sefrji et al, Mangrovivirga cuniculi gen. nov., sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from bioturbated Red Sea mangrove sediment, and proposal of the novel family Mangrovivirgaceae fam. nov.,(2021). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.004866 Fatmah O. Sefrji et al, Kaustia mangrovi gen. nov., sp. nov. isolated from Red Sea mangrove sediments belongs to the recently proposed Parvibaculaceae family within the order Rhizobiales, International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (2021). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.004806
The researchers have identified over 150 shrines dedicated to worshipping Waghoba. Credit: Ramya Nair

A new study led by WCS-India documents how a big cat deity worshiped by Indigenous Peoples facilitates coexistence between humans and leopards.

The study, published in a special issue of the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science: Human-Wildlife Dynamics called "Understanding Coexistence with Wildlife" documents how the Indigenous Warli people of Maharashtra, India, worship Waghoba, a leopard/tiger deity, to gain protection from leopards, and how they have lived side by side with them for centuries (formerly tigers, too). The researchers have identified over 150 shrines dedicated to worshiping Waghoba. The researchers note that while there are still negative interactions with leopards such as livestock depredation, they are likely to be more accepted under the institution of Waghoba.

Warlis believe in a reciprocal relationship, where Waghoba will protect them from the negative impacts of sharing spaces with big cats if the people worship the deity and conduct the required rituals, especially at the annual festival of Waghbaras.

Researchers suggest that such relationships facilitate the sharing of spaces between humans and leopards that live in the landscape. In addition, the study addresses the ways in which the range of institutions and stakeholders in the landscape shape the institution of Waghoba and thereby contribute to the human-leopard relationship in the landscape.

Said the study's lead author Ramya Nair of WCS India, "The main aim of the study is to diversify the way we understand and approach human-wildlife interactions. It does so by shedding light on how local institutions that contribute to co-existence are not devoid of conflict, but have a role in negotiating the conflicts that arise."

Locally produced systems that address issues surrounding human-wildlife interactions may exist in several other cultures and landscapes. The authors note that while conservation interventions have shown a movement toward the inclusion and participation of local communities, we have to recognize that landscapes have a history before our own point of entry into them. This is relevant for present-day wildlife conservation because such traditional institutions are likely to act as tolerance-building mechanisms embedded within the local belief system. Further, it is vital that the dominant stakeholders outside of the Warli community (such as the Forest Department, conservation biologists, and other non-Warli residents who interact with leopards) are informed about and sensitive to these cultural representations because it is not just the biological animal that the Warlis predominantly deal with.

The study was conducted by researchers from WCS-India, NINA, Norway, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway and supported by Wildlife Conservation Trust. Fieldwork was conducted across Mumbai Suburban, Palghar and Thane districts of Maharashtra in 2018-19. An ethnographic approach was taken to collect data wherein researchers conducted semi-structured interviews and conducted participant observation (particularly attending worship ceremonies) concurrent to documenting Waghoba shrines. Questions were asked to explore narratives on the role of Waghoba in the lives of the Warli, the history of Waghoba worship, associated festivals, rituals and traditions, and the ties between Waghoba and human-leopard interactions.

Explore further Leopards kill at least 3 children in rural India

More information: Ramya Nair et al, Sharing Spaces and Entanglements With Big Cats: The Warli and Their Waghoba in Maharashtra, India, Frontiers in Conservation Science (2021). Ramya Nair et al, Sharing Spaces and Entanglements With Big Cats: The Warli and Their Waghoba in Maharashtra, India,(2021). DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.683356
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Dmitri Simberg, Ph.D., associate professor in the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy, has released the results of a study of the effectiveness of different types of fluorescent labels used to monitor the accumulation of liposomes in tumors.

The new study, titled "Liposomal Extravasation and Accumulation in Tumors as Studied by Fluorescence Microscopy and Imaging Depend on the Fluorescent Label," was published on July 1, 2021, in the prestigious journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS Nano.

Liposomes, a type of nanoparticle, are tiny, fat-soluble vesicles (small, fluid-filled sacs) made from lipids, or fats. They are mainly used to deliver cancer-fighting drugs to tumors, since liposomes are not water soluble and can protect some drugs against breaking down in the body.

Comparing fluorescent labels on liposomes for enhanced tumor imaging

In the new study, Simberg and his collaborator Irina Balyasnikova, Ph.D., from the Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University, wanted to determine whether the accumulation of liposomes in tumors depends on the type of fluorescent label used.

"It's very important for the liposome to get out to the tumor blood vessels in order to reach tumor cells and other cells in the microenvironment. So, we asked whether liposome accumulation in tumors depends on which fluorescent label you use," Simberg explains.

To accomplish this, they made liposomes containing two different classes of fluorescent lipids in the same liposome: Indocarbocyanine lipids (ICLs) and fluorescent phospholipids (FPLs). Then they injected them into breast cancer and brain cancer mouse models and used fluorescent microscopy and imaging to compare how much of each label accumulated in the tumors.

Both types of fluorescent labels initially accumulated in the tumor blood vessels. However, over time, the ICLs continued to accumulate, spreading over a significantly larger tumor area and reaching immune and tumor cells, while the FPLs quickly degraded and disappeared from the tumors.

"What we found is that even when injected into the same liposome, ICLs showed remarkable accumulation and extravasation (infiltrating the tumors), while FPLs, though a very similar type of fluorescent group, did not show much extravasation and essentially disappeared," Simberg says.

"It's the first finding of its kind, showing that different lipids have different abilities to accumulate in tumors," he adds.

Results could lead to improved liposomal drug delivery

The team's findings open the door to improved cancer drug-delivery systems.

"There is a lot of interest in using lipids as a kind of shuttle to get the drugs into tumors," Simberg says. "It's an exciting opportunity to enhance drug delivery in different tumors, particularly glioma, a type of brain tumor that's especially difficult to penetrate."

Although a lot of labs make liposomes and nanoparticles, there has not been much mechanistic understanding of exactly how they interact with tumors and how they cross the endothelial barrier. "We're really advocating for studies that offer a deeper mechanistic understanding of how these drug-delivery systems work," Simberg says.

Simberg says the most impactful part of this paper and his lab's ongoing research is its focus on understanding the mechanics and structure of lipids that determine the efficiency of tumor accumulation.

The next step in the team's research will be studies to try additional fluorescent lipids. "In this paper, we compared two lipid types, but we want to expand on that to build a large library of fluorescent lipids and use the most efficient ones to deliver anticancer drugs, eventually testing them for therapeutic efficacy in glioma and other tumor models," Simberg says.

Explore further Improving drug efficacy against prostate cancer and related bone growths

More information: Guankui Wang et al, Liposomal Extravasation and Accumulation in Tumors as Studied by Fluorescence Microscopy and Imaging Depend on the Fluorescent Label, ACS Nano (2021). Journal information: ACS Nano Guankui Wang et al, Liposomal Extravasation and Accumulation in Tumors as Studied by Fluorescence Microscopy and Imaging Depend on the Fluorescent Label,(2021). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02982
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The expectations of some online communities can cause product endorsements by influencers to backfire, causing reputational damage to the individuals and the brands they represent, research from Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) reveals.

Led by LUMS and supported by academics at Cardiff University, the study, published in the European Journal of Marketing, examines 12 prominent UK beauty vloggers on YouTube over a six-year period, including Zoella, Tanya Burr and Patricia Bright, who together amass millions of subscribers.

Authors identify five common mistakes or recurring situations where endorsements are received negatively by fans, who direct blame towards brands rather than the influencers themselves in more than half of the cases:

Underhand endorsementWhere an influencer is perceived to have been secretive or dishonest about endorsement activities. Community expectations of this go beyond requirements of regulatory bodies Over-endorsementwhen community members feel the influencer have gone against a moral responsibility to ensure that the majority of their videos remain organic and unbiased by endorsements Over emphasisWhen the endorsed product is over-emphasised in influencers' content. Fans blame brands who are perceived to be demanding and controlling over video content if influencers appear to include too many mentions of products in videos Over saturationCommunity members claim to be 'turned off a company' if they witness similar endorsements for a brand in quick succession within the community, perceiving them as repetitive and boring Over indulgenceCommunity members sympathise with influencers who are gifted lavish trips or products by brands, but trust in the brand and influencer is compromised as they feel they are obligated to give positive reviews

Dr. Hayley Cocker from LUMS is the lead researcher. She said: "Research suggests that many consumersespecially younger generationsare more influenced by online influencers than traditional celebrities and place greater trust in their recommendations. This is something brands are capitalising on, with global spend on influencers predicted to reach a massive $15 billion by 2022.

Credit: Lancaster University

"However, the difference between traditional celebrities and social media influencers is that influencers' fame stems from their very social media presence. Their peers and fellow community members can become their target audience overnightand with this change comes a certain level of duty and expectation that they will continue to do what is morally right for the wider group. This goes above and beyond regulatory requirements."

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) introduced regulations in 2015 that state social media influencers are to disclose paid advertisements. In 2019, further regulation demanded the disclosure of brand partnerships or ambassadorships, as well as the receipt of complementary or discounted products, services and experiences.

"What is interesting about our study, is that we found that where endorsements were considered inappropriate by community members, brands often fared worse when it came to proportioning blame," Dr. Cocker continued. "Rather than just being guilty 'by association," fans would often perceive the brand to be overpowering or controlling, and in some instances led to threats to boycott the brand completely."

The paper outlines recommendations for social media influencers, management teams and brands who employ influencers, to avoid these common mishaps:

Brands should ensure that endorsements are disclosed in a way that not only adheres to regulations but also meets the community's expectations. Examining comments on influencers' prior endorsements can reveal these expectations and can also help brands identify and avoid influencers who are perceived by the community to be guilty of both underhand endorsements and over-endorsement.

Over-endorsement can be avoided by paying attention to the ratio of organic vs. endorsed content on the influencers' social media, and, for instance, asking influencers to post an endorsement following an organic post.

Brands should grant influencers a level of creative freedom over how the product/brand is featured in the content to avoid perceptions of over-emphasis.

Brands should avoid selecting a large number of influencers within the same online community to endorse products at the same time. If they use multiple influencers that are likely to share the same audience, brands should pay attention to the scheduling of these endorsements to ensure they don't occur in quick succession.

Brands should either scale back the incentives they give to influencers or ensure that these endorsement activities benefit members of the community through the use of competitions or giveaways.

The paper, "Social media influencers and transgressive celebrity endorsement in consumption community contexts," is published in the European Journal of Marketing.

More information: Hayley Cocker et al, Social media influencers and transgressive celebrity endorsement in consumption community contexts, European Journal of Marketing (2021). Hayley Cocker et al, Social media influencers and transgressive celebrity endorsement in consumption community contexts,(2021). DOI: 10.1108/EJM-07-2019-0567
This illustration shows the Lunar Flashlight spacecraft, a six-unit CubeSat designed to search for ice on the Moons surface using special lasers. F Prime is scheduled to run on both this project and Near-Earth Asteroid Scout CubeSat. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

When NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter hovered above the Red Planet April 19 on its maiden voyage, the moment was hailed as the first instance of powered, controlled flight on another planet. Figuring out how to fly on Mars, where the air is thin but gravity is about a third of that on Earth, took years of work. Along with the challenge of developing a craft that was up to the task, the mission needed software to make the unprecedented flights possible.

So they turned to F Prime, a reusable, multi-mission flight software framework designed for CubeSats, small spacecraft, and instruments. The program was initially developed in 2013 by a team led by Tim Canham at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California with the aim of creating a low-cost, portable, pliable software architecture option that would allow components written for one application to be reused easily in other applications and run on a range of processors.

In 2017, the team pushed for F Prime to be released as open-source, meaning anyone could freely access the software's source code, allowing external collaborators, universities, and the general public to use the framework on their own projects. It is one of hundreds of codes NASA makes available to the public for free, both as open-source or through its software catalog.

"F Prime has enabled a lot of goals we've had at JPL to design a truly reusable multi-mission flight architecture with the added bonus of the open-source collaboration and visibility afforded by the Mars Helicopter project," Canham said. "It's kind of an open-source victory, because we're flying an open-source operating system and an open-source flight software framework, and flying commercial parts that you can buy off the shelf, if you wanted to do this yourself someday." (The helicopter carries a combination of custom-made and off-the-shelf componentsmany from the world of cell phone technologyincluding its two cameras.)

This sequence of images  taken on May 22, 2021, by the navigation camera aboard NASAs Ingenuity Mars Helicopter  depicts the last 29 seconds of the rotorcrafts sixth flight. Frame rate is 3.3 frames per second until Ingenuity began its final descent to the surface, at which point it collected a frame every two seconds. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Before Ingenuity, F Prime (also written as F') had already been put through its spacecraft paces, operating successfully aboard the ISS RapidScat scatterometer instrument on the International Space Station since 2014 and JPL's ASTERIA CubeSat in 2017. Looking forward, F Prime is scheduled to run on projects including NASA's Lunar Flashlight CubeSat, which will look for surface ice in the Moon's craters; the agency's Near-Earth Asteroid Scout CubeSat, which will map an asteroid; and potentially JPL's Ocean Worlds Life Surveyor instrument, which would help search for water-based life in our solar system.

Aadil Rizvi, flight software lead for Lunar Flashlight and NEA Scout at JPL, says F Prime provides an out-of-the-box solution for several flight software services, such as commanding, telemetry, parameters, and sequencing for the spacecraft. There's also a sort of "auto-coding" tool that makes F Prime highly portable for use across missions.

"This makes it quite easy to drop in a software component from something like Mars Helicopter into another mission's flight software such as Lunar Flashlight or make the component available for open-source use by anyone else using F Prime," Rizvi said. "And it's pretty cool that a significant portion of software used on the Mars Helicopter is identical to software on another spacecraft going to the Moon, or an asteroid, or sitting on a student's desk."

Universities See the Benefits of F Prime

Since its open-source debut, F Prime has gradually begun gaining traction as a useful flight software option for university and student projects.

At Georgia Tech, a team has incorporated F Prime in its GT1 CubeSat, aimed to serve as an education exercise that will carry an interactive and automatic amateur radio payload.

"We chose F Prime after evaluating a handful of flight software frameworks, including the option of writing our own from scratch," said Sterling Peet, Georgia Tech research faculty member and software lead for GT1. "We don't have the resources to build all this code from scratch, use, and test it to ensure the necessary levels of reliability in-house. But by using F Prime, we can leverage the legacy it has and also contribute our testing and related benefits back to the F Prime community and project."

A Carnegie Mellon University student-led team chose F Prime to run its Iris Lunar Rover, a tiny robot designed to prove the feasibility of nano-rovers in planetary exploration. "It was a viable option with a direct link to the creators, so we decided to use it ourselves," said Iris Deputy Program Manager Raewyn Duvall.

F Prime will control the rover while recording data and monitoring its health.

"The fact that it is open-source gave us a wide range of examples to base our own modules and let us use the forum to get quick answers without having to worry about potential support service charges just to get answers to questions we may have had," Duvall said.

JPL Small Scale Flight Software Group Supervisor Jeff Levison sees university partnerships like the ones with Georgia Tech and Carnegie Mellon as a two-way street: JPL provides world-leading flight systems expertise to budding engineers, and then down the line, those future engineers could end up bringing their talents and a working understanding of F Prime to start a career at JPL.

"F Prime is not an easy architecture to pick up, so a student who manages to master it and create a solid working project clearly has amazing potential for an organization like JPL," said Carnegie Mellon's Duvall. "Many of our students working on Iris that learned F Prime have expressed interest in applying to JPL, which I believe proves F Prime's worth as a recruitment tool."

Explore further Fourth flight postponed for Mars Ingenuity helicopter
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When driving up to a busy intersection, you probably pay more attention to where you will be in the near future than where you are at that moment. After all, knowing when you will arrive at the intersectionand whether you need to stop or slow down to avoid a collision with a passing car, pedestrian or cyclistis usually much more important than knowing your current location.

This ability to focus on where we will be in the near futurerather than where we are in the presentmay be a key characteristic of the mammalian brain's built-in navigation system, suggests a new study appearing online Thursday, July 8, in the journal Science.

Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley, wirelessly tracked the brain activity of Egyptian fruit bats as they flew throughout a custom flight room. When the researchers compared the bats' flight paths with their neural readings, they found that the activities of the bats' "place cells"special type of neurons responsible for encoding an animal's spatial positionwere often more closely correlated with where the bats would be in the near future, rather than where they were in the moment.

"We wanted to find out: Does the neural activity at the present moment do a better job at representing a past or future position than it does the actual present position? And we found that, for some neurons, the neural activity actually does a much better job of representing a future position," said lead author Nicholas Dotson, who conducted the research as a postdoctoral scholar at UC Berkeley. "The finding shows that neural activity in this region is representing more than the bat's present positionit's tentatively representing a full flight trajectory."

Place cells, located in a region of the brain called the hippocampus, work together to form an innate "GPS system" for a variety of land animals, including humans. As an animal explores a new environment, different place cells activate at different positions, creating an internal map of the territory that can be saved and stored.

"If you had access to neural activity in my hippocampus while I walked around a room, you'd be able to decode where I was in the room based on this neural activity," Dotson said.

The discovery of place cells in rodents was awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and many of the foundational experiments were conducted in the 1970s and '80s. However, a number of questions still remain about how this region of the brain operates during rapid movement and how it works to represent "nonlocal" positions.

"Because the hippocampus is involved in navigation, there have been several studies looking at coding in this brain region and asking: How does neural activity represent things that are going to happen in the future or that have happened in the past? And can this brain region exhibit activity that doesn't represent where we are right now, but actually represents a position that is far away?" said study senior author Michael Yartsev, an assistant professor of neurobiology and bioengineering at UC Berkeley.

Earlier experiments have been unable to conclusively answer this question, Yartsev said. This is likely because they were conducted using relatively slow-moving animals, like rats, that, in experimental enclosures, will only move about an inch or two in a secondand also because when comparing the activity of individual neurons with an animal's position over time, a shift of a fraction of an inch will not make a huge difference.

Bats, however, are extremely speedy in flight.

"Bats move really, really fast. They fly at speeds of about 30 to 50 kilometers per hour in the laboratory, which is a huge advantage, because in the same fraction of a second, a rat might move a few centimeters, while a bat would move a few meters," Yartsev said.

To conduct the experiments, Yartsev and Dotson used wireless neural recording devices to monitor bats' brain activity as they flew freely throughout a custom-built room that had been outfitted with cameras to track the bats' precise flight paths. In one set of experiments, they recorded bats' position and brain activity while humans encouraged the animals to explore the full 3D volume of the room. In another set of experiments, the bats were left alone with a set of automatic feeders, located at different locations in the room, to entice the bats to fly around.

When Yartsev and Dotson compared the timing of neural activity with the bats' flight paths, they found that when shifting the bats' positions forward in timeby comparing the neural activity with the locations where the bats would be in a few hundred milliseconds, or in a secondsuddenly, the neural activity correlated much more strongly with spatial position.

"Based on the data, you might assume that some neurons don't encode spatial information at all, because there is no correlation with the position at time zero or the present moment," Yartsev said. "But if you compare their activity to a position a second in the future, suddenly the correlation is incredibly sharp."

The findings suggest that place cells' activity doesn't just represent a single current position, but actually a trajectory that stretches into the near future, and into the past, as well.

"We can imagine walking down a hallway and picturing where we just were and where we will be shortly. What does that activity look like in the brain?" Dotson said. "Our findings suggest that as the bats are flying, they're representing in their mind not just where they are, but where they are along the path."

Though place cells and the basic components of this navigational system have been identified in a wide variety of mammals, it's not yet clear whether this ability to project a path up to a second into the future is unique to bats and their rapid flight pattern, or is shared by a wider variety of animals. However, the discovery opens up a variety of interesting questions about how we humans process our movement through time and space, Yartsev said.

Because the hippocampus is also a locus of many diseases, such as Alzheimer's, where a person's sense of location and memory is often disrupted, uncovering these basic neural computations could also give scientists a better understanding of disease-related impairment and help them devise more effective treatments.

"Terrestrial creatures may not need to project as far into the future as a bat, but, even for humans, it could vary by situation. If you're walking, you are probably content with knowing what's going to happen just ahead of you. But when you're driving, you want to know what's going to happen three meters or more away from you, because you're moving at a very high speed," Yartsev said. "Now that we know that there is some neural representation of future position in bats, we can go and ask: What are the shared components between different animals? And in what ways, and to what extent, do humans exhibit this ability?"

Explore further Bats' brains sync when they socialize

More information: "Nonlocal spatiotemporal representation in the hippocampus of freely flying bats" Science (2021). Journal information: Science "Nonlocal spatiotemporal representation in the hippocampus of freely flying bats"(2021). science.sciencemag.org/lookup/  1126/science.abg1278
The morphology of fully developed turbulence at the center of the jet. Image credit: Michael Gauding.

When you pour cream into a cup of coffee, the viscous liquid seems to lazily disperse throughout the cup. Take a mixing spoon or straw to the cup, though, and the cream and coffee seem to quickly and seamlessly combine into a lighter color and, at least for some, a more enjoyable beverage.

The science behind this relatively simple anecdote actually speaks to a larger truth about complex fluid dynamics and underpins many of the advancements made in transportation, power generation, and other technologies since the industrial erathe seemingly random chaotic motions known as turbulence play a vital role in chemical and industrial processes that rely on effective mixing of different fluids.

While scientists have long studied turbulent fluid flows, their inherent chaotic natures have prevented researchers from developing an exhaustive list of reliable "rules," or universal models for accurately describing and predicting turbulence. This tall challenge has left turbulence as one of the last major unsolved "grand challenges" in physics.

In recent years, high-performance computing (HPC) resources have played an increasingly important role in gaining insight into how turbulence influences fluids under a variety of circumstances. Recently, researchers from the RWTH Aachen University and the CORIA (CNRS UMR 6614) research facility in France have been using HPC resources at the Julich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), one of the three HPC centers comprising the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS), to run high-resolution direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulent setups including jet flames. While extremely computationally expensive, DNS of turbulence allows researchers to develop better models to run on more modest computing resources that can help academic or industrial researchers using turbulence's effects on a given fluid flow.

"The goal of our research is to ultimately improve these models, specifically in the context of combustion and mixing applications," said Dr. Michael Gauding, CORIA scientist and researcher on the project. The team's recent work was just named the distinguished paper from the "Turbulent Flames" colloquium, which happened as part of the 38th International Symposium on Combustion.

Starts and stops

Despite its seemingly random, chaotic characteristics, researchers have identified some important properties that are universal, or at least very common, for turbulence under specific conditions. Researchers studying how fuel and air mix in a combustion reaction, for instance, rely on turbulence to ensure a high mixing efficiency. Much of that important turbulent motion may stem from what happens in a thin area near the edge of the flame, where its chaotic motions collide with the smoother-flowing fluids around it. This area, the turbulent-non-turbulent interface (TNTI), has big implications for understanding turbulent mixing.

While running their DNS calculations, Gauding and his collaborator, Mathis Bode from RWTH Aachen, set out to specifically focus on this some of the subtler, more complex phenomena that take place at the TNTI.

The edge of the turbulent jet, showing an on-off pattern of turbulence that reflects external intermittency. Credit: Michael Gauding

Specifically, the researchers wanted to better understand the rare but powerful fluctuations called "intermittency"an irregular process happening locally but with very high amplitude. In turbulent flames, intermittency enhances the mixing and combustion efficiency but too much can also extinguish the flame. Scientists distinguish between internal intermittency, which occurs at the smallest scales and is a characteristic feature of any fully developed turbulent flow, and external intermittency, which manifests itself at the edge of the flame and depends on the structure of the TNTI.

Even using world-class HPC resources, running large DNS simulations of turbulence is computationally expensive, as researchers cannot use assumptions about the fluid motion, but rather solve the governing equations for all relevant scales in a given systemand the scale range increases with the "strength" of turbulence as power law. Even among researchers with access to HPC resources, simulations oftentimes lack the necessary resolution to fully resolve intermittency, which occurs in thin confined layers.

For Bode and Gauding, understanding the small-scale turbulence happening at the thin boundary of the flame is the point. "Our simulations are highly resolved and are interested in these thin layers," Bode said. "For production runs, the simulation resolution is significantly higher compared to similar DNS simulations to accurately resolve the strong bursts that are connected to intermittency."

The researchers were able to use the supercomputers JUQUEEN, JURECA, and JUWELS at JSC to build a comprehensive database of turbulence simulations. For example, one simulation was run for multiple days on the full JUQUEEN module, employing all 458,752 compute cores during the center's "Big Week" in 2019, simulating a jet flow with about 230 billion grid points.

Mixing and matching

With a better understanding of the role that intermittency plays, the team takes data from their DNS runs and using it to improve less computationally demanding large eddy simulations (LES). While still perfectly accurate for a variety of research aims, LES are somewhere between an ab initio simulation that begins with no assumptions and a model that has already baked in certain rules about how fluids will behave.

Studying turbulent jet flames has implications for a variety of engineering goals, from aerospace technologies to power plants. While many researchers studying fluid dynamics have access to HPC resources such as those at JSC, others do not. LES models can often run on more modest computing resources, and the team can use their DNS data to help better inform these LES models, making less computationally demanding simulations more accurate. "In general, present LES models are not able to accurately account for these phenomena in the vicinity of the TNTI," Gauding said.

The team was able to scale its application to take full advantage of JSC computing resources partially by regularly participating in training events and workshops held at JSC. Despite already being able to leverage large amounts of HPC power, though, the team recognizes that this scientific challenge is complex enough that even next-generation HPC systems capable of reaching exascale performanceslightly more than twice as fast as today's fastest supercomputer, the Fugaku supercomputer at RIKEN in Japanmay not be able to fully simulate these turbulent dynamics. However, each computational advancement allows the team to increase the degrees of freedom and include additional physics in their simulations. The researchers are also looking at using more data-driven approaches for including intermittency in simulations, as well as improving, developing, and validating models based on the team's DNS data.

Explore further Supercomputing propels jet atomization research for industrial processes

More information: M. Gauding et al, Self-similarity of turbulent jet flows with internal and external intermittency, Journal of Fluid Mechanics (2021). Journal information: Journal of Fluid Mechanics M. Gauding et al, Self-similarity of turbulent jet flows with internal and external intermittency,(2021). DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2021.399

Provided by Gauss Centre for Supercomputing
A sea otter sits on a chunk of ice that fell from a glacier in the Prince William Sound near Whittier, Alaska.

Sea otters are a hardy lot.

The smallest of all marine mammals with the thickest fur of the animal kingdom, they can hold their breath for up to eight minutes while they dive for prey like clams and crabs, which they're known to crack open using rocks.

An enduring mystery, however, was just how the mustelids manage to stay warm in the chilly waters of their Pacific habitat, bereft of the blubber that insulates seals, whales and walruses.

The answer, according to a new paper published in the journal Science on Thursday, is a unique energy conversion system whereby their muscle tissue "leak" large amounts of heat throughout their bodies.

That's unlike other mammals, which have to put their muscles to work through exercise, or involuntary shivering, to achieve the same result.

Lead author Traver Wright of Texas A&M University told AFP that while sea otters' dense, water-resistant fur offsets some heat loss, it isn't enough by itself to cope with the frigid waters off Alaska, where most of them reside.

Scientists already knew the sea otters burn a lot of energyapproximately three times greater than predicted for mammals of their size, and to keep up with the demand, they may consume up to 25 percent of their body mass in a day.

Canadian sea otters swim on June 5, 2012 in the zoo of Amneville, eastern France.

It was unclear, though, which tissues were making use of this energy and how it was going towards producing heat.

To find out, Wright and colleagues took muscle samples from sea otters that were already dead, or, more happily, had been rehabilitated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and were being prepared for release.

They then used a device to measure oxygen consumption.

'Making heat by being inefficient'

The main function of muscles is generally to be able to move the body, but in the otters, much of the metabolic energy produced by breaking down sugars and fats was lost as heat instead of being used by mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, to do work such as powering muscle contraction.

This effect had been predicted for polar animals, but was observed for the first time in sea otters in the new paper.

"One of the interesting things that we found is that they're really good at making heat by being inefficient," said Wright.

Sea otters, the smallest of all marine mammals with the thickest fur of the animal kingdom, they can hold their breath for up to eight minutes while they dive for prey like clams and crabs, which they're known to crack open using rocks.

What the team observed would be considered wasteful in land mammals like humans, "but if you're an animal that's trying to warm up, then that 'wasted' energy and heat is a good thing."

In other words, ideal for helping maintain a body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in freezing conditions.

The team found that this "thermogenesic" effect was present in sea otters from the time they were babies to adults, and there was no difference in captive and wild-raised animals.

Sea otters and marine mammals more broadly might have evolved such traits when their terrestrial ancestors began taking to the oceans 50 million years ago, but that hypothesis will require more research to confirm.

Learning how sea otters' metabolic system functions differently from ours could one day also help humans solve obesity issues, added Wright.

"If you can figure out how to increase the leak and metabolic rate, you could theoretically have humans revving up the metabolism and burning off additional calories."

Explore further Sea otters, opossums and the surprising ways pathogens move from land to sea

More information: T. Wright el al., "Skeletal muscle thermogenesis enables aquatic life in the smallest marine mammal," Science (2021). Journal information: Science T. Wright el al., "Skeletal muscle thermogenesis enables aquatic life in the smallest marine mammal,"(2021). science.sciencemag.org/lookup/  1126/science.abf4557

 2021 AFP
Graduate student Joshua Latham with computer-generated images of magnetic field lines and plasma on the sun. Credit: Elle Starkman

Nothing seems more familiar than the sun in the sky. But mysterious swirls, jets, and flashes of powerful light that scientists cannot explain occur in the sun's outer atmosphere all the time. Now, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have gained insight into these puzzling phenomena.

Using powerful computers to simulate the solar atmosphere, or corona, the researchers found that the swirls and flashes of X-ray light, together known as a coronal jets, could be caused by globs of plasma emerging from the sun in ball shapes that resemble magnetic shapes known as spheromaks. "This research confirms the hunches of PPPL physicist Masaaki Yamada, who first had the idea," said Joshua Latham, first author of the paper reporting the results in Physics of Plasmas.

Latham completed the research as part of his senior thesis for the physics department while he was an undergraduate at Princeton University. He currently is a doctoral student in the Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences department at the University of Michigan.

Large coronal jets, though originating 93 million miles away on the sun, can affect us here on Earth. The jets can contribute to outpourings of particles known as the solar wind that can strike our planet's outer atmosphere and interfere with communications satellites and power grids. Smaller jets, which are studied at PPPL, also contribute to the solar wind, and along with bursts of X-ray light can help heat the corona. Any insights into how the jets form could help scientists to predict their occurrence and prepare Earth for their impact.

The simulations indicate that a dome-shaped magnetic structure forms on the sun's surface prior to the coronal jets. Then, magnetic field lines at the bottom of the structure detach from the solar surface in a process known as magnetic reconnection, the breaking apart and violent reconnection of magnetic fields that occurs throughout the universe.

Now the dome begins to tilt. As it does so, the top magnetic field lines touch the surrounding lines and create another round of reconnection. Plasma within the dome then speeds up and releases the stored magnetic energy. "In essence, these results show the physical processes that would have to occur to produce the flashes of X-ray light," Latham said.

"Past simulations have suggested that coronal jets stem from reconnection, but no one was sure what the magnetic configuration at the beginning of the process would be like," he said. "These findings indicate that a spheromak might be the originating structure, and that it's tilting triggers the reconnection."

For a scientist studying plasma, the fourth state of matter composed of superheated gas that conducts electricity, the sun is a natural subject. "We study plasma here at PPPL, and stars are made of plasma," said PPPL physicist Elena Belova, who modified the computer code that produced the simulation and along with Yamada supervised Latham's project. "And if you want to study plasma and stars, it would make sense to study the star next to us," she said.

Physicists have also tested spheromaks as a possible way to harness on Earth the fusion energy that powers the sun and stars. Fusion combines light elements in the form of plasma to generate massive amounts of energy. Scientists are seeking to replicate fusion for a virtually inexhaustible supply of power to generate electricity.

Yamada and colleagues will now use a PPPL device known as the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX) to test the spheromak idea in a laboratory. Funding that work is a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Explore further New computer model helps brings the sun into the laboratory

More information: J. Latham et al, Numerical study of coronal plasma jet formation, Physics of Plasmas (2021). Journal information: Physics of Plasmas J. Latham et al, Numerical study of coronal plasma jet formation,(2021). DOI: 10.1063/5.0025136
Magnetic flux density (magnetization) map obtained using the transport of intensity equation analysis. Credit: Masahiro Nagao

'Topological defects' are formed when the symmetry of a magnetic material is disrupted. Domain walls (DWs) are a type of topological defect that separates regions of different magnetic orientations. A widely studied phenomenon, the manipulation of these defects has potential applications in high-performance memory storage devices, energy processing devices, and quantum computing.

Recently, the possibility of other topological defects embedded in or combined with DWs has gained attention for their potential applications in different fields of physics. Some examples of these 'defects within defects' are DW skyrmions and DW bimerons. While theoretical models have supported the existence of these defects, they have not been previously experimentally observed.

In a new study published in Nature Communications, Associate Professor Masahiro Nagao from Nagoya University, Japan, and his colleagues used Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM) to visualize these defects. They were able to do so by passing electrons and observing their deflections through a thin magnetic film. The topological defects were observed as contrasting pairs of bright and dark areas. Using this technique, the team imaged topological defects in a chiral magnetic thin film made of cobalt, zinc, and manganese.

Initially, the researchers observed a single DW defect when the film was not magnetized. On magnetizing the film by passing a magnetic field perpendicular to it, they could observe the development of two types of DWs. The conventional DWs were seen as black lines, while chains of DW bimerons were seen as bright elliptical dots on the LTEM images. These two types of DWs appeared alternatively and in pairs. The researchers noted that these DWs increased as the strength of the magnetic field was increased and finally disappeared after a certain threshold was reached. To confirm their discovery, the researchers used the transport of intensity equation to obtain the magnetic distributions which revealed opposite magnetizations on both sides of the chain of DWs, confirming them to be DW bimerons.

The researchers proposed an explanation of these defects and their mechanism of formation. Nagao says, "In our chiral magnet thin films, we show chained and isolated bimerons playing the role of and bound to DWs respectively, which are realized by not only in-plane magnetic anisotropy component but also the combination of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy, dipolar interaction, and Zeeman effect."

The team's findings shed light on topological defects in chiral magnets and have implications in fields of physics related to topology, ranging from cosmological length scales to condensed matter.

Explore further Researchers resolve magnetic structures of different topological semimetals

More information: Tomoki Nagase et al, Observation of domain wall bimerons in chiral magnets, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Tomoki Nagase et al, Observation of domain wall bimerons in chiral magnets,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23845-y
Transmission electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, isolated from a patient. Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have found a vital mechanism, previously thought to have disappeared as mammals evolved, that helps protect mammalian stem cells from RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus. The scientists suggest this could one day be exploited in the development of new antiviral treatments.

On infecting a host, a virus enters cells in order to replicate. For most cells in mammals the first line of protection are proteins, called interferons. Stem cells, however, lack the ability to trigger an interferon response and there has been uncertainty about how they protect themselves.

In their study, published in Science today the scientists analyzed genetic material from mouse stem cells and found it contains instructions to build a protein, named antiviral Dicer (aviD), which cuts up viral RNA and so prevents RNA viruses from replicating. This form of protection is called RNA interference, which is the method also used by cells in plants and invertebrates.

Caetano Reis e Sousa, author and group leader of the Immunobiology Laboratory at the Crick says, "It's fascinating to learn how stem cells protect themselves against RNA viruses. The fact this protection is also what plants and invertebrates use suggests it might be something that goes far back in mammalian history, right up to when the evolutionary tree spilt. For some reason, while all mammalian cells possess the innate ability to trigger this process, it seems to only be relied upon by stem cells.

"By learning more about this process, and uncovering the secrets of our immune system we are hoping to open up new possibilities for drug development as we strive to harness our body's natural ability to fight infection."

In laboratory experiments which exposed engineered human cells to SARS-CoV-2, the virus infected three times fewer stem cells when aviD was present in the cells compared to when the researchers removed this protein.

The scientists also grew mini brain organoids from mouse embryonic stem cells and found that, when infected with Zika virus, the organoids with aviD grew more quickly and less viral material was produced than in organoids without this protein. Similarly, when organoids were infected with SARS-CoV-2, there were fewer infected stem cells in the organoids with aviD.

Enzo Poirier, author and postdoc in the Immunobiology Laboratory at the Crick says, "Why stem cells use this different mechanism of defense remains a mystery. It might be that the interferon process would cause too much harm to stem cells, so mammals, including humans, have evolved to shield these precious cells from this damage. There is still a lot of uncertainty about how these cells are protected from viruses, which we're excited to explore further."

The researchers will continue this work, creating a mouse model which allows them to further study the effects and importance of aviD in mammalian stem cells.

Explore further Study provides novel platform to study how SARS-CoV-2 affects the gut

More information: "An isoform of Dicer protects mammalian stem cells against multiple RNA viruses" Science (2021). Journal information: Science "An isoform of Dicer protects mammalian stem cells against multiple RNA viruses"(2021). science.sciencemag.org/lookup/  1126/science.abg2264
Dolev Bluvstein (from left), Mikhail Lukin, and Sepehr Ebadi are among the researchers who developed a special type of quantum computer known as a programmable quantum simulator. Photos by Rose Lincoln/Harvard Staff Photographer

A team of physicists from the Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms and other universities has developed a special type of quantum computer known as a programmable quantum simulator capable of operating with 256 quantum bits, or "qubits."

The system marks a major step toward building large-scale quantum machines that could be used to shed light on a host of complex quantum processes and eventually help bring about real-world breakthroughs in material science, communication technologies, finance, and many other fields, overcoming research hurdles that are beyond the capabilities of even the fastest supercomputers today. Qubits are the fundamental building blocks on which quantum computers run and the source of their massive processing power.

"This moves the field into a new domain where no one has ever been to thus far," said Mikhail Lukin, the George Vasmer Leverett Professor of Physics, co-director of the Harvard Quantum Initiative, and one of the senior authors of the study published today in the journal Nature. "We are entering a completely new part of the quantum world."

According to Sepehr Ebadi, a physics student in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the study's lead author, it is the combination of system's unprecedented size and programmability that puts it at the cutting edge of the race for a quantum computer, which harnesses the mysterious properties of matter at extremely small scales to greatly advance processing power. Under the right circumstances, the increase in qubits means the system can store and process exponentially more information than the classical bits on which standard computers run.

Dolev Bluvstein looks at 420 mm laser that allows them to control and entangle Rydberg atoms. Credit: Harvard University

"The number of quantum states that are possible with only 256 qubits exceeds the number of atoms in the solar system," Ebadi said, explaining the system's vast size.

Already, the simulator has allowed researchers to observe several exotic quantum states of matter that had never before been realized experimentally, and to perform a quantum phase transition study so precise that it serves as the textbook example of how magnetism works at the quantum level.

These experiments provide powerful insights on the quantum physics underlying material properties and can help show scientists how to design new materials with exotic properties.

By arranging them in sequential frames and taking images of single atoms, the researchers can even make fun atom videos. Credit: Lukin group

The project uses a significantly upgraded version of a platform the researchers developed in 2017, which was capable of reaching a size of 51 qubits. That older system allowed the researchers to capture ultra-cold rubidium atoms and arrange them in a specific order using a one-dimensional array of individually focused laser beams called optical tweezers.

This new system allows the atoms to be assembled in two-dimensional arrays of optical tweezers. This increases the achievable system size from 51 to 256 qubits. Using the tweezers, researchers can arrange the atoms in defect-free patterns and create programmable shapes like square, honeycomb, or triangular lattices to engineer different interactions between the qubits.

"The workhorse of this new platform is a device called the spatial light modulator, which is used to shape an optical wavefront to produce hundreds of individually focused optical tweezer beams," said Ebadi. "These devices are essentially the same as what is used inside a computer projector to display images on a screen, but we have adapted them to be a critical component of our quantum simulator."

The initial loading of the atoms into the optical tweezers is random, and the researchers must move the atoms around to arrange them into their target geometries. The researchers use a second set of moving optical tweezers to drag the atoms to their desired locations, eliminating the initial randomness. Lasers give the researchers complete control over the positioning of the atomic qubits and their coherent quantum manipulation.

Other senior authors of the study include Harvard Professors Subir Sachdev and Markus Greiner, who worked on the project along with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Vladan Vuletic, and scientists from Stanford, the University of California Berkeley, the University of Innsbruck in Austria, the Austrian Academy of Sciences, and QuEra Computing Inc. in Boston.

"Our work is part of a really intense, high-visibility global race to build bigger and better quantum computers," said Tout Wang, a research associate in physics at Harvard and one of the paper's authors. "The overall effort [beyond our own] has top academic research institutions involved and major private-sector investment from Google, IBM, Amazon, and many others."

The researchers are currently working to improve the system by improving laser control over qubits and making the system more programmable. They are also actively exploring how the system can be used for new applications, ranging from probing exotic forms of quantum matter to solving challenging real-world problems that can be naturally encoded on the qubits.

"This work enables a vast number of new scientific directions," Ebadi said. "We are nowhere near the limits of what can be done with these systems."

Explore further Behind in quantum computer race, Germany gets boost from IBM

More information: Sepehr Ebadi et al, Quantum phases of matter on a 256-atom programmable quantum simulator, Nature (2021). Journal information: Nature Sepehr Ebadi et al, Quantum phases of matter on a 256-atom programmable quantum simulator,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03582-4

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from University of Mannheim published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing that examines the effect of wage inequality on customer satisfaction and firm performance.

The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled "Wage Inequality: Its Impact on Customer Satisfaction and Firm Performance" and is authored by Boas Bamberger, Christian Homburg, and Dominik M. Wielgos.

Irrespective of wage cuts and employee layoffs, the wages of top managers rose to record levels during the pandemic and wage inequality continues to grow worldwide. However, according to a 2015 OECD report, "wage inequality is harmful to long-term economic growth and undermines societal cohesion." This situation raises the question: Do firms have an incentive to raise wage inequality?

This new study addresses this question by examining the impact of wage inequality on customer satisfaction and firm performance. The researchers surveyed more than 100 top sales and marketing managers in public firms selling to businesses in three countries. They analyzed the responses and company financial data to understand how wage inequality impacts customer satisfaction and firm performance.

Results show that unequal wages between top managers and employees can boost the short-term profitability of a firm. As Bamberger explains, "In the long run, however, this benefit fades. What persists is that wage inequality motivates employees to opportunistically exploit customers and weakens a firm's customer-oriented culture, thereby harming customer satisfaction.

How does this happen? Suppose a firm has high wage inequality. Thus, the ultimate prize in a tournament setting, to gradually rise to top management, is a strong incentive for employees at all levels. But in the process, they may engage in opportunistic behaviors and also collaborate less with coworkers.

For example, to enhance her chances for promotion, an employee might show more effort by interacting with customers more frequently to better understand and fulfill their needs to boost sales. By contrast, she could also distort facts about products to close deals more quickly.

Non-customer-facing employees could also be affected. Take, for instance, an R&D employee. He could interact with customers more often to learn and adapt innovations to their needs to increase sales. Conversely, he could also design products to fail to force customers to buy a product over and over again.

"Through customer-directed effort or opportunism, employees may improve their chances of getting promoted to the next higher level. Our results show that wage inequality does raise customer-directed effort and opportunism," says Homburg.

At the same time, wage inequality might also weaken collaboration among coworkers. An employee who worries about advancing to the next higher level is less concerned about their coworkers. But less collaboration impairs the flows of information and knowledge about customers throughout the firm. This, in turn, can lead to worse coordination between departments. Ultimately, the firm becomes less responsive to the changing needs of customers. Thus, wage inequality weakens the customer-oriented culture of a firm.

The adverse impact wage inequality has on opportunism and customer-oriented culture extends to customer satisfaction and reduces the short-term profitability of a firm. At the same time, wage inequality also raises a firm's short-run profits through a direct path. Despite the harm through the customer path, the total impact of wage inequality on short-term profitability is slightly positive.

This slightly positive effect on short-term profitability holds in a different sample with more than 500 observations of U.S. firms selling to consumers. Wielgos explains that "When we analyzed how wage inequality plays out in the long run, the situation reverses. The harm that wage inequality causes to customer satisfaction leads to long-term performance decline. In sum, a firm sees no profitability lift from wage inequality in the long run."

Do firms have an incentive to raise wage inequality? In terms of bottom-line impact, the answer is: "Yes" in the short run and "No" in the long run. However, when looking at the customer impact, the answer is "No" because of the negative impact of wage inequality on customer satisfaction, which weakens firm profits.

What can managers learn? If the goal is short-term profitability, go with higher wage inequality, but keep an eye on customer satisfaction. If managers are interested in the long-term success of the firm, consider reducing wage inequality to help employees orient toward customers.

What can shareholders learn? Suppose that you care about the long-term profitability of your investment. In that case, make sure to reward top managers for achieving sustainable profitability and good customer relationships.

What can policymakers learn? Wage inequality is not in a firm's long-term interest. This argument can help to create a consensus with managers to restrain wage inequality. However, short-term-oriented managers might care little about the damage wage inequality does to society. It thus might be necessary to disincentivize them from raising wage inequality.

More information: Boas Bamberger et al, Wage Inequality: Its Impact on Customer Satisfaction and Firm Performance, Journal of Marketing (2021). Journal information: Journal of Marketing Boas Bamberger et al, Wage Inequality: Its Impact on Customer Satisfaction and Firm Performance,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/00222429211026655
But Robin Barkenhagen, president of the Glens Falls Collaborative, a downtown business group that hosts the event, said the months of planning were worth it.

His eyes lit up as he gazed at the dozens gathered in the street and weaving their way between the snaking lines that formed in front of places like Mikado and Downtown Social.

I think the biggest thing about this is that people can feel like that weve gotten through this (the pandemic). We wore our masks, we got our shots and now its time to have fun again, Barkenhagen said.

Along Ridge Street, Suzette Usher and Joyce Peters were busy catching up as they sampled meatballs from Radici Kitchen & Bar.

The food, they said, was good. But the conversation was even better.

Its a good place to see people that you havent seen in a long time, Usher said.

Elsewhere, Paul Bricoccoli, co-owner of the Bullpen Tavern on Glen Street, couldnt hide his smile as he watched his family serve fish tacos, cookies and mashed potatoes to dozens of eager customers.

The inside of his bar was just as busy  a stark contrast from a year earlier.
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.
The federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005 gave gun manufacturers immunity from lawsuits related to the criminal misuse of their products.

Plain and simple, this was federal overreach to protect the gun industry in every way possible, state Attorney General Letitia James said. But, today, New York state took an important step to right that wrong and protect its citizens from gun violence.

Its unclear, however, whether that argument will survive being challenged in court.

James said she is ready to defend the law, which, for example, would allow her or a locality to sue gun manufacturers for harming the public by neglecting to take steps to prevent firearms from being sold unlawfully in New York.

Cuomo also said Tuesday he would declare that gun violence in his state is a disaster emergency and start tracking hot spots of shootings. Cuomo said declaring the emergency will make it easier to spend money on efforts to address and reduce gun violence.

The order was declared just weeks after a similar order issued by the governor at the onset of the pandemic expired amid a decline in COVID cases.
Heck wanted to write about murder mystery ever since moving to Cape may county fourteen years ago. "The local environment itself is an inspiring atmosphere and the culture here in Cape May County is unique. The beaches, the boardwalk, the belief that ghost roam hotels and resturants" said Heck

The first-time author, lives with his wife, Janice, outside of Cape May. He is retired from the field of Distribution Management. Heck is currently writing his second novel, the sequel to The Off Season.

The Last Diving Horse In America -four times a day, seven days a week, a horse, with a girl on its back, plunges 40-feet through the air into a tank of water 10-feet deep. It was one of the Piers top attractions for decades. The last Atlantic City Steel Pier Diving Horse, Gamal, was placed on the auction block in May 1980. In, The Last Diving Horse in America, Cynthia Branigan writes about how she rescued Gamal at auction and how her relationship with him set her on the course to make animal adoption and rescue her lifes work. Branigan grew up in New Jersey and was educated at Franconia College and the University of Pennsylvania. She is the founder of Make Peace with Animals, Inc., and pioneered the adoption of retired racing greyhounds worldwide.
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Muh's Garden of Life created to honor those who died and heal those left behind

MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Members of the community came out on July 4 for the opening of Muh's Garden of Life. The garden was a creation by Stephen and Anaija Head, who lost their brother and father, respectively to gun violence. The garden located by the Atlantic Villas Apartments, was created as a long-lasting tribute to a loved one who has died and offers a place where family and friends could remember, reminisce, and heal from the loss. MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Stephen Head, who lost his brother Mustafa Bundy-Head to gun violence in 2009, created Muhs Garden of Life as a lasting tribute and to help him heal from the loss. MATTHEW STRABUK photos, FOR THE PRESS Atlantic City residents, from bottom left, Heaven and Ajmal Head, 8 and 10, Alexandra De Leon, Stephen Head and Anaija Head helped transform Muhs Garden of Life, dedicated to a family member who died in a 2009 fatal shooting. MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Plantings in the garden honor those who have died from gun violence, illness or other causes. MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Plantings in the garden honor those who have died from gun violence, illness or other causes. MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Members of the community came out on July 4 for the opening of Muh's Garden of Life. The garden was a creation by Stephen and Anaija Head, who lost their brother and father, respectively to gun violence. The garden located by the Atlantic Villas Apartments, was created as a long-lasting tribute to a loved one who has died and offers a place where family and friends could remember, reminisce, and heal from the loss. MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Members of the community came out on July 4 for the opening of Muh's Garden of Life. The garden was a creation by Stephen and Anaija Head, who lost their brother and father, respectively to gun violence. The garden located by the Atlantic Villas Apartments, was created as a long-lasting tribute to a loved one who has died and offers a place where family and friends could remember, reminisce, and heal from the loss.

ATLANTIC CITY  Stephen Head was frustrated. Frustrated with politicians who were resistant to the idea of changing a street sign in honor of his late brother, Mustafa Bundy-Head, frustrated with the lack of help and frustrated with no place to go.

It was October 2020. Head stood and contemplated his frustrations in a vacant lot within the community complex where he lives in the Back Maryland section of the city.

Thats when and where he says the vision for Muhs Garden of Life fell from the sky. He would build the garden steps away from where his brother, whos nickname was Muh, was shot in the head in 2009 while rolling dice with friends. His murder remains unsolved.

Mustafas daughter, Anaija Head, was 8 when she lost her father. Now a student at Virginia Tech University studying landscape architecture, she was her uncles first call when the vision for the garden came to him.

When my uncle told me he wanted to do it, I was like, I can get completely on board; that is directly related to my major, said Anaija. Gun violence in Atlantic City has affected my family a lot. This was something I could do to lift up everybodys spirits and give them a way to pay tribute.

The idea for the garden may have been instantaneous, but the road to seeing the vision through took time. As Stephen put it, It was a process.

Immediately after the initial phone call with her uncle, Anaija began sketching designs of what would eventually become Muhs Garden of Life.

Stephen quickly realized he would need support from the community to make his dream a reality, so he started a petition. By December, he had garnered more than 600 signatures from local community members in support of the garden, many of whom had lost loved ones to addiction, violence and/or illness. Stephen then sought the attention of the owners of Atlantic Villas Apartments, where he lives and where the courtyard is located. It took three visits to convince them to permit the garden.

Then it was a matter of gaining funding. Stephen finalized his proposal and sent it to as many people as possible.

I doubted myself a lot because I had a lot of nos, but I just kept going, said Stephen. I just knew somebodys going to read it.

Stephen and Anaija were able to find sponsors and partners in the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, AtlanticCares Growing Green Initiative and the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.

This past Sunday, the garden was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. More than 50 people from the community attended, including Mayor Marty Small Sr., who spoke.

There were a lot of people out here crying and saying how much it means to them, said Anaija. That made it even more impactful for us because we knew not only did this help us, but it helped others as well.

Gathering the names and pictures of everyone honored in the garden was also a family affair and community effort. Anaijas mother, Sheena Williams, was tasked with reaching out and raising awareness of the garden using social media. Along with the help of Alisa Howard, a well-connected member of the community, the pair were able to gather the names and photos of the over 60 people who were honored.

As people heard about the garden, more and more wanted to have their loved ones honored.

We have about 50 more names to add, said Williams.

If people keep asking us, we are going to keep adding until we get another garden, Anaija said.

The garden is ever-growing and is still a work in progress. CRDA will donate tables and chairs, and the Boys & Girls Club plans to help paint them. The tables will double as a place to dine or play chess. According to Stephen and Anaija, the garden is meant to be a space for healing.

I come here and see all of the people that I lost and then ask myself, What am I going to do with all of the time I have left? said Stephen.

As people enter the garden, immediately to their left is the Valley of Kings with 16 plants meant to represent 16 people.

All these people right here planted their roots in the community. They stood for something. They gave their youth something, Stephen said.

Mustafas photos can be seen in the Valley of Kings under a crape myrtle tree. He had a music production company named 8 Blok MaVa Enterprise Productions, after Maryland and Virginia avenues. Before his life was cut short, he had plans to move to Atlanta to pursue a career as a music producer.

He was very entrepreneurial, said Stephen. He contributed everything he had to the community.

The same gun violence that Mustafa lost his life to has been rising again in Atlantic City. An eerily similar shooting took place last month where four men were shot, three injured and one dead. The victim who died, Azaiah Grissem, was only 23. Mustafa was only 25. Like in Mustafas case, there have been no arrests, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.

When my brother died, I became a loner. I didnt like people, said Stephen. Now Im honoring my brother, so Im healing. Its a beautiful feeling.

On the far right side of the garden opposite the Valley of Kings is a section with a long flower bed titled Mother Earth meant to pay homage to the mothers of the community. Stephen said his aunts and grandma died of illnesses such as cancer.

The main section of the garden is referred to as The Battlefield and is the most abundant with plants, flowers and trees.

This is everybody all mixed in  kids, women, men. They are all kings and queens though, Stephen said.

Birds and butterflies can be seen gathering in and flying around the garden.

I like butterflies because I was a caterpillar. I didnt know how to honor my brother the right way. I thought being a thug was honoring him, but I was lost, said Stephen. Fortunately, I got locked up  a cocoon. I reflected. I came home. I soared. Im a butterfly.

When Stephen came home from prison, he worked as a dishwasher until he got his commercial drivers license. He then became a trash truck driver so he could provide for his family. Stephens boss at the company for which he works, Gold Medal Environmental, noticed Stephen was coming to work tired every morning since he was watering the garden before his 4 a.m. shifts. The company gave him time off to focus on the garden. Stephen described getting to wake up every day and work to honor his brother as a gift.

Wandering through the garden at all times of day tending to the plants is a woman named Alexandra De Leon, referred to as the angel of the garden by Stephen. She helped care for the plants while he went to work and continues to aid in the maintenance of the garden. De Leon is moved by the gathering of life that now takes place in the garden  from plants and animals to kids and community members.

The creation of the garden was Stephens and Anaijas first dip into community engagement and activism. Anaija is heading back to campus for the summer, but Stephen is unsure of what he will do next.

Everybody in here wanted to be something. Even though they died, what they left  we can take that, ball that up and grow it. Their dreams can come true with ours, Stephen said as he stood in the garden Tuesday.

Less than nine months ago, he stood in the same place when it was just a grass field with untapped potential.

I could be anything I want to be  thats how I feel right now.

PHOTOS from the Garden of Life opening ceremony in Atlantic City Close
Still, said Council President Jaime Baumiller, the state government has made it difficult for police officers to do their jobs.

"I did read some of the juvenile justice reform act, and it was just so alarming to me," Baumiller said. "There's just warning systems. There's not even fines any longer. I encourage everyone to read this, as well, because when we have a group of 100, 200 adolescents, we're not going to take any police officers off the street to make examples when we just can't do that."

Making matters worse, Mayor Colleen Lambert said, is the fact that the kids are aware of the law.

"I didn't see it, but I was told firsthand that there was a posting on Facebook or one of the social sites," Lambert said, "that (said), 'Meet down at Taylor Avenue in the Butler Park area and the cops can't touch us.' So yes, they all know their rights and what they can and can't do."

Lower Township hires Inspira for ambulance service LOWER TOWNSHIP  The township Rescue Squad is set to disband, with Inspira Health taking ove

A number of residents argued that kids should be punished with fines and arrests as that's the risk they faced when they were younger.

Janet Drew said that while consequences are necessary, jumping to an arrest could cause significant trauma.
The township still supports locating a medical marijuana facility on Indian Trail Road. Insa is working on acquiring state licenses for that project, with the plants to be grown and sold at the same site.

Two years passed from the time recreational cannabis became legal in Massachusetts and the first license was issued by the state, and it took even longer in California, Donohue said.

Crime down in Rio Grande, across Middle Township, police chief says MIDDLE TOWNSHIP  Crime is down throughout the township, with a steep drop in the Rio Grande

Along with other municipalities, the township asked the state to delay the Aug. 22 deadline by which local governments can adopt recreational cannabis laws that will be stricter than the states.

We are having ongoing conversations with everyone, Donohue said. Guidance is needed from the state.

The Township Committee only talked about the issue for about six minutes during its regular meeting. Before that, the ordinance was discussed at a workshop meeting at 5 p.m., which also was open to the public.

Committeeman James Norris was proactive in bringing up the concern some residents may have that the township will lose out on revenue by banning the sales of recreational cannabis. These licenses take months, if not years, to obtain, so putting a pause on the recreational cannabis sales decision gives the committee time to think, Norris said.

Contact Vincent Jackson: 609-272-7202 vjackson@pressofac.com Twitter@ACPressJackson

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District 3 covers parts of both townships.

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Its not illegal from what Ive been told (to be in two races on the same ballot), but we cant serve in both positions, Parker said. I dont think its in anybodys interest to have me in two different places on the ballot.

Parker said hed rather the special election for the commissioner seat be held as soon as possible.

The district hasnt had representation all this time  theres been no one there, Parker said. Id like to get it over with so that everyone can move on and get representation for the district. Its a lot of work for Thelmas team and my team to campaign.

+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

Witherspoon could not be reached for comment Thursday, but Atlantic County Democratic Chairperson Michael Suleiman said the party is still weighing its legal options.

If there is going to be a special election this year, it would only make sense to have it the same time as the general election, Suleiman said. In the meantime, Andrew Parker needs to decide which race hes running for.

Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Joseph Marczyk held a phone conference with attorneys in the case Wednesday, and the briefs are due Friday, Caterson said.
It broke my heart then and it breaks my heart today to see the look on her face to see her boy dead, he said. I said, He died of an overdose of heroin. She said, I chased him out of the house two years ago because he was smoking pot.

Salvia said cannabis was a step toward heroin.

No one has ever overdosed on marijuana. Thats a fact, said Tom Nuscis of the Erma section of the township later in the meeting. He also denied there is any evidence that marijuana use increases the likelihood that someone will later use more dangerous drugs.

Middle Township to introduce recreational cannabis ban MIDDLE TOWNSHIP  The Township Committee plans to introduce an ordinance Wednesday that woul

Nuscis said he has two sons and a son-in-law who work in law enforcement, and that he used to work on drug interdiction missions while serving in the Navy. But he said he has educated himself about cannabis and supports allowing retail sales.

He said he believes most people using cannabis take it as an edible. New Jerseys cannabis laws are expected to include strict labeling and dosage guidelines for edible products, as well as child-resistant packaging.

It is safe to use, Nuscis said. Im sure most people in the room have said, I need a drink at the end of the day, or are going home to have a glass of wine to relax. Its the same principle.
MIAMI (AP)  The last time Haiti was thrust into turmoil by assassination was 1915, when an angry group of rebels raided the French Embassy and beat to death President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam, ushering in weeks of chaos that triggered a nearly two-decade U.S. military intervention.

With the era of gunboat diplomacy long over, the U.S. is unlikely to deploy troops in the aftermath of the brazen slaying Wednesday of President Jovenel Moise in an overnight raid at his home.

But the Biden administration may nonetheless find itself dragged into the country's increasingly violent political conflict, one that has been building  if largely ignored by Washington  for months and which is now expected to deepen further, with the immediate path forward blurred by intrigue.

This will get the U.S.' full attention and that's already a big deal, said Amy Wilentz, the author of multiple books on Haiti. Up until now, no matter who went to the Americans about Haitian governance and its problems under Moise, they weren't interested in interfering in any way except to support him.

Moise was a little-known banana exporter until former President Michel Martelly, barred by the constitution from seeking reelection, tapped him to run as his heir in 2015 elections marred by allegations of fraud.
One theory for Bidens behavior, based on both news reports and some discussions with Senate aides, is that the White House was taken by surprise when the bipartisan group reached a deal, felt obliged to endorse it, and then got scorched by progressives. To appease them, he blurted out that he would not sign the bipartisan bill without signing the second one in tandem. But that infuriated the moderate Democrats, so he had to backtrack.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is still keeping the pressure on the moderates, though, saying she will not allow the House to vote on the bipartisan bill until the Senate has passed the partisan one. Its a strategy that will require stubbornness.

It will take weeks to convert the bipartisan agreement into legislative language. Drawing up Sanderss bill and getting it through procedural hurdles will take months. Democrats do not yet agree even on the price tag: He has floated $6 trillion, while Sen. Joe Manchin has talked about $2 trillion. Even in todays Washington, thats a big difference.

Most congressional Republicans are watching the Democratic infighting from the sidelines. They oppose both spending bills.
Back in February we urged Ocean City officials to embrace the exceedingly tiny part their town will play in New Jerseys development of its best renewable energy resource, the strong winds nearby in the ocean.

Instead, they contemplated blocking a buried cable from bringing the power ashore. They said the possibility that wind turbines might be barely visible some days from shore was a threat to the citys thriving tourism industry.

Well, apparently state officials in Trenton still read the newspapers. The Legislature has passed a bill making clear that the state and its utility regulator, the Board of Public Utilities, have the power to ensure land is available for underground cables to bring ocean wind power ashore  by easements or eminent domain if need be.

This is a long established principle in law to ensure that extensive projects of great benefit to the general public arent thwarted by locals with narrow interests. Just last week it was New Jerseys turn to be the peevish local overruled for the common good, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the state cant block the PennEast natural gas pipeline from crossing properties where it has an interest.
Yesypenko Detention Extended Six Months In Closed-Door Hearing In Russian Controlled Crimea

RFE/RL President Jamie Fly condemned the July 6 decision by a court in Russian controlled Crimea to extend by six months the detention of RFE/RL freelance reporter Vladyslav Yesypenko. This latest Kremlin-backed move to target independent media outlets was announced during a closed-door hearing in Simferopol regarding Yesypenkos politically-motivated case. The next hearing is scheduled for July 15. Also, watch Yesypenkos family speak of his work and detention and Ukrainian Filmmaker and former Russian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov read from his letter to Yesypenko .

INCIDENTS AND THREATS

Russia's 'Foreign Agent' Amendments 'Seriously Violate' Human Rights: Venice Commission

A Council of Europe legal advisory body has sharply criticized recent Russian amendments to laws regulating so-called 'foreign agents," saying they constitute serious violations of basic human rights and will have a chilling effect on political life. Russia's so-called "foreign agent" legislation was adopted in 2012 and has been modified repeatedly. It requires noncommercial organizations that receive foreign assistance and that the government deems to be engaged in political activity to be registered, to identify themselves as "foreign agents," and to submit to audits. In 2017, the Russian government placed RFE/RL's Russian Service on the list, along with six other RFE/RL Russian-language news services and Current Time, the Russian-language network led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. The Russian Service of VOA was also added to the list.

TIMELINE: What Happened To Independent Media In Russia Over The Last Year

Since the summer of 2020, pressure on the independent media has noticeably increased in Russia. Journalists are regularly sentenced to fines and jail terms for non-existent crimes, and searches of undesired newsrooms, as well as homes of their employees, have become a common practice. Current Time TV takes a closer look. (in Russian, Current Time TV)

Belarusian News Website Blocked, Offices Raided, Editors Detained

Authorities in Belarus blocked the website of one of the country's most popular independent media outlets, Nasha Niva, and searched its journalists and their editorial offices on July 8. The Information Ministry announced restrictions on access to the website in the late morning, citing an instruction from the Prosecutor-General's Office concerning Article 38 of Belarus's law on mass media, which Freedom House says requires no legal process and offers no avenue for appeal.

Online Appearance By Dissident Belarusian Journalist Pratasevich Raises Questions

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. 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.

Hungary's Orban Becomes First EU Leader To Join RSFs 'Enemies Of Press Freedom' List

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has added Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to its annual list of "enemies of press freedom." It's the first time a head of government from the European Union appears on the list, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, among others. The media watchdog said on July 5 that Orban and his Fidesz party "have brought Hungary's media landscape under their control step by step" since they came to power in 2010. "The public broadcasters have been centralized in the state media holding MTVA, which also includes Hungary's only news agency MTI," the RSF said in a statement.

'Cannot Be Excused': Thousands Rally In Georgia To Denounce Anti-LGBT Violence

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 Georgian Service reporters.

Uzbekistan Restricts Access To Several Social Media Sites

Uzbekistans communications regulator has restricted access to several social media websites for violating personal data laws. O'zkomnazorat announced the restrictions on July 2 without mentioning which social media sites fall under the order. However, Internet users in Central Asias most populous country reported disruptions to Twitter, TikTok, VKontakte, and Skype. In particular, the restrictions reportedly involve throttling, or reduced speed when using the networks. O'zkomnazorat said social media websites had violated a new personal data law, in effect since April, which requires Internet companies to store the personal data of Uzbek users on servers in the country.

Ukraine's Supreme Court Rejects Appeal Of Ex-Cop Convicted In Murder Of Journalist Gongadze

The Supreme Court of Ukraine has rejected the appeal of Oleksiy Pukach, a former top police officer who was convicted in the murder of investigative journalist Heorhiy Gongadze. The court handed down its ruling on July 2, saying the verdict and sentence for the former police general remains unchanged and that his request for a retrial was rejected. The Pechera District Court in Kyiv sentenced Pukach, the Interior Ministry's former surveillance department chief, to life in prison in January 2013 after finding him guilty of personally strangling Gongadze to death.

Estonian Website Says Russia Blocking Its Content About Mari, Finno-Ugric Peoples

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.

Belarus Fines Current Time Correspondent Raman Vasiukovich For Working Without Accreditation

A Minsk court on July 6 fined Current Times Belarus correspondent Raman Vasiukovich 870 rubles (around $343) for working without official accreditation and allegedly violating Belarusian law on the preparation and dissemination of a mass media product. Officials focused specifically on Current Times May 25, 2021 Newsday broadcast, in which Vasiukovich reported from Minsk that defense lawyers were not allowed to see detained Belarusian blogger Raman Pratasevich. Belarus' diversion of Pratasevich's May 23 Ryanair flight and his subsequent detention prompted international sanctions and a restriction of international air transportation to and from the country.

Journalists Behind Bars

RFE/RLs Belarus Service compiles the profiles of journalists wrongly detained in Belarus, including RFE/RL Belarus Service consultant Ihar Losik. (Belarus Service)

Court Upholds Verdict Against RFE/RL Contributor Svetlana Prokopyeva

Russias Supreme Court upheld the verdict against RFE/RL contributor Svetlana Prokopyeva, who was fined $6,687.76 in a case where she was accused of justifying terrorism. In July 2020, Prokopyeva was convicted by a court in Pskov over a commentary she prepared for the local affiliate of Ekho Moskvy radio in November 2018. Prokopyeva denies all charges, saying she was put on trial for doing her job and has already paid the entire sum of the fine. (Russian Service/Sever.Realii)

Pskov Region Prosecutors Refuse To Check Whether Regional Governor Received Contribution From Foreign Agent

Russian journalist and RFE/RL contributor Denis Kamalyagin, labeled a "foreign agent" by the Russian government, turned the tables on several local lawmakers in the northwestern region of Pskov, including the regional governor Mikhail Vedernikov, by sending them money in order to make them associates of a foreign agent - as the law insists. However, local prosecutors are refusing to conduct an inquiry. According to the law, an entity or a person that receives money from a foreign agent must also be declared a foreign agent. Timofey Bezugly, a member of the Chelyabinsk chapter of Yabloko who filed the initial demand for an inquiry, said he will appeal the decision. (Russian Service/Sever.Realii)

IMPACT: Jail Conditions Of Ukrainian Political Prisoner In Russia Improve, Following Reporting By RFE/RL

Ukrainian political prisoner Valentyn Vyhovskiy, serving a prison sentence in a Russian penal colony in Kirov, was transferred to the general population after spending five years in solitary confinement after his plight was exposed in a story published by the RFE/RL Tatar-Bashkir Service project Idel.Realities. Vyhovskiy, a 32-year-old Ukrainian businessman, was arrested in 2014 in his native Crimea following Russias annexation of the Ukrainian territory in March 2014. The Moscow City Court sentenced Vyhovskiy to 11 years in prison on charges of espionage; Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) accused Vyhovskiy of collecting classified information related to Russia's aerospace technologies. (Tatar-Bashkir Service/Idel.Realii)
Amazon added 500,000 employees in 2020, including 1,500 in Iowa, bringing its global workforce to nearly 1.3 million by the end of 2020, according to its most recent financial report.

The company has quickly scaled up its physical presence and operations in Iowa, with The Des Moines Register reporting Amazon is also building a warehouse in Council Bluffs like the one announced in Davenport, making it one of at least seven Amazon sites under construction or operation in Iowa since work began on the company's first facilities in the state in 2019.

"We are excited to continue our investment in the state of Iowa," Amazon spokesperson Caitlin Polochak said in a statement Wednesday. "The site will help us continue to serve customers with great delivery options."

Rumler said the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce was first approached about Amazon in Davenport in November of 2020, when the chamber was contacted by a site-selection firm.

Rumler said Amazon chose the Quad-Cities for its central Midwest location; easy access to customers and distribution notworks via Interstates 80, 74 and 88; the availability of a large, shovel-ready site; and access to a laborshed of 743,000 individuals, including a pipeline of workers with the skill sets needed for their operation.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)  On a sweaty recent Thursday afternoon, Alex Berrios is instructing his team on how to get people to register to vote. Extend your hand, he says; it makes folks more likely to stop. Smile a lot, that works, too. But immediately take no for an answer so you dont seem too pushy.

Berrios, co-founder of a new nonprofit, Mi Vecino, or My Neighbor has a lot riding on developing the right pitch. His group, which works out of a cramped office in the shadow of Disney World, is targeting Latino would-be voters. He is role-playing how best to approach them in front of Walgreens, amid games of dominoes at a senior center or outside El Bodegon, a supermarket chain specializing in Colombian products.

Fifteen months before the midterm elections, groups like his are mobilizing across the country  both Democrats who have enjoyed a historic Latino allegiance and Republicans emboldened by gains in 2020  all trying to lock down the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.

Were not selling cars here, said Berrios, a onetime boxer who has fighter tattooed on his arm and is now vice chairman of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party. Were not going anywhere. Were in the community and were staying.
Kelly said she'd received an outpouring of support since taking over the party.

"People have been great, and people want to be helpful in moving the party along," she said. "We cannot take anything for granted; that's how we had (Donald) Trump as president. People have to vote in every election, and that's something that I'm really going to push. It helps build the bench when you do that."

Part of Kelly's agenda is recruiting Democratic candidates and the supporters and volunteers needed to get them elected.

"I want to get more people involved," she said.

Kelly has confidence Democrats can hold onto the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, who announced she will not run for reelection in November 2022. Kelly said she'd get involved after a candidate was chosen following the March 2022 primary election.
Fields collected Ross' original works. The prolific artist didn't sell his work, but some were donated to PBS stations, according to a New York Times profile. They rarely come on the commercial market.

These pieces are so valuable, and hopefully are passed down through the family, Craig said.

Ross inscribed a message on the back of one of the paintings Chris owns. It reads No one could ever be more proud of a namesake than I am of you. I wish for you a future filled with success and happiness. God bless my friend  Bob Ross 1993.

Their collection includes four paintings, a set of carved figures and two painted platters.

We know everything is original artwork. We hope to get them authenticated, Chris said.

That authentication has to be done in person, at Bob Ross, Inc., in Virginia. So this summer, the family plans to take a road trip. It's important to them to keep the paintings safe and have the art on record.

To our family, these paintings are priceless. Bob Ross art cant even be bought, so these are even more special to us, Fields said.
We are all concerned about the spike in the delta virus but to try to mislead people like we are in crisis is totally misleading," Parson said. We are not in a crisis mode in this state and we shouldnt be right now."

Statewide, hospitalizations rose to 1,034 on Monday, up by nearly 60% from 648 one month earlier. In southwest Missouri, hospitalizations rose by nearly 124%, up to 387 from 173.

We know theres a vast number of people that is hesitant to take the vaccine," Parson said. "That is what we all should be working together trying to find a solution to get more vaccine in more peoples arms, not trying to force people to take it. Not trying to scare them into it. Just make sure that they understand the facts."

Jeffrey Zeints, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said Thursday that the best people to promote vaccinations are local trusted messengers like doctors, faith leaders and community leaders, who may go door to door.
The warrants were executed that day. Davenport Police found a black digital scale with marijuana residue and six-tenths of a gram of a pink powder that tested positive for cocaine in the motor home, and an axe and cleaning supplies in the trunk of the Impala. Blue light shone on the axe showed what officers believed to be blood. The warrants don't indicate if the axe was tested or if blood was confirmed.

Dinkins 8-year-old son, Breasia's half-brother, told police he went to Credit Island with his dad the morning of July 10. They also went to the motor home, where his dad pulled out a big knife and wiped it down with bleach. He then put the knife in the trunk of the Impala and the pair returned to the trailer.

Nearby video verified the boy was with Dinkins at the trailer. With that confirmed, police sought a second warrant on the motor home and found a machete on top of the refrigerator that matched the description the boy had given.

Other warrants conducted later included a warrant to retrieve DNA samples from several white T-shirts with possible blood stains found in a black Dodge Challenger pulled over for unrelated reasons and warrants sent to the company that owns Google, requesting GPS information to locate two Moto E60 phones because two empty phone boxes were found in the Impala.
Howard was then heard telling people to come out and fight with them. Howard was with a group of other people in the street involved in the disturbance. Howard was located by officers in front of that address at 8:06 p.m. during a second call about a large fight.

First-degree harassment is an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years. Howard failed to appear for a hearing Oct. 14, 2020, in Scott County District Court and a warrant for his arrest was issued and his bond was forfeited.

Howard was being held Wednesday night in the Scott County Jail on cash-only bonds totaling $27,000 and without bond on the parole violation. His bonds were reduced Thursday and now total $14,000. As of Thursday afternoon he remained in jail.

In Wednesday's second pursuit, Kanie Kani Bragg, 25, was taken into custody after leading police on a chase through city streets to the 700 block of Gaines Street where a Davenport Police officer and a Scott County Sheriff's deputy used a P.I.T. maneuver to stop his vehicle.

Police spotted Bragg in the parking lot of the La Quinta Inn, 3330 E. Kimberly Road. Bragg was driving a white Toyota Rav4.

When officers tried to take Bragg into custody he fled.
Paula Teel, a Bettendorf resident, told city council on Tuesday that she moved to Iowa from Illinois looking for a place she could see nature and wildlife.

We have a wooded ravine behind us. It's like we're living in the country in the middle of the city, she said. It is about a quality of life issue for the people that live in this area. And I hope that that's taken into consideration.

Dolan said they didnt have a plan for moving wildlife, but that he hoped to keep as many trees as possible on the Davenport side that already exists.

A main concern several residents brought up was the added traffic with 26 more homes going through the Lincoln Road entrance to the cul-de-sac. Coming off Kimberly Road, Lincoln Road  which is an outlet for other neighborhoods  has two sharp turns before the Kimberley Road intersection that residents said were difficult to maneuver in without an additional outlet. One resident said he had to pull over to let another car pass if there was a parked car on it.
Kelly said she'd received an outpouring of support since taking over the party.

"People have been great, and people want to be helpful in moving the party along," she said. "We cannot take anything for granted; that's how we had (Donald) Trump as president. People have to vote in every election, and that's something that I'm really going to push. It helps build the bench when you do that."

Part of Kelly's agenda is recruiting Democratic candidates and the supporters and volunteers needed to get them elected.

"I want to get more people involved," she said.

Kelly has confidence Democrats can hold onto the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, who announced she will not run for reelection in November 2022. Kelly said she'd get involved after a candidate was chosen following the March 2022 primary election.

"I have faith we'll find someone, and I know Cheri will have her (say) in that also," Kelly said. "We all want this district to remain Democratic, of course. If we find the right person, I do think we can keep the seat. Cheri worked hard and other people worked hard to help Cheri have the resources she needed to keep the seat, and we'll do that again."
President Joe Biden visited McHenry County College in Crystal Lake on Wednesday to discuss health care, child care and education initiatives. He also spoke about the ongoing pandemic, saying that more than half of new cases in certain parts of the country are attributed to the new Delta variant of COVID-19.

Later in the day, Biden's claim was corroborated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported that the Delta variant is the leading variant of COVID-19 in America. Preliminary studies have found the new variant to be highly transmissible among unvaccinated individuals.

Scripps Research's outbreak.info found that the Delta variant accounts for 25% of new cases in Illinois over the past 30 days and 85% of new cases in Missouri in that same time frame. O'Neil said there have been cases of the Delta variant in Sangamon County but nothing that indicates it's spreading as quickly as it is in other areas of the country.

O'Neil acknowledged that vaccination rates in the county have slowed. She said the department is doing what it can to encourage those who are hesitant about the vaccine to listen to their family doctors or someone with medical expertise that they trust.
Quad Cities International Airport will receive $8.57 million in federal funding, Illinois U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, and Illinois U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos announced Wednesday.

The funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration will help the airport improve operations, increase safety and meet FAA standards, according to a release.

"Our Illinois airports are important economic engines for the state, and making sure they continue to have the support they need to operate safely is critical," Duckworth said. "I'm proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Bustos in announcing this infusion of federal funding, and I'll keep working to ensure our airports and transportation systems have the funding and support necessary throughout this pandemic and beyond."

The grant, partially funded through President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan, is to help the airport remove several thousand feet of runway and taxiway pavement, extend Taxiway A to 5,3545 feet and add a 380-foot taxiway connector to reduce the potential for runway incursions, according to the release.
Yoes then appealed personally to Carvajal.

"You began your career as an officer in 1992, so you well know what it is like to serve as a correctional officer and a warden," Yoes wrote. "The men and women at USP Thomson need your help, and I urge you to act quickly to provide it.

"On behalf of the more than 356,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I concur with the recommendations offered by AFGE Local 4070 and strongly urge you to quickly take the measures they have laid out."

Yoes' letter comes after a similar correspondence sent jointly by U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on April 16. They also called for immediate action to address the crisis. In order to attract employees, the lawmakers asked for an increase in compensation for Thomson employees, similar to what prison employees are paid at the two Chicago-area facilities.

Jonathan Zumkehr, president of AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees) Local 4070, Council of Prison Locals No. 33, AFL-CIO, sent a letter May 14 to members of Congress, emphasizing the need for action at USP Thomson. Excessive overtime and low morale are contributing to high turnover, he said.
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.
For Haddish, her special about the reproduction of sharks  did you know female sharks have two uteruses?  will hopefully show how important to the planet sharks really are.

We all need each other. Its like The Lion King  the circle of life. We keep each other alive, she said. No one on this planet for no reason.

Swartz says inviting celebrities onto Shark Week is a bit like when Sesame Street has on famous guest stars  they help attract a wider, intergenerational audience.

At the end of the day, what the celebrities do for us is to bring people into the tent who might not normally come to Shark Week, he said. Having said that, I will say you might be surprised at how many celebrities are fans of Shark Week.

Dr. James Sulikowski, a professor at Arizona State University, has been on Shark Week before but this time does something no one has ever done  perform an ultrasound on a wild tiger shark.
Austin became the third sitting Chicago alderman currently under federal indictment and the second to face charges this year. The indictment came two years after Austins ward office was raided by federal agents, leaving the long-serving alderman under a cloud of suspicion.

When federal authorities charged Ald. Edward Burke with corruption in January 2019, he stepped down as Finance Committee chairman.

Austin has so far not resigned her post as head of a committee on racial equity in contracts, which Mayor Lori Lightfoot gave her to soften the blow from taking away her Budget Committee chairmanship.

Touting her experience as a former federal prosecutor in the wake of Burkes corruption charges, Lightfoot ran for mayor as a reformer and pledged to clean up City Hall. But so far, she has not publicly taken action to remove Austin from her leadership team.

At a separate news conference after Austins indictment last week, Lightfoot said its difficult for a politician to be effective under the sword of Damocles, but said she didnt have any further comment until she talked to Austin. The mayors office did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the committee chairmanship.

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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.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in a statement released by her office said: "It was exciting to be at President Bidens address today where he laid out a plan that does just that. His plan for universal preschool, free community college, affordable child and elder care will help build back a better nation, and a better Illinois for all residents, but especially for those in under resourced communities.
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.

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.
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.
The U.S. Air Force has released a new B-21 Raider artist's rendering graphic and fact sheet on the stealth bomber, which will be stationed first at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City.

The rendering highlights the future stealth bomber with Edwards Air Force Base, California, as the backdrop. The Air Force said the 420th Flight Test Squadron based at Edwards AFB will plan, test, analyze and report on all flight and ground testing of the B-21 Raider before the bombers become active at Ellsworth.

The Air Force said a B-21 maintenance depot will also be established at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City.

According to a news release, the B-21 program is in the engineering and manufacturing development phase, focused on scaling infrastructure capacity for the manufacturing of the nuclear-capable aircraft.

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"Nuclear modernization is a top priority for the Department of Defense and the Air Force, and the B-21 is key to that plan, said Randall Walden, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office director. The built-in feature of open systems architecture on the B-21 makes the bomber effective as the threat environment evolves. This aircraft design approach sets the nation on the right path to ensuring Americas enduring air power capability.
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In an interview with investigators, the reporting party said Stilwell came over to their house around 9:30 a.m. and told them he started drinking at 6 a.m. Stilwell then said he was going to bed and would be back around 2 or 3 p.m.

The reporting party said he later saw a woman and Stilwell arguing outside Stilwells house.

Another witness, a woman who had stayed the night at Stilwells house, said she woke up around 11 a.m. and noticed Stilwell had been drinking and believed he was intoxicated. She told investigators that she got into an argument with Stilwell who ripped her top in two places.

The witness said she was concerned for her safety and pepper sprayed Stilwell, which he blocked with her hand. She tried to leave and got into her car. She said Stilwell reached into her car and grabbed her.

The two went to the reporting partys residence to get milk to negate the pepper sprays effects where Stilwell became verbally confrontational with individuals and attempted to swing at the reporting party and ended up pushing them, the witness said.
Where were at right now, [these rules] will be shaping the way the program will be for the next 10 years. We have to assume that this is how recreational cannabis will be grandfathered in  federal legalization is not far away, Kittrick Jeffries, owner of Rapid City-based Dakota Cannabis Consulting, said. If [the DOH] chooses to take this [document] the way we help shape it and translate it to a recreational program then what we do today is so crucial to how this industry works in our state.

Ultimately, the DOH can decide whether it will take CIASDs recommendations.

The main areas of concern members raised included the proposed plant count maximum and regulations around home cultivation, provisions allowing out-of-state cardholders to utilize the program, plans for recalling cannabis and cannabis products, and how tribal programs fit into the states.

The codified law on medical cannabis, which went into effect July 1, specifies a minimum of three cannabis plants for a home cultivator, but the DOH proposes that three plants be the maximum allowed. More than three plants would have to be recommended by a doctor and authorized by DOH and if accepted would only be permissible for 90 days.
The Burgers and Edwards families are no strangers. The second generation of each (the current owners parents) met through the industry and became friends. They took vacations together and developed a relationship that extends to the third and fourth generations.

After the fire, the Burgers were one of four country ham producers, along with two sausage companies, that helped continue making the Edwards product, Edwards said. The Burgers will continue to produce Edwards products using those recipes.

Burger said that before the fire was even put out, he was extending his regret to the family. He said the Burgers will try to do their part to keep the brand in the market.

Being fortunate enough to have produced the product for the last five years or so here, theyve made it almost a natural extension of what were doing now to go ahead and take ownership, Burger said.

Edwards has ham shops in Williamsburg and Surry, where people can buy provisions  whole ham, deli slices, bacon and sausage  and sandwiches.
Partly because Black Widow needs to exist purely by itself, it works. Its absorbing in its own right. Less occupied with driving a universe of movies forward, the almost-standalone film instead digs into slightly darker, deeper realms of the typically bright and shiny Marvel world. Shortland, an Australian director of indies (Somersault, Berlin Syndrome), grounds Black Widow in a more tactile and murky reality. Essentially a European-set spy thriller with all the shadows of the postwar period (WWII, I mean, not the Civil War), Black Widow is, for much of its running time, closer to Bourne than Thor. Although it marks a farewell to Johansson, Black Widow is given a boost by a number of new faces  Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, Ray Winstone (terrific actors all)  who supply some new verve in a movie world thats recently been dependent on many of its longest-running stars.

Black Widow doesnt deviate radically from the Marvel formula. Just as usual, theres a giant contraption in the sky, winks to the Avengers and light banter mixed with battle scenes. But its often in Marvel movies that directors have the best chance to flex their own filmmaking muscles early on, before the set-piece mandates set in. And Black Widow excels early.
The curtain is ready to rise again at Virginia Rep, plus you can grab a bag of Hanover tomatoes, watch a movie on Browns Island and catch a show from Fitz & the Tantrums ... all this weekend.

Ella and Her Fella Frank

Starts Friday

After a long intermission due to the pandemic, Virginia Rep returns for its first in-season performance with Ella and Her Fella Frank. The original musical explores the idea of a concert in heaven from music greats Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, played by Virginia Rep favorites Desiree Roots and Scott Wichmann, and written by Bo Wilson. The show was inspired by Virginia Reps 1999 musical by the same name, created and directed by Randy Strawderman, now deceased. Running through Sept. 12; times vary. November Theatre, 114 W. Broad St. $58. (804) 282-2620 or Va-Rep.org

Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts

Friday and Saturday

Richmonds free summer performances continue at Dogwood Dell with R&B from Richmond musician Corey El on Friday and modern and contemporary hits from Larceny on Saturday. 8 p.m. at 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd. TinyURL.com/FestivalOfArts2021.

Movies, Music & Maters Saturday
Prior to 1975 and federal passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, there was no legal framework to ensure that students with disabilities received the same quality of education as other students. In that law, a free and appropriate education was required for all students, including those with disabilities.

In 1990, the laws name changed to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which is now colloquially known as the IDEA, which gives students access to a free and appropriate public education until they turn 21.

Often specialized centers, such as Faison, are the best or only way for students to get that education, which is decided during the IEP process  and its up to the localities to foot the bill, at least until the students turn 21.

So while Virginia lawmakers allocated $6.5 million for the roughly 600 Virginia students over 21 to continue their education for an additional year, those students were no longer entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education under federal law.

That meant that Prince Edward would be within its legal rights to decide against paying for Jacksons tuition to the Faison Center, which can cost twice as much as public school. And Smith said thats what happened.
Police are seeking a person of interest in the fatal shooting of a man found dead Wednesday night near gas pumps at a Hopewell convenience store  the citys second fatal shooting in three days.

Hopewell police said officers and paramedics responded at 9:30 p.m. to a report of a person being shot near the gas pumps at the Quick Express Store at 805 S. 15th Ave. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive man with life-threatening injuries.

The victim was identified as Melike Herbert Benjamin, 49, of Chesterfield County.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, said Kamran Afzal, Hopewells chief of police.

Paramedics attempted to render aid to Benjamin but determined he was deceased. Detectives were called to the scene to initiate a death investigation. Benjamins next of kin has been notified, according to police, and his remains were taken to the state medical examiners office.

Surveillance videos from the store show an unidentified person of interest who was seen leaving in a possible gold, early 2000s model Chevy Tahoe. Police described the person as a Black male, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall, and wearing red shorts, a black T-shirt, white socks and a gold necklace.
Those four or five years were not fun for us, said Kuhr, noting how the federal cap also separated families that partially came before 2016 while the rest were stuck outside the U.S. even after being vetted by the government.

The separation of families  whether it be through work, living in separate countries or at the U.S.-Mexico border  is a significant stressor, Leon-Perez said.

***

For Al Barzanji, the daily phone calls are the closest option she has to bridge the 6,000-mile divide standing between her husband and their five children in Harrisonburg. Over the past five years, the conversations clung to hope that the pain in being apart will soon be worth it. Other times, they were filled with desperation. Fear. Doubt.

Fera, do you think we did the right thing? her husband asks.

She always reassures him with a yes - because of the kids.

The oldest graduates from George Mason University with an engineering degree next spring. One is at James Madison University studying biology. Another is headed there in the fall. The two youngest are in high school.
A trusty pocket knife and a lot of luck saved Luis Murray, a Chesterfield County police officer, from serious injury, and possibly worse, when a man shot him last year during a traffic stop.

The knife, which Murray kept in his left front pocket, absorbed the impact of a bullet that struck him on the evening of May 27, 2020. The round pierced his pants leg and underwear, but didnt penetrate his body.

He was only saved from suffering a gunshot wound by a pocket knife that was in his pocket, Chesterfield Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Melissa Hoy told Chesterfield Circuit Judge Edward A. Robbins Jr. on Thursday.

More than a year later, Murray watched as his assailant, 11-time convicted felon Lynell Alexander Jr., 34, accepted the terms of a plea agreement and entered guilty pleas to two counts of attempted capital murder of a police officer and one count of felony use of a firearm.

The second attempted murder count was for also firing at Chesterfield officer John Fones, whose bullet-resistant vest was found to be damaged with a small hole after the gunfire.

If the case had gone to trial, Officer Fones would describe for the court that the bullets were just kind of whizzing by his head, Hoy told the judge. But he was not certain that he was struck.
The school district wants to build trust and a closer relationship with its families, and to do so, it needs to meet the families where they are  in their neighborhoods, said Pam Bell, chief student advancement officer with Petersburg schools.

Some goals of the bus include supporting parents in finding a job and handing out books to children. Adults can create resume on-site and prepare for interviews.

As a student support staff member, Aikens helps students and families with anything they need, as he and his colleagues want kids to focus on learning rather than worrying about everyday responsibilities. If Aikens can help eliminate obstacles for families, for example, connecting families who may need housing assistance, he knows hes doing his job, he said.

According to United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, 34.6% or roughly 2,356 of Petersburgs children were living below the poverty line in 2019. At the time, Petersburgs child poverty rate was roughly three times larger than the states 13.3% rate.
Buttigieg described the framework agreed to by senators as an incredibly ambitious deal that reflects a shared ambition to do big things. Still, he worries that some may find it politically advantageous to fail.

I think the biggest threat to this is politics, Buttigieg said, adding, I cant think of better politics than actually delivering something that the American people want. I mean, the popularity that this has is off the charts.

The framework agreed to by lawmakers has its critics on both sides of the political aisle. A group of influential conservative groups, including the Club for Growth and Heritage Action, says the compromise bill would spend $1.2 trillion on Left-leaning priorities and fails to properly pay for it." The groups said some of the pay-fors identified in the bipartisan blueprint should be used to pay down the national debt.

Meanwhile, many Democratic lawmakers and groups are working to ensure that Congress not approve the $1.2 trillion package until theres also a second bill providing additional money for health care, housing and other programs, which is unlikely to win GOP votes.

Buttigieg said the next few days and weeks are going to be decisive.
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 re-enlisted 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.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel said Thursday it will begin seizing cryptocurrency accounts used by the Palestinian Hamas group to raise money for its armed wing.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered security forces to seize the accounts after a joint operation uncovered a web of electronic wallets used by Hamas to raise funds using bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the ministry said.

It said Hamas has been waging an online campaign to raise donations for its military wing, efforts that accelerated after the 11-day Gaza war in May. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin are favored for illicit transactions because they are perceived as hard to trace.

The intelligence, technological and legal tools that enable us to get our hands on terrorists money around the world constitute an operational breakthrough, Gantz was quoted as saying.

Last year, the U.S. Justice Department said it had seized millions of dollars from cryptocurrency accounts that militant groups, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, relied on to finance their organizations and violent plots.
The past 15 months have been a roller coaster for my family. Before the pandemic, my fiance and I were on our way to building a stable, middle-class life that we hoped would provide a bright future for our kids. I was working as a certified nursing assistant, caring for elderly and disabled people in their homes. My fiance is a civilian employee who inspects equipment for the U.S. Army. We were doing well and excited for a new baby who would join us and our middle school-age son in April 2020.

But when the pandemic hit, our lives dramatically changed. The plant where my fiance worked shut down for months, and though he was kept on, we missed the hazard pay bonus he regularly received for working around dangerous bombs.

I was worried about contracting COVID-19 from one of my clients in the weeks before our daughter arrived, so I stopped working. I had planned to go back to work after having our baby, but we did the math, and realized we couldnt afford it. Child care is so expensive, and Im paid so little, that were financially better off if I stay home to take care of the baby.

With much less income and a new baby to take care of, we fell behind on our rent. My fiance now is back at work, but we still owe our landlord $4,000, which were urgently trying to pay off so we dont lose our apartment.
Tropical Storm Elsa is most likely to be remembered as a rainmaker for central Virginia, but effects varied greatly within the Richmond metro area alone.

The rainfall in southern Chesterfield County was 20 times heavier than northern Hanover.

Here's a preliminary summary based on National Weather Service reports and data.

Flash flooding

The main cluster of flood reports on Thursday evening coincided with the bull's-eye of heaviest rain between Chester and the Tri-Cities.

High water reportedly blocked numerous roads in Petersburg, several secondary routes in southern Chesterfield County, and encroached on some lanes of Interstate 95.

Flash floods also affected portions of Charles City, Prince George, Dinwiddie and Lunenburg counties.

Rainfall

Elsa's heaviest 2 to 4 inch amounts fell in a southwest-to-northeast oriented band just to the west of the track of the low pressure center, between Kerr Reservoir, the Tri-Cities, Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.

At most, 5.57 inches fell near Swift Creek between Pocahontas State Park and Colonial Heights. Several other gauges in the Petersburg vicinity topped 4 inches.

A slight 20-mile shift in the storm's track might have put that torrential, flooding rain over Richmond instead, while the opposite nudge could have put the worst conditions in Williamsburg.

Most of central and eastern Virginia saw at least 1 inch, except areas north and west of Short Pump.

Amounts were lighter and spottier over western and northern tiers of the state, but locally heavy near Roanoke.

Richmond International Airport reported 1.94 inches, which went down as a daily record for July 9.

That was the wettest day (and first daily rainfall record) at the RIC weather station since December.

River flooding

Flooding is not expected on the James River and most main rivers in the region.

The National Weather Service expects minor flooding this weekend on the Nottoway River between Rawlings and Stony Creek, on the Meherrin River near Lawrenceville, and the Chickahominy River near Providence Forge.

Wind gusts

Elsa's center of circulation passed right over Emporia, Williamsburg and Tangier Island as it swirled to the northeast.

But as predicted, the strongest winds blew on the southeastern flank of Elsa to the right of that track, near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast.

Several areas in Tidewater clocked gusts above 40 mph, with one unofficial report up to 58 mph from a station in the Chesapeake Bay between Gwynn Island and Exmore.

Richmond's peak gust was a modest but noticeable 30 mph.

Tornadoes

The National Weather Service in Wakefield confirmed three tornadoes hit southeastern Virginia: two in Suffolk and another near Smithfield in Isle of Wight County.

Several tornado warnings were issued throughout Thursday afternoon and evening between Franklin, Newport News and Virginia Beach.

Check Richmond.com/weather for John Boyers forecast updates. Contact him at JBoyer@timesdispatch.com.
The proposed changes come as Discovery Inc. has been waiting for over a year for the extension of TVN24s license that expires Sept. 26. Licenses for some other TVN channels such as TVN24 BIS run until 2027.

Discovery bought the broadcaster in 2018 from another U.S. media concern, Scripps Networks Interactive, and manages TVN though Polish Television Holding BV, registered in the Netherlands.

The head of Poland's media regulator, Witold Kolodziejski, confirmed the body was in talks with TVN24 over its concession and was analyzing opinions by experts, but also said he favors the interpretation of the law that requires non-European investors to own no more than 49% stakes in Polish media companies.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Marcin Horala insisted on Onet Rano news portal that the proposed changes are not about closing TVN. He suggested that the current owner could sell some of the shares to a European investor if its license is to be extended.

The proposal, for which the ruling party's coalition partners say they had no advance warning, has drawn vehement criticism.

A lawmaker for the opposition The Left party, Joanna Senyszyn, said on Twitter that Law and Justice lawmakers have filed a draft law that is aimed at eliminating TVN and TVN24 from Poland's media market. We give no consent to that.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Incidentally, an airship is any powered and steerable flying contraption that is lighter than air. It comes in several varieties. A blimp is a basically a balloon with no internal support structure. The shape of the blimp is created by pressurized gas inside, and if deflated it collapses. A dirigible (or rigid airship), on the other hand, has an internal framework which will hold the shape if deflated. Zeppelin is really a brand name; the Zeppelin Company of Germany produced rigid airships for years (and a successor still does). So, contrary to what you may think, the Hindenburg was an airship, a Zeppelin, and a dirigible, but it wasnt a blimp. Look at the film of the famous 1936 disaster and youll see the framework as it burns.

If an airship has to be lighter than air when inflated with gas, there are really only two options: hydrogen or helium. Hydrogen is abundant and easy to produce, but highly combustible (see, again, the Hindenburg film). Helium is rare and nonflammable, and while lighter than air is twice as heavy as hydrogen (reducing the payload capacity of the airship). However, back in the day, the United States controlled most of the worlds helium, and wasnt keen to share such a strategic commodity with other nations.
Vladimir Lenin, and his Bolsheviks, used chaos, mob violence, and lawlessness to overthrow Czar Nicholas II of Russia in 1917. They called it a revolution, and Russia changed forever! In 20 years, history teaches that Josef Stalin took over, established the secret police, banned free speech, tortured dissidents, and imprisoned them in gulags in Siberia.

Progressive Democrats also used chaos, mob violence, and lawlessness to elect Joe Biden and his revolutionaries; and take a look at whats happening in the U.S. already.

First, crime rates are higher than ever. Its rampant in big cities, and most is black on black crime. Blue state governors and mayors dont care as long as lawlessness stays out of the suburbs. Besides, they think the black vote is in their pocket.

Now Big Tech and their huge platforms are limiting free speech that is anti-Democrat and anti-Biden. During the last election they banned any mention of the Biden Chinese family loan, that was revealed on TV. And Facebook has recently banned ex-President Donald Trump, for two years.
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Following complaints from tech giants, both in court and on social media, the U.S. government has canceled its $10-billion cloud-computing project awarded to Microsoft.

The now-infamous Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure project (JEDI) contract involves transitioning massive amounts of Defense Department (DoD) data into a commercially operated cloud system.

JEDI will collect and store sensitive military data and give the U.S. military access to the most advanced technology, including artificial intelligence.

The contract awarded by the Pentagon in late 2019 has been on hold since Amazon filed a lawsuit challenging it and complaining that the decision was full of egregious errors and influenced by improper pressure from Trump

Microsoft and the Pentagon attempted to get work underway on the contract, but the U.S. Court of Federal Claims forced activity to halt last year.

In late April, the court decided not to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Amazon, and the government then announced it would review the project.

Now, as the drama continues, the DoD says it will try to find a compromise that would see a contract for both Microsoft and Amazon.

John Sherman, acting chief information officer for the defense department, told reporters the Pentagon would split the work between the two tech giants, and potentially even three additional U.S. companies. Sherman said JEDI would, in fact, be replaced by a new program called Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability. (So much for the catchy acronym).

The Pentagon failed to mention the lawsuit as the reason for taking the project from Microsoft. Instead, it cited evolving requirements, increased cloud conversancy, and industry advances, as the reason for the termination.

For now, only Amazon and Microsoft meet the departments requirements, but the Pentagon said that the others have till April to work on their capabilities.

Other top cloud companies in the running include Oracle, Google and IBM--the same companies that were in the running back in 2018 when bidding opened for the project.

Back then, Amazon was the favorite, at least according to the media, to win the Pentagon contract given its existing projects with the U.S. government, including a $600-million project with the CIA.

Google dropped JEDI after employee protests over producing technology for the U.S. military. The company said that the project wasnt in line with its principles and it withdrew from bidding.

We are not bidding on the JEDI contract because first, we couldnt be assured that it would align with our AI Principles, a Google spokesperson told Bloomberg at the time. And second, we determined that there were portions of the contract that were out of scope with our current government certifications, the spokesperson said.

Then, in December 2018, Oracle, reportedly favored by former president Donald Trump, was shut out of the bidding and responded by suing the DoD, claiming that the contract was created in a way that favored Amazon.

The accusation was later boosted by Trump who suggested that Amazon was part of a conspiracy to use the deal to create a Ten-Year DoD Cloud Monopoly. Then it quickly escalated into accusing Amazon of scamming the U.S. Postal Service and calling the Bezos-owned Washington Post a Russian asset.
Devika Stalling, the director of the Boys and Girls Club in Lompoc, and Lompoc Vision publisher Victor Jordan were selected by the Lompoc Chamber is this year's Woman and Man of the Year, respectively. Their combined selections marked the first time that two Black recipients were chosen for the awards in the same year, and that fact  particularly in a year that has been headlined as much by public discussions of racism as the ongoing public health ordeal  was not lost on either of them.
The Rotary Club of the Santa Ynez Valley in November honored local volunteers for their work distributing food and necessities to those in need.
Israeli forces have demolished the family home of a Palestinian-American man accused of being involved in a deadly attack on Israelis in the West Bank in May
South Africa's ex-leader turns himself in for prison term

Former South African president Jacob Zuma left his home late Wednesday night to turn himself in to authorities to serve a 15-month prison term, his foundation has confirmed
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.
The Democratic governor, who faces a recall election this year, pointed out Wednesday that he has proposed $12 billion to get more people experiencing homelessness off the streets and into homes of their own.

When our teams are out there on encampments notifying people of our intent to clean up an encampment, were doing so with more resources than any time in California history to follow through on our commitment to get people housed, and get people out of these dangerous environments, he said in Richmond.

California's transportation agency, Caltrans, is responsible for maintaining many of the roadways but has struggled to keep up. Newsom's office said Caltrans collected 270,000 cubic yards of trash in 2020  enough to load 18,000 garbage trucks.

Newsom said the biggest single investment the state previously made to remove litter from public spaces was $110 million. He later traveled to Fresno, in central California, and helped a Caltrans crew pick up trash from the side of a highway in 95-degree weather. He also planned to visit Southern California as part of several events to highlight the cleaning plan.
Many factors conspired to cause the semiconductor shortage thats constraining the production of cars and many other products. The coronavirus pandemic massively disrupted supply chains. Remote workers stocked up on chip-heavy computers and other gizmos. Same with bored consumers doing more streaming and gaming. Fires at two Japanese chip plants cut into supply. Then a surprisingly strong recovery produced demand far more robust than manufacturers expected.

But before the coronavirus pandemic even arrived in 2020, President Donald Trumps trade policies cut into the number of semiconductors available in the United States. In 2018, as part of his trade war with China, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese imports, including semiconductorsthe first of several salvos in Trumps trade war with China. Those tariffs are still in effect, and chip imports from China have fallen by half as the price has gone up.

China now accounts for only about 5% of imported semiconductors, according to research firm Panjiva. But imports from other countries have not gone up to offset the lost supply from China. A 5% contraction in supply during a shortage can have outsized effects.

Employees work on the production line of silicon wafer at a factory of GalaxyCore Inc. on May 25, 2021 in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province of China. (Photo by Guo Junfeng/VCG via Getty Images)

Another Trump policy may have caused even more damage. In 2019, the Trump administration banned the sale of American-made components, including semiconductors, to the Chinese telecom giant Huawei, in an effort to disenfranchise the maker of networking gear and smartphones. That had several undesirable consequences. For one, it created a disincentive to make chips in the United States because producers couldnt sell them to one of the worlds largest customers. Huawei begin to get chips from suppliers in Japan and South Korea that werent subject to the ban. China also boosted its own production of chips, and it began hoarding them, in case the U.S. action intensified. The U.S. semiconductor industry says the Trump actions cost U.S. firms millions in sales.

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Trumps trade actions were meant to address legitimate Chinese abuses. But his unilateral approach left China many escape hatches while causing substantial collateral damage. The Trump administration had a clumsy approach to a complex supply chain, trade economist Chad Bown of the Petersen Institute for International Economics wrote recently in Foreign Affairs. The fiasco contributed to the current shortages, hurting American businesses and workers. Now, the Biden administration must pick up the pieces."

In a June report, the Biden White House proposed several measures to beef up the nations semiconductor supply chain, including $52 billion in subsidies for domestic production in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act Congress may pass later this year. The report also calls for more government help with industry research and development, job training and luring foreign chipmaking investments in the United States.

U.S. President Joe Biden signs an Executive Order on the economy with Vice President Kamala Harris February 24, 2021 in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC. The order is intended to address a global shortage of semiconductors, or computer chips, as well as a multi-sector economic review regarding how to shore up supply chains. (Photo by Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images)

President Biden and his Cabinet officials are also negotiating with the leaders of Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the European Union to boost chip supplies to the United States. Virtually every chip foundry in the world is operating at full capacity, however, and producers everywhere need chips. American leverage may not solve the problem.

Biden hasnt repealed the Trump tariffs on Chinese imports, but he could. He could also issue targeted waivers for semiconductors alone, or for any product category. The office of the U.S. Trade Representative has indicated it may do that.

Building capacity, meanwhile, can take years, with chip factories costing $10 billion to $15 billion to construct and needing to run 24/7 in many cases to be profitable. Thats one reason chipmakers are reluctant to add capacity: If a shortage morphs into a glut, they can lose money. Research firm Gartner expects the global chip shortage to last for about another year, though some sectors could get relief sooner. Shoppers will be waiting.

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including "Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman. You can also send confidential tips, and click here to get Ricks stories by email.

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Yummy Answers is about answering all the questions you might have about kitchen hacks, tiktok recipes, old wives tales (for the kitchen) and more. For more Yummy! content, visit here!

Char Kuay Teow, aka stir fried flat rice noodle, which is famous among Indonesians, Malaysians and Singaporeans.

The char kuay teow is a Singaporean foodie's guilt and delight. Think flat rice noodle sprinkled with a generous helping of dark soy sauce and other salty condiments, fried together with a variety of ingredients such as fishcake, vegetables, lup cheong, sometimes seafood, eggs and the debatable cockles of (some) people's heart.

Char kway teow is traditionally stir-fried with fried pork lard. Originating from Chaozhou and initially served to overseas-born Chinese labourers in Southeast Asia, the dish was sold by fishermen, hence explaining the presence of different seafood in the dish. Over the years, cockles are now synonymous with char kuay teow. It has acquired a reputation of being unhealthy within modern contexts due to its high saturated fat content, but it doesn't make it less popular among foodies over the years.

Everything in moderation, we say!

Based on Foodpanda's data, we've shortlisted the top 10 Char Kuay Teow in Singapore based on the reviews left by the people who ordered via its platform. Watch the video below as we pit three Char Kuay Teow against one another.

If it isn't clear enough, the Yummy team is definitely #teamhum.

Here's the full list of the Top 10 CKT in Singapore based on Foodpanda's data.

1) No Monkey Business (VEGETARIAN), 2 Tai Thong Crescent, #01-17, The Venue Shoppes

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Foodpanda rating: 4.9/5

2) PappaRich (Causeway Point), 1 Woodlands Square, #02-05, Causeway Point

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Foodpanda rating: 4.8/5

3) Penang Kitchen (Coronation Arcade), 5 Coronation Road, #01-05, Coronation Arcade

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Foodpanda rating: 4.8/5

4) PappaRich (Waterway Point), 83 Punggol Central, #B1-17, Waterway Point

Foodpanda rating: 4.7/5

5) PappaRich (Our Tampines Hub), 1 Tampines Walk #01-103A Our Tampines Hub

Foodpanda rating: 4.7/5

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6) My Kampung (Junction 9), 18 Yishun Avenue 9 #02-01

Foodpanda rating: 4.6/5

7) Thye Hong Prawn Noodles (NEX), B2 - 63 and B2 - 70 to 72, 23 Serangoon Central, NEX

Thye Hong Prawn Noodles (NEX). Review on Foodpanda.

Foodpanda rating: 4.6/5

8) PappaRich (Stevens Road), 30 Stevens Road, #01-06, The Pines Club

Foodpanda rating: 4.6/5

9) Hawker - Ang Mo Kio 628 Market, 628 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4

Foodpanda rating: 4.5/5

10) Penang Kitchen (Far East Plaza), 14 Scotts Road, #03-89, Far East Plaza

Penang Kitchen (Far East Plaza), review on Foodpanda

Foodpanda rating: 4.5/5
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Two men believed to be Haitian Americans  one of them purportedly a former bodyguard at the Canadian Embassy in Port au Prince  have been arrested in connection with the assassination of Haitis president, Haitian officials said Thursday.
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.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Haitis interim government said Friday that it asked the U.S. to deploy troops to protect key infrastructure as it tries to stabilize the country and prepare the way for elections in the aftermath of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
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Trump files suit against Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Seth Wenig, Associated Press Former President Donald Trump imitates the shooting of a gun with his finger while talking about gun violence in Chicago as he speaks at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., Wednesday. Seth Wenig Former President Donald Trump speaks at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Seth Wenig Former President Donald Trump speaks at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Seth Wenig Former President Donald Trump speaks at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

WASHINGTON -- Former President Donald Trump has filed suit against three of the country's biggest tech companies, claiming he and other conservatives have been wrongfully censored. But legal experts say the suits are likely doomed to fail, given existing precedent and legal protections.

Trump announced the action against Facebook, Twitter and Googles YouTube, along with the companies Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey and Sundar Pichai, at a press conference Wednesday in New Jersey, where he demanded that his accounts be reinstated.

Trump has been suspended from the platforms since January, when his followers violently stormed the Capitol building, trying to block Congress from certifying Joe Biden's presidential win. The companies cited concerns that Trump would incite further violence and have kept him locked out. All three declined comment Wednesday.

We're asking the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to order an immediate halt to social media companies' illegal, shameful censorship of the American people," Trump said of the filings. Were going to hold big tech very accountable."

Twitter, Facebook and Google are all private companies, and users must agree to their terms of service to use their products. Under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, social media platforms are allowed to moderate their services by removing posts that, for instance, are obscene or violate the services own standards, so long as they are acting in good faith. The law also generally exempts internet companies from liability for the material that users post.

But Trump and some other politicians have long argued that Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms have abused that protection and should lose their immunity  or at least have it curtailed.

While conservatives often claim the sites are biased against them, several recent studies have found that isn't the case. Indeed, posts by conservative commentators like Ben Shapiro, Franklin Graham, Dan Bongino and Dinesh DSouza are routinely among the most widely shared on Facebook.

The suit against Facebook and CEO Zuckerberg says Facebook acted unconstitutionally when it removed Trump from the platform. Suits against Twitter and YouTube make similar claims. All three ask the court to award unspecified damages, declare Section 230 unconstitutional and restore Trumps accounts, along with those of several other plaintiffs who joined the suits and have also had posts or accounts removed.

Trumps lawsuits, however, are likely doomed to fail, said Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University in California who has studied more than 60 similar, failed lawsuits that sought to take on internet companies for terminating or suspending users accounts.

Theyve argued everything under the sun, including First Amendment, and they get nowhere, Goldman said. Maybe hes got a trick up his sleeve that will give him a leg up on the dozens of lawsuits before him. I doubt it.

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.

Trumps move comes a week after a federal judge blocked a new Florida law signed by a Trump ally, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, that sought to punish large social media companies like Facebook and Twitter for removing content or banning politicians. The law would have allowed the state to fine the companies $250,000 a day for removing the accounts of statewide political candidates and $25,000 a day for removing the accounts of those running for local office. But U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle on June 30 granted a preliminary injunction stopping the new law from being enforced.

The judge said that tech industry groups challenging the law were likely to prevail on their claim that it violated the First Amendment if the case went to trial.

Matt Schruers, the president of the Computer & Communications Industry Association, a tech industry trade group that includes Facebook, Twitter and Google, said internet companies have a right to enforce their terms of service.

Frivolous class action litigation will not change the fact that users  even U.S. Presidents  have to abide by the rules they agreed to, he said in a statement.

Since departing the White House, Trump has continued to repeat lies about the 2020 election, baselessly claiming that he won, even though state and local election officials, his own attorney general and numerous judges, including some he appointed, have said there is no evidence of the mass voter fraud he alleges.

 OBrien reported from Providence, Rhode Island. Associated Press writer Mae Anderson contributed to this report from Nashville.
Lolo was hospitalized at Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha for half of a 29-day cycle of chemotherapy, the first phase of her treatment. Her leukemia now in remission, Lolo has moved on to phase two, which includes oral chemo at home and weekly trips to Omaha for treatment. Lolo's her typical sassy, funny self most of the time, Erin said, but other times she doesn't feel well and needs a blood transfusion, which boosts her health and energy.

She's had four transfusions so far and likely will need more during the months of treatment that lie ahead.

"I've never had an experience of knowing someone who needed a blood transfusion," Erin said. "Now my daughter will rely on them for the next two and a half years."

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Lolo has O-negative blood, which is found in just 6.6% of the U.S. population. She can only receive that same type, making it all the more important that blood bank supplies remain plentiful, something that has been a challenge during the COVID pandemic.

Through Evelyn's efforts, the family hopes to make sure there's enough blood for those who need it. Before Lolo's diagnosis, Evelyn said, she'd heard of leukemia and knew it was a type of cancer, but that was about it.
NEW YORK (AP)  Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates 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, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced Wednesday.

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.

Mark Suzman, the foundations CEO, said in an interview with The Associated Press that the announcement was made so the former couple could be transparent about an agreement theyve made with each other.

That is part of the private agreement between the two of them as part of their wider divorce agreement, Suzman said. Theyve both assured me, individually and together, and in the way theyve been showing up in the work for the last two months, that their full intent and commitment is to be long-term co-chairs trustees of the foundation. And thats exactly what were planning around.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Dozens of Louisiana law enforcement officers called Thursday on state lawmakers to keep the current concealed carry requirements in place and uphold Gov. John Bel Edwards' veto of a bill that would scrap the training and permit needed to carry a concealed handgun.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said unfettered access to concealed weapons without the current permitting process not only is going to endanger the law enforcement community, it will endanger the general public as well.

Edwards struck down legislation by Republican Sen. Jay Morris of Monroe that would have allowed gun owners 21 and older in Louisiana to carry concealed firearms without needing nine hours of training on gun safety, a background check and payment of a fee.

There is simply no good reason why the State of Louisiana should provide for concealed carry of weapons for people that have no training on how to properly use a gun, Edwards wrote in his veto message.

Lawmakers are expected to meet later this month for an historic veto session to try to overturn the Democratic governor's rejection of that measure and other legislation from the regular session that was jettisoned by Edwards.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  Media mogul and billionaire bison rancher Ted Turner is donating an 80,000-acre ranch he owns in western Nebraska to his own nonprofit agriculture ecosystem research institute and says he might do the same with four other ranches in Nebraskas Sand Hills.

But hell continue to pay taxes on the land, much to the relief of local officials and Nebraska leaders, the Omaha World-Herald reported Thursday.

I believe that local property taxes provide essential support for services on which our ranches and communities depend," Turner, 82, said in a news release last week announcing the new institute. The Institute will continue to pay its share of taxes to support the local communities.

State officials had feared Turner  Nebraska's largest landowner with nearly 500,000 acres of western Nebraska ranchland  might turn over the land to a nonprofit and remove vast tracts of land from property tax rolls.

The prospect of such a large amount of land removed from tax rolls "would be painful, said state Sen. Tom Brewer, of Gordon.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)  Wyoming is looking at how it might send National Guard troops or other help to bolster security at the Mexico border, Gov. Mark Gordon said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who like Gordon are Republicans, wrote other governors last month seeking help dealing with what they called a crisis at the border.

We will continue to evaluate available resources to support this effort to protect our country without compromising public safety here in Wyoming," Gordon said in a statement Wednesday.

Gordon already has offered aerial assets valued up to $250,000 but it was determined that might not be the best approach, according to the statement.

North and South Dakota have announced they would each send 125 troops. In both states, the effort is being funded by federal money, though a private donation paid for an earlier contingent of 50 South Dakota troops.
The commission seems content to wait for the European Court of Justices verdict, even as a law that took effect in Hungary on Hungary raised deep concern about efforts to curtain LGBT rights in the country. But lawmakers have said they will take legal action against what they describe as non-action by Brussels.

At the same time, the commission is yet to decide whether to accept Hungarys national plan for securing access to more than 7 billion euros ($8.3 billion) in grants to help revitalize its pandemic-hit economy. The deadline for it to rule expires on July 12.

Again, we find ourselves talking about the rule of law conditionality mechanism. But when will we finally see some action? The mechanism came into force on 1 January, and yet it hasnt been implemented, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, a Spanish Socialist member of the European Parliament, said.

We agreed on a regulation, and we expect it to finally be applied, she said.

Beyond demanding that the mechanism be applied immediately, the EU parliamentarians called on the commission to clarify how the systems works and set out a clear, precise and user-friendly system for submitting complaints about possible rule of law abuses.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Its time for Democrats to propose a new crime bill.

No, not one like the original 1994 crime bill, famously spearheaded by President Joe Biden when he was a senator. While the role that piece of legislation played in fueling mass incarceration has often been exaggerated, its emphasis on building new prisons and nudging states to adopt harsher criminal penalties effectively doubled down on Americas unnecessarily punitive approach to justice and public safety.

Democrats dont want toand shouldntdo that. Instead, the party should cue up a more enlightened sequel full of popular ideas that will make communities safer without resorting to simply locking more Americans up. Think summer jobs for teens. Think funding for drug rehab centers. And yes, maybe think about more money for better-trained police.

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The reasons why Democrats ought to act should be obvious to anybody who has been reading the news lately. After spiking to a height not seen in decades during 2020, Americas murder rate has continued to rise. The problem should not be exaggerated: While homicides are up, overall crime is not, and the pace of killings is still far below the crisis levels of the 1980s and early 1990s. Its also possible we are living through the unruly aftereffects of the coronavirus crisis that will fade as the country gets back to normal. But lives are being lost while violence traumatizes families and whole communities where the sense of public safety is collapsing, especially poorer Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, where shootings are concentrated. In some cities, like Washington, the uptick is an acceleration of trends that began before COVID, suggesting the new climate of violence might linger. It makes moral sense to take federal action.

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And it makes political sense, since there are signs that voters are becoming worried about the issue. For instance, the share of adults who believe that crime is a very serious problem is now at a 20-year high, according to a recent Washington PostABC News poll. This isnt simply a panic among Trump-voting conservatives: This week in New York City, Brooklyn Borough President and former police officer Eric Adams sewed up the Democratic nomination for mayor after campaigning hard on public safety, which residents said was their No. 1 issue.

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It is unclear exactly how much of a political liability the homicide wave presents for national Democrats. The Washington PostABC poll found that Bidens approval rating on crime was underwater, with 38 percent approving and 48 percent disapproving. But according to Gallup, only 3 percent of Americans believe that crime is the most important issue facing the country. While there have been endless debates about whether activists calls to defund the police after the George Floyd protests hurt Democrats in 2020, Republican attempts to bludgeon them over the slogan dont seem to have worked well in a recent special election for the House. Whats more, given a choice between Democrats and Republicans, voters seem just about equally divided over which party would handle crime better, in line with the countrys overall level of polarization.

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But while crime might not be an immediate threat for the Democrats, it could become more of a problem if homicides continue to drift up. As New Yorks Eric Levitz wrote in a great recent piece, such a rise would not just be a danger for the White House or congressional Democrats, but progressives and leftists as a whole, since frightened electorates are often reactionary ones.

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So far, Bidens response has been a bit underwhelming. His philosophy is very clear and sensible given the politics of the moment: Instead of diverting money away from law enforcement and toward social programs that address the root causes of crime, as many progressives have advocated, he thinks we should just spend more money on both. But the execution hasnt left much of an impression. Last month, the president announced a new anti-crime strategy, and aside from steps by law enforcement agencies aimed at cracking down on illegal gun sales, it mostly consisted of voluntary proposals for states to use some of their COVID relief funds to cover things like summer jobs for teens and more police, or small pots of administrative spending like, for instance, $89 million for youth workforce development.

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Again, many of Bidens ideas are good on the merits but lack oomph because theyre essentially suggestions. An actual crime bill that crystalized the Democratic approach to this issue and explicitly funded it would be more effective both substantively and in terms of messaging. People know infrastructure is a top priority for Joe Biden, because hes actually trying to pass a bill paying for more of it. Crime? At the moment, not so much.

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If the only way to appease voters on this issue was to resort back to the old tough on crime framework, there would be good reason to be wary of tackling it. But as my colleague Ben Mathis-Lilley pointed out Wednesday, Americans actually seem to agree with progressives that the best way to deal with crime right now is to address many of the underlying social problems that fuel it. According to the Washington PostABC poll, 75 percent Americans believe that increasing funding for economic opportunities in poor areas would reduce violence, compared with 55 percent who say the same about increasing police funding. This seems like an excellent opportunity to give voters what they wantespecially since there is strong empirical evidence that many of the supposedly touchy-feely anti-crime ideas that progressives advocate like youth jobs and urban infrastructure improvements can actually have an immediate impact on crime rates.

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What exactly would the bill look like? Unfortunately, regulatory gun control measures are probably out, because the Senate is still cursed with the filibuster. But in keeping with Bidens why not both? approach, Democrats could put together a spending bill, passable on a party-line vote as part of a budget reconciliation package, that combines nonpolice violence-reductions methods that progressives loveJohn Jays College of Criminal Justice produced a long list of approaches last yearwith some more traditional law enforcement spending favored by moderates who want nothing more than to show they arent interested in defunding the police. Here are a few things it could contain. Most of them would be worthwhile even if they didnt cut crime, but the evidence also suggests they are potentially powerful public safety tools.

1. Money for Summer Jobs

Young men in their late teens are especially prone to committing violent felonies, so its common sense that providing them with summer jobs that keep them out of trouble, help them support their families, and perhaps teach some life skills would help reduce crime. Whats startling is just how dramatic some studies have suggested the impact can be. In 2012, a group of researchers led by the University of Pennsylvanias Sara Heller conducted an experiment in which they randomly assigned more than 1,600 disadvantaged Chicago teenagers to summer job programs. Within a year, it led to a 45 percent decline in violent arrests among those offered a spot. An observational study of New Yorks summer youth employment program found that, for those who took part, it reduced the chance of being arrested for a felony that summer by 23 percent.

2. Money for Drug Rehab

Drug addiction and crime are tightly connected in the United States, and improving treatment for the former would also certainly help combat the latter. Decades of research suggest that substance users who receive treatment are substantially less likely to engage in criminal activity. But as Texas A&M University economist Jennifer Doleac explained a couple of years back, more recent studies have finally shown that increasing access to treatment makes the entire community better off by reducing overall levels of violence and property crime.

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A 2016 paper found that opening additional drug treatment facilities was an incredibly cost-effective way to reduce local crime, including homicides: It calculated that for every $1 in new spending, counties saved around $4 in crime-related expenses. Meanwhile, at least two papers have found that expanding Medicaid, which pays for both drug and mental health treatment, to more low-income adults reduced reports of crimes ranging from murder to assault to robbery.

3. Money for Streetlights

Can infrastructure spending combat crime? The experts say yes. Politicians and urban planners have long assumed that keeping streets well lit was an easy way to reduce crime and keep residents safe. And while studies by criminologists have sometimes disagreed, a landmark experiment conducted in New York City during 2016 concluded that the conventional wisdom was in fact right. The researchersfrom the University of Chicago Crime Lab, the University of Oregon, and University of Pennsylvaniaplaced lighting towers at or around 40 randomly assigned public housing projects. They found that, after taking into account illegal activity that simply moved elsewhere, the nighttime brights cut index crimes by at least 36 percent. Spending money to illuminate dimly lit urban streets and alleys might well save lives.

4. Money for Social Workers

Ever since the George Floyd protests last year, sending social workers instead of police to deal with 911 calls for mental health emergencies and other distress situations that dont involve crime has become one of the more popular ideas among criminal justice reformers. Eugene, Oregon, has run a version of such a program for decades, called CAHOOTS, and other cities have been adopting the concept. (Denver has been giving it a well-received trial run). The idea is to try and give people in distress the mental health help or whatever other assistance they need in situations where a police officer without the proper training might otherwise escalate with deadly results, or needlessly arrest someone in crisis. On its face, this doesnt strictly seem like a crime reduction strategy. But the public seems to think it is. According to the Washington PostABC poll, 65 percent Americans also seem to think it would reduce violence. So why not throw funding into a crime bill? Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen and California Rep. Karen Bass have even written up a piece of legislation that would work.

5. Money for Violence Interruptors

Speaking of alternatives to traditional policing, Congress could also provide more funding specifically for violence interruptor programs, made famous by a 2011 documentary, where nonprofit workers, often including exgang members, act as mediators to diffuse disputes before they turn deadly. The efforts have been shown to reduce shootings and homicides in cities including New York, Chicago, and Baltimore. As part of its crime-prevention plan, the Biden administration is already working with 15 cities that have pledged to spend some money on so-called community violence interventions along these lines, but earmarking more federal cash for the initiatives could give them a longer runway to grow.

6. Money for ATF

Congress is not going to pass new gun control measures. But it could at least properly fund the agency responsible for implementing what meager regulations we have. Thanks to years of aggressive lobbying by the National Rifle Association, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has been rendered into a financially crippled shell that is literally banned from digitizing gun records, forcing its staff to track guns by combing through paper records. More money would help ATF do its job properly. Biden has asked for the funding. Congress should provide it.

7. Money for More and Better Police

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Obviously, this last suggestion will rub some progressives the wrong way. But the bottom line is that very few Americans actually favor the idea of literally defunding the police, or scaling back their presence in communities. And contra the claims of activists, the up-to-date academic evidence consistently shows that policing does reduce crime, not necessarily because they are brilliant at solving it, but because people are less likely to commit a shooting or car jacking if theres an officer 20 feet away. As the progressive Princeton sociologist Patrick Sharkey has written, One of the most robust, most uncomfortable findings in criminology is that putting more officers on the street leads to less violent crime.

Aside from being a potentially effective way to reduce crime, police spending is also obviously very popular with mainstream Democrats. That group includes Joe Biden, who during the presidential campaign proposed increasing funding for the old Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, grant program, which was created as part of the 1994 crime bill to help put 100,000 new officers on the street. But progressives dont necessarily have to treat police funding as a sacrifice if they attach strict requirements that require departments to update some of their wildly insufficient and outdated training that turns police into hair-trigger gunmen. We could hire more officers, and fewer warriors.
This article was originally published by the Institute of Current World Affairs in D.C.

NEW DELHIWhen India began reeling from a disastrous second wave of COVID-19 in June, Aparna Kumar parked her car in front of a private hospital in the capitals affluent South Delhi district, and opened her phone to log onto CoWin, the Indian governments website for vaccine registrations. The 43-year-old homemaker, who has long black hair and a jovial disposition, had stepped out of her home for the first time since March, when the virus began to spread among her friends and neighbors. In the months that followed, cases were rampant in her entire neighborhood; an elderly man next door died. By some miracle, Kumar and her family remained healthy. Not wanting to take any risks, she ordered everyone to stay in and even sealed off their balcony in case the virus was spreading in the air outside. We live wall-to-wall with people, she told me. If one person gets sick, everyone in the family gets sick.

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But when Kumar was finally eligible for the vaccine in May, she hesitated to get her shot. Id heard so many different things, I was worried, she said. Even when her in-laws, husband and son all got their first doses, she held back from booking an appointment. Misinformation floating around on WhatsApp convinced Kumar, a diabetic, that the vaccine would make her condition worse. But pressure to get the vaccine began mounting from her family. Now, as she stood in front of the hospital, which had converted an entire floor into a vaccination center, she contemplated the shot with trepidation. Ive basically been dragged here, she told me at the time, laughing nervously.

Vaccine hesitancy is one of the many reasons women are being left behind in Indias inoculation drive, which has so far fully vaccinated less than 4 percent of its adult population since it began in January. Government data reveals nearly 17 percent more men than women have received a shot. Of the 729 districts for which data is available, more men have been vaccinated in as many as 620 districts. Across 16 states and union territories, including some of the most populated like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and even Delhi, women have not outnumbered men.

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Women have taken a back seat while men are getting vaccinated, said Aditi Madan, an associate fellow at the Institute for Human Development, a non-profit research organization in Delhi.

Misinformation has fueled more unfounded fears among women than men because many of the side-effects they are purported to have affect more women, including infertility and interruptions to menstrual cycles. As a result, the information being fed to women on WhatsApp or other channels doesnt attempt to fill their gaps in knowledge, it only widens them.

In interviews, a dozen women across India expressed doubt over the vaccine. Like Kumar, nearly all had heard rumors and misinformation about the vaccines effectiveness. Vaccine hesitancy has been a big factor among the general population in allowing the virus to spread unabated, but not only the reason women are getting left behind. Those who want to get vaccinated also face a lack of access: urban women have spent days trying to find slots on CoWin due to glitches in the registration system and a vaccine supply shortage, while women from lower-income and rural communities are rarely prioritized, often dont have smartphones or mobile data, and cant afford to take time off from work to travel to a vaccination center.

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Indias gender bias has prohibited women from accessing health care more generally: A 2019 study conducted by experts from India and Harvard University revealed that factors like age and geographical location determined if they could get to a hospital, while gender stereotypes prevented them from voicing their health problems. The health care system has made some strides over the last few decades, with women attaining a higher life expectancy and a lower maternal mortality rate. But accessibility and affordability over health care services also affected womens growth and development; non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension have risen, replacing traditional causes of death. In 2014, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry launched an ambitious immunization program called Mission Indradhanush, the worlds largest. Its aim was to try to fill the gaps by protecting women and children from diseases like tuberculosis and polio. But coverage has varied considerably, with women and girls receiving fewer vaccinations than men and boys, according to Unicef.

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Closing the gender gap in Indias COVID-19 vaccine rollout hasnt received the kind of attention it should have, Madan said, particularly because the government has been busy responding to other criticism. Because [women] stay at home, its easy to think why spend the extra time and money? she said.

But its an issue thats here to stay, she added. The implications it can have on the whole family are huge.

In many developing countries, women face limited mobility to reach vaccination sites, restricted decision-making power over matters of their health, and limited access to information about vaccines and vaccine safety, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). When women have access to health services and can lead healthy lives, the whole country benefits, said Karina Gould, Canadas minister of international development, at a recent WHO event addressing gender equality in the COVID-19 vaccine roll out. By now, we all know that no one is safe until all of us are safe.

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But in India, ensuring womens access to healthcare has also been exacerbated by a glaring divide between the rich and the poor. Since launching Indias inoculation drivein January, for frontline workers and anyone over 60; in April, for anyone over 45; and in May, for all adults over 18the government has come under fire for its botched rollout, an oversight that has contributed to the 29 million cases and 180,000 deaths that accumulated during the second wave and resulted in the worlds second-largest COVID-19 outbreak.

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At the beginning of the year, many Indians had high hopes for a vaccine, considering their country had established itself as the worlds largest vaccine maker. The domestic production of two COVID-19 vaccines was underway: Covishield, the Indian version of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by the Serum Institute, and Covaxin, a locally developed vaccine made by the Indian company Bharat Biotech. But India only placed its first orders for 11 million doses in January, while simultaneously donating more than 66 million doses to 90 other countries.

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High hopes for vaccines were matched by equal levels of complacency and overconfidence. The health minister declared that India was in the endgame of the pandemic in March, and a sense of normalcy took over. Mass public gatherings began taking place again, enabling the virus to spread againthis time through new variants at a much faster rate. As cases surged by April, the clamor for vaccines also increased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi accelerated the timeline of the vaccination program by months, allowing all adults to get vaccinated from May 1 despite a severe shortage of vaccines. Then his government passed the buck, requiring states to acquire their own doses, leaving them scrambling to place orders from manufacturers.

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Only 600,000 people, or 1.3 percent of the eligible population, registered on CoWin initially, many belonging to Indias privileged classes. Even for them, finding an open slot in the system is like winning the lottery: people sign onto CoWin at odd hours of the night, or rely on hacks using bots and applications to find slots. But with half the country with no access to the internet, those in smaller towns and rural areas have little to no hope of getting any slot. In an attempt to get around its vaccine shortage, the government has doubled the gap between the two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of the 257.5 million vaccine doses administered so far, from 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks. The decision came without the agreement of the scientific group the government claims recommended this increase, according to a Reuters report.

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But supply shortage isnt the only issue facing India: reports about rushed production, the lack of clinical trials and efficacy data have also surfaced. Misinformation circulates at a rapid rate, too, with many Indians convinced by rumors that the vaccines contained pig meat and cow blood, sparking religious concerns among Hindus and Muslims, and that they could cause infertility and death.

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The inequity underlying Indias immunization drive has meant that the country has given one dose to a much lower proportion of its 1.35 billion citizens than other countries like the United States, Brazil and the United Kingdom. To appease critics, Modis government made vaccines free for all adults from June 21 under the federal governments program.

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When the second wave of the pandemic hit, Kajal Kohinoor, who works as a domestic maid for many affluent homes in Delhi, realized her mother had fallen ill with all the obvious symptoms of COVID-19. In their one-bedroom slum dwelling in an urban squalor in Dwarka, an area on Delhis southwestern fringe, the 27-year-old and her husband, a taxi driver, hoped to nurse her mother to full recovery. But when her condition deteriorated, Kohinoor had no choice but to ask her employers for help: she needed medicine, and wanted to take leave so her family could return to her village in Samastipur in the eastern state of Bihar. I told madam the water in the village will be good for my mother, she said.

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Kohinoor has been living in the village with her in-laws since April. At first, she was scared of the vaccine when she saw people dying in her village, especially those who had taken their first doses. But her employers urged her to get the shot: Madam keeps saying [the vaccine] will be good for me and that my kids will be safe, she said. Last week, her in-laws finally got vaccinated at a local clinic set up by the government, 10 minutes away from her village. These assurances boosted her confidence to get the jab, but when she asked the local anganwadi worker, or social worker, to administer it at the clinic, she was told only people over the ages of 45 were eligible in the area. They told us they dont have any stock for us yet, she said. When the village will get more vaccine supplies for all adults is anyones guess. And without their monthly wages, Kohinoor and her husband are starting to feel the pressure to return to Delhi soon. Maybe we can finally get the vaccine there, she said.

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Over 65 percent of Indias population resides in rural areas, according to World Bank data, leaving a widespread gap between wealthy and poor Indians, that leaves large swathes of the countrys population vulnerable to COVID-19. In May, Boston Consulting Groups COVID-19 Consumer Sentiment Survey found that 63 percent of Indians in rural areas and 43 percent in smaller towns didnt know how to enroll in CoWin, with a smaller percentage not knowing they had to enroll at all. Those who hadnt taken the vaccine despite it being available said they faced issues with registration and lack of slots. A BBC analysis found that among 729 districts for which data was available, some districts had given jabs to half their populations, while others had vaccinated as little as 3 percent. Recently, the Supreme Court took the federal government to task over the disparity: How will an illiterate laborer from Jharkhand get registered in Rajasthan? one of the judges asked the solicitor general Tushar Mehta. Tell us how you will address this digital divide.

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Madan, of the Institute for Human Development, has some ideas. Public health centers in rural areas can be converted into vaccination centers, she said, and community health workers (also known as ASHA workers), who have historically played a big role in immunization drives, can help persuade more women to come forward for their shots. Women are instrumental in their roles as caregivers and in carrying out public health work, she said.

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The burden of caring for the sick and meeting the familys needs is especially common among women during disasters, notes Susan Ferguson, the UN women representative for India. In both the first and second pandemic wave, women have provided the bulk of health care in formal settings, as well as in the informal work sector and the domestic sphere. Their exposure to the coronavirus has remained high, while their own health care needs have been poorly addressed. But the inclusion of women is key to strengthening health systems, a report by the George Institute for Global Health in India states. A woman empowered with knowledge about the disease and risk factor burden can be transformative to the health of entire families.

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It seems unlikely Kohinoor will get vaccinated soon even when she returns to Delhi. Her friend Sanju, who lives in the same neighborhood of Dwarka, said no one there has had the vaccine so far. Were all waiting, the 28-year-old said. Like Kohinoor, Sanju also works as a domestic maid, cleaning three different houses every day. All the members of every household she cleans have been vaccinated. They told me, We cant get you vaccinated because we went to a private clinic, she said. Sanju would rather wait for a free dose than pay for one. She and her husband, a daily wage laborer, have to support their two kids, aged 1o and 11. We dont have that kind of money, we couldnt even eat during the lockdown, she said. She doesnt own a phone and uses her husbands sparingly, relying on hearsay for vaccine updates.

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Recently, she heard the local council might set up a free vaccination camp at a nearby school once the state government receives more doses. While some villagers are skeptical, she has no qualms about getting the jab. If all these educated people are doing it, why should I hesitate? she said. But until then she is remaining alert, wearing a face mask and paying attention to anyone around her showing signs of sickness. My kids are small, so I cant afford to get corona, she said.

I received my first dose of Covishield in May at the same hospital in South Delhi where I met Kumar. Terrified by the vast number of cases and deaths overwhelming the citys hospitals and crematoriums, I made a desperate call to a doctor at a private clinic and was immediately able to book a slot for later in the week. I was relieved at the ease of the process, but also bewildered given the desperation of countless others trying to book their own slots. The vaccination center was a mile from my apartment and I turned up armed with gloves, double masks and a durable face shield, paying a total of 250 rupees ($3.44) to get my shot. There was no escaping it: I had benefited from my privilege in the most obvious way.

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As I stood by the vaccination center talking to women about their experiences getting the jab a month later, most also reflected this privilege. Shimla Singh, a 31-year-old project manager at a market research company, said her process to book an appointment was effortless. She said she has had many doubts over the vaccines safety: There are still a lot of questions on my mind, so it still isnt set. In May, she had read a few theories being peddled on WhatsApp suggesting the vaccine could lead to excessive bleeding and acute pain during menstruation, impacting womens fertility. The theory gained widespread traction, leading to anxious calls to a helpline run by the Department of Women and Child Development. Madan believes that policymakers have a big role to play in carrying out awareness campaigns to help clear misconceptions. It becomes really important to become womens advocates and persuade more women to come forward for their jabs, she said.

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Singhs office recently made getting at least one dose of the vaccine mandatory for returning to the office, so she spent nearly two weeks trying to book her slot before she finally got vaccinated, more because of necessity than choice. She hopes to return to her office at the end of June.

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But Kumar felt a huge wave of relief after she got her shot. Handing the nurse her phone, she even asked for a picture in front of the hospitals designated vaccine photo-booth. In her white and gold lace salwar-kameez, she posed with a smile on her face, holding her arm up. So my whole family knows I finally did it! she exclaimed. It was so quick! she said, reemerging onto the street. She told me she paid 780 rupees ($10.53) for her Covishield shotalmost triple the price I had paid just months earlier, reflecting an arbitrary system dictated by private hospitals. For Kumar, however, the price paled in comparison to the relief she felt. Ive tried everything I could find to keep myself safe since last year. Steaming, homeopathic medicines, Vitamin C, you name it, she said. But the fear I had, I feel like its finally passing.

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When Kumar left, Shromani Ramkishen Divakar, who works as an entrance guard at the vaccination center, came up to me with a colleague. The pair had been observing my conversations. Divakar was a short, sturdy 38-year-old woman dressed in coral uniform, from a village in the Etawah district in Uttar Pradesh. She had received a free dose as a frontline worker back in March, but said her family members in the village were still waiting. Referring to Kumar, she said pensively, Her whole family paid at least 3,000 rupees to get the vaccine. Almost half our salary.

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If the government can give free vaccines to doctors and workers, why do the rest of us have to wait so long? she asked. Although vaccines are now free for all Indians and the government has mandated that registering on CoWin is no longer compulsory, their availability still depends on how well-equipped states and districts are with vaccine supply.

Divakars colleague, a 46-year-old man named Jayashankar Prasad, chimed in. He told me he had seen the most horrific scenes in April and May while working at the hospital: body after body arriving day and night, gasping for breath. Ive learned one thing: We need to save ourselves, the government will not come to save us, he said.

I asked Prasad if he and his family had gotten their shots. I got mine last month, he said. But my wife, whats the need? She stays inside the house, he shrugged.

Ill get her vaccinated eventually.
Make no mistake, the Nikole Hannah-Jones controversy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a political story. Hannah-Jones, who has won just about every major journalism award, including a Pulitzer and a Peabody, seemed like a shoo-in for tenure at the universitys Hussman School of Journalism and Media. She had the support of her colleagues. She would have been the first Black Knight chair at the school. But her tenure was held up by a university board composed of political appointees. It created a standoff that ended just this week, when Hannah-Jones announced that she would not be joining UNC after all, but taking a tenured position at Howard University instead.

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According to Joe Killian, an investigative reporter at NC Policy Watch, this scandal was years in the making. He traces it back to Republicans taking control of the state government a few years back and going after the UNC system for perceived liberal bias. On Thursdays episode of What Next, I spoke to Killian about the universitys history of racism and what the Hannah-Jones saga has in common with fights playing out in state legislatures and public education systems across the country. This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.

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Mary Harris: Years before this dust-up with Nikole Hannah-Jones, the UNC board was already pushing out school administrators they thought werent conservative enough. Youd show up to report on board meetings for the public universities and just watch the tension boil over.

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Joe Killian: They were incredibly contentious. Board members themselves were fighting amongst one another. They were at odds with faculty, with leadership at the campus level.

Like screaming matches?

Oh, yeah, protests, screaming matches. The board of governors defunded some academic centers at UNC schools that they didnt like and thought were too liberal. Some of it is generational, some of it is ideological. Some of it is that these boards dont look anything like the campuses or the system or even the state. They lean heavily white, heavily male, heavily conservative. Right now in the UNC board of governors theres one Democrat on the entire board.

Im curious whether you see whats happening in North Carolina as indicative of something larger thats going on in other places too.

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Oh, absolutely. At public universities all over the country, there is this struggle because there is not agreement about what higher education, public higher education, should be. Theres been this conservative idea that colleges and universities in America are really just manufacturing liberals and that whats being taught there is not correct. You hear that all the time. You hear it in mainstream conservative publications, fringe conservative commentary, and increasingly you hear it from Republican lawmakers.

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So where did the trouble start for Nikole Hannah-Jones?

There was sort of a whisper campaign. Shes such a prominent person, such a prominent journalist, and the 1619 Project from the New York Times especially has been the focus of such political ire on the political right. Leading political figures were fomenting a sort of second satanic panic that has to do with critical race theory and the idea that white children are going to be taught to be embarrassed of their history and they want to make us ashamed of America. The president, Donald Trump, specifically denounced it.

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What did this whisper campaign look like?

I began hearing about it because there were some people in conservative circles who were talking about it. They were gearing up to prevent this or make it an issue. There was a conversation between Dean Susan King of the J-school and Walter Hussman. Walter Hussman is an Arkansas media magnate whose family for a couple of generations has owned and operated a lot of newspapers, television stations, in Arkansas.

His name is also on the J-school at UNC.

Yeah, because in 2018 he pledged $25 million to the school, and they named it after him. Its now the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, and they also agreed to etch what he calls his core values of journalism into a wall at the school. And these are primarily about objectivity and restoring faith in journalismthings that sound really good sort of on their face, if theyre abstract ideas. Once you begin to learn what Hussman thinks they are and how they could be weaponized to attack journalism he doesnt like, it becomes kind of a different story.

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So Hussman calls the dean and says

This is where it gets super strange. Hussman doesnt call the dean. The dean calls Hussman and says, Were thinking about hiring Nikole Hannah-Jones. He says, Well, I dont much like that idea. Here are my concerns. I dont like the 1619 Project. Im concerned that historians have said that they have some problems with it. They think that there are ahistorical things in it. She says, Well, listen, its got its critics. Theyve answered those criticisms. Were going to make the decision here ourselves. We think its a good one. He says, Well, I disagree with you. She says, Well, I disagree with you. I guess were going to have to respectfully disagree. Do they do that? Not so much. What Hussman does is contact the chancellor, Kevin Guskiewicz. He contacts the vice chancellor whos in charge of charitable giving at the university.

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So he goes over her head.

Yeah. And he also sends emails that he sent to them to a member of the board of trustees who will ultimately be responsible for tenuring or not tenuring.

And then the board doesnt vote on whether Nikole Hannah-Jones gets tenure.

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Yeah. Generally a slate of candidates come to the board and they vote on them, and its so rarely controversial. What they did was they just decided, well, not this one. Were not voting on this one. And when there was pushback on that, like, well, why not? They were like, well, weve got questions. Questions about her. Well, what are your questions? How can we assuage them? Eh, were just not going to vote. Were not gonna vote at this meeting, were not gonna vote at that meeting, were just gonna keep pushing it out.  Were not taking a public vote on it.

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This is not uncommon in politics, and its easy to see why, because if they have a public vote, theyre going to have to reckon with her credentials. And she would easily be the most decorated journalist, maybe the most decorated faculty member, at UNCChapel Hill. Its just gonna be very difficult for them to argue shes not qualified.

Who is this board?

Heres how it works. In North Carolina the governing board of the entire UNC system is the board of governors. They are directly appointed by the North Carolina General Assembly, which effectively means theyre appointed by whichever party is in power in the North Carolina General Assembly.

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Which right now is Republicans.

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Yeah. And Democrats in the General Assembly will tell you, no matter how many times they put forward somebody and say, hey, how about this person for the board of governors? That persons not getting on the board. The slate of people who are getting on the board of governors are people that Republicans pick. Who are they picking, you might ask? Well, it is largely an assembly of former Republican lawmakers, active current Republican lobbyists, active current conservative activists, former heads of the North Carolina Republican Party.

The board is overwhelmingly white. It is overwhelmingly male. It is overwhelmingly conservative. Now, thats not the board that were dealing with in the Hannah-Jones case. Thats the board of trustees, which is the campus level. The campus level board is also made of political appointees. But in North Carolina, this is how it used to work: The governor appointed some members of the board of trustees. Some of the members were appointed by the board of governors, who are appointed by the General Assembly. When the last Republican to hold office as governor in North Carolina lostPat McCrory lost to Democrat Roy Cooperthe General Assembly stripped the governor of any appointment powers on boards of trustees so that it would just remain in Republican control.

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This is like what happened in Wisconsin when all of a sudden there was a Democratic governor and the Legislature was like, you know what, though? We think the governor should not have power anymore.

Its certainly not the only state where its happened. In North Carolina this particular power is not the only one thats been stripped from not only the governor, but also other Democratic politicians who come to power. In between when theyre elected and when they take office, the General Assembly steps in to take some of their powers away.

So how unprecedented is it for a board to punt like this?

It is extremely, extraordinarily rare that we get to this level and be voted down, but its not that thats never happened in history. It is unprecedented, as far as we can tell, for them to just kill it in committee and for it never to come to a vote.

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After punting on this tenure decision twice, the university came back to Hannah-Jones a few months ago and offered her a five-year contract with the opportunity to secure tenure later on, as a compromise. At first Hannah-Jones opted to take the deal, make the best of it. She signed a contract. But then the whisper campaign against her got louder. A prominent conservative think tank in North Carolina published an article arguing that she shouldnt be teaching at UNC at all. In the end, Hussmans desire to keep Hannah-Jones off campus got overwhelmed by public pressure. UNCs board was forced to hold a vote and it did offer her tenure. But she rejected it and went to Howard.

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Very recently at UNC there was a controversy over a Confederate statue. I wonder if youd tell that story.

Yeah. There was a Confederate statue on the campus of the University of North Carolina, it was nicknamed Silent Sam, that stood on the university grounds for more than 100 years. It is a statue with a very shameful history. It is supposed to commemorate people who were students at the university who joined the Civil War in the cause of the Confederacy. It was placed there at the university, not right after the Civil War, but during the flush of the Jim Crow era, when people were really adopting this Lost Cause ideology and trying to glorify the Confederacy.

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And many of the students wanted it taken down.

For generations. Yeah. And had been working for decades to remove it in a way that was legal and followed all the rules, and they went through every process they could go through. The North Carolina General Assembly passed a law specifically to protect statues of this type from being removed even by the communities in which they stand, and at schools where they are and courthouses, and to make it virtually impossible to remove them. And so, stymied and unable to do this in a legal way, protesters toppled the statue on the campus. What happened after that was members of the board of governors, board of trustees, and conservatives in North Carolina said: put it back up. We would like to reerect a Confederate statue, now, in the modern era.

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And this was 2018?

Yeah. And so this was, for a lot of reasons, a very bad idea. People who are white supremacists are showing up, sometimes armed on campus to quote-unquote defend the statue. And its just a terrible, terrible idea to deal with this any further. So what did the university do about this? Well, in their telling, to try to get around this law, the state law thats still in place that protects these statues, they made a secret deal with a neo-Confederate group called the Sons of Confederate Veterans, whereby the Sons of Confederate Veterans, who dont have anything to do with the statue, assert that it is their property and that theyve gotten rights to it from the Daughters of the Confederacy, which, in fact, was the group that so many years before had erected the statue, and that theyd be willing to take it off the universitys hands in a legal way if they would give them the statue and several million dollars.

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Technically for upkeep of the statue, but still over $2 million to maintain a Confederate statue.

Thats exactly right. And the leader of that group in a celebratory email said were going to use some of that money to build a headquarters for ourselves. Weve won. Our allies in the UNC system and the board of governors and the General Assembly helped us do this. It was a huge controversy and the public only found out about it when it was a done deal and it had been announced.

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So what happened with Nikole Hannah-Jones is part of a pattern. There was some reporting that I think 70 percent of Black faculty had considered leaving the institution. And when you place what happened with Nikole Hannah-Jones into the wider context, you can understand whythat its just one more incident that might make that faculty feel unwelcome.

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Yeah. In fact a prominent tenured Black professor named William Sturkey in the history department told me he thinks that its probably closer to 90 percent. And there are other professors who are leaving and are publicly saying this is why. Weve got professors who they were trying to recruit, who are top people in their fields, whove said, Im not coming there, and this is why. So, yeah, its not a theoretical cost.

So for people who live in North Carolina, is the solution to this problem to vote? Like thats the only way out, given the way the boards are appointed?

If you disagree with what theyre doing, yeah. If you agree with what theyre doing, then these are the glory days.

Walter Hussman likes to talk about objectivity in reporting. If Im totally objective about this and I overlook any number of things that are ethically objectionable or outright illegal  then what I see is a political struggle between two sides: a conservative General Assembly and their political appointees and faculty, staff, alumni, and students of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and many universities in the UNC system who are more liberal or more progressive. They have competing interests and competing philosophies about the university and how it should operate and what it should stand for. And one of them is in power and one of them is not.

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Former South African president Jacob Zuma handed himself over to police late Wednesday to begin serving a 15-month prison sentence for failing to testify about corruption allegations during his nine-year tenure in office. South Africas highest court last week found the 79-year-old guilty of contempt for refusing to appear before a commission investigating the myriad of corruption allegations that plagued his term and shook the countrys belief in its post-apartheid economic and political trajectory. It remains unclear how long Zuma will be in prison; a hearing is scheduled for next week with the high court to consider mitigating circumstances that would prevent the former freedom fighter and African National Congress leader from serving the full term. Zuma told South African media over the weekend that for someone his age prison is the same as sentencing me to death.

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Zumas arrest, however, remains a stunning twist in legal drama that has been playing out for years, rattling the ruling ANC party, and highlighting serious concerns about the partys rule and leadership. The arrest has been widely seen in the country as an affirmation of democratic rule and principles that Zuma himself dedicated much of his early life to secure. Zuma played an outsize role in the countrys revolutionary struggle against the apartheid regime and was part of a generation of leaders that made the sometimes uneasy shift from exile or prison to power in the country that retains vast wealth, but much of it still sequestered in a white minority. Zuma was plagued by corruption allegations well before his rise to the presidency as only the countrys fourth president following countrys Nelson Mandela-led transition to a representative democracy. He has faced a dozen charges related to a $5 billion arms deal in the 1990s, a level of graft that the South African government says was exceeded during his time in office from 2009 to 2018 where tens of billions of dollars went missing.

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Despite the allegations of cronyism, sweetheart deals, kickbacks, and state looting, Zuma still retains a base of support in the Zulu community, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Zuma held a rally there Sunday as a deadline to turn himself in approached, making comparisons to his treatment and that of the apartheid state. I have a duty and obligation to ensure that the dignity and respect for our judiciary is not compromised by sentences that remind our people of apartheid days, Zuma told supporters. By Wednesday night, minutes before a court ordered deadline for his arrest, the tone was more reserved as ANC leaders were dispatched to Zumas compound to broker the handover, which took place with little fanfare despite fears of violence.
Soon before June 7, Mexicos nationwide official school start date, Sonia received a message from the principal at her childrens elementary school in Mexico City: Are you aware that the school, in terms of infrastructure, after 14 months of absence, requires thorough cleaning, pruning of overgrown plants, washing the water tank, fixing of the lighting and repainting?

The letter went on to ask parents if they could donate money to buy supplies or help carry out the physical work. It was a painful request. Like millions of other families in Mexico, Sonias has lost most of their income as a result of the pandemic. Paying the monthly internet bill so her two young children are able to access virtual classes has been a struggle. When she and her sister-in-law called to ask why the government wasnt doing the work to get the school ready for classes, they quickly realized that the principal was even more frustrated than they were. She told Sonia and her sister-in-law that a team from the Ministry of Education had come to the school and filled out a document saying that they had cleaned and fixed up the school even though they had done nothing more than walk through the patio for a couple of minutes. We are on our own, the principal said to them.

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Sonias is just one of more than 230,000 schools across Mexico that finally welcomed students and teachers back, after 14 months of complete shutdown. As they did so, they battled against improvised and incomplete government plans. In March 2020, Mexicos federal government (which sets nationwide school curricula in a highly centralized fashion that would be unthinkable in U.S.) announced mandatory countrywide school closures and offered a Learn from Home program that would rely heavily on TV as a surrogate teacher. This was the remotest of remote learning. In many schools students and teachers didnt even stay connected; instead, students and their families were expected to keep pace with televised lessons supplemented by national lesson plans online. Some teachers sought to stay in touch with their students despite the lack of public support or plan for doing so. But a mere two months into the pandemic the Ministry of Education admitted that 20 percent of all students had already lost touch with their schools.

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Mexico is one of only 23 countries worldwide that kept its schools closed so long. Early in the pandemic, the government announced an agreement with the national teachers union: Nobody would return to school until the traffic-light system that categorizes COVID risks by state had reverted back to a full green. At the time, green was interpreted as the end of the pandemic, the all-clear, and thus the deal with the union compromised Mexicos ability to explore hybrid models of a timelier return to school, even after restaurants, bars, and most businesses were back to operating as before.

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In the runup to the countrys midterm elections in Mexico on June 6, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that the day after the elections, the COVID traffic-light would change to green in Mexico City to allow for in-school learning. The announcement was immediately seen as a craven electoral ploy since it lacked concrete planning. The lack of information and a clear, articulated strategy from authorities left principals and teachers concerned about their schools ability to keep students safe. Across the country photos were taken of school staff spraying down young students with disinfectants and solutions of chlorine and water as they walked into schools. Less than two weeks later, the Mexico City COVID light reverted back to yellow, and classes have been canceled indefinitely in the nations capital.

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Across the rest of the country only 19 states out of 32 are in green at the time of publication of this article. But even in those states attendance is voluntary, and many schools have been unable to start classes before the end of the school year on Friday. The federal government, in charge of establishing the national school calendar, recently announced that the new school year will officially begin on Aug. 30 (late by Mexican standards). The Ministry of Education has been vague about its willingness to consider hybrid models if states are not categorized as green come September. Teachers, parents, and students remain uncertain about what to expect and how to plan for the months ahead.

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School closures have not only accentuated Mexicos gaps in educational inequality, but for the most vulnerable families they have also unleashed a crisis in school dropouts. In February of this year, the civil society organization Mexicanos Primero calculated that the number of students at risk of dropping out of K-12 school had already reached 5.6 million. Without a national, well-thought-out institutional strategy to recapture these students, the drop-out number will probably end up being higher.

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Since March 3, UNICEF had called on the Mexican government to return to face-to-face instruction, citing the learning crisis that existed in Mexico even before the pandemic began: 80 percent of elementary students fail to reach expected levels in reading comprehension and math for their age, a problem that will increase significantly given the scarcity of resources many of these kids can count on at home. Returning to face-to-face classes this fall is essential, though the federal governments planning (or lack thereof) doesnt instill much confidence. Without powerful remedial measures, the World Bank estimates that the learning loss that has already occurred is going to cost Mexican students, on average, 8 percent of their future income..

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In the coming weeks and months, students and teachers who do have the opportunity to return to school will continue to face enormous challenges in re-establishing meaningful education. Because of the enormous disparities in levels of real learning at home over the past year, students will return to the classroom with very different experiences. Some students may have learned well at home, but most will have failed to complete the curriculum, and unfortunately there will be those who have even forgotten what they learned previously. In the classroom, learning gaps will be paired with very challenging socio-emotional conditions. In March revised numbers placed Mexico second in the world in COVID deaths only after the U.S. (even though Mexico has less than half of the U.S. population). In addition, this past year has seen the highest increase of criminal investigations into family violence since such crimes began to be registered nationally.

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Faced with the most important educational crisis of our generation, Mexicos Ministry of Education has focused its strategy on simple promises of water, soap, and face masks, along with taking student temperatures as they enter school grounds and maintaining social distance in the classroom. But a lack of current data on school conditions, the deterioration of infrastructure, and insufficient funding cast a serious doubt on whether even these basic promises can be kept. More than a year ago, Undersecretary Marcos Bucio admitted to the Education Commission of the Chamber of Deputies that at least 46,515 schools23 percent of the countrys totaldid not even have running tap water, much less clean drinking water.

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To date, the federal government has not announced budget increases or a plan to provide schools with much-needed maintenance. The press has already documented that at least 7,000 schools have been robbed over the past year, leaving them without computers, tables, chairs, and, in some cases, without pipes. But overall, the true toll of the pandemic on education in terms of students left behind, and school infrastructure, is unknown and will remain so, absent thorough surveys. Then theres the related question of: Who is going to cover these losses?

Its a question the Mexican government, which runs the capitals school system directly, has made no effort to answer. Without federal money, families will foot the bill for the return to school, just like they got stuck covering the cost of their exile from school as well.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
New Lambda variant of Covid starts to spread in Spain



Uncertainty over resistance to vaccines of the highly contagious South American strain

While the Delta variant of coronavirus continues to contribute to the alarming recent increase in Covid case numbers in Spain, experts are becoming increasingly concerned over the arrival of another strain of the virus, the Lambda variant (C.37), which originated in South America.

Only a fortnight since it was first included in the WHO list of coronavirus variants the Andean strain is now present in 31 countries, and is responsible for an estimated 80 per cent of all cases in Peru, 37 per cent in Argentina and 32 per cent in Chile. Given the strong historical and cultural ties between South America and Spain, and the number of people travelling to this country to visit relatives living here, it is not surprising that the strain is also present in Spain.

At present the Lambda variant accounts for under 5 per cent of cases in Spain, but some analysts place the country seventh on the list of States with most confirmed cases.

One of the characteristics of the Lambda strain is that it presents changes in the Protein S structure, which is associated with the efficiency of the vaccines being used, while it is also highly transmissible. It is not yet known to what extent vaccine efficiency is affected, but it is suspected that the Lambda variant makes re-infection more likely than the Delta, Gamma and Beta variants.

In Spain the variant is related to an outbreak of coronavirus in the northern coastal region of Cantabria, which has produced at least 80 known cases, and the regional Public Health minister Reinhard Wallmann describes the situation as alarming.

Other regions which have strong links to south-America nationals due to their presence within the agricultural sector have also reported detection of the variant.
ARCHIVED - Spain braces for heatwave over the weekend with temperatures of up to 44 degrees



The heatwave looks set to continue into next week with Murcia and Alicante getting ready for some hot days on Monday and Tuesday.

Despite a drop in temperature over the last couple of days in most parts of the country, heat levels are set to rise from Thursday, July 8 as we move into the weekend, with temperatures rising progressively across the country over a four day period.

The State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, has warned that the most extreme temperatures will occur on Sunday, July 11 with temperatures potentially reaching up to 44 degrees in the Guadalquivir valley, which runs east to west through the central plains of the Andalusia region.

As the heatwave moves east, Aemet predicts that between Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, temperatures will exceed 40 degrees in large areas of southern and central Spain.

On Monday 12, a sharp drop in temperatures will begin in a large part of the Iberian Peninsula, except in southernmost areas in Spain and the Balearic Islands, where the warm mass will move, causing a rise in temperatures which look set to affect Murcia on Monday and Tuesday before heating up the Comunidad Valenciana and Alicante province; again, Aemet is warning of temperatures reaching between 35 and 40 degrees in most areas, with inland areas possibly going as high as 44 degrees.

The warm mass will then move towards the Balearic Islands, causing a notable rise in temperatures there, reaching or exceeding 35-40 degrees.

Aemet believes that the heatwave will end on Tuesday 13 with all areas of the country experiencing a sharp drop in temperature.

Due to an increase in heatwaves across the world, including one in Canada recently which killed hundreds of people and registered temperatures five degrees above the former heat record, environmental experts have been speaking out about the risk of greenhouse gas emissions, warning that heatwaves could be more and more frequent unless we do something to dramatically reduce emissions.

Prof Friederike Otto of the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University told the BBC in an interview that even if we do manage to achieve the dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that many countries around the world are now committed to, we will still see more frequent and more intense heatwaves than we have today.

"Every decade the world has increased the rate of greenhouse gas emissions and that has increased the rate of warming. So, of course, heat records are being broken more frequently," she maintains.

As normal, emergency services have warned residents and visitors to take sensible precautions as the hot weather approaches and make sure you look after yourself and your loved ones. It is very important to drink plenty of water, avoid going out in the sun during the hottest periods of the day and wear comfortable, light-coloured clothing.

Click the link for more weather information.
Small border crossings will reopen on Friday

Controls will continue.

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All border crossings will reopen on the morning of July 9, the police confirmed.

Together with the army and members of the Financial Administration and Prison and Court Guard Service, the police will continue to check people who are crossing Slovakia's borders.

The police also pointed out that from July 9 at 6:00, the new ordinance of the Public Health Authority, which changes rules for crossing borders, is valid. The ordinance states that vaccinated people do not have to go into quarantine while unvaccinated people have to enter quarantine until they receive a negative PCR test result. The test can be taken no sooner than after the fifth day of arrival.

All obstacles for crossing inner borders will be removed, said Denisa Bardyova, spokesperson for the police, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

She added that at bigger border crossings of the first and second categories, permanent controls will be in place. At the smaller border crossings of the third category, there will be regular monitoring to ensure people are observing quarantine rules.

Police call on citizens to prepare the necessary documents before they arrive at the border, including registration on eHranica and paper or digital confirmation of vaccination if applicable.

Closure sparked protests

People protest the closing of smaller border crossings Read more

Smaller border crossings closed on July 5, sparking protests. Village mayors claimed that they were not informed about the prepared closure of the border crossings.

The closure surprised many people who travel to the Czech Republic to work and vice versa. People were removing barriers blocking the borders to cross them.

The government agreed to reopen the smaller crossings at the July 7 government session.

8. Jul 2021 at 16:59 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Ryan Stahl and Greg Grismore each picked up up two wins in the first leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series for two-year-old trotting fillies Wednesday (July 7) at MGM Northfield Park. The series drew five $17,500 divisions.

The fastest miles of the night were 2:00.1 efforts by Crea Star and Toes In The Water with Stahl on the lines. Stahl drove Crea Star (Creatine) for trainer Norman Robbins and owner Susan Robbins. Toes In The Water (Long Tom) is trained by Tye Loy, who shares ownership with Roger Morlock.

Grismore drove Alana Hill (What The Hill) to a 2:00.3 victory for trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. and owners G C Gold Racing, Walnut View Farm and John Schlabach.

He also was on the lines for Jimmy Lupton trainee Aunt Rita (Uncle Peter), who stopped the clock in 2:03.1 for owner Bartley Traditions Racing.

Sweet On Pete (Uncle Peter) came home a winner with Anthony MacDonald for Jason McGinnis and Thestable Sweet On Pete in 2:01.1.

Buckeye Stallion Series Action returns to MGM Northfield Park on Monday (July 12) with two-year-old colt and gelding pacers, and on Wednesday (July 14) with two-year-old filly pacers.

(Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)
The publicity department for the Grand Circuit has sent its weekly recap and preview of racing on the Grand Circuit.

This Week: Arden Downs stakes, The Meadows, Washington, Pa.; MGM Springfield Stakes eliminations, Yonkers Raceway, Yonkers, N.Y.; and Graduate finals, Meadowlands Pace eliminations and W.N. Reynolds Memorial, The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, N.J.

Schedule of events: Grand Circuit action begins on Friday (July 9) at The Meadows, with the $38,345 Arden Downs for three-year-old filly trotters. On Saturday (July 10), The Meadows will host the $36,995 Arden Downs for three-year-old colt trotters.

Also on Friday, Yonkers will feature three $25,000 eliminations in the MGM Springfield Stakes for two-year-old colt pacers.

The Meadowlands Saturday program has multiple stakes, led by the $250,000 Graduate Series finals for four-year-old pacers and trotters. Also on the card will be a pair of $50,000 Meadowlands Pace eliminations for three-year-old male pacers; two divisions of the $98,600 W.N. Reynolds Memorial for three-year-old filly trotters; and two divisions of the $85,600 W.N. Reynolds Memorial for three-year-old colt trotters.

Last Time: Johan Palema and driver Yannick Gingras captured the $500,000 MGM Yonkers Trot, the first jewel in the Trotting Triple Crown for three-year-olds, on Friday night (July 2) with a virtuoso wire-to-wire performance, winning in 1:55 over a rain-soaked surface at Yonkers Raceway.

Johan Palema, one of three finalists from the Ake Svanstedt stable, worked his way to the top from stablemate Ambassador Hanover off the first turn, as second choice Ahundreddollarbill settled in third, with Mon Amour and In Range following the top three to the :28.2 opening quarter.

Gingras rated the pace nicely but shortly before the half of :58, Johan Palema took off from the pocket-sitter, as well as the rest of the field. Ahundreddollarbill was forced to pull from third and go without cover, but he found the sledding a bit too tough as Johan Palema blitzed the third quarter in :27.2. The third quarter sprint kept In Range from gaining second-over, but driver Tim Tetrick was able to get his horse to make up ground inside as Mon Amour made a miscue.

Gingras hardly moved a muscle through the final turn as the others battled for minor honours, and the son of Bar Hopping cruised across the wire with a :29.3 final quarter. In Range skimmed the pylons but fell a nose short of second, with Ambassador Hanover and Svanstedt holding the place spot. Ahundreddollarbill faded to fourth, with Ethan T Hanover the final cheque-getter.

I got an easy front, said Gingras following the race. They let me steal a half in :58. At that point, come and get me.

Seven tried but none were up to the task.

Owned by Bender Sweden Inc., Johan Palema, one of four horses in the field sired by first-cropper Bar Hopping, won for the third time in four starts in 2021, adding the win to his elimination score seven days earlier.

American Courage picked up the most significant win of his career to date by scoring a 1:51.4 decision in the $500,000 MGM Grand Messenger Stakes final, the first leg of the Triple Crown of Pacing for three-year-olds.

Starting from post six over a Yonkers Raceway surface left sloppy by persistent, steady rainfall, American Courage pressed on two-wide under the direction of Matt Kakaley and forged his way by early leader Charlie May (Brett Miller) past the :27 opening quarter. After working to get command, Kakaley was able to get American Courage a nice breather in the second quarter, as the half went on the board in :56.3.

As the colts and geldings passed the half-mile point, driver Brian Sears sent Chase H Hanover first-over from the fourth spot, and that would give a second-over trip to Abuckabett Hanover (Andrew McCarthy), who was able to tuck into fifth after floating away from post eight. Chase H Hanover was able to get into second on the rim racing to the 1:24.1 three-quarters, but that was as far as he could go as American Courage repelled his bid.

On the far turn, Abuckabett Hanover made a break, ending any chance he had, and then in the lane Chase H Hanover faded, giving Charlie May the path to the outside he was looking for. After getting clear, Charlie May did rally and gain, but it wasnt enough as American Courage held sway to win by a half-length. Chase H Hanover did save third, with Simon Says Hanover (Scott Zeron) and Ill Drink To That (Dexter Dunn) completing the top-five finishers.

Hes a special colt. If they were going to duke it out a little bit, I would have just laid in there and waited, but Brett got a pretty easy lead, so I didnt want him to get soft fractions, remarked Kakaley. I moved to the front, and he was so strong. I kicked the plugs at the top of the stretch, and he just exploded. Thats the first time I pulled the plugs all year. (Charlie May) was coming close, but I wasnt that worried.

An American Ideal colt trained by Travis Alexander for owner-breeder Fiddlers Creek Stables, American Courage won for the 11th time in 12 career starts, and he has now put away $468,633.

Complete recaps of all the races are available at the Grand Circuit website.

Grand Circuit Standings: In 2021, the Grand Circuit leaders in three categories (driver, trainer and owner) will once again be tracked on a points system (20-10-5 for the top three finishers in divisions/finals and 10-5-2 for the top three finishers in eliminations/legs). Winbak Farms is the sponsor for the 2021 Grand Circuit awards.

Here are the leaders (through the races on July 3):

Drivers: 1. Yannick Gingras  330; 2. Tim Tetrick  182; 3. Dexter Dunn  168; 4. Andrew McCarthy  155.5; 5. David Miller  130.

Trainers: 1. Ron Burke  360; 2 (tie). Nancy Takter, Marcus Melander  109; 4. Ake Svanstedt  104; 5. Brett Pelling  100.

Owners: 1. Brad Grant  78; 2 (tie). Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi  74.4; 4. Courant Inc.  72; 5. Black Horse Racing  56.7.

Looking ahead: Grand Circuit action will take place next week at Yonkers Raceway and The Meadowlands. Yonkers will hold the MGM Springfield Stakes final for two-year-old colt pacers and The Meadowlands will feature the Meadowlands Pace final for three-year-olds, the William Haughton Memorial for older pacers, the Hambletonian Maturity for four-year-old trotters, the Stanley Dancer Memorial for three-year-old male trotters, the Delvin Miller Memorial for three-year-old filly trotters, the Mistletoe Shalee for three-year-old filly pacers, the Dorothy Haughton Memorial for older pacing mares, and the fourth leg of the Miss Versatility for older trotting mares.

(Grand Circuit)
Jon is a customer of mine and he saw us struggling through the pandemic, Rixey said. He thought it would be a good idea to host an event here to bring business to my coffee shop just like he did with other businesses throughout his campaign trail. I appreciate all my customers helping us keep the doors open with each and every purchase they make.

Town Councilman Frank Reaves is running against Jon Russell in this years election, hoping to become the next mayor of Culpeper.

Responding to questions about the issues presented by Russell, Reaves said I dont want to debate back and forth with Russell throughout this campaign.

The life-long Culpeper resident added, Im just going to run a fair and clean race, and focus on whats best for Culpeper.

Reaves, semi-retired from a law enforcement career, now patrols Culpepers parks on a bicycle as a Town Police community services officer. After serving on Town Council for the past 11 years, Reaves said he is able to find solutions to problems by building positive relationships with those around him.

I work closely with people of all backgrounds, and try to make decisions based on their needs. I love working with people and trying to bring them together in a good way, Reaves said.

Jamar Billingsley, a student in the communication journalism masters program at Regent University, is a summer intern with the Culpeper Star-Exponent.
Those are all people that you can no longer trust, she laughed and the crowd chuckled. But they are here because they love you and they want to thank you and show their respect as well.

Hemingford Legion Member Brett Sorensen spoke about what it means to be a veteran.

As we honor Mike and Paul today let us remember what it means to be a veteran, Sorensen said. A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or national guard or reserve - is someone who has raised their right hand to take an oath at which point in time they wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America, for an amount of up to and including their life.

Today and everyday let us remember those veterans who gave some and those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their all. This is an honor and that deserves respect. Our debt to all of these heroic men and women can never be repaid. They have earned out undoing gratitude.

Sorensen then read the military background of each of the men.

Paul B. Raben was drafted by the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War and went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri in February of 1964.
A similar thought process guides the farming seminar. It aims to encourage new farmers to consider new crops to plant and new ways to market them.

This way, they can learn about different resources that a beginning farmer might have difficulty finding, Lucia Schulz, a Centers for Rural Affairs organizing community associate, said. She will present at Saturdays event.

Schulz said the event will allow participants to sketch and plan their dream farm alongside other interactive activities. It will also teach them how to find farmland.

While aimed at newcomers, Bailey said the presentations are open to anyone of any experience level, and they will have take-home books available as gifts.

She said families are encouraged to attend. In past occasions, anywhere from five to 30 people have participated.

The events will mark the first in-person Center for Rural Affairs presentations of the year.

This will also be the first time such events have come to Scottsbluff. Bailey said the center usually hosts such seminars in eastern Nebraska.

Were super excited about (the presentations) because weve always been wanting to go to the western part of the state, Schulz said. Were hoping these wont be the last events here. We want to encourage these communities to grow.
The sizzling sound of grilling meat and the delicious smell of unhealthy fried food will waft through the city of Gering on Friday, July 9, as around 30 food vendors will set up downtown for the annual Oregon Trail Days food fair.

Organizer Jodi Ruzicka said the fair will have everything from cotton candy and popcorn to Mexican and barbecue. Vendors will range from non-profit fundraisers like the Cub Scouts hot dog stand to restaurants who take their food mobile for the evening. Vendors will be from all over the Panhandle and include a few from Colorado and Wyoming, too.

Its a good way to make money for your organization  church groups and stuff  we have a lot of those, Ruzicka said. Some of our main food vendors that come that have establishments in town, I think they mainly come out because they want to get word out with their business. So, its a good way for them to advertise their business.

Ruzicka said that typically thousands of people come out for the food fair, and with the car show going on too, it will be a great atmosphere.

With the car show going on down there, too, and theyre going to have music and stuff, it just takes up the whole main street, she said. Were also going to have a water slide for the kids by the Civic Center. Its a fun event.
For many, that seems to be where one of the major gaps lies: in the transition from rehab to a new normal. Ball said what many people dont realize is that leaving recovery doesnt mean the injured brain is healed.

My injury was in 2012. That was so long ago. Like, why arent you over that? You should be healed. You dont take medications, do you? You dont see a therapist, do you? I mean, why do you still have these challenges? Ive had that question asked to me before, she said. And its like, no, I dont take medications for it; no, I dont go to therapy; I dont have outpatient treatment anymore. Im past that point. Its just me. This is just my life. This is how things are. And people dont get that.

Ayotte shared the same sentiment hes heard from other individuals who have suffered brain injuries: I think most people think about brain injury as an event. You get hurt, you go to the hospital, you get help, you get better, you go home. Most people dont think about brain injury as having a lasting impact.
After the presentation, children got to come up and pet both Poncho and a tortoise. But its hard to say if it was better than watching spider monkeys paint with their tails.

Following the reptiles, the group headed over to the spider monkey exhibit where zoo staffers Sierra Spears and Sydney Mayers held out canvases of paint in front of the spider monkeys, who then reached out their tails, and hands and feet, to play in the different colored paint. Carlson hinted that the monkey masterpieces might be up for summer reading prizes in the future.

One thing I do think is really cool is this tying of Tails and Tales and the monkeys painting with their tails. I think that is a first to tie the theme literally, Carlson said. So thats special.

While many summer reading programs ended June 30, the Scottsbluff Librarys will go until mid-July. The next event will be A Whale of a Pool Party on Tuesday, July 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. or Saturday, July 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Westmoor Pool. In order to attend either pool party, summer readers must have read at least 25 books and receive credit at the library to receive a ticket. Each ticket counts for one pool party, and must be presented at the pool.

The final summer reading event of the season will take place Tuesday, July 20, with the librarys wrap up party featuring Jay and Leslies Laughing Matters, a juggling and comedy show. The event will be at the Midwest Theater from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Summer reading prize drawings will take place and the grand prize winner will be announced. The event is free, and everyone is invited.

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Despite the lack of evidence supporting electoral maleficence, Republican officials have introduced various election-related laws that they say are intended to maintain free and fair elections.

State Sen. Julie Slama of Sterling introduced a resolution this past session that would have placed a voter ID amendment before voters, but the resolution failed to make it out of the divided Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee in the Nebraska Legislature.

Slama, who also introduced a bill that would have changed how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes, is a member of the Citizens for Voter ID group. Nebraska Republican Party National Committeewoman Lydia Brasch, a former state senator from West Point, and Nancy McCabe of Omaha, former chairwoman of the Douglas County Republican Party, also are involved with the group.

Whats clear to me, after working on this issue as a state lawmaker, is that Nebraskans want voter ID, and special interests do not, Slama said in a press release. The special interests may have influence in the Capitol, but the voters and Nebraskas Second House will have the last word. 

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, accused the Republican-led group of attempting to suppress the vote with a measure addressing a nonexistent problem.
Every agency that serves these kids, whether it be the city, county or the school system, needs to all get around the table and come up with a uniform solution, Gray said. We need a meeting of the minds. Its going to take all of this to fix this.

Everything from mentoring programs, cameras and tougher regulations for housing to simply asking the city to do a better job of maintaining what is already there was brought up at the meeting. While Smith was listening and taking notes, he said that getting the City Council on board would be needed for any policy changes. Smith said the discussions have been going on since he became city manager, but that only seemed to remind those at the meetings how slow change has been.

But the distrust in the citys leaders to come through with changes had many skeptical of what might change. Still, they were hoping for things to be different this time as the city looks once again to address some of the long-term issues that they believe are continually overlooked.

Were not asking for handouts. Were asking for you to do better and for there to be more visibility, Vaughn Jones, a concerned resident, said.

Making change happen
Current Affairs

A High Court Judge in Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday, July 6th, 2021, imposed hefty fines on four Bahamians, including a married couple, who pleaded guilty to having bogus negative COVID-19 test results at the Providenciales International Airport in April 2021.



Her Ladyship Tanya Lobban Jackson fined Terrence Winder $4, 700 or 10 months in prison, his wife Malester Winder $3, 300 or 8 months, Akia Rigby-White $4, 700 or 10 months and Cindy Rolle $3, 300 or 8 months for having the fake test results.



The fines could have been higher, but they received discounts because of their guilty pleas. Rolle was the only person who did not pay her fine. She has until July 12th to do so.



The Winders, who were scheduled to travel to The Bahamas on Thursday, April 8, 2021, presented the forged documents to officials at the airport and they were arrested, charged and not allowed to leave the Turks and Caicos Islands.



Rigby-White and Rolle were charged with uttering forged documents on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, and they also have been here since then.



In a press release issued shortly after the Bahamians were charged, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said the visiting and local community must understand that it is a serious offence to make false or fraudulent representations, and that there are "severe consequences" for violating the COVID-19 emergency measures.



"Given the widespread technology available, and as long as travel restrictions are in place, this behaviour is inevitable. However, we will remain vigilant, and if you are caught, please know that you will be punished to the fullest extent of the law," Botting said. "We are tasked with the protection of people and property, and we will continue to do so while protecting the reputation of this country."




King Bridge Food Park in Marion has added a new vendor, this one offering a dessert to compliment the sandwiches, hot dogs and shaved ice treats already being sold.

Sweet Bee Cupcakery by Tammy Murray is a new business formed a month ago and joining the other vendors set up at the food park and traveling to other destinations and events around the county.

Brad [Mullins, the hot dog vendor] encouraged me, said Murray. I remember when I talked to Brad months ago and he said, What are you waiting for? I was scared and nervous, but he and Ken Heath have been so supportive. Brad said we needed a dessert out there. And some people dont want a dozen or a half dozen. They might just want one or two. I love being able to offer people what they want.

Murray said this is her first business on her own after being an office manager. I wanted something that would keep me home, let me make my own hours, and leave a legacy for my children, she said. I wanted something for myself.

Murray said she has been baking most of her life and recently started contemplating a food truck for her confections.
Nauseda and Sanchez were speaking with two Spanish air force Eurofighter Typhoons behind them at the base in the town of Siauliai when security officials suddenly interrupted the leaders as crews scrambled to get on the fighter jets, live footage from the press conference showed.

Our press conference was interrupted by a real call....You see, everything works great. I can confirm that the fighter jets took off in less than 15 minutes" of receiving the alarm, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT quoted Nauseda as saying after the incident. "Thanks to Pedro (Sanchez), we have really seen how our air policing mission works.

Sanchez told reporters when the news conference resumed: We have seen a real case of what usually happens that precisely justifies the presence of Spanish troops with the seven Eurofighters in Lithuania.

The three Baltic nations  Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  joined NATO in 2004 and have no fighter jets of their own. NATO has the responsibility of policing their airspace on a rotational four-month basis from the base in Siualiai and in Amari, Estonia.
Thirty-seven US state and district attorneys general sued Alphabet's Google on Wednesday, alleging that the search and advertising giant violates antitrust law in running its app store for Android phones.

The lawsuit, one of a series that has been filed against Google in the United States, follows complaints from app developers about the management of its Play Store.

Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here.

Google did not have an immediate comment on the new litigation.

Google requires that some apps use the company's payment tools and give Google as much as 30% of digital goods sales.

"To collect and maintain this extravagant commission, Google has employed anticompetitive tactics to diminish and disincentivize competition in Android app distribution," the lawsuit stated.

"Google has not only targeted potentially competing app stores, but also has ensured that app developers themselves have no reasonable choice but to distribute their apps through the Google Play Store," it added.

Google said last September it would ramp up enforcement of its policies, drawing criticism from app makers. Google's Play Store is far more widely used than similar products from Amazon.com, Samsung Electronics, Huawei Technologies and others.

The new lawsuit drew praise from Meghan DiMuzio, executive director for the Coalition for App Fairness, which represents companies including Match Group and Spotify Technology SA that oppose some of the Play Store rules.

"Anti-competitive policies stifle innovation, inhibit consumer freedom, inflate costs, and limit transparent communication between developers and their customers," DiMuzio said.

Apple's App Store for iPhones and iPads imposes similar restrictions to Play Store. Google does enable consumers to avoid the Play Store, but critics say it is not practical to do so.

Both companies have drawn legal scrutiny.

Video game maker Epic Games sued Google and Apple separately in federal court in California last year over app store policies. Proposed classes of developers and consumers have joined the cases. A judge's decision in the Apple fight is expected in the coming weeks, and a hearing on Google's effort to dismiss the case against it is scheduled for July 22.

The states' lawsuit is headed by a group including attorneys general of Utah, New York, North Carolina and Tennessee, and joined by others including California and the District of Columbia.

Google already faces a federal antitrust lawsuit brought by the Justice Department last year and related lawsuits from two separate groups of attorneys general. One is led by Texas and focused on advertising while the other targets Google's alleged efforts to extend its dominance in search to newer markets, like voice assistants.
Mobile phones under 10000: Realme has big plans for launch of 5G smartphones in India. Realme CEO Madhav Sheth said the company will launch 5G mobile phones that are very affordable and will be priced under 10,000 in India next year itself. Sheth also promised that all of Realmes new mobile phones priced higher than 15,000 will be equipped with 5G connectivity. These announcements were made at the Realme 5G webinar. Realmes first 5G phone in India was the Realme X50 Pro 5G. It has since expanded its portfolio with multiple 5G offerings, even launching the cheapest 5G phone in India.

Realme GT series

Sheth also revealed plans about launching the Realme GT series in India. Realme GT 5G is already confirmed to launch in India before Diwali and the company plans to launch more phones under the series in India soon. Realme GT 5G made its debut in China this March, and it later launched in more markets. This smartphone series also has the Realme GT Neo and Realme GT Neo Flash, and there are reports of launching Realme GT Master Edition in the future. Sheth also mentioned that there is a camera-focused flagship under the Realme GT series in the works.

Narzo smartphone series

In addition to the Realme GT series, the company also plans to expand its Narzo smartphone series in India. Realme launched the Narzo 30 5G smartphone in India last month, and it is priced at 15,999.

Realme 5G plans

The latest announcement comes shortly after Realme laid out its global 5G plans last month at the Realme 5G global summit. Realme said it is planning to launch a 5G phone with a price tag of around $100 which translates to roughly 7,400. Realme plans to have over 20 5G smartphones by 2022 which would account for 70% of its entire product lineup. It already has 14 5G smartphones which takes up 40% of its product portfolio. With this expansion, Realme hopes to have 100 million 5G consumers in the next three years. The company plans to democratise 5G through 10 pop-up stores around the world that will let users experience 5G through cloud gaming, AR, and more.
An out-of-band emergency Windows patch has been issued by Microsoft to fix a critical security flaw. The bug enabled hackers to take control of a users personal computer remotely.

The bug known as PrintNightmare was revealed last week after security researchers accidentally published a proof-of-concept for the exploit. Now, the company has rolled out an emergency patch to fix this bug that it is listed as critical on its website.

Microsoft is tracking the PrintNightmare bug as CVE-2021-1675 and CVE-2021-34527 and it has released a security update 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. In a rather surprising move, Microsoft has also issued a patch for Windows 7 that reached the end of support on January 14, 2020.

However, the company is yet to roll out the update for the Windows 10 version 1607, the Windows Server 2016, and the Windows Server 2012. CVE updated to announce that Microsoft is releasing an update for several versions of Windows to address this vulnerability. Updates are not yet available for Windows 10 version 1607, Windows Server 2016, or Windows Server 2012. Security updates for these versions of Windows will be released soon, Microsoft said.

As far as the PrintNightmare bug is concerned, Microsoft explains that a remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights, the company added.

Microsoft also said that all security updates released on and after July 6, 2021, contain protection against the PrintNightmare bug. The company is now advising users to update their PCs immediately.
Credit: Malmo University

Could noisy neighbors become a thing of the past? If you are disturbed by crashes, bangs, and muffled voices from next door, then you are not alone, but a Malmo University researcher thinks the answer is as simple as a screw.

Hakan Wernersson, based at the Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics, has developed a screw that can halve the perceived sound level.

While the principle of a resilient contact removing soundwaves is not new, the method by which it is applied, is. In addition, if this screw is used as part of the construction of properties, it can also save floor and ceiling space by reducing the thickness of materials require to construct buildings.

"With our screw, you can mount plasterboard directly to the walls, freeing up floor space, and a square meter of floor space can be worth thousands," says Wernersson, who developed the screw in collaboration with an acoustician.

Disturbing noise from neighbors or traffic outsideand also between roomsis a common problem in homes and workplaces. The sound-absorbing screw simplifies sound insulation and is particularly suitable for construction with wooden joists, where the acoustic challenges are greater than buildings constructed from concrete.

The Sound Screw breaks soundwaves; in principle, the screw is split in the middle with a spring placed inside. The screw tip goes into the wooden joist, the head holds the plasterboard in place and in between a thin resilient mechanical coupling that prevents the sound waves from advancing is formed.

"The dynamic causes the soundwaves to be dampened," says Wernersson.

The research project was recently included in the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences' (IVA) 100 list of 2021, where beneficial research is highlighted. The business model is based on offering companies the right to manufacture and/or sell the screw. Wernersson and collaborator Raimo Issal are now looking for more companies that want to test the product on a slightly larger scale.

"It has not entered the market yet, and we therefore need more examples of projects or installations where the screws are used," says Wernersson. The screw has already met with great interest from around the world, including Japan and South America.

Tests in a sound lab show a sound reduction of nine decibels for a traditional dry wall, which corresponds to a halving of the perceived sound level. Installations in a hair salon also showed good results, where standard screws were replaced with the new screws without removing the existing plaster board in the ceiling.

"There are legal requirements for partitions and certain noise levels when building apartment blocks. Those are not compulsory when it comes to detached houses where only a single family resides, but there, of course, is an excellent solution for reducing noise between rooms," says Wernersson.

Explore further Plantar-lateral plating beneficial in simulated jones fracture

Provided by Malmo University
The augmented reality app, OwlAR, allows users to recreate the teams wind gust experiment by using a mobile device to fly Lily the barn owl around their own living room, local park -- or anywhere else they happen to be! Credit: University of Bristol

Would planes be better if they were more like birds? Engineers from the University of Bristol and the Royal Veterinary College have been studying our feathered-friends to answer this very question, the answer to which will be revealed at the Royal Society Summer Science 2021.

The team from the University's Bio-inspired Flight Lab and the Royal Veterinary College have been selected to share their ground-breaking research at the Royal Society Summer Science 2021, which will be held online from this Thursday, 8 July.

Aerospace engineers have long been fascinated by how birds fly and what we can learn about how they adapt to different conditions. In the past year, the team from Bristol and the RVC has made significant discoveries about the way birds' wings and tails move, giving them agility and efficiency - research that could have major implications for future aircraft design.

The team performed a range of experiments using some of nature's most elegant and impressive birds  Lily, a barn owl; Ellie, a goshawk; and Sasha, a tawny eagle. This included creating a bespoke gust generator and wind tunnel for Lily and Sasha to fly through, using high-speed and motion-capture cameras to capture in detail every single feather as it buckled, bent and moved throughout their flight.

In another experiment they filled the lab with soap bubbles containing a little added helium so they hung in the air. As the birds glided through this cloud of bubbles, they stirred them, allowing the team to understand how birds use their tails in a different  and more efficient  way to aeroplanes.

To really bring their research to life at the virtual exhibition, the team has developed a range of online content. This includes an interactive game, It's a breeze, and an augmented reality app, OwlAR, that will allow users to recreate the team's wind gust experiment by using a mobile device to fly Lily the barn owl around their own living room, local park - or anywhere else they happen to be!

The research behind this fun and interactive content is significant because it begins to solve two of the major problems facing aerial vehicles  smoothness of flight and fuel economy.

"Future aircraft and aerial robots may operate in very different ways from current technologies. By studying bird flight we can get inspiration for new ways of solving challenges such as saving energy and dealing with gusty wind conditions."

"It's been amazing working with the RVC to study how birds are adapted to fly so efficiently and robustly," said Dr Shane Windsor, Senior Lecturer in Aerodynamics in Bristol's Department of Aerospace Engineering.

"We try to understand the natural world from an engineering perspective, then flip it around to use our biological knowledge to improve engineering design. It has been a privilege to exhibit our work on the engineering applications of bird flight at the Royal Society Summer Science event.

"Our virtual visitors can see how observing birds of prey has helped us to develop hinged-wing aircraft for a smoother ride, and reduce the drag of future small aircraft with bird-like tails. On top of that, we have brought a slice of science directly to you; why not recreate our experiments by flying our favourite barn owl, Lily, around your very own home using our augmented reality experience, OwlAR?

"The all-digital format this year has been a fun challenge and a great way to communicate our scientific research to the world - we hope we have made engaging interactive content with an enduring appeal," said Professor Richard Bomphrey, Interim Vice Principal for Research; Professor of Comparative Biomechanics at the Royal Veterinary College.

"It has been tremendous fun curating our research for the public via the Royal Society. We aim to get everyone thinking (and dreaming!) about the future of aircraft and to inspire the scientists of tomorrow," said Jonathan Stevenson, PhD, Research Associate in Bird-inspired Aerodynamics from Bristol's Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Explore further Lily the barn owl reveals how birds fly in gusty winds

More information: Summer Science 2021: Eagle inspired engineering
Multimedia Reporter

Staff writer Harry Funk, a professional journalist for three-plus decades, has been on the staff of The Almanac since 2015. He has a bachelors degree in journalism and master of business administration, both from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
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Just over a month after the drama-filled conclusion of the 87th Texas Legislative Session, Brazos Valley lawmakers will again join their colleagues in Austin for a special session that is set to begin today at 10 a.m. Gov. Greg Abbott released the special sessions 11-issue agenda Wednesday morning.

Among the highest-profile issues will be the ongoing tussle over voting legislation. According to the Associated Press, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Tuesday that the proposal put forth this week will not make changes to Sunday voting hours or give judges greater leeway to overturn elections, two particularly controversial elements of a bill that Democrats walked out on at the end of May because they said it would disenfranchise voters of color in particular. House Republicans released the latest elections bill Wednesday evening.

Texas Rep. John Raney, a Republican who represents much of Bryan-College Station, told The Eagle midday Wednesday as he prepared to make the drive to Austin that he wants voting to be accessible and free of security issues.
When a woman sat at our table and said she was from Slovenia, we laughed: weve both been there! What are the chances? I became buddies with many of the Guard; we liked to tease each other and especially compete over how many doses we had given.

Others sat in my vaccine chair: my closest friends, my husband, neighbors, coworkers, my boss and her husband, professors, home health aides, first responders. A female police officer who had trained the puppies we donated to the fire department for drug dogs back in 1999. A professor who had gone into anaphylactic shock at a conference in remote Russia and survived (he sat next to me for half an hour after his shot). A woman with a grim face whose husband had died of COVID-19 three months earlier; she just said Get it in me now. A husband whose 88-year-old wife had died from COVID in assisted living after they could only communicate with phones. A woman who cried because she had survived three weeks in ICU on a ventilator during the summer; she had no memory of it. A firefighter who recognized me from giving his first vaccine. I didnt recognize him until I saw his scarred arm; he had been caught in a fire and spent 61 days in a burn unit ICU.
Cybersecurity researchers on Thursday took the wraps off a new, ongoing espionage campaign targeting corporate networks in Spanish-speaking countries, specifically Venezuela, to spy on its victims.

Dubbed "Bandidos" by ESET owing to the use of an upgraded variant of Bandook malware, the primary targets of the threat actor are corporate networks in the South American country spanning across manufacturing, construction, healthcare, software services, and retail sectors.

Written in both Delphi and C++, Bandook has a history of being sold as a commercial remote access trojan (RAT) dating all the way back to 2005. Since then, numerous variants have emerged on the threat landscape and put to use in different surveillance campaigns in 2015 and 2017, allegedly by a cyber-mercenary group known as Dark Caracal on behalf of government interests in Kazakhstan and Lebanon.

In a continuing resurgence of the Bandook Trojan, Check Point last year disclosed three new samples  one of which supported 120 commands  that were utilized by the same adversary to hit government, financial, energy, food industry, healthcare, education, IT, and legal institutions located in Chile, Cyprus, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, and the U.S.

The latest attack chain commences with prospective victims receiving malicious emails with a PDF attachment, which contains a shortened URL to download a compressed archive hosted on Google Cloud, SpiderOak, or pCloud and the password to extract it. Extracting the archive reveals a malware dropper that decodes and injects Bandook into an Internet Explorer process.

Interestingly, the latest variant of Bandook analyzed by ESET contains 132 commands, up from the 120 commands reported by Check Point, implying that the criminal group behind the malware are advancing their malicious tools with improved capabilities and striking power.

"Especially interesting is the ChromeInject functionality," said ESET researcher Fernando Tavella. "When the communication with the attacker's command and control server is established, the payload downloads a DLL file, which has an exported method that creates a malicious Chrome extension. The malicious extension tries to retrieve any credentials that the victim submits to a URL. These credentials are stored in Chrome's local storage."

Some of the main commands that the payload is capable of processing include listing directory contents, manipulating files, taking screenshots, controlling the cursor on the victim's machine, installing malicious DLLs, terminating running processes, downloading files from a specific URL, exfiltrating the results of the operations to a remote server, and even uninstalling itself from the infected machines.

If anything, the development is yet another sign that adversaries can still leverage old crimeware solutions to facilitate attacks.

"[Bandook's] involvement in different espionage campaigns [...] shows us that it is still a relevant tool for cybercriminals," the researchers opined. "Also, if we consider the modifications made to the malware over the years, it shows us the interest of cybercriminals to keep using this piece of malware in malicious campaigns, making it more sophisticated and more difficult to detect."
If somebody needs assistance getting into a voting site they ring the doorbell and a poll worker will come out and hold the door open for them, Overstreet explained.

To improve this, she advocated for installing door openers at nine county polling sites.

We want to make sure were better than great, Overstreet said. Weve always been good. Weve really always been great. Weve always been compliant.

Aldas village building, at 6410 U.S. Highway 30, does not have the automatic door openers, for example.

Theyre a government building. Theyre going to be more criticized if we dont have this kind of ADA improvement, Overstreet said.

It costs roughly $5,000 to install an automatic door opener.

The project would use available county budget funds, and the Nebraska secretary of states office has grant funds available for ADA-related projects.

Overstreet noted it would be less costly than a lawsuit or complaints of disenfranchisement.

Lets just fix some of these doors and get automatic door openers, like the kind on the front of this building, she said.
According to a criminal complaint filed Thursday, prosecutors allege Balboa killed Samuel on May 12, just over two weeks before she reported him missing on May 27. Samuel would have turned 6 on May 29.

Balboa is one of three people charged in connection with Samuels death. Her roommate, Benjamin Rivera, and friend Dylan Walker also face evidence tampering counts.

According to a previously filed arrest affidavit, Samuel's body was kept in a bathtub at Balboas and Riveras suburban Houston apartment until they put it in a plastic tote and hid it in a storage unit on May 13.

Authorities allege that on June 1, Walker helped Balboa move Samuels body from the storage unit to a motel in Jasper, about 135 miles (215 kilometers) to the northeast, where it was found inside the plastic tote in a room Walker rented for Balboa.

After Walker helped Balboa move the body to Jasper, he called authorities to let them know where it was, police allege. Prosecutors said Balboa was on her way to Louisiana when she was arrested in Jasper.
The residents noted that people tend to Google everything, and that this could help provide a safe environment. Even residents who have never had to ask for help said that this is an important issue.

Ive been fortunate to have never had to ask these things. Mark Powers said. Its been so long since Ive had to worry about early education, or applying for jobs.

Vision 2025

One of the biggest topics for the future of the library was space. Changing the structure of the building would come down the road since it is still an unknown of what can be done. Residents agreed that a solid plan was needed before they could tackle the issues they want to change in the library.

We should create a steering committee with some sub-committees that would take on infrastructure of the library, technology, and diversity, Rood said. We need to lay that out to see where we go next.

The residents did a brainstorming activity to help specifically identify what was really needed in the library. Deb gave the group sticky notes to put on the walls.

Expansion, outreach, growth should be verbs that we use in our mission statement, Owens said.
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.
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?

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Southern Illinois University Carbondales Campus Lake is closed for recreational purposes, but an SIU official said the closure is temporary, routine and no cause for alarm.

Routine testing of lake water last week found higher-than-recommended levels of microcystins  toxins formed by cyanobacteria and commonly associated with algal blooms. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has an advisory level for mycrosystins of 8 parts per billion. Last weeks test at the university registered more than 8 ppb.
It continued by saying, "George Davis, Garretts pardoner in the early morning bank robbery at Gorham, was latter wounded and captured in flight near a cabin at the Vince Lee Farm, whom he had connections with, high in the Kinkaid hills region. He is doing time at Menard Penitentiary."

Herbert Lee, arrested at the Vince Lee home, later was sent to the penitentiary for the alleged robbery of a general store at Oraville, stolen goods from which were recovered in the Lee Home, the newspaper article read.

Vince Lee, sent up on the same charges, and his daughter Emma Lee, sweetheart of the robbers who made the Lee home their resort before and after the robbery, was dismissed from a penal institution some time ago and now employed at the shoe factory here.

Vince Lees wife was never charged.

The article continues, "Herbert Lee is being held at the penitentiary on his record, particularly because of his record as city clerk of Murphysboro and an alleged shortage in his accounts."

It said, "The story of Garretts flight was not obtainable today. Garrett supposedly fled with the banks money by way of Oraville and left by car or train either the night after the bank robbery, or the next night."
AP

Tropical Storm Elsa soaks Florida, Georgia; at least 1 dead

GENE ZALESKI, T&D Daniel Williams, a City of Orangeburg equipment operator, checks equipment ahead of Elsa's arrival on Wednesday night. Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP 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. (Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP) SPECIAL TO THE T&D Department of Public Utilities employees Cody Gregory and Shane Lyons prepare trucks with extra transformers on Wednesday, ahead of Elsas arrival. John Raoux 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. (AP Photo/John Raoux) MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE 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. (Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Martha Asencio-Rhine 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. (Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Stephen M. Dowell 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. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Ivy Ceballo 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. (Ivy Ceballo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Martha Asencio-Rhine 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. (Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP) HOGP 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. (U.S. Coast Guard via AP) HOGP 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. (U.S. Coast Guard via AP) HOGP 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. (U.S. Coast Guard via AP) Arielle Bader 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. (Arielle Bader/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Martha Asencio-Rhine 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. (Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Arielle Bader 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. (Arielle Bader/Tampa Bay Times via AP) Luis Santana 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. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

SAVANNAH, Ga.  A weakened but resilient Tropical Storm Elsa drenched northern Florida and southern Georgia with heavy rain Wednesday, killing at least one person near the state line and threatening to maintain tropical storm intensity until it reaches New England.

The National Hurricane Center said Elsa still packed 45 mph winds more than six hours after making landfall along Florida's northern Gulf Coast. The storm's center was near Valdosta, Georgia, by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Elsa seemed to spare Florida from significant damage, though it still threatened flooding downpours and possibly tornadoes. The coasts of Georgia and South Carolina were under a tropical storm warning Thursday. 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, said Capt. Eric Prosswimmer of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department. He said no one else was injured.

Gov. Ron DeSantis told a news conference that no major structural damage had been reported as Elsa came ashore.

Clearly, this could have been worse, the Republican governor said, though he cautioned that many storm-related deaths happen after the system passes.

The hurricane center said parts of Florida could see up to 8 inches of total rain accumulation from the storm. There was also a risk of flooding in Georgia and South Carolina, which were predicted to get 3 to 5 inches of rainfall. Tornado watches were in effect in parts of northern Florida and southeast Georgia into Wednesday evening.

Valdosta, Georgia, and surrounding Lowndes County came under a flash flood warning as Elsas center passed nearby. Some roads and yards flooded, and nearby Moody Air Force Base a reported wind gust of 41 mph, said county spokeswoman Meghan Barwick.

Im not aware of any distress calls, Barwick said, but we have seen some flooding and we are seeing power lines and trees down.

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 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 multi-agency 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, Himes said.

As far as the wreck shifting, thats highly unlikely, Himes said.

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.

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.

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 down the coast from Charleston was similar to a heavy summer thunderstorm  an inch or two of rain, winds gusting up to about 40 mph 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.
The hurricane center said parts of Florida could see up to 8 inches of total rain accumulation from the storm. There was also a risk of flooding in Georgia and South Carolina, which were predicted to get 3 to 5 inches of rainfall. Tornado watches were in effect in parts of northern Florida and southeast Georgia into Wednesday evening.

Valdosta, Georgia, and surrounding Lowndes County came under a flash flood warning as Elsas center passed nearby. Some roads and yards flooded, and nearby Moody Air Force Base a reported wind gust of 41 mph, said county spokeswoman Meghan Barwick.

Im not aware of any distress calls, Barwick said, but we have seen some flooding and we are seeing power lines and trees down.

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.

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In fact, despite the state cuts the district has budgeted about $1 million more in spending than the prior year.

The district has also budgeted for 45 fewer staff. None of those reductions resulted in layoffs, according to a spokesperson. All were cut through attrition and retirement.

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Many of those positions came from the secondary level as that is where enrollment most declined, district spokesperson Tanya Southerland said. She added teacher-to-student ratios have not been affected.

In addition to the $2.6 million School Foundation Program cut, the district will see roughly $500,000 less from the state this year for capital construction.

Federal money from various pandemic relief packages is set aside in the special revenue fund. About $46 million has been budgeted, but its likely the district will receive more as the Wyoming Department of Education parses out another round of aid.

Money has also been budgeted for a one-year initiative to address efforts increasing daily substitute fill rates across the district, according to the report. Its unclear exactly how much is being spent on that effort.
The statements were made to show, according to the complaint, a deposit of $750 million into McCowns account in March 2021. The final balance before receiving the loan was represented as over $761 million, which assured the firm McCown could easily repay it. According to the complaint, this type of loan is routinely used to cover business costs.

The suit also alleges McCown used a fake email address and phone number to impersonate the Lander branchs vice president. While verifying information before granting the loan, the suit states, a representative from R Squared called the bank and was directed to the employees voicemail. According to the suit, that was used as verification even though no one at the firm spoke directly with the employee.

According to the complaint, documents were also allegedly notarized by a WCC employee, whom the suit states likely did not know about the alleged fraud.

R Squared makes eight claims in its suit, filed on June 22. Those include accusations of fraud, breaching the loan contract and financial damages to the firm. In the suits initial complaint, the firms lawyers call for an injunction to prevent any further transfers from the loan money.
President Joe Biden appointed Gov. Mark Gordon to the Council of Governors on Thursday along with eight other appointees. Gordon will accept the presidents nomination, a spokesperson told the Star-Tribune.

These nominees are named every two years by the sitting president, and this is Gordons first time serving on the council.

Wyoming faces the same threats as other states, including the impact of extreme wildfires that threaten our homeland, a White House official told the Star-Tribune. Additionally, [Gordon] represents the nations leading energy exporting state and, in his role as Governor of Wyoming, works to protect critical national infrastructure.

The council is a bipartisan group of five Democratic governors and five Republican governors that serves as the lead forum to strengthen partnerships between the Federal government and State governments to better protect our nation from threats to our homeland security and all types of hazards, a press release announcing the appointment states.

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Federal-state cooperation is critical to protecting communities given the evolving challenges and threats facing our country, which range from extreme weather to domestic and international terrorism to a global pandemic, the release states.
Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wednesday that Wyoming is working toward offering support to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in their efforts to secure the United States-Mexico border.

I recognize the serious challenges these two Governors in particular, but all of us together, are facing because of the mismanagement of our border under President Biden, Gordon said in a statement. We will continue to evaluate available resources to support this effort to protect our country without compromising public safety here in Wyoming.

In mid-June, Abbott and Ducey sent a letter to other U.S. governors asking them to assist them in dealing with what they termed the crisis at Americas Southern border.

Wyoming is not the first state to respond to the letter. The governors of North and South Dakota, for example, recently announced that they will each be sending 125 national guard troops. In both states, the effort is being funded by federal money, although an earlier contingent of 50 South Dakota troops was paid for with a private donation, according to The Associated Press.

The governors office would not say whether the state would send Wyoming National Guard members.

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We are learning that much of what was reported about that unfortunate Capitol riot was untrue. There were no armed insurrectionists with guns, led by conspiracist kingpins. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was not murdered. Medical examiner Francisco J. Diaz said the autopsy showed no evidence of internal or external injuries. The only violent death was that of an unarmed female military veteran who was shot by a mysteriously unnamed law enforcement officer while climbing through a window.

The tenure of highly decorated Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has proved a veritable train wreck of late. Under pressure from the left, last summer he renounced a photo appearance with then-President Donald Trump as unduly politicizing his service.

OK, but every recent chairman of the Joint Chiefs has routinely appeared with the president in photo ops, if sometimes reluctantly.

Milley was timidly reacting to media claims that Trump sicced federal law enforcement on disruptive protesters with tear gas to ensure calm for his photo op. The inspector general of the Department of the Interior recently exposed such reporting as a fable.
We wonder, did the organizers of and participants in this charade stop to think about the lives they would be upending  presumably including their own  whenever their ruse came to light? Breaking someones trust leaves long-lasting scars, with rippling effects.

I go from not knowing how to feel to extremely violated, state Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, one of the targeted individuals, told the Casper Star-Tribune. These people were in my home.

So far, the participants in the alleged operation have yet to say a word about the allegations raised in the New York Times piece. Perhaps theres another side of the story thats yet to emerge  that they were onto something so incredibly important it justified lying to their neighbors faces. But at this juncture, it seems more likely this is simply an escalation of the new normal in American politics  where the ends justify any means and all is fair in search of a win.

As Rep. Barlow put it to the Casper Star-Tribune, Its very disappointing that we would even consider this to be normal, Barlow said, and I dont think anyone does, and I dont hope they do.

In the wake of this debacle, we hope Wyomingites can unite enough to send a message that these kinds of tactics are out of bounds.

CJ Baker is the deputy editor of the Powell Tribune. This column is reprinted through the Wyoming News Exchange.

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When the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, the American colonies still needed to win the Revolutionary War to truly gain their independence from the British Empire. The war continued another seven years until September 3, 1783. One of the deadliest threats to the Continental Army, however, was not the British Army, it was disease, especially smallpox.

Boston had an outbreak of smallpox in 1775 from British Redcoats arriving to fight the rebellion. George Washington knew very well the dangers of smallpox after having had it himself as a young man, which left scars on his face. To keep his soldiers safe, Washington did not allow anyone from Boston near his troops. Washington wrote to John Hancock, the president of the Continental Congress, that he would continue the utmost vigilance against this most dangerous enemy.

Later, when the British withdrew from Boston, Washington allowed only soldiers with immunity into the city.

Most of the Continental Army had never had smallpox while most of the Redcoats had. This put the Americans at a big disadvantage. An attempt by the Continental Army to take Quebec failed in part because of heavy losses due to smallpox. In fact, General John Thomas died of smallpox in July 1776.
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.
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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,...
While it is extremely rare, it's a statistical certainty that some of the nearly 540,000 people fully vaccinated in Pima County will get COVID-19, and that a tiny fraction of them could die from the disease.
Including King, four of Duceys appointees to the high court have no judicial experience. Clint Bolick was an attorney for the Goldwater Foundation, John R. Lopez IV worked in the Attorney Generals Office, and Bill Montgomery was a Maricopa County attorney.

Ducey noted King was one of seven people nominated by the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. That panel has to screen all would-be justices and the governor is required to choose from that list.

The governor said the commission has always given him incredibly talented choices from which to choose.

I, along with my team, determined she would be the best future justice to serve on the Arizona Supreme Court, he said.

He said he does not consider prior judicial experience a requirement.

We do look for diversity in terms of background and service in the law, he said. And Kate brings that private-sector experience as well.

Ducey said he also was swayed by her experience clerking for Ryan as well as serving as a legal fellow, also early in her career, in the office of then-Sen. Jon Kyl.

The appointment of King as only the fifth woman to serve on the states high court also adds diversity.
The family of an unarmed man shot to death by a Pima County sheriffs deputy who mistook the mans key fob for a gun is contemplating a $35 million lawsuit against the county, public records show.

A lawyer representing the family has served a notice of claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, against Sheriff Chris Nanos and other county officials that alleges authorities used excessive force in pursuing Bradley Alex Lewis, who died two weeks after his 19th birthday in a Jan. 20 confrontation north of Tucson. A notice of claim is a precursor to a lawsuit.

Alex had yet to live any of the most exciting and enjoyable years of adulthood. His family has been robbed of all the years, milestones and memories enjoyed by most families, said the notice from attorney Eduardo Coronado.

The shooter, Deputy Gilbert Caudillo, a 20-year veteran of law enforcement, was cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Pima County Attorneys Office. But a consultant hired by the Lewis family claims the shooting could not have unfolded the way Caudillo described it to investigators.
What is not known is how much has been contributed, who provided it, and how much wound up in the hands of Cyber Ninjas without going through the Senate.

Then there are issues of who has been hired, how have they been trained and what oversight has there been.

Langhofer told Kemp theres nothing else for the Senate to produce because it has nothing more. He claimed the law requires public agencies to produce only the records within their physical custody.

The judge was skeptical.

Couldnt public entities always hide behind this and say, Well, weve hired a third-party vendor, therefore you cant have any of the records? he asked, noting it is common for governments to contract out certain functions and services. Wouldnt this always give them an escape hatch not to comply with the public records law?

Langhofer said that might be true if there was some evidence that the contract was executed specifically to shield records from view. Theres no such allegation here, he said.

He said that, carried to its illogical conclusion, the argument by American Oversight would require that FedEx surrender its personnel files if its services were used by the state to deliver documents.
If you are driving around and notice the American or Arizona flags flying at half-staff, you may wonder why. Sure, you know when a former president has died, but sometimes these are done in memory of a tragic event.

For all of 2021, we are going to tell you when and why the flags for the United States of America, Arizona or any other state or territory of the U.S. are flown at half-staff.

The source for much of this information is FlagSteward.org

According to USFlag.org, which links to a copy of the United States Code, when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be hoisted to the peak and then lowered to half-staff. At sunset the flag should be raised back to full-staff and then lowered slowly all the way down.

The U.S. flag must be flown at half-staff for the following office holders or former holders:

President of the United States or former president: 30 days from the date of death.

Vice President, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, retired Chief Justice or Speaker of the House of Representatives: 10 days from the date of death.

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former Vice President, President pro tempore of the Senate, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and Minority Leader of the House: From the day of death until the date of interment.

Unites States Senator, Representative, Delegate or the Resident Commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: In the District of Columbia the flag will fly at half-staff on the day of death and the following day, in the state, congressional district, territory or commonwealth of the deceased, the flag will fly at half-staff from the day of death until interment.

Governor: Within the state, the flag will fly at half-staff from the day of death until interment.

The Old Farmers' Almanac was also used as a source.
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.
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.
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.


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.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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.
HOUSTON (AP)  Authorities were searching Thursday for a man accused of shooting a teenager during what they say was a road rage incident that took place as a family was driving home following a Houston Astros game.

The 17-year-old was on life support at a hospital following the Tuesday evening shooting, according to Houston police.

The teenager's father was driving from Minute Maid Park when he exchanged hand gestures with the driver of a white, four-door Buick sedan with a sunroof, according to investigators. The 17-year-old was one of two passengers in a truck driven by his father, police said.

Police allege the driver of the Buick followed the family for several miles before firing several shots at their truck at around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

The teenager was shot in the head.

Authorities have not released the teen's name, but his family in a statement to KHOU-TV identified him as David Castro. His father, Paul Castro, said his family is devastated.
Hutchinson this week kicked off a series of town hall-style conversations" he'll hold around the state aimed at encouraging people to get vaccinated. The first one began Thursday in Lonoke County, a rural county outside Little Rock where a little over a third of the population is fully vaccinated.

As in other red states, Arkansas ability to impose new restrictions because of the latest surge have been curbed by lawmakers angry about restrictions imposed last year. The measures approved by the majority-Republican Legislature include a ban on mask mandates or vaccine requirements by government entities, including schools.

The forums follow other efforts to encourage vaccinations that have had limited success. That included an incentive  offering lottery tickets or gift certificates for hunting and fishing licenses for those who get the shots  that so far has had few takers.

There's not much more I can do from a weekly news conference or a daily news conference from the state Capitol," he said. I want to get out in the community because it's each community and local leadership that can greatly expand on what we're trying to do at the state and national level."
PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP)  Five officers have sued the Silicon Valley city of Palo Alto, saying it allowed the creation of a Black Lives Matter mural with anti-police images that constituted harassment and discrimination against law enforcement.

The mural was painted last June in the street across from City Hall following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin. It was to remain on the street for up to a year but it was gone by November, according to The Daily Post in Palo Alto, which first reported the lawsuit Wednesday.

One of the images was of Joanne Chesimard, who goes by the name Assata Shakur and was convicted in the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper, according to the lawsuit filed last month in Santa Clara County Superior Court. She later escaped from prison and fled to Cuba. Shakur has yet to be found.

The lawsuit also says the mural included the logo of the New Black Panthers, which is identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group that has encouraged violence against white and Jewish people and law enforcement.
DECATUR, Ala. (AP)  The young man had a compelling story: His father died in the 9/11 terror attacks, his mother had just one leg, he had no other living relatives and he was stranded in Alabama with no way to make the nearly 600-mile (965-kilometer) trip home to Indiana after being robbed.

Moved to help, police officers from six agencies gave him food, money and a connection for a ride back north.

It was only later, police said, that they discovered much of the man's tale was fiction: His name was fake, both his parents are alive, his mom has both legs, and there were several other relatives. But no charges are planned after what police described as a good-faith effort to help someone in need went awry.

Regardless of the situation, he was stranded and didnt have anybody. In that regard, we were happy to help get him him back up there, Mike Swafford, a spokesman for the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, said Wednesday.

The sheriff's office, which initially shared the story on Facebook, said a man claiming to be Willinaus Bolin, 23, of Indianapolis told police in Montgomery that he was on the way to Florida with friends when they pushed him out of the car, robbed him of money he made mowing lawns and left him with nothing over the Fourth of July weekend.
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.
SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP)  Rescue workers now focused on finding remains instead of survivors in the rubble of a Florida condominium collapse vowed Thursday to keep up their search for victims until they cleared all the debris at the site.

Earlier, a fire official told family members at a meeting that crews will not stop working until theyve gotten to the bottom of the pile and recovered every single of the families missing loved ones, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said at an evening news conference. He did not identify the official, but said the families were grateful.

This is exactly the message the families wanted to hear, he said.

As the search continued, a Paraguayan official disclosed late Thursday that rescuers had found in the rubble the bodies of Sophia Lopez Moreira, the sister of Paraguays first lady Silvana Abdo, and Lopez Moreiras husband Luis Pettengill and the youngest of their three children.

That South American nation's foreign minister, Euclides Acevedo, told Paraguay's ABC Cardinal radio station that the two other children and the family assistant are still missing.

We ask people for their solidarity and a prayer, he said. In the face of a tragedy, Paraguayan people must show their traditional solidarity.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP)  Shoreline cities and towns in the Great Lakes region will be spending heavily in coming years to fix public infrastructure damaged by recent flooding and erosion, with estimated costs approaching $2 billion, officials said Thursday.

Communities already have poured about $878 million into repairs over the last two years, according to the results of a survey by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a coalition of mayors and local officials in the regions eight states and two Canadian provinces.

But the survey of 241 cities, villages and other jurisdictions found that at least $1.94 billion more will be needed over the next five years. The total is certain to be even higher because the report didn't include all shoreline municipalities, said Jon Altenberg, the initiative's executive director.

Communities around the Great Lakes face a growing crisis, and we need both the federal governments of the U.S. and Canada to assist with the necessary investments, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. Our coastal infrastructure is vital to the economic and recreational health of our communities, and coordinated action is required.
Noginski, an Israeli citizen with 12 children, was stabbed multiple times in the arm and was released from the hospital the day after the stabbing.

Awad was seen acting suspiciously near the Shaloh House the day before the attack, when he first demanded Noginski's car keys, Hegarty said. In addition, Noginski was wearing a yarmulke and Awad had to walk past a Menorah, suggesting that he targeted Jews, the prosecutor said.

The attack has been condemned by Boston's Jewish community.

Awads court-appointed attorney, Stephen Weymouth, requested a competency evaluation. A court clinician told the judge that Awad has been diagnosed as bipolar and has not been taking his medications while in Massachusetts.

Competency could be an issue, Weymouth said in court. He also dismissed the idea that the stabbing was a hate crime, and said it was more likely a crime of opportunity in an effort to steal a vehicle.

Awad was ordered to undergo further psychiatric evaluation at a state hospital.

A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday was postponed until July 29, after the evaluation.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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.
DENVER (AP)  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday it plans to propose reclassifying a rare Colorado River Basin fish called the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened status after a multiyear and multistate effort throughout the Southwestern U.S. to replenish its populations.

A proposed formal relisting, to be published Wednesday in the Federal Register, would classify the fish as no longer on the brink of extinction. But it would require continued management of the razorback's survival in the Colorado River and several key tributaries. The Fish and Wildlife Service first said it would recommend the change in 2018.

Hundreds of thousands of razorbacks once thrived in the Colorado River and its tributaries, which flow across seven states and Mexico. By the 1980s, they had dwindled to about 100. Researchers blamed non-native game fish that preyed on the razorbacks and the construction of dams that disrupted their habitat.

The razorback was listed as endangered under federal law in 1991. It has been protected under Colorado and Utah law since the 1970s.
OPINION: The new Name Image Likeness (NIL) and the impacts it will have on the PAC-12 is one subject in Letters to the Editor. What are your thoughts on NIL? Submit a Letter to the Editor at tucson.com/opinion.
The Osage Nation and Fab Lab Tulsa have been awarded a total of $2.5 million in federal grants for improvements in a drone program and digital systems, respectively.

The awards, announced Thursday by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, are through the Commerce Departments Economic Development Administration. They include:

$2.1 million to the Osage Nation to renovate and improve a building and an adjacent hangar at an airport to aid in the development of unmanned aerial system, or drone, research and development.

The airport, Skyway36, formerly known as Tulsa Downtown Airpark, sits directly west of the Osage Tulsa Casino, 951 W. 36th St. North. The tribe bought the property about 10 years ago.

$400,000 to Fab Lab Tulsa Inc. to equip a new facility with modern digital fabrication equipment and systems. The project, to be matched with $400,000 in local funds, is expected to create 21 jobs and generate $1 million in private investment.

The grants are aimed to diversify the regional economy and create new job opportunities, according to a Commerce Department news release.
The artwork is part of state leaderships effort to transform the perception of Oklahoma as a dust bowl in other states and across the globe, Pinnell said.

This is an amazing state, we know this is the best place to raise a family, but we need to tell people how great of a place this is, Pinnell said. This is not the dust bowl. This is a diverse state, a colorful and vibrant state, and its an incredibly welcoming state.

The completion of the mural is also a recognition of Tulsa investments to become an art hub of the wider region, Bynum said.

We are making improvements here in Tulsa because we have a City Council that believes in making investments today that will pay off in the long run, Bynum said. We recognize that if youre going to be an art city, youve got to make investments that reflect it ... and remind people that this is a city that values creativity and the arts.

Pinnell said he is hopeful the commission of similar art across Oklahoma will reshape outside perspectives to emphasize the states positive aspects.

To do that, you have to start branding the state the right way, Pinnell said. If that means doing it one mural at a time, then thats what well do.
In August 2004, just five months after opening McNellies Pub on the east side of downtown Tulsa, entrepreneur Elliot Nelson received the first architectural renderings of a multi-use development he wanted to build across the street, in an old rail yard that took up nearly two city blocks.

He called it Santa Fe Square, a tribute to the historic train depot that still stood on one corner. And 17 years later, Nelson finally broke ground on a major component of the project Wednesday afternoon.

Its been a long time coming, he said.

The final design bears no resemblance to early sketches, but the ultimate goal of the project has never changed, Nelson said.

Its always been about turning the east side of downtown into a living, working, 24-seven neighborhood, he said. That started with McNellies, and this is just a continuation of that idea.

As originally envisioned, Santa Fe Square was going to have relatively low-rise buildings filled mostly with apartments, restaurants and shops, he said. But downtowns real estate market has changed dramatically since 2004, thanks partly to Nelsons own success with McNellies. The now-iconic pub sparked revitalization across the Blue Dome District and helped bring nightlife back to downtown as a whole.
Its unknown how many different groups are out there doing this, but Conti is sort of one of the more famous ones for doing high-profile hacks like this.

Mayor G.T. Bynum has said previously that the city did not pay a ransom to the attackers and that law enforcement officials have identified them.

City spokeswoman Michelle Brooks said this week that she could neither deny nor confirm Contis involvement in the attack because it is still under investigation.

Wisniewski described Conti as part of a sort of pyramid sales scheme in which less sophisticated hackers send out mass malware attacks hoping to find weak links in computer systems and then sell the weak links to more sophisticated operations such as Conti.

Conti is sort of a brand name for the people who wrote the computer malware that locks up the computers and collects the ransom, Wisniewski said. And then they have affiliates that actually break into the victims and then they split the proceeds if they pay the ransom.

Most of Contis operations appear to originate in Eastern Europe and Russia, Wisniewski said, but by no means is its network of hackers limited to that part of the world.
Coronavirus hospitalizations in Oklahoma recently reached a high not seen since mid-May, according to Oklahoma State Department of Health data.

About 166 COVID-19 patients were recently hospitalized across the state, with 55 patients in ICU beds. Tulsa County hospitals had 75 of those patients, with 25 in ICU, according to OSDH data. Tulsa County hasn't seen that many COVID-19 hospital patients since March.

Sadly, Oklahoma is top 10 again, but not where we want to be," said OU Chief COVID Officer Dale Bratzler. "We are No. 8 in the nation with respect to the number of new cases per day per capita.

For the one-week period that ended Saturday, Oklahoma saw 1,824 new cases of COVID, which was about 400 more than the number recorded for the week before, June 20-26.

As of Wednesday, there are 2,158 active documented cases in the state, with 512 in Tulsa County  the latter a jump from 388 the week before.

While Oklahoma remains in the federal government's yellow zone for new cases per capita and positivity rate in the most recent seven days, the state's ranking in each is top 10 in the nation.
EDMOND  State officials are working with U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofes office to secure $4 million in federal dollars to fight illegal marijuana growing operations.

The groups held a press conference Wednesday at the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association office in Edmond to discuss the problem and efforts to secure additional dollars.

The funds would be used to set up a special unit within the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, said Donnie Anderson, the bureaus director.

One of the things we have noticed as we have gone around the state this year is there is an increasing concern about illegal grow operations and all the criminal activity associated with it, said Luke Holland, Inhofes chief of staff.

He said it seems to increasingly be the case that Chinese, Mexican, Russian and other organizations are behind the illegal marijuana operations and bring in other illegal activities such as human trafficking, money laundering and weapons trafficking, Holland said.

Inhofe will request the funds through the Department of Justice, Holland said.
The Department of Education and Training in the south-central Vietnamese province of Phu Yen suspended test taking at two high school graduation exam sites after detecting 166 suspected coronavirus infections among students and staff on Wednesday -- the first day of the 2021 national high school graduation exam.

Traditionally held in July, the national high school graduation exam is an annual assessment taken by twelfth-grade students in Vietnam at the end of their studies.

The results of the exam are used to ensure students meet graduation requirements and to help colleges and universities make acceptance decisions.

In light of the ongoing pandemic in Vietnam, many provinces and cities tested all candidates for COVID-19 before this years exam, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, requiring the in-person attendance of nearly one million students.

In its report to the Ministry of Education and Training on the first exam day, the Department of Education and Training in Phu Yen said 151 candidates and 15 staff members at seven exam venues had apparently contracted the coronavirus.

In response, the department suspended test-taking activities at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School in Tay Hoa District and Tran Hung Dao Middle School in Tuy Hoa City, where there were 39 and 100 students, respectively, are suspected to be infected with the pathogen.

All exam questions and exam records at those two test venues were returned to ensure confidentiality in accordance with national regulations.

The suspected test-takers were asked to stay home and adhere to instructions from local medical authorities.

They will take another test in the second phase of the exam, with the dates to be decided by the education ministry.

There were two special cases in which two candidates at two exam sites -- Hung Vuong Middle School and Duy Tan High School in Tuy Hoa City -- had already received their exam questions before staff were informed that they were suspected to have COVID-19.

The provincial education department allowed the two students to take the test as normal in isolation rooms, which were completely disinfected after the tests were handed in.

Those two students will take the remaining subjects of the exam during the second phase.

The 15 staff members in question were also asked to stay home under the monitoring of local medical authorities.

A spike in local coronavirus infections that emerged on June 23 in Phu Yen has yet to be brought under control.

The province has recorded 315 COVID-19 cases during this latest wave, according to the Ministry of Healths update on Thursday morning.

In the same update, the health ministry confirmed 314 new cases of COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring province of Binh Duong, increasing the countrys tally to 23,385.

Recoveries have reached 8,557 while the death toll has mounted to 102, the majority of whom were older patients with critical underlying diseases.

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The suffocating heat wave that killed hundreds of people across the Pacific Northwest last week would have been "virtually impossible" without climate change, a study finds.

Reporting the first research attributing the event to climate change on Wednesday, scientists said climate change had made such a heat wave in the region 150 times more likely.

The scientists estimated the extraordinary temperatures were a one-in-a-thousand-year event, though noted this was difficult to quantify given the unprecedented heat in early summer.

But if current greenhouse gas emissions continue, an event so extreme could start occurring every five to 10 years by the 2040s, they warned.

"People need to realize that heat waves are killers, and they are by far the deadliest extreme event," said coauthor Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford and co-leader of the World Weather Attribution, an international scientific collective that published the study.

The research by 27 scientists is still awaiting peer review but uses peer-reviewed rapid attribution methods to produce findings quickly after extreme events.

"Heat waves are really changing so much more and so much faster than all other extreme events," Otto said.

"Heat preparation and preventing death during heat waves need to be a No. 1 priority for every city authority."

The heat wave gripped parts of the United States and Canada for days at the end of June, smashing records in dozens of cities. Power lines melted in the heat. Roads buckled.

The thermometer at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center at Death Valley National Park shows temperatures reading 129 degrees Fahrenheit (53.8 C) in Death Valley, California, U.S. June 16, 2021. Photo: Reuters

Canada thrice broke its national temperature record, peaking on June 29 at 121 Fahrenheit (49.6 Celsius) -- a full 8 degrees Fahrenheit (4.6 degrees Celsius) higher than the previous record set in 1937.

Another heat wave is expected to hit parts of Canada and the United States later this week.

The death toll in Oregon alone has topped 100, while British Columbia saw hundreds more deaths than usual. It will take months to calculate a full death toll, but scientists say these numbers will rise. Hospitals also saw jumps in the number of heat-related visits and emergency service calls.

The new research attributing the heat wave to climate change is not entirely surprising. Worldwide, climate change has made heat waves more common, more severe and longer lasting.

The June heat wave, however, was far beyond the norm for the Pacific Northwest.

For that, the authors suggested two possible explanations: Either many factors came together to produce a very rare event that was worsened by climate change, or climate change has altered the atmospheric conditions so that this type of heat wave is now more common than previously understood.

Either way, industry-driven climate change played a key, and considerable, role, according to the study.

"Most types of extreme events have been getting more frequent," said Philip Mote, a climate scientist at Oregon State University not involved in the study. Or in the case of the Pacific Northwest heat wave, he said, extreme events were sometimes becoming "things that were almost unimaginable."

An aerial view shows former docks on a Salton Seas beach, with the water much further away, as California faces its worst drought since 1977, in Salton City, California, U.S., July 4, 2021. Photo: Reuters

'Clear human fingerprint'

The temperature spike was caused by what scientists call a "heat dome", or a mass of high-pressure air parked over the region. Like a lid on a pot, the dome trapped hot air beneath it.

While the weather was unusual in its timing -- record-breaking temperatures are rare so early in the summer season -- last month proved to be the warmest June on record for North America, and the fourth warmest globally, scientists at the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported Wednesday.

In recent years, scientific advances have allowed researchers to link specific extreme weather events to climate change.

"There is a clear human fingerprint on this particular extreme heat wave in the Pacific Northwest, and in general on extreme heat waves everywhere in the modern era we're living though," said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was not involved in the new study.

To establish the climate link to last week's heat wave, the study's authors used computer simulations to estimate what conditions might have been without any global warming, and compared that with current conditions and what actually occurred.

"This event was shocking to everybody who experienced it in the Pacific Northwest. Rightfully so, because there was just nothing even close to it in the modern historical record," Swain said. "And yet it might be something that just becomes a relatively common event."
Check out the news you should not miss today:

Society

 Vietnam on Thursday morning reported 314 new cases of COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring province of Binh Duong, increasing the countrys tally to 23,385, according to the Ministry of Health.

 Vietnam had administered a total of 3,960,956 doses of COVID-19 vaccine as of 4:00 pm on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Health. The number of people who have completed two doses is 241,913.

 Ho Chi Minh City will follow social distancing measures under the prime ministers Directive No. 16 for 15 days from Friday, as part of its efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

 The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has recently proposed piloting home medical isolation on COVID-19 patients direct contacts in all districts and Thu Duc City, instead of only in districts with high risk of virus spread as earlier planned.

 According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam will receive a batch of two million doses of the Moderna vaccine, which is sponsored by the U.S. through the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme, this weekend.

 Tan An City and the districts of Duc Hoa, Ben Luc, Can Duoc, and Can Giuoc in the southern province of Long An have followed social distancing measures under the prime ministers Directive No. 16 while the provinces remaining localities have followed Directive No. 15 from Thursday until further notice.

Business

 The Ministry of Transport has agreed with the People's Committee of southern Kien Giang Province to temporarily suspend the operation of passenger flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc Island from Thursday, making the island the 10th locality in Vietnam to stop air services to and from the city to prevent COVID-19 spread.

 Vietnams labor market continues to be severely affected by the recent resurgence of COVID-19, with the number of unemployed people in the first six months of this year rising to over 1.1 million, a surge of more than 100,000 year on year, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Wednesday.

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The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has suggested that direct contacts of COVID-19 patients be quarantined at their homes on a trial basis.

The health department has just submitted a document to the municipal Peoples Committee regarding the proposed pilot phase in all districts and Thu Duc City.

In its previous proposition on Monday, the agency only suggested that the new quarantine regulations be piloted in areas at high risk of infection, namely District 3, District 6, District 7, District 10, District 11, Phu Nhuan District, Nha Be District, and Can Gio District.

However, the citys steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control later said that the trial phase should be conducted in all 21 districts as well as Thu Duc City.

The health department stated that the new quarantine regulations are necessary given the rapidly increasing number of direct contacts in the city.

It will also help prevent overcrowding and cross-infections at concentrated quarantine centers.

The rules will be based on the strict requirements from the Ministry of Health.

The home quarantine period will last 28 days, and each quarantined person will be tested for COVID-19 on the first, seventh, 14th, 21st, and 28th days.

Only those who wore face masks when in direct contact with COVID-19 patients and have negative rapid antigen tests are eligible for home quarantine.

They must also fit into one of the following categories, namely individuals coming into direct contact with patients on an irregular basis, people working in the same room with a patient but are more than two meters away from them, people over 60, children, or the disabled individuals who require regular care.

Direct contacts who have spent 14 days in centralized facilities and tested negative for COVID-19 on their 14th day may also be allowed to quarantine at home.

The health ministry currently mandates that direct contacts of coronavirus patients be quarantined at concentrated centers for 21 days.

Vietnam had documented 23,740 cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday afternoon, with 8,557 recoveries and 105 deaths, according to the health ministry.

The country has recorded 20,279 local infections in 56 provinces and cities since the fourth wave began on April 27.

Ho Chi Minh City leads the table with 8,585 cases.

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Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have decided to halt all lottery services, including via agencies and street vendors, and food and drink takeouts for 15 days from Friday.

The rules are among social distancing measures under the prime ministers Directive No. 16 for COVID-19 prevention and control that will come into force in the city starting the same day.

Under the directive, households are requested to keep a distance from households, residential areas from residential areas, neighborhoods from neighborhoods, communes from communes, wards from wards, and districts from districts.

Non-essential businesses and services will remain suspended.

Wholesale markets and wet marketplaces are requested to ensure pandemic prevention measures, or else, they will be closed.

Facilities allowed to stay open include construction works, such essential businesses as food, medicine, fuel and power providers, banks, treasury, business establishments providing services directly related to banking and business supporting activities like notaries, law, registry, secure payments, securities, postal services, telecommunications, supportive services for transportation, imports and exports, medical examination and treatment, and funeral services.

People must wear face masks and use hand sanitizer when going outside.

Citizens are required to maintain a minimum distance of two meters in social interaction.

Any gathering of more than two people outside public offices, schools, hospitals, and in public spaces in general is completely banned.

Anyone going outside not for food, medicine, emergency care, or other essential reasons are to be subject to strict penalties.

State agencies and units must arrange for their staff to work from home. Only really necessary cases can come to work in person.

All meetings at work, except for COVID-19 prevention and control purposes, are prohibited. A meeting, if happens, must not convene with more than ten attendees.

Only vehicles for the transport of officials on duty, workers, experts, quarantined people, raw and production materials, and a number of taxis carrying people to and from hospitals and medical centers in case of emergency are allowed on the streets.

The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has assigned the municipal Department of Transport to work with the Ministry of Transport on restricting or suspending railway and air transport to and from the city.

The municipal Department of Industry and Trade, meanwhile, has been tasked with directing enterprises to ensure goods supplies.

Twelve COVID-19 checkpoints will be re-established at the entrances to the city, along with roadblocks on major routes and in areas across 21 districts and Thu Duc City.

Citizens are advised against hoarding and panic buying.

The Department of Health is charged with preparing plans for the scenario of 20,000 COVID-19 cases in the city.

Ho Chi Minh City has been battling the worst community coronavirus outbreak since May.

It is now leading the national caseload with more than 8,500 local infections so far in the ongoing wave that started hitting Vietnam on April 27.

Hundreds of new infections have been confirmed daily in recent days, with many detected via random testing in quarantined areas and community screening.

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Residents in Ho Chi Minh City will be fined up to VND3 million (US$130) if they leave their house without appropriate reasons, as authorities are enforcing stricter social distancing measures from Friday.

Citizens will have to follow social distancing regulations under the prime minister's Directive No.16 for 15 days from 0:00 on Friday, as the metropolis struggles with the worst-ever COVID-19 outbreak.

The directive promulgates that everyone has to stay home and can only go outside to buy food, medicine, and other essential items, as well as in emergency cases.

People are also allowed to go to work at state agencies, armed forces, diplomatic agencies, and at other establishments regulated by the state.

The municipal Peoples Committee has requested the administrations in all wards, communes, and towns to carry out regular patrols and establish checkpoints on major routes in order to make sure social distancing rules are strictly complied with.

Officers will focus on fining those who leave their houses without proper reasons.

In accordance with Decree No.117, residents who go outside without appropriate reasons will be fined VND1-3 million ($43-130).

As Directive No.16 also bans public gatherings of more than two people, violating this rule is punishable by a fine worth VND10-20 million ($434-869).

Vietnam has documented 24,385 cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday evening, with 8,950 recoveries and 105 deaths, according to the health ministry.

The country has recorded 20,917 local infections in 57 provinces and cities since the fourth wave began on April 27.

Ho Chi Minh City is the hardest-hit locality with 9,066 cases.

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The owner of a plastic surgery clinic in Ho Chi Minh City has been apprehended after he drove the body of a woman who allegedly died from his breast implant surgery to a mortician in Tra Vinh Province, about 130km away, for burial.

Two suspects involved in the incident were already handed over to police of Binh Tan District in the southern city, police officers in Tra Vinh announced on Wednesday.

Tra Vinh police were first notified of the case on July 4, when a source alerted them to two individuals from Ho Chi Minh City who asked a local mortician to encoffin a body they fetched in their car.

The duo were later identified as Phan Duc H., 59, owner of a plastic surgery clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, and his 17-year-old daughter, both of whom live in Binh Hung Hoa A Ward of Binh Tan District.

As per H.s confession, the victim was N.T.T., a 30-year-old woman from Binh Tri Dong Ward, Binh Tan.

T. arrived at H.s clinic on July 3 to seek his breast implant service, but the surgery went sour, leading to her death.

H. then asked his daughter to help him enshroud the womans body by transporting it to Cau Ke District in Tra Vinh, where he was suspected and reported to local police.

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The Peoples Committee of Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam on Wednesday approved the establishment of two additional field hospitals for COVID-19 treatment in order to deal with the complicated development of the pandemic.

The new field hospitals will be formed inside the campuses of the Khanh Hoa Venero-Dermatology Hospital and the Khanh Hoa Hospital for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, both located in Nha Trang City, according to a decision signed by the provinces deputy chairman Dinh Van Thieu.

Each hospital has a capacity of 100 beds used to isolate, care for, and treat COVID-19 patients.

These are the second and third COVID-19 hospitals in Khanh Hoa.

On Tuesday, the provincial authorities set up a 100-bed field hospital at the Khanh Hoa Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Dien Khanh District.

From June 23 to date, the province has recorded 97 locally-infected patients, and traced 1,246 direct and 2,971 indirect contacts.

The Ministry of Health on Thursday morning confirmed 314 new cases of COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring province of Binh Duong, increasing the countrys tally to 23,385.

Recoveries have reached 8,557 while the death toll has mounted to 102, the majority of whom were older patients with critical underlying diseases.

The country has been battling a new infection round, with 19,868 patients documented since April 27, more than tenfold the combined number of infections in the three previous waves.

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A new true crime factual Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon a Crime begins today on Netflix.

This is a 4 part series on a grisly crime that shocked Brazil.

It features a first interview with Elize Matsunaga, who shot and killed her rich husband.

Thursday July 8 on Netflix.
The race is on to find a Host City for Eurovision 2022 following the win by Italian rockers Maneskin.

The 2022 Contest will be organised by Host Broadcaster Radiotelevisione italiana (Rai) under the supervision of the European Broadcasting Union, with the Italian broadcaster selecting a Host City at the end of a bidding process.

But the Host City must meet certain criteria:

An international airport no more than 90 minutes from the city.

Over 2,000 hotel rooms in the area close to the event.

An infrastructure (stadium/venue/centre) capable of hosting a large-scale live broadcast with the following minimum requirements:

Be indoors with air-conditioning and have a well defined perimeter;

Have an audience capacity in the main hall of around 8,000  10,000 during the event (which corresponds to 70% of maximum capacity of that venue for regular concerts, taking into consideration the specific stage and production needs of the Eurovision Song Contest);

Have a main hall with the capacity to house the set and all other requirements needed to produce a high level broadcast production (this includes good specifications of load capacity in the roof, clearance to low beams, easy load in access, etc);

Have ample space within easy access of the main hall to support additional production needs, such as: a press centre, delegation spaces, dressing rooms, artist facilities, staff facilities, hospitality, audience facilities, etc;

Be available exclusively for 6 weeks before the event, 2 weeks during the show (which will take place in May) and a week after the end of the event for dismantling.

All Italian cities only have until Monday 12 July to indicate their interest. Mamma Mia!
Following on from a Lego miniset of Friends this week the company confirmed Seinfeld would be available with figurines of Jerry, George, Kramer, Elaine and Newman.

The set features Jerrys New York apartment, complete with appropriately bricky 90s phone and a front door that can swing open every time Kramer charges in. It looks like plenty of cereals in the kitchen too.

Theres also a buildable stage where Jerry can perform his standup routines. Is there a nearby diner too?

The Seinfeld set got its start on the Lego Ideas site, where anyone can submit concepts, but 10,000 people have to vote for an idea before Lego considers making it into a set.

The set was designed by Lego fan Brent Waller, from Brisbane.

I loved Seinfeld in the 90s and recently re-watched them all. I thought it was a travesty that a Lego Seinfeld set didnt exist so I made an effort to resolve that and make the best rendition of Jerrys apartment and the gang that I could, Waller said in a statement.

And yes, theres even a Festivus pole for celebrating the Dec. 23 faux holiday made famous by the show.

I got a lot of problems with you people!

Source: CNet
Tyler, TX (75702)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
University of Dayton associate archivist Amy Rohmiller was elected vice president/president-elect of the Society of Ohio Archivists (SOA) at the organizations June meeting.

Rohmiller has served as a member of SOAs advocacy and outreach committee since 2018 and as a member of the SOA Council since 2019.

I am excited to build upon my knowledge and experiences within SOA, Rohmiller shared. It feels as though we are truly beginning a new chapter due to the many changes around us all.

Her election coincides with SOAs pivot to a virtual annual meeting in response to COVID-19 and the formation of a task force on social justice and Black Lives Matter.

As vice president/president-elect, I will work to ensure this task force continues as we continue to identify ways to incorporate antiracist ideas and principles into our work as an organization and as archival practitioners, Rohmiller said.

Rohmiller joined the University of Dayton in November 2018. She is a member of the University Libraries diversity and inclusion and marketing and outreach teams.

Founded in 1968, the Society of Ohio Archivists works to improve the state of archives in Ohio by promoting the archival profession and providing professional development and networking opportunities for Ohios professional and aspiring archivists. It is the oldest continuously operating state organization devoted to the archival profession in the United States. View more information at https://ohioarchivists.org/.
Bangladeshi indie movie Rehana Maryam Noor screened at the worlds premier film festival on Wednesday, setting a milestone for the countrys film industry. FRANCE 24 spoke to writer-director Abdullah Mohammad Saad about the psychological drama and his experience as a trailblazer on the French Riviera.

It is one of the great wonders of Cannes that talented young filmmakers from across the globe can stand side by side with the biggest names in cinema, on a level playing field.

Of course, the worlds most prestigious film festival is in love with the movie stars that grace its famous red carpet. It is as much about the glamour as the films. But its real purpose is to explore the world of cinema, to celebrate the medium and to showcase new talent.

Among this years intriguing batch of newcomers to the Riviera is 36-year-old screenwriter and director Abdullah Mohammad Saad, whose feature film Rehana Maryam Noor screened in the Un Certain Regard sidebar on Wednesday, becoming the first film from Bangladesh to be part of the festivals official line-up.

Rehana is Saads second feature after his 2016 Live from Dhaka, which picked up a best director award at the Singapore International Film Festival and went on to appear in several European festivals. Like his debut film, it is a character-driven piece, powered by an extraordinarily intense performance from actress and model Azmeri Haque Badhon.

Badhon plays the title character Rehana, a stern, unbending assistant professor in a medical school who struggles to balance her work with the demands of single parenting and looking after an ailing mother and a hopeless brother. The precarious balance soon spins out of control when she stumbles upon one of her students in tears and decides to doggedly pursue the male professor who seemingly assaulted her.

The movie mines the familiar territory of resilient and obstinate women battling injustice in a profoundly sexist environment. But its morally complex protagonist is no easy champion for the feminist cause. Rehana is incorruptible and yet prepared to lie  and hurt those she holds dearest  in her obsessive quest for retribution.

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That is perillous terrain to venture into, but the film is careful to show how Rehana is pushed into a corner by a society that is all too often indifferent or complicit. Her predicament is emphasised by Saads bold stylistic choices, from the harsh lighting to the probing, handheld camera that follows her every step.

FRANCE 24 spoke to the 36-year-old screenwriter and director about his movie and what his pioneering selection at the worlds premier film festival means to Bangladeshs indie filmmakers.

How does it feel to be part of Cannes official selection? And how was the news greeted back home?

Its a great inspiration and a huge honour to be here. To make a film requires a lot of sacrifice, devotion, time and energy, so when something like this happens it really inspires you to carry on.

People back home were overwhelmed. It was an achievement more for them than for me. This year is the 50th anniversary of Bangladeshs independence, so it actually brought more joy to people and also confidence to keep on making films.

How difficult was it for an independent filmmaker like you to finance this movie?

Of course we have more challenges in Bangladesh if you compare with the more sophisticated film industries, but actually the financing was not such a struggle. I like to work with my friends, like I did in my previous film. And I was lucky to have my producer, Jeremy Chua, who also helped a lot with the writing.

My lead actress put her heart and soul into the movie; whatever we needed she gave to us. My cinematographer went to the gym for more than a year, because I told him he would have to be very fit to do this production, because of the long takes and the hand-held camera. These are just a few examples of how the team helped me make this film.

Your film is a fascinating character exploration; where did the quest originate?

I grew up with three older sisters. Theyre very bold, beautiful, dynamic, intelligent people. They always dominated our family and they have great influence on me. I have seen them closely, from being daughters to sisters and then mothers and professionals. I always found this very fascinating. The whole project started from this image I had of a stubborn woman. I wanted to see what shes really made of and how much I could push and find out what kind of person she is.

Rehana is not an obvious champion for the MeToo movement. Was it important for you to create a complex, morally ambivalent character?

My film is an investigation of human nature. I didnt write this from a political standpoint. Of course there is a very political aspect to this film. But I dont see myself as a political filmmaker. I am very character-driven. What interests me is always this character and how complex she is. I didnt try to portray her as a hero or champion of a movement, but more as a person and how she navigates this contemporary world.

Is there something specific about your countrys experience that you wanted to convey?

Of course I cannot write outside of my personal experience, so what I have portrayed I have in some way experienced or observed in my country. But I definitely wanted everyone to be able to relate to her, not just from my countrys point of view. When a friend said it could happen anywhere, in France or elsewhere in Europe, I thought maybe I had hit that nerve or hit that point where it feels like the story could be anywhere.

Youve mentioned your lead actress dedication. How much was she involved in shaping the character?

When I first met her and discussed the character, I didnt have the whole screenplay. We started rehearsing and we kept talking about her character. I observed her and her relationship with Emu [her daughter in the film, played by a delightful Afia Jahin Jaima]. I tried to create an atmosphere where they could feel safe with each other and interact.

Definitely our discussions with Bathoum had a great impact on my final draft. Of course thats also because she is a single mother. She also has a nine-year-old daughter and I have seen how they interact. She rehearsed for nine months for this character and put everything else aside. Financially, we couldnt compensate her enough! But she really felt she wanted to do this and she carried the whole film on her shoulders.

Do you hope the Cannes spotlight will generate more interest in Bangladeshi films?

I personally dont want too much attention; I like to remain as invisible as possible. I dont feel very comfortable in the limelight. But of course this achievement will help our industry a lot. Most importantly it will really inspire our independent filmmakers. I received a lot of positive responses from people who now really believe that our films can be in Cannes, which was kind of a dream until now. I think thats one of the greatest achievements of our film, to have that kind of legacy for my fellow filmmakers.
FILE PHOTO: A health worker receives the Sinovac coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine at the Samut Sakhon hospital in Samut Sakhon province

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's health ministry said on Thursday it had proposed new travel curbs and tighter restrictions in high-risk areas to contain COVID-19 cases, as the country reported a daily record of 75 deaths from the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to consider the new restrictions in a meeting on Friday.

"We may need to impose tougher restriction to limit travel, stop group activities, close more facilities and take other measures that are necessary," Prayuth said, adding a decision would be announced after the COVID-19 task force meeting.

The health ministry has proposed measures to limit people's travel from their home and a curb on inter-provincial travel as well as closing non-essential venues and areas that attract crowds, said health ministry permanent secretary Kiatiphum Wongrajit.

The rules would be in place for 14 days and would cover the Bangkok metropolitan area and "buffer zones", Kiatiphum said, without elaborating.

"This has similar intensity as April 2020," he said referring to lockdown measures last year that included a nationwide curfew.

Currently, Thailand has in place measures in "high-risk zones", including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, to close malls early and prohibit dining in at restaurants, but they have not been able to halt an acceleration of infections in the past month.

The health ministry has also been expanding hospital capacity in Bangkok including a plan to convert the newly built terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport into a field hospital with 5,000 beds by August.

Thailand's COVID-19 task force on Thursday reported 7,058 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the country to 308,230. The country has recorded 2,462 fatalities since the pandemic started last year.

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng and Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Ed Davies)
Amid the aggravation of the situation in Afghanistan, neighbouring Tajikistan asked its CSTO allies for help. Taking into account the current situation in the region, as well as the fact that certain sections of the border with Afghanistan are located in remote mountainous terrain, it seems difficult to cope with this task alone, Tajik permanent representative to the CSTO Khasan Sultonov said.

Meanwhile, Afghans are lining up at the handful of remaining embassies in Kabul. As American and European troops leave, many Afghans intend to flee their country before things get worse. If they get visas, well and good. If they dont, most will nonetheless be leaving as refugees, Modern Diplomacy writes. The refugee trail starts from Afghanistan, passes through Iran, Turkey and Greece to eventually culminate in mainland Europe. The journey takes months to complete and is made possible by a network of smugglers who pay as little regard to international law as they do to human life. By the time the surviving refugees reach Europe, most are sick, malnourished and devoid of worldly belongings.

European nations will have to come up with ways to either keep Afghan refugees at their homes in Afghanistan or welcome and integrate them into the European society. Although the experience of doing so hasnt been much successful in the case of Syrian refugees, what is haunting Afghans, too, is uncertainty.

Many of the current refugees from Afghanistan are educated. When starting on their journeys, they think of Europe as a kind of heaven. On reaching, however, they find their educational qualifications invalid and their residential status uncertain. This poses a grave obstacle in their path to integration. Many have to take up menial jobs, saturating the job market in the host countries and fueling a hostile attitude toward them.

The refugee influx was a major reason for Brexit and the rise of populist governments in Europe. As Europeans saw a potential threat to their society and their way of life, they sought protection in politicians who perennially look inwards. The result is now a range of countries where conservative leaders are gaining a foothold. Anti-immigrant and nationalist sentiments are rising and there have even been organized protests against the refugees.

The US has carried out the most extensive military operations for rooting out terror from Afghanistan. Yes, it has been successful but not in rebuilding the country and providing alternative business opportunities to the third generation of Afghans that has seen nothing but war. As the US departs from Afghanistan, this generation will not headto the city upon a hill which remains far from the reach of the pockets of the poor Afghans. The responsibility will ultimately fall upon Europe.

So far, this responsibility has been shouldered by Afghanistans eastern neighbor, Pakistan. For 40 years, Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees at the cost of its own economic progress. At its peak, the number touched 4 million and presently lies around 3 million. Being a third-world country, Pakistan can divert only a limited amount of resources from developmental activities to the welfare of refugees.

When Soviet forces attacked Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan experienced the first strain on its economy with a massive influx of refugees. The second strain was in the shape of Afghans who fled the fighting between the US and the Taliban (banned in Russia) in 2001. The main consequence has been the stunting of growth of Pakistans border regions. Gradual degradation of the economy in these regions deprived them of educational and growth opportunities and today they are one of the poorest parts of Pakistan. In fact, Pakistan has been enduring the burden of Europe and the US all the while trying to keep its own economy afloat. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked last year that the world must step up and match Pakistans compassion for refugees. But with the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan is unlikely to welcome any more people from Afghanistan. The only feasible direction for Afghan refugees, therefore, is westward.

The solution to the impending crisis for Europe boils down to a single point: dont forget to rebuild the countries that you bomb. Rebuilding attempts have been going on ever since the Taliban were ousted from Kabul but the successive regimes installed in their place could hardly move their country forward.

Afghan politicians have been trying to cover rampant corruption, ethnic nepotism and appeasement of warlords by placing the blame for the problems of their country on neighbors. While they will be flying first class to Europe with their dual nationalities, their countrymen will head to Europe through routes far less than legal.

The US as well as European countries that have supervised Afghan governments since 2001 have shown little interest in institutional building, strengthening democracy and raising a social welfare infrastructure. Now the problem is turning around to haunt them in another form. Afghan refugees will be knocking on European borders within weeks and the overburdened European states will be in a fix to address the issue.

Coalition forces are going to announce the completion of their withdrawal any moment now. European leaders with their American counterparts must sit down and decide upon rebuilding Afghanistan as a matter of top priority. Poverty is the breeding ground of extremism. If European and American leaders do not come up with a form of Marshall Plan to raise the economic conditions of Afghanistan, it is only a matter of time that they will be coming back with their bombs to uproot the next wave of extremism.
More regional cooperation  and around six billion US dollars  is needed for the countries of Central Asia to ensure that they can make the most of the opportunities offered by digitalisation, Emerging Europe writes. Digitalisation has become an inextricable part of economic development. Research from the World Bank estimates that a 10 per cent increase in internet connectivity can add at least one per cent to economic growth. Furthermore, just a one per cent increase in internet connectivity can boost exports by 4.3 per cent.

It is through digitalisation that poorer, agrarian-based economies can bypass industrialisation. It can allow them to break through the glass ceiling of primary resource-based countries and enter the ranks of the worlds advanced economies. Because of this, it is crucial for developing countries to digitalise as fast as possible. With every passing year, emerging countries that fail to adequately develop their digital economies fall further and further behind the rest of the world, ensnaring them in relative poverty.

Central Asia is a region with major potential in the digital sphere, but which unfortunately lags behind much of emerging Europe. While the numbers vary greatly between the five countries, overall nearly half of the population of Central Asia lacks internet access. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan fall below the global average of 54 per cent internet penetration, according to statistics from the World Bank.

Furthermore, in terms of access to broadband connections, as opposed to mobile, only Kazakhstan, at 13.44 per cent, is above the world average of 13.26 per cent. Beyond this lack of access, internet speed is another problem in the region. According to data from Speedtest.net, Kazakhstan fares best, with an average broadband speed of 58.35 Mbps, but places just 67th globally.

Turkmenistan has one of the slowest average broadband speeds in the world, at just 4.19 Mbps.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, with the highest internet penetration in the region (80 per cent  higher than several European countries) was the first to see the potential. In 2017, the government launched its Digital Kazakhstan programme, aiming to expedite the digitalisation of the economy and society. Furthermore, the Kazakh government has been active in encouraging start-ups. Every major educational institution in the country welcomes and supports start-ups, with Nazarbayev University in Nur-Sultan leading the way.

One of the most promising start-ups to emerge from the country is Sezual, a tech company making devices which help blind people navigate through echolocation. Nurbek Yensenbayev, the CEO, is full of praise for the support his government provided for the companys development. In particular, he singles out Yerlan Aukenov, vice minister of labour and social protection, for organising commissions to help test Sezuals products. He left the public in no doubt about the performance of our technology, Yensenbayev tells Emerging Europe.

Galimzhan Gabdreshov, co-founder of Sezual, believes that government initiatives have produced tangible benefits for every Kazakh citizen  and have facilitated Kazakhstans emergence as the regional leader in digitalisation. Now, [Kazakhstans] digital leaders are already helping neighbouring countries, say Gabdreshov. In Uzbekistan, the largest country in the region by population, there has also been movement towards digitalisation.

Uzbekistan

From 2019 to 2020, Uzbekistan nearly doubled the length of its fibre-optic infrastructure, from 36,600 kilometers to 68,600. The government has also simplified permits for the construction of cell towers, leading to an acceleration of internet connectivity  this has allowed all three of the countrys state-owned telecommunications providers to solidify cooperation with Chinese giant Huawei in the installation of 5G.

In October 2020, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree approving the Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy. As a first step, the initiative aims to make all state payments  such as duties, taxes and fines  digital by August 1. The initiative also envisages closer collaboration between government bodies and business entities, a step forward in Uzbekistans state-dominated economy.

The laggards

However, the other three Central Asian countries lag far behind Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan, unsurprisingly, has the regions lowest internet penetration rate and its autocratic political structure stifles the creation of IT-oriented private industry.

At the other end of the political spectrum, Kyrgyzstan, which arguably has the regions most robust democracy, fares little better. In April, Taalai Baiterekov, the head of Kyrgyzstans office of digital transformation admitted in an address to parliament that digitalisation of the country is going very slowly and that results so far are not very impressive.

Tajikistan, an economy highly reliant on remittances, is also struggling. In 2019, fewer than one per cent of households had broadband internet access, with just over a third having mobile internet access. Internet is also prohibitively expensive for much of the country, particularly in rural areas where 70 per cent of the population lives.

Researchers from the International Telecommunications Union estimate that it will take investment of six billion US dollars to connect the remaining half of Central Asias population to the internet. This would require an unprecedented degree of cooperation, coordination and political will to accomplish.

However, Nurbek Yesenbayev believes that this level of cooperation is in the making. Kazakhstan is already assisting its neighbours in their digitalisation efforts and he believes that this can form the basis for increased integration between the five countries, including the creation of a single legal zone and economic coordination.

Most important here is a timely focus, and Kazakhstan is an example of this. Although Kazakhstan is currently a regional leader in this important area, it is good to see that the other countries are also taking active steps in the right direction, says Yesenbayev.
U.S. President Joe Biden said he will speak on Afghanistan on Thursday, days after American troops pulled out of their main military base 20 years after entering the country.

Biden made the remark to reporters at the White House when asked if he was worried about Kabul falling in the face of a ramped-up Taliban offensive.

Biden said on Friday that some American forces would still be in Afghanistan in September as part of a rational drawdown with allies.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement that Biden would speak about our continued drawdown efforts and ongoing security and humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and military on Thursday afternoon, Euronews reported.

On Thursday morning, Biden would meet with his national security team to receive an update on the progress of the drawdown from Afghanistan, Psaki said.
The European Union has proposed to Russia that they discuss the potential joint recognition of their COVID-19 vaccination certificates, the blocs ambassador to Moscow Markus Ederer said on Thursday.

The EU ambassador said the EU has digital certificates allowing its citizens to travel freely within the bloc, as well as a law that envisages the possibility of recognizing other similar certificates.

In that spirit, we have approached the Russian Ministry of Health and proposed discussing whether Russia would be interested in such a process, TASS cited Ederer as saying.

Russia has approved four vaccines, none of which have been approved by the European Union. Moscow has not approved any foreign vaccines for use.
Contacts with Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh take place constantly within the framework of implementation of trilateral agreements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday, answering a question on whether any talks with Baku are planned in the wake of President Putins meeting with Armenian Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

"Contacts with Azerbaijan happen constantly. Everybody agrees that the implementation of the trilateral agreements is very important and has no alternatives. Therefore, contacts with both Armenian and Azerbaijani sides take place within the framework of this implementation," TASS cited Peskov as saying.

The spokesman noted that, during the July 7 Russian-Armenian negotiations, the leaders "discussed the bilateral relations in detail."

"They discussed various nuances of the implementation of the trilateral agreements and the trade and economic cooperation, naturally," Peskov added.
Russian vaccines are sufficiently effective against the new coronavirus strains, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov assured reporters on Thursday.

"Our vaccines are effective enough even against the strains that have emerged recently," he pointed out.

The Kremlin spokesman added that Russian President Vladimir Putins recent trip to the city of Kemerovo had taken place in strict accordance with the current sanitary guidelines. "These requirements are still relevant given the coronavirus situation. The presidents future activities will also be tailored to meet the requirements of the sanitary authorities. The presidents safety is vital," Peskov stressed.

According to him, the head of state will continue to heed all the necessary precautions when visiting Russias regions.
In the event of an attack on Tajikistan from the border with Afghanistan, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) would urgently convene, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov vowed during his lecture at the Far Eastern Federal University on Russias international activity for developing Russian regions on Thursday.

"If Tajikistan is attacked, this will, of course, be a subject of an immediate discussion in the CSTO," Russias top diplomat assured.

Moscow and Dushanbe are allies under the Collective Security Treaty, and Russia has a military base in Tajikistan, Lavrov mentioned.

"So, we will, of course, honor our commitments," TASS cited him as saying.

The press center of the Border Guard Troops of Tajikistans State Committee for National Security reported on Monday that more than 1,000 Afghan troops had retreated to Tajikistan after clashes with the Taliban (outlawed in Russia). Afghan troops have had to retreat to Tajikistans territory several times over the past two weeks.
The U.S. military said Wednesday that two people sustained minor injuries after at least 14 rockets pummeled an Iraqi base that houses U.S. troops and other international forces.

At approx. 12:30 PM local time, Ain Al-Assad Air Base was attacked by 14 rockets. The rockets landed on the base & perimeter. Force protection defensive measures were activated, wrote U.S. Army Col. Wayne Marotto, spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, in a statement Wednesday.

Marotto added that all U.S. forces were accounted for and that damage was still being assessed on the base, CNBC reported.

It was not immediately clear if those injured were U.S. troops, civilians or coalition forces. There were no immediate claims of responsibility for Wednesdays rocket attack, though the assault is part of a recent wave aimed at U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

A day prior, a drone attacked Erbil airport in northern Iraq with explosives. U.S. troops occupy a military air base adjacent to the civilian airport. Earlier in the week, multiple rockets and a drone targeted Ain al-Asad air base and the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
President Vladimir Putin scrapped Russias ban on charter flights to Egypt on Thursday, six years after suspending them for national security seasons in the aftermath of a plane crash, The Arab Weekly reports.

The move is expected to be a boon for Egypts year-round resorts in Sharm al-Sheikh and Hurghada which attracted large numbers of Russians in the past.

The flights were stopped after a Metrojet plane taking Russian holiday makers back from Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg broke up over the Sinai Peninsula in October 2015, killing 224 people.
As a result of mine explosion in Azerbaijan's Fuzuli district, two civilians received serious injuries, the press service of the Interior Ministry reported.

On July 8, residents of liberated Fuzuli district, having illegally entered the territory of the Ashaghy Abdurahmanly village, passing by checkpoints, received serious injuries as a result of a mine explosion.

Currently, police officers, servicemen of the Internal Troops and specialists of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency are taking urgent measures to transport them to a safe area.

According to the press service, despite repeated warnings, people are still trying to illegally enter the liberated territories [liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 Karabakh war], as a result of which they get blown up, killed or injured, due to mined areas.
The upcoming bad debt exchange platform from Vietnam Asset Management Company is being viewed as a promising legal intermediary which can effectively deal with sour loans,

as well as help lenders simplify procedures for collateral disputes while enhancing transparency.

VAMC bad debts platform facilitates market options. Source: freepik.com

In late June the company (VAMC) announced that it will register a new branch to operate as a debt trading platform.

The debt exchange platform, which is expected to be launched in this quarter, will bridge the gap between non-performing loan (NPLs) buyers and sellers to arrange the sales of debts and collateral for bad debts among relevant parties, such as banks and other organisations.

The major task of this platform is to provide consulting services, connecting buyers and sellers in a professional fashion, said Doan Van Thang, general director of VAMC. It is a collection of bad debt settlements clubbed from credit institutions, businesses, and individuals who need to buy and sell debts.

The State Bank of Vietnam also green-lit a club consisting of 23 members, mainly banks, to better address the urgent needs of debtors and borrowers.

In 2017 the National Assembly passed Resolution No.42/2017/QH14 on the pilot settlement of bad debts of credit institutions, applicable to the debt that has arisen and has been considered as soured before August 15, 2017.

Nguyen Quoc Hung, general secretary of the Vietnamese Banking Association (VBA), confirmed that Resolution 42 was only a pilot with short validity period of five years, thus the legal corridor does not apply to handling all NPLs of credit institutions in a long run. With the end of pilot upcoming next year, VAMCs debt exchange is part of its plan to restructure and improve capacity towards 2022.

At the end of the first quarter, 26 banks revealed their NPLs increased by 5.3 per cent to more than $4 billion. Notably, large-cap banks such as BIDV, VPBank, and VietinBank posted the largest NPL holdings in the banking system with $944.5 million, $452 million, and $387 million, respectively.

In Q1, 20 of the 26 banks recorded an increase in bad debts, with some like ACB and Vietcombank reporting drastic rises. ACB saw the sharpest increase in the quarter with 61 per cent to reach $128.26 million of bad debts.

Banks have also put assets secured with NPLs up for auction to promptly speed up debt settlements.

For example, BIDV recently announced a second auction of around VND1 trillion ($45 million) debt of Khai Vy Group backed by collateral, such as the land use rights of Crystal Building, plantation land, construction, and more.

Likewise, VietinBank signalled its intention to sell many debts incurred in the high volatile period of 2010-2012. The most recent large debt, as of June 20, is from Kim Anh Co., Ltd reaching nearly VND108.6 billion ($4.8 million). The borrowers collateral includes two land use rights and assets attached to land in Dong Da District and Tay Ho District in Hanoi with a total area of 277.5 square metres.

As of the end of last year, VAMC bought bad debts with special bonds of around nearly VND375 trillion ($16.3 billion). Moreover, the companys debt recovery activities reached VND167 trillion ($7.26 billion). VAMCs debt collection results accounted for 63 per cent of its total accumulated debt collection.

Can Van Luc, senior economist at BIDV Training School, said the lack of an official debt trading market and derivatives products for NPLs has posed significant challenges for lenders and debtors.

Thang of VAMC also urged ministries and relevant agencies soon complete the legal framework for the debt trading industry, including the debt securitisation and various forms of NPLs-backed products.

Debt trading in our country is still mainly conducted and executed by contracts, while in other countries they have successfully built a transparent legal structure for securitisations and key parties involved. Debt securities also include a wide range of services from notes, stocks, and bonds to debentures, investment contracts, and many other types of instruments, he said.

The Ministry of Finance is studying and in seed stage of developing this mechanism, but it is too slow, in my opinion. It is very necessary to speed up the securitisation of bad debts, Thang suggested.

Foreign investors might find it hard to access to this debt market, majorly secured by real estate assets, due to Vietnams rigorous legal framework. Foreigners cannot take a direct security interest or mortgage of land use rights. Thus, they have to cooperate with local banks that may not have a balance sheet strong enough to meet mandatory prudential requirements applicable to both domestic and overseas lenders. Notwithstanding, under the current law non-nationals can retain a land use right certificate for 50 years, while locals can have one indefinitely.

Under the Law on Housing 2014, foreign organisations and individual ownership of units in an apartment building in Vietnam may not exceed 30 per cent of total units in one apartment building, which is viewed as an obstacle for them to join the debt trading market.

Source: VIR
Despite Covid-19, Vietnams farm produce exports still achieved impressive results, especially litchis.

The H1 report of the agriculture ministry showed that despite the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic which have adversely affected socio-economic life, caused global supply disruptions and directly affected production and export, Vietnams farm produce exports still exceeded the plan.

In H1, Vietnams exported $24.23 billion worth of farm produce, an increase of 28.2 percent over the same period 2020. Of this, the export of major produce brought turnover of $10.4 billion, up by 13.3 percent, seafood exports $4.05 billion, forestry products $8.7 billion, up by 61.5 percent.

China, the US, Japan and South Korea were the major biggest consumers of Vietnams farm produce.

The US has become the biggest client of Vietnam, consuming $6.7 billion worth of products, up by 60 percent, or 27.9 percent of Vietnams farm produce export value, followed by China, consuming $.475 billion, up by 32.1 percent, or 19.6 percent of total export value.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said Vietnams farm produce exports increased thanks to the efforts to open new markets such as Peru and Australia, and the proactive research, prediction and exploitation of FTAs. The cooperation with embassies and commercial affairs divisions in key target markets of Japan, South Korea, the US, EU and China to exchange and provide information was also helpful in defining timely solutions.

Relevant agencies created most favorable conditions for Chinese businesses to enter Vietnam, and negotiate with Vietnamese businesses and collect litchis. They also negotiated with other countries to connect and promote fruit and seafood exports to China, Thailand the EU.

Despite Covid-19 and restricted travel, Hai Duong and Bac Giang still smoothly exported litchis to China. Their litchi specialties were welcomed in the choosy markets of Japan, Australia, Singapore and the EU.

In Japan, Vietnams litchis were displayed at over 300 supermarket shelves at m prices of VND350,000-500,000 per kilogram. The first consignment of litchis to Japan sold out in several hours.

Vietnams litchis were the topic of discussion at many meetings with Japanese partners this year. The information about litchis is regularly updated on the news websites of the Japanese community in Japan, according to Vu Hong Nam, Japanese Ambassador to Japan, who attended an online conference on Bac Giangs litchis consumption in early June.

Nam then estimated that 1,000 tons of fresh litchis would be exported to Japan this crop.

Despite the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic which have adversely affected socio-economic life, caused global supply disruptions and directly affected production and export, Vietnams farm produce exports still exceeded the plan.

At a recent auction in Perth City of Australia, one box of fresh litchis was sold at 3,000 AUD, or VND52 million. Vietnams litchis were also sold at high prices of up to VND500,000 per kilogram, in some other choosy markets in Europe, such as France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Domestic market

MARD reported that products such as litchis, pangasius (catfish), fish farmed in reservoirs and cooperatives safe aquatic products were put on sale at large supermarket chains such as Big C, Aeon, Hapro and Vinmart.

Farm produce have also been displayed in a new market  e-commerce websites, including Alibaba, Amazon, Sendo, Voso, Shopee and Postmart.

Speaking at a conference on digital transformation in agriculture and rural development on June 18, Chu Quang Hao from Vietnam Post said there have been big changes on voso.vn (Viettel Post) postmart.vn (VnPost)

The number of people entering the trading floor has increased sharply, from several thousands of visitors a day to hundreds of thousands. Since June 1, there have been 4.6 million visits to learn about litchis and 36.000-37,000 orders have been placed each day.

Litchis sell very well in Tay Ninh. The supply cannot satisfy the demand sometimes, Hao said, adding that about 8,000 tons of litchis will be consumed via e-commerce platforms this year. The figure is just 4-5 percent of total litchi output, but it is unprecedentedly high.

After litchis, Son Las mango and plum have also been brought to e-commerce sites. Localities have been promoting online sale in order to boost sales.

MARD Minister Le Minh Hoan said the story about litchis should prompt enterprises and farmers to think of a new development and farm produce consumption for the time to come.

He went on to say that the biggest lesson from the litchi crop is not how many tons of litchis have been sold, but which model Vietnam should apply to obtain sustainable value in farm produce consumption.

This is a new way of thinking  activating a system of exchanging information, and connecting data about demand and supply to boost distribution.

This will drive farmers and enterprises to a transparent and smart agriculture. Producers will understand the market demand about output, standards and distribution methods. And consumers will know the origin of products, and distributors and retailers know the status of material growing areas at different moments.

We dont wait for the harvesting time to calculate how we will distribute farm produce. We can do that and draw scenarios on distribution based on predictions and information, he said.

Tam An

Vietnam to establish several hi-tech agricultural zones The Ministry of Science and Technology has just partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to launch a program for the implementation of technology in agriculture in the period from 2021-2030.
The unemployment statistics in Vietnam are always controversial.

Before Hanoi imposed measures to prevent the 4th wave of Covid-19, around a month ago, I sat at a coffee shop and witnessed a group of more than 10 waiters and waitresses saying goodbye. All of them were young people who left their home in rural areas to come to Hanoi to get a job, and lost their jobs after just slightly over 1.5 months. They told me they really didn't know where to go and what to eat when the cafe closed.

Hanoi did not declare social distancing but restaurants, coffee shops, iced tea shops, haircare shops ... had to close, thus pushing many people like these young people to the street. But this has happened not only in Hanoi but in a dozens of provinces such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Bac Giang or Bac Ninh, threatening people's livelihoods, especially the household and non-official economic sectors. The number of workers in these sectors is the largest compared to others.

Hanoi in the days of social distancing.

However, the unemployment rate in Vietnam in the first half of this year was strangely low.

According to the General Statistics Office, the rate was estimated at 2.3%, specifically 3.07% in the urban area and 1.86% in the rural area.

Those are the most beautiful numbers in the world. Globally, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the global unemployment rate is expected to stand at 6.3% this year, and will fall to 5.7% in 2022, which are both higher than those of Vietnam.

The unemployment statistics in Vietnam are always controversial. The announcement of low unemployment rate will make it difficult to mobilize and arouse concerns and thoughts to find ways to support and share with workers during this alarmingly difficult time.

Valentina Barcucci, Deputy Director of ILO Vietnam, once assessed that the unemployment rate in Vietnam, whether before or after the epidemic, is always "much lower" than that of other countries in the region, but this does not mean that Vietnam is subject to few challenges.

The unemployment rate is only one evaluation criterion. More information is needed on the quality of the labor market, especially information about the groups that do not participate in the labor market.

For many years, as a journalist, I have persistently raised doubts about the very low unemployment rate in Vietnam, which is around 2%. Last year, despite such a terrible impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, this rate was still only 2.48%, 0.31 percentage points higher than that of 2019.

Why do I doubt it? Because Vietnams calculation is according to international standards. Accordingly, unemployed people are those aged 15 years or older who currently do not work, are looking for work, and are willing to work.

In developed countries, citizens who lose their jobs and are unemployed benefit from unemployment insurance, or subsidies, so the Government can identify them right away.

But it is very different in Vietnam. If a person is unemployed, uninsured, and even has to beg for money on the street but meets only one of the above factors they are not considered as unemployed. A wife who has no job and stays home to do housework is still considered to be working and not unemployed.

The unemployment statistics in Vietnam are always controversial.

The majority of rural people, even though they work for a few days and spend most of their time in leisure, are not counted as unemployed. If I was pushed to the street to work as a motorbike taxi driver, even if I have taken only one trip a day, I would not be considered unemployed.

That's why Vietnams unemployment rate is always low. The problem is that the majority of "non-employed" people are working with starving wages, have no savings, only dare to spend for minimum basic needs.

But there are some statistics worth mentioning during the Covid-19 period: As of December 2020, the country had 32.1 million people aged 15 and over negatively affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, including people who lost jobs, had to take time off work/rotational leave, had reduced working hours, reduced income... Of which, more than 69% had their income reduced, nearly 40% had to reduce working hours/retirement/rotational leave and about 14% had to suspend working or suspend production and business activities.

The service sector was hardest hit by the Covid-19 epidemic with nearly 72% of workers affected, followed by the industry and construction sector with nearly 65% of workers affected. The proportion of affected workers in the agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors was more than 26%.

In 2020, the labor force aged 15 and over reached 54.6 million people, a decrease of 1.2 million people compared to 2019. The statistics agency confirmed: The Covid-19 epidemic may have taken away the opportunity to participate in the labor market of 1.6 million people."

Are these numbers included in the unemployment rate?

Numbers are unemotional, but a lot of suffering has occurred.

Tu Giang

Over 1.1 million people unemployed, nearly 13 million others affected by Covid-19 pandemic Vietnams labor market in the first half of 2021 was heavily affected by the 3rd and 4th outbreaks of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Vietnam General Statistics Offices report released on July 6.
The Prime Ministers approval to pilot home quarantine for F1 cases instead of concentrated quarantine is considered a turning point in Covid-19 prevention in Vietnam.

People in HCM City queue for Covid test.

For a long time, many experts believed that the SARS-Cov-2 virus was unstoppable because of its properties that caused a global pandemic. Since the Delta strain appeared along with the 4th wave in Vietnam, more experts supported this idea.



Regarding the ongoing 4th wave, Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long has said: "According to experts, the British variant is over 1.7 times more contagious than the previous variants, but the Delta variant is 1.4 times more contagious than the British variant, which is more than 40% faster than the previous strains.



Prof. Nguyen Van Kinh, Chairman of the Infectious Diseases Association, said: told the media that asymptomatic patients made it difficult for medical screening at hospitals. "For many cases with lung x-rays performed, doctors still failed to detect the virus," he said.



Doctor Nguyen Hong Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Infectious Diseases Association, said that many people have the virus but have no symptoms, so it is difficult to know who is the virus carrier.



There are people who were tested 2-3 times and all tests were negative. When their quarantine time was nearly over, they were positive for the virus. This makes tracing extremely difficult," Ha said.



Thus, the tracing and zoning that once worked may no longer be effective with the Delta variant.

If Vietnam pursues the old way, under which epidemic-hit areas are locked down and then re-opened when the epidemic is controlled, the lockdown and re-opening will repeat, causing harmful effects to the economy and people's livelihoods.



There is still good news that about 80% of Covid-19 patients in HCM City during the ongoing outbreak have had no symptoms or only mild symptoms, according to Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health Nguyen Tan Binh.

The Ministry of Health has set a criteria for pilot home quarantine for low-risk F1 cases. This is a step forward in disease prevention because when the number of F1s is high, there is always the risk that they will become F0 (Covid-19 patients) when living in crowded quarantine centers.



This measure of isolation, in many cases, has become social punishment and social stigma. In some places, dozens of young people were forced to enter quarantine centers because they went to karaoke parlours, violating the social distancing order.



Concentrated quarantine that is applied for F1 cases can be counterproductive.



Home quarantine works in both pandemic prevention and does not greatly affect normal activities.



F1 cases could be quarantined at work because it is the place where they are isolated from the community but are still able to work.



One step further would be to allow infected people without symptoms or with mild symptoms to be under home quarantine.



If this form of quarantine is accepted, we will no longer see children being separated from their parents to enter quarantine centers.

Thousands of medical staff and tens of thousands of beds in medical facilities will be free to serve non-Covid-19 patients. Tens of thousands of F0 and F1 cases will be able to continue to work remotely, creating economic value, reducing the burden on the state budget when the state no longer has to maintain large-sized quarantine facilities. Thousands of military staff will be free from guarding and serving quarantine facilities.



In fact, the old-form of quarantine in the current situation is pushing the healthcare system faster to the limit of tolerance. Large-scale, centralized quarantine facilities, which are substandard both in terms of facilities and procedures, instead of helping to reduce the rate of infection, promote F1 cases that can become F0 cases on a large scale.

Sending tens of thousands of infected people who do not need medical care to hospitals in a long time of 14-21 days will quickly make the medical system overloaded.



Allowing F1 cases to be home quarantined marks a turning point in pandemic prevention and control in Vietnam. Then the time will come when we will have to allow F0 cases with mild symptoms to be under home quarantine, then allow people who enter Vietnam who have a vaccine passport to be free from quarantine and, most importantly, familiarize the population with the virus like the way our ancestors faced viruses over thousands of years.



Tu Giang
Face masks have become an inseparable part of our daily life amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but many wearers wish they didn't feel so stuffy while protecting their health.

Scientist Tran Ngoc Phuc wears the air purifier mask invented by himself.  Photo courtesy of Metran

A Vietnamese scientist living in Japan has invented an air-purifying face mask that kills bacteria and viruses, while creating a flow of cool, fresh air for wearers.

At the age of 74, Tran Ngoc Phuc, founder and chairman of Japanese medical equipment firm Metran, is still researching and inventing practical products.

His latest invention is the air filtration face mask, which makes it easy to breathe in hot weather and is suitable for frontline medical forces, workers in toxic environments and airline staff.

Phuc is widely known as the inventor of respiratory ventilators (MV20) ordered by the Japanese Government last year to assist patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As many as 2,000 MV20 ventilators were handed over to Vietnam last April to help local patients.

Phucs latest invention is made from silicon so that the mask can filter out bacteria and viruses and have a high level of air resistance.

The transparent medical plastic sheet covering the mouth helps prevent droplets.

The mask can create positive pressure to ensure that the unfiltered air cannot penetrate into the respiratory system.

With three versions designed for specific groups of people in different living and working conditions, the masks will debut in August, according to the scientist.

The first version of the mask, which is for normal people in daily use, can protect everyone from infection by limiting the spread of bacteria and viruses from the outside environment. It helps wearers protect themselves and people around them, Phuc said.

The first version of the mask is for normal people in daily use.  Photo courtesy of Metran

People can breathe easily when wearing the masks while playing sports, running and being in hot weather thanks to the air filtration layer. They can also wear that version with other types of face masks like the ones made from fabric or N95 masks, he said.

The second version, of a higher level, is connected to a medical grade air pump via a one-metre long pipe. The pump uses built-in ultraviolet rays to kill viruses on surfaces. It can connect wirelessly with smartphones.

The mask itself has a two-way, high-efficiency particulate air filter on two cheeks so that the air released into the environment is purified, protecting the environment and the wearers health. This mask is suitable for elderly people or those on airplanes or at hospitals.

The mask can filter 99.9 per cent of viruses, even the tiny viruses measuring only 0.12 micrometres in size, he said, while affirming that there is no mask able to filter 100 per cent of viruses.

The second version has a two-way high efficiency particulate air filter and can be used for elderly people or those on airplanes or in hospitals.  Photo courtesy of Metran

The premium version, jointly studied by Metran and Tokyo Medical and Dental University, has the same features as version two. It has a shielding layer which looks like a helmet covering the head and the mouth.

The mask is a best fit for miners working in toxic environments, those at hospitals where COVID-19 patients are treated and other healthcare facilities treating patients with respiratory diseases and airborne infections.

The third version is connected with an assistance device and has a shielding layer. It is best used for people working in toxic environments.  Photo courtesy of Metran

Masks used in pandemic areas and toxic environments are equipped with more filters or a zeolite layer to increase protection, Phuc said.

The inventor said he would add sensors that measure air pressure, air pollution, or even the user's body temperature.

This future mask, as it is called by Phuc, is not only suitable for filtering bacteria and viruses including SARS-CoV-2, it can also filter out fine dust PM2.5, pollen and other elements that cause allergies.

In particular, the mask can be useful for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a topic that Phuc has researched for many years.

In China, there is research showing that 13 per cent of people from the age of 40 will suffer from COPD. I think the figure is not only true in China but also in Vietnam. We have been exposed to pollution and diseases. We have to protect ourselves by breathing safe air.

Our lungs are like radiators releasing the heat. The mask creates a cool fresh flow of air for the lungs so the wearers do not need air conditioners while in cars or buses. It is also a way to help save energy, he said.

Making face masks fashionable

Phuc tries wearing the face mask.  Photo courtesy of Metran

Phuc said at first when he wore the air purifier mask [which has two round-shaped filters and is connected with a long pipe], other people thought he was infected with some disease.

Then they started to be curious about its function. Now people realise its health benefits. Unless face masks have health benefits, they can not survive in society.

I hope that masks will soon become a lifestyle so that wearing masks will become more popular among everyone. In the future, I think wearing face masks will become a fashion trend like womens jewellery.

Metran is open to bringing face mask solutions to the public and welcome ideas to make the masks more suitable for wearers, for example, how to make the masks more fashionable, Phuc said.

More about Phucs inventions During the early days of the pandemic outbreak last year, ventilators made by Metran have saved lives of many patients in Vietnam. Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said the ventilators "not only meet the demand of treating critically-ill COVID-19 patients who need invasive mechanical ventilation, but also applies to patients with respiratory failure and other medical treatments and respiratory diseases." MV20s technology has been transferred to the UK and the ventilators have been distributed to many countries around the world to treat COVID patients. In the 1980s, Phuc developed a high frequency oscillatory ventilator (HFO), named Hummingbird that assists newborns breathing. Metrans HFO allowed for diffusion of air supply at a rate thousands of times faster than machines available then. Metran's HFO ventilators have saved the lives of millions of premature babies in Japan and more than 16 countries around the world. They have been installed and used in more than 90 per cent of neonatal intensive care units in Japan and are rated as the best neonatal ventilators at that time.

Source: Vietnam News

Japanese firm to make 15,000 ventilators to help Vietnams COVID-19 response Japanese medical equipment firm Metran plans to make 15,000 ventilators for Vietnam to help the country combat the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which is ravaging the globe, according to Founder and Chairman Tran Ngoc Phuc.
HCM City will apply social distancing measures under the Prime Minister's Directive 16 for 15 days starting 0am on July 9, said Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee.

Le Thanh Ton street in Ho Chi Minh City's district 1

In accordance with the directive, people must strictly follow strict social distancing rules. They are asked to stay at home and only go outside for essential trips such as buying food and medicines, or emergency care. Essential good delivery services are allowed.

Phong affirmed that the city has enough supply of goods and measures to distribute goods, ensuring stability and meeting the needs of the people.

The city authorities have requested the suspension of public transport, technology ride-hailing services and traditional motorbike taxis.

The Department of Health was asked to deploy a treatment plan for 10,000 -20,000 COVID-19 infected cases.

According to a report by the department, from April 27 to 6pm on July 7, the city recorded 8,151 coronavirus infections in the community, including 45 deaths. The city is currently treating 7,118 patients.

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.

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.

Source: VNA

HCM City extends social distancing as COVID-19 cases surge Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnams busiest and most populous locality, is expected to extend social distancing which was imposed a month ago as the number of newly detected cases has increased considerably these days.
With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving many people in HCM City poor and hungry, a small group of friends in District 10 have cooked up a wonderful initiative: making food and distributing it to people they see on the street.

Nguyen Quoc Bao (left) and Percy Smith (right) pack meals they will donate on HCM Citys streets. Bao's friends have been doing this charity work for around three months.  VNA Photo

Nguyen Quoc Bao has been doing this for three months, making vegetarian meals and riding around the city to give them to lottery ticket sellers, poor homeless people and others he feels might be struggling to earn a living.

Himself a vegetarian, he typically cooks rice, tofu and vegetables, which also keep costs low. Every day he wakes up at 6am and does this charity work until 5pm before preparing for the next days meals until 9pm.

At first he did everything by himself, making and delivering around 50 portions of food daily. Then an expat friend called Percy Smith joined him.

Briton Smith teaches English to kindergarten kids, and has been in Vietnam for nearly two years. He used to rent motorbikes from Baos shop on Bui Vien Street that has been closed for more than a year now due to a lack of foreign tourists.

Besides himself helping with cooking and delivering the food, he has also got some of his expat friends to join. The group now makes hundreds of portions every day, with the number once reaching 1,200.

Some of Bao's expat friends help pack the meals. At first he worked alone before they started to join to help.  VNA Photo

Smith comes to help on Mondays and Fridays with his expat girlfriend.

He rides a motorbike along with Bao, each carrying a huge tray loaded with styrofoam boxes of food at the back, and they travel around the city to hand them to people on the street who look like they could do with a meal.

Smith solicited donations on a HCM City expat group on Facebook, and the results have been wonderful both in terms of the contributions they get and the attention.

Some people have seen [us] on Facebook and they come and help, he says even as he works dexterously packing box after box of food.

The group makes hundreds of meals every day. Many people make donations to the group, allowing it to feed more and more unfortunate people.  VNA Photo

Aisha Amelia, another English teacher from the UK, is one of the more recent members of the group and also a friend of Bao.

[Bao] spends a lot of his own money, all his time every day to give, give and give to everybody, she says.

I feel very happy. Sometimes its a bit sad to see people so hungry during the pandemic. But I feel very lucky to be helping Bao and helping people in Vietnam.

A lot of people, especially expats, wanted to join Baos group, but due to the pandemic they have had to limit the number of members. Nevertheless, a great deal of financial support is coming from generous individuals, allowing the group to feed more and more people.

The expat members are very passionate with this charity work; they really put their hearts into it, Bao says, his face evidently brimming with joy despite being obscured by his mask.

Spreading kindness

While the expat members are helping Bao out of generosity, Baos helpfulness and kindness towards them in the past are definitely big motivating factors for them.

Smith says Bao has helped Aisha and him with many things, doing whatever he possibly can, so this is a chance to help him in return.

I wont be able to do this as much [after the pandemic] because I would be teaching again. But I will always help Bao and the Vietnamese community.

Percy Smith hands a person a box with food. He says Bao is a very generous man who has helped him many times in the past, and so he is happy to reciprocate.  VNA Photo

Aisha says: We often enjoy doing charity, but we want to help Bao the most because Bao is so kind and generous. He has helped me many times in the past, so if we can help a little bit to give back, then its very good.

HCM City is Vietnams largest COVID-19 hotspot overtaking Bac Giang Province, and has been under social distancing since May 31, leaving many locals with dwindling or no income.

But a silver lining is that the Vietnamese spirit of kindness and solidarity always shine through during adversity.

In fact, many other kind-hearted individuals have been making contributions to feed the less fortunate: a vegetarian restaurant in District 1 makes around 5,000 meals every day for struggling people, Food Bank Vietnam has set up a refrigerator in Binh Thanh District where people can leave food and essential goods they want to donate.

Bao has the last word: Everyone is struggling during the pandemic. So we want to share the burden and provide food to help them get through the pandemic and feel some human-to-human love.

Source: Vietnam News

Restaurant owners offer free meals to poor people After closing their restaurant due to Covid-19, a couple in HCM City have offered free meals for low-income people in the area.
The global death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 4 million Wednesday as the crisis increasingly becomes a race between the vaccine and the highly contagious delta variant.

The tally of lives lost over the past year and a half, as compiled from official sources by Johns Hopkins University, is about equal to the number of people killed in battle in all of the world's wars since 1982, according to estimates from the Peace Research Institute Oslo.

The toll is three times the number of people killed in traffic accidents around the globe every year. It is about equal to the population of Los Angeles or the nation of Georgia. It is equivalent to more than half of Hong Kong or close to 50% of New York City.

Even then, it is widely believed to be an undercount because of overlooked cases or deliberate concealment.

With the advent of the vaccine, deaths per day have plummeted to around 7,900, after topping out at over 18,000 a day in January.

But in recent weeks, the mutant delta version of the virus first identified in India has set off alarms around the world, spreading rapidly even in vaccination success stories like the U.S., Britain and Israel.
The electrical workers' union wrote to the governor to cite concerns about pension investments, retirement benefits and a potential revolving door" of private grid operators.

The mayors of seven communities, meanwhile, told the governor that they remain concerned despite an amendment to the bill.

The proposal is one of the most significant, costly and risky pieces of legislation that the Maine Legislature has ever considered, wrote the mayors of Auburn, Augusta, Biddeford, Gardiner, Lewiston, Saco and Westbrook.

On Thursday, the bill's sponsors  Democratic Rep. Seth Berry and Republican Sen. Rick Bennett  gathered in the town of Bryant Pond in western Maine, in front of a giant memorial to a hand-cranked phone, to urge support for a consumer-owned utility.

A consumer-owned Pine Tree Power would be more responsive to Mainers' needs than a pair of utilities whose owners are thousands of miles away, supporters say. Central Maine Power's corporate parent is based in Bilbao, Spain. Versants owner is in Alberta, Canada.

The foreign ownership model has been a disaster  draining money from Maine while leaving us with the most outages, the longest outages, the worst customer service, and among the highest rates in the country, Bennett, R-Oxford, said Thursday.
Members of both parties have defended the filibuster over the years in the face of attempts to weaken or eliminate it. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader in the Senate, added his voice in 2005, at a time when some Republicans were promoting the nuclear option, a procedural maneuver that would have eliminated the filibuster.

Schumer took the floor of the Senate to implore his colleagues to consider the damage of such a move. We are on the precipice of a crisis. A constitutional crisis. The checks and balances which have been at the core of this republic are about to be evaporated by the nuclear option. The checks and balances which say that if you get 51 percent of the vote, you dont get your way 100 percent of the time.

Manchin also reminded his colleagues of their more recent defense of the filibuster. In a recent op-ed, Machin wrote, In 2017 when Republicans held control of the White House and Congress, President Donald Trump was publicly urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster. Then, it was Senate Democrats who were proudly defending the filibuster. Thirty-three Senate Democrats penned a letter to Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., warning of the perils of eliminating the filibuster.
Political antics playing out in summertime often escape public scrutiny because so many of us are off pursuing vacations  and thats likely truer now than ever after pandemic fears kept many of us close to home last year. But the Texas Legislatures special session beginning today warrants voters attention. Indeed, some voters might soon find the ease with which they voted in past elections has been compromised in ways never imagined.

Which brings us to our recommendation at the very outset: In the interest of the transparency both Republicans and Democrats claim to prize, leaders of the Texas House and Senate should ensure committee hearings are given to all legislation considered, especially whatever final election integrity bill is in store. Thanks to skullduggery that even Republican authors of Senate Bill 7 now acknowledge and condemn, many Texans are more confused than ever about what Republicans specifically propose.
On the verge

Jonah Goldbergs measured, thoughtful column [Moving Democrats back to the middle..., Wednesday] brought several thoughts and questions to my mind. It seems we cant look past the elections of 2022 or 2024, the politics of personality, power, obstruction and futile attempts at compromise  in other words, more business as usual. And I keep wondering how many more deadly wildfires, floods, superstorms and hurricanes, droughts, pandemics, collapsed buildings and bridges it will take to convince us that were out of time? How many more February freezes and summer power outages?

We all need to get into the habit of looking at the bigger picture, decades beyond 2024. If Americans, indeed all the worlds citizens, dont stop whistling past the graveyards of climate change, hunger, pollution and our elderly, failing infrastructure  not to mention our own leaders ludicrous 19th century-style suppression of our voting, civil, economic and human rights  and demand that our representatives do something about them, we wont have many more chances to make America great, again or otherwise. In my view, we no longer have the options of conservative inertia or middle of the road compromise.
MEAD  A press conference has been arranged by interested parties to share stories about issues reportedly caused by the situation at the AltEn ethanol plant near Mead.

The press conference will be held at Mead Covenant Church at 1 p.m. It was organized by the Perivallon Group, a group of concerned citizens that is being led by State Sen. Carol Blood.

Organizers have set up the press conference to bring to light the suffering and fears felt by Mead area residents who they say continue to receive no hopeful response from state and national agencies. State senators have been invited to speak with residents.

A Facebook page called What About Mead, Nebraska? was recently created and posted the information about the press conference.

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The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is currently overseeing the AltEn plant due to the use of pesticide-treated seed corn in the production of ethanol which has resulted in the potential risks to the surrounding environment. AltEns process has resulted in byproducts such as pesticide-ridden distillers grain and wastewater that are being stored on the property.
PRAIRIE HOME  Its pretty normal for Austin Bray to reuse something he finds in his art.

A common theme within his art is reduce, reuse, recycle, so when the Nebraska Wesleyan graduate started collecting his father Bradley Brays medical bands, it wasnt a surprise that Austin said Im going to make something out of these, Bradley said.

A year and a half later, Austin used the multi-colored bands he gathered to create a piece that tells a story of his fathers medical journey as well as honors the healthcare providers dedication to patients and his own graduation from Nebraska Wesleyan with a degree in art.

Bradley, who grew up and raised Austin in Prairie Home, has felt the side effects of tracheomalacia for well over three decades, but has only known the conclusion since 2001. Tracheomalacia, a rare condition which normally occurs in young children, causes Bradleys trachea to collapse every time he coughs.

When I first started noticing it, I would get a cough, and I would cough too hard, Bradley said. I just couldnt breathe. It would close the trachea off. It would just fold over and collapse on itself.
The time is quickly approaching when the White House must severely punish Russia for the cyber hacks on U.S. infrastructure and businesses. Bullies usually don't renege unless there is pressure.

After meeting with his top cybersecurity experts on Wednesday, President Biden said he would "deliver" response to Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to the wave of ransomware attacks that are now hurting American companies.

The announcement made as Mr. Biden was about to leave only left it unclear if he planned to give another vocal warning to Vladimir Putin, as he did three weeks before in a one-on-one conference in Geneva.

Due to Russia's ability to escalate its own conduct, each choice comes with considerable risks.

Many private sector businesses and federal and state government institutions continue to be riddled with weaknesses that Russian hackers may attack, as shown by the recent ransomware onslaught.

President Donald Trump has said the assaults are coming from Russian territory, and as a result, he believes Mr. Putin must put them down  and that the United States would act if he does not.

Few specifics were given by Mr. Biden's aides about the early-morning meeting on Wednesday, which was attended by senior officials from several departments, including the Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security, and other members of the intelligence community.

However, they said it concentrated on urgent solutions rather than a longer-term strategy for dealing with ransomware, which they anticipate being released in the coming weeks.

The pressure on Mr. Biden to take some kind of visible action  perhaps a strike on the Russian servers or banks that keep them running  has grown as a result of his repeated warnings to Moscow that he would respond to cyberattacks on the United States with what he has termed "in-kind" action against the Russian government.

After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a lakeside estate on the outskirts of Geneva, where President Joe Biden presented him with a list of 16 areas of "critical infrastructure" that the United States considers off-limits and that would warrant a response if attacked, the president issued his most recent warning to the Russian president.

In the most recent assault, which took place during the Fourth of July vacation, a Russian-Cyber-Hacking organization known as REvil, an acronym for "ransomware evil," launched a cyberattack.

Kaseya, a Florida-based company that offers software to organizations that handle technology for thousands of smaller businesses who, for the most part, do not have the expertise or personnel to maintain their own systems, was the first victim.

REvil was able to take hostage up to 1,500 businesses by infiltrating Kaseya's software supply chain. These companies included supermarket chains in Sweden, pharmacies, and even railroads.

According to a preliminary review by administration officials, the ransomware attack over the weekend had no effect on the types of critical infrastructure  power grids, water distribution systems, and the operation of the internet itself  that Vice President Biden had warned would be a red line for Mr. Putin if he did not withdraw his support.

Over the course of many months, the National Security Council has considered several methods for stopping the ransomware that has crippled gas pipelines, meat processing facilities, hospitals, and educational institutions.

Several Justice Department task forces, working along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have been tasked with preventing ransomware operators from gaining access to some cryptocurrency wallets where ransoms are placed or transferred.

Last year, the United States Cyber Command, which is in charge of military cyberoperations, took down the servers of another Russian-language organization that the United States believed Moscow was using to meddle in the 2020 presidential election.
Authorities identified three people found dead in the northern Iowa city as two young brothers who were shot to death and another person who killed himself
After her years spent in the small community of Scottsbluff, I also am very excited about the diversity that exists within the Cedar Valley. Im really interested in getting involved and getting to know people.

Diversity and inclusion has been focus since her first position in higher education. Grant was a program coordinator and then academic counselor for the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Trio programs in the multicultural affairs, student opportunities and services division from 1994 to 1998. That was followed by her time at Iowa State until 2007.

She was then senior director of the office of multicultural student services at the University of Toledo in Ohio for two years. Grant went on to be director of multi-ethnic student affairs and the Trotter Multicultural Center at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from 2009 to 2014. During the next two years, she worked in Texas as a program supervisor for Workforce Network in Denton and then as an academic adviser at Lake Dallas High School in Corinth before the move to Nebraska.
Acolytes of Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, who the New York Times once described as a sort of patron saint of whistleblowers, launched an organization to advocate for whistleblowers and whistle-blowing on the same day that President Joe Biden signed legislation co-sponsored by the Iowa Republican establishing a whistleblower award program at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

In announcing the presidents signing of the CFTC legislation, the White House thanked Grassley as well as Republican Sens. Joni Ernst and Susan Collins of Maine, and Democratic Sens. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois.

The legislation was necessary because of the success of the whistleblower program at the CFTC, Grassley said.

Some awards distributed to whistleblowers have grown to the point that they risk wiping out the award fund before it can be replenished, he said. That would sideline staff and operations.

We cant allow this program to become a victim of its own success, Grassley said, adding, Congress broad bipartisan support for this bill demonstrates just how important this program is.
Russia has eliminated US currency from its National Wealth Fund while boosting the share of the euro, the Chinese yuan and gold, the countrys Finance Ministry announced on Tuesday.The proportion of US dollars in the fund was reduced from 35% to zero, while the share of the British pound was lowered to 5%. The shares of the euro and the Chinese yuan were increased to 39.7% and to 30.4%, respectively. The share of the Japanese yen stands at 4.7% and the share of non-cash gold is 20.2%, the official statement by the Finance Ministry reads.
Lubbock, TX (79423)

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 92F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low 72F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Tactics like these are sometimes illegal under a federal law that bans deceptive practices of any kind, says Katharine Roller, a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) attorney. But many hide in the law's shadows; there are no bright legal lines saying when type on a web page is too small or a box too hidden to pass from legal to illegal. And online businesses, fundraisers and, yes, crooks know that.

"Dark patterns are surging right now, Roller says. They manipulate consumers into spending more than they intended, buying things they don't want or staying subscribed to things they don't need.

Cracking down on dark patterns is a hot topic among anti-fraud experts. And lawmakers are looking into giving the FTC more explicit authority to regulate them, according to University of Chicago law professor Lior Strahilevitz.

A 2019 study found dark patterns in 11 percent of 11,000 shopping websites. -"That's a conservative estimate, says lead author Arunesh Mathur, of Princeton University's Center for Information Technology Policy. He also found them in political emails.

And everyone is at risk. I've been fooled by them and so have computer experts who study them, Strahilevitz says.

Lawmakers efforts to root out the deception are likely to take awhile. In the meantime, here's how to spot  and avoid  six types of dark patterns.

1. Trick questions

Shopping websites may deploy double negatives or other convoluted wording to confuse you. In a study coauthored by Strahilevitz, half of the participants who chose a subscription service via a series of tricky questions thought they'd rejected it.

Outsmart them: If a question is hard to understand, read it through several times. On rare occasion, it's an innocent case of bad wording. But often it is deliberately confusing. If you read a question twice and don't understand it, that's your cue to exit, Strahilevitz says.

2. Fool-the-eye fakery

Visual tricks can nudge you to click a bright red yes button instead of a muted gray no button, miss important info tucked in the fine print or force you to click through several screens to avoid an unwanted purchase, Mathur says.

Outsmart them: Always read all of the fine print. Enlarge the type size on your computer if needed. And bring a healthy skepticism: Any signs of deceptive or coercive language should have you moving on.

3. Bullying buttons

Mathur found 164 websites that made shoppers click a button that said something like, No thanks, I'd rather pay full price or, I don't want one-day delivery to decline a purchase. Called confirm-shaming, this tactic aims to guilt you into an unwanted purchase, he says.

Outsmart them: Remember, you are in control. Shrug off the psychological tricks and say yes only to what you want, says Kelly Quinn, an associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

4. End at midnight and just 1 left blurbs

In Mathur's study, 40 percent of discount countdown timers were fakes  the deal was still available when the timer ended.

Outsmart them: Don't let the fear of missing out force you to make a hasty purchase, he says. Take your time comparing prices and options. For most consumer products or services, sales come and go all the time.

5. Sneaky extras

Mathur found 62 websites that preselected expensive products or pressured shoppers to choose them. Seven snuck extra items into their shopping carts.

Outsmart them: Check your cart very carefully before you confirm a purchase, Strahilevitz says. I've seen subscriptions and donations added."

6. Data grabs

Websites and apps make frequent attempts to acquire info like your cellphone number, address and email. Personal information is valuable, Quinn says. Companies sell it and use it to target ads at you.

Outsmart them: Give away as little as possible online. Don't provide your phone number for optional discounts or to place an order.

Sari Harrar is a contributing editor to AARP publications who specializes in health and science.

More on Scams and Fraud
But that's not all. Nearly the same percentage of Black workers  40 percent  said the major reason for their optimism was the expectation that they would get a raise or work more hours. Here, too, national trends support their expectations: Credit card balances fell in the first quarter of 2021. Average weekly earnings rose 3.9 percent in June over a year earlier. And average weekly hours for all workers have risen modestly  from 34.1 at the beginning of pandemic restrictions in March 2020 to 34.7 hours in June 2021.

Black workers with incomes above $75,000 were especially optimistic  79 percent expected their financial situation to improve in the year ahead. Younger Black workers were almost as optimistic, with 76 percent of those ages 2549 hopeful about their financial future.

Nevertheless, fewer Black workers say they are currently satisfied with their jobs (51 percent) than Hispanic workers (57 percent) and white workers (66 percent). And fewer Black workers express satisfaction with their overall financial situation. Just 51 percent of Black workers say they are at least somewhat satisfied with their financial positions, compared with 57 percent of Hispanic workers and 66 percent of white workers.

Retirement outlook less certain

Despite their optimism for the near future, fewer than half (46 percent) of Black workers say they are very likely to achieve financial security and avoid being a burden in retirement. Those who are 50-plus are the most pessimistic, with just 38 percent thinking that they will have a financially secure retirement, and 44 percent confident that they won't be a burden on others.

Black workers say that lack of money is their largest barrier to a secure retirement (54 percent), followed by debt burdens (40 percent) and the cost of health care (14 percent). During the pandemic, 28 percent of Black workers say they have taken money from retirement savings early or stopped contributing to retirement plans.

Managing debt and reducing expenses are the top issues that Black workers want to work on this year. Fifty percent want to reduce their debt, and 47 percent plan to work on budgeting. Ten percent feel they need to tackle issues related to caring for an adult loved one. And 16 percent of Black workers say they need advice to reach their goals.

Black workers overwhelmingly support the creation of workplace programs to help them build emergency savings. These programs, like 401(k) and other savings plans, would automatically direct money from their paychecks to an emergency savings account. A similar number approve of tax incentives to help workers save for emergencies.

"What we saw is that debt remains a barrier to saving for retirement, and there is a wide gap between what people say they want their financial futures to look like and their expectations of achieving it, Koenig says. A good job with steady employment is priority number one, but having a manageable amount of debt and savings for an emergency are keys to financial security today and in the long run."

Just 39 percent of Black workers have a savings account, compared with 60 percent of white workers. And only 43 percent have an employer-provided retirement account, compared with 62 percent of white workers.

The AARP study looked at adults age 25-plus to assess their financial experience from February 2020 through February 2021  the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 5,430 Black, Hispanic and white workers completed the survey, which was taken Jan. 13, 2021 through Feb. 8, 2021. Of those who responded, 1,911 Black workers completed the survey.

John Waggoner covers all things financial for AARP, from budgeting and taxes to retirement planning and Social Security. Previously he was a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance and USA Today, and has written books on investing and the 2008 financial crisis. Waggoner's USA Today investing column ran in dozens of newspapers for 25 years.


$21 million Beetaloo Drilling Grants Approved

Sydney, July 8, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Empire Energy Group Ltd ( ASX:EEG ) ( OTCMKTS:EEGUF ) announce that the $21 million Beetaloo Drilling Grants have been approved.Highlights:- The Federal Government has approved up to $21 million in grant funding to Empire under the Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program- The funding will support the drilling and flow testing of up to 3 fracture stimulated horizontal appraisal wells in Empire's 100% owned EP187 tenement, additional seismic acquisition and other associated costs- Empire's planning for its first fracture stimulated horizontal appraisal well later this year is well advanced and fully funded- Empire expects to commence drilling its first horizontal appraisal well, which will benefit from the grant funding, in Q4 this year (subject to NT Government approvals which are well advanced)- The program will continue under the mutually agreed exploration agreement with the full and informed consent of traditional ownersComments from Managing Director Alex Underwood: "We welcome the award of Federal Government grants to support our planned exploration and appraisal in the Beetaloo Sub-basin. This funding will accelerate our activities and enable a rapid commercialisation strategy. Our planning for further seismic acquisition and the drilling and completion of our first horizontal well, which will benefit from this grant funding, is progressing well.The NT Government approval process is well advanced and our subsurface and operational teams are carrying out preparatory engineering and drilling design works to prepare for this next phase of our field programs. Critical technical data gained from the ongoing flow testing of our vertical Carpentaria-1 will soon be analysed to assess gas composition (dry gas vs liquid hydrocarbons) and zonal contribution (i.e. how each of the four zones we have fracture stimulated in the Middle Velkerri shale is contributing to total production). This data will inform our approach to drilling the horizontal well in Q4 2021, particularly which zone to land the horizontal section in, and how to fracture stimulate that well to maximise production."About the Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling ProgramThe Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program ("the Program") was announced by the Australian Government earlier this year as part of its Gas-fired Recovery Strategy.The Program has been implemented to encourage explorers to accelerate their work programs with a view to accelerating initial commercial production from the Beetaloo Sub-basin. This would increase gas supply for Australian households and businesses.The Program provides for $50 million of funding towards exploration activity that is carried out by the end of 2022. The maximum amount of grant funding under the Program is $7.5 million per well, capped at 25% of the cost of each well and three wells per venture. Activities that support drilling such as seismic acquisition and flow testing are eligible under the Program.Empire is the first company to have received approvals for grant funding under the Program.Australian Federal Minister for Resources and Water, Hon Keith Pitt MP, released a media statement yesterday in relation to the approvals which can be found at Appendix A*.Relevance to Empire EnergyThe grant funding received by Empire will have material positive impacts for Empire including:- Offsetting 25% of eligible expenditure which may include additional seismic acquisition, the drilling of up to three horizontal wells in 2021 and 2022, the fracture stimulation and completion of those wells, and the flow testing of those wells; and- The three wells to be drilled using grant funding under the Program may become commercial production wells in future. This is aligned with Empire's rapid commercialisation strategy focused on accessing existing pipeline infrastructure (subject to further NT Government regulatory implementation and award of production licenses).Empire will update shareholders as the formal documentation of the grants progresses.On 23 June 2021, the Australian Senate referred an inquiry into oil and gas exploration and production in the Beetaloo Basin to the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee, with the following term of reference: "Oil and gas exploration and production in the Beetaloo Basin, with particular reference to the Industry Research and Development (Beetaloo Cooperative Drilling Program) Instrument 2021, which provides public money for oil and gas corporations."*To view figures, please visit:About Empire Energy Group Ltd

Empire Energy (ASX:EEG) (OTCMKTS:EEGUF) holds over 14.5 million acres of highly prospective exploration tenements in the McArthur and Beetaloo Basins, Northern Territory. Work undertaken by the Company since 2010 demonstrates that the Eastern depositional Trough of the McArthur Basin, of which the Company holds 80% has very considerable conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon potential. The Beetaloo sub-Basin, in which Empire holds a substantial position, has independently assessed world class hydrocarbon volumes in place with a major ramp up in industry activity underway to appraise substantial discoveries already made by major Australian oil and gas operators.

Empire Energy is an experienced conventional oil and gas producer with operations in the Appalachia region (New York and Pennsylvania). Empire has been successfully developing and producing oil and gas since 2006.
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PHOENIX  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.

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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.
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PRESCOTT, Ariz.  The Prescott National Forest on Wednesday joined four other national forests in Arizona in lifting closures that generally barred public entry.

The closures were implemented previously due to heightened wildfire danger that since has decreased due to recent precipitation.

As with other forests, Prescott National Forest officials said in a statement that fire restrictions on campfires and other activity as well as area closures for specific fires remained in effect.

The Apache-Sitgreaves and Tonto forests announced Tuesday they would reopen Wednesday. The Coconino and Kaibab forests reopened Tuesday.

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Tlacuilo is the name for the artist scribes who created the codices.

These artists created visual history through the lens of their culture.

On June 30, 1521, the Aztec people drove out Hernan Cortes and his allies from the city of Tenochtitlan. Many Spanish soldiers their Native allies were killed in what is called La Noche Triste by the Spanish.

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This was an important  but short-lived  victory. The entire Aztec empire would soon meet a different and destructive outcome just weeks later.

On Aug. 13, it will mark the 500-year anniversary of the fall of Tenochtitlan.

New Mexico artists are teaming up for Tlacuilo: 500 Years Art Show at Torguga Gallery. The show opens on Friday, July 9, and runs through July 19.

We as a group of artists wish to create a show reflecting this period in history, says Adrian Martinez. We consist of Pueblo, Comanche, Mexican, Chicano and other Native artists. We have discussed this idea for a few years now, and we want to display our shared traditions and artistic symmetry.

Martinez says the group of artists has talked about a show like this for a while.

We were trying to get it at a few different places, Martinez says. This was always an idea we knew would get off the ground.

Martinez and Nocona Burgess are at the helm of the gallery show.

This show is a response to what happened during that time, Burgess says. Were still here and still producing.

Burgess is a Comanche artist and says he works within his culture.

Im Comanche, and we had a lot of Spanish captives and Spanish influence, Burgess says. Were known as warriors and horsemen. My people took the guns and metal away from the Spanish, and used it against them. That has a major impact on who we are today.

Martinez hopes the gallery show will generate discussion among people.

Even here in New Mexico, its a recent thing where weve deliberately separated our connections from Mexican and Natives, he says. Its a good time to look at those connections that we have and examine them thoroughly.

Burgess hopes the gallery show will reveal to an audience that we are more connected than we realize.

As a New Mexican and Comanche, Im trying to make a statement on how connected it is, he says. (Our history has) been swept under the rug. Comanches helped change the course of history in New Mexico. We surrendered our wars and we were placed in Oklahoma.

Tlacuilo: 500 Years Art Show

WHEN: Runs Friday, July 9 through July 19

WHERE: Tortuga Gallery, 901 Edith SE

HOW MUCH: Free to attend
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After just over six months in one of the most challenging jobs in state government  leading the rollout of efforts to push New Mexicans to herd immunity from COVID-19 through vaccinations  Dr. Tracie Collins is stepping down as secretary of health.

The departure by Collins, a physician who succeeded Kathy Kunkel in the post, is no surprise. She took the job with the understanding she might return to academia after overseeing vaccination efforts. Collins had served as dean of the University of New Mexicos College of Population Health before accepting the health secretary appointment by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, and she will return to that position.

Collins stepped up to public service at a critical time as the nation and state ramped up the rollout of three vaccines for the deadly virus that has killed more than 600,000 Americans and 4,000 New Mexicans.

Im proud of the work weve done to protect New Mexicans, Collins said, and the numbers bear that out.

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New Mexico has been among the national leaders in getting shots in arms. The states COVID-19 vaccine dashboard shows that as of July 6 more than 2.2 million doses of vaccine  Pfizer, Moderna or J&J  had been administered and more than 71% of New Mexicans 16 and older had received at least one dose. Nearly 63% were fully vaccinated.

And the data show the vaccines work. New cases of COVID-19 have been trending below 100 a day, with the number of people hospitalized in the 60s  a far cry from peak numbers that saw soaring deaths and cases stretching New Mexico hospitals to the limit with hundreds of very sick patients.

As health secretary, Collins makes about $156,000 a year, the standard amount most New Mexico Cabinet secretaries receive. The service she has rendered is worth a lot more.

Lujan Grisham praised Collins and said that these last months, weve decisively put the worst of the pandemic behind us, getting shots into arms all across the state, educating people about the benefits of the vaccines and saving lives.

She said her administration would be delighted to have her forever, but that at UNM Collins will be preparing and training the next generation of health responders and leaders.

Collins leaves later this month, and Lujan Grisham said Dr. David Scrase, a physician and secretary of the Human Services Department who the governor described as New Mexicos own Dr. Fauci, will assume oversight of the Department of Health in addition to his other duties on a temporary basis.

I ask a lot of Dr. Scrase, the governor said, and that wont stop anytime soon.

The governor also asked a lot of Tracie Collins. New Mexicans should be grateful for her contribution.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
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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.

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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.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES  As the Sunday morning launch of the SpaceShipTwo Unity approaches, southern New Mexico officials and space buff residents are preparing for an event that has been brewing for nearly two decades.

Spaceport (America) has been in the works for over 20 years, and this is finally the launch that we have waited for, said Sandra Whitehead, mayor of Truth or Consequences, the small city of just under 6,000 people about 20 miles from the 18,000-acre spaceport.

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If weather and technical checks go to plan, Unity on Sunday will make its fourth rocket-powered spaceflight with a crew onboard from Spaceport America. That includes Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson, who will become the first billionaire to fly to space in his own rocket. Bransons Sunday flight will come ahead of Blue Origins planned July 20 launch, when former Amazon founder Jeff Bezos plans to fly to space aboard the New Shepard rocket. The companies dueling efforts to bring tourists to space via commercial flights have been closely watched and highly anticipated.

It gives me goosebumps to think about this event, and Im excited it is happening in Sierra County, Whitehead said.

Spaceport and Virgin Galactic officials are stressing that only people with formal invitations are allowed at the launch location. Spaceport America spokeswoman Alice Carruth said about 500 people have been invited. She added that law enforcement will be patrolling the area around the spaceport and will ask unauthorized visitors to leave.

The general public is asked to view the launch online at virgingalactic.com or to attend the watch party in the Truth or Consequences Civic Center, 400 West Fourth Street, which starts at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima also invited the public in his corner of the state to attend his citys watch parties  one will be at the Rio Grande Theater, 211 N. Main St., and the other at Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main St.

Miyagishima said he is looking forward to a new era for New Mexico.

We want to focus on space tourism, so on Sunday that is going to be the driving force for kicking off southern New Mexicos prominence in space tourism, he said.

Hotels in the area said that the spaceport has positively affected the number of their reservations, but that this launch in particular has not brought in a huge spike.

Reservations are doing well, but not exceptional, said Sid Bryan, owner of the Pelican Spa in Truth or Consequences. I think we will do more after the launch, as people learn about it. Were expecting great things.

Josh Koch, assistant manager of the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, agreed, saying he hasnt seen an increase of reservations for the Sunday event, but he has seen an increase over the past few months possibly from nearby Elephant Butte lake opening up.

But we do get groups who come in for rocket launches, like people from New Mexico Tech and New Mexico State University, Koch said.

One hotel  the Comfort Inn and Suites  did indicate that the launch had brought in higher than usual reservations.

This Saturday night we are maxxed out, said Isabela Shetter, hotel manager. The launch this weekend  a lot of people want to come and see that.

Shetter added that whenever there is an event at the spaceport, she sees a spike in reservations at her hotel.

Residents in TorC are generally positive aboui the launch.

I am so glad that space investment is making the transition from public funding to private funding, that is great, said TorC resident Jane Wallen, while walking down a quiet downtown street Wednesday.

Wallen moved to TorC two years ago after being a frequent visitor to the community throughout the previous 20 years.

It is great that there is a race among billionaires. Get it out of the public sector. Let public funds be focused on things that will benefit people, like housing for the poor, she said.

Steve Burgess, a TorC resident originally from Montana, said he once heard somebody refer to the billionaire space race as a carnival ride for the one-percenters.

But it is exciting that they are privately sending people up, Burgess said.

Jeff Dukatt, owner of custom screenprinting shop Dukatt 71, said hed be more impressed if the millions of dollars invested in the spaceport was used to build state infrastructure, and to promote tourism.

About the launch, he said: Ill believe it when I see it leave the ground.

Dukatt said hes closely monitored the effect that the spaceport has had on tourism, and said he believes it to be negligible, but is hopeful it will improve with time.

Linda Johnson, a volunteer at the Truth or Consequences Visitors Center  which also houses the Spaceport America Visitor Center  said she is also hopeful for a positive impact from this launch and future launches. But she said if a surge of new residents moves in, she hopes TorC will keep its unique culture.

Its a great, laid-back atmosphere, but we dont want to become a Santa Fe or a Taos, she said.

Coming this weekend

 The story behind how Virgin Galactic came to choose an isolated spot in the New Mexico desert to launch its dream.

 How this launch opens the door to a new space industry.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexico does not plan to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for school attendance when it becomes available, likely later this year, a top state health official said Wednesday.

Health Secretary Tracie Collins told members of a legislative panel shes hopeful federal approval for different COVID-19 vaccinations for children under age 12 will be issued by December  if not sooner.

Currently, only those 12 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine and slightly more than 30% of children between ages 12 and 15 had gotten at least one shot as of this week, according to Department of Health data.

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New Mexico currently has state-required immunizations for polio, Hepatitis B and several other diseases in order for students to attend schools, with some allowable exemptions.

Those include a medical exemption that requires a physicians certification, a religious exemption that requires a written affirmation from a religious leader and a religious exemption that parents or legal guardians can submit.

We will not be moving toward requiring the vaccine, Collins said during a Wednesday meeting of the interim Legislative Health and Human Services Committee at the state Capitol.

The committee hearing gave lawmakers the opportunity to question state health officials about New Mexicos vaccine rollout, which has coincided with the states virus infection rate dropping to its lowest level since April 2020. The death rate has also gone down significantly, though one additional death was reported Wednesday, bringing the death toll due to the pandemic to 4,347 people.

Some legislators expressed concern about the vulnerability of children still too young to get the vaccine, especially as the contagious Delta variant has caused outbreaks in other parts of the country.

Its just very frightening right now as a parent, Rep. Tara Lujan, D-Santa Fe, said Wednesday.

Overall, New Mexico COVID-19 vaccination rates increase by age group, likely due to risk perceptions that younger residents will not experience serious symptoms if they contract the virus, said DOH Infectious Disease Bureau Chief Daniel Burke.

The states overall vaccination rate has leveled off since the start of June, with 62.9% of eligible residents age 16 and older having finished their vaccine series as of Wednesday, according to DOH data.

Were pretty much plateauing now with all age groups, Burke acknowledged.

The reluctance toward getting children vaccinated against COVID-19 could also be related to concerns over side effects associated with the vaccine, specifically cardiac issues like myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, that has been found among teenagers and young adults in the United States.

However, as of mid-June, a total of just 57 individuals around New Mexico had been hospitalized after getting the COVID-19 vaccine  or about 0.00475% of those who have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine, according to DOH data provided to the Journal.

The data showed six of the 57 cases involved individuals age 34 or younger, and none of those people died.

Six older individuals have died after getting vaccinated though pre-existing conditions could also be the cause of death in those cases, a DOH spokesman said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, of the other 51 hospitalizations, 11 were due to neurological issues, 10 were due to pulmonary issues and eight were related to cardiac reasons such as myocarditis.

And, in all, the occurrence of serious side effects to the vaccine have not been higher in New Mexico than in other states, Burke said Wednesday.

He also said the state is phasing out large-scale vaccination events with the rate of those with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at 71.2% as of Wednesday. That approach is being replaced by a ground game targeted at unvaccinated individuals, he said.

Collins, who will be stepping down from her Cabinet-level post at the end of the month to return to her job as a dean at the University of New Mexico, said the Department of Health now believes between 26,000 to 30,000 New Mexicans traveled out of state this year to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Obtaining that out-of-state vaccine data, which is not included in the states records, had proven to be a challenging task in recent months.

While reasons for the out-of-state vaccine exodus could vary, some state residents have said they traveled to Texas or other states to get their COVID-19 shots instead of waiting until they were eligible to do so in New Mexico.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

OHKAY OWINGEH PUEBLO  The wastewater treatment plant at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo has seen better days.

Corroded equipment and old pipes and tanks make up the small facility in Rio Arriba County.

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Everything is so old that its hard to find parts, said plant manager Nelson Edmonds. Were operating, but just barely.

The pueblo will receive a $1.5 million grant and $610,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build a new wastewater treatment facility.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said clean water access and modern water infrastructure systems are as much an economic priority as a public health issue.

If you dont have the capacity to handle more wastewater treatment, you simply cant grow as a community, and you cant ask for additional housing to be built, Vilsack said during a Wednesday visit to the pueblo.

You cant ask for businesses to locate here, you cant create jobs. So this is a job creator. Its a business opportunity, he said.

USDA announced the project on Wednesday as part of a $307 million allocation for rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

In New Mexico, another $1.9 million grant will help San Ildefonso Pueblo in Santa Fe County upgrade its sewer system.

The project will connect 34 homes that are currently on a septic system, and add five connections for tribal government buildings.

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, whose district includes both pueblos, said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a need for tribal water infrastructure upgrades.

Many Indigenous communities did not have access to clean water, did not have access to sanitation, the New Mexico Democrat said. And it had deadly consequences.

The U.S. Water Alliance estimates that Native households are 19 times more likely than white households to lack indoor plumbing.

Many Indigenous communities, some without consistent clean water access, have had disproportionately-high virus infection rates.

I have spent decades working on water infrastructure, Leger Fernandez said. Its not sexy. It is pipes in the ground. But those pipes in the ground save lives.

The Ohkay Owingeh project is part of a regional water utility plan, said Benny Lujan, the pueblos public works director.

A $1.3 million grant awarded in 2020 by the New Mexico Tribal Infrastructure Fund will also support the reconstruction.

Well start putting trunk lines in the next phases, Lujan said. Then were going to start reaching out north of us, and then across the river to our neighbors. Its going to take some working with Rio Arriba County and those communities, but were hoping that they can all get on board.

The new facility will expand the pueblos water treatment capacity from 235,000 gallons per day to 350,000 gallons.

A Belen facility is the third New Mexico project funded this year through the USDA program for water and waste disposal projects.

Belen will receive a $580,000 grant and $409,000 loan to build a facility that removes arsenic from one of the citys water wells.

The well currently exceeds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and New Mexico Environment Department drinking water standards for arsenic.

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.
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DURANGO, Colo.  A 25-foot totem pole carved by Lummi Nation tribal members will start a cross-country journey this month to heighten awareness for sacred sites threatened by resource extraction, development and climate change.

The totem pole was carved and painted by the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation and will begin the Red Road to D.C. tour on July 14.

This includes stops at Bears Ears National Monument in Utah on July 17 and at Chaco Canyon on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico on July 18.

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The Lummi Nation  the traditional name is Lhaqtemish  is in the Pacific Northwest region of Washington state.

Jewell Praying Wolf James, master carver with the House of Tears Carvers, said the group has made totem poles throughout the years that recognize events like the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to bring attention to environmental and social issues impacting Native Americans and Indigenous peoples.

Totem poles by the group have been placed at medical facilities, homes for veterans and schools, James said.

The idea is that were trying to use the totem pole as active art. Yes, theres visions tied behind them. Yes, theres spirituality tied behind them, but were trying to get people activated  to take a responsible role in defending the Earth, James said.

The totem pole for the Red Road to D.C. was made from a 400-year-old red cedar tree and depicts animals, nature and Native peoples.

As the totem pole moves, it carries the spirits of the land it visits. Its like a battery that charges as it travels, states a video posted on the tours website, redroadtodc.org.

It is scheduled to arrive on July 28 in Washington, D.C., for delivery to the Biden-Harris administration and Congress. It will be displayed at the National Museum of the American Indian in the fall.

The totem pole visited Fort Lewis College in Durango on June 29 as part of a separate journey.

Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk, a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, stood several feet from the totem pole as she sang a song for it during the stop at the college.

I stepped away, I stepped to the side because this is a being, Lopez-Whiteskunk said. This represents so much. Its part of our environment. It speaks to many of us.

Tim Peterson and his wife, Anna Peterson, were among the dozens of Durango residents who visited the totem pole.

They placed their hands on the sea bear symbol, a motion that Lummi tribal members said blesses and strengthens the totem pole.

The thing that excites me most about this is elevating the attention of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (and) the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Bringing that message all over and then eventually to D.C., I think is really important, Tim Peterson said.

Free, Prior and Informed Consent is an article in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that affirms Indigenous Peoples rights to self-determination, participation and decision-making on developments that may affect them or their lands.
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LONDON  Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday that most British troops have left Afghanistan, almost 20 years after the U.K. and other Western countries sent troops into the country to engage in what they described as a war on terror.

Johnson stressed that the threat posed by al-Qaida to the U.K. has substantially diminished, but he sidestepped questions about whether the hasty military exodus by the country and its NATO allies risks undoing the work of nearly two decades or leaves Afghanistan vulnerable to the Taliban, which has made rapid advances in many northern districts.

The prime minister declined to give details about the troop withdrawal, citing security reasons. But he said that all British troops assigned to NATOs mission in Afghanistan are now returning home, adding that most of our personnel have already left.

We must be realistic about our ability alone to influence the course of events. It will take combined efforts of many nations, including Afghanistans neighbors, to help the Afghan people to build their future, Johnson said. But the threat that brought us to Afghanistan in the first place has been greatly diminished by the valor and by the sacrifice of the armed forces of Britain and many other countries.

He stressed that Britain remains committed to helping achieve a peace settlement in Afghanistan through diplomacy.

We are not walking away. We are keeping our embassy in Kabul, and we will continue to work with our friends and allies, particularly our friends in Pakistan, to work towards a settlement, Johnson said.

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A total of 457 British servicemembers died in Afghanistan during the U.K.s deployment, a much higher death rate compared to the U.K. involvement in Iraq. Britains last combat troops left Afghanistan in October 2014, though about 700 remained in Afghanistan as part of a NATO mission to train Afghan forces.

Britains Defense Ministry has said the withdrawal of the last troops would be complete within a few months.

The U.S. military announced 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 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.

Most European troops have also quietly pulled out in recent weeks.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has said the U.K. had been put in a very difficult position to continue the mission once the U.S. announced its decision to leave.
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HELSINKI  A news conference at a NATO air base in Lithuania featuring Lithuanias president and Spains prime minister got abruptly cut off Thursday when the pair of Spanish fighter jets serving as the leaders backdrop were scrambled to monitor errant military aircraft in the skies above the Baltics.

The Spanish government said an unidentified plane prompted the alert and briefly interrupted remarks by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Spanish media reported that the plane was Russian, but the governments statement didnt specify.

A NATO official who spoke on customary condition of anonymity told The Associated Press later Thursday that Spains jets took off to identify two aircraft flying into the Baltic Sea area. The planes were two Russian Su-24 combat jets heading northeast, the official said.

Those two Russian jets did not file a flight plan, did not have their flight transponder on, or talk to traffic controllers, the official said.

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The Russian Defense Ministry said the two Su-24 bombers flew a regular training mission over neutral waters of the Baltic on Thursday. The flight was performed in strict accordance with international rules of using airspace and without violation of any countrys borders, the ministry said in a statement.

Amid Russia-West tensions, both Russia and NATO have regularly scrambled fighter jets to identify and shadow the other partys aircraft.

Nauseda and Sanchez were speaking with two Spanish air force Eurofighter Typhoons behind them at the base in the town of Siauliai when security officials suddenly interrupted the leaders as crews scrambled to get on the fighter jets, live footage from the press conference showed.

Our press conference was interrupted by a real call.You see, everything works great. I can confirm that the fighter jets took off in less than 15 minutes of receiving the alarm, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT quoted Nauseda as saying after the incident. Thanks to Pedro (Sanchez), we have really seen how our air policing mission works.

Sanchez told reporters when the news conference resumed: We have seen a real case of what usually happens that precisely justifies the presence of Spanish troops with the seven Eurofighters in Lithuania.

The three Baltic nations  Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  joined NATO in 2004 and have no fighter jets of their own. NATO has the responsibility of policing their airspace on a rotational four-month basis from the base in Siualiai and in Amari, Estonia.

Aircraft that member nations assign to NATO missions are on standby around the clock every day of the year. They were scrambled about 400 times in Europe last year, mostly in response to movements by Russian warplanes.

This demonstrates once again the importance of NATOs air policing mission, which has been running for 60 years to keep our skies safe. It also shows the skills of our pilots and the close coordination among NATO allies, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas confirmed that an alarm signal was triggered at the base in his country and posted a video on Facebook of one of the departing Spanish fighters.

Sanchez is on the final day of a three-day trip to the Baltic region and earlier met with officials in Estonia and Latvia.



Cook reported from Brussels. Aritz Parra in Madrid and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.
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LONDON  Queen Elizabeth II has visited the set of Coronation Street to mark the long-running television soaps 60th birthday.

The monarch was all smiles as she met Thursday with veteran cast and crew of the show, walked along the storied cobbled street and visited the studio where the interior of the Rovers Return pub is filmed.

It was the second time the queen, 95, has visited Coronation Street  the first time was in the early 1980s, at the shows original studios in Manchester.

She told the cast it was really marvelous youve been able to carry on during the pandemic, and took time to chat to backstage staff including writers, camera operators, set designers and sound engineers.

The show, which focuses on the lives of residents of the fictional northern English town of Weatherfield, is the worlds longest-running drama series.

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Actress Kate Spencer warned the queen the sets cobblestones were hard to walk on in heels, to which the monarch replied: No, I know. Ive been told. Probably better not.

Actor Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow for decades since the soaps early days, said the royal visit was a wonderful bit of icing on the cake.

She just smiles. She listens, she always has and she loves to be made to laugh, Roache said. Ive been lucky to meet her quite a few times and shes always charming, and a laugh is never far away.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

The University of New Mexico wont require students and employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus, but the school will be strongly encouraging the shots and offering them on campus.

UNM President Garnett Stokes sent a letter to the campus community Thursday announcing the decision. The school had previously proposed a vaccine requirement, and a draft of the policy had been posted to UNMs website.

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UNMs policy is going to be strongly encouraging vaccination for all and doing everything we can to get every Lobo fully vaccinated, Stokes said in the letter.

The university will host a vaccination clinic during move-in days and welcoming events. It also plans to host additional clinics at the student union building.

We know that bringing our campus together, and keeping us together safely, requires wide-scale vaccination, Stokes said. I know we have grown weary over more than a year of pandemic restrictions, but it is more important than ever to maximize vaccinations before we return for the fall.

The universitys COVID dashboard has a system for students and employees to voluntarily submit their vaccination status. More than 10,000 people have reported that they are vaccinated.

UNM in May released a draft policy requiring that everyone be fully vaccinated before the start of fall semester, or face restrictions to university facilities and be subjected to regular testing. The university created a portal for people to submit feedback on the proposed policy.

UNM received more than 1,300 comments. Of those, 786 people said they were opposed to the policy and 443 were in favor of the requirement, according to a UNM spreadsheet summarizing the comments.

The draft policy said that it wouldnt be enforced until the Food and Drug Administration fully approves one or more COVID vaccines, which hasnt happened. There are currently several types of vaccine being distributed under an emergency use authorization. Drug makers Pfizer and Moderna have applied for their respective vaccines to be granted full approval.

Though the vaccine wont be required, Stokes said the college has an aspirational goal of vaccinating 100% of the campus community. She said the UNM Health Sciences Center has achieved a 93% vaccination rate and is striving for full protection.

I look forward to challenging and inspiring ourselves and our fellow Lobos to reach for the 100% in the coming weeks, Stokes said. We will determine intermediate goals that will inform a continuous evaluation process, all of which will be communicated with regular updates.

Across the country, colleges and universities have been split on whether or not they would require the vaccine.

Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, is requiring students get vaccinated. The Colorado State University system will require the vaccine for students, faculty and staff once one or more vaccines get full FDA approval.

Like UNM, New Mexico State University wont require the vaccine but is encouraging its students and employees to get inoculated.

Greg Romero, the student body president at UNM, said he is confident most students will get vaccinated.

A large population of vaccinated students is what will bring us back to normalcy with in-person classes, large events, social gatherings, and more, he said in an email. I am confident that is what a majority of our students are looking forward to at this moment.
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JERUSALEM  Israel on Thursday demolished the family home of a Palestinian-American man accused of carrying out a deadly attack on Israelis in the occupied West Bank, rejecting pleas from his estranged wife that he rarely lived in the house, which she shared with their three children.

The demolition drew a rebuke from the United States, which is opposed to punitive home demolitions and has taken a more critical line toward Israels policies in the occupied West Bank since President Joe Biden took office this year.

The home of an entire family should not be demolished for the actions of one individual, said U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price. There is a critical need to lower the temperature in the West Bank. Punitive demolitions exacerbate tensions at a time when everyone should be focused on principally ensuring calm.

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Price said Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue with a senior Israeli counterpart.

Israeli forces moved into the village of Turmus Ayya overnight and surrounded the home. Troops leveled the two-story home with controlled explosions.

Israel says Muntasser Shalaby carried out a May 2 drive-by shooting that killed Israeli student Yehuda Guetta and wounded two others. He was arrested days after the attack.

His wife, Sanaa Shalaby, said they were estranged for several years and that he spent most of his time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he had married three other women in unofficial Islamic ceremonies. The entire family has U.S. citizenship.

She said she had little contact with him in recent years, though he would return to the home each year for a month or two to visit his children.

Shalaby said she knew nothing about the attack and had no indication he was planning anything. Whoever committed the crime should be punished, but its not the familys fault, she told The Associated Press in an interview last month.

She appealed the demolition order with the help of an Israeli human rights group, but Israels Supreme Court upheld it last month.

The case drew attention to Israels policy of punitive demolitions of the homes of alleged Palestinian attackers. Israeli officials say the demolitions deter future attacks, while rights groups view them as a form of collective punishment.

In a break from its predecessors, the Trump administration rarely criticized Israeli actions in the West Bank, which Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war and is claimed by the Palestinians as part of a future state. But the new Biden administration has taken a tougher stance.

The U.S. Embassy in Israel said all sides should refrain from any steps that undermine efforts to revive a peace process leading to a two-state solution. This certainly includes the punitive demolition of Palestinian homes, it said.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennetts office said he acts solely in accordance with the security considerations of the State of Israel and to protect the lives of its citizens.
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PHOENIX  An Idaho man accused along with his wife of conspiring to commit murder in the killings of her two children will not face criminal charges in Arizona in the earlier shooting death of his wifes former husband.

Prosecutors in metro Phoenix declined to file a charge against Chad Daybell in the July 2019 killing of Charles Vallow, saying there was no reasonable likelihood of winning a conviction. Daybells wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, was charged late last month with conspiring to commit murder in Vallows death.

She is already at the center of a complicated criminal case in Idaho, where prosecutors allege she conspired with Chad Daybell to kill her son 7-year-old Joshua JJ Vallow, daughter 17-year-old Tylee Ryan and Daybells late wife, Tammy Daybell. Lori and Chad Daybell hold apocalyptic religious beliefs that prosecutors claim they used to justify the killings.

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Police say they didnt find any obvious communications between Lori and Chad Daybell that showed Chad Daybell was involved in the planning of Vallows killing.

John Prior, attorney for Chad Daybell, declined to comment on the decision not to prosecute his client in Arizona.

Police say Vallow was fatally shot nearly two years ago by Lori Daybells brother, Alexander Lamar Cox, when Vallow went to pick up his son at his estranged wifes home in Chandler, Arizona.

Cox told police he killed Vallow in self-defense and wasnt arrested. He died five months later from what medical examiners said was a pulmonary blood clot.

Coxs account of the shooting has since been called into question by investigators.

They say Cox waited about 43 minutes to call 911 after shooting Vallow  and records show during this time that Cox called his sister Lori.

Investigators say Daybell acted as if he performed life-saving measures on Vallow, when it didnt appear he had performed emergency aid.

And Cox claimed he shot Vallow twice while Vallow was standing, but forensic evidence shows Vallow was already on the floor when the second shot was fired, police said.

Lori Daybell, her daughter Tylee and Cox claimed Vallow started a physical dispute that led Daybell to leave the home with both her children. Tylee and Lori reported hearing a gunshot as they were leaving, police said.

Police say Daybell took Vallows rental car and cellphone. GPS data showed she went to get fast food for her son and got flip flops at a pharmacy before returning home.

Nearly two weeks before he was killed, police say Vallow found a fictitious letter that his estranged wife had sent to someone. The discovery triggered plans by Vallow to stage an intervention on her behalf.

The letter, written as if it came from Vallow, asked Chad Daybell to come to Arizona to assist him with writing a book.

Vallow accused his estranged wife of writing the letter as an excuse for Chad to visit her and demanded she come clean about her relationship with Chad Daybell  or he would tell Daybells wife about it, police said.

The intervention was to occur the day before Vallow was killed, but Lori found out about the plan and warned three other people about it, including Cox.

The day before Vallow was killed, police say Lori asked someone to cancel her plans to attend a wedding in Utah, saying that We both need to stay her to defend ourselves and Its coming to a head !

Four months before his death, Vallow filed for divorce from his wife, alleging that she had become infatuated with near-death experiences and claimed to have lived numerous lives on other planets before her current life.

He also alleged she had threatened to financially ruin and kill him, according to court records, which noted that Vallow sought an order of protection and a voluntary evaluation of his wife at a mental health facility.

The Idaho case against Lori Daybell is on hold while she undergoes treatment at a mental health facility. A judge had her committed last month after determining she wasnt competent to assist in her defense. Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After Vallows death, Lori Daybell and the children moved to Idaho, where Chad Daybell lived. He ran a small publishing company with his wife, Tammy Daybell, and released several of his own books  doomsday-focused fiction loosely based on the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tammy Daybell died in October 2019, and her obituary said she died in her sleep of natural causes. But authorities grew suspicious when Chad Daybell married Lori Daybell just two weeks later.

Police began searching for Tylee and JJ after relatives raised concerns. Police say the Daybells lied to investigators about the childrens whereabouts before quietly leaving Idaho.

Months later, they were found in Hawaii without the children, whose bodies were eventually found buried on Chad Daybells Idaho property.
WENN Celebrity

The 'Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol' actress reveals she launched an acting career in an effort to become more famous than an actor she had a huge crush on.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Bond girl Lea Seydoux became an actress in a bid to become more famous than an actor she had a huge crush on.

The French star, who is the granddaughter of the chairman of Pathe and the niece of the chairman of Gaumont - both film companies, insists her family ties had nothing to do with her decision to start acting.

"I fell in love with an actor," the "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol" star tells Deadline. "A very arrogant actor."

Lea explains she followed the unnamed star around Paris, but he showed little interest in her.

"I thought, 'OK, I'm going to become more famous than he is. I want to prove to him I exist and that I can be a great actress'... I won! Except not really, because he never loved me."

"I was completely lost (at first), and then when I was around 18 or 19 and I was meeting some actors, I started to think it would be a great job to do. It felt like acting was made for me... It's a strange feeling, but I'm like a blank page, and people can project things onto me."

And she's convinced her international upbringing helped - her parents divorced when she was three and she spent time in Africa with her mother and at American summer camps because her father wanted her to learn English.

"I think as an actress, that's a force, because I can adapt to any genre," she tells Deadline.

Lea is set to be the toast of the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, which began in France on Tuesday (06Jul21), with four films premiering at the event.
Instagram Celebrity

The Goop founder teams up with Drew and Jonathan Scott to surprise her longtime assistant Kevin with a major home makeover as she's grateful for his hard work.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Gwyneth Paltrow has surprised her longtime assistant with a spectacular home makeover as a thank you for his years of hard work.

The "Iron Man" actress teamed up with TV experts Drew and Jonathan Scott on the latest episode of "Celebrity IOU", on which stars are invited to give back to their nearest and dearest with major home renovations.

In her episode, Gwyneth decided to treat her assistant Kevin to an eye-catching makeover of his California condominium.

"Kevin has been an incredible constant in my life and I trust him with everything. He's my right-hand man," the Oscar winner explained. "He's such a good person and he's always taking care of other people."

Gwyneth helped to overhaul Kevin's kitchen, living area, and loft space in the show, as she joined forces with the Scott brothers to turn her employee's dreams into a reality.

And the Goop founder is thrilled to have been able to surprise Kevin, having relied on his support for so many years.

She said, "Words truly cannot express how much I love Kevin. He's 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 although Jonathan admitted she was the most "intimidating" star they've ever had on the show, especially as she had come armed with clear ideas about how she wanted to transform Kevin's private living quarters.

Speaking to news show ET Canada, he explained, "She was so confident in her design skills that she took the reins and I've never had that with any celebrity before."

"Usually they're 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.' "
Facebook Celebrity

The 'Zeze' rapper gives away air condition units to the residents in his old neighborhood as he visit Golden Acres housing projects in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Rapper Kodak Black is helping Florida residents beat the heat this summer by donating 100 air conditioning units to residents in his old neighbourhood.

The "Zeze" star paid a visit to the Golden Acres housing projects in Pompano Beach on Saturday (03Jul21) and went door-to-door to gift needy locals with the free appliances to help them stay cool in the soaring temperatures.

According to TMZ, the generous endeavour cost Kodak around $12,500 (9,000), but he was more than happy to help those less fortunate because he knows what it's like to grow up poor.

In video footage filmed before the giveaway, he said, "People relying on just enough cash to survive in the projects. We love to give back in any shape or form. I remember growing up in these same projects and stuff."

"It's hot right now. The heat will bring a little frustration. Sometimes that cause people to act out. I remember when I had to take (steal) from people. So, now that I'm blessed enough to give back, that's what I like to do. We out here passing out A/C units, helping install them and all that right now (sic)."

Kodak has been dedicated to giving back to the community ever since January (20), when he received a commutation of his federal firearms prison sentence from former U.S. leader Donald Trump during his final days in office, in large part because of his charity work.

His philanthropy efforts even scored the rapper his own day in his Broward County hometown, where 11 June will forever be known as Kodak Black Day thanks to a proclamation issued by Commissioner Dale Holness last month.
WENN/http://cleartalentgroup.com//Avalon Celebrity

The 'When They See Us' director remembers her late star in a touching tribute shortly after the actress passed away at the age of 64 following complications from cancer.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Director Ava DuVernay has paid a touching tribute to actress Suzzanne Douglas following her death on Tuesday (06Jul21).

The star, 64, passed away at her home in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts after suffering complications from cancer, her husband confirmed to TMZ.

DuVernay was among the first to react to the news, taking to Twitter to remember the veteran actress, who played Grace Cuffee in the acclaimed Netflix mini series "When They See Us".

"Suzzanne Douglas was a quiet, elegant force as we made WHEN THEY SEE US," the director tweeted. "A gentlewoman. A gem of a lady. A confident, caring actor who breathed life into the words and made them shimmer."

"I'm grateful that our paths in this life crossed. May she journey on in peace and love."

Actress Rosanna Arquette added her tribute as she commented on DuVernay's post, writing, "Such Beautiful work. may she rest in power and peace. (sic)"

Douglas was also known for her role in 1990s TV sitcom "The Parent 'Hood", and for the 1989 film "Tap", alongside Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr., as well as 1998's "How Stella Got Her Groove Back", in which she starred opposite Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg.

The sad news was first confirmed by her cousin. "I can remember growing up, there weren't 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 wrote on Facebook. "The world will miss your talent but your soul will live on forever Rest in Paradise my beautiful cousin Suzzane you will be missed RIP."
Celebrity

The Pennsylvania barber, who was featured prominently on the TLC series, is being sought after by police after fatally shooting GQ Barber Shop owner Kendell Cook.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - "90 Day Fiance" barber Michael Baltimore is wanted for homicide. The Pennsylvania barber, who was featured prominently on the TLC series along with Ashley Martson and Jay Smith, is being hunted by authorities as a suspect in the fatal shooting of GQ Barber Shop owner Kendell Cook.

Michael allegedly entered the shop at 128 N. Hanover St. in Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 22 at approximately 7:30 P.M. and shot Kendell several times, In Touch Weekly reports. He reportedly also opened fire on Anthony White, who previously worked at the shop.

Kendell died at the scene while Anthony survived his injuries, according to a press release from the Carlisle Police Department. Authorities are offering a $7,000 reward for information leading to Michael's arrest.

"Where is he? Contact us for your share of $7,000 cash!!! Michael Anthony Baltimore June 1, 2021," read the reward announcement. "We are still looking for Michael Anthony Baltimore. If you know ANYTHING, you could get paid for what you know if it leads to his arrest. You don't have to give your name and you can still get paid. If you do not need $7,000.00 cash but want a murder suspect off the streets, email us at [email protected] The ATF has added a $5,000.00 reward to Cumberland County Crime Stoppers $2,000.00 reward for Baltimore. That's $7,000.00 free cash."

Michael now faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm as well as recklessly endangering another person.

Both Michael and Kendell were featured on "90 Day Fiance". Fans may remember them as the two barbers who informed Ashley that her husband Jay had sex with a woman in the barbershop bathroom during an episode of "Happily Ever After".

"Everybody talking this rat and snitching s**t! says a lot about who you are as a person," Kendell wrote in the comments section of the @TLCUpdates Instagram page at the time. "Please let me know what [mother**ker] don't want to know the person they married is cheating on them?"

"We was looking out for Ashley cause she was trying [to] marry someone who wasn't ready to get married! Jay needed some time and more experience with being in America before he was ready to settle down!" he added, noting the 23-year-old made it his "business" by doing the deed at his place of business.
Movie

The 'Batman Forever' actor gets emotional and struggles to talk in the trailer, which also includes behind-the-scenes footage he shot himself over the years.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Val Kilmer is offering a candid look at his life in his upcoming documentary "Val", which trailer has been released for viewing pleasure. The video includes behind-the-scenes footage that the actor filmed himself over the years, featuring Hollywood stars Sean Penn and a very young Kevin Bacon.

"I've lived a magical life and I've captured quite a bit of it," a narrator says from Val's point-of-view in the trailer. "I was recently diagnosed with throat cancer. I'm still recovering. It is difficult to talk and be understood, but I want to tell my story more than ever."

The trailer also captures raw moment during Val's recovery from throat cancer. At one point, he is seen in tears while lying in bed. "I've tried to see the world as one piece of life," he struggles to talk with a voice box device attached to his neck.

"For over 40 years Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood's most mercurial and/or misunderstood actors has been documenting his own life and craft through film and video," the film's description reads. "He has amassed thousands of hours of footage, from 16mm home movies made with his brothers, to time spent in iconic roles for blockbuster movies like 'Top Gun', 'The Doors', 'Tombstone', and 'Batman Forever'."

"This raw, wildly original and unflinching documentary reveals a life lived to extremes and a heart-filled, sometimes hilarious look at what it means to be an artist and a complex man," the description concludes.

"Val" is premiering at the Cannes Film Festival. Sharing the trailer on Twitter, Val wrote, "It feels like yesterday and yet it has been a lifetime. As I write this, my documentary is getting ready to premiere at Festival De Cannes. And as grateful as I am for being selected with this high honor, I look forward most to sharing my life's story with all of you."

He added, "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 [Amazon Prime] Aug. 6. Here's to giving every day the opportunity to be the most beautiful of your life."
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After the 53-year-old president was shot dead in an attack on his private residence, police chief Leon Charles says authorities intercepted the assailants and arrested two of them.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Haiti's security forces have killed four of suspected assassins who killed President Jovenel Moise at his home. After the 53-year-old president was assassinated in what has been described as an "inhuman and barbaric act," authorities have intercepted the assailants and arrested two of them, said police chief Leon Charles.

"The police are engaged in a battle with the assailants," he said at a news conference, noting that the authorities were still in pursuit of some suspects. "We are pursuing them so that, in a gunfight, they meet their fate or in gunfight they die, or we apprehend them."

Haiti's communications secretary Frantz Exantus earlier said that police had arrested the "presumed assassins" without providing any further details. The authorities also did not name any of the suspects or cite any evidence linking them to the assassination. Three police officers held hostage by the suspected gunmen were freed late Wednesday, July 7.

President Moise was shot dead in an attack at his private residence on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince on Wednesday. "The President was injured and succumbed to those injuries," said interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph. Moise's wife was also injured and she is reportedly transported to a hospital in southern Florida for treatment.

In a televised national address, Joseph declared a state of emergency across the country while assuring that the police and military were in control of security. "The situation is under control," he said.

Joseph then pledged for the nation to work with Moise's allies and opponents alike. "We need every single one to move the country forward," he later said in an interview with the Associated Press about the country's upcoming elections.

There has been a surge in politically charged violence in Haiti over the last few weeks as the country faces a growing humanitarian crisis.
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The estranged wife of the comedian also accuses him of paying $600 per 30 minutes for an escort and claims that she's still paying his bills despite their split.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Gary Owen's estranged wife Kenya Duke is making no secret of her bitterness over their doomed marriage. After filing for divorce from the comedian earlier this year, she accused her estranged husband of having a mistress and exposed her on social media.

On Wednesday, July 7, Kenya took to Instagram to spill out her feelings. "@_itsbribri_ I know, who you Brianna Johnson, a nurse at Memorial Hermann Health. You definitely know who I am," she wrote, naming Gary's supposed side chick. "You didn't care @garyownecomedy was/is married and you don't seem to care he still hasn't seen his kids (which is weird because you are a baby mama)."

Claiming that she has been paying Gary's bills, Kenya blamed his alleged mistress for him being a deadbeat dad. "He doesn't financially support his wife," she continued. "Although, he has sent me Zero money (from a company i help build) I am still paying his bills."

Kenya then asked the woman if she enjoyed "the Bahamas and Florida," asserting that Brianna was on vacation with Gary "spending our family money." She went on taunting her, "Lawyer up, you have now become a big part of this divorce. Gurl, Can't wait to see that tan [bikini emoji] in court. BTW ...your friends dont like you. They out here spilling all your cheating tea."

Kenya called out Gary in the caption. "Does Brianna know I am still paying your bills?" she wrote. "How does an old dude, choose a chick that doesn't care about his relationship with his kids and she got kids? What kind of mother can @_itsbribri_ be?"

In another post, Kenya accused Gary of cheating on her with "so many different women" and telling public that she was lying. "You go on national tv 'to announce you weren't cheating', (while at the same time giving her a shot out) so f**king bold, which was saying I am a liar," she fumed.

Kenya further blasted her ex, "But you would prefer to have me think I am wrong about you, so you can cover up your dirt and run around town telling everyone you're a good guy. Really? You are a bold a** narcissist and Karma is real. I know, exactly how long she has been one of the women you cheated with, so save that lie!"

Seemingly responding to those who criticized her for spilling Gary's supposed dirty laundry, she wrote in the caption, "You ask why are you saying this out loud well you will never understand if you have never lived, loved or invested in a manipulating narcissist. You ask why are you still paying the his bills, because when you are getting divorced you need to maintain status quo. I did it before the divorce and I will do it until the court tells me different."

"You ask, well why did you stay, because we had kids and I was brought up to keep trying, loyalty is everything (worse advice ever) Also, on some level even though your gut is telling you one thing, you begin to believe it's you making it up because that is what he is telling you," she continued. "You don't know, the secrets I have had to keep, you don't know the day to day, so if my post make you uncomfortableunfollow me. I will say it againI am back and focused. I am not asking permission or apologizing for s**t. It is what it is."

Kenya filed for divorce from Gary in March, ending their marriage after nearly two decades together. The pair got married in 2003 and share two adult children.
WENN/Avalon/Instar Celebrity

Despite being bothered with his daughter's relationship with the former 'Flip It Like Disick' star, the actor husband of Lisa Rinna claims he 'can't really complain' about it.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Amelia Hamlin's father appeared to have been bothered with her relationsip with Scott Disick. When addressing his daughter's romance with the former "Flip It Like Disick" star, Harry Hamlin claimed that their age gap is "odd" for him.

The 69-year-old offered his two cents when appearing in the Wednesday, July 7 episode of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills". He first confessed, "My feelings about it, I must confess: the issue that's the most enduring is the age difference, which to me is odd."

"But, then again, every time I think of that, I think of myself and Ursula Andress," he said about his past romance with the Swiss actress. "I was 14 years younger than she when we had [our son] Dimitri, so I can't really complain, right?"

This came after Lisa recalled her shocking reaction upon learning of Amelia's relationship with Scott. "It's a what the f**k moment," she told her "RHOBH" co-star Erika Jayne in the June 30 episode of the show. "You're like, 'What the f**k?' She's 19. He's 37 with three kids."

"We're thinking it's a phase, right? It's a phase, I don't want to bring attention to it," the 57-year-old further pressed. "Should I text [Kris Jenner] and be like, 'Welp ' I've done nothing in other words because I also don't want to bring any attention to it."

Elsewhere on the show, the "Melrose Place" alum continued to express her concern about Scott having three kids. "And Scott was with [Kourtney Kardashian], not married, they have three children. Oh God," she sighed. "As a mother, I'm like, 'Good, this gives her another label to deal with.' "

Lisa, however, seemingly has approved Amelia's romance with Scott since she agreed to meet him. When appearing on "Watch What Happens Live" in May, she told host Andy Cohen that she and the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star had "a very nice time." She added, "He met [Harry], and there you go. There it is."
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The 'Milk' actor thinks it's stupid that public slam casting decisions for not representing people adequately, believing that people are just looking for 'gotcha moments.'

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Sean Penn has slammed political correctness in Hollywood that has brought much scrutiny to some casting decisions. Speaking with Conan O'Brien on his podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend", the duo discussed backlash over casting decisions which don't represent certain people adequately.

"It brings up an interesting point," the "Milk" actor said. "Another one I think a lot about these days. Today, almost certainly I would not be permitted to be cast in that role [of Harvey Milk]. We're living in a time when, if you're playing a gay lead character, you'd have to be a gay man, or a trans character. And there have been these casting issues."

"I always find it confusing because if I do something performative that everyone else is doing, it looks almost like I'm trying to get praise for having just a moral belief, which really makes me uncomfortable," he explained.

Thinking that it's not a progress but a move backward instead, he continued, "When you have a period of evolution that certainly has an opportunity for people who have had less opportunities to move forward. That has to be supported, and yet in this pendulum swing society that we're in, you wonder at some point if only Danish Princes can play Hamlet. It is, I believe, too restrictive. People are looking for gotcha moments and to criticize."

Agreeing, O'Brien chimed in, "The nuance can get bled out of things. I get uncomfortable when I think that everyone is getting an email that says 'this is the thing that everyone should say today, especially if you're in the public eye.' "

Penn and O'Brien also addressed cancel culture in today's society. "It's ludicrous," the two-time Oscar-winning actor said. The comedian added, "What happened to 'let's talk about that now.' People can also be forgiven if they even need to be forgiven. It feels very Soviet sometimes."

The 60-year-old actor then elaborated his opinion, "When we're destroying careers like that, what are we really achieving? Or you look at politicians, I give a big nod to anyone that's willing to enter the public arena who is doing so because they give a damn."

"I've always described myself, I think I'm a 52% optimist," O'Brien explained. "I do believe that everything that's happened in the last year is going to inform us in the best way and is going to have a very valuable impact on the arts and is going to make things better and more inclusive. I believe in all that."

He added, "This whole concept of cancel culture is, 'we've found that someone did something in 1979 that is now not appropriate, they're dead to us.' "
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It is reported that the comedian is preparing his return to standup comedy in addition to working on a five-part docuseries about his 'life, legacy, trial and prison experience.'

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Bill Cosby is back on the grind. After being released from prison, it is reported that the comedian is jumping back into showbiz by preparing his return to standup comedy in addition to working on a docuseries.

According to TMZ, the star's representative Andrew Wyatt tells the news outlet that the 83-year-old comedian wants to hit the road and tell jokes. The rep also claims that his camp has been actively contacting several promoters and comedy clubs which welcome him.

Andrew is optimist that the backlash surrounding Bill won't affect their plan that much. "The world wants to see Mr. Cosby," he confidently shares.

The comedy tour is not the only thing that Bill and his team are preparing. It is also said that Bill is developing a "5-part docuseries covering his life, legacy, trial and prison experience." The comedian will "be sitting down soon to do his interview for the project."

The producers of the planned series have reportedly shot interviews with Cosby's family, friends and other celebs.

The news outlet also reports that Bill "wants to go around the country making appearances in prisons, schools and neighborhoods." He allegedly wants to talk about "being better citizens and curbing violence."

According to Bill's rep, the comedian will be using his own experiences behind bars, as he heard moving stories from other inmates including like a father and son serving time together, for the inspiration for his tour.

Bill is also writing a book about his criminal case and prison experience. It's said that he's working on the book alongside novelist Frederick Williams.

The disgraced comedian walked free from prison on June 30, after judges at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court cited legal technicalities as they tossed out his 2018 conviction for drugging and sexually assaulting Temple University staff member Andrea Constand at his home in 2004.
Netflix TV

During a new interview, the 36-year-old Australian actor explains, 'It's not, I mean, hopefully it looks convincing, but it's so mechanical, it's ridiculous.'

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - "Sex/Life" is what everyone is talking about nowadays. While many find the Netflix series hot, actor Adam Demos revealed in a new interview that the behind-the-scenes process was actually not as sexy as what the series shows.

During his appearance on "The Kyle & Jackie O Show", the 36-year-old Australian actor said, "It's not, I mean, hopefully it looks convincing, but it's so mechanical, it's ridiculous." The Brad Simon depicter continued, "People ask if you get carried away, but you've got sound guys and cameramen right around you with the big beards. That's a bit of a turn off."

The actor also shared that his co-stars were not naked while filming the sex scenes. "No, not at all," Adam explained. "It's a closed set, but you've got modesty... I look like a Ken doll, which is embarrassing."

Despite that, Adam previously said that he was "OK" with being nude onscreen because he knew what he was getting into from the moment he read the script. "That doesn't mean you can't have discussions about comfort level, which they allowed us to have--and with the intimacy coordinator, so it felt a lot safer," he claimed.

Prior to this, "Sex/Life" creator Stacy Rukeyser revealed that there was no body double used on the series. "I mean, people usually ask is it real or is it a prosthetic?" Stacy claimed. "And I can tell you what Adam Demos says about it, which is, a gentleman never tells. So, we are leaving that up to the viewer's imagination."

Of "Sex/Life", which premiered on June 25 on the streaming service, Netflix describes, "A woman's daring sexual past collides with her married-with-kids present when the bad-boy ex she can't stop fantasizing about crashes back into her life."
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Filmmaker Paul Verhoeven disputes Sharon Stone's claims about being tricked into flashing her private parts for the 1992 thriller, insisting he talked to the actress about the scene beforehand.

Jul 9, 2021

AceShowbiz - "Basic Instinct" director Paul Verhoeven has disputed Sharon Stone's allegations she was tricked into flashing her genitals in the 1992 thriller, calling her version of events "nonsense."

In her new memoir, Stone claims she was surprised when she first saw the famous interrogation scene in the film, during which she uncrosses and crosses her legs while not wearing underwear, revealing she was told her crotch would not be seen.

There have been many versions of the events that led up to the controversial scene, and now Verhoeven is shooting down the latest one.

"You know that's nonsense, don't you?" he tells Deadline at the Cannes Film Festival, where the director is premiering his latest movie, "Benedetta" - about a real-life 17th century lesbian nun.

"We are on good terms, Sharon and I, at the moment, so I would put that in the category of 'My memory is this, and your memory is that.' "

"My memory is that it (that scene) is all based on a woman that I met when I was a student in Leiden, at the university. She would do that - she would come up to us and she would open her legs. My friend and I saw her doing that, so went up to her and said something like, 'We can see your vagina.' And then she said, 'Of course - that's why I'm doing it!' "

"I told that story to Sharon when we were having dinner together during the shoot, and she thought it would be (a) great idea to do that. So, that's my memory."

"She heard the story, and you know, in Joe Eszterhas' script, there was already a mention of that in dialogue that he wrote between Michael Douglas and Sharon - they're in the car, after the interrogation. It's raining, and Sharon says to Michael, 'You know I don't like to wear any underwear, don't you, Nick?' "

"That line was in the script, and when you see the scene just before the interrogation, you see (she is getting dressed). Michael is looking at that, and she puts her dress on, and she has no underwear. So that was already in the script, but, of course, the scene (where she would uncross her legs) was not in the script. That came into the movie when I discussed it with Sharon, when I told her the story. I know her story is a bit different, but that's my story."
The record drought scorching the western US -- including my state, North Dakota -- is becoming an all-too-familiar story.

For farmers like me, it seems like nowadays we have more bad years than good. Every season brings another unprecedented catastrophe, affecting crops regionally or all around the country. Remember the record winter storm in Texas, only four months ago? It caused $600 million in agricultural losses, according to Texas A&M University. In addition to the current megadrought, which analysts describe as the worst in 1,200 years, in the past three years alone farmers have seen record floods in the Midwest, "derecho" storms that brought hurricane-force winds to Iowa and Illinois, and the largest ever wildfire season in California, not to mention other deluges, droughts and localized disasters that barely registered in the news cycle.

The pace of disaster can be dizzying. Earlier this spring, even putting aside the drought, our farm experienced an unusually late frost that killed off 30% of our soybeans just as they were emerging from the soil, requiring us to replant. Within a week, local temperatures boomeranged back to nearly 100 degrees.

While the agricultural sector's fate has always been tied to the weather, the severity of these events, as well as their increased frequency, makes it seem that climate change is having a hand in our weather patterns.

The agricultural industry is often misunderstood by the general public, and we haven't always been credited for being forward thinking on climate change. However today, more farmers recognize the evidence around us and are turning the tide. Data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also shows that farmers are increasingly implementing conservation practices that help mitigate climate change, although we still have a long way to go.

One reason for this shift is that sustainable farming is in our best interest -- it's good for our bottom lines and for ensuring the land's viability for future generations. Farmers are finding that improved soil management can lead to higher and more consistent yields, while precision agricultural practices like soil testing and variable rate fertilize application can reduce bills for fertilizer and other inputs.

On our farm, we use a number of conservation practices, and we keep up with the latest information from the agricultural extension services at North Dakota State University. We plant cover crops and practice no-till, minimum-till, and good water management to prevent erosion and preserve soil organic matter. We also do soil testing and use prescription fertilizer so that we only put down as much fertilizer as the crop is going to use -- which reduces runoff and nitrogen emissions while also lowering our costs.

Climate change is a daunting issue, but farmers can be part of the solution by implementing good practices. A recent report written by experts from Farm Journal Foundation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change found that while agriculture contributes 10% of total US greenhouse gas emissions, existing climate-smart solutions -- if put into wider use by farmers -- could turn the industry into a net-carbon sink.

Some examples of these solutions include expanding efficient fertilizer application, renewable energy use, feed additives to help livestock reduce methane, and more radical innovations like methane digesters, big steel tanks that capture natural gas from livestock manure.

Cutting-edge agricultural research conducted at American universities is delivering new solutions all the time to help farmers adapt to and mitigate climate change. However, farmers often still face barriers to putting sustainable solutions into practice. For many, it comes down to costs.

Farming is a business that runs on tight margins -- we are affected not only by the weather but also by volatile commodity prices. Because of this, many don't have the start-up capital to invest in sustainability. We need incentives such as tax breaks, cost sharing, technical assistance or favorable loan terms for these investments to make financial sense.

There are already several USDA programs that help farmers improve their sustainability -- such as the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). However, these programs are significantly underfunded, so not all farmers who apply actually receive assistance. According to a 2021 report by Farm Journal Foundation and MIT, only about 40% of EQIP projects received funding between 2000 and 2010. This is partly because of the focus on reducing federal spending, which has led to a tighter budget for EQIP. In addition, applications for technical assistance from local USDA conservation offices frequently have long wait times, according to the report. Under the 2018 farm bill, EQIP and CSP, for example, are provided with $1.8 billion and $750 million respectively for FY 2021. This only makes a dent in what farmers across the country need to implement sustainable agricultural measures.

To enable more farmers to participate, the government needs to increase funding to these programs and others like them. It should also increase funding for agricultural research that helps farmers adapt to and mitigate climate change. In addition, Congress should pass the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which would, among other things, help the agriculture and forestry industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing technical assistance for farmers to enroll in carbon-credit markets. The bill passed the Senate and is awaiting a House vote.

Finally, government and industry groups need to do more to ensure that farmers are aware of the options that are available to them. Although conservation programs are in high demand, many farmers are busy with the day-to-day running of their businesses and don't find out about opportunities and incentives until after the programs are already full.

Today, agriculture is an innovative, forward-looking industry, and farmers are putting more and more climate-smart solutions into practice. But to truly move the needle and secure a future for family farms like mine, the government needs to provide more support. Fighting climate change is a centerpiece of President Joe Biden's policy platform. My hope is that farmers can do their part to ensure a sustainable future for us all.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Two men believed to be Haitian Americans  one of them purportedly a former bodyguard at the Canadian Embassy in Port au Prince  have been arrested in connection with the assassination of Haiti's president, according to a senior Haitian official.

Mathias Pierre, Haiti's minister of elections, told The Associated Press that James Solages was among six people arrested in the 36 hours since the brazen killing of President Jovenel Moise by gunmen at his home overnight on Wednesday.

Four other suspected assailants were killed and two are still missing, Pierre said. Pierre would not provide additional details about Solages' background, nor would he provide the name of the second Haitian-American he said was arrested.
HELENA Mont. (AP)  A grizzly bear pulled a Chico woman from her tent in a small Montana town the middle of the night and killed her before fellow campers could use bear spray to force the bear out of the area.

Officials say the bear had wandered into an area near the post office in Ovando and awakened the woman and two fellow campers in an adjacent tent.

They removed the food from their tents and stored it and went back to bed.

The bear returned and pulled 65-year-old Leah Davis Lokan from her tent, killing her.

She was a registered nurse from Chico, California.

The bear has not been found.
GRIDLEY, Calif. - A County Food Expansion Program Distribution event will be held by the Community Action Agency of Butte County, Inc. (CAA) North State Food Bank on Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, or until supplies run out.

The event is free to those attending.

Funding for the food distribution was made possible by the State and County to help families impacted by COVID-19.

Weve organized a drive-through event using pre-boxed food to help protect those in need of food and our volunteers to the maximum extent, CAA Community Services Manager for the North State Food Bank Tom Dearmore said.

The event is being held at the LDS Church located at 1259 French Ave, Gridley.

Those attending are being asked to remain in their vehicles.

The boxes of food will weigh between 12 to 17 pounds and be filled with healthy, shelf-stable, and perishable foods depending on season availability.
BERRY CREEK, Calif. - CAL FIRE Shasta Trinity Unit is at the scene of a two acre mutual threat zone vegetation fire with the Redding Fire Department.

The fire is on Quartz Hill Road and the structure threat has been mitigated.

Quartz Hill Road is currently closed to all traffic in both directions between Snow Lane and Terra Nova Drive due to the Quartz Fire, the Redding Police Department said.

Firefighters will be at the scene mopping up the scene for approximately three hours.
AndBeyond.Media, the new-age and tech-first company focusing on publisher monetization solutions announces the launch of a new AI-Driven tool Yield Maximizer. This tool will allow publishers to improvise yields by optimizing their Google Ad Manager. With this launch, AndBeyond.Media will also provide operational support to deliver direct campaigns coupled with managing and optimizing all third-party programmatic partners as per the publishers KPIs.

GAMEXX Awards 2021 Early Bird Discount Extended Last Date - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - ENTER NOW



The companys newly launched yield management techniques are devised by advanced AI & machine learning tools, which will be overlooked by GAM experts who fully understand the publishers GAM setup, trends & pricing strategies. This will enable publishers to get the highest yields along with providing them full control and transparency. Yield maximizer comes with 5 unique features to suit the needs of publishers, and maximize the value of their digital ad inventory-



 AI - Driven

 100% Transparent

 Code Free

 Full Control

 No Fixed Charges



Commenting on this development, Pankil Mehta, Chief Business Officer, AndBeyond.Media said, Our years of experience and expertise along with the newly launched Yield Maximizer tool, will enable us to harness the power of new-age technologies such as AI and Machine learning to multiply the Google Ad Exchange revenue for our publishers. With this launch our team of experts will use their deep understanding and knowledge to meet the publishers strategic goals and help them with quality driven and scalable ad operations services.



AndBeyond.Media is also thrilled to announce the launch of their new website which will now act as a one stop shop for all things monetization. The website gives an in-depth understanding of newly launched products & solutions to monetize and generate incremental revenue through advanced and varied AdTech solutions. The website launch, along with the Yield Maximizer are the first steps among many of the companys growth plans to expand its reach globally.
The Modi Government undertook its first major Cabinet reshuffle after taking charge for a second term in 2019. The new roster includes 30 Cabinet-rank ministers, two Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 45 Ministers of State.

Anurag Singh Thakur has been sworn in as the new Minister for Information and Broadcasting. He takes charge from Prakash Javadekar, who tendered his resignation ahead of the Cabinet rejig. Prior to this, Thakur was serving as Minister of State in the Ministries of Finance and Corporate Affairs. 46-year old Thakur is an MP from Himachal Pradesh and represents the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency.

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Along with I&B, Thakur will also take charge of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This portfolio was previously handled by Kiren Rijiju, who is now Minister of Law and Justice, replacing Ravi Shankar Prasad.

On his new appointment, Thakur tweeted, I am honoured to serve the people of India as a Union Cabinet Minister and take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Sh @narendramodi ji for entrusting me with this responsibility.

Meanwhile, Ashwini Vaishnaw has been given the charge of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and Ministry of Railways. Vaishnaw replaces Ravi Shankar Prasad as the IT Minister after Prasads resignation, which surprised many. Prasad had been at the helm of the formulation of the new IT Rules 2021, which saw the Government at loggerheads with several social media and Internet giants.

Vaishnaw is a former IAS officer and had done his M.Tech from IIT Kanpur and also has an MBA degree from Wharton School. He is also a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Odisha.
The latest statistics from multiple studies indicates that BBC News outperforming most news brands in India on a number of different metrics. As per the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2021, BBC News in India reaches more people weekly: holding the third highest weekly usage online and its in top five amongst the TV, radio and print category. Audiences in India are now turning to trusted brands and BBC News is one of the top four leading news brands.

GAMEXX Awards 2021 Early Bird Discount Extended Last Date - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - ENTER NOW

New data from Ipsos shows BBC is one of the top three online news brands among Indias Affluent. In the television news channels category, BBC World News is in the top five news channels among Indias Affluent and is the fastest growing international news channel.

Demand for BBC News output from audiences around the world in different segments has hit record highs recently, as readers and viewers seek trustworthy, independent and objective coverage of world changing events.

Rahul Sood, Managing Director of BBC Global News India, said: More audiences are turning to the BBC as they want to rely on the information given by a trustworthy source. The past year has shown how disinformation is spreading online to millions of people. Fake news has a detrimental effect on peoples lives, and it is vital that audiences know they can turn to sources, such as the BBC, for accurate, impartial information.

Rupa Jha, BBC Head of Indian Languages, said: The BBC offers a uniquely objective brand of news, which gives audiences the facts so they can make informed decisions about the issues that really matter. The rigorous verification process at the BBC is core to our editorial values and principles of accuracy and impartiality, and every story is authenticated before its broadcast.

Also, independent data from Similarweb has revealed that the BBC is once again, the worlds most visited news site amongst traditional news publishers.

Separate research* shows that the BBC is still considered the worlds most trusted and reliable international news broadcaster.

BBC.com registered record traffic in May 2021 in India, recording 44 million pageviews with 32% year over year growth.

BBC sites (consisting of all BBC sites visited by Indian audience) registered 52.5 million unique visitors in India in March 2021, the highest ever.
Public Relations today has taken a new dimension. This has happened due to the rise of social media and the rapid shift towards digital, which got accelerated with the onset of the global pandemic in 2020. This has led to the industry changing gears.

Adgullys IMAGEXX 2021 Summit, held on July 7, saw an interesting conversation between Lilia Glazova, CEO, PR News & Chairwoman, Russian Association of PR Consultancies (AKOS) and Member Association of International Communications Consultancy Organisation, and Atul Sharma, Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI). The discussions specifically focused on Role of measurement and evaluation in creating value in PR.

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During a masterclass presentation, Glazova spoke about the trends in PR, including the pressure on PR professionals, communication behaviour transformation, adjusting PR tools after shift in digitalisation. In her presentation, Glazova highlighted 11 important trends that are used in different regions across the world.

Out of all the trends which are highlighted, Digitalisation is considered as the main trend since last year after the pandemic happened and is adapted by most of the regions. With no option left for the agencies, the trend marked Go Online or Go Dead! In Russia, the adoption of digitisation was falling in the pre-COVID-19 times, but when the pandemic struck us, the adoption naturally went up on a higher scale, she said.

The second important trend is Ethics, which showcases an attitude of inclusivity and sustainability towards the organisation as well as the society. It is the most discussed topic in the media. The importance of ethics is different in different regions of the world and is predicted to be applied more tactfully in Asia in the near future and is least discussed in Africa, according to a research.

Content is the key and the third most impactful trend, especially effective content, which is not only used for content marketing, but helps in researching and analysing the new trends in the current times.

Carrying forward the conversation, Atul Sharma engaged with Glazova on topics such as the emerging technology and its impact on PR, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it will shape PR communications.

Glazova noted, Only companies with big budgets can carry experiments using AI technology. Once somebody uses the technology and becomes trustworthy, only then will other corporations follow. Clients need to request AI capability. For some technologies, you have to wait until it becomes cheaper, useful and accessible for all stakeholders in the market. Few companies should experience and know the advantages of these technologies.

Speaking about the Indian scenario, Sharma said, In India, weve seen the same thing happening, whether it was the smartphone revolution or broadband penetration. That technology did not become widespread until the pricing was right. We need brands and companies to experiment with these technologies to know what they are capable of and arouse the interest of others.

Watch the entire session below.
Ever since SonyLIV and Maddock Outsider have launched the fascinating trailer of their highly-anticipated web show Chutzpah, it has created a sense of intrigue and excitement among the audience, wanting more!

Living up to the title, the new-age web show showcases the relevance of internet and social media in everyones life, which has caught the fancy of the viewers. Featuring Gen-X popular actors Varun Sharma, Manjot Singh, Gautam Mehra, Tanya Maniktala, Elnaaz Norouzi and Kshitij Chauhan amongst others, Chutzpah gives a sneak peak into the digital transformation of human identity in todays era. In short, its like a slice of cake, layered with 5 differently flavoured stories tied together with the fine cream called 'the internet'.

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Sharing his experience of shooting the entire show during lockdown, Simarpreet Singh explains, We started discussing and prepping for the show with cast, costume and set designers on video calls. We did script reading sessions with the actors on video calls only wherein we had to face internet issues too. Facing this challenge, Mrighdeep sir (co-writer) and I realised that we have to be every character for them. For instance, we had to romance with Varun Sharmas character pretending to be his girlfriend in the show played by Tanya Maniktala. The tricky one was the on-the-girl-cam kind of a story between Manjot Singh and Elnaaz Norouzis characters. While acting, we were the screen for these actors. Even while shooting, no one could meet anyone. But everyone worked very well just on video calls and its a miracle that everyone was Covid negative when I shouted wrap.

The challenge was also to ensure that the backdrop of each of the characters doesnt look monotonous. There were no live locations available, either in Mumbai or Goa because of Covid. We had to build 6 massive sets for each character. To be able to build the sets and not been able to shoot there was another challenge. For example, Manoj and Elnaazs set were created adjacently and they were separated by a wall and that wall became a screen for the show. It was an eye-opener kind of a situation because there were so many restrictions but we still managed to pull off. All the actors never came under one roof. We started shooting for the show in October, January and February since there were location restrictions. The show has been majorly shot in Mumbai and Goa, Simarpreet adds.

Co-writer Mrighdeep Singh Lamba informs, Since the show talks about internet and social media, the bottom line is that we are connected yet a bit disconnected with each other. We dont want to comment on internet being good or bad, but just want the audience to experience and relate to the stories depicted in the show. The audience will be able to resonate with the interesting characters because it actually comes from us only. The show features actors talking to their computer screens rather than talking to a person sitting next to them. Interestingly, the show got greenlit with SonyLIV online only. The show about internet was approved on internet.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan and created and written by Amit Babbar and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, 'Chutzpah' is directed by Simarpreet Singh. An out-and-out entertainer, Chutzpah will premiere on SonyLIV from 23rd July.
Pocket Aces lifestyle channel, Gobble, in collaboration with DEWARS double aged Scotch Whisky by Bacardi, is back with the third season of its bespoke property  You Got Chefd!. As house parties become the next big thing, Chef Ranveer Brar, along with celebrity guests, take you through culinary paradise with global cuisines paired with delicious Highball cocktails. The latest season has double the fun with Arjun Kapoor, Tahira Kashyap, Pratik Gandhi and Rohan Joshi, cooking their gourmet creations and pairing it with Highballs in each episode. They also engage in fun banter and conversations around topics that they are passionate about ranging from breaking gender to cooking stereotypes.

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DEWARS has been the official brand partner for You Got Chefd! since the beginning and season 3 will rope in more exciting cocktails and challenges for the viewers. The highball cocktails made from DEWARS Scotch whisky by DEWARS brand ambassador- Greg Benson, are paired to further enhance the Global Cuisines and dishes that will be prepared this season.

In this season, Chef Ranveer Brar will be hosting popular celebrities - Arjun Kapoor, Tahira Kashyap, Pratik Gandhi and Rohan Joshi whose cooking skills are put to the test as they attempt to earn points and win the title of - You Got Chefd!. Under the supervision of DEWARS India brand ambassadors, Greg Benson and Myles Carroll, the guests will be challenged to try bartending tricks that boost their chances of winning. Taking cues from the brands messaging Double is Better, this season will Double the Difficulty in the efforts taken to earn points.

Alongside of unravelling over global cuisines and highball cocktails, celebrities will also be seen revealing some memories that they associate with the dishes they prepare. Arjun Kapoor will be seen preparing a dish from London that takes him back to the time he starved during a Chelsea match. Tahira Kashyap reminisces about her pregnancy days of eating Panjiri, which is similar in some ways to the New York dish she prepares. Pratik Gandhi is reminded of his role in Dhunki, which involved a lot of cooking, while trying his best to make a Singaporean dish. Rohan Joshi, while preparing a Japanese dish discloses how shocked he was to learn about peoples eating patterns in Japan.

Speaking about the association Vijay Dev, Consumer Marketing Lead, Whiskies at Bacardi India said, You Got Chefd! helps bring out the finest cocktail and food pairings alongside fun banter and highlights the amazing occasions at home and otherwise to experience with DEWAR'S. We hope consumers enjoy this season as well and try their hand at these easy-to-make DEWARS Highball cocktails.

Greg Benson, DEWARS Brand Ambassador- India added, As DEWARS continues to champion innovative Scotch whisky highball cocktail experiences for consumers across the world, You Got Chefd will further enable the brand in doing so. Especially, at a time when consumers are actively seeking to experiment with easy-to-make cocktails at home, we will help them take their Highball cocktail experiences a notch higher through the show. Furthermore, with Chef Brar as my co-host for the second consecutive season, I am elated as the two of us together effortlessly bring out the Double is Better spirit.

Commenting on the show, Ankit Chhabra, Channel Manager, Gobble says, Thanks to our unique offerings, viewers are hooked to Gobble for lifestyle content, resulting in our audience base having tripled over the last two years. After the success of the previous two seasons, we decided to push the boundaries and make our guests attempt more difficult cuisines in this season. The idea was to have our viewers experience global culture from the comfort of their homes. It is going to be super fun to watch the audiences' favorite celebrities putting their culinary and bartending skills to test. We could not have been happier with the lineup of this season.

Vishwanath Shetty, VP, Sales and Brand Solutions, Pocket Aces, adds, With every passing season, we have been able to widen the scale of the show in terms of production and viewership. Dewar's, our brand partner, has been on-board for three consecutive seasons for one of Gobble's 'Impact property', making this our longest association with a brand for a given series. This goes to show the merit brands seek in our content and hence choose to associate themselves with it. We have been able to initiate conversations with potential brand partners, taking into account the strong backing of our previously successful associations. This also gives other brands an opportunity to visualise different ways in which they can integrate themselves into seamlessly flowing content like ours; furthermore witness scale year-on-year.
Tata AIA Life insurance has extended the 'Raksha ka teeka' to its employees. 99% of eligible employees have received at least their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in the last two months, thereby becoming one of the few companies to have achieved this milestone.

Tata AIA Life's campaigns such as 'Pehle Teeka' and 'Raksha ka teeka' prioritised getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and spreading awareness about the same through different platforms to different stakeholders such as customers and advisors, in addition to employees.

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The challenge of shortage in vaccine supply was overcome in collaboration with other Tata Group companies and the employees were administered the first dose in camps conducted across India. All employees above 45 years of age have already been covered with one dose.

Tata AIA Life took a variety of measures for employees' physical, emotional and financial well-being including pre and post-care, emergency services, financial assistance, vaccination, creating awareness and communication of protocols, addressing emotional and physical well-being, providing medical infrastructure support etc.

Complete vaccination support was provided to all the employees, from reimbursement of the vaccination cost to one day leave for each dose.

Apart from vaccination, Tata AIA Life also extended the Covid Kavach policy to its employees with the employees and their spouses individually covered for hospitalization expenses to the tune of INR 1 lakh each. The Group Mediclaim cover under Group Term Life Insurance was increased to INR 7 lakhs for employees, spouses and up to 2 children. In addition, in case of death, insurance equal to six times the annual salary of the employee has been provided. To help with immediate medical expenses, employees can also avail of an advance of INR 50,000.

Emergency equipment support such as oxygen cylinders and RT-CPR kits were made available. The company also provided quarantine facilities in Ginger hotels and 45 other isolation centres across India. Care@Home packages from Fortis hospitals were provided for employees during home quarantine.

To ensure that employees and their family members were not inconvenienced by having to step out for medical reasons, a Practo PLUS health plan was extended to them, which covers e-consultation with qualified doctors, a digital prescription, home sample collection for medical tests and home delivery of medicines as discounted prices. Tata AIA Life's initiatives also include a tie-up with Curefit to provide a range of wellness programmes that include fitness and yoga, healthy meals, mental wellbeing and primary care.

The employees also launched an Employee Crowd Funding initiative in partnership with GoCrowdera to support certain extraordinary situations for employees and their families.

All measures have been decided and monitored by an apex committee comprising the company's Chief Distribution Officer, Chief of Human Resources and Chief of Operations, and a special task force.

Kristyl Bhesania, Executive Vice President and Head of HR, Tata AIA Life, said, "We, at Tata AIA Life, take immense pride in our people and we take every possible step towards ensuring their well-being and happiness. Our employees have stood by us, and have worked relentlessly to ensure that the benefits of life insurance are extended to as many Indians as possible. Whatever we can do as a company to lessen their worries, especially about their near and dear ones, is, we believe, not only our responsibility but our purpose."
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 08.07.2021 - Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the Ukraine Reform Conference 2021 (URC) in Vilnius from 6 to 8 July. At the end of this year's conference, Switzerland officially assumed the chair of the URC2022 in Lugano. During the conference, Mr Cassis met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba. To mark two anniversaries in SwissLithuanian relations, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also met with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in Vilnius.

The Ukraine Reform Conference aims to support the reform process in Ukraine and formulate recommendations for action. It is held every year in a different host country. The conference in Vilnius  which had been postponed for a year owing to the global public health situation  looked to the future in the wake of what has been a difficult year because of the pandemic. The hybrid-format conference brought together representatives from government, international partners, central and regional authorities, civil society, and business and academia in support of the reform efforts in Ukraine.

At this year's conference, Mr Cassis gained an overview of the complex issue of reform in Ukraine and established key contacts for next year's conference in Lugano. He concluded the two-day conference with a joint statement alongside this year's co-organisers Lithuania and Ukraine, and accepted the URC2022 chair on behalf of Switzerland.

Talking with various URC partners, Mr Cassis outlined Switzerland's priorities for the URC2022 in Lugano. Switzerland will strive in particular for a positive, stakeholder-inclusive approach that encourages ownership of the reform efforts still under way. This jointly-devised concept was discussed in further detail with President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kuleba and will be finalised in the coming months. Other topics included upcoming bilateral meetings and the situation in eastern Ukraine.

On the margins of the conference, Federal Councillor Cassis met Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau for the first time. Their discussion focused on current global political developments. Cassis also met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric. With Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau and the Greek Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, he discussed Switzerland's European policy.

Double anniversary cause to celebrate good SwissLithuanian relations

The Swiss foreign minister also met with his Lithuanian counterpart Gabrielius Landsbergis in Vilnius to celebrate a double anniversary marking 100 years since Switzerland officially recognised Lithuania and 30 years since bilateral relations were re-established in 1991. On this occasion, Cassis praised the two countries' good bilateral relations, emphasising that Switzerland is a reliable partner for the EU and its member states even in the absence of an institutional framework agreement. The two ministers discussed Lithuania's experiences as host of the 2021 Ukraine Reform Conference, and spoke about the COVID19 pandemic and its impact.

As part of the double anniversary programme, Cassis and two members of the National Council who joined him on this trip to the Baltic States, Corina Gredig and Lilian Studer, visited the Votes and Voices exhibition at the Museum of Applied Arts and Design in Vilnius. This exhibition showcases campaign posters from Swiss popular votes and explains how direct democracy works in Switzerland. The two-day Ukraine reform conference in Vilnius concluded Cassis' five-day trip to the three Baltic states.

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Alton, IL (62002)

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Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 92F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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OPINION As we headed into the holiday weekend many families were firing up the grill and celebrating with burgers and steaks cooked to sizzli
Farmers try to get the most out of their crop every season, but when prices are high, the value of a bushel is even more important. Figuring o
Most herbicide labels caution against applications made under environmental stress such as prevailing hot and dry conditions in Iowa this year. This is because of increased risk of crop injury and/or decreased weed control.
Jaclyn Wilson Jaclyn Wilson raises Red Angus cattle at Wilson Ranch near Lakeside, Nebraska. Send comments to her at jaclyn@flyingdiamondgenetics.com. Follow Jaclyn Wilson 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

Hopefully, everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July, and no one is missing any digits this week. It was a hot one here. The countryside continues to burn up and with every tiny little storm cloud that goes overhead you pause and hope for a couple drops of rain. The one good thing about lack of rain, is it does make decent haying weather for what hay there is.

It was an interesting weekend. The interns headed out Thursday night for a long weekend, and I headed to a roping event Friday. Im still at the chauffeur and horse trader level, as those years off of horseback from my jaw surgery and roping off of an ATV set me behind. OK, and truth be told, I dont want to enter something competitive unless I know Im in a position that I can win. (Just for a clarification, thats not a participation ribbon mentality, its an I embarrass myself enough as it is - no reason to do something unless theres a pretty good chance Im practiced enough that I wont make an idiot of myself mentality.)

Saturday morning the Boss Man and I wrapped up some down hay and then I headed over to help some neighbors move some hay equipment and ended up finding myself cutting hay on an International 460 with a single sickle mower bar. Now, Ive run a lot of equipment in my life - everything from swathers to balers to combines. That is the first time I have ever run a sickle bar.

Its been a hot minute since the learning days of raking on a JD 3020 when I was in grade school, and it didnt take long for me to realize a couple of things. The first is that I understand why every individual from that generation that I know of has to ask me what? when Im talking to them. The second is for a multitasker like myself, I really had to focus on the job at hand.
This spring, Tyson Fresh Meats became the first beef processor to make a major move toward a nationwide cattle traceability system.

The beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods is supporting U.S. CattleTrace  a national organization aimed at providing a framework of disease traceability across the U.S. cattle industry.

Traceability in the food system is something that came under the microscope during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the supply chain was compromised, U.S. consumers began digging into how the market is set up. Calls for more transparency in the market cascaded as bills were proposed to both secure and open up the cattle market in the U.S.

While CattleTrace is a producer-driven volunteer initiative, executive director Callahan Grund said partnering with all levels of the industry is important. Everyone is a player to producing safe food, he said.

There are a lot of things we dont know as producers that occurs up the chain, Grund said.

CattleTrace supports the use of ultra-high frequency radio RFID tags that can track large volumes of cattle at one time. Producers have pushed back against the use of RFID ear tags. The U.S. Department of Agriculture tried to mandate the technology but was forced to backtrack on its regulations. Grund said it makes sense that it is a controversial issue in the cattle industry, given no cattle producer wants to be forced to do anything.

Tyson, on the other hand, said their involvement with the program was because they believe in a national traceability program that can accurately trace disease before they become outbreaks.
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"The Road Home" is one of the multiple paintings created by Kyle Larson that will be included in the Oklahoma Contemporary ArtNow 2021 art exhibition in Oklahoma City July 29  Sept. 13. This oil on canvas measures 60 x 72 inches.

Multiple paintings created by Kyle Larson, associate professor of art at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, will be among the artwork of 26 others July 29-Sept. 13 at an exhibition in Oklahoma City that celebrates Oklahoma-based artists.

His work will be displayed during Oklahoma Contemporary's ArtNow 2021, an exhibition in the Eleanor Kirkpatrick Main Gallery to showcase the new works of selected artists with active studio practices in Oklahoma. These artists' works respond to the complexities of contemporary culture, reflecting the vibrant diversity of contemporary art in Oklahoma.

Each artist in this exhibition was hand-selected by guest curator Helen Opper, an independent curator and an associate of the Appraisers Association of America. Opper owns her own business and serves as director of The Art Hall Gallery in Oklahoma City. She also is an adjunct professor in the visual art program at Oklahoma City Community College.

"I'm honored to have my work included in this exhibition amongst this dynamic group of artists who represent the breadth and diversity of art-making throughout the state," Larson said.

Among the artwork to be displayed is a special exhibition featuring several of Bert Seabourn's works in recognition of his contribution to the cultural landscape in the state. Seabourn's works are in national and international collections, and he is the recipient of the Governor's Arts Award from the Oklahoma Arts Council (1981) and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (1997) from his alma mater, Oklahoma City University. Besides his dedication to art, Seabourn has fostered comradeship in the arts in Oklahoma and has committed his time and talent to teach at Oklahoma Contemporary for many years.

Tickets to view ArtNow 2021 and other exhibitions at Oklahoma Contemporary are free, but visitors are required to reserve limited-access timed tickets up to two weeks in advance. Currently, the museum is encouraging masks for visitors and requires them for children age 2-12 and public-facing staff. The facility is located at 11 NW 11th Street. Tickets may be reserved using https://oklahomacontemporary.org/exhibitions/free_tickets. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and closed on Tuesday.

Additional information about the exhibition and the artists represented may be found at https://oklahomacontemporary.org/exhibitions/upcoming/artnow-2021.

Larson has been teaching at Northwestern since 2015. He earned a Bachelor of Art in English and Visual Art and a Master of Art in Painting, both from California State University-Sacramento before earning a Master of Fine Art in Painting from Boston University.

He has been a part of numerous solo and duo exhibitions as well as selected group exhibitions. He also has taken part as an artist-in-residence in North Adams, Massachusetts, and Santiago, Chile, and served as a Northwestern artist-in-residence in 2014 before his employment at the university.

To see more of Larson's artwork, including some that will be displayed during ArtNow, visit https://kyle-larson.com.

To learn more about Northwestern's visual arts program, contact Larson at 580-327-8108, [email protected] or visit the web page at http://www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/fine-arts/visual-arts.
David Gershuny, 2021 Mesel Wieder Mensch Award Winner, is passionate about his commitment and service to the Jewish community.
Courtesy of JTA; Photo Credit: Michelle Valberg/Machzikei Hadas

Rabbi Reuven Bulka, seen in an undated photo, said people should ask themselves as early as possible in life: "What can I do to make this world a better place?"
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  As many Asian countries battle their worst surge of COVID-19 infections, the slow-flow of vaccine doses from around the world is finally picking up speed, giving hope that low inoculation rates can increase and help blunt the effect of the rapidly spreading delta variant.
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.
Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615)

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Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 86F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 76F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
The assault against the United States of America is entering a new phase. The anti-American left, with its impoverished vision of the human soul, constantly bemoans the United States as a villainous nation founded on hatred and prejudice, crime and thievery, murder and imprisonment. The anti-Americans assert the entire American experiment is flawed, from the Mayflower Compact to the American Revolution itself. How, then, should patriotic Americans respond?

Narratives are power. This is something that conservatives have failed to grasp. For all the good of policy programs like lower taxes, deregulation, encouraging a spirit of entrepreneurship, and so forth, such policy slogans dont tell a story. Humans are storytelling creatures and are captivated by stories. American patriots need a new story, one that honors the past and builds it into the future.

All nations thrive on noble stories. They are integral to our cohesiveness as story-making creatures. Our primary identities are, in fact, rooted in stories (called narrative identities). The stories we tell ourselves and the stories we pass on become part of an unfolding story that gives our lives meaning and purpose since stories have meaning and purpose.

Stories are the core of true culture -- something that the anti-American left understands and wields to horrific destructive power in their story of American genocide, oppression, and racism. By telling their story and propagating it from the organs of schools, media, even churches, the anti-American left causes people to hate their own heritage, history, and patrimony. Thus we see so many Americans denounce their own birthplace.

Throughout American history, Americans have had an overriding noble story gluing them together as one people out of many. From settlement to independence, Americas primary identity was forged through the noble story of the Pilgrims who courageously ventured across the unknown to find religious freedom, property, and self-governance. It was a story common to all, one of inspiration and emulation.

From 1620-1776, Americas identity was tied to the story of the Pilgrims. America, before 1776, was Gods New England Israel, as Cotton Mather proclaimed; a land, to paraphrase Winthrop, destined to become a Christian commonwealth -- that city upon a hill whose goodness, godliness, and religiosity would serve to inspire reformation back in the Old World and attract the lights of the Old World suffering from oppression into the new flame lit in North America. It was a destiny shared by many and gave meaning and purpose to the peoples who had ventured across the Atlantic to start a new life.

In fact, even at the end of the Civil War, Northern and Unionist newspapers celebrated the victory of Union as a manifestation of the Puritan spirit. The Boston Evening Transcript even proclaimed at the end of the war: It is settled that Plymouth, and not Jamestown, is to be the nations watchword; the Puritan and not the Cavalier, to be the master pilot here. That early spirit of liberty and self-determination was still part of the American story long after independence. Imagine the Boston Globe or some other degenerate Yankee newspaper celebrating Americas history and heritage like that nowadays.

Following the American Revolution, Americas noble story expanded from the Puritan identity to a newly forged democratic Americanism (while still retaining the Puritan genesis and inheritance as already mentioned). America was destined to spread the gospel of democratic republicanism across the North American continent and throw off the shackles and vestiges of European imperialism. The American experiment was the first anti-colonial experiment in the world.

This new experiment in democracy would rid, at least, the western hemisphere of autocracy and possibly inspire the rest of the world to do the same. Manifest Destiny was tied to an awakened democratic nationalism as George Dangerfield wrote in The Awakening of American Nationalism. Americans believed their exceptionalism as a democratic republic in a century when there were no other such polities in existence, it was an exceptionalism rooted in the countrys Puritan settlement that won such other victories as the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the republic during the Civil War.

The twentieth century is arguably the watershed moment in cultivating a shared American story in the new time the country found itself.

From 1941-1991, America was engaged in a deadly struggle against fascism and communism. America, in this new story, was the arsenal of democracy and the last best hope against the evil empire. America was the one nation, united in its past religious liberty and democratic politics, that would stand up against the spiritual and political tyranny of the dark forces that had swept Europe and were being exported around the world by the dictates of the Kremlin. While tried through fire, war, and domestic unrest, the United States triumphed and became a better, more perfect, union through it all.

The human soul yearns for liberty, freedom of spirit to find God, freedom of association to find companionship, and freedom of thought to unlock the mysteries of the world. The United States, more than any other nation in the history of the world, has been the land of the soul. That is what has made America exceptional.

The freedom of spirit to find God is firmly implanted in the soil of the United States with our pilgrim and puritan forefathers journeying to the New World to find the satiation of the soul. As Saint Augustine wrote, Our heart is restless until it finds rest in [God]. Freedom of association is an enshrined right in the Bill of Rights. Freedom of speech, assembly, and worship all embody that spirit of association -- the need for human relationships and friendship. Freedom of thought is equally enshrined as a national right in the Constitution; this has spurred religious, scientific, and economic freedom and progress the world over.

America, as the land of the soul, is what makes the United States so magnetically attractive to people all over the world and has remained the alluring factor to those who live inside its borders. This is the true founding of America. It is not the American founding that is at fault for the derailment of American society. The enemies of the human soul are at fault for the desecration of the soul and the decomposition of the American spirit for rejecting the very impetus of the human soul in their collectivist totalitarian phantasmagoria.

The burdening of the spirit of liberty by the tentacles of the bureaucratic command-control state that leftists love creates a new class of servile slaves. The self-renunciation of tradition, roots, and heritage equally confuse the soul from its natural affections of the homeland, something that has disastrous consequences for civil society as everyone from Aristotle and Cicero to the Founding Fathers long saw.

It is necessary that Americans recapture their own self-understanding and story. Not a story of hatred, racism, and oppression, not a story of failure from the start, but the story of the human soul and its search for meaning and empowerment. It has been in America that the story and pilgrimage of the human soul have found its greatest fulfillment, meaning, and purpose. That is, and remains, the American story. It is time to own it, celebrate it, and cherish it once more.

Image: Pixabay

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The left has thrust Critical Race Theory (CRT) into our national narrative. Its tenets of white privilege and white supremacy, etc., are now both familiar and regrettably influential.

People are actively resisting CRT on all fronts, both local and national: In government, in academia, and in our military. Citizens from every race, ethnicity, economic class, and all walks of life; active-duty and retired Veterans; and a large segment of Christian and religious leaders have repudiated CRT and its teachings.

CRT does not unify; it is discriminatory and divisive. Thus far, CRT is achieving its proponents obvious goal, which is to divide Americans. We should expect this will be a prolonged and difficult conflict in the arena of ideas. Now is the time for patriots to act, so lets take inventory of the tools we have and equip every culture warrior with the objective truths needed to win. Victory is achievable because of CRTs deeply flawed, racist, anti-Biblical, and anti-American premises.

Most acknowledge that CRT is a derivative of Marxist ideology. The latter describes the social, economic, and political interaction within all societies as an inherently exploitative power struggle. CRT extrapolates the oppressor versus oppressed exploitation theory and uses it to characterize human relationships and the resulting social, economic, and political constructs and institutions as racist, with Whites cast specifically as the irredeemably racist oppressor.

Marxism is a godless ideology. It appeals to the most negative and destructive aspects of human nature: envy, jealousy, discontent, enmity, malice, and strife. There is nothing in Marxism that is aspirational and, therefore, nothing inherent in CRT is aspirational. CRT aims down, perpetuating a victim mentality and the notion of systemic and perpetual oppression. Marxist CRT ideologies only seek to tear down. They do not build up the individual or the structures and systems necessary for individuals to prosper or for just societies to thrive.

Inculcating CRT into American society will destroy America and its unsurpassed freedom and prosperity. If those who are behind CRT were honest, they would acknowledge this is their goal but, just as Marxist governments across the globe cannot be honest about their goals and their utter failures, adherents to Marxist CRT are equally hypocritical and dishonest to Americas citizens.

What is the alternative to CRTs spread? Its simple -- the ideals upon which America was founded are far better and provide the mechanisms which empower individuals to achieve positive outcomes. Freedom works, every time and in every application.

Americas Founders were heavily influenced by Judeo-Christian ethics. The American colonies were originally established because of the human desire for religious freedom; that is, to worship (or not) according to ones own conscience. Our Founders looked to the principles, ethics, and tenets of a variety of Judeo-Christian faiths for guidance, which is evident in the Declaration of Independence:

 the Laws of Nature and Natures God (the capital G in God bears witness that the Founders rightly ascribed a proper pronoun to the Creator, the Divine)

we hold these truths to be self-evident endowed by their Creator... (bears witness to a shared faith in the Almighty among each signer of the Declaration)

For the goal of establishing unity, consider the familiar Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One), which Congress formally accepted in 1782 for the Great Seal of America. The United States of America is best and strongest when we are unified and when our common bonds enable us to meet our shared challenges.

To defeat America, our enemies must succeed in dividing us.

When the Preamble to our Constitution states to form a more perfect Union, that language conveys two important principles: First, the Founders did not know everything, so they instituted a government that could be improved upon. Second, the Constitution and the government they formed were not perfect and would indeed need improvement.

The Founders understood that a country is a dynamic entity and that things in the future must change and improve. They prescribed a method to amend the Constitution that requires an overwhelming unity of purpose and two-thirds majority consent to enact reform. Unity is required for positive, long-term change.

I believe that the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jrs I Have a Dream speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, was divinely inspired. It certainly inspired a seismic shift in the American psyche and offered a far better vision of what is meant for America to live up to its founding ideals. Most notably:

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream that one daylittle black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

Todays Marxists who are advocating for CRT attempt to discredit Dr. King and disavow his approach to racial justice because a white supremacist assassinated him. This is a contemptible and cowardly attempt to deflect from honestly discussing Dr. Kings achievements and his persuasive arguments  many of which were based on Biblical scripture (which Marxists viscerally detest).

Dr. Kings words are still inspirational and aspirational because they have a spirit of forgiveness and redemption, an inherent hopefulness in America and her citizens, and confidence in the self-evident truth that the injustices that were allowed to exist in America were antithetical to its founding. Dr. King affirmed his faith in the goodness of America, and he advocated for a color-blind society that rewarded merit regardless of race. When we do this, we become stronger. We become a more perfect union.

Dr. King extolled the ideas of an American family, as all of Gods children; his message was of hope, faith, and brotherly love. These are all antithetical to CRT. Living and acting in accordance with what the Founders gave us  which is what Dr. King strived to see America become  is what we need to defeat CRT.

What path do we want to follow on our journey? Our task has been and will continue to be difficult, and we will need to rely on and believe in that which is greater than ourselves. Our calling is to inspire in every American the commitment to regard all our neighbors as created with inherent, God-given dignity and purpose. This must be the foundation upon which we build a better future for our children, and preserve an America where all are present, with hands joined as brothers and sisters to enjoy the blessings provided at the banquet table of Freedom.

Jeff Lewis is a Christian: a native of North Carolina; a husband and father of three; a Veteran and small business owner who resides in South Texas.

IMAGE: Constantino Brumidis Apotheosis of Washington, detail E Pluribus Unum (1865). Public domain.

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The same sort of anti-White racist, left-wing revolutionaries who have burned swaths of American cities are terrorizing parts of Canada with terroristic arson attacks. But lacking any history of slavery or historic oppression of Blacks, the Canadian thugs have seized upon alleged mistreatment of indigenous peoples, called "First Canadians" according to recent local custom north of the border.

The result has been a wave of church burnings recently, including ten churches in Alberta on Canada's national holiday, Canada Day, just a few days ago.



YouTube screen grab.

Shockingly, a number of people in presumably responsible positions have been cheering on religious terrorism. Jack Montgomery of Breitbart reports:

The executive director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), Harsha Walia, is under fire for commenting on a story about the wave of church arsons sweeping Canada by saying "Burn it all down." Walia, a Bahrain-born South Asian based in Vancouver and described as "a community organizer and campaigner in migrant justice, feminist, anti-capitalist, abolitionist, and anti-imperialist movements" in her profile at the left-wing Intercept, made the inflammatory intervention in response to a VICE report on two Roman Catholic churches being burned down in Alberta and Nova Scotia.

Others are cheering her on:

This seems appropriate but as usual Canadian whiteness is gleefully tone-policing and harassing a powerful, racialized woman from telling the truth. Sending solidarity to @HarshaWalia pic.twitter.com/Ry0NTRbHNr  Erica Ifill (@wickdchiq) July 4, 2021

And to think these people are more concerned with tone policing than the underlying reasons for the anger. Now Im pissed. I should write a column

(Whoever said anger isnt productive was obviously white)   Erica Ifill (@wickdchiq) July 4, 2021

Steve Sailer describes the cause seized upon by the current terrorists attacking churches:

[T]he sensationalized reports that there were "unmarked graves" at the much-demonized Canadian schools were immediately accepted as prima facie proof of the diabolical essence of Canadian history. The term "unmarked graves" is suggestive of massacre, but the reality is that the children died of natural causes, especially diseases that hadn't existed in the New World before 1492, so Indians hadn't evolved defenses against them. Moreover, it has now been publicly admitted in at least two of the four cases that the graves weren't actually unmarked. For example, at Cranbrook, the original wooden crosses simply burned up in brush fires or deteriorated over the decades. Whether more Indian children died due to the schools than if they had been at home is probably unknowable.

Last night, Tucker Carlson covered the church burnings, as well as the toppling of a statue of Queen Victoria in Winnipeg, discussing the wave of violence with Ezra Levant of Rebel Media, mentioning the incredible fact that the U.S.-Canadian border is still closed, at Canada's insistence, of the purported danger of COVID.

Levant criticized Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau for waiting a week to condemn the arson. In the following video report from the Canadian governmentowned CBC, Trudeau's belated statement is presented, along with a video of some of the First Canadian parishioners who have lost their churches to the arson terror.

Anti-religious terrorism has been a feature of left-wing revolutionaries ever since the French Revolution launched the wave of utopian terror. Tucker Carlson mentions the Spanish Civil War in his introduction, but many other revolutions, including Mexico's, have a strong component of anti-religious zealotry and violence. In China's Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, Buddhist and Confucian religious structures were torched and libraries destroyed.

In all of these cases, the countries involved came to regret these extremes. But it is clear from the enthusiasm expressed by seemingly respectable people in Canada  who have suffered no consequences  that Canada has a way to go before it sobers up.

Of course, the same is true south of the border.

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The tiny European state of Montenegro got itself in hock to China for a big road from its coast to Serbia. And now that China has spread COVID, it's having trouble paying its bills.

That's a problem, not just for the tiny tourist-oriented Mediterranean state, but for all of Europe.

China, according to the contract terms, can actually seize land if the country defaults, which might give it some pretty strategic real estate from the Montenegro port of Bar straight into the heart of Europe. And as for Montenegro itself, apparently, it doesn't even have the road.

According to the Daily Mail:

Perched atop massive cement pillars that tower above Montenegro's picturesque Moraca river canyon is an incomplete highway that threatens to bankrupt the little Balkan nation. China Road and Bridge Corporation, the state-owned company which is building the bridge with imported Chinese workers, has not yet finished constructing the first section of the 270-mile highway to the Serbian capital Belgrade. The first instalment on a $1 billion loan from China's state bank is due this month but it's unclear whether Montenegro, whose debt has soared to more than double its GDP because of the project, will be able to pay it back. A copy of the loan contract reviewed by NPR shows that if Montenegro misses the deadline, Beijing has the right to seize land inside the country - as long as it doesn't belong to the military or is used for diplomatic purposes. Furthermore, the country's former government green-lighted for a Chinese court of arbitration to have the final say on any contractual disputes. Deputy Prime Minister Abazovic said in May that the terms are ludicrous. 'This is not normal,' he told Euronews. 'This is out of any kind of logic of national interest.'

COVID, which was knowingly developed and spread to Europe by China, has devastated the Montenegro economy. The country is cheap, beautiful, and close to rich countries, so quite naturally it has a tourist economy. China's spread of COVID shut that right down for the year, so no money was earned. Instead of admitting its role in destroying the Montenegro economy and writing the disaster off as its responsibility for spreading COVID, China still insists on getting paid.

Which is pretty creepy. But the Chicoms wanted that project as part of their One Belt, One Road Initiative, and everyone knows why. They aren't interested in seeing Montenegrins have a nice road to travel on to trade with neighboring Serbia. They wanted a strategic foothold in Europe, maybe a nice tank route or something of that nature.

As an increased bitter pill for Montenegro, apparently, they aren't even getting the road. I could find no information about the terms of the contract and fact that it's not completed, but it appears they have to pay both the debt and the construction or maybe the construction materials and they can't. So they get no road but still have to pay China if what the news reports are saying is correct. What a deal.

The current reporting speaks of Montenegro as an aspiring European Union member, and therefore the trouble it has gotten in makes it another Greece. That's actually irrelevant -- the country is a full-blown member of NATO, since 2017. It's the NATO membership that creates the big problems. Chinese real estate ownership of valuable road space (there isn't much in mountainous Montenegro) would be a strategically useful thing for the Chicoms. That's a crisis for NATO.

The scheme of course, which they are doing everywhere, is to get poor, miserable nations in hock to the tune of billions of dollars, have them sign contracts with important real estate as collateral, rig in their own courts having the final say in disputes, and then clean up when the inevitable default happens. COVID has been so helpful for this purpose as economies around the world crash and burn.

I wrote about how they did it with Ecuador -- leaving the country with unpayable debt and an expensive junk dam that has driven up electricity bills. As a bonus, it's crackling and crumbling, too. I wrote about it with Kenya, which stands to lose the continentally rare and valuable Port of Mombasa (though lately they have been denying it, possibly fancifully imagining that Chinese courts would absolutely agree with them if that is part of the deal).

The New York Times has an excellent infographic on just how many places they've gotten on their string here.

Joe Biden, of course, has said nothing about this obvious problem involving his much-touted NATO, but the European Union seems to be paying attention to the issue: According to Reuters in news released today, the current president of Montenegro has announced that a debt swap deal is in the works with U.S. and European banks, to make it a bailout of sorts, which obviously, would involve some pressure from the western governments to make. The source, the Montenegro president, is possibly inclined to over-optimism, it would be better to hear about this from the banks, whose identities he won't say.

Why the West must pay a bailout, instead of hit China with a lawsuit about its spread of COVID, is beyond my understanding. The Montenegro case demonstrates that China plays the imperialist game with unequal treaties better than any 19th century imperialist western nation. It also demonstrates that COVID was a very good thing for their global strategic ambitions, and now they're scarfing up.

Sue the bastards, and get word out that getting in hock to China is nothing but a roach motel, a debt trap, and worse. China has been known to react very badly to nations that recognize this and put the pressure on - such as in the case of Malaysia. It's time for the West to show China not its bailout prowess, but some legal and communication muscle.

Image: Lommes, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0

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When Tucker Carlson first said that the National Security Agency (NSA) was spying on him, various leftist media outlets had a good laugh. However, that laughter became a bit forced when the NSA issued a letter that merely denied "targeting" Tucker. The obvious implication was that the NSA had gotten to him as an incidental person while targeting someone else. The NSA also didn't bother to explain how it was that it unmasked Tucker.

There's no laughter now. It's clear that the NSA did spy on Tucker, that it illegally unmasked him, and that it even more illegally leaked to one or more media outlets the information it gathered.

On Wednesday night, Tucker explained that he was trying to do what many other outlets have successfully done, which was to get an interview with Vladimir Putin. There is nothing illegal about an American media outlet trying to interview the leader of a foreign nation that is not actively at war with the United States. However, Tucker's request apparently triggered the "hop" rule that allows the NSA to cast a net far wider than its original target would allow.

Back in 2013, when the left was still paranoid about American government spy agencies, instead of madly in love with them (provided that they attacked anyone connected with President Trump), The Guardian explained the hop rule's reach:

You don't need to be talking to a terror suspect to have your communications data analysed by the NSA. The agency is allowed to travel "three hops" from its targets  who could be people who talk to people who talk to people who talk to you. Facebook, where the typical user has 190 friends, shows how three degrees of separation gets you to a network bigger than the population of Colorado. How many people are three "hops" from you?

If you go to the linked page, you can see how exponentially large the "incidental" target group becomes thanks to the hop rules. For example, if you have 50 friends, the NSA can spy on those friends, as well as 8,170 second-degree friends, and another 1,334,978 third-degree friends. Expand your friend group to 1,000 friends, and the NSA has a pool of 163,400 second-degree friends to spy upon and 26,699,560 third-degree friends to check out.

Even worse than being spied on, though, is the fact that Tucker got the Michael Flynn treatment: he was unmasked and the information leaked. Both things are grossly illegal. The government is allowed to spy only on foreign targets. Domestic targets are "incidental" and must be protected. Anyone in the government who wants to unmask these incidental targets must prove that the information is within his mandate and that he has an absolute need to know this information. Admiral Mike Rogers explained how this works:

Given how confidential this information is, leaking it ought to see heads rolling. However, as Glenn Greenwald told Tucker, the people involved in leaking General Flynn's information suffered no consequences. Instead, it's the politicians  the ones who should be stopping this  who are too terrified to act:

America's intelligence agencies are completely out of control. Thanks to a completely quiescent media establishment that emerges only to cheer on the spies, we have suddenly become a Stasi or KGB state, one in which the government is spying on everyone.

As an aside, Tucker had suggested on Tuesday night that we should have cameras in America's classrooms, which I think is a splendid idea. Teachers are employees taking care of America's children, and the parents should know what's going on. However, when Matt Walsh picked up on this suggestion, people complained that watching our children's classrooms is spying. As Walsh explained, they've got it completely backward:

Something is very badly out of whack in America when citizens are prevented from checking up on the public servants "teaching" their children, while the government violates privacy laws, spies on citizens, leaks the information, and has so much power over politicians that nothing can be done about this illegal activity.

Image: NSA spied on Tucker Carlson. YouTube screen grab.

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We're simply meant to give up. That's the conclusion I've come to, as I see the pile-on of absurdities we're being asked to accept as normal. We're standing under a giant dumpster, and somebody's upended it in an avalanche over us. The contents stink, and we're increasingly unable to move from underneath.

The NEA wants CRT taught in all the schools and will fight for its teachers' right to indoctrinate the kids. How many parents have the means to yank their kids out of public school and either homeschool or find an acceptable private school that eschews this garbage? How many parents are willing to fight the school board and the administration? Speak out and gather support against such policy? Supposedly, K and 1st-grade enrollment are down 13%, so we know that at least that many have found other options.

The Wi Spa in Los Angeles lets men into the women's naked baths, in front of their small children, because California forces it to. It normalizes such behavior as a matter of law. Men compete in women's sports, beyond any logic. The only result will be the end of women's sports when they become such a joke that nobody will watch.

Companies, even those supplying war materiel, go woke. People are force-indoctrinated to keep their jobs. Others are fired for speaking the truth. Tech companies cancel anyone who dares color outside their increasingly restrictive lines. The walls are closing in on us, as BLM/Antifa get away with whatever they choose to do, no matter how violent, and regular American citizens are held up as insurrectionists.

On top of that, we have a president who can't string a single coherent sentence together, who gets on the floor and bows in front of guests, and who can't even read his own note cards and is constantly fearing he'll "get in trouble" with his keepers. We have a veep who cackles like a maniac and inspires zero confidence, even in her own party, who nakedly pretends a visit to the border, which, under her ostensible stewardship, is so wide open that we can't even protect our citizens in the path of the invaders.

Our cities are violent and ugly. Thieves simply walk into stores and take what they want. Public transit is so dangerous that many are afraid to use it. The roads are crumbling, many governors aren't governing, and mayors either condone defunding police or contend with city councils who demand it.

Adding to the urban mess, coherent information about COVID is squelched, so the threat of shutting down again continues to hang over small businesses. We have alarmists touting the danger of increasing "cases" of the Delta variant, which apparently has symptoms that mimic hay fever, but that's suppressed information, too. Now there's a Lambda variant that, we're told, the vaccine that's been foisted upon us "may not" protect against.

Kids are still wearing masks, even when their parents are not. This, despite ample evidence of their counter-productiveness and danger.

Biden just announced a door-to-door vaccinating effort that will be coming to every neighborhood. Thank goodness we still have a lock on our front door! Except, of course, that it's also been announced that the vaccine may become mandatory if it's given final approval by the FDA.

We've already lost many of our small businesses, and the ones that remain open are struggling against the tide, as downtowns are still bereft of people to patronize them  whether because we're all still so cowed by lack of coherent COVID information that nobody wants to go out, or because they've become such ugly, violent places that we consciously say "it's not worth it" to visit. After all, how many reports of tourist cars broken into, possessions and pets stolen, people randomly beat up on the street, and more do we need before the public stop coming?

The suburbs are being invaded by mandates to build "affordable" housing. The town councils accept the idea that gas lines are evil, even as electric infrastructure fails in the wake of over-reliance on solar and wind. Brownouts are becoming commonplace, or, as we call them in the Bay Area, "rotating blackouts." Apparently, it takes only moments to shut down people's power but up to 24 hours to restore it. We've not been given the option to keep our "dumb" electric meters, either. New "smart" meters can be controlled from afar.

I realized, catching a tiny snippet of Trump's news conference this morning, that I have desperately missed listening to someone coherent speak about reality and present a path forward. I temporarily succumbed to the feeling of overwhelming despair, just as I was meant to do  but none of us can afford to wallow there.

True, we can't trust any person in power or any organization of government. We must get wise to them; create pathways through their garbage; and, as Trump is doing with his class-action lawsuit, open other people's eyes to their glaring hypocrisies.

We must also create opportunities for our voices to be heard. Perhaps only a few people will listen, but maybe they'll each tell a few more. Every voice raised in protest of leftist absurdity has an effect.

I think people will become more open to hearing us, the more of us speak up. Underneath their complacency, they can't help but notice how idiotic the leftist credo sounds and can't help experiencing how degrading leftist policies feel in real life. Policies that negatively affect the mental and physical health of their children, especially, will convert them to our cause. The left, after all, has no coherent answers to the real questions.

Image: Sadness (1765) by Anonymous. Public Domain. Added text by Andrea Widburg.

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One of the real sticking points for American parents is the left's insistence on forcing sexuality onto kids. In leftist world, kids must be exposed as early as possible  in preschool is best  to all 52 or 76 or 103 (or whatever) different "genders" and sexual practices the LGBT community is currently claiming. Parents understand that when leftists refuse to allow children a long, innocent period in which to develop their own sense of self free of sexual and "gender" pressure, they are, in fact, "coming for our children." To leftists, though, saying that aloud is "homophobia," so the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus created what they seem to think is an "enlightened" video about their "coming for your children."

Tim Rosser and Charlie Sohne composed the song, which is really, really bad. Musically, it's uninspired, and lyrically, it's creepy. They're the same duo who, in 2020, offended the Afghan diaspora with their musical "The Boy Who Danced on Air":

The musical romanticizes and promotes the practice of "bacha bazi," which translates to "boy play," a form of pederasty, or pedophilia, where young boys are typically kidnapped from their families and forced to dance at parties for groups of men. Bacha bazi is linked to sex trafficking, sexual assault, and rape. The producers of this musical have said that this is a part of Afghan culture. It is not. As members of the Afghan diaspora, we reject such a vile and racist portrayal of our culture. Not only is it deeply problematic that two white men are at the forefront of a musical attempting and failing to depict Afghan culture, the musical fetishizes and trivializes sex trafficking and rape, and harms victims of sexual exploitation and violence.

Put another way, one could say that these two gay men romanticize pedophilia and pederasty. Therefore, it makes sense that this less than dynamic duo came up with a dreadful song entitled (no fooling) "We Are Coming for Your Children."

Although the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus pulled the video after it inspired outrage, it's still possible to catch it on other accounts:

In case you don't have the stomach for awful music, and therefore won't watch the video, here are the lyrics:

(Spoken) As we celebrate pride on the progress we've made over these past years there's still work to be done. So, to those of you out there who are still working against equal rights, we have a message for you: (Sung) You think we're sinful You fight against our rights You say we all lead lives you can't respect But you're just frightened You think that we'll corrupt your kids If our agenda goes unchecked It's funny Just this once you're correct We'll convert your children Happens bit by bit, quietly and subtly And you will barely notice it You can keep 'em from disco Warn about San Francisco Make 'em wear pleated pants We don't care We'll convert your children We'll make them tolerant and fair (Spoken) At first, I didn't get why you'd be so scared of us turning your children into accepting, caring people but I see now why you'd have a problem with that (Sung) Just like you worried They'll change their group of friends You won't approve of where they go at night (to protest) But when you'll be disgusted (so gross) When they start finding things online That you've kept far from their sight (like information) Guess what? You'll still be all right We'll convert your children Yes, we will Reaching one and all There's really no escaping it 'Cause even Grandma likes RuPaul And the world's getting kinder Gen Z's gayer than Grindr Learn to love Learn to vogue Face your faith We'll convert your children Someone's gotta teach them not to hate We're coming for them We're coming for your children We're coming for them We're coming for your children (Repeated) Your children will care about fairness and justice for others Your children will work to convert all the sisters and brothers Then, soon, we're almost certain Your kids will start converting you The gay agenda is coming home The gay agenda is here But you don't have to worry Because there's nothing wrong with standing by our side Get on board in a hurry Because the world always takes a bit more pride No, you don't have to worry Because there's nothing wrong with standing by your side Get on board in a hurry Because the world always needs a [unintelligible] pride Come on, try a little pride We're convert your children And then we'll turn to you Giving up the fear inside is freeing like you never knew Go and see San Francisco Go and turn up that disco You will forget you were ever upset We'll convert your children and make an ally of you yet We'll make an ally of you yet We'll make an ally of you yet.

The message is clear: you're a hater, who lives in a grim world devoid of disco, RuPaul, and the myriad rainbows of gay love. And when the left relentlessly sells LGBT lifestyles and sexuality, you're just imagining that it has anything to do with turning kids away from heterosexuality; making them vulnerable to pedophilia; and, with the whole transgender shtick, alienating them from their own bodies.

Here's the deal: homosexuality has existed as long as humans have existed, but it's not now, nor has it ever been, a very healthy lifestyle. Just yesterday, England's Health Survey revealed what those of us paying attention have known forever: while lesbians, gays, and bisexual people are more body-conscious (hence the fact that they're skinnier than their straight peers), they're unhealthy in important ways:

Experts interviewed and assessed the health of 58,226 adults aged +16, of whom 2 per cent (1,132 people) reported identifying as either lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). LGB adults (seven per cent of those surveyed) were found to be more likely to report experiencing 'bad' or 'very bad' health than heterosexuals (six per cent). They were also more likely (at 26 per cent) to suffer from a limiting longstanding illness than the straight population (at 22 per cent). Heterosexuals, meanwhile, were found to typically enjoy a higher level of mental wellbeing, scoring an average of 51.4 on the so-called Warwick-Edinburgh Scale. In contrast, LGB adults received an average of only 48.9, while LGB women scored even lower with an an average of 47.3. The researchers also found that nearly a third of LGB people tend to drink to excess, compared with just under a quarter of heterosexual adults. Other key statistics from the report included the finding that 16 per cent of LGB adults reported living with a longstanding mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorder, compared to just six per cent of heterosexuals. LGB adults were more likely (at 27 per cent) to be smokers than their heterosexual peers (at just 18 per cent). The highest proportion of adult smokers was seen among LGB women (at 31 per cent) and the lowest among straight women (at 16 per cent.)

Other studies over the years have revealed that people on the LGBT spectrum have a greater risk of domestic violence. And believe me, you don't want to know what gay sexual activity does to the body.

If my children had come had as gay or lesbian, I would still have loved them  but I would have put tremendous pressure on them to avoid the "gay lifestyle" and, as much as possible, to adopt a traditional lifestyle. (I have very good friends  conservatives  whose gay or lesbian children have done just that. Other than having same-sex relationships, they approach their lives with traditional American values.)

Moreover, as a parent, I have encouraged my children to treat with respect anyone they meet  unless the person affirmatively does things that merit denying him respect. Merely being on the LGBT spectrum does not merit that denial of respect.

But the respect accorded a fellow human being is not what that appalling song is advocating. It's an attack on childhood, parenting, innocence, and healthy life choices. It deserves the outrage it caused, and the Gay Men's Chorus was wise to withdraw it. The men's problem is that the internet is forever.

Image: SF Gay Men's Chorus, Coming for your children. YouTube screen grab.

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Thanks to a series of leaks from the hard drive of Hunter Biden's abandoned laptop computer, we know there is more than enough evidence to appoint a special counsel, or at least convene a grand jury to investigate bribery, tax fraud, and probably several other categories of crime involving the Biden Crime Family. Three recent articles by highly respected reporters Miranda Devine (who has a book on the subject about to come out and whose work informs the other two writers), Byron York, and Emily Jashinsky present evidence typed in Hunter's own hand of the schemes whereby Hunter acted as the bagman collecting vast wealth from foreign interests by selling access to Joe when he was vice president and a potential candidate for the presidency.

All three accounts are worth reading, though there is considerable overlap. From Devine, here is an example of evidence that already ought to have led to a subpoena for financial records:

Hunter complained that he was forced to give half his salary to his father. "I hope you all can do what I did and pay for everything for this entire family for 30 years," Hunter wrote in a 2019 text message to his daughter, Naomi, that was found on his abandoned laptop. "It's really hard. But don't worry, unlike Pop [Joe], I won't make you give me half your salary." There's no direct evidence of such a wealth transfer on Hunter's laptop.

A mildly curious U.S. attorney ought to be able to get a grand jury to subpoena the financial records of the Biden clan on this basis. Or, in an alternate reality, a special counsel, appointed to reassure the public that their president is not beholden to foreign interests, ought to be digging through these and other financial records, such as (via Devine) that Hunter routinely paid at least some of his father's household expenses, including AT&T bills of around $190 a month.

We know from an e-mail on June 5, 2010, with the subject "JRB bills" to Hunter from Eric Schwerin, his business partner at Rosemont Seneca, that he was expected to foot hefty bills to Wilmington contractors for maintenance and upkeep of his father's palatial lakefront property. Joe's initials are JRB, for Joseph Robinette Biden. The bills that June included $2,600 to contractor Earle Downing for a "stone retaining wall" at Joe's Wilmington estate, $1,475 to painter Ronald Peacock to paint the "back wall and columns" of the house, and $1,239 to builder Mike Christopher for repairs to the air conditioning at the cottage of Joe's late mother, Jean "Mom-Mom" Biden, which was on his property and which he would later rent to the Secret Service for $2,200 a month. "This is from last summer I think and needs to be paid pretty soon," wrote Schwerin of Christopher's bill. Another $475 "for shutters" was owed to RBI construction, of Bear, Del., about 15 minutes west of Wilmington.

Gifts to public officials that are not disclosed can and have led to criminal prosecution of both parties.

As Byron York reminds us:

For years, Joe Biden was known as the poorest man in the U.S. Senate. It was a label he himself welcomed, claiming it showed how ethically clean he was. "I entered as one of the poorest men in Congress, left as one of the poorest men in government, in Congress, and as vice president," Biden said during his presidential campaign in 2019. What Devine has discovered suggests that while Biden bragged about his lack of money  in other words, claiming to be free of the financial corruption common in politics  he was relying on his influence-peddling son to pay some of his bills.

York also mentions the photo Devine obtained of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim with both Bidens at the Vice President's Residence, putting the lie to Biden's claim he had no knowledge of Hunter's business dealings. Hunter gloated over the size of the business deals he expected with Slim and his associates. Recall that it was Slim's cash infusion that saved the New York Times when it was at a financial low point.

Jashinsky's headline summarizes the big issue: "In A Healthy Country, The Bidens Would Be Seen As The Picture Of Elite Corruption." She reminds us that Joe raking off the top of Hunter's business income is an old story:

Hunter's complaint about his father taking a chunk of his earnings might sound familiar. It's basically exactly what we learned from Tony Bobulinski shortly before the 2020 election, even if the media chose not to treat that information credibly. Here's more from Devine: "Further evidence that Joe expected to receive a slice of his son's income was provided by Tony Bobulinksi, Hunter's former business partner in a firm called Oneida, which was set up to enter a joint venture with the Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC. Bobulinski says that Joe was the "big guy" referred to in a 2017 e-mail who was to be allocated 10 percent equity in the firm: "10 [percent] held by H [Hunter] for the big guy." CEFC is a recurring character in the Biden drama. When the FBI caught Patrick Ho, an executive with CEFC, bribing African officials with cash in Chad and Uganda, he made a call. It was to James Biden, whose brother had just departed the vice presidency and was exploring a bid for the Oval Office. Why on earth would a corrupt Chinese business executive make an emergency call to James Biden? Well, according to Jim, Ho was actually trying to contact his nephew Hunter. Here's how the New York Times reported on the exchange back in 2018: "In a brief interview, James Biden said he had been surprised by Mr. Ho's call. He said he believed it had been meant for Hunter Biden, the former vice president's son. James Biden said he had passed on his nephew's contact information." "There is nothing else I have to say," James Biden told the Times. "I don't want to be dragged into this anymore." Part of the point of paying Hunter Biden money to oversee business dealings outside his areas of expertise is so that you can make a call just like the one Ho made back in 2017. So the new emails make it pretty clear that Hunter Biden's corrupt foreign influence peddling benefitted the current president of the United States[.]

It is far from clear how many copies of Hunter's hard drive are in the hands of others, and far from clear who is orchestrating the leaks. But what is absolutely clear is that Biden's presidency could be brought to its knees, possibly even ended, if the media gatekeepers at the New York Times and Washington Post decided to give the story enthusiastic coverage, bringing the rest of the agitprop along with them. They could agitate for the appointment of a special counsel, as was done with President Trump over the nonsense Russiagate fake scandal.

Or a U.S. attorney who convened a grand jury could issue subpoenas and eventually obtain indictments, setting the stage for impeachment.

We understand why none of this is happening  yet. Biden is serving his purpose, appointing officials and signing executive orders that advance the progressives' agenda. But the drip, drip, drip continues and accumulates.

Glenn Reynolds, AKA the Instapundit, offers a fascinating theory:

Hunter's laptop is being held for when they decide to get rid of Joe. The leaks are just to remind everyone it's out there. Well, everyone except for Joe. He won't remember for long anyway.

This makes perfect sense because Joe Biden already is damaged goods, his accelerating mental decline self-evident to all who do not wear ideological blinders. What is most intriguing is the calculus behind "when they decide to get rid of Joe." I strongly suspect that Kamala Harris is now recognized to be such a disaster, unelectable if she inherits the presidency after Joe resigns, is impeached, or leaves under the terms of the 25th Amendment, that she must be Agnewed before Joe leaves. Clayton Spann yesterday explored some of the types of maneuvers that might be executed to accomplish this, but there are many other approaches one could imagine.

Kamala Harris, for all her purported friction with Dr. Jill Biden, is Joe's insurance policy. If and when she leaves the vice presidency and is replaced by someone who could be elected in 2024, Joe's and Jill's days in the Oval Office are numbered.

All of this is uncomfortably banana republic territory: powerful, unseen forces pulling strings and deciding the fate of the nation's leadership by manipulating corrupt media and officialdom. That's where we are today.

Caricature by Donkey Hotey, CC BY 2.0 license.

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The Food and Drug Administration recently announced plans to ban the sale of menthol, a cooling agent found in cigarettes. Anti-smoking laws such as the menthol ban sought by the Biden administration follow decades of success in government regulation of cigarettes. What began in the 1960s as warning labels on cigarette packs soon metastasized into nationwide measures targeting smokers. To date, 554 cities and counties retain smoke-free outdoor dining laws, with 82% of the U.S. population covered by smoke-free provisions in restaurants or bars.

At the hands of elitist interest groups, the promotion of anti-tobacco laws was met with little backlash while also having a dehumanizing effect on smokers. Separate sections in restaurants have all but disappeared. Today, smokers indulge their habit outside as pedestrians stroll by with disapproving stares. Most concerning is that laws against tobacco advanced in tandem with the relaxation of drug regulations, with states like Oregon decriminalizing small amounts of cocaine and heroin. Recreational marijuana is now legal in 19 states, with Connecticut approving its use most recently. As a result, Democratic-run cities such as Denver and New York have become open-air drug dens, with addicts freely using their drug of choice as locals are confronted with syringes, drug capsules, and feces strewn across their neighborhoods.

The medical science behind the harmful effects of smoking is irrefutable, and while my personal choice is not to smoke, for the first 15 years of my life, I grew up in a Marlboro red haze with a father and grandfather who were rarely without a cigarette in hand. Both men received a high school education and worked in the construction, restaurant, and dry-cleaning industries. They represent the blue-collar workers for whom the subversion of individual liberties comes easily to liberal intellectuals. The CDC readily admitted that higher rates of tobacco use were found among people of "low socio-economic status." If approved, a ban on menthol cigarettes would primarily impact minorities, with 77% of African-Americans and 47% of Hispanic smokers preferring menthol cigarettes over non-flavored tobacco products.

Serving as heir to the war on nicotine, minorities and lower-wage earners were most directly impacted by stringent COVID restrictions. The ongoing lockdown policies peddled by the left evolved into "nearly half of all black-owned businesses" closing and millions of children, many of whom come from underprivileged communities, falling behind in learning.

The late president Ronald Reagan remarked that "[g]overnment is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." Unfortunately, many failed to heed Reagan's advice and faced the governmental power-grab involving tobacco with tacit acceptance and a shrug of the shoulders. As a result, anti-smoking laws gained a foothold in almost every facet of American life and helped shape government intervention and attitudes during the COVID pandemic.

Irit Tratt is a freelance writer who resides in New York. Her work has appeared in the Jerusalem Post, The Algemeiner, and Israel Hayom.

Image: Pixabay.

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My wisdom teeth were removed in eighth grade. Before he put me under, the dentist told me to think of what I wanted most to do in my life. My desire was to visit every state in America before I was an old lady. Well, the dream that emerged through the extraction had the U.S. map rolled in a funnel shape and me in a rocking chair swirling recklessly around the inside top edge. It was a vortex of nothing to see but a blurred map and the fear of being sucked down into the bottom of the funnel.

That vortex is back as American culture spirals downward. It is oppressive, exhausting, and sad. Along the way, we seem to have lost Martin and his desire for content of character over color of skin.

One teachers' union president, Randi Weingarten, emotes that teaching history is not wrong. True, but the CRT approach she advocates is teaching smear history. And if you aren't given the choice to teach racially stoked history, then she and her bank of union lawyers will take your employer to court. That will show those local taxpayers who is really in charge of their school district.

When the New Jersey mandate to teach about the Holocaust was implemented in 1994, I sat down with my principal and asked if I could use children's picture books to teach the meaning of the Holocaust. Her confidence in me started a journey to help my third-graders learn about inequities. When they saw it pop up around them, they would recognize it as such and raise their little voices.

Reading picture books to them and discussing the Native American story, Japanese internment, slavery, the Civil Rights movement, and experiences during the Holocaust, I had three objectives: to teach the history of America, to show how our country has learned and grown, and to show that this still is the best country in which to live.

I was caught up short one day during our class discussions about what our country had done to our own people when Rose raised her hand and asked, "Ms. Maffei, why do you keep saying we when we weren't there?" Rose lives forever in my mind because of unintended consequences. How easy it was to make my students feel blame by including them personally in the sins of America's past with the word "we."

The New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education has curricula and material that address all the above topics using children's books and questions to encourage discussion. Download here. Nothing in there blames children for who they are. Been there, done that, CRT proponents, minus your racism.

A survivor friend told me of the time she spoke of her camp experiences to a class of German children. Afterward, one child approached her in tears and asked, "What if my grandfather did that to you?" Margit was just as devastated as she consoled the girl, reiterating that this Holocaust wasn't her burden to bear.

We don't need fixation on race and the unfair manner of teaching required by CRT. We can never justify assigning guilt about past history. Ways to teach our history are out there, and there's no need to force-feed re-imagined history.

Molly Maffei Baldwin is a retired N.J. elementary teacher who worked for the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education developing curricula. She may be contacted by email at mollymaffeibaldwin@yahoo.com.

Image: jarmoluk via Pixabay, Pixabay License.

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India Reports 45,892 New Cases Of Coronavirus:- India reported 45,892 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total tally of cases to reach 3,07,09,557. There are 44,291 recoveries reported in the country and the total number of recoveries reached 2,98,43,825. 817 new deaths are reported in India in the last 24 hours and the total death tally climbed to 4,05,028. There are 4,60,704 active cases for coronavirus in the country and the total number of people who took the vaccination dose for coronavirus in India in total stands at 36,48,47,549. A total number of 33,81,671 lakh doses are administered yesterday in the country. As per the reports from the Indian Council of Medical Research, the total number of samples that are tested for coronavirus are said to be 42,52,25,897 and the samples tested on July 7th are 18,93,800.

Mansukh Mandaviya has replaced Dr Harsh Vardhan as the Health Minister of the country. It is the most crucial and important portfolio at the moment because of the ongoing coronavirus. There are predictions that the third wave of coronavirus will take place in August and it would reach the peaks in September. The Indian government warned the people to maintain social distancing and use face masks, hand sanitizers. For now, the vaccination drive is happening at a faster pace and people are taking up both the shots after the doubts are cleared. Some of the reports said that the exit of Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is a strong sign that the Indian government failed badly in handling the coronavirus pandemic. The second wave made the situation worse in the country and crores of people are impacted financially.
Tampa - Ursula Therese Tomlinson, known to her friends as "Terry", passed away on June 26, 2021 after a short illness, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loved ones in Tampa, Fla. She was born in Germany on October 10, 1938 and was raised in Germany and Austria. In 1959 she moved to the Uni
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(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 8 - The Italian foreign ministry on Thursday condemned the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and called for stability in the Caribbean island nation.

"Italy, hearing with dismay the news of the heinous assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, firmly condemns the attack on the heart of Haitian institutions, expresses sincere condolences to the president's family and the Haitian people and hopes that the culprits of this crime are brought to justice as soon as possible," said the Farnesina.

"Italy appeals to all the Haitian actors and political forces to preserve the delicate political balance, prevent tensions and ensure the country's institutional stability and the safety and security of the population". (ANSA).


(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).


Covid: Frances advises against travel to Spain and Portugal 'Some countries have opened too much in order to favour tourism'

(ANSAmed) - PARIS, 08 LUG - French Secretary of State for European Affairs Clement Beaune advised citizens against booking summer holidays in Spain and Portugal due to the coronavirus situation.



"Those who haven't yet booked their summer holidays should avoid Portugal, Spain, among their destinations," Beaune said on broadcaster France 2.



"It's better to stay in France or go to other countries," he said, adding that some countries "opened their doors too much" in order to benefit from the tourist season.



Beaune said he wanted to send a "message of caution" in particular to summer travellers.



"Generally, the pandemic isn't over," he said, in a context in which fears are increasing over coronavirus variants such as Delta.



With regards to Spain and Portugal, Beaune did not exclude the adoption of "strengthened measures" against the two countries in the coming days if infections there continue to increase.



(ANSAmed).




Migrants: NGOs call on Italy to revoke aid to Libyan coast guard MSF, Amnesty and ActionAid in hearing in Parliament

(ANSAmed) - ROME, 08 LUG - The organisations ActionAid, Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) spoke at a hearing in the Italian Parliament on Wednesday, calling on Italy to "abandon its policies of deterrence and containment and concentrate instead on the rescue and protection of men, women and children with respect for their human rights".



The hearing was before the joint foreign and defence committees of the Lower House and Senate.



"Serious are the critical issues in the Missions Decree, drafted by the government, which confirms for the fifth consecutive year support for the Libyan Coast Guard and the General Administration for Coastal Security," the three organisations said in a joint statement.



"If Parliament approves renewal, Italy will not only continue to finance and support activities of interception at sea and migrant and refugee disembarkations in Libyan ports, but it will increase funds for these activities with 500,000 more euros compared to 2020," they said.



"Financing for the Irini and Mare Sicuro operations are also growing, which provide for actions to support Libyan forces, with increases of around 15 and 17 million, respectively, compared to 2020. The deployment of an Italian ship in Tripoli to support Libyan naval forces is also extended".



"We are calling on Parliament to revoke any support to the Libyan Coast Guard and the General Administration for Coastal Security, conditioning any agreement on Libya's adoption of concrete measures to guarantee the rights of refugees and migrants, including the commitment to disembark people rescued at sea in a safe harbor, which cannot be in Libya". (ANSAmed).




Turkey: poll, Erdogan in minority with Generation Z Consensus declining, 36% among new voters aged 18-24

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, 08 LUG - Polls in Turkey show decreasing support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the coalition that backs him.



A new poll by the MetroPoll research institute, which in recent months had already shown a decline in support for the current government, shows that support for Ankara's leader is lowest among young people who will be voting for the first time in the next presidential and legislative elections, scheduled to take place in two years.



According to the poll, 44.1% of people ages 18-24 who have never voted before said among the opposition parties they would vote for Millet Ittifak (Nation Alliance), while Erdogan's Cumhur Ittifak (People's Alliance) registered 36.2%.



The percentage of undecided voters remains high among Generation Z, at 20%.



According to another poll by the same institute, Erdogan's approval rating at the end of June was 47.1%, a slight increase but still less than those who wouldn't vote for him (48.6%).



(ANSAmed).




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Couple out walking. (Getty)

It's fair to say that most of us have done a lot of walking in the past 18 months or so. Nevertheless, there comes a point when yet another circuit around the local park just won't cut it any more - which is when it's time to start planning a bigger, better walk. But where to go?

Outdoor experts Millets took a look at thousands of Tripadvisor reviews to establish the most beautiful walks in the UK. Here are some of the most stunning...

1 Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

A couple enjoying the phenomenal view from Arthur's Seat (Getty Images)

Not many city walks beat the steep walk up this Scottish landmark, which is actually an ancient (and thankfully, dormant) volcano.

The 250.5 metre climb leads you up to 360 degree, panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, the beautiful city of Edinburgh and the rolling countryside beyond.

Watch: Fog streaming over Arthur's Seat

2 Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

The Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol (Getty Images)

No trip to Bristol is complete without a stroll across the iconic Clifton suspension bridge, designed by the famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened back in 1864.

Linking the lovely suburb of Clifton to Leigh Woods in North Somerset, the bridge has incredible views over the dramatic Avon Gorge. It's definitely enough to make you want to move to this South Western city.

Read more: UK's most stunning views, as voted for by Brits

3 The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Skye's Fairy pools are unbelievably blue (Getty Images)

If you can speed like a bird on the wing (or a person on a ferry) to The Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, then you're in for all manner of treats.

One of the most iconic walks on the island is to the Fairy Pools, a naturally vivid blue waterfall phenomenon. Get there early to beat the bloggers and the wild swimmers, and to feel a little bit of the place's old magic.

4 The Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Sunset at Giant Causeway - Northen Ireland

A Unesco World Heritage Sight, the Giant's Causeway is another natural phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed - featuring around 40,000 interlocking, hexagonal basalt columns on the wild north coast of Northern Ireland. It's the result of an ancient volcanic eruption between 50 and 60 million years ago.

During your walk along the shore, if you look carefully out to sea, you might even be lucky enough to see dolphins leaping in the waves.

5. The Lizard, Cornwall

The gorgeous hues of the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall (Getty Images)

Geology nuts and landscape junkies alike will love The Lizard Peninsula, the most south-westerly point of the British mainland with unique geographical features and beautiful, bright blue water.

Take a walk along pretty coves, such as Kynance Cove, or stroll up to the Lizard Lighthouse.

6. Ingleton Waterfalls, Yorkshire

Some of the scenery at Ingleton Waterfalls (Getty Images)

The famous 8km circular Ingleton Waterfalls trail, beginning and ending in the North Yorkshire village of Ingleton, gives you spectacular views over soaring waterfalls and lush woodland scenery.

The walk is on private land, so you'll have to pay a fee to enter, but it's worth it to get up close to the thrill of the roaring water.

7. Rhossili Bay, The Gower Peninsula

Walks don't get much better than on this Welsh beach (Getty Images)

Head to the Gower Peninsula in Wales to enjoy this lush, three-mile sandy beach, flanked by steep cliffs backing onto grassy downs.

If its curved, wide sands aren't enough to capture your interest, there are several amazing nearby landmarks to point your boots towards - behind the beach, for example, lies The Beacon (the highest point on the peninsula) and several prehistoric remains.

Meanwhile, at the southern end of the bay there are two tidal islands, Outer Head and Inner Head.

Watch this: Seven wonders of the UK revealed
Two much-loved and long-running British institutions united as the Queen visited the set of Coronation Street.

The cobbles of Weatherfield have seen a host of famous faces but for only the second time the head of state walked down the street, home to the ITV soap, celebrating its 60th year on our screens.

On a 40-minute tour of the set and studios, the royal visitor, wearing a teal Angela Kelly outfit with matching hat, met a host of cast and crew of the show, walking beside the cobbled street before popping into the studio where the interior of the Rovers Return is filmed.

The Queen began her tour with four actors who between them have more than 200 years service on the show.

Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, Barbara Knox who is cast as Rita, Sue Nicholls who plays Audrey and Helen Worth, known to millions of soap fans as Gail, greeted the Queen with bows and curtsies outside the Rovers Return.

Roache told the Queen he had first seen her when she visited Jamaica in 1963, when he was serving as an officer with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

The Queen meets actors (left to right) William Roache, Barbara Knox, Sue Nicholls and Helen Worth, outside the Rovers Return (Scott Heppell/PA)

He added: Thank you so much for coming today.

Knox told the Queen when she first arrived: Good morning, your majesty, you have brought the sunshine.

You know you are like a ray of sunshine.

And youve given us all such a lift (with) you coming, thank you very very much indeed.

We all absolutely adore you, the world adores you.

The Queen on Coronation Street (Scott Heppell/PA)

The Queen, who asked how they had managed to keep filming during the pandemic, replied: Its really marvellous youve been able to carry on, and Roache replied to laughter: Well, maam, youre the one who has carried on.

Further up the street outside number five, the Queen met the fictional Bailey family, and was told the sets cobbles were the original ones taken from the old Granada street set in Manchester, before it moved three miles up the road to the new ITV Studios in 2013.

Kate Spencer, who plays Grace Vickers, warned the Queen: Hard to walk on, as well, in heels.

To laughter, the Queen, looking down at her shoes, replied: No, I know. Ive been told. Probably better not.

After chatting to back stage production staff, including writers, camera operators, set designers and sound engineers, the Queen spoke to the fictional Dobson family, including Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz and Maureen Lipman, who plays Evelyn Plummer holding the lead of Bob, or Cerberus in the show, a pet whippet.

Next the Queen spoke to cast members who live on the posh side of the street, over the road from the terraced houses.

The Queen meets cast and production members (Scott Heppell/PA)

As the Queen studied the cast members she asked: I have not been able to see it all the time.

Are you all nice? Ben Price, who plays Nick, stood alongside Corrie villain David, played by Jack P Shepherd, said: I can confidently say Jack is a bad boy.

There always has to be conflict.

The royal visitor finished her tour outside the corner shop, speaking to cast including Jimmi Harkishin, who plays Dev and being told of the sometimes challenging issues plot-lines in the soap has dealt with.

The Queen said: Obviously people feel its something visible, they can relate to.

You dont really want too much real life do you?

Next the royal visitor moved to the studio where she chatted with staff at the bar of the Rovers Return, talking about how the everyday lives of ordinary northern folk is reflected in the soap.

Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Connor, landlady of the fictional pub, told the Queen: We know as actors how fortunate weve been to keep working when so many in the industry, its been so badly affected and a pub, as the hospitality sector has been so badly affected as well.

The Queen on Coronation Street (Scott Heppell/PA)

Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Webster said: The great thing about Coronation Street is that we manage to have the comedy with the drama so thats been a really, really important thing over the lockdown as well.

Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, added: Weve tried to make people laugh along the way.

To laughter, the Queen replied: Well, there wasnt much to laugh about, was there?

Finally the Queen was introduced to Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgeley, the street troublemaker she was told.

The Queen replied: I suppose life is a trouble.

Before leaving to cheers and applause by the more than 300 cast and crew on the set, the royal visitor was presented with a Corrie Cobble from the original set, specially engraved by a local stonemason and some Newton & Ridley beer mats.

Afterwards Roache said the royal visit as an honour and absolutely wonderful.

He added: She just smiles. She listens, she always has and she loves to be made to laugh.

Ive been lucky to meet her quite a few times and shes always charming and a laugh is never far away.

She came to our other set in 1982 and Prince Charles has been here.

To have her here, to this set, is a wonderful bit of icing on the cake.

The Queens previous visit to Coronation Street (Archive/PA)

Lipman added: She was quite unbelievably calm with whoever you put in front of her.

She just seemed extremely at ease, very comfortable to meet anyone and everyone.

For us to have her here, today after England won the sun shone, it was great.

She appeared to have all the time in the world.

She spent as much time talking to the crew as the stars. John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama at ITV, said: For everyone who works on Coronation Street this was a very special and very personal event.

We felt deeply honoured to have Her Majesty walk down the cobbles and visit The Rovers.

I hope Her Majesty went away knowing how much her visit meant to us in the North after what has been a very difficult and dark 18 months.

It has been a real morale boost for all of us as we come out of the pandemic and look to the future.

And with so many doors in Buckingham Palace, we hope Her Majesty will find a use for an original Coronation Street cobble.

They make very effective doorstops.

The Queen looks at the cobbles (Scott Heppell/PA)

ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall added: It has been such an honour to have Her Majesty here today.

The whole team has worked so hard through a very difficult period and it was very special for all of us to have Her Majesty walking the famous cobbles of Coronation Street.

It will never be forgotten!

The Queen continued her visit to the area by departing for a visit to Manchester Cathedral.
More than a third of the working population have been given support by the Government during the pandemic under an unprecedented package to safeguard jobs, new figures show.

Around 14.5 million jobs and individuals have been supported by initiatives such as the furlough scheme and help for the self-employed, said the Treasury.

The Government said its 352 billion support package was one of the most generous in the world.

A year since he set out the Governments Plan for Jobs, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said it was working, supporting jobs and helping people gain skills.

This time last year we faced a potential tidal wave of jobs losses, with the UK on the brink of a financial crisis like no other in our history.

We know the job is not yet done and our economy needs to recover, which is why we are continuing our support to give everyone the best chance of moving on from this crisis.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: Although we still have a significant task ahead of us, I am determined to make sure that every corner of the UK benefits from our Plan for Jobs.

As we reopen carefully, we will make sure we support people into high skilled and better paid jobs as we build back better from the pandemic.

More than 20 Government ministers will visit businesses across the country on Thursday to mark the anniversary of the Chancellors announcement.
An inquiry into the murder of a pensioner whose body was dismembered has said police missed opportunities to safeguard him.

Graham Snell is thought to have been killed a day after he visited a police station to tell officers that Daniel Walsh was staying at his home uninvited and had stolen cash from his bank account.

Walsh, 30, is serving a minimum term of 27 years for the murder of the 71-year-old, whose body parts were dumped at different locations, including a badger sett, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, in June 2019.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into Derbyshire Constabularys contact with Mr Snell, published on Thursday, found that opportunities for intervention were missed by the force.

The IOPC said police did not run checks which would have revealed that Walsh was wanted for robbery.

The report said Mr Snell visited Chesterfield police station on June 19 2019, a day before he is believed to have been murdered.

IOPC investigators focused on police efforts to contact and safeguard the victim between June 19 and 30.

Evidence gathered by the IOPC indicated that safeguarding opportunities were missed when the inquiry officer who spoke to Mr Snell at the station treated it as anti-social behaviour, although noting that verbal threats had allegedly been made by Walsh and Mr Snell feared he might be harmed.

The inquiry officer and a police constable assigned to visit Mr Snell did not record an offence or carry out checks, which would have shown that Walsh was wanted and had a history of violence, including violence towards Mr Snell.

There was no answer when the constable went to Mr Snells address in Marsden Street, Chesterfield, on June 20, and the officer was de-assigned from the incident  with the case remaining on a tasking list.

But the IOPC said a systemic error led to the constables supervisor and control room staff both believing the other party was dealing with the complaint.

This led to the incident being overlooked until it was randomly audited on June 29 by a control room supervisor, and it then took a further 26 hours to deploy officers.

A constable visited Mr Snells home on June 30 and Walsh was arrested.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: My sympathies are with the family of Mr Snell and all those affected by his death in the most harrowing of circumstances.

Our investigation indicates that individuals and the systems used by the force did not recognise or respond appropriately to the risks in this case.

There were safeguarding failures and the opportunity to intervene promptly and effectively before Mr Snell was murdered was missed.

Mr Campbell added: I am pleased that the force has accepted our learning recommendations designed to add clarity around the supervision, tasking and resourcing of incidents to avoid confusion over who is responsible for doing what, and to improve processes and training for carrying out risk assessments and safeguarding vulnerable people.

Although a member of police staff who initially dealt with Mr Snell was found to have a case to answer for misconduct, they have already resigned and no further action will be taken.

The IOPC also found that the constable who was originally tasked with following up Mr Snells report had a case to answer for misconduct, and Derbyshire Police have to take management action supported by a detailed performance plan.

Another officer in a supervisory position has received further training in the management of incidents and tasking lists, although they were found to have no case to answer for misconduct.
Googles (GOOG, GOOGL) app store, Google Play, became the latest target of Big Tech antitrust regulators Wednesday in a federal lawsuit filed by dozens of attorneys general led by the state of Utah.

The case, brought in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, is one of dozens of lawsuits that Googles parent company Alphabet is facing in a wave of actions around the globe challenging tiers of its dominant markets.

In the complaint, the states accuse Google of illegally operating monopolies in the market for Android app distribution by imposing technical barriers that prevent third parties from distributing apps outside the Play Store. According to the complaint, Google controls 99% of the "licensable" market.

"Android is the only viable operating system available to license by mobile device manufacturers that market and sell their devices to U.S. consumers," the lawsuit states, noting a distinction Google has from its competitor Apple (AAPL) that is also facing antitrust scrutiny over its App Store.

The suit added: "The barriers to entry in the licensable mobile operating system market are high, and even highly resourced entrants, such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN) have failed."

To stifle competition, the states allege, Google uses contracts to prevent original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from circumventing the technical barriers, and to block competing app stores from distribution on the Play Store. The states also say Google unlawfully ties advertising to the Google Play store, and shares monopoly profits with OEMs to disincentive competing app stores from entering the market.

The attorneys general are asking for monetary damages, and for the court to impose other remedies to stop Google's allegedly anticompetitive conduct.

In a statement made before the suit was filed, a Google spokesperson defended the company's app store policies, notably distinguishing it from its rival Apple and the App Store.

"Android is the only major operating system that allows people to download apps from multiple app stores," the spokesperson said. "In fact, most Android devices ship with two or more app stores preinstalled. They can also install additional app stores or apps directly from their browser if they choose."

Google Play facing scrutiny over fees

In addition to the action by the attorneys general, Google's Play Store is the subject of an antitrust suit filed by "Fortnite" developer Epic Games. In that suit, the video game maker says that Google abuses its monopoly power through its app store by forcing developers to use its proprietary payment system, which charges a 30% commission on all purchases.

Epic's battle with Google, however, has taken a backseat to the video game developer's fight with Apple over the iPhone maker's own similar App Store policies requiring developers to pay fees on purchases made by consumers. Epic's case against Apple went to trial in May, and a ruling is expected this summer. Epic's case against Google could go to trial shortly thereafter.

Google's Play Store is at the center of an antitrust suit filed by state attorneys general Tuesday. (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Google's antitrust issues with the Play Store aren't limited to the state attorneys general or Epic, though. The company is also facing a class action suit in Northern California over its app store fees.

And it's not just Google's Play Store that is the subject of intense antitrust scrutiny. Antitrust regulators across various agencies are taking aim at a number of aspects of Googles wide-ranging businesses.

The Justice Department, for example, sued Google in October, along with attorneys general, alleging the tech giant used anti-competitive tactics to maintain and extend its monopolies in general search services, search advertising, and general search text advertising markets  the cornerstones of its empire.

In December, a bipartisan group of attorneys general filed a complaint accusing Google of illegally using exclusionary contracts with Apple (AAPL) and other mobile device providers to make Google the default search engine on devices and services including the iPhone.

That same month, a separate set of attorneys general alleged in a lawsuit that Googles ad tech business violates antitrust laws by trying to crush competition with exclusionary tactics, including striking a deal with Facebook (FB)  its biggest competitor  to manipulate advertising auctions.

Google is also being sued by 'Fortnite' developer Epic Games. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Google is also facing legal pressure overseas. On June 22, the European Commission, the European Union's antitrust watchdog, announced a formal investigation into Googles ad tech dominance.

In the United Kingdom, authorities are also probing app store rules. Australian authorities have given Apple and Google one year to open up their respective app stores to competition or face other mitigation measures that could include legislation.

The Google suits are part of a larger reckoning for the tech industry. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a coalition of states attorneys general, for instance, filed two separate antitrust suits against Facebook, with the FTC seeking to break up the social media giant. On June 28, however, a federal judge issued opinions dismissing both cases on separate grounds.

Amazon, meanwhile, is facing its own investigations by the attorneys general of New York and California, as well as the FTC. Apple is also in the government's crosshairs with the DOJ conducting an investigation into its App Store policies.

And last month, the House Judiciary Committee advanced a series of six proposed bipartisan antitrust bills that could force some companies to break off parts of their businesses.

Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance and former litigation attorney. Follow Alexis Keenan on Twitter @alexiskweed.

Got a tip? Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com over via encrypted mail at danielphowley@protonmail.com, and follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.
Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, a step which Tehran said aimed to develop fuel for a research reactor, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"Today, Iran informed the Agency that UO2 (uranium oxide) enriched up to 20 percent U235 would be shipped to the RD laboratory at the Fuel Fabrication Plant in Isfahan, where it would be converted to UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) and then to uranium metal enriched to 20 percent U235, before using it to manufacture the fuel," according to an IAEA statement.

The move has drawn "grave concern" from some European countries and criticism from the United States.

In a joint statement, foreign ministers from the UK, France and Germany said Iran's decision violates the country's commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal RD and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon," they said.

"With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations," the ministers warned, urging Iran to return to the negotiations in Vienna, which began in April and adjourned on June 20.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Washington was not setting a deadline for the talks, but noted "that as time proceeds Iran's nuclear advances will have a bearing on our view of returning to the JCPOA."

"It's another unfortunate step backwards for Iran," he said.

(CGTN)
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SC said that he has the option of not answering questions before the committee if they fall within the prohibited domains

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea filed by Facebook Indias vice-president and MD Ajit Mohan challenging the summons issued by the Delhi Assembly's Peace and Harmony committee for failing to appear before it as witness in connection with the north-east Delhi riots last year.

Recognising the powers of Delhi Assemblys committee to summon officials of the social media platform for deposition, a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul termed Mr Mohan's plea pre-mature, saying nothing has happened against him before the Assembly panel and that he has the option of not answering questions before the committee if they fall within the prohibited domains.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the Facebook official, said that setting up of the peace panel was not the core function of Delhi Assembly as law and order falls under the domain of the Centre in the national capital.

The bench, also comprising Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Hrishikesh Roy, said, The Assembly admittedly does not have any power to legislate on aspects of law and order and police As such, any representative of the petitioners (Ajit Mohan/Facebook) would have the right to not answer questions directly covered by these two fields (law and order and police).

Pronouncing the judgment, Justice Kaul, however, held, In the larger context, the concept of peace and harmony goes much beyond law and order and police, more so in view of on-the-ground governance being in the hands of the Delhi government, and added that the committee has the "right to seek information on any matter related to peace and harmony without encroaching (the) domain of the central laws.

"Social media platforms have the power and potential to influence people across the border. Debates on these platforms, like Facebook, have the potential to polarise the society and less informed individuals may not verify the information and take it as gospel of truth," the court said, commenting on the role of social media.

The petitioners had challenged last year's September 10 and 18 notices issued by the committee which sought Mr Mohan's presence before the panel probing the Delhi riots in February and Facebook's role in the spread of alleged hate speeches.
New ministers take charge, get down to business

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modis new ministers took charge of their respective ministries on Thursday and got into working mode immediately, taking some major decisions during the Cabinet meeting. In the first major decision of the new Cabinet, the Union government approved a Rs 23,123 crore Covid-19 emergency fund to fight the pandemic. The Cabinet also approved modifications in the Central Sector Scheme of financing facilities under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.

It has been said that Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) will no longer exist under the new farm laws. The government clarified that the Mandi system will not end. Instead, it will be strengthened further. In view of this, the Cabinet has approved APMC access to Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, which was announced in the Union Budget, agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said while announcing the decision. He added that in due course more resources will be provided to the APMCs. Rs 1 lakh crore allocated under the Atmanirbhar Bharat to Farmers Infrastructure Fund can be used by APMCs, said Mr Tomar.

To increase coconut farming, we are amending the Coconut Board Act. The Coconut Board president will be a non-official person. He will be from the farmers' community who knows and understands the work in the field, Mr Tomar said while giving details of the other Cabinet decision related to his ministry.

Making an announcement with regard to the Covid-19 fund, new Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said a Rs 23,000-crore relief package has been announced to deal with the devastation caused by the second wave of the virus and added this fund will be allocated to states after consulting them. The minister said this scheme aims to accelerate health system preparedness for immediate responsiveness for early prevention, detection and management, with the focus on health infrastructure development, including for paediatric care.

Under this, support would be provided to Central hospitals, AIIMS, and other institutions of national importance for repurposing 6,688 beds for Covid-19 management. Support will also be provided for implementation of the Hospital Management Information System in all district hospitals of the country.

Earlier, all the new ministers took charge of their ministries and met the PM and BJP president J.P. Nadda. Former minister for state in the ministry of home affairs, G. Kishan Reddy, who has been promoted as a Union minister to head the culture and development of north-eastern region said that the kind of transformation that took place in the Northeast in the last seven years in all spheres of life under the leadership of PM Modi is incredible and he as a new minister will try to complete all the pending projects in the region within the stipulated time frame. He also thanked the former DoNER minister Dr Jitendra Singh, present at the takeover, for his stellar role in the overall development of the north-eastern region.

In the culture ministry, Meenakshi Lekhi and Arjun Ram Meghwal also took charge as ministers of state. Ms Lekhi along with Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh also took charge as MoS in the ministry of external affairs. The ministry, headed by foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar, now has three MoS, the third one being V. Muraleedharan.

Former MoS finance Anurag Thakur, the new Union minister for information and broadcasting and youth affairs, sports, along with the new Union health minister and Mr Tomar, briefed the media about the decisions taken by the new Cabinet. The last Cabinet meeting was held on June 30 when former I&B minister Prakash Javadekar and Ravi Shankar Prasad had briefed the media.

PM Modi has inducted 36 new faces to his Cabinet, promoted seven existing ministers and dropped 12 senior ministers. Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, Anupriya Patel, returned to the Cabinet as MoS commerce. Among other ministers who joined office were Dharmaendra Pradhan (education), Jyotiraditya Scindia (civil aviation), Ashwini Vaishnav (IT and Railways), Bhupender Yadav (environment and labour), and Ajay Bhatt (MoS defence).
Justice Chanda initially had not agreed to recuse himself, saying that doing so would mean giving in to a media trial

Justice Kausik Chanda of the Calcutta high court, in his 13-page order, finally recused himself from hearing the election petition of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee against the BJPs Suvendu Adhikari, who was declared the winner in the prestigious Nandigram constituency. The basic argument was that the judges relationship with the BJP was comprehensive and inextricably intertwined, personal, professional, ideological and a long standing continuous one. He headed the BJPs legal cell prior to his appointment as additional solicitor general in 2015.

What is bias? Whose perspective of bias matters? Whether a judge in spite of his close association with a political party can still be impartial, particularly against a chief minister who opposed his confirmation as a judge, were some of the vital questions involved in this case.

Justice Chanda initially had not agreed to recuse himself, saying that doing so would mean giving in to a media trial. But now he has finally decided to recuse in order to save the judiciary, as he says a national controversy had been deliberately created and the people involved in this case belong to the highest echelon of state politics. He also said that a trial before this bench will be a tool to aggrandise themselves. Using extremely strong words, he went on to say that it would be contrary to the interest of justice if such an unwarranted squabble continues along with the trial of the case, and such attempts should be thwarted at the Threshold. However, by imposing a Rs 5 lakh fine on Ms Banerjee, the act of recusal has lost some of its grace, though some of the tweets against the judge were condemnable. Similarly, going to the Chief Justice for transferring case to another bench was in really bad taste.

The impartiality of a judge is the first principle of a fair judicial process. Though it is difficult to define impartiality in exact and precise terms, every judge must keep in mind what American judge Learned Hand had once said: What do I mean by impartiality? I mean you must not introduce yourself, your own preconceived notions about what is right.

Recusal of a judge is sought when there are doubts on his impartiality. In fact, it is the foremost duty of a judge to remove every sense of injustice and the possibility of appearance of bias not only from the minds of the parties but even the public at large, or at least well-informed observers of the judicial process.

A judge should ideally recuse from a proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned. To begin with initially, as was held in Sir Nicholas Bacon (1563), a judge was expected to recuse if he had a direct pecuniary interest in the matter before him. In the United States, in 1792 itself, recusal principles based on British common law were given statutory recognition.

Subsequently, the recusal law was further broadened with the automatic disqualification becoming the rule. It was termed as the bright line rule and covered clear-cut cases of bias. In case of appearance of bias, arguments should be made, and this was called the rule of reason or per se rule.

Bias sways judgments as it is a particular influential power leading inclination of mind in a particular direction. Lord Esher in Allinson vs General Council of Medical Education Registration (1894) had observed that the question was not that the judge was in fact biased. Lord Hewart famously observed in Rex vs Sussex (1924) that a reasonable suspicion of bias was enough to exclude a judge.

Whose perspective of bias should really matter? The Supreme Court, in the Ranjit Thakur case (1987), observed that as to the tests of likelihood of bias, what is relevant is the reasonableness of apprehension in the mind of the party. The proper approach for the judge is not to look at his own mind and ask himself, however honestly, am I biased; but to look to the mind of party before him.

Though Justice Chanda did raise this question in Para 16 of his order, in Para 17 he said the appearance of impartiality should not be viewed from the perspective of a common man. Justice Chanda said it was for the court to decide that on the given facts, whether a well-informed, reasonable man would perceive bias. He explicitly observed: The past association of a judge with a political party by itself cannot form apprehension of bias. He even refused to attach any weight to the argument that Mamata Banerjee had opposed his confirmation as a permanent judge.

Two Supreme Court judges, Justices Indira Banerjee and Aniruddha Bose, had on their own recently recused themselves from the Narada case. Former Supreme Court judge Arun Mishras refusal to recuse from the Constitution Bench in the Indore Development Authority case (2019), where his own judgment was under review, was a bad precedent.

All human beings are entitled to see themselves as fair and unbiased. But in the judicial process, judges dont have that privilege as its not their assessment that matters, but its for others to evaluate their fairness and impartiality. The guarantee of due process is violated if people think the judge being a fallible human being in this particular matter may not hold his balance. Justice Chanda therefore deserves appreciation as propriety, not legality, was the real question, as justice is after all rooted in peoples confidence.

The writer is an expert in constitutional law and vice-chancellor of Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad
An urban MGNREGA would cost a substantial amount

I am rarely surprised when people in government say silly things. It happens all over the world with a frequency thats quite frightening. Indeed, I sometimes wonder if its a necessary qualification for the high office they hold? But a recent op-ed by our own chief economic adviser, arguing that government-backed loans are a better way of helping the urban poor than an employment guarantee scheme, is in a class of its own. Krishnamurthy Subramanians article stands out for two reasons -- the convoluted logic of his arguments as well as the moral ambivalence of his conclusion.

The CEAs article begins by arguing that an urban version of MGNREGA, the rural employment guarantee scheme, would be the wrong way of helping the urban poor devastated by the second wave of Covid-19. First, he claims, there are large inefficiencies that stem in normal times from the permanent entitlement that an MGNREGA-style scheme creates. He doesnt say what these are but still insists they are hard to unwind. And because an urban job guarantee would suffer the same fate hes against it.

Second, he argues, urban skill levels vary and, therefore, a one wage for all will not work as (it does) with rural MGNREGA. This is his second reason for ruling it out. Third, he says, an urban-job guarantee programme would increase migration into urban areas. This is because the urban wage level would have to be higher than a rural one. That, he believes, is the magnet which would attract rural hordes to our cities.

Frankly, these are spurious arguments. For a start, the inefficiencies are neither specified nor explained. I wonder why? Then, the claim that because skills vary wages must also differ begs the question why. That isnt the case in rural India, where MGNREGA pays landowners the same as landless labour. More tellingly, in Western democracies, the unemployment benefit is the same whether youre an out-of-work CEO or a factory floor technician. So why should it have to be different in urban India? And the claim that an urban MGNREGA would increase migration is, at best, only one reason why rural-to-urban migration happens and, arguably, by no means the most important.

However, despite the deficiencies in his argument, this blithe dismissal of the idea of an urban MGNREGA opens the way for the CEA to claim a better way of helping the urban poor is a government-backed loan scheme run by micro-finance institutions. This is because MFIs have about two crore borrowers from urban and semi-urban areas. Therefore, he concludes, MFIs have a large reach to the urban poor. Because the urban poor are migrants from other states, an entitlement-based schemes reach would be less. But he simply asserts this.

He provides no proof.

Now comes the morally ambivalent bit of the CEAs logic. When a loan is given by (an) MFI and fully guaranteed by the government, this scheme serves as a quasi-cash transfer targeted to the genuinely distressed. Why? Because he has assumed that it wont or doesnt have to be returned. This category of borrowers will avail the loan and default on it. Hes also assuming that the government or the MFI concerned will accept that outcome and not take strenuous measures to recover the money. Again, why? Because, as far as the MFI is concerned, the loan is guaranteed by the government.

So, now, what does this amount to? This is where my moral concerns are writ large.

First, the CEA has assumed that the urban poor will seek loans to alleviate their distress even though they can see no credible possibility of repaying them. A few, no doubt, may but the majority -- particularly the very poor -- are unlikely to add to their burdens when they are already down on their knees. Instead, as migrants from rural India, they would probably opt to go home. Has he forgotten the tens of millions who did just that last year? Perhaps his eyes were averted? Or perhaps he did not want to see? After all, you can pretend to be blind even when your eyes are wide open.

Second -- and this is truly inexplicable -- hes cheerfully assumed that if the urban poor do incur debt theyll feel no obligation to repay it. This is why he says such loans work effectively as a quasi-cash transfer to the genuinely distressed. But on what basis does he make that assumption? Grameen Bank -- and lets not forget our own MFIs -- succeeded because the poor honour their debts. Its the rich who dont. Think of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.

Third, an employment guarantee scheme is a right, like the dole is in the West. Its guaranteed by the law and upheld by Article 21 of the Constitution which confers the right to a decent life. A loan, on the other hand, is given at someones discretion after evaluating the borrowers capacity to repay. You also have to request for one and it could be refused. Its not a right. Yet the CEA believes the latter is superior.

Fourth, as Jayati Ghosh points out, the CEA wants the poor to take on debt they cant repay instead of the government taking on debts it can. And he calls this welfare!

The truth -- but thats not something the CEA is likely to admit to -- is very different. Its almost entirely to do with the cost the government is prepared to bear to help the urban poor. An urban MGNREGA would cost a substantial amount. Guaranteeing a loan is incomparably cheaper. But thats not all. The government will only have to pay when and if a default happens. So, the impact on the fiscal deficit could be next year or even the year after. By then, with luck, the economy could be growing faster and the deficit easier to manage.

Theres also something else the CEA wont acknowledge. This is a mean-spirited, low-hearted and unkind way of treating your fellow citizens. Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak would have been kicked out of office if this is how they had responded to urban unemployment in Britain. If Mr Subramanian had the guts, he would have said that we cant afford an urban MGNREGA which is why were not implementing one. Because thats the truth.

Alas, he has chosen to behave like Marie Antoinette. She offered cake when there was no bread. Hes offering loans to people who cant afford debt!
The Homestake Wetland in the White River National Forest near Leadville, which lies next to a test bore well location approved in a permit issued earlier this year by the U.S. Forest Service. Conservation groups fear that the test wells are part of an initiative to build a dam and reservoir that would carry Western Slope water to the Front Range.
The new "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" movie will hit the theaters on July 23rd in the U.S. Ahead of its big premiere, Paramount Pictures released a trailer that includes a serious dose of drifting and fighting. The culprit? A Hyundai Sonata N Line that does a 180 during a chase scene.

7 photos
Bring a Trailer, the auction platform for cars and assorted auto stuff, is the go-to place for some of the most awesome, awesomely weird or rare vehicles these days. That said, even by these high standards, this Ferrari is proving a divisive listing : an impeccable 1989 Testarossa with very few miles and the most surprising and just plain strange paintjob.Of course, painting your expensive car in any countrys flag is bound to get attention , goodbad. Some people will like it and applaud you for it, others will criticize and lash out. In the end, its a matter of taste , though it should be no ones business what someone else does with their money  or the stuff they buy with it.That said, the paintjob on this Testarossa is impressive in terms of quality and how well it has aged. The listing notes that it was the original owner who got it, though it doesnt mention a year. Bought in 1990, the 1989 model has just recently traded hands, when the original owner sold it to a Delaware dealership, which, in turn, is now offering it to the highest bidder on BaT.Not only does the Ferrari come with just 6,000 miles (9,656 km) on the odo, but it is in impeccable condition. The interior, showing some signs of wear only on the driver side, has been kept original, in tan and brown leather, including the original Ferrari mats. Features include AC, power windows, retractable three-point seat belts, and an Alpine AM/FM head unit with integrated CD player.Power comes from a 390 hp (385 bhp) 4.9-liter flat-12 paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Documentation provided mentions an engine-out timing-belt service performed in April this year, with a recipe included as further proof. The Ferrari is offered with factory documentation, a clean Carfax and a clean Indiana title.As of the time of press, bidding sits at $76,872, with three more days to go into the auction.
kWh

Those two EVs are the most efficient ones when it comes to mass-produced cars. Although the Air is yet to be delivered, it promises a range of 517 miles (832 km) with a 113battery pack. That means it achieves 4.6 mi/kWh (7.4 km/kWh). The EQS would run 770 km (479 mi) with 108 kWh, which translates into 4.4 mi/kWh (7.1 km/kWh) of energy efficiency.The Lightyear One achieves those incredible numbers with lightweight construction, a small battery pack compared to those in its competitors, and a lot of work to reduce its drag coefficient (less than 0.20). According to Lex Hoefsloot, Lightyears CEO, they are also pursuing efficiency gains with the powertrain, inverters, and solar panels. Yes, the Lightyear One recovers energy just by being under the sun.The sedan presents 5 square meters of solar panels all over its body, which helps it get enough energy to run up to 70 km in a single day or up to 12 km in only an hour. The in-wheel motors help the vehicle save weight, but it is not clear how they influence unsprung mass behavior.The first deliveries for the Lightyear One are scheduled to happen in the first half of 2022  when the company will produce 946 units of a special series. Regular deliveries should start a little after that. At 150,000 a pop, mass production volumes are probably not a concern in this first stage. If we got Hoefsloot right, the One would help the company finance other products with that goal.
Following the Light Utility Vehicle , the Golden Bowtie developed its very own compact workhorses in the guise of the S-10 and Colorado. Honda refused to develop a body-on-frame platform for the Tourmasters successor, instead choosing to launch the Ridgeline back in 2004.Thanks to Pilot-inspired styling cues and the same front- and all-wheel-drive architecture, the second-generation Ridgeline cemented Hondas place in the pickup market. In an alternate universe where the Japanese automaker wouldve picked the ladder-frame route, the United States wouldve received a similar truck to the study before your eyes.Imagined by pixel wizard Kleber Silva with the largest cabin available for the Colorado and the same headlights as the Ridgeline, this pickup would be an interesting addition to the mid-size segment. The capability of a Colorado and the reliability of a Honda would make this modern-day Tourmaster the perfect competitor to the Toyota Tacoma, the best-selling truck in this segment for quite a few years now. In the second quarter, for example, the Taco sold 72,847 units compared to 51,063 units in Q2 2020.Be that as it may, were actually wishful thinking here. Honda is currently in the middle of cutting costs across its global operations to focus on electrification, a decision that also led to Honda pulling out of Formula 1 . Happily for Red Bull, the Sakura R&D facility will supply engines in 2022 and Honda has sold its powertrain IP to Red Bull Racing.Theres also the problem of space. The U.S. market currently offers six choices in the mid-size segment if we consider the GMC Canyon as a separate model to the Chevrolet Colorado. With so little breathing room and the Tacoma-Ranger duo dominating the sales charts , a revival of the Tourmaster doesnt make sense from a commercially viable standpoint.
French company Thales has entered the drone game with its new autonomous aircraft. Built for infrastructure inspection, coastal surveillance, border surveillance, search-and-rescue, and military operations, the UAS100 is still in its prototype phase.The UAS 100 program was born from a collaboration between aircraft manufacturer Issoire Aviation, which designed and constructed the drone, and avionics software company Hionos, whose expertise contributed to implementing the autopilot software solutions.Combining Thales' approved standards of flight safety and security with the small weight and compact design, the aircraft is equipped with jam-resistant navigation technology that will ensure its safe operation even in case of electromagnetic interferences (EMI).According to the Les Ailes du Quebec , the UAS 100 is powered by two electric motors as well as an internal combustion engine and has a flight time of five hours. It also uses radio, 4G, satellite communication and can even function in areas where the signal is poor. The final version of the aircraft will be capable of carrying a payload of 10 kg (22 lbs) and offer a range of over 100 km (62 miles).Further testing will be carried out, with a full-scale model flying test expected to take place in 2022. Thales seeks to be certified by 2023 and fly outside urban areas with an operational altitude below 150 meters (492 ft) above ground.The system, which has received support from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces through the Defence Innovation Agency (AID), aims to reduce drone operating costs and improve their environmental impact while also providing new options for inspection and surveillance missions and enhancing government and military capabilities.
Were talking about freight vehicles in particular, although other types, such as e-buses, are also helping various sectors become greener. Its not unusual to hear about the retail industry to used sustainable alternatives for transporting or even delivering goods. But whats surprising is that even something like vodka is lining up with the rest of players who are striving to become climate-neutral.If we asked what is Sweden known for, at least some of you would say Absolut vodka. The home of this famous brand is a small town in southern Sweden. This is where 600,000 bottles are shipped to customers all over the world, every day, with trucks constantly riding between the factory and the local harbor. This meant not only CO2 emissions, but also a lot of noise.Not anymore. The Ahus-based company has switched to hybrid-electric trucks. Scania s P 320 trucks will contribute to a cleaner and less noisy environment for the small town. These trucks are designed to reduce harmful emissions by 90%, compared to standard diesel options. And they even increase fuel efficiency , because they can convert and use the energy generated during braking.Also, the hauler that works with the Absolut Company, Ahus Akeri, has been testing the P 320 trucks for a few years now and found that they have a 65 decibels noise level, compared to 81 decibels for their previous vehicles.Using hybrid-electric trucks is just part of the Swedish companys goal to make its vodka completely climate-neutral by 2030. The first step was to lower CO2 emissions directly related to the production process, by an impressive 98%, and the next steps are related to transportation and the supply chain.
Oddly enough, these arent swinging from the direction we were expecting. With the 2-Door and 4-Door looking ripe to give the Jeep brand a run for its money, one would have expected an abundance of side-by-side and drive comparisons between newly delivered Broncos and the Wrangler. Instead, as far as the bronco6g.com community is concerned, it seems that fans are also eyeing the off-road competition over at Toyota.As such, it didnt take long for the Broncos to meet a few competitors from the Japanese brand. One would be the 4Runner SR5 a forum user encountered while driving around in the familys new 4-Door Bronco soft top. The size comparison is on point, with both being quite on par, but we can easily give the win to the Blue Oval, at least in the coolness department.The other meeting , between a 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro pickup truck and a 2-Door Base Bronco with the Sasquatch package (aka the beloved BaseSquatch) might be a bit trickier. But, as it turns out, its another big win for Ford. By the way, this time around the POV is provided by the Toyota owner, not by a Bronco aficionado. So, its pretty astonishing to find out the Tacoma had no chance against the smaller (but taller) 2-Door.Apparently, after a first walkaround (which delivered the neat comparison pictures) also came the first drive. And that was enough for the Tacoma owner to fall in love with the entry-level Bronco and plan an acquisition. And he wasnt even deterred by the fact that he saw the dealers $5k markup for this Rapid Red example. Which, by the way, usually starts at an MSRP of $28,500 but then you also have to consider the $295 color option, as well as the additional $,995 for the Sasquatch package.
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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Jordan secretly last week and met with King Abdullah II at his palace in Amman, a former Israeli official tells Axios.

Why it matters: This was the first meeting between the king and an Israeli prime minister in more than five years. It follows a long period of tensions between Abdullah and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and comes as Bennett attempts to reset the relationship.

At the top of the meeting, Bennett informed the king that he was prepared to approve a deal for the sale of water from Israel to Jordan, an issue that had proved contentious under Netanyahu, according to the former official.

Both Bennett and Abdullah agreed to turn the page and resume normal dialogue, the official says.

The Israeli Prime Ministers Office declined to comment, as did the Jordanian Royal Court and the Jordanian Embassy in Washington.

Go deeper:
Taliban representatives on Thursday met Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy to Afghanistan, in Moscow to stress that its recent territorial gains in the country do not pose a threat to Russia or its Central Asian allies, according to the Washington Post.

Why it matters: The meeting came days after a Taliban offensive forced more than 1,000 members of Afghanistan's security forces to retreat into neighboring Tajikistan, where Russia maintains a military base.

In response to the crossing, Tajikistan called 20,000 military reservists into action to strengthen the country's southern border.

What they're saying: The Russian Foreign Ministry said Kabulov shared Russia's concerns about the escalation in fighting in northern Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to prevent the conflict from spreading beyond the country's borders, according to TASS, Russia's state news agency.

The Taliban assured Russia that it would not violate the borders of Central Asian states.

The insurgency group also pledged to prevent the Islamic State from gaining a foothold in Afghanistan and to crackdown on drug production in the countrys territory.

The big picture: The United State's military withdrawal from Afghanistan has coincided with large territorial gains by the Taliban and a sharp increase in violence.

Go deeper: Biden says U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will end Aug. 31
Armen Charchian, the director of Yerevans Izmirlian Medical Center, was prosecuted after a non-governmental organization publicized a leaked audio recording of his meeting with hospital personnel.

Charchian, who ran for the parliament on the main opposition Hayastan blocs ticket, told them that they must vote in the snap elections or face much tougher treatment by the hospital management. He was indicted under an article of the Criminal Code that prohibits any coercion of voters.

Charchian rejects the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. Hayastans leadership and the Armenian Apostolic Church, which owns the hospital, have repeatedly demanded his release from custody.

The doctors lawyers appealed against a lower courts June 23 decision to allow a law-enforcement agency to arrest him pending investigation.

A Court of Appeals judge, Lusine Abgarian, upheld that decision, drawing a strong condemnation from the lawyers. They claimed that she handed down the ruling under strong pressure from the Armenian government.

This is a mockery of jurisprudence, one of the lawyers, Erik Andreasian, told reporters. He insisted that the court and the investigators have no grounds hold his client in pre-trial detention.

Aleksanian said earlier that the accusations are groundless because the leaked audio contains only a short excerpt from Charchians comments made at the meeting with the Izmirlian Medical Center staff. He said a longer recording submitted by the defense lawyers to the court shows that the hospital chief assured his staffers that he will not resort to repression against anyone refusing to go to the polls.

Charchian, 61, was hospitalized and reportedly underwent surgery hours before his arrest. He was taken to Yerevans Vartashen prison on July 3.

Hayastan, which finished second in the elections, says that the charges leveled against Charchian are government retribution for his affiliation with the ruling partys main election challenger.

Supporters of the opposition bloc led by former President Robert Kocharian rallied outside prosecutors headquarters in Yerevan on June 24 to demand his release. Similar protests were also staged there by medics from the Izmirlian Center and other hospitals.

Dozens of members and supporters of Hayastan and another major opposition bloc, Paniv Unem, are now prosecuted for allegedly trying to bribe or bully voters. Some of them are also held in detention.

No government loyalist is known to have been arrested on election-related charges so far.

Both opposition blocs claim that public sector employees openly supporting them were harassed and even fired by government officials in the run-up to or right after the elections. They have also accused central and provincial government bodies of forcing their employees to attend the ruling Civil Contract partys campaign rallies. The authorities deny these claims.
The 20 judges are to be nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) and confirmed by Armenias newly elected parliament in which Pashinians Civil Contract party will have a comfortable majority. The SJC, which oversees Armenias courts, formally proposed their appointment last week, citing amendments to the Judicial Code enacted earlier this year.

Under the government-drafted amendments, the new judges will mostly deal with pre-trial arrests of criminal suspects and search warrants sought by law-enforcement bodies. They will supposedly reduce the workload of courts increasingly overwhelmed by pending criminal and civil cases.

Speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting in Yerevan, Pashinian said the upcoming judicial appointments will be part of substantive reforms of the Armenian judiciary initiated by his administration. He said the new judges will bring new insights and new approaches to the courts of first instance and the Court of Appeals.

The government moved to increase the number of judges after Armenian courts refused to allow law-enforcement bodies to arrest dozens of opposition leaders and members as well as other anti-government activists. Virtually all of those individuals were prosecuted in connection with angry protests sparked by Pashinians handling of the autumn war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The prime minister charged in December that the judiciary has become part of the countrys pseudo-elite trying to topple him after the disastrous war.

Critics claim that Pashinian simply wants to install loyal judges who would duly allow the pre-trial arrests of his political opponents and execute other government orders.

The SJC is empowered to not only nominate judges but also sanction and fire them. Its chairman, Ruben Vartazarian, was controversially suspended and charged with obstruction of justice in April after Pashinians political allies accused him of encouraging courts to free the arrested government critics.

Vartazarian denies the accusations. He has said the authorities ordered the criminal proceedings in a bid to replace him with Gagik Jahangirian, an SJC member reputedly allied to Pashinian.

Jahangirian was named as acting head of the SJC pending the outcome of the criminal investigation because of being the oldest member of the judicial watchdog. According to some media outlets, he has since been trying to increase government influence on courts.

Jahangirian criticized Pashinians political team in January for not purging the judiciary. He called for getting rid of judges who committed blatant human rights violations.

Jahangirian himself was accused by media and civic activists of committing serious human rights abuses when he served as Armenias chief military prosecutor from 1997-2006.
The meeting was part of Pashinians ongoing consultations with mostly small political groups that will not be represented in Armenias new parliament elected on June 20. He told Tsarukian that his government is ready to work with them in confronting challenges facing the country.

According to the official election results, the BHK won just under 4 percent of the vote, failing to clear the 5 percent legal threshold to enter the parliament. It had finished second in the previous parliamentary elections held in 2018, garnering more than 8 percent.

Tsarukians party has not yet clarified whether it considers the June 20 vote democratic. The two other, more hardline opposition forces that won seats in the new parliament have rejected the official results as fraudulent.

In his opening remarks at the meeting publicized by his press office, Pashinian said the BHK remains an influential force in the domestic political arena despite its election fiasco.

I would like to hear your views about further political developments, about what we can do to make the extra-parliamentary opposition and the BHK in particular and the government more responsive to each other, he went on.

Pashinian said the government is open to relevant proposals from those groups. I dont think that good ideas are generated only by those who get more votes in parliamentary elections, he said.

Tsarukian replied vaguely that his party will continue to stand with the people.

Tsarukian demanded Pashinians resignation in June 2020, accusing the prime minister of incompetence and misrule. Shortly afterwards he was controversially prosecuted on what he called politically motivated charges. He was arrested in September but freed on bail almost one month later.

Like other opposition groups, the BHK blamed Pashinian for Armenias defeat in the autumn war in Nagorno-Karabakh and demanded his resignation. It joined late last year a grouping of opposition parties that staged street protests in a bid topple the premier.

Tsarukian and most of his associates kept a low profile and avoided strong verbal attacks on the government this spring, fuelling media speculation about their readiness to strike deals with Pashinian. The BHK leader repeatedly stated during the recent election campaign that he would not join a possible coalition government led by Pashinian as a result of the elections.
NSS officers searched the office and the apartment of Kajaran Mayor Manvel Paramazian in the morning before taking him to Yerevan for unknown reasons. The security agency did not explain their actions in the following hours.

Paramazians lawyer, Yervand Varosian, said in the evening that he is still unaware of his clients whereabouts or the reason for his detention.

Ive only heard something ludicrous: someone had bought some land and resold it to I dont know whom, Varosian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service.

Paramazian was already briefly arrested last December on kidnapping and assault charges denied by him. An Armenian court is scheduled to start his trial on Monday.

Varosian suggested that the authorities are keen to bring more charges against the opposition-linked mayor because they realize that the court is unlikely to convict him.

All this became predictable after the Hayastan bloc won the majority of votes in Kajaran, the lawyer said, referring to the snap parliamentary elections held on June 20.

Paramazian has run Kajaran, an industrial town in Armenias southeastern Syunik province, since 2016. He was among the heads of more than a dozen provincial communities who issued late last year statements condemning Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians handling of the autumn war with Azerbaijan and demanding his resignation.

Two other Syunik mayors were also indicted late last year. One of them, Arush Arushanian, runs a community comprising the town of Goris and surrounding villages.

Arushanian was questioned on Wednesday by another law-enforcement agency, the Special Investigative Service (SIS), in connection with this weeks arrest of a local official heading one of those villages, Karahunj.

The official, Lusine Avetian, was charged with ordering five Karahunj residents to vote for Hayastan after allocating financial assistance to them from the local government budget. It was not clear if she will plead guilty to the accusation.

According to some Armenian media outlets, SIS investigators are trying to get Avetian to implicate Arushanian in the alleged pressure exerted on the voters. Arushanians lawyer, Erik Aleksanian, did not rule out such a possibility, saying that the charges leveled against the village chief are politically motivated.

The Goris municipality insisted, for its part, that Avetian was not in a position to give any cash handouts. It said such decisions could only be made by a municipal commission headed by Arushanian.

The embattled Syunik mayors and a former provincial governor, Vahe Hakobian, lead an opposition party affiliated with Hayastan, the official runner-up in the June 20 elections. Hakobian is also a major shareholder in the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC), a mining giant employing more than 4,000 people, many of them Kajaran residents.

News reports quoted Hakobian as saying that NSS officers also searched on Thursday morning the ZCMC offices. He said they detained one of the company executives. The NSS did not confirm or deny that.

During the election campaign Pashinian vowed to crack down on ZCMCs corrupt owners and wage political vendettas against local government officials supporting the opposition. His political allies demanded after the elections that those elected mayors step down. They pointed to official vote results that showed the ruling Civil Contract party scoring a landslide victory.

Meanwhile, Hayastan, which is headed by former President Robert Kocharian issued a statement on Thursday condemning the continuing repressions against its members and saying that they will further deepen the political crisis in Armenia.

The purpose of these illegal actions is clear: to weaken the [new] parliaments largest opposition group and distract it from its efforts to confront internal and external threats facing the country, said the statement. It said Kocharians bloc will continue to challenge the regime that has brought the country to a disaster.
A Mesa woman says she was sexually assaulted while in the Navy and is happy to see changes in the way the U.S. military deals with sexual assaults.
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Arizona health experts lashed out Wednesday at Gov. Doug Ducey's near $13 billion budget they claimed plays politics with the lives of students and teachers.

The spending plan the governor recently signed into law bans mask mandates on the campuses of K-12 schools, public universities, and community colleges. But health experts warned the move was "premature" because children under 12 years old can not get vaccinated and are susceptible to the more contagious variants of COVID-19.

"The decision to prohibit these schools from requiring masks be worn is quite reckless, dangerous, and short-sighted," said Dr. Cadey Harrel, a family physician in Tucson.

Over the past year and a half, masks have become a hot-button political issue, with many Republican politicians arguing that people should not be forced to wear them.

Gov. Ducey was unavailable for comment today. But when he issued an executive order last month blocking universities from requiring vaccinations and masks, Ducey said, "We need to make our public universities available for students to return to learning."
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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
FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2014, file photo, customers including Buddhist monk line up outside a showroom to buy SIM card at Telenor, Norwegian telecommunication company, in Yangon, Myanmar. The Norwegian telecoms company Telenor, one of the biggest carriers in Myanmar, said Thursday, July 8, 2021, it has agreed to sell its entire operations in the country to the M1 Group, a Lebanese-based investment firm, for $105 million.
The highly transmissible coronavirus variant called delta is present in all 50 states and is already dominant in many parts of the United States.

Modeling shows the new variant now accounts for 51.7% of all infections in this country, five times the prevalence four weeks earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest estimates show delta has overtaken alpha, the variant first identified in the United Kingdom which quickly spread throughout the world, including the United States.

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about the delta variant and how to protect yourself.

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What is the delta variant?

The delta variant, also known as B. 1.617, was first detected last year in India, where it has been ravaging the nation, and has since spread to dozens of other countries, where it is upending plans for a return to normalcy.

Delta actually has several lineages with slightly different sets of mutations. One of those - B. 1.617.2 - is also now the dominant coronavirus strain in the United Kingdom, where it accounts for the vast majority of all covid-19 cases in that nation.

READ ALSO: Texas among states hesitant to adopt digital COVID vaccine verification

Experts describe delta as the most "fit" variant of all the coronavirus mutations. That means it is likely to outcompete other variants to infect more people with covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, said Monica Gandhi, an infectious-diseases expert at the University of California at San Francisco. "It's the one that is most likely to latch onto cells in a host, and it attacks that host better than the other variants because it can replicate itself better."

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Why is the delta variant a concern?

Early research suggests that delta is about 50% more contagious than the alpha variant, which became the predominant strain in the United States during the spring. Alpha was already about 50% more transmissible than the original strain of the coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019.

Although there is compelling evidence that the delta variant is more transmissible, there is limited data on whether it is more likely to result in a severe illness.

Public Health England found that the variant may be associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, and some early research from Scotland suggests people are at about twice the risk of hospitalization with covid-19 infections from the delta variant than from alpha - with the unvaccinated at greatest risk.

But experts caution there is no clear evidence that delta is more likely to cause severe disease. Hospitals serving areas where delta is surging have reported admitting more young and middle-aged covid patients, but note that may be because they are less likely to be vaccinated.

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How effective are the vaccines against the variant?

Early data suggests that all three vaccines authorized in the United States offer strong protection against severe disease and death from the delta variant, although they may offer less robust protection against minor to moderate infections.

"I think this is a really important point because that's our primary goal with our vaccination effort - to prevent severe disease, to prevent hospitalization, to prevent deaths," said William Moss, a professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

In the case of the two-dose messenger RNA vaccines, both shots are needed to mount a strong response against delta. Research from Public Health England (PHE) recently showed that the Pfizer-BioNTech was 33% effective against symptomatic infection from the delta variant after the first shot of the two-shot regimen, but 88% effective after the second one.

READ MORE: CDC director Walensky weighs in on wearing masks

In terms of preventing hospitalizations from delta, another PHE paper suggested that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 94% effective after the first shot and 96% effective after the second.

Experts said because the Moderna vaccine is comparable to Pfizer, researchers could extrapolate that it would offer similar protection.

As for the Johnson & Johnson shot, one small study showed that people who took the vaccine mounted a strong antibody response against the variant, the company told The Washington Post.

Some researchers believe that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may end up showing similar results to the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was included the PHE studies and found to be 60% effective against symptomatic disease and 92% effective against hospitalization after both doses. The AstraZeneca vaccine has not been approved for use in the United States.

"Vaccination is your force field; that is the best precaution you can take," Gandhi said.

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How will the delta variant affect the U. S.?

With more than 150 million Americans now inoculated against the coronavirus, the delta variant is not expected to cause massive outbreaks across the entire United States. Instead, health experts anticipate it will cause surges in communities where vaccination rates are lower, posing the most serious risk to those who are older, sicker and unvaccinated.

"We're going to have to face it throughout the United States," said Eric Topol, a professor of molecular medicine and executive vice president at the Scripps Research Institute. "So far, it's at a low level in terms of increase in cases, but we don't know where it's headed."

Topol said delta is already spreading through states such as Nevada, Missouri, Arkansas, Utah and Wyoming, which are more vulnerable because they have had fewer cases of covid-19 and also fewer vaccinations, meaning they do not have as much natural and vaccine-induced immunity.

READ ALSO: Why do some people get side effects after COVID-19 vaccines?

States with high vaccination rates like Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont have "a delta wall," he said.

Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious-diseases expert, recently said he is "very concerned" about the variant because it could lead to "two Americas" - one largely protected due to high vaccination rates and the other experiencing surges due to with low vaccination rates.

"When you have such a low level of vaccination superimposed upon a variant that has a high degree of efficiency of spread, what you are going to see among undervaccinated regions - be that states, cities or counties - you're going to see these individual types of blips. It's almost like it's going to be two Americas," he said.

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Do symptoms from delta infections differ from infections from other strains of the coronavirus?

There is little research on this but some people have reported symptoms such as a headache, sore throat and runny nose, without the hallmark covid-19 signs such as loss of taste and smell.

- - -

Will booster shots be needed?

Currently, there is no evidence booster shots are necessary to buttress any of the vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and federal health officials do not recommend them at this time.

Health experts said the time to start thinking about boosters would be if the delta variant, or any other variant, begins causing significant breakthrough infections within heavily vaccinated communities. "That would be a red flag that we need boosters or new vaccines to target the delta variant," Moss said.

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What else can people do to protect themselves?

Although the CDC no longer recommends masking for people who are fully vaccinated, health experts said it may make sense for some people depending on their circumstances. Those who are living in areas where vaccination rates are low and delta cases are high may want to continue covering their faces, particularly in high-risk settings such as indoor gatherings, large crowds, or places such as senior living facilities where the consequences of transmission could be grave.

The World Health Organization is still urging people around the world to mask up. Mariangela Simao, WHO's assistant director general for access to medicines and health products, recently told reporters, "People cannot feel safe just because they had the two doses. They still need to protect themselves."

Gandhi said that recommendation makes sense coming from WHO, which is dealing with very mixed populations - many with high amounts of circulating virus, low vaccination rates and less effective vaccines. Only about 11% of the world's population has been fully inoculated against the virus.

"The likelihood of getting a breakthrough infection with any variant is not just dependent on your vaccination status but the amount of virus you're seeing circulating in your community," she said. "It's why health care workers in India, even though they were fully vaccinated, still had breakthrough infections because they were seeing so much virus."

- - -

What about people who are immunocompromised?

Vaccination is still the top recommendation to protect against the virus, including the delta variant, although not all immunocompromised people may mount a robust response. But others will build immunity from the shots and there appears to be no harm from getting immunized, said William Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Beyond that, individuals with compromised immune responses should practice social distancing, mask-wearing and avoid crowds, particularly indoors - "those things continue to pertain to these highly susceptible people," he said.

Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases and preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, said it is also important for immunocompromised people to get tested if they experience symptoms, especially as the new influenza season rolls around, so they can get treated appropriately - either for flu or covid-19. In some cases, for example, antiviral medications may be used to treat influenza and monoclonal antibodies for covid-19, which can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death when used early in the course of the disease.

- - -

What about the risk to children and how can parents protect them?

There is no indication the delta variant is more virulent if it infects children, said Paul Offit, a pediatrician and the director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

However, since it is more contagious than earlier variants, children are at somewhat greater risk of infection. Those who are 12 and older are eligible for vaccines and federal health officials recommend they be immunized for greater protection.

For children 11 and younger, Offit recommends that parents make sure their unvaccinated children wear masks if they are in public spaces indoors.

The bottom line is that the people need to take measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against the delta variant.

"If you haven't had covid, you're not vaccinated and you're not wearing a mask, you're basically asking for delta trouble. It'll find you. It's the most efficient form of the virus for finding hosts, by far. If you're not vaccinated, a mask is important right now," Topol said.

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The Washington Post's Ben Guarino contributed to this report.
As the Texas Legislature prepares to gavel in for this terms first special session, Rep. Dade Phelan is again expected to be at the helm in the House.

The Southeast Texas Republican was heralded, even before his election to the Speakers post, as a bipartisan dealmaker. That skill likely will come in handy as the special session comes on the heels of Democrats walkout over new proposed voting restrictions and after Gov. Greg Abbott has identified a number of hot-button issues as his agenda for the special session.

The Enterprise sat down with Phelan shortly after Abbott made public these priorities. Here are six things you should know about the past and upcoming sessions:

1. Against all odds, the Legislature tackled a number of issues already during the regular session.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, an expected budget deficit and Winter Storm Uri  among other issues  the Legislature still managed to pass a number of bills, Phelan said.

It funded K-12 education, which will bring good news for higher education with an announcment expected in the coming days, Phelan said. The Legislature also made changes to the way the state requires energy production to be tackled.

These are really huge items we were able to get through in the regular, Phelan said. But there always is more work to be done, which this session included two of Abbotts emergency items: bail and election reform.

Im not surprised were here in July, Phelan said. I knew wed be back.

2. The Legislature will have $7.5 billion more to allocate that wasnt expected at the end of May.

Phelan noted one of the challenges to meeting every other year is the number of things that can change in that time. But this session, the state saw a substantial change in just months.

He said Abbott has requested that the Legislature look at using that money for tax relief, Child Protective Services and cybersecurity.

3. The seemingly specific priorities do have an audience.

After the relatively quiet 86th legislative session ended in 2019 with relatively little controversy and no special session, this years priorities could seem like a major shift.

Whereas the 86ths priorities were property tax and school finance reform, state flood infrastructure, and school safety and mental health among others, the upcoming special session prioritizes a number of issues that have been big on the national stage.

But Phelan said these issues are vital to people who operate in those spaces daily.

As far as things like bail reform, if youre in that space, you understand there are changes that can and should be done, he said. We need to  understand we dont need a debtors prison, but we also dont need dangerous criminals released.

Similarly, he said hes seen the sharp increase in CPSs caseload thats forced children to sleep in government offices because there isnt enough room elsewhere.

Thats a crisis, he said.

4. Its unclear at this point how much bipartisan work will be involved.

Phelan said most of the bills for Abbotts priorities havent been filed, so he couldnt identify where the middle ground on negotiations might be.

But he encouraged his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to review them carefully, speak for their district and encourage interested individuals to testify in-person or online.

Whatever that looks like, you have to show up to fight for your district, he said.

5. Phelan wants to look at more criminal justice reform during the interim.

When speaking of the legacy left by previous House Speakers, Phelan noted criminal justice and health care reform are near and dear to him.

As a result, he said he plans to continue working on criminal justice reform during the interim.

Something I plan to work on  is juvenile justice reform. Many of these children are in the CPS system, he said. They hit a certain age, and we have nowhere to put them but the criminal justice system. But they need assistance. If we can break that, we can address the criminal justice system.

6. He wont rule out seeking another term as Speaker, although he didnt enjoy protesters showing up at his house this past session.

While he emphasized his first priority is to return as a representative, Phelan wouldnt rule out seeking another term in leadership.

Redistricting is coming up, but I do expect to represent a good portion of Southeast Texas, he said. My first goal is to make sure my Southeast Texas constituents know Im up here fighting for them  But I do expect to return as Speaker as we go through this special session.

Even though he still wants to seek the seat, Phelan said he neither expected nor appreciated protesters showing up at his home during the past session.

He said he has an office in Austin and another in Orange County that individuals can visit or protest outside of.

My wife and children didnt run for the Texas House, he said.

kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/KaitlinBain
MARK FELIX/AFP /AFP via Getty Images

I don't think anyone would claim Texas' beaches are the best in the world, but turns out they might contain something grosser than some crusty seaweed and dead jellyfish.

According to an annual report from Environment Texas Research and Policy Center, 55 out of 61 Texas beaches tested in 2020 exceeded a federal safety threshold for fecal bacterial contamination at least one day out of the year.
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.
KEARNEY, Neb. (AP)  A Grand Island man has been charged with vehicular homicide in the March crash near Ravenna that killed a Chadron man.

Sergio Tinajero, 26, has been charged with misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide and driving an unregistered vehicle, the Kearney Hub reported.
On Tuesday evening, Texas Beer Company unveiled their new K9 lager, a collaborative effort with K9s For Warriors, a program that seeks to pair veterans suffering from PTSD with an emotional support dog. The San Antonio event took place at H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ off Bulverde Road.

I am honored, I am humbled and Im excited to partner with the nation's biggest provider of veteran service dogs said Ian Davis, CEO of Texas Beer Company at the launch.

K9s For Warriors has been connecting service members with rescued furry companions since 2011. Plans are now in the works for the a Texas contingent of the Florida-based nonprofit, with a San Antonio location set to service the region this fall. During its run, the organization has paired nearly 700 veterans with service dogs and rescued more than 1,300 dogs from kill shelters.

Camille Sauers

This inter-species treatment method has been backed by research out of Purdue University to mitigate PTSD symptoms while restoring veteran's confidence and independence.

Jodie Revils, a veteran who spent 11 years in the infantry and dealt with frontline combat firsthand, expressed that the K9s For Warriors program is life changing.

I went through every program the VA had to offer, and they helped a little bit, but over time I kinda got discouraged. I saw a lot of people getting better and I really wasnt. I had a pretty severe case of PTSD, said Revils.

3 1 of 3 Camille sauers Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Camille Sauers Show More Show Less 3 of 3





RELATED: Project Pollo's 'Ranchito' raising money for veteran-run pet rescue

After some hearty trial and error, Revils was sent to a top of the line in patient program. There, he was first introduced to the K9s for Warriors Program. At first he was skeptical, but after a nudge from a different therapist and meeting some success stories, Revils finally gave the program a shot.

I decided that this was the last chance I had, after that I was done, I decided I wasnt gonna try anymore. This is why the program works, because Im still here, he continued, with his service dog, Donna, resting by his side.

At the launch, to celebrate the organizations homecoming into the city, CEO Rory Diamond was also presented with a check from H-E-B for $15,000.

Camille Sauers

RELATED: New under-the-radar Texas law gives beer, wine purchases an earlier start on Sundays

The new beer will be available to purchase at 100 H-E-B locations across Texas, and available on tap at all H-E-B True Texas BBQs. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit.

The K9 for Warriors program serves all veterans looking to rehabilitate with a furry friend free of charge.
A worker pushes a wheelbarrow near the Walini tunnel construction site for the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway in West Bandung regency, Indonesia, Feb. 21, 2019.

An ongoing China-backed high-speed railway project in Indonesia has worsened air quality, clogged canals and damaged homes of many people who live along the 89-mile stretch of the future line, residents told BenarNews.

The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail projects cost has shot up as well  from an estimated U.S. $6 billion to as much as $7.9 billion, according to a government official.

Some of those residents affected by the project said they had been threatened for airing their concerns, but a consortium of Chinese and Indonesian companies building the rail line denied any intimidation or environmental damage. The consortium noted it had appointed consultants to comply with construction regulations.

Sri Rama Aryadhana, who lives in a gated neighborhood in Bandung, said his house developed cracks because of the construction project.

In November, they started piling and drilling, using heavy equipment. Since then, there has been damage not only to my house, but also other residents houses in this neighborhood, Rama, 44, told BenarNews.

Residents attempts to hold a dialogue with the company had been unsuccessful, Rama said.

At the beginning of the project, they even sent security forces, who said anyone who obstructed the project would be dealt with, he said.

Rama and his neighbors then complained to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), which has summoned the management of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the consortium building the railway, to appear for questioning later this month.

Since construction began in 2017, the Jakarta-Bandung rail project, the countrys first high-speed rail, has been dogged by criticism about its impacts on surrounding areas, as well as concerns about rising costs.

Launched by President Joko Jokowi Widodo in 2016, the rail line is expected to shorten the travel time between the Indonesian capital and Bandung to 40 minutes from three hours, officials said. But it has seen cost overruns of as much as $1.9 billion, according to Deputy State-Owned Enterprises Minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo.

The company has blamed the overrun on unexpected expenditure including land acquisition.

Agung Budi Waskito, the chief executive of PT Wijaya Karya, which leads the consortium of local companies that holds a 60 percent stake in the rail project, said in April it was negotiating for China to increase its stake in the project, because of the cost increase.

It is the flagship Indonesia project of Chinas One Belt, One Road, Beijings estimated U.S. $1 trillion-plus infrastructure program to build a network of railways, ports and bridges across 70 countries.

Governments response has been slow

Meiki Paendong, executive director of the environmental group Walhi in West Java province, said residents complained about how the project had created social and environmental harm.

Complaints from residents in areas affected by the project include clogged sewers, water and air pollution, flooding during the rainy season and excessive noise.

Their neighborhoods were flooded because drainage channels were blocked by backfill and the company did not build alternative drainage, Meiki told BenarNews.

In addition to flooding, a 25-acre rice field in West Bandung regency was damaged because the irrigation canal had been clogged, Meiki said.

In Cimahi town near Bandung, residents are worried about threats of landslides after soil there developed cracks because of blasting method used in tunnel construction, said Meiki.

In February 2020, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) ordered the contractor to suspend construction on the entire project for two weeks to allow the company to address safety and environmental issues.

The suspension came after huge traffic disruptions on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road caused by floods.

But Meiki said the problems affecting residents remained unresolved.

The government is only concerned about the impact on the toll road, but not on the residents. Because up to this day, there has never been a fair solution for the residents, said Meiki.

Many affected residents dont make formal complaints, he said

There is skepticism [among the residents] because the governments response has been slow, and they were subjected to intimidation, said Meiki.

Cracks are seen on the floor of Sri Rama Aryadhanas house, which he said has been damaged by construction work on the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway project in Bandung city, Indonesia. [Photo courtesy Sri Rama Aryadhana]

Either we move, or they move

Komnas HAM said it had summoned the chief executive of KCIC to appear before the commission on July 22.

This summons is related to the masterplan for the construction of the high-speed train, the environmental impact analysis and their measures to prevent violations of human rights, Komnas HAM Commissioner Beka Ulung Hapsara told BenarNews.

Bandung citys Rama said complaints had also been lodged with other institutions, but there had been no resolution.

A meeting with representatives of KCIC facilitated by the West Java Environmental Agency did not yield any results, he said.

The impacts [of the construction] are real and theres evidence. What we want is for them to acknowledge that we have suffered from the impacts, take responsibility and buy our land, Rama said.

Its either we move, or they move.

KCIC will answer the summons and is ready to hold dialogue with the residents, company spokeswoman Mirza Soraya said.

PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China is cooperating and ready to sit down with residents to discuss environmental impact-related complaints submitted by the community, Mirza said in a statement to BenarNews.

Mirza said the cause of damage to houses could not yet be established and that residents in the Bandung neighborhood rejected a survey requested by the company before the project started.

KCIC and contractors did not obtain comparative data on the conditions of the buildings before and after the work was carried out, said Mirza.

Mirza also claimed noise that residents complained about was not from the rail project work alone.

Noise has increased because the project location is adjacent to a toll road. However, noise levels gradually decrease as construction progresses, she said.

Mirza also denied accusations that the company had resorted to intimidation.

The presence of security personnel from the military and police at the construction site is not intended to intimidate residents, but part of standard security procedures involving national strategic projects.

Project progress

The 143-km (88.8-mile) Jakarta-Bandung rail line was scheduled to start operations this year, according to a report in The Jakarta Post in April 2020.

But it is 74 percent finished and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, Deputy State-Owned Enterprises Minister Kartika said.

Jodi Mahardi, spokesman for the coordinating ministry of maritime affairs and investment, said the government was committed to completing the project by next year.

We will see to it that the critical paths and targets can be achieved so that the goal to begin operations in December 2022 can be realized, Jodi told BenarNews.
The U.N. human rights chief pressed ASEAN on Wednesday to appoint an envoy to Myanmar urgently, 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 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.
A Petronas gas station sign appears in the foreground of Malaysias landmark Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, March 2, 2016.

Chinese coast guard ships since early June have been putting pressure on and harassing new Malaysian oil and gas projects in the South China Sea off Sarawak state on Borneo Island, a U.S.-based think-tank said in a report released this week.

Malaysian state-run oil company Petronas, which runs such off-shore operations, meanwhile announced on Wednesday that it signed a 10-year, U.S. $7 billion deal to provide liquid natural gas to a subsidiary of the China National Offshore Oil Corp.

That same day, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative issued a report alleging that ships from the China Coast Guard (CCG) have been contesting new Malaysian oil and gas development in waters off the coast of Sarawak.

This is at least the third time since last spring that the CCG has harassed Malaysian energy exploration, AMTI, a subsidiary of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said in the report titled Contest at Kasawari: Another Malaysian Gas Project Faces Pressure.

It demonstrates again Beijings persistence in challenging its neighbors oil and gas activities within their own exclusive economic zones. And the air patrol, which was likely not a coincidence, suggests Beijings willingness to engage in parallel escalation to pressure other claimants to back down, the report said.

Greg Poling, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at CSIS, said he expected Malaysias government was taking action to protect Malaysian rights in the South China Sea. Beijing claims nearly all of the waterway as its own.

They do it out of the public eye, he told BenarNews.

China and Malaysia are among six Asian countries that have contending territorial claims in the South China Sea. Beijing claims nearly all of the waterway as its own.

In a news release announcing the new deal, Petronas said it was building upon its more than decade-long relations with the state-owned Chinese corporation.

The deal also further strengthens the ongoing relationship established since 2006 and reflects Petronas commitment in supporting the endeavor of CNOOC and its associated companies to meet the fast-growing demand for cleaner energy and support Chinas national aspiration of peak emissions and carbon neutrality, the release said.

The Petronas news release said the agreement calls for LNG Canada to supply product once a facility begins operation by the middle of this decade.

An LNG Canada spokesman said it did not comment on joint ventures.

LNG Canada is a joint venture involving Royal Dutch Shell plc, through its affiliate Shell Canada Energy, Petronas through its wholly owned entity North Montney LNG Limited Partnership, PetroChina Co. Limited through its subsidiary PetroChina Canada Ltd. and Japanese and Korean companies. It is building a liquefied natural gas export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada.

The Kasawari gas field is being constructed near a gas field that has been online for five years. [CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative]

AMTI said tensions between Malaysia and China revolve around the development in the Kasawari gas field, about 4.3 nautical miles (8 km) from another Malaysian gas field, NC3, which came online in 2016.

The Malaysian government alerted mariners in advance of Petronas transporting materials on May 19 to 24 to be used to construct a wellhead platform at the site. AMTI said the alert also tipped China to the project.

The report said 16 Chinese military aircraft flying in tactical formation, approached within 60 nautical miles (111 km) of the Sarawak coast on June 1, leading Malaysia to scramble fighter jets.

BenarNews reported that the incident occurred on May 31 and was made public the next day.

After that incident, Malaysias government summoned the Chinese ambassador and vowed to launch a diplomatic protest. However on Thursday, it remained unclear what action Kuala Lumpur has since taken on the reported intrusion by Chinese air-force planes.

On June 2, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman responded to a question about the incident.

To my knowledge, it was a routine training conducted by Chinas air force over waters to the south of Nansha Islands. It doesnt target any country, spokesman Wang Wenbin said during a daily press briefing then.

During the training, Chinas air force strictly complied with international law and didnt enter the air space of any other country. The Chinese side has communicated with the Malaysian side over this, he said.

Since then, Chinese ships have remained in the region, AMTI reported.

CCG vessels regularly operate around nearby Luconia Shoals, staying there for months and often making passes by Malaysian offshore energy operations, the report said.

Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said Beijings actions are not new.

The Chinese have been exerting such pressure on Malaysia through visible displays of its coast guard and at times, military capability. The use of the coast guard in this instance is somewhat expected, though for the most part these vessels tend to keep a respectable safe distance from the Malaysian-chartered platforms, Koh told BenarNews.

So far, based on my understanding, the Chinese have yet to actively interfere with activities such as blocking the passages of offshore support vessels, or attempted boarding and seizure for example, he said.

Meanwhile, Ramli Dollah, a regional security analyst and professor at the University of Malaysia Sabah, said he expected Chinese ships to continue to harass their Malaysian counterparts.

As we all know China claims the entire South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters. Therefore the presence of China in this area is an imminent threat to Malaysia sovereignty, he told BenarNews.

The intrusion by 16 Chinese military aircraft over the disputed area in the South China Sea shows that these incidents will continue in the future.

Ramli said Malaysia must develop its military capabilities even as it attempts diplomacy with China.

There are also other options for Malaysia, particularly in establishing good relations and cooperation with other powers, especially the United States and those who have interest in South China Sea such as Japan and Australia, he said.

This chart shows the path of a China Coast Guard ship which sailed near two Malaysian barges in the Kasawari gas field in the South China Sea on July 5, 2021. [CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative]

Chinese ship spotted

As of the time of the reports publication, a China Coast Guard ship remained at Kasawari along with two Malaysian barges, Sapura 2000 and Sapura 3000, used to construct the wellhead, AMTI said, noting it had not observed Malaysian military or law enforcement activities at the site.

While the current tensions are likely to subside once installation of the wellhead is complete, a second phase of work at Kasawari slated for 2022 suggests that friction between Chinese law enforcement and Malaysian offshore energy operations off Sarawak is almost guaranteed to continue, the report concluded.
Malaysias Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (second from left) waves as he arrives for a session at the Malaysian Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 26, 2020.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin showed no sign of budging from office on Thursday after the largest ally in Malaysia's ruling coalition announced in the early morning that it was withdrawing its support for him and demanding his resignation.

In a statement, his Bersatu party said that the United Malays National Organizations decision to pull support from the PM had no effect on the workings of government because, it claimed, Muhyiddin still commanded majority support in parliament.

Meanwhile, the countrys top lawyer appeared to endorse Bersatus decision saying Muhyiddin would remain prime minister until a vote in parliament proved he had lost majority support.

In the Westminster system of democracy, a government is formed by a prime minister based on his majority support of the members of Parliament, Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan said in a statement, referring to the British parliamentary system.

According to Attorney General Idrus Harun, a partys mere statement saying it was withdrawing support could not determine a governments fate.

Based on Article 43(2) (a) of the Federal Constitution, the determination on whether someone enjoys the confidence of a majority of Dewan Rakyat members must be decided by the Dewan Rakyat members themselves and not through a statement by a political party or any political party leader, Idrus said in a statement, referring to parliaments lower house.

For now, the government does not have any clear facts to show that the prime minister no longer enjoyed the confidence of a majority of Dewan Rakyat members.

Early on Thursday, UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the partys decision to pull support for Muhyiddin with immediate effect. He said Muhyiddins unelected government had mishandled the coronavirus pandemic and failed to uphold democratic principles.

But confusion reigned on Thursday, as some opposition leaders said the attorney general was incorrect, while local media reports said that not all in UMNO had agreed with the decision to pull support for Muhyiddin.

The opposition Pakatan Harapan alliance, led by Anwar Ibrahim, said Muhyiddin should resign but that a vote in parliament was not necessarily needed.

We wish to remind the attorney general that that Muhyiddin himself was appointed prime minister based on the letters of the heads of political parties supporting him, including the UMNO president, Pakatan said in a statement.

When a leader of a party of that size announces their withdrawal of support as what is happening now, this means that the prime minister has lost the base support and subsequently [a] majority of MPs support.

Pakatan accused Attorney General Idrus of acting as a supporter of Muhyiddins coalition rather than defending the law.

Another opposition leader, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed, said Idrus was inconsistent in interpreting the law.

During the February 2020 political crisis, Muhyiddin had not got the support from a majority of MPs, including from six in his own Bersatu, Mahathir said.

Muhyiddins is an unelected government formed a week after Mahathirs government collapsed in February last year, in part because Muhyiddin had deserted it.

Muhyiddin then formed an alliance with UMNO and some other parties, and claimed he had majority backing. The king appointed Muhyiddin as PM without a parliamentary vote.

Floor vote in parliament

Both the current and a former attorney general, as well as a political scientist and a constitutional expert, appeared to agree that the only way to determine what should happen now is a vote on the parliamentary floor.

Based on the comment by the attorney general, the only way to decide on the majority support for the PM are MPs  as such, I am suggesting the PM calls for a vote of confidence in the parliament, Mohamed Apandi Ali, a former attorney general, told BenarNews.

It is up to him if he wishes to prove that through a vote of confidence. This is part of the democratic process to prove the legitimacy of his government. This is the proper way to handle this matter.

If Muhyiddin loses the vote, he and his cabinet should step down, Apandi said.

Only a parliamentary vote would determine whether Muhyiddin has majority support, so UMNOs withdrawal of support does not mean an automatic collapse of the government, constitutional expert Muhammad Fathi Yusof said.

Without the voting process in the lower house, it cannot be ascertained whether the announcement made by UMNO president indeed represented the majority of UMNO MPs or part of them, Fathi told BenarNews.

Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist at Sunway University Malaysia, concurred with Fathi, saying a negative majority against Muhyiddin does not equate to a positive majority for his alternative.

Without a formal defeat in the House, the only way to change the government is to present an alternative positive majority to the Palace, effectively a constructive vote of no-confidence, Wong told BenarNews in an email.

He was talking about a potential move by lawmakers to go to the king and say that an alternate candidate commanded majority support in parliament, similar to what Muhyiddin did last year.

For a formal defeat, though, a lawmaker has to propose a confidence vote in parliament.

Muhyiddin suspended parliament after the king, on Jan. 12, declared an emergency on the PMs advice. After three calls from the king and amid public pressure, Muhyiddin earlier this week finally decided to convene parliament before the emergency expires on Aug. 1.

The lower house is scheduled to meet for five days, starting July 26, but it remains unclear whether the house speaker would allow a vote of confidence to held if any lawmaker proposes such a vote.

The speaker has the power to decide whether the house takes up any motion proposed by an MP, and this official was unlikely to allow such a vote, Wong said.

Such a move is a dead-end as long as the speaker can hold the fort for the government, Wong said.

Still, opposition alliance Pakatan also said the time was not right to call for a snap general election because the COVID-19 pandemic was still raging. But Pakatan did not propose any alternate solution to the political crisis either.

For Sunway Universitys Wong, allowing Muhyiddin to stay in power as a minority government is the most reasonable solution.

But Muhyiddin must behave as one, not acting as if he still has a majority, Wong said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin during his meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince in the capital Riyadh on March 9, 2021.

The largest party in Malaysias ruling bloc announced early Thursday that it was pulling its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and calling on him to resign, saying his unelected government had mishandled the coronavirus pandemic and failed to uphold democratic principles.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, president of the United Malays National Organization, made the stunning announcement that signaled the coalitions apparent collapse, after a four-hour meeting by UMNOs supreme council that began Wednesday night. Hours earlier, Muhyiddin had promoted two ministers from UMNO, but his move failed to mollify the party, which had propped up his government since March 2020.

To fulfil the mandate approved by delegates at the partys 2020 annual general assembly and the failure of the government to fulfil the seven criteria set by UMNO to continue supporting the prime minister, I hereby announce that the support given to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has been withdrawn and ceased with immediate effect, Zahid told reporters.

UMNO is demanding for Muhyiddin Yassin to step down gracefully to allow a new prime minister to be appointed for a limited period. The new prime minister will be focusing on managing COVID-19 pandemic using inclusive approaches and ensuring that the national vaccination process to be accelerated, he added.

Muhyiddins unelected Perikatan Nasional coalition government has been clinging to power with a razor-thin parliamentary majority. What happens to it now depends on whether lawmakers from a divided UMNO are all on board with the partys decision.

It also remains to be seen whether Muhyiddin will be challenged during a five-day sitting of the lower house of parliament, scheduled to begin in late July.

For the past six months, parliament has been suspended after Malaysias king, at Muhyiddins urging, declared a national emergency over the pandemic. The emergency is to expire on Aug. 1.

Zahid said Muhyiddins government had failed to manage the pandemic with inconsistent and confusing lockdown policies. Muhyiddins advice to the king to declare an emergency was a politically expedient move that undermined parliamentary democracy, the UMNO chief said.

UMNO and the opposition had criticized Muhyiddins move to suspend the legislature, when the king declared the emergency on Jan. 12.

Zahid also faulted the Muhyiddin government for the economys collapse. He accused the prime minister of not keeping the welfare of people front and center during the pandemic. And last but not least, the prime minister had disrespected the king by not allowing parliament to reconvene soon after the monarch had urged that this be done, Zahid claimed.

After Malaysia achieves herd immunity from COVID-19, the interim prime minister would advise the king to dissolve the parliament and call a general election, Zahid said, so that the mandate is returned to the people to decide.

However, the UMNO supreme council will not cooperate with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahims Pakatan Harapan alliance, Zahid said, ending speculation that some in UMNO were negotiating with Anwars bloc to form a new government.

Many in UMNO have been unhappy with Muhyiddin and his Bersatu party, because they believe the prime minister sidelined their party, which holds the most seats  39  in the ruling coalition.

UMNO has vacillated about supporting Muhyiddin. On one occasion, UMNO said that it would back him until the next election and, on another, that it would quit the coalition before national polls.

Last week, media reports quoted unnamed sources as saying that UMNO would pull out of the Perikatan coalition before Aug. 1. These reports came after the government said it would reconvene parliament before the emergency expires on that date.

On Monday, Muhyiddin announced that parliaments lower house would meet for five days beginning at the end of July, followed by a meeting of the senate for three days in August.

Muhyiddin was sworn in as Malaysias eighth prime minister on March 1, 2020, a week after the government of Mahathir Mohamad collapsed, in part because Muhyiddin had deserted it.

He then formed an alliance with UMNO, Malaysias oldest political party that was tainted by a major corruption scandal and that he had helped Mahathir topple in the historic 2018 election.

Muhyiddins ascent to power was met with howls of protest from citizens who accused him of forming a back-door government, but such concerns were soon eclipsed by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Game of musical chairs

On Wednesday, Muhyiddin seemed to try to preempt a move by UMNO to withdraw support, by elevating two of the partys ministers.

The Prime Ministers Office announced that senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob was promoted to deputy prime minister, while his colleague, Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, was made senior minister, effective immediately.

Analysts said Muhyiddin hoped to capitalize on a rift within UMNO between a faction, headed by Zahid, which wanted to withdraw support from Muhyiddin, and another that did not.

The appointments are to offset the potential UMNO pullout from the government, at the same time they will further deepen the divide between UMNO president Zahids camp and Ismails camp, Bridget Welsh, a political analyst with Nottingham University in Malaysia, told BenarNews.

UMNO is clearly divided so it is not clear whether the party will accept the appointment, she said.

Ismail and Hishammuddin, who had earlier thanked Muhyiddin for their promotion, did not immediately comment after the supreme councils meeting.

Analyst Abdul Latiff Mohd Ibrahim said Muhyiddin had muddied the waters by promoting the two UMNO ministers.

Their elevation was not just a reward but [a move] to keep them in government by promoting them with such posts, the retired Universiti Teknologi Malaysia academic told BenarNews.

As it is, Mohamed Nazri Aziz, a senior UMNO politician, told BenarNews in late June that at least 25 of the partys 39 lawmakers had lost faith in Zahid and backed Hishammuddin to represent them.

Zahid can still fight back, though, said another political analyst, Wong Chin Huat.

Zahids camp can still pull at least six to seven MPs out of the government, leaving Muhyiddin with a minority, Wong, a political scientist at Sunway University Malaysia, told BenarNews.

He foresees Muhyiddin being challenged in a parliament session after the five-day one, which starts on July 26.

If the government falls, snap polls would have to be called amid a raging pandemic, Wong said.

It would be irresponsible and objectively improbable to have a snap poll, Wong said. So Muhyiddin still needs to find a solution to restore his majority.

Nisha David in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report.




This effort will raise donations to help Central Oregons creative artists  musicians, visual artists, performers and creative workers  by offering grants and a platform to bring attention to the talent that needs help to continue thriving in this community throughout the pandemic and beyond.

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Is Thursday the new Monday? Flexible working is in flux

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
NORTH ADAMS  A new pop-up restaurant will offer visitors to the Mass MoCA campus this summer the chance to dine on Georgian fare.
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.
PITTSFIELD  First came testimony from people who say their lives were upended when a cell tower began transmitting in September.

You cant tell me that Im not having this going on, said Elaine Ireland of Alma Street, referring to headaches and nausea.

Then came a highly technical spiel on the meaning of a new field survey of that Verizon Wireless towers emissions  a report that found radio frequency radiation levels to be, at most, 1.66 percent of what the Federal Communications Commission allows.

What didnt come: Resolution, after months of debate, about the towers safety.

I think were just beginning to get towards an answer, Dr. Alan Kulberg, the Board of Health chair, said Wednesday night, after more than two hours of deliberations alongside fellow members. But, I think were at the beginning of a process.

Gina Armstrong, the citys health director, suggested that despite the low radio frequency readings, the issue of the towers possible impact on health in the neighborhood cannot be dismissed.

There can possibly be some health sensitivity among some people, Armstrong said. Theres a lot more that can be explored.

On June 2, the board heard from experts in the field of electromagnetic radiation and human health. Armstrong said the city reached out to those experts again for help in interpreting the findings in a report by V-COMM Telecommunications Engineering of New Jersey. Pittsfield hired that company to test levels of radio frequency radiation in 17 locations around the new tower, located at the rear of 877 South St.

Armstrong said the study, which cost the city $3,725, was needed to check whether FCC limits had been exceeded, giving Pittsfield grounds to complain.

Three experts weighed in with suggestions earlier Wednesday, too late for their ideas to be fully reviewed by health board members.

But, it already is clear that the board is not inclined to take the V-COMM findings as evidence that the tower has had no impact on health in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Stephanie Koles of V-COMM summarized the surveys method and result for the board. She said the study, a standard tower survey, found the 115-foot tower, set high on a hill overlooking south Pittsfield, to be operating well within whats allowed.

One test location produced the highest reading, at 1.66 percent of the FCC threshold. That is less than one-fiftieth of the maximum.

Thats a very small amount of the limit, she said. Now we know that it is operating in compliance.

Koles, a former Verizon Wireless employee, declined to speak to possible health effects of the towers operations.

We are not involved in any biological research or anything like that, she said.

Experts who have advised the board and residents caution that the exposure levels allowed by the FCC are dated and do not do enough, as wireless technology has advanced, to protect health.

Brad Gordon, a member of the health board, said he is not ready to give the tower a clean bill of health.

Yes, there is the FCC measurements, but those will not get you where you need to go in terms of understanding the impact, he said, a view echoed by Kulberg.

Perhaps those standards are outmoded. Perhaps those standards dont take into account health considerations, said Kulberg, a retired pediatrician. It should be recognized that we are a board that has taken this seriously and have tried to operate within whatever powers we have.

Gordon, an attorney, reminded fellow board members that the FCC holds authority over what companies like Verizon Wireless are able to do on towers. The board, he said, is constrained.

What we want to do is be certain that we are maximizing what we can do, he said.

Kulberg said health officials should continue to press for state lawmakers to raise the issue of wireless technology and cell tower safety. The board decided this spring to write a letter in support of legislation filed by state Sen. Julian Cyr that would create a commission to study the impact of electromagnetic (EMR) and radiofrequency (RFR) radiation on consumer protection, public health, and technology in the Commonwealth.

Others have more potent standing with those who make the rules, Kulberg said, suggesting that the next step lies with lawmakers to bring forth the complaints of the citizens, which might help to establish a different standard [on allowable exposure] in the future.

No forum. No health study. Did Pittsfield oversell DPH help with cell tower concerns? PITTSFIELD  People unhappy about a new cell tower in south Pittsfield heard of two promising developments, when health officials took up thei

Neighborhood accounts

Ireland, the 15 Alma St. resident, told the board that since the tower began operating in September, she has suffered headaches, nausea and ringing in her ears. She said she had not had health issues before.

Recently, the ringing got so bad that I had to leave my house, she said. This has just turned my life completely upside down. Now I have to choose between my health and my house, and I shouldnt have to do that. Its really upsetting. I never imagined that something like this could happen.

Ireland said she believes the tower stands too close to homes and should be relocated. Otherwise, she has no complaint. I love my cellphone like anyone else and Im not anti-technology.

Amelia Coco Gilardi, 13, sat at a microphone before board members as her mother, Courtney Gilardi, stood behind her and displayed the sorts of remedies the family keeps handy to address symptoms of nausea and stomachaches.

But, they dont help, said the teen, who has made appearances before numerous city boards. Indigestion isnt the problem, radiation is. No one should have to live like this.

Another neighbor, carpenter William Coe, said that though he has been fixing up his house at 118 Alma St., he might opt to use it for short-term rentals, or might sell, to get away from exposure to tower transmissions.

Thats what everyone talks about, getting out, he said of people in the area, despite their affection for the place. Theyll bend over backwards to keep the neighborhood together.

Like Ireland, he said he is experiencing tinnitus, a ringing of the ears.

When I put on my ear protection, it makes it twice as loud, he said. Our neighborhood is going to be a ghost town.
The Massachusetts House on Wednesday adopted its rules for the legislative session, rejecting proposals to set term limits for the speaker of the House, publicize committee votes and require bills to be released 72 hours ahead of a vote.
Scott Stafford has been a reporter, photographer, and editor at a variety of publications, including the Dallas Morning News and The Berkshire Eagle.
GREAT BARRINGTON  The artist Hunt Slonem has purchased the Searles Castle, and says he will do what he always does with historic estates.

Im a glamourizer, said Slonem, who works in a studio in the New York borough of Brooklyn. Ive admired [the castle] forever, and Im thrilled to turn it back into what I can. All these houses have endless things to do  its just mind-boggling.

Slonem said the 1880s-built French chateau-style castle will be his private residence, and that he very recently had bought it from the former owner, Educational Consultants, which ran the John Dewey Academy there since 1985, and briefly changed owners last year. He did not say exactly when he had purchased it and did not want to divulge the cost. As of Wednesday afternoon, the deed had not yet been recorded.

The painter and sculptor whose work spans galleries, restaurants, cruise ships, museums, shops and the homes of film celebrities also owns seven grand estates. He cultivates these and administers his vision.

Im an installation artist, he said. I only sort of get involved with things that are significant and give it my loving hand.

Three are antebellum homes in Louisiana, where he went to school. Though he said he is fond of Great Barrington, good bones are what make him swoon. Its not ever the place; its the architecture that draws me.

It was Mark Hopkins, one of the founders of the Central Pacific Railroad, who had built the 40-room, blue dolomite castle for his wife, Mary Sherwood Hopkins. After Mark Hopkins died, Mary Hopkins married their interior designer, Edward Searles, who continued to design the castle and maintained it long after her death. He was 30 years her junior, according to A History of Searles Castle, by Lila Parrish.

The Main Street property is a trove of tales  the good and the bad. Historians say that NAACP founder and scholar W.E.B. Du Bois, a town native, recalled working at the castles construction site, clocking in workers. More than a century later, it was home to the John Dewey Academy, a boarding school for troubled teens that some former students recently have said was rife with abuse. The schools owner initially planned to move the school but, this year, decided to close it.

According to the town assessor, the property is assessed this year at $8 million  $7.7 million for the castle and $326,000 for the 60 acres.

In 2007, the property was on the market for $15 million. The home was not listed this time; Slonem said his finding it was fated, and he submitted to synchronicity, timing and desire.

These are very magical things, he said of how a friend had made him aware of its existence. Then he started dreaming about the castle and he asked trusted people if he should buy it. They said, Its yours  shut up already.

Searles Castle in Great Barrington was bought for more than $3 million GREAT BARRINGTON  The artist Hunt Slonem paid $3.25 million for Searles Castle, according to the Southern Berkshire Registry of Deeds, which 

Yet, for weeks, the town has been buzzing over a rumor that artist Julian Schnabel was buying the castle. Slonem was amused by this.

When asked if he will be living here, he said he plans on it.

Im planning to own it forever, but Im not a spring chicken, said Slonem, 69. I work in New York as an artist, and Im under pressure as an artist.

Slonem says he is enchanted. My heart is in it  I hope Ill become part of the history of the house.
While onscreen, Chinese President Xi Jinping leads other top officials in June in Beijing pledging their vows during the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. The author says that, in the future, data ultimately will control just about every aspect of human life, and that Xi is reported to have said privately that whoever controls data will have the initiative.
Jeff Robbins, a former assistant United States attorney and United States delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, was chief counsel for the minority of the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He is a longtime columnist for the Boston Herald, writing on politics, national security, human rights and the Mideast. He owns a home in Stockbridge.
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.
Haitian president Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his home in Port-au-Prince and his wife, First Lady Martine Moise was wounded in the attack overnight Wednesday, according to reports. In a statement, Prime Minister Claude Joseph said a group of unknown attackers swept into the presidents residence, but there was no immediate explanation for the ambush. But the assassination comes as the nation has been facing tense political turmoil with calls for Moise to step down. Opposition figures had planned to replace him, charging that his tenure was not legitimate, but it is unclear if they had anything to do with his killing. "An unidentified group of individuals, some of whom were speaking in Spanish, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and mortally wounded him," Joseph said on Wednesday. "The First Lady was wounded by a bullet and the necessary measures are being taken." RELATED: Haitis Government Is Denouncing Plot To Oust President Jovenel Moise

Joseph, himself an interim occupant of his office, has taken control of the nation and says the government is working to secure the stability of the country and placed it in the hands of the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces, calling the killing a "heinous, inhuman and barbaric act.



According to the BBC, Haiti has closed its borders with neighboring country the Dominican Republic. Also, the Port-au-Prince airport is currently shut down. Violent political protests have taken place during the past year over the legitimacy of the presidents term. The United Nations has recently said the nation had reached a political impasse over Moises tenure that could lead to further violence.



Haiti, is known historically for successfully rebelling and ousting the slaveholding French by 1804, to begin as a new republic. But afterward it was economically choked by European and American powers consistently stifling its growth. The assassination of Moise is the latest of decades, and perhaps generations of instability in Haiti including the days of Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, and his son, Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier.



Moise, 53, had been accused of autocracy by critics and of corruption, spurring massive demonstrations. He had been in power since February of 2017, but his opposition said that his five-year term began in 2016 and was set to end in February of 2021. However, those results were negated by Haitis electoral council. Moise has said because of that, he ran and won again and took office in 2017, which would make him set to step down next year.



Elections were set to take place in September, but it is now unclear what will happen.



Vania Andre, a journalist with the Haitian Times, who has covered the Haitian community for 10 years says the situation, which was already volatile has now become even more unstable with the assassination.



"I think the people had an overall feeling in the months leading up to this said Andre, who also serves as communications director for the New York-based non-profit newsroom The City. "Some said it was inevitable.



"The country is completely shut down and people are terrified of what's to come next," she said, also mentioning that nobody knows who could have staged the attack, but there are many rumors ranging from an inside job to people from Colombia or Venezuela behind it. "At this point, no one really knows what the clear facts are. All that we really know is that the president was assassinated in his home and that the First Lady is in critical condition and has been sent to a hospital outside of the country."









The United States has supported Moises position in the past. On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the Biden Administration is still gathering information on the situation.



President Biden offered a brief statement Wednesday morning as news spread about the situation.



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, said Biden. 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.

But making things worse, Haiti is suffering from a lack of coronavirus vaccines as the nation is facing a spike in the disease, but cannot accommodate the 760,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine last month as part of the UNs COVAX program. Concern over potential side effects and the lack of infrastructure to keep it refrigerated was a serious factor.



RELATED: Haiti Is Still Waiting For COVID Vaccines Amid Spike In Cases
A California man has been arrested after he allegedly abducted his two-year-old son and killed the toddlers biological mother.

According to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, 42-year-old Celestine John Stoot Jr. fled the scene of the slaying which took place inside a home in Lakeland Village, Calif., on Monday (July 5). The body of Natasha Denise Barlow, 43, was reportedly discovered the same day.

Authorities say Stoot took his son with Barlow, Celestine Stoot III with him, and the two were found in Las Vegas at around 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

RELATED: NJ Anti-Violence Activists Daughter Kidnapped And Killed

Celestine was "unharmed and law enforcement is in the process of reuniting him with his family," the department said in a press release. Stoot "will be booked into the Clark County jail pending his extradition to Riverside County," the department said, according to PEOPLE.

On Monday, an Amber Alert was issued, but deactivated once Stoot and his son were found. Police have not revealed how Natasha died, but Los Angeles station KTLA reported her family claims she was fatally shot. According to Natashas sister, Lakeisha Barlow, her body was discovered during a welfare check after her family couldnt get in touch with her.

Natashas oldest sister, Genique Stanford, told the news station that Barlow was a mother of seven.

"She has four young children, from 15 to 2 years old, who need their mom and who now don't have a mom," Stanford said.

The investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.
Former police captain and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, beating out the city's former sanitation chief, Kathryn Garcia, by a single percentage point. Civil rights attorney Maya Wiley was left in third place.

After going through the rounds of tabulations under the new ranked choice system, Adams, who was against defunding the police and said he will carry a gun as mayor, received 50.5 percent of the vote.



New Yorks Democratic voters, for the first time, chose their candidate through ranked-choice voting, in which voters picked their top five candidates in order of preference. Since none of the candidates initially got more than 50 percent of the vote, they went through a process of elimination through rounds of counting, leaving Adams, Garcia and Wiley in the top three spots. By Tuesday night, tabulation left Adams the winner.



Much of the focus of the primary election, in the heavily Democratic-voting city, was on economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic, which virtually emptied New Yorks normally busy streets. In addition, the racial and socioeconomic divisions laid bare by the pandemic were an issue continuously brought up by Garcia, Wiley and candidate Andrew Yang, who conceded the race weeks before the outcome.



However, recent spikes in crime and violence throughout the Five Boroughs became of increasing concern to voters and Adams, who had decades of experience with the New York City Police Department swiftly capitalized on his law enforcement background.

"While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: an historical, 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 July 6 statement, 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 those who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers.



Several thousand votes remain to be counted, according to The New York Times, but Adams campaign said Garcia did not have enough votes to catch him. Neither Garcia, nor Wiley have offered concessions.

RELATED: John Lewis Statue To Replace Confederate Monument In Georgia County

With the win, Adams will go on to the citys general election on November 2, when he will face Republican Curtis Sliwa, talk show host and founder of the civilian patrol group the Guardian Angels.


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Who Do You Think You Are named most played Spice Girls song
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (Psalm 145:8)

What exactly is the difference between grace and mercy?

And why does it even matter? Cant we just use them interchangeably?

Nope. If we do, we miss out on some glorious truths.

Gods mercy and Gods grace are not the same things, though the differences are subtle, and they are often mentioned together.

In many ways they overlap; usually when God pours out his mercy, he pours out his grace as well.

Lets dive into this a bit deeper.

Grace and Mercy Are Both Manifestations Of Gods Love and Compassion

Before we explore the glorious difference between grace and mercy, we need to see how theyre similar.

Neither are deserved. God has compassion on sinners who deserve his wrath.

Why? I dont know.

And he is gracious as well to those who dont love him and never thank him. But God pours out his mercy and grace especially on those he saves through Jesus.

The simplest way to understand the difference between grace and mercy is that they are flip sides of the coin of his love.

In other words, Gods mercy is NOT giving sinners what they DO DESERVE.

And Gods grace is POSITIVELY GIVING sinners what they DO NOT DESERVE.

The Glory Of Gods Mercy

The Hebrew for merciful means compassionate or full of compassion. It means to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

This is mercy: We have all sinned against a holy God. We deserve eternal wrath in hell. But in his mercy, God poured out on Jesus the wrath we deserved on the cross, so we could escape his wrath.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

For reasons known only to God, though we had spit in his face, broken his laws, rejected him and disobeyed him, he had compassion on us.

God doesnt take any pleasure in punishing people, even those who reject him and hate him outright. So in his mercy, he didnt give us what we deserved, eternal punishment, his infinite wrath. Instead, in his mercy, he poured his wrath out on his beloved Son.

Jesus didnt have to die for us. He didnt have to pay for our sins. But our God is compassionate and merciful. So he didnt give us what we deserved. He gave it to Jesus.

If this were all he had done, it would have been incredible. If God simply spared us from hell that would have been infinite mercy.

Even if he did nothing else for us. Even if we were to die then cease to exist. Even if we were to never go to heaven or know him.

It still would have been infinite mercy to us, to NOT give us what we DID DESERVE.

The difference between grace and mercy is that mercy is not getting what we deserve.

The Beauty of Gods Grace

But not only is God infinitely merciful, he is infinitely gracious. In his grace he not only withheld his wrath, but he positively saved us:

The Greek for grace, charis means: kindness, favor, a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ, or kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved (Strongs)

See the difference? In his mercy God withholds WHAT WE DO DESERVE; in his grace God heaps upon us infinite blessings WE DO NOT DESERVE. In mercy he withholds what we DID MERIT  eternal wrath; and in grace pours out upon us what we COULD NEVER MERIT: Eternal life, infinite joy, being one with Christ, being made like Christ.

Grace is Gods free gift of his undeserved, unmerited favor.

Gods grace is, the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues (Strongs).

When we believe in Jesus, because of his mercy God does NOT give us what we deserve:

His wrath, eternal punishment in hell

And when we believe in Jesus, because of His grace, God gives us what we dont deserve. He

Gives us eternal life

Adopts us as his children

Makes us joint-heirs with Christ, gives us infinite riches in Christ

Gives us his Holy Spirit

Gives us power and victory over sin

Lives in us

Conforms us to Christ

Causes all things to work together for our good

Hears our prayers

Gives us gifts of the Spirit

Produces fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, etc.

Gives us good works to walk in

He will never remove his love from us

And someday we will see his face

And the list goes on and on.

And God doesnt begrudgingly pour out his grace. He longs to pour it out upon us. Isaiah 30: 18 says Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.

God is lavish with his grace. He doesnt just give us a little. He pours it out:

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us (Ephesians 1:7-8)

So what should our response be to Gods amazing mercy and lavish grace he has heaped upon us?

I dont have room in this post, but a few ways we should respond:

Thankfulness

Wonder, amazement, praise and worship

Living wholeheartedly for the one who saved us

Imitating our God and being merciful and gracious to those who dont deserve it

If youve never believed in Jesus, he offers you the free gift of his grace, because of all Jesus did.

He is the eternal God, yet became a man, lived a sinless life of perfect obedience to his Father, then bore our sins and Gods wrath on the cross.

Then he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven where he reigns as Lord of Lords.

And he promises that for all who believe in him and call upon him so save them he will have mercy on them, forgive their sins and give them eternal life and lavish his grace upon them.

He longs to lavish salvation on you. Dont wait another day to believe in and call on him to save you!

The difference between grace and mercy is that grace is getting what we dont deserve.

So Whats The Difference Between Grace and Mercy?

Both grace reveal the staggering, glorious, delightful character of God.

In his mind-boggling mercy, he doesnt give us what we deserve. Rather, he gave that to Jesus.

In his outrageous, lavish grace, he gives us what we dont deserve. He gives us the rewards earned by Jesus.

Is there anyone like our God?

Mark Altrogge has been senior pastor of Saving Grace Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania, since 1982. He has written hundreds of songs for worship, including I Stand in Awe and Im Forever Grateful. Mark and his wife, Kristi, have five children and five grandchildren.

Find out more on his blog, The Blazing Center.

This article originally appeared here. Used with permission.
BURLEY, ID - 50-year-old Scott Halford, of Burley, ID, was recently sentenced in U.S. District Court for starting five fires in the Milner Recreation Area on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land west of Burley. U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale ordered Halford to serve six months of home confinement, five years of probation, and pay $79,800.68 in restitution.

The fires burned hundreds of acres of grass and brush. Investigation into the fires determined Halford was in the vicinity of all five fires based on surveillance photographs and witness statements. Halford was photographed driving towards or away from the origin area of two fires within minutes of the fires being reported. Halford admitted in court that he caused the fires.

This is a reminder that the public has a major role to play in fire safety, said Acting U.S. Attorney Gonzalez. Everyone must remain vigilant, especially during our extended fire season. We are surrounded by public lands, many acres of which are arid. Cheatgrass is everywhere. It is a fuel that creates dangerous fire conditions, especially in summer. Even lawfully minded citizens need to be careful of setting accidental fires, he added before crediting the cooperative efforts of the BLM and the Cassia County Sheriff's Office, which led to charges.

Over the last three years, a total of more than 1,900 human-caused wildfires have burned more than 500,000 acres in Idaho according to National Interagency Fire Center statistics. So far in 2021, more than 300 human-caused wildfires have burned more than 8,800 acres of land in the state.

Federal and state land management agencies in Idaho are urging the public to take all precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires, and property owners to take steps to reduce the risk of wildfire to their homes and land, in the face of extreme statewide conditions outlined by the National Interagency Fire Center.
FIRE UPDATE: The Pine Creek Fire is estimated to be more than 200 acres and is burning on steep terrain south of Leland near the town of Lenore. Twenty to 30 homes are threatened, and the Nez Perce County Sheriff Deputies have been notifying the owners who need to evacuate. Resources working the fire include an Air Attack dropping retardant, a helicopter and 3 IDL engines. A Type 3 Interagency Management Team has been ordered for this fire and will take over Thursday morning.

LELAND, ID - According to the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office, there is currently a wildfire burning in the Pine Creek area (Area of Leland) that is burning south towards the Clearwater River and east towards the Bedrock area.

At this time (4:30PM), residents have been notified of the situation and the Idaho Department of Lands has command of the fire. Due to the numerous fires in our area the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office urges the public to stay clear of any fire area to keep the roadways open for fire traffic and emergency vehicles.

Please check the Idaho Department of Lands website for further information on fires in our area.
Thanks for listening to The OReilly Update. No Spin. Just Facts. Always looking out for YOU.



Heres whats happening across our nation.





Most Americans disapprove of Joe Bidens immigration policies, Donald Trump teases a return to social media, gas prices in Southern California jump to a ten-year-high, Cable News ratings continue to decline, Americans rank their favorite fast-food restaurants.

Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, the poisoning of America.
Bill reports on the escalating chaos in San Francisco, where many major retail chains are shutting their doors early because of rampant and unpunished theft. Using the Biblical story of Sodom as an analogy, Bill laments that there is an absence of good citizens in San Francisco who are willing to fight for their declining city.

Sign up for our Premium Membership and get Killing the Mob free.
Whether it is the industry or academia, life sciences workers are gradually accepting the fact that lab data digitisation improves processes, simplifies workflows and makes research and development (R&D) more efficient. With increasing advances in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), digitisation in the research environment is set to become an integral part of every laboratory worldwide. But in emerging markets such as India, there are a large number of factors responsible for its slow adoption such as lack of skilled workforce, high maintenance and service costs, limited expertise, data security etc.
Entries are still open for the 2015 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Competition, honouring Africa's best journalistic talent. The entry closing date has been extended to 18 May. Register on the website and enter your best stories of 2014. Category information and full details on how to enter , also can be found at the Awards' website.
EU-funded journalism competition to recognise Euro-Mediterranean migration reporters

The inaugural Migration Media Awards will recognise the work of 35 journalists from 16 countries who had reported on the migration to the Euro-Mediterranean region. The entries were selected based on the objective and information-based reporting of the challenges and opportunities of such a complex subject.



The international jury consisted of senior journalists and evaluated more than 120 English, French, and Arabic entries that were submitted in the video, print, online, and radio categories. The Migration Media Awards is funded by the European Union and was developed in collaboration with EUROMED Migration IV, OPEN Media Hub projects, the European Asylum Support Office, and Malta's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



The first, second, and third prize winners will be awarded at a special award ceremony that will be held in Valletta, Malta on 14 June 2017.
The African Academy of Sciences alongside the African Federation of Science Journalists and the South African Science Journalists Association through the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is accepting pitches from African journalists every month for the. The project is aimed at building the capacity of science journalism on the continent.The call is open to journalists to produce newspaper stories, TV documentaries, short web videos, explainers, short or long-form investigative reports and data stories aimed at local or global news markets. The project will also provide funding to journalists in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa to produce science stories aimed at local or global news markets.The application for the July round is open and the next deadline is 5 July 2018; pitches are submitted through the AAS Ishango Online system.
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.

Former president Jacob Zuma, who faces fraud and corruption charges, speaks to supporters after appearing at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, 17 May 2021. Reuters/Rogan Ward/File Photo

Threat of arrest

Zondo Commission

Police spokesperson Lirandzu Themba confirmed in a statement that Zuma was in police custody, in compliance with the Constitutional Court judgement.The Department of Correctional Services said in a separate statement that Zuma was admitted to Estcourt Correctional Centre, about 175km 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.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 $2bn 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.
BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI: As tensions mount in the central African nation of Burundi ahead of presidential elections, journalists and activists say they are paying an increasingly heavy price as standard bearers for free speech, reportsCivil rights in the small Great Lakes nation, they say, are on the decline - sacrificed at the altar of President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial ambition to defy a two-term limit and stay in power for another five years.
Social Media Assistant

Remuneration: market-related Location: Cape Town Job level: Junior Job policy: Employment Equity position Type: Permanent Reference: #Furn21VEE Company: Ninety9cents

Job description

Research, plan and create engaging campaign content

Apply brand strategy to campaigns

Collaborate with client service, creatives, and PR on integrated campaigns

Work with other departments to support larger campaigns and to align content with macro objectives

Assist with the creation of content calendars

Schedule social media content

Work closely with the Paid Media team

Apply knowledge of target market and online following to generate valuable content

Monitor campaigns on social listening tools

Assist with compiling monthly reports

Present learnings, make recommendations, apply learnings to future content creation and campaign management

Research and stay up to date with technologies and social media platform trends

Stay up to date with industry and competitor trends and behaviour

Prepare for regular feedback sessions with the digital team

Assist with day-to-day tasks

Able to multitask

Analytical and detail orientated

Highly organised and must have good time management skills

Can work well under pressure

Able to take initiative and work independently

Works well in a team

Strong communication skills

Responsible and accountable

Extremely strong work ethic

Punctual, courteous and passionate

Requirements

Valid drivers license and own transport

A degree in advertising, marketing, communications, media studies, English or a related field

One to two years experience in social media

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

High level of spoken and written English

In-depth knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest platforms

Experience with Hootsuite

Experience with Facebook Business Manager and Creative Studio

Experience presenting to clients

Our Cape Town office is looking for a Social Media Assistant to join ourWe are looking for a passionate and resourceful individual to assist in creating high-quality, creative content that aligns with broad brand strategy, meets objectives, and takes the brand forward. In addition, we want someone who is goal orientated, takes the initiative, responds well to feedback, and enjoys a challenge. You will work closely with our senior digital account executive to assist in the daily management of the social channels and ensuring that your two major South African furniture brands stay ahead of the curve. In short, you will need to be someone who can use data-driven insights to generate successful creative content.Only submissions received via our dedicated recruitment address will be considered. Should you not hear from us within two weeks of your submission, please consider your application unsuccessful. We remain committed to the principles of employment equity. Posted on 08 Jul 09:13
Last week the New Mexico Attorney Generals office filed a breathtaking, 128-page anti-trust lawsuit in federal court in New Mexico on behalf of the states $31 billion investment fund, the New Mexico State Investment Council. The Council manages a permanent endowment along with money for 23 state agencies.

The lawsuit alleges, backed by striking evidence, that the following banks have engaged in a 16-year conspiracy of bid rigging and price fixing in the Credit Default Swap (CDS) market: Bank of America/Merrill Lynch; Barclays; BNP Paribas; Citigroup; Credit Suisse; Deutsche Bank; Goldman Sachs; JPMorgan Chase; Morgan Stanley; and RBS.

The lawsuit also names a swaps trade association, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), as a defendant, noting that a majority of ISDAs board members are employed by the bank defendants. The lawsuit characterizes ISDA as a front organization. Two other companies involved in the allegedly rigged Credit Default Swap protocol are also named: Creditex and Markit. The lawsuit draws attention to the fact that Until mid-2014, Markit was majority-owned and controlled by a consortium of approximately 16 investment banks, including each of the bank defendants (along with HSBC and UBS) who sat on its board of directors.

As fascinating as the details of the alleged price fixing are in the lawsuit, equally fascinating is the name of the outside law firm that is representing the plaintiff, the New Mexico State Investment Council. That law firm is Kirby McInerney, which has a history of representing whistleblowers in frauds committed by Wall Street miscreants. The law firms name jumped out at us because the extremely intimate and comprehensive details of how this alleged fraud was conducted, as outlined in the lawsuit, sounds uncannily like the work of an insider who is now blowing the whistle.

The general outline of the conspiracy is described as follows in the lawsuit:

Since 2005, the Wall Street banks that comprise the major dealers of credit default swaps (CDS) have been engaged in a conspiracy to manipulate the CDS final auction price, the benchmark price used to value all CDS contracts market-wide at settlement. The final auction price is generated through an auction process that was introduced to the market by the Dealers in 2005. The Dealers  Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Citi, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and RBShave implemented this conspiracy by using their power over the CDS auction process to rig the CDS auctions and produce a (typically) supra-competitively low CDS final auction price. Working with three entities over which the Dealers yield significant power and influence  Creditex, ISDA, and Markit (together, with the Dealers, the Defendants)  the Dealers conspiracy has yielded them billions of dollars in cartel profits at the expense of non-dealer market participants like Plaintiff and the putative Class members.

One has to hope that the federal judge overseeing the case has a strong skill set in mathematics or statistical analysis because the lawsuit includes actual formulas that were used to compile a statistical regression analysis that found the following:
Arizona's attorney general sent a letter to President Biden condemning his new strategy to promote coronavirus vaccines by having representatives go door to door to speak with Americans about getting the shots.

The letter sent by Attorney General Mark Brnovich, first obtained by Fox News, calls the effort "government intrusion into American's health care privacy."

Americans trust medical researchers and their family doctors to provide information and recommendations to make personal decisions but they do not trust government intrusion or the politicization of the health care process, the letter states.

The attorney general also raised concerns about the possibility of the government using private medical information to find out which Americans are not vaccinated.

"I, along with many Arizonans, was greatly alarmed by your White House indicating that it might be in possession of medical records revealing the contact information for Americans who have not been vaccinated," the letter states. "If this is the case, this is a severe breach of privacy, and I will not tolerate such intrusions within Arizona."

The letter comes a day after Biden stated his new strategy to push for vaccinations after the administration fell just shy of its goal to have at least 70 percent of Americans get at least one shot of the vaccine by July 4.
The following was originally published as part of Shadowproofs newsletter, The Dissenter. To become a subscriber, go here.



The High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom agreed to hear the United States governments appeal in the extradition case against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange but on limited grounds.



According to Stella Moris, who is Assanges partner, the High Court rejected the efforts of the U.S. government to second guess the magistrates conclusions on medical and expert evidence.



No date was immediately set for a hearing on the appeal, and it was unclear whether the High Court had considered the request by Assanges legal team for a cross-appeal.



The Dissenter reviewed the appeal submissions, which are not publicly available.



On behalf of the U.S. government, the Crown Prosecution Service challenged District Court Judge Vanessa Baraitsers decision to oppose extradition on account of Assanges medical condition.



Prosecutors contended the judge made errors of law when determining whether it would be oppressive to approve his extradition. They also insisted the judge should have notified the U.S. government of her provisional view so they could offer her assurances to alleviate her concerns.



Furthermore, prosecutors maintained the judge should have disqualified defense psychiatrist Professor Michael Kopelman, whose assessment and testimony on Assange played a crucial part in her decision.



Attorneys for Assange countered claims that the Crown Prosecution Service put forward in the appeal, maintaining Baraitser did not commit an error when she concluded Assanges suicidal impulses would come from his psychiatric condition and would not be his own voluntary act.



Regarding the argument that the judge was wrong to favor Kopelmans evidence, Assanges legal team asserted, This attack totally fails to recognize the entitlement of the primary decision maker to reach her own decision on the weight to be attached to the expert evidence of the defense on the one hand and the prosecution experts on the other.



The High Court apparently agreed Baraitser was well within her right to consider what weight to attach to evidence from each of the medical professionals.



Prosecutors offered the High Court assurances that were never put forward during or prior to the extradition trial. They suggested the U.S. government would not impose special administrative measures (SAMs) against Assange in pretrial confinement or in prison if he was convicted, though they did not say they would not hold him in administrative segregation or other forms of isolation.



Assange will receive clinical and psychological treatment as is recommended by a qualified treating clinician employed or retained by the prison, where he is held, the prosecutors added.



The prosecutors claimed Assange would not be imprisoned at ADX Florence in Colorado, a supermax prison, but they included a caveat that left open the possibility that he could be sent to the facility if he committed a future act that met the test for designation.

Significantly, the prosecutors tried to salvage the extradition case by agreeing to allow Assange to apply for prisoner transfer to Australia under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. The U.S. government would consent to the transfer.



Assanges legal team bristled at this offer. They had every opportunity to offer such an assurance at the extradition hearing, since the relevant Council of Europe treaty has been in operation for many years. But the U.S. government did not offer this assurance so it could be tested during the extradition trial and before the judge issued her decision.



Such a transfer under the specific provisions of the treaty could not take place until the conclusion of the trial and all appellate processes, which are obviously likely to be very prolonged, the defense replied. In the meantime, Mr. Assange would be detained in the conditions of isolation identified by the defense expert witnessesand in any eventin an alien and hostile environment far from his family.



It was not immediately clear how the High Court responded to the assurances put forward by the U.S. government well after the extradition request was litigated in September 2020.



Moris spoke to the press outside the High Court after the decision. She had visited Assange at the Belmarsh high-security prison in the morning.



The U.S. government should have accepted the magistrates courts decision. Instead, it keeps this case going, Moris declared.



She contended the case is falling apart because the U.S. Justice Departments key witness, Siggi Thordarson, admits he lied in exchange for immunity from U.S. prosecutors.

The lawyers of Julian were spied on. Their offices were broken into. Even our six-month-old boy was targeted while he was in the [Ecuador] embassy, and now the High Court has limited the grounds on which they are allowed to appeal, Moris added.



[Attorney General] Merrick Garland has egg on his face because of the decision to use a witness that perjured himself in order to try to imprison Julian and keep him imprisoned.



Asked about Assanges condition, Moris shared that he is very unwell and described Belmarsh as a horrible place. She mentioned that another prisoner recently committed suicide.



Its a daily struggle. He won his case in January. Why is he even in prison? Why is he even being prosecuted? There is no legal case against him, Moris concluded.

The post Assange Extradition: British High Court Grants US A Limited Appeal appeared first on Shadowproof.
Lawmakers OK more than $700 million for housing needs
More than a dozen police reform bills passed in Oregon this year. Here's what they do.
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Manitobas public health orders will be changed next week after the province hit its phase two vaccination targets earlier this week.

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Manitobas public health orders will be changed next week after the province hit its phase two vaccination targets earlier this week.

As of Tuesday, Manitoba had passed the 75 per cent threshold for residents receiving their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and the 50 per cent threshold for second doses.

Manitobas public health orders will be changed next week after the province hit its phase two vaccination targets earlier this week. Premier Brian Pallister said during a Wednesday morning media conference that he has received advice from public health officials recommending the province wait a full incubation period for COVID-19 before deciding to relax restrictions. (File)

Premier Brian Pallister said during a Wednesday morning media conference that he has received advice from public health officials recommending the province wait a full incubation period for COVID-19 before deciding to relax restrictions.

However, this would still see restrictions loosen more than a month before the Terry Fox Day target originally set by Manitoba for its second phase of reopening.

"Where are we going? Were going in the right direction, and its exciting to see," Pallister said.

"Manitobans can help us to finish this vaccination campaign so we can all enjoy our summer and the lives we deserve back can come to reality."

The province had previously hit its first phase targets early, leading to some restrictions getting removed in advance of the Canada Day target.

Credit for reaching two consecutive milestones was given to the provinces vaccine team and those volunteering for the vaccination effort.

Next up is a target to hit 80 per cent uptake for first doses and 75 per cent uptake for second doses by Labour Day.

Specifics on what might get reopened were not offered, though the premier said it would be similar in format to previous reopenings where he and chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin preview changes and then present final changes after receiving public feedback.

To help increase vaccination numbers, Pallister announced that all of Manitobas vaccine supersites will be offering walk-in vaccinations for first and second doses only next Wednesday, July 14.

More than 20,000 are being set aside for July 14, including 8,000 Pfizer doses reserved for children aged 12 to 17 who cannot receive the Moderna vaccine as it has not been approved for people that young.

As of Wednesdays COVID-19 update, 1,536,491 total doses of vaccine have been administered in Manitoba.

That represents an uptake of 75.3 per cent for first doses and 52.8 per cent for second doses.

"To reach our Labour Day milestone that we sent out in the 4-3-2-One Great Summer plan that we released a few weeks ago, we need about 33,000 more first doses and approximately 100,000 more second doses," the premier said.

The media release accompanying Pallisters remarks clarified that those doses are on top of the 180,000 doses already booked for the coming weeks but not yet administered.

Those werent the only milestones reached for vaccination, however.

Manitoba and North Dakota announced jointly on Wednesday that the program to vaccinate Manitoba truckers has passed the 2,500 doses administered mark. That represents 1,719 first doses and 804 second doses.

The clinic in Drayton, N.D., will now be running through the end of July to get more truckers vaccinated.

Originally, the program had anticipated administering 2,000 to 4,000 doses within six to eight weeks of its announcement on April 20.

Another focus of the premiers remarks was reconciliation in the wake of statues of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II on the grounds of the Manitoba legislature getting vandalized on Canada Day last week.

"We should understand that tearing down is a lot harder than building up, but building up is what we should dedicate ourselves to," Pallister said. "I believe that Canada has been and will always be, I hope, a nation that is an example to those around the world of our dedication to building, to building something better. We are not a perfect country, but we are closer than a lot of countries to being perfect and we need to dedicate ourselves to that construction project."

To those involved in tearing down the statues of the monarchs, Pallister said they made the wrong choice.

"The people who came here to this country, before it was a country and since, didnt come here to destroy anything, they came here to build," he said. "They built farms and they built businesses and communities and churches, too. And they built these things for themselves and for one another and they built them with dedication and with pride. And so we must dedicate ourselves to building as well."

He added that the truth about the past is coming out, but that reconciliation is about whats happening in the future and that those involved in tearing down the statues would not be involved in that process.

Asked if he would consider returning the statues with new interpretations of the figures historical roles, the premier said there has been a group working for some time on assessing fixtures around the legislatures grounds.

Of the two statues, Pallister said the Queen Victoria statue was more damaged, with the head having been removed and tossed into a river.

As was mentioned in Manitobas last speech from the throne, another statue, perhaps of Chief Peguis is being considered for the grounds of the Legislative Building. However, Pallister stressed this was under consideration before the events of Canada Day.

Speaking to the Sun Wednesday afternoon, Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew called Pallisters comments about reconciliation "divisive."

"In particular, he talked a bit about people he viewed as building this place, Manitoba, and he excluded Indigenous people from that," Kinew said. "To me, its just wrong that we could have in Manitoba, a province founded by Metis leader Louis Riel and that has been named by the Ojibwe language, that we could have a premier who doesnt recognize that Indigenous people helped build this place alongside people from many other backgrounds."

Kinew also believes that Pallisters comments on the colonization of Canada are "out of touch from whats happening in the country right now."

"Our country is grappling with the recent disclosures of just how many children died during the attempt to destroy Indigenous cultures and civilizations," he said. "Its a time when many average, everyday Manitobans and Canadians have been affected by those disclosures in Brandon, in Cowessess, in Tkemlups, and so for the premier to be completely ignorant of that is a poor reflection of his performance today."

In a statement sent out by email Wednesday afternoon, Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont called Pallisters statements a "denial of history."

"At what should be a moment of national reckoning over Canadas relationship with First Nations, Brian Pallisters response is worse than tone-deaf. It is shameful," Lamont wrote. "Reserves and residential schools were designed with the purpose of sweeping the plains clear of First Nations so that land and resources could be given to and developed by settlers, often for free.

"This is the hard truth: Canadas prosperity was built on Indigenous suffering, and an indifference to Indigenous lives and rights. We need to accept this truth, apologize for it and make amends for it."

Pallister also welcomed the appointment of Mary Simon as Canadas next governor general and the first Inuit and Indigenous person to take on the role of the Queens representative.

"Here in Manitoba, we have the largest population and highest percentage of population of Indigenous people in the country, of any province, so to have our first Indigenous governor general is a point of pride for all of us," he said. "Her excellency has served in many, many distinguished roles over a long period of time with great effectiveness, so we welcome her to these responsibilities. I look forward to working with her."

The premier said he would work with Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon to arrange for Simon to visit Manitoba, perhaps when the Queen Elizabeth II statue is restored.

Kinew said he was proud of Simons appointment and was glad to see someone chosen who is bilingual in both English and an Indigenous language  Inuktitut, in this case.

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
A Brandon woman is asking for an apology from the Brandon Police Service after she says her daughter was falsely accused of damaging a memorial to children who died at residential schools.

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A Brandon woman is asking for an apology from the Brandon Police Service after she says her daughter was falsely accused of damaging a memorial to children who died at residential schools.

The Sun is not naming the woman, who recently moved from a northern Manitoba First Nation, to protect the identity of her eight-year-old daughter.

The memorial to residential schools at Meadows School was vandalized in June, she told the Sun, and police had footage of a group of youths damaging it.

The womans daughter was falsely identified in the footage by someone at her school, she told the Sun last week.

"The Brandon police came to my house at 9:30 a.m. (on June 28). She didnt say who she was  theyre supposed to say who they are and what theyre here for," she said.

"She went on to say Your daughter was involved with vandalism at the school  and I stood there talking to her, I said No, my daughter doesnt go anywhere, shes alone," and she said Your daughter and her friends spray-painted the school."

"She went on to say again my daughter was involved."

The officer then pulled out her phone to show photos, she said, but her daughter wasnt one of the children shown. The womans husband then went to go get their daughter. It was only when the child came closer that the police officer realized it wasnt the same person.

"She looked at her and said, Nope, thats not her, and she turned around the said Sorry for waking you up, and she walked away," she said.

The woman, who used to be a safety officer in a northern First Nation, said her daughter has mental health issues from childhood trauma, but is doing OK after the visit from police.

"The officer should have showed me the picture first instead of accusing my daughter. She could have pulled her phone out and asked me Is this your daughter? instead of saying it the way she did."

The woman asked for an apology from her daughters school, which she received, but is still asking for one from the Brandon Police Service. She said she called BPS on June 29, but the discussion went nowhere.

The woman said she couldnt sleep in the aftermath, but feels better after the school divisions apology.

"Its like I was not being listened to by the police that came here, she didnt believe me, she kept insisting it was my daughter until she saw her for herself. She could have showed me the picture and saved all this trauma  and I could have identified if it was my daughter or not."

"I dont allow my daughter to go anywhere and I teach my daughter about the law."

A spokesperson for the Brandon School Division said the division is "not currently aware of any damage to Meadows School."

"Due to summer holidays, we are not able to access staff from the schools to confirm anything further."

Meadows School vice-principal Ian Carkener said the damage was a blue line spray-painted on the back of the schools Buffalo Rock, which had been surrounded with stuffed animals and shoes in memorial. He said the four children responsible also spray-painted other parts of the school, but he doesnt believe there was any malicious intent behind it. He said they were so young they likely didnt understand the significance of the memorial.

When the Sun followed up on Wednesday, the woman said she was still waiting on an apology from police.

Brandon Police Service Chief Wayne Balcaen said officers were called to a "damage incident" and through investigation learned the names of several children under the age of 12 who may have been involved.

The police officer went to the residence of one of the children, Balcaen said, and spoke with the family.

"When the officer saw the daughter from a distance, (they) verified that was not the case, that it wasnt this person, and left  didnt talk with the daughter, just talked with the parent."

"Its an expectation in policing that well follow up any avenues of an investigation."

Balcaen said there isnt anything different the officer should have done in the case. He said information was provided and the officer did what was expected of them.

"I believe our officers were following up on a lead or information they obtained. It would be different if there was an arrest or something to that effect. My understanding is the officer was there for three or four minutes and determined it wasnt the person who was involved," he said.

After leaving, Balcaen said police continued to investigate and made the parents of the children involved aware of what happened.

Everyone involved is under 12 years of age, so no criminal charges can be laid. Instead, Balcaen said any discipline is up to the parents.

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are urging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and encourage people they know to roll up their sleeves in an effort to hit inoculation goals.

The Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine is prepared at a vaccination clinic in Dartmouth, N.S., on Thursday, June 3, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are urging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and encourage people they know to roll up their sleeves in an effort to hit inoculation goals.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, wants 75 per cent of residents aged 12 and over fully vaccinated  a push she called a "drive to 75" at a public health briefing Wednesday.

Among the 121 COVID-19 infections confirmed in the province throughout the month of June, she said, five involved people who had been fully vaccinated. None of those five were admitted to hospital, she added.

"Vaccines are making a difference, and in becoming vaccinated, you are making a difference," Russell said. "Please get vaccinated as soon as you can and gently encourage your family, friends, neighbours, community members and colleagues to do the same."

Newfoundland and Labrador wants 80 per cent of those 12 and over to have at least one dose and 50 per cent of residents to be fully vaccinated before it moves to the second step of its reopening plan. Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the province's chief medical officer of health, said though the government is sailing toward its targets, vaccination rates remain low among residents under 30.

"The under-30 cohort is our biggest risk factor for COVID transmission at this time," Fitzgerald said Wednesday. "We encourage communities and organizations to think of how they can best reach out to this population in their own areas."

In Nova Scotia, Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health, made a personal appeal for citizens to continue to seek their shots, even if clinics are busy. "If you haven't had your first dose, book it  please book it now, there are people who need your protection and things like travel will be easier for you," he said Wednesday.

As of Monday, nearly 81 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians aged 12 and over had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and almost 24 per cent were fully vaccinated. In New Brunswick, government data indicated 79 per cent of those 12 and over had a first dose and 43.5 per cent had a second dose as of Wednesday.

The Nova Scotia government does not report vaccination rates as a proportion of the eligible population like Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick, but data from COVID-19 Tracker Canada shows that as of Wednesday, 82 per cent of residents 12 and over had received a first dose and 34 per cent were fully vaccinated. COVID-19 Tracker Canada is a website run by volunteers who compile data released by federal and provincial health authorities.

Neither New Brunswick nor Newfoundland and Labrador reported new COVID-19 infections Wednesday, while Nova Scotia reported one. There are 10 active reported infections in New Brunswick and 14 in Newfoundland and Labrador. In Nova Scotia, there are 39.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2021.
Andy Hopkins row with the AMA smash repairs giant he once led is becoming messier. More than six months after Hopkins resigned as chief executive following allegations he had wrongly billed more than $1 million of personal expenses to the company - including painting his winery and purchasing fast cars - he has now been accused of charging the company for renovations at his Perth waterfront home and Margaret River winery. The British-born Hopkins has repeatedly rejected claims of wrongdoing. He says he has been subject to a complete stitch-up by the listed group he led for 10 years. But company lawyers have added to their laundry list of claims against him in a new statement of claim lodged in the Federal Court. It alleges Hopkins charged the company more than $700,000 for building works at his Swings and Roundabouts Winery in the Margaret River region of Yallingup, in addition to works at his Dalkeith waterfront. The claims lodged on June 30 allege $702,986.87 of works completed at the winery were charged to a service company that is a subsidiary of the AMA Group.

Neither the Service Company nor any member of the AMA Group gained any benefit, the claim states, adding that Hopkins didnt disclose to the company that the cash was being spent for his private benefit, nor did the company agree to the costs. The lawyers also allege Hopkins instructed a procurement officer to direct the builders to bill AMA sites where they werent doing any work instead of the winery. An earlier statement of claim filed in May alleged tradesmen completing jobs at Hopkins home had been instructed to write up invoices as work on AMA sites. An invoice allegedly sent by a painter to a procurement officer said: this is work I have done at andy [sic] house said to put it down as Osborne Park Gemini which refers to an AMA site. On Thursday, a spokesperson for Hopkins rejected the new claims. This is another false accusation from AMA that is unsubstantiated and will be proven so in court, they said. Whilst these are matters for the court to ultimately determine, our client takes the view that this claim by AMA is unsubstantiated and simply wont be made out. MAKING HAY Sacked Dragons rugby league player Paul Vaughan is looking for a new income stream after St George Illawarra officials tore up his $800,000 contract for his role hosting a post-match party which broke NRL rules and the states COVID stay-at-home orders. Chances are the extra time on his hands is likely to go into the property market considering Vaughan is regarded one of the leagues most active investors. He owns a small property portfolio, but its his Shellharbour family home - yes, the joint where he hosted the now-famous post-match knees-up - that appears to be one of the top performers. Paul Vaughan at the beach on Tuesday after being sacked by the Dragons for hosting a house party on Saturday. Credit:Nine News
Its the emerging COVID-central hotspot, but families are desperately trying to avoid boredom at home, as they visit local parks across south-west Sydney to break up their daily routines.

Yuly Sanchez and her sister take their children to a park in Fairfield for a bit of exercise before they return home to paint or watch television. Looking after three children has kept Ms Sanchez distracted for the last two weeks, but shes unsure how another week is going to go.

I cant imagine one week more, she said.

Yuly Sanchez says her family has started to go a bit crazy during the first week of the Sydney lockdown but its nothing compared to what her family has faced in Peru. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Of the 38 COVID-19 cases confirmed on Thursday, 21 were in south-west Sydney and the state government holds concerns about low testing rates in the community. The cases have resulted in NSW Police launching a high-visibility operation on Friday to enforce compliance with public health orders.
All the experts have said if every single person does the right thing, that we can get to where we need to go at the end of the three-week period, she said. The AMA called for NSW to extend its lockdown for as long as is needed to bring the spread of the Delta variant under control, even if that meant keeping stay-at-home orders beyond July 16. The Premier had foreshadowed Thursdays numbers would be higher than the 27 new cases recorded on Wednesday. Asked what living with the virus after next Friday might look like, given comments made by Health Minister Brad Hazzard that the virus would most likely continue to have a life in the community after that date, the Premier expressed concern about low vaccination coverage in the state.

You cant live with the Delta variant unless you have a certain proportion of [the] population vaccinated. Thats the bottom line. Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the western Sydney suburbs now of concern to health authorities were: Bossley Park, Smithfield, Fairfield, Glenfield, West Hoxton and Hoxton Park, Greenacre, St Johns Park, Bonnyrigg, Bankstown and Roselands. Dr Chant also said there was general concern across the Fairfield local government area. When I read out the suburbs, it doesnt mean if you are in a different suburb you dont have to be worried, but what were trying to highlight is areas where we are particularly calling out for testing, she said, adding that businesses were often very understanding if people had symptoms and could not go to work.

She asked younger people, particularly in those western Sydney areas, to adhere strictly to public health rules. We know that you often support others with caring functions ... [but] make sure that they are essential caring functions, she said, stressing that catching up with extended family should happen remotely. We also want young people to reach out through their social networks; they can do that quicker than our contact tracers can; [they should] make sure that they are encouraging high rates of testing among their social groups. There are 40 COVID-19 patients in NSW in hospital, including 11 in ICU. Three are ventilated.

Seventeen people admitted to hospital are under 55 and, of those, 10 are under the age of 35. Of those in ICU, one is in their 30s, one is in their 50s and the remainder are in their 60s and 70s. Authorities say a number of essential workplace clusters have seeded the virus in these areas. Despite steady statewide testing rates, major disparities exist between the number of swabs collected in the citys east, previously the focus of the outbreak, and newer areas of concern. In the Bondi Beach area, 14,468 tests were recorded in residents in the past 14 days, compared with Fairfields 1922 tests over that period.

Speaking on Sunrise on Thursday morning, federal Health Minister Greg Hunt expressed support for the NSW governments decision to extend Greater Sydneys lockdown to July 16. Loading It is never easy, he said of extending stay-at-home orders. [But] we trust NSW. We trust the way they have managed issues. NSW has been a global standout, not just an Australian standout, and we are confident in their testing and tracing. A number of new western Sydney locations were added to NSW Healths list of COVID-19 exposure sites on Wednesday night, including the MyHealth medical centre in Burwood on Tuesday between 11.45am and 1pm; Commonwealth Bank ATMs in Burwood on June 28 and last Friday; Canterbury Aldi at lunchtime on June 28; Billys Cars in Revesby on Friday and Saturday; and MeatFish in Burwood on Saturday. Local mayors expressed concern earlier on Thursday morning that their constituents might be subject to tightened restrictions.

Taking away the reason to leave home on compassionate grounds, which is where it might go ... weve got elderly people, weve got disabled people, weve got people looking after their Mums and Dads. I just cant see how you can take that away and leave people high and dry, effectively, Canterbury-Bankstown mayor Khal Asfour said. Loading The mayor of Fairfield, Frank Carbone, told Today he was concerned the area was being unfairly labelled. After all, if the virus was contained in hotel quarantine we wouldnt be in this situation. There are no borders when it comes to the virus. It doesnt matter where you live, the eastern suburbs or western suburbs, we are all in this together. The Premier apologised for any offence caused but said the messages needed to be targeted.
A Queensland man who admitted he flipped the switch and skitzed out during an altercation with a drunk German backpacker before he stabbed him to death in a state of rage on a Brisbane road has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

Jamie Douglas Saxon, 37, pleaded guilty in Brisbanes Supreme Court to manslaughter after he stabbed German backpacker Dominik Schulze during a road rage incident on Milton Road in the early hours of October 6, 2017.

Saxon was found guilty of murder, but in April last year, he had his murder conviction overturned on appeal.

The alleged fatal stabbing occurred on Milton Road in inner Brisbane. Credit:Nine News Queensland - Twitter

Crown prosecutor Jodie Wooldridge said Saxon and his fiancee Jessica Wilkes at the time were driving along Milton Road, when they hit Mr Schulze, who was in the middle of the road with his pants down, after he had been out drinking with a friend.
It was more a trickle than a flood but there were still plenty of Victorian office workers thrilled to return to their desks mask-free on Friday morning, as the states COVID-free streak continued.

The mandate on wearing masks in non-public facing workplaces was lifted across the state at midnight, and there were high hopes that more CBD workers would return to their desks on the last day of Victorias school holidays.

Manager of St. Collins Specialty Coffee Julian Costantino hopes more office workers will show up to Melbournes CBD next week. Credit:Joe Armao

CBD businesses werent seeing a big leap in customers on Friday morning but St. Collins Speciality Coffee manager Julian Costantino was hopeful things would pick up next week.

Its a lot busier from last week to this week, so hopefully next week it will pick up as well, he said.
Liberal MP Katie Allen, who worked as a paediatrician and public health professor before entering politics, has revealed that she wrote to the governments vaccine advisory group asking it to review its advice restricting AstraZeneca to older Australians.

Dr Allen is unhappy at the poor reputation AstraZeneca has developed in Australia given its effectiveness, especially against severe COVID-19, and overall safety. Im deeply disappointed about the way the Australian population has perceived the AstraZeneca vaccine, Dr Allen said on Q+A on Thursday night.

Liberal MP Katie Allen has backed the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Her intervention is another sign of the governments enthusiasm for a wider use of AstraZeneca, which is locally made and much more plentiful than Pfizer, as the number of Delta-variant COVID cases in Sydney grows.

It comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged Australians in areas of high virus transmission to compress the time between their AstraZeneca shots to eight weeks and ahead of a national cabinet meeting on Friday, where AstraZeneca policy is again likely to be on the agenda.
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.

A mobile-inspired overhaul makes Microsofts newest operating system feel equally modern and unoriginal. Credit:Glenn Harvey ? The New York Times

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, which is launching at the end of the year. New to Windows are tools for productivity, like the ability to instantly shrink and reorganise windows, and support for mobile Android apps. Yet Windows 11 is ultimately an evolution. While there are improvements, parts of it feel frustratingly familiar.
He stressed the US had not gone into Afghanistan to nation-build or to turn the country into a functioning democracy. No nation has ever unified Afghanistan, Biden said. Empires have gone there and not done it. He continued: Its up to the people of Afghanistan to decide on what government they want, not us to impose the government on them. Biden said he did not believe it was inevitable that the Taliban, an extremist Islamic group, would again seize control of the country because the Afghan army was well-equipped and well-trained.

The President addressed head-on the arguments of those who say the US is leaving too soon. Those calling for a six to 12-month extension were ignoring the lessons of the past 20 years. Such extensions, Biden said, had repeatedly proven not to be a solution but a recipe to remain there indefinitely. He comes to the issue with a long history, having opposed the Obama administrations 2009 troop surge to Afghanistan while serving as vice-president. He said his capacity to manoeuvre was limited by the fact the Trump administration struck a deal with the Taliban to leave the country by May. Biden said had he announced a substantial extension, US troops would have come under assault from Taliban fighters and casualties would have resulted.

As for those calling on the US to remain indefinitely, Biden asked: How many thousands more American daughters and sons are you willing to risk? Loading How long would you have them stay? Already, we have members of our military whose parents fought in Afghanistan 20 years ago. Would you send their children? A Quinnipiac University poll in late May found that 62 per cent of American adults approved of the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan while 29 per cent disapproved. Biden also pledged to evacuate thousands of Afghan interpreters who had worked alongside American troops during the war. He said that 2500 special immigrant visas had been issued to allow Afghans into the United States, but only half had so far decided to come.

The speed with which the Taliban is advancing has stunned US officials. In the past week, the group has overrun areas bordering five countries  Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China and Pakistan  as foreign forces end their two-decade intervention and the domestic security situation deteriorates. Pitched battles between Taliban fighters and Afghan government forces were also under way on the Uzbekistan border. Two senior security officials said on condition of anonymity that the Islam Qala border crossing with Iran, located in Herat province, had fallen to the Taliban and that Afghan security and customs officials had fled across the border. Al-Alalam TV, Irans official Arabic language service, also reported that Afghan soldiers had entered Iranian territory. Loading

US military commanders are now warning of a possible civil war that would bathe the troubled country in new rounds of bloodshed that would in turn reverberate throughout the region. Hundreds of Afghan soldiers have fled the country in the face of the Taliban push. If we dont provide them [Afghan military forces] some support, they certainly will collapse, US Marine Corps General Kenneth McKenzie, head of US Central Command, testified to a Senate committee in April. I think everyone is concerned that should ... a civil war ensue, theres the possibility of mass refugee movement that could affect all forms of the nations around Afghanistan. Former prime minister John Howard, who committed Australia to the mission in Afghanistan, said that Australia should give similar visas to those who had helped Australian troops. If a group of people gave help to Australians, such that their lives and that of those immediately around them are in danger, we have a moral obligation to help them, he told SBS. Speaking in the UK House of Commons, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there could never be a perfect moment to fully withdraw from Afghanistan.
Washington: If a British court permits the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to face criminal charges in the United States, the Biden administration has pledged that, if he is convicted, it will let him serve his sentence in his native Australia.

The US also pledged it would not hold the Wikileaks founder under the most austere conditions reserved for high-security prisoners.

The assurances were disclosed on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) as part of a British High Court ruling in London.

Banners are laid out as a protest picnic demanding the release of Julian Assange is held on his 50th birthday at Parliament Square in London last weekend Credit:Getty Images

The court accepted the US governments appeal of a January ruling that had denied its extradition request for Assange  who was indicted during the Trump administration  on the grounds that American prison conditions for the highest-security inmates were inhumane.
As New York salutes health workers, Missouri fights a surge

AP/John Minchillo 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 as confetti falls during a parade honoring essential workers for their efforts in getting New York City through the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday, in New York. The parade kicked off at Battery Park and traveled 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.

New York held a ticker-tape parade Wednesday for the health care workers and others who helped the city pull through the darkest days of COVID-19, while authorities in Missouri struggled to beat back a surge blamed on the fast-spreading delta variant and deep resistance to getting vaccinated.

The split-screen images could be a glimpse of what public health experts say may lie ahead for the U.S. even as the economy opens up again and life gets back to something close to normal: outbreaks in corners of the country with low vaccination rates.

Weve got a lot to appreciate, because were well underway in our recovery, declared New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who rode on a parade float with hospital employees down the Canyon of Heroes, the skyscraper-lined stretch of Broadway where astronauts, returning soldiers and championship teams are feted.

In Missouri, meanwhile, the Springfield area has been hit so hard that one hospital had to borrow ventilators over the Fourth of July weekend and begged on social media for help from respiratory therapists, several of whom volunteered from other states. Members of a new federal surge response team also began arriving to help suppress the outbreak.

Missouri not only leads the nation in new cases relative to the population, it is also averaging 1,000 cases per day  about the same number as the entire Northeast, including the big cities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

California, with 40 million people, is posting only slightly higher case numbers than Missouri, which has a population of 6 million.

Northeastern states have seen cases, deaths and hospitalizations plummet to almost nothing amid widespread acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vermont has gone 26 days with new case numbers in single digits. In Maryland, the governors office said every death recorded in June was in an unvaccinated person. New York City, which was the lethal epicenter of the U.S. outbreak in the spring of 2020, when the number of dead peaked at over 800 a day, regularly goes entire days with no reported deaths.

The problem in Missouri, as health experts see it: Just 45% of the states residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine, compared with 55% of the U.S. population. Some rural counties near Springfield have vaccination rates in the teens and 20s.

At the same time, the delta variant is fast becoming the predominant strain in the state. Testing of wastewater shows it is spreading from rural areas into more populated places.

Mercy Hospital Springfield reported Tuesday that it had more than 120 patients hospitalized with COVID-19  the highest total since the pandemic began. Seventeen people died in the latest two-week reporting period in the county that surrounds Springfield, the most since January. None were vaccinated, authorities said.

Erik Frederick, Mercys chief administrative officer, said staff members are frustrated knowing that this is preventable this time because of the vaccine.

We try to convince people, but it is almost like you are talking a different language, he lamented. There is no way they are going to get a vaccine. Their personal freedom is more important.

The Mercy system announced Wednesday that it is requiring vaccinations among staff at the hospital in Springfield, as well as at its 29 other hospitals and 900 or so clinics in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. It said about 75% of its more than 40,000 employees are vaccinated.

Missouri also never had a statewide mask mandate. The sentiment against government intervention is so strong that Brian Steele, mayor of the Springfield suburb of Nixa, is facing a recall vote after imposing a mask rule, even though it has long since expired.

At Springfields other hospital, Cox South, several patients are in their 20s and 30s, said Ashley Kimberling Casad, vice president of clinical services. She said she had been hopeful when she eyed the COVID-19 numbers in May as she prepared to return from maternity leave.

I really thought when I came back from maternity leave that, not that COVID would be gone, but that it would just be so manageable. Then all of a sudden it started spiking, she said, adding that nearly all the virus samples that the hospital is sending for testing are proving to be the delta variant.

Citing the rise in cases, the Springfield school district reinstated its mask requirement for its summer program starting Wednesday.

The contrasting scenes in the U.S. came as the worldwide death toll from COVID-19 closed in on 4 million, by Johns Hopkins Universitys count. COVID-19 deaths nationwide are down to around 200 per day from a peak of over 3,400 per day in January.

In New York, those honored at the parade included nurses and doctors, emergency crews, bus drivers and train operators, teachers and utility workers. The crowds along the route were thin, in part because many businesses are still operating remotely.

What a difference a year makes, said parade grand marshal Sandra Lindsay, a nurse who was the first person in the country to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot.

Fifteen months ago, we were in a much different place, but thanks to the heroic efforts of so many  health care workers, first responders, front-line workers, the people who fed us, the people who put their lives on the line, we cant thank them enough.
Bryan, OH (43506)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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NEW ORLEANS  Eager to get your first look at the 2021 New Orleans Saints?
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz on Thursday reported a 65 per cent growth in its retail sales in India at 4,857 units in the first half (H1) of 2021 driven by new launches and strong demand for top-end cars.

The company had sold 2,948 units in the first half of 2020. In the first halves of both last and this year, sales were disrupted due restrictions imposed to curb the first and second waves of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our H1 2021 sales growth is in line with the market sentiments and strongly underlines a continuing high customer demand for models. We have built a solid order bank on the back of new launches and it is highly satisfying to witness an all-round rise in demand for our products across the portfolio," Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Martin Schwenk said in a statement.

The company's new launches in the first half of this year include A-Class Limousine, New E-Class, AMG A 35 4M, New GLA, AMG GLA 35 4M, GLS Maybach 600, New S-Class.

"Starting from the A-Class Limousine to the GLS Maybach and the AMG, customers have highly appreciated our product launches by strongly preferring a Mercedes-Benz and an AMG over other models; reiterating their confidence and trust in our product portfolio and customer oriented market strategy," he added.

The company said in H1 it also had strong demand for top-end cars such as GLS Maybach 600, New S-Class along with AMG range.

Mercedes-Benz India said its online sales continue to contribute strongly to the overall sales accounting for 20 per cent of H1 2021 sales, although in the April-May lockdown period it was at 35 per cent.

Over 25,000 leads were generated by online sales alone during the period, it added.

On the market situation, Mercedes-Benz India said its June 2021 retail sales in particular "signifies first signs of a strong recovery in customer sentiments influenced by factors like new product portfolio and gradual unlocking of markets leading to an uptick in economic activities".

"The demand for all our products in June was particularly strong. We have ramped up our production and sales from July, to match the great customer feedback on our models," Schwenk said.

On the outlook, Mercedes-Benz India Vice-President Sales and Marketing Santosh Iyer told PTI, "At this stage, at least on the demand side, we don't see any letdown as we move into this quarter also...Fundamentally, the H2 (second half) surely should be bigger than H1."



The festive season, starting August-September, "should only accentuate the demand" and "that gives us confidence for a robust demand in H2," he added.

The biggest issue, he said, would be the supply constraints globally and logistics challenges which could have a bearing on the company's ability to meet demand in India.

"If you purely talk on the demand side based on the order bank and the bookings... it gives us a very strong confidence, the demand is there but whether the supplies can match up, we have to check for H2," Iyer said.

The company said its production has been gradually ramped up from this month and designed flexibly in order to be able to react to current developments. It was earlier producing at 50 per cent of capacity at its Chakan plant following government guidelines to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

(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.)
Plc is closer to seizing Indian state-owned properties in Paris, part of the companys attempt to recover a $1.2 billion award it won last year.

A French court froze residential real estate belonging to the Indian government, Cairn said in a statement Thursday. The order affects 20 properties valued at more than 20 million euros ($24 million), it said.

This is the necessary preparatory step to taking ownership of the properties and ensures that the proceeds of any sales would be due to Cairn, Cairn said. It added that its strong preference remains an agreed, amicable settlement.





ALSO READ: Cairn Energy freezes 20 Indian state-owned properties in Paris: Reports

India has not received communication from any French court, a government official told reporters, asking not to be identified citing rules on speaking with the media. The government is trying to ascertain facts and would take appropriate legal remedies whenever such a notice is received, the official said, adding that India would vigorously defend its case in the proceedings at The Hague.

Cairn has previously said it has identified overseas assets owned by Indias state-owned firms for potential seizure. Last month, Cairn filed a petition asking a court in New York to deem flag carrier Air India as the alter ego of India and responsible for the sovereigns debts.
(LTI) on Thursday said it has completed of Cuelogic Technologies, a digital engineering and outsourced product development company.

In June this year, LTI said it will acquire Cuelogic Technologies for USD 8.4 million (about Rs 61.6 crore).

The company completed the of 100 per cent shareholding of Cuelogic on July 7, 2021. Consequently, Cuelogic is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the company and Cuelogic Technologies Inc., US, is now a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of the company, LTI said in a regulatory filing.

Cuelogic, which is the seventh by LTI since the company got listed in 2016, will be integrated with the digital practice of Larsen and Toubro Infotech, the company had earlier said in a statement.

Pune-headquartered Cuelogic, which was founded in 2010, primarily focuses on developing cloud native web and mobile applications, modernisation, and runs Innovation Lab as a service for its clients in the US and India.

(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.)
Italian brand Lavazza on



Thursday said its 100 per cent subsidiary Fresh and Honest was eyeing to set up over 100 chain of shops under 'Suprabha' brand across the country in the next two years.

The first such shop was inaugurated recently in Chennai by Tamil Nadu milk and dairy development minister S M Nasar along with senior company officials.

The shops to be set up in various formats would be inspired by the South Indian traditional art form - Kolam (rangoli) allowing family members to bond over a cup of coffee in a traditional setting, a company statement said here.

With the coffee to be sourced from the company's Sri City manufacturing unit, the brand would offer a specially curated menu with delicacies to the customer.

"Suprabha is a perfect blend of tradition and science where the essence of the perfectly brewed docotion when combined with milk releases an aroma that makes it all an unforgettable experience", company MD Jai Ganesh Ramnath said.

"As a pioneer in the coffee industry for around 25 years and backed by the best resources in the bean-to-cup journey, we will be providing extensive brand, training and operational support to our partners.Our aim is to have a network of over 100 stores across the country in the next two years with a predominant focus in South India", he said.

Fresh and Honest 'Suprabha' would follow a franchise business model, targeting to become one of the fastest growing coffee chains in the country, the statement added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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on Thursday said it has accepted bids to raise up to Rs 1,150 crore by issuing Basel III-compliant bonds.

The bank is issuing Basel III-compliant debt instruments in the nature of debentures eligible for inclusion in tier 2 capital of Rs 500 crore with green shoe option of up to Rs 650 crore on private placement basis, said in a regulatory filing.

It will allot the bonds on July 9, 2021.

The bonds with tenor of 15 years carry coupon rate of 7.25 per cent per annum, it said.

The redemption date is set as July 9, 2036.

To comply with Basel-III capital regulations, banks globally need to improve and strengthen their capital planning processes.

These norms are being implemented to mitigate concerns on potential stresses on asset quality and consequential impact on performance and profitability of banks.

Stock of the bank closed 2.24 per cent down at Rs 37.05 on BSE.

(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.)
Chinese authorities locked down a city bordering 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.

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 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. does not include asymptomatic cases in its official tally.

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 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.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India on Thursday reported a net addition of 784 in active cases to take its count to 460,704. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 3.93 per cent (one in 25). The country is fourth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Wednesday, it added 45,892 cases to take its total caseload to 30,709,557 from 30,663,665  an increase of 0.1%. And, with 817 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 405,028, or 1.32 per cent of total confirmed infections.

With 3,381,671 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Wednesday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 364,847,549. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 29,843,825  or 97.18 per cent of total caseload  with 44,291 new cured cases being reported on Thursday.

Now the fourth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases, and first by recoveries, India has added 297,923 cases in the past 7 days.

India now accounts for 3.93% of all active cases globally (one in every 25 active cases), and 10.08% of all deaths (one in every 10 deaths).

India has so far administered 364,847,549 vaccine doses. That is 1188.05 per cent of its total caseload, and 26.17 per cent of its population.

Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Maharashtra (40140035), Uttar Pradesh (40125660), Gujarat (31293703), Rajasthan (30700753), and Karnataka (27585937).

Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Delhi (510654), Kerala (496204), Gujarat (489941), Uttarakhand (477256), and J&K (416064).

Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 21 days.

The count of active cases across India on Thursday saw a net addition of 784, compared to net reduction of 4,437 on Wednesday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Kerala (3823), Maharashtra (333), Manipur (303), Mizoram (286), and Arunachal Pradesh (190).

With 44,291 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 45,108  817 deaths and 44,291 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 1.81%.

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 463.5 days, and for deaths at 343.3 days.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (15600), Maharashtra (9558), Tamil Nadu (3367), Andhra Pradesh (3166), and Karnataka (2743).

Among states with more than 100,000 cases, the five with worst recovery rates at present are Kerala (95.93%) and Maharashtra (96.05%).

India on Wednesday conducted 1,893,800 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 425,225,897. The test positivity rate recorded was 2.4%.

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 (17.63%), Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.61%), Maharashtra (14.2%), Kerala (12.59%), and Sikkim (12.43%).

Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added  are, Sikkim (17.12%), Mizoram (15.44%), Manipur (13.58%), Kerala (10.36%), and Meghalaya (8.79%).

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 (1175191), J&K (762865), Kerala (670003), Karnataka (522754), and Uttarakhand (507117).

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6122893), Kerala (3011694), Karnataka (2862338), Tamil Nadu (2506848), and Andhra Pradesh (1911231).

Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 9558 new cases to take its tally to 6122893.

Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 15600 cases to take its tally to 3011694.

Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 3104 cases to take its tally to 2862338.

Tamil Nadu has added 3367 cases to take its tally to 2506848.

Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 3166 to 1911231.

Uttar Pradesh has added 116 cases to take its tally to 1706934.

Delhi has added 93 cases to take its tally to 1434780.
International tourism hub Dubai welcomed 3.7 million overnight visitors during the 11-month period from July 2020 to May 2021, the tourism department here has said, as the city marked a year since reopening its borders to overseas tourists amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubai reopened to international tourists on July 7, 2020.

According to the latest data published by Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), 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.

The new data reveals that Dubai's tourism rebound is gathering pace despite the current challenges faced by international markets. Dubai's ability to implement a rigorous precautionary protocol regime has made the city one of the world's 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, said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

According to a statement released here, the evolving travel landscape has brought forth some noteworthy performances from feeder and emerging markets, especially CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries like Kazakhstan and Ukraine, and East African markets Ethiopia and Sudan, that have all exhibited strong growth potential to be among the top 15 source markets for Dubai since it reopened its doors to global travellers.

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.

Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19 across sectors, Dubai continues to represent a major opportunity for hotel developers, it said.

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.

City hotels welcomed 5.5 million domestic visitors 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, it said.

Several safety initiatives were launched, including a wide range of precautionary measures, in addition to effective testing and vaccination programmes.

Dubai Tourism, Department of Economic Development and Dubai Municipality are also taking a zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance.

Dubai's extensive and sustained efforts at containing the pandemic won international recognition with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) awarding the city a Safe Travels' stamp.

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.

(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.)
Nearly 46,000 fresh cases reported

India reported 45,892 fresh infections on Thursday, taking the cumulative caseload to 30.7 million, according to central health ministry data. The country saw 817 deaths due to the pandemic, taking the death toll to 405,028. The active caseload is at 460,704, while the total recoveries have surged to 29.8 million. As many as 364.8 million vaccine shots have been administered since the nationwide inoculation programme kicked off on January 16. Of these, 3.3 million were given on Wednesday. Read more





Covid cases could rise again in Oct-Nov: Expert panel

The chief of the government-appointed National Covid-19 Supermodel Committeewhich makes forecasts on the likely spread of the pandemicsaid cases could begin climbing again between October and November, a report in ThePrint said. Professor M. Vidyasagar of IIT Hyderabad, who heads the three-member committee, said the time of the next surge may be between 9 October and 28 November. The next wave may not have the impact of the second wave, if the pace of vaccination drive advances, the panels previous forecast in May had said. Read more



New Covid vaccine could protect you at very low doses

Researchers are working on a potential mRNA-based Covid vaccine that could offer high levels of protection at very low doses, a report in ThePrint said. The technology, called self-amplifying RNA, or saRNA, works on the same principle as the Messenger RNA or mRNA vaccines, which do not bring any part of the virus into the body. Examples of mRNA shots include those developed by US firms Moderna and Pfizer. The saRNA technology is based on the RNA molecule replicating itself inside the body, which enables the vaccine to be effective at very low doses, the report said. Read more





first state to administer over 35 million vaccine doses

has become the first state to administer 35 million Covid vaccine shots, a report in The Indian Express said. The highest one-day immunisation by the state was noted on July 3 with 811,000 people inoculated. The state has the capacity to vaccinate 1 million people a day. Its daily average in the first week of July is 429,000. Uttar Pradesh follows with 32 million jabs, the report said. Read more

Uttar Pradesh reports Delta plus cases

In a first, Uttar Pradesh has reported cases of the more lethal and infectious Delta plus variant, a report in the Hindustan Times said. The state detected two cases of the variant from Gorakhpur and Deoria. One of the two people has died. The news has generated a considerable stir in the region. The health ministry said 'variants of concern' have been detected in as many as 174 districts across 35 states and Union territories. The highest number of these cases have been from Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Telangana, West Bengal, and Gujarat. Read more
Echoing his predecessor's thoughts on the subject, newly appointed Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said must follow IT Rules.

Taking oath at the Ministry on Thursday morning, Vaishnaw said,  of land is supreme, must follow rule.

The 51-year old took charge as the IT, Communications and Railways minister on Thursday, a day after the Cabinet reshuffle.

His predecessor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, who took over as the IT minister in 2014, resigned on Wednesday after a seven-year stint. One of his most consistent messages to big technology firms was to follow the of the land.

Vaishnaw, a member of Parliament since 2019, studied Masters in Technology at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in 1992-94, and went on to get a Masters in Business Administration in Finance from The Wharton School in 2008-10.

He was the Collector of Cuttack in 2001-03, a Deputy secretary in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Prime Minister Office from 2003-04, Deputy chairman at the Mormugao Port Trust, Goa (December 2006-08).

His extensive experience in the public and private sector has been seen as the reason for choosing him to head the three important portfolios.





Vaishnaw reiterated this message, and said anyone who is an Indian citizen and works in India, has to follow the laws of the country.

The industry is however in wait and watch mode and said it was too early to say what the new minister's priorities will be. "It doesn;t look like there will be much change in the stand of the government with respect to technology policy," said an executive at a big technology firm.

Another executive said,"No one is opposed to sensible regulation."

During his time as collector of Balasore district, Vaishnaw is credited with helping reduce the casualties in the super cyclone in Odisha (then Orissa) in 1999. He helped collect information about the cyclone's trajectory from a US Navy website, which he sent to the state's chief secretary. This information helped the state government take measures to reduce the death toll.

A member of Parliament since 2019, Vaishnaw studied Masters in Technology at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur inn 1992-94, and went on to get a masters in business administration in Finance from The Wharton School in 2008-10.

He was the Collector of Cuttack in 2001-03, a Deputy secretary in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Prime Minister Office from 2003-04, Deputy chairman at the Mormugao Port Trust, Goa (December 2006-08).

He has also worked at global organisations such as GE and Siemens. He is also a businessman who has worked in the auto industry. He set up four units in Gujarat that made components for Suzuki, Honda and Hero.

His extensive experience in the public and private sector has been seen as the reason for choosing him to head the three important portfolios.
Petrol prices in Mumbai have been turning more volatile with the prices of crude oil showing a firm trend. On Thursday, the price of petrol in the city increased by 34 paise to Rs 106.59 per litre. The price of diesel in the city went up by 9 paise to Rs 97.18 per litre.

Amid the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, several state governments had increased fuel taxes to bolster revenues. The central government had also raised the excise duty on both the automobile fuels.



Here are the current rates of fuel in different cities.

Petrol price in Mumbai: Rs 106.59/litre

Petrol price in Delhi: Rs 100.56/litre

Petrol price in Chennai: Rs 101.37/litre

Here are the fuel prices in your city today:

Cities Petrol Diesel Bhopal Rs 108.88 Rs 98.40 Jaipur Rs 107.01 Rs 98.41 Mumbai Rs 106.59 Rs 97.18 Pune Rs 106.38 Rs 95.43 Hyderabad Rs 104.50 Rs 97.68 Bengaluru Rs 103.93 Rs 94.99 Patna Rs 103.59 Rs 95.89 Chennai Rs 101.37 Rs 94.15 Trivandrum Rs 102.54 Rs 96.20 Kolkata Rs 100.62 Rs 92.65 Bhubaneshwar Rs 101.37 Rs 97.67 Delhi Rs 100.56 Rs 89.62 Dehradun Rs 97.93 Rs 91 Lucknow Rs 97.67 Rs 90.01 Noida Rs 97.75 Rs 90.06 Gurugram Rs 97.98 Rs 90 Raipur Rs 98.58 Rs 96.91 Panjim Rs 98.39 Rs 94.65 Ahmedabad Rs 97.35 Rs 96.43 Gandhinagar Rs 97.56 Rs 96.69 Chandigarh Rs 96.70 Rs 89.25

The state-run oil marketing companies - Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum align the rates of domestic fuel with that of the global crude oil prices by taking into account any changes in the foreign exchange rates. Any changes in are implemented with effect from 6 am every day.

With no signals from the Union government and the states that they will cut taxes on fuel, and a continuous rise in international petroleum prices, relief on this front is unlikely in the near future.
French pharmaceutical giant and its British partner GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc have received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct a part of the global Phase 3 efficacy trial of their jointly developed Covid vaccine in India.

The approval by DCGI marks the first such global trial for a foreign Covid vaccine to be conducted in India  the enrolments are expected to begin soon.

India will be part of the global randomised, double-blind Phase 3 study to assess the safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of their vaccine. This will include more than 35,000 adult volunteers across the US, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

With a trial arm in India, this will make the approval process of this vaccine easier here. India is participating in Pasteurs pivotal Phase 3 study, and subject to subsequent approvals, we should soon begin enrolment of study participants, said Annapurna Das, country head, Pasteur India.

As the virus continues to evolve, we are anticipating what will be needed in the months and years to come, and accordingly, have adapted our vaccine development programme. We believe our Covid adjuvanted recombinant vaccine can make a significant contribution to the fight against Covid and are committed to initiating clinical programme in India, at the earliest, she said.

In a two-stage approach, the study will initially investigate the efficacy of a vaccine formulation targeting the original virus strain (D.614), while a second stage will evaluate a second formulation targeting the Beta variant (B.1.351).

Recent scientific evidence shows that antibodies created against the Beta variant may provide broad cross-protection against other more transmissible variants, said Sanofi in a statement. The global Phase 2 interim results showed that the adjuvanted recombinant Covid vaccine candidate achieved high rates of neutralising antibody responses, with 95-100 per cent seroconversion rates.





After a single injection, high neutralising antibody levels were also generated in participants with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting strong potential for development as a booster vaccine, said Sanofi.

The unsung hero of vaccines is a component called the adjuvant. It puts a red flag on the antigenic component of the vaccine  an inactivated whole or part of a virus or bacteria  and instructs the immune system to mount a defence against that antigen whenever it is encountered.

Adjuvants are pharmacological or immunological agents that improve the immune response of a vaccine. They may be added to a vaccine to produce more antibodies and longer lasting immunity, thus minimising the dose of the antigen needed.

An antigen is any substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies against it. It can be any substance like chemicals, viruses, bacteria that the immune system does not recognise and tries to fend off.

In the partnership between the two companies, Sanofi provides its recombinant antigen and contributes its pandemic adjuvant  both established vaccine platforms that have proven successful against influenza.

A recombinant vaccine is one that is developed by inserting the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) encoding an antigen that stimulates an immune response into the bacterian or mammalian cells. It is made using recombinant DNA technology. The recombinant technology, combined with GSKs adjuvant, is designed to offer temperature stability, making it easier to distribute globally when the vaccine can be stored at normal refrigerator temperature.

It is also designed to offer the potential to generate high and sustained immune responses, and the potential to prevent virus transmission, said Sanofi. Apart from the adjuvanted Covid vaccine, Sanofi is developing a messenger ribonucleic acid (or mRNA) vaccine in collaboration with Translate Bio  an mRNA therapeutics company developing potentially transformative medicines to treat diseases caused by protein or gene dysfunction.
New Delhi [India], July 8 (ANI): Keeping in view the fact that the current Covid situation is normal, and there is a dip in cases in Delhi, the Bar Association (SCBA) has once again written a letter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana and requested him to start the physical functioning of following strict compliance with Covid protocols and appropriate behaviour.

The former Additional Solicitor General (ASG) and senior lawyer, Vikas Singh, for the SCBA President, had written the letter and reputed the for resuming the physical functioning of court in compliance with COVID appropriate behaviour.

In its letter to the CJI, SCBA said that how the Bar had duly undertaken a vaccination program for lawyers aged below 45 on a war footing and while lawyers above 45 years have already been getting vaccinated since March 2020.

"The way forward in today's scenario would be to start the court with normal functioning by observing the Covid appropriate behaviour so that the court functioning does not in any manner increase the Covid impact even if a third wave were to come," the SCBA said.

The Executive Committee of the SCBA has already taken proactive steps to vaccinate all our members, clerks, staff as well as family members including the domestic help of the lawyers and the said vaccination is still continuing, the SCBA said.

In fact, in the month of May 2021, the SCBA-EC had purchased vaccines from the Serum Institute of India at private rates in bulk and started vaccinating the under 45 age category on a war footing so as to cover a maximum number of people as mentioned above. As far as the 45 and above age category is concerned, SCBA started the vaccination drive on March 16.2021 which was inaugurated by your good self, SCBA said.

The so-called third wave, if it comes, would be known only when mutation of virus takes place and since the government is aggressively conduction genome sequencing. The fact of the third wave would be known in the public domain, the moment it starts, the SCBA added.

"If we continue to function with Covid appropriate behaviour even with the advent of the third wave, our premises cannot be a place which will aggravate the spread of Covid as almost all our stakeholders have had their first dose of vaccine and majority have taken both the shots," the SCBA said.

Slots of 45 minutes each should be assigned for miscellaneous/final disposal matters and thereafter three slots of 1 hour each should be assigned for two final hearing matters in each slot so that around 6 final. hearing matters can be taken up for hearing, the SCBA said.

To avoid overcrowding in the courtroom, the media persons should not be allowed inside the courtroom and should only be allowed to watch the proceedings by virtual mode, the SCBA said.

Even litigants should not be allowed to enter the courtroom as we do not know their vaccination status, and they should only watch the court proceedings through virtual mode. That the proximity cards/long term passes shall not be kept under suspension and the lawyers may be allowed to access the libraries and lounges in the High-Security Zone. The same can be monitored by the SCBA in its wisdom ensuring that no overcrowding takes place in the High-Security Zone, the SCBA said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Union Cabinet and the Council of Ministers are expected to meet on Thursday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi rejigged his team. Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Group said it does not need Tata Groups permission to pledge a part of its 18.5-per cent stake in Tata Sons, These are the top headlines at this hour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sacked many senior colleagues, elevated some, and infused the government with new faces to make the most comprehensive reshuffle of his council of ministers in the governments seven-year tenure. Jyotiraditya Scindia will be in charge of the civil aviation ministry and Manusukh Mandavia will lead the health ministry. Read

Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Group does not need Tata Groups permission to pledge a part of its 18.5-per cent stake in Tata Sons, said a top executive of the SP Group. Its stake is worth Rs 2.4 trillion; its immediate fund requirement is just Rs 5,000 crore to pay Indian lenders, in keeping with the one-time restructuring (OTR) of the debt proposal. Read

Punjab Bank (PNB) has advised its housing finance arm to restructure its fundraising deal with investors, led by the Group, in accordance with the recent directive by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). However, PNB Housing Finance has decided to wait for the Securities Appellate Tribunals (SAT) order, expected to be pronounced on July 12.

A day before the scheduled hearing of SAT on July 5, PNB wrote to PNB Housing Finance, asking it to take cognisance of Sebis June 18 directive and consider restructuring the contours of the deal in line with the market regulators order. The PNB letter conveyed the decision taken by its board on July 3, based on legal opinion obtained from a law firm. Read more.





Google, Facebook won't have to pay domestic tax under new IT rules





For digital multinationals such as Google, Facebook and Twitter, appointing grievance officers under new information technology (IT) rules does not imply that they have a permanent establishment in India.

But if their local office performs business functions and contributes to revenue of the parent firm abroad, it may attract domestic taxes, said two people in the revenue department. Read more.





Adani Group to raise over $1.5 bn to refinance Mumbai airport debt





Mumbai airport is looking to raise bonds worth $1.5 billion to refinance the debt of Mumbais international airport amid a slump in air travel owing to the ongoing pandemic.

The plan to raise capital comes months after the Adani group announced acquisition of the GVK-group-owned MIAL. In February, the Adani group acquired 23.5 per cent stakes in the Mumbai airport from two South African investors, while the acquisition of GVK groups 50.5 per cent stake in Mumbai airport is still in process. Read more.
Britain has reported another 32,548 cases in the latest 24-hour period, the highest daily increase since January, according to official figures released on Wednesday.

The total number of cases in the country now stands at 4,990,916, the Xinhua news agency reported.

The country also recorded another 33 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 128,301. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

More than 45.5 million people in Britain have received the first jab of Covid-19 vaccine and over 34 million people have received two doses, the official figures showed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday that most Covid-19 restrictions are set to end on July 19 as part of the final step of England's roadmap out of the lockdown.

This will be confirmed on July 12 following a review of the latest data by the British government.

The plans were greeted with mixed reactions.

Leader of the main opposition Labour Party Keir Starmer accused Johnson of putting the country on course for a "summer of chaos and confusion" with his plans, Sky News reported.

But when answering questions at the parliament, Johnson said that the government was taking a prudent approach by "moving away from self-isolation towards testing over the course of the next few weeks", according to media reports.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Russia, the US as well as the European Union have been racing against time to roll out vaccines.

--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.)
has reported its first case of Delta Plus mutant of COVID-19 with one person having tested positive for the variant in Udham Singh Nagar district.

The person who tested positive for the variant has already returned to Lucknow from where he had come to Dineshpur in the district to his uncle's place, Additional Chief Medical Officer of Udham Singh Nagar Avinash Khanna said.

His report arrived on Tuesday, confirming that he was infected with the variant, Khanna said.

He is now living with his parents in Lucknow, where his mother works as a nurse in a hospital, he said.

The couple of areas he had visited during his stay in Dineshpur in the district have been converted into containment zones, Khanna said.

The World Health Organisation has classified Delta variant as well as all Delta sub-lineages including Delta plus as variant of concern.

(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 union cabinet today approved a host of changes into the Rs one trillion Infrastructure Fund (AIF), including bringing Produce Market Committees (APMCs) or regulated mandis within its ambit, a move which the government showcased as its commitment to keep them functioning.

One key apprehension of the protesting farmers against the three reform acts brought last year has been that once the laws come into effect, the mandis will be dismantled, as lured by low taxes, trading will shift outside their ambit.

Apart from APMCs, the revised guidelines have also made state level agencies and cooperatives, eligible to get loans upto Rs 2 crore to build farm gate storage infrastructure and processing facilities at interest subvention of 3 per cent.

The loans have a moratorium on repayment that will vary from six months to two years.

Farm storage and processing infrastructure such as silos, packing units, assaying units etc. can be taken up under the scheme.

So far, UP, Rajasthan and Maharashtra are the top three states on tentative allocation of the Rs 100,000 crore Fund.

The decision to include into the fold of AIF was announced in the FY-22 Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Today the Cabinet gave its formal approval to the same along with incorporating some other key changes.

Todays decision of the Union Cabinet is once a reiteration of the Centres commitment to not only ensure that are not only run but they are strengthened as well. Contrary to what has been said, Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told reporters after the meeting of the cabinet.

Among the other changes, the period of financial facility under AIF has been extended from 4 to 6 years upto 2025-26 and overall period of the scheme has been extended from 10 to 13 years upto 2032-33.

So, far under AIF, interest subvention under AIF is provided only for loan taken for project in one location, however, henceforth, if an eligible entity puts up projects in different locations then all such projects will now become eligible for interest subvention for loan upto Rs 2 crore.

For the private sector, there will be a limit of 25 projects but the same limit wont be applicable for state agencies, national and state federations of cooperatives, FPOs and SHGs.

For APMCs, interest subvention for a loan upto Rs. 2 crores will be provided for each project of different infrastructure types e.g. cold storage, sorting, grading and assaying units, silos, et within the same market yard, the revised guidelines said.
The Indian SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) community is maturing and has the potential to become a $1 trillion opportunity over the next 10 years, according to a report.

The report - Shaping Indias SaaS Landscape - highlights that there are nearly 1,000 funded SaaS companies in India, of which 10 have unicorn status and are generating about $2-3 billion in revenues while employing 40,000 people. The report has been released by SaaSBoomi, a community of SaaS founders and builders, alongside McKinsey & Co and Nasscom.

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis has created a push towards SaaS, with companies across the spectrum moving to online and remote work. Over the last one year, six new SaaS unicorns were born during the Covid-19 pandemic, namely Postman, Zenoti, Innovacer, Highradius, Chargebee and Browserstack. In 2020, $1.5 billion was invested in Indian SaaS companies, representing a four-time jump over the last two years.

India has an exciting opportunity to propel itself on to the world stage as a SaaS force to be reckoned with, said Manav Garg, CEO & founder, Eka Software Solutions, founding partner, SaaSBOOMii.

While investments in the Indian are rising, with about $1.5 billion in VC funding being invested in 2020 alone, a lot more would be required to keep this momentum going. The Indian SaaS space also has had limited exits via acquisitions, buyouts or IPOs so far only 5-10 per cent of Indian companies had exits in the last decade, compared to 20 per cent of their US counterparts. Significant development of exit routes could drive the virtuous cycle of value-creation, says the report.

Of the $3 trillion global enterprise IT and communications spending market, software, including SaaS, constituted $600 billion in 2020, growing at 8 per cent yoy  almost twice as fast as the overall market. While software comprises only 20 per cent of the global market in terms of spend, it drives 47 per cent of the total value-creation across spend segments, thus representing the most attractive segment in terms of enterprise value.

Ive always believed that for those of us who have helped pave the way, we owe it to others to pay our learnings forward. When we share knowledge, experience, successes, and even failures, as we do at SaaSBOOMi, we make entrepreneurship more accessible than before, said Girish Mathrubootham, founder and CEO, Freshworks and founding partner, SaaSBOOMi. Apart from Mathrubootham and Garg, the report also has insights from Ritesh Arora of BrowserStack and Krish Subramanian of Chargebee and VCs Mohit Bhatnagar of Sequoia Capital and Shekhar Kirani of Accel Partners.

"To create awareness around the potential of SaaS in India, it is imperative for the Government to collaborate with industry associations, investors, and corporates, and drive large-scale training programs by partnering with universities and institutions," Debjani Ghosh, president, Nasscom.
Last week, Indian environment minister Prakash Javadekar opposed the European Union's (EU) plan to levy an additional 'carbon border tax' on imports from countries such as India that do not have strict norms for controlling industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Earlier, on March 10, 2021, the EU Parliament had adopted a resolution to implement a 'Carbon Border Adjusted Mechanism' (CBAM), a June 2021 draft regulation pertaining to which proposed that goods entering the EU would be taxed at the borders. Such a tax would promote "low-carbon, resource-efficient manufacturing", the resolution says. The UK and the US are also considering such proposals.

The BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) countries' grouping had opposed the EU's proposal in a joint-statement in April, terming it "discriminatory" and against the principles of equity and 'common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities' (CBDR-RC). These principles acknowledge that richer countries have a responsibility of providing financial and technological assistance to developing and vulnerable countries to fight climate change.

Why does the EU want a

For two reasons: its environmental goals and its industries' global competitiveness, experts tell us.

Recently, the EU declared it would cut its carbon emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. EU's greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 24% compared to 1990 levels.

But imports from emissions--which contribute 20% of the EU's carbon dioxide emissions--are increasing, the resolution said. Such a would incentivise other countries to reduce GHG emissions and further shrink the EU's carbon footprint.

Second, the 27 EU member states have much stricter laws to control GHG emissions. It has an 'Emissions Trading System' that caps how much GHG individual industrial units can emit; those that fail to cap their emissions can buy 'allowances' from those who have made deeper cuts.

This makes operating within the EU expensive for certain businesses, which, the EU authorities fear, might prefer to relocate to countries that have more relaxed or no emission limits. This is known as 'carbon leakage' and it increases the total emissions in the world.

How does this impact India?

As India's third largest trading partner, the EU accounted for 62.8 billion ($74.5 billion) worth of trade in goods in 2020, or 11.1% of India's total global trade. India's exports to the EU were worth $41.36 billion in 2020-21, as per data from the commerce ministry.

The EU's March resolution stated that to begin with, by 2023, the CBAM would cover energy-intensive sectors such as cement, steel, aluminium, oil refinery, paper, glass, chemicals as well as the power sector.

By increasing the prices of Indian-made goods in the EU, this tax would make Indian goods less attractive for buyers and could shrink demand. The tax "would create serious near-term challenges for companies with a large greenhouse gas footprint--and a new source of disruption to a global trading system already roiled by tariff wars, renegotiated treaties, and rising protectionism", the consultancy BCG said in an analysis on June 30, 2020.

BCG estimated, for example, that a levy of $30 per metric ton of CO2 emissions could reduce the profit pool for foreign producers by about 20% if the price for crude oil remained at $30-40 per barrel.

Could it work?

Such a mechanism to charge imported goods at borders may spur adoption of cleaner technologies. But if it happens without adequate assistance for newer technologies and finance, it would amount to levying taxes on developing countries, said Sanjay Vashist, the Delhi-based director of Climate Action Network in South Asia, a coalition of 200 civil society organisations.

"It is currently unclear how the EU would assess emissions of an imported product. Would it be from the entire value chain, upstream and downstream?" asks Nitya Nanda, director of the Council for Social Development, a Delhi-based research and advocacy firm. "There are many small businesses that will face difficulty in quantifying their emissions and additional costs will be passed on to the consumers, eventually. There are many such practical impediments."

In the draft proposal, the EU has acknowledged several challenges in assessing emissions along global value chains and the possibility of tax being passed on to consumers. It suggests a fixed duty or tax on imports.

The design of such a levy matters, Nanda emphasised. If it discourages sectors and industries that are already adopting cleaner technologies, and becomes another procedural and compliance hassle, it could prove counterproductive.

Instead, climate action advocates say, richer countries must make good on their promises of technological and financial assistance to enable developing countries to make the transition to low-carbon pathways for growth. There is disagreement on whether developed countries have kept their climate finance commitments with conflicting claims from countries, according to this 2021 editorial published in the journal Nature.

The Organisation for Economic Development, whose members are mostly developed countries, claims that developed countries had mobilised $78.9 billion of the targeted $100 billion in 2018 but a report by the development organisation Oxfam said that this amount was not more than $22.5 billion, according to the editorial. Research commissioned by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres found that there was over-reporting of climate-funding by $3-$4 billion, indicating the scale of opacity in reporting this data, the editorial added.
External Affairs Minister on Thursday said that the bilateral ties between India and Russia have been among the "steadiest" of the major relationships in the world after the second World War, and New Delhi was looking forward to hosting President Vladimir Putin in the country for the annual bilateral summit.

Jaishankar, delivering a speech on India-Russia ties in a changing world at the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations here, said that this relationship is sometimes taken for granted.

The case for its constant nurturing is powerful, he said.

There's no doubt that relations between India and Russia have been among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the second World War, he said.

The direction and progress of major relationships is very much dependent on our leadership, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have met 19 times since 2014, Jaishankar said.

That itself speaks a lot, he said.

We, of course, look forward to hosting the President (Putin) in India for the annual bilateral summit, Jaishankar said.

Speaking about the issue of terrorism, Jaishankar termed the menace as one of the bis issues of the present time.

The big issues of our time -- combating terrorism, addressing pandemics and acting on climate change. On all of these, India and Russia are unquestionably on the same page.

We have both been victims of fundamentalist thinking. I know well the dangers of radicalisation and extremes. As pluralistic societies, we must be especially on guard against the revival of such forces, he said.

Where global health is concerned, a history of scientific collaboration can today be repurposed to meet this new priority, Jaishankar said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on vaccines against the coronavirus, Jaishankar said: Collaboration can surely add to the options before the world as we have already seen in the case of vaccines.

If you are to continue influencing the direction of global developments positively, it is imperative that we always pay adequate attention to the constant strengthening of our bilateral cooperation.

Russia has always been a "dependable defence partner" of India, he said.

The enormous experience of past cooperation is today being applied to a more contemporary requirement, including the Make in India programme.

This transition can accommodate the interests of both sides and even lead to new areas of military technical collaboration. This needs to be accompanied by a greater focus on military-to-military ties, including in the maritime domain, he said.

On climate change, Russia can really be an indispensable partner as India transitions towards greater energy consumption and renewables.

Reforming multilateralism is also in our common interest and we value Russia's support for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council, Jaishankar said.

Regional issues like Afghanistan and the Middle East have seen convergence previously. That may be mutually beneficial to continue, he said.

On the political front, Jaishankar said it is essential for India and Russia to work together to ensure the stability and diversity of the world.

This includes insistence on honouring agreements and observing laws, Jaishankar said, in an apparent reference to China, which has been behaving aggressively in the Indo-Pacific region and was engaged in a protracted military standoff with India.

On the economic side, there is a growing realisation of the importance of resilient and reliable supply chains amidst the pandemic, he said.

Our relationship rests on the foundation of a more democratic and diverse international order -- one that is committed to sovereign equality of all states.

We are looking at a world where each pole has its own needs but its pursuit is to be moderated not by the balance of power, but by the balance of interest. This is not just a preference but a compulsion in a world that is more interdependent, Jaishankar said.

Changes to the capabilities and interests of major players naturally lead countries to reassess the global arena. Whether it is Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Eurasia, the Arctic or the Indo-Pacific, he said.

None of us can afford to be in denial of the shifting realities. After all, international relations can never be change-proof. If there are enhanced capabilities in some cases, or contractions in others, strategies and diplomats need to adjust their calculations accordingly, Jaishankar said.

In the last few decades, India and Russia may have pursued the national trajectories energetically. But at the same time, they have harmonised them well, both intuitively and as a policy. Related to this is the rebalancing of the global order -- economically, politically and even culturally, he said.

We have been respectful, we have been appreciative of each other's identities and interests because there is no burden of history nor an ideological agenda, he said.

If our ties have been stable, this is not to say that we have remained static as nations and societies, he said.

In the last quarter century, India has become the sixth largest economy, a nuclear weapon power, an IT center, a reservoir of global talent and an "active shaper" of global debates, the minister said.

Our interests and influence have grown well beyond the subcontinent and we are often perceived as first responders in crisis situations, Jaishankar said.

Russia has, meanwhile, transitioned fully into the post-Soviet era and all that it implies, he said.

Its inherent strength as Eurasia and a Euro Pacific power and its longstanding global status whether as a P5... makes it unmistakably critical to the world order, Jaishankar said.

Equally important, Russia has regularly demonstrated an ability to influence outcomes across regions and issues, he said.

Indeed, both our nations have evolved even as our existence has become more globalised economically, connected virtually and driven technologically.

It is not just that India and Russia are a good fit, it is equally (important) that this continues dynamically even as both of them and the world itself undergoes continuous changes. Now as practitioners and analysts of international relations, it is not enough that we recognise or even appreciate trends, Jaishankar said.

Russians will surely recall the ups and downs in the ties with the US, Europe, China or Japan or Turkey and Iraq, the minister said.

On their part, objective Indians would also recognise that this was the case with them as well.

Where India-Russia bilateral ties are concerned, there have been many changes, even issues from time to time. But at the end of the day, the logic of geo-politics was so compelling that we barely remember these even as minor aberrations, Jaishankar said.

The undeniable reality of the exceptional resilience of India-Russia ties is surely a phenomenon that is worth analysing, he said.

It is also natural in societies for people to have an image of their partners, Jaishankar said, adding that Russia has a unique landing at the Indian public and maintaining that sentiment is very much an asset for a relationship.

In the world of current diplomacy, ours is a particularly mature relationship. More than its contemporaries, it has withstood the test of time, finding new convergences with changing circumstances. Geopolitical compatibility, leadership trust and popular sentiment remain its key drivers.

History is very much in our favour. Something that cannot always be said for all relationships, Jaishankar said, adding that drawing from the past, assessing the present and committing to the future, he has confidence that the two nations would continue to realise the full benefits of the special and privileged strategic relationship.

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Terming the Indo-Pacific region as the new economic centre of gravity of the globalised world, Commerce and Industry Minister invited the business community to actively take part in efforts for bolstering development, trade and growth in the region.

Delivering the keynote address at the CII's Special Plenary with the Trade Ministers in the Indo-Pacific region on "Developing a Road Map for Shared Prosperity" on Wednesday, Goyal said that India's track record should give confidence to the countries that it will be their "natural" and "most reliable ally in years to come".

Goyal said that when "we talk of shared prosperity we must remember that shared prosperity is impossible without shared commitment".

He said that it is a commitment that entails sharing challenges as well as opportunities and risks as well as rewards.

On the COVID-19 pandemic, he said amidst all the suffering caused by the pandemic, there is a silver lining - a growing spirit of brotherhood among nations to help each other. He stressed that the spirit of brotherhood, more than anything else, has laid a robust foundation "on which we have a chance to build promising partnerships". Goyal reminded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2015, had articulated his vision for the Indo-Pacific in one word 'SAGAR' (Security And Growth of All in the Region).

He said that it must serve as the guiding principle for all nations in this region, as a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region equals peace and prosperity for all.

The event was attended by Yoon Sung Roh, Chairman of the Presidential Committee, Republic of Korea; Betty C. Maina, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise Development, Republic of Kenya; Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, United Arab Emirates.

Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Republic of Fiji; and Bandula Gunawardana, Minister of Trade, Republic of Sri Lanka also addressed the session.

During his address, Goyal said that when the world looks at resilient supply chains it looks east to the Indo-Pacific region.

He assured that as the world moves to realign from over-concentrated and risky supply chains, they can trust India to provide a multitude of investment and manufacturing opportunities.

He noted that India endorses the concept of working towards ensuring a transparent, trustworthy, dependable and reliable supply chain.

Mentioning the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative launched in September 2020 as a firm step towards building resilient supply chains, he said that other friendly countries may also be included in it. Goyal said that the abundance of trade agreements in the Indo-Pacific has led to a decline in tariff rates over time. He, however, added that non-tariff measures act as a major trade barrier in the region. Trade facilitation can ease the cross-border movement of goods. Mentioning India' strengths, Goyal said that even during the initial months of the pandemic, when the country was in lockdown, no supply chain was allowed to be disrupted.

It was ensured that the country met all its international service commitments in the IT sector.

He added, "Our track record should give confidence to our friends that India will be their natural and most reliable ally in years to come". Talking about "Aatmnirbhar Bharat" (Self Reliant India), Goyal said India today stands at a critical juncture where it is looking to forge its own destiny and of its 130 billion people. He said that Aatmnirbhar Bharat is not about looking inward, rather it is about engaging with the world with a spirit of competitiveness and from a position of strength.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
on Wednesday ordered a complete waiver of on single-screen for the 2021-22 financial year.

After the 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 with immediate effect.

According to the order, the waiver for single screen will cost the state exchequer Rs 9 crore.

The KSFEA in its memorandum stated that with 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.

--IANS

nbh/arm

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The (RBI) is mindful of the entire yield curve and is not just focused on the 10-year bond. However, the 10-year bond has a larger impact on other rates. Hence, the central banks intervention in it was greater than in other papers, said Shaktikanta Das in an interview with Anup Roy and Vishal Chhabria. Indias monetary policy will be driven by domestic considerations, notwithstanding the stance taken by the US Federal Reserve. Any volatility in the currency can be addressed with the vast foreign exchange reserve of $609 billion, the governor said. Edited excerpts:

You have said the impact of the second wave of Covid-19 could be limited to the first quarter, but your survey in the Financial Stability Report (FSR) says business expectations are down; the job scenario, wages, and productivity are unlikely to improve in the short term...

Activities had revived in the fourth quarter (Q4) of last year, and in the second half the economy had emerged out of contraction and had entered positive territory. Then we had the interruption of the second wave, which peaked in May. If you look at the high speed indicators, sequentially there are growing signs of improvement in certain indicators. For example, data on freight traffic, GST e-way bills, import and export, electricity consumption, volume of transactions in the payment and settlement systems are showing sequential improvement. The lockdowns were localised this time and economic activities, including manufacturing, continued. Individuals and businesses have better adapted to Covid protocols. So, we feel that the worst of the second wave is behind us. Economic activities are expected to improve further going into July or into the second half. Further, congenial financial conditions continue to prevail and vaccination is gathering pace. We made our detailed assessment on that basis, and we feel our projection of 9.5 per cent is quite realistic.

The numbers probably capture the formal economy. How do we gauge the informal economy, where the impact could have been much more?

In the rural areas there was good agricultural production last year, and there are expectations of a good monsoon this year. Both of them provide strong support to the rural sector and going forward that should support rural demand and also incomes. We do our own internal assessments and surveys to gauge informal economy data.

RBIs resolution framework 2.0 was specifically targeted at the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small businesses. We have also provided targeted liquidity support through the banks, including the small finance banks and through them to the smaller non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and the microfinance institutions.

The FSR says the true state of bank balance sheets will be revealed once the effects of regulatory forbearance fully plays out, but your worst case estimate this year is better than the best case estimate of last year, in terms of non-performing assets...

When we came out with the last FSR in January, the regulatory forbearances were still in operation. The Supreme Court had ordered asset classification standstill immediately after the six months moratorium was over and our resolution framework 1.0 was still under implementation. So, therefore, asset quality recognition was camouflaged because of these dispensations. So, the FSR had relied upon the figures of December 2019 as the base because it was not contaminated by the Covid numbers.

In the July 2021 FSR, we have a clearer picture of bad debts. The base of March 31, 2021, numbers are, therefore, far more realistic. The second waves impact is something that well see over the coming months. But having said that, I would like to add that Indian banks are far more resilient today than they were earlier. Today, the gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) are about 7.5 per cent. The provision coverage ratio is close to 69 per cent, capital adequacy ratio is about 16 per cent. So, therefore, in terms of resilience, the banks are in a better place today. Having said that, there is also a necessity to continuously monitor and augment the capital adequacy of banks, given the overall uncertain outlook on the Covid front.

If there is an unexpected rise in bad debts, will RBI extend a helping hand to banks in terms of regulatory dispensation?

I would not like to comment on what we would do in future, but let me make one thing clear: RBI, as an institution, would not like to delay or postpone any asset quality recognition. It is always better that the asset quality is recognised in time and addressed and resolved in time.

RBI has decided to look past inflation for now. But, inflation is sticky and the real interest rate is negative. Are you worried?

The headline inflation, and inflationary expectations were well anchored at 4 per cent before the onset of the pandemic. We would like to consolidate and preserve those gains. Stable inflation has its advantages in terms of reducing uncertainty for investors, for businesses, for everybody, and eventually it supports growth. But then we had an extraordinary situation arising because of the pandemic. The flexible inflation targeting framework allows us to target within a range of 2-6 per cent. The Monetary Policy Committee, therefore, focused on keeping headline inflation within this range. The consumer inflation narrative comes from other emerging economies central banks, some of them have increased their rates, of course, but the narrative is that it is a transitory phenomenon. The current inflation spike appears to be transitory, driven largely by supply side factors and going forward, it is expected to moderate in the third quarter. We are very watchful of the emerging inflation trends and momentum. Any hasty withdrawal of monetary policy support will negate the nascent or incipient recovery that is taking place. So, therefore, RBI will remain watchful. And the MPC will take appropriate decisions depending on the evolving situation.

You have shifted your guidance to state based, from time based. Why so?

As I said, any hasty withdrawal can undo the gains in the face of economic revival. In 2020, the CPI inflation exceeded 6 per cent in July-August and 7 per cent in September-October. But the MPC believed that inflation would moderate in December and January. So, the MPC decided to continue with the accommodative stance with the belief that inflation was transitory. The MPC focussed on assuaging market expectations of an inflation spike. Sure enough, inflation came down to little above 4 per cent during December 2020-March 2021. In hindsight, the time-based guidance provided by the MPC was the right call to take because it anchored market expectations. We are monitoring the inflation situation closely and we now feel that the state based guidance is appropriate in the current context.

Are you not building up expectations in the market? The bond market seems to be assured that whatever happens to inflation, bond yields will remain stable.

We are very watchful about inflation and growth. But the main challenge is economic revival and growth. Let us not forget that 2020-21 witnessed a severe contraction of 7.3 per cent and the 9.5 per cent growth projection for the current year is built on that.

The economy needs to reach and exceed the pre-pandemic level of growth. We are acutely conscious and sensitive to the fact that a hasty reversal of monetary policy stance or monetary policy approach can have serious consequences for the economic recovery. But we also want to anchor inflation expectations within the tolerance band and closer to the inflation target in the medium term. The current inflection in inflation is also largely impacted by supply side issues. International commodities and crude prices have also risen. The government has taken certain supply side measures in recent weeks but more supply side measures are necessary and we are actually looking forward to more such measures, especially on taxes from both Central and state governments.

Is the RBI policy hostage to the huge borrowing programmes of the government?

It is a fact that the borrowing programmes of both the Centre and states are huge. The pandemic crashed government revenues last year. This year it looks better so far. But on the expenditure side also there are pressures on the government to spend more. The net result is that the borrowing had to be higher, both for the Centre and the states. RBI as the debt manager of the government is committed to ensuring non-disruptive implementation of the borrowing programme at the lowest possible cost and our efforts are in that direction.

The Reserve Bank will continue to deploy various instruments at its command. Interestingly, over the last one year, the debt management function of the RBI has actually facilitated better monetary policy transmission.

The various conventional, unconventional and the new kinds of measures which RBI has undertaken, such as G-SAP, TLTRO, etc. together with appropriate communication and signals have ensured the lowest borrowing cost for the government in the last 16 years in 2020-21.

The G-Sec yields act as a benchmark for the private sector borrowing.

Corporates and businesses were able to raise cheaper funds by way of corporate bonds. This has helped them to have adequate liquidity and undertake deleveraging, etc. The debt management exercise of RBI throughout the pandemic has indeed ensured better interest rates for the entire economy. All conventional and unconventional actions of RBI as a debt manager, and also the central bank are basically in that direction.

Why did you buy most of the 10-year bonds from the market?

The 10-year benchmark has a bigger influence on the yield curve as a whole. But it is wrong to assume that we are focusing only on 10-year bonds. We are focused on the entire maturity curve. If you look at our last G-SAP announcement, we are targeting six- to 12-year maturity G-Secs.

Why have you accumulated so much reserves? Is it to address volatility, or are you building a sort of permanent reserve for other purposes as well?

Internationally, capital flows involve a lot of volatility. Especially, in the current context when all the advanced economies have adopted ultra-accommodative monetary policies, there is naturally a lot of liquidity floating around. But capital flows are also very volatile. The emerging market economies, in this kind of a scenario, have to build their own buffers, their own safety nets.

A strong foreign exchange reserve is the best safety net against global spillovers. Also, it renders a considerable amount of stability to the exchange rate. It also eliminates doubts in the market about a countrys capacity to deal with a situation of outflows. Today, India is much better placed at $609 billion forex reserves. It covers about 15 months of projected imports for 2021-22. It covers more than our overall external debt.

Are you taking private help for managing reserves?

These are all options. There is no plan to outsource the forex reserve management functions of RBI. The reserve management will be done by RBI, and while doing so, we are always considering various options of how to improve our internal skills by harnessing external expertise.

The reserve management works on three principles  safety, liquidity and return  in that order. RBI is not chasing any return as such, it is our last priority. So, utilisation of external expertise would augment our own capabilities.

Can the reserve be used for other purposes as well?

The reserves are not our own money. It is not that we have built it up by way of trade surplus. If we have reserves, we also have liabilities against them. Capital flows are a strong contributor to our reserves. We have to be watchful. Our current level of reserves gives us confidence, but we cannot be complacent.

How concerned are you now that the Fed has indicated raising rates?

The monetary policy action of the US Fed will impact all economies across the globe, particularly emerging market economies, and India will also be affected. But the principal focus of our monetary policy will be the domestic macroeconomic situation and the domestic growth inflation dynamics. Our policy will be more governed by domestic factors.

Do you get a feeling that the currency market is getting out of hand for the RBI because of the non-deliverable forward (NDF) size? By bringing it onshore, are you legitimising NDF?

NDF is a fact of life. The volumes are much more than the onshore transactions. It is bound to happen in a country, as long as there are capital controls. Our current endeavour is to address market segmentation between offshore and onshore markets. We have given access to non-residents to the onshore market. We have enabled Indian banks to participate in the offshore market 24 hours and five days a week. The segmentation between onshore and offshore markets is steadily getting eliminated. This will improve pricing and efficiency.

How happy are you with the way IBC is progressing? There are delays, and the haircuts are steep.

The main concern around the IBC resolution is that it is taking too much time  more than a year. It happens because of litigation and counter-litigation. The average time for resolution under IBC needs to be compressed. That is something we expect should happen because this is a new law, which was enacted and implemented in 2016. The jurisprudence around the new law is also getting established. The average resolution time taken under IBC needs to be quicker.

If we look at the numbers for the comparable period (2014-15 to 2019-20), the average recovery in the case of Lok Adalat was 5 per cent. In the case of DRT, it was 6 per cent; in the case of SARFAESI, it was 20 per cent. In the case of IBC, the average is still 40 per cent. If you exclude 2020-21  the pandemic year  the average recovery under IBC was 45 per cent.

We should judge the success of IBC, not just from the point of view of percentage of recovery. There are other parameters to judge its success. IBC has spurred banks to recognise their bad debts in time. It has also instilled a strong credit and repayment culture by both banks and borrowers.

You have been a bold governor. Can a country like India afford to adopt a whatever-it-takes policy?

Covid-19 was a shocker of extraordinary proportions. India, after several decades, witnessed a contraction of 7.3 per cent. The loss of lives and livelihoods was unprecedented. It was a global shock and central banks the world over came to the forefront to battle economic crises. For central banks, it was a whatever-it-takes moment, and the RBI was no exception. We adopted conventional, unconventional, and new measures. Some of them were similar to what the advanced economies were undertaking, some designed to deal with local challenges.

For example, the resolution framework factored in the prudent principles of resolution and the need to support businesses. We adopted measures such as bond purchase programmes, reduced interest rates, and adopted an accommodative stance. At the same time, we undertook other measures like targeted liquidity for smaller NBFCs and mutual funds. The RBIs whatever-it-takes approach has helped insulate the economy and the financial markets from a possible crisis and ensured financial stability.

What is the status of Indias inclusion in the global bond indices and the central banks digital currency?

They are both works in progress. As far as our inclusion in the global bond index is concerned, we are working closely with three or four agencies. In fact, one of the bond index providers has placed India on the watchlist, perhaps as a prelude to our inclusion in the bond index. We are in active dialogue with them, as also with the other bond index providers. We hope to see this effort gain more traction in the days to come. With regard to the central banks digital currency, we are discussing the technology/cybersecurity aspects. I cannot give a timeline. This is something that has got other implications on monetary policy and on overall savings.
Minister



Bratya Basu on Wednesday held a meeting with Vice Chancellors of state-run universities to decide on the modalities of admission to undergraduate courses.

The virtual meeting between the minister and the VCs went on for an hour, one of the VCs told PTI.

Several states had announced their decisions to cancel the board exams this year to ensure the safety of the students amidst the pandemic.

The examinations conducted by the CBSE and CISCE were also cancelled.

"The meeting took some decision regarding the process of admission to undergraduate courses in affiliated colleges and universities, the schedule, whether there will be entrance tests but I cannot divulge the same. The higher department will come out with a notification very soon," he said.

VCs of around 20 universities participated in the meeting.

Another source said the UG admission process may start from August first week and end by September 30 before the beginning of puja vacation.

The issue of the blended mode of teaching and exams for the students in college and varsities was not taken up at the meeting.

The meeting also discussed the admission procedure to postgraduate courses in universities which was slated to begin in September, the source said.

He said the government was not in favour of charging any entrance fee from students as they are reeling hard under the effects of the pandemic and lockdown.

The minister was not available for comments.

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Bureaucrat-entrepreneur-turned-politician Ashwini Vaishnaw took charge as the country's new on Thursday and his first order of business was to direct officers in his office to come to work in two shifts of nine hours each.

An order to that effect was issued from the office of the Minister of Railways, Communication, Electronics and Information Technology.

"Hon'ble MR has directed that all the officers and staff of MR Cell will work in two shifts ie 7:00 hrs-16:00 hrs and 15:00 hrs -12:00 midnight with immediate effect," it said.

A former IAS officer of the 1994-batch, Vaishnaw has handled important responsibilities for over 15 years and was particularly known for his contribution to the public-private partnership framework in infrastructure, something that will help him in the rail sector.

He has also held leadership roles across major global companies such as General Electric and Siemens.

Vaishnaw has done his MBA from the Wharton School, Pennsylvania University, and M.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.

He will also hold two other important portfolios of Communications and Electronics and Information Technology.

"Excellent work has been done in the railways over the past 67 years. I am here to take the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi forward," Vaishnaw said while taking the charge.

The newly appointed minister later took to Twitter to express his gratitude to the PM.

"Took charge as Cabinet Minister of Railways today. Once again from the core of my heart, I extend my gratitude to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji for entrusting me this responsibility," he said.

He further said that he will work towards fulfilling the vision of the PM.

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As many as 36 US states and Washington DC have filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the search engine giant's control over its Android app store violates antitrust laws.

The lawsuit alleges that through a series of exclusionary contracts and other anticompetitive conduct in the Play Store, has deprived Android device users of robust competition that could lead to greater choice and innovation, as well as significantly lower prices for mobile apps.

New York Attorney General James and the coalition co-led by the attorneys general of Utah, North Carolina, and Tennessee also accuse of requiring app developers selling in-app digital content through apps purchased via Google's Play Store to use Google Billing as a middleman, forcing app consumers to pay Google's commission up to 30 per cent indefinitely.

Google has served as the gatekeeper of the internet for many years, but, more recently, it has also become the gatekeeper of our digital devices resulting in all of us paying more for the software we use every day, James alleged.

Once again, we are seeing Google use its dominance to illegally quash competition and profit to the tune of billions. Through its illegal conduct, the company has ensured that hundreds of millions of Android users turn to Google, and only Google, for the millions of applications they may choose to download to their phones and tablets, she said.

Worse yet, Google is squeezing the lifeblood out of millions of small businesses that are only seeking to compete. We are filing this lawsuit to end Google's illegal monopoly power and finally give voice to millions of consumers and business owners, James said.

The lawsuit alleges that Google imposes technical barriers that strongly discourage or completely prevent third-party app developers from distributing apps outside the Google Play Store.

Specifically, Google builds into Android a series of misleading security warnings and other barriers that discourage users from downloading apps from any source outside Google's Play Store, effectively foreclosing app developers and app stores from direct distribution to consumers, it alleges.

Google has not allowed Android to serve as an open source for many years, effectively cutting off potential competition.

Google forces OEMs that wish to design their devices to use Android to enter into agreements called Android Compatibility Commitments or ACCs. Under these take it or leave it agreements, OEMs must promise not to create or implement any variants or versions of Android that deviate from the Google-certified version of Android, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit alleges that Google buys off its potential competition in the market for app distribution.

Google forces app developers and app users alike to use Google's payment processing service Google Play Billing to process any payments for purchases of digital content made in apps obtained through the Google Play Store, it said.

Thus, Google is unlawfully tying the use of Google's payment processor which is a separate service within a separate market for payment processing within apps to distribution through the Google Play Store. By forcing this tie, Google is able to extract an exorbitant processing fee for each transaction, as high as 30 per cent, and many times higher than payment processing fees charged in competitive markets, it alleged.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Chinese warplane entered Taiwan's identification zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday morning, marking the fourth such intrusion this month.

A single People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shaanxi Y-8 electronic warfare plane flew into the southwest corner of Taiwan's ADIZ, News reported citing the country's defence ministry.

In response, sent aircraft, broadcast radio warnings, and had missile systems track the PLAAF aircraft.

Chinese planes have been tracked in Taiwan's identification zone on July 2, 3, 4, and 7. They have all consisted of slow-flying turboprops.

Since mid-September of last year, Beijing has stepped up its gray-zone tactics by regularly sending planes into Taiwan's ADIZ, with most instances occurring in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes.

has termed the incursion by Chinese warplanes into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADZ) as "unnecessary" and "thoughtless".

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, despite the fact that the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.

Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. has threatened that "Taiwan's independence" means war.

has also issued a warning to the United States over its increasing military contacts with Taiwan, saying the self-ruled island is an "inalienable part" of and seeking its independence means war.

In a statement last month, Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Ren Guoqiang said China is firmly opposed to any form of official exchanges or military contacts between the US and Taiwan, and Washington should "sever all military ties with Taiwan".

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External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday and hold talks on bilateral cooperation at the various multilateral forums and compare notes on major global and regional issues, including the political process in Afghanistan.

EAM Jaishankar is on his three-day visit to Russia, which began on Wednesday.

"On July 9, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India H.E. Dr. S.Jaishankar," Russian Embassy in India said in a statement.

The statement said interaction with India is successfully developing in all areas in line with a special and privileged strategic partnership, including political dialogue, security, trade and economic, military-technical, scientific, cultural and humanitarian ties.

"There are effective mechanisms of interstate and interagency cooperation, as well as through the business and expert circles of the two countries," the Embassy said.

According to the statement, the two ministers are expected to discuss key directions of the Russian-Indian relations, taking into account the previously reached agreements and upcoming contacts, in particular at the highest and high levels.

The sides will compare notes on cooperation at the UN, BRICS and SCO platforms, in the RIC format, as well as on major global and regional issues, including the political process in Afghanistan, settlement in Syria, situation around the Iranian nuclear program, approaches to the formation of reliable and indivisible security architecture in the Pacific and Indian oceans, it added.

" and India share similar vision of a model of an emerging more fair and equitable polycentric world order. Our countries demonstrate the similarity or proximity of positions on the most important issues of peace and security," the embassy said.

They stand for compliance with law, strengthening the collective principles of interstate communication, as well as adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign states, and respect for the cultural and civilizational identity of peoples, it added.

During his visit, EAM Jaishankar will also meet Deputy Prime Minister of the Russi Yuri Borisov and other high level Russian delegates.

Jaishankar's visit is in continuation of the frequent high-level visits between the two sides. The Russian Foreign Minister had visited New Delhi in April 2021. The visit will further strengthen the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between the two countries.

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A fiery explosion erupted on a container ship anchored in at one of the world's 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 neighbourhoods 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.

There were no immediate reports of casualties at the port, which is also the busiest port of call for American warships outside the US.

Some 2 1/2 hours after the blast, Dubai's 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 police commander told the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV that the fire appeared to have started in one of the containers holding flammable material, without elaborating.

Mona al-Marri, director general of Media Office, told Al-Arabiya that this 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 harbour 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 UAE's 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 vessel's 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 has four sprawling container terminals that can berth some of the world's largest ships. Port officials said they were taking all necessary measures to ensure that the normal movement of vessels continues without any disruption."



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.

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Alphabets was sued by three dozen states alleging that the company illegally abused its power over the sale and distribution of apps through the Play store on mobile devices.

State attorneys general said in a complaint filed Wednesday in federal court in San Francisco that used anticompetitive tactics to thwart competition and ensure that developers have no choice but to go through the to reach users. It then collects an extravagant commission of up to 30 per cent on app purchases, the states said.

Google was accused of paying Samsung Electronics, the largest Android manufacturer, to ensure that the Korean company didnt develop its own competing app store. Additionally, after Fortnite maker Epic Games Inc. began distributing its app outside of Googles store, Google bought off developers to dissuade them from doing the same, according to the complaint. Details of those payouts were blacked out in the complaint.

The company said the lawsuit gets it wrong by limiting the definition of the app marketplace to Android devices and ignoring that Google competes with Apple for developers and consumers.

We dont impose the same restrictions as other mobile operating systems do, Wilson White, Googles Senior Director of Public Policy, said in a blog post. So its strange that a group of state attorneys general chose to file a lawsuit attacking a system that provides more openness and choice than others.

New York is leading the case with Utah, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Google has served as the gatekeeper of the internet for many years, but more recently, it has also become the gatekeeper of our digital devices --resulting in all of us paying more for the software we use every day, New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.

The complaint, filed by 36 states and the District of Columbia, marks a new attack by government officials in the U.S. against the search engines business practices. The Justice Department and a group of states filed separate complaints over Googles search business last year, while another state coalition sued over Googles digital advertising business.
Haitis security forces were locked in a fierce gun battle on Wednesday with assailants who assassinated 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 couples home in the hills above Port-au-Prince at around 1 am local time .

Haitis ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, told Reuters in an interview the gunmen were masquerading as US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents as they entered Moises guarded residence under cover of nightfall  a move that would likely have helped them gain entry.

The brazen assassination, which drew condemnation from the UN Security Council, the US and neighboring Latin American countries, came amid political unrest, a surge in gang violence, and a growing humanitarian crisis 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.

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 UN Security Council condemned Moises 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. Joe Biden denounced the killing as heinous and called the situation in - 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 Washingtons commitment to work with Haitis government to support democratic governance, peace, and security, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

Many people in 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 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 Haitis most powerful gang leaders warned he was launching a revolution against the countrys business and political - 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 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 Moises corpse to the morgue had to change route because of gunfire and roadblocks, according to local reports.

With 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 Luis Abinader said.

The U.N. Security Council expressed deep shock and sympathy over Moises 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.

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

Moises 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 Josephs government - would assume executive powers until a new president could be elected, as per Haitis 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 Haitis 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 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.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Its the small crimes that bring you down. Al Capone went merrily on his murdering way until the FBI nailed him for tax evasion. Richard Nixon seemed immune to the consequences of lying about Vietnam, Cambodia and Chile but his lies over the silly crime of burgling the Democratic Partys headquarters did for him.

So it is with South Africas former president. He faced multiple charges of corruption, but, so far, has avoided his day in court. He was tried for rape and acquitted. As president he was accused of working with an Indian family, the Guptas, in orchestrating state capture (seizing control of state organs for corrupt purposes). He is refusing to cooperate with the judicial commission investigating the allegations.

In the end it is his contempt of the Constitutional Courts order that he cooperate with the commission that may send him to jail for 15 months. Hes appealed for a rescission of the order.

A question that invariably gets asked is whether power changed him. The countrys former foreign intelligence chief Moe Shaik seemed to think so, writing glowingly of the capable struggle version of Zuma, suggesting it was only as president that things went awry, although he noted that we will never know when precisely lost his way.

Perhaps it came rather earlier than Shaik thinks. As with so many fallen revolutionaries, the seeds of venality seem to have been sown in his younger days. Its just that political power provided the nutrients for spectacular sprouting.

A taste of Zuma

My first taste of Zuma came in 1989. The ANCs Operation Vula was under way. It involved building an underground insurrectionary network and I belonged to one of its regional leadership structures. We received an instruction to investigate whether Peter Mokaba, the leader of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), was a spy.

Our damning report was presented to Zuma and the ANCs security chief Joe Nhlanhla who informed us that Mokaba, who died in 2002, was an informer whose relationship with the security police went deeper than wed suspected. Other ANC leaders got on board to spread this message but we were told that Oliver Tambo, who then led the exiled ANC, decided it would be better to rehabilitate Mokaba, which duly happened.

Soon after that I was visited by a senior leader of the South African Communist Party, which was in an alliance with the ANC. He pleaded with me to do a journalistic hatchet job on Zuma. He said his own home in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, was bugged by ANC intelligence and that Zuma was corrupt.

I ignored the request. But it was one of several signs Id seen that Zuma was despised within the Communist Party.

Zuma had briefly been on the partys politburo but fell from favour partly because of conflicts between ANC intelligence and its armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. One conflict involved commander Thami Zulu, who was branded by Zumas allies as an enemy agent, detained for 14 months by the ANC in Lusaka and died of poisoning a week after his release. Those who knew Zulu insisted he was innocent.

His death contributed to the hatred for Zuma. It was by no means the only crime attributed to ANC intelligence.

Steely resolve

Zuma started life in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1942, the son of a policeman and a domestic worker. He received scant formal education but emerged as a lad with a sharp mind and steely resolve. At 17 he joined the ANC and three years on was arrested as part of a group of military recruits, leading to a 10-year spell on Robben Island. He went into exile in 1975.

His ambition, prodigious memory and avuncular personality all helped him along and he became the ANCs chief representative in Mozambique, a member of its political and military committee and its intelligence chief in 1987.

Those who backed him tended to overlook his darker side, including his sexual promiscuity.

When Zuma returned to South Africa in 1990 KwaZulu-Natal was in the midst of a territorial war between the ANC and Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezis Zulu nationalist Inkatha movement. He emerged as ANC leader there after seeing off the ANC warlord Harry Gwala, using his charm and Zulu credentials to secure the peace. But this came at a cost. The ANC drew some of Inkathas most notorious killers into its fold and a new form of violence broke out.

This time it had nothing to do with ideology. Instead, it was all about money  as so much was when Zuma was around.

Corruption and legal jeopardy

In 2004, when Zuma was deputy president, his financial advisor Schabir Shaik was arrested for his role in an arms deal and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment (but released after 28 months on spurious health grounds). He was found to have solicited bribes of R500,000 a year for Zuma, who was later charged with corruption. This was followed by further charges relating to another arms deal. But procedural irregularities and allegations of political interference meant none of these went to trial.

He faced legal jeopardy from a different source in 2006, tried for allegedly raping a 31-year-old Aids activist whom he knew to be HIV-positive (he said he believed a shower after sex would be adequate protection). Zuma claimed it was his duty as a Zulu man to have sex with a woman if she wore a short kanga (African wrap), and that he could not leave her unfulfilled.

He argued Zulu men have sexual primacy over women and he could therefore not be guilty. To deny her sex, that would have been tantamount to rape.

Zuma was acquitted while the alleged victim was vilified, with Zuma and his supporters singing his favourite song, Lethu Mshini Wami (Bring me my machine gun) during and after the trial. The woman, later named as Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo, fled into exile for safety. She returned after a decade and died in 2016.

Thabo Mbeki had dumped Zuma as his deputy in 2005 and the long-time allies became enemies. The paranoid Mbeki lacked the common touch and was oddly devoid of his former gracious charm, while Zuma was the opposite: friendly and humorous. By playing on popular concerns about service provision, crime, and Aids, and being chummy with the unions, the youth and the left, he won the backing of people who should have been more wary.

Zuma defeated Mbeki for the ANC leadership in 2007 and became president in 2009, remaining in office for nine years. The left hoped hed curb his excesses, but the opposite happened. The Guptas fed his greed in return for state contracts, to the point that they offered cabinet positions to obedient hopefuls.

Eventually, Zuma over-reached. He dipped into state coffers to upgrade his house in Nkandla. Then he fired two finance ministers who would not do his bidding.

Cyril Ramaphosa won the ANC leadership race in December 2017. Two months later Zuma stepped down as president of the country. The Guptas promptly fled to Dubai.

Zuma faces jail for contempt, the revival of the original fraud, racketeering and money laundering charges, and possibly further charges, depending on the findings of the Zondo Commission into state capture, whose subpoenas he ignored.

There will be more posturing and more singing of Lethu Mshini Wami by followers who stand to lose from his demise. But at the age of 78 Zumas long day in the sun is over.

Gavin Evans, Lecturer, Culture and Media department, Birkbeck, University of London

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
US President will deliver a major policy speech on on Thursday and an update on the drawdown of troops after a meeting with his national security team on the conflict-ridden country, the has said.

Tomorrow morning, President Biden will meet with his national security team to receive a periodic update on the progress of our military drawdown from Afghanistan, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Wednesday.

Early tomorrow afternoon, the President will make comments on our continued drawdown efforts and ongoing security and humanitarian assistance to the ANDSF (Afghan National Defence and Security Forces) and the Afghan people, Psaki said.

Biden told reporters at the that he would talk about the drawdown of troops from on Thursday.

One of the reasons that the President made the decision to withdraw troops from is because he does not feel there's a military solution for a 20-year war, Psaki told reporters aboard Air Force One.

He has long felt there was not a military solution. Diplomatic negotiations, she said.

Two, as he reiterated when Afghan leaders were here just a couple of weeks ago, we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance, security assistance. We intend to continue to have a diplomatic presence on the ground in Kabul, even after we bring the servicemen and women home at the end of August. So, that is a mechanism for that, she said.

The United States will continue to work with partners in the region to plan for its own counter terrorism preparations.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters that the US is aware that Iran hosted talks with the Taliban.

We are of course aware that Iran has hosted a meeting between the Taliban and the Islamic Republic. Negotiating teams, this is what we've always said, that Afghanistan's neighbours and countries in the region, they too have a stake in Afghanistan's future. They need to use their influence in ways that are positive, in ways that are constructive, in ways that promote the cause of peace, in ways that support the people of Afghanistan, he said.

We know that regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process, it's important for an enduring peace. When it comes to the recent violence, this is something obviously we have spoken to quite a bit. And the point remains that no government that might come to power in Afghanistan through the use of force at the barrel of a gun will have legitimacy or the support--and that can be especially critical--from the community, Price said.

Nor would a government that comes to power by force have the support of the people of Afghanistan. And what we ultimately hope to help support and will seek to help support is a just, endurable settlement. Every part has an interest in a settlement being durable. The Afghan people have been burdened and in many cases brutalised by 40 years of civil war, he said in response to a question.

The United States is supporting the efforts ongoing in Doha right now between the parties where the parties are in fact still meeting, still talking, to see to it that we can have a just, endurable settlement and a comprehensive cease fire to finally see an end to this violence, Price said.

The exit from Afghanistan before September 11 stems from the February 2020 agreement Washington signed with the Taliban in return for counterterrorism guarantees and pledges the group would negotiate a political settlement to the war with the Afghan government.

In April, President Biden announced that the US will withdraw all remaining troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, in an effort to end a deadly conflict that has cost trillions of dollars and the lives of more than 2,300 American troops.

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Oman on Thursday indefinitely suspended passengers flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of the Gulf nation's efforts to arrest the spread of the

The flights have been suspended until further notice, the sultanate's official Twitter account for countering COVID-19 announced. The decision was taken as part of the country's measures to contain the pandemic, it said.

The other countries on the list include the UK, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil.

The ban on arrivals from some of these countries has already been in place since April 24.

Oman on Wednesday reported 1,675 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 280,235.

The country has reported 3,356 coronavirus-related deaths so far.

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Two members of the were injured during a rocket attack against the Ain Al-Assad Air Base that hosts Coalition troops in Iraq, Defense Department spokesperson Commander Jessica McNulty confirmed to Sputnik.

Earlier on Wednesday, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said two personnel suffered minor injuries after 14 rockets were fired at the air base.

"I can confirm two US service members had the minor injuries in today's attack at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq," McNulty said in a statement on Wednesday.

This is the second rocket attack on the Ain Al-Assad base this week. On Monday, the air base was hit by three rockets that did not result in any injuries or material damage.

On June 27, the Defense Department said US fighter jets struck facilities of the Iranian-backed militants - Kata'ib Hezbollah and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada - in the Syrian-Iraqi border region in response to attacks against United States interests in

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Former South African president turned himself over to police early Thursday to begin serving a 15-month term.

Just minutes before the midnight deadline for police to arrest him, Zuma left his Nkandla home in a convoy of vehicles. Zuma decided to hand himself over to authorities to obey the order from the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court, that he should serve a term for contempt of court.

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 the South African police confirmed that Zuma was in their custody.

Zuma's decision to obey the Constitutional Court order comes after a week of rising tensions over his sentence.

Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in 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 country's 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.

Zuma's lawyers asked the acting chief justice to issue directives stopping the police from arresting him, claiming there would be a prejudice to his life.

The top court met late Wednesday, according to local reports, but apparently rejected Zuma's request.

Zuma had also launched two court proceedings to avoid arrest after his sentence last week.

He applied at the Constitutional Court for his sentence to be rescinded 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 to have the sentence rescinded. The regional court will rule on that application on Friday.

Political tensions have risen in KwaZulu-Natal province as a result of Zuma's 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.

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Fully-vaccinated Britons returning from medium-risk amber list countries will no longer have to quarantine when they arrive home from July 19, transport secretary Grant Shapps said on Thursday.

The rule change will be a huge boost to airlines and the travel industry which have been brought to their knees by 15 months of restrictions. In Britain, 65% of adults have been fully vaccinated, opening up travel for millions.

"I can confirm today that from the 19th of July, residents who are fully vaccinated through the vaccine rollout will no longer have to self isolate when they return to England," Shapps said.

The need to quarantine on return had prevented a travel recovery. Under previous rules, those returning to Britain from its top destinations, Spain, France, the United States and Italy, all had to self-isolate for up to 10 days.

Shares in British Airways-owner IAG and easyJet both traded up 2% immediately after the news, which will also be welcomed by Southern European countries eager for tourist revenues.

"This move means Europe is turning green for people who are fully vaccinated," easyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said in a statement. "Now millions will finally be able to reunite with family and loved ones abroad or take that long-awaited trip this summer."

The rule change only applies to amber list countries. For countries on the UK's high-risk red list, fully-vaccinated Britons will still be required to self-isolate in a hotel.

Shapps said that Britons returning from amber list destinations would still have take a COVID-19 test before they arrive home and then a second test on or before day two.

Children under the age of 18 will not have to self-isolate but will need to take tests.

Bookings for the crucial peak late July and August holiday season, when the industry makes most of its profit, are expected to soar following the rule change.

Airlines and holiday companies like TUI and Jet2 have repeatedly called for an end to quarantine but it will however remain in place for non-Britons for now, said Shapps, disappointing the industry.

"We're working to extend our approach to vaccinated passengers from important markets and holiday destinations, later this summer, such as the United States and the EU," he said.

He said he would provide an update in due course.

British Airways said that while it was pleased with Shapps's announcement, it wanted to see progress on scrapping quarantine for non-Britons.

"The government needs to quickly extend this to all vaccinated travellers, agree a reciprocal deal with the US, add more countries to the 'green' list and reduce the need for unnecessary, expensive tests," BA chief executive Sean Doyle said.

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The domestic on Thursday fell along with other global peers as the spread of the new covid-19 variants stoked fears of stall economic revival and derail the reflation trades that has been driving the stocks for months now.

The benchmark fell 486 points to end the session at 52,569, a decline of 0.92 per centmost since May 12. The Nifty, on the other hand, fell 151 points to end the session at 15,728, a drop of 0.9 per cent.

Asian equities were volatile amid continued losses in Hong Kong-listed Chinese tech stocks. The governments plan to declare a new emergency battered Japanese stocks, whereas a rise in daily Covid cases scared investors in South Korea. A political crisis in Malaysia rattled investors after the largest party in the coalition announced it would withdraw support for the Prime Minister.

Analysts said the spread of the delta variant had raised fears of whether economic growth and the opening up of economies will take a backseat. And hurt investor expectation that the pandemics effects on the global economy are behind us. On Thursday, the US bond yield was trading at 1.25 per cent, their lowest level since February 15, 2021.

Most of the Asian equity benchmarks traded lower in early deals on Thursday as the market remained cautious with the continued spike in the covid cases over the globe. And fears that more regions might impose stricter restrictions if the viral spread does not subside spurred concerns about the pace of global economic recovery, said Vishal Wagh, Research Head, Bonanza Portfolio.

From now on, monetary easing will continue to remain critical to the market outlook. Though the US Federal Reserves meeting minutes did not give a definite date for reducing the bond purchase programme, the US central bank indicated that a move is needed sooner.





The global sell-off caught the traders on the wrong foot, and the index breached the intraday supports, resulting in more selling pressure. is back within the range that it has been consolidating for the last one month with today's correction. This indicates that traders will still have to wait for a breakout on either side to predict the next directional move, said Ruchit Jain, Senior Analyst - Technical and Derivatives, Angel Broking.

The results season for the quarter will kick off on Thursday with the June quarter results of Tata Consultancy Services. Analysts said would first react to TCS numbers in early trade on Friday, which might set the tone for the result of the session. Further, demand scenarios and management commentary will be crucial factors to watch in Q1FY22 results.

On an overall basis, 378 stocks hit their 52-week highs, and 411 hit their upper circuit. The market breadth was negative, with 1,448 stocks advancing and 1,738 declining. More than two-thirds of stocks ended the session with losses. Tata Steel was the worst-performing stock and ended the session with a loss of 2.3 per cent. Sun Pharma fell 1.96 per cent, and SBI fell 1.8 per cent. Barring two, all the sectoral indices ended the session with losses. Metal and Banking stocks fell the most, and their gauges declined 2.4 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively.
Nifty futures on the Singapore Exchange traded 59 points lower at 15,829 around 8.35 am, indicating a weak start for the benchmark indices on Thursday.

Here are the top stocks that are likely to be in focus today:

Earnings Today: TCS, Gammon Infrastructure Projects, and Shyam Metalics and Energy will release their quarterly numbers on Thursday.

Analysts expect to post PAT growth of 30-36 per cent and revenue growth of 19-20 per cent, on a yearly basis, led by a low base of last year, strong seasonality, digital traction and ramp-up of deals. READ HERE

Tata Motors: The stock of the home-grown automaker will be in focus after Jaguar Land Rover assured the investors that it sees a strong rebound in overall volumes and cash flow in the second half of the year although the company stayed clear of giving any fresh guidance FY22.

Bajaj Healthcare: The company has received license from DRDO to manufacture and market '2-Deoxy-D-Glucose' (2-DG), used in control and treatment of COVID-19.

PNB Housing Finance: The company on Wednesday said its promoter Punjab National Bank has asked it to consider restructuring the proposed Rs 4,000 crore capital infusion deal led by US-based Carlyle group. After obtaining legal opinion, PNB board is of the opinion that the housing finance company should take cognisance of the SEBI letter and consider restructuring the contours of the fund-raising plan. PNB Housing board, after meeting on July 5 and 6, has decided to wait for SAT order on July 12, before further action.

Zuari Global: The company has acquired 13.19 percent shares of Forte Furniture Products India from the Indian Furniture Products (IFPL) subsidiary of the company.

HDFC: Housing finance major on Wednesday said it has divested 2.46 per cent of its stake in Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOECL) for Rs 37 crore. The shares were sold in the secondary market through stock exchanges between September 19, 2017 and July 7, 2021 (including these dates) at the prevailing market price.

Bank stocks: The RBI has imposed penalties on 14 lenders for contravention of various regulatory norms. The penalty imposed totals Rs 14.5 crore, with a maximum Rs 2 crore fine on Bank of Baroda. Rs 1 crore penalty has been imposed each on Bandhan Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Credit Suisse AG, Indian Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, South Indian Bank, The Jammu & Kashmir Bank, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank. The penalty imposed on the State Bank of India is Rs 50 lakh.

JK Tyre: JK Tyre & Industries Ltd on Wednesday said it has widened its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supply to Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) with the addition of the automobile maker's latest SUV Alcazar.

Shree Cement: CARE reaffirmed rating of the company at A1+.

KPR Mill: The company will consider the proposal for sub-division of the face value of the equity shares on July 27.

RailTel Corporation of India: The company has received a work order for Rs 23 crore from Sagar Cable Network towards providing of multicast drop and carry with 1.5G capacity at 66 locations for 5 years.

Kalyan Jewellers: Overall revenue for the June quarter was 55 per cent of Q1FY20, the company said. A significant portion of the revenue for Q1FY22 was booked during the month of April.
Shares of were trading higher for the seventh straight day and were locked in 5 per cent upper circuit at Rs 15,954 on the BSE on Thursday in an otherwise weak market. Till 02:33 pm, a combined around 4,400 shares had changed hands and there were pending buy orders for 7,600 shares on the BSE and NSE.

The stock continued its northward movement after the company announced stock split and bonus issue plan on May 26. On June 10, the company announced 1:1 bonus issue i.e. one bonus share for every share held in the company on record date. The company also declared sub-division of the face value of equity shares from Rs 5 to Rs 2. The company said the board of directors considered that the sub-division will be in the interest of the company.

Generally, a company plans to go for a stock split to make the shares more affordable for small retail investors and increase liquidity. The company has fixed July 27, 2021 as record date for ascertaining shareholders for bonus issue and stock split.

The board also recommended final dividend of 4,000 per cent (Rs 200 per share) on face value of Rs 5 per share (i.e. before sub-division of shares and bonus issue) for the financial year 2020-21. The stock will turn ex-dividend on July 19, 2021.

Tide Water Oil has a low equity base of 3.48 million shares, with promoters holding 57.28 per cent of the shares. Two state-owned companies, United India Assurance Company (6.88 per cent) and Life Insurance Corporation of India (4.22 per cent), collectively hold 11.69 per cent stake in the company. While individual shareholders have 22.36 per cent stake and others have 6.20 per cent, the March 2021 shareholding pattern data shows.

Tide Water oil has been one of the leading players in the Indian lubricant industry. It manufactures and Veedol brand of lubricants. Its repertoire of automotive products includes engine oils for trucks, tractors, commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and two/three wheelers.

It also produces gear oils, transmission oils, coolants, and greases for automobiles. For industrial application it manufactures industrial oils, greases, and specialty products like metal working fluids, quenching oils, and heat transfer oils. Tide Water has tie-ups, for the manufacture of genuine oils, with a number of renowned OEMs in the automotive and industrial equipment segment.
Brightcom Group has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire a Digital Marketing Services company based out of India with more than 1100 employees and premium clients such as Netflix, Disney, Expedia, Bitly, Hulu and The New York Times.

The details regarding the name of the target company have been kept confidential in light of the confidentiality clause of the LOI. A definitive agreement will follow after the completion of the confirmatory business, legal and financial due diligence.

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The offer received bids for 5.26 crore shares as against 1.23 crore shares on offer.

The initial public offer (IPO) of Clean Science and Technology received bids for 5.26 crore shares as against 1.23 crore shares on offer, according to the stock exchange data. The issue was subscribed 4.28 times.

The issue opened for bidding on Wednesday, 7 July 2021, and it will close on Friday, 9 July 2021. The price band for the IPO is set at Rs 880-900 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 16 shares in multiples thereof.

The offer comprises of offer for sale (OFS) aggregating up to Rs 1,546.62 crore by existing shareholders, including promoters Ashok Ramnarayan Boob, Krishnakumar Ramnarayan Boob, Siddhartha Ashok Sikchi and Parth Ashok Maheshwari.

Ahead of the IPO, the company finalized allocation of 51,55,404 equity shares to anchor investors at Rs 900 per share, aggregating to Rs 463.98 crore.

Clean Science and Technology manufactures functionally critical specialty chemicals such as performance chemicals- mono methyl ether of hydroquinone (MEHQ), butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), L-ascorbyl palmitate and anisole. The firm is among the few companies globally focused entirely on developing newer technologies using in-house catalytic processes, which are eco-friendly and cost competitive.

The company has two manufacturing facilities in India with 11 production lines (including three lines for catalyst production and regeneration), which had a combined installed capacity of 29,900 MTPA (metric tonnes per annum) as of 31 December 2020, and capacity utilization rates of 71.94% for Fiscal 2021. As majority of our sales are through exports, both facilities are strategically located at Kurkumbh (Maharashtra), which is in proximity to the JNPT port. Each facility has an on-site R&D unit, quality control department, warehouse, and effluent treatment system that treats effluent, to make facilities zero liquid discharge facilities. The company has also recently set-up a unit at the third facility adjacent to its existing facilities at Kurkumbh (Maharashtra), and have recently been allotted land for the construction of a fourth facility at Kurkumbh (Maharashtra). The captive solar plants meet part of its power requirements at facilities, which improves cost efficiencies and results in better utilization of resources.

The company reported a net profit of Rs 198.38 crore and total income of Rs 512.43 crore for the year ended 31 March 2021.

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On 07 July 2021

Larsen & Toubro Infotech has completed acquisition of Cuelogic Technologies having its registered office in Pune along with its 100% subsidiary in US, Cuelogic Technologies, Inc. on 07 July 2021.

Consequently, Cuelogic is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and Cuelogic Technologies Inc., US is now wholly owned step-down subsidiary of the Company.

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Larsen & Toubro Infotech (LTI) said that it has completed the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Pune-based Cuelogic Technologies on 7 July 2021.

"Consequently, Cuelogic is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the company and Cuelogic Technologies Inc., US is now wholly owned step-down subsidiary of the company, LTI said in a statement.

On 15 June 2021, LTI signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cuelogic Technologies, a Pune-based digital engineering company with a 100% subsidiary in US, Cuelogic Technologies, Inc.

Cuelogic Technologies is a digital engineering company which operates in the digital product engineering space. It works with customers wanting to build digital products, modernize legacy software with modern technologies leveraging cloud, AI, mobility and offer Innovation Lab as a service to fast track experimentation and capture untapped value from digital. Cuelogic reported a revenue of $5.5 million (unaudited) in FY2021 compared with $3.55 million in FY2020.

LTI said that the acquisition would help in enhancing LTI's digital engineering practice by combining Cuelogic Technologies' people, tools, methodologies, training methodologies and onboarding structure along with its strong leadership team to support practice development, sales and delivery.

Cuelogic would be integrated with the Digital practice of LTI. This is the seventh acquisition by LTI since the company got listed in 2016.

L&T Infotech is a global technology consulting and digital solutions company. Its consolidated net profit rose 5.1% to Rs 545.70 crore on 3.7% increase in revenue to Rs 3,269.40 crore in Q4 FY21 over Q3 FY20.

The scrip rose 0.65% to currently trade at Rs 4060.90 on the BSE.

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Zuari Global on Wednesday announced that the company has acquired 13.19% shares of Forte Furniture Products India from Indian Furniture Products (IFPL), subsidiary of the company.

Zuari Global already holds 35.79% stake in Forte Furniture Products India (FFPL). With this transaction, the company has increased its stake by 13.19% in FFPL. Indian Furniture Products (FFPL) being a subsidiary of Zuari Global, the transaction falls under the related party.

The cost of acquisition is Rs 13.69 crore and the acquisition is proposed to be completed within 60 days from the date of execution. The intent of acquisition is restructuring of FFPL.

FFPL, incorporated in Tamil Nadu is engaged in the business of manufacturing of ready to assemble furniture. The company is a joint venture between Fabryki Mebli S.A, Poland and Zuari Global.

Shares of Zuari Global were trading 1.19% higher at Rs 144 on BSE,

Zuari Global engages in agriculture, heavy engineering, infrastructure, lifestyle, and services businesses in India

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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "fight" in the Assembly elections next year is with widows and orphans, said AIMIM president on Thursday attacking the state government over the deaths during the second coronavirus wave.

Owaisi said during the second wave of Covid, lakhs of people died "due to the UP government" as bodies of the poor were seen floating in the Ganga and dogs found dragging these on the river banks.

People were not getting oxygen and beds in hospitals, he said addressing party workers while inaugurating its office in Bahraich city.

"Yogi's fight in the coming elections will be with the women made widows and children left orphan by his government," he said, adding that mothers and sisters of UP have expectations from Om Prakash Rajbhar-led Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha, a coalition of smaller parties.

The Hyderabad MP also called upon opposition parties to join the Morcha, saying, "We are entering the electoral fray with the resolve not to allow Yogi to become the chief minister again in the 2022 elections."



Those (opposition parties) who are afraid of us today should not forget that we did not contest the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, yet they could not defeat Narendra Modi, he said.

Owaisi further said they are going to contest the Assembly elections with a bigger motive.

We are fighting for our share in power and not to become mere vote bank. Now, we will send our representatives to the Legislative Assembly with our votes. We have also proved this by winning five Vidhan Sabha seats in Bihar, he said in an apparent reference to the Muslim community.

Owaisi said all political groups understand that there is no voice of the oppressed and minorities.

The drama of those who make us happy by feeding dates during iftars, organise mushairas and qawwali will now come to an end. We are not circus clowns. Instead of becoming a clown who dances at the behest of the ring master, we will now become the ringmaster and make them dance to our directions, he said.

Owaisi said the government has so far administered coronavirus vaccine to only three per cent of the state population and called upon the people who attended the programme to get themselves vaccinated.

The AIMIM had recently announced that it would contest on 100 seats in the Assembly polls in alliance with Om Prakash Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) and the Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha, a front of smaller parties.

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Former chief minister and senior Congress leader died here in the wee hours of Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 87.

The veteran leader breathed his last at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) here at 3.40 am, senior medical superintendent Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Dr. Janak Raj said.

He suffered from heart attack on Monday and was critical. He was in the critical care unit of IGMC.

Virbhadra was put on ventilator under the supervision of the doctors of the cardiology department on Wednesday after he had breathing problem, he added.

The nine-time MLA and five-time MP, Singh served as Himachal Pradesh's chief minister for six times.

Virbhadra was tested positive for COVID-19 on June 11 for the second time in two months.

He had earlier tested positive for the disease on April 12.

Earlier, he was admitted to a hospital in Chandigarh after he tested positive for coronavirus on April 12.

Singh had returned home in Holly Lodge here on April 30 from the Chandigarh hospital after getting cured of the first infection.

However, he was admitted to IGMC within hours after reaching home, as he complained of cardiac and breathing problems. He was under treatment in the hospital ever since then.

Singh's wife Pratibha Singh and the couple's son Vikramaditya Singh are also politicians. Pratibha is former MP, while Vikramaditya is MLA from Shimla rural.

They had celebrated Singh's 87th birthday at their residence at Holly Lodge in a simple manner by cutting a cake in the presence of their supporters on June 23. At that time, Virbhadra was convalescing at the IGMC.

The veteran Congress leader remained chief minister of the state for six times- from April 8, 1983 to March 5, 1990, December 3, 1993 to March 23, 1998 and from March 6, 2003 to December 29, 2007 and for the sixth time from December 25, 2012 to December 26, 2017.

Singh also remained the leader of Opposition from March 1998 to March 2003.

The veteran Congress leader also served as union deputy minister, Tourism and Civil Aviation, minister of state for industries, union minister of steel and Union Minister of micro, small & medium enterprises (MSME).

He was re-elected to the 13th Vidhan Sabha in December 2017 from Arki Assembly Constituency in Solan district.

Earlier, he was elected to the state legislative assembly in October 1983 (by-election); re-elected in 1985 from Jubbal-Kotkhai assembly constituency, in 1990, 1993, 1998, 2003 & 2007 from Rohru assembly constituency and in 2012 from Shimla rural assembly constituency.

He was also elected to third Lok Sabha in 1962; re-elected to 4th Lok Sabha in 1967 from Mahasu Constituency, 5th Lok Sabha in 1971 , 7th Lok Sabha in 1980 and 15th Lok Sabha (5th term) in May 2009 from Mandi Lok- Sabha Constituency.

The veteran leader was BA (Hons.), MA; educated at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla and St. Stephen's College, Delhi.

Son of Late Raja Sir Padam Singh of Bushahr state, he was born on June 23, 1934 at Sarahan.

He also served as Congress president in 1977, 1979, 1980 and from 26th August, 2012 to December 2012.

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A plant with a capacity of 333 litres per minute (LMP) was inaugurated in this district of Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Wednesday.

Set up at the Bhojpur Primary Health Centre, the plant is the third oxygen-generating unit in the district.

It was jointly inaugurated by District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar Singh and Modinagar BJP MLA Manju Shivach. Chief Development Officer Asmita Lal said the unit will cater to the medical need of villages of remote areas of the district.

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, District Magistrate Singh said the oxygen-generating unit has been established by M/S Dabur India Limited using the corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund.

Prior to this, two plants were made functional in Ghaziabad -- one inside the premises of ESIS hospital Sahibabad and the second in district combined hospital Sanjay Nagar in Ghaziabad city on July 1.

In view of an anticipated third of the coronavirus, beds would be increased at Bhojpur block primary health centre. In total, seven more oxygen plants would be installed in the district till August 15, the DM said.

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Chinese conglomerate has reached a patent license agreement with a supplier of Group. According to reports, it was Luxembourg-based Rolling Wireless.

expects more than 30 million vehicles to be licensed under its based on existing license agreements.

The deal covers 4G connectivity in the vehicles.

The agreement includes a license under Huawei's 4G standard essential (SEPs), which covers vehicles equipped with wireless connectivity.

This agreement marks Huawei's largest licensing deal in the automotive industry, the company said on a statement late on Wednesday.

"As an innovative company, we own a leading patent portfolio for wireless technologies, which creates great value for the automotive industry. We believe this license will benefit worldwide consumers with our advanced technology," said Song Liuping, Chief Legal Officer of

Over the past 20 years, Huawei has entered into more than 100 patent license agreements with major global companies across Europe, the US, Japan, and South Korea.

After facing US sanctions, the company has said it needs to diversify in order to reverse a revenue decline.

In April, the company reported first quarter sales were down 16.5 per cent, largely because Huawei sold off its Honor smartphone brand.

--IANS

na/

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American tech giant started testing its new Office design today. Office Insiders can now access the new UI for testing before it's available to all 365 users later this year.

As per The Verge, the software maker originally teased its design changes to Office last year before revealing last month that Office's new UI is designed to match the redesigned Windows 11 operating system.

The main changes in the new UI are a rounded look to the Office ribbon bar, with subtle tweaks to some of the buttons throughout Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

had originally teased more dramatic changes to its Office UI, which included moving toward more of a command bar instead of the traditional ribbon interface.

It looks like, for now at least, Microsoft is gradually bringing subtle changes to its Office design rather than fully ditching the ribbon interface. Microsoft is still working on adaptive commanding that will eventually see Office's ribbon interface replaced with a toolbar that can be undocked to float nearby actions you're taking in documents.

Those changes are expected to appear on the web and mobile versions of Office first, ahead of any significant design overhauls to the main desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Microsoft said last year that these changes could take a year or two to roll out, so we're only starting to see the first changes in time for Windows 11 right now.

This updated Microsoft Office interface is available for testers on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

You will need to be part of the Office Insiders group and set to receive beta channel updates in Office settings. Once you've updated, a megaphone icon at the top of any Office app will let you toggle the new UI on or off.

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The on Thursday granted two weeks' to Inc to file an affidavit, notarised in United States, on compliance with the new Information Technology (IT) Rules here and made it clear that it was not extending any protection to the micro-blogging platform.

The high court said Central government was free to take action against Inc in case of any breach of the new IT Rules.

It is made clear that since this court has not passed any interim order, this court has granted time to Respondent No 2 ( Inc) to file affidavit, no protection is granted. It is open to Centre to take action against the Respondent 2 in case of any breach of the Rules, a bench of Justice Rekha Palli said while listing the matter for further hearing on July 28.

Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Twitter, told the court that it was not seeking any protection either.

The consequence (of non-compliance) is that the protection to intermediaries falls off. I'm not seeking any protection, he said.

The high court also directed that affidavits on compliance with the rules be also filed by the officers appointed by Twitter under the new IT Rules.

"Twitter prays for two weeks' time for filing notarised affidavit of competent official of respondent nos 2 (Twitter Inc). Two weeks time is granted. Scanned copies to be filed by Tuesday, July 13," the high court said after Poovayya submitted that he would get notarised affidavit from the U.S and the same would require some time.

The high court on July 6 had directed Twitter to inform it by July 8 as to when it will appoint a resident grievance officer (RGO) in compliance with the new IT Rules.

Poovayya told the court that pursuant to the direction, a note was filed, clarifying the status of appointment of the interim chief compliance officer (CCO), interim RGO as well as a nodal contact person on interim basis.

While an interim CCO has already been appointed on July 6, an interim RGO and interim nodal contact officer will be appointed by July 11 and within two weeks, respectively, Poovayya told the court and said that Twitter was actively recruiting for permanent position.

He said that usage of interim would not lessen the responsibilities imposed on these officers to ensure compliance with the new IT Rules.

The high court, however, said tomorrow you may take benefit of 'interim'. This (your stand) is neither in the letter (to the Centre) nor on an affidavit. Poovayya explained that since Twitter was in the process of setting up a liaison office in India, it could not appoint permanent employees.

Interim does not take away the responsibility of the officer under the rules. Permanent employee without a liaison office would have tax issues etc. There is no difference in obligation., he told the bench.

Poovayya added that presently, the contact address of Twitter Inc was that of a legal counsel in Bengaluru and that he was unable to put a date as to when the liaison office would be established in India.

It is admittedly not done in three months. COVID and a lot of other precipitative things happened. By the end of this week, we will file a compliance report., he explained.

The senior advocate clarified that compliance was without prejudice to Twitter's right to challenge the new IT Rules.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for Centre, objected to the absence of any affidavit and affirmation from Twitter.

With regards Twitter's stand that it would endeavour in good faith to comply with the rules and appointment of officers was via a third party contractor, the law officer said that he sought accountability from the micro blogging website.

This is not diplomatic parlance. We want accountability, full accountability of great servitude. It can't be left in half-way house via third party, Sharma said.

Poovayya explained that the word endeavour was used to avoid being in contempt of court in case of non-compliance, to which the court responded, you are already in contempt. Now you are trying to salvage the situation.

The court nonetheless added that it would take Twitter has the bonafide intent to comply with the rules.

The Centre said in its affidavit that Twitter has failed to comply with India's new IT Rules, which could lead to its losing immunity conferred under the IT Act.

The affidavit had said that Twitter has failed to comply with the IT Rules, 2021 as on July 1 for the following reasons -- chief compliance officer has not been appointed; the positions of RGO and nodal contact person are vacant, and the physical contact address, which was shown to be there on May 29, is not available again on Twitter website.

Petitioner-lawyer Amit Acharya, represented through Senior Advocate G Tushar Rao and advocate Akash Bajpai, said in his plea that he came to know about the alleged non-compliance when he tried to lodge a complaint against a couple of tweets.

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Customers line up at the Cadillac Area Farmers Market to pay for their items in this Cadillac News file photo. The Cadillac Michigan State Police Post is warning produce and fruit vendors that farmer\'s markets, roadside stands and u-pick operations are being targeted by scammers.
A semitrailer was involved in a single-vehicle rollover crash after the driver took evasive action to avoid a head-on collision in Cedar Creek Township Wednesday morning.
In todays Caixin energy news wrap: More than 59 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity were delivered from Chinas remote Xinjiang region to 20 provinces; Guangzhou Development signs long-term LNG purchase agreement with BP Singapore; and the worlds largest steelmaker is mulling inviting more private investors.

Baowu Steel plans 41 mixed-ownership projects

China Baowu Steel Group Co. Ltd., the worlds largest steelmaker, plans to launch 41 projects under the so-called mixed-ownership reform to invite private investors into its subsidiaries, according to Zhu Yonghong, the companys chief accountant. The plans will include five of Baowu Steels listed units. The steelmaker will also set up two new joint ventures with investors. China has been promoting mixed-ownership restructuring among state-owned enterprises in hopes of bringing in fresh investment and management expertise from the private sector.

Hesteel puts first batch of hydrogen-fueled heavy trucks into service

Hesteel Group, one of Chinas leading steelmakers based in Hebei province, put the first batch of 39 hydrogen-fueled heavy trucks into operation, according to people.com.cn. The fleet of trucks with 49-ton capacity marks the first commercial use of hydrogen energy in heavy truck transportation. Compared with purely electric heavy trucks, hydrogen-fueled trucks offer greater range and dual power supply modes to better suit the cold winter in Northern China.

CGNs first-half nuclear power generation up 5.12%

Nuclear power giant China General Nuclear Power Corp. (003816.SZ) said its total power generation in the first half reached 101 billion kilowatt-hours, up 5.12% from the same period last year. The amount of power connected to national grid networks totaled 95 billion kilowatt-hours, a 5.40% increase.

Guangzhou Development signs LNG deal with BP Singapore unit

Guangzhou Development Group Inc. (600098.SH) said one of its subsidiaries signed a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchase agreement with BP Singapore Pte. Ltd. to secure a stable energy supply. Under the agreement, Guangzhou Development will purchase about 650,000 tons of LNG every year from the Singaporean company between 2022 and 2034.

Clean energy developer GCL ties up with Geely in electric-car push

GCL Energy Technology Co. Ltd. (002015.SZ) set up a strategic partnership with Zhejiang Geelys commercial vehicle unit to jointly explore battery swaps for commercial vehicles.

Zhengzhou Coal resumes operation of six mines after safety review

Henan-based Zhengzhou Coal & Electric Co. Ltd. (600121.SH) resumed production at six mines after completion of required rectifications and safety inspection, the company said. The mines have been suspended since June 15 and have combined annual production capacity of 8.25 million tons. Since the end of May, three coal mine accidents have occurred in Henan province, leading to strict mining safety supervision.

Power transmission from Xinjiang up 34% in first half

Chinas power-rich Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region delivered more than 59 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to 20 provinces in the first half of 2021, a year-over-year increase of 34%. Electricity generated from renewable energy accounts for less than 30%.

Contact editors Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com)

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.

Follow the Chinese markets in real time with Caixin Globals new stock database.
Since last year, demand for shipping has grown rapidly, as a number of countries import more daily necessities and medical goods and equipment due to Covid-19-induced disruptions in their domestic production. Photo: VCG

China is on track to be overtaken by South Korea in shipbuilding orders in the second half of the year, a new report argues, as rising raw material costs erode local shipbuilders advantages and discourage them to seek new business while those in their eastern neighbor rack up orders.

With rapid growth, South Korea is likely to outpace China in terms of new shipbuilding orders, shipping services provider Clarksons PLC estimated in a report on the global shipping market. New orders to Chinas shipbuilders stood at about 10.59 million compensated gross tons in the first half of the year, the largest in the world and slightly higher than the 10.47 million tons received by the South Koreans.

The report points to fierce competition between Chinese and South Korean shipbuilders, as manufacturers in both countries try to seize opportunities in a booming global shipping market.

Chinas shipbuilding costs have surpassed those of its rival as raw material prices in South Korea are currently lower than in China  for example, the average price of steel plates is about 7,000 yuan ($1080.8) per ton in China, while that in South Korea is equal to 5,500 yuan, a source at a state-owned Chinese shipbuilder told Caixin.

With a longer history of development, the South Koreas shipbuilding industry has advantages over Chinas in terms of efficiency, the source said. South Korean shipbuilders also have an edge in producing cutting-edge liquefied natural gas carriers, while their Chinese counterparts are better at making traditional container ships and bulk carriers, the person said.

Fast-rising raw material costs have made Chinese shipbuilders less aggressive than their South Korean counterparts in seeking orders, a source from China State Shipbuilding Corp. Ltd. said anonymously.

Although orders were rising along with revenues, shipbuilders in China reported sluggish profits amid higher costs and fluctuating exchange rates. From January to May, 75 surveyed enterprises in the sector, including those engaged in shipbuilding and maintenance, reported a 17.9% year-on-year drop in total profits but a 13.7% rise in revenue from their main businesses, according to data (link in Chinese) from the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry.

Given low profit margins in shipbuilding industry, a sharp rise in material costs will erode profits further, another industry insider told Caixin (link in Chinese). It is difficult for a Chinese shipbuilder to make a profit in 2021. At present, youre likely to lose money if you take orders, but if you dont take orders, you will lose even more money if your production lines are idle.

Existing orders at Chinese shipbuilders were about 30.4 million tons and accounted for 38% of the global total, while their South Korean counterparts held a 33% share, the Clarksons report says. Japan ranked the third with a market share of 11%. Global new shipbuilding orders in the first half of 2021 reached the highest since 2014 as cargo shipping demand jumped globally, Clarksons said.

Since last year, demand for shipping has grown rapidly, as a number of countries imported more daily necessities and medical goods and equipment due to Covid-19-induced disruptions in their domestic production.

Recent disruptions in due to the blockage of Egypts Suez Canal and resurgence of Covid-19 cases related to Shenzhens Yantian Port, one of the worlds busiest ports, further pushed up demand for ships.

Some container shipping companies have benefited a lot from rising shipping prices. Cosco Shipping Holdings Co. Ltd. (601919.SH, 01919.HK), a Chinese state-owned shipping giant, reported (link in Chinese) 37.1 billion yuan in net profit attributable to shareholders in the first half of 2021, over 32 times the same period last year. Container shipping market continue to improve in the first half year as the average value of China Container Freight Index, a measure of shipping prices, grew 133.9% year-on-year, the company said.

Contact reporter Guo Yingzhe (yingzheguo@caixin.com) and editor Flynn Murphy (flynnmurphy@caixin.com)

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Whats new: Fifty-two travelers arriving in central Chinas Wuhan tested positive for Covid-19 in one of the largest clusters of imported infections recorded in China, the Hubei provincial health authority reported Wednesday.

The travelers flew from Afghanistan to Wuhan Friday on a chartered flight operated by Xiamen Air. Among the positive cases, 22 were confirmed with Covid-19 while 30 were asymptomatic, the Hubei health commission said.

The flight, MF8008, was an emergency chartered flight to evacuate Chinese nationals from Afghanistan amid the countrys worsening security situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday. The patients were hospitalized and their close contacts were put under quarantine, the ministry said.

The background: China, the first pandemic epicenter, faces mounting pressures to contain imported cases as the country has largely kept the domestic outbreak under control.

The task becomes more complicated with the spread of highly transmissible new variants around the world.

In June, an Air China flight from South Africa to Shenzhen reported 32 infections. All the patients were found to have the highly transmissible new Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. To read the full story in Chinese, click here.

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com)

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.

Follow the Chinese markets in real time with Caixin Globals new stock database.
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)

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Areas of dense morning fog. Cloudy early, becoming mostly sunny this afternoon. 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.
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This map of Carteret County shows the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, organized by zip code, since March 2020. The numbers in parenthesis indicate deaths associated with each zip code. (Carteret County map)
A mobile billboard sponsored by The Dogwood Alliance was driven by the Executive Mansion in Raleigh protesting Cooper's environmental policy. File, May 2021
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On Nov. 3, 2020, at a polling site in Manhattan, New Yorkers cast their votes in the U.S. election. (Photo: Ron Adar/Shutterstock.com)

In November, the state of Georgia undertook the largest hand tally of election ballots ever performed in the United States. And The Carter Center had a front-row seat.

Earlier in the fall, the Georgia Secretary of States office and The Carter Center agreed that the Center would observe the states planned risk-limiting audit of the presidential race  the first time The Carter Center has ever formally observed any part of a U.S. election.

Risk-limiting audits are new to Georgia and are considered the best way to determine whether the presumed winner did, in fact, win. Auditors use statistical formulas to randomly sample a certain percentage of ballots in every precinct. The closer the race, the larger the ballot sample.

Because Georgias presidential race turned out to be so close, the ballot sample would have to have been very large, about 1.5 million ballots. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger decided that given the time involved in pulling together a sample of that size, it would be faster to count every ballotnearly 5 million in all.

Suddenly, The Carter Center had a much bigger project on its hands than it had imagined.

The Democracy Program, with an assist from the Centers events department, sprang into action, training 52 staffers and volunteers and deploying them to 24 counties, which together accounted for more than 60% of the votes cast in Georgia.

Monitors reported that the audit generally was conducted according to procedures and without significant problems. Despite the short lead time for planning or training staff, and the added difficulty of conducting a recount in the middle of a pandemic, county election officials provided meaningful access for observers and pulled off a successful audit by the state-mandated deadline.

The audit found a few thousand ballots that had gone uncounted because of human error but turned up no evidence of major problems, ultimately confirming that Joe Biden had won Georgia.

The process, according to the Carter Centers final report, should serve as the basis for increased confidence in Georgias electoral system.

Related Resources

2020 Election: Center Tackles Transparency, Political Violence >

Learn more about the Carter Center's Democracy Program >
Photo: The Canadian Press

Flair Airlines is entering the U.S. market, part of an ambitious five-year expansion plan for the low-cost carrier.

The Edmonton-based airline announced Thursday it will launch service from Canada to six U.S. vacation destinations on Oct. 31. The new destinations are Fort Lauderdale; Orlando; Phoenix; Hollywood-Burbank, Calif.; Palm Springs, Calif.; and Las Vegas.

Flair Airlines currently operates in 20 Canadian cities and is aiming to take market share from mainline carriers Air Canada and WestJet Airlines along with discount rival Swoop by offering unbundled, bare-bones fares to budget-conscious travellers. The new U.S. routes will start between C$79 and $109 one-way, Flair chief executive Stephen Jones told reporters.

Despite a near-collapse in travel demand in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, privately held Flair has been in aggressive expansion mode this year. The airline has eight planes in this fleet, up from just three in May. Jones said the carrier is set to acquire three new Boeing 737 Max 8 jets this fall, and wants to grow to 50 aircraft within the next five years.

"The growth of Flair is undeniable now," Jones said, adding the company is betting on a quick rebound in travel demand as public health restrictions begin to ease across Canada this summer and into the fall.

"July itself is a transition month. But as we look forward into our future bookings, August, September and October are showing real strength," he said.

Flair will offer its new U.S. routes out of Halifax, Montreal, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Abbotsford, B.C.

A report released by RBC Economics earlier this week said there are signs domestic spending on hotels, restaurants, and travel is increasing as vaccinations accelerate and COVID-19 case counts plummet. However, the report said international travel and business travel will be slower to bounce back, meaning the Canadian tourism industry likely won't recover fully from the pandemic until 2022.

Rivals Air Canada and WestJet have also been bulking up their route offerings in anticipation of loosened public health restrictions and increased travel demand. Calgary-based WestJet launched 11 new non-stop routes to Western Canadian tourist destinations this summer, while Montreal-based Air Canada announced it will launch new Hawaii routes this winter. Both airlines have also begun reinstating some of their existing routes that were suspended due to COVID-19.
Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks as he meets with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney in Calgary on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government has reached a deal with British Columbia on federal child-care funding.

Trudeau says the agreement stipulates Ottawa will work with the province to reach an average of $10-per-day child care in regulated spaces for children under six years old before 2027.

He says the deal aims to create 30,000 new spaces in B.C. in the next five years, with fees for regulated spaces cut in half by the end of 2022.

B.C. marks the first province to sign on to the Liberal offer laid out in the April budget, which pledged $27.2 billion over five years, starting this fiscal year, in new spending that the governing party aims to send to provinces to subsidize daycares.

The specific strings attached to the pledge will dictate what forms of child care could be eligible for federal funding, and how much parental fees must drop over the next five years.

The federal NDP says Liberals have been promising child care since 1993 without following through, and that signs of getting ready for a likely election undermines the government's stated priority of helping parents.

Trudeau began his day behind closed doors in Metro Vancouver discussing B.C.'s wildfires and recent punishing heat wave with members of his cabinet's Incident Response Group.

He is to spend much of the rest of the day in Coquitlam, where he will meet with B.C. Premier John Horgan, who joined him for the child-care announcement.

The prime minister is also holding an afternoon meeting with the mayor of Lytton and Indigenous leaders from that Fraser Canyon community to discuss recovery from a wildfire that destroyed the village last week.

Trudeau is on a cross-country tour this week, following visits to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and to Alberta and Saskatchewan.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh launched his own tour, starting on Vancouver Island.

Singh and local New Democrat member of Parliament Alistair MacGregor are set to make an announcement in Duncan about the party's housing plan.
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ECEBOL reaches 80% capacity utilisation since restart

ICR Newsroom By 08 July 2021

Three weeks after its restart, Empresa Publica Productiva Cementos de Bolivia (ECEBOL) has achieved a capacity utilisation rate of 80 per cent, according to Bolivian President, Luis Arce.



Only three weeks after its reactivation, our Bolivian Cement Company is producing at 80% of its capacity, selling the product to La Paz, Oruro and Cochabamba. With this industry we generate 230 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs, he said on Twitter.



The plant, which is located in Jeruyo, Oruro, has benefitted from a BOB58m investment to support its operations by providing operating capital, including buying cement bags, pay any salaries and wages owed and require all the necessary material for the plant to restart.

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Sweden's Supreme Land and Environmental Court rejects Cementa mining application

ICR Newsroom By 08 July 2021

The Swedish Supreme Land and Environmental Court has rejected Cementa's application to renew its permit to mine limestone at the companys existing quarries in Slite, Gotland. The court has rejected the application on the grounds that the impact of the operation on groundwater has not been sufficiently investigated.



Cementa's application for a renewed mining permit for the operations in Slite was approved by the Land and Environment Court in January 2020. Subsequently, the judgment has been appealed and tried in the next instance. Cementa's application has been for an extended mining permit until 2041, as the current permit expires in October this year.



The refusal risks that the majority of Swedish cement supply will cease on 1 November with knock-on effects to the countrys construction and infrastructure sector, according to Cementa.



We are seriously concerned but also surprised by the court's ruling today. Limestone has been mined in Slite for over 100 years, which has built up a huge knowledge bank about how the business affects the surrounding environment. Our application is solid and clearly shows that it is possible to conduct a continued sustainable limestone mining in the area. We must go through the decision carefully and then set up the strategy for how we will handle the situation, says Magnus Ohlsson, CEO of Cementa.



A renewed mining permit in Slite is a prerequisite for a long-term cement supply in Sweden, including for large construction and infrastructure projects such as Slussen, Forbifart Stockholm and Vastlanken. The fact that operations can continue is also crucial for Cementa to be able to take the next step and make the investments required to cope with climate change in the cement industry, said the company in a statement.

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Buena Vista, CO (81211)

Today

Mostly sunny skies this morning will give way to mostly cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low near 50F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
PCS leaders vote to reject transgender policies; A Hurt man held without bond after a shooting death; Danville leaders are ready to send a tax issue to a Circuit Court judge; A developer wants more time to sell two buildings in the River District.
The Red Wolves were back home once again on Wednesday night to play host to South Georgia Tormenta FC in a rematch from earlier in the 2021 campaign when the Red Wolves fell to a 1-0 defeat in Statesboro. The Red Wolves would score late to earn the 2-1 win. After three straight draws, Obleda and the squad came out motivated in the first half, sporting an intense, high-pressing ... (click for more)
Oliver Lewis-Perkins of Lee has been named the recipient of the 2021 Division II Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award presented by StrackaLine.

A left-hander from Gravesend, England, Lewis-Perkins was previously named Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year and a GSC first-team honoree. He recorded seven top 10 finishes in 11 events, including a runner-up showing at the NCAA Championships. As a team, Lee advanced to match play at the national tournament. As a team, Lee advanced to match play at the national tournament.

"As a program we are very proud of Ollie for this accomplishment. He was a welcome addition to our team, and brought a great energy with him from Day one. He's a young man that does things the right way, loves the game of golf, and works incredibly hard. I think his success as a freshman also speaks to the support he has received from his teammates at this early portion of his career," said Lee Director of Golf, John Maupin.

"When you look at Ollie's season you can see that he was getting better every time out, and by the end of the season I believe he was playing as well as anyone in the country. We're excited to watch his journey here as it continues to unfold," concluded Maupin.

Lewis-Perkins is the second straight Lee Flames golfer to win the prestigious national honor. Beck Burnette received the award last season after setting the single season scoring record for the Flames while posting a top 11 finish in all six events played.
A request to rezone property near the intersection of Apison Pike and Silver Lane in Collegedale drew opposition from longtime residents of Silver Lane at the Tuesday commission meeting.

Both Dennis Schreiner and former mayor Preston Jones asked the commissioners to reconsider rezoning the property on the second and final reading Tuesday night. The large 1.97-acre lot currently has one existing house. The property owner had asked to split the lot in order to build a duplex behind the house that is already there. The current Agricultural Zone would not allow the division, leading to the rezoning request to R-2, Low Density Residential. Problems cited by both of the residents which would be most affected included stormwater runoff and drainage where a ditch already overflows, sewage/septic problems and parking issues due to the large number of people the new, three-bedroom units could accommodate.



The planning commission had recommended to deny the request because of confusion about the driveway and septic system. And a duplex backing up to their homes has the potential of devaluing their property, it was stated.

It is the commissioners who make the final decision on rezoning issues. It was noted that the property could be divided into multiple lots for single family residences, but that would have a bigger impact on the land because each house would have multiple sewer/septic connections and more cars to park.



Philip Kim, who is the developer of the project, told the commissioners that the requirements for septic systems, groundwater issues and stormwater runoff are very strict and have all been approved by the agencies in charge. He said he understood the concerns of neighbors but he requested that his rights be protected to let him use his property as he wishes. Most of those on the commission had taken the time to walk the property and familiarize themselves with the homeowners concerns.



Before the vote, all three parties involved in the rezoning disagreement were thanked for being involved in and working through the process in a gracious manner. And the homeowners thanked the commissioners and city officials for taking the time to personally come and look at the situation. In the end, final approval was given with the condition that a 10-foot natural buffer be left and evergreen plantings be added. The vote was three in favor and Mayor Katie Lamb and Commissioner Phil Garver abstaining.



Rezoning property on Watkins Street adjacent to the railroad tracks was rezoned on the second and final reading from R-2, Low Density Single and Two Family, to MU-BC Mixed Use Business Center. Owner Joe Adams plans a speculative building to rent to new businesses.



The citys official zoning map that is updated and certified yearly was approved which shows zoning changes that have occurred throughout the year, included the changes made Tuesday night.



The commissioners authorized engineering services for the sewer force main project which is moving from the planning to the construction phase. The contract is for administrative construction services and for a resident project representative who will be available on site to oversee the construction on an as-needed basis. It is expected that it will take 240 days to complete the 4,800 feet of sewer. Federal COVID funding is expected to help with the cost.



An ordinance was passed that regulates camping on city property. Camping will not be allowed in city-owned parks or on public rights of way. This mirrors state law. Exceptions can be made for groups of Boy and Girl Scouts.



Parts of the citys animal control ordinance was inadvertently deleted eight to 10 years ago. The commissioners on Tuesday reinstated the missing portion of the ordinance to correct the error.



A request to establish a satellite facility for Crystal Air was granted. This will increase the sale of jet fuel from the Collegedale Airport. And Collegedale will have no financial obligation.



An old Dodge Durango was declared surplus because parts are no longer available for making repairs.



The financial report was given by Michelle Toro, finance manager. She said at 92 percent through the year, the city has received 114 percent of revenue which is about $1.5 million over expectations. The city has spent about 95 percent of the budgeted amount for expenses. She said for transparency and simplicity, all money designated for the general fund will be moved into one investment account versus multiple accounts the city has used in the past.
The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence, Chattanooga, has set its grand re-opening date for Thursday, July 29 at 11 a.m. This state-of-the-art Alzheimers memory care community at 7620 Shallowford Road is now fully open, after being completely rebuilt following the Easter 2020 tornado that ravaged much of the East Brainerd area.



Offering two levels of memory care programming once open, The Lamplight program is for those living with early to moderate stages of Alzheimers disease and The Lantern program is geared toward those with late to moderately severe stages. Executive director Alisha Landes, LPN, is once again tapped to lead the helm at The Lantern Alzheimers Center of Excellence as she will soon complete her Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care dementia training. This certification will make her one of the few leaders in the region with this level of training, officials said.



It is important to me to thoroughly understand how the human brain reacts in those who have dementia or Alzheimers disease, said Ms. Landes. Thats why I love learning everything I can about how we as facilitators and caregivers can change our approach and behaviorbecause people with memory disorders cant. We have to be able to adapt to their needs and behaviors. At The Lantern, we have purposeful programming that does just that. You can feel comfortable knowing we are taking excellent care of mom or dad.



Officials said, "Exceptional memory care is predicated upon well-trained caregivers, but the environment that surrounds those who live with this disease plays an equally important role in each residents quality of life and wellness. The Lantern Alzheimers Center of Excellence comprises a 59-apartment one-level living community where residents can live well with special life skills stations, specific rooms with access to a safe and secure courtyard that contains special outdoor musical therapy instruments, a calming room to soothe sundowning residents and special murals and decor for communication connections and reminiscing. Its all part of Morning Pointes Meaningful Day programming to help your loved one live their best. Additionally, on-site therapy, 24-hour nursing care, and farm-fresh dining program round out a suite of services second-to-none."



The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga is one of 35 Morning Pointe Senior Living communities in five southeastern states developed, owned and managed by the Chattanooga-based senior healthcare services company, founded in 1996 by Tennessee healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow. In addition to Morning Pointe of Chattanooga, Morning Pointe Senior Living also operates communities in the Chattanooga areas of East Hamilton, Hixson and Collegedale.



The benefits of being cared for in a safe and secure environment built just for seniors with Alzheimers and other dementias often outweigh those of caring for loved ones at home, said Mr. Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living. The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence senior communities do both, creating meaningful days filled with life enrichment for residents coupled with monthly caregiver support programs to assist family members as they start this journey. There really is nothing like it.



Morning Pointe of Chattanooga assisted living, sister property to The Lantern and home to more than 70 residents, opened in late November after rebuilding from the Easter 2020 tornado. Morning Pointe of Chattanooga and The Lantern at Morning Pointe comprise a campus senior living community that is committed to serving the East Brainerd area for generations to come.
The public normally perceives the images of judges to be solemn wearers of black robes who in an often stern manner make decisions that affect the rights of citizens on issues of law and order and civil justice. Occasionally, there will come along a renegade judicial officer who does things in a different way. Such was Charles "Charlie" Galbreath. When he died in 2013 at the age of 88 he had served the citizens of the State of Tennessee as a member of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, state legislature and often defender of the downtrodden and helpless.

He was also considered to be one of the most outspoken flamboyant members of the judiciary in the State of Tennessee. Charlie's first ambition was to be an actor in legitimate theater before he started his controversial legal, political and judicial career. He was a Nashville native and his father owned several grocery stores. In the 1940s he actually studied drama at Carnegie Hall in New York City prior to entering law school at Cumberland Law School in Lebanon, Tn.

His study of drama stayed with him as he began the practice and his flamboyancy also stayed with him to the end of his career. The combination of stage and gavel "often led to the chagrin of colleagues and opponents alike." Perhaps his most notable contribution to the legal profession was when as a member of the Nashville legislative delegation in 1963 he spearheaded a bill that created the state's first public defender position in Nashville and he left the legislature to become Tennessee's first attorney to provide legal assistance to poor defendants who could not afford a private attorney.

As a result the public defender was extended to all judicial districts in Tennessee's 95 counties. The Nashville Tennessean did a profile on Charlie in 1968 prior to his election to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals which described him as a "loved, elusive enigma" and further stated that he "has always made the legal profession a little nervous."

Following his election to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Judge Galbreath engaged in several unusual acts, such as performing marriages while he and the wedding couple were riding on a Ferris wheel. He also performed weddings in local bars in Nashville. Perhaps the most controversial action in conservative Tennessee was to write on court stationary a letter to his friend, Larry Flynt, editor of Hustler Magazine concerning the legality of such acts of sodomy that were considered "unnatural and illegal in some states".

Unfortunately, he did not use the legal terminology for such acts but described them using gutter language that shocked and upset Tennessee's legal establishment that would reverberate for years amongst Tennessee lawyers and probably formed the basis for the creation of him being cited by the Judicial Standards Commission in 1978 as the first judicial officer to be cited to a proceeding to "remove a judge from office".

The fact that his outspoken letter was on court stationery that contained the names of the other eight judges did not endear him to his colleagues. The Court of Criminal Appeals was created by the legislature in 1968 to hear trial court appeals in felony and misdemeanor cases as well as post-conviction petitions. The decision of three judges sitting on panels in Knoxville, Nashville and Jackson rendered opinions which could be appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court which exercised discretionary authority whether to grant the appeal.

Former Tennessee Bar Association President Landis Turner of Hohenwald has written about the Hustler magazine letter. When the issue with the Galbreath article came out at the Tennessee Bar Association convention in Memphis the purchase of the magazine at the Peabody Hotel's magazine stand "sold out of Hustler in less than an hour".

After liquor by the drink legislation was approved by voters of Davidson County, Charlie and Landis Turner celebrated at the Gaslight Lounge in Printers Alley in Nashville. Turner credited Judge Galbreath with drinking bourbon on the rocks as the first drink and he (Turner) had a martini as the second.

Judge Galbreath was also involved in the Hamilton County case of contempt rendered against television host and wrestling promoter Harry Thornton when he refused to identify the caller who claimed he was on the grand jury investigating whether City Judge Bernie Harris had taken bribes from bail bondsmen and that the case was "whitewashed" by District Attorney Edward E. Davis.

After Thornton refused to name the caller, Criminal Court Judge Tillman Grant found him guilty of contempt and ordered him to be incarcerated in jail immediately. Recognizing that Thornton was probably going to jail, his young lawyer had prepared a writ of habeas corpus and had sent another young lawyer to Nashville to wait until Judge Grant ruled against Thornton and then to immediately file it. Judge Galbreath, without granting the writ and with no notice to the State, set it for a hearing before the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and released Thornton on his own recognizance. The State later appealed Galbreath's ruling to the Tennessee Supreme Court who set the case for a hearing and set a bond of $1,000. Eventually the Tennessee Supreme Court would accept the case and ruled that Galbreath lacked jurisdiction in the case and therefore could not release Thornton. Later the case was dismissed as being moot because the term of the grand jurors and the grand juror who allegedly violated his oath of secrecy had done so after the grand jury had gone out of session.

The Judicial Standards Commission identified several grounds for Judge Galbreath's removal from office.



(1) his 1976 letter on official court stationary printed in the Hustler Magazine discussing his preferred sex acts in vulgar colloquial terms;

(2) his arrest in Columbus, Ohio in 1977 for jaywalking;

(3) his 1977 press conference criticizing a "sting" conducted by the Nashville Police Department;

(4) his decision to allow his law clerk to engage in the part-time practice of law;

(5) the manner in which he prepared opinions and worked with his colleagues on the Court of Criminal Appeals;

(6) his derogatory public statements regarding the Commission; and

(7) his alleged breach of a privately negotiated agreement to resign in return for the Commission's agreement to drop charges against him.

One uncharged incident was that he sold contraband Cuban cigars out of his law office. After the first hearing the Commission recommended that Judge Galbreath be removed from office on all seven charges.

Upon receipt of the record and the Commission's recommendation the Lieutenant Governor in the Senate and the Speaker of the House each appointed five legislators to a Special Joint Committee on Judicial Standards who determined that they would not consider three of the seven charges against the judge because they involved conduct that was not related to actions he had taken in his judicial capacity. The Special Committee had hearings from April 10-12, 1978 at which both sides presented witnesses.

At the conclusion of the hearings the Special Commission determined that the judge's letter to Hustler Magazine was "inappropriate" although only three members of the 10-person Special Committee voted to remove him from office based on his Hustler article comments. The Special Committee found that other public comments by Judge Galbreath were either "improper" or "inappropriate" bud did not justify his removal from office. The Special Committee then formally reported back to the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.

The Senate took up the report on April 26, 1978. Following debate the Senate decided to vote on only two of the specific charges relied upon by the Judicial Standards Commission. By a vote of 18-4-1 the Senate decided that Judge Galbreath be removed based on his letter to Hustler. By a vote of 18-11-2 the Senate voted to remove Judge Galbreath from office by his characterization of members of the Judicial Standards Committee as "sons of bitches."

However, the results were four votes short of the number required to remove the judge from office because Article VI, Section 6 of the Constitution of Tennessee requires a super majority of two-thirds of the members of each chamber (House and Senate). Ironically, the House of Representatives never voted on Judge Galbreath's removal.

On April 27, 1978 both legislative bodies separately passed resolutions assailing the Judge on the ground that his conduct "flouted the letter and spirit of the Code of Judicial Conduct." Shortly thereafter Judge Galbreath announced his resignation from the Court of Criminal Appeals and his intention to run for a seat in the General Assembly.

The colorful judge, always ready for a publicity stunt, held a "derobing" ceremony in the courtroom of the Supreme Court Building in Nashville. When he died in March 2013 from Alzheimer's disease and pneumonia at the age of 88, the legal profession lost one of the most colorful and controversial jurists.



* * *

Jerry Summers



(If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact Mr. Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com)
I am a staunch opponent the Critical Race Theory because not one advocate, other than the Black Lives Matter rabble rousers, can tell me why we need any type of vehicle that separates our children from one another, stigmatizes both blacks and white in a wildly divisive way and is being thrust on the public by out-and-out racists.

There is a huge push-back across the country against the liberal educators who once forced the Common Core method on us that dumbed down America. For Gods sake, we plead for reading, writing and arithmetic when those mainstays in education are now choked out by overblown diversity, equality, and other social issues that have no place in any K-12 school curriculum.



Education is for children. Social issues are not. Im a big believer in letting a child grow up naturally whereas some force children to accelerate their growth pattern to the obvious detriment of the child.

This is from the Epoch Times on July 6, 2021:

Despite growing opposition to Critical Race Theory (CRT) being implemented in public schools, the National Education Association (NEA) not only adopted a resolution to prioritize their effort to implement CRT in K-12 and higher education, it vowed to use all resources at their disposal -including friendly media - to go after those who are attacking educators doing anti-racist work. In response, Quisha King - a Florida mother who gained notoriety when she blasted the Duval County school board in strong opposition of CRT - says bring it on.

I think its mob rule, King told The Epoch Times. Truly these teachers unions have a lot of power and a lot of money and they have the resources to do something like that. But obviously, parents are tired of whats going on. Were trying to make a difference and were trying to draw attention to this thing. Its bullying to me. Its a bully tactic.

We are coming out of the worst year on record for modern education and you would think the NEA would focus on reading and writing and math instead of trying to divide us by our skin color, Tina Descovich, co-founder of Moms For Liberty told The Epoch Times.

Parents are not standing for this, Descovich added. You already see them standing up all around the country and they will continue to push back against this.

What does it say about the state of affairs when you have the largest union in the U.S., with three million members and $300 million in their budget, that they are afraid of moms and the voice of moms?

SCHOOL BOARD RECALLS EFFORTS

The NEA isnt the only teachers organization feeling the heat. According to numbers recently released by Ballotpedia, increased efforts to eradicate CRT in education have led to a growing national trend of recalling school board members in the first six months of 2021.

As of June 30, at least 51 local recall efforts targeting at least 130 elected members on K-12 school boards have been initiated. Thats more than twice the annual average.

King, who is a member of Moms For Liberty, said she isnt opposed to the teaching of real history. Nor does she oppose having children learn about racism, as CRT advocates claim they are doing. Its the growing determination of certain teachers, the NEA, and school board members to push CRT on an increasingly resistant public that has her concerned.

You can teach about racial injustices, King iterated. You can teach about history and all of these things and not go anywhere near critical race theory. So, to me, it says that theres an even more sinister plan because if it was just about teaching history I dont think wed see any parents up in arms. But because its not and theyre pushing so hard, I think their goal is to further divide the country.

According to King, most of the feedback she has received since voicing her opposition to CRT before the Duval County school board has been supportive and favorable. However, she said some of the responses have been absolutely vile.

The more tame among her critics call her a traitor to her race and claim she is the reason why black people cant get ahead. The worst of them call for her death and express hope that she will be raped by white men in particular.

Its been head-scratching, King said. But she is not backing down.

If Im going to fight for anything and Im going to put myself on the line its for Christ first and of course its for my family next, King attested. Im not willing to stand by the wayside and let this type of poison be introduced to my children any further or to anyone elses child. So, if thats what they want, what theyre saying is they dont care about our children. They would rather tear down the parents so we cant even provide for our children or care for our children.

Essentially, youre coming after our kids, King added, addressing the members of the NEA directly. Youre still coming after our kids and youre using your money and your connections to do so. That is evil.

Despite the growing number of parents and citizens flocking to school board meetings to voice opposition to the implementation of CRT in their schools, and despite the recent polls showing the vast majority of Americans strongly oppose CRT, advocates of the divisive curriculum claim resistance is really coming from elsewhere.

The attacks on anti-racist teachers are increasing, coordinated and well-funded organizations such as the Heritage Foundation, the NEA insisted in their recently adopted resolution. We need to be better prepared to respond to these attacks so that our members can continue this important work.

THE GOAL IS TO DISCREDIT US

I dont know where this well-funded group is on the right, King balked. This is a parent thing.

What theyre trying to do is paint all of us negatively, King countered. Theyre trying to disparage us. The goal is to discredit us so people will not listen to what were saying. Its an old media tactic, you discredit someone then you just go about saying negative things about them. It works. I dont know of any parent thats going to back down when it comes to our kids. These people have gone too far.

I dont know anything about the involvement of other organizations, Descovich said. I just know about our organization. We are moms that are protecting their child and I believe that a mom thats upset and worried and trying to protect their child is the most powerful force on earth and I think the NEA knows that.

Asked what she thought of the NEAs vow to target those like her who oppose their effort to push CRT in the school system, King did not hold back.

Well, King said bluntly. I say bring it on. Because what they dont realize is that, my Father in Heaven is who I get my strength from. Im not funded by any group. Im relying on Him. They can do whatever they want to do. They can say whatever they want to say. Bring it on. You want to go? Lets go.

Were not afraid of their three million members or their $300 million budget, Descovich said in response to the same question. The voice of one mom protecting her child is stronger than all of them.

* * *

royexum@aol.com
The Tennessee Supreme Court today reversed the dismissal of a lawsuit that had been refiled after it previously was dismissed before going to trial. The Court held that the prior dismissal did not prevent refiling the lawsuit because that dismissal had not resolved the lawsuit on its merits.



In May 2014, Regions Bank filed suit against Nathan Prager in Shelby County seeking to recover money for breach of contract. The trial court, on its own initiative and without notice to the parties, dismissed the lawsuit in August 2016, finding that Regions had failed to timely prosecute the case. Not knowing of the dismissal, the parties continued litigating for nearly a year. Upon learning of the dismissal, Regions asked the trial court to set aside the dismissal and allow the lawsuit to proceed. The trial court denied the request but stated that the dismissal did not prevent Regions from refiling its lawsuit and beginning the litigation anew. When Regions refiled the lawsuit, the trial court, in spite of its earlier statement that Regions was permitted to refile, dismissed the lawsuit in accordance with an established rule of law known as res judicata, which dictates that certain dismissals ordinarily resolve a case on its merits and preclude refiling. A divided panel of the Court of Appeals upheld the trial courts decision. The Supreme Court granted Regions permission to appeal.



In a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court determined that the dismissal of the first lawsuit under these circumstances did not prevent Regions from refiling. The Court recognized that established Tennessee law provides that certain dismissals, including involuntary dismissals for failure to move a case forward expeditiously, are considered to have resolved the case on its merits. However, that same rule provides an exception if a trial court specifies otherwise in its order of dismissal. In this case, the Supreme Court concluded that the trial courts comments sufficiently specified that the dismissal of the original lawsuit did not resolve the case on its merits. Thus, the Court held that Regions was not precluded from refiling its lawsuit.

To read the Supreme Courts opinion in Regions Bank v. Prager, authored by Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, visit the opinions section of TNCourts.gov.
Cadek Conservatory of Music at GPS welcomes Katie Talley as Cadek Coordinator for the 2021-22 year. A skilled music instructor, Ms. Talley will guide the historic music conservancy through its 117th year as a leading Chattanooga-area music institution.





Ms. Talley also joins Girls Preparatory School as a faculty member. As an Exploring Music teacher for sixth grade, she will guide GPS students through an introduction to music, a key facet of the GPS Middle School curriculum.





Cadek Conservatory serves the entire community as a leader in music education, offering private instruction, group classes, and more to students from around the region, said Lynne Macziewski, director of Cadek and associate head of School at GPS. Were excited to add Katies experience to not just Cadek but also to the students at GPS.





Ms. Talley joined Cadek as a voice, piano, and violin instructor in 2018 and has assisted with administrative duties since early 2019. Shes led students of all ages through private instruction since 2007. As Cadek Coordinator, Ms. Talley is eager to make music education more accessible throughout the Chattanooga region and empower Cadek instructors to build strong relationships with students, one of the foundations of success in music education, it was stated.





The investment in music education is a worthwhile endeavor because of the character it builds in a student and their families, Ms. Talley said. Cadek is a welcoming conservatory, open to everyone, where every student can learn. We have a long history of music excellence, and our incredible instructors build relationships with students that empower them to grow and learn as individuals. Their flexible, adaptable techniques invite students on an adventure to unlock their potential through music.





Before teaching music at Tennessee Christian Academy and as a private instructor, Ms. Talley received her Bachelor of Arts from Lee University School of Music. During her tenure with the world-renowned Lee University Campus Choir, she performed under the direction of the late Dr. David Horton and Dr. Mark Bailey, as well as with the Lee University Choral Union, under the direction of Dr. William Green. She studied and worked in the vocal studio of the late Mrs. Virginia Horton, a former Cadek instructor and a longtime mentor and role model for Ms. Talley.





Under the guidance of the Hortons, I learned that music is a place of grace, not perfection, and I found my voice in whatever instrument I played, Ms. Talley said. In a world where were all so divided, music has the power to connect - its a discipline that crosses both sides of the brain, and it connects the liberal arts, humanities, fine arts, math, science, art, and expression.





Ms. Talley said she is looking forward to supporting the team of Cadek instructors to best guide their students with plans to grow community partnerships, expand program offerings, and strengthen the conservatorys satellite campuses at The Bright School and McCallie School.





Registration for 2021-22 classes is now open, and the fall term begins Aug. 9. Classes are open to everyone and held on campus at GPS, The Bright School, and McCallie.
Hannah Ferrier from Below Deck Mediterranean said Kelly Dodd from The Real Housewives of Orange County contracted Covid-19 (coronavirus) because she attended a party during a global pandemic, calling her a fking moron. Her remarks came after Dodd initially blamed Heather Dubrows son for infecting her with the virus. But then Dodd made a public video apology after Dubrow served Dodd with a letter from her attorney.

Kelly Dodd said she contracted Covid at a New Years Eve party and Heather Dubrows son was there

If you went to a NYE party with 30+ people then you gave yourself covid you fking moron, Ferrier wrote in response to Dodds video apology, posted by Best of Bravo.

Hannah Ferrier from Below Deck Mediterranean appearing on WWHL |Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank

In her video, Dodd stated that she believed she contracted the virus at the party, initially from Dubrows son. I did get Covid at a party New Years Eve, she said. And Heather Dubrows son and his friends were all there. And while I had information leading us all to believe we couldve 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.

Dodd added, And for that, I apologize. Im going on the record right now to be very clear, Rick and I dont know how we caught the virus. And were both very very sorry for any trouble we caused the Dubrow family.

Hannah Ferrier doubled down on her remark about Kelly Dodd

Ferrier stands firmly behind her comment about Dodds apology. A fan posted Ferriers comment on Twitter and Ferrier replied, Its funny cause its true. She also shut down a comment that mocked how Australia handled Covid-19. OMGGGGGG!!! How does he not realise how stupid that sounds?!?! she tweeted to someone who mocked how Australia shut down. WHY DO YOU THINK OUR FATALITY RATE WAS SO LOW YOU ABSOLUTE MORON?!!

#RHOC Kelly Dodd had to apologize for insinuating her and Rick caught COVID from Heathers son. HD is a boss bitch pic.twitter.com/ker4oVGERi  LoveAndyC (@LoveAndyC) July 6, 2021

Reactions to the Best of Bravo Instagram post were mixed. Many sided with Ferrier. Totally agree! People who dont want to follow the guidelines and then blame someone else for getting sick! Total Morons!! one person replied. Another added, @hannahferrier234 Im so glad you said it.

But others still wanted to pin the blame on the Dubrows or come for Ferrier. Some suggested to Ferrier that she stay out of the feud altogether.

Covid-19 was a point of contention for Kelly Dodd

Dodd took a relaxed approach to Covid-19 from the beginning, mocking mask mandates and referring to it as Gods way of thinning the herd. She later apologized, admitted she misunderstood the ferocious nature of the virus and planned to wear a mask.

But she continued to joke about the pandemic and eventually, she lost her partnership with Positive Beverage. The latest Covid drama comes after she was fired from RHOC and Dubrow returned to the series.

RELATED: RHOC: Heather Dubrow Needed a Minute to Return to the Idea of Housewives (Exclusive)
It was a sad day on June 25, when fans learned NBC had canceled the series Good Girls. Focusing on three longtime friends who turn to crime to support themselves, the series premiered in 2018 to average reviews. But it developed a loyal following and was able to stay on the air for four long seasons. A new report claims that Good Girls was even supposed to have a fifth season, until negotiations with Manny Montana allegedly crumbled.

Good Girls cast members Manny Montana as Rio and Christina Hendricks as Beth Boland | Jordin Althaus/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Inside the cancelation of Good Girls

Even though Good Girls was waning, TVLine reports that NBC had decided to bring it back for a fifth and final season. In order for it to work, Christina Hendricks, Retta, and Mae Whitman were reportedly told they would give to give up part of their salary, which was fine. The plan was to start shooting the eight-episode season in the spring of 2022. But then the deal allegedly fell apart due to financial reasons.

[We] very much wanted to bring Good Girls back for one more season to close out the story, an NBC source previously said, but unfortunately we were unable to make the financials work.

A source offers alleged details about why Good Girls got canceled exactly

Speaking to TVLine under the condition of anonymity, a source claimed Good Girls Season 5 was a go until negotiations with Manny Montana hit a wall, allegedly over Montanas salary and schedule. Representatives for Montana did not return our requests for comment, but several insiders told the website that he might not have been willing to budge because he allegedly already had a strained working relationship with Hendricks.

While neither of them has directly admitted to any bad blood between them, TVLine points out several frosty statements Montana and Hendricks have made about one another.

This includes comments Montana made in a 2020 interview on the podcast The Total Celebrity Show in which he suggested Hendricks was nothing more to him than a co-worker. We come in, do our job, and then go home. Its very business-like, he said when explaining what their relationship is like.

Meanwhile, Hendricks complained during a 2020 Q&A session about a name he calls her on set. Manny calls [me] Chris, she said. No one in my life calls me Chris. Its not my name. I think its totally stupid. And hes never taken the chance to realize that I hate it. Its really weird.

While a fifth season definitely could have happened without Montana, Universal Television reportedly decided in the end to just move on. Neither NBC nor Universal Television would comment to TVLine about its report, but one insider admitted that creative issues did play a role in Good Girls cancelation.

What happens to Good Girls from here

It was previously believed that Good Girls would find a new home on Netflix, but those plans shuttered as well. That seemed to put the kibosh on the show. But there are at least a few more episodes of Good Girls left. You can watch it at 9 p.m. ET on Thursdays on NBC.

RELATED: Which Good Girls Star Has the Highest Net Worth?
Naomie Olindo left Southern Charm and Charleston, South Carolina for New York City. And now shes hoping to help other women who are new to the city to make friends. She posted about how moving to a new city can be lonely but she hopes to change that for others.

Naomie Olindo is hoping to make friends in New York City

Olindo posted a photo of some of her close friends from Charleston and admitted making new friends as an adult is a challenge. I want to start a small/discussion group in New York for girls struggling to meet friends, she shared on Instagram. Im thankful to have some friends here already but I cannot imagine moving to a new city and knowing NO ONE. Making friends as adults is hard and I want to help women feel less alone. Would you come?? Omg what if no one came and it was just me that showed up???? Spiraling.

Southern Charms Naomie Olindo at a party | Brianna Stello/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank

Leva Boneparte, who is featured in the photo said she would fly in for the meetup. Omg i would fly in for you! she replied in the thread. Anyone is NYC is sooo lucky to have you! Hugs friend. Many others replied, sharing they would love to meet in the city.

Naomie Olindo even left her cats with her mom in Charleston

Olindo shared she and her boyfriend Metul Shah decided to pack up and move to New York in May. Hi! We live in New York now, she posted in early July along with an upside-down smiley face emoji. Highlight from the last week: living in a beautiful and comfy @bluegroundhomes apt until we find a permanent place. Lowlight: riding the subway all the way down the wrong line, twice.

She also shared on her Instagram story that she had to leave her cats behind in Charleston too. I had to leave my cats in Charleston at my moms for a year because I couldnt bring myself to lock them in a NYC apartment, she wrote along with a video. But Im so thankful for amazing friends that send me daily updates from the neighborhood. Olindo even observed that her cat looks pretty fit. She also gets in her cat fix by snuggling neighbors cats in New York.

Why did Naomie Olindo move to New York?

Olindo moved to New York when Shah landed a fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, People reported in May. Draft day round two, cant believe its already been almost four years. Humbled and excited to match for fellowship at Weill Cornell and join manhattanites in complaining about rent, weather, subway rats, and kinda everything else in general, he shared on Instagram in Oct. 2020.

Shah also posted photos from the couples farewell tour to Charleston. charleston farewell tour begins, he posted in early May.

RELATED: Southern Charm: Naomie Olindo Spent Valentines Day at a Restaurant She Went to With Her Dad
BASF and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice have signed an agreement to sell Solenis to Platinum Equity, a California-based private equity company founded in 1995. The transaction implies an enterprise value for Solenis of $5.25 billion, which includes net debt of around $2.5 billion, subject to adjustments at closing. Since February 1, 2019, BASF has held 49% of the shares in Solenis and accounted for its share in the company using the equity method; 51% of the shares have been held by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and the Solenis management. Pending approval by the relevant authorities, closing of the transaction is expected before the end of 2021.

With over 5,200 employees, Solenis is serving customers in water-intensive industries by helping them solve complex water treatment and process improvement challenges. In 2019, BASF transferred its paper wet-end and water chemicals business to Solenis, creating a global solutions provider for the paper and water treatment industries. In the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, the company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, generated sales of $2.8 billion.

BASF and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice will fully exit their investment in Solenis as part of the transaction. The transaction does not affect any of the existing mid- to long-term supply agreements and commercial relationships between BASF and Solenis. BASF will continue to supply products to or source products from Solenis under these agreements.
A CDC COVID Tracker illustration shows community transmission June 21-27 was high and substantial in the northeast corner of Oklahoma and southwest corner of Missouri. Active cases in Ottawa County have now surpassed Oklahoma County.
The stories that shaped Americans lives in 2020the pandemic, the presidential election, and the reckoning over racial violencealso made their way into a majority of sermons last fall, according to Pew Research Center analysis of 12,832 messages posted on church websites.

But whether your pastor preached about praying for the president or registering to vote, or the sermon referred to racial tensions or white supremacy, depended on the kind of church you attended.

Overall, Protestants were significantly more likely than Catholics to address current events from the pulpit. And the spiritual framing differed between evangelical Protestants and Protestants from historically Black traditions, though the majority of Black Protestants share evangelical beliefs.

Over 80 percent of evangelical and Black Protestant churches heard sermons around COVID-19, while 71 percent of evangelical and 63 percent of Black Protestant churches addressed the election, and 41 percent of evangelical and 52 percent of Black Protestant pastors preached on racism.

Like many pastors across the country, R. Derrick Parks at Epiphany Church in Wilmington, Delaware, spent 15 months delivering his Sunday messages to a camera while his 100-person church paused in-person services during the pandemic.

An African American and the executive coordinator of Acts 29s urban church planting, Parks said that during this time, he heard responses from congregants who were encouraged when we directly spoke to issues of justicea regular theme in his preaching and in Scripture.

Months after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd stirred protests in major cities, racism continued to come up in 44 percent of the sermons analyzed by Pew in a roughly two-month period last fall.

Black Protestant churches were more likely than any other tradition to preach on racism. Both in sermons addressing race and addressing the election, they were also more likely to address voting rights.

Sermons from Black Protestants in the Pew analysis were twice as likely to encouraging voting when talking about the election (43% vs. 20% overall), while evangelicals were more likely than other traditions to speak on issues, candidates, or parties (48%).

I just see it as a Christian responsibility for us to engage the needs of our communities. Its always been about the community as a whole. Churches exist to proclaim the name of Jesus to those who are lost and at the same time to leave his imprint in whatever community they end up in, said Parks. The Black church has been a beacon of that. If that meant were going to rally people to a voting booth, were going to do that.

Previous research from Pew found that Black Protestants and evangelicals are the only major religious traditions that want their churches to express their views on social and political issues. The majority of Black Protestants want to see faith have a greater influence on politics, but different churches have different approaches.

African American Protestant churches have varied orientations towards politics in the pulpit, said Lerone A. Martin, associate professor in religion and politics at Washington University in St. Louis. Some are very politically engaged while others, especially those in the holiness and Pentecostal traditions often stay away from politics, instead choosing to focus on individual holiness and piety.

The blatant racism of the Trump administration was the final straw for some Black Christians, Martin said, pushing some Black faith committed towards more explicit political engagement and even departing majority white denominations and churches.

Protestants at historically Black churches were seven times more likely to hear a sermon reference voter suppression, early voting, and registering to vote, according to Pew.

Evangelical churches, by contrast, spoke more regularly of prayer for the election and for the president. The Pew report noted, evangelical pastors tended to employ language related to evil and punishment at a greater rate, using words and phrases such as Satan or hell at least twice as often as other clergy did.

When addressing racism, evangelical pastors were more likely to refer to racial tension or mention the role of the police, while Black and mainline Christians spoke more often of white supremacy.

Other surveys found that Protestant pastors overall became more reluctant to preach on race in recent years. Lifeway Research reported earlier this year that while the majority of pastors are open to preaching on racial reconciliation and had done so in the past two years, higher numbers have received significant pushback for their messages on race.

For years, pastors have sensed a growing expectation that they address current events from the pulpit, especially as certain news stories dominate social media feeds.

Most pastors see the purpose of their preaching as proclamation of the gospel above all, but also recognize the opportunity to equip their flock to think biblically about the world around them.

A faithful preacher is always addressing events that are current. Theyre always seeking to speak in manner that allows the Word of God to apply to peoples everyday lives, said Delaware pastor R. Derrick Parks.

I believe that in moments of crisis you should respond and not react... We responded to the issue of justice with thoughtful care and used the one tool that is the primary tool for us, and thats the Word of God.
Pope Francis has a message to consider from Lebanons evangelicals.

We are not comfortable in our sectarian system, and thank God that we are not a part of the politics that led the country to collapse, said Joseph Kassab, president of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon.

We are not benefiting, and it hurts us like the vast majority of the Lebanese people.

Last week the Catholic pontiff invited Lebanons Christian denominations to the Vatican for a time of prayer and reflection. Ten patriarchs, bishops, and church leaders gathered, as Francis encouraged them to speak with one voice to the politicians of their nation.

Lebanon has been unable to form a new government since its prior one resigned 11 months ago, following the massive explosion at Beiruts port. As its Christian, Sunni, Shiite, and Druze political parties wrangle over representation, more than half the population now falls below the poverty line.

Following a default on national debt, personal bank accounts have been largely frozen as the Lebanese lira has lost over 90 percent of its value. The World Bank estimates the economic collapse to be among the worlds three worst in the last 150 years.

We blame and condemn our Christian and Muslim political leaders equally, said Kassab.

We have to say this loudly.

Image: Gregorio Borgia / AP Photo

The nations longstanding sectarian system, however, works to recycle these leaders. Lebanons president must be a Maronite Christian, its prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and its speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim.

The 128 parliament seats are divided evenly between Muslims and Christians, with one reserved for Protestants. But confessional distribution extends into ministerial and civil service positions, including the army, police, and intelligence services.

Each community seeks to maximize its interests, while being careful not to upset the sectarian balance.

Positions are distributed by religious identity, not qualification, said Kassab. Francis called us to push our politicians toward the common good, but we are imprisoned in this system.

Closed door discussions were frank, he said, but conducted with a brotherly spirit. There is no Lebanese consensus on solutions, let alone among Christians.

The Maronite patriarch has repeatedly called for an international conference to compel a political solution, as well as to ensure Lebanese regional neutrality. But AsiaNews reported that the Greek and Syrian Orthodox leaders have reservations, likely due to headquarters in Damascus.

Consequently, the pope sought to find the common denominator between the churches. This was identified as the urgent necessity for a government, and social assistance to keep Christians in Lebanon.

Currently 50 to 60 percent of our young people live abroad, stated Samir Mazloum, the Maronite patriarchal vicar. There are only old people and children left.

The Vatican released no official statement, but Pope Francis closing homily served as an indication.

Lebanon cannot be left prey to the course of events or to those who pursue their own unscrupulous interests, he said. It is a small yet great country, but even more, it is a universal message of peace and fraternity arising from the Middle East.

Francis earlier visits with the Grand Imam of Egypts al-Azhar, a Sunni, and the Grand Ayatollah in Iraq, a Shiite, represent his attempt to secure good relations across the Muslim world. In Lebanon, however, there was some unease about the nature of last weeks Christian-only dialogue.

To assuage them, John X, patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch, met with the heads of the Sunni, Shiite, and Druze communities in advance of the gathering. This initiative, Kassab said, was roundly appreciated by the pope and Lebanese Christian leaders.

We need to be a church that serves the Muslims, he added. We cannot exclude our partners in the nation.

Despite the economic troubles, this sentiment is holding firm.

Lebanese dismiss the possibility of a return to civil war, which tore the country apart from 1975 to 1990. But those wounds were never healed, stated Bishop Michel Aoun of the Maronite church, with no confession of wrong. International pressure may help force a government, but the political systemadjusted after the warfailed to instill a sense of Lebanese unity.

So Francis prayed for it.

We have seen our own lack of clarity and the mistakes we have made, the pope stated during his closing homily. For all this we ask forgiveness, and with contrite hearts we pray: Lord, have mercy.

And specifically, he mentioned a failure to bear consistent witness to the Gospel, including missed opportunities for reconciliation.

The daylong gathering began at Casa Santa Marta, where Lebanese leaders joined the pope at his simple residence. He walked with them to St. Peters Basilica, where they recited the Lords Prayer. After about five minutes of silent meditation, the heads of denominations descended into the crypt, where they each lit a candle in front of an ornate Bible.

Left above was Charlie Costa, head of Lebanons Baptist convention, invited by Kassab as part of the evangelical delegation. Awed by the sense of history at the Vatican, he remarked that this cathedral was built with the indulgences that triggered the Reformation. Yet it also preserved Western Christianity throughout the ages.

Francis listened intensely during the sessions, speaking little, he said. And he received the Protestants respectfully, engaging them as an equal component of Lebanese society, along with the Catholic and Orthodox delegations.

He is an amazing man, said Costa. Christians in Lebanon, evangelicals included, can learn from his humility.

There was a consensus among the Lebanese leaders that they must.

We forgot for a while about our differences, said Kassab. But if we leave the situation as it is, Lebanon is going to die.

The evangelical report handed to Francis emphasized the necessity of freedom of conscience and belief, while maintaining good relations with the traditional churches and Muslim community.

Lebanese evangelicals would welcome the Vatican taking a leading role in international efforts to rescue Lebanon. Francis announced no concrete steps, but delegation members anticipate he will lead the charge to preserve the diverse, multi-confessional nation.

Will it remain sectarian in its political system? No one knows the details.

Lebanon will be different, said Kassab.

We as Christians have to be prepared for that future.
4 suspects killed, 2 arrested in assassination of Haitian president as faithful and political react

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Four suspects in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise were killed during a gun battle with police and two others were arrested, local authorities said Wednesday as the faithful and political continue to react to his death.

The police are engaged in a battle with the assailants, Haitis Police Chief Leon Charles said at a news conference late Wednesday. We are pursuing them so that, in a gunfight, they meet their fate or in gunfight they die, or we apprehend them.

The late Haitian president was assassinated in an attack on his private residence in the hills above Port-au-Prince at about 1 a.m. local time, the BBC reported. Magistrate Carl Henry Destin told Le Nouvelliste newspaper that Moise died at the scene and his body had 12 bullet wounds. He further noted that the president's office and bedroom were ransacked and he was found lying on his back, covered in blood.

The late presidents wife, Martine Moise, who was injured in the brazen attack, was transported to a hospital in South Florida, where she is said to be in critical but stable condition. The couples three children  Jomarlie, Jovenel Jr. and Joverlein  are reportedly being kept in a safe location.

As many in the Haitian diaspora try to process the killing of the Haitian leader, reactions have been mixed.

At the Notre Dame dHaiti Catholic Church in Miamis Little Haiti neighborhood Wednesday, members of the diaspora observed a moment of silence for Moise, Local 10 reported. The Rev. Reginald Jean Mary also asked parishioners to pray for Martine Moise.

Until when do we have to suffer? Until when will we continue to kill one another? Until when can we be one, Jesus? Jean Mary said in his public prayer.

Leonie Hermantin, a Haitian community leader in Miami, told The New York Times that Moise took on many projects in the northwest of Haiti, where he is from, and was popular among the working class and South Florida.

To some he was a corrupt leader, but to others he was a reformer. He was a man who was trying to change the power dynamics, particularly when it came to money and who had control over electricity contracts, Hermantin said.

Dahoud Andre, a Haitian radio host from Brooklyn, New York, told the publication that he was overjoyed by the news that Moise is dead.

There will be celebrations on the streets of New York, he said, noting how Moise had won the 2016 elections with just under 600,000 votes in a country of 11 million people.

We believe it is a good thing for the Haitian people that Jovenel Moise is dead, he said. He was a criminal, who never had any legitimacy and under his leadership, there have been massacres, and corruption, and the arming and financing of street gangs. The only people mourning will be those who were helping him to steal.

Frantz Benjamin, a Haitian-Canadian member of the provincial Parliament for the Quebec Liberal Party, said Moises assassination is not a good development for the Caribbean nation.

Whether you supported him or not, no one is a winner from this, there is no joy, he said. If you can kill a president, you can kill anyone.

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.

The late president had been known to use gangs to repress political opponents, according to the U.S. government. Last year, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned two senior Haitian officials for allegedly planning the 2018 La Saline massacre," The Wall Street Journal reported.

In that massacre civilians, including children, were taken from their homes and executed in the streets. Their bodies were then burned and dismembered, the U.S. Treasury said.

Laurent Lamothe, a former prime minister of Haiti, told ABC News he was devastated by Moises death. He suggested it was Moises push for reforms that triggered his death and now the country is in mourning.

I was completely devastated and the country, the people are devastated. Haiti is in mourning. It is a sad day for Haiti and for Haitians, he said.

The president was leading many fights on many fronts for reforms and he wanted to do it in different sectors of the economy and he had received threats. So he was aware that he was in a dangerous and tenuous situation. And they carried out on some of those threats. So now an investigation has to [occur] to find out who did it. Who paid for it and for those persons to be held accountable, Lamothe said.

Among those who did not support Moise were religious leaders who called on him to step down just months before he was killed as the country faced what some describe as a descent into hell amid rising political tensions and violence.

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 said. In a Feb. 2 statement, the Conference said 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 asserted in their 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."

On Wednesday, Pope Francis called Moises assassination heinous and expressed condolences to the Haitian people and to his wife, who was also seriously wounded and whose life he commends to God.

He furthered condemned all forms of violence as a means of resolving crises and conflicts, and wished the Haitian people a future of fraternal harmony, solidarity and prosperity.

Lamothe said the U.S., which he called a great ally of Haiti, could help the country at this time by providing support with security and help with the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for September.

This was a very well financed and coordinated attack to kill the president of the country. That was a targeted attack. It was hired guns that carried out this work. The people of Haiti, what they want, they want peace, they want an environment conducive to being able to find jobs and they want security, he said.
Christian women's shelter sues to stop city from forcing it to admit trans-identified men

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A faith-based womens shelter in Anchorage, Alaska, filed a federal lawsuit last week to stop an ordinance from forcing the shelter to admit trans-identified biological males to sleep alongside women whove suffered physical and sexual abuse.

The lawsuit was filed last Wednesday by the nonprofit conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of Downtown Hope Center, a womens shelter and soup kitchen founded by Anchorage church leaders over 30 years ago.

The complaint also alleges that an updated ordinance will also hinder the shelters ability to communicate its religious beliefs on sexuality and gender on its website or signs.

The new legal filing follows an initial lawsuit filed back in 2018 on behalf of the Downtown Hope Center, which faced a complaint after referring an injured and inebriated trans-identified individual to a hospital rather than let him stay in the facility. A court later sided with the shelter, and the city dropped its complaint.

In May, the Anchorage Assembly amended its city ordinance banning places of public accommodation from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The shelters lawyers believe the amended language attempts to find a new way to force Downtown Hope Center to let biological males sleep next to abused and trafficked women.

The court previously ruled that the initial laws did not apply to the Downtown Hope Center, attorney Christy Allen said in an interview with The Christian Post. So then, it seems that Anchorage was displeased with that ruling, and they wanted to be sure that those laws did apply. So they rewrote the law to basically include homeless shelters within those definitions.

The assembly amended the definition of public accommodation to include facilities of any kind, whether licensed or not, whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations are made available to the general public. The old definition only applied to business[es] or professional activit[ies].

But the lawsuit argues that [m]any of the [updated] laws terms and phrases are undefined.

ADF maintains that the Downtown Hope Center should not be considered a public accommodation and argues that it is a private, religious entity that ministers to a select group of people. That select group is described as homeless women who have suffered physical and sexual abuse at the hands of men.

Women who use the shelter have told Hope Center officials that they would not feel safe if they had to sleep and/or undress next to biological men, the lawsuit reads.

Allen believes that the timing of the rewritten law seems like it was a response to the earlier court ruling.

The previous litigation was mentioned in the discussions about changing the law, so it does seem that it is directly correlated to the outcome of the previous suit, she told CP.

In a statement last Thursday, ADF Senior Counsel Kate Anderson stressed that the overnight womens shelter provides a safe place for women, many of whom have suffered due to sex trafficking, rape, or domestic violence at the hands of men.

Women deserve a place to sleep where they can feel secure, Anderson argues. City officials have no business trying to force the center to violate its beliefs by demanding that the shelter allow biological men to sleep mere feet from vulnerable women. This is the second attempt by the city to force Downtown Hope Center to violate its religious beliefs to the detriment of the women it serves.

The lawsuit argues that the citys ordinance violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The shelter seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop the city from enforcing the ordinance.

The Downtown Hope Center launched as part of a vision of Anchorage church leaders who sought to share Gods love with the citys homeless population. The shelter provides overnight housing, meals, laundry services, hot showers and job-skills training.
Haitis Pres. Jovenel Moise assassinated months after bishops urged him to step down

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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.
Racial justice top social issue among InterVarsity Christian students: poll

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The issue of racial justice topped social concerns for members of the prominent religious student group InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, according to a recent survey.

InterVarsity released the findings of a survey on Tuesday that they conducted among 316 members enrolled at 127 different college campuses. The survey focused on multiple matters.

When asked which social issues were the most important to them, 38.61% of students who responded to the survey said "racial justice" was the most important.

Racial justice was ranked higher than the social concerns of reducing abortion (26.27% of respondents) and religious tolerance/freedom (25.63% of respondents).

Second place in the social issues category was climate change, with 29.11% of respondents listing that as the most important." The third place was foster care, adoption, or orphan care at 28.16%.

InterVarsity Chief Communications Officer Greg Jao said in a statement released Tuesday that the recent upheavals in the United States over race were a major factor in the results.

Emerging from the past year of racial unrest, were seeing how the social issues that our nation reckons with are also at the forefront of our students minds, stated Jao.

As a campus ministry, its crucial for us to help students navigate both these issues and how to live out their faith from a biblical perspective in real-time on college campuses.

The survey also found that nearly two-thirds of respondents (68.76%) became a Christian before entering high school, and 94.62% felt that church involvement was either very important or somewhat important." Nearly half (46.52%) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted their emotional or mental health.

The report also found that, despite many lawsuits surrounding their presence on secular campuses, around 75% of those surveyed believed that college campuses were extremely, very" or moderately supportive and welcoming of evangelicals.

During the pandemic, there has been growing debate and discord in the United States over racially charged issues, ranging from policing to how to teach American history.

Much of this was sparked in May of last year when George Floyd died while handcuffed and in police custody as three officers held him down, one being Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer Derek Chauvin whose knee was on his neck.

In April, Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for the death of Floyd. He was later sentenced to 22 and-a-half years in prison.
Megachurch pastor heartbroken as 125 test positive for Delta variant of COVID-19 after camp

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Bruce Wesley, lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church, a multi-campus megachurch headquartered in League City, Texas, says he's heartbroken after more than 125 youth and adults who attended a student ministry camp tested positive for what health experts suspect is the Delta variant of COVID-19.

According to Yale Medicine, the Delta variant of COVID-19 is "a highly contagious and possibly more severe strain" of the virus. It was first identified in India in December and since and then Great Britain, infecting and killing many.

More than 125 people reported to the church that they tested positive for COVID-19 after camp. And all who were sick came home and exposed their families to COVID. Im aware of a number of families where everyone got sick after camp and obviously, thats horrible. That breaks our hearts. Weve been diligent to follow strict safety protocols for over a year as a way of loving our neighbors and loving one another, Wesley said in a video statement posted on YouTube Sunday.

More than 400 people participated in the camp designed for youth between the sixth and 12th grades. Wesley explained in a letter to congregants that in consultation with the Galveston County Health District, the church canceled services for July 4 and again on July 7. They hope to reopen on July 11.

Dr. Phillip Keiser, Galveston County Health District authority, told KHOU that they weren't sure how many people have been infected, but because of how rapidly it has spread they suspect it might be the Delta variant.

Were testing it for the Delta variant, to see if thats the cause for it spreading so rapidly among that group, Keiser said. Individual church members have been talking to the pastor and they think that maybe 120, 130, so we dont have firm numbers on that yet.

Keiser is encouraging anyone who might have been exposed to get tested and quarantine. He further noted that if the youth group is found to have been infected with the Delta variant it will be an opportunity for researchers to study it.

We knew that there were going to be breakthroughs, but this is going to be a real opportunity for us to learn more about the Delta variant because we have a group of people who have just been exposed, Keiser said. If it turns out to be the Delta variant, we know when they were exposed, and we can see how well theyve done, and see how many people are breaking through.

Inci Yildirim, a Yale Medicine pediatric infectious diseases specialist and vaccinologist, explained that the Delta variant of COVID-19 has been shown to spread more among the young.

A recent study from the United Kingdom showed that children and adults under 50 were 2.5 times more likely to become infected with Delta, Yildirim told Yale Medicine.

As older age groups get vaccinated, those who are younger and unvaccinated will be at higher risk of getting COVID-19 with any variant, but Delta seems to be impacting younger age groups more than previous variants, she added.
Presbyterian Church in America takes first vote on banning ordination of openly gay men

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The Presbyterian Church in America has voted to change a rule in its governing document that would disqualify all gay men from serving in its ministry.

The resolution to change the rule, Overture 23, was passed 1,400-400 at the denominations 48th annual convention in St. Louis, Missouri, last week.

Officers in the Presbyterian Church in America must be above reproach in their walk and Christlike in their character. Those who profess an identity (such as, but not limited to, gay Christian, same-sex attracted Christian, homosexual Christian, or like terms) that undermines or contradicts their identity as new creations in Christ, either by denying the sinfulness of fallen desires (such as, but not limited to, same-sex attraction), or by denying the reality and hope of progressive sanctification, or by failing to pursue Spirit-empowered victory over their sinful temptations, inclinations, and actions are not qualified for ordained office, the amended rule states.

The amended rule will go to local church bodies for a vote before the second round of convention balloting next year following which the language would be placed in the PCAs Book of Church Order.

The Washington Times quoted Chris Norris of the Calvary Presbytery as saying during the debate: Sanctification begins with ones identity as a new creation in Christ.  Taking a gay identity flies in the face of the new creation.

The denomination also affirmed Overture 37, which refers to pastoral candidates.

Careful reflection must be given to his practical struggle against sinful actions, as well as to persistent sinful desires, it states.

The candidate must give clear testimony of reliance upon his union with Christ and the benefits thereof by the Holy Spirit, depending on this work of grace to make progress over sin.  While imperfection will remain, he should not be known by reputation or self-profession according to his remaining sinfulness (e.g., homosexual desires, etc.), but rather by the work of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus, it adds.

During the annual convention, the PCA also endorsed Lifeline Childrens Services as its preferred adoption and orphan care ministry due to its commitment to the sanctity of life and not Bethany Christian Services, which recently announced it would be offering its services to LGBT couples.

The endorsement of Lifeline came three months after the Michigan-based group Bethany, which is the nations largest Protestant adoption and foster agency, announced it would begin placing children with adults who identify as LGBT.

In a statement to The Christian Post at the time, Nathan Bult, senior vice president of the historically evangelical organization, said that faith in Jesus is at the core of their mission, but they were not claiming a position on the various doctrinal issues about which Christians may disagree.
This week in Christian history: Bishop calls for end of Hindu caste system; Puritan leader sails for America

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Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births, notable deaths and everything in between.

Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while other happenings might be previously unknown by most people.

The following pages highlight events that happened this week in Christian history. They include a Puritan preacher setting sail for America, an Anglican bishop calling for the end of the Hindu caste system in India, and the death of an archbishop crucial to the creation of the Magna Carta.
IRS reverses course, grants tax-exempt status to Christian group it accused of being too political

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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.
Theologian John Piper warns against unhealthy speculation about angels

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John Piper, founder and teacher of DesiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary, said that while he believes there are angels among us in the modern-day, Christians should not have an unhealthy speculation about them.

In an episode of Ask Pastor John that was posted to the Desiring God website Monday, a listener named Cortney asked Piper about Hebrews 13:2 which reads, Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Ive read this text often and wondered what it means. Does it mean angels are walking among us in human form right now, and we are unaware of them? asked Cortney.

Piper responded by giving an overview of angels in the Bible. He noted that while the Old Testament and much of the beginning of the New Testament speak in-depth about angelic activity, the epistles portion of the New Testament does not.

You turn to the letters of Paul and James and John and Peter and Jude, and theres virtually no teaching about the function of angels in our present experience  as messengers and protectors, said Piper.

The least it can mean is that the teaching about angels and how they serve Christians now was simply not essential for us to know. Thats my conclusion.

Piper reasoned that Jesus promises to be with His followers has preempted any prominent place that angelic activity in the lives of Christians might have.

While saying that yes, there are angels among us that might take the form of a stranger who needs your hospitality, Piper also warned against an unhealthy speculation about angels coming to our homes.

You might entertain an angel without knowing it. But vastly more important is to grasp that Christ is among us; Christ has promised to take care of us; Christ will never leave us or forsake us; Christ may be entertained in the person of a believer, he continued.

And therefore, the Christian life should be a hundred times more oriented on Christ than on angels, and for His sake  for His sake  our homes should be open.

In a 2008 column by the late Rev. Billy Graham republished by The Christian Post, the noted evangelist warned against worshiping angels.

Angels are not to be worshipped, nor are we to look to them for our salvation. Perhaps one reason their work is largely invisible is so we won't be tempted to place too much emphasis on them, or look to them instead of Christ to save us, wrote Graham at the time.

At the same time, if you know Christ, you are never beyond God's love and care  and the angels are a proof of His concern for you. Make sure of your commitment to Christ, and then thank God that He continually watches over you through His angels.

According to a 2016 Gallup Poll, 72% of Americans said at the time that they believed in the existence of angels, 16% said they did not believe in angels and 12% responded that they were not sure.
Kissing but no sex: 3 Christian couples tell what it's like

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"Beautiful," "silly" and "amazing" are the adjectives New York City residents Daniel and Christina Jean use to describe the first time they ever had sex, which was on their wedding night in the summer of 2019.



The non-denominational Christian couple waited close to five years to have sex for the first time because they believed their romantic relationship and bodies belonged to Jesus. They wanted to surrender both to the Lord.

The Jeans, who are now 24 and 30 years old, recall during their season of celibacy achieving intimacy by kissing each other. They said that at the time, with every kiss they gave, the gestures would provide them with a glimpse into what exploring sexuality with one another might be like on their wedding night.

I dont think that kissing before marriage is sinful, and I dont believe that kissing is always a sexual act because sometimes it can happen in a very pure way, Christina Jean said. Now that Im married, Daniel and I kiss each other all the time, and most of the time, its not in a sexual way.

With International Kissing Day falling this week on the National Today calendar, three Christian couples who either chose to remain abstinent from sex until marriage or are abstaining from sex until they get married say the act of kissing their partners is a blessing from God while waiting for their wedding days to arrive.

The married couples recall when kissing was their only form of physical intimacy with their partners and helped calm and satisfy their inner desires to experience deep physical connection with their significant others.

International Kissing Day is described as a celebration of the simple, but powerful gesture of a kiss  from French kissing and a formal kiss on the cheek, to a kiss hello and a kiss goodbye.

I dont think that kissing is inherently sexual. But it depends on the type of kissing. And I think that sex is something really powerful and special, and it does bond you to a person, Daniel Jean told CP. Im happy that my wife and I have been each others only sexual partners. ... It was well worth the wait. ... Not everything went smoothly the first time we had sex or even the first few times. But there was such joy in figuring it all out together.

The duo said waiting to have sex on their wedding day helped bring them closer to God.

I personally felt like our love for each other was truly pure and that there werent any hindrances between us and God because we waited, Christina Jean said. It made me feel even more like God blessed our relationship and that we were pleasing Him, which is what weve always wanted to do with our relationship.

Daniel Jean added that: waiting took a lot of prayer, and conversations about our relationship and our boundaries.

Ultimately, I feel like it strengthened both of our faiths, he concluded.

Similarly, New Yorkers Steven and Amy Lee, both in their early 30s, said kissing helped form a bond between them when sex was not an option for them before marriage.

I think kissing is simply an act of endearment that weve perverted over the years. But for me and my wife, when we were waiting, we viewed kissing in the same way we viewed hand-holding, Steven Lee said.

I dont think kissing is a sin, and some cultures kiss when they greet. But I just think it depends on what the individual finds comfortable to do in his or her relationship, Amy Lee added.

The two met at their house of worship, Edge City Church in Mineola, New York, in 2015.

At the time, Steven Lee worked as a ministry and small group leader for the church, and Amy was a bi-vocational ministry leader. They dated and were abstinent from sex for two years before they married on Sept. 20, 2017.

While sex is definitely a gift from God, we did not want to set it as the foundation for our relationship, Steven Lee explained. Sex too early would hinder our relational and emotional growth with one another.

Amy Lee shared that she knew what it was like to engage in deep physical contact with her previous boyfriends.

[I]t was harder for me to let go since it was like giving a part of myself away, she said. I then understood why pastors or disciplers would say to save sex for marriage with the person God has meant you to be with. Im glad I waited with Steven.

Although Christian, 21-year-olds Benjamin Leung and Idalia Borzone are not married yet, they are waiting until marriage to have sex. From the moment they started dating 17 months ago, they said they promised each other and God to refrain from sex until after their wedding day. The two continue to keep their covenant.

Borzone, a Pentecostal living in Rockville Centre, New York, said she grew up attending Full Gospel Church of Island Park. However, she said she began attending church with her boyfriend at Edge City Churchs Lynbrook location on Long Island when they started dating.



We want to wait because we both believe that sex is something very sacred and very intimate. ... It is two people physically becoming one, Borzone said.



God teaches us that sex was designed as something to be enjoyed within marriage, said Leung, a Bellerose, New York, resident. It also makes sense for us to wait because it allows us to focus on other aspects of our relationship, which in turn has made it stronger.

The two said that despite waiting for over 365 days, at times, they struggle with temptation.

There are times where it can be difficult because we both value physical touch and love each other very much. But, we keep our goals and values in our mind. And that helps us avoid crossing any boundaries we have for ourselves, Leung said.

There are moments where it is hard because we love each other so much, and we would like to express it that way, but we want to honor each other and our promise and beliefs, Borzone added.

The couple relies on friends to hold them accountable, and they spend most of their time surrounded by loved ones to keep from making sexual choices when alone together.

The most difficult part is making sure that we dont put ourselves in situations that can lead us down a slippery slope because you might not have the intention of going far, but it is easy to get carried away, Leung admitted.

Borzone said that waiting has allowed the couple to view the relationships through a clear lens, not in a sexual way.

Through this, I am able to love my boyfriend for who he is as a person rather than how he is sexually, Borzone concluded.

Some pseudonyms were used to express names in this article for identity protection purposes.
New Mexico megachurch fined $2.5K because staff didn't wear masks during worship service

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Leaders of an evangelical megachurch in New Mexico are puzzled after being fined $2,500 because staff members did not wear masks during a Christmas Eve service last December.

After initially fining the church $10,000 late last year for allegedly violating capacity restrictions and the mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Mexico Department of Health Office of General Counsel reduced the fine to $2,500 last month.

A June 10 by the Secretary of Health Tracie C. Collins further ordered that a civil monetary penalty of $2,500 is imposed upon the Appellant Calvary Church on the basis that church staff members did not wear masks during the Christmas Eve service in violation of the Public Health Order.

Calvary Church, an Albuquerque-based non-denominational congregation lead by Pastor Skip Heitzig with over 16,000 weekly attendees, released a statement responding to the state health departments updated ruling. Even though the fine was reduced, he said the church is still confused, nonetheless.

[I]n a video interview, the governor [Michelle Lujan Grisham] told me that no one had to wear masks from the stage. ... We [the church congregation and staff] did everything the state asked us to do, Heitzig told The Christian Post in an interview this week.

On the one hand, the governor said that pastors could preach from the stage with no masks. On the other hand, the State Health Department has fined us now for doing just that, a statement from the church's executive team reads. What did the state expect: for our pastors to deliver the Christmas message from behind a mask? The issue isnt the amount of the fine but that there was even a fine at all for Christians worshipping over Christmas.

The initial citation from Dec. 28, 2020, stated that staff and congregation violated the Public Health Order from Dec. 15 that restricted in-person worship services to 25% capacity in Bernalillo County and mandated mask-wearing.

The citation stated that hundreds of congregants gathered in close proximity to one another and that attendees were not wearing masks during this event.

A hearing on the matter was held in March, and a recommendation was made in April by hearing officer Craig Erickson. According to reports, the hearing officer found no adequate evidence to determine if the capacity restriction was violated. The hearing officer also held that while church staff violated the mask mandate, the church could not be held responsible for attendees who did not wear masks.

The cabinet secretarys ruling from last month doesnt mention the congregation, solely the church staff.

Heitzig voiced concern that Gov. Lujan Grishams spokesperson seemed to have referred to him and other pastors who held Christmas services as pro-virus pastors.

At Christmas last year  one of the holiest and most important seasons for Christians  we welcomed the weary into our church to find hope and light, Heitzig said. For this action, the governors office labeled us pro-virus pastors. More recently, the governor called those expressing their disagreements with her lizard people.

When Heitzig heard of this claim against him specifically, he said he immediately picked up the phone to get in contact and directly discuss this with the governor. But she didnt answer. ... She never even tried to call me back.

In its statement, the Calvary Church executive team maintains that elected officials should spend less time name-calling and more time looking for ways to work together with all New Mexicans. The churchs leadership group stressed that crackdowns on worship are happening in New Mexico and other states like New York and California.

Americans are going to have to decide at the ballot box how important freedom is to them  especially religious freedom  and that must impact which democrats, republicans or others they vote for, the church concluded.
Nigeria: Parents cry out to God for safe return of 140 students, staff abducted from Christian school

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Parents of the more than 140 students abducted from a Christian boarding school in Nigeria have been holding vigil outside the school, crying out to God and praying for the safe return of their children and staff.

Armed assailants invaded Bethel Baptist High School in the Kaduna state of northwestern Nigeria around 1:45 a.m. Monday, the day senior students were scheduled to take their final exams, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The mass kidnapping has led to the precautionary closure of 13 other schools in the area identified as vulnerable," most of which belong to Christian organizations.

A statement released Monday from the commissioner for Police Kaduna State Command said around 26 students and a teacher were rescued. The search continues for the remaining hostages.

The abductors promised the parents that their children would not starve if they provided rice, beans, palm oil, salt and stock cubes. They said a ransom demand would follow, Euro News reported.

Video footage released by Christian Solidarity Worldwide shows distressed mothers and fathers crying out to God and praying on the school grounds for the release of their children.

Among the parents praying for the students' safe return was a widow whose four children were kidnapped.

The mass abduction happened in the southern part of Kaduna state in Nigeria, the epicenter of the spate of kidnappings in recent years. The abduction at Bethel Baptist High School was just one of four incidents within 24 hours, CSW reported.

Terrorist groups that have a foothold in the region, like Boko Haram, oppose education and kidnap boys to use as assassins. Those who don't escape are brainwashed and become terrorists themselves, said Dede Laugesen, executive director of Save the Persecuted Christians, in a previous interview with The Christian Post.

Children often fear to attend school, she added, because terrorists attack education centers. Without education, they cant get jobs to provide for themselves as adults. As a result, jobless and uneducated young adults often become terrorists.

Seun Bakare of Amnesty International told Voice of America that the dropout rate is already high due to the dangers associated with going to school.

"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 shut down schools. The government's response is also an attack on education and this is completely unacceptable."

UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore released a statement on Wednesday expressing her concerns about the kidnappings and child abductions spreading in West and Central Africa.

The U.N. estimates that at least 950 students have been abducted from their schools by armed men since December, Fore said in a statement.

Over the past six weeks alone, nearly 500 children were abducted in four separate incidents across the central and northwest parts of the country, she continued. Many of these children have not yet been returned. It is hard to fathom the pain and fear that their families and loved ones are suffering in their absence.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative industry for terrorists and Islamic extremist groups in Nigeria.

This abduction is the 10th mass kidnapping in northwest Nigeria since December, Newsclick NG reported.

Many Nigerians have raised concerns about what they perceive as the government's inaction in holding terrorists accountable for the rising number of attacks and kidnappings.

In an earlier interview with CP, Emeka Umeagbalai of the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, said kidnappings of Christians happen for various reasons. Some terrorists, like Boko Haram, ISWAP and radical Fulani militants, are motivated by money while others are motivated by Islamic radicalism.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has called for security personnel to act swiftly in ensuring the students safe return.

Critics have accused the Nigerian government of being complicit in terrorist activity, as insurgent groups are allowed to continue their operations and often receive government ransoms for kidnappings even though the government denies paying ransom to terrorists.

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, according to Voice of America.

Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, recently became the first democratic nation to be added to the U.S. State Department's list of "countries of particular concern" for tolerating or engaging in egregious violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act.

More Christians are murdered for their faith in Nigeria than in any other country.

Religious persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA ranks Nigeria No. 9 on its 2021 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution for extreme levels of Islamic oppression.
Prison Fellowship partners with Moody Bible Institute to give daily devotionals to 100K inmates

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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.
Search teams at Florida condo collapse refuse to leave after mission switches from rescue to recovery Prayer, moment of silence held to remember victims of fatal collapse

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Rescuers and first responders who've been working for two weeks to find survivors at the site of the fatal condo collapse in Surfside, Florida, are refusing to quit even as the mission moves from rescue to recovery.

On Thursday, the death toll had risen to 60, with 35 victims identified. Some 80 people are still missing, the Miami Herald reported.

"Our Miami-Dade County Task Force 1 members, whove been here since the beginning  they could go home, but they are still here," Miami-Dade Mayor Levine Cava said at a news conference Wednesday, according to WSVN.

Even though survivors are no longer expected to be found, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said the community and rescue workers haven't given up hope.

"We are still praying for a miracle," said Burkett, according to CNN.

This decision to move from rescue to recovery came after rescuers searched the last area where they expected to find voids or pockets of debris where people could survive, according to Fox News.

The mayor said the recovery effort is "proceeding just as rapidly with just as many people on the pile," and authorities are "taking as much care as ever" to find victims to bring closure to the families as fast as we possibly can.

"Our hearts still hoped to find survivors, but our experience and expertise indicated that was no longer possible," fire chief Alan Cominsky said.

On Wednesday morning, Miami-Dade rescue teams held a moment of silence and prayer near the site in tribute to the lives lost.

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, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue tweeted, along with a video of the solemn moment of remembrance.

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. pic.twitter.com/FJ7GKWXhXn  Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) July 8, 2021

As large parts of Florida were hit by Hurricane Elsa earlier this week, the rescuers continued to work, day and night, pausing only briefly when wind gusts became too strong to remove the heavy debris.

"Active search and rescue continued throughout the night, and these teams continue through extremely adverse and challenging conditions," the mayor said, according to DW. "Through the rain and through the wind, they have continued searching."

Of the victims bodies found in the wreckage last Thursday, one was Stella Cattarossi, the 7-year-old daughter of a firefighter who responded to the fatal collapse. The firefighter's daughter was found dead with her mother, Graciela Cattarossi.

She was a member of our fire family, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said, saying the fire department was grieving, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

The 12-story Champlain Towers South waterfront condominium collapsed suddenly around 1:20 a.m. on June 24, destroying about 55 apartment units.

The cause of the collapse remains unknown, but the condo had experienced accelerating signs of deterioration in recent years.

In 2018, the condo board notified residents that renovations to fix structural damage would cost $16 million.

"Engineering consultant Frank Morabito had been hired in 2018 to get a start on a 40-year recertification process, as is required under the Miami-Dade County building code. His report indicated that there was abundant cracking and crumbling in the underground parking garage of the 12-story building," NBC News reported.

The collapse is among the deadliest mass-casualty building collapses in U.S. history, excluding fires or acts of terror.

At least six lawsuits have been filed by Champlain Towers' families so far.

President Joe Bidens emergency declaration authorizes federal funds to cover 100% of eligible costs related to the collapse for 30 days.

Biden visited Surfside last week, along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"I sat with one woman who had just lost her, her husband and her little baby boy, Biden shared during his visit to Surfside, ABC News reported. Didnt know what to do. I sat with another family that lost almost an entire family, cousins, brothers, sisters. And to watch them and ... they're praying and pleading that, God, let there be a miracle. Let there be something happen for me that's good.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster continues legal fight to revive heartbeat abortion ban

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South Carolina has decided to continue its legal battle to allow the enforcement of a recently passed law that bans most abortions at the time when a baby's heartbeat can first be detected.

Gov. Henry McMaster filed an appeal on Wednesday to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to reverse a lower court ruling against the ban.

The appeal argues that the South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, which was signed into law by McMaster earlier this year, serves a valid state interest.

The Act requires the abortionist to give the mother the opportunity to view an ultrasound, hear the childs heartbeat, and receive information about her child. If the abortionist fails to do any of these, the Act gives the mother a cause of action against him, read the introduction of the appeal.

The Abortion Centers lawsuit, by contrast, seeks to deprive mothers of the right to receive relevant information. In these circumstances, the Constitution does not give the Abortion Centers third-party standing to represent the very women who would be harmed if the suit were to succeedand who are even now being harmed due to the injunction.

In a statement released Wednesday, McMaster argued that we must defend South Carolinas Fetal Heartbeat Act against every challenge at every level.

As Ive said before, the right to life is the most precious of rights and the most fragile. We must never let it be taken for granted or taken away. And we must protect life at every opportunity, regardless of cost or inconvenience, he added.

Signed into law by McMaster in February, the Act prohibited abortions when a baby's heartbeat can be detected, which normally occurs as early as six weeks into a pregnancy; it also provides an exemption for when a mother has a life-threatening medical emergency.

Soon after the bill was signed into law, a group of abortion providers filed suit against the law, with U.S. District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis blocking enforcement of the law in March.

Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, one of the plaintiffs in the case, released a statement at the time celebrating the ruling.

We applaud the courts decision to protect South Carolinians from this abortion ban, stated Johnson, as quoted by wltx.com back in March.

Despite todays temporary win, we know there is a long road ahead as the fight to preserve abortion access intensifies by the day.
The dangerous LGBTQ+ trajectory we warned about

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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?
UCSF accused of 'callous' experiments on aborted babies, harvesting genitals

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Pro-life activist organizations have accused the University of California, San Francisco, of engaging in callous experiments on aborted fetuses and possibly allowing babies that survive an abortion to die.

The anti-abortion advocacy group Live Action reported Saturday that the group Pro-Life San Francisco obtained twodocuments via the California Public Records Act related to how UCSF is conducting research on viable human fetuses. The pro-life group accused UCSF and partner institutions of engaging in callous abortion harvesting operations.

"On June 14th and June 25th 2021, Pro-Life San Francisco received documents from the University of California, San Francisco," Pro-Life San Francisco's website reports. "Requested under the California Public Records Act, these records shed light on the aborted fetal tissue research projects taking place within the university."

Live Action's Bettina di Fiore notes that "fetal body parts are being harvested under the UCSF umbrella from babies aborted at the two UCSF-affiliated Womens Options Center locations." She added that studies have shown that labor induction abortion techniques used in those facilities can often result in live births.

Pro-Life San Francisco made requests for documents related to protocols and procedures in place at UCSF for "determining the viability of a neonate after labor induction abortion procedures including  in instances where the neonate is born alive after the procedure is performed."

Additionally, the organization requested documents on "UCSFs protocols and procedures regarding the delivery of medical care to neonates born at the Womens Options Center[s]."

Thirdly, the organization requested access to human fetal tissue procurement logs.

According to Live Action, UCSF attorneys told lawyers for Pro-Life San Francisco that there were no documents to turn over related to the first two requests because UCSF and the Womens Options Centers "have no protocol for determining the viability of abortion survivors, or for providing care to them."

According to a fact sheet posted on Pro-Life San Francisco's website, "the university has also confirmed that there are no documents, protocols or procedures in place on verifying signs of life or handling live-birth scenarios, even though their own curriculum admits that live births do sometimes occur during abortion procedures."

"All we received was a document on routine blood tests for newborns at unrelated UCSF sites," the organization reports.

Di Fiore argues that "this is a tacit admission of the possibility that abortion survivors are simply left to die, without so much as the basic humane provision of palliative care."

The school did turn over human fetal tissue procurement logs.

"The documents obtained pursuant to this request reveal disturbing details about the true extent of the atrocities taking place at this state-sponsored institution and the strikingly callous and casual attitude with which they are being carried out  all at the expense of average Americans," di Fiore wrote.

While some sections of the fetal tissue procurement log were redacted, the documents note how most of the experiments were done on the reproductive organs of aborted babies.

Di Fiore wrote that of the 43 human fetal tissue procurement logs handed over, 42 of them documented the harvesting of genitalia and/or gonads.

It seems ironic that these scientists, who work for an institution that postures itself as a frontline warrior in the battle for so-called reproductive justice, spend their days mutilating the reproductive organs of people whose lives have been brutally ended under the banner of reproductive choice, she continued.

Live Action claims that the "situation at UCSFs Womens Options Centers is essentially a free-for-all, where each abortion survivors life hinges upon the whim of the abortionist paid to kill him or her.

The Christian Post reached out to the University of California, San Francisco, to respond to the report. However, the academic institution did not respond by press time.

Live Action argues that while UCSF receives millions of taxpayer dollars to conduct these experiments, the experiments hardly resemble any legitimately purpose-driven science.

Live Action has posted information provided by Pro-Life San Francisco critical of the UCSF and its research in the past.

In June 2020, Live Action promoted a Pro-Life San Francisco video that labeled UCSF a real-life American horror story."

UCSF: An American Horror Story shines a light on the relationship between the publicly-funded university and abortionists across the country, including their training and their inhumane methods of collecting aborted babies for research purposes, wrote Nancy Flanders of Live Action in an entry from last year.
Equal Rights Amendment proponents vow to continue legal fight after appeals court loss

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Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment plan to continue their legal battle after an appeals court affirmed a lower court ruling that rejected their lawsuit on behalf of the proposed amendment for lack of standing.

In 2020, the groups Equal Means Equal, the Yellow Roses, and a Massachusetts woman named Katherine Weitbrecht sued National Archivist of the United States David Ferriero over his refusal to add the ERA to the United States Constitution.

The groups reasoned that, with the Commonwealth of Virginia recently passing the ERA, the proposed amendment had reached the necessary 38-state threshold to be ratified.

However, in late June, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued a unanimous ruling against the groups, arguing that they lacked the standing to sue.

Equal Means Equal and The Yellow Roses do not purport to premise their standing here on any benefit that has been denied to them by the challenged actions of the defendant in the way in which the plaintiffs in those three cases did, wrote First Circuit Judge David Barron for the panel, affirming a lower court decision.

They instead premise their standing on the risk of harm that they contend they face because of the Archivist's failure to publish the ERA. Thus, those precedents fail to support the conclusion that the plaintiffs plausibly assert the requisites for standing.

Barron also rejected the argument by the plaintiffs that women face an increased risk of suffering sex-based violence and other harms due to the rejection of the ERA.

But, neither these aspects of the complaint nor any other purport to address how any causal link between the risk of such harm that Weitbrecht in particular faces and the Archivist's failure to publish the ERA differs from the causal link between the risk of such harm that the organizations' members generally face as women and that failure, continued Barron.

Barron did conclude that the constitutional questions that the plaintiffs' complaint raises concerning the legal status of the ERA are significant.

To be fit for adjudication in federal court, however, they must be raised in a suit that satisfies the requirements of Article III, he concluded.

In a statement released last week, Equal Means Equal said they will seek further review of this outrageous decision by the full First Circuit Court of Appeals.

How can any court rule that women as a class have no standing to even SPEAK in court when the government unlawfully blocks women from achieving equal protection of the law  even after the ERA was ratified by the necessary 38 states on January 27, 2020? stated the group.

Over 46 million women voted for President Biden and Vice President Harris, in part because they explicitly stated during their campaign that they support the ERA being published in the Constitution!

In August of last year, Judge Denise Casper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts dismissed the lawsuit by the groups over lack of standing.

In 1972, Congress passed the ERA and sent it to the states for ratification with a seven-year deadline which was eventually extended to 1982.

The proposed amendment reads that Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Although the ERA failed to get the necessary 38 states for ratification at the time, more recently three states passed it, concluding that the passed deadline was not an issue.

Litigation aimed at allowing the new passages to count and to nullify the votes taken by some states to rescind the ERA has yet to be successful in making the proposed amendment official.

Conservative groups have long been critical of the ERA, arguing that it will be used, among other things, to further advance abortion and possibly curb religious liberty.

Mat Staver, founder and chairman of the Liberty Counsel, told The Christian Post in a 2019 interview that he believed the ERA would absolutely threaten religious freedom if approved.

Staver believed that if the ERA is passed, it could be used as a hammer against religious organizations, including churches, to provide abortion or abortion-inducing drugs or devices.

I think also the ERA now would include an LGBT agenda that would conflict with churches and religious organizations with respect to biblical doctrines and beliefs of male and female in uniquely created and complementary sexes, Staver said at the time.

So I think in both the abortion area and in the LGBT arena, the ERA Amendment would be a direct assault on religious liberty, against religious organizations and churches.
Supreme Court to decide if parents in Maine can use state funds to send kids to religious schools

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The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments in a case about whether parents in Maine can receive state tuition assistance to enroll their children in private religious schools.

In an order list released Friday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in the case of David Carson et al. v. A. Pender Makin, the latter being sued in her capacity as commissioner of the Maine Department of Education.

At issue is a group of parents who oppose a state regulation that allows for tuition assistance only if a private school is "nonsectarian in accordance with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution."

Scott Bullock, president of The Institute for Justice, which is representing the parents, said in a statement Friday that it was time to expand educational opportunity for all families.

Parents should have access to a wide array of educational options  public and private, religious and non-religious  so that they can access the school that best meets their childs unique, individual needs, stated Bullock. The Supreme Court now has the chance to help make that a reality.

In 2018, the parents sued Maine over the ban on state tuition assistance for parents who want to send their children to a private school that includes sectarian aspects in its curriculum.

The plaintiffs included the Carsons and the Gillises, who enrolled their children at Bangor Christian School, and the Nelsons, who wanted to transfer their daughter from a nonsectarian private school to Temple Academy, where their son was already enrolled.

Over time, the Gillises were removed from the litigation when their daughter graduated from high school and was thus no longer potentially eligible for the state tuition assistance.

In June 2019, U.S. District Judge Brock Hornby ruled against the families, concluding in his decision that Maines educational funding program is constitutional.

Last October, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit unanimously upheld the Hornby decision, with Circuit Judge David Barron authoring the opinion.

In conditioning the availability of that assistance on the requirement that recipients use it for educational instruction that is as nonsectarian in content as the free public education that is not directly available to them, Maine transgresses neither the Free Exercise Clause nor the Establishment Clause, wrote Barron.

Rather, it permissibly satisfies a commitment, rooted in its own founding charter, to pursue the wholly legitimate end of ensuring the distribution of the benefits of a free public education even to those who happen to live in places that cannot provide it of their own accord.

In February, the Institute for Justice, along with the First Liberty Institute and others, filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, asking the justices to take up the case.

By singling out religion  and only religion  for exclusion from its tuition assistance program, Maine violates the U.S. Constitution, said Institute for Justice Senior Attorney Michael Bindas in a statement.

By allowing nominally religious schools to participate but excluding schools that actually provide a religious curriculum, Maine is making governmental decisions about how religious is too religious. Government should not have that power.
LinkedIn reinstates account of mRNA vaccine inventor who warned of COVID-19 shot risk for kids

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Dr. Robert Malone, an mRNA vaccine technology pioneer, said his LinkedIn account was restored Monday after it was shut down last week when he raised concerns about potential risks of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for some groups, which LinkedIn labeled as misleading.

Malone, the self-proclaimed inventor of the mRNA vaccine, medical doctor and CEO of a biotech and government consulting business, tweeted out a message he received from a senior LinkedIn executive on Monday apologizing for his personal account being removed from the platform for a short time. Malone said he was truly grateful for his kind gesture.

Dr. Malones account has been fixed as of this morning, the message from a senior executive from LinkedIn read. Id like to apologize on behalf of LinkedIn  were just not good enough at detangling complicated, subtle scientific claims concurrent with similar [but different] misinformation coming from others.

This evening, I recieved a very kind and personal note from a senior executive of LinkedIn. Given what has transpired, I asked and received his permission to post an anonymized version. This is attached below as a screen shot. I am truly grateful for his kind gesture. pic.twitter.com/T4abgAA9oT  Robert W Malone, MD (@RWMaloneMD) July 5, 2021

The Microsoft-owned professional networking site LinkedIn shut down Malones profile last Tuesday after he raised questions regarding the risks of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for people younger than 18.

Malone said at the time that the action taken against him was arbitrary and capricious and has damaged our business, and we deserve to be compensated.

His account was removed for purportedly violating LinkedIn's user agreement by posting misleading or inaccurate information about vaccines and COVID-19, The Epoch Times reported.

The historic record of what I have done, stated, figured out [and when] etc. over time is a key part of establishing my credibility and track record as a professional, Malone tweeted in a thread on June 30. And that has been erased completely and arbitrarily without warning or explanation.

My business pays for linked in premium. I have been deleted. Purchased a service from linked in to promote my company. This is very different from the youtube or twitter terms.



This arbitrary and capricious action has damaged our business, and we deserve to be compensated.  Robert W Malone, MD (@RWMaloneMD) June 30, 2021

Malones wife, Jill Malone, wrote an email to Just the News that said her husband was given no notice, no warnings" before his removal on June 29.

Google-owned YouTube also deleted a podcast video last month where Malone and others discussed the risks and concerns associated with the COVID-19 vaccines, Fox News reported.

Malone appeared on Fox News' Tucker Carlson Tonight on June 23, where he expressed concern over adolescents received the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, stating his concerns that the benefits probably don't outweigh the risks for younger Americans receiving the vaccine.

"[O]ne of my concerns are that the government is not being transparent with us about what those risks are. And so, 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 said on the show, emphasizing that the vaccines are not officially approved by the FDA but are administered under an emergency use authorization.

Multiple reports have shown links between the mRNA vaccines and heart inflammation, especially among adolescents and young adults, at a time when many public and private universities are mandating students get the COVID-19 vaccine before they can register for classes.

The health risks some doctors are seeing in young patients are myocarditis and pericarditis. Inflammation of the heart muscle is called myocarditis, while pericarditis is the inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart.

Malone said there is a "pretty good chance" that the risk-benefit ratio for under 18 years old doesn't justify vaccination in these very young adults.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety panel reported in June that there's a likely association between receiving the vaccine and heart inflammation in adolescents and young adults.

Clinical presentation of myocarditis cases following vaccination has been distinct, occurring most often within one week after dose two, with chest pain as the most common presentation, said Dr. Grace Lee, who chairs the committees safety group.

The CDC, however, maintains the benefits of receiving the mRNA vaccine outweigh the risks.

As of July 1, over 4 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since March 2020. "Over 12,000 child cases were added to the cumulative total last week," according to The American Academy of Pediatrics.

"Weekly child cases reported in June were as low as weekly cases reported in May/June 2020," the AAP added, noting that children have accounted for 14.2% of all COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began. But as of the week ending July 1, they now make up 16.8% of all cases.

Harvard Medical School epidemiologist Martin Kulldorff was similarly locked out of his Twitter account for a month for speaking publicly about his skepticism of the efficacy of face masks, Just the News reported.

"To censor and silence scientists under such circumstances can lead to many unnecessary deaths," Kulldorff said.

This is why LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube should "restore all suspended accounts, Kulldorff told Just the News, adding that LinkedIns actions against Malone were disturbing.

The CDC reports over 182 million Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, which is nearly 55% of the population. Over 67% of Americans age 18 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Multiple voices have been silenced by Big Tech companies that are demonetizing and removing accounts that feature speakers who raise questions about vaccines or alternatives to the COVID-19 vaccines, labeling anything that doesn't come from the CDC or World Health Organization as inaccurate or misleading.
Texas mother who moved family to Rio Grande Valley for better life now fears for her kids' safety

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A Texas mom in a town along the southern border is constantly concerned for her three daughters safety due to the increase in danger over the past six months amid the immigration surge.

Alison Anderson, who moved with her family to Del Rio, Texas, for a safer place for her daughters to play in the yard, told "Fox & Friends" on Friday that it was peaceful at first until increased migrant activity began to affect the area.

Its challenging because I am constantly concerned for my familys safety and that especially of our three daughters, she shared.

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com

Anderson stated how she often has neighbors calling her, especially her elderly neighbors, whom she described as concerned and fearful.

Were kind of on-call and were here to help our neighbors as well who are afraid, she told Fox.

The level of migrant activity in the past six weeks has dramatically increased, she said.

The mother detailed how a group of illegal immigrants at their next-door neighbors house earlier that week was tapping on their daughters window and circling in vehicles.

"It's scary. I want safety. I want something done, Anderson said.

Reports have also surfaced about homes are being invaded, ranches are being damaged and crime is increasing in some border towns.

Governors along the southern border have stepped up to respond to the worsening situation along the border. Critics have argued that the Biden administration's policies have exacerbated the border situation. However, Biden administration officials have argued that the rising border numbers reflect seasonal trends consistent with historical patterns.

The Biden Administration's reckless abandonment of the rule of law is endangering Texans, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted last week. It must be stopped. Working with law enforcement, we will uphold the law & restore safety & order to our communities.

The Biden Administration's reckless abandonment of the rule of law is endangering Texans.



It must be stopped.



Working with law enforcement, we will uphold the law & restore safety & order to our communities. pic.twitter.com/qBlzQgBMXy  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 1, 2021

Last month, Abbott announced the states plans to build the state's own barriers at the southern border after the Biden administration halted progress on the border wall started during the Trump administration. Texas will begin with a $250 million payment.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also plan to send National Guard troops or law enforcement officials to the southern border to help respond to the crisis.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were at least 180,000 border apprehensions in May. Data on June apprehensions have not yet been posted by the agency.

Former Acting Director of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Ronald Vitiello argued on Fox & Friends First Monday that the chaos at the border is the result of reversing former President Donald Trumps immigration policies.

"Working with Guatemala, working with The Northern Triangle on governance and anti-corruption activities, thats all well and good. But thats not going to stop the surge thats occurring on the border right now," Vitiello argued. "Weve encouraged people to send or bring their children to the border and the root cause of the chaos is the reversal of the policies."

Unaccompanied minors came to the southern border in record numbers this spring and thousands of unaccompanied minors are housed in U.S. government-run facilities.

Vice President Kamala Harris was tapped to be the border czar in March and faced heavy criticism for waiting months to visit the southern border in El Paso last month, which is nearly 800 miles from the epicenter of the crisis in the Rio Grande Valley.

Critics called Harris trip to El Paso nothing more than a political, check-the-box trip.

Harris visited Guatemala and Mexico last month to address the root causes of immigration. She told migrants, do not come, do not come to the border due to the overwhelmed facilities.

Former President Donald Trump recently visited the "decimated" southern border where he accused President Joe Biden of "destroying" the country.
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Many Americans saw further extremes of the political Left in attacking America this past weekend while celebrating Independence Day. Congresswoman Maxine Waters slammed the Declaration of Independence, asserting that it was meant only for white men. National Public Radio (NPR) slammed the Declaration for containing an epithet. The Washington Post published an editorial claiming the Statue of Liberty represented a symbol of hypocrisy.

The list of anti-American outrages goes on, but represents only the latest in many years of ratcheting up the attacks. What we are seeing is a growing and dangerous worldview of the Left, diametrically opposed to that of most Americans and with the potential to disintegrate the Union. Let me explain.

First, its important to recognize what those who signed the Declaration meant voicing the ideals of the majority of Americans. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration, drew heavily from British political philosopher John Locke, and used much of Lockes terminology. Locke posited his political philosophy from nature and natural law before the rise of Kings. In a natural state, Locke wrote that all men were equal with regards to natural rights. Locke was clear that men meant every one of the human species, in contrast to other species. He further wrote that basic natural rights were life, liberty, and property. Until the Declaration, these were purely philosophical ideals. Jefferson used endowed by their creator in keeping with the general American belief in mans direct connection with the God who gives all rights. Additionally, Jefferson used pursuit of happiness in lieu of property, as pursue happiness flowed from property and Liberty.

The ideals of the Declaration were given legal structure when most of the same founders wrote the Constitution. The American understanding of the nature of man, embedded in the Declaration and Constitution, was a Biblical, Judeo-Christian perspective. That mans nature was innate and in the image of God but prone to sin. Due to sin nature, individuals could not be trusted with too much power. British Lord Acton put it best about mans nature in asserting power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.



The Bible and history proved that when power is consolidated in any person or group, tyranny prevails. Therefore, the Founders established not only checks and balances among the three branches of the Federal Government, but also power within the Legislative branch (between House and Senate). They also set up Federalism: power of the National government checked by powers of the states. Americans believed the primary role of government was to provide security from foreign invasion and protect God-given rights. Importantly, Americans never believed government could or should attempt to change the nature of man, but to allow for blind justice and for individuals to succeed or fail on merit.

The modern progressive movement holds ideals diametrically opposed to that understanding. The general progressive philosophy holds that mans nature is malleable, and a direct result of the prevailing system or social structure. Further, that crime is not the ultimate responsibility of individual decision-making but the system which caused the character flaws. Generally, progressives see the Bibles provisions about sin, mans moral responsibility, and unchanging moral standards as an antithesis. They believe mans nature is evolving, and even gender roles are primarily a function of societal influence. This view is untenable under historic and scientific evidence. Harvard Professor of Psychiatry Steven Pinker wrote about the effect of progressives in the humanities and their push-back against evidence of the traditionally understanding of human nature: The dogma that human nature does not exist, in the face of growing evidence from science and common sense that it does, has led to contempt among many scholars in the humanities for the concepts of evidence and truth. These progressives held the position that culture alone determines behavior. With all the consequences political.

The Progressive view that culture alone determines behavior results in the belief that government power can and should be used to recreate mans nature. Importantly, because the system is believed to be corrupt and racist, and the reason for any and all of societal ills, that system should be ended. Then a new societal system to replace it. These beliefs also go to ideas about gender roles, in that gender roles are solely a construct of society, and a new system with strong government power should help recreate new men and women (or genderless individuals). The beliefs also hold that since man is not liable for his actions, any inequities between racial groups are solely explained by a racist, patriarchal system that must be burned to the ground. Much of the actions and rhetoric of groups like Antifa and BLM only make sense with the understanding of this worldview.

The only way to face this conflict of worldviews is to demand that the worldview of our founding documents stands supreme. The only other choice is destruction of our system and replacement with something our children and grandchildren will suffer to our shame.
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Many are probably wondering where God is in all that is happening to Christians all over the world. Sometimes it looks as if the devil is having an upper hand. Many of God's people are faced with challenging situations these days, and the devil does seem like hes gaining the upper hand.

It is indeed difficult to trust and believe God in times of persecution. Many whose hearts are not strongly rooted in Christ fall away when they cannot see the saving hands of God. How do you persuade a woman whose husband and only son were brutally murdered to continue to trust God for deliverance? How do you convince survivors of a Christian community whose inhabitants are attacked, killed, wounded, and displaced that all things work together for the good to those who love God? However, understanding Gods Word will help us to stand firm and trust Him even in the most terrible situations.

Christians trust deficit can be attributed to a lack of knowledge of the ways of God. We are oftentimes discouraged because things refuse to work out as we expect. A critical examination of the Scriptures shows that God does not apply formula in relating with His children. He delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and He delivered Daniel, but He did not deliver His only begotten son from the hands of His murderers. At times, He remains quiet for reasons best known to Him alone. No mortal has the right to question God, but we should understand that whatever situation that He allows to happen to us must surely end in His glory

Many of the situations that Christians are presently facing today, especially in Nigeria, are like that of Christ, John the Baptist, and Stephen. If Christ went through suffering, pain, and agonizing death to fulfill His ministry and save humanity, are Christians expected to pass through less unpleasant situations if we are truly His? Understanding that God sometimes allows His children to suffer for a purpose, will help us to weather any storm. As the Word says, And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28). Trusting God even when we do not have reasons is a sure way of expressing our Christian faith and maturity.

As unpopular as it might sound, God is not under obligation to solve all our problems, heal all our diseases, and deliver us from all attacks and persecutions. So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it (Romans 9:16). The will of God should not be subservient to the will of man. Even Jesus allowed the will of God to be done in His life. He wanted to avoid the Calvary experience, but submitted to the will of God. His shout of Eli, Eli Lama Sabachthani! did not in any way diminish the trust that He had on the Father. Even when His flesh was weak, His spirit was willing to go to the cross.

Trusting and obeying God in all circumstances is a sure way to find joy and glorify Jesus. Passing through challenges and difficulties in total submission to the will of God is encouraging and strengthening. Ever since I have come to understand this Biblical truth, my life has never been the same. God has given me sufficient grace to trust Him in the worst situations.

Our negative thoughts, our sorrows when our loved ones are killed, unfavorable government policies that work against our Christian freedom, and political marginalization, should not weigh us down. Rather we should count it all joy that we are found worthy to be partakers of Christ's suffering. We should be strengthened with the understanding that these present-day attacks and persecutions cant be compared with the glory that will be revealed when Christ returns.
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The term cancel culture evokes images of screaming undergrads, deplatformed speakers, fired employees, and demanding protesters. However, the cancel culture ethic doesnt simply exist out there in the larger culture; it has infiltrated our homes. Our dinner tables have become personal social media platforms.

Increasingly, this doesnt merely take the form of political ideology, it is quite simply a fading ability to forgive. In a recent essay at Comment magazine, Pastor Timothy Keller articulated this current feature of our hyper-politicized atmosphere. Not only is there a race for victimhood status and an inability to find any common ground with people across ideological lines, and not only does this make school board meetings and Thanksgiving dinners more awkward (to say the least), but it has turned us into a society without forgiveness. For example, Keller points to the dramatic shift in tone on issues of race relations since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, when leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. emphasized forgiveness and reconciliation.

This stands in stark contrast to the tone of the modern movement for racial justice that frequently erupts into destructive violence and open antipathy toward fellow Americans. Opinion pieces are released in major news outlets that increasingly urge black Americans to stop forgiving white Americans altogether. Think of how this advice contrasts with the behavior of the members of Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina a few years ago. Activists now argue that not only has there been a history of white racism, but that all white people are racist; that even whiteness itself is akin to a plague.

Womens rights advocates have also soured on forgiveness. Keller cites an opinion piece in the New York Times, in which Danielle Berrin argues against forgiving perpetrators of sexual assault. One commenter distilled her message well: Forgiveness is overrated. In fact forgiveness is not only overrated, the argument goes, but it perpetuates further evils such as sexism, abuse, and oppression.

Keller writes, [T]he emphasis on guilt and justice is ever more on the rise and the concept of forgiveness seems, especially to the younger generations, increasingly problematic. In these observations, Keller joins authors like Gregory Jones, Bradley Campbell, and Jason Manning to conclude that what were witnessing is nothing less than the birth of a new honor-shame society.

Increasingly it is victimhood status, not Gods mercy or Christs imputation, that is seen as the source of our righteousness. As a result, our culture values fragility over strength, and embellishes a constant good-versus-evil conflict, even over the smallest of issues. From elections to Facebook posts to hygiene practices  almost everything takes on the emotional temperature of a religion. Its especially true with anything that is or can be related to politics.

Absolution for moral guilt was once secured in church. But today our moral status and our identity hang on our credentials as victims. Being oppressed or mistreated brings moral absolution. And the oppressor is left without even the possibility of forgiveness or restoration. Its no wonder, writes Keller, that this culture quickly becomes littered with enormous numbers of broken and now irreparable relationships.

Its as if there is a race to hold the most grudges and grievances, to be the people most wronged, and therefore the people with the greatest moral authority. But as Christians who have been forgiven much, we should be among the first and especially the quickest to forgive. Instead, too many of us have absorbed the very worst habits of cancel culture  withholding forgiveness ourselves, refusing to extend any dignity or respect to someone who is a political or ideological opponent, and writing others off completely for infractions of any kind.

This is not the Christian way of doing life together. This is not the way of life and birth in Christianity that brought about the best of the modern world. Cultivating habits of forgiveness will not only reorient our priorities to the core truths of the Gospel, but it will also awaken and re-awaken us to the common good.

As figures like Hannah Arendt, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Desmond Tutu have attested, forgiveness of the gravest of evils can end the otherwise perpetual cycle of grievance and revenge. When we let go of wrongs, both perceived and real, we acknowledge the reality of Divine justice. When we surrender these matters into Gods hands, we demonstrate that He is the One who will square all accounts in the end, as Keller puts it.

Even more, extending forgiveness tacitly acknowledges that we, too, are in need of forgiveness. The Psalmist puts it this way: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. A world without forgiveness is simply an awful prospect. The only way forward in our increasingly vindictive age is for Christians to offer this very good gift that weve received from God as a gift to the larger world. If we dont, theres simply no other source for it. And guilt and grievance will consume our culture  and our family gatherings.



Originally published at BreakPoint




Canadian PM Trudeau denounces church burnings after graves discovered at Catholic schools

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denounced the arson attacks on Catholic churches in the country following the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at former residential schools.

Recent discoveries of approximately 1,100 unmarked graves at three residential schools for indigenous people overseen by Catholic churches are thought to be the reason for an uptick in the destruction of church buildings.

Trudeau, a member of the Roman Catholic Church who has called on Pope Francis to issue a formal apology for the treatment of indigenous children at the schools, told a recent news conference that the church vandalism could not be justified.

I understand the anger that is out there against the federal government and institutions like the Catholic Church. Its real and it is fully understandable given the shameful history we are all becoming more aware of and engaging ourselves to do better, stated Trudeau last Friday.

I cant help but think that burning down churches is actually depriving people who are in need of grieving and healing and mourning from places where they can grieve and reflect and look for support.

The prime minister said, "we shouldn't be lashing out at buildings that can provide solace to some of our fellow citizens." He said Canadians should instead be committing themselves to the "hard work that we need to do to rebuild a path forward that reflects the terrible intergenerational trauma and present-day realities, the suffering that we are all collectively responsible for."

In addition to attacks on churches, statues have been vandalized, including statues of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth located on the grounds of the Manitoba legislature. They were torn down and the Queen Victoria statue was covered with red paint.

Arlen Dumas, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, told AP that while he personally wouldnt have participated in the vandalisms, he believed that it has been a very triggering time over the past few weeks.

Its unfortunate that they chose to express themselves the way that they did. But its actually a symbol of the fact that there is a lot of hurt and that theres a lot of frustration and anger with just how things have happened, added Dumas.

In May, the remains of 215 children were found buried in unmarked graves under an area on which Kamloops Indian Residential School stood in British Columbia, which closed in 1978.

The residential school, tied to the Catholic Church, was part of a national system overseen by the Canadian government and churches that tried to assimilate indigenous communities of Canada.

Soon after, an additional 751 unmarked graves were located near the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, which was also under the Catholic Church administration.

Last week, news emerged of the discovery of 182 human remains in unmarked graves near the site of the former Catholic-run St. Eugene's Mission School in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

According to reports, more than 150,000 First Nations children attended state-funded Christian schools. They were reportedly forced to convert to Christianity and not allowed to speak their native languages.

Since backlash over the graves began, at least nine Catholic and Anglican churches across Canada have gone up in flames, Fox News reports. Last month, at least four churches located in indigenous territory in British Columbia were damaged or destroyed by fires authorities believe to have been suspicious in nature.

Chief Keith Crow of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band told local media that he adamantly opposed the destruction of the churches, referring to the incidents as heartbreaking since members of his tribes belonged to the congregations.

Luckily, no one was injured and the fire here was contained before it spread to any of the neighbouring homes, Crow told The Vancouver Sun in an interview last month.

If youre hurting at this time, please reach out to somebody and make the call. There is a lot of upset people.

In response to the discovery of the unmarked graves, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued an apology that expressed commitment to walking side by side with Indigenous Peoples in the present, seeking greater healing and reconciliation for the future.

The news of the recent discovery is shocking. It rekindles trauma in numerous communities across this land. Honouring the dignity of the lost little ones demands that the truth be brought to light, stated the CCCB.

We lift up prayers to the Lord for the children who have lost their lives and pledge our close accompaniment of Indigenous families and communities.
Pakistani Christian couple cleared of blasphemy charges, escape death by hanging

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Pakistans Lahore High Court has released a 26-page judgment acquitting a Catholic mother and her partially paralyzed husband who were on death row for seven years after a lower court convicted them of sending blasphemous text messages.

Weeks after overturning the session courts death sentence for the couple, Shagufta Masih and her husband, Shafqat Emmanuel, who was the watchman of a school in Gojra area of Toba Tek Singh district in Pakistans Punjab Province, the high court released the judgment last week, expressing displeasure over the conduct of the trial, The News International reported.

The Catholic couple was arrested in July 2013 under Pakistans blasphemy laws and the session court sentenced them to death by hanging in 2014.

We are dismayed that the learned additional sessions judge has decided the case in a slipshod manner  The appellants are acquitted of the charge, reads the judgment.

This case highlights the abuse of Pakistans blasphemy laws, said Tehmina Arora, director of Advocacy, Asia, for ADF International, which is supporting the couple.

The acquittal, Arora said, is a great step forward for religious freedom in Pakistan.

We hope it will set a precedent by showing how evidence must be evaluated in blasphemy cases, she added.

Shagufta and Shafqat are incredibly relieved to have finally been acquitted of these unfounded blasphemy charges, the couples lawyer, Saif Ul Malook, said.

The many delays to the hearing of their appeal caused them a lot of suffering. These cases are very difficult to litigate, due to the concern for security. There is a very real threat to the life of the clients and the lawyers, he added.

Masih was held in the same prison as Asia Bibi, another woman who was accused of blasphemy and held on death row for eight years until she was acquitted in 2018.

The couples appeal was admitted and heard after the European Parliament passed an April 29 resolution calling on the Pakistani authorities to release Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta [Masih] immediately and unconditionally and to overturn their death sentence.

The couple was accused by a local imam of committing blasphemy by sending him an offensive text message in 2013.

Maulvi Mohammed Hussain, a leader at a local mosque, claimed that Emmanuel used his wife's cellphone to send an anti-Islamic text message. He later claimed other messages followed. Hussain said he was praying when he received the offensive text message from an unknown number.

The Muslim cleric reportedly showed the text message to two other imams before approaching his counsel for legal proceedings. He and his lawyer later claimed they both received subsequent blasphemous messages.

Masih's brother, Joseph, previously told the BBC that his brother-in-law had been tortured and forced to make a false confession.

The text messages were also alleged to have been written in English. Aside from being illiterate, Shafqat and Shagufta are not familiar with the English language  written or spoken.

The couples lawyer, who also assisted in the appeal of Asia Bibi's blasphemy case, said previously that the charges against Masih and Emmanuel were deeply flawed and weaker than those levied against Bibi.

Although the phone was registered in Masih's name, Malook told the BBC that in their trial, they suggested a Christian neighbor they had argued with might have purchased a SIM card in Masih's name and sent the messages in order to frame them.

Christians are often targeted both by Pakistans blasphemy laws meant to protect Islamic sensitivities and by hardliners who carry out violence and have killed scores of believers in the past several years.

The blasphemy law, embedded in Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, is frequently misused for personal revenge. It carries no provision to punish a false accuser or a false witness of blasphemy.

Islamist extremists also use the law to target religious minorities  Christians, Shias, Ahmadiyyas and Hindus.
Indian pastor bludgeoned to death with wooden beam; wife says husband is Martyr for his faith

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A pastor and father of an 11-year-old girl was reportedly ambushed and killed with a wooden beam in the northern Indian state of Haryana. His wife believes the suspect, with whom the Christian minister shared the Gospel, attacked her husband because of his faith.

Sources told Morning Star News that the suspect was identified as a Hindu man named Sonu Kashyap from Sangoi village in Haryana states Karnal district. Kashyap is accused of attacking Pastor Vinod Kumar with a wooden roof truss in the late evening last Wednesday.

Earlier that evening, the suspects brother had called the pastor to ask him to pray for a sick villager. The pastor's wife, Sunita Kumar, claimed her husband was attacked as he was leaving the villager's home.

Kashyap was waiting in ambush as her husband was about to start his motorbike, she said.

He attacked Vinod unaware from behind," she detailed. "He hit him hard on his head three times even after he fell from the motorbike. He hit him till his skull broke open.

Neighbors saw Kashyap standing with the wooden beam next to Pastor Kumars body, Pastor Sompal Kalre, who mentored Kumar and led him to Christ over a quarter-century ago, told the nonprofit persecution news outlet.

But before the police arrived, the villagers caught hold of Sonu and started hitting him, Pastor Kalre was quoted as saying. The police arrived in time and rescued Sonu from the hands of the angry villagers, or else the mob would have killed him.

Kashyap has three court cases pending against him, the mentor said.

Police are claiming the motive was some personal enmity, but Sunita Kumar said her husband talked about God with Kashyap for two-and-a-half months and believes this upset him. She indicated that the suspect asked the pastor to pray for his deliverance from drug addiction.

Kashyap had also visited our home to get himself prayed for, she said. I do not know what came upon him that he took such a drastic step of killing Vinod so brutally.

The village chief, Angrez Singh Saini, recalled that Kumar had a good testimony and name.

He was serving humanity," Sani told Morning Star News. "His life was such that he wronged nobody, nor did anybody dislike him.

Pastor Kumar, a convert from Hinduism, was the only Christian in his family. And his parents and siblings were upset with him for following Christ, Sunita Kumar added.

I have resolved to carry on the work my husband was doing," the slain pastors wife said. "And I want to live his dream out. Vinod became a martyr for his faith, and I too will die for my faith.

Christians make up about 2.5% of Indias population, while Hindus comprise 79.5%.

Attacks on Christians and other minorities have been on the rise since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won the 2014 national elections.

India ranks as the 10th worst country globally when it comes to Christian persecution on Open Doors USA's 2021 World Watch List. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the U.S. State Department to label India as a "country of particular concern" for engaging in or tolerating severe religious freedom violations.

In 2020, religious freedom conditions in India continued their negative trajectory. The government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, promoted Hindu nationalist policies resulting in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, notes USCIRF's annual report released in April, warning that mobs attacked Christians, destroyed churches and disrupted worship services over accusations of forced conversions.

"In many cases, authorities did not prevent these abuses and ignored or chose not to investigate pleas to hold perpetrators accountable," the report continues. "This contributed to increased mob attacks and a fear of reprisal against those coming forward. Religious minorities remain concerned about the potential for a national anti-conversion law and additional state-level statutes."
Iranian authorities deny early release for Christian convert imprisoned for reading the Bible

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An Iranian convert to Christianity who has served over one-third of a 10-year prison sentence for reading the Bible and allegedly taking part in missionary activities was told that his plea for early release has been denied.

The Tehran prosecutors office informed Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh through a handwritten letter last month that his request for release wasnt approved, Article 18 reported, adding that no explanation was given to the convert.

Nasser, who will turn 60 in August, had been assured several times by prison authorities in recent months that his request would be accepted. He is eligible for parole as he has served over one-third of his sentence for actions against national security because of his membership in a Tehran house church.

The convert was hoping to be reunited with his elderly mother, for whom he was the primary caregiver before he was arrested on June 24, 2016, while he was attending a Christian gathering.

After a few months of interrogation by government officials, Nasser was convicted in May 2017 on charges of acting against national security through the formation and establishment of an illegal church organization in his home, according to the Jubilee Campaign.

He has been in the notorious Evin Prison since January 2018 and had appealed his detainment and conviction, which was rejected.

Nasser has written open letters to the Iranian authorities, questioning his conviction.

Would it even be possible for a committed Christian  who was born and raised in Iran and whose forefathers lived in this land for thousands of years, and who is a servant to the God who has called him to a ministry of reconciliation  to act against the national security of his own country? he wrote in August 2018, according to World Watch Monitor.

As the charges against me in my indictment states: Action against national security through establishment of house churches, is the fellowship of a few Christian brothers and sisters in someones home, singing worship songs, reading the Bible and worshiping God acting against national security? he continued.

Isnt it a clear violation of civil and human rights, and an absolute injustice, to receive [a] 10-year prison sentence just for organizing house churches, which is a sanctuary sanctified as a place to praise and worship God due to closure of churches in Iran?

The Iranian government uses Articles 489, 499 and 500 of the countrys Penal Code to prosecute Christians for their peaceful religious activities. The country has consistently been labeled by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for egregious violations of religious freedom.

Christians in Iran witnessed an unprecedented wave of raids on house churches toward the end of 2018, when more than 100 Christians were arrested, according to Article 18. Most of them were released after a few hours after they wrote down details of their Christian activities and were ordered to have no more contact with other Christians.

Last January, a 21-year-old Iranian Christian convert, Fatemeh Mohammadi, who prefers to go by the name Mary since her spiritual conversion, was arrested during an anti-government protest in Tehran.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that Mary was detained near Azadi Square in Tehran, where protests occurred after the Iranian military shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane and killed 176 people. She published a series of tweets on the day she was arrested, saying that the Iranian people faced soft repression in Iran as the regime creates false beliefs through selective coverage of the news.
Canadians and Americans looking to fly across the border could have one more airline to choose from this fall, if virus-related travel restrictions between the two countries are gone by then, as planned.

Canadian budget carrier Flair Airlines said Thursday that on Oct. 31 it will begin flying to six U.S. leisure destinations including Las Vegas; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Palm Springs, California.
Coburn Supply Company has announced the promotion Patrick Maloney and Michael Maloney to executive leadership positions, becoming the fourth generation family members to help lead the company.

Patrick Maloney, currently vice president and director of sales, will take the helm as president of Coburns Supply. With more than 18 years of company experience, Maloney was previously recognized in the Supply House Times 40 Under 40 list.

Michael Maloney brings marketing agency experience and more than 17 years of Coburns marketing work to the table. Currently, Michael serves as vice president of marketing and current ASA Emerging Leader Chairman. In this transition, he will be taking the role of executive vice president of Coburns.

Don Maloney will be transitioning from president of Coburns to chairman of the board, and A.J. Maloney will be transitioning from executive vice president to vice chairman.

Don has served as past president of The Commonwealth Buying Group, and both Don and A.J. were founding members of the group. He celebrated his 50th anniversary with Coburns in 2019, and 2021 marks A.J.s 45th year with the company.

Since 1934, Coburn Supply Company has served both residential and commercial consumers by distributing plumbing, electrical, waterworks and HVAC products and services. The company is headquartered in Beaumont, but has more than 50 locations and three centrally located distribution centers serving Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

Xavier M. Bennett, formerly of Kirbyville, has joined Houston firm Sorrels Law.

Bennett transitioned a career in electrical engineering to become a recognized litigator. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants at other top Texas firms. He is also a licensed patent attorney.

Bennett obtained his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering at Prairie View A&M University (HBCU). He previously worked as a senior engineer at Motorola, Inc. and Freescale Semiconductor.

He obtained his law degree at South Texas College of Law Houston, where he was a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, an executive board member of the Intellectual Property & Technology Law Society, a founding pupil of the Honorable Nancy F. Atlas Intellectual Property American Inn of Court and a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal honors society.

While attending law school, Bennett served as a law clerk for many Texas district court judges in Harris County, while actively participating in many local legal organizations. Moreover, Xavier has participated as a chief judge for the Giles S. Rich Memorial Moot Court Competition, Judge for the Houston Intellectual Property Law Association Science Fair Committee, as well as a member and contributor to the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Minority Intellectual Property Law Association and many other organizations.

Xavier is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas. Additionally, he is admitted to practice in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the federal circuit.

CARF International announced that Spindletop Center has been accredited for a period of three years for ten programs, including:

Adult Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Assertive Community Treatment Service coordination for children and adolescents, mental health Service coordination for adults, mental health Crisis intervention adults with mental health Crisis intervention children and adolescents, mental health Supported living for adults, mental health Outpatient treatment for adults, mental health Outpatient treatment for adolescents, mental health Day treatment program for adults, mental health (Hope Center)

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of the persons served.

This is the first accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has given to Spindletop Center and is extended to go through March 31, 2024.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows the organizations substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process that CARF states has shown Spindletop Centers services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of conformance to standards.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

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With the aim of supporting Mexican startups to continue developing, growing and innovating, Google for Startups presents "Startup School", its practical online training program that seeks to help the founders of these companies and their work teams, equipping them in stages. with the tools and skills necessary for their growth.

Startup School started in 2020 with an English version that has already promoted multiple startups around the world. This year, the first edition of the program in Spanish in Latin America will be inaugurated in Mexico. Mexican entrepreneurs will be able to register through the Startup School website, where registrations are already open.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russia on Thursday said its airlines can resume charter flights to Egyptian resorts, which had been banned for more than five years after the suspected bombing of a Russian airliner in which 224 people died.

President Vladimir Putin cancelled his order suspending the flights, according to a document on the government information site that did not give details of the decision.
In order to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of the fast-food industry, many chains have begun to get creative about how to keep their menus fresh and enticing.

For some, paradoxically, this means bringing back old and retired items for good or for limited runs, like the return of Pizza Huts The Edge Pizza or Taco Bells fan-favorite Quesalupa.

Others have experimented with completely new menu items, especially as the chicken sandwich wars wage onward, like Burger King and Wendys.

Related: New Licensing Agreement Paves Road for Subway-Branded Products

Subway, however, is attempting a near complete overhaul of its menu, debuting new items and ingredients while also bringing back sandwiches from the past.

Dubbed the Eat Fresh Refresh, Subway customers will see a new menu roll out on July 13 in what the sandwich chain is calling the largest menu update in [the] brands history.

The menu will have over 20 changes, including six brand new or returning subs for customers to order, 11 major ingredient changes, two new breads (Artisan Italian and Hearty Multigrain) and changes to four of its major sandwiches.

Related: Wendy's President Reveals the Special Sauce Behind Their Design Strategy

Our new culinary team is delivering monumental updates to the entire core menu, Subways President of North America, Trevor Haynes, said in a statement. The Eat Fresh Refresh makes Subway better than ever with freshly made, crave able and delicious sandwiches to excite new and returning guests.

Other changes include the addition of smashed avocado, hickory-smoked bacon and new vinaigrettes and sauces.

One menu item that wont be affected by the overhaul? Tuna. The ingredient caused quite a controversy for the brand last month when it was reported that the protein at the Subway restaurants did not in fact show traces of tuna DNA when tested.

Subway sources tuna from leading global food suppliers that have a reputation for working diligently with food safety and quality experts to ensure consistent, high-quality products at every stage of the supply chain, the brand stated firmly.

Subway restaurants around the country will close early on July 12 in order for employees to refresh and get ready ahead of the launch.

The chain will also be doling out one million free six-inch Turkey Cali Fresh sandwiches (one of the menus new additions) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. the morning of the launch.

There are currently about 21,500 Subway restaurants in the United States, all of which are franchised  about 2,000 locations were shuttered last year amid the pandemic, according to reports.

Related: Subway will implement these changes to avoid more closures

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Deborah Dana is an entrepreneur, mom, and investor. 10 years ago he founded Kiwilimon with Lorenza Avila, a portal for cooking recipes. In 2009, after the birth of his fourth child, he decided not to return to the day-to-day operation of the business and as they already had a CEO, he only decided to occupy a seat on their board of directors.

So, he got into mutual funds and, together with a group of Harvard Business School alumni, founded Soldiers Field Angels , a venture capital fund in Mexico that invested in 12 companies. The most important exit was that of the Deforma , which they sold to Televisa last year.

When trying to help entrepreneurs and their companies grow through this intelligent capital, Deborah realized that in the country there were few platforms to promote women entrepreneurs . Much less existed for microentrepreneurs.

"There are countless women who have great ideas and want to start a business, however they do not dare to take the step because they encounter fiscal barriers, access to capital, little legal support or have logistics problems," says Deborah.

So he set out to change this panorama. With the help of David Dana and Israel Diaz, she created KL Studios , a company builder that seeks to transform women's lives through technology-based solutions. We believe that teams are our competitive advantage. In all leadership groups we have at least one founder and we foster mixed gender teams, says Deborah.

In May 2017 they made the first launch of KL Studios : Canasta Rosa , which he founded with the help of Isabela Olea, Israel Diaz, Karina Vazquez and Leonardo Ramirez. It is a digital platform that makes microentrepreneurs grow through three ways: Market , the place that helps them capitalize on their own sales through e-commerce; Inspire , content marketing to position yourself, reach more customers and increase your sales; and PRO, support and consulting services to professionalize your business that include legal advice for trademark registration, accounting, design, marketing courses, among others.

Image: Depositphotos.com

A practical solution

Two years after its launch, Canasta Rosa already has 900 saleswomen who have joined the initiative, who now sell more and have managed to professionalize their business. The growth has been very organic and is not exclusive since 8% of the sellers are men and 50% of the buyers are also male, explain the entrepreneurs. At first Isabela identified on Instagram the accounts of women who sold products and who had many followers and invited them to join Canasta Rosa . They started with 30 and then the growth was given by word of mouth recommendation.

The secret, says the entrepreneur, is the practicality that microentrepreneurs find on the platform. In the first place, because there you can sell all kinds of products, from beauty items, accessories for babies, children, pets, fashion and food, among which gourmet desserts and keto products (low in carbohydrates) stand out. An entrepreneur can trade part time and quickly start selling on the platform. There you can determine your hours of operation, indicate the time it takes to have a product ready and close your store in the holiday season, for example.

After an agreement with DHL , Canasta Rosa solves the logistics issue for its saleswomen: the company collects the products at the entrepreneurs' homes and delivers them throughout the country, so the saleswomen do not have to worry about going to offices outside From home. The cost of shipping is absorbed by the buyer at a preferential price of 70 pesos and thanks to this agreement, the microentrepreneurs have savings of up to 60%.

Another issue that the platform solves are the payment methods. The marketplace offers safe methods for female entrepreneurs to sell their products. Accepts credit cards, paypal, convenience store deposit and interbank transfers.

Canasta Rosa charges a commission of 5% per transaction plus 3.5% for the digital payment processor. The sellers receive payment for their products through Mercado Pago 15 days after the product is delivered. Deborah says that using her platform is much cheaper than other marketplaces such as Amazon, which charge up to 15% commission.

Another advantage is that the moment the entrepreneurs get on the platform, they immediately have an online assistant called Mikaela, who ensures that all purchases and shipments are successful for both sellers and customers.

A plus: through Inspire, blogs with innovative content within the marketplace, the sellers can reach more people. This content is not for sale, part of the Canasta Rosa team is identifying the trends and the stores that are having the best performance and can be recommended or participate in videos or Do it yourself articles, through which they can get more conversion rates (sales).

And it is that these contents do not only appear on the Canasta Rosa site, but also on some blogs or specialized lifestyle portals with which it maintains alliances.

Professionalize your business

Two months ago, Canasta Rosa launched its PRO service to accelerate the growth of microentrepreneurs. With the payment of an extra fee, microentrepreneurs can access professional services to design their brand, help them create identity manuals, create their logo, take professional photographs of their products, create videos, marketing strategies, keep their accounting and participate in various workshops. They can also access various events such as physical sales in shopping malls, such as the one they had last May in Antara.

Canasta Rosa PRO solves another core issue: taxes. Through this alternative, the platform can keep your annual accounting by paying a fee of 5,000 pesos plus VAT annually. Deborah recommends entrepreneurs to register with the Tax Administration Service (SAT) in the Tax Incorporation Regime (RIF), although you can also pay taxes if you are registered as a Natural Person with Business Activity.

If a microentrepreneur is not yet registered, the platform she leads can support her to complete the process for a fee of 500 pesos. Even if an artisan or entrepreneur does not want to register with the SAT, Canasta Rosa is empowered to absorb the costs and pay your taxes. In the latter case, they would charge you a commission of 20%.

Canasta Rosa currently has a solid presence in Mexico City, although they have shipments nationwide. The idea will be to build communities of vendors in the main cities of the country. Deborah is blunt in pointing out that in all her years as an entrepreneur, technology has played a key role in scaling business. That is why he says that his favorite place to be is his cell phone or a website, because from there is where some of the most important ventures have emerged. And it continues looking for new solutions for the female segment. "We believe that the" X "factor is a competitive advantage in both our companies and our founding teams."

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
As reported by the World Economic Forum, it is a fact that an increase in the proficiency of the English language is directly related to a higher per capita income, and at the individual level, human resources managers of organizations, from all over the world, affirm that applicants of employment with exceptional English, compared to the level of their country, receive salaries between 30 and 50% higher.

In this context and with the purpose of promoting the teaching of English in Mexico, SEDA College, an Irish language school, started its exchange program, SEDA Dream , which consists of awarding ten scholarships worth up to $ 3,400 each, and 90 more partial scholarships, with up to 50% discount for Mexicans to travel to Ireland to study the language. Registration began on July 1 and will end on Wednesday, July 14.

Those interested should consult the official page of the contest to complete a form and register. Participants, who must be 18 years of age or older, will have to take a test on Saturday, July 17; The cost to participate is $ 25 and includes three months of access to the SEDA College Online platform, which contains more than 60 courses in English at all levels.

You may be interested in: Learning to speak English: 10 tips to improve your level

We want to contribute to increasing the level of English in Mexico, and that is why we are presenting this first edition of the SEDA Dream program, exclusively for this country, with which we seek to promote language learning and professional improvement. In addition, international experience would allow them to grow in their careers if they achieve a work experience in Europe , Vanessa Melo, CEO of SEDA College Online, explained in a statement.

Once the student enrolls, the next step is to take a test with 50 multiple-choice questions, which includes quizzes on English, logic, knowledge of Ireland and also SEDA College. The sum of the points achieved will be equal to the value of the discount they will receive, which can reach up to 50 percent.

Image: Depositphotos.com

Later, on July 22, we will announce on our social networks the names of the recipients of the full scholarships. In a complementary way, I want to mention that those interested can see testimonies from Brazilian students on the SEDA Dream website, who carried out the same process and were winners , added Vanessa.

Among the advantages of mastering the English language, there are five that are worth highlighting: greater opportunity to travel, more ability to participate in an economy, possibility of starting a dialogue, consuming knowledge and media, and being able to establish international relations. In that sense, English is considered the most powerful language in the world; and it is prevalent in three G7 nations (USA, UK and Canada). Mandarin, which comes in second, is only half as powerful. French ranks third, thanks to its use in international diplomacy.

Finally, Vanessa Melo indicated that with the restrictions to travel abroad, due to the pandemic, those selected for the program will be able to postpone the trip for up to twelve months. Our programs integrate more than 300 thousand students in the SEDA College Online platform, which offers English courses for levels from basic to advanced, as well as English for business, job interviews and travel, and we want Mexicans to take advantage of this program , which has a deadline .

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Its no secret that people love McDonalds chicken nuggets  theyre practically an American staple.

For some, getting some might be the first order of business after committing a crime such as, say, stealing a truck and hitting a police officer.

For one Shrewsbury, Massachusetts woman, this was indeed the case.

According to reports, 38-year-old Johanna Gardell was arrested at a Worcester, Massachusetts McDonalds after stealing a Chevrolet Silverado truck that belonged to a man named Raymond James Simoncini, who reported the vehicle missing shortly before 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Police tracked down the pick-up truck, which was taken from a work site, via GPS. They were stopped en-route by a separate driver who said that their vehicle had also been hit by the stolen car.

When officers approached the car, Gardell sped off, hitting an officer as she drove away.

One reporter obtained video footage of the woman blowing through a construction site after a worker attempted to block her from speeding on.

NEW VIDEO: @ShieldsWBZ got this video from the Worcester chase, showing the suspect driving through a construction site - and what one worker did to try to stop her#wbz #CBSNBoston pic.twitter.com/232zrlReSX  Jim Harrington (@jejharrington) July 6, 2021

"I saw this on Park Ave while they were chasing her, she didn't even seem to be going that fast," one resident said on social media. "I guess when you actually see something like this happen before your own eyes it kinda feels like slow motion. Just grateful no one was seriously hurt or killed."

When police tracked the woman down again, they discovered the truck was in line at a McDonalds drive-thru, where she was ordering  you guessed it  McNuggets.

Newsweek reports that police contacted employees at the McDonalds to get them to stall with customers so that they could get to the line in time to apprehend the woman.

Officers approached her in two vehicles, the Worcester police department said in a statement. She intentionally struck one of the vehicles, but went off the road and got her vehicle stuck in the mulch on McDonalds property. Officers approached the vehicle and were able to pull her out of it, while she fought and struggled.

Gardell is facing several charges, which include operating to endanger, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle) and malicious mischief to motor vehicle.

Police said that the officer struck was sent to the hospital, though their injuries are not life-threatening.

Gardell will be arraigned in court, and the investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
FGA filed an amicus curiae brief with the Supreme Court of Missouri to support the lower court's decision to strike down the unconstitutional Medicaid Expansion Amendment.

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



For the original version on PRWeb visit: https://www.prweb.com/releases/the_foundation_for_government_accountability_files_an_amicus_curiae_brief_with_the_missouri_supreme_court_in_opposition_to_medicaid_expansion/prweb18054115.htm
The first scientific judgments on the deadly, record-shattering heat wave that blasted the Pacific Northwest at the end of June are starting to roll in. One rapid attribution analysis, conducted by scientists at World Weather Attribution, found that a heatwave this severe was virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.

The heat dome event  created by an extreme high-pressure system over British Columbia, Washington state and Oregon that blocked typical, cooling ocean breezes  transformed an area famous for its temperate climate into a desert-like furnace with temperatures soaring well into the triple digits. This analysis found that the temperatures observed in the Pacific Northwest (Portland hit a record shattering 116 degrees) were so extreme that they lie far outside the range of historically observed temperatures, and described that existing modeling pegs it at about a 1-in-1,000 year event in todays climate.

Our current climate is already influenced by global warming, with about 1.2C now baked into the worlds climate system. The scientists said that a heat event of this magnitude is 150 times more likely today than it would have been at the beginning of the industrial revolution  when it would have been a 1-in-150,000 year event. Global warming is not uniform, is more extreme at northern latitudes, and amplifies the extremes of heat events. This heatwave was about 2C hotter than it would have been if it had occurred at the beginning of the industrial revolution, the scientists write.

The science highlights the need for urgent action on climate change. Unchecked warming could increase global temperature rise by another 0.8C within decades. In that climate, a the Pacific Northwest could expect a return of Junes unfathomable heat roughly every 5 to 10 years.

We underestimate just how big a difference global warming can make to the likelihoods of extremes. 200 years ago odds of an event like the Pacific NW heatwave would have been 1 in 150,000 years With 1.2C global warming it was a 1 in 1,000 years At 2C it would be 1 in 10 years  Zeke Hausfather (@hausfath) July 8, 2021

Rapid attribution analysis uses peer-reviewed methods to try to quickly tease out the influence of climate change in extreme weather events. Such an analysis does not go through all the hoops that would be required to gain publication in a scientific journal, but is intended to help the public understand the influence of global warming in near real-time. This study is a collaboration of climate scientists from the United States, Canada, and numerous countries across Europe.

The days of extreme heat in the Pacific Northwest, where many residents lack air conditioning, were deadly. In Oregon alone, more than 100 deaths have been blamed on the heat, with authorities now calling it a mass casualty event. The World Weather Attribution authors warn that this early count is almost certainly an underestimate, adding that the the full death toll likely wont be known for several months. They underscore that heatwaves are one of the deadliest natural hazards and that global warming is pushing us into uncharted territory that has significant consequences for health, well-being, and livelihoods.

The study notes that present climate models suggest the heat wave was the statistical equivalent of really bad luck, albeit aggravated by climate change. But the analysis also raises a far more troubling hypothesis: That man-made warming may be creating nonlinear interactions in the climate that substantially increased the probability of such extreme heat.

The authors explain: Based on this first rapid analysis, we cannot say whether this was a so-called freak event or whether our changing climate altered conditions conducive to heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest. If that were the case, they write, it means that bad luck played a smaller role, and this type of event would be more frequent in our current climate.

In either case the authors conclude that unchecked climate change will turn our luck from bad to worse when it comes to such a rare event: As warming continues, they write, it will become a lot less rare.
Struggling to find something new to eat in Houston?

Chron compiled this weekly list of new flavors in and around H-Town. From a raw bar in Rice Village to a vegan restaurant near Third Ward, this is what you should try the next time you're in a pinch choosing dinner.

FAREWELL: Two of Houston's classic restaurants are closing this month

Did we miss anything? Email us at tips@chron.com.

This French bistro-styled raw bar opened in Rice Village recently, according to the Houston Chronicle's Greg Morago.

It features oysters, tune tartare, shrimp cocktails and other seafood fare. Owned by the creators of Brasserie 19, the eatery is located in the space formerly occupied by Punks Simple Southern Food.

Its address is 5212 Morningside, and it is open 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The chefs behind vegan barbecue food truck Houston Sauce Pit are opening their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, according to Eater's Amy McCarthy.

Mo Better Brews will offer all-vegan choices, including meatless takes on classics like Chik'n Fried Shrooms & Grits, Hot Honey 'Shrooms & Waffles and other dishes.

The restaurant is located at 1201 Southmore Boulevard and is open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Aching for a new sweet treat?

Blue Bell has you covered. The new Coconut Cream Pie is the perfect addition to any summer palate.

The new flavor is released alongside returning fan favorites Strawberry Cheesecake and Krazy Kookie Dough.
Salt Hotels has big plans for an expansive resort on the banks of the Hudson River at the Hutton Brickyards near Kingston Point Park, but some community members worry about the new resort restricting access to public land along the riverfront and the Empire State Trail.

Salt manages the 73 acres at the resorts namesake brickyard, which is owned by Karl Slovins MWest Holdings, a California-based real estate investment and property management company that owns properties across the U.S. including in New York City, Texas and California.

Salt, which also operates hotels in Provincetown on Cape Cod and in Miami Beach, Florida, has opened 31 luxury cabins and the Hudson River Pavilion Restaurant on the brickyards site. Salts expansion plans include adding a spa and a 12-room boutique hotel at the historic Cordts Mansion off of Lindsley Avenue on an adjacent property with views of the Hudson River.

In addition to lodging and dining, Salt has plans for resuming hosting large-scale events at Hutton such as partnerships with The Bowery Presents, as well as smaller local dance recitals and charity events.

Wed love for these events to be open to all and we hope to be a place for the local community to gather, Salt Hotels CEO David Bowd said.

Making the space open to the public is actually a tension point for some in the local community, many of whom have expressed concern about the private Salt Hotel restricting public access to the Empire State Trail  which runs through the Salt property  with a gate on North Street that the hotel controls.

Seeking trail access

The Hudson River Brickyard Trail, a 1.9-mile segment of the Empire State Trail, and the city of Kingstons Greenline trail pass through the Hutton property and connects Kingston Point Beach and the 520-acre future Hudson Cliffs State Park to the south. The latter park is another former industrial site that was to be the site of a massive housing development that never came to fruition after the 2008 housing crisis. That land was sold in 2019 to Scenic Hudson, who plans to turn it into a park in partnership with NY State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation and Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

Community members have pushed for guarantees on public access to the Hudson River waterfront. A gate at the north end of the property that connects to the Scenic Hudson land is managed by the town of Ulster, which is a partner in the trail project. The gate at the south end is managed by Salt Hotels.

Tom Polk, an avid cyclist, expressed a long list of concerns about the gate and public access to the river during a city planning board meeting in April. At the same meeting, city planners unanimously approved a three-phased public access plan for the Hutton site put together by the resorts architectural firm Kristina Dousharm Architecture, PLLC.

Speaking in a recent telephone interview, Polk said he remains shocked there is a gate at all as it limits access to North Street, a public street that enters the former brickyard from the south.

The city agreed to that as a temporary measure, said Polk, referring to an email exchange between Kingston Mayor Steve Noble and Slovin of MWest Holdings, as reported in The River. The Empire State Trail is a 750-mile network of trails and bike lanes and encouraging people to use it is a type of tourism.

Bowd said a gate has existed at this location on North Street since 1977 and that it is open from sunrise to sunset. He added that Salt Hotels has worked in accordance with all city guidelines to get the trail open through Hutton lands.

If you get on [the] Brickyards Trail at the wrong time of day, youll find that gate is closed and the hours change, Polk said. In the winter [the gate closes] very early. Imagine youre coming from out of town, God forbid you run late or have a flat tire.

Riley Johndonnell, Scenic Hudsons director of communications, confirmed that access to the entire segment of the trail is limited to sunrise and sunset, and that summer hours for both gates are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Polk asserted that while he supports the concept of the project, he remains uneasy that there are no public easements and that leaves it up to the owner of the private hotel property to allow public access.

The developer should adhere to city code, with a permanent written agreement that guarantees a public access trail to the river will not be taken away if business gets bad or they sell the property, Polk said. If its not on paper theres no redress.

City officials contacted about the gate did not respond by press time. Based upon emails surfaced in The River, however, Mayor Noble has requested that Hutton leave its gate open. In a March 9 email, the mayor wrote to Slovin that the gate on the Town of Ulster side of the trail had been left open without any issues. Slovin replied that it was not an option to leave their gate open, and to do so would be a terrible idea from a business point of view that would make guests feel unsafe.

The office of Mayor Noble responded to queries about the gate with referrals to planning documents available on the citys public website.

Resort expansion plan

The approved plan calls for upgrading the Empire State Trail to allow for ADA compliance, among other improvements. Salt would also add a new, stone dust Hudson River Trail at the northern property line of 200 North Street to provide public access to the Hudson River with the trail terminating at an outlook with public seating and interpretive signage. This work is expected to wrap up in 2022.

Longer-term plans call for adaptive reuse of the brickyards old Building Seven and a public fixed pier at the Kiln Building, which would serve as the terminus for a public pedestrian access trail.

The brickyard sat abandoned from 1980 until 2016, when the site began hosting public events, like a Hudson Valley offshoot of the upscale outdoor Brooklyn marketplace Smorgasburg, which ran there in 2016-2017. A Bob Dylan concert was also held at the site in 2017, and the makers market Field + Supply has been a recurring event at the venue, all held under a large steel pavilion-like structure once used in the brick-making operation.

Hutton later played host to a number of smaller public events, and most recently a glamping operation that Bowd said was recently phased out with the completion of the cabins.

As for the Cordts Mansion, plans presented by Salt Hotels at the June city planning board meeting call for the historic home to be renovated as a boutique hotel with 12 guest rooms. The Cordts site will also play host to a single-family home and a guest house. A stone path traversed by small electric vehicles will link it to the Hutton site and waterfront.

Boyd said the resort is committed to limiting traffic disruptions on the narrow web of streets that link Kingston Point and Hutton to the remainder of Kingston. We will work with local authorities and organizers to reduce traffic and minimize disruption for our neighbors.

The Cordts proposal was tabled by the city planning board at its June meeting and was referred to the Ulster County Planning Board for comments and recommendations.

Bowd did not say how much the project will cost once its done. The team isnt able to speak to the investment in the project, but Hutton Brickyards has employed over 120 people both full and part-time, the CEO said.Over 70 percent of the staff are from the local area.

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Corrections and Amplifications: An earlier version of this story omitted the word "future" in reference to Hudson River Cliffs State Park, and omitted Scenic Hudson's partners in the park.
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.

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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.
If you've been on Instagram at all over the past few years, you've probably scrolled past an image of someone in a pool of sprinkles. The source of that pool of sprinkles, and 11 other installations, is the Museum of Ice Cream, an immersive, interactive experience coming soon to Texas.

For its Lone Star State debut, running August 21 through September 30, the Museum of Ice Cream is heading to Austin. While there, guests can look forward to 12 installations "dedicated to the celebration and experience of enjoying ice cream," notes a release.

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3 1 of 3 Courtesy, Museum of Ice Cream Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy, Museum of Ice Cream Show More Show Less 3 of 3





The museum offers all sorts of Insta-worthy, content-generating scenes. For example, visitors can swing by a vintage '60s diner to sip cocktails or coffee while snacking on treats or ride a life-size animal cookie in the Carnival Room. Take a stroll through the Museum of Modern Ice Cream, (the MOMI, get it?) and see tricked out ice cream versions of modern masterpieces.

And then there's that famous sprinkle pool where people can dip and slide into a giant pile of faux sprinkles. For the first time ever, "poolside" cabanas are also available to rent for private events such as work events, Instagram sessions, or perhaps even a wedding.

In some ways, the Museum of Ice Cream's Austin debut is a bit of a homecoming for the trendy exhibit. Maryellis Bunn, co-founder and creative director, says she actually got the idea while visiting the Capital City during SXSW.

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We started the journey of Museum of Ice Cream in Austin as an idea at SXSW in 2016," says Ellis in a release. "We knew then that the combination of Austin's love of amazing food, experiences, art and, most importantly, its inclusiveness and welcoming culture would make the city a wonderful home for MOIC. We could not be more thrilled to continue our mission to spread joy and connection through the universal power of ice cream in Austin.

Museum of Ice Cream is taking over 11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128, in the Domain. Tickets are currently on sale and come in two packages. The all-ages Day Experience is $39 per person and includes five treats. The Night at the Museum is priced at $49 and recommended for those ages 16 and up. For those 21-plus, the Night... experience also includes a spiked treat during your visit.

More than 2 million people (including Beyonce) have visited the Museum of Ice Cream in its hometown of New York City, as well as at pop ups in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami, so there's little doubt this will be a hot ticket.
Santa Fe Mayor Jason Tabor apologized Wednesday after posting inaccurate details regarding the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting on Facebook over the weekend, saying he was at a casino in Louisiana in straight up in party mode when he wrote the post.

Tabor said in a statement on Facebook that he was taking full responsibility for the post and that he would be seeking treatment for alcoholism.

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On May 18, 2018, 13 people were injured and 10 were killed when a student opened fire in the high school.

In his original post, Tabor attributed a motive to the shooter and shared details about one victim's injuries, naming her as a specific target for the shooter, according to a screenshot obtained by KPRC.

Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady told the Houston Chronicle's Alejandro Serrano that Tabor's post was false.

My only statement on the Mayors post is that the information he posted about the case is not accurate, Roady wrote in an e-mail, Serrano reports. And someone in his position has absolutely no business making a statement like that publicly.

Tabor blamed his post on drinking and withdrawal from medication.

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"I can say its not my proudest moment and I am embarrassed," Tabor wrote on Facebook. "I quit drinking for a year and thought I could beat it. Last September I checked myself into rehab. They put me on medicine that really does help. I have been able to hold it in and I forgot my pill bottle. When the meds wore off it was like a freight train hit me with emotions. So that led to my stupid post about the shooting."

According to Serrano, Tabor took down the original post, apologized to a specific victim's family, and is planning on completing an Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed a lawsuit seeking redistricting records of Republican lawmakers' efforts to redraw the states congressional and legislative districts.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, claims House GOP lawmakers, including Speaker Bob Cupp and Rep. Bill Seitz, have refused to respond to a February records request by the ACLU.

The request sought to obtain any redistricting-related records, including emails from Cupp, Seitz and other legislative staff involved in the ongoing process. In the complaint, the lawyers representing the nonprofit said receiving records will help them monitor the state's contentious redistricting process carefully.

Well be carefully analyzing the maps in how they would perform, and making sure that the districts drawn are compliant with the Constitution, and that the process is fair and transparent, Freda Levenson, the Ohio ACLUs legal director, told Cleveland.com. If the maps that ultimately arent enacted arent, we are thinking of challenging them and will be prepared to do that if necessary.

This year will be the first time Ohio will be using a new redistricting process that was approved by voters through state ballot issues in 2015 and 2018.

The new system, which is meant to fight gerrymandering in the state, requires an independent commission to finish redrawing legislative districts by Sept. 1. It sets a Sept. 30 deadline for the states General Assembly to complete a new map of congressional districts.

The number of congressional districts in Ohio was reduced from 16 to 15 with the release of new census data in late April. Updated U.S. House maps will need to reflect that loss of a district.

The U.S. Census Bureau has said it anticipates detailed population data to arrive in the states around Aug. 16  more than four months after the April 1 date on which it normally arrives  due to the impact of the coronavirus.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday ratcheted up assertions of potential fraud in next year's presidential election, suggesting it could be canceled unless the voting system is reformed.

Either we do clean elections in Brazil, or we don't do elections at all, he told supporters in capital, Brasilia.

For weeks, Bolsonaro has insistently cast doubt on Brazil's electronic voting system, in place since 1996, by claiming elections have been marred by fraud, most recently his own in 2018. He says he should have won without a runoff. The nation's electoral tribunal last month ordered him to present any evidence of fraud, which he has yet to do.

This week, Bolsonaro said during a live broadcast on social media he could reject 2022 election results if he loses.

Bolsonaro has been pushing for Congress to approve a constitutional reform that would add printouts of each vote to the electronic system. Were the change implemented, a receipt for each electronic vote would be visible to the voter before being deposited into a sealed ballot box.

Bolsonaro and others in favor of the reform say that would allow for a manual recount in case of suspicion of irregularities. Those against, including the current and future presidents of the electoral tribunal, all three of whom are also Supreme Court justices, say the current system already enables an audit and the change would merely create leeway for baseless claims of fraud.

Bolsonaro is trailing his nemesis, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in early polling, and his claims of fraud have led analysts to express concern that he may be laying the groundwork for his own version of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in Washington where supporters of Donald Trump alleged he had been robbed of victory.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin regulators can impose operating conditions on factory farms and consider high-capacity wells' cumulative environmental impacts when deciding whether to grant permits, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The decisions mark a major victory for conservationists and clarify that the Department of Natural Resources has broad authority to protect Wisconsin's waters. The rulings cap a pair of fierce legal battles between industry associations and environmental groups that have raged for years.

This is a huge win for Wisconsin and for anybody who cares about protecting our water, said Evan Feinauer, staff attorney at Clean Wisconsin, one of the environmental groups that sued to force the rulings. At the end of the day, this about our shared water resources and the people who rely on them.

The factory farm case began in 2012 when Kinnard Farms in Kewaunee County asked the DNR for a water pollution permit that would allow it to add more than 3,000 cows, nearly doubling the size of its herd.

An administrative law judge ordered the DNR to impose conditions on the permit requiring the farm to monitor groundwater for contamination from manure and capping the number of animals.

The DNR refused to enforce the conditions, citing an opinion from then-Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel. He pointed to a state law Republicans authored in 2011 known as Act 21 that allows state agencies to take actions only if they're specifically allowed in statute or administrative rule. The judges' conditions weren't laid out in statute, preventing the DNR from enforcing them, the agency argued.

Clean Wisconsin and Midwest Environmental Advocates sued in 2015 to force the department to impose the conditions. A state appeals courts sent the case directly to the Supreme Court.

The DNR, now under the control of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, has changed its stance and now supports the permit conditions. But Republican legislators joined the lawsuit, siding with Kinnard Farms, saying if the DNR wanted to impose the conditions it would have to write them up as new administrative rules and try to win legislative approval.

The court ruled 4-2 that the DNR can enforce the conditions. Writing for the majority, Justice Jill Karofsky noted that other sections of state law grant the department all authority necessary to protect the state's waters and allow the department to mandate conditions to achieve that goal. Nothing in state law requires the department to draft individual rules to assure compliance, she added.

Clean Wisconsin and the Pleasant Lake Management District filed a separate lawsuit in 2016 alleging the DNR should have considered the widespread impact of eight high-capacity wells before granting permits for the projects. Environmentalists contend that high-capacity wells are draining lakes and depleting groundwater levels across central Wisconsin.

Again, the DNR pointed to Act 21, saying nothing in state law or rule explicitly permits them to consider cumulative impacts when granting high-capacity well permits. The department approved all eight permits in question without any conditions. Republican legislators and a host of industry groups, including Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business group, joined the case.

The court ruled 4-2 on Thursday that the DNR can indeed consider cumulative impacts. Justice Rebecca Dallet, writing for the majority, mirrored Karofsky's opinion in the farm case, saying the agency has broad authority under state law to protect state waters and that statutes explicitly state the DNR shall formulate plans and programs to that end.

Great news, Carl Sinderbrand, an attorney for the Pleasant Lake Management Lake District, said of the decision. You continue to have an opportunity to go to DNR and say you have a duty to protect my lake. You need to take action here.

DNR spokeswoman Sarah Hoye said the department is reviewing the decisions but called them significant and good for Wisconsin's waters.

Conservatives hold a 4-3 majority on the court but Chief Justice Annette Ziegler joined with liberals Karofsky, Dallet and Ann Walsh Bradley in a surprise move to form the majority. Conservative Justice Brian Hagedorn didn't participate in the decisions.

The two remaining conservatives, Patience Roggensack and Rebecca Bradley, wrote in dissents that the majority opinion guts Act 21 and ignores the will of legislators who enacted it. Rebecca Bradley called the wells decision a striking affront to the will of the people.

Aides for Republican legislative leaders didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment Thursday. A Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce spokesman declined comment.

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Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter at https://twitter.com/trichmond1
Pfizer is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying Thursday that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant.

Research from multiple countries shows the Pfizer shot and other widely used COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against the highly contagious delta variant, which is spreading rapidly around the world and now accounts for most new U.S. infections.

Two doses of most vaccines are critical to develop high levels of virus-fighting antibodies against all versions of the coronavirus, not just the delta variant -- and most of the world still is desperate to get those initial protective doses as the pandemic continues to rage.

But antibodies naturally wane over time, so studies also are underway to tell if and when boosters might be needed.

On Thursday, Pfizers Dr. Mikael Dolsten told The Associated Press that early data from the company's booster study suggests peoples antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier.

In August, Pfizer plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization of a third dose, he said.

Why might that matter for fighting the delta variant? Dolsten pointed to data from Britain and Israel showing the Pfizer vaccine neutralizes the delta variant very well. The assumption, he said, is that when antibodies drop low enough, the delta virus eventually could cause a mild infection before the immune system kicks back in.

But FDA authorization would be just a first step -- it wouldnt automatically mean Americans get offered boosters, cautioned Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Public health authorities would have to decide if theyre really needed, especially since millions of people have no protection.

The vaccines were designed to keep us out of the hospital and continue to do so despite the more contagious delta variant, he said. Giving another dose would be a huge effort while we are at the moment striving to get people the first dose.

Hours after Pfizer's announcement, U.S. health officials issued a statement saying fully vaccinated Americans don't need a booster yet.

U.S. health agencies are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary," the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a joint statement. That work will include data from the drug companies, but does not rely on those data exclusively, and any decision on booster shots would happen only when the science demonstrates that they are needed, the agencies said.

Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated  and some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, places where the delta variant is surging. On Thursday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said thats leading to two truths  highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.

This rapid rise is troubling, she said: A few weeks ago the delta variant accounted for just over a quarter of new U.S. cases, but it now accounts for just over 50%  and in some places, such as parts of the Midwest, as much as 80%.

Also Thursday, researchers from Frances Pasteur Institute reported new evidence that full vaccination is critical.

In laboratory tests, blood from several dozen people given their first dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines barely inhibited the delta variant, the team reported in the journal Nature. But weeks after getting their second dose, nearly all had what researchers deemed an immune boost strong enough to neutralize the delta variant  even if it was a little less potent than against earlier versions of the virus.

The French researchers also tested unvaccinated people who had survived a bout of the coronavirus, and found their antibodies were four-fold less potent against the new mutant. But a single vaccine dose dramatically boosted their antibody levels  sparking cross-protection against the delta variant and two other mutants, the study found. That supports public health recommendations that COVID-19 survivors get vaccinated rather than relying on natural immunity.

The lab experiments add to real-world data that the delta variants mutations arent evading the vaccines most widely used in Western countries, but underscore that its crucial to get more of the world immunized before the virus evolves even more.

Researchers in Britain found two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, for example, are 96% protective against hospitalization with the delta variant and 88% effective against symptomatic infection. That finding was echoed last weekend by Canadian researchers, while a report from Israel suggested protection against mild delta infection may have dipped lower, to 64%.

Whether the fully vaccinated still need to wear masks in places where the delta variant is surging is a growing question. In the U.S., the CDC maintains that fully vaccinated people dont need to. Even before the delta variant came along, the vaccines werent perfect, but the best evidence suggests that if vaccinated people nonetheless get the coronavirus, theyll have much milder cases.

Let me emphasize, if you were vaccinated, you have a very high degree of protection, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. governments top infectious disease expert, said Thursday.

In the U.S., case rates have been rising for weeks and the rate of hospitalizations has started to tick up, rising 7% from the previous seven-day average, Walensky told reporters Thursday. However, deaths remain down on average, which some experts believe is at least partly due to high vaccination rates in people 65 and older  who are among the most susceptible to severe disease.

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Associated Press writer Mike Stobbe contributed to this story.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  The gunman accused of fatally shooting an Indiana police officer threw a Molotov cocktail at an FBI field office before the deadly encounter, according to a federal court document.

The criminal complaint released Thursday by the U.S. attorneys office in Indianapolis charges 44-year-old Shane Meehan with premeditated murder of a federal agent.

The complaint gives no possible motive for the Wednesday afternoon attack outside the FBI office in Terre Haute that killed Terre Haute police Detective Greg Ferency, a 30-year department veteran who had been a federal task force officer since 2010.

Meehan ran as an independent candidate for Terre Haute mayor in 2019, the (Terre Haute) Tribune-Star reported. He told the newspaper that he took early retirement from the U.S. Penitentiary at Terre Haute and was running to take the city back to the basics.

He called Terre Haute a poor town (with) a lot of money going out and said we could use a little bit better government in city officials and communications with the general public. Meehan received less than 1% of the general election vote.

Authorities have described the shooting as an ambush that happened after Ferency stepped outside the office. The federal complaint said Ferency fired shots at Meehan, as did an FBI agent who ran outside after the shooting began. Meehan was shot twice but drove away from the scene to a Terre Haute hospital, where he underwent surgery for his wounds.

Paul Keenan, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Indianapolis office, said earlier Thursday that the suspected gunman was in FBI custody at a hospital. Keenan wouldnt say whether Ferency knew the gunman or was targeted for some reason.

Were still looking at motive and were leaving all avenues open at this time, Keenan said during a news conference in Terre Haute, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Indianapolis.

Kennan described the shooting as an ambush attack on Ferency without any apparent warning.

The suspect showed up there before Detective Ferency came out of the building, Kennan said. That was the reason we used that word.

The criminal complaint said Meehan drove a pickup truck near the Terre Haute FBI office repeatedly Wednesday afternoon before stopping near its parking lot gate and throwing a Molotov cocktail incendiary device toward the building.

A search of the pickup truck after it was found at the hospital turned up a loaded handgun and three more Molotov cocktails, the complaint said.

A search of online court records showed no federal criminal cases against Meehan and no felony charges having been filed against him in Indiana courts.

Dozens of police vehicles from multiple departments joined a procession past the Terre Haute police headquarters as a hearse carrying Ferencys body was moved Wednesday evening to a hospital for an autopsy.

Terre Haute police Chief Shawn Keen said Ferency was the father of two adult children. Ferencys police experience included work on drug and human trafficking investigations and providing violence risk assessments for churches.

He was absolutely dedicated Keen said. Theres not anything that he did that he didnt put 110% into.

Ferency is the third Terre Haute police officer fatally shot in the past decade. Officer Brent Long was killed in 2011 and Officer Robert Pitts died in 2018  both in shootings that happened as they and other officers were attempting to make arrests. Authorities determined both gunmen died from self-inflicted wounds.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb called Ferencys shooting senseless.

Our heart breaks for Detective Greg Ferencys family, loved ones and those who served with him every day protecting the residents of the Wabash Valley, Holcomb said in a statement.
HELSINKI (AP)  A news conference at a NATO air base in Lithuania featuring Lithuania's president and Spain's prime minister got abruptly cut off Thursday when the pair of Spanish fighter jets serving as the leaders' backdrop were scrambled to monitor errant military aircraft in the skies above the Baltics.

The Spanish government said an unidentified plane prompted the alert and briefly interrupted remarks by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Spanish media reported that the plane was Russian, but the governments statement didnt specify.

A NATO official who spoke on customary condition of anonymity told The Associated Press later Thursday that Spain's jets took off "to identify two aircraft flying into the Baltic Sea area. The planes were two Russian Su-24 combat jets heading northeast, the official said.

"Those two Russian jets did not file a flight plan, did not have their flight transponder on, or talk to traffic controllers, the official said.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the two Su-24 bombers flew a regular training mission over neutral waters of the Baltic on Thursday. The flight was performed in strict accordance with international rules of using airspace and without violation of any country's borders, the ministry said in a statement.

Amid Russia-West tensions, both Russia and NATO have regularly scrambled fighter jets to identify and shadow the other party's aircraft.

Nauseda and Sanchez were speaking with two Spanish air force Eurofighter Typhoons behind them at the base in the town of Siauliai when security officials suddenly interrupted the leaders as crews scrambled to get on the fighter jets, live footage from the press conference showed.

Our press conference was interrupted by a real call....You see, everything works great. I can confirm that the fighter jets took off in less than 15 minutes" of receiving the alarm, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT quoted Nauseda as saying after the incident. "Thanks to Pedro (Sanchez), we have really seen how our air policing mission works.

Sanchez told reporters when the news conference resumed: We have seen a real case of what usually happens that precisely justifies the presence of Spanish troops with the seven Eurofighters in Lithuania.

The three Baltic nations  Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  joined NATO in 2004 and have no fighter jets of their own. NATO has the responsibility of policing their airspace on a rotational four-month basis from the base in Siualiai and in Amari, Estonia.

Aircraft that member nations assign to NATO missions are on standby around the clock every day of the year. They were scrambled about 400 times in Europe last year, mostly in response to movements by Russian warplanes.

This demonstrates once again the importance of NATOs air policing mission, which has been running for 60 years to keep our skies safe. It also shows the skills of our pilots and the close coordination among NATO allies, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas confirmed that an alarm signal was triggered at the base in his country and posted a video on Facebook of one of the departing Spanish fighters.

Sanchez is on the final day of a three-day trip to the Baltic region and earlier met with officials in Estonia and Latvia.



Cook reported from Brussels. Aritz Parra in Madrid and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.
BERLIN (AP)  The Green party candidate to succeed German Chancellor Angela Merkel has acknowledged making a mistake in a flap over allegations that she copied from others in a new book, saying that it would have been better to use a list of sources.

The claims that emerged last week have created severe turbulence for Annalena Baerbock's campaign, the latest in a series of troubles to hit the environmentalist party's first bid for Germany's top job in the Sept. 26 election.

Last week, an Austrian media scientist, Stefan Weber, said that some formulations in Baerbocks book, titled Now. How we will renew our country, published on June 21, were strikingly similar to extracts from other publications. A steady drip of new claims of copied passages followed.

Baerbocks party called the claims an attempt at character assassination. Baerbock herself last week rejected talk of copyright infringement, though she said that many ideas from others flowed into the work.

A number of German Cabinet ministers and others have resigned over recent years following allegations of plagiarism in their doctoral theses, but Baerbock's book wasn't subject to those academic standards and didnt contain footnotes.

In comments to Thursday's edition of the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Baerbock said she had relied on publicly accessible sources, "but I take the criticism seriously.

In retrospect, it would certainly have been better if I had worked with a list of sources, she added.

The Greens led many polls after Baerbock, 40, was nominated in April. But recent surveys show Merkels center-right Union bloc, under Armin Laschet, leading by up to 11 points.

Green missteps have included a poorly presented plan to raise gasoline prices and talk of ending short-haul flights, which they dont actually aim to ban. Baerbock herself has faced intense scrutiny  she had to correct details in a resume and belatedly declared payments from her party, which she says she wasnt immediately aware had to be declared, to parliamentary authorities.

Baerbock said that she and the Greens have worked hard to overcome traditional political divisions, but acknowledged that the approach is being tested in a tough campaign  I also slipped briefly into old trenches.
DOVER, Del. (AP)  A bankruptcy judge has set a July 29 hearing on the proposed $850 million settlement agreement the Boy Scouts of America have with attorneys representing some 60,000 victims of child sex abuse, giving insurance companies and others who oppose it more time to weigh in.

The agreement was reached last week by attorneys for the Boy Scouts, abuse victims, local Boy Scouts councils and lawyers appointed to represent victims who might file future claims.

The Boy Scouts had wanted the hearing to take place on July 20 in front of Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein, but at a Wednesday status hearing she pushed the settlement hearing back to later in the month. Attorneys who represent insurance companies, thousands of other abuse victims and local scout sponsoring organizations such as churches said they needed more time to gather information about the agreement and file objections.

The Boy Scouts of America sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020, moving to halt hundreds of lawsuits by men who were molested as youngsters decades ago by scoutmasters or other leaders. The filing was intended to try to reach a global resolution of abuse claims and create a compensation fund for victims.

But attorneys for the Irving, Texas-based organization have been unable to reach agreement with all the parties involved in the case to allow the 111-year-old organization to continue operating.

Attorneys for certain insurance companies that have policies covering the Boy Scouts have accused them of allowing attorneys for abuse victims to rewrite the latest Boy Scouts settlement plan to favor their clients. Attorneys for local sponsoring organizations also say the settlement agreement unfairly strips them of their rights to coverage under insurance polices issued to the Boy Scouts and its local councils.

Attorneys for abuse victims have estimated the insurers' liability exposure at several billion dollars.

Silverstein also postponed a hearing on whether to approve a disclosure statement that outlines the Boy Scouts latest reorganization plan. Approval of the disclosure statement is a necessary step before the reorganization plan can be put to a vote by victims and other creditors.

The hearing on the disclosure statement is now set for mid-August.
BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union lawmakers ratcheted up pressure on the EU's executive arm Thursday to take action against Hungary and Poland over concerns about democratic backsliding in the two countries that could restrict their access to EU funds.

The EU Parliament voted 529-150 with 14 abstentions in favor of a resolution that urges the European Commission, to quickly investigate any possible rule of law breaches that affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the Union budget.

Hungary and Poland both are led by right-wing populist governments and have been mired in EU proceedings over concerns that they are violating European standards with laws and practices that threaten the independence of judges, media freedoms and personal liberties.

The two countries economies have benefited significantly from EU money since they joined the bloc in 2004. Unable to alter the political course of either nation, the European Commission proposed linking access to common funds to their adherence to democratic principles.

Hungary and Poland initially tried to block the EU's 2021-2017 budget and recovery package to thwart the introduction of the rule of law mechanism, but they eventually agreed to the plan on condition that Europes top court would review it. They filed a legal challenge in March.

The commission seems content to wait for the European Court of Justices verdict, even as a law that took effect in Hungary on Hungary raised deep concern about efforts to curtain LGBT rights in the country. But lawmakers have said they will take legal action against what they describe as non-action by Brussels.

At the same time, the commission is yet to decide whether to accept Hungarys national plan for securing access to more than 7 billion euros ($8.3 billion) in grants to help revitalize its pandemic-hit economy. The deadline for it to rule expires on July 12.

Again, we find ourselves talking about the rule of law conditionality mechanism. But when will we finally see some action? The mechanism came into force on 1 January, and yet it hasnt been implemented, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, a Spanish Socialist member of the European Parliament, said.

We agreed on a regulation, and we expect it to finally be applied, she said.

Beyond demanding that the mechanism be applied immediately, the EU parliamentarians called on the commission to clarify how the systems works and set out a clear, precise and user-friendly system for submitting complaints about possible rule of law abuses.
CHICAGO (AP)  An Iowa man who was in custody in Chicago after police found a rifle with a laser sight in a hotel room that overlooks a Lake Michigan beach during the July Fourth weekend made bond and then proposed to his girlfriend upon his release.

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.

Casteel of Ankeny, Iowa, was arrested at the hotel and faces two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. A Cook County judge on Tuesday ordered him held in lieu of $10,000 bond.

Casteel was released on Wednesday and proposed to his girlfriend outside the 18th District headquarters, according to WLS-TV. She appeared to accept. He didn't comment to a reporter immediately following his release.

I understand through the states proffer and your attorney that you have permission to possess the firearms in the state of Iowa, Judge David Navarro said during a Tuesday hearing. "However, clearly, were not in Iowa.

Police Superintendent David Brown says the hotel staff member should be praised for alerting police.

This employee saw something by entering a room to clean it that likely prevented a tragedy from happening, Brown said Tuesday.

Brown noted Casteel didnt have a criminal history. And the lawyer representing him during Tuesdays hearing said Casteel has two children and works as an auto mechanic.

Our joint terrorism task force officers debriefed, interviewed this person along with a companion, and we are continuing this investigation, the superintendent said.

Brown did not say if investigators had determined why the man had the guns in his hotel room. Police said Thursday that the department had no additional information to release on the case.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  Federal officials are pushing back after Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said he doesn't want government employees going door-to-door in his state to urge people to get vaccinated, even as a COVID-19 outbreak overwhelms some hospitals.

Missouri asked for help last week from newly formed federal surge response teams as it combats an influx of cases that public health officials are blaming on fast-spreading delta variant and deep-seated concerns about the vaccine. After President Joe Biden mentioned the possibility of door-to-door promotion of the vaccine, Parson tweeted: I have directed our health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR a welcome strategy in Missouri!"

He added Thursday during a stop in the Kansas City area to promote a new law that provides a legal shield against COVID-19 liability lawsuits that hospitals are not overwhelmed on bed space. He said he didn't know what the federal government planned to do but stressed that the state had been getting federal help all along.

We are all concerned about the spike in the delta virus but to try to mislead people like we are in crisis is totally misleading," Parson said. We are not in a crisis mode in this state and we shouldnt be right now."

Statewide, hospitalizations rose to 1,034 on Monday, up by nearly 60% from 648 one month earlier. In southwest Missouri, hospitalizations rose by nearly 124%, up to 387 from 173.

We know theres a vast number of people that is hesitant to take the vaccine," Parson said. "That is what we all should be working together trying to find a solution to get more vaccine in more peoples arms, not trying to force people to take it. Not trying to scare them into it. Just make sure that they understand the facts."

Jeffrey Zeints, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said Thursday that the best people to promote vaccinations are local trusted messengers like doctors, faith leaders and community leaders, who may go door to door.

So I would say for those individuals, organizations that are feeding misinformation and trying to mischaracterize this type of trusted messenger work, I believe you are doing a disservice to the country and to the doctors, the faith leaders, the community leaders and others who are working to get people vaccinated, to save lives and help to end this pandemic, he said.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich also sent a letter to Biden condemning the new strategy. Fox News first reported on the letter.

The pushback from Arizona and Missouri came after Biden said Tuesday: Now, we need to go to 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."

White House press secretary Jen Psaki noted Thursday that the door-to-door vaccine canvassing is done entirely by volunteers and that the White House believes its helped boost vaccine rates in a number of states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia. She emphasized that the federal government doesnt keep a database of whos been vaccinated.

Parson has urged people to get vaccinated, while also declining to enact restrictions to control the virus' spread, instead asking residents to take personal responsibility. Missouri  which leads the nation with the most new COVID-19 cases per capita over the last two weeks  never had a mask mandate, and Parson signed a law last month placing limits on public health restrictions and barring governments from requiring proof of vaccination to use public facilities and transportation.

Over the weekend, the Republican governor tweeted a picture of himself at a fireworks celebration in the tourist town of Branson, a large crowd behind him. Branson is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Springfield, where one hospital, Mercy Springfield, was so overwhelmed with patients that it temporarily ran out of ventilators and took to social media to beg for help from respiratory therapists. This week, Mercy Springfield set a pandemic high for hospitalizations.

Just 29.5% of residents in the county where Branson is located have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, state data shows. That is below the state rate of 45% and the national rate of 55.1% but not unlike several other southwest Missouri communities. Some have vaccination rates in the teens and 20s.

Vaccine and mask resistance runs deep in the area: Bransons mayor was elected to office this spring after running on a platform that called for doing away with masks.

I think what Missouri shows us, unfortunately, is that its the unimmunized who are ending up in the hospital, said Dr. Chris Beyrer, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. And that makes it in some ways even more of a challenge for health care workers, because these are preventable hospitalizations and preventable deaths.

Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington lamented the worsening situation in a tweet.

This is a mass casualty event, happening in slow-motion," he said. EMS resources are depleted, and the hospital systems are overwhelmed. Our community is in crisis."

_____

Associated Press writer Tom Murphy in Indianapolis and Alexandra Jaffe and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP)  The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported eight new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the third consecutive day.

Tribal health officials said the total number of coronavirus-related cases on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah is 31,043 since the pandemic began more than a year ago.
BANGKOK (AP)  A week into an ambitious but risky plan to open the Thai resort island of Phuket to vaccinated visitors, signs were encouraging that the gambit to resuscitate the decimated tourism industry was working, even as infections elsewhere in the country surged Thursday to record highs.

After seeing fewer than 5,000 foreign travelers over the first five months of the year, the island off Thailand's southwest coast, whose economy is 95% reliant on the tourist industry, welcomed 2,399 visitors during the first week of July.

The so-called Phuket sandbox plan relies on a strategy of vaccinations, testing and restrictions  measures that officials are hoping are strict enough to mitigate any COVID-19 threat, while still providing enough freedom for tourists to enjoy a beach vacation.

In the week before the sandbox started on July 1, Phuket saw 17 new cases of the coronavirus. The numbers climbed the first week, but remained low at 27 new cases.

At the same time, Thailand as a whole has seen a spike in infections, with a record 7,058 cases reported Thursday with 75 deaths, which has made many skeptical about pursuing the Phuket reopening at this time.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has come under personal fire for his handling of the surge, and political cartoons have depicted him sitting on the beach enjoying himself while Thais die from the virus.

Prayuth was also forced to self-isolate this week after a businessman he had contact with at the sandbox launch tested positive for COVID-19.

Last-minute issues with the program meant some cancelations before it even began, and the initial target of 30,000 visitors for July was reduced to 18,000. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of Phuket Tourism Association, said now that the program is up and running he expects 30,000 visitors from outside Thailand in August.

There's still a lot of ground to make up to get back to the 2 million foreigners Phuket saw in the first five months of last year as the pandemic was beginning.

The COVID-19 situation might affect the overall picture of the country, but I believe that the visitors will understand that Phuket is safe enough for them so it should not affect their travel plans, he said.

Liron Or, a tourist from Israel, decided on a 10-day trip to Phuket with her husband and five children when she first heard about the sandbox plan three weeks ago.

They arrived on day one and she said the opportunity to relax on holiday has outweighed any of the mandated precautions.

The process is not too difficult, she said. And this trip gives our children such big joy. There are not too many tourists here at the moment on the beaches.

Travelers arriving elsewhere in Thailand are subject to a strict 14-day hotel room quarantine, but under the sandbox plan, visitors to Phuket can roam the entire island  the countrys largest  where they can lounge on beaches, jet ski and eat out in restaurants.

Visitors are only permitted from countries considered no higher than medium risk. Most so far have come from the U.S., Britain, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Adult foreign visitors must provide proof of full vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before departure, and proof of insurance that covers virus treatment, among other things. Once on the island, they have to follow mask and distancing regulations and take three COVID-19 tests at their own expense  about $300 total  and show negative results.

After 14 days, visitors can travel elsewhere in Thailand without further restrictions.

Ahead of the programs launch, some 70% of the islands approximately 450,000 residents received at least one vaccine dose, and all front-line workers in restaurants, hotels and elsewhere were fully vaccinated.

So far, only one visitor has tested positive for the coronavirus; a man from the UAE who was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Angela Luxy Smith, a Briton who works in Qatar and had been a regular visitor to Thailand in the past, leapt at the chance to return.

She and her husband plan to take full advantage of the program, staying in Phuket for the initial 14 days and then traveling to other places in Thailand, before returning to Phuket for another week to wrap up a 40-day holiday.

She and her husband were amazed at how many restaurants were open in some areas that cater more to residents, but said much remains closed at beaches more popular with tourists.

It's so strange, quiet and closed  so sad for many people who rely on tourism," she said. "We hope people come back very soon.

Phuket currently has 131,809 room nights booked for July, with 9,745 booked for August and 1,094 booked for September.

Before the pandemic, some 20% of Thailand's economy was related to the tourism industry and other areas in the country are closely watching the Phuket experiment as they look to gradually reopen themselves.

For Richard Van Driel Vis, his trip that began this week in Phuket was the first time he'd left the Netherlands since the pandemic started.

He said getting together the documentation and fulfilling the prerequisites for the trip was difficult and stressful but in the end, totally worth it.

I am sitting here in the bar looking at the beach, in a nice warm weather, he said.

Its Phuket or stay home so I came here, he said wryly.

___

Associated Press writer Tassanee Vejpongsa contributed to this report.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  The U.S. trade representative said Wednesday that she has raised the concerns about Mexicos energy policies that favor state-owned Mexican companies.

Katherine Tai spoke following meetings with Mexicos economy secretary and Canadas top international trade official to mark the first year of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
Texas lawmakers are back in Austin Thursday for the beginning of a special legislative session, where legislators are set to revive a controversial elections bill that would impose new restrictions on voting.

Over the last few days, we've solicited readers' questions about the special session and the voting legislation that Republican lawmakers are expected to bring back up. These are the answers to those questions. Some of these answers come from a live discussion Texas Tribune reporter Alexa Ura conducted on Reddit.

What is the special session and why is it happening in Texas? In the Legislature, a special session is when lawmakers convene outside the regular session usually to complete unfinished tasks for the year, or address special topics and emergencies. In Texas, special sessions are only to be called by the governor. Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session of the Texas Legislature, which started July 8 and is set to last up to 30 days, to address bills that died at the end of the regular legislative session like the election and bail bills. This comes after the regular 87th legislative session, which ended on May 31.

How long will the special session last? We dont know. Special sessions can last up to a maximum of 30 days, but there is no minimum. There is also no limit to the number of special sessions a governor can call in between regular legislative sessions. The special session that started July 8 is one of at least two expected this year, with a later one coming in the fall on redistricting and the spending of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

What is on the agenda? There are 11 items on the agenda that lawmakers can discuss. They include: Bail overhaul

Elections

Border security

Social media censorship

Legislative branch funding

Family violence prevention

Limiting access to school sports teams for transgender students

Abortion-inducing drugs

An additional payment for retired Texas teachers

Critical race theory

Other budgetary issues See the full list from the governor's office here.

What about the power grid? Will anything else come up during this special session? Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts agenda for the first special session does not include anything about the states electric grid, which was exposed as deeply vulnerable during Februarys winter storm that left millions without power. But Abbott can still decide to expand the agenda and include the power grid as a topic for lawmakers to tackle.

Will lawmakers consider redistricting in the special session that starts July 8? Redistricting has not been listed on the agenda for this months special session. However, it is expected to be addressed during a later session this fall.

Could some of the voting restrictions disenfranchise Republican voters? There are questions about what kind of impact Republicans' restrictions may have on their own voters. Tribune reporter Alexa Ura said in her Reddit discussion said the clearest example of this is mail-in voting, which is a method of voting that was traditionally used by more conservative voters. Ura noted that more Democratic voters took the opportunity to vote by absentee ballot in 2020, but it is not clear if that trend will continue in elections after the pandemic.

Could Texas Democrats break quorum by walking out again to stop the elections bill from passing? The Democrats' staged walkout during the regular session prompted a flood of national attention. They could do this again during the special session, and Democratic members have been clear this option is on the table. But a quorum break only goes so far, Tribune reporter Alexa Ura said in her Reddit discussion. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott can always just continue calling special sessions.
It took Nancy Crowther three hours, four public bus rides and an impressive amount of gumption to make sure her vote counted in the 2020 election. Shes hoping Texas lawmakers dont make it even harder the next time.

With Texas Republicans determined to enact additional voting restrictions in the upcoming special legislative session, much of the uproar has focused on changes that could make it harder for people of color to cast ballots. Less attention has fallen on another group of voters bracing for what could happen to them under the GOPs renewed push to further tighten the states voting procedures  people with disabilities, for whom the voting process is already lined with potential obstacles.

RELATED: Abbott includes voting restrictions, critical race theory, transgender restrictions on agenda

Among them are people like Crowther, a 64-year-old retiree, who could have been shut out from voting last November had it not been for her own tenacious determination. Immunocompromised because of a neuromuscular disease, Crowther chose to forgo her usual trip to a nearby polling place and instead turned to mail-in voting in hopes of safeguarding her health during the pandemic. But as Election Day neared  and after experiencing interruptions in her mail service  she began to worry her ballot wouldnt make it back to the county in time.

A former transit employee who worked on improving accessibility on public transportation, she pulled up the city bus schedule and started mapping the distance between her home in South Austin and the Travis County elections office 9 miles away. Under Texas law, she couldnt ask someone else to return her ballot, so Crowther, who uses a wheelchair, had to make the trip herself.

Thats the only thing I could think of, Crowther said. So I hit the road.

Double-masked and loaded up with hand sanitizer, she boarded the first bus to a community college on the east side of town, then transferred to a second bus that would get her closest to the county building. From her drop-off spot, she still had to traverse a quarter of a mile in her wheelchair, navigating an uneven intersection and a construction tunnel, at one point ducking under a guide wire to press forward.

Nancy Crowther took on a three-hour journey on public transportation to get her mail-in ballot turned in during the 2020 presidential election. Credit: Courtesy of Julie McConnell

When she finally got to where she thought she was supposed to be going, Crowther queued up in a line of cars for 20 minutes before a county worker asked if she was there to register a vehicle. She realized she was in the wrong line. Spotting the ballot envelope carefully tucked into the belt of her wheelchair, the worker pointed to some tents across the parking lot where ballot collection was taking place.

I dropped it in and everybody cheered because they knew how much of a hassle it was, and I thought, OK, wheres the bus I catch to go home? she said.

In a state with some of the strictest voting rules in the country, Crowthers ordeal illustrates how easily access to the ballot box can contract for marginalized voters when new challenges emerge  and the risk lawmakers run in setting up new restrictions, including changes some disabled voters might not be able to overcome.

Theyre taking a lot of the dignity away from people with disabilities, Crowther said. And while some of the technology is available to make voting an easier, more independent process for them, the rules have not kept up, she said. Theyre actually going backwards because of these discriminatory acts, and frankly, it just pisses me off.

Texas Republicans have pursued broad efforts this year to ratchet up voting restrictions in the aftermath of a high-turnout election that saw high-profile fights over the states voting rules, including the tight eligibility requirements for absentee voting. The 2020 election marked a shift from what was traditionally a tool utilized by the GOP to one that was instead taken up by more Democratic voters. But as the GOP has worked to clamp down on what remains a limited voting option, voters with disabilities  who are among the few groups of Texans eligible to vote by mail  have been caught in the middle of the fight.

TXLEGE: Texas lawmakers are back for a special session. Here's what you should know.

Republicans have cast their proposals as election integrity measures to protect the voting process from fraud, even though there is no evidence it occurs on a widespread basis. But throughout the spring legislative session, nearly every version of the GOPs priority voting legislation raised alarms for disability rights advocates who warned lawmakers they would likely run afoul of federal protections for disabled voters.

Texas offers two avenues to voting most helpful for people with disabilities. If theyre unable to vote in person without needing assistance or injuring their health, they can request a mail-in ballot. If they want to vote in person but need assistance, they can ask someone to accompany them to a polling place to help them through the voting process.

Under Republican proposals that are expected to be reconsidered this month, both of those paths might be further constricted.

In the Senate, Republicans wanted to require proof of a condition or illness, including written documentation from the Social Security Administration or a doctors note, before disabled voters can receive mail-in ballots for every election in a calendar year. Under current law, voters need only attest that they have a disability that qualifies them for a mail-in ballot.

That proposed change was eventually pulled down, but Republican senators moved forward with a bill that would have increased the likelihood that people with disabilities would be cast as suspect voters if they used other legal accommodations, like having assistance at the polling place.

The GOP bill would have allowed partisan poll watchers to video record voters receiving assistance in filling out their ballots if the poll watchers believed the help was unlawful  a change that disability rights advocates argued would wrongly target people with disabilities. For voters with intellectual or developmental disabilities, for example, voting help may require prompting or questioning that could be misconstrued as coercion by a person unfamiliar with that sort of assistance.

Although voters can select anyone to help them as long as theyre not an employer or union leader, House Republicans attempted to set up new rules for those helping voters, including a requirement to disclose and document the reason the voter needed assistance, even if for medical reasons.

At multiple points during the session, Republicans said they tweaked some of those proposals in response to concerns from disability rights advocates. But when the final version of the legislation emerged from backroom negotiations just before the end of the regular session, it included unwelcome changes to redefine what constitutes a disability under state election law, as well as new identification requirements for voting by mail that advocates said lacked clarity.

READ ALSO: Experts explain how return to in-person learning has affected Texas students of color

Our voices werent being heard at the very end when it was the most important, said Chase Bearden, the deputy executive director for the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes and state Rep. Briscoe Cain, the chief Republicans behind the measures, did not respond to requests for comment. Although Texas Democrats blocked that legislation from getting a final vote at the end of May, Republicans are expected to revive some of those proposals when lawmakers return to the Capitol this week.

The possible changes to the voting process for people with disabilities come at a time when advocates have been working to engage with and organize the millions of voters with disabilities into a voting bloc hefty enough to claim lawmakers attention.

But while their advocates lobbied against rules that could complicate the voting process, voters with disabilities struggled to make themselves heard during a legislative session that began before vaccinations for COVID-19 were widely available. Virtual testimony at public hearings was largely limited, and advocates said the coronavirus heightened dangers for medically vulnerable people who could not risk a trip to the Capitol.

Ahead of the special session, disability rights advocates have been working to marshal their influence. Two dozen organizations serving voters with disabilities recently signed on to a joint statement asking lawmakers to consider the unintended and negative effects of proposed legislation and demanding to be consulted throughout the legislative process. The organizations are in turn encouraging their members to deliver the statement to their local representatives and are working to return to the Capitol in larger numbers. Some advocates recently met with House Speaker Dade Phelans staff.

I think we are now also sending a message that theres such a thing as the disability vote  that we are an interest group, said Bob Kafka of Rev Up Texas, a grassroots organization focused on increasing participation among disabled voters. You hear about people of color, older voters, evangelicals, Catholics. They never actually think of the disability vote as a policymaker.

If the Legislatures goal is to ensure trust in the voting process, their influence will be integral, disability rights advocates argue.

As voting legislation moved through the chambers, Republicans argued that part of their efforts, including new requirements and potential penalties for those who assist voters, were meant to protect voters with disabilities from being exploited by people purporting to offer them help through the voting process. But disability rights advocates told lawmakers they were unaware of widespread documented instances of what they were trying to prevent.

To be honest, I think if it wouldve passed as it was in that last version, I think we wouldve seen  more votes lost than their assumed or unproven [concerns] of these goings-on, Bearden said. We know for a fact that there are more votes that are thrown out that are legal votes that dont get counted than there is demonstrated fraud over the last 20 years.

At the same time, GOP legislators failed to preserve Democratic measures that could improve the process for voters with disabilities.

In a negotiated version of the legislation that left the House, Democrats managed to tack on an amendment that would have created a correction process for mail-in ballots that are ordinarily rejected because of a missing signature or an endorsement a local review board determines does not belong to the voter who returned the ballot. That issue has long been top of mind for advocates for voters with disabilities, whose signatures can change over time or are often not recorded similarly because of their conditions. Because the state does not currently offer them the opportunity to fix the issue, legitimate votes are lost.

Republicans ultimately removed that amendment in backroom negotiations with little explanation.

We have the time. Were calling a special. Were bringing everyone back, Bearden said. We should take advantage of that by bringing a bill that represents all of Texas, not one side versus another but something that actually creates the belief that were going to improve our voting system and improve the way we can vote and ensure our votes count.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
UPDATE: The FOH community has showed all the way up and the fund now has enough to give out three scholarships.

Shea Serrano tweeted this afternoon that he will be sending University of Texas at San Antonio $31,800 to cover the tuition and fees for three students for a full year.

The FOH Army contributed a total of $31,964.01 to the fund. Serrano tweeted that the recipients can use the remaining $164.01 "... buy the Fast and the Furious box set or whatever."

He is calling it "THE BUSTER BROUGHT ME BACK" scholarship, a nod to the best car film ever made.

Original story below:

Shea Serrano had some free time this morning, so he called on his FOH Army to build a scholarship fund to pay off college tuition.

Serrano launched the fund on Twitter this morning, saying that it costs $10,000 to pay off a full year's tuition at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

As of this morning, the fund reached over $20,000, which is enough for two scholarships.

READ MORE: 7 ways to live it up in San Antonio this week

"We were supposed to spend the whole day fighting to get to $10K and we blew past that in 45 minutes," he tweeted.

This is the first ever scholarship funded by the New York Times bestselling author's "F*ck Outta Here" Army, but not the first time Serrano has set up scholarships for local students.

In March, Serrano and his wife Larami and used all the funds from the sale of his short story "Angel: A Short Story of Ruination" to set up the "The Larami Serrano Scholarship" for Black students.

Serrano also donated $20,000 out of pocket to the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists to set up the Shea Serrano scholarship in December 2019.

Serrano was still accepting donations this morning.
San Franciscos only Top Round Roast Beef location has quietly closed after a four-year run in the Mission District.

In a brief message posted to its storefront, Top Round Roast Beef announced the closure, which has since circulated on Reddit. The message read, Top Round Roast Beef is Permanently Closed. Thank you for your business and support over the past 4 years.

Top Round Roast Beef first opened in the Mission District back in 2017 as a franchise operated by chef-owner Ricky Lopez. He confirmed to SFGATE that the restaurant, which focused on takeout and delivery even before the coronavirus pandemic, had its final service on Monday.

Pre-pandemic, almost 75% of our business was delivery, Lopez told SFGATE. During COVID, it was at 60%. Its too delivery heavy for us.

The labor shortage and a drop in sales also affected the overall restaurant, Lopez explained, so he decided to close his franchise location. But the space at 2962 24th St. will be repurposed: Lopez will be opening his own restaurant concept, La Vaca Birria, and bringing traditional family recipes to the table.

Already a taco truck in San Bruno, the forthcoming La Vaca Birria outpost will be its first brick-and-mortar location. Lopez is planning for an Aug. 18 opening. The new restaurant will specialize in birria dishes made with braised halal beef, including birria tacos, birria fries and birria ramen. Mexican beers will also be on tap, in addition to other mixed drinks.

The closure of Top Round Roast Beef is bittersweet for Lopez. He shared that when the restaurant opened in 2017, he was just 24 years old, and he often worked more than 40 hours a week. There was a lot of trial and error along the way, he acknowledged.

But Lopez is excited to open a concept thats closer to his roots. Its dear to my heart. Im happy because well be using family recipes, Chicano style, Lopez said.

Top Round Roast Beef has locations in Texas, Florida and two locations in California that include one in Los Angeles and another in Irvine. La Vaca Birria will continue to operate its food truck location in San Bruno.
Marion, IN (46952)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms becoming likely this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
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

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Canadian work experience and higher paying jobs the main driver for international students to make the transition after graduation.

More international students becoming Canadian immigrants Canadian work experience and higher paying jobs the main driver for international students to make the transition after graduation.

More international students becoming Canadian immigrants Canadian work experience and higher paying jobs the main driver for international students to make the transition after graduation.

More international students becoming Canadian immigrants Canadian work experience and higher paying jobs the main driver for international students to make the transition after graduation. Mohanad Moetaz Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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More and more international students are choosing to study in Canada, and the Canadian government views them as a promising source of labour.



According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the number of study permit holders increased from 122,700 to 642,500 between 2000 and 2019.

Three in 10 international students who arrived in Canada after 2000 transitioned to permanent residency within 10 years since receiving their first study permit. This is according to a report by Statistics Canada, which detailed that half of masters degree students, and six in 10 doctoral degree students made the transition within the same time period.

International graduates who were enrolled in non-university post-secondary education are of particular interest. The number of these international graduates who first enrolled between 2010 and 2014 and who became permanent residents, more than doubled, compared with those who first enrolled between 2000 and 2004.

This may suggest that an increasing number of international students come to Canada to pursue post-secondary education for the chance to become permanent residents. Non-university post-secondary programs may be easier to get into than university programs.

Among international students who got their first study permit between 2010 and 2014, almost a half (46 per cent) of people coming from India became permanent residents within five years, more than any other country. India is followed by Nigeria, with 30 per cent, and Vietnam, with 21 per cent.

International student graduates who worked during their period of study or after graduation were more likely (60 per cent) to become permanent residents.

In addition, those with higher paying jobs were more likely to become permanent residents. For those who got their first study permit between 2005 and 2009, and who had an annual salary of $50,000 or more, 87 per cent transitioned to becoming permanent residents. For those with an annual salary below $20,000, just 46 percent made the transition.

Looking at this data holistically, it appears that having Canadian work experience and higher paying jobs are the strongest motivating factors that influence the decision of international graduates to stay in Canada permanently.

Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Why international students are a good fit for Canada

International students are an integral part of the Canadian population, which recently returned to pre-pandemic levels because of the return of international students and other immigrants.

The reason why international students are good candidates for the Canadian labour market is because of multiple factors. This includes their relatively young age, their Canadian credentials, their proficiency in English or French, and in some cases, their Canadian work experience. Many would have also integrated into their local communities and built social networks for themselves.

As such, international students may have advantage over permanent residents coming from abroad with foreign credentials and work experience.

International student graduates may be eligible to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This is an open work permit that allows graduates of a designated learning institution (DLI) to work for any employer in Canada and gain invaluable Canadian work experience.

Through doing so, graduates may be able to transition to permanent residence. Those with at least one year of work experience in Canada who can demonstrate proficiency in one of Canadas two official languages (English or French) may be able to get permanent resident status through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Some international student graduates, particularly masters and doctoral degree graduates who have foreign experience, may opt to apply directly for permanent residence after graduating, rather than take the PGWP route.

Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
No matter the analogy about data  that its the lifeblood, fuel, engine, or new oil  business leaders have little doubt about its importance to driving decision making and delivering business value.

The challenge for many leadership teams is that not everyone in the organization shares that vision of datas power and possibilities. Often, they dont embrace data for decision-making because they dont have easy access to the right tools and license to explore data for ideas and opportunities.

A true data-driven culture treats data as a strategic asset of the company by making data widely available and accessible, writes Ishit Vachhrajani, enterprise strategist with AWS. It focuses on capturing, cleaning, and curating meaningful data from across the business. It promotes frequent experimentation to learn and improve.

So, what are the best ways for business leaders to create a data-driven culture? Thats the question we posed to the IDG Influencer Network, a community of journalists, industry analysts, and IT professionals who contribute their knowledge and expertise to the broader IDG community. Here are some key takeaways from their responses.

Start at the top

Creating a data-driven culture starts at the top, says Gene De Libero (@GeneDeLibero), chief strategy officer and head of consulting at GeekHive. Senior leaders must become data evangelists, educating everyone across the enterprise about accurately collecting, managing, and sharing data internally and externally to create insights that drive daily decision-making for the entire organization.

Several IDG Influencers echo that sentiment:

Buy-in for a data-driven culture must come from the C-suite and other senior leaders in order to get buy-in from other departments. This top-down effect will set the example, and also create a standard that everyone across the organization follows.  Deb Gildersleeve (@DebGildersleeve), CIO at QuickBase

Data-driven culture has to be driven from the very top management. They lead by example, setting expectations that decisions must be made with the use of data. Such leadership can catalyze substantial shifts in company-wide norms.  Alvin Foo (@alvinfoo), co-founder DAOventures

The most important thing a company leader can do is not related to tech; its about the vision and how they best serve the needs of their customers.  Noelle Silver (@NoelleSilver_), founder of AILI

Focus on data-driven discussions, avoid hearsay or stories. If the entire leadership team starts using that approach, staff will soon focus on getting and using the data to make decisions.  Martin Davis (@mcdavis10), CIO

Take practical steps to prep data

Next, turn to the data itself, says Ben Rothke (benrothke), senior information security manager at Tapad. To create a data-driven culture, a company must know exactly what they are collecting and what they want from their data, he says.

Other Influencers agree:

We need clean and unbiased data coming from multiple sources, and technology tools that can capture data and display it in easy-to-understand formats.  Arsalan Khan (@ArsalanAKhan), blogger on business and digital transformation

Leaders must create data policies for different stakeholders. In order to implement data policies, lots of prep work needs to happen, including data profiling, stakeholder identification and education, regulations to business process mappings, API-first development practices, and investments into programs that promote data quality through better data tooling and pipelines.  Sarbjeet Johal (@sarbjeetjohal), cloud leadership consultant

Start with aligning data to project outcomes on day 1, not as an afterthought. You do this by working with your stakeholders and teams to cull down the data to whats business critical and can provide actionable information to move your business forward.  Will Kelly (@willkelly ), technical marketing manager for a container security startup

Democratize the data

Once data is captured, cleaned, and aligned, its vital to put it into the hands of people who need it to do their jobs more effectively.

Make the ultimate end user of the data a critical player in the strategy, says Frank Cutitta (@fcutitta), CEO and founder of HealthTech Decisions Lab. Far too often the user says, if you had only asked me first.

Dont just provide access, however; its important to teach users what to look for in the data, says Vin Vashishta (@v_vashishta), machine learning and AI strategist. Many people are given the responsibility to make decisions but are never properly trained on decision-making principals, he says. Once people in the business learn how they should be making decisions, the role of data becomes obvious.

Making the data available and accessible will encourage use and interactivity:

Data-driven cultures only propagate when access to the data is both frictionless and meaningful. If systems make it difficult to gather data or metrics, they will not get widely used.  Jason James (@itlinchpin), CIO of Net Health

You need to create data transparency. Think visible dashboards in the office or in your intranet.  Tristan Pollock (@pollock), head of community at CTO.ai

Adopt these strategic postures: a culture of experimentation (test, validate, and fail fast in order to learn fast); and a culture of data democratization (empower everyone with if you see something interesting in the data, say something!).  Kirk Borne (@KirkDBorne), chief science officer at DataPrime

Making the data accessible to all users includes training on how to use it. The right training provides a better career path to individuals looking to upgrade their skills and remain valuable contributors to their organization. As much as the CEO hypes tech and innovation, the fundamental reality is that rank-and-file employees must embrace the power of data and analytics, says John Nosta (@JohnNosta), WHO health tech expert. Machines won't replace people, but they will replace those who don't unlearn and relearn data's fundamental role in business and society.

Helping hands

If your organization isnt sure where to begin instilling a data-driven culture, maybe its time to bring in experts.

A Chief Data Officer or CDO position should be established early on to oversee the entirety of data and to bring the team together as a data-driven culture so sound business decisions can be executed, suggests Scott Schober (@ScottBVS), president and CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems Inc.

In addition, your technology ecosystem  all those partners that provide your data solutions  can help establish best practices toward the creation of a data-driven culture.

Learn more about ways to reinvent your business with data.
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Eric Adams wins NYCs Democratic mayoral primary

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 night 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 came after a difficult couple weeks for the Board of Elections  and a stressful one for any brunch-goers waiting on election results. At the boards meeting earlier on Tuesday, Board of Elections Deputy Executive Director Dawn 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.

Read more on Tuesdays delayed declarations of victory.

By the Numbers

1/63

The number of races  out of 63 primaries held on June 22  where the candidate who had the lead based on the election night results did not end up winning. Thats assuming all of the results released Tuesday hold, but the winners are feeling pretty confident  and it turns out, most of them could have slept soundly for the past two weeks. The one exception: Kristin Richardson Jordan, who trailed City Council Member Bill Perkins by 1.3 percentage points on primary night, and now leads him by just 100 votes. Perkins, 72, has held office more than two decades, but barely campaigned due to his serious health problems, while Jordan, 34, is a poet and democratic socialist who now may be likely to represent District 9 in Harlem. Two other RCV wins are worth a look. Shekar Krishnan led Yi Chen on primary night in District 25 in western Queens, but absentee ballots vaulted Chen into first place among first-choice votes. Once ranked votes were tabulated, Krishnan won. Same story in the Republican primary in District 50 on Staten Island, where David Carr led on primary night, but Marko Kepi surpassed him in first-place votes when absentees were factored in. Ranked-choice ballots put Carr ahead by 2.8 points, but this is a GOP primary, so Kepi is crying cheating even as his campaign is being investigated by the DA.

Got tips? Email JColtin@CityandStateNY.com or send a DM to @JCColtin

Speaker race math

Forget the Yankees  what are leading City Council speaker candidates win-loss records when it comes to their endorsement slates? Based on mostly self-reported lists provided by the candidates, Adrienne Adams went 14-2, Justin Brannan was 20-6, Keith Powers was 18-1 and Carlina Rivera went 17-2. Many of the speaker candidates endorsed the same winners (for example, all four backed Lynn Schulman, who works for the council), but a couple races are worth highlighting. Rivera and Adams backed the winner, Alexa Aviles, in District 38 in Brooklyn, while Brannan endorsed Cesar Zuniga. Powers endorsed winner Rita Joseph in District 40 in Brooklyn, while Brannan supported Josue Pierre. And Rivera endorsed winning challenger Sandy Nurse in District 37 in Brooklyn, while Brannan endorsed Council Member Darma Diaz. But Brannan didnt only back losers  in the crowded District 27 race, he supported Nantasha Williams who went on to win decisively. Rivera was the only speaker candidate to endorse Tiffany Caban in District 22, which could make for an interesting dynamic, since sources say the Working Families Party is helping push the Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidate toward a speaker run. Caban has next to no shot, since her politics are to the left of somewhere from 47 to 50 of the incoming council members, but the speaker race has become a relatively high-profile way for members to put forward their political agenda.

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On to the next

The lame duck period is really beginning for the City Council, and term-limited council members are looking for a new place to fly. Council Member Ben Kallos didnt do great boroughwide in his Manhattan BP run, but he dominated his own district, and there are whispers that hed make a great Assembly candidate. He wouldnt challenge an incumbent, but people think nearby Upper East Side Assembly Member Dan Quart may not run again, after a yearslong district attorney campaign that landed him in last place  and a bruising 2020 reelection campaign against newcomer Cameron Koffman. Reached Tuesday, Koffman said hes not running again, but he doesnt think Quart will either: And Ben is unbeatable in that area. Kallos declined to comment, and Quart said, I havent made any decisions about the future. Who else? People close to Jimmy Van Bramer said he should look at the Assembly, since he carried much of western Queens in his BP bid  especially if Assembly Member Catherine Nolan, who is battling cancer, doesnt run again. Everyone expects Council Member Inez Barron to run for her husband Charles soon-to-be-vacated Assembly seat. Nobody would be surprised if Fernando Cabrera, who just ran for Bronx BP and abandoned a congressional run before that, tries to run for the state Legislature again. And while Ydanis Rodriguez and Mark Treyger may be in line for jobs in Eric Adams administration, they also may be weighing options in Albany  especially with Rodriguezs Assembly member, Carmen De La Rosa, set to take his seat.

Ashmis cash

Contenders to be the next AOC or the next Bowman are popping up everywhere, hoping to take down congressional incumbents in 2022. One interesting candidacy: Ashmi Sheth, the 27-year-old Indian American woman from Hells Kitchen whos planning to challenge Rep. Jerry Nadler. Sheth was an associate at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is running on a progressive platform of generational change. Her campaign shared exclusively with City & State that she raised over $100,000 from over 500 separate individual donors in her first quarter of fundraising. That puts Sheth ahead of Ocasio-Cortezs $21,000 first quarter in 2017, about on par with Bowmans $113,000 first quarter in 2019, and way behind Lindsey Boylans $349,000 haul in 2019. Boylan, of course, only got nearly 22% of the vote against Nadler in last years primary, and it would take a political miracle for Sheth  or anybody  to unseat the 29-year incumbent, assuming he runs again. Two other candidates have already filed to run, and Boylan declined to comment on whether she would join them. The Upper West Side seat may again be a sideshow to the Upper East Side and whatever thrills Rep. Carolyn Maloneys crowded reelection campaign may hold.

District Data

City Council District 38 in western Brooklyn, covering neighborhoods including Red Hook, Sunset Park and Greenwood Heights

Current council member: Carlos Menchaca since 2014, who is term-limited at the end of this year

2010 census demographics: 43.9% Hispanic, 32.7% Asian and Pacific Islander, 17.2% white, 4.6% Black

Housing: 77.8% renter-occupied, 22.2% owner-occupied

2013 Democratic primary election results: Carlos Menchaca: 58.8%, Sara Gonzalez: 41.2%

2021 Democratic primary election preliminary first-place results: Alexa Aviles: 39.6%, Yu Lin: 25.7%, Rodrigo Camarena: 11.5%, Jacqui Painter: 9.8%, Cesar Zuniga: 9%, Victor Swinton: 4%

Who ran: Following preliminary ranked-choice voting tabulation, Alexa Aviles won with 65% of the final-round vote, and Yu Lin finished in a distant second with 35%. Aviles, a program director at a nonprofit, was a rare candidate who earned endorsements from both the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and major labor unions like the UFT and 1199SEIU. Her victory was never really in doubt, especially after Rep. Nydia Velazquez endorsed her early. And Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes victory in the same neighborhoods last year proved a democratic socialist could win there.

Twitter Posting

Speaker candidates: Be more creative in your congratulatory tweets. Yall starting to look templated.

 Rod Townsend @rodtownsend
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CNN, as Ive written before, has amplified disinformation, relies on panel discussions that increase polarization, and has neglected voices of moderation for the sake of ratings. But is there some way to mitigate such problems, which are so common in cable news? Martha Minow, a professor at Harvard Law School, argues that the Constitution requires efforts to protect the free pressincluding regulation.

In Saving the News, Minow describes the merits of deep and extensive government involvement in funding, shaping, and regulating media. Some may balk at the notion of federal intervention in the news. But Minow chronicles how the government has granted newspapers low postal rates, invested in research that created the internet, established licensing protocols for broadcasters, and regulated telephone lines and features of digital platformsinvolving itself in essential elements of the nations media infrastructure. If the ecosystem fails to provide necessary information to citizens, she told me, then democracy diesand the Constitution is not a suicide pact.

Minow argues that the First Amendment implies the existence of a functional press, so the government has an obligation to enact reforms and regulations to protect it. Many consider the industry to be a public utility, and therefore subject to regulation. And, as Minow explains in Saving the News, Regulation of a necessary good or service also helps guard against coercion that works by exploiting peoples dependence, but it still permits private owners to operate for profit.

The now-defunct Fairness Doctrine, which mandated journalistic balance by requiring broadcasters to air multiple viewpoints, is one example of successful oversight, Minow said. Supreme Court justices wrote in 1969 that it was a protection for the right of the viewers and listeners, not the right of the broadcasters.  Public interest, Minow notes, is a vital characteristic of government intervention. Accordingly, we may deduce that the public has authority over an outlet like CNN to protect the audience.

The United States has a long, if forgotten, history of funding the news media. In The Death and Life of American Journalism, Robert McChesney and John Nicholscofounders of Free Press, a media reform groupcalculated that the level of government subsidy given to the American press in the 1840s was the equivalent of $30 billion in 2010 dollars. But federal funding of public media amounted to just $465 million in 2020an extraordinarily low amount compared with other countries.

Subsidizing public media, Minow told me, would provide crucial competition and can stimulate for-profits to win viewers by doing better. Sesame Street, for example, did not exist before broadcasters knew that the format would be popular. Now its competitive and profitable. We could use other public-private partnerships, similar to the current collaboration with ProPublica, to create new informative TV programs, she says, calling it a public option for journalism.

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Other possibilities include tax incentives; for instance, if CNN adopted a certain set of ethical standards (see the Society of Professional Journalists as an example), then it could receive tax benefits for implementing procedures in the public interest. Minow said the government could also encourage measures to label news programming, to more clearly distinguish news, analysis, and opinion.

As a democratic nation, we may have lost sight of the need for an informed electorate. Commercial outlets dominate our media environment. But in Saving the News, Minow reminds us of our constitutional obligations. We can and must do more to regulate and support distribution of reliable news. CNNs audience deserves it. All American audiences do.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Ariana Pekary is the CJR public editor for CNN. She was an award-winning public radio and MSNBC journalist for two decades. Now she focuses on the systemic flaws of commercial broadcast news. She can be contacted at publiceditors@cjr.org.
Directors and officers liability insurance policies often contain exclusions for losses related to criminal or deliberately fraudulent activities. Such exclusions usually are limited to circumstances in which the fraud or crime is finally adjudicated. The path from initial allegations to finally adjudicated can be a long one.

The current example of Bill Cosbys conviction and sentence having been vacated after three years of imprisonment shows the possible delays, and provides a theoretical backdrop to describe the interactions of the liability insurance exclusions and criminal convictions.

Cosby did in fact hold liability coverage under homeowners and excess liability policies. The insurance company, AIG, was ordered by the federal First Circuit Court of Appeals to cover defense costs under those policies for suits against Mr. Cosby alleging defamation. But those policies excluded coverage for claims arising out of any actual, alleged or threatened sexual misconduct or abuse  and that exclusion does not require final adjudication. AIG Property Casualty Co. v. Cosby et al., 17-1505 (2018). D&O policies, however, do commonly require final adjudication before any exclusion for criminal or deliberately fraudulent conduct can be invoked to deny coverage.

The purpose of liability insurance is not only to insure the policyholder, but also to make insurance resources available to compensate tort victims. Any reinforcement of the final adjudication requirement for wrongful acts exclusions in D&O policies might help do just that.

The Cosby Conviction Vacated

On June 30, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. William Henry Cosby Jr., vacated the convictions and judgment of sentence against Cosby. He was discharged by the court based upon due process failures in the prosecution.

The court found that Cosby relied upon the district attorneys announcement in 2005 that Cosby would not be prosecuted. That announcement was made essentially to require that Cosby testify in a civil case without the shield of Fifth Amendment protections. The court states that Cosbys reliance was reasonable, and it resulted in depriving Cosby of a fundamental constitutional right when he was compelled to furnish self-incriminating testimony in a later civil case.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court states, When he announced his declination decision on behalf of the Commonwealth, district attorney Castor knew that Cosby would be forced to testify based upon the Commonwealths assurances.

The court went on to state: Knowing that he induced Cosbys reliance, and that his decision not to prosecute was designed to do just that, D.A. Castor made no attempt in 2005 or in any of the 10 years that followed to remedy any misperception or stop Cosby from openly and detrimentally relying upon that decision. In light of the circumstances, the subsequent decision by success successor D.A.s to prosecute Cosby violated Cosbys due process rights. No other conclusion comports with the principles of due process and fundamental fairness to which all aspects of our criminal justice system must adhere.

The court found that the change in prosecutors did not change the analysis. No mere changing of the guard strips that circumstance of its inequity.

If there were a D&O claim related to the facts of the Cosby case in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court would just have prevented the proper application of the criminal acts exclusions. D&O insurance companies have argued in other cases that an exclusion should not be negated when a conviction was vacated on a technicality  though in this case the due process concerns of the court rise to a constitutional level. That the conviction is overturned, however, is enough to prevent the application of a criminal acts exclusion requiring a final adjudication.

D&O Insurance Companies Must Prove Exclusions

The assertion of an exclusion in a D&O policy requires a D&O liability insurance company to meet a heavy burden. That a liability insurance company would have one less reason to deny a claim potentially brings additional insurance resources to bear to compensate victims. That a criminal conviction is vacated should clearly eliminate the application of a criminal acts exclusion requiring a final adjudication. The argument that a due process violation, such as the one cited by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, is a mere technicality is of little moment. A vacated conviction is not a conviction that supports the use of a criminal acts exclusion.
An $850 million agreement by the Boy Scouts of America to compensate sex-abuse victims prompted outrage Friday from some survivors and their advocates, while others were encouraged and saw it as the best outcome that could be achieved under the circumstances.

The agreement, filed in court late Thursday as a step toward resolving a complex bankruptcy case, includes the BSA national leadership, abuse victims, local Boy Scout councils and lawyers appointed to represent victims who might file future claims.

Lawyer Tim Kosnoff, whose Abused in Scouting legal team says its representing thousands of clients, called it a lousy deal _ a sellout of tens of thousands of brave men because it did not press local councils to contribute the bulk of their unrestricted assets.

Chris Anderson, an accountant from southern California who says he was abused by a Boy Scout troop leader for more than three years in the 1970s, complained about a lack of detail regarding council finances.

Its a farce, he told The Associated Press. Theres no certainty for the victims at all.

However, some lawyers representing survivors welcomed the agreement as the best that could be gotten. They noted that negotiations remain to be resolved with the Boy Scouts insurers, who potentially could be required to contribute billions of dollars to the compensation fund.

This is the tip of the iceberg, said lawyer Ken Rothweiler, whose firm says its representing more than 16,000 survivors. Now we go after the next step and see what happens with the insurers.

The BSA sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020, moving to halt thousands of lawsuits by men who were molested as youngsters decades ago by scoutmasters or other leaders. The filing was intended to try to reach a global resolution of abuse claims and create a compensation fund.

Richard Mason, an attorney and chairman of an ad hoc committee representing local councils in the case, said this weeks restructuring agreement is the result of hard-fought negotiations and plaintiffs attorneys pushed very hard.

Mason, who is also president of the Greater New York Councils of the BSA, said the councils are contributing the most that is achievable.

Irwin Zalkin, whose law firm represents about 150 survivors, warned against reading too much into the agreement, given that many questions remain unanswered.

Those include what percentage of their worth local councils will contribute; what, if anything, local sponsoring organizations such as churches and civic groups might contribute; and how much will be set aside to cover future claims.

I think its a disservice to the victims to put out a media release saying theyve reached an agreement for $850 million, especially the way theyre taking a victory dance about it, he said. To me, I find it just reprehensible.

Lawyer Paul Mones, who represents hundreds of abuse victims and supports the restructuring agreement, said plaintiffs attorneys pushed the BSA and local councils as far as they could.

We believe this is the best that could have been done, he said, while acknowledging that abuse survivors could still vote to reject the agreement.

Zalkin and other critics note that the councils have more than $1.8 billion in unrestricted assets but are contributing only $600 million to the victims fund. Mones pointed out, however, that many council properties have land-use or donor restrictions making them unavailable to compensate abuse victims.

Regardless of how much the BSA and the local councils contribute or how much insurance companies might be forced to pay, no amount can compensate the abuse victims for their suffering, Mones said.

This is not a victory for anybody, he said. We are dealing in the aftermath of a disaster in these peoples lives, and we are trying to build things back with whatever raw materials we have left.

The Associated Press contacted numerous local scout councils across the U.S. on Friday. Most of the leaders who responded said they did not yet know the amount theyd be asked to contribute and were hopeful they would not have to sell off cherished properties, such as camps.

Doug Stone of the Indian Waters Council in South Carolina said it would not have to sell its camp or any other assets.

We own Camp Barstow outright, he said. Were not going to put a mortgage on it. Were not going to sell it. Its going to stay.

However, the BSAs president and CEO, Roger Mosby, told the AP earlier this week that some councils would face a difficult and often emotional decision regarding camp sales.

Some councils have already taken steps in that direction.

The Greater Hudson Valley Council, which serves several counties near New York City, placed three of its camps up for sale earlier this year as part of its obligation to the fund. The largest is the Durland Scout Reservation, a 1,385-acre property in Putnam Valley that includes two lakes.

Another is Camp Bullowa in Stony Point, where a local official has inquired as to whether the town could purchase it and maintain it for scouting and other recreation.

In Maine, the Pine Tree Council has proposed selling two camps to raise money for the fund, according to the Kennebec Journal. The council did not immediately reply to emails and phone messages Friday seeking an update.

The BSA, in a statement Friday, praised the agreement and said it would help local councils contribute without additional drain on their assets.

There is still much to be done to obtain approval from the Court to solicit survivors to vote for the BSAs amended Plan of Reorganization, it said. Our intention is to seek confirmation of the Plan this summer and emerge from bankruptcy late this year.

Membership in the BSA has declined sharply since 2019, from more than 1.9 million scouts in its two flagship programs to less than 770,000.

Top Photo: FILE  In this Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 file photo, Boy Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance to begin a Veterans Day ceremony in Wrightwood, Calif. (James Quigg/The Daily Press via AP)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday issued an emergency directive requiring main rotor inspections for some Bell model 212, 204 and 205 helicopters after a fatal crash in Canada last month.

The FAA said operators must complete inspections and replace some specified hub strap pins before further flights. On Monday, Transport Canada Civil Aviation issued an emergency directive covering the same issue. The directives impact about 400 helicopters worldwide, with approximately 140 registered in the United States.

Bell Helicopter, a unit of Textron Inc, said on Wednesday even though the investigation is still in progress, to ensure fleet safety, the main rotor strap pins identified should be removed from service before the next flight.

It added it was not at liberty to discuss details of the Transport Safety Board investigation.

Transport Canada said this week that its investigation into the Bell 212 helicopter accident found that one of the outboard main rotor hub strap pins sheared off during flight, leading to detachment of the main rotor blade and the main rotor head.

An inspection of another Canadian Bell 212 helicopter found a main rotor hub strap pin of the same part number to be deformed after only approximately 29 hours in service, Transport Canada said.

A 48-year-old pilot died in the June 28 crash near Evansburg, Alberta, as he battled a wildfire, Canadian media reported.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sonya Hepinstall)
Claremore, OK (74018)

Today

Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Mostly cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Frayda Friedman, 85, died on June 27, 2021. She was born in Erie, Pa., to Harry and Elizabeth (nee Reingold) Shapiro, both deceased, and survived by her brother, Jerome (Judy) Shapiro, and many nieces and nephews. She married her love, Burton Friedman in 1955 and had three children: Leslie (
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 87F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Clinton, IA (52732)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 76F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
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) - 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 8)  Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque says it is only natural that government officials are increasingly gearing up for the 2022 elections, with three months left before the filing of certificate of candidacy.

Roque made the statement in a media briefing on Thursday when asked where the governments priorities now lie, with the country continuing to log thousands of new COVID-19 cases daily.

It hasnt changed, its still COVID-19, Roque said in a briefing. Pero [But] what do you do? COVID-19 or not, elections are coming up, so political parties have to prepare.

On Wednesday, members of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) held a two-hour long televised meeting, with President Rodrigo Duterte in attendance.

Amid concerns that election issues may be distracting the President from the pandemic response, Roque pointed out Duterte is also PDP-Labans chairperson.

Because he is chairman of the party, he has an interest in who the party will field as president and vice president in the 2022 elections, he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  An opposition senator echoed on Thursday the confusion among local government units with the latest resolution of the government's pandemic response task force easing protocols for vaccinated travelers.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros told CNN Philippines' The Source that she was also "whiplashed" by the issuance of Resolution 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.

"Medyo nalito rin ako tulad ng ating mga kababayan at na-whiplash ako sa bilis ng pagbago ng mga policy on the testing," the opposition senator said.

[Translation: I was a little confused like our fellow citizens, and I was whiplashed by the quick change of policy on testing.]

Hontiveros called on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to consider the role of LGUs actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation in their respective localities.

"I think IATF needs to be reminded, as we have been reminding them from the beginning, to be cognizant of the frontline role played by LGUs in flattening the curve on COVID-19," she said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III previously told The Source the IATF will address the concerns of LGUs, especially those who claim that they were not consulted about the new guidelines. He said the task force invited Quirino Governor Dakila Cua, national chairperson of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, to its meeting to represent the concerned LGUs.

Apart from the "unclear guidelines" on the proper verification of vaccination cards, Cua has aired his concern on the lack of security features that could prove their authenticity.

The Department of Health clarified on Wednesday that Resolution 101 is still in effect while they "iron out" operational issues regarding the entry of fully-vaccinated travelers. The said resolution grants the LGUs the flexibility to still require RT-PCR tests before allowing them entry to their locality.

READ: DOH clarifies: LGUs may still require COVID-19 test results from travelers
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  President Rodrigo Duterte has a new adviser for political affairs, Malacanang announced Thursday.

"Kasama po natin ngayon ang bagong talagang [We have with us the newly appointed] Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs," Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said during his briefing, as he introduced and congratulated Jacinto Paras.

Paras will have the rank of Secretary and will sit on the Cabinet. Prior to his appointment, Paras served as undersecretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO).

He was also Labor Undersecretary in 2018. That year, he joined other lawyers in filing complaints for graft, inciting to sedition, and proposal to commit coup d' etat against staunch Duterte critic, former Senator Antonio Trillanes.

The new presidential adviser also served as Negros Oriental 1st District Representative from 1998 to 2007, and was mayor of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental from 1986 to 1988.

"Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Pangulong [I would like to thank President] Duterte for giving me his trust and confidence in giving me this job and I will do well with this job," Paras said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8, 2021)  People in the most affected area in Marawi City lack funds to rebuild their homes, a local official said on Thursday.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra said low- and middle-class Maranao families opted to stay in transition shelters as they occasionally receive dole-outs from the government .

Dahil naubos ho ang kanilang ari-arian, hindi ho ganon kadali magpatayo ng bahay, Gandamra said during an online media briefing. "Actually 'yung mga middle class, even 'yung lower class, mas pipiliin nila na kung saan sila situated, doon muna sila while waiting for the opportunity na magkakaroon ng pondo para tustusan ang kanilang pagpapagawa ng bahay."

[Translation: Its not easy to rebuild their houses since they lost their livelihood. Those from the lower and middle class opt to stay in areas where they are situated now until they have the fund for the construction of their houses.]

He cited the low application rate for building permits at around 14% of around 17,000 identified households.

Gandamra appealed to Congress to immediately pass the Marawi Compensation Bill to help rebuild from the ruins.

The bill has yet to be discussed in plenary after it hurdled committee deliberations.

Housing Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said regardles of a possible presidential certification, it is incumbent on Congress to approve the Marawi Compensation Bill .

Kami mismo sa TFBM (Task Force Bangon Marawi), we are hoping that this will be approved the soonest possible time para 'yung mga kababayan nating walang pampagawa ng bahay, talagang makapag-construct ng kanilang nasirang bahay through the Compensation Bill, he said.

[Translation: We, from the TFBM, are hoping that this will be approved the soonest timean possible so they will have the money to reconstruct their homes through this Compensation Bill.]

Marawi's most affected area is divided into nine sectors. Del Rosario said people in sectors one to three were allowed to rebuild their homes early this year, provided that they submit documents proving land ownership. People in sectors four to seven, meanwhile, will be allowed to rebuild their homes by October once the construction of the entire road network is complete. Those in sectors eight and nine, where a number of government infrastructure projects are ongoing, may be allowed to rebuild before the year ends.

Gandamra said from around 2,400 applications for a building permit, 500 were approved while 200 completed the construction and given occupancy certificates.

Del Rosario said the local government was requested to be careful in processing applications to avoid land disputes as some properties have no titles.

Ang importanteng ma-establish natin dito, ang loteng pagtatayuan nila ay talagang pag-aari nila Iniiwasan natin 'yung future problem  magkaroon ng away on the ground, baka magkaroon ng hostilities if two to three will be constructing in one lot, the Cabinet official said.

[Translation: The important thing is to establish that they really own the land. We try to prevent problems in the future  to have a dispute or hostilities should two or three persons will be constructing in one lot.]

To allay fears of possible eviction, Gandamra said no residents will be asked to leave transition shelters unless they have rebuilt their houses. Or for those whose properties will be affected by government projects, they would remain in temporary shelters pending a a permanent relocation place.

Marawi Rehab substantially completed by December

Del Rosario said the government us fast-tracking the construction of key infrastructure.

He said major infrastructure projects will be substantially completed before the end of the year. These include the road network and utility lines, school buildings, public market, a peace memorial park, museum, and tourist police buildings. The rest will be finished before President Rodrigo Duterte steps down in June 2022. Last June, Del Rosario reported that Marawi rehabilitation was 68% complete.

The Housing secretary said the pandemic and weather in Marawi hampered construction activities.

In fact, in one week, three to five days continuous ang ulan, so mahihinto 'yan ng one to days, start na naman ng ulan," Del Rosario said. "Masyado ang epekto nito, mas malaki ang epekto ng weather condition kesa sa COVID-19."

[Translation: In fact, in one week, they experience three to five days of continuous rains. The rain will stop in one to two days and then it will begin to rain again. The effect of the weather condition is much bigger compared to COVID-19.]

He said rehabilitation activity is still on track.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  The Philippines hit rock bottom once again in an international business magazines list of safest countries worldwide this year.

The country placed last in Global Finances World Safest Countries 2021 published on Tuesday.

This years list  which featured 134 countries  took into account as factors war and peace, personal security, and natural disaster risk including the unique risk factors stemming from COVID-19.

The Philippines garnered a score of 14.8899 in the Global Finance Safety Index to land at the bottom. The higher a countrys ranking is, the smaller the score is. Iceland scored 3.9724 in the index to bag the top spot.

The global publication described the Philippines as having "serious civil conflict that have high risks from natural disaster."

It said the country reported a relatively low death toll due to the pandemic but "performed poorly in terms of safety overall.

Coronavirus deaths in the Philippines have recently breached 25,000.

Global Finance applied the same description for Nigeria, Yemen, and El Salvador. These countries ranked 131st, 126th, and 124th respectively, landing at the bottom half of the list along with the Philippines.

However, this is not the first time Manila finished last in Global Finances list.

The lists 2019 iteration, which evaluated 128 nations, also placed the country at the bottom, with the Philippines and Yemen occupying the two lowest rankings.

Global Finance said this was because Yemen has a very low risk of natural disaster despite war and famine, while the Philippines had poor scores in peace, security, and prevalence of calamities.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  Government census data pegged Philippine population at 109 million as of May 2020, and initial estimates showed this kept on rising during the pandemic.

The lockdowns which started in March 2020 led to a baby boom as couples stayed home, according to the Commission on Population and Development or POPCOM.

Former Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, an expert in economic demography and professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, said the census figure is likely understated. The population is likely more than 110 million by now.

The government must work even harder as it has more mouths to feed, Pernia said, at a time when jobs have been lost, incomes dropped down, and prices have been rising.

"It will require a lot of resources, it will require a lot of subsidies from the public sector to these families. But as you know, we already are having difficulty addressing the pandemic and the economy has shrunk considerably," Pernia told CNN Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture said it is counting on the "Plant, Plant, Plant" program to yield enough crops and feed a fast-growing nation.

"Given the proper budget and with the private sector and LGUs (local government units) pouring in needed investments, the country's agri-fishery sector could attain higher food sufficiency levels and provide the needs of our countrymen," DA Secretary William Dar said in a statement.

Stunting

Access to nutritious food is crucial for babies and their mothers, especially for those with less in life.

"Some pregnancies are unwanted or mistimed therefore their pregnancy is not properly carried," Pernia said. "For the baby to come out healthy, the mother must be well nourished because she will be feeding the fetus  thats why we have these stunted children."

READ: Undernutrition a problem in PH as Filipinos cant afford a healthy diet World Bank

UNICEF data showed that one in three Filipino children under the age of 5 is stunted, or shorter than what is expected for a healthy child at that age. They are more likely to earn less and will likely be sickly as adults.

For the former NEDA chief, undernourished children face an "almost doomed" future as they are unlikely to reach their full potential as adults due to malnutrition during their formative years.

Quality of life

Pernia stressed the importance of family planning to increase the chances of providing better lives to children.

He said local campaigns started in 1969 but was short-lived amid resistance from religious conservatives. In contrast, a similar effort in Thailand took off to yield better outcomes.

"Not having been able to contain population growth like Thailand was able to is a really huge missed opportunity for the country," Pernia explained.

"Its a huge difference between Thailand and Philippines  thats why Thailand is a much more dynamic, progressive, developed country compared with the Philippines," he said. "Naiwanan talaga tayo [We were really left behind]."

RELATED: Duterte pushes for family planning, citing social distancing challenges

Thailand's 70 million population is a third lower than that of the Philippines, according to World Bank data. However, Thailand's economy is 32.5% bigger and per capita income is double when compared to the Philippines.

Pernia also noted that family size matters across all income groups, but more so for poorer households.

"Lets say you have seven or six children, mahihirapan ka talaga [you will really have a hard time] rather than if you are having only two or three children  maski mayaman ka [even if you are rich]," the economics professor added.

"Its an unimaginable hardship. Its hard to imagine how poor people, poor families are coping during this pandemic," Pernia said. "Instead of living life well, its just existence."

He added that vigorous implementation of the Reproductive Health law and information campaigns, along with better education, are keys to keeping population growth under control, while better-paying jobs may help keep newborns out of the poverty trap.

RELATED: Duterte declares teen pregnancy prevention a national priority
(Metro Manila, July 8)  The fate of the 37 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the anti-terrorism law will be known hopefully within the year," the chief justice of the Supreme Court said Thursday.

In an ambush interview, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the Supreme Court has just received the memorandum or the summary of the arguments of both the petitioners and the respondents.

But by the sheer number of petitions it might take some time before the Court can at least prepare its draft but hopefully within the year perhaps we can have a decision on that 37 petitions before the year ends, he explained.

The chief magistrate pointed out theyll do their best to rule on the petitions before the retirement of Justice Rosmari Carandang. Carandang, who is the member-in-charge of anti-terrorism petitions, will retire on January 9, 2022.

If no decision would be out, the case will be raffled off to another justice.

In its more than 800 pages memorandum, the Office of the Solicitor General sought for the dismissal of the consolidated petitions for utter lack of merit.

It insisted theres no actual controversy in the case, pointing out the petitioners obscure allegations of future and contingent surveillance, detention, and red-tagging, among others, are not credible threats of prosecution that would make the petitions as actual justiciable cases or controversies.

On the controversial designation as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council, OSG said although it may affect a persons reputation, its a necessary but minimal consequence of his/her voluntary participation in terrorism.

Petitioners disagreed. They pointed out the ATCs power to designate terrorists is far from harmless and benign, adding it has consequences that are serious and life-threatening.

The designation results in violation, restriction, and deprivation of the designees rights to liberty, property, security, and privacy, even without prosecution and conviction by a court of law, they said.

The ATC recently designated as terrorists 19 alleged leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New Peoples Army.

Designation leads to the freezing of assets. The OSG explained the freeze order prevents the designated individuals or groups from accessing funds that would be used to commit terroristic acts.

But it clarified that designation by ATC does not automatically result in the freezing of assets.

The determination of the need to freeze assets is still within the authority of the AMLC, with the intervention of no less than the Court of Appeals, the OSG wrote in its memo.

Petitioners noted that other than asset freezing, the designation may result in arrest and detention -- something that the government repeatedly denied during the oral arguments.

They said the ATC has the power to authorize in writing the arrest and detention of a person without any judicial warrant for up to 24 days.

This power of the ATC infringes on the exclusive power of the courts to issues warrants of arrests, and consequently order the detention of persons, the petitioners added.

They appealed to the Supreme Court to resolve the petitions as the anti-terrorism law hangs ominously over their heads like the Sword of Damocles and prevents them from exercising their constitutional rights.

The petitioners also asked that they be heard "before tragic consequences befall them.
Wearing gloves and a mask, Ashley Nauschuetz brings fresh fish and a portable credit card machine outdoors to complete Debbie Meltzers order at South Bethany Seafood Market. The shift to to-go orders was an adaptation made by many restaurants during the pandemic. To-go alcoholic beverages were also a new feature at some establishments.
As heat waves dominate local weather forecasts and exhausted families leave for weeklong vacations to tropical paradises, others stuck at home in State College can spend this month celebrating Christmas in July.

Christmas is many peoples all-time favorite holiday, and Christmas in July can allow for increased celebration and people to spread their holiday spirit year round.

Traditions associated with Christmas in July began in 1933 at an all-girls summer camp in North Carolina, according to Southern Living. The first event involved typical Christmas traditions like Christmas caroling, tree decorating, gift exchanging and interacting with a visiting Santa Claus.

The concept of summer-based Christmas festivities became more widespread after the release of the 1940 film Christmas in July, which is a romantic comedy following a man whose coworkers tricked him into thinking he won substantial money through a contest, according to IMDb.

Over time, the unofficial holiday of Christmas in July became an economic booster between other holidays where gift exchanges are prevalent  like Easter, Mothers Day and Fathers Day.

Stores and corporations quickly realized they could profit from the summer celebrations. Not only do people stock up and prepare for the Christmas season during July, but they also host parties and get-togethers.

Just like theres The Twelve Days of Christmas in the traditional holiday carol, here are 12 ways you can get involved in Christmas in July festivities this month.

1. Paint ceramic Christmas ornaments at your local crafting store

Whether youre an art lover looking for your next creative endeavor or a stressed-out college student desiring a new relaxing hobby, ceramics is the activity for you.

Head over to your local pottery store  like 2000 Degrees Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio on College Avenue  and select some ceramic ornaments to glaze. Coat them in Christmas colors and patterns, and save the masterpieces as memorable, heartfelt gifts under the Christmas tree this winter.

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2. Make your own peppermint iced tea or frozen hot chocolate

Hot chocolate and hot tea are classic drinks to savor during the cold winter months. However, you can easily spice up these classics in the humid summer months as well. Experiment with different recipes in the kitchen until you have the perfect concoction.

If you dont feel like making your own beverage, stop at one of the many restaurants and diners in State College. For instance, make a pitstop at Websters Bookstore Cafe, which serves an assortment of coffee drinks and more than 80 different tea mixtures.

If none of those options sound appealing, you could also place an order at Penn States Berkey Creamery. Get a scoop of Bittersweet Mint if youre still desiring a Christmas-inspired treat.

3. Pursue random acts of kindness

The Christmas season is all about volunteerism, community-mindedness and helping those in need, so why not spread that Christmas spirit into your July schedule of activities?

Donate your spare change to organizations that matter to you  whether that be the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross or another meaningful charity. You could also make an appointment to help out in your community, like at the local food bank or animal shelter.

Be creative and think of ways to make a positive impact. There are even opportunities online, so you wont even need to leave your couch or change out of your pajamas.

4. Start making your Christmas shopping list

Take time to figure out what your best friends and close family members would like for Christmas. (Make sure to check that list twice!)

Christmas in July is a great opportunity to save money and take advantage of the available deals in stores. Who doesnt enjoy a great deal? Plus, this is a great way to get ahead of procrastination tendencies.

If you would like to make gifts more memorable, you could even start making homemade Christmas gifts. By starting in July, youd get a head start on the task and wouldnt have to worry about completing presents in a time crunch.

While youre at it, you might as well write your own letter to Santa.

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5. Binge-watch Hallmark Channel Christmas movies

Hallmark Channel movies are a traditional part of peoples yearly Christmas celebrations. If youre like me, the Hallmark Channel plays nonstop in your house after Thanksgiving dinner ends.

To get you into the Christmas spirit this July, the Hallmark Channel scheduled fan-favorite movies. Make sure to check out some new Christmas films when they are released this month.

6. Bake homemade Christmas cookies for holiday get-togethers

Bust out your recipe box and bake some delicious Christmas cookies. Whether you like sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies or snickerdoodles, there are tons of recipes for you to try.

If you are specifically craving gingerbread cookies, you could even up the ante by making gingerbread structures. Rather than the typical gingerbread houses, you could make gingerbread islands and make the deserts tropical in nature. Let your creativity flow.

For some people, bakings not in their toolkit. If thats the case for you, check out local bakeries and restaurants for some quick treats. You could check out places like the Penn State Bakery or Insomnia Cookies in the State College area.

7. Deck the Halls with Christmas decor  like a miniature Christmas tree

Hang your favorite Christmas decorations and style the house with traditional holiday getup. Just seeing twinkling Christmas lights will put you into a happier mood.

For many people, nostalgic childhood memories are tied to the Christmas decorations they hang during holiday seasons. Ornaments and decorations can improve peoples mental states due to positive memories and associations with the Christmas holiday, according to Business Insider.

8. Blast Christmas music when running errands around town

Listen to your favorite Christmas songs on repeat. You could even make a special Christmas playlist on your go-to music service.

Rotate through the classics  ranging from Mariah Careys All I Want for Christmas Is You to Gene Autrys Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Also, make sure to check out some lesser known Christmas songs like Garth Brookss Ugly Christmas Sweater song.

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9. Craft an ugly Christmas T-shirt or swimsuit to put a spin on traditional winter sweaters

Every December, people whip out their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters to wear for family and work functions. Some people go the extra mile by decorating their own ugly sweaters. However, other Christmas lovers simply seek out the best  and most ugly  sweaters they can find from the department store shelves.

To keep up with tradition, you could decorate an ugly Christmas swimsuit or T-shirt for the summer months. Get out the clothing paint, pompoms and jingle bells to make the most ugly outfit you can think of.

10. Host a Secret Santa gift exchange with your besties to splurge on the widespread Christmas in July sales

Gather a group of friends and organize a Secret Santa gift exchange. The gifts dont have to be expensive or large  just meaningful. (Just try to keep the names a secret!)

If youd like to make the gift exchange more noteworthy, make it a charity gift exchange. Have each participant donate money or resources to a particular organization the recipient supports. For instance, if your best friend supports THON, donate to their donor page.

11. Make a sandman instead of a snowman when you go to the beach

During the winter months, snowmen are a common sight to see when driving down the road in State College. Since snow is practically nonexistent during summer months, make a sandman when you go to the beach on vacation.

Instead of the traditional sandcastle, get out your building supplies to form a beautiful sandman. Make sure to bring materials to form the figures scarf, hat and facial expressions.

12. Have an improvised snowball fight during a summer heat wave

Purchase some fluffy stuffed snowballs from the store or simply use water balloons to supplement the typical winter snowball fight.

You cant go wrong with a nice, old-fashioned water balloon fight.

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+3 Penn State alumnus European art exhibition offers artistic flair, cultural depth From the mountains of State College to the north of Munich, one Penn State alumnus took his 
State College Police requested public assistance Thursday to identify a truck that was involved in a hit and run accident July 2, according to a release.

The accident occurred at 3:04 p.m. at 497 Benner Pike, the release said.

The vehicle that allegedly caused the crash was described as a "small, black pick-up truck, possibly a Ford Ranger or Mazda B3000," and was allegedly seen backing into a motorcycle parked in the lot across from Advanced Auto Parts.

Police urged anyone with information to contact the State College Police Department at (814) 234-7150, by email or submit an anonymous tip online.

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Penn State alumna Ashley Bisman suffered a direct loss as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City. Just two weeks ago, she published her experience as an adult now living in Manhattan.

Bisman said she wrote Chasing Butterflies: The True Story of a Daughter of 9/11 to share a young, fresh and energetic voice in regard to the attacks.

I feel like this is pretty much the first memoir from a daughter of 9/11, Bisman said. It feels like theres nothing from a teenagers perspective who was happy and healthy in spite of 9/11, trying to navigate finding a husband and a life partner having lost my dad.

Bismans father, Jeffrey Goldflam, was the CFO of Cantor Fitzgerald and worked on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center. He died as a result of the attacks.

He was just a great businessman [and was] very successful, Bisman said. But above everything else, just the best dad. I had incredible memories with him [and] always felt his love.

Bisman was 16 years old when her dad died and later graduated from Penn State in 2007 with a degree in journalism. She then went to Hunter College for her masters in elementary general and special education.

She started piecing together her book during her teaching career and began to finalize it when she went on maternity leave with her first child in 2017.

Bisman described the story as a connection between the loss she experienced and her young adult life in Manhattan.

I was enjoying the city with all my girlfriends, and I was really enjoying life, but it was a little ironic because I had the shadow of the Freedom Tower looming over me, Bisman said.

Bisman said she started writing in her 20s, recording stories of her dating life.

I had a bunch of bad breakups and dating faux pas at the time nobody was really discussing dating in New York, Bisman said.

She said she realized she could turn them into a book if she combined the stories of her young adult life in New York with memories of her father.

According to Bisman, the title Chasing Butterflies came from two things  first, the feeling of butterflies in her stomach when seeing someone new, and second, a memory she shares with her father.

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A portion of the proceeds from her book are donated to Tuesdays Children, which Bisman said is an incredible charity that donates time and money to families affected by mass violence.

Bisman said the hardest part about the writing process was being so vulnerable because she described herself as a private person.

I hope that everybody receives it with kindness, Bisman said, adding that it is difficult to trust strangers with your heart and take care of your memories.

One of Bismans best friends, Jenna Goldberg, was in her classroom when she was informed about what happened on 9/11.

Ive kinda been there every step of the way with her, Goldberg said. She described herself and Bisman as inseparable.

Goldberg said writing is such a passion for Bisman.

I could hear her voice reading the book  she poured her heart and soul into this book, she just dug deep, Goldberg said. Shes really in a good place.

Goldberg said there are characters based on herself and Bismans husband, Eric Bisman, in Chasing Butterflies.

Eric described the book as courageous and a lighthearted spin on really deep personal feelings.

He said the genre is similar to chick lit, and it is a Sex and the City-type story but still impactful to the reader.

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According to Eric, his wife has already sold close to 500 copies of Chasing Butterflies, and the feedback has been resounding so far.

Im really proud of her for seeing it through to the end, Eric said. The hard part is putting a bow on it and coming up with a deliverable [message] you can have put out there.

Ashley said she plans to continue writing and wants to write a childrens book for her two young kids.

Writing is what I was always meant to do, Bisman said. I think my dad would be proud of [me], and my mom is proud of [me] as well.

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Joey Bunch: "Nobody I know of has accused the bill signer from Boulder of trying to burn down one of the states most important industries, though many on the left would gladly give him the matches. Regulate it? Sure. Frustrate its profiteers? You bet. Tell it that renewable energy is way, way better? That's one of the governor's favorite things."
A student expelled from the University of Denver after a sexual assault investigation had his lawsuit against the school reinstated on Tuesday, after the federal appeals court based in Denver determined he had plausibly alleged an anti-male bias in the universitys investigation of the incident.
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

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Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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My.lasalle.edu scored 41 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

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Dorothy Jean McGraw aged 90 passed from this world on June 30, 2021. She spent her final days with family and loved ones. Born to Robert And Viola Mae McGraw in 1931, Dorothy hit the ground running and her life's journey was always an active one. As one of eleven children Dorothy learned the
Anthony Housefather, member of Canada's parliament for Mount Royal and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Labour, has announced $150,000 in financial support to Elkimia Inc. on behalf of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development.

Related: LOreal Canada Expands Distribution Center

Elkimia Inc. is a nature-inspired company that develops and markets products used in sun protection, cosmetics and textile products. It recently succeeded in developing a chemical process that facilitates the scaling up and industrialization of these products for different industrial applications.

This repayable contribution allowed the company to begin producing more effective active ingredients to provide UV protection, with access to new manufacturing installations within the NRC facilities, and to acquire new production equipment.

Housefather said: "By investing in Elkimia's process improvements, the Government of Canada is following through on its commitments and helping businesses to expand, innovate and export their products so they can create quality jobs and thereby ensure a prosperous Canadian economy."

"We are helping businesses equip themselves with what they need to remain competitive, prosper and create good jobs," added Joly. "Thanks to Government of Canada financial assistance, Elkimia has been able to continue to innovate in a cutting-edge field and strengthen its position in the industry and on the markets, which is also helping to stimulate the regional economy. This support will thus benefit the entire Greater Montreal region and enable the Canadian economy to come back even stronger."

"We greatly appreciate the financial support received from CED for equipment purchases," said Elie A. Khalil, president and CEO, Elkimia Inc. "This equipment has allowed us to overcome a number of major technological and economic obstacles for scaling up and industrializing our chemical process. Thank you to the whole CED team."
Researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology have published, in Angewandte Chemie, an approach to synthesize amphiphilic molecules without additives such as catalysts and reagents.

According to the article abstract, catalyst- and reagent-free reactions can create various functional molecules but such chemical bonds are usually hydrolyzable, or require specific functional groups. This limits their use in aqueous media.

Here, the authors describe how the Staudinger reaction can create amphiphilic materials. Mixing chlorinated aryl azide with a hydrophilic moiety and various triarylphosphines gives rise to azaylide-based amphiphiles, rapidly and quantitatively. The resulting materials form ca. 2 nm-sized spherical aggregates in water, and their hydrolysis is significantly suppressed.

See related: Comparatively Speaking; Solubility of PEG-8 Dimethicone vs. Deposition

"Although a typical Staudinger reaction proceeds rapidly and quantitatively at room temperature, the formed azaylide readily hydrolyzes into a primary amine and phosphine oxide in water," explained Masahiro Yamashina, Ph.D., a lead author on the study, in a press announcement. He added that in contrast, this "non-hydrolysis" version was uncovered. "...[Here], a halogen atom, such as chlorine, added to an azide compound significantly improves the hydrostability of azaylide," he said.

The team also prepared non-chlorinated azaylide-based amphiphiles to assess the water stability of both chlorinated and non-chlorinated azaylides. The non-chlorinated azaylides quickly disintegrated in water while their chlorinated counterparts remained stable. While the difference was clearly due to the presence of the chlorine atom, the underlying mechanism was unclear. The scientists therefore performed density functional theory calculations to understand the structures of the azaylides.

Finally, they tested the materials in hydrophobic organic dyes, e.g., Nile Red and BODIPY and saw the dye molecules were encapsulated by the spherical azaylide aggregates, exhibiting desirable amphiphile behavior.

"The azaylide formation presented in our study serves as a viable technique for on-site preparation of water-stable amphiphiles without catalysts and reagent, which can help create more such functional materials in future," said Yamashina. The institute notes the team's discovery will help to usher in significant advancements in the development of highly versatile functional materials, even in aqueous media.
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For recognizable celebs to have their name associated with their own tequila makes other non-celebrity-related brands seem "dim" in comparison. In addition, a lot of celebrity brands cop non-celebrity tequila brands, but because the general audience knows about the rando celeb, they may dismiss the original or even twist the story around accidentally.

Although many celebrities may emphasize the background and history from which tequila comes to avoid cultural appropriation (as well as some of these celebrities being Mexican themselves, I see you Carlos Santana), the practice of making Tequila as a whole comes from Mexican tradition and culture. This means removing Mexican people from certain parts of the process or even the whole process (from ownership to labor) creates several problems. The tequila industry also has a great significance in Mexico's economy, even being declared intellectual property by Mexico.

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The word "tequila" comes from multiple roots, varying from its location of origin, the history of the Nahuatl language (from the Aztec community), and its cultural significance in the Aztec Empire. One of the locations theorized to have inspired the name "tequila" is, in fact, the Tequila Volcano that used to be rich in obsidian and that was originally forged and created into many tools, some of which were used to cut the agave plant.

Mdd4696/Wiki Commons Good name for a volcano, which could spew everywhere without warning.

Another origin lies in the Nahuatl language of the Aztec people. Many words such as Tecuin or Tejuino refer to a type of fermented drink similar to tequila. The term also comes from the history of tribute to the emperors, being consumed only during important festivities or religious ceremonies (this ceremonial fermented drink from the sap of an agave plant was originally called pulpe, but many believe it to be one of the earliest known appearances of modern Tequila).
On today's installment of Alleged Perpetrators of the January 6 Capitol Insurrection Do the Darndest ThingsTM, it seems one suspected rioter just couldn't LEGO of his desire to seize the United States Capitol building  in any way possible. Yep, during the arrest of 27-year-old Robert Morss last month on several charges including assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers and robbery of personal property of the United States (somewhere, Nicholas Cage's National Treasure character is softly weeping), officials discovered a concerningly-relevant item in his home  fully constructed" Lego set of the U.S. Capitol building.

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Although as the Daily Beast noted, it is currently unclear if the toy, which "focuses on the structure's neoclassical style facade, steps and lawns" and has been discontinued but still retails online for upwards of $230, played a role in planning the riot, Morss's alleged involvement in the insurrection is seemingly more concrete in the eyes of prosecutors. According to federal attorneys, the Pennsylvania man, who is currently being held in pre-trial detainment, supposedly led other insurrectionists in confronting officers guarding the building's Lower West Terrace doors, one of the most intense and prolonged clashes of the entire January 6 attack.

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Alongside the Lego set, authorities also say they found a variety of other concerning items, including Don't Tread on Me flag, military uniforms and a utility bag, a tourniquet, as well as several weapons  three different firearms including a handgun, a shotgun and a rifle, according to court documents obtained by The Smoking Gun.

Furthermore, it seems Morss wasn't allegedly attacking our nation's capitol alongside a horde of ding-dongs, he was also an aspiring author. During their search authorities also recovered a notebook from his car, featuring a section entitled Step by Step to Create Hometown Militia," complete with steps including Ambush and Battle Drills and helpful reminders to Bring Assault Rifle and 4 Magazines." Watch out, The Anarchist Cookbook  Failed Insurrections For Dummies is sure to be a hit!

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So, folks, remember, don't storm the United States capitol building  especially not if you have a Lego model of the building on display in your home.

Top Image: Lego

For more internet nonsense, follow Carly on Instagram @HuntressThompson_ on TikTok as @HuntressThompson_, and on Twitter @TennesAnyone.
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
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
Sometimes in Scripture, we get a glimpse of a person and learn a lot about them even though there is little said of them. There is one man in the New Testament who makes an incredible impression on the lives of people around the world. He is included in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He is the man who comes out of nowhere and makes a grand appearance, setting an example to believers everywhere. Today, we are going to unpack more about Simon of Cyrene, also known as the man who carried Jesus cross.

Who Was Simon of Cyrene and What Did He Do?

Simon of Cyrene was a man present at the crucifixion of Jesus. We do not know much about him according to the Bible; however, he is named and honored for his act of carrying the cross of Christ. This man is described as passing through and then forced to carry the cross. He likely could have been going to attend the Passover. When we think about long his journey must have been to Jerusalem, He must have had great anticipation for the Passover Celebration. However, the moment that the cross was placed on his back, he was considered unclean for the ceremony. How interesting that Simon could have fought for religion, but He was blessed with the obedience to carry the cross of the Savior.

Cyrene is modern-day Libya, Africa. Jason Soroski from Crosswalk says, Cyrene was a city in what is now modern Libya in Northern Africa and had a significant Jewish population. The fact that he is of Cyrene tells us that he did not live in Jerusalem where this event takes place but had traveled there from his home.

The History Hub says, Cyrene was an ancient Greek colony situated near present-day Shahhat, Libya. It was the oldest and most significant city in that region that flourished during the Roman times as well.

What Does the Bible Say about Him?

Scripture does not give us much information about Simon of Cyrene. That is part of the mystery of Simon. Below are the only Bible references with his name included.

Matthew 27:32 says, Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.

Mark 15:21 says, A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Luke 23:26 says, Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.

What this tells us is that Simon was given Jesus cross. He was likely married and was a father to two sons. He was foreign. He was a visual representation of Luke 14:27 which tells us, And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Notice how the verse in Luke tells us that Simon bore the cross after Jesus. I love that imagery of how Christ carried the cross first so that we might carry ours after him.

Luke 9:23 says, And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. How can we follow Jesus into our suffering moments? How can we bring honor to Jesus by carrying His name with us daily? The Lord reminds us through Simon to follow after Jesus in bravery and in trust, knowing that He is worth the sacrifice. We love because Jesus first loved us (1 John 4:19). Jesus carried the weight of the world, so may we consider it a joy to carry the weight of our crosses daily.

Do We Know What Happened to Simon of Cyrene after the Crucifixion?

Lisa Loraine Baker from Bible Study Tools shares, Scripture makes no direct mention of Simon of Cyrene after the Resurrection. Tradition states Simon went to Egypt and shared the Gospel. After that, according to the apocryphal Acts of Simon and Judas, Simon was martyred in 100 A.D by being cut in half with a saw.

Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus. When Paul wrote Romans, He mentions Romans 16:13 says to greet Rufus and his mother. He explains that Rufus mother (this could be Simon of Cyrenes wife) was like a mother to him.

Compelling Truth shares, People from Cyrene were among the first Christian believers at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). Perhaps Simon, Alexander, and Rufus were among those who heard and believed? If so, the connection of Rufus in Romans 16:13 would not be surprising.

Lets think about that, a foreign man could have been bullied by Roman guards at the crucifixion because of his race. Why did they select him? I cannot help but wonder if because he was a foreigner, the guards gave Simon the burden of the cross. He could have looked at the situation in humiliation and frustration, but maybe He looked in the eyes of Jesus? Maybe he saw an innocent man going to be murdered and felt the privilege of relieving some of the burden? Perhaps this time of being called out by man, he knew that he was being called up by the Lord. This moment of embarrassment could have been the turning point for the eternal future of Simon and his family. If Simon and his family were present at the Pentecost in Acts 2, that moment of the cross could have led to their intrigue. If Rufus in Romans 16:13 was the same Rufus as Simons son, this means that Simons wife played a significant role in the life of the apostle Paul.

What is the moment in your life that could appear to be a negative, but through spiritual eyes, you can see how God is using it for your good and His glory? We can learn so many things from the humility and the perseverance of Simon of Cyrene.

Interesting Facts about Simon of Cyrene

Simons name is only mentioned three times in the Bible.

Simon was a foreigner traveling through during the crucifixion.

Simon had the honor of helping Jesus in one of Jesus weakest moments. I do not know about you, but the thought of Jesus, the God of all, being weak and needing me to help Him is a humbling thought. I wonder if Simon felt this way. I wonder if He knew this was God in human form. Regardless, he was given an unusual task to carry the cross

We do not get a lot of definitive answers on Simon of Cyrene. However, there is a great lesson that we serve the Lord alone. We do not to be known by man, but to bless our Father. Maybe you feel like you are simply a name. Maybe you wonder if the behind the scenes work that you are doing is never noticed. The Lord tells us that He sees us (Proverbs 15:3). You are not unknown, you are valued. You are not just a cross-carrier; you have the high honor of continuing on the mission of the Gospel.

At Easter, the Son of God took on the worlds sin and defeated the devil, death, and grave. How is it, then, that historys most glorious moment is surrounded by fearful fishermen, despised tax collectors, marginalized women, feeble politicians, and traitorous friends?

In The Characters of Easter, youll become acquainted with the unlikely collection of ordinary people who witnessed the miracle of Christs death and resurrection. This FREE podcast provides a fresh approach to the Lenten season and can be used as a devotional or study for both individuals and groups.





Photo credit: GettyImages/thekopmylife

Emma Danzeys mission in life is to inspire young women to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. Emma is a North Carolina resident and green tea enthusiast! She is married to her husband Drew and they serve international college students. She enjoys singing, dancing, trying new recipes, and watching home makeover shows. During her ministry career, Emma recorded two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, ran the Refined Magazine, and served in music education for early childhood. Currently, she is in the editing stages of her first two writing projects: a Bible study on womanhood and a non-fiction book on singleness. You can visit her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com

This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul.

4 Things You May Not Know About Abraham in the Bible

20 Facts You May Not Know About Moses from the Bible

Who Was Mary Magdalene in the Bible?

Who Were the 12 Disciples of Jesus?

Who Was Isaiah & Why Was He Important?
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As the United States comes out of yet another major attack by a Russian ransomware gang, this one leveled at Florida-based software provider Kaseya by the REvil threat group, the administration is ramping up its rhetoric about holding Russia responsible for the criminal actions taking place within its borders. During a recent press briefing White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that a "high level" of U.S. national security has been in touch with top Russian officials about the Kaseya attack. She also said that another ransomware-focused meeting between the two countries is scheduled for next week.

Psaki also passed on a warning to Russia. "As the president made clear to [Russian] President Putin [during their summit last month], if the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will reserve the right to take action on our own."

The next day, Biden called together his top advisors, including key players from the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, for a ransomware strategy session in the White House Situation Room. It's not clear yet what the brainstorming produced, but the pressure is on the administration to end the ransomware scourge.

Crowdstrike co-founder and former CTO Dmitri Alperovitch and Russia expert and Director of the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute Matthew Rojansky penned an op-ed urging Biden to give Russian President Vladimir Putin an ultimatum on ransomware. "If Putin chose to take the problem seriously, as Biden demands, Russian security officials could quickly identify and interdict the attackers and force them to unlock the data to stop the damage to businesses worldwide, including in the United States," they wrote.

The proof will be in the pudding

Whether or not any bilateral meetings between the U.S. and Russia would yield near-term solutions remains unclear. "I think Biden said it best back at the Summit: the proof will be in the pudding," Chris Painter, former head of the State Department's cybersecurity office and currently President of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, tells CSO.

The Russians have seemingly asked for a restart of the kind of joint high-level meetings on cyber that took place during the Obama administration, which were suspended after Russia invaded Ukraine. "I don't think it makes sense to reconvene such a large group," Painter says. "I think it's appropriate to have these more working-level talks now. Whether anything comes of it really depends on what actions Russia takes."

"I don't think that the prospects are very high for dealing with Russia unless and until the U.S. develops a strategy of some sorts for imposing adverse consequences on Russia that will drive it to take the strategic decision to control the ransomware from within its borders," Paul Rosenzweig, Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute and former deputy assistant secretary for policy in the Department of Homeland Security, tells CSO.

Putin lacks motivation to change

President Putin has little motivation to change the status quo, according to Rosenzweig. "Ransomware in the United States is a three-for-one for Putin," he says. "It disrupts America. That's always a good thing. Two, it's a training ground for his cyber militia, who are often part-time contractors when he needs them for state action stuff. And I've always had a personal suspicion, and this is speculation, that he and the oligarchs profit. They get a tithe for looking the other way."

Painter said that during his time at the Justice Department and as Chair of the G8 High Tech Crime Group (when Russia was in the G8), Russia was not particularly cooperative when it came to cybercrime because the criminals were working at the behest of the state. "That does not seem to be the case here, or at least the White House is saying that does not seem to be the case here," he says. "Or there was corruption, which I think persists. As long as they were attacking targets that were outside of Russia, Putin and the regime didn't care about them and left them to their own devices."

"If these ransomware groups are not acting on behalf of the Russian state, I think there's an opportunity to uproot them and actually take action. Biden can certainly make these groups' lives miserable if he wanted to, whether or not they get arrested."

What options exist to push Putin to the table?

Aside from arresting the ransomware attackers, a near-impossibility given that Russia's constitution forbids extraditing its citizens, the Biden administration does have some options to push Putin to the table. "The key is for America to find a way to change the incentive structure in its dealings with Russia," Rosenzweig says. "We can go directly after the bad guys by destroying bitcoin wallets and stuff like that. But if we're talking about Russia incentivization, the only answer that makes any sense is to find something that Russia has or wants or needs that we can hold at risk that compels them to stop."

"You can imagine a number of tools we can use to either put pressure on Russia itself, like additional sanctions," Painter says. But, "we haven't really had a strategic application of sanctions or other tools that we have. They've been sort of happenstance."

Painter says, "we can do things I think that will make a difference, but it needs to be well thought out to use tools such as law enforcement or even other tools to disrupt these criminal enterprises [such as the Justice Department's takedown of the Darkside ransomware gang's cryptocurrency wallet], which I think was an innovative thing. You can even imagine doing disruptive operations that Cyber Command or others might do."

"One of the [actions] I've been talking about with some friends is we could just shut Russia off from the network. We could change the BGP [border gateway protocol designed to exchange routing and reachability information] and isolate Russia more," Rosenzweig says. It actually seems kind of commensurate and proportional and might have some effects."

However, "there is no perfect strategy right now. Putin has, as far as I can see, zero incentive to change what he's doing. And that's not a condemnation of President Biden because I think the same was true under Trump and Obama."
Be jaded, be absent minded, be selectively attentive, but the third time you hear something, listen. Do this, and you may find yourself cruising down an arrow-straight length of Highland Avenue in Cheshire  like a bookmark holding its place at the midpoint between Waterbury and Meriden  and see nothing in particular, until you do.

Viron Rondo Osteria is bold. The first impression is someone has chosen to place the clubhouse of a country club on a long valley road dotted with low, commercial buildings. The scale of the restaurant is striking. On a perfect Thursday evening when I visit after taking some advice this spring, people have flocked there.

Viron Rondo Osteria 1721 Highland Ave., Cheshire 203-439-2727, vironrondoosteria.com Hours: Lunch and dinner daily Wheelchair accessible See More Collapse

The space is landscaped and green, and multiple layers of patios with an outdoor bar make up the outworks. Enter through doors which could comfortably accept mounted cavalry, and youll be shown to a table in one of the dining rooms or the lounge area, where a square bar surrounds a chandelier the size of a small hot air balloon. The space you see is the dream of its owner, Viron Rondos.

Rondos moved to New York from his native Greece, and has been in hospitality his entire life, previously owning restaurants in Avon and Litchfield before opening the original Viron Rondo Osteria at the same location in 2014.

We always had great food, but the space was not good enough, he says, talking about his previous limitations while swirling a glass of wine at a table in the lounge. Now, after a 14,000-square-foot expansion which cost him nearly $8 million, he supposes he has what he needs.

Hes quick to credit everyones contribution to making the Osteria a reality when it reopened fully in October 2019: Litchfield County-based French designer Martine Longhi who conceived the interior and exterior spaces, Mueller American lighting of Collinsville, the artisans who restored the chandelier, which had hung in the theater of the New York Film Academy from 1969 to 2017, and his staff. I have the best people working here, anywhere in the state. I absolutely believe this.

We had a small kitchen, a small bar, it sat 13 people. Now, our kitchen  here he pats the air with his hands, palms facing down  it is underneath where our parking lot used to be, we built on top of it. There is room for everyone to work.

I ask him what the capacity of the restaurant is now. Six hundred and fifty, Rondos says quickly, like he hasnt just quoted the manifest for a small cruise ship.

And then the shutdown happened, I say, and he nods.

The patio saved us last summer, and the community, Rondos says. So many came here for takeout, everyone has been so supportive from the very beginning. I want to make everyone here feel like they are in my home, to give them the best food, the best atmosphere. We source food from local farms, butchers  they came when we opened just to give us their food and welcome us here.

Thomas Crawford, a native of Rocky Hill, joined Viron Rondo as co-executive chef in March 2021 from Bricco Trattoria in Glastonbury. He immediately set to work tweaking both the kitchen and menu.

I was out here picking selections from farms, he says of my first course, a Greek salad with cucumber, onions, bell pepper, a flat of deeply tangy feta the size of my palm, and small, halved tomatoes Id remarked were shockingly good, considering it was mid-May in Connecticut. Those came from March Farm in Bethlehem.

He rattles off a few other local sources  Gutt Family Farm in Glastonbury, Middle Acres in Rhode Island  before finishing the thought: Wed come up with dishes that were all about the ingredients, the menus evolving. Viron gave me a great challenge with the volume especially. Well do 1,000 covers on a weekend night, and my goal is to have it organized so the food will be good for everyone. With the volume of the place, you cant just say this is how its going to be and it happens. You have to have everyone working together.

The menu is primarily Italian, from salads and antipasto, to meat and seafood dishes served as plates or family style, carbonara and clam sauces, but Crawford plans Greek and other variations.

My second course is grilled octopus, served over a charred white bean puree, with chorizo, Taggiasca olives, and chimichurri. It can be a tricky protein, but the octopus is grilled just right, bites alternating between the herbal, garlicky chimi, and the heat of the chorizo punched up with an addition of Calabrian chilis in the bean puree, smoothed out with a drizzle of sweet balsamic vinegar.

Anyone looking for something simple to share cant go wrong with VRs brick-oven pizzas, if the margarita I had with fresh mozzarella and sweet, fresh tomato sauce is an indicator.

Everyone I could see in the lounge area, at least 60 people, socially distanced, were there to eat. A few paused on the way in or out to speak  often in Greek  to Rondos or Dimitrios Zahariadis, one of the more famous mixologists in Connecticut, and the head of Viron Rondos bar program.

Zahariadis is a recognizable face from his time running Highland Brass Co. cocktail bar in Waterbury, to the industry as a founder of Connecticuts chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild, and to a national audience from his appearances online and on television as The Cocktail Chemist. His line of canned cocktails by the same name have been picked up by Mohegan Sun, and are available in a few varieties at Viron Rondo. Ask for Something Good and his version arrives made with gluten-free American vodka, fresh lemon juice, cane sugar and subtle hints of elderflower and violet.

My pick from Viron Rondos cocktail menu is the Meli Manhattan, made with Old Forester bourbon, sweet vermouth, chocolate bitters and a spiced honey liqueur Zahariadis says is popular in Greece. The alcohols heat is rounded smooth by the confluence of mellow notes of the oak barrel flowing together with the cocoa and honey.

If your travels this month take you through central Connecticut, if youre looking for a night in the open air, or a cocktail under the star cluster of that chandelier, heres your island getaway.

This article originally appeared in Connecticut Magazine. You can subscribe here, or find the current issue on sale here. Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest and greatest content from Connecticut Magazine delivered right to your inbox. On Facebook and Instagram @connecticutmagazine and Twitter @connecticutmag.
NEWTOWN  In the volume of pretrial data turned over by bankrupted Remington to nine Sandy Hook families suing for wrongful marketing, lawyers said they found 18,000 random cartoons and 15,000 irrelevant pictures of people go-karting and dirt-biking.

Having repeatedly represented to the (families) and this court that it was devoting extensive resources to making what it described as substantial document productions  Remington has instead made the plaintiffs wait years to receive cartoon images, gender reveal videos, and duplicate copies of catalogues, reads a complaint filed by the families lawyers in state Superior Court last week. There is no possible reasonable explanation for this conduct.

The complaint, the latest in the 7-year-battle by the Sandy Hook families to hold accountable the maker of the AR-15-style rifle used in the 2012 shootings, does not allege that all 46,000 documents turned over by Remington are irrelevant.

When the seemingly random cartoons, images, videos, duplicates, and other items noted are accounted for, Remington, it would seem, has spent the better part of seven years producing 6,606 potentially useful documents in response to the plaintiffs requests, the court complaint reads.

Reached on Tuesday for comment, Remingtons lead attorney did not respond specifically to the cartoons, some of which the families submitted to the judge  including images of Santa, a farmer, a weightlifter, and a bowl of ice cream.

(Remington) will respond to this motion in the coming weeks, and point out what it believes are incorrect representations, numerous half-truths, and important omissions by (families) counsel, Remington lead attorney James Vogts said Tuesday.

The families attorneys argued that Remingtons purpose seemed clear.

Remingtons  effort to lard its document production with cartoons and duplicate catalogues sends a strong message about the real motive here, the families attorneys wrote. Remington is desperate to avoid a true review of the internal and external communications detailing its abusive marketing practices.

From the start of the lawsuit in 2014, Remington has argued that it manufactured a legal firearm that was distributed lawfully and sold legally to Nancy Lanza, who left the rifle in an unlocked closet. It was her son Adam Lanza, not the gunmaker, who was responsible for the murders of 26 first-graders and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Remington said.

Remington made national news last summer when it declared bankruptcy for the second time in two years and was sold for $159 million to Fairfield-based Sturm Ruger and six other companies. A federal bankruptcy judge assured the Sandy Hook families that some of the sale proceeds would be dedicated to keeping the gunmakers insurance intact.

The families lawsuit, which has been thrown out of state Superior Court, reinstated by Connecticut Supreme Court and turned down for review by the U.S. Supreme Court is back in trial court after Remingtons bankruptcy, with jury selection scheduled for September.

For the moment, the families attorneys want a court order compelling Remington to abide by its agreement to turn over all the marketing data theyve requested.

Remington has treated discovery as a game, the families lawyers said. Unwilling to have this case decided by a jury on the merits with a full record, Remington has sought delay and obfuscation at every turn.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
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.
HOUSTON (AP)  Prosecutors on Thursday charged a woman with capital murder in the death of a 5-year-old Houston boy she had been caring for and whose body was allegedly kept in a storage unit before being discovered in an East Texas motel.

Theresa Balboa, 29, previously was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence, a human corpse, in the death of Samuel Olson, whose father Balboa was dating.

Samuels cause of death was ruled a homicide, but the Harris County District Attorney's Office had waited to charge Balboa with capital murder until investigating how he was killed. Court documents allege Balboa hit the boy with a blunt object, but did not provide additional details.

Prosecutors previously said they had been testing a possible murder weapon.

Robert Scott, Balboas attorney, did not immediately return a call or email seeking comment.

Samuel had been living with Balboa since April 30, which was the last day he was seen at school. Authorities havent said why Samuel had been staying with Balboa instead of his parents, who were involved in a bitter custody battle.

According to a criminal complaint filed Thursday, prosecutors allege Balboa killed Samuel on May 12, just over two weeks before she reported him missing on May 27. Samuel would have turned 6 on May 29.

Balboa is one of three people charged in connection with Samuels death. Her roommate, Benjamin Rivera, and friend Dylan Walker also face evidence tampering counts.

According to a previously filed arrest affidavit, Samuel's body was kept in a bathtub at Balboas and Riveras suburban Houston apartment until they put it in a plastic tote and hid it in a storage unit on May 13.

Authorities allege that on June 1, Walker helped Balboa move Samuels body from the storage unit to a motel in Jasper, about 135 miles (215 kilometers) to the northeast, where it was found inside the plastic tote in a room Walker rented for Balboa.

After Walker helped Balboa move the body to Jasper, he called authorities to let them know where it was, police allege. Prosecutors said Balboa was on her way to Louisiana when she was arrested in Jasper.

Balboa, 29, remains jailed on bonds totaling $600,000 for the tampering charge and another count from a separate case. But prosecutors are now requesting she be held without bond on the capital murder charge. Rivera, 27, and Walker, 27, were freed after posting bond.

Balboas next court hearing is set for Monday.

Samuels parents had filed for divorce in January 2020. His mother had primary custody, but she hadnt seen her son since the summer of 2020, according to her attorneys.

I just want justice to be served against all those involved in the death of my baby, Sarah Olson, Samuels mother, said in a statement. She planned to speak at a news conference on Friday.

___

Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70
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.
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP)  In a gesture marking the 59th year since the end of colonial rule in Algeria, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Monday ordered the release of 18 youths imprisoned for their roles in the Hirak protest movement, and suggested that more releases will come.

However, it appeared unlikely that all of the approximately 300 prisoners jailed for their alleged actions linked to this North African nations pro-democracy movement would be set free.

In a message issued Sunday, the eve of Algerias independence in 1962 from France after a 7-year war, Tebboune referred to the Hirak movement as a blessed authentic" one, but said it has become a subversive force.

He and other officials have for months reiterated that the movement has been infiltrated by groups or individuals seeking to harm Algeria.

The arrests of protesters, along with new rules governing marches, have ended weekly peaceful demonstrations that helped push former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down in 2019 after two decades in power.

The Algerian people  can beat back the intentions of suspect groups and their manoeuvers aimed at attacking the security and stability of the country, Tebbounes message to the nation said.

Authorities have put two groups on a new anti-terror list: Rachad, whose leaders are in Europe, and MAK, a separatist movement in Kabylie, home of Berbers. Others on the radar include a small political party, the Democratic and Social Movement, heir of Algerias Communist Party.

Its leader, Fethi Gheras, was arrested last week at his home by plain clothes police officers for allegedly spreading information that could harm the stability of the nation and for offending Algerias president. The arrest was widely denounced.

Algeria, meanwhile, awaits the announcement of a new government after legislative elections that were a key pillar in Tebbounes bid to fashion a new Algeria. On Wednesday, he named the finance minister in the outgoing government, Aimene Benabderrahmane, as prime minister. An economist, he is tasked with economic reforms to pull Algeria out of a deep crisis.

The National Liberation Front, the party that had ruled alone for three decades, came in first in the June 12 legislative elections that were marked by a record abstention rate. Independent candidates came in second.
NEWTOWN  A bankruptcy judge has given gunmaker Remington permission to sell off its company at a mid-September auction, but not before the promising nine Sandy Hook families suing the company that hed listen to their arguments for keeping the lawsuit alive.

Specifically, the judge will hear arguments next week on the families motion to investigate Remingtons motives for seeking bankruptcy protection.

The Sandy Hook families suspect ... that (Remingtons) financial position has in fact been improving, and that a desire to avoid continuing costs associated with litigating the Sandy Hook wrongful death action, as well as the potentially significant liability associated therewith, were major factors motivating the commencement of these cases, an attorney for the Sandy Hook families wrote Monday in federal bankruptcy court in Alabama. Discovery will allow the Sandy Hook families to test these vague assertions of financial need and provide the court with the full picture of (Remingtons) financial picture.

Judge Clifton Jessup Jr.s concession to the families came during a busy day in bankruptcy court for the nations oldest gunmaker, which is beset by lawsuits, debt and slumping retail sales.

Remington is the maker of the AR-15-style rifle used in the 2012 shooting of 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

The Alabama judge denied two other motions by the Sandy Hook families  to include themselves on the list of Remingtons creditors, and to postpone the Sept. 17 auction date the company sought.

The families have been scrambling to regain the pretrial momentum they had against Remington before the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 27 and left them off its list of creditors.

(Remington) began considering a sale of their business just three weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Remington defendants petition, the families lawyer argued in a court document. It was their last hope of preventing the Sandy Hook wrongful death action from proceeding to trial.

The lawyer is referring to Nov. 12, when the nations highest court refused to hear Remingtons appeal of a Connecticut Supreme Court ruling, which effectively sent the Sandy Hook lawsuit to trial in 2021.

An attorney for Remington denied the allegation that it was trying to wipe out the lawsuit by seeking bankruptcy protection during Tuesdays hearing in Alabama, the Associated Press reported.

The developments in Remingtons bankruptcy come as the families were preparing to question Remington executives under oath about matters that company attorneys called improper and invasive.

But since late July, all the pretrial procedures have been on hold while the bankruptcy case plays out.

Now the families are focusing on Remingtons motives for seeking bankruptcy.

In particular, the families are asking the Alabama judge for the right to investigate Remington bankruptcy documents and interview Remington executives about company finances and insurance coverage.

The Sandy Hook families discovery requests are limited, seeking information directly related to (Remingtons) business operations, financial conditions, and assets, as well as information necessary to establish whether wrongdoing has occurred, the families attorney argued in court papers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
BRIDGEPORT  The annual Puerto Rican Day Parade is back after being limited last year by the pandemic to a small caravan, and this Sundays event is not just focused on celebrating that community  but protecting it against COVID-19.

This year were honoring our health care workers and helping promote vaccinations by doing a clinic in conjunction with Griffin Hospital and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, said Frankie Colon, the July 11 parades lead organizer, on Tuesday.

That is because members of the Hispanic community still have some hesitation about being inoculated against the coronavirus, which first struck Connecticut in March 2020, canceling or severely restricting most public events and festivities last year and early this year.

I think weve hit a plateau, said Colon, who in May joined with other community leaders in launching an online bilingual public service advertisement trying to tackle some of the misinformation or lack of understanding about the three available vaccines. Thats why we have to continue to do our best to get people the information. ... Thats why this is important for us to do. We know some people are still afraid to come out. ... They still arent sure about the after effects of it (the shots) and the accessibly of it.

Vaccine demand overall has dropped off in Connecticut, with the state administering a fraction of the doses it did in the spring, with over 67 percent of residents having received the shots. And just under half of Bridgeports population  46.75 percent  has been vaccinated, according to state data as of June 30.

Because of the vaccines, Connecticut has lifted most of the restrictions in place during the height of the health crisis. But Colon said that decision came a few months too late for the Puerto Rican Parade to fully return to normal. He said planning for the upcoming year typically starts in November.

We didnt think we were going to have a parade, Colon said. We were starting to plan for a caravan. We got word a month or two ago the city and health department was allowing us to do a full parade. So we got busy, started making calls and getting businesses to sponsor floats. ... We had to work really quickly to make it happen.

Colon said the festivities will be modest with no grand marshal, but its going to be a great event.

We dont know how many people are going to come out to see it. People were thinking it still isnt going to happen, Colon said. It feels great. The community is looking for something like this. They want to get back out, to have some kind of normalcy.

The weekend will begin Saturday with a flag raising at City Hall, at 45 Lyon Terrace, where Samuel Diaz III, chief strategy officer at Southwest Community Health Center, will also be honored.

The parade will start Sunday at 11 a.m. at Central High School, traveling down Madison, North and Park avenues and ending at Seaside Park. There will be a couple of food/drink vendors, a live salsa band  Orquesta Afinke  and, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. the vaccination clinic.

Despite all the pain weve gone through because of this COVID, we want our people to know we will be again alive and moving this parade, said City Councilwoman Maria Valle.

Valle is glad organizers prioritized distributing vaccines. She works at one of the citys senior centers and continues to field questions from people who have not been inoculated.

I guess theyre afraid its the government doing a test trial, Valle said.

She tells those people that she received her shot to safely see her loved ones, particularly her grandchildren.

Valle noted she and her husband demanded hesitant relatives in Puerto Rico get vaccinated before the couple planned a visit.

My husband said, If you want to see us, you need to get vaccinated, Valle recalled. If not, we would not be going to Puerto Rico to see them.
Waterbury Police Department

WATERBURY  Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of a Waterbury man they say shot several rounds at a vehicle Wednesday.

Police said they have an arrest warrant for Brandon Santiago, 27, charging him with criminal attempt at assault, criminal use of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment.
Connecticuts Baby Bonds bill, which was approved by both Houses of the General Assembly and signed by the governor last month, will help the state take a major step towards breaking the cycle of poverty, Credit Union League of Connecticut President/CEO Bruce Adams wrote in the CT Mirror this week. Adams wrote an op-ed discussing why the bill will help support the financial well-being of every future Connecticut resident.

The Baby Bonds initiative means more than just handing $3,200 to every child born into poverty in Connecticut from this day forward, although it may appear that way at first glance. Upon closer consideration, this legislation demonstrates Connecticuts commitment to supporting the financial well-being of every future Connecticut resident, beginning at birth. Financial wellness is directly tied to educational wellness and health wellness, and it makes our communities stronger.

The Connecticut League was a strong champion of the Baby Bonds bill because it addresses economic disparity and wealth gaps head on. And it creates a much better path for economic success and financial well-being for so many people from this day forward.
Of all the major decisions that loom in the wake of a credit union merger, perhaps none is fraught with more political and interpersonal ramifications than what the board of directors should look like after the merger is done. Is it best to combine the two boards, or does one board usually continue on largely as is?

When a smaller credit union merges into a larger one, typically the board of the large credit union will remain intact. In some cases, the continuing credit union may expand the board, making room for one of two directors from the merging organization. This most often is a temporary expansion, with expiring terms eventually bringing the board back to its previous size.

In a merger of equals or near-equals, the decision is not always so clear-cut. The ideal scenario may be to assemble a board that includes directors from both credit unions, basing choices on the talent and expertise that each individual will bring to the organization.

Oftentimes there are more talented individuals than spaces on the board, even when additional slots are added. In that case, credit unions will need to get creative to find positions for the displaced board members.

You have to determine how to utilize the talent and strengths from both boards to drive your organization forward, says Val Mindak, President/CEO of $290 million Park City Credit Union, Merrill, Wisconsin, one of 25 credit union leaders to weigh in on this topic in More for Members: Credit Union Leaders Plan Post-Pandemic Merger & Acquisition Strategies, a three-part DDJ Myers white paper.

Mindak and other contributors to the white paper had several innovative ideas to accommodate erstwhile board members after a merger, including:

Create an advisory council. As a regular practice, $1.2 billion Webster First Federal Credit Union, Worcester, Massachusetts, convenes advisory councils consisting of board members from merging credit unions. President/CEO Michael Lussier acts as liaison between the board and advisory council, which is typically dissolved within 18 months. Its a solution that has worked beautifully for us in 15 consecutive mergers, he says.

Form a regional board. Creating a regional entity is particularly a good idea when a merger expands the continuing credit unions geographic reach. Mindak observes that the directors from the merging organization will know the area well and will have valuable input on how best to serve it.

Appoint former board members to committees or foundations. Simon Walton, board chair of $2 billion USAlliance Federal Credit Union, Rye, New York, says that finding opportunities for board members to continue in some capacity is better than showing them the door, especially when theyve given service and commitment over a sustained period for the benefit of others.

Even more importantly, the credit union would gain value from tapping into the expertise of these experienced board members. Though one organization is not continuing, theres a lot of knowledge and history from that board, Mindak says. To just dismiss that is a real mistake.

Click the link to download the three-part white paper, More for Members: Credit Union Leaders Plan Post-Pandemic Merger & Acquisition Strategies.
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.
STORY LINK GBP/AUD Forecast: Pound Australian Dollar Exchange Rate Strengthens Amid Risk-Off Mood

Pound (GBP) Strengthens Despite Coronavirus Reopening Concerns

Australian Dollar (AUD) Lacks Direction as Gov Lowe Reiterates Dovish Stance

We just need people to stop interacting for this lockdown to work. Please stop visiting people indoors, outside your family, your household. Your immediate family means those you live with, it doesn't mean extended family or friends.

GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Outlook: UK GDP Figures in Focus

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The Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate has strengthened this morning as a risk-off mood limits the appeal of the Aussie.At the time of writing the GBP/AUD pairing are trading around the AU$1.8530 level as the Pound clings to its gains in absence of economic data.The Pound has strengthened against the Australian Dollar this morning despite concerns over the UK governments plan to ease lockdown restrictions and scrap social distancing measures on the 19th July.A letter published earlier this morning in the medical journal The Lancet signed by over 100 experts, including Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the chair of the British Medical Association (BMA), called for the government to delay reopening:In light of these grave risks, and given that vaccination offers the prospect of quickly reaching the same goal of population immunity without incurring them, we consider any strategy that tolerates high level of infection to be both unethical and illogical.As the third wave of the pandemic takes hold across England, the UK government plans to further re-open the nation. Implicit in this decision is the acceptance that infections will surge, but that this does matter because vaccines have broken the link between infections and mortality. On July 19 2021  branded Freedom Day  almost all restrictions are set to end. We believe this decision is dangerous and premature.The Australian Dollar has been limited this morning as Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Lowe reiterated in a speech that rates will not be adjusted until 2024.More so, the Australian Dollar continues to struggle on the back of the surge in coronavirus cases across Australia.Sydney has recorded its highest daily rise in Covid cases in months, despite the city being in lockdown for almost two weeks.NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian pleaded with residents to stay home, saying:A cautious market mood has limited the appeal of the risk-correlated Aussie today as markets remained concerned over the delta variant of coronavirus.For Pound investors, tomorrow will see the release of the latest GDP figures from the UK for May, with investors hoping for a higher reading to bolster Sterling heading into the weekend.In absence of any economic data from Australia, traders will instead keep an eye on the global market mood before the weekend.The GBP/AUD pairing will continue to be driven by any further coronavirus developments in the coming days as Pound investors await the final decision on the UKs 19th July freedom day.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

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EC police arrest 2 more suspects in man's June 9 shooting death

Griffin

Elizabeth City police have made two additional arrests in the shooting death of a city man last month.

Kennedy Griffin, 20, of the 100 block of Walnut St., Elizabeth City, and an unnamed juvenile are also facing charges in the fatal shooting of Daquan Mercer on June 9.

Police detectives served grand jury indictments on Griffin on Tuesday charging her with murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and conspiracy to commit murder.

The juvenile was served juvenile petitions on June 28 charging them with being an accessory after the fact to murder and obstructing justice. In North Carolina, a juvenile is someone younger than 16.

Griffin is being held at Albemarle District Jail without bond on the murder charge and a $50,000 secured bond for the other charges. The unnamed juvenile is being held at a juvenile detention center in Greenville, police said.

Mercer, 21, of the 200 block of Rhonda Drive, was found shot to death early June 9, according to police.

Police have said officers responded to a report of gunshots in the area of Herrington Road and B Street around 1:10 a.m. When officers arrived, they found Mercer lying in a grassy area. He had already died after suffering several gunshot wounds.

The arrests of Griffin and the juvenile follow the arrest of a Barco teen last month in connection with Mercers slaying.

Kiya Elizabeth White, 18, of the 100 block of Swains Lane, was arrested by Currituck Sheriffs deputies on Tuesday, June 15, according to police. White was taken into custody without incident and confined at Albemarle District Jail without bond. She also is charged with murder.

Police are apparently still seeking a fourth suspect in Mercers slaying.

Warrants have been obtained for Michael Lino, 19, of the 300 block of Cypress St., Elizabeth City, also charging with him with murder in Mercers death. Lino is not yet in custody. He is considered armed and dangerous, police have said.

According to the warrant, police are also seeking Lino on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury for his actions against Lajuana Montay, a second victim in the June 9th shooting incident. Montay, who is 22 and a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was treated for his injuries and released from medical care.

Police said Mercers shooting death remains an active investigation. Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to call police at (252) 335-4321 or the Elizabeth City Crime Line at 252-335-5555. All information will remain anonymous and strictly confidential, police said.
Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 92F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

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Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 92F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 76F. 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
Part of the former West Hurley Elementary School campus is shown on Aug. 25, 2020. A developer's proposal calls for 46 apartments at the site.
KINGSTON, N.Y.  The parent company of HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley said it laid off 
The Saugerties Police Department says these 'ghost guns' were seized from suspect Douglas J. Melka.
The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
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.
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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
Three new families

Habitat for Humanity to hold dedication ceremony in Coatesville
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 4780 of the Brandywine Valley Service Unit stand outside the Kennett Food Cupboard with their donation.
Guest column

GOP attempt to suppress votes just lipstick on a pig
A year on since a hard-left mob undemocratically tore down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol and the debate over who we choose to put on a pedestal is raging as furiously as ever.

So-called liberal progressive politicians have been fanning the flames to appease the woke crowds baying for statues to be torn down left, right and centre.

Leading the charge is London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has organised a committee dedicated to deciding which monuments should be toppled next.

So one might question why Mr Khan is so happy for a larger-than-life statue of a racist man who incited the murder of white people to take pride of place in the heart of his city.

The proposal by artist Samson Kambalu to put a sculpture of Baptist preacher John Chilembwe atop the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square should make even Black Lives Matter activists wince.

Leading the charge is London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has organised a committee dedicated to deciding which monuments should be toppled next

The proposal by artist Samson Kambalu is to put a sculpture of Baptist preacher John Chilembwe (left) atop the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square

Chilembwe is said to be 'subversive', because Africans were forbidden to wear hats before white people in 1914. But in truth, he was an extremist who attempted to organise an uprising against colonial rule.

He sent his anti-white followers with orders to 'kill all European men' and bring back the head of William Livingstone, a local plantation boss. (European women were not to be harmed  he may have been a murderous terrorist, but he was also quite the gentleman, it seems).

Livingstone was apparently still alive when Chilembwe's followers burst through the door of his family bedroom and decapitated him with an axe  in front of his wife and two small children.

Chilembwe proceeded to conduct a sermon in church next to the severed head of Livingstone, impaled on a pole.

The double standards on display are staggering.

Colston founded and endowed schools, houses for the poor, hospitals and churches. Yet his statue was torn down due to his unsavoury involvement in the Atlantic slave trade.

Cecil Rhodes founded the oldest graduate scholarship and the most prestigious international scholarship in the world, promoting unity among English-speaking nations and contributing to the diversity of Oxford. Yet there are endless petitions for the removal of his statue at the university's Oriel College.

A year on since a hard-left mob undemocratically tore down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol (pictured) and the debate over who we choose to put on a pedestal is raging as furiously as ever

Chilembwe was a terrorist, inciter of murder and a charlatan, claiming to be a Christian while preaching next to the severed head of his sworn enemy, whom he'd ordered the beheading of. His statue will go on display next year, in the centre of our nation's capital, for all to see.

Neither Colston nor Rhodes was perfect.

But looking at the bigger picture, they contributed to our society in a way that at least deserves a democratic conversation about whether their statues should remain or not. Chilembwe does not.

The eagerness from the hard-left to tear down Colston's statue and petition the removal of Rhodes's, yet remain tellingly silent on the topic of Chilembwe, tells us all we need to know about their motivations.

These people clearly don't want to remove statues that may cause offence, nor do they want to remove statues of racist individuals from the past  they merely want to remove dead white men in their anti-white, anti-British agenda.

They attempt to destroy Western society and stoke tensions and division along the way  while pretending the 'culture war' is all in the minds of crazy right-wingers.

The evidence is there for all to see and their actions speak louder than words.

I don't think it's hyperbolic to say the very soul of our nation is at stake. We must not let them win.
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If you fancy updating your beauty routine with a slew of the best beauty products, then look no further than these award winners.

The winners of Attracta Beauty Awards 2021 have been revealed. Chosen by a panel of 12 world-renowned makeup and beauty experts, who between them work with Dua Lipa, Alexa Chung, Victoria Beckham and Jodie Comer to name a few, these products are worthy of a place in your makeup bags and bathroom cabinets.

With home salon and self-care routines on the rise, it comes as no surprise this year's awards were bigger than ever before, with over 180 entries spanning beauty, wellness, haircare, sun-care and body.

Commenting on the awards, founder and international makeup artist Attracta Courtney said: 'We've chosen an impressive 63 winners in total, of which we have a top 12 list of outstanding products.

International makeup artist Attracta Courtney, founder of the awards, said: 'Our winners are products that work and make a visual, effective impact'

'After a year of lockdown, I'd say that everyday beauty and skincare has come under greater scrutiny than ever before, and this year's judges have taken this into consideration.

'Our winners are products that work and make a visual, effective impact, and of our top 12 list, half of them are under 30.'

Eco-brands and brands that are practising social responsibility to protect the environment and contribute back to society have been recognised in this year's awards too.

Attracta said: 'One that stands out for its planet-friendly principles and activism to raise awareness on female hair loss is MONPURE London, with its fantastic Monpure Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo.'

She added: 'Another is Irene Forte skincare, for using 35 years of skincare research and development to create outstanding vegan-friendly, sustainable natural formulations such as the number one moisturiser on our top 12 list, the Irene Forte Prickly Pear Face Cream.'

After a four-month testing period, the Attracta Beauty 12 top scoring winners can be revealed...

1. Best Liquid Cleanser

Katherine Daniels Essential Cleansing Milk, 23

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'Its a pleasure to use this light and effective formula, a range conceived by facialists to compliment salon treatments. A great everyday cleanser to achieve clean skin.'

Coming in at 1st place, Katherine Daniels Essential Cleansing Milk, is hailed as a 'great everyday cleanser' to help achieve clean skin

2. Best Cleansing Balm

MERUMAYAEffective Skincare Melting Cleansing Balm, 22

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'It's divine to use; a very effective melting balm that leaves skin feeling clean, soft and yet moisturised while it is efficient in makeup removal too. It's also super gentle and hydrating.'

MERUMAYA's Cleansing Balm came second at 22, praised for leaving skin 'skin feeling clean, soft and yet moisturised' after use

3. Best Luxury Facial Exfoliator

Lisa Franklin Pro Effect Refining Exfoliator, 55

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'Excellent for sensitive skin types that still need exfoliation. Pleasurable to use, effective and gentle  leaves skin feeling renewed and smooth.'

'Leaves skin feeling renewed and smooth': The judging panel sang the praises of skincare expert and facialist Lisa Franklin's facial exfoliator, costing 55

4. Affordable Eye Masks

BeautyPro Retinol Eye Patches, 4.95

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'Amazing! The patches adhere really well to the skin under the lower eye, super-easy to apply with fantastic results.'

For 'fantastic results' under 5, the BeautyPro Retinol Eye Patches landed the fourth spot

5. Best Luxury Antioxidant Serum

Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, 72

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'This product is amazing! We love the dual-chamber packaging, it's so innovative! Easily absorbed. Good active ingredients and skin looks radiant afterwards.'

Murad's popular Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum was praised for its innovative packaging and effective glow-giving formulation that leaves complexions looking 'radiant'

6. Best Natural Day Moisturiser

Irene Forte Skincare Prickly Pear Face Cream, 119

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'We love this brand's commitment to eco-beauty. The moisturiser is creamy, rich and packed with organic nutritional skincare benefits; one application keeps skin looking youthful and feeling hydrated throughout the day.'

Whilst it costs an eyewatering 119, the luxurious and eco-conscious Irene Forte Skincare Prickly Pear Face Cream won sixth place for its ability to 'keeps skin looking youthful'

7. Best Hydrating Lip Balm

Dr. Lipp CBD Calm Balm, 10.99

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'An intense treatment for the lips! Keeps lips moisturised for a very long time, even under our facemasks; it's a truly wonderful product.'

For an 'intense treatment for the lips' the judges applauded the 10.99 Dr. Lipp CBD Calm Balm as a 'truly wonderful product'

8. Best Blusher

Code8 Blush Palette, 34

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'Very flattering, we love the finely milled powders and options of shades to swirl a makeup brush over to create a unique colour tone over the cheeks; great quality!'

In at number eight, the Code8 Blush Palette is said to be filled with 'flattering' and 'finely milled' powders

9. Best Self-Tan

St. Tropez Ashley Graham Ultimate Glow Kit, 38

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'We love this product  great colour, quick to dry and so easy to apply.'

St.Tropez's latest collaboration with supermodel Ashley Graham was next in at number nine and described as 'great colour' and 'easy to apply'

10. Best Hand Sanitiser

Esmerelda Botanicals Sanitising Botanical Spritz, 19.99

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'Easy to use, the texture is super light. As soon as you rub it in, it disappears immediately. Leaves hands feeling refreshed, protected and without the dry feeling you get from some hand sanitisers on the market.'

A new essential for all, the Esmerelda Botanicals Sanitising Botanical Spritz was awarded best hand sanitiser

11. Best Body Wash

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil, 10.50

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'Multi-tasking product, light fragrance, very gentle and leaves skin feeling super soft and hydrated.'

The Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil, which costs a very reasonable 10.50, was named the best body wash for 'super soft and hydrated' skin

12. Best Makeup Brush Set

Multi-use Face Brush Set By Joy Adenuga, 75

Attracta Beauty judges say: 'We love this makeup brush set. The hair texture is super soft and easy to wash. A beautiful range of brush sizes, ideal for any makeup artist's kit or for personal use.'

London based professional makeup artist Joy Adenuga's makeup brush set was highly praised as a great addition to any 'makeup artist's kit or for personal use'
It's a place that should be making you feel better, yet these photographs prove that when it comes to mealtimes, some hospitals only make the situation worse.

Patients from around the world shared some of the most disastrous and unrecognisable dishes offered up to them during their stays.

The images were collated by Bored Panda and range from pointless garnish and burnt toast to meals so small they likely wouldn't fill anyone up.

Here, FEMAIL reveals some of the most shocking examples...

It's a place that should be making you feel better, yet these photographs prove that when it comes to mealtimes, some hospitals only make the situation worse. One person shared this image, explaining: 'This is what the NHS call a turkey dinner and all the trimmings for someone recovering from cancer'

Sharing the above image, one person, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said: 'My first meal in a week at a hospital for meningitis'

Patients from around the world shared some of the most disastrous and unrecognisable dishes offered up to them during their treatment, including the above, served in an Italian hospital

No yoke! A patient in Ireland was left unimpressed with the breakfast offering they were given

One woman was left disgruntled after being served this dinner in an Irish Maternity Hospital

A patient staying at an unidentified Hungarian hospital explained that this is what they were served for breakfast one morning

Sharing this image, one patient wrote: 'Celebratory steak dinner offered by hospital for proud mother and father.' It's unclear where the image was taken

It appeared that a hospital staff member, from an unknown location, shared this image, along with the caption: 'The toasts one of my patients got at the hospital for breakfast'

Not quite right: This abomination was meant to be a delicious lasagne, according to the upset patient who ordered the dish

Where's the rest? One patient shared this image after being left disappointed with the offerings at a Romanian hospital for lunch

Yesterday's hospital breakfast in Chicago. The garnish really makes it,' one American social media user said after sharing the above image

This failure of a dish was thought to have been a cottage pie, served at an unknown location

What was this supposed to be? A patient in America said this dish served to them looked the 'opposite of food'

This chicken tikka dish was served to a boyfriend of a patient in a hospital canteen in Wales
A distraught expectant mother has revealed she has been left questioning her marriage after discovering her husband is smitten with another woman.

The anonymous British woman took to Mumsnet to explain her partner had 'hit it off' with a female co-worker and spent time messaging her from his personal phone.

She said the pair had 'had a falling out' after he 'prioritised a professional decision', and since the bust up, her husband had been 'teary' and really sad.'

Other Mumsnet users were baffled by her comments, with many suggesting her husband was 'having an emotional affair' and should be 'reminding what he stands to lose.'

The anonymous pregnant British woman revealed she has been left questioning her marriage after discovering her husband has been texting a much younger colleague and even offering her advice on her relationship

Posting her comments online, the woman said: 'Dear husband is lovely, and kind and definitely adores me. Im pregnant with a very wanted dear child.

'He is very senior at work. Recently a younger woman has started. They hit it off.'

'She texts his personal phone, mostly work, but sometimes not. She has confided in him her relationship worries and he has advised her that she doesnt sound happy and life is too short (he told me this).'

She continued: 'He talks about her at home quite a lot - not inappropriate things but definitely mentioning her.

Posting on Mumsnet, she asked how other users would 'deal' with their husband being 'smitten with someone else'

'He hates doing extra things with work - but since finding this friendship hes been keen to do extra work activities, has left his post to help her out with her job/ lend a hand to her.'

Meanwhile she continued: 'They had a falling out this week because he prioritised a professional decision that needed to be made - she didnt like it, and theyve had a bit of a bust up.'

She said her husband had been 'teary' after their argument, adding: 'Hes really sad and hes pulled out of helping her with an activity hed offered to this week.'

She begged for advice on 'how to manage' the problem, saying: 'I know he adores me, but he was more attentive and loving to me last night after their falling out and hes communicated with me more today than he has in weeks.'

Other users were stunned by her comments and accused her husband of 'having an emotional affair'.

One wrote: 'I would tell him that he is on the cusp of an emotional affair and needs to realise it needs to stop or he risks losing his wife and child.'

Other Mumsnet users were left stunned by the messages, with many suggesting he had been having 'an emotional affair' with his colleague

'I'd be asking him to cut ties. It screams of emotional affair,' another wrote.

A third said: 'Eww. Id be expecting him to stop any communication with her outside of work and working hours. This is disrespectful to you.

'And hes a silly sod risking his professional reputation and chancing accusations of favouritism. People at work will have noticed this and be laughing over it.'

Another added: 'I'd be telling him his behaviour was unprofessional and foolish. He is senior to this young woman and should not be listening to her talk about her private life or other personal things. He certainly shouldn't be 'doing' things with her/helping her out.'

'He's a fool if he doesn't think people at work have noticed and are not sniggering about his 'crush'.'

'It's really not acceptable - and he knows it. Older, senior managers - particularly married ones with a pregnant wife - are definitely crossing a line if they carry on like this.'
Award-winning celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is set to launch her coveted makeup and skincare range in MECCA stores across Australia from September.

This will be the first time that the British makeup artist to the stars - who is responsible for the likes of Olivia Culpo, Kate Moss, Miranda Kerr and Amal Clooney's flawless looks - has had her products stocked in a bricks-and-mortar store in Australia and New Zealand.

The new Charlotte Tilbury counter aims to give customers the chance to try before they buy any of her high-end products.

Award-winning celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is set to launch her coveted makeup and skincare range in MECCA stores across Australia from September (Charlotte pictured)

This will be the first time that the British makeup artist to the stars - who is responsible for the likes of Olivia Culpo's glow (pictured) has been available in bricks-and-mortar Down Under

Founder Charlotte said in a statement: 'I am thrilled to finally be launching my award-winning beauty secrets and research-powered glowing skincare in Australia and New Zealand with MECCA!

'The MECCA team and Jo [Horgan; the founder of MECCA] have the most incredible energy, and share my love for empowering everyone, everywhere with the magic of makeup and skincare.'

She added: 'We have worked so hard together to make this limitless dream a reality!'

Charlotte (pictured) said: 'I am thrilled to finally be launching my award-winning beauty secrets and research-powered glowing skincare in Australia and New Zealand with MECCA!'

Charlotte Tilbury shoppers can expect a treasure trove of products at the MECCA counter, from glow-giving highlighters to her best-selling nude Pillow Talk lipstick.

There will also be plenty of skincare, including Charlotte's celebrity-loved 'magic cream' moisturiser - which sells a unit roughly every two minutes.

The moisturiser boasts a host of glossy fans - from models backstage prepping for a catwalk show like Elsa Hosk to actress Sienna Miller, Kim Kardashian and Gigi Hadid.

Charlotte spent 20 years coming up with the formula.

She said she came up with the idea when she saw models' dull, tired skin during fashion week and knew she needed something that could transform their complexions quickly.

Mixing together eight different 'magic' ingredients including Vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, rosehip oil and aloe vera extract, Charlotte concocted a 'secret weapon' cream that would target tiredness, redness and dry, puffy skin.

And when she launched it, it quickly became known as the 'instant miracle turnaround cream'.

Other top Charlotte Tilbury products include her 'push-up' mascara and the Pillow Talk nude lipstick that celebrities swear by on the red carpet.

Charlotte Tilbury shoppers can expect a treasure trove of products at the MECCA counter, from glow-giving highlighters to her best-selling nude Pillow Talk lipstick (Charlotte Tilbury products pictured in use)

Other top Charlotte Tilbury products include her 'push-up' mascara and the Pillow Talk nude lipstick that celebrities swear by on the red carpet (Charlotte Tilbury products pictured in use)

MECCA founder and co CEO Jo Horgan said of the move: 'Ever since the brand was founded in 2013, we have made it our mission to ensure Charlotte Tilbury Beauty was in its rightful ANZ home, MECCA, and every meeting with Charlotte since has only further cemented our determination to have her genius and vision, all wrapped up in her eponymous line, on offer for our customers and team members.'

Jo added: 'Our community has been so very vocal about wanting Charlotte Tilbury Beauty and I'm so thrilled we can finally give them what they asked for.

'Get ready for September, as we will be bringing the magic of Charlotte Tilbury to life in all its glowing glory for MECCA's biggest launch ever.'

MECCA founder Jo Horgan said MECCA customers have been vocal about getting Charlotte Tilbury into her store for years

Charlotte (pictured) previously shared her tips for looking younger, including using makeup that also combines skincare elements

Charlotte's tips for ageing gracefully 1. Look for skincare and makeup: Try to find skin and makeup hybrid products as these are the ones that will make you look younger. 2. Consider the texture of products: A cream will work well on your eyes, lips and cheeks, while something that is light and water-based will also allow your complexion to breathe. 3. Add a serum: In these decades, you absolutely need a serum in your routine - to be used morning and night. 4. Go lighter: Instead of black eyeliner, switch to brown for a softer look. 5. Perfect the feline flick: A feline flick with eyeliner will draw the gaze outwards and accentuate your eyes. Advertisement

Speaking previously to FEMAIL, Charlotte shared her tips and tricks for staying looking youthful as you get older.

When it comes to your thirties, forties, fifties and beyond, Charlotte explained that you're going to want your makeup to work a little harder, while also helping to make you look younger.

'Look for products that are makeup and skincare hybrids during these decades - like my Airbrush Flawless Foundation,' Charlotte told Daily Mail Australia.

'These sorts of products will work hard at nourishing your skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, while also hydrating and providing you with coverage.'

The makeup artist also said you should look at textures in your makeup at this time - she always looks for 'sophisticated' textures with subtle sparkle and a bit of pearlescence.

'Lighter, water-based textures are always better for our complexions too, as they hydrate and let the skin breathe,' she said.

Think creams for your eyes, lips and cheeks and brown eyeliner instead of black to soften your entire look.

If you could add one product to your regime at this time, Charlotte recommends a serum like her Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, which helps to add 'bounce, plumpness and elasticity'.

'This has been the perfect addition to my personal skincare regime and I use it by massaging just a few drops into my skin with my fingertips,' Charlotte said.

'The instant hit of intense hydration makes my skin look and feel so glowy, and it makes makeup application so much easier.'

She also said a feline flick works well into these decades too, as it will help to accentuate your eyes and draw the gaze outwards with your face.

Charlotte Tilbury will be available in MECCA stores from September. For more information about Charlotte Tilbury, please click here.
A supermum-of-16 has offered a glimpse into what it's like to make a mid-week dinner when you are a part of 'Australia's largest family'.

Jeni Bonell and her husband Ray, from Queensland, have a super-sized family consisting of nine sons and seven daughters, aged between six and 31.

The 51-year-old mother - who spends an average of $450 on groceries every week - prepared two boxes of store-bought beef lasagne weighing four kilos with a side of salad for her family's Wednesday night dinner.

'There's nothing wrong with not "making everything from scratch". If it's good value, tastes good, saves time, fills bellies, then it's ok with me,' she wrote on social media.

'Lasagne and pre-packed grocery store salads. Mumma's happy, family's happy.'

Jeni Bonell prepared beef lasagne with a side of salad for her family's Wednesday night dinner

The mum said she uses at least two boxes of the lasagne weighing four kilos to feed her family, which costs $9.50 per two kilo from Coles

Jeni Bonell and her husband Ray, from Queensland, have a super-sized family consisting of nine sons and seven daughters, aged between six and 31 (the family pictured)

The mum said she typically uses two boxes of the lasagne to feed her family, which costs $9.50 per two kilo from Coles.

'At least two boxes, sometimes more depending on how many are at dinner,' she said.

While the box says the dish serves 10, Jeni said she usually gets six plates out of it.

'I don't know who they are serving with their "10"? I'd say to get a good serving it's more like six serves, especially if you are serving teenagers or adults,' she said.

The dish is made with 100 per cent Australian beef, filled with traditional Italian bolognese sauce, layers of fresh pasta sheets, topped with a cheese mornay sauce, with an extra sprinkling of cheese.

Many parents agreed with Jeni, saying they like keeping ready-made boxes of lasagne in their freezers because it's convenient on nights when they are too exhausted to cook after a long day of work.

'I love having a few of these in the freezer. Good on days where too tired from work to cook but still have to parent,' one mum said.

Another said: 'Nothing wrong with it either. It's too time consuming to make lasagna so frozen it is. I've also bought bagged salad several times. I don't need a whole head of lettuce. It would go bad with two people. Love the convenience .'

The lasagne comes just weeks after the mum treated her family to breakfast for dinner on a Friday night, consisting of scrambled eggs, toast, baked beans and bacon (the dinner pictured)

The 51-year-old mother made scrambled eggs using three dozens of eggs

Jeni explained her husband Ray even cuts the toast with a pair of shears to save time when they are doing such a big bulk cook (pictured)

The lasagne comes just weeks after the mum treated her family to breakfast for dinner on a Friday night, consisting of scrambled eggs, toast, baked beans and bacon.

She shared photos of the epic cook-up, which included three dozen eggs, entire loaves of bread and endless tins of baked beans.

Jeni explained she cooks one and a half dozen eggs at the same time in her 'banquet fryer,' before leaving them to 'warm' in the oven under foil whiles she 'cooks the second lot'

Jeni explained her husband Ray even cuts the toast with a pair of shears to save time when they are doing such a big bulk cook.

'I'm cooking dinner. Bacon, eggs, beans and toast,' Jeni posted on Facebook.

'I asked hubby to sort out the toast. Please butter and cut and put on plates.

'I turn around to find him 'saving time' by cutting it with the kitchen shears.

'10/10 for ingenuity. I still can't stop laughing,' she wrote.

Jeni also explained that she cooks one and a half dozen eggs at the same time in her 'banquet fryer'.

She then leaves them to 'warm' in the oven under foil whiles she 'cooks the second lot'.

Last month, she shared a snap of their Friday night takeaway order of four large family bundle meals from Hungry Jacks (pictured)

Last month, she shared a snap of their Friday night takeaway order of four large family bundle meals from Hungry Jacks.

This included eight beef flame-grilled Whoppers, eight cheeseburgers, 40 chicken nuggets, 16 fries and 16 soft drinks - and cost $131.80.

In the past, Jeni has also shared a snap that illustrates what it looks like for her to 'pop to the shops for bread and milk'.

She usually does on a huge supermarket shop at the start of the week to stock up on pantry staples, fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, spending an average of $450.

But the stock only lasts the family half the week. Jeni returns to the store mid-week to pick up essential items such as milk, bread and fresh produce.

In the past, Jeni has also shared a snap that illustrates what it looks like for her to 'pop to the shops for bread and milk' (pictured)

Jeni usually does on a huge supermarket shop at the start of the week to stock up on pantry staples, fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, spending an average of $450 (pictured shopping)

In one of her mid-week shops, she picked up six bottles of 3L milk, three loaves of sliced bread and an array of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The haul included 2kg carrots, four punnets of strawberries, two punnets of blueberries, 1kg grapes, 400g of cherries, 600g of grape tomatoes, 4kg potatoes, two salad kits, a punnet of peaches and a bag of apricots.

'When you just need milk, bread and some fruit and vegetables,' Jeni wrote on Facebook, alongside a huge grocery haul of her 'quick shop'.

Her grocery bill came to an estimate total of $132.67.

Dozens of people were amazed with her shop, with one joking: 'You don't need to join a gym. So much weight training going on, lifting the milk jugs.'

To keep costs down, the mother previously said she always buys homebrand items, stocks up on half-price products and buys fresh meat and fresh produce in bulk (pictured with Ray)

What's typically in the Bonell's weekly shopping trolley? 4kg potatoes

2kg carrots

2kg royal gala apples

500g white cup mushrooms

2 x bags of grapes

Thai-style salad kit

Crunchy noodle coleslaw kit

400g of green beans

1.5kg homebrand spaghetti

700g homebrand pasta sauce

3 x 12 white dinner rolls

3 x cheese and back rolls

4 tins of corn kernels

2 tins of apricot nectar

500g homebrand peanut butter

Leg of ham under 1kg

2 x 250g champagne leg ham

2 x 80g roast beef

10L of water

4 x 700g homebrand bread slices

24 rolls of toilet paper

18 hot dog rolls

Vegemite 280g 6 x bottles of 3L milk

125g Salmon and lobster spread

245g homebrand cream cheese

250g homebrand mustard

120g homebrand roast meat gravy

Nescafe instant cappuccino

Nescafe instant latte

500g light tasty shredded cheese

250g Mil Lel parmesan cheese

2kg homebrand vanilla yoghurt

600mL thickened cream

3 x 12-pack Yoplait yoghurt

12-pack Paul chocolate mousse

6 x dozens of cage-free eggs

3 x Ritz dips

1kg short cut bacon

4 x homebrand cereal

2 x Uncle Tobys cereal

3 x bottles homebrand lemonade

24-pack Anzac biscuits

750mL homebrand canola oil

400g homebrand canola oil spray

4 x 1L Cottee's cordial Advertisement

Jeni and Ray (pictured) say their family typically goes through 50 litres of milk per week, but they are trying to cut down on dairy at the moment

To keep costs down each week, the mother previously said she always buys homebrand items, stocks up on half-price products and buys fresh meat and fresh produce in bulk.

'I tend to buy up whatever we need to make meals for that week to add to our supplies or if I have something that I find that's on special or half-price or it's a great bargain, then I will buy up on that product and we will stockpile it,' she said.

'We've bought certain ingredients to go with certain meals that we are going to make this week - and the rest of it is basically we are just filling the cupboards back up to what fits in the pantry.'

Normally the family would drink through 50 litres of milk per week, but Ms Bonell said last year they are trying to cut back on the dairy.

'We're trying to pull back on milk for a little bit just for budget sake so [I bought] six three-litre bottles, and we're trying to get by with just 12 three-litre of bottles per week,' she said.

This means the family is currently drinking 36 litres of milk a week.

To find out more about the Bonell family, you can follow them on Facebook here.
From styling your all-important wedding day do to providing that much-needed pick-me-up in an hour of need, your hairdresser is with you for all of lifes major milestones.

Not only do they provide a listening ear, friendly chat and invaluable style advice, theyre adept at massaging your ego, when needed, as well as your head.

If lockdown has taught us anything, its the importance of the hairstylist in our lives. Coronavirus has had a disproportionate impact on the 6.3 billion-a-year hairdressing industry, which relies on face-to-face interaction with clients. Salons were among the last businesses to re-open after lockdown and, according to the British Beauty Council, more than 7,000 salons in the UK have gone out of business since March 2020.

Even once-bustling salons in big cities are struggling to fill appointments as people continue to work from home.

Hairstylist Adam Reed opened his salon in East London just weeks before the first lockdown last year. He says: Weve been absolutely battered by the pandemic. Were still unsure how were going to get through it.

At best, were at 50 per cent capacity. What we really want is bums on seats!

Millie Kendall MBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, warns the industry is reaching crunch point: The financial support mechanisms are coming to an end. We expect many more salons to close.

The relationship between a stylist and their client is often a close one. We want to show how our industry is more than just a haircut. It is often the centre of a community, a lifeline, a place to feel better about yourself. Right now your hairdresser, who has likely been a source of support in your life, needs you to step up and help them.

We couldnt agree more, so, today, Femail is launching a campaign to highlight the special bond between a woman and her stylist  and to encourage you to support yours. We want to hear your stories too (see below).

Here, five friends  the so-called Friday Ladies who have made a film with the British Beauty Council  inspire you with their incredible devotion to one local hairdresser, Tim Scott-Wright...

Pauline Stokes (pictured left), 74, can be found at The Hair Surgery in Stourbridge, West Midlands, every Friday at 10am

Pauline Stokes, 74, can be found at The Hair Surgery in Stourbridge, West Midlands, every Friday at 10am. She has known Tim since he was a 16-year-old junior trainee. She and the other ladies have followed him from salon to salon since then, coming in every Friday for two decades  rain or shine.

When five years ago Pauline had chemotherapy for breast cancer and her hair started to fall out, Tim thoughtfully ensured privacy and no mirrors during the onerous task of shaving it all off.

Having to shave Paulines hair off was part of a very emotional journey for the two of us, says Tim, 42. Shes a glamorous lady  all my Friday Ladies are.

Even at her lowest ebb, Pauline clung to her appointments as something positive I could do, something normal. She explains: I lost all my hair, but I still went in most Fridays with my wigs, I still had my hair done.

Tim has since taken Paulines hair through her post- chemo regrowth.

Jenny White, 76, joined the Friday Ladies club after she married Paulines brother and the two started to make it a weekly event.

Jenny White (pictured), 76, joined the Friday Ladies club after she married Paulines brother and the two started to make it a weekly event

Friday is our treat, she says. You come out feeling a million dollars. Pauline and I have always had the same appointments  her at 10am, me at 10.45am.

Then, hair done, the sisters-in-law would make a day out of it.

A nice spot of lunch, maybe wed go to a champagne bar, or pop to the shops.

Its a day that punctuates your week, says Jenny.

They are both eagerly awaiting the lifting of restrictions on July 19 and the salon going fully back to the sociable hub it once was.

So too is Gill Carr, 74, who says: If Im feeling low and depressed, that appointment can really lift my spirits.

Gill Carr (pictured), 74, says: If Im feeling low and depressed, that appointment can really lift my spirits'

Its not just that if you look better, you feel better, its having a chat with someone youve known for such a long time, someone you know you can say anything to. It changes the way I feel, and there arent many people who can do that. Ive always told my daughter that if I die and my hair looks a real mess, get Tim to blow-dry me before they put me in the coffin!

After her husband passed away a few years ago, and Gill found herself living alone, that routine was even more important. During lockdown when I couldnt go to the salon, I actually felt bereft, she says. I really felt a bit lost. Because I wouldnt just get my hair done, Id have a coffee there, or a sandwich, chat to a few people.

Gills like a hostess in the salon, laughs Tim. Shed come in at 1pm and still be there at 4pm, chatting. As Gill explains, The salon is more than just a hairdressers, its a social event as well.

Julie Grove, 66, concurs: Theres a sense of community and continuity. Theres very little that you do in life that makes you feel good every week but going to the salon is one of those things.

Julie Grove (pictured having her hair done), 66, says: Theres a sense of community and continuity. Theres very little that you do in life that makes you feel good every week but going to the salon is one of those things'

You can walk in feeling a bit drab, and walk out uplifted.

She adds: My grown-up children have always known that my Friday appointment is Mums time. And my husband jokes he would never dare die on a Friday!

The weekly appointment was all the more important a few years ago when a breast cancer diagnosis led to six weeks of radiotherapy.

When I found out I was quite tearful, but Tim had so much empathy  hed always manage to get me in if I had to change an appointment because of the hospital, and it was so important to me that I still had that to look forward to. I might have felt rotten five days of the week, but at least on a Friday I knew I was going to go in and feel good about myself.

Julie was diagnosed six months after Pauline and the two were able to support each other.

Wed always have a chat about how we were getting on, says Pauline. There was something comforting about knowing there was someone else in a similar situation who could understand.

Ive just had my five years clear, says Pauline, and hopefully Julie will get hers in September.

Completing the quintet is Jackie Wootton (pictured), 66. Since her children were young, that time in the salon, what her husband calls her pamper time, has been sacred

Completing the quintet is Jackie Wootton, 66. Since her children were young, that time in the salon, what her husband calls her pamper time, has been sacred.

It was an hour of the week where I didnt have to worry about anyone else, I knew they were safe in school and I could just have my hair done, and have a chat  I think Tim knows more about me than some of my other friends.

Once you find a hairdresser whos the one you stick with them. How many women would agree with that!

The Friday Ladies star in the British Beauty Council Bring Back Beauty film series, britishbeautycouncil.com.
A mother whose bump was so big that people thought she was having twins has given birth to a baby boy weighing 11lbs 5.5oz.

Jade Bayer, 33, gave birth to Ronny-Jay Fewtrell on April 5 at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, weighing about the same as a bowling ball.

Midwives said he was the largest baby they had ever delivered and even had to double check his weight.

Jade said her son was so big he couldn't fit into newborn baby clothes and went straight into outfits for children aged three to six months.

Ronny-Jay, pictured after birth. Jade explained her baby pump was so big during pregnancy, people thought she was expecting twins. She was in so much pain towards the end of term, she asked to be induced

Mother-of-four Jade Bayer gave birth to her son Ronny-Jay Fewtrell on April 5 at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Weighing 11lbs 5.5oz, Ronny-Hay is one of the UK's biggest newborns

During her pregnancy, Jade said her baby bump was bigger than when she gave birth to twins.

And she's already had to give up breast feeding due to being unable to keep up with the demands of her baby, who is now aged 12 weeks.

Jade said: 'We had an inkling at the very beginning Ronny was going to be big. I was big straight away, there was no hiding my pregnancy from the beginning.

'A lot of people were joking it was twins again because I carried bigger with Ronny than with the twins.

'When he was born we had to ask to double check the weight because it was 5,000 grams and we didn't know how much that was.

'By the time they'd converted it even the midwives were shocked and checked it again on the chart they had.

Ronny-Jay, pictured, is one of the UK's biggest baby. Jade said he would be her last child, because her babies kept getting bigger from one pregnancy to the next

Newborn Ronnie next to his cousin Doffy, who is almost two. Midwives were so shocked about Ronny-Jay's birth weight, they checked it twice

'One of them said he is the biggest baby that has been on the scales. The midwives were laughing saying his umbilical cord was like a tow rope.

'He went completely off the growth charts where they put the estimated weight and length - I think he was about the size of a four month old baby.

'He didn't fit in any of the newborn or 0-3 month baby clothes, he went straight into three to six months.'

Ronny-Jay was originally due on April 9 and Jade was booked in to be induced on April 1 because of his size.

She added: 'The hospital was too full and they couldn't induce me on that day so they told me to come back on the .

'Then nothing happened so they tried to induce me for a second time and at that point 20 women were in front of me.

'But then my waters broke and I was rushed to delivery so he was born four days before his due date.

Ronny-Jay in his hospital cot. Jade was in labour for 16h. She received an epidural and went through a natural birth

The mother-of-four revealed she had to be induced twice in order to give birth to Ronny-Jay, pictured now, and added he got 'stuck' in her womb because of her size

'I was in labour all together 16 hours and he actually got stuck as you can imagine due to his size.

'They had to increase the hormones in the drip but I wanted a C-section because I had been in labour so long and was tired.

'We were within minutes of going for one when the midwife said 'before you do that, you've been through a lot, would you try an epidural?'.

'So I did that and he came about half an hour after they gave me the increased hormone, it was quite a relief.

'Then when they weighed him I realised what had been holding it all up.

'I had pethidine, gas and air and then the epidural, so I was awake and we went for a natural delivery.

'They estimated him at 10lbs 6oz so they knew he was going to be big but his dad weighed 10lbs 4oz and I had twins before which were also a good weight.'

Jade's nine-year-old twins Vinny and Shilo weighed 7lbs 10z and 7lbs 6oz while Analise, 14, was born weighing 9lbs 13.5oz.

Jade added: 'I was in that much pain towards the end of the pregnancy I kind of had to beg the consultant to be induced because I couldn't physically move or breathe.

'I've had big babies before but I could tell Ronny was different.'

Jade, who lives with partner Scott Fewtrell, 29, a labourer, said Ronny would probably be their final child.

Full-time mum Jade added: 'By the looks of it, they keep getting bigger and four is enough for anyone.

Britain's biggest ever baby While Emilia's birth weight is impressive, she's no where near the record for the biggest baby born in Britain. The heaviest baby ever born in the UK was 15lb 8oz Guy Carr, from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, who was welcomed via caesarean section in 1992. George Joseph King, who arrived on February 11 in 2013, is thought to be the biggest baby born naturally in Britain. He weighed a staggering 15lb 7oz (more than double the average newborn weight of 7lb 8oz) when he was born at Gloucester Royal Infirmary. George's mother Jade Packer, then 21, who had gas, air and a last-minute epidural, described the labour as 'horrifically traumatic'. In December 2017, Brodey Young became the heaviest baby born at a hospital in a decade, tipping the scales nearly 13lb. He weighed in at 12lb 130z - nearly the same as a bowling bowl, stunning midwives and doctors on the Blueberry Ward at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby - and his mother Sheralyn Wilcock, of Cleethorpes. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the heaviest baby ever born was the son of Canadian giantess Anna Bates (nee Swan) who gave birth at her home in Seville, Ohio, on January 19, 1879. Her not-so-little boy weighed 22lb (9.98 kg) and measuring 71.12 centimetres (28 in). The baby, who was not officially named but just referred to as 'Babe', sadly died 11 hours later. Advertisement

'I've done my fair share for the population and if they get any bigger then you are looking at a stone baby.

'He's doing really well now, I haven't been able to weigh him recently because it's tricky getting a space in the clinics.

'Now people can see him though and a lot of them say he's big and really heavy baby.

'But he is so chilled out, so happy, very content and I get good sleep with him.

'Milk formula-wise I had to put him straight onto the hungry baby formula because he was constantly hungry and wasn't satisfied enough.

'I did breast feed at the beginning but I wasn't able to produce as much as he was demanding.

'Then we combined and I could only breast feed for three weeks, it was just too much strain.

'He wanted to feed constantly so the midwives did recommend I switch entirely to formula feed because I just couldn't produce what he needed.'

Jade said she received 'phenomenal care' from the moment she arrived at Worcestershire Royal Hospital to the moment she left.

Scott was allowed to visit in certain hours then once Jade's water broke he could stay by her side for the birth.

Jade said: 'He was very shocked and taken back by the whole thing, although we expected a big baby but neither of us expected this.

'I was quite shocked to learn he could be one of Britain's biggest babies but the midwife did say he was the biggest ever on her scales.

'He's absolutely fine now and gets on great with his siblings, they dote on him.

'I can't thank the midwives enough for their continued support and work with me and the baby through my traumatic labour.'
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Two much-loved and long-running British institutions united today as the Queen visited the set of Coronation Street - with the royal reuniting with actor Bill Roache, whom she first met during a visit to the cobbles almost 40 years ago.

Weatherfield has seen a host of famous faces but for only the second time the head of state walked down the street, home to the ITV soap, celebrating its 60th year on our screens.

On a 40 minute tour of the set and studios at Media City UK in Manchester, Her Majesty, 95, wearing a teal Angela Kelly outfit with matching hat, met a host of cast and crew of the show, walking beside the cobbled street before popping into the studio where the interior of the Rovers Return is filmed.

The Queen met Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, Barbara Knox, (Rita) and Helen Worth, (Gail), on her visit today, who were all there during her visit to the set on 5 May 1982.

The monarch also met with Sue Nichols, (Audrey), who joined the soap as a full-time character in 1985.

During the visit, the royal, who described the 'remarkable' long-running show as 'part of the fabric' of society, was told a character was a trouble-maker, before she replied: 'The programme doesn't do a lot of trouble does it? I suppose, life's a trouble isn't it?'

The Queen looked radiant as she met the cast of Coronation Street on a visit to the set of the ITV soap today

The Queen last visited the television set of 'Coronation Street' In Manchester on 5 May 1982. Pictured, speaking with characters including Annie Walker, Bet Lynch and Mike Baldwin

During the 1982 visit, the Queen met Jack Howarth, Bill Roache, Anne Kirkbride, Eileen Derbyshire and Thelma Barlow (pictured left to right)

The Queen also met Barbara Knox, (Rita) and Helen Worth, (Gail), on her visit today, who were both there during her visit to the set on 5 May 1982 (pictured left, Barbara Knox and right, Helen Worth, in scenes from the soap in 1982)

The Queen was greeted on set by ITV chairman Sir Peter Bazelgette and managing director of continuing drama John Whiston, who explained to her that the set's cobbles had been moved from their former set at Granada Studios, she had visited in 1982, to the new set in Trafford.

'They're the same cobbles?' she asked, incredulously. 'You moved it? Oh right.'

Her Majesty said it was 'rather remarkable' that it had been running for 60 years.

Bill told the Queen he had first seen her when she visited Jamaica in 1963, when he was serving as an officer with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

He added: 'Thank you so much for coming today.'

Actress Barbara Knox, told the Queen when she first arrived: 'Good morning, your majesty, you have brought the sunshine. You know you are like a ray of sunshine.

'And you've given us all such a lift (with) you coming, thank you very very much indeed. We all absolutely adore you, the world adores you.'

She added that she thought the Queen was meant to be Balmoral, on holiday, but the monarch laughed and said: 'Not yet. 'It's very nice to come'.

The Queen was surrounded by excited cast members and members of the production team during her visit today

The Queen looked stunning in a blue tweed hat and matching coat dress, which she adorned with a glittering brooch

Her Majesty met actors and members of the production team during her visit to the set of the long running television series

The Queen was greeted by William Roache, Barbara Knox, Sue Nicholls and Helen Worth outside the Rovers Return

From the Queen and Prince Philip walking the cobbles to Camilla pulling a pint in the Rovers Return: The Royal Family's visits to Coronation Street The Queen and the Prince Philip's 1982 visit to the set was broadcast live on ITV in a special 30-minute episode called The Queen in Coronation Street. The pair walked down the famous cobbles, chatting to cast members including Mr Roache, Ms Derbyshire, Thelma Barlow, who played Mavis Wilton, the late Anne Kirkbride, who played Diedre Barlow, and Jack Howarth, who played Albert Tatlock. Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden, removed her famous curlers for the occasion, while Julie Goodyear, who played barmaid Bet Lynch, was said to have told the Duke: 'I would pull a pint for you any time.' Meanwhile Prince Charles made a cameo appearance in the soap to help celebrate its 40th anniversary, greeting a cast member at the official opening of new offices in the fictional town of Weatherfield. During rehearsals for the live evening broadcast, the Prince enjoyed a drink in the Rovers Return. He chatted with the actors and praised the long-running soap as he laughed and joked his way around the set. 'Having met everybody, I understand why everyone gets so involved in Coronation Street,' he said. 'It is a wonderful institution in this country.' The Duchess of Cornwall pulled a pint behind the bar of the Rover's Return during a visit to the Coronation Street set in Manchester in February 2010, marking the programme's 50th anniversary year. She walked along the cobbles of Weatherfield before stopping at the pub during her tour of the Granada Studios set. After watching the cast film a scene, she accepted an invitation to try out the beer tap, saying: 'I hope I'm not going to spill it. Who is going to drink this afterwards? Any takers?' Advertisement

Knox, who was one of three cast members honoured by the Queen in 2010, thanked the monarch effusively for the 'lovely' time she had had that day, telling her: 'You never forget things like that.'

The Queen, who asked how they had managed to keep filming during the pandemic, replied 'It's really marvellous you've been able to carry on,' and Bill replied to laughter: 'Well Ma'am you're the one who's carried on.'

The Queen was presented with a series of gifts, including an original 'Corrie Cobble' from the set officially opened the monarch, alongside the late Duke of Edinburgh, in 1982.

She was also given an early edition bottle of 60th Anniversary 'Weatherfield Spirit' Gin with a pair of Meehart Manchester Skyline gin glasses and a bag of Corrie mementos including a signed anniversary book and some Newton & RIdley beer mats.

Meanwhile she asked the actors which houses they lived in and how long they had worked on the ITV soap, spending 40 minutes chatting to the cast and crew and even popping into the Rovers Return.

The show's famous theme tune was played as the sovereign walked down the red carpet as the actors cheered and waved Union flags from the sidelines.

Iain MacLeod, a producer, ushered the Queen along to meet a group of crew members who explained how they filmed six episodes a week.

'There's quite a lot of work to do,' she said. 'And you do it every day!'

She was told that one of the crew members used a two-metre stick to ensure everyone stuck to social distancing guidelines.

'So that's how you do it,' she laughed. 'It's probably the simplest way to do it. It's quite difficult to act two metres apart isn't it?'

Told it often was, as the characters were often embracing each other, she added: 'Of course it is.'

The Queen was then introduced to the actors who play the Bailey family, Trevor Michael Georges, Vinta Morgan and Ryan Russell, and Kate Spencer, who plays Grace Vickers.

'Where do you live?' the Queen asked them. 'Oh I see, you live here.'

Georges told her it was the house with the double glazing.

'You're more modern than most,' the Queen smiled.

She asked: 'I gather the street is now wider than it was?' and was told that the cobbles had been transferred from the former set.

Spencer warned her not to walk on the cobbles, telling her they were particularly tricky in heels, to which the Queen replied: 'I've been told. I'd probably better not.'

Outside, she met Billy Mayhew, who plays the Street's vicar, who told her the role had involved a lot of research.

Introduced to Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgeley, the monarch was told the character was a trouble maker.

She also met actress Ruxandra Porojnicu and told that her character, Alina Pop was a 'home wrecker,' and also heard about a domestic violence storyline.

'That was to update things?' the Queen asked. 'The variety of characters is really great.'

As the Queen left to delighted cheers, the cast was buoyant, praising the Queen for her time and energy.

Lipman said: 'She was quite unbelievably calm with whoever you put in front of her.

'She just seemed extremely at ease, very comfortable to meet anyone and everyone.

'For us to have her here, today after England won the sun shone, it was great. She appeared to have all the time in the world. She spent as much time talking to the crew as the stars.'

Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, said: 'She was so lovely, so giving, very interested in everything we had to say.

'She was very smiley, everything we could have imagined she would be. She was very generous with her time.'

Roache described the royal visit as an honour and 'absolutely wonderful', adding: 'She just smiles. She listens, she always has and she loves to be made to laugh.

The Queen can be seen smiling brightly as she chats with cast members including Samia Longchambon who plays Maria Connor

Her Majesty donned a silver brooch paired with a pearl necklace and earrings as she took a tour of the set

Her Majesty was seen visiting the famous Rovers Return pub where she chatted with cast members including Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, Jane Danson who portrays Leanne Battersby, and Sally Dynevor who plays Sally Webster

'I've been lucky to meet her quite a few times and she's always charming and a laugh is never far away.

'She came to our other set in 1982 and Prince Charles has been here. To have her here, to this set, is a wonderful bit of icing on the cake.'

In 1982, the Queen and the Duke's visit to the set was deemed so significant it was broadcast live on ITV in a special 30-minute episode called The Queen in Coronation Street.

The monarch had first met cast members at the Palace Theatre in Manchester in 1977, when they appeared in a skit at the Silver Jubilee variety show.

Her Majesty appeared to have enjoyed her time at the set of Corrie today after ramping up her public schedule in recent weeks

The Queen is seen chatting as cast members applaud her during her visit to the set of Coronation Street today

The Queen is seen grinning as she chatted with cast members about how filming practices have been adapted during the pandemic

The Queen looked in excellent spirits as she chatted to the actors on the set of the long-running ITV soap

Resplendent in a blue coat and matching hat, the monarch stood nearby the iconic cobbles at the show's set in Salford, Manchester

The Queen's visit today comes just months after Coronation Street celebrated its 60th anniversary, making it the world's longest running drama serial.

The show, a story of the everyday lives of ordinary folk in a northern town, was created by Tony Warren and first screened live at 7pm on December 9, 1960.

More than 10,000 episodes later the programme has seen 57 births, 146 deaths and 131 weddings alongside affairs, murders, secrets and lies.

Its team of 27 writers and 300 staff generate six episodes a week, while the show is broadcast in 105 countries.

Her Majesty can be seen visiting the Rovers Return pub alongside cast members including Michael Le Vell and Sally Dynevor

Her Majesty is seen grinning as royal fans cheer and wave flags behind her before leaving the Coronation Street set in Salford today

The Queen is pictured getting into her car to leave following her visit to the set of the long-running soap today

The monarch appeared to be in good spirits during the visit to mark one of Britain's most loved television programmes

The production site is 7.7 acres, making it the biggest single television production facility of its kind in the world.

The Queen, who has ramped up her schedule of royal duties in recent weeks, appeared in excellent spirits throughout the set and stopped to speak to several members of the cast and crew.

She later visited Manchester Cathedral where she heard about the support church leaders have given to the local community during the last 18 months.

The royal went on to visit Manchester Cathedral where the monarch met representatives from the Cathedral to hear about the support they have given to the local community during the last 18 months.

After walking the cobbles, the Queen went on to meet actors outside the ITV studios at Media City in Manchester

Actors could be seen clutching British flags as they spoke with the Queen outside the ITV studios earlier today

She also met members of several community groups from across the North West, including representatives from youth groups, carers, businesses and charity volunteers to hear how they have supported those affected by the pandemic.

After months of virtual engagements and a smattering of outings, the Queen has been ramping up her public schedule in recent weeks - and has appeared in excellent spirits while doing so.

Last week the monarch attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show - one of her favourite events - four days in a row, after starting the week in Scotland with Prince William and Princess Anne. She also hosted Angela Merkel at Windsor on Friday.

Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, Phil Dampier, who has written about the royal family for 35 years, explained that although the Queen was 'devastated' by Prince Philip's death in April, she has been determined to carry on with public duties because he would want her to 'live life to the full'.

He added that the easing of lockdown restrictions has given the Queen 'new energy' and she is carrying out her duties with renewed 'enthusiasm'.

Amid a busy day of engagements for the royal, after visiting the set of Coronation Street, the monarch went on to meet the Dean of Manchester Cathedral

The monarch appeared in high spirits as she chatted with Rogers Govender during a visit to the cathedral this afternoon

The Queen, who opted for a radiant blue coat and matching hat for her outing today, beamed as she chatted with members of the clergy for Manchester Cathedral today

'Some might think it is strange that she is so happy so soon after Prince Philip's death, but I think there is a simple explanation,' Mr Dampier explained.

'I'm sure she was devastated by his passing - after all they were married for 73 years. But I'm sure that he told her to enjoy what was left of her own life.

'He would not want her to sit around mourning him like Queen Victoria did for Albert, and I bet he would want her to carry on living life to the full.

'Ironically they spent a lot more time together at the end because of lockdown. His death wasn't unexpected and he had a long and fulfilled life.

'Like him the Queen is very practical and pragmatic, and she knows he would support her getting out and about.'
The adorable Prince Charles of Luxembourg has stolen the show once again as he accompanied his parents on a royal engagement.

Charles, who was born in May 2020, has been accompanying his parents, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 39 and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, 39, on a series of engagements in the past few weeks.

The royal baby joined his parents to tour a number of care homes around the country and appeared to charm residents of the home, who got to play with him and even feed him his lunch.

The adorable pictures of some of the visits were shared on the Grand Ducal Court's Instagram account.

Prince Charles of Luxembourg, 13 months, accompanied his parents during a series of visits to care homes around his country, pictured

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 39, held his son while a resident kindly fed him his lunch during one of the visits

In the snaps a beaming Stephanie could be seen wearing a face mask as she introduced the tiny prince to residents staying in homes around Luxembourg.

In one image, Charles, can be seen being fed his lunch by an elderly lady as his doting father Guillaume looks on.

The royal couple were not afraid to let Charles down on the floor and crawl his way among the residents, stopping to meet some of them or asking to get in their arms.

In one snap, the royal baby, wearing white and blue romper, can be seen extending his arm to an elderly man waving a toy car.

Down to earth royal! Prince Charles, wearing a white and blue romper, extends his arms to an elderly man playing with a toy car

Doting residents waved and grinned at the adorable Young Prince Charles during one of his visits

Hello there! A resident was delighted to find the Tiny Prince sat by her table when she looked down during lunch

In each picture, Charles could be seen sporting different outfits, but the same navy blue shoes, which are monogrammed with his name.

One day he arrived at the hospital dressed in a white t-shirt with long sleeves and grey trousers, while another he donned a navy blue jumper with red trousers.

While the young royal charmed residents, the royal couple also took the time to speak to them one-on-one, inquiring about their health and their time at the home they were visiting.

They also met with the care home staff, who've been working relentlessly during the pandemic.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume took the time to meet with some residents one on one to inquire about their health and well-being

The royal sat down with some residents, who have been struggling with feelings of isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic

Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, wearing a colourful top with an original design, accompanied her husband in meeting with both staff and residents of the care homes

'In the last few weeks, the hereditary couple, Prince Charles and Mrs Corinne Cahen, Minister for Families, have taken the initiative to tour care homes in Luxembourg to meet and inquire about the well-being of the elderly, who often feel isolated and fragile due to the coronavirus pandemic,' the family's Instagram account read.

'At each of their visit, the Prince and Princess have expressed their gratitude to the care centres' staff for their willing effort in maintaining a warm atmosphere for the residents, all throughout the crisis.

'Throughout his cheerful and playful nature, the Little Prince has also brought much joy to the elderly during their interactions,' the message went on.

'These beautiful moment and rich emotions can be seen in this photo series, we will share more images on Friday.'

Charles was born in May 2020 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and has become a fixture of the Grand Ducal Court's Instagram account.
A woman has revealed how she spent her entire pregnancy working behind bars at some of the UK's biggest festivals - and had absolutely no idea she was expecting a baby.

Sally Smith, 23, was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, after waking up from her shift in a nightclub with stomach cramps.

When her sister finally called paramedics they discovered not only was she pregnant but they could even see the baby's head.

She later gave birth in the ambulance in the car park of the hospital because there was no time to get to the labour ward.

Bar worker Sally Smith worked at five festivals during the summer of 2019 and had NO IDEA she was pregnant until labour pains started in March 2020, she gave birth to her son, Gabriel, pictured with Sally, in a hospital car park

Sally was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, after waking up from her shift working in a nightclub with severe stomach cramps

She's since dubbed son Gabriel her 'surprise baby' and says she had no clue she was about to give birth.

Sally says she used contraception, had periods and remained a size 10-12 throughout her pregnancy - and given 'nothing was out of the ordinary' had no idea she was expecting.

Pictures show her having the 'time of her life' working at festivals such as Glastonbury and Parklife, blissfully unaware that she was carrying her baby boy with no signs of a bump.

The waitress described her birth experience as the 'most surreal thing ever' and said her son Gabe, who is now a year old, is the 'best thing that's ever happened' to her.

Sally said: 'I had no idea I was pregnant until I went into labour. I didn't put on any weight, had no bump and was probably skinnier then than I am now.

Sally says she used contraception, had periods and remained a size 10-12 throughout her pregnancy (pictured at four months pregnant)

'If I had a drink after work I was always sick and people would joke that I was pregnant and I'd be like "if I was pregnant, I'd be eight months pregnant now" - that was kind of the running joke at work for a while.

'I had really bad back pain when I was seven or eight months pregnant but that was when I started my new job and I was heaving kegs around all day and moving deliveries, so I put it down to the fact that I was working so much.'

She said she woke up at around 10am on 10th March 2020 after a shift as a night club supervisor with 'really intense' stomach cramps.

She rang her sister who suggested having a bath and that's when she believes her waters must have broken.

The waitress described her birth experience as the 'most surreal thing ever' and said her son Gabe, who is now one year old, is the 'best thing that's ever happened' to her

When her sister arrived she called 111 and their mother too. Sally said: 'She [the paramedic] walked in and I was lying on the floor and she said "well, we can see a head, you're definitely having a baby".

'I would expect I would freak out but I was so calm and just like "right, this is what I've got to do" - there's no way that I can't.

'By the time they got there I was already pushing. I was just thinking "I've just got to get this bit over with and we'll deal with everything else later", that's all I could really think about.

'We got in the ambulance and we could already see his head and as we were pulling up to the hospital, that's where I gave birth.

'It was just kind of the most surreal thing ever - I don't think anything is ever going to top it. It was just a bit crazy.'

After around three to four hours of labour her baby boy was born in the hospital car park at 1:50pm, weighing 5lbs 3oz.

Sally, who had just finished university in 2019, worked at festivals such as said Kendal Calling and Parklife, and went to Glastonbury, and would have been pregnant

The young mum said that her family were 'really supportive' and on hand throughout the entire process.

I was changing barrels when I was nine months' pregnant. It was literally a couple of days before I gave birth... Sally Smith on her surprise baby

She was even told by the nurses that they'd 'never seen someone smiling so much' when her dad later arrived at the hospital.

Sally said: 'When I was giving birth I remember thinking "well I can't have a baby, I'm 23, I've just been promoted so how am I meant to look after a baby when I work such long hours? I can't do it."

'As soon as they put him on my chest I was alright because he was there and completely fine. I was just so calm.

'Not to sound corny but I was just completely in love. I was like "right I'm fine, I'll be able to do it because he's here".

Sally said she was 'always sick' if she had a drink after work, and her colleagues would joke that she might be pregnant

The mother-of-one said that she 'fell in love' with Gabe as soon as she held him and said he is 'the best thing that's ever happened' to her

'As soon as I held him I was filled with love and totally obsessed with him from the start.'

Sally said she'd just finished studying at university and had the 'best summer of her life' back in 2019, not knowing she was pregnant with Gabe at the time.

She was also working busy 2pm to 4am shifts as a nightclub supervisor for two to three months during her pregnancy.

Sally said: 'I worked all of the festivals in the summer of 2019 - I went to Glastonbury and worked at Kendal Calling, Parklife and quite a few of those when I would have been pregnant.

'I was changing barrels when I was nine months pregnant. It was literally a couple of days before I gave birth.

My manager messaged me once he found out and was like "I'm really sorry". I was one of the new ones and they were trying to break me in.'

After around three to four hours of labour her baby boy was born in the hospital car park at 1:50pm, weighing 5lbs 3oz

The mother-of-one said that when she came out of hospital the country went into lockdown.

She said she texted a few of her friends who were in disbelief at the exciting news and they eventually came around for window visits so they could meet him.

She had to tell Gabe's father, who she had been in a relationship with while at university but had separated from in July 2019.

Sally said the father didn't get to meet the baby 'for the first couple of months' due to coronavirus and the national lockdown.

She added: 'It was hard having a newborn baby but I just pushed through it.

'He's just the cheekiest little lad in the world and is so funny. He'll run about and chat on, and is just the loveliest little lad, he's just such a dream.

'He's the best thing that's ever happened to me.'
Queen Letizia looked typically stylish this morning as she stepped out in Madrid with her husband King Felipe VI.

The Spanish royal donned an all-white ensemble as she attended the inauguration of the 40th edition of the International Contemporary Art Fair in the country's capital city today.

Mother-of-two Letizia, 48, mastered two-tone dressing by opting for a high-fashion cape-effect white poplin top paired with matching light linen trousers for the event.

She teamed her look with a pair of dainty drop earrings decorated with white flowers and carried a fashionable leather cross bag, while wearing nude stiletto heels.

Queen Letizia looked typically stylish this morning as she stepped out in an all-white ensemble in Madrid

The Spanish monarch joined husband King Felipe VI as she attended the inauguration of 40th edition of the International Contemporary Art Fair in the country's capital city today

Letizia kept her look simple by putting her brunette tresses back in a sleek low ponytail.

She wore a classic makeup look, with just a dash of bronzer and a smokey eye and adhered to government guidelines by covering her mouth and nose with a protective face mask.

The event was hosted by ARCO Madrid, an international contemporary art fair in Spain that has been running since 1982.

In the next edition of the art fair, held throughout July, it will present a selection of national and international galleries in its different programs.

Mother-of-two Letizia, 48, mastered two-tone dressing today by opting for a high-fashion cape-effect white poplin top paired with matching light linen trousers for the event

The couple were seen chatting with staff at the event hosted by ARCO Madrid, an international contemporary art fair in Spain that has been running since 1982

The couple appeared to be in good spirits and could be seen closely examining artworks and chatting with staff members at the exhibition

The couple appeared to be in good spirits and could be seen closely examining artworks and chatting with staff members at the exhibition.

King Felipe cut a handsome figure in a grey suit paired with a white shirt, a peach silk tie and brown leather shoes. He also donned a face covering while indoors at the event.

It's been a busy week for Letizia who on Tuesday attended a meeting with the Abertis Foundation before taking a solo trip to the Unicef 75th Anniversary Exhibition in the Spanish capital.

She teamed her look with a pair of dainty drop earrings decorated with white flowers and carried a fashionable leather cross bag, while wearing nude stiletto heels

Letizia wore a classic makeup look, with just a dash of bronzer and a smokey eye and adhered to government guidelines by covering her mouth and nose with a protective face mask in the gallery

Letizia, who is Honourary President of the UNICEF's Spanish Committee, was attending an exhibition marking the organisation's 75th anniversary.

UNICEF operates in around 190 countries and territories, taking practical actions to reach excluded children.

Over the weekend, she put on a summery display as she joined husband King Felipe VI to host lunch for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Royal Palace in Madrid.
Naya Rivera's mother has opened up about the Glee star's family ongoing struggle to come to terms with their grief over her tragic death, admitting that their sorrow 'is so heavy', they are often 'afraid for themselves'.

Speaking in an emotional GMA interview on the one-year anniversary of her daughter's drowning, Yolanda Previtire, spoke out about how the actress's family is trying to come to terms with the trauma of her death, revealing that they have been going to therapy in the hopes of finding some closure.

Glee star Naya disappeared on July 8, 2020, after she and her then-four-year-old son Josey had rented a pontoon boat on Lake Piru, California. Her body was discovered five days later - and it was revealed by investigators that she had likely drowned while swimming with her son.

It is understood that she saved Josey's life by helping him to get back aboard the boat, before disappearing under the surface of the water.

Grieving: Naya Rivera's mother, Yolanda Previtire, has spoken out about how the Glee star's family is trying to deal with their 'heavy' grief on the one-year anniversary of her tragic death

Coming together: Yolanda appeared on GMA with Naya's sister Nickayla, during which she admitted that the family's grief gets so 'heavy' they are 'afraid for themselves' at times

Tragedy: Glee star Naya drowned at the age of 33 after spending the day on a rented pontoon boat with her then-four-year-old son Josey, who was found alone on the vessel

One year on from that tragic day, her mother says that the family's shared grief still hangs heavy, explaining: 'Sometimes we're afraid of the sorrow being so heavy that we're afraid for [ourselves].'

The grieving mother said that she has to try and 'shake off' her sadness every morning, adding that she 'feels' her daughter's 'energy' each day, giving her the strength to get out of bed and go on with her life.

Missing: Naya was pronounced missing and presumed dead after her son was found on the boat alone. Her body was found in the water five days after she disappeared

'I feel Naya's energy constantly telling me, "Mom, be happy. Don't cry. I'm OK. Go get Josey. Have fun." And I feel that it's coming from her,' Yolanda said.

'I literally wake up every morning, and it's almost like a restart button, and I have to shake it off  one foot at a time. And here we are.'

Naya's younger sister Nickayla added that the family tries to live each day 'to the fullest' and with no regrets, explaining that the devastating loss of her sister has taught them all to appreciate the time they have with one another.

'[We are] taking [things] one day at a time and living [life] to the fullest, loving each other to the fullest, and not regretting anything,' she said. 'Because I know if we could go back, we'd hug a little bit harder.'

A tearful Yolanda also reflected on the final 'beautiful' conversation that she had with her daughter, recounting a FaceTime call that the duo shared while Naya was out on the boat with Josey.

'We had a beautiful conversation. The sun was kissing her face and she was just beautiful,' she recalled. 'She had a white, beautiful swimming suit on and she was glowing.'

However, it was during that conversation that Yolanda says she raised concerns about the increasingly risky conditions, explaining that she struggled to take a clear screenshot during the call because the water had become so choppy.

Trauma: Yolanda, seen center with Naya (left) and Nickayla (right), said she has to 'shake off' her sadness each morning, but that she 'feels' her daughter urging her to go on with life

Lessons: Nickayla, pictured center with Naya and their brother Mychal, noted that the family has tried to live each day 'to the fullest' and with 'no regrets' in the wake of her sister's death

She says she advised her daughter to move the boat to a calmer cove, and asked Naya to phone her when she and Josey were safely back on dry land.

However, Yolanda never received that call.

Instead, two detectives turned up on her doorstep to deliver the devastating news that her daughter was missing - news that left the mother in a state of utter shock and devastation.

'It was almost like a force,' she said of the moment. 'I don't know what it was, but I literally was just pushed backwards. I just ran backwards, if you can imagine, just screaming and I ended up in the bathroom.

'I slammed the door, I was on the floor and I had to gather myself.'

The family was then forced to wait five days while detectives searched the lake for Naya's body, an experience that Nickayla described as 'absolute hell', admitting that it was 'a relief, in a way' when her sister was finally found.

On the day that Naya's body was discovered, Yolanda - who had gone down to Lake Piru for every other day of the search - had been unable to muster the strength to do so, and was instead at home with Josey making pancakes, she shared.

The grandmother had spent around half an hour with her grandson when she received the call to let her know that her daughter's body had been found.

Yolanda paid tribute to everyone who contributed to the search, including Naya's former Glee castmates, many of whom gathered by the water to support the family.

Naya was initially pronounced missing after another boater raised the alarm, having seen her son Josey sleeping alone on their rented pontoon boat at around 4pm, three hours after they had taken the vessel out on the water.

Search: Rescuers spent five days looking for Naya's body in the lake (pictured), an experience that her sister Nickayla described as 'absolute hell'

Waiting: Nickayla added that it was 'a relief, in a way' when the search and rescue team (pictured) found her sister's body

Timeline: Police first announced that they were searching for a 'possible drowning victim' at 6.30pm on July 8, 2020, 90 minutes after a boater saw Josey asleep on the pontoon boat

90 minutes later, police announced that they were searching for a 'possible drowning victim'.

After Naya's body was discovered, police revealed that the actress had likely used the last of her energy to save her son, a final effort that left her unable to pull herself out of the water.

'Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said at a news conference on July 13: 'She must have mustered enough energy to get her son back on the boat, but not enough to save herself.'

Naya and her son had climbed off the boat to go swimming, and young Josey later told investigators that his mother had helped him back onboard, but when he looked back, he saw her disappear under the surface of the water.

An autopsy report, which was released in September, revealed that Naya had raised her arm and called for help as she accidentally drowned.

'Shortly after they jumped in the water, the decedent told Josey to get back on the boat,' the report explained.

'She helped him onto the boat and he then heard the decedent yell "help" and she put her arm in the air. She then disappeared into the water.'

The report also revealed that the actress had previous problems with vertigo, had a recent sinus infection, and had a small amount of prescribed amphetamines in her system, but did not identify physical conditions or the prescribed drugs as factors in her death.

It stated that Naya 'used a marijuana vape pen and she would smoke about a pack of cigarettes per week'. It also said that Naya had 'no known history of suicidal ideation or attempt.'
Princess Anne appeared to be in good spirits today as she attended Ladies Day at Newmarket racecourse.

The Princess Royal donned a vibrant red floral coat dress by Shibumi paired with a navy blue fascinator and matching gloves as she stepped out for the 2021 Moet and Chandon July Festival.

The 70-year-old donned a pair of orange tinted sunglasses, wearing her hair in a typical polished fashion, and was seen smiling and laughing as she enjoyed the racing event.

Anne attended the event this afternoon following her turn awarding the latest honours at an investiture ceremony at St James's Palace earlier today, where she crossed the sword over today's set of award winners.

The outing comes weeks after Anne's son Peter was seen enjoying Ladies Day at Royal Ascot with sister Zara Tindall, in his first public outing since his divorce with wife Autumn was finalised last month.

Princess Anne stepped looked elegant in a red floral coat dress as she attended Ladies Day at Newmarket racecourse today

The 70-year-old donned a pair of orange tinted sunglasses, wearing her hair in a typical polished fashion, and was seen smiling and laughing as she enjoyed the racing event

The royal officially split with wife Autumn, 42, - with whom he has daughters Savannah, nine, and Isla, seven - after telling their families of their 'amicable' decision to end their marriage two years ago.

Peter, who will continue living in Gloucestershire to co-parent his daughters- announced the finalisation of his divorce last month, and said it was 'the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship'.

A statement, released by a spokesperson on behalf of the couple, said: 'Mr Peter Phillips and Mrs Autumn Phillips are pleased to be able to report that the financial aspects of their divorce have been resolved through agreement, the terms of which have been approved and ordered by the High Court today.

'Whilst this is a sad day for Peter and Autumn, they continue to put the wellbeing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla first and foremost.

The royal appeared in good spirits as she paired her outfit with a navy blue fascinator and matching gloves

Anne could be seen laughing at the event, which comes weeks after her son Peter was seen enjoying Ladies Day at Royal Ascot following the finalisation of his divorce

'Both Peter and Autumn are pleased to have resolved matters amicably with the children firmly at the forefront of those thoughts and decisions.

'Peter and Autumn have requested privacy and consideration for their children as the family adapts to a new chapter in their lives.'

The breakdown of Autumn and Peter's marriage will be particularly painful for the Queen, 95, who enjoys a close relationship with her grandson's wife.

The Princess Royal has otherwise been busy with royal duties, joining the Queen on her trip to Scotland last week, where she accompanied her mother to visit an outdoor children's centre in Glasgow.

She later joined her mother to unveil a plaque in the offices of AAC Clyde Space during a visit to Skypark and for a visit to the University of Edinburgh the following day.

Anne smiled at royal watchers as she attended the 2021 Moet and Chandon July Festival at Newmarket racecourse today

Anne appeared to be deep in conversation as she attended the event following a busy week of royal duties

The Princess Royal has been Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh since 2011 - a role previously held by The Duke of Edinburgh , who became Chancellor in 1953.

Yesterday, Anne was presented with the City Livery Club's delayed 2020 Root & Branch Lifetime Achievement Award which recognises the Princess for her long involvement with the City Livery Club.

The special lifetime achievement award celebrates Anne's work with the Club, of which she and the late Duke of Edinburgh are Honorary Members.

'The accolades given to her include comments that she was extremely conscientious and a no nonsense leader', said the Club in a statement.

'Without exception she has remained closely in touch with these companies, continuing an active engagement in their work and attending events to celebrate anniversaries or present prizes'.

'She has spoken of her admiration for the way that the Livery bridge the gap between traditional skills and business.'
Prior to the 1800s dress shirts were traditionally worn by men and boys, whereas women and girls wore blouses.

After fashion designers started offering styles for all, they became very much a part of both sexes' wardrobes.

In 2021, females are turning the tailored garment - which features a collar and a full-length opening at the front, fastened using buttons - into whatever they want, including a beach coverup.

Kendall Jenner was looking spring chic on the streets of New York donning tan slacks and a stark white tee topped by an oversize shirt with an extended hem

A crisp white button down is a seasonless garment for Kendall Jenner who has the tailored top on high rotation all year long.

The 25-year-old supermodel was looking spring chic on the streets of New York donning tan slacks and a stark white tee.

With her finger forever on the pulse of what's hot, Kendall gave her basic separates a dose of casual professionalism by topping them with an oversize shirt.

Back in November, she completed her monochromatic look with a button down that took the place of a traditional jacket.

In March she layered a stiff shirt under a striped sweater vest.

A crisp white button down is seasonless for Kendall Jenner who has the structured garment on high rotation all year long.

It appeared as though Rosie Huntington-Whitely borrowed a shirt straight out of husband Jason Statham's closet and made it her own

Rosie Huntington-Whitely is a modern day boss babe.

The 34-year-old mother borrowed an office-ready shirt straight out of husband Jason Statham's closet and made it her own.

With high-waisted khakis, a Birkin bag and white sandals, she looked effortlessly chic for a day of business meetings.

Olivia Culpo doesn't need anything BUT a polished top to look good.

The 29-year-old shared a sultry snap of herself on social media wearing a crisp shirt and not much else.

A few gold necklaces and flawless makeup completed her sexy secretary look.

Olivia Culpo doesn't need anything BUT a white shirt to look good. The 29-year-old shared a sultry snap of herself on social media wearing a crisp shirt and not much else

Instagram stars Negin Mirsalehi and Carolina Lindo both wore menswear-inspired shirts as bathing suit coverups.

For an 'I woke up like this' shot, newly engaged Negin paired hers with a flirty red bikini that highlighted her incredible bod.

The modest shirt offsets the seductiveness of her skin-baring two-piece, while also adding unexpected interest to a casual poolside fit.

Carolina made her animal-print bikini 'gram worthy with a white shirt and sunglasses.

To create shape for the snap, the star - whose goes by the handle @imnotsorrydarling - styled the shirt off both shoulders in a perfectly imperfect way.

Instagram star Negin Mirsalehi donned a menswear-inspired shirts as a bathing suit coverup

Carolina Lindo accessories her bikini with a button down draped over her shoulders

For feminine flair and a 'gram worthy snap, the shirt is worn off the shoulder

The modest shirt offsets the seductiveness of her skin-baring two-piece

Actresses Yang Mi and Zhang Xiaofei both attended the Marie Claire Power Trip event in Shanghai, China wearing black tuxedos

Actresses Yang Mi and Zhang Xiaofei both attended the Marie Claire Power Trip event in Shanghai, China wearing black tuxedos.

To complete her formal look, the 'A Writer's Odyssey' star opted for a hidden placket button down and accessorized with a white vest and matching bow tie.

Zhang hit the carpet appearing a little more relaxed, teaming her white shirt with suspenders and a tie.

Hidden Placket Shirt by Liverpoool, $68; liverpooljeans.com

When shopping a button down, take into consideration how it will be worn.

For maximum versatility, you can't go wrong with Liverpool's hidden placket shirt. The classic cut can be worn in a number of ways, both casual and dressy, tucked or untucked.

While tailored, the hi-low hem lends a slightly laid-back vibe and its cotton/poly/spandex blend prevents serious wrinkling. It's a piece that will never go out of style.

Going on vacation? A shirt with a relaxed silhouette and dropped shoulders made from lightweight, breathable 100% organic cotton is a travel must.

If you'll be tucking your shirt in, bypass unnecessary tucking by opting for a bodysuit adaptation of the essential white shirt.

Left: Luka oversized cotton-poplin shirt by the Row, $1,090; net-a-porter.com. Right: Sail Button-Up by Wilfred Free, $88; aritzia.com
A woman who was searching for her biological parents has recounted how she discovered she was taken from her birth mother and sold on the black market by a corrupt doctor.

Jane Blasio, 56, from Akron, Ohio, was one of the hundreds of babies who were trafficked out the back door of Dr. Thomas J. Hicks's small-town clinic in McCaysville, Georgia, from the 1940s through the 1960s.

'My father knew [that Hicks' actions were illegal], but my mother just wanted a baby and didn't want to know anything, so my dad was going to do whatever would make her happy,' she told People magazine.

Black market adoption: Jane Blasio, 56, from Akron, Ohio, was one of the hundreds of babies who were sold out of Dr. Thomas J. Hicks's clinic in McCaysville, Georgia

Horrifying discovery: Both Blasio and her older sister Michelle were illegally adopted by their parents, Jim and Joan. The family is pictured in the late 1960s

The federal law enforcement officer wrote about her decades-long pursuit to uncover the truth and reunite Hicks's other victims in her new book, Taken at Birth: Stolen Babies, Hidden Lies, and My Journey to Finding Home, which will be published on July 13.

Blasio was six years old when her father, Jim, and mother, Joan, sat her and her 11-year-old sister Michelle down in the kitchen and announced that they were adopted.

'It's like that moment was burned into me,' she said of that fateful day in 1971.

She was 14 when she saw her birth certificate, which named the Hicks Clinic and illegally listed Jim and Joan as her parents.

Scheme: From the 1940s through the 1960s, Hicks (pictured) sold more than 200 newborns to out-of-state couples, many of which hailed from the Akron area

Looking back: Hicks was forced to close his clinic in 1964 after being charged with performing illegal adoptions, but the building (pictured) still stands today

Crime: The black market adoptions took place out the back door of Hicks Clinic (pictured present day)

Blasio turned to her local library, searching for any information she could find on Hicks and his practice as she tried to piece together details from her past.

She explained on her website that her birth search began in the early '80s when she turned 18. Before Joan died of cancer, she made her husband Jim promise to tell their daughters everything.

In 1988, a 23-year-old Blasio visited McCaysville for the first time looking for answers, one of many trips following her mother's death.

What she learned from her father and three decades of research horrified her: she and her sister Michelle were black market babies.

Investigation: Blasio was told she was adopted when she was six, but it wasn't until she was a teenager that she the discrepancies on her birth certificate

Pursuit: Blasio (pictured in third grade photo) uncovered the truth behind Hicks and his human trafficking scheme after more than 13 years of personal investigation

'My parents bought a child in a way that gave me no option but to search and possibly find no answers,' she told People. 'That's not love, that's desperation.'

Blasio broke the story of Hicks and his clinic in 1997, after more than 13 years of personal investigation, according to her website.

The revered town doctor sold more than 200 babies, many of which were illegally adopted by Midwestern couples from the Akron area.

Hicks performed illegal abortions at his clinic, but he would sometimes convince his patients to carry their babies full-term and allow him to handle the adoptions, WCYC reported in 2018.

Life's work: Blasio has spent years helping other Hicks Clinic victims find their biological families

Spreading the word: Blasio's research has turned her into an expert on black market adoptions, and she has appeared on a number of news networks

Candid: In 2019, she shared her story on TLC's three-part series Taken At Birth

In other instances, he would tell mothers their babies were stillborn and sell them off to eager families.

He charged anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for the infants  now known as 'Hicks Babies'  and forged birth certificates that didn't include the names of the biological parents,

Story: Blasio wrote about her pursuit to piece together her past in her new book

Hicks was forced to give up his medical license in 1964 after being charged with performing illegal abortions, but his human trafficking scheme remained a mystery.

He died in 1972 at age 83  25 years before the truth was uncovered

Blasio's research has turned her into an expert on black market adoptions, and she has appeared on a number of news networks over years.

In 2019, she shared her story on TLC's three-part series Taken At Birth.

She is still working to help other victims find their biological families through her website and McCaysville Lost and Found, a support group for those connected to the Hicks Clinic.

'Hearts heal when truth is revealed and restored to those who have lost medical and historical ties through illegal and legal adoption,' she wrote on her website.

'As [a] researcher and "adoptee" searching my entire life for family, I want you to know to keep digging and moving forward and you're not alone.'
Amanda Knox has revealed that she suffered a devastating and painful miscarriage while trying for her first baby with husband Christopher Robinson - admitting that the loss of her child made her question whether 'something had happened to her in Italy' to cause fertility issues.

The 33-year-old, who was convicted and then acquitted of the 2007 murder of her former roommate Meredith Kercher in Italy, opened up about the heartbreaking loss in a new episode of her podcast, during which she recalled having to go through an agonizing induced birth after the miscarriage.

Speaking about her first-trimester miscarriage, Amanda recounted the heartbreaking moment they learned their baby didn't have a heartbeat - after doctors advised the couple at their eight-week scan to wait another week because the baby only appeared to be six-weeks developed.

However, when they returned a week later, they were given the devastating news that their unborn child had not grown any more, and there was no heartbeat to be found.

'We went back a week later... and it hadn't grown. It didn't have a heartbeat,' she recalled, before admitting that she was left dumbstruck by the news - in part because she hadn't experienced any of what she believed to be the tell-tale signs of a miscarriage.

Heartbreak: Amanda Knox has revealed that she suffered a devastating first-term miscarriage during the pandemic, while opening up about the agonizing induction she had to undergo

Devastated: The 33-year-old (pictured at a conference in 2011) broke down in tears on the latest episode of her podcast as she recalled the moment she was told there was no heartbeat

'That was confusing to me because I thought, "Why would there be a dead baby just hanging out in there?" If it wasn't viable, why wasn't it going away,' she said.

''My body didn't even know, and that felt weird to me that something that your body is so in tune with... it didn't know? I didn't know that you could have a missed miscarriage.

'For all intents and purposes, I was pregnant with something that was just not growing.'

Questions: Amanda, who was convicted and then acquitted of the 2007 murder of her former roommate Meredith Kercher, spent four years in jail in Italy and says she questioned if 'something happened to her' while she was there to caused fertility issues

Amanda's doctors explained that her body would likely 'figure it out sooner or later' but they advised that she go through an induction to push her body to expel the fetus, explaining that if she waited for it to happen naturally, she could be forced to undergo a D&C, which is a much more 'invasive' procedure.

However, the induction, which required Amanda to take two prescription pills, left her in horrific agony - which she said was unlike anything she had ever experienced before.

'I went into the bathroom to take the pills and then I just kind of laid on the bed and waited for something to happen,' she recalled, explaining that she didn't initially take the pain medication that they prescribed because she wasn't someone who usually struggled to deal with pain.

But within 30 minutes, Amanda was 'shaking' in pain, and she decided to take the pain pills in the hopes of getting some relief.

'I didn't take the pain medication, I thought that was absolute last resort, probably not going to need [it],' she recounted. 'And it took about half an hour before I felt anything. But abdominal pain like I've not experienced before. I was shaking.

'Eventually I was like, I can't take this anymore, I need to take pain medication. I took some and then it was like another half an hour before that kicked in and I was able to stop shaking from pain.'

Christopher admitted he was horrified at seeing his 'usually tough' wife in such pain, explaining that he found her 'crumpled' and 'wracked with pain' in their bedroom.

Together: Her husband, Christopher Robinson, joined her on the podcast, and recalled his upset at seeing his 'usually tough' wife 'crumpled' and 'wracked with pain' on their bed

Amanda went on to detail the upsetting experience that she had to go through for the next two days, revealing that she essentially had to 'birth blood' every time she went to the bathroom.

'For like two days, I was birthing blood, wads of blood. Not like a period at all,' she said, noting that she had 'read stories' about people who'd had to 'go through the toilet' to try and locate their embryo, which she was 'grateful' she didn't have to do.

Still, her own miscarriage process was, she said, incredibly upsetting, particularly because she kept asking herself whether her baby was somewhere in the 'clumps' that she saw in the toilet.

Opening up: Amanda spoke out about her miscarriage in a new episode of her and Chris's podcast, Labyrinths

'I remember the biggest clump was about the size of a plum,' Amanda revealed. 'There were smaller clumps that came out. And every time I went to the bathroom to do that and I saw those clumps, I kept thinking, "Is that the baby? Where is it in all of this?"'

After going through her miscarriage, Amanda says she began questioning whether she was to blame for it in any way - admitting that she even wondered whether 'something [had] happened to her while she was over in Italy' that might have caused fertility issues.

'I did feel incredibly disappointed that was the story of my first ever pregnancy,' she said, adding: 'I thought, "I know exactly what I want to do with my first pregnancy," and to have it not come to fruition not through choice felt like a betrayal.

'Why? Do I have bad eggs and I never knew? Am I actually too old? Did something happen to me while I was over in Italy?

'If it's not easy and you don't know why then anything could be the problem. And it's frustrating how little information you have at any point in the process.'

She did not specify what incidents occurred in Italy to cause a fertility issue, however in her 2013 book, Waiting to be Heard, Amanda claimed that she had been subject to sexual harassment at the hands of a senior guard during her time in jail.

Questions: Amanda and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito (left) were convicted and then acquitted of the 2007 murder of British student Meredith Kercher (right) in Italy

Amanda also said that she was given a false HIV diagnosis by medical staff and that following her 2007 arrest, when she was 20 years old, she was forced to strip naked and spread her legs while a doctor measured her vagina.

'The doctor inspected the outer lips of my vagina and then separated them with his fingers to examine the inner. He measured and photographed my intimate parts,' she wrote, according to the Daily News.

Amanda spent four years in an Italian prison after she was convicted of the November 2007 murder of her former roommate, British student Meredith Kercher, while they were living together with two other women in a shared house in the small town of Perugia.

The 21-year-old's body was found half-naked in the property, and it was revealed that she had been stabbed 47 times and had her throat slashed. Police also found signs of sexual assault.

Amanda, who was dubbed 'Foxy Knoxy' by the press and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were both convicted of Kercher's murder in a 2009.

However, Amanda was acquitted of the crime in 2011, and she returned to the US, having spent close to four years in jail. She refused to go back to Italy for a retrial three years later - during with she was convicted again - before that conviction was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015.

The couple shared that they are going to try to conceive again - and Amanda vented her frustration at being told to 'give herself time' after her miscarriage.

'[They told me] to give yourself time and I don't want time, I want to get back on track,' she said. 'Why can't my body just work?'

Both Amanda and Chris confessed that they had gone into the process with a naive view, and assumed that 'it was a straight line from unprotected sex to baby'.

'We were wrong, painfully wrong,' Chris noted.
Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is set to become a grandmother for the third time after it was revealed that her daughter Bee Shaffer is pregnant with her first child with husband Francesco Carrozzini.

The happy news comes just one day after the couple celebrated their third wedding anniversary, with Bee, 33, marking the marriage milestone with a touching Instagram post on Wednesday, which featured a sweet snap of her and Francesco, 38, dancing at their wedding.

Sources close to the couple told Page Six that 'everyone is very excited' about their happy news, which comes while Bee and Francesco are enjoying a romantic vacation in Portofino, Italy - the seaside town where they hosted their second wedding ceremony in July 2018.

Celebrations: Anna Wintour's daughter Bee Shaffer is expecting her first child with husband Francesco Carrozzini (seen together in 2019), three years after they tied the knot

Family: 33-year-old Bee's baby will be the Vogue editor's third grandchild. Anna (seen with her daughter in 2018) already has two granddaughters, son Charlie's children, Caroline and Ella

DailyMail.com has reached out to a spokesperson for comment.

The parents-to-be were spotted strolling around the picturesque Italian town together, with Bee revealing a hint of her baby bump in a white mid-length dress as she and her husband soaked up the sun together.

Francesco and Bee have kept very much under the radar in the three years since their wedding, with the latter sharing just a few social media snaps of her husband during the pandemic - including a goofy photo of him hamming it up for the camera, which she posted on his 38th birthday last September.

The duo were first rumored to be dating in October 2016, when they attended a screening of filmmaker Francesco's documentary about his mother together.

Francesco's mother had been a close friend of Anna, with the pair both taking up the helm of their respective magazines back in 1988.

Following Franca's death from lung cancer in 2016, Anna was among the guests from the fashion world who turned out to pay their respects to the Vogue Italia editor.

Bee, who is a TV producer and previously worked on Late Night with Seth Meyers, is said to have known Francesco, who was born in Italy and grew up splitting his time between Milan and Portofino, since they were both children.

When it came to planning their weddings, the couple ensured that they incorporated both of their homes into the celebrations, hosting two ceremonies - the first at Anna's sprawling home on Long Island, and the second in a small local church in Portofino.

Celebration: Last month, Bee revealed just a hint of a bump while hosting a christening ceremony for her brother Charlie's younger daughter Ella, two

Long-term: Bee and Francesco were first linked in 2016, however they are said to have known each other since childhood; Anna was close friends with Francesco's late mother Franca (right)

The couple's baby will be Anna's third grandchild; the Vogue editor-in-chief's doctor son Charlie, 36, and his wife Lizzy have two children together, daughters Caroline, four, and Ella, two.

Last month, pregnant Bee came together with her family to celebrate the christening of Charlie and Lizzy's younger child Ella, which took place at Anna's Long Island home.

Brood: During the pandemic, Anna wrote a piece in Vogue in which she opened up about how much comfort she had found in her family and grandchildren (seen with their parents Charlie and Lizzy Shaffer)

One guest shared an Instagram snap of Bee with close friends Derek Blasberg and Nick Brown in which she is seen showing off just a hint of a bump in a printed white, orange and blue maxi dress while sitting alongside the married couple.

In April of last year, Anna opened up about how much comfort she had found in her grandchildren during the early months of the pandemic, writing in a piece for Vogue that celebrating Caroline's third birthday over Zoom had been one of the highlights of her time in quarantine.

'What else am I grateful for? My granddaughter, who celebrated her third birthday through a virtual party the other day,' she wrote, while sharing an adorable photo of the youngster enjoying her birthday cake.

'A lot of people Zoomed in and it was just a joy seeing how happy that made her.'

Bee and Charlie are Anna's children from her marriage to first husband David Shaffer, a psychiatrist to whom she was wed for 15 years, from 1984 to 1999.

After her split from David, Anna was in a 20-year relationship with telecoms tycoon Shelby Bryan, however the couple are said to have gone their separate ways in October last year.

'I do': Bee and Francesco wed in an intimate ceremony at Anna's Long Island home in July last year, before flying to Italy to host a second celebration

New of Bee's pregnancy will likely come as a welcome source of joy for 71-year-old Anna, who has endured a rocky year, during which she has faced repeated calls for her resignation amid accusations of racism and discrimination from former employees.

In June of last year, Anna admitted to allowing 'hurtful and intolerant' behavior during her decades-long reign at Vogue, as well as conceding that she had not done enough to champion black staffers and designers.

The admissions were included in a company-wide memo Anna authored to her staff amid nationwide unrest and protests calling for racial equality, following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial Day 2020.

'I want to start by acknowledging your feelings and expressing my empathy towards what so many of you are going through: sadness, hurt, and anger too,' Wintour began.

'I want to say this especially to the Black members of our team  I can only imagine what these days have been like. But I also know that the hurt, and violence, and injustice we're seeing and talking about have been around for a long time. Recognizing it and doing something about it is overdue.'

However the mea culpa memo did little to quell the controversy surrounding Anna's decision to remain in her role - and in October, a group of 18 black journalists who have worked with her over the years accused her of favoring employees who are thin, white, and from elite backgrounds in a piece published by the New York Times.

Eleven of them called for her resignation following offensive incidents involving her use of the word 'pickaninny', and other cultural appropriation controversies, including outrage over a 2017 Vogue shoot that featured Karlie Kloss posing in a geisha outfit, with her face in pale makeup and her hair dyed black.
While he's been carrying the hopes of a nation with his goals, she has been left holding the fort  and their three children  at home.

But Kate Kane was finally reunited with husband Harry at Wembley on Wednesday night, well almost.

Yesterday Mrs Kane shared a selfie of her and the England captain  separated by a giant banner. The 28-year-old wrote: 'Kane you believe it.'

Kate Kane was finally reunited with husband Harry at Wembley on Wednesday night with the pair separated by a giant banner

The moment, after England's semi-final triumph in which Kane, 27, scored the winner, is the closest contact they've had in five weeks due to strict Covid protocols.

Now, thanks to his team's heroics, they will be separated for a little longer  until after Sunday night's final against Italy.

Off the pitch, players at Euro 2020 must not have contact with anyone outside their team bubble. That meant the Kanes were unable to be together to celebrate their second wedding anniversary on June 19.

Mrs Kane has attended every England match except the quarter-final against Ukraine, which was played in Rome, Italy.

The snap came after England's semi-final triumph in which Kane, 27, scored the winner (pictured celebrating alongside Phil Foden)

During the tournament, she has shared snaps of their daughters Ivy, four, and Vivienne, two, and son Louis, six months

During the tournament, she has shared snaps of their daughters Ivy, four, and Vivienne, two, and son Louis, six months. One image showed them in full England kit with 'Daddy' and his number, 9, printed on their backs.

Harry Maguire's fiancee Fern Hawkins also posted an image of the giant banner yesterday, showing it separating her from the central defender.

She wrote on Instagram: 'The closest I've been to you in five weeks, but getting to the finals makes it all worthwhile. BRING IT HOME BABY'

Others to post messages of support on social media included Jordan Pickford's fiancee Megan Davison and Kalvin Phillips' long-term girlfriend Ashleigh Behan.

Following England's exciting victory, the Wags , their families and the players' families celebrated into the early hours at an after-party at the Hilton hotel next to the stadium.

Conor Coady's wife Amie Coady shared images of the evening showing guests singing the team's Three Lions anthem and a large screen in the background reading: 'Congratulations England. Let's make history.'
Celebrity chef Maggie Beer has offered her simple three-ingredient recipe for the perfect pea and ham soup.

The Australian cookbook author shared a video on social media explaining how she made the wholesome dish using smoked ham bones, eschalots and split green peas.

'It is the easiest soup you'll ever make in your life and certainly one to try this winter, so much flavour from so few ingredients,' she said.

'It's the kind of soup that's made from scratch, it's full of goodness and it's cheap.'

Scroll down for video

Australian celebrity chef Maggie Beer (pictured) has offered her simple three-ingredient recipe for the perfect pea and ham soup

The Australian cookbook author shared a video on social media explaining how she made the wholesome dish using smoked ham bones, eschalots and split green peas

Maggie Beer's pea and ham soup INGREDIENTS 1kg smoked ham bones 2 eschalots 500g split green peas METHOD 1. To a large pot, add the eschalots, split green peas and ham bones and cover well with cold water 2. Place a lid on the pot and bring to the boil, then simmer for 2-3 hours 3. Allow to cool and store in the fridge overnight 4. The following day, reheat in the same pot, stir to bring the soup to a smooth consistency. Remove ham and bones and set aside 5. Serve with ham, fresh herbs and croutons on top Advertisement

She started by adding the ham bones, peas and eschalots to a large pot, and covered with cold water.

'I'm not sweating off the eschalots, I'm just putting that in. I'm adding a whole packet of split peas. I'm not using any salt because I've got the smoked bones that are salty,' she said.

Maggie then placed a lid over the pot to bring it to boil, before she allowed the soup to simmer over the next two to three hours.

She then set the pot aside to cool and stored it in the fridge overnight. Allowing it to rest in the fridge overnight results in a thicker, flavoursome soup.

After stored the finished soup in the fridge overnight, she reheated on the stove the following day. Allowing it to rest in the fridge overnight results in a thicker, flavoursome soup

The celebrity cook said it's the 'easiest soup you'll ever make in your life'

'After you cooked the soup, let it cool and pop it in the fridge overnight as is, then return the pot to gentle heat the next day stirring to combine. You can always continue to cook it down to thicken,' she said.

'I have so many smoked ham bones in here because I love the flavour and I love to pick off the meat,' Maggie said.

She then removed the meat and bones from the soup.

'Every day the soup gets thicker and the pieces of meat fall off the bone,' she explained.

Maggie served the wholesome soup with shredded ham, topped with croutons and garnished with fresh herbs.

'It's just such a lovely meal,' she said.
Scientists have developed a new, online calculator that can predict how long senior citizens will live.

A team from the University of Ottawa, in Ontario, Canada, says its Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-Life in the Community Tool (RESPECT) can accurately project death within six months.

Researchers based the tool on data from more than 491,000 elderly people who received home care between 2007 and 2013.

The team says its tool is undergoing a pilot study in community settings in Ontario and hopes that physicians and home care staff use the calculator to help them understand the care their patients may need.

A team at the University of Ottawa, in Ontario, Canada, has developed the Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-Life in the Community Tool to predict how long senior citizens have left to live (file image)

Researchers say it can accurately predict death within six months by asking questions about age, sex, underlying health conditions and the ability to go about performing daily activities. Pictured: The tool predicting a patient will die within 13 months

'The RESPECT calculator allows families and their loved ones to plan,' said lead author Dr Amy Hsu, a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa, in a statement.

'For example, it can help an adult child plan when to take a leave of absence from work to be with a parent or decide when to take the last family vacation together.'

Researchers say the tool focuses on older adults who use or need home care and are likely to die within the next five years.

To use the calculator, users answer 17 questions about their or their family member's health and ability to care for themselves.

After entering the age and sex of the person, the calculator asks if the patient has been diagnosed with any underlying conditions including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, heart failure, hypertension and stroke.

It then ranks if the patient's risk of death low, moderate, high or very high.

Next, the calculator offers a risk of death in three months, one year and five years based on users with the same responses.

The teams says it wants the calculator to be used by physicians and home care staff to help them understand the care their patients may need. Pictured: The tool predicts a patient has a 21% risk of death within 3 months, a 48% risk within 1 year and 90% risk within 5 years

Additionally, the tool asks questions about whether the patient needs support with their daily activities or managing their health and how much support.

For example, an 89-year-old woman with no underlying conditions but needs helps maintaining hygiene and getting around the house is considered highly frail and has a life expectancy of 2.7 years.

But a 62-year-old man with high blood pressure and no trouble performing daily activities is only moderately frail and has a life expectancy of 4.3 years.

Researchers found declines in the ability to carry out day-to-day activities - such as preparing meals or going to the bathroom - were bigger predictors of mortality than pre-existing conditions.

'Knowing how long a person has to live is essential in making informed decisions about what treatments they should get and where they should get them,' said Dr Peter Tanuseputro, physician-scientist at The Ottawa Hospital, in a statement.

'As a person gets closer to death, the balance shifts from having curative care as the primary goal, to care that maximizes a person's quality of remaining life.'
British women will soon be able to buy the Pill over-the-counter  without needing to have a prescription.

Drug regulators have approved two brands of the contraceptive, called Lovima and Hana, to be made available without written authorisation.

The move, branded a 'historic milestone for women's health', is the first of its kind since the Pill was first licenced 60 years ago.

MPs say the change will reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies and abortions and relieve some pressure from GP surgeries and sexual health clinics.

Both brands will be available for all women of child-bearing age, which would also include teenagers who meet the criteria for supply.

The decision follows a safety review and public consultation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this year.

Regulators have approved two brands of the contraceptive Pill - known as Lovima and Hana - to be made available without a prescription

The move was welcomed by consumer healthcare association PAGB.

Its chief executive Michelle Riddalls said: 'Making these progestogen-only contraceptive pills available without prescription in the UK is an historic milestone for women and women's health.

'This is the first time that any form of daily contraceptive pill has been licensed for over-the-counter sale in the UK, 60 years after the pill was originally offered by the NHS  initially to married women only.

'Enabling women to buy the progestogen-only pill in pharmacies will be particularly beneficial at a time when accessing sexual health services has become more challenging in parts of the UK because of pressure on NHS resources and the Covid pandemic.'

A qualified pharmacist will oversee any sale and use a checklist to identify women who can be safely supplied with the medicine.

The MHRA said that for under 18s, and especially those under 16, who wanted the Pill it remained 'essential to establish that the girl is not being exploited or abused'.

Almost nine in ten women in England  around 3.1million  who are on contraception take the Pill, figures from 2018 show.

The 'traditional' progestogen-only Pill prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg.

It needs to be taken reliably every day and is 99 per cent effective if taken correctly.

The Lovima and Hana Pills are also progestogen-only and contain desogestrel, which can help to stop ovulation.

Public health minister Jo Churchill said: 'This landmark reclassification, which was widely supported by women and healthcare professionals in the recent consultation, will enable women to purchase a progestogen-only contraceptive from a pharmacy following a detailed consultation with the pharmacist.

'This will provide an additional route to access for those seeking contraceptive services and will help to reduce the pressure on GP surgeries and sexual health clinics with the potential to reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies and abortions.

'Pharmacists already provide a range of services in the area of sexual and reproductive health and are trained practitioners who are experienced in checking eligibility for all the products they supply.'
Health care workers at a California hospital saw daily COVID-19 cases among them drop drastically after vaccines became available, a new study suggests.

Researcher analyzed COVID-19 testing data among hospital staff at University of California Irvine Health in Orange County.

They found that positive cases among the workers had a steep drop off once they started getting the second shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.

After three weeks, the rate of positive cases had fallen by 94 percent.

COVID cases dramatically dropped in the weeks after the second dose became available to UCI hospital employees

Test positivity rate dropped to zero in the weeks following the second dose's availability

For the study, published in JAMA Network Open, the team gathered data from November 2020 to March 2021.

At the hospital, employees were tested if they reported symptoms of COVID-19, and there was also randomly administered asymptomatic testing performed every week.

From November into early January, the trend of cases detected among employees followed county-wide trends.

While the county recorded 2,000 cases per day in late November to 4,000 per day in late December, the hospital saw about 10 per day in November and 18 in December.

The second dose became available to staff in the first week of January and, a week later, cases in the hospital began to diverge from the county.

After one week, daily cases in the hospital fell from 18 per day to eight, marking a 55 percent drop.

Daily cases fell to three after two weeks, an 85 percent decrease, and all the way down to one new case a day after three weeks, which is a reduction of 94 percent.

Case rates remained at that level through March.

During this period, county-wide cases were falling as well, as the vaccine was first beginning to make impact in the local community.

County-wide cases were not falling anywhere near as quickly as those among hospital employees, though.

'These findings are consistent with past experience with other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza and measles, in which vaccination reduces overall infection rates, viral shedding, and both symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission,' the authors wrote.

The researchers findings are consistent with nationwide trends.

As more people in America have gotten vaccinated, cases have begun to drop.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 67.2 percent of American adults, and 55.1 percent of all Americans, have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

More than 150 million Americans, or 47 percent of the population, are fully vaccinated.

Vaccine demand was at its highest in April, where 45 million Americans got at least their first dose of the vaccine in one month.

Daily cases across the country have fallen by nearly 80 percent since April 15, from 70,000 a day on average to around 15,000 a day.

There are some fears that cases will soon be trending in the wrong direction again, though.

With the Indian 'Delta' variant - a more contagious virus strain of COVID - now taking over as the dominant strain in the U.S., some fear cases my rise once again among the unvaccinated.

There is also data from Israel that shows the Pfizer vaccine, which is the most common one in America, may only have 64 percent efficacy against the strain.
Cancer patients are likely to develop protection against COVID-19 when they receive two doses of a vaccine, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that, out of 232 patients who were vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, 29 percent developed antibodies compared to 84 percent of the healthcare workers.

But, after a second dose of the vaccine, 86 percent of patients tested positive for Covid-fighting antibodies.

As research continues on vaccine effectiveness for cancer patients - who are at high risk for being infected with COVID-19 and falling severely ill - some scientists have suggested booster shots as a way to ensure full protection.

Cancer patients do develop antibodies after being vaccinated against Covid, a new study finds. Pictured: A cancer patient receives her shot at a center in Louisville, Kentucky

Cancer patients are highly vulnerable to Covid.

Many common treatments for these patients can weaken the immune system, making cancer patients more likely to have a severe Covid case if they are infected.

Some specific types of cancer, including lung cancer and cancers of the blood or bone marrow, have been identified as especially high risk factors.

As a result, doctors and public health experts consider cancer patients to be a priority group for vaccination.

But the clinical trials for Covid vaccines did not include these patients, leading to limited data on how well the vaccines work for this group.

Scientists have worried that the same immune system weakness - also called immunosuppression - that causes cancer patients to be more vulnerable to Covid may also prevent the vaccines from working.

Past studies on the topic have shown that the Covid vaccines can provide cancer patients with some immunity, although the level of protection may vary based on cancer type and treatment regimens.

The new study - published Thursday in JAMA Oncology - focused on the Pfizer vaccine, which was the first to be approved in Israel.

After the Pfizer vaccines approval in early January, the country kicked off a mass vaccination campaign focusing on healthcare workers and high-risk populations, including cancer patients.

The researchers studied cancer patients receiving treatment at the Division of Oncology of Rambam Health Care Campus, a major medical center in northern Israel, treating patients from across the country.

The patient group included 232 cancer patients with solid tumors.

In addition to the cancer patients, the researchers also studied a group of 261 healthy healthcare workers with a similar age range to the cancer patient group.

All patients were vaccinated in January 2021, with tests and follow-ups through March.

The researchers collected blood samples from their patients after both vaccine doses and tested these samples for antibodies - those immune system molecules that indicate a patient has protection against a disease.

The second antibody test occurred two weeks after patients second dose, when vaccine recipients are considered to be fully vaccinated.

Cancer patients may be slower to build up immunity after vaccination. Pictured: A cancer patient gets her shot at a clinic in Louisville, Kentucky

After their first dose, only 29 percent of the cancer patients tested positive for Covid antibodies. Meanwhile, 84 percent of the healthcare workers tested positive after their first dose.

After their second dose, however, far more of the cancer patients had developed immunity with 86 percent testing positive for antibodies.

These results indicate that cancer patients may build up immunity more slowly after vaccination, the researchers wrote.

The researchers also found that certain treatments and cancer types may make Covid immunity less likely.

For example, breast cancer patients made up 29 percent of those who did not develop Covid antibodies.

In the group of cancer patients who were antibody-negative, 74 percent were going through chemotherapy. This type of treatment is known to weaken patients immune systems.

Still, 55 percent of the patients who tested positive for antibodies were also going through chemotherapy.

The researchers suggest that more work is needed to identify specific types of chemotherapy that may be more likely to inhibit antibody production.

The cancer patients had mild vaccine side effects including sore arms and fatigue

The cancer patients had mild side effects, in line with common vaccine side effects for the general population.

The most common side effect was a sore arm, reported by 69 percent of patients.

Other common side effects included fatigue (24 percent), muscle and joint pain (13 percent), and headaches (10 percent).

These mild side effects - combined with the antibody test results - indicate that cancer patients can safely get vaccinated.

More research is needed, however, to determine if these vulnerable patients may need extra vaccine doses to boost their immune systems.

In France, healthcare providers are routinely giving third doses to organ transplant recipients and other patients with weakened immune systems.

Some booster shot studies are underway in the U.S. as well, though scientists believe there should be a more concerted, national effort to investigate this issue.
The nation's top infectious disease expert says Americans who don't get a COVID-19 vaccine are making a 'political statement.'

In an appearance on MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes on Wednesday night, Dr Anthony Fauci was asked what can be done to increase adult vaccination rates, which have stalled around 67 percent.

Fauci, the director for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said it was frustrating to see people not get a shot when it is available to them.

'Here we have a vaccine that's highly, highly effective in preventing disease and certainly in preventing severe disease and hospitalization. It's easy to get. It's free and it's readily available,' he said.

'So, you know, you've got to ask, what is the problem? Get over it. Get over this political statement. Just get over it and try and save the lives of yourself and your family.'

It comes on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing that the highly transmissible Indian 'Delta' variant is now the dominant strain of the virus in the U.S.

Dr Anthony Fauci told MSNBC on Wednesday (pictured) that not getting a vaccine is a 'political statement' and told unvaccinated Americans to 'get over themselves'

It comes on the heels of news that the Delta variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., making up 51.7% of cases. Some estimates suggest it could make up as many as 70% of new cases (above)

Get over it. Get over this political statement. Just get over it and try to save the lives of yourself and your family, says Dr. Fauci on the political polarization of the Covid vaccine. pic.twitter.com/9eqqCykBHN  All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) July 8, 2021

According to data updated on Tuesday evening, the variant, also known as B.1.617.2, makes up 51.7 percent of all new infections.

That's up from the 26.1 percent of cases previously linked to the the variant, meaning its prevalence has nearly doubled in two weeks.

The Delta variant has been detected in all 50 states and accounts for more than 80 percent of new infections in Midwestern states such as Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

About half of all states have been seeing COVID-19 cases increase as the variant spreads, a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins data earlier this week found.

'We should think about the Delta variant,' Andy Slavitt, former White House senior advisor for COVID-19 response, told CNN on Wednesday.

'It's twice as infectious. Fortunately, unlike 2020, we actually have a tool that stops the Delta variant in its tracks: It's called vaccine.'

On Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra (pictured) said the U.S. government has a right to know people's vaccination status

HHS @SecBecerra: "The federal government has spent trillions of dollars to keep Americans alive during this pandemic. So it is absolutely the government's business [to know who is vaccinated.] It is taxpayers' business if we have to continue to spend money" pic.twitter.com/AzLF0I18HF  New Day (@NewDay) July 8, 2021

Studies have shown that all three vaccines available in the U.S. - Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson - are effective against the variant.

Fauci added that getting vaccinated doesn't just protect the people that get the shot but those around them as well.

'Where there are high levels of vaccination, there's low levels of infection, low hospitalization, and almost no deaths,' he told MSNBC.

'Where you have no vaccination, you have higher levels of infection, higher risk, and hospitalization. It's not complicated, Chris...This is not complicated.

'We're not asking anybody to make any political statement one way or another. We're saying: "Try and save your life, and that of your family, and that of the community."'

Fauci's comments come as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra said the government has the right to know people's vaccination status.

'The federal government has spent trillions of dollars to try and keep Americans alive during this pandemic,' Becerra told CNN's'New Day on Thursday/

'So it is absolutely the government's business, it is taxpayers' business, if we have to continue to spend money to try and keep people from contracting COVID.'

The Biden administration had set a goal of getting 70 percent of adults with at least one dose by July 4, but the threshold was missed.

President Biden has continued to urge Americans to get vaccinated, especially to prevent the spread of the Delta variant.

The commander-in-chief recently announced a plan of going door-to-door to vaccinate more people, which Fauci defended.

'We're not talking about the government knocking on your door,' he said.

'We're talking about people who you can relate to in the community who you trust.'

As of Thursday, 67.2 percent of U.S. adults have received at least one dose and 58.4 percent are fully vaccinated, CDC data show.

Meanwhile, 55.1 percent of the entire population has been giving at least an initial shot and 47.6 percent have completed their vaccine series.

Slavitt also suggested to CNN that if the vaccines receive full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, instead of their current emergency use authorization, it might encourage more people to get immunized.
Moderna Inc announced on Wednesday that it has had officially begun trials of a flu shot with the new technology that was used to make its coronavirus vaccine.

The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company's COVID-19 shot uses part of the virus's genetic code called messenger RNA, or mRNA, to get the body to recognize the pathogen and attack if a person becomes infected.

Now, Moderna says it has given doses to the first participants in a clinical trial looking at an influenza vaccine using mRNA technology.

Before the pandemic, mRNA technology was known about but was widely unexplored and unused by scientists.

Now, many believe it can change the future of vaccines, and even be the basis for creating vaccines for HIV/AIDS, which Moderna is also researching.

Moderna is building on the discoveries made from the development of their COVID-19 vaccine, now trialing an mRNA flu vaccine

'We expect that our seasonal influenza vaccine candidates will be an important component of our future combination respiratory vaccines,' said Stephane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, in a statement.

The shots being trialed are for a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it will combat four different strains of the flu.

'Respiratory combination vaccines are an important pillar of our overall mRNA vaccine strategy,' Bancel continued.

'We believe that the advantages of mRNA vaccines include the ability to combine different antigens to protect against multiple viruses and the ability to rapidly respond to the evolution of respiratory viruses, such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV.

'Our vision is to develop an mRNA combination vaccine so that people can get one shot each fall for high efficacy protection against the most problematic respiratory viruses.'

Moderna plans to enroll 180 adults in the study of its flu vaccine, called mRNA-1010, and is currently in the early stages testing safety and efficacy.

The majority of current flu vaccines are based on inactivated viruses cultivated in chicken eggs.

The strains have to be selected six to nine months before the vaccines are intended to be used, and their efficacy is approximately 40 to 60 percent.

The flu shot under development targets four strains of flu recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO): A (H1N1), A(H3N2), B/Yamagata and B/Victoria.

The WHO estimates there are approximately three to five million severe cases of flu each year globally and 290,000 to 650,000 flu-related respiratory deaths.

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, which is based on the same mRNA technology, was the second of its kind to receive emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use against the virus.

It is also the second most commonly used vaccine in the U.S. - only trailing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine - having been administered over 135 million doses.

The mRNA technology could be widely used to create vaccines for a variety of conditions, including HIV/AIDS and Zika

Messenger RNA, often called mRNA, works by providing the body with an 'instruction kit' on how to build a certain protein.

Once the protein is built, the body recognizes it as a foreign object and builds a defense to it.

Vaccines using mRNA teach the body how to build the same proteins used by the virus, build them and then defend against them.

Once the defense to that type of protein is built, the body will know how to combat it once again if it enters as part of the virus.

The technology behind the vaccine is being used for other projects as well.

Including the flu shot, Moderna is trialing 14 different mRNA vaccines in the near future, as they are optimistic about the technology's ability to prevent all types of disease.

Other vaccines being trialed include ones that would prevent HIV/AIDS and the Zika virus.

A Stanford scientist, unassociated with Moderna, believes similar technology could even be used to create a 'super hero' vaccine in the future that could combat heart disease, kidney disease and Alzheimer's.
When a hospital is overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, it may be less equipped to care for people, leading to higher death rates, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed data from more than 500 hospitals across the U.S. in spring and summer 2020.

They found that, when caseloads increased, death rates followed with one in four Covid deaths occurring in hospitals that were overwhelmed with surges.

The team says the findings highlight the importance of identifying outbreaks early and aiding hospitals that are struggling - a strategy that may be key for areas now facing outbreaks caused by the Indian 'Delta' variant.

When hospitals are overwhelmed, patients are more likely to die with one in four COVID-19 deaths caused by overwhelmed hospitals, a new study shows. Pictured: A healthcare worker tends to a Covid patient in Apple Valley, California, January 2021

The researchers developed a 'surge index' reflecting how overwhelmed a hospital becomes with high caseloads. Hospitals with higher indices had higher mortality rates

From the start of the pandemic, a key public health strategy has been 'flattening the curve' - taking steps to avoid spreading the virus so that hospitals do not become overwhelmed.

Despite this focus, hospitals have become overwhelmed during major surges in the U.S.

Hospitals in New York City and other parts of the Northeast were overflowing in March 2020. The South and West were hit in the summer, followed by the Midwest in the fall.

When hospitals become overwhelmed, patients suffer.

Even the most well-prepared facilities will face challenges when increasing patient numbers lead to higher demand for the same staff, space, and supplies.

These challenges are especially dire for patients in severe condition - who may need a bed in an intensive care unit, a ventilator, or other time-consuming care.

Researchers at the NIH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harvard University, and Emory University all collaborated on the study, published Tuesday in Annals of Internal Medicine.

'How much of the whopping death toll was associated with simply being admitted to surging hospitals, rather than due to the infection itself?' asked co-lead author Dr Sameer Kadri, NIH research physician, in a video describing the study's findings.

To answer this question, the researchers used a large, anonymous dataset of Covid hospitalizations, covering about 144,000 patients at 558 hospitals across the country.

The analysis focused on patients hospitalized between March and August 2020. All were adults with positive tests for the virus.

The researchers created an index reflecting the burden that hospitals faced due to high caseloads in a given month, which they called the 'surge index.'

Patients who required intensive care, ventilators, or otherwise high levels of staff and supplies were weighted more heavily in the index.

Overall, the researchers found that hospitals had higher COVID-19 death rates when their surge index value increased.

'Adjusted Covid mortality risk increased as hospitals hit higher surge indices, with doubling of mortality risk in the 99th surge index percentile,' Kadri said.

Out of about 25,300 Covid deaths among patients in the study, 5,900 occurred in hospitals with high surge indices.

In other words, 23 percent - almost one in four - COVID-19 deaths may be tied to overwhelmed hospitals.

Covid mortality dropped during the spring as doctors learned how to better treat these patients - but plateaued in the summer as cases surged

The Northeast saw more overwhelmed hospitals in the spring, followed by the South and West in the summer

The researchers found that many hospitals in the Northeast had high surge indices in April - then hospitals in the South and West had higher indices in July - corresponding with major outbreaks during those months.

Patients hospitalized in March were more likely to die compared to those in May, reflecting improvements in care.

Doctors have gotten better at treating Covid in the past year and a half because the medical field gained knowledge in key treatments and intensive care strategies.

Still, when a hospital becomes overwhelmed, the healthcare staff is less able to use this knowledge.

Hospital mortality rate plateaued in summer 2020, the researchers found, as the South and West faced surges.

The researchers also note that a disproportionately high number of Hispanic patients were hospitalized in the summer, reflecting healthcare disparities in California and other areas that saw surges.

One in four Covid deaths at U.S. hospitals may be tied to an overwhelmed hospital. Pictured: Healthcare workers transport a patient to an ambulance in Brooklyn, New York

This study puts numbers to a dire trend, already familiar to healthcare workers across the country - when hospitals become overwhelmed, more patients will die.

Kadri said that he hopes hospitals can take note of this study and better prepare to bulk up on staff, supplies, and other support earlier in a surge rather than later.

'Hospitals could potentially track their own surge indices and preemptively divert patients and ask for help sooner,' Kadri said.

'This might prevent them from hitting critically high surge indices, avoiding excess deaths.'

The Delta variant makes this advice more relevant, as hospitals in Missouri and other rural, under-vaccinated areas are already starting to become overwhelmed.

But vaccination remains the best strategy to avoid surges in the first place, Kadri said.
People who have only received one shot of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine have little protection from the Indian 'Delta variant', a new study finds.

French researchers found that the Delta variant has the ability to evade some neutralizing antibodies that are either produced after infection or occur through vaccination.

One shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca-University of Oxford vaccine 'barely' offered any immunity against the variant, but two shots provided 'robust protection.'

This means that millions of Americans who received just one of the two-dose vaccine may be vulnerable to infection, severe illness or death.

Americans who have only received one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine may not have the antibodies necessary to combat the Delta variant, a study finds

Having only one shot of the Pfizer vaccine left someone with little neutralizing antibodies to combat the Delta variant. The second shot led to an increase in the antibodies that fight the virus, and is believed to be enough to protect people from the variant

Similar to the Pfizer vaccine, results from study participants who received the AstraZeneca vaccine show that one shot produces little antibodies necessary to fight COVID. Getting a second shot gets antibodies up to acceptable levels, though

For the study, published in Nature, the team took blood samples of people who got one dose and tested it against the original strain, the Kent 'Alpha' variant, the South African 'Beta' variant and the Delta variant.

Lab experiments showed one dose left people without the necessary neutralizing antibodies to combat the variant.

Receiving the second shot led to a huge increase in neutralizing antibodies effective against the variant, though.

The Pfizer vaccine is the most widely used in the U.S., while the AstraZeneca vaccine is common in many European and Asian countries.

The Delta variant has swept across the world since first causing an outbreak in India, becoming the dominant strain in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Discovered in September, the strain of COVID is much more contagious than other virus mutations.

At its peak in May 2021, India was recording around 400,000 new daily cases an 4,000 deaths very day from the virus, almost all from the variant.

The variant then began to make its way across the world, finding foothold in the United Kingdom.

The isles have seen a 1,500 percent increase in daily cases from May 24 to early July, from 2,000 to over 32,000 a day.

More than 99 percent of new cases recorded in the UK are linked to the Delta variant as well, as the country has lost control of their COVID situation - putting hopes for a return to normal in the near future in doubt.

Some experts fear the country could experience over 100,000 new cases a day in the near future as the outbreak continues.

The United States is now dealing with the early stages of what might be a Delta-caused case surge as well.

The variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., accounting for just over half of active cases, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Individual states are having their own smaller outbreaks as well.

Missouri is now the nation's biggest COVID-hotspot, increasing from around 400 a day at the end of the month to around 1,000 a day on average this week - a 250 percent rise - largely because of the variant.

The Midwest as a whole is getting hammered by the variant, according to the CDC.

Rochelle Walensky, director of the agency, said on Thursday that the virus may have a prevalence of over 80 percent in some parts of the region.

Experts also fear that in some parts of the country with lower vaccine rates, smaller outbreak 'pockets' will form in some communities.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, even warned that 'two Americas' could split between regions with high and low vaccination rates.

He pleaded with Americans to drop political difference and get vaccinated on an MSNBC appearance Wednesday night.

'Here we have a vaccine that's highly, highly effective in preventing disease and certainly in preventing severe disease and hospitalization. It's easy to get. It's free and it's readily available,' he said.

'So, you know, you've got to ask, what is the problem? Get over it. Get over this political statement. Just get over it and try and save the lives of yourself and your family.'

Getting vaccinated is the main form of protection from the virus, and cases around the country have dropped in recent months due to a largely successful vaccine rollout.

A report from the CDC last month found that more than 10 percent of Americans are not returning to get their second shots of the vaccine, though.

Olivier Schwartz, lead author of the French study, which was published in the Nature journal, told the Washington Post that the study provided 'good news' since it determines anyone with two-shots should be safe from the virus.

There are some concerns the vaccines are not as effective against the Delta variant as they are against other strains, though.

Data from an Israeli outbreak shows that the Pfizer vaccine may only have 64 percent efficacy against the Indian variant - compared to 95 percent efficacy against other strains.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new guidance on Thursday that will likely limit which patients can use a controversial new Alzheimer's drug.

When the FDA first gave authorization for use of aducanumab (Aduhelm), it was approved for use in all Alzheimer's patients.

But the agency's new label for the drug says it is appropriate for patients with mild or early-stage Alzheimer's but has not been studied in patients with more advanced disease.

The FDA said the change is intended to address confusion among physicians and patients about who should get the drug, which has faced an intense public backlash since its approval last month.

Doctors can still recommend the drug to all Alzheimer's patients, though now insurance providers have more justification in denying potential claims.

The FDA has revised its label for Aduhelm, the first Alzheimer's drug to receive FDA approval since 2003, now only recommending it for people with early or mild stages of the condition

Biogen suffered a rocky trial process with Aduhelm, with two trials both being cut short after failing to hit goals. They still managed to get approval for their drug, though, as some data showed it could slow cognitive decline by up to 22%

Drugmaker Biogen announced the change in a release Thursday, stating that the update is intended to 'clarify' the patients studied in the company trials that led to approval.

The FDA first approached the company about narrowing the label and approved the language.

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'Hearing these concerns, FDA determined that clarifications could be made to the prescribing information to address this confusion,' the agency said in an emailed statement.

Despite the update, the FDA added that 'some patients may benefit from ongoing treatment' if they develop more advanced Alzheimer's.

Such sweeping changes to drug labels are rare, particularly only a few weeks after approval.

'It's a responsible move by both the FDA and Biogen to maximize the safety while giving the drug the best chance to work,' Dr Ronald Petersen of the Mayo Clinic, who has consulted for Biogen and other drugmakers, told the Associated Press.

Aduhelm was initially given accelerated approval by the FDA on June 7, making it the first drug approved to fight Alzheimer's since 2003.

Critics doubt the drug's effectiveness after clinicals trials with mixed results.

Biogen, which is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, launched two clinical trials for Aduhelm in 2016.

Both were stopped midway because researchers concluded that neither trial would end up reaching its goal.

Later, the company revealed updated data from the second study that showed patients had 22 percent decrease in speed of their cognitive decline.

It also showed that it could remove amyloid beta plaques on the brain that some experts believe can reduce the cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer's.

Because of this, the drug - which has already been used to treat some patients - received some support from the Alzheimer's community.

Advocates said that while the drug is not perfect, it can help delay the cognitive decline in the more than six million Americans who have Alzheimer's.

'This will give us a new biological foothold to build on,' Dr Stephen Salloway, director of neurology and the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital, told The Washington Post.

'To get the best in class, you have to have the first in class.'

The Alzheimer's Association was supportive of the drug as well, hoping that it can provide temporary relief for patients while further drugs are developed.

'We don't think this is the end all or be all,' Harry Johns, president and chief executive of the Alzheimer's Association, told The Post.

'It will take more advances, but it does appear from the science that people, especially at early stages, could be real beneficiaries and that the benefits accumulate over time.'

As part of the accelerated approval, Biogen will have to prove the drug's effectiveness in a clinical trial by 2030.

Dr David Knopman (pictured) has been one of aducanumab's biggest critics, saying that Biogen's trials of the drug do not show that the drug is effective in combatting Alzheimer's

'We think nine years is unacceptable and our expectation is that it will happen in a much shorter time frame,' said Maria Carrillo of the Alzheimer's Association, about the deadline.

Many scientists have criticized Biogen's data conclusion of the second trial, describing it as finding a conclusion then building the process to get there backwards in order to get the results they wanted.

Three FDA advisory board members, Dr David Knopman of the Mayo Clinic, Dr Aaron Kesselheim of Harvard University and Dr Joel Perlmutter of Washington University St Louis, stepped down last month.

All three were among the opposition in the board's 10-0 vote against approving Aduhelm.

Recommendations from the board are not binding, though, and the FDA is allowed to, and often does, make decisions that go against the board's vote.

It is rare that a unanimous decision by the board is ignored, though, and the agency is generally more conservative than experts on the board - which was not the case with Aduhelm.

Knopman authored a study in November which analyzed the results of the clinical trials, and said he disagreed with Biogen's claim that the drug was effective.

Kesselheim had some scathing words about the drug's approval as well.

'[Aduhelm] is probably the worst drug approval decision in recent U.S. history,' Kesselheim wrote in a letter to FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock obtained by Stat News.

'It is clear to me that FDA is not presently capable of adequately integrating the Committee's scientific recommendations into its approval decisions.'

He also criticized the large price point of the drug, as well.

Dr Aaron Kesselheim (pictured) called the approval of Aducanumab the 'the worst drug approval decision in recent U.S. history'

'The worst thing for people with Alzheimer's would be to put out a product that doesn't work,' Kesselheim said.

'It will be sold at an extremely high price and waste resources that could go to other things.'

Two congressional committees in the House also launched an investigation into the FDA's review of the drug.

The House investigations were announced by Rep Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep Frank Pallone Jr, chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

'We have serious concerns about the steep price of Biogen's new Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm and the process that led to its approval despite questions about the drug's clinical benefit,' Maloney and Pallone Jr said in a statement.

Biogen said it will 'of course cooperate with any inquiry we may receive from these committees,' in response to a Reuters request for comment.

The drug, which will cost $56,000 for a year of treatment, was projected to have a cost between $10,000 and $20,000.

An analysis published by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimated that if just 500,000 Medicare recipients are prescribed Aduhelm, it would cost Medicare nearly $29 billion a year, far more than any other medication.

'At this price, the cost of this one drug alone could top all others covered by Medicare, if it is used widely,' said Tricia Neuman, coauthor of the report.

'There's absolutely no way Biogen should be allowed to charge patients $56,000 for the new Alzheimer's drug - costing Medicare up to $29 billion a year. We must take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry,' Bernie Sanders, an independent Vermont senator wrote in a tweet.

The narrower label may ease some of those concerns by shrinking the number of patients likely to get the drug, which requires monthly IVs.

Many hospitals have already stated that they plan to limit the drug's use to patients with earlier stage disease.

Doctors could still prescribe the drug for more advanced patients, though insurers might refuse to pay for it, citing the FDA label

Biogen CEO Michel Vounatsos defended the large price of Aduhelm on CNBC on June 7.

'[The price] will allow sustainability of continuing to invest in our rich pipeline that goes beyond Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, stroke, neuropathic pain and many more. So, we believe this is a fair price,' he said.
Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech announced on Thursday that a booster shot of their COVID-19 vaccine extends protection against the virus.

Clinical trials found that the third dose, given six months after the second should, generated levels of neutralizing antibodies five to 10 times higher than the initial two doses.

What's more, the companies say they are planning to tweak the booster shot to target the Indian 'Delta' variant directly as it continues to spread across the U.S.

The companies said they plan to publish 'more definitive data' soon and submit it for approval to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech says their COVID-19 booster shot extends protection against the disease with neutralizing antibodies five to 10 times higher than with the standard two doses. Pictured: A healthcare worker prepares a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose in Los Angeles, January 2021

On Tuesday, the CDC revealed that the Indian 'Delta' variant is the dominant strain in the U.S., making up 51.7% of cases. Some estimates suggest it makes up to 70% of new cases

The companies said they believe their booster shot has the potential to offer the 'highest levels' of protection against all variants, including the Delta variant.

However, scientists are 'remaining vigilant' and are developing an updated version of the third dose.

A statement reference a study from Israel that showed a decrease in efficacy against variant six months after being fully vaccinated.

'As seen in real world evidence released from the Israel Ministry of Health, vaccine efficacy has declined six months post-vaccination, at the same time that the Delta variant is becoming the dominate variant in the country,' the companies said in a written statement.

'These findings are consistent with an ongoing analysis from the companies' Phase 3 study.'

Data showed that the vaccine still offered significant protection against severe disease, but that efficacy against symptomatic disease declined due to variants.

Levels of neutralizing antibodies after the third dose were five to 10 times higher than after the standard two doses, early data show. Pictured:) Marc Ocampo (left) vaccinates Douglas Rozier, 59 (right) of Long Beach, California, against COVID-19, July 2021

'That is why we have said, and we continue to believe that it is likely, based on the totality of the data we have to date, that a third dose may be needed within six to 12 months after full vaccination,' the statement read.

The company said it is currently working on clinical trial materials for a booster shot to target the variant with plans to begin studies in August.

Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla has consistently stated that he believes Americans will need a third dose, and has even suggested the vaccine will become annual like the flu shot.

Officials at Moderna Inc, which is also testing a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, have made similar comments about Americans needing booster shots.

'Booster shots will be needed as we believe the virus is not going away,' Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told investors during an earnings call in May.

However, it will be up to the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if and when boosters are needed.

Pfizer and BioNTech's announcement comes on the heels of news that the Delta variant is now the dominant strain of the virus in the U.S.

According to CDC data updated on Tuesday evening, the variant, also known as B.1.617.2, makes up 51.7 percent of all new infections.

That's up from the 26.1 percent of cases previously linked to the the variant, meaning its prevalence has nearly doubled in two weeks.

The Delta variant has been detected in all 50 states and accounts for more than 80 percent of new infections in Midwestern states such as Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.
The European Union issued 875million (around 732million) in fines to major German car manufacturers after for colluding to curb the use of emissions cleaning technology they had developed.

Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen - along with its Audi and Porsche divisions - avoided competing on technology to restrict pollution from gasoline and diesel passenger cars, the EU's executive commission said.

Volkswagen has been fined 502million (432million) whilst BMW must pay 373million (321million).

Daimler, the parent group of Mercedes-Benz, avoided any fines after it revealed the cartel to the European Commission. Had it not disclosed information about the collusion of the car makers, it would have been fined the most - a staggering 727m (624m).

Emission cartel fined: Major German car makers were stung with fines with a combined value of 875million (around 732million) after being found to have colluded to not bring emission-reducing technology to the market as soon as possible

It was the first time the European Commission imposed collusion fines on holding back the use of technical developments, not a more traditional practice like price fixing.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said that even though the companies had the technology to cut harmful emissions beyond legal limits, they resisted competition and denied consumers the chance to buy less polluting cars.

'Manufacturers deliberately avoided to compete on cleaning better than what was required by EU emission standards. And they did so despite the relevant technology being available,' Vestager said. That made their practice illegal, she added.

According to Vestager, the companies agreed on the size of onboard tanks containing a urea solution known as AdBlue that is injected into the exhaust stream to limit pollution from diesel engines, and also on the driving ranges that could be expected before the tank needed refilling.

A bigger tank would enable more pollution reduction.

Green group Transport & Environment said the EU's verdict is proof that car manufacturers cannot be trusted to put peoples health and the climate before profit

Vestager said cooperation between companies is permissible under EU rules when it leads to efficiency gains, such as the faster introduction of new technologies. 'But the dividing line is clear: Companies must not coordinate their behavior to limit the full potential of any type of technology,' she said.

Volkswagen said the investigation had ended with a finding that several other forms of cooperation under review were not improper under antitrust law.

'The (EU) Commission is breaking new legal ground with this decision, because it is the first time it has prosecuted technical cooperation as an antitrust violation,' the company said in a statement.

'It is also imposing fines even though the contents of the talks were never implemented and customers were therefore never harmed.'

Volkswagen said that the tank sizes produced by all the carmakers involved were 'two to three times' bigger than discussed in the talks. It said it was considering an appeal to the European Court of Justice.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said that even though the companies had the technology to cut harmful emissions beyond legal limits, they resisted competition and denied consumers the chance to buy less polluting cars

BMW said that discussions on the AdBlue tanks had 'no influence whatsoever on the companys product decisions.' The company said it was significant that that the fine notice found there was no collusion involving earlier allegations of using software to restrict AdBlue dosing.

BMW said it set aside 1.4billion (approx 1.2million) based on the commission's initial accusations but reduced the set-aside in May due to more serious allegations in the case not being substantiated.

Green group Transport & Environment said the EU's verdict is proof that car manufacturers cannot be trusted to put peoples health and the climate before profit.

Daimler, the parent group of Mercedes-Benz, avoided any fines after it revealed the cartel to the European Commission

Julia Poliscanova, senior director for vehicles and emobility at T&E, said: 'Carmakers cannot be trusted to clean up cars.

'First they cheated on emissions tests, then they colluded to delay cleaner vehicles even though they had the technology.

'Only an EU target to switch to 100 per cent emissions-free cars by 2035 will be enough to decarbonise by mid-century and avoid climate catastrophe.'

The case wasn't directly linked to the 'dieselgate' scandal of the past decade, when Volkswagen admitted that about 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide were fitted with the deceptive software, which reduced nitrogen oxide emissions when the cars were placed on a test machine but allowed higher emissions and improved engine performance during normal driving.

The scandal cost Wolfsburg, Germany-based Volkswagen 30billion (around 26million) in fines and civil settlements and led to the recall of millions of vehicles.

The Volkswagen vehicles in the scandal did not use the urea tanks but relied on another pollution reduction technology.
I purchased some Gucci earrings for 550 from a seller on ebay and paid via PayPal.

I opted to have them sent to my local pick-up point which I've done with previous purchases.

However, this time, due to being unwell, I went to pick them up a few days later after arrival and was told my item would have been returned to the sender.

I messaged and told her to expect the earrings back and that I'd pay the return postage but after a number of days, she still hadn't received the earrings.

An eBay buyer was left without her 550 earrings or her money after they were sent to charity

I went back to the pick-up point, who put me in touch with eBay. I was told if the return form is not filled in, the item is sent to charity.

The seller claims she did include one but now I am hundreds of pounds out of pocket without my earrings. Who do I claim the money back from? K.D., via email

Grace Gausden, consumer expert at This is Money, replies: You didn't think the experience with eBay was all that designer after your expensive Gucci earrings went AWOL.

After ordering the 550 items on the bidding site, you asked to have them delivered to a nearby pick-up point which is fast becoming a popular way of having items sent.

GRACE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Grace Gausden tackles reader problems and shines the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: grace.gausden@thisismoney.co.uk

Pick-up points can include newsagents, off licences or supermarkets whilst Amazon have their own lockers situated in a number of places including shopping centres and train stations.

Royal Mail are also now offering customers the chance to pick up parcels from selected Post Office branches and Royal Mail Customer Service Points.

Your pick up point was at an eBay Collection point in an Argos situated in a Sainsburys local to you. This is available for sellers to opt into and so is different to the large merchant click and collect.

However, despite ordering to a pick-up point as you usually do, you became sick and were unable to get there for a couple of days.

By the time you got there, the earrings had vanished.

You were advised by staff the earrings had been returned to the sender with the sender advising all of her return information was inside and on the package  plus it had been sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery.

However, after waiting well over a week, thinking there may still be delays due to coronavirus, the sender still hadn't got the earrings and advised you to return to the pick-up point.

eBay said local pick-up stores will hold items for a period of seven days before returning them

You spoke to the manager who rang eBay which advised if a returns form hasn't been filled in, the item is sent to charity - something that came as quite a shock and leaving you in a very difficult situation.

As you say, if the item was of small value, you would happily let it go to charity but these were an expensive pair of earrings bought as a treat.

If it was taken to charity, this would have been a mistake as the sender had included her return details.

I contacted eBay to see what customers are meant to do in a situation like this, where they have paid for the item but it is has essentially disappeared.

Fortunately, eBay admitted the return was not processed correctly and has given you a full refund.

The Gucci earrings were given to charity - giving someone a bargain on designer items

An eBay spokesperson said: 'We have systems in place to protect both the buyer and seller, and when an item is automatically returned from a pick-up point, the buyer is refunded by either the seller or eBay as part of our eBay Moneyback Guarantee.

'In Ms.Ds' case, the return was not processed correctly which caused a delay in issuing her refund. However, upon further review, we have refunded her the full amount.'

It added local pick-up stores will hold items for a period of seven days. If the item is not collected within this period, the item is returned to the seller, and the buyer will receive a refund from the seller.

In your case, after the seven-day holding period had ended, the item was returned, due to an error it was processed as a 'return to charity'.

A 'return to charity' would normally happen only if the item cannot be returned to the seller. In these cases, eBay will refund the buyer, and this would typically be processed the next day.

However, that did not happen in your case due to an error that occurred as part of the returns process.

Luckily you have the money back but it may serve as a reminder to ensure you collect your parcels on time to avoid having your bling go missing.

A Virgin Media customer struggled to get a cheque from the firm after she overpaid her bill

Hit and miss: This week's naughty and nice list

Each week, I look at some of the companies that have fallen short of expected standards as well as those that have gone that extra mile for customers.

Miss: Virgin Media have come under scrutiny this week by reader, Jean.

She said: 'We received a cheque from Virgin Media on 27 January for 35.71 after we overpaid but unfortunately due to the Covid pandemic and lockdown restrictions we were unable to cash it at the time.

'Recently, on attempting to cash the cheque at our local bank we were told because it was over six months old it would need to be re issued but trying to get this resolved with Virgin Media is proving a nightmare.

'It told me the cheque had been removed due to the length of time showing on our closed account but would look into it. However, during another call, it told me the cheque had been cashed when I had the original in front of me.

'With no joy from my several phone calls we went to the bank with our information. A member of staff looked through our account and could find no record of the cheque being cashed.

'She personally phoned Virgin Media and after speaking to several departments got through and was assured a new cheque would be issued in 5 to 7 working days. That conversation took place on 16 June and so far there has been no sign of any cheque being sent out to us.'

I spoke to Virgin Media as, although this was a small sum, you stressed how the principle of the matter, plus the back and forth on phone calls and trips to the bank, had been very frustrating for you.

Virgin said it has spoken to you and immediately sent you out a new cheque  an outcome you are happy with.

Whilst you can now check this off your list of things to do, I have a feeling you are happy you made the choice to move to another provider.

Hit: In positive news, reader Phil, wanted to praise Fenetic Wellbeing - a company based in Keighley selling mobility aids.

He said: 'My mother's wheelchair frame had sheared, but this was almost two years after we had purchased the wheelchair.

'I thought I'd try my luck and contacted Fenetic pointing out that due to the pandemic the wheelchair had not been excessively used and hoping they would be able to do something to help me out.

'I was hoping they might be prepared for the wheelchair to be returned in order to repair the frame.

'They asked for a photograph of the damage and replied immediately saying they would send out a new wheelchair once they realised the old one was irreparable.

'We received the new wheelchair three days later - they actually apologised for the extra day delay due to the May bank holiday.

'Everyone I either spoke to or emailed at the company was professional and compassionate and deserve recognition for this. A brilliant company.'

Wheelie good news  we're always pleased to hear about companies going above and beyond when it comes to co customer service.
There has been a tectonic shift in the UK's commercial property market in recent years, as large companies slashed office space and retailers pivoted to online.

While the outbreak of coronavirus has proved to be a structural shock to the market, in some areas it has merely accelerated the pace of change.

As soon as the prospect of a national lockdown was floated last year, a number of investment firms suspended their high-profile open-ended property funds, leading experts again to suggest time would soon be called on these funds.

Many experts have insisted open-ended structures are unsuitable for commercial property

The recent news that Aviva and Aegon are winding down their property funds entirely may prove to be the final nail in the coffin.

As the regulator clamps down on the vexed issue of liquidity, the future of commercial property investment in the UK will change and investors will want to consider their options.

Open-ended funds have been a 'slow motion car crash'

Property assets have generally been considered a stable and relatively safe source of returns over the years, but experts have long been concerned about the liquidity mismatch in open-ended property funds offered by the likes of L&G and BMO.

Liquidity is how easy it is to convert an asset into cash without affecting its price.

A number of open-ended property funds offer investors daily or weekly liquidity, meaning they can withdraw cash quickly. However the underlying property assets are a lot less liquid and often take weeks or months to finalise a deal.

The funds hold a portion of the portfolio - usually 20 per cent - in cash and liquid securities to mitigate this issue.

The warning signs for property fund liquidity have been in the making for a number of years. In the wake of the Brexit referendum, a handful of property funds were forced to suspend redemptions as savers rushed to withdraw their cash.

In 2019 the then Bank of England governor Mark Carney said: 'These funds are built on a lie which is that you can have daily liquidity for assets that fundamentally aren't liquid.'

Since then open-ended property funds have had an increasingly turbulent time. M&G was the first domino to fall before anyone had even uttered the word Covid-19. As soon as lockdown hit, independent valuers were forced to introduce material uncertainty clauses which led to a slew of firms also gating their property funds.

'The issue with daily liquidity property funds has been somewhat of a slow motion car crash and unfortunately it will be some time yet before many investors are able to access the capital invested in these strategies,' James McManus, CIO of investment manager Nutmeg said.

What next for these types of funds?

The success of the vaccine rollout and reopening of the economy have prompted leading investment managers to start to reopen their real estate funds.

M&G reopened its property fund in April, saying that fund manager Justin Upton had sold or exchanged 38 properties for 702.7million while the fund was closed, reducing the total number to 54.

And in response to liquidity concerns, M&G said it would allow actual property exposure to fall as low as 60 per cent in exceptional circumstances to help manage liquidity 'for example as a result of unusually high levels of investor redemptions'.

Some firms do not want to take the risk. Last month Aegon announced plans to close its fund due to liquidity concerns, just a month after Aviva Investors did the same.

Aegon suffered from office closures, with the fund having a near 25 per cent weighting towards non-London, south east offices, according to its figures in the Q1.

What is the regulator doing about these funds? Open-ended property funds have been under scrutiny from the Financial Conduct Authority in the wake of the mass fund closures last year. They have mulled introducing a notice period which would see investors have to wait six months until they get their money back. It has said it would help to reduce the risks to investors and the economy to sell assets quickly, rather than at the maximum price, to meet withdrawal requests. It is now waiting for feedback on a new structure - the long-term asset fund which was first outlined by the Investment Association in 2019. The LTAF will be an open-ended vehicle which would allow retail investors access to unlisted and illiuqid assets, including real estate and private investors. It is now consulting separately on the LTAF and in May said it will only confirm specific fund rules once the consultation is over.

Aegon and Aviva's funds are valued at around 380m and 366m respectively, according to Morningstar data.

They are dwarfed by the likes of L&G and M&G whose funds are valued at over 2bn, but it does suggest that even as the economy starts to recover the underlying issues remain.

Indeed money continues to bleed out of the sector and between January and May of this year, property funds have suffered cumulative net outflows of 1.5bn according to data from funds network Calastone.

And these outflows will likely continue until the regulator tries to address this liquidity mismatch.

The Investment Association has previously blamed the failures of these types of funds on inadequate action by the regulator, which is in the midst of a consultation on a mandatory 180-day notice period for open-ended funds.

This is unlikely to be well received by parts of the real estate industry but it is becoming increasingly difficult to think that these funds will be able to continue in their current form.

However Oli Creasey, equity research analyst at Quilter Cheviot, thinks Aviva and Aegon will be the last of the funds to permanently close.

'You can't rule it out, but I'm not holding my breath for further casualties. The other funds out there are by and large bigger, which matters, and have been open for a while and so have probably already been hit by any panicked sellers.'

What if the Delta variant runs rampant and independent valuers are forced to introduce material uncertainty clauses again?

Creasey thinks this is highly unlikely: 'The valuers would be less likely to do so because none of this is a massive surprise any more.'

Instead the valuers may focus on individual assets or sectors, like retail and leisure, rather than a wholesale closure of all assets.

'It is an imperfect system,' Creasy conceded. 'You have properties that on a good day can take three months and you're expected to provide daily liquidity. We would prefer to ensure investors are properly educated to the risks.'

Are there other ways to invest in the real estate sector?

For investors who want to avoid the risk attached with open-ended funds they can gain exposure to commercial property by investing in closed-ended structures like real estate investment trusts (REITs).

The closed-ended structure does not have the same liquidity problem because the funds issue a limited number of shares, which are traded on the stock market.

'We've always preferred the closed-ended structure when it comes to investing in illiquid assets classes, like direct property,' said Moira O'Neill, head of personal finance at Interactive Investor.

'This structure isn't perfect, but it does meant that investors can head for the emergency exit if they need to. And, important but often overlooked - they can buy whenever they spot an opportunity.'

REITs have performed relatively well in the past six months despite challenging conditions in the rental market. Warehouse REIT which focuses on urban warehouses is up nearly 26 per cent year-to-date.

Urban Logistics and Tritax Big Box REIT specialise in logistics centres and have seen their share prices jump 10.1 per cent and 19.3 per cent respectively.

They do not come without their difficulties however. REITs are traded on the stock market which means their value is based off their share price rather than the net asset value (NAV). It means investors could lose out during periods of market volatility.

'Investors get the benefit of liquidity given the equity nature of the investment, but the return streams do not necessarily resemble physical property, and yields tend to be much lower than those that can be achieved in the physical property market (although they are relatively stable)' McManus said.

Creasy offers another alternative: 'One answer for investors is being aware the two vehicles exist. Neither is perfect and have different pros and cons.

'If you want to be buying property in a diversified way perhaps you can look at both of them in combination.'

Exchange-traded funds are one way of diversifying exposure to UK retail and are a lower cost alternative.

iShares UK Property UCITS ETF offers exposure to a range of UK-focused REITs and costs just 0.40 per cent a year. It currently yields 1.8 per cent.

However it remains concentrated: of the 40 or so holdings, the top 10 account for 65 per cent of the fund's exposure, with Segro alone standing at nearly 21 per cent.
Aston Martin has hired two female directors in the latest effort to shake off its reputation as a petrolhead boys club.

The car makers boss Lawrence Stroll has brought on Net-a-Porter founder Dame Natalie Massenet and former Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue executive Marigay McKee.

Their appointments underline Strolls commitment to emphasising Astons credentials as a luxury brand after several years of a strategy to make more affordable cars.

Aston Martin has appointed Net-a-Porter founder Dame Natalie Massenet (left) and former Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue executive Marigay McKee (right) to its board

The James Bond favourite  which was founded in 1913  now has three women on its board.

Massenet, a former Tatler journalist and ex-head of the British Fashion Council, set up Net-a-Porter in 2000 after finding it hard to source clothes for a photo shoot.

She used loans from friends and family to set up the webpage, which was designed so users could click to buy items they liked, and turned it into a 1.45billion retail business.

Massenet is estimated to be worth 143million after the business was sold in 2015 to online Italian fashion giant Yoox Group.

She now runs her own fund  Imaginary Ventures  which has backed the seamless tights range Heist and Khloe Kardashians Good American jeans brand.

McKee is a managing partner of Fernbrook Capital Management. She started her career at Estee Lauder before spending 14 years at Harrods and transforming it into a department store for the ultra-wealthy.

Stroll, 61, said: I said in the annual report and at our annual general meeting, having refreshed the board earlier in the year, we were focused on diversity as a priority.

Diversity has become a major focus in the City in recent years and companies are now expected to have women holding at least 30 per cent of board roles.

Aston has fallen just short of this target with the latest hires.

The FTSE 250 group suffered a torrid first year-and-a-half as a listed company after a disastrous stock market float that saw its shares vastly overpriced.
Ministers were last night urged to probe the 6.3billion takeover of Morrisons over its potential impact on the UK's food supply chain.

The supermarket group's bosses are recommending a sale to private equity firm Fortress, which is backed by a consortium, and insists it will be a 'good steward' of the business.

Fortress has made a series of commitments in a bid to head off political opposition, including to maintain the grocer's direct involvement in large amounts of food production.

Pledge: Morrison's buyer Fortress has made a series of commitments including to maintain the grocer's direct involvement in large amounts of food production

Morrisons is unusual among the 'Big Four' supermarkets for owning much of its own supply chain.

But Luke Pollard, the shadow environment secretary, raised concerns about how binding voluntary pledges by Fortress are and whether they could be enforced.

The Labour MP accused ministers of 'sitting on their hands' over the issues and called for a probe into the takeover.

Pollard said: 'Ministers cannot be bystanders on a takeover this significant. The best thing they could do is properly scrutinise this and get commitments that will protect jobs and the UK's food security.

'If Morrisons is broken up and pieces of it sold for a quick buck, that could potentially weaken the supply chain and Britain's food security.'

He said if ministers were unwilling to scrutinise the deal, MPs should launch their own probes.

Supply chain issues were thrust into the spotlight in the early days of the pandemic, when shoppers across Britain were greeted by partially-empty shelves after a surge of panic-buying.

Kwasi Kwarteng, the Business Secretary, has said he is 'monitoring' the situation and is thought to be seeking a meeting with Morrisons bosses.

The Mail also understands the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is engaged in the process, with ministers seeking to ensure British farmers do not suffer due to loss of contracts or goods being replaced with cheaper foreign imports.

Morrisons was founded as a market stall in Bradford by William Morrison, whose son Sir Ken transformed it into a national grocer over a period of 50 years.

Along the way, the retail tycoon purchased several of his firm's suppliers to gain greater control over quality and to cut overall costs.

It now buys animals and whole crops directly from some 2,700 British farmers and has become the UK's second-biggest manufacturer of fresh food  making everything from fresh bread to seafood and meat products such as sausages.

It even owns a 30-foot fishing trawler called Jacqui A, after buying a Cornish seafood business in March.

This 'vertically-integrated' model sets it apart from the rest of the 'Big Four' grocers, which do not directly own most of the companies that supply them.

Fortress said it is 'committed to supporting Morrisons' important role in ensuring the ongoing security of food supply in the UK'.

However, the buyout firm has so far stopped short of making any legally-binding commitments and yesterday a spokesman refused to commit to doing so.

Rosalind Sharpe, of the Centre of Food Policy at City, University of London, said it was important to maintain domestic food supplies as the impact of climate change may mean foreign countries can export less produce in future.

She said: 'The Government has typically taken the view that UK ownership of these things does not really matter, but that has lost a bit of ground during the pandemic, when people saw how vulnerable supply chains could be.

So there is a strong case for maintaining the ability to feed ourselves  and that might mean in the short term that we have to be protectionist.
Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers could benefit from a new ruling concerning HM Revenue & Customs' approach to the 'fiendishly complex' High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge, according to lawyers involved in a landmark case.

This week the Upper Tribunal decided that HMRC cannot impose the HICBC via a 'Discovery Assessment' in circumstances where the person liable to the charge did not file a self-assessment tax return.

As a result of the Upper Tribunal case, Discovery Assessments issued in these circumstances could be open to challenge.

Floodgates open? Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers could benefit from a new ruling concerning HM Revenue & Customs' approach to the High Income Benefit Tax Charge, lawyers claim

Affected taxpayers could now have greater grounds to appeal these charges and have them written off, lawyers have claimed.

'As HMRC has lost its appeal, it means they were wrong to impose the HICBC by Discovery Assessments on hundreds of thousands of UK taxpayers subject to HICBC not not filing self-assessment tax returns', lawyers at Collyer Bristow LLP said.

What happened in the case?

Jason Wilkes took HMRC to court after being slapped with a backdated HICBC bill for child benefit payments his household received in previous tax years.

Mr Wilkes' wife, Samantha, claimed child benefit between 2014 and 2016, but Mr Wilkes ended up becoming liable for HICBC totalling over 4,000 for this period.

Like many parents who have complained to HMRC, Mr Wilkes was unaware of a change in the law in 2013.

The change in 2013, under former Chancellor George Osborne, meant if you earned over 50,100, you had to start paying some of the benefit back in the form of a tax return at the end of each tax year.

Key case: Jason Wilkes took HMRC to court after being slapped with a backdated HICBC bill for child benefit payments his household received

Mr Wilkes said he was unaware of any of these changes in law, but HMRC insisted it heavily promoted the changes at the time they were introduced.

HMRC wrote to Mr Wilkes in November 2018 informing him that he might be liable to pay the HICBC. Mr Wilkes wrote back to HMRC stating that he was indeed liable.

Later in the year, Mr Wilkes was sent a tax bill for over 4,000 in previously claimed support. HMRC had issued Mr Wilkes with 'Discovery Assessments' for underpaid tax going back previous years.

A 'Discovery' is a power held by HMRC that allows it to reopen closed tax periods and issue bills for previous years where it sees fit to do so.

Recognising that Mr Wilkes had a 'reasonable excuse' for not paying the HICBC at the time, HMRC did not seek to impose additional penalties on top of the payments.

Mr Wilkes argued that HMRC could not use their powers of 'discovery' to assess the earlier tax years as he was not required to file a self-assessment tax return and the child benefit charge is not income for these purposes.

Mr Wilkes appealed against the assessments via the First-tier tribunal.

This week HMRC lost an Upper Tribunal case on every point raised in respect of the case concerning Mr Wilkes. The Upper Tribunal confirmed the previous decision of the FTT.

Speaking to This is Money, a spokesperson for HMRC, said: 'We are considering the Upper Tribunals decision.

'All of the taxpayers who have been assessed are still liable to the HICBC, and nothing in the Tribunals judgement calls that into question.

'It is for the taxpayer to notify HMRC when they are liable to HICBC, and we will continue to contact customers where we can to inform them they may be liable to pay HICBC to help them get their tax affairs right.'

Why is this case important?

Mr Wilkes' Upper Tribunal case could have a number of implications for taxpayers slapped with bills for HICBC by HMRC via a Discovery Assessment when no self-assessment tax return has been filed.

James Austen, a partner and head of tax disputes at Collyer Bristow, acting for Mr Wilkes, said: 'I have been delighted to support Jason and Sam Wilkes in this appeal, and the outcome is a wonderful vindication of their case.

'The Upper Tribunal's decision comprehensively overturns any argument that HMRC can issue Discovery Assessments in HICBC cases where taxpayers have not been filing self-assessment tax returns.

What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge? First introduced in 2013, a High Income Child Benefit Tax charge, known as HICBC, may have to be paid by anyone with an individual income over 50,000 who receives Child Benefit. It also applies if the taxpayer's partner receives Child Benefit. Additionally, it also applies if someone else gets Child Benefit for a child living with you and they contribute at least an equal amount towards the childs upkeep. It does not matter if the child living with you is not your own child. To work out if your income is over the threshold, you will need to work out your adjusted net income. If your individual income is over 50,000 and so is your partners, then whoever has the higher income is responsible for paying the tax charge. If your income is over the threshold you can choose to get Child Benefit payments and pay the tax charge. Or, you can opt not to receive Child Benefit and not pay any HICBC tax charge. 'Despite being termed a "high income" charge, since 6 April 2021 it has affected wholly basic-rate taxpayers', lawyers at Collyer Bristow said. The 50,000 threshold has not been changed since it came into fruition. The Government collected has collected over 2.5billion in HICBC since its inception, figures obtained from a Freedom of Information request by financial advisers NFU Mutual showed in February. Steve Webb, a former Pensions Minister who is now a partner at consultants LCP, previously summed up HICBC in a nutshell. He said: 'The High Income Child Benefit Charge is a fiendishly complex piece of legislation which catches many people who might not think it could apply to them. 'It relies on people knowing about their partner's finances as well as requiring people who have never needed to fill in a tax return to start to do so.'

'Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers who have been anxiously awaiting this decision will be elated, and one hopes that HMRC will swiftly reimburse those who have been wrongly charged.

'As in Jason's case, HMRC has resorted to Discovery Assessments almost by default for far too long: this judgement will hopefully cause them to think more carefully about their proper use in future.'

Mr Austen told This is Money: Since the publication of the Wilkes decision, we have been inundated with requests for help by affected taxpayers and we have been struck by the extraordinary strength of feeling shown.'

Stefanie Tremain, a director at Blick Rothenberg, said: 'HMRC could now see individuals making a claim to recover tax which was wrongly assessed - its uncertain how successful such claims would be and HMRC are likely to resist them on the basis that the position was accepted and agreed, but HMRC are now in a difficult position.'

She added: 'The outcome of the Wilkes case is an important example where HMRC are not always right in their interpretation of the legislation, and taxpayers should be vigilant when receiving requests for information and tax payments, and take advice on whether HMRC do actually have the correct authority.'

What next? It remains to be seen if Rishi Sunak will announce changes to the High Income Benefit Tax Charge in his next Budget

Sean McCann, chartered financial planner at NFU Mutual, said: 'Although the Child benefit tax charge has been with us since 2013, many are unaware of the need to pay it once their income exceeds 50,000. Even those who arent parents themselves can find themselves liable to pay if they move in with a lower earning partner who is claiming child benefit.'

He added: 'The good news is that anything you pay into your pension is knocked off your income before the charge is assessed. If it reduces your income below 50,000 you wont need to pay the charge.'

The HICBC is certainly not without its critics, and some experts think this latest case highlights the need for change in the system.

Kay Ingram, public policy director at national financial planning group LEB, said: 'While the ruling may be welcome news for the many taxpayers who have paid the HICBC under Discovery Assessments, the threshold income of 50,100 at which this charge applies is far too low, not having been increased since it was introduced in 2013.

'It hits single parent families particularly hard as it is based on one individual exceeding the threshold, not on total household income.

'It would be timely for the Chancellor to remove this charge in his next Budget as it appears to be causing administrative problems for HMRC and taking money away from children.

'Those affected in future will still have to pay the tax unless they reduce the income which counts towards the threshold.'


Lloyds Banking Group has been fined 91million by the City watchdog for misleading insurance customers.

The High Street lender sent out 9m letters to existing home insurance customers from 2009 to 2017, claiming to offer competitive quotes for policy renewals.

However, at the same time it offered lower quotes to new customers for the same product  a practice branded by critics as the loyalty penalty.

Lloyds sent letters to existing home insurance customers claiming to offer 'competitive' quotes for policy renewals while offering lower quotes to new customers for the same product

The Financial Conduct Authority said Lloyds insurance arm had failed to check the accuracy of its messaging and ordered it to pay a 90.7million fine.

It is the second-biggest penalty ever handed out to a retail bank in the regulators history  and Lloyds again was on the receiving end, forced to pay 117million six years ago for mis-selling PPI.

The FCA is cracking down on loyalty fees, where insurers charge higher rates for loyal customers through renewals compared with new customers.

Rules coming into force in January will ban the practice.

The FCA also found that 500,000 Lloyds customers were told they would receive a discount based on loyalty or being a valued customer but this never materialised.

The bank only changed this once the watchdogs investigation was launched.

Lloyds has since made voluntary payments of around 13.5million to customers who received the letters about a discount that was never applied.

A Lloyds spokesman said: Were sorry that we got this wrong. Weve written and made payment to those customers affected by the discount issue.
A weakened but resilient Tropical Storm Elsa killed at least one person in Florida on Wednesday and injured several others when a possible tornado struck a campground at a Navy base in southeast Georgia.

Authorities in Jacksonville, Florida, said one person was killed Wednesday when a tree fell and struck two cars.

The National Weather Service reported 50mph 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 at around 5.50pm. Wind gusts in the area were reported between 45mph to 65mph.

About 10 people were injured and taken to hospitals by ambulance, said base spokesman Scott Bassett. Some of the injuries required medical treatment, he said, but were minor. Some buildings on the base also appeared to have been damaged in the storm, he said.





There was no damage to any sensitive military asset or submarines, he told CNN.

As many as 10 people were injured when a tornado touched down at an RB park at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base Wednesday evening

Sergio Rodriguez said many people were in the RVs when the tornado hit at around 5.50pm

Many of the RVs were later seen toppled over and broken amid bent trees

At least 10 people were taken to local hospitals following the tornado

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.'

A jogger made his way along Bayshore Blvd., in Tampa, as a wave breaks over a seawall, during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Elsa on Wednesday

Luis Ernesto caught a small wave while surfing along Pass-a-Grille Beach in St. Pete Beach, Florida on July 7, the morning after Tropical Storm Elsa moved over the Tampa Bay Area

A couple of signs hung loose on their post after Hurricane Elsa moved over Tampa Bay Area, which was spared major damage as Elsa stayed off shore as it passed by

Michael Ciarleglio with the city of Pinellas Park, cleaned up a few tree branches from the storm

People walked by one of two vehicles hit by a large pine tree in Jacksonville, where one person was killed by a falling tree

People walked by one of two vehicles hit by a large pine tree in Jacksonville, where one person was killed by a falling tree

Earlier in the day, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told a news conference that no major structural damage had been reported as Elsa came ashore in Taylor County, along the west coast of the peninsula near Tallahassee.

The storm brought wind gusts of up to 78 mph as it bared down on the area, according to Accuweather.

'Clearly, this could have been worse,' the Republican governor said, though he cautioned that many storm-related deaths happen after the system passes.

Elsa was expected to drop anywhere between three to nine inches of rain in western and northern Florida by the end of the storm, though Port Charlotte saw up to one foot of water by Wednesday morning.

There was also a risk of flooding in Georgia and South Carolina, which were predicted to get 3 to 5 inches of rainfall. Tornado watches were in effect in parts of northern Florida and southeast Georgia into Wednesday evening.

Valdosta, Georgia, and surrounding Lowndes County came under a flash flood warning as Elsas center passed nearby. Some roads and yards flooded, and nearby Moody Air Force Base reported wind gust of 41 mph, said county spokeswoman Meghan Barwick.

A man treaded water and waited for rescue crews approximately 32 miles southeast of Key West on July 6

The Coast Guard Cutter Thetis' crewmembers deploy the cutter's small boat to rescue people in the water. 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

Crew members aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Thetis provide medical attention to people they rescued from the water

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 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.

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite image taken at 11:50 p.m. on July 7, shows Tropical Storm Elsa located about 70 miles northwest of Tampa, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph

The storm is expected to travel across the eastern seaboard, hitting New York by Friday

Areas in the mid-Atlantic and southern New England could see three to six hour periods of heavy rain

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.

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 down the coast from Charleston was similar to a heavy summer thunderstorm - an inch or two of rain, winds gusting up to about 40 mph 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.

The National Hurricane Center said Elsa still packed 45 mph winds - more than nine hours after making landfall along Florida's northern Gulf Coast.

Adalynn Powell,7, plays in the waters left behind from Tropical Storm Elsa in front of her home in Fort Meyers, Florida on Wednesday

Charlie Norwood, with Sea Hag Marina, returns boats to the top storage rack after taking them down for Tropical Storm Elsa

The storm's center was sweeping over southeast Georgia by 8 p.m. Wednesday and was heading northeast across the eastern seaboard.

It is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Thursday, when it reaches the Carolinas, before heading up the mid-Atlantic coast.

It 'will likely become a tropical storm again' on Friday as the center moves along the east coast, where it could threaten New York City and Boston on Friday, according to CNN.

Areas in the mid-Atlantic and southern New England could see three to six hour periods of heavy rain, which could lead to flooding in urban areas, according to Accuweather.

The higher totals could reach into the two to four inch range, with six inches of rainfall likely to be limited to the Carolinas and southeastern New England from late Thursday into Friday.

The region could see gusts of 70 mph and storm surge of one to three inches.

More than 4.9 million people were under a tropical storm warning across parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina on Wednesday, and a tropical storm watch has also been issued in parts of New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
A father has described the chilling moment his young son found a plastic bag filled with bones feared to be the remains of a human.

Tom Moore, 40, was enjoying a hike with his son Tyler, 11, and two dogs in the coastal NSW town of Nelson Bay on Wednesday when the boy made the macabre discovery.

Mr Moore recalled the moment his son and dogs raced ahead along the popular Blue Lagoon hiking track before shouting out for help.

The father-of-two, who runs a local kite surfing business, recalled his son yelling: 'Hey dad, I think I've just seen a human torso.'

Local resident of Nelson Bay, Tom Moore, discovered the bones (pictured) instigating a [police investigation after posting the pic on a local Facebook group's page

Mr Moore expected his son had found a mannequin dumped in the bush, but was shocked to find a bag filled with what appeared to be human bones.

'They looked a bit strange to me,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'The fact that they had no flesh on them. There was no bugs or ants on them. And there was no skin, it was just bones. And they didn't look old. They were clean.'

Mindful his dogs might want to try and play with the bones, he took a quick picture and shared the shot to a local Facebook page.

'Is someone missing some bones, found near the blue lagoon,' he joked, still not convinced the bones were real.

'But the next thing I know, everybody starts freaking out saying they might be human bones and telling me to call the police.'

Tom Moore (pictured right, with his son Tyler) discovered the bones in a plastic bag whilst hiking at the Blue Lagoon bush trial

'Please call the police. It's no problem if they turn out to be animal but they don't look like (an) animal,' one concerned local wrote.

'That very much looks like a human sternum and ribs,' added another.

A third Nelson Bay native said the bones included a vertebra and definitely looked to be human.

Police confirmed they had been made aware of the discovery and were carrying out an investigation.

'We cant speculate on whether the bones are human or not, however we can confirm we have opened an investigation and we are currently on the way to the location to view the remains,' a local duty officer told Daily Mail Australia.
Two American service members have been injured after an air base in Iraq came under attack from at least 14 rockets.

The Ain al-Asad air base, which hosts U.S. and other international forces, was targeted on Wednesday - the same day that Kurdish-led forces in Syria said they thwarted a drone attack in an area where U.S. forces also operate.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks - part of a wave targeting U.S. troops or areas where they are based in Iraq and Syria.

Scenes of the Ain al-Asad base in Iraq, which on Wednesday came under attack

A burnt-out vehicle is seen after the attack on Wednesday on the Iraqi air base

At least 14 rockets were fired onto the base, officials said - likely on the orders of Tehran

The Ain al-Asad air base is seen in January 2020, with U.S. soldiers and journalists inspecting the rubble at a site of Iranian bombing. On Wednesday the base was once again under attack

Analysts believe, however, that they are part of a campaign by Iranian-backed militias. Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran vowed to retaliate after U.S. strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month.

The rockets landed on the base and its perimeter.

U.S. Army Colonel Wayne Marotto, spokesman for the coalition, said the two people were lightly wounded.

One suffered a concussion and the other had minor cuts, one of the officials added.

In Syria, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said no damage was done by the drone attack on the Al Omar oil field.

The oil field is in an eastern area bordering Iraq, where U.S. forces came under rocket fire but escaped injury on June 28.

The Pentagon said a drone had been brought down in eastern Syria and that no U.S. service members had been injured and there had not been any damage.

An aerial photo shows the Ain al-Asad air base in the western Anbar desert of Iraq

Iraqi army officials said the pace of recent attacks against bases hosting U.S. forces with rockets and explosive-laden drones was unprecedented.

Iraqi military sources said a rocket launcher fixed on the back of a truck was used in Wednesday's attack and was found on nearby farmland set on fire.

On Tuesday, a drone attacked Erbil airport in northern Iraq, targeting a U.S. base on the airport grounds, Kurdish security sources said.

Three rockets also landed on Ain al-Asad on Monday without causing casualties.

The United States has been holding indirect talks with Iran aimed at bringing both nations back into compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which was abandoned by then-President Donald Trump.

No date has been set for a next round of the talks, which adjourned on June 20.

An image from inside the Ain al-Asad air base, taken in January 2020. The base is home to U.S. and other international forces

Hamdi Malik, an associate fellow at the Washington Institute and a specialist on Iraq's Shiite militias, told Reuters the attacks were part of a coordinated escalation by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

The attempt to strike in eastern Syria appeared to be the first example of operations being carried out simultaneously in both countries.

'It seems to me they have the green light from Iran to escalate, especially given that the nuclear negotiations are not going well,' he said.

'But at the same time, they do not want to escalate beyond a certain point - they are more vulnerable to U.S. air strikes than they used to be - and they dont want to overcomplicate the negotiations Iran is holding with the West.'

The United States told the U.N. Security Council last week that it targeted Iranian-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with air strikes to deter them and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities.

Iran denied supporting attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria and condemned U.S. air strikes on Iranian-backed groups.
China is developing underwater AI robots that can hide in the sea and attack enemy vessels with torpedoes without human guidance.

The unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) were developed in experiments over a decade ago and successfully managed to use artificial intelligence to find a dummy submarine and attack it with a torpedo.

The experiments, conducted in the Taiwan Strait, saw the UUV deployed on a fixed course 30ft below the surface.

China is developing underwater AI robots that can hide in the sea and attack enemy vessels with torpedoes without human guidance (pictured, an 'Orca' undersea drone being built by Boeing for the US Navy)

It was able to identify the location of the submarine, change course, circle the target, and then fire at the dummy with an unarmed torpedo.

The UUV used sonar and onboard sensors to fetch data, which were analysed by the computer, to help it make complete the task.

The experiments were described in papers written by researchers at Harbin Engineering University in 2010 and declassified last week.

'The needs of future underwater warfare bring new development opportunities for the unmanned platforms,' wrote the scientists, led by Professor Liang Guolong.

He added the UUVs - which have presumably developed since 2010 - could be programmed to operate in a group and make simultaneous attacks on one target.

The drone was able to identify the location of the submarine, change course, circle the target, and then fire at the dummy with an unarmed torpedo (pictured, a British submarine)

China conducted the tests in the Taiwan Strait - a contested body of water that Beijing claims, with the island, as its own

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China conducted the tests in the Taiwan Strait - a contested body of water that Beijing claims, with the island, as its own.

The oddly timed announcement comes after China warned Japan against offering to join forces with the US military to defend Taiwan.

An opinion column in Global Times claimed Japan was 'digging its own grave' by offering to defend Taiwan from China alongside the US.

The article also said Japan was 'powerless' against the Chinese military and warned it not to cross Beijing's 'red lines'.

UUVs are already used by commercial shipping companies and navies but they have never been used in combat.

Several UUVs have been washed up on various beaches in Asia. In December, Indonesia fishermen found a two-metre unmanned underwater drone in waters near Selayar Island, just off South Sulawesi.

The UUV was reported to authorities six days later and images published in local media showed Indonesian military officers posing with the long grey drone, identified as a Chinese Haiyi, or 'Sea Wing'.

The high-tech unpowered surveillance device is known as a glider and utilises variable-buoyancy propulsion to explore the waters.

Local media said the drone was 'in the shape of a missile', made of aluminium, and was 225cm in length with a 50cm wing on either side. A rear antenna attached to the equipment is also 93cm in length.

In December, Indonesia fishermen found a two-metre unmanned underwater drone (pictured) in waters near Selayar Island, just off South Sulawesi

The UUV was reported to authorities and was being inspected by the Indonesian military. Local media shared pictures of officers posing with the submarine drone (pictured)
Uber users say they have been hit with surging prices for their usual rides, after the number of private hire drivers was decimated during the peak of the pandemic.

Some riders have complained of fare prices more than doubling in some cases and a lack of available drivers in the area, as customers feel the pinch after lockdown.

Industry experts have warned that this may be the tip of the iceberg, and that there has 'never been a worse time' to be a private hire driver after price model changes.

Denise Beighton took to Twitter to explain how a 10-15 four-mile trip unexpectedly ended up costing her 47.

She wrote: 'So Uber charged me 47 for a 4mile trip. How does anyone justify that?

'Also the app told me it would cost between 10-15. I complained to customer services and they've offered me a 10 credit note.'

For another regular customer, her daily trip from Marylebone to Kensington High Street has more than doubled in price, from 7 to more than 18 in recent weeks.

Uber has faced complaints from some riders that journeys are now more than doubling in price

Are you an Uber driver? Are you an Uber driver who recently quit the industry? Please email your experiences to Jacob.Thorburn@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

On the Uber app, it informs her that prices have risen because of 'increased demand'.

She said: 'I tried to book three times, saw how much it was going to cost me, and then gave up and hailed a black cab. It was six quid cheaper and I didn't have to wait eight minutes for it.'

Last month, Londoners hit out at Uber for 'costing more than a black cab' - but the company insists it has not raised prices in two years.

Britons accused the San Francisco-based firm of hiking fares to the point where they are now more expensive than taxis, which Uber denied.

Yaseen Aslam, ex-Uber driver and now president of the App Drivers and Couriers Union, said he wouldn't be able to survive financially if he had to return to work as an driver.

He said: 'I would not survive today if I had to go back to driving.

'Why do drivers leave the trade? Because of the long hours, the little pay.

'This is what our gig economy is all about. The market is over supplied and fares are becoming cheaper and cheaper.

'You have drivers on one side, who feel neglected in their pay, dignity, respect and safety. On the other, you have customers who want cheaper riders and there's more demand.'

Uber has been contacted to provide comment.

A regular customer's daily trip from Marylebone to Kensington High Street has more than doubled in price, from 7 to more than 18 in recent weeks

Denise Beighton took to Twitter to explain how a 10-15 four-mile trip unexpectedly ended up costing her 47

The national shortage in trained drivers, from private hire vehicle to HGVs, has been well documented, and the lasting implications could well be damning.

Although taxi and private hire firms are seeing increased levels of demand, there has been a widely reported 40 per cent drop in the number of drivers across the UK.

Many gave up on the industry when lockdown restrictions cut all journeys that were 'non-essential' and instead turned to delivery driving.

Last month, the Telegraph reported passengers in the UK finding their Uber journeys in London 'now cost more than the black cabs they famously undercut.'

While the pandemic crippled the financial returns of hundreds of thousands of businesses, Uber was no different. Its revenue from its taxi business almost halved, reports the Telegraph, from approximately $10.7billion (7.7bn) to $6.1bn (4.4bn).

With draconian restrictions easing, passengers have been returning to big cities and looking for familiarly cheap fares from Uber.

At times when demand is high, for instance during rush hour and large events, Uber adds a 'surge charge'. The company claims that increasing its prices in this way 'helps ensure that those who need a driver can get one... and it lets the Uber app continue to be a reliable choice'

James Farrar, a representative at App Drivers and Couriers Union, says there are multiple reasons why drivers left the industry and won't be returning any time soon.

He said: 'The pandemic had a crippling psychological effect on drivers, meaning many turned away from the profession and simply haven't returned.

'Look at private hire drivers' death rates, they were among the highest. The 80 per cent pay they received when they had no work didn't help with the fixed costs of paying for their vehicles, meaning many had to sell up or face huge debts.'

He also criticised Uber for changing its pricing model last October from a time and distance-based fare, to a fixed price.

Previously, trips would show a range of prices to both a driver and a passenger, whereas now an upfront price is displayed based on the best available route for drop-off and pick-up points.

'Why would a driver take a longer journey when they know they need short, snappy and fast turnaround trips that will make them more money?'

James also thinks drivers are now more cynical of Uber, considering their response to the 2020 Supreme Court ruling that said drivers must be considered workers and the associated benefits that come with this.

'Uber aren't respecting that ruling,' he explains.

'Vehicles are more expensive than ever and earnings are lower than ever. All in all, it's become less and less attractive to become a driver.

'How can drivers earn a living or pay back the costs of financing their vehicles when they can't even earn a minimum wage?'
The largest illegal marijuana bust in Los Angeles County history eradicated only a fraction of the illicit grows in the Southern California high desert, authorities said Wednesday.

The bust netted 373,000 plants that would ultimately have been worth $1 billion on the street.

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.

During the bust, authorities also seized dozens of weapons, amid killings and violent incidents linked to the illegal farms, and vehicles, including several water trucks.

Due to drought, drug cartels steal water in order to feed their grows and it is believed they have been stealing between two and three million gallons of water a day.

An illegal marijuana bust in Los Angeles County netted 373,000 plants which would ultimately have been worth $1 billion on the street, as well as dozens of weapons, amid killings and violent incidents linked to illegal farms, and vehicles, including several water trucks (pictured: part of a cache of confiscated firearms)

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.

Multiple law enforcement agencies carried out a 10-day operation in the Antelope Valley last month that resulted in 131 arrests of members of Armenian, Mexican, Armenian or Chinese drug cartels, and the seizure of more than 33,000 pounds 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.

Officials sought to differentiate between the Antelope Valley operation and the legal market.

The undertaking demolished 205 illegal grows out of the 500 seen by aerial surveillance in the area (pictured: Alex Villanueva points to a picture of some 500 illegal cannabis operations at a news conference in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday)

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. Villanueva pointed out that this bust wasn't 'a war on the legal cannabis business'

'This is not a war on the legal cannabis business in California,' said U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia, who represents the area.



Barger said that her office had received reports of alleged members of these cartels taking over other people's properties and threatening their lives if they tried to interfere, the Daily News reported.

She added: 'This issue is plaguing the Antelope Valley and has the potential to spread throughout Los Angeles County.'

Illegal drug businesses boomed despite the stay at home message during the Covid-19 pandemic, as police shortages and higher demand meant drug cartels continued their work, Foreign Policy reported.

Mayor Rex Parris, of Lancaster, California, explained that they were talking about cartels, not 'mom and pop people selling marijuana that they grew in their backyard'

Parris lifts a firearm at a news conference for the Antelope Valley Marijuana Eradication Operation downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday

In California, it is legal for adults aged 21 and older to consume cannabis, posses up to an ounce and grow up to six marijuana plants at home. Sales of marijuana from licensed retail outlets began on January 1, 2018.

Those aged 18 or older can use the drug if they have a qualifying physician's recommendation or a county-issued medical marijuana identification card.

However, the legal industry still struggles to compete with the illicit market, and last month the California Legislature approved a $100 million boost to the legal marijuana market, with Los Angeles receiving the largest grant.

Officials believe international cartels are at the root of the large, illegal marijuana farms in LA County, CBS News reported.

Mayor Rex Parris, of Lancaster, California, said at a press conference on Wednesday: 'We're talking about the cartels. We are not talking about mom and pop people selling marijuana that they grew in their backyard. This is the cartels.

Mayor Parris said that they are 'very very close to driving down the freeway and seeing bodies hanging from the overpasses'

'We are very very close to driving down the freeway and seeing bodies hanging from the overpasses. That is what's coming.'

Water theft, human trafficking, pollution and threats to safety and security are caused by the illegal marijuana cartel trade, Barger said.

While there are places which can legally sell the drug, many are working on a temporary, provisional licence due to the costly, time-consuming process of getting a permanent one, which would be renewed on an annual basis, the LA Times reported.

In 2019, industry officials estimated that the ratio of unlicensed businesses to those with permits was at three for every one.
Waleed Aly has questioned whether Gladys Berejiklian should plunge Sydney into a harder lockdown.

The Project panellists on Wednesday night discussed the NSW premier's decision to extend restrictions in the city until July 16 as it battles a nightmare outbreak of the Indian Delta Covid strain.

Meanwhile, Strategic Health Consultant Bill Bowtell joined the debate to blast NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard's suggestion Australia may need to learn to live with the virus, rather than pursuing a zero cases strategy.

The discussion came after Sydney recorded 27 new cases of the highly infectious Delta variant in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday, of which 14 were out in the community while infectious.

'Now that youre living through this lockdown, Im going to make you speak for everyone in Sydney. Do you think Sydneysiders would like to see something stricter now?' Waleed Aly asked fellow host Rachel Corbett.

The Project's Waleed Aly (pictured) asked fellow host Rachel Corbett whether Sydney should have gone into a stricter lockdown earlier

Ms Corbett, who lives in Sydney, said the government should have imposed harsher restrictions sooner to combat the Covid outbreak

'I can only speak for myself but I've always felt a bit on the wrong side of these people that are being spoken to,' she responded.

'I feel like were being treated like delicate flowers who couldnt possibly deal with a lockdown when, in reality, we dont want to go into a lockdown that continually gets extended because were hemming and hawing about where we should be.

'I think everybody understands were in the middle of a pandemic.

'If something is going wrong, shut us the hell down and get us back to normal as soon as you possibly can. I dont think theres anything unreasonable in that.

'Ive always been a bit surprised at this hesitation about being very black-and-white in Sydney, because I get theres pushback, but you have to take the pushback to get a better result.'

Ms Corbett's comments came after the show earlier welcomed Professor Bowtell to speak about the Covid situation in New South Wales.

The hosts brought up Minister Hazzard's comments suggestion NSW may have to learn to live with the Delta strain if residents do not abide by health authorities stay-at-home orders.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard (pictured) said residents may have to live with the highly-infectious Indian Delta variant if they do not abide by lockdown measures

Professor Billy Bowtell (pictured) slammed Mr Hazzard for 'threatening' that authorities would allow Covid cases to spread throughout the community

'At some stage, if individuals dont hear Dr. Chants message, 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,' Mr Hazard said.

Mr Bowtell blasted Mr Hazzard for making the 'enormous threat' that authorities would allow the virus to run free in the community.

'What on earth would possess the Minister for Health to say such a thing, or give him the right to determine that, for the people of NSW,' he said.

'There are 30 or 40 people in hospital and some of those are in ICU and on ventilators. Thats what living with COVID does. Thats what taking your time to lock down does.

'Is that the future, really, that were being threatened with?'

Professor Bowtell said both the federal and state government need to accept responsibility for the Covid outbreak in New South Wales.

'[The NSW government is] very good at pointing the finger at everybody but themselves,' he said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian extended Sydney's lockdown (pictured) on Wednesday after 27 new Covid cases were reported

'Now, the responsibilities are clear. NSW ran a very lax quarantine system at Sydney Airport.

'And, of course, the other responsibility has to be (directed) to the Australian government, who declined a year ago to order the vaccines that, if we had them at the beginning of this year, we would be 70 per cent or 80 per cent fully vaccinated by now, and then wed be dealing with a very different situation in Sydney.'

In light of the 27 new cases on Wednesday, Ms Berejiklian announced 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.

'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.'

New South Wales recorded 38 new infections on Thursday - the highest number in more than a year - with 20 of the cases active in the community.

The latest figure brings the state's total of locally acquired cases to 395 since June 16 when the first case of the Bondi cluster - an airport limo driver - was reported.
Australians will be able to travel freely again, enjoy a drink in pubs and live without fear of snap lockdowns by Melbourne Cup Day, new data analysis predicts.

A study shows by November 2, the Australian government will have sourced enough jabs to inoculate 80 per cent of the population.

Data analyst Kenneth Tsang calculated 20 million more doses were needed to vaccinate four-fifths of those aged between 16 and 59 and achieve herd immunity.

The claim comes despite Australia's slow vaccination program so far only fully immunising 7.1 per cent of the eligible population against the virus.

Mr Tsang, who founded the exposure site tracking website Covid-19 Near Me, based his estimate on the government's COVID Vaccination Allocations Horizons vaccine supply document.

'Accounting for the 4 million doses already administered to this age group, 20 million doses are required to vaccinate 80 per cent of the 16-59 population,' he said.

Australia will have sourced enough jabs to inoculate 80 per cent of the population and achieve herd immunity by November 2, new analysis has claimed. Pictured is a queue at Sydney's Olympic Park mass vaccination hub on Wednesday

Australia's bungled vaccination program has so far immunised only 7.1 per cent of the eligible population. Pictured is a graph showing Australia's vaccination rate relative to other countries around the world on June 22 when that figure was 4.68 per cent

'From the Horizons document, we can estimate that 20 million doses will arrive the week commencing November 1, 2021.'

He based his date estimate on the fact 66 per cent of Australians over the age of 60 had already received one dose of the vaccine, News Corp reported.

The Horizon document sets out targets for vaccine supply across the states and territories until the end of the year as the AstraZeneca vaccine - which is linked to rare blood clotting incidents - is phased out in favour of the Pfizer and Moderna jabs.

Between October and December 2021, the document says 1.7 million to 2.3 million doses of Pfizer and 430,000 to 615,000 will be delivered to the states and territories.

Critically though, Mr Tsang said his rollout predictions were based solely on vaccine supply forecasts and didn't include the time it would take to administer the jabs.

A queue at a pop-up Covid-19 testing facility in Melbourne. About 20 million more doses are needed to vaccinate four-fifths of those aged between 16 and 59 and achieve herd immunity, data analyst Kenneth Tsang calculated

'It'll be safe to say that once the supply arrives in Australia, it'll take a few weeks for those doses to get to clinics and get administered as first and second doses,' he said.

His modelling also doesn't factor in how long it would take to distribute the vaccine across Australia and batch testing times.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has already said life in her state cannot resume as normal until 80 per cent of the population is vaccinated.

It is a highly improbable target; one that no other nation in the world has got close to achieving.

Britain is preparing to open up fully in less than two weeks despite a current two-jab vaccination rate of 49.9 per cent.

Israel led the world in being the first country to reach the 50 per cent mark of two-jab recipients in mid March but had plateaued since and currently sits at 59.89 per cent four months later - suggesting there is a ceiling on vaccination rates which is well below the 80 per cent target.

Should Australia persist in trying to achieve that 80 per cent level, that international experience suggests a full opening up could be much more distant than November.

On Monday, Ms Berejiklian said only once that 80 percent rate was reached could the state 'start a conversation' about how to live alongside Covid-19 without restrictions.

'Covid-19 might be around for a long time. You do need to look at what life looks like because what we want to do is to prevent ever having to go into lockdown ever again,' she said.

Then on Wednesday, the premier again said that vaccination would provide the key to returning to normal, with tougher restrictions required from now until most of the population have been jabbed.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured on Wednesday) has not spoken about living alongside Covid this week

'We know this very contagious strain of the virus is something we've not dealt with before in this way and therefore we will need to consider what Covid life looks like between coming out of the lockdown and also when the vast majority of our population is vaccinated,' she said.

'The sooner our population is vaccinated, the sooner we can get to Covid-normal.'

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews - who want zero cases in the community - have not mentioned living with Covid this week and instead have called for a cut to the number of Australians returning home from overseas to reduce to risk of outbreaks from hotel quarantine.
The fencing installed around the Capitol after the January 6 riot 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 obtained by DailyMail.com Wednesday to all members of Congress and staff.

'Based on USCPs assessment of the current threat environment and USCPs enhanced coordination with District of Columbia, neighboring state and federal law enforcement partners, the Board supports USCPs recommendation to remove the temporary fencing around Capitol Square. Removal is expected to begin as early as Friday, July 9th and conclude within three days, weather permitting,' it read.

The black perimeter fence is one of the last remaining signs of the January 6 riot. Even with its removal, the Capitol will remain closed to most visitors, the memo said.

Capitol cops initially set up 7-feet steel fences topped with razor wire and road blocks from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol in an operation that cost $1.2million, but it has since been scaled back.

The National Guard, which was deployed in the aftermath of the attack, also left in May after months.

The fencing installed around the Capitol after the January 6 riot will start being removed as soon as Friday, but most visitors are still not allowed inside

'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, Brian Sicknick, died from a stroke a day later and two other officers later took their own lives.

On April 2, driver Noah Green, 25, rammed into barricades outside the Capitol and killed Capitol Police officer William Evans..

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.

The perimeter fence around the Capitol has been scaled down in the six months since January 6 to immediately surrounding the building

Capitol cops initially set up 7-feet steel fences topped with razor wire and road blocks from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol in an operation that cost $1.2million, but it has since been scaled back

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.
More than 100 top scientists and doctors have accused Boris Johnson of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment' by pressing on with July 19's unlocking.

In a letter in The Lancet, the experts have demanded the Government reconsider its plan to abandon all restrictions in England this month, describing it as 'premature'.

They warned that going ahead with Freedom Day despite accepting there could be hundreds of thousands of infections each day is both 'unethical and illogical'.

Allowing Covid to rip through the country will leave 'hundreds of thousands with long-term illness and disability' due to the effects of the virus itself, as well as long Covid, they said.

Among the 122 signatories are Dr Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser under David Cameron's Government, and Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) Council.

The letter has also been signed by several of No10's own expert advisers, including Professor Susan Michie and Professor Stephen Reicher, highlighting the rift within SAGE over the July 19 unlocking.

Many within SAGE - including Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance - are in favour of opening this month because they fear delaying any longer will only trigger a worse peak in winter.

It comes as a small number of hospitals have had to cancel operations because of a growing number of Covid patients on wards and high numbers of staff off isolating.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust scrapped non-urgent procedures this week - including cancer surgery - to cope with the influx of Covid and staffing shortages.

No10 is pressing on with Freedom Day on July 19 despite the fact cases are doubling every nine days and are expected to soar past 100,000 by August. Ministers insist vaccines will keep the disease at bay and are hopeful cases will start to fade naturally next month.

More than 100 top scientists and doctors have accused Boris Johnson of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment' by pressing on with July 19's unlocking. Among the 122 signatories are, from top left, Lancet editor Dr Richard Horton, SAGE member Susan Michie, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) Council. former chief scientific adviser Sir David King, SAGE adviser Stephen Reicher and Oxford University's Professor Trisha Greenhalgh

Britain recorded more than 30,000 new infections yesterday for the first time since January and the Government is prepared to tolerate hundreds of thousands of daily infections after Freedom Day - which the letter describes as 'unethical'

But there were just 33 deaths - in a sign that the vaccines have all but broken the link between Covid infection and severe illness

Hospital admissions, on the other hand, are rising again with latest figures showing there were 386 on July 3, an increase of about 45 per cent on the previous week

There is roughly one death per every 1,000 cases in Britain at the moment, down from one in 100 in previous waves, but officials expect this gap to get even wider as more people get vaccinated.

Hospital admissions, on the other hand, are rising again with latest figures showing there were 386 on July 3, an increase of about 45 per cent on the previous week.

That's double the number in early June but officials say the vast majority of admissions are among unvaccinated people or those who've only had one jab.

NHS waiting list hits ANOTHER record high with 5.3MILLION now waiting to start treatment The number of people waiting for hospital treatment in England has hit another record high of 5.3million, but some figures show the NHS is beginning to tackle the backlog. Figures released today by NHS England show that an extra 3.5 per cent were waiting at the end of May compared to the previous high of 5.12million one month earlier. This is the highest number since records began in August 2007. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 407,435 Covid patients have been admitted to hospitals in England, with 4,134 admitted in a single day at the peak of the second wave in January. This temporarily halted some elective procedures and led the NHS waiting list to jump up by 25 per cent between March 2020 and May 2021. But the NHS is beginning to address the mass of patients waiting to bee seen, with those waiting more than a year dropping by 12.6 per cent, from 385,490 to 336,733. Those having to wait longer than 18 weeks has also dropped by 4.5 per cent. NHS Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said it is 'reassuring' to see 'significant reductions' in waiting times. But average waiting times are still higher than they were last March - 10.8 weeks, up from 8.9 weeks - while the number of patients being forced to wait for a year is 108 times higher. These people make up 6.3 per cent of all patients, while the majority of patients - 3.5million - have been waiting for up to 18 weeks. Advertisement

Writing in the letter, published last night, the experts said: 'This strategy risks creating a generation left with chronic health problems and disability, the personal and economic impacts of which might be felt for decades to come.'

They also stressed there was a risk of long Covid to the wider population, especially those who were vulnerable, younger people and children, as well as people who were unvaccinated.

Dr Nagpaul said the numbers of Covid cases in the UK were soaring and while the link between hospitalisations and deaths had weakened, it had not been broken.

'The Government has also airbrushed the impact of long Covid on one in 10 people getting infected and with two million having been unwell for more than three months. It would be irresponsible to inflict further suffering on millions more,' he said.

'We know that masks are effective in stopping the spread, so it is nonsensical and dangerous for the Government to abandon compulsory mask-wearing in indoor public settings, such as public transport, on July 19.'

Continuing targeted measures against the virus were 'vital' to prevent its spread until enough of the population was fully vaccinated with both doses, he added.

Dr Deepti Gurdasani, an epidemiologist at Queen Mary University who organised the letter, said: 'The Government has made a deliberate choice to expose children to mass infection, rather than protect them in schools or vaccinate them.

'This is unethical and unacceptable. Our young have already suffered so much in the past year, and are now being condemned to suffer the consequences of this dangerous experiment.'

Oxford University professor Trisha Greenhalgh described the letter as 'a plea to our political leaders' to listen to scientists and claimed the world turned 'its incredulous eyes on the UK Government as it announced plans to abandon all mandated measures to try to control spread of the virus'.

The letter also suggested the lifting of restrictions could make the disruption of children's education more not less likely.

It stated: 'Allowing transmission to continue over the summer will create a reservoir of infection, which will probably accelerate spread when schools and universities reopen in autumn.'

The letter called on the Government to reconsider 'its current strategy and take urgent steps to protect the public, including children'.

It said: 'We believe the Government is embarking on a dangerous and unethical experiment, and we call on it to pause plans to abandon mitigations on July 19 2021.

'Instead, the Government should delay complete reopening until everyone, including adolescents, have been offered vaccination and uptake is high, and until mitigation measures, especially adequate ventilation (through investment in carbon dioxide monitors and air filtration devices) and spacing (eg by reducing class sizes), are in place in schools.'

Dr Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet, said 'there is no scientific consensus over the Government's current plans to remove protective mandates on July 19' and the nation was 'at a very dangerous moment in the pandemic'.

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

Letting cases rise to 100,000 a day 'could spawn new variant' 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. Advertisement

He added: 'The Government plan is not, as some have characterised it, a reasonable gamble  it is an entirely unnecessary and self-inflicted hazard that will cause real harm to health.'

Ministers are going ahead with July 19 after growing increasingly confident in the jab rollout, which saw another 86,000 first and 153,000 second doses administered yesterday.

It means 86 per cent of adults have had one jab and 65 per cent have had both. The 'vaccine effect' has been highlighted in the disparity between case numbers in deaths.

For example, Britain recorded more than 30,000 new infections yesterday for the first time since January - yet there were just 32 deaths.

The last time there were this many cases, more than 1,000 people were dying each day.

A Department of Health & Social Care spokesperson said: 'The success of the vaccine rollout is saving lives, having severely weakened the link between cases and hospitalisations.

'We have taken a cautious approach to proceeding with the roadmap, delaying Step 4 to allow for millions more vaccinations so every person most at risk is fully protected.

'Our approach after step 4 balances the need to protect both lives and livelihoods and we will only proceed on 19 July with our four tests having been met.'

It comes as hospitals in Leeds were forced to cancel routine operations this week amid the latest Covid surge.

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham has also had to postpone some scheduled surgeries because a high number of staff are off work isolating after coming into contact with a Covid cases, the Guardian reports.

The newspaper reported that regional NHS ambulance services in the West Midlands, Yorkshire and North West are also struggling with staffing numbers.

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, warned that there is a significant risk to hospitals and services as lockdown lifts.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We need to be realistic and we need to be open and honest about the fact that there are risks if we relax these restrictions and there will be consequences.

'The NHS won't be able to do everything given the demand pressures it has got and the fact that we have got reduced capacity in terms of both beds and staff numbers.'

Mr Hopson admitted that hospitals would need to 'dial back' on elective surgeries because he anticipates 'very significant' pressure on the back of the July unlocking.

He added: 'Sajid Javid (the Health Secretary) was saying on Monday it is a reasonable expectation that we could hit 100,000 infections a day, and that basically will mean more staff having to self-isolate and it will mean more beds being taken out for Covid-19 patients.'
Police have released a photo of a man they want to speak to about the disappearance of Revelle Balmain, a young Sydney woman who has been missing for 26 years.

Police are hoping a photo of a man sent to them anonymously could provide the key to finding out what happened to Sydney woman Revelle Balmain, who disappeared more than 26 years ago.

Ms Balmain was 22 when she was last seen in the Kingsford area in the city's east on November 5, 1994.

Her make-up bag, keys and a shoe were later found scattered in the same suburb near Ainslie Street.

Ms Balmain was reported missing and has not been seen or heard from since and no one has been charged over her disappearance.

An image of an unknown man (pictured) who could help solve the 26-year old mystery disappearance has been released by police

Revelle Balmain (pictured) was 22 years old when she disappeared without a trace in November 1994.

A coronial inquest in 1999 found she had died at the hands of a person or persons unknown and the matter was referred to the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Unit for future investigation.

Last year, a formal review of the cold case began.

In May, a $1million reward was announced by the NSW government as part of a new appeal for someone to come forward with information that may help police find out what happened to her.

Police have now released an image of a man they wish to identify, who may have information about Ms Balmain's last known movements.

Strike Force Aramac lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell said the image was sent to investigators anonymously after the reward was announced.

The cold case file to solve the disappearance of missing woman Revelle Balmain (pictured) began in earnest in 2020 with a $1 million dollar reward offered for anyone with information

'It is believed that this image was taken some time in the mid-2000s, but that the individual depicted may have information that would help us progress our investigation,' Detective Chief Inspector Bell said.

'As always, we continue to encourage anyone in the public that may have information about Revelle's disappearance to come forward and speak with police, so that we may finally provide answers to her family.'

The reward's announcement followed a series of Daily Mail Australia reports over the past three years about a man previously named as the main suspect in Ms Balmain's disappearance.

Gavin Owen Samer was 26 when he hired Ms Balmain to come to his home at Kingsford for several hours of sex on the day she disappeared.

Ms Balmain has not been seen since that appointment and Samer was named at a 1999 coronial inquest as the main person of interest in her suspected murder.

Revelle Balmain, (pictured) 22, was last seen at Kingsford in Sydney's south east on November 5, 1994

Gavin Samer was the last person known to see model turned escort Revelle Balmain alive. Asked if he knew he was still the main suspect in her murder, he said: 'I'm well aware of the situation.' He is pictured playing a poker machine after a court appearance

Samer subsequently spent at least 15 years living as a recluse in Tasmania but resurfaced in Sydney in 2018 to plead guilty to old theft charges.

After that court appearance Samer told Daily Mail Australia he believed he was still the main suspect in Ms Balmain's murder but insisted he had not harmed her.

'I'm one of the softest, nicest blokes on the planet,' he said when asked about the events of November 5, 1994. 'I'm mellow. I'm totally anti-violence.'

While Samer told Daily Mail Australia he did not kill Ms Balmain, he knew he would continue to be linked to the crime.

'I'm not worried about getting arrested over the Revelle thing,' he said. 'I've done nothing wrong. I hired a hooker, that's the only thing I did. Big deal.'

Samer was to be the blonde, blue-eyed escort's final client before she intended getting out of prostitution and was the last person known to have seen her alive.

The reward's announcement followed a series of Daily Mail Australia reports about a man previously named as the main suspect in Ms Balmain's disappearance. Gavin Owen Samer was 26 when he hired Ms Balmain to come to his home at Kingsford on the day she disappeared

After their appointment, Samer claimed he drove Ms Balmain from his house on McNair Avenue to the nearby Red Tomato Inn about 7pm, but no witnesses came forward to say they saw him or her that night.

During the inquest, the possibility that two of Ms Balmain's former employers, Select Companions and VIP Escorts, or their associates could have been involved in her disappearance was investigated.

Also considered was a submission from a group of three men about drug-fuelled parties they claimed to have had with Ms Balmain. The submission was later ruled 'unreliable'.

Gavin Samer (pictured) is now living in Queensland. He is pictured in 1994

Deputy State Coroner John Abernethy eliminated a theory that Ms Balmain had staged her own disappearance, saying there was 'absolutely no evidence' to support it.

In his May 1999 findings Mr Abernethy ruled Ms Balmain died on or about November 5, 1994 in New South Wales at the hands of a person or persons unknown.

'Not only is she dead, but I am firmly of the opinion that her disappearance involves her homicide,' he said.

'While Mr Samer certainly had the opportunity to kill Ms Balmain, and rightly in my view is the main person of interest to police, there is no plausible motive proved.'

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Samer was involved in the death of either woman, only that he was named as a suspect in Ms Balmain's disappearance.
Former South African president Jacob Zuma turned himself in late Wednesday to begin serving a 15-month prison term.

In a historic ruling, the Constitutional Court last week sentenced Zuma to prison for defying a court order that he should testify before a commission investigating allegations of rampant corruption when he was president from 2009 to 2018.

Police had earlier on Wednesday warned they were prepared to arrest the former president by a midnight deadline to enforce the court ruling, unless the top court instructed otherwise.

But minutes before the deadline, Zuma, 79, left his Nklandla home in a convoy of vehicles to an unnamed jail in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Former South African president Jacob Zuma turned himself in late Wednesday to begin serving a 15-month prison term

But minutes before the midnight deadline, Zuma, 79, left his Nklandla home in a convoy of vehicles to an unnamed jail in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

'Please be advised that (ex) President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order,' the Zuma Foundation tweeted.

'He is on his way to hand himself into a Correctional Services Facility in KZN (KwaZulu-Natal province),' it said, just minutes before the deadline expired.

A convoy of cars believed to be carrying Zuma drove out of his homestead at high speed about 40 minutes before the cut-off time for him to give himself up.

Police ministry spokeswoman Lirandzu Themba confirmed in a tweet after midnight that the ex-president had been placed in custody.

Zuma's daughter Dudu Zuma-Sambudla tweeted that he was 'en route and he is still in high spirits'.

'He said that he hopes they still have his same overalls from Robben Island... We salute dad!' she wrote on Twitter.

Zuma's decision to obey the Constitutional Court order comes after a week of rising tensions over his prison sentence.

The convoy of cars were seen entering the homestead of the former president on Wednesday

Supporters of former South African President Jacob Zuma rally outside his home as the convoy of cars were seen

The supporters waited outside Zuma's house and clapped and cheered as the former president handed himself in to police

Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in 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 country's 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.

Zuma's lawyers asked the acting chief justice to issue directives stopping the police from arresting him, claiming there would be a 'prejudice to his life.'

They asked the court to 'direct the suspension of its orders... to prevent our client from being arrested prior to all legal processes being finalised'.

The top court met late Wednesday, according to local reports, but apparently rejected Zuma's request.

Zuma had also launched two court proceedings to avoid arrest after his sentence last week.

He applied at the Constitutional Court for his sentence to be rescinded 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 to have the sentence rescinded. The regional court will rule on that application on Friday.

Political tensions have risen in KwaZulu-Natal province as a result of Zuma's 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.

Addressing his supporters, Zuma reiterated that he is not afraid of being jailed since he had been imprisoned before, being incarcerated by the apartheid regime for 10 years on Robben Island. He is pictured above addressing supporters

Hundreds of Zuma's supporters gathered outside Zuma's sprawling Nkandla compound, in rural KwaZulu-Natal province, on July 4 vowing to prevent any attempts to arrest Zuma

At the weekend he told his supporters that there would be chaos if police 'dared' arrest him.

Addressing his supporters, Zuma reiterated that he is not afraid of being jailed since he had been imprisoned before, being incarcerated by the apartheid regime for 10 years on Robben Island.

'I am not afraid of going to jail. I went to prison fighting for freedom and rights and it looks like I will have to start from scratch and fight for freedom again,' said Zuma in the Zulu language.

'There is nobody who can come and take these rights away from me just because they think they understand the law. Those I fought for this freedom with would turn in their graves,' said Zuma.

Former president Jacob Zuma addresses his supporters at his home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal Natal Province on Sunday

Zuma was forced out of office in 2018 and replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa after a nine-year tenure stained by corruption scandals and the taint of cronyism.

Critics nicknamed him the 'Teflon president' for his perceived ability to sidestep justice.

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 on June 29 and sentence him to prison

Despite his tarnished reputation, the former president carries substantial weight among officials and grassroots members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

The former herdboy was the ANC's intelligence chief during the armed struggle against apartheid and spent 10 years in jail on notorious Robben Island.

Despite its internal tensions, the ANC said it would not interfere with the judiciary processes enveloping Zuma.

Party spokesman Pule Made told reporters earlier that 'we respect the independence of the judiciary'.

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.

He faces 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering relating to a 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military gear from five European arms firms for 30 billion rand, then the equivalent of nearly $5 billion.

His financial adviser has already been convicted and imprisoned in that case.
Holiday firms were gearing up for a bookings surge last night as Grant Shapps prepared to announce that fully-vaccinated Britons will be free to travel abroad without having to self-isolate.

The Transport Secretary is expected to confirm today that new measures will kick in from July 19 for holidaymakers returning from amber list countries. He will confirm the move during a speech in the Commons.

It means quarantine-free holidays will be unlocked for millions of families to more than 130 countries  including the US, Thailand and most European countries.

The Transport Secretary is expected to confirm today that new measures will kick in from July 19 for holidaymakers returning from amber list countries

As it stands, travellers returning from these destinations must quarantine for up to ten days  regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not.

Only travellers returning from a small list of green countries can avoid quarantine.

But the new measures will effectively turn the vast majority of countries green for double-jabbed people.

Amid growing speculation in recent days, comparison site TravelSupermarket said more than half of all new bookings were for the last week of July or first week of August  up from 10 per cent a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile 62 per cent of all package holiday searches are for July/August, up 20 per cent on last month.

British Airways said searches for holidays to amber list countries on its website yesterday were up 45 per cent compared with the same day last week. And Jet2 said it had seen 'enormous demand' for flights.

British Airways said searches for holidays to amber list countries on its website yesterday were up 45 per cent compared with the same day last week

Martin Nolan, of booking site Skyscanner, said: 'It is clear that people are aching to be able to travel again... as evidenced by the immediate uptick in searches and bookings.'

Paul Charles, CEO of The PC Agency, a travel consultancy, said firms were racing to bring staff back off furlough to handle the expected surge in bookings.

He said: My advice is for people to lock in tomorrow on the deals they see before theres an announcement because prices will rise when demand spikes.

I think we will see a lot of last-minute bookings for trips at short notice. Families will confirm some trips but then you will get a lot of couples that are fully-jabbed.

I think there will be a rush to the border by the double-jabbed over-40s and the silver generation.

The pent up demands is enormous. There will be a lot of trips to long-distance, more exotic locations. But Spain, France and Portugal will also all do really well.

He added: One issue is resources and whether firms have the staff and capacity to deliver it.

I know some travel firms that are bringing people back from furlough to cope with the expected increase in demand.

Under the revamped rules, the do not travel advice will be dropped and 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 also announce the finalised plans for this.

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.
The pregnant widow of an Australian snowboarding champion has organised a private vigil for her boyfriend at the beach he drowned exactly a year ago.

Ellidy Vlug watched the sunrise with her Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin's parents Chris and Sally at Palm Beach, Queensland, where he died while spearfishing on July 8, 2020.

Ms Vlug and her would-be in-laws were huddled together, supporting each other as they watched the sun come up at the water's edge while their dogs scampered on the sand on the anniversary of Pullin's tragic death.

Ellidy Vlug (centre), girlfriend of snowboarder Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin gathered on Thursday with his parents Chris and Sally Pullin and a friend for a sunrise vigil at Palm Beach, where Pullin drowned exactly a year ago

Ellidy Vlug stares out to sea just after the sun came up above Palm Beach, where her boyfriend, Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin drowned exactly a year ago

Sally and Chris Pullin, the parents of Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin, hugged as they remembered their son, while Ellidy Vlug, his pregnant girlfriend stayed close

The family's grief was obvious as they hugged, laughed and talked together on a cold Gold Coast morning, with another friend and two kelpies there for support.

The family declined to talk when approached by journalist, with Chris Pullin explaining 'bit too much grief mate'.

Alex Pullin, 32, was spearfishing when he suffered a shallow water blackout and drowned, with his distraught partner arriving on the beach as the tragedy unfolded.

Ellidy Vlug (centre, in black) walked along Palm Beach with Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin's parents Sally and Chris (at right) and a friend after watching the sun come up on the one year anniversary of the death of Alex, her boyfriend

Ms Vlug, the grieving girlfriend of champion snowboarder Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin recently revealed the bittersweet news she is pregnant with their child, almost a year after his death

Ellidy Vlug and Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin loved spending time together at the beach on the Gold Coast

He was found on the ocean floor by another snorkeller and brought to shore by lifeguards.

It has been a rollercoaster month for Ms Vlug, 29, who announced she was pregnant in June via IVF as her boyfriend's sperm was harvested before he died.

She made the heartwarming announcement to her 57,000 Instagram followers through a series of photos of her swollen stomach.

Ellidy Vlug has already introduced her bump to her late partner's parents (pictured) as they posed in front of an image of Mr Pullin in the Winter Olympics

Ms Vlug displayed her pregnancy progress after announcing the happy news recently

The couple had been trying for a baby before his death, prompting Ms Vlug to seek out IVF treatment in the hope of keeping his memory alive.

Ms Vlug is due to give birth to the couple's child in October.

'Bubba Chump coming this October', Ms Vlug captioned the post, receiving well-wishes from pro-surfers Mick Fanning and Alana Blanchard in the comments.

Ms Vlug's late partner and three-time Olympian Alex Pullin, 32, tragically drowned in a freak diving accident at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast in July last year

Ellidy Vlug visited Palm Beach on Thursday morning for a sunrise vigil with her boyfriend's family and a friend, exactly a year after he died

'When my love had his accident, we all held onto hope that I'd be pregnant that month. We'd been trying for a baby,' the 29-year-old model wrote.

'IVF was on our cards but it wasn't something I ever imagined I'd be tackling on my own. Bittersweet like none other, I've never been more certain or excited about anything in my entire life.'

The news comes after Ms Vlug spoke candidly of the intense heartache she feels after the loss of Pullin, which she describes as feeling 'surreal'.

On the podcast she co-hosts with friend Chloe Fisher, the wife of international DJ Paul Fisher, she admitted to still feeling 'like a robot'.

'I miss him. I want him back. 'I just can't believe he's not about to walk in the door any day', Ms Vlug said.

'I go to text him, I go to call him still. I f***ing just wish he would come back. And I still can't believe he can't.'

Ms Vlug (left) celebrates with a pal who captioned the photo: 'This angel and her Chumpy bumpy'

Ellidy Vlug is pictured with Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin and their beloved kelpie Rummi

Ellidy Vlug and her two kelpies in the car park near Palm Beach, Queensland today, after she had conducted a private sunrise vigil with her boyfriend Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin's parents

The model described how she had 'this really crazy feeling in my heart' on the day of Pullin's death, but put it down to stress induced by the upcoming weekend.

'It was just a feeling I've never felt before. That day I got home from that walk and it kind of all eventuated Chump had literally passed away... I just don't even know how to even say that word.'

Ms Vlug previously told Daily Mail Australia Pullin had been an experienced free diver and 'had mastered the art of holding his breath for long periods of time'.

The Olympian often went out spearfishing on his own or with friends, and Ms Vlug said she never once had any concerns about anything going askew.

On the morning of his death, the couple woke late before Pullin decided to go get some sun.

Ms Vlug told Daily Mail Australia she last saw her boyfriend alive moments before he'd decided to go for a dive, telling him: 'Love you, watch out for sharks'.

Ms Vlug then went for a walk, returning home to find a neighbour at her door telling her a spearfisher had been pulled from the ocean.

Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin was twice snowboard cross world champion and the Australian flag-bearer at the Russian Sochi Olympics in 2014.
A father took his own life after Britain's biggest gambling firm handed him bonuses to encourage him to keep betting.

Luke Ashton, 40, became 'consumed' by the Betfair app in six months of lockdown after he was placed on furlough last November.

His devastated wife Annie, 39, said he repeatedly took out loans to cover his stakes.

By this April he had 'lost control' and developed a full-blown gambling disorder. He drove more than 100 miles from the family home in Leicester to take his own life.

A father took his own life after Britain's biggest gambling firm handed him bonuses to encourage him to keep betting. Luke Ashton (pictured above with his wife Annie), 40, had not gambled for two years until he was placed on furlough last November

Mrs Ashton, a primary school teacher, suggested Betfair, part of gambling giant Flutter, was at fault for the tragedy which has left her to bring up their two children alone.

'Gambling consumed him all day. It consumed him enough for it to be fatal,' she said.

'There should have been an intervention, but instead of protecting its customers Betfair is bombarding them with bonuses.

Number of addicts soars in lockdown The number of problem gamblers treated at specialist clinics has risen by almost a fifth during the pandemic. Some 371 patients were referred to the National Problem Gambling Clinic between June 2020 and May 2021  up from 316 the previous year. Five had amassed debts of at least 100,000 while 44 owed between 20,000 and 99,999. Its founder Henrietta Bowden-Jones said people vulnerable to gambling have been 'impacted negatively by lockdown', blaming factors such as boredom and financial anxiety. Matt Gaskell, who runs the NHS Northern Gambling Service, said they have also seen a spike in referrals, adding that coronavirus has created a 'perfect storm'. Advertisement

'Gambling companies are profiting from vulnerable people in a time when they are being furloughed and losing their jobs.

'We have to stop advertising and free bets. It has cost my husband his life.'

It was only after her husband's death, when the police returned his phone, that she accessed his accounts and learnt about the extent of his gambling.

Mrs Ashton added: 'I went weeks asking myself why, and then I went on to his Betfair account  there's why. That's where the anger and the upset has come from.

'It all hit me at once, there's nothing I can say to describe it. It was just wow  this is really serious, it's harmful, and yet it's advertised as fun.'

She said that her husband's gambling spree began shortly after he was furloughed from his job at a printing firm and was struggling at home.

Records show Betfair's app handed him cash bonuses to encourage him to bet more, including seven in the six weeks before he died.

The final offer, a 5 bonus, was deposited in his account the evening before he went missing.

Mr Ashton set up his Betfair account several years before his death and had opted out of receiving direct marketing by email or text. The offers he received were available to all customers, the company said.

It was the second time Mr Ashton had suffered gambling-related harm.

In 2019, following months of heavy betting, the couple worked together to enable him to stop and repair their household finances.

During the pandemic MPs and campaigners repeatedly warned that tens of thousands of people were being driven to addiction by bookmakers' predatory tactics.

Mrs Ashton has called on the Government to ban free bets and advertising during live sport.

His devastated wife Annie, 39, said he became 'consumed' by the Betfair app in six months of lockdown and repeatedly took out loans to cover his stakes. By this April he had 'lost control' and developed a full-blown gambling disorder. He drove more than 100 miles from the family home in Leicester to take his own life

A petition, started after her husband's death, has collected close to 3,000 signatures.

Carolyn Harris MP, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for gambling, said: 'How many more appalling cases like this do we have to have before ministers take action?'

A Betfair spokesman said: 'Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Ashton's family and friends at this sad time.

'Having been informed of this tragic event we immediately began investigating this matter internally, and if we find any evidence of failings we will take appropriate action.'

Lord Don Foster, chair of the peers for reform group, said: This is an absolute tragedy. The government must not wait any longer. Our outdated Gambling laws need to be urgently reformed to prevent any more lives being lost and families devastated.

Liz Ritchie, who co-founded Gambling with Lives after he son Jack took his own life, said: Gambling companies predatory practices are driving hundreds of people to suicide every year.

This tragedy shows the law must change to ban advertising and incentives to bet, to prevent any more families suffering the same fate.

The Mail has been pressing for tighter rules under a Stop the Gambling Predators campaign.

If your family has been bereaved by gambling-related suicide, specialist support is available at www.gamblingwithlives.org, or contact support@gamblingwithlives.org.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, or go to www.samaritans.org.

To sign Mrs Ashton's petition for a 'Luke's Law', click here.
New York City's likely next mayor has criticized the state's governor for his gun violence 'disaster emergency', asking Andrew Cuomo: 'What took so long?'

Eric Adams, a 60-year-old former NYPD police captain, on Tuesday was confirmed as the winner of the Democratic primary, putting him on track to secure victory in the strongly-Democrat state at November's election.

He wasted no time in attacking Cuomo, also a Democrat, and used his first interview to condemn the veteran governor.

Asked for his response to Cuomo's gun violence plan, Adams replied: 'My first question is, what took so long? And why has it taken us so long, watching these babies die, year after year after year? No one seems to care.'

Eric Adams, who is on track to be elected mayor of New York City in November, on Wednesday morning said that Andrew Cuomo's gun violence reduction plan should have been ushered in earlier

Adams, 60, served as a captain in the NYPD and then entered politics, becoming Brooklyn borough president. Asked for his response to Cuomo's gun violence plan, he replied: 'My first question is, what took so long? And why has it taken us so long, watching these babies die, year after year after year?'

Adams campaigned on a ticket of improving law and order in the city, which is seeing soaring violence.

New York City has seen 765 shootings in the city so far this year, compared to 555 shootings during the same time last year.

Cuomo on Tuesday unveiled a $139 million seven-point plan, with emphasis on violence reduction initiatives, jobs and training for those at risk of getting swept up in gun crime, and making the gun manufacturers more accountable to victims' families.

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.

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.

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 has long had a contentious relationship with the current mayor, Bill de Blasio, and in response to Adams' criticism blamed the incumbent.

'Policing is a local government issue managed by the mayor, and Mr Adams is right that it has taken too long to step up and take charge on the gun violence issue,' said Rich Azzopardi, an advisor to Cuomo.

'The governor is stepping in because too little has been done by the local leadership.

'The governor mandated all local governments reform their police systems last year, and some made more progress than others.'

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

However, critics have claimed it is 'political grandstanding' and that an increase in gun violence is caused by soft crime policies

Adams mingles with supporters during his election night party, late on June 22

Adams did praise Cuomo's plan to invest more money in violence prevention, and said Cuomo was right to describe it as a public health crisis.

'It's going to allow the easiest accessibility to finance and money,' he said.

'We need to teach, treat gun violence as a public health emergency. Every agency in the city, in this country, must be part of dealing with gun violence because if we deal with the gun violence, we're going to start dealing with the feeders of violence.

'We've ignored that for far too long.'

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.

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

New York City police officers with the Crime Scene Unit investigate the scene in Brooklyn on June 11

Adams was attack earlier on Wednesday by former MSNBC host Toure - a left-wing podcast host with a large following.

Toure claimed on Twitter that Adams wouldn't live up to his promises to bring change to the city's police department.

'If you marched in NYC last year to protest police violence and this year voted for Eric Adams to be Mayor, I don't understand you,' Toure said.

'Cops cannot get us to the real police reform we need.'

Adams insisted that he was indeed the man for the job.

'I say that it's time for us to stop believing that we should have the right tweets  we should have the right safe streets,' he told CNN.

'I say that when [Toure] gets on the subway, he does not want to be pushed to the subway tracks, and he doesn't want to be slashed.

'He does not want his son to be like young 10-year-old Justin, who was shot and killed in Rockaway by gun violence.'

And Adams said he was confident that New York City could lead the nation in reducing violent crime.

'I know how we can turn around not only New York, but America,' he said.

'New York is going to show America how to run cities.

'We're in a terrible place, and we can turn this country and city around.'
Balding men should be offered counselling to help with the trauma of hair loss, experts have said.

Researchers reviewed 41 global studies, involving 7,995 people, which examined the most common form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Also known as pattern hair loss, it affects about 53 per cent of men aged 40 to 49 and up to 90 per cent in their lifetime.

It is largely genetic and features a receding hairline and thinning scalp.

Balding men should be offered counselling to help with the trauma of hair loss, experts have said

People with AGA typically reported a lower health-related quality of life and more feelings of embarrassment, shame, worry and frustration than those with a full head of hair.

But there was no link with depression, according to the review published in the journal JAMA Dermatology.

Study leader Professor Ching-Chi Chi, from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, said stigma was partly to blame.

'Patients with this disease may need psychological and psychosocial support,' he said.

Dr Kerry Montgomery, at Alopecia UK, said: 'More psychological support is needed for people with AGA, and indeed all types of hair loss.'

Dr Montgomery added: 'At Alopecia UK we hear from lots of people who are experiencing emotional distress as a result of hair loss.

'Whilst the study finds no significant association with androgenetic alopecia and depression, emotions such as worry, embarrassment, shame and frustration are reported and significant.

'We often hear from people that these self-conscious emotions are particularly problematic.

'This is an important paper which sheds light on the experiences of people with AGA.

'We hope this helps clinicians to understand that their objective assessment does not always reflect the distress that someone experiences.'
A Sydney woman is battling multiple chronic illnesses which she believes have been caused by toxic black mould in the walls of her rental property.

Caroline Bowman, 39, had been excited to move into her new apartment in a public housing building in Windsor, north-west of Sydney, back in 2015.

She had just started a legal service course at TAFE and had high hopes for the rental, which had new carpets and a fresh coat of paint.

But just a few weeks later the 33-year-old mysteriously fell ill with sinus and chest infections that quickly brought her studies to a standstill.

Caroline Bowman, 39, was expecting a fresh start when she moved into a new apartment in a public housing building in Windsor, north-west of Sydney in 2015

Ms Bowman said she had been fit and healthy before she moved in, but soon developed asthma, lost her appetite and consequently lost 15 kilograms as a result of the mould

Ms Bowman would later be diagnosed with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), thought to be caused by exposure to mould.

But it would be several years before the student connected the toxic mildew in the rental to her diminishing physical condition.

Ms Bowman said she had been fit and healthy before she moved in, but soon developed asthma, lost her appetite and consequently lost 15kg.

'I just had this really deep ache where I couldn't do anything', she told 9NEWS.

She began to join the dots after a particularly nasty earache landed her in a doctor's office, who found aspergillus mould growing inside her ear.

Ms Bowman immediately thought of the black mould spreading across the freshly painted ceiling of her bathroom.

She said after a few months the rancid mildew was soon covering the entire ceiling.

It took Caroline Bowman (pictured) several years to connect the toxic mildew in the rental to her diminishing physical condition

Pictured: The bathroom ceiling of Ms Newman's rental covered in toxic black mould, thought to be the cause of the multiple chronic illnesses the Sydney woman is now battling

'At one point I was cleaning the wall and I noticed it was a bit wobbly when I wiped it. I poked it and it made a hole. It was growing inside the walls. They were black,' she said.

Ms Bowman said she didn't immediately understand the connection between the mould and her failing health due to the brain fog she was experiencing at the time, a common symptom of CIRS.

For several months doctors struggled to diagnose her condition, first prescribing her antibiotics and then antidepressants after she visited a psychologist.

Ms Bowman remained convinced it was a physical illness, finally showing a doctor a photo of the black mould in her bathroom.

For several months doctors struggled to diagnose her condition, first prescribing her antibiotics and then antidepressants (pictured before she fell ill from the mould)

'She was horrified, she said, "Is that your bathroom of the house that you're living in"?' she recalled.

Ms Bowman spent two years in the mould-infested rental before moving to her mother's house in 2017.

She funded a mould assessment of the property which revealed significant issues inside the home, which was sold in 2019 after extensive renovations.

Ms Bowman told Daily Mail Australia she was in the process of seeking compensation from NSW Housing, which she claims was aware of the mould before she moved in.

'I want them to admit liability as the mould has taken so much from me, including not being able to complete my studies so I could get work', she said.

Ms Bowman said she now suffers with generalised anxiety, rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, endometriosis and adenomyosis, just to name a few.

Her life-long recovery from the mould is currently being supported by a CIRS specialist, but the medication is expensive and has no Medicare rebate.

However after falling mysteriously ill just weeks into the move, Ms Bowman discovered black mould was growing across the ceiling of her bathroom and inside the walls of the rental

The Sydney woman is seeking compensation from NSW Housing, who she claims was aware of the mould before she moved in. Pictured: Ms Bowman with the mould-infested ceiling

Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman said in a parliamentary inquiry into CIRS in 2018, the symptoms of the illness have 'ruined lives, making employment and normal social interactions near impossible'.

The inquiry's report asked that clinical guidelines be established for GP's and medical practitioners to better diagnose the debilitating disease.

Now, 18 months later the Federal Government has acknowledged a need for more research into the connection between toxic mould and chronic illnesses.

This led to the National Health and Medical Research Council pledged $2 million in November last year to fund research into biotoxin-related illnesses in Australia.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Housing for comment.
A controversial New South Wales MP could be charged with sexual violence as detectives ask prosecutors to review evidence against him.

Gareth Ward, 39, is under investigation by the NSW Police child abuse and sex crimes squad over alleged incidents in 2013 and 2015.

Mr Ward, the MP for Kiama on the NSW South Coast, has been under investigation for months but was not contacted by detectives until recently.

The legally blind albino politician denied any wrongdoing when the investigation was made public in May but later resigned as Families, Communities, and Disability Services Minister.

Detectives have handed a brief of evidence against NSW MP Gareth Ward (pictured) to the top prosecutor in the state to decide if charges are pressed

Minister for Families, Gareth Ward, released a statement confirming he'd stepped aside earlier this year and denied any wrong doing. Pictured with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian

On Wednesday evening, police confirmed they handed a brief of evidence to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider criminal charges.

'The incidents were reported to have occurred in 2013 and 2015. The 2013 incident involves a man, then aged 25, and the 2015 incident involves a male, then aged 17,' police said.

What sexual violence charges could be laid against Mr Ward is unclear. One incident is said to be more serious than the other.

The 2013 alleged incident occurred in a hotel room and the 2015 episode at Mr Ward's Meroo Meadow home in the Illawarra,

The moderate faction heavyweight was highly involved with the Young Liberals at the time.

The 2015 alleged victim, who was a young man at the time, made a statement to police alleging that Mr Ward indecently assaulted him.

The evidence was handed to prosecutors after Mr Ward declined to be interviewed by detectives, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Police said the investigation was ongoing. The DPP will review the evidence and decide if charges are pressed.

'I deny any wrongdoing. Until this matter is resolved, it is appropriate I stand aside from my role as minister. I will also remove myself from the Liberal Party room,' Mr Ward said in May.

CCTV footage (pictured) showed Mr Ward in a hotel lift on the night he was blackmailed after ordering a massage in New York in 2017

In a brief press conference after Mr Ward resigned, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: 'I think all of us were incredibly shocked and distressed by what unfolded yesterday afternoon'.

'None of us will tolerate behaviour that is regarded as completely unacceptable.'

The premier added: 'I asked him if he'd done anything wrong. He denied any wrongdoing.

'He was very categoric in saying police had not contacted him as yet.'

Mr Ward previously caused headaches for the Berejiklian Government when in March 2020 he was discovered naked outside his Kings Cross unit and had to be escorted inside by police.

An hour later police were again called to the apartment following reports he was wandering around outside in his underwear.

He blamed the incident on anesthetic from a medical procedure earlier that day.

In 2017, Mr Ward was on holiday at the Intercontinental Hotel near Broadway in New York city when he rang an escort service to order what he described as a 'normal massage' after a long day sightseeing.

Mr Ward spray-tanned his whole body for Wollongong radio station Wave-FM on the condition listeners helped the station raise more than $1,000 for Surf Life Saving South Coast

But instead of the masseur he expected, two men showed up and demanded $1,000 in cash in a blackmail attempt.

CCTV footage showed him in the lift with the men moments before he went to a concierge desk for help, prompting them to run away.

A police report said he had phoned an escort service number but Mr Ward said he had simply called that number for a massage.

'I'd been walking all day, sightseeing, it was self-funded,' the MP told Daily Mail Australia in 2017.

'I have in the past got massages where I've gone because that's what often people will do and there was nothing untoward about what I did.'

'If I was doing anything dodgy, I wouldn't have called the cops,' Mr Ward said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Ward's office for further comment.
South-west Sydney could face border controls on the M5 Motorway and a 'ring of steel' separating it from rest of the city if the area was 'ring-fenced' as part of emergency Covid measures.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned on Wednesday that three major council areas - Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool - could be hit with tougher restrictions amid troubling Covid transmission rates in the region.

The area takes in some 110 suburbs, is home to more than 820,000 residents and represents a 519 square kilometre swathe of the city, with further hotspots announced in the zone overnight.

The escalating crisis has raised the question: could the area be cut off from the rest of the city just as the northern beaches was last December?

The danger zone: The NSW government has singled out three local government areas: Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown - as being sites for increased Covid transmission. Above, a graphic showing what it could look like if a localised lockdown came into force

Case numbers throughout the state have bounced around in recent days - peaking at 38 cases reported to the public on Thursday

University of Melbourne epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely said area lockdowns can work and worthy of serious consideration.

But they aren't effective in all situations. 'It's damn hard to do without natural boundaries,' Prof. Blakely told Daily Mail Australia.

The northern beaches lockdown only worked so well because of the area's unique geography, he added.

Known as Sydney's 'insular peninsula', the northern beaches region was cut off from the rest of the city at the beginning of the 2020 summer holidays, stopping a 151-strong outbreak from spreading throughout the wider metropolitan area.

However the beaches peninsula can only be reached by a handful of roads and ferry services. Meanwhile, Daily Mail Australia counted more than 20 routes out of the south-west Sydney region.

'If you were doing it with military-like precision, you'd see road blocks and checking people coming in and out and if they had legitimate reasons,' Prof. Blakely said.

'You'd need to decide what legitimate reasons are for instance, transporting freight.'

Metropolitan Melbourne was surrounded by a 'ring of steel' during last year's city-wide lockdown (above), in order to protect regional Victoria

The M5 Motorway, one of the city's busiest, cuts directly through the Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool council areas

However, Raina McIntyre, the Professor of Global Biosecurity at the University of New South Wales, told ABC TV on Thursday that the Bondi cluster outbreak is too far gone for localised lockdowns.

'I think it's spread all over Sydney now, so I think it's probably too late to be looking at targeted geographic measures,' she said.

'If you're going to go harder, it has to be across the (wider) metropolitan area.

'The spread of it is so wide that I think it may not be enough to do a targeted increase (in restrictions).'

Government spokespeople say the two trends show how the Delta variant is spreading in the south-west.

Ms Berejiklian on Thursday urged residents not to visit family members at their homes. 'Please stop visiting people indoors outside your household,' she said.

'We're seeing households give it to each other - please stop that.'

Meanwhile NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke told Radio 2GB: 'We've got problems with young people (in these areas) who aren't necessarily being truthful in what they're doing.

'They're causing transmission here at a much greater rate than what previously occurred'.

NSW reported 38 new cases of Covid in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday night, the highest daily case number since the outbreak began.

Forty patients are in now in the state's hospitals with Covid, including 10 under the age of 35.

The Premier did not elaborate further on her suggestion of tougher restrictions the south-west region at her daily press conference on Thursday.

Her chief medical officer, Dr Kerry Chant, identified the specific suburbs of Fairfield, Bossley Park, West Hoxton Park, Roselands, St Johns Park, Bonnyrigg, Bankstown and Smithfield as areas of concern.

The NSW Police south-west metropolitan region commander, Assistant Commissioner Cooke, will speak at a media conference later this afternoon about a police operation beginning on Friday.

Rattled Gladys Berejiklian begs Sydney residents to stay home and avoid visiting family and friends after NSW recorded 38 new cases - the highest in more than a year - including 20 active in the community

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian begged Sydney residents to stay home and avoid visiting family and friends on Thursday

New South Wales has recorded 38 more cases of Covid-19 - the largest rise in daily infections in the state in more than a year - prompting urgent pleas for Sydneysiders to stay home and reduce the spread of the highly-contagious Delta strain.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 20 of the 38 new cases had been out in the community - 11 throughout their infectious period and nine for part of it.

NSW Health said 21 of the new local infections reported in the 24 hours to Thursday morning are from south-west Sydney, which is the new epicentre of the outbreak that began in the city's east.

The outbreak of cases that began on June 16 has now reached 395 local infections, with 40 of them requiring hospital treatment, and 11 in intensive care.

The 38 figure represented the biggest daily increase in case numbers in NSW since April 2020 and came a day after lockdown was extended for another week across Sydney, the Central Coast and Wollongong areas.

One of the few commuters out and about in the city's CBD on Wednesday evening

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant called for higher rates of testing in suburbs where the virus was spreading fastest: Smithfield, Glenfield, West Hoxton Park, and St Johns Park in the Fairfield local government area in Sydney's west and south-west.

Ms Berejiklian once again pleaded with people from that area, which includes large migrant populations, not to visit one another and only leave their houses when absolutely necessary.

'I want to say in the strongest possible terms, please, please avoid contact with other households,' she said.

'Data over the last few days shows this is how the virus is spreading. The saddest message out of all of that is that people with the virus are passing it on to those they love the most.'

Ms Berejiklian had said harsher restrictions could be implemented in those suburbs if the case numbers did not swiftly decline.

Of Thursday's new cases, five were linked to an illegal gathering at the Meriton Suites Waterloo on June 26. That cluster has now reached 21 infections.

One case was an aged care worker from the SummitCare Baulkham Hills aged care facility in the city's north-west.

In a glimmer of hope though that Sydney's extended lockdown may end as scheduled on July 16, Ms Berejiklian said that was an 'achievable' prospect despite the record case numbers.

'Experts have told us it is achievable,' she said. 'If it was not achievable we would not have provided those details to the community.'
A Brazilian woman who tragically died after accidentally falling down a cliff while celebrating her birthday was trying to take a sunset selfie, her family has revealed.

Fernanda Morella was enjoying her 33rd birthday when she slipped 25 metres down the Kangaroo Point cliffs, in Brisbane's CBD, on Tuesday.

Devastated friends have remembered 'selfless' Ms Morella as an avid traveller who had lived in the USA, Germany, Ireland, Canada, Spain, and Australia.

Emergency services were called to River Terrace at 5pm 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) tragically died after she accidentally 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

Police informed Ms Morella's family in Brazil of her death that night.

'Today she turned 33. [She] went for a selfie with the sunset and fell [off] the cliff,' one relative wrote on social media.

'I will love you forever.'

Another aunty said what should have been a celebration ended in tragedy.

'Today would be a party day! 33 years of this beloved niece. But fate didn't allow it and took you to that tragic accident. Our hearts are all broken! Unbelievable.'

'May God receive you with a beautiful party!

Heartbroken friends have told Daily Mail Australia Ms Morella was an 'outgoing' and 'selfless' woman struck by wanderlust, who had lived in several countries before moving to Australia in 2017 after a long trip around Asia.

In Brisbane, Ms Morella was working as an au pair and was close to finishing a Bachelor in counselling, having already obtained a hospitality degree.

Devastated friends have remembered Ms Morella (pictured) as a 'selfelss' and outgoing woman who had the ability to see the humour in anything, even her own tragedies

Teresa Goulart met Ms Morella at a relationship workshop event while they were both living in Dublin in 2013.

'From that day on we were best friends, sisters, even though we barely ever lived in the same continent,' Ms Goulart told Daily Mail Australia.

'Fernanda was the kindest, most selfless person Ive ever known. Anyone who met her could tell straightway she didnt have a single mean cell in her body and was unable to hurt others, whatever the cost to her own feelings.'

Throughout her life, Ms Morella volunteered in several institutions for different causes and was 'focused on making the world a better place', Ms Goulart said.

'She found so much joy in helping strangers, friends, family, whoever needed it,' she said.

Ms Goulart described Ms Morella, who spoke several languages, as incredibly intelligent and hardworking - but said her most notable feature was her ability to see the bright side of life.

'Fernanda had the ability to see humour in anything, even her own tragedies. It was the most infectious laugh Ive known,' she said.

Ms Morella, a Brazilian national, had lived in the USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Australia

Ms Morella moved to Australia in 2017 and was close to finishing a degree in counselling

'She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and the world will certainly be a little dimmer without her light.'

Nick Pibu became friends with Ms Morella in 2007 when they were both living in the Florida Keys, where she worked as a pool server at the exclusive Ocean Reef Club.

'She was very sweet, outgoing and happy, and loved to travel and make new friends,' he said.

Mr Pibu said they remained in touch throughout the years, and he would always remember her vibrant smile.

'Everyone around her loved her smile,' he said.

Kangaroo Point cliffs are a popular abseiling and rock climbing spot nestled in the heart of the city alongside the Brisbane River.

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding her death.

A Queensland Police spokesperson said it is believed to be a case of misadventure and is not being treated as a suicide.
Locked in quarantine for two weeks, Sibylle Von Linde has travelled from Germany to reach her dying mum and hopes others won't have to repeat the tough journey.

After three attempts, Sibylle Von Linde made it to Australia from Germany and hopes to see her terminally ill mother before it's too late.

The past two weeks locked up in quarantine at the Howard Springs quarantine facility in the Northern Territory have been gut-wrenching as her mother's condition rapidly deteriorated.

Sibylle Von Linde travelled from Germany in a bid to see her dying mother Irmi (pictured) who is dying from brain cancer yet has been delayed due to COVID-19 quarantine red tape

'She has brain cancer,' Ms Von Linde told AAP, breaking down in tears.

'The worst thing is it's two weeks and I'm here and can't be with her.'

Ms Von Linde is due to leave quarantine on Thursday and will travel to the NSW Central Coast to be with her mother Irmi.

'I applied twice and said my mum has cancer, but apparently it wasn't enough to say 'it's really bad',' she said.

'I had to have it in writing that she has only a couple of weeks.'

Three weeks ago Irmi could still walk, but ten days ago she had to get a wheelchair.

Now she can barely sit in it.

'It's just getting worse and worse,' Ms Von Linde said.

Her partner couldn't travel with her from Munich because of the cost, which included $2500 for quarantine, and Australia's travel ban, so Ms Von Linde is alone.

Others at the Centre for National Resilience in Howard Springs have started an online petition calling for a more humane quarantine system.

A social justice group in Howard Springs have started an online petition (above) on behalf of Ms Von Linde and her mother (pictured) for a more humane quarantine system

Ms Von Linde was told by the federal government it would not matter if she was fully vaccinated.

'It wouldn't have made a difference, which I don't understand.'

A final attempt to enter Australia was approved, but her request to do home quarantine with Irmi was declined.

'It's been tough,' she said.

'I hope my story helps someone after me, that's enough.'
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A five-bedroom, five and a half bathroom mansion next to Joe Biden's custom three-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom in Wilmington, Delaware home has hit the market for $2.39 million.

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An 8,700-square-foot mansion on nearly two acres of Wilmington, Delaware is on sale for $2.4 million

The exterior of the home features a motor court, nine paneled windows and two wings that protrude from the center of the home, almost like the White House does

The home includes a designated work or play room with slanted ceilings on the second floor

A large winding staircase connects the first floor to the second floor, providing the home with an elegant look

There is also a designated homework nook, a bar and seating area outside of the kitchen

It features an open floor plan that allows for an abundance of natural light, and five bedrooms, each of which have their own attached bathrooms.

'It is an unusual style for the area, which is usually in Colonial style,' Michael Kelczewski, of Brandywine Fine Properties Sotheby's International told the Post of the Greenville neighborhood.

The area is one of the most expensive in the state, local real estate agent Stephen Mottola of Long and Foster Real Estate, told the Wall Street Journal in 2020, and is known as 'chateau country,' due to its large Colonial estates, many of which were built by the wealthy du Pont family.

The massive home features an open floor plan to allow for ample sunlight at all times

To the left of the entrance way is a formal dining room with a decorative fireplace mantle and another crystal chandelier handing from another decorative ceiling plate

The first-floor also includes a French country-inspired kitchen with marble countertops, ivory cabinets and stool seating

It provides the homeowner with ample space to store his or her kitchen supplies

There is also a separate kitchen nook for people to enjoy their meals or go outside and enjoy the two-acre lot

The kitchen opens up into a designated sun room surrounded by windows and doors to let in the sunlight

The expansive house for sale in the area includes a motor court and a covered entryway with wood doors, which open into a massive foyer with Brazilian hardwood finishes, tray ceilings, cathedral ceilings and wainscoting.

To the right of that entrance way is a large living room with a marble fireplace and a decorative ceiling plate, from which dangles a crystal chandelier, and to the left is a formal dining room with a decorative fireplace mantle and another crystal chandelier handing from another decorative ceiling plate.

Past that is a grand room with French doors, tray ceilings and a third fireplace with a floor to ceiling mantel installation.

The first-floor also includes a French country-inspired kitchen with a designated breakfast room, a homework nook and a bar with seating.

The kitchen is finished with ivory cabinets, marble countertops and a tile backsplash.

A sun room branches off from the kitchen, with French doors leading out to a patio for entertaining guests on the nearly 2-acre lot.

The grand room is a cozy place to relax on the couch or near the fireplace. It includes French doors that open to the yard

TThere is another fireplace in the liivng room, which includes another chandelier and plenty of light

There are a total of five bedrooms in the house, including two master bedrooms. The first floor primary bedroom is pictured

The first-floor bedroom has its own designated office space, which can fit its own couch and desk

And the bedroom has a large walk-in closet, which can fit hundreds of shirts and other supplies

The first floor primary bedroom also includes a large bathroom with a large walk-in shower and a tub

The home also has two primary bedroom suites, one on the first floor and another on the second, where there are also three other bedroom suites and a playroom or workspace.

The lower level of the home is on a slope allowing natural light to shine through the basement, which includes a home theater, a home gym and another wet bar.

The home was previously listed for $2.9 million in 2010, and was assessed last year at $275,000.

In 1998, President Joe Biden purchased the neighboring Wilmington lot, which overlooks a man-made lake for $350,000, but it is now estimated to be worth at least $2 million, according to the Journal.

There is ample storage space on the second floor near the grand staircase, with a seat near a window for people to enjoy

The basement features a home gym, and still manages to include sunlight as the lower level is on a slope

Guests can get comfortable in the basement, too, in the home theater, complete with comfortable couches, surround sound and a large screen to watch movies or television shows

But living near the president of the United States may pose some problems.

When the president is in town, security checkpoints prevent unauthorized guests from entering the immediate proximity of his home, and residents have said they have faced some disruptions over the past few years.

'I've spoken to neighbors, and the only issue with that is there are occasionally unannounced transits, where they shut down everything and you can't leave the property,' Kelczewski told the Post, 'so I can see that being somewhat of an encumbrance.

'But I think [the proximity to President Biden] is a selling point,' he added, noting that several New Yorkers and New Jerseyans have already requested tours of the home.
The teen who allegedly shot and injured a Marine in Times Square has turned himself over to the NYPD while accompanied by his mom and has been charged with attempted murder, it has been reported.

Avon Darden, 16, handed himself over to cops at the Midtown South Precinct station house on Wednesday a whopping ten days after the shooting, the New York Daily News reported.

Samuel Poulin, 21, was hit in the back by a ricocheting bullet as he walked with his family near the Marriott Hotel on W. 45th St. around 5:15 p.m. on June 27. The young Marine was hospitalized after the shooting but was luckily not seriously injured.

Because of his age, Darden was charged as a minor with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon, cops said in a news release.

'I don't want to say anything about my son,' the teen's mom, who declined to give her name, told the Daily News.

The teen was 'perp walked' as he was led out of the precinct on his way to court on Wednesday night and was seen wearing an oversized black hoodie covering his head, a blue surgical mask and baggy blue pants.

When asked by a reporter for the New York Post if he had a message for Poulin's family, he said: 'Yeah I got a message for the family [inaudible].'

He was then driven to court by detectives.

Avon Darden, 16, handed himself over to cops at the Midtown South Precinct station house on Wednesday a whopping ten days after the shooting. He is pictured in surveillance footage while cops searched for him

Darden is allegedly pictured with the gun during the shooting on June 27

Samuel Poulin, 21, was hit in the back by a ricocheting bullet as he walked with his family near the Marriott Hotel on W. 45th St. around 5:15 p.m. on June 27

The young soldier recently graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, with a commission in the US. Marine Corps

WANTED for an Assault: On Sunday June 27, 2021 at approx. 5:15 P.M., in the vicinity of West 47st. and 7th Ave. @NYPDMTS a unknown individual shot a 21 year old innocent bystander causing serious injury Call @ 800-577-TIPS or DM NYPDTips Reward up to $3500 pic.twitter.com/j199kR3iYj  NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) June 28, 2021

Darden reportedly has been arrested for three felonies, including one for a gun possession charge, before he turned himself over on Wednesday.

Cops told the New York Post that the shooting was prompted after rival breakdancers argued the night before when Darden had allegedly walked in front of a performer.

Darden allegedly returned the next day and argued with the other performer for a second time before he allegedly whipped out the gun and opened fire, the New York Post reported.

After Darden allegedly started shooting, a bullet ricocheted off the ground and hit Poulin.

The young soldier recently graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, with a commission in the US. Marine Corps.

Times Square, one of the world's most visited tourist attractions, sees an estimated 50 million visitors annually and about 330,000 people pass through it daily, many of whom are tourists like Poulin.

Scared bystanders were sent scurrying as the shots went off last Sunday.

NYPD data shows that there were 59 shooting victims from June 28, the day after the Times Square incident, to July 4. There were 64 shooting victims for the same week in 2020, marking a 7.8% decrease year-over-year.

In the last 28 days, there have been 201 shooting victims compared to 261 for the same period last year  marking a 23% decrease year-over-year.

Times Square, one of the world's most visited tourist attractions, sees an estimated 50 million visitors annually

Scared bystanders were sent scurrying as the shots went off last Sunday

Police are pictured working the scene where an innocent bystander, 21, was struck by a ricocheted bullet outside the Marriott Hotel

NYPD data shows that there were 59 shooting victims from June 28, the day after the Times Square incident, to July 4

There were 64 shooting victims for the same week in 2020, marking a 7.8% decrease year-over-year

The number of shooting victims in the Big Apple remains up in 2021 compared to 2020, with a total of 886 shooting victims this year compared to 670 last year

The number of murders recorded for the week of June 28 to July 4 also fell 54.5% when compared to last year

The numbers appear to indicate that the NYPD and officials have started to get a grip on the incredible crime rates

The number of shooting victims in the Big Apple remains up in 2021 compared to 2020, with a total of 886 shooting victims this year compared to 670 last year.

The number of shooting incidents for the week of June 28 to July 4 also fell 9.6% year-over-year, with 52 reported in 2020 and just 47 reported in 2021.

The number of shooting incidents are down 16.2% for the 28-day recording period, with 165 shooting incidents recorded in 2021 and 197 recorded in 2020.

However, like the number of shooting victims, the number of shooting incidents for the year are still alarmingly high.

There have been 765 shooting incidents total for 2021 as recorded by July 4, with just 555 shooting incidents recorded by the same date in 2020  for an increase of 37.8%.

The number of murders recorded for the week of June 28 to July 4 also fell 54.5% when compared to last year. There were 5 murders recorded for the week in 2021 compared to 11 in 2020.

The number of murders recorded for the 28-day recording period also fell 15.8% from 38 murders in 2020 to 32 in 2021.

The number of murders for the year were still up 8.5% compared to 2020 with 217 murders recorded by July 4 of this year and 200 recorded by July 4 of last year.

However, those numbers too have been declining in recent months since crime spiked in early spring.

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

There were 173 total murders this year as of May 30, with just 147 by the same date in 2020  marking a 17.7% increase year-over-year. That percentage increase has fallen nearly 10 percentage points by July 4.

By May 9, NYPD data showed there were a total of 146 murders in New York City in 2021 compared to 115 by the same date in 2020, then a 27% increase  nearly 20 percentage points higher than where they currently stand.

The numbers appear to indicate that the NYPD and officials have started to get a grip on the incredible crime rates.

The NYPD provides data for seven major crime categories, including: murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and grand larceny auto.

Across those categories, there were 44,129 crimes committed by July 4 of this year compared to 44,426 by the same date last year  a sign that crime across all categories has actually decreased by about 1% year-over-year.

Eric Adams, who is on track to be elected mayor of New York City in November, on Wednesday morning said that Andrew Cuomo's gun violence reduction plan should have been ushered in earlier

Adams mingles with supporters during his election night party, late on June 22

Still, New York politicians are frantically working to keep those numbers from rising once again and even-out the crime numbers.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared the state-wide crime wave a 'disaster emergency' on Tuesday while he announced a seven-tiered plan to allocate $138.7 million for gun violence intervention and programs.

'If you can beat COVID, you can beat gun violence,' Cuomo said. 'We're in a new epidemic, and it's gun violence, and it's a matter of life and death also.'

Cuomo said at the news conference that the order will let state officials give money and resources to areas hit hardest by the gun violence epidemic.

He also appeared to accuse gun manufacturers as one of the main reasons behind the crime spike.

Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams, who is likely to become the next mayor of New York City after winning the Democratic primary, rebuked Cuomo for the announcement, asking on CBS This Morning: 'What took so long?'

Adams, a 60-year-old former NYPD police captain, won the primary election largely for his platform of being tough on crime - and has even secured praise from Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

When asked for his response to Cuomo's gun violence plan, Adams replied: 'My first question is, what took so long? And why has it taken us so long, watching these babies die, year after year after year? No one seems to care.'
A Bunnings customer was spat on by another shopper during an argument about wearing a face mask inside the store.

Police are scouring CCTV from the Sydney hardware store to find the 'disgusting' attacker.

NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Gary Worboys said a 51-year-old man was being harassed for not adhering to public health orders.

'The man who was doing the chastising decided to spit at that man,' he told reporters on Thursday morning.

Police are hunting a man who spat on a Bunnings shopper for not wearing a face mask (file image)

Rushcutters Bay Park on Wednesday. Greater Sydney is under a strict stay-at-home lockdown until July 16 at the earliest and face masks are compulsory across NSW

'That behaviour is just disgusting... [If] people have an issue that they cannot resolve with some cordial communication... [at] these retail settings, they should ring the police,' he said.

Officers were reviewing security footage at the store and asked anyone who might have witnessed the incident or have information to contact police.

'There is no room [for] what is a criminal act, to go and spit at a person because you don't like the answer that you got in terms of a face mask issue,' he said.

Deputy Commissioner Worboys also specifically mentioned another incident in which a man travelled out of Sydney to meet up with someone he had been chatting to online.

He said police stopped the man and when he told them that was his sole reason for travelling he was issued with a fine.

'Police deemed that not to be a reasonable excuse, he was issued with an infringement notice and sent back to greater Sydney,' Commissioner Worboys said.

Sydney residents are in the second week of a strict lockdown to contain a Covid outbreak which has climbed to 395 since June 16.

The lockdown was extended for a third week on Wednesday.

Residents in Sydney, Blue Mountains Shellharbour, Central Coast, and Woollongong must not leave their homes unless essential.

Face masks are also compulsory at indoor venues across NSW.

Sydneysiders wait outside the Homebush vaccination hub (pictured) on Wednesday

NSW recorded 38 new local Covid-19 cases on Thursday, including 20 people who were in the community for part or all of their infectious period.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Thursday those numbers were 'too high'.

'We need to get those numbers down,' she said.

'I want to say in the most, strongest possible terms, please avoid contact with households with other households, please avoid visiting family and friends.

'The strongest message is do not visit people outside your household in indoor settings.'

The 38 new cases recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday from nearly 40,000 tests is a jump from the previous day's figure of 27.

NSW Health said 26 cases were linked to a known case or cluster - 13 are household contacts and 13 are close contacts - and the source of infection for 12 cases remained under investigation.

Ms Berejiklian (pictured) announced another 38 Covid cases in NSW on Thursday

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Meanwhile, NSW teachers and senior students in Sydney and surrounds will be required to wear masks when they return to school next term.

NSW Health also confirmed that a fifth aged care worker at SummitCare Baulkham Hills has come down with the virus, but was already isolating. Six residents to date have caught Covid-19.

Masks will be mandatory for all staff in all school settings, as well as students from Year 7 upwards when on-site learning resumes on July 19.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the new Covid-safe rules would apply to schools inside areas impacted by the stay-at-home orders - Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour.

In regional areas, masks will be recommended for all staff in all school settings as well as high school students.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (centre) with Health Minister Brad Hazzard (left) and Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys (right)
Australian bosses are typically offering salary increases of 9 per cent to stop staff from leaving.

Recruitment company Robert Half surveyed 300 hiring managers in Australia and found the border closure was making employers go to desperate lengths to keep talent.

Most Australian workers are still missing out on decent pay increases, with wages in the year to March growing by just 1.5 per cent.

Highly-valued employees, however, can secure themselves a very healthy pay increase if their bosses really wanted to keep them and their skills.

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Australian bosses are offering salary increases of up to 9 per cent to stop staff from leaving. Recruitment company Robert Half surveyed 300 hiring managers in Australia and found the border closure was making employers go to desperate lengths to keep talent

Bosses were offering, on average, 9 per cent pay increases to stop staff from accepting a new job with a competitor, the Robert Half online research done in May found.

Nicole Gorton, a director at Robert Half, said counter offers to keep good staff were often better than an expensive recruitment process to find a replacement.

'Counteroffers are more often a tool to help the employer,' she said.

'Particularly in a competitive market, it can be tempting to make counteroffers in order to retain institutional knowledge and avoid the resource intensive exercise of recruiting, onboarding, and training a new employee.'

Nonetheless, with professionals having the most choice of jobs in 12 years, counteroffers didn't necessarily guarantee they would stay long term, even though 89 per cent of firms surveyed were intending to put them forward.

The Robert Half research found 52 per cent of staff offered a higher salary to stay left within a year anyway.

Nicole Gorton, a director at Robert Half, said counter offers to keep good staff were often better than an expensive recruitment process to find a replacement

Australia's highest paid advertised jobs Chief technology officer (Sydney): $350,000 Accounting partner (Brisbane): $350,000 Chief information security officer (Sydney and Melbourne): $300,000 Chief technology officer (Sydney): $280,000 Technology program manager (Melbourne): $280,000 Source: Robert Half Salary Guide 2021 report. Figures refer to the top 5 per cent by category Advertisement

A fifth or 19 per cent of staff offered a higher salary left within six months.

Robert Half said employees who accepted a counter offer were more likely to have their loyalty questioned and would probably miss out on future salary increases.

'If securing a pay-rise is your sole reason to resign, then a counteroffer may seem appealing,' it said.

'However it raises the question of why your employer was not willing to negotiate salary in your last review and suggests that you may struggle to secure and grow your remuneration on long-term basis.'

Counteroffers are also more likely to encourage other staff members to bargain for big pay increases, undermining workplace morale.

'When the news of a successful counteroffer negotiation and salary increase gets around  and it will get around  it can generate feelings of favouritism or dissatisfaction,' the report said.

'Using counteroffers as a negotiating tool can send a message of disloyalty which can tarnish employee trust  both within the team and amongst leadership.

'Moreover, an employee who is motivated by salary alone may not develop or evolve their skills as quickly as one of who is pursuing career growth and new challenges.'

Nonetheless, with professionals having the most choice of jobs in 12 years, counteroffers didn't necessarily guarantee they would stay long term. The Robert Half research found 52 per cent of staff offered a higher salary to stay left within a year anyway

Last month, the number of advertised jobs in Australia rose by another 3 per cent to a 12-year high of 211,854 available positions, the ANZ job ads series showed.

With Australia's border closed until mid-2022, Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe said the inability of employers to source skilled migrants would lead to higher wages, ending an eight-year streak of below-average wages growth.

'There's a potential upside risk to wages from the closure of the borders,' he said.

'If the borders remain closed for a very extended period of time, we'll see more and more of these pressures in the labour market.'
Thousands more Sydneysiders will qualify for a $500 lockdown payment after the requirements were relaxed.

Greater Sydney residents who lose more than 20 hours of work a week can claim $500 a week from the federal government while those who lose fewer than 20 hours can claim $325.

Previously only people with less than $10,000 in their bank accounts could apply for the payment, but this requirement has been removed for lockdowns around the country that go on for more than three weeks.

Lockdown for eastern Sydney will hit the three-week mark on Friday and workers in the rest of the city will qualify on Sunday.

Some 300,000 extra doses of Covid vaccine will be diverted to Sydney to help fight the growing outbreak in city

Meanwhile, some 300,000 extra doses of Covid vaccine will be handed to Sydney to help fight the growing outbreak of the highly infectious Delta strain which numbers 395 cases.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the doses, which are half Pfizer and half AstraZeneca, will be targeted to three local government areas of south-west Sydney where most of the new cases are being recorded.

In those areas only 48 to 51 per cent of over 70s have had their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, so the government will speed up the process by reducing the time between doses from 12 weeks to eight weeks, consistent with medical advice.

Mr Morrison said he has managed to secure extra Pfizer doses from overseas so other states will not lose supply.

Sydney suffered 38 new cases on Thursday, a day after Premier Gladys Berejiklian extended lockdown for another week until Friday July 16.

Of those cases, 20 were out and active in the community; 11 throughout their infectious period and nine for part of it.

Sydneysiders wait in a queue outside a Covid-19 vaccination centre in the Homebush suburb of Sydney on Wednesday

Australia has only fully vaccinated 9.81 per cent of adults, meaning state governments still want to use lockdowns to prevent the disease from spreading rapidly.

Mr Morrison said he supports the suppression strategy.

In the UK, 65 per cent of adults are fully vaccinated, allowing the government to relax restrictions.

But Mr Morrison said comparison is not fair because the UK started its rollout earlier because it was in an emergency and largely used the AstraZeneca vaccine which is not recommended for under 60s in Australia.

He also said nations with onshore production of Pfizer, including the US, had much greater access to that jab than Australia and other nations depending on imports.

'At no stage, at any time in the past 12 months, has there been any suggestion we would reach the same level of vaccination as in the UK [by now],' Mr Morrison said.

'The suggestion that somehow there was a vaccination rate that would have somehow put us in a different situation than we are right now is simply not true.'

Case numbers throughout the state have bounced around in recent days - peaking at 38 cases on Thursday

Premier Berejiklian earlier said the chances of the three-week lockdown ending as scheduled on July 16 remained in the balance.

'Experts have told us it is achievable,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'If it was not achievable we would not have provided those details to the community.

'All the experts have said if every single person does the right thing, that we can get to where we need to go at the end of the three-week period.

'That is a big ask because we know that unfortunately, unintentionally at times, people dont do the right thing, so its really important for all of us to have equal responsibility.'

The outbreak of cases that began on June 16 has now reached 395 local infections, with 40 of them requiring hospital treatment, and 11 in intensive care.

NSW Health said 21 of the new local infections reported in the 24 hours to Thursday morning are from south-west Sydney, which is the new epicentre of the outbreak that began in the city's east.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant called for higher rates of testing in suburbs where the virus was spreading fastest: Smithfield, Glenfield, West Hoxton Park, and St Johns Park in the Fairfield local government area.

Ms Berejiklian once again pleaded with people from that area not to visit one another and only leave their houses when absolutely necessary.

'I want to say in the strongest possible terms, please, please avoid contact with other households,' she said.
Demand for Australian lobsters remains high in China despite the country banning imports - leading to some shipments being smuggled in.

In one bust by Hong Kong authorities, a speedboat laden with luxury goods including the seafood delicacy was intercepted traveling towards mainland China.

Four men on board had loaded styrofoam boxes with lobsters and tried to make the few kilometres across Deep Bay to Guangdong province, the South China Morning Post reported.

Australia's distinctive western rock lobster (pictured) are a delicacy in China

Lobster trawlers sit idle off the WA coast (pictured) in 2020 after China - the industries biggest export destination - banned imports

The origin of the cargo was not revealed by Hong Kong customs, but the appearance of the crustaceans matched that of Australian rock lobsters.

The smugglers attempted to sneak 569kg of the lobsters across the bay - worth about $25,000.

Following the unofficial Chinese ban on Australian lobsters, grey-market unofficial smuggling channels have boomed, supplying the demand from China's restaurants.

'Most of the smuggled lobsters are western rock lobsters from Australia,' one Hong Kong seafood trader said.

'Mainland consumers are so used to its taste that the Chinese market demand is still huge, even though direct imports have been banned.'

Hong Kong can still accept shipments of the lobster - which are packed legally in ice in Perth, flown over, and woken with fresh seawater once they clear customs.

From here the illegal grey-market operators try to smuggle the valuable export to mainland China for top dollar prices.

WA lobster are flown legally to Hong Kong (pictured) but are then packed in styrofoam and smuggled into mainland China

China banned Australian lobster through customs restrictions in November 2020 as diplomatic relations between the countries became strained.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's vocal push for an international inquiry into the origins of Covid in early 2020, eventually backed by 120 countries, had caused tensions to rise.

Chinese claims of Australia's interference in their foreign affairs - specifically Hong Kong compounded the dispute.

During the second half of the year China began targeting Australian exports one-by-one in economic retaliation.

Beef, barley, wine, and coal were also hit with measures such sky-high taxes - effectively banning Australian exports of the products.

Australian-made wine for sale in a store in Beijing. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce previously introduced a tariff between 107.1 per cent and 212.1 per cent on the alcohol product

In June 2020, the communist nation slapped an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley.

China's 200 per cent tax on Australian wine, crippling the industry, prompted the government to go to the World Trade Organization in an attempt to solve the trade dispute.

In March, China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed the huge tariffs on Australian wine would remain for five years.

Trade Minister Dan Tehan says the decision is consistent with the government's previous use of the WTO and aligns with Australia's support for a rules-based trading system.

'The government will continue to vigorously defend the interests of Australian winemakers,' Mr Tehan said.

China claims Australian winemakers were exporting huge quantities of cheap product on their market subsidised by the government - a practice known as 'dumping' used to push out competition in the market.

Barley producers were also forced to find other buyers for their crop after China slapped a huge tariff on the Australian commodity

The wine industry and Australian government reject the claim - which will form the basis of their challenge at the WTO.

Australia has already complained to the independent global trade umpire over China's blocking of barley, another of the several commodities that have become entangled in the growing rift between the countries.

In late 2020 nearly 100 bulk shipping carriers holding Australian coal were stranded in water outside Chinese ports for months unable to offload their cargo.

Chinese state media later confirmed that importing restrictions on coal had been lifted for a long list of countries but remained for Australia.

This allowed countries such as Indonesia and Russia to undercut the market and supply their power plants with cheaper and less environmentally friendly coal.
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced Wednesday that the Miami-Dade County grand jury would come up with recommendations into ways to prevent tragedies such as the June 24 condo collapse in Surfside from happening again

A grand jury will be formed in Miami-Dade County to look into ways to prevent disasters such as the deadly collapse of the condo in Surfside from happening again.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced on Wednesday that she had requested the grand jury to, 'look into how we can prevent such a disaster from occurring again, not just in Surfside, and not just in condominiums, but in all building and structures in the coastal and intercoastal and surrounding areas of our county, state and nation.'

In its investigation, she said, it would look into broader building code issues, 'pending the conclusion of the long-term investigation that will yield the cause of the collapse.'

The announcement came as the death toll from the June 24 collapse rose to 54 with 86 still missing as officials announced the shift from search-and-rescue operations to recovery on Wednesday, and a moment of silence was observed to mark the change.

'As a community, we remain shaken and horrified by the immense loss of life and the sheer destruction caused by the collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condominium building,' Rundle said in a statement.

Rundle's announcement came as the death toll from the June 24 collapse rose to 54 with 86 still missing as officials announced the shift from search-and-rescue operations to recovery as workers combed the ruins Wednesday (pictured)

Crews recovered 18 bodies from the rubble of the collapsed condo in Surfside Wednesday, the highest single-day total, bringing the death toll to 54

The shift in operations came as the search efforts entered their 13th day

Rescue crews worked amid the debris Wednesday, but no further survivors have been found since hours immediately after the collapse

The search and rescue teams held a moment of silence to mark the shift from search and rescue operations to recovery Wednesday evening

She cited safety improvements to building code in the wake of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 as a result of the adoption of a previous Miami-Dade grand jury's recommendations.

Grand juries in the county typically serve two roles: to issue indictments for first-degree murder and to look into public health and safety issues, according to the Miami Herald.

Other examples of reports grand juries in the county have compiled include those involving the financial state of Miami's public hospital system, the treatment of mentally ill inmates in county jails and environmental issues among many others, the outlet reported.

While criminal indictments are possible, Rundle appeared to indicate with her statement that the panel would focus on ways to prevent a repeat of the Surfside tragedy.

Rundle cited in her statement Wednesday safety improvements to building code in the wake of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 as a result of the adoption of a previous Miami-Dade grand jury's recommendations

She said she hopes the current grand jury would produce a report by the end of its term in October with recommendations that will put Miami-Dade residents at ease.

The investigation is among several already launched into the cause of the collapse.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, which investigated the collapse of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, announced on June 30 that it would conduct a technical investigation into the cause of the collapse with the goal of also coming up with recommendations to prevent a similar disaster.

The organization said its investigation could take years.

Additionally, five civil lawsuits have also been filed against the condo administration on behalf of the condo residents, both living and presumed dead.

Already theories have swirled into what caused the deadly disaster.

Engineers say a video of water and debris gushing into the Miami condo parking garage supports the possibility that the pool deck caved first and dragged the building down with it.

The video was taken from the street, peering down a ramp into the underground level of the Champlain Towers South complex, seconds before it collapsed on June 24. It is further proof that the complex imploded from the pool deck inwards, engineers say.

'Something was happening a few minutes before the building comes down. There was something happening around this deck area [above the debris].

A video was taken from the street, peering down a ramp into the underground level of the Champlain Towers South complex, seconds before it collapsed on June 24. It is further proof that the complex imploded from the pool deck inwards, engineers say

'For this type of flat slab construction, my hypothesis is the punching shear began at this slab level,' Abi Aghayere, a Drexel University engineering researcher, told The Miami Herald on July 2.

'It looks like the slab fell down. This is certainly the first place where we see structural damage before the collapse.

Her theory was supported by Dawn Lehman, a professor of engineering at the University of Washington.

'This is certainly the first place where we see structural damage before the collapse,' she said.

A video recorded seven minutes before the building collapsed shows water pouring down from the ceiling of the garage. It comes amid concerns from a structural engineer that the swimming pool deck may have caved in first and brought down the rest of the building with it, as corroborated by witnesses who say that sections of the pool deck had collapsed into the garage below

The slab that crumbled was exactly where Frank Morabito, an engineer hired by the collapsed tower association, identified severe concrete erosion in 2018.

It is also around where a contractor saw water forming in a puddle just 36 hours before the collapse.

Experts who have viewed video of the collapse are unanimous in their belief that the collapse started with a problem at the bottom of the building - either in the parking garage or on the pool deck.

The 2020 report details how at five sites, paving stones were lifted, concrete demolished and landscaping was removed in order to access what lie underneath

There are some theories that the eroded columns in the parking garage may have also been partially to blame.

Others say though that the columns were intact and that once the building started to implode.

Some say there is evidence of punching shear failure which is when the slabs above a column fail and the column punches through it.

They think as much because some of the collapsed columns remain in place. That would not explain the collapse or the cause of it, but paints a picture of how the building might have fallen.

Other engineers also say there had to have been one or a combination of other contributing factors, like corroded rebar - which was identified in the pool equipment room, beneath the pool and next to the garage, 36 hours before it collapsed.

Drilling took place up to a foot down in order to determine the structure of the concrete below. The work 'yielded some curious results as it pertained to the structural slab's depth' - but the reason as to why the results were 'curious' was not explained

A close up of the rubble taken on June 24, just a few hours after the collapse, show how part of the pool deck had given way to and crumbled

Civil engineers who viewed the view told the Post that the first part of the building to fall was where the failure was, and that the second portion only fell because it was dragged down by the debris from the first portion that fell.

'[It] wasnt catastrophic failure. What that was [was] the debris underneath  probably a combination of half pulling it over and then piling up against the columns  and it finally failed.

'And then it comes down,' Scott Homrich, the president of the National Demolition Association, said.

'The reason for that is that part on the right side  its columns were still okay. The structure of that building was still good. Its still holding it up.

'But because its dragging, being dragged down by the rest of the building to the left of it, it starts leaning to the left, which also causes extra stresses on it because its not designed to be leaning to the left.

'But then also its just being pulled down,' Albert Bleakley, a professor of mechanical and civil engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology,' said.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will not be held in supermax prison conditions if he is allowed to be extradited to the United States, American officials have assured British authorities.

American officials have made the compromise in the hopes of finally ending the lengthy battle to put Assange, 50, on trial for espionage charges in the United States, the Wall Street Journal reported.

If Assange is convicted in an American court, U.S. officials have also said the Australian would be allowed to serve jail time in his home country, the outlet reported.

The revelations were made in a court ruling provided by the U.K. Crown Prosecution Service obtained by the outlet.

American officials have made the compromise in the hopes of finally ending the lengthy battle to put Assange, 50, on trial for espionage charges

Julian Assange's partner, Stella Moris speaks to the media outside the High Court in London on Wednesday following the announcement

Assange's fiancee, Stella Moris, urged U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday to drop the prosecution launched under his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Stella Moris is pictured with their child Gabriel outside the High Court in London on Wednesday

Britain's High Court has also granted the U.S. government permission to appeal a January 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 he 'has an incentive to abscond' if he were freed.

Assange has been in London's high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested in April 2019 for skipping bail seven years earlier during a separate legal battle.

He had 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.

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.

Assange's 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.

She added: 'Six months ago, Judge Vanessa Baraitser blocked the extradition of my partner, Julian Assange, because consigning him to the US prison system would have amounted to signing his death warrant. That should have been the end of it.

'The case is rotten to the core, and nothing that the US government can say about his future treatment is worth the paper it is written on. This is a country whose agents plotted to kill Julian on British soil, who harried his solicitors and stole legal documents; who even targeted our six-month-old baby.

'I'm 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.'

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange gestures from the window of a prison van as he is driven out of Southwark Crown Court in London on May 1, 2019, after having been sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for breaching his bail conditions in 2012

Supporters of arrive as a protest picnic demanding the release of Julian Assange is held on his 50th birthday at Parliament Square on July 3, 2021 in London, England

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange looks out of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London where he had been living for more than three years after the country granted him political asylum

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook shows Julian Assange appearing at the Old Bailey in London for the ruling in his extradition case in January

Moris also said that the Biden administration 'admits that the Trump Department of Justice lacked independence.'

'It seems inconceivable that President Biden would want to continue with this case  because Julian's freedom is coupled to all our freedoms, and no democratic society can ever make journalism a crime,' she said.

'If the Biden Administration does not end this now, the case will limp through the courts while Julian remains in prison indefinitely, unconvicted, suffering and isolated, while our young children are denied their father.'

People protest for Julian Assange at Piccadilly Circus on his 50th birthday on July 3

She added that the 'case is itself falling apart' after the lead witness 'now admits that he lied in exchange for immunity from US prosecutors.'

'The lawyers of Julian were spied on, their offices were broken in to. Even our six-month-old baby was targeted while he was in the embassy,' she said.

Moris said that Attorney General Merrick Garland 'has egg on his face' because of the decision to use a witness who allegedly perjured himself in order to try to imprison Assange and keep him there.

Moris, who spoke to reporters outside of the the Royal Courts of Justice on Wednesday, had visited Assange in Belmarsh earlier in the day,

'He is happy when he sees us  it's not representative when I see him because obviously it's the one respite he gets,' she said.

'Belmarsh prison is a terrible place. Just yesterday, another prisoner was found dead in his cell. The suicide rate is three times higher than the average UK prison and it is a daily struggle.'

A group of doctors representing over 250 medical professionals from 35 countries wrote to President Joe Biden on Wednesday, urging him to drop charges against Assange under the Espionage Act.

They said: 'Mr Assange continues to suffer serious, life-threatening effects of the psychological torture he has been subjected to for more than a decade.'

Mark Lytle, a former federal prosecutor who is now a lawyer at the law firm Nixon Peabody, told the Wall Street Journal that the decision to let Assange serve out his sentence in Australia is unusual.

'It is extremely rare, and it's usually based on a process after conviction. To offer it up front to gain extradition, that is a break with the policy,' he said.

Nick Vamos, the former head of extradition for the Crown Prosecution Service, told the outlet it was also unusual to assure how Assange would be treated as a prisoner.
The head of America's second largest teachers' union has accused Republican politicians of 'bullying' teachers and preventing them from teaching 'honest history' after 26 states make moves to ban lessons on Critical Race Theory.

Randi Weingarten, who represents 1.7 million teachers as head of the American Federation of Teachers, said on Wednesday that Republicans were using intimidation tactics.

Critical Race Theory (CRT) reassesses U.S. history through the lens of slavery and race relations makes white children feel guilty for the color of their skin, and creates racial division. It has become a lightning rod for critics, including Republicans, but supporters say it is a necessary reassessment of historic reality.

Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color

Weingarten on Wednesday spoke during her union's TEACH Virtual Conference 2021, running from July 6-10. The event was livestreamed and headlined by controversial 'How to Be an Antiracist' author Ibram X Kendi.

Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, on Wednesday spoke at the annual conference of her union, held online. She said that Republicans were 'bullying' teachers and frightening them away from teaching 'honest history' - but insisted CRT was not taught in schools

Author Ibram X. Kendi also addressed the AFT conference on Wednesday, and said he thought CRT should be taught in schools

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

'There are legislators, mostly from the Republican party, who are currently bullying teachers and trying to stop us from teaching kids honest history,' Weingarten told the audience.

'Look, maybe they are just trying to raise the temperature on race relations because of the next election.'

She said that Republicans were trying to stifle debate.

'Culture warriors are labeling any discussion of race, racism or discrimination as [critical race theory] to try to make it toxic,' she said.

'They are bullying teachers and trying to stop us from teaching students accurate history.'

Currently, 26 states have introduced legislation or have taken other actions to restrict the teaching of Critical Race Theory according to Education Week.

Meetings of school boards have become extremely heated, as parents angrily denounce teachers - who often insist they don't even teach CRT. Loudoun County in Virginia has seen some of the most dramatic scenes, with two people even being arrested during the wild meeting on June 22.

On Tuesday, Weingarten said her organization is already 'preparing for litigation as we speak' against states which ban CRT.

Her spokesman, Andrew Crook, said the union has yet to identify specific targets.

Yet she insisted that CRT did not feature in school curriculum, and was only taught at college and university level.

'Critical Race Theory is not taught in elementary schools or middle schools or high schools,' she said, in remarks obtained by Fox News.

Yet Weingarten's guest speaker, Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to be an Antiracist, urged teachers to talk to pupils about racism and inequality, and promoted CRT.

Sheriffs in Loudoun County, Virginia, are seen confronting parents angered by talk of teaching CRT in schools

At least two people were arrested during the chaotic June 22 meeting of the school board

Angry parents yelled at school security officers and sheriffs in Loudoun County last month

Kendi's book has become a best seller

'If you're a child that's ten years old and you see that certain racial groups have more, and certain racial groups have less, you're going to be asking, 'Why is that the case?'' he told the audience.

'And to me, it is the prudent thing to do for teachers to say that the cause of the disparity that you see are the result of racism, are the result of bad rules, are the result of history, and we're trying to change this.'

As teachers' unions nationwide hold their annual gatherings, CRT has been a hot topic of conversation.

The National Education Association (NEA) during its June 30-July 3 conference passed a resolution that in part would 'fight back against anti-CRT rhetoric.'

The same union also passed a $56,500 measure to 'research the organizations attacking educators doing anti-racist work.'

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.

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.'

Six states have banned the critical race theory and another dozen are considering passing similar resolutions

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

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 said some of the state laws are so expansive 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. It's a one-sided view that does not allow for a 'discussion,'' and Marilyn Muller said: 'Let's not misappropriate the word history, Randi.'

'I don't 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 aren't 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
Police will crack down on virus-hit areas of south-west Sydney from Friday morning, after Premier Gladys Berejiklian made an urgent plea for locals to stop visiting the homes of family and friends.

Senior officers announced they would launch a major operation targeting three major council areas - Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool - amid troubling Covid transmission rates.

More than 100 extra officers will surge into the area from 7am in order to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions.

New South Wales reported 38 new cases overnight, its highest daily number in a year.

Some 21 of those Delta-variant cases were from the south-west Sydney region, after the cluster that began in Bondi spread to the city's suburbs.

Officials have blamed the spike on residents visiting the homes of friends and family, as well as young people defying the public health orders.

Case numbers throughout the state have bounced around in recent days - peaking at 38 cases overnight

The south-west regional police commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, said the police operation will ensure residents 'do the right thing'.

Asked if his officers will, for example, stop shoppers looking to buy running shoes, Asst Comm. Cooke said: 'They need a reasonable excuse to be out there, and people need to ask themselves the question 'do I need to do it?' and quite often, the answer can be no.'

One day after extending Sydney's lockdown for a week, Ms Berejiklian begged the city's residents to stay home.

'I want to say in the strongest possible terms, please, please avoid contact with other households.

'Please avoid visiting family and friends, because you're not allowed to. The data shows in the past few days that is how the virus is spreading.'

A masked police officer enforces Covid restrictions in the city's west late last month

Health officials named suburbs including Bankstown, Fairfield, Bossley Park, Hoxton Park, West Hoxton Park, Roselands, Bonnyrigg, Glenfield, Smithfield and St Johns Park as areas of concern.

The region takes in some 110 suburbs, is home to more than 820,000 residents and represents a 519 square kilometre swathe of the city.

The crisis has raised two issues. There is criticism that the city's multicultural south-west is being targeted by a 'major police operation' when eastern suburbs such as Bondi were not.

State Greens MP David Shoebridge tweeted: 'Although "Covid compliance is the same across metropolitan Sydney" the NSW Govt is sending more than 100 police officers into South West Sydney. There is absolutely NO logic for the direct targeting of Sydney's black and brown communities.'

The other issue is one for health experts: could the area be cut off from the rest of the city just as the northern beaches was last December?

Should the south-west Sydney area be 'ring-fenced'?

University of Melbourne epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely said area lockdowns can work and worthy of serious consideration.

But they aren't effective in all situations. 'It's damn hard to do without natural boundaries,' Prof. Blakely told Daily Mail Australia.

The northern beaches lockdown only worked so well because of the area's unique geography, he added.

Known as Sydney's 'insular peninsula', the northern beaches region was cut off from the rest of the city at the beginning of the 2020 summer holidays, stopping a 151-strong outbreak from spreading throughout the wider metropolitan area.

However the beaches peninsula can only be reached by a handful of roads and ferry services.

Meanwhile, Daily Mail Australia counted more than 20 routes out of the south-west Sydney region.

'If you were doing it with military-like precision, you'd see road blocks and checking people coming in and out and if they had legitimate reasons,' Prof. Blakely said.

'You'd need to decide what legitimate reasons are for instance, transporting freight.'

What could be: The NSW government has singled out three local government areas: Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown - as being sites for increased Covid transmission. Above, a graphic showing what it could look like if a localised lockdown came into force

Metropolitan Melbourne was surrounded by a 'ring of steel' during last year's city-wide lockdown (above), in order to protect regional Victoria

The M5 Motorway, one of the city's busiest, cuts directly through the Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool council areas

However, Raina McIntyre, the Professor of Global Biosecurity at the University of New South Wales, told ABC TV on Thursday that the Bondi cluster outbreak is too far gone for localised lockdowns.

'I think it's spread all over Sydney now, so I think it's probably too late to be looking at targeted geographic measures,' she said.

'If you're going to go harder, it has to be across the (wider) metropolitan area.

'The spread of it is so wide that I think it may not be enough to do a targeted increase (in restrictions).'

Government spokespeople say the two trends show how the Delta variant is spreading in the south-west.

Ms Berejiklian on Thursday urged residents not to visit family members at their homes. 'Please stop visiting people indoors outside your household,' she said.

'We're seeing households give it to each other - please stop that.'

Meanwhile Mr Cooke told Radio 2GB earlier this week: 'We've got problems with young people (in these areas) who aren't necessarily being truthful in what they're doing.

'They're causing transmission here at a much greater rate than what previously occurred'.

Rattled Gladys Berejiklian begs Sydney residents to stay home and avoid visiting family and friends after NSW recorded 38 new cases - the highest in more than a year - including 20 active in the community

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian begged Sydney residents to stay home and avoid visiting family and friends on Thursday

New South Wales has recorded 38 more cases of Covid-19 - the largest rise in daily infections in the state in more than a year - prompting urgent pleas for Sydneysiders to stay home and reduce the spread of the highly-contagious Delta strain.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 20 of the 38 new cases had been out in the community - 11 throughout their infectious period and nine for part of it.

NSW Health said 21 of the new local infections reported in the 24 hours to Thursday morning are from south-west Sydney, which is the new epicentre of the outbreak that began in the city's east.

The outbreak of cases that began on June 16 has now reached 395 local infections, with 40 of them requiring hospital treatment, and 11 in intensive care.

The 38 figure represented the biggest daily increase in case numbers in NSW since April 2020 and came a day after lockdown was extended for another week across Sydney, the Central Coast and Wollongong areas.

One of the few commuters out and about in the city's CBD on Wednesday evening

Of Thursday's new cases, five were linked to an illegal gathering at the Meriton Suites Waterloo on June 26. That cluster has now reached 21 infections.

One case was an aged care worker from the SummitCare Baulkham Hills aged care facility in the city's north-west.

In a glimmer of hope though that Sydney's extended lockdown may end as scheduled on July 16, Ms Berejiklian said that was an 'achievable' prospect despite the record case numbers.

'Experts have told us it is achievable,' she said. 'If it was not achievable we would not have provided those details to the community.'
The ice junkie who jumped over the docks in court attempting to flee and injured a policeman's jaw says he just 'freaked out' and 'didn't mean to hurt anyone'.

Footage from inside Adelaide's Christies Beach Magistrates Court shows Daniel James Nicholson, 35, high on meth attempt to escape after Magistrate Sue O'Connor revoked his bail.

Two court sheriffs, Roger Vandborg and Darren Parker, tried to stop him from fleeing, but the father-of-four made it over the glass barrier slamming into a bar table.

But before the offender could make a run for it, police prosecutor Brendan Gottschutzke wrestled him to the ground, pulling his pants down in the process.

Footage from inside Adelaide 's Christies Beach Magistrates Court shows Daniel James Nicholson, 35, high on meth attempt to escape after Magistrate Sue O'Connor revoked his bail

The drug user has been jailed for one year and nine months, with a non-parole period of one year after pleading guilty to attempting to escape from custody and two counts of recklessly causing harm to a prescribed emergency worker.

Despite admitting his actions were 'stupid', the judge said his behaviour was 'inexcusable' for a father in the presence of his son.

'The fact that you were high on methylamphetamine at the time reflects very poorly on you,' Judge Liesl Chapman said.

'Who knows what type of example you thought you were setting for your son.'

The incident saw one of the sheriffs suffer a broken foot, requiring a moon boot for nearly two months.

As a result he was unable to drive and needed assistance getting dressed and using the shower.

The judge also revealed the mental toll the incident had on the officer, saying he was concerned about his image and reputation with colleagues.

The other sheriff involved in the incident is suffering from a clicking jaw as a result of the melee.

Pictured: The moment before Daniel James Nicholson, 35, leaps over the courtroom dock

Footage from inside Adelaide's Christies Beach Magistrates Court shows Daniel James Nicholson, 35 (pictured umping the dock), 'freak out' after Magistrate Sue O'Connor revoked his bail

Despite hitting the deck, Nicholson broke free and was then wrapped up from behind by Mr Vandborg.

Once lying face down, the sheriffs slapped hand cuffs on him and eventually walked him out of the courtroom.

Video of the ugly incident, which took place in September last year, was released by the South Australia's District Court on Tuesday as a part of Nicholson's pre-sentence hearing.

Prosecutor Tali Costi said the embarrassing escape attempt was 'violent and forceful,' the Adelaide Advertiser reported.

'It is a violent and confrontational altercation between him and the sheriff's officers where he is physically trying to escape them and to not be detained,' she said.

'This is not an attempt of someone simply fleeing but of fighting to flee.'

Mr Vandborg fractured his right foot during the scuffle, while Mr Parker suffered a jaw injury that left him with lingering headaches.

Nicholson has since admitted his actions were 'stupid', telling police in an interview that he just 'freaked out' after being told that he would be remanded in custody.

'He thought he was just coming to court and going back out and his son was with him as well,' court documents said.

In another incident he pulled a syringe on a police officer and pointed it 'in a stabbing motion'.

He pleaded guilty to two counts recklessly causing harm to a prescribed emergency worker and admitted he has a 'long-standing issue with illicit drugs' and was on the drug ice at the time the incident occurred.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to escape from police custody.
Democrats want the massive bi-partisan infrastructure deal done quickly as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said he wants the bill ready to hit the Senate floor by July 19, it has been reported.

Multiple House and Senate sources told Politico that the $1.7 trillion infrastructure bill could hit the floor in just two weeks. The Biden administration is reportedly working with the Senate to get the bill ready for that deadline.

'As Leader Schumer has said, he wants to move on both the bipartisan plan and the budget resolution during the upcoming July/August Senate session,' a White House official said in an email, according to Politico.

'Our understanding is that the process could begin as early as the week of 7/19, given that committees are still finalizing legislative text for both the budget resolution and the bipartisan bill.'

The official added: 'We of course support going forward as fast as possible, but it would be a mistake to think of July 19 as anything more than the opening of a window.'

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has reportedly said he wants the bill ready to hit the Senate floor by July 19

The Biden administration is reportedly working with the Senate to get the bill ready for that deadline

Schumer has reportedly also vowed that any infrastructure bill that hits the floor would be considered before the Senate leaves for recess in August, Politico noted.

The news was revealed on a call on Wednesday with House Democrats, in which they were joined by White House legislative affairs director Louisa Terrell and deputy legislative affairs director Shuwanza Goff.

However, Politico reported that some Democrats warned 'that the bill's substance remains fluid' while the party feels pressure to move on the bill.

The bill's framework was crafted by 20 senators from both parties who are working to transform the proposal during the chamber's current recess.

The senators reportedly hope to have a draft of the bill completed by next week in order for it to be considered on the floor, Politico reported.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has warned President 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.

'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.'

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, 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.
An NRL star has been thrown out of State of Origin camp and fined $35,000 for allegedly bringing a woman into the Queensland team's hotel in breach of the code's Covid-19 rules.

South Sydney Rabbitohs star Jai Arrow has been dumped from the Maroons' squad after he allegedly brought a woman into the Queensland camp on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.

It's understood Arrow, 25, didn't leave the team hotel but invited the woman into camp, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

He has since been slapped with a $35,000 fine and banned for two games, including next Wednesday's Origin clash in Newcastle.

Souths player Jai Arrow is understood to have been dropped from the Maroons' squad after a Covid breach in the Queensland camp on the Gold Coast on Wednesday

Dumped Origin star Jai Arrow with his girlfriend, Miss World Australia Taylah Cannon

Arrow is not allowed to fly so he is driving back home to Sydney, where he will be forced into isolation for 14 days and will miss the Rabbitohs' round 18 clash against the Bulldogs.

Arrow has admitted he was aware of the rules and is remorseful for his actions in a statement released by Queensland Rugby League.

'I know I have let a lot of people down, including my teammates, coaching staff and fans right across the rugby league community,' Arrow said.

'For this I am truly sorry. I have fully cooperated with the NRL Integrity Unit, and I understand the scrutiny and criticism coming my way.'

Arrow could also find himself in trouble with Queensland Health authorities, who have been advised of the breach as soon as the NRL were advised of the incident.

'In our view this is a clear breach of our biosecurity protocols,' NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

'There are no excuses for breaching the protocols, they are our licence to continue playing  players have to comply, or we will all face the consequences.

'I want to be very clear, any material deliberate repeat offence by a player will result in us removing that player from the approved bubble roster.'

'There are no excuses for breaching the protocols.'

The absence of Rabbitohs' hard man Arrow is a huge blow for the Queensland squad which has been completely outclassed in the first two games of the series

The alleged breach could potentially place other Queensland players in jeopardy too, if they are identified as close contacts and placed in isolation.

Security at the hotel has been since beefed up to ensure no more biosecurity protocols are breached.

NSW and Queensland Origin players are under the NRL's strict level-four Apollo protocols in camp, where players are only permitted to leave the team hotel to attend training or shop for essential items.

Visitors from outside the COVID-19 bubble are banned.

Jack De Belin (pictured with partner Alyce) allegedly hid under a bed when the police arrived at teammate Paul Vaughan's home. There is no suggestion Alyce was also at the party

The sudden exit from the Queensland squad comes just four days before Arrow's 26th birthday and means he will have to wait until 2022 to earn his 10th Maroons cap.

Brisbane prop Thomas Flegler is expected to replace Arrow and make his Origin debut next Wednesday night.

The latest incident comes after 13 St George-Illawarra Dragons players were involved in an illegal house party that breached Sydney's strict Covid Public Health Orders and NRL biosecurity protocols.

The NRL issued a total of $305,000 in fines over the incident, which saw controversial star Jack de Belin caught after hiding under a bed and the party's host, Dragons player Paul Vaughan, sacked from his $800,000 contract.
A Brisbane chef who groped random female strangers was molested in prison as he awaited sentencing, a court has heard.

Tasmanian-born Gareth Ross Walpole, 38, was served up a taste of his own medicine while on remand for two charges of sexual assault.

Defence solicitor Elliot Boddice told Brisbane Magistrates Court the homeless chef was on the receiving end of 'unwanted' sexual attention from other inmates.

Walpole had spent 36 days in custody awaiting his court date and his solicitor said he 'had gained greater insight into his offending', the Courier Mail reports.

Groping Tasmanian-born Gareth Ross Walpole (pictured) was served up a taste of his own medicine while on remand for two charges of sexual assault

The court heard Walpole's life unravelled while he was working on a prawn boat in North Queensland and a close friend killed himself last January.

After another acquaintance allegedly stole his car, the court heard Walpole ended up homeless and an alcoholic, sparking a crime spree between March 18 and June 2.

The court was told he groped two women as they left restaurants, putting his hand behind them and 'groping them on their buttocks'.

One of the women was stalked by Walpole as she walked to the restaurant before Walpole waited for her come out to sexually assault her, the court heard.

Walpole, who had a previous conviction for burglary, pleaded guilty to both assaults and also charges of burglary, willful damage, and possessing drugs and drug utensils.

Defence solicitor Elliot Boddice told Brisbane Magistrates Court (pictured) the homeless chef was on the receiving end of 'unwanted' sexual attention from other inmates

The court heard he tried to steal tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen property in two trolleys he was wheeling in Upper Mount Gravatt on May 28.

Walpole walked free from court after he was sentenced to six months imprisonment, but with immediate parole after time served, and 12 months probation.
An accused murderer charged with killing his 'friend with benefits' has requested his murder trial be postponed due to the pandemic.

James Hachem, 35, from Hurstville Grove in Sydney's south, has pleaded not guilty to murdering his on-again, off-again lover Samah Baker in January of 2019.

Hachem, currently on remand at Silverwater jail, appeared via video link in his NSW Supreme Court hearing on Thursday.

His eight week murder trial was due to commence on Monday, July 12, but will be postponed for at least a week due to the current lockdown in the Harbour City.

Samah Baker (pictured) was last seen when a friend dropped her home in Early Street, Parramatta, in the early hours of January 4 of 2019

James Hachem (pictured left) has pleaded not guilty to murdering his on-again, off-again lover Samah Baker in January of 2019 - he has also asked for his trial to be postponed this month due to Covid concerns

The court heard Hachem's barrister, Daniel McMahon, has been instructed by his client to have the trial played out later this year.

Hachem had indicated he couldn't afford private legal representation if the trial is postponed due to the Covid outbreak.

'There is a real risk of disruption to the trial brought on by the pandemic. Any exposure that any juror might receive prior to being notified and coming to court,' McMahon said in court.

'There simply isn't sufficient funding on the part of my client to have a second shot, if we end up in a situation which is complicated by Covid considerations.

'My instructions are to regrettably ask your honour to vacate the existing trial.'

Crown prosecutor Fiona Gray opposed the application request.

Justice Robert Allan Hulme QC will deliver his application outcome at 12pm on Friday, July 9.

Baker was last seen when a friend dropped her home in Early Street, Parramatta, on January 4 back in 2019.

Samah Baker (pictured right) was last seen on January 4 in 2019 - relatives reported her missing after failing to get in contact with her

Police later searched bushland in South Nowra and Goulburn - but failed to locate Ms Baker's body

Relatives reported her missing later that day after failing to contact her.

In a hearing in July last year, crown prosecutor Gray told the court Hachem killed Baker inside her apartment before he stashed the body in his car while he went about daily life.

The court heard he left her corpse inside the car for five-and-a-half hours after a pit stop to McDonald's in North Parramatta and later, a job interview.

A subsequent police search of bushland around Goulburn and South Nowra, in regional New South Wales, failed to uncover any trace of the young woman.

Baker's body has never been found.
A bible studies teacher who sexually abused a young girl for more than a year has had his sentence more than doubled.

Christopher Wright Stain, 67, claims he was 'blinded by love' when maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl he invited to his bible group.

He was initially sentenced to three years, 10 months and 25 days in prison with a non-parole period of 14 months on April 7, 2021.

In the South Australian Court of Appeals on July 8, a unanimous decision was made to increase the paedophile's sentence to six years, with a non-parole period of three and a half years.

The South Australian Court of Appeals (pictured) has more than doubled the sentence of paedophile Christopher Wright Stain, 67, for maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child in the early 1980s

The offences occurred in the early 1980s, as Stain led a Bible study group where he groomed the victim and started a sexual relationship in which he claimed he was blinded by love.

The court was critical of District Court Judge Joana Fuller's remarks when sentencing Mr Stain after she took into account the offenders 'love' for the victim and that his behaviour was 'misguided compassion'.

Judge Fuller also said that the convicted's efforts to rehabilitate and the length of time before the victim made the complaint were factors in a short sentence, after the woman reported the abuse in 2020, which the Court of Appeals denied.

In the Court of Appeals hearing, President Trish Kelly, Appeal Justice Chris Bleby and Auxillary Appeal Justice Malcolm Blue said the original sentence risked public confidence in the judiciary system.

The court said in a statement: 'It is necessary for this Court to intervene in order to maintain the sentencing standard for offences of this kind and to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice.'

The victim came forward in 2020, and initial sentencing incorrectly took into account this lengthy period and the offenders attempts at rehabilitation, being initially sentenced to a non-parole period of 14 months, and now a three and a half year non-parole period

In sentencing the court said that judges need to be continually educated about the dynamics involved in child sex abuse cases, and the need to impose significant punishment for crimes.

'The context of the relationship, and the complainant's position as a child, made the conduct of the respondent predatory in nature from the outset,' the court said.

'The fact that the offender believed that he was in love with the complainant cannot, and does not, detract from this.'
A mother has died on the witness stand while defending her son in court, who is accused of robbing a man at knife point.

Kerry Frank, 67, collapsed to the ground during her testimony at the Melbourne County Court on Tuesday where her son Jarrod Frank, 43, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and assault in January 2020.

Court officials shouted 'code black' as they rushed to her assistance, while her son sobbed and yelled: 'Mum, mum, can you hear me?' the Herald Sun reported.

Kerry Frank, 67, collapsed to the ground during her testimony at the Melbourne County Court on Tuesday where her son Jarrod Frank, 43 (pictured), pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and assault in January 2020.

Victoria police confirmed Ms Frank was pronounced dead later that afternoon after being rushed to hospital.

The cause of her death remains under investigation but police say the case is not being treated as suspicious.

Ms Frank had told the court that her son, who was found not guilty of a fatal stabbing in 2018, was living in a granny flat on her property in Eppalock in Central Victoria, when he was charged with the knifepoint robbery of Adam White in January 2020.

She described him as a man of 'good character' and said he shared a close relationship with her and his sister, as well as his 'adoring' nieces and nephews.

Shortly after Ms Frank told the court she 'felt sick' and collapsed in the dock.

The court heard that Frank was seen by a witness kicking down the door of Mr White's home, a man he had known since childhood.

The mother died on the witness stand while defending her son in Melbourne County Court (pictured), who is accused of robbing a man at knife point

Frank then entered the home and punched Mr White in the head before brandishing a kitchen knife and demanding cash.

Police bizarrely recounted that when they arrived at the scene the two men were staring at each other while sitting at opposite ends of the kitchen table.

When investigators executed a search warrant at Ms Frank's property they discovered similar kitchen knives believed to be used in the burglary.

Judge Felicity Hampel noted that the knife crime occured when Frank was on bail facing a murder charge.

'He was on bail charged with a stabbing murder  and then here he is armed with a knife,' Ms Hampel said.

'Human behaviour is very strange.'

Judge Felicity Hampel noted that the knife crime occured when Frank was on bail facing a murder charge. Pictured: The Melbourne County Court

Frank fatally stabbed Scott Bury in his home on January 3, 2018 in what was ruled an act of self-defence.

The pair were having an argument about what type of ammunition German soldiers used in their Luger handguns during WWII before placing a $500 bet on the answer.

Mr Bury said he knew the answer was 9mm because he'd once robbed a bank with that gun.

After the argument erupted Mr Bury attacked Frank with a metal bar and two knives before he was stabbed in the chest.

Frank's current matter has been adjourned with a sentencing date not yet determined.
An Iowa man arrested for bringing weapons to his Chicago hotel room bonded out of jail - only to drop to his knee and pop the question to his waiting girlfriend.

Keegan Casteel, 32, was arrested on Sunday after a cleaner at the W Hotel found a rifle with a laser sight, a handgun and ammunition in his 12th story room which overlooked a Lake Michigan beach during the July Fourth weekend celebrations.

After three nights behind bars, Casteel, of Ankeny, Iowa, walked out of jail around 5.30pm Wednesday after posting the $1,000 bond of his $10,000 bail required for his release from custody.

His girlfriend was waiting to pick him up outside the 18th District headquarters.

But when he approached her, he pulled out a ring, got down on one and knee and proposed.

His girlfriend seemed as surprised by the proposal as nearby press and police, but sad yes, after shedding some tears and sharing a kiss with her new fiance.

Casteel didn't comment to a reporter immediately following his release.

Keegan Casteel proposed to his girlfriend right after being released from the 18th District police headquarters in Chicago on Wednesday

Keegan, of Ankeny, Iowa, was in custody in Chicago after police found a rifle with a laser sight in a hotel room that overlooks a Lake Michigan beach during the July Fourth weekend

His girlfriend was waiting to pick him up outside the 18th District headquarters. But when he approached her, he pulled out a ring, got down on one and knee and proposed

His girlfriend seemed as surprised by the proposal as nearby press and police, but sad yes, after shedding some tears and sharing a kiss with her new fiance

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.

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.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot 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.'

Chicago police found Keegan Casteel, 32, (left and right) with the two weapons in a W Hotel room on July 4

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

Casteel, 32, was arrested on Sunday after a cleaner at the W Hotel found a rifle with a laser sight, a handgun and ammunition in his 12th story room

Police Superintendent David Brown says the hotel staff member 'likely prevented a tragedy from happening.'

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.

Prosecutors said Casteel has an Iowa gun permit, WLS-TV reported. However, Judge David Navarro told Casteel 'clearly, we are not in Iowa.'

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.

Casteel leaves jail at the 18th District police headquarters in Chicago on Wednesday shortly before proposing

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 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.

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.
Prosecutors have promised 'continuity of care' for Harvey Weinstein, including new glasses and surgery if necessary, to ensure the disgraced movie mogul can be extradited from New York to Los Angeles to face trial.

Weinstein, who has been diagnosed with vision loss, claims the problem is so severe that he is about to go blind.

His lawyers have been fighting efforts to extradite him to California after a Los Angeles grand jury indicted him on charges including sexual battery by restraint and rape.

The 69-year-old is already serving a 23-year sentence in New York after being convicted of rape and assault in February 2020 after a two month trial in what was seen as a landmark case in the #MeToo movement.

Weinstein, who is accused sexually assaulting five women in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, would not suffer any disruptions to his medical care once collected from the Erie County prison where he is serving his sentence, lawyers for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's Office said in separate paperwork obtained by the New York Daily News.

A letter filed Wednesday to Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge William C. Ryan stated that Weinstein could receive his next shot of Avastin - a drug to treat his vision loss - in early August, once in the custody of LA County Sheriff's deputies.

Prosecutors have promised 'continuity of care' for Harvey Weinstein, including new glasses and surgery if necessary, to ensure the disgraced movie mogul can be extradited from New York to Los Angeles to face trial [File photo]

The producer would receive 'reasonable treatment for cataracts including surgery if necessary,' county lawyer Karen Joynt wrote in the letter.

Joynt went on to say that she is prepared to assist Weinstein's lawyers in getting new glasses with corrective lenses for him after a New York doctor stated that his 'current reading glasses are broken and do not fit him'.

Prosecutors in the case say they are ready to bring Weinstein to trial within the four months given to do so following a transfer. But Weinstein's lawyers say he will not be medically fit to stand trial in that time.

'The People are informed and believe that Los Angeles County Sheriff Department is capable of providing continuity of medical care,' the Daily News reported lawyer Cassandra Thorp, representing the DA, wrote to Judge Ryan in a letter dated July 6.

The letters from the lawyers were filed this week in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by Weinstein's camp in Los Angeles on June 15.

That same day, a New York judge declined a further delay to Weinstein's extradition. The transfer is expected in July.

In the petition, Weinstein's lawyers said he was suffering from a severe cataract in his right eye and an active lesion in his left eye.

In order to avoid going blind, he needs treatment that could take six to nine months, his lawyers said.

His lawyers still argue that any move poses a threat to their ailing client, and said in their rejected petition that he will be medically ready for the transfer following the end of his treatment.

Weinstein, who has been diagnosed with vision loss, claims the problem is so severe that he is about to go blind. Pictured: Weinstein attends a hearing from prison on June 15

'We appreciate the DA and the Sheriff promising to provide Mr. Weinstein with quality medical care, but he is midstream in a critical and sensitive course of treatment with an ophthalmologist in Buffalo that is necessary to prevent him from going blind,' lawyer Mark Werksman said in a statement to the Daily News.

'We believe he should be allowed to complete his treatment with his current doctor without the delays and dislocation and medical risks that will be caused by transporting him to Los Angeles.'

His lawyers say the D.A.'s position forces Weinstein to choose between forgoing treatment, and so risking his sight, or waiving his right to a speedy trial once extradited.

Earlier this month, the producer's lawyers said that Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction being overturned 'reaffirms our confidence' that the disgraced movie producer will be cleared too.

Attorney Arthur Aidala told DailyMail.com that the June 30 decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court showed that courts could 'come to the correct decision' if allowed to.

Aidala said that he was sure that the Appellate Division in New York, where Weinstein lodged his appeal against his conviction and 23 year jail sentence, will be overturned because of the 'abundance of issues that cry out for a reversal'.
Japan is 'digging its own grave' by offering to defend Taiwan from China alongside the US, Beijing has warned.

The country is 'powerless' against the Chinese military and would never engage over Taiwan without US support, according to an opinion column in the Global Times.

The article added a claim that Japan would become a legitimate target and face retaliation if its military crosses China's 'red lines'.

The warning came after Japan vowed to join the US in defending Taiwan if it is invaded by China because - it said - Japan could be next.

Deputy prime minister Taro Aso said on Monday that such an event in Taiwan could pose a threat to the Japanese city of Okinawa, Kyodo news agency reported.

'If a major problem took place in Taiwan, it would not be too much to say that it could relate to a survival-threatening situation [for Japan],' Aso said at a fundraising party by a fellow Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker.

'We need to think hard that Okinawa could be the next,' Aso was quoted by Kyodo as saying.

Japan has vowed to join the U.S. in defending Taiwan if it is invaded by China because - it said - Japan could be next. Deputy prime minister Taro Aso (pictured) said on Monday that such an event in Taiwan could pose a threat to the Japanese city of Okinawa, Kyodo news agency reported [File photo]

A 'survival-threatening situation' refers to a situation in which 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.

Such a situation is one of the conditions that need to be met for Japan to exercise its right of collective self-defence, or coming to the aid of an ally under attack.

Aso's comments have angered Beijing, which regards Taiwan as its own territory.

China foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular news conference on Tuesday that Aso's remarks 'harmed the political foundation of China-Japan relations', and that China 'resolutely opposed' them.

'No one should underestimate the Chinese people's staunch resolve, firm will, and formidable ability to defend national sovereignty,' he said.

China claims a group of Japanese-controlled islets in the East China Sea. The tiny uninhabited isles, called the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, are off Japan's southern island of Okinawa.

China foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian (pictured) said at a regular news conference on Tuesday that Aso's remarks 'harmed the political foundation of China-Japan relations', and that China 'resolutely opposed' them [File photo]

Aso, asked about Japan's stance on the cross-strait issue at a news conference on Tuesday, said any contingency over Taiwan should be resolved through dialogue.

'We are closely monitoring the situation,' Aso, who doubles as finance minister, told reporters.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, when asked if Aso's Monday comment was in line with the government's stance, declined to comment, saying he was not aware of the Aso comment in detail, but reiterated Japan's official policy on the matter.

'Japan hopes the Taiwan issue will be resolved through direct dialogue between parties concerned in a peaceful manner. That has been our consistent stance,' the top government spokesman said.

Taiwan is facing growing pressure from China, which claims the self-governing island off its east coast as its territory.

The U.S. does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan under what is known as the one-China policy, but is legally bound by its own laws to ensure that Taiwan can defend itself, AP reported.

Japan ceased to recognise Taiwan in 1972, but is a key U.S. ally in the Asia Pacific region. It firmly opposes Chinese advancement in the South China Sea.

China, which has been ruled single-handedly by the Communist Party since 1949, says Taiwan must eventually come under its control and reserves the right to use force if necessary, according to AP.
Britain may be nearing maximum uptake for the Covid vaccine, top scientists fear as rates continue to slump  despite there being millions of young adults who are yet to take up the offer.

Just 100,000 first doses are currently being dished out every day, half the rate seen a fortnight ago when the drive was up and running for all over-18s.

No10's advisers believe Britain is now 'close to maximum take-up', The Times reports. Around 2million 18-24 year olds are still unvaccinated.

Millions of young people are reluctant to get vaccinated against coronavirus, despite ministers pledging to scrap self-isolation rules for double-jabbed Brits and let them go on summer holidays to Greece, Spain and Italy.

And ministers also believe those jab requirements will boost uptake, it was claimed today.

Main reasons for younger people not wanting to get a vaccine revolve around Covid posing a much smaller threat to them, and misinformation circulating online.

One virologist called on ministers to increase the 'messaging around the benefits of vaccination'.

Professor Jonathan Ball, of Nottingham University, told warned about the risk of 'very debilitating long Covid' in younger adults.

This graph shows the percentage of Britons in each age group who have received a first dose (green bar) and second dose (orange bar). Uptake is higher in older groups, who were invited for jabs earlier and are more at risk from the virus

Daily first doses (green bars) have tumbled by 100,000 over the last two weeks

Young people are less likely to get the Covid jab because they do not see themselves as at risk from the virus, and due to misinformation online. Pictured: Young Brit vaccinated in Doncaster

Observers first noticed the roll-out was slowing down last month, which raised fears that the slump could scupper Freedom Day plans.

The pace dropped because of the decision by Government advisers to recommend alternatives to the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab for the under-40s and limited supply of the two alternatives  Pfizer and Moderna.

But now the speed of the inoculation drive may be nearing an inevitable slow down, with all over-18s having now been eligible for a jab since mid-June.

Summer holidays for the double-jabbed Holiday firms were gearing up for a bookings surge last night as Grant Shapps prepared to announce that fully-vaccinated Britons will be free to travel abroad without having to self-isolate. The Transport Secretary is expected to confirm today that new measures will kick in from July 19 for holidaymakers returning from amber list countries. He will confirm the move during a speech in the Commons. It means quarantine-free holidays will be unlocked for millions of families to more than 130 countries  including the US, Thailand and most European countries. As it stands, travellers returning from these destinations must quarantine for up to ten days  regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not. Only travellers returning from a small list of green countries can avoid quarantine. But the new measures will effectively turn the vast majority of countries green for double-jabbed people. Advertisement

Young adults were the final group to be invited for their jabs, with the UK's campaign initially focused on protecting the elderly.

But after an initial surge in demand which NHS bosses compared to the scramble for Glastonbury tickets, the pace has slowed.

Officials have already launched two 'Grab a Jab!' weekends to boost uptake, where people can turn up for their first doses without a booking.

NHS vaccination data shows 60 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds had got their first dose by June 27, while among 25 to 29-year-olds it was 73 per cent.

For comparison, 94 per cent of over-80s now have their first dose, and for 75 to 79-year-olds the rate is 90 per cent.

Professor Ian Jones, a vaccinologist at Reading University, told MailOnline younger people were failing to turn up for jab appointments because they do not feel at risk from the virus.

'If the risk is low, as it is for younger ages, then the incentive is less, and less effort is made to go and get vaccinated, however easy that is.

'It is also a fact that 100 per cent vaccination cannot be reached as there will always be some groups who purposefully chose not to get vaccinated or are simply indifferent to it.

'That means there will be a tailing off in vaccination take-up and you are possibly seeing the start of that now.'

Professor Jones called on everyone to make sure they get two doses of the vaccine.

'The main reason to get vaccinated is to prevent spread,' he said.

'As more and more people are immune the virus has nowhere to go and will naturally decline. But this cannot occur while a large pool of immunologically naive (those without Covid-fighting antibodies) remains.'

There have been calls for health chiefs to slash the time between doses from eight weeks because of the lower uptake.

But evidence suggests the longer gap between them may actually make them more effective at preventing infections and serious disease.

There have been reports of vaccination centres giving out second doses just three weeks after the first.

More than 45.5million Britons  or 86.4 per cent of adults  have got a first dose, and 34million  or 64.6 per cent  have received both doses.

It comes less than two weeks before most of the remaining Covid restrictions are eased in a 'big bang' reopening on July 19.

Boris Johnson has steamed ahead with plans to drop the measures, saying it is better to ease them in the summer before the virus 'has an edge'.

But scientists writing in The Lancet today have called on the Prime Minister to abandon his strategy amid spiralling infections.

Estimates suggest there could be more than 100,000 in the UK before 'Freedom Day', as cases double every six days.

Experts had expected Covid vaccination rates in the country to be low, fearing uptake may be as low as seven in ten.

But the public has been very receptive to vaccines, with uptake above nine in ten among older age groups.
Covid could cause erectile dysfunction, doctors believe as the link between the two continues to grow.

Scientists already know the virus can damage blood vessels, restricting blood flow throughout the body.

Erections occur solely through blood flowing through small and narrow arteries that supply the genitals, so anything hampering this can lead to the problem.

Dozens of reports of infected men suffering from impotence have surfaced since the start of the pandemic. Several studies have also linked the virus itself to the medical condition.

Dr Ryan Berglund, a urologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said Covid is already known to cause myocarditis  inflammation of the heart muscle  in some cases.

Therefore, it is plausible that it could also cause erectile dysfunction.

But he said the evidence is 'primarily anecdotal' at the moment, so the scale of the problem is not clear and more studies are needed.

A doctor in the US said Covid could cause erectile dysfunction, with patients suffering from the condition after recovering from the virus

How could Covid cause erectile dysfunction? Some doctors suspect that the coronavirus could lead to higher risk of men developing erectile dysfunction. So far, their fears are based on anecdotal evidence from patients reporting erection problems after having the virus. A few small-scale studies have also linked the condition, but doctors say more are needed. One way Covid could lead to erectile dysfunction is through pneumonia. Pneumonia can inflame the blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow. Erections are purely caused by blood flow, so anything that harms this could have a knock-on effect. Pneumonia can also damage people's lungs, which can affect blood oxygen levels. This can make it difficult for men to maintain an erection. Covid could also infect testosterone-producing cells in the testicles called Leydig cells. A drop in these cells can affect libido and desire. Dr Emmanuele Jannini, professor of endocrinology and medical sexology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, said reduced sense of smell could also be linked with erectile dysfunction. Not being able to smell could prevent arousal, he said. Dr Jannini said the link could even be linked to poor mental health, with the pandemic leading to higher stress levels. This could stop men from getting aroused, he said. Advertisement

Doctors also suggested lower oxygen levels in the blood, damage to testosterone-producing cells and pandemic-related stress could be responsible.

While one suggested a reduced sense of smell from a Covid infection by making men get less aroused.

One study in March found men who catch the virus are three times more likely to get erectile dysfunction, while another in May said men could take six months to recover.

Dr Berglund told the Los Angeles Times: 'It's the blood vessels themselves that can become inflamed, which could cause an obstructive phenomenon and negatively impact the ability to get erections'.

It is clear some Covid patients are suffering from inflamed blood vessels, which is not uncommon with other viral infections, he said.

Dr Berglund added: 'It's just that the scale of this viral infection and the severity of it have probably led to a higher incidence of vascular-related disease and vascular inflammatory disease than other viral infections.'

He said observational studies should be conducted of men with a similar age and health level to see if erectile dysfunction is more common in those who have had the virus.

He said erectile dysfunction after Covid could signal a person is also having heart problems related to the virus.

Dr Emmanuele Jannini, professor of endocrinology and medical sexology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, told the newspaper the dysfunction could be a long-Covid symptom.

The umbrella term covers any Covid symptoms lasting over a month after infection, with difficulty breathing and tiredness thought to be the most common.

He said Covid patients who develop pneumonia may be at risk of erectile dysfunction, as the illness can also reduce blood oxygen levels.

This is well-known to lead to problems getting an erection, Dr Jannini said.

A loss of sense of smell - a well-known Covid symptom - could also restrict someone from becoming aroused, he said.

Dr Berglund said it could be the case that Covid harms testosterone-producing cells, but this link has not been proven.

Doctors have previously said Covid can bind to these cells and stop them from working normally, leaving men with lower testosterone levels.

Dr Berglund said Covid could also be indirectly to blame for other cases of erectile dysfunction.

Some people are more stressed because of the pandemic, especially if they have lost their job or are struggling with Covid restrictions. This could lead to men being less 'in the mood'.

The doctors' comments come after a study by doctors at the University of Rome found men who catch the virus are three times more likely to get erectile dysfunction.

Their study of 100 men, who had an average age of 33, found nine per cent of people who had not had Covid had erection problems.

But 28 per cent of men who had been infected with the coronavirus reported the problem.

Doctors at Miami University found SARS-CoV-2 in two mens' penises six months after they recovered from the virus.

Dr Jannini said the possible link between the virus and erectile dysfunction is another reason for people to get vaccinated.
The number of people in England 'pinged' by the NHS Covid-19 app has jumped by more than 60 per cent in a week, official figures show.

More than 350,000 alerts were sent to users in the final seven-day period of June, telling them they had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

This was up from 219,391 the previous week and is the highest figure since data was first published in January.

It comes amid growing fears millions of users will be 'pinged' and told to self-isolate every week after 'Freedom Day'.

Boris Johnson today urged the nation not to delete the NHS app and to stick with it 'for a little bit longer'.

The Prime Minister said the 'day is not too far off' when contacts of positive cases will no longer have to self-isolate, with the current approach to quarantine coming to an end from the middle of next month.

The PM's plea to the country is unlikely to assuage the anger of business chiefs who have warned the app will cause chaos after July 19.

However, they were given a glimmer of hope as Dr Jenny Harries, the head of the UK Health Security Agency, revealed work is taking place to 'tune' the app to reflect the growing number of people who have been vaccinated.

Ms Harries told MPs that 'it is entirely possible to tune the app to ensure that it is appropriate to the risk' as the vaccine rollout continues to reduce the threat of transmission.

There are reports that many people are deleting the app to avoid being contacted and told to self-isolate as the country braces for a surge in coronavirus case numbers.

Rishi Sunak had hinted this morning that the app could be tweaked as he said Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, is 'aware of the frustration that people have' with the technology.

He said that 'most people's concerns rest with how the app is working' and Mr Javid is 'looking at what the most appropriate, balanced and proportionate approach to isolation is'.

Meanwhile, NHS bosses have called on ministers to lift the self-isolation rules early for health workers who have had both vaccine doses amid fears of staff shortages.

They are concerned that rising case numbers and the rising number of people being 'pinged' will result in many NHS staff being told to self-isolate, putting an increasing strain on the frontline.

A total of 356,036 alerts were sent to users of the NHS Covid-19 app in the week to June 30

The NHS Covid-19 app has now been downloaded more than 25million times but there are fears many people are now deleting it

Boris Johnson said the 'day is not too far off' when contacts of positive cases will no longer have to self-isolate, with the current approach to quarantine coming to an end from the middle of next month (the PM is pictured today, during a visit to the offices of energy company Bulb in central London)

Dr Jenny Harries, the head of the UK Health Security Agency, revealed work is taking place to 'tune' the app to reflect the growing number of people who have been vaccinated

Ignoring NHS Covid app alerts is NOT illegal: Pub owner wants to remind public that refusing to self-isolate after being 'pinged' is NOT against the law A pub owner has 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. Advertisement

The latest contact tracing data showed the number of exposure alerts sent to app users in England has risen by more than 60 per cent.

A total of 356,036 alerts were sent to users of the app in the week to June 30, telling them they had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

That was up from 219,391 the previous week  a jump of 62 per cent  and is the highest weekly figure since data was first published in January.

Mr Johnson said this morning that he knows 'how frustrated people are' about the self-isolation rules 'but we have to be prudent and we have to be cautious'.

He said: 'One of the ways of restricting the spread of the disease as you know is to ask contacts to self-isolate, it's been going on now for a long time.

'What we want to do is just keep going for a little bit longer so that we can get even more vaccinations into people's arms and give ourselves even more protection.

'But as the Health Secretary has said we are moving now from self-isolation, from a quarantine approach, to a test and release approach and the day is not too far off.'

Asked if he is confident that the app works, Mr Johnson said: 'Honestly I rely on the NHS app as many people do, I hope that it has been useful.

'But the general system, whatever its frustrations, and I repeat I know how difficult it has been for people and I am sorry for the hassle that people experience as a result of this, it is coming to an end.

'But what we want to do is use this next few weeks just to do more vaccinations until we are able to move from quarantining, from isolation to a test and release system.'

Ms Harries told the Public Accounts Committee that she is 'aware that people are choosing not to use the app' as she also urged them to stick with it.

She pointed out that when the app was first launched Covid-19 vaccines were not available.

Confirming that the app is now being updated, she said: 'We have a piece of work ongoing at the moment because it is entirely possible to tune the app to ensure that it is appropriate to the risk.

'When the app came into action we know it has been hugely successful but it has been utilised in a world where we did not have vaccinations.

'So working through what a vaccinated population using the app means is something that we are actively doing at the moment.'

Dido Harding insists Test and Trace has been a success... despite SAGE saying 37billion scheme has FAILED to slow pandemic Baroness Dido Harding  the former head of NHS Test and Trace  today insisted the scheme has been a success, despite SAGE saying the scheme has failed to slow the pandemic. She told MPs she was 'proud' of the work done by the 37billion much maligned Covid contact tracing system. Facing a grilling on the scheme, Baroness Harding said the scheme had achieved its goal of helping break the chains of transmission. She said: 'I would actually argue  and I do appreciate that a lot of people listening to this will find this rather incredulous given some of the way its been reported  but I would actually argue that NHS Test and Trace has been a success.' Baroness Harding quoted a recent study suggesting the scheme has reduced transmission by '18 to 33 per cent'. Her comments come after the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said the system had a 'marginal' impact on tackling the virus because the system neither tests nor traces enough people. Advertisement

Mr Sunak had earlier hinted to Sky News that the app could be tweaked to make fewer people self-isolate.

He said: 'I've spoken to the Health Secretary about this and he's aware of the frustration that people have around this.

'We have two different systems for the test and trace: we have obviously the NHS one, and we also have the app.

'I know most people's concerns rest with how the app is working and the Health Secretary is aware of that.

'The app counts for the majority of the people who need to isolate, I understand, on the numbers and he's looking at what the most appropriate, balanced and proportionate approach to isolation is in these circumstances.'

Mr Johnson has promised to tear up most of England's coronavirus regulations at Step Four of his lockdown exit road map, expected on July 19, but a major relaxation of self-isolation rules will not be brought in until August 16.

The expected surge in cases as a result of restrictions being lifted is predicted to lead to an increase in contacts being 'pinged' by the NHS Covid-19 app or being told by contact tracers to isolate.

Mr Johnson yesterday defended the self-isolation policy in the face of a mounting backlash from business leaders.

The PM told MPs: 'All these decisions are a balance of risk. This is a highly contagious disease. We have to do what we can to stop its spread.

'We have been looking at all the data and trying to strike the right balance. You could say we are going to dispense altogether with self-isolation and move straight to a testing regime.

'The difficulty with that is that you would effectively be allowing many more people to be vectors of disease than by continuing with our plan.'

From August 16, people in England who have received both doses of a vaccine  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.

Iceland supermarket boss Richard Walker said the difference between lockdown being lifted and self-isolation rules being eased would result in a 's*** show for business'.

He said: 'Our Covid-related absences are growing exponentially. Within a week or two they'll be the highest ever.'

Hospitality chiefs have warned the delay between restrictions being lifted and the self-isolation rules being eased risks 'the summer being cancelled and vast swathes of the population unnecessarily confined to their homes'.

Kate Nicholls, boss of trade body UKHospitality, said: 'This is not just a hospitality issue  it is affecting the whole economy and we need an earlier test to release system in place.'

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, called for the August 16 date to be brought forward.

'We are already seeing a serious impact on retail operations as a result of staff having to self-isolate and this will only get worse right across the economy, as cases are already rising fast and the final restrictions are eased,' she said.

Health bosses have urged ministers to ease the self-isolation rules early for double-jabbed NHS workers amid fears 'very high pressure on staffing levels' will get worse.

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, told The Times: 'Trust leaders are already asking whether, if double-vaccinated members of the public won't be required to self-isolate after August 16, this date can be brought forward for NHS staff, who were one of the first groups to be vaccinated.'

Danny Mortimer, deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said there are 'rapidly rising levels of staff absence, in part because staff are having to isolate for Covid reasons'.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson refused to say how many contacts he expected to be required to self-isolate before the changes are rolled-out.

'What we will be doing is moving away from self-isolation towards testing over the course of the next few weeks, and that is the prudent approach,' he told MPs.

Mr Johnson has acknowledged there could be 50,000 coronavirus cases a day by July 19 and ministers have warned this could rise to 100,000 later in the summer.

Yesterday saw a further 32,548 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK, the highest daily reported total since January 23, and a further 33 deaths.

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital in England stood at 2,144 as of 8am on Wednesday, according to the latest figures from NHS England  up 43% from a week earlier and the highest number since April 10.

And a total of 416 hospital admissions of people with Covid-19 in England were reported for Monday, NHS England also said, up 70% from a week earlier and the highest number since March 15.

In response to questioning from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Johnson said scientists are 'absolutely clear that we have severed the link between infection and serious disease and death' as a result of the vaccination programme.

But on Monday the Government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance was more cautious, saying 'vaccines have weakened the link between cases and hospitalisations, but it's a weakened link, not a completely broken link'.

Despite the increased cases, Mr Johnson told the Liaison Committee of senior MPs that 'it looks as though' Step Four of England's road map out of lockdown will go ahead as planned on July 19.

Free market think tank the Adam Smith Institute predicted 100,000 daily cases would result in 3.5 million people a week being forced to self-isolate.

But the think tank's projections were for an even higher level of daily infections, up to 133,000 by August 4, which would result in 4.6 million a week self-isolating.

Professor Christophe Fraser, from Oxford University's Nuffield Department of Medicine, who advises NHS Test and Trace, told Times Radio: 'At the moment the epidemic is growing exponentially; we know that exponential (growth) very rapidly leads to big numbers  we're two doublings away from 100,000 cases a day. And the doubling rate has been consistently between nine and 11 days so that's not a lot of time ahead.

'And we don't know when that's going to peak  the different models have different projections, there's considerable uncertainty at what stage the epidemic is going to peak.'

He added that 100,000 cases a day 'would result in a large amount of people being traced'.
A three-year-old girl allegedly murdered by her 'uncaring' mother and the woman's boyfriend was found by a trainee paramedic lying dead next to a bed, a court has heard.

Kaylee-Jayde Priest died from serious chest and abdominal injuries and was found at the flat where she lived with her mother, Nicola Priest, on August 9 last year.

An ambulance crew had been sent to the scene following a call about a child aged under five having a cardiac arrest, Birmingham Crown Court was told.

Ambulance technician Caitlin Harper said the bedroom where Kaylee-Jayde Priest was located in had a 'dirty mattress,' with no carpet or curtains and a light that did not work.

Kaylee-Jayde's mother Nicola Priest, 22, who is on trial for murder, was sat on the bed in a 'distressed' state and cried out 'I don't think she is alive', jurors heard.

Callum Redfern, 21, who is from Dudley, is also accused of murder.

Kaylee-Jayde Priest was found dead at the flat where she lived with her mother in Birmingham

Her mother Nicola Priest, 22, and 21-year-old Callum Redfern deny murdering the little girl

Miss Harper said she and her colleague arrived at Priest's then address, in Kingshurst, Solihull, at 11.17am on August 9 last year.

Miss Harper, who was giving evidence, said: 'She [Priest] was distressed and crying. She was crying out 'I don't think she is alive'.

'The little girl was on the floor next to the bed. CPR wasn't needed. It was apparent she had been dead for some time.'

The ambulance crew put defibrillator pads on Kaylee-Jayde to detect signs of life, as part of protocol.

Miss Harper recalled finding 'blood pooling' on the right hand side of the child's torso.

She told the court she also found 'bruising clusters' on the child's left side and a 'red abrasion mark' on her chest. Miss Harper said Priest did not explain why Kaylee-Jayde had those marks.

Floral tributes to the young girl were left outside the flat after families learned of her death

Miss Harper recalled to jurors the state of the room. She said the bed had a 'dirty mattress' with no sheet, there was a duvet with no cover and there weren't any pillows.

The court was told the room was dark, with the light not working and no light bulbs available, and there were no curtains or blinds on the window. The floor also had no carpet and was a 'hard' surface.

Miss Harper said she asked Priest if Kaylee-Jayde had any accidents leading up to her death.

She said: '[Priest] said about two weeks ago she [Kaylee-Jayde] had fallen off her play table. She said she had hit her head but there were no injuries.

'I asked her if she had been vomiting afterwards and she said yes.

'She told me the night before [her death] she had been sick. She told me on the previous days she had a reduced appetite and wasn't eating as much.'

A photo tribute at the scene of her death showed her happy and smiling in poignant scenes

Priest told Miss Harper that she had put her daughter to bed at 7.30pm the night before, jurors heard.

In the night, Kaylee-Jayde had been sick three times, with Priest last checking up on her at 10.30pm.

Priest woke up at 10.30am the following day, where she found Kaylee-Jayde lying on her right hand side and moved her to the floor, the court heard.

Priest, of Edgbaston, Birmingham, along with Redfern, of Temple Street Dudley - who prosecutors allege was in a 'close relationship' with his co-accused 'are accused of Kaylee-Jayde's murder and a separate alternative charge of manslaughter, which they deny.

The pair are also accused of causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a child, between June 12 and August 3, 2020, which they also deny.

The trial continues.
A former Royal London Hospital neurosurgeon has been struck off after he was caught with a pornographic library of people having sex with eels and children being raped.

Dr Richard Van Groningen, 58, collected the bestiality images over 15 years and they also included sexual abuse of horses, pigs and dogs.

He also secretly downloaded more than 1,480 pieces of child pornography including 114 Category A images, which featured children being raped.

Police acting on intelligence connected to online abuse found the hoard after raiding Groningen's home in Purleigh, Essex, in December 2018.

He has since resigned from his role at Barts Health NHS Trust and last year was given a suspended jail sentence when he admitted offences of possessing indecent images and videos of children plus possession of extreme pornographic images and videos which were grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character.

Today it emerged Groningen, who had been practising medicine for 29 years, had his name erased from the doctor's register following a disciplinary hearing at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester.

Dr Richard Van Groningen (pictured), 58, collected the bestiality images over 15 years and they also included sexual abuse of horses, pigs and dogs

He had claimed he no sexual interest in the pictures and tried to have the hearing dealt with entirely in private - claiming the proceedings were causing him 'harm' and saying he was entitled to a 'normal family life.'

The Manchester hearing was told Van Groningen, who qualified in Amsterdam in 1992, had been working in the NHS for over 25 years and spent the majority of his medical career at The Royal London.

He collected the squalid images on his home PC between September 2003 and December 2018. Police said searches for 'toddler', 'pre-teen' and 'bestiality' were found on multiple devices. Van Groningen initially made a 'clumsy' attempt to conceal the hard drive but it was confiscated by police and found to have pictures of girls as young as three.

In total officers recovered 114 Category A images and 62 Category A videos, 150 Category B images and five Category B videos, 1149 Category C images and two Category C videos.

Some of the pictures showed the children being raped whilst others showed images of sex with animals and sadism.

Extreme pornography material was also found on Van Groningen's iPhone and on four DVDs, which were a part of a batch containing a large volume of legal pornography.

There were 27 images and 217 videos depicting intercourse with live animals, referred to as horses, dogs, pigs and eels.

In October last year at Chelmsford Crown Court Van Groningen was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for two years and was also ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work. He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.

A general view of The Royal London Hospital, from which Van Groningen resigned when the images were discovered and has been suspended from practice (file photo)

Groningen did not attend May's disciplinary hearing but asked the tribunal to hold it behind closed doors.

He claimed: 'Justice has been served already for which I now need to live with the consequences for the rest of my life. I hope that the welfare and rights for an individual doctor to have some normal family life will be still taken into any consideration.'

But Sarah Barlow lawyer for the General Medical Council said: 'In committing a serious criminal offence over a prolonged period of time Dr Van Groningen had breached fundamental tenets of the medical profession such as maintaining trust, acting with integrity and most importantly within the law.

'Given the nature of the offence and Dr Van Groningen's attitude over the years, there would be in fact a risk of repetition of this offending.'

Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service chairman Patrick Cox said: 'Dr Van Groningen had worked for a considerable amount of time without any clinical concerns and further, the sentencing judge at his crown court case said he had ''worked in a very difficult job, functioning at a very high level, helping very vulnerable people'' during his medical career.

Today it emerged Groningen, who had been practising medicine for 29 years, had his name erased from the doctor's register following a disciplinary hearing at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester (file photo)

'But these were particularly serious offences. The images were possessed over a long period of time and there was deliberate searching for them. Dr Van Groningen suggested to the author of a Pre-Sentence Report that he had no sexual interest in these images but this was something with the sentencing Judge described as ''intellectually laughable''.

'When Dr Van Groningen applied for a private hearing in respect of this matter, there was reference to the harm caused to him as a result of his conviction but no reference to the harm caused by the offending.'

In a statement Alistair Chesser, group chief medical officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, said: 'We are deeply concerned that a former staff member was involved in such activity. We understand our doctors are trusted within our community and want to assure our patients that their safety is our number one priority.

'We do everything we can to protect our patients including carrying out enhanced background checks on all clinical staff.'
Bridgerton author Julia Quinn has suffered a double tragedy after her father and younger sister were killed by a drunk driver in an horrific car accident.

The 51-year-old American novelist announced the shocking news to fans in a heart-rending Facebook post, telling them: 'I have lost my father and my sister. Because a catering company did not secure their load and canvas bags spilled onto the highway.

'Because a pickup driver thought nothing of driving while his blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.

'I have lost my father, and I don't have my sister with whom to grieve.'

Ms Quinn  real name Julia Pottinger  said her father, Steve Cotler, 77, and cartoonist sister Violet Charles, 37  real name Ariana Elise Cotler - died on June 29 in the crash in Utah, along with Violet's dog Michelle.

The crash, at 8.30pm on Interstate 15 in Davis County, involved multiple vehicles according to the State Highway Patrol.

After the lorry shed its load of bags, various vehicles, including the Prius containing the Cotlers, came to a halt, but the drunk driver's huge Ford F-250 pickup truck crashed into the rear of the Prius, forcing it into a third car, whose two occupants were also seriously injured. Another man was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.

Both the Cotlers died at the scene. The pick-up driver had minor injuries and was arrested.

The driver's blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit, according to Utah Highway Patrol.

Bridgerton author Julia Quinn has suffered a double tragedy after her father and younger sister were killed by a drunk driver in an horrific car accident

Ms Quinn said her father, Steve Cotler (left), 77, and cartoonist sister Violet Charles, 37  real name Elise Cotler - died on June 29 in the crash in Utah, along with Violet's dog Michelle

Pictured: Quinn (centre) on the set of Bridgerton with actresses Claudia Jessie (left) and Nicola Coughlan

The crash, at 8.30pm on Interstate 15 in Davis County, involved multiple vehicles according to the State Highway Patrol

After the lorry shed its load of bags, various vehicles, including the Prius containing the Cotlers, came to a halt, but the drunk driver's huge Ford F-250 pickup truck crashed into the rear of the Prius, forcing it into a third car, whose two occupants were also seriously injured. Another man was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition

Ms Quinn said she was collaborating on a graphic novel with Violet which they had just completed, to be dedicated to their father.

She added: 'it will still be dedicated to our father. It won't be a surprise anymore, but I'd like to think he suspected we'd do it. He knew us so well. He was our dad.'

She also shared a message along with her other siblings as a tribute to her father, who had a career in business after graduating from Harvard, but then became a screenwriter and children's author, penning the successful Cheesie Mack series of books.

Violet Charles, a talented cartoonist had just finished illustrating ta graphic novel called Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron, according to her Instagram feed. She also created a character called Bridget Over Troubled Waters.

Ms Quinn's period drama Bridgerton became the most successful series on Netflix after it was launched last year and has also won a devoted following on ITV in Britain.

Ms Quinn told in the online family tribute of when she finally stopped being embarrassed by her father: 'It was his 25th reunion. I was a sophomore, so I stayed in Cambridge to attend the festivities with him. The entire class of '65 had gone to a club in Boston for dancing, and Janet Jackson came on the speakers. My father started dancing very badly (typical) but with great enthusiasm (also typical). I saw a few teenagers pointing and snickering, and I thought, 'Yeah, you WISH your dad danced like that.'

'After that, I felt nothing but pride in his geekiness. He was willing to try almost anything, and he never let the fear of embarrassment rule his actions. As a friend said after his sudden death, 'We should all be a little more Steve.'

Bridgerton hit ITV screens last Christmas, and worldwide, it received a record 82m viewers in its first month alone on Netflix.

Fans were captivated by the crackling on-screen chemistry between British actors Phoebe Dynevor playing Daphne Bridgerton and Rege-Jean Page, as the Duke of Hastings. Page has since been widely tipped to be the next James Bond.

Before its blockbuster launch, Netflix described Bridgerton as 'the sexy, lavish and competitive world' of Regency London 'from the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the aristocratic palaces of Park Lane and beyond'.

Its colour-blind casting which saw Page playing Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, raised some eyebrows, but author Ms Quinn said in a message to fans of the series: 'I am in utter love with every single casting choice Each of these actors will bring depth and magic to the characters in ays that have me shivering with anticipation.

'I know that some of you are concerned that the actors don't match the descriptions in books, but I'm not. I didn't even remember that Simon had blue eyes. Let that sink in for a second. I created the character, but I didn't recall the colour of his eyes.

'But you know what I did remember? I remembered his wit, and I remembered how much he adored Daphne

'Rege-Jean Page is a brilliant actor, and if I'm allowed to objectify him for one brief moment, he is BEAUTIFUL, and I could stare at him all day. He is every piece of Simon that matters.'

She added: 'This series is going to be amazing, and I for one can't wait.'
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Covid is 'not done with us' but there are already signs the third wave is slowing down, one of the country's top experts revealed today.

Professor Tim Spector, who runs Britain's largest Covid symptom tracking study, said there were 33,000 people falling ill with the virus every day last week  up by a third on the previous seven days.

But it is the second week in a row that cases have risen by a similar amount, prompting him to believe that data suggests the third wave may already be slowing down.

Outbreaks in Scotland and the North West of England  regions which quickly became hotspots for the Indian 'Delta' variant  have plateaued, estimates suggest, and in the East of England cases are already coming down.

More than two thirds of daily cases are now among Britons who have not been jabbed. Cases appeared to be rising quickest among the vaccinated, but experts insisted they were still suffering a mild form of disease like a 'bad cold'. Official figures show more than eight in ten adults have received at least one dose so far.

Professor Spector, a King's College London epidemiologist, warned that the peak of the third wave was still to come. The Government admitted this week that it anticipated more than 100,000 cases per day at the peak in August.

'While the rate of increase seems to be slowing down, we're yet to reach the peak of this latest wave,' he said. 'Even though we're doping away with Covid restrictions in the UK, Covid isn't done with us.'

Professor Spector warned that every day 500 Britons were developing long Covid, which sees symptoms linger for weeks or months after the initial infection. He urged young people to get vaccinated to prevent the often debilitating condition, even though they are at low risk of severe illness from Covid itself.

Separate figures from Test and Trace published today show infections surged by more than 70 per cent in the last week of June, with 135,685 new Covid cases spotted.

There are concerns that England's success at Euro 2020 could push infections up further before the July 19 unlocking. Hundreds of thousands of fans abandoned social distancing and mask wearing last night following the Three Lions' semi-final victory against Denmark.

An Imperial College London study also published today predicted cases are now doubling every six days, faster than No10's own estimates, and could hit 100,000 a day before Freedom Day later this month. The researchers claimed men gathering in pubs and homes to watch the football tournament were driving the surge.

King's College London scientists estimated there were 33,000 new symptomatic infections a day last week, the second time they had risen by a third in two weeks. Professor Tim Spector said the results suggested the outbreak may be slowing

Data from the app showed there were signs cases among the unvaccinated (blue line) may be plateauing. Ministers are relying on a 'protective wall' from vaccines and immunity from previous infection to beat the virus

There were also signs cases were starting to plateau in Scotland (brown line) and the North West (purple line) after the outbreak spiralled in these areas as the Indian 'Delta' variant took hold

Figures showed the majority of Covid cases in the country are among those who have not been vaccinated (red line). But were lower among those who received at least one dose (blue line) and two doses (orange line)

There are mounting warnings that Euro 2020 fans are driving the country's surge in Covid cases. Above is the scene at Wembley last night after England's nail-biting victory against Denmark

Several scientists have warned that if England continues to progress in the competition, cases will continue to go up. (Pictured, jubilant fans leaving Wembley Stadium last night)

Surging Covid infections could spark 'Long Covid', top experts fear Surging infections could spark another wave of people suffering from 'long Covid', top experts fear. More than a million Britons have already suffered from the debilitating condition, which leaves them struggling against symptoms of the virus for weeks after infection. But there are fears the rising case numbers could lead these figures to tick up further. Professor Tim Spector, who leads Britain's largest Covid symptom tracking study, said: 'If new cases continue to increase then many more thousands of people, especially the young, will be affected by long term symptoms that leave sufferers unable to live life normally. 'While it seems that the link between cases and deaths has been fundamentally weakened thanks to an excellent vaccine roll out, we are still seeing a correlation between new cases and Long Covid. 'Vaccines reduce the change of people getting Long Covid, by reducing the risk of seriously debilitating symptoms and also by reducing the chances of an infection lasting more than three months.' Experts say vaccination reduces the risk of long Covid by eight to tenfold, although it does not rule it out completely. Advertisement

Euros socialising could drive Covid cases to 100,000-a-day within two weeks England is being warned to expect a Euro 2020-driven surge in Covid cases today, as thousands of jubilant fans were pictured tightly packed together leaving Wembley night and supporters across the nation gathered in pubs and at homes to celebrate the Three Lions victory over Denmark. More than 66,000 people packed the stands in Wembley's biggest post-pandemic crowd, with all supporters told to stay in their seat throughout the game, keep their coverings on whenever they stood up, and to avoid hugging and high fiving when celebrating crucial moments. But pictures taken as the stadium began to empty out at around 11pm showed how hundreds of ecstatic fans had disregarded the threat of coronavirus and advice to keep socially distant. Masks are not compulsory in crowded outdoor areas but experts say wearing them would help cut the spread of Covid. The scenes of joy following England's 2-1 victory over Denmark in extra-time came just hours before top scientists warned the football tournament had driven a spike in coronavirus cases that could see the countrys daily infection toll breach 100,000 by July 19. A major surveillance study estimated cases are now doubling every six days and found that infections in England quadrupled in June, with the rise clearly coinciding with the competition. Men are also now around 30 per cent more likely to test positive than women, despite rates being similar throughout the pandemic. Imperial College London researchers, who analysed the data, claimed the pattern may be down to Euro 2020, with men gathering in pubs and homes to watch every step of the Three Lions' journey. Lead author Professor Steven Riley said: 'I think the degree to which men and women are socialising is likely to be responsible. It could be that watching football is resulting in men having more social activity than usual. 'If I had to speculate about the impact of the Euros I would first think about the increased probability that people are mixing inside more.' Dr Christina Pagel, a mathematician at University College London and member of Independent SAGE, echoed his concerns. She said: 'This isn't just about the fans attending the match but the millions of fans watching across the country in pubs and each other's homes. 'So while it's amazing watching England do so well, there's no doubt in my mind it will lead to increases in Covid infections.' Advertisement

Professor Spector's ZOE Covid study  which tracks more than a million Britons a week  found that outbreaks in Britain's hotspots plateaued last week in the week to July 5.

In Scotland, the number of people getting ill with Covid each day rose by just one per cent to 4,780. In the North West they crept up by three per cent to 4,879.

The East Midlands  which was also one of the first regions to be hit hardest by the Indian 'Delta' variant  was the only region which saw cases fall, dropping by 25 per cent to 1,964.

But there were still surges in the North East (92 per cent), West Midlands (91 per cent), South West (46 per cent), South East (40 per cent), Yorkshire and the Humber (37 per cent), and London (32 per cent).

The latest data also showed cases were twice as high among Britons who've only had one jab, compared to adults who've already had both.

Symptom study data estimated there were 22,638 infections among un-vaccinated Britons every day last week, up 17 per cent from 19,228 over the previous seven-day spell.

Professor Spector said that, although cases are rising, the vaccines had transformed the virus into a 'bad cold' for many people, who now most commonly suffer a runny nose, headache and sore throat.

But he warned those catching the virus were still being put at risk of 'Long Covid'  an often debilitating condition which leaves sufferers with lingering symptoms long after the initial infection.

Professor Spector said: 'If new cases continue to increase then many more thousands of people, especially the young, will be affected by long term symptoms that leave sufferers unable to live life normally.

'While it seems that the link between cases and deaths has been fundamentally weakened thanks to an excellent vaccine roll out, we are still seeing a correlation between new cases and Long Covid.

'Vaccines reduce the change of people getting Long Covid, by reducing the risk of seriously debilitating symptoms and also by reducing the chances of an infection lasting more than three months.'

In a separate study, Imperial College London scientists found infections in England spiked four-fold over June and are now doubling every six days, with Euro 2020 fans driving a ferocious surge in coronavirus.

With cases now averaging around 28,000 a day across the whole of the UK, the data suggests the country may break through the six-figure barrier on Freedom Day, with the 'big bang' unlocking just 12 days away.

Boris Johnson admitted daily cases could run at 50,000 by the time the country reopens on July 19, while new Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the Government was prepared for about 100,000 in August.

Some members of No10's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said they could breach 250,000 at some point in the autumn in a worst-case scenario.

But the hope within Government is that cases will fall sharply after the peak because the virus will 'run out of people to infect'.

The researchers say football fans may have fuelled a spike in cases, with infection rates 30 per cent higher in men than women. The virus was also most prevalent in 18 to 24 year olds.

Infections have risen ten-fold in London over the past month, and the authors said the capital's rapid rise may be linked to Euro 2020 matches held at Wembley.

Several scientists have warned that if England continues to progress in the competition, cases will continue to go up. The national team played last night in front of a packed 60,000-strong crowd in London. Wembley will play host to the final on Sunday, too.

Lead author Professor Steven Riley said: 'I think the degree to which men and women are socialising, is likely to be responsible. It could be that watching football is resulting in men having more social activity than usual.

'If I had to speculate about the impact of the Euros I would first think about the increased probability that people are mixing inside more.'

No10 is pressing on with Freedom Day on July 19 despite the fact cases are doubling every nine days and are expected to soar past 100,000 by August. Ministers insist vaccines will keep the disease at bay and are hopeful cases will start to fade naturally next month.

There is roughly one death per every 1,000 cases in Britain at the moment, down from one in 100 in previous waves, but officials expect this gap to get even wider as more people get vaccinated.

Hospital admissions, on the other hand, are rising again with latest figures showing there were 386 on July 3, an increase of about 45 per cent on the previous week.

That's double the number in early June but officials say the vast majority of admissions are among unvaccinated people or those who've only had one jab.

More than 100 top scientists and doctors last night accused Boris Johnson of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment' by pressing on with July 19's unlocking in the face of a rising epidemic.

In a letter in The Lancet, the experts have demanded the Government reconsider its plan to abandon all restrictions in England this month, describing it as 'premature'.

In a separate study, King's College London scientists estimated Covid cases were doubling every six days in the country. They said the spike could be down to people meeting to watch the Euro 2020 matches

Their estimates showed the number of cases in men and women has diverged for the first time this year. Men were around 30 per cent more likely to test positive for the virus, which they said could be down to them mixing more to watch the football

Britons aged 13 to 24 were also most likely to be infected with Covid, they said. But infections rose in every age group

London is once again England's hotspot for Covid infections, according to the study, after cases there are thought to have spiralled ten-fold in a month. The capital is hosting several football matches as part of Euro 2020

King's College London scientists estimated Covid outbreaks were largest in Scotland and the North West

They warned that going ahead with Freedom Day despite accepting there could be hundreds of thousands of infections each day is both 'unethical and illogical.

Allowing Covid to rip through the country will leave 'hundreds of thousands with long-term illness and disability' due to the effects of the virus itself, as well as long Covid, they said.

Among the 122 signatories are Dr Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser under David Cameron's Government, and Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) Council.

The letter has also been signed by several of No10's own expert advisers, including Professor Susan Michie and Professor Stephen Reicher, highlighting the rift within SAGE over the July 19 unlocking.

Many within SAGE - including Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance - are in favour of opening this month because they fear delaying any longer will only trigger a worse peak in winter.

It comes as a small number of hospitals have had to cancel operations because of a growing number of Covid patients on wards and high numbers of staff off isolating.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust scrapped non-urgent procedures this week - including cancer surgery - to cope with the influx of Covid and staffing shortages.
More than 5.3million people in England are currently waiting for routine operations on the NHS, official data revealed today.

NHS England statistics show the waiting list has continued to grow throughout the pandemic, with the figure for May being the most since records began in 2007.

April (5.12million), March (4.95million) and February (4.7million) were all also record highs at the time. But health chiefs claimed today that they are starting to chip away at the Covid-fuelled backlog.

The number of patients waiting longer than 18 weeks for routine ops, such as hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery, fell by more than 80,000 in May. Hospitals also made a dent in the number of patients who have been on the list for at least one year.

NHS medical director Professor Stephen Powis called the change 'reassuring'.

But critics said medics are 'firefighting on multiple fronts', with Covid numbers now 'exploding' while they try to 'make a dent' in the backlog.

Doctors fear another crisis could push the NHS to the brink again, with hospitals in some parts of the country already starting to cancel procedures due to rising Covid admissions.

The health service was forced to shut down vital services, including cancer care, during both previous waves of the pandemic to cope with the influx of Covid patients.

Official data also revealed A&E units saw their busiest ever month in June, with more than 1.4million attendances in June 2020.

However, separate promising data today showed that cancer referrals have doubled in the past 12 months. Charities feared tens of thousands of cancer patients would die early as a result of pandemic delays.

Figures released by NHS England today show that the number of people waiting for hospital treatment has hit another record high of 5.3million. This is 3.5 per cent higher than the 5.12million waiting at the end of May, which was the previous all time high

Official data also revealed A&E units saw their busiest ever month in June, with more than 1.4million attendances in June 2020

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 474,596 patients have been admitted to hospital. The latest daily figures show that 386 people were admitted to hospital

The latest daily figures show that 32,548 people tested positive for Covid, while 33 people died within 28 days of a positive test

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 407,435 Covid patients have been admitted to hospitals in England, with 4,134 admitted in a single day at the peak of the second wave in January.

This saw elective procedures and other services put on the backburner, causing the NHS waiting list to jump up by 25 per cent between March 2020 and May 2021.

But the NHS is beginning to address the mass of patients waiting to bee seen, with those waiting more than a year dropping by 12.6 per cent between April and May this year, from 385,490 to 336,733.

Those having to wait longer than 18 weeks has also dropped by 4.5 per cent.

Unlocking on July 19 is a 'dangerous and unethical experiment', warn 122 scientists and doctors More than 100 top scientists and doctors have accused Boris Johnson of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment' by pressing on with July 19's unlocking. In a letter in The Lancet, the experts have demanded the Government reconsider its plan to abandon all restrictions in England this month, describing it as 'premature'. They warned that going ahead with Freedom Day despite accepting there could be hundreds of thousands of infections each day is both 'unethical and illogical'. Allowing Covid to rip through the country will leave 'hundreds of thousands with long-term illness and disability' due to the effects of the virus itself, as well as long Covid, they said. Among the 122 signatories are Dr Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser under David Cameron's Government, and Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) Council. The letter has also been signed by several of No10's own expert advisers, including Professor Susan Michie and Professor Stephen Reicher, highlighting the rift within SAGE over the July 19 unlocking. Many within SAGE - including Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance - are in favour of opening this month because they fear delaying any longer will only trigger a worse peak in winter. It comes as a small number of hospitals have had to cancel operations because of a growing number of Covid patients on wards and high numbers of staff off isolating. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust scrapped non-urgent procedures this week - including cancer surgery - to cope with the influx of Covid and staffing shortages. No10 is pressing on with Freedom Day on July 19 despite the fact cases are doubling every nine days and are expected to soar past 100,000 by August. The highest daily case count so far was 68,000 on January 8. Writing in the letter, published last night, the experts said: 'This strategy risks creating a generation left with chronic health problems and disability, the personal and economic impacts of which might be felt for decades to come.' They also stressed there was a risk of long Covid to the wider population, especially those who were vulnerable, younger people and children, as well as people who were unvaccinated. Dr Nagpaul said the numbers of Covid cases in the UK were soaring and while the link between hospitalisations and deaths had weakened, it had not been broken. 'The Government has also airbrushed the impact of long Covid on one in 10 people getting infected and with two million having been unwell for more than three months. It would be irresponsible to inflict further suffering on millions more,' he said. Advertisement

But average waiting times are still higher than they were last March - 10.8 weeks, up from 8.9 weeks - while the number of patients being forced to wait for a year is 108 times higher.

These people make up 6.3 per cent of all patients, while the majority of patients  3.5million  have been waiting for up to 18 weeks.

The NHS is investing an additional 1billion in extra operations and treatments to restore services and cut backlogs.

Professor Powis said: 'Despite the huge disruption we have seen to care caused by the pandemic and the more than 405,000 Covid patients in our hospitals over the last 15 months, it is reassuring to see in today's figures significant reductions in waits for routine operations, and for the first time this year, a reduction in the number of patients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment.

'All the while, NHS staff have dealt with rising numbers of A&E attendances while continuing to roll out the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme and I would urge anyone who needs a routine operation to come forward, and anyone who needs urgent care, to go to NHS 111 Online or call 111 so that the best option for you can be determined.'

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour's Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on figures showing a record number of people on NHS waiting lists, said the figures mean that record numbers are 'waiting in pain or distress'.

He said: 'We know that hospitals are already under extreme pressure this summer and as Covid cases continue to rise this is only going to get worse.

'Sajid Javid has failed to put forward a plan to bring infections down, to clear the backlog or to support our NHS in this difficult period, instead he's proposing a top down reorganisation of our health service when it is under more pressure than ever before.

'Every day frontline NHS staff are forced to spend on this top down reorganisation is a day less tackling these waiting lists and getting patients the care they deserve.'

Meanwhile, the number of people attending A&E jumped up to 2.1million in June, in line with pre-pandemic levels.

The equivalent figure for June 2019, a non-pandemic year, was 2.11 million. The figure for this year is 2.4 per cent higher than June 2019 and 53 per cent higher than June 2020, when 1.41 million people went to A&E.

The number of A&E visits dropped to 916,575 in April 2020, marking the lowest number since records began in 2010, as people stayed at home in the first lockdown out of fear of catching Covid.

The number of people attending the emergency department reached its highest since the beginning of the pandemic last month, reaching 2million.

The figures also show there were 535,175 emergency admissions in June, down from 543,175 in May.

Despite this, the number of people waiting over four hours increase from 57,307 to 66,619, while those waiting over 12 hours nearly doubled, rising from 694 to 1,289.

Separate data for cancer treatments shows seven cancer patients have started their treatment for every one Covid patient being admitted to hospital in April and May this year.

The number of people checked for cancer in May was 207,188  nearly double the 106,535 in the same month last year.

This could signal patients may have been missed during lockdown.

The data also shows almost 25,000 people started treatment for cancer in May.

It comes as ambulance call-outs also remained high, with 783,050 incidents last month, which is 80,000 more than in the same month two years ago.

The average response time for Category 1 calls - which are life-threatening cases that need an immediate response, like a heart attack - was 7 minutes 54 seconds.

National standards set out that the average response time for these calls should be seven minutes.

More than 100 top scientists and doctors have accused Boris Johnson of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment' by pressing on with July 19's unlocking. Among the 122 signatories are, from top left, Lancet editor Dr Richard Horton, SAGE member Susan Michie, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) Council. former chief scientific adviser Sir David King, SAGE adviser Stephen Reicher and Oxford University's Professor Trisha Greenhalgh

The figures come after NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson said there are risks if England eases all coronavirus restrictions later this month.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We need to be realistic and we need to be open and honest about the fact that there are risks if we relax these restrictions and there will be consequences.

Covid caused 2020 to be deadliest year in England and Wales since Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 England and Wales recorded more deaths last year during the coronavirus pandemic than at anytime since the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918, official data shows. Separate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showed there were also more deaths than births in Britain in 2020 for the first time since the 1970s. 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. Even the darkest year of World War Two saw fewer deaths than the year of Covid. Population growth means the death rate in 2020 was only at its highest since 2003  but statisticians said there was a 14.5 per cent jump in mortality compared to 2019, something which hasn't happened since the Blitz. Professor Kevin McConway, emeritus professor in applied statistics at the Open University, told MailOnline: 'The jump in the number of registered deaths in 2020 compared to 2019 is quite remarkable. This isnt the highest year-on-year increase in deaths ever, but its very high. Thats really exceptional. 'Since the start of the last century, there have only been three previous years when deaths in England and Wales were more than 10 per cent higher than the year before  1918, because of the influenza pandemic, with deaths 22 per cent up on 1917, 1929 when there was another fairly major flu epidemic and also, probably increases in deaths because of the great economic depression and 1940, at least to some extent due to deaths in the Blitz, with deaths 16 per cent up on 1939. 'You might expect greater increase in the time of world wars, but these counts dont include deaths of armed forces overseas.' Advertisement

'The NHS won't be able to do everything given the demand pressures it has got and the fact that we have got reduced capacity in terms of both beds and staff numbers.'

He said there would be 'very significant' pressure on the NHS and 'we will have to dial back on elective recovery'.

It comes as Covid infections in the UK jumped to 32,548 yesterday. In the last seven days, 192,902 cases have been recorded, up by 42.8 per cent on the previous week.

This equates to 256 people per 100,000 being infected.

Deaths, which remain relatively low, increased by 42.5 per cent in the last week.

Responding to the high overall waiting list, Tracey Loftis, head of policy and public affairs at Versus Arthritis, said: 'Thousands of people with arthritis are silently bearing the brunt of this crisis as they wait for life-changing hip and knee operations.

'Joint replacements are in the category of planned surgery and treatment that has been worst affected and slowest to restart over the last year, all too often considered not serious or life-altering enough to be front of the queue.'

Stella Vig, council member at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said surgical hubs are needed across the country to treat the millions of people waiting for hospital treatment.

She said the data showed an increase in very long waits of more than two years for hospital treatment, with 3,927 patients in May.

She said: 'Behind the stats are patients waiting for planned surgery such as breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy, or a cochlear implant to improve their hearing.

'These types of procedures are life-changing. With the rest of the country looking forward to restrictions lifting on July 19, our patients have the right to expect a date in their diary for their operation.'

Nuffield Trust Chief Executive Nigel Edwards said: 'NHS staff are valiantly firefighting on multiple fronts. Exploding case numbers of the Delta variant are already leading to an uptick in hospitalisations, and non-Covid demand has rebounded significantly, with A&E units feeling the heat.

'This demand comes as staff work hard to make a dent in a growing and frightening backlog of care.

'While A&E is often busy in summer, it is worrying that nearly one in five people are waiting over 4 hours to be admitted or discharged.

'Waits of this length are typically seen in the peak of winter. Staffing pressures, Covid measures and the seriousness of conditions may all be contributing to growing waits at A&E.'

The continued growth in waiting time 'shows we are yet to reach the peak of pent up and put-off demand', he said.

Mr Edwards added: 'The new health secretary has stated that tackling the NHS backlog is a top priority for him, but with the risk of 100,000 new Covid cases a day within the next few weeks, there will be an inevitable and significant demand for Covid-19 hospital beds.

'Efforts to catch up on waiting lists will be slowed, and more people will sadly end up waiting even longer for the care they need. The situation is becoming ever more serious and I am very concerned about the impact this has on both patients and staff given the pressures they are under.'
Sir Philip Green's wife has been paid 50million by Topshop administrators after the collapse of her husband's retail empire last year.

Documents filed at Companies House show Aldsworth Equity Limited, a firm controlled by 71-year-old Lady Tina Green and registered in the British Virgin Islands, received the payout in May.

The money came from an interest-free loan provided by Lady Green to Topshop for its warehouse in Daventry, Northamptonshire, during an emergency restructuring in 2019, reports The Telegraph.

The depot was sold for 83million to real estate developer Prologis in late April and leased to Boohoo after the collapse of Sir Philip's Arcadia empire last November.

Earlier this year, it came to light that Arcadia fell into administration with a pension deficit of 510million, with pensioners still waiting to recoup what they are owed.

Lady Tina Green, 71 (pictured with her husband Sir Philip, 69, in November 2015), has been paid 50million by Topshop administrators after the collapse of Arcadia Group last year

The money came from an interest-free loan provided by Lady Green (pictured aboard her family's luxury superyacht) to Topshop for its warehouse in Daventry, Northamptonshire, during an emergency restructuring in 2019

Lady Tina was spotted aboard her family's 100million luxury superyacht on Saturday, soaking up the sunshine with her son Brandon, 28, in the French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez.

Tina and Philip, who have been married since 1990, are also the parents of 30-year-old Chloe Green, who shares son Jayden, three, with her ex-partner Jeremy Meeks.

Sir Philip, 69, enjoyed almost two decades of ruling the high street after lucrative takeovers of BHS in 2000 and Arcadia in 2002.

Its success contributed to the businessman getting a knighthood and earning the nickname 'King of the High Street'.

But his Arcadia Group went into administration after unsuccessfully seeking a 30million cash injection to help it survive lockdown, which disrupted crucial trading up to Christmas.

The collapse became the biggest corporate failure of the Covid-19 pandemic, with hundreds of millions of pounds owed to creditors and more than 13,000 jobs threatened. Topshop alone had around 300 stores open before the pandemic.

Lady Tina was spotted aboard Lionheart, a 100million superyacht, on Saturday, soaking up the sunshine with her son Brandon, 28, in the French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez

Wearing a pair of red shorts, Brandon relaxed alongside his mother, pictured looking at her phone, during their break in Saint-Tropez on Saturday

The mother and son were seen disembarking from a smaller boat as they made their way onto the yacht in Saint-Tropez on Saturday

ASOS, run by Scotland's richest man Anders Holch Povlsen, worth 6.1billion, bought the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands from administrators for 265million. They also paid another 65million for current and pre-ordered stock.

Arcadia, which employed 15,000 people, was in trouble even before the Covid-19 crisis. It recorded an operating loss of 138million on turnover of 1.8billion in 2018.

Back in 2019, Arcadia carried out an insolvency procedure known as a company voluntary arrangement to cut rents and close some shops.

In 2012 Arcadia Group was delisted from the London Stock Exchange when it was bought by Green's Taveta Investments group for 850million.

A woman wearing a face mask walks past a closed Topshop branch on Oxford Street, London, during England's third national lockdown in February this year
Allegations a Saudi prince 'let his children spit in his maids' faces' have emerged amid an investigation into claims he kept seven employees in a state of modern-day slavery at an apartment he owned outside Paris.

The human trafficking inquiry was opened after seven Filipino women filed complaints against Prince Faisal Bin Turki Bin Abdullah Al Saud, 44, in October 2019 after seeking help with SOS Esclaves, a French anti-slavery association.

Anick Fougeroux, its chairwoman, claimed the children were allowed to spit in the women's faces and that the maids were punished if any of the youngsters were seen crying.

She added they were ordered to cater to the children's every whim.

In one case cited by Fougeroux, the women bought the children seven ice creams while on a visit to the Jardin d'Acclimatation but worried about getting in trouble with the Prince if the youngsters ended up with stomach ache.

Saudi Prince Faisal Bin Turki Bin Abdullah Al Saud is subject to a human trafficking probe over allegations he let his children spit in their maids' faces

They were allegedly forced to stay awake until the Saudi couple had gone to bed - sometimes as late as 3am - but were still on duty and expected to cater to the needs throughout the night, The Times reported.

They were then allegedly expected to awake when the children got up around 7am while the Prince and his wife stayed in bed until nearly midday.

A maid was also allegedly forced to sleep on the floor by the couple's bed while the youngest child was a toddler to prevent it from waking the princess up in the night with crying.

Fougeroux also claimed the women were made to eat the Prince and his wife's leftovers but often went hungry if they were needed during dinner because the butler would lock the kitchen.

She added hunger often reduced the seven women to tears.

The Embassy for Saudi Arabia in Paris did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.



The maids, all aged 38 to 51, had been recruited in Saudi Arabia and worked for the prince and his family for several years, flying with the family between their homes in Riyadh and Paris.

They were allegedly paid the equivalent of 300 euros a month and said they were forced to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Police took statements from each of the alleged victims last month after they filed criminal lawsuits against the prince.

The prince and his family reportedly take regular holidays to France during the summers and stay in a mansion in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a Parisien suburb.

The prince reportedly inherited the seven-storey residence, valued at over 12 million euros, after his mother, Princess Latifa Bint Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, died in 2013.

The women were hired in Saudi Arabia under the controversial kafala system, which ties residency status to employment, and accompanied the prince and his family on holidays to France (file photo, kafala workers outside the Saudi immigration department in Riyadh)

A source close to the case who refused to be named said the women managed to escape during a trip to France.

The alleged abuse occurred in 2008, 2013 and 2015.

Prosecutors heard testimony from the women a few weeks ago, but the prince has yet to be questioned as he is not currently in France.

It is thought the prince traveled on a diplomatic passport, meaning he may have immunity from prosecution in France.

But the case is reportedly being taken seriously by the French police and being handled by a specialist unit. The offences carry a maximum sentence of ten years.
An explorer who spent years hunting for a Nazi gold train laden with looted art says he now thinks a lake could be hiding a convoy of Nazi trucks full of treasure.

Piotr Koper from Walbrzych in southwest Poland said he had recently carried out a preliminary search of the lake 90 miles away using geo-radar and found steel which could belong to the trucks.

According to historians, in the spring of 1945 a convoy of trucks set off from the nearby city of Goerlitz with exhibits from a museum.

Koper told local media: 'The research was completed on Sunday.

We have decent results and we will now try to mine as we have seen a very strong signal of steel.

Piotr Koper said he had recently carried out a preliminary search of the lake 90 miles away from Walbrzych in southwest Poland using geo-radar and found 'steel' which could belong to the trucks

The lake is located in the Polish village of Zarska Wies, close to the German border

The explorer and his team have been searching the area in the village of Zarska Wies since December using bottom sonar, GPR, proton magnetometer and an underwater drone

I expect these could be trucks that were sunk in 1945.

Today it's hard to say what their value is, because it depends on whether the wrecks are full or empty.

The explorer and his team have been searching the area in the village of Zarska Wies since December using bottom sonar, GPR, proton magnetometer and an underwater drone.

Koper said: In March 1945, trucks with some exhibits left the museum in Goerlitz.

We know from witnesses that they arrived here, on the ice-bound reservoir.

They stayed here.

Recently, a diving Guinness Record holder went into the lake to video what he could find.

Marcel Korkus said: I can confirm the existence of a lime kiln in the northwestern part of the body of water.

Diver Marcel Korkus said: I can confirm the existence of a lime kiln in the northwestern part of the body of water,' but could not say that there were trucks in the lake

Koper told local media: 'The research was completed on Sunday. We have decent results and we will now try to mine as we have seen a very strong signal of steel.'

He added that in addition to the remains of the mines walls there were also old tires and a small case.

But he continued: I do not confirm the stories about trucks and I believe that it is unlikely that they are lying under a large layer of sediment.

Koper said he hadnt given up hope and will now be looking to start diving.

He said: We are now waiting for a GPR analysis. If the results are confirmed, we will apply for permission to extract them.

The discovery comes just weeks after treasure hunters discovered a secret network of WWII tunnels thought to lead to the long-lost 'Amber Room'.

The Amber Room was built for Russian Tsar Peter the Great in the 1700s and packed with amber, gold and precious jewels, but was stolen by the Nazis and mysteriously disappeared at the end of the Second World War.

The tunnels were discovered at the Mamerki museum bunker complex in northeastern Poland close to Kaliningrad, the last known location of the treasure.

A secret network of WWII tunnels thought to contain the long-lost Amber Room or other wartime treasures was recently discovered at the site of Nazi Germanys former eastern army HQ

A reconstruction of the Amber Room was made in 1979 and completed at the Catherine Palace in St Petersburg (pictured)

Lake Toplitz in Austria as another lake which has an enduring allure for bounty hunters and is believed to contain up to 3 billion in lost Nazi gold which was dumped into the water by the S.S as the war came to a close.

In the 1940s, the Nazis used the lake as a naval testing site and the mountains surrounding it as a retreat area for military officers.

Situated in a dense mountain forest high up in the Austrian Alps, Toplitz has seen its fair share of death over the years - several people have died trying to find the legendary treasure.

Though treasure has not yet been found at Toplitz, investigators have recovered 700 million of counterfeit notes that were believed to be part of a Hitler ploy to cripple the British economy.
A 12-year-old boy has died after accidentally shooting himself at a sleepover with a gun brought by a friend.

Max Mendoza was hosting friends for a sleepover at his family home in the San Diego suburb of Chula Vista when the incident happened Saturday morning.

Police said a 15-year-old brought the gun to the sleepover, but how the boy obtained the weapon and who it belongs to is still under investigation, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Investigators spoke with the teenager, who was later released to his family.

Family members told the Union-Tribune that they heard a gunshot and ran to discover Max bleeding.

He was carried outside and rushed to hospital, where he died.

The boy's mother, Aida, told the paper that she held him in her arms and told him she loved him as he said 'Mom' over and over.

'I miss him,' she said on Sunday. 'He had a great heart  and a big heart.'

A 12-year-old boy has died after accidentally shooting himself at a sleepover with a gun brought by a friend. Max Mendoza (pictured) was hosting friends for a sleepover at his family home in the San Diego suburb of Chula Vista when the incident happened Saturday morning

Friends and family have set up a makeshift memorial for Max outside the Woodland Hills condos where he lived. A message written on a nearby wall reads: 'Long live Max'.

Neighbors recalled to the Union-Tribune how the young boy would help them with groceries and look after his four sisters, teaching his younger sisters to ride a bike, skateboard and swim.

'He's the smartest, handsomest, sweetest boy you could have ever met,' neighbor Eliadora Foster told the paper on Sunday.

'He was the little man in the house, and he acted like the little man in the house.

'The whole neighborhood cried because he's so special. It hurts that he's gone. He was taken from us too soon.'

Police said a 15-year-old brought the gun to the sleepover at the Woodland Hills condos (pictured), but how the boy obtained the weapon and who it belongs to is still under investigation, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Max's 16-year-old sister Macy told Fox News 5: 'Even though he was only 12, you would talk to him and you would feel like you were talking to someone your age.

'He was so mature for his age. He was so wise beyond his years.'

She told KFMB that her brother's death was 'surreal': 'Who goes home and thinks their 12-year-old brother is gone?

'He's only 12. He had so much to live for. He still had his whole life ahead of him.'

A GoFundMe page set up by Max's mother to cover his funeral expenses described him as 'a truly special guy'.

'He was charming and funny. He had a heart twice the size of the average kid. He was always willing to share whatever little he had with his classmates even if they weren't his closest friends,' the page read.

As of Thursday morning, the page had raised $9,995 of its $25,000 goal.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Politicians regularly will 'forget' promises made on the campaign trail but New York City mayoral candidate Eric Adams has kept one pledge he made to a group of potential supporters - he got his ear pierced.

The Brooklyn Borough President met a group of young people on the campaign trail, who said they'd trust him if he got a stud.

Adams, a 60-year-old former NYPD police captain, was confirmed as the winner of the Democratic primary, putting him on track to secure victory in the strongly-Democrat state at November's election.

He revealed on Twitter that he and his son met with a group of potential supporters on the campaign trail.

Adams said that they asked how they knew he 'wasn't like other politicians who make promises they don't keep'.

New York City mayoral candidate Eric Adams, a 60-year-old former NYPD police captain, has kept his promise to a young man he met on the campaign trail and got his ear pierced

He added: 'They said we'll trust you if you promise to pierce your ear when you win the primary. Promise made, promise kept!'

The candidate shared a 37-second long clip of his piercing experience on Twitter, as he looked forward and the piercer used a gun to put the jewelry through his ear.

After it was done, he said: 'Already lived up to my first promise to that young man.

'So if you see it on social media, young man, I told you I was going to do it and I just did what I promised.'

He continued: 'Day one, living up to my promises.'

Adams has served as the Brooklyn Borough President since 2014. He worked as an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City Police Department for more than two decades, retiring at the rank of Captain.

The likely next mayor later served in the State Senate, and became the first person of color to chair its Homeland Security Committee.

He revealed on Twitter that he and his son met with a group of potential supporters on the campaign trail, who told him that they'd trust him if he kept a promise to get a stud when he won the Democratic primary

The candidate shared a 37-second long clip of his piercing experience on Twitter, as he looked forward and the piercer used a gun to put the jewellery through his ear. In the caption, he said: 'Promise made, promise kept!'

He fought off a fierce challenge from Kathryn Garcia - a former sanitation chief, hoping to become the first female mayor.

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.

It came as Adams criticized the state's governor for his gun violence 'disaster emergency', asking Andrew Cuomo: 'What took so long?'

Adams used his first interview to condemn veteran governor Cuomo, also a Democrat.

Adams was confirmed as the winner of the Democratic primary, putting him on track to secure victory in the strongly-Democrat state at November's election

Asked for his response to Cuomo's gun violence plan, Adams replied: 'My first question is, what took so long? And why has it taken us so long, watching these babies die, year after year after year? No one seems to care.'

Adams campaigned on a ticket of improving law and order in the city, which is seeing soaring violence.

New York City has seen 765 shootings in the city so far this year, compared to 555 shootings during the same time last year.

Cuomo on Tuesday unveiled a $139 million seven-point plan, with emphasis on violence reduction initiatives, jobs and training for those at risk of getting swept up in gun crime, and making the gun manufacturers more accountable to victims' families.
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Thousands of people are defying a nationwide coronavirus lockdown in Bangladesh to see Rani, a 20 inch (51 centimetre) tall cow whose owners claim it is the world's smallest.

The 23-month-old dwarf cow has become a media star with scores of newspapers and television stations throwing the spotlight on the tiny bovine at a farm near Dhaka.

Rani is 26 inches (66 centimetres) long and weighs only 57 pounds (26 kilograms) but the owners say it is four inches shorter than the smallest cow in Guinness World Records.

Pictures of Rani on social media platforms have set off a tourist frenzy.

Rani is 26 inches long and weighs only 57 pounds but the owners say it is four inches shorter than the smallest cow in Guinness World Records.

23-month-old dwarf cow has become a media star and scores of newspapers and television stations have flocked to cover the tiny bovine at a farm near Dhaka

Rani is a Bhutti, or Bhutanese, cow which is prized for its meat in Bangladesh. The other Bhuttis on the farm are twice Rani's size

Despite a nationwide transport shutdown because of record coronavirus infections and deaths, people are flocking in rickshaws to the farm in Charigram 19 miles southwest of Dhaka.

Bangladeshi authorities yesterday reported 11,525 new Covid cases, the highest in a day since the pandemic began, sparking fears that there will soon be a shortage of medical oxygen used to treat patients with severe cases.

Neighbouring India is embroiled in a second wave of coronavirus, which has killed over hundreds of thousands and infected well over 30 million.

'I have never seen anything like this in my life. Never,' said Rina Begum, 30, who came from a neighbouring town.

M.A. Hasan Howlader, manager of Shikor Agro farm, used a tape measure to show dozens of onlookers how Rani dwarfs her closest rival Manikyam, a cow in the Indian state Kerala that currently holds the world record.

Shikar Agro farm reportedly bought the cow from a farm in Naogaon shortly after its birth.

'People come long distances despite the coronavirus lockdown. Most want to take selfies with Rani,' Howlader told AFP, adding Guinness World Records had promised a decision in three months.

'More than 15,000 people have come to see Rani in the past three days alone,' he said.

'Honestly speaking, we are tired.'

Guinness World Records said Manikyam, from the Vechur breed, was 24 inches (61 centimetres) high in June 2014.

Even regular sized goats dwarf Rani, whose status as the smallest cow in the world will be decided by Guinness World Record adjudicators in three months

Sajedul Islam, the government's chief vet for the region, said Rani is a product of 'genetic inbreeding' and was unlikely to become any bigger

M.A. Hasan Howlader, manager of Shikor Agro farm, used a tape measure to show dozens of onlookers how Rani dwarfs her closest rival Manikyam, a cow in the Indian state Kerala that currently holds the world record

Rani is a Bhutti, or Bhutanese, cow which is prized for its meat in Bangladesh. The other Bhuttis on the farm are twice Rani's size.

'We did not expect such huge interest,' the farm manager said.

'We did not think people would leave their homes because of the worsening virus situation. But they have come here in droves.'

Sajedul Islam, the government's chief vet for the region, said Rani is a product of 'genetic inbreeding' and was unlikely to become any bigger.

Islam said he had told the farm to restrict the tourist influx.

'I told them they should not allow so many people to crowd the farm.

'They may carry diseases here that threaten Rani's health,' he said.
Baroness Dido Harding  the former head of NHS Test and Trace  today insisted the scheme has been a success, despite SAGE saying the scheme has failed to slow the pandemic.

She told MPs she was 'proud' of the work done by the 37billion much maligned Covid contact tracing system.

Facing a grilling on the scheme, Baroness Harding said the scheme had achieved its goal of helping break the chains of transmission.

She said: 'I would actually argue  and I do appreciate that a lot of people listening to this will find this rather incredulous given some of the way its been reported  but I would actually argue that NHS Test and Trace has been a success.'

Baroness Harding quoted a Government study suggesting the scheme has reduced transmission by '18 to 33 per cent'.

Her comments come after the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said the system had a 'marginal' impact on tackling the virus because it neither tests nor traces enough people.

Test and Trace 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.

Baroness Harding's 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'.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson today urged the nation not to delete the NHS Covid-19 app, amid fears millions of Brits will be 'pinged' and told to self-isolate every week after 'Freedom Day'.

He told the public to stick with it 'for a little bit longer', with people who have had both vaccinations forced to isolate until August 16  six weeks after all restrictions were supposed to end on July 19.

Baroness Dido Harding today insisted the 37billion NHS Test and Trace scheme has been a success, while speaking at the Public Accounts Committee

Boris Johnson pleads with the nation not to delete the NHS app Boris Johnson today urged the nation not to delete the NHS Covid-19 app and to stick with it 'for a little bit longer' amid fears millions of Brits will be 'pinged' and told to self-isolate every week after 'freedom day'. The Prime Minister said the 'day is not too far off' when contacts of positive cases will no longer have to self-isolate, with the current approach to quarantine coming to an end from the middle of next month. The PM's plea to the country is unlikely to assuage the anger of business chiefs who have warned the app will cause chaos after July 19. However, they were given a glimmer of hope as Dr Jenny Harries, the head of the UK Health Security Agency, revealed work is taking place to 'tune' the app to reflect the growing number of people who have been vaccinated. Ms Harries told MPs that 'it is entirely possible to tune the app to ensure that it is appropriate to the risk' as the vaccine rollout continues to reduce the threat of transmission. There are reports that many people are deleting the app to avoid being contacted and told to self-isolate as the country braces for a surge in coronavirus case numbers. Rishi Sunak had hinted this morning that the app could be tweaked as he said Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, is 'aware of the frustration that people have' with the technology. He said that 'most people's concerns rest with how the app is working' and Mr Javid is 'looking at what the most appropriate, balanced and proportionate approach to isolation is'. Advertisement

Asked if NHS Test and Trace had been given too big a brief in breaking the chains of transmission at the Public Accounts Committee today, Baroness Harding downplayed how much of a role the contact tracing scheme was intended to play.

She said: 'The purpose and objective of NHS Test and Trace was to help break the chains of transmission as part of the overall Covid response.

'It was one, not the only tool that the Government set out as its response to Covid. So the non-pharmaceutical interventions, the NPIs, the restrictions weve all had to live through [are the first].

'NHS Test and Trace [is the] second, vaccines the third and the fourth, the therapeutic treatments that help people cope with Covid better.

'So NHS Test and Trace was never set up to be the single solution to Covid.'

She insisted the most recent studies suggest

Baroness Harding said: 'I say this with some trepidation, because the science is still evolving on how we evaluate these different programmes.

'But the evaluations that exist to date suggest that NHS Test and Trace had a material impact in reducing the rate of infections.

'There are a number of different scientific groups who have been trying to model the impact [which is] of the order of 18 to 33 per cent reduction in the infection rate due to testing, tracing and isolation.'

NHS Test and Trace was headed-up by Baroness Harding from its launch in May last year.

She stepped down in the spring, before applying to become the new head of the NHS  a job which reports suggest she is 'unlikely' to get.

But Baroness Harding said she would be happy to lend her expertise to Dr Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency who has taken over control of the scheme, and Shona Dunn, the second permanent secretary for the Department of Health.

She said: 'Im incredibly proud to have worked part of the Covid response and Im always there if Jenny or Shona need advice.'

It comes as official figures today showed the number of people in England 'pinged' by the NHS Covid-19 app has jumped by more than 60 per cent in a week. More than 350,000 alerts were sent to users in the final seven-day period of June, telling them they had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus. This was up from 219,391 the previous week and is the highest figure since data was first published in January

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

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

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.

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 of 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.

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'.

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.

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-centered' 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.

It comes as official figures today showed the number of people in England 'pinged' by the NHS Covid-19 app has jumped by more than 60 per cent in a week.

More than 350,000 alerts were sent to users in the final seven-day period of June, telling them they had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

This was up from 219,391 the previous week and is the highest figure since data was first published in January.
A female teacher who lied about cancer treatment and faked medical appointment letters has been banned from the classroom for at least two years.

Lisa Howes, 48, had requested time away from her role at Hedingham School and Sixth Form in Halstead, Essex, between January and April 2018.

The languages teacher, who was also Head of House, falsely claimed she had an appointment for an MRI and provided documents to back up the absence.

She later gave false information about a lumbar puncture appointment, a Teaching Regulation Agency disciplinary hearing was told.

In March, Ms Howes said she was going to start a course of radiotherapy, which she was not, and then faked a letter about this cancer treatment.

Lisa Howes, 48, had requested time away from her role at Hedingham School and Sixth Form (above) in Halstead, Essex, between January and April 2018

A West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust worker told the school that the letter 'appeared to be fraudulent'.

When the school checked other documents she had provided about the appointments, staff found they were also fraudulent.

A school inquiry was held and Ms Howes was sacked for gross misconduct in 2018.

She denied the allegations but the panel found her conduct was dishonest and she had failed to act with integrity.

Ms Howes said teaching had been her dream job of 20 years but she did not expect to return to the classroom. She had worked at Hedingham School since 2002.

A school inquiry was held and Ms Howes was sacked for gross misconduct in 2018

Decision maker Sarah Buxcey ruled that Ms Howes should be banned for two years before applying for the ban to be lifted.

Her report said: 'I have decided that a two-year review period reflects the seriousness of the findings and is a proportionate period to achieve the aim of maintaining public confidence in the profession.

'This means that Ms Howes is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or 20 children's home in England.

'She may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, but not until 14 June 2023, 2 years from the date of this order at the earliest.

'This is not an automatic right to have the prohibition order removed.

'If she does apply, a panel will meet to consider whether the prohibition order should be set aside.

'Without a successful application, Ms Howes remains prohibited from teaching indefinitely.'
A Covid-positive Coles staff member worked for two days while infectious, plunging colleagues into isolation and prompting an urgent alert for customers.

It comes as a huge new coronavirus exposure list was revealed late on Thursday night, including three Kmarts, Aldi and Bunnings.

The venues are spread right across Sydney but mostly confined to the Covid-ravaged western suburbs with five alerts each issued for Merrylands and Wetherill Park and three alerts each for Auburn and Burwood.

The infected worker was at Coles in Kareela in Sydney's south on July 2 and July 6 between 5pm and 10pm.

The supermarket has not yet been announced as an exposure site by NSW Health, but Kareela Village shopping centre put out the update on Facebook.

'The person in question did not have any symptoms up until 6/7 upon which the only symptom was a headache,' it announced.

'They have done the right thing, got a test and immediately self isolated.'

The store has been deep cleaned, as has the shopping centre, with shoppers told to contact NSW Health.

Colleagues have gone into self-isolation with staff from other stores drafted in to help with shifts.

Kmart Burwood (pictured), along with two other stores in Merrylands and Pagewood have been flagged as Covid exposure sites

The exposure list and sewage alert come amid growing fears the virus is rampantly spreading in Sydney's western suburbs, with lockdown failing to have contained it in the city's east (pictured, Sydneysiders in Chatswood on Thursday)

Included in the latest exposure site drop was three Kmart stores in the greater west, inner west and southern Sydney areas.

Anyone who attended Merrylands Kmart, in Sydney's west on Monday July 5 between 1.30pm to 3.30pm is considered a close contact and must immediately get tested and self isolate for 14 days.

A public health alerts was also issued for Pagewood Kmart in Westfield Eastgardens, in Sydney's southeast, from Saturday July 3 from 4.20pm to 5pm.

Anyone who visited the discount chain during this time is considered a casual contact and must immediately get tested and self isolate until they receive a negative result.

It is the same story for those who shopped at Burwood Kmart on Sunday July 4 between 11.45pm to 12.35pm.

The inner west suburb was also hit with two more exposure site warnings with alerts for Burwood Kathmandu and an a Indian restaurant.

Coronavirus fragments have also been found in wastewater gathered from 32 north-western Sydney suburbs, putting thousands of residents on high alert.

Another busy Coles and Vodaphone store at Stockland Wetherill Park in the city's south-west were also added to the relentlessly growing Covid exposure list on Thursday night, along with several food outlets and an Aldi in Menai.

The exposure list and sewage alert come amid growing fears the virus is rampantly spreading in Sydney's western suburbs, with lockdown failing to have contained it in the city's east.

The infected worker was at Coles in Kareela (pictured) in Sydney's south on July 2 and July 6 between 5pm and 10pm

Five of the seven 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.

Anyone who visited Billy's Cars in Revesby on July 4 between 10am and 11.30am is regarded as a close contact.

They have been ordered to get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

Anyone who attended the car yard July 2, 9am-5pm and July 3, 9am-5pm were also previously ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.

Health officials are also concerned about fragments of the virus in the Boronia Park sewage network, which covers more than 30 suburbs across the city - with no known Covid cases.

Stockland Wetherill Park (pictured) has been listed as a casual contact exposure site after infected cases visited Coles and Vodafone at the busy shopping centre on July 4

A host of venues in Sydney's south and south-west were also listed as casual contact sites.

They include Charlies Grill Chicken and Seafood in Illawong, Youies Takeaway in Belmore, Aldi Menai, Vodafone and Coles Wetherill Park and Freds One Stop Shopping in nearby Edensor Park.

Anyone who attended these venues at the listed times must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

Residents are urged to check the NSW government website regularly, as the list of venues of concern and relevant health advice will be updated as investigations continue.

Anyone who attended the Charlies Grill Chicken and Seafood Illawong, July 3, 2.50pm-3.10pm has been ordered to get tested and isolate until they return a negative result

Catchment suburbs for the wastewater with Covid-19 fragments include Melrose Park, Camellia, Northmead, Constitution Hill, North Parramatta, Telopea, Denistone, Denistone West, Dundas Valley, Dundas, Carlingford, Oatlands, North Rocks, Ermington and Parramatta.

Baulkham Hills, Rydalmere, Winston Hills, Woolwich, Huntleys Point, Huntleys Cove, Henley, East Ryde, Meadowbank, Gladesville, Tennyson Point, Putney, Hunters Hill, Denistone East, Ryde, Eastwood and West Ryde are also on the list.

Anyone who lives or works in any of these areas should be vigilant for cold-like symptoms and if they develop, to immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

Aldi Menai (pictured) in Sydney's south was listed as a casual contact exposure site on Thursday night

Sydneysiders are on high alert after fragments of coronavirus were found in more sewage catchments (stock image)

Sydney's latest exposure sites announced Thursday 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. Burwood Kathmandu Burwood Shop 353/100 Burwood Rd. Sunday 4 July. 12.35pm  1pm Burwood Mehfil North Indian Cuisine, Westfield Burwood Shopping Centre 100 Burwood Rd Burwood Sunday 4 July 1.05pm  1.10pm Wetherill Park Beds R Us Wetherill Park Greenway Plaza & Homemaker Greenway, Unit 70/71/1183 The Horsley Dr Wetherill Park Monday 5 July 2.30pm  3.15pm Smithfield Oregano's Lebanese Bakery and Cafe 1/693 The Horsley Dr Smithfield. Monday 5 July 2pm  2.30pm Merrylands Sadaqat Supermarket 6 Memorial Ave Merrylands. Monday 5 July 1.30pm  2pm Merrylands Australia Post Office 12 Memorial Ave Merrylands. Monday 5 July 2pm  3pm Merrylands Aldi 191-201 Pitt St Merrylands. Monday 5 July 1.30pm  3.30pm Merrylands Kmart 1 McFarlane St Merrylands. Monday 5 July 1.30pm  3.30pm Merrylands Stockland Shopping Centre 1 Pitt St Merrylands. Monday 5 July 1.30pm  3.30pm Auburn Fresh City Fruit & Vegetables 67-69 Auburn Road Auburn. Monday 5 July 3.30pm  4.30pm Auburn Sahar Market 1/62 Auburn Road Auburn. Monday 5 July 3.30pm  4.30pm Auburn New Star Kebabs 15 Auburn Rd Auburn. Monday 5 July 3.30pm  4.30pm Revesby: Billys Cars, Sunday July 4, 10am-11.30am. Friday July 2, 9am-5pm and Saturday July 3, 9am-5pm were previously announced. 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. Parramatta Country Growers 159-175 Church St Parramatta. Thursday 1 July 5.30pm  5.40pm Parramatta Coles Westfield 159-175 Church St Parramatta. Thursday 1 July 5pm  6pm Wetherill Park JB HiFi Wetherill Park 561-583 Polding St Wetherill Park. Saturday 3 July 2.30pm  3.15pm Pendle Hill Woolworths Metro 109 Pendle Way Pendle Hill. Saturday 3 July 5.45pm  6.15pm and Tuesday 6 July 10.50am  11.20am Pagewood Kmart Westfield Eastgardens 152 Bunnerong Rd Pagewood. Saturday 3 July 4.20pm  5pm Burwood Kmart 100 Burwood Rd Burwood. Sunday 4 July 11.45pm  12.35pm Wetherill Park Chemistworks 561-583 Polding St Wetherill Park. Sunday 4 July 5.30pm  6.30pm Carlingford Chemist Warehouse 821-825 Pennant Hills Rd Carlingford. Monday 5 July 12.45pm  1.15pm Hurstville King Tea Shop 432, Westfield Hurstville. Tuesday 6 July 2pm  3.15pm Bonnyrigg Bunnings 1/9 Bonnyrigg Ave Bonnyrigg. Tuesday 6 July 1.45pm  2.15pm Telopea The Valley Pharmacy 4 Benaud Pl Telopea. Tuesday 6 July 3pm  3.30pm Carlingford Court Shopping Centre Pennant Hills Rd & Carlingford Rd Carlingford. Wednesday 7 July 3.15pm  5.15pm Illawong: Charlies Grill Chicken and Seafood, Saturday July 3, 2.50pm-3.10pm Belmore: Youies, Saturday, July 3, 8.30am-1pm and Sunday July 4 between 8.30am-2pm Menai: Aldi Menai, Sunday July, 4pm-4.30pm Wetherill Park: Vodafone Stockland Wetherill Park, Sunday July 4, 12.30pm-12.40pm Wetherill Park: Coles Stockland Wetherill Park, Sunday July 4, 12.30pm-2.30pm Edensor Park: Freds One Stop Shopping, Sunday July 4 between 1.30pm-3.30pm Advertisement

The latest warning come a day after fragments were detected in the Minto, Marrickville and Cronulla catchments, where no new Covid cases have been recorded for weeks.

NSW recorded 38 new cases on Thursday, a day after lockdown of Sydney and surrounding suburbs was extended until July 16.

Only 17 of those were in isolation for the entirety of their infectious periods.

Residents in the Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool local government areas have ordered to not leave home following a spike in cases in recent days.

The region could be subject to elevated restrictions if cases continue to rise.

More than 100 more officers will deployed to the region as part of a dedicated police operation focused on compliance with COVID-19 rules.

Police will ask residents outside their homes what their reasonable excuse is, and will crack down on activities like unnecessary shopping.
Donald Trump pressed Saudi Arabian leadership in 2018 on whether a bone saw was used to dismember the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a Thursday report revealed.

'We're standing behind Saudi Arabia,' Trump said during a call, 'but we've got to get to the bottom of this.'

Kirsten Fontenrose, then director of Gulf affairs at the National Security Council, would listen in on the calls between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and his father King Salman.

Trump, she told Yahoo News, couldn't get over intelligence revealing that a 'bone saw' was used to dismember Khashoggi's body after he was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.

She claimed Trump would tell say on calls with the Saudis: 'This will change everything, you guys. We've got to know. We're with you... but we've got to get to the bottom of this.'

'Was there a bone saw? Was there a bone saw?' he repeatedly asked

The then-president saw prospects of Middle East peace dwindle after MBS ordered the journalist's murder in 2018.

Donald Trump pressed Saudi's several times on whether a bone saw was used to dismember journalist Jamal Khashoggi's body after after he was murdered. Trump stands with senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner (right) and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) in Saudi Arabia in May 2017

'I've been in difficult negotiations. I've never had to take a bone saw,' Trump said at the time, according to Fontenrose.

'I mean, he would go back to it and back to it and back to it, trying to press them,' she said of the president's reaction to that piece of intelligence

'Have you ever had to take a bone saw into negotiations?' Trump asked then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

'No Mr. President, ha-ha,' Pomepo responded, and repeated as the 45th president pushed the matter: 'No, no, no, Donald, we didn't know anything about it. We're still trying to get to the bottom of this.'

Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist, Washington Post columnist and dissident. He fled from Saudi Arabia in 2017 and relocated to the U.S. when he became fearful of retaliation for his criticism of Crown Prince Salman.

On October 2, 2018 Khashoggi walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey to obtain marriage documents, but was never seen leaving.

Three days after the murder, the Crown Prince MBS told Bloomberg that, to the best of his knowledge, Khashoggi left the consulate. However, as Turkish officials started revealing details of the incident  including leaking audio tapes from inside the consulate, the Saudis said Khashoggi died in a 'fist fight.'

Ultimately, MBS landed on claiming Khashoggi has been murdered by 'rouge killers' who acted outside the Saudi government.

'I just spoke with the King of Saudi Arabia, who denies any knowledge of what took place with regard to, as he said, his Saudi Arabian citizen,' Trump said on October 15, 2018. 'It sounded to me like maybe these could have been rogue killers. Who knows?'

The CIA, however, concluded in mid-November 2018 that MBS had, in fact, ordered Khashoggi's assassination.

The conclusion came after a probe revealed a team of 15 Saudi-linked agents flew to Istanbul on government aircraft in October.

Jamal Khashoggi (right) is pictured in CCTV footage walking into the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2, 2018 to obtain papers related to his marriage. He was never seen again

Khashoggi was a Saudi dissident who wrote articles critical of MBS and the government. The CIA concluded he was assassinated at the direction of MBS on October 2, 2018

Khashoggi's murder sparked a crisis within the White House's foreign policy team, especially with his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who had made the Saudis the keystone of his Middle East strategy.

In fact, Trump's first foreign trip as president was to Saudi Arabia and he hosted MBS at the White House.

Trump's national security adviser at the time, John Bolton, wanted the president to be harder on Saudi Arabia and reveal intelligence related to Khashoggi's murder.

'Get the full story out, whatever the full story is,' Bolton says he and Kushner told the crown prince in a phone call shortly after Khashoggi's disappearance.

Fontenrose, who monitored the calls between Trump and Saudi Arabian leadership, said the president pushed MBS and his father, King Salman, on what they knew about the murder.

'The president had multiple calls with MBS and with King Salman, specifically asking them, did you know anything about this?' Fontenrose told Yahoo. 'The president would flat out ask, I mean, up to a dozen times on any individual phone call, whether it was with King Salman or with MBS or both of them, 'Did you have any knowledge of this operation?' 'Did you know this was going to happen?' 'Did you give this order?'

Every time, she said, it was: 'No, no, no, we didn't know anything and we're still looking and we're still searching.'

'Yes, Donald,' they would say, 'we totally understand this makes things difficult for you and we're trying to get to the bottom of it.'
Shop staff fear they could see a spike in abuse and violence from customers once the rule on mandatory face masks is dropped from July 19.

It comes after Boris Johnson revealed Monday that face coverings would no longer be required by law from so-called 'Freedom Day' onwards, before adding that shops and supermarkets would be free to install their own policies.

Industry bosses fear this could lead to confusion and cause confrontation between customers and staff - especially if those who do not wish to wear masks are asked to do so.

Retail giants Aldi and Morrisons are reportedly set to demand clearer guidance from the Government over the issue.

It comes after several attacks against retail staff since the rules on masks and social distancing were introduced in a bid to curb Covid-19 infections last year.

One incident in September saw a maskless thug attack a Co-op worker after she asked him to wear a face-covering, while just last month a woman spat at a Harrods security guard after being ejected for not wearing a face covering.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: 'Our primary concern is that Government messaging is clear about what is regulation and what is advisory so that people understand what's expected of them, and that people are tolerant and allow others to make their own personal choices.

A suspect punches a shopkeeper in Gateshead twice in September last year before fleeing on foot. Allegedly the attack was sparked by the shopkeeper asking the man to put on a face mask

A security guard challenges a man for not wearing a mask at Morrisons in Peckham, South East London

'There has been a big rise in violence and abuse against retail workers during the pandemic and colleagues cannot be put in the firing line because of this change in policy.'

The chief added: 'Retailers will have many people in their stores who want to continue wearing masks, and many who don't, and will have to accommodate everyone.'

Her comments come as several retailers weigh up whether to continue asking customers to wear masks in stores beyond the July 19 date - dubbed 'Freedom Day' - when the Government is expected to relax the vast majority of Covid-19 restrictions.

Sainsbury's boss Simon Roberts said earlier this week that he would consult with staff but suggested the decision on masks would be one of 'personal choice'.

Meanwhile, Tesco is understood to be currently undertaking an internal review into its mask-wearing policy following the Government update on Monday evening.

It comes after Boris Johnson said on Monday that the Government is planning to halt the legal requirement regarding face coverings.

Current mask rules for shops and supermarket In England you must wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail, sale or hire).

You must also where them in shopping centres (including malls and indoor markets).

You are expected to wear a face covering before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it.

You should also wear a face covering in all indoor places where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

You must wear a face covering in these circumstances by law, unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse. Source: gov.uk Advertisement

Mask rules for shops from July 19 From July 19, face coverings will no longer be mandatory under the law.

However shops and supermarkets will be allowed to decide their own mask policies.

It means some could make it compulsory to wear a mask before entering their premises.

Some retailers, including ASDA and the Westfield shopping centres, said they would let their customers decide whether or not to don the protective face gear.

Tesco is performing an internal review of its current mask guidelines while Morrisons and Aldi are reportedly set to ask for clearer guidance from the Government.

Sainsbury's suggested mask use would be left as a 'personal choice' for staff and shoppers.

Polls suggest 66% of Brits believe masks should remain mandatory inside shops and supermarkets. Advertisement

However he 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.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty echoed the prime minister's sentiment, saying 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.

Other ministers have subsequently said they would be 'carrying' masks and would wear them in certain circumstances.

The BRC's warning comes as retailers and other businesses are concerned that plans to keep self-isolation rules in place until August would also have an impact on workers who would be forced to stay home.

Hospitality chiefs have warned that the delay between restrictions being lifted and the self-isolation rules being eased risks 'the summer being cancelled and vast swathes of the population unnecessarily confined to their homes'.

Kate Nicholls, boss of trade body UKHospitality, said: 'This is not just a hospitality issue - it is affecting the whole economy and we need an earlier test to release system in place.'

The thug filmed abusing a staff member at un unknown Co-op on September 24 later pleaded guilty to breaching Covid regulations alongside other offences and received a fine

A fight broke out between a group of women and security guards in front of high-end London department store Harrods last month. Three women were shown in a video of the incident being removed from the store by a group of 12 guards for allegedly not donning face masks

Ms Dickinson, of the BRC, added: 'We are already seeing a serious impact on retail operations as a result of staff having to self-isolate and this will only get worse right across the economy, as cases are already rising fast and the final restrictions are eased.'

Mr Johnson's decision to dump masks came despite SAGE scientists warning ministers they were a 'baseline measure' that should be kept 'to control a resurgence in infections'.

Dominic Harrison, director of public health for Blackburn-with-Darwen in Lancashire, a Delta hotspot, said this week: 'I generally share the view of some colleagues that it is time for us to open up as much as possible  but the three things we need to make this safer are; to get on with vaccination for those aged 12-plus as soon as possible, increase ventilation measures in schools and other public indoor space and retain mask wearing (as now) in enclosed public space.

'With these mitigations we should be able to have maximum freedoms and minimal risk  but we need to be really clear  we will still not be completely risk free.'

But 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.'
A veteran badly burned in an Afghanistan IED blast has slammed Twitter claiming it flagged his July 4 post of him saluting in uniform as 'potentially sensitive content'.

Retired US Army Captain Sam Brown posted a photo on Independence Day of himself saluting and the phrase 'Freedom isn't free' - with his facial injuries from the blast visible in the image.

'On July 4, 1776, America was born,' he wrote. 'On July 4, 2021, we're still the best country on this planet.'

While the tweet itself was not restricted, the photo was slapped with a warning reading: 'The following media includes potentially sensitive content.'

A Twitter spokesperson told DailyMail.com the tweet 'was marked as sensitive because of the media settings of the user, not because of any action on the part of Twitter.'

Twitter users can mark their own tweets as containing material that may be sensitive by adjusting their account settings and preferences.

The furore comes as Donald Trump launched a class action law suit against CEO Jack Dorsey, as well as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Google CEO Sundar Pichai claiming he is the victim of censorship by the tech behemoths.

A veteran badly burned in an Afghanistan IED blast has slammed Twitter for flagging his July 4 post of him saluting in uniform as 'potentially sensitive content' (the tweet above)

Brown blasted the social media giant accusing it of flagging his tweet and questioning the timing, given he had just announced his intentions to run for Senate as a Republican candidate.

'Hey @Twitter, I didn't realize my face was 'sensitive content',' he tweeted Tuesday, sharing a grab of the tweet with the warning.

'Ironic considering I only have 3 tweets & just filed to run for U.S. Senate only hours ago.

'Was it my scars or the fact that I salute the flag? Regardless, neither are going awayand neither am I,' he added, along with an American flag emoji.

The tweet continued to display the warning tag Wednesday morning.

Brown accused the social media giant of carrying out 'egregious and un-American actions' by 'censoring' his right to free speech.

'While I was ready to lay down my life in order to protect freedom of speech for my fellow Americans, Big Tech today decided that they know better, censoring me and deeming my comments regarding this great nation 'Sensitive Content,'' Brown told Fox News.

Retired US Army Captain Sam Brown (pictured) had posted the photo on Independence Day of himself saluting and the phrase 'Freedom isn't free' - with his facial injuries from the blast visible in the image

'These egregious and un-American actions come mere hours after I took steps to file and establish my candidacy for the United States Senate in Nevada, reinforcing my belief that 'Big Tech' is working against conservatives and trying to silence our voices.'

He added: 'Everyday I wear the scars of my service and I am still proud to call myself an American. If Twitter thinks they can censor my military service, my love for this country, or the flag it represents - they are sorely mistaken.'

According to the Twitter Help Center, a tweet can be labeled as 'potentially sensitive' by both Twitter or the individual posting the tweet.

If a tweet is reported to contain sensitive content it is sent to Twitter for review which may label it as being potentially sensitive.

Meanwhile, account holders can mark their own media settings with the warning.

'By appropriately marking your media settings, Twitter can identify potentially sensitive content that other users may not wish to see, such as violence or nudity,' according to the Help Center.

'If you intend to regularly post such content, we ask that you please adjust your media settings.'

Sensitive media can include 'graphic violence, adult content, hateful imagery, violent sexual conduct and gratuitous gore'.

Brown blasted the social media giant for flagging his tweet and questioned the timing, given he had just announced his intentions to run for Senate as a Republican candidate

Brown (left and right) suffered third degree burns to 30 percent of his body in an IED blast on deployment to Afghanistan in 2008

Brown suffered third degree burns to 30 percent of his body in an IED blast a few months into his deployment to Afghanistan in 2008.

He had been carrying out route security in Kandahar when he and his comrades came under fire.

While trying to help his fellow soldiers who were being ambushed in tactical vehicles, an explosive went off setting him on fire.

Brown underwent multiple surgeries and was medically retired from the US Army in September 2011.

Brown is now running for the US Senate in Nevada as a GOP candidate, hoping to oust Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (above) in the 2022 midterms

Brown is now running for the US Senate in Nevada as a GOP candidate, hoping to oust Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto from her seat in the 2022 midterms.

On his campaign website, the veteran says he would be 'putting my experience to work.'

'Duty to a purpose, far greater than one man, has convinced me that it is time to enter service again,' it reads.

Cortez Masto narrowly won the seat in 2016, becoming the first woman from Nevada and first Latina ever elected to the Senate.

This marks the second time Brown has made a run at politics.

Brown ran as a Republican candidate for District 102 of the House of Representatives in 2014. He was defeated in the Republican primary.

The retired Army captain, who was awarded the Purple Heart, currently lives with his wife Amy and three children in Reno, Nevada.

The couple run a small business that provides 'critical services to our veterans when the VA needs a private company to assist in urgently accessing medication outside the federal system,' according to his campaign website.

Brown's spat with Twitter and 'Big Tech' has become part of a major campaign point among some Republicans.

Trump on Wednesday filed his lawsuit against Twitter, Google and Facebook and their CEOs.

Donald Trump announced class action lawsuits against Twitter, Facebook Google and their chief executives Wednesday (above)

The former president said he had brought the suit on behalf of victims of 'cancel culture' and demanded the end of 'shadow banning' and 'blacklisting.'

'In addition, we are asking the court to impose punitive damages on these social media giants,' he said. 'We're going to hold big tech very accountable.'

Trump will serve as the lead plaintiff in the suit, claiming he has been wrongfully censored, he added.

His lawyers said they will argue that Congress has frequently pressured Big Tech to take action on conservatives, making them 'agents of government' and therefore subject to the First Amendment.

The legal moves are backed by the America First Policy Institute, a non-profit that includes several former senior administration officials.

The two tweets that got Trump banned by Twitter. The social media platform said the comments fell foul of its Glorification of Violence Policy

Trump was suspended from his social media accounts back in January after a mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6 in a violent riot that left five dead.

Rather than condemn the violence, Trump wrote on January 8 that his supporters were 'great American patriots' who 'will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form.'

Twitter banned him indefinitely two days later, citing his 'glorification of violence.'

'After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' the company said at the time.

Trump tried to get around the ban in the hours that followed by addressing his supporters through other people's accounts. This led to several others also being suspended.
Dawn Jankovic, a 47-year-old Ohio mom of one, tore an artery and suffered internal bleeding while on a Indiana theme park roller coaster

A 47-year-old woman who mysteriously died after riding an Indiana roller coaster last month tore an artery and suffered internal bleeding, according to an autopsy released Wednesday.

Dawn Jankovic, an Ohio mom of one, was found unresponsive next to her 17-year-old son on 'The Voyage' ride in Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme park in Santa Claus on June 4 and later died in the hospital.

It wasn't clear how she died until Wednesday, when the Dubois County, Indiana coroner listed three causes of death: severe internal blood loss, the tearing of an artery, and force from the roller coaster, according to The Indianapolis Star.

Her son Gunnar Merker and his dad Gary Merker told Fox 8 a couple days after Jankovic's death that the mom-son duo were roller coaster enthusiasts and loved going to amusement parks.

'They go all over the place to different amusement parks, that was their thing and yeah, theyd been on it before,' Gary said. 'I just dont know what happened this time.'

Gunnar said his mom was 'was fine, the whole entire day.'

Gunner Merker, 17, and his mom were roller coaster enthusiasts

Jankovic's death was ruled an accident. She leaves behind a teenage son

This is Jankovic and her son Gunnar on 'The Voyage' but it's not clear if this is the date or time when Jankovic suffered the torn artery

The Dubois County, Indiana coroner said 'The Voyage' ride in in Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme park functioned as intended. 'It was just a reaction her body had from riding the ride,' the coroner told The Indianapolis Star

She suffered severe internal blood loss from the artery tear, which is located on the outside of the back of a rib cage.

The normal force of the rollercoaster caused the tear, not any problem with the ride itself, the Dubois County Coroner Katie Schuck told The Indianapolis Star.

Although 'amusement park rollercoaster' is listed as a third cause of death, it wasn't a contributing factor.

'It was just a reaction her body had from riding the ride,' Schuck told the newspaper. 'It had nothing to do with a malfunction or anything, as far as safety and that type of thing.'

Her death was ruled an accident.

HOW DOES A ROLLER COASTER CAUSE AN ARTERY TO TEAR? By Mary Kekatos, Acting U.S. Health Editor for DailyMail.com An Ohio woman has died after suffering fatal injuries while riding a rollercoaster at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. The Dubois County Coroner determined her caused of death to be exsanguination, avulsion of the right internal thoracic artery and amusement park rollercoaster. So how can a roller coast cause an artery to tear? The internal thoracic artery (ITA), also known as the internal mammary artery, is supplies the chest wall and the breasts with blood from the heart. It is is paired, meaning there is one on the left side of the body and one on the right. They start from the clavicle - near the neck - and travel down the rib cage and sternum, before ending by the oblique muscles. When riding a rollercoaster, humans are often being subjected to incredible amounts of G-force, a measure of acceleration. Rollercoasters can generate force up to 4Gs, which is equivalent to humans accelerating at 87 miles per hour per second, and similar to the G-force experienced by drag racers. In rare cases, riding a rollercoaster can cause serious injuries. The repetitive forces of acceleration and deceleration along with the vigorous jerking of the neck - especially if a rider is not properly secured - can lead to a torn artery (also known as avulsion). A very slight tear to the artery can heal on its own without being surgically repaired. However, if the tear is massive, this can lead to exsanguination, or a severe loss of blood, which - if not treated immediately - can result in death. Advertisement

Matt Eckert, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari President and CEO said in an emailed statement to DailyMail.com that the amusement park's hearts 'continue to go out to Dawns family, friends and all those impacted by her loss.'

'The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is our number one concern every day. The parks rides and attractions have delivered millions of safe and thrilling experiences throughout the years. Our vigilance in taking care of our guests as well as our team members can be counted on in everything we do.'

'I feel bad, this kid witnessed everything and he was there by himself before I could actually get to him,' Gary told Fox 8.

Her son said, 'She was a hard-working mom, she tried her best to support me in all different ways.'

Her son started a GoFundMe after his mom's death and said, 'RIP Mom you will be missed by your family members, the coaster community and me your son.'

They raised over $12,000 as of July 8.

Gunnar said his mom was 'loving' and 'hard-working.' 'She tried her best to support me in all different ways'

Jankovic's son, Gunnar Merker, said in a GoFundMe, 'RIP Mom you will be missed by your family members, the coaster community and me your son'

The theme park said after her death that it inspected the ride and found no malfunctions

The theme park said in a June 5 Facebook post said the ride operated as it was intended to after staff inspected the ride, but it remained closed the evening after her death 'out of respect for the family.'
Donald Trump raged against his then-campaign manager Brad Parscale in the aftermath of his disastrous Tulsa campaign rally, complaining his top re-election official 'f***ed up everything.'

The then-president was left furious after his June 20, 2020, rally - which was supposed to be his post-COVID comeback to the campaign trail - was filled with empty seats.

'Has Brad actually ever done anything right?' Trump said in an Oval Office meeting after the event. 'He's f***ed up everything.'

'How can you be so stupid? Answer me!,' he told Parscale.

The campaign manager tried to defend himself, revealed Michael Wolff in his forthcoming book 'Landslide,' but Trump wouldn't let up.

'Stupid, stupid, stupid . . . just tell me how stupid you can possibly be? I want to know. Really. Tell me.'

Parscale denied the events outlined in the book took place.

'The excerpts from Wolfes Trump book are complete bulls***. No one yelled at me about Tulsa. My company has helped crowd build for Trump rallies for 6 years. We have helped build crowds for 600+ rallies, including the last two rallies,' he wrote on Twitter.

President Donald Trump was furious with his then-campaign manager Brad Parscale after the June 2020 Tulsa rally (above) had rows of empty seats

The next day, Trump and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and White House adviser, demoted Parscale, and turned the re-election campaign over to Parscale's deputy, Bill Stepien.

Details of Trump's fury were revealed in an excerpt of Wolff's book published by The Times. Wolff's book is out July 13.

Parscale set high expectations for the rally, tweeting five days ahead of if: 'Over 1M ticket requests for the @realDonaldTrump #MAGA Rally in Tulsa on Saturday.'

The Tulsa rally was painted as the event that would reset the Trump campaign, bring the president back up in the polls, and let Trump enjoy the cheers of supporters - the kind of energy he craves and thrives off of.

It was to be the first campaign event after the original round of COVID lockdowns and since Joe Biden secured the Democratic nomination.

But when Trump entered the BOK Center, a 19,000 seat arena, he saw rows and rows of empty blue seats.

Only 6,200 people attended, according to Tulsa officials.

Trump raged that Brad Parscale 'f***ed up everything'; above Parscale at the Tulsa rally

Tulsa rally was supposed to be Trump's comeback after a round of COVID lockdowns but rally was a bust - 6,200 people showed up in 19,000 seat arena

Ahead of his arrival, his campaign frantically texted supporters that seats were available but the supporters didn't materialize. Officials ended up having to cancel a planned stop for Trump at an overflow area outside the arena. The overflow area was empty.

Michael Wolff's book 'Landslide' is July 13

Trump's campaign later privately admitted that as many as 300,000 of the people who signed up for event were online tricksters. Anyone from anywhere could request a ticket through the campaign's website.

After going through the signups, the campaign determined that around 300,000 were fake, Politico reported, and, after analyzing the data further, determined that between 200,000 and 300,000 people lived in driving distance.

The worst case scenario was that 60,000 people would show up.

Their estimates were off by thousands and a furious Trump yelled at his staff backstage at the BOK Center before he went out to address the supporters who did show up.

The Trump campaign blamed the 'fake news media' for 'warning people away from the rally' over COVID-19 and protests against racial injustice around the country.

Ahead of the rally, Tulsa health officials warned there could be a spike in COVID cases from it - several Trump campaign staff members had to quarantine after it due to possible exposure.

Also, the original date of the rally was changed after organizers planned it for same day as the Tulsa race massacre, the 1921 event when mobs of white Tulsans attacked a prosperous black neighborhood, destroying businesses.
Dramatic body camera footage captured the moment police officers rescued a six-year-old girl from an alleged kidnapper's car.

The child, who has not been identified, was playing outside her family's home in Valley Station, Kentucky, at around 5.40pm on July 2.

Robby Wildt, 40, had spotted the youngster and pulled up in his red Dodge Charger, grabbed the girl and drove away, according to the Louisville Police Department.

Neighbor Prentiss Weatherford was sitting on his porch and witnessed the abduction.

Officer Jason Burba opens the front passenger door and remove the sobbing 6-year-old girl less than 30 minutes after she was abducted while playing outside her home

Dramatic body camera video out of Louisville, Kentucky, captures the moment police arrest kidnapping suspect and rescue a six-year-old girl from his car on July 2

Wildt, 40, was charged with kidnapping a minor and had his bond set at $1million

'It happened quick,' Weatherford told WAVE3. 'He came around the corner, parked his car, got out within 15 seconds.'

He recounted seeing the suspect grab the girl by her collar as she was on her bicycle in the 4700 block of Haney Way, throw her in the front passenger seat of his car and take off.

Weatherford and his father jumped in their own car and followed the suspect's Dodge, writing down the last three digits of his license plate.

During the pursuit, Weatherford came across a police officer who had been called to the scene by someone else, and gave him the suspect's license plate number.

Louisville police Sgt. Joe Keeling and Officer Jason Burba quickly found the red Dodge parked in a driveway, saved the victim and arrested the suspected perpetrator, reported WMUR.

Video from Burba's body camera shows the moment he emerges from his patrol vehicle with his gun drawn, approaches the Dodge and yells: 'open the passenger door!'

He reaches for the handle of the front passenger door, opens it and finds inside a sobbing barefoot girl.

A police sergeant orders the suspect, Robby Wildt, to kneel on the ground and raise her hands

Wildt allegedly told officers he was on his way to bring the girl back because he was 'afraid he may hurt her'

'Hello,' Burba tells the inconsolable child. 'It's OK. Come here.'

The officer scoops up the girl, who screams through sobs: 'I want my daddy!'

Another body camera video shows Sgt Keeling ordering Wildt out of the car with his hands raised.

The 40-year-old suspect is instructed to walks backward and kneel on the ground before he is placed in handcuffs and hauled off to jail.

Neighbor Prentiss Weatherford witnessed the kidnapping, pursued the suspect and wrote down his license plate number

'Fortunately the entire incident only lasted about 30 minutes due to the quick actions of the community and LMPD,' officials said in a statement.

During an interview, Wildt allegedly told police he saw the girl playing outside, circled the block and then 'took her from the side of the road,' according to an arrest citation reported by WDRB.

Wildt said as the girl cried, he tried to console her 'before deciding he knew what he was doing was wrong.'

The suspect claimed he then began to drive the victim back home because he was 'afraid he may hurt her,' the citation stated.

Wildt also allegedly told police 'he knew he was wrong and he felt bad for doing what he had done.'

Wildt was charged with one count of kidnapping a minor and had his bond set at $1million.
Millions of residents could endure yet another extension of the coronavirus lockdown that has divided Australia's biggest city, with health chiefs warning that restrictions will continue if community transmission isn't quashed.

Sydney and surrounding regions are approaching a third week of lockdown which has been extended until at least July 16 as New South Wales struggles to get the latest virus outbreak under control.

The state's chief health official warned lockdown could be extended yet again after the outbreak that began in the city's eastern suburbs last month spread to the south-west, where the number of unlinked cases has soared.

NSW recorded 38 cases on Thursday, the state's highest number of daily infections since the first wave of the pandemic last year.

Police patrols were ramped up in Sydney's south-west on Friday morning to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions, with shoppers warned they may be stopped and questioned over whether what they're buying is 'essential'.

Police patrols were ramped up in Sydney's south-west on Friday morning to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions (patrol pictured in Fairfield)

Pedestrians are pictured beside police officers as patrols were ramped up in the city on Friday

Beachgoers have been able to flock to Bondi and other eastern suburbs beaches, despite being the origin of the latest outbreak (pictured, Bondi beachgoers last weekend during lockdown)

Police are pictured outside Fairfield Police Station in the south-western suburb on Friday as police increased patrols in the area

Police will ramp up their patrols of Sydney's south-west from Friday, with 100 extra officers stationed in the suburbs (pictured, police patrolling Sydney on Thursday)

The singling out of Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown residents and restricting of their movements has outraged community leaders, who have questioned why their wealthy eastern suburbs counterparts haven't endured the same police enforcements.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant is concerned about the surge in unlinked cases and described case numbers as 'stubborn', saying infections had already 'broken containment lines' in the south-west.

'We are finding more unlinked cases now, where as early on it was very linked,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

Dr Chant said the drive towards zero community transmission will continue as the vaccine rollout finally begins to ramp up, signalling an extension of lockdown, but that attitudes towards the spread could change when enough people were vaccinated.

Police patrols will be ramped up in Sydney's Covid-riddled south-west from Friday morning to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions

A line of police cars pictured parked in Fairfield on Friday. NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant is concerned about the surge in unlinked cases in western Sydney

'It is hard with (the current) level of vaccine coverage not to see a significant escalation in cases,' she said.

'I'm also very conscious that vaccine will be available in the near future in sufficient quantities to protect us and (we can then) have a different conversation about community transmission at that time.'

Dr Chant and other officials spent Thursday night amending the public health order to make it illegal for more than one person to visit another household to provide 'care or assistance'.

While Sydney's south-west will endure a heightened police presence in lockdown, those in the east have been seen packing beaches and parks (pictured, women swimming at Bondi Beach last weekend)

More than half of Thursday's new 38 cases were from Sydney's south-west.

The Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas take in 110 suburbs, and is home to more than 820,000 residents and represents a 519 square kilometre swathe of the city.

WEST VS EAST: SYDNEY'S COVID CASES EAST Vaucluse: 26 Bondi Junction: 19 Bondi Beach: 18 Maroubra: 14 WEST Parramatta: 6 Fairfield: 5 Liverpool: 5 Bossley Park: 14 Cecil Hills: 14 Source: NSW Health Advertisement

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian attributed the spike in cases in the region to non-compliance in the community and illegal household interactions, prompting a police crackdown on residents leaving their homes.

But Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone and Canterbury-Bankstown counterpart Khal Asfour have jumped to defend their residents and pointed the blame at hotel quarantine leaks and the bungled vaccine roll-out for the spike in cases.

'Don't put this on south-west Sydney, I'm not going to cop this,' Mr Carbone told Nine News on Thursday.

'It's not our fault the virus is here. It's the fact that it keeps on leaking from hotel quarantine, and that's where people are frustrated.'

He later told Sky News: 'I just think we've got to work out a way to stop the virus coming in from hotel quarantine, it's a controlled area, that's where everyone's frustrated.

'Fairfield's a perfect example, an area that never had the virus, but the virus spreads.

'You need to contain it from its entry point, they need to put as much resources as possible to stop the virus coming in to play from the beginning.

'We had a nurse come from the inner-west and eastern suburbs come to Fairfield Hospital and contaminate one of our wards.

'We also had the West Hoxton cluster which came from the inner-city. That wasn't locked down or controlled and that spread across south-west Sydney.'

There are grave concerns for the rise of the number of unlinked cases in Sydney's south-west (pictured, a butcher's shop in Bankstown)

NSW Premier Gladys Berejikian (pictured) has come under fire for singling out Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown residents

But Mr Carbone's deputy Paul Azzo believes the crackdown will be a small price to pay if it can help slow down the spread of the virus.

'The fact that the proposed response was not adopted for earlier outbreaks in eastern Sydney and the northern beaches does not faze me,' Mr Azzo said.

Residents in Sydney's south-west have been told to expect a stronger police presence (pictured, shoppers in Bankstown)

'I see the proposed police response as a positive for South Western Sydney and I congratulate the premier for taking a special interest in the residents of Fairfield.'

Canterbury-Bankstown mayor Khal Asfour claims he wasn't consulted about the increased police patrols which he says have cause widespread disgruntlement and disillusionment in the community.

'The government and Premier came out targeting our communities when I don't think there was no need to,' he told ABC's RN Drive.

'This is a Sydney wide problem, this isn't a south-west Sydney problem.

'The virus didn't emanate here, it started in the eastern suburbs.'

He has no problems with police fining people not wearing mask and leaving their homes for non-essential reasons.

Dr Kerry Chant (pictured) described NSW case numbers as 'stubborn' and said community transmission must be stamped out before millions can go back to normal

Eastern suburbs residents flocked to Bondi last weekend to soak up the winter sun. Their counterparts in the city's south-west won't enjoy the same freedoms this weekend

But he questioned why 100 additional officers have been deployed to the region when they weren't brought in to Bondi when the outbreak began, where Sydneysiders have flocked to beaches and parks to soak up the winter sunshine.

'I have to question and wonder why why this didn't happen in Bondi when the outbreak started a few weeks ago,' Mr Asfour said.

He called on the NSW government to get its messaging to the community right.

'We shouldn't be blamed for this. I think the vaccine rollout and hotel quarantine are the reasons why this variant has spread across Sydney,' he told The Project.

'We've had this pandemic on our shores for 18 months. I think the messaging is right, and they've got the material.

'I think they've just had a bit of a problem in getting it out there to the right people.

'Community leaders are locked down at home. Our mosques, our churches, our places of worship are locked down.'

'We're a very faith-based community out here and it's very hard for people to hear these messages from their faith-based leaders and I think it's important that when that's occurring that the government needs to double down on their efforts and make sure that people are getting the right message.'

Residents out and about in Sydney's south-west will be grilled by police as to why they're leaving their homes (pictured, Bankstown locals stocking up on essentials)

'Inner city suburbs and the Northern Beaches have had significant cases but they have not been harshly policed like this,' one campaign group claimed (pictured, walkers in North Bondi on July 6)

Racial justice organisation Democracy in Colour went one step further, describing the police operation as 'thinly veiled racism' and called for it to be reversed.

'This isn't a public health response, it's explicitly targeting people of colour and working class communities in the western suburbs,' national director Neha Madhok said.

'Inner city suburbs and the Northern Beaches have had significant cases but they have not been harshly policed like this.'

Ms Berejiklian has defended her comments singling out the Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool regions.

'We are here to make sure people know what the risk is  it is really important for me to say it like it is,' she said on Thursday.

NSW recorded 38 cases on Thursday, the state's highest number of daily infections since the first wave of the pandemic last year (pictured, shoppers in Sydney's Chatswood on Thursday)

'Please note that when I say it like it is I don't mean to cause offence, I just need to get the information out.

'Our words come out of care and compassion, our words come out of wanting us all to come out of this as quickly as possible, as safely as possible and as intact as possible and that is why it is my responsibility to be direct.

'If we don't say it like it is, people won't think about their own actions and behaviours and I think the people of this state would expect me to be honest and direct as specially at a time like this.'

The south-west regional police commander Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, said the police operation will ensure residents 'do the right thing'.

'They need a reasonable excuse to be out there, and people need to ask themselves the question 'do I need to do it?' and quite often, the answer can be no,' he said.

More than 100 officers have been deployed in Sydney's south-west to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions (pictured, police in the city on Thursday)

DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA'S INTERACTIVE MAP OF COVID EXPOSURE SITES ACROSS SYDNEY
A former X Factor contestant was shot dead in front of a Kansas City police station in what his family believe was a hate crime because he was gay.

Deangelo Wallace, 28, was killed outside the Kansas City Police Headquarters on Monday after investigators said he got into an argument that escalated into gunfire.

The shooting came nine years after Wallace had a brief brush with fame when his audition for the X Factor ended with all four judges - Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Randy Jackson and Louis Walsh - walking out in the middle of his performance to protest his off-key vocals.

In the years since the audition Wallace lived in and out of homeless shelters and regularly faced harassment due to his sexual orientation, his family said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The family insisted that Wallace was targeted because he is gay - despite police saying they've found no evidence of a hate crime.

An unidentified suspect was taken into custody but was later released as the case was turned over to prosecutors, FOX4 reported. Investigators have not released any details about how the shooting unfolded or a potential motive.

Deangelo Wallace, 28, (pictured) was shot and killed outside a police station in Kansas City on Monday after an argument turned deadly

Wallace appeared on X Factor in 2012 and performed an off-key version of a Chris Brown song

Wallace's audition ended with all four judges - Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Randy Jackson and Louis Walsh - walking out in the middle of his performance to protest his off-key vocals

At Wednesday's press conference Wallace's family said he had been in and out of homeless shelters for some time and frequently used city buses to travel downtown, where he would face harassment for his sexual orientation.

'He said he was targeted coming down here in the downtown area. The homeless people were throwing rocks at my son,' his mother Karen Wallace said.

His sister Shauntice Wallace claimed her brother had been warned he would be killed if he continued to come downtown.

'I've been on phone calls several times where he's been threatened here in Kansas City. He's been told that if they see him downtown, he'll be killed,' Shauntice Wallace said.

Pastor Timothy Hayes told reporters: 'Who would ever imagine that someone would be killed in front of the police station where everyone supposed to be protected?'

At Wednesday's press conference Wallace's family said he had been in and out of homeless shelters for some time and frequently used city buses to travel downtown, where he would face harassment for his sexual orientation

Wallace's sister Shauntice (pictured) said the family's fight for justice is not just for Wallace but to highlight a major problem against the LGBTQ community

The family said they are speaking to prosecutors about possible hate crime charges being filed in the ongoing investigation, KCTV 5 reported.

'Them making this gut reaction and saying this case is said and done  if the family here is saying it's a hate crime, if the action leading up to it is a hate crime, there just needs to be a better set of eyes,' Justice Horn, LGBTQ Commission vice chair said.

In 2012 Wallace made a splash when he appeared on the televised talent show X Factor, where he confidently declared to the judges: 'I could be a good pop star. I know I'm better than Justin Bieber.'

He then performed an off-key rendition of a Chris Brown song in front of an unimpressed panel before all four judges walked off and left him singing in front of a jeering crowd.

X Factor judge Britney Spears is seen cringing (left) as Wallace (right) confidently declared: 'I could be a good pop star. I know I'm better than Justin Bieber'

The unimpressed judges walked off, leaving Wallace to perform in front of a jeering crowd

In defiance, Wallace left the studio with a mic valued at $3,000 and was chased down Kansas City streets by producers and ultimately arrested.

He comically sang as he was placed in handcuffs and said he was fine because he would be out of jail in a few hours.

His grieving family remembered Wallace as a 'lovable' person.

'He was just a really beautiful person,' his sister Shauntice told KCTV5. 'He had the most upbeat personality. Always had a smile on his face.'

His sister added that his family's fight for justice is not just for Wallace but to highlight a major problem against the LGBTQ community.

'I just want his killer to be charged,' Shauntice told Fox 4. 'I want justice for my brother, and I want to shed light on the LGBT community because they are targeted every day.'
The White House helped broker the deal that would allow buyers of Hunter Biden's paintings to remain confidential, despite widespread concerns it could lead to bribery and influence peddling, it was revealed on Thursday.

The plan will allow Hunter Biden to forge ahead with his new career as an artist after a career change from a high-paid consultant on international deals, by also shielding him from the identities of those who purchase his pricey works.

The deal came about after Biden administration staffers reached out to Hunter's lawyers to forge a plan intended to 'avoid' ethics concerns and let the president's son pursue his new career.

But there are still questions over how the administration and his lawyers will stop individual buyers from reaching out to Hunter or someone revealing how much one of his paintings has been purchased for.

The idea is avoid a situation where he knew who was buying his work so he might be in the position to do them a favor  although it still provides an opportunity for unidentified individuals to shovel large sums to the president's son as he battles high living costs and legal fees.

'The whole thing is a really bad idea,' ethics expert Richard Painter told the Washington Post, which revealed new details of the arrangement.

'So instead of disclosing who is paying outrageous sums for Hunter Bidens artwork so that we could monitor whether the purchasers are gaining access to government, the WH tried to make sure we will never know who they are. Thats very disappointing,' tweeted ethics expert Walter Shaub.

'The ideas that even Hunter wont know, but the WH has outsourced government ethics to a private art dealer. Were supposed to trust a merchant in an industry thats fertile ground for money laundering, as well as unknown buyers who could tell Hunter or WH officials? No thanks,' the former director of the Office of Government Ethics in the Obama administration added.

The terms have been negotiated with Hunter's lawyer as art shows in New York and his home of L.A. approach.

President Barack Obama's ethics chief has slammed Hunter Biden's 'shameful and grifty' sale of his art pieces for up to $500,000 to anonymous buyers as part of an upcoming exhibition that has sparked bribery and potential money laundering concerns

This artwork by Biden is untitled but measures 24in x 48in and was created on sheet metal. His art dealer has priced Biden's artworks between $75,000 and $500,000

This Biden art work is titled 'Self portrait' and is a mix media work on paper that measures 48in x 32in

This oil on canvas artwork is titled St. Thomas: Biden, who detailed his drug habits in his memoir, said making art wasn't a form of therapy for him

Experts are already warning of the risks of influence peddling or at least the appearance of ethical conflict when people buy paintings by the president's son in a market where sales are already murky and prices extremely difficult to evaluate in an industry that can be used for money laundering.

Hunter's New York art show is set for this fall, after his consulting work caused political headaches for the president during and after his campaign. Hunter also penned a memoir, Beautiful Things, that detailed his struggles with substance abuse and family trauma.

That negotiated structure is meant to keep Hunter Biden, who still communicates regularly with his father and travels with him, from knowing who is plunking down cash for his works, which are expected to be listed for prices ranging from $75,000 to as high as $500,000.

'The initial reaction a lot of people are going to have is that he's capitalizing on being the son of a president and wants people to give him a lot of money. I mean, those are awfully high prices,' said Painter, who was a top ethics official in the George W. Bush administration.

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas tweeted about the arrangement, while flagging Hunter Biden's past work as a hedge funder in China. 'Some very tough ethical questions about whether the president's son, who is still investing in CCP-linked firms, should take $500,000 in payment (bribes) for his "artwork." Better consult the experts on this one!'

Walter Shaub, who headed the Office of Government Ethics during the Obama administration, ripped the arragnement

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) compared it to bribery

Hunter would have to be informed at least of the value of sales of his paintings so that he could file accurate tax returns. Prosecutors in Delaware are already investigating his tax affairs. It was not clear that the public would ever be informed of the amounts Hunter earned from art sales.

Another part of the arrangement would warn White House officials not to give special treatment if a buyer's identity becomes public.

Neither Hunter nor the White House would know who the buyers are, in an effort to prevent special treatment.

How the White House handles Hunter's budding career is set to be an early ethics test, after Democrats and ethics groups condemned former President Donald Trump for bringing his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner into the White House as powerful unpaid advisors.

The Trump White House spent years fending off litigation and criticism over the president's decision to maintain ownership of his business empire, including a luxury hotel in Washington, D.C.

'The president has established the highest ethical standards of any administration in American history, and his family's commitment to rigorous processes like this is a prime example,' said White House spokesman Andrew Bates.

Another ethics expert, Norm Eisen, who is now at the Brookings Institution, told the Post 'The basic presumption is adult kids are able to make a living . . . as long as a reasonable amount of distance is maintained from the White House.'

He said the White House shouldn't be promoting an art show, for example, and cautioned aides to stay away from anything involving art sales.

Some art critics have given Hunter Biden props for the quality of work  outside of the potential ethics conflicts in the untrained artist's new career.

'I don't paint from emotion or feeling, which I think are both very ephemeral,' Biden told ArtNet. 'For me, painting is much more about kind of trying to bring forth what is, I think, the universal truth.'

'The colors and compelling organic forms  its the kind of organic abstraction that I find easy on the eyes and provokes your curiosity, chairman of the MFA Fine arts department at New York's School of Visual Arts Mark Tribe told the New York Post.

President Barack Obama's ethics chief last month slammed Hunter Biden's 'shameful and grifty' sale of his art pieces for up to $500,000 to anonymous buyers as part of an upcoming exhibition that has already sparked bribery and potential money laundering fears.

Walter Shaub, the former Office of Government Ethics director, also warned that it could be a way for 'influence seekers' or foreign governments to funnel money to the Biden family.

Shaub, who recently called out Biden administration officials for hiring a slew of family members to a variety of positions, has urged Hunter and his art dealer Georges Berges to reveal the identity of the buyers so the public can see if the buyers are trying to get access to the White House.

He told Fox News: 'The notion of a president's son capitalizing on that relationship by selling art at obviously inflated prices and keeping the public in the dark about who's funneling money to him has a shameful and grifty feel to it.'

'Just as hotel charges and real estate purchases created a risk of unknown parties funneling money to the Trump family for potentially unsavory purposes, Hunter Biden's grotesquely inflated art prices create a similar risk of influence-seekers funneling money to the Biden family,' he added.

'But I also think it's ridiculous that Hunter Biden is even going forward with this sale as a first-time artist.

'He can't possibly think anyone is paying him based on the quality of the art. This smells like an attempt to cash in on a family connection to the White House.'

'At a minimum, the president should be asking his son not to go through with this auction.'

Shaub also tweeted on Monday: 'Let's let foreign govts or anyone else funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars anonymously to POTUS's relatives through subjectively priced commodities like hotel charges, real estate purchases and art. Oh wait, no, art is COMPLETELY different.'

The scandal-plagued first son, who has no professional background as an artist, will be selling off his artwork at a solo exhibition in New York City this fall.

Berges, who was jailed in California in the 90s for assault, told Artnet that he has priced his latest client's artworks between $75,000 and $500,000.

Art dealers have already noted that Biden is likely profiting off his father's name given the staggering price of his artwork, with one saying his art would more likely sell for as much as $100,000 if he wasn't a Biden.

All sales of Biden's artwork will be kept confidential - despite his alleged corruption over prior business deals in Ukraine and China.

It has raised concerns that buyers with nefarious interests could potentially pay for the pieces to try to get access to President Biden through his son.

There are also fears from some that the sales of Biden's artwork could result in people using laundered money to buy them and anonymous buyers in places like Russia might try purchasing Biden's son's work to try and get around sanctions currently imposed in their countries.

In October 2020, the US Treasury Department issued a warning that high-value art sales could be used by individuals and countries forbidden from doing business in the US as a way of circumventing that ban.

The Treasury Department advisory warned that the anonymity afforded to art buyers made it harder to track such illegal activity. It also warned the same buyers could then potentially re-sell the same works in the United States, enabling them to take money out of the US and potentially fund activities such as terrorism.

The agency representing Biden's art dealer says it is common for gallery and auction sales to remain confidential but this practice has been scrutinized by law enforcement agencies in recent years.

'Pricing fine art in his experiences as a gallerist is based on the demand of the work as well and the intrinsic value of it,' a statement from Berges' agency said. 'His feeling is that within each piece - as with every artist, sales are always confidential to protect the privacy of the collector, this is standard practice for transactions in galleries as well as auction houses.'

Many on social media, however, were not convinced.

Former Trump communications director Tim Murtaugh tweeted: 'It's now actually commonplace for people to throw piles of money at Hunter Biden. Will the rest of the corporate media care that anonymous 'collectors' are dropping large sums on the president's son, or nah?

'They couldn't possibly want anything. They're just art lovers, right?'

Conservative commentator John Cardillo questioned whether Biden's painting career could be a way of offering access to his dad for cash.

'Hunter Biden's Art Will Soon Hit the Market for Up to $500,000 Per Piece. Money. Laundering,' he tweeted.

'And just like that, Chinese, Iranian, and Russian 'collectors' will be shelling out big bucks for Hunter Biden's 'art,' as their sanctions continued to be lifted with nothing in return.'

Money laundering and other crimes has long been an issue in the art world because of how secretive sales can be and how it can be sold off with 100 percent tax deductions.

Meanwhile, the prices of Biden's work are also well above what some career painters make on a single artwork.

Renowned American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat sold his first artwork in 1984 for $20,900, which equates to roughly $54,000 today.

Just a few years ago, Andy Warhol's 1983 Endangered Species sold for $725,000 - just $225,000 more than a Biden piece - at a New York auction.

Biden's art dealer is planning a private viewing in Los Angeles before a solo exhibit will be held at his Georges Berges Gallery in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood in the fall.

Berges has likened Biden to famed British painters Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon, whose artworks have fetched up to $142 million at auction.

New York art dealer Alex Acevedo told the New York Post that anyone who buys one of Biden's artworks will be guaranteed a profit because he's President Biden's son.

'Everybody would want a piece of that. The provenance is impeccable,' he said.

Acevedo said if it weren't for the Biden name the artworks would more likely sell for between $25,000 to $100,000, but added that he did like Biden's work.

'I'm not impressed with modern art at all. But I was floored by that guy,' Acevedo said of Biden's work. 'The palette was wonderful. The space was well-organized. I would buy a couple of them.

Art consultant Martin Galindo said that he wasn't a fan of Biden's art but was confident the pieces would sell for hefty prices.

'I'm very positive that he's gonna do well in the market because this industry is very much about, what's a simple way to put this - it's like clout.'

After looking at one of Biden's abstract artworks that appears to resemble bacteria under a microscope, Galindo said: 'Oh, my God, that looks like COVID.'

The 51-year-old's art dealer Georges Berges, who was jailed in California in the 90s for assault and making terroristic threats, told Artnet that he has priced Biden's artworks between $75,000 and $500,000

The former drug addict, who is a lawyer and former lobbyist, has been embroiled in various scandals over the years including alleged corruption in his business dealings with Ukraine and a Justice Department probe into transactions with China.

He was paid up to $50,000 a month to sit on the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, despite not having any relevant qualifications.

More recently, text messages obtained from his laptop reveal he repeatedly used the n-word in messages to his lawyer in 2018 and 2019.

Biden, who detailed his drug habits in his memoir, said making art wasn't a form of therapy for him.

'It's not a tool that I use to be able to, in any way, cope,' he said.

'It comes from a much deeper place. If you stand in front of a Rothko, the things that he evokes go far beyond the pain that Rothko was experiencing in his personal life at that moment.

'I don't paint from emotion or feeling, which I think are both very ephemera. For me, painting is much more about kind of trying to bring forth what is, I think, the universal truth.

'The universal truth is that everything is connected and that there's something that goes far beyond what is our five senses and that connects us all.'

Biden's art dealer is planning a private viewing in Los Angeles before a solo exhibit will be held at his Georges Berges Gallery in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood (above) in the fall

When he was asked for his father thought of his artwork, Biden said: 'My dad loves everything that I do and so I'll leave it at that.'

Biden first opened up about his passion for art in an interview with the New York Times in February 2020, saying the creative endeavor was 'literally keeping me sane' following his struggles with crack addiction and in the midst of politically charged scrutiny over his foreign dealings.

He signed a deal to be represented by Georges Berges Gallery late last year.

Biden's art dealer's roster of artists includes Sylvester Stallone and Bahraini royal family member Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa.

Berges was the subject of a federal lawsuit in 2016 after he was accused of defrauding an investor. The investor claimed she'd invested $500,000 in his gallery but he used the cash to pay off debts. Berges countersued and the case was settled in 2018.

In 1998, he was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and making 'terrorist threats' in California. He pled no contest to the assault charges and served 90 days in jail and received a 36 month probation. The terrorist threat charges were later dismissed.

Berges also has strong ties to China and has regularly exhibited works by Chinese artists.
Rashida Tlaib called for the defunding of the whole of DHS as she slammed immigration enforcement for their handling of the border crisis. Tlaib pictured August 2019 in her home district Michigan-13

Rashida Tlaib called on Congress in a Wednesday interview to defund every federal enforcement agency tasked with protecting U.S. borders as Joe Biden's administration continues to struggle to address a growing migration crisis at the southern border.

'We must eliminate funding for CBP [Customs and Border Protection], ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and their parent organization DHS [Department of Homeland Security],' the progressive 'squad' member demanded.

Tlaib insisted during a virtual interview published Wednesday with Just Futures Law, an immigrants rights group, that advocates and human service agents 'continue to see over and over again that these agencies are inept.'

The Michigan representative said that rather than 'humanely guiding migrants through our immigration system', these agencies 'continue to terrorize migrant communities located within our communities.'

President Biden plans to increase spending on border technology for CBP and on Tuesday it was revealed the administration is reallocating $860 million in COVID-19 relief funds to cover the expenses of housing unaccompanied migrant children who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border.

Tlaibs office did not immediately respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment.

A family from Ecuador walks in the water upon arriving on the bank o the Rio Grande River in Roma, Texas on July 7, 2021

Asylum-seeking migrants scale a fence to exit private property as they encounter National Guard officers in Roma in the early morning hours of Thursday

Migrants wait as they begin processing procedures after crossing the Rio Grande River illegally from Mexico into Texas

DHS has asked for $665 million to modernize land ports of entry and another $47 million to invest in detection and border surveillance technology.

The budget increase request comes as the number of illegal border jumpers has sky-rocketed in the last few months, leading to overwhelmed and under-staffed border protection agencies and facilities along the southern border.

Tlaib's demand to defund these agencies seems to run counter to stopping the flow of migrants.

Another few hundred migrants were pictured crossing the Rio Grande River into Roma, Texas from Mexico overnight.

Seven different states, all with Republican governors, have also pledged law enforcement and National Guard troop deployments to assist with securing the border.

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.

North Dakotas Doug Burgman is deploying 135 National Guard, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is sending 185 members and South Dakotas Kristi Noem is sending 175 soldiers.

Numbers released by CBP show there was a record 180,034 encounters with illegal immigrants in May, up from the previous month's high of 178,854 in April.

These numbers are also a huge increase from the 2019 highs under Donald Trump where in May 2019 there were 144,116 encounters.

Customs and Border Protection numbers show there was a record 180,034 encounters in May 2021. The blue line shows the huge spikes in illegal immigration during Joe Biden's presidency. The orange line represents encounters in 2019

Migrant families wait to turn themselves over to immigration officials for processing after crossing into the U.S. illegally

Tlaib said that the request for more money to further secure the border is a 'distraction' from the real problem.

'This is a distraction to what is really needed, which is full comprehensive immigration reform policies in our country,' Tlaib said. 'We are far from even getting to that conversation because people are distracted with these for-profit, corporate greed approaches that are coming to experiment on our immigrants and our border.'

'And I say 'enough.'

In two separate polls over the last few weeks, Biden and Kamala Harris both earned only 33 per cent approval when it comes to their handling of the southern border crisis.

Biden put his vice president in charge of the crisis in March, and since then Harris has garnered intense backlash from those who claim she isn't doing enough.

In early June, Harris visited Guatemala and Mexico to address 'root causes,' but was criticized by those on both sides of the political aisle  from progressives for claiming the border is 'closed' and for Republicans for refusing to visit the border.

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

On June 25, Harris finally caved to pressure and visited El Paso, Texas  a border town with Mexico.

Republicans were still perturbed, however, because she didn't visit 'ground zero' of the migration crisis in the Rio Grande Valley.

Five days after Harris' trip south, former President Donald Trump visited McAllen, part of the Valley, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Bolsters hopes the nation will be saved from a relentless cycle of lockdowns

Dose figure will then increase to a whopping 4.5 million by August this year

In new agreement, Australia will have access to 2.8 million Pfizer doses in July

The federal government has struck a deal with Pfizer to bring millions of doses of Covid vaccine into the country earlier than planned to speed up the rollout.

Australia received 1.7 million Pfizer doses in June and it is expected to receive 2.8 million in July, and more than 4.5 million in August.

Previously only 3million doses were expected in August.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia: 'From 19 July, Australia's Pfizer supply now plans to increase to approximately 1 million doses per week.

'This is compared to an average of 300,000 to 350,000 per week in May and June.

'Due to the nature of pandemic vaccine supply these numbers are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the delivery date.'

The increase in Pfizer vaccines from July 19 comes as Sydney struggles to contain its latest Covid outbreak, with case numbers surging despite a lockdown (pictured, a woman being vaccinated)

The development comes as Sydney faces the looming threat of another seven-day lockdown extension beyond July 16, with authorities struggling to contain the latest outbreak in the city's south-west.

'We are still aiming for that (end) date, don't get me wrong, but also know that is dependent on all of us doing the right thing,' NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

'We just need people to stop interacting for this lockdown to work, and I don't just mean in one part of Sydney  this applies to all people and stay-at-home areas.'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the much needed acceleration of the vaccination program  which includes 150,000 extra doses of Pfizer and 150,000 AstraZeneca vaccines.

The mass introduction of Pfizer doses should be a game changer in Australia - especially given the jab is recommended for all age groups - not just those over 40.

Pfizer is also looked upon more favourably by many compared to the Astra Zeneca vaccine, which has had rare incidents of blood clotting.

Prime Minister Morrison also wants Sydney residents to follow the lockdown rules more closely.

'The virus doesn't move by itself,' he said. 'It moves from person to person, people carry it from one to another.

'Compliance with the orders that have been put in place by the NSW government could not be more critical.'

On Wednesday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard declared if the lockdown did not prove effective, then the city would have to 'accept that the virus has a life which will continue in the community' - a notion which would terrify many.

Mr Hazzard's left-field comments resulted in Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan stating he would consider introducing a hard border with NSW until the state had completely eradicated the threat of Covid-19.

The mass introduction of Pfizer doses from July 19 (pictured) should be a game changer in Australia - especially given the jab is recommended for all age groups - not just those over 40

Pfizer - which will be more readily available from July 19 - is also looked upon more favourably by many compared to the Astra Zeneca vaccine (pictured, people lining up to be vaccinated in Sydney's west)

'NSW needs to do what Victoria did last year...crush and kill the virus,' he said.

'Any alternative approach which allows the virus to spread would imperil the whole country before such time as we have achieved mass vaccination.'

The Prime Minister also announced on Thursday the $10,000 liquid asset test for the Covid-19 disaster payment would be waived for states entering a third week of lockdown.

The asset test applies to payments of $325 or $500 for Australians who have experienced a major loss in working hours due to the lockdown.
A Melbourne pub offering a free beer after you get vaccinated has been banned from providing the enticing incentive to thirsty patrons by box-ticking bureaucrats.

The Prince Alfred hotel in Port Melbourne is located directly across the road from the Port Melbourne Town Hall vaccination clinic.

The hotel was offering those who had been vaccinated to come across and enjoy a free drink on the house, hoping to do their bit to encourage Australians to roll up their sleeves and get jabbed.

One of the pub's owners, Tom Streater, said he hoped higher vaccine rates would lead to less chance of more lockdowns, which have already decimated the Melbourne hospitality industry.

Similar schemes have been very successful in the United States, where people have been offered beer, freebies and even lottery tickets to encourage them to get vaccinated.

Prince Alfred Hotel co-owner Tom Streater (pictured) offered patrons a free beverage if they show a blue vaccination card, encouraging people to get their coronavirus shots

The Prince Alfred hotel said thirsty patrons could simply show their blue vaccination card to redeem a free drink, but the Therapeutic Goods Administration soon stepped in to stop the scheme.

'Seriously, it's right across the road from us. And all the stuff happening across the other states right now is a painful reminder of how badly lockdown affects our pub business and our pub community,' the pub had written on social media.

'Present your little blue card at the bar after your jab and we'll give you a pint, a wine, a rum and Coke, pretty much whatever you want. And prolly a hug too if we were allowed.'

Hotel co-owner Tom Streater told the Herald Sun he was contacted by the Therapeutic Goods Administration with the news alcoholic incentives were banned.

'I reckon about an extra 500 people in Port Melbourne got vaccinated this week because of us,' Mr Streater said.

'Take-up was maybe only 50 but when I looked across the road, more than half the people in the queue were our regular customers.

'I'd like to think our little effort made them more aware of the pop-up clinic.'

While the hotel in Port Melbourne (pictured) was attempting to encourage people to get their vaccines, the Therapeutic Goods Administration stepped in, as incentives for alcohol are banned

A spokesperson for the administration said that alcoholic incentives are not allowed because of the 'potential for it to cause harm'.

While the incentive has been stopped, it was not short of supporters as Facebook users showed their support.

One user wrote: 'Well done guys - the more of us vaccinated the better'.

While another added: 'Fantastic initiative Prince Alfred Hotel every jab keeps Dan away'.
A father woke up one morning thinking it was the 1990s after losing 20 years of memories - including his marriage and daughter - because of a rare brain condition.

Daniel Porter, 36, from Granbury, Texas, woke up next to his wife, Ruth, 37, in July last year with no idea who she was or where he was.

The hearing specialist thought he was 16 and it was time to get ready for school, and he had no memory of his wife lying next to him or their daughter Libby, 10.

Ruth had to convince Daniel that he hadn't been kidnapped and that she was his wife, but only with the help of his parents.

He even became angry when he first looked in the mirror, asking why he was 'old and fat'.

Doctors diagnosed that he was suffering Transient Global Amnesia - which is usually a sudden, temporary interruption of short-term memory - and that he would be back to normal within 24 hours. But a year on the majority of his life remains a blank.

Daniel Porter, 36, from Granbury, Texas, woke up next to his wife, Ruth, 37, in July last year with no memory of his wife Ruth, 37, or daughter Libby, 10

He woke up thinking it was the 1990s and it was time to get ready for school due to a brain condition (pictured: Daniel having a brain test)

Ruth said: 'He woke up one morning and just had no idea who I was or where he was. He was very confused. I could tell he didn't recognise the room.

'He thought he was either drunk and gone home with a woman or that he'd been kidnapped. I could see him looking for an escape route.'

Daniel remembered a WWE programme and when Ruth researched when it was aired she worked out that he thought it was the 90s.

She helped him get dressed, and he thought that she was putting him into her husband's clothes, who he thought was going to 'come home any minute'.

The couple were staying on Daniel's parents farm, and they were able to convince him Ruth was telling the truth.

Although Daniel has been retaining memories since last year, he still has no recollection of the 20 years before that including his wedding day and the birth of Libby (pictured: Daniel and daughter Libby before he lost his memories)

After he woke up and looked in the mirror with memories, Daniel was angry and 'asked why he was old and fat' (pictured: Daniel, Libby and Ruth after the memory loss)

Although Daniel believed his parents, he had no idea that he had a daughter and was scared of their dogs, Ruth said.

She added: 'He was angry when he looked at himself in the mirror. He was asking why he was old and fat.'

As well as losing memories with his loved ones, including meeting Ruth in 2006 at Walmart where they both worked and their wedding in 2007, Daniel has lost all memory of his education and has had to give up work as a hearing specialist.

Ruth has been trying to help Daniel get back some of his memories by driving them around his old neighborhood and reintroducing him to friends.

She said: 'It's weird because I'm in an old relationship and he's in a new one.'

Daniel had hidden Libby's birthday presents a week before he got amnesia and, when her birthday came around, the family couldn't locate them as Daniel couldn't remember where he'd put them.

After taking Daniel (right) to hospital, Ruth (left) discovered he'd suffered Transient Global Amnesia, a sudden, temporary interruption of short-term memory and the pair were told to expect that he'd have his memory back within 24 hours (pictured together before his memory loss)

Daniel has lost all memory of his education and has had to give up work as a hearing specialist and Ruth has been trying to help Daniel get back some of his memories by driving them around his old neighbourhood and reintroducing him to friends (pictured together after his memory loss)

Ruth added: 'We didn't find one present until four months later and they were shoes so she'd grown out of them by the time we found them.'

Daniel's memory loss means that his personality is now also different, Ruth said, adding that he has 'different tastes in food'.

She continued: 'It's really strange but his sense of humour is still good. He's more friendly and sociable, he loves going out but he didn't used to.'

Although it is unclear what the cause of Daniel's condition could be, one possible theory is that it could be down to emotional stress.

He started having stress-induced seizures in January 2020 after losing his job, selling his house to move in with his parents and suffering with a slipped disc in his back.

As well as losing his job and selling their house and most of their possessions in 2019, the couple moved to Missouri for work but didn't get paid.

Ruth explained that this meant they ended up stranded with no friends or family around.

Daniel had started having stress-induced seizures in January 2020 after losing his job, selling his house to move in with his parents and suffering with a slipped disc in his back (pictured: Daniel, Libby and Ruth together before the hearing loss)

When Daniel woke up with a wiped memory, Ruth and her husband were at his parents farm so they could confirm that she was his wife and he believed them (pictured together after his memory loss)

The couple then moved back home to Daniel's parent's farm to 'get their feet back on the ground'. However, the month they moved, Daniel started to experience non-epileptic seizures.

The seizures started off pretty violent, Ruth explained, with one causing a slipped disc in his back, leaving Daniel in a great deal of pain.

Ruth said: 'He walks with a walking stick and a bit like an old man. He dealt with that for around six months and all this other stuff back to back and it was like his brain just said it didn't want to do it anymore and just swiped 20 years of memories.

'I knew that when people have been through trauma that they can lose their memory of it but I didn't know it could cause 20 years of memory loss.

'He's going to therapy to see if working through the trauma can help but it's hard to work through stuff you can't remember.'

Ruth said that Daniel's personality is different after his memory loss, including having different tastes in food and being more friendly and sociable (pictured: Daniel and Libby together before his memory loss)
The White House on Thursday admitted there would be no moment of celebration or claim of mission accomplished as troops depart Afghanistan leaving swaths of the country to the Taliban.



'We're not going to have a mission accomplished moment in this regard,' said Jen Psaki, President Biden's press secretary.

'It's a 20-year war that has not been won militarily."

She spoke to reporters just before Biden was due to deliver an update on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, where their rapid departure has triggered dire warnings that the country could fall to the Islamist insurgents within months.

He will offer more details on plans to move Afghan translators to third countries as they await applications to travel to the U.S., according to a senior administration official.

But it comes after the head of Britain's armed forces said the country could rapidly descend into warlordism and civil war.

President Joe Biden has snapped at reporters who peppered him with questions about Taliban advances and the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. On Thursday afternoon, he is due to deliver an update on progress although officials said he was not expected to make any major policy announcements. That will follow a briefing by his national security staff

Relatives of Afghan Army soldiers, trapped by fighting in Herat province, demonstrated recently to demand that the government rescue their loved ones. Fighting is raging throughout the country after Biden announced the U.S. withdrawal

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

Adding to concerns is the way American troops left Bagram air base: Departing in the middle of the night without informing the Afghan commander who was due to take over the facility.

The result is that Biden is under increasing pressure to explain his rationale for departure and whether he would sent troops back if the Taliban overran Kabul.

'When we fully withdraw, the devastation and the killings and women  fleeing across the border into Pakistan, President Biden is going to own these ugly images,' Rep. Michael McCaul, the ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee told Fox News.

Washington agreed to leave as part of a deal with the Taliban made by the Trump administration last year.

Military leaders wanted to leave a larger presence in the country but Biden announced in April that he wanted all U.S. troops out by Sept. 11.

Since then the Taliban have made significant gains. A tally maintained by the Long War Journal indicates they have seized 120 districts since May 1.

On Thursday, hours before Biden was due to speak, Afghan government forces were battling to stop the Taliban taking their first provincial capital Qala-i-Naw, in northwestern Baghdis province.

And militants have exhibited weapons captured from Afghan forces to international journalists as they try to demonstrate their growing power.

The U.K.'s Sky News were shown a haul of 900 guns, 70 sniper rifles, 30 light tactical vehicles and 20 pickup trucks at a mililtary base in Wardak province captured from Afghan forces.

Many were in crates labelled 'property of USA government' and were supplied to Afghan government troops.

The Taliban on Wednesday launched their first assault on Qala-i-Naw, a provincial capital in Afghanistan

An Afghan National Army soldier stands guard at a checkpoint near Bagram U.S. air base, on the day the last of American troops vacated it

The last U.S. troops slipped out of Bagram air base during the night ending almost 20 years of the American war in Afghanistan. The local Afghan commander said he was not even informed of the departure

Afghan troops around the country have been filmed laying down their arms to the Taliban and reports suggest they have deserted in vast numbers, with more than 20,000 fleeing across the border into Tajikistan.

The result is a growing sense of doom among Afghans and U.S. allies.

General Sir Nick Carter, head of the U.K.'s armed forces said the situation was 'grim' with half the country's rural districts now controlled by the Taliban.

He said he did not believe the Taliban were strong enough to take complete control but acknowledged the danger of 'state collapse.'

'That's where you would see a culture of warlordism, and you might see some of the important institutions, like the security forces, fracturing along ethnic, or for that matter tribal, lines,' he said.

Carter briefed journalists after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said almost all British troops had left.

For now, Washington plans to leave 650 troops in the country to provide security for the U.S. embassy.

Biden is not expected to make any major policy announcements in his speech on Thursday.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Biden would meet his national security team for an update ahead of delivering his remarks.

'The president will make comments on our continued drawdown efforts and ongoing security and humanitarian assistance to the [Afghan National Defense and Security Forces] and the Afghan people,' she said.

He has been peppered with questions at recent appearances about whether his plans would change if the Taliban continued their gains.

On Friday, an appearance to talk about COVID-19 and the Fourth of July holiday ended with journalists questioning him about the future stability of the Afghan government.

'Look, we were in that war for 20 years. Twenty years,' he said, before saying that the Afghans were going to have to take care of things themselves.

He brushed off follow-up questions by saying: 'I want to talk about happy things.'

He previously justified the withdrawal by saying the country no longer represents a threat to the U.S. people.

'It is not in Americas interest for the Taliban to take over Afghanistan. If the Taliban takes over part of Afghanistan, I fear that al Qaeda and ISIS will reemerge, and we will be paving a way for another 9/11,' said Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, on Tuesday.
The Republican Party has stepped into the fight over Georgia's voting rules, announcing on Thursday plans to fight Joe Biden's Justice Department in its lawsuit against the state.

Both the national party and its Senate campaign arm said it would intervene in what GOP officials call a 'politically-motivated case.'

'Joe Biden and Democrats are weaponizing the Justice Department by trying to strong-arm the state of Georgia into making its elections less secure. The RNC is intervening in this case because the security of the ballot is more important than Democrat power grabs,' Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.

Republicans are heavily targeting Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia in next year's election.

The RNC is asking to serve as a co-defendant.

'The RNC filed our papers on Tuesday night. The RNC asked the court to allow us to serve as a defendant in the lawsuit alongside the state in order to help defend its voting reforms. The court in GA has already allowed the RNC to intervene in the 7 other lawsuits there so we are confident we will be granted intervention in this suit as well,' a GOP official told DailyMail.com.

The Republican Party, led by Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, is intervening in the Justice Department's lawsuit against Georgia voting rules

Many Georgia voters waited in long lines in the 2020 election

Last week, the US Supreme Court upheld a series of voting restrictions in Arizona that are similar to Georgia's. Experts said it will make it harder on the Justice Department to fight the Georgia case.

The Justice Department announced at the end of June it is suing the state of Georgia over its new voting law that critics say make it harder for African Americans to vote.

'The rights of all eligible citizens to vote, are the central pillars of our democracy,' Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a press conference announcing the suit.

'Our complaint alleges that recent changes to Georgia's election laws were enacted with the purpose of denying or abridging the right of black Georgians to vote on account of their race or color, in violation of Section two of the Voting Rights Act,' he said.

Georgia's Election Integrity Act was passed in March by the Republican-led state legislature and signed into law by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. It put new limits on absentee voting and gave greater control over election administration to state lawmakers.

Republicans immediately criticized the suit as politically motivated. Biden won the state of Georgia in the 2020 election. Democrats then picked up the state's two Senate seats in a January special election.

The lawsuit is being overseen by Kristen Clarke, the head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and Vanita Gupta, the associate attorney general. Both are longtime civil rights lawyers with extensive records litigating against voting restrictions.

'After a historic election that saw record voter turnout across the state, particularly for absentee voting, which black voters are now more likely to use than white voters, our complaint challenges several provisions of [the Georgia law] on the grounds that they were adopted with the intent to deny or abridge black citizens equal access to the political process,' Clarke said.

Among its provisions, the Georgia law makes it illegal to give a bottle of water or a snack to people waiting in line to vote. That section of the statue, in particular, has come under attack from voting rights advocates.

Clarke noted the law pushes more black voters to in person voting, 'where they will be more likely than white voters to confront long lines.'

'Historically, minority voters in Georgia have been disproportionately more likely to wait in long lines to vote in person on Election Day,' she noted.

Mobile voting - which was used in Fulton County, which has the largest Black population in the state - is now illegal in Georgia under its new law. Ballot drop boxes must now be located inside early voting sites instead of other convenient locations. It also adds a voter ID requirement for mail ballots.

Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Justice Department is suing Georgia over its new voting law

Kristen Clarke, the head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, will oversee the federal lawsuit against Georgia's law

It is the first major voting rights case the Justice Department has filed under President Joe Biden.

Biden has been critical of Georgia's law, calling it the 'Jim Crow in the 21st Century.'

'Among the outrageous parts of this new state law, it ends voting hours early so working people can't cast their vote after their shift is over,' Biden said of the law in March. 'It adds rigid restrictions on casting absentee ballots that will effectively deny the right to vote to countless voters.'

Garland indicated more actions could come.

'This lawsuit is the first of many steps we are taking to ensure that all eligible voters can cast a vote that all lawful votes are counted. And then every voter has access to accurate information,' Garland said.

'Where we believe the civil rights of Americans have been violated, we will not hesitate to act,' he noted.
A peacock beloved by most members of a California neighborhood was shot dead after an irate resident posted an ad on Craigslist seeking someone to get rid of the bird because it made too much noise.

The peacock named Azul had lived in the Azalea Heights neighborhood of McKinleyville for years before it was found dead last Wednesday, the Lost Coast Outpost reported.

Its presence in the area proved too much last month for one resident, who took offered to pay for its removal in a post on Craigslist's 'Wanted' section on or around June 13.

'The job is simple,' the anonymous solicitor wrote in the post entitled: 'Someone to get rid of a peacock.'

It asked for someone to get the job done 'by any means necessary' and featured a map of the area where the peacock was frequently spotted.

After discovering the ad following the peacock's death, heartbroken residents set out to unmask the poster and bring them to justice.

The search zeroed in on a man who lived at one of the homes in the map and was identified by the Outpost as Ragen Tilzey.

Tilzey told the newspaper he didn't know the peacock was dead and refused to confirm whether he was behind the ad.

A peacock beloved by most members of a California neighborhood was shot dead after an irate resident posted an ad on Craigslist seeking someone to get rid of the bird because it made too much noise. The ad (pictured) asked for someone to get the job done 'by any means necessary' and featured a map of the area where the peacock was frequently spotted

After discovering the ad following the peacock's death, heartbroken residents set out to unmask the poster and bring them to justice

The peacock (pictured) had lived in the Azalea Heights neighborhood of McKinleyville for years before it was found dead on Wednesday, the Lost Coast Outpost reported

'The bird came here about 4 months ago, no one knows from where, and no one here owns it,' the post read.

The author claimed that the peacock had a noisy call in the morning, which woke them up at dawn, calling it 'loud as a car horn'.

'I put in ear plugs and put a pillow over my head...sometimes this work, sometimes not,' the person complained.

They promised to pay for the removal, writing: 'Please contact me so we can form a strategy to eliminate this bird, and also to agree on how much you will be compensated.'

They also attached an annotated satellite image, which showed where the peacock could be found.

The ad's wish was fulfilled on Wednesday when the peacock was found covered in blood with a gunshot wound to the lower breast. The bird appeared to have an entry wound, but no exit wound.

Melissa and Mike Glass said the peacock, who they called Azul, had arrived at their home about six years ago and 'adopted' them, often returning to their home and roosting in trees nearby.

'He comes for the company but stays for extra treats,' Melissa told the Local Coast Outpost, still speaking in present tense after the bird's death.

The ad's wish was fulfilled on Wednesday when the peacock (pictured) was found covered in blood with a gunshot wound to the lower breast

They learned of its death after a resident at a seniors-only mobile home park found it in her yard and went to tell the Glasses.

'She ran over and could barely talk,' Mike said.

'Its really sad,' Melissa added. 'It looks like he was up there for a while.'

Mike believes 'the bird just bled out slowly for a couple hours.'

Kelsey Radant also mourned the bird's death, recalling seeing it with her daughter near the seniors-only mobile home park where Kelsey's father lives. She and the residents called the peacock Mr. P, while her daughter called it

'It was a very communal peacock,' Radant said. 'It makes the rounds and says hi to everybody.'

After the Glasses learned of the bird's death, they found a friend's post on Facebook that linked to the deleted Craiglist ad.

The image preserved by the Facebook post had the title of the ad, the satellite image annotated by the person who posted the ad and a blue icon from Google Maps that appeared to show where the person who posted the ad lives.

The Glasses claim the blue icon pointed towards a man who they previously had trouble with, including battles regarding the peacock. He even allegedly asked them to relocate the peacock recently.

'He knew its ours,' Melissa said. She added of the relocation request, 'We all said no.'

The man also allegedly said he was an 'animal lover,' which the Glasses took issue with based on the Craigslist ad.

The Outpost was able to confirm the identity of the man who lived at the house with the blue icon as Tilzey.

'Im not answering anything unless you can tell me if a crime has been committed,' Tilzey said when approached by the newspaper.

He claimed he didn't own a firearm and describing alleged disputes with neighbors as 'circumstantial evidence' before hanging up the phone.

Neighbors called authorities after the dead peacock was found, but it's not clear if a crime was committed.

'When [Mike] talked to Fish and Game, they asked: "Was it your pet? Do you have a cage for it?"' Melissa said. The state's fish and wildlife laws don't protect peacocks.

Someone at the sheriff's dispatch center also told Mike that not much could be done because the peacock wasn't caged.

The Humboldt County Sheriffs Office did decide to look into the incident, though.

'Depending on the facts of the situation, if the peacock was found to indeed be shot, whoever [is] responsible could face charges of discharge of a firearm near a residence and even animal cruelty if the peacock was shot out of malice,' spokesperson Samantha Karges told the Outpost.

The Glasses are considering the possibility of a civil suit and have contacted an attorney.

'It is appalling to me that there are no consequences for someone taking a hit out on our pet,' Melissa said. 'And the person who lives under that map marker knew very well that it was loved by many.'
Children face an 'extremely low' one in 500,000 risk of dying from the coronavirus, researchers have found.

In England, just 25 under-18s have died from Covid, which equates to around two in a million, experts said.

Young people with pre-existing medical conditions, like heart disease and cancer, and severe disability, which can include cerebral palsy and autism, have a higher chance of becoming seriously ill from the virus.

But the scientists - from three top British universities - said this risk is no higher then the risk from flu.

Teenagers, black and obese children were also at higher risk from dying with Covid but these numbers were still very low, they found.

Researchers said their findings - which were published in three separate papers today - will help inform vaccine and shielding policy for under-18s.

They will submit the studies to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the Department for Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The findings come amid a row over whether No10 should expand the vaccine roll-out to youngsters.

JCVI and SAGE advisers have previously voiced concerns about giving the jabs to children until more safety data was available.

Researchers have found that children have a two in one million risk of dying from Covid. England is still to decide whether to roll out the vaccine to under-18s

How ill you get with Covid could be written in your genes: Scientists find 13 DNA variations that raise risk of being hospitalised and catching the virus in the first place Your risk of being hospitalised with Covid or catching it in the first place could be written in your genes, scientists say. Researchers have found nine DNA sequences that appear to raise the risk of being admitted to intensive care with coronavirus. And they believe they've spotted four that may make people more susceptible to getting infected. Experts say their discovery 'partially explains' why some Covid patients become so unwell while others escape unscathed. And the team  made up of academics from across the world  believe it could help identify genetic treatments for the virus. DNA samples from nearly 50,000 Covid patients were analysed for the study, which was published in the journal Nature. Their genetic information was compared against the same details of 2million healthy volunteers. Data was taken from a range of studies, many of which relied on information from companies that sell genetic tests such as 23andMe. Genetic testing identifies mutations that can cause health problems and is usually used to test for diseases such as cystic fibrosis. It works by taking a sample of blood, saliva or body tissue, which is analysed at a laboratory. Everyone has the 13 Covid gene regions identified by the team of scientists, which involved teams from Edinburgh University, Harvard and MIT. The risk only comes from mutations present on the specific DNA sequences, which may cause people to produce more or less of the genes. The researchers do not yet know whether having more or less of a gene is a risk and have only been able to pinpoint the regions linked to Covid. Commercial tests available, which cost up to 150, do not tell people if they have a mutation on the gene. Of the 13 genetic markers identified so far, two occur more often among patients of East Asian or South Asian ancestry than those of European ancestry. Other genetic markers are also linked to lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and some autoimmune disease. In addition to DNA, the researchers found that smoking and having a high BMI were also associated with becoming really unwell. Advertisement

The studies were led by researchers at University College London, the University of York and the University of Liverpool.

One of the studies is the first to determine the number of children who died from Covid rather than with the virus. It concluded that the virus killed 25 children in England.

The coronavirus contributed to 0.8 per cent of the 3,105 deaths in children from all causes in the first year of the pandemic.

During the same period, 124 children died from suicide, while 268 died from trauma, showing that Covid 'is rarely fatal' in children, the researchers said.

The found the under-18s who died were more likely to be teenagers than younger children, showing that the risk from the virus increases with age.

Higher proportions of Asian and black children died from the virus but these deaths were 'still extremely rare', they said.

More than 75 per cent of the children who died had chronic conditions, while two thirds had more than one underlying condition and 60 per cent had life-limiting conditions.

Six of the children who died were not recorded as having an underlying health problem, but the scientists said they may have had undiagnosed illnesses.

The paper states that the 'extremely low' risk of death means removing children from their normal activities like school and social events 'may prove a greater risk than that of SARS-CoV-2 itself'.

A second study found that 251 young people in England were admitted to intensive care with Covid from March 2020 to February this year, which equates to around a one in 50,000 risk.

Of these patients, 91 per cent had one or more underlying health conditions.

They also found one in 2,000 were admitted to hospital with Covid, equating to almost 6,000 children.

They also found there is a one in 40,000 risk of children being admitted to care with a rare inflammatory syndrome from called PIMS-TS, which is caused by Covid.

Fewer than five children died from PIMS-TS.

They said their findings show that 'very few' children admitted to hospital in England due to Covid or PIMS-TS developed serious disease or died.

They concluded that older and ethnic minority children, as well as those who had conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart diseases were more at risk, which is 'very similar' to patters of hospital admissions seen in adults.

A third study, which was led by Dr Rachel Harwood at the University of Liverpool, supported the findings of the other papers.

The researchers found that of the children admitted to hospital with Covid, those at the highest risk of severe illness or death are teenagers, have heart or brain conditions, two or more underlying condition, or are obese.

The scientists recommended that these groups should be considered a higher priority for vaccinating and protective shielding.

Professor Russell Viner, a senior author on two of the studies and professor of adolescent health at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, said: 'These new studies show that the risks of severe illness or death from SARS-CoV-2 are extremely low in children and young people.

'Those young people at higher risk are those who are also at higher risk from any winter virus or other illness  that is, young people with multiple health conditions and complex disabilities. Covid-19 does however increase the risks for people in these groups to a higher degree than for illnesses such as influenza (seasonal flu).

'Our new findings are important as they will inform shielding guidance for young people as well as decisions about the vaccination of teenagers and children, not just in the UK but internationally.'

The findings come as No10 deliberate their approach on vaccinating children.

Professor Calum Semple, a member of SAGE, said last month that more data was needed on the benefits of children getting the jab and it must be 'incredibly robust' owing to their low risks from the virus.

He said a push to vaccinate youngsters would be to reduce community transmission, 'rather than primarily to protect them'.

Professor Semple said: 'The knowledge around safety in children is growing, but I would say it's not as robust as it needs to be if there was to be blanket vaccination of children who themselves are not at risk of very severe disease.

'That's the crux of the matter. If you are going to vaccinate children to protect society, that is a fair decision that can be made, but you want to do that with full knowledge of the safety data.'
A security camera from a Tesla Model 3 in 'Sentry Mode' recorded an angry driver of a red Volkswagen vandalizing the high-tech car that costs up to $56,000.

The dark-haired, bespectacled man driving a red Volkswagen unknowingly stared directly into the Tesla's security camera when he slammed his car door several times into a woman's Tesla,

Then he's seen scratching the side of the Tesla with something sharp while it was parked in an Altamonte Springs, Florida parking lot on July 4.

'The video has a clear picture of the subject,' according to the police report, which was obtained by the Miami Herald. 'The [victim] does not recognize the guy and has no idea why he would cause damage to her car.'

The Tesla was in 'Sentry Mode,' which is a security feature that monitors suspicious activity around when the car is parked similar to home alarm systems.

When suspicious motion is detected, the car reacts depending on the severity of the threat.

If it's considered a 'significant threat,' the car's cameras will record the activity, the alarm system will activate and the owner will receive an alert from the Tesla app, according to the company's website.

The suspect unknowingly stared directly into the Tesla's security camera before he's seen vandalizing the car

He's seen slamming his car door into the Tesla Model 3's passenger side

Then he's seen reaching out with something sharp and scratching into the side of the car

The Tesla owner posted the video on her Facebook page and said, 'Im trying to get this guys face out there for doing a criminal act to my car on July 4th while I was at work. If you recognize him please message me or contact Altamonte Springs PD.'

'This shouldnt be a thing to damage someones car,' she said.

This incident and others similar have been recorded and posted on the Twitter page Wham Baam Teslacam, which has almost 6,400 followers.

Altamonte Springs Police Department told DailyMail.com Thursday afternoon that they're still looking for the suspect.

The cost of the Tesla Model 3 ranges from about $40,000 to $56,000.
Manhattan rent prices are on track to climb back to pre-pandemic levels as renters are flock back to the city, causing the number of available units to drop by 38percent in a month.

Many New Yorkers who fled to work from home across the country are coming back in a rush to take advantage of the decrease in rent prices, causing apartments to fill up at a drastic rate. In turn, the steady increase in demand will eventually bring the rental market back to where it was in the beginning of 2020.

The number of available units dropped by 38% last month, going from 19,025 units in May to 11,853 in June, reveals a report published Thursday by appraiser Miller Samuel Inc. and brokerage Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Although its still higher than pre-pandemic levels, the inventory has dropped by more than half since December 2020, when there were 24,800 available units.

And the number of new leases tripled from last June to 9,642  the most for any month since the firms started tracking the data in 2008, and a third straight record high. The deals helped bring down the boroughs vacancy rate to 6.7%, from 7.6% in May.

Renters are flocking back to Manhattan and apartments are filling up at a drastic rate as the city emerges from the coronavirus pandemic and many New Yorkers who fled to work from home are coming back in a rush to take advantage of the decrease in rent prices

The average monthly rent doesnt seem to be affected by the uptick in renters just yet, as it has undulated between $3,600 and $4,050 since December

The number of available units dropped by 38% last month, going from 19,025 units in May to 11,853 in June, reveals a report published Thursday by appraiser Miller Samuel Inc. and brokerage Douglas Elliman Real Estate

The number of new leases tripled from last June to 9,642  the most for any month since the firms started tracking the data in 2008

As a result of the influx of renters, some prices have already begun to inch higher. The median rent for individual renters, with concessions factored in, was $3,109 last month  2.4% higher than $3,037 in May.

Thats still down 4.1% from the $3,242 median recorded last June. And the average monthly rent doesnt seem to be affected just yet, having undulated between $3,600 and $4,050 since December. Last month, individual renters spent an average of $3,922, which is 3.8 % cheaper than the average $4,078 recorded in May.

The decrease in vacancies is a stark difference from last August, when there were 13,000 empty apartments for rent in Manhattan - the highest number in 14 years. There were 13,117 listings on the market compared with 5,912 a year prior, which equated to a vacancy rate of 4.33%- more than double the 2% from the same time in 2019.

Prices began to drop swiftly and landlords started offering more incentives, such as an average of 1.7 months free on new leases

Prices began to drop swiftly and landlords started offering more incentives, such as an average of 1.7 months free on new leases. In October, the price of an apartment in Manhattan was the lowest its been in a decade with the median rent dropping slightly below $3,000 and the average rent recorded at $2,990, a decrease of 7.8 % from the year prior.

The number of new leases surged to 30 % in November compared to the same time in 2019, according to reporting from Miller Samuel and Douglas Elliman. Just over 4,000 new leases were signed, which was the strongest November in 12 years.

At the time, the number of unrented apartments had just nearly tripled to 15,000 - the third highest total on record.

According to reporting in Bloomberg, landlords are responding to the spike in demand by pulling back on the aforementioned move-in concessions. About 38% of last months agreements had a concession, down from the record high of 60% recorded in October. Last months new leases averaged concessions of 1.9 months of rent, the lowest its been since August.

The intensity of demand for new leases at lower rates is so high that it is burning up excess inventory very quickly, Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel, told Bloomberg. The market is tightening up from its peak moment of weakness, which was really in the fall through January.

Miller added that landlords are less pressed to fill units and no longer need to promise months of free rent to do it. Its not that landlords are in control, he said, but the relationship between tenants and landlords is nowhere near as lopsided as it was four or five months ago.

Another factor driving people back to the Big Apple is because companies have started requiring staff to work from the office again, leading many to want to reduce their commute.

Last month, Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman said that he expects all New York City staff to return full-time to the company's Times Square home office by Labor Day - and if they don't they may face salary cuts.

Staff at Goldman Sachs returned to the office late last month and the company celebrated the return by providing it employees with live music and lobster. The financial employees were forced to log their vaccination status in the company system before returning to the bank's Manhattan headquarters.

And JPMorgan Chase brought staff back to the office on July 6, regardless of vaccination status. Employees of the banking giant who work in the US were informed last month that they would be expected to return to the office between 50 and 100% of the time.

And as more renters move back, buyers are coming too and driving up the prices of more extravagant and costly properties, a new report states.

In Hudson Yards, a corner one-bedroom, one-bath apartment in a 30-floor high-rise, complete with a gym and pool facilities, has also sold for $999,000

The median resale prices for Manhattan apartments hit $999,000 in the second quarter - an all-time high since before the COVID-19 pandemic hit - according to the report from Douglas Elliman and Miller Samue.

Average sale prices in the area rose 12% in the quarter, surpassing $1.9 million.

The buying frenzy comes despite a net 70,000 New Yorkers fleeing the city at the height of the pandemic - costing the city roughly $34 billion in lost income, according to estimates from Unacast. About 3.57 million people left New York City this year between Jan. 1 and Dec. 7, the report highlighted.

Wealthy neighborhoods, like Hell's Kitchen and the Upper East Side, saw the biggest exodus with nearly 11% of its residents fleeing, according to research from CRBE. Most of those are young professionals who work in financial hubs of Midtown and the Financial District, as well as creatives working in Broadway Theaters.

Experts say the spike in real estate value indicates that Manhattan real estate is swiftly recovering, as more families look to trade up to larger apartments, while buyers hope to take advantage of lower prices and low mortgage rates.

There was a 150% gain from last year, with 3,417 sales in the second quarter due to restrictions preventing apartments from being shown for much of the quarter, according to the report.

'It's a sign of the frenzy and intensity of the market,' Jonathan Miller, CEO of real estate appraisal firm Miller Samuel told CNBC. 'It's rebounding much faster than most participants expected.'

The influx in property buying has also led to fewer apartments on the market.

According to Miller, apartment listings fell 27% compared to year ago, with the supply of homes for sale being lower than the historical average of about eight to nine months.

The strongest growth is at the top of the market, with more than 220 penthouses sold in Manhattan so far this year, according to Corcoran market research.

That marks a 35% increase from the 164 penthouse contacts signed for the same period in 2019, before the pandemic.
Oakland is experiencing a 'safety emergency' after a wave of violence over the July 4 weekend, the city's police chief said on Monday.

LeRonne Armstrong described '12 hours of nonstop chaos,' telling reporters that his department had responded to seven shootings from Sunday night to 10 a.m Monday.

'When the yellow tape is gone and when the streets are cleaned up, there is still hurt and pain and tragedy in our community.'

'I hope that we can put politics aside and put public safety first,' Armstrong said, adding that his force was 'clearly outnumbered' by the incidents.

The department said several people were critically injured and one killed in the shootings, which come amid a steep rise in violent crime in the Californian city.

Authorities said that none of the shootings appeared to be related and that some may have been celebratory gunfire.

The first shooting happened at 6:24 p.m. when a 29-year-old was hit multiple times while in his car.

A little over three hours later, 911 calls came in regarding a 16-year-old's celebratory gunfire.

The department listed the weekend's significant incidents in a lengthy press release, posted to Facebook on Monday.

At 10:00 p.m. another 29-year-old suffered multiple gunshots and less than an hour later a 45-year-old man was critically injured by gunfire on the 4200 block of International Boulevard.

At 11:49 p.m., a man who suffered blunt trauma to the head on the same block of International Boulevard died.

Around 30 minutes later, a 48-year-old was killed in a homicide and at 12:40 a.m. a female gunshot victim walked into a hospital.

Armstrong said the final victim is 'likely not going to make it'.

Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Armstrong said Oakland had 65 ongoing homicide investigations.

'We are facing a crisis and we are in significant need of additional resources.'

His comments followed the city's decision to defund its police department by $17 million despite a 90 per cent increase in murders.

Oakland is experiencing a 'safety emergency' after a wave of violence over the July 4 weekend, the city's police chief said on Monday. LeRonne Armstrong (pictured) described '12 hours of nonstop chaos,' telling reporters that his department had responded to seven shootings from Sunday night to 10 a.m Monday

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Several U.S. cities have been grappling with calls for police reform following the death of George Floyd last year.

Armstrong said he is 'not opposed to any new and innovative ways of keeping our community safe' but that Oakland had 'a real issue of violence that law enforcement has to step in and be able to do its job and make this community safer.'

'I think investing in violence preventions is important but it's not going to have an immediate impact on the violence we're experiencing day to day in the city of Oakland. We need the resources,' he said.

'Violence has continued to increase despite these conversations around defund and we clearly know that having less police officers is not going to equivalate a safer community.'

When asked whether residents felt safe, he responded that Oakland was 'a tough city to be in right now'.

'Everywhere I go in the city of Oakland, I'm often told by community members that they don't feel safe, that they would like to see more police, that they want to feel safer in their communities.

'They want to be able to walk in their communities and not have the fear of being victimized in any way and so I think what we're seeing from City Hall is inconsistent with what we're hearing directly from those impacted by violence,' he said.

Pictured: Officers work the scene of a shooting on June 19 [File photo]

Chief Armstrong's comments followed the city's decision to defund its police department by $17 million despite a 90 per cent increase in murders. Several U.S. cities have been grappling with calls for police reform following the death of George Floyd last year

According to Armstrong, Oakland has recorded 67 homicides since the start of the year.

City Council Member Noel Gallo echoed Armstrong's comments, telling KPIX 5 that the situation in the city over the weekend was 'the worst I've ever seen'.

Police were 'not only dealing with the side shows, dealing with the fireworks, but also the violence on the streets,' Gallo said.

'The reality is we need greater enforcement,' he said, emphasizing the importance of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, and communities working together.

Armstrong's comments on Monday and Tuesday are just the latest time he's spoken out against budget cuts.

Last month, he decried a decision made by city leaders in a 6-2 vote to divert a proposed $17 million increase from the Oakland Police Department's budget over the next two years despite a rise in violent crime and shootings.

He said: 'I'll start off today by saying that I'm challenged by the decisions that were made on Thursday around the budget for the City of Oakland particularly for the Oakland Police Department

'I first want to say that I believe strongly that Mayor (Libby) Shaft put forward a budget that was designed to preserve public safety for the entire city both law enforcement and violence prevention. These are not two separate things

'We work together we've always worked together and the success of this city will not be just law enforcement it won't be just the Oakland police department

'It will be the Oakland police department it will be the department of violence prevention and it will be most importantly community

'But today we find ourselves in a crisis. We find ourselves reeling from a weekend of violence, where we've seen four homicides over a three-day period.'

Armstrong said that despite the cuts the department will be adding 60 officers over the next few months, but will lose 65 due to attrition and may require compulsory overtime to make up for it.

The chief spoke as his law enforcement department's budget was set at $674 million.

That is about $9million more than the previous year. However, the increase is drastically less than the proposed $27 million from an effort led by Democratic Mayor Libby Schaaf. And last year's police funding accounted for 20% of the city's budget, while this year's budget equates to 18%, according to the Washington Examiner.

Oakland, like some other cities in the U.S., has seen a sharp rise in crime this year, with homicides and carjackings up 91 per cent and 95 per cent respectively, according to the Oakland Police Department.

In New York, more than 1,500 shootings have been recorded 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.

New Yorkers recently elected former police officer Eric Adams, who ran on a tough-on-crime platform, as mayor.

Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot greeted President Joe Biden upon his arrival in the Windy City on Wednesday, holding a quick conversation with him on tarmac about the gun violence that has roiled the city.

Lightfoot 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.
An irate passenger was caught on camera assaulting a Frontier Airlines staff member at Orlando International Airport moments after she was told she's missed her flight back to New York City.

The disturbing incident unfolded June 30 while Dana Pierre, 29, was attempting to check-in for a flight with her two children, an airport spokesperson confirmed to DailyMail.com on Thursday.

The Orlando Police Department said Pierre was arrested and was charged with aggravated assault.

Bail has been set at $3,000. DailyMail.com reached out to public defender Daniel Cull, who is representing Pierre.

Video footage filmed by a bystander captured the moment the upset passenger rushed towards a Frontier Airlines manager, Berenit Sierra, who pushed her back.

An airline employee is heard shouting, 'F*** out of here b*****,' before Pierre flung a keyboard at her.

The woman subsequently grabbed a box from behind the counter after another employee, Nidia Vargas, pepper sprayed her. She then threw it to the ground as her seven-year-old daughter cried and begged her to stop.

One of the employees then threatened Pierre and told her that she would 'knock you the f*** out in front of your kids.'

The mother then walks away and tells her son to look after her daughter because 'I am going to 'f*** up this b****.'

She appeared to remove a piece of jewelry as her daughter cried, 'Mommy, I don't want you to go to the jail.'

Dana Pierre lost her temper and picked up a metal pole in an attempt to attack a Frontier Airlines worker at a check-in counter in Orlando International Airport moments after she was informed she could not board her flight because she had missed her flight to New York City on June 30. She was charged with aggravated assault

Dana Pierre is seen talking to her children and telling them, 'I am going to 'f*** up this b****.' She later walked towards the counter and picked up a metal crowd control stanchion before a Frontier Airlines employee took it away from her

Dana Pierre was arrested June 30 at Orlando International Airport after she assaulted a Frontier Airlines manager moments after she has been notified that she had missed her return flight to New York City. She was charged with aggravated assault

Moments later, Pierre rapidly paced back towards the ticket counter area, lifted the crowd barrier before Frontier Airlines employee, William Rijo, snatched it away from her. Pierre proceeded to step around the counter and grabbed another keyboard.

A police officer rushed to the scene and grabbed her before she could do any more damage. As he led her away, he repeatedly asked her, 'What is wrong with you?' as he managed to deescalate the confrontation.

The children were placed in custody of the Department of Children and Families.

DailyMail.com reached out to Frontier Airlines for comment.

The latest showdown is among an extreme list of incidents that have been documented at terminals and inside airplanes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said last week that airlines have reported more than 3,000 incidents involving unruly passengers since January 1, with many involving passengers who refuse to comply with a federal requirement to wear face masks.

While the FAA agency did not track such reports in prior years, a spokesman said it was safe to assume this year's numbers are the highest ever.

Since announcing a 'zero-tolerance policy' against unruly passengers in January, the FAA has publicized potential fines - some topping $30,000 - against dozens of passengers and has investigated more than 400 cases. That is about three times the full-year average number of cases over the past decade, according to FAA figures.

A police officer led New York City resident Dana Pierre away and repeatedly asked her, 'What is wrong with you?' moments after she walked around the Frontier Airlines check-in counter at Orlando International Airport on June 30 and ripped off a computer keyboard

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said last week that airlines have reported more than 3,000 incidents involving unruly passengers since January 1, with many involving passengers who refuse to comply with a federal requirement to wear face masks. Pictured is Orlando International Airport, site of an incident involving a passenger June 30

Among the most savage incidents was one that happened last month on a Southwest plane in San Diego, California. Video taken by another passenger showed a young woman punching a flight attendant in the face. The woman was charged with felony battery.

As a result of the violent incidents, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said they will resume self-defense training for airline flight attendants and pilots.

The classes, which are voluntary for airline flight crews, were halted last year because of COVID-19.

DailyMail.com could not confirm if airline staffers on the ground will also be part of the program.

The move was praised by leaders of major flight attendant unions, who lobbied to create the training programs after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorists who hijacked and crashed four planes attacked several flight attendants and passengers before storming the cockpits.

'Since a flight attendant was the first to perish, we wanted to make sure that we could protect ourselves from physical altercations, on and off the aircraft,' said Lyn Montgomery, president of the union local that represents Southwest Airlines flight attendants. 'Right now it's really needed, it's incredibly valuable.'

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, who also advocated making the classes mandatory, nonetheless praised TSA for restarting voluntary ones now because of the surge in confrontations on flights.

'This should send a message to the public that these events are serious' and that flight attendants are there to ensure 'the safety and security of everyone in the plane,' she said.
Amanda Bush, 31, has pleaded guilty to second-degree felony sexual assault of a child and was sentenced to deferred probation for 10 years

A Texas woman has been sentenced to probation instead of prison time and could see her conviction expunged after she admitted to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy.

Amanda Bush, 31, from Robinson, pleaded guilty in May to second-degree felony sexual assault of a child in exchange for a recommendation from McLennan County prosecutors that she be placed on deferred probation.

On Wednesday, Judge Susan Kelly approved the plea deal and sentenced Bush to deferred probation for 10 years.

Unlike in a regular probation, where a judge finds the defendant guilty, sentences her and then suspends the imposition of the sentence, in a differed probation the judge delays the conviction.

If the defendant successfully complies with the terms of her probation, the charges are dismissed and the conviction is expunged from the defendant's record.

Bush will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life, reported the Waco Tribune-Herald.

Bush, pictured on the right with her newlywed husband, was caught in a car with a 16-year-old boy in September 28

Had she been convicted at trial, Bush could have faced up to 20 years in prison.

In September 2018, Bush, then aged 28 and in a relationship with her long-time boyfriend, was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge after police officers found her sitting in a parked car with a 16-year-old boy before dawn.

Bush lied to the police that the boy was 18 years old and that they were not in a relationship, according to charging documents.

Later, the woman admitted that she knew the boy was 16 years old, and that they were in a sexual relationship.

When interviewed by the police, the victim confirmed that he had had sex with Bush.

Bush admitted to having sex with the 16-year-old boy, and the child confirmed that

If Bush complies with the terms of her probation, the charge will be dismissed and her conviction expunged from record

In the course of the investigation, it was revealed that Bush had her first sexual encounter with the teen when he was just 15 years old.

The legal age of consent in Texas is 17 years old.

Bush's attorney said the woman has accepted responsibility for her actions.

Recent social media posts indicate that Bush married her boyfriend last year, got a job as a manager at a fast-food restaurant and was raising a son and daughter.
Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to strike the Northeast with heavy rains and high winds by the end of the week after leaving a trail of destruction in its wake across Florida and Georgia.

A tropical storm warning was issued in the tri-state area on Wednesday as Elsa continues to cut up the East Coast after making landfall in Florida as a hurricane earlier this week.

The tropical storm has already killed at least one person and injured various others across the Southeastern coast.

Now meteorologists have warned residents from Washington, DC, to Philadelphia to New York City to Maine to batten down the hatches in preparation for flash flooding and potential tornadoes.

As of midday Thursday the storm was centered over the Carolinas and moving north-east at a speed of 18 miles per hour with winds up to 40 miles per hour, Accuweather reported.

Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to approach New York on Friday with winds of up to 50 mph

The National Hurricane center says heavy rainfall is predicted as Tropical Storm Elsa moves across North Carolina on Thursday

Tornado, severe thunderstorm and flash flood watches and warnings are in effect as Tropical Storm Elsa moves through the southeast

Tropical Storm Elsa moves across the southeast on Thursday morning before making its way to the northeast

Elsa is forecasted to slowly lose wind intensity while it crosses the Southeast, eventually traveling along the mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts from Thursday night into Friday.

By Thursday night, Elsa will cut a path east of Washington, DC and into Philadelphia, where flooding and gusty winds will be the biggest threat, ABC 7 News reported.

The storm is expected to approach Long Island by Friday morning with wind gust of up to 40 to 50 mph across the region and heavy rain and flash flooding possible for major cities in the Northeast, including Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, ABC News reported.

The tri-state area could see two to three inches of rain or more, The National Weather Service said.

But while Elsa will bring heavy rain, the fast movement of the storm should help to limit excessive rainfall and the threat of widespread flooding, Accuweather reported.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for coastal New Jersey, along Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to the eastern tip along the south shore and from Port Jefferson Harbor eastward on the north shore, and from New Haven, Connecticut to Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, ABC 7 reported.

'Elsa may interact with a front as the system heads to the northeast and off the coast near Delaware and New Jersey early Friday morning,' ABC Meteorologist Jeff Smith said.

'Elsa will pass just east of Long Island and NYC Friday morning, then speed up into southern New England around Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.'

Adalynn Powell,7, plays in the waters left behind from Tropical Storm Elsa in front of her home in Fort Meyers, Florida on Wednesday

People walked by one of two vehicles hit by a large pine tree in Jacksonville, where one person was killed by a falling tree

People walked by one of two vehicles hit by a large pine tree in Jacksonville, where one person was killed by a falling tree

As many as 10 people were injured when a tornado touched down at an RB park at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base Wednesday evening

After making its way through coastal New England, Elsa will be out of the United States and into Canada by Friday night.

Authorities in Jacksonville, Florida, said one person was killed Wednesday when a tree fell and struck two cars.

The National Weather Service reported 50mph 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 at around 5.50pm.

Wind gusts in the area were reported between 45mph to 65mph. About 10 people were injured and taken to hospitals by ambulance, said base spokesman Scott Bassett.

Some of the injuries required medical treatment, he said, but were minor. Some buildings on the base also appeared to have been damaged in the storm, he said.

Elsa was expected to drop anywhere between three to nine inches of rain in western and northern Florida by the end of the storm, though Port Charlotte saw up to one foot of water by Wednesday morning.

There was also a risk of flooding in Georgia and South Carolina, which were predicted to get 3 to 5 inches of rainfall. Tornado watches were in effect in parts of northern Florida and southeast Georgia into Wednesday evening.

Valdosta, Georgia, and surrounding Lowndes County came under a flash flood warning as Elsa's center passed nearby.

Some roads and yards flooded, and nearby Moody Air Force Base reported wind gust of 41 mph, said county spokeswoman Meghan Barwick.

Meanwhile, the US 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.

The National Hurricane Center said Elsa still packed 45 mph winds - more than nine hours after making landfall along Florida's northern Gulf Coast
Three Indian farmers in the Indian state of Gujarat have been arrested for selling illegal alcohol after their own buffaloes got drunk on the hooch.

One of the farmers called the vet after noticing the buffaloes were 'acting strangely' and called a vet.

The vet discovered that the buffaloes' water trough was contaminated by alcohol illegally brewed by the farmers.

The vet informed the police, who promptly arrested the farmers.

Buffaloes are kept mainly for milk production and for transport in India and are sometimes used as work animals (file image)

Buffaloes are kept mainly for milk production and for transport in India and are sometimes used as work animals.

They are also among the animals slain in sacrifice as part of Durga Puja, a Hindu festival celebrated in India in honour of the goddess Durga.

Local police official Dilipsinh Baldev said the farmer first called the vet when he observed that his buffaloes were frothing at the mouth.

The vet carried out an inspection of the premises and discovered that the water trough the animals had been drinking from gave off a strange smell and contained water that was discoloured.

This, it turned out, was because the men had hidden bottles of their illegally brewed moonshine in the trough, some of which had broken and contaminated the water.

The vet then informed the police, who raided the farm on Monday and recovered 100 bottles of alcohol worth 32,000 rupees (310).

Making, buying, selling or transporting alcohol is outlawed in the state of Gujarat, punishable by hefty fines and even prison sentences.

Though buffalo are often kept as work animals and for their milk, they are also among the animals slain in sacrifice as part of Durga Puja, a Hindu festival celebrated in India in honour of the goddess Durga

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ruling party of Prime Minister Modi who hails from Gujarat, has come under scrutiny as of late for a range of questionable policies.

In May, some of the BJPs members made claims that cow excrement can protect against coronavirus, leading millions to cover themselves in cow dung and drink cow urine against the advice of the country's doctors.

The claims, which were made amid India's deadly second wave of coronavirus, were criticised on social media by an activist and a journalist, both of whom have been jailed indefinitely for their comments.

The party is also accused of failing to give accurate reports of the coronavirus impact in the country, as experts believe the real death toll is far in excess of the reported figures which currently stand at over 400,000.
Free asymptomatic Covid testing may be scrapped by the end of August, meaning Britons could be forced to pay for their own kits.

One of the Government's top health officials today told MPs 'decisions will be made' on whether to extend the public swabbing blitz past next month.

Ditching the near-3billion scheme would mark a significant U-turn after the Government launched it with much fanfare just three months ago.

All adults in the UK are currently entitled to pick up two free testing kits a week, which can be collected from pharmacies or ordered online.

They are intended to be used by people when they do not show symptoms of Covid to pick up the estimated one in five cases that are asymptomatic and ensure people isolate.

But the kits have derided criticism for their inaccuracy, especially when self-administered. Department of Health data showed they produced more false than true positives in the first two weeks of mass testing at schools.

The Department of Health said anyone in England will be able to pick up a test until the end of August 'at least' but did not confirm if a decision to scrap the scheme had been made.

It said: 'Further details on the provision of free rapid LFD testing will be set out in due course.'

Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth slammed the proposal to introduce charges for tests at the same time cases are surging in the country.

Free asymptomatic Covid testing may be scrapped by the end of August, health bosses revealed today

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the Health Security Agency, told MPs 'decisions will be made' on whether to extend the two free lateral flow tests per week scheme past next month

Asked about whether the scheme will be extended past the end of August at the Public Accounts Committee today, Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the Health Security Agency, refused to rule out it being scrapped.

She said: '[We are] looking at whether it is an effective and essential public health intervention going forward. Nobody has discussed charging.'

Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care Sir Chris Wormald added: 'Lets be absolutely clear on this point.

'What we are doing is looking at the public health case for use going forward.'

Dr Harries confirmed free mass testing would continue as before in schools past August.

Following reports the scheme could be scrapped as early as the end of July, Mr Ashworth claimed the move to introduce charges 'beggars belief'.

He said: 'Sajid Javids policy of allowing infections to rise as high as 100,000 a day will see hundreds of thousands forced into self quarantine.

'In that context ascend to lateral flow tests will be vital. It beggars belief that the health Secretary is introducing charging for testing.'

Mr Ashworth also told MailOnline: 'And it means yet again those who are poorer are left to bear the brunt of the crisis. We should be making it easier to access testing not harder.'

Rapid tests showed more false than true positives in the first two weeks of mass testing at schools, forcing children to stay at home unnecessarily

The scheme  a watered down version of No10's ambitious 'Operation Moonshot' 10million-tests-a-day project  was launched on April 9.

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock said at the time it would be 'one of our most effective weapons in tackling this virus'.

Previously, the tests were only used routinely in schools, hospitals and care homes.

Ministers spent 2.8billion on hundreds of millions of the kits, which give a result in 30 minutes. They have been shown to miss infectious people up to 40 per cent of the time.

Numerous studies have shown the kits are far less accurate when self-administered  which is how they're used across the UK.

Leaked Department of Health emails in April revealed senior officials feared they only pick up on 10 per cent of infections when done this way.

And Department of Health data showed six out of 10 positive rapid test results between March 4 and March 17 at schools turned out to be wrong when followed up by gold-standard PCR tests.

Out of 1,050 positive results, 605 were wrong, the official numbers showed  58 per cent  meaning hundreds of children were kept out of classrooms for no reason.
Brexit Minister Lord Frost warned Brussels that the UK's relationship with the EU could be permanently damaged by the post Brexit row over Northern Ireland.

The Cabinet minister said today that Government plans to fix the Northern Ireland protocol will be set out its proposals to MPs before the House of Commons rises for the summer recess on July 22.

But Downing Street's hawkish negotiator with the European Union said 'all options remain on the table' to resolve problems over checks on goods entering the province, which shares a land border with the EU.

Speaking at a Policy Exchange think tank event today, the peer added: 'The issues about the Protocol are obviously central to the tensions between us, so I don't think we will ever get this relationship onto a new and constructive footing, where we want it to be, unless we can find a good solution to this problem.'

His comments came as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer used a visit to Belfast to accuse Boris Johnson of betraying its people over his Brexit deal.

The Cabinet minister said today that Government plans to fix the Northern Ireland protocol will be set out its proposals to MPs before the House of Commons rises for the summer recess on July 22.

His comments came as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer used a visit to Belfast to accuse Boris Johnson of betraying its people over his Brexit deal.

Sir Keir said the Prime minister had 'not been straight about the consequences' of the Protocol.

Sir Keir said the Prime minister had 'not been straight about the consequences' of the Protocol.

'He is now pretending it is someone else's problem, and in Northern Ireland that won't wash,' he said.

'There has to be a practical way forward on this, I think there is a practical way forward if the parties are flexible and negotiate, but the most important thing is trust.

'There is a positive future here but it does require the British Government to properly understand its role, and I think that this Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has betrayed the people of Northern Ireland by not properly honouring that (the UK Government being an honest broker), and the words that have been used in pretty well every meeting I have had here in Northern Ireland is a lack of trust in the Prime Minister as an honest broker.'

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.

Last month Boris Johnson unilaterally extended a grace period covering checks on goods, due to expire at the end of June, for three more months.

Speaking this morning Lord Frost said: 'We are confident given everything that we've been through the last few years that there are ways of finding a new balance and finding the necessary adjustments.

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 obviously all options remain on the table for us.

'We're considering our next steps, we're discussing with all those with an interest and I can say today that we will set out our approach to Parliament in a considered way on these questions before the summer recess.'

The Tory peer said the UK would not be delivering an ultimatum to the EU with the plans.

He added: 'There's no deadlines here. We're not putting something on the table and saying take it or leave it, or you must work to this particular timetable through setting our approach out to Parliament.'

Boris Johnson acknowledged on Wednesday that problems over the movement of chilled meats from Britain to Northern Ireland are still 'far from fixed' following an agreement to delay the implementation of border checks.

He also acknowledged concerns among Northern Ireland's Jewish community that they would be unable to access kosher foods unless it is resolved.
A railway worker has been injured in a serious assault on a train during rush hour.

Police were called to Euston station in London after the incident early on Thursday.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said the victim is one of its members.

One passenger said armed police had locked down all the trains as they searched for the alleged attacker.

Madeleine Hallward said: 'Well, this is dramatic. Train being held at Euston following violent assault on the adjacent train.

'Four heavily armed officers keep passing through the train searching for the aggressor, and nobody can leave the train.

Passenger Madeleine Hallward tweeted pictures of the police hunt as it was happening

Ms Hallward said: 'Well, this is dramatic. Train being held at Euston following violent assault'

Police were called to Euston station in London after the incident this morning

'On the bright side, as much free tea as I can drink,' she added on Twitter.

A British Transport Police spokesman said the railway worker had been taken to hospital.

He added: 'British Transport Police were called to Euston railway station at 7.09am today following reports of a serious assault.

'Specialist officers have been deployed to the station and the incident is ongoing.

A railway worker was assaulted by a passenger on a train just after 7am this morning

'One person has been taken to a local hospital for treatment.'

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: 'This is an appalling incident that will send shockwaves through the whole railway family, and our thoughts are with our member, his colleagues and his family this morning.

'While we await the full facts, the union will be providing practical support to our member and the workforce at Euston as the police investigation continues.'

BTP said a man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken into custody.
Two bodies recovered from the burned wreckage of an SUV are thought to be a teenage couple who have been missing for a week.

The SUV plunged 1000-feet off a cliff into a ravine near Dawson Saddle Trail in the Los Angeles National Forest and the wreckage was found on Tuesday when a volunteer looking for missing couple Sophia Edwards and her boyfriend Ethan Manzano spotted it using a drone.

The bodies have not been formally identified but Edwards and Manzano, both 19 and from Apple Valley, were last seen driving a 2007 Isuzu Ascender.

A missing person's alert said that the pair were last seen alive around 1.30pm on July 1 after seeing friends at around mile marker 51 of the highway.

The couple's phone was tracked to Dawson Saddle Trail and investigators narrowed their search to the area.

The SUV was found off the side of mile marker 71 around 2pm on Tuesday by Wrightwood resident Chad Keel on his personal drone, KTLA reported.

Two bodies found in the burned wreckage of an SUV which plunged 1000-feet off a cliff in the Los Angeles National Forest are believed to be missing 19-year-olds Sophia Edwards (left) and her boyfriend Ethan Manzano (right), from Apple Valley, who have been missing since last Thursday

The SUV was found off the side of mile marker 71 around 2pm on Tuesday by Wrightwood resident Chad Keel on his personal drone



A source from the sheriff's department told the publication that the vehicle found was 'confirmed' as the SUV, which was previously described as a silver 2007 Isuzu Ascender.

The crash is going to be investigated by California Highway Patrol.

Speaking to KTLA, Manzano's father Al said he suspected the worst, adding: 'I can't believe I'm going to be burying my son. He's only 19.'

A source from the sheriff's department told the publication that the vehicle found was 'confirmed' as the SUV, which was previously described as a silver 2007 Isuzu Ascender, they were last seen in

The couple, who friends described as 'affectionate', were reported missing when they failed to show up for work on Friday.

Edwards' sister Cheyenne Chassie said: 'This has been a very difficult time for our family, but we were able to get through this because of everyone's kindness.'

Her father said Edwards and her boyfriend planned to move in with friends in Colorado at the weekend, but no one heard from them, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Detective Matthew Pereida with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said: 'The friends said their demeanor was normal, nothing out of character for them. They were an affectionate couple. They had a great time.'
A white Michigan school librarian, who sparked outrage after cutting a biracial first grade girl's long, curly hair in March, wasn't motivated by race, a third-party investigation concluded.

But an advocate for seven-year-old Jurnee Hoffmeyer's family told DailyMail.com that the probe isn't 'credible' because no one reached out to the Hoffmeyer family, who would've told them the librarian tried to straighten her hair a month earlier.

Christina Laster, the Director of Policy and Legislation for the National Parents Union and advocate for the Hoffmeyer family, said the investigation 'was one sided' and the Hoffmeyer family still believes the haircut was racially motivated.

'They have not witnessed white children treated the same - as if their hair and looks are a problem to be solved,' Laster told DailyMail.com.

The Mount Pleasant Public School District in Central Michigan, which has a 2.5percent black population, announced the probe's findings in a statement on Friday.

The National Parents Union issued its own response statement the same day, saying, 'It seems clear to us the investigation was conducted to make sure the outcome was in favor of MPPS.'

It 'was not done with the intention of bringing forth the truth, reckoning with the harm done and setting best practices in place.'

This undated photo provided by Jimmy Hoffmeyer shows his daughter seven-year-old Jurnee Hoffmeyer after a classmate and a teacher cut her hair on separate occasions

Jimmy Hoffmeyer took to Facebook to share news of the incident involving his daughter

The messy situation started when another young student cut Jurnee's hair on the bus on March 24. Her dad chalked it up to kids being kids and took his daughter to a salon that day for asymmetrical styling.

But on March 26, Jurnee arrived home from school crying with another haircut; this time from the school's librarian.

Laster told DailyMail.com that this whole situation has been traumatizing for the young girl.

'Jurnee looks in the mirror everyday and wonders if her hair is going to grow back,' said Laster, adding that her parents and therapist are teaching her coping skills.

'They're trying to teach her to think of positive; that it's going to grow back, but that's hard for a seven year old,' Laster said.

'They don't have a concept of time. When you tell someone that young that you're 30 minutes away from the store, it feels like an eternity to them.'

Jurnee Hoffmeyer, who is biracial, is pictured before the unapproved haircuts took place

In Friday's statement, the school district said the librarian, who wasn't named, will be placed on a 'last chance' agreement during which time any future violations will likely result in termination for violating school policy.

'We believe a last chance agreement is appropriate given that the employee has an outstanding record of conduct and has never once been reprimanded in more than 20 years of work at MPPS,' the school's statement said.

Two other unnamed employees were given written reprimands that will go in their files, according to the school district.

'It's clear from the third-party investigation and the district's own internal investigation that MPPS employees had good intentions when performing the haircut, the district said in Friday's statement.

'Regardless, their decisions and actions are unacceptable and show a major lack of judgement. The employees involved have acknowledged their wrong actions and apologized.'

Laster said they're getting a slap on the wrist to protect their jobs, meanwhile 'the child is not considered valuable.'

'It's very upsetting,' she said. '(The librarian) should've been fired.'

Jimmy Hoffmeyer pictured with his wife Christie

DailyMail.com reached out to the school district for further comment.

Before Laster got involved, Jimmy Hoffmeyer, Jurnee's dad, claimed the principal tried to get the incident to disappear without issuing more serious discipline.

'She kept asking me what she could do to make it go away,' Hoffmeyer said of the school's principal.

The district superintendent called Hoffmeyer a week later offering to mail out apology cards, a call he angrily hung up on.

Jimmy Hoffmeyer is biracial, as are his three daughters, while his wife, Christie, is white.

'I'm not one to try to make things about race,' Jimmy Hoffmeyer told the Associated Press in April. 'I've pretty much grown up with only white people, myself.'

Hoffmeyer has since moved his daughter from one school to another and is considering moving her to a private school.

There was a contentious school board meeting about the incident in April, where one person noted the seriousness of cutting the hair of a Black or biracial child.

'I feel like you don't quite understand the impact of hair on the Black community or how serious this matter actually goes,' one person said during the board meeting, according to UpNorthLive.

Christie Hoffmeyer took to Facebook after the meeting to thank everyone for their support.

'Just got done with the school board meeting ... I must say I couldn't be more proud and thankful of all the love and support my family received from our community and others from all around the world,' Christie Hoffmeyer posted on Facebook.

Pictured: Ganiard Elementary School, where Jurnee attended school. She has since been put in another school and her parents are awaiting a public apology from the school

In Friday's statement, the school district said they've apologized to the Hoffmeyer family.

The National Parents Union said in its statement that wasn't true.

'Contrary to their statement, and in another stunning act of disrespect to the Hoffmeyer family, no apology or communication has happened with the family despite the claims from the superintendent,' the union said.

The family is also trying to push for The Crown Act, which was reintroduced in Michigan in February, that would make it illegal to discriminate based on hair texture or styles such as braids, locks, and twists.
A man has been arrested after a police officer was attacked outside Parliament.

The incident took place this afternoon near the St Stephen's entrance after the man reportedly tried to sneak into Parliament.

The Met have confirmed a police officer was punched during an incident outside Westminster and that a suspect had been arrested.

A Met Police spokesman said: 'Shortly after 3.30pm on Thursday, July 8, a 41-year-old man approached St Stephens Gate, Westminster.

Police detained a man following a confrontation outside the Palace of Westminster just before 4pm

A Met spokesman said: 'Shortly after 3.30pm, a man was arrested for assault after an officer was punched

A witness said the road where the incident took place was still closed despite the matter being resolved

'The man was known to officers, having been given words of advice on previous occasions  including earlier the same day  for causing a verbal nuisance in the vicinity of Parliament.

'On this occasion, he punched a police officer who was on duty outside. He did not try to gain entry to the building.

'The officer was not seriously injured and the man was restrained on the ground.

'He was arrested for assaulting an emergency worker and taken to a central London police station where he remains.

'The incident is not being treated as terrorism.'

It is understood he remains in custody following the incident.

Videos and photos from the scene showed a man on the ground being detained by a large number of police officers some of whom were armed.

Witnesses described how the man had been shouting that his handcuffs were too tight.

Videos and photos from the scene showed a man on the ground being detained by a large number of police officers some of whom were armed

Witnesses described how the man had been shouting that his handcuffs were too tight

One witness wrote on Twitter: 'Incident outside Parliament's St Stephen's entrance. Man on ground handcuffed'

A man in handcuffs is held by police outside Houses of Parliament on July 08, 2021 in London

A man has been arrested outside parliament after a police officer was punched this afternoon

Police confirmed a police officer was punched but was not seriously injured in the incident

One witness wrote on Twitter: 'Incident outside Parliament's St Stephen's entrance. Man on ground handcuffed.'

Another added that the road where the incident took place was still closed despite the matter being resolved.

Another tweet read: 'Policeman attacked outside the Palace of Westminster.'
Joe Biden's head of Health and Human Services said Thursday that it is 'absolutely' the government's business to know Americans' vaccination status as the administration launches a new door-knocking initiative to push the coronavirus vaccine.

Xavier Becerra reasoned to CNN: 'The federal government has spent trillions of dollars to try and keep Americans alive during this pandemic.'

'So it is absolutely the government's business, it is taxpayers' business, if we have to continue to spend money to try and keep people from contracting COVID,' he added.

The HHS secretary said Biden's government wants to 'give people the sense that they have the freedom to choose' to get the vaccine and decrease their chances of falling fatal to the disease.

'We hope that they choose to live,' Becerra said.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said Thursday 'it is absolutely the government's business' to know whether Americans are vaccinated or not

HHS @SecBecerra: "The federal government has spent trillions of dollars to keep Americans alive during this pandemic. So it is absolutely the government's business [to know who is vaccinated.] It is taxpayers' business if we have to continue to spend money" pic.twitter.com/AzLF0I18HF  New Day (@NewDay) July 8, 2021

The most recent comments could spark more criticism from anti-vaxxers and conservatives who have questioned whether 'vaccine passports' would be required for Americans to show proof of vaccination status to engage in normal-day activities  like grocery shopping or attending concerts.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said Wednesday that Americans who don't have a COVID vaccine are making a 'political statement' and need to 'get over it.'

Becerra deflected when he was pressed on if the administration would push for requiring proof of vaccination. He said that should be left up to state and local governments  as well as private companies  on if they will require proof.

Biden's White House has repeated that it will not enforce a federal-level 'vaccine passport'.

The comments come after President Joe Biden announced Tuesday a new 'COVID-19 surge response teams' initiative that would get people going door-to-door to talk to urge unvaccinated neighbors to get the jab

The president announced this week new 'COVID-19 surge response teams' that would serve the purpose of canvassing neighborhoods to promote the vaccine to those who have not yet gotten inoculated.

'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 during remarks from the White House on Tuesday.

Fauci clarified to MSNBC: 'We're not talking about the government knocking on your door. We're talking about people who you can relate to in the community who you trust.'

Biden's talking points have focused on those without access to the vaccine or who don't know enough about it  but there is a high level of reluctance among southern and southwestern states among those who have plenty of access to the shot.

COVID cases are up in nearly half of U.S. states, a new analysis showed. The new Delta variant, which was first detected in India, is responsible for 26 per cent of these new cases.

Dr. Anthony Fauci told MSNBC Wednesday (pictured) that not getting a vaccine is a 'political statement' and told unvaccinated Americans to 'get over themselves'

The Delta variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., making up 51.7% of cases. Some estimates suggest it could make up as many as 70% of new cases (above)

The U.S. also failed to hit Biden's goals to get 70 per cent of adults at least partially vaccinated by Independence Day and 160 million Americans fully vaccinated, also by July 4.

Vaccination rates have seen a massive decrease as those who were motivated to get the jab, already got theirs as soon as they were eligible earlier this year.

'Here we have a vaccine that's highly, highly effective in preventing disease and certainly in preventing severe disease and hospitalization. It's easy to get. It's free and it's readily available. So, you know, you've got to ask, what is the problem?' Fauci questioned in an interview with MSNBC on Wednesday.

'Get over it. Get over this political statement,' he recommended. 'Just get over it and try and save the lives of yourself and your family.'
New Health Secretary Sajid Javid has taken a cheeky dig at Matt Hancock for getting caught having an affair on CCTV.

Mr Javid, who replaced the disgraced MP last month over the scandal, joked about the infamous camera which captured his predecessor kissing and groping an aide.

Speaking at a local government conference today, Mr Javid said: 'I hope my camera is on... I mean the one on my laptop, not the one on the ceiling.'

He made the remark, which prompted nervous chuckles from the panel, from his new office at the Department of Health, where Mr Hancock and Gina Coladangelo were caught in the act.

The footage, captured in early May but only published a fortnight ago, showed the former Health Secretary flagrantly flouting his own social distancing rules.

Mr Hancock was forced to resign on June 28, three days after the video surfaced and made national headlines.

The clip also sparked wider questions about national security, with many ministers revealing they were not aware they were under constant surveillance.

Mr Javid has previously swiped at Mr Hancock, liking a meme on social media which suggested he installed the camera himself as a ploy to get the gig.

The former Chancellor and Home Secretary has since revealed the CCTV camera in the ministerial office has been disabled 'for security' purposes.

Not-so-subtle dig: The new Health Secretary giggles after taking a cheeky swipe at Matt Hancock for getting caught having an affair on CCTV

Deadpan: He made the remark with a completely straight face, prompting nervous chuckles from the panel (shown)

Caught in the act: This is the image that forced Matt Hancock to resign. It was captured in May, when it was still illegal to hug others

Mr Javid appeared to take a few more subtle jabs at Mr Hancock, claiming that he 'hadn't found it easy' watching the pandemic response 'from the sidelines'.

The five-time Cabinet minister, who was housing, communities and local government minister from 2016 to 2018, also pointed out that there hadn't been a health secretary that 'actually had experience in local government' in 100 years.

Unlocking on July 19 is a 'dangerous and unethical experiment' More than 100 top scientists and doctors have accused Boris Johnson of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment' by pressing on with July 19's unlocking. In a letter in The Lancet, the experts have demanded the Government reconsider its plan to abandon all restrictions in England this month, describing it as 'premature'. They warned that going ahead with Freedom Day despite accepting there could be hundreds of thousands of infections each day is both 'unethical and illogical'. Allowing Covid to rip through the country will leave 'hundreds of thousands with long-term illness and disability' due to the effects of the virus itself, as well as long Covid, they said. Among the 122 signatories are Dr Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser under David Cameron's Government, and Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) Council. The letter has also been signed by several of No10's own expert advisers, including Professor Susan Michie and Professor Stephen Reicher, highlighting the rift within SAGE over the July 19 unlocking. Advertisement

Mr Javid is considered to be more of a lockdown 'hawk' than his predecessor, who was much more in favour of lockdowns.

Speaking about Covid at the Local Government Association conference today, he revealed he was 'very comfortable' with pushing ahead with July 19's unlocking.

But Mr Javid, who said earlier in the week there could be 100,000 infections a day next month, accepted there would be 'a lot' more cases.

'We feel very comfortable with the plans we have set out, despite the rise we are going to see in infections,' he said.

'I think they are going to be a lot higher by July 19 than they are today, I think into August they are going to be even higher than that.

'But it's the vaccine that's working and that's what gives us the confidence. The vaccine is doing its job, it truly is a wall of defence we've built.'

He sympathised with people who were anxious about lifting all restrictions in one go later this month but added: 'I'd ask them to think... if you don't start opening now, then when?'

Echoing comments made by Professor Chris Whitty Boris Johnson at a Downing Street press conference earlier in the week, he added: 'All the public health officials that we have, the scientists, our epidemiologists are saying that it's much better to open up going into the summer  for lots of reasons  than just waiting to do it in the winter.'

Professor Whitty explained on Monday that there will be a spike in cases no matter when curbs are dropped and that it would be better to get it out of the way when the NHS isn't busy.

Mr Javid also warned that this winter's flu season could be more challenging than previous years due to a lack of confidence in the vaccine and low natural immunity due to lockdown.

He said the potential problems from flu underlined the need to lift the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England this summer rather than risk a wave of Covid cases coinciding with the annual NHS winter pressures.

This winter 'we have a much lower level of immunity than we normally have' to flu because of the lack of cases in 2020 and 2021.

And the development of a vaccine is usually helped by examining cases in the southern hemisphere winter but 'there wasn't much flu going on there either'.

'So it means that although there is a vaccine, scientists have a lot less confidence in that vaccine than they normally do,' he said.

'So you put all that together  we've got all the flu pressures that you would normally expect and obviously Covid still around  so we do need to start opening up.

'We feel very comfortable with the plans we have set out, despite the rise we are going to see in infections.'

Mr Javid said cases would be 'a lot higher' by July 19 and 'into August they are going to be even higher than that', but the vaccines were working.

The Health Secretary indicated that demand for flu jabs could be 'dramatically' increased by the plan to offer Covid booster shots at the same time.
A German socialite admitted to stealing more than 1.1million from a Hong Kong art firm over the sale of a pumpkin sculpture.

Angela Gulbenkian, 39, pocketed the payment for a polka-dotted piece called the Kusama pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama but never handed over the item.

Gulbenkian grew up in Munich and married the great-grand-nephew of oil tycoon Calouste Gulbenkian, whose fortune funded a multi-billion pound foundation and Lisbon museum.

Gulbenkian, pictured, became heavily involved in the continental art world, marketing herself as a high-end broker

The Gulbenkians are considered one of Europes wealthiest, most renowned art collecting families and she became heavily involved in the continental art world, marketing herself as a high-end broker.

The Gulbenkians are considered one of Europes wealthiest, most renowned art collecting families.

Gulbenkian herself became heavily involved in the continental art world, marketing herself as a high-end broker.

But in 2017 a Hong-King art firm, Art Incorporated Ltd claimed it paid 1.1million Gulbenkian for the Kusama pumpkin but never received the piece.

The firm filed a civil suit which saw a world-wide freeze on Gulbenkians assets.

Gulbenkian, who admitted two charges of theft at Southwark Crown Court, has been in custody since she was arrested in Portugal in June last year.

She had been on bail but a warrant was issued in February 2020 when she failed to attend court.

Hong-King art firm, Art Incorporated Ltd claimed it paid 1.1million Gulbenkian for the Kusama pumpkin but never received the piece

Despite contesting her extradition to the UK in the Supreme Court of Justice in Portugal she was flown back to the UK last June.

Gulbenkian admitted theft following the sale of the Kusama pumpkin and a second theft of 50,000 given to her for art investment by a client named Jacqui Ball.

She remains in custody ahead of sentencing before Judge Martin Beddoe on July 28.
The family of a Bloody Sunday victims have launched a legal challenge to maintain a murder case against a former soldier.

Soldier F has been facing charges of murdering James Wray and William McKinney in Londonderry on January 30, 1972, when troops opened fire on demonstrators in the city's Bogside, killing 13 people.

The former paratrooper was also accused of the attempted murders of Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and Michael Quinn, and he faced a further supporting charge of the attempted murder of a person or persons unknown.

Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service had been due to withdraw proceedings against Soldier F at Derry Magistrates' Court on Friday.

But the PPS asked for that hearing to be adjourned after a brother of one of the victims secured judicial permission to challenge the prosecutors' decision at a High Court hearing in the autumn.

Mickey McKinney, brother of Bloody Sunday victim William McKinney, welcomed the court decision to grant leave for him to challenge the decision to halt the prosecution of the man who was charged with the murder.

Soldier F has been facing charges of murdering James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) in Londonderry on January 30, 1972, when troops opened fire on demonstrators in the city's Bogside, killing 13 people

'Our family are delighted at this intervention,' he said. 'The PPS should not have contemplated discharging Soldier F in circumstances where the High Court is already actively considering the decision making surrounding decisions not to prosecute F for his involvement in two further murders.

'The position it adopted was a source of great distress to our family. This represents a victory today for us, Jim Wray's family and those wounded by Soldier F.'

A barrister representing Soldier F told the High Court in Belfast on Thursday that he would not oppose Friday's adjournment application in Derry, given the court assurances that September's legal challenge is to be expedited.

Last week, the PPS announced that the case against Soldier F would be discontinued.

The PPS said the prosecution of another veteran, Soldier B, for the murder of 15-year-old Daniel Hegarty in Derry later in 1972, would also not proceed.

Mickey McKinney, brother of Bloody Sunday victim William McKinney

The decisions came after the PPS reviewed the cases in light of a recent court ruling that caused the collapse of another Troubles murder trial involving two military veterans.

The Crown cases against both Soldier F and Soldier B hinged on evidence of a similar nature to that which was ruled inadmissible in April's trial of Soldier A and Soldier C for the 1972 murder of Official IRA leader Joe McCann in Belfast.

Faced with the likelihood of that type of evidence being ruled inadmissible again in any future trial, the PPS announced the discontinuation of the prosecutions, claiming there was no longer a reasonable prospect of convicting either Soldier F or Soldier B.

Mr McKinney's brother Mickey had challenged the PPS decision to halt the prosecution of Soldier F.

On Thursday, two judges sitting in the divisional court of the High Court in Belfast granted leave for Mr McKinney to challenge the decision by way of a judicial review in September.

After granting leave, Mrs Justice Keegan, sitting with Mr Justice Horner, told the PPS's barrister that it would be 'pragmatic, purposeful and useful' if the timetable for withdrawing the prosecution was reconsidered to reflect the decision to allow a legal challenge.

After seeking instruction from his client, barrister Dr Tony McGleenan QC told the court that the PPS would be seeking to adjourn Friday's hearing.

He explained the PPS code obliged prosecutors to bring cases back to court when a decision had been taken to withdraw proceedings.

'The grant of leave in this case has altered the position quite significantly in that regard and alters the position in respect of the code as well,' he said.

A banner supporting soldier F, the British army veteran charged with murdering two men on Bloody Sunday in 1972, hangs from a wall in east Belfast

'So the position the PPS has adopted is they will appear tomorrow before District Judge Magill and make an application for an adjournment of the committal proceedings until September.'

He noted the issue of adjournment was not entirely in the hands of the PPS and the district judge would have to consider the matter on Friday taking into account the position of Solider F's legal team.

Mark Mulholland QC, representing Soldier F, told the divisional court on Thursday that he would not seek to oppose the adjournment.

He said he was not 'abandoning' his position in respect of a delay being potentially prejudicial to his client, but he acknowledged that it was the divisional court's intent to deal with the judicial review quickly.

'I feel that bearing in mind the strictures that have been placed upon that (judicial review) and that it is to be revisited in a very short time frame, then certainly I would not be seeking to oppose the adjournment application tomorrow before the court,' he said.

Mrs Justice Keegan welcomed the move to adjourn as a 'short-term resolution'.

Two distinct sources of evidence were deemed inadmissible by Mr Justice O'Hara in his highly significant April 30 ruling that led to the collapse of the Joe McCann murder trial.

The first were statements taken from the two accused soldiers by the Royal Military Police (RMP) in 1972.

The judge ruled those unreliable because the soldiers were denied several basic legal rights and safeguards when giving their statements to the RMP, including a formal caution and access to legal representation.

The second evidential source found inadmissible was latter-day evidence emanating from the veterans' engagement in 2010 with a specialist police unit investigating legacy cases, the Historical Enquiries Team (HET).

Mr Justice O'Hara said it would be unfair to admit that as evidence due to ambiguity over the HET's purpose, to fact-find or to conduct criminal investigations, and the fact the accused were not informed what offence they were suspected of when cautioned.

The case against Soldier F over the Bloody Sunday murders hinged on the contents of statements taken by the RMP from two other soldiers involved in the events of Bloody Sunday.

Without those statements, the Crown determined it would have been unable to prove that Soldier F was in the Bogside when the shots were fired.

The families of other victims of Bloody Sunday have already secured leave to challenge PPS decisions not mount prosecutions over the killings of their loved ones.

As that case also centres on issues around the admissibility of the RMP statements, Mr McKinney's challenge is to be heard alongside it and another linked case before the divisional court at the end of the September.
Disturbing new details have emerged in the case of the Las Vegas woman who was arrested last week for the death of her five-year-old daughter in an overheated room, including that the mother was overhead saying 'it was a necessary sacrifice' and 'I killed it.'

Kemaya Taylor, a 23-year-old mother of two, was taken into custody on June 28 and charged with open murder and child abuse after police preforming a welfare check discovered her eldest daughter dead inside a stifling room with no air conditioning.

Taylor's two-year-old daughter was found alive and handed over to Child Protective Services.

Neighbors said that prior to her arrest, a disheveled-looking Taylor was observed smashing parked cars with rocks and muttering, I'm son of Jacob. I killed it.'

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Kemaya Taylor, 23, a mom-of-two from Las Vegas, has been charged with open murder and child abuse for the death of her 5-year-old daughter inside a stifling bedroom

Police found Taylor's eldest child unresponsive inside a locked upstairs bedroom at this home on June 28

According to Taylor's arrest report cited by the station KLAS, nearly two weeks before her arrest, a friend contacted the police and requested a welfare check after receiving a text message from Taylor that she perceived as 'a vague suicidal threat.'

Taylor was said to have texted her friend that she quit her job and told her to watch out on the news.

Officers with the Las Vegas Metro Police were dispatched to Taylor's residence but could not locate the woman or her daughters that day.

Then on June 28, police returned to the home in the 10200 block of Missouri Meadows Street after getting a 911 call about an incident and found the residence 'in complete disarray.' According to the report, Taylor 'was suffering from some sort of mental illness.'

After taking the woman into custody, police searched the home and encountered a locked bedroom door on the second floor. They kicked in the door and discovered Taylor's two daughters inside. The report stated that the two-year-old was alive and standing next to the bed, and her older sister was lying on the bed unresponsive.

One of the officers began CPR on the five-year-old until paramedics arrived on the scene and pronounced her dead.

The document stated that the air conditioning in the house was off and 'the temperature in the bedroom felt exponentially warmer than in the rest of the residence.'

The temperature inside the locked bedroom was measured at 101 degrees, with a humidifier working on the maximum setting.

While Taylor was seated in the back of a patrol car, she began making statements, unprompted, saying, 'It was a necessary sacrifice,' and begging to be taken to an 'insane asylum,' according to the report.

When interviewed by the police, Taylors neighbors said they overheard her say: 'I am the son of Jacob. I killed it.'

Taylor's landlord previously told the Las Vegas News-Journal that the woman had been struggling financially and claimed that she had no family to help her.

But relatives from Sacramento, California, have disputed Taylor's claims, telling the paper that she never reached out for help, or told anyone she was experiencing money problems.

Marisa Brown, the paternal grandmother of Taylor's children, said on her sons behalf that Taylor 'had all the help that she needed.'

Police were called to Taylor's rental home in the 10200 block of Missouri Meadows Street in Las Vegas on Monday, when temperatures reached 108 degrees

Brown and Kandra Coleman, the children's aunt, said outside of court last week that Taylor had recently stopped communicating with her many relatives in Las Vegas and Sacramento, including her childrens father.

He would text her and say, You know its Fathers Day. I wanna hear from my kids. I should be able to. They are my children, Coleman said.

Taylor texted back of course, but then the father never heard anything again from his children.

Brown said Taylor also ignored her numerous text messages offering her help.

She never said there was a problem, Coleman said. If her rent needed to be paid, we would have paid it. If we had to come together and just take up a collection from everyone in the family, those babies would have had a roof over their heads regardless. There is no reason that this should happen.

Taylor's landlord told Las Vegas Review-Journal that she heard from neighbors that the young mother was acting erratically two days before police arrived.

She had one of her babies in her arms in that heat with blankets covering her baby  in a fetal position,' recounted the landlord. She got up and started smashing windows of cars around here.'

Neighbors were said to have observed Taylor walking with a bat and smashing a truck's windows with a KitchenAid mixer.

Neighbors reported seeing Taylor smashing parked cars with rocks and muttering, 'I am Jacob. I killed her'

The landlord also revealed that Taylor struggled financially and failed to pay rent in June.

When the owner of the home came by to check on Taylor and her family in the weeks leading up to the tragedy, she said she found the woman in a state of disarray.

Her hair was all a mess, the whole house was a mess, and she was packing. Thats when I said, You know, I think it is not good you are all by yourself with two kids. You should get in touch with your family, and she said, I have no one, said the landlord.

Taylor was booked into the Clark County jail on a charge of open murder and two counts of child abuse.

Taylor is due in court for a preliminary hearing on July 15.
A Welsh clothing brand has been threatened with legal action and told it can't print 'Snowdonia' on any of its designs - because an English company owns the trademark.

Eryri Clothing was sent a 'cease and desist' letter last month from Manchester-based fashion chain JD Williams which owns the likes of Simply Be and Jacamo.

It has seemingly owned the trademark for 'Snowdonia' since 2013 and has now banned the independent company from using the place name - where it is based - on apparel.

The independent brand - which launched in 2019 under the name Snowdonia Eco Friendly Clothing - had the word printed across a dozen different designs.

It attempted to respond to the ban by trademarking the place name of 'Eryri' - the Welsh for Snowdonia - but in contrast was rejected because it's a geographical location.

The company has been forced to shut down during the legal battle.

Welsh clothing brand Eryri Clothing has been threatened with legal action and told it cannot print 'Snowdonia' on any of its designs (left and right) - because an English company owns the trademark

JD Williams - which has recently bagged Amanda Holden and Davina McCall as brand ambassadors - dubs itself the UK's leading direct home shopping company.

In a statement posted online, the owners of Eryri Clothing said: 'To all of our customers and followers,

'Unfortunately we were sent a cease and desist order by Manchester based JD Williams for using the word 'Snowdonia' on our clothing.

'As we do not have the resources to fight one of the biggest law firms in the world. we were forced to sign.

'JD Williams trademarked the name of the mountain range to use on their products sold on Jacamo and SimplyBe.

'Thank you to everyone who supported the brand in our short time!

'Whether you bought something from the store, helped with photography or simply liked our posts, we are super grateful.

'We still love seeing people in the area wearing our shirts and you can consider them vintage contraband now!

'It's goodbye for now but hopefully not forever.'

In a statement posted online, the owners of Eryri Clothing said it was sent a 'cease and desist' letter last month from Manchester-based fashion chain JD Williams which owns the likes of Simply Be and Jacamo

The company later said it was not after 'revenge' but wanted 'fairness and consistency from the IPO'.

They are now continuing to liaise with the IPO and the Welsh government to overturn the decision.

The notice said retailer JD Williams held the trademark for the Snowdonia name on clothing, footwear, and headgear products since having its application approved by the European Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in 2013.

The transformation of rights was automatically transferred to the UK IPO after Brexit.

A spokesman for Eryri Clothing said: 'At this moment in time whilst we are in discussion with the IPO, IP lawyers and The Welsh Government, we are making an effort to keep all of our communications on our social media.

'We've put the facts out there into the public for now.'

JD Williams has been contacted for comment.
A school worker who was filmed allegedly using the N-word twice in front of a shocked black student has been suspended.

Wilmington Academy in Kent is investigating after a pupil recorded the woman allegedly using the racial slur twice on Tuesday.

In clips which were posted on YouTube, the staff member appears to ask: 'Hang on, am I not allowed to use the word n*****?'

The shocked black student replies: 'What?' - causing the white school worker repeats herself before the pupil says: 'No.'

She then allegedly presses: 'Why not?' - before the young girl replies: 'Because it's a disrespectful word to black people.'

In a second clip the same member of staff can be heard repeating the word again.

She allegedly says: 'In the slave time, the slave trade, it's where that word came from yeah. Ne**o, n****r, right?'

A Wilmington Academy spokesperson said: 'Yesterday evening we were made aware of a video circulating on social media that appears to show a member of our support staff at Wilmington Academy using a racially derogatory term during a discussion with a student.

'The member of staff involved has now been suspended pending a full formal investigation into the incident.

A school worker who was filmed allegedly using the N-word in front of a shocked black student twice has been suspended

Wilmington Academy in Kent is investigating after a pupil recorded the woman allegedly using the racial slur twice on Tuesday

'The student in the video will receive any necessary support they require from senior leaders and specialist trained staff.

'Wilmington Academy and Leigh Academies Trust does not tolerate the use of any racially derogatory language by staff or students and treats any such breach extremely seriously.

'As a Trust we serve a diverse community that expects us to uphold the highest standards of equality and inclusion and as such we will be taking proactive steps to prevent any incidents like this occuring in the future.'

The clip has been circulating online, amassing several hundred views so far on YouTube and thousands of likes on Twitter.

In clips which were posted on YouTube, the staff member appears to ask: 'Hang on, am I not allowed to use the word n*****?'

Furious social media users rushed to share their disgust at the racist language.

Jus Tamuno, a former student, wrote: 'I'm embarrassed to say I attended this secondary school.'

Vanessa said: 'She should know better, plus Google is free and she looks way too grown for her not to know that it's not okay to say stuff like that no?'

Wilmington Academy was visited by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson earlier this year as schools reopened.

In a video posted to the Department for Education's Twitter feed, Mr Williamson commends the school's efforts in setting up Covid-19 testing for staff and students.

Christine McInnes, Kent County Council's Director of Education, said: 'Kent County Council is committed to promoting equality and inclusion in the community and particularly in schools.

'We have teams that can offer head teachers and their staff support and advice in this area should they request it.

'We are confident that Wilmington Academy and the Leigh Academies Trust are managing this incident robustly and appropriately and are safeguarding any students and staff affected.'
Daniel Diaz, 39, (pictured) allegedly broke into a family's home in Grayson, California, on Tuesday and masturbated in front of a five-year-old girl

A California father used duct tape to restrain a convicted sex offender who allegedly broke into his family's home and masturbated in front of a five-year-old girl.

The chilling incident unfolded at about 5am Tuesday in Grayson when the girl and her grandmother woke up to find Daniel Diaz, 39, standing outside their bedroom window with his genitals exposed, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office.

'He went and knocked the door, he tried to open the door, peeking through the window, trying to see and he was showing his private parts around the windows,' Ceci Ramirez, the girl's eldest sibling told CBS13 as she translated the events for her mother Martha Zapeda.

Ramirez said Diaz kept repeating: 'I love you,' as he touched himself before the grandmother went to wake the girl's parents.

The break-in was captured on surveillance video from outside the home, which allegedly shows Diaz peering through the window.

The break-in was captured on home surveillance cameras at the family's Stanislaus County residence Tuesday morning

According to the girl's mother, Martha Zapeda, the five-year-old was sleeping with her grandmother when they sensed they were being watched through the bedroom window

After the girl's father warned Diaz to leave, the suspect allegedly took a screen off one of the home's windows and crawled inside the girl's bedroom

When the father warned Diaz to leave, Ramirez said the suspect took a screen off one of the home's windows and crawled inside the girl's bedroom.

'The man turned on the lights and that's when my sister woke up and she got scared,' Ramirez said.

Ramirez's father then tackled the suspect, and restrained him with duct tape as they called 911.

'I was pretty scared because I thought the man would've taken and kidnapped her,' Ramirez said.

'It's really sad that people are outside doing things like that,' Erica, a next-door neighbor, said.

Following the incident, Diaz was arrested on suspicion of home invasion, burglary, child abuse, and peeping and prowling, Stanislaus County Sheriffs Sgt. Luke Schwartz. Pictured is the window Diaz crawled into

Pictured: The window Diaz allegedly climbed through to get into the five-year-old's room

Apart from being frightened, Zapeda said her youngest daughter is doing fine.

Zapeda, on the other hand, is still shaken up.

'I feel like I'm not safe,' she told CBS13.

Zapeda said she's proud of the father for protecting their family.

Following the incident, Diaz was arrested on suspicion of home invasion, burglary, child abuse, peeping and prowling, Stanislaus County Sheriffs Sgt. Luke Schwartz.

He was convicted of breaking into a 64-year-old womans home in Newman in 2009, attempting to rape her the year before.

The victim told the Modesto Bee she was awakened by a man who rubbed her thigh and whispered: "Im Daniel."

Diaz was later arrested on suspicion of felony sexual assault and burglary, Newman Police Chief Adam McGill said.
A woman who was subjected to a string of vile racial slurs in a WhatsApp group following a work row about white privilege has been awarded nearly 25,000.

Muna Abdi, who is of black and Somali origin and wears a headscarf, was subject to 'extreme racism' when her colleagues called her a 'postbox' and 'terrorist' and said she smelled of curry in a WhatsApp group.

The admin worker complained to her employers at Deltec International Courier Ltd, based in Middlesex, but resigned after management failed to deal with the racial abuse.

At a tribunal hearing, Ms Abdi won her claims of unlawful harassment on the grounds of religion, race and sex, and Deltec were ordered to pay her a total sum of 24,945.72 within 13 days.

In August 2018, there was a general office discussion about white privilege and Ms Abdi said it ended with two of her male colleagues, Tyrel Tripp and Oliver Rolls, claiming that most crimes in England were carried out by black people.

Ms Abdi described the 'heated' discussion as 'vile' and said she had countered her colleagues' arguments but they both continued to 'reiterate their position', the Watford tribunal heard.

Muna Abdi, who is of black and Somali origin, was subject to 'extreme racism' when her colleagues at Deltec International Courier Ltd (pictured), Middlesex, called her 'a terrorist'

Tension were already high as Ms Abdi believed she was being underpaid compared to Mr Tripp and Mr Rolls, who both appeared to carry out the same job but were being paid a salary of 20,000.

Her equivalent starting rate was just 7.75 per hour, despite her claims that they both requested to 'copy what she was doing' in the office.

Ms Abdi later used a colleague's login details to log into a computer, in proper course of her duties, and saw a WhatsApp group including the two men, another co-worker Brandon Tripp and her line manager Simon Hocking.

The chat included a string of comments that the tribunal found were 'highly offensive and threatening and includes threats of violence directly personally towards the claimant'.

The vile racial slurs included Tyrel Tripp saying 'f***ing immigrants' and Mr Rolls saying 'smell like f***ing chucked tikka' and 'f***ing c****s, lot of them'.

Other comments from Brandon Tripp read 'Bruv whats her problem, Come we bang her' and 'bruv someone shut this terrorist up before I get vexed, bmt ill rip her head scarf off'.

The conversation, which took place around or after the white privilege discussion, was littered with smiling and laughing emojis as well as emojis of women wearing hijabs, the tribunal was told.

When Ms Abdi went to speak to her line manager Mr Hocking, the tribunal found he did not take the complaints seriously, saying it was a 'he said she said' allegation.

She was moved to a different office following her complaints. Tyrel Tripp and Mr Rolls employment ended as they were on their probationary periods but her manager kept his job.

Deltec CEO Paul Cunningham apologised to Miss Abdi following the abuse and Brandon Tripp was given a final written warning, but the judge criticised the way Mr Cunningham dealt with the matter, claiming it was 'inadequate'.

At a tribunal hearing, Ms Abdi won her claims of unlawful harassment on the grounds of religion, race and sex, and Deltec were ordered to pay her nearly 25,000 (stock image)

At the remedy hearing, Deltec was ordered to pay Ms Abdi a total sum of 24,945.72 within 13 days on the basis of injury to feeling and financial losses.

This broke down to 20,000 for injury to feeling, 3,612.05 for interest on this award, 1,198.16 for financial losses including expenses, and 135.51, for interest on financial losses.

Employment judge Louise Skehan said: 'We find on the balance of probability that the claimant was very upset by the unlawful harassment.

'The claimant was the sole black, hijab-wearing member of staff within the group and the unlawful harassment was felt by the claimant, whether intentional or not, as an expression of hate for her religion, ethnic origin and gender.

'The WhatsApp discussion included in the claimant's immediate line manager.

'Objectively, the unlawful harassment can be seen to be hate-filled and, as it was seen by the claimant, likely to be upsetting.'

The judge added: 'Mr Paul Cunningham (the CEO) describes the conversation as puerile and the participants seem to think they were being amusing, when in fact they were being very offensive.

'The respondent dealt with the grievance in a way whereby the end result was that the claimant had continued interaction with some of those responsible for the unlawful harassment causing further upset.'

Following the abuse, Ms Abdi resigned after Mr Hocking 'kept staring at her' and others kept 'smirking' and she said she has been 'severely affected by the conduct mentally, physically and emotionally'.
Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday announced a new $25 million effort by Democrats to overturn Republican election laws and launch a 'Voter Protection Team' to ensure their supporters make it to the polls.

Her announcement came ahead of a meeting she and President Joe Biden are having at the White House with the heads of civil rights organizations on Thursday afternoon to discuss the issue. Leaders from the NAACP, the National Urban League and the National Action Network, among others, are scheduled to attend.

Voting rights is one of the many hot topics the president has put on Harris' plate, including dealing with root causes of migration and pushing people to get their COVID vaccines, as her office deals with reports of in-fighting and staff squabbling.

Harris announced the expansion of the Democratic National Committee's 'I Will Vote' initiative in a speech at her Howard University, her alma mater.

'This is the fight of our lifetime,' she said.

The initiative, which the DNC said will 'fight back against Republicans' unprecedented voter suppression efforts,' includes more money to get voters registered, launching a 'Voter Protection team' to Republican-controlled states who have passed restrictive voting laws, and creating a tech team to hunt down eligible voters who have been purged from voter rolls.

'We are going to assemble the largest voter protection team we have ever had to ensure that all Americans can vote and have your vote counted in a fair and transparent process,' Harris noted.

'This is not about Democrats or Republicans, it's about Americans,' she added.

Additionally, in an effort to reach new and younger voters, and diverse constituencies, the DNC will partner with social media creators on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to tout Biden's presidency and promote Democratic candidates.

The focus on voter rights comes ahead of the 2022 midterms and after several states have passed more restrictive voting rights laws. Many of those laws were passed in the wake of Donald Trump's false claims he won the election and was the victim of voter fraud.

Harris slammed the laws, saying they 'make it harder for you to vote, so that you don't vote.'

'These laws, create obstacle, upon obstacle,' she noted.

The DNC also criticized the laws, calling them 'the most egregious attacks on voters and voting rights in decades.'

Between January 1 and May 14, 2021, at least 14 states enacted 22 new laws that restrict access to the vote, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, which tracks voter right issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new $25 million effort by Democrats to overturn Republican election laws and launch a 'Voter Protection Team'

Democrats' new initiative includes launching a 'Voter Protection team' and a tech team to hunt down eligible voters who have been purged from voter rolls

The White House is pushing voter rights after criticism from some of their biggest voting blocs that they are not doing enough on the issue. Senate Republicans last month blocked national voting rights legislation.

President Joe Biden, meanwhile, will deliver a major speech on the issue, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday, although she declined to provide specific details on when that would take place.

'The president felt it was important to meet directly with civil rights leaders and talk to them about how we can work together to continue to push for federal legislation, continue to use every lever in the federal government to make voting more accessible across the country,' Psaki said ahead of the White House meeting.

'Certainly he conveyed he wants to speak to the country about voting rights and how he's going to address it moving forward. I don't have any scheduling updates for you today but he certainly plans to  continues to plan to do that,' she added.
A wealthy investment boss who hands out cash to the homeless in New York is facing arrest after he failed to show up in court for assaulting a police officer.

US citizen Roble Regal, 28, was arrested for threatening behaviour on Bread Street, near St Paul's Cathedral, on October 16 last year.

The Regal Investments chief executive then assaulted a police officer at Bishopsgate Police Station in the City of London.

Regal, who can be seen posing beside a private jet and Rolls Royce on his Twitter account, was due to be sentenced for assault but failed to attend Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The company boss had failed to attend a previous hearing at the same court because he was self-isolating after attending a business meeting in Geneva.

US citizen Roble Regal, 28, was arrested for threatening behaviour on Bread Street, near St Paul's Cathedral, on October 16 last year. Regal had posted a video on YouTube of himself handing out cash to the homeless

The Regal Investments chief executive then assaulted a police officer at Bishopsgate Police Station in the City of London

The multi-millionaire dialled in to to the court in March via video-link and admitted threatening behaviour and assaulting an emergency worker - a police officer named 'PC Hook'.

According to one of his press releases Regal has an 'exceptional gift' for trading financial securities. He comes from a family of Somali immigrants who fled the war torn country and settled in Toronto.

The press release which includes a YouTube link video to his philanthropic gesture says: 'The multi-millionaire investment firm manager has been suiting up as an average Joe and taking to the streets of New York City to 'bless' (his words) society's downtrodden.

'Disguised as a pizza deliveryman or garbage man, Roble Regal has personally handed out cash to New York City's homeless.'

Regal, who turned 28 today is facing arrest after District Judge John Zani said: 'Following Mr Regal's failure to appear at this court I issue a warrant for his arrest.'
President Joe Biden on Thursday said the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will end on Aug. 31, saying 'speed is safety' as he moved up his original deadline of leaving by the anniversary of 9/11 despite the growing threat of civil war.

The Taliban have made rapid advances since his April announcement that American troops would leave, but Biden insisted it was up to the Afghan people alone to decide how to run their country.

'I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan, with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome,' he said.

The White House has been under intense pressure to explain its rationale for rushing out of Afghanistan after it emerged that U.S. forces had slipped away from Bagram in the dead of night, effectively ending the combat mission without telling the local Afghan commander.

President Biden delivered an update on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan on Thursday, saying the mission would end by Aug. 31. He had previously set a deadline of 9/11 but said 'speed is safety'

A smoke plume rises from houses amid ongoing fight between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in the western city of Qala-i- Naw. Afghan troops are trying to prevent the Taliban seizing their first provincial capital

Afghan commandos gather in Kunduz, Afghanistan. Biden said it was now up to the people of Afghanistan to decide how to run their country

Meanwhile the Talban have made rapid advances. A tally maintained by the Long War Journal indicates the Taliban have seized 120 districts since May 1.

The result has been a president peppered with questions about what comes next in the country every time he makes a public appearance.

On Thursday, he offered an impassioned defense of his approach, playing down security fears and quietly abandoning the 9/11 target - a date which many analysts suggested could be used for propaganda purposes by the Taliban and other extremists.

'Our military mission Afghanistan will conclude on August 31. The drawdown is proceeding in a secure and orderly way prioritising the safety of our troops as they depart,' he said.

A question about whether a Taliban takeover was inevitable received a sharp response.

'No it is not because you have the Afghan troops at 300,000, well equipped - as well as any army in the world - and an air force against something like 75,000 Taliban,' he said.

'It is not inevitable.'

The remarks addressed a number of key questions, according to Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security and a member of the Trump-era National Security Council, such as promising to continue financial support for Kabul and streamlining the special immigrant visa process.

But others remain unanswered, she said, including whether the U.S. would provide air support to the Afghan armed forces.

And changing the date of the end of the military mission was a welcome move.

Relatives of Afghan Army soldiers, trapped by fighting in Herat province, demonstrated recently to demand that the government rescue their loved ones. Fighting is raging throughout the country after Biden announced the U.S. withdrawal

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

The Taliban on Wednesday launched their first assault on Qala-i-Naw, a provincial capital in Afghanistan

'The Taliban have already painted the U.S. withdrawal as a victory for jihadism and by having the end date be 9/11 it only fuelled that narrative of a victory for global jihadism,' said Curtis, who is also on the Vandenberg Coalition Advisory board.

'It was never clear why Biden picked that date.

'I think it was ill-advised and demonstrated a lack of appreciation for how extremists and terrorists view our pull-out.'

Washington agreed to leave as part of a deal with the Taliban made by the Trump administration last year.

Military leaders wanted to leave a larger presence in the country but Biden announced in April that he wanted all U.S. troops out by Sept. 11.

In 30 minutes of comments on Thursday, Biden repeated his justification for the withdrawal - saying the U.S. had met its aims of delivering justice to Osama bin Laden for the 9/11 attacks and making sure Afghanistan did not pose a threat.

'We achieved those objectives, that's why we went,' he said.

'We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build. And it's the right and the responsibility of the Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run their country.'

He also offered more details on plans to move Afghan translators to third countries as they await applications to travel to the U.S. and snapped back at a reporter who asked whether or not he trusted the Taliban.

'It's a silly question,' he said.

'Do I trust the Taliban? No, but I trust the capacity of the Afghan military, who are better trained, better equipped, and more competent in terms of conducting war.'

Critics once again said he had erred in setting a date for the military operation to end.

Sen. Lindsey Graham issued a series of tweets saying the decision would be Biden's biggest mistake yet.

'Unfortunately for us, al-Qaeda and ISIS dont have deadlines when it comes to attacking American interests,' he said.

Critics such as Sen. Lindsey Graham said Biden had blundered into his biggest mistake yet by setting a public deadline for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan

The comments came as media reported that the Taliban had seized a key border crossing with Iran at Islam Qala in western Herat province, a major transit route.

Afghan government forces were battling to stop the Taliban taking their first provincial capital Qala-i-Naw, in northwestern Baghdis province.

And militants have exhibited weapons captured from Afghan forces to international journalists as they try to demonstrate their growing power.

The U.K.'s Sky News were shown a haul of 900 guns, 70 sniper rifles, 30 light tactical vehicles and 20 pickup trucks at a military base in Wardak province captured from Afghan forces.

Many were in crates labelled 'property of USA government' and were supplied to Afghan government troops.

Afghan troops around the country have been filmed laying down their arms to the Taliban and reports suggest they have deserted in vast numbers, with more than 20,000 fleeing across the border into Tajikistan.

The result is a growing sense of doom among Afghans and U.S. allies.

General Sir Nick Carter, head of the U.K.'s armed forces said the situation was 'grim' with half the country's rural districts now controlled by the Taliban.

An Afghan National Army soldier stands guard at a checkpoint near Bagram U.S. air base, on the day the last of American troops vacated it

The last U.S. troops slipped out of Bagram air base during the night ending almost 20 years of the American war in Afghanistan. The local Afghan commander said he was not even informed of the departure

He said he did not believe the Taliban were strong enough to take complete control but acknowledged the danger of 'state collapse.'

'That's where you would see a culture of warlordism, and you might see some of the important institutions, like the security forces, fracturing along ethnic, or for that matter tribal, lines,' he said.

Carter briefed journalists after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said almost all British troops had left.

For now, Washington plans to leave 650 troops in the country to provide security for the U.S. embassy.

Shortly before Biden spoke, the White House admitted it was leaving without a win.

'We're not going to have a mission accomplished moment in this regard,' said Jen Psaki, President Biden's press secretary.

'It's a 20-year war that has not been won militarily.'

The issue has dominated Biden's recent public appearances, with journalists shouting questions about the Taliban advances and the U.S. withdrawal.

On Friday, an appearance to talk about COVID-19 and the Fourth of July holiday ended with journalists questioning him about the future stability of the Afghan government.

'Look, we were in that war for 20 years. Twenty years,' he said, before saying that the Afghans were going to have to take care of things themselves.

He brushed off follow-up questions by saying: 'I want to talk about happy things.'

He previously justified the withdrawal by saying the country no longer represents a threat to the U.S. people.

'It is not in Americas interest for the Taliban to take over Afghanistan. If the Taliban takes over part of Afghanistan, I fear that al Qaeda and ISIS will reemerge, and we will be paving a way for another 9/11,' said Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, on Tuesday.
Justin Cavallo, 26, (pictured) struck and killed two Notre Dame University students in a drunk driving accident last year but was sentenced to only 60 days in jail on Thursday

The man who struck and killed two Notre Dame University students in a drunk driving accident last year will spend only a month in jail after prosecutors declined to charge him with the deaths.

Justin Cavallo, 26, was sentenced to 30 in jail and 30 days suspended - and 335 days of probation, a 60-day driver's license suspension and a $500 fine - on Thursday after pleading guilty two two misdemeanor charges for drunk driving.

Cavallo hit and killed Olivia Rojas and Valeria Espinel and seriously injured Eduardo Jose Elias Calderon before crashing into a nearby house in South Bend, Indiana, last October.

Espinel and Rojas were freshman students at at Notre Dame University and Calderon is a sophomore.

The victims' loved ones expressed outrage at the lenient sentence and have demanded that Cavallo face more serious charges in the crash.

Cavallo hit and killed Olivia Rojas (left) and Valeria Espinel (right) before crashing into a nearby house in South Bend, Indiana, last October

The victims' loved ones expressed outrage at the lenient sentence and have demanded that Cavallo face more serious charges in the crash that killed Rojas (left) and Espinel (right)

A fatal crash team report listed 'pedestrian actions' and 'alcoholic beverages' as contributing factors to the crash and listed 'pedestrians action' as the primary cause of the collision, the South Bend Tribune reported.

Court documents say Cavallo told investigators he was driving 30 mph at the time of the crash and admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages and blood test revealed his his blood alcohol content was 0.13.

An accident report said after the initial crash, a second vehicle hit Espinel while she was lying in the street.

The driver of the second vehicle, who has not been charged, told investigators she didnt see Espinel lying in the street until moments before she hit the student, the Tribune reported.

Cavallo, who awaited officers at the scene, was never arrested and appeared in court by way of a misdemeanor summons.

Tim Spencer, commander of the St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team (FACT), told the Tribune that Cavallo was not charged with anything pertaining to the crash itself because there was no proof that he actually caused the crash.

The South Bend intersection where Notre Dame students Rojas and Espinel were killed

Rojas' childhood friend created an online petition 'called Justice for Olivia Rojas and Valeria Espinel: Arrest Justin Cavallo' that has garnered over 20,000 signatures

'We need to prove that the driver actually caused the crash,' Spencer said. 'Ultimately those charges were not filed. Cavallo was just charged with simply operating while intoxicated, nothing pertaining to the crash itself.'

Rojas' childhood friend Natalie Hodnett created an online petition called 'Justice for Olivia Rojas and Valeria Espinel: Arrest Justin Cavallo' that has garnered over 20,000 signatures.

The petition is advocating that Cavallo be charged in the connection to the accident.

'Cavallo was only charged with two misdemeanors: operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration above 0.08 and operating a vehicle while intoxicated,' the petition said.

'He was not charged with anything pertaining to the crash itself because according to Tim Spencer, commander of the St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team, there is no proof that Cavallo actually caused the crash.'

'The facts are that Justin Cavallo made the decision to drive under the influence and two nineteen year old girls were run over and killed,' the petition added. 'We demand that he gets charged appropriately.'

Hodnett told the Tribune she created the petition in the hopes of deterring potential drunken drivers while advocating for more serious consequences for Cavallo.

'If they have heard of this story and see that somebody could kill two people and only get away with two misdemeanors, not even pertaining to death, they might not think that it's such a big deal, and I really want to prevent this from happening again,' Hodnett said.
A two-year-old girl was killed in the arms of her stepfather during a failed mugging attempt inside a bus terminal in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco.

Little Lorena dos Santos was with Jefferson Tavares, 34, when a gunman approached the pair and tried to rob them Wednesday at the bus station in the Pernambuco city of Recife.

Brazilian online news portal G1 reported that dos Santos was sitting on her stepfather's lap and tried to run from the gunman, who shot the pair and immediately fled.

Dos Santos was struck in the head and abdomen, and was rushed to a hospital in the Recife neighborhood of Caxanga, where she died from her injuries.

Little Lorena dos Santos (left) was with her stepdad Jefferson Tavares, 34, (right) when a gunman approached the pair and tried to rob them Wednesday at the bus station in the Pernambuco city of Recife

Tavares suffered four gunshot wounds to the arm, hand and abdomen, and was treated at Restauracao Hospital. He was discharged Thursday morning.

'I had stopped at an animal stand to play. (Tavares) kept walking with my little girl, but she asked for his arm,' grieving mother Sonora dos Santos recalled.

'She called him father. He had a great love for my daughter. He put her in the arm and kept walking.'

Investigators told TV Globo that they were looking into whether the shooting was sparked due to a dispute between Tavares and the shooter.

Authorities are investigating whether the shooter and Jefferson Tavares had a previous history

Grieving mother Sonora dos Santos said she is not aware that her husband had any problems that would have made him the target of the shooter who attempted to mug him before her daughter was shot and killed

However, dos Santos said she did not know of if Tavares had any problems that may have contributed to the deadly shooting at the bus terminal.

'There was no threat, no, because I always used his cell phone, he left it without a password and there was nothing,' dos Santos said. 'He came home from work and (would go) for a walk with her.'

Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, has been plagued by a series of shootings over the last eight days in which a three-year-old girl suffered two gunshot wounds and two children were nearly struck.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a colleague 'crazies' had taken over as Donald Trump pursued election fraud claims in his final weeks in office, a report on Thursday claimed.

'The crazies have taken over,' Pompeo warned a colleague amid fears that foreign adversaries he spent his time contending with as the nation's top diplomat might exploit the volatile situation.

Pompeo also shared concerns that Trump might even be willing to take part in an international conflict as part of a ploy to remain in office, according to the new book Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost,' by Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender.

'The crazies have taken over,' former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a colleague amid election overturn efforts in the last days of the Trump Administration

The reported comments came during Trump's tense final weeks in office, while Trump and his allies were putting forward repeated claims of election fraud, while allies including Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, attorney Sidney Powell, and lawyer Lin Wood were filing 'Kraken' lawsuits asking courts to cast aside votes for Joe Biden.

According to the book, Pompeo organized daily calls with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

But other reporting since Biden took office has revealed Meadows' own efforts to contact state election officials seeking to get them to hear Trump's claims of fraud.

Pompeo served as Secretary of State and director of the CIA

Former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani, a lawyer for President Donald Trump, speaks during a news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters, Thursday Nov. 19, 2020, in Washington during a press conference where they claimed election fraud

Trump consulted with a circle of loyalists including MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in the last days of his administration

Laywer Lin Wood pushed election fraud claims in Georgia

Pompeo organized daily calls with General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and White House chief of staff Mark Milley, according to the book

And Pompeo himself, days after the election, called for a 'smooth transition to a second Trump administration.' Pompeo, who also served as CIA director under Trump, delivered the line with a grin even after returns showed Biden had won, as electoral votes certified by states also showed.

Days before Trump was to leave office without conceding, European officials snubbed Pompeo, who was forced to cancel his final trip to the continent following the Jan. 6th Capitol riot. Pompeo is considered a potential 2024 candidate for president.

The book also details Trump's growing dissatisfaction with Attorney General Bill Barr, who despite himself earlier raising doubts about mail-in ballots became convinced there had been no widespread fraud that would change the results -- infuriating Trump.

Trump secretly offered Barr's job to loyalist Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe in mid-November, according to the book.

Ratcliffe would have been 'expected to refute' briefings he provided assessing no foreign powers hacked into voting machines, a theory some Trump allies were pushing, and turned down the offer, according to the book.

Trump was making personnel moves inside the Pentagon, he and Meadows were reaching out to state and local election officials overseeing vote counts, and according to the book Trump was personally phoning prosecutors urging them to focus on election fraud claims.
The Egyptian national who authorities said pulled a gun on a Boston rabbi and stabbed him eight times outside a Jewish school last week on Thursday was charged with hate crimes, after prosecutors claimed the suspect referred to all Jews as 'stingy and evil.'

Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Margaret Hegarty said during a hearing in Brighton Municipal Court that Khaled Awad arrived in the US from the Middle East with strong religious views and opinions' against Jews, Christians and the American culture.

The prosecutor quoted Awad as telling a witness: 'all Jews are stingy and evil.'

Khaled Awad (left) appears in Brighton District Court in Boston Thursday to be charged with hate crime offenses for allegedly stabbing Rabbi Shlomo Noginski eight times (right)

Prosecutors said Awad came to the US from Egypt with biased views toward Jews, Christians and the American culture

Awad was quoted as telling a witness: 'all Jews are evil and stingy'

Awad, 24, has already pleaded not guilty to counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a police officer in connection with the July 1 stabbing of Rabbi Shlomo Noginski outside a Jewish day school and synagogue.

On Thursday, the office of Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Collins charged Awad with civil rights violation causing injury and bodily injury and intimidation.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Collins, pictured in court during Thursday's hearing, said she believes the attack was 'rooted in antisemitism'

According to prosecutors, people who knew Awad said he harbored biased views toward various racial groups, including whites and blacks, but he was 'especially harsh on Jews.'

Awad, who was previously described by his former roommate as a violent anti-Semite, did not tolerate having his views challenged and would grow angry, according to officials.

Hegarty said Awad was seen acting suspiciously near the Shaloh House the day before the attack, when he first demanded Noginskis car keys, Hegarty said. In addition, Noginski was wearing a yarmulke and Awad had to walk past a Menorah, suggesting that he targeted Jews, the prosecutor argued.

'We believe this was rooted in antisemitism,' Rollins said outside court.

Awads court-appointed attorney, Stephen Weymouth, requested a competency evaluation. A court clinician told the judge that Awad has been diagnosed as bipolar and has not been taking his medications while in Massachusetts.

The violent attack took place near Shaloh House, a Jewish day school and synagogue in Boston

Noginski was wearing a yarmulke and exiting the Jewish school when he was attacked by Awad, according to police

Awad has already pleaded not guilty to assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a police officer

It was also revealed that Awad was found unfit to stand in Florida last year and instead was sent to a mental health facility after being arrested on battery and theft charges.

'Competency could be an issue,' Weymouth said in court. He also dismissed the idea that the stabbing was a hate crime, and said it was more likely a 'crime of opportunity' in an effort to steal a vehicle.

Awad was ordered to undergo further psychiatric evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.

A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday was postponed until July 29, after the second evaluation.

Noginski, an Israeli citizen with 12 children, was released from the hospital the day after the stabbing, which has left him with multiple stitches.

Noginski called his survival a 'miracle' and said he was saved by God

Speaking in Hebrew through a translator in a video obtained by NBC 10 Boston, Noginski credited God - and his being a black belt in judo - with his survival.

'A great miracle has just happened to me. God saved me,' Noginski said. 'I am feeling relatively well, although still in pain. Yes, I am in pain, but it could have been so much worse.'

Noginski said his martial arts training allowed him to divert the assailant's attention away from the school and children.

Awad approached the rabbi with a gun and a knife while he was talking on the phone, sitting on the steps of the school where more than 100 children were attending summer camp, according to prosecutors and Rabbi Dan Rodkin, executive director of Shaloh House. The suspect allegedly demanded the rabbis car keys, and Noginski ran across the street to a park where he was stabbed eight times.

According to the court documents, when police located Awad, he pointed what appeared to be a firearm at them. Three officers drew their firearms and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon multiple times, authorities said. The suspect then lowered his weapon and threw it to the ground.

Steve Sass and Zoe Golub-Sass attend a unity rally on July 2 in Boston's Brighton neighborhood, near the site of the stabbing attack in broad daylight on Rabbi Noginski

Awad kicked one of the officers in the stomach as he was being assisted into a transport vehicle for booking, police said.

Noginski is an Israeli citizen who came to the Boston area as an emissary to spread the Chabad message, Consul General of Israel to New England Meron Reuben told the Boston Herald.

One of Awad's former friends at the University of South Florida, Eric Valiente, told CBS Boston that Awad was 'violent' and 'anti-Semitic.'

'He started becoming violent,' Valiente said. 'He was very much anti-Semitic. He would say like all types of Jewish jokes. I thought he was joking at first and then I started to see seriousness in his comments.'

Aidan Anderson, a former roommate of Awad's who is Jewish, also told CBS News that he ended up moving out and had to obtain a restraining order last fall when Awad attacked him in their shared kitchen.
Marjorie Taylor Greene compared the police killings of George Floyd and Ashli Babbitt on Wednesday and said she's treated like a 'Nazi' on social media.

'If this country can demand justice for someone like George Floyd, then we can certainly demand justice for Ashli Babbitt and everyone deserves to know who killed her,' Greene told Newsmax in an interview Wednesday.

She demanded: 'We need to know who it is.'

Babbitt was a military veteran who Greene described as 'a passionate patriot,' while she said Floyd was a black man with a criminal record.

Floyd was killed by former police officer Derek Chauvin, who was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison last month after he was found guilty of murder for holding his knee on Chauvin's neck during an arrest.

Babbitt was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer during the January 6 Capitol attack as she joined a group of rioters trying to breach a congressional chamber. The identity of the officer who shot her has still not been released.

Greene also claimed during the interview Wednesday she is treated like a Nazi  even though it was the Georgia congresswoman who compared President Joe Biden's coronavirus-related policies to the Holocaust and 'brown shirts.'

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (center) on Wednesday compared the police-killings of Ashli Babbitt (right) and George Floyd (not pictured). She also said conservatives are treated like Nazis on social media

'Not only are we banned or suspended or completely kicked off and never allowed back on for speaking our political beliefs and speaking our minds, but we are treated as if we're second-class citizens for holding these opinions,' Greene said of social media platforms' bias against conservative voices.

George Floyd (pictured) was killed May 25, 2020 at the hands of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin and Babbitt was shot by a Capitol Police officer during the January 6 attack

She told right-leaning network Newsmax: 'For the past four to five years we have heard the media slander us as Nazis, fascists, deplorables, Neanderthals and all kinds of nasty names.'

Greene's comments came the same day former President Donald Trump launched a class action lawsuit against Facebook and Twitter after they deplatformed him in the aftermath of the Capitol riot.

The conservative representative has made a few off comments inflating mask policies and Biden's door-knocking vaccine campaign to the Holocaust and Nazi Germany.

'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 of Biden's 'targeted' campaign.

'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.'

Despite claiming she's called a Nazi, Greene likened the Biden administration's coroanvirus policies to Nazi Germany. She said Tuesday Biden is 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: 'I will tell you we don't take any of our health and medical advice from Marjorie Taylor Greene'

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.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband Paul made moves on the stock market that suggest the House's trust-busting attempt won't hurt tech giants Amazon, Apple and Alphabet, the parent company of Google.

Bloomberg News reported that Paul Pelosi exercised call options to acquire 4,000 shares of Alphabet stock, at a strike price of $1,200. That made him a $4.8 million gain, which has grown to $5.3 million since.

On May 21, Paul Pelosi also bought 20 call options for Amazon, with a strike price of $3,000, as well as 50 call options of Apple stock, with a strike price of $100. Both expire in June 2022.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (right) husband Paul Pelosi (left) made moves on the stock market this spring that suggest the House's attempt to break up 'Big Tech' won't hurt giants including Apple, Google and Amazon

Paul Pelosi (left) exercised call options to acquire 4,000 shares of Alphabet stock, at a strike price of $1,200. That made him a $4.8 million gain, which has grown to $5.3 million since

The House speaker noted the moves on disclosures filed July 2, Bloomberg said.

House members must file disclosure reports about stock transactions within 30 days of when a lawmaker is made aware of the transaction or no more than 45 days after the transaction took place, the House rules say.

'The speaker has no involvement or prior knowledge of these transactions,' her spokesman Drew Hammill told Bloomberg Wednesday, adding that the California Democrat doesn't personally own stock.

Paul Pelosi's bets on so-called 'Big Tech,' came as the House was moving ahead on legislation to break the companies up.

Last month, the House Judiciary Committee approved the six antitrust bills.

It's unclear when the bills will come to the House floor for a vote - and if they'll remain in their current form.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated that she supported the six antitrust bills that passed the House Judiciary Committee that aim to break up so-called 'Big Tech'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (left) and her husband Paul Pelosi (right) pose together on Capitol Hill on January 3, 2019, the first day of the last new Congress. Paul Pelosi's stock transactions are not suspected of violating the STOCK Act

Despite the bills having bipartisan support, they're also not likely to be able to attract 10 Senate Republicans in order to override a GOP filibuster threat.

Paul Pelosi's transactions are not suspected of violating the STOCK Act, which makes it illegal for lawmakers and Capitol Hill staff to engage in insider trading.

The Speaker is on-record supporting plans to break up big tech companies.

'There has been concern on both sides of the aisle about the consolidation of power of the tech companies, and this legislation is an attempt to address that,' Pelosi said at a press conference late last month, as the House Judiciary Committee was moving the legislation.

'We are not going to ignore the consolidation that has happened and the concern that exists on both sides of the aisle,' Pelosi said.
The US says there is an 'increased potential' for nuclear conflict with the country's main enemies because they are stockpiling nuclear weapons.

Russia and China have been modernizing and expanding their respective arsenals over the last decade, according to a recently disclosed 2020 report from the Pentagon on nuclear operations.

And North Korea has accelerated testing of missiles capable of reaching America's homeland, and Iran has the technology to create a nuclear weapon within a year of deciding to do so.

It says the US has tried to negotiate reductions in nuclear weapons capabilities since since 2010, but 'no potential adversary has reduced either the role of nuclear weapons in its national security strategy or the number of nuclear weapons it fields.'

'Rather, they have moved decidedly in the opposite direction,' according to the report, which was released on Tuesday and specifically mentions Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

'As a result, there is an increased potential for regional conflicts involving nuclear-armed adversaries in several parts of the world and the potential for adversary nuclear escalation in crisis or conflict.'

The U.S. Air Force has released a new visualization of the secretive B-21 Raider stealth bomber Tuesday. This is only the third artist's graphic of the aircraft designed to perform long range conventional and nuclear missions

A Russian Yars carrying an intercontinental nuclear missile system drives during the Victory Day Parade in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, June 24, 2020

A Dongfeng-41 intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles group formation marches to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on October 1, 2019

Russia and China are the most serious threats to the United States because of the technology and arsenals they already possess.

In 2019, Russia and the US withdrew from their 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which required the US and Soviet Union to eliminate all of their nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers.

The two counties extended the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty for five years in 2021.

The agreement - dubbed the New START - enhances U.S. national security by placing verifiable limits on all Russian deployed intercontinental-range nuclear weapons.

Russia, which considers the US and NATO 'principal threats to its contemporary geopolitical ambitions,' modernized its Soviet warhead delivery capabilities, is employing new nuclear warheads and launchers, and developing three new intercontinental-range nuclear weapon systems.

The weapon systems include high-tech planes, ground-launched cruise missiles and underwater autonomous torpedoes.

A Tu-22M3 bomber of the Russian air force capable of carrying nuclear warheads takes off from the Hemeimeem air base in Syria

A Borei-class nuclear-powered submarine launches an RSM-56 Bulava ballistic nuclear missile in the Barents Sea

China has increased its number and capabilities of nuclear weapons, including its 'most advanced' submarine-launched missiles.

China is also developing a bomber, which would allow China to fire weapons by land, sea and air.

North Korea has 'accelerated' its pursuit of nuclear weapons and dramatically increased its missile flight testing, most recently including the testing of intercontinental-range missiles capable of reaching the US homeland, according to the US report.

'North Korea's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities poses the most immediate and dire proliferation threat to international security and stability.'

Iran has the technology and capacity to develop a nuclear weapon within a year of when it decides to do so, the Pentagon report says.

Iran's 'aggressive strategy and activities to destabilize neighboring governments, raises questions about its long-term commitment to forgoing nuclear weapons capability.'

A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows a new type of submarine-launched nuclear ballistic missiles

In this Oct. 2, 2019, file photo provided by the North Korean government, an underwater-launched missile lifts off in the waters off North Korea's eastern coastal town of Wonsan

China has released rare footage of its nuclear-capable, hypersonic missile DF-26 being launched during a military exercise in 2018

In this March 21, 2020, photo provided by the North Korean government shows a rocket launch at an undisclosed location in North Korea

Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard conducted a drill on January 16 launching anti-warship ballistic missiles at a simulated target in the Indian Ocean. Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons but the 2020 report says the Pentagon believe it can create one in a year if it chooses to do so

Meanwhile, the 2020 report says the US's nuclear weapons program is a deterrent and only to be used in 'extreme circumstances' to defend the country or its allies against attacks on civilians or major infrastructure.

The 2020 update softened its language and removed mentions of using nuclear weapons to 'prevail in conflict.'

For example, the 2019 report says, 'Using nuclear weapons could create conditions for decisive results and the restoration of strategic stability. Specifically, the use of a nuclear weapon will fundamentally change the scope of a battle and create conditions that affect how commanders will prevail in conflict.'

The updated 2020 version says, 'Flexible and limited US nuclear response options can play an important role in restoring deterrence following limited adversary nuclear escalation. Limited nuclear use will create conditions that affect how commanders conduct operations.'
Theresa Balboa has been charged with capital murder just over a month after police found the decomposing body of her boyfriend's five-year-son in the trashcan of her motel room.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office had initially charged the 29-year-old with tampering with evidence after Samuel Olson's body was found in her Best Western motel room, in Jasper, Texas, on June 1. The autopsy report found Samuel died from 'homicidal violence with blunt head trauma.'

On Thursday, Balboa, who has been in custody since her June 1 arrest, was charged in Harris County with capital murder of a child under 10, according to court records.

The charges came after investigators recovered an unspecified weapon that suspected had been used to kill Olson.

The remains of the little boy are thought to have been kept hidden for around two weeks after he died, including in a bathtub, before Balboa reported him missing.

She was arrested after a tip-off to cops when she was allegedly seen carrying a foul-smelling plastic bin containing the child's corpse into the room.

Theresa Balboa has been charged with capital murder just over a month after police found the decomposing body of her boyfriend's five-year-son in the trashcan of her motel room

The autopsy report found Samuel Olson (above) died from 'homicidal violence with blunt head trauma on May 12

Samuel had been living with Balboa since April 30 - the last day he attended school.

According to the court documents, Balboa killed Samuel on May 12, then reported him missing more than two weeks later on May 27. Samuel would have turned six on May 29.

Balboa's roommate, Benjamin Rivera, and friend Dylan Walker, have also been charged with evidence tampering counts in relation to the boy's death.

Samuel was last seen alive by his paternal grandmother, Tonya Olson, who says she spent the weekend with him on May 8, and was reported missing by Balboa on May 27.

According to court documents submitted on June 3, Balboa allegedly told Rivera, that Samuel was dead two weeks before she reported him missing, according to ABC13.

Rivera reportedly told police says that upon returning to their apartment from work, he found the boy on the bed, bruised and unresponsive.

Balboa and Rivera then allegedly moved the body to their bathtub, where they left it for two days.

Cops say Balboa killed Samuel then held onto his body for more than two weeks, driving it across Texas to Jasper

Sarah Olson Samuel's birth mother is pictured with him left and Samuel is pictured right. Balboa is believed to have kept his body hidden for two weeks including in a bathtub in her apartment

On May 13, Rivera says he purchased duct tape and a plastic bin from Walmart. He then wrapped up the boy and placed him in the bin before he and Balboa moved him to a storage facility in Webster, Texas, according to court documents.

Police were led to Balboa after she reportedly called Walker, on May 17, and asked him to pick her up at a Walmart parking lot in Cleveland, and the two drove nearly 70 miles south to retrieve the bin at the storage facility.

They then reportedly drove another 160 miles northeast to the Best Western in Jasper.

Meanwhile, it emerged early on into the investigation that Balboa previously lost custody over her two young daughters in 2019 over claims she was a bad mom.

Court records obtained by Click2Houston revealed that the girls - now aged six and eight - were removed from their mom's care after she failed to show up to court for a custody hearing.

Balboa remains behind bars on a $600,000 bond as she awaits her next court appearance, which is already scheduled for next Monday.

Balboa's roommate, Benjamin Rivera, and friend Dylan Walker, (right) have also been charged with evidence tampering counts in relation to the boy's death

Prosecutors said Balboa was on her way to Louisiana when she was arrested in Jasper.

Balboa's next-door neighbor Tiffany Schultz, 25, has told police she heard loud scratches from the apartment a day after the boy is believed to have died.

Schultz, 25, along with her fiance and newborn son had moved into their new apartment in Webster on May 11 - the day after next-door neighbor Balboa allegedly told her roommate that Samuel Olson, 5, had died, according to court documents.

'The second day we were here, it was probably about 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning, we heard loud scratching noises, really, really loud,' she told The Sun. 'It lasted for a good ten or fifteen minutes.'

Her fiance, she said, started banging on the wall to make the noises stop.

'I've heard loud scratching from animals before and it wasn't that, I don't believe they had animals,' Schultz recalled. 'We didn't hear any other noises, it was strange.'
A new public school policy in Chicago will require schools to make condoms available to kids as young as 10 years old, sparking backlash from parents and religious figures.

The new policy was passed back in December 2020, but wasn't able to be fully implemented until schools reopen fully next month due to the pandemic.

One tenet of the policy states: 'Schools that teach grade 5th and up must maintain a condom availability program.'

'CPS provides guidance regarding the notification to parents and access to condoms by approved school representatives. Condoms are provided at no cost by the Chicago Department of Public Health in an ongoing effort to mitigate the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, and unintended pregnancy among CPS students,' the policy reads.

A similar part of the policy makes female menstrual hygiene products available for free as well.

A new public school policy in Chicago will require schools to make condoms available to kids as young as 10 years old (stock pictured)

There are over 600 schools in the Chicago Public Schools system, most of which have grade levels of fifth or higher

'All schools shall make menstrual hygiene products available, at no cost to students, in at least one bathroom in the school building,' the policy reads.

There are over 600 schools in the Chicago Public Schools system, most of which have grade levels of fifth or higher.

Previously, principals were the main arbiters in deciding how sex education and resources were dealt with in their individual schools.

Elementary schools will receive 250 condoms initially from the Chicago Department of Public Health, while high schools will receive 1,000.

When they run out, principals will be tasked with asking for more from CPS and the CDPH.

'Young people have the right to accurate and clear information to make healthy decisions,' CPS top doctor, Kenneth Fox, said in a recent interview, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

'And they need access to resources to protect their health and the health of others as they act on those decisions,' Fox continued.

The 'Condom Availability Program' policy that was approved in December 2020

Elementary schools will receive 250 condoms initially from the Chicago Department of Public Health, while high schools will receive 1,000 (stock pictured)

Fox will provide a letter to schools for parents about the policy, which dictates that the condoms be left in easily accessible, yet private locations.

'Essentially what we want to do is make condoms available to students for if and when they think they need them,' Fox said.

'When you dont have those protections and dont make those resources available then bad stuff happens to young people. You have elevated risks of sexually transmitted infections, of unintended pregnancies, and thats very preventable stuff,' Fox added.

Fox also spoke of why the program starts with fifth graders, saying it was 'informed by a developmental understanding of children.'

The sex ed curriculum in the district also touches upon it, saying: 'CPS stresses that choosing to not have sex is the norm for 5th graders. Parents/guardians should be notified by their school if a condom demonstration will be provided.'

'The science is clear: providing an age-appropriate, medically advised and supported, comprehensive sexual health education centered on social-emotional well-being, paired with access to contraceptives can lead to fewer unintended pregnancies, fewer Sexually Transmitted Infections (like HIV/AIDS), and more safe and meaningful relationships,' Chicago Public Schools Press Secretary James Gherardi said in a statement to Newsweek.

Scout Bratt, who serves as an outreach and education director at the Chicago Womens Health Center, defended the policy, which the center helped consult on creating.

'I want to be really clear that the existence of condoms does not mean that all students are going to be using those condoms or encouraged to use them,' Bratt said. 'Its a harm reduction approach.'

Not everyone is on board with the new policy, though.

'My question is, "Oh my God, how is it that CPS wants to give condoms to kids?"' Maria Serrano said in Spanish; her daughter will be a sophomore in high school next year.

'They are 10 years old, 11, 12. They are kids. So why is CPS thinking about providing condoms? Why not provide them information, and at the end give them the resource of a condom when they are prepared to use those resources they want to provide.'

Serrano added, 'For me, this isnt the best option. They are doing things backwards.'

She also criticized CPS, claiming she only knew about the program from advocacy work and not from the district itself.

Chris Trezza tweeted, 'This is outrageous!'

Andrew Pollack shared in the outrage, tweeting: 'What about taking on the gangs so children can walk to school without the fear of being shot instead?'

One user tweeted, 'Last time I checked, elementary schools kids were btw the ages of 6-11. (What is happening to this country).'

Another said, 'Absolutely, how disgusting that they would even suggest to elementary school children that they might need condoms. Sick world that we live in.'

Lauren Beitler, however, was able to poke some fun at the situation.

'I applaud this! Will they really have the CPS logo on them? Kind of amazing branding if so,' Beitler tweeted.
MSNBC host Joy Reid has asserted that opponents of critical race theory are 'steeped in white nationalism' and accused the GOP is radicalizing parents against the controversial curriculum.

'Republicans aren't running an election, they are waging an all out war for power that increasingly is based on and steeped in the Trump cult and even white nationalism and no matter how reckless or dangerous that is they're doing it believing it will move white voters,' Reid said on her show Wednesday.

According to Reid, the movement to ban critical race theory from classrooms across the country is a strategic maneuver from conservatives, who she refers to as the 'GQP' (the GOP and Q Anon), who are utilizing right wing media such as Fox News to radicalize parents.

'Look no further than the ongoing hysteria over race conscious education, what they are shamelessly and falsely misrepresenting as "critical race theory,"' she said. 'Radicalized parent activist across the country are targeting school boards with behind the scenes help from conservative groups.'

MSNBC host Joy Reid (pictured) said the movement to ban CRT across the country is a strategic maneuver from conservatives who are radicalizing parents through Fox News

Fox News host Tucker Carlson (pictured) demanded cameras to be put in every classroom to 'oversee the people teaching your children' in a broadcast earlier this week

'Protestors are swarming those meetings, vowing to revolt against a curriculum they've labeled unacceptable and reverse racist and leading the charge in this fight is, you guessed it, right wing media,' Reid added.

She pointed out that on Tuesday FOX News mentioned CRT more than 100 times before 2pm and said the network's 'fearmongering standard bearer' Tucker Carlson, who she nicknamed 'Tuckums', 'went full 1984' while denouncing what he called 'the greatest threat to our society'.

Reid was referring to the host' broadcast on Tuesday night about CRT where he demanded cameras to be put in every classroom to 'oversee the people teaching your children'.

Carlson showed a clip of a black father attending a school board meeting in Illinois where he criticized CRT, which he branded 'civilization-ending poison'.

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'.

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.'

Six states have banned the critical race theory and another dozen are considering passing similar resolutions

Joy Reid's greatest hits: MSBNC host likes to sow division just as much as Fox News While Reid on Wednesday accused Republicans of sowing division in the country - she herself has caused plenty of stirs in the past. Last week, Reid was panned for saying she is skeptical of statistics showing a surge in crime because she hasn't heard 'anecdotes from friends' about violent incidents in big cities.

She also sparked outrage in March when she tweeted that conservatives would trade tax cuts to use the n-word.

would trade tax cuts to use the n-word. In April, Reid argued that something must have 'scared' 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant before she lunged at another woman with a knife and was shot dead by a cop.

In May, Senator Ted Cruz accused Reid of using a racial slur after she called him 'Stephen' from the moving Django Unchained for calling the Democrat-backed proposal on voting 'Jim Crow 2.0'.

In September 2020, Rep. Ilhan Omar accused MSNBC host Joy Reid of 'Islamophobia' after she compared 'radicalized' Donald Trump supporters to 'the way Muslims act'. Advertisement

Reid's assertion that opponents of CRT are 'steeped in white nationalism' comes a few weeks after she invited CRT opponent Christopher Rufo onto her MSNBC show.

Rufo, who has been working to expose 'critical race theory indoctrination' in American companies and institutions including government agencies for at least a year, clashed with the host in a fiery debate, in which Rufo said Reid did not let him complete 'at least two sentences'.

CRT continues to be a topic of debate, with many liberals supporting the curriculum while conservatives have pushed for it to be banned from schools.

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.

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.

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'.

CNN reported that the theory's teaching is banned in public schools in Tennessee and Idaho.

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.
The co-founder of the 'We Build The Wall' project aimed at raising money for a private border wall has been indicted on a second tax charge in Florida, adding to an earlier tax charge and fraud charge.

Brian Kolfage, 38, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pensacola on Tuesday on a charge of filing a false tax return. He was previously charged with a separate count of filing a false tax return and a count of wire fraud related to the electronic filing of his tax return.

The original indictment handed down in May claimed that between January 2019 and July 2020, Kolfage engaged in a scheme to defraud the government in relation to his 2019 federal income tax returns.

Kolfage received hundreds of thousands of dollars from multiple organizations during 2019, including We Build the Wall Inc., which were deposited into his personal bank account, prosecutors said. Kolfage failed to report this income to the IRS, officials said.

Brian Kolfage, a triple amputee who served in Iraq, (pictured with wife Ashley) has been hit with a second charge of tax fraud after his indictment in May

A federal grand jury in Pensacola indicted Brian Kolfage on Tuesday on a charge of filing a false tax return. He was previously charged with separate counts in May

The New York prosecutors have said Kolfage and others worked to divert some of the $25 million raised for the wall project for their own personal use.

They are charged in that case with one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each count carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.

The new charge is related to Kolfage filing a false amended tax return in December 2020, investigators said.

Kolfage is facing additional federal charges in New York. Last year, a federal grand jury in New York indicted Kolfage and Steve Bannon, former adviser to former President Donald Trump.

Bannon was pardoned by Trump on his last day in office. When he was arrested, Bannon was aboard a 151-foot yacht off the coast of Connecticut.

Kolfage and others - Andrew Badolato and Timothy Shea - have all pleaded not guilty and are free on bail. They await trial.

Bannon and Kolfage are pictured in a video on the We Build The Wall website

Kolfage launched the private wall effort in December 2018. He took it off GoFundMe recently because, he claimed, the company was not allowing him to fundraise for victims of assaults by BLM protesters

Attorneys for Kolfage declined to comment on the case.

Kolfage has a May 27 arraignment hearing in Pensacola federal court. The other case against Kolfage is in New York.

Earlier this year he spoke out against the initial indictment, accusing federal prosecutors in Manhattan of fabricating the allegations as part of a political witch hunt.

'They made it up. It's so blatantly false. If they can do this to us they can do it to anybody,' he told the New York Post by phone.

'Everyone knows that the Southern District is really the sovereign district. They do their own things. They went after Rudy Giuliani. They do what they want to do and it's politically motivated.'

The GoFundMe initiative had raised more than $25million after it was backed by Republican donors in support of the border wall.

A section of a three-mile private border wall is seen along the bank of the Rio Grande river in Mission, Texas, U.S., February 11, 2020. Mexico is seen on the right side of this image

In his interview with the Post, Kolfage also denied that his wife Ashley had received money from the scheme and claimed he is able to support his 'good middle class family' from the payouts he receives from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

'I'm not living a lavish life by any freaking means,' he said. 'Thank God I have a house that was given to me by the Gary Sinise Foundation.'

Prior to the scandal, Kolfage had been hailed as a decorated war hero after he was nearly killed and lost an arm and both his legs in a rocket attack in Iraq on September 11, 2004.

Initially, Kolfage was celebrated by members of both parties.

In March, he told Reuters he had begun accepting $10,000 a month in salary from the wall organization, saying the amount was modest compared to salaries paid by other nonprofits of that size.

Actually, according to the indictment, he had received a one-time payment of $100,000 as early as February 2019, plus $20,000 a month routed through a Bannon nonprofit and corporations that were supposedly working on the wall project.
A heartbroken New York City couple accepted their late teen son's cap and gown from the school he was supposed to graduate from almost a year after he was murdered by his ex-girlfriend's older brother.

Winston Ortiz Jr, 18, was stabbed to death and set alight by his 14-year-old girlfriend's older brother in the stairwell of a building in August 2020.

Joan Tamarez, her husband Winston Ortiz Sr., and their two youngest boys took part in the ceremony held by Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School on June 22, PIX11 reported.

The family also received a memorial plaque in honor of Winston Ortiz Jr., who dreams of being an engineer were cut short.

Winston Ortiz Jr. was honored at what would have been his high school graduation June 22. He was only 18 years old when he was stabbed three times and set on fire on August 12, 2020 in a Bronx building by Adones Betances, the 22-year-old brother of a 14-year-old he had met at his family church. The girl had informed Ortiz Jr., who was just 17 at the time they met, that she was no longer interested in him. Ortiz Jr. was set to graduate from Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School in The Bronx this summer and had dreams of being an engineer. The school honored him by presenting his parents and two surviving younger brothers a cap and gown as well as plaque

Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School honored Winston Ortiz Jr. with a plaque during the high school graduation ceremony June 22

'I cried the whole day. We had so many plans for him, when he finished high school,' Tamarez told the television station.

Wilmer Ortiz, the middle child, accepted his brother's cap.

'Walking there, I felt like I was walking in place of him,' he said. 'He was, like, walking next to me.'

According to Tamarez, Winston Jr. was just 17 years old at the time he met the younger girl at Siloe Pentecostal Church. But within days he first born's heart was crushed because the teen girl was no longer interested in him.

Wilmer Ortiz, who is now in college, recalled how Ortiz Jr. broke down in tears at the family apartment two days before the deadly incident.

Adones Betances is facing murder and manslaughter charges over the August 12, 2020 killing of Winston Ortiz Jr.

Joan Tamarez with her two surviving sons, Wilkin Ortiz and Wilmer Ortiz, and her husband, Winston Ortiz Sr. (pictured from left to right)

Wilmer Ortiz told WPIX 11 that he 'felt like I was walking in place of him' upon receiving his late brother's cap during a high school graduation ceremony June 22

Winston Ortiz Jr., who had recovered from a brain aneurism, stayed home on the day of the incident while the rest of family went traveled to New Jersey and Manhattan to run errands.

Authorities said he was involved in an argument with Adones Betances in the fifth-floor hallway of a building near West 165th Street and Woodycrest Avenue in The Bronx neighborhood of Highbridge.

Police have revealed that the suspect entered the building just before Ortiz Jr. did and then carried out the brazen attack.

Ortiz Jr. was stabbed three times before Betances set him on fire. Tenants heard his cry for help and poured water on him prior to the arrival the EMTs.

A woman who saw Ortiz ablaze and poured water over him told the New York Post that it had shaken her up.

'I stepped outside. I saw flames,' said the 34-year-old woman, who did not want give her name.

'I thought her apartment was on fire. And when I go over there, I saw a guy in flames all over his body. I got very scared because I have my girls here,' she said. 'It's really concerning.'

Betances, who was charged with murder and manslaughter, is due back in court later this month.
Arizona secretary of state Katie Hobbs has written the state attorney general seeking a criminal investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and key allies in their efforts to 'stop the counting' of state ballots.

Hobbs, a Democrat, wrote state attorney general Mike Brnovich Wednesday seeking the probe, following a bombshell report featuring documents and voicemails that were part of the pressure campaign amid election fraud claims by Trump and his allies.

'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,' wrote Hobbs.

Arizona secretary of state Katie Hobbs wrote the state attorney general seeking an investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and key backers to contact election officials in an effort to overturn state election results

Hobbs in her letter cited a report in the Arizona Republic based off document requests that revealed state Republican Party chair Kelli Ward telling the Republican chair of the state board of supervisors 'We need you to stop the counting.'

'Local reporting recently uncovered intense efforts to interfere with the tabulation of ballots and canvass of the 2020 election in Maricopa County. In Arizona, interfering with election officials is a felony,' she tweeted.

She noted that under Arizona law, any person who 'knowingly' interferes 'in any manner with an officer of such election in the discharge of the officers duty' or influencing an officer 'to violate or refuse to comply with the officers duty or any law regulating the election' is guilty of a felony.

She also cites Ward's comment to the election official that 'I know you don't want to be remembered as the guy who led the charge to certify a fraudulent election.'

Hobbs is running for governor and Brnovich, a Republican, is running for the Senate against Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly.

'The reporting also includes firsthand statements from the victims of this potential crime,' Hobbs wrote.

Trump and key allies undertook a furious campaign to try to get to Republican county election officials in Arizona as part of their election overturn effort  with the White House dialing New Year's Eve and Rudy Giuliani phoning repeatedly.

'POTUS will probably be calling you,' Arizona state GOP chair Kelli Ward texted one such official, Maricopa County supervisor Clint Hickman, who held sway on the county board overseeing elections in a state that had been called for Joe Biden back in November.

On New Year's Eve, the White House called with a message that mentioned Trump's desire to speak to the county official.

Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani is heard on voicemails calling Arizona county election officials and telling them Trump wants to talk to them

'Just a check in from the President of the United States ... So I guess that means you could/should take the call,' Ward pressed him.

Hickman said he didn't want to discuss litigation, amid a flurry of 'Kraken' lawsuits by Trump allies challenging results in states where Joe Biden won.

The pressure was contained in documents obtained by the Arizona Republic. The paper published audio of the 8:30 pm call, which Hickman didn't take.

Hickman told the paper he heard similar audio when Trump sought to pressure Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. 'I was horrified,' he said.

'Hello, sir. This is the White House operator I was calling to let you know that the president's available to take your call if you're free,' said a message an operator left on his voicemail. 'If you could please give us a call back, sir, that'd be great. You have a good evening.'

State GOP chair Kelli Ward told officials they should talk to Trump and his lawyers despite their own concerns about doing so amid litigation

Trump fought to overturn the election results, and claims the election was rife with fraud

UNDER PRESSURE: Clint Hickman, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said he didn't want to take the calls

He wouldn't take either of two calls from a White House number. 'I'm not going to tape a president, so I'm not going to talk to a president,' he said.

Ward told supervisors to 'stop the counting,' and told Hickman: 'A hand count before counts are complete is CRUCIAL.' She wrote: 'Make this happen!'

'We need you to stop the counting,' she told Hickman.

Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who was then spearheading ultimately doomed legal efforts on Trump's behalf, also phoned local officials again and again.

Trump's loss in Arizona was devastating to his electoral math, and the president was reportedly furious when Fox News first called the state for Biden late on election night.

Giuliani dialed GOP supervisor Steve Chucri, who had earlier rejected outreach from pro-Trump lawyer Sidney Powell due to ongoing litigation, in November, according to the records, and mentioned the Trump camp's push to look at voting machines.

'I see we're gonna get a chance to take a good look at those machines. And we've got people that are ready to come out right now. Let's get it done quickly. And at least get some preliminary stuff done right away,' he said.

There was loud music during the call, suggesting it came from a restaurant or bar or event. 'So give me a call as soon as you get a chance. The president also wanted me to pass on a few things to you, too.'

Chucri said he met with Giuliani at one point.

Giuliani also called Hickman. 'I was very happy to see that there's going to be a forensic audit of the machines,' Giuliani said in a voicemail. 'And I really wanted to talk to you about it a bit. The president wanted me to give you a call. All right. Thank you. Give me a call back. I'd really appreciate it.'

Giuliani tried to reach supervisor Bill Gates on Christmas Eve. 'If you get a chance, would you please give me a call,' Giuliani said on the voicemail. '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.'

Trump supporters would later riot in the Capitol Jan. 6th amid his demands that Vice President Mike Pence refuse to accept electoral votes from states like Arizona where Trump and his allies claimed there was voter fraud.

Trump is under investigation in Georgia following the release of a taped recording where he asked Raffensperger to 'find' 12,000 votes. Trump claims he won both states.
The prime minister who sent Australians to fight and die in Afghanistan doesn't want the subcontracted locals they fought alongside left behind to meet the same fate.

John Howard has piled pressure on the federal government to grant protection visas for Afghan subcontractors who fear for their lives under resurgent Taliban rule.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne is being urged to fast-track applications from interpreters, contractors and security guards as Australia's longest war draws to a close.

Mr Howard, who was prime minister when Australian troops were first deployed to the war-torn country in 2001, said the nation has an ethical duty to provide safe haven for Afghans who aided their cause.

John Howard has piled pressure on the federal government to grant protection visas for Afghan subcontractors who fear for their lives under resurgent Taliban rule

'It was a moral obligation that we shamefully disregarded many years ago when we pulled out of Vietnam,' the 81-year-old told SBS TV.

'I do not want to see a repetition of that failure in relation to Afghanistan.'

People employed as subcontractors have reportedly been denied access to visas for locally engaged workers.

Mr Howard, who has no regrets over his decision to follow the US to war in Afghanistan, said the technicality should not be used to keep those potentially in peril from the sanctuary of Australia.

'I don't think it's something that should turn on some narrow legalism,' the nation's second longest-serving prime minister said.

'If a group of people gave help to Australians such that their lives and that of those immediately around them are in danger we have a moral obligation to help them.'

Taliban fighters have been advancing across the country in recent weeks as Australia and the United States end two decades of involvement in Afghanistan.

Australia has granted more than 230 visas to Afghans including family members of local workers since April 15.

Former defence minister Linda Reynolds denied Afghans who worked with Australian forces were being abandoned to near-certain death due to bureaucratic complications and delays.

'The foreign minister and the defence minister are working very hard to make sure we bring them to Australia,' Ms Reynolds, who is now the government services minister, told ABC radio.
Australians under lockdown have been urged to receive a second AstraZeneca dose within eight weeks of their first jab.

Sydney is in the grips of an ongoing outbreak, with NSW reporting 38 new local coronavirus cases as the city and surrounds prepare for at least a third week of stay-at-home orders.

A 12-week gap between AstraZeneca jabs has been recommended as the most effective way to protect people.

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison wants people in the worst-affected areas who have received a first jab to make second dose appointments closer to eight weeks.

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison wants people in the worst-affected areas who have received a first jab to make second dose appointments closer to eight weeks

He said his latest recommendation was consistent with the advice of the expert immunisation panel ATAGI.

In the three Sydney councils with the most infections, about half of those aged over 70 have received a first dose.

An extra 300,000 AstraZeneca - which is recommended for people over 60 - and Pfizer vaccines will be made available for NSW.

Nancy Baxter, the head of the University of Melbourne's school of population and global health, said 12 weeks remained the recommended AstraZeneca interval.

'We don't really know how effective it is at eight weeks,' she told the ABC.

The clinical epidemiologist wants ATAGI to be leading medical advice instead of Mr Morrison.

'It's not time for politicians to be making recommendations about vaccination,' she said.

Epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws said the first AstraZeneca dose offered 33 per cent, while a second jab increased the figure to 60 per cent.

Professor McLaws supports bringing second doses forward but said the need for a booster shot later was likely.

Epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws said the first AstraZeneca dose offered 33 per cent, while a second jab increased the figure to 60 per cent

'If we start it moving away from that 12 weeks then your antibody response may not be as good as it could be,' she told the ABC.

'But given that we are in dire straits at the moment with Delta, we don't want it to go across any state borders, we don't want to go to the elderly, it's a good idea.'

State and territory leaders will meet with the prime minister during a virtual meeting on Friday with the rollout remaining high on the agenda.

National cabinet will also discuss Australian Health Protection Principal Committee research on alternative quarantine arrangements for vaccinated Australians.

Agreement is expected on mandatory jabs for disability support workers after the AHPPC recommended following a similar order imposed on aged care workers.

The prime minister will also talk about vaccinating fly-in, fly-out workers with premiers and chief ministers.
On a sunny morning in Kabul, British troops silently lowered a Union flag from its mast, a poignant moment symbolising the end of their 20-year military campaign in Afghanistan.

Gentle birdsong could be heard as soldiers from the historic Black Watch battalion folded the flag to present to their commander; himself a veteran of some of the most fierce fighting endured by British troops in the war-ravaged country.

Brigadier Oliver Brown, the outgoing commander of the Kabul Security Force, described the ceremony as being 'tinged with emotion' for the '457 British lives lost' since the war against the Taliban began in 2001, 'and for those severely wounded'.

Just over a decade ago, Brigadier Brown, then a major in the Royal Anglian Regiment, led his men into battle in Helmand province. It was 2009  a year in which 95 UK troops died fighting the militants who, as the Prime Minister acknowledged for the first time yesterday, will almost certainly be involved in governing Afghanistan in the years ahead.

On a sunny morning in Kabul, British troops silently lowered a Union flag from its mast, a poignant moment symbolising the end of their 20-year military campaign in Afghanistan

Footage of the recent ceremony in Kabul was released as  3,500 miles away in London  Boris Johnson paid tribute in the House of Commons to the 'efforts and sacrifices' of British troops which, he insisted, had not been in vain.

The Prime Minister pointed to the successes of the UK's contribution to the Nato campaign in Afghanistan, the 3.6 million girls who are now permitted to attend schools, the women previously forbidden to play roles in public life who now sit in the country's parliament and the 340,000 acres of land cleared of deadly landmines.

And he issued a thinly veiled threat, suggesting the Taliban would face further UK military action should they strip Afghans of their human rights  freedoms paid for in British soldiers' blood and 37 billion of taxpayers' money.

He personally commended Afghan interpreters who risked their lives alongside our troops, saying this country owed them 'an enormous debt'.

British forces would not have been able to operate, especially in the dangerous Helmand province, without the men described by UK soldiers as their 'eyes and ears'.

Afghan translator Arif (right) is among those waiting for permission to start a new life as others boarded a ten-hour 'freedom flight' to the UK

But it has taken the Daily Mail's Betrayal of the Brave campaign to highlight their plight and to get the Government to protect the translators and other local workers.

Mr Johnson's personal tribute came as more translators boarded a ten-hour 'freedom flight' expected to land in the UK last night from Afghanistan. For security reasons, details of the flight are shrouded in secrecy.

The Prime Minister came under attack from members on his own backbenches, with Conservative Edward Leigh describing the British campaign in Afghanistan as a 'catastrophic defeat'.

Mr Johnson's suggestion that a peace deal with the Taliban was a preferred option for Afghanistan also appeared to unsettle MPs.

He said: 'The chance of a negotiated political settlement involving the Taliban is the only realistic prospect for that country. The Taliban have for several years now controlled a very considerable part of Afghanistan and during that period we have not seen terrorist operations launched against the wider world.

'And I think what might weigh on the Taliban's minds as they think about whether to allow [terrorist] groups to reform and act outside Afghanistan, they should remember what happened last time.'

A force of 120 British troops, mainly Special Forces, but also including intelligence and communications specialists, are expected to remain in Afghanistan. Their roles will include working with local military commanders to identify and eliminate terrorist threats.

Britain's embassy in Kabul, and its ambassador to Afghanistan Sir Laurie Bristow, will continue to be protected by former Gurkha troops supplied by a private military contractor.

The Prime Minister's decision to withdraw almost all UK soldiers, following the lead of the United States, was challenged by Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, who served in Afghanistan with the Foreign Office.

He said: 'The achievements [of British troops] were won with the blood of my friends and I can point him to where they now lay. Because that legacy is now in real doubt, and we know it.

'How does British foreign policy work in a country like Afghanistan if persistence isn't persistent and endurance doesn't endure? How can people trust us? How can people look at us as a friend?'
The suspect who allegedly shot dead an Indiana police officer reportedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the FBI building where the cop worked in the moments before the deadly shooting, federal authorities said on Thursday.

Shane Meehan, 44, has been charged with the murder of a federal agent and faces up to life in prison if convicted for the slaying of Greg Ferency - a detective with the Terre Haute Police Department, federal prosecutors said in a press release.

Meehan allegedly drove his pickup truck to the gate of the FBI Resident Agency building - where he got out and allegedly tossed a Molotov cocktail toward the building, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana.

When Detective Ferency, a 30-year veteran with the Terre Haute Police Department, soon walked out of the building, Meehan allegedly confronted him armed with a gun and shot him.

'Detective Ferency was able to return fire to defend himself but later died,' the press release reads. 'Shortly thereafter, an FBI Special Agent ran out of the building and engaged Meehan in a gun battle.'

Detective Ferency, a 30-year veteran with the Terre Haute Police Department, was shot dead when he walked out of an FBI building on Wednesday

Shane Meehan, 44, has been charged with the murder of a federal agent and faces up to life in prison if convicted

Meehan was reportedly shot twice, though it was not immediately clear if he had been hit by bullets from Ferency's weapon or that of the FBI agent.

The suspect was allegedly able to get into his truck and fled the scene, driving himself to a local hospital for treatment - where he was found by law enforcement.

Investigators found a firearm in Meehan's pickup truck along with three Molotov Cocktails and additional ammunition.

The criminal complaint did not give any possible motive for the attack.

Meehan was interviewed in 2019 by WTWO-TV while running as an independent for mayor. He retired from working at the federal prison in Terre Haute to work at UPS.

In the resurfaced clip, Meehan told the outlet that gun violence around the nation puts children at jeopardy in schools.

'I think a lot of it has to do with the kids and what happens at home, and everything else going on around them causing a lot of pressure. A lot of things are happening that shouldn't be happening,' he said.

FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan called Detective Ferency a 'valued member of our FBI family' and said he had worked with the federal agency as a Task Force Officer since 2010.

'We will work day and night to carefully examine the circumstances of the shooting and we are dedicated to honoring Greg's memory through a meticulous investigation,' Keenan said.

Meehan was interviewed in 2019 by WTWO-TV while running as an independent for mayor. He retired from working at the federal prison in Terre Haute to work at UPS

The FBI is investigating the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Oliver and Barry Glickman.

'Detective Ferency was assigned to the FBI Taskforce on behalf of the Terre Haute Police Department. The FBI is leading this investigation,' the Terre Haute Police 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. on Wednesday outside the FBI Resident Agency building in Terre Haute, 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,' Sgt. Ryan Adamson with the Terre Haute Police Department said earlier in the day.

A western Indiana police officer was fatally shot Wednesday outside a federal office building

An investigator looks through the broken windows of a truck in the parking lot near the Regional Hospital ambulance entrance on Wednesday

Law enforcement officers from various agencies gather outside of the ambulance entrance ata hospital where the suspect was reportedly undergoing surgery for his injuries

Investigators work outside of the federal office building following the fatal shooting of Terre Haute Police Det. Greg Ferency

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.

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.

The Justice Department announced the charges against Meehan in a press release

Community members show their support as they stand along the sidewalk as a fallen officer procession makes its way past the Terre Haute Police Department on Wednesday

Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames tweeted that there was a procession for the fallen officer leaving Union Hospital that would pass the Terre Haute Police Department Headquarters on Wednesday.

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.'

Investigators haven't yet determined a motive for the ambush shooting of Ferencey, pictured

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.
Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg was grilled on Thursday by a British journalist who demanded to know why travel restrictions 'with no scientific rationale' were being enforced, and said it had forced him two days ago to attend his father's funeral via Zoom.

Jonathan Ferro, co-anchor of Bloomberg Surveillance on Bloomberg Television, took Buttigieg to task over the policy, which he said was illogical.

Since March 2020, the US border has been closed to 26 European countries, the UK, Ireland, Iran, China and South Africa because of COVID fears. They were the countries with the worst outbreaks at the start of the pandemic. India, which is experiencing a terrifying COVID outburst - is now also on the list and so is Brazil.

People from any other country can fly to the US, so long as they have a valid visa and a negative COVID-19 test, and Americans can also enter the US from anywhere in the world so long as they also test negative.

Holders of certain work visas, including H1B or L1 visas, however - highly-educated professionals in the case of H1B visas, and executives who are transferred through their multinational companies on L1 visas - cannot fly directly from certain countries to the US. They must quarantine for two weeks in a third country, frequently Mexico.

'I have spoken to scientists about this, and there is no scientific rationale for that policy,' said Ferro.

Jonathan Ferro (left) spoke to Pete Buttigieg, the Transport Secretary, on Thursday morning for Bloomberg Television. Ferro asked Buttigieg to reconsider his transport restrictions

People from any other country can fly to the US, so long as they have a valid visa and a negative COVID-19 test, and Americans can also enter the US from anywhere in the world so long as they also test negative. That includes traveling from countries like some in Africa, where the vaccine roll-out is barely off the ground, and Nepal, where a frightening new variant has been detected

'Why are you not changing the policy when we have scientists day after day say there is no scientific rationale for maintaining it?'

Since March 2020, travel between the UK and America has been mostly banned.

Americans can go to the UK now but they must quarantine for 10 days on arrival and take multiple negative COVID tests - for more than $200 - even if they're vaccinated.

British people cannot come into the US, unless they have special circumstances that exempts them from the ban.

The ongoing ban has been slammed as 'stuck in time' and 'outdated' when considering the fact that both countries have now vaccinated more than 41 per cent of their populations.

Buttigieg, who ran for the Democratic nomination before supporting Biden, tried to argue that it was 'complex', and said they needed to be cautious.

Americans can currently travel freely to Europe and back, but Europeans cannot enter the U.S. unless they have a green card.

'As transportation secretary, I am as impatient as anybody to see us move as quickly as we responsibly can toward more forms of reopening,' Buttigieg said.

'Right now what is going on is a set of working group processes.

'So we have convened working groups with our international partners - one for the UK, one for the EU, one for Canada, one for Mexico - to determine the right pathway forwards.

'A lot of this is based on what is going on with progress on the vaccines.

'Obviously we see good news and bad news out there in terms of the variants - one moment you're reading about a variant happening across world; the next you know, it's becoming the dominant variant in the US.'

Buttigieg tried to argue that the U.S. was right to be 'conservative' when dealing with the restrictions, but his host did not agree

41 percent of Britain have been vaccinated now and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the country is on course to reopen fully on July 19

Some 41 percent of the US population has been fully vaccinated and half have had their first dose

Ferro was unimpressed.

'You didn't have to watch your father's funeral down the screen of an iPhone on Tuesday,' he told Buttigieg. 'I did. Because of your policies.

'I expected you to bring up the science and I expected the quote that came from you to be used - because you used it a month ago, two months ago.'

Buttigieg replied: 'I am among those who are impatient to see loved ones who live across the Atlantic.

'The U.S. is going to be conservative in dealing with a phenomenon that has led to the deaths of 600,000 Americans.'

But Ferro insisted that the policy did not make sense.

'Regardless of anything you say for the next couple of minutes it's not going to justify it,' he told the 39-year-old.

'What I need to understand from you as a policy maker is why thousands of people who live in this country legally, and pay taxes, cannot go home to see loved ones and return directly.

'And why you still repeat the same line again and again and again. It doesn't make it true. You do not have a scientific rationale for this. You cannot back it up with science, sir.

'Why are you not going away with policy makers and doing something?'

In May, the CEOs of 22 major airlines begged Joe Biden to give them a timeline that would allow them to reopen in July.

They said there are multiple things to be considered like staffing airline routes, checking that fleets of planes which haven't been used for months are still safe, replacing thousands of rental cars that have been sold, and bringing back hotel staff.

But their pleas were ignored from the White House, which is yet to offer a tentative end date for the ban.

Buttigieg said the Biden administration was dealing with 'imperfect tools,' explaining that they were working on a country-by-country basis, rather than looking at the risk to individuals.

'We are dealing with a country-based framework for assessing risk,' he said.

'When, in a perfect world, we would know all the information we needed to have for a traveler-based framework.'

He ruled out vaccination passports, citing privacy concerns.

'With the stroke of a pen you could enable thousands of people in this country who work here legally and pay taxes to return home to loved ones,' Ferro concluded.

'And you can do that by making an equal treatment for people with an H1B, an L1, a green card, that are resident of this country.

'That's not difficult. That's not easy. You didn't have to watch your mum stand by your father's casket at a funeral two days ago because you won't do what I'm describing. It's easy.

'I hope you go away and make the changes so that thousands of people don't have to go through what I did.'
All nine people on board a plane carrying skydivers died yesterday when it crashed near a Swedish airport.

The aircraft, which was said to be carrying eight skydivers along with one pilot, went down outside Orebro at around 7.20pm on Thursday, local media reveal.

One person sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital, Swedish newspaper Goteborgs-Posten reports, but died later.

The small propeller plane came down roughly 100 metres away from an airstrip, sparking a fire to break out at the scene.

Ten ambulances were among the emergency services rushing to the incident.

The fire has now been put out.

Officers stand next to the wreckage of crashed plane at Orebro Airport, Sweden, July 8

A small aircraft is seen after crashing at Orebro Airport, Orebro, Sweden, July 8

Carl-Johan Linde, press manager at the Swedish Maritime Administration, said that the plane crashed near to the runway fairly soon after taking off.

The aircraft had been rented for the week from Skane Parachute Club, it is believed.

Sweden's Prime Minsiter Stefan Lofven has paid tribute to the victims following the disaster.

He tweeted: 'It is with great sadness and dismay that I have tonight taken part in the tragic information about the plane crash in Orebro.

A view at the at Orebro Airport, Sweden, 08 July 2021. A small plane used by the local parachute club with nine people on board crashed after takeoff outside Orebro

Sweden's Prime Minsiter Stefan Lofven has paid tribute to the victims following the disaster

'I am thinking of the victims, their families and loved ones in this very difficult time.

'I want to express my deepest sympathy for their grief.'

Swedish police said on their website it was a 'very severe accident' in which 'several people have died'.

The Joint Rescue Co-Ordination Centre told TT news agency the plane was carrying sky divers.
More than two million clinically vulnerable Britons will be warned to limit social contact when Covid restrictions are lifted on July 19.

Ministers are to issue advice in the coming days to the millions who 'shielded' at home during the first lockdown last year.

Sources said the advice would 'set out the risks' involved in exploiting the new freedoms  but would not tell them to stay at home.

Sources said advice for the clinically vulnerable from July 19 would 'set out the risks' involved in exploiting the new freedoms  but would not tell them to stay at home (stock image)

'There were so many downsides to shielding, such as isolation, and the vaccine programme means we are in a very different situation to last year,' a source said.

'But it is right to remind the most vulnerable that there are still risks.'

All clinically vulnerable people have been offered two vaccine doses which slashes their risk of serious illness.

But health minister Lord Bethell yesterday acknowledged that the Government was 'to a certain extent walking into the unknown' by lifting all restrictions on July 19 at a time when cases are soaring.

Health minister Lord Bethell (right with Dido Harding) said the Government was 'to an extent walking into the unknown' by lifting all restrictions at a time when cases are soaring

He also said some with weak immune systems may be feeling 'left behind'.

Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Brinton said any advice to the clinically vulnerable should be issued 'extremely urgently', adding: 'They may be planning to mix with people, or perhaps even go on holiday.'

Lord Bethell said: 'If you are at home and your immune system does not work as well as other people's, and you see the rest of the country opening up, you will feel extremely uncomfortable, as though the world has moved on and that you have perhaps been left behind.

'On an emotional level, I completely sympathise with that.'

Lord Bethell acknowledged the need for 'clear advice' but said it would have to be 'tailored' to reflect people's individual conditions.
Melissa Caddick told one of the many clients she's accused of duping that she was wealthy in her own right and was only providing financial services 'to help people'.

'I don't need to do this,' she told Cheryl Olga Kraft-Reid whose redacted affidavit was one of 11 released by the Federal Court on Wednesday.

'I'm doing it to help people and it's very much restricted to family and friends.'

Ms Kraft-Reid, the third member of her family to invest in Ms Caddick's company Maliver, is now at least $366,800 out of pocket and facing a more distant, poorer retirement.

'I set up myself physically, emotionally, mentally, professionally to work for seven more years - everything was in place - and now I anticipate having to work for another 15 years,' she said.

Ms Kraft-Reid's family are among 72 clients who parted with more than $30 million between 2012 and 2020, expecting Ms Caddick or her company Maliver would invest it on their behalf.

Melissa Caddick told one of the many clients she's accused of duping that she was wealthy in her own right and was only providing financial services 'to help people'

Ms Kraft-Reid's family are among 72 clients who parted with more than $30 million between 2012 and 2020, expecting Ms Caddick or her company Maliver would invest it on their behalf

Ms Caddick is likely deceased after the remains of her foot washed up on a NSW beach in February

Instead, it paid for her lavish lifestyle and has resulted in liabilities outstripping assets by between $15 and $23.7 million, the Federal Court has been told.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has taken Ms Caddick and her company to court trying to recover some of the misappropriated funds.

The Wilson family are another with multiple casualties, expecting to see little of the $4 million they put in Ms Caddick's care over eight years.

David Wilson invested 'basically every cent I had' over five years, totalling $1.3 million, and laments his plans of a seaside retirement are over.

But the 'biggest blow' was his family's level of exposure, including that of his widowed mother.

'To see my mother at Service NSW applying for the pension - and the worry in her eyes - was very upsetting to me,' Mr Wilson said in an affidavit.

The Wilsons had known Ms Caddick since the 1970s when each family lived on the same street in southern Sydney.

Mr Wilson's sister Kate Horn invested in 2012 after her lifelong friend and fellow single mother mentioned she was 'starting up a business for people in similar positions to you and me', her affidavit states.

'It's all very low risk and simple,' Ms Caddick told her friend during a conversation about managing Ms Horn's superannuation.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has taken Ms Caddick and her company to court trying to recover some of the misappropriated funds

The Wilson family are another with multiple casualties, expecting to see little of the $4 million they put in Ms Caddick's care over eight years

'I trusted she had my best interests at heart and I understood she had experience in investing,' Ms Horn said in her affidavit.

'My goal was to build up enough money to help my children pay for a house deposit when they were older and I believed that Melissa may be able to help me do that.'

Soon, Ms Horn's brother was involved and suggesting Mr Wilson relieve himself of the 'headache' of managing their mother's retirement savings.

Mr Wilson said it was difficult to accept that 'while I was working hard, saving hard and making sacrifices', Ms Caddick was reportedly enjoying a lavish lifestyle.

Ms Horn feels emotionally betrayed and pain as well as guilt for being the link between Ms Caddick and her family's fortunes.

Ms Caddick is likely deceased after the remains of her foot washed up on a NSW beach in February.

Shortly before her disappearance in November 2020, the corporate regulator ASIC raided her home

ASIC has since accused Ms Caddick of masterminding a Ponzi scheme, using Maliver as a facade

Shortly before her disappearance in November 2020, the corporate regulator ASIC raided her home.

It has since accused her of masterminding a Ponzi scheme, using Maliver as a facade.

Over that time, she handled almost $30.2 million in investor funds, paying back $8.5 million, a receivers' report before the court states.

Ms Caddick's income also included $71,393 in child support, $35,195.50 from luxury good reseller Hock Your Frocks and regular dividends from a $4.8 million share portfolio in her name.

ASIC seized a significant jewellery collection, which had a cost value of $2.5 million.

It has asked the court to permit Maliver's liquidators to start processing claims.

Justice Brigitte Markovic has reserved her decision.
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Britain and the European Union were locked in a dispute over the size of London's final Brexit divorce bill last night as official accounts filed in Brussels show that UK taxpayers must pay nearly 41billion to leave the bloc - nearly 2billion more than previously forecast.

The British Office for Budget Responsibility had previously estimated that the final cost of withdrawal would be 39billion - some 1.8billion less than the EU amount contained in Brussels' consolidated budget report for 2020.

The final bill would have been higher at 43billion, but the EU owes Britain 1.8billion for its share of fines imposed by the bloc on companies and other entities before the end of the transition period.

Ministers believed that the sum would be less than 39billion as a result of Britain's contributions to the EU Budget while the Brexit transition period was repeatedly extended.

The news is likely to spark fury among both Eurosceptics and Europhiles, and exacerbate tensions between Brussels and London over the Northern Ireland Protocol which has been causing trade disruption since its implementation in January.

Boris Johnson visits the Energy Company Bulb in Liverpool Street

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holding a press conference in Zagreb, Croatia

Britain's 40billion Brexit divorce bill: Withdrawal settlement explained The divorce bill is divided into two parts - with one part related to outstanding spending commitments made when the UK was a member state, while the other covers pension liabilities and health insurance for EU staff. Part 1: 30billion under Article 140 Britain is liable to pay its share of the EU's outstanding spending commitments as of December 31, 2020, when the Brexit transition period came to an end. This amount of money relates to projects, programmes, agreements or contracts which had already been committed to by the 28 member states before December 31, 2020, but which are not yet fully implemented, according to RTE. The UK's liability for this amount was calculated at 12.6 per cent - 30billion. Part 2: 10billion under Article 143 Britain has also committed to pay its share of pension liabilities as of the end of the transition period last year. With Britain's share calculated at 12.6 per cent, London owes Brussels an extra 12billion. However, this is offset by around 1.8billion due to fines imposed by the bloc on companies and other entities. Together, that comes to more than 40billion for leaving the EU - around 2billion more than forecast by Britain's fiscal watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility. The figures are contained in the Consolidated Annual Accounts of the EU. They are provisional until the Court of Auditors signs off on them in November - though this sum is thought to be unlikely to change. Advertisement

The financial settlement was agreed during talks over the Withdrawal Agreement, but any increase in the expected bill would irritate Tory Eurosceptics.

EU accounts show that nearly 198million is due to paid this year, with the rest paid out over several decades.

The divorce bill is divided into two parts - with one part related to outstanding spending commitments made when the UK was a member state, while the other covers pension liabilities and health insurance for EU staff.

The figures were first reported by RTE, which said that the EU accounts had not yet been signed off by auditors. Tony Murphy, Ireland's member of the EU's Court of Auditors, told the broadcaster that the figure was unlikely to change.

'While the 2020 EU consolidated accounts published by the Commission are as of yet provisional the Court has completed its audit work on these accounts,' he said in a statement.

'Following internal adoption procedures the Court is set to issue an unmodified opinion on the reliability of the 2020 EU consolidated accounts, as we have in previous years. Therefore, for all intent and purposes the figures published by the Commission are definitive.'

The sum exceeds earlier estimates from the UK, with the UK's fiscal watchdog saying the net cost to Britain might be 34billion.

A trade and cooperation deal between the UK and EU was struck in December after more than four years of fractious negotiations and lingering mistrust as Britain ended 47 years of EU membership.

On Tuesday, the European Union urged London to consider a Swiss-style veterinary agreement with Brussels on agri-foods to end a post-Brexit 'sausage war' row over certain goods moving between Britain and its province of Northern Ireland.

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.

New DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson recently warned that the Protocol has damaged Northern Ireland's position in the UK and poses the 'greatest threat to the economic integrity of the United Kingdom in any of our lifetimes'.

Cabinet minister Lord Frost yesterday warned Brussels that the UK's relationship with the EU could be permanently damaged by the row over Northern Ireland, using a Policy Exchange event to say 'all options remain on the table' to resolve problems over checks on goods entering the province.

The peer added: 'The issues about the Protocol are obviously central to the tensions between us, so I don't think we will ever get this relationship onto a new and constructive footing, where we want it to be, unless we can find a good solution to this problem.'

His comments came as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer used a visit to Belfast to accuse Mr Johnson of betraying its people over his Brexit deal.

The final Brexit bill would have been higher at 43billion, but the EU owes Britain 1.8billion for its share of fines imposed by the bloc before the end of the transition period at the end of last year

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer with shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh at the Parliament Buildings at Stormont during a visit to Belfast

Sir Keir said the Prime Minister had 'not been straight about the consequences' of the Protocol.

The Labour leader said: 'He is now pretending it is someone else's problem, and in Northern Ireland that won't wash. There has to be a practical way forward on this, I think there is a practical way forward if the parties are flexible and negotiate, but the most important thing is trust.

'There is a positive future here but it does require the British Government to properly understand its role, and I think that this Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has betrayed the people of Northern Ireland by not properly honouring that (the UK Government being an honest broker), and the words that have been used in pretty well every meeting I have had here in Northern Ireland is a lack of trust in the Prime Minister as an honest broker.'

Lord Frost said: 'We are confident given everything that we've been through the last few years that there are ways of finding a new balance and finding the necessary adjustments.

'But obviously all options remain on the table for us. We're considering our next steps, we're discussing with all those with an interest and I can say today that we will set out our approach to Parliament in a considered way on these questions before the summer recess.'

The Tory peer said the UK would not be delivering an ultimatum to the EU with the plans.

He added: 'There's no deadlines here. We're not putting something on the table and saying take it or leave it, or you must work to this particular timetable through setting our approach out to Parliament.'

Mr Johnson acknowledged on Wednesday that problems over the movement of chilled meats from Britain to Northern Ireland are still 'far from fixed' following an agreement to delay the implementation of border checks.

He also acknowledged concerns among Northern Ireland's Jewish community that they would be unable to access kosher foods unless it is resolved.
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Gladys Berejiklian has shut down reports that New South Wales would consider abandoning its suppression strategy and let the virus rip - as the state recorded 44 more cases on Friday.

'We need to have zero people who have been infectious in the community,' she said in her press conference.

'New South Wales, in fact no state or nation or any country on the planet, can live with the Delta variant when our vaccination rates are so low.

'So please, do not think that the New South Wales government thinks we can live with this when our rate of vaccination is only at 9 per cent.

'Because if we chose to live with this while the rates of vaccinations are at 9 per cent, we will see thousands and thousands of hospitalisations and death.'

She added: 'At the beginning of the pandemic New South Wales quadrupled its capacity to hospitalise people who might need ICU or need to be in hospital because of Covid so the capacity is there but I don't want us to have to go to it. I don't want to subject thousands of people to that scenario. It is not a pretty picture.'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has supported locking down Sydney until new local Covid cases are eliminated.

Asked if he backed extending lockdown to get cases down to zero, Mr Morrison said: 'If that's what's needed in this suppression phase and if that's what state government does, then of course.'

A man is arrested for failing to abide by stay at home orders in Fairfield in south-western Sydney on Friday morning

Shoppers make a purchase at a local fish market along Chapel Road in Bankstown in western Sydney as lockdown entered its fourteenth day

South west Sydney has become the epicentre of the virus after it spread from the city's east to the west. Pictured: Residents in Cabramatta on Friday morning

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the drive towards zero community transmission will continue as the vaccine rollout finally begins to ramp up. Pictured: Workers in Cabramatta

A National Cabinet meeting on Friday will discuss a trial of home quarantine for international arrivals and making vaccination mandatory for disability aged care staff. Pictured: Cabramatta streets are almost deserted

Police patrol a shopping centre in Fairfield. There is an increased police presence in south-west Sydney to enforce lockdown

The main shopping centre in Fairfield (pictured) was largely deserted on Friday morning as lockdown continued for all of Greater Sydney

The virus is spreading south western Sydney and police have stepped up patrols in the area. Picture: Chapel Road in Bankstown

Poll Should NSW continue lockdown or let the virus rip now? Continue lockdown Let it rip Should NSW continue lockdown or let the virus rip now? Continue lockdown 976 votes

Let it rip 826 votes Now share your opinion





'We are still in the suppression phase. We were always going to still be in the suppression phase now,' he told the Today show on Friday morning.

Only 10.18 per cent of Australian adults have had two doses of the vaccine, preventing the country from scrapping restrictions like the UK which has jabbed 65 per cent.

On Thursday Sydney recorded 38 new Covid cases with more than half in three local government areas of the ethnically diverse south-west. Another 44 cases were recorded on Friday.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area after Ms Berejiklian said residents - most of whom do not speak English at home - were not obeying the lockdown rules.

Despite a plea for residents to get tested for Covid-19, testing centres in the area were empty on Friday morning.

On Thursday night the Sydney Morning Herald reported that state cabinet was divided over whether to continue the lockdown or lift it and let the virus spread.

Three senior ministers told the publication the state was at a 'fork in the road' and the next three days 'would be critical.'

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Wednesday said if lockdown fails then the state must 'accept that the virus has a life which will continue in the community'.

Police are patrolling in the shopping district in the southwestern suburb of Fairfield on Friday morning to enforce lockdown

South Western Sydney residents in Bankstown appeared to be taking the lockdown seriously as streets were seen nearly deserted and most residents wore masks at the shop for essential items

Scott Morrison has supported locking down Sydney until new local Covid cases are eliminated amid reports some state cabinet ministers want to let the virus spread. Pictured: Shoppers make their way along Chapel Road in Bankstown

The Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas take in 110 suburbs. Pictured: The main shopping centre in Fairfield

The three areas where the virus is spreading are home to more than 820,000 residents and represents a 519 square kilometre swathe of the city. Pictured: Chapel Road in Bankstown

Mr Morrison said the federal government was working on what extra financial support it could deliver to New South Wales residents if lockdown goes into a fourth week. Pictured: Chapel Road in Bankstown

Mr Hazzard backtracked on Thursday, saying opening up depends on vaccination rates - but Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the health minister meant what he said.

'The minister has been involved in this for 18 or 19 months, dealing with Covid-19, and he does not mince his words,' Mr Barilaro told Sunrise.

'He has said that, it is clear that in a week's time, we still may have community transmission and we may have to attack this differently, remembering that the Delta strain is a very different from the first strain, there is no rule book to work through. We make the best decisions on advice.'

The Prime Minster said he is not aware of any state ministers who want to abandon lockdown and let the virus rip through the community.

'At the discussions I've had with NSW cabinet ministers, that hasn't been relayed to me. So I don't know what these reports relate to,' he said.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Wednesday said if lockdown fails then the state must 'accept that the virus has a life which will continue in the community'. Pictured: Police in Fairfield on Friday

The Prime Minster said he is not aware of any state ministers who want to abandon lockdown and let the virus rip through the community. Pictured: Chapel Road in Bankstown

Only 9.8 per cent of Australian adults have had two doses of the vaccine, preventing the country from scrapping restrictions like the UK which has jabbed 65 per cent. Pictured: Police in south-west Sydney

Workers wear face masks as they set up displays at a local fruit and vegetable market along Chapel Road in Bankstown

Police patrols were ramped up in Sydney's south-west on Friday morning to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions. Pictured: Residents shopping in Fairfield

Percentage who speak only English at home Canterbury-Bankstown: 34.1% Liverpool: 41.4% Fairfield: 24.8% Source: 2016 Census Advertisement

Mr Morrison said federal health experts are advising him that it is too dangerous to live with the Delta strain - which is twice as infectious as the original Wuhan strain - and lockdown is necessary.

'That is the public health advice I'm receiving. I'm quite certain that's the public health advice that [Gladys Berejiklian] is receiving.

After just three weeks since the first case, there are currently 40 covid-19 cases in hospital, with 11 people in intensive care, three of whom require ventilation.

Mr Morrison revealed he expects the state to continue its suppression strategy, saying: 'I believe that's what will happen in NSW.'

The Australian reported on Wednesday that NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottett opposed lockdown because of the damage it does to the economy.

Mr Perrottet refused to confirm that on Thursday, telling radio 2GB: 'My job is to advocate for businesses and keeping people in jobs and that's what I do.

'What I don't do is speak about the individual positions ministers take in relation to those discussions.

'The virus... is not going away. We have to learn to live alongside it.'

Senior NSW sources told the AFR that Mr Barilaro exaggerated Mr Perrottet's position when he leaked the story to The Australian.

'Dom is the treasurer. He should be trying to support the economy but for it to be leaked out of context shows how dangerous ''Barra'' is,' a source said.

Mr Morrison said Mr Perrottet should 'come into line with the premier.'

He said the federal government was working on what extra financial support it could deliver to New South Wales residents if lockdown goes into a fourth week.

Mr Morrison revealed he expects the state to continue its suppression strategy, saying: 'I believe that's what will happen in NSW.' Pictured: South-west Sydney on Friday morning

New South Wales Police have rejected the accusation that they are unfairly targeting the south-western suburbs

Residents are only allowed to leave their homes for four essential reasons such as going to work if they cannot work from home. Pictured: Traffic in south-west Sydney on Friday

On Thursday Sydney recorded 38 new Covid cases with more than half in three local government areas of ethnically diverse south-west Sydney. Pictured: Fairfield on Friday

Greater Sydney residents who lose more than 20 hours of work a week can claim $500 a week from the federal government while those who lose fewer than 20 hours can claim $325.

Previously only people with less than $10,000 in their bank accounts could apply for the payment, but this requirement has been removed for lockdowns around the country that go on for more than three weeks.

It comes after the federal government struck a deal with Pfizer to bring millions of doses of Covid vaccine into the country earlier than planned to speed up the rollout.

Australia received 1.7 million Pfizer doses in June and it is expected to receive 2.8 million in July, and more than 4.5 million in August.

Previously only 3million doses were expected in August.

A butcher wears a mask whilst setting up a meat display at a local store along Chapel Road in Bankstown during lockdown

NSW recorded 38 cases on Thursday, the state's highest number of daily infections since the first wave of the pandemic last year (pictured, shoppers in Sydney's Chatswood on Thursday)

Australia secures earlier delivery of Pfizer vaccine The federal government struck a deal with Pfizer to bring millions of doses of Covid vaccine into the country earlier than planned to speed up the rollout. Australia received 1.7 million Pfizer doses in June and it is expected to receive 2.8 million in July, and more than 4.5 million in August. Previously only 3million doses were expected in August. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia: 'From 19 July, Australia's Pfizer supply now plans to increase to approximately 1 million doses per week. 'This is compared to an average of 300,000 to 350,000 per week in May and June. 'Due to the nature of pandemic vaccine supply these numbers are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the delivery date.' In total, Australia will receive 40million Pfizer doses by December. Advertisement

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia: 'From 19 July, Australia's Pfizer supply now plans to increase to approximately 1 million doses per week.

'This is compared to an average of 300,000 to 350,000 per week in May and June.

'Due to the nature of pandemic vaccine supply these numbers are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the delivery date.'

Mr Morrison gave his morning interviews before heading to a National Cabinet meeting with state premiers which will discuss a trial of home quarantine for international arrivals and making vaccination mandatory for disability aged care staff.

On Thursday NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant warned lockdown could be extended yet again after the outbreak that began in the city's eastern suburbs last month spread to the south-west, where the number of unlinked cases has soared.

NSW recorded 38 cases on Thursday, the state's highest number of daily infections since the first wave of the pandemic last year.

Police patrols were ramped up in Sydney's south-west on Friday morning to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions, with shoppers warned they may be stopped and questioned over whether what they're buying is 'essential'.

Police will ramp up their patrols of Sydney's south-west from Friday, with 100 extra officers stationed in the suburbs (pictured, police patrolling Sydney on Thursday)

The singling out of Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown residents and restricting of their movements has outraged community leaders, who have questioned why their wealthy eastern suburbs counterparts haven't endured the same police enforcements.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant is concerned about the surge in unlinked cases and described case numbers as 'stubborn', saying infections had already 'broken containment lines' in the south-west.

'We are finding more unlinked cases now, where as early on it was very linked,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

Dr Chant said the drive towards zero community transmission will continue as the vaccine rollout finally begins to ramp up, signalling an extension of lockdown, but that attitudes towards the spread could change when enough people were vaccinated.

'It is hard with (the current) level of vaccine coverage not to see a significant escalation in cases,' she said.

'I'm also very conscious that vaccine will be available in the near future in sufficient quantities to protect us and (we can then) have a different conversation about community transmission at that time.'

Dr Chant and other officials spent Thursday night amending the public health order to make it illegal for more than one person to visit another household to provide 'care or assistance'.

Police patrols will be ramped up in Sydney's Covid-riddled south-west from Friday morning to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions

WEST VS EAST: SYDNEY'S COVID CASES EAST Vaucluse: 26 Bondi Junction: 19 Bondi Beach: 18 Maroubra: 14 WEST Parramatta: 6 Fairfield: 5 Liverpool: 5 Bossley Park: 14 Cecil Hills: 14 Source: NSW Health Advertisement

More than half of Thursday's new 38 cases were from Sydney's south-west.

The Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas take in 110 suburbs, and are home to more than 820,000 residents and represents a 519 square kilometre swathe of the city.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian attributed the spike in cases in the region to non-compliance in the community and illegal household interactions, prompting a police crackdown on residents leaving their homes.

But Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone and Canterbury-Bankstown counterpart Khal Asfour have jumped to defend their residents and pointed the blame at hotel quarantine leaks and the bungled vaccine roll-out for the spike in cases.

'Don't put this on south-west Sydney, I'm not going to cop this,' Mr Carbone told Nine News on Thursday.

'It's not our fault the virus is here. It's the fact that it keeps on leaking from hotel quarantine, and that's where people are frustrated.'

He later told Sky News: 'I just think we've got to work out a way to stop the virus coming in from hotel quarantine, it's a controlled area, that's where everyone's frustrated.

'Fairfield's a perfect example, an area that never had the virus, but the virus spreads.

'You need to contain it from its entry point, they need to put as much resources as possible to stop the virus coming in to play from the beginning.

'We had a nurse come from the inner-west and eastern suburbs come to Fairfield Hospital and contaminate one of our wards.

'We also had the West Hoxton cluster which came from the inner-city. That wasn't locked down or controlled and that spread across south-west Sydney.'

But Mr Carbone's deputy Paul Azzo believes the crackdown will be a small price to pay if it can help slow down the spread of the virus.

'The fact that the proposed response was not adopted for earlier outbreaks in eastern Sydney and the northern beaches does not faze me,' Mr Azzo said.

'I see the proposed police response as a positive for South Western Sydney and I congratulate the premier for taking a special interest in the residents of Fairfield.'

Canterbury-Bankstown mayor Khal Asfour claims he wasn't consulted about the increased police patrols which he says have cause widespread disgruntlement and disillusionment in the community.

'The government and Premier came out targeting our communities when I don't think there was no need to,' he told ABC's RN Drive.

'This is a Sydney wide problem, this isn't a south-west Sydney problem.

'The virus didn't emanate here, it started in the eastern suburbs.'

He has no problems with police fining people not wearing mask and leaving their homes for non-essential reasons.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejikian (pictured) has come under fire for singling out Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown residents

Dr Kerry Chant (pictured) described NSW case numbers as 'stubborn' and said community transmission must be stamped out before millions can go back to normal

Eastern suburbs residents flocked to Bondi last weekend to soak up the winter sun. Their counterparts in the city's south-west won't enjoy the same freedoms this weekend

But he questioned why 100 additional officers have been deployed to the region when they weren't brought in to Bondi when the outbreak began, where Sydneysiders have flocked to beaches and parks to soak up the winter sunshine.

'I have to question and wonder why why this didn't happen in Bondi when the outbreak started a few weeks ago,' Mr Asfour said.

He called on the NSW government to get its messaging to the community right.

'We shouldn't be blamed for this. I think the vaccine rollout and hotel quarantine are the reasons why this variant has spread across Sydney,' he told The Project.

'We've had this pandemic on our shores for 18 months. I think the messaging is right, and they've got the material.

'I think they've just had a bit of a problem in getting it out there to the right people.

'Community leaders are locked down at home. Our mosques, our churches, our places of worship are locked down.'

'We're a very faith-based community out here and it's very hard for people to hear these messages from their faith-based leaders and I think it's important that when that's occurring that the government needs to double down on their efforts and make sure that people are getting the right message.'

Residents out and about in Sydney's south-west will be grilled by police as to why they're leaving their homes (pictured, Bankstown locals stocking up on essentials)

Racial justice organisation Democracy in Colour went one step further, describing the police operation as 'thinly veiled racism' and called for it to be reversed.

'This isn't a public health response, it's explicitly targeting people of colour and working class communities in the western suburbs,' national director Neha Madhok said.

'Inner city suburbs and the Northern Beaches have had significant cases but they have not been harshly policed like this.'

Ms Berejiklian has defended her comments singling out the Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool regions.

'We are here to make sure people know what the risk is  it is really important for me to say it like it is,' she said on Thursday.

'Please note that when I say it like it is I don't mean to cause offence, I just need to get the information out.

'Our words come out of care and compassion, our words come out of wanting us all to come out of this as quickly as possible, as safely as possible and as intact as possible and that is why it is my responsibility to be direct.

'If we don't say it like it is, people won't think about their own actions and behaviours and I think the people of this state would expect me to be honest and direct as specially at a time like this.'

The south-west regional police commander Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, said the police operation will ensure residents 'do the right thing'.

'They need a reasonable excuse to be out there, and people need to ask themselves the question 'do I need to do it?' and quite often, the answer can be no,' he said.

More than 100 officers have been deployed in Sydney's south-west to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions (pictured, police in the city on Thursday)

DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA'S INTERACTIVE MAP OF COVID EXPOSURE SITES ACROSS SYDNEY
Scientists have revealed which parts of Europe have the most polluted air during summer months  and it's not good news for those planning a trip to Spain.

The researchers, from Palo Alto-based startup Airly, collected sensor data on two types of air pollution  particulate matter (PM) at holiday-destination European coastlines and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in European cities.

They found the Canary Islands, Sardegna on the Italian island Sardinia and the southern Spanish coast have particularly high levels of PM, which comprises both microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets that float in the air, often invisible to the naked eye.

In terms of the cities, Athens in Greece and Krakow in Poland are nearly as bad as London when it comes to NO2 pollution, the results show.

NO2 can lead to health issues like inflamed airways while aggravating existing heart and lung diseases, while PM can easily enter the lungs and then the bloodstream.

If you want a pollution-free holiday this summer, the analysis also shows Scotland's coast has some of the cleanest air in the whole of the continent.

Pictured are the best and worst coastal locations when it comes to particulate matter (PM) pollution, according to the analysis by Palo Alto-based startup Airly

This maps shows PM pollution levels in summer months at European coasts. A darker colour means a higher level of pollution

CITIES RANKED FOR NO2 POLLUTION 1. London 33.8 2. Athens 33.7 3. Krakow 33.1 4. Paris 25.8 5. Rome 24.5 6. Milan 23.7 7. Madrid 22.5 8. Prague 19.5 9. Berlin 19.1 10. Barcelona 18.2 11. Lisboa 14.2 Averaged NO2 g/m3 concentration for 2020 summer months, Jun-Aug 2020 Advertisement

Airly says people should be mindful of their results when choosing their holiday destination this summer.

'Using sensors, Airly provides accurate, ultra-local, predictive data for governments, media and businesses to tackle the issue of air pollution head-on,' the firm says.

'Airly's platform acts as a warning system for pollution at street level and in real time with greater accuracy and at lower cost for cities and enterprises.'

Air pollution data was acquired from the state monitoring stations via the European Environmental Agency and from Airly sensors located within 10 miles from coastlines.

The firm said it generally found the highest levels of air pollution in highly urbanised islands coasts with typically a large amount of business or industrial activity and high traffic.

In terms of PM, the worst regions are Canarias in Spain, Malta, Sardegna in Sardinia, Italy and Andalucia in Spain.

The regions least affected by PM are Eastern Scotland, Acores in Portugal and the UK's Highlands and Islands.

PM, which can easily enter the lungs and then the bloodstream, is classified based on its diameter  for example, PM 2.5 has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which is about 3 per cent the diameter of a human hair.

PM can have a natural origin  for example, wildfires or volcanic eruptions  but the majority comes from burning coal, wood stoves, forest fires, smokestacks and other human processes that involve burning.

Particulate matter (PM) is emitted during the combustion of solid and liquid fuels, such as for power generation, domestic heating and in vehicle engines. Particulate matter varies in size (i.e. the diameter or width of the particle). PM2.5 means the mass per cubic metre of air of particles with a size (diameter) generally less than 2.5 micrometres (m). Pictured, London obscured by pollution

Graph indicates air pollution hotspots for concentration of nitrogen dioxide NO2 in micrograms per cubic metre (g/m3). London, Athens and Krakow are the worst cities for NO2 pollution, the results suggest

EUROPE'S MOST AND LEAST POLLUTED COASTAL REGIONS Top five most and least polluted coastal regions in Europe are ranked below for their levels of particulate matter (PM). Cities are ranked by CAQI-PM on a scale from 0 to 100 (shown in brackets). The higher the number the worse the air quality is. Most polluted - Canarias, Spain (30.6) - Malta (30.2) - Sardegna, Italy (29.1) - Andalucia, Spain (26.9) - Murcia, Spain (24.6) - Campania, Italy (24) Least polluted - Eastern Scotland (7.22) - Acores, Portugal (7.76) - Highlands and Islands, UK (7.77) - Ovre Norrland Sweden (8.15) - West Central Scotland (8.30) - Pomorskie, Poland (8.42) (Averaged data for 2020 summer months, Jun-Aug 2020) Advertisement

In Europe, PM pollution in the summer is much lower than in the winter season as there are fewer pollutants from the combustion of solid fuels for domestic heating.

Air pollution along the coasts is generally lower than inland, mainly due to strong and frequent coastal winds, although it does have natural pollination related to sea salt levels.

Southern Europe is also exposed to 'air pollution of a natural origin' such as circulating African dust and matter from other dry landscapes.

The Airly results reveal that PM pollution in the top polluted coastal regions does not exceed an annual limit set by the EU  40 micrograms per cubic metre (40g/m3).

Particulate matter, or PM, comes from a variety of sources, including vehicle exhausts, construction sites, industrial activity or even domestic stoves and ovens. PM 2.5 is particulate pollutant 2.5 micrometres or smaller in size

As for NO2 pollution, London ranked the worst, followed by Athens, Krakow, Paris, Rome, Milan and Madrid.

NO2, which mainly comes from road transport emissions, damages immune system cells in the lungs and causes increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. It can make asthmatics more sensitive to allergens.

NO2 is one of a group of highly reactive gases known nitrogen oxides (NOx).

In the summer months especially, UV rays from the sun cause photochemical reactions between NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOC), creating ozone (O3).

O3 can be seen as a smoggy cloud during the summer and can damage the lungs when inhaled.
Using a mobile phone for as little as 17 minutes per day over 10 years increases the risk of developing cancerous tumours by up to 60 per cent, a surprising study found.

The controversial research involved statistical analysis of 46 different studies into mobile phone use and health around the world, by experts from UC Berkeley.

They found that using a mobile for 1,000 hours, or roughly 17 minutes per day over a ten year period, increased the risk of developing cancerous tumours by 60 per cent.

Researchers say that radiation from mobile signals 'interfere with cellular mechanisms' and can result in the creation of stress proteins that cause DNA damage, tumours and even cell death in extreme cases.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denies any link, saying there is 'no consistent or credible scientific evidence of health problems caused by the exposure to radio frequency energy emitted by cell phones.'

Berkeley experts examined earlier studies carried out in the US, Sweden, UK, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand to get a broad picture of mobile use and health.

The rate of mobile phone ownership is increasing, with studies showing a rise from 87 per cent of homes having at least one device in 2011, to over 95 per cent in 2020.

Study author Joel Moskowitz said people should minimise time on mobile phones, keep them away from their body and use a landline for calls where possible.

Using a mobile phone for as little as 17 minutes per day over 10 years increases the risk of developing cancerous tumours by up to 60 per cent, a surprising study found. Stock image

TIPS TO REDUCE RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM A SMARTPHONE Joel Moskowitz has been studying the health impact of mobile phones for decades and offered tips to reduce exposure: Minimise: Use a landline whenever possible. If you do use a cellphone, turn off the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if you're not using them. However, when near a Wi-Fi router, you would be better off using your cellphone on Wi-Fi and turning off the cellular because this will likely result in less radiation exposure than using the cellular network. Distance: Keeping your cellphone 10 inches away from your body, as compared to one-tenth of an inch, results in a 10,000-fold reduction in exposure. Store your phone in a purse or backpack. If you have to put it in your pocket, put it on airplane mode. Text, use wired headphones or speakerphone for calls. Don't sleep with it next to your head - turn it off or put it in another room. Signal: Use your phone only when the signal is strong. Cellphones are programmed to increase radiation when the signal is poor, that is when one or two bars are displayed on your phone. For example, don't use your phone in an elevator or in a car, as metal structures interfere with the signal. SOURCE: UC Berkeley News Advertisement

Studies examining a link between mobile phone usage and cancer are controversial, said Moskowitz, who said it is a 'highly sensitive political topic'.

He said there are significant economic ramifications for the powerful mobile phone industry, which also funds a number of studies into the subject.

The Berkeley team conducted the research with the South Koreas National Cancer Center and Seoul National University.

'Cell phone use highlights a host of public health issues and it has received little attention in the scientific community, unfortunately,' said Moskowitz.

However, the Food and Drug Administration in the US says on its website there is 'no consistent or credible scientific evidence of health problems caused by the exposure to radio frequency energy emitted by cell phones.'

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UKs chief executive said that the review looks at findings of previous research into the health impact of mobile phones.

She said the results were mixed,' adding that 'there are some important limitations with some of the studies used.

'For example some were done in animals, while others compared people who already had cancer and asked them to remember past mobile phone use rather than tracking people over time.

'Research is still on-going into the longer-term effects, but overall, the best scientific evidence shows that using mobile phones does not increase the risk of cancer.'

A Public Health England spokesperson reiterated that sentiment.

Adding: 'There is no convincing evidence that exposure to electromagnetic fields has adverse health effects provided exposures are below recommended guideline levels.'

Moskowitz says many of the studies showing no link have been fully or part funded by the mobile phone industry, adding there is obvious evidence of a link if you look at the wider picture, and compare multiple studies to look for a trend.

He said many experts who support a link say the modulation of wireless devices makes the radiation energy more 'biologically active'.

'This then interferes with our cellular mechanisms, opening up calcium channels, for example, and allowing calcium to flow into the cell and into the mitochondria within the cell, interfering with our natural cellular processes and leading to the creation of stress proteins and free radicals and, possibly, DNA damage.'

'And, in other cases, it may lead to cell death,' he added.

'A big reason there isn't more research about the health risks of radiofrequency radiation exposure is because the US government stopped funding this research in the 1990s,' he said.

One exception was a $30 million rodent study published in 2018 by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' National Toxicology Program, which found 'clear evidence' of carcinogenicity from cellphone radiation.

However, the FDA dismissed the findings of that study, saying the findings don't apply to humans, calling them 'over-hyped'.

Moskowitz says the FDA is 'controlled by the telecom industry,' with a revolving door between membership of the FCC and people working in telecom.

The controversial research involved statistical analysis of 46 different studies into mobile phone use and health around the world, by experts from UC Berkeley. Stock image

WHAT IS SMARTPHONE ADDICTION? The term 'smartphone addiction' has often been criticised in the scientific literature. Some experts argue the lack of severe negative consequences compared to other forms of addiction make the name misleading. Some say the issue isn't with the smartphone, but it is merely a medium to access social media and the internet. Alternative terms such as 'problematic smartphone use' and concepts have been proposed instead. Despite the controversy on the term 'smartphone addiction', as described above, it is still the prevailing term in the scientific world. Additionally, the psychometric instruments used in many studies explicitly refer to the concept of 'smartphone addiction'. In the upcoming years, a shift away from the term 'smartphone addiction' towards more appropriate terms, as discussed above, might be seen. Advertisement

'The industry spends about $100 million a year lobbying Congress,' he said.

Over 250 scientists who have researched health effects of non-ionising electromagnetic fields from mobile devices, have signed the International EMF Scientist Appeal, which calls for health warnings and stronger exposure limits.

'So, there are many scientists who agree that this radiation is harmful to our health,' explained Moskowitz.

A number of studies have tried to settle the debate over cell radiation. Rates of a particular kind of heart cancer do seem to be linked to greater cell phone usage, but the number of people with the rare disease is small.

The UC Berkeley team worked to apply statistical analysis to 46 different studies conducted in multiple countries to see if there was a consistent outcome.

They found a mixed set of results, but when focusing on those with 'high quality methodology' they found a 'clear link' between mobile phone radiation and increased risk of developing tumours.

Specifically, spending 17 minutes per day on average using your mobile phone over a decade increased the risk of cancerous tumours by 60 per cent.

'Most recently, on March 1, 2021, a report was released by the former director of the National Center for Environmental Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which concluded that there is a "high probability" that radiofrequency radiation emitted by cellphones causes gliomas and acoustic neuromas, two types of brain tumors,' Moskowitz said.

He recommends people minimise their use of mobile and cordless phones in order to reduce their radiation exposure time.

He said you should 'use a landline whenever possible' and if you do use a mobile 'turn off the WiFi and Bluetooth if you're not going to use them'.

'Distance is your friend,' the study author added, saying that keeping the phone 10 inches from your body results in a 10,000-fold reduction in exposure - so make a call using the speaker rather than hold it to your ear.

'Further studies using the exact data on the time spent on cellular phones are warranted to confirm our findings,' the authors wrote.

The findings have been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
A wobble in the moon's orbit cycle could cause devastating flooding in the US next decade, according to a new NASA study.

Every US coast will see a rapid increase in high-tide flooding, as rising sea levels caused by global warming are made worse by a change in the moon's pull on tides.

Starting in the mid-2030s, high-tide floods will wreak havoc on US coastal cities, including Boston; La Jolla, California; St. Petersburg, Florida; and even Honolulu, as both astronomical and oceanic causes for floods line up.

These floods  also known as nuisance floods or sunny day floods  are caused by high tides and rain, not by large storms and hurricanes.

They are made worse by rising sea levels, which are caused as glaciers and ice sheets melt due to climate change.

But the problem will be made worse in the mid-2030s because a regular wobble in the moon's orbit cycle will affect its gravitational pull on the oceans.

In half of the moon's 18.6-year cycle, the tides are suppressed: high tides are lower, while low tides are higher than normal. In the other half, high tides get higher and low tides get lower.

When the moon's cycle is combined with global sea level rise, the high tides are only pushed higher.

The combined effects will result in a 'leap in flood numbers on almost all US mainland coastlines, Hawaii and Guam', NASA's Sea Level Change Science Team said.

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By next decade, every US coast will see a rapid increase in high-tide flooding caused by global warming, made worse by the moon's pull on tides, according to a new study

Starting in the mid-2030s, high-tide floods  also known as nuisance floods or sunny day floods  will wreak havoc on US coastal cities, including Boston, La Jolla, California, St. Petersburg, Florida and even Honolulu

Honolulu could see HTFs one day per month by 2037 and as many as 20 days per month by 2047, while Boston, La Jolla and St. Petersburg could see anywhere between 5 and 15 by 2051

The floods are likely to occur in clusters too, lasting perhaps as long as a month, depending upon the position of the moon, Earth and Sun.

Honolulu could see high-tide flooding one day per month by 2037 and as many as 20 days per month by 2047, researchers found.

Boston, La Jolla and St. Petersburg could see anywhere between 5 and 15 high-tide flooding days per month by 2051.

Only the most northern coastlines, including Alaska's, will be spared from the next cycle.

'Low-lying areas near sea level are increasingly at risk and suffering due to the increased flooding, and it will only get worse,' said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, in a statement.

'The combination of the Moon's gravitational pull, rising sea levels, and climate change will continue to exacerbate coastal flooding on our coastlines and across the world. NASA's Sea Level Change Team is providing crucial information so that we can plan, protect, and prevent damage to the environment and people's livelihoods affected by flooding.'

The researchers found these tipping points looking at 89 tide gauge locations in all coastal states and territories in the US and projected results out to 2080.

Starting in the 2030s, the four cities will be firmly in the 50th percentile for projected high-tide-flooding, moving all the way up to the 90th percentile by 2050

Every US coast and territory will see an increase in high-tide flooding, but the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic North Coast and Pacific Islands are expected to see the brunt of the impact

The floods are likely to occur in clusters too, lasting perhaps as long as a month, depending upon the position of the moon, Earth and sun

'When the Moon and Earth line up in specific ways with each other and the Sun, the resulting gravitational pull and the oceans corresponding response may leave city dwellers coping with floods every day or two,' NASA wrote in the statement.

In 2019, there were more than 600 high-tide floods, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In separate data, NOAA added that the Western Gulf saw a 500 percent increase in high-tide flooding days compared to 2000, while the Southeast saw a 300 percent increase.

The US agency expects that high-tide flooding will occur between 25 and 75 times per year, depending on location.

High tide flooding is described as flooding that causes 'public inconveniences,' such as road closures, overwhelmed storm drains and compromised infrastructure.

NOAA expects that high-tide flooding will occur between 25 and 75 times per year, depending on location

It has increased in the country by about 50 percent on average since 2000 and 100 percent since 30 years ago.

The study's lead author, University of Hawaii assistant professor Phil Thompson said this is an 'accumulated effect over time that will have an impact,' even if they are sometimes seen as less significant.

'But if it floods 10 or 15 times a month, a business cant keep operating with its parking lot under water,' Thompson added. 'People lose their jobs because they cant get to work. Seeping cesspools become a public health issue.'

The research was published in Nature Climate Change last month.

It is the latest warning on the affect that global warming will have on life in costal cities and towns.

In 2017, a study suggested that New York City could be hit with 'once-in-a-lifetime storms' that previously occurred once every 500 years, every 5 years.
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Hidden at the bottom of vertiginous cliffs or beneath a sweep of high mountains, coves offer the perfect escape for adventurous travellers keen for a coastal getaway without the crowds.

Whether its a brief dip or a languorous picnic on the beach, these are the places I head to when I need a deep, soothing breath of sea air with just my family for company.

From distant Welsh gems to easily overlooked wonders on the Essex coast, these are our most beautiful secret coves.

Grebe Beach, Cornwall

Grebe Beach is a Cornish delight with sweeping views out to the Atlantic and a surprisingly tropical feel

Set on the beautiful Helford Passage, a short walk through the woods east of the pretty hamlet of Durgan, Grebe Beach is a Cornish delight.

Lush banks, replete with Scots pine and oak tumbling down from the low cliffs, and sweeping views out to the Atlantic give this hidden beach a surprisingly tropical feel.

The late naturalist Roger Deakin said swimming here was akin to breast-stroking through the Limpopo, and its easy to see why. Well back from the swell of the Atlantic, the water here is calm and perfect for a languid dip on a hot afternoon.

Stay: National Trust-owned Quay Cottage in Durgan, overlooking the Helford River, is available for a minimum of two nights from 329 (nationaltrust.org.uk).

Monkey Beach, Essex

This tranquil spot on Essexs hugely underrated Mersea Island is a dream for beachcombers, sandcastle-builders and children.

On the eastern side of the island, close to Clacton-on-Sea, the beach is crossed by boardwalks and tiny creeks that appear at low tide.

Pack a net and bucket and search for oysters, or pop up a windbreak and enjoy the peace this corner of England has to offer. Make sure to join the queue for Company Shed, which serves oysters and fresh fish.

Stay: The beautiful, 300-year-old Monkey Beach Cottage costs from 695 a week (monkeybeachcottage.co.uk).

Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk

Burnham Overy Staithe in Norfolk, where you can spot marsh harriers and seals

More of a creek than a cove but no less beautiful for it, this place is a boaters paradise. The long tidal range means small vessels which dot the harbour spend much of their time listing on dry mud, but the winding path that cleaves to the creek and heads over the dunes and on to Holkham beach means its easy to reach open water by foot if sailing isnt your thing.

Pack binoculars  marsh harriers swoop across the vast open expanses, as do lapwings, while common and grey seals can often be spotted in the water.

Stay: The Hero, with B&B from 155 a night (theheroburnhamovery.co.uk).

Torrin, Loch Slapin, Skye

Loch Slapin has a beach that's loomed over by Beinn na Caillich to the east and Bla Bheinn across the water to the west

Just north of Torrin, a mountain stream flows out into the eastern reaches of Skyes spectacular Loch Slapin.

The small beach is loomed over by Beinn na Caillich to the east and Bla Bheinn across the water to the west, with handy parking for those who want to camp or explore the nearby Torrin pools.

The latter are a less crowded and equally beautiful alternative to the wildly popular and frequently overrun pools at Glenbrittle. This is a place to come and feel the vastness of the Scottish countryside, with otters frolicking in the shallows.

Stay: Skye Mountain Lodge has B&B from 60pp a night (skyemountainlodge.co.uk).

Ansteys Cove, Devon

Hideaways: Ansteys Cove in Devon is reached after a trek through woodland

Just off the South West Coast Path between Torquay and Babbacombe, this is one of the English Rivieras finest beaches. Sure its shingle rather than sand, but that hardly matters when the water glitters in the summer sun and youre kicking back in a rented deckchair while enjoying an ice cream from the beachside cafe.

The walk here is spectacular, too, downhill through woodland. This is a beach that rewards those who make a bit more effort when it comes to finding a place to lounge.

Stay: Cary Arms & Spa, on the coast north of Ansteys Cove, has rooms from 127 a night (caryarms.co.uk).

Blue Pool Bay, Gower

Named after a deep rockpool which appears on the beach at low tide, Blue Pool Bay is arguably the most picturesque of Gowers beaches. Accessible via a steep footpath or from Broughton beach when the tide is out, the sea here is dramatic, the views of the cliffs making it worth pulling on your walking boots for. The Blue Pool is popular with swimmers but caution is advised, especially when the tide is rising. Likewise, riptides make bathing in the sea dangerous.

The cove disappears at high tide, so check tide times before setting out.

Stay: Coast House, from 75 B&B a night (enjoygower.com/coasthouse).

Porth Trecastell, Anglesey

Known by locals as Cable Bay, after the telephone cables that ran from here to the opposite shore in Ireland, Porth Trecastell is a perfect, sheltered cove and one of the finest in Wales.

Its popular with families, with ample sand for playing and excellent rockpooling, and surfers and kayakers will also find much to love here thanks to swells from the Irish Sea. Rock climbers will be in their element when low tide reveals excellent routes up the cliff faces.

Take a wander along the western headland on the Anglesey Coast Path and explore the Neolithic burial chamber of Barclodiad y Gawres.

Stay: Sandy Mount House, north of Porth Trecastell, has rooms from 90 a night (sandymounthouse.co.uk).

Browns Bay Beach, County Antrim

Rooms at Ballygally Castle Hotel in County Antrim cost from 114 a night

At the northerly tip of the Islandmagee peninsula in County Antrim, Browns Bay Beach, tucked around a headland and away from the churning waves of the Irish Sea, is a dream spot for swimmers. The waves here dont tend to get too big and the water quality is excellent, meaning that keen dippers will find much to love.

For those whod rather stay on dry land, the remote location and views along the coast make it perfect for a short walk. Dogs are allowed, too, with a handy car park making it easily accessible.

Stay: Ballygally Castle Hotel, set in a stunning 17th Century building, has rooms from 114 a night (hastingshotels.com/ballygally-castle).

Jennys Cove, Lundy Island

Jennys Cove on Lundy (general view of the island above) is named after a merchant ship carrying gold dust and ivory that was wrecked there in 1797

Sail to Lundy from Ilfracombe or Bideford in North Devon between April and October and explore some of the UKs most wild and rugged coastline. Jennys Cove, on the islands north-west coast, named after a merchant ship carrying gold dust and ivory that was wrecked here in 1797, is its most fascinating beach.

Overlooked by coastal defences thought to have been built to protect against piracy, the cove and its surrounding cliffs are now home to a puffin colony, as well as to razorbills and guillemots.

Stay: Old Light, Lundys former lighthouse, is available on a self-catering basis, sleeping four people, from 339 for four nights (landmarktrust.org.uk).

Ardwell Bay, Dumfries and Galloway

A remote beach on the western side of the Rhins of Galloway peninsula, Ardwell Bay faces directly out on to the Irish Sea, with Northern Ireland on the horizon.

Those who venture this far west are rewarded with solitude and a chance to explore the regions ancient history at Doon Castle Broch, a clifftop fortress said to date back some 4,000 years to the Iron Age.

Its not uncommon for dolphins to surf on the waves that pile into the sandy bay. Seals are also easy to spot, along with myriad wading birds.

Remote: Part of a preserved Neolithic farmstead on a small island in Orkney

Stay: The spectacular Knockinaam Lodge has rooms from 205 a night (knockinaamlodge.com).

Bay of Moclett, Orkney

Tiny Papa Westray is accessible by the worlds shortest flight  the hop from neighbouring Westray takes just a minute and a half.

Once on this tiny island, the beautiful Bay of Moclett ticks all the boxes for beach-lovers  a sweep of fine white sand with sparkling azure water in summer.

Walkers can undertake a circuit of the entire island, including a visit to the oldest standing house in Northern Europe and St Boniface Kirk, one of only two Orkney churches that survived the Reformation and are still in use.

And visit the Knap of Howar, a preserved Neolithic farmstead.

STAY: Holland Farm, a renovated farmhouse, is available from 300 for seven days  but check local closures due to Covid rules (01857 644250).

Bulcamp Marshes, Suffolk

Where the River Blyth winds its way towards the North Sea at Walberswick lies some of the East of Englands finest marshland. Its southern shores enjoy right to roam access, meaning you can ramble out to the waters edge where numerous channels, creeks and coves appear between the reeds.

Pack binoculars as the land here is part of the wider Walberswick National Nature Reserve. Loomed over by Blythburgh church, also known as the Cathedral of the Marshes, this is a place ripe for exploration on colder days.

Stay: The Anchor at Walberswick has B&B from 100 a night (anchoratwalberswick.com).
Sharon Stone has kept her curves in check even though she is in her sixties.

And on Tuesday the Basic Instinct actress told WSJ. Magazine how she manages to do it even though she has a thriving career and three sons. The siren said some of her tricks include a fruit breakfast, swimming laps in her pool, sleeping eight hours a nights, doing lunges, and taking baths filled with arnica and Dead Sea salts.

This comes after PageSix claimed the stunner is now dating rapper RMR, whose signature is to wear a ski mask.

Still a pinup: Sharon Stone has kept her curves in check even though she is in her sixties. And on Tuesday the Basic Instinct actress told WSJ . Magazine how she manages to do it even though she has a thriving career and three sons

The blonde beauty and the musician have been together for months, it was reported, and have hanging out at hot spots like Delilah's with Chris Brown.

And she got very specific about her routines.

'My favorite breakfast is watermelon with feta cheese and mint, with olive oil and salt and pepper,' said the Sliver star. 'And then I usually have a piece of gluten-free sourdough toast with that and an herbal tea.'

And the cover girl still works out plenty.

Her secrets: The siren said some of her tricks include a fruit breakfast, swimming laps in her pool, sleeping eight hours a nights, doing lunges, and taking baths filled with arnica and Dead Sea salts

New love: This comes after PageSix claimed the stunner is now dating rapper RMR, whose signature is to wear a ski mask. The blonde beauty and the musician have been together for months, it was reported, and have hanging out at hot spots like Delilah's with Chris Brown

She sure knows how to turn it on: The looker seen in a yellow bikini this month with her dog

'During Covid I started devising different things that I just did for myself. I think squats are really important. If you do squats every day, that really does get your whole body together,' added the Ratched star.

'I was a martial artist when I was young. I haven't practiced in decades, but I still like to do my punches.'

Often she just heads to her swimming pool in the back yard of the Beverly Hills mansion she purchased decades ago.

'I really like to swim, and I find that [the] butterfly is a really great overall workout for me, and a stroke that really works for my body overall. I like to plank, and I have [young sons] so we do planking contests to see who can plank the longest. They can plank for half an hour.'



And baths help her heal.

A great body: In a bikini for her role as a party woman in the film All I Wish

'Last night I was getting a really bad muscle ache, body ache, headache, and I took a bath in Dead Sea salts and arnica. And that was really, really, really helpful. So I sort of use herbs and teas as medicine. If my stomach's upset, I drink lemon and ginger teas and peppermint teas and these kinds of gentle herb things. I'm very gentle with myself and the things that I use.'

And the Total Recall actress sleeps plenty.

'Now I need eight,' said the ex wife of Phil Bronstein.

'Many years ago, I did a film about lucid dreaming [2007's When A Man Falls], which was really intriguing and wonderful. I started really studying and practicing the art of lucid dreaming and lucid dreaming as a form of meditation. So I super love sleeping, and I love this opportunity to work on lucid dreaming.

No flaws: 'My favorite breakfast is watermelon with feta cheese and mint, with olive oil and salt and pepper,' said the Sliver star. 'And then I usually have a piece of gluten-free sourdough toast with that and an herbal tea'

As far as dressing, the author of The Beauty Of Living Twice chooses her clothes carefully.

'I also think we're not all built the same, so we have to figure out what works for our body type or proportionand what works with our personality. I don't really like to be uncomfortable, so I'm not one of those people that you're often going to see in a bustier, uncomfortable shoesgear that's really hard to wear. I like clothes that are simple and clean and structurally, architecturally interesting. I like hippie kind of clothes.'

Also in her interview she said having a reputation for being 'difficult' has damaged her career.

The actress has been outspoken on various issues over the years, and Sharon thinks that her willingness to discuss contentious things in public has undermined her earning potential.

She told WSJ Magazine: 'I'm just excited to see where I belong in the world, to see where my journey is going.

Swim time: mansion she purchased decades ago. 'I really like to swim, and I find that [the] butterfly is a really great overall workout for me, and a stroke that really works for my body overall. I like to plank, and I have [young sons] so we do planking contests to see who can plank the longest. They can plank for half an hour'

Now with clothes on: Sharon Stone attends the In The Heights Opening Night Premiere during the 2021 Tribeca Festival at The Battery in June in New York City

Her big hit: As author Catherine Trammel in the 1992 movie Basic Instinct

'I think that when I was saying all these things - that now Kamala Harris, our fabulous vice president, and Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton are now avidly discussing - about women's rights, [it] made my film career quite difficult.

'People found me to be 'difficult' because I was asking for those things and expecting to get those things that I felt were correct and appropriate for myself and other women.'

Sharon also thinks that attitudes are evolving, and ultimately, she believes it might make things easier for women like herself in the film business.

The Hollywood star said: 'That hurt me and my standing with my colleagues in the business. What I [am waiting] to see at this point is now that [gender equality] is becoming the standard fare, [will] I be accepted back into my film community because I had that great thing that President Obama talked about, which was audacity?

'I was willing to bash my own head on the glass ceiling. I'm going to have to see if this wounded warrior can be accepted back into her industry or if I will have to move along somewhere else.'
The second day of Cannes is in full swing, as the festival makes its triumphant return after it was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic last year.

And Tilda Swinton was sure to turn heads as she and Marion Cotillard led the stars arriving in style at the Chanel dinner in the French city.

The Snowpiercer star, 60, looked quirky in a satin navy dress with semi-sheer sleeves and a studded and ruffled neckline.

Quirky: Tilda Swinton led the stars arriving in style at the Chanel dinner in the French city of Cannes on Wednesday night

The ensemble was tied at the waist with a matching sash, and she mirrored this by wearing a similar strip of fabric across one eye.

She wore her icy blonde locks across her eye-ribbon to add to the look.

Tilda displayed her usual pale visage, adding a pop of colour to her look with red lipstick and a matching manicure.

In attendance: Marion Cotillard looked stunning in a black and white print dress and heels

Chic: The Snowpiercer star, 60, looked quirky in a satin navy dress with semi-sheer sleeves and a studded and ruffled neckline

The ensemble was tied at the waist with a matching sash, and she mirrored this by wearing a similar strip of fabric across one eye

Striking: She wore her icy blonde locks across her eye-ribbon to add to the look

Marion, 45, looked stunning in a black and white print dress and corresponding heels.

She wore a chunky statement necklace around her neck and toted a pink purse as an accessory.

She wore her raven tresses around her features, made-up delicately.

Dinner guests: Tilda displayed her usual pale visage, adding a pop of colour to her look with red lipstick and a matching manicure

Arrival: She wore a chunky statement necklace around her neck and toted a pink purse as an accessory

Yes, she Cannes! She wore her raven tresses around her features, made-up delicately

Marion stars in upcoming musical film Annette directed by Leos Carax, which premiered at Cannes on Tuesday's opening night.

French filmmaker Carax returns with his first feature film since the critically-acclaimed 2012 film Holy Motors for this new musical.

The Sparks Brothers members Ron Mael and Russell Mael write both this original story and the music for the film.
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
Britney Spears posted a sizzling nude shot this Wednesday that showed her sitting on the rim of her bathtub.

The 39-year-old pop star was pictured from behind and the camera was held high enough to avoid violating Instagram's Community Guidelines.

Her post, which she cryptically captioned with just three emoji of pointe shoes, comes amid her battle over her conservatorship.

Smoldering: Britney Spears posted a sizzling nude shot this Wednesday that showed her sitting on the rim of her bathtub

God-fearing: She also posted another Instagram upload captioned: 'Our Father who ART in Heaven HALLOWED BE THY NAME !!!! Pssss you better F***ING BELIEVE IT !!!!'

She also posted an anime rendering of a woman holding flowers and captioned it: 'Our Father who ART in Heaven HALLOWED BE THY NAME !!!! Pssss you better F***ING BELIEVE IT !!!!'

On Wednesday Britney also swung by her Instagram to re-post an entertaining video of Jamie Foxx wearing a summery floral caftan.

During the clip Jamie told a funny story about wearing the outfit to the Zara at Los Angeles' famous outdoor shopping mall The Grove.

He quipped that he bought nothing and 'just did lunges - I just came through that b**** like this,' he said before demonstrating.

'Comfortable': On Thursday Britney also swung by her Instagram to re-post an entertaining video of Jamie Foxx wearing a summery floral caftan

'Sorry but @zara is where I do a lot of my shopping and I saw this the day I got back from the mall !!!' gushed Britney in her caption.

'I swear to God all want to do every time I go in there is run around the cash register waiting in line ... so OF COURSE @iamjamiefoxx feels the same way with this lunges !!!!! PS holy crap hes funny !!!!'

Her latest posts come after her mother wrote to the judge in her conservatorship case, asking her to allow Britney to appoint her own attorney and end the legal framework she says is ruining her life, saying she can look after herself and has been able to for years.

In a court filing on Wednesday that was obtained by DailyMail.com, Lynne Spears asks Judge Brenda Penny to 'listen to the wishes of her daughter'.

Meanwhile Spears' boyfriend Sam Asghari posted a workout video showing how he keeps in shape.

What a tale: During the clip Jamie told a funny story about wearing the outfit to the Zara at Los Angeles' famous outdoor shopping mall The Grove

Off he goes: He quipped that he bought nothing and 'just did lunges - I just came through that b**** like this,' he said before demonstrating

Her attorney wrote: 'On June 23, 2021 in very courageous showing, Conservatee [Britney] appeared by phone and spoke for almost twentyfive minutes, baring her heart to the Court in an impassioned plea to be heard on several requests.

'Petitioner Lynne Spears, interested party and mother of the Conservatee, hereby petitions this Court to listen to the wishes of her daughter, and as first step, respectfully requests an Order granting permission to the Conservatee to hire her own private legal counsel.'

Lynne's attorney goes on to say Britney has 'quite literally earned hundreds of millions of dollars' as a celebrity and can care for herself.

'It is beyond dispute that this is a unique conservatorship. In the original petition for appointment, her given address was the UCLA Medical Center.

'That was over 13 years ago.

In a court filing on Wednesday that was obtained by DailyMail.com, Lynne Spears asks Judge Brenda Penny to 'listen to the wishes of her daughter'. The pair are shown in 2000

Lynne's petition tot he judge on Wednesday asking for Britney to be able to appoint her own attorney

'Now and for the past many years, she is able to care for her person and in fact has, inside the parameters of this conservatorship, earned literally hundreds of millions of dollars as an international celerity.

'She should no longer be held to the same standard,' Lynne's attorney wrote.

In a separate filing, Jodi Montgomery, the co-conservator in charge of Britney's 'person' - meaning she makes her medical decisions - asked the court to approve payment for her to get security, claiming she's been getting death threats.

She insists that Britney wants her to remain in charge of her person and even submitted a text which she says Britney sent her after testifying before the court.

DailyMail.com understands that the texts were sent on July 2, a week after Britney told the court she wanted to make her own decisions.

Montgomery will not speak publicly about the discrepancy between what Britney told the court, and what she says she has told her privately.

Her attorney also won't comment on whether or not she intends to help her end the conservatorship.

Britney's father Jamie, pictured recently, is refusing to step down and remains in control of her finances

They read: 'I need u to stay as my co conservator of person. I'm asking u for ur assistance in getting a new attorney. Thank u for ur help.'

In her filing, Montgomery asks the court to tell Jamie Spears to pay for her extra security which will cost $25,480-a-fortnight.

'Since the hearing, which was illegally broadcasted and replayed to an incredibly wide audience, there has been a marked increase in the number and severity of threatening posts about Petitioner on all social media platforms as well as text messages, phone calls, and emails directed to [her] personally.

'Many of the messages threaten violence against her. She has forwarded these communications to the security company retained by the Conservator of the Estate.

'Security has determined the security risk to be serious enough to recommend that 24/7 physical security be provided to Petitioner on an interim basis in order to protect her from harm and until she can make certain security improvements at her home and office residence.

'Security has been at her home being conditionally paid for by the Estate because it is cost-prohibitive for the Petitioner to bear the cost of it personally.'

She insists that despite what Britney claimed in court, she still wants Montgomery to stay on.

A representative for Montgomery refused to comment on why Britney told her one thing in private and said another in open court.

The next court hearing is on July 14.
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They recently confirmed their romance after they were spotted locking lips in Los Angeles.

And Spider-Man costars Tom Holland and Zendaya decided to flee the city over the weekend to celebrate the Fourth Of July in picturesque Santa Barbara.

The couple loaded up their black SUV with luggage on Wednesday, seemingly marking the end of their romantic getaway.

Getaway: Spider-Man costars Tom Holland and Zendaya (pictured) decided to flee the city over the weekend to celebrate the Fourth Of July in picturesque Santa Barbara

Loading up: Tom was seen loading up their black SUV with luggage on Wednesday, seemingly marking the end of their romantic getaway

Zendaya rocked a noticeably makeup-free face and wore her curly brunette tresses down.

She was seen sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle, with a pair of gold framed glasses on her face.

The 24-year-old actress rested her head in her hand as she waited patiently for Holland to finish packing.

Shortly after, Tom was seen exiting the couple's Santa Barbara rental property with a brown leather duffle bag in hand.

Got it covered: Tom was seen exiting the couple's Santa Barbara rental property with a brown leather duffle bag in hand

Spiffy: The 25-year-old actor wore a muted pink tee shirt styled with some denim jeans and a pair of bright white sneakers

Classic: The Spider-Man star's brunette hair was neatly coifed and he accessorized his ensemble with a silver wrist watch

The 25-year-old actor wore a muted pink tee shirt styled with some denim jeans and a pair of bright white sneakers.

The Spider-Man star's brunette hair was neatly coifed and he accessorized his ensemble with a silver wrist watch.

While making his way towards the pair's SUV, Tom accidentally dropped his cellphone, which he quickly picked up and checked for damage.

After his brief pause, Holland popped open the trunk to place his leather duffle on top of two other suitcases, presumably belonging to Zendaya.

Natural beauty: Zendaya rocked a noticeably makeup-free face and wore her curly brunette tresses down

Smiley: She was seen sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle, with a pair of gold framed glasses on her face

Confirmed: Tom and Zendaya recently confirmed their romance after they were spotted locking lips in Los Angeles

Before throwing his bag in the trunk, he appeared to be conversing with the Euphoria star as she resided in the driver's seat.

After some back-and-forth, Tom placed his bag atop the other suitcases and swiftly slammed the trunk closed.

He made his way to the front passenger's side door and slipped right in.

Shortly after, Zendaya and Tom decided to place an order at beloved California burger joint In-N-Out, where they were seen placing an order with a friendly attendant.

Whoops! While making his way towards the pair's SUV, Tom accidentally dropped his cellphone

All good: He swiftly picked it off the ground and surveyed it for damage

Packed: After his brief pause, Holland popped open the trunk to place his leather duffle on top of two other suitcases, presumably belonging to Zendaya

Earlier in the day, Zendaya was spotted at a Starbucks drive-thru picking up some drinks for herself and her man.

Last week, the pair's romance became official - after years of rumors - when they were spotted kissing in Tom's Audi in LA.

During the same day Zendaya was spotted at a residential property in Los Angeles with her mother Claire Stormer - and Tom was with her for the family meetup.

Although the pair have been the subject of dating rumors since they wrapped Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017 - their first film together - she repeatedly denied they were an item.

Chatty: Before throwing his bag in the trunk, he appeared to be conversing with the Euphoria star as she resided in the driver's seat

Shotgun: He made his way to the front passenger's side door

Ready to go: He stepped up onto the vehicle and slid inside

However that very July a People insider dished that the franchise co-stars had become romantically involved with one another but were attempting to keep the matter under wraps.

'They started seeing each other while they were filming Spider-Man. They've been super careful to keep it private and out of the public eye but they've gone on vacations with each other and try and spend as much time as possible with one another,' claimed the source.

Zendaya denied as much on Twitter joking: 'My favorite is when it says we go on vacations together HA! I haven't been on a vacation in years! hbu @tomholland1996???'

'He's literally one of my best friends,' Zendaya said of Tom during an interview with Variety later in 2017 after the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Fueling up: The couple decided to make a few food stops before embarking on their journey back to LA

Sweet; Zendaya, without Tom, grabbed drinks at a nearby Starbucks

'This past how many months we've had to do press tours together. There's very few people that will understand what that's like at 20 years old,' she pointed out.

Indeed both Zendaya and Tom have reportedly dated other people in the years between when the rumors started and when they were glimpsed locking lips this week.

Tom was linked to a woman named Olivia Bolton in 2019 but then The Sun reported last April that they had called time on their relationship after nine months.

There were also reports that Zendaya and her Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi became a couple in 2019 but lately he has been running around with Cindy Crawford's daughter Kaia Gerber.

Drive-thru: Later, Tom and Zendaya were seen in line at an In-N-Out burger

Drive-thru: Later, Tom and Zendaya were seen in line at an In-N-Out burger

After co-starring together in Spider-Man: Homecoming the duo also acted in its sequel Far From Home and this December will be seen in the next installment which is subtitled No Way Home.

This spring Tom gave an interview to GQ where he revealed he finds it 'incredibly frustrating' and 'very nerve-wracking' to be linked to an ultra-famous colleague.

'It means that if you are dating someone, you have to be really conscious of their feelings, because if something does happen between the two of you, its not just happening between the two of you, its happening in front of the entire world,' he explained in the cover story.

Tom, who has a reputation for being private about his love life, added: 'And it can be very complicated. Its one of the things I worry about most, of all the things in my career.'
Russell Crowe's ex-wife Danielle Spencer has shared some rare family photos of the former couple's son Tennyson.

And at 15-years-old, the teenager is all grown up now.

'It's my youngest son's birthday today; he is 15! Can't believe it.. Happy birthday Tennyson! Love you,' Danielle wrote on Instagram.

All grown up: Russell Crowes ex-wife Danielle Spencer has shared some rare family photos of the former couple's son Tennyson (pictured) on his 15th birthday

A number of celebrities commented with their well-wishes, including Georgie Parker and Patti Newton.

Danielle and Russell, who met in 1989 on the set of the film The Crossing, married in April 2003 at his farm in Nana Glen, New South Wales.

They separated in 2012 and finalised their divorce six years later.

They share two children, sons Charles, 18, and Tennyson, 15.

Flashback: A beaming Crowe plays with Tennyson when he was a toddler

Russell, 57, is set to take over Sydney for his latest film, Poker Face.

The Oscar-winning actor, who will direct as well as star in the upcoming action-thriller, has already has picked out several iconic locations for the film's set pieces.

One of the sequences will feature a high-speed car chase inside the Harbour Tunnel.

Family: Danielle and Russell share two children, sons Charles, 18, and Tennyson, 15

The $140million penthouse atop James Packer's Crown Residences will also be showcased in the film, as well as 'a sprawling Point Piper mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour'.

The rest of the movie will likely be shot at Fox Studios in Moore Park.

While the film was originally set in Miami, Florida, Russell has reportedly demanded it be filmed and set in Sydney.

The New Zealand-born star wants 'to show people just how stunning and world-class' Sydney is, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Poker Face follows a tech billionaire called Jake (played by Russell) who gathers his childhood friends to his estate for what turns into a high-stakes game of poker.
She has two children under the age of two.

So it's not surprise Sylvia Jeffreys is little delayed when it comes to checking her phone.

On Wednesday, the Channel Nine presenter revealed an awkward reality about her texting habits in a meme she shared on Instagram.

Whoops! Channel Nine presenter Sylvia Jeffreys has revealed her awkward texting habit after welcoming her two sons

The funny meme read: 'When you realize you only replied mentally and you never actually sent the message.'

The 35-year-old TV presenter admitted she was aware of her habit, offering an apology to her pals, writing, 'Dear friends, I'm sorry.'

Sylvia is currently on maternity leave as she continues to have her hands full with her three-month old son Henry.

Apologies! She shared a funny meme on her Instagram that read: 'When you realize you only replied mentally and you never actually sent the message' and apologised to her pals

The blonde beauty and her Sky News presenter husband Peter Stefanovic, 39, are also proud parents to one-year-old son Oscar.

Last week, the doting mum celebrated three months of bliss with her newborn by sharing a heart-melting new photo of her little boy.

Three months old today,' she captioned a close-up picture of Henry with his cherubic eyes on display.

Cute! Sylvia is currently on maternity leave as she continues to have her hands full with her three-month old son Henry

Sylvia's adorable post comes after she announced the birth of their second son, Henry, in an Instagram post on April 7.

She shared photos of the newborn wrapped in a hospital blanket and wrote in the caption: 'Henry, our gorgeous, healthy little boy makes us a family of four. His proud parents couldn't be happier.'

'His big brother is learning to be gentle. Big love all around,' she added.

Sweet! She announced his birth in an Instagram post in April. Pictured is Sylvia with newborn Henry and one year old son Oscar

Sylvia and Peter began dating in 2013 after meeting at Nine and were engaged in 2016 while on holiday in France.

They tied the knot at the Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley on April 1, 2017.

Last year, Sylvia and Peter welcomed their first son, Oscar Hamilton, who turned one year old in February.

Just eight months later, the TV presenter revealed that she was pregnant with her second child, a son.

Love story: Sylvia and Peter began dating in 2013 after meeting at Nine and were engaged in 2016 while on holiday in France. They tied the knot at the Ooralba Estate in Kangaroo Valley on April 1, 2017

Cute: They welcomed their first son, Oscar Hamilton, who turned one year old in February

Sylvia conceived her first son, Oscar, via IVF, but said her second pregnancy was 'spontaneous'.

'We hadn't planned to go down that path so soon, but having had not an entirely easy path the first time around you can't be anything but thankful and grateful to have fallen pregnant this way,' she told The Australian Women's Weekly.

She said many people had advised her against having boys 15 months apart, but she insisted they wouldn't have it any other way.

'I know it will be a lot to keep up with two turbo little boys, but for now I'm just embracing the beautiful chaos,' Sylvia added.
Matt Trewin opened up about his personal heartbreak on a date with Tara on Farmer Wants a Wife on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old spoke about his late father's battle with cancer during a heart-to-heart with the blonde.

Matt said he was a proud fourth-generation farmer, and wanted to ask Tara if she'd be happy moving to his farm in Orbost, regional Victoria.

'It tears you apart': Farmer Wants a Wife star Matt (pictured) admitted he was still 'torn apart' as he spoke to Tara about his late father's heartbreaking cancer battle on Wednesday's episode

'You know, I'm the fourth generation now on the farm, on the family farm... and I reckon I couldn't give that up,' he told her.

Tara said she understood Matt would want someone to move to his farm, and reassured him moving wasn't an obstacle.

Matt went on to speak about his father's death, saying 'life will never be the same'.

Heart-to-heart: Matt said he was a proud fourth-generation farmer, and wanted to ask Tara if she'd be happy moving to his farm in Orbost, regional Victoria

'So recently dad has passed away with cancer. Life's never going to be the same,' he began.

'It tears you apart, losing your best friend, let alone your father. Yeah, it's heartbreaking, but I know he'd be super proud watching over me.'

Matt said he was 'very attracted' to Tara but wanted her to 'open up a bit more'.

He revealed that when he's with Tara, he gets a 'warm fuzzy feeling' inside - which is what his parents used to tell him he'd feel when falling in love.

Sad: 'So recently dad has passed away with cancer. Life's never going to be the same,' he said. 'It tears you apart, losing your best friend, let alone your father. Yeah, it's heartbreaking'

'There's feelings there and that fuzzy warm feeling there... I'm getting that fuzzy warm feeling dad used to talk about,' Matt confessed.

'Dad said, "When I met your mother I was blown away and had this fuzzy feeling."

'He said, "You'll know one day when you get it"... I think I'm in the same boat here.'

Wednesday's episode saw the farmers send a total of six women home.

In a surprise to no one, farmer Andrew booted Lucy from the competition, after she stirred up a kissing drama earlier this week.

Farmer Wants a Wife continues Sunday at 7pm on Channel Seven
She was born in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.

And Kirsty Gallacher represented the country as she wowed in a strapless black gown for the Pride Of Scotland Awards in South Queensferry on Wednesday.

The TV presenter, 45, exuded elegance in the form-fitting dress which featured delicate cut-out sections around her midriff, as she lead the stars at the national awards ceremony at Hopetoun House.

Chic: Kirsty Gallacher wowed in a strapless black gown as she lead the stars at the Pride Of Scotland Awards in South Queensferry on Wednesday

She boosted her height with black sandal heels and added a pop of colour with red lipstick.

Kirsty tucked her brunette locks back in a low ponytail and entered the event on her own.

Meanwhile Love Island's Paige Turley sported a similar strapless black jumpsuit for the awards night which she teamed with a Dior Saddle bag.

Style: The TV presenter, 45, exuded elegance in the form-fitting dress which featured delicate cut-out sections around her midriff at the national awards ceremony at Hopetoun House

Slick of make-up: She boosted her height with black sandal heels and added a pop of colour with red lipstick

The blonde beauty, 23, styled her voluminous locks in glamorous loose waves and rocked full coverage make-up.

Her Love Island boyfriend Finley Tapp, 21, looked dapper in a plum-coloured suit and a white slim-fitting tee.

The reality star opted for casual white sneakers and accessorised tastefully with a silver watch.

Same taste in fashion: Meanwhile Love Island's Paige Turley sported a similar strapless black jumpsuit for the awards night which she teamed with a Dior Saddle bag

Dashing: Her Love Island boyfriend Finley Tapp, 21, looked dapper in a plum-coloured Moss Bros suit and a white slim-fitting tee

The couple wrapped an arm around each other as they posed on the red carpet.

The Pride Of Scotland Awards honours extraordinary Scottish heroes.

Nominated by the public, the winners are from all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the country.

Sweet: The couple wrapped an arm around each other as they posed on the red carpet
She's the outspoken The Block contestant who always manages to grab attention with her larger-than-life personality.

But on Wednesday, Jess Eva revealed it was her six-year-old son Fred who took centre stage when he made a cameo appearance alongside her on 7News.

During a discussion about Sydney's lockdown with host Michael Usher, Jess invited Fred to join her on-screen - but the tot's T-shirt appeared to have an expletive word emblazoned on the front.

Awkward! Jess Eva has been left mortified after she discovered her son Fred's T-shirt looked like it had the word 's**t' emblazoned on the front during a recent TV broadcast

Jess was left mortified as she discovered the fashion faux pas the following day, confirming that Fred's top - which was designed to say the word 'shift' - had folded over, with the letter F becoming invisible.

While it is a perfectly innocent top, to the untrained eye it looked as though the little boy had worn a T-shirt with the word 's**t' as a logo.

'That unfortunate moment when your son looks like hes wearing a shirt that says S**T on national TV,' Jess laughed. 'Swipe to see what it actually says!'

Jess shares Fred and daughter Matilda, four, with husband Norm Hogan.

Hilarious: 'That unfortunate moment when your son looks like hes wearing a shirt that says S**T on national TV,' Jess laughed. 'Swipe to see what it actually says!' Pictured: Fred in his 'shift' T-shirt

As well as her reality TV stints, Jess is also a radio host on Triple M's Moonman In The Morning.

She recently spoke to Daily Mail Australia about the most awkward interview she's ever come across - in the form of Motley Crue drummer, Tommy Lee.

The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star was left horrified when the legendary musician hung up on her during a live radio chat, after she asked a forbidden question about his sex life.

Awkward! Jess recently told Daily Mail Australia that one chat with an A-lister certainly stands out for all the wrong reasons - in the form of Motley Crue's Tommy Lee

'I got hung up on by Tommy Lee,' she laughed. 'I didn't know that there were rules. Sometimes in radio they don't give the announcers the rules, because if you tell them they sometimes forget it and ask the questions they shouldn't...'

But this tactic didn't quite work out for Jess, who quickly decided to ask about Tommy's ex partners - something his publicist, Jamie Roberts, had banned.

'I just remember Tommy Lee being a bit of a pants man, and having heaps of girlfriends. I asked him who was his favourite lover...' she added.

'This woman came on and said "interview is over" and hung up on us!'
Model Lucciana Beynon certainly can't be threatened with a good time.

And the 19-year-old was in very good spirits on Wednesday as she returned to the party circuit at a mansion in Miami, Florida.

Lucciana slipped into a skimpy pink bikini to showcase her sensational figure as she went for a dip in the backyard pool.

Hot, hot, hot! Lucciana Beynon, 19, slipped into a tiny pink bikini as she partied in Miami on Wednesday, after being linked to super-fit social media king Max Wyatt

She wiggled and jiggled as she jumped on a trampoline, before hopping into the pool with a group of gal pals.

The cold water appeared to agree with her as she smiled and laughed.

It comes after Lucciana was spotted with British social media king Max Wyatt over the weekend, sparking romance rumours.

Brr! The cold water appeared to agree with her as she smiled and laughed

Lucciana surprised fans when she cuddled up to the hunky Brit, 22, at a pre-Fourth of July party.

The Australian beauty had been holidaying in Mexico before heading off to Miami.

While she certainly looks sensational in skimpy swimwear, Lucciana revealed last month that was as far as she was prepared to go.

Dream girl: The curvy brunette wiggled and jiggled as she jumped on a trampoline, before hopping into the pool with a group of gal pals

During an Instagram Q&A on June 1, she shut down rumours she was about to join the subscription-based adult website OnlyFans.

She responded with a simple 'no' when asked about starting an OnlyFans account.

Who knew they were friends? Lucciana was spotted partying with super-fit social media king Max Wyatt, 22, in Miami over the weekend, sparking romance rumours

She is already an international model and jets around the world for photo shoots and runway shows.

Lucciana, who looks like a long-lost Kardashian sister, previously spoke of her plans to permanently relocate to the U.S. after finishing high school.

She told the Gold Coast Bulletin back in 2017: 'When I finish school I'll still be 17, so as soon as I turn 18, I'm going to move to America forever.'

Rising star: Lucciana is already an international model and often jets around the world for photo shoots and runway shows. She was most recently in Mexico

'I want to become a Victoria's Secret Angel and then ultimately become a supermodel,' she added.

Lucciana, whose mother is Venezuelan former beauty queen Ninibeth Leal, has a contingency plan to get into real estate investments.

Her father is Australian tobacco tycoon Travers Beynon, who is known for his polyamorous lifestyle and wild parties at his Gold Coast mansion.
Nick Cannon is speaking out for the first time since his girlfriend Alyssa Scott gave birth to his seventh child, a baby boy named Zen, last week.

The 40-year-old TV personality, who has fathered four newborns in the past six months with three different women, insists that none of the pregnancies were accidents.

'I don't have no accident,' said Cannon during his Power 106 radio show on Wednesday, adding that 'there's a lot of people that I could've gotten pregnant that I didn't.'

Breaking silence: Nick Cannon is speaking out for the first time since his girlfriend Alyssa Scott gave birth to his seventh child, a baby boy named Zen, last week; Cannon pictured in 2020

He continued: 'The ones that got pregnant are the ones that were supposed to get pregnant.'

Earlier in the broadcast, the former America's Got Talent host joked to his cohost that he was 'like a seahorse out here. That's just the way I'm procreating.'

Cannon officially became a father of seven on June 23, when his presumed current girlfriend Alyssa Scott gave birth to a baby boy.

Alyssa shared the news to her Instagram account on Saturday night, revealing that they had named the child Zen.

Baby love: Cannon, 40, became a father of seven, including three newborns, when his girlfriend welcomed their son Zen on June 23

Too many to count: On June 14, Nick's ex-girlfriend Abby De La Rosa, 30, gave birth to twin boys Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir

The news makes Nick, 40, the father of three newborns, as his ex-girlfriend Abby De La Rosa welcomed their twins on June 14.

Alyssa shared the news with a lovely set of photos of her from behind as she cradled little Zen, who was wrapped up in a blanket in her arms.

The little boy appeared to be snoozing, and he had a thick head of hair already.

No accidents: 'I don't have no accident,' said Cannon during his Power 106 radio show on Wednesday, adding that 'there's a lot of people that I could've gotten pregnant that I didn't'; Nick pictured in 2019

Alyssa shared a mix of elegant black-and-white photos and color snaps to share the news.

She was dressed elegantly for the low-key photoshoot in a backless black dress, with her hair styled up in a messy bun to showcase her dangling earrings.

Another black-and-white snap showed her caressing her very pregnant tummy in a silk dress for a mirror selfie.

'I will love you for eternity - 62321,' she captioned the post, adding the baby's birthdate.

Sweet: Alyssa shared the news with a lovely set of photos of her from behind as she cradled little Zen, who was wrapped up in a blanket in her arms

Gorgeous: She was dressed elegantly for the low-key photoshoot in a backless black dress, with her hair styled up in a messy bun to showcase her dangling earrings

Ready to pop: Another black-and-white snap showed her caressing her very pregnant tummy in a silk dress for a mirror selfie

A color version of the photos in her Insta Stories added that his name was Zen.

Nick had advertised Alyssa's pregnancy in an earlier Instagram post on his own account, which she reposted to her Insta Stories for Father's Day.

'Celebrating you today,' she captioned the picture of Nick reaching from behind her to caress her pregnant stomach while she leaned against a rocky outcropping on a beach.

Alyssa first announced her pregnancy in May, but it wasn't until her Father's Day post that she confirmed that the Wild 'N Out host was the father.

Baby on board: Nick had advertised Alyssa's pregnancy in an earlier Instagram post on his own account, which she reposted to her Insta Stories for Father's Day

Making it official: Alyssa first announced her pregnancy in May, but it wasn't until her Father's Day post that she confirmed that the Wild 'N Out host was the father

Alyssa's post received a torrent of congratulations from her followers.

Little is known of Nick's relationship with Alyssa, though they were seen at the popular celebrity spot Nobu in October of 2020.

In May, she called him 'a player' in a social media exchange, suggesting he wasn't committed, though things seem to be better between the two now.

But Nick will have his hands full with their child, as he has two other babies born just days earlier.

On June 14, his ex-girlfriend Abby De La Rosa, 30, gave birth to twin boys Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir.

Abby wrote on Instagram: 'Our dearest sons: my miracle babies. Thank you for choosing me to be your Mommy. I know the Lord has destined me and prepared me for the gift of not one but two little angels...

'I pray that God give you both the strength to walk brave and boldly in your individual truth just like your Daddy. That God bless you and your brother and guide you into living out your full purpose.'

Two sets of twins: Nick shares his oldest children, 10-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan Scott, with his ex-wife Mariah Carey; seen in 2018 in Inglewood, Calif.

The twins arrived less than six months after his ex Brittany Bell gave birth to a daughter named Powerful Queen, now six months old, back in late December.

The pair also share an older son named Golden who is three years old.

Nick shares his oldest children, 10-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan Scott, with his ex-wife Mariah Carey.

Nick previously joked about not wanting to use contraceptives in a 2017 Howard Stern interview, so he may not be opposed to even more children in the future.

After speaking about his battle with the autoimmune disease Lupus, he said, 'I'm probably gonna die sooner than most people... so let's f*** all night! So why wear condoms? I might not be here tomorrow!'

The TV host was diagnosed with the disease in 2012 and was hospitalized for it in 2016.

In an interview with The Sun from June, Nick's father James suggested his son's many children were partly due to his anti-abortion beliefs.
She is enjoying a vacation at her secret Caribbean hideaway she affectionately calls Casa Chipi Chipi.

And on Wednesday, Sofia Vergara shared some photos to Instagram from her idyllic retreat where she's spending time with husband Joe Manganiello and their cute Chihuahua Bubbles.

The Modern Family alum is set to ring in her 49th birthday at the luxury estate on July 10.

So in love: Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello looked the picture of contentment in a photo the actress posted to Instagram on Wednesday from their Caribbean hideaway Chipi

The Colombian actress posed for snaps with Joe, 44, against a tropical background of lush green foliage.

The actor posed with one arm affectionately around his wife of five and a half years as she placed a hand lovingly on his wrist.

With his other arm, Joe cradled their rescue pup Bubbles and the genetically-blessed couple gazed directly into the camera.

Another photo showed her son Manolo and her niece Claudia in the shallow crystal clear ocean water gazing out at a stunning vista.

Romantic getaway: Another photo showed her son Manolo and niece Claudia in the shallow crystal clear ocean water gazing out at a stunning vista

Cute: With them on the trip is their rescue Chihuahua pup Bubbles who has become inseparable from Joe and seems to be taking the jet set lifestyle in stride

Two generations: The Colombian beauty, who will turn 49 on July 10, has also been joined by her mom Margarita Vergara Davila de Vergara, who is seen here with Claudia

It turns out that Sofia's mom Margarita Vergara Davila de Vergara has joined the couple on vacation.

Sofia shared a snap of her mother in a black swimsuit alongside Claudia.

The star headed off to Chipi a week ago during a break from her gig as a judge on America's Got Talent, excitedly sharing the news with her social media followers.

'Back to Chipi!!!' Sofia headed off to the tropical hideaway a week ago during a break from her gig as a judge on America's Got Talent, excitedly sharing the news with on social media

Sofia and Magic Mike star Joe married in 2015.

And on June 14, the couple celebrated the seventh anniversary of their first date with dinner at celebrity hotspot Nobu in Malibu.

Sofia, one of the world's highest paid TV actresses, posted some photos to her Instagram from her big night out.

She and Joe got engaged just six months after their first date on Christmas Day 2014.

They tied the knot less than a year later in November 2015 in a ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida.

In love: Sofia, 48, and Magic Mike star Joe, 44, married in 2015. And on June 14, they celebrated the seventh anniversary of their first date with dinner at Nobu in Malibu
She has been adjusting to the single life effortlessly since divorcing her husband Karl Glusman in December 2020.

And Zoe Kravitz looked to be in high spirits on Wednesday as she enjoyed a late lunch with chef Sara Elise Hardman at a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.

The 32-year-old actress had a huge smile on her face, while sipping on a glass of wine and chatting with Hardman.

Beaming: Zoe Kravitz looked to be in high spirits on Wednesday as she enjoyed a late lunch with chef Sara Elise Hardman at a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York

Kravitz's long, braided hair was worn down in a middle part and she appeared to be wearing little to no makeup.

The Big Little Lies star rocked a colorful printed shirt and a pair of high-waisted denim shorts.

She slipped her feet into a pair yellow suede heels and toted around her essentials in a quirky beaded bag.

Zoe had on several rings and bracelet, which were put on full display as she rested her head in her hand during dinner with Sara.

Trendy: The Big Little Lies star rocked a colorful printed shirt and a pair of high-waisted denim shorts

Sara looked equally as trendy in muted green wrap top and a pair of wide-legged pants.

The Brooklyn-based chef donned chunky gold earrings and wore her hair in a chic mullet style.

As they dined, Zoe could be seen grasping onto Sara's wrist tenderly as she listened intently to a story she was telling.

Since filing for divorce from Glusman in late December, Kravitz has been leaning on friends and immersing herself in her work.

Tender: As they dined, Zoe could be seen grasping onto Sara's wrist tenderly as she listened intently to a story she was telling

Smiley: The 32-year-old actress had a huge smile on her face, while sipping on a glass of wine and chatting with Hardman

The High Fidelity star and the 33-year-old actor were married for just a year and a half, but dated for four years.

Most recently, it was announced that Kravitz would be making her directorial debut with a thriller titled Pussy Island.

Production is set to start on the movie - which Kravitz describes as 'playful' - at a tropical location next year. Channing Tatum will star as philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King.

Kravitz wrote the script with E.T. Feigenbaum and has been working to develop it with Tatum, who she calls a 'true feminist', for several years.

Divorce: She has been adjusting to the single life effortlessly since divorcing her husband Karl Glusman in December 2020

CAA Media Finance will rep domestic rights as the film is shopped in Cannes next week, Deadline reports.

According to the website, the story centers on Frida, a young, clever, Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum).

'When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King's inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime.

'Despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne and late-night dance parties, Frida can sense that theres more to this island than meets the eye. Something she cant quite put her finger on. Something that is a bit terrifying.' the description reads.

Director: It was announced last month that Kravitz would be making her directorial debut with a thriller titled Pussy Island; Zoe pictured in 2019

Casting: Production is set to start on the movie - which Kravitz describes as 'playful' - at a tropical location next year. Channing Tatum will star as philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King; Channing pictured in 2020

Asked about the provocative title, Kravitz told Deadline the title 'means a lot of things'.

'I started writing this story in 2017. As a woman in general, and a woman in this industry, Ive experienced some pretty wild behavior from the opposite sex. The title was kind of a joke at first, this place where people would go, bring women, party and hang out.

'The story evolved into something else, but the title wound up having multiple meanings. And it alludes to this time and place we claim to not be in anymore, in terms of sexual politics.

'People are evolving and changing but there is still a bad taste in a lot of peoples mouths from past behavior. Its a nod to that, but its also playful, and a really playful film in a lot of ways. I like that the title leads with that and has some heavy meaning beneath it.'

Depth: Asked about the provocative title, Kravitz told Deadline the title 'means a lot of things'; Zoe pictured

The Big Little Lies actress said she knew immediately that Tatum was the one she wanted for the role of Slater because she got the sense that the Magic Mike star is 'a true feminist'.

'I wanted to collaborate with someone who was clearly interested in exploring this subject matter.' she explained.

Tatum, 41, told Deadline that he was shocked Kravitz picked him for the male lead as he's not usually offered roles like that.

'This came out of nowhere and the subject matter made me say, wait, why are you thinking about me for this? No one gives me a chance to play a role like this, everybody throws me down a different alley and expects me to do a certain thing.'

Shocked: Tatum, 41, told Deadline that he was shocked Kravitz picked him for the male lead as he's not usually offered roles like that; Zoe (left) pictured in 2020, Channing (right) pictured in 2020

The Big Little Lies actress said she knew immediately that Tatum was the one she wanted for the role of Slater because she got the sense that the Magic Mike star is 'a true feminist'; Channing pictured in Magic Mike

The actor said it was 'scary and liberating' to have a free conversation where he could 'mess up, and say the wrong things'.

'Slater is a wild character, an extremely committed version - psychotic possibly - but an extreme version of myself,' Tatum said.

'I'm very interested to see what humans are capable of, physically, mentally, spiritually, energetically, all of it. He wants to know what people are capable of, what they want, and what they are capable of when they want something. And how far are you willing to push yourself to get the thing you want. For me, that supersedes gender, race or religion, creed. Thats wildly fascinating to me.'
Daisy Lowe looked lovely in a long jade green dress as she attended the Taste Of London event in Regents Park on Wednesday evening.

Hitting the VIP tent, she mingled with other well-known pals, including writer Jack Guinness who appeared delighted to see her.

The pair embraced and cosied up for snaps, with Jack laying a smacker on Daisy's cheek.

Daisy Lowe looked lovely in a long jade green dress as she attended the Taste Of London event in Regents Park on Wednesday evening with writer Jack Guinness

The model, 32, who is dating boyfriend Jordan Saul, donned the floor-length, figure-hugging dress and added a small black clutch to the look.

The dress featured a plunging front. Daisy added a busty black top beneath this and wore black boots to match.

Her raven mane fell around her features, typically make-up with a porcelain application of cosmetics and a clay pink lip.

Pucker up! Hitting the VIP tent, Jack appeared delighted to see Daisy

Pals: The pair embraced and cosied up for snaps, with Jack laying a smacker on Daisy's cheek

Pose: The model donned the floor-length, figure-hugging dress and added a small black clutch to the look

Going green! The dress featured a plunging front. Daisy added a busty black top beneath this and wore black boots to match

Oh, hi! Jack bumped into Made In Chelsea's Oliver Proudlock

Jack wore a pinstripe blue suit, black Tee, shades and Converse trainers.

Daisy admitted to struggling with her confidence recently, writing in a candid Instagram post: 'With everything opening up, my capacity for socialising seems to have diminished since this time last year & the way I am talking to myself about my body is a lot harsher than ever before.

'I have always loved flaunting my curves, trying to encourage everyone in my life to love absolutely every inch of their skin. Why is it so hard to do the same for myself?!'

Also there: Others in attendance included Nick Grimshaw and his boyfriend Meshach Henry

Famous offspring: Anais Gallagher attended the VIP Lounge at Taste Of London

Stopping by: Olivia Cox popped in, wearing skimpy shorts and an oversized sweater

Snap! Olivia posed for a photo with Nick Hill

Chef! Renowned culinary star Francesco Mazzei was also at the event

She continued: 'Im not a teenager anymore Im a 32 year old woman, who loves to cook, bake, indulge and LIVE. So what does it matter if my jeans dont fit right now? At least this bra does. Almost!

'Thank you @honeybirdette for giving me an excuse to love myself just as I am.'

Daisy's refreshingly honest post garnered plenty of positive comments from her fans, many of whom commented on how stunning she looked.

Summer soiree: [L-R] Victoria Brown and Sophie Porley stopped by
Raising A School Shooter

Rating:

Murder, Mystery And My Family

Rating:

Few things could be more dull, you'd think, than watching a man unpacking his weekly shopping. A complete stranger dusting family photographs in silence. Or a middle-aged woman putting on her make-up.

But now imagine these people have lived with a crushing burden of guilt and grief for decades.

For they are the parents of murderers: some of their teenage children committed multiple killings, walking into school with guns and opening fire indiscriminately.

Suddenly, their parents' mundane activities seem almost miraculous. You wonder how anyone can carry on, finding the strength for years to perform everyday routines after such devastating events.

Raising A School Shooter (BBC4) consisted of wordless vignettes, showing Sue (pictured) in Colorado, mother to one a Columbine High shooters, Dylan Klebold, going on with her life

Raising A School Shooter (BBC4) consisted largely of these wordless vignettes, showing a mother and two fathers going on with their lives in the U.S.

Sometimes they stopped and spoke of the weight of regret and self-recrimination they carried.

Sometimes they recalled the horror of learning about the atrocity committed by their own sons.

Mostly, though, they just kept going. In Ohio, Jeff Williams visited the car wash. In 2001, his beloved boy Andy, who was 15, took a revolver from the family gun cabinet and killed two classmates.

Jeff recalled his disbelief. When they were younger, Andy had been 'like my best friend. We would do a lot of things together'.

He knew his son was unhappy at school but Jeff, a single father, didn't know how to talk to the boy about it.

In Ohio, Jeff Williams (pictured) visited the car wash. In 2001, his beloved boy Andy, who was 15, took a revolver from the family gun cabinet and killed two classmates

Forgiveness came instantly, and naturally, the moment he saw Andy crying at the police station: 'The first time I can remember telling him I loved him was that day.'

Another single father, Clarence Elliot, lives for the weekly phone calls to his son Nicholas in a Virginia prison.

Nicholas has been incarcerated since he shot and killed his teacher, in 1988  he is now serving a 114-year sentence.

Parole has been refused six times but Clarence clings to the hope that he will one day be able to take a bus ride somewhere, anywhere, with his son beside him.

The third and most eloquent of the parents was Sue in Colorado, mother to one of the two Columbine High shooters, Dylan Klebold.

In 1999, 17-year-old Dylan and his friend Eric Harris massacred 12 fellow pupils and a teacher before killing themselves.

Sue talked fervently about her emotions, from her initial reaction that she hoped her son was dead when she heard what he had done.

It was many months, she said, before she could believe the slaughter was premeditated and not 'a moment of madness'.

Her need to talk publicly was so intense that it contributed to the break-up of her marriage.

There is more information in Murder, Mystery And My Family (BBC1), a history programme in which two barristers re-examine a long-forgotten case. Pictured: Jeremy Dein and Sasha Wass

That saddens her, but she cannot be silent: the best hope of preventing more shootings, she says, is to forge connections by talking about our feelings.

Such expressions of mourning and courage take time to sink in. The film's technique, of showing us people doing the most unremarkable things, gave us space to think about what they had said.

There is far more information in Murder, Mystery And My Family (BBC1), the daily history programme in which two barristers re-examine a long-forgotten case.

Although details are supplied in full, this is a more superficial treatment of tragedy. It isn't helped by graphics that look like a 20-year-old videogame.

This episode recounted the story of the 'Manchester Martyrs', three Irish rebels hanged in the 1860s for the murder of a policeman.

It was mildly interesting, but the gimmick of a 'retrial' emphasises how trivially the crimes are regarded.
Channel Nine star Sylvia Jeffreys proved she's just like the rest of us on Thursday.

The journalist and mother of two, 35, shared a relatable post about life in lockdown as Sydney enters its second week of stay-at-home orders.

Sylvia uploaded a photo to Instagram of her chipped nails, after being unable to get a manicure during the lockdown.

Relatable: Sylvia Jeffreys shared a relatable Instagram post on Thursday about life in lockdown as Sydney enters its second week of stay-at-home orders

Sylvia also said she had cracked knuckles from washing her hands too much.

'Hello again, lockdown nails and cracked knuckles,' she captioned her post, adding soap and sponge emojis.

Sydney will remain under stay-at-home orders until midnight on Friday, July 16.

Humour: Earlier this week, Sylvia shared a hilarious meme with fans about her texting habits

Residents are only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons, including to get food, travel for work and education, outdoor exercise, medical reasons, emergencies or funerals.

Earlier this week, Sylvia shared a hilarious meme with fans about her texting habits.

Showing a picture of Kim Kardashian, the meme read: 'When you realise you only replied mentally and you never actually sent the message.'

We've all been there! Showing a picture of Kim Kardashian, the meme read: 'When you realise you only replied mentally and you never actually sent the message'

Sylvia admitted she was aware of her habit, offering an apology to her pals: 'Dear friends, I'm sorry.'

She is currently on maternity leave after welcoming son Henry three months ago.

The blonde and her Sky News presenter husband Peter Stefanovic, 39, are also proud parents to one-year-old son Oscar.
Comedian Lawrence Mooney has issued a grovelling apology after being caught holidaying Byron Bay during Sydney's Covid-19 lockdown.

The Triple M radio host, who should be in lockdown at his home in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, has been staying at the popular tourist town for almost two weeks.

After being questioned by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, the 56-year-old said he'd breached lockdown by accident, as he didn't think Sydney's stay-at-home orders applied to him.

'I feel like an absolute goose': Comedian Lawrence Mooney, 56, (pictured) has issued a grovelling apology after being caught holidaying Byron Bay during Sydney's Covid-19 lockdown on Thursday

'I know how serious this is and the impact lockdowns are having across the state and am very embarrassed by my misunderstanding and stuff up,' he said.

'I feel like an absolute goose for not realising I wasn't permitted to travel to Byron Bay during my break.'

Calling the situation an 'honest mistake', Mooney explained that he was under the impression that because he merely worked in metropolitan Sydney - rather than living there - he didn't have to follow lockdown orders.

Idyllic getaway: The Triple M radio host, who should be in lockdown at his home in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, has been staying at the coastal enclave for almost two weeks

'I mistakenly believed because my home is in a green zone and Byron Bay is in a green zone I could travel there,' he said.

Since his interview, Mooney has cancelled his holiday plans and returned home.

Mooney also noted that he'd taken a Covid-19 test before travelling to Byron Bay, and now plans to take one upon his arrival home in light of his 'mistake'.

'Honest mistake': Mooney explained that he was under the impression that because he merely worked in metropolitan Sydney- rather than living there - he didn't have to follow lockdown orders

It comes after Mooney sparked controversy after he told the hosts of Today Extra that he wasn't vaccinated because he 'didn't want to die'.

During Mooney's appearance on the show last month, host David Campbell asked him: 'Have you been vaccinated Lawrence?'

'No, I have not,' Mooney responded, explaining that he was 'hesitant' to take the jab.

'This is an intervention': It comes after Mooney sparked controversy after he told the hosts of Today Extra that he wasn't vaccinated because he 'didn't want to die'. Pictured: Today Extra's David Campbell, Belinda Russell

When asked whether he was 'worried about the AstraZeneca vaccine?' Mooney simply replied: 'I don't want to die.'

This prompted a frenzied reaction from the Today Extra hosts, who both tried to reassure Mooney by saying, 'you're not going to die!'

'This is an intervention,' asserted Lawrence. 'I know the stats!'

'You've been vindicating me for my hesitancy': A day later, Mooney took to his Triple M's Moonman in the Morning breakfast radio show to rant about his appearance on Today Extra

'You've got a higher chance of dying from flying than you do from AstraZeneca,' guest contributor Michelle Stephenson insisted.

A day later, Mooney took to his Triple M's Moonman in the Morning breakfast radio show to rant about his appearance on Today Extra.

'All eyes turned to me and asked me if I'd been vaccinated. There was a pile-on that ensured,' he said, before insisting that there in fact wasn't a higher chance of dying from flying - maintaining that Qantas have 'never lost a life.'

'You can't pile onto me when the government immediately moves the goal posts, you can't!!' Mooney pointed out that the Government had changed the recommended age limit for the AstraZeneca jab to 60 just two hours after the Today Extra debate

Mooney pointed out that the Government had changed the recommended age limit for the AstraZeneca jab to 60 just two hours after the Today Extra debate.

'You've been vindicating me for my hesitancy,' Mooney continued.

'Dave Campbell, Belinda Russell, Michelle Stephenson, Today Extra, you can't pile onto me when the government immediately moves the goal posts, you can't!!' he said.

Mooney felt the government's decision validated his concerns and was frustrated over the TV 'pile-on'.

Hitting back: Mooney felt the government's decision validated his concerns and was frustrated over the TV 'pile-on'
Veteran actress Rowena Wallace claims she was recently denied help at a hospital.

The Sons and Daughters star, 73, who suffers from clinical depression, told 4BC Weekends she went to an unnamed medical facility for help after 'a mini breakdown' a few weeks ago.

But the 'very busy' hospital allegedly turned the Gold Logie winner away.

Ordeal: Veteran actress Rowena Wallace (pictured at the 2006 Logies in Melbourne) claims she was recently denied help at a hospital

The star's breakdown was precipitated by a prolonged loss of power to her home, combined with an inability to get hold of her necessary medication.

It was then that Wallace went to the hospital seeking help for her mental well-being.

When asked if hospital staff had 'turfed you out', the English-born Australian actress claimed they had.

'They were very busy with people the hospital could do something about, but they couldn't really do anything about me,' she said.

'Except send me home, which they did.'

Sent home: The Sons and Daughters star, 73, who suffers from clinical depression, told 4BC Weekends she went to an unnamed medical facility for help after 'a mini breakdown' a few weeks ago, but the 'very busy' hospital allegedly turned the Gold Logie winner away. Pictured (L-R) Sons and Daughters cast Ian Rawlings, Rowena Wallace, Brian Blain and Alexandra Fowler

Explaining what she did next, she said: 'I was upset, but I didnt say anything. I just thought, "Okay, that's how it is. Ill go home and I will do this myself."'

The Number 96 star then 'sat down and I just went back through my life... right back to childhood' as a form of self-therapy.

'And I just thought about all the things that had happened to me that I could remember anyway, up to this point,' she added.

'And I thought, "Okay, Ive got this far. I can go on now."'

Factors: Her breakdown was precipitated by a prolonged loss of power to her home, combined with an inability to get hold of her necessary medication. Pictured in Sons and Daughters

Rowena's role as 'Pat the Rat' on Sons and Daughters earned her a Gold Logie in 1984 and four Silver Logies.

She has also appeared in both Home and Away and Neighbours.

The star of stage and screen has struggled financially in recent years, telling New Idea in May the power company was 'threatening to turn the power off' to her home.

'The pension is ridiculous  you cant pay for anything,' she told the magazine.
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne can be sued over $11 million in debt her estranged husband Tom Girardi owes to three former clients.

Joseph, Jaime and Kathleen Ruigomez are owed $11 million by Girardi, 82, following a judgment last year, People reported Wednesday after reviewing court documents.

The judge in the ongoing case had earlier put a stay on collections on the assets of Girardi and his firm Girardi Keese, which remains under a trustee probe after Girardi's bankruptcy filing last year.

The latest: A Los Angeles judge has ruled that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne, 49, can be sued over $11 million in debt her estranged husband Tom Girardi owes to three former clients

The Atlanta-born reality star, 49, and her businesses were linked to a $20 million transfer from her estranged husband's firm, according to a special litigation counsel for the trustee, leading the judge to clear a path for the clients to file suit against the Bravo personality.

The court said that 'all assets identified by the Ruigomez family shall be subject to all rights of the Girardi bankruptcy estate and the [Girardi Keese] bankruptcy estate, which parties shall meet and confer in good faith to determine the character/ownership of the identified assets.

'The Ruigomez Family, the Girardi Trustee and the GK Trustee shall cooperate with each other with their collection efforts against Erika.'

The travails of the Ruigomez family in the case were documented in the Hulu doc The Housewife and the Hustler last month, as Joe Ruigomez and his relatives claimed Giriardi illegally kept settlement money in the case awarded in 2013.

Legal woes: Jayne has reportedly switched lawyers in an ongoing chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly on Tuesday

The Atlanta-born reality star, 49, and her businesses were linked to a $20 million transfer from her estranged husband's firm, according to a special litigation counsel for the trustee

Joe's sister Jamie said that while their family believed Girardi 'could win' their case over injuries Joe suffered in the September 2010 gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno, California, but 'didn't know how much of a snake he would be along the way.'

Joe Ruigomez said that Girardi said he would invest their payout and disperse money on a monthly basis, but was often elusive and vague regarding questions from the family, adding that the family filed a suit after Girardi ceased making any payments in 2017.

The family said that Girardi last year agreed to pay the family out $12 million in installments, but never coughed up more than an initial $1 million payment.

Jayne has reportedly switched lawyers in an ongoing chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly on Tuesday.

Details: Jayne is also accused of using her companies to conceal her assets

Accusations: Erika's estranged husband Tom and his former law firm, Girardi & Keese, filed for bankruptcy last year, after they were sued for allegedly embezzling client settlement money

Her attorney, Peter Matsan, filed paperwork to be taken off of Erika's case following the release of The Housewife and the Hustler.

Matsan will now be off the case moving forward and replaced by Evan C. Borges, as of July 5. In his motion to be removed last month, the lawyer reportedly cited the Hulu doc - which included interviews with Girardi's former clients about his alleged embezzlement of settlement funds - as the reason for his departure.

'The relationship of trust and confidence that is essential to a properly functioning attorney-client relationship has broken down and, in the good faith assessment of counsel, the relationship is irreparable,' read the petition, according to Us Weekly.

This comes after Erika slammed another one of the attorneys working on the bankruptcy just a few weeks back.

In previous court documents, Erika demanded that attorney Ronald N. Richards be booted from the case for making 'false and inflammatory social media posts and public statements' about her.

Petitioning creditors made the allegations about Jayne's cooperation in a motion which accused Jayne of declining to submit bank statements to the investigator. Jayne is also accused of using her companies to conceal her assets.

Erika's estranged husband Tom and his former law firm, Girardi & Keese, filed for bankruptcy last year, after they were sued for allegedly embezzling their clients money.

A recent motion filed in the bankruptcy alleged Jayne's companies had received $20 million in loans from the firm in recent years.

The RHOBH star's accountant, divorce lawyer and landlord have all recently been ordered to turn over her financial records as part of the lawsuit and bankruptcy.

People Magazine reported that Erika will have to provide bank statements and other documents as part of a lawsuit, after she had previously refused.

The order comes as a bankruptcy trustee continues to investigate Girardi's assets, amid claims that the couple allegedly embezzled settlement funds that were meant to help the families of plane crash victims on Lion Air Flight 610.

However, according to legal documents obtained by the outlet, Jayne's lawyers were already maintaining that the reality star 'has been and remains willing to cooperate fully with the Trustee's investigation in this bankruptcy of debtor Girardi & Keese.'

Girardi's legal license in California was revoked in March, the same month he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Falling apart: Shortly before the embezzlement lawsuit was filed, Erika filed for divorce from Tom after two decades of marriage

Girardi faces a litany of legal problems, including a $2 million class action lawsuit claiming fraud and embezzlement from the firm Edelson PC in connection with the 2018 Lion Air Flight 610 crash, in which all 189 people onboard died.

He and Jayne were sued for allegedly embezzling funds meant for families of victims, while Edelson PC, a firm for their ex clients, said in court docs their divorce last fall was orchestrated to 'fraudulently protect Tom and Erika's money' as they're 'on the verge of financial collapse.'

In the Hulu doc, attorney Sunny Hostin pointed out that Erika is seeking to have her high-dollar items classified as 'separate property' in their split, claiming they were 'gifts to her.'

Shortly before the embezzlement lawsuit was filed, Erika filed for divorce from Tom after two decades of marriage.

The divorce was labeled a sham by creditors in their bankruptcy case who alleged that the dissolution of their marriage was done in effort to further hide their assets, allegations that Erika has since denied.
Brian Austin Green has clarified on his Insta Stories that he and his ex Megan Fox have retained an amicable relationship.

The pair split up last year and are both now dating other people - she is with Machine Gun Kelly and he is dating Sharna Burgess.

'For people that need or want clarification, Megan and I get along great,' wrote Brian, 47, in a new update this Wednesday.

The way they were: Brian Austin Green has clarified on his Insta Stories that he and his ex Megan Fox have retained an amicable relationship; pictured in December 2019

'Neither of us are sending petty digs to each other. We both work really hard to get along and coparent well for our kids. Now stay safe and spread kindness and love.'

His latest statement on Insta Stories comes a day after he posted a picture to his Instagram page of himself kissing Sharna at Disney World.

'Its been a really long time since Ive been with someone I can truly share life with,' he wrote in what some commenters perceived as a dig at Megan.

Megan then commented: 'Grateful for Sharna,' but commenters questioned the sincerity of her remark and she then deleted it.

'Spread kindness and love': 'For people that need or want clarification, Megan and I get along great,' wrote Brian, 47, in a new update this Wednesday

One reply to her comment read: 'lmfao. The shaddddeeee but he started it,' and another Instagram user interpreted the situation as: 'Brian took a swing. She went high and knocked it out of the park with class.....'

Brian and Sharna set off romance rumors when they were glimpsed at LAX together this past Christmas Day and then were seen kissing in Hawaii in January.

His 12-year age gap with Sharna is par for the course - Megan is 13 years his junior and last year he dated Maxim model Tina Louise who is reportedly 39.

Megan is currently in the process of divorcing Brian with whom she has three children - Noah, eight, Bodhi, seven, and Journey, four.

Side by side: Brian is currently dating Sharna Burgess of Dancing With The Stars fame

Look of love: His latest statement on Insta Stories comes a day after he posted a picture to his Instagram page of himself kissing Sharna at Disney World

Her estranged husband announced their separation last May and she finally filed for divorce the day before Thanksgiving.

Megan filed for divorce from Brian in 2015 citing irreconcilable differences, but she was back with him and pregnant with Journey the following year.

Three years after they got back together, Megan took the legal step of filing to dismiss the divorce petition in April 2019.

Before the coronavirus lockdowns Megan and Kelly were in Puerto Rico as co-stars filming their upcoming movie Midnight In The Switchgrass.

Details: Brian's caption and Megan's since-deleted comment were perceived by some to be jibes at one another but he denied as much on his Insta Stories this Wednesday

Then last May the dynamic duo were glimpsed grabbing takeout in his Aston Martin amid rumors she was self-isolating separately from Brian.

A couple of days later Brian emotionally announced on his podcast ...With Brian Austin Green that Megan had left him.

She has since evidently become quite serious about Machine Gun Kelly, even getting a tattoo in his honor that reads: 'el pistolero' which is Spanish for 'the gunman.'
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The stars of HBO's new limited series The White Lotus showed out in their red carpet best for the premiere on Wednesday evening.

Held at the members only Bel-Air Bay Club in the posh Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, series leads including Alexandra Daddario, Jennifer Coolidge, Connie Britton and Sydney Sweeney all looked fresh faced for the series' unveiling.

The six-part satirical drama follows the misadventures of esteemed guests and staff at a fictitious tropical resort in Hawaii which lands on the streaming service Sunday, July 11.

The White Lotus: Stars of HBO's new limited series The White Lotus turned out in their red carpet best for the premiere on Wednesday evening at The Bel-Air Bay Club

Leading the charge was Baywatch beauty Daddario, 35, who sparkled in a gold flapper inspired dress with fringe with champagne colored pumps.

The auburn haired beauty made a statement with a red lip that offset her enviable porcelain skin and the appearance marked her red carpet debut with Jordana Brewster's ex Andrew Form.

Best In Show veteran Coolidge, 59, took a walk on the wild side with her ensemble as she donned a leopard print tunic with three black stars accentuating her waist.

In the series she is set to humorously play a wealthy woman mourning her mother's death, who literally carries her ashes with her in a piece of luggage.

Side shot: The Baywatch actress stunned in a dress that looked to be a modernized take on the roaring twenties

Leading ladies: Both Daddario and Britton did not shy away from bold looks for the summer premiere of the HBO series

Hard to miss! The Legally Blonde vet's patterned frock was adorned with three stars that accentuated her waist

And Friday Night Lights' Britton, 54, looked bold in a red pant suit which she paired with a silky magenta blouse and a pair of black and white decorative pumps.

Britton and Coolidge were seen sharing a tender hug and some laughs as they posed for photos together on the astroturf lined floor.

Euphoria breakout star Sweeney, 23, looked angelic in a white Prada gown which featured black lace trimming and the brand's emblem on the bust.

The blonde haired beauty sported soft curls and continued to play up the look with a matching hair clip and a black and white manicure.

BFF: The ladies were seen sharing a warm embrace as they posed for photos on the red carpet together

Pop of color: The auburn haired beauty made a statement with a red lip that offset her enviable porcelain skin

Angelic: The Euphoria breakout star wore a white Prada gown with black floral lace trimming

Producer: The series follows the misadventures of esteemed guests and staff at a fictitious tropical resort in Hawaii

Other stars in attendance included SNL funny woman Molly Shannon who wore a preppy pink dress and nude heels, and she was seen posing with actor Murray Bartlett who is part of the principle cast.

Shannon, alongside actor Jon Gries, Jolene Purdy (WandaVision), Kekoa Kekumano (Aquaman) and Lukas Gage (Euphoria) are set to be recurring guest stars on the series.

Rounding out the principle cast of the limited series are, Fred Hechinger (Eighth Grade), Jake Lacy (Girls), Brittany O'Grady (Star), Natasha Rothwell (Insecure), and Steve Zahn (Reality Bites).

Also in attendance were Haim bassist Este Haim and John Stamos with his wife Caitlin McHugh.

On brand: Jolene Purdy donned a Hawaiian print inspired red gown for the occasion

Feeling blue: The Haim bassist sported a royal blue gown that showed off her leg and bright blue toe nails

Having a ball! The Full House hunk posed with his wife McHugh and Coolidge against the beach backdrop

Seasoned stars: Other cast members of the HBO satirical drama include Gries (L) and Zahn (R) who both wore suits to the beach side premiere

Mastermind: The series is written and directed by School Of Rock's Mike White and is meant to be a social commentary on white privilege

The series is written and directed by School Of Rock's Mike White and is meant to be a social commentary on white privilege.

Daddario and other cast members told PureWow on July 2, why the series is a must-watch in the current climate.

'I think it shines a light on the lack of empathy that some people have. With privilege, it's a lot easier to ignore the reality of the world around us,' Daddario said in conversation.

She continued: 'I hope that people see that sometimes we all behave ridiculously. But I hope that someone sees this who needs to see it and says, "Wow, I'm really behaving really ridiculously. And I should probably change that."
Christina Hendricks' crime-dramedy series Good Girls has been axed, with insiders pointing at contract negotiations for cast member Manny Montana as a factor.

Sources with the series, NBC and Universal Television, spoke with TV Line in the wake of the show's cancellation, which comes midway through its fourth season and with five remaining episodes set to air.

An insider noted that Montana, 37, was not keen on taking a pay cut for the series, amid a 'strained working relationship' with Hendricks, 46.

The latest: Christina Hendricks' series Good Girls has been axed, with insiders pointing at contract negotiations for cast member Manny Montana as a factor in the decision to end the show

Montana described their working relationship as 'very business-like' in a chat with The Total Celebrity Show podcast last year, while Hendricks said it was 'really weird' that Montana called her Chris on the set of the show.

'No one in my life calls me Chris,' Hendricks said at an event in support of the series at 92nd Street Y last year. 'It's not my name. I think it's totally stupid. And he's never taken the chance to realize that I hate it.'

The show's abrupt ends comes as something of a surprise after Hendricks, Mae Whitman and Retta agreed to take less money for a final season, with production expected to kick off next spring, according to the outlet.

An NBC source told the outlet the network 'very much wanted to bring Good Girls back for one more season to close out the story but unfortunately ... were unable to make the financials work.'

Details: An insider noted that Montana, 37, was not keen on taking a pay cut for the series, amid a 'strained working relationship' with Hendricks, 46

Given the axe: The NBC crime-dramedy series Good Girls was canceled prior to the airing of its fourth season's finale

Storyline: The show followed three financially challenged mothers who enter a life of crime after robbing a grocery store out of desperation; series star Christina Hendricks is pictured at the 46th Annual People's Choice Awards in 2020

A separate insider said network officials 'were looking for an excuse to cut bait' from the show, which followed a trio of financially challenged mothers who perform a robbery at their local grocery store in order to alleviate their troubles.

After the crime is performed, their unofficial leader, portrayed by Hendricks, slowly grows to enjoy a lifestyle on the other side of the law, which draws her and her friends deeper into criminal ways. Other performers who were regularly featured on the program included Matthew Lillard and Reno Wilson.

Several other shows have been canceled by the network in the recent past, including Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist and Manifest, both of which were given the axe earlier this month.

Good Girls also boasted a formidable list of recurring actors, including David Hornsby, Ione Skye and Ethan Suplee, among several others.

Stacked cast: The Mad Men star was featured alongside Retta and Mae Whitman while working on the program

Kathleen Lee Perkins, best known for her work on series such as Episodes and You're The Worst, was originally set to star in the series before its 46-year-old lead stepped in and filled the role.

Good Girls was created and executive produced by former Grey's Anatomy writer Jenna Bans, who also helmed the screenplay for several of the show's episodes.

The series as a whole received generally positive critical reception, with many critics pointing out that although the show's plot was unbelievable at times, the performances of its cast were generally strong.

Middling reception: Good Girls was praised by many viewers for the performances of its cast, although its story received much criticism; its leads are pictured together in 2018

The show did not perform strongly when its episodes were originally broadcast, although it was NBC's second most-watched show on digital platforms.

Good Girls' production team was hopeful that they would be able to continue the program's story with a fifth season, although Deadline reported that NBC did not see a way to make things work financially.

Efforts were also made to move the series over to Netflix, which holds the series' streaming rights, although they ultimately proved to be unfruitful.

Done for good: Efforts to move the show to Netflix ultimately failed, and its production team will not be shopping the series around following its upcoming finale

Moving around: The teams behind other recently-axed NBC shows such as Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist and Debris will be attempting to continue their shows' stories in the future

The series previously held a high position within the service and regularly topped its charts.

The program's studio, Universal Television, will not be shopping Good Girls around to any other networks.

The teams behind the other three shows that were recently axed by NBC, namely Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, Debris and Manifest, are all looking for ways to continue their stories.
Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthew has revealed a very intimate tattoo on her bottom.

The 26-year-old flashed the red 'Gucci' inking she has etched on her backside while modelling a revealing bikini on Thursday.

Ruby wore the skimpy two-piece on a boat as she continues her holiday on Hamilton Island with fiance Shannan Dodds.

Tatt's cheeky: Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthew has revealed a very intimate tattoo on her bottom

Ruby and Shannan jetted off to the idyllic island this week to celebrate their newfound engagement.

The brunette posted several pictures and videos of the couple's romantic getaway on Instagram earlier this week.

After going for a hike at popular Passage Peak, Ruby treated her husband-to-be with an eyeful of her figure clad in her very revealing green string bikini.

The swimsuit flaunted her pert derriere and her ample cleavage thanks to its tiny cut.

Designer ink: The 26-year-old flashed the red 'Gucci' inking she has etched on her backside while modelling a revealing bikini on Thursday

Beach bums! Ruby and her new fiance Shannan Dodds jetted off to Hamilton Island to celebrate their newfound engagement this week

Elsewhere during their vacation, the pair fed some cockatoos that landed on their balcony at sunrise.

Ruby has been proudly showing off her diamond ring since announcing her engagement to Shannan two weeks ago.

Last Thursday, she revealed all the details about stunning bling and its creation.

Exciting news! Ruby first announced her engagement earlier this month by uploading a photo of herself locking lips with Shannan to Instagram on June 19

Bikini babe! After going for a hike at Passage Peak on Hamilton Island, Ruby treated her husband-to-be with an eyeful of her figure clad in a very revealing green string bikini

Australian jeweller Louise Jean shared a post on Instagram Story showing off the sparkling jewel, which read: 'Remember this 3.5 carat radiant diamond beauty we featured a few weeks back?'

She re-shared the post and revealed to curious that it was 'custom-made' and 'a surprise by my partner and dear friend Louise Jean'.

'Louise knows me so well, she worked with Shannan to create my dream ring,' she added.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Louise Jean Jewellery for comment.

Custom-made: Ruby has been proudly showing off her diamond ring since announcing her engagement to Shannan two weeks ago

The price only goes up: A similar-looking ring on the Louise Jean website is a 1.54 carat emerald cut diamond flanked by two triangle cut diamonds on either side and is valued at AUD$9,000

A similar-looking ring on the Louise Jean website is a 1.54 carat emerald cut diamond flanked by two triangle cut diamonds on either side and is valued at AUD$9,000.

Ruby's showstopper would be a lot more expensive given it is 3.5 carat and was custom-made for the influencer.

The ring is worth over $92,000 according to the managing director of online jeweller 77 Diamonds Tobias Kormind.

He told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday: 'If it is a good quality F colour VS2 clarity on a simple yellow gold band, a customer could expect to pay 50,000 (or AUD$92,299) for this ring.'

Stunning: Managing director of online jeweller Tobias Kormind, estimated the value of the ring and told Daily Mail Australia: 'If it is a good quality F colour VS2 clarity on a simple yellow gold band, a customer could expect to pay 50,000 (or AUD$92,299) for this ring'

The social media star recently said she was busy on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress.

She posted a photo of herself wearing a stunning white floor-length gown and veil after a follower asked her if she had been dress shopping yet.

'I've started the process... But my lord... I need help,' she wrote in the caption.

The dress hugged her statuesque figure and featured large floral patterns, while her elegant veil had small flower appliques throughout.

All dressed in white! Last week, the social media star said she was busy on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress

Ruby first announced her engagement earlier this month by uploading a photo of herself locking lips with Shannan to Instagram on June 19.

She placed her left hand on Shannan's neck, drawing attention to the diamond sparkler on her ring finger.

'My favourite person,' the Bryon Bay based beauty wrote in the caption, along with a white love heart.

She also shared a photo on her Instagram Story showing a plate of oysters and another angle of her ring, in reference to her #oystergate debacle of 2020.

It's not known exactly when Ruby and Shannan began dating, but she started posting loved-up Instagram photos with him in May.

Shannan also happens to be the ex-boyfriend of P.E. Nation founder Pip Edwards.

While Ruby has been a social media influencer for many years, she made headlines in October last year for holding up a Jetstar flight to eat a plate of oysters.
London Goheen celebrated her young son turning four months old on Thursday.

The American model, who has just jetted back to her hometown of Florida, shared a sweet picture of herself and her bub, Stone.

She gushed about her son in the caption, writing on Instagram: 'I LOVE YOUUUU SO MUCH STONEY HAWKINS!!!!'

'I love you so much Stoney!' London Goheen celebrated her young son turning four months old on Thursday. The American model, who has just jetted back to her hometown of Florida , shared a sweet picture of herself and her bub, Stone

In the image, London stuns in a yellow dress as she cradles a smiling Stone.

London flew back to Florida late last month from the Gold Coast where she is based with her Australian husband Reece Hawkins.

Where's Reece? London flew back to Florida late last month from the Gold Coast where she is based with her Australian husband Reece Hawkins, but he has not been present in her posts

But Reece was absent from London's posts as she and Stone flew back to the US.

It is unclear if and when London intends to return to Australia or if Reece will join them in the US at a later date.

Prior to flying, London shared a photo of herself carrying Stone in a sling baby carrier in what appears to be an airport bathroom.

Hush hush: London and Reece revealed their baby news in September, just weeks after announcing their engagement. In December 2020, it was revealed that the pair had secretly married after he referred to London as his 'wife' on social media

The young mother captioned the post, 'Can't believe the day has come...we're going home!!!'

London confirmed she had given birth back in March, sharing the first picture of the tot cuddled up to her chest, and the caption: 'You made 34 hours in labor all completely worth it. I feel so blessed. I love youuuu. 03/07/21'.

Reece, 25, is already a proud parent to two children shared with ex Tammy Hembrow; son Wolf, five, and daughter Saskia, four. The couple split in 2018.

London and Reece revealed their baby news in September, just weeks after announcing their engagement.

In December 2020, it was revealed that the pair had secretly married after he referred to London as his 'wife' on social media.
2GB is said to be toning down some of its more conservative on-air voices in order to appeal to advertisers and avoid social media backlash.

According to The Australian, citing several unnamed senior sources, the conservative talkback network is concerned that woke mobs on social media could lead to advertisers withdrawing.

Former 2GB host Steve Price also weighed in on the record, claiming that managers at Nine Radio are scared of advertiser boycotts.

Backlash: 2GB is said to be toning down some of its more conservative on-air voices in order to appeal to advertisers and avoid social media backlash. Pictured: breakfast host Ben Fordham

'They dont want these loud voices on their Monday-to-Friday breakfast, morning, afternoon and drive shows because theyre absolutely terrified advertisers will boycott them,' he said.

Price exited 2GB in 2019 to launch his own show on Listnr called Australia Today.

Despite sources claiming conservative content is being toned down at 2GB, Nines head of radio content Greg Byrnes begs to differ.

'Our broadcasters always call it as they see it,' he told The Australian.

'Advertising is stronger than ever because 2GB is delivering a broad audience off the back of our live and local strategy.'

'They're terrified': Former 2GB host Steve Price (pictured) also weighed in on the record, claiming that managers at Nine Radio are scared of advertiser boycotts

Meanwhile, 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.

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)

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.

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, said 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,' he said.

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 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.
Farmer Wants a Wife contestant Lucy Holland has broken her silence on the kissing controversy that got her booted from the show.

The Perth-based beauty claimed she was 'railroaded' by her fellow contestants in the scandal after they 'exaggerated' her story about a goodnight peck on the cheek from star Andrew Guthrie.

'Having my integrity put in to question was horrible,' the blonde stunner told the Daily Telegraph on Thursday.

Regrets: Farmer Wants a Wife contestant Lucy Holland has broken her silence on the kissing controversy that got her booted from the show

The scandal erupted after Lucy claimed to the other women that Andrew had tried and failed to kiss her, which the farmer denied.

And although she didn't hold him completely responsible for sending her home based on untrue accounts he had heard, Lucy admitted 'it sucks that he called me a liar in front of the whole nation before coming to me first.'

However most of her pain comes from getting 'so badly railroaded by my friends.'

Mixed messages: The scandal erupted after Lucy claimed to the other women that Andrew had tried and failed to kiss her, which the farmer denied

His fault? Although she didn't hold Guthrie (pictured) completely responsible for sending her home based on untrue accounts he had heard, Lucy admitted 'it sucks that he called me a liar in front of the whole nation before coming to me first.'

She also claimed she was still close friends with the woman she first told about the kiss, and frontrunner for Guthrie's affections, Rachael Smith.

Lucy was just one of six women the farmers sent packing during Wednesday's show.

But her exit was by far the most emotional.

'It had to be done': Andrew booted Lucy off Farmer Wants a Wife on Wednesday's episode following the kiss drama

'I can't feel like that again. That was one of the worst times of my life,' he said of the drama that ensued after Lucy claimed he'd tried to kiss her but she turned away.

'I know it wasn't all you and things were misconstrued. I had other people want to go home because of that situation,' he added.

Lucy said she felt like the blame was all on her, but Andrew told her the whole saga had caused too many problems for him.

Bad times: 'I can't feel like that again. That was one of the worst times of my life,' Andrew (right) said of the drama that ensued after Lucy claimed he'd tried to kiss her but she turned away

Lucy had previously told the other women Andrew had tried to kiss her but she turned away. He denied this, saying he'd only offered her a peck on the cheek.

She also claimed Andrew had already worked out his 'frontrunners', which upset the group.

'I know deep down, you have a massive heart and are a really good chick. But we don't have a lot of time here... I can only go off what I can see,' he said.

He later told producers: 'Saying goodbye to Lucy... as hard as it was, it had to be done.'

Dispute: Lucy had previously told the other women Andrew had tried to kiss her but she turned away. He denied this, saying he'd only offered her a peck on the cheek

Lucy felt they had a 'great spark', but accepted his decision and said 'everything happens for a reason'.

She added: 'I do leave the farm with a bit of heavy heart, because conversations could have been had and communication could have been better. Um, yeah everything could have been very, very different.'

During Wednesday's episode, the farmers sent home a total of six women.
Eight years after the hit series Ray Donovan debuted on Showtime, star Liev Schreiber arrived in Boston to film a new movie.

Showtime canceled Ray Donovan after seven seasons last February, which came as a surprise to fans, though those fans were equally surprised when the network announced a new feature film this February to wrap up the title character's story.

The 53-year-old actor also took to Instagram on Wednesday, sharing a snap from a Boston tunnel to commemorate the start of production.

Boston Liev: Eight years after the hit series Ray Donovan debuted on Showtime, star Liev Schreiber arrived in Boston to film a new movie

Schreiber was spotted on the Boston set wearing a crisp white dress shirt with the top two buttons unbuttoned and no tie.

He had a black suit coat over the shirt and matching black pants with shiny black loafers as he walked down the street.

The actor was all business, seemingly in a rush, as he carried a small tablet with him as he filmed the scene.

Liev's look: Schreiber was spotted on the Boston set wearing a crisp white dress shirt with the top two buttons unbuttoned and no tie

Schreiber also shared a snap from a tunnel and another overlooking the Boston Harbor in his Instagram post as he got to work on the feature-length movie.

'Took us 8 years but were here! So happy that we get to finish where it all started. Big up to Boston!!!' Schreiber said.

While the show was set in Los Angeles for the first five seasons and New York for the last two, Schreiber's title character was born and raised in Boston.

Instagram: Schreiber also shared a snap from a tunnel and another overlooking the Boston Harbor in his Instagram post as he got to work on the feature-length movie

Schreiber will not only return to star in the feature-length movie, but he's also co-writing the script with showrunner David Hollander, who will direct.

Also returning from the original series is Jon Voight, who will also reprise his role as Ray's father, Mickey Donovan, plus Kerris Dorsey as Ray's daughter Bridget.

The new movie will pick up immediately where Season 7 left off, with 'Mickey in the wind and Ray determined to find and stop him before he can cause any more carnage.'

Kerris returns: Also returning from the original series is Jon Voight, who will also reprise his role as Ray's father, Mickey Donovan, plus Kerris Dorsey as Ray's daughter Bridget

The movie will also, 'weave together the present-day fallout from the Donovan/Sullivan feud with Ray and Mickey's origin story from 30 years ago.'

'When RAY DONOVAN went off our air after seven great seasons, we heard from so many of its loyal fans that they were not ready to say goodbye to Ray and the wonderfully dysfunctional Donovan clan," said Showtime Networks president Gary Levine.

'And so, for them, we are delighted that Liev and David are creating a thrilling new chapter of this iconic series,' he added.
She recently made her debut on Australia's 2020 Young Rich List and is worth an estimated $36million.

And former journalist-turned-skincare entrepreneur Zoe Foster Blake has now splashed out on a stunning piece of jewellery.

In recent months, Zoe has been wearing an eye-catching personalised gold necklace by the American brand Foundrae, which is estimated to cost around $19,000 (AUD).

Eye catching: Zoe Foster Blake recently showed off her new personalised designer necklace that costs a whopping $19K and has been seen on the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow - after making Australia's young rich list

Zoe's necklace features a gorgeous gold heart token engraved with the initials of her family, including husband Hamish and their two children, Sonny and Rudy.

The heart alone costs approximately $6,300 for four initials.

The brunette then added two small medallions onto her piece and chose her own chain.

Unique: The heart alone costs approximately $6,300 for four initials. The brunette then added two small medallions onto her piece and chose her own chain

A sweet dedication: Zoe's piece features a gorgeous gold heart token, which is engraved with the initials of her family, including husband Hamish and their two children, Sonny and Rudy

The necklace has also been seen on the likes of Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Last week, Zoe appeared on The Project and spoke about making Australia's Young Rich List last year.

But it seems she feels a little shy about her multi-millionaire status.

Zoe insisted: 'The thing about that list is you don't actually have any control over whether you are in it or not.'

Celeb fans: The necklace has also been seen on the likes of Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow

'So you do find out one day that you are on it and that's that,' she added.

Zoe went on to say she has a playful competition between herself and husband Hamish over who makes the most money.

'It's pretty much just a competition between Hamish and I so as long as I'm making more money than him that's all that really counts,' she joked.

Zoe made her debut on Australia's 2020 Young Rich List, and is worth an estimated $36million.

Her skincare company Go-To enjoyed a boom in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colin Farrell looked suave as he arrived to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood on Wednesday afternoon ahead of his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

The 45-year-old Irish actor rocked a blue button down shirt left slightly undone and a pair of dark wash denim jeans.

Farrell was interviewed about his upcoming projects by comedian Wanda Sykes, who has been guest hosting the late-night talk show this week.

Suave: Colin Farrell looked suave as he arrived to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood on Wednesday afternoon ahead of his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Colin oozed confidence while strutting down the alley behind the El Capitan with his team of security and publicists.

He flashed a peace sign at fans and photographers, who waited patiently outside the building to catch a glimpse of the star.

The Total Recall star completed his interview-ready look with a pair of brown dress shoes and silver link bracelet.

Farrell, who had shaved off his hair earlier this year, had his dark brown tresses styled into a slightly spiky hairdo.

Stylish lad: The 45-year-old Irish actor rocked a blue button down shirt left slightly undone and a pair of dark wash denim jeans

Finishing touches: The Total Recall star completed his interview-ready look with a pair of brown dress shoes and silver link bracelet

Despite COVID-19 protocols being lifted in California, Colin opted to wear a face mask to and from the Jimmy Kimmel Live set.

During the interview, Colin and Wanda rose from their seats to take a selfie on stage.

'Colin all Wanda fans! Watch tonight!' captioned the official Jimmy Kimmel Live Instagram page, who shared the epic snapshot with their 2.8million followers.

Sykes looked sharp in a white suit jacket layered over a leopard print blouse and a pair of wide-legged trousers.

Luscious locks: Farrell, who had shaved off his hair earlier this year, had his dark brown tresses styled into a slightly spiky hairdo

Confidence: Colin oozed confidence while strutting down the alley behind the El Capitan with his team of security and publicists

Farrell appeared to be promoting his gritty BBC drama The North Water, which will premiere on the United States streaming platform AMC Plus on July 15.

According to Variety, production on the series originally began in 2019 with the series location work taking place primarily in the Arctic, shooting on the frozen seas north of the Svalbard Archipelago. '

The North Water is set in 'Hull and on the ice floes of the Arctic in the late 1850s' and is an adaptation of Ian McGuire's novel of the same name.

Interview: Farrell was interviewed about his upcoming projects by comedian Wanda Sykes, who has been guest hosting the late-night talk show this week

It features five episodes, and follows Patrick Sumner (played by Jack O'Connell) an ex-army surgeon who signs up as ships doctor on a whaling expedition, after being kicked out of the forces.

Colin plays a rugged whale harpooner named Henry Drax, which required the handsome star to sport a thick beard and grimy looking locks.

In promotional images for The North Water, Farrell is seen puffing a cigar, his face smeared with coal, his hand wrapped in a grimy bandage.

Coming soon: Farrell appeared to be promoting his gritty BBC drama The North Water, which will premiere on the United States streaming platform AMC Plus on July 15; Farrell pictured

Epic: It features five episodes, and follows Patrick Sumner (played by Jack O'Connell) an ex-army surgeon who signs up as ships doctor on a whaling expedition, after being kicked out of the forces

Transformed: Colin plays a rugged whale harpooner named Henry Drax, which required the handsome star to sport a thick beard and grimy looking locks

He wears a black winter coat and a scarf for scenes that were shot in the Arctic, north of the Svalbard Archipelago, known for its freezing climes.

Colin will also star in The Batman, which he was spotted shooting scenes for recently in Glasgow, with Robert Pattinson.

Colin will play notorious super villain The Penguin for the film, which was also delayed in production.

It was first slated for a June 2021 release but will now hit cinemas in March 2022.

Highly-anticipated role: Colin will also star in The Batman, which he was spotted shooting scenes for recently in Glasgow; Colin pictured as notorious super villain The Penguin
Sofia Richie was spotted glowing as she stepped out in Beverly Hills for a leggy outing this Wednesday.

The 22-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie was accompanied by a woman who was Sofia's little dog Hershula in her arms.

She cut a fashionable figure during her latest sighting carrying along a black Chanel purse that matched her sleek slacks.

Off they go: Sofia Richie was spotted glowing as she stepped out in Beverly Hills for a leggy outing this Wednesday

Sofia, whose siblings include The Simple Life star Nicole Richie, wore a simple salmon t-shirt and accessorized with shades.

Just three days earlier she had rung in the 4th of July in Miami with her brother Miles Richie and her boyfriend Elliot Grainge.

Miles and Nicole were also with Sofia during her recent luxurious Greek getaway with Lionel and his girlfriend Lisa Parigi.

Baby mine: The 22-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie was accompanied by a woman who was Sofia's little dog Hershula in her arms

Nicole brought along her husband Joel Madden of Good Charlotte fame and their children Harlow, 13, and Sparrow, 11.

Last year Sofia ended her relationship with Scott Disick, 38 - who has three children with Kourtney Kardashian - and she has been with Elliot for months.

Elliot, whose father Lucian Grainge is the CEO of Universal Music Group, has joined the family business and started an indie record label.

Chic to the hilt: She cut a fashionable figure during her latest sighting carrying along a black Chanel purse that matched her sleek slacks

Sofia dated Scott for more than two years before they broke up last year, briefly reunited and then split for good.

Kourtney and Scott have retained a famously close and amicable relationship as they co-parent their children Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six.

During the current season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Scott revealed that his close co-parenting bond with Kourtney caused problems for him and Sofia.
She announced in March that she's expecting her first child with husband Johnny Barbara.

And Devon Windsor showed off her blossoming baby bump in a series of snaps she posted to Instagram on Wednesday.

The Missouri-born model, 27, posed in a gorgeous long-sleeve red stripy crop top and matching skirt that revealed her bare midriff.

Pregnant: She announced in March she's expecting her first child with husband Johnny Barbara. And Devon Windsor showed off her baby bump in snaps on Instagram Wednesday

Devon accentuated her pregnant belly by arching her back as she stood in high-heeled white strappy heels.

She wore her hair styled back from her face and carried a beige purse.

The beauty was made up with eye-liner and mascara, dark blush on her cheekbones and red lip color, and she accessorized with a diamond bracelet and hoop earrings.

Natural beauty: The Missouri-born model, 27, posed in a gorgeous long-sleeve red stripy crop top and matching skirt that revealed her bare midriff

Top model: Devon accentuated her pregnant belly by arching her back as she stood in high-heeled white strappy heels and she wore her hair styled back from her face

Devon married businessman Johnny in November 16, 2019, on the Caribbean island of St. Barts.

In April, she shared that they are expecting a girl after celebrating a gender reveal party.

The baby is due in September.

Baby on board: In April, the model shared that she is expecting a girl after celebrating a gender reveal party. The baby is due in September

Devon took to Instagram on March 12 to share two black and white snaps of herself with Barbara.

She held the image of her ultrasound scan in the snaps as she shared her happy baby news.

In the caption she wrote: 'Mom & Dad. I'm pregnant!! Johnny and I are so excited to finally share the news with you guys!'

She added: 'I have dreamt of being a mama my whole life. We are so grateful for this little angel in my belly, and are so excited for this new chapter in our lives!'

Baby joy: Devon announced her happy news via Instagram on March 12 as she showed off her ultrasound pics in black-and-white photos of herself and hubby Johnny

Happy news: 'I have dreamt of being a mama my whole life,' Devon shared. 'We are so grateful for this little angel in my belly, and are so excited for this new chapter in our lives!'

Windsor got her start as a model in St. Louis in 2008 when she was just 14.

A year later, she moved to Los Angeles and in 2010 she signed with IMG Models in New York.

Windsor became an in demand catwalk model and became a regular in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show from 2013 onwards.
Victoria's Secret stunner Georgia Fowler will soon welcome her first child.

And the 28-year-old showed off her blossoming baby bump in a stylish ensemble as she posed for an impromptu photo shoot in the park this week.

The brunette beauty looked incredibly chic in a beige trench and black 'bumpsuit'.

Blossoming: Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler showed off her blossoming baby bump in a stylish ensemble as she posed for an impromptu photo shoot in the park this week

The New Zealand-born beauty completed the elegant look with orange-tinted aviators and a Dior handbag.

She finished the look with a pair of stylish black boots.

'Parks & Rec (Recreation),' she captioned the two photos.

All style: The New Zealand-born beauty completed the elegant look with orange-tinted aviators and a Dior handbag

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.

Hot mama: Last week, Georgia showed off her stunning pregnancy figure as she posed beach-side in a matching white bikini set

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.

Georgia is expecting the baby with restauranteur boyfriend Nathan Dalah, 26.

Back in April, Georgia announced she's pregnant with her first child.

Beautiful: Georgia was seen looking into the camera lens, while her body was angled on the side, showing off her burgeoning baby bump

She shared the happy news on Instagram alongside a series of gorgeous black and white photographs of her baby bump.

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.

Family: Georgia is expecting her first child with restaurateur boyfriend Nathan Dalah, 26

'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.
Andrew Denton gave a candid interview during Thursday's episode of The Project, talking about his personal campaign to legalise euthanasia across Australia.

The 61-year-old veteran TV host said he was inspired to take up the cause after witnessing his father Kit 'die painfully' in 1997.

'I realised there were really terrible things happening to people at the end of life - suicides, traumatic deaths, laws which were inadequate to help people who were in distress at the end of life,' he explained.

Speaking out: Andrew Denton gave a candid interview during Thursday's episode of The Project, talking about his personal campaign to legalise euthanasia across Australia. Pictured in Sydney in April

'More than that, I realised that, led to some extent by the Catholic Church, but also others in the medical community, there was a concerted campaign to deny that this was happening, or pretend it wasn't happening, or to pretend it was under control.

'What I saw really was some of the most powerful people in the country stopping justice for some of the most powerless people in the country. So that's why I got engaged.'

Andrew went on to establish the charity, Go Gently Australia, which advocates for people who want access to life-ending medication.

'I realised there were really terrible things happening to people at the end of life - suicides, traumatic deaths, laws which were inadequate to help people who were in distress at the end of life,' he explained. Pictured on The Project

Euthanasia was legalised in Victoria in 2019, and Tasmania has since followed suit, with legislation set to be introduced next year.

The issue is still being debated in Queensland's and NSW's parliaments, with Andrew warning of the 'extremely' powerful Catholic Church, which is determined to stop it.

'They've got enormous resources and a lot of access to parliamentarians, they run a lot of our health system,' he explained.

Traumatic: The 61-year-old veteran TV host said he was inspired to take up the cause after witnessing his father Kit 'die painfully' in 1997

'They have a lot of doctors who argue on their behalf, who present themselves as arguing from a medical point of view, but in effect they're arguing for the church. So yes, it's difficult.

'But there's so much evidence now from so many inquiries as to the need for these laws and to the fact that they operate effectively, that it's increasingly difficult for parliamentarians to ignore that evidence.'

Andrew's father died aged 68 after a long battle with heart failure, and he previously described watching him die as the 'most profoundly shocking experience of my life'.
She always showcases her enviable style when out and about.

And Hailey Bieber looked radiant on the streets of West Hollywood on Wednesday in a Benetton Formula 1 bomber jacket and baggy light blue jeans.

The 24-year-old model, who was meeting a friend for dinner at London Hotel, wore a white crop T-shirt under the bold jacket, displaying a hint of her toned waist.

Ab fab: Hailey Bieber donned a white crop top underneath a Benetton Formula 1 bomber jacket as she headed out for dinner with a friend in West Hollywood on Wednesday

The sporty blue jacket, which had green and orange sleeves, was teamed perfectly with a pair of white Nike trainers.

Justin Bieber's wife wore her tousled highlighted hair in a middle parting and also took to Instagram to show her 35.8million followers her lightened locks.

She opted for a nude lip and shimmering eyeshadow.

Dinner-outfit: The model teamed the sporty blue jacket, which had green and orange sleeves, with a pair of white Nike trainers

Fresh locks: Justin Bieber's wife wore her tousled highlighted hair in a middle parting and also took to Instagram to show her 35.8million followers her lightened locks

Stunning: The 24-year-old opted for a nude lip and shimmering eyeshadow

The media personality later shared a snap of some treats on her Instagram story.

'Ok but... wow' she wrote alongside a picture of avocado brownie donuts.

Hailey's latest outings in Hollywood come after she has recently returned from a Greece getaway with husband Justin.

Treat: The media personality shared a snap of avocado brownie donuts, penning 'ok but...wow'

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
EastEnders star Jessie Wallace cut a casual figure on Thursday when she bought a coffee before a busy day of filming wearing a T-shirt and fluffy slippers

The 49-year-old actress was spotted leaving the Starbucks branch in Borehamwood in the morning carrying a large coffee in her hand.

Jessie sported a simple T-shirt and shorts combination as she made her way back to her car from the coffee shop.

Comfort is key: EastEnders' Jessie Wallace cut a casual figure in a baggy T-shirt and fluffy slippers on Thursday when she grabbed a coffee ahead of a day of filming

She kept her ensemble low-key, wearing a black T-shirt - featuring a design on the front - and black shorts.

The actress also wore black-framed glasses and a black face mask as she left the coffee shop.

The only splash of colour in her casual outfit was a pair of cream-coloured fluffy slippers.

Last month, Jessie's co-star Max Bowden split from long-term girlfriend Danielle McCarney, four weeks after Jessie left a sexually-explicit message on his Instagram post.

Casual: The 49-year-old actress was spotted leaving a Starbucks branch carrying a large coffee in her hand

Simple: Jessie sported a simple T-shirt and shorts combination as she made her way back to her car from the coffee shop

The EastEnders actor, 26, who plays Ben Mitchell in the BBC1 soap, called time on the relationship with the former show runner after two years and it's believed the decision was amicable.

Fans of the soap speculated at the time of Jessie's crude post on a throwback picture of Max at the 2020 NTAs, in which she wrote: 'Rememberif you need a m***e to cry onI'm yer gal', was a hint the pair were romantically involved.

Max's followers were taken aback by the crude comment as they shared their shock and amusement online.

One fan penned: 'Omg,' alongside a crying laughing emoji while another said: '@jessie.wallace_official we need more Kat, Ben & Phil scenes '.

Over: Last month, Jessie's co-star Max Bowden split from long-term girlfriend Danielle McCarney, four weeks after co-star Jessie left a sexually-explicit message on his Instagram post. It is believed Max and Danielle's recent separation was amicable

Another wrote: '@jessie.wallace_official Supportive m***e.I'm defiantly using this as a pick up line. Cheers Jess,' in addition to crying laughing emojis.

But pals told MailOnline Jessies comment was simply a joke and Max was with Danielle at the time. Its not linked to the split.

A source close to the star said: 'Max and Danielle's split had been on the cards for a while.

'The relationship was a whirlwind at the start but ran into trouble a few months ago. They tried to make it work but they decided to remain friends. Nobody else was involved.

'Max is still very fond of Danielle and he's gutted it didn't work out. The consolation is at least they parted on good terms.'

An EastEnders spokeswoman said: 'We never comment on personal matters.'

Surprising! Fans of the soap speculated at the time of Jessie's crude post on a throwback picture of Max at the 2020 NTAs

Lewd! Jessie appeared in on a joke as she typed on the post: 'Remember if you need a m***e to cry on. I'm yer gal [winking emoji]'
Priyanka Chopra put on a leggy display on Wednesday night as she headed out in Notting Hill for dinner with a group of friends.

The 38-year-old actress seemed unaffected by the chilly night air as she made her way through the capital in a short grey dress by Kenzo.

Walking alongside a group of friends, Priyanka wore the long-sleeve grey dress which featured a stencilled tiger on the front.

Socialising: Priyanka Chopra put on a leggy display on Wednesday night in a grey dress as she headed out for dinner with friends in Notting Hill

Priyanka showcased her enviable legs as she strode through London's Notting Hill on her way to dinner.

On her feet, Priyanka wore a pair of white trainers and could be seen sporting a gold watch on her right-hand wrist.

She also had a brown leather strap slung over her left shoulder as she walked.

Her appearance comes after she showed off new tattoos on her ankle in the form of paw prints to honour their three dogs at the end of last month.

Out and about: The 38-year-old actress seemed unaffected by the chilly night air as she made her way through the capital in a short grey dress

Her husband, Nick Jonas, shared an Instagram Story featuring their feet which showcased the fresh ink dedicated to their three pooches while tagging them as they each have their own Instagram pages.

The A-list couple share three pets: Chihuahua Diana, German shepherd Gino, and Husky Australian Shepard mix rescue Panda.

Priyanka reposted her husband's Instagram Story with the caption: 'My all [heart emoji] @nickjonas.'

Last August, the power couple revealed that they added Panda to the family in a cute snap with Priyanka petting Gino as Nick cradled the new addition.

Quirky: Walking alongside a group of friends, Priyanka wore a long-sleeve grey dress featuring a stencilled tiger on the front

Diana - who Priyanka owned prior to her relationship with Nick - also made an appearance in the bottom of the frame via Photoshop.

'Welcome to the family Panda! Panda is a Husky Australian Shepard mix rescue and were already in love [heart emoji],' Nick wrote on his post.

Priyanka expanded a bit in her own caption.

'Our new family portrait! Welcome to the family, Panda! We adopted this little rescue (soon he wont be so little) just a few weeks ago. We cant be sure but he seems to be a Husky Australian Shepard mix.... and those eyes... and the ears!!!' she noted, before mentioning that Diana had to be added in after the fact.

Dog mom: Last month, Priyanka showed off new tattoos on her ankle in the form of paw prints to honour the three dogs she shares with her husband, Nick Jonas

'BTW @diariesofdiana wasnt around for our little photoshoot, but we couldnt leave our #1 girl out...so...we made it work!'

She tagged Hollywood Huskies, a nonprofit dog rescue for huskies and husky mixes that saves them from shelters that euthanize.

Though the puppy was mostly black and white, he had bits of tan fur on his chest and face and displayed heterochromia, with one eye blue and the other brown.
She regularly takes a dip in the ocean as part of her daily exercise.

And Minnie Driver, 51, made the most of the sunny California weather again on Thursday as she enjoyed a Malibu beach day.

Splashing around among the waves, the actress showcased her toned and youthful figure in a plunging bright red swimsuit.

Incredible: Minnie Driver, 51, showed off her youthful figure in a plunging red swimsuit as she cooled off with a dip in the sea in Malibu on Thursday

Minnie's ensemble helped to put her slender legs on full display as she enjoyed a refreshing swim in the sea and walked barefoot on the beach.

The Good Will Hunting star wore her raven tresses in a slicked-back style and showed off her natural beauty by going make-up free.

Her flattering swimsuit featured a low-cut zip neckline and displayed her ageless physique.

Radiant: The Good Will Hunting star wore her raven tresses in a slicked-back style and showed off her natural beauty by going make-up free

Minnie is engaged to Addison O'Dea and has an 11-year-old son Henry Story from a brief fling with her former The Riches writer, Timothy J. Lea.

In January, Minnie revealed how she found out as a child how her father was married to someone other than her mother.

The actress learned at 12-years-old that her father Ronnie Driver was married to a different woman throughout his relationship with her model mother Gaynor Churchward.

Toned: Minnie's ensemble helped to put her slender legs on full display as she enjoyed a refreshing swim in the sea and walked barefoot on the beach

Talking to The Sunday Times Magazine alongside her mother, Minnie explained her parents separated when she was six, but she later discovered they'd never been married.

The actress said: 'My parents separated when I was six.

'But at the age of 12 I discovered they had never been married, and that throughout their relationship my father was married to somebody else and had another family.'

Minnie said that it was her mother who helped her process the news about her parents relationship.

Former model and designer Gaynor told the publication she had been with Minnie's father for five years when she fell pregnant with their second child.

Although she called him a 'complicated man' she added: 'He was loyal to me, to his wife and loyal to the children.'
Dylan Sprouse and his model girlfriend Barbara Palvin were a picture perfect pair on Wednesday as they enjoyed an evening at a Bleach London event in Los Angeles.

The actor, 28, opted for a black and white dyed jacket over a plain white T-shirt, completing the look with black trousers and laced boots.

Almost mirroring his style, Dylan's Hungarian girlfriend, 27, stunned in a Magda Butrym two-tone grey blazer and trouser set.

Mirrored styles: Dylan Sprouse, 28, and his model girlfriend Barbara Palvin, 27, were a picture perfect pair on Wednesday as they enjoyed an evening at a Bleach London event in LA

Her outfit, worn over a barely-there white crop top, was embellished by the Magda Butry logo.

The Victoria Secret's Angel finished her glam look with a pair of pointy heels and a taupe-coloured shoulder bag that she chose to carry.

She opted for natural makeup and her shoulder-length chestnut tresses sat loose.

Dashing: The 28-year-old actor opted for a black and white dyed jacket over a plain white tee, whilst his Hungarian girlfriend stunned in a Magda Butrym two-tone grey blazer and trouser set

The loved-up pair also posed before the Bleach London event, which Barbara shared with her 16.1million Instagram followers.

They took a selfie in the mirror, Dylan flashing a rockstar sign whilst Barbara flaunted her incredible abs.

'We coming for you' she wrote and then tagged Georgia May Jagger, the co owner of Bleach London.

Loved up: The model shared a snap of her and beau Dylan on Instagram before the Bleach London event

Dylan revealed how he first connected with Barbara during a 2019 interview with W Magazine where he admitted he was bold enough to slide into her DMs.

'I was like, "Hey, I don't know if you're in New York for very long, but we should hang out if you want to. Here's my number,"' he recalled. 'And she didn't message me for six months.'

Barbara explained by saying she wasn't in the right place for a relationship at that time.

'I knew I wasnt in a good mind-set at the time, and maybe deep inside I knew that it could be something more,' she confessed.
Matt Damon cut a casual figure on Thursday as he stepped out at 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival.

The Bourne actor's, 50, new drama Stillwater is being screened at the event, and will be presented in the Out of Competition section.

He wore a tight fitting blue T-shirt which showed off the star's muscly biceps as he exited the Martinez Hotel in the French city.

Looking chilled: Matt Damon, 50, cut a casual figure in a navy blue T-shirt on Thursday as he stepped out of the Martinez Hotel while attending the 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival

He looked happy to be in attendance and he blocked out the summer sun with dark lens sunglasses.

The Hollywood actor paired the look with burgundy coloured chinos, and he carried a blue mask and his phone in his hand.

Matt is set to star in the new thriller flick Stillwater, about a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, as she is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit.

Happy to be there: The Hollywood actor paired the look with burgundy coloured chinos, and he carried a blue mask and his phone in his hand

Jovial: The star cut a laid-back figure as he arrived in the French city ahead of the latest red carpet premiere during the star-studded festival

Exciting: Matt is set to star in the new thriller flick Stillwater, about a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter

He stars alongside the Call My Agent! actress Camille Cottin, who plays the character Virginie, a French woman who aids him in his mission.

The cast also includes Abigail Breslin, of Little Miss Sunshine fame, and she will take on the role of the Oscar-winning actor's daughter, Allison.

The last time the father of three attended Cannes was in 2013 for the screening of Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra.

A long time! The last time the father of three attended Cannes was in 2013 for the screening of Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra

Glimpse: Matt is set to take part in the Rendez-vous experience section of the festival on Friday, to share to an audience the secrets of his career

Happy: He waved to onlookers during his latest appearance at the festival

New film: Matt is set to star in the new flick Stillwater, about a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, as she is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit

Matt is set to take part in the Rendez-vous experience section of the festival on Friday, to share to an audience the secrets of his career.

In this segment, numerous film-industry veterans will discuss their experience in cinema.

Among other film icons who will be speaking in this part of the festival will be the French actress Isabelle Huppert and filmmaker Steve Mcqueen.

The crime drama will be released on August 6th 2021.
Abbie Chatfield is no stranger to showing off her impressive twerking skills

And on Thursday, the 26-year-old flaunted more of her jaw-dropping moves on her Instagram Stories as she enjoyed a party for one amid Sydney's Covid lockdown.

The former Bachelor star was dressed down for the evening in pink sweat pants and a cropped tank top.

A nice night in! Abbie Chatfield demonstrated her impressive twerking skills on Thursday night after expressing her opinions against anti-abortion and anti-vaxxers that were trolling her social media

In her earlier posts, she expressed her opinions against anti-abortion and anti-vaxxers that were trolling her social media.

After giving her point of view, the It's A Lot podcast host turned her attention to her dance moves.

In the clip, the I'm A Celebrity winner showed off her sensational twerking skills, that saw her lifting her upper glute muscles independently from one another.

Girl's got talent: The It's A Lot podcast host then turned her attention to her dance moves, showing off her sensational twerking skills that saw her lifting her upper glute muscles independently from one another

Party of one! Abbie proved the trolls couldn't get her down as she continued her lockdown dance party, sharing more clips of her moves

'What I've been doing in the mirror for the last hour while all the anti-abortion/anti-vaxxers go off in my DMs,' she joked in the caption.

'The squeak of the floor,' she added, pointing out the sound she made while doing her booty shaking moves.

Abbie proved the trolls couldn't get her down as she continued her lockdown dance party, sharing more clips of her moves.

Loving life in lockdown: Abbie enjoyed sipping on her beverage as she twerked and mimed the lyrics to Megan Thee Stallion's Work That. She added the caption: 'Honestly love this lockdown party'

Abbie enjoyed sipping on her beverage as she twerked and mimed the lyrics to Megan Thee Stallion's Work That

She added the caption: 'Honestly love this lockdown party.'

In August last year, Abbie was busy learning the moves to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's hit WAP in hotel quarantine.
Bella Hadid went Instagram official with new boyfriend Marc Kalman on Thursday when she shared a snap of them kissing while in Cannes.

Art director Marc was first linked to Bella in June - his credits include designing album artwork for Travis Scott.

The snap comes just days after Bella's ex The Weeknd, 31, was linked to Angelina Jolie, 46.

It's official! Bella Hadid went Instagram official with new boyfriend Marc Kalman on Thursday when she shared a snap of them kissing while in Cannes

Woah! Bella continued to court attention on her social media as she went braless beneath a pink checked ensemble after sharing the PDA snap

The Weekend - real name Abel Tesfaye has been linked to Angelina after they were spotted leaving celeb hangout Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica just moments apart from one another last week.

While the pair are not known to be friends, there are some intriguing links between them, including the singer referencing Angelina's famous pout in one of his hit songs.

Furthermore, The Weeknd's ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez once famously crossed paths with Angelina's ex-husband Brad, 57, back in 2016, while they were still married.

New man? Bella was linked to Marc in June after they were seen on a dinner date together, however neither commented on the state of their relationship until Bella's PDA post

New man? Marc has kept himself under the radar until popping up in Bella's Instagram post

The National Enquirer had claimed that Brad 'shamelessly flirted' with Selena, 28, causing issues between him and Angelina, though the claims were denied.

The same year, The Weeknd released his hit song "Party Monster" that featured a reference to both Angelina and Selena, with the line: 'Angelina, lips like Angelina / Like Selena, a** shaped like Selena.'

Then, in his 2016 hit single "Starboy" he referenced Brad singing: 'Let a n**** Brad Pitt, legend of the fall took the year like a bandit.'

Dinner date: Bella's PDA snap comes just days after Bella's ex The Weeknd, 31, was linked to Angelina Jolie, 46 after they were seen on a dinner date in Los Angeles

Awkward: This 2016 photo of Selena Gomez meeting Brad Pitt - who was still married to Angelina Jolie at the time - reportedly caused a stir with the Maleficent actress

The Oscar-winning actress shares six children with ex-husband Brad; Maddox, 19, Pax, 17, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 15 and 12-year-old twins Knox and Vivian.

Angelina filed for divorce in 2016 citing 'irreconcilable differences' and it was finalized in 2019. The former pair have been in a lengthy custody battle with the actress wanting sole custody and Brad fighting for joint.

Legal experts in Los Angeles told DailyMail.com in March that the pair have each spent over $1million in legal costs already - and said the custody battle could go on for six more years.

Flaunt: The model, 24, put on a very racy display as she flashed her cleavage before flaunting her endless pins in a series of sizzling snaps

Work it: Bella oozed confidence as she gave a coquettish look to the camera as she bared her toned midriff in the open shirt, which she teamed with a matching mini skirt

Meanwhile, Bella's PDA snap with Marc appeared amid a photo dump in which the model posed braless beneath a pink checked shirt.

Bella oozed confidence as she gave a coquettish look to the camera as she bared her toned midriff in the open shirt, which she teamed with a matching mini skirt.

The beauty wore her raven tresses in an elegant up do', while she highlighted her features with a palette of glam make-up.

Picture perfect: Bella snapped herself in the mirror as a stylist worked on her hair

Legs for days: The star showed off her endless pins as she posed in front of an idyllic backdrop

Fun times: As she chilled out in her room, Bella enjoyed a spot of twerking as she and a pal danced and larked about for the camera

As she chilled out in her room, Bella enjoyed a spot of twerking as she and a pal danced and larked about for the camera.

The duo were in great spirits as they giggled and showed off their moves for the camera, with Bella also seen blowing a kiss.

She also shared a snap of her cuddling up to a male pal as they hung out on the balcony.

Captioning her post, she penned: 'Time of my life. Healthy, Working and Loved.'

Dancing Queens: The duo were in great spirits as they giggled and showed off their moves for the camera

Oh my: Bella bent over and wriggled against her friend as they danced to music

If you've got it: Bella leaned up against a window as she shook her behind for the camera

Selena and The Weeknd reportedly broke up in October 2017 after nearly 10 months of dating.

Meanwhile, Maleficent star Angelina was most recently linked to her ex-husband Jonny Lee Miller, amid her bitter divorce battle with Brad, which has been dragging on since September 2016.

Last month, Angelina was reportedly left 'bitterly disappointed' after a court awarded joint custody to her ex Brad with the star allegedly set to appeal the decision with a hearing due for July 9.
Curtis Stone is enjoying a holiday in Costa Rica with his family.

And on Thursday, the 45-year-old shared photos from a rope climbing and ziplining outing with his actress wife, Lindsay Price, in Rio Perdido.

The Australian chef posted a series of photos from the trip to Instagram, but the majority of the pictures focussed on the actress' derriere.

Cheeky! Curtis Stone shared photos of his wife Lindsay Price's derriere on Thursday after he commended the way her zipline outfit 'suited her' during their holiday in Costa Rica

The chef wrote in the caption: 'Babe your zip line game is so strong and the outfit really suits you. He then added the tag '#mamasita.'

Fans of the MasterChef star were quick to comment on the post, including one who said: 'Bit sus Curtis,' while a second added: 'This man cooks and posts uxorious thirsts on his feed.'

The word uxorious is defined as 'having or showing a great or excessive fondness for one's wife'.

But it was Curtis' wife who was left red-faced at his post, with Lindsay commenting: 'Oh my God. Only you.'

Happy man: The 45-year-old shared photos from a rope climbing and ziplining outing, but the majority of the images centred on his wife's derriere

The chef wrote in the caption: 'Babe your zip line game is so strong and the outfit really suits you. He then added the tag '#mamasita'

Peachy keen! Curtis was happy to enjoy the many vistas of Costa Rica

Very proud husband: Fans of the MasterChef star were quick to comment on the post, including one who said: 'Bit sus Curtis,' while a second added: 'This man cooks and posts uxorious thirsts on his feed'

Oh dear! But it was Curtis' wife who was left red-faced at his post, with Lindsay commenting: 'Oh my God. Only you.'

Lindsay also shared photos from the rope climbing and ziplining outing, which in fact happened days before on Saturday.

Her posts featured photos of her taking part in the activities and posing in her outdoor gear.

'Am I doing this right? All I know is I've literally never been hotter. Like, I've NEVER sweat this much in my life,' she wrote in the caption.

'Am I doing this right?': Lindsay also shared photos from the rope climbing and ziplining outing, which in fact happened days before on Saturday. Her posts featured photos of her taking part in the activities and posing in her outdoor gear

Melbourne-born Curtis rose to fame on Australia cooking show Surfing the Menu and hosted season one of My Restaurant Rules.

He is based in Los Angeles where he runs his acclaimed restaurant, Maude.

Curtis has been married to Lindsay since 2013.

The couple share two sons - Hudson, nine, and Emerson, six.
Christina Haack was seen holding hands with real estate agent Joshua Hall as the pair arrived at LAX airport on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old Flip Or Flop star beamed as she walked next to her new love interest, who works as a real estate agent in Texas.

The lovebirds were reportedly on their way to a flight to Mexico to celebrate Christina's 38th birthday.

Official: Christina Haack was seen holding hands with real estate agent Joshua Hall as the pair arrived at LAX airport on Tuesday

In step: The 37-year-old Flip Or Flop star beamed as she was next to her new love interest, who works in real estate

In the new images Christina has on a light gray tank top with short shorts that show off her toned legs, adding lace-free sneakers and a plaid shirt tied around her waist.

She did not carry any luggage but wore a backpack.

Her new mate was just as casual in a tight white T-shirt, gray cap, dark slacks and blue Nike sneakers.

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.

Another insider divulged to People on Tuesday that Christina and Joshua 'recently started dating each other and it was an immediate, real connection.'

Easy feel: In the new images Christina has on a light gray tank top with short shorts that show off her toned legs, adding lace-free sneakers. Her new mate was just as casual in a tight white T-shirt, cap, dark slacks and blue Nike sneakers

Happy at last! The siren smiled from ear to ear as if she is in the early stages of falling in love

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.'

Hola: The lovebirds were on their way to a flight to Mexico to celebrate Christina's 38th birthday.

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 is her first since splitting from husband Ant Anstead last year.

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.

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

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

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

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.
Marrying Millions star Bill Hutchinson has been released on $30K bond after being arrested in Texas on Tuesday for sexual assault against a 17-year-old girl, but he is now facing new allegations in California.

The 63-year-old reality star allegedly molested the high schooler after she passed out on the couch inside his Highland Park home in Dallas County sometime in May - according to TMZ.

He also been accused of sexually assaulting two 16-year-old girls in California during a Laguna Beach vacation in April but as of July 9 Hutchinson and his lawyer are denying all the allegations.

There is now an active arrest warrant for him in Orange County after one of the victims alleged he raped her while she was 'unconscious' and he has been accused of committing four counts of sexual battery.

Slammer: Marrying Millions star Bill Hutchinson has been released on $30K bond after being arrested in Texas on Tuesday for sexual assault against a 17-year-old girl (pictured in 2019)

Hutchinson's lawyer Dan Hagood told TMZ that both the Texas accuser and one of the California accusers are the same person.

Regarding the April Laguna Beach incident, he has now been accused of 'raping one of the 16-year-old girls while she was unconscious and committing four acts of sexual battery against the girl.'

Prosecutors say that if he is convicted he will face a maximum sentence of 8 years in state prison and 2.5 years in Orange County jail.

He however, will not face charges for assaulting a minor because the age of consent is 17 in Texas.

His camp has maintained that she is telling a 'fantastical' story, in the hopes of profiting off his multi-million dollar fortune.

'Digitally penetrated her': The 63-year-old reality star allegedly molested the high schooler after she passed out on the couch inside his Highland Park home in Dallas County sometime in May (pictured in 2019)

'Date night!' Bill - who got engaged to Brianna 'Bri' Ramirez (R, pictured May 15) during season two of the Lifetime show - will not face charges for assaulting a minor because the age of consent is 17 in Texas

As recent as April 14, Hutchinson's 23-year-old fiancee gushed: 'Thank you for being there for me when life takes unexpected turns. Thank you for giving me a chance to regroup'

Bill got engaged to Brianna 'Bri' Ramirez during season two of the Lifetime show Marrying Millions and as recent as April 14, Hutchinson's 23-year-old fiancee gushed about him.

'Thank you for being there for me when life takes unexpected turns. Thank you for giving me a chance to regroup.'

He famously met her when she was 21 and working at a Dallas restaurant as a hostess.

Bri is younger than the Detroit-born businessman's three daughters - Holly, 32; Rachel, 30; and Tess, 28 - from his first marriage to Kathleen.

Bill also has two younger children - Annebelle, 16; and King, 11 - from his second marriage to Kandis.

Father-of-five: Bri is younger than the Detroit-born businessman's three daughters - Holly, 32; Rachel, 30; and Tess, 28 - from his first marriage to Kathleen (pictured October 25)

Yikes: Bill also has two younger children - Annebelle, 16; and King, 11 - from his second marriage to Kandis (pictured November 27)

'Now is the perfect time': On June 11, Dunhill Partners announced that Andy Crosland would take over as president of his real estate company with Hutchinson remaining on as chairman of the board

On June 11, Dunhill Partners announced that Andy Crosland would take over as president of his real estate company with Hutchinson remaining on as chairman of the board.

'I am happy to pass the torch to Andy, who is a born leader with the talent to back it up,' the Southern Methodist University grad said in a statement.

'He and I have talked about making this move for the past couple of years, and now is the perfect time.'

And last September, Bill placed his 12K-square-foot, six-bedroom Miami waterfront mansion on the market for $8.25M - according to People.

It's doubtful Hutchinson will ever return to Marrying Millions, especially since Lifetime has yet to renew the show for a third season.
Beyonce was spotted touching down at a heliport in New York City on Wednesday to head to an Italian restaurant in nearby Brooklyn.

The radiant songbird, 39, looked fresh in a crisp white blouse that was knotted in front and colorful patterned slacks with sky-high platform heels and Ray-Ban sunglasses as she carried a large white purse.

The Put A Ring On It hitmaker was also with her husband of over a decade, rapper and music producer Jay-Z.

First class: Beyonce was spotted touching down at a heliport in New York City on Wednesday to head to an Italian restaurant in nearby Brooklyn

A casual Mr Carter: The Put A Ring On It hitmaker was also with her husband of over a decade, rapper and music producer Jay-Z

They were spotted touching down at a heliport in New York City as they had several attendants around them.

The power couple then went to eat at Lucali pizza restaurant in Brooklyn which serves pizza, pasta and salads. The venue takes cash only.

Beyonce looked as glam as ever in the white top that stood out against her wide-legged yellow slacks that had blue and red flowers all over it.

She added seven inch beige platform heels that were strappy and showed off a white pedicure.

A nice summer style: The radiant songbird, 39, looked fresh in a crisp white blouse that was knotted in front and colorful patterned slacks with sky-high platform heels as she carried a large white purse

Her long curly hair down and sunglasses in place with bold lime green earrings. An oversized white purse with a T logo hung from her shoulder.

Jay-Z wore an East Hampton bucket hat, Puma t-shirt, and grey shorts as he made his way across the heliport which had a view of the water.

The power couple were also seen earlier this week boating in the Hamptons.

Later on Thursday, Beyonce gave her 191 million Instagram followers a closer look at her and Jay-Z's lunch looks.

She pointed at the camera playfully while Jay leaned against a wall and partially covered his face with his hand.

A Bey Day in Brooklyn: Her long curly hair down and Ray-Ban sunglasses in place with bold lime green earrings. An oversized white purse with a T logo hung from her shoulder

All eyes on them: Later on Thursday, Beyonce gave her 191 million Instagram followers a closer look at her and Jay-Z's lunch looks

Contrasts: She pointed at the camera playfully while Jay leaned against the wall and partially covered his face with his hand

Beyonce swapped out the lighter-tinted sunglasses she wore earlier in favor of a slightly smaller pair with a considerably darker tint as she gazed into the camera.

She and her rapper husband let loose with a little wine for lunch, and she shared a closeup of herself taking a sip, though she drank her red wine from a rocks glass and not a traditional wine glass.

She also snapped a photo of Jay grabbing the bottle, revealing that it was the well-regarded Italian Bordeaux-style wine Sassicaia.

She also cooled down with another cocktail garnished with a lemon slice and an orange flower.

The songstress rounded out her post with some mouth-watering closeups of cold grapes and cherries, plus watermelon slices and some sherbet

Going dark: She swapped out her larger, light-tinted sunglasses for a slightly smaller and darker pair in one photo

Yum: She and her rapper husband let loose with a little wine for lunch, and she shared a closeup of herself taking a sip

Living in style: She also snapped a photo of Jay grabbing the bottle, revealing that it was the well-regarded Italian Bordeaux-style wine Sassicaia

Staying cool: She cooled down with another drink garnished with a lemon slice and a flower

Scrumptious: The songstress rounded out her post with some mouth-watering closeups of cold grapes and cherries, plus watermelon slices and some sherbet

Wednesday's sighting comes after Beyonce paid tribute to her twins Rumi and Sir on their fourth birthday in June.

The Irreplaceable hitmaker - who also has nine-year-old daughter Blue Ivy with husband Jay-Z - posted a sweet message on her official website to celebrate four years since she welcomed two children into the world.

She wrote: 'What's better than 1 gift2. Happy Birthday Rumi & Sir.'

Meanwhile, the superstar's husband recently gave a rare interview about life as a father to three.

The hip-hop veteran revealed he couldn't swim until his first child was born, and only had lessons then because he wanted to make sure that when his little girl started swimming, he would be able to rescue Blue if she ever got into any trouble in the water.

Speaking on LeBron James' HBO series The Shop: Uninterrupted, Jay said of parenthood: 'It's amazing. It's a very grounding thing. I didn't learn how to swim until Blue was born. There goes everything you need to know. This is a metaphor for our relationship.

Taking in a ball game: Beyonce attended Brooklyn Nets v Milwaukee Bucks game at Barclays Center of Brooklyn in early June in New York City

The power couple at an event: Mr and Mrs Carter looked elegant for a night out

'If she ever fell in the water and I couldn't get her, I couldn't even fathom that thought. I gotta learn how to swim. That's it. That was the beginning of our relationship.'

Meanwhile, the 51-year-old rapper recently opened up about the hard work he and his Crazy In Love hitmaker have put into their marriage and how 'proud' he is of the father and husband he has become.

The Empire State Of Mind hitmaker  who tied the knot with the former Destiny's Child star in 2008  said: 'I have a beautiful wife who was understanding and knew I am not the worst of what I've done.

'We did the hard work of going to therapy, we love each other. We really put in the work for years. This music I'm making now is a result of things that have happened already.

'Like you, I like to believe that we're in a better place today, but still working and still communicating and growing. I'm proud of the father and the husband I am today because of all the work that was done.'
Christina Haack is in the throes of a hot new summer romance.

The HGTV star, 37, showed off her bikini body and new man Joshua Hall as the duo enjoyed a romantic getaway to Mexico in honor of her upcoming 38th birthday.

In video posted to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, the star looked incredible as she sat on a swing set in a white bikini with views of the ocean behind her.

Summer loving! Christina Haack showed off her bikini body and new man Joshua Hall as the duo enjoyed a romantic getaway to Mexico in honor of her upcoming 38th birthday

The star was the picture of bliss swinging around as the video panned around to the idyllic accommodations.

Afterwards, she boasted about her romantic dinner with the handsome realtor.

The couple were the picture of new love sitting beside one another with glasses of wine in hand.

'The most whimsical/romantic dinner,' Christina wrote in the photo.

Just the two of us! Haack posted a snap of her romantic dinner with her new beau

Bikini babe! Haack looked peaceful playing around on the swing set surrounded by views of the stunning ocean

The couple certainly couldn't have looked any happier spending time with one another after flying in from Los Angeles together.

Christina and her boyfriend were spotted at LAX on Tuesday, smiling from ear to ear and holding hands as they prepared to jet off to Mexico.

A source told Page Six that Christina and Joshua 'have been dating for the last few months'.

Ready for swimsuit season! Haack showed off her toned and terrific physique

Life is good! The video also showed off their serene, ocean front accommodations

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.

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.'

Smitten: The HGTV star put their love on display in a cuddled-up selfie

Vroom vroom! The couple were spotted exploring Tulum by scooter on Thursday

Jean-ius! The Flip or Flop star put her legs on display in a tiny pair of jean shorts

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.'

Arm in arm! Haack tenderly held onto her beau as they checked out the sights

Hold on tight! Christina wrapped her arms around her beau as he took off on the scooter

Leggy lady! The star looked phenomenal with her toned limbs on display

Hitting the road together! The lovebirds zoomed off into the distance

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.

Love is in the air! Christina and her beau Joshua were spotted holding hands as they prepared to jet off to Mexico at LAX earlier this week

Kiss me! The trip comes after Christina's ex Ant Anstead was spotted kissing Renee Zellweger

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.

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

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.

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.
Real Housewives of New York City alum Bethenny Frankel shared a passionate kiss with her on/off fiance Paul Bernon at the Splendido Hotel in Portofino on Thursday.

The restored former 16th-century monastery was also a favorite hotel of the late Oscar winner Elizabeth Taylor and her on/off husband Richard Burton.

The 50-year-old Skinnygirl CEO was rocking her diamond engagement ring, which is estimated to be worth $1M.

Holiday: Real Housewives of New York City alum Bethenny Frankel shared a passionate kiss with her on/off fiance Paul Bernon at the Splendido Hotel in Portofino on Thursday

'Isn't it romantic?' The restored former 16th-century monastery was also a favorite hotel of the late Oscar winner Elizabeth Taylor and her on/off husband Richard Burton

Diamond expert Mike Fried told People in May he believed the sparkler was a 15-carat-plus, emerald-cut center stone flanked by trapezoid side stones.

Bethenny reportedly got re-engaged to the 43-year-old Peabody Award-winning producer in February after a four-month split.

Frankel took the plunge in a black one-piece swimsuit while laying out with Paul on sun loungers.

The Just B podcaster's halter swimwear featured a cut-out in the back and she shielded her complexion with a white fedora.

Wedding bling: The 50-year-old Skinnygirl CEO was rocking her diamond engagement ring, which is estimated to be worth $1M

Huge! Diamond expert Mike Fried told People in May he believed the sparkler was a 15-carat-plus, emerald-cut center stone flanked by trapezoid side stones

Back on: Bethenny reportedly got re-engaged to the 43-year-old Peabody Award-winning producer in February after a four-month split

Bronzing her body: Frankel took the plunge in a black one-piece swimsuit while laying out with Paul on sun loungers

Side view: The Just B podcaster's halter swimwear featured a cut-out in the back and she shielded her complexion with a white fedora

After Bethenny donned a b&w-patterned cover-up, Bernon snapped a photo of her with his phone.

The Massachusetts-born businessman looked preppy in a blue short-sleeved polo with seersucker shorts and a beige fedora.

The NYU grads continued to pack on the PDA over breakfast.

Frankel and Paul originally met through a dating app in the fall of 2018.

Smile! After Bethenny donned a b&w-patterned cover-up, Bernon snapped a photo of her with his phone

Ready for the day: The Massachusetts-born businessman looked preppy in a blue short-sleeved polo with seersucker shorts and a beige fedora

Besotted: The NYU grads continued to pack on the PDA over breakfast

Still going strong: Frankel and Paul originally met through a dating app in the fall of 2018

Hungry for more: The inseparable couple are apparently eating their way through the Italian Riviera as The Big Shot star couldn't stop Instastorying their many mouth-watering meals

The inseparable couple are apparently eating their way through the Italian Riviera as The Big Shot star couldn't stop Instastorying their many mouth-watering meals.

On Wednesday night, Bethenny and Bernon enjoyed pizza and rigatoni for their second dinner since the 'first one wasn't up to par.'

For lunch on Thursday, Frankel and her 6ft2in beau dined on steak, salad, mussels, and pesto pasta at Ristorante La Camogliese in Camogli.

'Chewy, pesto-y, creamy, al dento-y,' the Manhattan socialite - who boasts 5M social media followers - gushed.

'Dinner #2': On Wednesday night, Bethenny and Bernon enjoyed pizza and rigatoni for their second dinner since the 'first one wasn't up to par'

Savory: For lunch on Thursday, Frankel and her 6ft2in beau dined on steak, salad, mussels, and pesto pasta at Ristorante La Camogliese in Camogli

The Manhattan socialite - who boasts 5M social media followers - gushed: 'Chewy, pesto-y, creamy, al dento-y. This is our favorite restaurant so far. Best meal yet!'

'Mention it all': The Bravo-lebrity then topped it off with decadent Nutella and butter chocolate-flavored gelato

'This is our favorite restaurant so far. Best meal yet!'

The Bravo-lebrity then topped it off with decadent Nutella and butter chocolate-flavored gelato.

Bethenny later posted a picturesque couple snap captioned: 'To be in a country you love with a man you love is paradise. Make-up done in 3 minutes and hair done in 0 minutes.'

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.

Meanwhile, Paul has two children - son Tucker and daughter Skylar - from his 14-year marriage to marketing director Ashley, which ended in 2017.

Bethenny later posted a picturesque couple snap captioned: 'To be in a country you love with a man you love is paradise. Make-up done in 3 minutes and hair done in 0 minutes'

Podcasting together: Missing from Bethenny's 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

Father-of-two: Meanwhile, Paul 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 Martha Stewart protegee's organization also distributed $157K of BStrong cards, delivered 250 family necessity kids, and relocated six residents to apartments.

'Out now!' Bernon last produced Kimmy Gatewood's rom-com Good On Paper, which started streaming June 23 on Netflix
Netflix shelled out a reported $200 million to produce its upcoming action comedy, making it the network's most expensive film to date.

The streaming giant just unveiled a November release date for Red Notice, which which was announced on social media by one of the films trio of A-list stars, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 49, on Thursday.

The Rock is joined by Wonder Woman's Gal Gadot, 36, and Deadpool's Ryan Reynolds, 44, in the FBI-thriller-comedy, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber.

You're on notice: Netflix unveiled a November release date for Red Notice, which which was announced on social media by one of the films trio of A-list stars, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 49, on Thursday

'Im officially serving you your notice,' The Rock penned on simultaneous Twitter and Instagram posts with two siren emojis.

'Ladies & gents @Netflixs biggest movie ever #REDNOTICE will premiere in your living rooms around the globe on NOVEMBER 12th.'

The star wasn't being hyperbolic when he called it the streamer's 'biggest movie ever' - with a reported budget of $200 million, it is Netflix's most expensive film.

Back in 2019, it was reported that Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot would each be earning close to $20 million for their roles and The Rock would take home 'millions more' as one of the stars and producers, according to Variety.

Big money: Netflix shelled out a reported $200 million to produce its upcoming action comedy, making it the network's most expensive film to date

'The FBIs top profiler. The worlds most wanted art thief. And the greatest conman the world has never seen,' Johnson wrote in a caption of a photo of the three movie stars.

'Thank you to my partners at @Netflix for the trust and vision to commit to their biggest investment ever. Thank you to my good friend and #RedNotice creator, writer & director @rawsonthurber,' he continued, adding hilariously: 'Thank you to my insanely talented (and highly unattractive) costars @gal_gadot & @vancityreynolds for our globetrotting heist.'

Aside from being the priciest budget in Netflix history, it is a 'career first' for the former professional wrestler who has never starred in a direct-to-stream project.

'I wanted to make it big and special for all the fans worldwide,' he said.

Top talent: Back in 2019, it was reported that Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot would each be earning close to $20 million for their roles and The Rock would take home 'millions more' as one of the stars and producers, according to Variety

'The FBIs top profiler. The worlds most wanted art thief. And the greatest conman the world has never seen,' Johnson wrote in a caption of a photo of the three movie stars.

In the action flick, Dwayne plays an Interpol agent who is on the hunt to nab 'the world's greatest art thief' [Gal Gadot].

Interpol issues a 'red notice', or an international alert, to capture Gal's character. Meanwhile, Ryan's character - described as 'the world's greatest conman', is Gal's rival.

Filming on the project was briefly halted in 2020 due to the pandemic. On the final day of shooting, after production resumed, Reynolds took to Instagram to praise the cast and crew.

'Yesterday was my final day on #RedNotice. We started this film 10 months ago,' he wrote in October of 2020. 'We stopped in March with no idea when or if wed go back. With the help of so many whip-smart health and safety workers, Netflix found a way to get us back to work.'

Action packed: In the action flick, Dwayne plays an Interpol agent who is on the hunt to nab 'the world's greatest art thief' [Gal Gadot]

'My hat is OFF to this crew. I cant emphasize their grit enough,' he continued, commending the '300 souls' who had to isolate for the production.

'They went to work under the most intense circumstances every day. That sacrifice is not only theirs, but it also belongs to their family, friends and loved ones who havent seen them in months.

'Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear masks. And visors. And have cotton swabs shoved up their noses every day,' he concluded.

Red Notice streams on Netflix November 12, 2021.
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Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones put their extraordinary New York apartment on the market for $21.5million.

The expansive four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom penthouse home was designed by Thierry Despont and offers sweeping city views overlooking Central Park West.

Situated on the top floor of the Kenilworth building, which was built in 1908 by Townsend, Steinle & Haskell, the property looks like a 12th-century English castle.

Luxury living: Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones put their extraordinary New York apartment on the market for $21.5million

'The Kenilworth is a white glove, full service cooperative with attended elevator and Resident Manager, built in 1908 in the French Second Empire style,' according to the Sotheby's International Realty listing agent.

The 15-room apartment was turned into nine bigger spaces and occupies the entire front of the historic building, and wrapping around both north and south corners.

Period details, high ceilings and expansive rooms offer modern living throughout the open space.

A grand foyer leads way to a sunny living room which is flanked by a large wood-paneled corner library with two wood-burning fireplaces.

Eye for design: The expansive four-bedroom penthouse home was designed by Thierry Despont and offers sweeping city views overlooking Central Park West

Old school: Situated on the top floor of the Kenilworth building, which was built in 1908 by Townsend, Steinle & Haskell, the property looks like a 12th-century English castle

Crisp and clean: Period details, high ceilings and expansive rooms offer modern living throughout the open space

Let's eat: An eat-in chef's kitchen boasts an impressive line of appliances including a Wolf industrial range and double Traulsen refrigerators

The dining room is on the opposite side and can easily be made more intimate by closing the stately mahogany pocket doors.

A quaint powder room with an ante chamber, wet bar and wine storage complete the entertaining space.

An eat-in chef's kitchen boasts an impressive line of appliances including a Wolf industrial range and double Traulsen refrigerators.

Dreamy: The primary suite includes a massive bedroom, sitting area, en suite marble bath and two sizable dressing rooms

Sweet: A guestroom or office is located down the hall and also includes an en suite bath, with two additional bedrooms situated across the gallery

Lots of light: The primary powder room is complete with white cabinetry and gold fixtures

'The Kenilworth is a white glove, full service cooperative with attended elevator and Resident Manager, built in 1908 in the French Second Empire style,' according to the Sotheby's International Realty listing agent

The primary suite includes a massive bedroom, sitting area, en suite marble bath and two sizable dressing rooms.

A guestroom or office is located down the hall and also includes an en suite bath, with two additional bedrooms situated across the gallery.

The couple also own a mansion in Irvington, New York, a house in Catherine's hometown of Swansea, Wales, and have been attempting to unload his Majorca estate for seven years with no success.

Catherine and Michael have been married since 2000 after meeting at the Deauvulle Film Festival in France in 1998. They have two children together: Dylan, 20, and Carys, 18.
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Jodie Turner-Smith and Izabel Goulart led the glamour at the Stillwater premiere on the third day of Cannes Film Festival on Thursday.

Jodie, 34, donned a sweeping yellow and white feathered gown which trailed behind her on the red carpet.

The top of the dress featured an off-shoulder corset in cream and black with studs at the bust.

Bringing the glam! Jodie Turner-Smith and Izabel Goulart led the glamour at the Stillwater premiere on the third day of Cannes Film Festival on Thursday

The Anne Boleyn star wore her raven locks piled up atop her head, providing plenty of opportunity to show off her gold accessories.

She wore drop-earrings, a statement necklace and a matching bangle.

Izabel, 36, showed off her lithe figure in a barely-there semi-sheer top and matching trousers.

The backless black twin-set featured a lace, sparkling design, with the trousers flaring out at bottom with a feathered detailing.

Sweeping along: Jodie, 34, donned a sweeping yellow and white feathered gown which trailed behind her on the red carpet

Stunning: The top of the dress featured an off-shoulder corset in cream and black with studs at the bust

Loving it! The Anne Boleyn star wore her raven locks piled up atop her head, providing plenty of opportunity to show off her gold accessories

Accessories: She wore drop-earrings, a statement necklace and a matching bangle

A helping hand! Jodie's dress was fanned out by a red carpet assistant

Smile: Pictured L to R are Jodie, Haley Lu Richardson and Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja

Mini-me! Malea appeared to have coordinated her look with Jodie's

Matching: The two girls shared the limelight at the event

She added silver round earrings and a matching bracelet to the ensemble, with her chestnut mane wore sleekly behind her shoulders.

She added a burst of colour to her pout with bright red lipstick.

Matt Damon was also in attendance. The 50-year-old Bourne actor's new drama Stillwater is being presented in the Out of Competition section.

He wore a suave black tux with a satin lapel and matching bow tie over a crisp white shirt.

Slick: Izabel, 36, showed off her lithe figure in a barely-there semi-sheer top and matching trousers. The backless black twin-set featured a lace, sparkling design, with the trousers flaring out at bottom with a feathered detailing

Strut! She wore her chestnut mane sleekly behind her shoulders

Woman in black: She added silver round earrings and a matching bracelet to the ensemble

Oh hi! She added a burst of colour to her pout with bright red lipstick

Sultry: The modelling pro worked the cameras for her red carpet appearance

Suave: Matt Damon was also in attendance. The 50-year-old Bourne actor's new drama Stillwater is being presented in the Out of Competition section

Premiere! He wore a suave black tux with a satin lapel and matching bow tie over a crisp white shirt

Cast: Pictured L-R are Lilou Siauvaud, Camille Cottin, Matt Damon and director Tom McCarthy

Exciting: Matt stars as a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, as she is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit

A long time! The last time the father of three attended Cannes was in 2013 for the screening of Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra

Matt stars as a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, as she is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit.

He stars alongside the Call My Agent! actress Camille Cottin, who plays the character Virginie, a French woman who aids him in his mission.

The cast also includes Abigail Breslin, of Little Miss Sunshine fame, and she will take on the role of the Oscar-winning actor's daughter, Allison.

Say cheese! The hunk grinned for the photographers lining the red carpet

A glam line-up: [L-R] Lara Gautier, Paz Vega, Frida Aasen and Beatrice Valli

Ethereal: Chiara Ferragni stunned in a lime green number

Sparkling: [L-R] Elena Lenina, Catrinel Marlon, Camille Cottin and Blanca Blanco

Pink lady! Hofit Golan wore a multi-layered evening gown

Pals: Soo Joo Park and Luma Grothe used the occasion to catch up

Spinning around: Leonie Hanne gave a twirl in her ensemble

Cast: [L-R] Idir Azougli, Matt Damon and Abigail Breslin star in the film

Stars: [L-R] Idir Azougli, Moussa Maaskri, Lilou Siauvaud, Camille Cottin, Matt Damon, director Tom McCarthy, Abigail Breslin and Gregory Di Meglio are pictured

The last time the father of three attended Cannes was in 2013 for the screening of Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra.

Matt is set to take part in the Rendez-vous experience section of the festival on Friday.

During this portion of the festival Matt will share to an audience the secrets of his career.

Leaving: Jodie Foster and her partner were meanwhile seen exiting the Martinez Hotel. The American actress received an honorary Palme d'Or for her ensemble career during the opening ceremony of the festival in Cannes

New film: The crime drama will be released on August 6 2021

In this segment, numerous film-industry veterans will discuss their experience in cinema.

Among other film icons who will be speaking in this part of the festival will be the French actress Isabelle Huppert and filmmaker Steve Mcqueen.

The crime drama will be released on August 6th 2021.
Marvel Studios unveiled the first trailer for its animated show What If...? on Thursday featuring the final acting performance from the late Chadwick Boseman.

Bryan Andrews' 10-episode spin-off series - premiering August 11 on Disney+ - imagines what would've happened had major MCU moments occurred differently.

In it, T'Challa is surrounded by enemies while trying to rescue a mystery character when he says: 'A ravager never flies solo.'

Curtain call: Marvel Studios unveiled the first trailer for its animated show What If...? on Thursday featuring the final acting performance from the late Chadwick Boseman

Premiering August 11 on Disney+! Bryan Andrews' 10-episode spin-off series imagines what would've happened had major MCU moments occurred differently

At that, Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker) whistles his yaka arrow through the bodies of the enemies, killing them all.

'You had me worried for a second,' T'Challa tells the blue-skinned Centaurian spiritual warrior.

In this alternate multiverse, the Wakanda king becomes the new Star-Lord (previously played by Chris Pratt) traveling through space with Yondu.

Marvel Studios have already renewed What If...? for a second season, but it's unclear if Chadwick was able to record any dialogue for it.

'We have you outnumbered': In it, T'Challa is surrounded by enemies while trying to rescue a mystery character when he says, 'A ravager never flies solo'

To the rescue: At that, Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker) whistles his yaka arrow through the bodies of the enemies, killing them all

T'Challa tells the blue-skinned Centaurian spiritual warrior: 'You had me worried for a second'

'Where you wanna be? That's the question isn't it?' In this alternate multiverse, the Wakanda king becomes the new Star-Lord (previously played by Chris Pratt) traveling through space with Yondu

Back in action: Marvel Studios have already renewed What If...? for a second season, but it's unclear if Chadwick was able to record any dialogue for it

Also appearing in the first season trailer was Black Panther's Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) rescuing Tony Stark (previously played by Robert Downey Jr.) from one of his own bombs.

There's also the return of Nazi-era soldier Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), who becomes the new Captain England (instead of Captain America's Chris Evans).

When Dr. Strange (previously played by Benedict Cumberbatch) asks her who she is, she replies: 'The name's Captain Carter!'

What If...? centers on The Watcher/Uatu (Jeffrey Wright), a sort of guide who mysteriously says: 'I observe all that transpires here but I do not, cannot, will not interfere.'

'Do I know you?' Also appearing in the first season trailer was Black Panther's Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) rescuing Tony Stark (previously played by Robert Downey Jr.) from one of his own bombs

Union Jack: There's also the return of Nazi-era soldier Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), who becomes the new Captain England (instead of Captain America's Chris Evans)

When Dr. Strange (previously played by Benedict Cumberbatch) asks her who she is, she replies: 'The name's Captain Carter!'

What If...? centers on The Watcher/Uatu (Jeffrey Wright), a sort of guide who mysteriously says: 'I observe all that transpires here but I do not, cannot, will not interfere'

Avengers assemble! The Phase Four show also brings back the MCU's Josh Brolin, Michael Douglas, Karen Gillan, Jeff Goldblum, Chris Hemsworth (R), Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Natalie Portman, Jeremy Renner (2-L), Paul Rudd, Mark Ruffalo (L), and more

The Phase Four show also brings back the MCU's Josh Brolin, Michael Douglas, Karen Gillan, Jeff Goldblum, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Natalie Portman, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, Mark Ruffalo, and Sebastian Stan.

Boseman tragically died, age 43, on August 28 after a private four-year battle with stage IV colon cancer.

On June 29, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige told Variety that production had officially begun on the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta.

Director Ryan Coogler has no intention of replacing the late South Carolina native as T'Challa, but rumor has it the torch will be passed on to Letitia Wright's Shuri.

RIP: Boseman tragically died, age 43, on August 28 after a private four-year battle with stage IV colon cancer (pictured in 2020)

Action! On June 29, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige told Variety that production had officially begun on the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta

'I know Chad wouldn't have wanted us to stop': Director Ryan Coogler (L) has no intention of replacing the late South Carolina native as T'Challa, but rumor has it the torch will be passed on to Letitia Wright's Shuri

'You've got to keep going when you lose loved ones. I know Chad wouldn't have wanted us to stop. He was somebody who was so about the collective,' the 35-year-old Oscar-nominated producer told THR on March 31.

'Black Panther, that was his movie. He was hired to play that role before anybody else was even thought of, before I was hired, before any of the actresses were hired. On that set, he was all about everybody else. Even though he was going through what he was going through, he was checking in on them, making sure they were good.

'If we cut his coverage, he would stick around and read lines off camera [to help other actors with their performances]. So it would be harder for me to stop. Truthfully. I'd feel him yelling at me, like, "What are you doing?' So you keep going."'
The Gossip Girl reboot premiered on Thursday with a shocking reveal.

For its entire six season run, the original CW show's central mystery revolved around who was behind a blog that dished out the scandalous secrets of the privileged teenagers attending an exclusive private school in Manhattan.

However, viewers of the HBO Max reboot learned the identity of Gossip Girl in the first episode.

Major twist: The Gossip Girl reboot premiered on July 8 with a shocking reveal as viewers of the HBO Max reboot learned the identity of Gossip Girl in the first episode

The show's eponymous blogger was revealed to be a group of the high school's teachers, led by Kate Keller (Tavi Gevinson).

Early in the premiere, Kate accidentally bumps into the school's Queen B Julien (Jordan Alexander) and is ridiculed by Julien and her clique. Kate then storms into the teacher's lounge to vent about the entitled behavior of the spoiled students at Constance Billiard to her fellow teachers.

Upon hearing about Gossip Girl's notorious blog from another teacher, Kate and several teachers begin scouring through the site that had exposed the juicy goings-on at the ritzy school and intimidated its past attendees.

Shocking: The show's eponymous blogger was revealed to be a group of the high school's teachers, led by Kate Keller (Tavi Gevinson)

Kate and some of the other teachers are inspired to revive Gossip Girl in order to hold sway over their rude and recalcitrant students and their indulgent parents.

After their initial attempts to recreate Gossip Girl as a Twitter account fail to take off, Kate and the teachers launch an Instagram page.

Kate and her colleagues begin spying on the students and posting photos of their sordid exploits. After the Gossip Girl account zeros in on the drama between Julien and her half-sister, Zola ( Whitney Peak), who is new to the school, the page's popularity explodes.

Damage control: Kate and some of the other teachers are inspired to revive Gossip Girl in order to hold sway over their rude and recalcitrant students

Scandalous: Kate and her colleagues begin spying on the students and posting photos of their exploits

The creator of the original series, Joshua Safran, who is serving as the showrunner for the reboot, discussed the decision-making behind the surprising twist during an interview with Variety.

He explained, 'I have friends who work in the private schools of the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. And I went to one, obviously. I often thought since the first Gossip Girl ended that there was maybe a show in teachers at these rarefied schools, but I never landed on anything.

'And then I was talking to my friends a couple of years ago, just about the small changes that they had noticed in the students parents in the years they were teaching there.

Taking back power: After their initial attempts to re-create Gossip Girl as a Twitter account fail to take off, Kate and the teachers launch an Instagram page that explodes in popularity; here Tavis is pictured on set

Safran went on to say, 'I cant remember whether I first knew that there would be teachers and a teacher would be Gossip Girl, or whether I knew first that I would know who Gossip Girl was and it would be a teacher.

'The two were so neck-and-neck for me. I was also very interested in looking at roads we hadnt explored the first time around, and teachers  that was a whole area. Especially private school teachers who are younger than public school teachers, who make less money than public school teachers, who come out of college and are not so removed from the age of the students that theyre teaching. All of that combined just felt like really fertile territory.'

He also addressed the potential ramifications that becoming Gossip Girl might have on the teachers. 'Its a be-careful-what-you-wish-for story,' Safran said. 'Its a cautionary tale. We will be tracking not just what Gossip Girl does to the kids, but what being Gossip Girl does to them.

'And it is incredibly messy and morally compromised, obviously.'
She has been a red carpet staple of the Cannes Film Festival so far.

So it's no surprise Izabel Goulart was once again front and centre as she attended the Stillwater screening during the 74th annual event on Thursday night.

The model, 36, cut a typically glamorous figure in a glitzy black scarf style top and matching flared trousers with dramatic feathered detailing.

Wow! Izabel Goulart was once again front and centre as she attended the Stillwater screening during the 74th annual event on Thursday night

Izabel showed off her lithe figure in a barely-there semi-sheer top, while turning around to reveal the backless detailing.

She added silver round earrings and a matching bracelet to the ensemble, with her chestnut mane wore sleekly behind her shoulders.

Izabel also added a burst of colour to her pout with bright red lipstick.

Sizzling: The model, 36, cut a typically glamorous figure in a glitzy black scarf style top and matching flared trousers with dramatic feathered detailing

Wow: Izabel showed off her lithe figure in a barely-there semi-sheer top, while turning around to reveal the backless detailing

Details: She added silver round earrings and a matching bracelet to the ensemble, with her chestnut mane wore sleekly behind her shoulders

Izabel worked her model prowess on the red carpet as she posed for the papparazzi who had gathered at the prestigious event.

She has so far been a glamorous addition to every night of the film festival so far, which kicked off with a screening of Annette on Tuesday night.

Stillwater is being presented in the Out of Competition section and stars Matt Damon.

Glowing: Izabel also added a burst of colour to her pout with bright red lipstick

Work it: Izabel worked her model prowess on the red carpet as she posed for the papparazzi who had gathered at the prestigious event

Take a picture! Izabel is a true natural in front of the camera

Film: Matt stars as a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, as she is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit (pictured)

Matt stars as a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, as she is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit.

He stars alongside the Call My Agent! actress Camille Cottin, who plays the character Virginie, a French woman who aids him in his mission.

The cast also includes Abigail Breslin, of Little Miss Sunshine fame, and she will take on the role of the Oscar-winning actor's daughter, Allison.

Star of the show: She has so far been a glamorous addition to every night of the film festival so far, which kicked off with a screening of Annette on Tuesday night

Film festival: Stillwater is being presented in the Out of Competition section and stars Matt Damon
She is star of the forthcoming science fiction-drama After Yang.

And Anne-Boleyn star Jodie Turner-Smith certainly made her mark in a showstopper feathered gown on Thursday as she arrived in style at Cannes Film Festival.

The actress, 34, turned heads in her ombre yellow and white gown while her co-star Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, nine, was twinning in a ruffled dress as they attended a screening of Stillwater.

Wow! Anne-Boleyn star Jodie Turner-Smith certainly made her mark in a showstopper feathered gown on Thursday as she arrived in style at Cannes Film FestivaL

Jodie's sweeping number featured corset boning, a black bralette and shimmering gold diamantes strategically sprinkled throughout.

She showcased her opulent taste in jewellery with an elaborate gold necklace, a complementing bangle and dangling earrings.

Jodie tucked her neat braided locks up in a high bun and enhanced her flawless complexion with a dewy make-up look.

Her feathered dress was fanned out on the red carpet for maximum impact as she posed for pictures alongside After Yang director Kogonada.

Steal the show: The actress, 34, turned heads in her ombre yellow and white gown for the 74th annual event in Cannes

So cute: And Malea, nine, was twinning in a ruffled dress as they attended a screening of Stillwater

Detail: Jodie's sweeping number featured corset boning, a black bralette and shimmering gold diamantes strategically sprinkled throughout

Golden glow: She showcased her opulent taste in jewellery with an elaborate gold necklace, a complementing bangle and dangling earrings

Malea joined Jodie on the red carpet in her delightful gown which featured layers of tulle fabric in lemon yellow, apricot and white hues.

Her dress was complete with a sweetheart neckline and short sleeves.

The nine-year-old's raven tresses were tucked back in a half-up half-down hairdo as she beamed at onlookers and stood next to Jodie.

All eyes on her: Her feathered dress was fanned out on the red carpet for maximum impact

The white swan: The Anne Boleyn star elegantly looked over her shoulder

Comradery: She posed for pictures alongside After Yang director Kogonada

Feeling the love: The actress also delivered a heart sign to the camera

Friends: Kogonada is a South Korean director based in Los Angeles

The duo appeared with Haley Lu Richardso who also stars in After Yang.

After Yang is an American Science-fiction film which stars Collin Farrell and Justin H. Min, centering around a family facing up to questions of love, loss and connection when their A.I. helper unexpectedly malfunctions.

Meanwhile new drama Stillwater is being presented in the Out of Competition section at Cannes Film Festival.

Mellow yellow: Malea joined Jodie on the red carpet in her delightful gown which featured layers of tulle fabric in lemon yellow, apricot and white hues

Stunning: Her dress was complete with a sweetheart neckline and short sleeves

All smiles: The nine-year-old's raven tresses were tucked back in a half-up half-down hairdo as she beamed at onlookers and stood next to Jodie

Her moment: She looked completely at home on the red carpet

Dream team: The duo appeared with Haley Lu Richardso (centre) who also stars in After Yang

In the film, Matt Damon stars as a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, as she is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit.

He stars alongside the Call My Agent! actress Camille Cottin, who plays the character Virginie, a French woman who aids him in his mission.

The crime drama will be released on August 6 2021

The cast also includes Abigail Breslin, of Little Miss Sunshine fame, and she will take on the role of the Oscar-winning actor's daughter, Allison.

Walk this way: They were seen walking in a line into the Stillwater screening

New film: After Yang is an American Science-fiction film

Screening film: Meanwhile new drama Stillwater is being presented in the Out of Competition section at Cannes Film Festival
Katie Couric shared images from her daughter Ellie Monahan's New York wedding to Mark Dobrosky this week.

And on Thursday the TV anchor was back at it as she took to social media to show off what she wore to the outdoor nuptials as she posted with husband of seven years John Molner.

The perky blonde, 64, was seen in a strapless Marchesa gown which she noted 'had pockets' as she called herself the 'mother of the bride.'

Mother of the bride, baby! Katie Couric shared images from her daughter Ellie Monahan's New York wedding to Mark Dobrosky this week. And on Thursday the TV anchor was back at it as she took to social media to show off what she wore to the outdoor nuptials

With her girl: Katie posed with her daughter who was stunning in a white lace gown

Couric beamed in the princess style gown which was tight around her chest and hips then had a flowing ballgown style bottom.

'(Mother of the bride) baby,' she wrote on one photo.

And the TV personality thanked the designer, Georgina Chapman, who used to be wed to disgraced Harvey Weinstein.

She also gushed over her child: 'My baby... Ellie was a breathtakingly beautiful bride. Mark was a dashing and beaming groom. Im still walking on air even though I can barely move. Im so happy I could cry but there are no tears left. Wait! Im crying again. Tears of joy.'

On the brink of tears: Katie said she almost cried in this image as she held back tears

A family portrait: Katie with her husband as well as her daughter

Earlier Katie admitted she was 'going to be insufferable for the next few days because I will be sharing wedding photos and videos like a crazy person.'

The journalist added: 'This is the ceremony. It was on the mountaintop of #cedarlakesestate in Port Jervis, New York. Ellie went to @campfernwood in Poland, Maine and wanted a camp like setting. It was perfect. The weather was perfect. (Thank you Jay.)

'Ellie was a breathtakingly beautiful bride. Mark was a dashing and beaming groom. Carrie was the maid of honor and sang Songbird like a well, songbird. Marks brother Dave was the handsome best man and his sister Christines adorable children, Auggie and Merritt, were the ring bearer and flower girl, respectively.'

She said the music was incredibly special.

Perfection! The dress was breathtaking and Ellie wore it well as she held her bouquet

Not weird: Couric explained that the mystery arm belongs to a friend of hers in the background

So much joy: The bride and groom hold hands after sharing their vows and saying 'I do'

Sealed with a kiss: The moment when the groom first kisses his bride was also shared

'I didnt take many pictures because I wanted to be completely present and just take it all in. So now Im looking for the best photos until we get the professional ones. It was such an incredible, moving, extraordinary weekend full of love and friendship and some serious competition during Field Day.

'I cant wait to share everything with you. Im still walking on air even though I can barely move. Im so happy I could cry but there are no tears left. Wait! Im crying again. Tears of joy. More later on this Instagram station. .'

Katie announced the wedding with an image of the newlyweds watching a fireworks display after officially becoming man and wife on the Fourth Of July.

She loves her little baby! Katie kissed her daughter as the star's husband looked on

Dancing together: Katie and Ellie had a dance during the festive reception

'Baby you're a firework. Happy wedding Ellie and Mark (heart emoji) (Of course more pics to come when I recover!),' Katie captioned the snap on Monday.

The blissful newlyweds cuddled close as they took in the gorgeous display after finally exchanging vows following a two year long engagement.

Announcing her daughter's engagement in February 2019, Katie revealed Ellie was proposed to with the same diamond ring her late father Jay Monahan had given her mother.

Katie and Jay wed in 1989 and had two daughters, Ellie and Caroline, who is now 25 years old. Jay was just 42 years old when he died of colon cancer in 1998.

Based on the photos posted on social media, the elegant affair looked like one to remember.

Man and wife! Images posted by guests online captured the newlyweds walking hand-in-hand down the aisle

I do! The couple exchanged vows beneath a lavish floral arch

Photos captured the couple exchanging vows beneath a floral arch before walking down the aisle together as man and wife.

Guests danced the night away to a live band and feasted on a delicious, multi-tier white wedding cake.

Ellie looked stunning in an exquisite white wedding gown with flowing train and elegant lace veil.

Here comes the bride! Ellie dazzled in an exquisite white gown with flowing train and lace veil

Tradition! The newlyweds cut their delicious, multi-tier cake as a live band serenaded guests

Katie paid tribute to her daughter on the day of her wedding with a lengthy yet heartwarming post which included photos of the bride as a young girl with her late father.

'It seems like yesterday when Ellie was crawling up my body like a little gymnast and doing a back flip off my shoulders. When she wouldn't take off her Belle dressever. When she got her wisdom teeth pulled and was so loopy she asked the dentist to lunch,' she wrote.

'When she would spin the volleyball before a serve. When she headed off to college where she met a wonderful guy named Mark. When she moved to LA for graduate schooland became a successful TV writer. And on and on.

Some behind the scenes action: The bride rode in a trolly during her wedding day

'It went by in a flash and today Ellie is getting married to her beloved Jersey boy. My heart is full of unbridled happiness for them both and for all of us who are coming to celebrate their love and life itself. Jay would be so proud. Here's to love, here's to joy, here's to the future.'

Katie married John Molner on June 21, 2014, and she opened up about her new husband in a 2017 Time essay about what she has learned following Jay's death.

'I now have a new husband, a wonderful person I adore, who is warm and wise and so funny,' she wrote.

'He's different from Jay, but I think Jay would approve. I think they would have been friends. His greatest gift has been allowing me to love them both.'

Flashback: Katie and Jay wed in 1989 and had two daughters, Ellie and Caroline, who is now 25 years old
Australian model and presenter Kate Peck has welcomed her first child with her partner James.

The 33-year-old shared the happy news on Instagram on Thursday, revealing she gave birth to a son called Montgomery James Peck.

Kate gushed about her 'gorgeous and healthy' baby, but admitted it was a tough birth and she's been left a 'tad traumatised' by it all.

'He's gorgeous and healthy': Australian model and presenter Kate Peck has welcomed her first child with her partner James. The 33-year-old shared the happy news on Instagram on Thursday, revealing she gave birth to a son called Montgomery James Peck

Along with the announcement, Kate posted several pictures of herself cradling her newborn on her chest and tummy.

'Meet Sir Squishface,' she wrote in the caption.

'Aka Montgomery James Peck... our beautiful new lil man.'

'Meet Sir Squishface': Along with the announcement, Kate posted several pictures of herself cradling her newborn on her chest and tummy

Kate explained she opted for a natural birth and admitted it was the 'hardest, most unbelievably painful thing I've ever done'.

'After a very hectic birth, I was whisked away for theatre surgery - I genuinely think James and I are a tad traumatised,' she wrote of her partner.

She said James could only visit for two hours a day due to covid-19 restrictions and said she has a 'slow and long recovery ahead.'

Candid: Kate explained she opted for a natural birth and admitted it was the 'hardest, most unbelievably painful thing I've ever done'

She added she now has a 'whole new level of respect for mums.'

'He's gorgeous and healthy but far out Brussels sprout... this s**t is not for the faint hearted. But we survived,' she added in the post.

Kate stepped away from the spotlight during her pregnancy.

She hasn't publicly revealed the identity of her child's father, but it's understood she is in a relationship.

She celebrated Mother's Day earlier this year and said 'my love bought me flowers' as a gift.

'House is a mess, eating cookies off bump, my love bought me flowers and I smashed in my Pilates,' she wrote on Instagram.

'If this is mum life, count me in!'
Heather Morris revealed that she got a tattoo of a tweet made by her late former Glee costar, Naya Rivera, in a post that was shared to her Instagram account on Thursday afternoon.

The 34-year-old actress also wrote a lengthy message in the caption for her post to let her 1.1 million followers know that she still remembered her ex-castmate and was happy to carry on her legacy.

The Grammy Award-winning performer tragically passed away exactly one year ago on Thursday when she drowned during a boating trip in Ventura County, California.

In remembrance: Heather Morris shared a shot of a tattoo that she recently received in honor of her late Glee costar Naya Rivera to her Instagram account on Thursday

Morris began the message by noting that, although much time has gone by since her friend's death, she was still dealing with the loss.

'It hasn't gotten easier to write a caption. You are the brightest star in my eyes Naya Rivera,' she remarked.

The performer went on to express that she was happy to have known the late actress and to have been able to call her a friend.

'I'm so grateful GOD LAYED A HAND and brought us together as best friends, mom friends, scene partners, and everything in between,' she wrote.

Dear friend: Morris also wrote a lengthy message in the post's caption where she referred to her former castmate as 'the brightest star in my eyes'

There it is: The performer later shared a close-up image of the tattoo to her Instagram Story, where its text visibly read: 'tomorrow is not promised'

Morris concluded her message by stating that Rivera's 'legacy lives on in kindness and being "that sassy queen" in my eyes. I love you forever bebe girl.'

The former Dancing With The Stars contestant also included a few photos and a video with her message, the first of which showed a statue towering over her late castmate's gravesite.

Her second shot showed Rivera enjoying herself and flashing a wide smile in her better days.

Morris notably included a video of herself receiving her tattoo, and her final photo showed the end result of the session, with the design reading: 'tomorrow is not promised.'

Anniversary: Rivera tragically drowned during a boating trip with her son, Josey, at Lake Piru in Ventura County, California exactly one year ago

Footage: Morris also included a video of herself receiving the tattoo with her other photos

The actress took the line from a tweet that the late actress shared just six days before she passed away, in which she encouraged her fans to make the most of what they had in life.

The actress' statement read: 'no matter the year, circumstance, or strifes everyday you're alive is a blessing. make the most of today and every day you are given. tomorrow is not promised.'

Morris later shared a close-up shot of the fresh ink to her Instagram Story to give her followers a better look at the tattoo.

Inspiration: Morris got the text for the tattoo from a tweet that Rivera shared just six days before she passed away

Showing their support: Following Rivera's passing, many of her former costars shared tributes to their late castmate; she is seen with Morris in 2014

Rivera passed away after drowning during a boating trip that she had taken with her son, Josey, at Lake Piru exactly one year ago.

The actress' son was found alone in the boat that they had rented after it was not brought back by their predetermined drop-off time, and authorities quickly began searching for her.

Several of her family members, as well as her former husband Ryan Dorsey and Morris, joined the search in the following days.

Heather was one of many of Naya's Glee co-stars who paid tribute as Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz (pictured), and even Lea Michele posted about their late castmate on social media

Sweet: Michele, 34, who played Rachel Berry, shared a black and white snap of Naya performing classic Funny Girl song Don't Rain On My Parade

McHale, 33, who played Artie Abrams wrote: 'I miss you. Every single day.'

On July 13th, divers recovered a body that was initially presumed to be Rivera's, and the actress' death was confirmed later that day, with a subsequent autopsy noting that accidental drowning was the cause of her passing.

Numerous tributes from her family and former costars poured out in the days following the confirmation, many of which highlighted her affable personality and dedication to her work.

Heather was one of many of Naya's Glee co-stars who paid tribute as Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, and even Lea Michele posted about their late castmate on social media.

Chris Colfer also posted this black and white snap

Matthew Morrison shared a snap of Naya at a promotional event with a simple red heart emoji

Ushkowitz, 35, who played Tina Cohen-Chang posted a photo of Naya with the caption: 'Always a light, always with us. My heart is with you and your family today. [heart emoji] love you Nougs.'

Michele, 34, who played Rachel Berry, shared a black and white snap of Naya performing classic Funny Girl song Don't Rain On My Parade.

McHale, 33, who played Artie Abrams wrote: 'I miss you. Every single day.'
In April, Khloe Kardashian addressed the controversy surrounding the attempt to kill an 'unflattering' and unfiltered bikini photo that went viral.

And three months later, Khloe Kardashian was slammed by fans for her latest Instagram post, with the star being accused of photoshop.

The 37-year-old reality star posted a snap of her and her niece Penelope on her Instagram page Thursday, looking unrecognizable to her fans.

The latest: In April, Khloe Kardashian addressed the controversy surrounding the attempt to kill an 'unflattering' and unfiltered bikini photo that went viral. And three months later, Khloe Kardashian was slammed by fans for her latest Instagram post, with the star being accused of photoshop

Fans bombarded the comments section with criticism about the photo, asking who that was and that she looks 'crazy.'

Someone used the alien emoji while another asked her if she was 'okay.'

Another said 'Face looking completely different again!!' with another adding 'I love you Khloe you are my favorite but you mad scary here.'

'U look scary,' 'Is that Khloe?' 'Khloe.. u in there?' were comments left beneath the image.

The comments: The 37-year-old reality star posted a snap of her and her niece Penelope on her Instagram page Thursday, looking unrecognizable to her fans

Khloe originally posted the image in honor of Penelope's ninth birthday.

She captioned the image: 'just like that... She's nine.'

The duo grinned in the image while seated on a private jet.

In April, Khloe stripped off for an Instagram video to defend her attempt to kill an 'unflattering' unfiltered viral bikini photo taken by her grandma.

Where the controversy began: In April, Khloe Kardashian addressed the controversy surrounding the attempt to kill an 'unflattering' and unfiltered bikini photo that went viral earlier this week

The mother of one posted videos of herself showcasing her fabulous body which she said had not been Photoshopped - following the release of an 'unauthorized' photo appearing to show her un-airbrushed and not as flawless as she ordinarily looks in campaign shots.

She also posted a statement about her struggles with her body image, where she described feeling intense 'pressure' to be 'perfect' and discussed her lifelong struggle with her body image.

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star revealed being compared unfavorably to her siblings, Kim and Kourtney, in addition to 'constant ridicule and judgment' has been 'too much to bear.'

Her response: In April, Khloe stripped off for an Instagram video to defend her attempt to kill an 'unflattering' unfiltered viral bikini photo taken by her grandma

Proud: Khloe showed all the results of her time at the gym in the video

Having some fun: The Instagram video was commented on by their half-sister Kendall Jenner

Starting a buzz: The controversy all started after the bikini photo emerged on social media over the weekend

'I am not perfect but I promise you that I try everyday to live my life as honestly as possible and with empathy and kindness. It doesn't mean that I have not made mistakes. But I'm not going to lie. It's almost unbearable trying to live up to the impossible standards that the public have all set for me.

'For over a decade now in photos, every single flaw and imperfection has been micro-analyzed and made fun of to the smallest detail and I am reminded of them everyday by the world. And when I take that criticism to use as motivation to get myself in the best shape of my life and to even help others with the same struggles, I am told I couldn't have done it through hard work and I must have paid for it all.

'You never quite get used to being judged and pulled apart and told how unattractive one is, but I will say, if you hear anything enough then you start believe it. This is an example of how I have been conditioned to feel, that I am not beautiful enough just being me,' the ex of Lamar Odom added.

Friends and family: Khloe's sisters Kim, Kendall and Kylie as well as Ariana Grande showed their support in the comments

Mother's love: Kris Jenner branded Khloe a 'blessing' as she left a poignant comment

She said she loves a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there.

'The same way I throw on some make-up, get my nails done, or wear a pair of heels to present myself to the world the way I want to be seen and it's exactly what I will continue to do unapologetically. My body, my image and how I choose to look and what I want to share is my choice. It's not for anyone to decide or judge what is acceptable or not anymore.

'For those else who feel the constant pressure of not ever feeling perfect enough, I want you to know I see you and I understand. Everyday I am told by my family and friends who love me that I am beautiful but I know that it needs to be believed from within. We are all unique and perfect in our own way. Whichever way one chooses to be seen. I have realized that we cannot continue to live life trying to fit into the perfect mold of what others have set for us. Just do you and make sure your heart is happy,' she concluded.

Khloe's famous sisters Kim, Kendall and Kylie, as well as mother Kris Jenner took to the comment section to send support, with 'momager' Kris writing: 'Khloe you are the kindest most loving, most supportive, most beautiful heart I have ever known, and I adore you and am so proud of you.... you are an inspiration to all of us and I appreciate and love you each and every single day.

'Thank you for teaching the rest of us to be kind and to not judge.... you are one of a kind.... what a blessing you are. You are a gift.'

Picture perfect: The Good American founder recently appeared unfiltered and un-airbrushed in a recent leaked snap - and not as flawless as she appears in her social media shots (seen here in a similar bikini in July 2020)

The controversy all started after a bikini photo emerged on social media just days prior.

The image in question shows Khloe standing by a pool wearing a skimpy leopard print string bikini and appearing unfiltered an un-airbrushed.

Soon after it leaked on various forums online, members of the Kardashian PR team reported the posts as copyright infringement, due to the photo being posted without permission.

In the candid image, which is still up on one subreddit, the mother-of-one appears to be mid-conversation and has her hair pulled up in a ponytail as she holds her phone and flashes a subtle smile at the photographer.

The image seems to have been snapped at Kris Jenner's desert compound in La Quinta, California, where the Kardashian and Jenner clan just spent the Easter weekend.

While most would be proud to look so good in a bikini, it's not hard to see that Khloe looks very different to her highly glamorized Instagram images.

In the alleged unedited snap, her waistline appears less defined, her curves less dramatic and her skin not as impossibly smooth as it looks in her carefully staged glossy fashion shoots.

Soaring temperatures: In early April, Khloe showed off her incredibly taut figure in a purple string bikini while relaxing by the pool in Palm Springs

Tracy Romulus, Kim Kardashian's BFF and chief marketing officer for KKW brands, said in a statement to Page Six: 'The color edited photo was taken of Khloe during a private family gathering and posted to social media without permission by mistake by an assistant.

'Khloe looks beautiful but it is within the right of the copyright owner to not want an image not intended to be published taken down.'

After the photo surfaced on that Saturday, it spread across the internet before quickly disappearing on many sites.

It wasn't long before reports emerged from Reddit users who were asked to take the photo down, with some allegedly receiving legal threats from the Kardashian team because of 'copyright infringement'.

A user named 'Calithetroll' started a subreddit to discuss the Kardashian PR team's attempt to remove all of the posts online. They explained that 'after reposting the picture, the mods confirm that someone reached out to them warning them about potential legal action due to the picture.'

Some people, including subreddit moderators who attempted to share the Khloe photo, were reported for posting 'personal and confidential' information.

Screenshots of a Instagram conversation show Romulus contacting one poster and claiming the image of Khloe was 'stolen and doctored and originated from a fake IG account.'

Despite the Kardashian clan scrabbling to take down the photo, much of the Reddit commentary about it was positive.

'Are you kidding? There is one pic of her looking actually natural and gorgeous with some flaws and she wants it gone from the internet?!' one person wrote.

Controversy: Khloe has long been under fire for her changing face and body, with many accusing the KUWTK star of brazenly photoshopping her Instagram posts

Hitting out: As a host of her 112million Instagram followers swarmed the comments section, one penned: 'Why do you look so different', before the famously-funny star hit back: 'My weekly face transplant clearly', much to her fans' delight

'I am loving this hot tea. Kinda sad though. Khloe looks so stunning in it.' another added to the discussion.

'Is this the photo they're talking about or a different one? Because this pic looks good?' another user chimed in.

Khloe has come under fire in recent years for her changing face and body, with many accusing the KUWTK star of brazenly photoshopping her Instagram posts to an extent fans sometimes struggle to recognize her.

Following a slew of questions from fans, cosmetic and injectables specialist Claire McGuinness weighed in on the discussion, offering her opinion on what changes Khloe may have made.

She speculated that the mother-of-one had changed her appearance so dramatically thanks to a combination of 'surgery, injectables, weight loss... and filters, makeup and lighting'.

Comparisons: Khloe chalks her morphing looks up to picture perfect contouring done by shading and highlighting through makeup (Left 2019, right 2008)

However, sources insisted that Khloe is not concerned with the backlash over her changing looks.

An insider told Us Weekly back in May: 'Khloe doesn't care about the backlash she's been getting from fans saying she doesn't look like herself in her recent photos.'

'She thinks she looks great,' the insider adds. 'And actually [she] does not care what people think as long as she's happy.'

She's certainly having a sense of humor about it at least, after clapping back to fans who have questioned her new look.

After being asked by a fan 'Why do you look so different in all your photos?', Khloe hit back: 'My weekly face transplant clearly.'

Khloe's changing appearance has undoubtedly been controversial in recent months, but she has denied going under the knife to achieve her new look.

Change is good: Back in September, the star told People that she thrives on changing her appearance

In 2016, Khloe admitted to having fillers to change her facial shape, and in the same year she was made the face of Kybella and its Live Chin Up campaign.

Kybella is an increasingly popular new treatment that targets double chins. The FDA-approved injectable, available at Cosmetique Aesthetics in LA, contours and improves fatty areas.

She has admitted to getting Botox and fillers in the past but said she had them dissolved after feeling like she looked 'crazy.'

To this day, Khloe maintains she has never had a rhinoplasty, and says her nose looks slimmer because of contouring.

In 2013, she told Cosmopolitan magazine that she had never had cosmetic surgery but did not rule it out for the future.

'I'm proud for losing weight when I wanted to and I've never resorted to surgery,' she said. 'I'm not against it - one day I probably will but it would be on my terms. I won't be bullied into it by social media or anyone else.'
Joe Exotic's estranged husband Dillon Passage revealed on Instagram Thursday that he's in a new relationship with a man named John.

'Everyone, meet John,' Passage said in a social media post that included multiple pictures of the couple, in a jacuzzi, cuddling, in the gym and in front of a lake.

'Ive planned on keeping my relationship private for personal reasons but lately Ive been having a hard time dealing with things happening in my life and John has been my rock and helping me get through it all, Passage said.

The latest: Joe Exotic's estranged husband Dillon Passage (L) revealed on Instagram Thursday that he's in a new relationship with a man named John

The Tiger King personality added: 'In short, this is an appreciation post for this special special man. Thank you for being you.'

Passage parted ways with Exotic this past March, TMZ reported, around the same time Exotic advertised a competition to date him when he wraps up his 22-year prison stint.

Insiders told TMZ that no paperwork has been filed to the court to cement the parting of the three-year marriage.

Passage told the outlet that he and Exotic 'are still on great terms and supportive of each other,' adding, 'We will always be in each other's lives.'

Yearslong: The couple initially tied the knot December 11, 2017

Passage said of his new beau, 'John has been my rock and helping me get through it all'

In March, Passage detailed the split in a social media post, saying, 'To answer the main question the public wants to know, yes, Joe and I are seeking a divorce.

'This wasn't an easy decision to make but Joe and I both understand that this situation isn't fair to either of us. It's something that neither of us were expecting but we are going to take it day by day.'

Passage said he would 'continue to have Joe in [his] life and do [his] best to support him while he undergoes further legal battles to better his situation.'

The couple initially tied the knot December 11, 2017, months after Exotic's previous spouse Travis Maldonado died after accidentally shooting himself October 6, 2017.

Pumping up: Passage shared a shot of himself and John working out

Exotic, 58, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, who was sentenced in January 2020 in his native Oklahoma to 22 years in custody in connection with a 2017 murder-for-hire plot of his business rival Carole Baskin.

Authorities said Exotic in December 2017 attempted to bribe an FBI agent to murder Baskin, and was recorded saying, 'Just like follow her into a mall parking lot and just cap her and drive off.'

Exotic was also convicted in connection with numerous wildlife law violations in the deaths of five tigers, and infractions of the Endangered Species Act.

He found fast fame while incarcerated amid the release of the popular Netflix doc Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.
Erika Jayne addressed rumors her divorce to longtime husband Tom Girardi, 82, was a 'sham' in a clip from the upcoming episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The 49-year-old reality star said that reports of their failed union were 'insane' after she shocked Tom and secretly filed for divorce in November 2020.

'What's being said is just, I mean, it's insane,' she said. 'That lawsuit that says that my divorce is a sham so I could hide assets. People want to believe that.'

Yikes: Erika Jayne addressed rumors her divorce to longtime husband Tom Girardi, 82, was a 'sham' in a clip from the upcoming episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The end of Erika's 21-year marriage has been a major storyline in Season 11 after she attempted to bury the news of the divorce by filing on Election Day.

'Every day, it's something more,' Garcelle Beauvais told Kyle Richards, who responded: 'With Erika.'

'Well, you almost go, like, "Is it the same person we know?"' Garcelle said.

Ericka told Kyle at the end of the clip that she 'could have never predicted this f***ing s***' would have happened to her before declaring: 'This is the end.'

'What's being said is just, I mean, it's insane,' she said. 'That lawsuit that says that my divorce is a sham so I could hide assets. People want to believe that'

Not great: The end of Erika's 21-year marriage has been a major storyline in Season 11 after she attempted to bury the news of the divorce by filing on Election Day

Erika previously told her castmates that she left Tom because he pushed her 'further and further out' through the years.

'The conversations that I used to have were now reduced down to a sentence or two. I just kept walking around that house and knowing that this marriage was headed down a really s****y path,' she said. 'I had to make a choice to do what was right for me. I couldn't live that way anymore.'

Jayne detailed more about her shocking divorce on Wednesday's show when she sat down with Sutton Stracke and revealed she still hadn't spoken to Tom after filing the documents without telling him.

'What is there to say? I'm sure he's very mad at me,' Erika said. 'They get very, very possessive. If you think that he's going to roll over and just say, 'Oh here, honey, here's your small fortune.' Are you f***ing kidding me?'

Difficult: Jayne detailed more about her shocking divorce on Wednesday's show when she sat down with Sutton Stracke and revealed she still hadn't spoken to Tom after filing the documents without telling him

She added in a confessional: 'I know who Tom is. I know how mean and overly dismissive Tom is. I saw it for 22 years. Its not like hes going to say, "Oh great, hun, do you want the sofa?"'

She added in a confessional: 'I know who Tom is. I know how mean and overly dismissive Tom is. I saw it for 22 years. It's not like he's going to say, 'Oh great, hun, do you want the sofa?''

Erika admitted she was 'hurt' by Tom not coming to see her perform Chicago on Broadway in 2020 before production was shutdown due to the pandemic.

Jayne was recently 'ordered to turn over financial records' from her accountant, lawyer and landlord in embezzlement lawsuit with Girardi.

The order comes as a bankruptcy trustee continues to investigate Girardi's assets, amid claims that both Girardi and Jayne allegedly embezzled settlement funds that were meant to help the families of plane crash victims on Lion Air Flight 610.

However, according to legal documents obtained by PEOPLE, Jayne's lawyers were already maintaining that the reality star 'has been and remains willing to cooperate fully with the Trustee's investigation in this bankruptcy of debtor Girardi & Keese.'

Per the documents, Jayne is said to have asked the court not to appoint attorney Ronald Richards as the special counsel to the trustee in the bankruptcy case, saying that he had made 'false and inflammatory' remarks about her via social media.

In another blow to her legal woes, her attorney, Peter Matsan, filed paperwork to be taken off of Erika's case following the release of Hulu's explosive documentary about her troubles titled The Housewife and the Hustler.
She looked stunning in a dramatic black gown as she attended the Stillwater premiere on the third day of Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night.

And shortly after the screening, Hofit Golan slipped out of her stunning gown and into some skimpy sleepwear as she arrived at The Annual Cannes Pajama Party, sponsored by SKIN, Casamigos and Grey Goose.

The fashion mogul, 35, showcased her washboard abs in a pyjama shirt which was tied around her bust and teamed with a pair of tiny shorts, both by SKIN pajamas.

Party time! Hofit Golan slipped out of her stunning gown and into some skimpy sleepwear as she arrived at a pyjama party

She showcased her shapely pins in the thigh-grazing garment, while she also added a pair of strappy nude heels to boost her frame.

Hofit wore her blonde locks swept up into a stylish up do and opted for a full face of make-up in neutral shades.

She posed with Mexican actress Patricia Gloria Contreras, who looked lovely in an orange floral mini dress teamed with a pair of white heels.

Wow! Earlier in the evening, Hofit turned heads in a plunging black tulle gown, which was cinced around her waist and fanned out into a flowing skirt

Lovely: She looked stunning in a dramatic black gown as she attended the Stillwater premiere on the third day of Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night

Earlier in the evening, Hofit turned heads in a plunging black tulle gown, which was cinced around her waist and fanned out into a flowing skirt.

In one snap Hofit received a peck on the cheek from designer Christophe Guillarm.

Hofit, who comes from Israel, has been a regular on the showbiz party circuit for several years.

Mwah: In one snap Hofit received a peck on the cheek from designer Christophe Guillarm

In 2015, the jet-setter spoke to Femail about her experiences of premieres and film festivals, saying it can be exhausting.

She explained: 'After Cannes and Fashion Week, I can't wear earrings and my feet won't fit into a single pair of heels.

'My body rejects glamour. I don't brush my hair for ten days and I go on a beauty strike.'
Neel Bhatt, a UW assistant professor of otolaryngology, specializes in treating patients with voice problems. Through his work, he began to realize people did not like the sound of their own voices. With the transition to school over Zoom, many students can relate to the discomfort of hearin
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  North Dakota has sued the Biden administration over its suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water, saying the move will cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue.

President Joe Biden shut down oil and gas lease sales from the nations public lands and waters in his first days in office, citing worries about climate change.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court in Bismarck claims the move is unlawful. It seeks to force the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to reschedule two lease sales that were canceled and block the agency from revoking others in the future.

The lawsuit said the two canceled sales this year have cost the state more than $82 million.

The Bureau of Land Managment declined comment Thursday on the lawsuit.

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said in a statement that he sued "to protect North Dakotas economy, the jobs of our hardworking citizens, and North Dakotas rights to control its own natural resources

Stenehjem said his office began working on the lawsuit immediately after the lease sales were suspended after Biden took office.

The suspension of the lease sales in North Dakota, the nation's No. 2 oil producer behind Texas, could cost the state billions in the coming months, Stenehjem said.

This is a very significant proposition for the state of North Dakota, Stenehjem said in an interview.

Stenehjem said oil and gas production from leased federal and tribal land in North Dakota generates nearly $94 million in royalty revenue for the state annually.

A judge in Louisiana temporarily blocked Bidens suspension last month, and said his ruling applies nationwide. But the administration continues to develop plans that could extend the ban or make leases more costly.

Stenehjem said he expects other oil and gas producing states to join the lawsuit.
NKANDLA, South Africa (AP)  Human rights groups welcomed the imprisonment Thursday of former South African President Jacob Zuma, who began serving a 15-month sentence for defying a court order to testify at a judicial commission investigating allegations of widespread corruption during his 2009-18 tenure.

Zuma, 79, surrendered to authorities shortly before a midnight Wednesday deadline and is being held at the Estcourt Correctional Center in KwaZulu-Natal province, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from his rural home in Nkandla.

He was put in the Estcourt prisons hospital section for assessment and will be treated like any other inmate, Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola said. Zuma will be in quarantine for 14 days as part of the facilitys COVID-19 precautions.

This is not a moment of celebration or triumphalism. It is a moment of restraint or to be human, Lamola said in front of the Estcourt facility that can hold 521 prisoners. We want to assure all South Africans that former president Zuma will be afforded dignity throughout his term of incarceration.

The commission heard damning testimony from former Cabinet ministers and top executives of state-owned corporations that Zuma allowed members of the wealthy Gupta family to influence his Cabinet appointments and the awarding of lucrative state contracts.

Zuma will wear standard prison garb and will be eligible for parole after serving a quarter of his sentence, Lamola said. The prison will comply with rulings coming from the two court applications that Zumas lawyers have filed against his imprisonment, the minister said.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said it was pleased Zuma is in custody but criticized him for failing to abide by the deadline set by the Constitutional Court, thus continuing a pattern of disregard for the rule of law and for our constitutional democracy.

The foundation said it is profoundly disturbed by the willingness of Mr. Zuma to court public violence and lawlessness in support of political and personal agendas. ... This is extremely dangerous in the contexts of a country where the rule of law is under siege at so many levels. ... It is vital that Mr. Zuma and his supporters be held accountable every step of the way.

Amnesty International South Africa also praised Zumas surrender and imprisonment.

Due process must be allowed to take its course and the Constitution and the law upheld. Former President Zuma handing himself over goes a long way in showing that no one is above the law in South Africa, said Shenilla Mohamed, executive director of Amnesty South Africa.

Respect for the rule of law is essential for the promotion and protection of human rights and must be upheld without fear or favor, Mohamed said in a statement. We call on all parties involved to show restraint and remain calm.

South Africas ruling party, the African National Congress, which Zuma once headed, issued a guarded statement saying it respects his decision to comply with the law. The statement said he had made a truly a brave and hard decision.

The ANC reaffirmed its unequivocal commitment to and defense of the Constitution, ... the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, in the tweeted statement Thursday. It urged its members to remain calm.

Initial reaction was muted in Nkandla, where Zuma enjoys his strongest support. Hundreds of Zuma supporters had gathered there over the weekend, vowing to fight any efforts to arrest him, but they had left by Monday.

On Wednesday, Zuma turned himself over to the VIP security guards who surround him as a former president. The guards, all police officers, sped him in a convoy to the prison.

___

Meldrum reported from Johannesburg.
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Over the last few days, there has been widespread speculation that the YS Jagan-led Andhra Pradesh Government has approached producer Suresh Babu to return a major portion of the land allotted to him for his Ramanaidu Studios in Vishakhapatnam.

The Government has reportedly been planning to make Vizag the Executive Capital of the State, and authorities feel various Government buildings can be accommodated on the studio land. The buzz is that Suresh Babu has been told that he will be allotted land elsewhere, as compensation.

Ramanaidu Studios stands on around 35 acres of land near Timmapuram on the way to Bheemunipatnam. The land was allotted by the government in 2002. The Studio was completed by around 2008. Since then, there has been an unprecedented surge in property prices around the beach road from Vizag to Bheemili.

When we reached out to the producer on the subject, he only said, Its all work in progress and I cannot comment further at this point of time.

When pressed to comment on the rumour that he will be offered other land in exchange, the producer said, Ramanaidu will be there in Vizag, thats all I can say. Interesting times!
Polavaram project Authority, GWDT and CWC may also look into the issue and assist the states in choosing the most beneficial & safest option among the two, the committee had recommended. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday sought the response of the Telangana government and others on an appeal filed against an NGT order which had accepted the recommendations of a committee relating to the Polavaram project.

A bench of Justices S A Nazeer and Krishna Murari issued notices to Telangana and Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy (original petitioner in NGT) challenging the order of the tribunal and tagged the appeal with a similar matter.

The apex court was hearing the appeal filed by Odisha government against the September 18, 2020 order of the NGT contending that it has erroneously accepted the report of a committee without affording the state an opportunity to be heard.

The Odisha government argued that it was not made a party in the plea, there was no representative of the state on the committee and no notice was issued to it in the matter.

The NGT on September 18, 2020 had accepted the report of four member Joint Committee comprising Central Pollution Control Board, Telangana State Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests and the District Collector, Khammam.

NGT said: We are of the view that the recommendations of the Committee need to be accepted except the suggestion of transferring the proceedings to the Supreme Court. The suit pending in the Supreme Court relates to inter-se rights of the States, which is not the scope of proceedings in these matters.

Moreover, the Tribunal has no jurisdiction to transfer proceedings to the Supreme Court. All other recommendations are accepted and action may be taken by the Project Authority and concerned States viz. Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha and Telangana and the Central Water Commission.

The committee had recommended that as per the interstate agreement on April 2, 1980 and final Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award Odisha and Chhattisgarh have to give their consent and exercise either one of options for construction of protective embankment or rehabilitation of affected people.

Though the Polavaram project is nearing completion and it is assessed that 6,316 persons in Odisha and 11,766 persons in Chhattisgarh will be affected but either rehabilitation or construction of protective embankments is only proposed and actual work is not yet undertaken by project authority since the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh are yet to give their consent for either one of the options.

State of Andhra Pradesh may pursue with the state of Odisha and Chhattisgarh and obtain their consent for either one of the options. Polavaram project Authority, GWDT and CWC may also look into the issue and assist the states in choosing the most beneficial & safest option among the two, the committee had recommended.

The NGT's direction came on a plea filed by Reddy was on submergence of certain areas in Telangana, Odisha and Chattisgarh on account of Polavaram Project for lift irrigation scheme in Telangana.
New York: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday repeated his appeal for a global vaccination plan to boost vaccine equity as deaths from COVID-19 topped 4 million worldwide.

"Today the world marks yet another grim milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic. Four million souls have now been lost to the virus. This tragic toll is more than the population of one out of three countries on earth," Guterres said in a message.

Vaccines offer a ray of hope. But most of the world is still in the shadows. The virus is outpacing vaccine distribution. This pandemic is clearly far from over. More than half of its victims died this year, he noted.

"Many millions more are at risk if the virus is allowed to spread like wildfire. The more it spreads, the more variants we see -- variants that are more transmissible, more deadly and more likely to undermine the effectiveness of current vaccines," he warned.

Bridging the vaccine gap requires the greatest global public health effort in history. In short, the world needs a global vaccine plan to at least double the production of vaccines and ensure equitable distribution, using COVAX as the platform; to coordinate implementation and financing; and to support countries' readiness and capacity to roll out immunization programs, while tackling the serious problem of vaccine hesitancy, he said.

"To realize this plan, I am calling for an Emergency Task Force that brings together all the countries with vaccine production capacities, the World Health Organization, the global vaccine alliance GAVI, and international financial institutions able to deal with the relevant pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers, and other key stakeholders."

Vaccine equity is the greatest immediate moral test in today's world. It is also a practical necessity. Until everyone is vaccinated, everyone is under threat, he said. "Global recovery requires global vaccination. The tragic loss of 4 million people to this pandemic must drive our urgent efforts to bring it to an end for everyone, everywhere.
The "alleged assassins" of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise were in custody Wednesday, a government minister said, less than 24 hours after the leader of the impoverished Caribbean nation was killed in a gun attack at his home.

"Alleged assassins of (Moise) intercepted by the National Police in Pelerin shortly before 6 pm tonight," deputy communications minister Frantz Exantus tweeted, adding that more details would be released shortly.

The attack at Moise's private residence in the capital Port-au-Prince, which also left First Lady Martine Moise wounded, pitched the crisis-hit country into uncertainty, leaving citizens fearful as shocked world leaders called for calm.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Haiti around midday on Thursday, and interim Prime Minister Claude Jospeh -- who is due to be replaced this week -- declared a "national state of siege" granting the executive additional powers, and said he was now in charge of the country.

As international outrage spread over the killing, the airport was closed in Port-au-Prince, but witnesses said the city was quiet with the streets deserted and no extra security forces on patrol.

The attack took place around 1:00 am (0500 GMT). Joseph said the president was "assassinated at his home by foreigners who spoke English and Spanish."

"This death will not go unpunished," Joseph said in an address to the nation.

Moise's wife Martine was first treated in a local hospital before being evacuated by air ambulance to the Ryder Trauma Center in Miami.

Earlier, Haiti's ambassador to Washington, Bocchit Edmond, told reporters the killers were "professional" mercenaries who disguised themselves as US Drug Enforcement Administration agents and may have already left the country.

"We have a video and we believe that those are mercenaries," he added.

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 chaos, kidnappings for ransom have surged in recent months, reflecting the growing influence of armed gangs in the country.

Haiti also faces chronic poverty and recurrent natural disasters.

Outside Moise's residence police and forensics experts examined bullets found in the street and searched for other evidence.

A nearby car could be seen peppered with bullet holes, its window shattered.

The capital's streets were at a standstill, with just a handful of citizens who expressed fear and disbelief.

"We didn't expect it. This is another earthquake in Haiti," said a mother of two who gave her name only as Bernadette, referring to the disaster which devastated the country in 2010.

"I can't believe it, I can't believe it," said 50-year-old Jacquelyn.

The country will observe two weeks of national mourning from Thursday.

The president had faced steep opposition from swathes of the population that deemed his mandate illegitimate, and he churned through seven prime ministers in four years.

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.

US President Joe Biden condemned the killing as "horrific" and said Washington was ready to assist in any way.

"We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moise's recovery," Biden said in a statement.

Washington also called for Haiti to proceed with the elections, with State Department spokesman Ned Price saying a fair vote would "facilitate a peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected president."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Haitians to "remain united" and "reject all violence."

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned of "risk of instability and a spiral of violence."

Moise -- a 53-year-old former entrepreneur from the north of the country -- burst onto the political stage in 2017 with a message of rebuilding, campaigned on populist pledges, and was sworn in in February 2017.

The end date of his mandate became the source of a tense standoff.

Moise maintained that his term of office ran until February 7, 2022, but others claimed it ended on February 7, 2021.

The disagreement stems from the fact that Moise was elected in a 2015 vote that was cancelled for fraud, and then re-elected in November 2016.

Without a parliament, the country fell further into crisis in 2020, and led to Moise governing by decree, fuelling growing mistrust of him.

Though the calm held in the hours after the assassination, many feared Haiti could tip further into violence.

"How much worse can hell get?" asked Haiti expert Irwin Stotzky, a professor at University of Miami law school.

"Haiti faces even more violence and death and failure as a democratic nation than ever before, which is hard to imagine given its recent and chaotic history."

The killing comes days after Moise appointed Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon who studied in France, as Haiti's new prime minister.

Henry, 71, is close to the opposition, but his appointment was not welcomed by the majority of opposition parties, who had continued to demand the president step down.

The Dominican Republic ordered the immediate closure of its border with neighboring Haiti after the assassination.
India on Thursday asked Pakistan to set its own house in order and deny safe sanctuaries to terrorists in its territory instead of blaming others.

New Delhi dismissed as baseless the recent statements by Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government blaming Indias external spy agency for a recent explosion at Lahore in Pakistan.

It is not new for Pakistan to engage in baseless propaganda against India, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said in New Delhi.

Read more: OIC proposes to send team to J&K, broker India-Pakistan talks after reach-out by New Delhi

The explosion near the house of the founder of the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hafiz Saeed, on June 23 killed three persons and injured 24 others. Saeed is designated by the United Nations Security Council as a terrorist linked to Taliban and Al-Qaeda. New Delhi believes that he was the mastermind for the November 26-28, 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Khan on Sunday alleged that investigation into the June 23 explosion at Johar Town in Lahore revealed that it was planned and financed by India. He called upon the global community to mobilize international institutions against Indias rogue behaviour against Pakistan.

Pakistan would do well to expend the same effort in setting its own house in order and taking credible and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from its soil and terrorists who have found safe sanctuaries there, Bagchi said in New Delhi on Thursday. The international community is well aware of Pakistans credentials when it comes to terrorism. This is acknowledged by none other than its own leadership, which continues to glorify terrorists like Osama Bin Laden as martyrs, said the MEA spokesperson.
Even as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of late proposed to send a delegation to Jammu and Kashmir and offered to facilitate talks between New Delhi and Islamabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government advised the 57-nation-bloc not to allow Pakistan to subvert its forum for campaign against India.

New Delhis envoy to Saudi Arabia, Ausaaf Sayeed, had a meeting with the OIC Secretary General, Yousef Al-Othaimeen, at the secretariat of the bloc in Jeddah on July 5 last. Othaimeen reviewed with Sayeed a number of issues concerning the situation of Muslims in India, along with the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and (the) relevant UN (United Nations) and OIC resolutions opposing any unilateral actions on the issue, according to a press release issued by the general secretariat of the bloc.

Read | President Alvi accuses India of involvement in hybrid warfare against Pakistan

The OIC has been echoing Pakistan to oppose Indias August 2019 move to strip J&K of its special status and to reorganise the erstwhile state into two Union Territories. It has also been terming the move as a unilateral action by New Delhi.

Othaimeen once again conveyed to Sayeed that the OIC general secretariat wanted to dispatch a delegation to the disputed territory in line with the relevant resolutions of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the bloc.

The OIC Secretary General also discussed with New Delhis envoy to Riyadh about the possibility of talks between India and Pakistan, stating that the secretariat of the bloc stood ready to assist if it was requested to do so by the two parties.

Sayeed, however, conveyed to Othaimeen that the OIC should correct some of its misperception about India. He also told the OIC Secretary General to make sure that its platform was not subverted by the vested interests. He told the OIC Secretary General that the bloc should refrain from commenting on internal affairs of India and should not issue biased or one-sided resolutions for running propaganda against India, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), told journalists in New Delhi.

Bagchi said that Sayeed had met Othaimeen on July 5 in response to an earlier request made by the OIC Secretary General.

The OIC has been echoing Pakistan to oppose Indias August 2019 move to strip J&K of its special status and to reorganise the erstwhile state into two Union Territories. It repeatedly termed the move as a unilateral action by New Delhi.

India, unlike Pakistan, is not a member of the OIC, which calls itself the collective voice of 1.8 billion Muslims of the world.

But, Sushma Swaraj, the then External Affairs Minister, had attended the 46th meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Abu Dhabi in March 2019 as a guest of honour on an invitation by the host of the conclave and her United Arab Emirates counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nayhan.

The invitation had been seen as a major diplomatic success for New Delhi as Pakistan had always used the OIC as a forum to slam India on the issue of Kashmir, particularly on the alleged violation of human rights by security forces in Kashmir. The UAE had paid no heed to the protest from Pakistan and had arranged for the External Affairs of India to address the conclave. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, had boycotted the OIC meet to protest the invitation to his counterpart in New Delhi.

But just a day after Swarajs address to the OIC foreign ministers, the bloc had again issued a statement, toeing Pakistans line and criticising India on the issue of J&K.

The OIC has also been making statements against India at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). India has been rejecting the reference to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the statement of the OIC. It has no locus standi to comment on matters related to Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India. It is regrettable that the OIC continues to allow itself to be exploited by Pakistan to indulge in anti-India propaganda, New Delhis representative told the UNHRC on March 2 this year.
Released: July 8, 2021

As public health needs relating to the control of COVID-19 decrease, the intergovernmental cooperation agreement between Chester County and Delaware County will come to an end on August 1. After more than 16 months as the public health lead  and at the request of the Chester County Commissioners and Delaware County Council  Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Franklin wrote to PA Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam, requesting the discontinuation of the agreement.

On March 19, 2020 Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline joined with Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek and Council Vice Chair Dr. Monica Taylor (on behalf of the full Delaware County Council), at a press conference to announce the approval of the intergovernmental cooperation agreement.

Commissioner Marian Moskowitz noted at that time, Chester and Delaware Counties have a long history of working together and supporting each other in times of need, especially when it comes to public safety and public health. Together, we have trained, planned and practiced for a situation such as this.

Last month, the Commissioners and Delaware County Council were honored by the Main Line Chamber of Commerce for the successful COVID-19 public health partnership. At the Chambers event, Commissioner Moskowitz reflected that, The partnership between Chester and Delaware Counties provided a focused public health response for everyone living and working in both counties. It worked because we all had one desire: To do everything that we could to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and to keep all of our residents as healthy as possible.

It also worked because, when we asked our Health Department Director Jeanne Franklin if her team had the capacity to support Delaware County, she and her team replied that not only did they have the capacity, but they truly wanted to provide support if needed. For that, we all thank her and everyone on her team.

During the March 19, 2020 press conference, Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek said, You learn a lot about people when the chips are down. It is one thing to answer the bell when its in your own backyard, but quite another when its a little more distant. I find it remarkable that Chester County was willing to step up, and I offer a heartfelt Thank You.

Commenting this week on the 16-month public health partnership, Chairman Zidek noted, We owe the Chester County Health Department, the Chester County Commissioners and their team a debt of gratitude. The assistance they provided was quite literally life-saving.

The intergovernmental cooperation agreement between Chester and Delaware Counties, which began in March 2020, identified the responsibilities of the Chester County Health Department during the COVID-19 outbreak. Those responsibilities included coordination of testing, case investigation and surveillance, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine designations, vaccinations, and public health communication. Throughout the pandemic, Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Franklin and her team also worked with Delaware County staff to support the pandemic challenges faced by long term care facilities, hospitals, first responders, both County prisons and other congregate care settings, as well as the school districts in both counties.

Said Jeanne Franklin, From the very start of our agreement with Delaware County, we were able to leverage the resources, assets, processes and functions that we established within Chester Countys Health Operations Center. So while the population number we were serving more than doubled, our public health actions did not increase proportionately. And ultimately, it meant that more than one million people were able to benefit from a local, coordinated public health response at the time that it was needed most.
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.
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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Firefighters honor one of their own lost in line of duty
Proposals have been put forward by children's charity NSPCC to close a service in Derry which supports young people who have been victims of sexual abuse, it can be revealed.

It comes as part of the charitys Proposals for Change to centralise services across the UK.

The current service centre model in Northern Ireland would be replaced by a regional hub in Belfast.

Under the charitys plans, eight members of staff who provide a face-to-face service called Letting the Future In (LTFI) could be made redundant in the Foyle area.

LTFI is a post-disclosure service and provides individual therapeutic support to young people aged between 5 and 17 who have experienced sexual abuse.

It is currently run from Queens Quay in Derry but also helps children in the Omagh and Fermanagh areas.

Through this work, young people are supported in identifying and addressing the impact of their abuse on them, enabling them to move on from the trauma.

Furthermore, the service includes assistance for parents and carers of young people who have been referred.

A worker at LTFI, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Derry News that staff were 'shocked' to learn the news by way of an online video conference.

She said the service helps children who have been severely sexually abused, suffer peer abuse in school and children who have sent images on their phone that have been re-shared.

Were doing a lot of very specialised work with these children in terms of trauma," the LTFI worker explained.

It is a high-risk job. Everybody is just devastated that this service is being taken away from local children.

Were telling people, sorry were closing, but also that we dont know where we can send them or where they will go.

The Western Trusts mental health services for children is on its knees and they would refer children on to us.

I just think its shocking that theyve made this decision.

The worker explained that NSPCC is now looking to transition to more online and over-the-phone services.

However, she emphasised: Phone contact just doesnt work for traumatised children.

It didnt work during the pandemic, we went back to face to face during the pandemic and the NSPCC was actually clear that it wouldnt go back to phone services again because it didnt work for this type of service.

We were actually told, if theres another lockdown and as long as staff feel safe we will continue to provide direct services.

Services in the Craigavon area of NI will also be impacted by the move to centralise which is understood to affect 15 workers.

REACH

NSPCC Assistant Director for Northern Ireland, Bronagh Muldoon, said the charitys mission is to prevent child abuse and it is proposing a change to the way it runs some of its local services to help reach even more communities in Northern Ireland.

With less early or preventative support available for families, growing online safety concerns, and the impact of the pandemic, we are extremely worried about the risks facing children.

We believe we can have the greatest impact with the funding we have by trying to prevent abuse and neglect before it happens."

She continued: As part of this we are proposing a network of hubs, including one in Belfast.

Our Childline bases, including in Foyle, will not be impacted.

But it would mean an end to delivering face-to-face services from our Foyle site and also the closure of our Craigavon centre.

Weve begun a consultation with staff, and well be listening to feedback and doing everything we can to support those affected.

Childline will remain a significant presence in Foyle and well continue to work to prevent child abuse across Northern Ireland through our work with schools, our helpline base in Belfast, local campaigns, partnerships and other services, like our support for young witnesses who have to attend court.

'UNCONSCIONABLE'

SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said news that an NSPCC programme helping young victims of sexual abuse in Derry is to close will be a huge blow to the city.

The Foyle MLA said: The service provided by this programme is key to helping some of our most vulnerable young people deal with their experience of abuse and put them on the pathway to recovery.

It is extremely difficult to convince young people who have gone through the most harrowing ordeal to engage with therapy and learn to trust people again and the movement of this service to Belfast will further lessen the prospect of engagement.

This is particularly worrying amid reports of a rise in child sex abuse during the coronavirus pandemic."

He added: While the NSPCC said they will be focusing on preventing abuse the sad fact is that abuse will continue and there will always be young people in this area who need to access local support where they can feel heard and respected.

The idea of children as young as five being forced to travel to avail of these services would be unconscionable, so we need to hear what if any plans exist to prevent this happening.

My thoughts are also with the staff involved on this project who now face the prospect of redundancy following a consultation process.

We will do our best to support them and make the case for the retention of this vital service in Derry.

Meanwhile, People Before Profit Cllr Maeve O'Neill said the announcement 'should be a concern for everyone'.

"The programme provides crucial support to young people who have experienced sexual abuse.

"Proposed plans by the NSPCC involve centralising services in Belfast. Letting In the Future involves engaging directly with traumatised and vulnerable children.

"Therefore, it's very unclear how claims that the service will be done better online can be squared.

"Nor is it right that children should have to travel to Belfast in order to participate with the programme. The likelihood is that this will negatively impact the level of participation," Cllr O'Neill continued.

"Closing the Derry office will also result in the potential loss of eight jobs. This will be a blow to workers and their families, especially in the very challenging circumstances created by the pandemic.

"Everything should be done to ensure the needs of vulnerable children and young people are prioritised. All avenues looking at retaining the service in Derry should be pursued."
The brother of one of those shot dead on Bloody Sunday has welcomed a High Court decision to halt the stopping of the prosecution of the former British soldier facing murder charges in connection with the killings..

Last week, the Department for Public Prosecution (PPS) announced it would not be proceeding with the prosecution of Soldier F, who is charged with murdering two of the victims in January 1972, William McKinney and James Wray. He is also facing five charges of attempted murder.

Criminal proceedings against the former soldier were due to be discontinued at Derry Magistrates Court tomorrow.

The PPS also announced Soldier B, who was facing a murder charge in connection with the shooting dead of 15-years-old Daniel Hegarty in the Creggan area of the city later that year, would also not be prosecution.

Michael McKinney, brother of William, had challenged the decision to halt the prosecution in the High Court, his lawyers seeking an interim order to stop the ex-paratrooper from being discharged.

Speaking after the order was granted today, Mr McKinney described the ruling as 'a victory.'

He said: :Our family are delighted at this intervention.

The PPS should not have contemplated discharging Soldier F in circumstances where the High Court is already actively considering the decision making surrounding decisions not to prosecute F for his involvement in two further murders.

The position it adopted was a source of great distress to our family.

This represents a victory today for us, Jim Wrays family and those wounded by Soldier Fearghal Shiels of Madden & Finucane, solicitor for the McKinney family, said: the case would now be considered over the course of a five-day hearing before a Divisional Court in September.

He added: That case will examine a decision not to prosecute another soldier for the murder of William McKinney, Jim Wray and the attempted murder of four others, and other decisions which we contend are flawed which have, to date, resulted in other identifiable paratroopers escaping justice.
Dilip Kumar death: Saira Banu expresses gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for his condolences and phone call

Cinematic legend Dilip Kumar drew his last breath on July 7. His demise sent the entire nation into mourning and the late actors wife Saira Banu has now expressed her gratitude on Twitter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for expressing his condolences and taking the time to call her early morning after Dilip Kumars death.

The veteran actress through Dilip Kumars Twitter account replied to PM Modis condolence tweet and said, Thank you honble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi ji for your early morning gracious phone call and condolences. -Saira Banu Khan.

Thank you hon ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi ji for your early morning gracious phone call and condolences. -Saira Banu Khan  https://t.co/85N7DYOL48  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021

The actor died aged 98 in Mumbais PD Hinduja Hospital where he was brought a week before after he complained of feeling breathless. Saira Banu remained at his side till the very end as he was declared dead at around 7:30 am. Dilip Kumar was accorded full state honours at his funeral by order of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who also visited the actors residence to pay his last respects.

Saira Banu also thanked the Chief Minister and Prime Minister for according Dilip Kumar with the the state honours. Thank you @PMOIndia and @CMOMaharashtra for according Dilip Sahib burial with state funeral protocols. - Saira Banu Khan

Dilip Kumars illustrious career in films inspired many new generations of actors through films like Mughal-e-Azam, Devdas, Naya Daur, Ram Aur Shayam, Ganga Jamuna, Andaz and more. His debuted in cinema in 1944 with Jwar bhata and went on to act for over five decades his last film being Qaidi in 1998.
Richa Chadha and filmmaker Onir join the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2021 as judges for short films

Actor Richa Chadha and filmmaker Onir have been announced as the jury members for short film competition at the 2021 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

The festival organiser said that theme for this year's short film competition is modern slavery and equality.

The theme was decided with the aim to address the threats to the principles of equality, freedom and inclusion in the contemporary world.

Chadha is no stranger to the IFFM as her critically-acclaimed feature "Love Sonia" had opened the 2018 edition of the festival.

The 34-year-old actor said she is glad to be back at the festival as a judge this time.

"Being a part of IFFM Short Film Festival 2021 as a jury member is an incredible feeling. To be back here again, but as a judge this time, is very exciting.

"We are sure to expect some astounding short films on the theme of modern slavery and equality, both of which are complex subjects," Chadha said in a statement.

The actor, who had featured in Arati Kadav's short film "55 km/sec", said she is aware how difficult it is to make a short feature.

"Speaking from experience, I am aware of how difficult it is to tell an entire story within a short amount of time, that too on such an important theme. So I'm really looking forward to all the short film entries this year," she added.

Onir, 52, who has been associated with the IFFM since its inception, said he was fascinated and impressed by the depth and diversity of the short films.

"I think that modern-day slavery runs in streams throughout our present world and the severe exploitation of people comes in many forms. And while our Constitution says that every single person has the Right to Equality, is that really the case in reality?

"This year's theme gives filmmakers a chance to explore these sides of society which reflect the kind of humanity we have in present times. I am excited to see what the filmmakers come up with," the "I Am" director said.

IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange said she is excited to have Chadha and Onir as the judges for the short film competition.

"They are exactly the kind of judges who not only inspire others but have a huge body of supreme work to represent their expertise and flair in their respective fields and we are honoured to have them as our esteemed judges at the 2021 festival," she added.

The physical format of the prestigious festival will run from August 12 to 20, while its digital edition will run from August 15 to 30 across Australia.
Chutzpah creators Simarpreet Singh & Mrighdeep Singh Lamba talk about shooting the entire show during lockdown

Ever since SonyLIV and Maddock Outsider have launched the fascinating trailer of their highly-anticipated web show Chutzpah, it has created a sense of intrigue and excitement among the audience, wanting more!

Living up to the title, the new-age web show showcases the relevance of the internet and social media in everyones life, which has caught the fancy of the viewers. Featuring Gen-X popular actors Varun Sharma, Manjot Singh, Gautam Mehra, Tanya Maniktala, Elnaaz Norouzi and Kshitij Chauhan amongst others, Chutzpah gives a sneak peek into the digital transformation of human identity in todays era. In short, its like a slice of cake, layered with 5 differently flavoured stories tied together with the fine cream called 'the internet'.

Sharing his experience of shooting the entire show during lockdown, Simarpreet Singh explains, We started discussing and prepping for the show with cast, costume and set designers on video calls. We did script reading sessions with the actors on video calls only wherein we had to face internet issues too. Facing this challenge, Mrighdeep sir (co-writer) and I realised that we have to be every character for them. For instance, we had to romance with Varun Sharmas character pretending to be his girlfriend in the show played by Tanya Maniktala. The tricky one was the on-the-girl-cam kind of a story between Manjot Singh and Elnaaz Norouzis characters. While acting, we were the screen for these actors. Even while shooting, no one could meet anyone. But everyone worked very well just on video calls and its a miracle that everyone was Covid negative when I shouted wrap.

The challenge was also to ensure that the backdrop of each of the characters doesnt look monotonous. There were no live locations available, either in Mumbai or Goa because of Covid. We had to build 6 massive sets for each character. To be able to build the sets and not been able to shoot there was another challenge. For example, Manoj and Elnaazs set were created adjacently and they were separated by a wall and that wall became a screen for the show. It was an eye-opener kind of a situation because there were so many restrictions but we still managed to pull off. All the actors never came under one roof. We started shooting for the show in October, January and February since there were location restrictions. The show has been majorly shot in Mumbai and Goa, Simarpreet adds.

Co-writer Mrighdeep Singh Lamba informs, Since the show talks about internet and social media, the bottom line is that we are connected yet a bit disconnected with each other. We dont want to comment on internet being good or bad, but just want the audience to experience and relate to the stories depicted in the show. The audience will be able to resonate with the interesting characters because it actually comes from us only. The show features actors talking to their computer screens rather than talking to a person sitting next to them. Interestingly, the show got greenlit with SonyLIV online only. The show about internet was approved on internet.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan and created and written by Amit Babbar and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, 'Chutzpah' is directed by Simarpreet Singh. An out-and-out entertainer, Chutzpah will premiere on SonyLIV from 23rd July.
State vs. federal capital gains taxes  here's what you need to know before the year ends

Whether or not the state tax goes into effect in 2022 remains to be seen and will play out in the courts.



By BRIAN BRUGGEMAN

Baker Boyer Bank

Recently, Gov. Inslee signed into law a new capital gains tax applicable to Washington state residents or tangible property held in Washington state. Prudent investors should understand the differences between the new Washington state capital gains tax and the federal capital gains tax to determine whether they need to adjust their financial plans accordingly.

The first notable difference between the two capital gains taxes is the rate at which they are assessed. The Washington state capital gains tax is a flat 7% tax, whereas the federal rate varies from 0% to 23.8%, including the 3.8% Medicare surtax on net investment income.

The biggest takeaway regarding the new Washington state capital gains tax is the threshold of $250,000 of capital gains, regardless of whether the taxpayer is filing an individual or joint return. That means for the purposes of managing tax liability, there is only that one threshold to consider. Washington residents with capital gains below that threshold are not subject to the tax.

Here are a few examples of how the Washington state tax is only triggered once a taxpayer's capital gains exceed $250,000, as opposed to their taxable income. If a professional athlete makes $10 million per year in income, but only $249,999 of that income is considered capital gains, they would not pay any Washington state capital gains tax. On the other hand, a software engineer earning a salary of $200,000 who decides to diversify out of their company stock and recognizes $400,000 in long-term capital gains would owe an additional 7% flat tax on the $150,000 of capital gains above the $250,000 threshold.

Fortunately, the new Washington state tax does not apply to as many categories of assets as the federal capital gains tax does. Real estate, assets held in retirement accounts, tangible property used in a trade or business prior to its sale, interests in qualified family-owned small businesses, and some other less common types of assets are excluded from the Washington state tax calculation. Pass-through entities and trusts are also not subject to the Washington state tax; however, the individuals who have interests in those entities may be subject to the tax based on their personal situation. In addition, taxpayers who make charitable contributions in excess of $250,000 may deduct up to $100,000 against the Washington state tax as long as the contributions are made to a Washington-based charitable organization.

Another point of confusion for some investors is the impact the location and nature of their assets may have on their tax liability. Generally, long-term capital gains and losses from the sale of tangible personal property are subject to the Washington state tax if the property was in the state at the time of the sale. However, long-term capital gains that are the result of the sale of intangible personal property are only subject to the tax if the taxpayer was domiciled in Washington state when the sale took place.

Several lawsuits have already been filed that challenge the Washington state tax on the basis that it violates the state constitution's prohibition of enacting an income tax. To avoid this, the law attempts to characterize the tax as an excise tax imposed on the sale of capital assets rather than an income tax. Whether or not the tax goes into effect in 2022 remains to be seen and will play out in the courts over the coming months.

Although it is estimated that only 0.1% of state residents will pay the tax, it will disproportionately impact taxpayers with significant capital gains embedded in financial assets, such as publicly traded stock. While the likelihood of the tax withstanding court challenges is up for debate, it would be a good idea for those individuals with large amounts of embedded capital gains to reach out to their tax advisor before the end of the year.

Brian Bruggeman, CFP, is vice president and director of financial planning at Baker Boyer Bank in Walla Walla.




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BELLEVUE  An AC Hotel by Marriott, at 208 106th Place N.E., sold for nearly $83.6 million, according to King County records.

The seller was Ilshin Aju Hotel Bellevue LLC, associated with South Korean firms Ilshin and Aju Hotels and Resorts, which acquired the property in 2018 for about $83.5 million.





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SEATTLE  A pair of triplexes at 1220-1226 Lakeview Blvd. E. sold for $2.8 million, according to King County records.

The seller was a local family that had owned the property for decades.





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SEATTLE  A small office building at 8830 25th Ave. S.W. sold for over $3.1 million, according to King County records.

The seller was a court-ordered receiver, which acquired the property out of foreclosure in 2018 for about $1.7 million.





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KENT  An industrial building at 7020 Oberto Drive has sold for $4.9 million, according to King County records.

The seller was a Florida investor who acquired the property in 1998 for $650,000.





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Loss of his mother fuels Egypt natives connection to George Floyd incident (copy)

COURT TV VIA AP In this image from video, witness Charles McMillian, a native of Egypt, becomes emotional as he answers questions as Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill presides Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in the trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. McMillan was one of the first people on the scene of George Floyds death. Ray Van Dusen I Monroe Journal Charles McMillian holds up pictures of his late mother, Queen, and a courtroom sketch of him giving emotional testimony in the Derek Chauvin trial. The Monroe County native turned Minneapolis resident was the first citizen on the scene of the incident which resulted in the death of George Floyd, leading to national civil unrest.

EGYPT  Charles McMillian didnt have to stop his car on May 25, 2020, when he felt something didnt seem right about a police traffic stop.

He didnt have to let his tearful emotions out while on the witness stand during Derek Chauvins trial in March.

But he did.

The 61-year-old Egypt native was the first citizen to walk up to an incident that led to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while in police custody  a death which ultimately ignited both peaceful protests and volatile civil unrest throughout the United States and parts of the world.

McMillan believes had he not stopped at the scene that day, the incident wouldve never been brought to light.

People wouldve thought it was just some drunk, he said.

McMillian, who moved from Monroe County to Minneapolis in the late 1970s, claims he has witnessed several incidents involving mistreatment by the Minneapolis Police Department.

If anything, if you see it, stop, he said. That video camera youve got speaks 1,000 words.

McMillian gained exposure throughout the nation and other countries this spring after breaking down emotionally and crying while testifying in Chauvins trial. The main trigger fueling his emotions was Floyd crying out for his mother that day, which personally touched his heart since he lost his own mother, Queen McMillian, four years ago.

Thats basically what broke me on the witness stand  him crying out for his mom, and there was no help, McMillan said. My mom was fresh on my mind. Its like right now, today is a big day for us because of my mom.

Going back to that day

In the late 70s, McMillian moved from Mississippi to Minneapolis to live with family members. It was a chance to start a new life and seek new opportunities.

He is currently employed at a detail shop, where he was working last summer when Floyd was killed. Floyd was suspected to have used a counterfeit $20 bill at a nearby store, which caused police to intervene.

I was headed back to my job to get something, and thats when I ran into the incident with George Floyd, McMilla told the Monroe Journal during a visit back home in Monroe County in late June. I remember that I knew something bad was going to happen the minute I saw George Floyds car pulled over. I know how Minneapolis police deal with certain races.

McMillan said when he pulled up to the red light, he saw Floyds car door open and felt a sense of unease.

I knew right then that this could escalate into something, he said.

While McMillian was the only person at the scene for the beginning minutes, the remainder of the incident  including Floyds death  was recorded by a bystander. That video went viral.

Thats my whole entire life every day because watching someones life taken for no reason and there was nothing we could do is devastating, McMillian said.

McMillian testified that he had seen Chauvin in the community several times but met him five days prior to the Floyd incident.

I confronted him at the end of him killing George Floyd. I told him I didnt like what he did. As we sat there and watched George Floyds life being taken and at the end of everything that went on with the police and everyone cleared out at the scene, I walked to the squad car with Derek Chauvin sitting there and told him. He said, Well, thats just your opinion, he said.

Chauvin knelt on Floyds neck for nine minutes leading up to his death. He was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree murder. A jury found him guilty on all three charges.

He was sentenced to more than 22 years imprisonment.

Remembering his mother

McMillian grew up on a plantation near a family members home in Egypt and only has a third-grade education. He came home the last weekend of June for the first time in four years, mostly to memorialize the four-year anniversary of his mothers passing.

The family gathering doubled as a memorial of Queens passing and a celebration of her birthday, which wouldve been earlier in June.

My mom was the best in the world, McMillan said. My mom was my mom. My mom was my best friend. My mom was my dad. She was everything. She was a legend and she lived that life for all of her kids and not just me.

She died June 26, 2017 and is buried in Greater Ebenezer Baptist Churchs cemetery west of Aberdeen. McMillian described her as a loving person who was well-known in the community.

When George Floyd was crying out for his mom, I understood his pain because I have no mom, McMillan said. I understand he had nobody. She couldnt comfort him.

All of those emotions came pouring out when McMillan took the stand on March 31. It gained him national attention.

McMillan said that burst of sorrow and heartbreak, even on national television, was cathartic.

Im tired of stuffing stuff. Ive been a stuffer all of my life. Thats what got me to the point of being emotional. I had stuffed everything. Even with my moms death, I stuffed it, McMillian said. (Giving testimony) was not a release. Ive still got those emotions to this day. You dont just get rid of something youve got up here thats going to affect you for the rest of your life.

Chauvin was sentenced June 25, a date which coincided with McMillians trip home.

Although he doesnt think the sentence is long enough, hes proud to have played a part in the justice process.

She would be proud of me, he said of his mother. She would be proud that I stood up as a real soldier and tried to do the right thing. She would be very, very happy.
Air Asia Group to acquire Thai operations of Indonesia's Gojek in digital push

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia Group said it will buy Indonesian ride-hailing and payments firm Gojek's Thailand business in an all-stock deal that gives Gojek a 4.76 per cent stake in the airline's lifestyle platform.

AirAsia Group Bhd said the acquisition is being made through its digital unit AirAsia Digital and that it will be launching its super app in early August.

AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said the win-win all-share deal worth $50 million sets both parties with a strong foundation to explore additional avenues for collaboration in ASEAN.

In a virtual press conference, Fernandes said that Gojeks investment is valued at $40 million while GoPays is at $10 million, and these will be transferred into shares for the AirAsia Super App, which is valued at $1 billion.

He said the acquisition and AirAsias long-term strategic partnership with Gojek, Southeast Asias leading mobile on-demand services and payments platform, is aimed at supercharging the groups ambitions in the Thai market.

AirAsia, which has a major presence in Malaysia, expects the acquisition to help it push further into Asean, with Thailand being the next big port of call.

We are already quite present in Singapore, and beginning to launch different businesses in Indonesia and the Philippines. We will move from an ASEAN airline, into an ASEAN lifestyle with our digital products on payment logistics and super app, he said.

AirAsia, in a statement, said the AirAsia Super App is an all-in-one platform with a growing number of travel, lifestyle and rewards offerings for everyday needs and access to vast amounts of data to provide customised offerings for customers.

Fernandes added that travel is going to be a big part of the super app. According to him, most other apps in the Asean do not have the depth of travel that AirAsia has.

We have been selling AirAsia tickets for 19 years, but as of today, we sell all of our competitors tickets as well. We are well on our way to becoming an Expedia or an Agoda.

We have our own product called SNAP, which uses artificial intelligence to enable you to book a hotel room and flight very quickly and get the best hotel and flight deal to anywhere, he said.

Fernandes said AirAsia Digital is set to be the groups long-term strategy, citing the strong ecosystem of fintech and logistics that the unit has built through its apps Teleport and BigPay.

In a year and a half we have built 1.2 million members in BigPay, and it has become one of the leading fintech, and that comes out as a huge amount of data that we have acquired.

It is absolutely a long-term strategy, we are not going into this just for the short term. The airline will come back just like airlines are coming back in America and Europe, and we believe our airline will be stronger than it was pre-Covid-19," he added.

Gojek, which launched operations in Thailand in 2019, said it is starting a new chapter as it passes the reins of operations in Thailand to Airasia Digital. Gojek services (GoRide, GoFood, GoSend) as well as GoPay transactions for Gojek services in Thailand will continue to operate through 31 July, while AirAsia prepares for the launch of an all-new super app experience in the country soon, Gojeck added.

Gojek has advised customers to withdraw their GoPay balance by 31 July and that top-ups will be disabled for GoPay wallets from 7 July. However, users will still be able to use their balances to pay for Gojek services through 31 July. GoPay balances should be paid down or withdrawn on or prior to 31 July.

Gojek services - GoRide, GoSend, GoFood  will continue to be available through the Gojek app until 31 July 2021.

All existing vouchers and discounts will be honored through 31 July, it added.

AirAsia Group Bhd (AAGB) ramped up its digital presence in Thailand with the purchase of two Thai technology companies for a total of US$50mil (RM207.82mil) cash consideration.
Petronas signs 10-year LNG supply contract with China's CNOOC

Petronas LNG Ltd (PLL), a subsidiary of Malayasias Petronas, has secured a 10-year term deal to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to CNOOC Gas and Power Trading & Marketing Limited, a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).

This long-term supply agreement also includes supply from LNG Canada when the facility commences its operations by middle of the decade, Peronas stated in a release.

Under the deal, PLL will supply 2.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG to CNOOC for a 10-year period, indexed to a combination of the Brent and Alberta Energy Company (AECO) indices. The term deal between Petronas and CNOOC is valued at approximately 7 billion over ten years, it added.

Petronas is proud to strengthen our decade long relationship with CNOOC through this term LNG supply. Importantly, it reflects the markets receptiveness and recognition of AECO indexed LNG into the worlds largest LNG market; as we seek to grow the use of LNG as a cleaner and cost effective form of energy, said Petronas vice president of LNG Marketing & Trading, Shamsairi M.Ibrahim.

The AECO index, housed on the ICE NGX commodity exchange platform, is one of the most liquid spot and forward energy markets in North America. It is the leading price marker for natural gas in Canada similar to the United States Henry Hub, which is the benchmark for natural gas prices used as an indexation to LNG prices. Petronas introduced the AECO index to its customers in May this year following the sale of a spot cargo from Bintulu, Malaysia, to a buyer in the Far East.

Once ready for operations, the LNG Canada project paves the way for Petronas to supply low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission LNG to the key demand markets in Asia.
Gardai are advising Donegal motorists and visitors to secure their vehicles when parking in unattended carparks in coastal and scenic locations, as millions of euro worth of property are stolen from cars each year.

The average value of property stolen is approximately 660, with cash making up an average of 330 per incident. Cash, car accessories, jewellery, electronics, and tools are the items most targeted in these incidents.

The summer months see an increase in vehicle break-ins at locations associated with outdoor activities; such as hill walking, hiking, beaches etc. Around 60% of these incidents happen between April and September. While these thefts can occur at any time the majority occur on weekends between 2pm and 7pm.

Sergeant Ber Leetch, Crime Prevention Officer, today said,

"Whilst overall theft from car incidents have reduced in the last 12 months, we anticipate the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions will see increased opportunities for criminals to take advantage of us as we holiday here in Ireland this summer.

"If you are travelling with your car to coastal and scenic areas this summer, plan your journey before you go. Check online if the location has a website or app with safety tips for visitors.

"Leave the expensive property at home if not required. Choose well serviced and well lit car parks where possible. Avoid carparks with signs of public disorder or criminal damage, such as broken glass. Park legally, do not obstruct vehicles or entrances.

"When you are leaving your car in remote locations, take your keys with you. It goes without saying that things like handbags, jackets, wallets, laptops, and shopping should never be left on view in the vehicle. A good idea is to leave an empty glove box open, showing would be criminals that there is nothing for them to steal.

"As you leave double check that your doors and windows are locked. Dont be tempted to leave the windows slightly open.

If you are the victim of a crime or if you see any suspicious activity call 999 or 112 and report it.
People in Louth can now avail of quick access to relevant information on their water supply, based on where they live, due to the rollout of a newly designed Irish Water website.

The changes will allow people in Louth to immediately see what works and projects are ongoing in their locality by setting their location at www.water.ie

This is already proving helpful for customers experiencing issues such as water outages.

A quick look at the Irish Water website immediately tells them what the issue is, the areas affected and when it will be rectified.

Designed to work on your mobile phone or any other device, the state of the art website lets you set your location with updates and news relevant to your locality served upfront on the homepage.

It also enables Irish Water to deliver important public health messages and reassurance to the public that we are working every day to provide a clean and safe supply of drinking water for our customers while returning wastewater safely to the environment.

Head of Customer Operations with Irish Water, Yvonne Harris explains how this dynamic, new-look website will better serve customers.

We have upgraded our website so it is more user-friendly", she said.

"We talked to our customers, we listened to their feedback and made changes to better improve the user experience for all.

We are now keeping our customers informed, in real time, about any issues that may be impacting their water supply as well as updates on significant projects, leakage works and water quality.

This new-look version of water.ie takes the effort out of the search for information by giving customers important, relevant, location based information on the homepage.

With one click to set your location or the option to choose a locality, visitors to the site can immediately view key information for their chosen geographical area.

Now, instead of Louth residents seeing news for Dublin, or Cork residents seeing information on outages in Offaly, they see local news, supply updates, and information on water quality and projects.

"And its one click to turn it off and return to a national view.

"In addition, a mobile-first design caters to the vast majority of visitors who use mobiles to access water.ie.

laborious process.

"The team wanted to give our customers the option to get a full picture of what was happening in their locality, all in one place.
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If you happen to spy a 1968 red Pontiac GTO draggin Main Street in Clovis this weekend, or see it pulling through the drive-up window at Taco Box, take a look inside.

In this season of reunions, two former Clovis High School friends and classmates are having one of their own after not seeing each other in person for almost 40 years. They plan to do it in style.

Kathleen Rodgers was Kathleen Doran in 1974 when she met Michelle Williams on the staff of Clovis High Schools student newspaper, The Purple Press.

Rodgers was a junior and Williams was a sophomore, and we became fast friends, Rodgers recalled, with a shared love of words.

Rodgers graduated in 1976 and Williams in 1977. Theyve stayed in touch ever since with Christmas cards, occasional letters, and phone calls, and eventually email and Facebook, Rodgers said.

But it was that lifelong love of words that brought the two much closer again this year.

After a winding career path that began when she was a teenaged disc jockey at KWKA/KTQM radio in Clovis and took her all over the state, Williams now lives in Albuquerque and has returned to using her voice as her creative outlet with a small recording studio in her home.

Rodgers, who wrote for the Clovis News-Journal back when Bill Southard was managing editor, makes her home in Colleyville, Texas, where she is a successful novelist with four books to her credit, and numerous stories and articles in print.

Williams auditioned for the opportunity to be the narrator for the audiobook version of Rodgers most recent novel, The Flying Cutterbacks, and landed the job.

The audiobook was released last week - almost exactly a year after the print version was released in the heat of COVID lockdowns.

This weekend - with vaccines in their arms and a joint project to celebrate - the two friends are grateful for the chance to travel again and reunite in their hometown.

They are scheduled to meet up - in person, at last - at Williams old haunt, KWKA/KTQM radio, for an on-air interview at 8:30 a.m. Friday.

Clovis-Carver Public Library is also hosting a public event for them at 11 a.m. Friday, where they plan to talk about their friendship, their careers, and their collaboration.

I have it on good authority that these four all-important words apply: Refreshments will be served.

Back in their Wildcat days, Rodgers and Williams were typical teens cruising Main Street on weekends. They kept in touch with the popular communication of the time: citizen band radios.

Rodgers CB handle was Sweet Tangerine and Williams, because of her radio work, was DJ.

Like most kids, our social activities revolved around making the loop from the old Santa Fe Railroad station to Der Wienerschnitzel on Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, Williams said. We were adept at slowing down or speeding up in order to flirt with the Texas boys.

Rodgers remembers visiting Michelles family ranch outside of Muleshoe, and occasionally going to work with her when she worked as a DJ.

They can both still reel off the names of a slew of teachers who made a difference in their lives.

Rodgers list includes her Sandia Elementary fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. George, who read The Boxcar Children aloud and introduced her students to the magic of connecting with fictional characters on a personal level; Peggy Ingram, who taught high school biology and made learning fun, even for a student like me who was terrified of science; and senior English teacher Nancy Sharma, whose words of encouragement have lasted a lifetime.

Williams cited Bill Lockwood, the high school drama teacher who supported her treading the boards, and English teacher Elaine Howell, who made Chaucer and Shakespeare come to life.

Bill Kopf made it into the roster of influential educators for both. He was Rodgers sophomore English teacher, and he also taught journalism and served as the advisor for The Purple Press.

Mr. Kopf guided us through the who, what, when, and where of journalism and putting a paper to bed, Williams recalled.

Rodgers said it was Kopf who encouraged her to enter one of her articles in the New Mexico Press Womens statewide contest, where it garnered the first of many awards to come her way in her writing career.

Rodgers and Williams said when they think back to when they met, neither could have imagined coming together again over a shared project of this nature.

I always hoped that Kathleen would pursue her dream of writing, Williams said, but I never saw myself narrating her book. Audiobooks were not a thing back then. Technology has evolved so much since the 1970s.

The two still have family connections that bring them back periodically to Clovis, but this is the first time their visits have overlapped since sometime in the early 1980s.

We always planned to get together in person, Rodgers said, but it never worked out.

Besides the radio appearance and event at the library, Rodgers said her weekend agenda includes visiting family and dragging Main with Michelle, even if were the only car cruising up and down the bricks.

Kathleen has a statement on her webpage that says she has realized that she is writing herself home, Williams said. The Flying Cutterbucks has done this for both of us. It has recemented a friendship and I dont know if Clovis will be able to contain our excitement at seeing each other in person.

Be watching for the red GTO on Main Street this weekend. Sweet Tangerine and DJ would love to say hi. They might even spring for a Coke.

Betty Williamson loves reunion stories. Reach her at: [email protected]
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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has appointed Dina Matta as its first Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer.

Ms Matta will oversee the Banks digital transformation, as well as its move to its new London Headquarters in Canary Wharf in autumn 2022. She will be a member of the Executive Committee, the Banks management leadership group.

EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said: I am delighted that Dina Matta will be joining the Bank. She is a highly experienced business professional and her successful career in the private sector will bring vital experience to the transformation of the EBRD as we take advantage of the opportunities of digitalisation.

Ms Matta joins the EBRD from ING Group in the Netherlands, where she has served as Head of Global Transformation since 2015. Prior to this, she worked in leading positions at organisations including BT Group and HSBC/Midland Bank. She has founded a number of companies in areas such as e-commerce and cloud application development.

A Jordanian citizen, Ms Matta holds a Double Honours Degree in Mechanical & Production Engineering and Business Studies & Economics from Nottingham Trent University.
EBRD launches Youth in Business programme and pilot Skills in Business credit facility

Total package of US$ 140 million to provide finance and technical assistance

National Bank of Egypt first parner bank under new facilities

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched a US$ 120 million Youth in Business programme and a pilot US$ 20 million Skills in Business credit facility during a virtual event held in partnership with National Bank of Egypt (NBE).

The facilities will address key challenges that Egypt faces: the economy suffers from high levels of youth unemployment and increasing emigration as well as structural barriers to accessing key resources for business growth.

The Youth in Business programme will offer young entrepreneurs access to critically needed financing and technical assistance to grow their small businesses. The financing provided to NBE is part of a wider US$ 120 million Youth in Business financing package for Egypt, which the EBRD will also offer to other banks and microfinance institutions for on-lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises run by young entrepreneurs.

The offer will be complemented by technical assistance to partner banks to strengthen their lending capacity. In addition, young business owners and managers will have access to advice to increase their productivity and scale up their enterprises. NBE is the first bank to join the programme and a leading partner in its launch.

The US$ 20 million Skills in Business credit facility launched in partnership with NBE aims to tackle the skills shortages and high employee turnover that hinder growth. Eligible small businesses that receive financing will also benefit from advisory support to recruit, train and retain staff and attract talent.

The Skills in Business advisory component is also available via the EBRDs Direct Financing Framework and Risk-Sharing Facility across the southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, supported by funding from the Small Business Impact Fund (Donors to the EBRDs Small Business Impact Fund include Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the TaiwanBusiness-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund and the United States of America), and Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.

Heike Harmgart, EBRD Managing Director, SEMED, said: The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges young people face when entering the labour market or accessing the financing and the skilled employees they need for their businesses. Limited capital and gaps in know-how are among the biggest barriers standing in the way of young entrepreneurs success. Placing youth at the centre of our priorities for the recovery is a significant step towards dismantling those barriers and building back a stronger, fairer economy that works for all.

Hisham Okasha, Chairman of NBE, added: We are proud to partner with the EBRD and are determined to work towards building an inclusive economy that empowers youth and invests in young talent. Inclusion and sustainability are key pillars of NBE strategy and are perfectly aligned with the objectives of both Youth in Business and Skills in Business.

Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD. Since the start of ithe Banks operations there in 2012, it has invested more than 7.3 billion in 130 projects in the country.
 European Central Bank, 2021

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Fayetteville, TN (37334)

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Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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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
Like many in-person events, geek Mecca Comic-Con was upended by the pandemic. By most accounts, the decision to switch to a virtual conference backfired as social media activity plummeted by upwards of 90 percent. Cosplaying on the couch clearly isn't as gratifying as congregating with 6,500 passionate fans under one roof. With big guns Marvel Studios and DC Films already choosing to skip this year's Comic-Con@Home, the event needs all the support it can get. One company that hasn't given up on the conference is Amazon.

For the second year in a row, it's hosting an online panel with talent from some of its biggest shows and movies. You'll be able to watch the action on San Diego Comic-Con's official YouTube channel starting at 2PM ET on July 23rd.

This year's lineup features a mix of female-led fantasy, blockbuster anime, teen slasher and crime. First up is The Wheel of Time, a series adaptation of the bestselling novels by Robert Jordan about a clan of female magicians starring Rosamund Pike. Amazon will be hoping the show is more Shadow and Bone than The Nevers. Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno will also be present to discuss the final chapter in the Rebuild movie saga, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.

To tap into the '90s slasher revival kicked off by Netflix's Fear Street trilogy, Amazon is trotting out its modern spin on I Know What You Did Last Summer, featuring a fresh-faced cast of sacrificial lambs. This year's event will also see Amazon highlighting content from its streaming service that isn't called Prime Video. As such, cast members from IMDb TV's Leverage: Redemption will be on hand to discuss the return of the crime series.
Instacart has hired a top Facebook executive as its next CEO. Fidji Simo will take over the delivery service's top job on August 2nd, replacing founder Apoorva Mehta, who is moving into the executive chairman role. Simo joined Instacart's board in January.

Simo has worked at Facebook for a decade. She moved up through the ranks to become head of the Facebook app in 2019. She helped video to become a key part of Facebook through her work on Facebook Live and Watch, as well as News Feed videos that autoplay. Simo previously worked on local commerce and classified ads at eBay.
ASUS and Qualcomm have teamed up to make a smartphone that shows off some of the latter's mobile tech. Although the phone is ostensibly for the 1.6 million members of the Snapdragon Insiders program (which is a bit like Microsoft's Windows Insider early-access scheme), it'll be more broadly available by August.

The snappily named Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders harnesses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 5G chipset (but not the latest Snapdragon 888+). It has a 2.84 GHz octa-core processor and the Adreno 660 GPU. It has what Qualcomm describes as "the most comprehensive support for all key 5G sub-6 and mmWave bands" of any device, along with WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E support with speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps. You'll get 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and 512GB of storage.

The 6.78-inch AMOLED display from Samsung has a 144 Hz refresh rate, which could help make it a solid gaming phone. The screen has up to 1,200 nits of brightness and it's HDR10 and HDR10+ certified. The phone has three rear cameras: a 64MP main lens, 12MP ultrawide camera and 8MP telephoto. The array can capture video in up to 8K. The device also has a 24MP front camera and AI auto-zoom.

Qualcomm says this is one of the first phones to support Snapdragon Sound, which has features including low Bluetooth latency, listening profiles, active noise cancellation (ANC) and high-resolution audio support up to 24-bit 96kHz. Along with stereo speakers, the phone comes with Master & Dynamic true wireless ANC earbuds and a charging case for them.

Qualcomm

There's also Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 support, which should charge the 4000mAh battery up to 70 percent of capacity in half an hour or fully in 52 minutes, according to the company. In addition, the phone has dual SIM slots and it runs on stock Android 11.

The device draws from previous ASUS smartphones. It pulls from the ROG Phone 5's body design and the ZenFone 8 Flip's camera module. Still, it's a showcase for Qualcomm's mobile tech. The company is facing some challenges on the mobile processor front, with many phone makers working on their own chips. Showing off its knowhow with its own smartphone seems like a solid idea for Qualcomm. That way, it can perhaps remind people what it can do.

The ASUS-designed Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders will initially be available in a few countries, including the US, UK, Japan and South Korea. It'll arrive in India later. You'll be able to buy the $1,499 device at ASUSTeKs eShop and other retailers.
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.
Carroll Baker is convinced that Bill Cosby's sexual assault convictions are false, saying, "I don't think it was his fault."

During an interview, the Hollywood actress claimed to be heartbroken over the sexual assault charges that Cosby faced.

Baker continued that he "did not deserve at his age" to go to jail and because of "the condition he's in."

According to sources, the actress had called Bill "wonderful," and described him as "a very sexy man," before confessing that she finds the actor, not at fault.

"He's a wonderful human being, absolutely wonderful, and I can't bear the fact that he's in prison," Carrol said to the interviewer.

The "Baby Doll" star had instead blamed the victims saying, "They did it voluntarily... Why would you go into a secluded place with a man?"

Carroll continued to rant about how "these women" take years to confess to "ruin a man's career."

"We're not in the 18th century where we were wearing hoop skirts. Women, stick up for yourself and stop playing like you're such a little girl!" the actress exclaimed.

READ ALSO: Bill Cosby Now Free? This Is Why Sexual Assault Conviction is Overturned After Actor Served 2 Years Jail Time

Twitter Tells Carroll Baker to 'Shut The F-ck Up' After Defending Bill Cosby

News about Carroll Baker's sentiments on Bill Cosby's court charges had already spread on Twitter, and people have similar thoughts.

People have deemed the actress irrelevant. One person said, "Carroll Baker, much like her career, is a joke."

Carroll Baker, much like her career, is a joke  Natalie Woods left wrist bangle (@SpotlightBehind) July 7, 2021

"Actress Carroll Baker supports Rape," another user called out Baker for victim-blaming and siding with Bill Cosby.

Actress Carroll Baker supports Rape  Kevin Bass (@kbass2384) July 7, 2021



Others are straight to the point with their tweets, "Carol Baker can shut the f-ck up, too."

Carroll Baker can shut the fuck up, too.  Jeez, Jeeves! (@JeneralJeeves) July 7, 2021

This user made fun of Carroll's old age, "You really can't fault this lady after all she is 90 years old and probably doesn't have full control over all her faculties."

Carroll Baker says 'it's a sin' Bill Cosby was jailed: 'I don't think it was his fault'. You really can't fault this lady after all she is 90 years old and probably doesn't have full control over all her faculties.  Riggie711 (@riggie711) July 7, 2021



Overall the online community is finding her statements "really gross" and having none of it.

One of Bill Cosby's Victims Was Also His Personal Assistant During 'The Cosby Show'

Patte O'Connor had been 24 when she first met Bill Cosby, and she was offered a glass of wine and blackout.

Cosmopolitan reports that Patte had been an assistant director at Clemson University's homecoming event where Bill Cosby guested.

O'Connor only realized what had happened in the hotel room with Cosby after hearing several women confess to having the same experience.

"I had repressed the traume for so long that the aftermath of admitting it, of coming forward, was brutal," the victim confessed during the interview.

As of June 30, Cosby is now released from jail. The comedian was seen leaving SCI Phoenix in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, at around 2:30 PM.

READ MORE: Bill Cosby Shares AMBITIOUS Plan After Prison Release: 'I Wanna Go Back'
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates may have been separated from each other, but their philanthropic and professional work will continue as they reportedly had an agreement regarding their foundation.

According to The Associated Press, the estranged couple will continue working as co-chairs at "Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation" despite their ongoing divorce. (via ABC News)

Things won't remain that way because after two years, if the pair decided not to continue with their roles, French Gates will let go of her positions as co-chair and trustee of the board.

In case it happens, Gates would be buying her out from the charitable group. Still, her estranged husband will continue to provide her resources to continue doing philanthropic work independently.

CEO Mark Suzman recently spoke to The Associated Press to reveal that the ex-couple's decision is for their transparency and it's a part of a "private agreement."

Suzman added the pair intended to be a long-time part of the board as they already planned it back then.

READ NOW: Megan Fox Still Pining Over Brian Austin Green? Actress Deletes a Telling Cryptic Comment

Does Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation plan to hire new members of the board?

Per the CEO, the foundation is planning to expand and open positions for the board of trustees; at the time of this writing, Suzman did not name anyone they think fit the roles.

Today, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates are the only members of the board as Warren Buffet resigned last month. Suzman added that Buffet's exit made them decide to expand the board.

The CEO mentioned that even though the ex-couple continue to work together, he believes that it isn't going to be "optimal governance."

"this is the right time to expand the number of trustees and bring in some independent and thoughtful outside voices who can help guide and strengthen the foundation over the long-term." Suzman stated.

The foundation's COO and chief legal officer, Connie Collingsworth, along with Suzman, will be the ones to find new trustees. However, they also need Gates and French Gates' approval.

The foundation hopes that their announcement would reach philanthropy experts who called out the charitable group in the past years because of the lack of diversity. They believe few people on the board mean more power for the trustees.

However, Suzman clarified their decision is not affected by outside opinions as Gates and French Gates, along with Warren Buffet, had already talked about the process when the Berkshire Hathaway CEO stepped down from his position.

New members will be announced early next year.

READ ALSO: Robert Downey Sr. Dead: 'Iron Man's' Father's TRAGIC Cause of Death Revealed
Following reports from July, sources speculated on more reasons why NBC could not salvage the "Good Girls" series from its cancellation. One of which is reportedly a heated feud between characters.

After bringing the show to Netflix, NBC and Universal Studios wanted to get the show on its fifth season. However, they couldn't have a proper financial agreement that would have allowed them to save the show, per Hollywood Reporter.

TV Line reported an insider stating the series' seemingly clear path to renewal hit the barrier by June when negotiations with co-star Manny Montana, who plays as Rio, was challenging due to money and schedule.

Christina Hendricks And Manny Montana Bad Blood While On Set

Sources have also speculated that Montana's strained working relationship with on-screen partner Christina Hendricks, who played Beth, may have been a factor for him to be less willing to join the series.

Montana's representative declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Hendricks did not respond to TVLine's numerous requests for a response on this issue.

But one company insider spilled that "creative issues" did indeed factor into the studio's decision not to move forward with the fifth season.

Sources also said that Hendricks and Montana's heated relationship had been an open secret in the industry.

Based on the pair's public statements about each other for the past years, Fans also theorized that the duo made no sparks while on the show.

READ ALSO: 'Good Girls' Cancelled After 4 Seasons, Reasons Revealed After NBC Shuts More Series Down

"Good Girls" Christina Hendricks And Manny Montana's Interviews About Each Other

Montana appeared in a 2020 "The Total Celebrity Show" and described his working relationship with Hendricks.

"We come in, do our job, and then go home. It's very business-like."

On the other hand, Hendricks told Medium in 2019 about their intimate scenes, "It's just a very sort of respectful work. It's exciting and stuff. But it's not as... it's much more professional than anyone would think."

For the following year, in a "Good Girls" themed Q&A, Hendricks revealed that her on-screen partner refuses to address her by her actual name while on set.

"No one in my life calls me Chris. It's not my name. I think it's totally stupid. And he's never taken the chance to realize that I hate it. It's really weird."

Creatively speaking, a final season without Montana was seen as a huge obstacle to take, knowing what role he carries in the show.

Whatever their commotion may be, Universal Television still decided to end the series instead wholly.



The two-hour series finale for "Good Girls' will air on July 22 on NBC.

READ MORE: #SaveManifest: NBC Cancels' Manifest' Series Despite Being Number 1 On Netflix, Fans And Cast Protest
Celebrity divorces are usually long and messy as it requires a lot of court hearings for the children's custody and other assets; Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are not exempted.

Recently, the "Maleficent" is going back to divorce court because she wants to be out of the business venture, Miraval Chateau Winery under Nouvel, LLC, which she shares with her estranged husband.

The actress acquired the business long before her marriage to Pitt.

According to legal documents obtained by E! News, Jolie's legal counsel requested the Judge to lift a restraining order on the transfer of their assets for her to sell out her shares finally.

Jolie initially worked things out as she attempted to sell her shares of the property and company to Pitt, but she's unsuccessful in doing so; that's why she's planning to sell it to a third party.

The Oscar-winning actress cannot sell marital assets without Pitt's approval as their divorce is still ongoing.

Jolie claims that she already has an interested buyer of her shares, and she's afraid the third party will lose their interest in buying it if a judge does not lift the restraining order.

READ NOW: Bill Gates Plans To 'Buy Out' Melinda's Position From Foundation? Ex-Couple Enters 'Private Agreement' [DETAILS]

This is not the first time the actress requested the court to let her tap out of the venture, as she already filed an ex parte application last month to have it lifted.

The court denied her as they believe her request lacks to show "immediate danger/irreperable harm or immediate loss/damage to property."

Her legal team argues her request is urgent as she needs to sign an agreement that pledges her to not "shop the deal" anywhere.

Besides its financial value, the French property is sentimental for the ex-couple as they married in Chateau Miraval in 2014.

Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. Prior to their disagreement with the assets, the ex-couple is desperate to have the custody of their children.

In May 2021, Pitt was granted joint custody that allows him to spend more time with his kids. The ruling was made by Judge John Ouderkirk, the same Judge who officiated their wedding.

Both Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have not publicly commented on the recent fight regarding their business venture.

READ ALSO: Val Kilmer Survives Cancer But Loses Voice, 'Top Gun' Actor Uses Device To Share Stories In 'VAL'
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton dueling duchesses no more?

The two Duchesses were seen smiling together on several royal outings, for instance, at Wimbledon.

However, it has been believed by many that they don't really care much for one another.

Their husbands, Prince Harry and Prince William are also embroiled in a rift, so it only seemed normal that their wives wouldn't get along as well.

But it has been over a year since Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton have seen each other, and many royal fans are wondering what their relationship is like today.

Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton New Relationship

According to a new report by Us Weekly, their relationship is doing much better these days.

Tensions have reportedly calmed down between the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge since the Sussexes' bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March.

The outlet's source even revealed that Kate sent Meghan a gift for Lilibet Diana.

"They're in a better place and have exchanged texts since the birth of Lilibet."

However, the source said that Lilibet's birth gave Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton a shared connection.

"They've bonded over both having daughters and can't wait for all the cousins to meet," as Kate also has one daughter, Princess Charlotte.

READ ALSO: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle 'Film' Drops New Trailer, Confuses Fans

Recently, the former "Suits" star claimed that the future Queen made her cry during wedding preparations in 2018, following reports that it was vice versa.

"A few days before the wedding she was upset about flower girl dresses and it made me cry. It really hurt my feelings."

But Meghan told Oprah later on that Kate apologized and even sent flowers.

The source called the incident a "wasted energy."

"Any past drama surrounding bridesmaids' dresses have been put to rest. They've called a truce."

It also seemed that there is a truce between Meghan and Kate, as back in early June, the Duchess of Cambridge was asked about her newborn niece.

She responded, per Reuters, "I wish her all the very best, I can't wait to meet her because we haven't yet met her yet so hopefully that will be soon."

It may be possible for Kate Middleton to meet Lilibet Diana because rumor has it Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be traveling to the UK in September for another Diana event.

The said event is going to be a larger celebration in honor of the late Princess of Wales.

READ MORE: Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Newest Plans Work?
A judge confirmed that "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Erika Jayne may also be held responsible for the settlement funds of the victims that got their money stolen by ex-husband Tom Girardi.

According to ET, Girardi's former clients, Joseph, Jaime, and Kathleen Ruigomez, were given $11 million in a 2020 lawsuit.

Yet, the judge put a hold on collections against Girardi's assets and those from his law firm, "Girardi & Keese," as they filed for bankruptcy later in the year.

Erika Jayne in Trouble

As said on the latest judge ruling, the judge allowed the Ruigomez family to file a collections lawsuit against the 49-year-old star Erika Jayne, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly.

The Ruigomez family were given a chance to move forward with their lawsuit as a counsel found their law firm transferred $20 million to the reality star's businesses.

"All assets identified by the Ruigomez family shall be subject to all rights of the Girardi bankruptcy estate and the [Girardi Keese] bankruptcy estate," the latest court documents stated.

READ MORE: RHOBH Erika Jayne's Real Net Worth After Divorce With No Prenup Revealed

"The Housewife and the Hustler" Documentary

ABC News documentary "The Housewife and the Hustler" also examined the legal battle between the Ruigomez family and Tom Girardi as they explored the allegations of embezzlement against the couple.

The documentary also included the lawsuit filed against the pair in December on behalf of families who lost their loved ones on the Lion Air Flight 610 crash in October 2018.

According to that suit, Girardi allegedly embezzled the settlement money that was supposed to go to the family members of the victims.

The ex-couple were also accused of using that money to fund their extravagant lifestyles and allegedly pay off credits to save Girardi's law firm.

Reported in February and March, Girardi was placed under a temporary conservatorship and said to be suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Subsequently, the court ordered the reality star's divorce lawyer, accountant, and the landlord to provide her financial records amid the ongoing investigation.

By late July, the two are set for examination, as court documents stated, along with their requested documents.

READ ALSO: 'RHOBH' Erika Girardi Finally Reveals 'Long-Time Struggles' Resulting To Sudden Divorce Filing From Husband Tom
As a former prosecutor and law enforcement officer turned attorney, Camara Mintz provides a unique perspective when defending his clients' cases. Armed with his experience and insight, one that most attorneys can't offer, he co-founded a Maryland-based firm called Gracia & Mintz Attorneys At Law.

After working on thousands of cases, he wants to expand his reach. "Currently, we handle a lot, everything from DUIs and disorderly conduct to double homicide, drug cases, thefts, assaults, robberies. You name it. We've done it," says Camara.

With all this collective experience, Camara is now sharing how to interview with police properly. Why? He says it's because "most people aren't aware of their rights, and law enforcement officers are trained to set you up and use everything you say against you in court. People need to be aware of this stuff to protect themselves and their families."

One of the most frequently asked questions Camara receives is how to interview with police properly. So to help, he's sharing his top advice now. Let's dive in...

Don't waive your Miranda rights

"When the police bring you in for questioning, many people will waive their Miranda rights and talk. They do this because they think, it's okay, I didn't do anything wrong, I'll just explain without a lawyer. I always tell people this is an awful idea. Because if they're bringing you in, there's a reason. They have a case against you already, and usually, there's nothing you can say that will influence their charging decision. But literally, everything you say after waiving your Miranda rights is documented and put on the record, and it could be used against you whether you think it's incriminating or not. It is always a bad idea to give any statement, whether it is a drug, robbery, or DUI case, without a lawyer. Don't talk. They could be setting you up."

Don't try to explain your way out

"People want to explain themselves when they think they're in trouble. Many times that winds up backfiring. No matter what you're accused of doing or charged with, everything can be used against you. Most people don't know it's a bad idea."

Their job is to make you open up

"Officers are trained to gain compliance in different ways. They build rapport with you, build up your confidence, and these are just a few tactics they use to build trust, so they can gain consent to search you on the side of the road or talk. They attempt to lower your guard and make you feel bad and get you to compile with their commands, questions, and requests. They use all kinds of tactics and trickery in many cases."

Say you want a lawyer

"I always advise my friends, family, and clients not to talk. In most situations in life, being quiet and listening is always the best way to be. Just stay quiet and say you want a lawyer, and that's it."

If you're looking for legal help from Attorney Mintz, contact them and learn more through their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciamintzlaw/?hl=en.
2021-07-08

Maeci

Maire Tecnimont Group recently signed an agreement with the Dutch Oserian Development Group for the construction of a turnkey plant for the production of fertilizers for agricultural use in Naivasha, about 100 km from Nairobi, one of the main flower and fruit growing areas of the country.

At the operational level, Maire Tecnimont will rely on its subsidiaries MET Development, as project developer, which formally signed the agreement and which will be in charge of forming the consortium with local and international partners that will manage the plant, Stamicarbon, which will provide the technology for the production of green ammonia, and Next Chem for the preliminary engineering works and ensure the sustainability and energy transition components.

The plant design, with a daily production output of 550 tonnes of nitrogen-based fertiliser, will use only renewable energy, with an estimated reduction in CO2 emissions of around 100,000 tonnes per year when fully operational, compared to a similar gas-fired plant.

The plant's energy requirements, amounting to up to 70 megawatts, will be met by geothermal energy, which is abundant in Kenya, and, in part, by photovoltaic energy, not excluding the construction of an ad hoc solar power plant.

Production is scheduled to start in 2025.
2021-07-07

Maeci

A humanitarian flight to Pemba, Mozambique, departed today from the emergency humanitarian response base in Brindisi to help respond to the serious humanitarian situation in the province of Cabo Delgado, which has been the target of terrorist attacks since 2017, causing an increasing number of victims and displaced people every day. This is the third and final flight organised by the Italian Cooperation and the European Commission in the framework of the EUs Humanitarian Air Bridge programme. The operation had been announced by Minister Di Maio at the Ministerial event held in Brindisi, on 30 June, under the auspices of the Italian G20 Presidency, on the role of logistics in preparing for and responding to humanitarian and health crises. The initiative has made it possible to send a total cargo of over 20 tonnes to assist the population of Mozambique, with materials to combat COVID-19, basic emergency goods and foodstuffs. The operation has confirmed the central role of the Humanitarian Response Depot in Brindisi, as a logistical hub supporting humanitarian operations around the world.
2021-07-08

Maeci

Italy is appalled by the news of the brutal assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and strongly condemns the attack at the heart of Haitian institutions. It expresses its sincere condolences to the President's family and to the Haitian people and hopes that the perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice as soon as possible.

In the face of such a dramatic event, Italy appeals to all Haitian political actors and forces to preserve the delicate political balance, prevent tensions from erupting and ensure the institutional stability of the country and the security of the population.

The international community must support every effort to this end, also in view of guaranteeing the constitutional referendum and the elections, which are absolutely necessary milestones for launching a democratic and shared process, centred on national dialogue between all political forces and on the strengthening of the Haitian institutions.
2021-07-07

Maeci

Today, Deputy Minister Benedetto Della Vedova met the Secretary of State for All of Spain, Manuel Muniz Villa, at an event held at Palazzo Montorio, the Spanish Ambassadors official residence.

During the discussions, which dealt with the excellent state of bilateral relations and the success of the recent Dialogue Forum in Barcelona, possible areas of cooperation and the role of technological and scientific diplomacy in the strategic positioning of the two Countries and of the EU, in the context of global competition, were also covered.

The impact of new technologies and use of big data in relations between Countries, will be significant and must not catch us unprepared. We need to step up cooperation at a bilateral and European level on these matters, in order to be able to compete with the other leading players at a worldwide level, said Mr Della Vedova. The question of the relationship between artificial intelligence and safeguarding human rights and the rule of law will, in fact, be high on the agenda of the Italian Government and Parliament for Italys six month presidency of the European Councils Ministerial Committee, which will begin in November this year.

According to the Deputy Minister, further steps in European integration will also be necessary in regard to these matters, taking advantage of the occasion provided by the Conference on the Future of Europe. Finally, Deputy Minister Della Vedova and the Spanish Representative agreed on the usefulness of working towards a Healthy Europe, able to deal with future challenges, learning from the lessons provided by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening European institutions in the health sector, first and foremost the EMA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, is essential for Italy and Spain, also given their important tourism industries, in order to return to safe international travel conditions quickly.
Eran Blacher is the 2021 winner of the NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize for his work in exploring the relationship between the microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The findings reveal new insights into the "gut-brain axis" and demonstrate that harnessing the microbiome and their associated metabolic pathways could provide a useful approach to treating these and potentially other devastating neurological disorders.

Although millions of people worldwide suffer from neurodegenerative disorders, the roots of neurodegeneration remain unclear and the vast majority of AD and ALS cases stem from unknown causes.

"I believe that some answers may lie in the gut and that studying the biological processes occurring outside the brain might shed a new light on some old questions in the field and maybe even revolutionize neuroscience," said Blacher, a senior postdoctoral fellow at Stanford School of Medicine.

Blacher's prize-winning essay," In search of the missing link between microbiome, metabolites and neurodegeneration," will be published in the July 9 issue of Science.

"Despite the challenges created by the pandemic, the NOSTER/Science Prize in 2021 continues in attracting highly competitive submissions from talented young scientists with a selection of great essays highlighting the translational potential of microbiome research to unexpected aspects of human health," said Caroline Ash, senior editor at Science.

"The main, very important takeaway of the essay is that the gut microbiome and its metabolites greatly impact human health and disease, with the brain being a fascinating new frontier," said Blacher.

At any given time, trillions of tiny microorganisms reside within the human body. The many thousands of distinct species that live within the gastrointestinal tract are collectively known as the gut microbiome.

A growing body of research consistently demonstrates that the human brain is inextricably linked to the gut microbiome, influencing brain activity in several ways. For example, small molecule metabolites produced by commensal bacteria can be absorbed into the blood stream and reach the brain where they can modulate the activity of brain cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.

However, the gut microbiome is highly sensitive to several environmental factors. Nutrition, circadian rhythms, physical activity, hygiene, and exposure to drugs or pollutants can result in the microbiome rapidly changing its composition and/or function and have a significant impact on the host's health and physiology.

While this type of gut-brain crosstalk has been linked to neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and Parkinson's disease, the role of the microbiome-microbolome in other neurodegenerative diseases is rapidly evolving.

In a mouse model, Blacher and colleagues investigated the role of the microbiome and its metabolites in ALS - a progressive neurodegenerative neuromuscular disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Blacher and the researchers depleted the microbiome of ALS-prone Sod1-Transgenic (Sod1-Tg) mice through wide-spectrum antibiotic treatment, discovering dysbiosis and microbiome-driven alterations in metabolite configuration preceding clinical ALS motor symptoms, as well as 11 distinct microbial strains correlated with disease severity.

Probiotic treatment of Sod1-Tg mice with either the gut microbe Akkermansia muciniphila or its associated metabolite, nicotinamide, improved ALS symptoms by significantly improving motor function and restored disrupted spinal cord gene expression patterns.

In a preliminary observational study in humans, the researchers found similar, significant changes in the microbiome composition and function of ALS patients, associated with reduced nicotinamide levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.

"Unfortunately, ALS is still an incurable and devastating disease, and the findings of the research are very far from suggesting any treatment," said Blacher. "However, the results of this study merit a larger, interventional clinical study that may take a few years and hopefully would allow appreciating the potential of nicotinamide as a possible disease-modifying drug in human ALS."

None-the-less, the study exemplifies how microbiome profiling can be utilized to identify disease-modifying gut microbiota or metabolites and offer new insights into ways to combat neurological diseases.

"We are proud to announce the award for the 2nd NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize, even despite the worldwide turmoil; caused by COVID-19," said NOSTER Inc. CEO, Kohey Kitao. "I truly hope that the prize will motivate young scientists to passionately pursue their research to develop microbiome-based therapeutic drugs for the benefit of the world."

The NOSTER Science Microbiome Prize rewards young scientists pursuing innovative research on the functional attributes of the microbiota that have potential to contribute to the understanding of human or veterinary health and disease or to guide therapeutic inventions. The Grand Prize winner is awarded $25,000 and the publication of their essay in Science. The winner will also receive a free five-year digital subscription to Science.

2021 Finalists

Maria Zimmermann-Kogadeeva, for her essay "Putting host-microbiota interactions in numbers." Zimmermann-Kogadeva received undergraduate degrees from Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia and a Ph.D. from ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Her research aims to understand how microbes adapt to their surrounding, and how these adaptations shape the functional outcome of microbial communities and their interactions with the host and the environment.

Erez Baruch, for his essay "Gut microbiota modulation promotes response in immunotherapy-refectory melanoma patients." Baruch received undergraduate, M.D., and Ph.D. degrees from Tel Aviv University, Israel. His research is focused on mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance and toxicity, modulation of the gut microbiota, and interaction between innate and adaptive immune cells.

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About Science/AAAS

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science, as well as Science Translational Medicine; Science Signaling; a digital, open-access journal, Science Advances; Science Immunology; and Science Robotics. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes more than 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world. The nonprofit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement and more.

About NOSTER

Noster was incorporated on May 15, 2020, in Kyoto, Japan, specializing in the research and development of gut microbiome-based treatments with the vision of "connecting life and gut microbiome." The company's mission is to elucidate the functions of over 1,000 species of human gut microorganisms--numbering over 100 trillion--that exist symbiotically with humans, and to contribute to scientific advances in microbiotics to improve the health of people worldwide. Recent research shows that immune and digestive diseases as well as certain cancers are linked to the gut microbiome, making it an obvious target for the development of new biotherapy treatments based on manipulating the abundance and biology of gut microorganisms. To solidify its future, Noster is exploiting its deep understanding of the gut microbiome by building a unique library of intestinal microbes and their metabolites, referred to as "postbiotics." Using this library, company scientists are working passionately to realize breakthroughs in drug discovery and to develop innovative therapeutic treatments targeting the gut microbiome.
The winners of the 2021 Grand Finals of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Research Competition (SRC) were recently announced, culminating a year-long competition in which 296 computer science students presented research projects at 21 ACM conferences. Jiaqi Gu, University of Texas at Austin; Konstantinos Kallas, University of Pennsylvania; and Guyue Huang, Tsinghua University took the top three places among graduate students. Thomas B. McHugh, Northwestern University; Chuangtao Chen, Zhejiang University; and Rakshit Mittal, Birla Institute of Technology & Science took the top three spots among undergraduates.

Microsoft sponsors the SRC by providing travel grants of $500 to allow exemplary computing students to attend and present their research at major ACM computing conferences around the world. Through the Student Research Competition, each participating student has the unique opportunity to attend conference sessions, gain a new understanding of the practical applications of computer science scholarship, and share their own research with other students, conference attendees and eminent scientists and practitioners. For most students, the ACM Student Research Competition is their introduction to participating in premier computing research conferences.

"Despite the impact of the COVID pandemic, the ACM Student Research Competition celebrated another successful year," said ACM President Gabriele Kotsis. "The SRC opens up the world of professional computing research to students. As the organizers of the competition, we are always heartened to read the testimonials students write after the competition ends. A common thread that runs through all the testimonials is that participation in the competition is a memory that will stay with them. We also offer SRC participants Student Membership to ACM, which gives these young people access to a range of essential resources for learning and career development and keeps them connected with the broader computing community. We thank our friends at Microsoft for their ongoing support of the SRC."

"We congratulate the Graduate and Undergraduate winners, as well as all who participated in this year's SRC," said Evelyne Viegas, Senior Director of Global Research Engagement at Microsoft Research. "Computing has become interwoven into almost every aspect of life and business. New innovations, brought about by computing research, will play an important role in addressing the challenges we will face in the coming years. The ACM Student Research Competition prepares students for the future contributions they will make. As active participants in the global research community, SRC students are given access to the world's top computing conferences that empower them to engage in dialogue and share their ideas before experts and peers."

Judges assess each presenter's demonstrated knowledge, the caliber of student contributions to the research and the overall quality of their oral and visual presentations. The most successful student researchers move through the competition's stages. In the first stages, their research posters and presentations are evaluated for content and presentation. During the Grand Finals, the students share a written 4,000-word description of their work before the final step of the competition, when an entirely new panel of judges evaluates each student's complete body of work and selects the overall winners.

The 2020 Student Winners: Graduate Category

First Place: Jiaqi Gu, University of Texas at Austin, ICCAD 2020, for his research project "Light in Artificial Intelligence: Efficient Neuromorphic Computing with Optical Neural Networks."

Second Place: Konstantinos Kallas, University of Pennsylvania, POPL 2021, for his research project, "Data-Parallel Shell Scripting."

Third Place: Guyue Huang, Tsinghua University, SIGMICRO 2020, for her research project, "Efficient Sparse Matrix Kernels based on Adaptive Workload-Balancing and Parallel-Reduction."

Undergraduate Category

First Place: Thomas B. McHugh, Northwestern University, ASSETS 2020, for his research project, "Constructing Agency and Usability Through Community-Driven Assistive Technology Design."

Second Place: Chuangtao Chen, Zhejiang University, ICCAD 2020, for his research project, "Optimally Approximated Floating-Point Multiplier."

Third Place: Rakshit Mittal, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, PLDI 2020, for his research project "Translation Validation of Thread-Level Parallelizing Transformations using Color Petri Nets."

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About the ACM Student Research Competition

The ACM Student Research Competition (SRC), sponsored by Microsoft, offers a unique forum for undergraduate and graduate students to present their original research at well-known ACM sponsored and co-sponsored conferences before a panel of judges and attendees. The SRC is s a joint venture of ACM and Microsoft, which has provided generous funding of $120,000 per competition year for this event since 2003. The top three undergraduate and graduate winners at each SRC receive prizes of $500, $300, and $200, respectively (USD), an award medal and a one-year complimentary ACM student membership with access to ACM's Digital Library.

About ACM

ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting computing educators, researchers and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources and address the field's challenges. ACM strengthens the computing profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life-long learning, career development, and professional networking.
Researchers from University of Mannheim published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing that examines the effect of wage inequality on customer satisfaction and firm performance.

The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled "Wage Inequality: Its Impact on Customer Satisfaction and Firm Performance" and is authored by Boas Bamberger, Christian Homburg, and Dominik M. Wielgos.

Irrespective of wage cuts and employee layoffs, the wages of top managers rose to record levels during the pandemic and wage inequality continues to grow worldwide. However, according to a 2015 OECD report, "wage inequality is harmful to long-term economic growth and undermines societal cohesion." This situation raises the question: Do firms have an incentive to raise wage inequality?

This new study addresses this question by examining the impact of wage inequality on customer satisfaction and firm performance. The researchers surveyed more than 100 top sales and marketing managers in public firms selling to businesses in three countries. They analyzed the responses and company financial data to understand how wage inequality impacts customer satisfaction and firm performance.

Results show that unequal wages between top managers and employees can boost the short-term profitability of a firm. As Bamberger explains, "In the long run, however, this benefit fades. What persists is that wage inequality motivates employees to opportunistically exploit customers and weakens a firm's customer-oriented culture, thereby harming customer satisfaction.

How does this happen? Suppose a firm has high wage inequality. Thus, the ultimate prize in a tournament setting, to gradually rise to top management, is a strong incentive for employees at all levels. But in the process, they may engage in opportunistic behaviors and also collaborate less with coworkers.

For example, to enhance her chances for promotion, an employee might show more effort by interacting with customers more frequently to better understand and fulfill their needs to boost sales. By contrast, she could also distort facts about products to close deals more quickly.

Non-customer-facing employees could also be affected. Take, for instance, an R&D employee. He could interact with customers more often to learn and adapt innovations to their needs to increase sales. Conversely, he could also design products to fail to force customers to buy a product over and over again.

"Through customer-directed effort or opportunism, employees may improve their chances of getting promoted to the next higher level. Our results show that wage inequality does raise customer-directed effort and opportunism," says Homburg.

At the same time, wage inequality might also weaken collaboration among coworkers. An employee who worries about advancing to the next higher level is less concerned about their coworkers. But less collaboration impairs the flows of information and knowledge about customers throughout the firm. This, in turn, can lead to worse coordination between departments. Ultimately, the firm becomes less responsive to the changing needs of customers. Thus, wage inequality weakens the customer-oriented culture of a firm.

The adverse impact wage inequality has on opportunism and customer-oriented culture extends to customer satisfaction and reduces the short-term profitability of a firm. At the same time, wage inequality also raises a firm's short-run profits through a direct path. Despite the harm through the customer path, the total impact of wage inequality on short-term profitability is slightly positive.

This slightly positive effect on short-term profitability holds in a different sample with more than 500 observations of U.S. firms selling to consumers. Wielgos explains that "When we analyzed how wage inequality plays out in the long run, the situation reverses. The harm that wage inequality causes to customer satisfaction leads to long-term performance decline. In sum, a firm sees no profitability lift from wage inequality in the long run."

Do firms have an incentive to raise wage inequality? In terms of bottom-line impact, the answer is: "Yes" in the short run and "No" in the long run. However, when looking at the customer impact, the answer is "No" because of the negative impact of wage inequality on customer satisfaction, which weakens firm profits.

What can managers learn? If the goal is short-term profitability, go with higher wage inequality, but keep an eye on customer satisfaction. If managers are interested in the long-term success of the firm, consider reducing wage inequality to help employees orient toward customers.

What can shareholders learn? Suppose that you care about the long-term profitability of your investment. In that case, make sure to reward top managers for achieving sustainable profitability and good customer relationships.

What can policymakers learn? Wage inequality is not in a firm's long-term interest. This argument can help to create a consensus with managers to restrain wage inequality. However, short-term-oriented managers might care little about the damage wage inequality does to society. It thus might be necessary to disincentivize them from raising wage inequality.

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Full article and author contact information available at: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1177/ 00222429211026655

About the Journal of Marketing

The Journal of Marketing develops and disseminates knowledge about real-world marketing questions useful to scholars, educators, managers, policy makers, consumers, and other societal stakeholders around the world. Published by the American Marketing Association since its founding in 1936, JM has played a significant role in shaping the content and boundaries of the marketing discipline. Christine Moorman (T. Austin Finch, Sr. Professor of Business Administration at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University) serves as the current Editor in Chief.

https:/ / www. ama. org/ jm

About the American Marketing Association (AMA)

As the largest chapter-based marketing association in the world, the AMA is trusted by marketing and sales professionals to help them discover what is coming next in the industry. The AMA has a community of local chapters in more than 70 cities and 350 college campuses throughout North America. The AMA is home to award-winning content, PCM professional certification, premiere academic journals, and industry-leading training events and conferences.
New research from Aarhus BSS at Aarhus University shows that openness about the effectiveness and side effects of vaccines bolster confidence in the health authorities, and this is a crucial factor if we are to defeat the coronavirus pandemic

Concerns have been raised about the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines regarding very rare but potentially fatal side effects related to low blood platelet counts and blood clots. Recently, reports also emerged that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine may cause a rare yet serious side effect: heart inflammation. Concerns about side effects may trigger vaccine hesitancy, which the WHO considers one of 'Ten threats to global health'. Securing sufficient acceptance of vaccines is a key challenge in defeating the coronavirus pandemic, both now and in the future.

How can health authorities and politicians help ensure public acceptance of vaccines, which - their rare side effects aside - have proven effective in preventing serious Covid-19 disease? The best way to do this is to talk openly about all aspects of the vaccines including potential negative aspects such as side effects.

"How to communicate about the vaccines is a real dilemma. Politicians have a desire to stop the pandemic as quickly as possible, and this may give them an incentive to tone down the negative sides of the vaccines in order to vaccinate as many people as possible," says Michael Bang Petersen, professor of political science at Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University.

"But our research shows that it does not foster support for vaccination when communication about the vaccines is reassuring, but vague. On the contrary, vague communication weakens people's confidence in the health authorities, and feeds conspiracy theories. When communication is not transparent, it triggers uncertainty and people feel they may be misled," says Michael Bang Petersen.

Together with colleagues from Aarhus BSS at Aarhus University, he has studied the effect of different ways of communicating about vaccines. The study included 13,000 participants, half of them Americans and the other half Danes, and the results have just been published in the widely recognized journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).

Vague communication feeds conspiracies

The results of the study show that open communication fosters support for the vaccines if it transparently describes neutral and positive facts about the vaccines. However, the willingness to be vaccinated declines when the communication is open about negative features of the vaccine.

"Transparency about the negative features of a vaccine creates hesitancy. But this hesitancy is reason-based, and accordingly health authorities still have the possibility of communicating with citizens and explain to them why it may still be advisable to accept the vaccine," says Michael Bang Petersen.

On the other hand, vague or reassuring communication, where negative features of the vaccines are toned down, lowers acceptance of vaccines. The reason is that vague communication creates a sense of hesitancy and uncertainty, and this in turn feeds conspiracy theories and reduces confidence in the health authorities.

Trust is essential

The advantage of open communication - also about the negative features - is that it prevents conspiracy theories from spreading while at the same time boosting trust in the health authorities. According to the researchers, this is key to defeating the coronavirus pandemic.

"Maintaining trust in the health authorities is extremely important because this is the most crucial factor in securing public support for the vaccines. Communicating transparently about vaccines secures the single most important factor for sustaining vaccine acceptance," says Michael Bang Petersen, and he continues:

"Openness ensures long-term trust, and this is crucial if we are to be revaccinated, or in relation to the next major health crisis."

Facts about the research:

The new findings are part of a large-scale data-driven research project entitled HOPE - How Democracies Cope with COVID-19 (https:/ / hope-project. dk/ #/ ). The project is financed by the Carlsberg Foundation and headed by Professor Michael Bang Petersen.

). The project is financed by the Carlsberg Foundation and headed by Professor Michael Bang Petersen. Method: Pre-registered experimental studies with a total of more than 13,000 participants, half of them Danes and the other half Americans.

The research has been published in the article "Transparent communication about negative features of COVID-19 vaccines decreases acceptance but increases trust" in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS): https:/ / www. pnas. org/ content/ 118/ 29/ e2024597118

Authors: Professor Michael Bang Petersen, Postdoc Alexander Bor, Postdoc Frederik Jrgensen and Research Assistant Marie Fly Lindholt from the Department of Political Science at Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University

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Contact:

Michael Bang Petersen, professor of political science, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University.

michael@ps.au.dk,

+45 20775944
Reduction in cardiovascular risk was greatest for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alone rather than combination of EPA and another omega-3 fatty acid

For decades, there has been great interest in whether omega-3 fatty acids can lower rates of cardiovascular events. In 2018, results from the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and showed that a high dose of a purified ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in patients at elevated cardiac risk significantly reduced cardiovascular events. Results from the trial led to US. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada, and European Medicines Agency approval of the prescription drug icosapent ethyl for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with elevated triglycerides, as well as updates to worldwide guidelines. But prior and subsequent studies of omega-3 fatty acid supplements that combine EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have had mixed results. Investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital and elsewhere conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials of omega-3 fatty acids. Overall, they found that omega-3 fatty acids improved cardiovascular outcomes. Results, now published in eClinical Medicine, showed a significantly greater reduction in cardiovascular risk in studies of EPA alone rather than EPA+DHA supplements.

"REDUCE-IT has ushered in a new era in cardiovascular prevention," said senior author Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, the executive director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at the Brigham and lead investigator of the REDUCE-IT trial. "REDUCE-IT was the largest and most rigorous contemporary trial of EPA, but there have been other ones as well. Now, we can see that the totality of evidence supports a robust and consistent benefit of EPA."

Bhatt and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of 38 randomized clinical trials of omega-3 fatty acids, including trials of EPA monotherapy and EPA+DHA therapy. In total, these trials included more than 149,000 participants. They evaluated key cardiovascular outcomes, including cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal cardiovascular outcomes, bleeding, and atrial fibrillation. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids reduced cardiovascular mortality and improved cardiovascular outcomes. The trials of EPA showed higher relative reductions in cardiovascular outcomes compared to those of EPA+DHA.

The researchers note that there are crucial biological differences between EPA and DHA -- while both are considered omega-3 fatty acids, they have different chemical properties that influence their stability and strength of the effect that they can have on cholesterol molecules and cell membranes. No trials to date have studied the effects of DHA alone on cardiovascular outcomes.

"This meta-analysis provides reassurance about the role of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically prescription EPA," said Bhatt. "It should encourage investigators to explore further the cardiovascular effects of EPA across different clinical settings."

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REDUCE-IT was sponsored by Amarin. Brigham and Women's Hospital receives research funding from Amarin for the work Bhatt did as the trial chair and as the international principal investigator. The present analysis was unfunded.

Paper cited: Khan SU et al. "Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" eClinical Medicine DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100997
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- A million years ago, dry seasons became more frequent and forests retreated before the encroaching savanna. Meanwhile, clustered around a nearby lake, our ancient ancestors fashioned stone tools.

During the long press of years, mud and sediment in that East African lake turned to stone, trapping pollen and microscopic organisms in its lattice. Today, researchers like Kennie Leet analyze samples of these ancient sediments, known as sediment cores, to create a picture of the environment early humans called home.

A doctoral student in geological sciences, Leet is the first author on "Labyrinth patterns in Magadi (Kenya) cherts: Evidence for early formation from siliceous gels," published in a recent issue of Geology, the leading journal in the field. Co-authors include Distinguished Professor of Geological Sciences and Environmental Studies Tim Lowenstein, her advisor, as well as Robin Renaut of Canada's University of Saskatchewan, R. Bernhart Owen of Hong Kong Baptist University and Andrew Cohen of the University of Arizona.

Leet's research is part of the National Science Foundation-funded Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project (HSPDP), which looks at how the climate may have impacted hominin evolution in the East African rift. Overall, the project looks at the last 5 million years; Leet's portion of the project considers the last million.

She particularly focuses on the origin of the chert found in Kenya's Lake Magadi. A fine-grained rock that forms from siliceous material, chert is "cryptocrystalline," composed of crystals so small that they can't even be seen by high-powered microscopes, much less the naked eye.

Scientists believe that chert forms on the earth's surface and thus contains information about the environment at the time of its formation, she explained. Because of this quality, they can use chert to calculate the time period for particular climactic events, such as droughts -- not unusual in East Africa, where the climate oscillates between wet and dry periods.

Opening a window into the distant past, the chert points to an even larger trend.

"One of the surprising things we found was that there has been a progressive drying trend for the last million years in East Africa. It's just been progressively getting drier and drier," she said. "But in that, we still have the oscillation between wet and dry."

In the Geology article, she explores a labyrinth pattern she found in the rocks of this period. Patterns are common in nature, and this specific one is formed by drying, she explained.

"It tells us that all of the chert formation and solidification occurred near the surface, where there was exposure to air," she said. "Because this happened before the sediments were buried and compacted, there is other supporting evidence, such as really beautifully preserved plant fragments and single-celled organisms called diatoms."

The time period coincides with the region's transition from trees and forests to grasslands, which biologists and microbiologists on the team are able to track through pollen preserved in the sediment core. During that period, the early humans of Lake Magadi were also creating stone tools in new ways. Researchers wonder: Were these ancient communities moving about and trading more, prompted by drought?

Interestingly, the trend has reversed over the last decade, with the region becoming wetter. In fact, one of the places she stayed during a visit to Kenya in 2019 is now underwater, she said.

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(Boston)--Vasan Ramachandran, MD, FACC, the Jay and Louise Coffman Professor in Vascular Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Louis and Artur Lucian Award, an honor bestowed annually to one researcher from around the world who has made outstanding contributions to the field of circulatory diseases.

Ramachandran, who also is Principal Investigator and Director of the Framingham Heart Study, was recognized for his findings that hypertension poses cardiovascular risks. His work has led to a lowered threshold for what constitutes high blood pressure in the U.S., shed light on the progression of borderline to high blood pressure, and provided guidance on blood pressure screening in primary care.

"Dr. Ramachandran is one of the most influential cardiovascular epidemiologists in the world, and the Lucian Prize would be fitting recognition of his singular contributions to cardiovascular science. In particular, Dr. Ramachandran's achievements in the field of hypertension have had an undeniable impact on clinical practice and cardiovascular health," wrote Thomas J. Wang, MD, the Donald W. Seldin Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine, Department Chair, UT Southwestern Medical Center, in his nomination letter.

Ramachandran joined BUSM as an associate professor of medicine in 1998 and was promoted to professor in 2006. He was appointed professor of epidemiology at BU School of Public Health in 2013. Currently, he serves as chief of the section of preventive medicine and epidemiology in the department of medicine, principal investigator and director of the renowned Framingham Heart Study, with which he has been affiliated for the past 19 years, Principal iInvestigator and founder of the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) cohort study, and was the founding Editor of Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics.

He received his medical degree from, and completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in cardiology at, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. He is the recipient of many RO1 awards and a mid-career clinical investigator award ((K24) from the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute.

Over the last 25 years, Ramachandran has made major contributions to the genetic and non-genetic epidemiology of congestive heart failure; population-based vascular testing, echocardiography and exercise testing; the genetic and non-genetic epidemiology of high blood pressure; and cardiovascular disease risk prediction models. His many awards and honors include the BUSM's department of medicine's Evans Scholar and Outstanding Mentor awards in 2010; Outstanding Mentor, American Heart Association (AHA) Council on Epidemiology Prevention in 2012; and the AHA's prestigious Population Science Award in 2014.

The Louis and Artur Lucian Award, which carries a cash award of $60,000, was established in 1978 through a bequest to McGill University under the will of the late Olga Leibovici in memory of her two brothers. One goal of the award is to increase collaborative research between McGill and research centers elsewhere in Canada, the United States and other countries. Toward this, it is expected that Ramachandran will give a formal Lucian Lecture at McGill University and meet with members of the McGill community in the spring of 2022 as well as undertake a research collaboration with McGill investigators working in the field of circulatory diseases.

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ITHACA, N.Y. - Placing rodent traps and bait stations based on rat and mouse behavior could protect the food supply more effectively than the current standard of placing them set distances apart, according to new research from Cornell University.

Rodents cause billions of dollars in losses to the food supply each year, and carry pathogens that can sicken and kill humans, including salmonella, E. coli and Leptospira.

In the 1940s and 50s, scientists recommended that farmers, food manufacturers and distributors evenly space rodent traps or bait boxes in their facilities. But in fact, a new study finds placement based on rat and mouse behavior is more effective.

"From there, it just became a mantra without anybody scientifically evaluating it to see whether this was working," said first author Matt Frye, community extension educator with the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) based at Cornell.

"For a long time, inspectors would actually bring tape measures with them and measure the distance between devices," he said. "If it was different from the guidelines, the facilities would get penalized. The yardstick approach makes it very easy for facilities and auditors to implement programs, but it doesn't really lead to effective pest management."

In the new study, Frye and Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, senior extension associate at NYSIPM, found traps placed near areas with attractive features, like warmth and shelter, captured more rodents, while more than half of traps never caught anything.

In addition to smarter trap placements, the researchers also recommend fewer traps - a counterintuitive suggestion that pest control companies and food safety auditors may balk at -because both technicians and rodents can develop "device fatigue." Rodents may avoid devices that have been in the same place for too long because they're no longer interesting to explore.

Researchers found the south and, especially, west sides of buildings, motors and refrigeration compressors all provide warmth and are attractive to pests, and should be a focus of pest management efforts.

Researchers hope this work will help food suppliers to adopt the stricter standards of the Food Safety Modernization Act, which emphasizes preventing food contamination instead of just responding to it.

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The article, "Assessment of Factors Influencing Visitation to Rodent Management Devices at Food Distribution Centers," was published in Stored Products Research.

For additional information, see this Cornell Chronicle story.
New nickelate materials give scientists an exciting new window into how unconventional superconductors carry electric current with no loss at relatively high temperatures

Ever since the 1986 discovery that copper oxide materials, or cuprates, could carry electrical current with no loss at unexpectedly high temperatures, scientists have been looking for other unconventional superconductors that could operate even closer to room temperature. This would allow for a host of everyday applications that could transform society by making energy transmission more efficient, for instance.

Nickel oxides, or nickelates, seemed like a promising candidate. They're based on nickel, which sits next to copper on the periodic table, and the two elements have some common characteristics. It was not unreasonable to think that superconductivity would be one of them.

But it took years of trying before scientists at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University finally created the first nickelate that showed clear signs of superconductivity.

Now SLAC, Stanford and Diamond Light Source researchers have made the first measurements of magnetic excitations that spread through the new material like ripples in a pond. The results reveal both important similarities and subtle differences between nickelates and cuprates. The scientists published their results in Science today.

"This is exciting, because it gives us a new angle for exploring how unconventional superconductors work, which is still an open question after 30-plus years of research," said

Haiyu Lu, a Stanford graduate student who did the bulk of the research with Stanford postdoctoral researcher Matteo Rossi and SLAC staff scientist Wei-Sheng Lee.

"Among other things," he said, "we want to understand the nature of the relationship between cuprates and nickelates: Are they just neighbors, waving hello and going about their separate ways, or more like cousins who share family traits and ways of doing things?"

The results of this study, he said, add to a growing body of evidence that their relationship is a close one.

Spins in a checkerboard

Cuprates and nickelates have similar structures, with their atoms arranged in a rigid lattice. Both come in thin, two-dimensional sheets that are layered with other elements, such as rare-earth ions. These thin sheets become superconducting when they're cooled below a certain temperature and the density of their free-flowing electrons is adjusted in a process known as doping.

The first superconducting nickelate was discovered in 2019 at SLAC and Stanford. Last year, the same SLAC/Stanford team that performed this latest experiment published the first detailed study of the nickelate's electronic behavior. That study established that in undoped nickelate, electrons flow freely in nickel oxide layers, but electrons from the intervening layers also contribute electrons to the flow. This creates a 3D metallic state that's quite different from what is seen in cuprates, which are insulators when undoped.

Magnetism is also important in superconductivity. It's created by the spins of a material's electrons. When they're all oriented in the same direction, either up or down, the material is magnetic in the sense that it could stick to the door of your fridge.

Cuprates, on the other hand, are antiferromagnetic: Their electron spins form a checkerboard pattern, so each down spin is surrounded by up spins and vice versa. The alternating spins cancel each other out, so the material as a whole is not magnetic in the ordinary sense.

Would nickelate have those same characteristics? To find out, researchers took samples of it to the Diamond Light Source synchrotron in the UK for examination with resonant inelastic X-ray scattering, or RIXS. In this technique, scientists scatter X-ray light off a sample of material. This injection of energy creates magnetic excitations - ripples that travel through the material and randomly flip the spins of some of its electrons. RIXS allows scientists to measure very weak excitations that couldn't be observed otherwise.

Creating new recipes

"What we find is quite interesting," Lee said. "The data show that nickelate has the same type of antiferromagnetic interaction that cuprates have. It also has a similar magnetic energy, which reflects the strength of the interactions between neighboring spins that keep this magnetic order in place. This implies that the same type of physics is important in both."

But there are also differences, Rossi noted. Magnetic excitations don't spread as far in nickelates, and die out more quickly. Doping also affects the two materials differently; the positively charged "holes" it creates are concentrated around nickel atoms in nickelates and around oxygen atoms in cuprates, and this affects how their electrons behave.

As this work continues, Rossi said, the team will test how doping the nickelate in various ways and swapping different rare earth elements into the layers between the nickel oxide sheets affect the material's superconductivity - paving the way, they hope, to discovery of better superconductors.

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Lu, Rossi, Lee and six other members of the research team are investigators with the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES) at SLAC, which received major funding from the DOE Office of Science. Researchers from the Lorentz Institute for Theoretical Physics at Leiden University in the Netherlands also contributed to this work.

Citation: Haiyu Lu et al., Science, 9 July 2021 (10.1126/science.abd7726)

SLAC is a vibrant multiprogram laboratory that explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. With research spanning particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, materials, chemistry, bio- and energy sciences and scientific computing, we help solve real-world problems and advance the interests of the nation.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
When blood flow to the brain is somehow reduced or restricted, a person can suffer what we know as a stroke (from "ischemic stroke" in medical jargon). Stroke is one of those conditions that seems fairly common. This isn't a misperception: just in Europe, there are over 1.5 million new cases each year.

Some strokes can be lethal, and when they're not they often result in serious damage to the victim's ability to move. In fact, stroke is one of the major causes of long-term disability today. Recovery can be a long and arduous road. Again, in Europe, under 15% of the patients achieve full recovery, leaving 3.7 million patients with persistent impairments. Clearly, this is a medical problem that needs urgent addressing.

But rehabilitation is a complicated problem to solve. Strokes can occur in different parts of the brain, affecting different brain systems, and patients who undergo rehabilitation show a "heterogeneity in outcome", which is the medical way of saying that recovery can be very different between individual stroke victims.

"The key is to find the optimal neuro-rehabilitative strategy to maximize individual treatment outcome," says Professor Friedhelm Hummel, a neuroscientist and Director of the Defitech Chair for Clinical Neuroengineering at EPFL's School of Life Sciences. "If we want to address these challenges in everyday clinical practice, we have to first enhance our ability to predict the individual courses of recovery" adds Dr Philipp J. Koch, the study's first author.

Hummel has now led an international team of scientists into a new approach for outcome prediction that can significantly improve stroke treatment. Publishing in the journal Brain, they demonstrate a predictive method based on two powerful, cutting-edge tools: connectomes and machine learning.

The team included scientists from Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine (Professor Y.-H. Kim), University Medical School of Geneva (Professor A. Guggisberg), Inserm Paris (Professor C. Rosso), Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome (Professor G. Koch), and EPFL (Professor Thiran).

What is a connectome? Simply put, it's a map of a brain's wiring. The term itself was coined independently in 2005 by two scientists (one from Lausanne's University Hospital) to describe the "blueprint" of how a brain's neurons connect to each other, evoking the concept of the genome - hence, "connectome".

Connectomes are generated by analyzing multiple images taken from magnetic resonance imaging and reconstructing the brain's structural or functional wiring non-invasively and in vivo. Today, connectomes are indispensable tools for neuroscientists, especially when they want to interpret structural or dynamic brain data and associate them with functions, functional deficits, or recovery processes. In short, the connectome shows how the brain is wired to control the body and its functions, which makes them important for working out the best recovery approach for a stroke victim.

In the study, Hummel's group analyzed connectomes from 92 patients two weeks after the stroke, tracking connectome changes up to three months later while assessing motor impairment with a standardized scale. This allowed them to monitor connection changes in the individual brains of the patients while they underwent recovery.

The scientists input the connectome information into a "support-vector machine", or SVM, which is a type of machine-learning model that uses examples to map an input onto an output. SVMs are particularly useful for classification, where they tell things apart and categorize them appropriately, e.g. spam and non-spam email.

In this study, the researchers trained the SVMs to distinguish between patients with natural recovery from those without based on their whole-brain structural connectomes. The SVMs then defined the underlying brain-network pattern of each patient, focusing on those who were severely impaired to make predictions about their recovery potential, with the accuracy of each prediction cross-validated internally and externally with independent datasets.

The result is a cutting-edge tool of personalized medicine: a machine-learning system that can identify neuronal network patterns to make high-accuracy predictions on the outcome of recovery for stroke patients. "This tool can support the prediction of individual courses of recovery early on and will have an important impact on clinical management, translational research, and treatment choice," says Hummel.

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Other contributors

Clinique Romande de Readaptation (Switzerland)

University of Lubeck (Germany)

University of Geneva Medical School

EPFL Signal Processing Laboratory

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV)

University of Lausanne (UniL)

University School of Medicine (Republic of Korea)

Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS (Italy)

Geneva University Hospitals

Stroke Unit, Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital (France)

Sungkyunkwan University (Republic of Korea)

Reference

Philipp J. Koch, Chang-Hyun Park, Gabriel Girard, Elena Beanato, Philip Egger, Giorgia Giulia Evangelista, Jungsoo Lee, Maximilian J. Wessel, Takuya Morishita, Giacomo Koch, Jean-Philippe Thiran, Adrian Guggisberg, Charlotte Rosso, Yun-Hee Kim, Friedhelm C. Hummel. The structural connectome and motor recovery after stroke: predicting natural recovery. Brain 08 July 2021. DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab082
Whales were hunted nearly to extinction. A new report shows how important they are for healthy oceans. They can even help mitigate climate change.

Washington, DC (July 6, 2021) --The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was founded to regulate whaling. Today, it also increasingly focuses on the value of live whales for planetary health. A new workshop report confirms the great ecological value of whales to help mitigate climate change, transport nutrients, enhance marine productivity, and promote biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

The world's leading experts gathered for a three-day workshop in April that was co-hosted by the IWC and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The meeting came in response to a 2016 IWC resolution, introduced by the government of Chile, to compile scientific information about the ecological roles of cetaceans (whales and dolphins).

The workshop discussions focused on a number of primary ecosystem functions of cetaceans: nutrient transport both in the water column and between their foraging and breeding grounds, the impact of "whale falls" (when whales die and sink to the seafloor) on biodiversity and carbon storage, and the role of cetaceans as predators and prey. A series of expert presentations provided compelling evidence of the multi-faceted and beneficial impacts of cetaceans on marine ecosystems, such as their contribution to ocean productivity through their excrement (which can impact fishing yields) and their large bodies acting as carbon sinks (which can contribute to combating climate change).

"It is meaningful that the commission embraced the principles of the resolution that we proposed in 2016 for the protection of these marine mammals," said Jose Fernandez, Chilean commissioner to the IWC. "It is a strong recognition -- of a permanent and visionary nature -- about the need and obligation of our society to strengthen an ethical imperative. Its effects will translate into an instrument of enormous effectiveness for the protection and sustainable use of marine resources and ocean ecosystems, as well as to tackle the harmful effects of climate change."

"Scientific evidence demonstrating the valuable role of cetaceans as ecosystem engineers, including their ability to sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity, is expanding each day," said Dr. Joe Roman, a conservation biologist at the Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont and the lead author of a primary report prepared for the workshop. "It is critical that the IWC and its members consider this evidence as part of their ongoing efforts to manage and recover cetacean populations."

The workshop highlighted how commercial whaling has contributed to the slaughter of nearly 3 million whales in the 20th century alone, significantly diminishing the animals' ability to mitigate climate change. As some whale populations have recovered following decades of protection, they have resumed their role in helping fix and store carbon. However, that beneficial role continues to be hindered by other threats to cetaceans, particularly bycatch in fishing gear.

"Commercial whaling not only caused the extinction or near extinction of several whale populations, but it also resulted in the catastrophic loss of their ecosystem benefits," said Sue Fisher, marine animal consultant for the Animal Welfare Institute. "We must learn from the mistakes of the past and, for the sake of the whales and ocean health, end commercial whaling once and for all."

"As the world grapples with the dire consequences of climate change, it is imperative that all solutions -- large and small -- are considered to mitigate these threats," said Steven Lutz, senior program officer and blue carbon lead at GRID-Arendal, a United Nations Environment Programme partner based in Norway. "Protecting cetaceans is essential to promoting oceanic blue carbon as a nature-based solution to our changing climate, and it's time for the governments of the world to recognize this important value at the United Nations climate change conference in November."

"The decimation of cetacean populations over the last 200 years has knocked the marine ecosystem out of balance," said Astrid Fuchs, policy manager at Whale and Dolphin Conservation. "We now know that by helping whale and dolphin populations recover, they can help to heal the ocean as part of a nature-based solution to climate and ecological emergencies. For this to happen, the IWC and its member countries must urgently strengthen protections for cetaceans, reducing the risks from bycatch, whaling, pollution and ship strikes, and creating safe places for them to live and breed."

"During the last five decades (i.e., within a whale species' life expectancy), humans have come to learn about their intelligence, social complexities, and whale culture. Now, science reveals more and more about their important role for a healthy ocean and nature-based solution to climate change," said Fabienne McLellan, co-director of international relations at OceanCare focusing to end direct hunts. "While whales became THE symbol for the environmental movement in the 1970s, they should be truly treated as THE symbol for our ocean as our life-support system. We need to protect them with all our efforts, as our life depends on them."

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Company to expand the development and manufacture of advanced sensors for climate data monitoring, mining, defense applications and more

SYDNEY and LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2021 -- Q-CTRL, a startup that applies the principles of control engineering to power quantum technology, has been awarded a $3.5 million grant (USD) from the Australian government's Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) to expand the development and manufacture of quantum-based remote sensing technologies for space deployment.

Q-CTRL's quantum sensors leverage the physics of the sub-atomic world to detect and measure extremely small signals in nature. Its quantum-based gravity and magnetic field sensors offer new low-cost Earth observation technologies with global persistent coverage for climate monitoring, minerals, and geospatial intelligence.

The company will apply the MMI funding to support high-value quantum hardware development with a focus on measurements of Earth's magnetic field from small-form satellites. When fully developed this capability will provide massive strategic advantages for defense and new scientific insights for geophysics. And by contributing to global geomagnetic models used in navigation, it complements Q-CTRL's portfolio of space-based quantum sensors for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT).

"We are grateful to the Australian government for its support of our team and technology," said Q-CTRL CEO Michael J. Biercuk. "The MMI grant is a great validation of how we're translating decades of science into a valuable business, focused on building and operating the most advanced remote sensing technologies in the world - and off of it.

"Quantum-control-defined sensors will give us a new set of eyes on the Earth to monitor climate health, improve mining productivity and reduce its environment impact, and bolster our defenses with a completely new tool for gathering geospatial intelligence," Biercuk said. "The use of advanced sensors in all industries is projected to be a $300-billion market by 2025. We're excited to capture as much value as possible and deliver strategic advantage among our Five Eyes partners."

Biercuk added that Q-CTRL is building the sensor hardware as well as fine-tuning its performance with the company's unique quantum control software capabilities. The company's software tools are available broadly in the market and already helping researchers deliver maximum performance from their devices.

Previously, Q-CTRL announced it will be contributing new high-performance remote sensing payloads in upcoming lunar missions and beyond in coordination with FleetSpace Technologies, a nanosatellite startup and founder of the SEVEN SISTERS consortium, composed of Australian firms and academic institutions developing advanced exploration technologies for Earth, the Moon and Mars.

Q-CTRL has also previously announced a global research and technology development partnership with Advanced Navigation, a leader in AI-based navigational hardware, to conduct joint technical development in support of both the civilian and defense markets focused on quantum-enhanced PNT.

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About Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL builds quantum control infrastructure software for quantum technology end-users and R&D professionals across all applications. Its focus on developing the most advanced tools and techniques in quantum control provides a unique capability underpinning both quantum computing and quantum sensing. Q-CTRL recently announced a partnership with Transport for NSW delivering advanced infrastructure software to transport data scientists exploring quantum computing.

Q-CTRL has assembled the world's foremost team of expert quantum-control engineers, providing solutions to many of the most advanced quantum computing and sensing teams globally. Q-CTRL is funded by SquarePeg Capital, Sierra Ventures, Sequoia Capital China, Data Collective, Horizons Ventures, Main Sequence Ventures and In-Q-Tel. Q-CTRL has international headquarters in Sydney, Los Angeles, and Berlin.
A new study monitored satellite images to obtain sea discoloration data as a novel indicator in detecting if an underwater volcano's eruption is imminent.

A new study suggests sea discoloration data obtained from satellite images as a novel criterion in predicting if eruption looms for an underwater volcano.

There have been frequent eruptions of submarine volcanoes in recent years. The past two years alone recorded the explosions of Anak Krakatau in Indonesia, White Island in New Zealand, and Nishinoshima Island in Japan. Observing signs of volcanic unrest is crucial in providing life-saving information and ensuring that air and maritime travel are safe in the area.

Although predicting when a volcano will erupt can be difficult as each behaves differently, scientists are on the lookout for these telltale signs: heightened seismic activity, expansion of magma pools, increases in volcanic gas release, and temperature rises.

For submarine volcanoes, Yuji Sakuno, remote sensing specialist and associate professor at Hiroshima University's Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, proposed a new indicator -- sea color.

The relationship between the chemical composition of discolored seawater and volcanic activity has been known for a long time. Still, there have been very few quantitative studies that used remote sensing to explore it. And among these few studies, only the reflectance pattern of discolored seawater has been analyzed.

"This is an extremely challenging research result for predicting volcanic disasters that have frequently occurred in various parts of the world in recent years using a new index called sea color," Sakuno said.

"I was the first in the world to propose the relationship between the sea color information obtained from satellites and the chemical composition around submarine volcanoes."

The findings of the study are published in the April 2021 issue of the journal Water.

Sakuno explained that volcanoes release chemicals depending on their activity, and these can change the color of the surrounding water. A higher proportion of iron can cause a yellow or brown discoloration, while increased aluminum or silicon can stain the water with white splotches.

One problem, however, is that sunlight can also play tricks on sea color. The study looked at how past research that chromatically analyzed hot spring water overcame this hurdle and fixed brightness issues. A relational model between seawater color and chemical composition was developed using the XYZ colorimetric system.

Sakuno examined images of Nishinoshima Island captured last year by Japan's GCOM-C SGLI and Himawari-8 satellites. Himawari-8 was used to observe volcanic activity and GCOM-C SGLI to get sea color data. GCOM-C SGLI's short observation cycle -- it takes pictures of the ocean every 2-3 days -- and high spatial resolution of 250 m makes it an ideal choice for monitoring.

Using the new indicator, Sakuno checked satellite data from January to December 2020 and was able to pick up signs of looming volcanic unrest in Nishinoshima Island approximately a month before it even started.

"In the future, I would like to establish a system that can predict volcanic eruptions with higher accuracy in cooperation with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Maritime Security Agency, which is monitoring submarine volcanoes, and related research," he said.

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About Hiroshima University
Astronomers have designed and trained a computer program which can classify tens of thousands of galaxies in just a few seconds, a task that usually takes months to accomplish.

In research published today, astrophysicists from Australia have used machine learning to speed up a process that is often done manually by astronomers and citizen scientists around the world.

"Galaxies come in different shapes and sizes" said lead author Mitchell Cavanagh, a PhD candidate based at The University of Western Australia node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR).

"Classifying the shapes of galaxies is an important step in understanding their formation and evolution, and can even shed light on the nature of the Universe itself."

Mr Cavanagh said that with larger surveys of the sky happening all the time, astronomers are collecting too many galaxies to look at and classify on their own.

"We're talking several million galaxies over the next few years. Sometimes citizen scientists are recruited to help classify galaxy shapes in projects like Galaxy Zoo, but this still takes time."

This is where convolutional neural networks, or CNNs, come in. In today's high-tech world, these kinds of computer programs are everywhere, used in everything from medical imaging, stock markets and data analytics, to how Netflix generates recommendations based on your viewing history.

In recent years, CNNs have begun to see wider adoption in astronomy. Most of the existing CNNs that astronomers use are binary - is this a spiral galaxy or not? - but this new CNN uses multiclass classification - is this an elliptical, lenticular, spiral, or irregular galaxy? - with more accuracy than the existing binary networks.

Mr Cavanagh said that machine learning is becoming more widespread in astronomy.

"The massive advantage of neural networks is speed. Survey images that would otherwise have taken months to be classified by humans can instead be classified in mere minutes."

"Using a standard graphics card, we can classify 14,000 galaxies in less than 3 seconds."

"These neural networks are not necessarily going to be better than people because they're trained by people, but they're getting close with more than 80% accuracy, and up to 97% when classifying between ellipticals and spirals."

"If you place a group of astronomers into a room and ask them to classify a bunch of images, there will almost certainly be disagreements. This inherent uncertainty is the limiting factor in any AI model trained on labelled data."

One great advantage of this new AI is that the researchers will be able to classify more than 100,000,000 galaxies at different distances (or redshifts) from Earth and in different environments (groups, clusters etc). This will help them understand how galaxies are being transformed over time, and why it might happen in particular environments.

The CNNs that Mr Cavanagh has developed aren't just for astronomy. They can be repurposed for use in many other fields, as long as they have a large enough dataset to train with.

"CNNs will play an increasingly important role in the future of data processing, especially as fields like astronomy grapple with the challenges of big data," he said

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MORE INFORMATION

ICRAR

The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) is a joint venture between Curtin University and The University of Western Australia with support and funding from the State Government of Western Australia.

http://www. icrar. org

GALAXY ZOO

Galaxy Zoo is a crowdsourced astronomy project which invites people to assist in the morphological classification of large numbers of galaxies, and has been operating since 2017. This paper uses Galaxy Zoo images to help train the algorithm, but you can also sign up to take part in Galaxy Zoo citizen science yourself.
As atmospheric concentrations of CO2 continue to rise, we are putting future generations at risk of having to deal with a massive carbon debt. IIASA researchers and international colleagues are calling for immediate action to establish responsibility for carbon debt by implementing carbon removal obligations, for example, during the upcoming revision of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

Over the last several decades, governments have collectively pledged to slow global warming through accords such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Despite the ratification of these agreements by a large number of countries, the atmospheric concentration of CO2 continues to rise. At the rate we are going, we are well on our way to using up the remaining quantity of CO2 emissions to limit temperature rise to 1.5C approximately within the next ten years. If this so called 'carbon budget' becomes depleted before net-zero emissions are achieved globally, we will have to remove one tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere later in the century for every additional tonne of CO2 that we emit after this point. In other words, if we continue on our current trajectory - which is very likely to be the case - we will be building up a carbon debt.

The authors of a new study just published in Nature point out that the net-zero pledges made by a growing number of countries in fact already assume that a substantial amount of carbon debt will need to be compensated for by net negative emissions in the long-term. Idealized global scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s Special Report on 1.5 C Warming, for instance, suggest that carbon debt could amount to the equivalent of 2 to 18 years of pre-COVID emissions. This amount is bound to increase if we do not manage to cut CO2 emissions by roughly 50% by 2030, or if significant Earth system feedbacks, such as additional emissions from permafrost melting, occur.

"With its recently adopted Climate Law, the European Union not only decided to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but already for going net negative thereafter, potentially helping to bring down global carbon budget overshoot. However, so far this is not more than a declaration, since any serious discussion on instruments to establish long-term responsibility for large-scale carbon dioxide removal is missing, both from the political and the academic debate," explains IIASA researcher and PhD student at Oxford University, Johannes Bednar, the lead author of the study.

Despite the existing ambitious agendas to achieve net-zero emissions, there is generally a lack of strategy to repay potentially costly carbon debt. By implication, we risk that future generations will end up with massive debt, which is not only questionable from an equity perspective but also significantly reduces our chances to limit warming to 1.5C in the long-run. To assure the viability of a future net negative carbon economy, the authors argue that funds for carbon debt repayment need to be collected through carbon pricing while emissions are still in the net positive domain. Economic logic dictates that the latest possible time to start doing that is when the carbon budget becomes depleted.

Using carbon pricing to collect funds for carbon debt repayment works through both carbon taxes and emission trading schemes. For carbon taxes, a fraction of tax revenues would need to be earmarked for future net negative emissions, which is in some ways similar to paying into trust funds for nuclear decommissioning. Carbon taxes, however, carry the risk that insufficient funding is collected in the near-term through politically set prices for covering highly uncertain CO2 removal costs far in the future; or that savings are appropriated for other political purposes.

The study shows that in the case of an idealized global emission trading scheme, emission caps would accurately have to reflect the almost-depleted carbon budget. For existing trading schemes, like the EU emission trading scheme, this would imply a downward correction of currently scheduled emission caps. The resultant reduction of emission allowances, which would require CO2 emissions to fall to net-zero within this decade, could, however, be compensated. Corporations that continue to emit large amounts of CO2 would be able to hold on to an obligation to remove an equivalent quantity of CO2 in the future. Carbon debt would consequently be managed through so-called carbon removal obligations, which establish legal responsibility for carbon debt repayment.

Emission trading schemes then need to start dealing with the default risk of carbon debtors. The authors suggest this could be addressed by treating carbon debt like financial debt by imposing interest on it. Interest payments can be viewed as a rental fee for temporarily storing CO2 in the atmosphere. However, because carbon removal obligations are tradeable assets, this would facilitate de-risking carbon markets over time.

"Carbon removal obligations completely change how we see CO2 removals: from magical tools to enable a 30-year long period of the grand atmospheric restoration project, to a technology option that is developed and tested today and flexibly and more incrementally scaled throughout the 21st century and possibly beyond," notes IIASA researcher and study coauthor Fabian Wagner.

According to the authors, this policy proposal resolves some of the large inconsistencies of the current scenario literature and foreseeable long-run climate policy failures. Instead of overburdening future generations, carbon removal obligations imply a much more equitable distribution of financial flows and costs over time. Moreover, in climate mitigation scenarios a larger portfolio of CO2 removal enabling technologies usually goes hand in hand with increased carbon debt and a large reliance on CO2 removal later in the century. With carbon removal obligations in place, carbon debt is penalized through interest payments. In this case, the authors say, CO2 removal helps to minimize carbon debt and associated risks if it is rolled-out at large scale in the near-term to facilitate a more rapid path to net-zero.

"The idea of intertemporal emission trading has been around for some time. However, its crucial importance for dealing with net negative emissions has only now been discovered. Carbon removal obligations are in principle fully compatible with existing emission trading schemes. Nevertheless, for regulators and financial institutions this marks new territory, and frictionless operation will only be possible after some years of pilot testing," says coauthor Michael Obersteiner, a senior IIASA researcher and Director of the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University. "With the rapid depletion of the carbon budget, we therefore call for immediate action to establish responsibility for carbon debt by implementing carbon removal obligations," he concludes.

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Reference

Bednar, J., Obersteiner, M., Baklanov, A., Thomson, M., Wagner, F., Geden, O., Allen, M., Hall, J. (2021). Operationalizing the net negative carbon economy. Nature DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03723-9

Contacts:

Researcher contact

Johannes Bednar

Research Scholar

Exploratory Modeling of Human-Natural Systems Research Group

Advancing Systems Analysis Program

Tel: +43 2236 807 382

bednar@iiasa.ac.at

Press Officer

Ansa Heyl

IIASA Press Office

Tel: +43 2236 807 574

Mob: +43 676 83 807 574

heyl@iiasa.ac.at

About IIASA:
When people see a toothbrush, a car, a tree -- any individual object -- their brain automatically associates it with other things it naturally occurs with, allowing humans to build context for their surroundings and set expectations for the world.

By using machine-learning and brain imaging, researchers measured the extent of the "co-occurrence" phenomenon and identified the brain region involved. The findings appear in Nature Communications.

"When we see a refrigerator, we think we're just looking at a refrigerator, but in our mind, we're also calling up all the other things in a kitchen that we associate with a refrigerator," said corresponding author Mick Bonner, a Johns Hopkins University cognitive scientist. "This is the first time anyone has quantified this and identified the brain region where it happens."

In a two-part study, Bonner and co-author, Russell Epstein, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, used a database with thousands of scenic photos with every object labeled. There were pictures of household scenes, city life, nature -- and the pictures had labels for every mug, car, tree, etc. To quantify object co-occurrences, or how often certain objects appeared with others, they created a statistical model and algorithm that demonstrated the likelihood of seeing a pen if you saw a keyboard, or seeing a boat if you saw a dishwasher.

With these contextual associations quantified, the researchers next attempted to map the brain region that handles the links.

While subjects were having their brain activity monitored with functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, the team showed them pictures of individual objects and looked for evidence of a region whose responses tracked this co-occurrence information. The spot they identified was a region in the visual cortex commonly associated with the processing of spatial scenes.

"When you look at a plane, this region signals sky and clouds and all the other things," Bonner said. "This region of the brain long thought to process the spatial environment is also coding information about what things go together in the world."

Researchers have long-known that people are slower to recognize objects out of context. The team believes this is the first large-scale experiment to quantify the associations between objects in the visual environment as well as the first insight into how this visual context is represented in the brain.

"We show in a fine-grained way that the brain actually seems to represent this rich statistical information," Bonner said.

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As the world continues to warm, many arid regions that already have marginal conditions for agriculture will be increasingly under stress, potentially leading to severe food shortages. Now, researchers at MIT have come up with a promising process for protecting seeds from the stress of water shortage during their crucial germination phase, and even providing the plants with extra nutrition at the same time.

The process, undergoing continued tests in collaboration with researchers in Morocco, is simple and inexpensive, and could be widely deployed in arid regions, the researchers say. The findings are reported this week in the journal Nature Food, in a paper by MIT professor of civil and environmental engineering Benedetto Marelli, MIT doctoral student Augustine Zvinavashe '16, and eight others at MIT and at the King Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco.

The two-layer coating the team developed is a direct outgrowth of years of research by Marelli and his collaborators in developing seed coatings to confer various benefits. A previous version enabled seeds to resist high salinity in the soil, but the new version is aimed at tackling water shortages.

"We wanted to make a coating that is specific to tackling drought," Marelli explains. "Because there is clear evidence that climate change is going to impact the basin of the Mediterranean area," he says, "we need to develop new technologies that can help to mitigate these changes in the climate patterns that are going to make less water available to agriculture."

The new coating, taking inspiration from natural coatings that occur on some seeds such as chia and basil, is engineered to protect the seeds from drying out. It provides a gel-like coating that tenaciously holds onto any moisture that comes along, and envelops the seed with it.

A second, inner layer of the coating contains preserved microorganisms called rhizobacteria, and some nutrients to help them grow. When exposed to soil and water, the microbes will fix nitrogen into the soil, providing the growing seedling with nutritious fertilizer to help it along.

"Our idea was to provide multiple functions to the seed coating," Marelli says, "not only targeting this water jacket, but also targeting the rhizobacteria. This is the real added value to our seed coating, because these are self-replicating microorganisms that can fix nitrogen for the plants, so they can decrease the amount of nitrogen-based fertilizers that are provided, and enrich the soil."

Early tests using soil from Moroccan test farms have shown encouraging results, the researchers say, and now field tests of the seeds are underway.

Ultimately, if the coatings prove their value through further tests, the coatings are simple enough that they could be applied at a local level, even in remote locations in the developing world. "It can be done locally," Zvinavashe says. "That's one of the things we were thinking about while we were designing this. The first layer you could dip coat, and then the second layer, you can spray it on. These are very simple processes that farmers could do on their own." In general, though, Zvinavashe says it would be more economical to do the coatings centrally, in facilities that can more easily preserve and stabilize the nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

The materials needed for the coatings are readily available and often used in the food industry already, Marelli says. The materials are also fully biodegradable, and some of the compounds themselves can actually be derived from food waste, enabling the eventual possibility of closed-loop systems that continuously recycle their own waste.

Although the process would add a small amount to the cost of the seeds themselves, Marelli says, it may also produce savings by reducing the need for water and fertilizer. The net balance of costs and benefits remains to be determined through further research.

Although initial tests using common beans have shown promising results by a variety of measures, including root mass, stem height, chlorophyll content, and other metrics, the team has not yet cultivated a full crop from seeds with the new coating all the way through to harvest, which will be the ultimate test of its value. Assuming that it does improve harvest yields under arid conditions, the next step will be to extend the research to a variety of other important crop seeds, the researchers say.

"The system is so simple that it can be applied to any seed," Marelli says. "And we can design the seed coating to respond to different climate patterns." It might even be possible to tailor coatings to the predicted rainfall of a particular growing season, he says.

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The team included Julie Laurent, Salma Mouhib, Hui Sun, Henri Manu Effa Fouda, Doyoon Kim, Manal Mhada, and Lamfeddal Kouisni at MIT and at King Mohammad VI Polytechnic University in Ben-Guerir, Morocco. The work was partly supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, and the MIT Paul M. Cook Career Development Professorship.

Written by David L. Chandler, MIT News Office
Transfer-Bonding processes combined into one process for the first time in the world... Succeeded in developing the leading innovative technology. Equipment investment & process time greatly reduced to 1/10, material & repair costs reduced to 1/100

The Korean research team developed the world's first next-generation display technology that can simplify the process and reduce the incidental expenses considerably. The new materials required for the new process were also developed for the first time in the world and is expected to support the Korean industry considerably in continuing its leadership in the next-generation display market.

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced that the new materials appropriate for the new technique were developed to solve the challenges in the micro LED1) display technique.

Micro LED display is a next-generation self-emitting display using micro LED2)as pixel light source. The research team fabricated 12 micro LEDs in 1 mm 2, and more vivid color can be realized compared to the LCD3) or OLED4) display. It also has such high luminous efficiency that it can be utilized in various fields such as TV and Smart watch, etc.

Especially, micro LED display controls the RGB elements separately for the precise expression of screen brightness and color, and inorganic semiconductor can be used for a long period without worrying about the burn-in phenomenon of having quality deterioration.

To develop the product, micro LED produced through the semiconductor process must be transferred to the display panel. For 8K TV, about 100 million micro LEDs are required, and the size is also very small that a long time for transfer and bonding is required. The materials required for manufacturing the display are also dependent on import, so the price is very high5).

All existing methods were based on the sequential processes: the "transfer process" and then "bonding process." The research team of ETRI developed the new materials, SITRAB6) adhesives, for use in combining the transfer and bonding processes into one process.

The research team applied homogenized laser to the SITRAB film attached to the micro LED for a few seconds to develop the core process of simultaneous transfer and bonding7) to overcome the challenge.

The key to this developed process is applying the homogenized laser to a large area but heating up only the part for attachment to mount the micro LED on a display panel substrate; this technique enabled preventing the inconvenience of performing the transfer and bonding processes separately. The new materials appropriate for the relevant technique was also developed independently to provide the opportunity to utilize the material not only for the micro LED but also on next-generation display technology such as mini-LED, etc.

By applying the technology developed by ETRI, the high investment costs that used to be required for the transfer and bonding equipment can be reduced, and the process can be simplified to increase the manufacturability. In addition, the newly developed materials can be attached with additional micro LEDs even when applied with laser several times for enhanced convenience of repairing the defective pixels8). Therefore, the limitation of the existing process, i.e., not being able to perform repair, can be solved.

The micro LED, first presented by the research team was developed with blue color among the RGB, and the prototype with 1,225 micro LEDs in 100 mm 2 was demonstrated.

Especially, the transfer and bonding material that was mostly imported from Japan could be secured to create a new market through the new material development without the need for local manufacturing. The developed technology can also be utilized with domestically developed equipment instead of the expensive foreign equipment, making it favorable for commercialization.

By applying this ETRI-developed technology to the actual industrial field, the equipment investment cost and process time can be reduced to 1/10 compared to the existing technique, and the material and repair costs and time can also be decreased to 1/100 or less.

The research team attributed this result to efforts for the development of the relevant equipment and process based on know-how researched on the differentiated new material technology for 16 years by ETRI. ETRI expects the relevant products such as smart watch and TV, etc. to be commercialized within 2 years by transferring the technology to Korean display companies, etc.

"In the R&D field where global display companies are competing, ETRI became the first institution to overcome the limitations of the existing display. ETRI will continue the efforts to enable Korea to become the leader in the next-generation display and to maintain its status as the country with leading technology," said Dr. Choi, Kwang-Seong, the multi-functional material team leader for micro LED in ETRI and Ministry of Science & Technology.

According to the 2020 report by market survey company Omdia, the micro LED market is forecast to record an annual average growth rate of 65% until 2027 to have the relevant market scale reach USD 71 billion. The supply of LED Smart Watch is also expected to exceed 10 million, with micro LED TV exceeding 3.3 million as well.

Through this simultaneous transfer-bonding technology and process technology of applying new material to the laser, ETRI applied and registered 32 patents and presented 5 relevant theses.

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About Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI)

ETRI is a non-profit government-funded research institute. Since its foundation in 1976, ETRI, a global ICT research institute, has been making its immense effort to provide Korea a remarkable growth in the field of ICT industry. ETRI delivers Korea as one of the top ICT nations in the World, by unceasingly developing world's first and best technologies.

This research was conducted with the support of the 'Material Innovation Leading Project' by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), with the Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology, and Korea Institute of Industrial Technology participating as joint research institutes.

The research team announced the technology through the Latest-News Paper* in the 2021 SID Display Week, the world's largest display symposium; thus enabling the excellence of the technology to be acknowledged.

* Thesis Title: Simultaneous Transfer and Bonding (SITRAB) Process for Mini-LED Display

http://www. displayweek. org/ Portals/ 5/ pdf/ 2021%20Preliminary%20Program. pdf

Glossary description:
A new app under development is using deep learning and artificial intelligence to classify different kinds of sea ice

If you've watched Netflix, shopped online, or run your robot vacuum cleaner, you've interacted with artificial intelligence, AI. AI is what allows computers to comb through an enormous amount of data to detect patterns or solve problems. The European Union says AI is set to be a "defining future technology."

And yet, as much as AI is already interwoven into our everyday lives, there's one area of the globe where AI and its applications are in their infancy, says Ekaterina Kim, an associate professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) Department of Marine Technology. That area is the Arctic, an area where she has specialized in studying sea ice, among other topics.

"It's used a lot in marketing, in medicine, but not so much in Arctic (research) communities," she said. "Although they have a lot of data, there is not enough AI attention in the field. There's a lot of data out there, waiting for people to do something with them."

So Kim and her colleagues Ole-Magnus Pedersen, a PhD candidate from the Department of Marine Technology and Nabil Panchi, from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, decided to see if they could develop an app that used artificial intelligence to identify sea ice in the Arctic.

You may think there's not much difference between one chunk of sea ice and another, but that's just not so.

In addition to icebergs, there's deformed ice, level ice, broken ice, ice floes, floe bergs, floe bits, pancake ice and brash ice.

The researchers wanted the app to be able to distinguish between the different kinds of ice and other white and blue objects out there, like sky, open water and underwater ice.

Different kinds of ice really matter to ship captains, for example, who might be navigating in icy waters. Actual icebergs are nothing like brash ice, the floating bits of ice that are 2 metres in diameter or less. Think of it --the Titanic wouldn't have sunk if it had just blundered into a patch of brash ice instead of a big iceberg.

Another factor that adds urgency to the situation is climate change, which is dramatically altering sea ice as oceans warm. Even with the help of satellite images and onboard ship technologies, knowing what's in icy waters ahead can be a difficult challenge, especially in fogs or storms.

"Ice can be very difficult for navigation," Kim said. "From the water (at the ship level) It can be hard to detect where there is strong ice, multiyear ice, and different ice. Some ice is much more dangerous than other types.

The team began teaching their app's AI system using a comprehensive collection of photographs taken by another NTNU ice researcher, Sveinung Lset.

But an AI system is like a growing child -- if it is to learn, it needs to be exposed to lots of information. That's where turning the AI into an app made sense. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down most cruise operations, as the pandemic wains, people will begin to take cruises again -- including to the Arctic and Antarctic.

Kim envisions tourists using the app to take pictures of different kinds of ice to see who finds the most different kinds of ice. And every one of those pictures helps the app learn.

"If the app is used for 'infotainment,' accuracy isn't that important," Kim said. "It can even be fun when the model makes mistakes."

As the AI learns, Kim says, the increasingly complex dataset could be taken into the classroom, where navigators could learn about ice in a much more sophisticated way.

Currently, students just look at pictures or listen to a PowerPoint presentation, where lecturers describe the different kinds of ice.

"So this could revolutionize how you learn about ice," she said. "You could have it in 3-D, you could emerge yourself and explore this digital image all around you, with links to different kinds of ice types."

The researchers are planning an AI in the Arctic workshop in September to explore AI applications in these remote areas.

"There are extreme challenges unique to the Arctic, from human activities and impacts in remote Arctic locations to Arctic data acquisition, sharing, and quality," Kim said. "We need to direct AI applications towards solving Arctic challenges that are important for the world as well as to highlight the 'black holes' or knowledge gaps and raise awareness on what does not work, needs improvements."

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For more information about the workshop, see https:/ / www. ntnu. edu/ imt/ aidingarctic

Reference: N. Panchi, E. Kim and A. Bhattacharyya, "Supplementing remote sensing of ice: Deep learning-based image segmentation system for automatic detection and localization of sea ice formations from close-range optical images," in IEEE Sensors Journal, doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2021.3084556.
Researchers from Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation's Qatar Genome Programme contribute toward global initiative that can lead to therapeutic targets in addition to the protection conferred by the vaccines

Doha, Qatar, July 8, 2021: In March 2020, thousands of scientists around the world united to answer a pressing and complex question: which genetic factors influence the wide variation in COVID-19 severity? Why are some patients severely affected while others escape with mild or no symptoms at all?

A comprehensive summary of their findings to date, published in Nature - the world's leading multidisciplinary science journal - revealed 13 loci, or locations in the human genome, that are strongly associated with infection or severe COVID-19. The researchers also identified causal factors such as smoking and high body mass index.

The findings could help provide targets for future therapies and illustrate the power of genetic studies in learning more about infectious disease. And these results come from one of the largest genome-wide association studies ever performed, which includes nearly 50,000 COVID-19 patients and two million uninfected controls.

Hamdi Mbarek, Research Partnerships Manager at Qatar Genome Programme (QGP), part of Qatar Foundation's Research, Development and Innovation, and lead analyst of the Qatari dataset, said that scientists from around the world have moved at breakneck speed to unravel the role of genetics in the wide variation in COVID-19 severity - one of the most distinctive and perplexing features of the disease.

He added that the identification of the genetic factors can ultimately lead to potential therapeutic targets in addition to the protection conferred by the vaccines. Both approaches are necessary for improvement in COVID-19 prevention and treatments.

"The more we understand COVID-19 pathogenesis, the better we get at treating and managing the disease. Based on these results, genetic tests are being developed to predict the course of the disease, potential targeted therapies, and drug repurposing candidates are being evaluated," he said.

QGP became the first and only member from the Arab world to contribute to this global effort, called the COVID-19 Host Genomics Initiative. It was founded in March 2020 by Andrea Ganna and Mark Daly from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The initiative has grown to be one of the most extensive collaborations in human genetics and currently includes more than 3,500 authors and 61 studies from 25 countries.

Harnessing diversity

To do their analysis, the consortium pooled clinical and genetic data from the nearly 50,000 patients who tested positive for the virus, and two million controls across numerous biobanks, clinical studies, and direct-to-consumer genetic companies such as 23andMe. Because of the large amount of data pouring in from around the world including more than 13,000 genomes from Qatar, the scientists were able to produce statistically robust analyses far more quickly, and from a greater diversity of populations, than any one group could have on its own.

Of the 13 loci identified so far by the team, two had higher frequencies among patients of Asian or Middle Eastern ancestry than in those of European ancestry, underscoring the importance of diversity in genetic datasets. "We've been much more successful than past efforts in sampling genetic diversity because we've made a concerted effort to reach out to populations around the world," said Daly. "I think we still have a long way to go, but we're making very good progress."

The team highlighted one of these two loci near the FOXP4 gene which is linked to lung cancer. The FOXP4 variant associated with severe COVID-19 increases the gene's expression, suggesting that inhibiting the gene could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Other loci associated with severe COVID-19 included DPP9, a gene also involved in lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, and TYK2, which is implicated in some autoimmune diseases.

Said Ismail, Director of Qatar Genome, says: "We were prepared to join the consortium because we knew how important it is to represent Middle Eastern and Arab genomes in such studies to enhance diversity and empower genetic discoveries and avoid being absent from such key global efforts."

The team hopes their results would point for useful targets for repurposed drugs.

The researchers will continue to study new data as it comes in and update their results through the "Matters Arising" format at Nature. They will begin to study what differentiates "long-haulers", or patients whose COVID-19 symptoms persist for months, from others, and continue to identify additional loci associated with infection and severe disease.

"We are keen to harness our data and capabilities to continue contributing to the consortium's several initiatives," says Dr. Asma Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Genome Programme. "We'd like to serve the public interest in light of any developments related to health and prevention for individuals worldwide".

A new space for genetics

Mbarek emphasized that scientists were able to find robust genetic signals because of their collaborative efforts, a cohesive spirit of data-sharing and transparency, and the urgency that comes with knowing that the entire world faces the same threat at the same time.

He added that geneticists, who regularly work in large consortia, have known the benefits of open collaboration for a long time. "This kind of study usually takes three to five years to deliver, by working together we were able to achieve these results in a significantly shorter period of time," Mbarek said.

Qatar has emerged as a leading regional center for genomics research with global impact. It is the only country from its region to contribute to the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative study released today in Nature, and this first follows other recent milestones. In February 2021, researchers in Qatar released the first and largest comprehensive genome-wide association study of Middle Eastern populations in Nature Communications. In May 2021, research from Qatar highlighted in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrating mRNA vaccine efficacy against new COVID-19 variants received wide attention from global media and public health officials.

Ismail, for his part, is excited that results released today in Nature are interpretable also in the Qatari population and Arab populations in general. He says QGP will continue to be involved in the large consortia efforts globally in the areas of national disease priorities like common chronic diseases, rare genetic diseases, and cancer.

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Reference:

The COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19. Nature. Online July 8, 2021.

For more information on the Host Genetics Initiative, please visit https:/ / www. covid19hg. org/

About Qatar Genome Program

Qatar Genome Program (QGP) is the largest genome project in the Middle East with a mission to promote genomic research and clinical implementation at a national level. QGP is designed around a comprehensive strategy involving large scale genome sequencing and multi-omics data, establishing local and international research partnerships, building local human capacity, facilitating integration into the healthcare system, drafting guidelines and policies, raising public awareness as well as empowering and educating patients. For more information, visit: https:/ / www. qatargenome. org. qa/

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF's world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation's development.

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.
INDIANAPOLIS -- The vast majority of electronic health record (EHR) alerts attempting to reduce the prescribing of high-risk medications linked to dementia in older adults went unread in a study led by research scientists from Regenstrief Institute, Purdue University and Indiana University School of Medicine. The goal of the intervention was to facilitate the deprescribing of anticholinergics through both provider and patient-based alerts, however, engagement with the alerts was so low, the study team was unable to conclude if this approach could be an effective method.

Anticholinergics are drugs which affect the brain by blocking acetylcholine, a nervous system neurotransmitter that influences memory, alertness and planning skills. They are linked to dementia and prescribed for many conditions common in older adults including depression, urinary incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson's disease. These medications are used by approximately one in four older adults each year, and nearly half of older adults have used this type of medication at least once in a five-year period.

Many medical groups have come out in support of deprescribing anticholinergics, but it is challenging to execute in an already busy primary care environment.

"Deprescribing is very complex and rarely prioritized over common medical problems during visits with primary care providers," said study lead author Noll Campbell, PharmD, M.S., research scientist at the IU Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief and assistant professor of pharmacy at Purdue University College of Pharmacy. "In this study, we used principles of behavioral economics in the design of EHR nudges directed at both providers and patients to promote the deprescribing of high-risk anticholinergic medications. However, very few of the alerts were viewed by either recipient, so we are now evaluating how we can change or improve this approach."

In this study, an alert let the provider know that the patient had high-risk anticholinergic medications prescribed in the medical record and offered alternatives to those medications. Alerts also prompted staff to play a video providing education about the medicines and modeling a discussion that led to a change in prescription for patients who were prescribed one of the target medications.

The research team conducted the cluster randomized trial in Eskenazi Health clinics and compared the medication records to the previous year to see if there were any changes. They found there were no significant differences in deprescribing between the control group and the intervention group.

During the course of the study, 85 percent of alerts to providers and 95 percent of alerts to medical assistants went unread, so study authors cannot conclude that priming patients and providers for the discussion is not a feasible strategy, only that the methods used in this study were not successful in reaching the target recipients.

"One option going forward is to experiment with different design approaches in EMR-based nudges," said Dr. Campbell. "Alternatively, a shift towards human-based interventions that can manage the complexity of deprescribing activities may be more effective at deprescribing high-risk anticholinergic medications. While we pursue the goal of understanding clinical implications, we are also cognizant of the scalability of interventions if there is clinical benefit realized by reducing these high-risk medications."

Dr. Campbell and his colleagues at Regenstrief are currently conducting a clinical trial designed to determine if stopping anticholinergic medications results in sustained improvements in cognition. This trial involves clinical pharmacists working with physicians and patients to switch to safer medicines.

Another study at the IU Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief is testing an app called BrainSafe, which provides information on anticholinergics to patients with the goal of leading them to initiate a deprescribing conversation.

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"Multicomponent behavioral intervention to reduce exposure to anticholinergics in primary care older adults" is published in the June print issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. This study was supported by a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) (P30HS24384).

In addition to Dr. Campbell, authors on the paper are Richard Holden, PhD of Regenstrief, the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation, IU School of Medicine and the Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science; Qing Tang, M.S. of IU School of Medicine; Malaz Boustani, M.D., MPH of Regenstrief, the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation, IU School of Medicine and the Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science; Evgenia Teal, M.A. of Regenstrief; Jennifer Hillstrom, B.S. of the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation; Wanzhu Tu, PhD of Regenstrief Institute and IU School of Medicine; Daniel O. Clark, PhD of Regenstrief, the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation and IU School of Medicine and Christopher M. Callahan, M.D. of Regenstrief, the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation and IU School of Medicine.

About Regenstrief Institute

Founded in 1969 in Indianapolis, the Regenstrief Institute is a local, national and global leader dedicated to a world where better information empowers people to end disease and realize true health. A key research partner to Indiana University, Regenstrief and its research scientists are responsible for a growing number of major healthcare innovations and studies. Examples range from the development of global health information technology standards that enable the use and interoperability of electronic health records to improving patient-physician communications, to creating models of care that inform practice and improve the lives of patients around the globe.

Sam Regenstrief, a nationally successful entrepreneur from Connersville, Indiana, founded the institute with the goal of making healthcare more efficient and accessible for everyone. His vision continues to guide the institute's research mission.

About Purdue University College of Pharmacy

The mission of the Purdue University College of Pharmacy is to advance scientific discovery and development, maximize global health outcomes through patient care and public service, and educate and train students to become leading pharmacists and scientists. The goal is to transform the practice and science of pharmacy to lead advances in human health.

About IU School of Medicine

IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability.

About Noll Campbell, PharmD, M.S.

In addition to his role as a research scientist at Regenstrief Institute, Noll Campbell, PharmD, M.S., is an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy.
The door has finally opened on screening newborn babies for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE), a severe inherited metabolic disorder. This screening promises to enable better and earlier treatment of the disease. To identify new biomarkers that can be used in the newborn screening protocol, also known as the neonatal heel prick, researchers at the Radboud University Medical Center joined forces with scientists at the Radboud University's FELIX laser laboratory. They published their findings in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The discovery and identification of the new biomarkers could lead to an important addition to worldwide newborn screening protocols. Currently, there are over a thousand known inborn metabolic diseases (IMD), but only 2% of them can be detected through the neonatal heel prick. While these are relatively rare as individual disorders, in the Netherlands, every other day a child is born with an IMD. These disorders have severe health consequences for patients and are currently one of the leading causes of early death among children in the Netherlands.

Technologies combined

"Using new techniques in our clinical laboratory where we study the products of chemical processes (metabolomics), we were able to detect the presence of compounds in body fluids of patients that are not present in persons unaffected by PDE - that was a great first step. However, we could only identify the exact structure of these compounds, the new PDE biomarkers, using the infrared laser at FELIX", says Karlien Coene, laboratory specialist and researcher at the Translational Metabolic Laboratory of the Radboud University Medical Center. This is the first time that an infrared free electron laser - of which are only a hand full in the world - is combined with these clinical experiments.

Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) is an inherited metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by intractable seizures that do not respond to conventional antiepileptic medications. Seizures are often controlled by daily high doses of vitamin B6, however 80% of affected children nevertheless suffer developmental delay and intellectual disability.

Early screening for metabolic diseases is critical for optimal treatment. That is why researchers are constantly looking for new ways to detect more metabolic diseases earlier in life via the heel prick. These diseases can be identified by looking for the presence of small molecules in the blood that are unique to the disease, also called "biomarkers".

Circumvent bottlenecks

Biomarker discovery and identification is a well-known bottleneck in research of metabolic diseases. "To overcome this hurdle, we decided to combine the advanced analytical instrumentation with the infrared laser of the FELIX laboratory', says Jonathan Martens, researcher at Radboud University's FELIX Laboratory. "The measurements obtained using the unique FELIX laser gives us information about the bonds between the atoms and leads us to the precise molecular structure. With this information, we ultimately managed to synthesize the molecules and this allowed us to further investigate their role in the disease."

In addition to new possibilities in newborn screening, this finding has also revealed fundamental insights about the disease, which could ultimately lead to optimized treatment and better chances to prevent cognitive disability.

Martens: "Now that we have demonstrated that this new combination of techniques really works, we are actively applying our method in research on a range of other (metabolic) diseases for which biomarkers are currently lacking."

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A new generation of detector, based on technology developed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is set to transform the field of electron cryo-microscopy.

Technology developed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in partnership with the Rosalind Franklin Institute and MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC LMB) is being brought to market by Quantum Detectors.

Electron cryo-microscopy, also known as cryoEM, uses precision high energy beams of electrons rather than visible light to study the structure of biological samples at cryogenic temperatures to achieve imaging at the atomic level.

The innovative detector technology developed by STFC's Technology department will eventually lead to cryoEM techniques becoming available to non-specialist laboratories while specialist laboratories can undertake more complex work, raising the standards of research across the board.

Until now, the leading industry standard cryoEM systems have all required huge amounts of power. The standard systems operate with 300keV electron sources and are complex, specialised machines that are only available in specialist microscopy centres.

Recently, pioneering scientists demonstrated that similar imaging resolutions could be achieved with electrons at a much lower energy of 100keV.

The new commercial venture with Quantum Detectors aims to provide a detector which can aid in radically simplifying the microscope design. This will ultimately make the technique much more accessible and widely-used across science and industry.

Dr Barbara Ghinelli, STFC's Director of Campus Development and Clusters and a Rosalind Franklin Board Member, said:

"This is an excellent example of how the research base and industry can come together to develop and commercialise world-leading technology that will benefit society."

STFC's Technology department developed the technology in consultation with cryoEM pioneer and Nobel Prize winner, Dr Richard Henderson and MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC LMB) group leader Dr Chris Russo.

Dr Hazel Housden, the Rosalind Franklin Institute's Innovation and Translation Manager, said:

"This is an exciting step forward in the democratisation of the cryoEM technology. It will make the technique accessible to everyday laboratories, allowing many more researchers to obtain high resolution images of their own biological samples in-house, and free up specialist labs to undertake more complex research and development work. We are looking forward to seeing the great discoveries that will come from this revolution."

The Quantum C100 detector, based on innovative work at STFC, has been optimised for 100 keV and has been developed as a key component to facilitate economic access of the emerging field of imaging around the world.

Roger Goldsbrough, CEO of Quantum Detectors, said:

"We've been providing advanced detector solutions for almost 15 years now, and the introduction of the Quantum C100 will take product innovation to another level. We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to partner with the Rosalind Franklin Institute and the STFC, to help bring CryoEM technology to a far wider scientific community, with a whole new class of instrumentation delivering the higher quality data that scientists need."

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The Science and Technology Facilities Council

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is part of UK Research and Innovation - the UK body which works in partnership with universities, research organisations, businesses, charities, and government to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish. For more information visit UK Research and Innovation.

STFC funds and supports research in particle and nuclear physics, astronomy, gravitational research and astrophysics, and space science and also operates a network of five national laboratories, including the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and the Daresbury Laboratory, as well as supporting UK research at a number of international research facilities including CERN, FERMILAB, the ESO telescopes in Chile and many more. Visit https:/ / stfc. ukri. org/ for more information.

STFC'sTechnology Department has significant expertise in the manufacture of advanced detector systems, developing new and innovative detector designs, ensuring efficient knowledge transfer between industry and academia and providing our industrial and academic partners with access to a wide range of world-class sensor systems.

Quantum Detectors Ltd

Quantum Detectors (QD) is a market-leading provider of advanced direct electron detectors (DED) used in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Originally focused solely on the X-ray community, QD expanded into serving the microscopy community, and are now at the forefront of 4D STEM analysis, with the largest installed base of counting DEDs supporting all major TEM brands, including Hitachi, JEOL and Thermo Fisher Scientific. The company has a reputation for customer service and support, offering lifetime product care, continuous product improvement and bespoke solutions. Further information can be found at: http://www. quantumdetectors. com

The Rosalind Franklin Institute

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national institute dedicated to transforming life science through interdisciplinary research and technology development. The Institute brings together researchers in life, physical science, and engineering, to develop disruptive new technologies designed to tackle major challenges in health and life sciences. Focussing initially on five major research themes, the Institute aims to have a significant impact in imaging, diagnostics, drug development, and many more fields.

The Franklin is funded through the UK Research and Innovation through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The Institute is an independent organisation founded by the UK Research and Innovation, ten UK universities, and Diamond Light Source, with its central hub at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, registration number 11266143. We are a Registered Charity, number 1179810.

Twitter: @RosFrankInst
The region includes two Global Biodiversity Hotspots; the project will document the distribution and function of species and ecosystems

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Scientists from the U.S. and South Africa are launching a campaign to map marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species and ecosystems in one of Earth's biodiversity hotspots: the Greater Cape Floristic Region at the southwestern edge of South Africa.

NASA will fly planes over the area for six weeks in 2023 to measure the height and structure of vegetation and collect ultraviolet, visual, thermal, and other imagery across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Satellites will gather additional data. Teams on the ground will make observations at locations of particular interest, logging plants and, possibly, animals they detect.

Using this data, the team will map the region's biodiversity, providing estimates of the distribution and abundance of species, and the boundaries of ecosystems, and researching how biodiversity impacts the physical environment and vice versa. In other words, the campaign will help scientists understand the structure, function and composition of ecosystems in the study area.

"This is a broad collaboration between several organizations," says Adam Wilson, PhD, principal investigator and a biogeographer at the University at Buffalo. "The Greater Cape Floristic Region is a really fascinating place -- it has extremely high plant diversity, and there's been dramatic environmental change over the last 50 years, due to both climate and land use change.

"Our data will capture this region's biodiversity in greater detail than ever before from a plane or satellite. In combination with the field observations, these new data will help us understand this dynamic region and improve our ability to monitor biodiversity from space globally."

The project -- titled, "Marine, Freshwater, and Terrestrial Biodiversity Survey of the Cape (BioSCape)" -- is funded by NASA, with UB researchers receiving $873,000 in NASA funding to complete their share of the work.

The leadership team includes Wilson, associate professor of geography in the UB College of Arts and Sciences; Erin Hestir, PhD, at the University of California, Merced; Jasper Slingsby, PhD, at the University of Cape Town; and Glenn Moncrieff, PhD, at the South African Environmental Observation Network. Other institutional partners include the South African National Biodiversity Institute, South African National Parks, CapeNature Provincial Parks, and the South African National Space Agency.

"Much of the research in Earth observation has been conducted in the world's forested ecosystems, like the Amazon or northern temperate forests," says Moncrieff, scientist with the South African Environmental Observation Network. "But non-forest ecosystems harbor a substantial proportion of the world's biological diversity, and perhaps the most diverse of these non-forest ecosystems are the shrublands of the Greater Cape Floristic Region in South Africa.

"BioSCape will bring the most advanced NASA remote sensing technology to this region, facilitating a large amount of research into remote sensing of biodiversity beyond the forest edge. We hope that by mapping plant biodiversity and its function, we will be able to show the link between important ecosystem services that many people here depend upon and the unique flora of the region."

Slingsby, lecturer at the University of Cape Town, adds, "The BioSCape campaign really is a great opportunity, not only for boosting the use of remote sensing in the region, but for driving innovation in remote sensing of biodiversity in general. The shrubland ecosystems in the region are hyperdiverse and have complex spatial and temporal natural dynamics due to fire, seasonality, habitat heterogeneity, etc., and will really put the science teams to the test. The aquatic ecosystems will be no less challenging."

"The world is facing an extinction crisis," says Hestir, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Merced. "We are experiencing the sixth great extinction in the history of the Earth, with unprecedented rates of species loss. Understanding the diversity of life, what drives it and how it might change in the future is critical to maintaining and protecting life on Earth -- for us and all creatures."

The UB Department of Geography is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to fill the position of BioSCape's science project manager. The team is committed to building a diverse and inclusive project, Wilson says.

A second project

In a separate but related project in the Cape Floristic Region, Wilson is working with a team that includes some of the same partners to develop a tool that uses satellite remote sensing and AI to monitor ecosystems in the area. The goal is to detect fires, land-clearing, the spread of invasive plant species and other unusual damage to vegetation.

The $483,000 effort -- also funded by NASA -- is a collaboration among UB, the South African Environmental Observation Network, the University of Cape Town, CapeNature, the Nature Conservancy in South Africa, and South African National Parks.

"The idea is to create a decision-support tool that can support monitoring and management of biodiversity," Wilson says. "The system will flag unusual ecosystem changes, such as invasive species outcompeting native species, or land cover change in protected areas, so that teams on the ground can then go check it out to learn more about what's happening."

This project will also leverage the expertise of Yingjie Hu, PhD, UB assistant professor of geography and a co-investigator on this project. Hu is an expert on geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI). One challenge of monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem changes in the Cape Floristic Region is distinguishing between natural changes -- such as wildfires that occur regularly and are vital to the health of the local ecosystem -- and anomalous changes that threaten biodiversity. Hu's work will integrate AI and ecological modeling to facilitate development of a system that can make these distinctions.

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For the first time, Princess Margaret researchers have mapped out where and how leukemia begins and develops in infants with Down syndrome in preclinical models, paving the way to potentially prevent this cancer in the future.

Children with Down syndrome have a 150-fold increased risk of developing myeloid leukemia within the first five years of their life. Yet the mechanism by which the extra copy of chromosome 21 predisposes to leukemia remains unclear.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a random error in cell division in early human development that results in an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra copy is what causes the developmental changes and physical traits associated with the syndrome, including the predisposition to leukemia.

However, the exact blood cell type in which leukemia begins in fetal development, along with the genetic alterations that cause this cell to become preleukemic, has eluded researchers until now. Furthermore, the additional mutations that must accumulate during childhood to transform preleukemia into acute leukemia were unknown.

The study and results of the early evolution of leukemia in Down syndrome from the laboratory of Princess Margaret Senior Scientist Dr. John Dick are published in Science, July 9, 2021. Post-doctoral fellow Dr. Elvin Wagenblast is first author, and Affiliate Scientist Dr. Eric Lechman is co-senior author, along with Dr. Dick.

"A whole sequence of cellular events have already happened before a person is diagnosed with the disease," explains Dr. Dick. "You can't tell at that point which sequence of events happened first, you just know that it has already happened.

"For the first time, our model is giving us insight into the human leukemia process. Ultimately, we may be able to prevent the acute illness by treating it in its earliest phase, when it is preleukemic, to prevent its progression to full blown leukemia."

Using a preclinical model that includes human Down syndrome cells from a human tissue biobank, along with an enhanced CRISPR/Cas9 method for gene alteration in human blood stem cells that was developed by Drs. Wagenblast and Lechman at Princess Margaret, the team set out to chart the steps involved in this specific leukemia evolution.

Transient preleukemia is a unique condition frequently occurring in newborns with Down syndrome, which can either spontaneously disappear within days to months of birth, or transform into acute myeloid leukemia within four years by acquiring additional mutations in some individuals.

What Drs. Wagenblast, Lechman and Dick revealed in this work was the distinct cellular and genetic events related to transient preleukemia, from their beginnings in the fetus, to further progression to leukemia in childhood.

Specifically, the team was able to test a variety of blood cell types and pinpoint that transient preleukemia originates only from long-term hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), with the GATA1 mutation, as early as the second trimester of a fetus with Down syndrome. Preleukemia does not begin in HSCs from non-Down syndrome samples.

Only HSCs are able to regenerate the entire blood system and maintain long-term output due to their unique continuous capacity for self-renewal. In a broader picture, the fact that the cellular origin of pediatric leukemia is limited to only long-term HSCs might have implications for other kinds of childhood leukemias beyond Down syndrome.

Acute leukemia happens only after the first two mutations - the extra copy of chromosome 21 and the GATA1 mutation - are in place and have "primed" the progeny or descendants downstream of the altered long-term HSCs to acquire further mutations that lead to fully transformed acute leukemia, explains Dr. Lechman.

"We actually created a human disease in a preclinical model by showing how the genetically edited, as well as the normal human blood stem cells, behave in it, and we succeeded in recreating the precise, progressive steps of how leukemia develops," says Dr. Dick. "We now have a lot of clues as to the genetic abnormalities these mutations are driving when they cause leukemia."

The team also identified CD117/KIT as a unique protein cell surface marker on the altered disease-driving stem cells that causes the cells to proliferate. In the preclinical model and setting, the researchers were able to target and eliminate preleukemic stem cells using small molecule CD117/KIT inhibitors to prevent their progression to acute leukemia.

The researchers note that this preventative strategy could potentially be used in Down syndrome newborns and even expanded to other childhood leukemias that are known to be initiated during fetal development.

"The clinical significance of being able to target pre-cancerous lesions and preventing progression to cancer is profound," says Dr. Dick, "It would transform the pediatric cancer field."

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The work was supported by the Human Frontier Science Program, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Foundation, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, International Development Research Centre, Canadian Cancer Society, Terry Fox Research Institute Program Project Grant, University of Toronto's Medicine by Design.

Competing Interests

Daniel D De Carvalho: Pfizer and Nektar Therapeutics research funding; DNAMx Inc: co-founder and shareholder. John E. Dick: Celgene research funding; former member of Trillium Therapeutics advisory board. All other authors declare no competing interests.

About Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Many mammals share a similar neural "GPS system" that is responsible for tracking their location in space. A new study shows that this system predominantly represents important locations in the near future.

Berkeley -- When driving up to a busy intersection, you probably pay more attention to where you will be in the near future than where you are at that moment. After all, knowing when you will arrive at the intersection -- and whether you need to stop or slow down to avoid a collision with a passing car, pedestrian or cyclist -- is usually much more important than knowing your current location.

This ability to focus on where we will be in the near future -- rather than where we are in the present -- may be a key characteristic of the mammalian brain's built-in navigation system, suggests a new study appearing online Thursday, July 8, in the journal Science.

Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley, wirelessly tracked the brain activity of Egyptian fruit bats as they flew throughout a custom flight room. When the researchers compared the bats' flight paths with their neural readings, they found that the activities of the bats' "place cells" -- special type of neurons responsible for encoding an animal's spatial position -- were often more closely correlated with where the bats would be in the near future, rather than where they were in the moment.

"We wanted to find out: Does the neural activity at the present moment do a better job at representing a past or future position than it does the actual present position? And we found that, for some neurons, the neural activity actually does a much better job of representing a future position," said lead author Nicholas Dotson, who conducted the research as a postdoctoral scholar at UC Berkeley. "The finding shows that neural activity in this region is representing more than the bat's present position -- it's tentatively representing a full flight trajectory."

Place cells, located in a region of the brain called the hippocampus, work together to form an innate "GPS system" for a variety of land animals, including humans. As an animal explores a new environment, different place cells activate at different positions, creating an internal map of the territory that can be saved and stored.

"If you had access to neural activity in my hippocampus while I walked around a room, you'd be able to decode where I was in the room based on this neural activity," Dotson said.

The discovery of place cells in rodents was awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and many of the foundational experiments were conducted in the 1970s and '80s. However, a number of questions still remain about how this region of the brain operates during rapid movement and how it works to represent "nonlocal" positions.

"Because the hippocampus is involved in navigation, there have been several studies looking at coding in this brain region and asking: How does neural activity represent things that are going to happen in the future or that have happened in the past? And can this brain region exhibit activity that doesn't represent where we are right now, but actually represents a position that is far away?" said study senior author Michael Yartsev, an assistant professor of neurobiology and bioengineering at UC Berkeley.

Earlier experiments have been unable to conclusively answer this question, Yartsev said. This is likely because they were conducted using relatively slow-moving animals, like rats, that, in experimental enclosures, will only move about an inch or two in a second -- and also because when comparing the activity of individual neurons with an animal's position over time, a shift of a fraction of an inch will not make a huge difference.

Bats, however, are extremely speedy in flight.

"Bats move really, really fast. They fly at speeds of about 30 to 50 kilometers per hour in the laboratory, which is a huge advantage, because in the same fraction of a second, a rat might move a few centimeters, while a bat would move a few meters," Yartsev said.

To conduct the experiments, Yartsev and Dotson used wireless neural recording devices to monitor bats' brain activity as they flew freely throughout a custom-built room that had been outfitted with cameras to track the bats' precise flight paths. In one set of experiments, they recorded bats' position and brain activity while humans encouraged the animals to explore the full 3D volume of the room. In another set of experiments, the bats were left alone with a set of automatic feeders, located at different locations in the room, to entice the bats to fly around.

When Yartsev and Dotson compared the timing of neural activity with the bats' flight paths, they found that when shifting the bats' positions forward in time -- by comparing the neural activity with the locations where the bats would be in a few hundred milliseconds, or in a second -- suddenly, the neural activity correlated much more strongly with spatial position.

"Based on the data, you might assume that some neurons don't encode spatial information at all, because there is no correlation with the position at time zero or the present moment," Yartsev said. "But if you compare their activity to a position a second in the future, suddenly the correlation is incredibly sharp."

The findings suggest that place cells' activity doesn't just represent a single current position, but actually a trajectory that stretches into the near future, and into the past, as well.

"We can imagine walking down a hallway and picturing where we just were and where we will be shortly. What does that activity look like in the brain?" Dotson said. "Our findings suggest that as the bats are flying, they're representing in their mind not just where they are, but where they are along the path."

Though place cells and the basic components of this navigational system have been identified in a wide variety of mammals, it's not yet clear whether this ability to project a path up to a second into the future is unique to bats and their rapid flight pattern, or is shared by a wider variety of animals. However, the discovery opens up a variety of interesting questions about how we humans process our movement through time and space, Yartsev said.

Because the hippocampus is also a locus of many diseases, such as Alzheimer's, where a person's sense of location and memory is often disrupted, uncovering these basic neural computations could also give scientists a better understanding of disease-related impairment and help them devise more effective treatments.

"Terrestrial creatures may not need to project as far into the future as a bat, but, even for humans, it could vary by situation. If you're walking, you are probably content with knowing what's going to happen just ahead of you. But when you're driving, you want to know what's going to happen three meters or more away from you, because you're moving at a very high speed," Yartsev said. "Now that we know that there is some neural representation of future position in bats, we can go and ask: What are the shared components between different animals? And in what ways, and to what extent, do humans exhibit this ability?"

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This work was supported by the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF-RNI40), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-17-1-0412), the Office of Naval Research (N00014-21-1-2063), the Packard Fellowship (2017-66825), the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R01NS118422-01), the Valle Foundation (VS-2020-34) and the Searle Scholars Program (SSP-2016-1412).
Populist anti-foreign aid rhetoric works - but only fans of populist politicians are convinced by hostile messages about charity abroad, a new study shows. Those who distrust populist politicians are significantly less susceptible to these messages.

The research shows international aid institutions and non-populist politicians should not be unduly worried about the impact of populism on global development cooperation.

Those wanting to convince the public about the importance of foreign aid should focus on communicating their message transparently and clearly, and using local partnerships.

The research, by A. Burcu Bayram from the University of Arkansas and Catarina Thomson from the University of Exeter, is published in the International Studies Quarterly.

Dr. Thomson said: "Populists are not converting pro-aid individuals with their rhetoric; they are preaching to those predisposed to be converted. Populist parties and politicians continue to portray overseas aid spending as the enemy of prosperity "at home", and this has an impact on public attitudes.

"We have found those most likely to be swayed by anti-foreign aid populist rhetoric are those who have favourable views of populist leaders. This means the situation for those wanting to make the case for foreign aid isn't necessarily as bleak as many fear. The Conservative Party backlash to cuts is a good example of this.

"The effect of negative comments about foreign aid is moderated by whether people think populist leaders stand up for the little guy or scapegoat those in other nations. The future of global development might not be as bleak as previously feared in the age of populism."

Dr Bayram said: "We found people who trust populist leaders are more persuaded by populist rhetoric against aid than those who are suspicious of populists. Populist rhetoric against foreign development aid has a larger impact on the willingness to provide such aid when people think populist leaders represent the will of the people than when they think populist leaders scapegoat others."

Academics surveyed 1,600 American and 1,200 British adults during 2017 and 2018. First they measured their political views, asking if they saw populist leaders as the kind of leaders who "stand up for the little guy" or "scapegoat out-groups" for America or Britain's problems. Participants were asked to read a hypothetical scenario showing how leaders had handled multilateral development aid in different ways. One group were told the U.S. President or Prime Minister had said people prefer to help children in their country first; another were told the President or Prime Minister blamed elites for exaggerating the situation of global poverty and manipulating the people and another were told the President or Prime Minister said it was not their country's responsibility to help. A control group was told the President or Prime Minister had called for a congressional or parliamentary committee to evaluate a request from UNICEF's for more funding.

Participants were then asked about their willingness to contribute funds to UNICEF, and if the American or British government should provide additional funds to UNICEF.

In the UK, among the participants exposed to anti-aid populist rhetoric, those who believe that populist leaders scapegoat others were 31 percentage points less likely to want to reduce aid funding compared to those who believe populist leaders stand up for "the little guy". They find similar results in the U.S..

About 12 per cent of British respondents expressed strong support for funding UNICEF while about 22 percent said they were strongly opposed. Around 16 percent of Americans were strongly in favour of funding UNICEF and 23 percent were strongly opposed.

Those in the UK told their leader wanted to help children in their country first, global poverty was exaggerated or it was not their country's responsibility to help, were 6 percentage points more likely to say funding should definitely not be given to UNICEF, compared with those told their leader would get an outside body to consider the charity's request.

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URBANA, Ill. - If you've ever been to an eye doctor, there's a good chance you've felt the sudden puff of air to the eye that constitutes a traditional test for glaucoma. It's no one's favorite experience, but the puff is non-invasive and harmless.

Scientists use a similar method to test learning and memory in animals and humans. Like Pavlov's classic experiments linking a neutral stimulus with a physiological response, the eyeblink test pairs a light or sound with a quick puff of air to the eye. With repetition, the animal learns to close its eye, or blink, in response to the light or sound only. It's called associative learning, and the response is ruled by a brain region known as the cerebellum.

While the eyeblink test has been around since 1922, it had never been attempted in pigs until now. In a new study in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, researchers prove the eyeblink test works in 3-week-old pigs, a model species for nutritional neuroscience research in human infants.

"The idea is, if we can improve structural development in the brain through nutritional interventions, it should take pigs fewer trials to learn the rule. We're in the process of assessing the nutrition piece now, but we had to get the test to work first," says Ryan Dilger, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois and co-author on the study.

Dilger specializes in the effects of nutrition on the developing brain, with much of his work feeding directly into the infant formula industry. He uses neonatal pigs because, unlike rodents, their brain anatomy and structure, gut physiology, and nutritional requirements are strikingly similar to human infants.

Dilger's team typically studies pig brain response to new ingredients through magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, which focuses on the structure and size of various brain regions. They also rely on well-validated behavioral tasks, such as novel object recognition, that reflect activity in the hippocampus and striatum, some of the brain regions related to learning and memory.

But Dilger wanted a tool to specifically assess cognitive processing in the cerebellum. That's when he turned to Henk-Jan Boele and Sebastiaan Koekkoek, eyeblink specialists and neuroscientists at Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands.

Although humans and all sorts of animals have undergone the eyeblink test, the behavioral paradigm had never been validated for pigs.

"For human and mouse eyeblink conditioning, we use completely different systems," says Boele, a postdoctoral researcher with dual appointments at Erasmus and Princeton University. "Humans are easy to instruct, usually are very cooperative, and sit still during the experiment, which makes it easy to deliver the puff and measure the eyelid. Mice are mostly head-fixed during the experiment, which makes it easy to deliver the air puff and measure the eyelid. Pigs, instead, were a challenge because we did not want to fixate their head. It was really difficult to reliably deliver the air puff and measure the eyelid responses.

"We tried video cameras, diodes, and all kinds of things, to capture the blink. And we had to use a piece of equipment to deliver the air puff that was very close to the eye to avoid any delays. We need really sharp, short puffs that are not invasive for the animal but are still very precisely timed. So that was a challenge," he says.

The solution was taping a short piece of air tubing next to one eye, and pasting magnetic sensors on the forehead and eyelid to record the blink. The system measured the eyeblink down to the millisecond.

And yes, Boele puffed himself in the eye to test out the system. It worked. "Oh yes, I blinked," he laughs.

To ensure the pigs had free head movement but didn't get up and run around, the researchers placed them in a custom-built sound-dampening box fitted with a pig-sized hammock.

It was apparently very comfy.

Sangyun Joung, a doctoral student in the Neuroscience Program at Illinois and co-author on the study, says, "Each pig had five days of training to habituate them to the hammock and the testing environment. By day three, they were very relaxed, to the point where some of them were literally falling asleep. That was a little challenge for us during the analysis, because that definitely influenced their responses. But it also told us this whole behavior paradigm is not stressful for them. For us, it was interesting and frustrating at the same time."

Once the pigs were used to the setup, the real work began. The pigs did a series of eight tests in a row. The first was the air puff only, to measure the eyeblink reflex. The next six tests paired a small blue LED light with the air puff. The light came on for half a second, 500 milliseconds, and right at the end, with the light still on, the air puff was delivered. That last part, with both the light on and the air puffing, lasted a tiny 50 milliseconds. The final test was the light only - no puff.

The researchers repeated each set of eight tests five times on each of five consecutive days. The time between tests varied a bit to keep the pigs guessing.

"It wasn't just on and off, once per second. The system waits until the eye is in a stable place, and then repeats the test at random times so the pigs can't anticipate the puff," Dilger says.

But they did learn, over the course of the five-day experiment, to anticipate the puff. Pretty soon, pigs were closing their eyes at exactly the 500-millisecond mark during the eighth trial - the one with a light but no puff.

"The timing is perfect. If you look at the conditioned eyelid responses, you can see that the eyelid is closed exactly at the moment the puff would have been delivered," Boele says. "Just perfect motor timing, down to the millisecond. That's beautiful."

The research team learned something else about pigs they hadn't known before.

"We learned that pigs can just close one eye at a time; they can wink. We weren't sure about that, actually," Dilger says. "But because they are pigs, they will frustrate you all day long. Some pigs would just lay there with their one eye closed, which meant we couldn't use that that particular subject. They're smart creatures."

The eyeblink test specifically targets activity in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for making quick, unconscious predictions. These predictions relate to motor responses, such as where to step while you're walking; and cognitive processes, such as predicting what someone is going to say next in a conversation.

"The cerebellum is making short-term predictions all the time, continuously. It's essential to interact with our environment. When we think about learning and memory, often we think about really complex cognitive things, but most of our daily life behavior is just smooth, automatic interactions with our environment," Boele says. "In eyeblink conditioning, your cerebellum basically solves the problem for you. You don't have to think about it. It's making this short-term prediction, and that's what we are studying."

Pigs are born with a more developed cerebellum than human babies. That's clear from eyeblink conditioning tests Boele has done with six-to-eight-month-old infants; they don't typically learn the task at that age.

Unlike humans, pigs need to be able to make motor and cognitive predictions right away, since they can get up and walk around minutes after birth. When Dilger studies the pig cerebellum using MRI, which focuses mostly on structure, he typically doesn't see much change due to nutritional interventions. That's because the cerebellum is more developed at birth in the pig, which makes them a precocial species. But nutritional changes might alter the functioning of the brain region. That is what the eyeblink test will tell him in future studies.

"Often, function follows structure, but not always. Having a nutritional deficiency may show a deficit in eyeblink conditioning, this associative learning task," he says. "We want to be able to use a nutritional intervention as a relatively non-invasive way of understanding cerebellar development here."

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The study, "Young domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) can perform Pavlovian eyeblink conditioning," is published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience [DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.690019]. Current and former University of Illinois authors include Sangyun Joung, Joanne Fil, Austin Mudd, Stephen Fleming, and Ryan Dilger. Co-authors Sebastiaan Koekkoek and Henk-Jan Boele are affiliated with Erasmus Medical Center.

The Department of Animal Sciences is in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.
People are more likely to cooperate if they think others are cooperating, too; new research by biologists in the School of Arts & Sciences shows that overstating the true level of cooperation in a society can increase cooperative behavior overall

Remember Napster? The peer-to-peer file sharing company, popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, depended on users sharing their music files. To promote cooperation, such software "could mislead its users," says Bryce Morsky, a postdoc in Penn's School of Arts & Sciences.

Some file-sharing companies falsely asserted that all of their users were sharing. Or, they displayed the mean number of files shared per user, hiding the fact that some users were sharing a great deal and many others were not. Related online forums promoted the idea that sharing was both ethical and the norm. These tactics were effective in getting users to share because they tapped into innate human social norms of fairness.

That got Morsky thinking. "Commonly in the literature on cooperation, you need reciprocity to get cooperation, and you need to know the reputations of those you're interacting with," he says. "But Napster users were anonymous, and so there should have been widespread 'cheating'--people taking files without sharing--and yet cooperation still occurred. Evidently, obscuring the degree of cheating worked for Napster, but is this true more generally and is it sustainable?"

In a new paper in the journal Evolutionary Human Sciences, Morsky and Erol Akcay, an associate professor in the School of Arts & Sciences' Department of Biology, looked at this scenario: Could a cooperative community form and stabilize if the community's behaviors were masked? And would things change if the community members' true behaviors were eventually revealed?

Using a mathematical model to simulate the creation and maintenance of a community, their findings show, as in the example of Napster, that a degree of deceit or obfuscation does not impede and, indeed, can promote the formation of a cooperative community.

The researchers' modeling relied on an assumption that has been upheld time and time again, that humans are conditionally cooperative. "They will cooperate when others cooperate," Akcay says.

But the threshold of when someone will start cooperating differs from individual to individual. Some people will cooperate even when nobody else is, while others require most of the community to cooperate before they will do so too. Depending on the number of people with different cooperation thresholds, a community can wind up with either very high or very low levels of cooperation. "Our goal was to figure out, How can obfuscation act as a catalyst to get us to a highly cooperative community?" says Morsky.

To model this, the researchers envisioned a theoretical community in which individuals would join in a "naive" state, believing that everyone else in the community is cooperating. As a result, most of them, too, begin cooperating.

At some point, however, the formerly naive individuals become savvy and learn the true rate of cooperation in the community. Depending on their threshold of conditional cooperation, they may continue to cooperate, cheat, or get discouraged and leave the community.

In the model, when the researchers decreased the learning rate--or kept the true rate of cooperation in the group a secret for longer--they found that cooperation levels grew high, and savvy individuals quickly left the population. "And because those savvy individuals are the ones that don't cooperate as readily, that leaves only the individuals who are cooperating, so the average rate of cooperation gets very high," says Akcay.

Cooperative behavior could also come to dominate provided there was a steady inflow of naive individuals into the population.

Akcay and Morsky note that their findings stand out from past research on cooperation.

"Typically when we and others have considered how to maintain cooperation, it's been thought that it's important to punish cheaters and to make that public to encourage others to cooperate," Morsky says. "But our study suggests that a side effect of public punishment is that it reveals how much or how little people are cooperating, so conditional cooperators may stop cooperating. You might be better off hiding the cheaters."

To continue exploring conditional cooperation, the researchers hope to follow with experiments with human participants as well as further modeling to reveal the tipping points for moving a group to either cooperate or not and how these tipping points could be changed by interventions. "You can see how conditional cooperation factors into behavior during this pandemic, for example," Akcay says. "If you think a lot of people are being careful (for example, wearing masks and social distancing), you might as well, but if the expectation is that not many people are being careful you may choose not to. Mask wearing is easy to observe, but other behaviors are harder, and that affects how the dynamics of these behaviors might unfold.

"This is a problem that humans have had to solve over and over again," he says. "Some amount of cooperation is required to have a society be worthwhile."

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Erol Akcay is an associate professor in the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences' Department of Biology.

Bryce Morsky is a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Arts & Sciences' Department of Biology at Penn.

The study was supported by the University of Pennsylvania.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba find that a master regulator of the oxidative stress response affects muscle composition during space flight

Ibaraki, Japan - Most kids dream of growing up to be astronauts; but the downside of spending extended amounts of time in low gravity is that astronauts' muscles tend to shrink and weaken through disuse. Now, researchers from Japan have identified a protein that affects how muscles respond to space flight.

In a study published in June 2021 in Communications Biology, researchers from the University of Tsukuba have revealed that nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, or NRF2, helps keep muscles from becoming weak in low gravity.

Muscle atrophy, or weakening, is a common feature of disease and aging. It can also occur after a long period of inactivity, such as during space flight, when astronauts don't need to use their muscles as much as they do on Earth to support their weight or move around. When muscles atrophy in space, they not only decrease in size, but they also tend to lose a type of fiber called "slow-twitch" and gain more fibers called "fast-twitch."

"This conversion from slow- to fast-twitch muscle fibers is closely associated with an increase in oxidative stress," explains Professor Satoru Takahashi, the senior author of the study. "Thus, we expected that removing factors that protect against oxidative stress would accelerate muscle atrophy under microgravity conditions."

To explore this, the researchers deleted the gene encoding NRF2, which helps controls the body's response to oxidative stress, in mice. The mice were then sent to live on the International Space Station for a month. When the mice returned, the researchers compared their calf muscles with those from mice who had spent the same month on Earth.

"We were surprised to find that the Nrf2-knockout mice did not lose any more muscle mass than the control mice under a microgravity environment," says Professor Takahashi. "However, they did show a significantly accelerated rate of slow-to-fast fiber type transition."

In addition to this change in muscle composition, there were also noticeable changes in the way that the muscle tissue used energy and nutrients. This shift in energy metabolism is a common feature of fiber type transition.

"Our findings suggest that NFR2 alters skeletal muscle composition during space flight by regulating oxidative and metabolic responses," states Professor Takahashi.

Given this newly discovered role for NFR2, finding treatments that target this protein could be useful for helping prevent muscle changes in astronauts during space flight. Targeting NFR2 could also be a promising avenue for addressing muscle wasting in diseases like cancer or during the aging process.

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The article, "Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) deficiency accelerates fast fibre type transition in soleus muscle during space flight," was published in Communications Biology at DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02334-4

This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (14YPTK-005512; S.T.), and a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas from MEXT (18H04965; S.T.). The authors declare no competing interests.
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual Veterans from the Vietnam era report PTSD and poorer mental health more often than their heterosexual counterparts, according to an analysis of data from the Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS).

A greater burden of potentially traumatic events among LGB Veterans, such as childhood physical abuse, adult physical assault, and sexual assault, was associated with the differences.

"This study is the first to document sexual orientation differences in trauma experiences, probable PTSD, and health-related quality of life in LGB Veterans using a nationally representative sample," said Dr. John Blosnich, senior author of the study, published in July 2021 in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Blosnich is a research health scientist with the Department of Veterans Affairs' Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion in Pittsburgh, and an assistant professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California.

Veterans are at high risk for experiencing potentially traumatic events during military service. Evidence also suggests that sexual minorities are at greater risk of PTEs, compared with heterosexual peers. However, few studies have documented how traumatic experiences may differ by sexual orientation among Veterans.

VE-HEROeS sought survey data from more than 45,000 Vietnam-era Veterans, as well as 11,000 matched controls. Data collection was completed in 2018; nearly 19,000 Veterans responded. Multiple studies are underway based on the data collected.

"When initiating VE-HEROes we sought input from the Vietnam-era Veteran community," said Dr. Victoria Davey, the study's senior author. Davey is the principal investigator of VE-HEROeS and an associate chief research and development officer for VA. "That is being done more often in research but hasn't been done with Veteran research as much as it should be, at least in my opinion. It's important to bring the community into the research fold, so you hear from them what should be studied and what the approach should be. I think that by doing so, we created a better study."

Approximately 1.5% of responding Veterans identified as LGB; of those, 87% were male. Compared with heterosexual Veterans, LGB Veterans were younger at the time they were surveyed. They also were more likely to be female (13% of LGB Veterans, compared with 3% of heterosexual Veterans) and less likely to have served in combat.

Veterans were asked about exposure to 11 types of potentially traumatic events (PTEs), largely through a 10-question standardized instrument called the Brief Trauma Questionnaire (BTQ; see table).

"We used the BTQ because it is well-validated in many populations, including military populations, and because we wanted this study to be comparable with other large studies," said Davey. After consulting with advisors from the Vietnam-era Veteran community, researchers added an eleventh question about witnessing sexual assault during military service. Nearly one-third of heterosexual Veterans and about one-fourth of LGB Veterans reported this type of PTE.

"The Veterans advising us said that one of the most traumatic things they experienced was actually having to watch sexual assaults, either on civilians or on other members of the military," said Davey.

Compared with heterosexual Veterans, LGB Veterans were more likely to report exposures to physical abuse in childhood, natural disasters, physical assault in adulthood, and sexual assault. They were less likely to report exposure to combat, witnessing someone being seriously injured or killed, or witnessing sexual assault while in the military.

The study found that 20.1% of LGB Veterans in the study had probable PTSD, compared with 14.7% of heterosexual Veterans-- a significant difference. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, approximately 3.6% of all Americans have PTSD, with prevalence more common in females (5.2%) than males (1.8%).

LGB Veterans had 50% greater odds of probable PTSD and 70% greater odds of poor mental health, compared with heterosexual Veterans. These differences disappeared when researchers controlled for the number of PTEs.

"The potentially traumatic experiences largely accounted for the differences in mental health outcomes," said Blosnich.

This is a key finding, he noted, because until the early 1970s, being lesbian, gay or bisexual was considered a mental illness. "And there are still people and institutions that believe there is something inherently damaging about being LGB," said Blosnich. "The study analyses indicate that your sexuality is not the driver; if you are subjected to certain experiences, those experiences are the driver. It's how you are treated, not who you are."

Both Davey and Blosnich believe the study can help to inform PTSD treatment of Vietnam-era Veterans, as it indicates that traumas across the lifespan can contribute to PTSD, particularly for LGB Veterans--although how early-life traumas interact with military service experiences isn't fully understood.

"Early life adversity and trauma experienced during the military may combine in complicated ways; we don't know," Blosnich said. "Military trauma is the reason we have a PTSD diagnosis. But it doesn't happen in a vacuum."

Providers should try to create a therapeutic safe space for Vietnam-era Veterans to talk about childhood trauma, he said, but that could be difficult if those earlier experiences are tied to LGB sexual identity.

"Imagine you're an LGB Vietnam-era Veteran. You grew up in a toxic time for LGB people, then served in the military, where your sexuality could end your career," Blosnich said. "Feeling like it's okay to talk about your sexual orientation with a health care provider--that has to be really difficult."

The 2016-2017 Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) study is a VA-funded nationwide study designed to assess the current health and well-being of Vietnam Veterans, Blue Water Navy Veterans, and Veterans who served elsewhere during the Vietnam Era (1961-1975). This study is comparing the health of these Veterans to similarly aged U.S. residents who never served in the military. Participants completed a survey of questions about military service, general health, lifestyle, and aging. Data collection was completed in 2018.

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What happens when climate change affects the abundance and distribution of fish? Fishers and fishing communities in the Northeast United States have adapted to those changes in three specific ways, according to new research published in Frontiers in Marine Science.

Becca Selden, Wellesley College assistant professor of biological sciences, and a team of colleagues examined how fishing communities have responded to documented shifts in the location of fluke and of red and silver hake. The team found that fishers made three distinct changes to their approaches: following the fish to a new location; fishing for a different kind of fish; and bringing their catch to shore at another port of landing.

Selden began this research as a postdoctoral scholar at Rutgers University in New Jersey with Eva Papaioannou, now a scientist at GEOMAR. They combined quantitative data on fish availability from surveys conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and a unique geographic information system database from fishing trip records developed for this project. The researchers then interviewed fishers in 10 ports from North Carolina to Maine.

They explored three dominant strategies, and found that fishers throughout the Northeast were more likely to shift their target species. In interviews, the researchers learned that targeting a mix of species is a critical option for adaptation. Doing so can be complicated, however, because in many cases regulations and markets (or the lack of a market) constrain fishers' ability to take advantage of a changing mix of species in fishing grounds. For example, in Point Pleasant, N.J., fishers can't capitalize on an increase in dogfish in the region because of strict conservation measures that have been in place since 1988, when the species was declared over-fished, and the resulting absence of a market for those fish.

"Most communities tend to fish where they have fished for generations, and therefore, for any fishery management plan to be more climate-ready in the future, it needs to take that into account," Selden said. "They're less likely to move where they fish, more likely to switch what they fish, but only if they can, and regulations play a big role in that being successful."

The researchers also learned about a previously undescribed strategy in which fishers change where they bring the fish ashore to sell. This is particularly common for vessels coming from northern fishing communities that sell fluke in Beaufort, N.C. "Had we not combined the quantitative data with the in-depth interviews with community members, we would have totally missed the phenomenon we saw come to light in Beaufort," Papaioannou said. "It made for such a powerful way of analyzing the data, so that we were really using it to influence the questions we would ask in each interview, and the interviews would drive what we would examine in the quantitative data. I think that approach really made for a much more complete look at the impact of changes in species distribution and fishers' adaptations."

Of the fishing communities they studied, only the one in Beaufort used the tactic of following fish to new grounds. Unlike communities in the north, fishers in Beaufort have targeted fluke heavily in the past, and because the port is on the southern edge of the range for this species they are more vulnerable as the species shifts north. "Beaufort fishers have gone to tremendous lengths to keep fishing fluke," Selden said, "and following fish to new grounds brings its own constraints and concerns." These include the cost of increased fuel use, safety issues due to vessel size, and the local environmental knowledge needed to fish successfully in new locations.

All of these responses are intertwined, Selden said, so as we learn more about the effects of climate change on the future of fishing, understanding, predicting, and planning for any one of them will require examining all three together.

The researchers focused on the Northeast because it has been a hotspot of recent ocean warming, especially in the Gulf of Maine, and in some ways it is a harbinger of what other areas might be experiencing soon, Selden said. Along the East Coast, she said, "you have species that have these state-by-state regulations, you're passing through different jurisdictions and three different fisheries management councils, and species are crossing boundaries all over the place. This all has an impact on fishers, their behavior, and their communities."

Selden plans to continue this work on the West Coast--where there are only three states and one fishery management council--to compare how stable their fishing grounds are and how much fishers are switching species versus shifting where they fish.

"Fisheries are really on the frontline of climate impacts," Selden said. "It's really a bipartisan issue, and there are stakeholders across party lines. That was my motivation to focus on how communities are adapting, how they've adapted to past change. We need to be able to understand how they might adapt to future change and potentially how we would need to change management to facilitate some of the adaptations that they are already demonstrating."

The team is building a website that fishers and communities can use to see some of these patterns and learn more about what their counterparts elsewhere are doing about them. Community leaders and fishery management officials could also use the information to promote a broader understanding of the issues and potentially prioritize fishery development projects or plan for where a species will go next.

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July 8, 2021 - Until relatively recently, opioids were a mainstay of treatment for pain following total hip or knee replacement. Today, a growing body of evidence supports the use of multimodal analgesia - combinations of different techniques and medications to optimize pain management while reducing the use and risks of opioids, according to a paper in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio in partnership with Wolters Kluwer.

"Multimodal analgesia has become the standard of care for total joint arthroplasty as it provides superior analgesia with fewer side effects than opioid-only protocols," write Javad Parvizi, MD, FRCS, of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, and coauthors. They provide an update on multimodal analgesia for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA), including the protocol utilized at their institution.

Following TJA, combination techniques improve pain control - and reduce opioid risks

Good pain management is critical to achieving the best possible outcomes in hip or knee replacement. Traditionally, pain following TJA was treated with opioid-based regimens, especially patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous opioids. However, opioids have substantial adverse effects, including confusion, nausea and vomiting, and respiratory depression - in addition to the well-known risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse.

"Multimodal analgesia involves the use of various agents with different mechanisms of action, thus maximizing benefit while minimizing side effects," Dr. Parvizi and colleagues write. Although the exact medications and techniques may vary by hospital, multimodal combinations are now preferred over opioid-based approaches.

Ideally, multimodal analgesia starts before surgery and continues during and after the procedure, including after the patient is discharged from the hospital. Recent studies have shown that multimodal analgesia can improve pain scores and side effects while reducing opioid use, compared to opioid-based regimens.

In their review, Dr. Parvizi and coauthors provide an update on the use of multimodal analgesia for TJA, including:

Analgesic Medications. Familiar drugs with good safety characteristics, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which provide excellent pain control. Other useful medications include certain antiseizure medications, which are typically used for the treatment of nerve pain, and corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, which are highly effective in reducing inflammation. The "weak" opioid drug tramadol is sometimes used, although questions remain about its safety.

Familiar drugs with good safety characteristics, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which provide excellent pain control. Other useful medications include certain antiseizure medications, which are typically used for the treatment of nerve pain, and corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, which are highly effective in reducing inflammation. The "weak" opioid drug tramadol is sometimes used, although questions remain about its safety. Local Anesthetics. Multimodal analgesia may also include various local anesthetic techniques. These include anesthetics given via local infiltration: similar to local anesthesia for dental procedures, these techniques prevent pain by numbing the nerves in a specific area. Local anesthetics can also be used to perform specific types of nerve blocks, especially for knee replacement surgery.

Multimodal analgesia may also include various local anesthetic techniques. These include anesthetics given via local infiltration: similar to local anesthesia for dental procedures, these techniques prevent pain by numbing the nerves in a specific area. Local anesthetics can also be used to perform specific types of nerve blocks, especially for knee replacement surgery. Nondrug Strategies. Nonpharmacologic techniques such as electrotherapy, acupuncture, or cryotherapy, which can be as simple as applying an ice pack, have shown promising results. However, there are questions about the quality of the current studies on these modalities. New surgical techniques, such as those that avoid the use of a tourniquet, may help reduce the need for opioids.

Dr. Parvizi and coauthors look at some emerging treatments for pain control, such as the local delivery of pain medications via implants, a procedure using cold to temporarily block pain transmission by nerves (cryoneurolysis), and the stimulation of peripheral nerves. Cannabis is being explored as a possible multimodal treatment, although studies so far have shown no reduction in pain or opioid use after TJA.

The article includes a table summarizing the Rothman Institute protocol for multimodal analgesia for TJA - from pre-emptive analgesia before surgery through follow-up care after discharge. Dr. Parvizi and colleagues conclude, "[M]ultimodal pain management is essential to guarantee proper perioperative pain control in TJA and optimize surgical outcome and postoperative recovery, while minimizing the use of opioids."

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Click here to read "An Update on Multimodal Pain Management After Total Joint Arthroplasty."

DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.19.01423

About The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery

The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS) has been the most valued source of information for orthopaedic surgeons and researchers for over 125 years and is the gold standard in peer-reviewed scientific information in the field. A core journal and essential reading for general as well as specialist orthopaedic surgeons worldwide, The Journal publishes evidence-based research to enhance the quality of care for orthopaedic patients. Standards of excellence and high quality are maintained in everything we do, from the science of the content published to the customer service we provide. JBJS is an independent, non-profit journal.

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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.
July 8, 2021 - Women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) experience frustration related to their treatment - particularly the risks from repeated use of antibiotics, according to a focus group study in The Journal of Urology, Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

"This study was prompted by our experience treating countless women with recurrent UTIs referred to our specialized Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery center," comments senior author Ja-Hong Kim, MD, of UCLA Center of Women's Pelvic Health. "The vast majority were understandably dissatisfied with their care pathway, which was primarily antibiotic-focused with minimal effort spent on patient education and prevention strategies."

Lead author Victoria C.S. Scott, MD, of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills, Calif adds, "It's important for patients with this chronic condition to feel empowered in sharing their concerns with physicians regarding their health, quality of life and medical treatment and for physicians to respond to these concerns."

New strategies needed 'to minimize and target antibiotic use'

More than half of women will develop a UTI sometime during their lives, and about one-fourth experience recurrent UTIs. Episodes of UTI have a major impact on patients' lives - including pain and other symptoms, reduced quality of life, and repeated courses of antibiotics for prevention and treatment.

"In our experience, many patients labelled with recurrent UTI are either misdiagnosed or mistreated without following the guidelines set forth by specialty societies," says Dr. Kim. "It became clear that a paradigm shift in recurrent UTI management was needed, starting with patient-centered research to assess gaps in the current UTI treatment algorithm." The researchers performed a series of focus groups, with a total of 29 patients participating.

Analysis of the discussions identified several themes related to negative effects associated with antibiotic use. The women were well aware of the risks of developing antibiotic resistance and collateral damage from overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics. Some patients developed infection with antibiotic-resistant C. difficile bacteria, in one case leading to hospitalization.

The patients also voiced concern about taking antibiotics when they didn't have an infection. Many believed they had been given antibiotics for other causes of urinary symptoms - particularly overactive bladder, which commonly occurs in women with recurrent UTIs but causes less-severe symptoms.

Other themes centered on resentment of the medical profession. The women expressed irritation with physicians for "throwing antibiotics" at them without presenting other, non-antibiotic options for treating recurrent UTIs. They also felt the medical profession underestimated the impact of recurrent UTIs on their lives. The women felt an urgent need for more research on non-antibiotic options, with a special interest in "natural" or "alternative" treatments for prevention of recurrent UTIs.

However, some women shared they were satisfied with their care - particularly those treated by a physician specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Patients were more likely to be satisfied if they felt their doctor understood their problems and had a system for rapid diagnosis and treatment when UTI episodes occurred.

"Physicians must investigate patients' recurrent UTI experiences and their perceptions of antibiotics during counseling to address their concern over antibiotic overuse," says Dr. Scott. The researchers follow and recommend a strategy of delaying antibiotics until urine culture results are available - as endorsed by the American Urological Association (AUA) and other specialty societies.

Dr. Kim concludes: "There are exciting research developments underway, including the utilization of point-of-care rapid diagnostic assays to accurately and selectively treat UTIs as well as studies to understand the impact of vaginal microbiome on voiding dysfunction. We hope these efforts will pave the way to improved patient experience."

###

Click here to read "Fear and Frustration among Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Findings from Patient Focus Groups."

DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000001843

About The Journal of Urology

The Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA), and the most widely read and highly cited journal in the field, The Journal of Urology brings solid coverage of the clinically relevant content needed to stay at the forefront of the dynamic field of urology. This premier journal presents investigative studies on critical areas of research and practice, survey articles providing brief editorial comments on the best and most important urology literature worldwide and practice-oriented reports on significant clinical observations. The Journal of Urology covers the wide scope of urology, including pediatric urology, urologic cancers, renal transplantation, male infertility, urinary tract stones, female urology and neurourology.

About the American Urological Association

Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has nearly 24,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health care policy. To learn more about the AUA visit: http://www. auanet. org .

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.
PULLMAN, Wash. - Even before the pandemic made Zoom ubiquitous, Washington State University researchers were using the video conferencing app to research a type of cannabis that is understudied: the kind people actually use.

For the study, published in Scientific Reports, researchers observed cannabis users over Zoom as they smoked high-potency cannabis flower or vaped concentrates they purchased themselves from cannabis dispensaries in Washington state, where recreational cannabis use is legal. They then gave the subjects a series of cognitive tests.

The researchers found no impact on the users' performance on decision-making tests in comparison to a sober control group but did find some memory impairments related to free recall, source memory and false memories.

While the findings are in line with previous research on low-potency cannabis, this study is one of the few to investigate cannabis that contains much more than 10% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant's main psychoactive ingredient. This is only the second known study to examine the effect of cannabis concentrates.

"Because of federal restrictions to researchers, it was just not possible to study the acute effects of these high-potency products," said Carrie Cuttler, WSU psychologist and lead researcher on the study. "The general population in states where cannabis is legal has very easy access to a wide array of high- potency cannabis products, including extremely high-potency cannabis concentrates which can exceed 90% THC, and we've been limited to studying the whole plant with under 10% THC."

While 19 states and Washington D.C. have legalized cannabis for recreational use, the U.S. federal government still classifies it as a Schedule 1 drug, implying it has a high potential for abuse and no medicinal benefits. Until recently, researchers interested in studying cannabis were limited to using low-potency plants of around 6% THC supplied by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. In June, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration indicated it may allow some companies to start growing cannabis for research purposes.

For this study, which began in 2018, Cuttler and her colleagues found a way to study the effects of high-potency cannabis while still complying with federal guidelines. The study participants bought their own products and used them in their own homes. They were never in a laboratory on federal property, and the researchers never handled the cannabis themselves. Participants were not reimbursed for their purchase. Instead they were compensated for their time with Amazon gift cards. All participants were over 21 and experienced cannabis users who reported no past negative reactions to cannabis like panic attacks. The study's method was cleared by WSU Division of the Office of the Attorney General and the university's research ethics board.

The 80 participants were divided into four groups: two groups used cannabis flower with more than 20% THC but one containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, and the other without CBD. Another group vaped cannabis concentrates with more than 60% THC that included CBD. A fourth group remained sober.

For all cannabis using groups, the researchers found no effect on a range of decision-making tests including risk perception and confidence in knowledge. On a few memory tests there were also no significant differences between the cannabis-using and sober groups, including prospective memory, the ability to remember to do things at a later time, such as attend an appointment. The cannabis-using participants also did well on temporal order memory, the ability to remember the sequence of previous events.

However, the groups that smoked cannabis flower with CBD did worse on verbal free recall trials- they were unable to recall as many words or pictures that were shown to them compared to the sober group. This finding was contrary to a small number of previous studies indicating CBD might have a protective effect on memory. The groups that used cannabis without CBD and the group that used concentrates, performed worse on a measure of source memory which means being able to distinguish the way previously learned information was presented.

Finally, all three cannabis-using groups did poorly on a false memory test - when given a new word and asked if it had been presented before, they were more likely to say it had when it had not.

There was also an unexpected finding: people who vaped the high-potency concentrates with more than 60% THC performed comparably to those who smoked cannabis flower. This may have been because they tended to self-titrate - using less of the drug to achieve a similar level of intoxication and impairment as the people who smoked the less-potent cannabis flower.

Cuttler said this was cause for cautious optimism on the little-studied but widely available concentrates.

"There's been a lot of speculation that these really high-potency cannabis concentrates might magnify detrimental consequences, but there's been almost zero research on cannabis concentrates which are freely available for people to use," said Cuttler. "I want to see way more research before we come to any general conclusion, but it is encouraging to see that the concentrates didn't increase harms."

###
China and the Philippines' battle over disputed territories in the South China Sea

Five years ago, the Philippines won a landmark legal victory over China over disputed territories in the South China Sea - including traditional Filipino fishing grounds like Scarborough Shoal.
The Pound US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate fell by -0.2% this morning as the UK faces its worst unemployment crisis since the late 1990s, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). The pairing is currently fluctuating around $1.37.

Claire Warnes, the head of education, skills and productivity at KPMG UK, warned:

We need action from businesses and government to reskill and upskill furloughed and prospective workers now more than ever, as the increasing skills gap in the workforce has the potential to slow the UKs economic recovery.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak also wound down the multibillion-pound jobs scheme last week. The scheme set to terminate at the end of September.

As a result, Pound traders have become more cautious about the outlook for the UK economy, as an unemployment crisis would hold back the nations economic recovery in the months ahead.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Fall as UK Unemployment Could Slow the UKs Economic Recovery

In absence of UK economic data today, the Pound is effectively rudderless against the Greenback.

Instead, GBP traders are monitoring UK Covid-19 data and Government updates.

With cases soaring by 6,480 versus last week to 32,548 daily cases and 2,446 in hospital, UK markets are remaining cautious ahead of the easing of lockdown measures on July 19.

US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Edge Higher Ahead of Latest US Jobs Data

The US Dollar (USD) rose against the Pound ahead of todays publication of the latest US weekly initial jobless claims for early July. Forecasts predict an improvement in Americas labour market.

Analysts at Lloyds Bank predict a 350,000 decline in unemployment, down from the previous 365,000 in the previous week and four-week average of 393,000.

The Greenback has also benefited from prevailing risk-off market sentiment. This has increased demand for safe-haven assets like the US Dollar as the outlook for the global economy remains largely uncertain as Covid-19 cases increase.

Analysts at Capital commented:

Concerns are also mounting that rising COVID-19 infections around the world from the highly-transmissible delta variant of the disease could lead to further lockdowns and economic strain.

Yesterday saw the Federal Reserves latest policy minutes reveal a wrangling over a speedier withdrawal of Covid-19 stimulus measures.

The Fed retained a patient tone, however, with a somewhat dovish wait-and-see approach to US economic developments.

The minutes said:

In coming meetings, participants agreed to continue assessing the economys progress toward the Committees goals and to begin to discuss their plans for adjusting the path and composition of asset purchases.

In addition, participants reiterated their intention to provide notice well in advance of an announcement to reduce the pace of purchases.

GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: Fed Monetary Policy Report in Focus

US Dollar (USD) investors will be looking ahead to Fridays release of the latest Federal Reserve monetary policy report.

Could more dovishness from the US Fed drag down the Greenback?

Tomorrow will also see the release of the latest UK industrial and manufacturing data as well as Mays GDP data.

Any indications that the UK economy is on the mend would be Pound-positive.

Additionally, if the UK Government is confident about easing lockdown measures on July 19, then the GBP/USD exchange rate would head higher.
From: Carol M. Swain -- Political Scientist and Commentator For Immediate Release: Dateline: Nashville , TN Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Dr. Swain is host of "Conversations with Dr. Carol Swain" and Be The People Podcast on the America Out Loud Podcast Network, the owner and founder of Unity Training Solutions, and the President of the Be The People Project. Passionate about empowering others to raise their voices in the public square, she is an author, public speaker, and political commentator. Contact us: info@bethepeoplenews.com ABOUT BE THE PEOPLE PROJECT Be the People Project is a 501 C(3) nonprofit dedicated to changing the direction of America's culture by relentlessly educating people about conservative Judeo-Christian values and principles. Be the People will make available to the public resources that can be downloaded and shared. Website: http://www.BeThePeopleNews.com


Wednesday, July 7, 2021

CoreStack is at the heart of digital transformation

CoreStack Enterprise Cloud Governance enables organizations to rapidly achieve continuous and autonomous cloud governance by applying a unique governance model

About CoreStack

CoreStack is an AI-powered multi-cloud governance solution that empowers enterprises to rapidly achieve Continuous and Autonomous Cloud Governance at Scale. CoreStack was recognized as IDC Innovator in Cloud Management Solutions and in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud Management Platforms in 2020. CoreStack is a Microsoft Azure Gold Partner and Amazon AWS Advanced Competency Technology Partner.

CoreStack Enterprise Cloud Governance is a product offering by CoreStack where innovation is continually underway. This was released for use by customers in 2020 and has been reviewed by Gartner, IDC, etc. since early 2020. The latest innovation in the product is AI-powered backing.

The cloud lies at the heart of digital transformation. However, it is impossible to unleash the real benefits of the cloud without governance. Organizations struggle with operational complexities, security and regulatory compliance, and unabated cloud costs. CoreStack Enterprise Cloud Governance helps organizations overcome these challenges with deeper cloud visibility, governance guardrails, and automatic remediation. CoreStack enables organizations to realize outcomes such as 40% decrease in cloud costs and 50% increase in operational efficiencies by governing operations, security, cost, access, and resources. CoreStack assures 100% compliance with standards such as ISO, FedRAMP, NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, AWS CIS, and Well Architected Framework (WAF).

CoreStack Enterprise Cloud Governance (ECG) enables organizations to rapidly achieve continuous and autonomous cloud governance by applying a unique governance model - OSCAR that uses deep AI/ML, declarative definitions, and a patented cloud service-chaining technology to help achieve these outcomes:

Run Lean and Efficient Cloud Operations

Leverage automation and proactive governance to achieve high cloud availability and optimal performance. Automate monitoring and alerts, activity tracking, back-up, restore, and patch management.

Build a Strong Defense against Cloud Security Threats

Set up security governance guardrails. Identify the threats and assess the vulnerabilities continuously. Obtain a real-time cloud security posture and insights into security trends by region, resource, type, and age.

Optimize Cloud Costs

Gain deeper visibility into cloud-spend by account, category, type, tag, region, product category, and resource group. Enable budget controls and charge-back mechanism. Identify the unoptimized cloud resources and configurations.

Govern Access based on Principle of Least-Privilege

Gain centralized visibility of cloud accounts and their access by user, cloud service, policies, and roles. Learn how the access is utilized and identify violations.

Ensure Resource Consistency across Cloud Footprint

Define, enforce, and track the resource naming and tagging standards, locks, and usage by regions. Consistency discipline ensures that the resources are deployed, discovered, and managed effectively at scale.

Measure the Cloud Governance Index

Continuously measure the overall cloud governance index and for each pillar  Operations, Security, Cost, Access, and Resource. Benchmark it against the industry best practices. Implement the recommended practices and witness your governance index improving.

CoreStack won the Gold Stevie Award for New Product & Service Categories - Business Technology - Cloud Infrastructure in The 2021 American Business Awards.

Interested in entering The 2022 American Business Awards? Request the entry kit.
Thursday, July 8, 2021

The three tramps has been a favorite topic for conspiracy theorists for decades. Jim Garrison was no exception. And in September 1968 in a discussion with a few of his investigators and some buffs, the topics of the tramps came up . Here is a photo that conspiracy buff Richard E. Sprague found interesting:

The escorting police officer, on the right, is Marvin Wise. Here is a close-up of his face:

What exactly is in his ear?

Richard Sprague printed that photograph (Exhibit 2) in an article in the May 1970 edition of Computers and Automation. It was one of four tramp photos and here is his caption :

Marvin Wise was interviewed by the HSCA: (courtesy of Dennis Moricet)

Wise had an ear infection and he had cotton in his ear.

Here is an excerpt from the transcript of the conference Jim Garrison convened in New Orleans conference in September of 1968 :

Sprague - Richard E. Sprague, assassination buff and an photography expert

Turner - William Turner, Ex-FBI agent, writer for Ramparts Magazine, and Garrison investigator

Boxley - Bill Boxley, Garrison investigator

Fensterwald - Bernard Fensterwald, lawyer who founded the private Committee To Investigate Assassinations

Sprague: You said the guy had a hearing aid or a hearing device in his ear.

Turner: Either one. He has a plug in his ear; just like the police officer in that picture.

Sprague: Did you see my blow-up?

Boxley: I think that the blow-up is terrific. That's something Dallas was not using at that time, man-to-man communications.

Turner: They'll catch on to that about 1990.

Boxley: That's direct control to Dealey Plaza. That's all that could be.

Fensterwald: Does anybody have any idea who the 3 bums were?

Turner: But we don't know who the police officer is, do we?

Sprague: Harkness is the guy in the back.

Turner: Yeah but who is this guy?

Sprague: Boy, if we knew who he was, we'd have it. You can almost see the name on his badge.

Boxley: It would be a phony anyway. Probably some name he's rented.

Garrison: Probably it says "unidentified."

Boxley: He's got on loafers.

Garrison: Loafers? He sure has. How is that possible? Did you see this? I've never seen a police officer with loafers in my life.

Boxley: He ain't no police officer.

Garrison: What is this thing in his ear. I see something but I can't quite make out the form.

Boxley: Here's the shadow that he's casting and it comes out here.

Sprague: Got a wire going down his collar.

Fensterwald: Has anybody been able to identify the 3 bums?

Garrison: No. They only speak of 1 bum and they cloud it by jumping to the group investigator., you see. Every time you encounter 1 bum -- Lony whatever his name is -- if you see it's a way of getting out mentioning these two.

Turner: No. David Belin is talking to a police officer Harkness and Harkness said there were 3 of them.

Garrison: Bums though.

FL: Could one of them be Bradley, or not?

Turner: Yeah. I'd swear that's Bradley.

Turner: This is a beauty.

Boxley: I think two of them anyway are the guns of the operation.

Turner: This guy looks like one of those para-military types -- you know a kid who had been in the special service or something like that.

They talk of Bradley being one of the tramps. They are referring to Edgar Eugen Bradley, whom Garrison also charged with conspiring to kill JFK. There was no evidence against him, and Ronald Reagan refused his extradition to New Orleans. Years later, Garrison apologized to Bradley and blamed his staff for the conspiracy charges. You can read the whole story in my book, On The Trail of Delusion - Jim Garrison: The Great Accuser.

Previous Blog Posts About the Three Tramps

The Three Tramps

Did Leander D'avy see Oswald with the Three Tramps?
Wednesday, July 7, 2021

The Herman Trend Alert

July 7, 2021

The Employment Opportunity for College Grads

In the past few weeks, I have written extensively about this unprecedented labor market, why it is happening, and what employers must do in response. Today's Herman Trend Alert focuses on what this market means for college graduates. To prepare to write this Alert, I interviewed thought leader Steven Rothberg, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of job search site, College Recruiter.

Today's Graduates Are Not New to the World of Work



In this marketplace, most students graduate with at least one internship to their credit. Moreover, the vast majority have had multiple jobs. They know something about how workplaces are organized and how they operate. And although two years ago, many students would have been prepared to take unpaid internships with organizations they disliked, now they do not have to. Today's graduates are clearly in the driver's seat, when it comes to deciding for whom they will work.

The Top Job Market in Many Years



This labor market is the best in decades and included in the candidate pool are college students and recent graduates. A large minority of college graduates already had years of work experience before going back to community college; thus, they are even more savvy.

Changed Candidate Attitudes



In the past applicants felt lucky to be considered for positions. Now, employers will face a barrage of questions, including about their predecessors, including. . .



"Did you terminate your employees when COVID hit?"



"Did you force them to come into the office?"



"Heroes work here, but you only pay people $9.25USD/hour?"

Employer Attitudes Have Also Shifted



Until a few years ago, large companies only considered top grads from the top schools. Now, that is the exception, not the rule. Employers who used to recruit at dozens of schools, now seek applicants at hundreds of schools. They have discovered that what matters really matters is skills and engagement. . .and many of the skills may be taught.

Business is NOT as Usual!



Countless employers are acting like nothing has changed. They are placing the same ads and paying the same wages as they did in 2019---expecting the same result. However, we are not living in 2019, but rather 2021. What worked two years ago will not work today! Restaurants, theme parks, hoteliers, and shopkeepers will either wake up or they will go out of business.

The Employer Inertia of the Past Won't Work Today



Employer inertia used to be prevalent. Many employers had the attitude that if they let people go, there would be lots more to take their places when needed. A year ago, they terminated people. Now, when they need them back, workers do not feel any obligation whatsoever to go back to their old jobs. If employers think that they can get away with what they did before, they are sadly mistaken. Rothberg strongly believes that employers had been able to treat people poorly and pay them the same way. The business leaders justified this poor treatment by labeling workers as "lazy or job-hoppers." This spring, for the first time in five decades, employers have discovered: they can either treat their people poorly or pay them poorly, but not both. On the other hand, there is an opportunity for a reset.

Honor Issues Employees Care About and You Will Be Rewarded



Graduates are looking for employers who actually address the current social issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, racial justice, social justice, LGBTQ rights, and of course, the environment and climate. Companies need to acknowledge where they are now and how they will address their opportunities for improvement in these areas. Communicating the message, "Come work with us and be part of the solution" is also a winning strategy. When they respond to these issues, then and only then will they be considered "preferred employers" of new college graduates.

Salaries Will Be Continue to Be Important



According to Rothberg, this coming Fall and next Winter, we will probably see a 50 to 100 percent increase in wages---for many low wage workers. Pre-COVID-19, employers were able to get away with paying $12 USD/hour; now to recruit the same employees, they are paying $18USD/hour. Shortly, Rothberg expects to see that hourly wage to jump to $25USD. Right now, many restaurants, diners, and cafes have posted reduced hours because they simply do not have the staff. The only way that some of them will be able to go back to their full hours will be to pay their people more.

To visit Rothberg's website, filled with great content and giving you access to college students and grads, visit CollegeRecruiter.com. here

A Final Thought. . .



We know that at least 40 to 50 percent of the folks looking for work want to work remotely. At the same time, only 9 to 10 percent of the open positions are specifically designated for remote workers. The idea of remote work also means that employees can live anywhere and work for employers in the United States or anywhere else in the world. As it was in the past when we had a sellers' labor market, flextime and flexplace will become top issues for candidates and employers. In a subsequent Herman Trend Alert, I will address how employers may adjust some positions to accommodate these strong desires on the part of applicants.

Next Week's Herman Trend Alert: The Most Overlooked Worker Segment



Older workers usually have tons of work experience, great wisdom, and the willingness to work hard. Yet in spite of laws prohibiting discrimination, employers often reject them because of their age. Next week, I will explore this lucrative, overlooked segment and talk about how hiring them could be a competitive advantage---especially in today's job market. Plus, I will talk about what the workers can do to be more attractive to company recruiters.
After seven years without a quarterly profit  and just a year since it emerged from bankruptcy  San Antonios Pioneer Energy Services was acquired this week by Houston-based Patterson-UTI in a $295 million deal.

Its years of struggle forced Pioneer into bankruptcy in early March 2020  before the onset of the pandemic and the collapse of the oil and natural gas industry.

The owner of a fleet of drilling rigs, Pioneer contracts with energy producers to explore for oil and gas. It also services oil wells, mostly in Texas.

At its peak in 2014, the company operated more than 60 drilling rigs and employed well over 3,000 workers. The fall of that year was the last time the company reported a quarterly profit.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio's Pioneer Energy comes out of bankruptcy - amid industry turmoil

In the first quarter of this year, Pioneer said it lost $16.9 million and had 16 rigs operating, including eight in Colombia. The company employed about 1,000 workers as of March 31.

In 2019, the companys debt had grown to a crushing $475 million. On a call with analysts in late July 2019, then-CEO Stacy Locke said Pioneer wanted to be acquired. But the company had too much debt to attract a buyer, Locke said, and needed to shore up its balance sheet.

Months later, Pioneer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The move eliminated nearly $300 million of Pioneers debt. The company emerged from bankruptcy with a new credit line.

At the time, Locke said Pioneer would target other oilfield companies for acquisition to help fuel its growth.

The industry needs to consolidate, Locke said. There needs to be fewer companies.

The industry was in shambles at the time. Travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders had nearly destroyed demand for oil and gas. Energy producers slashed their exploration budgets and curbed their oil and gas output.

Oilfield services firms such as Pioneer struggled to find work.

Soon after the company came out of bankruptcy, Locke left Pioneer Energy. Current CEO Matthew Porter took the helm.

Before the pandemic, the rising price of West Texas Intermediate  the U.S. benchmark for a barrel of oil  would have spurred oil and gas firms to produce more to capture profits.

But some U.S. shale producers have changed their approach. Instead of boosting spending on drilling and production, theyve opted to reduce spending and send more cash to shareholders.

U.S. companies are reluctant to invest heavily in production because theyre worried that prices could fall over the next year, analysts said. And lower oil production translates to less business for the oilfield services companies like Pioneer.

U.S. shale producers seem to be reluctant to invest and increase their own production sufficiently to plug the supply deficit, said Louise Dickson, an oil markets analyst with Rystad Energy. The change in mindset is largely related to producers being locked into hedging positions at lower oil prices that do not incentivize production growth.

Over the last year, 60 companies in the oilfield services industry have filed for bankruptcy, according to data from the corporate law firm Haynes & Boone.

On ExpressNews.com: July 4th gas prices in San Antonio highest in seven years, still lower than national average

With the industry in a downturn, Patterson-UTI CEO Andy Hendricks said the company purchased Pioneer at a discount. In a year, Pioneers rigs could be worth more, he said on a call with analysts Tuesday.

This was a really good opportunity to buy high-quality equipment at what we consider a fair value, Hendricks said. We feel like that were buying high-quality rigs at a slight discounted valuation of our own rigs.

And when you look forward into what we think the market is going to do over the next year or so, these types of rigs will be the strongest in demand in the market, he said.

Patterson-UTI paid $30 million cash for Pioneer and the rest in shares of the companys stock.

North America is going to remain a challenge for a lot of oilfield service companies until we get a pricing tailwind behind us, said Taylor Zurcher, an analyst with the Houston investment bank Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co.

diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net
The new works of art at City Hall dont take up much space but they cover a lot of ground.

The pieces, commissioned from six San Antonio artists as part of the recently completed, three-year renovation of City Hall, provide snapshots of the citys history, people, neighborhoods and architecture. They are tucked into niches that were uncovered on the second , third and fourth floors of the building, which dates back to 1891.

There are center rooms inside these buildings that have windows and doors for ventilation because there used to not be air conditioning, said Debbie Racca-Sittre, director of the citys Department of Arts & Culture. When they took down some of the sheet rock, they uncovered these niches that were either doorways or windows that were inside the building. And the architects found them and said, Oh, those would be great spots for art.

City staff agreed. A committee drawn from the citys public art commission selected the artists, who were asked to create pieces that reflected the geography, culture and history of the city.

On ExpressNews.com: CineFestival returns with more than 50 films

Because of security measures, members of the public cant walk in just to see the artwork. Anyone who comes to City Hall has to have a specific purpose, such as an appointment with a City Council representative. Racca-Sittre and her staff are making plans for an open house sometime in the near future so folks can see the new works of art as well as other pieces in the citys art collection that are on display in the basement.

The works in the niches, which are 71 inches tall and 13 inches deep on the second and third floor and 24 inches deep on the fourth floor, flank office suites.

Emily Fleishers Foundational Elements is the only sculpture installation. In each of three niches, a small limestone-like rendering of a local building City Hall, Mission Espada and the Bexar County Courthouse  rests atop a desk. Glass lampshades over each desk are meant to evoke the bell towers at the Espada and San Juan missions.

As part of her process, Fleisher researched the history of City Hall.

Interactive Guide Guide to public art in San Antonio

Its always been office spaces, she said. Then I got the funny idea that the niches were like the smallest cubicles ever, like joke office spaces. Then the idea emerged of building small desks to fit in them and putting the structures on top of them.

I thought about people working in the space, sort of anonymous people working there over the past 120 years or so, and the very slow, methodical work that grows a city.

Ruth Leonela Buentellos Entre Fronteras Memory Migration Maps was inspired by family stories about migrating to San Antonio from Mexico as well as her experience as a caseworker for young migrants. Maps form the backdrop for each panel, and native plants line the bottom.

In the panel on the left, a mother and child stand before the map, anxiety etched on their faces. The center panel bears a photo of Buentellos grandmother surrounded by her grandchildren. And the panel on the right features a photo of her mother, who migrated to San Antonio from Piedras Negras. A pair of swallows fly overhead.

On ExpressNews.com: SA urban legends help shape new book Queen of the Cicadas

Swallows are migratory birds and they dont recognize borders, said Buentello. So I just thought, theres nice symbolism there for that.

She hopes the stories that inspired the piece will register with lawmakers.

I just hope that its a reminder to the council that they serve families that are descended from people who immigrated here, and that there are families that continue to immigrate to the neighborhood, she said. Their decisions impact real families, real people.

The other artists and their works are:

Ana Fernandezs Three Streets depicts the neighborhoods that Culebra Road, Austin Highway and Fredericksburg Road snake through.

Raul Rene Gonzalez Music in the City captures the energy of concerts by jazz, heavy metal and Tejano and conjunto artists over the years.

Mari Hernandez Tap Milam Portraits comprises vibrant depictions of descendants of the regions First People set against the Blue Hole Headwater Sanctuary, Mission San Francisco de la Espada and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

And Megan Harrisons digital collage Morning, Noon and Night blends nature images from various parks and green spaces across the city.

Racca-Sittre said she is pleased with the way the installations turned out, and she hopes City Hall visitors will see them as an indicator of the strength of the citys art scene.

I hope that people will see that San Antonio has great artists and great contemporary art, she said. I want people to know we are an arts city.

dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN
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.
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.
AMMAN, Jordan (AP)  Israel's new prime minister met secretly with the Jordanian king last week, an Israeli official confirmed Thursday, as the two countries announced new agreements on water and trade.

The agreements, concluded during a meeting between their foreign ministers, signaled improved relations with Israel's new government following years of strained ties under former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Under the deal, Jordan will purchase an additional 50 million cubic meters of water from Israel and increase its exports to the occupied West Bank from $160 million a year to around $700 million, the two countries announced in official statements.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid  the guiding force behind the new government formed last month  met at the King Hussein Bridge between Jordan and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Thursday.

The deals came in the wake of a secret meeting last week between Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman, the Jordanian capital. Bennett took office last month, ending Netanyahu's 12-year rule.

The Israeli news site Walla, which broke the story, described the meeting as positive and said the two leaders agreed to open a new page in relations. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter on the record, confirmed the meeting had taken place.

Jordan said technical teams will iron out the details of the trade deal in the coming days, and that talks on implementing the export ceiling will be held among Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian officials.

Safadi called for renewed efforts to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for Israel to halt illegal measures that undermine such efforts.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem that is under Jordanian custodianship. He also said it would be a war crime to evict Palestinian families from their homes in east Jerusalem. Both issues fueled tensions that helped ignite an 11-day war in Gaza between Israel and the territory's militant Hamas rulers in May.

Lapid called Jordan an important neighbor and partner, and said Israel would work to strengthen ties and expand economic cooperation. He had highlighted the importance of mending fences with Jordan when he took office last month.

Gidon Bromberg, the Israeli director of EcoPeace Middle East, a Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli environmentalist group, said the deal marks a dramatic increase in water exports from Israel, which he said had not exported more than 10 million cubic meters per year until now.

He said Jordan still faces a water deficit of 500 million cubic meters a year and would have to import considerably more to ensure a continuous supply for all its needs. Jordan is one of the driest countries on earth and its water shortages are expected to worsen with climate change.

Israel and Jordan made peace in 1994 and maintain close security ties, but relations have been strained in recent years over tensions at Al-Aqsa, Israel's expansion of Jewish settlements in war-won lands and the lack of any progress in the long-moribund peace process.

Both Jordan and the Palestinians were adamantly opposed to the Trump administration's Mideast plan, which would have allowed Israel to annex up to a third of the occupied West Bank. Israel captured east Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war, territories the Palestinians want as part of their future state.

Abdullah is set to visit the White House later this month. The Biden administration has called on all sides to take steps that could help lay the groundwork for a resumption of possible peace talks. Israel and the Palestinians have not held substantive peace talks in more than a decade.

___

Associated Press writers Ilan Ben Zion and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Malaysia's attorney general said Thursday that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin remains in power until it can be proven in Parliament that he has lost majority support.

The country was in political limbo after the United Malays National Organization, the largest party in the governing alliance, pulled its support for Muhyiddin. The head of UMNO urged Muhyiddin to step aside for an interim leader to take over until a general election can be held safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

It marked the culmination of months of tensions since Muhyiddin took power in March 2020 after initiating the downfall of the reformist government that won the 2018 election. His Bersatu party joined up with UMNO, which was ousted in the 2018 polls, and others to form a new government. But the alliance was unstable with a razor-thin majority in Parliament and UMNO was unhappy at playing second fiddle to Bersatu.

The announcement could trigger the collapse of Muhyiddins unelected government and fresh elections, although polls are unlikely during the raging pandemic.

Attorney General Idrus Harun said there is no clear evidence that Muhyiddin has lost majority support in Parliament. He said this can only be decided by lawmakers in the lower house, not based on the statement of a political party.

Therefore, legally, the prime minister and his Cabinet remain in power to exercise their federal executive power, he said in a brief statement.

There has been no reaction from Muhyiddin, 78.

Parliament has been suspended under a coronavirus emergency decree since January. The measure was criticized by UMNO and others as a way for Muhyiddin to stay in power. The legislature is to resume July 26, ahead of the Aug. 1 expiration of the emergency decree, after Muhyiddin caved in to growing pressure, including from the nations king.

UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier Thursday accused Muhyiddins government of failing to tackle the pandemic. He said its inconsistent policies and half-baked lockdown measures had deepened economic hardship, with deaths doubling to more than 5,700 since a large-scale lockdown began June 1.

Zahid urged Muhyiddin to resign honorably and make way for a temporary leader who would focus on battling the pandemic until it is safe to hold a general election.

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 after a meeting of UMNOs top decision-making body.

But it is unclear if UMNO's 38 lawmakers will toe the party line. Some have already protested Zahid's announcement. Local media said Defense Minister Ismail Sabri, named by Muhyiddin as his deputy on Wednesday, led opposition to Zahid's plan to exit the ruling alliance at the UMNO meeting.

Muhyiddins office also said Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein would take over Ismails post as one of four senior ministers. Both Ismail and Hishammuddin are to retain their security and diplomatic portfolios respectively.

Analysts said Muhyiddin has split UMNO by appointing second-tier leaders to his Cabinet and reinforced it with the new appointments.

There has been 17 months of political deals and things have now come to a head. There is open war in UMNO and we have a weak government trying still to stay in power," said Bridget Welsh of Malaysia's University of Nottingham and an expert in Southeast Asian politics.

No coalition has a clear majority in Parliament. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim may try to seek support but Zahid has said UMNO will not endorse his candidacy for prime minister.

Anwar's alliance accused the attorney general of playing politics. It backed Zahid's statement, saying Muhyiddin was elected by the king last year based on support vouched by party heads, not individual lawmakers. The opposition said Muhyiddin must quit because he had lost support and the legitimacy to lead.

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. Malaysia reported 8,868 new infections on Thursday, bringing its total confirmed cases to 808,658. A record 135 deaths were recorded, pushing the death toll to 5,903.
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.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  The owner of a grant-writing business who narrowly missed a runoff for a congressional seat on Thursday became the fourth candidate to enter the U.S. Senate race in Alabama to replace retiring Sen. Richard Shelby.

Jessica Taylor introduced herself to state voters with a video that stressed conservative themes and, like other candidates in the race have done, emphasized her fealty to former President Donald Trumps agenda as well as her dislike of President Joe Biden's administration. Speaking of Vice President Kamala Harris, Taylor said she would be Kamalas worst nightmare.
Gov. Greg Abbott last week rejuvenated former President Donald Trumps border wall project, revised a border crisis disaster declaration with Texas counties and welcomed South Dakotas plans to send 50 of its National Guard troops to help out.

And those troops are certainly coming. South Dakota is currently sending them, a spokesman for Republican Gov. Kristi Noem said Wednesday. But he wouldnt say when they would arrive, whom they would report to, where they would go or what they would do when they get there.

The Texas National Guard referred questions about the South Dakotans deployment to the U.S. Army, which referred the questions back to the Texas National Guard, which only Friday morning confirmed that the out-of-state troops would be under its control. It said little else about of their mission, including what the South Dakota troops would do.

The Twitter rhetoric of Abbott and several other red-state governors against illegal immigration and President Joe Biden has contained little verifiable information about the latest application of resources by individual states toward border security.

Texas military forces are making progress on building the border barrier, Abbott tweeted Saturday. Land owners along the border have agreed to allow the state to put up temporary fencing. Texas will keep communities across the state safe.

Abbotts office was mute when asked where along the border that barrier was being built and which landowners were helping.

As Independence Day came and went, there was little evidence of that work. News media were not allowed to observe the border barrier that Abbott said the Texas guardsmen were constructing. A governors office spokeswoman, Renae Eze, blasted Bidens reckless open border policies in a statement responding to a long list of questions Wednesday but didnt provide answers to them.

Similarly, Noems spokesman, Ian Fury, said by email that for security reasons, operational specifics will not be disclosed regarding the 50 guardsmen she was sending. All were volunteers from among the South Dakota National Guards more than 4,200 soldiers and airmen, he said.

Fury referred questions to a June 29 news release announcing the contingent was being sent in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbotts request for help to respond to ongoing violations of state and federal law by illegal aliens crossing the unsecured border.

Perhaps the biggest question remains a Texas-sized mystery: Why would the Austin-based guard, which recently described itself as the nations largest National Guard organization, at 24,178 members, need manpower from other states?

Political observers had a cynical answer.

Abbott realizes that his support among the Republican base has eroded over the last year and a half due to his center-right approach to COVID-19, Rice University political scientist Mark Jones said, noting the GOP rank and file chafed over mask mandates and business shutdowns during the pandemic.

So this is a way for Abbott to gain the support of those individuals back as well as appeal to people who are supporters of Donald Trump, because Trump remains the most popular Republican among Republicans here in Texas, Jones said.

Trump and Abbott appeared together last week on the border, an area that has become as much a political stage as a magnet for migrants from Mexico and Central America. Successive Texas leaders, all Republicans, have baked the border into their political brands.

The border has seen a heavy military presence for years, with guardsmen and active-duty troops posted from Texas to California.

On ExpressNews.com: On the border, a 'training day' unlike any other for GIs

Abbott, in a June 10 letter with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, declared Texas a disaster and said he had sent 1,000 Department of Public Safety troopers to the border. They asked other governors to send all available law enforcement resources to both states under an existing emergency assistance compact and called Texas and Arizona ground zero for this crisis.

Abbott added that Texas has spent $3.5 billion since 2004 to secure the border. Guardsmen in Texas are under state status and paid by state taxpayers, said National Guard Bureau spokesman Wayne Hall.

Nearly 3,800 active-duty troops are backing up Homeland Security Department agencies on the entire border with Mexico, according to U.S. Northern Command, a Defense Department organization with components from the various armed services.

In a program started by Trump, there are now 2,400 troops in Texas, 200 in New Mexico, 560 in Arizona and 550 in California. The number of service members deployed in support of the mission fluctuates as units rotate in and out.

Abbott said March 6 that hed send about 700 Texas National Guard troops in support of Operation Lone Star to enhance the Department of Public Safetys border security operations. The guard said its troops observe and report from observation posts, providing additional eyes and ears on the ground to DPS officers.

The DPS is the lead agency for the border mission, and under it, guardsmen do not detain migrants.

The Texas Guard, in a statement Friday morning, said South Dakota is the only other state that is supplementing its mobilization. It said those troops would fall under the Texas chain of command thats on the ground.

The Texas Guards commander, Maj. Gen. Tracy Norris, said the border mission has not impacted other ongoing operations such as natural disasters, emergency operations and overseas deployments.

We have thousands of guardsmen supporting the Texas Division of Emergency Management with COVID-19 response missions such as our mobile testing and vaccination teams, she continued. Overseas, our service men and woman are deployed in numerous countries around the world supporting peacekeeping missions and other national defense initiatives.

The operation has been funded by the Legislature and just received $1.1 billion for the next two years, a $200 million increase. Its mostly been secretive, the work of state troopers and guardsmen kept far from media scrutiny, but the guard said no soldier has been killed or injured in the years its troops have been on the mission.

On ExpressNews.com: Border security, hurriccanes, Mideast deployments: coronavirus is only the latest Texas guard mission

A month ago, Abbott held a Border Security Summit in Del Rio, outlining the disaster declaration and efforts to bolster law enforcement and jails. He unveiled a new interstate compact and a call to other states for resources, as well as the construction of border barriers and the wall. In late May, the governor ordered 1,000 DPS troopers and guardsmen to counter the smuggling of fentanyl over the border.

At least six Texas border counties are part of an updated disaster declaration Abbott issued July 1. All but one of them  Maverick  voted for Trump in last years presidential election. In all, 26 of 31 counties in the declaration supported Trump in 2020, though only two of them were near the border.

How the latest iteration of Abbotts border mission will work isnt clear. The governors office said nothing when asked what states were sending troops and law enforcement officers, how many were coming and what they would do.

Neither the governors office nor the Texas guard would say where the state troopers and soldiers would operate.

Besides South Dakota, other states have said they are sending law enforcement officers to Texas and Arizona. Abbott and Ducey, in their joint letter, said those officers would be authorized to arrest migrants who cross the border.

Abbott recently issued a call for jailers across Texas to help border sheriffs operate detention facilities and provide jail beds for those arrested on state charges related to the border crisis, and he directed state agencies to work with counties to establish alternative detention facilities to ensure enough jail capacity for immigrants who are charged. But his office this week did not say how many jailers have volunteered for that effort, if the state has secured any alternative detention facilities and whether the state or localities are paying for them.

President George W. Bush called up a total of 29,000 guardsmen in 2006 for Operation Jump Start, which improved Border Patrol facilities and upgraded roads. It cost Washington $756 million in its first 16 months.

Gov. Rick Perry worked the same playbook a year later, ordering 604 Texas guard troops to patrol the Rio Grande in security platoons as part of a rolling surge of more than 6,800 personnel  from the guard, police and sheriffs departments, the DPS, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Coast Guard.

President Barack Obama ordered 1,200 troops to the border under Operation Phalanx, which began in 2010.

Abbott has made a lengthy extension of the border wall that Trump started a centerpiece of his latest campaign. He set aside $250 million for the project and sought to crowdsource funding for it.

Despite all the unanswered questions, there are signs Abbott has gotten at least a short-term boost after launching the latest border crackdown. He touted a poll showing that 46 percent of Texans approve of his handling of immigration and the border, while fewer  37 percent  disapprove and at the same time Bidens management of the issue generally got a thumbs-down.

In South Dakota, news reports revealed that Noem turned to a billionaire Trump donor, Willis Johnson, to fund the 50 guardsmen in Texas. She called the border a national security crisis that requires the kind of sustained response only the National Guard can provide and accused Biden of being unable or unwilling to solve it.

My message to Texas is this: Help is on the way, Noem said.

Her action drew some jeers.

The issue is all about politics, said Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. He said Noem is one of a cast of thousands looking at the presidential race of 2024.

How do you stand out? Make dramatic moves like this. She can say, my opponents offered just words; I took action! he added in an email.

sigc@express-news.net
More than 100 people a day have been getting their coronavirus vaccinations at a pop-up clinic that the citys Metropolitan Health District has been operating at San Antonio International Airport.

On Wednesday alone, 127 people had received doses of vaccine at the airport as of 5:30 p.m. The shots are being offered in the baggage claim area, Metro Health officials said.

The clinic was launched on June 29 to serve travelers as well as people working at the airport, such as staff and vendors, said Dr. Anita Kurian, assistant director of Metro Healths communicable disease division.

Travelers are at increased risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, Kurian said by email. The COVID-19 vaccination pop-up events at the airport are to accommodate airport travelers in general and primarily to ensure that travelers coming into our community are vaccinated to prevent the spreading of the virus to others.

On ExpressNews.com: When and where people can get COVID vaccines in the San Antonio area

The goal is to offer easy and convenient access to the shots.

The pop-up clinic will reopen Friday and will continue every day through July 18 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Jessica Phelps, Staff photographer / San Antonio Express-News

Vaccination also will be available on July 20, July 22-28 and July 30 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While participation has been steady, it hasnt come close to reaching the highest turnout recorded at a Metro Health pop-up clinic. That record was set at a Southside High School event co-hosted by Metro Health and University of the Incarnate Word, where 915 people were vaccinated.

More than 228,000 people in Bexar County have been infected with the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, and more than 3,500 have died, according to Metro Health.

Three coronavirus vaccines have been approved on an emergency basis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines both require two doses administered several weeks apart. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one shot and provides full protection two weeks later.

The vaccines are administered free of charge and are approved for anyone 12 and older.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare
After sleeping in a truck the past few days, Carmen El Campos and daughter went searching for a meal. They ended up at the newly opened Corazon San Antonio Day Center and Resource Hub, where they received fresh clothes and were pointed to possible shelter.

Like any typical 6-year-old, Domino Esquivel sat at a table Thursday afternoon, using crayons to draw a lady with blue lips and green eyes. El Campos tried to feed Domino some of the pasta on her plate. The two were with El Campos brother, Juan Oliver.

Theyve been getting help here and there, but El Campos wants to keep her daughter from knowing the extent of their situation.

I tell her were doing errands, so she doesnt know why were staying in a truck, El Campos said.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio will lease downtown hotel as shelter for homeless

The day center just opened Monday. Its a place where the homeless can get warm meals, respite from the weather and a hot shower next door at Christian Assistance Ministry. The center, at Grace Lutheran Church, will also be a meeting place for outreach workers, case managers and recovery groups.

We want to be a safe place for people to go no matter what the challenge is, said Corazon Executive Director Gavin Rogers.

They can come in, and they can be loved and treated and cared for and then find the best solution, he added. Theres no precondition here.

The day center will be operational 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Over the past two days, the center has fed 70 people, according to Corazon Associate Director and Day Center Director Morgan Handley.

Jessica Phelps, Staff photographer / San Antonio Express-News

Its more than just a lunch, she said. The center serves as a beacon of hope where those struggling for shelter can get connected to a myriad of vital services that can help them get back on their feet.

On ExpressNews.com: We cant arrest ourselves out of this - San Antonio homeless numbers down amid pandemic as Texas moves to ban encampments

It is replacing a homeless resource hub downtown established in April 2020 that served homeless people during the coronavirus pandemic. The day center is a partnership between Corazon San Antonio, Christian Assistance Ministry, Haven for Hope and the citys Department of Human Services Street Outreach Initiative.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg called the new location a welcome and timely addition to homeless resources in the city.

This past year has taught us all that we are stronger when we work together as nonprofits, governmental departments and outreach specialists, Nirenberg said.

Corazon originally ran a day center from 1999 to 2008. Rogers said the new project will encourage partners to work in collaborative ways to solve some of the remaining problems that limit our unhoused neighbors.

Through this project, more clients will find places to call home, he said.

On ExpressNews.com: Community will provide housing and support services for homeless people at a single site - first of its kind in San Antonio

After grabbing lunch, Oliver, El Campos and her daughter went next door to Christian Assistance Ministry to grab some clothes. Before they arrived, the family only had enough for one week and none suitable to get a job, El Campos said.

She then went back to the day center and was told to go directly to Haven for Hope, where she and her daughter could stay.

Rick Wallace, 59, also went to the center for help this week. Wallace has been homeless in San Antonio for about a month now, and he has slept under the Interstate 37 bridge.

All I had was shorts and a white shirt, he said.

He came to the day center Tuesday and received clothes, a backpack and a plan to get back home to Kansas.

If youre willing to offer yourself to get help, its there for you, Wallace said.

liz.hardaway@hearst.com | Twitter: @liz_hardaway
In November, 77 percent of voters approved SA: Ready to Work on the premise that the projected $200 million in sales tax revenue would be used to move people out of low-wage jobs into high-wage careers.

COPS/Metro championed the effort because of the potential it had to move thousands of San Antonians out of generational poverty and transform the citys economy.

Problematically, the history of workforce development strategies is fraught with failure. Most fail to deliver on their promise to move people out of poverty-wage jobs into middle-class careers. Some tend to train people for low-wage or low-demand jobs. Others lose sight of their main objective and seem to exist solely to create and maintain a perennial bureaucracy.

Successful programs like Project Quest are designed around the needs of their two key customers, employers and participants. First, they do extensive research to identify high-wage jobs that employers in the region are struggling to fill  for example, a position paying $20 an hour with benefits. Second, successful programs understand the barriers participants face moving into high-wage careers and design programs to remove these barriers with wraparound services like financial aid and emergency assistance.

SA: Ready to Work represents the largest investment any city in the nation has ever made in its people through workforce development. An opportunity of this magnitude must be informed by best practices from across the nation. SA: Ready to Work is too important and too ambitious to be based on anything but the best. Unfortunately, the city of San Antonios staff is determined to base SA: Ready to Work off the citys Train for Jobs SA project, which was designed as temporary relief for unemployment caused by the pandemic.

COPS/Metro proposed Train for Jobs SA in May 2020 when the COVID-19 shutdown had just started. Unemployment was skyrocketing, and San Antonio needed a bold plan. People were hurting and needed help. The city of San Antonio and providers like Alamo Community Colleges and Project Quest should be applauded for responding quickly to a difficult situation. It was an imperfect and rushed strategy created during a painful time.

Instead of simply relying on lessons learned from Train for Jobs SA, the city of San Antonio should take the summer to study the nations best workforce development programs. Now is the time for a Summer of Learning in San Antonio to spark a new level of creativity and thoughtfulness that has been missing from this process since voters passed the initiative. COPS/Metro has been actively calling for a symposium on which to launch a culture of learning prior to preparing to hand out large sums of tax dollars to vendors eager to participate in a system that has yet to be designed or built.

It is time for city staff to meet with experts, researchers, educators and community leaders to build a system that has a fighting chance of being successful. It is time to meet with nationally recognized programs like Per Scholas, Year Up and JVS Boston, which have a documented track record of success. And it is also time to include key business leaders in these conversations to ensure that there will be real high-paying jobs available for program graduates.

And it is also time to include key business leaders in these conversations to ensure that there will be real high-paying jobs available for program graduates.

Before investing significant capital, businesses spend time carefully researching and studying the impact that new ideas will have on their businesses and their customers. This same due diligence is the road map to success that the city of San Antonio must adopt before releasing a request for proposals, building dashboards or hiring more staff to build a bureaucracy for micromanaging a system.

City staff has moved at breakneck speed by self-imposing a timeline that does not consider their need to learn more broadly what works and what does not work. This massive initiative needs a true champion to lead it now. COPS/Metro calls on Mayor Ron Nirenberg to be that champion. He is the person who can halt the drive to mediocrity and invest first in building a strong foundation for a workforce system that can deliver on the promise made to voters last year. That is why he was elected. San Antonio deserves nothing less.

Virginia Mata is a COPS/Metro leader from Holy Family Catholic Church. Sonia Rodriguez is a COPS/Metro leader from St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
In the special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott beginning today, the Texas Legislature will be asked to develop a new method of suppressing minority voters and encouraging the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court to decide elections.

Lets look at the conference committee bill that sped through the Texas Senate, and almost through the Texas House, to see what almost surely will be in the bill the Legislature passes.

At the end of the regular session in May, the Legislature came within one hour and a Democratic walkout from inviting the Texas Supreme Court, and other courts, to decide future Texas elections.

Though the sponsors of the bill now deny they meant to do it, they do admit the bill, in a section titled OVERTURNING ELECTION, would specifically allow courts to declare the election void without attempting to determine how individual voters voted. The court need only decide by a preponderance of the evidence that the number of illegal votes is greater than the difference between the votes for the candidates. And an illegal vote is defined more broadly than ever to include activities by candidates, their agents and others acting on their behalves.

Given the new incredibly complex rules for registering, voting and counting votes, any decent lawyer can produce enough evidence to show illegal votes greater than the difference in votes between the contester (the loser) and the contestee (the winner).

The contester will not have to prove the illegal votes were cast for the opponent, only that the votes violated a long and vague set of new election rules on registration, absentee voting, regular voting, vote counting, voter engagement and almost anything else related to elections.

Even if the illegal votes were in favor of the contester, they could lead to a finding that the election was void and would need to be held again. Runoffs could not be held until after the lawsuit was decided.

In the past, the contester would have to show illegal votes by clear and convincing evidence, a very hard standard to meet. Proposed during the regular session, Senate Bill 7 would have allowed the contester to prove a case by only a preponderance of the evidence, a much easier standard to meet, putting Texas elections in almost constant jeopardy of being reversed.

A hypothetical example will help: Lets imagine former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke and Abbott are in a close election for Texas governor in 2022 with only 10,000 votes separating them, with Abbott in the lead, 50.1 percent to 49.9 percent.

Under this hypothetical, ORourke files an election contest and produces some evidence that 15,000 absentee ballots (out of 1 million votes) were not properly signed, that 20,000 people in Harris County voted absentee by having friends bring their ballots to the voter registrars office, and that the El Paso County voter registrar accidentally sent out 20,000 applications for absentee ballots to those who had asked for applications in the primary elections but not the general election.

If a district judge in Travis County were to agree with any of those theories and finds by a preponderance of the evidence that those votes were illegal, the judge could declare the election void and order a new one, even if there is no proof that any of those illegal voters voted for Abbott, the winner of the election. Even if the illegal votes were for ORourke, the judge could void the election. The case would, ultimately, be decided by the Texas Supreme Court.

Even if this part of SB 7 is not in the new bill, the Republican sponsors still want to allow court litigation for damages against all those in the election process  for example, county voter registrars, volunteer election judges, vote canvassers, signature verification board members, poll watchers and partisan party officials.

SB 7 is a model for voter intimidation and confusion and an invitation for constant intervention in the election process  before, during and after the election  by courts and a determination of the ultimate election by the Texas Supreme Court. For example, the bill creates an immediate appeal for partisan poll watchers who feel the election judge is not allowing them sufficient access to the election process.

SB 7 was designed to limit legal voting procedures used more by people of color and Democrats, and then to allow court intervention just in case people of color and Democrats still win. The bill would also create much more evidence of voter fraud by defining so many potential mistakes in the voter process that even the most honest potential voters and election officials are bound to make some mistakes.

The suspect process of developing SB 7 should encourage all Texans to reject the effort to pass it and whatever spawn it will produce in the special session.

Correction: A guest op-ed by Al Kauffman that ran May 13 was republished in Mondays edition due to a production error. This is his latest commentary for the Express-News.

Al Kauffman is a professor of law at St. Marys University School of Law. He teaches constitutional law, voting law and civil procedure. The views presented are solely his and do not represent the views of St. Marys University.
Mexico never paid for President Donald Trumps failed border wall, so why should that task now fall to Texans?

We have yet to hear a compelling case from either Trump or Gov. Greg Abbott, fresh off their trip last week to the Rio Grande Valley, where they vowed to secure the border and build more walls and  well, you have read this before. It is a terrible sequel, but even those can generate an audience.

While we are confident Abbott wont build much of a border wall, or secure anything more than his re-election in 2022 and perhaps a shot for president come 2024, we wonder how much this bit of agitprop will cost Texans. As the saying goes, politics is the art of the possible.

Theatrical news conferences at the border can gin up the base in advance of a primary, but they cant overcome the reality that immigration is a federal issue, asylum-seekers have rights, a border wall is a monumental expense Texas cant afford, and most of the land along the Texas-Mexico border is privately owned. The Trump administration, despite its bluster, built only about 80 miles of new wall, according to news reports.

But by all means, governor, please keep tweeting videos of brush getting cleared for your wall.

To get the job done, Abbott has pledged $250 million from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and he is also seeking private donations. There is something unsettling about the governors office soliciting private funding for a politically charged public project in the runup to the 2022 election, but even more unsettling is the prospect of using federal COVID relief funds for such a cause.

Texas Democratic lawmakers have sounded that alarm, asking Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a letter to block Abbott and Co. from tapping $15 billion designated for COVID relief for the wall.

With no Republican support, we approved $350 billion in the American Rescue Plan for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to assist local leaders, who confronted pandemic challenges, and to assist with economic and job recovery, wrote the 13 Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Lloyd Doggett, Joaquin Castro and Henry Cuellar, who all represent San Antonio.

These funds, they continued, are to support essential workers, small businesses and public health outreach, and boost government services. But they have nothing to do with a wall.

A spokeswoman for Abbott has said the governor plans to call a special session in the fall to determine how the funds are spent.

Better for Yellen to cut this off at the pass. These are funds that should be applied to local and state governments to boost economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic.

Political visits to the border have their place and can be helpful, but too often they are mere photo ops for talking points that inflame fears around immigration and border security without much nuance or thought given to the realities of immigration, the complexities of border communities or the need for comprehensive reform.

Its easy to hold a news conference with Trump or don a flak jacket for an in-house video espousing the dangers of the border. Its much harder to hash out realistic reforms that address security and honor the humanity of immigration. And so nothing changes.

Weve been impressed with reforms proposed by state Sens. Cesar J. Blanco, Juan Chuy Hinojosa and Judith Zaffirini, who represent El Paso, McAllen and Laredo.

Rather than a traditional wall, for example, they suggest a virtual wall that bolsters law enforcement and preserves natural habitat for a fraction of the cost. They also propose using asset forfeitures to reimburse property owners along the border for damages; cracking down on gun trafficking; and modernizing ports of entry.

If Texans are going to pay for border politics, they should at least get something better than an ugly political symbol.
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has a message for Gov. Greg Abbott: Show me the money.

With a deadline looming this summer, Wolff wants an update from the governor on a portion of stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan Act that would assist the countys 26 suburban cities.

Wolff released a letter he sent Tuesday to the governor, asking for clarification on federal funds totaling $19.53 billion budgeted for smaller U.S communities. In the letter, Wolff said thered been no word on funding.

On ExpressNews.com: Evictions, utility cutoffs loom as Bexar County prepares to help

These cities are expecting these funds to be processed through the state government, he said in the letter. Throughout the pandemic, I have been in constant contact with them as they continued to provide services to their communities.

But an Abbott spokeswoman said Wednesday the state is contacting and collecting the required information from the states nearly 1,200 local governments before applying to receive the federal funds in the state treasury. Local governments serving less than 50,000 are classified as non-entitlement units, or NEUs.

Per federal law, states are required to distribute funding to all eligible NEUs within 30 days of receiving the funds into the state treasury. The state will formally apply for funding on August 2, or earlier, if 90 percent of the NEU required information is received, said Renae Eze, Abbotts press secretary.

Cities can contact the Texas Department of Emergency Management to begin the pre-application process, she said.

Tom Reel /Staff photographer

Castle Hills Mayor JR Trevino said local suburban leaders would like to have (an) idea sooner rather than later  what options exist for us to use the money.

Im certain that there are going to stipulations on how the money can be used. Between that, our purchasing due diligence, and our procurement processes, we all want to be sure that that we have adequate amount of time to ensure that we are utilizing the money correctly before it defaults back, Trevino said Wednesday in an email.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio, Bexar County have $850 million to spend on pandemic recovery

San Antonio is receiving $465 million from the $1.9 trillion rescue plan signed by President Joe Biden in April, while the county is set to receive $388 million.

Bexar County officials and consultants have projected the county will have lost $200 million in revenue as a result of the pandemic before it fully recovers in 2023. Once rescue plan funds are used to offset those losses, that would leave $188 million to respond to adverse impacts of the pandemic, provide water, sewer and broadband improvements and premium pay for essential workers.

The countys funds from the rescue plan must be committed by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.

shuddleston@express-news.net
Republican Allen West has made a political career out of ignoring conventional thinking and taking on long odds.

While that approach helped the conservative firebrand get elected to Congress in Florida during the 2010 tea party wave and become chairman of the Republican Party of Texas a decade later, his latest move may be his tallest task yet: taking on Gov. Greg Abbott.

In a long-expected step, West announced on Sunday that he was entering the fray against Abbott. The incumbent has a massive fundraising advantage, strong poll numbers, superior name recognition, and the backing of former President Donald Trump.

Still, West said in television interviews on Tuesday that he is not intimidated by the task ahead.

When David took on Goliath he just had three little stones and dropped Goliath, West, 60, said in an interview on Fox News Channel on Tuesday morning. So Im not worried about the size of anyones war chest or who they have behind them.

Related: 5 things to know about Allen West, who is challenging Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

While Abbotts campaign has previously insisted they are taking nothing for granted in 2022, their internal polling, which was obtained by the Houston Chronicle, shows little cause for concern so far. Polling conducted in June shows 87 percent of Republican primary voters approve of the job Abbott has done, according to Public Opinion Strategies.

Abbotts high marks on the issues put him in a dominant position against any Republican challenger, according to an internal polling memo.

At first glance, it is hard to see Wests path to victory in a GOP primary, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston.

As a statewide officeholder for 25 years  and having led the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic for a year and a half  Abbott, 63, has greater name recognition than any potential challenger and more than $39 million in his campaign account to fend them off.

But Rottinghaus said there is no doubt West brings something to the table that Abbott has never experienced.

His strength is an outside-the-box political campaign style that Abbott has never seen before, Rottinghaus said.

Abbott avoided primary challenges when he ran three times for attorney general and faced only token opposition in his two primary campaigns for governor.

And Abbott has more than West to worry about on his right flank. Former State Sen. Don Huffines, of Dallas, also announced hes running for governor and has already released campaign ads and dotted Texas highways with billboards vowing to do more to fight illegal immigration and to cut property taxes.

West is campaigning on reining in the governor's use of emergency powers, such as during a pandemic; using the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard more on the border to fight illegal immigration; and examining the feasibility of eliminating property taxes.

Dems waiting on Beto

Those primary challenges come as Democrats wait to see if former Texas congressman Beto ORourke will run for governor. ORourke has already hosted rallies in front of the Capitol and blasted Abbotts handling of the states electrical grid. The grid broke down during a cold snap in February, leaving millions in the dark and without heat and killing more than 200 Texans.

Some local officials in the Houston area have also sharply criticized Abbotts handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, from a spring 2020 reopening that he quickly backtracked on after infections began spiking to blocking local efforts to limit public activities. More than 52,000 Texans have died from the coronavirus.

ORourke has not ruled out running for governor and has been crisscrossing the state holding rallies akin to his 2018 U.S. Senate campaign, in which he came within 3 percentage points of defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for re-election.

Related: Texas House offers new elections bill that drops some controversial provisions

Abbott meanwhile has been preparing for 2022 by shoring up his GOP base of support. In the last two months, Abbott has picked up a formal  and very public  endorsement from Trump. And just last week Trump and Abbott spent hours together on the Texas border professing their admiration for one another.

I gave him a complete and total endorsement, Trump said on June 30, with Abbott by his side. Youve done a great job and Im going to be with you.

Still, West, who will be stepping down in a few days as state GOP chairman, has been undeterred. He has used the post to speak his mind and to be a thorn in the side of some elected Republicans in Texas, including Abbott.

Hes been critical of Abbotts use of executive orders during the pandemic and even took part in rallies outside the governors mansion in Austin. West called Abbott's order a form of the tyranny that we see in the great state of Texas. Hes also called House Speaker Dade Phelan a traitor for seeking the support of Democrats, and accused Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of holding up pro-gun legislation  a charge Patrick adamantly denied.

All the attacks on fellow Republicans have drawn ire from some GOP loyalists who say West went too far in trying to raise his own political profile.

It is now clear that Allen Wests entire tenure as Texas GOP chair was intended to do only what many suspected: Provide him a platform for his political future, not an opportunity to build the party, said Travis County GOP chairman Matt Mackowiak.

West stirs the pot

West, who now lives just outside of Dallas, was elected to represent a Palm Beach County, Fla.-based district in Congress in 2010.

During his brief tenure in Congress, West made a habit of scolding Democrats. He made headlines when he said Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels would be impressed with the media tactics used by Democrats. As one of two Black Republicans in Congress, he called President Barack Obama "a low-level Socialist agitator," according to news reports. He wrote a fellow member of Congress from Florida, Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz, to say she was the most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the U.S. House of Representatives. At another point, he claimed to know that up to 81 members of the Democratic Party were members of the Communist Party.

The Republican-led Florida Legislature redrew the boundaries of Wests district, which had included President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort, and West was forced to move into a swing district.

He lost his reelection campaign despite raising $19 million  more than any incumbent House member in the nation.

Before politics, West, a Georgia native, served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, earning a Bronze Star and other service medals before retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

Related: Gov. Abbott releases special session agenda heavy on hot-button issues

But his tenure in the Army ended in controversy when he was relieved of his command in Iraq after being accused of using improper methods to obtain information from an Iraqi detainee in 2003. At a military base just north of Baghdad, West was interrogating an Iraqi policeman who was believed to have information about a plot to ambush West and his troops.

When the informant didnt talk, West watched four of his soldiers beat the man. Then, Army prosecutors said, West threatened to kill the man and fired a pistol near the detainees head to get him to talk.

I know the method I used was not right, but I wanted to take care of my soldiers, West testified at a military judicial hearing before he was allowed to retire from the Army in 2004.

After he left Florida and moved back to Texas, West said he had no intention of running for office again.

I came back to Texas in 2014 with no intention of ever reentering the despicable cesspool called politics, West said in a message to supporters last week.

But he said the Democratic surge in 2018 played a big role in forcing him to reconsider. Democrats that year flipped 12 seats in the Texas House, two state Senate seats, and 2 congressional seats. Texas Republicans held their own in the 2020 elections.

It was disconcerting to me to hear about turning Texas blue, and I was committed to making sure that did not happen, West said.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
The Republican-led Texas Legislature is wasting little time in advancing legislation to further restrict voting procedures  the dominant issue that prompted Gov. Greg Abbotts call for the special session that started Thursday.

The House and Senate will hold public hearings on Saturday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, on their new proposals.

Lawmakers in both chambers have filed bills that resemble the sweeping GOP-backed measure that failed to pass during the regular session that ended May 31. But several of the most hotly debated provisions have been eliminated, including one that would have made it easier for judges to overturn elections and another limiting early voting hours on Sundays.

Democrats were outraged last spring when Republicans proposed banning early voting before 1 p.m. on Sundays, a move they said was aimed at the African American tradition of Souls to the Polls drives after Sunday worship. The new measures would not affect those voting drives, allowing voting start times of 9 a.m. in the House version and 6 a.m. in the Senate version.

It was those provisions that sparked a dramatic late-night walkout by Democrats in the Texas House that blocked the legislation. The walkout drew national attention to the states fight over voting rights.

More Information How to testify on Saturday To testify on the House elections bill or bail reform bill, head to the Select Constitutional Rights & Remedies' hearing in Room E1.030 in the Capitol Extension at 8 a.m. To testify on the Senate elections bill, head to the Committee on State Affairs' hearing in the Capitol Extension Auditorium, Room E1.004, at 11 a.m. See More Collapse

Abbott announced shortly thereafter that hed call legislators back to try again to pass what he calls election integrity measures.

The voting bill, as filed, is a product of the last set of debates, and there are items taken out that I think the Democrats will be happy about and items that are added in that I think the Republicans are happy about, Republican state Sen. Paul Bettencourt said of the Senates version. So I look forward to hearing what the testimony will be over the weekend.

Although Texas elections officials have said the states 2020 elections were smooth and secure, Abbott and other Republicans have insisted they have to go further to guard against voter fraud. It all comes as former President Donald Trump continues to insist he lost his re-election because of election fraud, without providing proof to back up those claims.

BACKGROUND: Texas Legislature prepares for Round 2 of voting rights battle

However, many elements of the original GOP elections package remain intact in both Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 3. Both still ban drive-thru voting and 24-hour voting and forbid election officials from proactively sending out vote-by-mail applications, all methods pioneered by Harris County in 2020 to expand options for voters during the coronavirus pandemic.

The bills also still contain new ID requirements for those who vote by mail and provisions affording free movement to partisan poll watchers at polling places.

The Senate bill goes further than the House proposal in requiring the secretary of state to cross-check Department of Public Safety data with voter rolls on a monthly basis to ensure non-citizens are not registered. The department has records showing whether a person identified as a non-citizen when getting a new drivers license or renewing one.

A similar such endeavor led to poor results in 2019 when then-Secretary of State David Whitley misidentified tens of thousands of legal citizens as ineligible to vote. Civil rights groups quickly sued, and Texas officials agreed to new parameters for future purges in a settlement agreement.

Democrats were quick to criticize the newest election bills. Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, who was among the members who plotted the late-May walkout, said on MSNBC this week that she and other Democrats have a fight on our hands over the next 30 days.

They also point to the fact that no evidence of systemic fraud has been detected in Texas voting returns for decades.

Yes, we have a new bill, she said. It looks like some sharp edges have been taken off it. It is still not a good bill. And ultimately what we need to remember is we do not have a voter fraud problem in the state of Texas.

WHODUNIT?: Texas Republicans say lowering the bar for overturning elections is bad policy. So why did they try?

House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Chris Turner said at a news conference Thursday that the legislation is based on a lie that theres rampant problems in our elections and the big lie that Donald Trump actually won the last election.

Civil rights groups were similarly inflamed.

This is a warmed-up version of the same voter suppression bills we saw during the regular session, which will inflict an enormous cost on ALL Texas voters with zero improvement to election security, the Texas Civil Rights Project said in a tweet.

Yet Republicans in the Capitol clearly made some concessions in the legislation.

Senate-backed provisions that Democrats opposed vehemently during the last session  including cutting the number of polling places and voting machines in large blue counties, and allowing poll watchers to take video of voters  do not appear in either chambers new bill.

Both bills also restore Democrat-backed measures that will allow a voter to correct any mistakes on a mail ballot, such as a missing signature. Such ballots would otherwise be thrown out.

Still, Democrats in the Texas House say they are prepared to break the quorum again if need be, though they wont have the element of surprise the next time.

House Speaker Dade Phelan told KXAN, an NBC affiliate in Austin, that he will respond to Democrats if they go to such lengths again. That could mean locking the chamber doors to prevent House members from leaving the floor as they did in May.

My Democratic colleagues have been quoted saying that all options are on the table. Respectfully, all options are on the table for myself as well, Phelan said.

taylor.goldenstein@chron.com
Jason Straughan is the founder and CEO of Codeup, a San Antonio-basd tech bootcamp.

On the last Monday in February 2020 our San Antonio-based technology school, Codeup, launched our first cohort of students in our new facility in Dallas.

For the previous six years, we had been training the workforce of South Texas for in-demand technology careers at our downtown San Antonio campus. In 2019, more than 99 percent of our graduates had received job offers in their field of study within months of graduation.

With this success we were ready to extend our reach to North Texas. It seemed like a no-brainer to expand our footprint into one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in the state  the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex.

Little did we know that three weeks into that inaugural cohorts 20-week program we would close all classrooms in both cities in response to the coronavirus. As uncertainty replaced optimism across the country, our students were left in a double predicament of a rapidly changing world and an emergency change of venue from our classrooms to their living rooms.

Within days, our school recast policies, pivoted to remote modality and prepared our student body for a vastly different learning environment than the one they signed up for. Congress had to pass new legislation to allow students using the G.I. Bill to participate in distance learning. The state of Texas had to issue emergency orders to allow residential schools to operate virtually. Our staff had to learn to teach from home.

We quickly realized that learning remotely presents different challenges than the ones we face in a traditional classroom setting. We began to learn about Zoom fatigue, the energy-zapping phenomenon of being on video conferencing all day. In an effort to maintain high quality outcomes, we extended the length of our course by 10 percent, adding two additional weeks to allow for a slightly slower pace of instruction.

Since that day in March of last year, we have successfully operated and expanded our offerings in San Antonio and Dallas. The growing demand for tech workers, software developers and data scientists across Texas is surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and we expect these sectors to grow at unprecedented rates over the coming decade.

A year into our transformation from an in-person, residential-style school to a fully virtual, remote-learning environment, we set out to expand our ability to help people enter a career in technology. This time, instead of opening a campus in a new city, we chose to extend our curriculum and footprint with the acquisition of the Rackspace Cloud Academy in March 2021. Now Codeup can offer people on-ramps into the tech industry via five approved curricula across three campuses and offices in four cities across the state.

The past year and a half has been quite a ride. But the next 10 years will see more progress and innovation than ever before. The pace of advancement continues to increase, driving further demand for a workforce with skills in technology.

We set a record in the past three months for the number of graduates hired in technology roles, and we dont expect that trend to end anytime soon, pandemic or not.
David Adelman is a San Antonio real estate developer.

The last 12 months have been the slowest of my career. And by slow, I mean it felt as though time moved slower than ever.

I suppose that pre-COVID, as a 50-year-old real estate professional, I was busier than I had ever been. The economy was roaring in Texas and all the relationships I had built over 25 years in San Antonio were yielding more than my fair share of opportunities.

And all of a sudden, the coronavirus slammed on the brakes.

In the early days of the pandemic, I reacted like a lot of people; when faced with uncertainty, I went into defense mode.

I took as much control of my day-to-day business operations as I could. For example, I changed bill payment procedures from automatic to old-fashioned check writing. I wanted my hand on the controls just in case our tenants stopped making payments. And as you might guess, some did stop.

This was the point at which it became clear as day: Relationships matter. With open dialogue, we said to our tenants that nobody should make sudden or rash decisions. Instead, we should wait to see how things would play out. I had the same conversation with our lenders.

It was particularly comforting at that point when all of our lenders were completely open to payment holidays. Fortunately for our business, enough of our tenants did continue with their payments  many with support from the various programs provided by the federal government and others from their ongoing operations or, in some cases, their rainy-day savings.

For our part, we were able to make 100 percent of our payments to both our lenders and vendors.

As the summer of 2020 ground on, it became clear to me that there would be bright spots as well as challenges. Similar to past business cycles, we would simply have to figure out the challenges.

Unlike the financial crisis of 2008  which wore on through 2011  Im confident that this will be a far more rapid recovery. I feel very good about making new investments in projects that will house people and businesses in the San Antonio area.

The population growth trajectory before the pandemic is clearly back on track. It might even be accelerating. Heres my reasoning: We dont live on top of one another here like in New York City; we dont have natural disasters very often (except Snowmageddon); and we have plenty of infrastructure to support population growth.

So as time speeds up again, the big lesson for me from this crisis is that relationships really do matter. Sometimes when everything is going well, people forget that. But, in a flash, things can turn and you can be sure that your relationships will carry you through.
Sterling, VA (20165)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 93F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.
Laurent is a gifted Belgian boy who has impressed the world with his latest achievement, obtaining a degree in Physics in just nine months. The gifts of the student have been clear since he was very young . At the age of four he entered primary school, began secondary school at six and finished it at eight. At the age of nine he entered a career in Electrical Engineering at the University of TU Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

The university had promised the boy's parents that he would be able to graduate before his 10th birthday, but when it came time for his graduation, the institute decided to delay it for nine months. The reason they gave the family was that Laurent needed to develop some skills that were not so easily given to him, such as creativity and critical analysis. They also warned that the pressure they were putting on the student was excessive and they found it overwhelming to finish a three-year degree in nine months.
The name of a California lake isnt the only thing that is based on the Donner Party. Set to debut on Saturday, July 10, Woodbridge-based performance group Air Temple Arts will stage a circus show based on the events of the pioneers who sought life on the west coast but got stranded in a snowstorm in the mountains with a dwindling food supply, and eventually resorted to cannibalism.

Called Heaven or California, the original show follows the journey of the Donner Party through the Midwest as seen through the eyes of newlyweds Sarah Graves and Jay Fosdick, according to the performance description. As the group progresses to the Great Salt Desert and eventually the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the performance description says the hopes, dreams and fears of the Donner Party are brought to life through aerial arts, acrobatics, juggling, prop manipulation, movement and dance.

Director Liz Richards said she was inspired to transform the story into a visual act after listening to the horror podcast The Last Podcast on the Left, which did a series on the Donner Party in 2018.

It was so well-researched and gave such an interesting new perspective on the story, she said. I was just inspired to keep looking into it further.

That led Richards to read the book, The Indifferent Stars Above, by Daniel James Brown, which set her creativity in motion.

That book in particular painted such a vivid picture of the entire journey of the Donner Party, specifically centering on the true love story of two people who are a part of it, Sarah Graves and Jay Fosdick, she said.

Paired with her background in movement theater and acting from New York University and her circus studies with Air Temple Arts, Richards said she initially envisioned the love story as an aerial silk piece, but the idea morphed into a circus-style, abstract performance.

Theres a lot of circus elements in this show, she said. We have everything from aerial silk to Chinese pole to acrobatics and tumblinghoola hooping, hoop diving, theres going to be fire poi at one point. Stitching some of those pieces together are going to be some dance and more abstract movement theater.

From this movement, Richards said she hopes to display the nuances presented in Browns book that highlight the highs and lows of the Donner Partys journey.

It really inspired me with specific images of the prairie at night and this very romantic image of that, and also the joy of them celebrating the Fourth of July  and then of course just how isolated and truly scary it was for them in the end being trapped in the mountain, she said.

Paired with historical and expert text read throughout the performance, Richards said she wanted to show how multifaceted the pioneers journey was despite its tragic ending.

That juxtaposition was something I really wanted to highlight, because I feel that it's one thing to present a really sad story and just say, Oh, it was horrible and sad the whole time, she said. But you kind of need to fall in love with the characters a bit for it to matter.

Richards also noted that the musical accompaniment for the performance is an original score done by New Haven composer Brian Robinson, who opted for a string quartet as a nod to Fosdick, who was a fiddle player. For Richards, the performance is all about displaying these intricacies that were part of Donner Partys experience.

I feel often that the Donner Party story is kind of a story about ego and hubris, that, Oh, these foolish people did all these things wrong and they got stuck and they died and it's their fault, she said. But the actual history is more complex. And even so, they were all individuals who had real hopes and dreams  that's really what I hope audiences takes away, is just a bit more of a human understanding of the story.

The show will debut with two performances on July 10 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Air Temple Arts, located on 11 Research Drive in Woodbridge. Tickets are $20 for in-person attendance and $10 for online streaming.
MIAMI (AP)  The last time Haiti was thrust into turmoil by assassination was 1915, when an angry group of rebels raided the French Embassy and beat to death President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam, ushering in weeks of chaos that triggered a nearly two-decade U.S. military intervention.

With the era of gunboat diplomacy long over, the U.S. is unlikely to deploy troops in the aftermath of the brazen slaying Wednesday of President Jovenel Moise in an overnight raid at his home.

But the Biden administration may nonetheless find itself dragged into the country's increasingly violent political conflict, one that has been building  if largely ignored by Washington  for months and which is now expected to deepen further, with the immediate path forward blurred by intrigue.

This will get the U.S.' full attention and that's already a big deal, said Amy Wilentz, the author of multiple books on Haiti. Up until now, no matter who went to the Americans about Haitian governance and its problems under Moise, they weren't interested in interfering in any way except to support him.

Moise was a little-known banana exporter until former President Michel Martelly, barred by the constitution from seeking reelection, tapped him to run as his heir in 2015 elections marred by allegations of fraud.

Seen by many as a stand-in for Martelly's eventual comeback, he had been ruling by decree for more than a year after repeatedly postponing elections in a bitter standoff with opponents while desperate Haitians suffered at the mercy of violent gangs whose power has proliferated in recent years.

He nonetheless appeared to be on his way out, having set Sept. 26 to hold elections for president and parliament. The electoral timetable was backed by the Biden administration, though it rejected plans to hold a constitutional referendum currently scheduled for the same day  that has been opposed by critics who say any vote organized by the government will be fundamentally flawed and lack credibility.

The Biden administration gave no indication of its next policy moves in the aftermath of Moise's murder other than to say it will support an investigation to determine who was behind the slaying. So far, there are few clues.

But Moise's allies say the president's recent decision to go after Haitian oligarchs who grew rich on state contracts in the electricity and other sectors earned him enemies who have the means to carry out such a well-organized attack, one that authorities say involved Spanish and English-speaking mercenaries posing as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

Late Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph, a protege of Moise, to offer his condolences.

It is still the view of the United States that elections this year should proceed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

The U.S. has influenced political events in Haiti throughout its history  deploying troops, funding development projects and boosting would-be leaders.

Its intervention following Sam's assassination in 1915 kicked off a ruinous, nearly two-decade U.S. occupation that saw the introduction of Jim Crow racial segregation laws in what was the first country in the world to ban slavery. The U.S. stood by anti-communist ally Francois Duvalier during his reign of terror during the Cold War. And Bill Clinton brokered a deal to restore President Jean-Bertrand Aristide following his removal in a 1994 coup.

In addition, members of the Haitian diaspora concentrated in the U.S. send home more than $3 billion in remittances yearly, or around a third of the nations gross domestic product.

But despite $13 billion in international aid spent on state-building since the devastating 2010 earthquake, the country's democracy remains fragile, corruption rampant and inequality that has left millions struggling to eat is growing worse.

The United States, for reasons that elude me, does not see that, said Monique Clesca, a Haitian writer and retired United Nations official from her home in the hills above the capital, not far from where the president was killed. Its to the point that  I think I tweeted yesterday  is it because we are Black?

To underscore her criticism of the U.S.' frequent neglect, Clesca referred to a shooting rampage just last week in Haitis capital that was met with silence by Haitis international partners. Fifteen people, including a journalist and a well-known political activist, were among the dead.

I didnt hear Joe Biden. I didnt hear Boris Johnson," she said. "Where were they?

Biden said he was shocked and saddened by Moise's murder, condemning it as heinous act. But in a long Senate career focused on foreign policy, he showed little interest in getting bogged in Haiti's quagmire politics, taking distance from fellow Democrat Clinton's threats of an invasion to restore Aristide.

If Haiti, a God-awful thing to say, if Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldnt matter a whole lot in terms of our interest, he said in a 1994 interview with then PBS host Charlie Rose.

Wilentz said that absent a migration crisis, the Biden White House is likely to limit any involvement.

The Haiti turmoil comes as the US is withdrawing from Afghanistan and it would be hard if not impossible to get support for fresh US troops anywhere in the world right now, especially in a place like Haiti where theres little expectation that U.S. engagement would lead to political stability.

Still, Wilentz said U.S. officials should keep an eye on Joseph to see if he has the wherewithal and interest in organizing a democratic transition that brings stability to average Haitians.

If not, they should be pushing him pretty hard to name an interim government and get out of the way, she said.

Her biggest fear, besides Martelly or another strongman stepping in to fill the void, is that the U.S. officials once again lose interest.

The problem," she said, is you cant do it with the Americans and you cant do it without them.

___

Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman

AP Writers Matt Lee in Washington and Trenton Daniel in New York contributed to this report.
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.
Ive learned from public relations work Ive done on proposed commercial property and independent and assisted living developments in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y., to take nothing for granted when it comes to public sentiment. People seem to emerge when developers least expect it and the plans and proposed plans for two affordable housing projects in Fairfield are no exception.

From what Ive read, there have been a lot of concerned residents in both of the areas where these developments have been proposed. And one thing I can always say about Fairfielders is that if they arent happy, they will always find a way to let developers and lawyers know.

The first of two proposed projects, both by the same developer, is Merritt44, a 94-unit housing complex near Exit 44 off the Merritt Parkway. That complex would include 29 apartments that would qualify as affordable housing. It was submitted and approved under 8-30g, a state statute that dictates the only way officials can deny the proposal is by proving the project poses a threat to public health and safety that outweighs the need for affordable housing.

Chris Smith, the attorney for the developer has suggested Fears and speculations are no reason for denial, acknowledging concern and anger among nearby residents. He added that The planned development could fill a need in town for housing for young professionals, including teachers and first responders, as well as seniors.

Once I recognized that the development would be built north of the parkway, just beyond the Hotel Hi-Ho in a space originally proposed for a medical building, I really had little concern about the impact of this complex on our Fairfield community. The rendering by architect John Guedes, painted a very attractive picture of the new community and its location didnt seem to pose a traffic issue or major congestion. The architect also explained that a nearby hill would largely block lights from apartments.

While I never lived up in that area, I know from traveling Black Rock Turnpike that there was a nursery across the street from the hotel and there is no housing on the right hand side because of the reservoir. Single-family housing on the left side doesnt really begin for at least a half mile and most of the homes are set back. While I can certainly appreciate resident concern, I would hardly consider the project an eyesore that might impact property values. Even with an increase in traffic on Black Rock Turnpike, cars from the new development would increase north of the busy intersections below the parkway.

For the second affordable housing project, just two exits north on the Merritt Parkway at Park Avenue, the same developer and architect has proposed a 120-apartment complex of one- and two-bedroom units near Sacred Heart University and a nearby medical center just at the entrance to the Merritt Parkway north.

The suggested six-story building on 2.4 acres would offer a mix of 36, one- and two-bedroom affordable housing units and Guedes, the architect, indicated that the building would have a design similar to nearby Sacred Heart University structures.

Its been touted as a convenient and more affordable opportunity for educators, nurses, graduate students and seniors to live closer to the nearby medical center and Sacred Heart University.

Since I am in that area all summer teaching in a program at Sacred Heart, I know pretty much where the proposed location would be and cant see a building like this turning the area into an eyesore. But again, I certainly can empathize with any resident concerns.

The developer had originally proposed an 80-unit complex, which was voted down by the Town Plan and Zoning Commission early this year. This latest proposal was made under the same 8-30g state statute as the Merritt 44 project.

Some of the concerns neighbors raised about this proposal are parking, traffic, water, property values and its potential impact on the Merritt Parkways aesthetics. One resident also challenged its lack of handicapped accessible units.

Recent coverage pointed out that 8-30g applies to towns where less than 10 percent of housing stock meets state criteria to be recognized as affordable.

In June, Planning Director Jim Wendt said 13 affordable housing developments have been authorized in Fairfield since 2012, totaling 478 total units, 214 of which are marked as below-market-rate units.

State Rep. Jennifer Leeper, D-132, who was part of First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchicks recent housing panel, emphasized the need for affordable housing within the Fairfield community, particularly for seniors. We all live in Connecticut and Fairfield by choice, she said. We want to ensure that it continues to be a wonderful place.

I remember when we first moved here in 1982, seeking affordable housing and a reasonable commute to Stamford for me and Norwalk for my wife. It was a real stretch to afford the $850 monthly rental for our home.

While I may represent a small majority, I would certainly like to see the town housing commission approve the proposed new developments and other new ideas because Fairfield is a wonderful community to live in. Nevertheless, I certainly remain sensitive to other neighbors who have concerns about these projects. In the end, I hope they come around.

Steven Gaynes is a Fairfield writer, and his In the Suburbs appears each Friday. He can be reached at stevengaynes44@gmail.com.
Connecticut health officials on Thursday said the delta variant of the coronavirus is not yet the dominant strain circulating in the state, a day after data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed the highly-infectious strain now makes up an estimated 51.7 percent of infections nationwide.

In Connecticut, delta is not yet the predominant variant like it is elsewhere in the United States, said Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Health Dr. Deidre Gifford. Why is that? Probably its because we dont have a lot of virus circulating in Connecticut, thank goodness. And thats because... people are vaccinated.

Her comments came during a press conference hosted by Gov. Ned Lamont in Bristol on the states vaccination efforts.

Experts believe the delta variant, which was first found in India, is around 60 percent more transmissible than the alpha variant, first identified in the U.K. and is now circulating widely in Connecticut.

Researchers also believe the variant may be able to dodge antibodies that protect against COVID-19, whether from people who have recovered from the disease, received a vaccine or received monoclonal antibodies given to patients after they become infected.

A study published in Nature on Thursday found one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines barely inhibited the delta variant, while two doses proved 95 percent effective.

On Thursday, officials at Pfizer said the company plans to ask the FDA for emergency use authorization in August for a third dose of the mRNA vaccine it developed with the German company BioNTech, the Associated Press reported. Early data from the companys booster shot study showed a third dose made recipients antibody levels jump five to 10 fold, according to the Associated Press.

Statewide, there have been 51 cases of the delta variant reported in Connecticut as of Thursday, according to the governors office, three more than were reported the week before.

But because overall infections have been low in Connecticut for several months, researchers have fewer cases to genetically sequence the process used to trace variants of the virus from COVID-19 patients positive test kits. Thats led to noisy data on variants circulating in Connecticut, as Nathan Grubaugh, a PHD leading genetic sequencing efforts at the Yale School of Public Health has put it.

On Thursday, the state reported a positivity rate of 0.55 percent for new tests administered. Hospitalizations dropped by six patients to a total of 26 statewide, one of the lowest numbers in months. Another death was recorded for a total of 8,279.

Statewide, 77.5 percent of residents who are eligible to be vaccinated  those over the age of 12  have received at least one shot, according to the governors office, while 70.3 percent are now fully-vaccinated.

But demand for vaccines has sharply declined in recent months, with just 36,218 doses administered in the most recent week of data available from the state. The peak was about 315,000 doses administered weekly in mid-April.

Lamont used the growing concern over the delta variant to stress the importance that more people get vaccinated. During the press conference in Bristol Thursday, Lamont said the delta variant is really, really infectious, and its just walking around downtown Bristol trying to find somebody who isnt vaccinated.

Gifford echoed the need for even more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The more people that are vaccinated, the fewer viral particles are out there replicating in nature, and the less opportunity for these variants to develop and then become dominant, Gifford said.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A top EU official warned Thursday that the potential closure of the only remaining border crossing through which humanitarian aid can enter parts of Syria held by anti-government insurgents would have dramatic" consequences for millions of civilians.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Janez Lenarcic, the EU commissioner for Crisis Management, urged the U.N. Security Council to vote to extend humanitarian access into Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing between Turkey and northern Syria.

He made the comments following a visit to Bab al-Hawa ahead of a crucial vote at the Security Council on whether to keep the crossing open, before its mandate expires on July 10. The crossing is the main point from which international aid is brought into the northwest, home to over 4 million people, most of them displaced.

Syrias government and its ally Russia, a member of the Security Council, want the aid to start coming through government-controlled parts of the war-torn country.

We are still very much hoping that the cross-border resolution will be extended before its expiry on Saturday, Lenarcic said in a Zoom interview from the Turkish border province of Hatay. If its not extended, the consequences will for sure be dramatic for 3.5 million people in north northwest Syria who depend entirely on humanitarian aid.

Russia has come under intense pressure from the U.N., U.S. and others who warn of dire humanitarian repercussions for Syrians in rebel strongholds if the crossing is closed. Russia says aid should be delivered across front lines within Syria, reinforcing the Syrian governments sovereignty over the entire country.

Lenarcic said the EU would support humanitarian assistance coming from government-controlled parts of Syria but insisted there are no viable alternatives to Bab al-Hawa.

This certainly would not be able to replace entirely the huge operation that is now taking place across borders from Turkey to north northwest Syria, he said. This is a huge operation. There are roughly 1,000 trucks sent (across the) border every month."

The Security Council had approved four border crossings when aid deliveries began in 2014, three years after the start of Syrias conflict. But in January 2020, Russia used its veto threat in the council to limit deliveries to two border crossings, and in July 2020 its veto threat closed one more crossing.

Mark Cutts, the U.N.s deputy regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria, said the needs in the enclave are far greater than in 2014, when the Security Council first authorized the cross-border aid.

Weve got a million people displaced last year. There is a severe economic crisis in the country. There is COVID-19. So, the needs have gone up, Cutts told The Associated Press. This is a very vulnerable population. These are civilians trapped in a war zone.

The U.N. children's Agency, UNICEF, said half a million children suffer from stunting as a result of chronic malnutrition. A dire economic crisis in Syria, rooted in corruption, years of conflict and increasing sanctions against the government in Damascus, has made living conditions even more desperate. In the past year alone, prices of food staples have increased by 200%.

The health sector and its infrastructure are particularly in shambles. More than half of the health workers have left the country. Hospitals and medical facilities in opposition areas had been targeted by government forces and its allies. Despite a cease-fire deal in 2020, military operations have not stopped.

Cutts said nothing can replace the current U.N-led aid operation into the northwestern enclave. The U.N. directly provides 70% of all food aid; 100% of the COVID-19 vaccines and all relief assistance. Nearly 1,000 trucks cross in from Turkey a month bringing aid to the area that is still a scene to military operations.

A newly proposed U.N. resolution would allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to northwest Syria through Bab al-Hawa for a year. An initial Security Council draft would have authorized sending aid through Bab al-Hawa and also reopen the Al-Yaroubiya crossing from Iraq to Syria's northeast. But Russia called the resolution a non-starter last week and diplomats said China officially objected Wednesday.

In Syria, the head of the White Helmets organization accused Russia of using humanitarian assistance as a bargaining chip."

Donor countries who fund the humanitarian response in Syria should work with humanitarian workers on the ground to deliver aid based on the needs of people in Syria, said Raed al-Saleh. "Ten years on from the start of the revolution, the humanitarian crisis in Syria is worse than ever  we urgently need the international community to overhaul the way aid is delivered in Syria.

Dr Salem Abdan, the Idlib Health Director, said: "We already lack medicines and with COVID on the increase, any hesitation will cost lives. We need COVID vaccinations and urgent care to stop diseases spreading. Stop political bargaining with peoples lives.

So far, the rebel enclave that includes parts of Idlib and Aleppo provinces, has only received 53,800 UN-secured vaccine jabs delivered through Turkey in April.

Inas Hamam, communication officer of the World Health Organization, said the UN is counting on the Bab al-Hawa crossing to deliver the next batch of vaccines  over 52,800 jabs, by mid-August. She told the AP that the WHO has pre-positioned health supplies, such as protective equipment and surgical kits, to respond to the next four to six months in case of a possible closure to mitigate short-term impact.

But these supplies could be depleted quickly in the case of a COVID outbreak or a military operation, she said.

__

El Deeb and Fay Abulegasim reported from Beirut. Ayse Wieting in Istanbul contributed.
At top, pistol drawn in the House chamber, a plainclothes black officer who fits the description of Michael L. Byrd. His name was apparently divulged at a hearing as the cop who shot Ashli Babbitt.

By Paul Sperry, RealClearInvestigations

July 7, 2021

Most police departments  including Washington, D.C.s Metropolitan Police  are required to release an officers name within days of a fatal shooting. Not the U.S. Capitol Police, which is controlled by Congress and answers only to Congress. It can keep the public in the dark about the identity and investigation of an officer involved in a shooting indefinitely.

Which is what happened with the Jan. 6 shooting of Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed protester in the U.S. Capitol riot who was fatally wounded by a plainclothes police lieutenant as she attempted to breach a set of doors inside the building.

For the past six months, as Congress has proposed legislation to reform police departments across the country, the Capitol Police has stiff-armed government watchdogs, journalists and even lawyers for Babbitt, who have sought the identity of the officer and additional details about the shooting. The USCP still refuses to release his name, in stark contrast to recent high-profile police shootings around the nation.

In February, USCP issued a press release promising to share additional information once the investigation is complete. But Justice Department investigators closed their probe in April, clearing the officer of criminal wrongdoing in Babbitts death, which the medical examiner ruled a homicide. And last month, the D.C. Police  which shares jurisdiction with the Capitol Police and has led the investigation into Babbitts shooting  concluded its own internal review of the shooting without making any findings, according to spokeswoman Kristen Metzger.Still, USCP continues stonewalling the public," according to the head of the police union.

Thats my departments attorneys for you, United States Capitol Police Labor Committee Chairman Gus Papathanasiou told RealClearInvestigations. There is definitely a transparency issue. The department needs to answer those questions. They are stonewalling the public.

Withholding the name of the officer who fired the fatal shot  the only round fired by anyone during the four-hour siege  has bred speculation on the Internet and led to the mistaken identification of at least one officer. USCP Special Agent David Bailey was wrongly fingered as the shooter on social media and conservative news sites.

After RCI called attention to the false rumor in an email to USCP, followed by a story on the issue, USCP's communications chief officially knocked it down as misinformation.

Now a new name has surfaced in the Babbitt imbroglio  Lt. Michael L. Byrd  and while USCP Communications Director Eva Malecki wont confirm he is the shooter, in this case she isnt denying it.

In a little-noticed exchange, Byrd was cited by the acting House sergeant at arms during a brief discussion of the officer who shot Babbitt at a Feb. 25 House hearing. Both C-SPAN and CNN removed his name from transcripts, but CQ Transcripts  which, according to its website, provides the complete word from Capitol Hill; exactly as it was spoken  recorded the Capitol official, Timothy Blodgett, referring to the cop as Officer Byrd. His name is clearly audible in the videotape of the hearing (see video embed further below).

Byrd appears to match the description of the shooter, who video footage shows is an African American dressed that day in a business suit. Jewelry, including a beaded bracelet and lapel pin, also match up with photos of Byrd.

In addition, Byrds resume lines up with what is known about the experience and position of the officer involved in the shooting  a veteran USCP officer who holds the rank of lieutenant and is the commander of the House Chamber Section of the Capitol Police.

Following the shooting, Byrds Internet footprint was scrubbed, including his social media and personal photos.

Officer Byrd is named in a videotape of House testimony (around 39:20).

Phone calls and emails to Byrd, who lives in Maryland where he remains on paid administrative leave, went unanswered. His attorney would neither confirm nor deny that the 53-year-old Byrd is the shooter, and warned that disclosing his name poses a safety risk to the officer.

The Babbitt family is frustrated USCP wont release any information about the incident other than the terse and vaguely written statement it issued on Jan. 7: [A] sworn USCP employee discharged their service weapon, striking an adult female.

Because Congress has exempted the USCP from Freedom of Information Act requests, the family is suing the D.C. Police for documents that identify the officer who shot Babbitt ... as well as notes and summaries of what the officer said regarding the shooting and the reasons he discharged his weapon. (The D.C. Police has led the investigation into Babbitts shooting.) A hearing before a judge is scheduled for Sept. 3. Washington-based watchdog Judicial Watch also is suing for the records.

They sit back and they completely refuse to release the name of their own police officer that was involved in a shooting of an unarmed woman, said Ashli Babbitts husband, Aaron. "Its ridiculous, its absolutely ridiculous.

Babbitt has hired a Maryland lawyer specializing in police-abuse cases who plans to file a wrongful-death lawsuit against USCP and the officer, seeking at least $10 million in damages.

The attorney, Terry Roberts, said he has received no information from USCP about the case, even though he contacted the department's general counsel in May. But he said an investigator in his office has positively identified the shooter from a painstaking analysis of photos and videos taken by journalists and witnesses inside the Capitol, as well as from tips from citizens and other information.

He said a key witness is Taylor Hansen, a freelance journalist who films protests around the country and was outside the Speakers Lobby with Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, when she was shot. Hansen claims to have identified Byrd as the officer who opened fired on Babbitt, striking her in the lower left shoulder.

"Hansen was present when Ashli was shot, Roberts told RCI. "He has spoken with my investigator. He provided a reliable and accurate account of what he saw; he also made a video recording, which proved useful."

Roberts said he is not ready to name the officer as a defendant in the lawsuit until he meets federal regulations for filing personal-injury claims against government agencies and employees, which could take several more weeks. However, he told RCI, Hes a guy who left his service revolver in a bathroom.

In February 2019, Lt. Byrd was investigated for leaving his department-issued Glock-22 firearm unattended in a restroom on the House side of the Capitol, even though the potent weapon, which fires .40-caliber rounds, has no manual safety to prevent unintended firing. Fortunately, the abandoned gun was discovered by another officer during a routine security sweep. A Glock-22 was used in the Babbitt shooting.

Byrd addressed the blunder at a roll call the following morning, reportedly telling fellow officers that he would be treated differently because of his rank as a lieutenant.

At the time, Malecki assured the press that appropriate actions will be taken against Byrd. Asked recently what disciplinary actions were administered, the USCP spokeswoman declined comment.

Unlike other police forces, USCP does not have to disclose records on police misconduct.

More than 700 complaints were lodged against Capitol Police officers between 2017 and 2019, but brass wont say what the alleged violations were or how the department resolved them. They also wont disclose how many complaints are in any individual officers file.

While the USCP has an inspector general, he does not make reports public, unlike other agency watchdogs. His report on Jan. 6 remains secret.

Critics say the 193-year-old agency is in dire need of reform. They point out that even the Secret Service complies with FOIA requests and releases reports and audits by its internal watchdog. The Capitol Police, in contrast, wont even reveal how many sworn officers it has on hand.

Unlike the [D.C. Police] and the vast majority of local police forces, the USCP provides little public information about its activities, complained Daniel Schuman, policy director of the D.C. watchdog group Demand Progress, in a recent letter to the heads of the congressional panels who have oversight authority over USCP.

D.C. law requires police to identify the officer involved in a police shooting within five business days after an officer-involved death or serious use of force. Officials must publicly release the names and body-camera recordings of all officers involved in the death or use of force. The law does not cover the Capitol Police, however, even though D.C. Police work in conjunction with that agency on homicide cases and fatal traffic accidents.

The Babbitt shooting has thrust this double standard into the national spotlight.

Some lawmakers on the USCP oversight committees are clamoring for changes, starting with the immediate release of the name of the officer who shot Babbitt. They allege that Capitol Police are protecting an officer who killed an unarmed citizen from public scrutiny.

In many instances, when a law enforcement officer kills an individual for any reason, that officer's name is publicly released. But not in the case of Ashli Babbitt, said GOP Rep. Paul Gosar, who sits on the House Oversight Committee. Instead, there is a determined effort to cover up the full circumstances of this homicide.

Mark Schamel, the Washington attorney defending the officer, warned that revealing his clients name could put his life in jeopardy. He said the officer has received credible" death threats and has gone into hiding. He would not provide further details about the type of threats or whether they have been reported to the FBI. Schamel also declined to say if authorities have provided the officer a protective security detail.

Asked about any threats made against Byrd, USCP General Counsel Tad DiBiase told RCI in an email that "one of our officers has received death threats, threats to his family, and numerous vile, racist sentiments directed at the officer." Without elaborating, he said "these threats are currently under active investigation by the USCP and the FBI."

The only publicly known threat made against the officer who shot Babbitt came from Garret Miller, who was arrested in Texas in part because of threats he made two weeks after participating in the Capitol riot. However, Miller circulated the wrong photos of the officer on Facebook, falsely identifying Officer Bailey, who is also African American. Miller remains in federal custody.

The FBI and USCP declined to answer when asked if any threats have been directed against Lt. Byrd specifically.
Farmers are reaching out to the public and MPs to raise the importance of the crops sector as part the annual #YourHarvest campaign.

The arable sector is marking the start of this years harvest with the launch of the #YourHarvest 2021 campaign.

It's the chance for growers to showcase their role in caring for the farmed landscape and demonstrate their commitment to do even more through future environment schemes.

Working with farmers, the NFU will be reaching out to MPs during the campaign to demonstrate the value of the British arable sector.

The union will be discussing how ambitious and accessible environment schemes can help to maximise farmings potential when it comes to sustainable food production and environmental delivery.

The campaign comes shortly after the release of the indicative payment rates for the arable soils standard for the 2022 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

NFU combinable crops board chairman Matt Culley stressed the need for a flexible and accessible system that will incentivise as many farmers as possible.

The #YourHarvest campaign is a celebration  marking a years worth of work and care to produce the nations key ingredients, whether its the wheat that goes into our birthday cakes, the oats in our morning porridge or the barley in our favourite beer.

"Its also a time to celebrate all the arable sector has and continues to achieve in terms of environmental delivery," Mr Culley explained.

He added that the SFI was an opportunity to build on this work, but the main challenge was in attracting as many farmers as possible as 'it is accessibility that will determine the success or failure of the scheme'.

"A flexible approach is going to be key to ensure that the incentives offered are attractive to all, especially to those who would need to make significant changes to ensure their efforts are worthwhile," he said.

The NFU has provided farmers infographics, an animation, a video and other resources that they can use to show the value of arable farming.
2027 is an 'unrealistic' deadline to ban farrowing crates by at European Union or United Kingdom level, pig producers have warned.

Last week, the European Commission announced its intention to propose legislation by the end of 2023 to ban the use of cages in farming, including farrowing crates.

It was responding to the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) End the Cage Age campaign, which is calling for cages to be banned from 2027.

However, the Commission has not committed to a ban from that date, but will assess the feasibility of working towards the proposed legislation entering into force from 2027.

It has committed to adopting a species-by-species approach to the ban and has acknowledged the need for a reasonable transition period.

It will aim to complete an impact assessment, covering the socio-economic and environmental implications of the measures and the benefits to animal welfare.

The Commission has also promised that farmers will be supported, financially and through the provision training, to help them manage the transition.

In the UK, Defra has said it is examining the use of cages, and is expected to make an announcement at some point.

It comes as the National Pig Association (NPA) warned that the 2027 deadline for any cage ban was an 'impossible task'.

The NPA has been working with Defra by feeding in practical information, which producers hope will help inform government policy making.

The group's chief executive Zoe Davies said: "We have been doing a lot of work within the industry and with Defra looking at what the transition would entail and purely from a practical point of view, we believe it will take 20-30 weeks per farm to transition.

It is going to cause major disruption to pork supply and we have very few specialist building companies that could do the transition work.

She said there was 'huge concern' out there among producers about the practical implications and the costs involved in making the change.

The UK industry would be seeking similar support and protection arrangements to that pledged at EU level, Ms Davies added.

She also outlined the potential problems with getting planning permission sorted in time: The entire supply chain needs to work together to help producers do this, otherwise more will go out of business."
Defra will end the six-month authorisation that allowed imports of seed potatoes from Europe to GB at a time when exports from GB to EU were not permitted.

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement with Europe, announced at the end of 2020, failed to agree equivalence on seed potatoes.

This resulted in significant prohibitions on Scottish seed exports to the EU and, by extension, Northern Ireland.

At the time, NFU Scotland had said that the consequence for growers was 'immediate and grave'.

As an EU Member State, Britain exported around 30,000t of seed potatoes worth 13.5m to Europe each year, and the majority of these were high-health stocks grown in Scotland.

Growers have now welcomed the decision taken by Defra to end the six-month authorisation that allowed the import of EU seed potatoes to GB.

The extension expired on 30 June 2021 and has not been renewed. The government has previously applied for equivalence on seed potatoes, and this application has been rejected.

NFU Scotland said it hoped the decision taken by government not to extend authorisation to EU seed imports will bring fresh impetus to talks that will agree equivalence and allow exports to resume.

Chair of NFU Scotlands Potatoes Working Group, Mike Wilson, a seed potato grower, said that extending the authorisation for a further six months had the 'potential to devastate' Scotlands seed potato industry.

"We welcome that the UK governments allowance for EU seed potatoes to be sold to GB has now officially been ended," he said.

This means that potato growers throughout Britain will have to source their seed from within Britain, which is good news for Scotlands seed potato sector."

Mr Wilson added: The GB market is quite different from the EU market, so the potato sector has quite a task on its hands to develop and supply this internal market."

In the meantime, the union said it would be working with government and European counterparts to regain access to the EU market.
Defra's response to a dairy labour survey has sparked fresh hope it may consider helping the sector recruit more workers into the industry.

In a letter to the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) last month, farming minister Victoria Prentis thanked the body for highlighting the labour challenges in a report that was submitted to the government earlier this year.

While she acknowledged the RABDFs disappointment dairy workers were not included on the MAC Shortage Occupation List (SOL), she said it was something they were monitoring.

She said: The UK labour market has changed rapidly in recent months, and we need time to monitor the impact of the new Skilled Worker route and how the economy recovers post-Covid.

Defra is working closely with the Home Office to ensure there is a long-term strategy for food and farming workforce as part of future immigration policy.

We are still considering the report you have provided alongside your offer to meet to discuss the issues it raises and will write to you again shortly once this consideration is completed.

Although the letter said they did not plan on making any widespread changes to the SOL in the short-term with regards to medium-skilled occupations, the RABDF is still hopeful there may be some help there for producers.

The group's managing director Matt Knight said the labour shortage was a 'widespread problem' throughout the entire agricultural supply chain.

"We hope with more evidence and the fact Ms Prentis said they were monitoring the situation, they will step in before we see more farmers exit the industry," he said.

Having access to new foreign labour restricted has been a massive blow to the sector and particularly those larger operators who rely on foreign workers, with our survey identifying 11% of farms recruiting foreign workers.

Our aim would be for the home office to include skilled dairy workers on the MAC SOL in the short-term while the industry works on longer-term solutions to recruit suitable candidates from the domestic workforce, he said.

Research by the RABDF has highlighted more needs to be done to promote farming as a career in schools, with one of the main limiting factors to recruiting domestic labour being the image of long and unsocial working hours.

Mr Knight said the body was in the process of creating literature that could help dairy farmers promote the sector's positive image, improve interaction and recruit the workers and retain them.

"The literature will contain simple advice on the use of social media, improving the image of dairy farming by making sure farms are always presentable," he said.

"It will also include back to basics skills on interview techniques, writing a job description, holding open days and farm walks and selling your farm as a place to work.

The RABDF is also working on some other medium-to-long-term solutions, which will be announced in due course.

Mr Knight added: We appreciate the dairy sector needs to address its underlying lack of attractiveness as a career option to the domestic workforce.

"However, there is no short-term fix for this. It will require a change in practices on dairy farms, education and promotion of dairying farming as a career to non-farmers, which all take time.
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Gov. Jim Justice, somewhat belatedly, has come around to admit that the states vaccination effort has hit a wall and that, at its current pace, we will not reach herd immunity anytime soon.
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Horror-comedies is a new and well-received genre in Bollywood now. After the success of Stree and Roohi, many filmmakers have decided to venture in this niche genre and the latest to hit the headlines is a film starring Sonakshi Sinha and Riteish Deshmukh. This is the first time the two will collaborate and the film will be produced by Ronnie Screwvala.

Saqib Saleem has also joined the two actors and will be seen romancing Sonakshi who plays a ghost-hunter in the horror flick. Titled Kakuda, the film will be directed by Aditya Satpotdar who has earlier worked with Riteish in his debut Marathi film, Mauli.

Reports suggest that the film will have a similar theme to the others weve seen in this genre but the story and the screenplay will be refreshing and unique. It also said that they film will take inspiration from actual events that have transpired in the country. Kakuda is expected to go on floors next month in Rajasthan.
A Bengali movie from Bangladesh called Rehana Maryam Noor has received a standing ovation following its screening at the 74th Cannes Film Festival. Rehana Maryam Noor had already made history as the first Bangladesi movie to have been selected at the festival. The movie has been written, directed and edited by Abdullah Mohammad Saad.

The film revolves around the Badhon titular character Rehana, a stern, unbending assistant professor in a medical school who struggles to balance her work with the demands of single parenting and looking after an ailing mother. The precarious balance soon shatters when she stumbles upon one of her students in tears and decides to doggedly pursue the male professor who seemingly assaulted her.


Despite the reach that social media gives us, we know little about our stars' hobbies and what they like to do besides going to the gym and making movies. However, it is a well known fact that actor Sonakshi Sinha loves art and is a self-taught artist who has been fascinated by the world of painting for a while now. Every artist has their favourite subject and Sinha loves eyes. Besides the aesthetic aspect of it, she believes that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Now, the actress has come up with House of Creativity along with Luv Sinha and Kush Sinha.

The House of Creativity is a database of artworks featuring every artistic approach and at the heart of it, Sonakshi Sinha's new initiative will focus on the Indian artistic community and give space to homegrown talent. Sinha's artwork is featured on their website and the prices range from INR 400,000 to INR 23,000.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Environmental Waste International Inc. (TSXV: EWS) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that the shareholders approved all matters put forth for approval at the annual and special shareholders' meeting held today (the "Meeting"). The shareholders re-elected Sam Geist, Emanuel Gerard, Bob MacBean, Glenn Myers, Paul Orlin and Robert Savage to the board of directors (the "Board") and re-appointed MNP LLP to be the auditors of the Company. The shareholders also re-approved the Company's 10% rolling stock option plan, reapproved the authorization of the Board to potentially consolidate the common shares of the Corporation on the basis of (1) new common share for up to twenty (20) old common shares and approved EWI Investors, LLC, becoming a "control person" of the Corporation as such term is defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, as part of the previously announced debt conversions on May 25, 2021 and June 15, 2021 (the "Debt Conversion"). Following the Meeting, the Company completed the Debt Conversion and issued 4,590,719 common shares upon conversion of $1,101,775 of debt.

The common shares issued pursuant to the Debt Conversion will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and a day from the date of issuance. For further information please see the Management Information Circular and news releases filed under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.

The Company also announced that it has granted an aggregate of 3,870,000 incentive stock options to certain officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company under its Stock Option Plan. All options are exercisable at $0.19 per common share vesting over three years with an expiry date of July 7, 2026.

About Environmental Waste International Inc.

Environmental Waste International Inc. specializes in eco-friendly systems for the breakdown of organic materials, including tires. The Company has spent over 15 years engineering systems that integrate the EWS patented Reverse Polymerization process and proprietary microwave delivery system. EWS's unique microwave technology safely processes and recycles waste tires, while recovering highly valuable commodities, including carbon black, oil and steel. Each unit is designed to be environmentally safe, energy efficient, and economically profitable for the operator. For more information please visit, www.ewi.ca.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Bob MacBean, CEO

(905) 686-8689 or (800) 399-2366

Bob.macbean@ewmc.com

www.ewi.ca

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 "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. 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 and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company appears in the Company's continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedar.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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89719
From the Friday ladies who have visited the same salon every Friday for 30 years to Tabia who couldn't look in the mirror because she was unable to get the 'miracle' facial treatment that had transformed her life, the films capture the essence of what going to a salon really means.

LONDON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The British Beauty Council has launched six inspirational short biographical films to highlight how hair dressing and beauty salons are essential to people's health and wellbeing within communities across the UK.

The series, called Bring Back Beauty, form part of the British Beauty Council's Oh Hello Beauty Campaign encouraging people to return to hair and beauty salons. Shot by renowned beauty director Simon Emmett, they explore the role of salons beyond just aesthetics - focusing on the integral role they play in the community as a safe inclusive space and place to build back; and how they provide emotional support and instil personal confidence. They talk to business owners whose salons have comeback from the brink of collapse and to clients who lost a crucial coping mechanism during lockdown.

Millie Kendall MBE, chief executive of The British Beauty Council says: "These biographical films showcase what the beauty industry really does for its clients and how essential they are to British communities up and down the country. Whether it's your sexual orientation and fitting in, or whether it's being supported through cancer treatment or the loss of a loved one, the benefits of salons go above and beyond simply having a haircut or a facial."

More than 7,000 salons in the UK have gone out of business since March last year following the forced closures in light of the pandemic; the British Beauty Council fears more businesses will suffer the same fate unless people start returning for treatments. The UK's 30bn beauty industry was one of the sectors most heavily impacted by coronavirus measures, with salons closed for more than 200 days of lockdown. It employs more than 600,000 people, of which more than 80 per cent are women. At 30bn, the beauty industry contributes more to the UK economy than pubs, which contribute 23bn a year.

BRING BACK BEAUTY SERIES - FIVE FILMS AND A COMPILATION

Friday Ladies - "We all have the same appointments week in week out, every Friday"

The story of The Friday Ladies follows a group of women who have visited the same salon, The Hair Surgery in Wollaston, every Friday for 30 years. It explores how the salon with its owner Tim has been a coping mechanism for the ladies through cancer and loss of loved ones - and touches on how they have coped with the twists and turns of life in Covid. "You're made to feel special - that's why you come to the hairdresser's isn't it? When you walk out, you think great," says Jenny.

Sugaring - "It felt like a miracle"

Tabia Farhin Salam describes how, before the pandemic, sugaring - a hair removal treatment that uses just water, lemon and sugar - transformed her life. "It felt like a miracle. I genuinely felt like a new person." But then the salon closed as Covid hit. "I slowly saw the hair growth coming back and saw what my face looked like. Knowing the business survived - they are one of my support systems."

Not another salon - "I use pretty much every pronoun in the book"

Tells the story of how Sophia Hilton opened the salon for "people who don't feel they fit in with the rest of the world". Some have so much anxiety, she says, that some only write down what they would like on a piece of paper. "I use pretty much every pronoun in the book - I am gender fluid person from Italy," says client, Wade. "When you're here, you can be the best version of yourself and not be ashamed of the looks or the judgment."

Crown - "A salon is more than just a haircut"

James Lefevre thought it was game over for his salon after the first lockdown - and then last summer, he was diagnosed with ADHD. He began working for charity as way of escaping his house, which opened his world. "If the pandemic taught us anything, it is to be kind to each other," he says. Now returned to the salon, James adds: "When you go to a hair salon you're supporting people that do more than just style your hair."

Life Spa - "The community has been amazing"

Jonida Lile, owner of LifeSpa, wasn't sure what the future would hold when the restrictions forced her salon to close. She was scared - not just for the survival of her business but also for her staff, many of whom were single mums. "I had to get financial help to pay their wages - I didn't want to put them in a difficult position mentally or physically." The salon has since reopened, buoyed by support from the local community. "Customers were buying gift vouchers even though we were closed. They have been amazing," adds Jonida.

https://britishbeautycouncil.com/oh-hello-beauty/

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zRvQUMQWIw
Marks first European launches of Maxigesic IV, a well-tolerated and effective non-opioid pain treatment



Liege, Belgium - 8 July 2021 - Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA (Euronext Brussels: HYL), a specialty biopharma company committed to addressing unmet medical needs through reinventing existing medications, today announces that Maxigesic IV is now available in Germany, the largest European pharmaceutical market, and Austria.

Maxigesic IV is a novel, patented, non-opioid treatment for post-operative pain and is a unique combination of 1000mg paracetamol and 300mg ibuprofen solution for infusion. Hyloris' partner AFT Pharmaceuticals works together with distribution partners with strong local presence to commercialise the product globally.

Maxigesic IV is currently licensed in more than 100 countries across the globe, and it has been registered in 24 countries. Following the launch in Germany and Austria, the product is now available in 5 countries: Australia, New Zealand, The United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Austria.

Stijn Van Rompay, Chief Executive Officer of Hyloris, commented: "We are pleasedthat AFT and its partner Ever Pharma have now launched Maxigesic IV in Germany and Austria.We are convinced that Ever Pharma is the ideal partner to make this valuable new non-addictivepain treatment available to patients in Germany and Austria given their strong footprint in key European markets, and their expertise with complex injectables in multiple therapeutic areas, including anaesthesia.We look forward to continuing to update the market as we,and our partner AFT,make further progress in theregulatory activities, launches and further roll-out ofMaxigesic IV across the globe."

Annually, over 5.2 million surgical procedures are performed in Germany, and the market for postoperative pain in Germany is expected to grow to $166.5 million by 2028 at a CAGR of 11.58% from 2017-2028.1

About Maxigesic IV

Maxigesic IV has been developed under the development collaboration agreement signed in 2012 between Hyloris and AFT Pharmaceuticals. Maxigesic IV is a unique combination of 1000mg paracetamol and 300mg ibuprofen solution for infusion for use post-operatively. Results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial in 276 patients following bunion surgery demonstrated that Maxigesic IV was well-tolerated and had a faster onset of action and offered higher pain relief compared to ibuprofen IV or paracetamol IV alone in the same doses. Moreover, the superior analgesic effect of Maxigesic IV was supported by a range of secondary endpoints, including reduced opioid consumption compared to the paracetamol IV and ibuprofen IV treatment groups (P<0.005).2 In addition, the safety and tolerability of repeated doses of Maxigesic IV over an extended period was assessed in an open-label, multi-centre, single arm study in 232 patients undergoing orthopaedic or plastic surgery. This extension study demonstrated that Maxigesic IV, administered 6-hourly as a 15-minute infusion between 48 hours to 5 days was safe and well-tolerated, and was perceived positively by study participants, supporting a favourable risk benefit profile.3 Under the terms of the collaboration agreement with AFT, Hyloris is eligible to a high minority share of Maxigesic IV related income generated by AFT, excluding income generated in Australia and New Zealand.

About Hyloris Pharmaceuticals

Hyloris is a specialty biopharma company focused on innovating, reinventing, and optimising existing medications to address important healthcare needs and deliver relevant improvements for patients, healthcare professionals and payors. Hyloris has built a broad, patented portfolio of 13 reformulated and repurposed value-added medicines that have the potential to offer significant advantages over available alternatives. Two products are currently commercialised with partners: Sotalol IV for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and Maxigesic IV, a non-opioid post-operative pain treatment. The Company's development strategy primarily focuses on the FDA's 505and follow-us on LinkedIn.

For more information, please contact Hyloris Pharmaceuticals:

Marieke Vermeersch

VP Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

M: +32 (0)479 490 603

marieke.vermeersch@hyloris.com



Disclaimer and forward-looking statements

Hyloris means "high yield, lower risk", which relates to the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for product approval on which the Issuer focuses, but in no way relates or applies to an investment in the Shares.

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements can be identified using forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should", and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company or its industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

1 Postoperative Pain Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast - 2028. DELVEINSIGHT

2 Daniels et al, 2019, Clinical Therapeutics

3 Gottlieb et al, 2021, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Attachment
Mississauga, Ontario and Sacramento, California--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. (CSE: BEE) (OTCQB: BEVVF) (CVE: BEE) (the "Company" or "BVT") today announced that it has secured its first revenue commitments with US sunflower growers and has successfully expanded into other activities within this crop, including demonstration and research trials. This marks significant progress in penetrating the US $470 million(1) sunflower market.

"What BVT has accomplished in the first half of 2021 has put us on a fast-track for accelerating growth, all due to our focus on diversifying the Company's revenue mix," said Ashish Malik, CEO of BVT. "In addition to making inroads into the sunflower market with first-time revenues, we accelerated market penetration in the berry and almond markets, kick-starting California and New Jersey with initial trials, and securing revenues in the US Southeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest. These milestones ensure a diverse revenue base for continued growth and maximized shareholder value. They also show that our product solution is gaining traction with new American growers and that we have excellent customer retention. With our success in multiple crops, and as we continue to widen the geography of our sales reach, we are strengthening our foothold in the US which will expedite our business expansion."

"BVT's first revenue commitments with sunflower growers in the US Midwest are for commercial pilots of BVT's natural precision agriculture system on portions of their crop fields," said Ian Collinson, Sales Manager at BVT. "We have also expanded our market reach by making inroads into a second major growing region for sunflowers, with the first US Pacific Coast based demonstration trial for this crop now being conducted in two locations with a global sunflower seed producer."





Above: Sunflower field in US Pacific Coast, where BVT's VectorHive honeybee dispensers are currently being used in a demonstration trial.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3903/89686_a75ba00814091a7a_002full.jpg

"Successfully getting to initial revenue in the sunflower market is the result of BVT's hard work and investment in conducting sunflower trials in the US Midwest, working closely with key university researchers in the crop who confirmed the potential of our product," continued Mr. Collinson.

This entry into the sunflower market is based on the successful first year results of the multi-year North Dakota State University (NDSU) trials of BVT's biological fungicide, CR-7. Funded by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the trials are run by NDSU in cooperation with BVT. The trials provide the critical data points needed to sell in the sunflower market, where 1.3 million(2) acres are harvested annually in America alone.

Trial results proved that the system is effective and efficient for sunflower growers to use for disease control and improve yields. The results validated the technology, quantified hive distribution needed to achieve satisfactory Sclerotinia head rot control (in both disease incidence and severity), and measured increased yield results and reduced sclerotia contamination. Data collected in the first year has also enabled BVT to identify the segments of the sunflower industry that have the greatest potential for the Company's system: seed production and higher-value contracted oil and confectionary production.

"Sclerotinia head rot is a major challenge for sunflower producers and has been identified as a high priority by the National Sunflower Association," said Sherri Tedford, Laboratory and Field Testing Manager at BVT. "First year trial data from two sites indicate BVT reduced incidence and severity of Sclerotinia head rot by up to 62% over the control plots and increased yield by about 15%. BVT-treated sunflowers also have less sclerotia contamination (down from 6.1 and 7.4 % in the control plots to 3.1 and 3.3 % in the BVT-treated plots), well below the 4% maximum level allowed for processing seeds into oil for human consumption. This is important for growers, as seeds for human consumption can be sold for a higher price than seeds for other purposes, such as animal feed."

BVT will continue the state-funded trials through the next two growing seasons, starting this August, to further refine recommendations for hive/dispenser numbers and placements, and further strengthen the BVT value proposition and ROI for growers. Originally approved for two years, these state-funded trials have just been extended for an additional third year.

"The disease management practices data from the NDSU trials won't just help producers in North Dakota, but those in neighboring states (Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota) and provinces (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) as well," continued Mr. Malik. "And with minor adjustments, they will be applicable to producers in other parts of the world, increasing our potential scale to drive sustained growth through revenue diversity."

(1) (2) Source: 2016, 2017 National Ag Statistical Service (NASS)

About Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc.

BVT, an agriculture technology company, is a market disruptor with a significant global market opportunity in the $240 billion crop protection and fertilizer market. BVT has pioneered a natural precision agriculture system that replaces chemical pesticides and wasteful plant protection product spray applications by delivering biological pesticide alternatives to crops using commercially grown bees. BVT's award-winning technology, precision vectoring, is completely harmless to bees and allows minute amounts of naturally-derived pesticides (called biologicals) to be delivered directly to blooms, providing improved crop protection and yield results than traditional chemical pesticides - and improving the health of the soil, the microbiome and the environment. Currently, BVT has over 65 granted patents, over 35 patents pending in all major agricultural countries worldwide, and has US EPA registration of its Vectorite with CR-7 (EPA Registration No. 90641-2) for sale as a registered biological fungicide for use on the labeled crops.

Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.beevt.com. To receive regular news updates from the Company, subscribe at www.beevt.com/newsletter.

Company Contact:

Ashish Malik, President & CEO

info@beevt.com

Investor Contact:

Babak Pedram, Investor Relations

Virtus Advisory Group

Tel: 416-995-8651

bpedram@virtusadvisory.com

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company, "annual revenue potential", are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including: planted acres, selling price of competitive chemical pesticides and the US to Canadian dollar exchange rate. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. These factors include changes in law, competition, litigation, the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities, state of the capital markets, the availability of funds and resources to pursue operations, new technologies, the ability to protect intellectual property rights, the ability to obtain patent protection for products, third-party intellectual property infringement claims, regulatory changes affecting products, failing research and development activities, the ability to reach and sustain profitability, dependence on business and technical experts, the ability to effectively manage business operations and growth, issuance of debt, dilution of existing securities, volatility of publicly traded securities, potential conflicts of interest, unlikelihood of dividend payments, the potential costs stemming from defending third-party intellectual property infringement claims, the ability to secure relationships with manufacturers and purchasers, as well as general economic, market and business conditions, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Filing Statement dated August 14,2020, filed with the CSE and securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. All figures are in Canadian dollars.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89686
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - TeamViewer AG (TMVWF.PK, TMVWY.PK), a remote connectivity and workplace digitalization solution provider, said it expects billings of 121.6 million euros in the second-quarter, up around 15% reported and around 18% at constant currencies, which is below its own projections of at least 20% quarterly billings growth. IFRS revenue was 122.8 million euros, in line with expectations. The company said its subscriber base increased during the second quarter by 20,000 to 623,000 subscribers. The number of enterprise customers with an annual contract value of more than 10,000 euros increased by about 55% during the last twelve months. TeamViewer confirmed its 2021 outlook, albeit towards the lower end of the expected billings and revenue ranges. The company still projects an adjusted EBITDA margin between 49% and 51%. 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.
SWINDON (dpa-AFX) - WH Smith Plc (SMWH.L) issued trading update for the 18 week period to 3 July 2021, and said it has won 18 technology and accessories stores across a number of significant UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, London Luton, Birmingham and East Midlands. These stores will trade under its tech and accessories business, InMotion brand, in North America. The company noted that it continues to focus on minimising cashflows and its cash burn over the March to June period was about 2 million per month. As at the end of June 2021, WH Smith had cash of 95 million and its revolving credit facility of 250 million remains undrawn. Further following the stronger than anticipated performance from the company's North America business, it expects a small improvement to management's expectations for the current financial year. 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.
- Participation in accelerator program to drive innovation in Live Video Shopping solutions for LVMH and the entire luxury market

PARIS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bambuser today announced their participation in La Maison des Startups LVMH, an accelerator program created by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). As part of the multinational luxury goods conglomerate's commitment to innovation, the program fosters collaboration between innovative startups and LVMH's portfolio of 75 brands, known as "Maisons."

Recently named the overall winner of the 2021 LVMH Innovation Award by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Arnault, Bambuser will receive dedicated office space in Paris'STATION F, the world's largest startup facility, for six months. During this time, Bambuser executives will collaborate with counterparts from the Maisons to develop innovative solutions and discover new business opportunities for the brands and the luxury market overall.

Now in its sixth season, La Maison des Startups LVMH is an important part of the company's Open Innovation Ecosystem, a strategy for catalyzing innovation through interaction between the Maisons, entrepreneurs and innovators. Bambuser, whose Live Video Shopping solution enables Maisons such as Parfums Christian Dior and Make Up For Ever to engage with customers across digital channels, is one of just 28 companies selected for the program out of 850 applicants this season.

"Since launching Live Video Shopping, we have been dedicated to transforming the e-commerce experience and offering shoppers inspiring and entertaining online experiences. We are honored that LVMH has recognized the power of our platform and is supporting us with invaluable expertise as well as the resources to help further our mission," said Maryam Ghahremani, CEO of Bambuser. "We are excited about the many opportunities our participation in the accelerator will create, both for us and for the LVMH Maisons."

Contact information

Corporate Communications, Bambuser AB | press@bambuser.com

Certified Adviser

Erik Penser Bank AB | +46 8 463 83 00 | certifiedadviser@penser.se

Bambuser is a software company specializing in interactive live video streaming. The Company's primary product, Live Video Shopping, is a cloud-based software solution that is used by customers such as global e-commerce and retail businesses to host live shopping experiences on websites, mobile apps and social media. Bambuser was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters in Stockholm.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/bambuser/r/bambuser-joins-la-maison-des-startups-lvmh--growing-collaboration-with-world-s-largest-luxury-goods-,c3381785

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New service enables real-time payment validation to reduce errors, exceptions and costs caused by wrong or missing beneficiary information

- Removes a key area of friction in cross-border payments, supporting SWIFT's strategy for seamless, instant account-to-account transactions

SWIFT today announced the go-live of a service that will enable banks to verify payee account details before an international payment is sent, removing a key point of friction in cross-border transactions. The new Payment Pre-validation service is a core building block in SWIFT's strategy to drive instant and frictionless transactions worldwide.

Most cross-border payments are processed without issue, but one of the leading causes for those that fail or lose time is incorrect beneficiary information from misspelled names to transposed account numbers. And because they are detected late in the process, these issues can be among the most time-consuming and costly to resolve. SWIFT's Payment Pre-validation service tackles this problem by allowing a sending bank to confirm account details, via an API, with the receiving bank from the very beginning of the process so that any data or account problems are identified right up front. This check is similar to what already occurs in some domestic markets except the SWIFT service will go much further solving the issue for up to 11,000 institutions and 4 billion accounts in 200 countries.

SWIFT developed the Payment Pre-validation service in close cooperation with financial institutions, and a number of major global banks have already signalled their commitment to the service. SWIFT plans to continue innovating the service, and over the coming months will offer additional checks based on reference data encompassing millions of transactions to further predict, at the point of initiation, when a transaction may potentially run into friction points along the way.

Over the next two years and beyond, SWIFT is transforming its platform to enable instant and frictionless payments anywhere in the world, aiming to significantly improve end-to-end efficiency, reduce total costs, and to create services that equip financial institutions to capture growth and create new, differentiated customer experiences. Payment Pre-validation is one of many such services to come that will support the first platform release in November 2022.

Stephen Gilderdale, Chief Product Officer, SWIFT said: "SWIFT's strategy to enable fast and frictionless payments takes a major step forward with the launch of this service. Payment Pre-validation will bring end-to-end efficiency, enabling our customers to provide better, faster and new services to their own end clients."

Thomas Halpin, Global Head of Payments Product Management, HSBC, said: "Pre-validation is an important step in helping corporates to make simpler, faster and more secure cross-border payments. This feature will ensure customers can send payments in confidence, and the increased security brings benefits not just for customers but for the entire payments community."

George Doolittle, Head of Global Payment Services, Corporate and Investment Banking Group, Wells Fargo, said: "Wells Fargo is pleased to be an early participant in SWIFT's pre-validation solution as we continually seek ways to improve the global payment services that we bring to our clients. The transformative value of SWIFT's Payment Pre-validation service is the decrease in friction, resultant cost efficiency and improved client experience of understanding and correcting format issues before they result in a repair or inquiry at the beneficiary's bank or creditor's agent which can bring great benefits to our industry. This service addresses a key challenge in the cross border payment industry."

About SWIFT

SWIFT is a global member owned cooperative and the world's leading provider of secure financial messaging services. We provide our community with a platform for messaging and standards for communicating, and we offer products and services to facilitate access and integration, identification, analysis and regulatory compliance.

Our messaging platform, products and services connect more than 11,000 banking and securities organisations, market infrastructures and corporate customers in more than 200 countries and territories. While SWIFT does not hold funds or manage accounts on behalf of customers, we enable our global community of users to communicate securely, exchanging standardised financial messages in a reliable way, thereby supporting global and local financial flows, as well as trade and commerce all around the world.

As their trusted provider, we relentlessly pursue operational excellence; we support our community in addressing cyber threats; and we continually seek ways to lower costs, reduce risks and eliminate operational inefficiencies. Our products and services support our community's access and integration, business intelligence, reference data and financial crime compliance needs. SWIFT also brings the financial community together at global, regional and local levels to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest or concern.

Headquartered in Belgium, SWIFT's international governance and oversight reinforces the neutral, global character of its cooperative structure. SWIFT's global office network ensures an active presence in all the major financial centres.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005144/en/

Contacts:

Finsbury Glover Hering

+32 (0)2655 3377

SWIFT@Finsbury.com
Theolytics is harnessing viruses to combat cancer: transforming patients' lives; through world leading science; with a great team

OXFORD, England, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- M Ventures - the strategic venture capital arm of Merck - joined the Theolytics' investor syndicate alongside Epidarex Capital and Taiho Ventures in an extension to the Series A financing, which includes additional investment from Taiho Ventures and the University of Oxford.

Spun-out of the University of Oxford in 2017, Theolytics has been developing the world's largest library of potential adenovirus product candidates and breakthrough bioselection systems. The company's internal pipeline development focuses on oncolytic virus therapies, while the proprietary platforms can be applied across other adenovirus-based modalities.

The expanded Series A funding will support the progress of internal programmes in ovarian cancer, and a second cancer indication in addition to further advancing the company's unique technology platforms. As a part of Theolytics' accelerated growth, the company will transition to state-of-the-art facilities on Oxford Science Park.

Charlotte Casebourne, CEO of Theolytics said "A warm welcome to the M Ventures team. This investment further validates the breakthrough potential of Theolytics' technology, and will enable us to accelerate our progress in developing transformative therapies for patients in need."

Therese Liechtenstein said "Oncolytic virus therapies have the potential to help multiple large patient groups in oncology however their translation to date has been hampered by significant challenges. Theolytics is the first company to apply a truly systematic oncolytic virus discovery platform to overcome these challenges and build the next-generation oncolytic virus therapies. After actively exploring this space for a over a number of years, we as M Ventures are delighted to join the syndicate and become part of Theolytics. We look forward to supporting the team's mission to make oncolytic viruses a successful novel therapeutic modality to help clinicians and their patients."

Kenneth Powell, Chair of the Board said "I am delighted that Therese Liechtenstein will join our Board of Directors. M Ventures represents a wealth of drug development and commercialisation expertise to support Theolytics' future progress."

Media contact:

enquiries@theolytics.com

About Theolytics:

Theolytics is focused on developing category changing cancer therapies in the form of oncolytic viruses. The company is pioneering a phenotypic screening approach to the discovery and development of efficacious, targeted candidates suitable for intravenous delivery and optimised for a chosen patient population. Theolytics, which was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Oxford, UK, backed by Oxford Science Innovation (OSI) and international life sciences investors Epidarex Capital, Taiho Ventures, and M Ventures.

About M Ventures:

https://www.m-ventures.com/

M Ventures is the strategic, corporate venture capital arm of Merck. Its mandate is to invest in innovative technologies and products with the potential to significantly impact the company's core business areas. From its headquarters in Amsterdam and offices in the US and Israel, M Ventures invests globally in transformational ideas driven by great entrepreneurs. M Ventures takes an active role in its portfolio companies and teams up with entrepreneurs and co-investors to translate innovation towards commercial success. M Ventures has a significant focus on early stage investing and company creation including the creation of spin-offs to leverage the company's science and technology base. For more information, visit www.m-ventures.com.

About Epidarex Capital:

https://epidarex.com

Epidarex Capital is a transatlantic venture capital firm with a track record of building exceptional life science companies in emerging hubs in the US and UK. Epidarex's experienced team of early stage investors partner with entrepreneurs and leading research institutions to transform world-class science into highly innovative products addressing major unmet needs in the global healthcare market. For more information visit www.epidarex.com.

About Taiho Ventures:

http://taihoventures.com/

Taiho Ventures, LLC is the corporate venture arm of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Japanese specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on oncology, allergy and immunology, and urology. With $300M under management, we are actively investing in early-stage innovative companies strategically relevant to Taiho Pharmaceutical. We consider company creation, spinouts and the option-type of investments as well as pure equity investments.
- Financing will be used to further develop proprietary discovery platform and progress pipeline targeting disease control and weed suppression

- Company well positioned to enter and transform the EUR 47 billion-plus market for pesticides, initially targeting $28 billion herbicides and fungicides markets in Americas and Europe

TOULOUSE, France, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Micropep technologies (Micropep), an agricultural biotech company developing breakthrough peptide-based biological products for agriculture, today announces it has raised EUR 8.5 million (USD 10 million) in an oversubscribed Series A investment led by new investor Supernova Invest with participation from FMC Ventures, and existing investors Sofinnova Partners and IRDI Capital Investissement.

Based in Toulouse, France, Micropep was spun out from Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and Toulouse University in 2016, a centre of excellence for AgriTech. The company has developed a proprietary technology to precisely enhance plant traits without altering DNA by spraying "miPEPs", a unique family of natural peptides regulating plant microRNAs.

miPEPs will influence all plant phenotypes regulated by microRNAs including, germination, early growth, disease resistance and flowering. Leveraging the potential of these natural peptides, the company is now developing a pipeline of "sprayable traits" biosolutions to control resistant weeds such as Palmer Amaranth and protect plants against major diseases, primarily targeting the $28 billion American and European herbicides and fungicides markets.

Romain Sautrau, Investment Director at Supernova Invest will join the Board of Directors and Sara Olson, Principal at FMC Ventures, along with Jean-Michel Petit, Investment Director at IRDI Capital Investissement will be joining as Observers to the Board.

Thomas Laurent, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said: "In an industry that has been challenged by a shrinking discovery pipeline, active ingredients that are slowly being phased out and increased pest and weeds resistance to chemicals, our technology provides a ground-breaking alternative. Peptides and small proteins have a great potential for sustainable crop protection solutions and Micropep is proud to lead the field in this area. Using our proprietary discovery platform we can improve plant health naturally, using the plant's own mechanisms, identifying novel and safe active ingredients with a 100x better hit rate compared with conventional methods. This financing will allow us to begin field testing of our promising compounds, the next milestone in commercialising our product."

Romain Sautrau, Investment Director at Supernova Invest, said: "Micropep's cutting edge technology has the potential to disrupt tomorrow's agriculture. As a committed investor in promising deeptech companies, we look forward to leveraging our extensive experience in AgriTech to back Thomas and his best-in-class platform in order to build a new market leader."

Denis Lucquin, Partner and Senior Advisor at Sofinnova Partners, commented: "We are delighted to see the progress at Micropep, a company where Sofinnova was the first investor. We look forward to working with this talented team and group of renowned investors as Micropep continues to validate and scale up its exciting technology targeting disease control and weed suppression."

Amar Singh, Managing Director of FMC Ventures, said: "Micropep's pioneering technology can enhance plant traits without altering plant DNA and circumvents the challenges of GMOs and costs of RNAi. This novel approach has the potential to develop first-in-class biological 'traits' - a game changer set against a landscape of regulatory headwinds, emerging resistance, and a global push for sustainable crop protection technologies."

Kevin Smith, Chairman of the Board of Directors, concluded: "The success of the latest fundraising round confirms the confidence of our world-class syndicate of investors in Micropep's exceptional potential to radically transform agriculture with unique and differentiated biosolutions which will contribute to satisfying consumer demand for improved food safety."

About Micropep Technologies

Micropep was founded in 2016 in Toulouse, France, as a spin out from Toulouse University, a centre of excellence for AgriTech. The company has developed an innovative discovery platform for the development of novel peptide-based biological products for agriculture. It identifies and enhances the expression of naturally occurring, micro-RNA derived, regulatory peptides (miPEPs) that can transiently regulate the expression of plants' microRNAs and their targeted genes conferring resistance to pathogens and increasing plant health. The Company has been supported by Sofinnova and Irdi Soridec since 2018.

For more information, please visit https://www.micro-pep.com/

About Supernova Invest

Supernova Invest is a cutting-edge venture capital firm with a leading position in the French deeptech investment market. It manages and advises five capital funds for a total of 260 million AUM. Supernova Invest specializes in breakthrough technologies, developing start-ups in Industry, Health, Energy& Environment and Digital Technology sectors. The team has 20 years of technology investment experience and has provided more than 100 of the most innovative companies in their segments with support and guidance from creation until full maturity. Supernova Invest has a strong partnership with both the CEA (the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) and Amundi (the European leader in asset management).

https://supernovainvest.com/en/

About Sofinnova Partners

Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future.

Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply-established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2 billion under management.

For more information, please visit: www.sofinnovapartners.com

About FMC Ventures

FMC Ventures evaluates emerging technologies of relevance to the agricultural industry and will invest in those that create a unique strategic advantage for FMC. Agriculture's most pressing challenges are being addressed through advances in artificial intelligence (AI), genomics, robotics, precision agriculture, biopesticides, synthetic biology and other innovations. As progress in these disciplines converge, they will radically alter how crop inputs are developed, sold, and applied. The new venture capital arm of FMC will focus investments in these advanced technology areas.

https://www.fmc.com/en/fmc-ventures

About IRDI Capital Investissement

IRDI Capital Investissement is one of the benchmark players in regional private equity with nearly  400M under management. Active for 40 years, IRDI supports more than 200 companies in the Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions, deploying a multisectoral approach in which environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues have their place.

For more information: https://www.irdi.fr/
Southeast Asia is the fastest growing region for mobile wallets in the world with 25.5% CAGR and overall growth of 311% in the next five years



Latin America and Africa & Middle East are the second and third fastest growing regions, set to expand by 166% and 147% respectively by 2025

Between 2020 and 2025 the number of mobile wallets transacting over USD $1 billion per year will increase by 27% creating a growing acceptance challenge for merchants

LONDON, July 08, 2021into the growth of mobile wallets ever published, projects that one in two people will use a mobile wallet by 2025. At the end of 2020, there were over 2.8 billion mobile wallets in use. That number is projected to increase by nearly 74% to reach 4.8 billion mobile wallets in use by the end of 2025 - nearly 60% of the world's population. The fastest growing markets are Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa & Middle East where mobile wallets are displacing cash and cards for more convenient digital payments.

Boku, a fintech pioneering the world's first global mobile payments network, has released their 2021 Mobile Wallets Reportin partnership with digital technology analyst house Juniper Research, which provides insight into mobile wallet adoption and use in leading markets across the globe. In 2019, mobile wallets overtook credit cards to become the most widely used payment type globally and the shift to online driven by the pandemic has accelerated adoption. Mobile wallets use is growing rapidly across the world with emerging markets leading the way.

Mobile Wallets in Use (in millions) by Region (2020-2025) 2020 2025 CAGR North America 184.7 275.4 8.3% Latin America 227.3 605.7 21.7% West Europe 200.1 331.9 10.7% Central & East Europe 76.3 248.9 26.7% Asia Pacific 1,343.40 1,541.40 2.8% Indian Subcontinent 269.2 550.4 15.4% Rest of Asia Pacific 179.7 520.7 23.7% Africa & Middle East 322.9 798.2 19.8% Global 2,803.70 4,872.70 11.7%

Key findings

Southeast Asia is the fastest growing mobile wallet region - Mobile wallet use will grow by 311% between 2020 - 2025, reaching up 439.7 million wallets in use across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam from 141.1 million in 2020. The rise in e-Commerce and dominance of super-apps like Grab and Gojek, particularly in markets like the Philippines and Indonesia, is driving accelerated mobile wallet adoption.

- Mobile wallet use will grow by 311% between 2020 - 2025, reaching up 439.7 million wallets in use across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam from 141.1 million in 2020. The rise in e-Commerce and dominance of super-apps like Grab and Gojek, particularly in markets like the Philippines and Indonesia, is driving accelerated mobile wallet adoption. China reaches maturity while Japan, Korea and Taiwan set for hyper-growth - The Far East and China continues to be the largest mobile wallet region in the world with 1.34bn users in 2020. Market saturation is resulting in slowing growth in China, with a CAGR of just 2.2% per year. Meanwhile, markets including Japan, Korea and Taiwan will continue to see accelerated adoption of mobile wallets with 98.4% market penetration by 2025.

- The Far East and China continues to be the largest mobile wallet region in the world with 1.34bn users in 2020. Market saturation is resulting in slowing growth in China, with a CAGR of just 2.2% per year. Meanwhile, markets including Japan, Korea and Taiwan will continue to see accelerated adoption of mobile wallets with 98.4% market penetration by 2025. Africa & Middle East is the second biggest mobile wallet market - The second biggest mobile wallet market is set to grow by 147% between 2020 - 2025. This is driven by expanded usage of mobile money services such as M-Pesa which are increasingly offering additional services such as access to eCommerce.

The second biggest mobile wallet market is set to grow by 147% between 2020 - 2025. This is driven by expanded usage of mobile money services such as M-Pesa which are increasingly offering additional services such as access to eCommerce. Latin American growth is being supercharged by eCommerce - This region is set to increase mobile wallet use by 166% between 2020 - 2025. Long held back by consumers' preference for cash-based payments and comparatively lower smartphone penetration, this is fast changing, and the region's eCommerce growth is supercharging mobile wallet use.

This region is set to increase mobile wallet use by 166% between 2020 - 2025. Long held back by consumers' preference for cash-based payments and comparatively lower smartphone penetration, this is fast changing, and the region's eCommerce growth is supercharging mobile wallet use. Slow growth in Western Europe and North America - With 65% growth in Western Europe and 50% in North America by 2025, these regions will see the least amount of mobile wallet growth in the next five years. However, markets such as the UK are seeing a rise in card-based mobile wallets due to the adoption of contactless spurred on by the pandemic and shift towards cashlessness.



"While mobile wallets are being used on a global basis, we see two distinct types being used today. One is card-based mobile wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which provide an easier way to pay with cards people already have. The other is stored value mobile wallets, like AliPay and GrabPay, that enable consumers to transact with digital cash and are popular in emerging markets with fast growing eCommerce sectors," said Adam Lee, Chief Product Officer at Boku. "The markets that are set to grow the fastest are those with the lowest levels of card penetration, stored value wallets are thriving. In North America and Western Europe, which are dominated by card-based mobile wallets, we are seeing the slowest growth in mobile wallet adoption, as the technology provides merely incremental benefit."

"We are seeing clear bifurcation in the market between card-based mobile wallets in developed markets and stored value mobile wallets that are ubiquitous in Asia and rapidly growing in all emerging markets," concluded Lee.

The growth and bifurcation of mobile wallet use presents both an opportunity and challenge for merchants. The number of mobile wallets transacting over $1 billion per year is set to grow by 27% from 54 wallets in 2020 to 69 wallets by 2025. This provides a lucrative opportunity for merchants looking to acquire valuable customers, many of whom only use mobile wallets. However, not only are consumers using mobile wallets more, they are using more mobile wallets. Consumers in high growth markets such as India and Indonesia use an average of 2.74 wallets. This means that not only do merchants need to accept wallets but they need to ensure broad coverage across each target market.

"We are witnessing a paradigm shift in payments driven by mobile wallets. Mobile wallets have lowered the barrier to making digital payments and in parallel ushered billions of new consumers into eCommerce. These consumers are not in North America or Western Europe, they are in emerging markets, and while they don't have credit cards, they overwhelmingly have mobile wallets," said Jon Prideaux, CEO at Boku. "For global merchants, mobile payment acceptance is not about accepting one type of mobile wallet or another, but ensuring that consumers in every market will have the required selection on payment types in order to monetize transactions."

To download the 2021 Mobile Wallets Report please visit: http://boku.mobilewallet.report/

Graphs, data visualisations and other assets can be found in our media kit here.

Notes to Editors

Additional media resources including imagery can be downloaded here.

About Boku

Boku Inc. (AIM: BOKU) is a fintech pioneering the world's first global, mobile payments network. With 45% of global consumers using mobile payment methods to buy goods online, compared to 18% using credit cards, the future of commerce is mobile-first. Boku's technology platform helps the world's most demanding merchants attract, convert, and retain customers using mobile payments. By turning payments infrastructure into a source of sustainable competitive advantage, Boku safely activates a range of new merchant business models - from bundling to subscriptions.

Boku's platform is used in over 70 countries with more than a billion verified transactions in 2020, contributing $8.5 billion to the digital economy. Customers that trust Boku to simplify sign-up, acquire new paying users and prevent fraud include global leaders such as Apple, DAZN, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, PayPal, Sony, Spotify and Tencent.

Boku Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in Brazil, China, Estonia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the US.

To learn more about Boku please visit: https://www.boku.com

About Juniper Research

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

Enquiries:

CCgroup for Boku, Inc.

US: Amanda Triest, Amanda.Triest@ccgrouppr.com

UK: Daniel Lowther, Daniel.Lowther@ccgrouppr.com, +44 774 763 6687

PRecious Communications for Boku, Inc.

Singapore/ Asia: Clarence Lim, boku@preciouscomms.com

IFC Advisory Limited (Financial PR & IR)

Tim Metcalfe / Graham Herring / Florence Chandler

+44 (0)20 3934 6630


LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Events business Hyve Group Plc (HYVE.L), formerly known as ITE Group, Thursday said its third-quarter performance was in line with management expectations.



The third-quarter has been the company's busiest trading quarter since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The company said its performance reflects continued reopening of markets.



The company achieved a like-for-like revenue increase of 15 percent from customers who were able to attend in both FY19 and FY21.



In the quarter, 18 in-person events ran, bringing the total number for the year to date to 28. The increased number of events reflects the continued momentum across its Eastern markets, primarily Russia, China, Turkey and Ukraine.



Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve, said, 'Q3 is traditionally a strong trading period for the Group and it is extremely encouraging that Hyve has successfully run more events in the quarter than in the entirety of the first half. Many of the Group's key markets in the East have been open for a number of months now and, combined with the continued pace of the vaccine rollout in our Western markets, this gives the Group continued confidence when looking ahead to the final quarter of FY21 and beyond.'



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SOLNA, Sweden, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Catella AB (publ) is investing, through its partly owned company Infrahubs Fastighet 5 AB, in developing a 25,000 sqm warehouse with Postnord TPL AB (Third-Party Logistics) as a tenant in a 10-year lease agreement.

Infrahubs has today entered into an agreement for the acquisition of a 44,000 sqm large land area in Municipality of Ljungby. In the area, a new logistics property of approximately 25,000 square meters will be completed. The property is fully let to Postnord TPL AB with a lease that runs for 10 years. The total investment amount is estimated at approximately SEK 150 million, where Catella's part of the project amounts to 40%.

The facility will be a optimized logistics facility in an ideal position by the E4 in the growing commercial hub Ljungby. With the lease agreement, the partnership with Postnord continues, who previously also signed a lease in Infrahub's facility in Norrkoping. As with previous facilities, the construction of the building will be characterized by sustainable construction methods and building materials as well as energy-efficiency.

"It is clear that we see great opportunities in the logistics segment and that we want to contribute to sustainable solutions that meet current and future needs. Through Infrahubs, we see a successful combination of developing modern logistics facilities with high demands on sustainability and investments with good returns. This will be the fourth investment and the deal affirms our strategic focus on property investments within the Principal Investments business area," says Christoffer Abramson, CEO of Catella.

For further information, please contact:

Michel Fischier

Head of Investor Relations and Group Communications

+46 8 463 33 86

michel.fischier@catella.se

CONTACT:

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/catella/r/catella-makes-fourth-investment-in-swedish-logistics-properties-through-infrahubs,c3381978

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PHUKET, Thailand, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- King Power Group has launched King Power Phuket Sandbox Shop Eat Play Stay Safe to welcome back fully vaccinated international tourists without quarantine requirements to the resort island in support of Tourism Authority of Thailand'sPHUKET SANDBOX campaign.

Shop Eat Play Stay Safe is a tourist-centric campaign designed to make their holiday effortless and fun from start to finish. Tourists would be greeted with great shopping deals on arrival at the airport. While taking a holiday on the island, in-store and online benefits are in place; discount coupons and special price offers on downtown duty free shopping, dining and fun activities. After 14 days when tourists are free to travel beyond Phuket to Bangkok or Pattaya or they may decide to fly back home. Either way, more Shop Eat Play Stay Safe deals await including duty free shopping privileges at the airport and in downtown, best hotel room rates in Bangkok to special price on admission tickets to witness stunning vistas of Bangkok at the top of Thailand's tallest building with lots of interesting things to do in Thailand's iconic pixelated building and its neighbourhood. King Power also provide good travel reads on their website for first timers in Phuket with curated bucket list ideas on what to do, where to go, best beaches and happening cafes and eateries. All these, coupled with warm smiles from the people in Phuket, would certainly make travelers' visit to Phuket a stellar holiday.

As one of the leading global travel retailers, King Power has stepped up their service standards to provide safety for tourists travelling in the new normal era. King Power never let their guard down with all the best safety and hygienic practices to deliver safe travel experiences to all. Tourists' health and safety is of paramount importance to King Power.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1557319/King_Power_Phuket_1.jpg
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DGAP-Ad-hoc: Dexus Finance Pty Limited / Key word(s): Corporate Action

Dexus Finance Pty Limited: DDF DOT AND DIT Removal from Official List



08-Jul-2021 / 09:37 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Dexus (ASX: DXS) ASX release 8 July 2021 DDF DIT and DOT remove from the Official List Today the ASX confirmed Dexus Diversified Trust, Dexus Industrial Trust and Dexus Office Trust (the 'Trusts') will be removed from the Official List of ASX Limited at the close of business today, Thursday, 8 July 2021, at the request of the responsible entity of the Trusts under Listing Rule 17.11, following implementation of the simplification. The full announcement is available at www.dexus.com/investor-centre Authorised by Brett Cameron, General Counsel and Company Secretary of Dexus Funds Management Limited. For further information please contact: Investors

Rowena Causley

Senior Manager, Investor Relations

+61 2 9017 1390

+61 416 122 383

rowena.causley@dexus.com Media

Louise Murray

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

+61 2 9017 1446

+61 403 260 754

louise.murray@dexus.com Information and Explanation of the Issuer to this News:



About Dexus Dexus is one of Australia's leading real estate groups, managing a high-quality Australian property portfolio valued at $36.5 billion. We believe that the strength and quality of our relationships will always be central to our success and are deeply committed to working with our customers to provide spaces that engage and inspire. We invest only in Australia, and directly own $15.5 billion of office, industrial and healthcare properties. We manage a further $21.0 billion of office, retail, industrial and healthcare properties for third party clients. The group's $11.5 billion development pipeline provides the opportunity to grow both portfolios and enhance future returns. Dexus is a Top 50 entity by market capitalisation listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (trading code: DXS) and is supported by more than 29,000 investors from 24 countries. With 36 years of expertise in property investment, development and asset management, we have a proven track record in capital and risk management, providing service excellence to tenants and delivering superior risk-adjusted returns for investors. www.dexus.com Dexus Funds Management Ltd ABN 24 060 920 783, AFSL 238163, as Responsible Entity for Dexus (ASX: DXS)

Level 25, 264 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 08-Jul-2021 CET/CEST The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


Cleantech for Europe presents first-of-its-kind 'EU Quarterly Cleantech Briefing'; announces six leading cleantech venture capital investors are joining new initiative to build bridges with policy-makers.

Cleantech for Europe, a new initiative created by Cleantech Group, supported by Breakthrough Energy, today presented its first 'EU Quarterly Cleantech Briefing'. The analysis finds that in the first half of this year more than 7 billion of venture capital was invested in cleantech innovation in the European Union (EU). With six months remaining in 2021, this figure has already beaten the previous annual record for Europe, set just last year at 4.7 billion.

In view of this momentum, Cleantech for Europe will bring together top cleantech leaders from VCs, startups, academia, and civil society to build much-needed bridges with policymakers in Brussels and other European capitals. In a first instance, six leading cleantech venture capital firms, regarded as pioneers in financing innovative low-carbon companies, are joining the initiative. Other communities from start-ups, scale-ups, academia and civil society will join the initiative over time to build a future-oriented, technology-savvy group of cleantech leaders from across the EU.

The six "Cleantech for Europe Leaders" are: Beamline Accelerator (Estonia), btov Industrial Tech Fund (Germany), Inven Capital (Czech Republic), Munich Venture Partners (Germany), Rockstart (Netherlands), and SET Ventures (Netherlands). Combined, these firms have invested in more than 150 innovative low-carbon start-ups and scale-ups, including global leaders such as Sonnen in batteries and Sunfire in hydrogen production. For the first time, these firms are coming together to build a collective voice and convey to policymakers and other stakeholders the importance of investing in the next generation of clean technologies.

Despite the fact that EU cleantech investments are booming compared to previous years, the EU Quarterly Cleantech Briefing notes they may still fall short of what is needed to ensure EU start-ups can scale up across the continent. In the past decade, EU companies seeking to scale have often turned toward Asia or North America for larger markets, more abundant funding and ambitious public policies that accelerate their adoption.

"This analysis illustrates the extraordinary progress of the EU's cleantech ecosystem and the mountain of urgent work that lies ahead, particularly around helping build an EU policy framework that prioritizes and supports cleantech innovation." said Ann Mettler, Vice President Europe at Breakthrough Energy, an organization founded by Bill Gates to support the innovations that will lead the world to net-zero emissions.

The release of the investment tracker and the announcement of the Cleantech for Europe initiative come just days before the EU prepares to unveil its highly anticipated "Fit for 55" package of climate legislation, and as most EU member states are finalizing Covid economic recovery plans that the European Commission has stipulated must include strong climate- and clean energy-related components.

The analysis also found: increasing numbers of late-stage deals; major deals of 300 million or more in industries including batteries, electric mobility, shared mobility and the circular economy; and a sharp uptick in the number of deals in the materials and chemicals sector. Sign up for future quarterly briefings here.

The involvement of top venture capital firms in the Cleantech for Europe initiative underscores how important policy is to the success of cleantech innovation.

"The goal of the new initiative is to place cleantech innovation at the center of EU public policy debates in the coming weeks, months and years," said Jules Besnainou, director at Cleantech Group, a research and consulting company that is helping organize the new group and author the quarterly briefings. "We want the bloc to capitalize on opportunities to build and expand clean industries, ensure a just transition, and mount a stronger response to a climate crisis which grows more urgent by the day."

"The regulatory framework is critical for success in cleantech. We see it in hydrogen: strong policy moves result in market uptake." addedIvo Nemejc, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Inven Capital

"It is still very hard for EU cleantech start-ups to scale beyond their national borders. If we want to lead the race to net zero, we need to start building continental champions." said Martin Kroner, Managing Partner, Munich Venture Partners

"The energy transition is a systemic challenge, but also an opportunity for the EU to lead the world on climate innovation while creating high-quality jobs." added Rene Savelsberg, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, SET Ventures

"To reach climate leadership, we must improve the funding cycle for EU cleantech. The time to act is now." said Christian Reitberger, Partner, btov Industrial Tech Fund

"Our success in Estonia proves that efficient cooperation between policy-makers and cleantech leaders is in fact a must for sustainable innovation development." added Erki Ani, CEO, Beamline Accelerator

Additional venture capital firms are expected to join the group in the coming months.

Specifically, the Cleantech for Europe initiative calls on the EU to:

Create a demand shock for green solutions. Create sectoral transition plans. Implement a predictable and progressive price on carbon. Accelerate green public procurement.

Support the creation of at least 10 EU scale-up funds. Increase non-dilutive funding. Leverage public-private instruments such as carbon contracts for difference.

Support cross-border scaling. Harmonize regulations and standards to allow innovative companies scale from one country to the continent. Develop integrated value chains across all member states.

In unveiling the investment tracker, Cleantech for Europe also announced that it will hold an inaugural Cleantech for Europe Summit on September 8, featuring key leaders from Europe's venture capital and policy communities. The Summit will be opened by Pascal Canfin, MEP and Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety at the European Parliament. To participate in the Summit, sign up here.

To set up interviews with European venture capitalists and innovators active in the cleantech space, and policy experts, or to get more of the backstory on how and why the Cleantech for Europe initiative was conceived, please contact Jules Besnainou at hello@cleantechforeurope.com

About Cleantech for Europe

Cleantech for Europe is an initiative created by Cleantech Group, supported by Breakthrough Energy and leading EU cleantech investors. Our mission is to help the EU lead the race to net zero while creating long-term industrial competitiveness. We aim to put innovation at the center of the public policy debate and build bridges between the EU's cleantech community and policymakers in Brussels and member states.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005349/en/

Contacts:

Press contact:

Jules Besnainou, hello@cleantechforeurope.com
- The company announces its production data for the last three months

- The electronic signature of contracts grew by over 70 per cent

MADRID, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Spanish listed company Lleida.net (BME:LLN) (EPA:ALLLN) (OTCQX:LLEIF) today released its production data for Q2 2021, showing exponential growth in its service use compared to the corresponding period in 2020.

During this second quarter, all Lleida.net's business lines showed exponential growth, particularly the traffic of contracts signed electronically through its patented technology, growing at almost 70 per cent.

In general, since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, Lleida.net technology has been adopted by companies in several industries and countries as a means to communicate reliably with their customers and to optimize signature processes.

The main milestones in production during the period were the following:

The number of electronic contracting workflows increased by 46.71 per cent:

During the 2Q 2021, active API signature workflows (used by companies that regularly use Lleida.net technology) to sign contracts grew by 46.71 per cent compared to the same period in 2020.

There are already 735 corporate signature workflows in force (234 more than in June 2020) under the flagship of the company's Click & Sign service, with almost one million contracts signed in the previous three months.

Contract signature traffic grew by nearly 70 per cent:

This growth has led to a 69.96 per cent increase in the number of API contract signatures generated by clients and a 5.2-fold increase over the last two years.

In 2Q2021, there were approximately 962,000 contracts signed through the standard Click & Sign technology, up compared to 566,000 signed in the same quarter of 2020.

Traffic comes mainly from contracting telecommunications services in Europe, consumer financing in Latin America and loan services by FinTechs in Latin America.

Registered email saw a growth of 56.06 per cent:

Registered email also grew substantially in the second quarter of 2021, over the same quarter of 2020. There was a growth of 56.06 per cent in this period, a 3.3-fold increase over the two years.

Traffic comes mainly from insurance companies in Latin America, large postal operators, companies in Europe and Latin America, and notification from government services in Colombia.

In this quarter, Lleida.net's platforms were used to send almost 4.2 million of registered emails.

SMS Contract traffic saw a growth of 24.72 per cent:

The Registered SMS Contract service is used primarily by electricity and gas companies for contracting clients. This service has grown exponentially in the last quarter, compared to the second quarter of 2020, registering an increase of 74.32 per cent.

Registered SMS Contract Service has multiplied 3.77 times in two years, and only between April and June 2021, it was used 1,290,000 times by Lleida.net's corporate clients.

SMS traffic saw a growth of 24.72 per cent:

Registered SMS traffic grew by 24.72 per cent in Q2 2021 compared to the same period last year. From April to June of this year, 234,000 more messages were sent than in the same quarter of 2020.

This service, used mainly by insurance and financial companies or debt claims in Spain, has experienced a 2.84-fold increase in the last 24 months.

Lleida.net is the European leader in the eSignature industry.

Lleida.net, listed in New York, Paris and Madrid, is the leading company in Europe in the field of electronic signature, notification and registered electronic contracting and one of the companies with the strongest presence in Africa.

To date, it is the official provider of registered electronic communications for countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Botswana, Malawi and South Africa.

It has more than 205 patents granted worldwide for its registered electronic contracting and notification methods.

Over 60 countries on five continents have recognized the company's inventions. South Africa, Nigeria, the United States, the European Union, Japan, China and Australia are among them.

The company announced this week the agreement signed with the Pan-African Postal Union (PAPU), which will enable the 55 state-owned postal companies in Africa to provide their customers with the Spanish company's technology directly.

Contact:

The Paloma Project Media

rpl@thepalomaproject.com

+356-7946-7486
- EPC contractor Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI) selected with construction commencing later this month



LONDON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- enfinium today reached financial close on a new 410,000 tonnes per annum waste-to-energy facility in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

enfinium Skelton Grange is a combined heat and power facility which will process 410,000 tonnes of residual (post-recycled) waste to generate 49MW (gross) of partially renewable, baseload electricity to power the needs of more than 100,000 U.K. homes. enfinium Skelton Grange will create more than 400 jobs during construction and over 45 full-time jobs, once operational, bringing significant economic benefit and investment to the local area.

"Today marks a significant milestone for the project and a huge step forward to providing capacity for the safe and reliable treatment of waste that cannot be reduced, reused or recycled in the U.K. I'm incredibly proud of our team and our partners who have worked tirelessly and safely throughout coronavirus to make a difference today to deliver a cleaner tomorrow. We are excited to welcome our fifth facility to our fleet and look forward to working with HZI to commence construction this month," said Chief Executive Officer Julia Watsford.

Progress to reach financial close follows planning permission by Leeds City Council in March 2020 and the award of an Environmental Permit by the Environment Agency in December 2020. In January, enfinium Skelton Grange signed two long-term waste supply contracts for over 50% of the facility's annual capacity with SUEZ and Beauparc. Further long-term waste supply contracts were signed with Biffa and B&M Waste in June 2021.

HZI has been named the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the delivery of enfinium Skelton Grange. enfinium has a long and successful partnership with HZI, following the successful construction of nearby waste-to-energy facilities, enfinium Ferrybridge 1 and 2 at Knottingley, West Yorkshire.

enfinium is the largest pure play waste-to-energy business in the U.K. and is a developer, owner and operator of seven strategically located waste-to-energy facilities in operation or advanced development. enfinium is an integral part of the U.K.'s environmental infrastructure, diverting waste that cannot be reduced, reused or recycled from landfills and export, and providing residents and businesses with local, sustainable waste treatment solutions, converting residual waste into heat and partially renewable power. enfinium continues to progress its other two advanced combined heat and power facilities, including 400,000 tonne per annum Kelvin in West Bromwich and 390,000 tonne per annum Kemsley North in Kent.

"We remain fully committed to supporting and investing in the green recovery in the U.K. and developing regional combined heat and power waste-to-energy capacity - with our team now turning our full attention to reaching financial close on enfinium Kelvin later this year. We look forward to continuing to power green communities and the circular economy," Julia Watsford said.

enfinium was advised by Deloitte and Ashurst. Santander, MUFG, Natixis and Credit Agricole are lenders to the Skelton Grange project and were advised by Linklaters.

Notes to editor:

About enfinium

enfinium is the largest pure play waste-to-energy business in the U.K. and is an industry leader in the conversion of non-recyclable residential and business waste into heat and partially renewable power. enfinium currently has a platform of seven (three under advanced development) strategically located facilities across the U.K. Today, enfinium has an annual waste processing capacity of over 2.3 million tonnes, and a total combined electric generating capacity of 247MW (gross) - enough energy to power more than 500,000 U.K. homes. By 2026, the company will have an annual waste processing capacity over 3.5 million tonnes, and a total combined electric generating capacity of 380MW (gross) - enough to power more than 820,000 U.K. homes. The vision "Make a difference today to deliver a cleaner tomorrow" speaks to the company's ongoing commitment to the development of clean and renewable energy solutions for its customers and local communities. For more on enfinium, please visit www.enfinium.co.uk.

About First Sentier Investors

First Sentier Investors are stewards of over 130 billion in assets managed on behalf of a client base that extends across Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. With more than twenty years' experience in infrastructure investment, it is one of the longest established managers of infrastructure assets on behalf of institutional investors and currently manages approximately 12.0 billion of equity invested across assets in the utility, transport and energy infrastructure sectors in Europe, Australia and North America. The transaction represents an important cornerstone investment of FSI-managed European Diversified Infrastructure Fund III, a European domiciled, euro-denominated fund. FSI operates as a standalone business owned by the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1551829/enfinium_Skelton_Grange.jpg
New campaign, Let's treat it right, launches as online searches for self-care surge globally[1], as people take more responsibility for their everyday health.

NYON, Switzerland, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today sees the launch of Let's treat it right, a major new health education campaign designed to bridge a knowledge gap and unlock health benefits for millions of people2. The campaign aims to support the responsible use of everyday medicines such as dosing advice for individuals or family members including children and the elderly, as part of self-care and family care regimes.

Information and resources for both the public and for pharmacists and doctors to help support their conversations on the topic can be found on the new campaign website - www.letstreatitright.com.

With more people now treating themselves at home, increasing numbers have questions and concerns when it comes to using over the counter medicines the right way. The issue was highlighted by a recent study supported by GSK2 which revealed that 80% of Europeans accept that it is their responsibility to manage their own health and are willing to do so,3 yet only two in ten feel confident to actually do this.3 Supporting this, in the past two years, searches for 'self-care' and 'treat at home' have risen by 33% and 58% respectively1, highlighting the need for improved patient resources regarding health self-management.

One area of health that is particularly in focus is the management of pain. According to The Global Pain Index, over three quarters (77%) of people asked wished they could control their pain better.4 Back pain and shoulder pain are also among the top three most common causes of virtual doctor visits.5 But, confusion about the responsible use of medicines extends beyond pain to all areas of everyday health and improved public understanding could reduce the burden on health systems, for example in helping to manage the number of doctor visits.2 As a direct result of the pandemic, positive change is already being seen in this area of self-care with almost half of Europeans (41%) planning to consult their pharmacists more often6, rather than wait for a doctor's appointment.

At launch, Let's treat it right is focussed on the responsible use of pain medicines with the vision to extend to other areas of everyday health over the next year. Pain is one of the most common medical areas in which people seek information about ways to self-manage with medication. The campaign, supported by the makers of trusted healthcare brands Panadol and Voltaren, aims to provide clear and practical advice to the public about the right use of pain medicines, including individual needs, how much is right to take, and how to dispose of and store their pain medication safely and correctly.

The campaign contains information on four key topics - The Right Need, The Right Dose, The Right Storage and The Right Disposal - available on the website and to be shared on social media channels.

As well as supporting the public, Let's treat it right is also intended as a resource for health experts on the frontline, the millions of pharmacists and doctors who prescribe and support responsible medicines' use for patients and customers.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and Clinical Director of Patient.info says, "As a GP, I get many questions about the right way to use everyday medicines that are available over the counter. You can find a lot of information online, but it is not always easy to know which sources to trust. That is why I welcome the launch of initiatives like Let's Treat it Right. The campaign provides people with trusted information and advice, for example answering the concerns of parents who have questions about medicine dosage for their children, and elderly patients who are taking medicines for other health conditions. This will allow people to better manage their pain themselves and do so in a responsible manner. I believe that this approach to pain management will help to relieve pressure on healthcare systems and have a positive impact on society globally."

Lars-Ake Soderlund, Executive Committee Member, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), commented: "The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more people taking responsibility for managing their own health and seeking information in order to do so. Pharmacists, as trusted healthcare professionals who are most accessible to the public, are the first (and often preferred) source of reliable, evidence-based advice and care. Seeking support from pharmacists on over-the-counter pain management is highly beneficial and recommended."

Theresa Agnew, Global Head of Pain Relief Category at GSK Consumer Healthcare said: "Accelerated by the global pandemic, we find ourselves in charge of our health and wellbeing like never before. We want to empower and support consumers when it comes to the responsible use of medicines and support the millions of pharmacists and doctors in their crucial role in this. We need to bridge the knowledge gap and rolling out the Let's treat it right campaign is an important step towards achieving that."

Notes to editors

The campaign is funded by GSK Consumer Healthcare, the maker of trusted brands Panadol and Voltaren. Anyone using our products should always use medicines as directed in the product label. If in any doubt, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted for advice.

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com/about-us

1 Google Trends Data. June 2021. Last accessed June 2021. https://trends.google.co.uk/trends/explore?date=2019-06-01%202021-06-10&q=self%20care,Treat%20at%20home

2 The Health-Economic Benefits of Self-care in Europe. Published by Vintura. Supported by GSK. https://assets.gskstatic.com/corporate/Health-Economic-Study/GSK_report_summary-FINAL.pdf. Last accessed June 2021.

3 The EPOSSI Barometer: Consumer Perceptions of self-care in Europe. EPPOSI, 2013. Available at: https://epposi.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/EPPOSI-Self-Care-Barometer-Report-2013-EN.pdf. Last accessed June 2021.

4 GSK Global Pain Index (GPI) 4 Report, March 2020. Last accessed June 2021. Promotion PM-GL-VOLT-20-00166.

5 What Covid-19 Taught Us About Telemedicine; The pandemic gave doctors a crash course in what does and doesn't work. Among the lessons: a good webside manner is crucial. The Wall Street Journal, 28 March 2021. Last accessed June 2021.

6 COVID-19 prompts increased focus on self-care. GSK Consumer Healthcare and IPSOS. July 2020. Last accessed June 2021: COVID-19 prompts increased focus on self-care | GSK

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559452/LTIR_Homepage.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559451/LTIR_Logo.jpg
LONDON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Costero Brokers Ltd., a privately held London-based brokerage, is delighted to announce that Rob Withers has joined as a Divisional Director. Rob will run Costero's in-house commercial property binder business in the USA effective July 1, 2021.

Rob's focus is to build out and expand the in-house binding authorities for Coastal Properties which he manages and has specialist knowledge of. He will be assisted by Jack Waskett who has also recently joined the team and will assist with our future expansion.

"I am delighted to join Costero. This will be an excellent fit for all concerned, both in London and throughout the United States," said Rob Withers, Vice President of Costero Brokers. "I have no doubt going forward this will allow for us to grow together and offer more products to our existing client base whilst continuing to offer our first-class service."

"Rob has over 20 plus years' industry experience and I am pleased to welcome him into the team," said Nick Murrell, Managing Director of Costero Brokers. "His vision and passion in working in the specialist area, which we are looking to expand further and cross sell the Costero client base."

About Costero Brokers Ltd.

Costero Brokers Ltd., formed in 2017, initially focused on property and professional lines. Costero Brokers Ltd. is now a multi-class Lloyd's of London broker and is looking to expand into additional specialist areas with the hiring of individuals and teams.
HELSINKI, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Extraordinary General Meeting of Citycon Oyj will be held on Monday, 2 August 2021 at 12:00 noon. The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held under special arrangements without shareholders' or their proxy representatives' presence at the headquarters of Citycon Oyj, at the address Piispansilta 9 A, FI-02230 Espoo, Finland.

Board of Directors of Citycon Oyj has resolved on exceptional meeting procedures based on the temporary legislative act (375/2021), which entered into force on 8 May 2021. In order to ensure the health and safety of the shareholders, employees and other stakeholders of the company, the Extraordinary General Meeting will be organized without shareholders' and their proxy representatives' presence at the Extraordinary General Meeting venue. Shareholders can participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting and use their shareholder rights in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting by voting in advance (either personally or through a proxy representative), by submitting counterproposals in advance and by asking questions in advance in the manner described below. Proxy representatives must also vote in advance in the manner described below. For further instructions, please refer to Section C. "Instructions for the Participants in the General Meeting" of this notice.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, the members of the Board of Directors, the CEO and other management of the company and the Auditor will not attend the Extraordinary General Meeting and no webcast will be provided.

A. Matters on the Agenda of the General Meeting

At the Extraordinary General Meeting, the following matters will be considered:

1. Opening of the Meeting

2. Calling the Meeting to Order

Attorney-at-law Johan Aalto will act as the Chairman of the Extraordinary General Meeting. If due to weighty reasons Johan Aalto is not able to act as the Chairman, the Board of Directors shall appoint another person it deems most suitable to act as the Chairman.

3. Election of Persons to Scrutinize the Minutes and to Supervise the Counting of Votes

Company's Senior Legal Counsel Marjo Westergard will scrutinize the minutes and supervise the counting of votes at the Extraordinary General Meeting. Should Marjo Westergard for a weighty reason not be able to attend these tasks, the company's Board of Directors will appoint another person that it deems most suitable to scrutinize the minutes and supervise the counting of votes.

4. Recording the Legality of the Meeting

5. Recording the Attendance and Adopting the List of Votes

Shareholders who have voted in advance in accordance with the instructions set out in this notice and who have the right to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting in accordance with Chapter 5, Sections 6 and 6a of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act will be recorded to have attended the General Meeting. The list of votes will be adopted according to the information furnished by Euroclear Finland Ltd.

6. Composition of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee that the CEO of the company Mr F. Scott Ball and Ms Ljudmila Popova would be elected as new members to the Board of Directors. The members of the Board of Directors would be elected for a term that will continue until the close of the next Annual General Meeting. Mr F. Scott Ball is not entitled to separate fee for the Board membership as set out in the revised Remuneration Policy (see item 7). The annual remuneration payable to Ms Ljudmila Popova in accordance with the resolution of the Annual General Meeting held on 22 March 2021 will be paid on a pro rata basis for the duration of her term.

According to the Articles of Association, Citycon's Board of Directors consists of a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of ten (10) members. On 22 March 2021, the Annual General Meeting has decided that the number of members of the Board of Directors during the ongoing term of office shall be ten (10). Following the resignation of Mr Andrea Orlandi and Ms Ariella Zochovitzky, the current number of Directors is eight (8) and the proposed election would therefore increase the number of Directors to be ten (10) again.

Both candidates have given their consent to the election. Mr F. Scott Ball is not independent of the company due to his CEO position at Citycon and he is independent of significant shareholders. Ms Ljudmila Popova is independent of both the company and significant shareholders. Both candidates for the Board of Directors have been presented on the company's website citycon.com/egm2021. In addition, information on the proposed new members of the Board of Directors is available at the end of this notice.

Other current members of the Board of Directors shall continue in their position until the close of the next Annual General Meeting.

7. Adoption of the Remuneration Policy for Governing Bodies

The Board of Directors proposes that the revised Remuneration Policy of the Company's governing bodies be approved. The resolution is advisory in accordance with the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act.

The Board of Directors has proposed that the CEO of the company, F. Scott Ball, would be elected as a new executive member to the Board of Directors for a term of office expiring at the close of the next Annual General Meeting. The Board role would mean a permanent deviation from the current Remuneration Policy which states that Board members would categorically not participate in the same remuneration or incentive schemes with the company's executive management. The Remuneration Policy will be amended in this regard. In addition to ensure continuity of the management, the annual maximum earnings target for the long-term incentives is defined by the Board at the beginning of each performance period.

The Remuneration Policy is available on the company's website at citycon.com/egm2021. Since the Extraordinary General Meeting may only be attended by voting in advance, the Remuneration Policy of the governing bodies is deemed to have been presented to the Extraordinary General Meeting.

8. Closing of the Meeting

B. Documents of the General Meeting

The Remuneration Policy, the proposals for the decisions on the agenda of the Extraordinary General Meeting and this notice will be available on the company's website citycon.com/egm2021. Copies of these documents will be sent to shareholders upon request. Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting will be available on the aforementioned website as of 16 August 2021 at the latest.

C. Instructions for the Participants in the General Meeting

In order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Extraordinary General Meeting will be organized without the shareholders' and their proxy representatives' presence at the Extraordinary General Meeting venue. Participation over real-time telecommunications or a recording of the Extraordinary General Meeting will not be available. Shareholders can participate in the meeting and use their shareholder rights only by voting in advance (either personally or through a proxy representative), by submitting counterproposals in advance and by asking questions in advance in the manner described below. Proxy representatives must also vote in advance in the manner described below.

1. Right to participate

Each shareholder, who is registered in the company's shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on 21 July 2021 has the right to participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting. A shareholder, whose shares are registered on his/her personal Finnish book-entry account, is registered in the company's shareholders' register. Instructions for holders of nominee-registered shares are set out below under Section C4 "Holders of nominee-registered shares".

2. Registration and voting in advance

Registration for the General Meeting and advance voting will begin on 15 July 2021 at 9:00 a.m. (EEST), when the deadline for submitting counterproposals to be put to a vote has expired. A shareholder who is registered in the company's shareholders' register and who wishes to participate in the General Meeting, must register for the General Meeting and vote in advance no later than by 27 July 2021 at 4:00 p.m. (EEST), by which time the votes must have been received. A shareholder whose shares are registered on the shareholder's Finnish book-entry account can register and vote in advance on certain matters on the agenda of the General Meeting from 15 July 2021 at 9:00 a.m. (EEST) until 27 July 2021 at 4:00 p.m. (EEST) by the following means:

a. electronically by utilizing Euroclear's electronic general meeting service accessible at citycon.com/egm2021. Registering and voting in advance requires strong electronic identification (bank codes or Mobile ID) for natural persons and business ID and the book-entry account number for legal persons.

b. by sending the advance voting form available on the company's website or corresponding information to Euroclear Finland Oy by email to yhtiokokous@euroclear.eu or by regular mail to Euroclear Finland Oy, Yhtiokokous/Citycon Oyj, P.O. Box 1110, FI-00101 Helsinki.

The advance voting form and instructions relating to the advance voting will be available on the company's website at citycon.com/egm2021 no later than on 15 July 2021 at 9:00 a.m. (EEST).

If a shareholder participates in the Extraordinary General Meeting by voting in advance in accordance with the applicable instructions before the expiry of the registration and advance voting period, this constitutes due registration for the Extraordinary General Meeting, provided that all information required for registration and advance voting is duly provided. No other notification of participation is required for the Extraordinary General Meeting.

In connection with the registration, a shareholder or a proxy representative is required to provide the requested personal information. The personal data given to Citycon by shareholders and proxy representatives is only used in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting and with the processing of related necessary registrations.

3. Proxy representatives and powers of attorney

A shareholder may participate in the Extraordinary General Meeting and exercise his/her rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation. Also the proxy representative of a shareholder may only participate by voting in advance in the manner instructed above.

A proxy representative must produce a dated proxy document or otherwise, in a reliable manner, demonstrate his/her right to represent the shareholder at the Extraordinary General Meeting. If a shareholder participates in the Extraordinary General Meeting by means of several proxy representatives representing the shareholder with shares in different book-entry accounts, the shares, by which each proxy representative represents the shareholder, shall be identified in connection with the registration for the Extraordinary General Meeting.

Proxy and voting instruction templates will be available on the company's website at citycon.com/egm2021 as from 15 July 2021 onwards. Proxy documents and advance voting forms should be delivered to Euroclear Finland Oy by mail to Euroclear Finland Oy, Yhtiokokous/Citycon Oyj, P.O Box 1110, FI-00101 Helsinki or by email to yhtiokokous@euroclear.eu before the last date for registration and advance voting, by which time the documents must be received.

If a shareholder delivers a proxy to the company in accordance with the applicable instructions before the expiry of the registration and advance voting period, this constitutes due registration for the Extraordinary General Meeting, provided that all required information is included in the proxy documents.

Further information will also be available on the company's website at citycon.com/egm2021.

4. Holders of nominee registered shares

A holder of nominee registered shares has the right to participate in the general meeting by virtue of such shares, based on which (s)he on the record date of the general meeting, i.e. on 21 July 2021, would be entitled to be registered in the company's shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd. In addition, the right to participate in the general meeting requires that the shareholder has, on the basis of such shares, been temporarily registered in the shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd not later than 28 July 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (EEST). As regards nominee registered shares this constitutes due registration for the general meeting.

A holder of nominee registered shares is advised to request without delay necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the company's shareholders' register, the issuing of proxy documents and registration for the general meeting from his/her custodian bank. The account management organization of the custodian bank shall register a holder of nominee registered shares, who wants to participate in the general meeting, to be temporarily entered in the company's shareholders' register at the latest by the time stated above and see to the voting in advance on behalf of a holder of nominee registered shares before the due date for the registration. Further information on these matters can also be found on the company's website citycon.com/egm2021.

5. Other instructions and information

Shareholders representing at least one hundredth (1/100) of all the shares in the company have the right to pose counterproposals concerning the matters on the agenda of the Extraordinary General Meeting to be placed for a vote. Such counterproposals shall be delivered to the company by email to legal@citycon.com at the latest by 14 July 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (EEST), by which time the counterproposals must be received by the company.

In connection with making a counterproposal, shareholders are required to provide adequate evidence of their shareholding. A counterproposal is eligible for voting at the Extraordinary General Meeting if the shareholders who have made the counterproposal have the right to attend the meeting and on the record date of the Extraordinary General Meeting represent at least one hundredth (1/100) of all shares in the company. If a counterproposal is not eligible for voting at the Extraordinary General Meeting, the votes given in favour of such a counterproposal will not be taken into account. The company will publish potential counterproposals eligible for voting on the company's website at citycon.com/egm2021 on 15 July 2021 at the latest.

A shareholder has the right to ask questions with respect to the matters to be considered at the Extraordinary General Meeting pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act. Such questions must be sent by email to legal@citycon.com at the latest by 19 July 2021 at 4:00 p.m. (EEST), by which time the questions must be received by the company.

Such questions by shareholders, responses to such questions by the company as well as other counterproposals than those eligible for voting will be available on the company's website at citycon.com/egm2021 on 22 July 2021 at the latest. In connection with asking questions, shareholders are required to provide adequate evidence of their shareholding.

Changes in the shareholding after the record date of the Extraordinary General Meeting do not affect the right to participate in the meeting or the number of voting rights held in the meeting.

On the date of publication of this notice, 8 July 2021, Citycon Oyj has 177,998,525 shares and votes.

CITYCON OYJ

Board of Directors Information on the proposed new members of the Board of Directors:F. Scott BallBorn 1961United States citizenB.Sc. (Business Management)

Professional experience:

Citycon Oyj, Chief Executive Officer, since 2019

LADS Advisors LLC, founder 2017-2018

Starwood Retail Partners, COO/President Chicago/IL, 2012-2017

Oxford Properties Group Inc, Senior Vice President, Retail Toronto Ontario/Chicago, IL, 2011-2012

Claire's North America, Senior Vice President, Real Estate - Global Construction/Design Chicago, IL, 2009-2011

Blatteis Schnur, CEO/Partner, Los Angeles, CA, 2009-2007

The Mills Corporation, Executive Vice President, Leasing/Asset Management Chevy Chase, MD, 2007-2005

The Rouse Company 2005-1985, various positions, latest Senior Vice President, Asset Management Columbia, MD, 2005-1985

Ljudmila Popova

Born 1980Dutch and Kyrgyz citizenM.Sc. (Econometric Sciences), Executive MBA

Professional experience:

Daje Advisory BV, Founder & Director since 2020

NIBC, Executive Director CF & CM Real Estate 2019-2020

GlobeInvest, Chief Financial Officer 2017-2019

Atrium European Real Estate, Executive Management Board/Group Head of Asset Management 2013-2017, Head of Business Development 2009-2013

Kempen & Co, Property Research Analyst 2006-2009

Zanders & Partners, Treasury Management Consultancy 2004-2006

Non-executive Directorships:Wealth Management Partners, Supervisory Board Member (Property Pool) since 2020Brack Capital Properties, Supervisory Board Member/Interim Chairman 2017-2018

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/citycon-oyj/r/notice-to-the-extraordinary-general-meeting-of-citycon-oyj,c3382003

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SHANGHAI, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric ("Shanghai Electric" or "the Company") (601727.SS and 02727.HK) has been named one of the top 50 most valuable brands in China, according to the latest "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands" list released by World Brand Lab. The ranking shows Shanghai Electric's brand value has topped RMB 145 billion in 2021, a 37.4% increase from last year, placing the company at the forefront of the Chinese machinery industry. As a leading Chinese enterprise that can trace its history back to 1902, the century-old manufacturer has played a pivotal role in shaping technological evolution in China and continues leading the technological innovation in accelerating the energy transition to help build a greener and more sustainable future.

Building a multi-dimensional energy ecosystem to achieve carbon peak and neutrality goals

With renewable energy, energy storage and energy management system at the heart of its technological focus, Shanghai Electric has been pursuing green technologies that produce 100% renewable power while pioneering integrated energy technologies and products that incorporate renewable energy, energy storage and smart micro-grids. The Chongming Sanxing Town renewable energy project powered by Shanghai Electric integrated clean energy solutions has generated over 400MW of green electricity since it started operation in 2018 and reduced approximately 400 tons of CO2 emission.

Adopting "generation-grid-load-storage" dynamic control and management technology, the Shantou Smart Energy Demonstration Project by Shanghai Electric ensures a stable and high-quality power supply while fully taking advantage of the abundant natural wind and solar resources in the region to achieve energy balance and self-optimization. This allows the project to generate near 100% renewable energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 6,500 tons per year.

Promoting win-win cooperation by bringing more value to customers

Set to become one of the world's most advanced solar parks equipped with the highest concentrated solar power (CSP) tower upon completion, the Dubai project constructed by Shanghai Electric implements the highest quality standards and features the largest installed solar capacity.

In addition, as a main supplier of Hualong One (HPR1000) at Pakistan'sKarachi nuclear power plant, Shanghai Electric provides key equipment such as reactor internals and steam turbine generator units to the plant. The project can generate nearly 10 billion kWh of electricity per year, which meets the energy consumption of 1 million local residents. It is equivalent to reducing 3.12 million tons of standard coal consumption and 8.16 million tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Shanghai Electric envisions a new digital urban management model built on a foundation of robust digital technologies and flexible IT infrastructures. The company's digital urban governance solution is designed to address the current challenges facing urban management by combining the Internet of Things (IoT), powerful digital tools and smart infrastructures to create a system that enables cities to share resources. The system links the public sector service to a smart city network, eliminating the data barriers existing between cities to allow urban government and management systems to be more safe, efficient and agile.

Digital empowerment accelerates technology innovation

Designed to optimise services for the high-end equipment sector, Shanghai Electric's cloud-based scalable industrial Internet platform SEunicloud is drawing on the company's industry experience and successful cases to develop a diverse range of solutions including smart wind O&M, remote thermal power O&M, after-sales services of machine tools, integrated management of energy storage batteries, therapy robots, and distributed water treatment.

The platform has been deployed in 15 industry applications and focused on eight industry solutions including digitalization of wind-solar-storage hybrid energy, asset management of enterprise equipment, MOM digital factory, intelligent environmental protection, covering over 100,000 smart devices with a total value of RMB 140 billion.

Shanghai Electric's e-commerce and intelligent supply chain platform provide Internet-based supply chain management services covering full upstream and downstream business links from customers, suppliers, sales, delivery and procurement. The one-stop platform offers all-around transaction protection and serves as a pivotal trading site for energy services, equipment manufacturing and industry-standard components.

"Against the backdrop of a new technological era powered by IoT, big data and cloud technology, Shanghai Electric is focusing its strategy on intelligent manufacturing and industrial digitalisation, building a unique industrial ecosystem to empower the future of Smart Energy, Intelligent Manufacturing and Smart City," said Zheng Jianhua, Chairman of Shanghai Electric.

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LONDON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightrock, a global impact private equity firm investing into scalable and tech-driven businesses around the key impact themes of people, planet, and productivity, closed its Lightrock Growth Fund I at USD 900m, with investments from LGT and its private clients.

Lightrock is a global private equity platform headquartered in London, backing purpose-driven entrepreneurs tackling the world's biggest challenges. With over 60 investments, the company already has one of the largest impact-focused growth portfolios in Europe, Latin America and India. More recently, Lightrock has also started building out a portfolio of investments across Sub-Saharan Africa. It invests in companies that pursue scalable and technology driven business models around the key impact themes "people", "planet" and "productivity". Specific investment sectors within these themes include education, healthcare, access to finance, mobility, transportation, renewables and circular economy transition. Lightrock investments across these themes and sectors align with global mega-trends and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Lightrock Growth Fund I invests growth capital into businesses predominantly at series B or C in the target regions Europe, Latin America and India and in Lightrock's key impact themes. With LGT as its anchor investor, the fund has already invested into 26 companies, including five unicorns, across these regions and themes. The portfolio includes Infarm, an urban farming business from Germany providing innovative modular vertical farms that can be placed in grocery stores and retail distribution centers; German sustainable aviation company Lilium; PharmEasy, the largest e-pharmacy company in India; and Creditas, a leading fintech company in Latin America. The fund's most recent investments include digital insurer wefox, graph database platform Neo4j, and a follow-on investment in MedTech company CMR Surgical, where Lightrock is invested since 2016.

Investors in the Lightrock Growth Fund I include LGT Private Banking clients, who have invested via the Lightrock Evergreen Fund, and LGT Group Foundation. The Lightrock Evergreen Fund was launched by LGT Private Banking and met large interest and demand, resulting in a five-fold oversubscription of the initial target size (the Fund is closed for new subscriptions). LGT is a leading international private banking and asset management group with USD 272 billion in AuM from private and institutional clients. The Lightrock Growth Fund I has been closed at USD 900m of commitments.

Pal Erik Sjatil, CEO and Global Managing Partner of Lightrock, says: "Our global investment focus at the intersection of impact, growth and tech proves appealing to a lot of investors, as the success of the Lightrock Growth Fund I demonstrates. Building on our long-term partnership with LGT and the commitment of the Princely Family of Liechtenstein to entrepreneurship and positive impact, we look forward to backing more purpose-driven founders and their teams in scaling their businesses."

About Lightrock

Lightrock is a global private equity firm backing purpose-driven entrepreneurs tackling the world's biggest challenges through entrepreneurial and tech-driven solutions.

Lightrock's investment portfolio includes more than 60 investments in fast-growing companies that provide products and services with a positive impact on society and the environment. The company employs over 50 people across five offices in Europe, India, Latin America and Africa.

Lightrock operates as an independent company headquartered in London and is affiliated with the Princely Family of Liechtenstein and LGT, the international private banking and asset management group.

https://www.lightrock.com

Your contact at Lightrock

Dr. Katharina Sommerrock

Phone: +41 79 876 1961

katharina@lightrock.com

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76% of UK respondents said their IoT project was at best only somewhat successful in meeting expectations and realising benefits but 91% still plan increased investment, according to new research.

GUILDFORD, England, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UK organisations are being challenged with connectivity, device deployment and rollout to a greater extent than their US counterparts according to a new State of IoT Adoption Study published by global IoT connectivity specialist, Eseye.

41% of UK respondents said connectivity was a top challenge compared to 29% in the US. Likewise, 36% of UK respondents said device deployment and rollout was also a key issue, compared to only 28% of US respondents. This is likely because UK survey respondents have more multi-region deployments than those in the USA. As a result, IoT projects have failed to reach their full potential according to three quarters of UK enterprises who have embarked upon an IoT initiative in the last 12 months.

The Study was undertaken by independent research organisation, Opinion Matters, among 250 UK and 250 USA-based senior decision makers and implementers of IoT strategy within five vertical markets. It explores the current state of IoT adoption; the challenges, opportunities and untapped potential of IoT; the impact of COVID-19 and how this has accelerated adoption; and the criticality of intelligent connectivity to fuel future growth.

Key UK IoT adoption findings:

85% of UK respondents said IoT is a priority for their business.

54% of respondents are planning further projects in the next two to three years.

91% are planning budget increases for IoT initiatives; 41% plan to boost spending by between 51 and 100%.

99% said that COVID-19 has impacted their IoT plans; for 28% it has accelerated development of their IoT initiative and 30% said they had increased investment plans. Only 19% of UK respondents had cancelled IoT initiatives owing to the pandemic, compared to 33% in the USA .

. However, 76% of UK respondents said that their IoT project was at best only somewhat successful in meeting expectations and realising benefits.

Connectivity, device deployment and security were cited as top challenges; 41% said cellular connectivity was their biggest hurdle, while for 36% device deployment and rollout, and security had proved difficult.

Cellular IoT deployments have still not reached anywhere near critical mass; most UK respondents (90%) had deployed fewer than 10,000 devices.

IoT at a tipping point

The Study found the larger the project, the faster the acceleration as organisations embrace IoT. The more devices respondents have in the field, the more they are planning to deploy in the coming twelve months. This indicates a tipping point in IoT projects in terms of scale. However, of 250 UK respondents only 8% had deployed between 10,001 devices and 100,000 in the field and only 2% had deployed more than 100,000 devices.

Increasing profit, reducing costs, disrupting markets and business models

IoT projects are undertaken by innovative organisations to disrupt traditional business models and deliver tangible business benefits. When asked about the benefits their IoT initiative has or is predicted to deliver 36% of UK respondents said it increased profit, 34% said it enabled the business to enter new markets, 34% said it helped to reduce costs and 29% of respondents said their initiative was aimed at delivering new lines of business.

Nick Earle, CEO, Eseye comments: "Is IoT finally coming of age here in the UK? Certainly, our results indicate that there is a level of maturity and an eagerness to fuel adoption plans here in the UK. Surveyed UK companies see IoT as a way to increase profit and reduce costs as well as disrupt business models and introduce new product lines. However, adoption is not without its challenges. We know security and connectivity have been an issue for businesses rolling out large-scale IoT projects. To this point cellular connectivity was a far bigger challenge for UK respondents than USA, with 41% saying it was the biggest hurdle they had to overcome versus 29% in the US. This is likely down to the fact that UK respondents are more multi-region with deployments than the USA, where deployments still tend to be national and focused on the domestic market."

Technology drivers

Cloud and remote access were cited as the top technology drivers by 48% of UK respondents which, given the events of the past year, is not surprising, as many businesses look to accelerate their digital transformation plans with IoT initiatives. 5G was the second highest technology driver for UK respondents with 42% compared to 35% in the USA where respondents rated LPWAN technologies (45%) and Intelligent Edge hardware (44%) higher.

Intelligent connectivity

As the UK market matures and more organisations embark on multi-region rollouts, the importance of intelligent connectivity is growing. UK respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed with the statement, "I think the evolution of intelligent connectivity is going to be critical to continue to fuel adoption of IoT?" Overall, 81% of all UK respondents either somewhat or strongly agree with this statement. 33% strongly agree with this statement compared to 21% of respondents in the USA. In fact, nearly one-quarter of USA (23%) of respondents were ambivalent towards this statement, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Earle continues: "UK organisations are clearly determined to overcome the challenges they've identified, with 91% planning to increase budget, more than eight out of ten stating that IoT is a priority for the business, and over half of UK respondents planning future IoT projects. Therefore, IoT adoption is well under way and the pandemic has negatively impacted plans less here in the UK, with only 19% cancelling projects compared to nearly a third in the US. With that maturity comes challenges and certainly device onboarding and rollouts was cited as more of a challenge by UK respondents than USA. Likewise, 5G is definitely more on the radar here in the UK than the USA, which isn't surprising as the UK was one of the earliest countries to officially commercialise 5G."

Eseye's State of IoT Adoption Report offers detailed analysis of the IoT challenges and trends affecting businesses in the UK and USA, and examines the variation between vertical markets including: Smart Vending; Supply Chain and Logistics; EV Charging and Smart Grid; Manufacturing; and Healthcare and Medical Devices. It contains recommendations for actions and strategies that organisations should prioritise to improve business outcomes and the value derived from such initiatives. Download the full report here.

About Eseye

Eseye empowers businesses to embrace IoT without limits. We help them to visualise the impossible and bring those solutions to life through innovative IoT cellular connectivity solutions that enable our customers to drive up business value, deploy differentiated experiences and disrupt their markets.

Our pioneering IoT cellular connectivity solutions, versatile hardware, technical consultancy and round-the-clock support allows businesses to overcome the complexity of IoT design, development and deployment. We guide them every step of the way, so they can move forward with IoT projects without the fear of getting it wrong.

Supported by our unique AnyNet Secure SIM technology, Connectivity Management Platform and a powerful partner ecosystem, we help more than 2,000 customers to seamlessly connect millions of devices across 190 countries, agnostic to over 700 available global networks.

Find out more at www.eseye.com

Media Contacts

Jim Pople

C8 Consulting for Eseye (UK)

jim@c8consulting.co.uk

+44 (0) 7955 030191
AMSTERDAM, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expereo, a leading global provider of managed Internet, SD-WAN, SASE, and Cloud Access solutions, announces that it has agreed to acquire Brodynt, a provider of global managed Internet services. This acquisition further strengthens Expereo's position in providing global managed Internet & SD-WAN services to its global enterprise customer base and service provider partner community.



This news follows the acquisitions of GlobalInternet, Comsave, and Videns IT Services, a leading provider of managed SD-WAN and SASE services, late last year and earlier this year. These acquisitions solidify Expereo's position in leading the global transformation to software-defined and internet-based networking. With the full support of majority investor, Vitruvian Partners, and minority investor, Apax Partners SAS, Expereo intends to continue its acquisition strategy.

Global enterprises are accelerating their network transformations following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following an initial rush to get their global networks fit-for-purpose for remote working, global enterprise connectivity is now migrating rapidly to software-defined and internet-based solutions, including through accelerated adoption of cloud applications. Expereo's depth and breadth of expertise in providing and managing software-defined and internet-based networks and Cloud Access allows a globally operating enterprise to do so with ease, trust, and security.

"Expereo brings additional global reach, leading digital user and operations platform, and complementary SD-WAN and SASE experience that our customers and partners will greatly benefit from," says Marcus Munoz, Brodynt Co-CEO. "We have built a great customer and partner base, as well as a superb team supporting them," adds Marc Mateo, Brodynt Co-CEO. "I am excited to see this integrated into Expereo, enabling faster expansion and adding broader capabilities as the market very rapidly transforms with internet services now being core to global enterprise connectivity networks; Expereo brings the scale to do so efficiently."

"It is all about scale and delivering world-class customer experience," says Irwin Fouwels, CEO Expereo. "Where our ability to effectively source, manage, and improve performance of any type of internet-based networking service anywhere in the world complemented traditional wide-area-network technology, we are now effectively replacing such legacy solutions. Overlaying our own cloud fabric and digital customer interface takes a global internet-based solution to the next level in terms of performance and experience - we are excited to bring this to Brodynt's customers and partners."

About Expereo

Expereo is the leading provider of managed network solutions, including Global internet connectivity, SD-WAN, SASE, and Cloud Access services. Expereo is the trusted partner of 30% of Fortune 500 companies and powers enterprise and government locations worldwide, helping to enhance every business's productivity with flexible and optimal Internet performance.

Vitruvian Partners, an international growth capital and buyout firm headquartered in London with offices across London, Stockholm, Munich, Luxembourg, San Francisco, and Shanghai, acquired a majority shareholding in Expereo earlier in 2021. Apax Partners SAS, a leading European private equity firm based in Paris, owns a minority shareholding alongside Vitruvian. Paris-headquartered Apax Partners SAS and London-headquartered Apax Partners LLP have a shared history but are separate, independent private equity firms.

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About Brodynt

Brodynt provides global managed Internet and SD-WAN services to global enterprise customers and service providers such as ISPs, Carriers, and System Integrators. Founded in 2012 with headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, and offices in Austin, Texas, and Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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Q Advisors is a global TMT investment banking boutique, acted as exclusive financial advisor to Brodynt in connection with the transaction.
CORONA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. (OTCQB:ADOM) (the Company) a provider of new zero-emission, purpose-built electric vehicles, announced today that Pam Compton has been appointed Director of Business Development, and will begin her duties on July 19, 2021. Ms. Compton previously served as an independent member of the Company's board of directors and has resigned that role in order to work for the Company full-time.

Ms. Compton has over 37 years' experience in banking, having served most recently as a Branch Retail Executive, BBVA USA. Prior to that, she was Vice President and Relationship Manager at a branch of Pacific Premier Bank and before that she served in the same capacity for a branch of First Bank. Earlier in her career she was a Vice President and Relationship Manager at JP Morgan Chase & Co. In addition to serving on the board of Envirotech Vehicles, she has previously held board memberships for Peppermint Ridge, CREW and has been part of various charitable organization committees. Ms. Compton is RMA Credit Analyst Certified, has Omega Credit Analyst certification and Chase Leadership certification.

"I have known Pam for many years and worked closely with her in a variety of roles," said Phillip Oldridge, Envirotech Vehicles' Chief Executive Officer. "She brings operational and financial experience as well as a wide range of contacts from industry, government and the financial sector which are expected to significantly boost our opportunities to expand our growth and profile. We welcome Pam's transition from the board to the executive team and are very fortunate to have her wide range of expertise at our disposal."

Michael Menerey, Envirotech Vehicles' Chief Financial Officer, added "With Pam's addition to our leadership team, we are ramping up our business development efforts. Given her previous experience as a board member, she has hit the ground running and has already identified potential customers and partnership opportunities for our all-electric vehicles. In addition, her extensive commercial banking experience and contacts has already proven to be valuable and I look forward to working closely with her as we scale the business."

Ms. Compton said "I am thrilled to be joining Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. and to be working on a daily basis with Phil, Mike and the rest of the team. With my background and experience, including my previous advisory role as part of the board, I am energized by the opportunities ahead for Envirotech and confident I will be able to contribute to the Company's growth and success."

About Envirotech Vehicles

Envirotech Vehicles is a provider of purpose-built zero-emission electric vehicles focused on reducing the total cost of vehicle ownership and helping fleet operators unlock the benefits of green technology. We serve commercial and last-mile fleets, school districts, public and private transportation service companies and colleges and universities to meet the increasing demand for light-to- heavy duty electric vehicles. Our vehicles address the challenges of traditional fuel price cost instability and local, state and federal environmental regulatory compliance. For more information visit www.EVTVUSA.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release that relate to future plans, events, financial results, prospects or performance are forward-looking statements. While they are based on the current expectations and beliefs of management, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in this press release, including the risks and uncertainties disclosed in reports filed by ADOMANI, Inc. (DBA Envirotech Vehicles) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available online at www.sec.gov. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words "planned," "expected," "believes," "strategy," "opportunity," "anticipated," "outlook," "designed," and similar words. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, Envirotech Vehicles undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, changed circumstances or unanticipated events.

Contact Information

Investor Relations Contacts:

IMS Investor Relations

John Nesbett/Jennifer Belodeau

Telephone: 203.972.9200

Email: jnesbett@imsinvestorrelations.com

Envirotech Vehicles

Michael K. Menerey, Chief Financial Officer

Telephone: (951) 407-9860 ext. 1205

Email: mike.m@EVTVUSA.com

SOURCE: Envirotech Vehicles

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654690/Envirotech-Vehicles-Inc-Announces-Appointment-of-Pam-Compton-as-Director-of-Business-Development
LEI: 213800OTQ44T555I8S71

8 July 2021

NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, SINGAPORE, JAPAN OR ANY EEA STATE (OTHER THAN ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE EEA WHERE THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES MAY BE LEGALLY MARKETED) OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

Augmentum Fintech plc

(the "Company")

Result of General Meeting

At the Company's General Meeting held on 8 July 2021 all of the resolutions were decided by poll and all were passed. The results of the poll are set out below.

Resolutions Votes

For

% Votes

Against

% Total

Votes Cast Votes

Withheld 1. (Ordinary Resolution) To grant the Directors authority to allot up to 150 million New Shares in the period to 31 December 2022. 57,064,301 99.2% 438,167 0.8% 57,502,468 36,194 2. (Special Resolution) To disapply the pre-emption rights in respect of the New Shares. 56,939,136 99.0% 556,093 1.0% 57,495,229 43,433 3. (Ordinary Resolution) To amend the Company's investment policy as set out in the circular. 57,421,370 99.9% 80,207 0.1% 57,501,577 37,085

Notes:

A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "For" and "Against" a resolution.

At the date of the General Meeting the total number of Ordinary shares of 1p each in issue and the total number of voting rights was 140,423,291.

The full text of the resolutions can be found in the Circular to Shareholders dated 14 June 2021, which is available for viewing at the National Storage Mechanism and can be located at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism and on the Company's website, www.augmentum.vc.

In accordance with LR9.6.2R and LR9.6.3R, copies of the resolutions will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism website and will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

For further information, please contact:

Frostrow Capital LLP

Paul Griggs, Company Secretary +44 (0)20 3170 8733

info@frostrow.com

About Augmentum Fintech

Augmentum invests in fast growing fintech businesses that are disrupting the financial services sector. Augmentum is the UK's only publicly listed investment company focusing on the fintech sector in the UK and wider Europe, having launched on the main market of the London Stock Exchange in 2018, giving businesses access to patient capital and support, unrestricted by conventional fund timelines and giving public markets investors access to a largely privately held investment sector during its main period of growth.

Neither the content of any website referred to in this announcement nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotel & Homes Elounda Hills will be the newest sustainable sanctuary of 1 Hotels, offering an unparalleled luxury hotel experience that honors ancient Mediterranean history and its undeniable influence on the modern world. Situated on the northeast coast of Crete, this Grecian oasis is not only surrounded by the enchanting Elounda Hills and rugged coastline of Mirabello Bay - it's welcomed by a culture centered around warmth, vitality, and hospitality. With their pioneering vision, Mirum Hellas will develop the property, and SH Hotels & Resorts will operate the exquisite escape, following its prospective opening in the summer of 2025.

Seamlessly pairing ancient architecture with modern comfort, 1 Hotel & Homes Elounda Hills will embody the sensations of a hillside village, vivacious metropolis, and natural oasis. The design ethos blurs the line between interior and exterior - with natural sustainably sourced materials, highlighting the mesmerizing Cretan sunlight, and vibrant, flourishing greenery around every corner. In line with the 1 vision, guests will feel connected to the island, enriched by its history, and uniquely inspired to protect and enhance the natural world.

The 135 hotel rooms and 178 branded residences and villas (to be developed in phases) will boast uninterrupted mountain and seascape views. The architecture will mimic the curvature of the Elounda Hills and the resort will offer stunning swimming pools, relaxed outdoor leisure facilities, and windy paths leading to the pristine sandy beaches, and the warm, clear Mediterranean waters. Premium room offerings include exclusive access to a dedicated marina and beach club. The restorative wellness, therapeutic spa, and world-famous Mediterranean cuisine will reinvigorate guests with the vivacious spirit of the island while celebrating its history.

On 1 Hotel & Homes Elounda Hills, Barry Sternlicht, Chairman & CEO of Starwood Capital Group and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts, commented, "This project exemplifies our goal of creating harmony with nature. Crete is a legendary island with so much natural beauty, history, people, culture, and our 1 Hotels brand authentically embraces and will work to protect and enhance it all. Our development partner, Mirum Hellas, and their local portfolio complement our mission of inspiring conscious consumption and protecting the natural beauty and history of the environment. This property is a defining example of that, and we will redefine the Mediterranean getaway with it."

Vitaly Borisov, the Founder and Chairman of Mirum Group of companies, said, "Within 1 Hotel & Homes Elounda Hills, we will utilize unique architecture and sophisticated landscaping to introduce a special luxury hospitality experience with a conscience to the Greek island of Crete. 1 Hotels' focus on sustainability and their innovative approach within the hotel landscape make them the perfect partner for us. 1 Hotel & Homes Elounda Hills will be a sustainable island sanctuary, capturing the mystical and pure spirit of Greece, celebrating Cretan heritage, regeneration, and environmental preservation for everyone who visits."

About 1 Hotels

As a luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. 1 Hotels, which launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River, in February 2017, West Hollywood, on Sunset Boulevard, in June 2019, and Sanya (China) in 2020, is inspired by a simple idea: those that travel the world should also care about it, it is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels upholds this vision by channeling nature through design and culinary partnerships while connecting with the local community and taking sustainable steps to make a big difference. All 1 Hotel properties are among the first hotels in the world to become Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED with Forbes Travel Guide. The comprehensive facility verification helps ensure that guests and travel planners can book with confidence at properties that have appropriate health safety procedures in place. The brand is expanding with the upcoming opening of its Toronto property and with properties under development in Nashville, Hanalei Bay, Cabo San Lucas, Paris, London, San Francisco, Mission Bay and Melbourne. Additional information can be found at 1hotels.com.

About Mirum Group

Founded with a true passion for innovation and unsurpassed attention to detail, Mirum is a leading player in luxury hospitality and upscale suburban housing developments. A multinational developer with a local vision, Mirum is true to heritage, culture, and tradition while incorporating the latest technologies to build communities and transformative environments. Having been active in Greece for more than 10 years, Mirum is the only international real estate developer to have obtained the status of Strategic Private Investor from the Greek government.

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Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - July 8, 2021 - Gold79 Mines Ltd. (TSXV: AUU) (OTCQB: AUSVF) ("Gold79" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it's common shares have commenced trading on the OTCQB Venture Market (the "OTCQB") in the United States, operated by the OTC Markets Group Inc., under the stock symbol "AUSVF". The Company's common shares will also continue trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "AUU".

Mr. Derek Macpherson, President, CEO and Director stated, "Having our core projects located in the Southwest U.S. it made sense for the Company's shares to be listed on the OTCQB to provide easier access for U.S. investors." Mr. Macpherson continued, "This listing is timely as we prepare to embark on the Company's first drilling campaign in several years at our Gold Chain project later this summer."

The OTCQB Venture Market is for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies. Companies are current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/AUSVF/overview.

About Gold79 Mines Ltd.

Gold79 Mines Ltd. is a TSX Venture and OTCQB Venture Market listed company focused on building ounces in the Southwest USA. Gold79 holds 100% earn-in option to purchase agreements on three gold projects: the Jefferson Canyon Gold Project and the Tip Top Gold Project both located in Nevada, USA, and, the Gold Chain Project located in Arizona, USA. In addition, Gold79 holds two projects with minority interest being a 37.1% interest in the Greyhound Project, Nunavut, Canada under JV by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited and a 20% carried interest in the Taviche Project in Oaxaca, Mexico now under option to Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

For further information regarding this press release contact: Derek Macpherson, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director by email at dm@gold79mines.com or by phone at 416-294-6713. Gold79's website is located at www.gold79mines.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are made as of the date hereof and are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business including any private placement financings, the uncertainty as to whether further exploration will result in the target(s) being delineated as a mineral resource, capital expenditures, operating costs, mineral resources, recovery rates, grades and prices, estimated goals, expansion and growth of the business and operations, plans and references to the Company's future successes with its business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company's most recent annual MD&A and the Company's continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Gold79 does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89732
HONG KONG / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Leading Hong Kong-based financial services, investments and capital trust company Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust today released its latest research report entitled "State of Global Investments into Asian Fintech: the Impact of COVID-19 and Prospects for 2021."

The report details that although investing trends in Asian Fintech had been rising, the pandemic put a dent in money flows into the sector in 2020.

"Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's research reviewed investment flows in 2020 and found that investments were down significantly from 2019, dropping to a total of approximately USD12 billion," said Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's Fintech research expert Kelly Chao.

Despite the decline, the report outlined that signs of recovery were seen in the last quarter of 2020 with significant pick-up in the Asia Pacific region which saw a total of USD$3.14 billion raised. "We expect this increase in fundraising activity to be carried forward into 2021 for the sector," said Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's Chao.

Many of the Asia Pacific region's well-funded Fintech companies are expected to go public in 2021 such as KakaoBank from South Korea. In South-East Asia, Gojek increased its investment into its payments arm ahead of an expected listing, while rival Grab is due to make a highly anticipated debut on the market in 2021.

Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's report also stated that South-East Asia is still expected to be one of the fastest growing regions in Fintech, attracting major global investment interest.

"Due to the very loose monetary policy currently we are seeing increased valuations across the board for tech companies. Therefore, we expect significant IPO activity well into 2021 as shareholders see an opportunity to list at rich valuations," said Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's Chao.

Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's report also noted the growing maturity of the region's Fintech sector especially in the digital banking space, which will continue to attract the bulk of global investment interest. Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust also noted a significant growth in Fintech sectors such as payments, blockchain, regtech, insurtech and wealth management.

In 2020, China's Fintech space saw significant shifts in global investment fronts. Banking on global investor interest, China's Fintech space saw a change towards reforming and strengthening traditional financial institutions's capabilities.

"In China, after Fintech giants came under increased regulatory scrutiny, banks made investments into digital transformation in a big way. Therefore, we are seeing a move away from direct to consumer products for 2021," said Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's Chao.

An emerging Chinese Fintech sector that is fast gaining traction is insurtech, which saw Shuidi, a crowdfunding platform which focuses on medical expenses, raising USD380 million.

Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's report also reiterated that while the pandemic did slow capital investment flows into the space, there are many signs that the sector remains robust and resilient. "Our position at Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust is that we believe that capital flows and investments into Fintech will rebound significantly in 2021," said Chao.

"Especially in South-East Asia, where there are large populations that remain unbanked and underserved in terms of financial services, we fully expect that growth trends will resume, if not perhaps quite at the same pace as before COVID-19," Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust's research lead Chao concluded.

Company Information

Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust is a leading capital trust, financial services and investment institution based in Hong Kong.

For more information:

Visit cgexperience

Hong Kong, SAR

Email: info@cgexperience.cloudpage.me

SOURCE: Global Investment Bank and Capital Trust

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654731/Global-Investment-Bank-and-Capital-Trust-Releases-Latest-Research-on-Investments-in-Fintech-in-Asia-for-2021


NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (BK) Thursday said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Milestone Group, a provider of fund management technology. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.



Closing of the acquisition is subject to customary conditions and approvals and is expected to occur in the second half of 2021.



BNY Mellon noted that Milestone's pControl platform is widely recognized as an industry leader in fund and investment automation.



With the purchase of Milestone, BNY Mellon expects to advance the digitization and automation of core accounting and asset services, delivering increased accuracy and timeliness.



Both companies had formed an alliance over a year back to create a suite of oversight and contingent net asset value or NAV services for asset managers and asset owners seeking independent oversight and backup NAV capabilities.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
The "France In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market, Impact of COVID-19, Industry Trends, Growth, Opportunity Company Overview, Sales Analysis, Forecast" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

France In-Vitro Diagnostics market is expected to reach US$ 2.1 Billion by the end of the year 2026.

The Market for In-Vitro Diagnostic is a dynamic sector in the French medical market. Currently, the industry is undergoing significant changes. However, as the country struggles with the ever-increasing financial burdens of an ageing population and a comprehensive national health care system, the requirements of leveraging the cost/benefit advantages of effective diagnostics are becoming more and more visible in the industry.

Another important IVD market in France is that the country's private medical analysis laboratories merge into larger units. Usually, several private laboratories join together as a Societesd' Exercise Liberal (liberal exercise company) known in France as an SEL. Within an SEL, each laboratory specializes in a specific type of analysis.

Besides, the consolidating and regrouping of laboratories also lead to a rapidly shrinking number of biologists and laboratories, especially private laboratories, in the past few years. However, these changes are complex at first but could make the market more efficient in the long run. The France IVD Market Size was valued at US$ 1.9 Billion in 2020.

The diagnostic tests in the country are assigned as a reimbursement percentage depending on the type of test, so the biologists in a public or a private laboratory can choose whatever brands of reagent they wish to use for a given diagnostic. However, regardless of their choices, they have reimbursed the percentage of cost predetermined for that kind of test.

In general, the rates of reimbursement for France's public health insurance are as follows:

Screenings for HIV or Hepatitis C are entirely free for all patients.

Other laboratory analyses reimbursed at 60-70 percent for most patients (private insurance will generally reimburse the remaining 30-40 percent)

In the France IVD market segments, significant growth has happened in the Infectious Immunology segment in the year 2020. Other segments, Hematology, Immunochemistry, Microbiology, Bio-chemistry, and Genetic Testing have a slight decline for one year. But all these segments are expected to keep on growing in the long run.

Clinical chemistry plays a crucial role in the France IVD market. The market for reagents has continued to grow in the past few years. The French IVD Industry is expected to increase marginally at a CAGR of 1.68% during 2020-2026.

France being a developed region with a well-structured healthcare system has many players in the in-vitro diagnostics market. Roche Diagnostics, Abbott Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers, Danaher Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Sysmex Corporation are prime companies in the France In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market.

COVID-19 Impact on IVD Market of France:

In the France IVD market, Infectious disease tests, particularly for respiratory and hospital-acquired infections, are anticipated to have strong growth.

Medical tests deemed non-essential, say routine health checks, bone health, hormone, will suffer the most due to postponement. More on this essential IVD tests for life-threatening conditions like cardiac, transplant, cancer, obstetrics, blood screening will be less affected.

A general drop of inpatient visits to hospitals and clinics has occurred as a result of lockdown measures.

Large investments in new diagnostic instruments not related to infectious disease testing will slow down as hospitals and labs prepare for the predicted economic downturn.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Dynamic

4.1 Growth Drivers

4.2 Challenges

5. France In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market

6. Market Share

6.1 By Types

6.2 By Segments

7. Types France In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market

7.1 Laboratory Reagents

7.2 Instruments

8. Segments France In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market

8.1 Immunochemistry

8.2 Hematology

8.3 Infectious Immunology

8.4 Microbiology

8.5 Bio-chemistry

8.6 Genetic Testing

9. Government Rules Regulation

10. Reimbursement

10.1 Public

10.2 Private Insurance

11. Company Analysis

11.1 Overviews

11.2 Recent Developments

11.3 Revenues

Roche Diagnostics

Abbott Diagnostics

Siemens Healthineers

Danaher Corporation

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Sysmex Corporation

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rf7dfb

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005460/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Vancouver, B.C. July 8, 2021 International Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ILC) (the "Company" or "ILC") is pleased to announce an update on its Mariana project in Argentina. As at December 31, 2020 the Company owned 11.243% of the joint venture company owning Mariana called Litio Minera Argentina ("LMA"), and this stake has since then diluted to around 10%, a number which is subject to audit. The Company currently enjoys a back in right to increase its stake in LMA by a further 10%. If exercised, this back in right would increase the Company's stake in LMA to around 20%. The remainder of the shares in LMA are owned by Mariana Lithium Co.Ltd. ("MLC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium. MLC has also since 2017 been the manager of the Mariana project. The Company currently has no representation on the board of LMA and participates on the management committee only to the extent of its percentage ownership in LMA.

The Company has now received a 300 page report (the "Report") from strategic partner Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., ("GFL") that contains an updated mineral resource estimate for the Mariana lithium brine project (the "Project") located in Salta, Argentina. This Report was not prepared for public NI43-101 reporting standards, and therefore the Company is unable to disclose it fully. However, in the interests of investor transparency and to avoid selective disclosure, we are disclosing the following details from the Report which have already been disclosed in a news release issued by Ganfeng Lithium on 06 July 2021, and/or in a news release by the Salta Government in Argentina on 16 June, 2021.

Highlights from the Report which are already in the public domain are as follows:

The resource estimate contained in the Report, detailed in the table below, includes:

6,854,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate ("Li 2 CO 3 ") equivalent (LCE) in the Measured and Indicated Resource categories, an increase of 55% over the 2019 estimate of 4,410,000 tonnes of Measured and Indicated Resource (Company news release, February 6, 2020)

an additional 1,267,000 tonnes of Li 2 CO 3 in the Inferred Resource category

these amount are also now stated as 7,863,000 tonnes of lithium chloride equivalent in the Measured and Indicated Resource categories, and an additional 1,454,000 tonnes of lithium chloride equivalent in the Inferred Resource category

Ganfeng have reported that an Environmental Impact Report approval has been received from the Salta regional government in Argentina for the construction of a plant with a designed annualized capacity of 20,000 tonnes per annum of lithium chloride.

The Salta regional government has disclosed in a news release following its discussions with Ganfeng that the likely project expenditure from now to bring the Mariana Project to full production is around US$600 million.

Report - Mariana Lithium Brine Project, Argentina

Further to previous Company news releases dated March 8, 2017, April 20, 2017, and February 6, 2020, ILC has received the Report for the Mariana lithium brine project containing an update to the resource estimate for the Project. Golder Associates Consulting Ltd. ("Golder") prepared the Report based on an independent lithium brine resource estimate by Geos Mining Minerals Consultants ("Geos") based in Sydney, Australia..

Resource Category Aquifer Volume (Mm3) Brine Volume* (GL) Brine Density (g/mL) Li (mg/L) K (mg/L) Li (kt) LCE# (kt) LiCl# (kt) Measured 17,653 2,648 1.217 315 9,598 833 4,436 5,089 Indicated 9,286 1,393 1.213 326 10,044 454 2,418 2,774 Inferred 4,747 712 1.211 334 10,121 238 1,267 1,454 Measured + Indicated 26,939 4,041 1.215 319 9,752 1,287 6,854 7,863

* Brine volumes are reported using a conservative aquifer average specific yield (SY) of 15%. Due to the nature of brine deposits, it is not relevant to estimate Mineral Resources to a specific cut-off grade. However, a nominal grade cut-off value of 230 mg/L Li has been applied for reporting purposes only.

# Based on standard conversion rates, and assumes full extraction and conversion.

LCE = Lithium Carbonate Equivalent; conversion factor 5.324 (Ministry of Energy and Mines, British Columbia, Canada).

LiCl = Lithium Chloride; conversion factor 6.1078

NB. Figures have been rounded. Well efficiency and production efficiency are modifying factors to resources and reserves, respectively.

The Qualified Person who prepared the brine resource estimate in the Report is Llyle Sawyer, MAIG of Geos. The effective date for the estimate is 4 June 2021.

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves as defined by the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and the Company cannot guarantee that the resources reported here will be converted to mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

John Wisbey, Chairman and CEO of International Lithium Corp., commented as follows:



"This Report highlights what we have always known, that Mariana with now over 7.8 million tonnes Measured and Indicated resource of lithium chloride equivalent is a very large deposit indeed. The key question in future years will be how much of this is capable of being processed economically, and that in turn will depend critically on what technologies are adopted. For now, making use of solar evaporation which is Ganfeng's chosen method detailed in the Report, there is an environmental limit to how much can be extracted without affecting the water levels adversely, and this is why 20,000 tonnes p.a. is the level of environmental approval applied for. It can be hoped that membrane technology or other technologies become suitable technology at Mariana in future years, and that this number can be improved on over time.

I mentioned in my Chairman's Report for the last financials that the board was evaluating its strategic options for the Mariana project. I can now disclose that the board believes that it would be in the best interests of its shareholders to sell its stake in the Mariana project before the Project goes to the next stage of requiring appreciable capital investment. We are conducting a process of talking with possible acquirers of our stake in Mariana, including Ganfeng the majority partner. Shareholders are cautioned that, as with any such discussions, no assurance is possible that the stake will be sold at a price that would reflect the board's view of the economic potential of the salar as a major lithium resource with valuable byproducts such as potassium. Should a suitable price not be agreed, the Company would still enjoy the benefit of a 1% Net Smelter Royalty from Ganfeng on all production from Mariana."

Qualified person

Jon Findlay, Ph.D, P.Geo, a consultant to the Company and a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. believes that the '20s will be the decade of battery metals, at a time that the world faces a significant turning point in the energy market's dependence on oil and gas and in the governmental and public view of climate change. Our key mission in the new decade is to make money for our shareholders from lithium and battery metals while at the same time helping to create a greener, cleaner planet. This includes optimizing the value of our existing projects in Canada, Argentina and Ireland as well as finding, exploring and developing projects that have the potential to become world class lithium and rare metal deposits. In addition, we have seen the clear and growing wish by the USA and Canada to safeguard their supplies of critical battery metals, and our Canadian properties are strategic in that respect.

A key goal in the new decade is to become a well funded company to turn our aspirations into reality.

International Lithium Corp. has a significant portfolio of projects, strong management, and strong partners. Partners include Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., ("Ganfeng Lithium") a leading China-based lithium product manufacturer quoted on the Shenzhen and Hong Kong stock exchanges (A share code: 002460, H share code: 1772) and Essential Metals Limited, quoted on the Australian Stock exchange.

The Company's primary strategic focus is now on the Raleigh Lake lithium and rubidium project in Canada and on the Company's strategic options on the Mariana project in Argentina.

The Raleigh Lake project consists of 3,027 hectares of adjoining mineral claims in Ontario, and is regarded by ILC management as ILC's most significant project in Canada. The pegmatites explored there contain significant quantities of rubidium and caesium as well as lithium. Raleigh Lake is 100% owned by ILC, is not subject to any encumbrances, and is royalty free.

The Mariana lithium-potash brine project, which is the subject of this news release, is located within the renowned South American "Lithium Belt" that is the host to the vast majority of global lithium resources, reserves and production. The Mariana project strategically encompasses an entire mineral rich evaporite basin, totalling 160 square kilometres, that ranks as one of the more prospective salars or 'salt lakes' in the region.

Complementing the Company's lithium brine project at Mariana and rare metal pegmatite property at Raleigh Lake, are interests in two other rare metal pegmatite properties in Ontario, Canada known as the Mavis Lake and Forgan Lake projects, and the Avalonia project in Ireland, which encompasses an extensive 50-km-long pegmatite belt.

The ownership of the Mavis Lake project is now 51% Essential Metals Limited ("ESS") and 49% ILC. In addition, ILC owns a 1.5% NSR on Mavis Lake. ESS has an option to earn an additional 29% by sole-funding a further CAD $8.5 million expenditures of exploration activities, at which time the ownership will be 80% ESS and 20% ILC.

The Forgan Lake project will, upon Ultra Resources Inc. meeting its contractual requirements pursuant to its agreement with ILC, become 100% owned by Ultra Resources, and ILC will retain a 1.5% NSR on Forgan Lake.

The ownership of the Avalonia project is currently 55% Ganfeng Lithium and 45% ILC. Ganfeng Lithium has an option to earn an additional 24% by either incurring CAD $10 million expenditures on exploration activities or delivering a positive feasibility study on the project, at which time the ownership will be 79% Ganfeng Lithium and 21% ILC.

With the increasing demand for high tech rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and electrical storage as well as portable electronics, lithium has been designated "the new oil", and is a key part of a "green tech" sustainable economy. By positioning itself with solid strategic partners and projects with significant resource potential, ILC aims to be one of the lithium and rare metals resource developers of choice for investors and to continue to build value for its shareholders in the '20s, the decade of battery metals.

On behalf of the Company,

John Wisbey

Chairman and CEO

www.internationallithium.com

For further information concerning this news release please contact +1 604-449-6520

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release or other releases contain certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this or other news releases may include: the effect of results of the feasibility study of the Mariana Joint Venture Project, timing of publication of the technical reports, possible sale of the Company's interest in the Project, anticipated production rates, the timing and/or anticipated results of drilling on the Raleigh Lake or Mavis Lake projects, the expectation of resource estimates, preliminary economic assessments, feasibility studies, lithium or rubidium or caesium recoveries, modeling of capital and operating costs, results of studies utilizing various technologies at the company's projects, budgeted expenditures and planned exploration work on the Avalonia Joint Venture, satisfactory completion of the sale of mineral rights at Forgan Lake, increased value of shareholder investments, and continued agreement between the Company and Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. regarding the Company's percentage interest in the Mariana project and assumptions about ethical behaviour by our joint venture partners where we have them. Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled "Risks" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in the interim and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis which are available at www.sedar.com. While management believes that the assumptions made are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Forward-looking information herein, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on expectations, estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are subject to significant business, economic, legislative, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/90053
humble+ Cannabis Solutions to Serve as TREC Brands' Exclusive Sales Distribution Partner in Canada

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Humble & Fume Inc. (CSE:HMBL) ("Humble" or the "Company"), a leading integrated cannabis and distribution platform in North American, announced today that it has entered into a partnership with TREC Brands Inc. ("TREC"), a leading cannabis consumer packaged goods (CPG) company with a focus on brand building, to have humble+ Cannabis Solutions ("hCS") serve as TREC's exclusive sales distribution partner in Canada.

"Over the past two years, the TREC team has distinguished themselves by establishing a purpose-driven brand and donating 10% of their profits to transformative causes that put people and the planet first. Working exclusively with the top licensed cannabis growers and partners across the country, TREC has successfully established an impressive portfolio of brands - WINK, Blissed, and Thumbs Up Brand - comprised of over 20 products sold across five provinces," said Joel Toguri, CEO of Humble. "The addition of TREC's brands to our offering further solidifies humble+ Cannabis Solutions as the 'First Choice' partner for Canadian cannabis retailers, enabling our team to offer an increasingly expansive lineup of consumer-centric brands and products."

hCS is the Company's Canadian cannabis sales agency, providing a complete solution of premium cannabis brands and accessories. The hCS national sales force conducts more than 16,000 retail site annually and provides trade marketing support to over 1,000 Canadian recreational dispensary outlets.

Under the agreement, hCS will act as TREC's exclusive third-party retail sales representative and agent for all TREC recreational cannabis products sold in Canada. The initial term of the agreement is for three years and can be renewed for an additional twelve months at the discretion of TREC.

"We are excited to partner with Humble's national sales team to expand the geographic reach of brands and to increase consumer access to our products. We believe now is the time to take our brands to the next level. We are especially excited about the positive effect this partnership will have on advancing our 10% For Good mission to support Canadians," said Trang Trinh, CEO of TREC Brands Inc.

About Humble & Fume Inc.

Humble & Fume is one of North America's leading cannabis distribution solutions providing customer-centric services and accessories. Humble & Fume works with over 200 leading industry brands and offer more than 10,000 accessories and extract products, and is the only major cannabis industry player to provide a fully integrated cannabis and accessories distribution solution with complete sales, distribution, and trade marketing support. Servicing more than 3,000 clients continent-wide, we can reach 90% of North American customers within 48 hours. Leveraging decades of North American Cannabis industry experience, we are committed to being a leading partner and brand representative by offering a comprehensive portfolio of leading brands and products to head shops, smoke shops, dispensaries, and consumers.

Learn more at humbleandfumeinc.com.

About TREC Brands Inc.

TREC Brands is a global premium cannabis brand house with expertise in product development, sales, promotions, marketing and licensing. Based in Toronto, Canada, the socially conscious brand management organization operates on a foundation of Trust, Respect, Equality and Compassion, affectionately known as TREC. To further its mission of doing good first, TREC Brands donates 10% of all profits back to the communities it operates in. Currently overseeing Thumbs Up Brand, Blissed and WINK cannabis brands, product offerings include premium dried flower, edibles, and cannabis oils.

For more information please visit www.trecbrands.com.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the proposed listing on the CSE, the focus of the Company's business, and intentions of those subject to early warning disclosure requirements. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "contemplates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the expected listing and trading on the CSE, Humble & Fume Inc.'s strategic plans and the intentions of those subject to early warning disclosure requirements are all forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the listing and trading of the Company's shares on the CSE will occur or that, if they do occur, they will be completed on the terms and timing described above. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances or actual results unless required by applicable law. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Listing Statement for information as to the risks and other factors which may effect the Company's business objectives and strategic plans.

For more information, please contact:

Company Contact:

Edge Communications Group

Email: invest@humbleandfume.com

Phone: 1-778-400-7894

Investor Contact:

Allison Soss

KCSA Strategic Communications

Email: humbleandfume@kcsa.com

Phone: 212-896-1267

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Shawn Dym, Executive Chairman

Email: invest@humbleandfume.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89754
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 7.30 am ET Thursday, the European Central Bank is set to release the account of the monetary policy meeting of the governing council held on June 9 and 10. Ahead of the release, the euro traded mixed against its major rivals. While it rose against the greenback and the pound, it was steady against the yen and the franc. The euro was worth 130.04 against the yen, 1.0862 against the franc, 0.8599 against the pound and 1.1842 against the greenback at 7:25 am ET. 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.
SEATTLE, WA and GELEEN, NETHERLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Today, Prestato launched a new app designed to empower small businesses in the Netherlands with daily appointment management, accounts receivable processes and customer communications.

The new app has been built in partnership with vcita , the Seattle-headquartered small business management platform, whose APIs and developer tools power much of Prestato's technology.

Prestato is a complete small business management solution that provides all that small business owners need to manage their business digitally and scale to serve growing customer bases. It includes a customer communications portal; a full CRM; online appointment scheduling capabilities to reduce hassle for clients and their customers; digital payments, invoices and receipts; and digital marketing software for email newsletters, text messages, and customized promotions.

In addition, it offers local SEO promotion and digital reputation management tools, powered by Berlin-based Uberall , to create a seamless brand experience.

"I am pleased and proud to introduce Prestato to the Netherlands," said Patrick Bongaerts, Product Manager at Prestato.

"As Prestato is the new, innovative, and smart business management app that leads to increased revenue, better cashflow, improved online presence and perfect customer engagement, I can't wait to offer this to small business owners," he continued. "Together with strong partners like vcita and Uberall, we are able to make a difference with this best-of-breed solution."

The partnership between vcita and Prestato is an exciting opportunity for the two tech companies to bring added value to their individual customer bases, strengthening the global small business ecosystem and helping support SMB owners to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prestato is a completely rebuilt and rebranded version of the app formerly known as OIIO, which has been helping small business owners in the Netherlands to nurture their customer relationships since 2019, assisting more than 2,000 companies in the business consulting, finance, real estate, and beauty verticals.

"We're proud to combine our capabilities with Prestato and join together with Uberall to deliver a new, comprehensive business management app for small business owners in the Netherlands who are eager to recover and grow after the worst of the pandemic has passed," said Rinat Bogin, vcita's VC Partner Development. "We believe that there are beautiful opportunities for small businesses to expand in the post-COVID world, as long as they have the digital tools they need."

Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation for small businesses as well as large corporations. Today, consumers expect contact-free payments for services and products, instant digital communications and self-service online appointment scheduling, and digital receipts that they can share quickly with their online banking tools. The new Prestato app delivers all the capabilities that small business owners need to meet these new customer expectations and manage a digital business.

Prestato leadership decided that with the small business world primed for post-COVID recovery, the time was right for a fresh start.

The name Prestato combines the words "presto," meaning fast, and "prestatie," meaning achievement, to express the way that the new app will help small businesses to quickly achieve their business growth goals.

About vcita

vcita helps SMBs and entrepreneurs build and manage a business they are proud of and remain competitive in the digital economy, with a business management platform that covers day-to-day needs. vcita's cloud-based solutions help solopreneurs and small teams manage their entire business, turning time-consuming tasks like scheduling, payment collection and marketing campaigns into simple, one-click operations, from one app.

About Prestato

Prestato, formerly OIIO, makes it their mission to support small and medium-sized businesses to improve the customer experience they deliver to their clients and grow their business. Through its multifunctional business management platform, Prestato offers the support that businesses need to become successful, making it easy to manage customers, appointments, payments, marketing, and online presence anywhere, anytime, and from any device. Prestato is available as a single full-featured package at an affordable and competitive price.

Contact:

Dan Edelstein

pr@inboundjunction.com

+972-545-464-238

SOURCE: vcita

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654730/Dutch-Startup-Prestato-Launches-Comprehensive-Business-Management-App-Powered-by-vcita
New Infrastructure to become the Digital Backbone for the Dutch Ministry as Armed Forces Transforms into an Information-Driven Organization

Paris, France, and Armonk, N.Y. July 8, 2021 - Atos and IBM) today announced their plans to collaborate to build a new, highly-advanced digital infrastructure for the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The Dutch Ministry of Defense plans to use advanced technologies, infrastructure services, and expertise from Atos and IBM Global Technology Services to construct new data centers, safeguard its IT system, and build a proprietary broadband mobile network to help ensure classified government information remains protected.

"Our work on Groundbreaking IT (GrIT) marks our continued commitment to building secure infrastructures that help global customers accelerate their digital transformations," said Peter 't Jong, Head of Atos in The Netherlands."By collaborating with IBM, a world-class partner with deep experience in helping government organizations across the globe modernize with advanced technology, we will help enable the Ministry to build an agile organization based on a reliable, secured, future-ready and flexible digital infrastructure."

Atos and IBM announced the expansion of their strategic global alliance in January 2021 with the goal of transforming digital acceleration, increased productivity, and reduced operating costs for their customers. Today's announcement reinforces the companies' collaboration and mutual commitment to helping customers use open hybrid cloud and AI to accelerate digital transformation.

"Collaborating on GrIT with Atos, one of our sustainability-focused global ecosystem partners, reinforces our mission to build secure infrastructures using open hybrid cloud to help customers make their organizations future ready," said Evaristus Mainsah, GM, IBM Hybrid Cloud and Edge Ecosystem. "Together, we're helping customers, like the Dutch Ministry of Defense, accelerate their digital transformations by streamlining operations and increasing productivity in a most secured environment."

***

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



About IBM

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

For more information, visit www.ibm.com



Press contact: Marion Delmas | marion.delmas@atos.net | +33 6 37 63 91 99

Attachment
Elisabeth Svanberg, M.D., Ph.D. brings extensive experience in the development of therapeutics for under-served endocrine, metabolic and other diseases



James Hindman has over 30 years of senior financial experience in the pharmaceutical, biologics and medical device industries

LYON, France and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amolyt Pharma, a global company specializing in developing therapeutic peptides for rare endocrine and metabolic diseases, today announced that the company has made two appointments to its Board of Directors following its Annual General Meeting, which was held on June 30, 2021.

"I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Elisabeth Svanberg and James Hindman as new directors to our Board of Directors and look forward to leveraging their extensive clinical and financial expertise," stated Pierre Legault, Chairman of the Board of Amolyt Pharma. "I believe their guidance will serve the company well as it continues to advance its lead product candidate, AZP-3601, through clinical development for the potential treatment of hypoparathyroidism, while further expanding its product portfolio for rare endocrine and related diseases."

Dr. Svanberg commented, "I am thrilled to join Amolyt's Board of Directors as the company generates clinical data in its Phase I trial for its lead product candidate, AZP-3601. I believe AZP-3601 represents a potential advancement in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, and I am excited to support the company's goal of building a portfolio of products targeted toward rare endocrine and related diseases, an area with high unmet medical needs. I look forward to working alongside my fellow colleagues on the Amolyt board to help support the development of this portfolio."

Mr. Hindman added, "I am impressed with the progress the Amolyt team has made in recent months, and believe the company is well positioned to pursue its goal of developing potential new treatments for rare endocrine and related disorders for which new therapies are urgently needed. I look forward to working with the Board, and I am eager to play a part in helping Amolyt achieve its goals, particularly as it continues to build out its US-based presence."

Mr. Hindman served for more than three decades in financial roles of increasing responsibility at Allergan, where he was instrumental in supporting that company's development, which ultimately led to Actavis' acquisition of Allergan in 2015. During his 30-plus year tenure at Allergan, Mr. Hindman held various senior leadership positions, including executive vice president of finance and business development and chief financial officer, as well as senior vice president, finance and controller. Additionally, he served as president of the Allergan Foundation from 2009-2015. Mr. Hindman earned his MBA from Pepperdine University and his B.S. in accounting from Loyola Marymount University. He currently serves as director of Accuray Incorporated and Aatru Medical, Inc. and is a member of the Loyola Marymount University Board of Regents.

Dr. Svanberg has extensive experience in the development of novel treatments for a range of endocrine, metabolic and other high-need diseases. She currently serves as chief development officer at Ixaltis SA, a specialty pharmaceutical company developing proprietary therapeutics to treat genitourinary disorders with unmet medical need. Prior to Ixaltis, she served as vice president, head of established products at Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a Johnson & Johnson Company) and as development leader for a first-in-class novel diabetes medicine and subsequently as head of medical affairs for the intercontinental region at Bristol Myers Squibb. Earlier in her career, Dr. Svanberg worked for Serono International in roles of increasing responsibility, initially in the field of metabolism. Dr. Svanberg serves as a non-executive director on the boards of Egetis AB (formerly PledPharma AB), Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB, Galapagos and Pharnext SA. Dr. Svanberg received her M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden and is a board-certified general surgeon and associate professor of surgery.

About Amolyt Pharma

Amolyt Pharma is building on its team's established expertise in therapeutic peptides to deliver life-changing treatments to patients suffering from rare endocrine and metabolic diseases. Its portfolio includes AZP-3601 as a potential treatment of hypoparathyroidism, AZP-38XX, a small peptide series under evaluation to select a development candidate for the treatment of acromegaly, and AZP-3404, which is undergoing indication selection work. Amolyt Pharma aims to further expand and develop its portfolio by leveraging its global network in the field of endocrinology and with support from a strong syndicate of international investors. To learn more, visit www.amolytpharma.comor follow us on Twitter at @AmolytPharma.

At Amolyt:

Media:

Cherilyn Cecchini, M.D.

LifeSci Communications

ccecchini@lifescicomms.com

+1.646.876.5196

Investors:

Ashley Robinson

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

arr@lifesciadvisors.com

+1.617.430.7577
NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global data, measurement and analytics company, Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN), has acquired TVTY, a leading TV attribution provider and ad monitoring company based in Paris, France. Financial terms were not disclosed.

TVTY brings a wide range of outcomes capabilities that improve TV campaign execution. TVTY's solutions enable advertisers and agencies to seamlessly optimize their spend based on the outcomes most important to their business. TVTY will complement and expand Nielsen's TV Attribution and Ad Intel services.

Nielsen's Chief Growth Officer and President, International, Sean Cohan said, "We're excited to welcome TVTY into the Nielsen family. The acquisition of TVTY aligns to Nielsen's strategy to deliver cross-media outcomes as a complement to audience measurement. TVTY bolsters Nielsen's ability to size an audience with analytics. Nielsen offers marketers full-funnel search, interest and sales metrics, enabling them to operate with speed and granularity. We offer valuable data insights to plan, optimize and assess the performance of spend across channels and markets. Together we will be powering a better media future for marketers."

Eliott Reilhac, CEO of TVTY, added, "We believe that TV advertising will be increasingly bought and optimized based on business outcomes. We are grateful for the passionate team, partners, and clients that have allowed us to build the platform needed for this new reality. Today, we are humbled to join the Nielsen family, and we know there is no better place to achieve our vision on a global scale."

TVTY is a tech company with a presence in New York, London, Madrid, Paris & Lyon and operates in more than 20 countries worldwide. TVTY offers its premium advertising solutions to top-tier brands.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication includes information that could constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include those related to the acquisition, as well as those that may be identified by words such as "will," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "could" and similar expressions. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and events could differ materially from what presently is expected. Factors leading thereto may include, without limitation, the risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and financial markets, the uncertainties relating to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nielsen's business, the final calculation of the gain on the sale with respect to our Global Connect business, which is currently pending finalization of various estimates, the failure of our new business strategy in accomplishing our objectives, conditions in the markets Nielsen is engaged in, behavior of customers, suppliers and competitors, technological developments, as well as legal and regulatory rules affecting Nielsen's business and other specific risk factors that are outlined in our disclosure filings and materials, which you can find on http://www.nielsen.com/investors, such as our 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Please consult these documents for a more complete understanding of these risks and uncertainties. This list of factors is not intended to be exhaustive. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this communication, and we assume no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf as a result of new information, future events or other factors, except as required by law.

ABOUT NIELSEN

Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a leading global data and analytics company that provides a holistic and objective understanding of the media industry. With offerings spanning audience measurement, audience outcomes and content, Nielsen offers its clients and partners simple solutions to complex questions and optimizes the value of their investments and growth strategies. It is the only company that can offer de-duplicated cross-media audience measurement. Audience is Everything to Nielsen and its clients, and Nielsen is committed to ensuring that every voice counts.

An S&P 500 company, Nielsen offers measurement and analytics service in nearly 60 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com or www.nielsen.com/investors and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559433/Nielsen.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1484051/Nielsen_Logo.jpg
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SMN) (OTC Pink: SMREF) ("Sun Summit" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. and Eventus Capital Corp. (collectively, the "Agents") to act as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners in connection with a fully marketed, private placement for gross proceeds of up to C$ 4,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering is to be comprised of a combination of flow-through units of the Company (the "FT Units") at a price of C$ 0.66 per FT Unit and flow-through units of the Company to charitable purchasers (the "Charity FT Units") at a price of C$ 0.81 per Charity FT Unit. The Offering is subject to minimum gross proceeds of C$ 2,000,000 from the sale of Charity FT Units.

Each FT Unit and Charity FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one (non-flow-through) common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$ 0.90 for 24 months after the closing of the Offering.

The Agents will have an option, exercisable in full or in part up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional C$ 1,000,000 in any combination of FT Units and Charity FT Units at their respective offering price.

The Company intends to use the proceeds raised from the Offering for the exploration of the Company's Buck Property and other Canadian properties it may acquire. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Shares will be used for "Canadian Exploration Expenses" (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) (the "Qualifying Expenditures"), which will be renounced with an effective date no later than December 31, 2021 to the purchasers of the FT Units and Charity FT Units in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares. If the Qualifying Expenditures are reduced by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Company will indemnify each subscriber of FT Units and Charity FT Units for any additional taxes payable by such subscriber as a result of the Company's failure to renounce the Qualifying Expenditures.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or around July 29, 2021 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares will have a hold period of four months from the closing date.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

About Sun Summit

Sun Summit Minerals is an exploration company focused on expanding its epithermal gold discovery at its flagship Buck Project located in north-central British Columbia.

The Company is exploring multiple high priority gold and silver targets through methodical, well-funded exploration campaigns with year round drilling access. The Project has high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold and silver potential and is located in a mining-established region that includes many former operating mines and current exploration projects.

Sun Summit is committed to environmental and social responsibility with a focus on responsible development to generate positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com .

For further information, contact:

Sharyn Alexander, M.Sc.

VP Technical Services

Nancy Curry

Corporate Communications

info@sunsummitminerals.com

Tel. 778-588-9606

Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality of the following, include: risks inherent in exploration activities; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; the impact of exploration competition; the ability to raise funds through private or public equity financings; imprecision in resource and reserve estimates; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; unexpected geological or hydrological conditions; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (SMN) disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89759
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - ScreenPro Security Inc. (CSE: SCRN) ("ScreenPro" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on COVID-19 testing numbers for the month of June. The Company provided services to production companies in Toronto and Vancouver and completed approximately 18,500 tests in June.

The company continues to have success with the 1copy COVID-19 qPCR Multi Kit, ("1drop") supplied by Datametrex AI Limited. The manufacturer, 1drop Inc., has confirmed that the 1drop can identify the new variants of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, now circulating worldwide, which is vital to stem the many variants including the Delta variant that are spreading locally in Canada.

The highly contagious Delta variant is the fastest and fittest coronavirus strain yet, and it will "pick off" the most vulnerable people, especially in places with low COVID-19 vaccination rates, World Health Organization officials have warned.

"With multiple mutant variants spreading rapidly around the world, we believe that it will continue growing the COVID-19 screening business. People will need to be vigilant and test regularly to minimize the threat," 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/89550
Chubb Lithium drill program extends pegmatite dyke along strike and depth

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Great Thunder Gold Corp. (CSE: GTG) (OTC Pink: GTGFF) (FSE: M4KQ) ("Great Thunder" or the "Company") would like to provide final drill results from its drilling activities in Quebec at its Chubb Lithium Project.

Chubb Lithium Project

On the Chubb Lithium Project ("Chubb"), Great Thunder completed 15 diamond drill holes totalling 2,283 metres. Assays have been received from a total of 423 samples from all drill holes. Highlights of the results received to date include 1.48% Li 2 O over 12.7m and 1.16% Li 2 O over 9.8m at the Main Dyke (see Table 1). These are the widest and highest-grade intercepts to date where thickening of the Main Dyke is appearing to extend south along strike and at depth.

Table 1. Highlights received to date from the Chubb Lithium project drill program. Lengths are downhole.

Weighted average Hole number UTM E UTM N From (m) To (m) Length (m) Li 2 O % Rb ppm Ta ppm 21-CH-04 280659 5354745 32.3 34.6 2.3 2.34 710.6 28.2 21-CH-05 280678 5354700 59.5 64.2 4.7 0.67 1877 53.8 21-CH-06 280708 5354626 70.2 76.9 6.7 1.09 1334 35.3 21-CH-07 280727 5354580 68.2 78 9.8 1.16 1218 20.3 21-CH-15 280749 5354568 107.3 120 12.7 1.48 1586 34.8

All the assays were performed by ALS Laboratory of Val d'Or using Na 2 O fusion and ALS's super traces ICP-MS methodology.

The Chubb Lithium project is located in the prolific La Corne pegmatite field located km north of Val d'Or, QC (Figure 1). The La Corne pegmatite field is host to North American Lithium's deposit with reported proven and probable reserves of 17.06 Mt grading 0.94% Li 2 O and measured and indicated resources of 33.24 Mt grading 1.19% Li 2 O (http://na-lithium.com/projects/). The La Corne pegmatite field also hosts the Authier Lithium Deposit of Sayona Mining which is estimated to contain measured and indicated resources of 17.18 Mt grading 1.01% Li 2 O and inferred resources of 3.76Mt grading 0.98% Li 2 O (https://www.ree.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/dossiers/3211-16-020/3211-16-020-16.pdf).





Figure 1: Chubb Property location within the Lacorne pegmatite field

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7129/89747_a222fae6741c3ba7_002full.jpg

To date three parallel pegmatitic dykes oriented south southeast are located on the Property, namely the Main Dyke, Dyke 2 and Dyke 3. Eight holes were completed on the Main Dyke, 5 holes were completed on Dyke 2 and 2 holes were completed on Dyke 3.





Figure 2: 2021 Spring Drill Results of Main Dyke at Chubb Lithium Property, Quebec

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7129/89747_a222fae6741c3ba7_003full.jpg

Commentary

"We are extremely pleased with the lithium results from our Phase 1 drill program at the Chubb Property," said CEO Blair Naughty. "Drilling has not only confirmed historical results but has improved on the grade and width from Great Thunder's drill program completed in 2017. This round's best drill hole ended in mineralization and could not go further due to weather conditions. Winter weather will enable our drillers to continue drilling the extension of this area. We look forward to analyzing the results and moving forward with a Phase 2 program in this prolific lithium camp."

Potential Spinout of Lithium Projects

Additionally, the Company would like to update its shareholders about the potential transfer of its Canadian lithium exploration projects to a new subsidiary that was previously announced in a news release dated October 21st, 2020. The Company's corporate team is obtaining legal and tax advice on spinning out its lithium assets for existing shareholders. Great Thunder can provide no assurance that the proposed spinout will take place as it would be subject to several conditions that include Board approval, satisfying the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") listing requirements, the assessment of legal and tax ramifications, determining final details of the transaction, receipt of all regulatory approvals, any required shareholder approval, the availability of financing for the new subsidiary, and market conditions. The Company will provide further details if and when available in accordance with the policies of the CSE.

Qualified Person

Donald Theberge, P.Eng., M.B.A., an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Great Thunder Gold

Great Thunder Gold is a junior Canadian mining exploration company focused on exploration and development along the Detour Gold trend and the La Corne pegmatite field in Quebec and the New Found Gold trend in Newfoundland. The Company is one of the largest mineral claim holders in the Fenelon Camp next to the leading Wallbridge Mining.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

GREAT THUNDER GOLD CORP.

"Blair Naughty"

President & CEO

Investor Relations

Email: info@greatthundergold.com

Direct Line: (236) 513-4653

www.greatthundergold.com

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the planned spinout of the Company's lithium exploration projects to a new subsidiary, the listing of the shares of the new subsidiary on a stock exchange, the future value of such shares and the acquisition of additional exploration projects, are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has made certain assumptions, including without limitation, the receipt of all necessary permissions and regulatory approvals in connection with the planned spinout and exploration project acquisitions, that the COVID-19 global pandemic will not affect the ability of the Company to carry out its plans, and the availability of financing on suitable terms.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the ability of the Company's proposed subsidiary to obtain sufficient financing to fund its operations and planned exploration and to meet stock exchange listing requirements, delays in obtaining regulatory and other approvals, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations and public companies, title disputes or claims, and environmental issues and liabilities.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release except as otherwise required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89747
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Black Mountain Gold USA Corp. (TSXV: BMG) ("BMG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company's common shares have begun trading on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") under the ticker symbol "BMGCF".



The common shares of the Company are eligible for electronic clearing and settlement in the United States through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation and manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. The Company's common shares will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") under the symbol "BMG".

Graham Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Director, commented, "We are pleased that our securities are now DTC eligible. This means that our common shares can be transferred electronically between United States brokerage firms and eliminates physical stock certificates. This is important to US investors and will allow us to broaden our shareholder base in the USA."

About the OTCQB

The OTCQB offers early stage and developing U.S. and international companies the benefits of being publicly traded in the U.S. without the complexity and cost of a U.S. exchange listing. As a verified market with efficient access to U.S. investors, the OTCQB helps companies build shareholder value with a goal of enhancing liquidity and achieving fair valuation. Companies are current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com.

To find out more about Black Mountain Gold USA Corp. please contact Investor Relations at (604) 662-8184 or email info@blackmountaingoldusa.com.

BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLD USA CORP.

"Graham Harris"

CEO, 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 news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Arizona which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for CDN$, fluctuations in the market for gold/silver, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Arizona and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations and intentions with respect to development of its business and of the Mohave Gold Project may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of COVID-19 pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions on its ability to secure further financing or funding of the Mohave Gold Project. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily 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 risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89748
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Fortitude Gold Corp. (OTCQB:FTCO) (the "Company") today announced positive metallurgical test results from its Golden Mile property with column leach tests reporting up to 85% gold recovery. These positive results move the property closer to a production decision. Fortitude Gold is a gold producer, developer, and explorer with operations in Nevada, U.S.A.

Third party metallurgical test work at Golden Mile, including 60-day column leach tests, have returned up to 85% gold recovery. These positive gold recovery results confirm the Golden Mile mineralization is amenable to heap leach processing. With gold continuing to report to solution, the column leach test work is planned to continue out to 90 days. Material crush size tested included minus 9.5 mm and minus 37.5 mm which had similar gold recoveries (see graph), indicating the larger crush size of 37.5 mm (~1  inch) is possible with the associated cost benefits of less crushing.

"With these excellent gold recovery results, we move the Golden Mile property closer to crossing the threshold of a production decision," stated Fortitude Gold's CEO and President, Mr. Jason Reid. "Up to eighty-five percent gold extraction after 60 days under column leach and with the recovery curve continuing to demonstrate additional extraction is possible, we have checked the very important project due diligence box of metallurgy. Metallurgical gold extraction was one of two primary due diligence items remaining, the other being continuity of mineralization. One exploration drill is currently on-site, and another is being mobilized to the Golden Mile property as we prepare for an infill and step-out drill program to commence later this month. This exploration program targets additional mineralization and a resource that warrants a production decision. Numerous revisions to the Golden Mile project and process facility layout, open-pit design, environmental background studies and infrastructure evaluations are underway. Our goal is to complete our due diligence of this potential project as soon as possible, make a positive production decision, and turn Golden Mile into a gold mine. These excellent third-party metallurgical test results advance the Golden Mile property with another large step forward towards production."

About Fortitude Gold Corp.:

Fortitude Gold is a U.S. based gold producer targeting projects with low operating costs, high margins, and strong returns on capital. The Company's strategy is to grow organically, remain debt-free and distribute substantial dividends. The Company's Nevada Mining Unit consists of five high-grade gold properties located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt, with the Isabella Pearl gold mine in current production. Nevada, U.S.A. is among the world's premier mining friendly jurisdictions.

Cautionary Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. If you are risk-averse you should NOT buy shares in Fortitude Gold Corp. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding the Company's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. In particular, the scope, duration, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mining operations, Company employees, and supply chains as well as the scope, duration and impact of government action aimed at mitigating the pandemic may cause future actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Also, there can be no assurance that production will continue at any specific rate.

CONTACT:

Greg Patterson

719-717-9825

greg.patterson@fortitudegold.com

www.Fortitudegold.com

SOURCE: Fortitude Gold Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654655/Fortitude-Gold-Reports-Positive-Golden-Mile-Metallurgical-Test-Results
CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / PetroFrontier Corp. ("PetroFrontier" or the "Company") (TSXV:PFC) is pleased to announce the following:

Private Placement

PetroFrontier has completed a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $373,469 (the "Private Placement") whereby the Company issued an aggregate of 4,979,583 common shares ("Common Shares") from its treasury at a price of $0.075 per Common Share. Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund development and provide additional working capital to the Company.

Pursuant to applicable securities laws, the Common Shares are subject to a hold period of four months plus one day following the date of their issuance. While conditional approval has been obtained from the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), the Private Placement remains subject to final approval of the TSXV.

Mr. Paul Cheung, a former director of the Company, acquired beneficial ownership of 3,319,888 of the Common Shares such that he now holds a total of 61,837,615 Common Shares which represents 27.64% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares after giving effect to the Private Placement.

Related Party Participation in the Private Placement

An insider subscribed for 3,319,888 of the Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offering for a total of 66.67%. As an insider of PetroFrontier participated in the Offering, it is deemed to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101-Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101").

Neither the Company, nor to the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, a related party, has knowledge of any material information concerning the Company or its securities that has not been generally disclosed.

The Offering is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 (pursuant to subsections 5.5(c) and 5.7(1)(b)) as it was a distribution of securities for cash and neither the fair market value of the Common Shares distributed to, nor the consideration received from, interested parties exceeded $2,500,000.

The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Offering because the details of the participation therein by related parties of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to the closing of the Offering and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis for business reasons.

About PetroFrontier Corp.

PetroFrontier is a junior energy company currently focused on developing two Mannville heavy oil plays in the Cold Lake and Wabasca areas of Alberta.

PetroFrontier's head office is in Calgary, Alberta and its Common Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "PFC".

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of PetroFrontier, including final approval of the TSXV and the use of proceeds. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, PetroFrontier does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

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.

Not for release in the United States of America

For More Information Contact

Kelly Kimbley, President & CEO

PetroFrontier Corp.

Suite 900, 903 - 8 Avenue S.W.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0P7

Telephone: (403) 718-0366

Email: info@petrofrontier.com

Website: www.petrofrontier.com

SOURCE: PetroFrontier Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654689/PetroFrontier-Corp-Announces-Closing-of-Private-Placement
Vect-Horus and RadioMedix are pleased to announce the FDA clearance of exploratory Investigational New Drug (eIND) application to evaluate 68Ga-RMX-VH for the detection and mapping of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) overexpressed in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). The Phase 1 exploratory study sponsored by RadioMedix will start enrollment upon IRB Internal Review Board approval. The study will investigate safety, dosimetry and distribution of 68Ga-RMX-VH in patients with primary or recurrent GBM. The eIND clinical study will proceed in Excel Diagnostic and Nuclear Oncology Center (Houston, TX).

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most aggressive brain tumors in humans and is a serious and life-threatening condition. RMX-VH conjugate targets the LDLR, which is overexpressed in many cancer cells, including glioblastoma.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005357/en/

Vect-Horus and RadioMedix signed in October 2019 a partnership agreement to co- develop radiotheranostic agent for the diagnosis (Dx) and radiotherapy (Rx) of GBM using Vect-Horus expertise in targeting tumors and RadioMedix know-how in developing radiopharmaceuticals. Under the terms of the collaboration, both parties will share the costs of development until Phase 1 (Dx Rx). The radiotheranostic agent will be then out licensed to RadioMedix for further clinical development and commercialization.

"We look forward to embarking on our next chapter as a clinical-stage company, harnessing the power of our platform VECTrans to discover and develop new vectors that can target different tissues" said Alexandre Tokay, CEO of Vect-Horus.

"The FDA clearance marks a significant step in the continuing development of 68Ga-RMX-VH as well as our collaboration with RadioMedix. We are excited to follow the progress of this agent and the upcoming clinical trial" said Dr Jamal Temsamani, Director of Drug Development of Vect-Horus.

"GBM is one of the most aggressive human cancers and new diagnostic probes and targeted therapies are desperately needed to address this unmet need. The pre-clinical studies on RMX-VH ligand is highly promising and we are hoping to see similar targeting effectiveness in human GBM" said Dr Ebrahim Delpassand, CEO of RadioMedix.

"We are excited to initiate first in human exploratory clinical study of 68Ga-RMX-VH and evaluate the LDLR-targeting properties of this agent in GBM" said Izabela Tworowska, PhD, CSO of RadioMedix. "Our long-term-goal is to develop radiotheranostic drug for glioblastoma multiforme and expend the treatment option available for GBM patients."

About Vect-Horus

Vect-Horus designs and develops vectors that facilitate targeting and delivery of therapeutic or imaging agents to organs, including the brain and tumors. Vect-Horus combines these different agents to its vectors that specifically target various receptors, allowing these agents to cross natural barriers (including the blood-brain-barrier) which limit access of therapeutic or imaging agents to their targets. The proof of concept of the technology has already been established in animal models using different vectorized molecules.

Created in 2005, Vect-Horus is a spin-off of the Institute for Neurophysiopathology (INP, UMR7051, CNRS and Aix Marseille University), headed by Dr Michel Khrestchatisky, co-founder. To learn more about Vect-Horus, visit www.vect-horus.com.

About RadioMedix

RadioMedix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company, based in Houston, Texas, focused on innovative targeted radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy of cancer. The company is developing radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging and therapy (alpha and beta-labeled agents). RadioMedix established contract service facilities for academic and industrial partners including Drug Discovery Center for the probe development, a Pre-clinical Core Facility for pre-clinical evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals, and full cGMP and analytical suites for late-stage human trials, and post approval commercial manufacturing facility, Spica Center.

To learn more, visit www.radiomedix.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005357/en/

Contacts:

Vect-Horus

Elodie Dormes, Business Development Sr Manager

contact@vect-horus.com

RadioMedix

Izabela Tworowska, PhD, CSO

media@radiomedix.com
DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Solitario Zinc Corp. (" Solitario ") (NYSE American:XPL); (TSX:SLR ) is pleased to announce that exploration work has commenced on the Lik zinc project in Alaska. Joint Venture partners Solitario (50%) and Teck American Incorporated (50%), a wholly owned subsidiary of Teck Resources Limited ("Teck"), recently approved a jointly funded budget for the 2021 work program that consists of surface geochemical sampling, induced polarization ("IP") geophysics, and at least 2,000 feet of core drilling to test new exploration concepts and expand resources. Teck is one of the world's largest producers of mined zinc.

The Lik project hosts a potentially open-pitable Indicated Resource of 17.3 million tonnes grading 12.0% zinc equivalent and an additional 2.9 million tonnes of Inferred Resource grading 12.1% zinc-equivalent. Potentially underground mineable mineralization also occurs on the property. The project is situated approximately 14 miles northwest of Teck's operating Red Dog mine, one of the world's largest, highest grade and lowest cost zinc mines.

Chris Herald, President and CEO of Solitario, commented, "This is clearly an exciting new phase in the advancement of the Lik project, including the first exploration drilling program in ten years. It comes at a time of increased zinc demand and elevated zinc prices. The drilling program is focused on expanding the Lik resource in three different areas of the existing deposit, while the surface work targets potential new mineralization on trend to the northeast of the Lik deposit."

To take full advantage of Teck's thirty-five years of successful exploration and operational experience in the world-class Red Dog mining district, Solitario and Teck mutually agreed that Teck will act as project operator for the 2021 program. Geochemical sampling has begun with geophysics expected to begin by mid-July. Core drilling is expected to begin in July/August, pending the receipt of final drill permits. The current-year work will consist of the following components:

Systematic geochemical soil sampling over a 2.5-mile trend to the northeast of the Lik deposit expanding recent favorable results.

A geophysical program will consist of a new IP survey and will augment geologic and geochemical data in recently identified prospective areas on trend with Lik to the northeast. IP geophysics have been demonstrated to be very effective in locating zinc mineralization in the Red Dog District.

Core drilling consisting of at least three holes totaling 2,000 feet (650 meters) will test resource expansion potential in three different parts of the currently defined Lik deposit.

The Lik Zinc-Lead Deposit

The Lik deposit is a large sediment-hosted zinc-lead-silver deposit in the Red Dog mining district. As presently defined, the Lik South deposit has a surface footprint of about 3,600 feet long and about 2,000 feet wide. The Lik South deposit remains open down dip. The Lik North deposit has a surface footprint of about 2,300 feet long and about 1,150 feet wide. The Lik North deposit remains open down-dip and to the north. A total of 125,300 feet of drilling in 229 holes has been completed on the Lik property to date.

About Solitario

Solitario is an emerging zinc exploration and development company traded on the NYSE American ("XPL") and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("SLR"). Solitario holds 50% joint venture interest in the high-grade, open-pitable Lik zinc deposit in Alaska and a 39% joint venture interest (Nexa Resources holds the remaining 61% interest) on the high-grade Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru. Solitario's Management and Directors hold approximately 9.6% (excluding options) of the Company's 58.4 million shares outstanding. Solitario's cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$6.9 million. Additional information about Solitario is available online at www.solitariozinc.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AT SOLITARIO, CONTACT:

Valerie Kimball

Director - Investor Relations

720-933-1150

(800) 229-6827 Christopher E. Herald

President & CEO

(303) 534-1030, Ext. 14

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Resources: This news release uses the terms "Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources." The Company advises U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize the terms. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Reserves. Inferred Resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of a measured, indicated or inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally minable.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (and the equivalent under Canadian securities laws), that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical fact. They are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and address activities, events or developments that Solitario expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, and are based on current expectations and assumptions. The Company would like to specifically caution the reader that the Lik preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") that supports the technical feasibility or economic feasibility of the Lik zinc deposit, respectively, including the marketability of the concentrate, mining methods, cost, recoveries of metals and any other technical aspects related to the deposits, are preliminary in nature and there is no certainty that the economic estimates in the PEA will be realized. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expectation of the projected timing and outcome of engineering studies; expectations regarding the receipt of all necessary permits and approvals to implement a mining plan, if any, at Lik or Florida Canyon; the potential for confirming, upgrading and expanding zinc, lead and silver mineralized material; future operating and capital cost estimates may indicate that the stated resources may not be economic; estimates of zinc, lead and silver grades of resources provided are predicted and actual mining grade could be substantially lower; estimates of recovery rates for could be lower than estimated for establishing the cutoff grade; and other statements that are not historical facts could vary significantly from assumptions made in the PEA; risks associated with our partner, Teck Resources Ltd., ability to finance continued development and potential construction of the Lik project could have a materially negative impact on the timing of project development, and such project development may never occur. Although Solitario management believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, risks relating to risks that Solitario's and its joint venture partners' exploration and property advancement efforts will not be successful; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of zinc, lead and silver; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; uncertainties concerning reserve and resource estimates; availability of outside contractors in connection with Lik, and other activities; uncertainties relating to obtaining approvals and permits from governmental regulatory authorities; the possibility that environmental laws and regulations will change over time and become even more restrictive; and availability and timing of capital for financing the Company's exploration and development activities, including uncertainty of being able to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; as well as those factors discussed in Solitario's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC ") including Solitario's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other SEC filings (and Canadian filings) including, without limitation, its latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company does not intend to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Solitario Zinc Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654735/Solitario-Zinc-Reports-That-Exploration-Work-Has-Commenced-on-the-Lik-Zinc-Project-Alaska
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Novra Technologies Inc. (TSXV: NVI) ("Novra") and its subsidiary International Datacasting Corporation ("IDC") announced the expansion of its MAP product line into new applications and markets including video, data, and digital cinema.

The MAP (short for "Modular Architecture Platform") was designed to be a highly flexible next-generation hardware platform with tightly integrated software that can be easily upgraded and expanded to address emerging requirements.

The MAP was launched with the MAP Pro Audio, a full-featured, robust receiver for broadcast radio. The Pro Audio supports application-specific features such as targeted ad insertion, balanced audio outputs, GPIO/relay closures, and more. Since its introduction MAP Pro Audio has been embraced by networks around the world with deployments ranging from the US and Latin America, to Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Now the MAP product line is expanding to address other key market applications:

MAP Pro Data: for high-speed data applications such as video contribution, IP data, blockchain and more

for high-speed data applications such as video contribution, IP data, blockchain and more Pro Cinema: for next-generation secure and speedy digital cinema distribution with integrated live event video capabilities

for next-generation secure and speedy digital cinema distribution with integrated live event video capabilities Pro Video: professional live video decoding for broadcasters

These are cutting-edge applications in niche markets where the Novra Group companies have provided technology leadership for years.

Using a common hardware platform like MAP means products are easier to build, maintain, and support. Efficiencies in manufacturing and resulting cost savings can be passed along to customers and the development time for adding new features like DVB-S2X is greatly accelerated.

Features in common across the MAP platform include:

Support for satellite and IP delivery

Built-in MISTiQ IP cloud technology with SRT as well as support for Zixi

Expandible hardware and software: features ranging from increased on-board storage to third-party software can be integrated to customize or meet emerging requirements

Designed to support industry-leading encryption and conditional access

Gary Carter, VP Products and Business Development commented: "We are longtime leaders in the business of secure, reliable delivery of multimedia content for broadcasters, service providers, and network operators around the world. We have always had a focus on applications-understanding how our customers use our technology and keeping ahead of the curve. In addition to the work we have done to expand the MAP product line, we are working on adding DVB-S2X and additional tuners to our S400 family of data receivers as well as updating our ATSC products to support ATSC 3.0. There are exciting new opportunities in our industry and we are in the thick of it!"

NovraGroup President and CEO Harris Liontas added, "I'm very pleased with the innovation initiatives our team has put together. We used the pandemic lull to invest in R&D to be ready for next-generation requirements and growth. Our focus is not just on great technology, it has to make business sense. We partner with our customers to provide technology to help them sustain and grow their business."

# # #

About Novra and International Datacasting: Part of the Novra Group (Novra) (TSXV: NVI) International Datacasting Corporation (IDC) is a longtime global provider of products, systems and services for the distribution of multimedia broadband content. The Novra Group of companies includes Novra Technologies, International Datacasting Corporation, and Wegener Communications. The companies in the group are known for a strong focus on applications including: broadcast video and radio, digital cinema, digital signage, and highly reliable data communications. For more information visit: datacast.com.

CONTACT:

Diana Cantu, VP Marketing & Sales

+1-613-596-4120 x2202 dcantu@datacast.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89713
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Ridgeline Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RDG) (OTCQB: RDGMF) (FSE: 0GC0) ("Ridgeline" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the staking of an additional 312 Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") lode claims (6,439 acres) at the Swift gold project ("Swift") in Nevada. Swift, a Carlin-type gold exploration project, now comprises 1,097 BLM claims (14,651 acres) and 3,697 acres of private fee ground for a combined total of 18,348 acres or 75 square kilometers ("km") (Figure 1).

The new claims were staked to consolidate the projected strike extent of the Mill Creek and Goat Anticline targets, with the exploration potential at both targets increasing substantially after Ridgeline's Phase I drill program in 2020 confirmed the presence of the fully preserved Wenban Formation stratigraphic section, (see January 13, 2021 press release). Wenban host rocks had never been identified at Swift until Ridgeline's Phase I program, which is a significant development for the project as the Wenban is the primary host to all greater than five million-ounce gold deposits in the Cortez district of the Battle Mountain - Eureka trend including Nevada Gold Mine's Pipeline, Cortez Hills, Goldrush and Fourmile deposits.

Chad Peters, President & CEO commented, "We are delighted to substantially increase our landholdings in the Cortez District, which continues to yield high-grade gold discoveries at a pace unmatched anywhere else in Nevada. Swift now represents a district-scale exploration opportunity with the potential to host multiple Carlin-Type gold discoveries."

Mill Creek Target

7 km long target (Figure 1) centered on a highly elevated gold ("Au"), arsenic ("As"), and antimony ("Sb") in soils anomalies (See Au soils HERE, See As soils HERE, See Sb soils HERE).

A single historical drillhole (MCK-99-5A) intersected 18.3m grading 0.65 g/t gold and 0.40 g/t silver starting at 727 meters (" m ") in the Wenban formation (historically mis-identified as Roberts Mountain Formation host rocks). Drilling also intersected a 25m thick altered lamprophyre sill directly above the mineralized intercept, (lamprophyres are commonly associated with Carlin-Type gold systems in Nevada).

meters (" ") in the Wenban formation (historically mis-identified as Roberts Mountain Formation host rocks). MCK-99-5A never received a follow-up drillhole with Ridgeline interpreting the intercept as the low-grade mineralized "halo" adjacent to a potentially higher-grade Carlin-Type gold system (See X-Section HERE).

Goat Anticline Target

6 km long regional anticline target (Figure 1) which is host to the historical Elder Creek open-pit gold mine, (oxide gold deposit mined in the 1990's).

Widespread surface Au-As-Sb soils anomalies on-trend of the Elder Creek mine suggest potential for a covered Carlin-Type gold target in untested Wenban host rocks at depth, (See X-Section HERE).

Northwest trending dike swarms of felsic to lamprophyre composition mapped at surface.

Figure 1: Plan View Map showing recently staked claims (red) on-strike of the Company's Mill Creek and Goat Anticline targets

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/89749_98e749cb44c2b962_002full.jpg

Swift Project

Swift is located on the Cortez District of the historic Battle Mountain - Eureka Trend approximately 30 km south of the town of Battle Mountain, in Lander County, Nevada. The 75km property is immediately adjacent to the historic Elder Creek gold mine and on trend to the Pipeline, Cortez Hills, and Goldrush deposits (view our Corporate Presentation), which comprise the multi-million ounce Cortez Complex owned by Nevada Gold Mines (a joint venture between Barrick Gold Corp. and Newmont Corp.).

Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael T. Harp, P.Geo. the Company's Vice President, Exploration, who is Ridgeline's qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this release.

About Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

Ridgeline is a discovery focused gold explorer with a proven management team and a 125 km exploration portfolio across four projects in the highly prospective Carlin and Battle Mountain - Eureka Trends in Nevada, USA. More information about Ridgeline can be found at www.RidgelineMinerals.com.

On behalf of the Board

"Chad Peters"

President & CEO

Further Information:

Chad Peters, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

1-866-RDG-NVAU (734-6828) - toll free

info@ridgelineminerals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated timing for release of additional drill results, plans to drill test prospective targets in 2021 and the potential advancement of mineral exploration, exploration drilling, development, and/or operating programs. The words "potential," "anticipate," "significant," "discovery," "forecast," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "may," "will," "project," "plan", "historical", "historic" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Ridgeline has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that the current objectives concerning its mineral projects can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Ridgeline to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays; risks related to historical data that has not been verified by the company; as well as those factors discussed in Ridgeline's public disclosure record. Although Ridgeline has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Ridgeline and may cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking 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. Except as required by law, Ridgeline does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89749
MOUNTAIN VIEW (dpa-AFX) - Google LLC has been sued by 36 US states and Washington DC alleging that the tech major's control over its Android app store violates antitrust laws. In a filing, a bipartisan coalition of 37 attorneys general accused the company for illegally maintaining app store monopolies, and unfairly edging out competition in the mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing markets. The search engine giant is allegedly requiring app developers selling in-app digital content through apps purchased through Google's Play Store to use Google Billing as a middleman. With this, the app consumers have to pay Google's commission, which is up to 30 percent, indefinitely. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is co-leading the coalition, has filed the second antitrust lawsuit in six months to end Google's illegal monopolies. According to James, Google has deprived Android device users of robust competition that could lead to greater choice and innovation, as well as significantly lower prices for mobile apps. The company is allegedly using its dominance to illegally quash competition and profit to the tune of billions. Google had launched its Android Operating System or OS, originally marketing it as an 'open source' platform. The lawsuit now alleges that for many years Google has not allowed Android to serve as an 'open source', effectively cutting off potential competition. In a statement, James said, 'Through its illegal conduct, the company has ensured that hundreds of millions of Android users turn to Google, and only Google, for the millions of applications they may choose to download to their phones and tablets. ...We are filing this lawsuit to end Google's illegal monopoly power and finally give voice to millions of consumers and business owners.' In December last year, Attorney General James co-led a bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general in a separate antitrust lawsuit against Google for its monopoly in the general search services and search advertising markets. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Cielo Is on Target to Complete Next Steps

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Cielo WasteSolutions Corp. (TSXV:CMC)(OTCQB:CWSFF) ("Cielo" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Aldersyde and Edmonton (Ft. Saskatchewan) facilities. Cielo is currently focused on three immediate initiatives at the properties:

Desulphurization at Aldersyde facility Continuous designed production of 24,000 liters per day at Aldersyde facility Development and build out of the Company's new 100% owned Edmonton (Ft. Saskatchewan) facility.

On May 23, 2021, the desulfurization equipment began to arrive at its facility in Aldersyde. The equipment is needed for Cielo to reduce the sulphur content to below 15 parts per million (ppm), a priority next step. In conjunction with this equipment being delivered, Cielo has retained several qualified engineers (processing, chemical, mechanical and operations) as well as the University of Calgary's engineering department, to work with Cielo's team to complete this initiative. Cielo has now begun commissioning this process and hope to have it in full operations in the near future. Once completed, Cielo hopes to have a high-quality diesel product with less than 15 ppm and capitalize on the increasing price per liter which now stands at above $2.00/liter.

As of June 26, 2021, Cielo is pleased to announce that the Aldersyde plant has been producing diesel from the distillate storage tank. During this commissioning it was important to make sure all the new equipment worked with the existing process. Cielo is pleased to announce we have now started to build up the designed capacity of 24,000 liters per day. Over a 10-day period Cielo produced approximately 53,000 liters of diesel, recently with one full day of 23,598 liters. On July 2, 2021, Cielo began making distillate from wood waste and is now operating on a full-time continuous basis. As with the commissioning of the diesel process, it is important to start slowly and make sure all the new equipment works with the full design process. In the past 3 days, Cielo has produced approximately 15,100 liters of distillate and is seeing increases in numbers regularly.

Don Allan, CEO of Cielo, stated, "We are having a great start to the summer and are seeing the fruits of our labor come together. We have been installing numerous engineering upgrades to operate continuously to make high-quality renewable diesel and we are excited to announce that this is now being accomplished. We have worked very hard to get to continuous flow and we have now achieved that. Our next objective is to commission the desulfurization process, which has begun."

The Company is also pleased with the initial work begun at the new corporate facility in Edmonton (Ft. Saskatchewan). The initial steps are to complete the necessary permitting, site design and move forward with engineering.

Mr. Allan further commented, "With completion of these milestones, Cielo will be in a position to begin to see revenue at our Aldersyde facility as the company begins ongoing production and subsequently see consistent revenue growth from the Edmonton (Ft. Saskatchewan) facility once completed. The completion of these two corporate facilities lays the foundation to build out multiple facilities under the same modular model and as such potentially see exuberant growth over the next 12 to 36 months. We are also very excited to be participating in the sod turning ceremony of the Dunmore facility on Thursday, July 8th."

Cielo remains committed to meeting its corporate objectives and expects to do so on or before the scheduled timelines. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Don Allan"

Don Allan, President / CEO / Director Company Contact:

Lionel Robins, COO

Email: lrobins@cielows.com

Telephone: 1-(403)-348-2972 ext:106

Website: www.cielows.com For further information please contact: Investor Cubed Inc. (Canada):

Neil Simon, CEO

Email: info@investor3.ca

Telephone: 1-(647) 258-3310 RB Milestone Group LLC (USA):

Trevor Brucato, Managing Director

Email: cielo@rbmilestone.com

New York, NY & Stamford, CT

About Cielo Waste Solutions Corp.

Cielo is a publicly traded company with a proprietary technology that transforms landfill garbage into renewable high-grade diesel, kerosene (aviation jet and marine fuel) and naphtha. Cielo's proven and patented technology is currently being deployed in the Company's Aldersyde, AB facility, where wood waste is currently being converted into renewable fuels. Cielo's experienced management team is well positioned with strategic partners in place to expand aggressively across Canada, into the US and then globally. The waste/feedstock that will be used in the Company's green facilities is the world's most available and inexpensive feedstock, garbage; including household, commercial/ construction/demolition garbage, used tires, railway ties, telephone poles, as well as all types of plastic, some of which currently cannot be recycled and/or deposited into landfills. Cielo's goal is to manufacture renewal fuel while ridding the world of unwanted and problematic garbage.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This News Release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should" or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

Forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. CIELO is making forward looking statements including but not limited to in relation to: the completion and commissioning of the desulfurization process; the increase in production rates; the planning, building, and engineering of the Edmonton facility, anticipated revenues and matters related to the foregoing . 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.

Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, neither the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. The TSXV, OTCQB and, WKN, have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this News Release.

SOURCE: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654700/Cielo-Aldersyde-And-Edmonton-Progress-Update
Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its partner Tocvan Ventures Corp. ("Tocvan") has reported assays from 6 holes completed on its 20-hole (2,500 metres) Phase II reverse circulation ("RC") drill program at the Pilar Gold and Silver Project, Sonora, Mexico. Tocvan is in year two of a five-year option agreement with Colibri to earn an initial 51% ownership of the Pilar Gold-Silver Project. For full details of the agreement see Colibri's news release dated September 24th, 2019.

Highlights and discussion of the assay results as reported by Tocvan are as follows:

JES-21-47

47.3 meters at 0.75 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag (0.80 g/t AuEq) from surface to 47.3 meters Including 12.2 meters at 1.1 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag from surface to 12.2 meters Also 19.8 meters at 1.06 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag from 27.5 to 47.3 meters Including 3.1 meters at 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag from 44.2 to 47.3 meters

from surface to 47.3 meters

JES-21-44

44.2 meters at 0.41 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (0.45 g/t AuEq) from 10.7 to 54.9 meters Including 7.6 meters at 1.7 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag from 47.3 to 54.9 meters



Discussion of Results

Complete assay results from the 6 holes are reported in the table below and the locations of the 6 holes are highlighted on the drill hole plan map (Figure 1). JES-21-44 was planned to test the 4-Trench Extension target and intersected a broad low-grade zone from 10.7 to 54.9m of 0.41 g/t Au, including a higher-grade section of 7.6m of 1.7g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag (see Table 1). Historic results from drill hole N-12 intersected 4.5m of 1.42 g/t Au, 40m to the east of JES-21-44. JES-21-47 was planned to test southeast along the Main Zone Trend 100m from drill hole JES-20-32. The hole also tested 60m down-dip of historic hole JES-18-03, which intersected 13.5m of 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag (Figure 2). Hole JES-21-47 intersected a broad zone of mineralization from surface to 47.3m of 0.75 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag with a higher-grade interval of 3.1m of 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag.

Figure 1. Planview Map of Phase II Drill Program Update



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Figure 2. Cross-Section of Drill Hole JES-21-47



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Table 1. Summary of Drill Results



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*Insufficient drilling has been undertaken to determine true widths. All widths reported are core length. Gold equivalent ("AuEq") is calculated using metal prices of $1,700/oz gold and $18/oz silver.

ABOUT THE PILAR PROPERTY:

The Pilar Gold-Silver property is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal project hosted in andesite rocks. Three zones of mineralization have been identified in the north-west part of the property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-Trench. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Over 19,200 m of drilling have been completed to date. Significant results are highlighted below:

2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 1.5 m @ 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag

): 17,700m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au 16.5m @ 53.5g/t Au and 53 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag



ABOUT COLIBRI RESOURCE CORPORATION:

Colibri is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) and is focused on acquiring and exploring prospective gold & silver properties in Mexico. The Company has six exploration projects of which five currently have exploration programs being executed or planned for 2021. The flagship Evelyn Gold Project is 100% owned and explored by Colibri. The Company has four additional projects, Pilar Gold & Silver Project (optioned to Tocvan Ventures-(CSE: TOC)), El Mezquite Gold & Silver Project , Jackie Gold & Silver Project, and the Diamante Gold & Silver Project (earn-in agreements with Silver Spruce Resources - (TSXV: SSE)) are also currently being actively advanced.

For more information about all Company projects please visit: www.colibriresource.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate.

For further information: Ronald J. Goguen, President, Chairperson and Director, Tel: (506) 383-4274, rongoguen@colibriresource.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89763


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - New coronavirus infections in the United States continued to remain above the unusually high mark of 20000 cases for the second day.



With 22931 additional cases reporting on Wednesday, the national total has increased to 33,747,198, as per the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. This is 50 percent higher than the 7-day average of 15529.



However, there is no corresponding surge in the daily number of COVID-related casualties.



With an additional 313 deaths reporting in the last 24 hours, the total COVID death toll in the country reached 606,218. The seven-day COVID fatality average has fallen to 156.



Florida reported the most number of cases - 9206 - while California reported most COVID-related deaths - 34 - on Wednesday.



California is the worst affected state in terms of both the COVID metrics, where 3,828,483 cases have been reported, and 63,758 people have died due to the disease until Wednesday.



A total of 29,168,313 people have so far recovered from the disease in the country.



A total of 331,651,464 vaccine doses have been administered so far nationally. 182,896,080 people have received at least one dose.



157.9 million people, or 47.6 percent of the U.S. population, are fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



78.7 percent of people above 65 have received both vaccine doses.



White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the Department of Education has released nearly $6 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to six states and Washington, D.C., to support the safe reopening of K-through-12 schools.



Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, she said the U.S. Government is sending One million Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses to Bolivia on Thursday. Also, one million doses of Pfizer vaccine will be sent to Paraguay.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and VillageMD, a healthcare provider for organizations, announced Thursday that they plan to open 29 new Village Medical at Walgreens practices in Houston, Austin and El Paso this year. The strategic partnership is on track to meet its overall goal of opening at least 600 Village Medical at Walgreens in more than 30 U.S. markets over the next four years, with the intent to build hundreds more thereafter. By leveraging the physician and pharmacist under one roof, patients benefit from improved health outcomes and lowered cost of care. It also removes the barriers to accessing primary care and pharmacy by having it all in one place. In Austin, El Paso and Houston, there are more than 825,000 patients within five miles of a new or planned Village Medical at Walgreens who are over 65 years old, which further underscores the need for quality, accessible healthcare Additionally, the companies have expanded their coordinated care model to allow Village Medical patients to access the same type of pharmacy services from select Walgreens sites that do not have a collocated Village Medical. Village Medical at Walgreens locations accept a wide range of health insurance options, offering cost-effective and comprehensive primary care and coordinated pharmacy services to meet the full continuum of healthcare needs. The expansion is part of the $1 billion accelerated investment effort announced in January 2021 to deliver high-quality healthcare to patients, with Village Medical primary care physicians and Walgreens pharmacy services through an integrated care delivery model. 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.


MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - The European Commission On Thursday took a decision to fine five car manufacturers 875 million euros for restricting competition in emission cleaning for new diesel passenger cars.



Daimler, BMW, as well as Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche, which are part of the Volkswagen group, were charged by the EU for illegally colluding to restrict competition in the area of emission cleaning technology for diesel cars.



This is the first time that the Commission finds that cooperation on technical elements, as opposed to price fixing or market sharing, amounting to cartel behavior.



All companies acknowledged their participation in the cartel and agreed to settle the case. Daimler disclosed the existence of the cartel to the Commission and was therefore granted full immunity from fines.



The cartel, internally referred to as 'circles of five', developed a technology to reduce the nitrogen oxide emissions of new diesel passenger cars and to bring that technology swiftly to the market, to the benefit of consumers and the environment.



This is how legitimate cooperation went wrong. The carmakers developed together a very good technology but decided not to compete on exploiting it to its full potential. This anti-competitive conduct breached the Commission's competition rules.



Through this conduct, the carmakers eliminated the inherent threat that their competitor would do better. And this threat is a key driver of innovation.



The Commission said competition and innovation in this space are also essential for Europe to meet its ambitious Green Deal objectives. And any attempt to restrict competition to the detriment of innovation will make it more difficult to meet these targets.



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CHICAGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a research report "Space Sensors and Actuators Market by Product Type (Sensors and Actuators), Platform (Satellites, Capsules\Cargos, Interplanetary Spacecraft & Probes, Rovers/Spacecraft Landers, Launch Vehicles), Application, End User, Region - Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Space Sensors and Actuators Market is projected to grow from USD 3.3 billion in 2021 to USD 7.7 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 18.5%. from 2021 to 2026. The space sensors and actuators market is growing at a significant rate across the world, and a similar trend is expected to be observed during the forecast period. Ongoing advancements in space sensor technology and actuators, increasing number of small satellite launches by SpaceX (US) and OneWeb (UK), and growing investments in space exploration missions such Mars and Moon are fueling the growth of the space sensors and actuators market.

Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=73650517

Growing investments by several governments particularly in developed and developing economies such as the US, India, and China, among others. COVID-19 has affected the Space sensors and actuators market growth to some extent, and this varies from country to country. Industry experts believe that the pandemic has not affected the demand for Space sensors and actuators in applications.

"Based on application, the command and data handling system (C&DH) segment of application is expected to lead the space sensors and actuators market from 2021 to 2026."

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of activity in the space exploration of Mars and Moon. In March 2020, NASA's launched its Mars rover mission, a Mars exploration program that includes the rover perseverance and the small robotic, coaxial helicopter ingenuity.

"Based on platform, the satellite segment is estimated to lead the space sensors and actuators market from 2021 to 2026."

Based on platform, satellite segment is estimated to lead the space sensors and actuators market from 2021 to 2026 and is projected to grow further due to the adoption of advanced technologies in space sensors such as quantum sensors, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensors technology or CMOS imaging sensors (CIS).

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"The North America region is estimated to account for the largest share of Space sensors and actuators market in 2021."

Based on region, North America is expected to lead the space sensors and actuators market from 2021 to 2026. The US is the largest market for space sensors and actuators in North America. The growing demand for commercial lunar moon and mars missions, increasing deployment of orbiter satellites and CubeSats in moon exploration and planned commercial crewed/manned missions for planetary exploration are key factors expected to drive the market in North America. The market growth in this region can also be attributed to the high demand for orbiter satellites deployment as well as advancements in space systems from NASA and other private players, such as SpaceX (US), Blue Origin (US), and Maxar Technologies (US), among others. The successful execution of high-tech space sensors and actuators used to take payloads into outer planet mobility has increased the number of outer planetary exploration. Technological breakthroughs and resourceful insights obtained from past space missions have inspired new players to invest in this niche market.

The space sensors and actuators market is dominated by a few globally established players such as Texas Instruments Incorporated (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), Moog Inc. (US), Teledyne UK Limited (UK), Ametek, Inc. (US), TE Connectivity (Switzerland), RUAG Group (Switzerland), among others.

Related Reports:

Small Satellite Market by Mass (Nanosatellite, Microsatellite, Minisatellite, CubeSat), Subsystem (Satellite Bus, Payload, Satellite Antenna, Solar Panels), Application, NGEO Orbit, End User, Frequency, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025

SATCOM Equipment Market for Space by Component (Transponders, Transceivers, Converters, Amplifiers, Antennas), Satellite Type (CubeSat, Small, Medium, Large), End User (Commercial, Government & Military), Application, Region - Global Forecast to 2025

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IQALUIT, NU, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of tomorrow's Nunavut Day celebrations, the Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) has released an updated 2021 Draft Land Use Plan which is the largest of its kind in the world and covers one-fifth of Canada's land mass, representing some 2.1 million square kilometres of land and water.

This latest Nunavut Draft Land Use Plan (NDLUP) is the result of extensive consultation and engagement with Inuit, their communities, Inuit organizations, federal and territorial governments, environmental and wildlife organizations, and industry groups.

"We are excited to release this updated draft plan which takes a strong approach toward conservation and protecting Nunavut's fragile environment and way of life while supporting sustainable economic development," said Commission Chair Andrew Nakashuk. "It reflects what we heard from the people of Nunavut (Nunavummiut) and is in the interests of all Canadians."

The 2021 Nunavut Draft Land Use Plan sets out guidelines for the use and responsible development of resources in the Nunavut Settlement Area and is also designed to:

Protect critical wildlife habitat for caribou, migratory birds, walrus, polar bear, and whales that are under threat because of climate change and other factors;

Identify priority community areas of interest;

Support economic development opportunities including the Manitoba - Kivalliq infrastructure corridor;

- Kivalliq infrastructure corridor; Provide for grandfathering of existing mineral rights; and

Provide certainty for landowners and users about where and when projects and economic activities can take place.

The NPC has received funding of $2.5 million from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to hold an additional round of public hearings in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions to gather more public feedback on the draft plan before it is submitted for approval.

"The Nunavut Draft Land-Use Plan is a living document which guides and directs us into the future by establishing land use policies and designations that promote conservation, economic development and the health and wellness of residents," said NPC Executive Director Sharon Ehaloak. "The Commission is pleased to receive this funding to ensure that we get it right and our plan reflects the history and culture of Nunavut and its people."

The 2021 Draft Land Use Plan and a backgrounder can be found at: https://www.nunavut.ca/

About the Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) The Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of land use plans for resource use and development in the Nunavut Settlement Area. The NPC was established in 1993 under the Nunavut Agreement.

Media Contact: Mike Murphy, Quinn Public Affairs, mike@quinnpublicaffairs, 613-220-9885


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After reporting first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits at their lowest level in over a year in the previous week, the Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing initial jobless claims unexpectedly inched higher in the week ended July 3rd.



The Labor Department said initial jobless claims crept up to 373,000, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level of 371,000.



The uptick surprised economists, who had expected jobless claims to drop to 350,000 from the 364,000 originally reported for the previous week.



Meanwhile, the report said the less volatile four-week moving average edged down by 250 to 394,500, hitting the lowest level since the week ended March 14, 2020.



Continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance, also slid by 145,000 to a more than one-year low of 3.339 million in the week ended June 26th.



The four-week moving average of continuing claims dropped to 3,440,750, a decrease of 44,500 from the previous week's revised average of 3,485,250.



Last Friday, the Labor Department released a separate report showing a continued reacceleration in the pace of U.S. job growth in the month of June.



The report showed non-farm payroll employment spiked by 850,000 jobs in June after surging by an upwardly revised 583,000 jobs in May.



Economists had expected employment to jump by about 700,000 jobs compared to the addition of 559,000 jobs originally reported for the previous month.



Following the decrease in employment seen last December, the pace of job growth has bounced back to its highest level since last August.



Meanwhile, the Labor Department said the unemployment rate unexpectedly inched up to 5.9 percent in June from 5.8 percent in May. The unemployment rate was expected to edge down to 5.7 percent.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX: NEXT) (OTCQB: NSRCF) ("the Company"), a battery materials development company based in Toronto, Canada that is intent on becoming a fully integrated, global supplier of critical battery materials needed to power the sustainable energy revolution. The Company's Executive Vice President, Brent Nykoliation, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly.

Jolly began the interview by commenting on a recent press release detailing the Company's commercial offtake agreement with German steel and materials conglomerate, thyssenkrupp Materials Trading GmbH. "We signed a strategic offtake agreement with one of the world's largest materials traders and steel companies," said Nykoliation. "This was a five year process and we have now executed a binding offtake with thyssenkrupp to purchase 35,000 tonnes per year of our SuperFlake graphite in Madagascar," shared Nykoliation.

"You announced last month that you have also secured an exclusive partnership with the Tesla supply chain to produce battery-grade graphite. Can you explain the details of that some more?", asked Jolly. "We announced a month ago that we had signed a collaboration with the key processors of battery-grade graphite for the Tesla supply chain," said Nykoliation. "That is a very significant addition to what began as an offtake agreement to purchase our graphite for use in Tesla's batteries. We have now grown this agreement to a collaborative partnership, where we have teamed up with the Japanese and Chinese partners currently supplying graphite to the Tesla supply chain to construct and duplicate the exact facility in China that currently processes much of the battery-grade graphite for Tesla in a location outside of China, with NextSource as a key partner," he continued, adding that currently 100% of battery-grade graphite for electric vehicles is processed in China.

"We are looking at several locations for this battery anode facility, including South Africa, Europe and North America," said Nykoliation. "NextSource will build and own the plant and then license the proven technology of these partners to supply the Tesla supply chain with our graphite," he added. "Our partners are providing us with a turn-key plant with their Intellectual Property (IP) as part of this collaboration." This allows us to produce battery-grade graphite using an already established and verified process with key automotive OEMs."

Jolly then asked about the Company's recent equity coverage with Cormark Securities. "Cormark is Canada's leading mid-tier investment bank and are experts in the battery materials space," said Nykoliation. "Mr. MacMurray Whale, their battery materials analyst, is regarded as one of the best analysts in the battery materials space and has initiated formal research coverage on NextSource," continued Nykoliation. "I encourage investors to contact MacMurray at Cormark Securities and read his independent analysis of our project, the Company's potential and his valuation of NextSource relative to others in the industry".

To close the interview, Nykoliation elaborated on the potential of the Company as the battery materials space continues to expand. "Graphite is a critical mineral and essential in batteries. Graphite in particular is at the top of the agenda for many governments and countries around the world, because of its economic importance and its critical role in the electrification of the automobile," said Nykoliation. "NextSource is fully funded to build the initial phase of our graphite mine in Madagascar, which will be commissioned in the second quarter of 2022," he continued. "Construction of our battery anode facility, which will be producing battery-grade graphite for the Tesla supply chain, is expected to start in 2022," shared Nykoliation. "We recently press released to the market that we have also initiated a technical study to expand the mine in Madagascar to a minimum of 150,000 tonnes per year based on the expected demand of our graphite from our offtake partners."

To hear Brent Nykoliation's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7900997-nextsource-materials-inc-discusses-the-expansion-of-its-molo-graphite-mine-in-madagascar-and-off.

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at: https://investorshangout.com/.

ABOUT NEXTSOURCE MATERIALS INC.

NextSource Materials Inc. is a battery materials development company based in Toronto, Canada that is intent on becoming a fully integrated, global supplier of critical battery and technology materials needed to power the sustainable energy revolution. The Company's Molo graphite project is one of the largest known and highest-quality graphite deposits and the only one with SuperFlake graphite.

NextSource Materials is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "NEXT" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "NSRCF".

For further information about NextSource, visit the website at: www.nextsourcematerials.com or contact +1.416.364.4911 or email Brent Nykoliation, Executive Vice President, at: brent@nextsourcematerials.com.

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America.

SOURCE:

Stock Day Media

(602) 821-1102

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89765.
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Hiru Corporation - hereinafter referred to as the 'Company' (Pink Current Information:HIRU) - The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, AZ Custom Bottled Water, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company ('AZ Custom Water'), would like to announce it currently building out its third operational facility for bottled water production in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ms. Kathryn Gavin (President and CEO of the Company), states'AZ Custom Water already is operating out of two state of the art, custom bottling facilities in the Phoenix area. This new facility is being built to accommodate several large purchase orders that are expected to be received in the near future as well as serve as a central distribution point of finished product storage for our customers. This new facility is 85,000 square feet and will also house a new automated bottling line that is on order and being built to our specifications. This new facility will increase the total square feet we have under production to 109,000 square feet (e.g., Initial Facility - 11,500 Square Feet and the new Second Facility is 12,500 square feet).'

The new facility will house a new automated bottling line that can bottle between 60 to 80 bottles a minute. With the new line, AZ Custom Water will also be able to produce flavored and alkaline water products which are in high demand by our current and new customers. The monthly rent for this new location will be approximately $26,500 USD per month. The new facility is set to be in full operation by the end of August 2021 and will expand our operational production floor space by 400%.

Ms. Gavin (President and CEO of the Company) further stated' The continued and ongoing growth of the bottled water market in Arizona and in the Southwest is driving the continued expansion of our facilities in the first part of 2021. We expect to hit record revenues in FYE 2021 and break this record in FYE 2022 with higher ongoing profit margins due to high productivity and the low cost per unit performance capabilities of the new automated bottling line to be housed in the new facility that is under construction. This should drive projected revenues even higher due to our increased production capabilities, the ability to produce and offer new products to our clients, and also store them for our customers until they need them delivered.'

A portion of the space in the new facility will be set aside to store the finished product for our customers. It will be a centralized location that will enable us to provide product to our customers on an as needed immediate basis. The storage capability will allow us to run large batch orders, thus lowering our cost per unit produced. This lower cost per unit will enable us to sell to our customers at a price lower than our competitors while at the same time adding a significant additional profit margin to our bottom-line financial performance. AZ Custom Water fully expects that when this new facility is online, customers will not only increase their current purchase orders with the Company but ask for new products that AZ Custom Water will now be able to efficiently produce (e.g., flavored water and alkaline water products). Products that were not available with the bottling lines in place in the initial two operational facilities.

Disclaimer Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements that we make may constitute 'forward-looking statements' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future?strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated savings, financial results (including expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures), industry or market conditions, demand for and pricing of our products, acquisitions and divestitures, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory developments or general economic conditions.? In addition, words such as 'believes,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'estimates,' 'projects,' 'forecasts,' and future or conditional verbs such as 'will,' 'may,' 'could,' 'should,' and 'would,' as well as any other statement that necessarily depends on future events, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. ?Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.? We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking?statements.

ABOUT US

Hiru Corp. is a Georgia corporation, is a public quoted Pink Sheet issuer under the ticker symbol 'HIRU' (the 'Company'). The Company reports as an alternative reporting issuer with OTC Markets Group, Inc. and is current in its mandatory required filings (e.g., Pink Sheet Current). Currently, the Company has one wholly owned, operational subsidiary, AZ Custom Bottled Water, Inc., a Nevada corporation ('AZ Water'), which owns and operates a commercial water bottling and labeling facility based in Phoenix, Arizona. AZ Water operates a B2C website at https://azcustombottledwater.com/.

CONTACT:

3331 North 35th Avenue

Phoenix, Arizona 95107

Web Site: www.waterandiceshop.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hirucorp

Phone: 928-408-4486

Email: info@waterandiceshop.com

Contact: Kathryn Gavin, CEO

SOURCE: Hiru Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654750/Hiru-Corporation--New-Facility-Development
- The demand for electronics is predicted to increase at a rapid pace, which will bring tremendous growth opportunities for the Ultra-high-purity Anhydrous Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) gas market

- A CAGR of 4.8 percent is expected for the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market between 2018 and 2027

ALBANY, N.Y., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The disposable income of many individuals has increased phenomenally across the decades. The expanding use of consumer electronics among a large chunk of the global populace will prove to be beneficial for the overall growth of the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market as these gases are used on a massive scale across different sectors and industries. Thus, this factor will bring immense growth prospects for the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market during the assessment period of 2018-2027.

Ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas is a prominent material utilized for passivation, silicon etching, and epitaxy in integrated circuit production. The applications of ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas range from electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and steel and metals.

Request the Covid19 Impact Analysis at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=covid19&rep_id=66908

Transparency Market Research (TMR) has performed extensive analysis on every aspect related to the growth of the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market. The TMR experts project the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market to record a CAGR of 4.8 percent across the assessment period of 2018-2027. The ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 4.9 bn by the end of the forecast period from US$ 3.1 bn in 2018.

The industrial standards and strict legislation regarding the safety of medical products will bring good growth prospects for the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market as it is used to remove impurities. The utilization in the semiconductor industry for engraving semiconductor crystals will also prove to be a good growth generator for the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market.

See how you can be a leader in Ultra-high-purity Anhydrous Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Gas Market with our Research Report, Get Brochure at: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=66908

Key Findings of the Report

Booming Industrialization to Invite Profitable Growth

The expanding industrialization initiatives across various countries will bring good growth opportunities for the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market. Many countries, especially India and China, are focusing on encouraging maximum industrialization. This factor will turn the tables of growth across the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market as it is used in varied industrial applications such as catalyst regeneration, production of sulfuric chlorohydrins, oxychlorination, and others. These aspects will lay the foundation of growth.

View Detailed Table of Contents at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/66908

Expanding Smartphone Sales to Invite Exponential Growth for the Ultra-High-Purity Anhydrous Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Gas Market

The advent of smartphones and their swelling sales have led to an increase in the demand and popularity to a considerable extent. The penetration of the internet and the escalating trend of video calling and online meets even in the rural areas will invite expansive growth for the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market as it is used extensively in smartphones.

Ultra-High-Purity Anhydrous Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Gas Market: COVID-19 Impact

The chemical industry is suffering from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has slowed down the growth of many industries and sectors. The ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market is no exception.

Purchase Premium Research Report on Ultra-high-purity Anhydrous Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Gas Market @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=66908<ype=S

Right from hydrogen chloride to its types, each sector was shut for a brief period due to the enforcement of strict lockdown restrictions across the globe. This factor damaged the growth prospects across the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market to a considerable extent. However, the relaxations in the restrictions will serve as a boon for the ultra-high-purity anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas market players.

Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Chemicals and Materials Industry,

Hydrogen Chloride Market - The global hydrogen chloride market can be segment based on manufacturing method, application, and region. In terms of manufacturing method, the hydrogen chloride market can be classified into laboratory and industrial. In laboratories, hydrogen chloride is produced by direct combination of hydrogen gas and chlorine gas. The temperature should be above 2500C for rapid reaction. In industries, hydrogen chloride is formed as by-product while manufacturing isocyanates, fluorocarbons, magnesium, and other chemicals. The industrial segment holds a major share of the market both in terms of volume and value.

Anhydrous Hydrogen Chloride Market - The growth of the global anhydrous hydrogen chloride market is primarily influenced by the expanding and flourishing electronics manufacturing industry. There has been an emergence of several alternative products such as use of electronic-grade phosphoric acid for the purpose of etching in the semiconductor sector, the market is anticipated to observe normal growth of over the timeframe of analysis, from 2020 to 2030. In addition, there has been entry and presence of several large-scale producers in the global anhydrous hydrogen chloride market, which is likely to make the market more competitive for the market players.

About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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New executive appointments and hires strengthen the company's commercial machine learning and scaleup experience

The Secondmind Board of Directors has appointed Gary Brotman as Chief Executive Officer and Director. Brotman joined the company in October 2019 as VP of Product and has served as Chief Product Officer and co-CEO since January of this year while the search for a permanent CEO was underway. During this period, Brotman was instrumental in aligning the company to focus initially on the automotive sector and helping the industry achieve greater sustainability with its leading machine learning research and technology.

Brotman brings a diverse technology background to the role, having held product and marketing leadership positions at successful startups and established enterprises including Musicmatch and Yahoo! Prior to joining Secondmind, Brotman served as the Head of AI Strategy Product Planning at Qualcomm, where he spearheaded the development and commercialization of the company's AI Engine across the Snapdragon Mobile Platform portfolio.

The Board has also appointed Adam Broun as Chairman of the Board. Prior to joining Secondmind, Broun was CEO of Kensho Technologies, a leading provider of next-generation machine learning and analytics to financial institutions. At Kensho, Broun was instrumental in every stage of the company's growth, from early commercial wins to building a successful, scalable platform and the company's acquisition by S&P Global in 2018.

The Secondmind executive team has also expanded in depth and breadth, with commercial, scale-up and product strategy experience to complement its strong research credentials.

Peter Bullivant becomes Chief Financial Operating Officer as his Chief Financial Officer role at the company is expanded to include company operations, business development and human resources.

Suraj Nagaraj has joined the company as Vice President of Product. He brings experience in commercialization of competitive AI ML SaaS products and has held a number of product leadership positions across leading brands, McLaren, Denso, Jaguar Land Rover and General Electric to name a few.

Carl Edward Rasmussen continues in his role as Chief Scientist and will also serve as Co-Chairman with Broun.

Kevin Dillon, Director on the Secondmind Board and Managing Partner of Secondmind investor Atlantic Bridge, said: "We are bullish about Secondmind's ability to deliver predictive modeling underpinned by scaled Gaussian Processes and see this as both unique and disruptive in the Automotive sector and beyond. We are excited about the appointments of Gary as CEO and Adam as Chairman of the Board, and are confident that along with Carl and Peter, Secondmind has the world-class executive leadership to match its vision and technology innovation."

Commenting on his appointment, Gary Brotman, CEO, said: "I'm incredibly excited to have the privilege of leading the exceptionally talented and diverse Secondmind team in this next phase of our business. I'm also grateful for the support of the Secondmind Board over the last several months and the trust they've put in me moving forward. We have the right team and the right machine learning technology to help innovators in automotive design cleaner cars and achieve greater sustainability."

About Secondmind

Secondmind is on a mission to help automotive innovators design cleaner cars, and achieve greater sustainability through machine learning. Underpinned by years of award-winning, practical machine learning research and technology, developed by a world-class team of researchers, data scientists and machine learning engineers, Secondmind is helping Automotive manufacturers navigate the increasing complexity of engineering design in its transition to electrification. Secondmind was founded in 2016 and is backed by leading venture funds including Amadeus Capital, Atlantic Bridge, and Cambridge Innovation Capital, among others.

Secondmind is a registered trademark of Secondmind Ltd.

www.secondmind.ai

Twitter: @secondmindai

LinkedIn: /secondmindai

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005616/en/

Contacts:

Hannah Kerslake, Senior Account Director, Brands2Life

E: Secondmind@Brands2Life.com

P: +44 (0) 20 7592 1200
Researchers from Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation's Qatar Genome Programme contribute toward global initiative that can lead to therapeutic targets in addition to the protection conferred by the vaccines

DOHA, Qatar, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In March 2020, thousands of scientists around the world united to answer a pressing and complex question: which genetic factors influence the wide variation in COVID-19 severity? Why are some patients severely affected while others escape with mild or no symptoms at all?

A comprehensive summary of their findings to date, published in Nature - the world's leading multidisciplinary science journal - revealed 13 loci, or locations in the human genome, that are strongly associated with infection or severe COVID-19. The researchers also identified causal factors such as smoking and high body mass index.

The findings could help provide targets for future therapies and illustrate the power of genetic studies in learning more about infectious disease. And these results come from one of the largest genome-wide association studies ever performed, which includes nearly 50,000 COVID-19 patients and two million uninfected controls.

Dr. Hamdi Mbarek, Research Partnerships Manager at Qatar Genome Programme (QGP), part of Qatar Foundation's Research, Development and Innovation, and lead analyst of the Qatari dataset, said that scientists from around the world have moved at breakneck speed to unravel the role of genetics in the wide variation in COVID-19 severity - one of the most distinctive and perplexing features of the disease. He added that the identification of the genetic factors can ultimately lead to potential therapeutic targets in addition to the protection conferred by the vaccines. Both approaches are necessary for improvement in COVID-19 prevention and treatments.

"The more we understand COVID-19 pathogenesis, the better we get at treating and managing the disease. Based on these results, genetic tests are being developed to predict the course of the disease, potential targeted therapies, and drug repurposing candidates are being evaluated," he said.

QGP became the first and only member from the Arab world to contribute to this global effort, called the COVID-19 Host Genomics Initiative. It was founded in March 2020 by Andrea Ganna and Mark Daly from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The initiative has grown to be one of the most extensive collaborations in human genetics and currently includes more than 3,500 authors and 61 studies from 25 countries.

Harnessing diversity

To do their analysis, the consortium pooled clinical and genetic data from the nearly 50,000 patients who tested positive for the virus, and two million controls across numerous biobanks, clinical studies, and direct-to-consumer genetic companies such as 23andMe. Because of the large amount of data pouring in from around the world including more than 13,000 genomes from Qatar, the scientists were able to produce statistically robust analyses far more quickly, and from a greater diversity of populations, than any one group could have on its own.

Of the 13 loci identified so far by the team, two had higher frequencies among patients of Asian or Middle Eastern ancestry than in those of European ancestry, underscoring the importance of diversity in genetic datasets. "We've been much more successful than past efforts in sampling genetic diversity because we've made a concerted effort to reach out to populations around the world," said Daly. "I think we still have a long way to go, but we're making very good progress."

The team highlighted one of these two loci near the FOXP4 gene which is linked to lung cancer. The FOXP4 variant associated with severe COVID-19 increases the gene's expression, suggesting that inhibiting the gene could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Other loci associated with severe COVID-19 included DPP9, a gene also involved in lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, and TYK2, which is implicated in some autoimmune diseases.

Said Ismail, Director of Qatar Genome, says: "We were prepared to join the consortium because we knew how important it is to represent Middle Eastern and Arab genomes in such studies to enhance diversity and empower genetic discoveries and avoid being absent from such key global efforts."

The team hopes their results would point for useful targets for repurposed drugs.

The researchers will continue to study new data as it comes in and update their results through the "Matters Arising" format at Nature. They will begin to study what differentiates "long-haulers", or patients whose COVID-19 symptoms persist for months, from others, and continue to identify additional loci associated with infection and severe disease.

"We are keen to harness our data and capabilities to continue contributing to the consortium's several initiatives," says Dr. Asmaa Al Thani, Chair of Qatar Genome Programme. "We'd like to serve the public interest in light of any developments related to health and prevention for individuals worldwide".

A new space for genetics

Mbarek emphasized that scientists were able to find robust genetic signals because of their collaborative efforts, a cohesive spirit of data-sharing and transparency, and the urgency that comes with knowing that the entire world faces the same threat at the same time.

He added that geneticists, who regularly work in large consortia, have known the benefits of open collaboration for a long time. "This kind of study usually takes three to five years to deliver, by working together we were able to achieve these results in a significantly shorter period of time," Mbarek said.

Qatar has emerged as a leading regional center for genomics research with global impact. It is the only country from its region to contribute to the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative study released today in Nature, and this first follows other recent milestones. In February 2021, researchers in Qatar released the first and largest comprehensive genome-wide association study of Middle Eastern populations in Nature Communications. In May 2021, research from Qatar highlighted in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrating mRNA vaccine efficacy against new COVID-19 variants received wide attention from global media and public health officials.

Ismail, for his part, is excited that results released in Nature are interpretable also in the Qatari population and Arab populations in general. He says QGP will continue to be involved in the large consortia efforts globally in the areas of national disease priorities like common chronic diseases, rare genetic diseases, and cancer.

Reference:

The COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19. Nature. Online July 8, 2021.

For more information on the Host Genetics Initiative, please visit https://www.covid19hg.org/

About Qatar Genome Program

Qatar Genome Program (QGP) is the largest genome project in the Middle East with a mission to promote genomic research and clinical implementation at a national level. QGP is designed around a comprehensive strategy involving large scale genome sequencing and multi-omics data, establishing local and international research partnerships, building local human capacity, facilitating integration into the healthcare system, drafting guidelines and policies, raising public awareness as well as empowering and educating patients

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF's world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation's development.

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.

For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa

For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@qf.org.qa

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560151/QGP_Headquarters.jpg
AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "aa" (Superior) of Munich Reinsurance Company (Munich Re) (Germany) and its subsidiaries. AM Best also has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of "a" (Excellent) of Munich Re America Corporation (Munich Re America) (Princeton, NJ) and the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) of Munich Re and Munich Re America. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. See below for a detailed listing of all companies and ratings.

The ratings reflect Munich Re's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, very favourable business profile and very strong enterprise risk management.

Munich Re's balance sheet strength is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalisation that exceeds the level required to support the strongest assessment, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at the strongest level, despite the group's exposure to potentially large losses and its record of substantial dividend payments and share buy-backs. In addition, the group's financial leverage is relatively low and it benefits from excellent financial flexibility.

The group's operating performance is strong, demonstrated by a 10-year weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 8.1% (2011-2020). In 2020, Munich Re reported a net profit of EUR 1.2 billion (2019: EUR 2.7 billion). The group's property/casualty (P/C) reinsurance division reported a net profit of EUR 571 million despite exposure to substantial COVID-19 pandemic-related losses totalling approximately EUR 3 billion, as well as, to a lesser extent, natural catastrophe and man-made events. Life Health (L&H) reinsurance and ERGO reported net profits of EUR 123 million and EUR 517 million, respectively, demonstrating the benefits of the group's good earnings diversification. EUR 370 million in COVID-19-related losses was attributed to the L&H segment, stemming mainly from its North American mortality business. At ERGO, COVID-19-related losses totalled EUR 64 million.

Munich Re is a leading global reinsurer and its business profile benefits from excellent diversification, with the performance of its various life, health and P/C operations largely uncorrelated. Given its global market presence and excellent brand, the group is well-positioned to benefit from improved P/C reinsurance market conditions.

The FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of "aa" (Superior) have been affirmed with stable outlooks for Munich Reinsurance Company and its following subsidiaries:

Great Lakes Insurance SE

New Reinsurance Company Ltd.

Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.

The Princeton Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Company

American Alternative Insurance Corporation

Bridgeway Insurance Company

Munich American Reassurance Company

Munich Reinsurance Company of Canada

Temple Insurance Company

American Family Home Insurance Company

American Modern Home Insurance Company

American Modern Insurance Company of Florida, Inc.

American Modern Lloyds Insurance Company

American Modern Select Insurance Company

American Southern Home Insurance Company

American Western Home Insurance Company

American Modern Property and Casualty Insurance Company

Munich Re of Bermuda, Ltd.

Digital Edge Insurance Company

Digital Affect Insurance Company

Digital Advantage Insurance Company

The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed with stable outlooks:

Munich Reinsurance Company-

-- "a+" (Excellent) on EUR 900 million 6.25% subordinated fixed to floating rate bonds, due 2042

-- "a+" (Excellent) on GBP 450 million 6.625% subordinated fixed to floating rate bonds, due 2042

Munich Re America Corporation-

-- "a" (Excellent) on USD 500 million 7.45% senior unsecured notes, due 2026

American Alternative Insurance Corporation-

-- "a+" (Excellent) on USD 92.5 million 5.0% surplus notes

The Princeton Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Company-

-- "a+" (Excellent) on USD 20.1 million 5.0% surplus notes

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

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Copyright 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005667/en/

Contacts:

Victoria Ohorodnyk

Associate Director, Analytics

+31 20 308 5432

victoria.ohorodnyk@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Mathilde Jakobsen

Director, Analytics

+31 20 308 5427

mathilde.jakobsen@ambest.com

Jim Peavy

Director, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com

Gregory Dickerson

Associate Director

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5161

gregory.dickerson@ambest.com
TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Limited

(a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with registration number 57985)

(The "Company")

LEI Number: 549300P9Q5O2B3RDNF78

8 JULY 2021

RESULT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held today, all Resolutions set out in the Annual General Meeting Notice sent to Shareholders dated 10 June 2021 were duly passed.

Details of the proxy voting results which should be read along side the Notice are noted below:

Ordinary Resolution For Discretion

(voted in favour) Against Abstain 1 46,862,363 5,261 961 7,059 2 46,851,417 5,261 13,965 5,001 3 46,797,968 5,261 42,415 30,000 4 46,822,968 5,261 42,415 5,000 5 46,847,687 5,261 15,637 7,059 6 45,598,880 5,261 11,172 1,260,331 7 46,841,365 5,261 11,172 17,846 8 46,741,155 5,261 92,919 36,309 9 46,774,310 20,261 70,279 10,794 10 46,789,310 5,261 70,279 10,794 11 46,799,050 5,261 30,546 40,787 Special Resolution For Discretion

(voted in favour) Against Abstain 12 46,839,119 5,261 12,718 18,546 13 44,415,807 2,400,570 43,479 15,788 Extraordinary

Resolution For Discretion

(voted in favour) Against Abstain 14 44,307,475 2,400,570 151,812 15,787 15 40,107,122 2,403,020 4,349,715 15,787

Note -A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution.

The Special Resolutions were as follows:

Special Resolution 12

THAT, the terms of the proposed quarterly tender facility that, among other things, permits the Company to acquire its issued share capital from tendering shareholders, subject to certain restrictions (the "Facility"), the terms and conditions of which constituting the contract of such Facility (the "Agreement") are set out in the Notice of Quarterly Tenders reproduced in the circular in respect of the Company dated 10 June 2021 (the "Circular"), are hereby approved and authorised pursuant to section 314(2) of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, as amended (the "Law") and the Company's authority to effect the Facility on the terms of the Agreement pursuant to this resolution shall expire on the earlier of the date falling 12 months from the date of this resolution or the date of the Company's next annual general meeting.

Special Resolution 13

To authorise the Company, in accordance with section 315 of the Law to make market acquisitions (as defined in the Law) of its own shares of 1 pence each (either for retention as treasury shares for future re-issue, resale or transfer or cancellation) provided that:

a. the maximum number of Ordinary Shares authorised to be purchased is 14.99 per cent. of the aggregate Ordinary Shares (excluding treasury shares in issue) on the date on which this resolution is passed;

b. the minimum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for an Ordinary Share shall be 0.01 per Ordinary Share;

c. the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for an Ordinary Share shall be the higher of (i) 105 per cent. of the average of the middle market quotations (as derived from the Daily Official List) for the Ordinary Shares for the five business days immediately preceding the date of acquisition and (ii) the higher of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the trading venue on which the purchase is carried out; and

d. unless previously varied, revoked or renewed, the authority hereby conferred shall expire on 31 December 2022 or, if earlier, at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company to be held in 2022, save that the Company may, prior to such expiry, enter into a contract to acquire Ordinary Shares under such authority and may

Extraordinary Resolution 14

THAT, the Directors of the Company be and they are hereby generally empowered, to allot and issue, to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert and make offers or agreements to allot and issue equity securities (as defined in Article 6.1 of the Articles) for cash as if the pre-emption rights contained in the Articles in respect of such equity securities did not apply to any such allotment and issuance, provided that this power shall be limited so that it:

a. expires at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or on the expiry of 15months from the passing of this resolution, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company may, before such expiry, make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted and issued after such expiry and the Directors may allot and issue equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired; and

b. shall be limited to the allotment and issuance of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value of 188,238.00 being approximately 10 percent. of the nominal value of the issued share capital of the Company, as at 7 June 2021, and representing 18,823,851 Ordinary Shares.

Extraordinary Resolution 15

THAT, conditional on extraordinary resolution 14 above having been passed, the Directors of the Company be and they are hereby generally empowered, in addition to and without prejudice to the power granted by extraordinary resolution14 above, to allot and issue, to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert and make offers or agreements to allot and issue equity securities (as detailed in Article 6.1 of the Articles) for cash as if the pre-emption rights contained in the Articles in respect of such equity securities did not apply to any such allotment and issuance, provided that this power shall be limited so that it:

a. expires at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or on the expiry of 15months from the passing of this resolution, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company may, before such expiry, make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted and issued after such expiry and the Directors may allot and issue equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired; and

b. shall be limited to the allotment and issuance of additional equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value of 188,238.00 being approximately 10 per cent. of the nominal value of the issued share capital of the Company, as at 7 June 2021, and representing 18,823,851 Ordinary Shares.

Enquiries:

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

The Company Secretary

Trafalgar Court

Les Banques

St Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 3QL

Tel: 01481 745001

END
Fredericton, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV: TRU) (OTCQB: TRUIF) (FSE: 706) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") to acquire a claims package (the "Purchased Assets"), along with related permits and technical data, contiguous with the Company's flagship Golden Rose Project in Central Newfoundland's Gold Belt. The Purchased Assets are comprised of five licences (45 claims) covering 1,125 hectares. Portions of the Purchased Assets are located along trend from the 550m long South Wood Lake Gold Zone and provides additional coverage should the gold zone extend onto the land comprising the Purchased Assets. Additionally, certain historic drill holes have been collared on the Purchased Assets targeting the Sure Shot and Hill Top gold occurrences found at the Company's Golden Rose Project, which are located within a few hundred meters of the Purchased Assets.

Joel Freudman, Co-Founder and CEO of TRU, commented: "Consistent with TRU's stated strategic objective of continuing the expansion and addition of properties of merit along the Shear Zone, this acquisition is further cementing our rapid growth at our flagship Golden Rose Project. Golden Rose is prime real estate for TRU and adding to our land position is key to TRU's strategic objectives."





Figure 1: Location of licences comprising the Purchased Assets

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5993/89778_2ea45cb0a48fba09_001full.jpg

Terms of the Purchase Agreement

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the vendors will receive an aggregate of 80,000 common shares in the capital of TRU at a deemed price of $0.25 per share as consideration for the Purchased Assets. All TRU shares issuable under the Purchase Agreement will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date on which such shares are issued.

The acquisition of the Purchased Assets remains subject to customary conditions. The transaction is expected to be completed as soon as is practicable based on governmental claims transfer processing times and remains subject to regulatory approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. The transaction is an "arm's length transaction" as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and no finder fees are being paid in connection therewith.

Barry Greene, P.Geo. is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents and technical disclosures in this press release. Mr. Greene is a director and officer of the Company and owns securities of the Company.

About TRU Precious Metals Corp.

TRU has assembled a portfolio of 5 gold exploration properties in the highly prospective Central Newfoundland Gold Belt. The Company has an option with a subsidiary of TSX-listed Altius Minerals Corporation to purchase 100% of the Golden Rose Project, located along the deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone. TRU also owns 100% of the Twilite Gold Project, located along the same Shear Zone, and 3 under-explored properties including its Rolling Pond Property (under option) bordering New Found Gold Corp.'s high-grade Queensway Project. TRU's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "TRU", on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "TRUIF", and on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol "706".

TRU is a portfolio company of Resurgent Capital Corp. ("Resurgent"), a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing. Resurgent works with promising public and pre-public micro-capitalization Canadian companies. For more information on Resurgent and its portfolio companies, please visit Resurgent's LinkedIn profile at https://ca.linkedin.com/company/resurgent-capital-corp

For further information about TRU, please contact:

Joel Freudman

Co-Founder, President & CEO

TRU Precious Metals Corp.

Phone: 1-855-760-2TRU (2878)

Email: ir@trupreciousmetals.com

Website: www.trupreciousmetals.com

To connect with TRU via social media, below are links:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TRU-Precious-Metals-Corp-100919195193616

Twitter

https://twitter.com/corp_tru

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tru-precious-metals-corp

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHghHMDQaYgS1rDHiZIeLUg/

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to the Company's ability to complete the acquisition of the Purchased Assets, exploring the Purchased Assets and the prospectivity and mineralization of the Purchased Assets and the Golden Rose Project. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Purchased Assets and the execution and success of exploration plans that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Purchased Assets and/or the Company's mineral exploration properties; the exploration potential of the Company's properties and the nature and style of mineralization at same; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; volatility in financial markets, economic conditions, and precious metals prices; and those other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89778
Regulatory News:

Lysogene (Paris:LYS) (FR0013233475 LYS), a gene therapy platform Company targeting central nervous system (CNS) diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation to its LYS-GM101 program, which is being studied in the recently initiated global adaptative-design clinical trial for the treatment of GM1 gangliosidosis. GM1 gangliosidosis is a fatal autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the GLB1 gene leading to accumulation of GM1 ganglioside in neurons resulting in progressive neurodegeneration. No treatment has been approved so far for this disease.

Karen Aiach, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lysogene commented: "We are pleased that FDA has granted Fast Track designation to LYS-GM101, as it underscores its potential to improve neurocognitive deficits in children with GM1 gangliosidosis, a lethal neurological disease for which there is currently no treatment. We have dosed the first patient last month and recruitment is on track, with completion of the first cohort expected by first quarter next year".

The Fast Track program facilitates the development and accelerates the review of new drugs for serious conditions, which have the potential to address unmet medical needs. The purpose is to expedite the availability of new treatment options for patients. A product that receives Fast Track designation is eligible for more frequent interactions with FDA, potential eligibility for accelerated approval, priority review, and rolling Biologics License Application (BLA) review.

"This Fast Track designation demonstrates the regulators' sustained interest in Lysogene's cutting edge gene therapy program. It complements the Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug designations granted by the FDA in 2016 and 2017" added Marie Deneux, Chief Regulatory Officer of Lysogene. "We look forward to working closely with the agency in our effort to develop LYS-GM101 as the potential first drug for the treatment of GM1 gangliosidosis."

The trial is an interventional, multi-center, single-arm, two-stage adaptive-design study evaluating an intracisternally delivered recombinant adeno-associated virus vector serotype rh.10 (AAVrh.10) carrying the human -galactosidase gene (GBL1) (NCT04273269). The clinical trial includes a safety phase and a confirmatory efficacy phase. The trial will enroll 16 patients with a diagnosis of early or late infantile GM1 gangliosidosis at sites in the US and Europe. More information can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Lysogene is also funding a GM1 gangliosidosis natural history study being conducted by Casimir Trials to collect prospective and/or retrospective videos of children doing certain everyday tasks and behaviors (NCT04310163).

About Lysogene

Lysogene is a gene therapy Company focused on the treatment of orphan diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The Company has built a unique capability to enable a delivery of gene therapies to the CNS to treat lysosomal diseases and other genetic disorders of the CNS. A phase 2/3 clinical trial in MPS IIIA in partnership with Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. is ongoing. An adaptive clinical trial in GM1 gangliosidosis is ongoing. In accordance with the agreements signed between Lysogene and Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. will hold exclusive commercial rights to LYS-SAF302 in the United States and markets outside Europe; and Lysogene will maintain commercial exclusivity of LYS-SAF302 in Europe. Lysogene has also entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with SATT Conectus for a gene therapy candidate for the treatment of the Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disease related to autism. www.lysogene.com.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements, especially on the Company's progress of its clinical trials and cash runway. Although the Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice, (ii) factors beyond the Company's control, (iii) clinical trial results, (iv) increased manufacturing costs and (v) potential claims on its products. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "objective", "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in the Company's regulatory filings with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers, including in the 2020 universal registration document, registered with the French Markets Authorities on April 12, 2021, under number D.21-0296, and future filings and reports by the Company. Furthermore, these forward-looking statements are only as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. If the Company updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will or will not make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

This press release has been prepared in both French and English. In the event of any differences between the two texts, the French language version shall supersede.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005673/en/

Contacts:

Stephane Durant des Aulnois

Chief Financial Officer

stephane.durant-des-aulnois@lysogene.com

+ 33 1 41 43 03 99
CHICAGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this France data center market report.

France data center market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 3.40% during the period 2020-2026. France data center market research report includes market size in terms of area, investment, power capacity, and colocation revenues. Get insights on 133 existing data center and 9 upcoming facilities spread across 34 cities including Paris, Marseille, and other cities.

Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

France is a mature data center market in Western Europe and a part of the FLAP markets. Its data center scene is thriving due to increased digitalization, strong connectivity, and sustainable data center development. With around 60 existing third party data centers, Paris is a major data center hub in France , with its data centers contributing to over 80% of the existing power capacity in the country. Marseille and Bordeaux are upcoming data center destinations. France receives majority of the data center service demand from ICT companies, followed by FMCG companies, BFSI, with hospitality, education, travel, and other industries accounting for the rest of the demand. Mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures are strategies adopted by leading data center investors to increase their foothold in the country. For example, Digital Realty's acquisition of Interxion will positively affect the wholesale colocation market in France . The government's decision to reduce electricity taxation for data centers is likely to attract new data center investments into the country. The TICFE (Internal tax on final electricity consumption) has been reduced from $24 /MWh to $12 /MWh.

Key Offerings:

Market Size & Forecast by Area, Power Capacity, Investment, and Colocation Revenue | 2020-2026

Impact of COVID-19 on Data Center Market

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party facilities in France

Facilities Covered (Existing): 133



Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 9



Coverage: 34 Cities



Existing vs. Upcoming (Data Center Area)



Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Datacenter colocation market in France

Market Revenue & Forecast (2020-2026)



Retail Colocation Pricing



Wholesale Colocation Pricing

Market Dynamics - Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities

Market Segmentation - A detailed analysis by IT infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standard

Key Market Participants - List of 10 IT infrastructure providers, 10 construction service providers, 23 support infrastructure providers, and 10 data center investors

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/france-data-center-market-report-2025

France Data Center Market - Segmentation

In France , cloud-based services, IoT, and AI are the major driving factors for the growth of data centers and the adoption of high-power computing servers. ICT and financial service providers dominate the server adoption in France . Vendors such as NetApp, Lenovo, IBM, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have a strong presence in the market.

, cloud-based services, IoT, and AI are the major driving factors for the growth of data centers and the adoption of high-power computing servers. ICT and financial service providers dominate the server adoption in . Vendors such as NetApp, Lenovo, IBM, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have a strong presence in the market. Lithium-ion batteries are likely to replace VRLA battery-based UPS systems slowly in France . Hyperscale data center projects designed according to Tier IV standards will procure UPS systems with 2N+1 redundancy.

. Hyperscale data center projects designed according to Tier IV standards will procure UPS systems with 2N+1 redundancy. The air-based cooling technique dominates the market in France as it contributes over 70% to the cooling segment and expects to grow at a CAGR of around ~6%. Colt Data Centre Services Paris Southwest data center facility obtains free cooling for most of the year and has the design PUE of 1.21.

Market Segmentation by IT Infrastructure

Servers

Storage Systems

Network Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer, Switches & Switchgears

Rack PDUs

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Rack Cabinets

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Market Segmentation by General Construction

Building Development

Installation & Commissioning Services

Building Design

Physical Security

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

Market Segmentation by Tier Standard

Tier I & Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

Market Segmentation by Geography

Paris

Other Cities

France Data Center Market - Dynamics

France is considered one of the largest colocation markets in Europe and a part of the FLAP markets.

Both wholesale and retail colocation is growing rapidly in the region due to increased investments by cloud service providers, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shift from on-premise to colocation facilities. Digital Realty's acquisition of Interxion will boost wholesale colocation in the country. Moreover, Vantage Data Centers acquired Etix Everywhere in February 2020, which operates a facility in Lille, France. Similarly, GTT Communications sold their Infrastructure division that include data centers portfolio to I Squared Capital. Digital Realty (Interxion), Equinix, Colt Data Centre Services, DataBank, Global Switch, Scaleway Datacenter and Telehouse are some of the prominent colocation providers in France. In 2020, CyrusOne entered the France market with construction of a data center in Paris, with the first phase development consisting of 26,000 square feet colocation area and 6MW of IT load.

Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth:

Increased Cloud Adoption to boost Market Growth

Big Data and IoT Spending to Spur Data Center Investment

Submarine Cables Strengthen France Connectivity

Availability of Renewable Energy

France Data Center Market - Existing Vs. Upcoming Data Centers

Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

Paris



Marseille



Other Cities

List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity)

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/france-data-center-market-report-2025

Key Market Participants

IT Infrastructure Providers

Arista Networks

Atos

Broadcom

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Huawei Technologies

IBM

Lenovo

NetApp

Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors

APL Data Center

Artelia

Arup

Bouygues Energies & Services

CapIngelec

Eiffage

EYP MCF

JERLAURE

M+W Group

TPF Ingenierie

Support Infrastructure Providers

3M

ABB

Alfa Laval

Caterpillar

Carrier

Climaveneta (Mitsubishi Electric)

Cummins

D'HONDT THERMAL SOLUTIONS

Eaton

ebm-papst

Grundfos

GS Yuasa International

Honeywell International

KOHLER-SDMO

Legrand

Riello Elettronica (Riello UPS)

Rittal

Rolls-Royce Power Systems

Schneider Electric

Siemens

Socomec

STULZ

Vertiv Group

Key Investors

Advanced Mediomatrix

CyrusOne

DATA4

Digital Realty

DTiX

Euclyde Data Centers

Equinix

Telehouse

Thesee DataCenter

Titan Datacenters

Explore our data center knowledge base profile to know more about the industry.

Read some of the top-selling reports:

Brazil Data Center Market - Investment Analysis and Growth Opportunities 2020-2025

Europe Data Center Colocation Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2021-2026

Germany Data Center Market - Investment Analysis and Growth Opportunities 2021-2026

Spain Data Center Market - Investment Analysis and Growth Opportunities 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.

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Mail: enquiry@arizton.com

Call: +1-312-235-2040

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg
MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Known as a leading one-stop-shop for both home and office furniture, Shopango is proud to announce the launch of its website redesign, enhancing the customer experience and re-defining online furniture shopping in the Post-COVID era.

During the pandemic, and now with the new way of working remotely, buying furniture online has become very important. Big marketplaces like Amazon and Wayfair are unable to offer a curated product selection due to their business model and scale. This leads to consumers needing to return furniture that they order due to low quality, and other product issues etc.

Shopango came to the market to solve this problem and offer a wide variety but curated selection of products at a great price and quality to consumers, and at the same time enhance the customer journey.

A Year Full of Challenges Amidst the Pandemic

This last year presented a myriad of challenges for businesses and consumers around the world. With COVID having turned the world upside down, both customers and businesses needed to quickly find ways to adapt and overcome.

Always looking for ways to better serve its customers, Shopango immediately rose to the challenge, putting into motion a broad range of measures aimed at supporting the quickly evolving needs of the now largely remote workforce.

With the pandemic resulting in millions of positions moving to remote work, the need for home office furniture skyrocketed, with many providers being ill-prepared to keep pace with the flood of new orders.

By contrast, Shopango was able to anticipate demand and quickly scale service, support and its web presence to make sure its customers had everything needed to adapt to their at-home offices.

During the pandemic, Shopango realized that consumers were economically impacted by the pandemic and decided to offer free financing through Afterpay, which allows users to shop now and pay later with no interest.

The Website Redesign

Intuitive Design to Reduce Friction

Marking a major milestone in 2021, the new web design focuses on intuitiveness and reducing the friction often experienced when shopping for home or office furniture online. The goal was to make this shopping experience as easy and value-driven as it was enjoyable.

Speed and Performance

With more sales happening online, the company knew it needed a design that would leverage cutting-edge technology under the hood. This upgrade ensures that pages load silky smooth for customers and that even with spikes in traffic the website doesn't miss a beat.

Security-Minded

Utilizing industry-standard security and best practices, the website employs SSL protocols to establish authenticated and encrypted links between your computer and its server. Keeping customer data and payment information safe and secure is always a top priority.

A Robust Selection of Products & Product Sorting Engine

Specializing in home and office furniture , Shopango's website offers a broad range of products perfect for the living room, office, outdoor areas and more. With thousands of options to choose from, it's often easy for the online shopper to feel overwhelmed or 'lost' in the process.

Shopango takes the frustration out of online furniture shopping, empowering customers with an innovative shopping engine capable of filtering results by product type, availability (in stock or out of stock), style (from modern contemporary to rustic and everything in-between), color, price/budget, length and width (so you'll always know it'll fit), weight, wood tone and more.

Product Types Include:

Office / Work from Home

Bedroom

Living room

Kitchen

Outdoor

Gaming

And more

Dedicated Gaming and Work-from-home Page

With Shopango's new site launch, a new gaming page offering all gaming furniture came along with it. On this page, gamers can find the best chair and desk to build their gaming set up.

Shopango also launched their new work from home page, offering quality furniture and accessories for the perfect home office.

About Shopango

Focused on expertly curated furniture products that are built to last and designed to enhance the design and ambiance of spaces, Shopango has worked hard to set itself apart from other 'big box' online retailers.

Since its inception, the company has put its customers first, taking a consumer-centric approach to business and offering world-class service and support at every stage of the customer journey.

Those interested in learning more about the company or its products are encouraged to check out the newly designed website.

Media Contact:

Shopango

Phone number: 754-333-3250

Email: service@shopango.com

SOURCE: Shopango

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654780/Shopango-Announces-Website-Redesign-and-Discusses-Online-Furniture-Shopping-Amidst-the-Pandemic
Regulatory News:

The Board of Directors of SFL (Paris:FLY) met on July 8th, 2021 and issued a favorable reasoned opinion on the proposed mixed public offer initiated by Colonial for the shares of SFL (the "Offer

In respect to the Offer, Colonial offers to SFL's shareholders to acquire their SFL shares in exchange, for one share of SFL (ex-dividend coupon) tendered to the Offer, of:

a cash consideration of EUR 46.66; and

5 new Colonial ordinary shares to be issued (ex-dividend coupon).

The Offer is part of a series of transactions relating to the evolution of the existing partnership between SFL and Predica1

The ad hoc Committee, composed of the three independent members of the Board of Directors and responsible for overseeing the independent expert's mission with a view to the Board's reasoned opinion, met several times between April and June with the independent expert appointed by the Board of Directors on April 8th, 2021, the firm Finexsi.

The independent expert noted that the proposed Offer shows a premium of 43.8% for SFL shareholders based on the SFL and Colonial share prices on June 3rd, 2021 and 43.6% based on the 60-day volume-weighted average share price calculated on the same date.

The independent expert also noted that the SFL shareholder who will tender shares to the Offer will receive Colonial shares, which are substantially more liquid, which will allow him to remain exposed to the same business segment and whose share price presents a lower discount to the net asset value (NAV). The independent expert has therefore concluded that the terms of the proposed Offer for the SFL shares are fair from a financial point of view for the Company's shareholders.

The ad hoc Committee has noted the conclusions of the independent expert and the intentions expressed by Colonial in its draft offer document, and has noted that the Offer presents an opportunity for the minority shareholders to benefit from immediate liquidity on terms considered fair by the independent expert.

The ad hoc Committee has therefore recommended that the Board of Directors of SFL conclude that the Offer is in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders and its employees and recommend that the Company's shareholders tender their shares to the Offer.

Based in particular on the fairness opinion and the positive recommendation of the ad hoc Committee, the Board of Directors unanimously by the members having taken part in the vote2 issued a favorable opinion on the Offer and recommended that the shareholders tender their shares to the Offer.

The Board of Directors' reasoned opinion is reproduced in full in the draft response offer document filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (the "AMF") on July 8th, 2021. In accordance with Article 231-26 of the AMF's General Regulation, SFL will issue a press release describing the main elements of the draft response offer document and the procedures for making it available. SFL's draft offer document can be consulted on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org) and on SFL's website (https://www.fonciere-lyonnaise.com)

The Offer, the draft offer document and the draft response document are still subject to review by the AMF, which will assess their compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory provisions.

About SFL

Leader in the prime segment of the Parisian commercial real estate market, Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise stands out for the quality of its property portfolio, which is valued at 7.5 billion and is focused on the Central Business District of Paris (cloud.paris, Edouard VII, Washington Plaza, etc.), and for the quality of its client portfolio, which is composed of prestigious companies in the consulting, media, digital, luxury, finance and insurance sectors. As France's oldest property company, SFL demonstrates year after year an unwavering commitment to its strategy focused on creating a high value in use for users and, ultimately, substantial appraisal values for its properties.

Stock market: Euronext Paris Compartment A Euronext Paris ISIN FR0000033409 Bloomberg: FLY FP Reuters: FLYP PA

S&P rating: BBB+ stable outlook

1 See SFL press release on June 3, 2021.

2 It being specified that the directors representing Predica (i) did not take part in the discussions in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest resulting from the link between the Offer and the transactions considered with Predica and (ii) the directors representing Colonial, in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, voted in accordance with the recommendations issued by the ad hoc Committee in order to reach the quorum required for the validity of the deliberations of the Board of Directors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005764/en/

Contacts:

SFL Thomas Fareng Phone +33 (0)1 42 97 27 00 t.fareng@fonciere-lyonnaise.com

Evidence Gregoire Silly Phone +33 (0)6 99 10 78 99 gregoire.silly@evidenceparis.fr
Regulatory News:

In a context where the pandemic has triggered a growing demand for contactless solutions among travellers, "Key'n Go", which is operated by Goldcar, the low-cost brand of Europcar Mobility Group (Paris:EUCAR), in 35 key leisure airports in Southern Europe, allows customers to benefit, at scale, from a 100% digital, safe and fast solution to book, pick-up return their vehicle.

And, as travel restrictions are being lifted and sanitary measures eased almost everywhere in Europe, meaning that people begin to project themselves again into week-ends and holidays, "Key'n Go" meets unprecedented demand levels, at over +100% vs LY.

This comes as no surprise: the benefits that "Key'n Go" offers are perfectly suited to traveller's expectations, especially in the Covid-19 aftermath:

It is fast: no need to go the desk for paperwork and get the vehicle keys, no queuing . Customers just have to enter their booking number in the "Key'n Go" machine, grab their keys (all this taking ~1 minute only ), go the parking lot to pick their vehicle up and drive away.

no need to go the desk for paperwork and get the vehicle keys, . Customers just have to enter their booking number in the "Key'n Go" machine, grab their keys (all this taking ), go the parking lot to pick their vehicle up and drive away. It is hassle-free: with "Key'n Go", coverage and roadside assistance are bundled in the rental fee . Specific options, such as a baby-seat for example, can be selected during the online booking process.

with "Key'n Go", . Specific options, such as a baby-seat for example, can be selected during the online booking process. It is contactless, thus providing additional safety to those who wish to limit human interactions and travel with confidence. On arrival, customers can directly access their vehicle (thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between each rental, as part of Europcar Mobility Group's "Safety Program").

Since its launch in 2019, "Key'n Go" has met the expectations of a large part of Goldcar's customers, as proven by its very good Net Promoter Score (NPS), which is way higher than the segment average.

Paulo Pinto, Europcar Mobility Group's "Leisure" Service Line Director, comments:

"As vaccination campaigns are being rolled out at a fast pace everywhere in Europe and booking figures showing that people project themselves again into travelling, the 2021 summer season should see an increase in activity.

We have been actively preparing for it and our "Key'n Go" direct-access to car solution already meets very strong customer demand, as it ensures a fast, hassle-free and contactless experience.

Building on this and in line with our Group's "Connect" strategic roadmap, we will progressively deploy contactless solutions throughout the Europcar network as well, starting with Portugal after the summer for the Europcar app. users, and with Spain Italy next in line.

We are convinced that direct-access to vehicles will become the standard in the next 2 to 3 years: our 2023 ambition is to propose it, at scale, to all our customers."

About Europcar Mobility Group

Europcar Mobility Group is a major player in mobility markets and listed on Euronext Paris. Europcar Mobility Group's purpose is to offer attractive alternatives to vehicle ownership, in a responsible and sustainable manner. With this in mind, the Group offers a wide range of car and van rental services be it for a few hours, a few days, a week, a month or more with a fleet that is already "C02 light", equipped with the latest engines, and which will be increasingly "green" in the years to come (more than 1/3 electric and hybrid vehicles by 2023).

Customers' satisfaction is at the heart of the Group's ambition and that of its employees. It also fuels the ongoing development of new offerings in the Group's three service lines Professional, Leisure and Proximity which respond to the specific needs and use cases of both businesses and individuals. The Group's 4 major brands are: Europcar the European leader of car rental and light commercial vehicle rental, Goldcar the low-cost car-rental Leader in Europe, InterRent 'mid-tier' car rental and Ubeeqo one of the European leaders of round-trip car-sharing (BtoB, BtoC). Europcar Mobility Group delivers its mobility solutions worldwide through an extensive network in over 140 countries (including wholly owned subsidiaries 18 in Europe, 1 in the USA, 2 in Australia and New Zealand completed by franchises and partners).

Further details on our website:

www.europcar-mobility-group.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005800/en/

Contacts:

Press Relations

Valerie Sauteret valerie.sauteret@europcar.com

Vincent Vevaud vincent.vevaud@europcar.com



Publicis Consultants

Judith Grandcoing judith.grandcoing@publicisconsultants.com
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Alphanco Venture Corp. (TSXV: AVC.P) (the "Company" or "AVC"), a capital pool company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), is pleased to announce that it has closed its proposed "Qualifying Transaction," as defined under TSXV policies, being the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares (the "Transaction") of Marvel Biotechnology Inc., ("Marvel Biotech") effective June 14, 2021. In connection with closing of the Qualifying Transaction, AVC has changed its name to Marvel Biosciences Corp.

The arm's length acquisition of Marvel Biotech was structured as a three-cornered amalgamation, whereby AVC acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Marvel Biotech through an amalgamation between a wholly owned subsidiary of AVC and Marvel Biotech. The amalgamation resulted in the shareholders of Marvel Biotech receiving common shares of AVC (the "Common Shares") as consideration under the amalgamation and Marvel Biotech becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Transaction is classified as a reverse take-over.

Final approval of the Transaction will occur upon the issuance of the Final Exchange Bulletin (the "Bulletin") by the TSXV. Subject to final acceptance by the TSXV, the Common Shares of Marvel Biosciences Corp. are expected to commence trading on the TSXV under the symbol "MRVL" on or about July 12, 2021, and the Company will be classified as a Tier 2 life sciences issuer pursuant to TSXV policies.

Shareholders of the Company are not required to take any action with respect to the name change and are not required to exchange any existing certificates bearing the Company's old name. The Company's transfer agent and registrar, Odyssey Trust Company, will send registered shareholders a new Direct Registration System statement representing the number of Common Shares held by such shareholders.

A copy of the Company's press releases and TSXV Filing Statement, which contains comprehensive disclosure on the Transaction and the business of the Company and Marvel Biotech, has been filed on SEDAR under the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com.

Private Placement Financing Conditions to Final TSXV Acceptance

As part of the TSXV conditional approval of the Transaction and issuance of the Bulletin, the Company was required to complete a private placement financing (the "Financing') of a minimum of 6,400,000 Common Shares of the Company at a price of $0.40 per share for proceeds of $2,560,000. On June 10, 2021, the Company completed the Financing for gross proceeds of $2,616,000 through the issuance of 6,540,000 Common Shares at $0.40 per share. A cash finder's fee of $144,000 was paid to eligible finders in connection with the Financing.

All securities issued in connection with the Financing are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day, expiring October 11, 2021 in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

Proceeds from the Offering will be used for Company operations and in support of the cGMP synthesis and GLP toxicology studies of its lead asset, MB-204 with application to neurological diseases (depression & anxiety, Alzheimer's, ADHD and addiction), cancer, and application to the non-neurological disease of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis liver fibrosis. Proceeds will also be used for further research on MB-204 and additional potential pipeline products in development or to be identified as a result of internal research; and for general working capital purposes.

Additional information on the Company

In connection with the Transaction, Marvel Biosciences Corp. board of directors has been reconstituted and is now comprised of the following individuals:

Joanne Yan

Neil A Johnson

Jeremy Fehr

J. Roderick (Rod) Matheson - Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Mark Williams - President and Chief Science Officer

In addition, the Company has appointed Preston J. Maddin as Chief Financial Officer and Jacqueline Groot as Corporate Secretary.

Capital Structure

Upon issuance of the Bulletin, including the Financing, the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company consists of 32,586,231 Common Shares, including 6,540,000 Common Shares issued pursuant to the Financing. The Company will also have 10,071,533 warrants outstanding at various dates of maturity up to April 30, 2023.

A total of 14,250,098 Common Shares will be subject to escrow agreements, including 2,700,000 Common Shares originally issued to the Company's principals upon listing the Company as a "capital pool company" (the "CPC Escrow Shares"), and 11,400,098 Common Shares issued to principals in connection with the Transaction (the "Value Escrow Shares"). 25% of the CPC Escrow Shares will be released from escrow upon issuance of the Bulletin, with an additional 25% every six months thereafter. 10% of the Value Escrow Shares will be released upon issuance of the Bulletin and 15% every six months thereafter.

A total of 1,775,000 warrants are subject to a Tier 2 value escrow and will be released from escrow on the same terms as the Value Escrow Shares.

"We are pleased to announce the completion of this significant milestone for our Company and with our partners at Alphanco," stated Rod Matheson, CEO of Marvel Biotech. "This financing will allow Marvel Biotech to develop its lead asset MB-204 for clinical testing. We look forward to updating the market on our progress and MB-204 with application to the neurological diseases of depression & anxiety, Alzheimer's, ADHD and addiction, cancer, and the application to the non-neurological disease of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis liver fibrosis."

About Marvel Biotechnology Inc.

Marvel Biotechnology Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Marvel Biosciences Corp., is a Calgary-based biotechnology company that utilizes a "drug redevelopment" approach to drug development. Historically, when a new class of drug is developed, it is optimized for a particular target, but often only approved for a specific disease. Often, a new disease is identified which involves the same target, however, pending the remaining patent life, the same drug may not have sufficient time left for it to be commercially viable to developed it for the new indication. Marvel Biotech utilizes a non-traditional biotechnology model in that it has identified assets or compounds that have come off patent protection, and unlike a traditional redevelopment biotechnology model, develops synthetic chemical derivatives to significantly enhance certain compounds that results in a new novel and patentable asset. The business model result is that there is significantly less risk, cost and time to develop our assets compared to traditional biotechnology companies with the objective of developing or partnering the assets for commercialization.

Marvel Biotechnology Inc. has currently developed several new patented and patentable chemical entities, using synthetic chemical derivatives of known, off-patent drugs, that inhibit the A2a adenosine receptor with application to neurological diseases (depression & anxiety, Alzheimer's, ADHD and addiction), cancer, and application to the non-neurological disease of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis liver fibrosis. Marvel Biotech is also exploring additional undisclosed targets to expand its asset pipeline.

Contact Information

For further information please contact:

J. Roderick (Rod) Matheson, CEO

Marvel Biosciences Corp.

Email: info@MarvelBiotechnology.com

Phone: 403 770 2469

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange 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.

Issuance of the Final TSXV Bulletin is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to TSXV acceptance and submission of conditional approval documents post-closing of the Transaction.

Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required TSXV approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be approved as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the TSXV Filing Statement (or other disclosure documents to be prepared by the Company) prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of an emerging junior company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

All information contained in this news release with respect to AVC and Marvel Biotech was supplied by the parties, respectively, for inclusion herein, and each parties' directors and officers have relied on each other for any information concerning such party.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Proposed Transaction and the future plans and objectives of the Company and Marvel Biotech are forward-looking statements that involve 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 expectations of the Company and Marvel Biotech include the failure to obtain approval from the TSXV for the Transaction and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company and Marvel Biotech under securities regulations.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and Marvel Biotech. As a result, the Company and Marvel Biotech cannot guarantee that the Transaction will be approved on the terms and within the time disclosed herein or at all. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company and Marvel Biotech will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89789
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Fjordland Exploration Inc. (TSXV: FEX) ("Fjordland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that at it's Annual General Meeting today, Fjordland Shareholders elected its recommended slate of directors including new appointee, John Sheedy. John was elected in place of Richard Atkinson who has retired after serving on the board since the company's inception 25 years ago. Richard has agreed to remain an Advisor to the Company for the foreseeable future.

John brings to Fjordland over 30 years of investment, transaction and corporate decision-making experience, most recently with the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Teachers') where he spent 16 years as an investor in public markets and in private equity. He has sourced and led investment transactions in multiple sectors, including metals and mining, in Canada, the U.S. and Brazil. Before joining Teachers', John was a partner at a Toronto-based merchant banking fund and a partner at Torys LLP where he practiced corporate and securities law. He has served on the boards of several private and not-for-profit companies and holds the ICD.d designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. John received a B.A. Hons (Economics) from the University of Western Ontario and an LL.B. from Queen's University.

James Tuer, Fjordland's President commented, "I'm very pleased to welcome John to Fjordland's board of directors. I believe his vast corporate experience will be very beneficial to the Company as we continue to develop existing and future projects. I'd also like to congratulate DA on his retirement from the board but not the Company. I expect his sage advice as an advisor to the Company will prove very valuable for years to come."

Completed results from the AGM are detailed below. There are currently 75,284,339 common shares outstanding.

MOTIONS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF VOTES CAST FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/ SPOILED NON FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/ ABSTAIN VOTE ABSTAIN Number of Directors 17,810,464 0 0 0 0 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% James Tuer 17,780,464 0 30,000 0 0 99.83% 0.00% 0.17% Peter Krag-Hansen 17,807,464 0 3,000 0 0 99.98% 0.00% 0.02% Victor A. Tanaka 17,807,464 0 3,000 0 0 99.98% 0.00% 0.02% Mark Gibson 17,806,764 0 3,700 0 0 99.98% 0.00% 0.02% John C. Sheedy 17,806,364 0 4,100 0 0 99.98% 0.00% 0.02% Appointment of Auditors 17,810,464 0 0 0 0 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% Stock Option Plan 17,630,064 180,400 0 0 0 98.99% 1.01% 0.00% Other Business 17,804,064 6,400 0 0 0 99.96% 0.04% 0.00%





About Fjordland Exploration Inc.

Fjordland Exploration Inc. is a mineral exploration company that is focused on the discovery of large-scale economic metal deposits located in Canada.

Fjordland, as operator, has an agreement to acquire 100% of the Renzy nickel copper project located near Maniwaki Quebec from Quebec Precious Metals. The project encompasses the former Renzy Mine where during the period from 1969 to 1972, 716,000 short tons were mined with average grades of 0.70% nickel and 0.72% copper. Fjordland has staked additional claims to increase the size of the project to 235 sq. km.

In collaboration with Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (formerly High Power Exploration Inc.) and Commander Resources Ltd., Fjordland is exploring the South Voisey's Bay "Pants Lake Intrusive" target which is in a geologic setting analogous to the nearby nickel-cobalt-copper Voisey's Bay deposit.

Fjordland is currently reviewing its West Milligan copper gold project located within 4 km of Centerra's Mount Milligan copper gold mine in central British Columbia. The project is a joint venture with Northwest Copper Corp.

Robert Cameron, P. Geo., a technical advisor to the Company, is a qualified person within the context of National Instrument 43-101 and has read and takes responsibility for the technical aspects of this release. For further technical information please visit Fjordland's website at www.fjordlandex.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"James Tuer"

James Tuer, CEO

For further information:

James Tuer

Ph: 604-688-3415

tuer@fjordlandex.com

www.fjordlandex.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the private placement, and other future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that 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 plans or expectations include market prices, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company 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 otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89788
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO DO SO

Regulatory News:

Elior Group (Euronext Paris ISIN: FR 0011950732), one of the world's leading operators in catering and support services.

Elior Group successfully completes the refinancing of its senior debt, thus extending its maturity while diversifying its sources of funding

Elior Group, a societe anonyme organized under the laws of the Republic of France ("Elior"), today provides a description of its new capital structure following the issuance of 550,000,000 Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Notes") and the drawing of a new senior unsecured term loan (the "New Term Loan") of 100,000,000 and the signature of a senior unsecured revolving credit facility of 350,000,000 (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and together with the New Term Loan, the "Senior Facilities

The gross proceeds from the Notes, together with the New Term Loan, have been used to repay Elior's existing term loan, will be used for general corporate purposes, and to pay the costs, fees and expenses in relation to the Notes and the Senior Facilities.

The Notes

The Notes are Elior's general senior and unsecured obligations, mature on July 15, 2026, rank pari passu in right of payment with all of Elior's existing and future unsecured obligations that are not expressly contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes (including Elior's obligations in respect of the Revolving Credit Facility and New Term Loan and any future indebtedness permitted to be incurred), rank senior in right of payment to any existing and future obligations of Elior that are expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and are guaranteed on the Issue Date by Elior Participations S.C.A. and, no later than October 31, 2021, will be guaranteed by certain French, Italian, Spanish and English subsidiaries of Elior.

The contract governing the Notes (the "Indenture"), among other things, contains incurrence covenants and events of default that are customary in the European high yield market, each of which is subject to a number of important exceptions, thresholds and qualifications.

Save for upon payment of a make-whole premium, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings or in the event of certain changes in taxation law, the Notes are not callable by Elior prior to July 15, 2023 and callable thereafter with a certain premium. Upon certain events constituting a change of control, holders of Notes can request their Notes be repurchased by Elior at a price of 101%, plus accrued and unpaid interest (if any).

The Notes will be listed on Euro MTF Market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and have been sold pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended and in a transaction exempt from the prospectus requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

The Senior Bank Debt

The obligations in respect of the senior bank debt are Elior's general senior and unsecured obligations, mature on July 2, 2025 (which may be extended to July 2, 2026 under certain circumstances), rank pari passu in right of payment with the Notes as described above and are guaranteed on the Issue Date by Elior Participations S.C.A. and, no later than October 31, 2021, will be guaranteed by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the Notes.

The contract governing the senior bank debt (the "Senior Facilities Agreement"), among other things, contains customary negative covenants with respect to Elior and its subsidiaries (the "Group") (adapted in certain cases to reflect the Group's specific situation, such as dividend payments which are subject to a net leverage ratio (net debt to EBITDA) not greater than 4.5:1).

The Senior Facilities Agreement also requires compliance with certain leverage ratio (net debt to EBITDA), which changes over time. The following table displays the leverage ratio to be complied with under the Senior Facilities Agreement (with such leverage ratio taking into account the impact of IFRS 16 (Leases)).

Relevant Testing Date Leverage ratio September 30, 2022 7.5:1 March 31, 2023 6.0:1 From September 30, 2023 onwards 4.5:1

Exclusively upon the request of the majority lenders, the Senior Facilities may be cancelled, and all obligations under the Senior Facilities may be due and payable in full, if, among other events, there is a "change of control" or a sale of all or substantially all of the Group's assets.

The Senior Facilities Agreement provides for certain events of default (subject to materiality, cure periods and other exceptions where appropriate) which can trigger acceleration.

Cautionary statement

The Notes have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or unless pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (the "EEA"). For these purposes, a "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (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 (iii) not a "qualified investor" within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation

The Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor (as defined above) in the United Kingdom. For these purposes, a "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of the following: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and any rules or regulations made thereunder to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.

This announcement does not constitute and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute a public offering nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation or otherwise. The offer and sale of the Notes will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities.

In the United Kingdom, this announcement is directed only at persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) are outside the United Kingdom or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA") in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The Notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such Notes will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons.

MiFID II professionals/ECPs-only/ No PRIIPs KID Manufacturer target market (MIFID II product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as not available to retail investors in EEA.

UK MIFIR professionals/ECPs-only/ No UK PRIIPS KID Manufacturer target market (UK MIFIR product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No UK PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as not available to retail investors in the United Kingdom.

Neither the content of Elior's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on Elior's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this announcement. The distribution of this announcement into certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Forward-looking statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements. These forward- looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", ?estimates", ?anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts and include statements regarding Elior's or its affiliates' intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, Elior's or its affiliates' results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industries in which they operate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that Elior's or its affiliates' actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which they operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward- looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if Elior's or its affiliates' results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which they operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.

The forward-looking statements and information contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and Elior undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005856/en/

Contacts:

Investor relations: Kimberly Stewart Kimberly.Stewart@eliorgroup.com +33 (0)1 71 06 7013

Press contact: Thibault Joseph Thibault.Joseph@eliorgroup.com +33 (0)6 23 00 16 93
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (the "Company" or "Aires") is pleased to announce that it has granted 8,150,000 options to purchase common shares of the Company exercisable at a price of $0.13 per common share and expiring on July 6, 2026, to officers, directors and consultants of the Company. The common shares issuable upon exercise of the options are subject to a four-month hold period from the original date of grant.

About American Aires Inc. American Aires Inc. is a public nanotechnology company which has developed proprietary EMF Modulation Technology that reduces the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under a symbol of WIFI. The technology was developed by a team of accredited scientists and confirmed by independent third-party validation including peer reviewed studies and publications in scientific journals. The technology specifically targets cellphones, computers, baby monitors, Wi-Fi routers and general EMR emitted by telecommunication devices. Aires has launched a full suite of consumer products under the brand name "LIFETUNE" TM. for use on almost all consumer electronic devices. The Company has adopted a global ecommerce and distribution platform that scales easily as sales grow.

Since launching in 2019, the Company has been building out their ecommerce platform which is now capable of delivering up to 1,000 orders a day along with recent customer service center agreements. Strategically placed fulfillment centers have been secured to ensure prompt delivery around the globe. With the launch of 5G networks around the world, this year, we are seeing an increase of news, reports and leading health organizations discussing the potential harm of EMR and the importance of identifying solutions to reduce these harmful rays.

On behalf of the board of directors

Company Contact

Dimitry Serov, CEO

Email: dimitry@airestech.com

Telephone: (905) 482-4667

Website: www.airestech.com

For further information please contact:

Investor Cubed Inc.:

Neil Simon, CEO

Email: wifi@airestech.com

Telephone: (647) 258-3310

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Not intended for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of United States Securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89795
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crude oil futures settled higher on Thursday, recovering from early lows, after data showed a bigger than expected decline in crude inventories in the U.S. last week. Worries about outlook for energy demand, fears of possible excess supply in the market after the OPEC+ abandoned its output talks earlier this week following disagreement between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for August ended up by $0.74 or about 1% at $72.94 a barrel. Brent crude futures were up $0.76 or 1.03% at $74.19 a barrel a little while ago. Data released by U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) this morning showed crude inventories in the country fell by 6.866 million barrels last week, more than 50% up from an expected drop of about 4.03 million barrels. The data also showed distillate stockpiles increased by 1.616 million barrels last week, much more than expected increase of 171,000 barrels, while gasoline inventories dropped by over 6 million barrels in the week, nearly three times the expected decline. A report released by the American Petroleum Institute (API) late Wednesday showed crude inventories in the U.S. fell by 8.0 million barrels in the week ended July 1. OPEC+ has restrained supply for more than a year since demand crashed during the coronavirus pandemic. Investors now fear that a lack of new supply agreement could prompt major oil producers to significantly step up production much faster. As uncertainty lingers, Russia is trying to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the UAE to help strike a deal, media reported quoted OPEC+ sources as saying. 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.
DAVOS, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2021 / Paul Holmes' Davos Communications Summit on Zoom attracted C-suite executives and global experts in the field of public communications. The event turned into one of the world's most successful online events to combine vision, expertise and guidance on the new post-pandemic world and the value-driven leadership. The summit, organized by the based in Davos, Switzerland World Communications Forum Association, was entitled "The Pace of Change Won't Slow Down".

Paul Holmes, Founder and Chair of PRovoke Media, is world-renowned PR guru who has spent more than 30 years studying, analyzing, and reporting on the global public relations industry. During the event he shared powerful learnings, diverse expertise and elevated the voices of those with lived experience among the high-profile attendees. His main focus was the transformation of public communications since the onset of the pandemic, the biggest drivers of this change and what to expect from the future of PR over the next years and how to adapt to ensure prosperity.

WCFA launched the Summit with the objective to deliver strategic insights and critical thoughts on key industry changes, bringing together professionals who had their line of work impacted by the pandemic or need guidance for future professional achievements.

Among the attendees were award-winning communications professionals, agencies and academics from Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Russia, Slovenia, United Kingdom and United States.

"We were happy and truly thankful to have the one-and-only Paul Holmes for such an interesting and knowledgeable session, part of the Online Davos Communications Forum today. Paul's level of expertise and experience in the field of public communications is more than impressive and his insightful lecture was essential for all professionals in the PR industry. We have been together in Davos many years and I hope that next year we will meet again in Switzerland.", said Maxim Behar, the President and one of the Founders of WCFA.

'Thank you to the World Communications Forum Association! You did more for the development of the PR profession from all corners of the world more than anybody I know. I put you up there with great societies like ICCO and all the other groups who are working to improve and add value to our profession, and you are a great ally and partner in that regard. It's impressive that you found a way to continue the Davos Communications Forum online and I hope we will be able to come back to live events and have nice conversations over coffee.', said Paul Holmes, Founder and Chair of PRovoke Media.

Full video record of Paul Holmes' Online Summit can be found on July 9 on www.wcfaglobal.com

The President Maxim Behar also announced the Association's upcoming project - the Davos Digital Awards, which will be opened for entries in August, 2021. Soon you can learn more on www.davosawards.com or contact Maxim Behar at mainoffice@wcfaglobal.com

SOURCE: World Communication Forum Association

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654814/Paul-Holmes-Davos-Communications-Summit-Attracts-CEOs-from-Global-PR-Companies
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - Athabasca Minerals Inc. (TSXV: AMI) ("AMI" or the "Corporation") announces the following organizational changes:

Paul Leveille has been appointed as Chief Technology Officer ("CTO") of AMI RockChain Inc., effective July 1, 2021. Paul joined AMI RockChain with the Corporation's acquisition of TerraShift Engineering Ltd in June 2020 and has been key to leading the next generation of technology development of RockChain TM including the integration of proprietary TerraMaps software.





including the integration of proprietary TerraMaps software. Cheryl Grue has been appointed as Director of Corporate Affairs, effective July 1, 2021. Cheryl has been with AMI since 2018 with increasing responsibilities. In her new role, Cheryl will be responsible for corporate and stakeholder relations, corporate governance, and strategic Human Resource initiatives.





Tanya Finney has resigned from her position as Director of Investor and Stakeholder Relations to pursue other interests. AMI appreciates the contributions that Tanya made in her role and wishes her success in her future endeavors.

ABOUT ATHABASCA MINERALS INC.

Athabasca Minerals is an integrated group of companies capable of full life-cycle development and supply of aggregates and industrial minerals. The Corporation is comprised of the following business units:

AMI Aggregates division produces and sells aggregates out of its corporate pits and manages the Coffey Lake Public Pit on behalf of the Government of Alberta.

division produces and sells aggregates out of its corporate pits and manages the Coffey Lake Public Pit on behalf of the Government of Alberta. AMI Silica division (www.amisilica.com) is positioning to become a leading supplier of premium domestic silica sand with regional deposits located in Alberta and North-East BC and holds a 5-year purchase agreement with Shell Canada for the supply of proppant. Privco1 & Privco2 are private Alberta corporations acquired by AMI with premium domestic sand holdings strategically located with respect to the Montney and Duvernay sedimentary basins. Privco2 supports the 'Prosvita Sand Project' (formerly called the Duvernay Sand Project) and AMI's development application for regulatory approval. The Prosvita Sand Project has engaged the business interest of an international corporation offering industrial synergies (power, utilities, industrial water, rail, environmental green benefits) and with whom negotiations are ongoing.

division (www.amisilica.com) is positioning to become a leading supplier of premium domestic silica sand with regional deposits located in Alberta and North-East BC and holds a 5-year purchase agreement with Shell Canada for the supply of proppant. AMI RockChain division (www.amirockchain.com) is a midstream, technology-enabled business that deploys its proprietary RockChain digital platform, associated industry econometrics, supply-chain algorithms, quality-assurance & safety programs to bring customers integrated supply-delivery solutions of industrial minerals to industry, infrastructure and construction sectors. TerraShift Engineering (www.terrashift.ca) was acquired by AMI RockChain in June 2020. TerraShift conducts resource exploration & development programs, regulatory engineering, mine planning, environmental reclamation and remediation, and compliance reporting for a growing customer base across Western Canada and Ontario. TerraShift is also the developer of its proprietary TerraMaps software.

division (www.amirockchain.com) is a midstream, technology-enabled business that deploys its proprietary RockChain digital platform, associated industry econometrics, supply-chain algorithms, quality-assurance & safety programs to bring customers integrated supply-delivery solutions of industrial minerals to industry, infrastructure and construction sectors.

For further information, please contact:

Cheryl Grue, Director, Corporate Affairs

Tel: 587-392-5862 / Email: cheryl.grue@athabascaminerals.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

This news release contains certain statements or disclosures relating to Athabasca that are based on the expectations of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Athabasca which may constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. All such statements and disclosures, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results or developments that Athabasca anticipates or expects may, or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words "would", "will", "anticipates", believes", "explores" and similar expressions.

Athabasca believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such forward-looking statements involve 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 statements including, without limitation: a significant expansion in COVID-19 restricting or prohibiting the operation of the Athabasca's facilities or significantly impacting the Corporation's supply chain; the duration and extent of the relatively low global oil prices; general economic, market and business conditions including those in the event of an epidemic, natural disaster or other event; increased costs and expenses; reliance on industry partners; and certain other risks detailed from time to time in Athabasca's public disclosure documents including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news release, and in Athabasca's annual information form, copies of which are available on Athabasca's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Moreover, the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown at this time and 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 Corporation.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89803
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2021) - LOOPShare Ltd. (TSXV: LOOP) (OTC Pink: LPPPF) (FSE: 3KZ) ("LOOPShare" or the "Company") announces that it intends to complete a change of business transaction to become a foods products company focused on production and distribution of healthy, gluten-free and plant-based foods products. The Company has entered into a Share Exchange Agreement dated July 6, 2021 (the "Definitive Agreement") with VGAN Brands Inc. ("VGAN") pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of VGAN (the "Transaction"). The Company further intends to apply to list its common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and delist from the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The delisting from the TSX Venture Exchange will be completed prior to the completion of the Transaction.

VGAN Brands invests in companies that are dedicated to providing the best in gluten-free and plant-based food products. VGAN's current core holding is NextJen Gluten-Free. Founded by Chef Jen Peters who honed her culinary skills in Michelin starred restaurants in London, England and Chef Hamid Salimian. NextJen Gluten-Free manufactures and packages a proprietary line of gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, sulphite-free, xanthan gum-free, and egg-free flowers, mixes and batters.

The Company has determined that the Transaction provides the best opportunity at the present time to maximize value for the Company. The Company's existing business model of ridesharing and retail sale of electric scooters is capital intensive and unlikely to achieve sustained profitability in the near term. The Transaction provides the Company with an opportunity to access to the fast-growing health, gluten-free and plant based foods sectors.

The Transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and other conditions customary for a transaction of this nature. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Transaction Overview

The following are the highlights of the terms and conditions of the Definitive Agreement:

VGAN has outstanding the following securities: 34,000,000 shares, 34,000,000 warrants and 3,000,000 stock options issued and outstanding.

The exchange ratio for the Transaction is one common share of the Company will be issued in exchange for every one common share of VGAN.

The Transaction is subject to the following key conditions:

the Company shall be satisfied with the results of its due diligence investigations related to VGAN;

VGAN shall be satisfied with the results of its due diligence investigations related to the Company;

VGAN shareholder acceptance of the Share Exchange Agreement;

the Company shall have received conditional approval of the TSXV to delist its common shares and from the CSE to list its common shares;

the Transaction will have received all other necessary regulatory and corporate approvals;

VGAN shall have completed its acquisition of NextJen; and

VGAN shall have completed a financing for aggregate gross proceeds of not less than $3,000,000 (the "Concurrent Financing").

It is intended that VGAN shall make available to the Company a bridge loan of $50,000 (subject to execution of definitive documentation) that will be utilized for expenses associated with the Transaction and general and administrative expenses.

In connection with the Transaction, the Company will apply to list its common shares on the CSE under the ticker VGAN, which application is subject to the Company meeting the CSE's listing requirements. There is no assurance that the CSE will provide conditional or final approval of the Company's application to list its common shares on the CSE. The Company will concurrently apply to delist its common shares from the TSXV, subject to TSXV acceptance.

Following closing of the Transaction (excluding shares issued in the Concurrent Financing) it is anticipated that the Company will have 37,209,468 common shares issued and outstanding on a non-diluted basis. The Company will also have 34,707,919 common share purchase warrants and 3,195,000 stock options.

Additional Information

The Transaction is arm's length and no finder's fees are payable for the Transaction. Full details of the Transaction will be included in the listing statement to be filed with the CSE. The name of the Resulting Issuer will be "VGAN Brands Inc."

Additional information as required will be provided by way of a subsequent news release. Trading in the common shares of the Company on the TSXV will remain halted until such time as the requirements of the TSXV are met.

This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the Unites States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including Exchange acceptance. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Listing Statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

About LOOPShare

For additional information on LOOPShare please refer to www.loopscooters.com.

Company Contact

info@loopshareltd.com

604-568-1598

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" concerning anticipated developments and events related to LOOPShare Ltd. that may occur in the future. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes, but is not limited to, (i) statements with respect to the Company's future business objectives; (ii) removal of conditions relating to the completion of the Transaction; (iii) completion of the Concurrent Financing; and (iv) receipt of regulatory approvals of the Transaction.

In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "expects", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "would", or "might" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the timely receipt of regulatory approvals and the completion of the Concurrent Financing. While LOOPShare considers these assumptions to be reasonable, they may be incorrect.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks related to acts of God, and the risk that regulatory approval will not be received for the Transaction or listing of the Company's shares on the CSE, the ability to attract qualified management and staff, labour disputes, regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits; and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of LOOPShare's filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators.

Although LOOPShare has attempted to identify factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or 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/89804
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Cirrus Logic, Inc. (CRUS) Thursday said it has agreed to buy California-based Lion Semiconductor for $335 million in cash. Cirrus said the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to its earnings, contributing about $60 million in revenue between deal close and the end of full year 2022. 'The acquisition of Lion Semiconductor adds further momentum to our strategy of applying our mixed-signal expertise to new markets and driving growth through innovation in areas such as power,' said Cirrus Logic President and Chief Executive Officer John Forsyth. Incorporated in 2012, Lion has operations in San Francisco and Seoul, South Korea. The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction, which is expected to close within 30 days, subject to customary closing conditions. 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.
CANADA'S JAMES GRANT TAKES THE NUMBER 1 SPOT AT DIAGEO WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR GLOBAL FINALS 2021

LONDON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- James Grant representing Canada has been named the world's best bartender for 2021 at the first-ever fully virtual World Class Global Final.

Over five days, James and 49 other extraordinary bartenders were streamed live from their home countries as they virtually competed against each other in a series of unique challenges that tested their skills, creativity and showmanship.

James said: "I can't believe I've won! All the bartenders were incredible and to be chosen as this year's winner, after the year we've all had is unbelievable. When I started my journey in bartending I never thought it would lead me here. I was simply inspired by the community and creativity of everyone around me, it was infectious and soon I had fallen in love with the craft and opportunities. It gave me the drive and determination to seek out the best in the business to learn from and that's what got me here today. I want to thank all those who have been part of that journey and now I want to inspire up and coming bartenders to find a career and a creative outlet in the extraordinary world of bartending."

A virtual competition didn't mean the challenges were any less ambitious with the finalists tasked to create a Johnnie Walker highball that reflected the flavours and culture of their home city; host a masterclass for making a World Class Tanqueray No. Ten cocktail at home; design a Ketel One vodka cocktail that had a positive environmental impact and a sense of community at its core, and produce an original subterranean-inspired Don Julio serve. The week was rounded off with a special edition 'Malts' speed round challenge using The Singleton and Talisker, that not only tested the finalists' efficiency but also the quality and design of their cocktails.

Simon Earley, Global Head of Diageo World Class, said: "Our first-ever virtual World Class Global Final has been a huge success and has resulted in one the most innovative and creative competitions we have ever seen. The judges were blown away by James' creativity and originality, creating serves that were amazing to experience visually, virtually and in person. They are a fully deserving winner and I'm really excited to start working with them as a World Class ambassador in the year ahead."

Innovation was at the heart of this fully virtual competition, with a production and broadcast hub based in a London studio alongside a selection of our locally-based judges, and avatar bartenders assigned to mix each competitor's cocktails while the on-screen finalist made and presented the drinks to the judges live from their own country. This novel idea allowed for the expert judging panel of former winners, award-winning mixologists, drinks writers and journalists to taste and critique the cocktails in real time and experience these creations just as they would have in a real-life event.

During the week, as well as a live stream of the competition, there was a packed itinerary of immersive virtual experiences that viewers could engage with online. The content ranged from actor and Tanqueray No. Ten global partner, Stanley Tucci meeting his World Class match with World Class judge and Director of Mixology at the Connaught, Ago Perrone; to a dynamic panel discussion between some of the industry's leading movers and shakers on the future of socialising, featuring Diageo's Global Head of Digital Innovation, Benjamin Lickfett and drinks trailblazer, Ryan Chetiyawardana, a.k.a Mr Lyan.

Diageo Global Reserve Director, Pedro Mendonca said: "World Class is an extraordinary festival of creativity and experiences. From the competitors to the virtual Taste of the Future experiences, we got to see how drinks culture is evolving and it's exciting. It was also fantastic to see such commitment from our finalists, judges and friends to championing positive drinking, a key focus for Diageo and all its brands across everything we do."

This year's winner, James, is the twelfth bartender to enter the World Class Hall of Fame, and today marks the start of an exciting 12 months that will see them judging World Class national heats; inspiring 2022 hopefuls and crowning regional champions.

Simon Earley added: "For more than 12 months the hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit, but what this year has shown is the creativity, innovation and camaraderie that lives within our bartender community and we are delighted that we were able to showcase just some of this spirit within the World Class Competition.

Since its launch in 2009, Diageo World Class has played a significant role in inspiring better drinking and transforming cocktail culture around the world. Over 400,000 bartenders across the globe have been supported, trained and inspired by World Class since its inception.

For more information on World Class and to keep you up to date with the latest drinks, trends and training, visit www.diageobaracademy.com/en_zz/world-class-/ and follow @WorldClass

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560519/Canada_James_Grant.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560520/James_Grant_Canada.jpg
Iran resistance leaders call for prosecution of Khamenei and Raisi for their role in the massacre of more than 30,000 political dissidents

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest international event dedicated to justice and human rights in Iran, the annual Free Iran World Summit, will livestream July 10-12 via social media and satellite television. The event is hosted by Iran Freedom, the most extensive grassroots network for Iranian liberation.

Following the success of last year's event that hosted millions of viewers from five continents and 177 countries, the event will be broadcast live in an extended three-day summit where Iranians and resistance supporters from 50,000 locations across 105 countries and throughout Iran will join members of the Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK/PMOI) in Ashraf 3.

Simultaneously, thousands of Iranians will gather at Brandenburger Tor in Berlin and hold assemblies in 16 capitols and major cities around the world, including Paris, Washington, D.C., London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Oslo, Vienna, Rome, Budapest and Geneva.

In attendance at the summit will be 1,029 political dignitaries and over 250 lawmakers from Europe, Canada and the Middle East and North Africa region, along with 30 members of the U.S. Congress, 11 prime ministers and presidents, 70 former ministers from Europe and the Middle East, and 30 senior U.S. officials.

Event attendees and speakers will unite to call for equality, justice and human rights in Iran. Some are also expected to publicly call for the prosecution of heads of the mullahs' regime, Ali Khamenei and recently appointed Ebrahim Raisi following Iran's controversial election.

"Installing as president a mass murderer and a criminal against humanity reflects the regime's desperation [and] foreshadows the overthrow of the ruling theocracy. Raisi must face justice in an international tribunal," said NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi in response to the election's results.

The livestreamed experience will begin at 9 a.m. EDT and is free and open to a global audience at any of the following online locations:

Twitter: @Iran_policy, @NCRIArabic, @hambastegi_meli

Facebook: @IranNCR, @NCRIArabic, @HambastegiMeliIranian

About Free Iran World Summit 2021

The Free Iran World Summit is an annual event organized by Iran Freedom, a global grassroots network of Iranian expatriates, human rights defenders and more than 300 allied organizations supporting freedom, equality and human rights in Iran. For more information, visit https://iranfreedom.org/en/freeiran.

Contact:

Sarah Rahimi

Tel: +1 (571) 281-7167

Iran Freedom

globalsummit@iranfreedom.org

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560372/Free_Iran_World_Summit_2021.jpg
CodeBoxx, a St. Petersburg, Fla. and NYC-based technology community that offers an accelerated coding and technology program for individuals of all backgrounds, secured $2m in seed funding.

The round, which brought total valuation to $22m, was led by the investment arm of MadaLuxe Group. Following MadaLuxe Groups investment, Sandy Sholl, co-founder and Chairman of MadaLuxe Group, will also join the CodeBoxx board of directors.

The company will launch its first in-person US cohorts at its Tampa BaySt. Petersburg location and at its Philadelphia campus this year and plans to expand into the NY/NJ/CT tri-state area in 2022.

The CodeBoxx developer ecosystem is breaking barriers and helping retail and other companies address the shortage of skilled tech talent by making developer training accessible to diverse populations and guaranteeing job placement upon program completion.

CodeBoxx was founded with a mission to create the business-first developers of the 21st century by offering a 16-week, full-time training program that focuses on development of the technical and soft skills businesses require today. There are no prerequisites to register and enroll in the CodeBoxx technology training program and participants pay no tuition until they have successfully completed the program and are hired by one of CodeBoxxs client companies or are placed in its in-house solutions division.

Launched in 2018 by Nicolas Genest, CEO, CodeBoxx is a technology bootcamp created to address the shortage of business-first software developers. The company offers a 16-week proprietary training program to meet the very real challenges of CTOs and help companies optimize return on their technology investment. The CodeBoxx bootcamp training program, offered both in person and online, guarantees employment to graduates through in-house placement services with world-class companies as well as within CodeBoxxs own Digital Workshop, a digital solutions division that works with eBay, Vivino, MadaLuxe, the SPARC Group, Amsale, Lucky Brand and many more.

FinSMEs

09/07/2021
ComeBack Mobility, an Ukrainian medtech startup, raised $1M in seed funding.

Backers included Ukrainian medtech investment fund Fison, Peter Chernyshov, the ex-CEO of the telecom KyivStar, the pharmaceutical company Farmak, and several angel investors from Ukraine, Belgium and the US.

Led by CEO Ilya Popov, ComeBack Mobility provides Smart Crutch Tip orthopedic devices that work together with an app, shared by a patient and a doctor. The technology allows electronic communication with the doctor and provides an overview of the patients walking recovery progress. Patients have crutch tips that work together with a smartphone app, where they have rehabilitation programs set by their doctors. The app helps patients to be regular with exercises and keeping the load on the injured leg under the set program while consistently receiving doctors recommendations. The medical professional has a web and/or mobile app that contains data about all his or her patients and makes it possible to remotely monitor how the patient loads the injured leg, addressing the patients concerns, and adapting the program to their needs.

The company also has offices in Jackson, WY.

FinSMEs

08/07/2021
Juni, a Gothenburg, Sweden-based financial companion for e-commerce entrepreneurs, raised $21.5m in Series A financing.

Backers included partners of DST Global, Felix Capital, Cherry Ventures and other early investors.

The company intends to use the funds to focus on product development and recruiting.

From a product perspective, Juni will introduce a number of features in the coming months such as automation of administrative tasks, a unified view of financials tailored to ecommerce merchants and media buyers, and a number of services to financially empower digitally native companies to grow their business. The company is also looking to quadruple the size of its team, growing from 28 to over 100 employees in the next 12 months, looking to staff up all major functions, from Sales to Engineering, Marketing, Branding, and Customer Support.

Led by Samir El-Sabini, Co-Founder and CEO, Juni is an online banking platform that acts as a financial companion for the next generation Internet-first companies. The integrated platform is built as a payment solution for high performing digital entrepreneurs, freeing founders and management teams from administrative burdens to focus all their attention on growing their business. The firm integrates with thousands of banks and the major payment providers, and automates routine functions, allowing business owners to concentrate on creating value for the company instead of managing ad spend and invoices. Juni also offers a 1% cashback on business expenditures, integrated accounting tech stacks, and zero FX fees on multi-currency accounts.

FinSMEs

08/07/2021
Google is facing a fresh new lawsuit by a group of 37 states in the U.S.A., who are alleging that Google maintains monopolistic control over app stores in Android. In response, Google called the lawsuit as meritless, and shared details about how they support an open experience for app stores and developers on Android.

The main focus of the lawsuit is to challenge Googles plans to enforce the 30-percent commission on all transactions through apps that are on the Google Play Store. The change is supposed to go into effect from September, 2021, and understandably, major app developers are not happy with the change. At the moment, the rule is only enforced loosely.

The lawsuit alleges that Google has made moves that prevent other app stores from gaining traction in the Android ecosystem. Google also allegedly pursued deals with developers to convince them to not remove their apps from the Play Store, and also introduced various hurdles and campaigns to attack the perceived security of apps that are listed outside the Play Store.

Google is clearly unhappy with the lawsuit and has published a blog post explaining whey they think the lawsuit is meritless. According to Google, the lawsuit is ignoring the fact that Android has always been open to third-party app stores, and in fact most Android devices ship with two or more app stores preloaded.

The company noted that customers can always side-load apps or even download them directly from the developers website, which is only possible on Android and is blocked on the competition OS, namely Apples iOS.

In regard to the commission, Google pointed out that they only charge 15% on the first $1 million and for the revenue earned after that, Google charge 30%. In comparison, other Android app stores such as Amazon App store charges 20-30% while the Samsung Galaxy Store charges a 30% commission. Google claims to need this revenue for making developer tools and updates to the Android ecosystem.

Google already faces another lawsuit from anti-trust authorities in the UK and Australia, who are unhappy with Googles market dominance among search engines.

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Paxton, IL (60957)

Today

Cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

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MOBILE, Ala. --FOX10 News is committed to getting you answers.

Tim Kingston and Marcus Foxx with Legal Services Alabama join Lenise Ligon on FOX10 News at 4PM to talk about a variety of important topics.

One big thing discussed was the upcoming federal child tax credit payments of up to $300 per child a month starting on July 15th and running through December.

In addition, Legal Services Alabama also has a new grant in the works where they represent low income people in our area who are facing foreclosure or eviction; the company is trying to help clients prevent becoming homeless.

Legal Services Alabama is located at 104 St Francis Street in Mobile. You can learn more about the programs mentioned or apply for services by visiting their website: https://legalservicesalabama.org/

LSA serves low-income people by providing civil legal aid and by promoting collaboration to find solutions to problems of poverty. They have eight offices around the state that service all 67 counties in Alabama.

LSA is the only civil, legal aid org in the state of Alabama, and their advocates are the last line of defense for the indigent population. LSA provides counsel and advice, legal representation, mediation, community education, and legal self-help resources. They offer legal help in four core service areas: Domestic Violence, Public Benefits, Housing/Foreclosure Prevention, and Consumer Protection.

Additional services include: Community Education, Veterans, Elder Rights, Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC), Community Re-entry, and Disaster Services. LSA empowers citizens by increasing access to justice for all; local businesses, communities and ultimately the state, benefit when improvements are made to the overall quality of life for all citizens in our state, and opportunities are provided to end decades of legal issues caused by impoverishment.
MOBILE, Ala.  The Mobile County Health Department advises the public that swimming water quality on Dog River near the Alba Fishing & Hunting Club is poor.

Swimming in this area might lead to an increased risk of illness. Recent tests at this sample site rose above acceptable levels.

Monitoring will continue and the advisory will be lifted once bacteria values fall below the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) threshold of 104 enterococcus organisms per 100 milliliters for marine water.

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management operate the bacteriological water quality monitoring and notification program under a grant from the Environmental Protection Agencys BEACH (Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health) Act Program.

This program involves the routine collection of water samples from a total of 25 coastal recreational sites in Mobile and Baldwin counties (to see the testing locations please visit www.adem.state.al.us/programs/coastal/BeachMonitoring.cnt).

In the summer months, samples are taken once or twice a week at the most highly used sites and biweekly at the other sites. All sites are tested once a month in the cooler months.

The Dog River location will be tested again in coming days.

Samples are analyzed for enterococci bacteria. High counts indicate that the possibility that other disease-causing germs could be present in the water. Based on EPAs Criteria for Bathing (full body contact) Recreational Waters, samples are checked for enterococcus bacteria. These indicator bacteria are inhabitants of the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

Bacterial concentrations in recreational waters can increase during and immediately following rainstorms because of overflowing sewage collection and treatment facilities, storm water runoff and malfunctioning septic systems.

When monitoring results exceed the EPA standard, the affected site is immediately retested. If the results of the second test identify enterococci levels persisting above the EPA standard, the health department through the cooperative efforts of the news media will issue a public advisory.
The elderly woman who police say was repeatedly punched by a 17-year-old Walmart employee on Wednesday, July 7, is speaking out about the incident, saying this situation could have been avoided.
In this courtroom sketch, the defenses leading medical expert, Dr. Catherine Yeager, shares her evaluation of Jarrod Ramos during the second week of the trial, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Annapolis, Ramos has pleaded guilty but not criminally responsible for the mass shooting at a Maryland newspaper.
Keep the conversation about local news & events going by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Recent updates from The News-Post and also from News-Post staff members are compiled below.




Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-352-2250
News

Santa Fe mayor apologizes for Facebook posts about high school shooting

JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Jason Tabor

SANTA FE

Mayor Jason Tabor made a public apology Wednesday to relatives of victims of the Santa Fe High School shooting. And he said he was seeking treatment for alcoholism after he posted inaccurate details about the shooting on social media.

In posts appearing Tuesday, Tabor wrote what ostensibly were details about how one of the students died and ascribed a motive to the teenager accused of killing 10 and wounding 13 students and faculty members in the 2018 shooting.

In doing so, he seemed to be disclosing information about the crime relatives had long sought but law enforcement officials had declined to release.

The posts set off a social media furor and led some to call for Tabor to resign from the mayors office.

He later retracted the claims, amid criticism from relatives of the shooting victims who said his facts were wrong.

In a deeply personal message on his public Facebook page, Tabor apologized for his actions, said he was an alcoholic and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

He said the posts were written while he was at a Louisiana casino in straight-up party mode and had forgotten a medication used to treat his alcoholism.

Tabor apologized and wrote he intended to join Alcoholics Anonymous and seek other treatment.

I thought I could quit in private and it just isnt working, Tabor wrote. I have spent these past few years absorbing a lot. No, that is not an excuse. I made a lot of mistakes these past few days.

In an interview, Tabor acknowledged some people in Santa Fe had called for his resignation over the controversy. He said he didnt plan to resign.

What happened wasnt as a mayor, Tabor said. It was my own personal stuff. I was on my own personal time and on vacation.

He said hed been moving forward by seeking the support of family to face his addiction.

I think for three and half years Ive done a pretty good job at the city, Tabor said. Yes, it does look bad. Yes, I did make some mistakes. But people like to take it and make it bigger than it is.

Tabor was elected as mayor in May 2018, just days before what stands as the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. The shooting happened before Tabor was officially sworn in, but he quickly became a spokesman and representative for the city as national media descended on the high school.

Tabors controversial comments on social media described wounds one of the victims suffered and the possible motives of accused shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis.

Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady said Wednesday the things Tabor wrote about the shooting werent true.

What he said is not accurate and someone in his position has absolutely no business making a statement like that publicly, Roady said.

Since the shooting, relatives have called for the release of information about the victims, including autopsy reports. The Galveston County District Attorneys Office has refused to release much information, arguing that doing so might jeopardize the legal case against Pagourtzis.

Frustration over not knowing the details have been prolonged because legal proceedings against Pagourtzis were delayed indefinitely when he was declared mentally unable to stand trial.

Pagourtzis was transferred from the Galveston County Jail to a state hospital in North Texas, where he is supposed to be receiving treatment to return him to competency.

If that happens, Pagourtzis would return to Galveston County, and the process toward a trial would resume.
Attorneys general from 36 states have filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the company of antitrust behavior through its dealings with Android devices and its own Google Play Store.

A lawsuit filed by the group this week (readable here via The Washington Post) argues that, despite its promises to keep Android an open platform, Google has created a monopoly for Android app distribution and payment processing on Android.

It's yet another lawsuit that takes issue with the fees mobile platform holders charge developers, an issue that other lawsuits like Epic's highly visible battle with Apple or recent fee structure changes on both Google and Apple app stores have dragged even further into the spotlight this year.

"Google has taken steps to close the ecosystem from competition and insert itself as the middleman between app developers and consumers," reads the lawsuit. It goes on to argue that Google collects an "extravagant commission" of 30 percent from all Google Play Store purchases and that the company employs "anticompetitive tactics to diminish and disincentivize completion in Android app distribution."

"Google has not only targeted potentially competing app stores, but also ensured that app developers themselves have no reasonable choice but to distribute apps through the Google Play Store," continues the lawsuit.

Unlike Apple and iOS, Google allows other app stores to launch on the platform, but as both this lawsuit and earlier accusations from Epic Games argue, those third-party app stores face an uphill battle on the platform thanks to Google-added barriers that discourage consumers from stepping outside of the Google Play Store. According to the lawsuit, those practices are why Google distributes 90 percent of all Android apps while "no competing Android app store has more than 5 percent of the market."

From a hardware perspective, the lawsuit also argues that the Google-owned Android operating system is, for mobile device manufacturers outside of Apple, the only viable OS available to license for use on their hardware, so much so that the lawsuit says Google controls 99 percent of that particular corner of the smartphone market. This, it continues, gives Google "durable monopoly power" and "considerable leverage" over both mobile device manufacturers as well as app developers.

"Instead of simply producing a better app distribution experience, Google uses anticompetitive barriers and mandates to protect its monopoly and grow its supracompetitive revenue from the Google Play Store and Google Play Billing," reads the lawsuit.

Google, however, argues the lawsuit is "meritless"

Google fired back with a blog post shortly after the lawsuit first saw the light of day. It argues that the lawsuit "ignores choice on Android and Google Play" and "mimics a similarly meritless lawsuit filed by the large app developer Epic Games."

"We understand that scrutiny is appropriate, and were committed to engaging with regulators. But Android and Google Play provide openness and choice that other platforms simply dont. This lawsuit isnt about helping the little guy or protecting consumers," reads that post from Google senior public policy director Wilson White.

"Its about boosting a handful of major app developers who want the benefits of Google Play without paying for it. Doing so risks raising costs for small developers, impeding their ability to innovate and compete, and making apps across the Android ecosystem less secure for consumers."

Google argues that the lawsuit ignores the fact that the Google Play Store faces heavy competition in the larger mobile space from Apple and its App Store, and that its own competition on Android is entirely fair as developers and consumers "have other alternatives to choose from" if Google Play doesn't meet their needs.

It notes that certain hardware partnerships see Android devices ship with additional app stores beyond just Google's option, like the Galaxy Store on Samsung devices or the Amazon App Store on Amazon's Fire devices. The option to sideload other app stores is mentioned as a plus here, but Google doesn't comment on the lawsuit's point that Google "makes the sideloading process unnecessarily cumbersome and impracticable" by including "discouraging security warnings" in the sideloading process. (That particular pain point was also key in Epic Games' complaints against Google last year.)

Google counters the lawsuit's allegations of its practices hurting developers by pointing to its recent fee reductions and other interesting data showing how apps monetize on Google Play. Those figures include mention that 3 percent of developers that sell either premium apps or in-app content qualify for its platform fee reduction, that 97 percent of developers on the Google Play Store don't sell digital content at all, and that less than 0.1 percent of overall app developers are actually paying the full 30 percent fee.

"This lawsuit is essentially on behalf of that 0.1 percent of developers," argues Google.




[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]

July 8, 2021 - Shanghai, China - Naval Shoot' Em up mobile game, Azur Lane is launching its annual event Priority Research Series 4, which introduces 5 new PR ships that will be available for research permanently. Starting from July 8 and ending on July 21, the Crosswave Rerun event will also be making a return. 5 PR ships with powerful skills are introduced, reinforcing the Commanders' army to fight against Siren. The major update also brings the Comf-Forts, the catch-up system for Priority Research Series 2 and optimized features.



Download and play Azur Lane now



About Priority Research Series 4

Priority Research is released for the 4th time with 2 features updated, bringing Commanders stronger PR ships and various equipment to strengthen their formations. The Fate Simulation is added for Cheshire, Mainz, Odin and Champagne, and the Catch-Up system for Priority Research Series 2 is implemented. Additionally, Crosswave Rerun will also go live. Commanders will fight against the world boss along with other players and gain contribution points and phase rewards, including the limited equipment, VH Armor Plating.



Click to watch the Event Trailer Here: https://youtu.be/I2R3-cb_rGY



New Characters

Five new ship girls have arrived, coming from different factions including Sakura Empire, Iron Blood, Sardegna Empire and Eagle Union.

Hakuryuu, a Decisive Aircraft Carrier from the Sakura Empire. When Hakuryuu is equipped with Fighters, she will fire a barrage every 12s; when it is not, she will shoot a slashing attack following her Airstrike. Moreover, her other skill allows her to increase herAVI and Accuracy or AA and Accuracy depending on the type of planes that are equipped.

Agir, the Iron Blood's Decisive Large Cruiser, possesses skills that cause Main Guns to inflict armor break to enemies hit. A special barrage will be triggered for every 8 times when the Main Guns fires. Additionally, when she is equipped with a high-caliber main gun, the number of shots required to fire a special barrage will be reduced.

August von Parseva, a Priority Aircraft Carrier is capable of dealing devastating damage to Light Cruisers and Destroyers. She can activate an additional airstrike and Inflicts Armor Break to all Light and Medium armor enemies.

Anchorage, the newly added Priority Heavy Cruiser has arrived to strengthen the line-up for Eagle Union. This ship girl deploys a smokescreen and a shield for 5s when she fires torpedoes. The shield helps her to counteract the damage and improve combat endurance.

Marco Polo, the Priority Battleship, embraces the traits that allow her to act as a supporting character that helps her fleet to enhance the AA and EVA, launch supporting barrages and decrease the damage taken by Saredgna Empire ships.



New Comf-Forts Feature

In addition to the updates mentioned above, the event also introduces a new Comf-Forts Feature. When Placing Meowofficers inside Comf-Forts, they will gain experience over time. Interacting with Meowofficers each day will grant rewards including Decor Tokens and Cat Box Quick Finishers.



Follow Azur Lane

Azur Lane Official Homepage

Official Discord Server

Official Twitter Account

Official Facebook Page

Official Instagram

Official YouTube Channel



About Yostar Games

Founded in 2014 and publisher of Azur Lane and Arknights, Yostar Games specializes in game development, global distribution, investment, and video game IP management. Situated in Tokyo and Shanghai, Yostar Games has rapidly become the top publisher and developer of the anime genre in China and is striving to become a global leader in the gaming industry.
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 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.
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.
All those things you remember your parents telling you what a gentleman is and does, that was David Dowrie. A gentleman, through and through.

The other term that came up repeatedly during interviews was public servant.

He was the ultimate public servant, said Mary McKay, a former superintendent and assistant superintendent with the LBLESD who worked with Dowrie from 2006 to 2018.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

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He wanted to give back to the community. He was genuinely interested and asked a lot of hard questions. At the core of every decision of his was the impact on students and the district, McKay added.

Dowrie played a role in a series of district initiatives. Everest remembers his advocacy for students with high needs such as blind and deaf students and those with significant impairment and his outreach to make sure the Oregon Legislature knew what issues the ESDs were dealing with.

He wanted the Legislature to be aware of the needs of these students and how ESDs served them, she said.

McKay remembers how Dowrie used his background in information technology to make sure the district was well-grounded in what has become a critical part of education.
From January 2015 until summer 2019, Asphaug said, Claypool and an unnamed colleague instructed workers in the Albany facility to mislabel varieties of grass seed and sell it to customers who were unaware they were getting the wrong seed.

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To conceal the unauthorized substitutions, Claypool and his colleague directed Jacklin employees to package the substitute seed varieties with false and misleading labels. They also directed employees to invoice the customers under the original terms of their contracts. As a result of this scheme, Simplot has refunded or credited more than $1.5 million to defrauded buyers.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

Claypool also assisted, Asphaug said, in creating a fraudulent seed brokerage that routed sales through a competing seed seller in Jefferson. This scheme lasted from December 2018 through August 2019 and netted Claypool more than $369,000 in fraudulent commissions.

In a third scheme, Claypool conspired with the owner of a travel agency in Spokane to inflate the costs of Claypools business travel. Claypool traveled overseas extensively and had authority to approve his own expenses. In lieu of using the travel agency Simplot had contracted with, Claypool booked his flights through the independent travel agent.
Will Lane is a lifelong resident of Adams County who teaches in the English and Environmental Studies Departments at Gettysburg College. He facilitates the Green Gettysburg Book Club and is a longtime member of Gettysburg Democracy for America.
Gillette, WY (82718)

Today

Plenty of sunshine. High 91F. S winds shifting to NNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 61F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Nearly 300 jobs not open to Colorado remote workers because of new wage law
Welcome from Professor Muffy Calder

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the 24th edition of our College newsletter. I hope you all manage to enjoy a break over the summer and stay safe as Covid-19 restrictions ease. I look forward to the coming weeks and months when we are able to safely return to more in person working. As ever I remain extremely grateful for everyones continuing hard work and adaptability over the past 15 months, and I am very proud to share the achievements and news from our Schools in this newsletter.

In this issue we celebrate our successes across the Schools, including our College Dean of Research, Professor Margaret Lucas, being named Regius Chair of Civil Engineering and Mechanics. We congratulate all colleagues on their recent grants, Fellowships and awards success.

In Staff Communications there are opportunities for staff to get involved with Horizon Europe and to sit on EPSRC SATs, both of which I would strongly encourage. Current staff Fiona Dick and Kenny Roberts are profiled in this edition, with Kenny reaching a milestone of 40 years of service at the University in March  congratulations! We hear from alumna Dr Angela Tabiri on her role at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Ghana. We feature some examples of the impact that our research is having beyond academia in the Research and Knowledge Exchange section. We also highlight CoSE awards and recognition in Awards and Prizes, hear the latest news from the Graduate School, and find out how diverse our College activities are with features on meteorite discovery and Japanese Museum of the Year!

Finally, I would also like to bid farewell to Pat Duncan, CoSE Head of Academic & Student Administration, who is retiring after over 35 years of service at the University. Best wishes for your retirement from everyone in the College.

I hope you enjoy reading about the range of activities across the College and as ever I welcome any comments or suggestions for future issues.

Best wishes

Muffy

In this edition:

Staff Communications

Who's Who

Life after Glasgow

Research, Impact & Knowledge Exchange

Awards and Prizes

Learning & Teaching Feature

Graduate School News

News Roundup across the College

Future Events
Highlights:

Felix Gold Partnership

Significant expansion to royalty interests in Fairbanks Gold District.

Grant Mine (a portion of the Ester Dome Project) gold resource evaluation in progress.

Permits received for drilling at Ester Dome project, Fairbanks Gold District, Alaska.

Major soil geochemical surveys underway at Treasure Creek project.

Resolution Minerals Partnership

Drilling program recently completed at 64North Gold Project near Pogo Mine, Goodpaster District. Quartz veins reported.



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Millrock Resources Inc. (TSX-V: MRO, OTCQB: MLRKF) ("Millrock" or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on its exploration activities at its Fairbanks and Goodpaster gold district projects in Alaska.

Figure 1. Millrock gold project locations within the Tintina Gold Province, Alaska is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47a6a951-e54c-4fea-b2dd-9652b2c2f5cf.

Fairbanks Gold District Projects

Millrock is in a strategic alliance agreement with Felix Gold Ltd., (Felix Gold), a private Australian company that intends to become a public company listed on the Australia Stock Exchange (ASX). Millrock is assigning its existing mineral rights in return for Felix Gold shares and royalty interests. Felix Gold is funding exploration work and paying the costs of acquiring claims by staking and by agreements with claim holders. All new properties within the strategic alliance Area of Interest become subject to royalties in favor of Millrock.

Recently, agreements concerning two large claim blocks held by third parties have been executed. The properties are 1) the GST claim block held by Fairbanks Exploration, Inc. (FEI), and the Bank Project Vault and Treasury claim blocks owned by DG Resources. The agreements significantly expand the area upon which Millrock will be entitled to royalty interests as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Blue shading indicates Millrock / Felix Gold mineral land holdings in the Fairbanks Gold District, Alaska is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e56934ce-3b1b-49cd-adb2-60ea5211a658.

GST Claim Block: A formal lease agreement was entered into with Fairbanks Exploration, Inc. concerning the GST claim block. This follows on a previously announced letter of intent to enter the lease. Pursuant to the strategic alliance between Millrock and Felix Gold, the lease will be assigned to Felix Gold. Millrock will vest with a 1.0% net smelter return royalty in the event a mine is put into production. Located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Fairbanks, the property hosts a number of interesting gold occurrences. The property appears to cover the eastern strike extent of geological structures that Millrock and Felix Gold believe control gold mineralization on the neighbouring Golden Summit project held by Freegold Ventures Ltd. (Freegold). Recently, Freegold has announced outstanding drill intersections on their property. Surface exploration is planned for 2021 so drill targets can be developed for testing in 2022.

Treasury and Vault Claim Blocks (Bank Project): An Option to Purchase agreement was executed between Felix Gold and DG Resources. Millrock will vest with a 1.0% net smelter return royalty in the event a mine is put into production on these claims. As with the GST claim block, the property hosts a number of interesting gold occurrences and neighbours Freegolds Golden Summit project. Soil sampling and prospecting is planned for 2021 with the goal of developing drill targets for 2022 testing.

Millrock President and CEO Gregory Beischer commented: The exploration season is in full swing in Alaska. Our funding partners are mounting very significant campaigns that could result in new gold discoveries in the emerging Fairbanks and Goodpaster gold districts. We are pleased with the addition of new royalty rights to our growing portfolio.

Treasure Creek Project: A major soil sampling program is underway. Approximately 2,000 soil samples are being collected to further delineate drill targets at the NW Array, Big Birch, Old Dog, and Pipeline prospects. Drilling is being considered for later in 2021.

Ester Dome Project, Grant Mine: As previously announced, Millrock acquired an option to purchase a 100% interest in the Grant Mine  a former-producing gold mine located on Ester Dome. Felix Gold has elected, in accordance with the agreement concerning the Ester Dome project, that Millrock assign its option rights to Felix Gold. In return, Millrock will be entitled to a 1.5% net smelter return royalty with an advanced minimum royalty payment stream that initiates upon exercise of the option to purchase the mine from the underlying owner. All historic data has been imported into a database and is being evaluated using 3D visualization software. The Felix Gold portion of the joint exploration team is evaluating the historic, previously-reported Indicated + Inferred resource estimate of 340,800 ounces of gold to determine what, if anything, needs to be done to bring the estimate of gold resources up to date and compliant with the Australian Joint Ore Resources Commission (JORC) standards for resource calculations. The most recent resource estimate of the Grant Mine indicated 340,800 Indicated + Inferred gold ounces, as per the SEDAR-filed document called Bundtzen T.K., 2008, Ester Dome Mineral Resource Estimation and Eagle Creek Exploration Results, Fairbanks Mining District, Alaska, July 31st, 2008, 117 pages. Millrock is treating this as a historic resource estimate.

Goodpaster District Projects

Millrock owns a 70% interest in a very large claim block surrounding the Pogo Mine in Alaska. Pogo is a high-grade gold mine operated by Northern Star Resources Ltd. The 64North claims, which are subdivided into eight different blocks, are the subject of an option agreement with Resolution Minerals Ltd. (Resolution). A 30% interest was recently earned by Resolution by virtue of exploration expenditures plus cash and share payments made to Millrock in the projects first year.

64North Gold Project  East Pogo Block: Millrock partner Resolution has very recently completed a drilling program at gold prospects located on the East Pogo block. A reverse circulation drill was used to test shallow, gently-dipping conductive zones detected in 2020 by ZTEM and CSAMT geophysical surveys. A total of 1,663 meters was drilled in 12 holes. Gently-dipping altered, graphitic zones with quartz and sulfides were reported. Assay results for gold are expected in August 2021. Resolution further reported in a recent press release that results of drilling at the Sunrise prospect are being evaluated with further drilling being considered here.

Figure 3. Reverse circulation drill rig in operation on the East Pogo block, 64North Gold Project, Goodpaster District, Alaska is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8b87e63-1242-4c69-b87e-006ffe112239.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information disclosed within this document has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Gregory A. Beischer, President, CEO, and a director of Millrock Resources. Mr. Beischer is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.

About Millrock Resources Inc.

Millrock Resources Inc. is a premier project generator to the mining industry. Millrock identifies, packages, and operates large-scale projects for joint venture, thereby exposing its shareholders to the benefits of mineral discovery without the usual financial risk taken on by most exploration companies. The company is recognized as the premier generative explorer in Alaska, holds royalty interests in British Columbia, Canada, and Sonora State, Mexico, is a significant shareholder of junior explorer ArcWest Exploration Inc. and owns a large shareholding in Resolution Minerals Limited. Funding for drilling at Millrocks exploration projects is primarily provided by its joint venture partners. Business partners of Millrock have included some of the leading names in the mining industry: EMX Royalty, Centerra Gold, First Quantum, Teck, Kinross, Vale, Inmet and, Altius as well as junior explorers Resolution, Riverside, PolarX, and Felix Gold.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Gregory Beischer

Gregory Beischer, President & CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Melanee Henderson, Investor Relations

Toll-Free: 877-217-8978 | Local: 604-638-3164

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including without limitation the intention to mount further exploration including drilling in 2021. 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.
Pune, India, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global confectionery market size is projected to reach USD 242.53 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. Rising health consciousness among consumers will play a key role in augmenting the growth of this market, shares Fortune Business Insights in its recent report, titled Confectionery Market, 2021-2028. The market size stood at USD 188.52 billion in 2020.

Manufactured chocolate bars and candies are known to contain large amounts of artificial sweeteners. With increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders, even the most ardent chocolate-lovers are getting increasingly inclined towards organic and natural ingredients-based products. For example, the Swiss chocolate-maker Barry Callebauts research found that the market value for organic chocolates currently stands at 30 million in Western Europe alone. This figure shows that the shifting consumer preference for chocolate and other confectionery items made from naturally-derived extracts will lead the confectionery market trends in the foreseeable future.





List of Top 10 Players Covered in Confectionery Market are:

Barry Callebaut (Zurich, Switzerland)

Ferrero SpA (Alba, Italy)

Nestle S.A. (Vevey, Switzerland)

Mondelez International, Inc. (Illinois, U.S.)

Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan)

The Hershey Company (Pennsylvania, U.S.)

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG (Zurich, Switzerland)

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan)

HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG (Bonn, Germany)

Pladis Global (London, U.K.)





Get a Sample PDF Brochure:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/confectionery-market-100542





COVID-19 Impact :

In the early months of the pandemic, the halt on sugar and chocolate processing plants had a huge impact on food demand. For example, in reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, The Hershey Company voluntarily shut down all of its manufacturing facilities from March 16 to March 29, 2020.

During the lockdown, supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, trade sanctions, and shipping and logistics fluctuations were all experienced. According to the CEO of the National Confectioners' Association (NCA), consumers ate more meals at home during the quarantine period, reduced their supermarket visits, and increased their satisfaction levels with online shopping.





The report further contains answers to the following questions:

What are the major factors driving the market?

What are the main hurdles that the market is facing and will face in the future?

What are the key market segments?

Which region or regions hold the largest potential for the market to grow?

How are the competitive dynamics shaping the market?

Who are the prominent players in this market and what are their key strategies?





Driving Factor:

Hectic Lifestyles to Foster Sales Opportunities

Global economic growth and development have led to an explosion of job and business opportunities. Greater access to education and skill development have expanded the number of employable people around the world, resulting in more working people and more office spaces, especially in large urban conglomerations. As a result, modern lifestyles have become more hectic and stressful, with the unfortunate consequences being on the health and fitness of people.

Therefore, many consumers are now demanding on-the-go confectionery snacks, preferably having low sugar and fat. Chocolate, owing to its numerous health benefits, is the most consumed product in the world, and many companies are now developing sugar-free and organic chocolate items to cater to the health-conscious urban populace. Furthermore, chocolate consumption has positive physiological effects. The Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center in California found, through a research study, suggested that chocolate consumption positively impacts brain health and reduces stress and inflammation.





Inquire Before Buying This Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/confectionery-market-100542





Regional Insights:

Europe to Lead the Pack; Asia-Pacific to Showcase Excellent Growth Trajectory

With a market revenue of USD 73.41 billion in 2020, Europe is slated to dominate the confectionery market share in the coming years, primarily on account of high consumption chocolate items. Consumers are increasingly demanding premium and customized confectionery products and are willing to pay for such items, prompting companies to manufacture and deliver superior offerings in the region.

Asia-Pacific holds tremendous growth opportunities for this market owing to rising disposable income, increasing young and working-age population, and rapid urbanization. As a result, many players are implementing different strategies to establish themselves in the Asia-Pacific region, especially China and India.





Competitive Landscape

Launch of Natural Extracts-derived Products to Spur Competition

The market forecast envisages a period of cutthroat competition in this market as companies deploy various strategies to meet the escalating demand for organic confectionery items. Besides this, many players are also attempting to broaden their business horizons by introducing novel offerings in foreign markets.





Industry Developments:



March 2021: Barry Callebaut released a new chocolate and compound manufacturing facility in Baramati, India to strengthen its position in this industry.

July 2019: Nestle, the Swiss multinational, created a new chocolate product with no added sugar, enabling its loyal customers to enjoy the companys 70% dark chocolate wholesale. Called the Cacao Fruit Chocolate, the product will be infused with natural cacao pulp which will function as the sweetener for the chocolate.





Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Emerging Trends

Key Insights Overview on the Global Parent/Related Market Global Chocolate Consumption Trends Global Cocoa Production Trend Supply Chain & Regulatory Analysis Industry SWOT Analysis Recent Industry Developments - Policies, Mergers & Acquisitions, and New Product Launches Market Analysis and Insights (in Relation with COVID-19) Impact of COVID-19 on the Market Supply Chain Challenges due to the Pandemic Potential Opportunities to Support the during the Calamity

Global Confectionery Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2017-2028 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Type (Value) Chocolate Sugar Gums By Distribution Channel (Value) Supermarkets/ Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Departmental Stores Online Retail By Region (Value) North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa



TOC Continued!







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https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/confectionery-market-100542





Have a Look at Related Research Insights:

Chocolate Confectionery Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Dark, Milk, and White), Category (Premium, Seasonal, and Every day), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

Confectionery Ingredients Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Dairy Ingredients, Cocoa & Chocolate, Emulsifiers, others), By Source (Natural, Synthetic), By Application (Chocolate Confectionery, Sugar Confectionery, Bakery Confectionery) and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

Cocoa and Chocolate Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Liquor, Cocoa Powder, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, and Filled Chocolate), By Application (Food & Beverages, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027





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VANCOUVER, British Columbia and IRVINE, Calif., July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PowerTap Hydrogen Capital Corp. (NEO: MOVE)(FWB: 2K6)(OTC: MOTNF) (PowerTap or the Company or "MOVE") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp. (PowerTap Fueling) has completed the engineering design of the PowerTap Gen3 making significant improvements in its steam methane reformer (SMR) that increases the production of hydrogen, reduces feedstock requirements, and extends the life of the SMR. The design of the SMR remains subject to revisions, pending the successful manufacturing of a prototype that achieves all of the functionalities as intended. The diagram below illustrates the current design of the SMR.

Specific innovations include:

The improvement of heat transfer within the water gas shift reactor vessel identified in the below diagram via reactor tube design and use of a unique heat reflective coating inside the vessel. The improvement of heat transfer within the reactor vessel reduces the amount of feedstock gas needed to produce hydrogen and considerably enhances the separation of hydrogen from the feedstock in the process.



The reduction of the reactor temperature and pressure which reduces the overall stress on the vessel and tube system and extends the life of the system from ten years to over 15 years.



The burning of the syn gas from the shift reactor which reduces the volume of renewable natural gas feedstock required and reduces greenhouse gas emitted into the atmosphere.



The increase of the overall life span of the SMR from 10 years to 15 years through advancement and improvement in the catalyst and, reduction of the water gas shift reactor vessel temperature and pressure.



The effectiveness of the improvements to the SMR design as mentioned above, remain subject to testing during the manufacturing process, and may be amended as required.

With the completion of engineering design, the Company is in the process of finalizing arrangements for the manufacturing of the prototypes of the PowerTap Gen3 unit. The Company will provide updates on this phase when material developments occur. The Company is also finalizing its pre-application packages for the first three sites in the California counties of Monterey and Humboldt to submit in Summer 2021. The company's efforts over the next few months will be focused on working closely with the California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) and the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), to process the application and, separately, obtaining authorization for its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure (HRI) credits from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Kelley Owen, Chief Operating Officer of PowerTap Fueling, stated, The incorporation of these major design changes to the current applications represent significant improvement in the production of hydrogen today.

ABOUT POWERTAP HYDROGEN CAPITAL CORP.

PowerTap Hydrogen Capital Corp., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp. (PowerTap), is focused on installing hydrogen production and dispensing fueling infrastructure in the United States. PowerTaps patented solution has been developed over 20 years. PowerTap is now commercializing its third generation blue hydrogen product that will focus on the refueling needs of the automotive and long haul trucking markets that lack hydrogen fueling infrastructure. There are currently under 100 operational publicly available hydrogen stations in the United States with most of the existing stations purchasing industrial hydrogen from industrial manufacturers and shipping hydrogen to individual stations via tanker trucks.

PowerTap Hydrogen common shares are listed on the NEO Exchange. Please visit the company's profile on the NEO Exchange website at https://www.neo.inc/en/live/security-activity/MOVE#!/market-depth.

PR Contact:

Dave Brown AMW PR

c: (917) 543-1050

dave@amwpr.com

Investor Contact:

Tyler Troup, Circadian Group IR

MOVE@circadian-group.com

PowerTap Contact:

Raghu Kilambi

raghu@hydrogenfueling.co

+1 (604) 687-2038

NEITHER THE NEO EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation.

Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, but not limited to: the successful design and installation of the PowerTap fueling units, the availability of RNG feedstock to produce blue hydrogen, PowerTap becoming eligible to earn HRI credits under the LCFS carbon credit program, the liquidity of a secondary market to sell the carbon credits, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of PowerTap. Some assumptions include, without limitation, the development of hydrogen powered vehicles by vehicle makers, the adoption of hydrogen powered vehicles by the market, legislation and regulations favoring the use of hydrogen as an alternative energy source, the qualification for carbon credits, the Companys ability to build out its planned hydrogen fueling station network, and the Companys ability to raise sufficient funds to fund its business plan. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. This press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to, among other things, the timing and ability of the Company to complete any potential investments or acquisitions, if at all, and the timing thereof. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and, in some instances, to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

Although the Company believes that the material factors, expectations and assumptions expressed in such forward- looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements were made, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements and such statements are not guarantees of future performance.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements and is made as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking information to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d92f6cf1-4254-41a1-8d3b-3bd0e94d44df
Dallas, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer and Former Federal Prosecutor John Helms Launches A Domestic Violence Resource Now Available on Website

Texas prosecutors and courts take domestic violence extremely seriously. Even an accusation of domestic violence can follow the accused for decades to come. Under Texas law, domestic violence, which is charged as assault  family violence, is any act of violence that would legally be classified as assault committed against a family member or intimate partner.

Domestic violence is a unique area of law for several reasons. First, Mr. Helms explains, many district attorneys offices in larger counties in Texas have divisions devoted entirely to the prosecution of domestic violence cases. It is also exceptional in that domestic disturbance calls usually lead to one party being arrested and jailed so that all involved parties have a cool-down period.

The demand for legal representation for domestic violence cases in the State of Texas is heavy, explains Mr. Helms, Through referrals from fellow attorneys and calls from victims of domestic violence, I received multiple requests to create a resource shedding light on this subject. Consequently, the former federal prosecutor has created a free ebook to demystify the complicated realm of Texas domestic violence law.

Mr. Helms free downloadable ebook answers fundamental questions about domestic violence law in Texas, including:

What is domestic violence or family violence in texas?

How does Texas law define a family member in domestic violence cases?

Which offenses are classified as domestic violence in Texas?

What are the penalties for domestic violence in Texas?

How do family violence convictions affect the right to possess a firearm?

What potential defenses are there for Texas family violence cases?

Can alleged victims of family violence decline to press charges?

How necessary is a lawyer for domestic violence cases?

How does a good lawyer handle a domestic violence case in Texas?





Mr. Helms emphasizes that the information he has provided is not a substitute for legal counsel.

As a Texas criminal defense lawyer, I have seen the impact that domestic violence accusations can have on the accused and their family, says Mr. Helms, One of the biggest mistakes you can make if you are accused of domestic violence is to try to handle it by yourself. If you do, you will almost always make it worse.

Bookmark the ebook by visiting >>> ebook download.







About Dallas Defense Attorney John Helms

John Helms is a Dallas criminal defense attorney who specializes in both trials and appeals. He graduated from Dartmouth College and from the University of Texas School of Law, where he was on the Editorial Board of the Texas Law Review. He was admitted to legal practice in 1990. He then clerked for the Honorable Charles Clark, Chief Judge of the Fifth Circuit District Court of Appeals. He next worked for one of the most prestigious litigation boutique firms in the country, Susman Godfrey, where he made partner a year early. He then became a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney's office for the Northern District of Texas, in Dallas. While there, he never lost a trial or appeal. Mr. Helms has been a trial lawyer for more than three decades. He has represented some of the biggest corporations in the country, such as Microsoft, Bank of America, ACE Cash Express, and Philip Morris. In 2021, John was designated by his peers a SuperLawyer.

To request a consultation and have Mr. Helms contact you, please fill out this form or call (214)-666-8010

Media Contact:

R. William

Source:

1) https://kcadv.org/content/why-do-victims-stay-or-return-abusers

2)https://dallascrimenews.johnhelms.attorney/john-helms-a-top-rated-criminal-defense-attorney-in-dallas-is-selected-to-super-lawyers_19925.html?preview=7d734584-ba66-11eb-b92e-525400bbad9d





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Attachment
PRESS RELEASE

NMD Pharma Initiates ESTABLISH Study in Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

The international observational study will be conducted in collaboration with Aarhus University and The Ohio State University





Aarhus, Denmark, 8 July 2021  NMD Pharma A/S, a biotech company developing novel therapeutics for neuromuscular disorders, today announces that it has initiated the ESTABLISH* study, an international observational study in collaboration with Aarhus University and The Ohio State University to assess neuromuscular function in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, an inherited neuromuscular disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by weakness and fatigue. Aarhus University and The Ohio State University are world-leading institutions in neuromuscular disease research.

The primary aim of this study is to discover whether patients with CMT have neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission deficits. The hypothesis for the study is that if patients with CMT are found to have deficits in NMJ transmission, then the novel treatment approach being developed by NMD Pharma could potentially have beneficial clinical effects on neuromuscular performance in these patients. The results of this new study will be used to guide the design of a protocol for future clinical trials to assess the potential for ClC-1 inhibitors to be effective as a treatment for individuals living with CMT 1 & 2.

The international study will be led by Prof. Dr. Henning Andersen and Prof. Dr. William David Arnold at Aarhus University Hospital and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, respectively, and will involve 30 subjects: 20 CMT patients and 10 healthy individuals (as controls). CMT patients will undergo electrophysiological assessments (repetitive nerve stimulation and single fiber EMG) and functional testing (involving tests of muscle strength, fatigability, dexterity, and balance) on four separate occasions over a 6-week period. The healthy individuals (controls) will undergo electrophysiological testing only.

NMD Pharma is developing first-in-class small molecule inhibitors of the muscle specific chloride ion channel, the ClC-1 ion channel. The Company has demonstrated that ClC-1 inhibition can strengthen neuromuscular transmission and ultimately skeletal muscle function and this novel treatment approach has demonstrated compelling preclinical data for Myasthenia Gravis (MG). The lead candidate, NMD670, is currently being evaluated in a combined Phase I/IIa trial to treat the symptoms of MG, which is taking place at the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Thomas Holm Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of NMD Pharma, said: This study is NMD Pharmas first coordinated international clinical trial focused on a rare neuromuscular disease such as CMT and we are delighted to be working with the teams at Aarhus University and The Ohio State University, world-leading experts in neuromuscular research. With no currently approved treatments or therapies for this debilitating disease, this study will provide us with valuable insights into the neuromuscular function of CMT patients and therefore the potential benefits of treating these patients with our novel treatment approach.

Dr. Henning Andersen, Professor, Department of Neurology at Aarhus University Hospital commented: CMT encompasses a group of inherited progressive and chronic peripheral neuropathies that affect approximately 1 in every 3,300 people worldwide with no approved medications to provide a cure or alleviate symptoms. We are pleased to be working with NMD Pharma and The Ohio State University to further assess the possibility of using NMDs ion channel inhibitor as a treatment for the symptoms of this disease.

Dr. William David Arnold, Professor, Department of Neurology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center added: The progressive nature of CMT means that those diagnosed with the disease will lose function and control of their legs and arms over time due to muscular weakness and atrophy, causing problems walking and running, and with balance and hand function. Therapies are desperately needed to help alleviate these life-altering symptoms and to help restore normal function for those affected.

* Exploring SynapTic ABnormaLitIeS in Hereditary neuropathies

-END-

Contacts

NMD Pharma A/S

Thomas Holm Pedersen, CEO

E-mail: contact@nmdpharma.com

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott / Ashley Tapp / Lindsey Neville

E-mail: NMDPharma@consilium-comms.com

Tel: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

About NMD Pharma

NMD Pharma A/S, is a private biotech company leading in the development of novel first-in-class therapies for severe neuromuscular disorders. The Company was incorporated as a spin-off from Aarhus University, Denmark in 2015 and was founded on more than 15 years of muscle physiology research with a focus on regulation of skeletal muscle excitability under physical activity. NMD Pharma has built a world-leading muscle electrophysiology platform leveraging the in-depth know-how of muscle physiology and muscular disorders, small molecule modulators, enabling technologies and tools as well as in-vivo pharmacology models for discovering and developing proprietary modulators of neuromuscular function. NMD Pharma received seed financing from Novo Seeds, Lundbeckfonden Emerge and Capnova in 2016, and in 2018 raised a 38 million Series A financing, led by new investor INKEF Capital, together with new investor Roche Venture Fund and existing investors Novo Seeds and Lundbeckfonden Emerge. Find out more about us online at http://www.nmdpharma.com/.

About the Department of Clinical Medicine: Aarhus, Denmark

Department of Clinical Medicine is Denmarks largest health science institute conducting research in almost all medical specialities and hosting a large number of research centres.

Most of our staff are employed part-time at the department and part-time as clinical staff at Aarhus University Hospital or one of the four regional hospitals in Central Denmark Region.

The close collaboration between Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital ensures fast implementation of research results in clinical practice to the benefit of patients. Department of Clinical Medicine is located at Aarhus University Hospital, which has been awarded Denmarks best hospital 13 times in a row.

About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, based in Columbus, Ohio, USA, is a proud part of one of Americas largest and most comprehensive universities. On the universitys main Columbus campus, more than 56,000 students are able to choose from 14 colleges, 175 undergraduate majors and 240 masters, doctoral and professional degree programs. Ohio State is consistently ranked as Ohios best and one of the nations top-20 public universities.

The universitys research innovations have attained world-class status, particularly in critical areas such as global climate change, cancer, infectious disease, neurosciences, advanced materials and ag-bio products that feed and fuel the world.

About NMD670

NMD670 is NMD Pharmas lead development program. It is a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of the muscle specific chloride ion channel, the ClC-1 ion channel. NMD Pharma has demonstrated that ClC-1 inhibition can strengthen neuromuscular transmission and ultimately skeletal muscle function and this novel treatment approach has demonstrated compelling preclinical efficacy data for MG.

About Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease

CMT encompasses a group of hereditary sensory and motor neuropathies that cause damage to peripheral nerves. Damage caused by CMT worsens over time and can result in the loss or alteration of sensation and atrophy of muscles in the legs, feet, arms and hands. There are several types of CMT which are differentiated by their effects on neurons and inheritance patterns caused by mutations on the X chromosome - both result in either abnormalities in myelination, axonal degeneration, or both. CMT affects approximately 2.6 million individuals worldwide with symptoms appearing typically at adolescence or early adulthood, however onset of the disease can occur at any age.
English Danish

Company announcement no 7 2021



Danske Bank A/S

Holmens Kanal 2  12

DK - 1092 Kbenhavn K

Tel. +45 45 14 00 00











8 July 2021

Danske Bank A/S revises 2021 net profit outlook upwards.

Now expects a net profit of more than DKK 12 billion





The outlook for 2021 is revised upwards to a net profit of more than DKK 12 billion. At the announcement of our 2020 financial results on 4 February this year, we initially guided for a full-year 2021 net profit in the range of DKK 9 to 11 billion.

We adjust our net profit guidance for the year based on lower-than-expected loan impairment charges  due to a faster than anticipated macroeconomic recovery  as well as higher customer activity. In addition, we expect a gain from the sale of the business activities in Luxembourg that will, however, be off-set by a number of provisions for extraordinary tax-related items in the second half of the year. We remain confident in our underlying cost development and still expect business conditions to improve further later in the year, says CEO Carsten Egeriis.

With respect to the second quarter of 2021, net profit will be around DKK 2.8 billion. Total income will be around DKK 10.5 billion, and expenses will be around DKK 6.5 billion, including the provision for the Swedish VAT case of DKK 350 million following a ruling by the European Court of Justice. Impairment charges for the second quarter of 2021 will be around DKK 0.2 billion.

We now expect total income in 2021 to be higher, including the gain from the sale of the business activities in Luxembourg and higher customer activity.

The gain associated with the sale of the business activities in Luxembourg of approximately DKK 250 million and the subsequent recognition hereof in the financial results are expected to occur during the second half of 2021, subject to approval from relevant authorities. The gain from the merger of MobilePay with other mobile payment providers is not included in the revision of the outlook.

As a result of ongoing cost management, underlying operating expenses are expected to be lower than DKK 24.5 billion. Total expenses are expected to be no more than DKK 25 billion, including additional tax-related one-off items in the second half of the year of around DKK 0.2 billion. In addition, we expect higher charges for pension yield tax at Danica Pension, which will be recognised in net income from insurance business.

Impairment charges are now expected to be no more than DKK 1.5 billion, due primarily to lower model driven impairment charges as a result of a better-than-expected macroeconomic recovery and overall improved credit quality.

The final figures will be provided in Danske Bank's interim report for the first half of 2021, due for release on Friday, 23 July 2021, where we will be able to comment further in detail.



Danske Bank





Attachment
English French

Paris, July 8th, 2021

Strong growth ambitions for Natixis business lines

at the heart of the BPCE 2024 strategic plan

Groupe BPCE presents today its new strategic plan BPCE 2024. This business development plan is based on three strategic priorities (Winning Spirit, Customers, Climate) and three key principles (Simple, Innovative, and Secure), and incorporates strong ambitions for its core business lines: Retail Banking & Insurance and Global Financial Services. Natixis business lines are fully integrated within this strategic plan.

Over the past ten years, Natixis has developed four business lines that are recognized for their expertise and that create value for our clients:

Asset & Wealth Management : A global tier-one player, with a diversified and high-performing entrepreneurial model focused on generating value-added for our clients;

: A global tier-one player, with a diversified and high-performing entrepreneurial model focused on generating value-added for our clients; Corporate & Investment Banking : a bank recognized for its expertise and innovation capabilities;

: a bank recognized for its expertise and innovation capabilities; Insurance : a fully-fledged bancassurer and a leading player in France;

: a fully-fledged bancassurer and a leading player in France; Payments: an industrial player, highly competitive on all its activities and positioned to foster the digitalization of society.

The new 2024 ambitions of Natixis Global Financial Services (Asset & Wealth Management, Corporate & Investment Banking) and Retail (Insurance, Payments) businesses are underpinned by three principles:

DIVERSIFY, for the benefit of our clients and our development

This principle aims to: i) selectively enhance our value proposition based on our expertise in order to better support our clients and target the highest satisfaction rates, ii) combine our strengths with the Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne banking networks to increase our footprint on high-potential segments (e.g., French mid-caps the healthcare sector), and iii) conquer new clients in EMEA, the Americas and in Asia-Pacific. In 2024, this diversification should result in around 500 million of additional revenues for Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) in our eight core industries, a contribution of private assets of over 25% to Natixis Investment Managers (Natixis IM) profitability, and a Net Promoter Score above 40 for P&C Insurance and Payments.

COMMIT, to the energy transition and to responsible finance

This principle aims to cement our positioning as our clients go-to financial partner for their energy transition strategies, and notably to multiply Natixis CIB's green revenues by 1.7 times by 2024. It also aims to position ESG at the center of our asset management and insurance activities, with a target of over 600 billion in assets under management in the sustainable or impact investing category for Natixis IM representing 50% of total AuM by 2024. Finally, Natixis commits to aligning its balance sheet and investments with a "net zero" emissions trajectory consistent with the Paris Agreement (aligning the insurance general fund with a +1.5C trajectory by 2030 and Natixis CIBs balance sheet with a +1.5C trajectory by 2050).

TRANSFORM, and invest to deliver sustainable value

This principle aims to ensure the sustainable growth of Natixis' business lines consistent with our risk appetite through ongoing investments in the robustness of our infrastructure and our oversight framework (e.g. around 400 million in total investments in Natixis CIB technology over 2021-2024). This ambition also targets investments in innovation, particularly data and APIs, the development of our employees skills, and the adaptation and simplification of our ways of working to cultivate our agility and collective engagement.

By building on these principles, each of Natixis' business lines has defined clear ambitions for 2024:

Asset & Wealth Management : reinforce Natixis Investment Managers' position as a global leader in asset management; provide a high value-added offering to our direct High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) clients and those of the Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne retail banking networks;

: reinforce Natixis Investment Managers' position as a global leader in asset management; provide a high value-added offering to our direct High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) clients and those of the Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne retail banking networks; Corporate & Investment Banking : become the go-to bank for our clients in selected and diversified areas of expertise;

: become the go-to bank for our clients in selected and diversified areas of expertise; Insurance : accelerate the rollout of responsible insurance solutions for the clients of the Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne retail banking networks by capitalizing on the investments we have made;

: accelerate the rollout of responsible insurance solutions for the clients of the Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne retail banking networks by capitalizing on the investments we have made; Payments: innovate and constitute a growth driver for Groupe BPCE and a means of differentiation for the Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne networks.

For Natixis, BPCE 2024 plan therefore constitutes a growth and investment plan, as reflected in a targeted compound annual growth rate of around 5% in net banking income for 2020-2024, along with an improvement in the cost to income ratio to ~70%.

Nicolas Namias, Chief Executive Officer of Natixis, said:

I am delighted to present today the development and growth ambitions of Natixis businesses at the heart of our BPCE 2024 strategic plan. After ten years focused on building businesses recognized for their expertise and entrepreneurial culture, Natixis is today a robust company embedded within Groupe BPCE.

After supporting our clients through the unprecedented crisis from which we are only just emerging, it is now essential to support the three major transitions facing our economies, in all the regions where we are active: the environmental and ecological transition, the technological transition, and the societal transition accompanied by profound changes in our clients needs and expectations. Our ambition for 2024 is based on three clear objectives: diversify for the benefit of our clients and our development; commit to the energy transition and to responsible finance; and transform our activities and invest to deliver sustainable value. Our ambition is strong: to make each of Natixis' four business lines a benchmark for our clients in order to create value for all our stakeholders.

To attain these objectives, Natixis can count on an array of formidable assets: first and foremost, the people who represent our company, committed every day to serving our clients needs; second, our wealth of expertise, the essential DNA of our business model; and finally, the strength of Groupe BPCE, which will enable Natixis business lines to continue to develop for the benefit of our clients."

ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT (AWM)

REINFORCE NATIXIS IM'S POSITION AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PROVIDE A HIGH VALUE-ADDED OFFERING TO OUR DIRECT HNWI CLIENTS AND THOSE OF THE RETAIL NETWORKS

Ambitions

Pursue a selective and diversified development strategy for the benefit of our clients

Advance our position among the world's top 15 asset management firms by strengthening our capabilities and our performance of four key areas of expertise 1 and by accelerating our leadership in ESG

and by accelerating our leadership in ESG Accelerate our diversification by client type through strategic distribution partnerships and by region outside of France and the United States

Become an ESG leader in Europe and develop an offering matching the diverse needs of our clients

Assert strong ESG ambitions for Natixis IM, notably by measuring the carbon footprint and global temperature trajectory of our portfolios

Develop a leading ESG offering consistent with our affiliates' convictions and clients needs

Strengthen our capabilities to support our clients ESG developments, notably by making these an integral part of the portfolio construction tools for our clients





Invest to strengthen the resilience and efficiency of our multi-affiliate model

Continue to develop a best-in-class oversight framework

Simplify the operating model for our affiliates (shared services and targeted investments in technology) and maintain strict cost management

Play an active role in the consolidation trend and pursue a targeted acquisition strategy.





Provide a high value-added offer to our direct HNWI and network clients by promoting our ESG vision among the members of our ecosystem and by digitalizing our technology platform

Principal objectives and indicators

Net banking income: 2020-2024 CAGR >3% assuming a very limited market effect and excluding external growth

2020-2024 CAGR >3% assuming a very limited market effect and excluding external growth Cost/income ratio: ~72% in 2024

~72% in 2024 Cumulative net inflows in Asset Management: ~100 bn over 2021-2024





1 High-alpha strategies, private assets, LDI/insurance management, and quantitative investment management

CORPORATE & INVESTMENT BANKING (CIB)

BECOME THE GO TO BANK FOR OUR CLIENTS

IN SELECTED AND DIVERSIFIED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Ambitions

Diversify our clients, our expertise, and our geographical presence

Strengthen our differentiating expertise and diversify on our eight core industries 1 including Health Care and Tech

including Health Care and Tech Increase our support for corporate clients, including French mid-caps, with a commercial banking offering, while continuing to develop our privileged relationships with institutional clients

Reassert our global dimension and our ability to support our clients in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions and be a "go-to-Europe" bank.





Be our clients go-to financial partner for their energy transition

Embrace our role as a go-to adviser and financial partner, and support our clients in their energy transition strategy

Align our portfolio with a +2.5C trajectory by 2024 and +1.5C by 2050, leveraging the Green Weighting Factor

Broaden the dynamic beyond the climate to incorporate social, natural resources, and biodiversity dimensions





Accelerate our investments to strengthen our resilience, competitiveness and attractiveness

Step up our investments in technology to strengthen our robustness, competitiveness, time-to-market and operational efficiency

Attract and develop new talent, further enhancing our attractiveness

Develop the Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking brand





Principal objectives and indicators

Net banking income: 2020-2024 CAGR of ~7%

2020-2024 CAGR of ~7% Cost/income ratio: ~65% in 2024

~65% in 2024 RWA: 2020-2024 CAGR of ~2%

2020-2024 CAGR of ~2% Green revenues: x1.7 between 2020 and 2024

1 Energy (Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables), Metals & Mining, Real Estate, Transportation, Telecom & Tech, Environment, Healthcare, Insurance

INSURANCE

ACCELERATE THE ROLLOUT OF RESPONSIBLE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS FOR CLIENTS OF THE RETAIL NETWORKS BY CAPITALIZING ON THE INVESTMENTS WE HAVE MADE

Ambitions

Accelerate on property & casualty and personal protection insurance and roll out innovative life insurance and healthcare offerings

Accelerate commercial momentum with the retail banking networks, particularly in property & casualty and personal protection insurance by capitalizing on our investments

Continue to roll out innovative offerings, particularly in life and health insurance

Speed up growth in the small businesses market, in property & casualty, retirement and personal protection insurance





Position the general fund on a more ambitious trajectory than the Paris Agreement and promote SRI unit-linked funds

Align the allocation of the general fund with a +2C trajectory by 2024 and +1.5C by 2030

Develop a more responsible claims management system

Continue to invest in terms of customer experience and efficiency

Offer best-in-class customer and advisor experiences, particularly by leveraging the potential of data and digital technology

Improve our management ratios

Principal objectives and indicators1

Net banking income: 2020-2024 CAGR of ~6%

2020-2024 CAGR of ~6% C ost/income ratio: ~50% in 2024

~50% in 2024 Equipment rate2: ~35% in 2024





1 Excluding the impact of the implementation of IFRS 17 2 P&C and personal protection of the individual customers of the BP and CE retail networks

PAYMENTS

INNOVATE AND SERVE AS A SOURCE OF GROWTH FOR GROUPE BPCE

AND OF DIFFERENTIATION FOR THE RETAIL NETWORKS

Ambitions

Make payments a comparative advantage for the retail banking networks while continuing our development on external clients, thanks to the excellence of our offering and customer experience

Accelerate growth for the networks in payments activities and make payments a comparative advantage in their efforts to win business

Become the French go-to player for the commerce digitalization

Create a best-in-class digital platform for employee benefits (meal and gift vouchers, money pools) and launch new offerings

Differentiate ourselves through technological performance, useful data and client experience Foster the development of our talent and our positive impact on society Support staff in upgrading their skills to accompany them towards the professions of the future, notably digital-related

Support staff in upgrading their skills to accompany them towards the professions of the future, notably digital-related Limit our environmental impact by offering recycled and digital vouchers, and encourage solidarity (e.g. donation of meal vouchers) Attain profitability for our 3 activities, while maintaining our investment efforts Invest in our platforms to provide a competitive offering and support the implementation of new standards (e.g. EPI, Request to Pay)

Invest in our platforms to provide a competitive offering and support the implementation of new standards (e.g. EPI, Request to Pay) Orchestrate our portfolio of fintechs to provide a consistent offering, and capture synergies

Principal objectives and indicators

Net banking income: 2020-2024 CAGR of ~9%

2020-2024 CAGR of ~9% Cost/income ratio: ~82% in 2024

About Natixis

Natixis is a French multinational financial services firm specialized in asset & wealth management, corporate & investment banking, insurance and payments. A subsidiary of Groupe BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France through its two retail banking networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse dEpargne, Natixis counts over 16,000 employees across 36 countries. Its clients include corporations, financial institutions, sovereign and supranational organizations, as well as the customers of Groupe BPCEs networks. Listed on the Paris stock exchange, Natixis has a solid financial base with a CET1 capital under Basel 3(1) of 12.3 billion, a Basel 3 CET1 Ratio(1) of 11.6% and quality long-term ratings (Standard & Poors: A / Moodys: A1 / Fitch Ratings: A+).

(1) Based on CRR-CRD4 rules as reported on June 26, 2013, including the Danish compromise - without phase-in

Figures as at 31 March 2021

Contacts

Investor Relations investorelations@natixis.com Damien Souchet

Noemie Louvel +33 1 58 55 41 10

+33 1 78 40 37 87 Press Relations press@communication.natixis.com Daniel Wilson

Sonia Dilouya

Vanessa Stephan +33 1 58 19 10 40

+33 1 58 32 01 03

+33 1 58 19 34 16

www.natixis.com

Our information is certified with blockchain technology.

Check that this press release is genuine at www.wiztrust.com.

Attachment
PUNE, India, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Diagnostics Market report comprises of several market dynamics and estimations of the growth rate and the market value based on market dynamics and growth inducing factors. The report contains vigilantly and precisely information about key players in the market, major collaborations, merger and acquisitions along with trending innovation and complete insights. Cancer Diagnostics report, markets on the local, regional as well as global level are explored. Cancer Diagnostics Market report emphasizes key market dynamics of Cancer Diagnostics industry and covers historic data, present market trends, environment, technological innovation, upcoming technologies and the technical progress in the related industry. All the data, figures and information is backed up by well recognized analysis tools which include SWOT analysis and Porters Five Forces analysis.



This information is presented by Data Bridge Market Research in its report, titled, Cancer Diagnostics Market As per the report, the Cancer Diagnostics Market size is expected to gain market growth at a CAGR of 6.79% in the forecast period of 2021 to 2028.

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Global Cancer Diagnostics Market Scenario

Cancer Diagnostics is the process of detecting various biomarkers, proteins and certain symptoms that result in the detection of presence of cancerous tumor in the patients. The detection of certain biomarkers and proteins that are prevalent in cancer disorders thereby result in the diagnosis process. The process of detecting cancer includes usage of certain technology and devices specifically used in its diagnosis.

Rising technological advancements is the vital factor escalating the market growth, also increasing initiatives undertaken by governments and global health organizations to spread awareness about cancer, rising growth in the number of private diagnostic centers, rising public-private partnerships to enhance the infrastructure of diagnostic imaging centers, rising Fda support for biomarker development and rising launch of new flow cytometry reagents for diagnostics and drug discovery are the major factors among others driving the Cancer Diagnostics Market. Moreover, rising personalized medicine, increasing development of mass cytometry and the combination of cell-and bead-based flow cytometry technologies, improving healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets and rising miniaturized and technologically advanced devices will further create new Cancer Diagnostics Market Opportunities in the forecasted period of 2021-2028.

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List of Key Players Covered in the Cancer Diagnostics Market Report:

Abbott

Agilent Technologies, Inc

BD

bioMerieux SA

NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc

Telerad Tech

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Hologic Inc

Illumina, Inc

QIAGEN

BioGenex

Siemens Healthcare GmbH

BioNTech Diagnostics GmbH

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

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This Report Includes Market Scope and Segmentation Through 2028, Detailing The Market Share for Cancer Diagnostics Based On the Type, Application and End User.

On the basis of type, Global Cancer Diagnostics Market is segmented into imaging testing, biomarkers testing, in vitro diagnostic testing, biopsy and others.



Based on application, the Cancer Diagnostics Market is segmented into lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer and others.



The Global Cancer Diagnostics Market is also segmented on the basis of end-user into diagnostic centers, hospitals and clinics, research institutes and others.



Highlights of Table of Content:

Chapter 1: Market overview

Chapter 2: Global Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) market analysis

Chapter 3: Regional analysis of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) industry

Chapter 4: Market segmentation based on types and applications

Chapter 5: Revenue analysis based on types and applications

Chapter 6: Market share

Chapter 7: Competitive Landscape

Chapter 8: Drivers, Restraints, Challenges, and Opportunities

Chapter 9: Gross Margin and Price Analysis



Request for Detailed Table of Content for New Business Strategies, Challenges & Policies mentioned including Images and Graphs @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-cancer-diagnostics-market

Some Industry Development Updates:

Exact Sciences Corp. announced the acquisition of Genomic Health Inc. This acquisition will help the company to strengthen them as the leading Cancer Diagnostics company. The joint venture will provide two of Cancer Diagnostics ' strongest and fastest growing brands, Cologuard and Oncotype DX. With this they will enhance their marker demand and also meet the rising demand of their customer.

Strand announced the launch of their new liquid biopsy test portfolio in April 2017, which is specially designed so it can be used as oncologists ' screening and tracking method to assess the possible tumor that may develop somewhere in the body. They also have the ability to provide early information related to tumor presence.

In recent years, the prevalence of chronic diseases (such as cancer, diabetes, hormonal disorder, and many others) across the globe has increased considerably over a period of time. The rapidly increasing aging population and the subsequent rise in chronic conditions are major factors driving the demand for self-injection devices and cost of healthcare.

Regional Insights:

North America dominates the Cancer Diagnostics Market due to rising presence of numerous biotechnology as well as medical device companies, rising greater funding available for research and development projects and high adoption of advanced technologies in this region. Asia-Pacific is the expected region in terms of growth in Market due to rising favorable government policies supporting the growth of the manufacturing industry, coupled with lower manufacturing costs in this region.

Let us know if you looking for Customization or section wise Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/inquire-before-buying/?dbmr=global-cancer-diagnostics-market

Key Pointers Covered in the Cancer Diagnostics Market are:

Market Size

Market New Sales Volumes

Market Replacement Sales Volumes

Cancer Diagnostics Installed Base

Market by Brands

Market Procedure Volumes

Market Product Price Analysis

Market Shares in Different Regions

Cancer Diagnostics Recent Developments for Market Competitors

Upcoming Applications

Market Innovators Study



Rising levels of geriatric population

The rate at which the geriatric population is rising is alarming, and this trend can be seen throughout the different regions of the world. This category is generally prone to a number of chronic diseases, life-threating disorders and majorly cancer. This population group requires extra care, treatment and solutions to restrict the time it takes to treat and heal them.

This factor is one of the major drivers of the Cancer Diagnostics Market as they can accurately identify at which stage is cancer present in the patient, whether it has metastasized or not. It can also help decide the next course of action at an early stage so that the best treatment possible can be provided to the patients.

The report provides insights on the following pointers:

Market Penetration: It Provides comprehensive information on the evolution of market offered by the key manufacturers.

Market Scope: It Provides in-depth analysis about lucrative emerging market and analyzes the markets.

Market Diversification: It Provides detailed information about new product launches, reimbursement scenario, in key countries, research methodology, recent developments, market segmentation and investments.

Market Dynamics: It Provides research analysis that includes market drivers, restraints, market definition, market trends and Impact of Covid-19 on Cancer Diagnostics Market.

Competitive Assessment & Opportunities: It Provides an exhaustive assessment of market size, share, strategies, products, value chain analysis, key opportunities and manufacturing capabilities of the key company profiles.

Product Development & Innovation: It Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, Research Methodology and new product developments.



Geographical Segmentation: Cancer Diagnostics Market

North America (USA, Canada)

Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, and Rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Rest of Asia Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America)

Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC, and Rest of Middle East & Africa)



Healthcare Infrastructure Growth Installed base and New Technology Penetration

Cancer Diagnostics Market also provides you with detailed market analysis for every country growth in healthcare expenditure for capital equipments, installed base of different kind of products for Cancer Diagnostics Market, impact of technology using life line curves and changes in healthcare regulatory scenarios and their impact on the Cancer Diagnostics Market. The data is available for historic period 2010 to 2019.

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Dublin, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Hip Replacement Market, Global Forecast, Impact of Coronavirus, Industry Trends, Growth, Opportunity By Products, Regions, Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Global Hip Replacement Market will increase with the advent of robot-assisted surgical procedures across the world to reach US$ 7.48 Billion by 2027, from US$ 4.73 Billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 6.77%.

Hip replacement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to replace a hip joint with a prosthetic implant. It is a general surgery that helps to minimize pain and rigidity in the hip joint. Each hip replacement system has different device design features such as material, shape, fixations materials.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050, nearly 130 million people will have arthritis, of which this disease will severely disable 40 Million people. Other factors, including rheumatoid arthritis, hip fracture, septic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, have also helped this market grow.

COVID-19 Impact on Hip Replacement Market



The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented public health concern. This pandemic has adversely impacted the number of hip arthroplasty procedures. The high risk of COVID-19 infection involved during the surgical procedure and rising COVID-19 patient admissions in the hospitals are some of the prime factors resulting in decline of surgical procedures in the year 2020.



For instance, about 100,000 joint replacement surgeries were cancelled during the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020s in the U.K. Although the industry is poised to behold significant growth due to the decreasing number of COVID-19 patients in some regions as standard operating protocols in healthcare facilities are being implemented. The government initiatives for rendering clinical emergency care to patients suffering from Osteoarthritis have sustained the revenue growth in the COVID era.



Growth Factors and Challenges of Hip Replacement Market Globally



The increasing prevalence of hip arthritis and osteoporosis and the growing geriatric population have promoted market progression. The cases of Osteoarthritis is increasing due to the ageing population so older adults have to be successfully treated with hip replacements. Hence, device manufacturers emphasize hip replacement design to mimic the natural movement of the body.

The recent and ongoing technological advancements have also cured young teenagers with juvenile arthritis. Besides, increase in other related factors like obesity will also further propel the market growth.



Nevertheless, price pressure, risk of complications after surgery, and waiting time for surgery in hospitals are major hindering factors.



Product wise - All the Four Hip Replacement Techniques Market covered in the Report



Further, product-wise, the hip replacement market has segmented into total hip replacement, partial hip replacement, revision hip replacement and hip resurfacing. In Total Hip Replacement, the damaged hip is removed and replaced with prosthetic hip joint which is made up of ceramic, plastic or metal.

One of the primary reasons for the growth of total hip replacement is Osteoarthritis.



Region wise - European Region to gain Market Share



Our report also classifies the global hip replacement market geographically into five major regions: Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America, and Rest of the World. Furthermore, the surge in the abundance of hip replacement prostheses, rise in strategic collaborations among market vendors, and new product launches will help the European region to gain market share in the coming years.

On the other hand, the market in the Asia Pacific expects to witness substantial growth in the projected duration on account of the increasing prevalence of hip osteoarthritis serving most of the geriatric population in the region.



Fixation - All three Types of Fixation Market Given in the Report



By fixation - Cemented, Cement less, and Hybrid, have been strongly adopted in hip implant through the years, usage trends differ across the globe. The surgeons across the world favour using cement less hip implants, as they believe press-fitted implants are more durable over the long term. The use of cement less fixation in hip arthroplasty reduces the total surgical time. This is desirable to doctors and healthcare facilities, as minimizing operating room time lessens overall procedure costs too.



Company Initiatives in Hip Replacement Industry



For instance, in July 2020 Smith+Nephew the global medical technology business, announced the launch of the RI.HIP NAVIGATION for total hip arthroplasty (THA). This new technology designed to help maximize accuracy and reproducibility by delivering patient-specific component alignment - a critical factor for surgeons when assessing individual THA cases. Such discoveries are likely to boost the market well in the coming years.



The report covers the competitive landscaping of companies operating in this market are Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, Smith & Nephew PLC, Johnson & Johnson, Conformis Inc., Integra life sciences Corporation, MicroPort Scientific Corporation and B. Braun Melsungen AG.

These companies have fostered various strategies, such as mergers &acquisitions and partnerships, to accelerate growth in the global hip replacement market.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Market Dynamics

4.1 Growth Drivers

4.2 Challenges



5. Global Hip Replacement Market



6. Market Share

6.1 By Product

6.2 By Region

6.3 By Fixation



7. Product - Global Hip Replacement Market

7.1 Total HIP Replacement

7.2 Partial HIP Replacement

7.3 Revision HIP Replacement

7.4 HIP Resurfacing



8. Region - Hip Replacement Market



9. Fixation - Global Hip Replacement Market

9.1 Cemented

9.2 Cementless

9.3 Hybrid



10. Company Analysis

Zimmer Biomet

Stryker

Smith & Nephew PLC

Johnson & Johnson

ConformisInc

Integra lifesciencesCorporatio

MicroPort Scientific Corporation

B. Braun Melsungen AG

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4380av
New York, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Lithium-Ion Battery Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis, by Type, Capacity, Voltage, Industry, & Region - Global Forecast to 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05730647/?utm_source=GNW



In the prevailing COVID-19 situation, the expected growth of the lithium-ion battery market is expected to decline as the pandemic is restricting the supply of batteries and other components due to severe disruptions in businesses and the global economy.The current situation has impacted the supply chain of the battery industry.



Key components for batteries are mainly manufactured in Asia Pacific.The COVID-19 situation has exposed the overdependency on the region for key raw materials, especially China.



Battery manufacturers in the US, Germany, and Australia are highly impacted by the shutdown of operations in China and other Asia Pacific countries.It has also resulted in limited production leading to a serious decline in business inputs.



The recovery depends on government assistance, as well as the level of corporate debt and how the companies and markets cope with the trimmed demand.



Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) Battery expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

The Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) segment held the largest size of the market in 2020.LCO batteries have high energy density and are preferred in the consumer electronics industry, which is a major end user of the lithium-ion battery market.



The Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (Li-NMC) segment is expected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period.The automotive industry accounts for a substantial portion of the overall lithium-ion battery demand.



Electric vehicles require high power, which can only be provided by the NMC battery type. These batteries have a very low self-heating rate and are used in electric vehicle models such as Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, and BMW.



Power segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The lithium-ion battery market for the power segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2021 to 2030.The need to fulfill the requirement for peak electricity demands is the major factor contributing to the growth of the segment.



The flexibility offered by these batteries to the grid in terms of energy storage helps to deal with fluctuations associated with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, is catalyzing the adoption of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems.Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems enable grid operators to save electricity when there is a surplus of renewable energy.



The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the supply chain of lithium-ion batteries and components.Besides, due to delays in projects, developers are not able to meet the deadlines for claiming tax credits and renewable incentives.



However, the market for the utility sector is expected to recover between 2021 and 2022 with the start of ongoing and planned projects.



APAC is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Lithium-ion battery market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during 2021?2030.China and Japan are the worlds second-and third-largest markets, respectively, for electric vehicles.



Continuous developments in the consumer electronics and automotive verticals have led to an increase in the application of lithium-ion batteries as they offer various advantages, such as high power capacity, increased safety, and reduced pollution.However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted the manufacturing facilities of all verticals across the world, forcing them to shut down.



However, production has resumed in a few facilities in China, thereby initiating the manufacturing of some essentials.Several countries in the APAC region are planning off-grid electrification, especially in remote areas.



Investments in energy storage systems are expected to increase substantially in the region as governments in developing economies are formulating new policies to improve the reliability and quality of power distribution facilities for the residential customers.



Break-up of the profiles of primary participants:

 By Company Type  Tier 1  40%, Tier 2  35%, and Tier 3  25%

 By Designation  C-level Executives  45%, Managers  35%, and Others  20%

 By Region  North America - 30%, Europe  20%, APAC  40%, and RoW  10%



BYD Company (China), LG Chem (South Korea), Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) (China), Samsung SDI (South Korea), Panasonic Corporation (Japan), BAK Group (China), GS Yuasa Corporation (GS Yuasa) (Japan), Hitachi (Japan), Clarios (Germany), and Toshiba Corporation (Japan), are some of the major players in lithium-ion battery market.



The Lithium-ion battery market has been segmented into type, capacity, voltage, industry and region. The Lithium-ion battery market has been studied for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and the Rest of the World (RoW).



Reasons to buy the report:

 Illustrative segmentation, analysis, and forecast of the market based on device type, technology, sales channel, and application, and region have been conducted to give an overall view of the lithium-ion battery market.

 A value chain analysis has been performed to provide in-depth insights into the lithium-ion battery market ecosystem.

 The report includes pricing analysis, patent analysis, ecosystem analysis as well as technology and case study analysis pertaining to lithium-ion battery.

 The key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges pertaining to the lithium-ion battery market have been detailed in this report.

 Detailed information regarding the COVID-19 impact and related updates on the lithium-ion battery market has been provided in the report.

 The report includes a detailed competitive landscape of the market, along with key players, as well as in-depth analysis of their revenues and market share.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05730647/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________
WINNEMUCCA, Nev., July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (NYSE American: PZG) ("Paramount or the Company) announced today that assay results from two new core holes at the Companys proposed high grade underground Grassy Mountain gold mine in eastern Oregon drilled outside the mineral reserve area indicate the potential for additional economic material.



The two holes were initially drilled as part of the geotechnical program for alignment and to support the design of the portal and decline access to the mine. Both holes were drilled outside the boundaries of the current underground reserve, in areas considered as waste rock (see image below).

Drill hole GM19-37 was designed to acquire data related to ground conditions in proximity to the underground decline spiral as well as to provide ground water and permeability data. The hole was drilled to a depth of 831 ft. returning gold grades up to 2.56 g/T. Overall, this hole intersected a true width of 675 ft. grading an average of 0.4 g/T gold and 1.8 g/T Ag.

Drill hole GM19-38 was drilled at the proposed portal location and intercepted gold mineralization of up to 0.98 g/T of gold. The hole was drilled to 100 ft. and intersected a zone of 29 ft. grading 0.6 g/T gold beginning at a depth of 71 ft.

Paramounts COO Glen van Treek commented, The significance of these assays is that material with sufficient grade will be stockpiled separately and sent to the mill, rather than being classified as waste, thereby improving overall project economics.

Based on the September 2020 Feasibility Study, projected processing costs are $28 per ton, suggesting that at current gold prices, any material with grades over 0.55 g/T previously classified as waste, but that needs to be extracted as part of the current mine plan, will be sent to the mill for processing.

As we approach a construction decision, the updated reserves will be included in a final mine plan accounting for short-term gold and silver prices at that time, van Treek added.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0b503d6-c79c-43f0-ae3d-2e083ce875b8

NI 43-101 Disclosure

Exploration activities at Grassy Mountain are being conducted by wholly-owned subsidiary Calico Resources USA Corp. personnel under the supervision of Michael McGinnis (CPG 10914) Project Manager and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, who has reviewed and approved this release. An ongoing quality control/quality assurance protocol is being employed for the program including blank, duplicate and reference standards in every batch of assays.

About Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. is a U.S. based precious metals exploration and development company. Paramounts strategy is to create shareholder value through exploring and developing its mineral properties and to realize this value for its shareholders in three ways: by selling its assets to established producers; entering joint ventures with producers for construction and operation; or constructing and operating mines for its own account.

Paramount owns 100% of the Grassy Mountain Gold Project which consists of approximately 8,200 acres located on private and BLM land in Malheur County, Oregon. The Grassy Mountain Gold Project contains a gold-silver deposit (100% located on private land) for which results of a positive Feasibility Study have been released and key permitting milestones accomplished.

Paramount owns a 100% interest in the Sleeper Gold Project located in Northern Nevada, the worlds premier mining jurisdiction. The Sleeper Gold Project, which includes the former producing Sleeper mine, totals 2,322 unpatented mining claims (approximately 60 square miles or 15,500 hectares). The Sleeper gold project is host to a large gold deposit (over 4 million ounces of mineralized material) and the Company has completed and released a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment. With higher gold prices, Paramount has begun work to update and improve the economics of the Sleeper project.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This release and related documents may include "forward-looking statements" and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) pursuant to applicable United States and Canadian securities laws. Paramounts future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. Words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although these words may not be present in all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this news release include, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds from the Offerings. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conclusions made in the feasibility study for the Grassy Mountain Gold Project (the FS); the quantity and grade of resources included in resource estimates; the accuracy and achievability of projections included in the FS; Paramounts ability to carry on exploration and development activities, including construction; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the price of silver, gold and other metals; prices for key mining supplies, including labor costs and consumables, remaining consistent with current expectations; work meeting expectations and being consistent with estimates and plant, equipment and processes operating as anticipated. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: uncertainties involving interpretation of drilling results; environmental matters; the ability to obtain required permitting; equipment breakdown or disruptions; additional financing requirements; the completion of a definitive feasibility study for the Grassy Mountain Gold Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs and between estimated and actual production; the global epidemics, pandemics, or other public health crises, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens and the other factors described in Paramounts disclosures as filed with the SEC and the Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta Securities Commissions.

Except as required by applicable law, Paramount disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.

Rachel Goldman, Chief Executive Officer

Christos Theodossiou, Director of Corporate Communications

866-481-2233

Twitter: @ParamountNV




VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goldn Futures Mineral Corp. (the "Company or Goldn Futures) is pleased to report that the compilation of historical data on the Hercules Gold Property has identified two additional gold targets for its 2021 exploration program associated with indicative geological, geophysical and geochemical anomalies. Significantly, these new targets were found outside of and to the east of the Elmhirst Lake Intrusive Complex that is the host for the high-grade Hercules gold vein systems.



This is an important development which establishes a new regional component for gold targets outside the main gold-bearing Elmhirst Lake Intrusive Complex. Our team of geologists has recognized certain unique features in these regional targets that are similar to the Hercules gold systems. However, these targets have seen little if any historical work and we believe the targets represent opportunities to replicate the Golden Mile vein but in new and untested environments, commented Stephen Wilkinson, the Companys President and CEO.

Regional Target-1 North Kaby Lake Stock (Figure-1)

The Kaby Lake Stock is a granitic intrusive body that is very similar to and almost a twin of the Elmhirst Lake Intrusive Complex. It occurs and dominates much of the Hercules Property in the northeastern part of the claims` group. The Stock is an important host to mineral deposits including the past producing DikDik Mine which reportedly produced 3,525-tons grading 0.689 ounces per ton (21.5 grams per tonne) gold and the Foisey vein system which has returned assays up to 0.62 ounces per ton (19.4 grams per tonne) gold.

This Regional Target - 1 is based in part on the location of a gold-bearing glacial till sample collected by the Ontario Geological Survey in 1987. The survey was conducted across the Beardmore-Geraldton gold camp. The program was highly successful and identified a strong correlation between visible grains of gold found in glacial till samples with known gold mines and deposits in the camp. For example, the past producing Quebec Sturgeon River Gold Mine, located about 12-kilometres southwest of the Hercules gold systems, returned three basal till samples with 15, 22 and 74 gold grains. Similarly, the Dik Dik Mine, located about 10-kilometres east of the Hercules gold systems, had two till samples that showed 3 and 4 gold grains.

Goldn Futures Regional Target-1 is contained within the Companys newly staked claims located, about 5-kilometres northeast of the Hercules gold systems (see our news release dated, May 10, 2021). Regional Target-1 is centered on a government sample that contained 4 visible gold grains. Geologically, the target area occurs at the northern nose of the Kaby Lake Stock at the contact with felsic metavolcanic units of the Beardmore-Geraldton greenstone belt and near the intersection of two regional structures now each occupied by diabase dikes. These are geological features with which the primary gold systems at Hercules such as the Yellow Brick Road, Penelton, and Amede are associated. The association of the geological features with the finding of visible grains of gold in the glacial overburden is indicative of the potential for a yet-to-be discovered gold vein system for which our field crews will be exploring.

Regional Target-2  Ballina Lake Gold Zone (Figure-2)

The Ballina Lake Gold Zone is located about 11-kilometres northeast of the Hercules gold systems and consists of two showings associated with the eastern contact of the Kaby Lake Stock with mafic metavolcanic units. The gold showing at Ballina Lake had exploration performed on it in the past and during 2010 the work included limited outcrop stripping, pitting, sampling and diamond drilling.

Grab samples of 17.94 grams/tonne (g/t) gold and 20.03 g/t gold were reported from sheared metavolcanics at the south shore of Ballina Lake. In this location, pit samples ranged from 1.01 g/t to 5.60 g/t gold over 0.3-metres to 1.22-metres and of the three holes drilled across the trenched area, the most notable intersection was from hole KB 10-13 which returned 2.65 g/t over 0.7-metres.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8cd88075-2c3c-42aa-b809-6a644a7ceb3a

Approximately 500-metres to the southwest of Ballina Lake is another gold occurrence which is within the Kaby Lake Stock. This showing received limited trenching from which a chip sample yielded 1.01 g/t gold over 2-metres. One hole, KB 10-16, drilled across the projected trend of the trenches and collared in a complex magnetic feature very similar to the Hercules gold occurrences that extends for over 2,000-metres. Five intercepts ranging from 1.20 g/t to 3.31g/t gold over sub-meter to meter drill core lengths were reported from this hole.

The Ballina Lake gold zones represent excellent candidates for further exploration. Goldn Futures intends to have its geological team conduct mapping and sampling programs to prospect for drill sites for the upcoming drill programs.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f4403074-e623-4768-9d1e-e7265e28d5fb

Cautionary Note:

Historical resource estimates cited in this news release are based on prior data and reports obtained and prepared by previous operators, and information provided by governmental authorities. Although the historical resource estimates were National Instrument 43-101 compliant at the time they were compiled, they are not Current Resource Estimates. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to verify the classification of the mineral resource estimates in accordance with current CIM categories. The Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate. Establishing a current mineral resource estimate for the Hercules Gold Property will require further evaluation, which the Company and its consultants intend to complete in due course.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by Mr. Walter Hanych, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 regulations and is a director of the Company.

About Goldn Futures Mineral Corp.

Goldn Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M) (OTC: GFTRF) is a Canadian based exploration company advancing its flagship Hercules Gold Project. The Hercules Gold Project is a well-known high-grade gold project, located 120 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ont., in the townships of Elmhirst and Rickaby, within the Thunder Bay North Mining District in the heart of the Beardmore  Geraldton gold mining camp. The Hercules Gold Project lies within an Archean greenstone belt that extends from the Longlac area in the east to Lake Nipigon in the west, a distance of about 130 kilometres. It comprises 475 contiguous claim cells (10,052 ha) of which 95% of the property is effectively unexplored. To date, the work completed on the Hercules Gold Project forms an extensive database including reconnaissance grab samples; channel samples; a variety of geophysical surveys; and, historical drilling totalling in the order of 537 holes  all of which is being remodeled for planning of the 2021 exploration program. The historical resource estimate (see Cautionary Note) for the Hercules Gold Project was completed in 2010 and comprised an uncapped Indicated Resource of 231,800 tonnes containing 111,450 ounces of gold and an uncapped Inferred Resource of 761,300 tonnes containing 101,050 ounces of gold.

Goldn Futures other advanced gold asset is the Brady Gold Property that consists of an advanced project within a 950 ha claim group in the highly prospective Gander Zone of the central region of Newfoundland. The Bradys Reid Gold Zone is an intrusion-hosted deposit that is only partially drill-tested and remains open on strike and at depth. The historical resource estimated for Reid Gold Zone in 2011 produced an Inferred Resource of 9,750,000 tonnes hosting 173,000 ounces of gold (see the Cautionary Note).

For more information, please visit our website at: www.goldnfuturesmineralcorp.com .

For further information

Stephen Wilkinson,

President and CEO

Email: contact@goldnfutures.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results. Such statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. There is no assurance the private placement, property option, change of board or reinstatement of trading referred to above will close on the terms as stated, or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.

Cautionary Note: The Company refers to the historical resource estimates associated with the Hercules Gold Project, the Brady Gold Property and the Handcamp Property (the Historical Estimates). The Historical Estimates are based on prior data and reports obtained and prepared by previous operators, and information provided by governmental authorities. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to verify the classification of the mineral resource estimates in accordance with current CIM categories. The Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current NI 43-101-compliant mineral resource estimate. Accordingly, this historical estimate should not be relied upon. Establishing a current mineral resource estimate on the Hercules Gold Project , the Brady Gold Property and the Handcamp Property will require further evaluation, which the Company and its consultants intend to complete in due course.
Dublin, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Peptide Therapeutics Market by Type of Peptide, Route of Administration, Key Geographical Regions and Key Therapeutic Area: Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, 2021 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report features an extensive study of the current market landscape of peptide therapeutics. The study also includes an elaborate discussion on the future potential of this evolving market.

Over the years, the rising popularity of biologics, such as peptide therapeutics, have led to an evident shift in the focus of the healthcare industry, from traditional small molecule-based interventions to upcoming, albeit complex, family of pharmacological interventions. The success of peptide therapeutics, so far, can be attributed to their clinical benefits, which include high target specificity, low toxicity and favorable safety profiles. Since 2017, over 10 peptide-based drugs have received marketing approvals across different regions of the world. Examples of recently approved peptide drugs include (in the reverse chronological order of approval) LupkynisT (2021), Mycappsa (2020), Scenesse (2019), Rybelsus (2019) and Vyleesi (2019). Further, more than 150 therapeutic peptides are currently under clinical investigation, while several novel leads are being evaluated in the early stages of research. In this context, it is also worth mentioning that peptide-based therapy products account for 5% of the global pharmaceutical revenues generated annually.

Presently, several drug developers, along with technology providers, are actively engaged in the development of novel peptide therapeutics, such as peptide drug conjugates and cell penetrating peptides. Innovation in this field of research is mostly focused on improving drug delivery methods, API stability, target affinity, and optimizing toxicity profiles. Several big pharma players have also demonstrated interest in peptide therapeutics and are investing both time and capital in this domain. Since 2019, more than USD 3 billion has been invested into companies that are involved in the development of various types of peptide drugs. In addition, the market is witnessing significant partnership activity; several licensing agreements, focused on drug development and commercialization, were recently inked between stakeholders in this industry.

Amongst other elements, the report features:

A detailed review of the overall market landscape of peptide-based therapies, including information on their current phase of development (marketed, clinical, preclinical and discovery), type of peptide (small, medium and large), route of administration (intravenous, oral, subcutaneous, topical and others) and key therapeutic area.

A detailed review of the players engaged in the development of peptide drugs, along with information on their year of establishment, company size and location of headquarters.

Elaborate profiles of prominent players engaged in the development of peptide therapeutics. Each profile features a brief overview of the company, details related to its financials (if available), product portfolios, recent developments and an informed future outlook.

An analysis of the big pharma players engaged in this domain, featuring a heat map representation, based on relevant parameters, such as number of therapeutic peptides under development, information on funding, partnership and clinical trials activity.

An analysis of the recent collaborations (signed since 2015) focused on peptide therapeutics, based on relevant parameters, such as the year in which the agreement was signed, type of agreement, type of peptide, route of administration, phase of development and therapeutic area.

An analysis of various investments, such as seed financing, venture capital financing, IPOs, secondary offerings, debt financing, grants and other equity offerings, that were undertaken by companies engaged in this domain, between 2015-2021.

An in-depth analysis of completed, ongoing, and planned clinical studies of various peptide therapeutics, based on several relevant parameters, such as trial registration year, phase of development, current trial status, enrolled patient population, study design, leading industry players (in terms of number of trials conducted), study focus, target disease indication and key geographical regions.

An insightful market assessment summary, highlighting the clinical and commercial attractiveness of pipeline molecules (phase II and phase III), based on several relevant parameters, such as size of enrolled patient population (for the trial in the highest phase of development), route of administration, type of therapy, dosing frequency (for quantifying clinical attractiveness), target patient population, expected launch date and size of developer company (for quantifying commercial attractiveness).

A case study on the role of service providers that operate within the peptide therapeutics market, along with information on the various CROs, CMOs and custom peptide manufacturers that are actively engaged in this segment.

A case study presenting the key characteristics of novel peptide therapeutics, along with information on their applications and advantages, as well as key challenges associated with their development process.

One of the key objectives of the report was to estimate the existing market size and future opportunity associated with peptide therapeutics, over the next decade. Based on the sales for approved peptide drugs, during the period 2015-2020, we have developed informed estimates on the evolution of the market over the coming decade. Additionally, the report features the likely distribution of the current and forecasted opportunity across [A] type of peptide (small, medium and large), [B] route of administration (intravenous, oral, subcutaneous, topical and others), [C] key geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World) and [D] key therapeutic area (metabolic diseases, oncological diseases, endocrine diseases, digestive and gastrointestinal diseases and others). In addition, the report provides value creation analysis of approved and clinical peptide-based therapies across different therapeutic areas.

All actual figures have been sourced and analyzed from publicly available information forums and primary research discussions. Financial figures mentioned in this report are in USD, unless otherwise specified.

Key Questions Answered

Who are the leading industry players engaged in the development of peptide therapeutics?

Which key disease indications are targeted by peptide therapeutic candidates in the current development pipeline?

What are the different initiatives undertaken by big pharma players for the development of peptide therapeutics in the recent past?

What kind of partnership models are most commonly adopted by stakeholders engaged in this domain?

Who are the key stakeholders that have actively made investments in the peptide therapeutics domain?

How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments?

Key Topics Covered:

1. PREFACE

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3. INTRODUCTION

4. MARKET OVERVIEW

5. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

5.1. Chapter Overview

5.2. Peptide Therapeutics: List of Developers

5.2.1. Analysis by Year of Establishment

5.2.2. Analysis by Company Size

5.2.3. Analysis by Phase of Development and Geography (Logo Landscape)

5.2.4. Key Players: Analysis by Number of Product Candidates

5.3. Analysis by Company Size, Phase of Development and Geography (Heat Map

6. COMPANY PROFILES

6.1. Chapter Overview

6.2. Apellis Pharmaceuticals

6.2.1 Company Overview

6.2.2. Financial Information

6.2.3 Pipeline Details

6.2.4. Recent Developments and Future Outlook

6.3. BioLineRx

6.4. Eli Lilly

6.5. FirstString Research

6.6. Novo Nordisk

6.7. Palatin Technologies

6.8. RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals

6.9. Stealth BioTherapeutics

6.10. Takeda

6.11. Zealand Pharma

7. PEPTIDE THERAPEUTICS FOCUSED INITIATIVES OF BIG PHARMA

7.1. Chapter Overview

7.2. Top Pharmaceutical Companies: Peptide Therapeutics Focused Initiatives

7.2.1. Analysis by Number of Amino Acids

7.2.2. Analysis by Route of Administration

7.2.3. Analysis by Therapeutic Area

7.3. Benchmark Analysis of Key Parameters

7.3.1. Spider Web Analysis: Pipeline Strength

7.3.2. Spider Web Analysis: Partnerships

7.3.3. Spider Web Analysis: Investments

7.3.4. Spider Web Analysis: Clinical Trials

7.4. Benchmark Analysis of Big Pharmaceutical Players

7.4.1. Spider Web Analysis: Novo Nordisk

7.4.2. Spider Web Analysis: Amgen

7.4.3. Spider Web Analysis: Takeda

7.4.4. Spider Web Analysis: Eli Lilly

7.4.5. Spider Web Analysis: Johnson and Johnson

8. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

8.1. Chapter Overview

8.2. Partnership Models

8.3. Peptide Therapeutics: List of Partnerships and Collaborations

8.3.1. Analysis by Year of Partnership

8.3.2. Analysis by Type of Partnership

8.3.3. Analysis by Year and Type of Partnership

8.3.4. Analysis by Type of Peptide

8.3.5. Analysis by Route of Administration

8.3.6. Analysis by Type of Partnership and Route of Administration

8.3.7. Analysis by Type of Partnership, Type of Peptide and Route of Administration

8.3.8. Analysis by Phase of Development

8.3.9. Analysis by Type of Partnership and Phase of Development

8.3.10. Analysis by Therapeutic Area

8.3.11. Analysis by Year, Type of Partnership and Therapeutic Area (Grid

8.4. Most Active Players: Analysis by Number of Partnerships

8.5. Regional Analysis

8.5.1. Intracontinental and Intercontinental Agreements

8.5.2. Local and International Agreements

9. FUNDING AND INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

9.1. Chapter Overview

9.2. Types of Funding

9.3. Peptide Therapeutics: Funding and Investment Analysis

9.3.1. Analysis by Number of Funding Instances

9.3.2. Analysis by Amount Invested

9.3.3. Analysis by Type of Funding

9.3.4. Analysis by Year and Type of Funding

9.3.5. Analysis of Amount Invested by Geography

9.3.6. Most Active Players: Analysis by Number of Funding Instances and Amount

9.3.7. Key Investors: Analysis by Number of Funding Instances

9.3.8. Analysis by Phase of Development

9.3.9. Analysis by Therapeutic Area

10. CLINICAL TRIAL ANALYSIS

10.1. Chapter Overview

10.2. Scope and Methodology

10.3. Peptide Therapeutics: Clinical Trial Analysis

10.3.1. Analysis by Trial Registration Year

10.3.2. Analysis by Trial Status

10.3.3. Analysis by Trial Phase

10.3.4. Analysis by Trial Recruitment Status

10.3.5. Analysis by Trial Registration Year and Enrolled Patient Population

10.3.6. Analysis by Study Design

10.3.7. Analysis by Type of Sponsor / Collaborator

10.3.8. Most Active Players: Analysis by Number of Registered Trials

10.3.9. Emerging Focus Area

10.3.10. Analysis by Therapeutic Area

10.3.11. Geographical Analysis by Number of Registered Trials

10.3.12. Geographical Analysis by Enrolled Patient Population

11. CLINICAL AND COMMERCIAL ATTRACTIVENESS ANALYSIS

11.1. Chapter Overview

11.2. Methodology

11.2.1. Assumptions and Key Parameters

11.3. Affiliated Insights

11.3.1. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Autoimmune Diseases

11.3.2. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Cardiovascular Diseases

11.3.3. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Central Nervous System

11.3.4. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Digestive and Gastrointestinal

11.3.5. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Endocrine Diseases

11.3.6. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Genetic Diseases

11.3.7. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Hematological Diseases

11.3.8. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Infectious Diseases

11.3.9. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Inflammatory Diseases

11.3.10. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Metabolic Diseases

11.3.11. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Oncological Diseases

11.3.12. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Ophthalmic Diseases

11.3.13. Clinical and Commercial Attractiveness Analysis: Other Diseases

12. CASE STUDY: CONTRACT SERVICES LANDSCAPE

12.1.1. Chapter Overview

12.2. Role of Service Providers

12.2.1. List of Peptide CROs

12.2.2. List of Platform Providers

12.2.3. List of Peptide CMOs

12.2.3.1. List of Custom Peptide Manufacturers

12.3. Advantages of Outsourcing

12.4. Risks and Challenges Associated with Outsourcing

13. CASE STUDY: NOVEL PEPTIDE THERAPEUTICS

13.1. Chapter Overview

13.2. Overview of Novel Peptide Therapeutics

13.3. Advantages and Applications of Novel Peptide Therapeutics

13.4. Key Challenges Associated with Novel Peptide Therapeutics

14. MARKET FORECAST AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS

15. CONCLUDING REMARKS

16. APPENDIX I: LIST OF APPROVED PEPTIDE THERAPEUTICS (2000-2012)

17. APPENDIX II: TABULATED DATA

18. APPENDIX III: LIST OF COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/su5zd2
National, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JFI Medical, a team of nationally-accomplished African-American physicians and professionals dedicated to healthcare equity for disadvantaged communities, today announced Dr. Jerome Adams, the 20th United States Surgeon General, joined the organization as its Senior Public Health and Community Outreach Advisor.

JFI Medical was most recently recognized for providing COVID-19 testing to the Indianapolis Airport Authority, becoming the first African-American owned supplier of COVID-19 test kits to a major U.S. airport.

Dr. Adams served as Surgeon General for the Trump administration from September 5, 2017 to January 20, 2021, leading a team of approximately 6,500 healthcare officers in nearly 800 locations worldwide. He planned to focus on opioid addiction, mental health and childhood obesity, before coronavirus became the nation's public health priority.

As a member of the President's Coronavirus task force, Dr. Adams was at the forefront of Americas most pressing health challenges from the pandemic. A regular communicator on TV, radio, and in print, Dr. Adams is an expert not just in the science, but also in communicating science to various audiences.

Also as Surgeon General, Dr. Adams assisted organizations navigate the opioid epidemic, maternal health, rising rates of chronic disease, the impacts of rising suicide rates in our Nation, and how businesses can become better stewards and stakeholders in promoting community health and equitable access to healthcare resources.

Dr. Adams, a Maryland native with bachelor's degrees in biochemistry and psychology from University of Maryland, a master of public health degree from University of California at Berkeley, and a medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, has experience in dealing with healthcare crises. As Indiana's health commissioner from 2014 through 2017, appointed by then Governor Mike Pence, Dr. Adams worked directly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while presiding over Indiana's efforts to address Ebola and Zika, and the state's unprecedented HIV and hepatitis C outbreak spurred by out-of-control opioid addiction.

Before entering public service, Dr. Adams was associate professor of clinical anesthesia at Indiana University School of Medicine and staff anesthesiologist at Eskenazi Health. He was also a researcher at medical schools in Netherlands and Zimbabwe. His leadership experience included the American Medical Association, Boards of the Indiana State Medical Association, the Indiana Society of Anesthesiologists, and chairing the Professional Diversity Committee for the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

In addition to serving on the frontline of our Nation's fight against the pandemic, as Surgeon General Dr. Adams successfully partnered with and assisted organizations navigate the opioid epidemic, maternal health, rising rates of chronic disease, the impacts of rising suicide rates, and how businesses can become better stewards and stakeholders in promoting community health and equitable access to healthcare resources.

His motto as Surgeon General, "better health through better partnerships," perfectly describes his role with JFI Medical and shared service to the Indiana community. JFI Medical Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Coleman and Chief Operating Officer Jerry Lacy were born and raised on the Northside of Indianapolis, serving some of the area's most deprived neighborhoods. Dr. Coleman's background as a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon combined with Lacy's years of experience in international trade, led the friends to form JFI Medical shortly after the number of COVID-19 cases in Indianapolis began escalating, as part of their continued commitment to address community health disparities.

"I'm honored and excited to partner with JFI Medical as we work to advance health access and decrease health disparities for vulnerable communities. Their commitment to health equity is what makes this such a great opportunity and great fit," Dr. Adams said about his new role.

Within the last year, JFI Medical has expanded its impact and reach across the country through the addition of its esteemed board of advisors. "Dr. Adams' stellar reputation precedes him. His extensive experience in the medical and healthcare fields make him an invaluable asset to JFI Medical," said Bill Heller, Consumer Financial Services Practice Group Chair and Coronavirus Task Force Chair at Akerman LLP and Chief Legal Advisor to JFI Medical. "Dr. Adams undoubtedly will excel in this important position, for JFI Medical. Akerman looks forward to collaborating with Dr. Adams and the entire leadership team of JFI Medical to ensure its continued efforts toward eliminating glaring health disparities within diverse communities."

About JFI Medical

JFI Medical consists of established African-American physicians, and C-Suite professionals. These individuals believe that executing an aggressive strategy to identify and distribute premium healthcare products and services, including COVID-19 test kits and other related PPE supplies to underserved communities, is an essential element in the war against the coronavirus and their ongoing commitment to public health.

Attachment
BALTIMORE, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RNA Disease Diagnostics, Inc. (RNADD), a company developing a best-in-class molecular diagnostics platform for infectious disease detection, announced today the appointment of Richard G. Ganz to its Board of Directors. Mr. Ganz brings more than forty years of executive experience to RNADD, having worked with businesses ranging from venture-backed startups to major international healthcare companies.



Mr. Ganz has an accomplished history of strategic operations, sales and marketing, business development and general management success in the global healthcare industry. He spent the first twenty years of his career at Abbott Laboratories, where his last position was Vice President and General Manager, Vascular Medicine. In 2001, he joined Baxter Healthcare as President, Renal North America. In 2004 he moved to Boston to join OmniSonics Medical Technologies as President and CEO. From 2012 to 2014 he was the Chief Operating Officer of Piramal Critical Care. Since 2014, he has managed his own healthcare advisory firm, RGA LifeSciences, assisting companies with formation, strategic planning and fundraising. From 2017 to 2020, he served as Executive in Residence with Kairos Venture, leading two of its portfolio companies, Applaud Medical, Inc. and Domicell, Inc. Mr. Ganz received his M.B.A. from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota.

Mr. Ganz has extensive Board experience, serving as a Director of private and public companies, as well as industry associations. Currently, he is Executive Chairman of Sentien Biotechnologies, Inc. and serves on the Board of Kalocyte, Inc.

"On behalf of everyone at the Company, I am very pleased to welcome Richard to our team, said Allan Oberman, co-Founder and Chairman of RNADD. He is not only an accomplished executive in the healthcare industry, but also brings a breadth of relevant private and public company governance experience to RNADD that should be invaluable as we execute the next stages of our growth strategy.

Mr. Ganz commented, I am excited to join RNADDs Board at such an especially opportune time as the Company continues to advance its first product candidate, the Antisense COVID-19 molecular diagnostic test, toward commercialization. I look forward to contributing to the work of the Board and supporting its pioneering management team.

About RNA Disease Diagnostics

RNA Disease Diagnostics (RNADD) was formed to create a best-in-class rapid and accurate molecular diagnostic technology platform that will contribute to the prevention of infectious disease transmission and to better the health of the citizens of the world. The Company plans to leverage its proprietary Antisense RNA diagnostic platform across multiple diseases and to create highly accurate, quick, affordable, and minimally invasive disease diagnostic testing kits. Its initial focus is to deploy COVID-19 Antisense diagnostic point-of-care (POC) and Home Use Test (HUT) rapid diagnostic testing kits. For more information, visit www.rnadiseasediagnostics.com.

Contact:

Stephen Kilmer

Investor & Public Relations

stephen@kilmerlucas.com

Direct: (646) 274-3580
First Phase Launches Sky Premium Life Products on Amazon and eBay; Second Phase Launch Includes Brick & Mortar Stores

Continues to Expand its Network of European Distribution Partners; Plans to Enter into Additional European, Asian and New Global Markets in 2H 2021

CHICAGO, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cosmos Holdings, Inc. (the Company") (OTCQX: COSM ), an international pharmaceutical company with a proprietary line of branded and generic pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, OTC medications and an extensive, established European Union distribution network, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Mediprovita GbR (Mediprovita) to be the exclusive distributor in Germany and Austria of the Companys Sky Premium Life, a proprietary, luxury and high-quality nutritional supplements' brand, with a complete range of vitamins, minerals, herbs and unique formulas.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mediprovita will employ its sales, marketing and e-commerce expertise to distribute Sky Premium Life products throughout Germany and Austria. In addition, Mediprovita will submit registration files on behalf of the Company within the territories. Cosmos expects to have approximately 25 Sky Premium Life SKUs launched in the next two months, and targets having all 65 SKUs listed on Amazon and eBay by year end.

Greg Siokas, Chief Executive Officer of Cosmos Holdings, stated, Todays announcement is a testament to the hard work that our team has put in over the past four years in order to transform Cosmos into an international pharmaceutical company with an established distribution network in Europe. We are rapidly expanding our distribution network worldwide and are pleased to add Mediprovita as our exclusive distributor in Germany and Austria. Our Sky Premium Life brand is a key part of our business that continues to contribute to our revenue growth. This partnership will establish Cosmos Holdings in the pharma retail and e-commerce markets in Germany and Austria, while offering significant opportunities for geographic expansion. The first phase of our agreement consists of rolling out our Sky Premium Life products on the e-commerce platforms Amazon and eBay, followed by placing our products in Bricks & Mortar pharma stores across Germany and Austria.

We believe Mediprovita is the perfect distribution partner as they have 25 years of expertise in e-commerce, strong online presence on Amazon and eBay, extensive proficiency in marketing and business analytics and a successful track record in selling health products. They also have a 70,000 sq ft logistics and fulfillment center in Mannheim, Germany, which will enhance our ability to sell more of our products through increased inventory and storage capacity. Our goal within the next several months is to add three major European markets and enter the Asian market which we believe will help accelerate both revenue and EBITDA growth in the years ahead.

Angelos Kiriazis, Owner & General Manager of Mediprovita, commented, We are excited to work with Cosmos Holdings and distribute their Sky Premium Life products in Germany and Austria. They have created high-quality nutritional supplements by combining carefully selected raw materials based on strict pharmaceutical standards and Good Manufacturing Practices protocols. We are witnessing increasing demand from consumers for nutraceuticals, and after extensive due diligence we believe their high-quality, premium nutraceutical and food supplement products are the perfect fit for our portfolio. We know that our partnership with Cosmos will add value to Mediprovita as we remain committed to enhancing the health of consumers.

About Cosmos Holdings, Inc.

Cosmos Holdings Inc. is an international pharmaceutical company, with a proprietary line of branded and generic pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, OTC medications and medical devices and an extensive, established EU distribution network. The Company identifies, acquires, develops and commercializes products that improve patients' lives and outcomes and has developed a global distribution platform in 17 European countries and the UK and is currently expanding throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Cosmos Holdings has offices and distribution centers in Thessaloniki, Greece, Athens, Greece and Harlow, UK. More information is available at www.cosmosholdingsinc.com and www.skypremiumlife.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

With the exception of the historical information contained in this news release, the matters described herein, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that otherwise, include the words believes, expects, anticipates, intends, projects, estimates, plans and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as will, should, would, may and could, are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. These statements, involve unknown risks and uncertainties that may individually or materially impact the matters discussed, herein for a variety of reasons that are outside the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Companys ability to raise sufficient financing to implement its business plan, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Companys business, operations and the economy in general, and the Companys ability to successfully develop and commercialize its proprietary products and technologies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward- looking statements, as actual results could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements contained herein. Readers are urged to read the risk factors set forth in the Companys filings with the SEC, which are available at the SECs website (www.sec.gov). 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.

Investor Relations Contact:

Crescendo Communications, LLC

Tel: 212-671-1020

Email: COSM@crescendo-ir.com
HIGHLIGHTS



The latest drilling program on the Stage One mining concessions has been completed, with five exploration core holes (S-25, S-26, S-27, S-28 and S-29) each reaching target depth of 400m.

Positive average lithium concentration of 989 mg/l, with maximum amount of 3,375 mg/l, confirming Maricunga as one of the richest deposits globally.

Significant resource expansion expected for Stage One after the new drilling program tested the 200-400m mineralised zone.

DFS update continues by Worley, GEA Messo and Atacama Waters.

Preliminary indications of interest received from international financial institutions and private funds for debt financing and future equity financing of the project.

Finance process will continue in coming months, with the Mitsui agreement announced on May 15 for Off-Take and Funding of the Stage One serving as a solid base.

Review and certification processes initiated for ESG protocols. Proposals from specialised advisors are expected during Q3 to review all project information along with carbon footprint metrics.

The Company intends to host a webinar on the Monday 12 July at 10:30am AEST. Details for this event, are below.

SYDNEY, Australia, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Power International Limited (ASX: LPI) (LPI or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on the Resource Expansion and Finance activities of its Maricunga Lithium Brine Project in Chile.

As announced on 27 January 2021, the Company commenced additional exploration at the Maricunga Salar as part of the updated DFS for its Stage One Project with the aim of expanding the current Measured + Indicated (M+I) resource. This currently is measured from near surface to 200m depth, but recent drilling will also include the interval between 200m and 400m.

LPI has completed additional five diamond core holes to the target depth of 400m as scheduled. As a result, the resource update for the Stage One mining concessions will be based on:

5,257m drilled within 41 wells.

3 production wells and 4 long term pumping tests (more than 60 days in total).

1,194 brine samples analysed by Andes Analytical Assay, the University of Antofagasta in Chile and Norlab in Argentina.

501 undisturbed core samples taken for drainable porosity tests which were sent to Geosystems Analysis (GSA), Daniel B. Stephens and Associates, Corelabs and the British Geological Survey.

Positive results with average lithium concentration of 989 mg/l and maximum value of 3,375 mg/l are shown in Table 1 below. This incorporates the results of all drilling in the Old Code mining concessions where recent drilling was completed. This excludes results from within the Litio properties, which are New Code mining concessions, in the core of the salar, with higher grades.

Table 1: Average Lithium and Potassium concentrations - https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/926a4071-3f74-4253-85f3-844c6b79e3cb

Positive lithium/calcium/magnesium ratios have confirmed the world class nature of the Maricunga deposit (Table 2).



Table 2: Average lithium/calcium/magnesium ratios - https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c78eef60-ff89-4562-86ba-a3a74b5ab4aa

Location of the different exploration and production wells, geological traces are shown on Figure 1 below for sections to be provided with the resource update.



Figure 1: Location of Geological Traces - https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/924f2611-8827-4153-8a28-7e4d4aae433f

A new Resource (M+I) estimate is in process, including the additional information to 400m depth, using SGeMS software as a base for the new Reserve estimate update which will be part of the updated DFS for Stage One. A significant resource expansion is expected to be between the range of 1.5x to 1.8x the 2019 values1.



Figure 2: Exploration Diamond Core Holes  Major Drilling - https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/276d2ee2-dd92-48bd-af29-3a842fedc537

The DFS update continues to advance as planned by Worley (Engineering) and GEA Messo (Production Process). Several opportunities for optimisation have been identified in the engineering, with potential reduction also in the CAPEX of the project.



The Company has advanced further on its production process with significant efficiency increases. As part of the finance and commercial activities, new samples of high-quality battery grade Lithium Carbonate will be produced at GEA Labs in France for review by off-takers after the Basic Engineering is completed by the end of September. Purity is expected to be significantly higher compared with the original samples produced in 2018. They showed a 99.5% purity. Such an outcome would allow the Company to reach a wider spectrum of customers with different quality requirements in the future.

Financing activities have continued. Preliminary indications of interest have been received from international financial institutions and private funds for both debt financing and future equity financing of the project. The company will continue advancing the process, with the Mitsui agreement for off-take and funding serving as a solid base.

A recovery in lithium prices, especially for battery grade lithium carbonate, along with the off-take agreed with Mitsui have had a positive impact on the expected level of leverage the project could support. The Company is now targeting a 50 per cent leverage for the project with a lower cost debt structure.

Lithium carbonate battery grade is now trading at $US14,000 per tonne in China, Japan and Korea, as shown below in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Lithium carbonate, 99.5% Li2CO3 min, battery grade, spot price cif China, Japan & Korea, $/kg (midpoint) - https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e3947fd-ee9f-4fe4-99cf-38e32e5f36f5

As EV roll-out intensifies and electrification becomes a significant focus for governments, the scrutiny of lithium producers initiatives to minimise environmental impacts have been growing.



Sustainability has always been the centre of LPIs flagship Maricunga project. The company has made important efforts to become one of the first Zero Emission lithium brine producers. That includes minimising the water consumption of the production process design (self-producing more than 30 per cent of water used); using electricity only produced by solar generators through long term power purchase agreements; and having strict protocols to ensure any negative impact on the area have provided an opportunity to set a high standard in the industry. Additionally, the social aspect has been important to the Maricunga project, having received open and ongoing support from both indigenous and civilian communities. All of these aspects have been widely recognised by the Chilean authorities.

The Company has initiated the process to review and certify its Environmental Social and Governance protocols. Proposals from specialised advisors are expected to be received during Q3 for the review of all the project information, as well as its carbon footprint metrics.

Lithium Power Internationals Chief Executive Officer, Cristobal Garcia-Huidobro, commented:

We are incredibly pleased with the positive results to date. We look forward to continuing advancement on all fronts as we progress the Maricunga Stage One project towards a successful outcome. We remain fully committed to the objective of providing the maximum value to our shareholders.

Investor Webinar

The Board is pleased to invite shareholders and investors to provide an update on the Company. CEO, Cristobal Garcia-Huidobro and Andrew Phillips CFO will be providing shareholders with an update followed by a Q&A session.

Details of the event are as follows:

Event: Lithium Power International Limited Company Update Webinar

Webinar Presenters: CEO, Cristobal Garcia-Huidobro and Andrew Phillips CFO

Date and Time: 12 July 2021, 10:30 am AEST

Where: Zoom Webinar - details to be provided upon registration

To register your interest in the webinar please click through to the link below.

https://janemorganmanagement-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Mc-DBaHAR-adrZeZlmnZaw

After registering your interest, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar. Participants will be able to submit questions via the panel throughout the presentation, however, we encourage shareholders and investors to send through questions via email beforehand to Jane Morgan at: jm@janemorganmanagement.com.au

For further information, please contact:

Cristobal Garcia-Huidobro  CEO; or Andrew Phillips  CFO

Lithium Power International

E: info@lithiumpowerinternational.com

Ph: +612 9276 1245

www.lithiumpowerinternational.com

@LithiumPowerLPI

Jane Morgan  Investor and Media Relations

+ 61 (0) 405 555 618

jm@janemorganmanagement.com.au

For U.S. and other international investor relations enquiries:

Arrowhead Business and Investment Decisions, LLC

Thomas Renaud | Managing Director

42 Broadway, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Office: +1 212 619-6889

enquire@arrowheadbid.com

Competent Persons Statement  MARICUNGA LITHIUM BRINE PROJECT

The information contained in this ASX release relating to Exploration Targets, Exploration Results and resources has been compiled by Mr Murray Brooker. Mr Brooker is a Geologist and Hydrogeologist and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH). Mr Brooker has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a competent person as defined in the 2012 edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. He is also a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101.

Mr Brooker is an employee of Hydrominex Geoscience Pty Ltd and an independent consultant to Lithium Power International. Mr Brooker consents to the inclusion in this announcement of this information in the form and context in which it appears. The information in this announcement is an accurate representation of the available data from initial drilling at the Maricunga project.

_________________________

1 Maricunga Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), January 22nd, 2019
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into data licensing agreements related to its existing 3D CSEM multi-client data library in the Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea. The agreements represent combined revenues of approximately USD 1.1 million.



Contact

Anders Eimstad, EMGS Chief Financial Officer, +47 948 25 836



About EMGS

EMGS, the marine EM market leader, uses its proprietary electromagnetic (EM) technology to support oil and gas companies in their search for offshore hydrocarbons. EMGS supports each stage in the workflow, from survey design and data acquisition to processing and interpretation. The Company's services enable the integration of EM data with seismic and other geophysical and geological information to give explorationists a clearer and more complete understanding of the subsurface. This improves exploration efficiency and reduces risks and the finding costs per barrel. CSEM technology can also be used to detect the presence of marine mineral deposits (primarily Seabed Massive Sulphides) and EMGS believes that the technology can also be used to estimate the mineral content of such deposits. The Company is undertaking early-stage initiatives to position itself in this future market.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act


FRANKLIN, Tenn., July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jinanne West and Stephanie Maxwell have joined Wesley Financial Group, LLC (WFG), the leader in timeshare cancellations, as President and General Counsel respectively.

Jinanne and Stephanie bring a wealth of experience to our leadership team that we will lean on as we expand the Wesley brand into new market segments, said Chuck McDowell, WFG founder and CEO. We are launching a mortgage company in August and plan to continue to seek out additional growth opportunities for Wesley. Jinanne and Stephanie are seasoned leaders and will play a pivotal role in our growth.

Prior to joining WFG, West most recently served for five years as Vice President of Finance for DesignWorks Investments, LLC. From 2003 to 2015, she served in a variety of accounting and finance-focused management roles for Corrections Corporation of America.

West is a graduate of Rhodes College with a Masters in Accounting from Belmont University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Missions International.

Through its good works on behalf of consumers who have been mistreated by timeshare companies, Wesley has become a trusted brand, said West. I look forward to helping guide the company as we seek to transition Wesley into new markets. We are building a world-class organization that will create and implement strategies that ensure the long-term success of the company.

West is being joined on the executive team by Maxwell, who will serve as General Counsel. Since 2014, she has served as the General Counsel for the Comptroller of the Treasury for the State of Tennessee. She had previously served for one year as Deputy General Counsel. Prior to that, she served as litigation attorney for Bass, Berry & Sims and Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis for more than 14 years combined.

She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and received her Juris Doctor degree from Washington and Lee University. She is active in the community and currently serves on the board for the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Washington and Lee Alumni Association. She previously served on other boards including Harding Academy Board of Trustees and the Nashville Aquatics Club.

About Wesley Financial Group:

Since its founding in 2011, WFG has helped more than 15,000 families free themselves of more than $243 million in timeshare mortgage debt. The company has differentiated itself from others in the timeshare cancellation industry by utilizing a detailed vetting process to ensure it can relieve a client of their timeshare before they are accepted. Unlike most others in the timeshare cancellation industry, WFG handles all phases of the cancellation process internally as opposed to any outsourcing. This formula has proven successful as is evidenced by the companys platinum business score rating from Dun & Bradstreet as well as the client testimonials which the company constantly receives. Visit www.wesleyfinancialgroup.com for more information.

WFG can also be followed on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Attachments
NEW YORK, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a leading national commercial real estate finance company, has provided $18,320,000 in HUD 223(f) financing to refinance a 150-unit multifamily property in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The transaction was originated by Adam Yitzhaky and Ilan Bassali of Greystone on behalf of the Northridge Group.



The $18.3 million HUD-insured loan carries a 35-year term and amortization, along with a low, fixed rate. In addition to refinancing, loan proceeds also enable the borrower to continue with ongoing site maintenance and monetize a portion of their equity.

Built in 2016, Aspen Lofts Apartments consists of two, detached mid-rise elevator buildings offering studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that feature modern appliances and finishes, in-unit washer/dryers and private outdoor living spaces. Residents of the pet-friendly community have access to a clubhouse, fitness center, game and media room, barbeque and picnic areas, dog park and onsite parking. Located close to the areas major employers, shopping, dining and educational centers, including the University of North Dakota, the property is near Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 2, which provide convenient access to the Canadian border, Fargo and Grand Forks Air Force Base.

We like to get hands-on and go into the details when it comes to finding the right solutions for our clients properties, said Mr. Yitzhaky. Greystones tenure in the multifamily space and our deep HUD lending experience mean we bring a unique level of insight and resources to each transaction, resulting in unparalleled service and execution for every deal.

Greystones mastery of the multifamily space and its extensive lending capabilities meant that we secured the financing we needed in record time, said Ryan Carlson, co-founder and principal of the Northridge Group. Our Greystone team made sure we were well-cared through every step of the transaction - we consider them to be a trusted partner who helps us do better business.

About Greystone

Greystone is a private national commercial real estate finance company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lender in these sectors. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Company LLC, Greystone Funding Company LLC and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greystone.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Karen Marotta

Greystone

212-896-9149

Karen.Marotta@greyco.com
LOS ANGELES, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Judicate West, one of Californias leading providers of private dispute resolution services, welcomes Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Norman P. Tarle to its roster of neutrals. He is based in the Los Angeles office and available for mediations, arbitrations and private judging assignments statewide.



Judge Tarle, with his reputation as an even-tempered and fair judge and his sterling 36-year career in the courts, exemplifies the experience and judicial temperament we seek out for our roster of neutrals, said Rosemarie Chiusano, Executive Vice President of Business Development with Judicate West. With a passion for resolving disputes and a character built around respect and kindness for everyone who enters his chambers, Judge Tarle has made a difference in the Los Angeles community, and we are confident he will do the same for our clients statewide.

Judge Tarle has more than 36 years of experience with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. For the past 20 years, he served as a Superior Court judge, presiding over numerous jury and bench trials involving personal injury, professional malpractice (both medical and legal), contract, real property, warrant of habitability and landlord/tenant cases. In addition to his civil assignments, he sat in criminal court, presiding over sexual assault prosecutions and civil rights violations that often led to civil lawsuits against educational institutions and law enforcement agencies. Judge Tarle has also overseen numerous death penalty cases.

Before being sworn to the bench by then-Gov. Gray Davis in 2001, Judge Tarle was elected commissioner for the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1985 and again in 1994 for the Superior Court, overseeing minor felonies, sex crimes and murder trials. Prior to his Superior Court positions, he was a Los Angeles deputy city attorney, trying criminal jury trials before being assigned to the Housing Enforcement Division.

During the pandemic, Judge Tarle set up virtual brown bag lunches for young and newly admitted attorneys with the Beverly Hills Bar Association and Los Angeles County Bar Association. He received the Judge of the Year award from the Los Angeles County Criminal Courts Bar Association in 2005. Judge Tarle earned his J.D. and MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles (1976) and his B.A. from the City College of New York (1972).

About Judicate West

Judicate West is one of Californias leading providers of private dispute resolution services with a distinguished roster of proven neutrals, including retired state and federal court judges plus full-time attorney mediators and arbitrators from a wide variety of practice areas. Founded in 1993, the firm prides itself on maintaining the utmost integrity in delivering innovative solutions to all types of civil disputes. The firms successful formula involves top-tier neutrals, a great company culture and an experienced team of ADR professionals dedicated to delivering gold standard service in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Judicate West has offices in Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.

Contact:

Traci Stuart / Michael Panelli

Blattel Communications

415.413.4522 / 415.413.4527

traci@blattel.com / mpanelli@blattel.com
Henderson, Nevada, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Legends Business Group, Inc. (OTC Pink: LGBS) is pleased to provide the following Corporate Update:

Since his appointment in January, new CEO/President Paul Bakajin has been taking proactive steps in turning the company around. The Company has now paid our fees to OTC Markets Group and has been in contact with them, working toward getting current with our financials and disclosures reports on the OTC Markets Groups website.

This is very important to our goal of providing more accurate and transparent information about the Company. We will be paying great attention to fixing and updating the profile page when we have full access in the near future. Also, a new company website will be available in the near future to provide more information about our new company direction.

Mr. Bakajin stated, Im very confident about the companys future and want to reassure everyone that I am taking all steps in turning the company around. Also, I want to restate that there is no stock split planned in the foreseeable future. I believe Legends Business Group has an excellent shareholder base and I see no need for this now. We have an exciting new opportunity to grow the company in a positive direction, and we will do our best to keep everyone informed about any changes or company events.

Currently, the only media outlet is the Companys Twitter account @LegendsBusiness . We constantly monitor our website to effectively communicate with our shareholders, therefore, please email us at Info@legendsbusinessgroup.com . The Companys website, https://legendsbusinessgroup.com . All information can be verified at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/LGBS/profile

Disclaimer: The Company relies upon the Safe Harbor Laws of 1933, 1934 and 1995 for all public news releases. The company may make forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are estimates that reflect the companys best judgment based upon current information. All investments involve risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. It is impossible to identify all such factors. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the company include, but are not limited to, government regulation; managing and maintaining growth; the effect of adverse publicity; litigation; competition; and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the companys public announcements.
WASHINGTON, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, global litigation firm Hausfeld filed a complaint against the government of South Sudan on behalf of seven former international aid workers from Internews, an American media freedom NGO, and the widow of a murdered Internews journalist.



According to the lawsuit: "The case seeks to hold South Sudans government accountable for the notorious Terrain Hotel attacka rampage of torture, gang-rape, and murder that targeted aid workers.

"As South Sudan, the worlds youngest nation, marks its 10th anniversary of independence on July 9, the fledgling democracys first decade has been marred by ongoing impunity for human rights violators and a pattern of weaponizing rape.

"Todays complaint asserts that the Internews aid workers and journalists were brutally attacked and gang-raped by South Sudanese military forces on July 11, 2016, during a raid on the Terrain Hotel, a residential compound housing aid workers.

"Since 2016, the South Sudanese government has retraumatized the victims through repeated violations of due process and false promises of compensation. In 2018, a South Sudanese court martial convicted 10 soldiers and ordered the government to compensate the victims. The victims appealed the grossly inadequate amount of compensation: only $4,000 to rape-victims and 51 cows to the heirs of a murdered journalist. The government obstructed the appeal, however, by 'losing' the entire case file under suspicious circumstances.

"Since 2019, the government has misled the victims and U.S. officials into believing that the government was committed to fairly compensating the victims. In reality, the government struck a fraudulent deal with a lawyer posing as counsel to the victims and then foisted the terms of that deal on the victims. In August 2020, several victims relented to government pressure and accepted the deal. But nearly one year later, the government has failed to keep its promises. To date, the government has not compensated a single victim of gang-rape, torture, and other atrocities."

In the course of recent negotiations with Hausfeld, the South Sudanese government responded to the victims demands by encouraging them to bring claims and consented to the filing of a complaint in U.S. federal court.

Todays filing is brought under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which allows federal courts to hear claims against foreign states when those states have waived their immunity, which the defendants have done.

The Terrain Hotel attack shocked the worlds conscience. But the governments continuing mistreatment of the victims suggests that no lessons have been learned, explained Hausfeld human rights attorney Scott Gilmore, who is leading this case alongside Hausfelds James Gotz and Jeanette Bayoumi. The Terrain victims deserve fair compensation and all victims of sexual violence in South Sudan deserve meaningful accountability.

While the Terrain hotel company was given more $2 million, the compensation offered to a subset of the victims was demeaning and reflected utter disregard for human suffering, said Plaintiff Natalie Chang. Our attempts to appeal the case in South Sudan have been cut off since the Presidents Office claims to have lost the court martial case file. Our patience with the government has run out, and we feel that we have no other choice but to pursue this claim in a US court.

Plaintiff Jane Doe, who is proceeding anonymously, stated, The trauma we experienced during the Terrain attack was just a small window into the horrific atrocities that South Sudanese men, women, and children have suffered throughout the countrys civil conflicts. As international victims, we must raise our voices for those who dont have the same opportunities to share their story.

Click here to read the full complaint.

NOTE TO EDITORS

For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Deborah Schwartz

Media Relations

(240) 355-8838

deborah@mediarelationsinc.com

About Hausfeld

Hausfeld is a global litigation law firm. Working alongside our clients, we have shaped law around the world, transformed legal practice with new ideas, and brought claims that others arent bold enough to bring. We pioneered the development of flexible fee structures and case funding, enabling our clients across the globe to pursue dispute resolution with no or limited legal cost risk or up-front financial burden. Our firm combines highly experienced litigators and arbitrators with a proven track record in claimant litigation across the following practice areas and sectors: antitrust and competition, commercial and financial disputes, environmental law, human rights, product liability, and technology and data breach issues. With 12 global offices in the US, UK and Europe, we continue to achieve landmark settlements and precedent-setting legal decisions in complex cases for our clients worldwide, often after hard-fought litigation against the biggest names in the legal market.

Socially minded and champions for the best corporate governance, we are proud to be at the forefront of the legal profession in improving access to justice for both individuals and businesses. That makes us a profoundly different law firm.

For more information about Hausfeld, including recent trial victories and landmark settlements, please visit www.hausfeld.com




TORONTO, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Honey Badger Silver Inc. (TSX-V: TUF) (Honey Badger Silver or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has engaged Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited (Archer Cathro) to oversee the Phase 1 work program on its 100%-owned 5,690 hectare Plata Silver Property (Plata) located in east-central Yukon. Archer Cathro is the established leader in Yukon mineral discoveries.



The Plata Silver Property lies within the Tintina Gold Belt and displays a number of similarities to the world-class Keno Hill Silver Mining Camp, Canadas second largest primary producer of silver with production from approximately thirty-five vein deposits between 1913 and 1989.

Plata Property Highlights:

Historic surface trenching and shallow drilling has identified thirty-two (32) known mineralized zones, comprising high-grade silver, gold, lead and zinc-bearing veins and stockwork zones;



Several areas of the property were mined historically for high-grade silver and yielded 9,020 kg (290,000 oz) of silver from a reported 2,041 tonnes of hand sorted material, equivalent to a recovered silver grade of approximately 4,420 grams per tonne (g/t) silver.



Historic drilling to date has demonstrated potential for continuous mineralization over a strike length of nearly 800 metres at the Aho Zone (Figure 1). This zone is a semi-continuous mineralized system developed within the plane of the Plata Thrust Fault that extends intermittently over a total strike length of 800 metres and to a maximum of 580 metres downdip and remains open to extension along strike and downdip.

About the Plata Silver Property

Historic exploration at the Plata Silver Property from 1969 to 2011 identified thirty-two (32) known mineralized zones, extending over a 2.5 kilometre area, hosting narrow high-grade silver, gold, lead and zinc-bearing veins and stockworks. Mineralization at Plata is believed to be associated with hydrothermal fluids related to the Tombstone intrusive suite and bears similarities to the prolific Keno Hill Silver Mining Camp, Canadas second largest primary producer of silver with production from approximately thirty-five (35) vein deposits between 1913 and 1989.

High priority target areas at Plata include:

P-4 Zone: The P-4 Zone has undergone more extensive drilling relative to other targets at Plata and demonstrates continuous mineralization over 200 metres of strike length that remains open in all directions. Average grades and widths from fourteen (14) core drill holes in 1987 were 1.9 metres grading 337 g/t silver, 3.65 g/t gold, 1.59% lead and 1.7% zinc.

The P-4 Zone has undergone more extensive drilling relative to other targets at Plata and demonstrates continuous mineralization over 200 metres of strike length that remains open in all directions. Average grades and widths from fourteen (14) core drill holes in 1987 were 1.9 metres grading 337 g/t silver, 3.65 g/t gold, 1.59% lead and 1.7% zinc. P-3 Zone: At the P-3 Zone, rock samples have returned extremely high gold assays (up to 78.3 g/t) and chip sampling returned 1.96 metres grading 2,383 g/t silver, 9.85 g/t gold and 7% lead.

At the P-3 Zone, rock samples have returned extremely high gold assays (up to 78.3 g/t) and chip sampling returned 1.96 metres grading 2,383 g/t silver, 9.85 g/t gold and 7% lead. P-6 Zone: Drilling in 2011 confirmed the continuity of significant polymetallic silver mineralization at depth and laterally over a strike length of 150 metres. Highlighted drill intercepts include 1.0 metre grading 1,655 g/t silver and 1.09% zinc, and 6.63 metres grading 164 g/t tonne silver and 2.34% zinc. Veining mapped at surface and anomalous soil geochemistry suggest the P-6 structure may extend for 500 metres to the northwest.



Drilling in 2011 confirmed the continuity of significant polymetallic silver mineralization at depth and laterally over a strike length of 150 metres. Highlighted drill intercepts include 1.0 metre grading 1,655 g/t silver and 1.09% zinc, and 6.63 metres grading 164 g/t tonne silver and 2.34% zinc. Veining mapped at surface and anomalous soil geochemistry suggest the P-6 structure may extend for 500 metres to the northwest. P-2 Zone: Detailed trenching of the P-2 Zone returned a weighted average of 812 g/t silver, 24.48% lead and 17.02% zinc across an average width of 1.93 metres for a strike length of 85 metres. Drill holes targeting the P-2 Zone yielded intercepts of up to 1,060 g/t silver and 3.86% zinc over 0.87 metres and 110 g/t silver and 39.77% zinc over 0.93 metres.



Importantly, drilling from 2008 to 2011 has demonstrated that the P-3 and P-4 veins are part of a larger, semi-continuous, mineralized system referred to as the Aho Zone, which is developed within the plane of the Plata Thrust Fault and varies from 0.3 to 3.0 metres in width. This zone extends intermittently over a total strike length of 800 metres and to a maximum of 580 metres downdip and remains open to extension along strike and downdip (Figure 1).

Plata Phase 1 Program:

The primary objective of the Phase 1 program planned for this summer by Archer Cathro is to complete detailed mapping and rock and channel sampling at a number of priority target zones at Plata in order to better understand structural controls of silver mineralization. This will provide valuable insight for eventual drill hole targeting.

The secondary objective of the Phase 1 program will be to better define the full extent of mineralization at Plata. Towards this end, soil grids will be completed in previously unsampled areas to more thoroughly define anomalous geochemical zones and trends.

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Heather Burrell, P.Geo., a geologist with Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited and qualified person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101.

Closing of First Tranche of Flow-Through Private Placement

The Company also announces that it has closed the first tranche of its ongoing non-brokered flow-through private placement (the FT Offering) by issuing 1,681,800 Flow Through Shares (FT Shares) at a price of $0.15 per FT Share for gross proceeds of $252,270. The gross proceeds from the Offering will be used to fund the exploration program on the aforenoted Plata silver property and future exploration programs on the Companys other properties in the Yukon as well as the Thunder Bay District of northern Ontario, which qualify as flow-through shares for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

The Company expects to close a second and final tranche of the FT Offering shortly.

In connection with the foregoing, the Company paid finders fees totalling $17,239 and issued non-transferable purchase warrants entitling the purchase a total of 114,926 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.15 per share for a period of 24 months following the closing. All securities issued in connection with the FT Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the closing. The FT Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

For more information, please visit our new website at http://www.honeybadgersilver.com.

Or contact: Ms. Christina Slater at cslater@honeybadgersilver.com.

About Honey Badger Silver Inc.

Honey Badger Silver is a Canadian silver company based in Toronto, Ontario focused on the acquisition, development, and integration of accretive transactions of silver ounces. The company is led by a highly experienced leadership team with a track record of value creation backed by a skilled technical team. With a dominant land position in Ontarios historic Thunder Bay Silver District and advanced projects in the southeast and south-central Yukon, Honey Badger Silver is positioning to be a top tier silver company. The Companys common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol TUF.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, should, expects, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industrys actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

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, which only applies as of the date of this news release. 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.



Figure 1: Map depicting select mineralized zones at Plata in relation to the Plata Thrust Fault and the Aho Zone is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f0bccd2-cebf-4419-875a-227888c8859f
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 in June 26, 2017. Cadden, founder of a now-defunct Massachusetts pharmaceutical facility responsible for a deadly meningitis outbreak, will spend 14 1/2 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. (Stephan Savoia/AP file photo)
Goshen, IN (46526)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers and scattered thunderstorms. Low 66F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Anacortes Police Capt. Dave Floyd said his department has multiple law enforcement resources within the state assisting it in the investigation into the disappearance of Laynee Westbrook, the Anacortes woman last seen on Sept. 10.

Floyd said June 25 that the case, now in its 10th month, is not a cold case  that is, one in which no further leads are coming forward.

Its still very active, Floyd said. He said he meets a couple of time a week with Westbrooks family and said they should have hope that this case will come to a resolution.

Westbrook worked in the deli department at Safeway and was staying at the San Juan Motel when she went missing. Security camera footage at the motel shows Westbrook leaving with a friend at about 7:15 p.m. Sept. 10 and then at the Swinomish Market at the Casino, off Highway 20, later that evening. Its the last confirmed sighting of her, according to Anacortes Police.

Westbrook is described by authorities as white, 5 feet 8 inches, 135 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair.

Friends and relatives have gathered at Causland Park on the 10th of every month to keep Westbrooks name before the public and keep alive the hope that she will be found. Some $10,000 has been raised for a reward for information leading to her return home, Westbrooks sister-in-law Emily Pepper said.

Floyd said anyone with information should call police at 360-293-4684 during business hours or the detective tip line, 360-299-1985. The case number is 20-A06084. Floyd has said the investigation into Westbrooks disappearance is a top priority for the department.

Pepper said the family does, indeed, believe the case will be brought to a resolution.

It feels like things have been moving very slowly but, yes, tips and leads are still coming in, she told the Anacortes American on June 25 via Facebook Messenger. Anacortes Police has been good about communicating with us and continues to answer our questions the best they can. We are still very hopeful that a resolution is coming. In the meantime our goal is to keep her name, face and story in the media so that people keep talking. Every time there has been media involved, it seems to spark a new round of chatter that leads to new information that I believe will eventually produce justice for Laynee.
Governor Northam Announces Extension of Expanded Child Care Subsidy Program for Virginia Families

First Lady Pamela Northam kicks off Child Care Access Month of Action to raise awareness about new resources

RICHMONDGovernor Ralph Northam today announced that Virginia families with young children will have improved access to quality, affordable child care through an extension of the expanded Child Care Subsidy Program. Earlier this year, Governor Northam signed House Bill 2206, sponsored by Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, which established a new short-term eligibility category for parents seeking financial assistance for child care while looking for employment and temporarily increased the income eligibility criteria through July 31, 2021. The Governor has directed the Virginia Department of Education to use existing federal funding to continue covering co-payments for families through December 31, 2021.

Access to high-quality child care is not only critical to the health and safety of Virginias children, but it is also important for advancing a strong, equitable recovery, said Governor Northam. Extending these resources through the end of 2021 will help close the affordability gap for parents and providers, allowing thousands of Virginians to return to work, support their families, and grow our economy.

The expanded Child Care Subsidy Program makes financial assistance for child care available to families with at least one child under age five who is not yet in kindergarten, with a household income up to 85 percent of the state median income. This expansion nearly doubles the previous income threshold in many regions of the Commonwealth and is the highest eligibility level in Virginia history. Families approved for the subsidy will remain eligible to receive benefits for 12 months, or until their income exceeds 85 percent of the state median income. More than 1,000 additional Virginia families were receiving child care assistance through the expanded Child Care Subsidy Program as of July 1, 2021.

Our team has visited programs in every region of the Commonwealth this year and the benefits of in-person instruction for our littlest learners are clear, said First Lady Pamela Northam. Virginias early educators are truly superheroes, and we want to ensure all families have access to these vital programs.

As of June 2021, over 90 percent of licensed early childhood programs in Virginia were open, yet enrollment in the Child Care Subsidy Program was only 78 percent of what it was prior to the pandemic. The effort to continue assistance coincides with projected increases in demand for child care as parents and caregivers seek new employment or return to in-person work settings.

Every child in Virginia is capable of success in school and beyond if they have access to the right resources, said Speaker Filler-Corn. I know, as a mom myself, that parents want what is best for their children. By reducing barriers to quality child care, this extension will be of great help to working families.

The General Assembly allocated $62.1 million to the Department of Social Services and the Department of Education across state fiscal years 2021 and 2022 to expand access to the Child Care Subsidy Program. On July 1, 2021 the Department of Education became the lead agency for oversight of early childhood care and education programs in Virginia, a change that will help build a more unified and equitable system.

Co-payments can be an insurmountable barrier for families who are already struggling economically as a result of the pandemic, said Senator Louise Lucas. We want every parent and family in Virginia with a little learner to know that there are new resources available for quality care and education.

On Wednesday, July 7, First Lady Northam will kick off a Child Care Access Month of Action with visits to early childhood care and education programs to raise awareness about these new resources. Information about upcoming events will be posted on here.

School readiness begins years before the first day of kindergarten, said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. James Lane. We are dedicated to improving the subsidy program experience for parents and providers alike as we simultaneously increase access.

The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation will host a webinar for child care providers, advocates, and other frontline workers who are interested in helping families access these resources at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 7. Register here to access this virtual event.

For more information about child care assistance in Virginia or to apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program, visit ChildCareVA.com.

# # #
H2FLY, a German start-up developing hydrogen fuel cell systems for aircraft, and Deutsche Aircraft, a new German aircraft manufacturer developing energy-efficient, cost-effective, environmentally-friendly aircraft, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on the research and development of Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology for commercial regional aircraft.





Martin Nueler, CTO at Deutsche Aircraft and Prof. Dr. Josef Kallo, co-founder and CEO, H2FLY

The partnership will see the two companies convert the Dornier 328 aircraft for hydrogen flight, with the demonstrator aircraft expected to take to the skies in 2025.

The program is expected to validate the potential for hydrogen to deliver climate-neutral regional air travel with up to 40 seats, while demonstrating German leadership in this important field.

Having grown out of a partnership between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the University of Ulm, H2FLY has demonstrated innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology in aviation. The four-seater hydrogen-electric-powered HY4 (earlier post) proved successfully in multiple flight campaigns and more than 70 take-offs the applicability of this technology in aviation. With its range of up to 750 km (466 miles), regional markets can be developed.

The teams planning to equip the demonstrator aircraft with a 1.5 MW hydrogen system, making it the most powerful hydrogen-electric-powered aircraft to date.

The project will see the companies work together on integrating the power system into the aircraft as well as defining the specific technical and certification requirements for fuel cell systems in EASAs large aircraft class (CS25). The project is designed to complement the German Federal Governments Aviation Strategy.
In Hamburg, a new development platform is being launched to test hydrogen technology in aviation from as early as 2022. Funded by the Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Lufthansa Technik will work with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Center for Applied Aeronautical Research (ZAL) and Hamburg Airport over the next two years to design and test maintenance and ground processes in handling hydrogen technology.

For this purpose, an aircraft of the Airbus A320 family will be converted into a stationary laboratory at Lufthansa Techniks base in Hamburg. Liquid hydrogen (LH 2 ) is increasingly being more concretely envisaged in the development departments of large aircraft manufacturers as a sustainably producible fuel for future generations of commercial aircraft.

In order to investigate the effects of the use of LH 2 on maintenance and ground processes at an early stage, Lufthansa Technik, DLR, ZAL and Hamburg Airport are now pooling their extensive practical and scientific expertise. The aim is to develop a pioneering demonstrator, and to operate it from 2022.

As the worlds third largest aviation industry cluster, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is funding the research project with the largest single item in its special program to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation industry.





This graphic depicts examples of potential fields of application for liquid hydrogen in and on future aircraft (blue arrows) as well as at the airport (ground vehicles) and its periphery (refueling systems). The blue arrows outline potential fields of application in the aircraft: for example, satellite communications as well as galleys, cabin or IFE systems could be powered by electricity from a fuel cell in the future. The project partners will determine in the coming months which fields of application will actually be investigated in more detail in the practical evaluation. (Image Source: Hamburg Marketing)

In the first phase of the project, by the end of 2021 the partners aim to identify the most urgent fields of development for closer scientific examination and, on this basis, to elaborate the concept for subsequent practical testing.

The practical implementation of the concept will start at the beginning of 2022 and will involve the modification of a decommissioned Airbus A320 aircraft. It will be equipped with an LH 2 infrastructure to be used as a fully functional field laboratory at Lufthansa Techniks base in Hamburg.

In parallel, a virtual environment is being created at DLR that will be used to achieve digital and highly accurate mapping of the defined development fields. The new development platform is to provide inspiration for the design process of the next generation of aircraft by means of parameterized and highly accurate virtual models.

Against this background, Lufthansa Technik will primarily contribute its operational expertise in the maintenance and modification of commercial aircraft, and can also incorporate the customer perspective through its close contact with airlines around the world.

DLR will add its long-standing and cross-sector experience with hydrogen, and focus on the development of the virtual environment. ZAL will also participate with its extensive know-how in the field of fuel cell technology and its digital process mapping.

As an associated project partner, Hamburg Airport will primarily contribute its experience from the operators perspective, for example in defining requirements for the ground handling process of future LH2-powered aircraft.

There is no alternative to the transformation of our industry towards climate-neutral flying. With this project, we want to tackle this enormous technological challenge at an early stagefor the entire MRO [maintenance, completions, repair, and overhaul] industry as well as for us. In this way, we are actively securing the future, because we are building up know-how today for the maintenance and ground processes of the day after tomorrow. I am therefore pleased that we have succeeded in joining forces with strong partners in this project. And I am very grateful for the foresight of the city of Hamburg and its generous funding for this project. Dr. Johannes Bussmann, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Technik AG

With some 35 subsidiaries and affiliates, the Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company has a workforce of more than 22,000 employees. Lufthansa Techniks portfolio covers the entire range of services for commercial and VIP/special mission aircraft, engines, components and landing gear in the areas of digital fleet support, maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, completion and conversion as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products.
Rolls-Royces all-electric aircraft the Spirit of Innovation (earlier post) will take to the skies for the first time in the coming weeks as it works towards a world-record attempt with a target speed of 300+ mph (480+ km/h). The current speed record for an all-electric planeset by Siemens in 2017is 210 mph.

This project will be carbon neutral and to support this ground-breaking innovation Jaguar Land Rover is loaning all-electric Jaguar I-PACE cars as towing and support vehicles.





The aircraft has been created by the ACCEL (Accelerating the Electrification of Flight) program, which includes key partners YASA, the electric motor and controller manufacturer, and aviation start-up Electroflight.

The aircraft features three power-dense 750R electric motors, designed and manufactured by YASA. The 6,000 cells of the battery pack are packaged for maximum lightness and thermal protection. An advanced cooling system can withstand the extreme temperatures and high-current demands during flight.

The all-electric powertrain will run at 750 volts and delivers 90% energy efficiency.





For safety and performance optimization, sensors will collect in-flight information each second across more than 20,000 points on the powertrain, measuring battery voltage, temperature and general performance metrics.

Half of the projects funding is provided by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK. The ACCEL team has continued to innovate while adhering to the UK Governments social distancing and other health guidelines.

The Spirit of Innovation features an electric propulsion system delivering 500 hp+ with the most power-dense battery pack ever assembled for an aircraft, providing enough energy to fuel 250 homes or fly London to Paris on a single charge.

The I-PACE uses two electric motors producing a total of 394 hp with power delivered by a 90 kWh Lithium-ion battery featuring 432 pouch cells. Coincidentally, the I-PACE is capable of 292 miles (WLTP) on a single chargeexactly the distance by road from London to Paris.

The ACCEL project is part of Rolls-Royces journey towards enabling the sectors in which it operates reach net-zero carbon by 2050. Rolls-Royce will be using the technology from the ACCEL project and applying it to products for the market, bringing a portfolio of motors, power electronics and batteries into the general aerospace, urban air mobility and small commuter aircraft sectors.

In a similar vein, the Jaguar Racing Formula E teams experiences on-track help generate real-world improvements in Jaguars roadgoing electric vehicles. Several members of the ACCEL project team have come from Formula E backgrounds.

Both Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover are dedicated to decarbonizing their footprints. Rolls-Royce has halved the greenhouse gas emissions associated operations and facilities since 2014 and is on track to meet a 2030 target of net-zero emissions from operations. The company has also committed to ensuring new products will be compatible with net-zero operation by 2030, and all products will be compatible with net zero by 2050. Jaguar Land Rover is aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039.

The ACCEL project represents a series of firsts for Rolls-Royce, including being the first Rolls-Royce project to use offsetting to make the whole program carbon-neutral.
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GREENWICH  Sophia Scarpelli has participated in the Sidewalk Sale Days in Greenwich for about 20 years  and she said thats no easy task for a single owner of a small business.

She must pack up her merchandise and schlep it from her store, Scarpellis Costume Rentals at 1 Liberty Way, to her sidewalk spot. Its lot of work, she said.

A Greenwich native, Scarpelli recalls that one year a storm hit, with wind that destroyed her tent and rain that drenched her products. She lost most of her earnings that day. And last year, the event was called off due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The pandemic presented one of the greatest challenges in her nearly 40 years in business, Scarpelli said, as she lost about 80 percent of her earnings.

But on Thursday morning, the first day of the sidewalk sale, Scarpelli was again greeting customers under a white tent in front of 299 Greenwich Ave. that was filled with colorful summer clothes, candles and jewelry.

As clouds hovered above at about 11:45 a.m., a few shoppers walked by and glanced at Scarpellis tent, as she played Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight & The Pips and assisted a few customers.

I always come to the Sidewalk Sale, said Elaine Klausman of Bedford, N.Y., who said she arrived at 8 a.m.

Its just fun to get bargains. Im just finding that this year, a lot of stores dont have quite as much. Obviously, we can figure out why, she said, referencing the COVID-19 pandemic.

In past years, the crowd seemed larger on the first day of the event, Klausman and Scarpelli said.

Marcia OKane, president and chief executive officer of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, has organized the Sidewalk Sale Days for more than a decade. She was out monitoring the event on the Avenue on the opening morning.

We generally start planning for this large event in January of every year. But because of COVID, we only received permission from our governor in April to put it on, OKane said. So, its been quite a push, to get 90 retailers to participate, but we made it and are so proud of our central Greenwich Avenue retailers who cooperated.

The Sidewalk Sale is iconic, she said  and is the largest outdoor shopping event in the state.

Many local businesses depend on the annual Sidewalk Sale for their yearly income, OKane added.

The event continues through Sunday  and we suggest that everyone check the weather carefully and dress appropriately, she said, with Tropical Storm Elsa expected to hit eastern Connecticut early Friday.

Impact of COVID-19

The pandemics financial toll on small businesses is difficult to measure. But OKane estimated that of the 6,000 businesses in Greenwich, about 30 closed during the COVID-19 crisis.

For Scarpelli, it has been difficult to remain open. In February 2020, she began to hear about the coronavirus. By the middle of March, we were done, she said of her business operations.

She said she lost all the sales she was expecting from Purim, a Jewish holiday in late February which traditionally is very profitable for her. Sales were still down during Mardi Gras, and at the end of the school year, when she makes a large sum from school programs and projects, said Scarpelli.

The 62-year-old, who has owned her business since she was 21, is hoping for a reprieve during the Sidewalk Sale Days but conceded that thee summer months are usually slow for her business.

The town and the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, however, have been supportive, promoting small local businesses during the pandemic, she said.

I think Greenwich people really wanted to help us, and I think thats the only reason why I had a good Christmas, Scarpelli said.

Everybody came out and said, Were not going buy online. Were going to help the little stores, she said. For me, it was monumental.

And Scarpelli remains optimistic about the future.

Im hoping to have a booming Halloween and a booming Christmas, she added. I think people want to party. I think people are tired of being cooped up, and I think its going to be a fantastic year and Im going to be positive.

The Sidewalk Sale Days will continue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday. The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses to securely anchor their tents and put away objects because of Tropical Storm Elsa.

For information about the Sidewalk Sale Days, including about parking, visit www.greenwichchamber.com.

Editors note: This story has been updated to correct Sophia Scarpellis age and to clarify the business she lost from Purim.

tatiana.flowers@thehour.com @TATIANADFLOWERS
GREENWICH  Even though they said an exhaustive new audit of special education services in the Greenwich Public Schools was excruciating to read, parents said it was validating as they spoke out about their concerns about their childrens education.

Jenni Reynolds told the Board of Education Tuesday night that she moved to Greenwich three years ago with the intention of sending both her daughters, one with Down syndrome, to the local public schools.

Her family chose the Greenwich schools because of its claimed inclusive approach, said Reynolds, who spoke via Zoom.

But she said there needs to be a way for all kids to succeed in the classroom.

I implore you to act on the sake of all kids, she told school board members. You have had numerous studies telling you GPS (Greenwich Public Schools) is decades behind. The time to act is now. The time to fund is now. ... So many lives depend on this.

Parents and other community members had their first opportunity at the special meeting Tuesday night to comment publicly on the audit of the long-embattled special education department.

A dozen attendees spoke  virtually and at a podium in the auditorium at Central Middle School  with an open format as Board of Education members took notes and listened without responding.

In reading this exhaustive and comprehensive report, the two words that came most to mind were opportunity and urgency, said Katie Yu, the mother of a student in special education and a member of a steering committee that worked with the consulting firm on the audit.

Overall, parents may feel both gratified and disappointed to see that parents have been right, as the report details inconsistencies across buildings in special education practices, she said.

Public Consulting Group, the Boston-based consulting firm hired to complete the audit, late last month released an executive summary of its review of the Pupil Personnel Services Department, which includes special education services. The firm issued its full 127-page report of its findings soon after.

The full report is available on the school districts website and outlines 28 recommendations for improving the special education services, which have been the target of criticism from parents and teachers for more than a decade.

The audit calls for broad changes in the departments practices, culture and even its name. The summary outlines recommendations for change in six categories: learning environment and specialized services; leadership; high expectations; human capital; systems and structure; and family and community engagements.

The report also notes that many of the issues outlined have persisted, despite repeatedly being highlighted in previous reviews of the department.

In many respects, GPS special education program continues to operate much like one may have in 1997, the report states.

The school board is now tasked with developing a plan to solicit parent feedback and implement changes with help from PCG. Full implementation of the recommendations could take three to five years, according to the summary.

At the meeting, Caroline Lerum told of walking into the office of the former director of the Pupil Personnel Services Department and seeing a sign on the door with a cactus that said, Not a hugger.

On the one hand, this could be seen as funny. On the other hand, however, what message does this message send to families, staff or anyone who walked into that directors office? said Lerum, whose child was formerly in special education in Greenwich schools.

Turning to the new Interim Chief Pupil Personnel Services Officer Stacey Heiligenthaler, who replaced retiring director Mary Forde, Lerum said she hoped more than anything that Heiligenthaler embraces the special education community, change and a mindset that puts childrens needs first  before the politics, before the budget, and before anyones pride.

At the end of the meeting, Heiligenthaler got up from her chair and walked over to a group of women in the auditorium.

Were going to do some good work, she said to the women.

While many parents were upset about the contents of the audit, some were hopeful and relieved that Superintendent Toni Jones is leading a charge and is now presenting the opportunity to improve the special education services. Many viewed the Tuesday night meeting as an opportunity to offer next-step solutions.

School district leaders should provide an interim update in three years, with full updates scheduled for six and 10 years, to allow parents to stay aware of how school leaders have progressed in implementing the recommendations from the report, Yu said.

Since the special education program has not been revamped in so many years, its vital that school staff receive mandatory professional development, to acquire updated skills to educate Greenwich children appropriately, Lerum added.

The report calls for more than just minor tweaking, said Audra ODonovan, the mother of a student in special education: There needs to be accountability.

Administrators should find solutions, not reasons to obstruct, and instead work as partners with parents. Be transparent, ODonovan said. Keep the child front and center.  Your next step is crucial. Lets think outside the box. Lets look at the special ed. schools around us and see what works. We have a tremendous opportunity available. Lets seize this opportunity.

School board members are working to schedule an action planning meeting soon, said Peter Bernstein, chair of the Board of Education.

So, watch for an announcement from the district when we get that meeting scheduled, he said.

Includes prior reporting by staff writer Justin Papp.

tatiana.flowers@thehour.com @TATIANADFLOWERS
Two Motorola smartphones were just certified by TENAA, XT2143-1 and XT2153-1, and they appear to be the Edge 20 and Edge 20 Pro devices, since they are matching the previously leaked specs.

The vanilla variant is indeed having a 2.4 GHz CPU, which is the frequency of the prime cores in the Snapdragon 778G, while the Pro option is listed with a periscope lens and 3.2 GHz processor, which matches the Snapdragon 870.



Motorola Edge 20

The Motorola Edge 20 will arrive in China with three RAM and three storage options - 6/8/12 GB and 128/256/512 GB. Usually, TENAA also lists the main camera resolution, but surprisingly this time; it only says more than 8MP.

At least the images reveal the Edge 20 will have a vertical traffic light camera setup with three big lenses. The phone in the photos is in Blue, but there are at least five more colors incoming.



Motorola Edge 20 Pro

The Edge 20 Pro is going to be the new flagship. The phone's overall design is the same as the Edge 20, with the key difference being the square lens for the periscope cam. The memory options are the same as the Edge 20, but there's no info on the cameras yet again.

Both phones will have OLED screens and a dedicated Google Assistant button; however, Chinese users are likely to be able to reprogram it for specific apps or activating the NFC for cashless payments through Motorolas own MY UI.

Source 1  Source 2 (both in Chinese) | Via 1  Via 2
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is percolating through the Chinese wireless authority testing procedures and after a bit of waiting TENAA finally lists the device specifications along with the four usual product shots. Weve seen renders and weve heard specs, but its always nice to get those confirmed by a reliable source.

The S21 FE will have 6.4 display with 1,080 x 2,340 px resolution. Thats larger than the S21 (6.2) and a bit smaller than the S20 FE (6.5) with a different aspect ratio to boot (19.5:9 vs. 20:9). The phone measures 155.7 x 74.5 7.9 mm, slightly shorter and thinner than the S20 FE.



Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G9900), photos by TENAA

The camera section lists three modules: 32 MP main, 12 MP and 8 MP. The 12 MP one should be the ultra-wide module, the 8 MP one the telephoto (thus matching the S20 FE). The main camera is an interesting upgrade, breaking away from the 12 MP tradition the S-series has upheld these last few years. Video recording is still listed as 4K, even though the new sensor should have enough resolution for 8K. The selfie camera is downgraded from 32 MP on the S20 FE to 12 MP.

The chipsets certainly should be capable of 4K video. According to a recent report, the phone will use the Snapdragon 888 in South Korea, while Europe and North America will get Exynos models. Whether we see a Snapdragon version in those regions depends on how the semiconductor shortage evolves.

Anyway, the phone at TENAA was configured with 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB storage. Note that weve seen 6 GB versions run benchmarks, so memory configuration will be region-dependent. And, yes, there is a microSD slot, some were worried that this would be cut (as it was on the S21 series).



Galaxy S21 FE specs by TENAA

Finally, the battery is listed as 4,370 mAh, which likely means a typical capacity of 4,500 mAh (matching the S20 FE). The phone should support 45W fast charging, though it might ship with a 25W charger. TENAA does say that the retail package will come with a charger and cable, though it doesnt specify the wattage.

The chip shortage has pushed back Samsungs launch plans, were probably looking at an October launch.

Source (in Chinese)




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Haiti - Assassination of President Moise : International reactions (Part 1)





US President Joe Biden :

We are shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise of Haiti. We condemn this heinous act, and I send my most sincere wishes for the recovery of the First Lady Moses. The United States offers its condolences to the Haitian people and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti."



Antonio Guterres Secretary General of the UN v

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. The Secretary General offers his most sincere condolences to the Haitian people and Government as well as to the family of the late President. He calls on all Haitians to preserve constitutional order, to stand united in the face of this heinous act and to reject all violence. The United Nations will continue to be at the side of the Haitian Government and people" Reports Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the secretary general.



Core Group :

The members of the Core group (the Ambassadors of Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States of America, France, the European Union, the Special Representative of the Organization of American States and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations) strongly condemn the cowardly assassination of the President of the Republic, Jovenel Moise and call for its perpetrators to be sought and brought to justice and also offer their sincere condolences to the President's family and his relatives.



Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada:

I strongly condemn the appalling assassination of President Moise this morning. Canada stands ready to support the people of Haiti and offers them any help they may need.



Francois Legault Prime minister of Quebec:

My thoughts are with all of the Haitian people. With all my heart with the Haitian community of Quebec.



Luis Abinader President Dominican Republic :

We regret and condemn the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. This crime undermines the democratic order of Haiti and the region. Our condolences to his family and to the Haitian people."



Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, (Republic of China) :

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the assassination of President Moise and the injury of the First Lady. The Government and people of Taiwan condemn such senseless violence and stand in solidarity with Haiti at this difficult time .



Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France v

"I was amazed to learn of the assassination last night [Wednesday] of the President of the Republic of Haiti Jovenel Moise. On behalf of France, I offer my deepest condolences to his family and to the Haitian people. I strongly condemn this cowardly assassination. All light must be shed on this crime which takes place in a very degraded political and security climate. I invite all actors in Haitian political life to calm and restraint. In this context, I call on our nationals to be extremely careful."



OAS General Secretariat v

We condemn in the strongest terms the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. This attack is an affront to the entire community of democratic nations represented in the OAS. We deplore this attempt to undermine the institutional stability of the country with the greatest vehemence [...] Our deepest regrets and our solidarity with the Haitian people at this difficult time.



German Chancellery :

We are shocked by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise of the Republic of Haiti. We express our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Haiti. Now, it is of the utmost importance that everything be done so as not to further jeopardize the security and stability of the country."



Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of Guyana /B>

Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of Guyana, also Member of the 1st constituency of Guyana at the French National Assembly, presents his most moved condolences to the Haitian people at this painful time and signed the condolence register opened today even at the Haitian Consulate.



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34174-icihaiti-diplomacythe-assassins-of-moise-were-professional-mercenaries-dixit-bocchit-edmond.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34173-haiti-flash-the-police-intercepts-the-presumed-assassins-of-president-moise-official-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34172-haiti-flash-martine-moise-in-florida-for-treatment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34170-haiti-flash-the-first-lady-martine-moise-would-still-be-alive-but.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34169-haiti-flash-rain-of-reactions-on-the-assassination-of-president-moise-part-1.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34168-haiti-flash-the-state-of-siege-is-declared-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34165-haiti-assassination-of-jovenel-moise-what-says-the-constitution.html

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/ S/ TB/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - DR : Decisions of the Security Council for the strengthening of the border with Haiti





Following the assassination of the President of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moise perpetrated by an armed group on Wednesday July 7, 2021 at his private residence Luis Abinader, the President of the Dominican Republic, convened urgently, the same day the High military command and civilian officials who are members of the National Security and Defense Council at a meeting at the Ministry of Defense to discuss measures that will strengthen border security and ensure the return of Dominican citizens who are on Haitian territory.



The National Security Council meeting started at 8:00 a.m. and ended at 10:00 a.m. with the following decisions:



1. The Gabion plan is activated, which orders at critical points of the border the reinforcement of the patrols with troops of specialized tactical units.



2. The entire border is immediately closed to the transit of vehicles and people



3. The activities of binational markets in border provinces are suspended until further notice.



4. Only Dominican citizens and Dominican or foreign diplomatic personnel will be authorized to travel to the national territory, via the Joaquin Balaguer airport in El Higuero, on duty in Haiti.



5. The land, air and sea border is completely reinforced with elite units and teams from all military branches of the country.



6. Air crews and necessary staff are stationed in the border area to ensure the safe transfer of Dominican citizens residing in Haiti.



7. Travel from airports in the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Haiti is suspended until further notice.



The National Defense and Security Council has indicated that the responsibility for overseeing all measures will lie with the Commander General of the Dominican Republic Army, Major General Julio E. Florian Perez. These measures will be applied immediately. In addition, it was reported that although the border has been completely calm so far, they will continue to monitor the situation to assess the possible need for further measures.



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





The President received 12 bullets

The Deputy Justice of the Peace of Petion-ville, Carl Henry Destin in charge of the legal report of the body of President Jovenel Moise said to have "observed 12 holes made with large caliber weapons and with 9 mm projectiles" https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34172-haiti-flash-martine-moise-in-florida-for-treatment.html



Martine Moise wounded by 3 bullets

According to our information, the First Lady of the Republic Martine Moise was hit with 3 projectiles during the attack (one in the hip, another in the arm and the last in the abdomen). According to our information, his condition is stable but critical.



Haiti and DR : All Sunrise Airways flights canceled

"We inform you that due to the closure of the borders and the security measures taken by the authorities of Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34163-haiti-flash-closure-of-the-airport.html and from the Dominican Republic https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34179-haiti-dr-decisions-of-the-security-council-for-the-strengthening-of-the-border-with-haiti.html, all our flights are canceled for the day of Thursday July 8, 2021. Only passengers whose flights are canceled can change their trip free of charge," Sunrise Airways



Security advisory for foreigners in Haiti

"In Haiti, given the converging information on the assassination of the President of the Republic, Jovenel Moise, it is strongly recommended to stay at home until further notice and to exercise the utmost caution. As a reminder, any travel to Haiti is formally discouraged," French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs



Haitian Consulates Closed

The Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in Paris and that of Guyana. Francaise inform the public in general and the Haitian community in particular, that consular services are suspended until further notice.



Meeting of PM with the Core Group

Prime Minister a.i., Claude Joseph, met the Core Group on Wednesday afternoon on the political situation caused by the assassination of President de la Jovenel Moise. The Head of Government wants to reassure the partners of the international community that he is in control of the situation and that, under his chairmanship, the Council of Ministers will ensure the continuity of the State.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Hammond, LA (70403)

Today

Some sunshine with a thunderstorm or two possible this afternoon. High 87F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
Published on 2021/07/07 | Source

Jo Dal-hwan is starring in the drama "One the Woman".

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Jo Dal-hwan plays Choi Dae-chi, a former gangster full of bluff. He runs a fish restaurant and has quick decision making skills which helps him resolve certain situations with ease.

Jo Dal-hwan has had a busy year since January this year, starring in numerous films and recently, he's confirmed a role in the new tvN drama "The Tragedy of One".

Meanwhile, the new SBS drama "One the Woman" will premiere at the end of the year.
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West Monroe, LA (71291)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

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A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Hannibal, MO (63401)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 83F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
Hannibal, MO (63401)

Today

Cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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Thunderstorms likely. Low around 70F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch.
Michigan City, IN (46360)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Michigan City, IN (46360)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 77F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Hastings, NE (68901)

Today

Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 78F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 62F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
A showcase of opals lay before my eyesany one of them could be mine. My father st
Grant program to strengthen outreach to businesses in underserved communities enacted through the American Rescue Plan

From U.S. Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration announced last week the extended application date for its new Community Navigator Pilot Program.

SBA will now accept proposal submissions through July 23 and anticipates making award decisions by September.

The new initiative, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, will leverage a community navigator approach to reach the nation's smallest businesses, with a priority focus on those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans. The Biden-Harris administration has made delivering equitable relief to hard-hit small businesses a top priority and will continue to take steps to ensure equitable distribution of relief.

"As SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman reinforces, we have to meet small businesses where they are. This program is designed to empower a hyperlocal approach through a national network of community navigators who are on the ground truly connecting, empathizing, and tailoring solutions for our small businesses during critical recovery," said SBA Associate Administrator for the Office for Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid. "This bold effort underscores our agency's commitment to advance equity and bolster an ecosystem in which small businesses continue to apply for the diverse suite of SBA resources, services, and or programs throughout various stages of business recovery, growth, scale, and or maturity."

The Community Navigator Program will have a significant impact in revitalizing small businesses through a Hub and Spoke "Navigator" featuring a lead "Hub" at the center of a network of "Spoke" organizations that deploy trusted community advocates to work with small businesses during recovery. These networks leverage the business development expertise of the central hub organization and the community credibility of spoke organizations to better connect critical resources with small businesses, with the priority focus on those owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

"Inclusion and access continue to be among the most important priorities for aiding small business through recovery. Our underrepresented, women and Native American businesses need our support now to grow and strengthen our economy. Community Navigators is about connecting and rebuilding community to ensure more American small businesses survive and thrive," said SBA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women's Business Ownership Natalie Madeira Cofield.

Competitive grant awards will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance period. Applicants have until July 23 to submit their applications at http://grants.gov, Funding Opportunity Number CNP-2021-01. Performance periods are projected to commence in September. People eligible to apply must meet and demonstrate abilities to support requirements of this funding opportunity.

For more information on the Community Navigators Initiative, people can visit http://www.sba.gov/navigators .

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, people can visit www.sba.gov .
Members of the Hill County Behavioral Health Local Advisory Council met with a representative from the office of Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., Wednesday at Bullhook Community Health Center to discuss their organizations activities and the areas behavioral health needs.

LAC Chair Andi Daniel and Bullhook Community Health Center Behavioral Health Manager and LAC Secretary Deidre Reiter provided details and answered questions about the challenges the area faces when it comes to mental health care and substance abuse disorders, as well as what they are doing to combat them.

Daines sent a statement to the Havre Daily News this morning about the meeting with the LAC.

Mental health issues are increasingly present in Montana communities, Daines said. Im glad to engage and work with local groups on how they are helping Montanans as well as hear any concerns and solutions they may have.

Daniel said the LACs have been around since the turn of the millennium and serve to relay information on local needs back to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, but also to provide support to the community and improve awareness about mental health issues and resources, which she said has been their main focus of late.

She said grants received by the Hill County Health Department during COVID-19 have allowed the LAC recently to do more by creating a centralized behavioral health resource guide that people can use to find the provider or service that best fits them, a project that is still being worked on in partnership with a Montana State University-Northern student.

Daniel said the LAC is also still working on creating Public Service Announcements featuring local people talking about their experiences dealing with mental health issues and how they found help.

She said the intention of the PSAs is to normalize getting help for mental health issues and the LAC is still looking for people interested in being interviewed for the project.

Its more impactful when you have community members telling their stories, she said.

After the meeting she said anyone interested in participating can get in touch with her by email at [email protected], and find more info at http://hillcountylac.com .

Daniel also talked about another one of the few positive things to come out of the pandemic; the increase in telehealth services which she and Reiter said has been a huge help to patients and providers alike.

I feel its a big part of the future of health care, she said.

Reiter said some still prefer in-person care, but the introduction of increased telehealth has drastically decreased the number of no-shows at Bullhook, and has made the lives of providers much easier.

She said transportation is a big barrier to a lot of people getting the help they need, with some people needing to use the Essential Air Service flyer Cape Air to get to specialized care that cant be found in the area.

Reiter and Daniel said they are glad Cape Air is around to help people like that, but telehealth has been a huge help as well in addressing transportation issues.

Daniel said telehealth services are especially important to young people who recently moved to Havre because many have trouble finding a new therapist, just because it can be daunting to do that while adjusting to a new environment on top of dealing with whatever mental health issues they have, which causes many to fall through the cracks and not get help.

Daniels also praised the work of the Suicide Awareness Coalition, a sort of subcommittee of the LAC, which has been running the Suicide Awareness Walk in Havre for years.

Despite the good work being done, they said, there are still a lot of issues surrounding mental health in the community that need to be addressed somehow.

Reiter said Bullhook has seen a marked increase in substance abuse among teenagers which is extremely concerning, and drug abuse is still a huge issue in the community in general, particularly with methamphetamine.

Daniel talked about a school-based services program which provided federal money that allowed nearly every school to hire mental health counselors and interventionists. She said the program recently became difficult to use, because the state used to provide the match money for grants in the program, but now the schools themselves need to provide it, which they generally cant afford to do.

(The program) had its flaws, but at least it provided some in school services for kids who qualified under serious emotional disturbance, she said.

Daniel said the area may also suffer from a general shortage of mental health care because so many providers have full schedules and waiting lists for new patients. This is on top of the fact that the area has no practicing psychiatrists at all.

Daniel and Reiter said younger psychiatrists often came to Havre for a few years because working in a rural area makes it easier to pay of student loan debt, but that hasnt happened for a while now.

Daniel said some smaller mental health care organizations have expanded to the region, which has helped.

She also said members of the LAC have been trying to fill the gaps and raise awareness through mental health first aid and QPR trainings.

Reiter also talked about the LACs partnership with the Montana Peer Network, which she said has been a huge help to the community.

While the subject of the conversation focused on the efforts of the LAC, Reiter did take some time to answer questions about Bullhooks capabilities when it comes to addressing the communities mental health needs.

She said the guiding philosophy of Bullhook attempts to address the tendency for mental health issues to further complicate general health care needs.

Reiter said its very frequent that when people come in for mental health reasons they have other issues that need to be addressed and quite often its mental health issues that are preventing these other problems from being taken care of.

People dont go to the dentist because they have anxiety or other mental health issues going on, she said.  Our goal is to treat the whole person.

She also said that, while the center does everything it can to make sure cost isnt a barrier for mental health care and are able to help many navigate that issue, its always an issue.

Daniel and Reiter both said the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion are vital to keeping as many people getting the help they need as possible.

Keeping Medicaid Expansion is very important, and the ACA, Daniel said. A lot of people wouldnt have any coverage at all if it werent for those two.

Reiter said a substantial amount of people are getting help at Bullhook who would not be able to if it werent for these programs.

They would not come, because they couldnt cover the cost, she said.
A Bulan woman  Linda Shepherd, 54  pleaded guilty on Monday, June 28, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hanly A. Ingram, to embezzling assets from a labor union, according to a statement from the office of Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Carlton S. Shier IV.

According to Shepherds guilty plea agreement, from April 2011 to March 2018, she was employed as the financial secretary of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 14637, the union for employees of Appalachian Regional Healthcare, in Hazard. As financial secretary, Shepherd was responsible for paying the unions bills and maintaining its financial records. USW policy dictated that a union officers salary compensated the individual for personal time spent doing union business. Lost time is only paid when an officer has membership approval to miss work to conduct union business. Shepherd admitted to misappropriating union funds by paying herself for lost time in instances when she did not lose wages. She also admitted to unauthorized use of union funds to pay for meals and pay herself for

unauthorized services rendered.

In total, between May 12, 2011 and March 20, 2018, Shepherd willfully misappropriated $39,491.69 in union funds, the agreement said. These additional payments were not included in the annual union report that disclosed officer compensation to the membership.

Linda Shepherd used her position as a financial secretary to steal money from a union representing workers in her community, Shier said in the statement. In order to enrich herself, she betrayed a trust placed in her and damaged the financial well-being of an organization designed to protect the interests of its members. She is now facing the consequences of her crime.

Safeguarding financial integrity in labor unions and combating fraud is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Labor, said Megan Ireland, district director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. While the vast majority of union officials do their work diligently and without incident, Linda Shepherd betrayed the trust placed in her by the USW membership and embezzled over $39,000 from the USW, while collecting a salary from her employer and the union, at the expense of the USW and its members. OLMS will continue to work with our partners to identify criminal violations and pursue appropriate legal action when someone unlawfully exploits their union position to enrich themselves without regard to the best interests of union members.

Shier and Ireland jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Labor. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Smith.

Shepherd is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1. She faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, the statement said. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
Henderson, NC (27536)

Today

Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.
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Tropical Storm Elsa brought heavy rain and high winds to parts of Florida and Georgia on Wednesday, moved into the Carolinas on Thursday and is forecast to race northward up the East Coast over the next few days.

Tornadoes were reported across northern Florida and southwestern Georgia on Wednesday, including one suspected tornado at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Kings Bay, Georgia, on Wednesday evening, which caused multiple injuries and damage.

"Thankfully there was no loss of life here last night. This tornado that came through could have been a lot worse," base commanding officer Capt. Chester Parks told CNN affiliate WJXT.

Parks said a tornado impacted the south side of the base and moved north through the base RV park. Twelve recreational vehicles were damaged and nine people were transported off the base for treatment, he said.

As of 8 a.m. Thursday, Elsa sat over South Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm is moving at a brisk pace of 18 mph to the northeast, according to the National Hurricane Center.

In parts of South Carolina, the NHC estimated rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches through Thursday, which could cause limited flash and urban flooding. Tornadoes are possible across the eastern Carolinas into southeast Virginia through Thursday afternoon, the NHC said.

North Carolina emergency officials advised residents to prepare for possible outages and avoid driving through floodwaters.

"The storm's impacts can vary by location," North Carolina Emergency Management Chief of Staff Will Ray said in a statement. "Heavy rain, gusty winds, flooding, (tornadoes) and power outages are all possible with this storm, so please pay close attention to the forecast for your area."

Elsa is expected to maintain tropical storm strength as it moves into the Mid-Atlantic states and toward the northeast US. Tropical storm warnings are in place from Georgia up to New England, a 1,100-mile swath that is home to over 30 million people.

Other parts of the East Coast could see 2 to 4 inches of rain on Thursday through Friday as well. Due to the heavy rainfall, over 50 million people are under flash flood watches from the Carolinas to Maine, including Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

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At least 1 storm related death in Florida

Elsa's first US target was Florida -- and it unleashed havoc near the Georgia-Florida border.

Winds from Elsa caused a tree to fall on two cars during an afternoon commute in Jacksonville, Florida, killing one person, according to Capt. Eric Prosswimmer with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. A possible tornado touched down in the city Wednesday evening, according to Mayor Lenny Curry.

Elsa made landfall late Wednesday morning along the Gulf Coast in Taylor County, Florida, the NHC said.

Roads were flooding Wednesday in the Taylor County town of Steinhatchee, CNN affiliate WCTV reported.

A few dozen miles from away in Cedar Key, part of a roof's surface had been lifted from a motel, photos taken by motel guest Jonathan Riches showed.

"Winds starting howling in the middle of the night, and rain starting pounding the windows," Riches told CNN, adding about the conditions: "Never seen anything like this before in my life."

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Stifling heat is searing the US West as the weekend approaches, with historic drought conditions worsening and fire danger escalating across much of the Northwest.

Daytime high temperatures across the West will threaten records once again, soaring into the 90s and triple digits through the end of the week. The brunt of the heat will hit Idaho, Utah and the desert Southwest before high pressure shifts back toward the West.

"Excessive heat warnings, watches, and heat advisories remain in effect across central California, the Southwest, and parts of the central/northern Great Basin," said the Weather Prediction Center. The alerts cover nearly 25 million people.

Prolonged, unprecedented heat like the West is experiencing is made worse and more frequent by the climate crisis, experts have told CNN.

The interior Northwest has endured unrelenting heat since the end of June after a deadly heat wave in the Pacific Northwest stalled out over the region.

Boise, Idaho on Tuesday tied the record longest streak with nine over-100-degree days, matching streaks set in 2003, 2006 and 2015. Wednesday's high in Boise only hit 99 degrees, ending the streak, but the forecast is expected to be over 100 again this weekend.

Wildfire weather worsens

Extreme heat and little rainfall are creating a recipe for wildfire disaster across the western US.

The drought in the West continues to worsen, the latest drought monitor released Thursday morning shows. Over 90% of the West is in drought, with several locations' drought level worsening.

Across the US, the drought has nearly doubled in size from this time last year. Around 25% of the country was in drought conditions in July 2020; as of this week, nearly half is in drought.

Heat waves and their prolonged nature coupled with the historic drought are drying out the vegetation in the area, allowing for ripe fuel for fires.

Red flag warnings and fire weather watches Thursday span the Great Basin from California to the Rockies, where gusty winds and hot conditions could easily propel any ignited fires into dangerous size and strength.

"All the ingredients are there: dry conditions, dry lightning potential, and breezy winds, so new fire starts will be possible," said the National Weather Service in Pendleton, Oregon.

Winds picking up through the day Thursday could exceed 25 mph, prompting critical fire weather conditions to extend from northern Nevada through southeastern Idaho.

CHECK YOUR LOCAL FORECAST

Large fires have already ignited this week across the Pacific Northwest as hot and dry conditions persist. A wildfire prompted evacuations of around 200 homes Tuesday in Spokane, Washington.

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In California, wildfires are an increasingly disruptive part of life, and 2021 is already proving to be an active fire season.

There have been more than 750 more fires and 42,000 more acres burned in 2021 than this time last year, with 4,599 fires ignited in California so far this year, according to CalFire.

Californians should prepare for wildfires as the danger is expected to grow this weekend with the next heat wave, authorities warned.

Critical fire conditions are expected to extend into the weekend.

Temperatures rise in the Southwest

Some records are in jeopardy over the next two days across California and Nevada before the heat will crescendo into the weekend, with additional records likely to fall.

"For the most part regional temperatures remain 5-10 degrees above average through the remainder of the week. This trend will continue into the weekend with some daytime and even higher overnight temps either touching or exceeding record territory," said the weather service in Reno, Nevada.

By the weekend, the large ridge of high pressure over the region will expand, covering the southwestern US, leading to sweltering temperatures in central California, Nevada and Arizona.

"This will bring a trend up in temperatures into the weekend with atrocious afternoon temperatures topping out between 100 and 108 for valleys near and below 5000 feet for the weekend (versus mid 90's to low 100's prior to Saturday)," the weather service in Reno said.

In Las Vegas, the weather service forecasts a 43% chance of breaking the all-time high temperature record of 117 degrees on Saturday and a 61% chance of tying the record, which has only been done four times, most recently in 2005.

Death Valley could see temperatures climb to 130 degrees on Sunday, just 4 degrees shy of the official hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth, measured on July 10, 1913, at this same location.

"This next heat wave is looking pretty brutal and could bring with it record setting maximum temperatures and possible records for high minimum temperatures this weekend into early next week. Sadly, our next spell of triple digit heat looks like it could be our longest one yet this Summer," said the National Weather Service in Hanford, California.

The extreme heat won't be short-lived, as the high pressure is expected to park over California and Nevada throughout the beginning of next week.

"It's best to think of this ridge as a very tall mountain of dry, stable air," the weather service in Hanford said. "Tall mountains are difficult to move and the ensembles (weather models) suggest that no weather system will be strong enough to move this mountain of hot, dry air before the middle of next week."

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The European Commission has fined Volkswagen Group and BMW $1 billion for colluding with Daimler to hold back the development of technology that could have reduced harmful emissions from their vehicles.

In a statement on Thursday, the Commission said the three German carmakers, along with Volkswagen subsidiaries Audi and Porsche, breached EU antitrust rules by agreeing to avoid competing on technical development in the area of nitrogen oxide cleaning.

The charges relate to conduct that took place between 2009 and 2014, when the carmakers held "regular technical meetings" to discuss the development of technology that eliminates harmful nitrogen-oxide emissions from diesel passenger cars, according to the Commission.

"The five car manufacturers Daimler, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche possessed the technology to reduce harmful emissions beyond what was legally required under EU emission standards. But they avoided to compete on using this technology's full potential to clean better than what is required by law," the EU Commission's top antitrust official, Margrethe Vestager, said in the statement.

"In today's world, polluting less is an important characteristic of any car. And this cartel aimed at restricting competition on this key competition parameter," she added.

Volkswagen, including its Audi and Porsche brands, was fined 502 million ($595 million) and BMW was fined 373 million ($442 million). Daimler was not fined because it revealed the existence of the cartel, the Commission said.

Volkswagen said it was considering whether to appeal the ruling, which it suggested set a questionable precedent.

"The Commission is breaking new legal ground with this decision, because it is the first time it has prosecuted technical cooperation as an antitrust violation," the company said in a statement. "It is also imposing fines even though the contents of the talks were never implemented and customers were therefore never harmed," it added.

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Europe's largest automaker said that Commission guidelines on technical cooperation agreements between carmakers "no longer do justice to the complex challenges facing the automotive industry" and need to be updated.

In a statement, BMW said that the Commission had "dropped most of its charges of antitrust violations" and cleared the carmaker of suspicion of using "prohibited defeat devices" to cheat on emissions tests. "This underlines that there has never been any allegation of unlawful manipulation of emission control systems by the BMW Group," the company added.

In 2015 Volkswagen admitted to rigging millions of diesel engines to make their emissions appear less toxic in tests than they actually were. The scandal set off years of investigations, fines and settlements that have cost the carmaker at least $39 billion and sullied its reputation.

Last month, Volkswagen's former CEO Martin Winterkorn agreed to pay the company nearly $14 million after an investigation found he failed to respond properly to signs that the company may have been using illegal diesel engine technology.

 Robert North and Charles Riley contributed reporting.

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MACON  A documented gang member with a violent criminal history pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after law enforcement arrested him with a loaded semi-automatic pistol.

Derrick Murphy, 28, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell and remains in custody. Murphy faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is currently scheduled for Sept. 8, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, Murphy was taken into custody on March 5, 2020, following a traffic stop by a Georgia State Patrol trooper on Pio Nono Avenue in Macon. The trooper on patrol observed the vehicle Murphy was driving make multiple traffic violations and then turn into a fast-food restaurants drive-thru. Murphy was in the drive-thru line when the trooper pulled into the parking lot. Murphy then drove away without picking up any items in the drive-thru window and backed his car into some bushes. Someone got out of the right rear passenger door and ran. Murphy drove towards the troopers vehicle and the trooper turned on his take-down lights in order to initiate a traffic stop.

The trooper approached the vehicle and could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle. Murphy, who was in the drivers seat, claimed that he did not know who ran from the vehicle, and he and the passenger did not have identification. Murphy gave a false name and date of birth. An infant was in the back seat of the vehicle, and the trooper noticed that the child was not properly restrained in the child safety seat.

In the vehicle, the trooper located several sandwich bags that contained methamphetamine, along with a digital scale. A firearm also was visible. The firearm was a 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol loaded with four rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Murphy, who was driving with a suspended license for DUI drugs and was wanted on a parole violation warrant, was taken into custody and admitted that he had been incarcerated for five years for criminal street gang activity and that he had purchased the firearm for $150 approximately two weeks prior to his arrest.

Murphy has prior convictions in the Superior Court of Bibb County for violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act, obstruction of an officer and aggravated assault.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justices violent crime reduction efforts.

This case was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol, Bibb County Sheriffs Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Keyes is prosecuting the case.
ATLANTA - Georgia Senate President Pro Tempore Butch Miller has raised more than $2 million in the five weeks since entering next years race for lieutenant governor, Millers campaign reported Thursday.

The fundraising haul for the Republican was jump-started by a campaign kickoff event in his hometown of Gainesville last week that drew more than 1,000 supporters, including former Gov. Nathan Deal and former U.S. Sen. David Perdue.

Were just getting started, Miller said. Were traveling the state, were getting a tremendous response, and these numbers tell that story. I have a long record of conservative policy victories that have brought prosperity to Georgia, and I have a conservative vision to ensure that even better days are ahead for Georgia families and businesses.

Miller got into the race in May shortly after incumbent Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan declared he would not seek reelection. Nonetheless, Duncan had rolled up nearly $2.1 million in campaign contributions by the time he dropped out and still had more than $825,000 in his war chest as of the end of June, according to a report filed with the Georgia Government Transparency & Campaign Finance Commission.

One other candidate is running for lieutenant governor on the Republican side, Savannah GOP activist Jeanne Seaver. Her campaign finance report had not been posted on the commissions website as of Thursday.

Two Democratic state representatives also are looking to step up to lieutenant governor. Neither Erick Allen of Smyrna nor Derrick Jackson of Tyrone had posted reports with the commission.
The White man who authorities say shot and killed a Black Air Force veteran and a retired Black state trooper in Winthrop, Massachusetts, last month carried "hate fueled by white supremacy," according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

Authorities say Nathan Allen, 28, stole a large truck and crashed it into another vehicle and a building in Winthrop before shooting and killing veteran Ramona Cooper, 60, and David L. Green, 58.

Allen was subsequently shot by police and taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

On Wednesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins, whose office is leading the investigation, said journals recovered at Allen's apartment depicted him as fueled by hate.

"This man had fooled so many, outwardly appearing stable and upstanding while internally filled with extremist ideologies and hatred," Rollins said in a statement.

"White people are the worlds apex predators," Allen wrote in his journal, according to excerpts released by the DA's office. He also wrote, "Whites in the USA are waking up. FACT."

Prosecutors say he returned often to the theme of White people as "apex predators," and claimed, "Men need to kill things."

Elsewhere in his writings, he used a variety of slurs to refer to Black people and called on White people to "snap" and murder Black people in cold blood.

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Rollins said Wednesday that Allen's family had been extremely cooperative with her investigation.

"The Allen family -- including Nathan's parents, sibling, wife, and her parents -- have met with our investigative team at every request and have cooperated at each turn. We would not have had immediate access to all of the information we do now without their full cooperation," she said. "Further, there has been no indication or evidence that the Allen family was aware of Nathan's intent or apparent ideologies.

"They have stated that they denounce any form of hatred or racism and request privacy during this difficult time," Rollins added. "All three of these families -- the Coopers, the Greens, and the Allens - are survivors of homicide, and my office will provide resources and assistance in whatever way we can for them."

At a press conference last month, Rollins described the shootings as an "execution."

Rollins said Allen "walked by several other people that were not Black" and did not harm them.

Cooper was shot three times in the back while Green was shot four times in the head and three times in the torso.

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Authorities continue to work around the clock in Surfside, Florida, searching for victims in the rubble of a collapsed condo, even as authorities have shifted from a rescue operation to a recovery effort.

It's hard work, according to Captain Ken Pagurek of Pennsylvania Task Force 1, whose team works every day from noon to midnight, combing through debris and searching for those who are still unaccounted for. Along the way, the workers find the remnants of the lives lost, like photographs, he said. They're bombarded with a mix of odors: metal and concrete, the animals assisting in the recovery effort and human remains.

But the hardest part?

"The lack of survivors," Pagurek told CNN, his voice breaking with emotion.

In an interview with CNN at the end of his 12-hour shift, Pagurek described the mentally and physically exhausting work his team is doing and why he continues doing it, despite the fact no survivors have been found since the immediate aftermath of the collapse two weeks ago.

"The mission doesn't change," Pagurek said of the transition from a rescue mission to one of recovery, describing it as "just a different phase."

"We're going to do what we have to do to get the loved ones home for their families."

Pagurek is in charge of managing operations for his task force, which arrived in Surfside Thursday night, joining other search and rescue teams looking for any survivors among the rubble.

He's seen a lot in his 27 years with the Philadelphia Fire Department, he said, including building collapses. The one most similar to Surfside was the collapse of a building in Philadelphia that fell on top of a Salvation Army building when it was being demolished.

But the Surfside collapse is "the worst that I've been to," Pagurek told CNN.

"The magnitude, you know, the number of victims," he said, adding, "It's just, it's a lot ... It's a lot to take in."

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The work is "very labor-intensive" and methodical, he said. Workers have the building plans, Pagurek told CNN, and when they learn that a victim lived in a certain unit, they're able to do very targeted searches.

"And then we're on to the next apartment," he said. "What's the next number? How do we have to go to get to the next person?"

His team isn't used to the heat and humidity of South Florida, and they might modify their "work-rest cycle," to make sure no one is getting fatigued. But they're "exhausted" and "getting minimal sleep," Pagurek said. It's hard to "leave what I just was doing for the last 12 hours."

His head is spinning with questions like, "What is it going to take for us tomorrow? What are we going to do? Did we do a good job today? Could we have done a better job today?"

"Critiquing our operations is a big part of how we improve and become better at what we do," he said. "It's not something you can just turn on and off. I can't."

At the end of the day, when he returns to the Royal Caribbean cruise ship where his team is staying, he needs a "decompression period," he said, to read a book or do a puzzle.

Asked if he'll overcome the emotional aspect of the task at hand, Pagurek told CNN he has "a little compartment in my head. I just kind of push it over there. It creeps in every once in a while, but you know, it's just part of the job."

He said he prefers not to meet the families whose loved ones were lost in the collapse, and when he walks by the makeshift memorial wall, he tries not to look at the faces as he goes by. It would just be too hard, he admits. He can't afford to lose focus.

"Just adds more to that little compartment," he said. "And I don't want it to get too full."

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Rose Long Face was 18 years old when she was taken to the first government-run boarding school for Indigenous children in the United States. Within two years, she died and never returned home.

More than 140 years have passed since the Lakota girl and at least eight other children and young adults with ties to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe who attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. It was part of a campaign to assimilate Native children into White American culture.

For six years, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, also known as Sicangu Lakota, negotiated the return of the remains of 11 children and young adults who have been buried there for generations. Next week, the remains of nine of those children will arrive in South Dakota, just as officials in the US and Canada confront the countries' grim history of Indigenous boarding schools.

"It was a government model... basically, eradicate the Indian in you and replace it with a White man way of thinking," said Rodney Bordeaux, president of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. "'Take the Indian on and save the child' was kind of the talk back then."

"What they forgot is the real resiliency of who we are, how we came about, how we survived and how we're continuing to survive," he added.

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School was the first off-reservation boarding school for Native American children, and was built on the abandoned Carlisle Barracks, according to the National Museum of the American Indian and the US Army War College. The college now occupies the site.

The exhumation, announced last month, is the US Army's fourth disinterment project at Carlisle Barracks, after the Army moved human remains to the post's cemetery from the school's in 1927.

The deceased are among more than 10,000 students, spanning about 50 tribes, who were brought from across the US to the school until it closed in 1918.

The nine children and young adults are part of the more than 180 students buried on the Carlisle Barracks Post Cemetery in named and unnamed burials, according to the Office of Army Cemeteries.

The students were between the ages of 12 and 18 when they arrived at the school, said Russell Eagle Bear, a council member in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Their names, according to the Office of Army Cemeteries, are: Dennis Strikes First (Blue Tomahawk); Rose Long Face (Little Hawk); Lucy Take The Tail (Pretty Eagle); Warren Painter (Bear Paints Dirt); Ernest Knocks Off (White Thunder); Maud Little Girl (Swift Bear); Alvan, aka Roaster, Kills Seven Horses, One That Kills Seven Horses; Friend Hollow Horn Bear; and Dora Her Pipe (Brave Bull).

While some remains have been returned to their families and tribes in recent years, the remains of more than 100 people are still buried on the former school grounds, the OAC said.

It's unclear which tribes the rest of the children came from "due to poor record- keeping by the Indian Bureau during the operation of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School," the OAC said in a statement.

A group of teens fought for the repatriation

Malorie Arrow was a teenager when she and a few other members of the tribe's youth council made a stop on the grounds of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School after a 2015 trip to a conference in Washington, DC.

"It wasn't until we got to the grave sites that... till we got to the parking lot of the grave sites that we all started crying...like we all started crying, we all felt the energy there," said 22-year-old Arrow.

That visit sparked a movement within the tribe, led by youth members on that trip who began asking their elders why they couldn't just bring the children home, said Akichita Cikala Hoksila Eagle Bear, 23, another member of the youth council.

"We got tired of waiting for someone to be our advocate so we had to become our own advocate. We saw a change that we needed so we became the change," said Asia Ista Gi Win Black Bull, 21, a youth council member.

"One little spark of the youth group, visiting Carlisle sparked a whole (Lakota) nation down here," she added.

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Next week, a delegation of relatives, tribal leaders and members of the youth council will travel with the remains as they made their journey to the reservation.

Tribal members will then hold a ceremony near the Missouri River, which is the place where officials believe the children took a steamboat and began their trip to Pennsylvania, said Eagle Bear, the historic preservation officer said.

"That's the last time they saw their parents and relatives, not knowing where they were going or what was happening to them," he said.

After relatives and tribe members pay their respects and pray for the children during a wake, the remains of seven of them will be buried at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Veterans Cemetery and two in their family's land, according to Eagle Bear.

US officials will investigate more boarding schools

The children's homecoming is an opportunity for their descendants to heal but also a realization of how many more children are left to be found, Indigenous rights advocates and tribal members say.

Last month, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced the launch of an initiative to investigate the Native American boarding schools that forced assimilation in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Department of Interior will review its past oversight of the school program, assess how it has impacted generations of families and identify boarding school facilities and burial sites across the country, Haaland said.

The initiative was announced weeks after the discovery of unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools in Canada, renewing attention to the systemic abuse of Indigenous communities on both sides of the border.

While the unmarked graves discovered in recent weeks were in Canada, Christine Diindiisi McCleave, chief executive of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, says similar discoveries could also take place in the US.

"If you look at the numbers here from the United States, we had twice as many schools. You can basically just estimate that our numbers will be double what they found in Canada," McCleave said.

Because the coalition has been working for more than a decade in collecting records for the more than 300 boarding schools across the country, McCleave says federal authorities are taking on a challenging task.

For McCleave, the recent discoveries of unmarked graves have brought up pain and trauma for many Indigenous communities, reminding them of their families' grief and how they lost their language and culture over the years.

As the Sicangu Lakota prepare for the children's homecoming, they know there's much more to be done.

"This is the very start of the fire," Black Bull says. There are many children that remain unaccounted for and many former boarding schools that should be investigated, she said.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly characterized Russel Eagle Bear's role in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He is a council member.

The-CNN-Wire

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The Apostolic Way of Truth church in Greenville and the Texas Army National Guard are hosting free COVID-19 vaccination events on July 10 and 31, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at 3307 Logan Street in Greenville. Limited doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be given and registration is available online at AWOTChurch.com
Remember For Me, a Hunt County-area Alzheimers awareness and support organization, will host its third out of four free-to-attend seminars this Saturday, at Highland Terrace Baptist Church, in an effort to help families better understand the disease and what they can do about it.
Anderson, IN (46016)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun with a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Jewish History in Film is a new series exploring how our culture and history is represented in films from all over the globe. Israeli cinema is such an overlooked contribution to the film world, birthing such great movie makers as Ephraim Kishon, Ari Folman, Amos Gitai, Dror Shaul, and many more. This series will focus on Israeli cinema and introduce our readers to films they may not have heard of in the past.

"Sallah Shabati," released in 1964 and directed by Ephraim Kishon, was not only the first Israeli film to have achieved international success, but also introduced the world to Chaim Topol, most notable for his portrayal of Tevye in the 1971 adaptation of "Fiddler on the Roof." It is also a razor-sharp satire, true to its time and to the incredibly painful process of immigration during the first decade of Israel's statehood. Before the establishment of Israel, there were around 600,000 Jews already living there who were met with an influx of more than one million immigrants, most of whom were Jews facing eviction from the surrounding Muslim countries after Israel was established. Ideologically, millions of homeless Jews immigrating to their original homeland was quite desirable. However, realistically, this was a task that Israel was underprepared for.

Where were these new immigrants going to live and work? The ma'abarot, or absorption camps, that were established for the immigrants became overcrowded, some were even displaced up to 20 years. As you can imagine when people are faced with continual unemployment and disappointment, crime ran rampant. The State of Israel did not seem like the Promised Land that they had hoped for.

Not only were these immigrants faced with logistical problems whenever it came to unemployment and housing, they were also faced with cultural conflicts. Most of these immigrants were Sephardim, originating in the Middle East and North Africa, whereas the rest of the population was Ashkenazim, originating in Eastern Europe. Misunderstandings arose, not only culturally but economically as well. The tension and resentment among these two groups took its toll on the early years of Israel's establishment, its effects still lingering to this day.

Another addition to the mixture were the Kibbutzim, shown in some detail in this film, which were a group of communities started in the early 1900s and founded on a combination of socialist and Zionist ideologies. Property did not belong to one individual but to the community as a whole and everyone would contribute to the common treasury. All decisions were voted on by the community at community meetings. The Kibbutzim were a vital part of the founding and establishment of Israel, many of Israel's finest thinkers and leaders had originated in these communities. The Kibbutzim still exist in some form today, only a small handful still following the traditional model.

Director Ephraim Kishon himself immigrated to Israel in 1949 as a young man with his first wife, escaping the communist regime in Hungary. Before then, he had survived several concentration camps by the skin of his teeth. At one camp, he was lined up with the other prisoners as the guards shot every tenth person, passing him over. "They made a mistake," said Kishon in his book, "The Scapegoat," "they left one satirist alive." He escaped the concentration camps and spent the remainder of the war disguised as a Slovakian laborer.

Kishon had lived in a transit camp next to Haifa called Sha'ar Ha'Aliyah before moving to Kibbutz Kfar Hahoresh, his experiences and observations during that time had, no doubt, inspired the satire of "Sallah Shabati."

The name Sallah Shabati is a play on the Hebrew phrase Sliha She'bati, which translates to "I apologize for coming." It is as if his very presence is a burden to the state of Israel. Like nearly everyone we see in the film, Sallah arrives in Israel with a sense of ownership and entitlement toward the land. Everyone in the film seems to believe that somehow everything will work out in their favor - the rich tourists in their way with their 'forests' they paid for, the politicians with their voter payoffs, and the Kibbutzim and their ideological endeavors. They have a right to be here, they have a right to everything working in their favor. Watching Sallah step on each of these groups' toes with his schemes certainly fuels the comedy of the film.

Sallah is not the typical protagonist one would root for. His excessive drinking, gambling, and distaste for any and all work certainly causes much frustration to his family and people around him. He is the type of man who is set in his ways - all the wrong ways. He refuses to acknowledge the women in the room; is all too eager to sell his daughter to those willing to pay his price; and he treats his wife as if she is an irritating fly in his eyes. Yet, somehow, we cannot help but root for him.

As we follow Sallah on his journey to find work as a cobbler, even though he has never even touched a shoe in his life, and get his family out of the one room shed they were placed in, we find him slowly unearthing the cracks in the canvas of this new land. Kishon spares no punches when it comes to the kibbutzniks. Sallah's confusion over one driver's explanation of the kibbutznik's ideals makes for a classic moment in the film. The very idea of shared possessions and labor is simply unheard of for our protagonist, one scene's example:

"Driver: Big guy  a kibbutznik!

Sallah: But his trac ... his vehicle is bigger.

Driver: It's not his, it belongs to the kibbutz.

Sallah: And who does the kibbutz belong to?

Driver: To the kibbutznikim, who else?

Sallah: So why isn't that his?

Driver: It's not his! ... Well, it's his, but it's not his.

Sallah: Mister, do you even hear what you're saying?

Driver: Sure! Look at 'em ... living together, eating together, working together ... all the property belongs to everyone.

Sallah: Really? To everyone? And our house is there too?

Driver: No, no. It's a little further up.

Sallah: Baruch Hashem."

"Sallah Shabati" is not only an entertaining comedy but also a window into the beginnings of the Jewish state. Though often flawed and filled with conflict, the different ideologies and perspectives represented here were vital in the shaping of Israel as we know it today. As we continue through our own divisive times in the world, perhaps we can learn the importance of putting stubbornness aside for the sake of the bigger picture, as Sallah must learn when letting his daughter go off to marry a young kibbutznik.

"Salah Shabati" is available to stream on israelfilmcenterstream.org

Zachary Aborizk is an independent filmmaker and writer based out of Orlando, Fla. His work has appeared in such publications as Adelaide Magazine in New York as well as the Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival.
Rabbi Michael Perice of Temple Sinai in Cinnaminson, N.J., shared his story of addiction and recovery with his congregants after celebrating 10 years of sobriety.

(JTA) - For Rabbi Michael Perice, the hardest thing about counseling congregants who have family members dealing with addiction had been holding back his own experience with substance abuse.

"I really wanted to let people know in these conversations that I understand. And I couldn't do that," Perice said.

Perice, the spiritual leader at Temple Sinai of Cinnaminson, New Jersey, decided to change that by telling his congregation the story of his four-year struggle with opioid addiction. He celebrated 10 years of sobriety in April.

Perice knew that sharing his story would not be without its risks. A congregant could react poorly or lose respect for him after hearing about his struggle. But to Perice, breaking down the stigma associated with addiction and potentially inspiring someone to get help was worth the risk.

And perhaps most important, letting his congregation in on this part of his past is vital to how he views his role as a rabbi.

"In some ways, this is very personal and I can totally respect somebody's feeling like, 'this is my business, it doesn't affect what I do'," Perice said.

"My congregants trust me. Who am I to not trust them? I feel like I'm honoring that trust by telling them something like this about myself, and I think that's a very important part of this, honoring the trust people have put in me."

'Feeling normal'

Perice's addiction began as many do: with a car accident in 2007, chronic back pain and a prescription for Vicodin.

Perice was an undergraduate student at Temple University in Philadelphia and on track for a career in politics. While the Vicodin helped his back pain, he found himself needing higher and higher doses as his tolerance for the original dose increased.

When his doctor tried to get him to cut back, he began "doctor shopping," seeking new physicians to prescribe more painkillers. Eventually he bypassed the doctors altogether to buy pills, until he was taking up to 80 milligrams of OxyContin each day.

Perice said the pills were never about getting high.

"I was dealing with depression and anxiety, like a lot of people in their early 20s, and I think for some reason, when I would take opiates for this pain, it would seem to just calm me down," Perice said. After taking pills for a certain amount of time, he said, "you're taking it to feel normal."

As he started taking the larger doses, obtaining enough medication to feed his addiction became more challenging. One night in 2011, when his potential sources for pills turned up empty and the first symptoms of withdrawal started to hit, Perice grew desperate.

He called a friend who was also using drugs at the time and asked him if he had any. When the friend arrived an hour later, he brought a bag of heroin, a drug Perice had never used.

Though he was not religious at the time, Perice described what happened next as something of a spiritual experience.

"I'm so conflicted on how to describe this feeling because I don't want anybody to think that this is how it goes. But for me, it felt like a spiritual experience. It felt like a powerful experience where I was given an opportunity to make a choice, a choice I felt like I had never had over the past four years," Perice said.

"Was that biochemistry? Was that God? Was that something else? I don't know and honestly, it's not important. What's important is that it felt very real to me."

Whatever it was, Perice said he "felt a calm sensation come over me where I was able to really see myself for what I had become and what I would become if I went down this road. And in what was either the smartest decision in my life in retrospect, but felt like the dumbest decision at the time, I flushed [the heroin] down the toilet. And that's when I called my parents."

The next day, his parents set up an appointment with an addiction specialist. The doctor prescribed buprenorphine, a medication that mitigates the effects of withdrawal and can aid recovery.

Connecting to Judaism

During his recovery, Perice went to work at his family's business, a Jewish funeral home in Philadelphia. Though he considered himself a secular Jew at the time, Perice started to become more interested in Judaism through his work at the funeral home and with its rabbis.

On a winter day when heavy snow blocked the path to the graves, Perice kept an elderly woman company as she watched her brother's funeral from a car parked nearby.

As they sat in the car, Perice asked the woman if she wanted to tell him about her brother. The woman said yes and began recounting how she and her brother had survived the Holocaust. Perice asked if she wanted to say a prayer and the two recited the Mourner's Kaddish together. Perice walked away from the encounter resolved to spend his life connecting with people the way he had with the woman.

Rabbinical school was not an obvious choice for Perice. Growing up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, he had been a member of Congregation M'kor Shalom, whose rabbi, Fred Neulander, made national headlines when he was convicted and sent to prison for hiring two men to murder his wife.

The murder turned Perice, 11 years old at the time and already a self-described "rebellious Hebrew school student," away from religion.

"I had my bar mitzvah at 13 and I was kind of done with it all," he said.

But working at the funeral home allowed Perice to meet more rabbis and see the profession in a different light.

After spending a year studying in Israel to improve his Hebrew skills, Perice began studying at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2014. He graduated and began working at Temple Sinai in 2020.

Perice said he had known since rabbinical school that eventually he wanted to share his story of recovery with his congregation. But he was advised by mentors, including LGBTQ colleagues who had gone through the process of coming out to their congregants, not to share his story immediately but to wait until he felt comfortable with the community.

Stigma and opportunity

Now that he's been at Temple Sinai for a year, and having recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his recovery, Perice felt ready to share his story.

Even as he did, he was aware of the risks.

"There might be some people who are uncomfortable with this. But my hope is that they will continue to trust in the work with me and I can help them work through whatever uneasiness they could possibly have with this, because part of stopping a stigma is leaning into the discomfort of why do you feel this way," he said Monday before sharing his story with congregants.

"I am not a different person from the day before you knew this to the day after. I've remained the same. I'm exactly the same person you knew a week ago."

Rabbi Mark Borovitz, the founding rabbi of Beit T'shuvah, a Jewish residential treatment center and synagogue in Los Angeles, said speaking openly about a history of addiction can be treacherous. Jewish communities in particular, said Borovitz, attach their own unique stigma to addiction.

"Jews are constantly and consistently trying to project an aura of perfection because we're afraid if we're not perfect they'll all [antisemites] come after us," Borovitz said.

Rabbi Paul Steinberg, who leads Congregation Kol Shofar in the Bay Area and is the author of "Recovery, the 12 Steps, and Jewish Spirituality: Reclaiming Hope, Courage and Wholeness," said a rabbi speaking openly about addiction could play a key role in reducing the stigma and shame associated with addiction. And while some could react negatively to Perice's story, Steinberg said, it could also deepen his bond with his congregants.

"He has the opportunity to let them into his heart in a new kind of way, that his heart is more spacious than what they might once have thought," Steinberg said.

Johanna Schoss, president of Perice's synagogue, said she supported Perice's decision to share his story.

"I think it's going to be a relief and a help to a lot of families," Schoss said.

In March, Perice and two other rabbis introduced a resolution to the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Assembly calling for the movement to do more to address the opiate crisis. Their recommendations ranged from increasing the movement's advocacy work, to taking steps to lower the stigma around addiction, to developing resources to educate communities about addiction.

A majority of the assembly adopted the resolution just a few weeks before Perice celebrated his 10th anniversary of sobriety.

That vote, and the support he received from his fellow congregants, inspired him to talk to his congregants about his story. He did so on a Zoom call Monday evening attended by several dozen congregants, after which he said his phone didn't stop buzzing with messages of support and love.

Perice's wife, Rachael, worried about whether everyone would understand, but was relieved at the response.

"I felt pretty overwhelmed with the love that was coming in from the community," she said.

Following that positive response, Perice hopes his story will inspire others to get help and to help others.

"We have to let people know that there's nothing wrong with [you], there's nothing immoral, you're not guilty of anything," the rabbi said. "You're stuck in a very bad situation and you need help to get out of it. We all do."

The Central Florida Jewish community has a newly formed group of community leaders called B'ri'ut (Hebrew for acceptance and wellness) who can and will help those with substance use disorders. The community-wide program - sponsored by the Synagogue Men's Clubs, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, The Roth Family JCC, Jewish Family Services, Victoria's Voice Foundation and the Osteen family - has been mobilized to address this problem and help families overcome the stigma and embarrassment that often prevents people from seeking help. For more information about B'ri'ut, contact JFS Orlando at 407-644-7593. All calls are confidential.
Brilliant and Jewish ...

Jonas Salk was an American virologist and medical researcher who developed one of the first successful polio vaccines. He was born in New York City and attended the City College of New York and New York University School of Medicine. Of course, Jewish!

Sigmund Freud, born Sigismund Schlomo Freud on May 6, 1856 and died Sept. 23, 1939. He was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst.

Freud was born to Galician Jewish parents in the Moravian town of Freiberg, in the Austrian Empire. He qualified as a doctor of medicine in 1881 at the University of Vienna. Upon completing his habilitation in 1885, he was appointed a docent in neuropathology and became an affiliated professor in 1902. Freud lived and worked in Vienna, having set up his clinical practice there in 1886. In 1938, Freud left Austria to escape Nazi persecution. He died in exile in the United Kingdom in 1939.

In founding psychoanalysis, Freud developed therapeutic techniques such as the use of free association and discovered transference, establishing its central role in the analytic process. Freud's redefinition of sexuality to include its infantile forms led him to formulate the Oedipus complex as the central tenet of psychoanalytical theory. His analysis of dreams as wish-fulfillments provided him with models for the clinical analysis of symptom formation and the underlying mechanisms of repression. On this basis, Freud elaborated his theory of the unconscious and went on to develop a model of psychic structure comprising id, ego and super-ego. Freud postulated the existence of libido, sexualised energy with which mental processes and structures are invested and which generates erotic attachments, and a death drive, the source of compulsive repetition, hate, aggression, and neurotic guilt. In his later works, Freud developed a wide-ranging interpretation and critique of religion and culture.

Though in overall decline as a diagnostic and clinical practice, psychoanalysis remains influential within psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy, and across the humanities. It thus continues to generate extensive and highly contested debate concerning its therapeutic efficacy, its scientific status, and whether it advances or hinders the feminist cause. Nonetheless, Freuds work has suffused contemporary Western thought and popular culture. W. H. Auden's 1940 poetic tribute to Freud describes him as having created "a whole climate of opinion / under whom we conduct our different lives".

One of my sons is a psychologist. He says I have the mentality of a child. I'm flattered!

When will it ever end? ...

I read this recently in the World Jewish Congress digest and pass it along to you:

"A German court has concluded its five-month trial of the attacker who attempted to break into a synagogue on Yom Kippur in the town of Halle and then shot to bystanders. The perpetrator was sentenced to life in prison.

The WJC expressed gratification that the German justice system appropriately brought the assailant, a far-right extremist and Holocaust denier, to justice.

WJC President Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER said: "I commend the German justice system for imposing the harshest possible sentence on a heartless, vicious anti-Semite who attempted to murder Jews in a synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish year, and took the lives of two innocent people who happened to be in his way. Federal Prosecutor KAI LOHSE appropriately emphasized to the court and the world that the assailant attacked Jewish life in Germany as a whole, and that the rampage was a product of his racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic ideology. The speed, follow-through, and decisiveness of this trial is a definitive example of how the judicial system must respond to such horrific violence, making crystal-clear there is no place for such hateful, harmful rhetoric or behavior in society."

About a year after the fatal shooting, the day after Yom Kippur, the WJC convened Jewish leaders at the synagogue in Halle, to mourn the deaths of Jana Lange and Kevin Schwarze and to push for concrete action to fight anti-Semitism.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando...

Adult Jewish Learning explores the impact of collective memory on our ongoing historical development and our understanding of Judaism today.

Participants will encounter in a number of different ways, one of the most powerful keys to Jewish survival: the enduring determination to never forget.

This 4-session course of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning explores the impact of collective memory on our ongoing historical development and our understanding of Judaism today.

For more information about this program, phone the Federation at 407-645-5933.

Winter Park Playhouse ...

(I said I would repeat it!)

On July 30 thru Aug. 22, the show "Crazy For Gershwin" will be performed at the Winter Park Playhouse.

This high-energy song and dance celebration will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. (And on my face and heart as well! I am so proud!!) "Who could ask for anything more?"

Special recognition ...

I want to give a shout-out to LARA ROSALES, a server at the Outback Steakhouse on Aloma Avenue, Winter Park. She was fast, funny, precise and beautiful. (I really can't handle competition but she was awfully good at her job!'

And that's not all ...

How about a shout-out to MAXUS VIDAL, a server at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Altamonte Springs.

Maxus was wonderful, gave fast service, had a wonderful personality and was very good-looking!!

(I can say anything I want to at my age!)

One for the road ...

NEIL JOSEPHBERG sent this to me. Thanks, Neil!

Overheard at the Shabbos table: "Yizzy, you're in terrific shape for a 60 year old! You have the body of a 35 year old! Tell me, how old was your father when he died?"

Yizzy answered: "Who said my father died?"

"Wow! He's still alive? How old is he? Is he still active?" was the response.

Sigmund Freud

Yizzy answers:"Dad is 82 and he skis three times a week!"

His friend finds that amazing and asks:"How old was your grandfather when he died?"

Yizzy's response:" Who said my grandfather died?

He's 102, still skis and is getting married again."

His friend was dumbfounded! " Why on earth would a 102 man want to marry again?"

"Who said he wanted to," answered Yizzy. His mom is making him do it!"
(JNS) - A rescue delegation from the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command is using visual intelligence techniques and information received from families of the victims to precisely map out the wreckage of a condo that crashed in a Miami suburb last week.

This mapping-out method is enabling rescue teams to more quickly reach the remains of victims and identify them accurately, military representatives said on Wednesday.

In recent days, additional members of the Home Front Command joined the delegation on the ground in Surfside, Fla., including rescuers, engineers and population behavior officers.

To assist the efforts, members of an analysis team from the IDF Intelligence Directorate's Unit 9990, which specializes in visual intelligence, built a three-dimensional map of the collapsed building. This is streamlining the process of finding missing persons at the disaster side, the IDF said.

The first Israeli delegation arrived at the disaster zone within 72 hours of the building's collapse. Now, it is made up of 15 members, who are both helping first responders using the 3D mapping and conducting a humanitarian effort to support the families of the missing.

"The activity of the Home Front Command delegation will continue as long as needed," said the IDF.

"In recent days, the Unit's members have been using advanced technological capabilities to assist the Home Front Command delegation in Miami. We analyzed the collapsed building and built a three-dimensional model of the structure. Our model will allow the Home Front Command delegation to further assist in the rescue efforts and navigate through the rubble more quickly and effectively. We are grateful for the privilege and responsibility to take part in such an important international effort," said Lt. N. (full name withheld), Commander of the 9900 team on the ground in Florida.

IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amnon Shefler told journalists that in the hours after the initial collapse on June 25, "The whole of the Home Front Command was following events thinking what it can do, as it saw things unfold on TV. On Saturday, after being invited by the governor of Florida to send a delegation, the team was the airport within three hours, and within two [more] hours, it took off for Miami. It landed and went directly to the site, working in two shifts of 12 hours each."

Seven more officers then joined the team, he said. There are five American agencies working together in dealing with the complex, tragic disaster, Shefler added. "The building was 40 years old, with 12 apartments of each floor, of different sizes. There were 196 people living in the building. Due to the late hour, unfortunately, most of the people were home," he said.

The visual intelligence capabilities are enabling rescue forces to know who was in which room at the moment of the collapse, and to know how many people to search for in each apartment.

The team has generated 12-digit coordinates of the current location of each room, meaning they have an accurate mapping estimation with a margin of error of 1 meter (3.3 feet). The analysis also created a stage-by-stage simulation of the collapse, which assists in the tracking down process of the rooms and the victims.

"Based on that, they know exactly where to find the people. The rescue teams are working very accurately, going to specific places, and making efforts to be more accurate and efficient. We can say with a lot of sadness that more bodies were found because of that," said Shefler.

Speaking from Florida via Zoom, the Home Front Command's Civilian Population Officer, Maj. Uri Yashfe, said he was part of the second installment of the Israeli delegation that landed in Miami on Tuesday.

The family center established by rescue services briefs relatives of the victims twice a day, and the Home Front Command team is playing a role in questioning the families to help gather information about who was located in each room of the apartment, said Yashfe.

"In addition, we are gathering information that will help us identify the people, such as what were they wearing, what did they look like, the artifacts next to them. This will help us to understand who we will reach," he said.

The missions of the Israeli delegation - which is under the command the head of the National Rescue Unit in the Home Front Command, Col. (res.) Golan Vach -missions also include assisting the Jewish community in identifying victims and survivors as well as supporting local rescue forces.

Members of an analysis team from the IDF Intelligence Directorate's Unit 9990, which specializes in visual intelligence, built a three-dimensional map of the collapsed building.

The team is using a blueprint of the collapsed building.

"The technology combined with population information techniques definitely helps identify what floor and room we arrive at," said Yashfe, "and if we have the description from the family, or photos, we compare that to what we see in field."
Shown here (l-r): Arizona Teaching the Holocaust co-founder Michael Beller, Alexander White, Arizona State Rep. Alma Hernandez and Oskar Knoblauch. White and Knoblauch, both Holocaust survivors, testified on behalf of legislation that would mandate Holocaust education in the state.

(Jewish News of Greater Phoenix via JTA) - When Michael Beller set out three years ago to get a law passed in Arizona requiring Holocaust education in public schools, the response he got was clear.

"People told me this would never happen. They were like, 'Not now, not ever. It will never happen in Arizona.' And that was inside the Jewish community and out," he said.

But on Wednesday, it happened.

After a rollercoaster ride in the State Legislature - including a debate over a controversial definition of antisemitism - the bill is now headed to Gov. Doug Ducey's office. With the Republican's signature, Arizona's public schools will be required to teach about the Holocaust and other genocides at least twice between seventh and 12th grades.

According to the Phoenix Holocaust Association and Arizona State University academics, Arizona will be the 16th state to require Holocaust education by statute.

"So many people from so many different parts of the state invested countless hours over the last few years to make sure that this happens," said Beller, who co-founded Arizona Teaching the Holocaust for the sole purpose of mandating Holocaust education in Arizona.

Arizona House Rep. Alma Hernandez, the Jewish Democrat who introduced the bill, called the passage a "big win for our community."

"I have never been prouder to be an elected official and a Jew in Arizona," she said. "Knowing that all Arizona students will learn about the Holocaust gives me hope and restores my faith in humanity because we must teach the past to ensure it never happens again."

Alexander White, a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor who lives in Scottsdale, testified in support of the bill and has been working alongside Beller, Hernandez and other groups to see it through. Its passage means "a great deal" to him.

"The Holocaust is a prototype of man's inhumanity to man, and young people should know about that," he said. "If it happens once, it can happen again."

The long-in-the-works bill had been on the verge of being derailed - ironically, by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition, which is legally non-binding but remains controversial for including some forms of anti-Israel speech among its examples of antisemitism, was a last-minute addition to the Holocaust education bill. Republican state Senator Paul Boyer had pushed for the inclusion; he wound up being one of only two dissenting Senate votes to the final version of the bill, which did not include the definition.

"Passing the bill without the IHRA definition would leave our legislative intent unfulfilled and vulnerable to exploitation," Boyer said in April, adding that passage would "create a real possibility of seeing the Holocaust education curriculum corrupted in ways that could ironically boost contemporary antisemitism rather than combat it."

In support of that idea, he pointed to California's recent passage of its Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. Jewish organizations had complained that the first draft of California's curriculum ignored the American Jewish experience and included antisemitic language and anti-Israel sections.

"One need look no further than the unrelenting attempts to turn California's Ethnic Studies curriculum into a vehicle for antisemitic propaganda. How long will it take for antisemitic predators to show up wishing to invert the memory of the Holocaust with their comparisons of Israel to the Nazis?" Boyer said.

During debate, even some supporters of the IHRA definition, such as Rep. Hernandez, opposed including it in the Holocaust education bill. "Proponents of the IHRA definition, of which I am one, should run separate legislation, as opposed to attempting to seize this bill," she said at the time.

Boyer declined to comment on the bill's passage. The state's Senate Republican caucus plans to pass a separate Holocaust education mandate with the IHRA definition in the next legislative session, it said in a statement.

The Phoenix Holocaust Association, Christians United For Israel, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix and Arizona Teaching the Holocaust all advocated for the passage of the Holocaust education bill without the IHRA language. Those organizations say they intend to work on separate IHRA legislation down the road.

Last January, Hernandez introduced a separate bill focused on antisemitism that would have codified the IHRA definition into Arizona law to be used by state officials when investigating and tracking crime and discrimination. That bill started out with strong support, but it eventually tapered off and stalled in the Senate.

Paul Rockower, executive director of the JCRC of Greater Phoenix, said the amendment had jeopardized the Holocaust education bill and made "a nonpartisan issue partisan."

"While we do support the use of the IHRA definition in a variety of contexts, we believe there are more appropriate avenues to address the public policy in Arizona statutes in the future without causing unnecessary risk to current Holocaust education initiatives," Rockower said.

Boyer has been a driving force behind other controversial pro-Israel legislation in the Arizona statehouse. In 2016 he was the primary sponsor on a bill which observers called "the toughest anti-BDS legislation in the U.S.," which prohibited any part of Arizona's government from investing in or contracting with any company that boycotts Israel. Though signed into law by the governor, the bill was later rejected by the courts; Boyer has since proposed an amended version.

In 2014, Boyer crafted a statewide resolution declaring that the West Bank was part of Israel.

Sheryl Bronkesh, president of the Phoenix Holocaust Association, worked alongside Hernandez, Beller and the JCRC on the education bill.

"I am so thrilled that at least some of the survivors who testify year after year could still be here," she said. "In my mind, this bill's in George Kalman's memory and the memory of other survivors we've lost in the last year, and my parents."

Kalman, a Holocaust survivor who closely followed the bill, died May 25, waiting for the education bill to pass.

Now that his work is done, Beller will wind down his organization, ATH.

"I saw an opportunity to move the mark and make a meaningful impact," he said. "So I'll continue to look for that next thing where I can apply myself and hopefully unite stakeholders to make a meaningful difference in people's lives."

Versions of this story originally ran in the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix.
(JNS)  Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch.

At least this is what U.S. President Joe Biden told Israeli President Reuven Rivlin during his visit to the White House on Monday. Biden also reportedly said Israel has the right to decide how to proceed with Iran. This message was meant to assuage Israels fears over the U.S. approach to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

But Irans recent announcement that it has started enriching uranium at 60 percent, and Tehrans continued use of proxies to spread terror and instability throughout the region, leaves Israel worried that the U.S., as well as the other members of the P5+1 who are currently negotiating with Iran in Vienna, are not doing enough.

According to Dore Gold, president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and Israels former ambassador to the United Nations, while the threat of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons is considered the most dangerous threat associated with the Islamic Republic, it is also the least likely element of the Iranian arsenal to be used in the near future. Instead, Gold believes it is Irans proxies that represent the greatest threat today.

Many people anticipated in 2015 the proxy problem would diminish, he said, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the formal name for the Iran nuclear deal. But after the deal was concluded, the problem of proxies mushroomed across the Middle East.

Gold noted that the Iranian proxy issue is a central threat that was ignored in the 2015 nuclear talks and now again in the current talks in Vienna.

Golds comments came during an online panel discussion by the Emirates Policy Center titled, Preventing a Nuclear Iran: Choices of Regional and Global Powers. Notably, the center offered simultaneous Arabic translation and precipitated Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapids visit to the UAE by one day.

Irans pursuit to become a nuclear threshold state presents the international community with a new reality and could be part of Tehrans efforts to gain more concessions from the West during talks of returning to the nuclear deal, experts say.

Kirsten Fontenrose, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, said she does not believe Iran intends to acquire a bomb in the near future, but rather that this is a pressure tactic.

In Vienna, the sticking point is on sanctions, proxies and missiles, she said, referring to the ongoing nuclear negotiations.

The Biden administration is insisting that the Iran regime be willing to engage in future talks on their use of proxies and missiles, but Iran has said absolutely not, she added. This is a red line for them.Iran wants to protect its proxies and missiles, the pillars of its foreign policy, which it believes are more important.

According to Gold, the issue of Iranian Shiite militias spreading across the Middle East threatens regional stability no less than Irans threat as a nuclear-threshold state.

I am not sure Western allies are prepared to deal with it, he said, warning that there is a very dangerous Middle East on the horizon if the west and the negotiators allow the proxy issue to expand and not be addressed.

Gold explained that the malign activities of Iranian proxies across the Middle East are a reflection of Irans quest for regional hegemony. He also said he believes Iran is on a roll to try and place as many of these countries as possible under its yoke, and that it will require cooperation with Israel and determination from the West to make clear to Iran it cannot pursue its quest for hegemony.

Yosef Kuperwasser, senior project manager on regional affairs at the JCPA and former director general of the Israel Ministry of Strategic Affairs, said Iran wants to be a regional superpower and eventually a global superpower. This is why Iran does not want to be a nuclear threshold country; it wants to have nuclear weapons.

Kuperwasser said that if Iran crosses the nuclear threshold, its proxy forces in the Middle East will feel much more comfortable increasing their activities with the nuclear backbone of Tehran and will work harder to spread Irans ideology throughout the Middle East and the world. He stressed that the international community must work together to deter Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons and from moving forward with its hegemonic plans.

Our first address should be the Europeans, he said, adding it makes no sense that the Europeans want to appease Iran. The Europeans dance to the Iranian flute and ignore the Arabs.

He said that Israel cannot put its security in the hands of the U.S. and instead must be able to defend ourselves by ourselves. He suggested the Iranians bear in mind that the military option is on the table.

Gold emphasized the need for the negotiators in Vienna to address the proxy issue.

My concern is that the Iranian expansion will not stop in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon, but will also reach the eastern border of Israel  Jordan, he said. Iran keeps pushing the limits The West must touch on this issue as well.

Gold reiterated that Israel will not live with a nuclear Iran because its national security doctrine does not tolerate this. Returning to his central message, he said that the focus when it comes to combating Iranian aggression must also be placed on the lesser, but more highly probable threats, like the proxies, missiles and drones, which are becoming a new part of the strategic landscape that we have to address.
Batya Jaffe and therapy dog Lucy, along with a member of the IDF Home Front Command, assist family members of missing people in Surfside, Florida, June 2021.

(Israel21C via JNS) - "I saw in the news that you were coming from Israel for us, and I was waiting for you," said a tearful young woman in Surfside, Florida, to members of the Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit from United Hatzalah of Israel.

"People kept coming up to us and saying how happy they were that we arrived," said Batya Jaffe, who was on the scene with her therapy dog, Lucy.

They were part of the six-person PCRU team that landed in Miami Sunday morning, along with a search-and-rescue team from the Israel Defense Forces' Home Front Command, following the collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South residential building last Thursday.

The death toll from the disaster stands at 11 as of this writing, while 150 people remain missing and 136 have been accounted for. Fires, flooding and falling debris have hampered the search in the rubble created by 55 of the building's 130 apartments destroyed in the collapse.

On Monday, 10 experts in a tunneling method of tracing trapped people came to Surfside from the voluntary Magen search-and-rescue unit of Israel's SmartAID organization.

Processing the tragedy

United Hatzalah's PCRU team met with local community leaders and then joined a Zoom session with representatives from various relief and communal organizations in the area to create an organized and unified plan of action.

They then set up operations at the Grand Beach Hotel, helping displaced Champlain Towers residents, as well as the families of those who are missing, to process the tragedy emotionally.

"It was astounding how much faith these distraught people had in us and in the team from the Home Front Command," said Jaffe, speaking from the hotel where hundreds of people were being assisted by first responders, chaplains, police, social workers, firefighters, counselors, DNA testers and volunteers bringing food and drink around the clock.

Mission leader Dov Maisel, a paramedic and vice president of operations for United Hatzalah of Israel, emphasizes that the Israelis "haven't come to replace any of the services that are currently available here. We came to complement these efforts and add the tools that we have in our repertoire, which have been accumulated throughout the years from our previous missions abroad, or by responding to terror attacks and mass-casualty incidents in Israel."

One man was distressed to the point of being unable to function. He kept repeating the names of his family members who were missing in the rubble, Maisel said. "Members of the PCRU approached him and were able to break him out of his loop and enable him to gain some sort of control over his actions, bringing him from a heightened state of stress to a lower level of stress which would allow him to function like his normal self."

"The people we are dealing with are emotionally destroyed," reported Joseph Dahan, a founder of Hatzalah of South Florida - part of a voluntary first-response network in American-Jewish communities (not affiliated with United Hatzalah of Israel).

Dahan has been coordinating some 70 volunteers in rotating shifts to provide 24-hour first-response medical services and triaging in cooperation with Miami Dade Fire Rescue.

"I had to deal with a 35-year-old woman who was grieving the loss of her very close friend and her friend's six-year-old daughter. She even began having chest pains," Dahan told ISRAEL21c.

"We have many different types of interactions with patients, and each is intense. When you're sitting with them and trying to help them deal with such a situation it tears your heart apart," he said.

"When you hear about the children, that's when you just lose it. But we have to maintain our composure so we don't become patients too," he added.

Remote training from Israeli pros

Just hours after the disaster, 40 of Dahan's volunteers had a Zoom call with search-and-rescue specialists at Magen David Adom, Israel's national first-response network.

"It was a full refresher on everything we should be expecting and how to act, what to do, and how to properly collaborate," Dahan told ISRAEL21c.

Many Hatzalah of South Florida volunteers previously received training in Israel as part of the Magen David Adom International Unit established in 2007.

"It's one thing to send guys for training in Israel a couple of years ago, but it's another thing to have guidance when we're actually on the scene providing services. We also have guys who were not at the initial training and never faced this kind of situation before," said Dahan. "That confidence and reassurance that we gained from a pro in Israel created a tremendous amount of confidence that our guys needed on the ground."

Israeli consulate paid for prescription meds

After evacuating residents from the remaining portions of the building, Hatzalah of South Florida brought in physicians to write prescriptions for evacuees who had no access to their prescription medications.

"They wrote several hundred prescriptions. Then we worked with the local Publix pharmacy to fill those prescriptions, while the Red Cross and FEMA were relocating these individuals to temporary housing," said Dahan.

"Publix gave a very discounted rate, but the Israeli consulate [in Miami] actually paid Publix for all the prescriptions, which was pretty amazing," he added.

Surfside, a town of about 5,700 residents, has a diverse population that includes a large Jewish community. But the efforts of the Israelis and local Jewish groups extend to everyone in need.

"Our primary focus is to assist the Jewish community; however, we provide our services to humans - it doesn't matter what is their race, creed or religion," said Dahan, whose group began operations in 2009.

"Hopeful despondency"

Raphael Poch, a member of the PCRU and a spokesperson for United Hatzalah of Israel, said his delegation worked with the IDF Home Front Command and family members of those missing to map out the layout of Champlain Towers South and to estimate how many people lived in each apartment.

"For the next five hours, teams of two to three IDF members, together with PCRU members, cataloged all of the details submitted by family members, so that the search-and-rescue teams could have a clear picture of where in the rubble to look for survivors," said Poch.

"The energy in the room was that of an ongoing and drawn-out trauma," he added. "No one in that room has closure, and that is something that they direly need. Some people flew or drove more than halfway across the country to sit in a communal room, with other family members of missing people, who they don't know, in order to perhaps hear good news about their loved one. Seeing the faces of hopeful despondency on the faces of pretty much everyone there was simply heartbreaking."

Poch said the mission of the PCRU is "to show these people that they are not alone and that they can help in the search efforts. They provided essential information that may help lead to more rescues.

"In addition, we reminded people that they would not go through this tragedy alone. We encouraged people to comfort one another and be there for one another. That in and of itself is a type of healing and something which we can all do."

Members of the Israel Defense Forces' Home Front Command assisting in search-and-rescue efforts in Surfside, Florida, June 2021.

This article was first published by Israel21c.
(JNS) Passersby were treated to a striking sight outside Jerusalem's City Hall on Tuesday. One-hundred and fifty bright orange "ambucycles"  motorcycles and scooters equipped with lifesaving medical equipment  were lined in neat rows at Safra Square to celebrate the dedication of the Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Ambucycle Unit of United Hatzalah.

Hundreds of United Hatzalah volunteers attended the event, and Channel 12 news anchor Ofer Hadad served as master of ceremonies. The 150 ambucycles join a fleet of 1,000 ambucycles already operating in Israel for United Hatzalah.

Guest of honor Miriam Adelson, whose donation made the ambucycles' purchase possible, opened her speech with a confession: "I admit and confess that I've always been afraid of motorcycles and never gave my children permission to get on a motorcycle."

However, she said she appreciated the "charm" of riding motorcycles when it came to saving lives.

"Every second is important. It can be the difference between survival and death. It can be the difference between one who recovers completely and between one who'll suffer brain damage or other serious disability," she said, noting that ambucycles, unlike traditional ambulances, can move quickly around traffic jams.

Adelson, who years ago served as head physician of internal medicine as well as emergency medicine at Rokach (Hadassah) Hospital in Tel Aviv, said, "In too many incidents, more than I care to remember, the sick arrived too late and it wasn't possible to save them."

Citing the famous Talmudic quote, "Whoever saves a life saves the world," Adelson said that "with this simple sentence, our ancient sages summed up Judaism for all times."

Eli Beer, founder and president of United Hatzalah, told JNS prior to the event, "I'm honored to be hosting Dr. Miriam Adelson," noting that she and her late husband, casino magnate and philanthropist Sheldon Adelson, "were instrumental in ensuring my safe return to Israel after my battle with COVID-19."

Beer related the story at the ceremony, one well-covered by the press at the time, of how he suffered an acute bout of coronavirus and fell into a coma for a month while visiting the U.S. in March. "I was ventilated. I was confused. I thought I had been kidnapped," he recalled.

"Miriam Adelson called the hospital and said, 'I'm bringing you home to Israel.' (She offered the Adelsons' private plane.) I burst into tears because the truth is I didn't know if I would ever return to Israel," Beer told the audience. When he asked her how he could ever repay her for such a gesture, she responded, "If you promise that you'll return to Israel and continue to save lives you don't have to return me a thing."

Beer praised Adelson for her donation and her character, saying, "I never met someone more sensitive to the sorrows of the people of Israel, its sorrows in the Land of Israel and the world."

He expressed his regret that Sheldon Adelson, who passed away in January, wasn't able to attend on Tuesday. Beer compared him to other great Jewish philanthropists who contributed to building and developing the land of Israel, including the Rothschild and Montefiore families.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon was also unstinting in his praise. "The Adelson family is among the most philanthropic and the most patriotic that rose for the Jewish people in recent times and, therefore, we all say to you, and in particular, you dear Miriam, thank you very much," he said.

"Many souls were saved and will be saved in Israel and the entire world. Your current contribution is only a drop in the sea of contributions and charitable deeds of the Adelson family," the mayor added.

United Hatzalah presented Miriam Adelson with a piece of art to commemorate the event. It featured the image of an ambucycle composed of tiny colorful butterflies shaped from steel. The butterflies symbolize "the renewal of life," the artists said. Adelson also received a Book of Psalms in the name of the Avigal family, which lost their 5-year-old son, Ido, when a piece of rocket shrapnel penetrated the safe room where he was hiding during May's conflict between Israel and Hamas. A letter from Ido's parents that was read at the ceremony thanked Adelson for supporting United Hatzalah, as a member of the organization was the first to arrive to their Sderot apartment after the rocket struck.

Avi Marcus, who worked as a paramedic for 18 years before joining United Hatzalah and now serves as head of the group's medical department and psychotrauma unit, told JNS that it was the ambucycle, an innovation of Beer's, which brought him to the organization.

"At some stage I saw these ambucycles and I said, 'What's this thing? I've never heard of it.' And a friend told me, 'Come be with us.' In the first week I started as a paramedic, I saved the life of a 4-year-old who was choking. I was on an ambucycle," Marcus said.

Describing the importance of Miriam Adelson's contribution, he said the ambucycle is "one of the best things we have in United Hatzalah. It's so much faster and so much quicker because it doesn't have to stand in traffic. Most of the cases if you arrive a minute early, a minute later, it's not a problem. But when it's someone bleeding, the difference in one or two minutes is if someone lives or dies."

At the end of the ceremony, after Adelson handed out ambucycle keys to a select group of drivers, 150 United Hatzalah workers and volunteers proceeded out of the square on their new rescue vehicles to take part in an ambucycle procession around the city.
Nachman Shai, second from left, speaks to Sen. Rick Scott, in cap, at the Grand Beach Hotel in Surfside, Fla., June 27, 2021.

SURFSIDE, Fla. (JTA) - Nachman Shai's first visit to the United States as Israel's new minister for Diaspora affairs was not under normal circumstances.

"In hard times, in times of disaster, we have to stand shoulder to shoulder with Americans," he said in an interview on Sunday in The Shul, the Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue located about a mile from the remains of the collapsed Champlain Towers building here that has left over 150 people unaccounted for.

Shai, 74, was previously best known as the calm, cool and collected Israel Defense Forces spokesman during the 1991 Gulf War who worked to comfort anxious and grieving Israeli families. So it made sense that he immediately began looking for local Jewish families to speak with upon landing on Sunday.

He also met with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.

"This is an American tragedy," Shai said. "And then when we have Florida, and then we have the Jewish community, so in all circles, we felt that there's a commitment to come and help to come and express our solidarity and sympathy, and to do as much as possible to alleviate a little bit of the pain and sorrow that your Americans encounter."

Shai's other mission is to repair fraught relations between Israel and the U.S. Diaspora. For many American Jews, those ties were worn thin by the government of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The rift between the Jews of the Diaspora and the State of Israel is a grave national crisis," Shai said June 12 on Twitter in his first comment in the job. "I will concern myself with acting through national responsibility to reconnect the Diaspora with Israel."

Netanyahu strained relations with the majority liberal American Jewish Diaspora by breaking promises to elevate the status of non-Orthodox denominations, by his closeness with President Donald Trump and by angering the Democratic Party through a series of partisan moves.

Shai, who for years directed the Israeli arm of the Jewish Federations of North America organization (then called United Jewish Communities), is knowledgeable about American Jews, said Jacob Solomon, the president of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Before working as the IDF spokesperson and for the UJC, he was the press secretary for Israel's United Nations delegation in New York.

He joined Israeli politics as part of the center-left Kadima Party in 2009, and was elected to parliament this year as a member of the Labor Party. The party's leader, Merav Michaeli, named Shai to the post.

"Minister Shai is a good friend of the community and is a good fit in this role," Solomon said in an interview.

Floridians, particularly the Jewish community, enthusiastically welcomed Shai and his contingent, which included a group of Israeli rescuers.

"The delegation has 10 experts who can help the American rescue teams," Shai said. "We have some experience, unfortunately, from past situations like that."

Israel's homefront rescuers, trained in search and rescue to attend to the aftermath of terrorist attacks, over recent decades has become a first call for countries suffering disasters.

"Jews around the world look at Israel as a source of support, and sometimes even as a source to come and save them," Shai said.

"But it's not only about Jews," he added of the Surfside tragedy. "I have to make sure that that's fully understood. It's about human beings, or it's about a national tragedy."
Andrew Getraer says "the college campus has been, for as long as I've been at Hillel, the fount of antisemitism in America."

(JTA) - As he ends his tenure as the director of the largest Hillel in the country after 20 years in the post, Andrew Getraer says Jews at Rutgers University face a reality out of Dickens: the best of times and the worst of times.

Jewish life at the school, New Jersey's flagship university, is thriving. There are 6,000 Jews on campus, and it's known as a destination for students seeking a vibrant Jewish community with a range of services, religious communities and clubs.

But it's also been a tough year. Rutgers students learned remotely for an entire year, disconnected from the protective bubble of campus that, even at a big state school, still feels more intimate and insulated than the outside world. And to Getraer, the spike in antisemitic incidents that accompanied last month's conflict in Israel and Gaza demonstrated the dangers of the left-wing antisemitism that he sees on campus.

"We have incredible, vibrant Jewish life on campus like probably has never been seen before in American history," he said. "There's more Torah learning, there's more Israel celebration, there's more Jewish community than ever." But, he added, "there's also more antisemitism than we've had in generations."

Though anti-Israel activity has existed for decades at Rutgers, Getraer says it's more common now.

As if to put a fine point on it, a week after the conflict ended, the outgoing chancellor of Rutgers issued a condemnation of antisemitism - then apologized for the condemnation after the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine complained.

Conflict at the university over Israel has continued. In May and June, unions representing full- and part-time lecturers at the university issued statements categorizing Israel's actions as "apartheid" and calling for the American Federation of Teachers "to divest itself of all Israeli bonds." This prompted a sharp rebuke from U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, who wrote an open letter to the school's president imploring him to "speak out" against "this hate-filled misinformation campaign and rhetoric."

Getraer retired on July 1 for personal reasons: His mother died unexpectedly in the past year, and his youngest child graduated from high school. He had made the decision before the chancellor's dueling apologies.

But his final year was difficult due to a vitriolic Israel debate that he said became worse due to COVID. When students are on campus, debating face to face, he said, they are more likely to tone down their language and be relatively immune to the broader debate raging over Israel and Palestine on social media. When their only connection to each other is online, he said, the campus debate and the larger one on social media become one and the same.

"What happens with digital communication is you're not on campus anymore [and] the whole world is flooding your bedroom," Getraer said. "Especially during COVID, you're not on campus, you're not sitting there with your friends necessarily, or in community. You can't come to Hillel and see what's happening ... or come and get the sustenance of being part of the community. You're just isolated, and that flood of hatred, vitriol, that we all saw in May is coming unfiltered into your life."

The adjustments that came with virtual learning underscored how Getraer's job has changed since he arrived on campus in 2001. Back then, student volunteers would stuff Jewish students' physical mailboxes with flyers about Hillel events. A whiteboard outside Hillel also would notify them about upcoming programs.

Now Getraer understands that students don't even check their email, and Hillel tries to get their attention via sundry social media platforms and texting. Modes of communication have multiplied so much that he sees students going back to what they used to do: find out about events via word of mouth. At a school as big as Rutgers, Getraer believes many of his Jewish students remain unaware of campus controversies over Israel and antisemitism, and that many of them may not even have known about the outcry over the chancellor's letters.

Getraer isn't the only one to worry about Israel on campus. In recent years and decades, a range of groups have sprung up to lavish attention, funding and legal support on pro-Israel student activists. In 2019, the activism reached the highest levels of government, when President Donald Trump's executive order on antisemitism facilitated federal civil rights complaints about some anti-Israel activity on campus.

That activism also contributes to another debate that has raged across American Jewry for years: whether the most dangerous antisemitism comes from the right or left. Those who are more concerned about right-wing antisemitism have noted that the attackers at the synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway were far-right extremists. Those who have sounded the alarm about left-wing antisemitism have frequently pointed to campus anti-Zionist activism as evidence for their concerns.

Getraer falls squarely in that camp, telling the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that "the college campus has been, for as long as I've been at Hillel, the fount of antisemitism in America."

"What I have seen in the last couple years, especially from some of the more progressive Jewish students, is that they have been ostracized or asked to prove themselves," he said. "If they're pro-Israel, progressive Zionists, they are ostracized from their progressive spaces - not always, but that's a real dynamic that occurs. I've seen that firsthand on campus."

Because of that, Getraer said, he supports the umbrella group Hillel International's guidelines on Israel, which prohibit Hillels from partnering with anti-Zionist groups.

"The issue of this generation is antisemitism, and antisemitism in America is driven, the vast majority of it is driven, by anti-Zionism," he said. "And if Hillel is going to support college students in this generation, it needs to focus on supporting them in that environment, where we are helping them to stand up against and recognize anti-Zionism and antisemitism."

But Getraer adds that those currents don't affect most Jewish students on campus.

"On the one hand the problems are real, the outrages are true and the issues should be addressed," he said. "On the other hand, it's easy to look at an event that occurs on a campus that is offensive or outrageous and believe that every single student walking on that campus is under attack and in fear, which is not true."

When Jewish students return to Rutgers for the fall, Getraer said, they'll still be able to lead a secure and active Jewish life.

"The Jewish community needs to be a little more nimble than it is," he said. "We have a lot of Jewish organizations that don't call out antisemitism as strongly as they should and as clearly as they should, or make excuses for it. And then we have a lot of organizations that create a fearful environment through hyperbole, which is not productive for anyone."
Phoenix Childrens Hospital fires doctor after she accused Israel of cannibalism on social media

By Ben Sales

(JTA)  A Palestinian-American pediatric radiologist has been fired from her position at Phoenix Childrens Hospital after her social media post accusing Israel of cannibalism was called out by an antisemitism watchdog.

On Monday, the Twitter account @StopAntisemites shared a screenshot of a May 26 Facebook post by Dr. Fidaa Wishah, in which Wishah wrote We will expose the #massacre and #genocide you Zionists are proud of.

We will uncover your thirst to kill our Palestinian children A state based on atrocity, inhumanity, racism and cannibalism never lasts long! she wrote. Hey #israel your end is coming sooner than you think.

The message was retweeted hundreds of times. Two days later, Phoenix Childrens replied to the tweet that Wishah had been fired.

After a thorough review of the facts related to this matter, this individual is no longer providing care at Phoenix Childrens, the hospitals tweet said.

The post in question is no longer visible on Wishahs Facebook profile, and her Instagram account is private, but in a video apparently from her Instagram account that was posted to Twitter, she says she is being censored and that any allegations that she would treat Zionist or Israeli patients differently are false claims.

I want to thank everyone whos standing by me and whos standing with the cause, she said in the video. In a country that claims freedom of speech, when it comes to Palestine-Israel, we are definitely censored.

Eva Schloss, who had fled Austria as a child and later befriended Anne Frank, reclaims citizenship at 92

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  A 92-year-old Jewish woman who fled her native Austria as a child to escape the Nazis, and later befriended the famed diarist Anne Frank, has reclaimed her Austrian citizenship.

Eva Schloss, whose mother was the second wife of Otto Frank, Annes father, received papers identifying her as an Austrian citizen on Monday at a ceremony at the Austrian Embassy in London. Schloss has been living in the British capital for the past 70 years, the Jewish News of London reported.

The Austrians are sorry about what has happened. We cant carry on the hatred and discrimination any more. The Nazis are not with us, she said at the ceremony.

Schloss family fled Austria in 1938 after it was incorporated into Nazi Germany. They settled in Belgium and later in the Netherlands, where Schloss befriended Anne Frank in Amsterdam.

After the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1940, the Franks went into hiding but were caught in 1944. Anne penned the diaries that later made her one of the worlds best-known Holocaust victims. She died at a Nazi camp in 1945. Her sister and mother also perished.

Schloss parents also were caught in hiding in Amsterdam and sent to the Auschwitz death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. She and her mother survived, but her father was killed. In 1953, Schloss mother, Fritzi, married Otto.

In the United Kingdom, Schloss co-founded the Anne Frank Trust, a charity that focuses on Holocaust education. On Monday she was awarded the Austrian governments Medal for Services to the Republic of Austria.

Sen. Chuck Schumer asks UK not to take 2-year-old Jewish girl off life support

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is making the U.S. part of a fight to keep British doctors from taking a 2-year-old Jewish girl off life support.

Schumer, who is Jewish, wrote to Britains U.S. ambassador, Karen Pierce, on Wednesday asking her government to prevent medical authorities from making any irreversible moves concerning Alta Fixsler, who has been on life support in a Manchester hospital since her birth due to natal complications.

I urge that all health decisions that are against the wishes of the family be suspended until the citizenship process is complete and Alta can travel to the U.S. with her U.S. citizen father, Mr. Abraham Fixsler, Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote.

Last month, a top British court ruled against the familys petition to have Alta moved to Israel after medical authorities decided to pull the plug on the machines keeping her alive. Taking Alta off life support goes against their religious beliefs, the haredi Orthodox parents said, and there may be hope for Alta recovering. Medical personnel expected Alta to die within days of being born.

The action has been delayed amid further appeals by the parents.

Israels government has also urged the British authorities to prevent Alta from being taken off life support and want the family to be permitted to move to Israel.

The United States is widely seen as the United Kingdoms most important ally.

Hungarian Jews protest gay propaganda law

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  Jewish groups in Hungary have condemned a new law in the country that forbids sharing content on homosexuality with minors.

Called the gay propaganda law, the legislation passed last week in parliament follows similar moves in Russia in 2013 that define written or visual materials pertaining to sex reassignment or homosexuality as propaganda that should not be allowed to reach children.

The measure, which President Janos Ader signed Wednesday, has triggered a diplomatic spat between Hungary and other member states of the European Union.

The Golem Theater, a Budapest-based institution that deals extensively with Jewish subjects and has many Jewish members, said on Facebook that it stands against the propaganda law.

Mazsihisz, the largest federation of Jewish communities in Hungary, also criticized the legislation without naming it in the groups statement. Mazsihisz defines itself as a religious community.

The Mazsihisz, as a Jewish group, firmly believes that all people are inherently pure and their emotions do not make them unclean, the statement read. No one should be labeled impure, be discriminated against and certainly not outlawed simply because of their orientation or identity. Such classifications destroy social cohesion and our sense of belonging.

Hungarys right-wing government under Viktor Orban has clashed on several issues with Mazsihisz, which has warned that the governments campaign criticizing Jewish billionaire philanthropist George Soros risks encouraging antisemitism, and that the government is facilitating Holocaust revisionism. Other local Jewish groups, including the EMIH Jewish federation, have disputed these allegations.

Major Orthodox rabbis in Israel say everyone 12 and up should be vaccinated

By Shira Hanau

(JTA)  Two major Israeli haredi Orthodox rabbis said everyone aged 12 and over should be vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, the influential leader known as the prince of Torah, and Rabbi Gershon Edelstein approved the announcement in a message printed by Kanievskys personal physician, Meshulam Hart, in Yated Neeman, an Israeli haredi Orthodox newspaper. The announcement comes as Israel struggles with an increase in coronavirus cases as a result of the more contagious Delta variant.

The rabbis said everyone should be vaccinated both to prevent further deaths from the virus and to prevent additional closures of yeshivas by the government.

Though Kanievsky has consistently come out in favor of the vaccines, his varying directives to Israels haredi school system during the height of the pandemic made him a polarizing figure. At times, Kanievsky said the yeshivas should not close even as government officials ordered all schools shut to slow the spread of the virus. Kanievsky was even depicted on Eretz Nehederet, an Israeli sketch comedy show, as the real prime minister rather than the then-prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

The haredi Orthodox community in Israel was among the hardest hit by the virus in the country, with one in 73 haredi Israelis over age 65 dying from the coronavirus during the first year of the pandemic, according to one report.

Yankees make Jewish woman batgirl 60 years after turning her down

By Andrew Silow-Carroll

(JTA)  If Gwen Goldman had been named a batgirl for the New York Yankees and not been given the honor of throwing out the first pitch, it would have been enough.

A retired social worker from Westport, Connecticut, Goldman, 70, got to be a batgirl at a Yankees game Monday night, 60 years after the team turned her down because she was a girl.

General Manager Brian Cashman proffered the invite after hearing that she had been rejected for the position in 1961. Goldman still has the letter she received that year from then-GM Roy Hamey, who explained that a young lady such as yourself would feel out of place in a dugout.

This week, Goldman not only got a turn in the dugout, but threw out the first pitch, wore the classic Yankee pinstriped uniform and met the players.

It just kept coming and coming, she said of the honors, adding dayenu, the Hebrew word meaning that just one of the gestures would have been sufficient.

Teenagers shatter 19th-century synagogues windows in Romania

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  Stone-throwing teenagers smashed multiple windows of a 19th-century synagogue building in Romania.

No one was hurt in Mondays incident at the Synagogue of Orastie, in the western part of the country. Police have labeled it an act of vandalism, a spokesperson was quoted as telling the Stirile Transilvaniei newspaper. The spokesperson did not say whether it was being treated as a hate crime.

Several teens, all minors, have been identified in connection with the stone throwing.

Two archaeologists noticed the damage earlier this week, the website reported. Orastie does not have an active Jewish community. The synagogue was renovated some 15 years ago.

Chabad rabbi stabbed in front of Jewish day school and synagogue in Boston

By Shira Hanau

(JTA)  A Chabad emissary was stabbed outside a Jewish day school and synagogue in Boston on Thursday afternoon.

Rabbi Shlomo Noginsky suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to a statement by the director of the Shaloh House Jewish Day School, Rabbi Dan Rodkin.

A suspect is in police custody.

We are all very shaken by what happened and ask for you to please keep Rabbi Noginski in your prayers, Rodkin said in a statement, according to Chabad.org.

A Boston Police Department spokesperson said the victim was stabbed outside the building that houses the school and synagogue on Chestnut Hill Street in the Brighton neighborhood at 1:19 p.m. According to Chabad.org, the attacker was arrested while holding a knife and gun.

The school was hosting a Jewish summer camp. The camp went into lockdown at the time of the stabbing.

Israeli exports expected to reach record in 2021

(JNS)  Israeli exports are expected to reach a record of at least $120 billion in 2021, according to Israels Economic Ministry.

The hi-tech sector is the most significant factor in export growth in recent years, the Ministry announced on Monday. Software and computer services, which make up the largest portion of hi-tech exports, have increased by more than 20 percent so far this year.

Exports in 2020 reached $114 billion, dropping slightly because of the coronavirus from 2019 that had $115.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who made his fortune from the hi-tech industry, said in a speech in the Knesset earlier this month that he wanted to raise the labor force in the hi-tech sector from 10 to 15 percent by 2026.

Israels Interior Minister Shaked revokes Hamas terrorists citizenship

(Israel Hayom)  Israeli Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked signed off Tuesday on the denaturalization of Ashraf Hassan, a member of Hamas.

Shaked based her decision on information she received from military officials, who told her Hassan had orchestrated an attack on an Israeli soldier and taken advantage of his Israeli citizenship to move around the country freely in pursuit of his plans.

In 2004, Hassan was convicted for plotting to kidnap and kill an Israeli soldier and was sentenced to nine years in prison. He maintained his ties with Hamas after his release. He left Israel in 2016 and has not returned since.

The Interior Ministry said it was proceeding with Hassans denaturalization with urgency as a matter of national security and in an effort to deter others who might be planning to commit terrorist actions against Israel.

Shaked also approved the revocation of the permanent residency status of Salah Hamouri, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.Subscribe to The Hamouri was arrested in 2005 and sentenced to seven years in prison for plotting to murder a prominent Israeli rabbi. He was released in 2011 as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap. After his release, he continued his terrorist activities.

Salah Hamouris actions are a serious violation of the basic core commitment of an Israeli citizen, and due to this breach of trust, the revoking of his citizenship is legally justified, Shaked explained.

In 2008, the Knesset enacted a law according to which the government can revoke the citizenship of any Israeli citizen due to breach of trust or disloyalty to the state.

The revocation of Hassan and Hamouris citizenships must be approved by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and Justice Minister Gideon Saar.

This article first appeared in Israel Hayom.

Israel ranks among strongest global cyber powers

(Israel Hayom)  Israel is one of the strongest nations when it comes to cyber capabilities, according to a report published Monday by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Israel was ranked on a par with Australia, Canada, China, France, Russia and Britain, and above Iran and North Korea.

The report assessed the cyber power of 15 countries, separating them into three categories based on their ability to assist national decision-makers in calculating strategic risk and deciding on strategic investments.

The United States ranked highest on the list and was the only country in the highest-ranked category.

Dominance in cyberspace has been a strategic goal of the United States since the mid-1990s, the report said. It is the only country with a heavy global footprint in both civil and military uses of cyberspace  The U.S. retains a clear superiority over all other countries in terms of its ICT [Information and Communications Technology] empowerment.

Israel was ranked in the second-highest category, along with six other countries.

According to the report, Israel was one of the first countries to identify cyberspace as a potential threat to its national security, and started to address the issue more than 20 years ago.

The document said that technological and geopolitical changes had caused several organizational reforms in Israel, which culminated in 2018 with the establishment of the Israeli National Cyber Directorate within the Prime Ministers Office.

It also cited several cyberattacks against Tehran attributed to Jerusalem by foreign publications.

Notable attacks that have been attributed to Israel include the use of the Stuxnet worm against Iran, between 2008 and 2010, and an attack against an Iranian port in 2020, the report said, adding, It appears that Israel has a well-developed capacity for offensive cyber operations and is prepared to undertake them in a wide range of circumstances.

Along with countries like India, Japan and North Korea, the third category also included Israels arch enemy, Iran.

According to the report, Iran regards itself as being in an intelligence and cyber war with its enemies. In 2010, when the Stuxnet attack on Iran by the United States and Israel was revealed, the country had little access to international cyber-security suppliers and only a very small number of domestic researchers in the field.

Since then, however, it has become a determined cyber actor against U.S., Gulf Arab and Israeli interests. And yet, economic and political hardships suggest that Iran will not be able to boost its indigenous cyber-defense capability easily or quickly.

This article first appeared in Israel Hayom.
(JNS)  While the Jewish left keeps trying to convince us that most anti-Israel hatred is not antisemitism, a new poll has found that a large majority of American Jews see things such more clearly.

The poll, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, asked Jews whether certain types of anti-Israel statements or actions are antisemitic:

Saying Israel should not exist as a Jewish state  75 percent say its antisemitic

Comparing Israels actions to those of the Nazis  70 percent

Protesting Israeli actions outside an American synagogue  67 percent

Calling Zionism racist  61 percent

Calling for companies and organizations to boycott, divest from or sanction Israel  56 percent

Calling Israel an apartheid state  55 percent

Why are these results significant? Because for the past year, the U.S. Jewish left has been fighting against the acceptance of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition of antisemitism. According to that definition, comparing Israel to the Nazis, calling Israels existence racist and applying double standards to Israel are examples of antisemitism.

Jewish left-wing activists have grown worried because many governments, Jewish organizations and others have embraced the IHRA definition. The Jewish left has good reason to worry since many groups and individuals in their camp indulge in precisely that kind of rhetoric. Being labeled antisemitic means that their views are illegitimate.

So, in a desperate ploy, they organized several hundred left-wing academics to come up with their own definition, called the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism. The Declarations extremely narrow wording effectively excuses most anti-Israel vitriol as being just criticism of Israeli policies.

Obviously, no reasonable person claims that every single criticism of an Israeli policy is antisemitic. But its also clear as day to most American Jews that a lot of extreme anti-Israel rhetoric, such as the examples cited above, is indeed antisemitic. Most Jews dont need a legal definition to know, instinctively, that something or somebody is antisemitic. Weve all experienced enough in our lives to know that if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck 

This is a problem for several of the leading Jewish left-wing organizations, which in recent months have been edging closer and closer to the positions that most U.S. Jews consider to be antisemitic.

Calling for sanctions against Israel, for example. According to the ADL poll, 56 percent of Jews think thats antisemitic. Well, in April, J Street and Americans for Peace Now publicly endorsed legislation that would stop U.S. aid to Israel if the Israeli army arrests Palestinian-Arab terrorists who are younger than 18 years old. Thats what we call a sanction.

And just last week, the head of Americans for Peace Now went beyond that one bill and announced that there should be U.S. aid reductions if Israel is guilty of any human-rights violations. And who, exactly, will be the judge of what constitutes a human-rights violation? The United Nations? Amnesty International? Jimmy Carter? Clearly, the new Americans for Peace Now position is setting up Israel to be sanctioned.

Or the apartheid charge  most American Jews say thats antisemitic, too. In recent weeks, J Street has publicly defended the outrageous Human Rights Watch report that accuses Israel of apartheid. While not directly using the A word, J Street has skated right up to the edge, by praising the report for raising critical concerns, and declaring that all criticism of the report is vitriol and profoundly harmful to Israels survival.

J Street is now loudly complaining about the rejection of its recent application to join the American Zionist Movement. The J Streeters need only look in the mirror to understand why. Calling for sanctions on Israel and praising those who promote the apartheid smears are the kinds of positions that most American Jews consider antisemitic. And not too many Jewish communal umbrella groups are likely to admit an organization that advocates antisemitic policies.

Stephen M. Flatow is a vice president of the Religious Zionists of America, an attorney in New Jersey and the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995. He is the author of A Fathers Story: My Fight for Justice Against Iranian Terror.
(JNS)  According to the establishment media, critical race theory, or CRT, is a distraction. It is a right-wing smear. It is a conservative attempt to quash the dark side of American history. Most of all, according to the establishment media, you must never pay attention to the infusion of CRT into the nations institutions of power.

According to MSNBCs Chuck Todd, controversy over CRT is a creation  It keeps people watching or it keeps people clicking. According to CNNs Bakari Sellers, CRT is just Americas history. According to The Washington Posts Jonathan Capehart, those who criticize CRT are merely attempting to prevent us from learning our history.

Critical race theory, of course, is not Americas actual history. It is a perverse worldview, unsupportable by the evidence, in which all of Americas key institutions are inextricably rooted in white supremacy; it is an activist campaign demanding the destruction of those institutions.

The founders of CRT have written as much. According to CRT founders Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic, CRT is founded on two key premises: that racism is ordinary, not aberrational  normal science, the usual way society does business, the common, everyday experience of most people of color in this country; second, that our system of white-over-color ascendancy serves important purposes, both psychic and material.

This means, according to Delgado and Stefancic, that racism is difficult to cure or address and that a formal commitment to legal equality on the basis of color-blindness is merely a guise for further discrimination.

Furthermore, CRT founders say that whites are unable to understand racism, and that minority status  brings with it a presumed competence to speak about race and racism.

CRT, therefore, holds that racism is embedded deeply in American life, unconsciously into white American psyches, and that it is impossible for white Americans to understand their own racism or that of the system, let alone to remove it.

The only solution: tearing away the only systems that have ever provided widespread liberty and prosperity. As fellow CRT founder Derrick Bell wrote, The whole liberal worldview of private rights and public sovereignty mediated by the rule of law needed to be exploded.

CRT isnt merely a tool of legal analysis, either, as many of its dishonest defenders claim. Delgado and Stefancic are clear: Although CRT began as a movement in the law, it has rapidly spread beyond that discipline. Today, many in the field of education consider themselves critical race theorists  Political scientists ponder voting strategies coined by critical race theorists  Unlike some academic disciplines, critical race theory contains an activist dimension.

So, what has CRT accomplished? The near-complete subjugation of our higher educational system, which now traffics regularly in CRT-related theories; the corruption of our establishment media, who parrot the anti-Americanism of CRT as just history; the infusion of CRT into nearly every area of the government, under the Biden-esque Newspeak of equity. And yet, if Americans notice thisif Americans lobby school boards to bar indoctrination in the cultish nonsense of CRTthese institutional actors tell those Americans that there is nothing to see.

The grassroots pushback against CRT is rooted in the best of the American tradition: a rejection of racial essentialism in favor of individualism, an enthusiastic endorsement of agency rather than determinism, a willingness to stand united against tribalism.

We all ought to fight those who have hijacked and weaponized our institutions against all of these traditionally American ideals. Anything less would be an abdication of the trust we have been givena trust that has resulted in liberty, equality and prosperity beyond imagining for nearly all of human history.

Ben Shapiro is host of The Ben Shapiro Show and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com. He is the author of The New York Times bestsellers How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps, The Right Side of History and Bullies.

This article first appeared in Israel Hayom.
(JNS)  As far as some of Israels most vicious critics were concerned, it was the sort of thing that gave their critiques of Zionism a bad name. It was difficult to pretend that the decision of organizers of a Philadelphia food festival to disinvite an Israeli-owned food truck from participating was rooted in anything other than prejudice against Israel and Jews.

Those who run the Taste of Home event that had been scheduled to take place in the Kensington section of the City of Brotherly Love thought they were being prudent when they told the owners of the Moshava food truck not to show up after hearing concerns from the community that we love and serve about its presence. Those concerns reportedly included possible protesters and threats of violence.

The festival was meant to celebrate the cuisine of international communities, and the Moshava truck, which was founded by Israeli chef Nir Sheynfeld, qualified for inclusion and had previously appeared at similar gatherings. But in the activist circles that frequent some food festivals, anything identified with Israel makes some people feel unsafe, which ironically is a feeling usually expressed in actions designed to make Jews feel unwelcome, threatening their safety.

Unfortunately for the nonprofits behind the festival, the story about the exclusion of the Israeli truck quickly spread to the media and generated a justified storm of criticism. It was rightly called out as an indefensible ouster of the representative of one immigrant food culture that just happened to be Jewish and Israeli. In the end, organizers felt they had no choice but to cancel the entire event rather than be labeled as open antisemites.

That might be represented as a good outcome in that at least it showed that those who seek to boycott Israel and Jews couldnt get away with behaving in such an overtly biased manner. Anyone who doubts, however, that the threats of violence aimed at the festival were real needs to think about why they just didnt walk back the ban and re-invite the Israeli food truck. Had they done so, the event, which no doubt many people were looking forward to, could have still been held.

As The Philadelphia Inquirer reported, the backstory was that similar events had also included a truck selling Arab food. But when the Arab-owned truck couldnt make it to this particular festival, the idea of having an Israeli outlet there without its supposed counterpart might not have been tolerated by their community. Its also likely that after weeks of anti-Israel incitement triggered by the Jewish states attempts to defend its citizens against 11 consecutive days of rocket fire from Hamas in Gaza, even a culinary version of a two-state solution wouldnt fly.

Among the most interesting reactions to this fiasco was the fact that the same leftist Jews who have been doing their best to attack the Jewish state were also offended by the ban of the Israeli truck. Writer Peter Beinart, who pontificates about Israel and other topics from the pages of The New York Times and the Marxist publication Jewish Currents, used to claim to be a liberal Zionist, though officially abandoned that cause last year in favor of a demand for Israels abolition and replacement by a binational state.

Like others on the left, hes rarely met an assertion of Jewish rights or self-defense that he isnt willing to oppose. Even Beinart, however, understood that what happened in Philadelphia was an act of antisemitism. Beinart has tried to straddle the fence when it comes to the antisemitic BDS movement by supporting its goal, if not always its methods; still, victimizing an Israeli cook was one step too far. Whatever your politics on Israel-Palestine, discriminating against a food truck owner because hes an American of Israeli descent is antisemitism, pure and simple, Beinart tweeted.

Also weighing against the Philly foodies was Rabbi Jill Jacobs, the head of Truah, a leftist rabbinic organization that has made a significant contribution to the demonization of Israel and the justification of BDS. She tweeted, For those wondering where the line is between criticizing Israel & antisemitism, this is an example that definitely steps over the linediscriminating against Israeli American Jews solely because of their national origin.

The fact that most of their social-media followers, including those affiliated with the anti-Zionist and antisemitic Jewish Voices for Peace, disagreed with them was interesting. Both were on the receiving end of a backlash in which fellow leftists claimed (not without justification) that there was no moral difference between a BDS movement that targeted Israel and boycotting Jews in the United States. Others also insisted that the exclusion of the food truck was appropriate becauseechoing one claim made by Palestinian propagandistsall Israeli food was cultural appropriation.

The point being that if you dont accept that Jews are indigenous to the land of Israel, then their cuisine is also illegitimate, and somehow a knockoff of Palestinian culture, despite the fact that its distinction from neighboring lands and peoples was virtually unknown until it arose as a nationalistic reaction to the growth of the Jewish community there in the 20th century.

Its utter nonsense that food itself is now being used to try to smear the Jews presence in their ancient homeland as a form of colonialism, with white privilege a sidebar to the real problem that the Philadelphia incident exposed and which Jewish leftists still dont understand.

It may be easy, even for the likes of Beinart and Jacobs, to understand that targeting a Jew born in Israel selling the cuisine of his native land for exclusion is antisemitic. Yet once you go along with intersectional myths rooted in critical race theory that falsely label as an apartheid state, it isnt possible to pick and choose among the various expressions of these toxic ideas.

The anti-Israel movement they have encouraged and to no small extent legitimized by giving it expressly Jewish cover is one that isnt concerned with where Israels borders should be placed or whether its policies are correct. Its goal is to eliminate the sole Jewish state on the planet. Once you say its OK to target Jews in this fashion, theres no way to draw careful lines between supposedly acceptable boycotts and acts of delegitimization, and those that you think show bad manners or ill will.

Just as those who approve of anti-Israel rants on the floor of Congress spoken by Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), which spread lies and anti-Jewish tropes, cant be surprised when that leads to violence against Jews in the streets or leftwing activists deciding that wont tolerate Israeli food at a street fair.

Once you say that Israel can be singled out and judged by double standards, and that Jews alone are to be deprived of rights denied to no one else, theres no way to avoid heading down the slippery slope of antisemitism. By the time Israeli food sellers are the victims of prejudice, its too late for the anti-Zionists to turn back. If you want to prevent further such incidents, the answer isnt better admission policies or security at food festivals. It involves those who have either acquiesced to the delegitimization of Israel or joined in it to acknowledge the connection between their advocacy and the actions of street thugs.

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNSJewish News Syndicate. Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin.
I preface this piece by acknowledging that I do not pit one groups injustice against another. This piece does not diminish the injustice and pain felt by other minorities. I want to open your eyes to the way I, and many others, feel right now.

American Jews born in the 1990s grew up in a quiet time. We were born after the fall of the Soviet Union, the dawn of the internet was approaching, and lack of overt antisemitism. The first time I heard anything anti-Semitic was my freshman year of college. My World Religions teacher harshly critiqued Judaism while using the King James Bible (A Christian Protestant Bible) as a source of her information. I, fortunately, did not encounter any other antisemitism until graduate school. This form of antisemitism was not blatant. Subtle antisemtisim disguised itself in the guise of wokeness.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a woke person is well-informed on current events and social justice issues. Today it is easier than ever to be woke. In the palm of our hands, people have access to countless books, articles, and videos. The adage of go read a book evolved to google it. A person just has to type in a word or phrase to become better educated. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, I read novels (I highly recommend Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison) and watched documentaries to learn more about what it means to be African American in the United States. Access to knowledge allows people to gain empathy and understanding for other struggles.

There is a flip side to this coin. This access to knowledge leads to misinformation. Misinformation is the ammunition that fires hatred and bigotry into our lives. I believe a vice of my generation is its over-reliance on one news source. Across the political spectrum, news anchors become oracles on which people base their entire belief systems. There is no questioning the motivations and intentions of a decision. There is blind faith in the person telling you the news. The result is that anything coming out of any news source becomes scientific law. If Fox, CNN, or ABC, says that the Earth is now square, people will begin to believe in the misinformation.

During my first semester of graduate school, my professors told students that a Millennial and Generation Zs average attention span is a resounding eight seconds. This lack of attention can be attributed to multiple factors ranging from social media addiction to the need for instant gratification (Tsuruta, 2020). We should not let this fact diminish our abilities to think critically. When editing this piece, I asked multiple mentors and friends for their opinions. My former boss and current executive director of Stetson Hillel, Samuel Friedman, encapsulates the essence of the piece when he said the following, We live in a time where people have more information available to them but are unable to look past headlines to the nuance of situations.

In Los Angeles, there was an antisemitic hate crime at a sushi restaurant. In Baltimore, a man was murdered for being Jewish. In Milan, there was a Neo-Nazi gathering. I can go on and on about the escalation of antisemitism in the media. I see many of my Jewish friends post these news stories. When talking with my non-Jewish friends, they have no idea what is going on. The only thing they see is the geopolitical situation in the Gaza Strip. If we trust the media to inform us to check the power of government and economic institutions, why are they not telling us the full story? Media outlets are using photos to discuss the plight of children with pictures from the Syrian Civil War. Media outlets are underreporting the daily dangers faced by Jews around the world. If we were to trust one media outlet with our lives, why would you trust it to an outlet that does not fact-check its photos?

I do not know what the future holds. I want peace. I want Israelis and Palestinians to find a solution that satisfies both parties. As much as I want things, that not the reality. The reality is Gaza Strip conflict is the catalyst for antisemitic behavior. Its an excuse for woke people to preach their truth. My one request is to fact-check your oracle to make sure that you are woke instead of misinformed.

Rachel Huss is a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate student at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Follow her on her blog, https://www.husstlingaroundtown.com.
Nashua - Linda Susan Mason, with her husband of 21 years at her side, passed on June 15, 2021 at the Hillsborough County Nursing Home in Goffstown, N.H. Linda was born on June 26, 1947, in Lawrence, Mass. to William and Elizabeth (Tuttle) Case. She warmly remembered her childhood, spent in N
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In the 1980s, the US Navy decided to modernize the Iowa Class battleship after they were put back into service. This is the time when many ideas llike supercarriers were floated, as the next upgrades for the large battlehips but was not push through.

Iowa's class warships were built in the Second World War, they were Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, and Wisconsin as the biggest ships in the US Navy. Each one was almost 900-feet long with a 60,000-ton displacement, with 9-inch guns firing heavy projectiles to any target.

Those that saw service had been upgraded with a cruise missile, ship killers, and Phalanx point-defense batteries. The timing was perfect and the Iowa class saw action in Lebanon and Iraq, doing what they did in WWII. But the Cold War ended and the old warriors had to retire as museums in their old glory.

Before they were returned to the frontlines in the 80s, getting them into service is the first step only. No one knew how many ideas were floated whether to keep them as battleships or make the hybrid carrier battleships, reported the Nationalist Interest.

Supercarriers

The USN had toyed with the concept of the battle carrier to make the Iowas into battleship and carrier hybrids as the most capable, powerful vessels in America's arsenal.

This suggests that conversions will load countless marines and launch Harrier jump jets by the dozens, and using atomic missiles as well. Since it was not realistic, it had to be scrapped, cite TakTikz. This was one of the ideas to modernize Iowa Class battleships.

Read Also: DDG-1000 Zumwalt Destroyer Needs More Features to be Called a Battleship

Amphibious Battlewagon

Way back in the 1960s, they had an idea to use the Iowas as troop-carrying ships, and remove the heavy armament. Instead, there's a hanger for 30 helicopters and a flight deck for them to operate from.

It included landing craft and tanks with vehicles to bring marines to shore, with a total of 1,800 marines onboard. A year later, this concept would become the WASP class LHD, the carried marines, and equipment for a marine expeditionary unit (MEUs) that realized amphibious operations.

Height of naval might the Battle Carrier

America was busy spending to fight the Vietnam war which canceled plans for battleship redesign. The USS New Jersey was sent to Asia to fight in that conflict by the US military for a short time.

President Ronald Reagan wanted new ships to be built. All four Iowas were part of the ambitious plan in the 80s. The first part of the modernization and subsequent upgrades were adding land-attack Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon ship killers, and Phalanx CIWS. This was achieved in 1985, and the four battleships were on duty again.

Hybridizing battleships and carriers would increase its range and a lot as planned. For example, exchanging jump jets for the large turret is a good trade-off. This includes cruise-missile capability for long-distance strikes would have given an Iowa class and equal footing with Nimitz supercarrier.

The Future

Now, the DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyer is supposed to be a grandchild of these plans for the Iowa class. It will be giving better firing cover for storming marines, though smaller and more stealth-oriented, not what a large bruiser the Iowa battleship is. Zumwalt is their modern successor customed for the future conflict.

The question of how to modernize Iowa Class battleships has ended as the Zumwalt and later developments would be more suited. Finally, the Iowa giant battlewagon sleeps as a new generation of vessels takes the stage, noted CDR salamander.

Related Article: After 4 Years Commissioning, US Navy Adds Stealth Destroyer to the US Fleet

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The seven Viking tombs from the 10th century were different from the others during that time. Archeologists found evidence of elements from Christian burials in the same period that was only seen in these graves.

The Uppdrag Arkeologi firm is supervising the excavation of Seven Viking tombs from the 10th century that was discovered in Sigtuna, Stockholm.

One speculation by the scientists who found the remains of two infants that they might be twins who died due to a miscarriage. When examined, the tombs contained the remains of four adults and four infants. T

Vikings become Christians?

Johan Runer, the project manager of the firm spoke to Live Science and gave a statement regarding the find. He remarked the Viking graves were Christian influenced,with how these were arranged.

He noted that one grave had two infants of the same age when it was dug up, adding that the remains of the children must have been a miscarriage.

Uppdrag Arkeologi explained on their Facebook page that the Christian character of burial was before any Christian churches and cemeteries were established, reported the Daily Mail.

Archeologists said these tombs are possibly the first Christian funerals held in Sigtuna during that time. The particular date is thought to be in the late 900s.

Read also: Archaic Statue of Robed Woman Without Head from Turkeys Ancient City of Metropolis Is 1,800-Years-Old from Roman Period

Clues pointing to conversion from paganism

This evidence was man-made stone piles called "cairn," seen on top of the four tombs. One grave had a stone cist, or stones arrange in a box shape, noted the Daily Advent.

Runer remarked that they were not seen in Sigtuna, but most of the characteristics were seen in non-Viking graves.

Another difference from this era is that cremation was more common than having graves like the people buried there. One of them is being laid on their backs in an east to west orientation.

More evidence of non-pagan traditions with charcoal deposits, slightly burnt caskets as related to Christian fire rituals were found.

These tombs were not far from Sigtuna's areas with pre-Christian iron age graves, close to the Viking tombs. Uppdrag Arkeologi mentioned a link to both sites existed.

All-access to the excavation was closed to the public, said the firm. They added that all the data from the tombs would be presented when completed.

The firm added while the site was closed for the duration of the dig. All results will be posted for the publics' information.

The Age of Vikings

In the history of Europe, the Vikings or Norsemen were from 700 to 1100 AD. They were ranging from Scandinavia where they lived. Many were sailors on their longboats that visited Britain and Ireland.

Initially, they were welcomed by the people of the British Isles and the locals. As history depicted the welcome was repaid by Vikings in pillaging and sacking churches, and even razing homes to the ground.

The Britons called them Danes, as the invading foreigners were from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark too. Viking was old Norse for "pirate raid." The Discovery of seven Viking tombs from the 10th century was oddities in the pre-Christian world.

Related article: Otto the Great's Millennium-Old Church Royal Palace of Helfta Discovered in a German Cornfield Along With Other Artifacts

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US Base in Erbil Airport was attacked by armed drones with explosives strapped to it. The target US troops still present in Northern Iraq are on alert for assaults directed against them and coalition countries.

Reports say the drone was knocked from the air outside the airport. A BBC correspondent, Nafiseh Kohnavard, was there when the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was shot down.

This was verified by Reuters that the armed drone was supposed to be for the US base on the airport grounds.

Prior attacks that were reported had three armed drones and 20 rockets were launched against the base, but security forces say that only one drone was used in the newest attack.

Sneak attack

An American official, Col. Wayne Marotto, spokesman for U.S. Operation Inherent Resolve wrote on Twitter, the attack happened at 11:15 PM local time. He verified that only one drone exploded in the attack in the Erbil Air Base, reported the Daily Mail.

Reports say that there is no one injured, nor casualties, and substantial damage. Authorities will follow up on the updates for more information.

One US Department of Defense (DoD) spokesperson gave a statement to Politico, saying the attack was known by the department. Lara Seligman of Politico got the DoD statement and Tweeted it after receiving it.

DOD spox: We are aware of reporting of a UAS incident in the vicinity of Erbil, Iraq. At this time, initial reports indicate no structural damage, injuries or casualties. https://t.co/MZPyssN7IQ  Lara Seligman (@laraseligman) July 6, 2021

The statement from DoD stated that the UAS attack near Erbil airport was received. To date, there are significant injuries, damage, or casualties to be concerned about. The US Base in Erbil Airport was attacked by armed drones and is under siege by dissidents.

Read Also: Kim Jong Un Develops Suicide Drones for Spying, Remote Attacks

A video is released

According to the Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Forces that allegedly released a video of the drone attack, Aurora intel was the source of the video from the UAS attack on the airport.

This video on social media claims to depict the airport turning dark after the alleged rocket assault when the footage shows flames bursting into the night sky.

Another news outlet reported that the counterterrorism directorate mentioned that the airport was attacked by UAS at 10:30 pm. A fire was seen on the site where the incident occured.

One claim by Rudaw Turkey on Twitter said that an unreported fire was small-scale that was kept from the news. After the failed attack of the drone that was revealed by the news outlet, images on the reported video were supposed to have sirens ringing at the US consulate in Erbil.

Another video was posted on social media by independent journalist Raveen Aujmaya, which said the airport is now open after it was closed due to the rocket barrage.

More local reports

A story by the Iraqi satellite television channel Dijlah stated that the airport's director declared that air traffic was not affected by the drone assault, said one Twitter user.

One major media outlet said the same thing, no injuries or damage from the armed UAS. But one dissident group, the Saraya Awliya al-Dam warned of another threat after this attack. They said that if enemies hide their losses, the number of Zionists killed in this recent attack will be told.

This attack comes after a day when rockets and drones attacked the Ain al-Asad airbase, US Embassy in Baghdad. US Base in Erbil Airport was attacked by armed drones but several media account contest the initial claims by officials.

Related article: Military Drones Attack Humans for the First Time, Can We Really Rely on AI Programming?

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The Russians are developing a unit of Gung-Ho para dogs as part of the Russian forces. This unit will be used for many operations that will benefit from Putin's canine warriors, and K-9 have wide military use.

Images show how the dog troopers are trained to jump from a high altitude, and man's best friend serves as soldiers in the most recent military drill.

There are footage of these para dogs dropping from planes and flying in mid-air, with their selected handler. After touching the ground, the dog and paratrooper give the no problem signal!

All exercises are geared to try out the new parachute, specially designed for getting war dogs to the combat zone intact. Then deploy the military animals where they are needed.

Dog warriors

Included in the video are the last of the eight trials for the new harness for dog troopers, all the equipment was checked by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, reported the Mirror UK.

Several tests were done to see how well the service animals can handle getting para-dropped at 13,000 feet. According to the results, the canines can do the sky jump as noted by the Russian defense ministry's TV channel Zvezda, noted Daily Mail.

The report stated that when the test dogs were all okay after getting para-dropped, and eager to get commands from their handlers.

Military operations have need 'canine security forces' are often used for most armed and rescue operations, said the Russian army.

Preparing the dogs

According to the assigned test parachutist Andrey Toporkov, all the dogs were trained and prepped. He added that about eight test jumps have been done so far. Gung-ho Russian para dogs Jump from 13,000-feet are testing the limits.

Read also: Elderly Couple Who Is Grieving Over Their Dog's Death Found Dead in Their Gas-Filled Home

One of the first steps is to prepare the dogs inside the plane. He remarked that the animals can take flying while taking time to watch the clouds from inside the plane.

Their handler said that once the hatch is opened, they will feel the rushing wind, hear the loud noise, and they are ready for the jump. Finally, the time when the pair are to jump into thin air, the dog is ready for the drop.

Russian military technology designed a special harness, which is seen in the video. It is manufactured by the Ivanovo parachute factory, which allows a specialist to jump with the handler and dog.

One reason for the way the harness is made, not all dogs are comfortable with any trooper when jumping out, said Toporkov.

Getting acquainted with the partner dog for the jump in advance means familiarizing with the owner's approval so that a bond of trust is achieved. Dogs can feel fear, the human needs to be confident to succeed.

The harness is specially made by Technodinamika, which is part of the Rostec State Corporation. Putin himself went to the Ivanovo factory a year ago to check out the harness. These gung-ho Russian para dogs Jump from 13,000-feet safely with it.

All harnesses are to allow fast deployment from planes for the military canines, so they can areas where landing will be difficult. Also designed for back protection, and carries up to 45 kilograms, said designer Alexey Kozin.

According to The Zvezda report, initial tests show that dogs try to touch the ground, as if the ground was at its feet, cited the Irish Sun. Before the jumps, dogs were thought to be far-sighted.

Related article: Suspect Who Skinned Two Puppies, Stabbed a Dog Hunted by Missouri Police With $5k Bounty

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A number of blood centers in the US are experiencing a shortage of one-day supplies. This dilemma has compelled hospitals to postpone their surgeries. According to experts, the blood shortage is another impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OneBlood is the Southeast's most enormous blood center. It is grappling to mitigate the blood shortage crisis. According to Susan Forbes from OneBlood, "It's a 24/7 operation. The donors are not in the traditional locations anymore. We lost large corporations, religious organizations, movie theater drives, festivals that were taking place ended," reported CBS News.

Demand For Blood Products

Prior to the novel coronavirus closures, schools made up for 25% of blood gathered. The demand for blood products is currently up 10% throughout the country, reported GWN. Blood products are in large demand.

According to the American Association of Blood Banks, the blood supply in the United States has dropped to "red" level. This signifies that most blood banks has less than a one-day supply, and donations are immediately required. Dr. Claudia Cohn, AABB's chief medical officer, stated that blood banks are prepared when they have three days worth of blood supply on hand. She added, "This is the worst shortage I've experienced since I've been in this in this line of work," reported The Week.

A number of hospitals had to delay scheduled surgeries. According to Dr. Paresh Shaikh, New York University Langone Health surgeon-in-chief, they were near to doing the similar thing at NYU Langone Health.

Shah said, "There's this huge backlog of operations that really needed to get done." They were down to a very low inventory of blood that if they had one significant transfusion event, they would have been expended entirely.

Read Also: Over 99% of People Who Died From COVID-19 in June Were Not Vaccinated; Fauci, Biden's Inoculation Goal Fell Short

He said the shortage of blood could mean life or death in traumatic instances.

Iggy Friday, 11, was diagnosed with leukemia this winter. He required over 30 transfusions while on chemotherapy. His recent platelet transfusion was postponed because of the shortage. However, this was by merely a few hours.

Friday thought about the people who would benefit from it immediately. He said that he was contented with waiting as it could save several lives and help more individuals.

The lack of blood is a mege of fewer blood drives during the coronavirus pandemic. This is a return of elective surgeries as the global health crisis wanes and inoculation rates climb, along with an augmentation in demand during the seasonal increase in auto accidents, according to Cohn. She stated that a blood donation takes one hour to one hour and a half. Every time they conduct blood transfusion, they save a life.

If you feel physically well, the American Red Cross would like you to consider donating blood or platelets. Donation centers are open. You may schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor application or website. You may inquire by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You may also contact AABB by phone at 1-202-393-5725.

Related Article: UK PM Boris Johnson to Implement COVID-19 Lockdown Easing; Face Masks to Become 'Personal Choice'

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Chinese authorities have arrested an aerospace executive on Monday after being involved in an alleged brutal assault of two astronaut scientists last month who refused his request to join an international academy.

The attack was caught on video that has now begun circulating online, showing how the Chinese official, Zhang Tao, chairman of state-owned China Aerospace Investment Holdings, punched Wu Meirong and Wang Jinnian. The incident occurred after a dinner on June 6 in Beijing that was filled with alcoholic beverages.

Brutal Assault on Astronauts

The incident involved Zhang, who reportedly invited the two astronaut scientists to present their work at the company's office. He later invited the two to dinner where they drank alcohol. During the meal, Zhang asked the scientists to recommend him to the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). The two victims were members of the agency and quickly turned down the official's request, resulting in a heated discussion.

After Zhang sent the two back to their residential compound in the Chaoyang district, the official allegedly ambushed 55-year-old Wang, repeatedly beating him. The 85-year-old Wu got tangled in the scuffle and was injured. Medical experts treated the two victims after the attack, which included possible rib fractures, on June 11 and 14, Caixin Global reported.

The state-run media, People's Daily, posted a report that Zhang has been suspended by China Aerospace Investments Holdings on July 4. They cited an ongoing police investigation looking into the case. The company said that it would also conduct its own investigation into the matter.

Read Also: Haitian President Jovenel Moise Killed in Assassination Attack That Left First Lady Injured, Hospitalized

The state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) received widespread criticism for the incident after letting the Chinese official go unpunished for weeks. Zhang was only put under pressure after the reveal of the incident to the public, with many arguing officials were trying to hide the assault.

After learning about the attack, many online users flooded Weibo with comments on CASC's official account. Users posted angry comments, demanding the official to take responsibility for the beating. A related hashtag has gathered more than 130 million views since being uploaded.

Widespread Criticism

The growing criticism and pressure forced the CASC to issue a brief statement on Sunday afternoon, acknowledging the fact that Zhang attacked the two scientists. They said the official had consumed alcohol before the incident occurred. The agency also announced the official's suspension pending an investigation. However, authorities did not reveal other information regarding the attack as the investigation has not yet concluded, CNN reported.

The revelation of the incident came shortly after China successfully sent astronauts into space who also conducted the country's first spacewalk in years. The two astronauts worked for seven hours outside of the new Tinagong space station, which was in orbit around the Earth.

Three astronauts were sent to become the station's first crew last month, and they planned to stay for three months. The mission marks China's longest crewed mission in history. The two astronauts performed the spacewalk on Sunday, The Guardian reported.



Related Article: Veteran Diagnosed with Delta Variant Despite Being Fully Vaccinated; COVID-19 Strain Becomes Dominant in the US

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The trail still officially ends with China's first confirmed COVID-19 case, as public health experts try to figure out where the pandemic started. Patient zero was not a bat hunter, a lab scientist, or a seafood vendor, according to the Wuhan resident described in a joint World Health Organization (WHO)-China report released in March.

The patient they were talking about was with surname Chen, an accountant who shopped at a supermarket. Researchers, on the other hand, have continued to look for clues as to what happened before the accountant became ill.

Throughout November, French researchers discovered signs of the virus in Europe. In very controversial research, scientists from the National Cancer Institute of Milan and the University of Siena claimed that coronavirus antibodies were identified in 10% of roughly 1,000 blood samples examined from a cancer screening trial.

Determining which part of the world Covid-19 started

According to the experts, some of the samples were taken in September. Despite the Chinese government's latest claims of high-tech monitoring capabilities, official searched for patients before the accountant in Wuhan failed, according to the Washington Post report.

Scientists said the coronavirus has likely infected others in Wuhan by November 2019. The city was bustling with activities, including the Military World Games that might have provided an infinite route for a virus to follow.

Although the Wuhan Institute of Virology has "vehemently denied" any lab leaks, and even if the WHO report labeled the lab leak theory "very unlikely," some experts feel it is still a possibility. The quest for the origins of life has been hampered by a scarcity of early information; some of which is unreliable or missing.

According to an international research published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, the first incident of COVID-19 was most likely on November 17, 2019, in China. The researchers estimated the initial cases of COVID-19 in China and some of the first nations to which the virus traveled using computer simulations previously used to identify species on the verge of extinction.

According to their analyses, the virus first appeared in China between early October and mid-November 2019, with November 17 being the most probable date of origin. On January 2, 2020, it spread to Japan, followed by Europe and North America in mid-January, Cosmos Magazine reported.

Read Also: CDC Warns New Deadly Soil Bacteria in the US; Infection's Origin Remains a Mystery

Covid-19 Delta variant's patient zero

Meanwhile, in India, experts have issued an urgent appeal to locate SARS-CoV-2 Delta Plus variant's patient zero - the first patient infected with this variant - as well as trace, test, and isolate individuals who have tested positive for this variant, as per New Indian Express.

With Karnataka's second Delta Plus variant sample discovered in Bengaluru on Wednesday, experts from the genome sequencing committee say it's critical to return to contact tracing, an approach that was used when Covid-19 first emerged last year.

Dr. Vishal Rao, Regional Director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Associate Dean of the HCG Cancer Centre's Center of Academics and Research and a member of the Covid-19 Genomic Surveillance Committee, said, "Sequencing is done as high-level lab research with no communication to patients. But now, looking at the situation, we have to inform patients and officials concerned. Just that the patient should not be stigmatized,"

Patients are not informed which variant they are infected with because genome sequencing is not included in the diagnostic process. Prof. Vijay Chandru, Adjunct Professor at IISc, member of Karnataka's Genome Sequencing Committee, and co-founder of Strand Life Sciences, believes it can be done when infection rates are lower.

India is already being chastised for its delay in finding COVID-19 variants, experts said. It is important to interview, isolate, locate the source, and notify contacts as soon as possible to guarantee that no Delta Plus variant surge occurs.

Related Article: Veteran Diagnosed with Delta Variant Despite Being Fully Vaccinated; COVID-19 Strain Becomes Dominant in the US



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The United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization warned North Korea would face a food shortage of about 860,000 tons this year, with the nation facing a "severe lean period" as early as next month.

The struggling country has long battled to feed itself, suffering from chronic food shortages as a result of successive international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Last year, the Covid-19 pandemic and a series of summer storms and floods put even more strain on the economy; and Pyongyang declared last month that it was dealing with a "current food crisis."

According to the FAO report, which had a reference date of Monday, North Korea is expected to produce 5.6 million tons of grain this year at a near-average level. North Korea is around 1.1 million tons short of the quantity needed to feed its entire people; and with commercial imports officially anticipated at 205,000 tons, the country is expected to suffer an 860,000-tonne food shortage, as per the report, Republic World reported.

Typhoons, floods affected North Korea's food stocks

However, in January of last year, Pyongyang closed its borders to protect itself from the pandemic; and as a result, commerce with China - its economic lifeline - has reduced to a dribble; and all international relief workers have left the country. Last summer, a series of typhoons caused floods that damaged hundreds of houses and farms.

The China General Administration of Customs (GAC) revealed that the data in June showed a significant drop in North Korean imports from China due to the COVID-19 pandemic. North Korean imports from China totaled $28.78 million in April, according to the statistics, but plummeted to $2.7 million in May. North Korean shipments to China also decreased, as per the data.

In recent months, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made only periodic remarks of the hardship, stating that the food situation was becoming "tense." The Nokor leader urged the people to prepare for the "worst-ever situation." In the 1990s, North Korea experienced a countrywide famine that killed hundreds of thousands of people as the Soviet Union fell apart, leaving the country without essential support.

Read Also: China Advises the US to Listen to North Korea as Top Envoy Speaks With Chinese Counterpart

Kim Jong Un's response to food shortage

"[If] no food is entering the country through commercial trade or food aid, the shortage will be felt during the period immediately before the next harvest, which will begin in October or November," Mario Zappacosta, a member of the United Nations FAO Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture, wrote in a statement to Newsweek.

According to the North Korean publication Rimjin-gang, the typhoon flooding caused a rise in grain and rice prices in June. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in response to the weather situation and the drop in trade: "The people's food situation is now getting tense as the agricultural sector failed to fulfill its grain production plan due to typhoon damage last year."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently removed key party leaders for failing to cope with a long-running food shortage, claiming that they jeopardized the state's security and people's safety. According to the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, the market price for corn has been growing since the beginning of the year, while the price of rice surged in June.

Per Nikkei Asia, rice prices in Hyesan, a city on the Chinese border, increased by more than 50% last month. Some North Korean watchers believe the food shortage was a factor in Kim's June 29 reprimand of senior party officials.

Kim warned of a "major crisis in maintaining the security of the state and the safety of the people" during a meeting with the party Politburo that day and removed many key party leaders. According to Thae Yong Ho, a former North Korean official who defected to the South and is now an opposition politician there, the military may have failed to obey the party's directives to release rice stocks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a special directive on June 17 that included the release of military rice to the general public at below-market prices. However, the military lacked the necessary reserves to comply. In retaliation, the military is thought to have attempted to import rice from China without Kim's approval despite the party leadership's rigorous quarantine precautions. During the turmoil, Kim appears to be taking extra precautions to preserve mass support.

Related Article: Is Kim Jong Un's Weight Loss Due to Health Condition or Food Shortage? North Koreans Heartbroken Over His Looks



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The past year has been tough on everyone. You don't have to look much past real estate and housing to see these challenges on full display. While most of the focus has been on unemployment and how it's impacted renters and their ability to make payments, landlords have been affected, too. And thanks to changing laws in parts of the country, things could get a whole lot more challenging in the near future.

Landlords in Survival Mode

Beginning in spring 2020, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) introduced rent forbearance programs to provide relief for individual renters who had lost jobs due to COVID-19 and were no longer able to fulfill the financial obligations of their lease agreements. And in helping one group (tenants), they created an entirely new set of challenges for another (landlords).

Though mortgage forbearance programs have provided some level of protection for landlords, there are still significant challenges that stem from a lack of rental income. And it's likely that these issues will get worse before they improve. You might even say some landlords are in survival mode at the moment.

"During forbearance, property owners can't evict tenants solely for non-payment of rent. Landlords also can't charge late fees or penalties for non-payment of rent. They must also give tenants flexibility to repay the rent over time, not necessarily in a lump sum," HousingWire.com explains. "If property owners do evict, they must give tenants at least a month's notice to leave."

It's estimated that more than 11 million Americans are currently behind on their rent. And without clear direction on when forbearance will be lifted, many landlords are stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

In some markets, like New Jersey, things are about to become even more difficult for landlords. Governor Phil Murphy just passed brand new legislation that bars landlords from inquiring about a prospective tenant's criminal history. The new law is intended to make housing more equitable for people of color, but it also raises questions about how landlords are expected to vet tenants and make wise financial decisions.

Under this new law, landlords are only allowed to inquire about criminal history if the applicant has met very specific parameters, such as being registered as a sex offender or convicted for "making meth in federally-assisted housing."

Proponents of the bill say this law will make housing more accessible to minorities, while opponents argue it has nothing to do with race. Instead, it strips landlords of their ability to properly screen tenants - something that's vital to running a successful real estate business.

While this new law only applies in New Jersey, it's likely that we'll continue to see tenant-friendly legislation, such as this, expand into other markets soon. This will continue to push real estate investors to more favorable markets that support equal rights for both tenants and landlords.

In the coming months and years, keep an eye on rental property markets like Houston, where a number of strong economic indicators support a growing market that offers benefits to both renters and landlords. Meanwhile, New Jersey and other overly-legislated markets are likely to see a decline in independent real estate investors.

Prioritizing Rigorous Tenant Screening

Nobody saw the COVID-19 pandemic coming. And even if we knew it was coming, there would have been no way to prepare for it. Having said that, there are plenty of ways for landlords to insulate against other foreseeable risks and challenges. Rigorous tenant screening is one of them.

While it's becoming more challenging to properly screen tenants in markets like New Jersey, most other states still have reasonable laws that allow landlords to vet applicants based on their employment, finances, and criminal history. Tapping into these freedoms will dramatically lower your chances of signing an agreement with a tenant who doesn't respect your property and/or who lacks the financial resources to fulfill their end of the lease agreement.

Now is the time to improve your approach and set your rental property business up for many more years of profitability, growth, and success.

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According to reports, the Queen and Prince Charles' involvement in Harry and Meghan's finances was the "final straw" for the royal couple.

A royal expert said Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were furious when they were refused their own private press office. The Queen and Prince Charles stepped in to handle their affairs when the Sussexes drifted away from the Cambridges to create their household, which was considered "the final straw" for the Sussexes.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle frustrated with royals

In an interview for the ITV documentary Harry and William: What Went Wrong?, royal expert Camilla Tominey stated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were told to be incorporated into Buckingham Palace rather than having their own press office established.

Tominey explained that it was the time that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles meddled and refused their request. "And in a way, that's the final straw because once again the Sussexes are saying 'why can't we have what the Cambridges are having? We should be on equal footing,'" the royal expert continued, as per The International News.

Meanwhile, royal finance expert David McClure highlighted that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's desire to be financially independent impacted many of their actions before they departed from the royal family. The Royal Family would have had to spend more money to open their own press office at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

Until October 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a Kensington Palace communications staff with Prince William and Kate Middleton. After the Sussexes chose to move out of Kensington Palace and create their charity organization, Sussex Royal, rumors of a split began to circulate, Daily Express reported.

According to a new book by Robert Lacey, Prince William and Prince Harry had an intense dispute over Meghan's treatment of Palace workers, which caused the breach. The investigation into the claims of bullying leveled against the Duchess of Sussex during her time as a working royal is still underway, with the results expected to be released next year.

Meghan Markle has denied any wrongdoing and claims that the allegations are part of a "smear campaign" aimed at tarnishing her reputation. During a joint interview with Oprah Winfrey in March, Prince Harry said that the rift began in the autumn of 2018, following the couple's South Pacific trip in October.

In a bizarre twist called Megxit by the British press, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed their decision to leave the Royal Family in January 2020. They moved to California and appeared in numerous interviews in which they attacked the royal establishment. In another financial bombshell, Prince Harry informed Oprah Winfrey that they were financially "cut off" after leaving the Royal Family.

Read Also: Kate Middleton COVID-19 Isolation: Where Is She Staying? Is Queen Elizabeth Safe?

How does Queen Elizabeth respond to Harry, Meghan's bullying claims?

Queen Elizabeth is said to have spoken out against Meghan Markle reportedly bullying at least ten royal staff members before her Megxit. The Queen has been quiet on the matter. Behind closed doors, though, she is siding with palace advisers rather than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Per Micky.com, the source said, "Harry and Meghan have been exposed as liars by the queen herself and their justifications for their outlandish behavior are increasingly seen as self-serving blather," the source said. Prince Charles and Prince William also do not want anything to do with Prince Harry and Markle, added the insider.

In his book Battle of Brothers, royal biographer Robert Lacey also weighed in on the matter. He said that the Duke of Cambridge had suspicions about Markle from the start.

Prince William grew enraged with Meghan Markle because it appeared that she was taking Prince Harry from him, Lacey said. However, Jessica Mulroney came out in support of her best friend Meghan Markle, describing her as kind, emphatic, and loving.

Related Article: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Reportedly Receive Funds From Prince Charles Despite Claiming They Were Financially Cut Off



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Elon Musk is working his way to Fort Lauderdale's beach. Musk's Boring Co., proposed a plan to local lawmakers on Tuesday to create an underground transit system that would transport passengers in Teslas from the city's downtown area to the beach.

The project is dubbed as "The Las Olas Loop" after the city's famous beachfront avenue of the same name. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk established The Boring Company, which developed a comparable subterranean loop in Las Vegas that shuttles Tesla drivers among three stations through two one-way tunnels.

Boring Co.'s beach tunnel proposal accepted

In a press release issued last week, local authorities stated that "Fort Lauderdale would be the first city on the East Coast - and only the second city in the world - to benefit from The Boring Co.'s technology." The city of Fort Lauderdale declined to comment on the plan's specifics, citing the ongoing bidding process.

In a tweet, Mayor Dean Trantalis (D) said the city has formally approved The Boring Company's plan to create the underground transit system between downtown and the beach. According to the mayor, other businesses will now have 45 days to submit competing offers.

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

In a subsequent tweet, Trantalis stated that a tunnel connecting downtown and the beach dubbed as "The Las Olas Loop" would be an "innovative and unprecedented approach to addressing traffic congestion and transit needs in 21st Century America." The Boring Company officials assured the city that they can finish the project for $10 million to $12 million each mile, totaling $60 million to $72 million.

#FortLauderdale is beginning to explore the construction of an underground transit line between downtown and the beach to ease street-level congestion. #infrastructure 1/ pic.twitter.com/kCGTLIju6K  Mayor Dean J. Trantalis (@DeanTrantalis) July 6, 2021

The Boring Company's proposal was accepted after the company's first operational tunnel opened last month in Las Vegas. According to ABC News, the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop connects the convention center's new exhibit hall with the old campus with over 1.7 miles of tunnel and three stops. The network added that the construction cost around $47 million and took a year to complete. The 45-minute cross-campus walk was reduced to a two-minute ride, the firm claims.

Read Also: Donald Trump Sues Facebook, Twitter, Google For "Breach of Freedom of Speech" to Recover Accounts

Concern sparks that proposal may turn into another epic fail tunnel

Per Daily Mail, locals were less enthusiastic about the announcement; but they also feared that the multimillion-dollar project would be a flop following Musk's less-than-impressive tunnels in LA and Vegas. He pledged a super-fast, automated driving system in both cities that would eliminate gridlock and allow commuters to go to work in record time. Instead, both remain basic tunnels with flashing colorful lights that are traveled at regular speeds by regular automobiles.

On Tuesday, residents of Fort Lauderdale decided to join billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's goal for quicker underground transit. Trantalis and the city had approached the Boring Company in January in the hopes of finding a more efficient method to transfer train traffic north and south. Trantalis was looking for alternatives to other proposals in the works to build a high-rise commuter rail bridge across the New River from Miami to West Palm Beach, which would add 40 extra trains per day to the lines.

Boring Company officials pitched the underground transport loop to offer faster and more efficient connectivity between downtown and the beach as well as reduce street-level traffic.

The Verge reports that the Boring Company has suggested a $30 million loop system in Miami, in addition to Fort Lauderdale. Previous plans for a Chicago loop and a 35-mile Washington, DC-to-Baltimore tunnel appear to have been canceled. The DC-to-Baltimore project has been completely removed from the company's website.

Related Article: Elon Musk's Starlink Expects To Provide Fast Internet to The Whole World by September



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Brazilian cops are investigating a mysterious case of a 23-year-old pregnant woman's dead body that was found without her child inside her womb with no signs of being surgically removed.

Authorities identified the murder victim as Thaysa Campo dos Santos who was eight months pregnant with her baby. The woman's dead body was discovered near a railway line in the Deodoro neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro in September 2020.

Missing Baby Girl

Officials recently released documents that showed the victim's unborn baby girl was missing from her womb when she was found dead. Medical experts wrote on the post-mortem that there were no signs of the baby being surgically removed, suggesting the woman gave birth naturally to her daughter.

Authorities said Thaysa was separated from the father of her two children. They added that the missing baby girl was from a relationship with a married man. The victim was reported missing on September 3, 2020. But by the time her body was found seven days later on September 7, 2020, it was already in the middle of decaying.

Nelson Massini, professor of forensic medicine at Rio de Janeiro State University, said the most plausible explanation for a missing unborn baby from a dead woman was that it was kidnapped. He said it was possible that Thaysa went into labor as she was being killed and that someone took her baby afterward, The Sun reported.

Jaqueline Campos, an educational psychologist and the victim's mother, expressed her optimism that her granddaughter was still alive and that Thaysa was forced into labor during her suffering. She added that several of her relatives searched the area where Thaysa's body was found but did not locate any traces of the baby girl.

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Campos said she requested authorities to find her granddaughter, if she is still alive, and bring her back to her. Thaysa's family proceeded to bury her remains in the Caju neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro.

Officials are still investigating the crime, looking for evidence that could lead to the identity of the killer and the location of the missing baby girl. Currently, authorities have not released any information regarding possible suspects or motives for the crime, News.com.au reported.

COVID-19 Deaths Among Young Children

The incident comes as Brazil struggles with thousands of young children dying from the coronavirus pandemic in the country. The region has recently recorded half a million deaths related to the COVID-19 virus, coming in second to the United States.

Many experts are issuing warnings that the death toll is quickly rising, with about 3,000 of the deaths among children under the age of 10.

One 22-year-old resident gave birth to her little Sarah Gois in January in the middle of the pandemic. Her overwhelming love and care for her child were not enough to stop the virus from infecting the little one and taking the baby's life.

The mother of the young victim, Sameque Gois, said she was afraid it was something that she spread to her child. She was unable to do anything as she watched her child die at only five months old, KVOA reported.



Related Article: Grizzly Bear Kills Woman While Camping; Air and Ground Operations Ongoing to Locate Dangerous Animal

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Irate villagers are building memorials for hedgehogs after their alleged slaughter by workers clearing a hedge. It seems the animals found a place in the village, but no one expected the animals would be killed at all.

The villagers grieved for the death of the murdered animals, that they told police of the workers' cruelty. Many must have been living in the grass, and no effort was taken to scare them out!

The alleged cause of death was the tractor sporting a flail attachment that was used by the contractor in Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset.

Victims of the flail!

While clearing the grass on the tractor, four hedgehogs were slain by accident, younger hedgehogs died from the flail. When the people saw the dead animals, it draw outrage for what happened. Later, they placed memorials for the poor creatures, reported Daily Mail.

To signify the dead critters, several cut-out hedgehogs with an X on their eye were attached to wooden stakes. Then planted in the soil by the villagers.

The local environment campaigners said the contractor's accidental killing of the critters was condemned. But the cops instead suggested it is the concern of the neighborhood policing team, not theirs.

They referred to the local hedgehogs as vulnerable species, considered under the Countryside Act of 1981, cited Hedgehog street.

Who hired the contractor? How was the alleged slaughter found out?

Reports say that property developers AJC Group had contacted the contractor to clear all the green growth ahead of developing the area. They have apologized for what happened to the mad villages. But irate villagers are building memorials for hedgehogs to make their point.

Read Also: Man's Best Friend to the Rescue: Dogs Might Smell Coronavirus in Humans

What had happened was seen Hazel Hedley, who lived in Hazelbury Bryan village. Many living there had an affinity for Hedgehogs and would not think of harming them. They rescued these critters when in trouble too.

After the incident, Susy Varndell, the hedgehog leader of the Dorset Mammal Group went to the place where it happened. Seeing the carnage to the poor animals, she called it horrific and detestable.

She added that the developers should have been more alert that the critter could be anywhere in the village. They knew of the rescue team are devoted to the hedgehogs.

She also added that they should have double-checked when a tractor would be used on the hedge that can harm people and animals which was unforgivable to note.

Mrs. Varndell and Mrs. Hedley are worried that any of the injured animals could have left, and be already somewhere else.

According to the police, they got a call on Monday on July 5th, saying that several hedgehogs are dead when the grass at Hazelbury Bryan near Sturminster Newton was cleared. The exact date of the incident is Friday, the 25th of June when it happened, noted Nation lk.

A police spokesperson said: "Dorset Police received a report on Monday 5 July 2021 that several hedgehogs had died after the grass was cut in Hazelbury Bryan near Sturminster Newton."

To pacify the villagers, local officers of the neighborhood police were sent to question what happened.

Ben Peddie, AJC Group construction director said that the loss of the animals was upsetting, but assured more will be done to avoid a repeat in the future.

He added that before anything is done by them, an ecologist will be supervising how things will be done to prevent another disaster.

The Irate villagers are building memorials for hedgehogs to remind everyone how their villages love these animals. At the same time, there will be adjustments by the contractor to prevent it from happening again.

Related article: Cat Miraculously Survives 10 Stab Wounds, Owner Also Left It to Freeze Along With Her Groceries

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The White House on Wednesday defended President Joe Biden's proposal of conducting home visits to offer COVID-19 vaccine shots as the nation grapples with a rising number of cases caused by the more contagious Delta variant.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stressed that Americans would not be mandated to get vaccinated against COVID-19. She reiterated that the Biden administration's door-to-door program aims to share important information on coronavirus vaccines as part of an effort to reach the president's goal of having 70% of the adult population vaccinated.

Efforts to Increase Vaccination Rates

The program aims to provide Americans with more information about where they can get the shot and to address any concerns and theories about vaccine production, safety, and efficacy.

During an interview, Psaki said the Biden administration was doing whatever it can to protect the American people and save lives from being taken by the coronavirus. However, she said that the residents are responsible for deciding whether or not they get vaccinated against the COVID-19, Fox News reported.

President Biden initially pitched the plan during a conference on Tuesday, in which he warned the nation about a recent surge of COVID-19 infections caused by the more transmissible Delta variant.

Read Also: Donald Trump Sues Facebook, Twitter, Google For "Breach of Freedom of Speech" to Recover Accounts

"Please get vaccinated now. It works. It's free," Biden said in brief remarks at the White House, as reported by The New York Times. "It's never been easier, and it's never been more important. Do it now for yourself and the people you care about, for your neighborhood, for your country. It sounds corny, but it's a patriotic thing to do."

The Delta variant, also referred to as B.1.617.2, was first detected in India where it is believed to have caused a devastating surge that crippled the country's health care system.

In the United States, new estimates done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested that it now makes up 51.7% of cases sequenced over the two weeks ending on July 3.

More Contagious Delta Variant

A study by Public Health England suggested that the Delta variant is at least 60% more contagious than the Alpha variant, which now makes up only 28.7% of infections in the U.S. However, multiple studies showed that two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's mRNA vaccine have an efficacy rate of between 79% to 88% against the Delta variant, according to The Times.

As of Wednesday, at least 67.2% of all adults in the U.S. have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 58.4% are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Despite the figures, health experts are calling on the Biden administration to take a more aggressive approach, including urging employers and schools to impose vaccine mandates.

Health experts noted that a surge of cases in areas with low vaccination rates could result in more mutated COVID-19 variants, which could possibly develop the ability to evade protections provided by vaccines, according to CNN.

The World Health Organization has since reiterated its guidance that everyone, even people who have been fully vaccinated, should wear face masks as a protection against infections.



Related Article: Fourth Stimulus Check Direct Payments Until 2025 Proposed: Joe Biden Pushes Cash Assistance Instead of Tax Credit

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United States President Joe Biden announced last month that he would allow the expiration of the enhanced unemployment insurance in early September after many businesses and Republicans criticized the financial relief program for thwarting residents from searching for jobs.

During a speech in Delaware last June, the Democratic leader said that the unemployment benefits that assisted residents who lost their sources of income due to the coronavirus pandemic will be expiring in 90 days.

Expiring Unemployment Benefits

It was the first time that Biden openly supported letting the unemployment benefit expire on September 6. Later on, a White House official said that the financial relief program was only given as a "temporary lifeline" that was scheduled to expire.

Brian Deese, the National Economic Council director, said during a news conference that what the U.S. president said was an appropriate choice of action. The official later uploaded a post on Twitter, saying that the Democrat's views did not extend to a pair of government programs that supported gig-workers, freelancers, and residents who have been unemployed for extended periods that are also scheduled to expire in the same month.

Sen. Ron Wyden, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement that he previously noted how the pandemic unemployment programs should be connected to certain conditions. He said that if the Biden administration did that with the first rescue plan, there wouldn't be these many concerns regarding the September expiration, Business Insider reported.

However, judges in Maryland and Indiana have made opposing decisions that would allow the continuation of their states' enhanced unemployment benefits. The two regions are among 26 states that have decided to allow the expiration of the benefits, which include $300 weekly bonus checks and coverage for freelancers before the scheduled date of September 6.

Read Also: Donald Trump Sues Facebook, Twitter, Google For "Breach of Freedom of Speech" to Recover Accounts

Texas authorities have also filed a lawsuit that aims to bring back the financial support that was removed on June 26. And this week, two Ohio lawyers followed the suit, arguing that the state's statutory language is similar to Indiana's. The two states are currently waiting for a decision to be made.

Countering the Official Decision

Maryland officials aimed to stop the benefits earlier this month, but a state judge issues a temporary restraining order. The decision would require the state to continue to provide unemployment benefits for 10 more days. Indiana, on the other hand, ended its benefit distribution on June 19 and will no longer provide financial support despite being required by the federal government.

Despite many government officials arguing that the unemployment benefits were discouraging residents from looking for new jobs, job search rates have still not increased even after the financial support was removed, CNET reported.

The decision to end the federal $300 weekly unemployment benefit was declared by a number of Republican-led states since the beginning of May. They said that people enjoyed receiving financial support for not having jobs.

Last month, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said that many people from business, hospitals, and educators think the unemployed earn more from not working at all, Forbes reported.



Related Article: Fourth Stimulus Check Direct Payments Until 2025 Proposed: Joe Biden Pushes Cash Assistance Instead of Tax Credit

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In a story July 7, 2021, about a funeral for a family of four that died in the Florida condo collapse, The Associated Press erroneously reported the age of daughter Lucia Guara based on initial incorrect information from police
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks to the media at the formal opening of the K-Town Business Centre on West Polk Street in Chicago, June 28, 2021.
Karen Keenan with 22 others completed a nine-month training for advocacy and leadership skills with Partners in Policymaking. The training will be offered again in September for eight training sessions specifically for parents raising children with disabilities and adults with disabilities who are Minnesota residents.

The goal is to provide thorough training in disability law and policy. Applications for the next class are due July 9.Keenan and her husband are raising a daughter with Down syndrome.

Karen Keenan is the executive director of Valley Friendship Club, a Stillwater organization that provides safe accessible social and educational programs for children and young adults with disabilities in Washington County, according to a press release from the public relations firm The Wallace Group. Keenan took the Partners course to better understand disability services and issues in the state.

Her goal is to continue to advocate for people with disabilities to give her daughter the best future possible.

The May session on options for secondary education and customized employment, helped her envision new possibilities for daughter. Keenan recommends this program to other parents.

There is no cost for this

nationally recognized leadership training. Starting in September and ending in May, eight sessions are presented over a period of nine months.

We aim for self-confidence and understanding of disability law and policies. This will help individuals be more effective in advocating for their needs, Dr. Colleen Wieck, executive director of the Minnesota Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities, said in the release As they gain experience in speaking up for people with disabilities, many have become leaders in their own communities.

The Minnesota-inspired program is also offered in most states and several foreign countries.

This planned leadership training brings in national and state experts and uses group participation to emphasized learning. During its 35-years, more than 1,100 Minnesotans have become leaders in their own communities, many have described it as life changing. Participants become effective advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities.

Training includes the history of disability and advocacy movements, inclusive education, supported living and customized employment. Individuals consider how to influence county, state and federal legislative processes. The monthly two-day sessions are held on Fridays and Saturdays, from September to May (with no session in December). The March session is on a Sunday and Monday, when participants prepare for, and meet with their state legislators at the Capitol.

Costs for the Partners program are covered by a federal grant. Childcare and respite allowances are given, and overnight accommodations are provided for those who travel from outside the metro area to attend.

Mileage is reimbursed, and meals are provided. Sessions are held at the Crowne Plaza Aire, at 3 Appletree Square in Bloomington, near Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
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.
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I grew up at Indian Lake and am no stranger to Lima and West Central Ohio. After graduating from the University of Findlay, I spent years working in local radio in Bellefontaine, Ottawa, Findlay and of course Lima.
Sinovac Biotech Ltd.s vaccine was less potent than Pfizer Inc.s shot at stopping Covid-19 in Chile where the two shots were used simultaneously, the first real-world analysis comparing a China-made inoculation against an mRNA has found.

Researchers found CoronaVac was 66% effective in preventing Covid-19 among fully vaccinated adults, versus 93% for the jab made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE.

The inactivated inoculation, given to more than 10 million Chileans, was slightly less effective in preventing hospitalization and deaths than the mRNA vaccine, which was administered to fewer than half a million people, according to the study, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The research was conducted from February through May, when the alpha and gamma strains of the virus were the variants of concern most frequently detected in Chile. Preliminary data released in April found CoronaVac was 67% effective in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infections and warded off 80% of fatalities from the disease.

The final results suggest CoronaVac, the mainstay of Chiles vaccination strategy, provides an effective shield against Covid-19, including severe disease, consistent with the results of mid-stage trials, the authors said.

As of May 10, Chiles Ministry of Health has administered almost 14 million CoronaVac doses, including enough to fully immunize 6.36 million people. In comparison, 2.4 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had been administered. Individuals 16 years or older are eligible to be immunized, according to the national vaccination schedule.

Comparative effectiveness data are given below:

The study was funded by Chiles National Research and Development Agency.
Vietnams commercial hub will be placed under stricter virus control restrictions for 15 days from Friday as authorities seek to stem a new wave of Covid-19 infections in whats already the nations worst-hit region.

The new curbs will require residents in Ho Chi Minh City to stay home, and venture out only for essential needs such as work, food, medicines, or urgent medical assistance, according to a note posted in the citys press center citing Mayor Nguyen Thanh Phong. The order marks the tightening of restrictions from current measures that ban operation of schools, bars, restaurants, unofficial wet markets and most public transport.

Motorbike taxis, which were previously exempt from the curbs, will be kept off the roads for about two weeks from July 9, the order said. Mayor Phong urged citizens not to resort to panic-buying, while assuring them that the city has a sufficient supply of essentials to meet everyones needs.

The measures follow a call from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday for tighter rules to stop the viruss spread. Ho Chi Minh City, which extended social-distancing measures indefinitely on June 29, is now Vietnams worst-hit region, with 8,385 local infections during the latest wave, according to data from the health ministry. Vietnam reported 314 new cases Thursday morning, including 234 in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing the national total to 23,385 since the pandemic began.

Officials were ordered to check anti-virus measures at industrial parks in big cities, provinces and suspend operations of those that dont meet the governments safety requirements, according to the government website.

The prime minister warned that stricter measures could cause disruptions to supply chains as more factories may be temporarily closed, according to a separate post on the governments website.

Chinh directed Ho Chi Minh City authorities to work with industrial and tech parks, export processing zones and factories to continue operations, the government website said on Thursday. He encouraged factories provide on-site accommodations for workers.

Chinh also ordered the health ministry, which said it is sending 10,000 medical workers to Ho Chi Minh City, to prioritize the city for vaccine deliveries in July.

In Hanoi, meanwhile, the city authority has ordered relevant agencies to tighten anti-virus steps and residents were asked not to gather in public in groups of more than 10. The political capital reported 16 new local virus Monday to Wednesday and faces a high risk of local transmission, according to a separate posting on the governments website.
Oil fell for a fourth day in New York as concerns over the delta coronavirus variant rose, and a dispute at the heart of OPEC kept the market guessing on the prospects for supply.

West Texas Intermediate futures lost 1.2%. The renewed spread of the virus is bringing on anxiety about global growth, driving equities lower and reversing bets on reflation. The dollar is also near the highest level since April, making commodities priced in the currency less attractive.

The World Health Organization urged caution on the pace of reopenings worldwide, with many regions seeing infections spreading. Indonesia is in the throes of a major outbreak, Thailand is set to consider a partial lockdown, and Japan is planning to declare a state of emergency over the Tokyo Olympics.

A spat between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates derailed plans by OPEC+ nations to boost output in August and beyond to meet rising demand. While the impasse may tighten the market in the short term, it also creates division in the producer group and raises the specter of a price war should producers opt to boost output unilaterally.

The row has even spurred speculation the UAE may go as far as to quit the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries altogether, threatening the unity and control the group and its allies have fought hard for since the pandemic upended the oil market early last year.

With the non-agreement, the supply side of the oil equation has been thrown into chaos, said Tamas Varga, an analyst at PVM Oil Associates Ltd. in London. Discord, let alone an output war, within OPEC+ will not be well received by the market.

Crudes decline this week comes despite another draw in U.S. stockpiles. The American Petroleum Institute said crude holdings fell almost 8 million barrels last week, while inventories of gasoline also dropped, according to people familiar with the data. Official figures are due later on Thursday.
Floor & Decor Design Studio signed a 10,750-square-foot retail lease at the Plaza on Richmond, a shopping center at the northeast corner of Richmond Avenue and Sage Road near the Galleria. Jazz Hamilton and Rusty Lilley of CBRE represented the landlord. Joan Collum of Collum Commercial represented the tenant. Floor & Decor operates 140 warehouse-format stores and two design studios across 32 states.

Bread Zeppelin opened a 1,872-square-foot restaurant at 1700 Lake Plaza Drive in City Place. Operated by Avalanche Food Group, the franchise location is the first site outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Bread Zeppelin joins Common Bond Bistro & Bakery on the ground floor of the City Place 1 office building. The Zeppelin, the signature menu item, consists of a toasted artisan baguette, which is hollowed out and filled with chopped salad inspired by flavors from around the world. The 60-acre urban district of City Place in Spring is a joint venture of Patrinely Group, USAA Real Estate and CDC Houston.
When Feges BBQ opened in Greenway Plaza in 2018, owners Patrick Feges and Erin Smith were on the cutting edge of a trend then taking hold in Texas barbecue: offering creative menu items beyond the usual trinity of brisket, pork ribs and sausage.

Feges foray into Carolina-style whole-hog cooking and Smiths inventive side dishes and desserts redefined what Texas, and specifically Houston, barbecue could be.

With the opening of Feges BBQs new location in Spring Branch, that definition expands even further, with delicious results.

Notably, the Spring Branch location is a lunch-and-dinner, sit-down restaurant offering more options for menu creativity than the lunch-only order counter at the Greenway Plaza location (which is still open and always a great choice if youre in that area).

Of course, the usual array of smoked meats is available along with the creative side dishes that Feges BBQ is known for including Moroccan-spiced carrots, chana masala and elote salad.

A selection of salads, which was one of the unique features of the Greenway location when it opened, has been expanded with offerings including a barbecue-joint take on a Caesar salad featuring romaine lettuce thats been charred on the grill and covered in bread crumbs, serrano vinaigrette and Monterrey jack cheese. Each salad offers the option to add any of the smoked meats to your plate.

Feges BBQ Spring Branch 8217 Long Point, 346-319-5339 See More Collapse

Sandwiches are another welcome addition to the Spring Branch menu with a classic smoked-meat version (e.g., chopped brisket), a fried chicken sandwich, and a brisket and pimento cheese grilled cheese option.

With a bigger dining room welcoming larger groups, Feges is offering For the Table menu items meant to be shared. One of the standouts is the Cracklin Nachos featuring fried pork skins substituting for tortilla chips, which are then covered in smoked queso, sour cream, avocado crema, and pickled red onions and jalapenos.

Fried pork skin  aka pork rinds, cracklings or chicharrones  have begun showing up on barbecue-joint menus in the past few years as an appetizer or side dish. It was always on the menu at the Greenway location, and Feges and Smith decided to give it an embellishment at Spring Branch.

(We) just wanted to do a different variation of nachos, and we always had fried pork skins sitting around, says Feges.

Beyond the notable expansion of the menu at the new Feges location, if you dig a little deeper, you start to uncover subtle homages not only to Houston barbecue but to the Bayou Citys broad and diverse culinary scene in general.

Classic Southern food staples such as fried chicken, smoked meatloaf and hog fat cornbread are featured.

The Cracklin Nachos are reminiscent of chicharron preparado, a popular street food at many of the Mexican American markets across Houston and Spring Branch, in particular.

The Korean braised greens are a fascinating mashup of the citys African American soul food tradition with the flavors of the citys Korean restaurants (again, mainly centered in the Spring Branch area).

And the chana masala side dish  a vegetarian chickpea curry or stew  is a tribute to South Asian cooking traditions.

The Spring Branch location builds on and expands the ideas introduced by Feges and Smith at Greenway Plaza  Texas barbecue infused with dishes and ingredients that make Houston a unique culinary destinations in the U.S.

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Anxiety and stress have skyrocketed for more than a third of Houston residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new CVS Health study.

The report released Thursday revealed what many health care providers have already suspected: Physical and mental health has worsened in the last year-and-a-half as people were forced to stay at home, limit social contact and worry about a deadly virus.

More than half of survey respondents in Houston also reported high levels of stress stemming from financial instability.

When youre feeling stressed and life is already overwhelming, it can be a significant struggle for individuals, families and even providers trying to navigate the traditional mental health care system, said Ashley Karpinski, director of behavioral health strategy and innovation at CVS Health. With the pandemic and aftereffect of the devastating winter storms, Houston is facing unprecedented challenges.

On HoustonChronicle.com: How do you find therapy in Houston?

While more people are languishing, theyre not seeking care at a proportionate rate  74 percent of those surveyed nationwide did not seek mental health services, with a majority citing fears about the affordability of care as the reason why. In addition to anxiety and stress, respondents also reported feeling isolated or lonely, depression, changes in mood, increasedor decreased appetite and suicidal thoughts.

Mental health professionals expect theyll diagnose more cases of post-traumatic stress disorder among people even after the pandemic is over.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues in the U.S. at an astonishing rate with a swell of stress and anxiety that has consistently worsened since last spring, Karpinski said.

Those who have sought help for mental health care, though, are reliant on telehealth appointments. Nearly two-thirds, or 64 percent, of Houston respondents said they were very likely or likely to use a virtual visit to see a therapist.

Health care providers including CVS Health have also reported an increase in virtual appointments during the pandemic. The Woonsocket, R.I.-based retail pharmacy giant added licensed clinical social workers to its in-store clinics during the pandemic to accommodate the slow-growing appetite for help. At the Menninger Clinic, one of Houstons largest psychiatric hospitals, telehealth visits boomed and online assessments were critical to maintaining their patient population.

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Katy Animal Control Department Director David Brown sat at his desk on a recent July day reviewing a log of over 8,000 calls from animal advocates across the country.

He played one of the messages: I watched that cat suffer, a woman from Seattle screams into the phone. I am so angry. A lot of us are angry. And its only just begun.

The outrage was triggered by a December 2020 video that went viral of a cat suffering for at least two hours after being euthanized at the Katy shelter  one of dozens of pieces of evidence gathered by KACD employee Chelsea Gerber, who blew the whistle on her boss and coworker after witnessing what she considered animal abuse since starting part-time at the shelter in May 2019.

Now Playing: Katy residents and animal advocates say more needs to be done to fix the Animal Control Department after a whistleblower accused its employees of multiple animal abuse allegations. An investigation into the department cleared the employees of nearly all of the allegations, and now the whistleblower is being investigated. (Karen Warren/Laura Duclos/Houston Chronicle) Video: Laura Duclos, Karen Warren

Gerber said she was asked to throw dead animal bodies in city dumpsters and saw animals left in deplorable conditions, including dirty cages, sweltering heat and cold temperatures. She claims animals were euthanized without being scanned for microchips or held for the allotted number of days.

She watched her coworkers laugh while they euthanized animals they had deemed to be mean. She began collecting video and audio recordings to show that the shelter performed questionable euthanasias, falsified records and assisted an accused local animal hoarder, among other issues.

I was trying to be the voice for what was happening, said Gerber, who has since taken a leave of absence. I felt like if I dont say anything then I am just as responsible as these guys are. Thats not OK with me, not at all.

By January, the video of the cat's death was leaked on social media, leading to national outrage that seemingly forced the city to respond. Animal lovers flooded social media, the City Councils virtual meetings and the animal control departments landline with angry threats.

Brown, who denies any wrongdoing, said the center had to start monitoring calls because of the barrage of hate.

More from Rebecca Hennes: 'He is our angel': Remembering Frank, a small Texas town's celebrity dog

I just felt like, Am I that horrible of a person? Brown said. Every little thing like that tears a little bit out of you, when you hear people talking to you like that.

The investigation by the Katy Police Department yielded a 700-plus-page report that cleared Brown and animal control officer Spencer Antinoro of all claims except for improper record handling. Now, police have launched a disciplinary investigation into Gerber, leaving advocates and some City Council members outraged at the lack of action taken to address the sources of the alleged wrongdoing. Some say that an outside agency should have investigated  rather than city colleagues that Brown has known for decades.

Neither police nor Gerbers attorney would say why the investigation has now been turned on her.

They spent more time going after Chelsea, the whistleblower, than they did actually investigating this stuff, Katy-area resident Sean Fitzsimmons said.

Still, the scrutiny has prompted changes in some department policies, which is seen as a silver lining by Brown and others. The department has moved from handwritten records to an electronic animal tracking system; cameras and recording equipment have been installed; and it established agreements with nonprofit rescues to shelter surrendered animals.

The investigations

Six allegations were investigated by the Katy Police Department: disposing of animal corpses in city dumpsters; burying euthanized animals on city property; euthanizing animals improperly; treating animals inhumanely; handling records improperly; and assisting accused animal hoarder Angela Angie Wells. The only wrongdoing that police found evidence of was improper record handling.

For most of the allegations, there either wasnt evidence or the action  while possibly still inhumane  wasnt a violation of policy or law.

The investigation did cite multiple instances where handwritten kennel cards could not be located for animals or were improperly filled out. Several euthanasias were not recorded on these cards, according to the report.

Brown  who has worked for the city for nearly 30 years and the department for 15 - attributes the improper recordkeeping to human error. He adds that the only two other employees, Gerber and Antinoro, share the blame.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston's animal shelter closed through Monday after second bout of respiratory illness in weeks

Mistakes could happen and dates can go wrong, Brown said. If this is the only piece of paper that you have and this piece of paper gets misfiled somewhere, then the animal doesnt count.

Gerbers initial complaint also accuses Brown of falsifying documents to benefit his friend Angie Wells, who faced criminal charges after more than 100 animals were seized from her Katy property last year. Gerber believes that Brown allowed Wells to cycle animals through the shelter, using city resources to benefit his friend.

Brown said the accusations regarding Wells are untrue, arguing that she has been accused; she has not been convicted. Wells lawyer could not be reached for comment.

Gerber also claimed that Antinoro euthanized the cat shown in the video without adhering to the departments then-three day stray hold and without scanning it for a microchip  violations she called common place in the department.

Antinoro declined to be interviewed for this story, but Brown disputes that any euthanasias were done without adhering to the stray hold.

Only two animals have been euthanized all year, Brown said, but the department does not list euthanasias on its website, unlike other municipal shelters. The data on its website states that as of April 30th, 210 cats and dogs have been released to nonprofits to be adopted and another 208 cats and dogs have been returned to their owner since 2019.

Gerber and others want Brown and Antinoro held accountable for policy violations and inhumane action. They also want an overhaul of the departments practices.

You have done nothing substantial to support true progress and change, Katy resident Cara Bonin said during a June City Council meeting. I am sick of it; the people are sick of it.

Katy Police Chief Noe Diaz said Brown and Antinoro were not put on leave while the investigation was ongoing because he already knew the claims were unfounded before the complaint was filed.

In the report, Fort Bend County Assistant District Attorney Sherry Robinson said the office is declining prosecution because of insufficient evidence. The report also cites two Harris County Precinct 5 constable deputies with the Animal Crimes Unit who determined that no animal cruelty was observed in Gerbers videos.

While Brown and Antinoro were never placed on leave during the investigation, Gerber remains on relief of duty. She hired lawyers but wouldnt say if she plans to sue the city or department.

Karen Warren / Staff photographer

Still more to be done

In response to the investigation, the City Council created an Animal Control Advisory Group to recommend ways to overhaul the department, which so far includes establishing a euthanasia policy for ill and injured animals; requiring vaccinations upon intake; and creating a pet-wellness program that would offer low cost spay, neuter and vaccination services.

But the groups recommendations have not been discussed by City Council since April. The next City Council meeting is set for July 12.

I find it disheartening that all of their work has been ignored so far, and we have not even discussed the recommendations, City Council Member Rory Robertson said. We need the people to show that they care about this, that they love and want the animals protected and treated more humanely.

He urged concerned residents to email the City Council to ask for the item to be discussed.

Residents said they wish the group would be more transparent with open meetings that allowed input from concerned residents.

Their investigation is a joke; they are more concerned with protecting the citys image than protecting those animals, Fitzsimmons said. The people that live in Katy and the government of Katy can decide they either care about these voiceless creatures or they dont. Their actions are speaking pretty clearly that they just dont care.

rebecca.hennes@chron.com

@beccaghennes on Twitter
Good luck trying to put Maura Spence in a box.

The Katy native was crowned Miss Colorado 2021 at the June 8 pageant while actively serving the country as an intelligence specialist with the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs.

She is the first soldier to win the title and will represent the state in the next Miss America pageant in 2022.

Although she makes history, she's competing for a different reason her family.

Spence hopes to continue to spread awareness for mental health and honor the dreams of her late sister, who passed away in 2015 and was a huge fan of Miss America, according to a U.S. Army article.

"I made her a promise at her funeral  'One day, Im going to take you to Miss America with me,'" Spence said in an Army statement. Now that Ive won Miss Colorado and am heading to Miss America, I feel like Im fulfilling that promise to her.

She also has an older brother Sam, who is autistic and inspired her to use her platform to encourage people to accept people with all sorts of disabilities, she said.

Spence said she feels particularly lucky to have the full support of her chain of command.

"Spc. Spence has a fire in her that makes her very proactive," said her unit's intelligence officer-in-charge, 1st Lt. Andrew Looss in the U.S. Army release.

"She is a self-starter who is able to get tasks done with minimal oversight. Her responsibilities are far greater than what is expected from a specialist, and she exceeds them with ease. She is a team player and brings great energy to the battalion and the intelligence section."

The U.S. Army also supports the soldier and congratulated her in a Facebook post combining images in her military uniform and at the Miss Colorado coronation.

"Steadfast and loyal!" The post read.

And Spence sees no conflict juggling the two commitments.

"Why not both," the soldier wrote on her Facebook blog page, where she proclaims herself as "Miss Fort Carson."

Many supporters seemed to agree in the comments.

"Why not, indeed?", wrote Jack Chip Boteler.

"Why should a commitment to service require you to surrender your identity and your charm?"

Spence explains that Miss America is a two-week process. The first week is focused on mostly rehearsals and taping interviews for the live show, and the second week consists of private interviews, preliminary competitions, on-stage talent competition, red carpet and off-stage interviews, she said in a release.

The Miss America 2022 competition will be held on December 2021 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
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.
Chronicle file

Harris County leaders gave their blessing to a $4.2 million expansion of the Astroarena.

Some at the time apparently were concerned how the expanded floor space would affect plans to build a convention center on the east side of downtown. It didn't, as the George R. Brown Convention Center would open a few years later.
A woman already linked to the death of her boyfriends 5-year-old son, Samuel Olson, is now facing a charge of capital murder.

Theresa Raye Balboa, 29, was charged Thursday in Harris County with capital murder of a child under 10, according to court records. She is accused of killing the boy on May 12 by striking him with and against a blunt object, records show.

The Houston woman, charged in early June with tampering with the boys corpse, was already in custody on $500,000 bond. Balboa is scheduled to appear in court Monday in connection with the latest charge. No bond has been set in the new case, according to court records.

The childs father reported the boy missing on May 27 after Balboa told him that his biological mother showed up and took her child without permission, according to court documents. Samuel had been with Balboa since April 30. Thats when he was last seen in school.

But investigators determined that Balboa was lying to her boyfriend. The biological mother was home during the timeframe that Balboa alleged she took the boy, according to surveillance video the mother offered detectives.

Weeks before the parents discovered their child was missing, Balboa called her roommate, Benjamin Rivera, and told him the boy was dead, according to court records. Rivera left work and returned home to their Webster apartment where he saw the boy unresponsive on the bed with bruising on his body, he told authorities.

Rivera and Balboa placed the body in a bathtub for two days, the criminal complaint alleges. The pair then wrapped the body in plastic, stuffed it in a tote and drove the remains to a storage unit located on Texas 3 in Webster, court records show.

Another man, Dylan Walker, helped Balboa retrieve the body from the storage unit and bring it to a motel in Jasper, court records show. Then he called Crime Stoppers with a tip about the whereabouts of the missing boy, according to court documents.

Authorities following up on the tip on June 1 knocked several times on the door of the hotel room. They recognized the smell of human remains and found Balboa in the bathroom. She told them that the boy was inside the box, court documents said.

A sergeant opened the tote with a yellow lid, smelled a strong odor and observed what appeared to be a childs body wrapped in plastic, according to the report.

Balboa was booked into Jasper County jail and later extradited to Harris County for prosecution.

Rivera, the roommate, has also been charged in Harris County with tampering with evidence. He was released from custody on $100,000 bond, according to court records. His arraignment is scheduled for early September.

Walker, 27, of Coldspring, was indicted in late June by a Jasper County grand jury on a charge of tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse.

anna.bauman@chron.com
For many in Houstons Haitian community, the news arrived the same way Wednesday morning. First one text message, and then a steady stream, from family and friends. President Jovenel Moise had been assassinated overnight, and his wife, first lady Martine Moise, had been shot as well.

The assassination came as a shock the world over, but to the estimated 30,000 to 50,000 Haitian-Americans in Houston Moises killing was yet another tragic development for a country beleaguered by natural disasters, political turmoil and gang violence.

Unfortunately, Haiti has experienced a longevity of political violence, and in addition to that democracy has never fully taken root, but any life lost is a tragedy and to hear about President Moise and his wife is very devastating, said Shirley Laneaut, president of the non-profit Houston Haitians United.

Moise was shot and killed overnight by a squad of gunmen who attacked him at his home in the capital of Port-au-Prince. Martine Moise was reportedly in critical but stable condition at a Miami hospital Wednesday evening.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph assumed power in Haiti and declared a state of siege, closing the countrys international airport. Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to the United States, said the attack 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.

Moise, 53, had been the subject of widespread protests in recent months demanding that he step down from the presidency after ruling by decree for more than a year. General elections in Haiti were set to be held later this year.

Houston Haitians United say they are a non-political group, though co-founder and vice chairman Sledge Leonidas noted that Moise was the duly elected President of Haiti and that they supported his efforts to revise the Haitian constitution, if not all of his other policies.

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People are shocked, people are saddened, people are desperate for change, they want to see their country prosper. Thats the current state of Haiti right now, but we have been described as resilient people and as the first independent Black country Haiti is still beautiful, Laneaut said.

For Katy resident Richard Alexandre, 45, the most immediately pressing issue was the safety of family and friends in Haiti. Family told him the streets of Port-au-Prince have been mostly empty, with residents glued to their televisions and radios, but he worries about the potential for civil unrest.

The countrys president of the Supreme Court, whom the Haitian constitution says would have taken over for Moise, died of COVID-19 earlier this year, and Joseph is only serving on an interim basis.

Some of the things Ive been trying to communicate with them about is just trying to get supplies for their home, get water and food, basically like trying to prepare for a hurricane in case civil unrest arrives at their door and they have to stay home and take cover, Alexandre said.

Alexandre hopes the Biden administration, which has called the slaying a heinous act, steps in to help secure Haiti.

Despite the uncertainty ahead, Leonidas said he is hopeful that out of this bloodshed, a better Haiti can arise if we take pages in history from other countries that have experienced uprisings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Houston Police Department

A man was killed Wednesday night in a shooting in north Houston, according to police.

Officers responded to the 6300 block of Werner, where the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The mayor of Santa Fe has apologized for a social media post that he says he wrote during an alcohol-fueled weekend in Louisiana and that contained apparently inaccurate details about the 2018 mass shooting at Santa Fe High School, drawing criticism from prosecutors and parents of the victims.

Mayor Jason Tabor said in a statement shared Wednesday morning on Facebook that he wrote a stupid post about the shooting while at a casino in Louisiana in straight up in party mode and without medication he had been taking for alcoholism. He said he plans to resume treatment.

Tabor was mayor-elect when a gunman on May 18, 2018, killed 10 and wounded 13 others at Santa Fe High School, including Santa Fe ISD officer John Barnes. A student at the time, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, then 17, was charged with capital murder in the massacre.

In a phone interview Thursday, Tabor said he had taken down the original post and also apologized to one family specifically. He said he wanted justice for victims relatives and the community as the accused shooter remains in custody in a mental health institution and judged incompetent to stand trial.

Three and a half years, you know, doing this job, I think anybody would feel the hurt and the pain from it. I wouldnt wish this on anybody, said Tabor, 41. I stepped up for my community quite a bit but also have my own struggles to face as well.

Rhonda Hart, whose 14-year-old daughter Kimberly Vaughan was killed in the shooting, demanded the mayor resign. To date, Hart said she does not know exactly how her daughter died. She requested a copy of the autopsy report about a month after the shooting.

Instead, she received a letter from the attorney general, peppered with legal references, telling her she could not receive that information because the case remained under investigation, Hart said.

I have kind of lived with that for three years  that I will probably never know fully how my child died, Hart said. To have a public official spout information that family members arent even privy to is just very upsetting.

A copy of the original post could not be obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

But news station KPRC published a story Thursday that featured a screenshot of the post, in which Tabor speculated on a motive for the shooting and shared details about one victims injuries.

My only statement on the Mayors post is that the information he posted about the case is not accurate, Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady wrote in an e-mail Thursday. And someone in his position has absolutely no business making a statement like that publicly.

In the apology, Tabor declared that he was an alcoholic and had started binge drinking after his father died years ago. He said he went to rehab last September but forget his medication this past weekend. When it wore off, he said, it was like a freight train hit me with emotions.

So that led to my stupid post about the shooting, he wrote.

He said he had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, but that it was not an excuse.

Tabor said in a brief interview that he was not a daily drinker and called the episode a rare occurrence. He plans to complete an Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program, he said, and hopefully have a lifetime of never drinking again.

I am taking some scrutiny now but, I mean, this will blow over eventually, he said. People will, I think, truly see what I have really done, how hard I have really worked and also that I am willing to admit that I have my own faults.

Tabors decision to discuss the killing of a child was inappropriate, said Hart, who contacted the District Attorneys Office herself and was told the posted information was false.

His position as mayor of that community is to better that environment, Hart said. By him spouting these conspiracy theories, he has re-traumatized members of that community. He has re-traumatized his constituents and that is not acceptable.

alejandro.serrano@chron.com
Camp COVID

Regarding Delta variant confirmed at Houston-area church camp's COVID outbreak that infected more than 125, (July 6): The church camp where 57 people tested positive for COVID and 90 others self-reported positive tests had the gall to say, Our greatest defense is prayer. With all due respect, your greatest defense is to get your community vaccinated. If prayer worked, you wouldnt be looking at a superspreader event that you and your community are responsible for. Some people may die or have long-term disabilities because of your failure. Shame on you and your church for harming children with your sins of omission.

Sarah Frates, Houston

Naughty legislators

Regarding Abbotts new ploy to get Texas voting bill passed  hostage-taking of legislative salaries, (July 7): The Chronicle editorial board and Erica Grieder were found whining about Gov. Abbotts funding veto for the legislative branch. I applaud his action. When children misbehave a good parent will take action such as freezing their allowance. That is exactly what the governor did.

Jon Elmendorf, Houston

King Gregs attempt at an end run around the constitutional separation of powers is continuation of a trend this states citizens should find alarming. While it fits with all the other cockamamie legal actions of the attorney generals office, its not befitting for a state the size and importance as Texas. Lets clean up the mess next election.

Les Finalle, The Woodlands

Carbon trap

Regarding The smart way to reduce emissions and outmaneuver our rivals, (July 7): Here they go again using carbon taxes as reasoning to continue pumping carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The out-of-step voices of James Baker and Climate Leadership Councils Greg Bertelsen promote (supposed) Exxon-supported carbon pollution taxes at a time when oil and gas development needs to stop immediately if the world is to avoid the most devastating and life-threatening consequences of man-made climate change. And we learned this week that senior Exxon lobbyist Keith McCoy revealed that Exxon doesnt really support the carbon tax  this is just a postponement technique that allows the polluters to continue their profiteering scheme.

S.E. Andresen, Katy

Biden do-over

Regarding Biden needs a do-over, (July 4): This article expresses my thoughts exactly. We are independents, and anti-Trumpers. There is a reason why we voted for Joe Biden and a reason why we have never supported Bernie Sanders. We are middle-of-the-road moderates. Sen. Joe Manchin often reflects our views more than Biden these days. I hate to say it, but we are a little scared of super-majority Democratic control of the Senate. We would welcome many of the Democratic positions, but their New Deal spending ideas are just crazy.

Susan Austin, Houston

Cosby conviction

Regarding Bill Cosby freed from prison, his sex conviction overturned, (June 30): I feel bad for the women who were victimized by Bill Cosby. They have been put on an emotional roller coaster that ended in Cosby now enjoying freedom and not because he didnt do what he is accused of, but because of a technicality. By no means did this sexual abuser get off fully-free for his despicable behavior. In the twilight of his life and career, he was jailed for two years, and his good guy reputation was completely destroyed. I wonder if those who Cosby conned in order to satisfy his sexual desires will find some solace in having revealed him to be a fraud.

This case is a signal to women that if they file a complaint of sexual misconduct, they will probably lose in the long-run. It seems if you have money and fame you can eventually walk away. Remember that evil thrives when good men do nothing.

Cosbys now out of jail. The investigation into New Yorks Gov. Cuomos behavior is going nowhere and maybe Harvey Weinstein will be freed next. It appears the #MeToo movement is slowly being canceled, too, just like many other things in our country.

Mike Ganis, Houston

Crenshaws history

Regarding While Dan Patrick trembles before myth busters, five Republicans stand tall, (July 3): The Houston Chronicles editorial board just cant quite bring itself to make a positive comment about Rep. Dan Crenshaw without bringing in something critical of the congressman. Although endorsing his election to Congress, since then the editorial staff has provided a continuing stream of negative comments and reports about him. Even when giving him the thumbs up for voting for the removal of Confederate statues from the Capitol, it has to cast him in a negative light. Sadly your lack of objectivity regarding Crenshaw is blatant.

Jim Robertson, Houston

Congressman Dan Crenshaws rationale for his vote to rid the capitol of Confederate statues displayed astounding ignorance of our history. He described the statues as Democratic and KKK. The congressman might try updating his historical memory to include recent efforts throughout the United States in states run by Republican legislators, as in Texas, that seek to suppress the vote of the descendants of African slavery. Robert E. Lee would be proud.

David Jones, Houston
WASHINGTON  Robert Santos, the San Antonio native who President Joe Biden has tapped to lead the U.S. Census Bureau, will face the Senate Homeland Security Committee for his confirmation hearing July 15.

Santos, who is Mexican American, would be the first person of color to lead the federal governments largest statistical agency full time. He is currently serving as the president of the American Statistical Association and is vice president and chief methodologist at the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute, a think tank that conducts economic and social policy research.

IN DEPTH: What to know about the San Antonio native tapped to lead U.S. Census Bureau

Santos will appear before the Democrat-led committee at a critical moment for the bureau, with federal officials working through the 2020 Census data that will inform state and federal redistricting processes across the nation. The agency is expected to deliver the data to all states by Aug. 16.

He would also lead an agency re-evaluating how it accurately gathers and reports information about communities of color  a subject that Santos has said he cares deeply about.

When I fill out the census form, I check the Latino-Hispanic-Mexican American box, Santos told KERA in 2019. And when it comes to race, I mark other and insert mestizo because thats how I feel about race and ethnicity.

Santos, who has had a career in research, math and leadership for more than 40 years, has a resume that is 13 pages long.

He also has strong ties to Texas.

Santos grew up just south of Woodlawn Lake and attended Little Flower Catholic School and then Holy Cross High School in the early 1970s. His parents both worked at Kelly Air Force Base. He attended San Antonio Community College and later earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics at Trinity University in 1976.

On the side, Santos has worked as a photo crew chief at the SXSW Festival in Austin, where he has helped manage about 100 photographers each year.

ben.wermund@chron.com
The Texas Senate is wasting little time getting into the controversial elections bill  the dominant issue that forced the Legislature into a special session that started on Thursday.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes, the lead author of the election legislation, announced hell start a public hearing on the proposed voting restrictions starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Texas Capitol. If history is any indicator, that hearing is likely to be an all-day event with members of the public allowed up to 2 minutes each to weigh in on the bill first unveiled on Thursday morning.

Hughes latest version of the elections bill, like previous drafts, ends 24-hour voting and drive-thru voting, bars elections officials from sending out absentee ballot applications to all voters, and increases access for partisan poll watchers to watch elections officials.

Drive-thru voting and all-night voting were used by Harris County officials during the 2020 elections, which has triggered criticism from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican who oversees the Texas Senate. Patrick has said Harris County went too far in expanding voting options without the Legislatures input. He was also a vocal critic of Harris County for trying to send out absentee ballot applications to all voters to help them vote by mail during the pandemic.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

WHATS IN THE TEXAS SENATE ELECTIONS BILL The legislation would: Ban drive-thru voting Ban voting after 9 p.m. in Texas Prevent county election officials from sending absentee ballot applications to any voter who has not requested one Require counties to have video surveillance systems in places where they tally ballots Require partisan poll watchers to be allowed to "see and hear" election activities at polling sites and central vote-counting areas Authorize state election officials to compare DPS driving records with voter rolls to find potential non-citizen voters Ban absentee ballot drop boxes, requiring voters to mail in completed absentee ballots or deliver them to an elections official Require a person requesting an absentee ballot to provide a drivers license number or social security number to get one Create a process for a voter to correct or verify a signature on an absentee ballot that might otherwise be tossed for a non-matching signature Require any person who transports 3 or more voters other than family members to the polls to fill out a form Bans vote harvesting, defined as a third-party group helping a voter fill out absentee ballots in order to benefit a specific candidate See More Collapse

But missing from the new elections bill are some of the provisions of Hughes legislation from back in May that provoked Democrats to stage a walkout that derailed the bill on the final night of the session. Measures limiting Souls to the Polls voting on Sundays or making it easier for judges to overturn election results are not in his latest bill.

It was those provisions that sparked the dramatic late-night walkout by Democrats in the Texas House that left the Republican-led chamber without enough members to conduct official business. Abbott announced shortly after the end of the regular session that he would call legislators back to try again to pass what he calls voter security legislation.

Although Texas elections officials have said the 2020 election cycle was smooth and secure, Abbott and other Republicans have insisted they have to go further to guard against voter fraud. It all comes as former President Donald Trump continues to insist he lost his re-election because of election fraud, without providing proof to back up those claims.

Democrats in the Texas House say they are prepared to break the quorum again if need be.

But House Speaker Dade Phelan told KXAN, an NBC affiliate in Austin, that he will respond to Democrats if they go to such lengths again.

My Democratic colleagues have been quoted saying that all options are on the table. Respectfully, all options are on the table for myself as well, Phelan said.

That could mean locking the chamber doors to prevent House members from leaving the floor as they did in May.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Hospitals in the Houston region relied on over $1 billion dollars in federal assistance last year, according to an advocacy group that wants the Biden administration to renew a waiver program that funds health care for uninsured Texans.

Hospitals across the state have depended on the 1115 waiver for years, especially as Republican leaders refused to expand Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act. But the future of the funding has been in question since April, when the Biden administration rescinded former President Donald Trumps decision to renew it for 10 years, citing a failure to allow for public comment. The state has since reapplied for a new extension.
Houston, MO (65483)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High around 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Houston, MO (65483)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers early, then overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
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Williamstown Town Manager Search Committee Refines Job Announcement



Daniel Gura, inset, makes a point about the position announcement under consideration of Williamstown's Town Manager Search Advisory Committee on Tuesday. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Town Manager Search Advisory Committee on Tuesday hashed out the specifics of a position announcement and a community survey that will help inform the work of the committee and the Select Board, which ultimately will hire the next occupant of the corner office at town hall.

The search committee, which includes two members of the five-person Select Board, reviewed a draft job posting and draft survey questions compiled by GovHR, the head-hunting firm employed by the Select Board to guide the search process.

On the position announcement, the committee added language to signal one of the town's priorities in a new town manager and modified the baseline requirements to ensure that it draws applicants from the broadest possible pool.

"What I would love to see and members of our committee and certainly the community would love to see is some statement about who we are as an organization in terms of town government," Jose Constantine said regarding the draft job announcement. "Something speaking to us embracing folks from diverse backgrounds and experiences and that we do everything on our part not to exclude but to include a wide range of identities and experiences.

"I might look at [Ngonidzashe Munemo] who would be more familiar with the language we use in job ads. But from what I'm seeing, it's not here, and it should be here."

Munemo is a political science professor and interim vice president for institutional diversity, equity and inclusion at Williams College and a member of the search committee.

Later, another member of the panel, Abigail Reifsnyder, backed up Constantine's comment.

"Under the 'successful character will:' category, because it has these sweeping statements like 'Have a passion for public service,' that would be the place where we could put something like, 'dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive community,' something like that," Reifsnyder said. "I think it deserves to be really bulleted out as an important, separate feature."

Co-Chair and Select Board member Hugh Daley agreed that was the consensus of the search committee and directed the HrGov representatives at the meeting to add language to that effect to the position announcement.

The committee also agreed that the draft language about job requirements was too limiting.

The draft presented for review on Tuesday evening said the town was looking for someone with a bachelor's degree and that a master's degree in "public administration, business administration or other advanced executive level training such as [International City/County Management Association] Credentialed Manager" would be "viewed favorably."

"Do we want to eliminate someone who doesn't have a bachelor's degree but might have significant experience?" Susan Puddester asked her colleagues.

The group concluded that it did not.

"I would agree with that," Dan Gura said. "I think there's generic language people typically use that just says, 'You have to have these two things or relative, equating experience. I think it's probably unlikely that you would end up finding that. But I wouldn't want us to feel like we wrote it in such a way that if that did happen we didn't have an option to take a look."

Gura later noted that many people who do not have bachelor's degrees have attended college but may have been a few credits short of graduation when they started their career paths. He characterized graduation as an "arbitrary line to cross."

"I feel like I have to take the bait a little bit," Munemo said with a laugh. "I think the company line is it's not too arbitrary. But, more seriously, I think to Susan's point, if we write the equivalent experience language, it just allows us to look. It doesn't mean we'll take that person. It just means off the bat we're not going to exclude them."

Daley advocated for preserving language in the announcement that encourages applicants with credentials like the ICMA certification in the GovHR draft.

He pointed to similar certification programs in other professions and said they're a sign that professionals are willing to learn and grow in their respective fields.

"I kind of like those credentials," Daley said. "You don't necessarily need a college degree to get them, but it means you're interested in your industry and you have taken some professional development within it."

Lee Szymborski of GovHR told the committee that fewer than 20 percent of the ICMA membership have the credential, which requires a rigorous course of study. He said he only had one or two clients who required the credential, and he tried to discourage them from doing so. Szymborski's colleague, Michael Jaillet, noted that the Massachusetts Municipal Association offers a professional development program with Boston's Suffolk University that could be a different credential candidates might offer.

"I'll second that," Constatine said. "From what I know about this program, they're working had to diversify the makeups of town managers and town government across the commonwealth."

"If you want diversity, I think adding that will help that," Jaillet said.

With those modifications, the search committee tasked GovHR with producing a final draft of the position announcement for review and, potentially, approval at the panel's July 13 meeting. Daley told the panel he also hopes it will give final sign-off to the community survey at that meeting.

Szymborski said GovHR likes to keep the survey in the field for 10 days, which would allow the panel to have results by its July 27 meeting and use them to craft a "position description," a more detailed document for potential candidates that is a followup to the position announcement reviewed on Tuesday.

Szymborski said the announcement is the beginning of the outreach process to candidates and described as "priming the pump" for candidates who might later look at the full job profile when available. Ideally, he said the gap between the announcement and the description should not be more than a couple of weeks.

Tuesday's other piece of business for the search committee, the survey, will seek to get input from residents and other stakeholders about the qualities they think are most important for a new town manager.

The committee discussed whether the survey can be crafted in such a way that will allow respondents to rank the qualities  like "strategic," "collaborative" and "innovative"  that they choose as priorities.

Some members of the committee questioned the value of data from a survey that asks respondents to prioritize from a list of characteristics all likely would agree are important in the next town manager.

"In my experience, hiring two thousand people in the last four or five years, I've never had anyone put 'untrustworthy' on their resume," entrepreneur Chris Kapiloff said. "Instead of using these questions to say, 'Who loves America and apple pie?' let's get more information that's going to be pertinent on the type of person we want. No one is going to say one of these qualities is completely unimportant."

Szymborski said the GovHR survey template has been useful to past clients, and the committee will get valuable data from open-ended questions like, "What are the top three issues/challenges you think will face the new Town Manager?"

More importantly, he encouraged the search committee to solicit public input any way it can.

"The other value, and this, I think, I think is very important for Williamstown, at least so I've heard: Given the issues the town has gone through in the last year or so, you can't not do this survey," Szymborski said. "The fact that you're reaching out on all this has value in and of itself."

To that end, Puddester suggested that the search committee hold listening sessions with a couple of members of the panel similar to the ones she was part of as a member of the Planning Board. The plan would make two members of the search committee available on different days of the week to collect input from residents that the members then could convey to the larger group.

Daley said he would poll the members of the committee about their availability to do the listening sessions.
The Board of Health on Wednesday voted to support efforts to pressure 'peaker' plant owners to switch to greener energy.

Pittsfield Health Board Supports Peaker Plant's Switch to Clean Energy



Dr. Henry Rose and Jane Winn of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team give a presentation on local 'peaker' power plants to the Board of Health.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Board of Health on Wednesday voted to back local environmentalists' efforts in converting three so-called "peaker" power plants in Berkshire County to green energy.

The panel unanimously agreed to support a professional statement written by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team in support of the transfer from fossil fuels and to promote engagement with plant owners.



This will include facilitating conversation with Hull Street Energy, owners of Pittsfield Generating plant, who have not responded to BEAT's requests for a meeting.



A Berkshire Environmental Action Team campaign "Put Peakers in the Past" is demanding that the three peaking power plants located in Berkshire County revert to only renewable and clean alternatives. "Peaking" plants are used to meet periods of high energy demand.



The three-decades-old plants at Pittsfield Generating Co. on Merrill Road, the Eversource substation on Doreen Street, and the EP Energy plant on Woodland Road in Lee run off fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, and kerosene.

BEAT Executive Director Jane Winn and retired physician Dr. Henry Rose gave a presentation to the panel that outlined the plants, the emissions associated with them, and the plants' air quality permitting.

Winn said these plants run 5 percent of the time or less yet make up a considerable amount of the city's emissions. Reportedly, the Doreen Street and Lee plants run less than one percent of the time.



Pittsfield Generating accounted for 15 percent of Pittsfield's entire stationary emissions  or 60,000 metric tons  in 2018.



"And these facilities are very expensive for our electric ratepayers in the Berkshires," she added. "We pay billions of dollars to keep them on standby and when they do run, they're some of the most expensive electricity generations that we have."

Reportedly, residents pay for these plants unknowingly through Eversource electric bills.



Winn also identified health impacts related to fossil fuel pollution that include reduced lung function, asthma, cardiovascular disease, pre-term birth, and premature death with children and elderly being most vulnerable.



"You might not be able to see it, you might not be able to smell it, but it's out there and it's causing problems," Rose said about the emissions.


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Name: Tom Conklin

Organisation: Fivetran

Job title: Chief Information Security Officer

Date started current role: April 2020

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

As Chief Information Security Officer at Fivetran, Tom Conklin is responsible for ensuring the security of the Fivetran SaaS platform and the companys digital assets. Prior to Fivetran, Conklin built security programs at Druva, Vera Security and Zuora. He has extensive experience building and leading security programs at SaaS companies where protecting customer data is paramount. Conklin has in-depth experience architecting security programs to meet multiple compliance frameworks, including FedRAMP, PCI/DSS, SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, FIPS 140-2, SOX, GDPR and others. He has also led application security, incident response, vulnerability management, and product security functions throughout his career.

What was your first job? I was an auditor at a CPA firm.

How did you get involved in cybersecurity? Im naturally curious and my entire life Ive been good at breaking things and figuring out how they work. I just didnt think cybersecurity was a career path until I started auditing companies. I like the intersection of technology and business from my experience with other SaaS companies and figured its the best path to build great teams and products.

What was your education? Do you hold any certifications? What are they? I have a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Management of Information Systems.

Explain your career path. Did you take any detours? If so, discuss. When I graduated undergrad I had to decide between a manufacturing management job in San Diego and an auditing role in Silicon Valley. Ive always wanted to work in tech so I opted for the auditing route. Looking back this was a great decision. It gave me exposure to the SaaS industry when it was just getting going. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing companies while they grew from 30 people to public companies. I knew I had to work for similar companies, so I left auditing for industry. Fivetran is now the fourth SaaS company Im doing this journey with.

Was there anyone who has inspired or mentored you in your career? I learned a ton working for Pritesh Parekh (CSO) while I was working at Zuora. Most of how Ive structured my security programs is modeled after the work we did together.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of your job? Communication, being able to align teams on shared goals is by far the most important thing I can do.

What metrics or KPIs do you use to measure security effectiveness? Way too many to list here, but I think the most important metrics are those that show the rate of change over time and anomaly events. Its not as important that I have 90% of something done - its whats going on with the 10% thats failing or out of normal. So looking at outliers is key.

Is the security skills shortage affecting your organisation? What roles or skills are you finding the most difficult to fill? Fivetran is lucky weve filled our security roles at the moment! It helps that were an exciting company, and we have a strong culture to enable securitys success. But from my experience at other companies and talking to peers, finding good leaders in security is really hard; and after that, AppSec roles are the toughest to fill.

Cybersecurity is constantly changing  how do you keep learning? Im a member of some different security communities, listening to what others are doing and having conversations about current challenges is super helpful. Im very fortunate in my role to be able to talk to lots of customers and partners which helps me learn about new trends. I take a lot of notes during these conversations and will Google topics after.

What conferences are on your must-attend list? None right now with COVID.

What is the best current trend in cybersecurity? The worst? The best trend is that with work from home now the norm, its forced companies to adopt zero-trust access models. Were finally getting rid of this illusion of security that certain locations are secure now that everyone is working from home. The worst Id say is not a new trend, but over the last few years weve made software and tools very easy to adopt this - along with incentives for companies to move faster - has increased the risk of misconfigurations or shadow IT.

What's the best career advice you ever received? Your career will be shaped far more by the relationships you build than the work you get done.

What advice would you give to aspiring security leaders? Dont hold your cards close - be open with others at your company about what is working and what needs improvement. When working on something new, solicit feedback as early as possible instead of waiting for something to be perfect. Youll make faster progress iterating on your plan.

What has been your greatest career achievement? So far its the security program were building at Fivetran.

Looking back with 20:20 hindsight, what would you have done differently? Not much to be honest. One thing is I could have spent more time mentoring others. Its a goal I have for this year.
Journalists have been facing increasing threats of arrest and violence in Ethiopia since the start of the war in Tigray. Twelve journalists from two independent media were arrested in late June and reports of atacks against media are common. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) urges the authorities to stop targeting the media and take steps to ensure journalists safety.

The IFJ denounced the Ethiopian governments wave of arrests of journalists covering the ongoing conflict in recent months and has renewed its call for action in the face of continued targeting of media in the region. On 30 June, security forces raided the office of the independent media outlet Awlo Media Center, arresting 10 journalists as well as other employees. The police initially refused to provide any explanation, but later stated that the journalists were arrested for alleged affiliation to a terrorist organisation.

On 21 June, journalist Abebe Bayu, who works for the YouTube media Ethio Forum, was arrested. He was in the capital when he was forced into a car and threatened by armed men. Another Ethio Forum journalist, Yayesew Shimelis, was also arrested earlier this year. According to the government, Shimelis was spreading false information.

Both Awlo Media Center and Ethio Forum have recently reported on the armed conflict in the Tigray region between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) . Human rights organisations and journalists are trying to cover the ongoing war, in which many civilians have died or been attacked.

But since the beginning of the conflict, journalists have been threatened, arrested and censored. In May, the authorities revoked the accreditation of Simon Marks, who covered the conflict for the New York Times and Voice of America, among others. They accused him of spreading fake news. Pressure is also being put on local journalists, who are sometimes forced to flee or to self-censor. In addition, the government has blocked Internet access several times since the conflict began in November.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "Ethiopia is taking a real step backward in terms of press freedom and the right to information. We urge the authorities to stop the crackdown on media covering the conflict, and not let attacks on journalists go unpunished."
Gen Z and Gen X in Southeast Asia (SEA) are less afraid about future technologies such as biometrics, smart appliances, robotic devices and deepfakes while Millennials and Boomers have their guards up. These are some more key findings from Kasperskys research Making Sense of Our Place in the Digital Reputation Economy.

The research conducted just last November 2020 asked 831 social media users in SEA about their level of fear against the current technological trends and found out that more than half (62%) are afraid of deepfakes. It is highest among Baby Boomers (74%) and lowest among Gen X (58%).

Deepfakes is the use of artificial intelligence to create images, audio, or voice recordings in someone elses likeness. The respondents attitude towards this technology is not without basis as deepfake videos have been used for political purposes, as well as for personal revenge. Increasingly, they are also being used in major attempts at blackmail and fraud.

For instance, the CEO of a British energy firm was tricked out of $243,000 by a voice deepfake of the head of his parent company requesting an emergency transfer of funds. The fake was so convincing that he didn't think to check; the funds were wired not to the head office, but to a third party's bank account. The CEO only became suspicious when his boss requested another transfer. This time, alarm bells rang - but it was too late to get back the funds he'd already transferred.

SEA respondents are less but still guarded about biometrics or the use of fingerprint, eye scanner, and facial recognition (32%), smart devices (27%), and robotic tools like a robot cleaner (15%).

The social media users in the region have valid reasons to fear the up and coming technologies as the study also unmasked their negative experiences online.

Most common incident faced by more than 3-in-10 respondents was an account takeover wherein someone got access to their accounts without their permission. More than a quarter (29%) also have some secret information seen by someone they would not want to see.

Over 2-in-10 also shared that someone got access to their devices forcibly (28%), their private information was either stolen or used without consent (24%) or was seen publicly (23%).

Aftermaths of these incidents include receiving spam and adverts (43%), stress (29%), causing embarrassment or offense (17%), reputational damage (15%), and monetary loss (14%).

Our survey proves that unfortunate incidents can happen online and such have real-life repercussions. Technologies are meant to evolve for the greater good, however, there are always learning curves where some amount of fear with action will be vital, comments Chris Connell, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.

However, the same research revealed that there are still almost 2-in-10 users in the region who believe that internet security software is not required to protect their online lives. This perception is highest with Gen Z (17%), followed by Millennials (16%). There were both 15% of Gen X and Baby Boomers who also deem these solutions unnecessary.

This is a cause of concern as we, humans, are prone to making errors from time to time and such solutions are meant to be our safety nets. While there is no silver bullet when it comes to cybersecurity, it is still important to have basic defenses in place. Business owners should particularly look into this as their IT infrastructure continues to flow from their safer enterprise networks to the more vulnerable individual houses, adds Connell.

COVID-19 has caused an overnight remote working revolution, bringing with it new cyber-challenges for IT teams. Heres Kasperskys tips on how to help homeworkers stay cyber-safe.

Teach your teams to become cyber-aware

Training is crucial to help your teams become cyber-aware. Plan a program of learning, with a mix of online learning, classroom (virtual or real-world) and regular advice by email. You could test whether people can spot a phishing attack by setting up a fake phishing email.

To start, try this free 30-minute adaptive learning course by Kaspersky and Area9 Lyceum for those who are new to remote working to help them work safely from home with lessons about choosing strong passwords, the importance of endpoint protection and regular software updates.

In the Philippines, Kaspersky is offering free e-gift vouchers (choice of Grab, GCash, or PayMaya) for every purchase of:

Kaspersky Total Security (valid for 1 year for 1 device) or

Kaspersky Internet Security (valid for 1 or 2 years for 1, 3, or 5 devices)

This promo is running until July 31, 2021. Participating Kaspersky products are available from official partner stores in Metro Manila, official partner e-stores, and via Shopee and Lazada. Please check this link for the complete list of participating stores and for more information about the promo.

Build a culture of trust

Unfortunately, in many larger organizations, there isnt a culture of transparency between employees and IT on cyber matters. When people make mistakes, theyre either unaware of what theyve done or are scared theyll lose their job, so they may not formally report a data breach incident that ends up damaging the company. You need to build a culture of trust and transparency between employees and the IT team. Open communication is critical.

Advise against casual browsing on work devices

Casual browsing may lead to compromised network security, so make sure employees know this and encourage them to do personal things  like shopping, social media or reading news  on their own devices.

Patch employees machines

If your employees devices arent completely patched and up-to-date, the chances increase of hackers finding a vulnerability in your system. Remotely access their machine to patch or help them do it themselves over the phone. Even better, install an automated patching solution.

Ask people to change default passwords on home routers

Most home routers use a default password, which hackers can find and then get into the back end of the home network. Few people bother to change it because its a somewhat tricky process, but it will drastically improve employees cyber-defenses. Show them how they can do it.

Read more about the report here: Making Sense of Our Place in the Digital Reputation Economy
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) approvals met less than half the demand from businesses in every U.S. state and territory, according to data the U.S. Small Business Administration released Wednesday.

The $28.6 billion program, which within two weeks of its launch on May 3 received more funding requests than it could meet, was designed to provide capital for hard-hit restaurants, bars, caterers, and other food service businesses. The SBA's report, which tracks the now-completed program through June 30, shows the RRF received more than $72 billion in funding requests.

The agency approved 101,004 of the 278,304 applications it received, or about 36 percent. Success varied by state and territory. Hawaii had the highest rate, with about 48 percent of its 2,396 applications getting approved. The lowest rate was in the Northern Mariana Islands, where roughly 10 percent of the 119 requests were approved.
Danny Trejo has shared his recollection of an encounter with Charles Manson at a Los Angeles prison.

The actor discusses the time he met Manson in his newly released memoir, Trejo.

According to Trejo, the encounter occurred in 1968, a year before the Manson Family murders.

In his memoir, Trejo doesnt immediately reveal Mansons identity, describing him first as a greasy, dirty, scrawny white boy.

Manson, he said, told Trejo and his cell mates that he could hypnotise them into thinking they were high on weed and heroin.

If that white boy wasnt a career criminal, he could have been a professional hypnotist, Trejo notes, someone who went to high schools and state fairs and got people to come onstage and act like cats and stuff.

Trejo then reveals Mansons name, adding: But he was, in fact, a career criminal. He was Charles Manson.

Manson was convicted in January 1971 of first-degree murder in the killings of seven people, including actor Sharon Tate. He was initially sentenced to death, but that sentence was changed to life in prison after California got rid of the death penalty in 1972.

Manson died of natural causes in 2017.
Lord Alan Sugar has been forced to drop Claude Littner from The Apprentice due to a a horrific injury.

Littner, 72, will not be taking part in the next series of the BBC series due to injuries sustained after falling off an electric bike back in April.

Its reported that Littner has undergone nine surgeries following the accident that occurred near his home in Mill Hill, London.

He was rushed to a trauma unit at St Marys hospital where doctors immediately said they would have to amputate. However, they were able to save his leg after rushing him into surgery.

Speaking about the incident, Littner told PA: I was just pottering along, I must have been doing no more than 10 kilometres an hour on this sort of two-track road. The next thing I knew, I was on the left-hand side of the street, my bike was in the middle of the road and I didnt know what happened.

He continued: My wife and my sons were there as well and [the doctors] decided they were going to amputate my leg. And then they had another chat about it and they said, Look, lets get him into theatre right away tonight and lets see if we can save his leg. And I went into theatre and it was a very long operation and they didnt take my leg off.

Tim Campbell, the winner of the very first series, will take Littners place.

Baroness Karren Brady, who will appear alongside Sugar and Campbell, wrote: Im so sorry that my good friend @claudelittner wont be with us on this years @bbcapprentice  he will be missed! Wishing him a very speedy recovery.

Campbell said hes excited to be looking after Claudes boardroom chair while he recuperates.

He added: I was saddened by the circumstances which led to getting the call from Lord Sugar, but having been on the show myself, I know the hard work that goes into it  so I didnt take the decision lightly. I wish Claude the very best as he recovers.

The new series of The Apprentice is expected to air in January 2022.
Naya Riveras family has honoured her memory, one year after her death.

The Glee actors mother, sister, and brother all spoke to Good Morning America, either in person or via a statement, to discuss her life and legacy during Thursdays broadcast.

Rivera went missing on 8 July 2020 during an outing on Lake Piru, California. Her body was found days later, and her death was ruled an accidental drowning.

Sometimes we're afraid of the sorrow being so heavy that we're afraid for our own self, cause this is hard, Riveras mother Yolanda Previtire told Good Morning America. There are no words to describe what we're going through. All we know is we have each other.

Previtire said the family have kept discussing Rivera around Josey, her young son who was with her on the day of her disappearance. Josey, who was four at the time, was found safe and wearing a life jacket.

Now about to turn six, Josey misses his mom, Previtire said, and recalls their life together.

Its almost like we're feeding off each other and lifting each other up. Josey has lifted me up so many times, Previtire said. Hes comforting that way, and we do the same for him.

Riveras sister Nickayla Rivera said the family have been taking things one day at a time and living it to the fullest, loving each other to the fullest, and not regretting anything. Because I know if we could go back, wed hug a little bit harder.

The actors brother Mychal Rivera told the network in a statement: One year without you, one year closer to when we will meet you again. Your endless energy lives on. May you continue to rest so graciously, Naya.
Iran brought together envoys of the Afghan government and the Taliban movement in Tehran this week for a rare meeting between the two sides, in what appeared to be a diplomatic win for Tehran as well as a modest sign of progress in ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.

But with recent major battlefield advances by the Taliban and the departure of international troops, Afghans fear that such diplomatic rituals will fail to rein in the resurgence of the hardline Islamist network that once ruled the country and aspires to do so again.

The two-day Tehran summit, hosted by Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday and Thursday, yielded no breakthroughs but produced a statement recognising the need to end the countrys civil war.

The two sides understand the risks of continuing war for the country, and have agreed that war is not a solution to the Afghan issue, and all efforts should be made towards a political and peaceful solution, the statement read.

The Afghan government delegation included former vice president Mohammad Yunus Qanooni as well as Abdul-Salam Rahimi, an adviser to President Ashraf Ghani. The Taliban team was led by Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, head of the groups office in Doha.

Talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban, scheduled to take place in Istanbul in May, have been postponed indefinitely. Some analysts speculated that the Tehran meeting could be a precursor to more crucial talks being held at some point in the Qatari capital. Asadullah Sadati, the deputy chief of Afghanistans High Council for National Reconciliation, called the meeting a small step in the right direction.

In photos, Mr Zarif was shown positioned at the head of two facing tables where the Afghan government and Taliban teams were seated.

We are very proud that we remained alongside our Afghan brothers and sisters during the jihad of the Afghan people against the foreign occupation, he was shown saying in a short video clip.

But many Afghans are gloomy about the countrys immediate future.

The meeting in Tehran came less than a week after United States and allied troops hastily departed from the massive Bagram airfield north of Kabul and handed it over to Afghan security forces. The move effectively marked yet another milestone in the wrapping up of the 20-year US and Nato military presence in Afghanistan. It also represented something of a propaganda victory for the Taliban.

Days after the departure from Bagram, Taliban forces swarmed the countrys far northeast along with the western province of Herat, taking over rural districts held by the government.

A smoke plume rises from houses amid ongoing fighting between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in the western city of Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis province (AFP/Getty)

The optics mean so much, said Martin Rahmani, executive director of the Afghanistan-US Democratic Peace and Prosperity Council, a Washington advocacy group. The way that the US and Nato troops sort of disengaged from the situation created a big vacuum for the Taliban to step in to, and allowed them to come out and say they had defeated a 17-nation army.

Backed by Pakistan and Arabian peninsula monarchies, the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban ruled the country from 1996 to 2001. It was overthrown in a Nato-backed war following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US by al-Qaeda, who were being hosted by the Taliban.

But over the last two decades, the Taliban, a collection of hardline Islamist militias rooted in Saudi-funded religious madrassas in Pakistan, regrouped and resurged, and now controls huge swathes of the desperately poor and landlocked country of 38 million.

Washington and other world powers have attempted to bolster both the Afghan security forces and the government in Kabul to help them fend off both the Taliban and the local branch of Isis. But over recent years, the US and its allies shifted course, and have instead tried to broker a peace deal between Kabul and the Taliban.

The US, the speaker of Afghanistans parliament and various civil society groups have offered dozens of proposals on ways to end the conflict, but the Taliban have largely ignored them.

The Taliban are aware of all this but they havent said what they want, Mr Rahmani said in an interview. The Afghan peace negotiations team earnestly tried to have these discussions with the Taliban. But up until now the Taliban have not done anything. There are no specifics on how theyd like to be integrated.

Afghan special forces gathering in northern Kunduz on 7 July (Reuters)

Iran shares a porous 570-mile border with Afghanistan and hosts an estimated 3.5 million Afghans. It has a keen interest in efforts to counter narcotics trafficking from Afghanistan and to curtail the efforts of the vehemently anti-Shia Isis. It also deems itself protector of Afghanistans Shia community, which is estimated to account for 15 per cent of the population and is concentrated in Kabul and the countrys central mountains.

Iran amassed troops along its eastern border and threatened war against the Taliban in 1999 after the group killed its diplomats in Mazar-e-Sharif, and helped the US topple the Taliban two years later.

But it has built up diplomatic ties with the Taliban in recent years, and has been accused of helping arm some of its elements in an effort to pressure US troops deployed to Afghanistan and to hedge its bets should the Taliban defeat the Kabul government.

But Mr Rahmani warned of another humanitarian crisis, and a surge of refugees into Iran and other nations, should the hardline Taliban take over and attempt to impose its austere puritanical vision of Islam on the country. Witnesses have described huge lines at passport offices for fear of the Taliban.

People are afraid; a lot of people are hunkering down for a long fight, he said. The Taliban do not respect womens rights. They have a history of violence against women. They have a history of illiberal policies and those seem to be coming back.
Gun-toting Afghan women are marching in the streets and sharing pictures in a show of defiance against the Taliban, which is rapidly gaining control over a significant portion of the war-torn nation.

It comes as President Joe Bidens administration, according to the US officials, is considering offering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women politicians, journalists, and activists, who may become targets of the Taliban.

Rights groups have been asking the US State Department and White House to add up to 2,000 visas for vulnerable women and womens advocates after the US military pullout. One of the officials said the administration is looking not only at women who are under threat, but also men and minorities in high-risk professions.

The Taliban has already been claiming that it now controls over a quarter of Afghanistans districts as the US and Nato forces withdraw from the South Asian nation after their anti-terror war for 20 years.

The deadline that the US has set for having troops out of Afghanistan is 11 September, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Media reports have highlighted instances of armed women, in northern and central Afghanistan, marching in the streets to show their defiance against the Taliban.

Last weekend, one such demonstration took place in the central Ghor province, with hundreds of women joining the march, many waving guns and chanting anti-Taliban slogans, according to The Guardian.

Head of the womens directorate in Ghor, Halima Parastish, who also participated in the march, said that there were some women who just wanted to inspire security forces, just symbolic, but many more were ready to go to the battlefields.

That includes myself. I and some other women told the governor around a month ago that were ready to go and fight, she said.

The show of defiance also comes in response to restrictions women have faced under Taliban rule, with the Taliban having already brought in restrictions on womens education, freedom of movement and clothing in areas under their control, according to The Guardian.

In one area, the newspaper reported, flyers had been going around demanding that women wear burqas.

The report quoted a survey that held that even women from extremely conservative rural areas aspire to freedom of movement, education, and a greater role in their families. However, that may not be possible under the rule of the Taliban.

While, in Ghor, women usually wear headscarves rather than covering themselves fully and work alongside men in fields, the Taliban has demanded that women do not leave their homes without a male guardian, in addition to blocking them from accessing education.

Several human rights groups have already highlighted the issue, with Human Rights Watch warning in April that women appearing on the television and radio have faced particular threats.

Female reporters may be targeted not only for issues they cover but also for challenging perceived social norms prohibiting women from being in a public role and working outside the home, it had said.

A female journalist from northern Jowzjan, which has a history of women fighting, said she just wants to continue her education and stay away from the violence but the conditions forced her and others to take a stand.

I dont want the country under the control of people who treat women the way they do. We took up the guns to show if we have to fight, we will, said the journalist, who is in her 20s, but sought anonymity to protect her identity. She has already received training on the handling of weapons.

There are numerous examples of women taking up arms, and over the last 20 years, women have also joined Afghanistans security forces even though they continue to face discrimination from colleagues.

The Taliban are, however, has dismissed the demonstrations, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid saying: Women will never pick up guns against us. They are helpless and forced by the defeated enemy. They cant fight.

Additional reporting by agencies
Another heat wave has been forecast to hit California and portions of the Pacific Northwest, bringing dangerously high temperatures and extreme drought conditions to residents.

Meteorologists have warned that residents in California could experience record-breaking temperatures as high as 46C (115F) in Central Valley and 49C (120F) in hotter areas like Palm Springs.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for parts of Southwest California from Thursday into the beginning of next week.

Stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during the day if you can. Dont leave any person or pet in a parked car, said the Los Angeles branch of the National Weather Services on Twitter.

Portions of northern California, such as Sacramento, were also under an excessive heat warning.

A majority of California was already facing extreme drought and dry conditions after it experienced two extreme heat waves in the month of June  making the incoming high temperatures the third heatwave for the state this summer season.

Climate experts have credited the ongoing climate crisis as a reason behind the extreme heat being witnessed in California and other areas of the US in recent weeks.

The drought is leading to extremely low soil moisture, which is making it easier for these high pressure systems to generate extreme heat waves because more of the suns energy is going into heating the atmosphere rather than evaporating nonexistent water in the soil, Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA, told NPR, Thats sort of the vicious cycle of drought and extreme heat in a warming climate.

California was not the only area impacted about incoming dangerous temperatures. The Four Corner region  the southwestern corner of Colorado, southeastern corner of Utah, northeastern corner of Arizona, and northwestern corner of New Mexico  are also expected to experience extreme heat into the weekend.

Then another heat system will pass through west central Canada on Saturday.

The climate crisis has made above-average temperatures the new normal, and experts have warned residents that extreme heat will likely be more prevalent for future summer seasons.

Last week, the Pacific Northwest was hit by an extreme heatwave in areas like Portland and Seattle  locations where residents typically dont own central air conditioning. The high temperatures caused hundreds of deaths across Oregon, Washington, and portions of Canada  with hospitals experiencing an influx of patients needing attention due to heat-related illnesses.

Climate experts warned that for California, the current drought would likely further exacerbate weather conditions in the coming weeks  with concerns of a potentially damaging upcoming wildfire season.

Officials were encouraging residents in portions of California to pre-cool their homes ahead of the high temperatures in an effort to avoid any possible power outages.
For a few years there has been a quiet message spreading among people needing to transfer money abroad. It is that you dont go to a bank but go instead to a little company called TransferWise, where you get a much better rate. Now it just changed its name to Wise  and it is a secret no more. It has just been listed on the London Stock Exchange at a valuation of 8bn.

There are at least five stories here: first, the human one. Two Estonians living in London feel they are getting a bad rate from the banks if they send money back and forth to Estonia. Then they realise that one of them is about send some cash one way, while the other plans to send a similar sum the other. So, why not start an online operation that cut out the banks and enabled people to deal directly?

That lightbulb moment about 10 years ago means that Kristo Kaarmann and Taavet Hinrikus are now worth upwards of $2bn (1.4bn) and $1bn respectively. This is how capitalism is supposed to work. In the words attributed to the 19th-century American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, they built a better mousetrap and the world beat a path to their door.
When hes not in the studio or on set for his show Big Zuus Big Eats, Big Zuu is in the kitchen. Drawing on his Sierra Leonean heritage and love of classic snacks, Big Zuu brings his passion for food into every meal.

Heres three recipes from his new cookbook to add to your repertoire, including an innovative take on PB&J.

Big Zuus jollof rice balls with scotch bonnet sauce

A crossover between west African and Italian food (Ellis Parrinder/PA)

We have taken the most African dish and gentrified it  but dont worry, my Sierra Leonean elders gave me a pass, and it also tastes nice. This is an embodiment of my love for west African and Italian food, says Big Zuu. Finally theyve come together to create this mighty ball of tastiness.

Ingredients

400g leftover Mumma Zuus jollof rice (see below)

60g mozzarella, cut into 8 pieces and drained well

1.5L vegetable oil, for deep-frying (if using a saucepan; if using a deep-fat fryer follow manufacturers instructions for oil)

50g plain flour

2 eggs, beaten

50g panko breadcrumbs

1 quantity of scotch bonnet sauce (see below)

For Mumma Zuus jollof rice:

800g lamb leg, diced

3 tbsp all-purpose seasoning

1L vegetable oil, for deep-frying

1 onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1-2 scotch bonnet chillies, depending on how hot you like it, chopped or whole

4 tbsp tomato paste

600g plum tomatoes, chopped

4 Maggi or other vegetable stock cubes, crushed

2 bay leaves

Pinch each of white pepper and ground black pepper

500g basmati rice, rinsed

Salt

For the scotch bonnet sauce:

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1-2 scotch bonnet chillies, depending on how hot you like it, pricked

4 garlic cloves, crushed

2.5cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated

800g tomatoes, chopped

1 tbsp white vinegar

1 tbsp caster sugar

2 Maggi or other vegetable stock cubes

Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Make the jollof rice: toss the lamb in two tablespoons of the all-purpose seasoning. Place in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring up to the boil. Simmer for 40 minutes to one hour until just tender, skimming off any foam that comes to the surface. Drain the lamb, reserving the cooking liquid. Dry the lamb pieces on kitchen paper.

2. Preheat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 170C or heat the oil in a deep saucepan over a medium-high heat to 170C. Then, working in batches, carefully fry the pieces of lamb for two to three minutes until they are golden brown and crisp all over. Drain on kitchen paper and set aside.

3. Heat the three tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large casserole and add the onion. Cook for 10-15 minutes over a medium heat until the onion is golden, then add the garlic, scotch bonnets, tomato paste and remaining all-purpose seasoning. Cook for another two minutes before adding the tomatoes, stock cubes, bay leaves, salt and a pinch each of black and white pepper. Simmer for five minutes before stirring in the rice and the cooked lamb.

4. Measure the leftover cooking stock from the lamb into a jug. You need 850ml  if there isnt enough, top up with water. Stir this into the rice, cover with foil, put the lid on and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring every so often, until the rice is tender. Remove from the heat and leave the rice to stand, covered, for 15-20 minutes before serving  or saving for jollof balls.

5. Make the scotch bonnet sauce: add the oil to a saucepan and fry the onion over a medium heat for 15 minutes until soft and beginning to caramelise. Add the chillies, garlic and ginger and fry for two to three minutes more before adding the tomatoes, three tablespoons of water, the vinegar, sugar and the stock cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring up to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes to a thick, spicy sauce. Blend to a smooth sauce using a food processor or stick blender.

6. Divide the leftover jollof into eight patties. Take a patty in the palm of your hand and place a piece of mozzarella in the centre. Wrap the rice around it using your hand and shape into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the balls and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.

7. Preheat the oil in deep-fat fryer to 170C or heat the oil in a deep saucepan over a medium-high heat to 170C.

8. Put the flour, beaten eggs and panko in three shallow dishes. Roll each rice ball in the flour, then egg and then panko, coating well.

9. Carefully drop the rice balls in the fryer or saucepan and, working in batches, fry for three to four minutes until golden brown. Drain well on kitchen paper and serve immediately with Scotch Bonnet Sauce.

Big Zuus big bang broccoli recipe

Crispy, deep-fried broccoli with chilli oil (Ellis Parrinder/PA)

You know anything thats called big bang is going to be peng, says Big Zuu. I love broccoli, but when its deep-fried and covered in sauce with extra sprinkles around the side, I sometimes feel myself becoming the broccoli. Love you, brocc.

Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients

1.5L vegetable oil, for deep-frying (if using a saucepan; if using a deep-fat fryer follow manufacturers instructions for oil)

2 large eggs, beaten

 tsp Chinese five spice

60g cornflour

100g broccoli or tenderstem florets

60g panko breadcrumbs

Flaky sea salt

For the dipping sauce:

100g mayonnaise

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tsp crispy chilli oil

1 tbsp sriracha (hot sauce)

To garnish:

2 spring onions, sliced

1 red chilli, sliced

Method

1. Preheat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 180C or heat the oil in a deep saucepan over a medium-high heat to 180C.

2. Mix all the dipping sauce ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

3. Beat the eggs, five spice and two-thirds of the cornflour together to form a smooth batter. Season with a pinch of salt.

4. When the oil is hot, working in batches, first toss the broccoli in the remaining cornflour, then coat in the batter and then toss in the breadcrumbs to lightly coat. Carefully place in the oil. Fry for one minute, turning if necessary, until the breadcrumbs are golden.

5. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.

6. Season with flaky sea salt, garnish with the spring onions and chilli and serve with the dipping sauce.

Big Zuus PBJ cheesecake recipe

Big Zuu claims this cheesecake is mouth heaven (Ellis Parrinder/PA)

I dont think it gets greater than taking classic snacks and combining them with other classic snacks, says Big Zuu.

Ive always wondered how far can we take PBJ. Well, my friend, weve taken it to the next level. That jam on the peanut butter cheesecake is basically mouth heaven.

Makes: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetable oil, for greasing

150g digestive biscuits

75g butter, melted

 tsp salt

170g smooth peanut butter

225g cream cheese

100g caster sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

225ml double cream

40g icing sugar, sifted

60g frozen raspberries

100g seedless raspberry jam

40g salted peanuts, crushed

Method

1. Grease a 20cm springform tin with vegetable oil. To make the base, put the biscuits in a plastic food bag and crush to a fine crumb using a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until crumbly, then stir in the melted butter and salt to make a sandy mixture.

2. Using a spoon, press this into the bottom of the tin to make a smooth, even base. Chill in the freezer while you make the filling.

3. Using a stand mixer or hand whisk, combine the peanut butter, cream cheese, caster sugar and vanilla until smooth and well mixed. In a separate bowl, lightly whip the cream and icing sugar together until very softly whipped, then fold into the cream cheese mixture and mix until well combined.

4. Spoon the filling into the tin and spread over the base to make a smooth, even layer. Chill for four to six hours in the fridge.

5. To make the jam drizzle, heat together the frozen raspberries and jam in a saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to the boil and cook for five minutes or so until thickened, then remove from the heat and cool completely in a bowl.

6. When you are ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the tin, drizzle over the jam drizzle and sprinkle with the peanuts.

Recipes extracted from Big Zuus Big Eats by Big Zuu (Ebury Press, priced 22; photography by Ellis Parrinder), out now.
Famous for his love of marmalade and his unwaveringly polite manners, there are few characters more beloved than Paddington Bear.

The enduring childrens book character, who famously arrived in London from the deepest, darkest jungles of Peru has been delighting fans for over 60 years, having been featured in more than twenty titles written by British author Michael Bond.

Paddingtons set for a new adventure too, as an exhibition called Paddington: The Story of a Bear (July 9October 31, 2021) opens in London this week.

Visitors at the British Library will get to journey through Paddingtons creation and his exciting adventures in London and beyond.

Whether youre a fan of the recent films, or you remember reading the books in your childhood, theres something about Paddingtons kind and caring nature that we can all take inspiration from  especially as we adjust to life without masks and social distancing.

Plus, after a tough year of hard news and difficult headlines, Bonds enduring message of spreading joy has never been more apt. Here are three more important life lessons weve learned from the books and films over the years

1. Dont judge a book by its cover

Whenever Paddington encounters a stranger, he tips his hat, and he always remembers to say please and thank you to everyone he crosses.

Even in the film Paddington 2, when hes imprisoned among Londons very worst criminals, Paddington looks for the good in everyone and befriends many of the scariest inmates, helping them to create positive change.

2. Be kind

In a world where its all too easy to be rude or unkind with our comments on social media, Paddingtons old fashioned values are something we could all do with remembering.

Many of the pickles that Paddington finds himself in are resolved by the childrens book character simply doing the right thing, showing respect for others, and practising kindness and gratitude.

As Paddingtons Aunt Lucy would say: If we are kind and polite we will make everything right.

3. Always look on the bright side

The power of positive thinking shouldnt be overlooked. Even when Paddington finds himself down and out, he always puts a happy spin on the events  and it often helps him to find a good solution.

Being an optimist doesnt come naturally to everyone, but as Paddington proves, its something we can work on by practising every day.
Bang bang chicken is a Sichuan dish thats full of big flavours: the earthiness of sesame oil, the rich umami of chicken fat, the tingle of chilli oil, the sharp kick of Chinese black vinegar and the cooling heat of ginger.

Sometimes translated as bon bon chicken the name comes not from the dishs ingredients, but from how the chicken is prepared. Cooks generally steam or boil whole or cut-up chickens and then  this is the important part  use sticks to bang on them.

Why all the banging? It efficiently separates the meat from the bones and helps tear the chicken into jagged strips and shreds. Or, as writer and cookbook author Cathy Erway put it in a piece for Taste, the banging bruises the thigh and breast meat, transforming it from whole chicken part to a soft sponge. Those tender shards are then ready to absorb the spicy, sweet, sour and salty sauce that goes on top. Cucumbers, spring onions and sprigs of coriander are the finishing touches.

Traditionally served as a cold appetiser or street snack, Erway riffed on the dish for her most recent book of main courses, Sheet Pan Chicken: 50 Simple and Satisfying Ways to Cook Dinner.

I crave a lot of different textures and contrasts in my food, and it became a challenge, almost a game, to see how many I could fit on one pan, Erway says. Its why she decided to include bang bang chicken, albeit a version thats easily made on a baking tray: rub whole chicken breasts with sesame oil, salt and pepper and then roast them, letting their skin get nice and crisp.

But its summer, you cry! My oven and I are on a break!

I hear you. The chicken can be steamed, poached or grilled, too. (When its steamed or poached, it reminds Erway of a similar Taiwanese dish her mother used to make.) You could quickly sear a couple of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or even make this with rotisserie chicken. But, Erway suggests, do yourself a favour and save whatever chicken drippings you come across. I found that if you use the chicken juices from cooking anything, and you add it to your sauce, it gives it a lot of interesting depth, Erway says. Its a scene stealer.

And, whatever you do, dont skip the banging. I use a rolling pin, but a strong wooden spoon works, too. The shards will start out big, and then you can tear them into smaller, bite-size pieces as they cool down. Drizzle the pungent guai wei sauce on top while the chicken is just barely warm. Then, pile on thinly sliced or matchstick-cut cucumbers, roasted peanuts, sliced scallions and lots of fresh coriander.

The thing is, Erway says with a little laugh, banging on things is a lot of fun.

Bang bang chicken

This is a great salad served hot or cold (Rey Lopez/The Washington Post)

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Makes: 4 servings

This is great as a salad, warm, at room temperature or cold. It can also be served over rice, noodles or shredded lettuce for a more filling meal.

Swaps

Instead of chicken, use firm tofu, seared or grilled pork loin chops or ground meat (or non-meat). Note: if you dont use chicken, you can also skip the banging. Just make sure the protein is in bite-size pieces.

Instead of sesame oil, use peanut or coconut oil.

No Chinese sesame paste? Use tahini, or skip it.

Instead of soy sauce, use liquid aminos.

In place of Chinese black vinegar, use red wine vinegar.

Where to buy: Find Chinese sesame paste and black vinegar at Asian markets or online.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (225-275g each)

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp salt

 tsp finely ground black pepper

For the sauce:

 cup soy sauce

 cup Chinkiang vinegar (Chinese black vinegar) or red wine or balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tbsp chilli crisp or chilli oil

1 tbsp Chinese white sesame paste (optional)

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 (2.5cm) piece fresh ginger, peeled and julienned

To serve:

2 Persian cucumbers

 cup toasted peanuts, optional

2 spring onions

1 cup coriander leaves and stems

Steamed rice; cooked Asian wheat noodles, soba noodles or bean thread noodles; or shredded lettuce

Method

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 230C.

Rub the chicken with the sesame oil, salt and pepper. Gently slide your finger underneath the skin of each breast to loosen it from the meat; this will encourage the skin to crisp as it cooks. Place the chicken on a large, rimmed baking tray, skin side up. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the skin is browned and crisp and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast reads 70C.

While the chicken is roasting, make the sauce and prepare the garnishes. In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chilli crisp or oil, sesame paste, if using, sesame oil and ginger.

To prepare the garnishes, julienne the cucumbers, roughly chop the peanuts, if using, thinly slice the spring onions on a bias and coarsely chop the coriander.

Let the cooked chicken cool for about 10 minutes. Using a rolling pin, gently bang or press down on each chicken piece so the meat breaks and shreds apart a bit. Pull the chicken fully away from the bones, and, if preferred, remove and discard the bones. The chicken should be in chunks and shredded bite-size pieces. Serve the chicken over rice, noodles or shredded lettuce with the cucumbers, peanuts, if using, scallions and coriander sprinkled on top. Scrape any pan drippings into the sauce. Serve it on the side to drizzle generously over each serving.

Nutrition per serving | Calories: 281; total fat: 16g; saturated fat: 3g; sodium: 1003mg; carbohydrates: 10g; dietary fibre: 1g; sugars: 8g; protein: 23g.

 The Washington Post
Patients are facing 15-hour waits to be seen in one accident and emergency departs as hospitals across the country see record levels of patients.

As NHS England data confirmed June was the busiest month on record for A&E departments in the NHS, Plymouths Derriford Hospital has confirmed some if its patients had to wait for 15 hours at several points earlier this week.

Elsewhere in the country, hospitals have reported patients facing long waits including up to eight hours at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust on Wednesday, where operations for some cancer patients were cancelled due to an increase in coronavirus patients.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine on Thursday warned unless action was taken the NHS could be in a crisis worse than any previous winter.

At Plymouths Derriford Hospital one member of staff told The Independent the department was extremely busy, every day adding: We are all exhausted and its happening everywhere.

A spokesperson for University Hospitals Plymouth Trust said the hospital had seen a record level of attendances between 1 June and 6 July, with a total of 10,976 patients.

At the end of June the trust declared a black alert after hundreds of patients arrived at A&E and its medical wards were over 100 per cent bed capacity.

In March it was issued with a warning by the Care Quality Commission after inspectors identified immediate safety concerns for patients.

The watchdog had concerns about corridor care for patients in A&E and overcrowding causing long delays for ambulances waiting to hand over patients.

A spokesperson for the trust said: We can confirm we are experiencing extremely high attendances to our emergency department, a pattern replicated among other hospitals across the country.

We can confirm that the wait in the department has at times reached 15 hours, but we continue to ensure patients are prioritised in order of clinical need and are seen in the shortest timeframe possible.

Patient safety remains our main focus and we would like to thank the staff for their tireless efforts in responding to the ongoing pressures and their commitment to working for our patients to provide the best possible care.

The trust has a live web page for recording waits in A&E which on Thursday afternoon showed the longest wait was 200 minutes.

NHS bosses have warned it is experiencing winter levels of demand in the summer, with a warning that patient safety could be compromised if coronavirus cases reach the 100,000 a day predicted by health secretary Sajid Javid earlier this week.

Hospitals are trying to recover their backlogs for operations but also face severe staff shortages and new infection rules meaning less capacity than before the pandemic. While hospital admissions with Covid are lower than in previous waves of the virus, only a small increase is enough to mean operations may be cancelled or patients face long waits to be seen.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has warned the NHS could be short of 16,000 beds it needs to cope with the number of emergency admissions being seen across the country.

It has said the overcrowding in A&E of patients waiting to be seen will lead to an increase in deaths and represents a sustained threat to patient safety.

Dr Katherine Henderson, president of the college said: We have a serious problem in urgent and emergency care. We are deeply concerned. We are facing record-breaking figures in the high summer. We can only begin to imagine what this winter may bring.

Busy departments are a threat to patient safety, it increases the chance of crowding and corridor care, this risk is significantly increased if covid and non-covid patients are sharing the space for long periods of time.

The data show what is happening on the ground, and it is likely that things will worsen in the coming months, especially as we enter the winter. The government must realize there is a looming crisis and take swift and urgent action  this is critical ahead of winter.

If no action is taken, we may soon be in the middle of a crisis worse than any previous winter.
Dec. 6. 1492  Christopher Columbus lands on a Caribbean island that the Indigenous Tainos called Quisqueya. The Spanish enslave the Tainos and rename it Isla Espanola, shortened to Hispaniola.

1697  Spain cedes the western third of the island to France

Jan. 1, 1804  Following a lengthy slave revolt and war of independence, the former French colony officially becomes Haiti  the world's first Black-led republic and the second independent republic in the Americas after the U.S.

April 17, 1825  France finally recognizes Haitis independence  but demands 90 million gold francs in compensation. The United States recognizes Haiti only in 1862.

July 28, 1915  The assassination of Haiti's president prompts U.S. President Woodrow Wilson to send U.S. Marines to Haiti; the occupation ends in August 1934.

Oct. 22, 1957  Francois Papa Doc Duvalier is inaugurated as president. A medical doctor turned dictator, he promoted Noirisme, a movement that sought to highlight Haitis African roots over its European ones while uniting the black majority against the mulatto elite in a country divided by class and color.

April 21, 1971  Duvalier dies and his 19-year-old son Jean-Claude Baby Doc succeeds him as the worlds youngest president.

Feb. 7, 1986  Duvalier flees to France amid a popular uprising. A military junta assumes power under Gen. Henri Namphy.

Feb. 7, 1988  Leslie Manigat is sworn in as president in an army-organized election. He's ousted by Namphy a few months later. In September, Namphy is ousted as well and Prosper Avril assumes power.

March 10, 1990  Avril resigns amid a popular revolt.

Feb. 7, 1991  Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former Roman Catholic priest and pro-democracy activist, becomes president after election.

Sept. 29, 1991  Aristide is ousted by a military junta.

Oct. 15, 1994  Aristide returns to Haiti with the support of U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Feb. 7, 1996  Rene Preval, a prime minister under Aristide, is inaugurated as president following election.

Feb. 7, 2001  Aristide takes office for a second elected term, which is marred in part by the international community blocking hundred of millions of dollars in aid.

Feb. 29, 2004  Aristide is ousted by an armed rebellion and goes into exile.

May 14, 2006  Preval is inaugurated for a second term and becomes the only democratically elected president in Haiti to win and complete two terms.

Jan. 12, 2010  A magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastates Haiti, killing thousands and prompting massive promises of aid.

May 14, 2011  Michel Martelly, a former pop star with close ties to the military junta that first toppled Aristide, becomes the elected president.

October 4, 2016  Category 4 Hurricane Matthew strikes Haiti and kills hundreds of people.

Feb. 7, 2017  Businessman Jovenel Moise, Martellys hand-picked candidate, becomes president following a second election, the first having been annulled by fraud.

Feb. 7, 2021  Moise announces 23 people arrested in coup plot. Courts later dismiss claim and free them.

July 7, 2021  Moise is killed in his home after years of mounting unrest and allegations of corruption.
A delegation of the Taliban visited Moscow on Thursday to offer assurances that their quick gains on the ground in Afghanistan do not threaten Russia or its allies in Central Asia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the Kremlin envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, met with the Taliban delegation to express concern about the escalation and tensions in northern Afghanistan. The ministry said Kabulov urged the Taliban to prevent them from spreading beyond the countrys borders.

We received assurances from the Taliban that they wouldnt violate the borders of Central Asian countries and also their guarantees of security for foreign diplomatic and consular missions in Afghanistan," the ministry said.

Earlier this week, Taliban advances forced hundreds of Afghan soldiers to flee across the border into Tajikistan which hosts a Russian military base. Tajikistan in turn called up 20,000 military reservists to strengthen its southern border with Afghanistan.

Russian officials have expressed concern that the Taliban surge could destabilize the ex-Soviet Central Asian nations north of Afghanistan.

In comments carried by the Russian state Tass news agency, Taliban spokesman Mohammad Sohail Shaheen said their delegation came to Moscow to assure that we wont allow anyone to use the Afghan territory to attack Russia or neighboring countries.

We have very good relations with Russia, he was quoted by Tass as saying, adding that the insurgents remain committed to a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan.

Moscow, which fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with Soviet troops withdrawal in 1989, has made a diplomatic comeback as a mediator, reaching out to feuding Afghan factions as it has jockeyed with the U.S. for influence in the country.

It has hosted several rounds of talks on Afghanistan, most recently in March, that involved the Taliban  even though Russia has labeled them a terrorist organization.

Russia this week expressed readiness to support Central Asian nations that are part of the Moscow-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization.

We will do everything, including using the capacity of the Russian military base on Tajikistans border with Afghanistan, in order to prevent any aggressive moves against our allies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned Wednesday.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community members were refused care by British GP practices during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in what has been described as a breach of equalities law, it has been revealed.

In a mystery shopping exercise conducted by Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)  a leading national charity that works on behalf of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers  74 out of 100 of GP surgeries appeared to break NHS England guidance by refusing to register a nomadic patient in March and April of this year.

The study further found that another 17 GP surgeries did not answer the phone despite receiving phone calls on three different dates and times from a mystery shopper.

The new findings suggests that inequalities in registration for people living nomadically have significantly worsened, pandemic notwithstanding, since the charitys last report in 2019 which highlighted that 24 of 50 (48 per cent) GP practices contacted wrongfully refused to register a Romany or Traveller person.

Mattey Mitchell, the charitys Health Campaigns Officer, said: Access to healthcare for Romany and Traveller people has plummeted at a time when these communities need it most. NHS Guidance is very clear on this  we must take pains to protect the most marginalised in our society from the effects of the pandemic.

We have seen great efforts on that front, and yet Romany and Traveller communities appear once again to have fallen through the cracks.

Its imperative that we address these inequalities and, more importantly, that we reflect critically on what this says about our collective values  is it permissible for any group in modern Britain to experience this level of exclusion?

Friends, Families and Travellers Health Campaigns Officer Mattey Mitchell says access to healthcare for Romany and Traveller people has plummeted amid the pandemic. (Supplied)

In the 2011 Census, 58,000 people identified themselves as Gypsy or Irish Traveller, accounting for 0.1 per cent of the resident population of England and Wales.

According to NHS guidelines, there is no requirement for patients to prove identity, address or immigration status to register with a general practitioner and applicants may also apply via post or online.

Despite this, the most common reasons for refused registration from the 74 GP practices were because the mystery shopper was unable to provide proof of identity, proof of fixed address or register online.

Romany and Traveller communities are known to face some of the most severe health inequalities amongst the UK population, even when compared with other ethnic minorities and other groups experiencing exclusion.

Friends, Families and Travellers is calling on newly appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid to make a clear commitment to ensuring that patients who do not register online are still able to access all NHS healthcare supports.

The report also calls for NHS England and NHS Improvement to develop a national and local accountability framework for GP registrations, as well as to introduce contractual obligations for GP practices to register patients who choose to sign up through non-digital means, unless there are good clinical reasons against doing so.

Beccy  who lives in her van full time  told The Independent that the approach of some GP practices towards nomadic communities is playing Russian roulette with peoples health and potentially lives.

About three years ago, Beccy had been registered with a GP surgery who had given permission to register and use the address of the surgery as her postal address, allowing her to receive her medical post there.

However, after moving to a different area, the local surgery refused to register her without evidence of a fixed address.

This practice makes something simple, such as accessing healthcare, more complicated and stressful than it needed to be.

I was really disappointed that a place you would hope would be safe and welcoming were being so unhelpful, she said. My concern is for people who may have serious health conditions and be prevented from accessing healthcare.

Lydia, a live-aboard boater, who resides with her husband Ryo and their child, said that when she became pregnant in 2019, the couple cruised between three cities, but struggled to register with GPs.

She said they had tried to register with at least five GPs, but said no one would take them on without evidence of a fixed address.

Were in this situation with a huge amount of privilege. We chose to be boaters, we chose a nomadic lifestyle and we had my parents address that we could use and a car to drive to the appointment, she explained to The Independent, adding that she doesnt claim to speak for the traveller community but wants to help raise awareness about this disparity.

Lydia, a live-aboard boater says she and her family struggled to register with GPs due to having no fixed address. (Supplied)

Its obviously inconvenient and stressful but Im hyper aware that my experiences dont reflect those from across the Traveller community  lots of people are Travellers because thats what their family are.

I felt frustrated and quite resentful knowing that I have every right to have local healthcare but being denied it and feeling quite helpless in that position, she said.

Lydia said she also felt a little bit scared because Ive read a lot of the importance in continuity of care in midwifery and supporting women through birth.

Domino, a boater who has been living nomadically across Bristol and London since 2019 and who has also been homeless, said he has tried to register with more than 20 surgeries, but has been turned down repeatedly due to having no fixed address.

I was left without any support for about two years. Its only been in the last two months after getting a registered address that Ive been able to access GP healthcare  meanwhile both my physical and mental health were made worse for not receiving any primary care, he said.

In some cases, people have been openly hostile to me for challenging their assertion that they are entitled to refuse care to people with no fixed abode, Domino added. Were meant to have universal healthcare in the UK; the whole situation is unnecessarily problematic and discriminatory for people who dont have a fixed address.

There is often limited compassion and flexibility in the active refusal to comply with the duty of care, he said. It gets really demoralising to hear that you cant register with GPs four or five times in a row when youre finding it hard enough to get out of bed anyway, and you need emergency medication.

An NHS spokesperson said: The NHS in England is clear that everyone is entitled to access to a GP and is working closely with charities including Friends, Families and Travellers to increase the number of registrations through the GP access card scheme.
As England beat Denmark at Wembley, making their way into the final of Euro 2020, fans across the country were jubilent.

Horns blared as huge crowds of supporters clad in red and white celebrated the win, chanting, singing and lining the streets of towns and cities across the UK.

In London, supporters commandeered several stationary London buses off Picadilly Circus, climing ontop of them and waving the England flag, before riot police were called and they were forced to come down.

They added that alleged offences included: common assault, public order and assault on police.

It wasnt just buses that proved popular with fans, with supporters climbing onto everything from telephone boxes to climbing up street lamps in celebration.

Meanwhile in Leicester, people began taking up orange and white striped traffic bollards and hurling them into the road as supporters could be heard singing Its coming home in the background.

Here is a selection of photographs of England fans celebrating last nights win:

(AFP via Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)
The UN has described Priti Patels planned asylum overhaul as an "almost neo-colonial approach" designed to shift the responsibility for protecting refugees away from Britain.

At a Chatham House briefing on Thursday, Gillian Triggs, the assistant high commissioner for protection at the UNHCR, said the UK appeared to be trying to wash its hands of its international responsibilities.

The Nationality and Borders Bill, laid in parliament on Tuesday, would enable immigration officers to intercept vessels in British waters and take them to foreign ports  a controversial practice known as pushback.

It would also allow the Home Office to send asylum seekers overseas while their claims are processed, in a similar way to the offshore polices introduced in Australia in 2013. Rwanda, Ascension Island and Gibraltar have been mooted as potential offshore locations.

Other proposals in the bill include denying permanent protection to asylum seekers who arrive in the UK via unauthorised means, which accounts for more than six in 10 of those who have arrived in recent years.

And it would pave the way for the Home Office to effectively punish countries that refuse to take back their own citizens with a new power to control the availability of visas for legal entrants to the UK.

Ms Triggs criticised the UK, as well as Denmark, which is pursuing similar reforms, for turning to externalisation  likening the plans to Australias use of processing centres in Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

She said the UNHCR was absolutely dismayed that some of our strongest supporters historically are now playing with this idea of externalising their responsibilities.

What we are finding is that western, developed and wealthy countries are now not sharing responsibilities but shifting burdens to these poor countries, she added.

Lawyers, doctors and politicians in Australia have warned the UK not to replicate its dark and bloody chapter on asylum, describing their countrys offshore regime, which provoked global outrage and has now been wound down, as an international embarrassment.

Describing the Australian policies as having had disastrous consequences, Ms Triggs said: To see Denmark and now the UK looking at the same ideas is a matter of deep concern to UNHCR because we see it as almost a neo-colonial approach.

You pass it off to ... African countries and you wash your hands with it. You might pay a lot of money ... but nonetheless to shift the burden in that way without the safeguards is a problem.

She added: If we push back at the borders and we do not allow a claim to be made at the border, you pretty much undermine the entire asylum system.

In order to send asylum seekers overseas for processing, the UK would require an agreement in the destination country or territory. The Home Office has so far refused to comment on the progress of any negotiations.

The idea of such agreements has been opposed by governments including those of Gibraltar and Scotland. Ms Triggs said she expected the UK and Denmark would face difficulty finding partners in their schemes.

Another central part of Ms Patels asylum plan is to attempt to remove people who arrive via unauthorised routes, such as on a small boat across the Channel, to a safe country that they have passed through.

However, to do this, the Home Office will likely need to strike bilateral returns agreements with countries such as France, Germany and Belgium  all of which have confirmed to The Independent that they are not prepared to participate.

A Home Office spokesperson said its plans would fix the broken asylum system, adding: We will welcome people through safe and legal routes whilst preventing abuse of the system, cracking down on illegal entry and the criminality associated with it.
Double-vaccinated Britons can swerve quarantine when they arrive from amber-listed countries from 19 July, the government has confirmed.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced the forthcoming rule changes on Thursday after the prime minister confirmed 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.

The announcement comes as every adult in the UK can now receive their second dose of a coronavirus vaccine eight weeks after their first jab as the government races to accelerate the vaccine rollout programme.

By halving the gap between jabs, all adults should have had the chance to receive both doses of a Covid vaccine by mid-September, health secretary Sajid Javid said earlier this week.

Travel quarantine-free

From 19 July  when all remaining Covid restrictions will be dropped in England  Britons who received their second dose two weeks before will no longer have to quarantine when arriving from amber countries.

Currently all arrivals from amber countries have to self-isolate for 10 days and take two post-arrival PCR tests, regardless of vaccination status. From red list countries, arrivals must go into 11 nights of hotel quarantine at their expense.

The change will allow fully vaccinated people to travel quarantine-free to most of mainland Europe, including countries such as France, Spain and Portugal. Only 27 territories are on the UKs green list, permitting quarantine-free travel.

Having said that, some amber list countries have their own entry requirements for Britons.

Amber arrivals will still need to take a pre-departure test three days before they go and a PCR test on or before day two  but not on day eight.

The change in plans will only apply in England, as the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will continue to make their own decisions on international arrival procedures.

End of test and trace self-isolation

People who come into contact with a positive case of coronavirus will be exempt from quarantining at home for up to 10 days from 16 August.

Under the existing rules, if a person is pinged by the NHS test and trace app, or called by contact tracers after coming into contact with a positive case, they must isolate at home for a period of up to 10 days.

But under new rules, 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.

What protection does a second Covid dose offer?

Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs provide strong protection against hospitalisation from the Delta variant of Covid-19, first identified in India and now the dominant strain across the UK.

One dose of the Pfizer vaccine provides 36 per cent protection against symptomatic Covid-19 from the Delta variant. This increases to 79 per cent two weeks after a second jab.

Similarly, one single dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine provides limited protection against the Delta variant, but increases to 60 per cent two weeks after a second jab.

In terms of hospitalisations, the Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be 96 per cent effective against hospitalisation after 2 doses while the Oxford vaccine is 92 per cent effective against hospitalisation after 2 doses.

Why has the guidance changed?

Early JCVI guidance recommended a 12-week gap, which was introduced at the beginning of the rollout when supplies were short and the emphasis was on administering as many first jabs as possible to get vaccine coverage up quickly.

Research also later confirmed that a longer interval between the first and second dose triggers a marginally superior immune response, although the original clinical trials conducted into the UKs approved vaccines showed that it was safe and effective to fully immunise people over a three to four-week period.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that second doses should be given no earlier than eight weeks after a first jab, citing evidence which shows that the longer interval provides higher levels of protection than the usual three-week gap.

But confronted with the highly transmissible Delta variant, the imminent lifting of most Covid restrictions and a healthy-looking stockpile of supplies, many GP-run centres and large-scale vaccination sites have defied the JCVI orders, offering early second doses to young people to ensure their stock does not go to waste.

In June, the Science Museum in London was slapped down by NHS officials after offering out second Pfizer jabs to anyone who had received their first dose more than 21 days ago. Wembley Stadium was also told to stop after announcing that it was providing a similar service.

How can I change my appointment?

All adults can now book or reschedule their vaccination appointments on the NHS website. To change your second jab slot, enter your NHS number, date of birth and booking reference number.

The system will offer to show you local appointment availability, so you are able to check what slots there are before cancelling. Select check availability before cancelling to see what available slots there are.

You can also book or change your appointment by ringing 119.

All adults can also get a second vaccination at walk-in centres across the country, provided they have received their first jab eight weeks before they turn up to the centre.
Boris Johnson said all British troops would be coming home from Afghanistan, confirming the end of the UKs official role in a two-decades long conflict.

Most of the 750 remaining British troops have already been pulled out, the prime minister confirmed, promising that the withdrawal would not be the end of commitment to the country.

I hope no one will leap to the false conclusion that the withdrawal of our forces somehow means the end of Britains commitment to Afghanistan  we are not about to turn away, Mr Johnson told parliament.

Mr Johnson pledged 100m in development assistance and 58m for the countrys security and defence forces this year, claiming it would help preserve the gains made over the past 20 years.

The international military presence in Afghanistan was never intended to be permanent. We and our Nato allies were always going to withdraw our forces. The only question was when, and there could never be a perfect moment.

It follows the announcement in April by US president Joe Biden that he was ending the American military presence in Afghanistan.

While the UK has said it respects the US decision, ministers and military commanders have made no secret of their disappointment.

There are fears the departure of foreign forces will leave the government of president Ashraf Ghani vulnerable in the face of a Taliban advance  rolling back the gains that have been made over the past two decades.

Labours deputy leader Angela Rayner said gains such as the advances in the rights of women had not yet been secured, adding: Its hard to see a future without bloodier conflict and wider Taliban control.

Ms Rayner challenged Mr Johnson to explain to British veterans how those advances would be protected and their efforts will not be in vain.

Mr Johnson said the UK would continue to exert diplomatic and political influence in Afghanistan. He also hinted at further military intervention in Afghanistan  should the Taliban allow terror groups to establish themselves in parts of the country.

Labour former minister Hilary Benn asked why the government is so confident the Taliban will never again allow any part of Afghanistan ... to be used by terrorist forces  including the so-called Islamic State  as a base to attack the UK and its allies.

Mr Johnson noted the Taliban has controlled a very considerable part of Afghanistan in recent years, adding: Its during that period we havent seen terrorist operations launched against the wider world.

British troops leaving Helmand province in 2014 (PA)

The prime minister said the UK was keeping our embassy in Kabul and will work with allies like Pakistan to try to bring about a lasting settlement with the Taliban.

There must be negotiated settlement for Afghanistan. I think we have to be realistic about this  it will have to include the Taliban.

The prime minister also rejected MPs call for inquiry in the UKs involvement in Afghanistan and any lessons to be learned for future military interventions.

British forces were first deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks on the US and played a major role in combat operations until 2014. A total of 457 British soldiers were killed in the country.
The law designed to prevent Scottish MPs from voting down legislation affecting England only will be axed, in a new government bid to revive the Union.

English votes for English laws (EVEL) was introduced by David Camerons government to calm Conservative anger that the devolution settlement had handed to much power to Scottish MPs.

But the government is now arguing it has not served our Parliament well, paving the way for a vote that will scrap the law next week.

The Scottish National Party hailed the move as a massive defeat for the Conservatives, saying: We will finally bury this appalling, time-wasting mess next week.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Commons leader, admitted it was a victory for the SNP, but argued: Its also a victory for people of my way of thinking about our constitution.

This is important because, within this House, we are the Parliament of the whole of the United Kingdom.

However, the removal means the UK is once again wrestling with what was famously dubbed the West Lothian question after being raised by Labour Tam Dalyell, back in the 1970s.

It demanded to know why English MPs could not vote on matters devolved to other parts of the UK  yet Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland MPs vote at Westminster on England-only matters.

Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, announced the move to abolish the requirement that such legislation must be approved by a majority of English MPs.

The government believes it has not served our Parliament well and that removing it would simplify the legislative process, he told MPs.

The move is an implicit rebuke to Mr Cameron, who  notoriously  unveiled EVEL the day after Scots voted against independence in 2014, saying: The millions of voices of England must be heard.

Scottish Tories have been pushing for EVEL to be axed since 2017, believing it is powerful ammunition for the SNP to whip up anti-Union sentiment.

But two cabinet ministers are believed to want to save it, fearing its abolition will leave future governments vulnerable to laws for England being imposed against their will.

Therese Coffey, the work and pensions secretary, and Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, are reported to have spoken out, in vain.

Mr Gove said: My department, along with the Leader of the House, have been reviewing the English votes for English laws procedure.

The procedure has been suspended since April 2020 and, having reflected on the procedure, the government believes it has not served our Parliament well and that removing it would simplify the legislative process.

Its a fundamental principle that all constituent parts of the United Kingdom should be equally represented in Parliament.
Health secretary Sajid Javid has cast doubt on the governments promise to come up with a plan to fix the social care system by the end of 2021  saying he could not put an exact date on the commitment.

Boris Johnson pledged in July 2019 to fix the crisis in social care once and for all  with a clear plan we have prepared.

Downing Street blamed the Covid crisis for the delay, but former health secretary Matt Hancock said in June that the plan would be ready by the end of this year.

Mr Hancocks successor Mr Javid has now raised fears it could be pushed back once again  saying only that he hoped his department would be able outline a general sense of direction soon.

I do hope were able to come forward with plans, the minister told the Local Government Association (LGA) conference on Thurday. I dont want to put an exact date on it, but the work is intense.

Mr Javid added: Whilst we may not be able to announce the whole plan that weve been working on together, with all the details there. But I think we could set out, quite soon, the general sense of direction in terms of a new offering on social care.

Labour was scathing about Mr Javids comments, saying those who work and rely on the ailing sector had heard enough excuses from the government.

Shadow minister for social care Liz Kendall said: The government have had over a decade to set out the general direction of their social care reforms, yet have repeatedly failed to do so.

She added: Social care staff, users and their families have heard enough excuses  its time to see the plan the prime minister said he had prepared in 2019.

Care bodies and sector leaders had previously warned that spending commitments needed to address the national crisis in social care had to be made this autumn.

Andrew Dilnot, who led a major review into social care funding in 2011, warned earlier this year that a failure to outline plans in the autumn public spending review could leave the system unfixed until after the next general election.

If we dont make decisions this year, its very hard to see how they can be implemented before the next election, he said. I really do think this autumn is the time.

Addressing the challenges faced by the NHS, Mr Javid warned that the winters flu season could be more challenging than previous years due to a low natural immunity during lockdowns.

The health secretary said the potential problems from flu underlined the need to lift the curbs in England this summer, rather than risk a wave of Covid cases coinciding with the annual NHS winter pressures.

All the public health officials that we have, the scientists, our epidemiologists, are saying that its much better to open up going into the summer, for lots of reasons, than just waiting to do it in the winter.

This winter we see a much lower level of immunity than we normally have to flu because of the lack of cases last year, he added.

Mr Javid also joked about his predecessor Mr Hancock losing his job after being caught on camera kissing an aide.

I hope my camera is on, is my camera on? he asked as he dialled in to the LGA conference, adding: I mean, the one on my laptop  not the one in the ceiling.
Leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer, has again openly branded the Delta variant the Johnson variant, whilst criticising the prime ministers handling of the Covid pandemic.

Speaking on ITVs Good Morning Britain on Thursday, Sir Keir blamed the Boris Johnson for the spread of the Delta variant and recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the UK.

He also tweeted an image of a perplexed looking Mr Johnson entitiled JOHNSON VARIANT.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Sir Keir said: The only reason were in restrictions today is because Boris Johnson left [the border with India] open and the Delta variant has now taken hold.

Its why were calling in the Johnson variant because he let it in by leaving the back door open, he added.

Meanwhile in Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, Mr Starmer talked about the Johnson variant whilst criticising Mr Johnson to the House of Commons.

Sir Keir said: Lets be clear why infection rates are so high, because the prime minister let the Delta, or we can call it the Johnson variant, into the country.

Mr Johnson looked on in apparent annoyance, whilst many in the house appeared to agree with Mr Starmer as a chorus of hear hear could be heard.

The Labour leader went on to brand the prime minister reckless, saying: Lets be clear why the number of cases will surge so quickly: because he is taking all protections off in one go, that is reckless.

Finally, he addressed Mr Johnson: Is the prime minister really comfortable with a plan that means 100,000 people catching this virus every day and everything that that entails?

In response, Mr Johson highlighted the success of the countrys vaccination roll-out, adding: We will continue with a balanced and reasonable approach.

Sir Keir responded to this saying: We should open up in a controlled way.

On Good Morning Britain, the Labour party leader also attacked the Conservative governments overall management of the pandemic. As well as mentioning the spread of the Delta variant, he cited the absolute failure on care homes, the chaos on exams last summer and the chaos at Christmas with the mixing.

Now it seems [Mr Johnson] wants to take all the restrictions off in one go and to let the variant let rip, said Sir Keir.

The news comes days after Boris Johnosn announced that he expects all Covid restrictions to be dropped in England on 19 July.

This would include nightclubs reopening and the mask-wearing rule being scrapped, a move that has been heavily criticised by experts who called the move unethical and illogical in an open letter to medical journal The Lancet.

The final decision for which restrictions will be lifted on 19 July will be announced on 12 July.

Mr Johnson has however suggested that a move away from legal restrictions would allow people to make their own informed decisions about how to manage the virus.
Former South African president Jacob Zuma has handed himself over to police and begun a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court.

Zuma, 79, was admitted to Estcourt Correctional Centre in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday night. Television aired live footage of his motorcade entering the facility.

The end of the standoff marked the culmination of a long legal drama seen as a test of the post-apartheid states 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 judgment of the Constitutional Court.

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.

But Zuma showed defiance and urged a regional court on Tuesday to stop its order to the police to arrest him, saying he would pursue legal challenges against the prison sentence. His lawyers also asked the Constitutional Court on Wednesday to suspend the order.

Zumas initial resistance fuelled anger among his supporters. Hundreds of them, some armed with guns, spears and shields, gathered near his home to try to prevent his arrest. The reaction of his political camp exposed deep discord in the governing African National Congress party.

In the end, Zuma decided to go quietly. President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order, his foundation said, the first time his 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 in 1963 by South Africas white minority rulers for his part in the ANCs struggle to make everyone equal before the law, serving ten years alongside Nelson Mandela on Robben Island.

The Zondo Commission is examining allegations that he allowed three Indian-born businessmen, Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta, to plunder state resources and influence government policy. He and the Gupta brothers, who fled to Dubai after Zuma was ousted in 2018, deny any wrongdoing.

He also faces a separate court case relating to a $2bn arms deal in 1999 when he was deputy president. He denies the charges.

Additional reporting by agencies
Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton book series, has revealed that her father and sister have been killed during a traffic pile-up in Utah.

I have lost my father and my sister, Ms Quinn said in a post on Facebook, because a catering company did not secure their load and canvas bags spilled onto the highway.

She continued: Because a pickup driver thought nothing of driving while his blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit ... I have lost my father, and I dont have my sister with whom to grieve.

The Utah Highway Patrol confirmed to local news outlets that Stephen Lewis Cotler, 77 and Ariana Elise Cotler, known as Violet Charles, 37, were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday.

Utah Highway Patrol told Gephardt Daily that a catering company lost their load of canvas bags onto the freeway and that two cars stopped, or nearly stopped, for the debris.

The statement continued: A green Ford F-250 came upon the stopped traffic and collided into a red Toyota Prius out of California. The Prius then struck a silver Chevy Malibu.

The outlet reported that the driver of the green ford had minor injuries was arrested for DUI, with officials reportedly confirming that the suspects blood was nearly three times the legal limit.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that a Bluffdale man had been charged following the incident with criminal homicide and driving under the influence.

Ms Quinn expressed grief that she had just finished writing a graphic novel with her sister that was dedicated to their father.

She said: It will still be dedicated to our father. It wont be a surprise anymore, but Id like to think he suspected wed do it. He knew us so well. He was our dad.

Two others were said to have been hospitalised following the incident. A post on Mr Cotlers own Facebook page confirmed that Ms Charles service dog Michelle also died in the crash.

Ms Quinn is known for writing the bestselling Bridgerton book series which was turned into a smash hit Netflix adaptation released last year.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested the suspected gunman who ambushed and killed one of their agents, but theyre no closer to identifying a motive for the deadly attack outside a federal government building.

Greg Ferency was shot and killed by a man waiting outside the FBIs office in the western Indiana town of Terre Haute, near the states western border with Illinois.

A 30-year detective with Terre Haute Police Department, Mr Ferency was assigned to the federal FBI task force since 2010.

Paul Keenan, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Indianapolis office, said the shooting was considered an ambush as the suspect arrived before Mr Ferency walked out of the FBI Indianapolis Resident Agency on Wednesday.

Mr Keenan told reporters at a Thursday press conference that an FBI agent inside the building heard the gunshots and fired at and shot the suspect, who drove himself to Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

It was unclear whether the suspect fired on the second FBI agent before leaving the scene. He underwent surgery for his injuries and was placed in federal custody while recovering in hospital, though has been unable to give a statement due to his injuries.

Were still looking at motive and were leaving all avenues open at this time, Mr Keenan said, according to the Associated Press.

He said federal charges were "imminent" and that suspects identity would not be released until then.

The shooting is being probed by the FBIs Inspection Division, and Mr Keenan said a search warrant had been executed at the suspects home, according to WRTV Indianapolis.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said Mr Ferency "was a good man" and that it was not a good time to be a police officer in America, WRTV reported.

"We lost a true public servant today and I dont say that as a cliche statement," Mr Carter said. "We owe Greg a debt of gratitude that will likely never be able to be repaid."
A man who was arrested after a housekeeper allegedly found a cache of guns stashed in his hotel room over the 4 July weekend walked out of custody and immediately proposed to a woman.

Keegan Casteel, 32, of Iowa, was arrested in Chicago on Tuesday after police discovered the guns in a hotel room that overlooks a popular tourist spot at a Lake Michigan beach.

The housekeeper allegedly discovered a rifle, handgun and ammunition on a 12th floor window sill, with police saying the worker may have prevented a tragedy from happening.

Mr Casteel was charged with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and was held on $10,000 bond. At around 5.30pm on Wednesday the man posted $1,000 bail and walked out of Cook County Jail, FoxNews32 reported.

However, ABC7 reported that as Mr Casteel, who declined to answer questions from reporters, went to a nearby car and then popped the question to a woman who had been in the drivers seat.

In a video of the unusual moment, the woman appears shocked and begins to cry as Mr Casteel is down on one knee. She appears to accept the proposal.

FoxNews32 reported that following the gesture, Mr Casteel still declined to comment to reporters before getting in the vehicle before it drove away.

The broadcaster said that Mr Casteel will return to Chicago for his next court appearance on 14 July. The man is reported to have two children and is reported to own an auto repair shop in Des Moines.

Judge David Navarro on Tuesday said that the man had permission to possess the firearms in the state of Iowa.

However, clearly, were not in Iowa, the judge added. Police Superintendent David Brown said that the defendant did not possess a criminal history.
A woman accused of abandoning her newborn baby in a dumpster 14 years ago has been arrested, according to authorities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Tara Brazzle, aged 44, reportedly admitted to police that she was the mother of the newborn, whose death shocked locals residents in Lancaster in September 2007.

The newborn was found by employees at a YMCA where Ms Brazzle worked. The child and its umbilical cord were wrapped in a blood-stained towel and several bags, and placed into a dumpster.

Coroners ruled the death a homicide due to complications of asphyxia, and DNA tests carried were out on the infant.

Police reportedly ruled out 25 women as suspects before Ms Bazzle admitted to the infants death.

Lancaster County prosecutors and police announced Wednesday that she has been charged with one count of criminal homicide in the death of the newborn  known informally as Baby Mary Anne.

The death and circumstances of the discovery of Baby Mary Anne had a tremendous impact on this community, said District Attorney Heather Adams, in comments reported by The Washington Post.

The case was incredibly sad then and incredibly sad now, as those with ties to Baby Mary Anne begin to process and grieve a personal loss about which they are only now learning.

Ms Brazzle, who lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, was arrested at the San Jose International Airport in San Jose, California with an arrest warrant, and is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

She told police that she knew she was pregnant. She failed to seek any prenatal care for the baby and did not provide any medical care to the baby after giving birth, Ms Adams added.

According to Brazzle, she placed the baby in the trash dumpster located behind the YMCA several days later.
A police department in California has conducted its largest-ever cannabis raid after confiscating a stash worth nearly $1.2 billion dollars.

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office led a successful attempt to seize more than 33,000 lbs of the drug in a process that lasted ten days in the Antelope Valley area north of the city. The operation took more than 400 people from various law enforcement agencies: the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office, US Drug Enforcement Agency, California National Guard and the states branch of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Other local, state and federal agents also assisted with the mission.

The effort to recover the drug prompted 131 arrests and 33,480 lbs of cannabis being taken by authorities, alongside 30 growing sites demolished and 33 guns being found.

At a press conference, Sheriff Alex Villanueva reported that 180 animals were rescued from the site as well as $28,000. He also warned about the potential for organised crime connected to the farm.

Many of these grows have been directly tied to Mexican drug trafficking organisations and Asian and Aremian organized crime groups, Sheriff Villanueva told reporters on 6 July. He also pointed the links these places had to violent crime.

The areas representative, Democrat Eric Garcia, said of the need for the raid: I saw hundreds, if not thousands, of these illegal nurseries throughout our desert being manned by primarily illegal immigrants. Over 90 per cent of the folks working these farms are indentured servants of some form. Theyre stealing our water, in many cases theyre squatting on our land, according to NBC Los angeles

I want to be very clear that these are not mom and pop or legal operations that we are fighting, he continued. These are large-scale illegal operations in many cases being run by several different cartels right here in our backyard.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has released video footage of a handcuffed man shooting a police officer with the officers holstered gun.

Lyndon Troung was attending a concert at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas when he became involved in a disturbance, pushed a security officer and ran off on 4 July at about 1.33am.

LVMPD Assistant Sheriff Laz Chavez said the 28-year-olds behaviour was erratic that night during a press conference on Tuesday.

Mr Troung, who is from San Diego, was finally apprehended but struggled with police as they were trying to handcuff him.

As officers were trying to adjust the cuffs, pushing the suspect up against an elevator wall, Mr Troung used his left hand to pull the trigger of one of the officers Glock 21 .45-calibre handgun while it was in his holster, shooting him in the leg, according to KVVU .

Hes got your gun! one of the officers can be heard saying on the bodycam footage. Get him a tourniquet!

The gun was in a duty holster on the officers belt.

Mr Troung was able to insert one of his fingers into the holster and pull the trigger of the firearm, Mr Chavez said. It should be noted that the firearm was never removed from the holster.

Another officer was injured when fragments of the bullet hit his ankle. None of the injuries were life-threatening. Both officers were treated at a hospital and have since been released. Mr Chavez said the officer who was shot in the leg is at home and is doing fine.

The department will look into whether they can continue using that kind of holster.

It can very well be an equipment issue, Mr Chavez said. I spent this morning looking at a number of different holsters and I have the same concerns that probably everyone in this room has. Were going to look at that and make some determinations of whether or not we need to discontinue the use of some of these holsters and certainly go into training.

Mr Troungs bail was set at $100,000. Hes facing several charges, including battery with use of a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm, battery with use of a deadly weapon, resisting a public officer with a firearm, and discharging a firearm within a structure or prohibited area, court records state.

Las Vegas Assistant Sheriff discusses incident at press conference

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure said his behaviour was very reckless and dangerous when he set the bail.

The concert by electronic dance music artist Illenium on Saturday night was the first one hosted at the new Allegiant Stadium.
A reply to Elon Musks tweet about destiny has led to a strange kind of revelation.

On 30 December, the billionaire and SpaceX chief executive Musk quoted a popular line from the film Young Frankenstein on Twitter. He tweeted: Destiny, destiny. No escaping that for me.

Fellow Twitter user Toby Li, in reply to that, said: Speaking about destiny, did you know that Von Brauns 1953 book Mars Project, referenced a person named Elon that would bring humans to Mars? Pretty nuts.

Gizmodo reported that Project Mars: A Technical Tale  the book Mr Li was quoting  was authored by Wernher von Braun, a German-born aerospace engineer and space architect. The book, published in 1953, is a science fiction story in which the title of the leader of the Martian government would be Elon.

In October, Musk proclaimed humans would set foot on Mars in 2024. In April, he tweeted: If we make life multi-planetary, there may come a day when some plants & animals die out on Earth but are still alive on Mars.

Gizmodo reported that the novel wasnt published at first, but the appendix was the basis for a lecture Mr Von Braun gave at the first symposium on sustained space flight at Haydens planetarium in New York in 1951. It said that soon after, the appendix was published in a special edition of the German spaceflight magazine Weltraumfahrt.

At the end of the same year, the book was published in Germany as Das Marsprojekt and in the US in 1953.

Meanwhile, Musk responded to Mr Lis reply about Project Mars with Are we sure this is real? Soon after, Twitter user Pranay Pathole corrected Mr Li.

He said: Yeah its real. This is the English transcript of the same book ... But Elon referred to by Von Braun in the book isnt the name of the person but rather the name of the position something like an elected meritocratic president.

Business Insider reported that the paragraph in question says: The Martian government was directed by 10 men, the leader of whom was elected by universal suffrage for five years and entitled Elon. Two houses of Parliament enacted the laws to be administered by the Elon and his cabinet.

Musk soon updated his Twitter profile, calling himself imperator of Mars.

Reports also pointed out that Mr Von Braun was a leading figure in the development of rocket technology in Nazi Germany and later, a pioneer of rocket space technology in the US.

Mr Von Braun had worked on Nazi Germanys rocket development programme. Soon after the Second World War, however, he moved to the US with around 1,600 other German scientists, engineers, and technicians as part of a secret intelligence programme known as Operation Paperclip.
In an excerpt from their forthcoming book published in the New York Times, reporters Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang detail how Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the companys COO Sheryl Sandberg came under strain as they navigated first the fallout from the 2016 election and then the ever-rising pressure on Facebook during the Trump administration.

In the authors telling, the early Trump years saw the Facebook leadership struggle not only to steer the company through the rough waters it had hit, but also to divide up the job among themselves.

Mr Zuckerberg and Ms Sandberg continued to drift further apart, write Ms Frenkel and Ms Kang, who cover technology for the Times. He was critical of her handling of public relations related to election interference and another scandal in March 2018, when it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm working for Mr Trump, had used data harvested from Facebook users to target voters. Both were breaches that technically stemmed from his side of the business  products  but she was in charge of dealing with the publics anger over the episodes. One of her primary roles had been to charm Washington on Facebooks behalf, and protect and burnish its image. Neither project was going particularly well.

The Times excerpt homes in on the fallout from one particularly infamous Facebook-related incident during the Trump administration, in which a video of Nancy Pelosi doctored to slur her speech went viral across the platform.

The authors write that despite outrage in the speakers office, on Capitol Hill and more widely, the Facebook leadership were conflicted about what to do when the video began spreading (it was even shared as fact by Rudy Giuliani)  and it ultimately took 48 hours until Mr Zuckerberg decided the clip should be kept online. According to the authors, Ms Sandberg did not try to explain, or justify, the decision to Ms Pelosis staff.

In another passage, the article printed in the Times recounts the debacle of Mr Zuckerbergs 2019 speech at Georgetown University in Washington DC, in which he described Facebook as the fifth estate and appeared to reject responsibility for limiting disinformation.

He warned against shutting down dissenting views, write the authors. The cacophony of voices would, of course, be discomfiting, but debate was essential to a healthy democracy. The public would act as the fact checkers of a politicians lies.

Immediately after the Georgetown address, civil rights leaders, academics, journalists and consumer groups panned the speech, saying political lies had the potential to foment violence.

At an event of her own just days later, Ms Sandberg was apparently humiliated by the intense questioning about the companys behaviour.

According to Ms Frenkel and Ms Kang, Mr Zuckerberg and Ms Sandberg still meet at the start and end of each week and remain personally close to some extent, but the 6 January insurrection and the need to stop violent extremist groups organising on the platform has cast a long shadow over the company.

The book excerpt has been released just after Donald Trump launched legal action against Mr Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Google, claiming that by banning him from their platforms, they have breached his First Amendment rights. These companies, Mr Trump said, have been coopted, coerced, and weaponized by government and by government actors to become the enforcers of illegal, unconstitutional censorship.

The legal action is not expected to succeed, and some have described it as a tactical move designed to distract from the legal peril he himself faces, as his company and its CFO have been indicted for tax fraud.
A Fox News host called out her colleagues on air for their fawning praise of Donald Trump, saying that their love for him was like family.

Gillian Turner appeared to deflate the buoyant mood of her co-hosts on Wednesdays edition of Outnumbered in her assessment of the former president filing a lawsuit against Google, Facebook and Twitter.

Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and presenter Jesse Watters were particularly upbeat about Mr Trumps motivation for challenging the big tech companies.

The former president filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, and at a press conference he described his bans from Twitter and Facebook as censorship, calling it unlawful, unconstitutional, and completely unAmerican.

Mr Trump also called for Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act  which means tech companies are not held responsible for the material they host  to be ruled an unconstitutional delegation of authority.

Ms McEnany, one of Mr Trumps most loyal acolytes, said that his motivation was that he was fighting on behalf of everyday Americans.

This sentiment was echoed by Mr Watters, who gushed that he saw Mr Trump as an avenger and presidential to the point that he forgot who was president.

Host Emily Compagno, who led the discussion, said that the American people were crying out for laws to be changed regarding social media companys content restrictions.

Ms Turner on the other hand had a more sceptical take, throwing a little bit of shade towards her colleagues assessment of the ex-presidents motivation.

She first said that Mr Trump kind of beat a dead horse a little bit today when he spoke about Section 230 again, noting that when he was in power and his party had the majority in Congress, nothing happened and nothing had happened in the time he had left office either.

She added: I think this lawsuits a little more self-serving than maybe Jesse and Kayleigh laid out for us a moment ago.

We know you love the guy, the former president, like family. I think this is more about his political prospects going into the next election.

She continued: He wants to keep this issue front and centre. He opens, by the way, not by saying its for the American people, but by saying, I want to fight back because they banned me after January 6 when they unilaterally declared me a public safety threat. I think its about a personal beef with the companies, but some good things may come of it despite that.

Mr Watters conceded that it was a personal issue for the former president, but reiterated his belief that Mr Trump had the American people in mind.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson a Republican whose state is struggling with a resurgence in coronavirus cases and lagging vaccinations, called combatting vaccine resistance a priority as he took over as head of the National Governors Association.

Hutchinson was elected Thursday as the association's chairman, moving into the role as the Delta variant of the virus causes a resurgence in red states like Arkansas. Hutchinson's state has been at or near the top of the country in new cases per capita, and Arkansas this week saw its biggest one-day jump in hospitalizations since the vaccine became available.

We have much work to do to overcome vaccine hesitancy, but we can do it together," he said at the group's summer meeting, which was held virtually for the second year in a row because of the pandemic.

Hutchinson is taking the reins from New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo who is leaving the chairmanship at a time he's facing multiple probes. They include allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment, whether he unethically used state resources for a $5 million deal for his COVID-19 memoir, and his administrations manipulation of data about COVID-19 outbreaks among nursing home residents.

Cuomo said the pandemic highlighted the importance of governors, as the federal government left it largely up to states to set up massive testing regimes and purchase scores of masks, ventilators and others supplies. He commended Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, a former NGA chairman, for speaking truth to his own party even when it was hard. Hogan had said former President Donald Trump left his state vulnerable amid the pandemic.

Governors have a new credibility, governors have a new status, Cuomo said. Let us use it well, and let us use it to do well.

The NGA chairmanship is the latest national spotlight for Hutchinson, who has gained attention for distancing himself from former President Donald Trump and his state's embrace of Trumpism. Hutchinson has appeared frequently on cable news and Sunday shows, also talking about the state's increasingly ominous COVID-19 situation.

Hutchinson warned that Arkansas' experience could be a grim preview of what awaits other states.

What I see that were experiencing in Arkansas right now with the surge of the Delta variant is going to be a likely experience in the coming months in other states as well, Hutchinson told The Associated Press in an interview.

Hutchinson this week kicked a series of town hall-style conversations" he'll hold around the state aimed at encouraging people to get vaccinated. The first one was scheduled in Lonoke County, a rural county outside Little Rock where a little over a third of the population is fully vaccinated.

As in other red states, Arkansas ability to impose new restrictions because of the latest surge have been curbed by lawmakers angry about restrictions imposed last year. The measures approved by the majority-Republican Legislature include a ban on mask mandates or vaccine requirements by government entities, including schools.

The forums follow other efforts to encourage vaccinations that have had limited success. That included an incentive  offering lottery tickets or gift certificates for hunting and fishing licenses for those who get the shots  that so far has had few takers.

There's not much more I can do from a weekly news conference or a daily news conference from the state Capitol," he said. I want to get out in the community because it's each community and local leadership that can greatly expand on what we're trying to do at the state and national level."

One way to build confidence at the national level, Hutchinson said, would be for the Food and Drug Administration to grant final approval for the vaccines. That would eliminate the justification used by some who haven't gotten vaccinated yet, he said.

Hutchinson said the NGA's role in responding to the pandemic will primarily remain communicating with the White House and the federal government, and advocating on behalf of the states. But he said they can also share ideas on how to increase vaccination rates.

What we've learned as governors is communicating between the red and blue states, communicating between the governors, helps us all get the best ideas to address it, to be more innovative," Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said governors also need more flexibility from the Biden administration on how they can use funding from the latest round of coronavirus relief funds, and clarity on how they can be used.

The NGA will also likely play a major role in promoting the bipartisan pared-down infrastructure deal. But Hutchinson said there's not agreement among the association's members for a second, more expansive package backed by Democrats.

Hutchinson said he'll also use his chairmanship to promote computer science education in public schools, an initiative he's advocated at the state level in Arkansas.

___

Associated Press Writer Marina Villeneuve in Albany, New York contributed to this report
Four of the Saudi operatives who murdered dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi reportedly received paramilitary training in the US under a contract approved by the State Department.

The 59-year-old, who had angered Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with his criticism of the kingdom, was murdered in October 2018, after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. His body has never been recovered, and Western intelligence services believe it was dismembered.

The prince, commonly known as MBS, has always denied any involvement in the writer and broadcasters death, though earlier this year the Biden administration released an intelligence report saying he knew about and approved of the plan.

Now a report claims that four of the dozen-strong kill team received paramilitary training in the United States, as part of a contract approved by the State Department.

The New York Timessaid the men received the training from the Arkansas-based security company Tier 1 Group, which is owned by the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.

 Trump says he is not satisfied with Saudi account of journalist Jamal Khasoggi's death

The company has said the training, which included safe marksmanship and countering an attack, was intended for the protection of Saudi leaders.

It quoted Louis Bremer, a senior executive of Cerberus, the groups parent company, as having confirmed its role last year in written answers to questions from politicians in Washington DC.

He was being questioned as part of his nomination for a senior Pentagon job during the Trump administration, a nomination that was later withdrawn.

It said that Mr Bremer provided his answers to the newspaper, and confirmed four members of the Khashoggi kill team had received Tier 1 Group training in 2017, and two of them had participated in a previous version that ran between October 2014 until January 2015.

The training provided was unrelated to their subsequent heinous acts, Mr Bremer said in his answers.

He said a review in 2019 review by Tier 1 Group uncovered no wrongdoing by the company and confirmed that the established curriculum training was unrelated to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

The training would have been carried out at a time when Barack Obama was president.

There was no immediate response from Cerberus to inquires from The Independent .

In a statement, State Department spokesman Ned Price said: We are restricted under Section 126.10 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) from commenting on individual companies licencing status or confirming related activities. As such, we can't confirm or comment on any of the licenced defence export licensing activity alleged in media reporting.

He added: Saudi Arabia faces significant threats to its territory, and we are committed to working together to help Riyadh strengthen its defences. At the same time, the American people expect that US policy towards its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia will prioritise the rule of law and respect for human rights, which are inseparable from the interests that the United States brings to that partnership.

In March, lawyers for the fiancee of Mr Khashoggi said they had the crown prince legal complaint  allowing proceedings against the Saudi royal to proceed.

Last year, Hatice Cengiz, who was poised to marry the writer and activist, and members of a non-profit group the Saudi journalist established in Washington DC, filed a lawsuit against the prince, accusing him and others of the kidnap, drugging, torture, and assassination of the US resident.

The ruthless torture and murder of Mr Khashoggi shocked the conscience of people throughout the world. The objective of the murder was clear  to halt Mr Khashoggis advocacy in the United States, principally as the executive director of Plaintiff Dawn [Democracy for the Arab World Now], for democratic reform in the Arab world, the lawsuit said.
A federal court of appeals ruled on Tuesday that a Massachusetts school for children with disabilities can continue administering electric shocks to its students.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously banned the electric shock treatment used at the Judge Rotenberg Center, Canton. The institution created the controversial treatment to correct aggressive or self-harming behaviour in adults and children.

The school, along with a group of parents and guardians of students, had challenged the previous FDA ban. The court of appeals for the DC Circuit found that the treatment falls into medical regulations and therefore is beyond the FDAs remit of control.

With the treatment, these residents can continue to participate in enriching experiences, enjoy visits with their families and, most importantly, live in safety and freedom from self-injurious and aggressive behaviours, the school said in a statement following the ruling.

We have and will continue to fight to keep our loved ones safe and alive and to retain access to this life-saving treatment of last resort, parents of the students added in a statement.

The Judge Rotenberg Center, Canton, is the only school in the US that uses electric shock treatment on its students, and has suffered heavy criticism from disability rights advocates, including Mental Disability Rights International (DRI) and the United Nations, which considers the practice torture.

The idea of using electric shocks to torture children has been recognised as unconscionable around the world, DRIs president, Laurie Ahern, told the Guardian.

The real torture is what these children are subjected to if they dont have this programme, institute and treatment founder Matthew Israel previously said to ABC News.

Theyre drugged up to the gills with drugs that cause them to be so sedated that they essentially sleep all day.

There are around 300 students, including 48 overnight residents, at the Judge Rotenberg Center. According to Massachusetts News, about 55 of these are approved for the Graduated Electronic Decelerator shock devices, which remotely administer a powerful shock to the wearers skin.

One client of ours is a woman who hit her head against the wall so many times that her retinas were detached, said Attorney Max Stern, who represents the parents and guardians of Judge Rotenberg Center.

It was not until she went to multiple various other institutions, not until she got to JRC and got this treatment that she was able to get this behaviour under control so she could have surgery to make it possible for her to see again, Stern told Massachusetts News.

However, a 2006 report by the New York State Education Department found that the device was regularly used for minor disobedience and behaviours that are not aggressive, health dangerous or destructive, such as nagging, swearing and failing to maintain a neat appearance.

The report also found no evidence that the school considers the potential negative effects, such as depression or anxiety, that may result from the use of aversive behavioural strategies with certain individual students.

The school claims on its website that it has provided very effective education and treatment to both emotionally disturbed students with conduct, behaviour, emotional, and/or psychiatric problems, as well as those with intellectual disabilities or on the autism spectrum.

The Independent has contacted Judge Rotenberg Center for further comment.
An autopsy of a woman has explained the mysterious conditions surrounding her death after riding a rollercoaster in Indiana.

Dawn Jankovic, 48, from Brunswick, Ohio went on The Voyager rollercoaster at Holiday World & Splashin Safari. When the ride ended, she was found unconscious. After being given emergency care at the park and taken urgently for car at the local hospital, she was later she was pronounced dead.

Her cause of death was unknown until the Dubois County coroners report on 7 July.

Katie Schuck, the county coroner, delivered the news that Ms Jankovic had died of severe internal bleeding, artery tears and the impact of the rollercoaster. They believe that the ride caused damage to Ms Jankovics right internal thoracic artery, which led to quick blood loss.

However, the ride was not faulty, as Ms Schuck said the death had nothing to do with the ride itself.

She said, it basically was the force. It was just a reaction her body had from riding the ride. It had nothing to do with a malfunction or anything, as far as safety and that kind of thing.

Ms Jankovics death therefore was ruled an accident. Following her admission to the hospital on 6 June, the ride was checked and then remained closed out of respect for the family.

It was determined that the ride operated as it was intended to, a representative from Holiday World and Splashin Safari said, according to the Kansas City Star. The ride remained closed for the evening out of respect for the family.

On Wednesday, theme park spokesperson Sabrina Jones once again expressed sympathy for Ms Jankovic and her family.

Our hearts continue to go out to Dawns family, friends and all those who have been impacted by her loss. The wellbeing of our guests and team members is our number one concern every day.

The parks ride and attractions have delivered hundreds of millions of thrilling experiences through the years and our vigilance in taking care of our guests, as well as our team members can be counted on in everything we do.
Oympic gymnast Simone Biles has spoken out about the sexual abuse she faced from former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing women and girls as a doctor for USA Gymnastics and at Michigan State University after being accused of abusing more than 150 people, including Ms Biles.

In the latest episode of her Facebook Watch docuseries, Simone vs Herself, the 24-year-old gymnast described the moment that she called her mother, telling her that what happened to her had been abuse.

I remember driving on the highway over here on 99, and I was like, [Gasps], that happened to me. And I just remember breaking down and calling my mom. She told me to pull over. Shes like, Can you drive? because I was crying so hard, Ms Biles said.

Nellie Biles, Simones mother, says her daughter had initially been in denial about the abuse she faced, saying, No, dont talk to me. That didnt happen to me when the subject came up.

When she got the call from her daughter, however, she said she immediately understood why she was crying.

She was just hysterical. She didnt say anything. She just cried, and we just cried together  because I knew what it was that she wanted to talk about, Nellie said. She didnt have to say anything.

In the video, Ms Biles also described the difficulties she faced coping with the impact of the trauma she suffered.

I slept all the time and its because sleeping was basically better than offing myself, she said.

It was like my way to escape reality, and sleeping was like the closest thing to death for me at that point. So I just slept all the time, Ms Biles said.

With gymnasts, if you get injured, youre like, OK, your heal time is four to six weeks, but then with something so traumatic that happens like this, well its no four to six weeks, so its hard for us to process that, the gymnast, who is preparing to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, said.

Theres like actually no time limit or healing time for it, so you just take it day by day, she said.
A mother in Tennessee has set up a GoFundMe page claiming that her seven-year-old daughter was severely traumatised by learning critical race theory in school, and is seeking $5,000 to pay for counselling and treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) allegedly caused by the curriculum.

Its the latest, somewhat dubious claim against the obscure academic discipline, which has become a nationwide rallying point for conservatives seeking to rid it from public schools, despite it usually not being taught anywhere outside of university.

This curriculum has destroyed my daughters self-esteem and created a world in which she is fraught with anxiety and is now in treatment for OCD caused by the constant thoughts being represented by this material, the page reads.

According to the post, the seven-year-old was exposed to critical race theory at a school in Williamson County, Tennessee, outside of Nashville, and began questioning her identity.

My daughter started coming home asking very pointed questions about who she is and if she is a bad person, the GoFundMe post continues, She came home extremely upset. She told me, Mom, Im white. My friend is brown. I need to apologise to him for being white because white people have done bad things to people with brown skin.

Robin Steenman, head of the local chapter of the conservative group Moms for Liberty organised the page, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The post does not identify the student or which materials allegedly caused such damage, and its unclear whether the story it describes is accurate.

The district does have a Civil Rights Heroes unit for second graders, not first graders, which features books for young readers about civil rights history like Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Familys Fight for Desegregation, by Duncan Tonatiuh, and the autobiographical Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story, about one of the first Black children to integrate New Orleans all-white public schools.

The district, Williamson County Schools (WCS), which did not answer specific questions about the allegations in the GoFundMe, pointed to a post on its website where it lays out a detailed list of its reading materials under a newly approved curriculum called Wit and Wisdom.

WCS curriculum leaders have found no efforts within Wit and Wisdom to teach critical race theory or any material that illegally teaches that an individual, by virtue of their race or sex is inherently privileged or that any individual by virtue of their race or sex bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex, etc. it reads.

School officials have said that despite concern from some parents, the new curriculum is quite popular.

Our teachers are reporting to us that our students are like theyve never read before, Dave Allen, assistant superintendent of teaching, learning, and assessment, said earlier this year. Ive received a flood of emails recently that said, Dont do anything with the curriculum. My kids loving.

Still, people like Ms Steenman and others charge that teaching young students about the more tragic aspects of US history is too divisive.

On the surface, that all seems fine, she told Tennessee Lookout. But when you start going through the books and see theres a definite slant, a constant drumming into the child that white people are bad, and thats just day after day after day for nine weeks and theres never a part about redemption, all the strides we have made since then.

Since the final days of the Donald Trump administration, critical race theory has increasingly become a bogeyman on the right, with critics portraying it as a wide-reaching radical ideology permeating most US institutions.

Totalitarianism scholar Timothy Snyder recently argued in the New York Times Magazine that the right has embraced criticising critical race theory as a way justify its larger project of restricting voting access and other political liberties of minority groups, since many anti-critical race theory efforts make it more challenging for public officials to talk about US history.

Republican states around the country have passed laws ostensibly about preventing the teaching of critical race theory in schools, with terms broad enough that they make any teaching of US history on subjects like racism, segregation, and slavery difficult.
A TikTok star from North Carolina has been charged after police found his venomous snake seven months after it had gone missing.

Christian Michael Gifford, 21, was charged with counts of allegedly violating the state's rules concerning the ownership of venomous reptiles

Mr Gifford is well known on TikTok for posting videos in which he handles a variety of poisonous snakes.

The snake, a zebra cobra, was located and captured last week in a neighborhood in Raleigh, according to local broadcaster WRAL.

According to the broadcaster, a neighbor spotted the snake outside their home and called in a report to the local police.

After the snake sighting, other neighbors began staying inside their homes.

Once the zebra cobra was found, investigators raided Mr Gifford's home, where they removed several venomous reptiles.

Mr Gifford faces 36 misdemeanor counts for keeping dangerous reptiles in containers without locks. The other four deal with mislabeling his containers.

One of the counts against Mr Gifford notes that the cobra has been loose since November, and that Mr Gifford did not notify law enforcement that it had escaped, as is required under North Carolina law.

The state is one of only six that do not outright ban the private ownership of venomous snakes or require owners to have permits in order to possess them. While the law allows their ownership, there are still responsibilities for owners who wish to stay within the bounds of the law.

Owners of venomous reptiles must house them in secure enclosures with warning signs as well as notifying the police if one were to escape.

According to law enforcement, the snake was found outside a neighbor's home after it managed to escape its cage at Mr Gifford's house.

Police used a glue trap to capture the snake.

David Knight, a Raleigh city council member, told the broadcaster that the issue, while strange, is no joke.

"Some have made light of the zebra cobra issue, but it could've ended tragically, and I think we got to take this issue very seriously," he said.

Mr Gifford has not commented publicly on the charges or the confiscation of his reptiles. He routed all inquiries and statements through his attorney, Anna Felts.

"Clearly, he's stressed. He hasn't faced any charges like this before," she said. "Although they are minor in nature ... it's clearly stressful on his family."

According to the attorney, Mr Gifford felt sorry for the incident and understood the danger his snake posed to his neighbors.

Mr Knight said the incident has led him to reconsider Raleigh's ordinances regarding the private ownership of venomous snakes.

"Using the best model of those that we think would be appropriate for Raleigh, I'm looking at banning the private and personal possession of these types of dangerous animals," Mr Knight said. "We need to learn from this experience. We need to thank God that this incident did not end tragically."

Mr Gifford will face his charges in court on 6 August.
Frustrated with how the Covid-19 vaccine has become a political issue dividing many Democrats and Republicans, Dr Anthony Fauci slammed those still refusing to get vaccinated, telling them to get over it, during an interview on MSNBC.

Youve gotta ask: What is the problem? he said on Wednesday night. Get over it. Get over this political statement. Just get over it and try and save the lives of yourself and your family.

The Biden administration had to acknowledge that they missed their 4 July goal of having 70 per cent of American adults receive at least one dose and 160 million people fully vaccinated.

President Biden has renewed calls for Americans to get vaccinated after being briefed on the state of the pandemic as the Delta variant spreads across the country.

Our fight against this virus is not over. Right now, as I speak to you, millions of Americans are still unvaccinated and unprotected. And because of that, their communities are at risk, their friends are at risk, the people that they care about are at risk. This is an even bigger concern because of the Delta variant, Mr Biden said on Tuesday.

So many diseases that I deal with ... dont have solutions, Dr Fauci said on Wednesday. Its very frustrating. You dont have a treatment or you dont have a vaccine. Here we have a vaccine [for Covid-19] thats highly, highly effective in preventing disease and certainly in preventing severe disease and hospitalization. Its easy to get. Its free. And its readily available.

About 58 per cent of American adults have been fully vaccinated. Compared to other countries, thats a high figure, but its still way off the between 70 and 90 per cent some scientists believe is necessary to achieve herd immunity.

Across the US, the number of cases is steady, but those numbers are hiding two increasingly separate Americas, where cases continue to plummet in urban and suburban areas, but rise in more rural and less populated areas that trend more conservative and where people are more hesitant to get vaccinated.

According to the most recent Kaiser Family Foundation Poll, 72 per cent of adult urban residents have received at least one dose  while the same is true for only 54 per cent of adults who live in more rural areas.

It is the unvaccinated people who are dying, Mississippis state health officer, Dr Thomas Dobbs, said, according to WLBT. The unvaccinated people who are going to the hospital. The unvaccinated people who are getting diagnosed, for the most part.
In 2009, only a few days before he was sworn in as vice president, Joe Biden gave a grim view of the state of the War in Afghanistan, telling The New York Times that the situation had deteriorated significantly and its going to be a heavy lift.

Now as president, Mr Biden is leading the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan after two decades of conflict and more than 2,000 American lives lost, as well as countless Afghan civilians. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has followed suit, announcing British troops would exit Afghanistan .

Many questions remain, though, especially as the Taliban have made significant gains across the country. And Mr Biden has been cagey when reporters have asked him questions about the drawdown.

But if Mr Biden has proven himself politically pliable on everything from abortion to LGBT+ rights to the economy, his skepticism of nation-building in Afghanistan is a consistent animating principle of his politics for more than a decade, often to the criticism of more established voices on foreign affairs.

In 2009, as then-President Barack Obama was weighing whether to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan, Mr Biden emerged a voice of dissent against then-Gen Stanley McChrystals request for a surge in forces.

Rather, Mr Biden wanted to focus on CT Plus, which emphasized building Afghanistans security forces, counterterrorism against al-Qaeda and trying to peel off some fighters for the Taliban.

Mr Biden might have also had reservations about nation-building because of the fact his son Beau served in the Delaware National Guard before entering politics himself. During one confrontation with Richard Holbrooke, Mr Obamas special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mr Biden snapped , I am not sending my boy back there to risk his life on behalf of womens rights! He added that It just wont work, thats not what theyre there for. The younger Bidens death from brain cancer in 2015 was one of the many reasons his father passed on running for president in 2016.

Mr Bidens position put him at odds with many officials in the Obama administration, including then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who supported a troop increase .

Mr Bidens dissents also earned him the derision of some in national security circles. In an infamous 2010 profile of Mr McChrystal in Rolling Stone, the then-general was quoted joking that he misheard Mr Bidens name is Bite Me. Mr Gates wrote in his 2014 memoir that though be believed Mr Biden was a man of integrity, he thought Mr Biden has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.

Similarly, had Mr Biden run against Ms Clinton in 2016 for the Democratic presidential nomination, their contrasting views on Afghanistan would have been a major dividing line between the two candidates. In fact, Ms Clinton, together with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, expressed concern about the withdrawal of troops to the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this year.

But Mr Bidens critiques persisted. Ten years after his pre-swearing-in trip, amid the Washington Posts revelations in its deep dive of documents on the war, Mr Biden, then a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president, said during a debate that rebuilding that country as a whole is beyond our capacity.

This doesnt mean the president is a dove. While a senator, he was both chairman and the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and supported military action in Bosnia and Kosovo. Like many Democrats, Mr Biden supported the War in Iraq before eventually souring on the venture. In the days after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Biden joined 97 other Senators in the authorization of the use of force that launched the modern-day War on Terror.

Similarly, in his speech announcing the withdrawal from Afghanistan in April, Mr Biden said the United States would reorganize its assets to prevent the emergence of terrorists and said the metastasizing nature of terror was why military presence in Afghanistan made no sense.

At the same time, Mr Bidens choice to withdraw from Afghanistan shows he doesnt see it as worth spending national resources. He is, of course, not the first president to look at the war skeptically. His predecessor Donald Trump previously called the war a total disaster before increasing the number of troops.

Mr Bidens plan will likely continue to be criticized, especially if Afghanistan unravels or descends into chaos once the last troops leave the region. But now as commander-in-chief, after his critics have dominated much of the discussion in Afghanistan with America still bogged down in the conflict, Biden has an opportunity to see if his strategy is any better.
The US will withdraw all combat forces from Afghanistan by the end of August, and will not send more troops to the country to fight, according to President Joe Biden.

Mr Biden vowed during a national address on Thursday the US would support Afghan leaders as it handed over the reigns for total control of Afghanistans territory to the government over which the US oversaw the formation, while adding that he did not see the potential of achieving a better outcome by keeping troops in the region.

"I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome, said the president.

"Let me ask those who want us to stay: How many thousands more American daughters and sons are you willing to risk? How long would you have them stay? he asked during his address.

"The status quo was not an option."



Saying there are U.S. troops "whose parents fought in Afghanistan," Pres. Biden vows, "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome." pic.twitter.com/vnxC6hNpbM  ABC News (@ABC) July 8, 2021

The presidents formal address comes as Taliban forces have made rapid gains in Afghanistan over the past several weeks as US forces have withdrawn from long-held positions in the country, including Bagram Air Base where the US reportedly left thousands of prisoners including Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, and pulled out in the middle of the night without informing their Afghan counterparts.

Roughly 90 per cent of US forces have already left the country, and the remainder are expected to leave by August 31.

The president also addressed his administrations plan to house Afghan citizens who served as translators or interpreters for US forces. He and White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed at separate events that those Afghans will be flown out of the country before the end of August, and Mr Biden pledged that the US would be a home for them if they so desired.

There is a home for you in the US if you so choose, Mr Biden said on Thursday, addressing the Afghans.

The programme is expected to provide refuge for thousands of Afghans who fear reprisal from the Taliban following the US pullout.

But the Taliban, Mr Biden, added, lack the capability to overwhelm Afghanistans government and do not pose a significant threat of taking over. He rejected comparisons to the Vietnam War, which ended with a defeated US launching a hasty evacuation of US personnel and South Vietnamese allies in the face of a North Vietnamese invasion.

The Taliban is not the North Vietnamese Army. They're not remotely comparable in terms of capability, Mr Biden asserted. There's going to be no circumstances where youre going to see people being lifted off the roof of an embassy in the United States from Afghanistan.

Mr Biden initially said that the US would pull out of Afghanistan by September 11, which would mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The deadline was several months past a target previously set by the Trump administration for a full withdrawal.

Afghanistan has become the USs longest-running war, costing the country more than $2 trillion in military expenses and causing the deaths of more than 2,400 US service members and tens of thousands of Afghan citizens.
Finalists in the Scripps National Spelling Bee will get a visit from one of the nation's most prominent educators: first lady Jill Biden

The first lady will meet with spellers and their families before the bee Thursday evening and stay to watch the competition.

This year's bee was delayed because of the pandemic and all preliminary rounds were held virtually. Only the 11 finalists are competing in person, at an ESPN campus near Walt Disney World in Florida. The finals will be televised on ESPN2.

Biden previously attended the bee in 2009 in Washington She is an English professor at Northern Virginia Community College where she also worked during the eight years that President Joe Biden was vice president.

The first lady has kept a busy schedule, traveling around the country to promote her husband's policies and her own issues and causes.
Tucker Carlson emailed Russian "intermediaries" in the United States about an interview with Vladimir Putin before he claimed the National Security Agency was spying on his communications, according to reports.

Quoting "sources familiar with the conversations", Axios said Carlson was in talks with the US-based Kremlin contacts to secure an interview with the Russian president when US government officials learned of the efforts.

The report comes after Carlson said on Fox Business Network earlier on Wednesday that his emails were leaked to journalists in an "effort to discredit me".

Speaking to Fox Business colleague Maria Bartiromo, Carlson said a reporter confirmed that his private emails were leaked to the media.

There was one other person who knew I sent that e-mail, and it was my executive producer Justin Wells, thats it, and I didnt mention it to anybody else, including my wife," Carlson said.

"Theres no possibility that anyone else could have known and then again yesterday I got a call before air like 7.15, from a journalist I know and like, not many left, but do I like this person he repeated back to me whats in my email. He got it, because the NSA leaked it, so, yes, entirely real.

A Fox News spokesperson directed The Independent to the companys statement to Axios that they support their hosts pursuing interviews and stories free of government interference.

Carlson, meanwhile, told the outlet: As Ive said repeatedly, because its true, the NSA read my emails, and then leaked their contents. Thats an outrage, as well as illegal.

While the sources quoted by Axios said Carlson was discussing the Putin interview at the time of the spying claims, the outlet did not confirm whether or not his communications had been intercepted.

The NSA took the unusual step of publicly responding to the Fox News anchors claims that they had read his emails but did not go as far as outright denying that the agency was in possession of his correspondence.

In a 29 June statement they instead said he has never been a "target of the Agency" and that they "never had any plans to try to take his program off the air", which does not directly address Carlsons claim that they have his private emails and texts.

When reached by the publication to categorically deny any of Carlsons communications were intercepted, the NSA refused to comment and referred back to its previous statement.

While Carlson supporters like Marjorie Taylor Greene took the Axios report as confirmation the NSA spied on him for doing his job, the truth of whether they did remains unclear.

"The NSA spied on Tucker Carlson for reaching out through proper channels to interview Putin, just like NBC did only a few weeks ago. The NSA unmasked an American citizen for doing his job," Ms Taylor Greene tweeted.

The sources used as the basis for the report said that the two Kremlin contacts in conversations with Carlson were based in the United States but did not confirm whether they were American citizens or in the country at the time of the correspondence.
The Democratic National Committee will launch a $25m effort to promote voting rights and register more Americans to vote following a nationwide campaign among Republican lawmakers to restrict ballot access.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced the DNC initiative during remarks at Howard University on 8 July, an effort that assembles the largest voter protection team weve ever had to ensure all Americans can vote, and have your votes counted in a fair and transparent process, she said.

It follows the introduction of nearly 400 bills filed in nearly every state that would make it more difficult to cast a ballot, or propose handing the administration of elections to GOP-dominated state legislatures.

In a statement, DNC chair Jamie Harrison said that Republicans know that their policies are unpopular  and that the only way for them to hold on to power is to attack the constitutional right to vote, held by the people they swore to serve.

The vice president, tapped by Joe Biden to lead his administrations response on voting rights, stressed that the DNC plan is about all voters  it doesnt matter to us if you are a Democrat or not.

We want to help you vote, and we want to help make sure your vote is counted, she said.

Last week, the US Supreme Court court upheld two Arizona laws that voting rights advocates argued have disproportionately hurt minority voters in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Democratic lawmakers and voting rights advocates urged Congress to revive proposals to expand voting access and restore the Voting Rights Act, now hobbled by two decisions from the nations high court within the last decade.

Senate Republicans have already blocked the For The People Act, prompting demands from progressive lawmakers and some Senate Democrats to abolish filibuster rules that prevent critical items on the presidents agenda from passing through Congress.

In a span of just eight years, the court has now done severe damage to two of the most important provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965  a law that took years of struggle and strife to secure, the president said in a statement on 1 July.

After all we have been through to deliver the promise of this nation to all Americans, we should be fully enforcing voting rights laws, not weakening them, he said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has also rejected a restoration of the Voting Rights Act, to be named after late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, as an unnecessary bill, after the landmark 1965 law was gutted by the high court in 2013 and undermined by its latest ruling.

As of 21 June, at least 17 states have enacted at least 28 new laws that restrict access to the ballot, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.

A parallel effort from GOP lawmakers has seen more than 200 bills in 41 states that give themselves more authority over the electoral process, according to the States United Democracy Center.

At least 24 of those bills have been signed into law.

The president has previously said that legislation changing election oversight borders on being immoral.

The US Department of Justice is suing Georgia over is recently passed elections law, and its civil right division has pledged to challenge states with similarly restrictive voting laws.

Ms Harriss announcement follows a special legislation session in Texas, where Republican Governor Greg Abbott is reviving stalled legislation on sweeping voting restrictions that state Democrats successfully blocked.

You know whats going on in Texas right now? This is all designed, I believe, to make it harder for you to vote, so you dont vote, the vice president said.
US Representative Lauren Boebert has accused Dr Anthony Fauci of bullying for telling people to get over their political stance and get vaccinated against Cvoid-19 for the sake of themselves and their families.

The Colorado Republican lawmaker retweeted a Daily Caller post that quoted the US governments foremost specialist in infectious diseases as saying: What is the problem? Get over it. Get over this political statement. Just get over it, and try and save the lives of yourself and your family.

Attached to the post was a video clip from an interview that Dr Fauci gave to MSNBCs Chris Hayes, in which he pleads with vaccine-hesitant Americans, pointing out that the shots are free and readily available.

Ms Boebert commented: I guess were done with the lotteries and bribing and now on to bullying  a slight at the efforts by cities, states, and private companies to offer incentives to people to get take the vaccine, ranging from free beer and doughnuts to college scholarships and cash prizes.

Twitter users sharply rebuked Ms Boebert for her tweet. One response said: So youre basically saying your okay with your constituents getting Covid and possibly dying?

Thats bullying? You carry a gun everywhere you and this scares you? wrote one user.

Another post reads: Q-Bert this is hardly bullying. Please stop being so dramatic and just get vaccinated. Join the modern world. Its fun over here.

The Biden administration had to acknowledge that it missed the 4 July goal of having 70 per cent of American adults receive at least one dose and 160 million people fully vaccinated.

Currently, 158.3 million Americans have been fully vaccinated, or 55.8 per cent of the population over 12 years old  those currently eligible for the vaccine.

Americans over the age of 12 that have received at least one dose total 183 million, or 64.5 per cent of the population.

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden renewed calls for Americans to get vaccinated after being briefed on the state of the pandemic as the Delta variant spreads across the country and represents more than half of new cases.

Our fight against this virus is not over. Right now, as I speak to you, millions of Americans are still unvaccinated and unprotected. And because of that, their communities are at risk, their friends are at risk, the people that they care about are at risk. This is an even bigger concern because of the Delta variant, said Mr Biden.

A divide has become evident in the US between urban and suburban areas and more heavily populated states with high vaccination rates, and rural and less densely populated areas where vaccination rates are low.

Research by Georgetown University has identified five hot spot clusters across eight states that may be particularly vulnerable to surges in Covid-19 cases or develop new variants.

In an area stretching from Georgia in the east, to Texas in the west, and north into southern Missouri, which includes several cities, only a quarter of residents are vaccinated.

A significant spike in cases is already evident in Missouri and Arkansas, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently listing both states as having high levels of community transmission.

The fear amongst the medical community is that areas such as these could become breeding grounds for the virus to mutate into a new variant that may render existing vaccines less effective.
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.

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.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office has given a scathing public assessment of former President Donald Trump in an official statement following his expression of sympathy for Capitol rioters.

In a statement attributed to the Democratic speakers press office on Thursday, Ms Pelosi chastised Mr Trump as a twice-impeached Florida retiree in her official capacity as speaker.

Twice-impeached Florida retiree  and de facto leader of the Republican Party  Donald Trump joined House Republicans today in disrespecting the Capitol Police and other law enforcement officers, Ms Pelosis office in the statement.

The statement noted that such officers valiantly defended the US Capitol on January 6th and condemned Mr Trump for appearing to defend suspected rioters now that they are facing legal consequences for their actions.

Mr Trump on Wednesday said he believed that many of those facing charges for their alleged involvement in the 6 January insurrection are being treated unbelievably unfairly.

When you look at people in prison and nothing happens to Antifa and they burned down cities and killed people, the former president said.

Mr Trump became the first president to have been impeached twice during his time in office, with the second trial alleging he incited his supporters to march on the US Capitol on 6 January.

Since Mr Trump left office he has mostly been residing in his Mar-A-Lago club in Florida, with reports claiming he and his wife are leading an old-fashioned club life in the months since.

This week Mr Trump has once again stirred up controversy on Capitol Hill after he announced he would be suing three of the countrys biggest tech companies.

The former presidents vendetta against Facebook, Twitter and Googles YouTube comes after they banned him for inciting violence following the riots. Mr Trump has remained prohibited from the platforms.

The former president also made reference to the shooting of rioter and US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, who some conservatives have come to paint as a patriotic martyr.

But the person that shot Ashli Babbitt, boom, right through the head, just boom, there was no reason for that, Mr Trump said.

He added: 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.

The former presidents reference to Ms Babbitt being shot right through the head is inaccurate. The Department of Justice (DOJ) found Babbitt had been shot in the left shoulder.

Ms Babbitt was part of the mob of pro-Trump rioters that stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election result following a Save America rally hosted by Mr Trump.

The DOJ ruled that Ms Babbitt had entered the Capitol with rioters and was forcing her way through a broken glass door near the Speakers Lobby, prompting an officer to fire a single round.

The US Attorneys Office and DOJ closed the investigation into the matter in April, ruling they would not pursue criminal charges against the US Capitol Police officer who shot her.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested 500 people in connection to the riots, with attendees charged on a variety of counts including vandalisation, obstruction of proceedings and assault of police officers.

Footage released by the FBI has shown the extent of the violent assaults on officers by some Trump supporters. Five people died as a result of the violence at the Capitol, including one Capitol police officer and Ms Babbitt.
Former President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday he would file class-action lawsuits against Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey and Facebooks head Mark Zuckerberg because of their continued ban on his accounts.

Of course, Trumps legal teams before and during his presidency have a dubious history. From Michael Cohen, his former lawyer and fixer who flipped on Trump and went to prison, to the outlandish conspiracy theorists like Sidney Powell and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Of course, Trumps first major fixer was the attorney Roy Cohn, the infamous former chief counsel during Joseph McCarthys witch hunt.

Similarly, it appears that the former presidents current coterie of lawyers are far from experts on technology, given their backgrounds. Here is a roundup of the lawyers who signed onto Trumps lawsuit.

Matthew L Baldwin

Mr Baldwin is a partner at Vargas Gonzalez Baldwin Lombard and is based in Coral Gables, which is in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and according to the firms website, he is its trial counsel who focuses on its first-party insurance litigation. Prior to that, he worked as an assistant state attorney in Miami-Dade and eventually specialised in homicides.

Frank Dudenhefer

Mr Dudenhefers online footprint is relatively thin. According to Justia, he is primarily a personal injury attorney.

John P Coale

These days, Mr Coale is a retired attorney mostly known for being married to former Fox News host Greta Van Susteren. He helped set up former Republican vice presidential nominee and Alaska Governor Sarah Palins political action committee. He has also supported Democrats, as was the case when he supported Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primary (though he supported John McCain in the general election) and represented Lisa Marie Presley during her divorce from Michael Jackson.

John Q Kelly

Mr Kellys main claim to fame is his time as the lead attorney for the estate of Nicole Brown Simpson during its wrongful death lawsuit against OJ Simpson. His website cites him as a nationally-recognized personal injury lawyer. He also represented the mother of Natalee Holloway, an 18-year-old who disappeared in Aruba in 2005.

Ryan S Tougias

Mr Tougias works at Ivey, Barnum & OMara, the same firm as Mr. Kelly, and focuses mostly on civil and commercial litigation, personal injury and wrongful death.

Sean M Hamill

Mr Hamill also works at Ivey, Barnum & OMara but there is little information on his background online, though his LinkedIn profile shows he is an associate at the firm.

Roland A Paul

Mr Paul also works at Ivey, Barnum & OMara, though he seems to have more experience and is not a personal injury lawyer. His web page shows he focuses mostly on private equity, corporate law; commercial law; securities matters; and acquisitions and findings.
 Close Trump tells supporters We will never back down

Allen Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, pleaded not guilty to 15 felony counts on tax matters. The indictment against him unsealed on Thursday afternoon alleged he hid about $1.7m in income over a 15-year period.

The charges against Mr Weisselberg and the Trump Organization represent Donald Trumps most dire legal crisis since he left the presidency, coming after a two-year investigation that is not thought to be anywhere near over. In a statement, the company described Mr Weisselberg as a pawn in a scorched earth attempt to harm the former president.

The news is a dramatic blow to the presidents business empire, which remains heavily indebted  and therefore vulnerable to nervous creditors recalling their loans if they have reason to worry about the organisations future. It comes just as the president returns to the public eye, visiting the Texas-Mexico border yesterday as part of a string of national appearances.
Despite President Joe Biden preparing to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan after two long decades of combat, the administration says there will not be a mission accomplished moment to pre-eminently celebrate.

White House press secretary Jennifer Psaki was asked what plans, if any, President Biden had to commemorate the withdrawal of troops as he plans to give an address about the subject on Thursday. Ms Psaki declined to preview the presidents address later in the day.

But were not going to have a mission accomplished moment in this regard, she said. Its a 20-year war that has not been won militarily. We are proud of the men and women who have served. Incredibly grateful.

The phrase is a reference to when former President George W Bush delivered a speech during the War in Iraq aboard an aircraft carrier with a banner read that read Mission Accomplished before the nation devolved into a civil war. The term has now become shorthand for declaring victory prematurely.

When asked if this meant the mission was not accomplished, Ms Psaki said the US was making the right call by withdrawing.

Were not having a moment of celebration, she said. Were having a moment where we feel its in our national security interest to bring our men and women serving home.

Ms Psakis remarks come as Mr Biden prepares to address the nation about the War in Afghanistan and the United States withdrawal.
Zoos in the USs Oakland and Denver states have started vaccinating animals against Covid-19 this week, with bears, mountain lions, tigers and ferrets becoming the first set among hundreds of animals getting inoculated this summer.

The zoo inhabitants are receiving two doses of an experimental vaccine designed for animals with a gap of three weeks and continuous monitoring of the animals taking place to ensure they are normal, said a statement by the Oakland zoo.

Zoetis, the veterinary pharmaceutical company that developed the vaccine, has donated more than 11,000 jabs to 70 zoos and wildlife sanctuaries across 27 US states for their experimental vaccination drive, the statement said. The effort has been authorised by the US Department of Agriculture.

Two elderly tigers, three mountain lions and two grizzly bears were among the first set of mammals to receive the jabs at the Oakland zoo, Dr Alex Herman, vice president of veterinary services at Oakland zoo, said.

There were no Covid-19 cases detected in the animals in both zoos, but vaccinations began on 30 June as a safety measure.

Archie, a ferret receives a Covid-19 vaccine while enjoying a treat from veterinarians at the Oakland Zoo in Oakland (AP)

The staff at the zoo has been wearing protective gear and using barriers to socially distance themselves from vulnerable species, according to the statement.

Erin Harrison, a spokeswoman for the zoo, said the animals are doing great post-vaccine after the vaccine. She said the zoo has received enough vaccines to inoculate 50 animals.

Covid cases in animals kept in zoos have, however, been confirmed across the world, even though cases of virus transmission in animals is rare.

At least seven animals tested positive at New Yorks Bronx zoo, while there were instances of lions contracting the infection and even dying from it in India, according to news channel CNN.

Eight Asiatic lions got Covid-19 at Nehru Zoological Park in Indias Hyderabad city and at least two lions succumbed to the infection at Vandalur zoo in Indias Tamil Nadu state.

In March, several apes were given an experimental shot of the Zoetis vaccine after an outbreak among gorillas at the San Diego zoo. Eight gorillas in the zoo became the first primates in the world to test positive in January this year, according to the BBC. They, however, recovered after receiving care.

Were concerned about the animals overall populations and long-term survival on the planet, Scott Larsen, head veterinarian at the Denver zoo, said. Theres been concern about wild populations of these animals, some of the last on earth, and what may happen when the virus gets into these animals. Were just trying to do the best we can.
France has advised its citizens to avoid Spain and Portugal for their summer holidays due to a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases triggered by the Delta variant.

The Delta variant of Covid-19 was first detected in India and has now spread to at least 96 countries. The World Health Organisation has warned that it will become the dominant variant globally in the coming months.

French junior European affairs minister Clement Beaune told France 2 TV: To those who have not yet booked their holidays, I say avoid Spain and Portugal as destinations. It is prudent advice, a recommendation.

The ministry later said that the travel remains authorised, and we are sending a message of caution on Portugal and Catalonia which are strongly impacted by the Delta variant, according to Reuters.

The French government had said on Wednesday that the Delta variant represents around 40 per cent of the new coronavirus infections in France.

Government spokesman Gabriel Attal said this variant is dangerous and quick and wherever it is present, it can ruin the summer.

Portugal reported more than 3,000 daily infections for the first time since February, according to Wednesday data, taking the overall case tally to 896,026.

The government has urged caution as the Delta variant accounts for nearly 90 per cent of new cases in the country.

Battling a surge in cases, Spains Catalonia region will impose curbs on nightlife and shut down nightclubs from Friday. It will also require a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination if people want to participate in outdoor activities which have more than 500 attendees, according to AFP.

Spains national infection rate over the past 14 days soared to 252 cases per 100,000 people on Wednesday from 117.2 a week ago. The country has recorded more than 3 million infections so far and over 80,000 deaths, data from Johns Hopkins University showed.
A French court has sentenced a 50-year-old man who murdered and dismembered four of his family members to 30 years in jail. The convict, Hubert Caouissin, believed his family was hoarding gold hidden from the Nazis.

Mr Caouissin appeared before the Loire-Atlantique Assize Court on Wednesday and was found guilty of the murder of four of his in-laws  the Troadecs  one night in February 2017 in Orvault near Nantes, local news reports said.

Hubert Caouissin had admitted killing his brother-in-law, Pascal Troadec, Troadecs wife, Brigitte, and the couples two children, 21-year old Sebastien and 18-year old Charlotte. In the court on Wednesday, Mr Caouissin asked for forgiveness from those he killed, according to 20minutes.fr.

The story of the murder of the Troadec family members captivated France at the time. The local police had claimed that the two-storey home in Orvault, near Nantes, appeared frozen in time  toothbrushes and hairbrushes were gone, food was left rotting in the kitchen, dishes were left unwashed in the sink and all the beds had been stripped and laundered.

Mr Caouissin believed that his wife, Lydies family  the Troadecs  were hiding gold ingots and coins rumoured to have been discovered by Lydie and her brother Pascals father in 2006 in the basement of a building he was working on in Brest. Reports said that the gold was said to have been part of a 50 kg consignment the Bank of France had hidden during the German occupation in World War II.

He was believed to be obsessed with the treasure that the court said there is no evidence ever existed.

Mr Caouissin had been spying on the family at their home in Orvault, near Nantes in western France, and had tried to listen to their conversations using a stethoscope against a window. When he was disturbed, he beat Pascal Troadec [his wifes brother] to death and then killed other members.

Police had found 379 body parts around Mr Caouissins farm, located in a remote part of Brittany. He had dismembered and then buried the bodies.

The attorney general had requested a life sentence for Mr Caouissin. But the jurors, after more than seven hours of deliberation, lowered the sentence. His former partner and mother of his son, Lydie Troadec, 52, was sentenced to three years in prison. She had helped her then-husband in concealing the corpses and also altered the scene of the crime.

Mr Caouissin said the murders were an accident. He denied that his actions had been premeditated.

Meanwhile, a psychiatrist had said that Mr Caouissin suffered from a classic case of paranoid madness.

Charlotte Gazzera, the attorney general, told the court: Mr Caouissin caused the death of four people in a terrible bloodbath  He is too dangerous. Theres no question he should be released.

Thierry Fillion and Patrick Larvor, the lawyers of Mr Caouissin, told the media: It is a huge relief for us and our client, even if it is not a victory. They had hoped to avoid life imprisonment. There is no special security period [it is, therefore, equal to half the sentence, ie 15 years], which gives Mr Caouissin a deadline, a real prospect.
Belgium government has decided to call the country ambassador to Seoul back without further delay as the news of his wifes fights hit headlines in the country once again.

Ambassador Peter Lescouhie is being called back by the countrys foreign minister Sophie Wilmes for the second time in four months due to his wifes clashes with locals.

South Koreas news agency Yonhap has reported citing the police that Ms Lescouhies wife Xiang Xueqiu had an altercation with a 65-year-old street cleaner on Monday, a second such incident, after the cleaners brush allegedly touched her.

She reportedly hit the man with his own broom, according to Belgian newspaper De Morgen, following which the cleaner pushed her to the ground. Ms Xueqiu hurt her back after the incident and was taken to the hospital.

Before this, the ambassador was first called back in May after CCTV footage showed Ms Xueqiu slapping a saleswoman in an incident that became a national controversy in South Korea. Charges couldnt be brought against Ms Xueqiu because of her diplomatic immunity.

However, while calling the ambassador back in the interest of the relations between two nations, the foreign minister also waived diplomatic immunity for Ms Xueqiu so she could be prosecuted in South Korea according to the local law. No charges were eventually pressed.

Even in the second case, Yonhap reported neither Ms Xueqiu nor the cleaner wanted to take the matter further legally.

On the latest incident, the Belgian foreign ministry told Politico in a statement that the circumstances of the incident remain unclear.

But since it's the second such incident, Ms Wilmes has said the ambassador should return to Belgium without further delay. She cited the responsibility of an ambassador to the host country and given our desire to maintain excellent relations with the Republic of Korea, Politico reported.
The president of Haiti was assassinated and his wife wounded in a "well-coordinated" attack at their home in the Caribbean Islands capital of Port-au-Prince.

Gunmen raided the home during the early hours of the morning, throwing the countrys leadership and upcoming presidential elections into chaos.

While details continue to emerge amid the "state of siege", this is everything currently known about the dramatic murder of a head of state.

US citizen among suspects in custody following shoot out

Four "foreign mercenaries" were killed and two captured after a shootout in the streets of Haiti less than 24 hours after the countrys leader was assassinated.

Haitis minister of elections and inter-party relations, Mathias Pierre, identified US citizen James Solages, who is described as being of Haitian descent, as one of the six people arrested in interviews with both The Washington Post and The New York Times. He told the Post that at least one other detainee is also believed to be a Haitian American.

While a Facebook page of James Solages from Fort Lauderdale has been removed, Heavy.com pulled detail from the search thumbnail to report that he was the same Mr Solages identified by Haiti officials.

Photos of two survivors from the police shootout that were arrested dont appear to show a resemblance to the public profile of Mr Solages from South Florida, although four additional gunmen were killed by police.

Haiti officials said six of the group were "arrested" but were not clear on whether that that included the two taken into custody alive and the four killed by police in the shootout.

A biography from a non-profit operating in Haiti describes Mr Solages as president of its board of directors who was previously "chief commander of bodyguards for The Canadian embassy in Haiti".

It says he serves as a politician promoting his country through economic development programs while working as a corporate executive in South Florida.

Mr Pierre reportedly showed a video of the two suspects being arrested to the jeers of a surrounding mob, while the crowd surrounded the police station where they were held.

The special units are trying to protect the police station, because the population is very mad and is trying to get to them, to burn them, he told the Post. Were trying to avoid that.

While the two men were photographed begin taken into custody, it was not immediately clear which was Mr Solages and which was the unidentified foreigner believed to be Haitian American.

One of the two men who are under Police custody for allegedly participating in the assassination plot (EPA)

Leon Charles, chief of Haitis National Police, said police chased the attackers as they left the crime scene and had been battling them since they were cornered in a nearby house.

Three officers held hostage were released after police surrounded and cleared the suspected hideout.

Those killed and captured were not identified and evidence of their links to the assassination have yet to be released, while more attackers are believed to be at large.

We will continue to hunt them down. Either they will be arrested, or they will be stopped in the exchange of fire. The pursuit will continue," Mr Charles said at a press conference.

While Mr Charles and the countrys prime minister called the "highly-trained commando" foreigners that spoke Spanish, the countrys Minister of Culture and Communication Pradel Henriquez said there were Haitians among the group of attackers, according to Haitis French-language newspaper Le Nouvelliste.

Uno de los dos hombres que se encuentran bajo custodia policial por presunta participacion en el complot de asesinato (EPA)

The president was assassinated, while the first lady survived her wounds

President Jovenel Moise, 53, was shot 12 times and his left eye blown out in the attack. First lady Martine Moise was shot but survived.

Judge Carl Henry Destin, the deputy justice of the peace of Petion-Ville, told Haitis French-language newspaper Le Nouvelliste that Mr Moises body was found riddled with a dozen bullet wounds made by a large-calibre weapon and 9 mm firearms.

We found him lying on his back, blue pants, a white shirt stained with blood, his mouth open, his left eye gouged out, Mr Destin said.

We saw a bullet impact at the level of his forehead, one in each nipple, three at the hip, one in the abdomen.

Mr Destin told the newspaper that the presidents office and bedroom were ransacked while his daughter, Jomarlie Jovenel Moise, hid in her brothers bedroom during the attack.

An unidentified boy in the house and a maid were tied up by the attackers. Ms Moise survived and was evacuated to Miamis Ryder Trauma Center, where she remained stable.

The president is survived by his wife three children.

Members of the Haitian police and forensics mark a bullet on the street as they look for evidence outside of the presidential residence on July 7, 2021 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AFP via Getty Images)

How the president was assassinated

Mr Moise had a private security detail and it is unknown how the attackers entered the home about 1 am local time on the morning of Wednesday, 7 June.

Mr Destin said members of the commando team shouted "DEA operation" as they entered the residence, while there was evidence of a gun battle on the property.

"Many 5.56 and 7.62 mm cartridge cases were found between the gatehouse and the interior of the residence," Mr Destin said.

Images and video from the scene showed concrete walls and car windows riddled with bullet holes, while witnesses said the shooting continued for about 30 minutes and included "explosions.

The neighbourhood, Pelerin 5, rests atop the hills overlooking Port-au-Prince, about an hours drive, or 16.2 kilometres from the capital city.

The suspected shooters were intercepted leaving the scene, with "some" taking refuge in the Pelerin neighbourhood, according to Mr Charles.

Gunmen were well-trained killers

Haitis envoy to the US said the assassination was carried out by foreigners who were "well-trained professionals, killers, commandos while the countrys Prime Minister Dr Claude Joseph said they were an unidentified group of individuals, "some of whom were speaking in Spanish".

Mr Josephs cryptic reference to Spanish-speaking attackers came amid reports of video footage showing the men claiming to be agents with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The national language of the country is Haitian Creole, similar to French-based Creole, with influences from Spanish, Portuguese and English. Spanish is spoken in the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

DEA operation. Everybody stand down. DEA operation. Everybody back up, stand down, one of the men with an American accent is said to have yelled in English.

Footage filmed in the dark of night showed flashlights illuminating parts of the property as one of the men uses a megaphone while speaking in English and a different language.

A translation of the footage online showed the men yelling in a different language, "You guys better not shoot. Dont shoot at the men, the men are not your enemy," before returning to an American accent.

This is an operation, this is an operation, DEA. Everybody go go go, continue, go, everybody, do not shoot".

Back to another language: "Guys if you do not leave the operators will shoot at you guys Guys, keep walking down. If you dont keep walking down they will shoot at you."

The men filming the footage comment that the attackers disarm security before saying "the president is gone".

Ambassador Bocchit Edmond said at a press conference they were fake DEA, based on his impression from security camera footage.

Department of State spokesman Ned Price denied the US had any involvement in the murder.

The Hattian ambassador himself has dismissed these allegations, these reports are absolutely false, the United States condemns this heinous act, these false reports are nothing more than that, false reports, Mr Price told a news briefing.

Where the investigation stands

The interim prime minister Claude Joseph called for an international investigation and alluded to the political enemies of Mr Moise that could be behind the hit squad.

He told the Associated Press the president as a " man of courage who opposed some oligarchs in the country, and we believe those things are not without consequences.

Authorities closed the international airport and other ports of entry to prevent the escape of the attackers as the country was declared a state of siege, with businesses in the area ransacked following news of the assassination.

Mr Edmond told reporters they had formally asked for assistance with the investigation.

Mr Price, the State Department spokesman, said they also expect to receive a formal request for defence equipment and were standing by.

"The investigation is in the early phases, we are ready and willing to support Hattian authorities in that investigation, which they are leading," Mr Price said. "We are willing to cooperate with any requests they may put forward."

Security forces conduct an investigation as a soldier stands guard at the entrance to the residence of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP)

Leadership chaos as incoming prime minister declares interim prime minister illegitimate

The countrys interim prime minister Claude Joseph has assumed leadership of Haiti, placing police and military in control of security.

The long-term line of succession, however, remains unclear.

A day before his assignation, Mr Moise had named a new prime minister, Dr Ariel Henry, to replace the interim office holder, Mr Joseph.

Mr Henry told Le Nouvelliste that he is, in fact, the legitimate prime minister and that Mr Joseph was to remain in government under his leadership

It is necessary to sit down. I am an appointed Prime Minister, Claude was an interim Prime Minister who resumed his positions as Minister of Foreign Affairs. I think we need to talk to each other. Claude was supposed to stay in the government I was going to have," he said.

In my opinion, he is no longer Prime Minister. Are there several Prime Ministers appointed in the country?"

Whoever the prime minister is, to formally replace the late president as the countrys leader they would have to be approved by the countrys parliament, but that it is effectively defunct

President of the National Association of Haitian Judges, Jean Wilner Morin, told CNN the president of the Supreme Court normally next in line was empty after the death of the current holder from Covid-19.

"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?" Ms Morin told CNN.

She said there was a third scenario in which the President of the National Assembly replaced the president in 2015.

"Today we dont 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," she added.

Mr Henry said that he is in contact with the 10 senators still holding office, as well as "people in the international community", about the line of succession.

Members of the Haitian police and forensics look for evidence outside of the presidential residence. (AFP via Getty Images)

The broader context preceding the assassination

The country of roughly 11 million people has battled poverty, crime, corruption and natural disasters, from hurricanes to earthquakes.

Mr Moise, a former banana producer, was sworn into office in 2017 after the nation had been leaderless for a year on the promise of fighting corruption.

He had been widely criticised for ruling by decree for almost two years while the Parliament was dissolved a year ago amid failure to hold elections.

Protesters had been calling for his removal since 2019, while opposition leaders accused him of increasing his power by approving by staying in office after the end of his term in February 2021 and signing decrees to squash dissent.

One decree limited the powers of a court that audits government contracts while another created an intelligence agency that answers only to the president.

The next elections are scheduled for September.

Ambassador Bocchit Edmond speaks of the late Haitian President Jovenel Moise, during an interview with the Associated Press in his office at the Embassy of Haiti in Washington, Wednesday. (AP)

Biden calls assassination heinous

US President Joe Biden condemned the attack as heinous in a statement and said it was very worrisome.

Asked by reporters for his response as he left for a trip to Illinois, he said they "need a lot more information, but its just  its very worrisome about the state of Haiti.

Mr Bidens formal statement from the White House released earlier said: "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, 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."

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, said President Biden.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press
Two American citizens were among the group of people arrested following the assassination of Haitis president Jovenel Moise, the Associated Press reports.

In total, 17 suspects have been detained by police  15 of whom were said to be from Colombia, Leon Charles, chief of Haitis National Police, said on Thursday night.

The police chief went on to state that eight more suspects were being sought and three people were killed by police following the assassination of Haitis president.

We are going to bring them to justice, Mr Charles said during the Thursday night news conference.

Haitis minister of elections and inter-party relations, Mathias Pierre, identified US citizens James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55, as the two Americans detained. Mr Solages was described as being of Haitian descent and was one of the two survivors of a police shootout in the streets near the presidents house.

The US State Department has said it was aware of the reports that two Haitian Americans were in custody following the assassination, but the agency made no further comment on the matter, according to AP.

One of the two men who are under Police custody for allegedly participating in the assassination plot (EPA)

The Colombian government said it was asked about six of the suspects detained in Haiti, including two who were killed. It was determined that the suspects were retired army, but no identities were released.

Colombian President Ivan Duque ordered the high command of Colombias army and police to cooperate in the investigation.

Mr Pierre reportedly showed a video of two suspects being arrested to the jeers of a surrounding mob, while the crowd gathered around the police station where they were held.

The special units are trying to protect the police station, because the population is very mad and is trying to get to them, to burn them, he told The Washington Post. Were trying to avoid that.

While the two men were photographed being taken into custody, it was not immediately clear which was Mr Solages and which was Mr Vincent.

One of the two men who are under Police custody for allegedly participating in the assassination plot (EPA)

Mr Charles, chief of Haitis National Police, said they chased the attackers as they left the crime scene and had been battling them since they were cornered in a nearby house.

Three officers held hostage were released after police surrounded and cleared the suspected hideout.

Mr Moise was shot dead and his wife was seriously wounded in an attack on their home by a group of men early on Wednesday.

Authorities continue to search for additional attackers.

We will continue to hunt them down. Either they will be arrested, or they will be stopped in the exchange of fire. The pursuit will continue," Mr Charles said at a press conference.

While Mr Charles and the countrys prime minister described the "highly-trained commando" as foreigners that spoke Spanish, the countrys Minister of Culture and Communication Pradel Henriquez said there were Haitians among the group of attackers, according to Haitis French-language newspaper Le Nouvelliste.

Haitis envoy to the US said the assassination was carried out by foreigners who were "well-trained professionals, killers, commandos while the countrys Prime Minister Dr Claude Joseph said they were an unidentified group of individuals, "some of whom were speaking in Spanish".

Mr Josephs reference to Spanish-speaking attackers came amid reports of video footage from the night of the attack on the presidents home showing the men claiming to be agents with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The national language of the country is Haitian Creole, similar to French-based Creole, with influences from Spanish, Portuguese and English. Spanish is spoken in the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

DEA operation. Everybody stand down. DEA operation. Everybody back up, stand down, one of the men with an American accent is said to have yelled in English.

Haitis ambassador to the US, Bocchit Edmond, said at a press conference they were fake DEA, based on his impression from security camera footage.

Department of State spokesman Ned Price denied the US had any involvement in the murder.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Haiti president Jovenel Moise was shot 12 times and his left eye blown out, while four suspected gunmen were killed and two captured in a dramatic shootout less than 24 hours after the assassination.

Judge Carl Henry Destin, the deputy justice of the peace of Petion-Ville, told Haitis French-language newspaper Le Nouvelliste that Mr Moises body was found riddled with a dozen bullet wounds made by a large-calibre weapon and 9 mm firearms.

We found him lying on his back, blue pants, a white shirt stained with blood, his mouth open, his left eye gouged out, Mr Destin said.

We saw a bullet impact at the level of his forehead, one in each nipple, three at the hip, one in the abdomen.

Mr Destin told the newspaper that the presidents office and bedroom were ransacked while his daughter, Jomarlie Jovenel Moise, hid in her brothers bedroom during the attack.

A boy in the house and a maid were tied up by the commando team shouting DEA operation while "many 5.56 and 7.62 mm cartridge cases were found between the gatehouse to inside the residence, he said.

Mr Moises wife was the only other person shot. She was flown to Miamis Ryder Trauma Center for treatment and is expected to survive.

The graphic details emerged as police killed four suspected foreign mercenaries and captured two in a shootout less than 24 hours after the assassination.

Haitis police chief, Leon Charles, said a statement they were blocked as they left the presidents house and that they had been battling them since surrounding their hideout.

Mr Charles said aid three police officers held hostage by the gunmen were released after the shootout.

Those killed and captured in the shootout were not identified and evidence of their links to the assassination have yet to be released.

Additional reporting by Associated Press.
A day after Netflix launched its new Netflix India South Twitter account, the streaming platform released South Anthem  Namma Stories, a song dedicated to the culture and brilliancy of Indias southern states.

On Thursday, Netflix India took to Twitter to announce the news. Get ready to drop some adipolis, vera levels, kirraks and sakkaths, because your screens are about to be set on [fire emojis], said a tweet by Netflix India South.

Presenting Namma Stories  a celebration of stories from the south, it added.

The South Anthem features rappers Arivu, SIRI, Hanumankind, and NJ, an actor from the Kerala state, best known for portraying the character of Moosa in the political thriller TV series The Family Man.

In the music video, the artists are seen rapping in their mother tongues about their pride, the richness of their culture, passion, and shared love for film.

The video also showcases a feeling of fraternity felt among the five southern states, namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The music video is part of Netflixs efforts to make a mark in the southern states, according to local reports.
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Minister of Commerce & Industry, Railways, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution Piyush Goyal today invited the business community in the Indo-Pacific region to actively take part in efforts for bolstering development, trade and growth in the region.Delivering the keynote address at the CIIs Special Plenary with the Trade Ministers in the Indo-Pacific region on the subject Developing a Road Map for Shared Prosperity, he said that Indias track record should give confidence toour friends that it will be their natural & most reliable ally in years to come.Goyal said that when we talk of shared prosperity we must remember that Shared prosperity is impossible without shared commitment. He said that it is acommitment which entails sharing challenges as well as opportunities and risks as well as rewards.He said that amidst all the sufferingcaused by the pandemic, there is a silver lining  agrowing spirit of brotherhood among nations to helpeach other. He said that this spirit of brotherhood, more thananything else, has laid a robust foundation on which wehave a chance to build promising partnerships.Describing Indo-Pacific region as the new economic centre ofgravity of the globalised world, Goyal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2015, had articulated his visionfor the Indo-Pacific in one word SAGAR i.e SecurityAnd Growth of All in the Region. He said that it must serve as theguiding principle for all nations in this region, as a secure &stable Indo-Pacific region equals peace & prosperity forall.Goyal said that when the world looks at resilient supplychains it looks east to Indo-Pacific region. He assured that as the world moves to realign from over concentratedand risky supply chains, they can trust India to provide a multitude ofinvestment & manufacturing opportunities. He said that India endorses the concept of working towards ensuringa transparent, trustworthy, dependable & reliablesupply chain. Mentioning about the Supply Chain Resilience Initiativelaunched in Sept 2020 as a firm step towardsbuilding resilient supply chains, he said that other friendly countries may also be included in it.Goyal said that the abundance of trade agreements in Indo-Pacific has led to a decline in tariff rates over time. He, however, added that Non-Tariff Measures act as a major trade barrier in the region. Trade facilitation can ease cross-border movement of goods.Mentioning about India strengths, Goyal said that even during the initial months of the pandemic, whenthe country was in lockdown,no supply chain was allowed to be disrupted. It was ensured that the country met all its international service commitments in ITsector. He said that our track record should give confidence toour friends that India will be their natural & mostreliable ally in years to come.Talking about Aatmnirbhar Bharat (Self Reliant India), Goyal said that the country today stands at a critical juncture where itis looking to forge its own destiny and of its 130 billionpeople. He said that Aatmnirbhar Bharatis not about looking inward, rather it is about engaging with theworld with a spirit of competitiveness and from a positionof strength.Goyal said that PLI Schemes worth $26 bncovering 13 sectors have been announced to create &nurture global manufacturing champions. He invited companies from the region toutilize these incentives. He also mentioned about several measures taken resulting in thesimplification and rationalization of many existing rules ulations. The Minister said that we are about to launch a single windowclearance system. The Doing Business Report, 2020acknowledges India as one of the top 10 improvers, forthe 3rd time in a row, with an improvement of 67 ranks in3 years. Talking about macro-economic scenario in India.He said that the country received its highest ever Foreign Direct Investment in its history despite COVID-19, even while investments worldwide fell down.There is a new energy in our start-ups ecosystem- 6 months into 2021, India has 15 more unicorns. India has witnessed the highest ever merchandise exports in the history of India,18% higher than the exports of Q1 of 2019-20.Goyal said that we can expand our export-importcollaboration in areas of Clean Tech, Tourism,Logistics, Sustainable Agriculture, Startups, Healthcare, education & Life sciences. He invitedthe companies to set uptheir manufacturing base and expedite ourintegration into each other's supply chains.On the issue of sustainability, Goyal said that India isamongst the select countries regularly submittingnational communications & biennial update reports toUNFCCC. It shows that India has not only met itsnationally determined contribution to mitigate carbonemission, but has actually exceeded the target. Indiahad introduced the concept of Climate Justice &Sustainable Lifestyle to the world and now India is showing the world how it is done.Mr Yoon Sung Roh, Chairman of the Presidential Committee, Republic of Korea, Ms Betty C. Maina, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade & Enterprise Development, Republic of Kenya, Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade & Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, United Arab Emirates, Mr Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Republic of Fiji, Mr BandulaGunawardana, Minister of Trade, Republic of Sri Lanka also addressed the session.


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Genome sequencing of Covid-19 positive samples from UP has revealed 2 cases with the Delta plus strain, which is more transmissible and evades the bodys immunity, as per TNN.

In May, 100 samples were routinely sent to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in Delhi, and the reports were received on July 6.

Additional chief secretary, health and family welfare, Amit Mohan Prasad, said: The cases were identified during genome sequencing of samples in the state. Surfacing of Delta plus virus makes Covid-19 appropriate behaviour very essential.

Till date, more than 1,000 samples have been sent for genome sequencing from the state to various labs.

Of these, over 80% tested positive to Delta variant, while about 6% tested positive to the alpha strain.

TOI

The two cases of Delta plus strain have been reported for the first time. Insiders revealed the two patients, who hail from Gorakhpur and Deoria districts of eastern UP, had contracted the infection in May. While one of them was a 66-year-old resident of Deoria who died during treatment, the other is a 23-year-old resident doctor at Baba Raghav Das Medical College, Gorakhpur.

The two had no travel history and were unrelated. The elderly contracted infection on May 7 and was treated at home till his health deteriorated and he was shifted to BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur. He died during course of treatment on May 29. He had no travel history and all 27 contacts tested negative to Covid-19, said health department sources.

The other, a resident doctor at BRD Medical College, tested positive to Covid-19 on May 26. She remained in home isolation for a week and recovered.

Yale Medicine

Experts say Delta Plus could drive the anticipated third wave and over 500 cases of this variety have already been recorded in 10 states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala among others.

Assuring that the state was on high alert to isolate cases of Delta plus strain in early stages, ACS Prasad said: The second wave is on the wane. Daily cases are dipping and recovery rate has soared to 98.6%. However, presence of two Delta plus cases makes Covid-19 appropriate behaviour extremely important.

Meanwhile, data indicated that 120 new cases and 191 recoveries were reported in past 24 hours in the state, which also recorded 11 deaths. The number of active cases in state was 1,947, including 1351 in home isolation.
Former US president Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against tech titans Google, Twitter and Facebook, as well as their chief executives, alleging censorship of conservative viewpoints, Reuters reported.

Reuters

This is the latest escalation that follows Trumps permanent ban from Twitter and a two-year suspension from Facebook and Instagram over public safety concerns in the wake of the US Capitol riots, led by his supporters, earlier this year.

What is Trump's crusade

The report said that Trump is seeking class-action status for the lawsuits filed in federal court in Miami, which would allow him to sue the tech CEOs on behalf of a larger group of people who he claims have been unfairly silenced.

ALSO READ: US President Donald Trump Banned From Facebook, Instagram Indefinitely

He further argued that these suspensions violated the right to freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, all three California-based social media platforms are private and therefore subject to different rules.

Reuters

Trump announced in a press conference that he is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit being filed with the Southern District of Florida. The filing seeks immediate restoration of his social media accounts as well as seeks to prevent any similar censorship of his activities in the future. Trump also said he is asking the court to impose "punitive damages" on Google, Twitter and Facebook.

ALSO READ: Trump's War Against Social Media: What Does it Mean For Future Of Internet?

Trump's legal effort is reportedly supported by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a nonprofit created by former Trump officials and is focused on perpetuating Trump's populist policies.

Experts claim lawsuit "meritless"

None of the tech companies named have yet responded to the lawsuit. But experts argued that the lawsuit is meritless since the principal argument citing the first amendment does not restrict private sector corporations from regulating content on their platforms. They said its possible Trump is instead pursuing the suits to garner attention.

Reuters

And this makes complete sense. Ever since he lost access to his social media accounts, Trumps popularity in the media has taken a huge toll. According to data from SocialFlow via Axios, clicks to Trump stories fell 81 per cent from January to February, another 56 per cent from February to March and 40 per cent from March to April.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump's Account Suspended From Twitter And Facebook, After Violent Protests

Trump knows that. A team led by his former spokesman, Jason Miller, launched a Twitter-clone, GETTR, last Sunday billing it as an alternative to Big Tech sites. But the social network has already run into problems as hackers scraped the email addresses of more than 85,000 of its users.

Threat actors were able to take advantage of bad API implemented on Trump's recent social media platform, Gettr (@GettrOfficial).



This allowed them to extract usernames, names, bios, bdays, but most importantly, the emails which were supposed to be private, of over 85,000 users. pic.twitter.com/NsKyz9zHmQ  Alon Gal (Under the Breach) (@UnderTheBreach) July 6, 2021

But thats not the end of it. The social network, which is supposed to appeal to the anti-China Trump lobby, apparently backed by Guo Wengui, a fugitive Chinese billionaire, who is an ally of Trumps former advisor Steve Bannon.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Jammu was rocked by two IED blasts in the early hours of June 27, when two drones dropped high grade-explosives that damaged the roof of a building and injured two IAF personnel.

This is being dubbed as the first drone-based terror attack ever launched on India and signals towards an ominous future, where Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), autonomous weapons systems and robotic soldiers would be employed as new modes of sabotage and violence.

Its been long time coming

But for many, this attack wasnt very surprising. For one, terrorists from across the border have been dropping weapons and ammunition the country since the last three years; in fact, in June last year, the Border Security Forces (BSF) neutralised a hexacopter in Jammu which was carrying a US-made M4 semi-automatic carbine, two magazines, 60 rounds of cartridge and seven Chinese grenades as payload. Reports estimate 100-150 annual drone sightings, mostly for surveillance, near Indias western border.

unsplash

The discussions about such terror attacks began in 2018 when Syrian rebels used homemade drones to attack Russian military bases in Syria and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by a GPS-guided drone attack the same year. And it further gained momentum in 2019 when Yemens Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for bombing two key Saudi oil installations.

Drone monitoring technologies

The first process in countering a possible drone attack is to implement a monitoring equipment which would not only detect and distinguish drones from other objects such as birds and airplanes but also identify a particular model of drone and alert security officials to deploy countermeasures.

unsplash

A radar system can measure the direction and the position of flying objects by sending out radio signals and listening for the echo. But conventional systems are not meant for detecting small flying objects and even if theyre calibrated in such a manner, they can easily mistake a bird for smaller drones. However, a micro-doppler radar can detect speed differences within moving objects, allowing easy identification.

Radio Frequency (RF) Analysers is another such technique that can detect radio communication between a drone and its controller, but its useless against autonomous drones. Security experts have also looked at optical cameras with infrared or thermal imaging capabilities to capture images of the drone and its payload.

Counter-drone measures

unsplash

Almost all major countries have introduced counter-drone measures to deal with rogue flying objects but the technologies to disable their navigation, interfere with their radio frequency, or even training eagles for countering small drones havent really proved foolproof. Therefore, several security agencies use a mix of these technologies, which weve listed below.

Radio Jammer

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A radio jammer is a static, mobile, or handheld device that uses a combination of radar and cameras to detect and jam drones in the sky by transmitting radio frequencies. The United States Army uses the Marine Corps-sponsored LMADIS, or Light-Mobile Air Defense Integrated System -- a mobile mounted anti-drone system which destroyed an Iranian drone in July 2019.

GPS Spoofing

This countermeasure involves sending a new signal to the drone, replacing the communication with GPS satellites it uses for navigation. And by dynamically altering the GPS coordinates in real-time, this device can be used to control the drones position and redirect it to a safe place.

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)

Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) solutions fitted with Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) capability interfere with radio links when fired and disrupt or even destroy the electronic circuits in drones. And because the EMP can also fry other electronic devices within range, these devices may include an antenna to focus the EMP in a certain direction.

Aerospace and defense giant Northrop Grumman uses Epirus, Inc.s Leonidas EMP solution for both static and mobile counter-drone defense.

Net Guns or drones

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Net Cannon fired from the ground can be hand-held, shoulder-launched, or turret-mounted and is used to capture drones effectively between a range of 20m to 300m; they can also be fired from another drone to overcome the limited range.

Another measure includes sending out a friendly unmanned aircraft dragging an actual net to capture the enemy UAS, such as the NINJA system, or Negation of Improvised Non-state Joint Aerial-threats, used by the US Air Force.

High-energy lasers

These are high-powered counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) that shoot an extremely focused beam of light, or laser beam that melt and disrupt a drones electronics.

Indias anti-drone technology

A drone-based terror attack is quite effective: it reduces operation costs and the risk of identification for terrorists as well as can easily sneak past conventional interventions employed by security agencies. Furthermore, individuals with no affiliation to any terrorist organisations can also carry out such an attack with sufficient motivation and skills and fly under the radar.

Indian border forces are largely dependent on their eyesight to watch out for drones and then shoot them down. But smaller drones operating at heights may be difficult to spot and target. In the wake of threats from drones, the Border Security Forces (BSF) launched an initiative to dig into a pool of 500 Indian companies to stop the menace of drones being used for narco-terrorism and attacks on vital installations.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has said that its D-4 drone system could help the Army swiftly detect and destroy drones that pose a security threat to the country. The technology, developed in 2019, is capable of destroying micro-drones by jamming the command and control links (softkill) and further by damaging the hardware of the drones with lasers (hardkill).

The DRDOs Counter-Drone System was deployed at the PMs Independence Day speech last year and for VVIP protection at the Republic Day parades in 2020 and 2021, but the technology is yet to go into mass production.

Which begs the question: why didnt the government heed to those obvious ominous signs and procure DRDOs detect-and-destroy technology for drones? Indias attempts to counter Pakistan on the international stage for its support to terror organisations has shown some success, but with shifting warfare and drones taking centre-stage, its time for India to showcase and strengthen its technological capabilities as well as have a long-term policy for novel technologies.
Chinese researchers are already planning for the future and want to be well prepared for it.

These researchers from Beijing want to send more than 20 of China's largest rockets to space to practice turning away a huge asteroid. They believe that this technique may eventually be crucial if a killer rock is on a collision course with Earth.

NY Post

This entire ideology may seem like a plot twist of a movie or science fiction, but it really isn't. Sometime between late 2021 and early 2022, the United States will launch a robotic spacecraft to intercept two asteroids relatively close to Earth. However, whenever it arrives a year later, the NASA spacecraft will crash-land on the smaller of the two rocky bodies to see how much the asteroids trajectory changes.

This will be humanity's first trial to change the course of the celestial body.

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The researchers at Chinas National Space Science Center found out that 23 Long March 5 rockets hitting simultaneously could deflect a large asteroid from its original path by a distance of 1.4 times the Earths radius.

All of their calculations are based on an asteroid by the name of Bennu which is orbiting the sun and is as wide and tall as the Empire State Building. It belongs to a class of rocks with the potential to cause regional or continental damage. Asteroids spanning more than 1 km would have global consequences.



From delivering space station modules to launching probes to the moon and Mars, Long March 5 rockets are key to Chinas near-term space ambitions. The country has successfully launched six Long March 5 rockets since 2016, with the last one causing some safety concerns as its remnants re-entered the atmosphere in May.



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Professor Alan Fitzsimmons from the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queens University Belfast told Reuters, " The proposal of keeping the upper stage of the launch rocket to a guiding spacecraft, making one large kinetic impactor to deflect an asteroid, is a rather nice concept. By increasing the mass hitting the asteroid, simple physics should ensure a much greater effect.



Current estimates show there is roughly a 1% chance a 100-meter-wide asteroid would strike Earth in the next 100 years, said Professor Gareth Collins at Imperial College London. It is advised that diverting an asteroids path presents a lower risk than blasting the rock with nuclear explosives, which may create smaller fragments without changing their course, scientists say.
Claimed as the world's smallest cow by its owners, Rani is a 23-month-old calf who lives at a farm in Charigram, 30 kilometres southwest of Dhaka. She is 51 centimetres tall and thousands of Bangladeshis are thronging to see the animal.

Rani is 66 centimetres long and weighs only 26 kilograms. According to her owners, she is 10 centimetres shorter than the smallest cow in Guinness World Records.



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MA Hasan Howlader, manager of Shikor Agro farm, used a tape to measure how Rani dwarfs her closest rival Manikyam, a cow in Kerala that currently holds the world record. Manikyam, from the Vechur breed, was 61.1 centimetres tall when her height was measured in 2014.

"People come long distances despite the coronavirus lockdown. Most want to take selfies with Rani," Howlader told AFP.

"More than 15,000 people have come to see Rani in the past three days alone. Honestly speaking, we are tired," he said.

"I have never seen anything like this in my life. Never," Rina Begum, who came from a neighbouring town, said.

News Beezer

Howlader added that Guinness World Records officials have promised a decision in three months.

Rani is a Bhutti, or Bhutanese, cow which is prized for its meat in Bangladesh.

"We did not expect such huge interest. We did not think people would leave their homes because of the worsening virus situation. But they have come here in droves," the manager said.

Sajedul Islam, the government's chief vet for the region, said that Rani is a product of "genetic inbreeding", adding that she was unlikely to become any bigger.

Sleekgist

Islam also advised the owners to not allow many tourists as they may carry diseases that can threaten Rani's health.
We must have the courage and will to succeed. Of course, failures upset us at times. But we must have a strong spirit and a desire for victory, like the founder and chairman of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi is proof that every failure and bad times can be vanquished only if you keep on moving ahead with the belief that good things are just a turn away.

Hotel Oberoi Mumbai | cntraveller.in

Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi founded and built India's second-largest hotel empire by facing a series of failures and began his career with a paltry sum of only Rs 25 given by his mother.

Most of us are already aware of the Oberoi Group and its founder Mohan Singh Oberai, but many are unaware of how the brand actually began and went on to become India's first modern five-star, world-class hotel.

Who is Mohan Singh Oberoi?

Mohan Singh Oberoi | Facebook

MS Oberoi was born in a Sikh family in Bhanau village from Pakistans Jhelum district. He was only six-month-old when his father passed away and after the loss of his father all the responsibilities of Oberoi fell on his mothers shoulder which was not an ideal situation in those days for a woman. Hence when he was old enough, Mohan Singh decided to drop out of his studies and began working in his uncles shoe factory in Lahore (before Partition) as a manager in 1918. But the factory shut down within a year itself due to widespread riots across Amritsar and at the same time his life took another turn and he was married to Ishran Devi.

After his marriage, Mohan Oberai began to live with his brother-in-law in Sargondha, Pakistan hoping to get some employment but days kept passing by and nothing came his way.

Failures and upsets galore

Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi | Oberoi Hotels

After spending much time and money when he failed to find any job, MS returned to his village. In such a situation, MS wanted to stay with his mother and wanted to take care of her but she refused and told him to return to his in-laws house and find some work. It is said that when MS Oberai was leaving the house, his mother handed him Rs 25.

Dared to dream

After a lot of struggle and failures, in 1922, Oberoi came to Shimla to escape from the epidemic of plague and got a job as a front desk clerk at The Cecil Hotel at a salary of Rs 50 per month. Mohan had got this opportunity after many troubles so he gave his 100 percent to make the best use of the opportunity.

MS Oberoi had come to Shimla barefoot with just Rs 25 in his pocket and now he was responsible for the up-gradation of one of the most prominent hotels of Shimla.

Rags to riches

In 1934, Mr. Oberoi acquired his first property, The Clarkes Hotel, from his mentor by mortgaging his wife's jewellery and all his assets. His hard work ensured that he paid back all the mortgage money over the next five years. After that, he signed a lease to take over operations of the five hundred rooms Grand Hotel in Calcutta that was on sale following a cholera epidemic. With his customary confidence and sheer determination to succeed, he was able to convert this hotel into a highly profitable business venture.

A interior view of hotel grand Oberoi in daylight

Mohan Singh Oberoi never stopped working hard which is key to his success and thats why he always kept on climbing the ladder of success. MS Oberai founded India's second-largest hotel company, and the group employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and owns and operates 31 luxury hotels and luxury cruisers in five countries, primarily under its Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and Trident brands.

Known as the father of the hotel industry

Mohan Singh Oberoi is recognised as the father of the Indian Hotel Industry, who has left behind a legacy of service quality and perfection, which is reflected in his creation of the Oberoi Group of hotels.

View of Trident hotel and Oberoi hotel from Marine Drive.





Awards and achievements

In 1943, Mr. Oberoi was conferred the title of Rai Bahadur by the British Government in recognition of his services to the Crown. Thereafter, Mr. Oberoi won acclaim and received several national and international awards including admission to the Hall of Fame by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and Man of The World award by the International Hotel Association (IHA), New York. In 2001, the Government of India accorded him the Padma Bhushan. After many ups and downs, Mohan Sigh Oberoi took his last breath on May 3, 2002.

Despite coming from a remote village, MS Oberois hard work has given him wealth and recognition at a global level making him a tremendous source of inspiration for everyone who says no to every failure that comes their way.
A mining company in Botswana has announced on Wednesday that an exceptionally large and white 1,174-carat diamond stone has been unearthed in the country.

This latest find by Canadian Diamond firm, Lucara fills the palm of a man's hand and was found on June 12th. After the find, the firm presented the stone to the country's cabinet in the capital Gaborone on Wednesday.

Khaleej Times

The company's managing director Naseem Lahri said about this stone, "This is history in the making, for us and Botswana as well." He also said that in terms of size, this stone sits at number three if one checks the hierarchy.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi who is the President of Botswana on Wednesday welcomed the "riveting moment" and the growing frequency of diamond discoveries in the country. He promised to the peopla around the globe that these discoveries will bring the South African country on the opwrld map and will leave a long lasting legacy.



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With this latest find of the diamond, Botswana has become the leader on the world stage of the largest stones. The country ammounts to six of the largest diamond out of the top ten in the world.

Just last month, a diamond firm by the name of Debswana is believed to have found the third largest diamond in the world in Botswana. The firm had unearthed a stone weighing 1,098 carats and showed it to President Mokgweetsi two weeks after finding it.

It was only a little less heavy than the second-largest diamond 1,109 carat Lesedi La Rona unearthed by Lucara Diamonds also in Botswana in 2015.



The Guardian

However, now the newest find by the Canadian company may have beaten the current second-largest diamond. The biggest diamond ever discovered in the world was the 3,106-carat Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. Parts of that diamond adorn the British crown jewels.

The Mineral Minister of the country, Lefoko Moagi added that the discovery of the stone could not have been at a better time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit diamond sales in 2020. The country's growth due to these stones can be a turning point in the economy of these countries.


A woman cries upon hearing the killing of five militants during the encounter in Hanjin, Rajpora area of Pulwama in south Kashmir on July 2. Five militants and one Indian army soldier were killed in the fierce encounter in Pulwama ,Police said. (Photo by Faisal Khan/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Microsoft subsidiary GitHub announced the new AI-powered Copilot service as a private beta for developers on June 29, 2021, with the AI pair programmer embedded in Microsofts massively popular Visual Studio Code editor as an extension for beta users. As developers write their code, Copilot will step in to make suggestions, much like the autocomplete feature in email applications like Gmail, but for code written in Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Ruby, Go, and other programming languages.

Copilot was built in collaboration with OpenAI, the artificial intelligence lab founded by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and others and that Microsoft invested $1 billion in last year. OpenAI adapted its GPT-3 language-prediction model for computer code for this project in a model it calls Codex. Teaching neural networks to write code is not a new endeavor, with startups like TabNine and Kite working on similar projects. But the heft of Microsoft and OpenAI means Copilot is a strong entrant to the market from Day 1.

Software consultant Philip John Basile has dabbled with these other AI coding assistants, but told InfoWorld that Copilot is already just on another level.

The announcement certainly made a splash, generating 1,200 comments on Hacker News in just two days and driving hundreds of early users to show off its hits and misses on social media.

In terms of the developer experience today, a few early usersmany of whom are GitHub Stars or Microsoft MVPshave been showing off the capabilities on social media and in livestreams. Heres what they have to say.

What works well in Copilot

Cassidy Williams, director of developer experience at PaaS company Netlify, said that Copilot is going to be incredibly useful for things like smaller utilities that I have to often rewrite across various projects. The fact that I could use it to do certain capitalization patterns, or write certain pattern-matching functions for me that I would normally have to either just hunker down and write or look up how to do for the 100th time, she told InfoWorld.

Instead of autocomplete, it gives me ideas for full-fledged functions, random code items, and can even pull together some written paragraphs for when I blog, Basile said, based on his early experiences with the tool.

I think it really works extremely well as a very smart autocompletion tool, prolific open source maintainer and software development consultant Alexey Golub told InfoWorld. It can infer the context from your code and finish whatever line you were typing accurately most of the time. It also helps in other scenarios outside of coding too, like writing blog posts, talk abstracts, comments, or documentation. Sometimes, the right word might just barely escape you, but then Copilot suggests it for you.

Colby Fayock, a developer advocate at test automation company Applitools, stayed up all night playing with the tool once he was given early access. I was surprised at how well it was able to provide answers for a lot of the input I tried, he told InfoWorld. The first thing that came to mind was that this would be most useful for generating common utility functions like sorting by date that one might use in different projects. Typically, that might be a common Google search for a Stack Overflow answer, but now I can just write the function and have that answer given to me right in Visual Studio Code.

Vinit Shahdeo, a software engineer at collaboration platform Postman, said Copilot is definitely going to increase the developers efficiency by reducing development time and suggesting better alternatives for the code.

What works less well in Copilot

Although Copilot looks like a very useful productivity booster, it still has a long way to go to replace actual chunks of human developer work. For more complex projects, I dont think it can just write my code for me, Netlifys Williams said. There were some nuances as I played with it where I could tell it was doing something fairly generic when I wanted something else. But, if it means I can get the tedious code out of the way so I can get my business logic done right, Im all for it.

Basile said, When you are working with it, it will give you 10 items that could be the right fit. Some of them are just flat-out terrible while others are perfect. You really need to sift through the sand to find the diamond. Similarly, technical blogger Ray Villalobos often struggled to get a useful result, so he resorted to retyping comments until Copilot offered something useful.

While Applitoolss Fayock was pleased with the tool, he didnt feel as much joy when writing in React. I tried some examples like generating a user profile, and part of the issue is creating a React component that is useful requires more than just some React, but also styles to go along with it, he said  which Copilot does not support. It also seems to struggle when trying to generate something that would ultimately require a library to import.

Is Copilot ready for the enterprise?

So the AI isnt coming for your developer jobs just yet. Furthermore, Postmans Shahdeo is wary of newcomers to the industry becoming reliant on tools like Copilot, as this might block their learning path if they get into the habit of autocomplete.

Im not sure a computer will ever be as good as a person, but it does give you a good starting point and sometimes the code it returns makes you think about how to approach as solution, blogger Villalobos said.

Although Copilot shows initial promise, even GitHub is cautious about its enterprise applicability at this early stage. GitHub notes in its FAQ that the code Copilot suggests may not always work, or even make sense. While we are working hard to make GitHub Copilot better, code suggested by GitHub Copilot should be carefully tested, reviewed, and vetted, like any other code. As the developer, you are always in charge.

I think it can already be used at enterprise level, Golub said. Worst case, it will just not do anything (if its suggestions are not relevant then you can just ignore them); best case, it will save you time and be more productive.
Robotics. Just the mere mention of the word conjures up images of humanoids in science fiction movies with awkward speech patterns. But that stereotype has long gone. Many companies, including ING, have embraced the robotics revolution by introducing software robots that can automate monotonous, manual processes.

And while were dispelling myths, heres another one. Robotic process automation (or RPA) is a new a form of business process automation technology. Its not. Software robots have been mimicking humans for more than 15 years. In fact, ING in Poland and the Netherlands adopted RPA before the term was even coined!



But why do companies, like ING, even use robotics? Under a backdrop of more and more processes, rising costs and a need to digitalise business processes, robotics can save time and effort. By automating simple and repetitive manual tasks, robots allow employees to spend more time on things that can make a difference. Theres also increased speed and accuracy.



In 2017, ING set up a global centre of excellence for robotics to bundle together all of its knowledge and experience in this area and expand its use of robotics globally. ING now has more than 1,500 robots in operation to do a multitude of tasks. Here are four them.

1. Robotics as a service to customers

Despite technology being a vital part of any business, many smaller to medium-sized businesses especially, just dont have the means to invest in robotics and automation. Step in ING! The banks robotics team in Poland have introduced a service called SAIO, an AI-powered solution that allows companies to robotise their business. SAIO can not only be used to automate financial processes, it can be put to work in other areas of a company where administration is needed like HR and logistics.



ING hopes this beyond banking initiative can expand to other parts of the world with a pilot for businesses having already taken place in the Netherlands.

2. Need for speed when covid calls

At the height of the covid pandemic, many people were put in a difficult financial position. Some had lost their jobs or had their hours reduced. As a result, governments and banks introduced payment deferral programmes or payment holidays that provided temporary cashflow relief. There were also requests from several governments to support businesses and individuals in need.



To facilitate this process, ING in Turkey, Poland and in Wholesale Banking were able to build robots in only two weeks. The robots, also used by other ING countries, contacted eligible customers and instantly processed the information into INGs loan and mortgage systems.



When it comes to quickly helping customers during uncertain financial times, robots are certainly a handy addition.

3. Nadia, the perfect 10!

Mention the name Nadia, and many of us think of the great Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comaneci. But ING in Romania have their own Nadia, a robot that cant do a double twist dismount but can automate some of the repetitive work required in the banks Risk function.



So how does it work? Throughout ING, areas of attention/improvement in our internal control environments are registered in a database called iRisk. Nadia looks worldwide in this system to find entries with expired or imminent due dates. It asks the risk owner to provide an update, which is automatically entered into the database. In doing so, Nadia replaces the need for risk managers to police due dates and saves employees time logging into iRisk and clicking through multiple screens.



Nadia has proved so successful that it has been introduced into seven ING countries. It was developed by employees from Romania who took part in an in-house Risk and Compliance innovation event.

4. Robots that can read!

And now for something completely different! Earlier on we mentioned that software bots have been around for many years, automating repetitive, rule-based computer tasks by simply mimicking the way humans work with applications. But what if robots could get smarter? What if robots could read? Well, they can thanks to artificial intelligence.



Using an AI algorithm, ING has been busy developing what they call an intelligent content service that has been trained to identify information in a document, say like an invoice or salary slip. This becomes particularly handy for customers, who in the future will only need to take a picture of a document with their mobile phone and send it to the bank rather than tediously filling out another form.



But its not just documents that can be read. Photos, chats and other content can be processed automatically this way. That information is in turn processed in a fully automated way instead of manually which saves everyone time and money. Its a global initiative that helps ING to be a truly digital bank.

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Speaking at Space Comm in Farnborough, United Kingdom today, Rajeev Suri, Chief Executive Office of Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, will call on the UK space sector to innovate, to work together and across borders, to commit to sustainability and to use procurement decisions to grow the industry*.

Among five key recommendations to the gathered UK space sector, Mr Suri will call for a Net Zero equivalent for space to ensure the sustainability of the industry and the benefits it brings to people on Earth.

Commenting on the need for sustainability in space, Mr Suri will say:

 Recent news has seen challenges around the uncontrolled re-entry of space debris and a number of reports of near misses in the ever more congested low earth orbit. We should also pay close attention to the potential risk of collision and the growing challenge of atmospheric pollution posed by de-orbiting satellites  particularly during this rapid expansion phase. Space debris threatens the numerous indispensable services we rely on. Therefore, it should concern us all and it is time to do something about it.

We talk about Net Zero on Earth  and, today, I am calling for the equivalent to Net Zero for space. This will require:

Improved tracking and data sharing between space operators. For example, Inmarsat is a founder and Executive Member of the Space Data Association, which works with other geostationary orbit satellite operators to share critical data on satellite positions and movements. This promotes responsible operations to reduce the probability of collisions and space debris, making space operations safer and more reliable. This is a model that can be followed in other satellite orbits.

The implementation of operational norms of behaviour, such as those suggested recently by Major General DeAnna Burt of the US Space Force.

A greater focus by regulators on the impacts on the environment of burning up low earth orbit satellites in the atmosphere and on ensuring responsible space operations in that orbit.

We cannot drive space growth in an unsustainable way.

We are committed to space sustainability at Inmarsat. I know that many of you are as well. I would urge that we all come together, with the support of the UK Government, to ensure that this issue is addressed seriously and consistently in the years to come.

Inmarsat is the largest UK-headquartered space company, responsible for around 1,000 highly skilled direct jobs in the country. It is also the largest civil procurer of UK-made satellites, making it responsible for many more indirect jobs in the space sector. In addition, exports represent the vast majority of the companys revenues. As a result, Inmarsat is a major source of fuel for the industrial engine of the UK space manufacturing sector.

Mr Suri will also explore the crucial choices the UK space sector should explore to secure its future:

There is a risk that those countries and companies that have been leaders in the past could be the laggards in the future. That is not a future I will accept for Inmarsat, and a future that none of us should accept for the UK.  Decisions taken decades in the past have helped to secure a strong position for Inmarsat and given this country a strong foothold in what is a vital industry. But, as the saying goes, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

As the second space age develops, the choices we make  both as a company and for the wider UK sector  will set our position for decades to come. We have to get those choices right.

 It is time for the UK to get serious about space, before other nations eat our lunch.

This includes using procurement to drive space sector growth in the UK, as Mr Suri explains:

[We should] ensure procurement decisions across industry and Government broaden and deepen the supply chain. This is a quick and simple way to ensure that the UK space sector is healthy and robust for the long term.

Not putting all the countrys eggs in a single companys basket could ensure long-term growth and diversity in the sector for lasting industrial strength.

If procurement spreads the wealth by diversifying sources of supply it can deliver a broader, deeper and a more resilient overall sector, with speedier growth.

Inmarsat does not buy all its satellites from the same manufacturer. Diversity of suppliers is critical to us. We recommend that Government consider a similar approach if it wishes to grow the domestic sector.

For example, the Athena space industry group - of which Inmarsat is a founding member  combines the strength of four leading space businesses, with the growing involvement of further industry partners and small and medium sized enterprises. Athena offers government customers a new alternative to incumbent suppliers that will help grow and broaden UK capabilities from top to bottom within the industry.

In addition, the UK should choose flagship projects that drive implementation of a national strategy where there is a clear intersection with other priority sectors. For example, consider the often-discussed national Position Navigation and Timing programme. It would increase resilience, reduce reliance on existing, ageing, non-sovereign systems, support domestic jobs and innovation and help meet the requirements of our allies. From our perspective it is absolutely indispensable to the countrys future.

ENDS

* Check speech against delivery.
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Voice of Americas Indonesian language service and the state broadcaster of Indonesia signed a formal agreement on July 7 to provide each other news and information content, as well as radio broadcasts and web content.

U.S. Agency for Global Media Acting CEO Kelu Chao inked the partnership in March, while M. Rohanudin, president of Radio Republik Indonesia, signed the memorandum of understanding during a the July 7 virtual event , connecting Jakarta and Washington, D.C., finalizing the agreement.

Amid a partial COVID-19 lockdown in Jakarta and pandemic protocols in the U.S., VOA and RRI broadcasting executives each attended the virtual event from their respective offices and homes. Acting Director for VOA Programming John Lippman was the highest ranking VOA official present, recalling his 2019 visit to Jakarta in his remarks, as leaders from both broadcasting agencies suggested the information sharing will help improve understanding between the two countries.

The broadcasters will share content such as news reports and photos on each others radio broadcasts and web sites. In addition, they will collaborate in launching a joint news and information radio program.

VOA Indonesian Service Chief Ade Astuti Kidwell said collaboration on radio programs and on the Indonesian streaming site, RRI Net which is available on OTT, had begun prior to the agreements formal signing. Some of the first coverage provided by VOA Indonesian included live reports during the 2020 U.S. presidential election campaign.

Following the formal signing, a VOA Indonesian reporter appeared live on RRI Net on Hurricane Elsa which was expected to make landfall on the U.S. mainland, the first such broadcast under the partnership.

This is an example of the VOA model, acting as the Washington bureau for language service affiliates around the world, said Kidwell.

Under the memorandum, VOA also will provide training and information on best practices in news reporting and broadcast journalism, as well as hosting journalists and executives from RRI for visits and fellowships in Washington, D.C. RRI will host VOA journalists and executives in Jakarta.

VOA retains final approval on editorial content. The agreement requires all content used by VOA on its broadcast and digital platforms to adhere to VOAs Editorial Guidelines and Best Practices.

Both organizations expect the arrangement to enhance reporting for their respective audiences. VOA Indonesian, with 55 hours weekly on radio and 10 hours of TV programming, has a weekly audience of 36.5 million.

Radio Republik Indonesia is the state broadcaster with a network equivalent of 224 radio stations and an estimated audience of 45 million listeners.
This post is part of a series sponsored by The Hanover Insurance Group.

With prevailing economic pressures widely expected to persist, more and more businesses will consider different ways to adapt, including the possibility of smaller, less skilled, and/or over-burdened workforces. These additional stresses could increase their risks of on-the-job injuries, and in some cases, jeopardize the ongoing well-being of their businesses. The good news for business owners is that those companies willing to proactively refine and manage their workers compensation programs can take steps to mitigate losses, thus keeping their workers safe and protecting their business interests.

Economic Uncertainty

The impact of high rates of unemployment to the health of a workers compensation policy are well documented. Regular references to The Great Recession are commonplace in todays discussions, and it was not that long ago that families looked to unemployment insurance as a lifeboat. Economic turmoil resulted as the number of unemployed Americans doubled from 7.6 million in December 2007 to over 15 million in September 2009.

In April 2020, unemployment numbers went from 15.9 million to 23.1 million and every state reached unemployment rates greater than their highest unemployment rates realized during The Great Recession. Today, businesses were more prepared, smarter, more innovative and less afraid of change management. Businesses have learned the art of pivoting; improved process management and business owners have made the needs of their employees much more of a focus.

Potential Workforce Impact

While the hope is that the economy will improve in 2021 and after, there is little doubt there will be turmoil that comes from the changing depths of uncertainty and speculation. For example, businesses have reduced employment to some degree across all industries and there is real exposure in worker turnover. And, companies may be using inexperienced or unaccustomed workers to perform tasks, which can result in workers compensation claims.

The decline in employment by industry has shifted attention away from construction and manufacturing, while the retail, hospitality, restaurants, and education industries are seeing significant unemployment variance from where they were prior to the pandemic. The latter industries may be more likely to use temporary or short-term workers as the start-up continues or look to potentially hire and retrain full-time & part-time workers. If these new workforces are less experienced in their new field, it stands to reason that there could be a greater number of workers compensation claims for a period of time.

In addition to hiring additional or temporary workers, it will become important to watch for existing workers managing longer hours to compensate for rising service and sales demands. Workers performing excessive hours or working on tasks they may not be familiar with are most definitely an increased hazard for the business.

Workers are searching to feel security in the workplace. Some behaviors may include hiding workers compensation injuries or even the creation of a claim through fraud. While workers compensation has always possessed elements of fraud, there is no question that late reported claims or fraudulent claims may be an opportunity to secure wages for the immediate future. It also should be noted the personal stress from a recession and fighting the potential of unemployment have monumental effects on workers. It is common to see anxiety, disorganization, depression, as well as loss of both self-worth and self-esteem. Quite simply, the significant nature of employee distraction puts them at greater risk both on and off the job. A distracted worker in many cases is a dangerous worker.

Then there is the rapid move to telecommuting. While this was a mandatory practice for most businesses during the shut-down period, it is now becoming a more permanent and growing part of the workforce. This creates a need for clear telecommuter polices and detailing the scope of work within the work from home. Companies may also want to consider the characteristics of a safe home-work environment with a safety checklist and study the Fair Labor Standard Act to understand the stringent requirements that will govern remote work time, especially for hourly wage earners.

The traditional claims patterns during the 2020 pandemic have most certainly changed. There were fewer claims during the shut-down time periods, but they are generally increasing to normal patterns and are accompanied by heightened severity as businesses reopen.

Building a Resilient and Effective Workers Compensation Program

All of these factors lead to a change in the status quo when it comes to workers compensation programs. Successfully managing a workers compensation policy requires the business, independent insurance agent and the insurance carrier to work in sync to promote workplace safety, claims excellence, loss control expertise and policy accuracy. To survive  and even thrive  during uncertain economic environments, businesses should strive to be flexible and willing to change their best practices for the safety of the human capital workforce.

A combination of human resources expertise and loss control support is imperative. Policies, procedures, job descriptions and a safety-first culture will promote business success while under the stress of this recessionary environment. These measures are also the best safeguard for a disciplined and compliant hiring process, which will help ensure that businesses hire and retain the best workers for their specific needs. Having the right employees on staff will help offset and combat risks during any environment.

Here are some other tactics businesses can implement to promote success:

Mandate return to work programs: Be creative  Back to Work is the silver bullet for managing a workers compensation program. It is the humane way to treat injured workers and fulfill their desire to work. In many cases, return to work programs reduce employee stress and help minimize the potential for litigation. The leading workers compensation claims team have specific and actionable return to work programs. This not only helps return employees back to work sooner, it has proven to improve employee retention and leads to future cost savings on insureds workers compensation programs. Communicate clearly and constantly : The psychological effect of recession on workers can be devastating and contagious in the workplace. While business guarantees are not appropriate in many cases, the consistent voice of leadership can help minimize employee fear while maximizing their efforts. Employee communication is also paramount when youre an employee is injured. It is imperative that businesses work with carriers that have effective notice of loss procedures and guidance. To best serve injured workers in todays environment look for; and seek out telemedicine opportunities embedded within the network and the claims process, such as virtual nurse case triage. Services such as telemedicine can quickly establish and promote communication in a convenient and comfortable manner for injured workers. Study Loss Time Claim Patterns : Learn, correct and document opportunity for changes. Take the time to understand employee turnover and put effort into training and published job descriptions. Plan for operational changes that will no doubt come about in a recessionary environment. Understand Claim Frequency and Severity: Partner with insurance agents and carriers. Look for opportunities to have claim review meetings to monitor and manage your workers compensation claims. Report new claims quickly and work to understand how better triaging claims during the first report process can change the costs of outcomes. Use these interactions to also help identify potential trends in workers compensation claim fraud. Use Loss Control Services: Manage the potential for loss rather than the actual loss. Business owners must look beyond the direct cost of a claim and understand both mitigation strategies and the cost of containing or preventing a loss. Safety policies and standards promote a safety culture and opportunities for employees to be educated about sound workplace behaviors. Simply reacting to hazards and accidents is not a long-term answer. Businesses will maximize their opportunities to protect their human capital and reduce claims when they anticipate and plan.

There is no question the foundational structure and strength of the business safety culture can help minimize any and all hazards. Being proactive will make a huge difference. Be creative and build formal programs and policies.

A robust workers compensation program is a basic tenant to any successful risk management effort, and the resulting safe work environment will allow for the continuation of the only true sustainable competitive advantage  its employees.

An insurance carrier can play a pivotal role in assisting your customers to build a plan of action for their workers compensation program. Learn more about The Hanovers workers compensation capabilities for your customers.

Topics COVID-19 Workers' Compensation Talent Numbers
Officials have charged a man with one count of arson after a string of suspicious fires in Norfolk, Virginia.

News outlets report that the Norfolk Fire Marshals Office announced the arrest of Ryan Elza, 42, on Monday. He is charged with one count of arson of an occupied dwelling. Court documents state Elza is a Norfolk Public Schools employee.

Authorities havent identified which of the suspicious fires they believe Elza is responsible for, but Fire Marshal Nicholas Nelson said in a press release that further charges could be brought pending the outcome of this ongoing investigation.

Elza is being held without bond in the Norfolk city jail without bond. Online court records show Elza is represented by a public defender, but details about a specific attorney werent available yet.

Residents noticed a series of fires going back more than one year. The latest was on June 11 when a familys car and house were set ablaze.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Abuse Molestation Virginia Arson
SiriusPoint Ltd., the Bermuda-based specialty insurer and reinsurer, announced the launch of Banyan Risk Ltd., a managing general agent that underwrites directors and officers (D&O) insurance.

The company has been established by Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tim Usher-Jones in partnership with SiriusPoint, which will own a majority stake in the newly formed company, with a path towards increasing ownership by the founders at a later date.

Based and regulated in Bermuda, Banyan begins underwriting this week. The MGA will focus on custom D&O insurance risk solutions with the highest level of attention and service in complex risk areas including life sciences, global initial public offerings (IPOs), the technology sector, and special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).

With the right investment in technology and extensive professional services support, MGAs provide the perfect vehicle for streamlining the underwriting process and allowing industry talent to flourish via shared ambition and return, commented Sid Sankaran, chief executive officer of SiriusPoint in a statement.

Tim and the team have an innovative and creative approach that excites us, plus the experience, knowledge and deep industry relationships that are so important to successful underwriting, he added.

We see enormous potential to support businesses in areas where bespoke risks shouldered by directors and officers continue to evolve as global markets develop. I am very pleased to add Banyan to the portfolio of businesses SiriusPoint is incubating, affirmed Sankaran.

We will be taking an innovative approach to risk mapping, mitigation, and underwriting complex risk in the global specialty markets. Banyan has ambitious plans for growth  we are excited to bring much-needed capacity to the sector and grow to offer broader global specialty insurance solutions in the future, said Usher-Jones.

Usher-Jones started his insurance career at Chubb Insurance Co. in Toronto, Canada, in 2005. He worked his way up through the ranks from underwriter to senior vice president, where he managed a profitable book of specialty insurance, including D&O, employment practice liability, fiduciary, fidelity, errors and omissions, surety, transactional risk and trade credit.

About SiriusPoint

SiriusPoint is a top 20 global insurer and reinsurer providing solutions to clients and brokers in almost 150 countries. Bermuda-headquartered with offices around the world, SiriusPoint writes a global portfolio of accident and health, specialty, property and runoff. With more than $3 billion in capital, SiriusPoints operating companies have a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from AM Best, S&P and Fitch.

Source: SiriusPoint

Topics Excess Surplus New Markets Insurance Wholesale Directors Officers
Missouri recently enacted legislation that prohibits a claimant, tortfeasor, or any other party from using an arbitration award against any liability insurer that did not agree to the arbitration.

The new legislation also places new parameters on covenants not to execute between a claimant and tortfeasor  contracts that seek, for example, to limit recovery to specified assets or insurance.

Moreover, the new legislation grants insurers an unconditional right to intervene in any action seeking personal or bodily injury damages from an insured tortfeasor, within specified circumstances, and it provides that an insurers exercise of rights consistent with the revised sections shall not constitute bad faith.

These changes to the Missouri Uniform Arbitration Act and to covenants not to execute under Section 537.065 should help to clarify certain rights of claimants, insured tortfeasors, and insurers going forward.

New Section 435.415 of Missouris Uniform Arbitration Act

To avoid personal liability, some Missouri tortfeasors have accepted claimants offers to waive their right to a jury trial and appeal, agreeing instead to binding arbitration, without first obtaining consent from the tortfeasors insurers.

Frequently, the tortfeasor fails to fully defend itself in the arbitration. Generally, courts must confirm and enter judgment on the arbitration award under Section 435.415 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Because the arbitrations often proceed without a full and vigorous defense by the tortfeasor, the resulting award may be based on inadmissible evidence, contain baseless or improper findings, and include unreasonable and excessive amounts.

Under the new legislation, if the liability insurer did not agree in writing to the arbitration, the resulting arbitration award or judgment is not binding on the insurer, is not admissible in evidence in any lawsuit against the insurer, and does not provide the basis for any garnishment action or judgment against the insurer. The new Section 435.415 therefore provides additional safeguards against claimants and tortfeasors use of unreasonable arbitration findings and awards against insurers.

The new legislation also provides that an insurers refusal to participate in an arbitration proceeding is not bad faith.

New Section 537.065, Contract to Limit Recovery to Specified Assets or Insurance

Section 537.065 of the Missouri Revised Statutes permits a bodily injury or personal injury claimant to contract with a tortfeasor to limit recovery to specified assets or insurance. This allows a claimant to covenant not to execute a judgment against a tortfeasors personal assets, while preserving the claimants right to recover insurance policy proceeds from the tortfeasors liability insurer or insurers.

In practice, claimants may condition their offer of such a contract upon various concessions by the tortfeasor, such as agreeing not to contest evidence of liability or damages, waiving procedural rights to a jury trial and appeal, agreeing to binding arbitration, and/or assigning to the claimant the proceeds of a bad faith claim against the tortfeasors insurer or insurers.

Missouri previously amended Section 537.065 in 2017 to give insurers a right to intervene in pending lawsuits within 30 days of receipt of written notice of the execution of a contract under the Section. After that amendment, some claimants effectively prevented insurers from exercising this right by dismissing their pending lawsuits without prejudice and/or agreeing to binding arbitration with the tortfeasor. When insurers sought to intervene in the refiled lawsuits or actions to confirm arbitration awards, multiple courts denied the insurers motions to intervene because more than 30 days had passed since the original receipt of written notice.

However, under the newly enacted legislation, a claimant may enter into a contract to limit recovery to specified assets or insurance only if the insurer declines coverage to the insured tortfeasor, or if the insurer refuses to withdraw a reservation of rights.

In light of this requirement, an insurer may issue a proper reservation of rights in the first instance, knowing that it must be given the opportunity to withdraw the reservation of rights before the insured can enter into a contract limiting the claimants recovery to the insurance policy proceeds.

Thus, the new Section 537.065 protects the insurers right to intervene by requiring a tortfeasor to provide its insurer with a copy of the executed contract to limit recovery to specified assets or insurance, and a copy of the action seeking judgment against the tortfeasor, within 30 days of the following:

If an action is pending when the contract is signed, within 30 days of execution;

If an action is pending when the contract is signed but thereafter dismissed, within 30 days after the action is refiled or a subsequent action is filed; or

If no action is pending when the contract is signed, within 30 days after the tortfeasor receives notice of any subsequent action, by service of process or otherwise.

The new section prohibits any judgment from being entered against any tortfeasor until at least 30 days after the insurer receives the required notice. Any insurer receiving the required notice has an unconditional right to intervene in any pending civil action involving the claim for damages within 30 days. After intervening, the insurer has the same rights as any other defendant, including the right to conduct discovery, engage in motion practice, and have a jury trial. The insurer may assert any rights or raise any defenses available to the tortfeasor, even if the tortfeasor has already agreed to waive such rights or defenses in a contract with the claimant.

Like the 2017 version, the new Section 537.065 applies to any covenant not to execute or any contract to limit recovery to specified assets, regardless of whether the covenant or contract is referred to as a contract under the Section. The Section now requires all terms of the contract or covenant be in writing and signed by the parties. No unwritten term of the contract or covenant is enforceable.

Moreover, the new legislation provides that any agreement between a tortfeasor and insured, including any contract under Section 537.065, is admissible in evidence in any action asserting the insurer acted in bad faith. Additionally, the exercise of any rights under Section 537.065 shall not constitute or be construed as bad faith.

While Missouri remains a jurisdiction in which insurers must exercise caution, these upcoming changes provide clarity as to rights of claimants, tortfeasors, and the tortfeasors insurers, including some new safeguards to protect insurers rights.

Moon is a partner at Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP, where he focuses his practice on litigation and trial work. He has more than 18 years of experience chairing trials in insurance coverage and general commercial disputes in state and federal courts. Moons email is cmoon@nicolaidesllp.com.

Topics Carriers Legislation Missouri
U.S. and British agencies disclosed last week details of brute force methods they say have been used by Russian intelligence to try to break into the cloud services of hundreds of government agencies, energy companies and other organizations.

An advisory released by the U.S. National Security Agency describes attacks by operatives linked to the GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency, which has been previously tied to major cyberattacks abroad and efforts to disrupt the 2016 and 2020 American elections.

In a statement, NSA Cybersecurity Director Rob Joyce said the campaign was likely ongoing, on a global scale.

Brute force attacks involve the automated spraying of sites with potential passwords until hackers gain access. The advisory urges companies to adopt methods long urged by experts as common-sense cyber hygiene, including the use of multi-factor authentication and mandating strong passwords.

Issued during a devastating wave of ransomware attacks on governments and key infrastructure, the advisory does not disclose specific targets of the campaign or its presumed purpose, saying only that hackers have targeted hundreds of organizations worldwide.

The NSA says GRU-linked operatives have tried to break into networks using Kubernetes, an open-source tool originally developed by Google to manage cloud services, since at least mid-2019 through early this year. While a significant amount of the attempted break-ins targeted organizations using Microsofts Office 365 cloud services, the hackers went after other cloud providers and email servers as well, the NSA said.

Russian Denials

The U.S. has long accused Russia of using and tolerating cyberattacks for espionage, spreading disinformation, and the disruption of governments and key infrastructure.

The Russian Embassy in Washington on Thursday strictly denied the involvement of Russian government agencies in cyberattacks on U.S. government agencies or private companies.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the embassy said, We hope that the American side will abandon the practice of unfounded accusations and focus on professional work with Russian experts to strengthen international information security.

Joe Slowik, a threat analyst at the network-monitoring firm Gigamon, said the activity described by NSA on Thursday shows the GRU has further streamlined an already popular technique for breaking into networks. He said it appears to overlap with Department of Energy reporting on brute force intrusion attempts in late 2019 and early 2020 targeting the U.S. energy and government sectors and is something the U.S. government has apparently been aware of for some time.

Slowik said the use of Kubernetes is certainly a bit unique, although on its own it doesnt appear worrying. He said the brute force method and lateral movement inside networks described by NSA are common among state-backed hackers and criminal ransomware gangs, allowing the GRU to blend in with other actors.

John Hultquist, vice president of analysis at the cybersecurity firm Mandiant, characterized the activity described in the advisory as routine collection against policy makers, diplomats, the military, and the defense industry.

This is a good reminder that the GRU remains a looming threat, which is especially important given the upcoming Olympics, an event they may well attempt to disrupt, Hultquist said in a statement.

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency joined the advisory, as did the British National Cyber Security Centre.

Charges Against GRU

The GRU has been repeatedly linked by U.S. officials in recent years to a series of hacking incidents. In 2018, special counsel Robert Muellers office charged 12 military intelligence officers with hacking Democratic emails that were then released by WikiLeaks in an effort to harm Hillary Clintons presidential campaign and boost Donald Trumps bid.

More recently, the Justice Department announced charges last fall against GRU officers in cyberattacks that targeted a French presidential election, the Winter Olympics in South Korea and American businesses.

Unlike Russias foreign intelligence agency SVR, which is blamed for the SolarWinds hacking campaign and is careful not to be detected in its cyber ops, the GRU has carried out the most damaging cyberattacks on record, including two on Ukraines power grid and the 2017 NotPetya virus that caused more than $10 billion in damage globally.

GRU operatives have also been involved in the spread of disinformation related to the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. officials have alleged. And an American intelligence assessment in March says the GRU tried to monitor people in U.S. politics in 2019 and 2020 and staged a phishing campaign against subsidiaries of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, likely to gather information damaging to President Joe Biden, whose son had earlier served on the board.

The Biden administration in April sanctioned Russia after linking it to election interference and the SolarWinds breach.___

Bajak reported from Boston.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics USA Cyber
Tropical Storm Elsa, which made landfall in Florida yesterday, is dousing the Carolinas and Georgia today and is on track to hit the northeast on Friday.

The National Hurricane Centers forecast calls for Elsa to move over South Carolina and North Carolina today, pass near the eastern mid-Atlantic states by tonight, and move near or over the northeastern states on Friday and Friday night.

The NHC has extended tropical storm warnings to portions of the mid-Atlantic and New England states.

The center also warned of possible tornadoes in South and North Carolina and Virginia. NHC WATCHES AND WARNINGS A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for South Santee River, South Carolina, to Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds

Chesapeake Bay south of North Beach and the tidal Potomac south of Cobb Island

Delaware Bay south of Slaughter Beach

Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to the eastern tip along the south shore and from Port Jefferson Harbor eastward on the north shore

New Haven, Connecticut to Merrimack River, Massachusetts including Cape Cod, Block Island, Marthas Vineyard, and Nantucket A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

As of 8 a.m., Elsa was about 45 miles of Florence S.C. and 150 miles south of Raleigh, N.C., according to the National Hurricane Center.

Elsa is the fifth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

Elsa is expected to produce 3 to 5 inches with isolated maximum amounts up to 8 inches of rainfall in South Carolina through Thursday, which may result in limited flash and urban flooding.

Across central and eastern North Carolina into southeastern Virginia and from the mid-Atlantic into New England, from 2 to 4 inches of rain with isolated totals up to 6 inches can be expected on Thursday through Friday, which could result in limited-to-considerable flash and urban flooding, as well as isolated minor river flooding.

The NHC warns a few tornadoes are possible across the eastern Carolinas into southeast Virginia through this afternoon. The threat for a tornado may continue tonight into Friday morning across coastal portions of the mid-Atlantic to southern New England.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm
President Joe Biden on Wednesday discussed the possibility of responding to a spate of ransomware attacks against U.S. entities that are believed to be perpetrated by Russian-linked hackers, a growing concern for his administration.

Biden gathered members of his national security team in a morning meeting to develop a strategy against the attacks, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. She would not say if the administration has attributed the attacks to the Russian government or criminal actors, or if the U.S. has decided to respond.

What they did discuss is the fact that the president reserves the right to respond against any ransomware networks and those that harbor them. That continues to be his policy, Psaki told reporters aboard Air Force One as Biden traveled to Illinois.

Psaki said senior national security officials have engaged with the Russian government about the cyber and ransomware attacks, and both countries have also held expert-level talks about the issue.

The assaults have nonetheless continued, even after Biden set red lines for cyberattacks during a summit in Geneva last month with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At that meeting, Biden said he gave Putin a list of 16 critical sectors that, if attacked, could provoke U.S. retaliation.

Biden is coming under pressure to respond following an audacious attack over the July 4 holiday weekend that affected more than 1,000 businesses with victims in at least 17 countries, according to cybersecurity researchers. A Russia-linked ransomware gang known as REvil is believed to be behind the attack, which exploited multiple previously unknown vulnerabilities in IT management software made by Kaseya Ltd.

That was followed by a cyberattack against the Republican National Committee by a network of Russian government hackers, according to two people familiar with the matter. Psaki said the U.S. is investigating the attack, but did not say whether the administration has attributed it to the Russians.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy has said the Kaseya attack showed that Biden was weak on Putin during their Geneva summit. His political ally Donald Trump was reluctant to criticize Russia for hacking and election interference throughout his presidency.

But Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal also urged Biden to respond to Putin.

Another major ransomware attack has paralyzed American businesses. If this was masterminded by Russian cybercriminals, as has been reported, it couldnt happen without Putins green light. The time for words&warnings is over. He only understands firm, proportionate consequences. https://t.co/tSWTjCJUlU

 Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) July 3, 2021

In ransomware attacks, hackers encrypt a victims computer network and demand a ransom to decrypt it. Ransomware groups also sometimes steal documents and demand money not to make them public, a second form of extortion.

Ransomware attacks globally increased 41 percent since the beginning of the year and 93 percent year-over-year, Check Point Software Technologies said last month.

The White House has ramped up discussions about the issue in the wake of the incidents. Deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, Anne Neuberger, discussed ransomware vulnerabilities and strategies with the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Tuesday.

Cities and towns and local institutions, including hospitals, have fallen victim to attacks. Neuberger, in the virtual meeting, told the mayors that a recent pilot program to bolster the defenses of electric utilities would soon be followed by similar initiatives to strengthen the cyber resilience of other critical sectors like pipelines, water, and chemicals, the White House said. The statement did not elaborate.

She pledged that that local and state and governments would have the full resources of the federal government when responding to a cyber incident, including the assistance of cybersecurity professionals from the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the White House added.

Neuberger said the administrations strategy included international efforts to hold nations where ransomware crews operate responsible.

Top Photo: President Joe Biden Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/UPI/Bloomberg

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Cyber
Maricela Pantjoa Vidrio, 31, of Fairfield, Calif., and Areshma Kiran, 35, of Sacramento, Calif., were charged on multiple felony counts of insurance fraud after allegedly conspiring to misrepresent the facts following an auto collision to receive insurance payouts.

An investigation by the California Department of Insurance reportedly showed that on Aug. 19, 2018, Vidrio was driving her 2016 Honda Accord and struck the rear of a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder, driven by Kiran. Vidrio, who was uninsured at the time of the collision, allegedly obtained an auto policy with her insurance company on Aug. 21, 2018.

The investigation discovered text messages between Vidrio and Kiran following the accident in which Vidrio told Kiran her plan to obtain insurance so both vehicles will be repaired. They agreed to falsely report to their insurance companies that the collision occurred on Aug. 23, 2018, four days after the actual accident.

During the claims process, Vidrios insurer determined Kiran was at fault in the collision and that Vidrios vehicle was a total loss. The insurance company paid Vidrios lien holder $19,439 and used a collection agency in an attempt to collect the amount that was paid in the claim from Kiran.

In disputing the reimbursement amount from Vidrios insurance company, Kiran admitted the actual date of the collision was Aug. 19, 2018. Kiran provided the insurance company with text messages between her and Vidrio to corroborate the date and prove they agreed to lie to the insurance company. Kiran also admitted to CDI detectives that she knowingly agreed to Vidrios plan to lie about the date of the collision in order to have her car repaired. In the text messages that Kiran provided, Vidrio also admitted that the collision was her fault.

Vidrio self-surrendered to the Sacramento County Jail on June 30, and Kiran self-surrendered on June 16. The case is being prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office.

Topics California Fraud Abuse Molestation Personal Auto
Gov. Jay Inslee this week declared a state of emergency throughout Washington relating to the growing risk of wildfires, including a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30.

We dont want a repeat of recent years with dangerous wildfires across the state that have destroyed towns, killed livestock and resulted in weeks of unhealthy air quality, Inslee said in a new release, adding that the state is facing a historic drought and has already seen a deadly record-breaking heat wave. We must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent wildfires and the loss of life and destruction of land and property that comes with them.

Prohibited outdoor burning includes campfires, bonfires, residential yard debris clean-up, trash disposal, land clearing, weed abatement, and agricultural burning activity, according to the proclamation.

The order includes exceptions for the use of gas-fueled stoves and the use of charcoal grills at private residences. But both activities must be done at least 5 feet from flammable vegetation and over a non-flammable surface.

Additionally, campfires at state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds, as well as small, recreational campfires in contained structures on a persons private property are allowed, according to the proclamation. Agricultural burning is allowed if a fire permit has been issued by a local authority.

All of these activities must be done in accordance with current and ongoing restrictions, and nothing in the order supersedes more restrictive provisions by a lawful authority, like city or county governments, Inslees office said.

The proclamation also activates the Washington National Guard to help in wildfire suppression efforts.

The state has seen a record-breaking number of fires for this early in the summer, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said in the news release.

Im asking everyone to do their part to and take precautions to prevent wildfires, Franz said. Our firefighters on the frontlines depend on us to help keep them safe.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Washington
U.S. District Court Judge William B. Shubb granted the motion by the California Department of Insurance to dismiss the lawsuit filed by California Insurance Co. against the CDI. Shubb acted in a manner consistent with his previous decision in the Applied Underwriters Inc. case.

California Insurance Co. has indicated it will file an appeal to the U.S/ Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as Applied Underwriters did in a prior federal case for an eventual return to argue the merits of its dispute with the CDI.

The CDI has worked to block CICs move to New Mexico, a move that has been supported New Mexicos Attorney General, who has move to intervene in the lawsuit.

CIC in January filed suit in federal court to enjoin the CDI from continuing to take what the suit asserts are illegal, actions to block the approved redomestication of CIC and to undermine a financially sound insurer by instituting a conservatorship to gain control of CIC.

CDI got approval last year to put the company in to conservatorship.

Michael Soller, deputy insurance commissioner and a CDI spokesperson, issued the following statement:

The Federal Court has dismissed another misguided lawsuit by the same parties making the same unfounded allegations. The California Department of Insurance remains committed to completing the conservation of CIC to protect its current policyholders, following the companys illegal action in attempting to relocate out of state without obtaining the Departments prior approval.

CIC says it has still not been granted a hearing in court to hear the actual merits of the case including the legitimacy of the conservation.

CICs, when it gets is day in court, plans to argue against CDIs arbitrary and illegal imposition on A rated CIC of a conservatorship.

Point is, this narrow decision was based on technicalities and did not weigh the merits of the case, a prospect that will be enabled when we pursue any of our available actions and appeals in the next round to set the path to a judgement on the actual merits, CIC General Counsel Jeffrey Silver said in a statement. CIC will raise issues of constitutional law in its effort to terminate the conservatorship imposed by CDI after it agreed with CICs planned move to New Mexico, then suddenly reversed its position and used the conservatorship in what is arguably an illegal manner.

Silver said hes confident CIC will eventually be fully vindicated and able to operate its long-standing A rated business in its new, chosen home, New Mexico. New Mexico States Attorney General has filed a brief supporting our position. We have many rounds to go, but we are ready and determined to stay the course.

CIC holds an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and a LongTerm Issuer Credit Rating of a (Excellent). The rating pertains to CIC and the seven insurance companies collectively referred to as North American Casualty Group (NAC).

Applied Underwriters is a global risk services firm. Applied Underwriters operates widely throughout the U.S., U.K., EU and Middle East. Its operational headquarters is located in Omaha, Neb.

Related:

Topics Carriers California
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Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020
The Kinsale Arts Festival wasnt so much founded, Alannah Hopkin says, as it just happened, despite misgivings whether people would sit in a pub and listen to poetry.

The initial plan, back in 1987, was to have a poetry reading in the Fishermans Hall, but on the night a key couldnt be found, and the event had to be moved to the Armada Bar instead.

And that turned out to be the making of the festival. Everyone, it turned out, would stay quiet and listen to someone reading poems in a pub.

That first festival featured readings by locals Desmond OGrady, Derek Mahon, and Aidan Higgins, and by visiting poets Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill and Sean Lucy, and it grew from what Hopkin says was just a group of friends seeing what they could do. She recalls their biggest coup when, in 1988, Desmond OGrady promised he would get Russian-born poet Joseph Brodsky to come and read.

Brodsky had just been made Nobel laureate, and we all said Oh yes, sure, Desmond, and he damn well did, she remembers. Brodsky read in the Trident Hotel, and he nearly lifted the roof off. It was an amazing evening.

London-born Hopkin moved in 1982 to her mothers hometown of Kinsale. Ive lived here now longer than I lived in London, she says.

Four years later, she was working on a book about St Patrick, and supplementing her income by reviewing books. She writes in her critically acclaimed A Very Strange Man: A Memoir of Aidan Higgins: I was glad not to be in love, to be footloose and fancy-free, captain of my own ship.

It was then her friend, poet Derek Mahon, introduced her to his friend, novelist Aidan Higgins, and the thunderbolt struck.

Hopkin was 36, and Higgins 59, but she says he could have passed for 39. They moved in together almost immediately, and 11 years later, they married. They were together until Higgins death in 2015, with Hopkin caring for him as his memory faded through his final years.

A Very Strange Man tells the story of their time together, and John Banvilles glowing review is quoted on the back cover (a fond, honest and deeply fascinating memoir of  a major figure in Irish writing in the 20th century).

Aidan Higgins is often considered a stylistic heir to James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Flann OBrien, as Hopkin writes: a risk-taker, learned, jocular, bawdy, ironic, disdainful, unpredictable  [making] up his own rules as a writer as he went along.

During their time together, Hopkin took journalistic work to allow Higgins to work on fiction and memoirs. Now, she has written A Very Strange Man, in part from a desire to bring Higgins work to a new audience, and, as she puts it modestly, the reviews have been very generous.

She feels the book has struck a chord with people: They recognise the life, and the anxieties about money, and if youre asked can you do something, you always say Yes and then think about it afterward.

When asked the vulgar question of how sales are going, she responds with delicate wit: Well, it came out when the bookshops were closed, so I would say its picking up nicely.

No longer involved in organising Kinsales arts festival, Alannah Hopkin wishes it well, saying that although it has changed terrifically since 1987, it has always been a labour of love for the town, and she looks forward to her own personal highlights: the live gallery, with Kinsales shop windows hosting art exhibitions, and John Spillanes performance.

A Very Strange Man, a live Q&A with Alannah Hopkin, takes place at 3pm on Saturday 10 July at the Tap Tavern, Kinsale.

The Kinsale Arts Weekend runs from July 8 to 11, and its theme is The Year the World Changed, from the David Attenborough documentary exploring the positive effects of lockdown upon nature.

Highlights will include live performances from John Spillane, Lorraine Nash, Paddy Dennehy, Jack ORourke, Marian Cassidy, and Emmet OConnor.

Kinsales shop windows and traditional galleries will display works by local and national artists.

Irish National Opera will present an outdoor screening of The Lighthouse by Peter Maxwell Davies at the Bowling Green.

For further information, visit www.kinsaleartsweekend.com
The Tanaiste has criticised the British Governments plan to strip away most of Englands coronavirus restrictions, saying the move is too risky" and could have implications here.

On Monday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson used his Downing Street press conference to set out what Step 4 of his plans to end lockdown restrictions in England will look like.

Included in this phase, which is expected to begin on July 19, mask-wearing will no longer be a legal requirement nor will social distancing in most cases. Nightclubs will also be able to reopen.

Speaking in Dublin on Tuesday, Leo Varadkar said that if things go wrong in England, it could have a spillover effect in Ireland.

What was announced in England yesterday in my view was too risky.

The prospect of packed theatres in the West End and nightclubs in Manchester being packed to the rafters is one that would concern us in this country quite frankly, the Fine Gael leader said.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar described plans in England as too risky

If things go wrong in England, it will have a spillover effect in Ireland and on our other neighbours.

They are saying they can withstand 50,000 cases a day without having a serious impact on the NHS and I think thats a bit of a gamble and its a gamble we are not going to take here.

However, the Tanaiste said we need to avoid getting back into "a spiral of fear."

"The Delta wave is happening but it will be different to other waves and thats because of the vaccination programme.

A thousand cases a day, even 2,000 cases a day in a few weeks time is not the same as a thousand cases a day back in January.

"Thats because the link between the cases of infections and hospitalisations and deaths  and thats what really matters  is considerably weakened, not broken.

Bear in mind if the number of people in ICU trebled, it would still be less than 50 people in ICU, and we were easing restrictions when there were 50 people in ICU.

If the number of people in hospitals quadrupled, its still about 200 people in hospital in a system with 11,000 beds."

Minister Varadkar said we need to make sure we understand that this Delta wave is going to be different.

"Its a wave that is happening but is one we can withstand and that is what we intend to do through vaccination, through an appropriate level of restrictions and through testing, trace and isolate.

The Tanaiste also said people can expect to see daily case numbers rise dramatically over the next few weeks but added that it will not be the same as previous waves.

Get the vaccine and make sure you get the second dose, he advised.

This wave is one we can weather through vaccinations.

Mr Varadkar also said the Irish Governments decision to postpone the reopening of indoor dining was the right one.

He said the decision to delay the resumption will give the health service more time to vaccinate the public and bring in the domestic digital Covid certificate to permit indoor hospitality.
Minister Josepha Madigan's powerful speech in the Dail, in which she said she herself had survived sexual assault, has prompted another politician to speak publicly about her experience of sexual abuse and criticise a justice system "that is not fit for purpose".

I'm old enough to know that there are very few women my age who have not been subjected to some form of sexual assault in their respective lifetimes and I know this because I am one of them, the Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion said during a discussion on sexual, domestic, and gender-based violence.

Josepha Madigan's speech disclosing she too had experienced sexual assault is already being described as a watershed #MeToo moment in Ireland.

The seminal speech has already been described as a watershed #MeToo moment tackling damaging attitudes to sexual abuse in Ireland.

Councillor speaks out about assault

Independent councillor in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Deirdre Donnelly, revealed on RTE Radio 1's Liveline today that she too had been the victim of a sexual assault.

While attending an event at an unnamed hotel, Ms Donnelly was harassed and groped by a man who she repeatedly moved away from and even shouted stop at in the busy function.

"He was rubbing himself up against me. It was in a bar in full view of people, but nobody seemed to notice, she said.

I dont think people realise what its like to be in a crowd and someone doing something to you and you dont know whether to scream, no one seems to know its happening to you, while there are people around. And that is a frightening situation to be in," she told presenter Katie Hannon.

Ms Donnelly was followed to her room

His presence was so unwelcome that she left the event early but he then followed her to her hotel room.

She was so frightened that she ran to her hotel room to try to escape, but stumbled, causing permanent damage to her already injured knee.

She said that she did not realise, until she subsequently studied law, that his behaviour that night was illegal.

But after she complained about his behaviour, she said that she sadly learned that the criminal justice system is not designed to adequately support or protect victims of sexual abuse and is desperately in need of serious reform.

We have a justice system in this country that is not fit for purpose. I don't think people realise how bad it is, she said.

Councillor: 'I stupidly put my faith in legal system'

The day after she was abused, Ms Donnelly asked the hotel for CCTV footage from the previous night. She also made a complaint in the hotel and to their HR contact. But she felt completely unsupported, she said.

She went to the gardai, but never received a copy of her statement, and received nothing about her complaint. This went on for 22 months when she was told there wasn't enough information for a prosecution.

"I stupidly put my faith in our legal system, she said.

TD: Such assaults 'more common than many believe'

Ms Madigan told the Dail on Tuesday that violence against women is a corrosive blight on female safety and morale.

"It was, and is, a lot more common than many believe," she said.

I always take statistics that I read with a pinch of salt.

"Most victims do not report their crimes. There are many reasons for this  shame, fear of judgement, and a desire to forget are among the reasons and it shouldnt be this way.

"The scary part about sexual assault in particular, is that it is not always the random monster in the middle of the night, but often a friend, or a spouse or an acquaintance or someone you know. It is a corrosive blight on female safety and morale."
A total of 236 people left the Defence Forces in the first five months of this year, among them 63 recruits who quit during training.

Figures supplied to the Irish Examiner by the Defence Forces show no let-up in the continuing exodus from the country's military, with the army suffering the most.

The number of discharges increased month by month throughout the period.

In January, there were 25, followed by 40 in February, 44 in March, 45 in April and rose noticeably to 82 in May.

The army lost a total of 55 recruits over the five-month period.

They lost recruits every month, with the largest number, 23, quitting in May.

The naval service lost eight recruits during training. Three each went in March and May and two left in April. By contrast, the air corps lost no recruits.

In terms of trained personnel, a total of 173 were discharged over the period. The army lost 125 and the air corps 19. The naval service, which is struggling more than the others in terms of retaining personnel, lost a further 29.

The navy is critically short of marine engineers, medics, and engine room fitters. The Irish Examiner reported earlier this week it is also lacking a third of the chefs it is supposed to have.

'A matter of grave concern'

PDForra president Mark Keane, who represents enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces, said his association has been actively highlighting the exodus since 2016 and he described it as a matter of grave concern.

He said the continuing exodus across the Defence Forces certainly does not come as a major surprise to PDForra, which has 6,500 members.

We have raised this matter at every juncture across many forums, such as the University Of Limerick (UL) Climate Survey, the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces and the 2019 High Level Implementation Plan, Mr Keane said.

Our members are frequently called the Defence Forces most valuable asset.

"Despite this, we have failed to see any meaningful retention policies put in place to retain them such as the provision of proper and adequate accommodation, continuous professional development, and remuneration measures, he said.

Mr Keane said coupled with this is the need to ensure his members' security of tenure as they are currently facing a very uncertain future, with many facing the prospect of being discharged from the Defence Forces in December 2022.

Shorter-term contracts

This is called the post-95 cohort, who were given shorter-term contracts which expire at the end of next year.

Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has indicated he will look at this.

These latest [discharge] numbers clearly demonstrate the failure to stem the exodus from the Defence Forces, even during the current pandemic.

"It's evident from the data available that we are losing new entrants at a very early stage in their induction into a military career. As recruits are the lifeblood of the Defence Forces, we need these people to complete their basic training and remain within the Defence Forces, Mr Keane said.

He said it was imperative that the Defence Forces break the cycle of the revolving door.

If this is done, it will ensure that our members, who are highly skilled and motivated, can look forward to a brighter future and a long career within Oglaigh na hEireann, Mr Keane said.
Travel between Ireland, Britain and popular European destinations is set to get a whole lot easier come July 19, but there is widespread confusion around current rules governing travel to and from Ireland, and how they are set to change on July 19.

What are the current rules around travel to and from Britain?

All passengers arriving into Ireland from Britain (apart from a limited number of exemptions) are required to present a negative or not detected PCR test result taken within 72 hours before their arrival in Ireland.

People travelling from Britain to Ireland are also legally required to spend 14 days quarantining at an address they specify on a passenger locator form.

The Transport Minister has indicated that fully-vaccinated people travelling from Britain to Ireland will no longer have to quarantine when restrictions are eased on July 19.

However, travellers whose journey began in Britain can get a second PCR test no less than five days after arrival, and if they receive a negative result, they can end their period of quarantine immediately.

What will change on July 19?

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has indicated that fully vaccinated people travelling from the Britain to Ireland will no longer have to quarantine when restrictions are eased on July 19.

Unvaccinated holidaymakers will still need to present a recent negative PCR test and the current rules around home quarantine will remain in place for the time being.

What about travelling to European countries  do I need an EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate (DCC) to travel?

The EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate (DCC), which will be accepted in all EU member states and will come into force here on July 19, is expected to facilitate safer, less complicated travel within the EU by providing proof that a person has either been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, received a negative test result or has recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months.

In Ireland, the negative test result must come from a PCR test, though a negative result from a rapid antigen test will suffice in a number of other European countries. The member states have also agreed on a standard validity period for tests: 72 hours for PCR tests and 48 hours for rapid antigen tests.

You will still be able to travel within Europe without a DCC after July 19, provided you can show proof of a negative test result or prove that you are fully vaccinated.

I am fully vaccinated  when will I get my EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate?

The Government will issue 1.9m vaccination certificates from next Monday, July 12. If youre already fully vaccinated against Covid-19, you can expect to receive it next week.

If youve been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 through a mass vaccination centre, you will receive your certificate by email. If you got your vaccine through a GP or a pharmacy, you will get a letter in the post.

Whether you receive your certificate through email or through the post, the key aspect of all certificates will be a QR code which will prove your status as a fully vaccinated citizen of Europe.

I have had Covid-19 within the past six months  when will I get my certificate?

A digital Covid cert call centre is to be set up in the coming days which will take requests from people who have natural immunity from Covid-19 due to having contracted and recovered from the virus in the past six months.

Whether you receive your certificate through email or through the post, the key aspect of all certificates will be a QR code that will prove your status as a fully vaccinated citizen of Europe.

The centre will also deal with queries from those who are fully vaccinated but are yet to receive their certificate.

I have my EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate  will I still need to quarantine?

Rules surrounding quarantine and self-isolating are being removed in the EU in tandem with the implementation of the DCC.

From July 19, passengers with a vaccination or test cert who arrive in Ireland or any other European country will not be expected to self-isolate.

Up-to-date information on the restrictions that apply within each country are available on reopen.europa.eu.
A plan to demolish three unoccupied buildings in Limerick city to allow for the construction of a cultural centre has been appealed.

The O'Connell St based Dawat-E-Islami mosque has received permission from Limerick City & County Council to knock numbers 21, 22 and 23 Wickham Street to allow for the construction of a four-storey cultural centre in its place.

The unoccupied buildings are currently council-owned, with the local authority giving its consent for the change of use for the building, which will become a "community space for both Muslims and non-Muslims, moving away from the traditional forms of Islamic Culture", according to the application.

However, an appeal from the Wickham Street Traders has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala.

They claim the proposed new building is "overbearing" and out of character with the area, that it is "not cognisant" of the historic context, character or relevance of the streetscape, that there is no parking, and that the development would result in additional traffic, potentially causing a hazard.

An Bord Pleanala will now review the original planning decision and issue a decision by October 26.

CORK

Over 60 parking spaces are to be removed from Cork Airport's car park in a minor redevelopment at the facility.

DAA plc, the company which manages the airport, has applied to Cork City Council for permission to remove 63 spaces at the express red long-term car park at the airport.

That is to provide space to build a new 10kV single-storey substation with a lean-to incorporating a diesel tank bund, a generator, new fencing, gates, pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures.

In the application, it is noted that the need for the development is due to the installation of "additional equipment on the airfield" now and in the future, which requires additional capacity.

And, due to the Covid-19 impact on international travel, the numbers using the long-term car park are down significantly and it is, therefore, "considered reasonable" to convert a portion of this land for a new use.

DAA plc, the company which manages the airport, has applied to Cork City Council for permission to remove 63 spaces at the express red long-term car park at the airport.

WEST CORK

It could be time to raise a glass in West Cork - if new plans for a whiskey distillery are approved.

West Cork Distillers Ltd has submitted plans to Cork County Council to construct eight twin bay warehouses for the maturation of whiskey at Tullig, Connagh in Leap.

Each warehouse will have a ground floor area of circa 1530 sq m, with the development incorporating a total floor area of 24,480 sq m and a height of some 11.45m.

In addition to the warehouses, all of which will be single storey developments, the development will include service buildings, security fences, a fire-fighting and sprinkler tank and internal roads, and will involve the demolition of existing uninhabitable farmhouses and outbuildings.

The proposal is in pre-validation with Cork County Council with a final decision on the application due by late August.

EAST CORK

A planned new development of more than 30 dwellings in Ladysbridge, Co Cork has been delayed.

An appeal has been lodged against the plans from Chriselle Holdings Ltd, which had been granted permission by Cork County Council for the scheme.

A total of 32 units, as well as storm water and traffic facilities, were approved under the original plans, earmarked for a site at Rathcallan, Ladysbridge, some 12km from Midleton, and located close to the likes of Ballymaloe, Mogeely and Castlemartyr.

The appeal, lodged with An Bord Pleanala indecent weeks, is accredited to John Cooney & Others, who lodged a submission during the planning process claiming no consultation had been undertaken between the developer and the residents of Rathcallan Wood, located near the site.

It was also noted in the local area plan that the site should not have more than 20 houses and that there is a need for upgraded traffic, school and medical facilities in the area if a population increase is imminent.

An Bord Pleanala will make its decision known by the end of October.

NORTH CORK

A proposed three storey apartment block in Charleville has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

John McCormack had been granted permission for the development by Cork County Council.

It envisioned a three storey block of nine two-bed apartments, each with their own private balcony or terrace.

The new homes would have been built at the Orchard, Rathgoggan Middle in Charleville, but an appeal has now been lodged by Brendan and Mary McKiernan and others, according to An Bord Pleanala.

The third party appeal will result in the permission being reviewed with a new decision to be issued by the end of October.

More than 20 submissions were made during the planning process, including questions about height, overshadowing, an absence of parking, and a concern about the presence of Japanese Knotweed in the area.

LIMERICK

Plans for 89 residential units at Castletroy in Limerick have been unveiled.

Osprey Construction Ltd is hoping to develop a residential scheme at Newtown, Castletroy, The plans, lodged with Limerick City & County Council, propose the development of nine detached, 36 semi-detached, 20 terraced, and 24 duplex units, as well as the demolition of farm buildings.

Parking is also proposed along the Casteltroy College Road.

A decision will be issued by late August.
Burma Activist Sought by Myanmar Junta Says Parents Being Held Hostage

Activist Ma Thaw Thaw

Junta forces in Mogoke, Mandalay Region in April arrested the parents of a wanted anti-regime activist and charged them under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code.

The parents and a sister-in-law of Ma Thaw Thaw were arrested at her house on April 26 when junta forces did not find her there.

They came to my house for me and took all my family members when they did not find me at home. My dad suggested only he be taken, as the breadwinner of the family. But they told him to shut up and took all the family members, Ma Thaw Thaw said.

Ma Thaw Thaws sister-in-law was released on June 30. According to her, Ma Thaw Thaws parents were beaten in prisonher father so badly that his teeth were knocked out.

Ma Thaw Thaw has a large number of followers on Facebook as she often shared short funny videos of herself with her mother. She has actively taken part in anti-regime protests.

They had not charged me under Section 505(a) before they tried to catch me by surprise at my house for staging protests. They have taken my parents hostage because of the fact that I am known by a lot of people in the town. I am in a safe place now, Ma Thaw Thaw said.

My mother would accompany me sometimes when I took to the streets. As for my father, he doesnt even know how to use the internet. And he is advanced in age. What we do has nothing to do with our parents. They are holding my parents hostage, she added.

On June 30 the regime released more than 2,000 people who had been detained over the previous five months for anti-regime activities. Ma Thaw Thaws sister-in-law was one of four detainees in Mogoke who were among those released.



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Burma Head of Myanmar EAOs Peace Negotiating Team Steps Down

General Yawd Serk, the chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) / The Irrawaddy

Ethnic Shan armed group leader General Yawd Serk stepped down Wednesday as head of the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), a group of ten nationwide ceasefire signatories.

The PPST was formed in 2016 to negotiate with the ousted National League for Democracy government. It is comprised of ten ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) who signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).

Gen. Yawd Serk is also the chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), a signatory to the NCA. He took the role as the PPSTs interim leader in March 2019, after the Karen National Union (KNU) leader General Saw Mutu Sae Poe stepped down.

He sent his resignation letter on June 29, saying that he needed to devote more time to the RCSS and Shan State affairs. His resignation was subsequently discussed at the PPSTs 17th regular meeting that started on July 1 and was held online.

The other nine EAOs on the PPST wanted Gen. Yawd Serk to stay on as leader until the second PPST summit, which is set to be held in either October or November. We asked him to reconsider his decision, but we cant deter him and we agreed to his resignation, said a PPST member.

A source close to the RCSS told The Irrawaddy that that their chairmans resignation as PPST leader is due to Shan States increasingly complex affairs.

On July 1, Gen. Yawd Serk said also that military conflicts between the various EAOs in northern Shan State are increasing as a result of political tensions and are now impacting the politics of the whole country.

The General didnt name which groups were fighting, but the RCSS and the rival Shan State Army-North, the armed wing of the Shan State Progress Party, have been clashing in northern Shan State since early this year. There has been fighting between the two EAOs in Shan States Kehsi Township since last month.

A temporary committee of three PPST members: Nai Aung Min of the New Mon State Party, Colonel Sai Ngern of the RCSS and Khun Okkar, the patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization, will now lead the bloc until the October or November summit.

The first session of the 4th PPST summit was held on May 2019. The second session of that summit was postponed, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EAO leaders have been holding talks online since the pandemic hit Myanmar in March 2020.

Relations between PPST members have been strained since the Myanmar militarys Feb. 1 coup, with some holding talks with the juntas governing body, the State Administrative Council. PPST members the Arakan Liberation Party, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and the Karen National Liberation Army-Peace Council have all held talks with the military regime.

In early May, KNU chairman Saw Mutu Sae Poe said that the KNU would also continue political negotiations and uphold the principles of the NCA.

Khun Okkar recently told The Irrawaddy that the PPST would also continue on the NCA path, which is to continue relations with both sides and maintain the status quo with the military.

He added that PPST representatives have opened a communications channel with the military for the peace-building process and that they have had several informal talks since the coup.



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Burma Myanmar Hospitals Run Out of Beds Amid COVID-19 Surge

An ambulance waits to take a COVID-19 patient to a quarantine center in South Okkalapa Township, Yangon, in November 2020. / The Irrawaddy

Myanmars hospitals and COVID-19 centers cannot accept more patients in some areas, including Yangon, as people seek treatment at home, according to activists.

A volunteer at a free ambulance service in Tamwe Township, Yangon, said: Those affected are in trouble as hospitals and clinics are refusing to treat patients. We take patients from hospital to hospital but there are no beds so we have to take them home.

Dr. Khin Khin Gyi, the director of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit at the junta-controlled Ministry of Health and Sports, posted on Facebook that public hospitals have no beds for patients who arrive of their own accord.

She asked COVID-19 patients to report to health departments in their townships so the authorities can arrange beds.

Depending on their severity, patients will be treated at ordinary quarantine centers, oxygen-equipped quarantine centers and hospitals, she said, warning that patients who stay at home are at a greater risk of dying.

In reality, the authorities are asking patients with mild symptoms to stay at home in Yangon and other cities.

A volunteer from Mandalay said: As there is a large gap between the numbers of COVID-19 infections and the capacity of care centers, patients with mild symptoms are only given prescriptions and asked to stay at home.

A volunteer from Pathein in Ayeyarwady Region said: If a patients oxygen level is good and they have no other health problems, the health authorities note down their address and ask them to isolate at home. They can contact the health department in case of emergency if the oxygen level drops. Hospital beds are running out.

Meanwhile, military hospitals are also short of doctors and medicines and are only providing treatment to personnel and their relatives.

A female COVID-19 patient said: After enquiring at all the hospitals, I was taken to a military hospital. At first they refused to treat me. One of my relatives has close ties with military officers and I had asked him for help. My condition becomes unstable once I take off my oxygen mask so I keep it on.

She said her infected husband is also receiving treatment at the military hospital but she has to buy his medicine.

Since late May, Myanmar has seen a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases after the junta relaxed restrictions and allowed pagodas, beaches and other venues to reopen following their closure in April 2020.

Sagaing Region, which borders India, has seen the largest outbreak with over 4,000 cases, followed by Bago Region with over 3,900 cases, Yangon Region with over 3,400 cases, Shan State with over 2,800 cases, Chin State and Mandalay Region with over 2,000 cases each, and Ayeyarwady Region with over 1,700 cases.

Last month, the health ministry announced that the new, more virulent coronavirus strains, including the Delta variant first identified in India, have been detected in Myanmar, warning that this will increase hospital admissions and deaths.

Many COVID-19 patients are staying at home, without seeking treatment at hospitals and COVID-19 centers.

Their main problem is oxygen supplies and some towns are experiencing shortages.

Volunteer groups providing oxygen said they receive daily requests and cannot meet demand.

The number of daily COVID-19 infections exceeded 1,000 on June 28 and on Wednesday the ministry reported a record number of 3,947 cases.

More than 25,000 new infections with 297 deaths have been recorded since late May, the ministry said.

The military regime has imposed stay-at-home orders in 45 townships, Tamu, Kale and Homalin in Sagaing; Tongan, Hakha, Thantlang, Falam and Tedim in Chin; Letpadan, Phyu, Thayawady, Minhla, Taungoo, Bago and Pyay in Bago; Chanmyathazi, Chanayethazan, Pyigyitagon, Maha Aung Myay, Aungmyaythazan, Patheingyi, Amarapura and Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay; Lashio and Nawnghkio in Shan State, Laukkai in Kokang Self-Administered Zone; Pathein, Myaungmya and Thabaung in Ayeyarwady; Zabuthiri and Pyinmana in Naypyitaw; Gangaw in Magwe; Mawlamyine and Thanbyuzayat in Mon State; and 10 townships in Yangon.



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Myanmar Junta Extorting Money From Anti-Coup Detainees
Burma Myanmar Junta Extorting Money From Anti-Coup Detainees

Junta police use force against a pregnant woman in Yangon on Feb. 27 / The Irrawaddy

Junta soldiers and police are extorting money from the families of people detained on suspicion of being involved in anti-coup activities, according to sources close to the military regime.

When no evidence is found to charge those detained on suspicion of being involved in anti-regime activities, authorities put them on a to-be-released list.

Military personnel and police who have access to those lists then contact the relatives of the political detainees via local police, military security affairs officers and military-appointed ward administrators, and deceive them into paying money for their release.

They ask for money from the relatives in return for the release of the detainees. In fact, those detainees would be released anyway even if no money is paid. But the families dont know that and they pay the cash, said a source.

Such cases of extortion have been reported in Naypyitaw, Yangon and Mandalay, with the price being demanded ranging from 500,000 kyats to three million kyats [US$304-US$1,829].

One recent case of a young woman detainee from Yangons South Okkalapa Township saw her family members handing over 700,000 kyats [US$427] without knowing that she would not be charged, said another source.

In the case of the woman from South Okkalapa who was released on June 23, [junta soldiers] asked for three million kyats for her release via her local ward administrator. As her family could not afford it, they bargained to pay a lower price. The final price was 700,000 kyats, he said.

The young woman was arrested by junta forces along with her boyfriend. Authorities decided to release her as no evidence was found against her, but charged her boyfriend as he had made donations to the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, a body representing the elected lawmakers from the 2020 general election.

In another case, regime forces arrested two Yangon men who helped collect food supplies to be sent to displaced people in Chin States Mindat, following clashes there between civilian resistance fighters and junta troops.

Authorities decided initially to release one of the men, but later charged and imprisoned him as well. [Junta soldiers] asked for two million kyats from his family members after they learned that he would not be charged. But the authorities later decided to charge him. So his family lost two million kyats and he was also jailed, said another source.

When a National League for Democracy party member was arrested in Yangons Insein Township, her two daughters were also detained along with her. Both the daughters reportedly had to pay for their release.

After some 30 political prisoners were released around the end of June in Naypyitaw, reports emerged that some were re-arrested immediately and that police then asked for money from their families in return for their release. The Irrawaddy was not able to verify those reports.

There have also been reports that the regime has released artists charged with incitement under section 505(a) of the Penal Code in return for cash. A source close to the military regime said artist Yone Lay, who is widely alleged to be a staunch supporter of the junta, arranged for the release of artists detained for anti-coup activities.

Members of the art community detained in Yangon can ask for help from Yone Lay. Yone Lay has contacts in the Yangon Command [of Myanmars military]. Those who sought his help have been released, said the source.

In most cases they [junta forces] are taking advantage of their knowledge about who will be released. If you are arrested for a political charge, you can hire a lawyer. And you dont have to spend money. You will be released if you are found not guilty or sometimes you wont be charged, he said.

Over 6,500 people have been detained and arrest warrants issued for some 2,000 people since the Feb. 1 coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Another 894 people have been killed in junta crackdowns and in military custody.



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Burma Norways Telenor Sells its Myanmar Telecoms Operation to Regime-Linked Partner

A Telenor showroom in downtown Yangon. / The Irrawaddy

Norwegian telecoms operator Telenor has sold its Myanmar operations to the Lebanese investment firm M1 Group, which was added to the Burma Campaign UKs Dirty List in 2019 for doing business with the Myanmar military.

On Thursday, Telenor announced in a statement that it has sold its mobile operations in Myanmar to M1 group for US$105 million. It said that M1 Group will acquire all shares in Telenor Myanmar and continue the current operation.

Over the past few months, the situation in Myanmar has become increasingly challenging for Telenor for people, security, regulatory and compliance reasons, Sigve Brekke, president and CEO of Telenor Group, said in the statement.

We have evaluated all options and believe a sale of the company is the best possible solution in this situation, he added.

The sale came a few days after Telenor Myanmar said it was continuing to weigh its options in the country, a day after an industry publication reported that the firm was planning to sell its local unit and had hired global banking giant Citibank to handle the divestment.

The M1 group has been on Burma Campaign UKs Dirty List since August 2019 because it is a major shareholder in Irrawaddy Green Towers in Myanmar, which has almost 4,000 telecom towers across the country and is working for the military-owned Mytel telecom operator.

International companies conducting business with the Myanmar military or involved in projects that have resulted in human rights violations or environmental destruction are added to the Dirty List.

Telenor launched its operations in Myanmar in 2014. As of 2020, it had 16,243 million subscribers and was one of the biggest foreign investors in the country.

The company was one of four telecom operators in Myanmar, alongside Qatar-owned Oredoo, the military-backed Mytel and the state-owned Myanma Posts and Telecommunications (MPT).

The juntas Feb. 1 coup was a serious blow for Telenor, which has since been forced to deal with military regime-imposed internet restrictions, as well as the human rights implications of continuing to do business in Myanmar.

Internet and social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, were banned following the coup. On March 15, the junta ordered a nationwide shutdown of mobile data to control the spread of anti-coup messages and anti-regime protests, in which pro-democracy activists have taken to the streets in defiance of military rule and in support of the shadow civilian National Unity Government. Later, the regime allowed internet access.

Almost 900 people have been killed since the coup and more than 5,100, including elected leaders, detained by the junta.

In May, Telenor Group was forced to write off the value of its operations in Myanmar, recording a US$780 million impairment charge.

Earlier this week, Reuters reported that the junta has banned senior foreign executives of major telecommunications firms from leaving the country without permission, while pressuring them to fully implement intercept technology that would allow the authorities to monitor users.



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Burma Two Civilian Fighters Killed in Shootout With Myanmar Junta Troops in Dawei

Residents stage an anti-regime protest in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region on July 7. / Youth Committee for Anti-Regime Movement

Two civilian Peoples Defense Force fighters were killed during a shootout with junta forces in Tanintharyi Regions Dawei Township on Wednesday night.

A group of civilians who had been given weapons by junta forces and were guarding a school in Yaungmaw Village clashed with six civilian fighters from the Dawei Defense Team who attempted to raid the school at midnight on Wednesday.

During the prolonged two-hour firefight, junta soldiers and police arrived at the scene and helped the guards fight the six civilian resistance fighters.

In the firefight, two civilian fighters were killed and about five firearms were seized by the juntas forces, according to U Aye, who is in charge of the villagers group performing security duty for the school.

The two bodies were taken away by the junta forces, U Aye told The Irrawaddy.

Local residents claimed U Aye and his colleagues are members of a pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee group that has been armed by the military junta.

However, U Aye said they are just night watchmen performing security for the school.

Following the clash, the junta soldiers deployed at the village and arrested five residents including a female villager, another local said.

Since early July, the military regime has been conducting tight inspections of the local population, blocking the entrance gates to the town and its villages after facing a series of bomb blasts and attacks.

In the township, civilian resistance fighters of the Dawei Peoples Defense Force (DPDF), Dawei Defense Team (DDT), Tanintharyi Nationalities Congress and Tanintharyi Defense Force (TDF) have taken up arms and are fighting against the military juntas forces.

However, the civilian resistance forces say they are limited to conducting ambushes and guerrilla attacks against junta troops at the moment, as they are short of weapons.



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Microsoft has issued an urgent security update to combat a newfound vulnerability. PrintNightmare is a security flaw that opens up the Windows computer's operating system to hackers. It also gives malicious actors admin rights and remote control over your device.

The said security flaw takes over a computer's Windows Print Spooler, a service that allows multiple users to access a printer. Researchers from cybersecurity firm Sangfor were the first to discover this vulnerability.

The team created a proof-of-concept (POC) to test the PrintNightmare vulnerabilities. They listed down all the details of the test, which includes a step-by-step guide how to hack Windows printers. Unfortunately, malicious actors started using these reports for their own benefit, launching their own attacks against Windows 10 users.

This report was immediately taken down. Unfortunately, as it is typical with any internet post, screenshots and republication of the report quickly spread everywhere--including the developer site GitHub.

We deleted the POC of PrintNightmare. To mitigate this vulnerability, please update Windows to the latest version, or disable the Spooler service. For more RCE and LPE in Spooler, stay tuned and wait our Blackhat talk. https://t.co/heHeiTCsbQ  zhiniang peng (@edwardzpeng) June 29, 2021

Since deleting the POC for PrintNightmare is impossible, the company emphasized that Windows should release security updates or users should disable their Spooler service to stay safe.

Windows OS Security Flaw Could Expose Your Data to Hackers

The security flaw affects not only Windows 10 but also its previous generation, Windows 7. CNN Business noted that Microsoft officially ended its support for Windows 7 last year. However, since PrintNightmare is an extremely severe problem, Microsoft included the 12-year-old operating system in the security patch development. OS using Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2012 will have their own security update sometime soon.

Double Pulsar added a few more details for the PrintNightmare attack.

PrintNightmare gets a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE ID) code called CVE-2021-1675. It exploits the RpcAddPrinterDriver that oversees remote printing scenarios and driver installation. It also takes advantage of your Default Administration rights and Print Operators.

YouTuber Lawrence Systems made an excellent analogy for the situation. He said that print drivers are automatically installed to your OS to help you avoid the installation process. This, however, implies that a system with admin rights outside your immediate controls systematically accepts a new printer being plugged in. PrintNightmare hijacks these rights. Afterwards, hackers get control to install their own malicious software and drivers to your computer!



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Download Microsoft's PrintNightmare Fix Now!

The Sun reported that Microsfot has immediately issued its fixes for Windows 10 and Windows 7. The good news is its updates are cumulative, so previous fixes and security issues would be added to the recent patch.

Updating your Windows is easy. Load up your computer, open "Settings" and "Windows Update Settings," and click on "Search for new Updates." If there are any new updates, immediately install them. The process might take a few minutes, depending on your internet connection. Lastly, you might be required to restart your computer to finish the process.

If you do not find any updates, then don't worry, Microsoft might have automatically installed its updates already.

Keep an eye out for more updates and tips coming from the internet. There might be more vulnerabilities and security issues discovered on windows at a later date.

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Doctors and researchers have worked together to create an online calculator that estimates a person's death date. The tool makes its predictions based on health status, daily activities and other similar factors. Creators for this online calculator hope it can help families and loved ones plan for their future.

It is impossible to cheat death, and it eventually comes to everybody. With that, FastCompany reported that a bunch of good doctors from Canada would like to help families and the elderly prepare for it. They created the Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-Life in the Community (RESPECT) calculator so people can predict the mortality rate based on scientific evidence.

The RESPECT calculator makes its death date prediction by comparing the status of a person to the daily habits of over 491,000 people accumulated in a six-year research period.

How to Use Online Death Calculator

RESPECT Calculator is an easy tool to use. It only takes 2-3 minutes time to complete the calculation!

However, the Respect Calculator is only for elders or frail older adults. It is especially helpful to senior adults who need extra support and care with their basic needs. The online calculator could also be used for caregivers and families to understand their patient's decline better.

To use this online death calculator, you need to answer a few questions relating to the current health status of the person you are checking. Information required would include the person's:

Age

Sex

Educational Attainment

Chronic Health Conditions or diseases

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

List of Symptoms that could be associated with future illnesses.

These are only some of the information needed to be provided in the survey.

Read Also: Windows 10, Windows 7 Security Flaw Could Expose Your Data to Hackers: Download Microsoft's PrintNightmare Fix Now!

Computing and Predicting the Death Date

Of course, users get a prediction after answering out the survey form. You can see the Life Expectancy status, with the death rate associated with the specific month. A line graph would also indicate how many years the person you checked have left--be it you or an elderly in your family.

You could also compare results with other people. Fortunately, the person's profile stays anonymous.

A third tab on the result shows the "Risk of Death." It provides a percentage of the chances of surviving in three months, one year and five years.

Lastly, the results would show a "Frailty Level," measuring between low, moderate, high, and very high. If the indicator reaches high or very high, it is recommended to ask for professional help from doctors.

Why Should I use it?

The main purpose of this death calculator is to help you and your family make long-term plans. Aside from accurately predicting the date of death, you could also get an idea of the health status and risks of an elderly family member. Instead of staying unaware of the health status, it can help in planning out how to spend your remaining time with your loved ones.

The online death calculator is a free online tool. You can try it yourself by heading to this website.



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The first concept images and plans for Facebook City are now available! The developing city, Willow Park, is located next to the Silicon Valley headquarters of the social media giant in California. The blueprints teased several buildings, including 1,729 apartments, cafes, restaurants, a supermarket, pharmacy, hotel and multiple public parks.

For months now, reports have surfaced about the planned Facebook city. The recent update just confirmed that the plan is in development, and its blueprint has been officially released. A few concept designs for the buildings are also included in this report.

DailyMail posted the exciting details and complete image gallery for Willow Park city.

Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook City Blueprint Revealed: What Is Willow Park?

Willow Park is under development on a 59-acre site in Menlo Park, California. The big space is necessary since Facebook plans to create a fully developed self-contained city featuring all the necessary shops for sustainable living.

Based on ithe concept designs, Willow Park would feature:

Town Square

Grocery Store

Public Park

Public Dog Park

Elevated Parks

Hotel

Mixed-Use Block

Residential Blocks

Office Campus

Meeting and Collaboration Space

Transit Hub

Proposed Paseo

Willow Road Tunnel

Willow or Hamilton Retail

The construction and development are being supervised by Facebook and Signature Development Group.

Willow Park and its housing units are not exclusive to Facebook employees. Instead, some non-affordable housing units, probably from the premium services of these buildings, will be offered to the Facebook employees. It is undetermined whether the company plans to provide its staff more money if they live within 10 miles of the office area, similar to the offer they made years ago.

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Facebook is pouring its investments to Willow Park to ensure its overall success. Willow Park would be built adjacent to Facebook's headquarters, making travel and access a lot easier for its employees.

Also, note that only Facebook employees are allowed inside office spaces. Facebook is expanding its office space to allow around 3,400 new employees to the company. Employees get a chance to enjoy the modernist design and glass dome building specifically made for them.

Why Should You Live in Facebook City?

Facebook is only one of the many global companies investing in "city" plans for their employees. Google is reportedly making plans for a San Jose "city within a city" development involving 7.3 million square feet of office space and approximately 4,000 houses for its downtown area.

YouTuber PolyMatter said that tech companies are currently doing their best to make their employees happy. Competition and opportunity to get computer programmers are especially high in California. To ensure that their employees can stay long-term (beyond a three-year average), tech companies offer benefits like having their own community.



The incoming Willow Park features a lot of exciting buildings and opportunities. Facebook also gets generous by saying that most of the city area is open to the general public. Unfortunately, there are no updates given for the Facebook City completion date.

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If you are thinking of purchasing a pickup truck and decide that you'll be driving a Toyota, you have two options: the mid-size 2021 Tacoma or the bigger, full-size 2022 Toyota Tundra. They may have their strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately you would need to choose what is right for you and this could depend on test driving both.

For now, let's look at the basics and see which of the two could be your best buy.

2022 Toyota Tundra vs. 2021 Tacoma: Full Specs Comparison

Powertrain

The Tacoma offers 159-horsepower, four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission, but it uses up fuel as it works those long hours. Its four-wheel drive model, Tacoma TRD Pro, cruises through 278-hp in a V6 engine with manual transmission ready for off-road sorties, the Car Connection noted.

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The 2022 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, is powered by the twin-turbo V6 iForce MAX engine, which is expected to be the same twin-turbo V6 engine found in the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser. The Tundra's twin-turbo V6 engine has the same 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque as the 2022 Land Cruiser. This is an improvement over the current 5.7-liter V8 that has 381 hp and 401 lb-ft V8 engine, Road Show reported.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The 2022 Toyota Tundra has a distinct advantage over the 2021 Tacoma in these areas, touting 11,000 pounds to 13,000 pounds in towing capacity as against the Tacoma maxing out at 6,800 pounds, the Car Connection revealed. The Tundra also has a maximum payload capacity of 1,730 pounds, which is about the same as the Tacoma's 1,620 pounds.

Safety and Multimedia Technology

The 2022 Tundra offers Toyota's latest safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and multimedia offerings such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an improved infotainment system. The 2021 Tacoma also has advanced safety features like the automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. Both utilize a 7.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreens, depending on trim level.

Design

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has TRD wheels wrapped in Goodyear all-terrain tires with an aggressive sidewall design that is perfect for both on-road and off-road performance. It also has as an impressive front grille with door handles, rear bumper, color-keyed surround and power outside mirrors.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, offers an edgy, awesome design. It has LED headlights and running lights positioned above a vertical air intake. Its massive grille has three LED light strips: one below the Toyota logo, two on the outer edges above the bumper.

Indeed, the front grille design gives an impression of a fierce roadster. A fresh set of TRD Pro-specific wheels are also placed with 285/65 Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, Car and Driver noted.

2022 Toyota Tundra Price vs. 2021 Tacoma

As expected, the Tundra is definitely the more expensive Toyota truck model. It has a base starting price of $36,000, with the TRD Pro model will be selling at $50,000, Car and Driver further said. The 2021 Tacoma has the base SR model costing $26,400, reaching as high as $44,325 for the full-featured TRD Pro model, Toyota said.

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In 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying and must recognize their unions. The decision was 5-4. Do you support this decision?

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With COVID-19's Delta strain rearing its ugly head in Australia as I type, causing a third week of lockdowns in Greater Sydney, working from home for many office workers never went away, but has been amplified in its importance, so what does Facebook's latest research uncover?

Research commissioned by "Workplace from Facebook" noted the pandemic "forced employers to reimagine how they best engaged their workforces and helped set companies up for success as they navigate towards hybrid workforce structures."

The research surveyed over 1,000 Australian office workers found, according to employees, "workplaces are more focused on inclusivity and becoming less hierarchical through using less formal communication channels."

Naturally, Facebook hopes companies will want to use the Workplace from Facebook platform to "bring your company together", as it is a "communication tool that connects everyone in your company, even if theyre working remotely, using familiar features like Groups, Chat, Rooms and Live video broadcasting to get people talking and working together," with the research presented an indication of that.

Some headline stats:

3 in 4 (72%) office workers said they felt just as connected or more connected to HQ than they did before COVID 19.

More than half (54%) of office workers say their workplace is now making a bigger effort to be inclusive

1 in 7 (14%) office workers said that their office environment was now less hierarchical

The leading factor attributed to breaking down the office hierarchy since the start of COVID-19 was less formal communication channels

Compared to before COVID 19, employees said their workplace is now:

More connected. Despite periods of long lock-down and isolation, and with many employees now returning to hybrid workplace arrangements, 3 in 4 (72%) office workers said they feel just as connected or more connected to HQ than they did before COVID 19. Impressively, 1 in 5 Aussies office workers (21%) said they feel more connected with HQ than before COVID-19.

More inclusive. Office headquarters across the country ramped up efforts to be more inclusive and employees took note. More than half (54%) of office workers said that their employer is now making a bigger effort to ensure people from all backgrounds and job roles feel like they belong in their organisation. Of the 1 in 5 office workers who said they now feel more connected with HQ that figure spiked to 84%.

More democratic. A breakdown in traditional office hierarchies could be forming with 1 in 7 (14%) employees saying their office is now less hierarchical than before COVID 19. The leading factors attributed to breaking down the office hierarchy were less formal communication channels such as messaging apps/platforms (54%), greater flexibility improving work life balance (52%), and a more casual communications tone between team members (48%).

Rebecca Edwards, the General Manager of People, Capability & Safety at Kathmandu said: As we worked through the COVID pandemic challenges, it was essential that our entire team felt informed, reassured and valued. Collaboration tools have enabled us to connect with our whole team, and include every team member in communication, consultation, and collaborative idea generation opportunities.

"Collaborating with our team has enabled us to introduce a range of flexible working options that support our team to participate fully in the business while balancing the other things that are also important to them  their personal passions, family and getting out there and enjoying the outdoors."

Vicky Skipp, Head of Asia Pacific and Japan, Workplace from Facebook said: The last year has seen organisations overcome immense challenges to support employees, manage disruption and pivot business models. This research shows that despite the challenges, business leaders have been able to make employees feel more connected and included to their workplace.

We learnt during the pandemic that the future belongs to connected companies. Its never been more important for leadership teams to be human and authentic. As we move into a new era of working, it is critical that leaders continue to show care for their employees and be more proactive in their outreach and communication. Employee engagement is no longer a nice to have for organisations  its a business differentiator.

Skipp also published a blog post with more information, here.

Key findings from parents:

Almost a third (30%) of parents with children under 18 at home who are office workers, feel more connected with their head office now than before COVID

Almost two thirds (63%) of parents with children under 18 at home, who are office workers believe their workplace is making a bigger effort to be inclusive post-COVID

Almost 1 in 5 (15%) parents with children under 18 at home, who are office workers say their workplace structure is less hierarchical than it was pre-COVID

Key findings from Gen Z v Baby Boomers:
GUEST OPINION by Steve Singer, Regional Vice President - Australia and New Zealand, Zscaler::Its been a torrid year for cybersecurity infections, and the targets have been indiscriminate. Its time we faced up to some home truths about the situation,

The repercussions of the Colonial Pipeline, JSA and Kaseya VSA product ransomware attacks may have spooked its attackers into laying low for a bit, but it wont last.

While theres still money to be extorted, the gangs will continue to scan for victims and craft attacks. And, as weve seen in 2021, theyll be indiscriminate in the targets they pursue.

Thats led to some pretty interesting developments, including attempts to establish international ground rules on sectors that should be off-limits to a cyber attack.

In reaching that point, its probably also time we faced up to some home truths about the ransomware scourge and how we arrived at this point.

The attack surface is big

The need to rapidly roll out remote work on a vast scale left IT departments with little time to fully consider new security architectures and the threat landscape. In some cases, apps were visible to the public-facing internet, where they could be discovered and attacked.

These structures are now becoming permanent, with many web-scale organisations making a three days at the office, two days at home hybrid work week as standard. This calls for new models of presenting enterprise apps to remote workers while shielding those apps from unwanted attention.

With a distributed workforce, organisations need to implement a secure access service edge (SASE) architecture that can enforce consistent security policy no matter where the users are working (in-office or remotely). Zero trust network access (ZTNA) can also help hide apps from discovery and restrict access to a set of named entities.

Businesses pay up

Every government cybersecurity agency recommends not paying ransoms, and yet enough victims do so for ransomware to continue to be a lucrative endeavour.

Theres a wide cross-section of responses on how many companies admit to paying a ransom. One survey says 32% of victims paid up, another says 20%, and a third survey says 56% - all within the last three months.

Its likely payments fall on the higher side since many companies still wont admit to paying. Theres reputational damage in falling victim to ransomware, but further embarrassment at ignoring the official advice and paying up - whether thats for decryption keys or under duress to avoid a costly leak of stolen data.

One thing is certain: ransomware wont stop while it remains lucrative, and only a fraction of payments are ever recovered.

Seeing double

Zscalers recent Ransomware Report highlighted a trend of double-extortion attacks. These have emerged because victims stopped paying and chose to wipe their environments and restore from backup.

To counter this, attackers now encrypt data and also steal it. Even if they can recover the data from backups, affected organisations are then threatened with public exposure of their stolen data by criminal groups demanding ransom. In late 2020, the team noticed that this tactic was further augmented with synchronised DDoS attacks, overloading victims websites, and putting additional pressure on organisations to cooperate.

Businesses are leaky

The larger the organisation, the more likely it is to unintentionally leak information that would be valuable in the hands of adversaries.

Nowadays, companies publish more information about their infrastructure online than they should, and they are often entirely unaware that they have done so. Sometimes an incorrectly configured server is leaking data, or a hastily established development environment might be acting as a gateway for attackers to access critical data, or perhaps a simple open port is the culprit.

The internet also invites attackers to gain an in-depth knowledge of a companys infrastructure, enabling them to execute targeted attacks at its weakest points. A firewall, for example, can give attackers unintended insight into a companys structure; it may provide information on network names and domains in internal environments, which, in turn, can be used to identify potential areas for attack.

Understanding how attackers gain access is imperative for an organisation to implement appropriate measures to ensure that only authorised users obtain access to the necessary applications.

People get pwned

Attackers also focus their efforts on the weakest link in the security chain - people. The

OAIC Notifiable Data Breaches Report for the period July - December 2020 stated that data breaches resulting from human error accounted for 38% of notifications, up 18% on its previous six month report.

Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner, Angelene Falk, says The human factor is also a dominant theme in many malicious or criminal attacks, which remain the leading source of breaches notified to my office.

Organisations need to reduce the risk of a data breach by addressing human error  for example, by prioritising training staff on secure information handling practices.*

We all know how essential it is for companies to train their people to spot security risks, yet in many cases, ransomware infections still occur due to people clicking on things they shouldnt.

Knowing this, its more important than ever to conduct regular security awareness employee training. At the same time, developing a culture of openness whereby employees are encouraged to question unusual requests, regardless of whether they emanate from a colleagues email account or the CEO is also critical.

*https://www.oaic.gov.au/updates/news-and-media/human-factor-dominates-latest-data-breach-statistics/
Specialist analytics provider Quantitative Brokers (QB) has appointed James "Jimmy" Clarke to take on its new APAC sales role in Sydney.

"QB is expanding significantly and strategically in the Asia-Pacific region through new hires, new partnerships, and technology development," said QB co-founder and CEO Christian Hauff.

"Jimmy brings market knowledge, deep client relationships, and experience in cross-asset and cross-product execution. We welcome him to the QB team."

Clarke joins QB from ICAP, where he worked as an institutional sales trader in Chicago.

He previously served as director of futures and OTC clearing at Citi, director of futures sales at Deutsche Bank, and director of futures sales at Newedge, all in Singapore. Clarke also spent seven years as head of futures sales at Barclays in New York.

Earlier in his career, he worked for a market maker in the Sydney Futures Exchange and became one of the first electronic traders on SFE's Sycom platform.

Clarke, a Sydney native, holds a BSc in economics from the University of Newcastle.
The New South Wales Department of Education is working to recover departmental systems after becoming a victim of a cyber-security attack, with the department saying it has worked with Cyber Security NSW to reactivate services as soon as possible.

The attack hit following a directive from the state government for schools to return to remote learning.

According to the Department in response to the attack, a number of internal systems have been deactivated as a precaution and have been unavailable since late Wednesday.

NSW Education Secretary Georgina Harrisson said the Departments priority is the safety and security of its student and staff data, and it has therefore made the precautionary decision to take some systems offline while it investigates further.

"The timing of this creates considerable challenges for staff as we prepare for the start of Term 3, Harrisson said.

Thankfully, our teams have been able to isolate the issues and we are working to reactivate services as soon as possible.

Harrisson said Department of Education and Cyber Security NSW teams are working to ensure normal access is restored in time for the start of Term 3.

I am confident we will have the issue resolved soon and want to reassure teachers and parents that there will be no impact on students learning from home next week, Harrisson said.

"Whilst we are confident all systems will be back online before Day 1, Term 3, we are making information to support home learning available on our public website so that preparations for the start of term can continue."

Harrisson said as well as working closely with Cyber Security NSW to resolve the issue, the department has referred the matter to the NSW Police and federal agencies.

As the matter is under investigation, it is inappropriate to make any further comment, Harrisson concluded.

The security attacks on the NSW Department of Education drew comments from key players in the secrity sector - Barracuda Networks, LogRhythm and WatchGuard Technologies.

The sheer amount of personal information held by education government departments, schools and universities makes them an ideal hacking target. At the same time, the substantial shift towards remote learning and e-learning has made them even more vulnerable and appealing to nefarious players, said Mark Lukie, Sales Engineer Manager  APAC, Barracuda Networks.

During 2020, our researchers found that educational institutions are more than twice as likely to be targeted by business email compromise (BEC) attacks than an average organisation. In fact, more than one in four spear-phishing attacks that we saw targeting the education sector was a carefully crafted BEC attack.

Both public and private sector organisations of all sizes are susceptible to web application, volumetric attacks and ransom demands at crucial times. We believe in the benefits of cloud augmented security to help educational organisations mitigate risk against modern attacks and allow for scalability and agility. Having the appropriate technology components in place that support ongoing business and operations functionality while also ensuring core applications and data are secure is the critical challenge.

Simon Howe, Vice President Asia Pacific Sales, LogRhythm commented: The education sector continues to be a top target for cyberattacks. As we have witnessed over the past few months, threat actors are still at large implementing cyberattacks to gain control of vital data and bring organisations to their knees. The increased reliance on e-learning has made schools in Australia and many other countries an even bigger target of opportunity than before as the stakes are higher and worth more money. If the technology is taken down, lessons come to a complete standstill. This will likely not be the last attack targeting schools.

More than ever, it is crucial for education departments to take a proactive approach and invest in cybersecurity solutions that automatically detect malicious behaviour and enable network infrastructure to block any further access attempts. Cybersecurity is not just for large companies and should be appropriately funded at the state and local government level to ensure that our students can continue to learn without disruption.

This attack shows that irrespective of the industry, people behind cyberattacks are not biased. Education providers hold a wealth of data, including sensitive intellectual property and the personal details of tens of thousands of students and staff members., said Anthony Daniel, Regional Director  Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, WatchGuard Technologies.

As such, theyre prime targets for hackers and cyber-criminals. Given increasing awareness and concern about cyber-crime, institutions which arent seen to be taking all reasonable steps to prevent their systems being compromised or hacked can expect to take a serious reputational hit, if the worst occurs.

The NSW Department of Education seems to have done its due diligence by deactivating its system for the 21 hour period and involve the appropriate agencies. It is fortunate that it is school holidays. However, this attack has disrupted and delayed preparation of work for teachers and principals as they prepare for the new term next week.

This shows the impact of how an attack can disrupt the day to day functions of any business, school or educational organisation. Putting aside the financial impact, this requires more human hours to rectify, delaying the required work needed to prepare for the new term, hence creating the stress for all teachers and principals.

Our advice to parents and teachers is to ensure they have a secure network at home and if they dont, to really look into having a robust solution implemented as students learning remotely still require a high level of security.

Multi-Factor Authentication can help institutions protect the personal data of students and staff, irrespective of when and where they log on. A simple, easy-to-use service with convenient authentication factors, including mobile tokens, and a single sign-on capability can be deployed to protect the cloud applications, email accounts and video conferencing platforms institutions use to deliver the learning experience.
Security solutions vendor Secureworks says the integration of its Counter Threat Unit (CTU) into Taegis VDR (vulnerability and detection response) eliminates threats and vulnerabilities before they can pose risks, and by detecting vulnerabilities, Taegis VDR ican reduce remediation by 15 times.

Secureworks announces the integration of threat intelligence feeds from Secureworks Counter Threat Unit (CTU) into Secureworks Taegis VDR to identify and help eliminate the high-risk vulnerabilities in enterprises before they can be exploited.

While threat actors use advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures to identify vulnerabilities, security teams are forced to use outdated severity scores.

By harnessing Taegis VDR, security administrators will reduce sheer volume of vulnerabilities and the difficulties of integrating related information.

Taegis VDR prioritises vulnerabilities to reduce remediation efforts by 15 times by assessing 50 factors across organisations, assets, and networks. This now includes Secureworks CTU-curated threat intelligence.

Each factor acts as a virtual expert with specific knowledge that feeds the artificial intelligence (AI) engine of VDR. By integrating CTU threat intelligence, the need to manually correlate it with vulnerability data is eliminated, saving time and speeds remediation.

Secureworks says the CTU performs more than 1,400 incident-response and 2,500 adversarial testing engagements each year and monitors 246 threat groups globally. Continuous asset discovery, identification, and vulnerability scanning identifies and eliminates the vulnerabilities that pose the greatest threats to the organisation.

High-performing IT security teams know that a best practice for vulnerability management is integrating vulnerability scanning with threat feeds to accurately estimate risk. Without that extra level of intelligence, IT teams are presented with the impossible challenge of addressing every vulnerability, notes IDC security services program director Craig Robinson.

Working with the right partner allows companies to do more with lessa necessity as companies face challenges such as a shortage of skilled talent and attacks that are increasing in volume and sophistication, Robinson says.

In applying advanced machine learning to prioritisation, Taegis VDR uncovers serious security issues that might be overlooked such as a vulnerability that has a low criticality score but attacks a high-value asset with direct access to other vulnerable high-value assets.

With Secureworks Taegis, we are continually integrating our 20+ years of deep security expertise and current understanding of the threat with the latest advancements in software engineering and data science, Secureworks chief product officer Steve Fulton says.

Fulton concludes: Taegis VDR, unlike traditional vulnerability management systems, provides a risk-based approach that combines continuous scan data and threat intelligence with the power of machine learning, saving security professionals hours of manual work analysing, integrating, and utilising the data required to keep a companys IT infrastructure secure.
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FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2021 file photo, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address in Jefferson City, Mo. Federal officials are pushing back after Parson said he doesn't want government employees going door-to-door to urge people to get vaccinated. Missouri asked for help last week from nearly formed federal "surge response" teams as it combats an influx of cases that's overwhelming some hospitals.
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.
Jacksonville, TX (75766)

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Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 88F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Partly cloudy skies. Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.




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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.
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Members of an honor guard from the South Carolina Highway Patrol lower the Confederate battle flag as it is removed July 10, 2015, from the Capitol grounds in Columbia, S.C.
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Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

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Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
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Harlan was a full-time reporter and columnist for the JI from August 1997 to September 2017, after which he has continued to write weekly Consumer Diary and Leave it to Levy advice columns. Harlan graduated from Princeton University and NYU School of Law.
A former director of Brazils health ministry was arrested Wednesday while testifying before a Senate commission investigating how the government of President Jair Bolsonaro has handled the Covid-19 pandemic.

Senator Omar Aziz, who chairs the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (ICC), ordered the arrest of the ministrys former logistics director Roberto Dias on charges of perjury.

Hes been lying since this morning, I gave him the opportunity (to tell the truth), I asked him several times, Aziz said.

I do not accept that the ICC is becoming a farce. We have more than 527,000 dead from this pandemic and the guys are doing deals with vaccines, he said, visibly annoyed.

It was the first time that a senator on the ICC commission has ordered an arrest since the investigation two months ago.

Dias was dismissed from his post at the end of June following allegations that he demanded a one dollar per dose bribe from the representative of a company negotiating the sale of 400 million AstraZeneca vaccines to Brazil.

Suspicions had arisen after statements by the company representative, Luiz Dominguetti, who testified last week before the ICC.

Dias denied having asked for any bribe and claimed the meeting with Dominguetti had gone well, despite information the senators had contradicting his version of events, according to parliamentary sources.

Dias also denied pressuring a subordinate to sign a contract to purchase the Indian vaccine Covaxin, a scandal that could implicate Bolsonaro.

The president is the subject of a preliminary investigation in this case, suspected of turning a blind eye to corruption allegations reported by a health ministry official.

Testifying before the commission of inquiry, the official said he had been subjected to atypical pressure to approve the importation of Covaxin doses that he considered to be overpriced.

The far-right president has long downplayed the severity of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Most of his patients had looked like the bodies in the infamous Caesar photos: pale with a tinge of yellow, hair unkempt, clothes old and torn. All of them had abscesses and swellings. All of them were very thin and malnourished, said the witness who testified in the Al-Khatib trial in Germany at the end of June. In 2012, the now 36-year-old Syrian had been working as an assistant doctor at the Red Crescent Hospital, directly opposite the General Secret Services Branch 251 in Damascus, also known as the Al-Khatib Branch. He and his colleagues were tasked with checking up on the detainees in the branchs underground prison. They treated small injuries like abscesses on arms and feet, or small wounds on heads and other body parts, said the witness. But they also treated big ones, such as open wounds that exposed arteries and sinews, broken bones or limbs that had swollen to five times their normal size. The injuries were unlike anything we had learned while studying medicine at university, he said. It was the first time we saw cases like these.

In Koblenz, Germany, former secret service officer Anwar Raslan stands accused of crimes against humanity, allegedly committed in Syria. During his time as head of investigations at the Al-Khatib branch in Damascus, he is said to have been responsible for 58 killings, 4000 cases of torture and several cases of sexual violence starting in 2011, when thousands of anti-regime protesters were arrested by the secret services. More than 70 survivors, experts and secret service insiders have testified since the beginning of the trial in April 2020, but until now, medical staff has neither testified nor been mentioned much. The judges have been asking every ex-detainee in court about the issue, taking the lack of medical care into their account of the general prison conditions. Most survivors said that they had received no or hardly any medical care during their detention in branch 251 and other prisons. However, the few testimonies that did mention doctors and hospitals indicated that they had played an important role in the Syrian prison system. Some doctors, like the witness, treated tortured prisoners injuries, while others allegedly participated in their abuse in hospitals that became extensions of the secret services notorious prisons.

If the patient was dead, our job was done

The witness appeared in court wearing black and golden sneakers, a fanny pack, and his thinning dark hair in a ponytail. He had studied medicine in Aleppo and was then completing his obligatory medical training at the Red Crescent Hospital in Damascus. It must have been July 2012, he remembers, when officers from the Al-Khatib branch came to the neighbouring hospital and met with the administration to organize daily visits of assistant doctors to the branchs prison. It was during Ramadan, he told the judges, adding that the atmosphere at work had been quiet, as many of the doctors were fasting. During their first visit to the branch, they stayed for two hours, treating more than one hundred patients. On other visits, they spent up to five hours in the underground prison. There, the officers told them how to proceed: We were to speak to the patients about their ailments and nothing else. The patients were not allowed to tell us where their injuries came from. If they mentioned the abuse, they would be beaten immediately. The witness and his colleagues were only able to help the prisoners to a certain extent. If someone needed antibiotics, they were allowed to give them one pill, but not the whole box. The orders were clear, said the witness. Give the prisoner what he urgently needs, but nothing more.

And then there were the deaths  almost every day, according to the witness. Some died in the branch, others at the hospital, where they had been transferred after falling unconscious. The witness said he saw at least fifty deaths with his own eyes, but that he knew from his colleagues that there had been more. I still remember the first dead body I saw in the cell opposite the staircase, he said, describing it as pale with a dry, white tongue, naked and barefoot. We were not allowed to determine the cause of death, he said. The doctors were only there to decide whether or not a patient could be treated. If the patient was dead, our job was done.

The witness explained that it was different with prisoners who were transferred and then died in the Red Crescent hospital. There, the doctors were allowed to determine the cause of death, which mostly turned out to be heart or kidney failure, low blood pressure due to dehydration, or sepsis as a result of injuries. This alone, however, did not reveal to them how the patients had reached their dire conditions. We could tell that the heart had failed, but we did not know why it failed, the witness said. He assumed that torture itself did not directly lead to inmates deaths, but that their overall condition combined with indirect consequences of torture, such as infection of wounds, had often been the reason. His assessment was an interesting addition to the testimony of forensic expert Marcus Rothschild in November 2020, who had analysed the Caesar photos with regard to injuries, signs and causes of death. One of his most puzzling findings had been that most of the bodies did not show any visible causes of death.

Hospitals as places of torture

Syrian hospitals were not only places where abused prisoners were taken to die, but also became places of torture themselves, as other testimonies have shown and as a witness told the Koblenz court a week later. He had worked as a clinical engineer, supplying hospitals in and around Damascus with medical devices. The hospital had turned into a secret service branch, he said of the Mujtahid Hospital in Damascus. The emergency ward was full of gunmen and military personnel beating patients. He added that injured protesters were often taken to hospitals, where they disappeared, and that this had happened to a close friend of his.

Another witness who testified at the end of last year offered one of the most harrowing testimonies of the brutal torture he suffered in different secret service branches and finally in the Harasta military hospital, which he left barely alive. He had arrived at the hospital in an already very bad condition, after having been relentlessly beaten in Al-Khatib branch, among others. At the hospital, he was chained to a bed with another inmate, in a room with about twenty more beds. We were beaten every minute of every day, the young man remembered. They took turns beating us with chains and whips, knives and pipes. There were days that we spent unconscious. He said that he had been tortured in ways that he could not even describe. They call it a hospital, but in reality, it is a place for torture. They take people there to kill them.

Testimonies like these could be of interest when the German judiciary opens its next case against Syrian doctor Alaa M. About a year ago, he was arrested in the state of Hesse in Western Germany, where he was working as a doctor once again, after having arrived there from Syria in 2015. He is being investigated for crimes against humanity, allegedly committed during his time as a doctor at the military hospital of Homs, where he is said to have tortured a patient who subsequently died. The German magazine Der Spiegel also reported that he had allegedly operated on an anti-regime prisoner without anaesthesia, and set another one on fire. The indictment against him is expected soon, and the trial would start shortly after at the Higher Regional Court in Frankfurt.
Foreign investors face difficult choices about operating in Myanmar after the February military coup, with few taking the route of leaving as has Norwegian telecoms group Telenor.

Activists have heaped pressure on multinationals to pull out of Myanmar as the death toll from the military crackdown nears 900 and some 200,000 have been forced to flee their homes, according to the UN, which has accused the military junta of committing crimes against humanity.

Investors piled into the country after the military relaxed its iron grip in 2011, paving the way for democratic reforms and economic liberalisation in the country of more than 50 million people.

They poured money into telecommunications, infrastructure, manufacturing and construction projects.

Now they face either pulling up sticks like Telenor, suspending operations, or continuing with business as usual.

 Leaving, a rare choice 

Telenor announced Thursday it was selling its Myanmar subsidiary, which is one of the leading operators in the country with 18 million mobile phone customers.

It is one of the rare companies to decide to leave the country.

At the end of March the French renewable energy firm Voltalia, which had been working in Myanmar since 2018 and had a staff of 43, said it was winding up operations due to the political and humanitarian crisis.

 Suspending operations 

Shortly after the military takeover, Japans Suzuki announced it was suspending production at its two Myanmar factories, which produced 13,300 vehicles in 2019, mostly for the local market.

The firm, which has operated in Myanmar since 1998, reopened the sites within days and is now considering building another facility.

Myanmar factories became suppliers of many popular clothing brands over the past decade, but groups like Italys Benetton stopped placing new orders.

Benetton chief executive Massimo Renon said the suspension was intended to send a strong and concrete signal.

In the energy sector, Frances TotalEnergies, which has long been present in the country, has scaled back its operations. It halted prospecting and the development of one site. It also halted dividend payments to a shareholder linked to the Myanmar military.

French energy giant EDF announced the suspension of its activities in Myanmar where it is involved in a $1.5-billion project to build a hydroelectric dam, Shweli-3, alongside consortium partners, Marubeni of Japan and Ayeyar Hinthar of Myanmar.

The respect of fundamental human rights are a pre-condition for every project in which we take part, EDF said in a letter to the NGO Justice for Myanmar.

 Staying 

French hotel chain Accor, which operates nine hotels in Myanmar and is planning half a dozen more, has no plans to leave or cut ties with its local partner, Max Myanmar Group, which is not under sanctions.

Accor, which employs a local workforce of around 1,000, sees tourism as the last link between the people of Myanmar and the rest of the world, a spokeswoman said.

Japanese brewer Kirin has said it would cut business ties with the military with which it operates two local breweries, accusing the junta of acting in contradiction to its principles on human rights.

But the firm said it currently has no intention to pull out completely from a market that accounts for around two percent of its overall turnover.

Danish brewer Carlsberg has said it would reduce production capacity as beer consumption in Myanmar is on the decline, but it has no plans to quit. It employs 500 people locally.

British tobacco giant BAT said that more 100,000 local jobs depended on its investment, operations and partnerships in Myanmar and it would stay, while prioritising the security and well-being of its workers.

bur-mch-tsq/rl/wai

EDF  ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE

CARLSBERG

TOTALENERGIES

ACCOR

KIRIN HOLDINGS

MARUBENI

VOLTALIA

BAT  BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO

HENNES & MAURITZ

SUZUKI MOTOR

TELENOR
A host of former country leaders have served time behind bars for corruption, with South Africas past president Jacob Zuma the latest to be jailed for 15 months on Thursday.

Here is a recap.

 Africa 

 SUDAN: Deposed president Omar al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan with an iron fist for 30 years, was sentenced in December 2019 to two years in a correctional centre for corruption.

He is also on trial for a 1989 military coup and is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur.

 Asia 

 SOUTH KOREA: Seouls top court in January 2021 upheld a 20-year prison sentence for former president Park Geun-hye, over the corruption scandal that brought her down.

The countrys first woman president in 2012, she was impeached in 2017 after huge street protests against her rule.

 PAKISTAN: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified from politics for life by the Supreme Court in 2017 over graft allegations, and later received a seven-year jail sentence. He was freed on bail in October 2019 for medical reasons.

 KYRGYZSTAN: Former President Almazbek Atambayev (2011-2017) received an 11-year jail sentence for corruption. A court in 2020 ordered his corruption case to be retried.

 Europe 

 CROATIA: Ivo Sanader, prime minister from 2003 to 2009, was sentenced in November 2012 to 10 years in prison, accused of taking several million euros in bribes from the Hungarian energy giant MOL.

Investigated in several affairs, he was sentenced in April 2020 for embezzling several million euros, as he already served a prison sentence having accepted a 2.3 million euros in another affair.

 PORTUGAL: The former Socialist prime minister Jose Socrates (2005-2011) spent more than nine months in temporary detention before being placed under house arrest in September 2015 and released six weeks later.

A Portuguese judge cleared the way in April 2021 for Socrates to stand trial for alleged money laundering and falsifying documents, but cleared him of corruption charges in the years-long case.

 ROMANIA: Adrian Nastase, a Social Democrat prime minister from 2000 to 2004, was sentenced to four and a half years for corruption in 2012.

He was freed early in March 2013 but jailed again in 2014 for several months for accepting bribes.

 SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO: President from 2003 to 2006, Svetozar Marovic was handed a 46-month term in 2016 for corruption.

He was the only president of the short-lived country, which broke up in 2006 when Montenegro proclaimed independence.

 MOLDOVA: Ex-prime minister Vlad Filat (2009-2013) was dramatically arrested in parliament in 2015 over allegations of accepting bribes worth some $260 million.

He was sentenced to nine years in jail for corruption and abuse of office.

 Latin America 

 GUATEMALA: President from 2000 to 2004, Alfonso Portillo was detained in 2010 and extradited to the United States where he was sentenced to five years and 10 months for money-laundering.

He returned to Guatemala in 2015 after serving just over a year in a US jail in consideration of the time already served while fighting extradition and on trial.

Otto Perez became Guatemalas president in 2012 but was forced to resign in 2015 and then detained over allegations of organising a fraud ring which netted him $800,000 in bribes.

In October 2017 he was ordered to stand trial for racketeering, illicit enrichment and fraud.

 PERU: President from 1990 to 2000, Alberto Fujimori entered jail in 2009 after being sentenced to 25 years for rights abuses, including ordering massacres and corruption.

Ollanta Humala, Perus president from 2011 to 2016, entered prison in July 2017 and spent nine months in pre-trial detention. This followed charges of accepting illegal campaign donations worth $3 million from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

 BRAZIL: Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010) started a 12-year sentence for corruption in 2018, after he was accused of accepting bribes in the Petrobras scandal. He spent 18 months behind bars, before the Supreme Court annulled his convictions on procedural grounds.

 Middle East 

 ISRAEL: The 2006-2009 prime minister Ehud Olmert entered jail in February 2016 with a 27-month prison term for taking bribes, fraud, corruption and obstructing justice.

Olmert was freed in July 2017 on parole.

ber-ang-jmy/wai

PETROBRAS  PETROLEO BRASILEIRO
The countrys police chief said on Wednesday that Haitis security forces had shot and killed four suspected murderers of President Giovinel Mois, and arrested two others because this shameless assassination might make this already poor and full. The Caribbean countries hit by the crisis are plunged into deeper chaos.

Police Chief Leon Charles described the four victims as mercenaries and said that the security forces had engaged in a fierce gun battle with those who assassinated the president at his home.

When they left the crime scene, we stopped them on the way, Charles said in a TV commentary. Since then, we have been fighting them.

They will be killed or arrested.

Moise is a 53-year-old former businessman who took office in 2017. At around 1 am local time, heavily armed assassins attacked the couples home on the hill above Port-au-Prince. He was shot and his wife Martin  Moise was seriously injured. Time Wednesday (05:00 GMT).

Haitis ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, stated that the gunmen were well-trained foreign mercenaries and stated that they disguised themselves as agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) when entering Moises guard home at nightfall.

According to the US Embassy, ??DEA has an office in the Haitian capital to assist the government in its anti-drug program.

The ambassador added that Moises wife Martin is in stable but critical condition and has been evacuated to Miami for treatment.

Barbaric behavior

The assassinations aroused condemnation from Washington and neighboring Latin American countries. They occurred amid political turmoil, a surge in gang violence, and a growing humanitarian crisis in the poorest countries in the Americas.

Interim Prime Minister Joseph Crowder, who is the leader of the country, said that the assassins speak English and Spanish-most people in Haiti speak either French or Haitian Creole.

I call for calm. Everything is under control, Joseph and Charles said on TV together. This barbaric act will not go unpunished.

The Haitian government has declared a two-week state of emergency to help find the assassins.

In an earlier interview with the Associated Press, Joseph called for an international investigation into the assassination and said that elections scheduled for later this year should be held. He also promised to cooperate with Moizs allies and opponents.

We need everyone to move the country forward, Joseph said. He described the president as a brave man, opposed some oligarchs in the country and said: We believe these things are not without consequences.

Haiti, a country with a population of approximately 11 million, has been striving to achieve stability since the collapse of the dictatorship of the Duvalier dynasty in 1986 and has fought a series of coups and foreign intervention. In the past year, Moyes has been governing by decree after failing to hold elections. In recent months, the opposition has asked him to step down, saying that he is taking him into another period of severe authoritarianism.

Since taking over in 2017, Moise has been facing calls for resignation and mass protests-first because of corruption allegations and his management of the economy, and then his increasing control of power.

Recently, he presided over the deteriorating gang violence incident, which rights activists said was related to the use of armed groups by political and business leaders for personal gain.

Global attention

In the United States, President Joe Biden condemned the killing of Moise as heinous and called Haitis approximately 700 miles (1,125 kilometers) off the coast of Florida as worrisome. We are always ready to help, and we will continue to work hard for a safe Haiti, he said.

The Dominican Republic said it was closing the border and strengthening security in the area, but said the border was completely calm.

This crime is an attack on Haiti and the democratic order in the region, said Luis Abinad, President of the Dominican Republic.

After the common border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti was closed, members of the National Army of the Dominican Republic guarded the bridge between the Dominican Republic and Haiti [Ricardo Rojas/Reuters]

A spokesperson said that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the assassination and emphasized that the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice. At the same time, the UN Security Council expressed deep shock and sympathy for Moizs death to assess the situation before a closed-door meeting at the request of the United States and Mexico on Thursday.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) expressed concern on Wednesday that Haiti is one of the few countries in the world that has not yet been vaccinated against the coronavirus. The violence in Haiti may frustrate efforts to fight COVID-19.

Power vacuum

In Port-au-Prince, the usually bustling streets were empty for most of Wednesday and the airport was closed, but gunfire rang in the air.

According to local reports, a group of vehicles, including the ambulance that transported Moises body to the morgue, had to change course due to gunfire and roadblocks.

As Haitis politics is polarized and facing increasing hunger, peoples worries about the collapse of order are spreadingespecially the murder of Moys taking place in a power vacuum.

Just this week, he nominated a prime minister to replace Joseph-he intended to be the interim leader-but the official, Ariel Henry, has not yet been sworn in. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court may provide help to provide stability in a crisis, who recently died of COVID-19.

Children walking on empty streets before the 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti destroyed the cathedral on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 [Joseph Odelyn/AP]

In an interview with the Associated Press, Joseph said that he had talked with Henry three times and everyone agreed that he is now responsible.

He was actually appointed but never took office, Joseph said of Henry. I used to be a prime minister during my tenure. This is what the law and the constitution say.

However, in another Associated Press interview, Henry appeared to contradict Joseph. This is a special situation. Its a bit confusing, he said. I am the current prime minister.

Late Wednesday, a special issue in the official gazette stated that under the Haitian constitution, the prime minister and his cabinet-Josephs government-will exercise executive power until a new president can be elected.

Presidential, legislative and local elections will be held in September, along with a controversial referendum on a new constitution, which Moyes has said will help ultimately bring political stability to the country.

According to Alex Dupuy, a Haiti-born sociologist at Middletown Wesleyan University in Connecticut, the best scenario is that the acting prime minister and the opposition party jointly hold elections.

But in Haiti, nothing is taken for granted. It depends on how the current balance of power in Haiti works, he said, describing the situation as dangerous and turbulent.

The main opposition party said they were very frustrated with the killings.

Their statement said: Under this painful situation, the political forces of the opposition condemn this heinous crime in the most severe form, which is contrary to democratic principles.

The parties added that they hope the national police will take all necessary measures to protect the safety of life and property, and called on Haitians to keep a high level of vigilance.
Jebel Ali Port is one of the largest ports in the world. There are currently no reports of casualties, and the authorities say the fire has been brought under control.

The local government said a container ship anchored in one of the worlds largest ports in Dubai caught fire on Wednesday night after an explosion in the commercial center of the United Arab Emirates.

The fire ignited a huge orange flame on a ship in the busiest port of Jebel Ali in the Middle East on the east side of the Arabian Peninsula, but the authorities said the situation was under control.

The fire caused by an explosion inside a container on a ship in Jebel Ali Port has been brought under control; no casualties have been reported, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said on Twitter.

The burning released shock waves in the city, shaking the buildings and windows of a community 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the port.

According to reports, there were at least three residents in the area where the explosion occurred. The reason is not clear. The doors and windows of their homes were shaken by the incident.

A fire caused by an explosion inside a container on a ship in Jebel Ali Port has been brought under control; no casualties have been reported. pic.twitter.com/iLdS3zEegW  Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 7, 2021

This port is the busiest port of call for US warships outside the United States, and there are currently no direct reports of casualties.

Earlier on Thursday, the Dubai government issued a statement saying that emergency services had brought the fire under control. Authorities posted footage of firefighters watering water on giant containers on social media.

When civil defense personnel tried to control the fire, the light of the fire was clearly visible in the background.

It is not yet clear how much damage has been caused to the huge port and surrounding cargo. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Port officials stated that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the normal navigation of the vessel will not be disturbed in any way.

DMO director-general Mona al-Marri told Al-Arabiya TV that the incident could happen anywhere in the world and the government communications office tried to quickly issue a statement to avoid the spread of rumors as the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The office stated that the unidentified vessel is preparing to dock at one of the berths away from the main shipping line of the port.

Jebel Ali Port Authority: We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the normal navigation of ships in the port will not be disturbed in any way  Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 7, 2021

Arabiya said that the Dubai government claimed that the crew of the ship had been evacuated in time.

At around 11:45 pm local time (07:45 GMT), residents of Dubai recorded videos on their mobile phones in high-rise buildings and posted crazy videos on social media showing a fireball illuminating the night sky.

Clemence Lefaix, who lives near the explosion site, posted a bright orange light against the night sky in front of the apartment building.

Im on the balcony outside. My friend saw the yellow thing coming [like] sun.I took a picture and then [there was] A voice, Lefax told AFP.

Jebel Ali Port at the northern end of Dubai is the worlds largest artificial deep-water port, serving cargo from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and Asia.

The port is operated by Dubai-based DP World and has four huge container terminals that can berth some of the worlds largest ships.The port is not only an important global cargo hub, but also the lifeline of Dubai and surrounding emirates, and an entry point for important imported goods

DP World described the Port of Jebel Ali as a gateway hub and an important link in the global trade network connecting the East and West markets. The company did not immediately make any public statements about the explosion.
New data shows that the recent heat wave in the Pacific Northwest-which has overwhelmed communities in Canada and the United States-is at least 150 times more likely to occur due to climate change.

A team of 27 researchers from the World Weather Attribution Initiative, including scientists from universities and meteorological institutions in North America and Europe, studied observations and computer simulations to compare todays climate with past climates.

They concluded that without human influence, a record-breaking heat wave would be almost impossible.

Lytton, BC, a small village in Fraser Canyon, went bankrupt Record the hottest temperature It was recorded in Canada for three consecutive days during the heat wave and finally reached 49.6 C. This is higher than 45 C, recorded in Saskatchewan in 1937.

Faron Anslow, a climatologist at Victoria Pacific University, said: When we look at temperature records over time, the hottest temperature of the year is steadily rising, but then this event happened. It just broke the record, the Climate Impact Alliance and the co-author of the report, which was released on Wednesday.

Literally, the data points are drawn in a certain way, and we have to circle them to get peoples attention because the eyes dont expect them to be there, Anslow told CBC News.

What we have seen is unprecedented, said co-author Frederick Otto, a climate scientist at Oxford University, in a statement. You shouldnt break the record of four or five degrees Celsius.

The report has not been peer-reviewed, but the scientists plan to submit it to the journal in the near future.

Although climate change makes such extreme heat waves more likely, scientists say it is still very unusual.

They estimate that such events in todays climateabout 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than before the industrial revolutionshould occur every 1,000 years.

But if the temperature rises by 2 degrees Celsius, this may happen in 2050, and researchers say that heat waves like this may happen at least once or twice every ten years.

The team offered two possible explanations for how a heat wave of this scale occurred.

On June 28, Canadian Tire posted a notice in Vancouver stating that their air conditioners were sold out, and fans took a group photo. (Ben Nilms/Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

First, they said that the pre-existing drought and the abnormal atmospheric conditions that caused the hot dome, coupled with climate change, have caused very high temperatures. If there is no climate change, the peak temperature will drop by about 2 degrees Celsius.

The second explanation is that the Earths climate has exceeded a threshold, that is, a relatively small temperature change of 1.2 degrees Celsius will cause the extreme temperature to rise faster than the model predicts.

Anslow said that it is difficult to pinpoint the cause. The record high was set a full month before the usually hottest time of the year.

This means that if this incident happened later, it might be a little hotter, Anslow said. Moreover, this incident happened shortly after the longest day of the year [] You only have these extra hours and minutes to let the suns energy drop and bake the landscape. 

Last year, a heat wave in Siberia triggered wildfires and melted permafrost with temperatures as high as 38 degrees Celsius. The World Weather Attribution Initiative published a report stating that climate change has increased the likelihood of this event by at least 600 times.

Stewart Cohen, a retired climatologist who was not involved in the report, warned that it came out soon and should be considered a quick exercise.

But, he said, its results support what other scientists have quickly learnedCanadas strategy for coping with high temperatures is worth looking at again.

This is just another piece of evidence that shows the urgency of reassessing how we manage extreme events, Cohen said.
Two leading scientists stood beside two researchers fired from Canadas only Level 4 virology laboratory, but instead pointed their fingers at problems inside the Winnipeg facility.

Dr. Xiangguo Qiu and her husband Cheng Keding, a biologist, were stripped of their safety clearance in July 2019 and were escorted out of the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML).

they are And was fired in January, Although the Public Health Agency of Canada refused to explain why. The RCMP investigation is also ongoing; no allegations have been made.

Qiu (left) is a doctor and virologist from Tianjin, China. He came to Canada in 1996 to study as a graduate student. Her husband Cheng Keding is a biologist. (Governors Innovation Award)

For months, opposition lawmakers have been asking for a reply to the couples dismissal of the Chinese students who worked with them, asking whether It may be related to espionage .

PHAC and government officials were tight-lipped about the dismissal, initially citing privacy legislation, but recently stated that the case involved national security issues.

Now two former colleagues stand up and say that the hype is wrong.

Intellectual property disputes

For the past two years, Gary Kobinger has been watching the case with frustration and skepticism in his laboratory at Laval University.

As the head of NMLs Special Pathogens Department, until 2016, Kobinger and Qiu worked closely together and became internationally renowned for creating an Ebola vaccine, ZMapp, which has saved thousands of lives in West Africa.

[Qiu] Tell me, This is a misunderstanding. I dont know why I was kicked out of the building. She didnt understand. From the bottom of her heart, she said it was a misunderstanding, he said in an interview.

After talking with Qiu and other government scientists, Kobinger stated that he believed that the incident started when Qiu traveled to China-with the knowledge and approval of NML- Assist in the establishment of a Level 4 laboratory in Wuhan .

Kobinger said that someone at PHAC was worried that she would share proprietary information about biosafety protocols and safety workflows.

Watch | Kobinger talks about the safety of Qius foreign graduate students:

Former NML scientist Dr. Gary Kobinger commented on foreign students in the laboratory. 2:07

But this is something that colleagues often do, he said, so they dont have to reinvent the wheel or repeat past mistakes.

These agreements are very location-specific because they are very important [dependent] In the physical room where the work is done, Kobinger said.

So share this-is it really intellectual property rights? Did you violate intellectual property rights because you said,On our side, the way we purify this material is A, B, C, D?'

After these trips, PHAC found that Qiu was listed as the inventor Two patents Reports submitted by Chinese institutions in 2017 and 2019-Kobinger said such concerns are unnecessary snowballs.

Watch | Kobinger talks about the mishandling of the case:

Former NML scientist Dr. Gary Kobinger (Gary Kobinger) asked for the true truth about what happenedand what the risks would be if it kept being buried. 1:34

She did a lot of the work we did before testing molecules and vaccines from other laboratories, which is one of the reasons why we have successfully developed Ebola vaccines and treatments, he said. In the field of science, you cant work on an island and think you can succeed.

Dr. Gary Kobinger (far right) and Dr. Qiu shared the Governors Award in 2018 in recognition of their work in creating ZMapp, an innovative treatment for the Ebola virus. Kobinger described Qiu as an ethical and hardworking scientist. (Submitted by Health Canada)

Chinese scientists praised her work, but PHAC and NML are not mentioned in the patent. This means that if the technology enters the market, Canada is unlikely to receive royalties related to any sales of the technology.

Federal legislation stipulates that Ottawa owns all inventions of civil servants, and government employees are not allowed to apply for patents abroad without the permission of the minister.

Although PHAC was correct in raising the issue about patents, Kobinger said the agency had overreacted.

Qiu told him that she didnt know that her name had been added to the patent-and she herself reported the second to PHAC.

He said: Honest and open discussions from the beginning can be very, very useful and can avoid where we are now.

The National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg is the only Level 4 laboratory in Canada. It is one of the few facilities in North America that can handle pathogens that require the highest level of containment. (Trevor Lyons/Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

Chinese military scientists enter the fourth-level laboratory

When Qiu was escorted out of NML in July 2019, all her Chinese students were also asked to leave-a move that showed PHACs concern about who could enter the laboratory, which was equipped with the most serious and deadly humans. Working equipment and animal diseases.

Security experts and politicians also raised this issue, and they further pointed to a graduate student: Yan Feihu.

Publications written by Qiu Yan go back At least until 2016 List Yans relationship with the PLA Academy of Military Medical Sciences.

Anyone working in a Winnipeg laboratory needs one of them Level 3 Federal Security Permit :

Reliability statusthe minimum standard for positions that require unsupervised access to information, assets, facilities, or information technology systems protected by the Canadian governmentassess a persons honesty and whether they can be trusted to protect the interests of the employer.

Secret and top-secret permits assess a persons loyalty to Canada to determine whether they have or may engage in activities that constitute a threat to Canadian security. These permits involve in-depth background checks by RCMP and CSIS, dating back 10 years, and include a loyalty to Canada test.

Another scientist who has worked at NML for more than ten years told CBC News that there are ways to bypass the strict censorship process, especially for non-Canadians who are sometimes brought in as visiting scientists or students.

CBC did not disclose his identity because he feared PHACs retaliation. In the video below, others are reading what the scientist said in an interview with CBC.

Watch | Former NML scientist said that Dr. Qiu Xiangguo does not fit the image of a spy:

A former NML scientist stated that Dr. Qiu Xiangguo did not fit the image of a spy. 1:27

He said that some international customs clearance may take months or even years. This is another reason whysenior managers sometimes bypass this.

The scientist said in an interview: I have worked at NML long enough, and you will see people wandering where they shouldnt be, just because as a companion, you usually dont stay with that person all the time. .

You will send them to the laboratory, they will do their job, you will be in your office, and then they can walk around and do what they want to do.

The source said that in some cases, non-citizens can obtain a limited state of reliability. Sources in the laboratory further confirmed to CBC News that in some cases involving Qius students, these restrictions were ignored.

But the former NML scientist said that Qiu cannot authorize her students alone, because senior management must approve it.

NML, they try to cover up a lot of problems, he said. There is no doubt that this may have fallen from a crack.

Political drama

In the past few months, opposition lawmakers have requested the release of unedited documents related to the couples dismissal.

Although PHAC has handed over these documents to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Congressmen, whose members have the highest security clearance, the agency has Refused to release them to parliament .

The Liberal government has gone so far Request the Federal Court to block the release Information, saying it may endanger national security or be related to an ongoing criminal investigation or the privacy of Canadians.

Both scientists who spoke to CBC News asserted that NMLs research actually lags behind China in terms of technology and discovery, so there is nothing to steal.

Watch | Former NML scientist says Qiu Xiangguo should not be fired:

A former NML scientist commented on the dismissal of Dr. Qiu Xianggou from the Winnipeg Laboratory. 1:34

PHAC declined the request for an interview, and will not state whether Yan and other researchers cases are in compliance with the security license agreement, and will not comment on intellectual property issues.

Unless authorized by the attorney general or a federal court order, it is prohibited to disclose certain information related to this matter, it said in a statement.

When CBC News visited Qiu and Chengs main residence in Winnipeg, a young man replied that he did not confirm where the couple are currently. (Trevor Brine/CBC News)

A CSIS spokesperson stated that the agency has never confirmed or denied any connection with their investigation, and the RCMP will not talk about any ongoing investigations.

Reporters could not reach Qiu and Cheng for comment, but during a recent visit to their main home in Winnipeg, a young man answered the door.

He would not confirm where the couple are currently, but told CBC News that he would contact them.

I can convey your message, butno guarantee, he said.
as a Record number Of children who fled violence from Central America and crossed the Mexican border alone this spring, most were sent to Large emergency shelter The Biden administration quickly opened up US military bases, convention centers, and open-air markets.

Transitional foster families, where the family gets permission for care Migrant children, Widely regarded as the best choice Children in U.S. custody, Especially for minors who have been traumatized, very young, pregnant or teenage parents and need extra emotional support.

Providers said that in recent months, as Americans have been vaccinated against the coronavirus and the restrictions on daily life related to the virus have been lifted, interest in raising immigrant children has been booming. They urged the government to transfer more children to foster families.

By May, more than 22,000 immigrant children were detained by the U.S. government because the U.S. was struggling to deal with the largest number of immigrants reaching its southern border in 21 years.

Chris and Kristen Umphlett and their children (from left), Derek 7, Elsie, 3, Kyria, 9 and Hudson, 5, at their home in East Lansing, Michigan, USA [Al Goldis/AP Photo]

Chris Umphlett and his family hosted a 12-year-old girl from Honduras at their home in Michigan for a month, while US officials contacted and censored her mother who lives in Texas. When she arrived across the Mexican border alone, she barely said a word.

The couple lived in East Lansing with their four young children. They invited her to walk and ride a bicycle, and watched a Disney movie with Spanish subtitles. A Honduran woman from their church made a home-cooked Honduran meal, including meat and red beans and tres leches cake, and she laughed.

I think she might not be super friendly when she first came to the United States, it might be confusing, Umphlett, 37, works for a software company. We tried to give her a better experience.

Although not enough families have obtained permission to receive thousands of children U.S. regulationAdvocates say that families can accommodate many children under the age of 12 and other disadvantaged youths, such as pregnant teenagers, and now the government does not have a licensed shelter. Last week, at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, nearly 1,400 minors lived there, including about 300 children under the age of 12.

Psychological and emotional risk hurt According to a document submitted by the Federal Court on June 22, the longer the children stay in the shelter, the supervision of the care of minors detained in the United States as part of a long-term court settlement.

Court documents show that as of the end of May, there were about 500 temporary foster care beds unoccupied, of which children aged 5 and 6 stayed in the shelter for more than a month.

What a child gets in a shelter can never be compared to the love of the parent who takes care of the child, said Kayla Park of Samaritas, a provider that connects the Umphlett family with immigrant children. They may hide them in the bed at night, or maybe the children at home play with them. This kind of interpersonal interaction is very necessary, and it cannot be replicated in the shelter.

Families of immigrants from Ecuador crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into the United States in Rome, Texas, rested on the riverbank and waited for the escort of the U.S. Border Patrol [Go Nakamura/Reuters]

President Joe Bidens government stated that this is not simply a matter of filling up the beds. The Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, if someone tests positive for the coronavirus, some brothers and sisters may have to go to shelters to stay together or have space for isolation, so vacant beds are needed to deal with the situation Xavier Becerra Zhou told reporters.

After visiting a shelter for 800 children at Fort Bliss Army Base near El Paso, Texas, Becerra said when asked about vacant licensed beds, Try to fully maximize your space. Will be hit.

Providers agreed that foster care is more complicated for placement because age and gender must be considered, especially in families where migrant children may share rooms with family children. For example, in Umphletts, they only accept 12-year-olds and 12-year-olds. girl. younger.

The pandemic further restricted the development of things. Many families do not want to bring their children directly from the border because they are afraid of exposure to the coronavirus.

Other families, such as Umphlett, are not able to accept someone while working from home during virtual learning with their children, and they did not accept anyone until March of this year.

But its director, Krish OMara Vignarajah, said that providers such as the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Center have seen a significant increase in families interested in raising immigrant children, which provides an opportunity that should be seized.

I really believe that if we invest and focus on building this network of potential foster parents, these families can and should be a mid- to long-term solution so that we wont have to rely on influx of facilities in the future, she said.
US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the US military will complete its withdrawal from Afghanistan ahead of schedule by August 31, and dismissed growing concerns about civil war in the country occupied by the United States since 2001.

Biden insisted: We got Osama bin Laden, terrorism did not come from that part of the world, so the mission was completed, he defended his decision. U.S. withdrawal quickly Facing the ever-expanding Taliban attacks on Afghan forces.

The United States invaded Afghanistan after Al Qaeda attacked New York and Washington in 2001. The United States has withdrawn approximately 3,500 remaining troops, and the US military now claims that this process is 90% complete.

Our military commander told me that once I decide to end the war, we need to act quickly, Biden said.

In this case, speed is security, said the president, who is the commander-in-chief of the military in the U.S. government system and has ultimate authority over the deployment of the military.

The United States will continue to deploy hundreds of soldiers in Afghanistan to maintain the security of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and the diplomatic community as well as the citys airport. US officials have stated that the military will maintain beyond the visual range capabilities to respond to the incident.

U.S. withdrawal follows U.S. Agreement Under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad held talks with the Taliban in Qatar.U.S. agrees to U.S. and foreign troops Will leave on May 1stIn exchange, the Taliban promised to negotiate a peace agreement with the Western-backed Kabul government.

On June 29, the Afghan commando armoured convoy drove to the front in the Gorband District, Parwang Province, Afghanistan [Omar Sobhani/Reuters]

When Biden took office in January, he was faced with a serious choice, either to stick to the agreement reached with the Taliban, or to watch the U.S. military re-enter an expanding war.

Biden said on Thursday that he and his senior advisers concluded that the only way to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan is through a negotiated agreement between the Western-backed Kabul Afghan government, regional leaders and the Taliban.

We did not enter Afghanistan for nation-building, the president said.

During the first major peace talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban in months, the government delegation met with Taliban representatives in Tehran on July 8.Warring parties Issue a joint statement That is war is not the solution to the problem in Afghanistan.

The Taliban claimed to have occupied the main border crossing with Iran on Thursday. A Taliban spokesperson released a video showing that fighters allegedly entered the Islamic Kara border crossing and were welcomed by local residents. This will be the third international border occupied by the organization because its fighters occupy all parts of the country.

A Pentagon spokesperson said on Thursday that Taliban fighters Taken dozens of regional centers In Afghanistan.

They have occupied dozens of regional centers, which is true. We believe that they are also deliberately threatening provincial centers, said John Kirby, a Pentagon spokesman.

The defensive Biden refuted several loud questions from reporters at the White House, refusing to compare it with the United States leaving Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War.

No. No, no, no, Biden said when asked if the United States is responsible for the lives lost after the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

It is up to the Afghan people to decide what government they want, not to impose a government on them.

Afghan government delegation and Taliban representatives meet in Tehran [Iran foreign ministry handout/via EPA-EFE]

Biden denied that US intelligence agencies had concluded that without the presence of US troops, the Afghan government would fall into the hands of the Taliban.Biden Meet at the White House On June 25, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and National Committee Chairman Abdullah Abdullah and Afghan President Abdullah Abdullah Held talks and promised that the United States will continue to provide the government with financial and diplomatic support.

Biden said that the Afghan army is well-trained and well-equipped, and it is not inevitable that the Taliban will take over Afghanistan. Although the Afghan army still relies on the United States and foreign contractors to provide air support, the United States has trained and equipped more than 300,000 Afghan soldiers and police.

I dont believe in the Taliban, but I believe in the capabilities of the Afghan army, Biden said.

Biden sent a message to translators and other Afghans who work with the military: If you want to have your home in the United States, we will stand with you, just like you stand with us.

Congress is advancing Biden-backed legislation to remove bureaucratic obstacles and relocate potentially thousands of Afghans and their families to U.S. territory, possibly the Pacific Guam.
Ethiopia built a huge hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile and began to stop the flow of water from filling up the reservoir behind it the following year.

Egypt is worried that the dam will affect the overall flow of the Nile River, and submits this issue to the UN Security Council together with the downstream country Sudan, with a view to reaching a binding agreement on the operation of the dam.

The following is information about the diplomatic deadlock:

What is the project about?

Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Is the source The diplomatic stalemate between Ethiopia and the downstream countries Egypt and Sudan for nearly a decade.

The $4 billion GERD was announced in early 2011 when Egypt was in political turmoil.

It is the core of Ethiopias fight to become Africas largest electricity exporter, with an estimated capacity of more than 6,000 MW.

Despite construction delays, Ethiopia will start filling the reservoir behind the dam in 2020.

The initial two-year filling phase is expected to bring the water level in the reservoir to 595 meters in the final 632 meters.

Once completed, it will become the largest hydroelectric power station in Africa and the seventh largest dam in the world. According to reports In the official media of Ethiopia.

Nile water

The river system of the Nile Basin flows through 11 countries. The Blue Nile and White Nile converge in Sudan and then flow into Egypt and the Mediterranean.

Egypt determined its share in the waters of this river based on a 1959 transaction that provided it with 55.5 billion cubic meters of water each year, compared to 18.5 billion cubic meters for Sudan.

At that time, other countries did not receive funding, and Ethiopia did not recognize the agreement.

This Dispute Center Regarding how quickly Ethiopia should fill and replenish its reservoirs, and how much water it will release downstream under conditions of years of drought.

What did Egypt say?

The population of Egypt is growing rapidly, exceeding 100 million, and at least 90% of its fresh water depends on the Nile River.

This desert-dominated country is already short of water. It imports about half of its food every year and recycles about 25 billion cubic meters of water.

Egypt is most worried about the risk of drought conditions, such as the drought conditions that occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and has pushed Ethiopia to fill reservoirs for longer periods of time when needed and to ensure a minimum flow.

If water flows are restricted under drought conditions, Egypt says it may lose more than 1 million jobs and US$1.8 billion in economic production each year, although it acknowledges that this is unlikely to happen.

In general, Egypt sees dams as Existential threat Water supply to it.

What did Ethiopia say?

Ethiopia, with a population of more than 110 million, accused Egypt of trying to maintain colonial control over the waters of the Nile by imposing rules on the filling and operation of dams.

It stated that it is considering the interests of Egypt and Sudan, and that it is unrealistic for Egypt to demand guarantees of movement.

It also stated that it could complete the filling of the reservoir in two to three years, but made concessions by proposing a four to seven year process.

Ethiopia Also talk about strength Hydropower projects produced by huge hydropower projects are indispensable to its development.

What is the position of Sudan?

Sudan does not face a shortage of water supply on the Nile River, and it can benefit from dam power generation and flood mitigation.

However, Sudan is worried about the safety of the dam, which is located on the other side of the border with Ethiopia.

Khartoum called for information sharing to minimize the impact on its own dams and water stations, and to take preventive measures for its own dams before the second GERD impoundment, citing the lack of data from Ethiopia.

talks

The two sides accused each other of delaying negotiations many times. The talks hosted by Washington broke down last year, and efforts to restart the talks in Kinshasa earlier this year also failed.

Although the African Union has facilitated the recent efforts, Sudan and Egypt call on the United States, the European Union and the United Nations to directly mediate.

Ethiopia has Revolt In this regard, it is said that diplomacy outside of the African Union process has belittled the efforts of African institutions.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been detained by the police since he was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of the court on Wednesday night and will be eligible for parole in about four months, the attorney general said.

During his tenure in power from 2009 to 2018, Zuma ignored court orders to participate in a corruption investigation, surrendered to the police, and began serving his sentence in prison.

The ability of the authorities to return Zuma is seen as a major test of the rule of law in South Africa after apartheid.

Attorney General Ronald Lamola said on Thursday that Zuma will be kept in quarantine for 14 days under the COVID-19 agreement.

This is not a time for celebration or victory, but a time for restraint and life, he said, promising to treat Zuma like any other prisoner.

Zuma was sent to the Estcourt Correctional Center overnight, about 175 kilometers from his rural homestead in Encandela, eastern South Africa.

Zuma denies widespread corruption and has so far failed to cooperate with legal proceedings against him, insisting that he is a victim of a political witch hunt.
As the Prime Minister announced his withdrawal, senior British military officials warned that the country might fall into civil war.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that most British troops have left Afghanistan. This is nearly 20 years after the British and other Western countries sent troops into Afghanistan to conduct what they call the war on terror.

Johnson emphasized on Thursday that the threat posed by al-Qaeda to the UK has greatly diminished, but he avoided questions about whether his country and its NATO allies rushed out of the country might undermine nearly two decades of work or make Afghanistan vulnerable. The Taliban have made rapid progress in many parts of the north.

The prime minister refused to disclose the details of the withdrawal on security grounds.

But he stated that all British troops assigned to NATOs Afghanistan mission are now returning home, adding that most of our personnel have already left.

We must be realistic about our ability to influence the course of events alone. It takes the joint efforts of many countries, including Afghanistans neighbors, to help the Afghan people build their own future, Johnson said.

However, due to the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces of the United Kingdom and many other countries, the threat that initially brought us to Afghanistan has been greatly reduced.

He said that Britain remains committed to helping Afghanistan achieve a peaceful settlement through diplomacy.

We will not go away. We will leave the embassy in Kabul, and we will continue to work with our friends and allies, especially our friends in Pakistan, to work towards a settlement, Johnson said.

During the British deployment, a total of 457 British soldiers died in Afghanistan. Compared with the British participation in the Iraq War, the death rate was much higher.

The last batch of British combat troops left Afghanistan in October 2014, but as part of NATOs mission to train Afghan troops, about 700 people still remain in Afghanistan.

The British Ministry of Defence stated that the withdrawal of the last batch of troops will be completed within a few months.

When Johnson announced the withdrawal, the head of the British Armed Forces warned that as the United States and other foreign troops withdrew, Afghanistan might go to civil war.

In comments made after Johnson announced the news, Chief of Defense Staff Nick Carter stated that it is reasonable for the country to collapse without international troops.

Afghanistan may have a situation similar to the countrys civil war in the 1990s. In this case, you will see a culture of warlordism. You may see some important institutions such as security forces split along ethnic or tribal boundaries. Carter said.

In that case, I guess the Taliban will control part of this country. But, of course, they will not control the entire country.

The US military announced on Tuesday that 90% of US troops and equipment have left the country, and the drawdown will be completed by the end of August.

Last week, US officials evacuated the Bagram Air Force Base, the countrys largest airport, at the center of the war to clear the Taliban and hunt down the perpetrators of Al Qaeda that attacked the United States on 9/11.

In recent weeks, most European troops have also quietly withdrawn.

British Defense Minister Ben Wallace once said that once the United States announced its decision to leave, Britain would be in a very difficult position to continue its mission.
Friday marked the 10th anniversary of South Sudans independence as the youngest country in the world-but few citizens were happy about it.

In the past 10 years, this oil-rich country has been in a quagmire. struggle Caused nearly 400,000 deaths, deeply rooted corruption And worse Humanitarian crisis, And a Fragile peace agreement Hang on a wire.

Joshua Craze, a researcher at the London School of Economics who has been working in South Sudan since 2008, said: After 10 years of independence, the people of South Sudan have nothing to celebrate. The country is only for South Sudan. The elite provide services and they have established a foothold in other parts of the country, he added.

People had high hopes in 2011. After decades of war with the North, the South voted to leave by an overwhelming majority. The former rebel leader Salva Kiir was sworn in as the first president of South Sudan, and another rebel leader Rick Machar served as the vice president. Many South Sudanese who fled returned, and the international community invested millions of dollars to support the new government.

[There were] Cheers, celebrations, tears of joy, wailing of happiness, local human rights lawyer Philips Anyang Ngong recalled. He participated in the independence celebration but was upset by what happened afterwards.

We raised the flag, but what do we have [to] Today in 10 years? He asked. Continue to suffer. 

At midnight on July 9, 2011, residents of Juba celebrated South Sudans independence [File: Pete Muller/AP Photo]

Give up hope

Experts from South Sudan said that clear warning signs that deep-seated problems have not been resolved can be seen very early.

When South Sudan gained independence, it received a lot of international support, but it was already at a disadvantage, said Human Rights Watch researcher Nyagoah Tut Pur. The country has inherited the legacy of war and underdevelopment from Sudan. The new government is also composed of former political enemies and militias who have no unified vision for the country. The process of integration in politics and security is worrying. National institutions and accountability systems have been Very weak.

In fact, rifts within the ruling party escalated rapidly, and Kiir and Machar were vying for power. In July 2013, Kiir fired Machar and the entire cabinet, and a devastating civil war broke out five months later.

Attempts to quell the fighting were futile, countless ceasefires were broken, and the first power-sharing agreement between the Kiel government and Machars opposition in 2015 failed. In 2016, conflict broke out in the capital Juba again, extending the war to the south, and Machar was forced to flee the country on foot. The second peace agreement signed in 2018 was basically passed. Last year, the warring parties formed a coalition governmentKiel and Machar tried to manage the country for the third time.

However, although the large-scale fighting has subsided, inter-clan conflicts continue, and key parts of the agreement have not been implemented, especially the unified national army that unites the opposition and government forces.

Thousands of soldiers are waiting for training or graduation in the camp, and there is a minority in the party of Kiel and Machar.

In March, Daniel Awet Akot, former presidential adviser visit Kiir stepped down and several senior soldiers defected from Machars camp. Party members questioned his commitment to the peace agreement because he ignored them by not visiting troops and communities outside the capital.

The opposition urged its supporters not to give up hope under Machars leadership and accused Kiirs ruling party of lack of political will. This significantly led to the slow implementation of the peace agreement. Information Director Puok Both Baluang Machars The acting press secretary told Al Jazeera.

The government did not respond to Al Jazeeras multiple requests for comment.

A peaceful South Sudan

Conflict analysts say that if there is no clear progress, disappointment and lack of trust in the government will exacerbate and encourage violence.

The longer this uncertainty lasts, the more difficult it is to get rid of the conflict model rooted in decades, but it has found new life in independent countries. Although we hope we have passed the worst, But this seems to be far from certain, said Mark Miller, a policy analyst at the South Sudan Norwegian Refugee Committee.

According to the July internal security report for aid workers seen by Al Jazeera, although the pace of fighting has slowed down in recent years, the level of conflict has exponentially increased since 2018, and incidents have become more frequent and frequent.

Last month, South Sudans new UN Secretary-General Nicholas Haysom told the Security Council that there is general insecurity and that more than 80% of civilian casualties this year are caused by inter-ethnic violence. He said aid workers have become increasingly targeted, four humanitarians have been killed, and millions of dollars worth of supplies have been looted or destroyed. He said that Haysom urged the government to inject new vitality into the peace process and fully implement the agreement that will eventually lead to the election.

The poll is scheduled to be held in 2023, but according to a December report from the countrys National Dialogue Steering Committee, many South Sudanese who have had enough have asked the two leaders to resign before then. This is a collection of opinions from civilians across the country. Initiative.

Although the peace process is limping, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating.

According to the United Nations, more than 8 million people depend on aid. Food safety experts say that about 30,000 people may be in a state of famine (PDF), there are still thousands of people still taking refuge in displaced persons resettlement sites across the country, and they dare not go home.

The government has not been able to fulfill its obligation to provide basic services and health care. This situation is exacerbated by the chronic lack of state investment, said Tila Muhammad, the mission leader of Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) ) Say.

As of 2018, only 2.11% of South Sudans government spending was on health services, which is one of the lowest percentages in the world, Mohamed added.

Less than half of the population-less than a third of the displaced people-live within 5 kilometers [3 miles] Functional sanitation facilities. 

As the country enters its second decade, observers say that donors need to modify their aid methods and hold South Sudans leaders accountable, rather than continue to invest funds to support a government that invests little in its own people.

The international community pays more attention to the challenge of achieving independence rather than building a new country. This has caused harm to the people of South Sudan. We use the governments young people as an excuse to let bad behavior slip away and develop bad habits, and our continuous support makes it It is possible, said Elizabeth Shackleford, a former US diplomat and senior researcher on US foreign policy who worked in South Sudan when the war broke out. At the Chicago Council of Global Affairs.

She said that in the absence of real signs of concrete progress in implementing the peace agreement, international partners should not continue to support the government because it is civilians who are suffering.

However, some citizens said that the reform was too late and they regretted the choice ten years ago.

If we have a chance to vote again, I think many of us [would] vote [to stay united with Sudan], said Gatwick, a local who lives in the UN protection camp in the north. Al Jazeera only uses his name to protect his identity.

this is not [the] I voted for South Sudan.I vote for [a] Peaceful South Sudan is not [a country] Torn, he said.
The mobile phone company said it was selling its business due to the military coup as UN officials urged more action against the general.

Telenor, a Norwegian telecommunications company, said it has reached an agreement to sell its Myanmar mobile phone business to the M1 Group, thereby exiting the country that fell into chaos after the military seized power in a coup on February 1.

The operator will sell all of its businesses to M1, an investment holding company led by Lebanons richest man and former prime minister, for US$105 million.

Sigve Brekke, President and CEO of Telenor Group, said in a statement: The situation in Myanmar has become increasingly challenging for Telenor in the past few months due to personnel safety, regulatory and compliance reasons. We have evaluated all options and believe that selling the company in this situation is the best solution.

The military led by General Min Aung Rae arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and senior members of his democratically elected government on February 1st, and took power for himself, claiming that Aung San Suu Kyis party won the election by a landslide in November. There is fraud in.

The coup suddenly stopped the 10-year slow democratization process and triggered widespread protests and large-scale civil disobedience. The military responded with lethal force. According to the Political Prisoners Aid Association, which has been monitoring the situation, nearly 900 people have been killed since the coup, and 5,120 people are currently in detention.

Telenor stated that it invested in Myanmar in 2014 because it believed that access to affordable mobile services will support the countrys development and growth.Since the coup, the generals Combat free movement Information, restrict internet access and ban Facebook and other social media platforms, and Satellite Antenna.

As a result of the coup, Telenor announced that it would sell its Myanmar operations.The buyer is M1 Group [File: Lynn Bo Bo/EPA]

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional group of 10 members, which also includes Myanmar, but efforts to find a political solution to the crisis seem to have stopped, but little progress has been made in solving the problem. Five points of consensus It reached an agreement with Min Aung Hlaing in April.

On Wednesday, Michelle Bachelet, a senior UN human rights official, urged ASEAN to take more action to promote the proposed dialogue between the military and Myanmars democratically elected government and allow humanitarian aid to enter.

Bachelet said: ASEAN urgently needs to appoint a special envoy or team to conduct some kind of political dialogue. I encourage ASEAN to engage with democratic leadership and civil society, not just the military.

The United States and some other countries have Impose sanctions High-ranking generals and some military companies, but the United Nations has made little progress.

The UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews, noticed the lack of decisive action. He told the UN human rights agency that the international community is being down Myanmar.

He called for the establishment of the Myanmar Peoples Emergency Coalition to put pressure on the military through a series of measures, including sanctions on oil and gas companies and a ban on arms exports. He said the government must also cooperate with the Government of National Unity (the government established by the overthrown government) to ensure that any humanitarian assistance can reach those in need.

Andrews also emphasized that the international community should ensure that any claims made by the military on legitimacy are denied, such as its false claim that it has been recognized by the United Nations.

The military government has seized many levers of state power, the money pockets of the Myanmar Ministry of Finance and the Administrative Office, but it has not  or even come close  to control the country and the people, Andrews said on Wednesday. The Burmese people fully believe that the military government is illegal. In fact, it is the scourge of terrorism launched against them.

Now, more than ever, we need to summon the courage of the Burmese people to choose a path of meaningful and sustained action.
Conservative party leader Erin OToole said his party will revise the countrys fiscal stabilization plan, which he called the first step to ending the abuse of people in western Canada.

OToole, who visited Calgary on Thursday, said in a press release: Even though Albertas economy suffers from a significant reduction in resource income, Albertans continue to pay more than they deserve to support the Other parts of the country.

This is why the Conservative government has taken the establishment of a fiscal stability plan as the first step to ensure that people in Western Canada are treated equally in our Commonwealth.

The Conservative Partys plans include:

Cancel the payment cap that was recently raised from $60 to $170 per person.

Lower the spending threshold from a 5% decline in revenue to a 3% decline.

Lower the payment threshold for the decline in resource income from the current 50% to 40%.

Retrospect all changes to 2015.

According to the Conservative Party, the proposal will provide Alberta with a $4 billion rebate.

The fiscal stabilization plan is designed to support provincial finances in the event of a sudden drop in income.

This issue has been the source of complaints by the current Alberta government, which believes that the formula needs to be reviewed. It said that with the collapse of oil prices and the governments bottom line, the province lost billions of dollars in revenue.

The recent reforms proposed by the ruling Liberal Party failed to satisfy the province.

Fiscal stability is one of the factors that led Alberta to set up a fair trade group, which advises everything from the establishment of the provinces own police force and pension fund to the holding of a referendum on equal payments within the federal government.

The Conservative Partys announcement in Calgary came one day after the Prime Minister came to town for a one-day political event and announced the final approval of a large-scale transportation project in the city.

The announcement and visit of the two federal leaders is expected to spark speculation about the imminent federal election.
Summer is here, a huge heat wave has just hit the west coast, and the fire season is approaching. This is a harsh reality for West Coast residents, and it does not seem to change anytime soon. Wildfires have a serious impact on the entire community, and everyone can be affected. However, in this article I will discuss some unique issues of cannabis companies.

First of all, cannabis companies are different from many other companies because they are isolated in specific locations and have many regulatory restrictions on the transportation of goods in the event of natural disasters such as fires. Fortunately, regulatory agencies in many states have the foresight, and in some cases, when natural disasters strike, they can include relief clauses required by the regulatory authorities.You can check our posts Oregon with California Read more about their respective regulations and I will not repeat them here.

Second, cannabis companies are easily damaged by fires. Outdoor field cultivators are usually the hardest hit-even if the fire does not damage their crops, smoke and other particulate matter (even a seemingly distant fire) will destroy outdoor crops. I saw many such examples last year. Therefore, even if the fire may not be at the door of the cultivators house, they need to consider things like air conditioning and whether they need to contact the state to seek any of the above remedies.

For any cannabis company, the actual fire is the most serious problem that people may face.This is a special challenge for companies that may store large amounts of cash and valuable products but may not Adequate insurance coverage (Usually) to make up for the losses caused by the fire. In addition, the loss of business ability due to fires may be a major, even fatal setback for many cannabis companies.

The third is public utilities. For example, if a fire or overheating damages the power lines (this happened in Los Angeles County during the heat wave last year), indoor growers may not be able to get the electricity needed to grow plantsand they need a lot of electricity. Although we are on the brink of another drought, farmers across the state will face a decline in the amount of water available as resources are diverted for fire fighting. We have seen water supply problems all over the state.

For many cannabis companies in cities or other non-rural areas, the fire will not have a direct impact.But its entirely possible that we will see prices soar again Along the supply chain Because of the fires impact on cannabis growers. The key is that cannabis companies need to remain vigilant and consider any regulatory measures that can be taken to reduce the damage caused by the fire.
The UN Security Council will launch a fierce regional dispute over a dam built by Ethiopia on a major tributary of the Nile River.

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.

Thursdays public meeting was held after Egypt and Sudan switched to this 15-member institution, as Ethiopia started this week Second stage filling GERD. The Addis Ababa government insists that the African Union (AU) should resume negotiations.

On Tuesday, the United Nations called on the three countries to recommit to negotiate on the operation of the project and urged them to avoid any unilateral actions.

The solution to this needs to lead by examplebased on the solutions found for others who share waterways and rivers, and based on the principles of fair and reasonable utilization and the obligation not to cause major damage, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Spokesman Stephen Dujarric told reporters in New York.

Egypt and Sudan have been pushing Ethiopia to sign a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam-located on the Blue Nile, which will become Africas largest hydropower project when completed-and Ethiopia adheres to the guidelines.

However, the government of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Abiy Ahmed) stated that in the absence of an agreement, it will continue to fill the reservoir.

Ethiopia has no intention of harming other countries. Our purpose is to cooperate with other countries and improve our status, Abiy told Parliament earlier this week, emphasizing his countrys determination to complete and use GERD.

On Monday, Egypt stated that Ethiopia has begun the second phase of water storage, which is expected to collect 13.5 billion cubic meters of water. Egypt stated that it resolutely rejects this unilateral measure. Ethiopia believes that adding water to the reservoir, especially during the heavy rains in July and August, is a natural part of the construction.

Draft resolution

The Arab League announced last month that it supports the Councils intervention, despite Ethiopias insistence on negotiations under an ongoing process led by the African Union.

Prior to Thursdays meeting, Tunisia circulated a draft resolution calling on Ethiopia to stop filling GERDs reservoirs and to push the three parties to reach a binding agreement on dam operations within six months.

However, a senior Ethiopian diplomat in New York told Reuters that the resolution would effectively disrupt the mediation process between the three countries led by the African Union, and Ethiopia is working hard to ensure that it will not be passed.

The Security Council will listen to the opinions of ministers from the three countries and their member states. The UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, UN Environment Director Inger Andersen and diplomats from the Democratic Republic of Congo will also listen to the briefing.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister relies on the Nile for almost all of its water needs. He said that he will urge the council to ask Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a binding agreement on the issue.

Sucre told the Associated Press on Wednesday that Egypt and Sudan called for a meeting of the Security Council in view of the existential threat to the people of the two countries.

Life and Death

Sudan, another downstream country, expressed concern about the safety of the dam and its impact on its dams and water stations.

Sudans Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas said that Ethiopias dam is likely to affect the operation of his countrys Roseres Dam.

He said: Without a legally binding information sharing agreement on the filling and operation of the Renaissance Dam, we would not be able to operate the Roseires Dam. Sudan supports Ethiopias construction of the dam but agrees that it will not affect the Roseires Dam. And its operations.

Ethiopia said the multi-billion-dollar dam is critical to ensuring that most of its people do not have access to electricity. Many Ethiopians contributed millions of dollars to the project by purchasing government bonds.

For Ethiopia, this is a matter of life and death, because without enough electricity, the country cannot progress at all, Universal Powers Maurice Alem told Al Jazeera.

Therefore, as a commodity that is so important to us, we are willing to pay out of our pockets.
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.
Police say two people were killed and three others injured after a house fire in northwest Kansas City. The Kansas City Star reports that police spokeswoman Donna Drake confirmed the two deaths and said two of the other victims suffered critical injuries in Wednesday's blaze. The victims na
Haiti's President Jovenel Moise was killed during an attack on his private residence early on Wednesday, according to the country's acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who has declared a state of seige in the country.

The attackers stormed Moise's home at around 1 a.m. and fatally wounded the head of state, according to the acting prime minister, who described the assassination as a "heinous, inhumane and barbaric act."

Haiti's first lady, Martine Moise, was shot in the attack and is being evacuated to a hospital in Miami for treatment, said Haiti's ambassador to the US.

Her condition is stable but critical, Ambassador Bocchit Edmond said in a press briefing.

The attackers are believed to be "mercenaries," Edmond also said, referring to them as "well-trained killers."

He said video from the scene showed them speaking Spanish and said they presented themselves as Drug and Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agents.

"I believe they are fake DEA agents," he told reporters Wednesday. Edmond asserted that the attackers were foreigners, but declined to give evidence to this beyond citing footage of them speaking Spanish.

"We don't know how they came in," Edmond said, adding that they did not know if the attackers were still in the country. He said if they have left, it would be via a land border with the Dominican Republic because Haiti would have detected a plane leaving and the airport has been closed since the attack. He said the airport would reopen "once we have this situation under control."

The country has been reeling from violence for weeks. Addressing the nation in a televised statement, the acting prime minister Joseph declared a "state of siege" in Haiti and pleaded with citizens to remain calm.

"Me and all the ministers have been working since the news broke and we want to assure you we will bring the killers of the president to justice," he added. "Please stay calm and let the authorities do their work. We don't want the country to plunge into chaos. This is a very sad day for our nation and for our people."

The state of siege is the middle of three levels of emergency under Haitian law, alongside the lower "state of emergency" and the highest level referred to as the "state of war."

Under the state of siege regime, national borders are closed and martial law temporarily is imposed, with Haiti's military and national police empowered to enforce the law.

Succession unclear

Moise, 53, was a former banana exporter and divisive figure in Haitian politics. He spent most of the past year waging a political war with the opposition over the terms of his presidency.

For now, it isn't immediately clear who will replace him. Judge Jean Wilner Morin, President of the National Association of Haitian Judges, told CNN that the line of presidential succession in the country is now murky.

Haiti's President of the Supreme Court would normally be next in line, but he recently died of Covid-19. For the acting Prime Minister Joseph to formally replace the President, he would have to be approved by Haiti's parliament, said Morin. But without recent elections, the parliament is effectively defunct.

Throughout his presidency, Moise had repeatedly failed to hold elections at local and national levels, leaving much of the country's governing infrastructure empty. A constitutional referendum is set to be held in September, alongside the presidential and legislative elections. Municipal and local elections have been scheduled for January 16, 2022, the official electoral calendar also showed.

Many in the country had disputed Moise' right to continue serving in the presidency this year.

While the United States, United Nations and Organization of American States supported his claim to a fifth year in office, critics say he should have stepped down in February 7, 2021, citing a constitutional provision that starts the clock once a president is elected, rather than when he takes office.

Moise however claimed his five-year term should end in 2022 because he wasn't sworn in until February 2017. His inauguration was delayed over allegations of voter fraud during the 2015 election, which led to a presidential runoff that was postponed twice over what authorities called threats and "security concerns."

Nou Pap Domi, one of Haiti's main opposition groups, has condemned the assassination. The group, which has previously been extremely critical of Moise and corruption in the country, said in a statement it was shocked by the news and called for unity and de-escalation.

"We cannot continue to count corpses on a daily basis ... all of the victims of massacres and assassinations must find justice and those responsible for these acts must be brought to justice," the group said.

Worsening situation

Moise's death takes place against a background of extreme violence in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince that has claimed the lives of many citizens and escalated notably in June.

Rival groups have battled with one another or the police for control of the streets, displacing tens of thousands of people and worsening the country's humanitarian crisis. Infamous ex-police officer Jimmy Cherizier last week vowed before local media to carry out a "revolution" in the city.

Moise's private residence is in Petion-Ville, in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic has been worsening in Haiti in recent weeks. The country is one of only a handful across the world that have not yet started vaccinating against the virus.

Last month, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned that the response in the country must be scaled up dramatically to cope with sharply escalating cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

PAHO Director Dr. Carissa Etienne said it would step up efforts to help Haiti with the vaccination program. "I am hopeful that the 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 told reporters during the organization's weekly briefing on Wednesday.

Haiti has reported more than 19,000 Covid-19 cases and 462 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.

At the same time, the impoverished Caribbean nation is facing a dire economic situation. Its economy had been contracting even before the pandemic and shrunk further 3.8% in 2020, with about 60% of the population now living in poverty, according to the World Bank.

UNICEF, the United Nations' children's agency, said in May that severe acute childhood malnutrition is expected to more than double in Haiti this year as it deals with rising violence, Covid-19 and a lack of access to essential services.

Global figures condemn assassination

World leaders have denounced the attack, while expressing condolences and solidarity with the Haitian people.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the assassination "in the strongest terms," saying the "perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice."

In a statement released by the White House, US President Joe Biden said: "We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination ... and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise of Haiti. We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moise's recovery."

Speaking to reporters later, Biden said: "We need a lot more information -- but it's -- it's just -- it's been very worrisome about the state of Haiti," he told reporters.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera called "for unity and peace to strengthen democracy and find a way out of the serious crisis that Haiti is going through," while Colombia's President Ivan Duque condemned the "cowardly and barbaric" killing.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for calm, saying he was "shocked and saddened" at Moise's death. And Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted a statement saying: "Spain strongly condemns the assassination of the President of Haiti ... We call for the unity of the political forces to find a way out of the serious crisis that the country experiences."

The-CNN-Wire

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Two Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents and one Chicago police officer were shot while they were in a car early Wednesday, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said.

They suffered non-life-threatening injuries, said Brown.

One of the ATF agents was shot in the hand, the other was hit in the side/torso/arm area and the Chicago police officer was grazed in the back of the head by a bullet, the superintendent said.

"Officers were fired upon from the street towards the on-ramp while they were in their car," as they entered Interstate 57, he said.

The officer is the 36th Chicago Police Department officer that has been shot or shot at this year, said Brown. One of the ATF agents is a woman and the other agent and the police officer are men, said Brown.

They were conducting an undercover investigation and they were in one unmarked vehicle when they were fired upon, said Brown.

"We want to capture these suspects as soon as possible," Brown said.

He said didn't know if more than one suspect was involved in the shooting.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CHILOQUIN, Ore.  The Bootleg Fire burning within the Fremont-Winema National Forest now covers more than 16,800 acres with containment at just 1 percent, according to a Thursday update from fire officials.

According to Northwest Incident Management Team 10, fire behavior was "extreme" throughout Wednesday and overnight. The Incident Management Team took command of firefighting efforts at 6 a.m. on Thursday. Firefighters worked to strengthen roads and locate anchor points.

Officials said that the fire crossed the Sycan River and has reached the West Spodue project area within the Bly Ranger District. Forestry crews recently reduced fuels and conducted prescribed burns in this area, which is expected to help firefighters as the fire moves in.

Firefighters will be looking for more opportunities to construct lines and safely engage with the fire, with fire behavior expected to remain extreme due to Red Flag weather conditions in the area through Thursday evening. Structural teams are working on protection for the nearest private properties.

The Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal has brought in an incident management team and three firefighter task forces from Yamhill, Marion, and Polk counties. They'll be focused on protecting structures and creating defensible space.

There are now eight hand crews, 17 engines, seven dozers, seven water tenders, two helicopters, and eight fixed-wing aircraft assigned to the fire.

Two properties were placed under a Level 2 "Get Set" evacuation warning on Tuesday night, as both could conceivably be within the fire's path. The Sycan Estates area north of Beatty remains under a Level 1 "Get Ready" evacuation notice.

The fire was first reported around 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, quickly spreading amid the profoundly dry vegetation within federal forestlands on the slopes of Fuego Mountain. Officials say that the fire has been running, torching, and spotting within the steep rugged terrain packed with mixed conifer and lodgepole pine.

Drivers in the area should expect to see increased firefighter traffic, and fire officials asked that people use caution or avoid the area as much as possible.
By Brian Fung, CNN Business

(CNN) -- Dozens of states have filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google that zeroes in on its app store practices.

The suit alleges that Google abused its dominance in the mobile ecosystem to favor its own Google Play Store, reducing competition in the process. The suit also takes aim at the fees that Google charges developers for in-app purchases.

Bloomberg was first to report the lawsuit.

Court records reviewed by CNN Business on Wednesday showed that the case against Google has been opened in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. The District of Columbia and 36 states are named as participants, including New York, California, Colorado, Utah, Massachusetts and others.

According to Wednesday's complaint, Google holds a monopoly on Android app distribution in the United States, and has used restrictive contracts to force Android device makers to promote the Google Play Store at the expense of competition. (Similar allegations in Europe prompted Google to announce in 2018 that it would stop bundling must-have apps such as Google Maps and Gmail with the Play Store.)

Part of Google's alleged objective was to deter the rise of third-party app stores. According to the complaint, Google made "a direct attempt to pay Samsung to abandon relationships with top developers" so that Google's app store would remain the most attractive source of Android apps.

The complaint also challenges Google's developer terms that "make Google Play Billing the only in-app payment processor that an Android developer may use" when an app sells digital content through an Android app.

That's similar to the allegations leveled at Apple in its case involving Epic Games.

"Google is using its dominant position in the marketplace to stifle competition and extract billions of dollars in commissions on in-app purchases from unsuspecting consumersand this anticompetitive behavior must stop," District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine said in a statement. "Not only has Google acted unlawfully to block potential rivals from competing with its Google Play Store, it has profited by improperly locking app developers and consumers into its own payment processing system and then charging high fees."

The allegations mark the latest legal headache for Google, which is already facing multiple antitrust suits by the federal government and the states. They also reflect rising criticism by app developers and regulators who have increasingly scrutinized Google's and Apple's app stores in the mobile technology space.

Google could not be reached immediately for comment Wednesday evening.

News of the lawsuit was met with some cheers. For instance, the Coalition for App Fairness  a nonprofit industry organization whose members include Spotify, Tile and Match Group  said it supports the lawsuit.

"App stores have been given a free pass to abuse their dominant market position for far too long," the group said. "Their anti-competitive policies stifle innovation, inhibit consumer freedom, inflate costs, and limit transparent communication between developers and their customers."

In the spring, Apple and Epic Games faced off in a non-jury trial over whether Apple holds a monopoly on iOS app sales and has abused its power against app makers. Epic, the maker of the online video game "Fortnite," had sought to circumvent Apple's proprietary in-app payment system that allows the iPhone maker to take a 30% cut of digital goods and services sold on iOS. That led to a contractual dispute that prompted Apple to remove Fortnite from its app store, ultimately leading to Epic's lawsuit, which could disrupt Apple's business model.

Apple argued at trial that it competes vigorously to distribute video game apps, including Fortnite. A decision in the case is expected in the coming months.
Even lawn chairs placed in Okanagan Lake appear to be too hot to sit on for their owners' comfort. Kids clamber around an inflatable play structure called the Wibit at Peachland on Tuesday.
National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Perry Bellegarde addresses the crowd during the conclusion of the AFN's Annual General Assembly in Fredericton, N.B., on July 25, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Stephen MacGillivray
For more information, go to www.countrythunder.com/wi

Show your vaccination cardShowing a vaccination card at Country Thunder will get patrons a chance to win a signed guitar or an onstage seat during performances of headline acts during the music festival.

The incentives were announced last month by Country Thunder General Manager Kim Blevins in an email to Kenosha County Health Officer Jen Freiheit.

We will ask vaccinated patrons to show their vaccination card at the Information Booth on site for a chance to win a guitar signed by all the artists performing at the event, Blevins wrote. We only get 12 signed per show, so it is probably the best incentive we can offer.

Blevins said an additional incentive will be offered: onstage seating for two during the evenings headline performance.

Freiheit shared the information with the Kenosha County Board, which unanimously approved the Activity Control License for the event. In addition to the incentives, Blevins said the main entrance walkway will be enlarged to avoid the bottleneck of people that often happens at a certain part of the day.
The program will feature two works by British composers: Alexandra Palace by Gordon Jacob is the concert overture, composed for the palace centenary in 1975. The palace is an enormous and iconic landmark of North London, and the music reflects its lofty architecture. Academy Award winning composer Malcolm Arnolds Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo is the concerts central work, an adaptation of the Little Suite for Brass.

Three dance selections  Rowdy Dance by Bernard Tuthill, Habanera by Emmanuel Chabrier and Perez Prados Mambo Jambo  are also featured. Marches by John Philip Sousa, Henry Fillmore and Karl King will complete the program.

The concert takes place at the Kiwanis Amphitheater on the east side of the zoo grounds at 2131 N. Main St. The Walton Avenue and Augusta Street gates open for free admission to the concert at 7 p.m.

A courtesy cart, for audience members who need assistance in getting to the concert site, is available before and after the concert.

Admission is free. Audience members should bring lawn chairs or blankets. There is very little fixed seating at the concert venue. Note: The zoos main gate at Main and Goold streets is not in use for the free concerts. Burkes performance is supported by the Racine Arts Council ArtSeed Grant Program.

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BRISTOL  Bristol Progress Days  an annual community celebration for more than 50 years  will return Friday through Sunday after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event kicks off with a banquet Friday night. Fastpitch softball, volleyball tournaments and childrens activities continue throughout the weekend at Hansen Park, and the festival culminates Sunday with a parade at noon and fireworks at dusk.

This years theme, 2021  Looking Forward, was announced after the community pulled together the funds needed to keep the event going. The committee had already paid for this years fireworks display, which costs about $7,500. The donations will allow the committee to host the other events and parade, which features more than 100 units.

Organizers bill the festival as the biggest small village celebration in Wisconsin. For three days in July, Bristol in western Kenosha County Wisconsin, becomes the site of good old family fun.

Of particular note is the festivals parade, famous for the candy rained down on its spectators.

The tentative schedule includes:

Friday (July 9):
This is a great way to expand upon that, Oatsvall said. Our goal over the two-year period is to have 40 grandparents in schools throughout Racine and Kenosha who will each assist 15 to 30 students per week.

The main difference between the programs is that RSVP volunteers mentor a student for up to five hours per week while foster grandparents serve multiple students or small groups of students between up to 40 hours per week.

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Another difference is that foster grandparents who meet income requirements receive a $3 per hour stipend for their service.

Because it is a stipend, it does not count as taxable income, so it does not interfere with other benefits, Stevens said.

Oatsvall said KAFASI is seeing a return of older residents interested in serving as volunteers.

With the pandemic, so many are saying they are just missing that ability to connect with the community, Oatsvall said.

Stevens said KAFASI is currently recruiting prospective foster grandparents for the 2021-22 school year. A background check is required and training is provided.
On Sunday, the spaghetti dinner is not available. However, meatball bombers will be sold, for $5 each, on Sunday only.

Homemade uncooked spaghetti will be available on all three days  or until it is sold out. Homemade regular and spinach spaghetti and rotini pasta will be available until sold out. Dry pasta is $5 per pound.

To purchase food: Cars should enter 54th Street from 22nd Avenue; pull your vehicle to the curb on the south side of 54th Street. The first car in line will be positioned at the church driveway, where dinner orders will be taken and brought to your vehicle. Note: Everyone should remain in their vehicles the entire time. Volunteers will be directing car traffic.

Procession

A cherished tradition at the festival each year is the Sunday procession, featuring the carrying of the statue of the Blessed Mother through the Columbus Park area.

And even without a traditional festival this summer, the procession will take place on Sunday, with lineup at 12:30 p.m. in front of the church. The procession will begin at 1 p.m. and end with benediction in the church.
In a flurry of articles this past week, Governor Evers, his administration, and local partisans have launched a concerted effort to sugarcoat what the governor did and did not do before, during, and after the riots. But, if you want to get to the truth of what Tony Evers did that week, all you need to do is look at his own words.

On Aug. 23, just hours after the shooting of Jacob Blake, but before rioting occurred, Tony Evers issued the following statement: Tonight, Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He continued (w)hile we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country. Those were Governor Evers incendiary written words in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Without the facts, he immediately put the shooting in the context of race and insinuated this was a merciless act.
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Most physicians have been defendants in lawsuits. Plaintiff experts almost always have a feeding frenzy. In truth, expert witnesses are held to codes of conduct about remaining objective and avoiding partisanship or advocacy. Yet, should the verdict favor defendants, these experts, except for deserving the term hired guns, are rarely, if ever, held accountable for their feeding frenzy, which conflicts with their ethical obligations.

I want to share my experience. I independently researched a landmark medical malpractice case, not as a defendant nor an expert, but just as an interested party. Byrom vs. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center alleges that the failure to perform a Cesarean section for preeclampsia in a 16-year-old mother, who is 25-weeks pregnant, causes fetal brain damage.

The plaintiffs attorney produces a medical expert, who is of the opinion doctors falsely inform the mother that damage to her unborn infant has already occurred and coerce her into rejecting a Cesarean section. His version of informed consent is that, even if a poor fetal prognosis is suspected, to prevent harm during delivery, doctors must advocate nothing other than a Cesarean section, even to the point of coercing the mother into agreeing.

The medical records document that defendants do advocate for Cesarean section, but not to the exclusion of extenuating risk factors and, certainly, not to the point of coercion.

Looking closer are eleven words in medical records, Ms. Byron had recently arrived in the United States from Liberia. The extenuating risk factor is the first 17 weeks of pregnancy when fetal development occurs in Liberia. Pregnancy complications are more common in Liberia; hence, there is ample reason to believe that the alleged injuries have another cause. The medical expert would have seen these words but, because they are inconvenient facts to his version of informed consent, he treats them as if they do not exist. To make matters worse, according to a Johns Hopkins spokesperson in a press conference after trial, for whatever reason, these facts are suppressed during trial.

The traditional version of informed consent excludes coercion under any circumstance. His distorted version for informed consent does immeasurable damage to the correct version. One measure is $229-million, the largest verdict ever recorded in the United States that the jury returns on July 1, 2019.

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals understands that something is amiss. On February 1, 2021, it overturns the verdict, singling out this medical experts version of informed consent as incompatible with the doctrine of informed consent in which coercion has no role. It rules that his version of informed consent is so error-prone that the presiding judge should have excluded it.

There is a long tradition of self-policing unethical conduct by medical societies and boards of physicians. They have oversight over medical experts. Also, there is a tradition to report unethical conduct. Because the Court of Special Appeals is so adamant, which gives credence to misconduct by this expert, I consider reporting him to the Maryland Board of Physicians. However, he is from Ohio and it limits jurisdiction to doctors licensed in Maryland. I reject this idea because it would likely decline jurisdiction.

On the other hand, Marylands Medical Society is an affiliate of the AMA and has standing with the medical society and the board of physicians in Ohio. In April, I file a grievance with it in the expectation that MedChi would forward this complaint to the Board of Physicians of Ohio. To my dismay, MedChi forwards my complaint to the Maryland Board of Physicians, the very idea that I reject. MedChi knows and should know that the Board would decline jurisdiction. As predicted, the Board declines.

When I make MedChis dismissive handling of my complaint a separate issue with the Board of Physicians, it responds that the Board has no regulatory oversight or jurisdiction over entities or private medical organizations such as MedChi. This is not entirely true. The Board takes action against such entities 20 times since 2018. Apparently, the Board decides which physicians and which organizations are off limits. To make matters worse, the Boards response concludes with a gratuitous comment cautioning me to consult legal counsel before proceeding further.

In June, I take the matter of this medical expert to the Ohio Board of Physicians. The action taken by it is confidential; however, suffice it to say, that by comparison to my experience in Maryland, it understands petitioning for redress of grievance as fundamental, and the grievance is investigated. Instead of a subtle threat, its response concludes with, The participation of citizens is critical to ensuring the quality of medical care in Ohio.

I bring this to your attention because, in 1971, I took an oath to impart precept, oral instruction, and all other instruction to all indentured pupils who have taken the Healers Oath. Having done so, if it strikes you that, during the aforementioned trial, an opportunity was missed, only to be rectified by the Court of Special Appeals, then I leave you with this admonition. When you are a defendant in a malpractice suit, and you believe you are in the right, be relentless and use everything at your disposal to expose the opposing expert as a miscreant. Had defendants in this suit been so disposed, likely, the outcome would have been different.

Howard Smith is an obstetrics-gynecology physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
What a year of change.

A pandemic. Cancer. Death. Loss. Fighting. Abandonment. Pain.

Becoming an orphan. Becoming a caregiver.

My family was hit with a sledgehammer and crushed into pieces. My joyful plans and decades of hard work wiped away with the insidious evil of a 5 x 7 mm tumor that spread like the pandemic, ravaged my mom  stealing her in months.

My hopes and dreams and decades of hard work to build a happy family washed away like a beautiful chalk mural after the rain. Scorched beyond recognition, like vineyards in the California wildfires.

Perhaps we should wear black in mourning, so others remember to treat us with tenderness. To show the world the burden we carry.

Wouldnt it be nice to let the dark color speak for me, so I can stop saying again and again, my mom died, my mom died? And so I can stop aching for the human in front of me who gasps and winces in pain as they are reminded of a reality we all regularly ignore  the reality of death.

Part of the trauma of grieving is bridging the gap for others who dont know your story. Explaining why you arent happy but you want to be. Explaining why typical burdens are unbearable. Why resilience is down, fatigue is up. Why I am parking in the off-limits parking, closer to the hospital. Because rules dont matter in the face of death. The sillier the rule, the harder to follow it, after your world is rocked with loss. And 15 minutes more of sleep matters when you are mourning.

Perhaps the black sash would bridge the gulf that separates me from those living life, as usual, looking for cheer and laughter in their coworker. The sash could remind us all this mourning human wants to join you in your joy, but currently, they are unable  and they are sad they are separated from you-as they gaze at you across the wide canyon of loss.

Oh, to hibernate in a world of tenderness after such a year of deep loss. Instead, I wake and muster the resolve to continue on. To fill out paperwork, answer emails, order the urn, transfer the ashes, careful not to spill, careful not to cry too hard.

And Im lucky. There is tenderness, from coworkers and colleagues, my husband. But the drumbeats of life and responsibilities continue on, like ice-cold waves crashing about my face. Keep your head above water, I think. Just keep your head above water.

Plan the funeral, schedule the doctors appointments, take on my new mothering caregiving role as an orphan. Mom deceased, dads dementia making him not the dad I grew up with, a stranger, a shadow of my dad. Caring for him, ordering groceries, cooking dinner, scheduling colonoscopies, and eye appointments, and providing books to read and get glasses updated. Battling Medicare for coverage of treatments. Writing manuscripts, working the extra shifts, paying the bills. Deadened, blunted, trying not to feel. Trying not to envy those with families intact, with memories to be made, vacations to be planned.

But if the mourning population wore black, perhaps we would get a pass. An extra smile, a hug from a coworker, some grace from the man who punched my car because I failed to stop perfectly before the crosswalk in my exhausted, distracted state. Sorry, sir. I have a lot on my mind. I meant you no harm.

Perhaps a black sash would provide some reprieve from the silly rules governing all the paperwork to deal with someones death. Instead of focusing on your loved ones life  these battles are constant reminders about your loss. The paperwork and headaches of settling someones affairs should be simplified  not a Sisyphean battle for my tired soul to try and fight. The world gives little reprieve to those in mourning. We should do better.

Paul Farmer discussed how we should orient society toward helping the needy by practicing the preferential option for the poor. The grieving population is poor in energy, poor in cheer, poor in focus. Caregivers are poor in time, poor in patience, and financially strapped. And I speak as a physician, privileged with the ability to work extra shifts to pay for the extra caregiving/burial/funeral costs. What about hourly workers? Teachers? Baristas and sanitation workers? Immigrants and the unemployed? Moms working full-time who just suffered a miscarriage?

There will be no birth this year, no grandkids for my mom to enjoy. Only a different kind of birth  new ideas  new respect for my patients and their families, who face suffering with such courage and grace. They are braver than me. New gratitude for those who let me be ugly tearstained and broken, so I can heal. New strength from a heartbroken open, so it could grow.

The author is an anonymous physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Twenty-four states have seen an uptick of at least 10% in Covid-19 cases over the past week, Johns Hopkins University data shows, as health experts and the federal government keep pressing for more people to get vaccinated.

The rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus has only ratcheted up the pressure.

That variant, first identified in India, accounted for 51.7% of all new Covid-19 infections in the country over the two weeks that ended Saturday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated.

"We should think about the Delta variant as the 2020 version of Covid-19 on steroids," Andy Slavitt, a former senior adviser to Joe Biden's Covid Response Team, told CNN on Wednesday. "It's twice as infectious. Fortunately, unlike 2020, we actually have a tool that stops the Delta variant in its tracks: It's called vaccine."

For fully vaccinated people, the variant "presents very little threat to you, very unlikely that you're gonna get sick," he said

Full approval for vaccines from the US Food and Drug Administration could encourage more people to get vaccinated, Slavitt and other experts have said. The current vaccines distributed in the US are authorized for emergency use only. Full approval for the Pfizer vaccine could come as early as this month, Slavitt said Tuesday.

On Thursday, Pfizer said it was seeing waning immunity from its vaccine. The company is now picking up its efforts to develop a booster dose that will protect people from variants.

"Based on the totality of the data they have to date, Pfizer and BioNTech believe that a third dose may be beneficial within 6 to 12 months following the second dose to maintain highest levels of protection," the company said in a statement emailed to CNN.

The company said booster doses of its vaccine, developed with BioNTech, produce levels of neutralizing antibodies that are five to 10 times higher than what's produced after two doses. And it added that it's also developing a new formulation for a booster dose that may protect people from new variants more thoroughly.

A Pfizer spokesperson later told CNN the company planned to file for emergency use authorization for a booster dose with the FDA in August.

Cases and hospitalizations are up, CDC chief says

As of Thursday, less than half of the US population -- 47.7% -- was fully vaccinated. The percentage of eligible people who were fully vaccinated -- ages 12 and up -- was 55.8%.

Cases and hospitalizations are up especially in parts of the country where vaccination coverage is low, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said at a White House Covid-19 briefing Thursday.

Counties with the highest case rates tended to have low vaccination rates. In the last week, 173 counties had at least 100 cases per 100,000 residents -- and in more than 90% of those counties, vaccination coverage was less than 40%, Walensky said.

"Many of these counties are also the same locations where the Delta variant represents the large majority of circulating virus," Walensky said.

"Low vaccination rates in these counties, coupled with high case rates -- and lax mitigation policies that do not protect those who are unvaccinated from disease -- will certainly, and sadly, lead to more unnecessary suffering, hospitalizations and potentially deaths," she added.

The case rate has been rising for the US as a whole. The country averaged more than 15,060 new cases a day over a week ending Wednesday -- 20.7% higher than the average from the week prior, according to Johns Hopkins data.

The average is still well below this spring's peak -- an average of 71,320 daily for a week ending April 14 -- and the pandemic peak average of more than 251,000 daily for a week ending January 8.

Covid-19 hospitalizations also have been ticking up recently. The number of Covid-19 patients in US hospitals was nearly 18,000 Tuesday, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

That's slightly above the total of 16,792 two weeks earlier, though well below the pandemic peak of more than 136,000 on January 5.

California positivity rate triples

In California, where state data shows the Delta variant has been identified in roughly 43% of new sequenced specimens, the Covid-19 test positivity rate has tripled in the weeks since the state fully reopened.

The positivity rate has climbed past 2% for the first time since early March, after dropping to an all-time low of just 0.7% in early June.

So far, the influx in infections hasn't immediately been reflected in a spike in hospitalizations or deaths -- but officials warn those effects tend to lag behind by a couple of weeks.

Roughly 60% of people statewide have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, state data shows, while more than 9% are partially vaccinated.

5 largest undervaccinated clusters largely in the South

A new data analysis has identified clusters of unvaccinated people, most of them in the southern United States, that are vulnerable to surges in cases and could become breeding grounds for even more deadly Covid-19 variants.

The analysis by researchers at Georgetown University identified 30 clusters of counties with low vaccination rates and significant population sizes. The five most significant of those clusters are sprawled across large swaths of the southeastern United States and a smaller portion in the Midwest.

The five clusters are largely in parts of eight states, starting in the east in Georgia and stretching west to Texas and north to southern Missouri. The clusters include parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Tennessee, and are made up of mostly smaller counties but also cities such as Montgomery, Alabama; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Amarillo, Texas.

Most of these states are currently seeing increases in Covid-19 cases.

"Parts of the country are just as vulnerable if not more vulnerable than they were in December 2020," said Shweta Bansal, an associate professor of biology at Georgetown University. Bansal heads up the US COVID-19 Vaccination Tracking project, which has been gathering data on the US vaccine rollout since it began in December.

Vaccinations saved hundreds of thousands of lives in US, researchers say

In a grim reminder of the scale of the pandemic, the global death toll from Covid-19 has reached more than 4 million, data from Johns Hopkins on Wednesday showed.

Three countries account for more than a third of all global deaths. The US, which has the highest number of fatalities at 606,000, accounts for 15% of the global total, followed by Brazil and India.

Underscoring vaccines' effectiveness, researchers say the American toll would have been a lot worse without inoculations.

The US would have seen about 279,000 more Covid-19 deaths by June 28 had vaccinations -- which first became available in December -- not have taken place, according to researchers at Yale University and the Commonwealth Fund. The country also would have seen as many as 1.25 million additional hospitalizations, the researchers said.

Fears about more variants if people don't get vaccinated

The Delta variant is not the only one worrying health experts.

"Right now, you want to look at who's getting sick, whether from the Delta variant or any other variant: It's people who haven't been vaccinated," Dr. Megan Ranney told CNN on Wednesday.

"I don't want it to come to this, but I am hopeful that these surges will drive more people in those states with low vaccination rates to finally go out and get their shot."

Vaccinated people don't have much to worry about, said Ranney, an emergency physician at Rhode Island Hospital and an associate professor at Brown University.

But she offered an unsettling insight on the current surge of cases.

"What worries me more are the variants yet to come. And every time this virus is passed from one person to another, it has a chance to mutate. And it's only a matter of time until we have a variant against which the vaccines no longer protect us," she explained.

Some experts have begun asking whether it may be time to start testing vaccinated people to ensure the Delta variant does not evade the effects of vaccines.

Current federal guidelines say fully vaccinated people can refrain from routine testing. Studies and experts have also said the vaccines are still highly protective.

"I think now we should revisit this policy with the Delta variant and determine if the current recommendations hold up," Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, wrote in an email to CNN on Wednesday.

The CDC is only reporting data on "breakthrough" infections that cause severe disease. That could mean scientists and health officials will not know how many vaccinated people have mild or asymptomatic infections -- and it will be very difficult to track whether a new variant such as Delta is causing more vaccine failure.

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President Joe Biden's confirmation that the US is preparing to evacuate Afghans who have worked in support of the American presence in their country has done little to reassure many of them. The announcement late last month suggests that the administration is starting to grasp the consequences of withdrawing on Afghan civilians. But for most Afghans who supported the US presence and who now face being targeted by the Taliban this haphazard process has thrown their lives into further chaos.

While the Special Immigrant Visa program was set up to provide visas for translators and others of the tens of thousands of Afghans who worked for the United States in Afghanistan, its process does not move fast enough to save many of their lives if they have to remain in the country while their application is considered. So, instead, the US now says it will evacuate many of these Afghans while they wait.

Although this may appear like a step in the right direction, the announcement raised more questions than it answered: Will those evacuated eventually be allowed into the US or will they have to remain in some third country? There are reports mentioning Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Guam, but how will it be determined who qualifies? Can they bring family? When will it begin, with troops on pace to be gone by August?

For many Afghans who worked for the US or simply supported the ideals the Americans brought with them, these questions are a matter of life or death. The announcement implies that the Biden administration does not have faith in the Afghan government to protect its own civilians, and is not inclined to expend the diplomatic pressure to make sure that it does. For ordinary Afghans who supported the US, the questions are practical, sharper, and better defined: as the Taliban gain territory across the entire country, should they wait and see if they are lucky enough to secure a visa spot? Should they move to Kabul or some other city that is less likely to fall to the Taliban? Should they cross the border to Pakistan or pay traffickers to try to get them to a more promising location, like Europe or Australia?

Take the case of Sediq, the co-author of this piece, for example. He is everything that the Taliban oppose: He is liberal and well-educated, and his wife is a graduate of law school. The two of us met when Sediq started giving me Dari lessons in Kabul almost 20 years ago. Since then, Sediq earned a BA and an MA in Turkey and could have stayed out of the country. Instead, he returned to Afghanistan to help his homeland because of the promise of democracy and economic growth that the United States government promoted under both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Sediq went on to work as a researcher and later research manager in Afghanistan for the United States Institute of Peace and several other international organizations. He has worked on projects for USAID, the World Bank, the UN and others. After starting his work as a translator and helping others with their research, his own work has gone on to support numerous international development projects and made it possible for some key American initiatives to move forward. For several years now, he has been receiving threats because of this work and the homes of some of his cousins were burned down. Because, however, he has not had two years of continued direct employment for the US government, his attempts to secure a Special Immigrant Visa have failed.

According to the SIV requirements, he has not done enough service for the US since he worked as a contractor on many of these projects and thus cannot document continual service to the US, even though supporting US-funded projects has been at the center of his work for the past decade. The Taliban, of course, would make no such distinction.

Sediq is left to wonder what he and his family should do now. If the US revises its regulations around who qualifies for a visa, there's a good chance that he would qualify. However, there are still almost 20,000 other Afghans who have already filed SIV applications and thousands more who have not yet done so since it did not seem worth it; in recent years, the wait time for visas has been more than three years.

Biden's announcement is troubling news for other Afghans and leaves them asking: After the US withdraws from Afghanistan, will enough diplomatic pressure be applied to keep the Afghan government intact? The Afghan government is strong enough to maintain most urban areas and, with the support of the international community, could continue to ensure basic human rights protections.

But without the US adding key diplomatic pressure, the fragile coalition against the Taliban is likely to collapse. Past history suggests that when the Taliban retake urban areas, reprisals follow. Some of Sediq's earliest memories are of escaping from his natal home as the Taliban scorched the farmland around it in the Shomali Plain. His family escaped to Kabul. This time, 25 years later, they may be escaping in the opposite direction -- back towards countries to the north.

As the troops withdraw, there is much that the US can do to support the Afghans who remain -- diplomatically and through financial support. Sediq and others like him worry that the Biden administration views Afghanistan as a sinking ship with few lifeboats -- that they will be left scrambling to leave the country, their departure further eroding any chance that American ideals and influence will last longer than the troop presence. It does not need to be this way. Clarity about what the US will do to assist the people who helped the US presence would be a good start, but even better would be assurances that the US will stand by its allies in Afghanistan diplomatically and politically, even as the troops leave.

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A version of this story appeared in CNN's Race Deconstructed newsletter. To get it in your inbox every week, sign up for free here.

Spare a thought for critical race theory. It wasn't always a conservative bogeyman.

Especially over the past several months, Republicans have distorted CRT -- an academic frame that scholars such as Kimberle Crenshaw have been using in graduate-level courses for decades to interrogate how the legal system entrenches racism -- into a catchall to describe things they don't like.

In this bastardized telling, CRT is whatever Republicans want it to be; it comes in many guises. "Black Lives Matter" is one name for CRT. "Social justice" is another. "Identity," yet another. "Reparations." "Ally-ship." "Diversity."

But to linger on what CRT is, or isn't, is to miss the more pressing concern: Why have Republicans latched onto a decades-old academic term?

" 'Strung together, the phrase "critical race theory" connotes hostile, academic, divisive, race-obsessed, poisonous, elitist, anti-American,' " explained Christopher F. Rufo, one of the conservative activists who -- with the help of Fox News, a network that's become its own language -- engineered the panic over CRT.

Because so many Americans don't know what CRT is, it's the perfect tool for scaring White conservative voters with made-up problems -- for mobilizing them against the racial awakening of the past year. Here's how we got here:

The backlash to CRT echoes the 1960s

The panic over CRT is hardly the first time that the US has seen such ethnonationalist fearmongering.

In a recent Twitter thread, Pomona College politics professor Omar Wasow argued that one way to understand the anxiety over CRT is as "a reactionary counter-mobilization."

Wasow, who was previously at Princeton University and whose research focuses largely on protest movements, said that he was struck by how the present-day backlash to CRT echoes the dynamics of the 1960s.

"What we saw in some cases in the '60s was that, as the civil rights movement was able to capture the moral high ground in a national conversation on race, that knocked pro-segregation forces on their heels," he told CNN. "There was a period of trying to regroup and find an issue to mobilize around when, nationally, being pro-segregation became highly stigmatized."

Republicans sought to reframe the world. For instance, they heeded the cruel logic of "law and order," a dog whistle used against the civil rights protests of the era. This maneuvering was part of what University of Arkansas political science professors Angie Maxwell and Todd Shields call the "Long Southern Strategy," a series of decisions on race, religion and feminism that Republicans made starting in the '60s to court White conservative voters in the South.

In the year since the murder of George Floyd and the renewed demands for racial justice, Republicans have once again detected a need to reposition themselves, to turn a cultural shift into a sense of crisis that they can use to their advantage. (Republicans are doing something similar in their war against transgender students, as The Atlantic's Adam Serwer keenly pointed out.)

"We saw Donald Trump try to run on 'law and order' and lose. It didn't seem to have the same punch that it did in the '60s, when Nixon invoked 'law and order' and won the White House. So, there's been this process of searching for a new issue," Wasow said. "There was a period when leading Republicans were complaining about 'cancel culture,' how Dr. Seuss was supposedly being canceled. But it never seemed to stick. So, I think that we're seeing this kind of elite process of trying to find an issue to mobilize around for the 2022, and maybe even 2024, elections. And CRT is one that's really hit a nerve."

Conservative media outlets also play a role in anti-CRT mobilization, broadcasting an invented problem to their millions of viewers.

"Instead of debating CRT's merit, right-wing talkers have simply sought to demonize it," CNN's Oliver Darcy wrote for the Reliable Sources newsletter. This conscious obsession with CRT has helped it leap "from the TV screen into state legislatures and local communities."

The outrage over CRT is also about White identity politics

It makes sense to situate the controversy around CRT not only within the history of race and racism in the US but also within the larger arc of demographic change.

One crucial dimension of this change: the country's ballooning racial diversity and its effect on White identity politics, which Duke University political science professor Ashley Jardina describes as White Americans' increasingly active identification with their racial group.

"Various studies find that when White people are exposed to information about social change -- demographic change, in particular -- they express more politically conservative views," Wasow told CNN. "So, there's a larger conversation happening right now about whether the US is going to be a multiracial democracy -- in which there's no dominant group -- or hold onto what has historically been a kind of ethno-racial majority, a White Christian-dominant majority."

It's no exaggeration to say that the assault on the US Capitol on January 6 -- when insurrectionists waving Confederate flags and pledging their allegiance to Trump tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election -- was a deadly manifestation of a White nationalist vision.

Wasow added that such dueling visions are at the core of the contest between Trump and his ilk on the one hand and figures such as Barack Obama and Joe Biden on the other.

In publicly advocating for the birther conspiracy theory about a decade ago, Trump wasn't merely slandering one of his political opponents. He was attempting to delegitimize the multiracial coalition that installed Obama in the White House.

This battle over a country in transition continues today.

"I think that the panic over CRT can be seen as part of this underlying anxiety about the status of White Americans in a changing country. That fear is sharper in moments like the aftermath of a protest movement calling for things like reforming policing and thinking harder about race in schools and hiring," Wasow said.

These demands unsettle the status quo. Anti-CRT mobilization, then, is really a means of reaffirming the perceived legitimacy of the status quo.

But let's give Crenshaw the final word on the controversy. After all, she's one of the pioneers of CRT.

"Critical race theory is not anti-patriotic," she told CNN's Jason Carroll. "In fact, it is more patriotic than those who are opposed to it -- because we believe in the 13th and the 14th and the 15th Amendments. We believe in the promises of equality. And we know we can't get there if we can't confront and talk honestly about inequality."

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President Joe Biden is being attacked for $3 gasoline. But the truth is the White House isn't to blame for high gas prices -- and has few options to lower them.

The seven-year high in gas prices is all about supply and demand. Gas was dirt cheap last spring because highways sat empty during the height of the pandemic.

This year's successful rollout of Covid-19 vaccines allowed people to return to the skies and roadways, lifting energy demand as a result. That's a good thing.

The problem is that supply is having a hard time catching up. And Biden doesn't have a magic wand to fix that overnight.

"There's not much in the toolkit," said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for the Oil Price Information Service.

Industry sources say Biden's best bet is to cajole OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, to pump more oil. The White House is attempting to do just that by trying to forge a compromise after an expected OPEC+ agreement collapsed on Monday amid infighting between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

"The OPEC discussions which are ongoing, will have a big factor on the price of oil, which has a factor on our gas prices here at home," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told CNN's New Day on Wednesday.

Psaki said the Biden administration is in touch with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and others in OPEC+.

"We want to make sure we're doing everything we can to keep the price of gas low," Psaki said.

Analysts suggested the Biden administration was caught flat-footed initially by the importance of the OPEC+ negotiations.

OPEC is the only game in town

Don't expect any all-caps tweets from Biden like the ones his predecessor sent blasting OPEC. But behind-the-scenes pressure, particularly on the UAE, could be effective in breaking the stalemate. And despite its differences with Saudi Arabia, the Biden administration rolled out the red carpet this week when a senior official from the kingdom visited.

Getting OPEC+ to move is key because the group is really the only game in town. No one else has the firepower to quickly ramp up production. OPEC+ is still holding back production it sidelined when Covid erupted last spring.

"The only spare production capacity currently available resides in OPEC+," Paul Sheldon, chief geopolitical advisor at S&P Global Platts, said in an email. "The easiest path to boosting short-term supply (and easing price pressure) would be through negotiations with Saudi Arabia, AUE and their partners."

The United States is an oil superpower in its own right. However, the core group of OPEC pumps more than twice as much oil as the United States. And US output is down by about 2 million barrels per day from the pre-Covid peak.

The situation isn't helped by the fact that the US oil industry is in the penalty box on Wall Street after blowing through insane amounts of money over the past decade.

Investors want oil companies to focus on returning profits to shareholders, not plowing cash into expensive drilling projects that could just oversupply the market once again. US shale oil companies have signaled they aren't coming to the rescue, at least not yet.

Tapping the emergency stockpile of oil?

If oil and gasoline prices get much higher, the Biden administration could decide to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Yet that emergency stockpile of oil is really intended for a break-the-glass moment, not to ease the strain of economic booms.

"That would be a pretty extreme step," said Jason Bordoff, an energy adviser during the Obama administration. "The SPR is a national security asset for a time of emergency like the Strait of Hormuz being blocked or the Libyan Civil War."

In other words, it's probably too early to be talking about the SPR.

Besides, the United States has already been tapping the SPR to raise money for the federal government. As required by legislation passed in 2015 and 2018, about 16 million barrels have been released between April and June alone, according to Platts.

Another potential lever Biden could pull would be to remove US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, two OPEC nations whose barrels have been sidelined.

Yet the White House would not want to be seen as caving to sanctioned countries simply because of $3 gas.

"The Biden administration will likely continue to keep these foreign policy issues isolated from domestic gasoline prices," said Sheldon.

The Keystone blame game

Some of Biden's critics have blamed high gas prices on the president's decision, on his first day in office, to rescind the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Yet that argument makes little sense. Keystone was not even scheduled to begin bringing barrels from Canada until 2023, at the earliest.

"The cancellation of Keystone XL has no current impact to pricing or US supply," said Parker Fawcett, a Platts energy analyst.

Bigger picture, the attention on high gas prices underscores how reliant the US economy remains on fossil fuels despite the climate crisis.

"Once we move beyond the immediate crisis, complacency sets in and people go back to enjoying SUVs," said Bordoff, co-founding dean of the Columbia Climate School.

Bordoff said the most important thing to do is to limit the US economy's oil addiction.

"This is going to happen again and again," said Bordoff. "It's in the national interest, not only because of the climate crisis, but for our own energy security, to reduce oil consumption."

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EUGENE, Ore. -- With the homeless population in Lane County growing bigger and bigger, fire officials are sharing their concerns.

For one, more homeless people are moving to fire-prone areas like wheat fields.

And in April, there was a fire that started from an explosion under the Ferry Street Bridge where one woman suffered severe burns. In June, there were two fires at homeless camps in Washington-Jefferson Park where people were also injured.

RELATED: WOMAN INJURED IN FERRY STREET BRIDGE FIRE SPEAKS OUT

One homeless individual in Eugene said a friend of his had severe burns on the back of her neck from an accidental fire, and he knew others who had accidents with their propane tanks.

Chief Chad Minter of the Lane County Fire Defense Board said this is a growing problem, especially for those living in camps or areas close to wheat fields.

He is also afraid to move equipment into burning fields because he's afraid of running over someone who could be living in the brush.

These fires are usually started by everyday activities such as cooking and smoking, Minter added.

"There are all kinds of starts, it's just a matter of like I said when you get that many people in one spot whether it be off Franlin or West 11th or all those kind of places, even here in Coburg off Mackenzie Drive, there's homeless camps along the river, and we worry about fires getting started, and not only the fire's starting but people not being able to evacuate or get away from the fire if it moves too fast," said Minter.

MORE: POLICE ARREST TWO ACCUSED OF SETTING TENT ON FIRE AT WASHINGTON JEFFERSON PARK

A month later, the risk of fire is even greater because of the extreme heat and dryness. For temporary residents like Shawn Cox, trouble could come quickly if fire breaks out.

"We try to stay away from them because it's really hot here lately and stuff and we sure do not want to start any fires by accident or anything. So we don't cook, you know, we just buy cold stuff and eat sandwiches and stuff like that and it works out really well for us," said Cox.

Whether a fire breaks out in a homeless camp and spreads to a field, or a grass fire spreads to a homeless camp, officials are very concerned it's a tragedy waiting to happen.
EUGENE, Ore. -- According to University of Oregon officials, lead was discovered in two water fountains at Hendricks Hall. Elevated levels were seen in April and confirmed in June.

Hendricks Hall is primarily composed of work spaces. University officials said when they confirmed the lead in those two sites, they immediately turned them off and alerted the people that work in the building that couldve been exposed.

According to Media Relations and Communications Manager Saul Hubbard, the fountains will be shut off until further notice as they continue to monitor and test the water.

"The university conducts regular and ongoing lead testing of all campus buildings based on building type," Hubbard said. "Testing work is staggered throughout the year and the UO is committed to communicating with the campus community about potential issues we identify."

He said the issue was discovered during that regular lead testing.

"Almost all the water monitoring done by the UO is voluntary, i.e. not required by the state or federal government. The UO first began doing regular and ongoing testing in 2016," Hubbard said.

According to Hubbard, the lead issue in this building is essentially under control.

"Were confident that the controls being implemented are very protective of our campus community. The university has designed and implemented its drinking water monitoring program to identify and mitigate issues before they create health-related impacts," Hubbard said.

And according to him, it likely stems from how old the building is. The website says it opened in 1918.

As they are currently working to resolve those issues, many of the students KEZI 9 News spoke to were surprised by the discovery.

"I feel really shocked," Chang Qing Shi said.

While others said they expected it.

"I would imagine a lot of the buildings on campus are older so it doesn't really surprise me," Riley Valle said.

There have been no reported health issues related to the presence of the lead.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Plans are being drawn for a new pedestrian bridge to go over the Beltline and connect the River Road area with Santa Clara.

Shane Rhodes, project manager for the city of Eugene, said the project is still in the planning stage. Officials say they are considering the needs of North Eugene students.

"We want to give those students access to be able to get to high school without having to be driven or have to navigate a really dangerous intersection, and this would allow that," Rhodes said.

Rhodes said maybe the freshmen who are coming in this year would have the bridge as seniors. But he guesses more than likely, it'll be those in junior high right now who will cross that bridge for the first time.

"We know that at North Eugene High School, nearly half of the students live on the other side of the Beltline," Rhodes said.

Residents who live in Santa Clara are overall happy with this new plan.

"I think it would be fantastic," resident Cherise Green said. "Right now, all the students, especially the high school students, have to walk all the way down River Road and then under the underpass."

There are some who said they are worried a future bridge would lead to more homeless people in the area.

Rhodes said he understands concerns people might have with this.

"Anytime we put in these kinds of shared-used paths, there are concerns because it's something new in the neighborhood and so, what is that going to bring into the neighborhood, not only in access but also in things that people might be concerned about like who will be coming across," Rhodes said.
By Ritah Kemigisa

President Museveni has warned terrorists trying to destabilise the peace of Ugandans to surrender or they shall be killed.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of another batch of ministers at Kololo independence grounds, Museveni says anyone who tries to kill Ugandans will not be spared.

His call comes at a time police has linked the suspects involved in the attempted assassination of works minister Gen Katumba Wamala to the Allied Democratic Force, ADF rebels.

According to Museveni, the government has defeated rural terrorists like the Kony rebels in Northern Uganda and the ADF in Rwenzori assuring Ugandans further boasting that the ADF rebels who are trying to infiltrate the country again shall also be defeated.

Museveni meanwhile says he is in talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo to find a possible solution to end the works of the ADF rebels.

Thinking you can kill our people and continue and survive, you are deceiving yourself, and you will die. 

He adds that  You have been looking for trouble, now you are going to get it. You have been killing, you are now going to die. Your only way is to surrender. If you surrender for us we never kill people, you surrender and tell us, you shall go to jail, the court might condemn you to death but you will not be dead yet and maybe the president can say maybe reduce the sentence.
By Damali Mukhaye

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has this morning launched the disbursement of covid-19 cash relief to vulnerable Ugandans affected by the lockdown.

According to Nabbanja, so far a total of 126,552 beneficiaries have been approved and will receive the cash today.

The Minister of Gender, labour and social development Betty Amongi says the data of other beneficiaries is yet to be verified.

Out of the approved list, Kampalas Nakawa division has only 6 people cleared for payment while Kawempe has none. Gulu is topping the list with 11,618 people followed by Lira which has 2,806 recipients, Mukono 2,044 while Busia has 1,162.

Nabbanja has made a direct phone call to a few people to confirm receipt of the money and the first recipient is Godfrey Oloya, a boda-boda rider from Gulu.
By Ruth Anderah

Five people suspected to have been involved in shooting at the vehicle of Minister, General Katumba Wamala killing his daughter Brenda Nantongo and driver Haruna Kayondo have displayed wounds on their bodies allegedly sustained while in police custody.

The five who have been inconsolably weeping before the Nakawa court seized the opportunity during a court break when presiding chief magistrate Dr. Douglas Singiza stood over proceedings to consult on which prison they should be remanded to for offences of terrorism, murder, and attempted murder.

The suspects have displayed, to the press with marks of beatings on their backs, legs, feet, hands and bottoms.

Before the court session, their lawyer Geoffrey Turyamusiima asked for them to be released to secure treatment.

Presiding Chief Magistrate, Singiza informed Turyamusiima that he had no jurisdiction to make such orders other than remanding the suspects and ordering prison authorities at Kitalya to make sure they get examined and treated.

The five; Muhammad Kagugube, Siriman Kisambira, Abudallah-Aziz Ramadhan Dunku, Kamada Walusimbi and Habib Ramadhan Marjan have now been remanded to Kitalya government prison.

This makes the number of suspects formally charged in the Gen Katumba attempted murder 7 after Sheikhs; Yasin Nyanzi and Hussein Serubula were remanded last week.

According to the amended charge sheet presented by prosecutions Barbra Kyomugisha, all 7 suspects, between March 2015 and June 2021, while at various places in Uganda, involved themselves in attacks and murders on UPDF and police personnel, civilians, and police establishments without any due regard to safety.

It is said that on 1st June at Kisaasi Central Zone within Kampala, the accused attempted to murder Gen Katumba Wamala and other 2 people; Sgt Khalid Kuboit and Mucunguzi Boniface.
President Museveni has asked security to locate and arrest all those using social media to spread false rumours claiming that he is dead.

So the security service needs to solve that problem. I will check with them to locate the one who tells such a story because you waste peoples time. They should locate you and we go for you, he said.

Museveni made the remarks while presiding over the swearing in ceremony of another batch of recently appointed ministers at Kololo. This follows social media reports and photos indicating that the president is dead while others suggested that hes in bad shape.

Museveni says that spreading false information on social media is not a security problem but instead an idiotic problem.

Another problem that we need to solve, I dont think its a security problem but its an idiotic problem. Social media. Social media have apparently has been saying that Museveni is dead. Now the other day, I went to that side of Bombo, people were looking clearly because they had been told that Museveni is dead, he siad.

He adds that those who are in Europe spreading such rumours that he is dead will be denounced.

If you are in Europe we denounce you and say go to hell, Museveni said.
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. &&
A dairy calf-to beef production system that improves economic, social and environmental sustainability has emerged victorious in a European Awards programme for Cooperative Innovation.

The Twenty20 Beef Club, a partnership between Glanbia Ireland and Kepak Group, has won a coveted European Award for Cooperative Innovation in the international competition organised by Cogeca. It was shortlisted under the Economic Value Creation category.

The international judging panel, who assessed over 100 entries from across Europe, singled out the Twenty20 Beef Clubs proven credentials and said it represents an outstanding innovation that creates valuable impact in the value chain.

They continued to praise the Twenty20 Beef Club adding: Innovation is about value creation and the way your organisation does it, clearly underlines how the cooperative model is a key tool to respond to the emerging challenges, to shift to more sustainable food systems and to bring further environmental, economic and social benefits.

Glanbia Ireland Head of Beef, Martin Ryan, said: Today is a very proud day for my colleagues and I. The Twenty20 Beef Club is a unique development, built on an across sector collaboration with our partner, Kepak. Whilst the award recognises the immense capacity of the Twenty20 Beef Club to generate monetary value for our farmer members, the jury also called out the environmental, economic and social sustainability credentials of the Club. It is both comforting and reassuring to all involved in our value chain to see an EU based independent adjudication panel recognise the Twenty20 Beef Club with this European Innovation Award.

Above: Twenty20 Beef Club L-R Brian Hanafin, Glanbia Ireland; Mick ODowd, Kepak; Martin Keane, Glanbia Ireland; Sean Molloy, Glanbia Ireland; Tom Finn, Kepak and Martin Ryan, Glanbia Ireland.

Mick ODowd, Agri Business Manager, Kepak, said: Kepak is delighted that our work with Glanbia Cooperative has been recognised with this European Innovation Award. The Twenty20 Beef Club is anchored in providing greater financial certainty to farmers for producing beef more sustainably. This award recognises that collaboration across the beef and dairy industry is not only beneficial to the farmer, but to the environment too. As the Club continues to grow, COGECAs endorsement gives us further confidence that we are on the right track.

Its a second win in the international competition for Glanbia Co-op. MilkFlex is a previous winner, taking the Cooperative Innovation award in the same Europe-wide competition in 2017.

The Twenty20 Beef Club has been created to sustainably produce and market Irish heifer and steer beef. A fully traceable input supply chain underpins the Programme and support the establishment of industry leading marketing claims.

The overriding objective of the Programme is to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of calf to beef production in the Republic of Ireland for dairy and beef farmers. Additional value is created by sustainably producing beef, with complete traceability and transparency through:

 Genetics and agri-technologies;

 Leading Animal Health & Welfare;

 Best practice in animal nutrition and grassland management and

 Premium pricing.

The benefits for farmers are numerous and include a substantial price premium for the cattle, predictability of pricing and certainty around their market. Members are offered technical support to enable them produce or procure animals with higher genetic merit and achieve optimum daily live weight gain during the animals life. To-date the animals processed by the Club are four and a half months younger than the National average for similar livestock, thus reducing their carbon foot print significantly.

Above: Twenty20 cattle

Commenting on the outcome of the award, Cogeca President, Ramon Armengol said, I was truly impressed by the number and the quality of the entries. It was really hard for the Jury members in some categories to make a choice. When I see all these concrete initiatives, I can't avoid drawing a link with the discussions that are currently taking place at European level. While we are working on a high number of initiatives in the framework of the European Green Deal, European Agri-Cooperatives are already contributing to transforming the food systems and the forestry sector they are operating in. I invite everyone to carefully check what our cooperatives are doing on the ground.

Because of Covid restrictions, the official ceremony has been postponed for now but is due to take place on Wednesday 1 December 2021 in Brussels.
A security guard working on the door of a pub in Carrick-on-Shannon was punched in the mouth by a Kilkenny man who had travelled there for a stag party.

Martin Dormer, a 29-year-old self-employed construction worker from Kellymount, Paulstown, Co Kilkenny, pleaded not guilty at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court to assault causing harm to Martin Connolly, at Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, on May 25, 2019, and guilty to the unlawful possession of 10 to 20 of cocaine at Carrick-on- Shannon Garda Station on the same date.

The injured party, Mr Connolly, told the court he was working as a security man at the front door of Dunnes nightclub when he got a call from colleagues to open the side gate as a man was being escorted out of the premises.

Mr Connolly said he removed a bottle from Mr Dormers hand as he exited the laneway onto the street. He said the mans whole demeanour changed and he swung a punch at him, making contact with his jaw and chipping his tooth. There was a scuffle and he said Mr Dormer put his finger in his ear and pulled, causing a laceration. Mr Connolly said he also hyper extended his leg.

He told the court he has been working in security for 15 years and was working in Dunnes for one year at the time of the assault and is PSA certified.

Defence solicitor, Martin Burke, put it to Mr Connolly that CCTV footage showed that once the incident was dealt with and the Gardai had left, Mr Connolly spent 19 minutes talking with his colleagues and did not show them a chipped tooth. He said when Sgt Byrne came over to him he also didnt show him his tooth.

Mr Connolly said it was not something he would moan about, it was something you learned to just deal with.

Mr Burke also put it to him that his GP report stated Mr Connolly was attacked by three men and received multiple blows to the head. Asked if this was what had happened, he replied no.

He said he didnt know if the doctor was busy or wasnt listening to him closely but he recalled telling him it was one assailant and it happened in about three seconds.

Mr Connolly denied that it was he who had assaulted Mr Dormer first by putting his hand to his face.

Mr Connolly said he had his hand out but said he did not strike him intentionally.

Mr Burke said that it took more than what was shown on the CCTV to chip a tooth and there was no dental evidence in court to support such a claim.

Inspector Tony Byrne (then Sgt Byrne) said he attended the scene at about 1am on the above date. He said there was a commotion just past Dunnes near the Town Clock. A man was being restrained on the ground by security staff. Insp Byrne said he was quite intoxicated and very argumentative and had been ejected moments earlier.

He arrested Mr Dormer and took him to the local Garda Station where he searched him and found a small bag of white powder and a rolled up 5 note.

At 1.50am Insp Byrne returned to the scene as he was aware someone may have been assaulted and spoke to Martin Connolly who said he had been assaulted by Martin Dormer.

On July 5, 2019, Insp Byrne met Martin Dormer by appointment in Kilkenny Garda Station and interviewed him. He identified himself on the CCTV footage shown to him but said he had no recollection of the incident.

Insp Byrne told the court that when he spoke to Mr Dormer as he was being restrained, he calmed down and was extremely cooperative and got into the patrol car voluntarily.

Asked about Mr Connollys tooth, Insp Byrne said he recalled Mr Connolly had a sore mouth but he had no distinct recollection of a chipped tooth.

Insp Byrne said he viewed the video footage and it showed Mr Connolly taking the bottle from Mr Dormer. The defendant was out on the street facing back into the archway.

Insp Byrne said it seemed Mr Dormer made an attempt to get back in. Mr Connolly put his hand out to stop him and they grappled. More security arrived and Mr Connolly had him in a headlock as they moved down the street towards the Town Clock.

Judge Kevin Kilrane asked the Inspector if the defendant struck Mr Connolly a blow and he replied it was hard to say as it was at very close quarters but he did appear to make contact.

Mr Burke sought a direction from the judge on the charge of assault causing harm as he said there were no photos submitted into evidence, no dental records and no dentist to give evidence. He said Mr Connollys evidence was not accurate.

Mr Burke said if there was any contact, it was initiated by Mr Connolly. He said Mr Connollys hand went straight out and made contact with Mr Dormer and anything that happened after that was caused by his actions.

Judge Kilrane said the evidence of the victim was that he put his hand out to restrain the defendant from re-entering the premises and in the other hand he had a bottle of beer he had removed from him.

He said there was a tussle and the victim suffered a chipped tooth, an injury to his ear and a groin injury. Judge Kilrane said those injuries were harm and he convicted him of the offence.

The court heard Mr Dormer has previous convictions from Kilkenny District Court in February 2017 for intoxication in public and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour for which he was fined 300 each.

He also has convictions in Australia for two counts of drunk and disorderly behaviour in Brisbane in 2014, failure to leave a licensed premises in Brisbane in 2013 for which he received eight days in prison, and public nuisance and drunk and disorderly convictions in 2012.

Mr Burke asked the judge to take into consideration the grave doubt whether a tooth was chipped. He said but for the chipped tooth the matter would have been finalised months ago.

In relation to the cocaine, Mr Burke said Mr Dormer had been in Carrick-on-Shannon for a stag party. He said Mr Dormer was asked by a friend to hold onto it. He said Mr Dormer had no previous convictions for drugs or assault.

Judge Kilrane said the defendant travelled from Kilkenny to a stag party and usually stag parties that descend on Carrick-on-Shannon have far too much drink and illegal drugs.

He said he found it very hard to believe a friend asked Mr Dormer to hold onto the cocaine and he had no doubt the defendant was using cocaine on the night.

Judge Kilrane said Mr Dormer was removed from the premises. He added the defendant should have stayed outside having been ejected.

He stated the injuries werent particularly serious and agreed it was difficult to understand how a chipped tooth occurred, but it may have happened when they were on the ground.

Judge Kilrane said Mr Connolly, if anything, was underplaying the injuries. He described the report by the doctor as strange and incorrect in a number of respects.

He said Mr Dormer has a serious problem with alcohol and he had heard about his previous convictions in this State and his escapades in Australia which he described as appearing like something from the Wild Colonial Boy.

He said Mr Dormer would want to be careful or he would end up in prison here as well.

In relation to the charge of assault causing harm, he convicted and fined Mr Dormer 300, allowing four months to pay.

In relation to the drugs offence, he said his practice was to give a chance to someone with a small amount of drugs in their possession, with a plea of guilty, and no previous drugs convictions

A conviction for cocaine is a serious conviction, he remarked, and said if Mr Dormer ever intended returning to Australia, and he may not in view of his unfortunate history there, a conviction would surely prevent him from doing so.

He ordered Mr Dormer to pay 200 to Hope House addiction treatment centre in Foxford, Co Mayo and said he would apply the Probation Act, Section 1.1.

An application for destruction of the cocaine and the contaminated 5 note was made which the judge granted, stating, If we were to destroy every note that contained cocaine there would be a lot destroyed.
Pharmacies in Kilkenny are reporting huge level of calls in recent days following their inclusion as part of the administration of vaccines for the 18-34 cohort.

Such is the demand, many have temporarily closed their waiting lists. They are awaiting word on a fresh arrival of vaccines in the coming days, at which point new bookings will be taken.

James Crotty in Bennettsbridge said the phone was ringing off the hook on Friday and they have been operating a vaccine clinic at capacity ever since.

"We did 20 on Monday, 20 on Tuesday. We did 18 yesterday of the Pfizer. We are halfway through today doing another 18. With the pharmacy obviously we have to run the shop at the same time," he says.

"So to make it safe we only give one dose every 20 minutes of the Pfizer because we have to observe the patient for 15 minutes afterwards, so we can only do one person at a time. So it kind of limits the amount we can do, but we are still getting about 20 done a day.

"With the Janssen vaccine, they come in batches of five - each vial has five doses. When a vial is open it lasts for three hours and you pretty much have to get your five people done in those three hours. With the Pfizer vials, there's six doses in each of those but you have six hours to get those done. So there's a little more leeway there, but at the same time you're working in the pharmacy and you need 20 minutes between everybody just to get them done."

The pharmacy opens each day at 9am and the vaccination clinic gets under way at 10am. Mr Crotty, who previously spoke to the Kilkenny People as part of a campaign to see the rollout delivered through local pharmacies, says it is great to be able to assist.

"We are delighted. It's great for pharmacies to finally be able to help out with the rollout. We've been shouting for this since the start - you did your campaign at the very start to help us out, which was great. It took a while to actually get it into us, but it's great we are actually involved to help people," he said.

"Last Friday, you literally went to hang up one call and you were answering another one. At the moment, it's still ringing, but not as much - maybe every ten minutes. So everybody is still looking to get done.

"Unfortunately we had so many names we had to close off our list for the time being until we know how many more Janssen vaccines we're getting. We should find out middle of next week. When we find out we'll hopefully open up the list for names again to be added to it.

"I know there are a lot of people ringing around town and nearly every pharmacy has the list closed because there are hundreds of people on them. Which is great, but obviously the people who didn't get their name on the list feel like they're in limbo."

His advice is for people keep an eye on their Facebook page and updates will be issued when the list opens up once again.

"As soon as we know when we are getting the next supply of Janssen vaccine off the HSE we'll be opening it up," says Mr Crotty.

"We are getting 100 doses on Monday coming and we have 100 people booked in for next week. Because we know we're guaranteed to get those 100 doses. So when we find out when we're getting the next 100 doses we'll be booking another 100 people in."

Preference

While some have expressed a preference for a particular vaccine, most young people just want whatever they can get, he says. They have things planned - Erasmus, travelling, etc and just want to be safe.

"With the Pfizer we have to go by age, so that's by the HSE rollout which is 30-34 at the moment. With the Janssen it's pretty much first come first served."

There is a four-week gap between Pfizer shots, and at their first dose, people are given the date and time for the second one. With the Janssen, two weeks after the shot the individual is considered fully vaccinated.
Helium Arts, the charity that provides arts programmes for children living with long-term health conditions, will launch a new Our World in a Window arts exhibition at Kilkenny's MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre from July 24  August 3.

The window exhibition features the animations and mechanised artwork produced by 49 children living with long-term health conditions in Ireland who took part in Helium Arts Remote Programme Distance Creates over the past year. The exhibition is touring to Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Longford.

Since February 2021, children aged 9-12 living with long-term health conditions have been exploring the world of animation guided by Helium Artist Chelsea Canavan. From tinfoil and claymation characters to foam sculptures and hand-drawn illustrations, the childrens stories have come to life in unique and imaginative ways, showing

persistence and creativity in the face of adversity.

The project origins date back to the onset of the pandemic, when Helium Arts began adapting its programmes to digital and postal formats to allow many vulnerable young people to practice their creativity from the safety of their homes. The goal was to offer respite during these difficult times of social distancing, and support their mental health.

Between 2020 and 2021, Helium Arts remote programme increased access to creative psycho-social supports for over 250 children living with long-term health conditions across Ireland, increasing their wellbeing by 44% and in particular doubled

participation by families living in rural and regional areas. The programme reducesaccess barriers, removing the need and additional costs of traveling and enables parents and children to fit art activities in with existing schedules, all from the comfort of their home.

It also offered a suitable method of engagement for children and young people who found social situations challenging.

It was brilliant way to stay connected. Penpals and Zoom made it all so real," said one parent.

"Seeing other children and being part of a group, it gave my son something totally different. It took him away from it all.

Designed by Helium Artist Chelsea Canavan and creative engineer Gerry Byrnes, the exhibition is touring to six locations throughout the country this summer

"This exhibition gives a voice to the many children living with health conditions during lock-down," says Helium Arts founder and CEO Helene Hugel.

"It symbolically brings their experiences and stories to life in unique and imaginative ways. Many of these children have faced multiple challenges during the pandemic, including reduced services and cocooning. This exhibition celebrates their talent, persistence and creativity in the face of adversity."
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.

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.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN more granular data was needed to determine the exact reason for the drop in efficacy in Israel. While "the Israelis know what they're doing," the data is sparse, Fauci said, adding that the circumstances of the reported drop in efficacy are unclear.

Still, Dr. Richard Besser, former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CNN the data from Israel is worth paying attention to, because Israel started vaccinating before the US and so "if there's going to be a problem, we'll likely see it there before we see it here in the United States."

"I take this as actually encouraging information, that these vaccines are still highle effective in terms of preventing hospitalizations, severe illness and death," Besser said.

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.

Besser said the protection against severe illness is what matters the most. "While it would be terrific if they prevented all infection, as long as we're not seeing a signal that they're losing effectiveness for hospitalizations and deaths, that can give us encouragement that if we can increase vaccination in this country, we're not going to see the increase in the severity, we're not going to see the increase in the deaths with a strain that spreads so much easier," he said.

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 July] 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."

A previous version of this story incorrectly quoted Boris Johnson as saying cases in England might rise when the restrictions lift on June 19. The restrictions will lift on July 19.

The-CNN-Wire

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CLEAR LAKE, Iowa - The Clear Lake Police Department is asking for help after its Our Main Street USA sign was damaged over the 4th of July weekend.

Police said it happened early on Saturday, July 3. They are hoping to speak with a passenger who was in a white Lincoln Aviator.

"If you have any information, please call us at 641-357-2186, email police@cityofclearlake.org, or message us on FB. You may remain anonymous," police said on social media.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  Governor Walz will visit Rochester Thursday afternoon, highlighting investments in child care and early education included in the state's new two-year budget.

Minnesotas chief executive will visit the Boys and Girls Club and Head Start Preschool Program. Organizers say the governor will tour the building and get a look at important programs in action.

Governor Walz may also speak on the recently approved state budget and its provisions for child care and youth development.

The Governor is expected to speak at 2:15 p.m. with Representative Tina Liebling and representatives from Families First and Boys and Girls Clubs.
(ASSOCIATED PRESS) - OxyContin maker Purdue Pharmas plan to reorganize into a new entity that helps combat the U.S. opioid epidemic got a big boost as 15 states that had previously opposed the new business model now support it.

The agreement from multiple state attorneys general, including those who had most aggressively opposed Purdue's original settlement proposal, was disclosed late Wednesday night in a filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y. It followed weeks of intense mediations that resulted in changes to Purdue's original exit plan.

The new settlement terms call for Purdue to make tens of millions of internal documents public, a step several attorneys general, including those for Massachusetts and New York, had demanded as a way to hold the company accountable.

Attorneys general for both states were among those who agreed to the new plan, joining about half the states that had previously approved it.

No settlement could ever be enough to make up for the misconduct by the Sacklers and the company, says Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller. This agreement is in the best interests of Iowans, however, and will go a long way toward abating the opioid crisis the defendants helped create.

In a joint online news conference Thursday, some of the attorneys general who signed on noted that their states are in line to get more money faster to fund drug treatment and prevention.

But they continued to express ire with the company and especially members of the wealthy Sackler family who own the company and have not accepted any blame. No one is happy with the settlement, New York Attorney General Letitia James said. Can the Sacklers do more? Hell yeah, they can do a lot better, but it should first begin with an apology.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein noted Thursday that the deal includes about $1.5 billion more than it initially did.

In a statement, members of the Sackler family called the support of more states an important step toward providing substantial resources for people and communities in need."

Still, nine states and the District of Columbia did not sign on. One of the holdouts, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson complained: This settlement plan allows the Sacklers to walk away as billionaires with a legal shield for life."

Purdue said in a statement that it will try to build even greater consensus for its plan.

Purdue sought bankruptcy protection in 2019 as a way to settle about 3,000 lawsuits it faced from state and local governments and other entities. They claimed the company's continued marketing of its powerful prescription painkiller contributed to a crisis that has been linked to nearly 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the last two decades.

The court filing came from a mediator appointed by the bankruptcy court and shows that members of the Sackler family agreed to increase their cash contribution to the settlement by $50 million. They also will allow $175 million held in Sackler family charities to go toward abating the crisis.

In all, Sackler family members are contributing $4.5 billion in cash and assets in the charitable funds toward the settlement. They are not admitting any wrongdoing and no court has found any by a family member.

The agreement also prohibits the Sackler family from obtaining naming rights related to their charitable donations until they have paid all the money owed under the settlement and have given up all business interests related to the manufacturing or sale of opioids.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who had been the first attorney general to sue members of the Sackler family, praised the modified deal in a statement early Thursday. She pointed to the $90 million her state would receive and the way the company could waive attorney-client privilege to release hundreds of thousands of confidential communications with lawyers about its tactics for selling opioids and other matters.

While I know this resolution does not bring back loved ones or undo the evil of what the Sacklers did, forcing them to turn over their secrets by providing all the documents, forcing them to repay billions, forcing the Sacklers out of the opioid business, and shutting down Purdue will help stop anything like this from ever happening again, Healey said.

Purdue's plan also calls for members of the Sackler family to give up ownership of the Connecticut-based company as part of a sweeping deal it says could be worth $10 billion over time. That includes the value of overdose-reversal drugs the company is planning to produce.

Money from the deal is to go to government entities, which have agreed to use it to address the opioid crisis, along with individual victims and their families.

Most groups representing various creditors, including victims and local governments, had grudgingly supported the plan. But state attorneys general until now were deeply divided, with about half of them supporting the plan and half fighting against it.

No amount of money can make up for the pain that Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family caused families and communities in Minnesota and across the country. This means that no resolution can be perfect, says Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. I chose to be part of the solution today because the most significant feature of this resolution  beyond the resources that we will receive for prevention, treatment, and recovery  is the disclosure of more than 30 million documents from Purdue and the Sacklers, which other attorneys general and I fought hard for. This public disclosure means no one will ever forget what they did to us and no one can ever do it again.

The attorneys general who had opposed the plan said they didn't like the idea of having to rely on profits from the continued sale of prescription painkillers to combat the opioid epidemic. The revised deal lets state and local governments opt out of receiving those funds. Attorneys general also said the deal didn't do enough to hold Sackler family members accountable or to make public documents that could help explain the company's role in the crisis.

Last month, Massachusetts' Healey told The Associated Press, The Sacklers are not offering to pay anything near what they should for the harm and devastation caused to families and communities around this country.

The support from additional states comes less than two weeks before the deadline to object formally to Purdue's reorganization plan and about a month before a hearing on whether it should be accepted.

With just nine states and the District of Columbia remaining opposed to the plan, it makes it more likely the federal bankruptcy judge will confirm the deal.

Activists also dislike it, and two Democratic members of Congress have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to oppose it. Reps. Carolyn Maloney of New York and Mark DeSaulnier of California said in a statement Thursday that allowing Sackler family members to obtain legal immunity through Purdue's bankruptcy would be a tragic miscarriage of justice. The Justice Department has not weighed in.

Last year, the company pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges and agreed to pay $225 million to the federal government.

In a separate civil settlement announced at the same time, Sackler family members agreed to pay the federal government $225 million, while admitting no wrongdoing.

The opioid crisis includes overdoses involving prescription drugs as well as illegal ones such as heroin and fentanyl. Purdue's bankruptcy case is the highest-profile piece of complicated nationwide litigation against drugmakers, distribution companies and pharmacies.

Trials against other companies in the industry are playing out in California, New York and West Virginia, and negotiations are continuing to settle many of the claims.
SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP)  Dozens of states are taking aim at Google in an escalating legal offensive on Big Tech.

This time, attorneys general for 36 states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit targeting Google's Play store, where consumers download apps designed for the Android software that powers most of the world's smartphones.

The 144-page complaint filed late Wednesday in a Northern California federal court represents the fourth major antitrust lawsuit filed against Google by government agencies across the U.S. since last October.

The lawsuit also comes against a backdrop of proposed laws in Congress tailored to either break up or undermine the power amassed by Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon. The four have built trillion-dollar empires fueled by the immense popularity of services that people have become increasingly dependent upon.

Smartphones arent luxuries, theyre essential tools for folks trying to afford their lives and stay connected to family, friends, and the world. But Googles illegal conduct drives up the cost of doing that for everyone, says Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. It also stifles innovation and competition that could help everyone in our economy do better. I joined a bipartisan majority of attorneys general from around the country in this lawsuit because Google doesnt get to break federal antitrust law and make it harder for all of us to afford our lives just because theyre big and powerful.

Much of the latest lawsuit echoes similar allegations that mobile game maker Epic Games made against both Google and Apple, which runs a separate app store exclusively for iPhones, in cases brought last August.

Just as Epic did, the states' lawsuit focuses primarily on the control Google exerts on its app store so it can collect commissions of up to 30% on digital transactions within apps installed on smartphones running on Android. Those devices represent more than 80% of the worldwide smartphone market.

A high-profile trial pitting Epic  the maker of the widely played Fortnite video game  against Apple concluded in late May. A decision from the federal judge who presided over the month-long proceedings is expected later this summer. Epic's lawsuit against Google is still awaiting trial.

Although its app commissions are similar to Apple's, Google has tried to distinguish itself by allowing consumers to download apps from other places than its Play store. Apple, in contrast, doesn't allow iPhone users to install apps from any other outlet than its store.

But the lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges Google's claims that its Android software is an open operating system that allows consumers more choices is a sham.

The complaint contends Google has deployed various tactics and set up anticompetitive barriers to ensure it distributes more than 90% of the apps on Android devices  a market share that the attorneys general argue represents an illegal monopoly. What's more, the lawsuit alleges Google has been abusing that power to reap billions of dollars in profit at the expense of consumers who wind up paying higher prices to subsidize the commissions, and the makers of apps who have less money and incentive to innovate.

Googles monopoly is a menace to the marketplace," said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, who is leading the lawsuit along with his peers in New York, Tennessee and North Carolina. Google Play is not fair play. Google must be held accountable for harming small businesses and consumers."

Google didn't immediately respond to a request for a lawsuit, but it has adamantly defended the way it runs its Play store in its response to the Epic lawsuit and in other instances.

The Mountain View, California, company also is fighting the three other lawsuits that were filed against it last year, including a landmark case brought by the U.S. Justice Department. Those cases are focused on alleged abuses of Google's dominant search engine and its digital ad network that generates more than $100 billion in annual revenue for its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc.

As the scrutiny on their app stores has intensified, both Apple and Google have been taking conciliatory steps. Most notably, both have lowered their commissions to 15% on the first $1 million in revenue collected by app makers  a reduction that covers most apps in their respective stores.

But those measures haven't lessened the heat on any of the major tech companies, nor should they, said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, who chairs a subcommittee that oversees antitrust issues.

This is exactly the type of aggressive antitrust enforcement that we need to rein in the power of big tech and address Americas monopoly problem," she said in a statement.

But fighting Big Tech won't be easy. Besides being able to spend heavily to lobby for their positions, the companies also contend they have the law on their side. Facebook, for instance, scored a major victory last week when a federal judge dismissed an antitrust lawsuit against the social media company by the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of states on the grounds that they hadn't submitted enough evidence to back their monopoly allegations.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  One accused copper thief has pleaded guilty.

Chad Charles Westby, 43 of Rochester, and Ron Allen Degener, 55 of Rochester, were arrested on January 1 for allegedly stealing copper wiring from the old AMPI plant. Rochester police say there were notified about a suspicious vehicle in the AMPI parking lot and arrived to find the chain-link fence had been cut.

Officers say they heard noises inside the place and found Westby and Degener inside. Court documents state Westby surrendered immediately but police had to chase Degener through the plant before catching him.

Investigators say tools, copper wire, copper fuses, pumps, and other parts were stolen from the plant.

Westby has now pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary. His sentencing is set for September 2. Degener has pleaded not guilty to third-degree burglary and possession of burglar tools. No trial date for him has been scheduled.
MASON CITY, Iowa - With the corn crop getting some much needed rainfall, the stalks have grown so much that it's become a bit of a challenge to see around all the growth at some rural intersections.

To help reduce potential accidents, Cerro Gordo County Engineer Brandon Billings' department encourages farmers and property owners at the most notable blind corners to plant their end rows at an angle and remove obstructions like trees, windbreaks and unused buildings away from intersections, as well as mowing weeds in rights-of-way, to form what are called sight distance triangles.

"We understand they need as many acres of corn and beans as possible, and sometimes we can work something out and leave an area unplanted, whether we help recoup the cost, or a mutually beneficial agreement. It's definitely a problem this time of year every year."

The secondary road department regularly assesses intersections near permanent obstructions like certain buildings or hills that can't be moved, and will add extra signage warning of an upcoming intersection, as well as adding reflectors on signs for drivers to see better. In addition, there have been discussions to add LED or flashing stop signs to some intersections as a last resort, though cost, effectiveness and vandalism do raise some concerns.

"The blinking yield and stop signs should be used in the most extreme situations so that they're more rare and they catch people's attention more, it would make them more effective. But if we had too many out, people won't respect the signs as much as they should."

With some secondary roads that only see roughly 15 cars a day being used more often, including areas around detours, his office has seen the uptick in vehicles, even ahead of the start of harvest. Billings advises drivers who may not be familiar with back roads to follow signed detour routes, and for farmers to use with gravel roads as opposed to pavement if possible.

"People have a hard time knowing what to do when a combine with its cornhead on it is coming down the road at you, you're not quite sure if you're supposed to get out of the way or they are. It's safer, if at all possible, to avoid paved roads and we ask the farmers if at all possible to avoid driving on those with their large equipment as well. In general, that's what happens."

Billings advises drivers who may be unfamiliar with rural driving and uncontrolled intersections (that is, without stop or yield signs) to yield or come to a complete stop.
The Texas 4000 organization stopped at the Salvation Army to rest as they make their way to Alaska.

The group of 20 cyclists started in Austin, Texas, and are traveling their "Ozark" route to Anchorage, Alaska.

Texas 4000 is made up of college students, each one enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin.

The organization's main purpose is to garner attention towards cancer research, even donating money for the cause to various hospitals around the country.

Cyclist Wade Smith says the group was started in 2004 by Chris Condit, a cancer survivor and University of Texas at Austin alumni.

"So it started back in 2004. There was a college student at the time at the University of Texas named Chris Condit who was inspired by another trans-America biking organization, or charity bike ride. He wanted to do something that was giving back to the cancer community as well because he himself actually fought cancer as a child," Smith said.

The Texas 4000 group's next stop is in Minneapolis, where they will refuel their energy before continuing the honorable mission to Alaska.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. High 74F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
A Kansas City woman who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro despite having no legs, had to crawl across glaciers
These undated photos provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Department in Lewistown, Ill., shows, from left, Jesse Davis, 35, Cody Villalobos, 26, Zachary Hart, 36, and Eugene Roets, 23. The four inmates escaped from the Fulton County Jail in Lewistown on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Authorities didn't immediately say how the men escaped, but said they should be considered armed and dangerous. (Fulton County Sheriff's Department via AP)
ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) -- Missouri is averaging 1,000 new COVID-19 cases per day. It's a higher level than we've seen in months. Right now, Springfield, Missouri is seeing a tremendous increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Amid COVID spike, Missouri sees as many new cases daily as entire Northeast The split-screen images could be a glimpse of what public health experts say may lie ahead for the U.S. even as the economy opens up again and life gets back to something close to normal: outbreaks in corners of the country with low vaccination rates.

News 4 wanted to know if St. Louis City is next, since it has the same vaccination rate as Greene County in southwest Missouri. Local doctors say Springfield's rapid case and hospitalization increase is due to its surrounding counties. The counties surrounding Greene County, where Springfield is, have noticeably lower vaccination rates.

While local doctors are hopeful we won't see another surge in St. Louis, they said we just can't be too sure.

"When we look at vaccination rates across Missouri some of the highest we're seeing are St. Louis County, Franklin, and St. Charles. That's fantastic and that definitely helps, but even those need to be higher to stop the spread of this variant," said Dr. Aamina Akhtar, chief medical officer for Medical Hospital.

She said having counties that surround St. Louis City with higher vaccination rates could be why we're not seeing a dramatic increase of COVID-19 cases in the city. While Greene County is surrounded by significantly less vaccinated counties.

Although local health officials aren't worried about the counties surrounding the City of St. Louis, they are worried about some specific pockets within city limits. Specifically, they're concerned about these zip codes: 63106, 63103, 63120, 63115, and 63107. Dr. Fredrick Echols, director of the St. Louis City health department, says those zip codes have some of the lowest vaccination rates in our region.

"They have some of the highest level of poverty, some of the highest levels of uninsured and under insured in the City of St. Louis. They also have a significant number of individuals who may have underlying health issues that increase their risk for severe complications if they do develop COVID-19," Echols explained.

City health officials and local doctors say it's crucial to target those unvaccinated pockets to ensure the Delta variant doesn't spread rapidly there. For now, health officials say they remain on high alert and are urging anyone who is eligible to get a vaccine.
ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com)  Starting Sept. 30, all Mercy employees are required to be vaccinated.

Delta variant is forcing officials to rethink Covid-19 measures, even for the vaccinated The more dangerous and more transmissible Delta variant has spread to nearly every state in the US, feeding health experts' concern over potential Covid-19 spikes in the fall.

With the Delta variant spreading in Missouri, Mercy added the new requirement which will impact all employees who work in their facilities. The Delta variant now accounts for about 1 in every 5 new coronavirus infections in the US, the CDC has said. And with more than half of the population still not fully vaccinated, according to the CDC, health experts and officials worry that regions with low amounts of virus protection could see surges in the fall and winter

It is essential that we take these steps in order to protect the health of our co-workers and our patients at Mercy, said Dr. William Sistrunk, Mercy infectious disease specialist. As health care leaders in our communities, it is important we set the standard to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

The company joins SLU, BJC, SSM Health, St. Luke's and Washington University that are pushing to have all workers vaccinated.
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Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 85F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, St. Louis Post-Dispatch.






By Christine Flowers




Lee Jeong-hoon, former chairman of Bithumb Korea and BIthumb Holdings Korea Times file



Crypto exchange desperate to rehabilitate tarnished reputation



By Lee Kyung-min



Cryptocurrency exchange, Bithumb said Thursday that it will deny membership to foreign clients whose identity cannot be verified via local mobile carriers, starting at 3 p.m., July 13 (KST).



Also to be denied membership are foreign residents of Korea who do not possess an alien registration card (ARC), without which their request for mobile service subscription will be denied.



These are among measures to strengthen anti-money laundering involving digital assets, increasingly being linked to international crimes.



The hurriedly arranged announcement stressing its compliance and customer protection efforts is intended to divert customers' growing complaints about the firm's mismanagement, as evidenced by the indictment two days earlier of its de facto owner Lee Jeong-hoon, 45, who faces charges of fraud in the amount of over 112 billion won ($100 million).


Garrett, IN (46738)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms becoming likely this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 66F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 66F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, OR (KPTV) - A new team with Clackamas Fire is in southern Oregon right now, helping to protect people's homes and livelihoods from the Jack Fire. The team is the first of its kind in Oregon, and this is its first deployment.

The Jack Fire was first reported on Monday at about 5 p.m. It is burning north of State Highway 138 and east of Forest Road 4713. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 3 and Level 2 evacuations. The wildfire has burned about 4,224 acres and is currently zero percent contained.

Crew 30 went out on its first shift Thursday. The hand crew is out on the ground in Douglas County working to stop the Jack Fire from spreading to Glide and other outlying neighborhoods. The 20-person, full-time hand crew is able to respond to any wildland fire and help keep them small. They use tools and equipment to create a fuel break that prevents the fire from spreading any further.

FOX 12 spoke to the crew's supervisor, Brent Olson. He says the terrain is going to be challenging with the Jack Fire but says they'll do all they can to corral the fire as quickly as possible, saying that's the key to stopping it from becoming a mega-fire, which is a big concern for any fire this year.

"Normally we see these types of fire conditions in late August. These fires are moving very quickly on the landscape, so even just driving in here through different communities, that haven't been impacted yet we see the potential and we see a lot of fuels that are ready to ignite," Olson said.

Olson says that's why it's so important to keep wildfires small and contained as much as possible. Crew 30 joins other crews from the U.S. Forest Service, along with highly-trained hot shot crews, working on the Jack Fire as well.

Olson says Crew 30 is prepared to be there for a full two weeks if needed.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, OR (KPTV) - Steven Pokallus was a great father and always willing to lend a hand to those who needed it.

"My dad was my Mr. Mom. He was my dad, he was my mom he was everything," Nonie Hansen, his daughter, said.

Wednesday night, Hansen remembered her dad fondly after attending his funeral service.

"He would tell you like it was, he had no problem telling you like it was, but he'd be the same guy who'd help anybody out. Very thick-headed and stubborn, but he had a huge heart."

Pokallus was one of nine people in Washington County to have died as a result of last week's heat wave, according to the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office.

Hansen said she checked in on her dad before the heat wave hit, and he reassured her that he was prepared.

Oregon learning more about lives lost during historic heat wave PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) - As the state of Oregon continues to learn more about the lives lost du

"I even asked him, 'It's going to get real hot - you know? What are you going to do? Are you going to stay cool enough out there?' she said. "Because the last I knew, he didn't have any air conditioner. He's like 'yeah! I got two air conditioners', and I'm like 'OK.' Come to find out, he didn't have anything but little fans."

She never expected to lose him like this and said if you can check on your neighbors, you should.

"Neighbors checking on neighbors, friends checking on friends. I mean even if you don't live right next door, just a quick text or phone call. Just something to make sure everybody is doing okay. If they say it's getting really hot, help them get to a cooler place," she said.

The state medical examiner's office says their preliminary numbers currently show 116 people have died after last week's heat wave and they're still investigating.
The Idaho Lottery celebrated 32 years of entertainment and games by returning the single largest annual dividend to the People of Idaho, $72.5 million. The Idaho Lotterys announcement came during a public ceremony held at Iowa Elementary School in the Nampa School District with Idaho Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Lottery Commission. Read more
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Missouri Governor Mike Parson recently signed the Wayfair bill into law. The bill is designed to help encourage people to shop at small businesses instead of shopping online.

"Passing Wayfair legislation has been a top priority of my administration, and we are happy to be signing this critical legislation into law today," Governor Parson said. "This law will help even the playing field between Missouri small businesses and large out-of-state retailers. With more than 570,000 small businesses in the state of Missouri, it is time that we establish a 21st century tax code that benefits our Main Street businesses rather than companies that don't invest in our communities or employ our citizens."

One local business owner understands the ease of shopping online, but wants people to shop local as much as they can, saying "they are your neighbors."

"I look at it more as evening the playing field," Ashley Hess, Co-owner of Juniper Lane. "I always want to encourage others to shop local, support local. All it does is feed money back into the community, into our neighborhoods, and into our schools."

For Hess, this comes just at the right time, as she and her co-owner Jamie Donaldson just opened their shop in March.

"We actually had started as a pop-up business. And that was kind of our goal. We were just going to kind of pop up randomly, pick our own hours," said the Juniper Lane owner. "But finding locations and a good place to really generate that crowd I guess I should say kind of was difficult. Then this place became available and we sat on it for about month and we're like, 'we're doing it.'"

The two met in college and bonded over their passion for design and eclectic items, and because of the pandemic, their dream became a reality.

"Covid kind of gave us the initiative and opened up opportunities for us," Hess said.

Before the Wayfair bill, Missouri was the only state where out-of-state online retailers didn't have to follow the same sales tax laws as in-state businesses. By signing the bill, Gov. Parson said it is leveling the playing field for small businesses, adding that Missouri is now ranked 7th in the United State of America for people wanting to shop and start up a business.

"I just hope that it gives the initiative for people, instead of buying one item online, they can go right down the street and get that same item," Hess added. "There's not a competition that way. If you're going to support, support in your own hometown if you can."

Juniper Lane is located off of Frederick Avenue in downtown St. Joe. The store focuses on interior design and eclectic items. Hess said they also offer interior design services for customers wanting to redecorate.

The Wayfair Bill goes into effect on January 1st, 2023.

For more information on the Wayfair Bill (SB 153 & 97) click here.
A Mexican national who has been deported seven times after illegally entering the United States was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a Daviess County, Missouri, marijuana-growing operation where law enforcement officers seized nearly $10 million worth of plants.

Sergio Medina-Perez, 47, of El Monte, California, was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole. This federal sentence must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed as a result of his violation of probation in an unrelated California case. Medina-Perez pleaded guilty in California to being a felon in possession of a firearm, cultivating marijuana and resisting arrest for a marijuana grow operation in Shasta County, Calif. He received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on three years probation, but indicted eight months later in this federal case.

The court also ordered Medina-Perez to forfeit the Daviess County property to the government.

On Feb. 3, 2021, Medina-Perez pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and to possess marijuana plants with the intent to distribute. Medina-Perez also pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported following a felony conviction.

Law enforcement officers, who had been keeping the marijuana grow site under surveillance, executed a search warrant at the property on Aug. 27, 2018. The plants were in a clearing inside a large area of timber. A distinct path led from a building in the wooded area to the area containing the marijuana plants.

Officers located approximately 2,464 cultivated marijuana plants. With an approximate street value of $1,800 per pound of marijuana, this results in approximately $9,757,440 in marijuana plants seized.

Two days later, on Aug. 29, 2018, Medina-Perez was arrested near the grow site. He told law enforcement that he came to Missouri from California to work as a trimmer at the marijuana grow operation and was paid $100 for every pound of marijuana that he trimmed.

Medina-Perez has been deported from the United States on seven previous occasions.

Co-defendant Miguel Pulido-Maldonado, also known as Mona, 30, ran into the woods to escape custody but was arrested on Aug. 30, 2018; he was covered in mud, his arms had numerous bites from either mosquitos or other insects and it appeared he had been outside for several days. Pulido-Maldonado had previously illegally entered the United States and was removed on Jan. 30, 2017. Pulido-Maldonado was sentenced to three years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to illegally reentering the United States.
(ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo.) An Omaha, Nebraska woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday night in Atchison County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 38-year-old Jovannah Ross, of Omaha, was driving northbound on Interstate 29, three miles south of Rock Port, when she began to slide, crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes. Ross' passenger side of the vehicle then struck 34-year-old Emily Ptacnik, of Omaha.

Ross was pronounced dead at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt.

Ptacnik and three juvenile passengers were all taken to Mosaic Life Care with minor injuries. All four were wearing a seat belt.
Nominate an inspirational senior between ages 60 and 69 to be featured on the ArkLaTex 60 Strong Calendar
UPDATE: JULY 10 AT 5:38 P.M.

Red Lodge Fire Rescue reports rescuers believe lost hiker, Tatum Morell, did not survive.

Rescuers have been searching for nearly a week for Tatum in the mountains near Red Lodge, and now believe it is unlikely she is still alive.

It is believed that Tatum had a tragic accident and was unable to activate her inReach device, the update said.

Since July 5, rescuers have been searching the rugged mountains that rise above 12,000 feet, the search area containing countless rock fields, car-sized boulders, scree fields and snowfields.

Mountain rescue teams, search dog teams, and ground search teams have put hundreds of rescue hours into searching the area, including searching all possible routes, mountain peaks, ridges, as well as the area around her tent according to Red Lodge Fire.

Efforts to find Tatum also included multiple aerial searches by Red Lodge Fire Rescue, the Yellowstone County Sheriffs office, Two Bear Air, the Army National Guard, and Gallatin County SAR.

Multiple high-resolution visual and infrared cameras, cellphone tracking and Recco technologies were used as well.

The update says searching the area requires technical experience and advanced backcountry knowledge, and due to the size of the search area and the difficulty of the terrain, the search is extremely dangerous to rescuers.

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of thousands of places that Tate could have gotten into trouble on these rugged mountains when the storms came into the area on Friday, said Incident commander Tom Kuntz. After the extensive search efforts, we do not believe she survived

Tate was a fiercely independent, adventurous soul who loved the mountains. We find some solace in knowing she passed in a place she loved, Tatums family added.

Search efforts will continue, however, on a limited but continuous basis for the foreseeable future the update says.

The following is from Red Lodge Fire Rescues update Saturday:

Tatums family, the Carbon County Sheriff's office, and Red Lodge Fire Rescue appreciate all of the efforts of the supporting agencies and organizations: Yellowstone County Sheriff, Gallatin County SAR, Park County WY SAR, Big Horn County SAR, , the US Forest Service, the Army National Guard, Montana FWP, Palisades Ranches, Jackson Hole Search Dogs, Absaroka Search Dogs, Western Montana Search Dogs, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, MSU Police, Garmin InReach, Gaia GPS, the many people who volunteered time to search and support the effort and the many people who have offered their assistance. The family asks that people who wish to help in search efforts or commemorate Tatums life please make donations in her honor to Red Lodge Fire Rescue at redlodgefire.com.

UPDATE: JULY 9 AT 11:05 A.M.

The search area for lost hiker, Tatum Morell, has been expanded as search teams have yet to find any signs of the 23-year-old.

Rescuers have expanded the search area to include areas adjacent ot the original 15 square mile area in case she became disoriented or had to retreat from the high altitude routes due to weather an update from Red Lodge Fire said.

A National Guard helicopter will join the search Friday night in order to provide high-resolution images of the area for more detailed analysis by rescuers. The images will be used to help direct ground searchers.

Rescue crews have been extensively utilizing helicopters, mountain rescue teams, dog teams, and ground search teams in an attempt to locate the missing 23-year-old hiker, the update said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

CARBON COUNTY, Mont. - Search crews say 23-year-old Tatum Morell has been missing since Friday, July 2. Crews are beginning their fourth day of searching for her. As of 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan says they haven't found her yet. Professional rescuers, dog teams and helicopters are being used to look for her.

"This is a very complicated search in a highly technical area of the Beartooth Absaroka wilderness area," Red Lodge Fire Rescue Chief Tom Kuntz said. "This young woman was trying to climb five peaks over 12,000 feet. So, obviously, that's no short task. So, our search area, in fact includes six 12,000 foot peaks that are right in the area there."

Morell is an experienced hiker who set up her tent in the Shadow Lake area.

Search crews are looking in a 15 square mile area. And, Kuntz said they may extend the search area.

The search area includes elevations starting at 9500 feet all the way up to 12,000 feet. Due to the challenging terrain, they are only using professional rescuers.

He said they are very grateful for help from multiple counties in Montana and Wyoming. Thirty-five people, 3 dog teams and three helicopters have been helping in the search.

One of those dog teams includes Heather Walker and Search Dog Storm. Walker said:

"When somebody's hurt or missing, that's what we do. We spend two days a week training the dogs, so that they can go find people if they are lost or injured."

More information from the Carbon County Sheriff's Office can be found here. More information from Red Lodge Fire Rescue can be found here.
PRINEVILLE, Ore. - Prineville Police are asking people in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana to be on the lookout for a missing Oregon woman.

Prineville Police said 83-year-old Betty Counts was reported missing on Saturday by her husband. She reported left their home after an argument.

Earlier, she had mentioned possibly visiting a friend in Eugene Oregon, but prior to leaving she said she may visit her granddaughter in Kennewick, Washington. Betty had also mentioned visiting a family member in Montana.

Counts spoke with her husband on Saturday over the phone from Coeur d'Alene after he reported her missing but no one has heard from her since.

Later, Counts called 911 in Ephrata saying she was lost around 1:03 a.m.

Counts is described as 5'6" about 165 pounds, grey hair, green eyes and wearing jean shorts.

She is driving a white, Infiniti, EX3, with Oregon License Plate 873MNT.

Counts has her white Lhasa Apso named Max with her.

If you see her you are asked to call 911.
Jacinda Ardern has broken ranks with some of her international counterparts and declared New Zealand is not going to 'learn to live' with the pandemic.

Many leaders and health officials have urged against the idea of zero cases of coronavirus and insisted it will essentially be like the flu in the coming years.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to scrap social distancing rules on July 19.

While many welcomed the move, the PM said Britain had to 'learn to live' with Covid-19 and warned we could soon be seeing up to 50,000 cases a day and more deaths.

He added that the UK 'must reconcile ourselves' to the idea that the coronavirus won't be eliminated.

Credit: PA

But Mr Johnson's Kiwi counterpart doesn't think that situation is acceptable for her citizens and won't be following suit.

During a press conference, Ms Ardern was asked about the UK's approach, where she said: "Different countries are taking different choices. 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."

The country's Covid-19 response minister, Chris Hipkins, added: "That's not something that we have been willing to accept in New Zealand.

"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.

Related video:

"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.'"

Kiwi authorities have also hinted they wouldn't be afraid to restrict the number of flights from the UK if case numbers did start to go up.

New Zealand was quick to do that when India experienced a massive outbreak of the coronavirus and Director-general of health, Ashley Bloomfield, said they will be watching the situation closely.

"If they do get an increase in cases, we will be keeping a close eye on what that means for the risk of people traveling from the UK and that will inform our decisions here," he said.

While New Zealand continues to edge towards a zero cases style world, Australia is moving more towards the UK.
Title: Giorno memoria: al via cerimonia in Senato Alt text: [No Value] Credit: FABIO FRUSTACI / Z23 Copyright holder: ANSA Assign rights: Archivio ANSA Copyright notice: ANSA ROME, JUL 8 - The Senate on Thursday gave final approval to a Constitutional reform that brings down the voting age for the Upper House from 25 to 18. The reform means that there will not longer be different voting ages for the Senate and the Lower House. The law, however, will not be promulgated for at least three months to allow time for requests for eventual confirmatory referendum as the reform was not approved by the two-thirds needed in the Lower House to make this unnecessary. (ANSA).
ROME, JUL 8 - The World Health Organization's warning that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over was "right", Health Minister Roberto Speranza said Thursday. "The WHO's words of caution are those that I have been repeating for a long time: the pandemic is not over, we must have great prudence and attention above all for the variants which elements of further concern in a framework that must be followed with great attention," Speranza said on the sidelines of the Farmindustria annual general meeting. "There is a notably better picture with respect to that which we have known in previous months but we must keep our guard high". Speranza added that there was an "understandable" debate about the speed and scope of Italy's vaccine rollout but stressed that "we must look at the numbers, day by day. "And every day we are over the 500,000 doses administered." With regard to Britain's decision to reopen despite the steady rise of the more infectious Delta variant, Speranza said "we chose a line on April 26, which is a line of gradualness and prudence and taking it step by step with the utmost caution. And this line has borne fruit." The minister underscored that "we must work to restart in the safest way possible". (ANSA).
MILAN, JUL 8 - A VIP broker who scammed former Italy, Chelsea and Inter boss Antonio Conte was arrested in the Indonesia capital Jakarta on Thursday. Among the other VIP victims of financial consultant Massimo Bochicchio was former Juve and Italy manager Marcelllo Lippi. Bochicchio is accused of scamming some 30.6 million euros from Conte. An arrest warrant for international money laundering had been issued by a Milan judge months ago for Bochicchio, who was last in Italy a year ago. Police seized some 10.9 million euros of his assets recently. An extradition request is expected to be filed shortly. (ANSA).
ROME, JUL 8 - Italian farmers took to the street in front of parliament and across the country Thursday to protest what they say is an "invasion" by wild boars into farmland and cities all over Italy. Farm group Coldiretti said that during the COVID year the number of wild boar straying onto farms and roving the outskirts of Italian cities had risen by 15% to a record total of 2.3 million animals. Coldiretti published what it called a "tragic" toll of one incident caused by the boar every 48 hours in a year of COVID. There have been 16 victims of wild boar incidents in the past year, and 215 people injured, Coldiretti said. The number of car crashes cause by animals on Italian provincial roads has risen by 81% over the past 10 years, the farmers association said. Farmers, animal breeders and shepherds from all over Italy gathered in all of Italy's 20 regional capitals starting in Rome where they rallied outside the parliament building, Montecitorio. They said they want to "stop a calamity that destroys crops, attacks animals, besieges stables and causes road accidents, with concrete dangers for farmers and citizens". A group of young farmers dressed up in boar costumes stopped MPs and explained to them the "emergency situation" they have to face each day. Other farmers brought fruit, salad ingredients and cereal crops that had been completely destroyed by boar. The protesters also held up life-size cut-outs of boar to show politicians how scary an encounter with the animals can be. They also waved banners reading "After COVID, the plague of boar", "We sow, the boar reap", "Let's defend our land" and "Town and country united against wild boar". Many city mayors came to Montecitorio, as well as ordinary citizens worried about what they called "a full-blown emergency". photo: Banner reads "We sow, the boar reap" (ANSA).
ROME, JUL 8 - The Italian foreign ministry on Thursday condemned the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and called for stability in the Caribbean island nation. "Italy, hearing with dismay the news of the heinous assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, firmly condemns the attack on the heart of Haitian institutions, expresses sincere condolences to the president's family and the Haitian people and hopes that the culprits of this crime are brought to justice as soon as possible," said the Farnesina. "Italy appeals to all the Haitian actors and political forces to preserve the delicate political balance, prevent tensions and ensure the country's institutional stability and the safety and security of the population". (ANSA).
ROME, JUL 8 - Carabinieri police posed as priests to catch fake Vatican brokers, sources said Thursday. The cops dressed in frocks arrested the group of false intermediaries who met victims near the Vatican or in Rome churches to pocket tens of thousands of euros in down-payments for non-existent transactions, relying on the Holy See's financial cachet, police said. The gang of scammers were finally caught after their umpteenth con as they were trying to flee from the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, in Rome's central Piazza Esedra, not far from Termini Station. (ANSA).
Stunning furnished luxury home offering in highly sought-after Villages subdivision w/over 4600 s.f., including 2 master suites (one on each level) & two huge living areas. Main level living w/TWO bedrooms on main level instead of the typical one...making those guests who cannot do steps easily feel more at ease. Everyone will LOVE the recently remodeled kitchen w/more cabinets than you'll ever need; huge quartz topped island w/bar seating, prep sink & tons of serving space; & eat in breakfast nook w/seating for 12+ people. Main level master suite was also remodeled & includes jetted tub w/separate tiled walk in shower & huge walk in California closet. Lower level is perfect entertaining area w/large family room & impressive wet bar offering separate wine/beverage fridges, icemaker, & dishwasher! Guests will fight over the LL master suite & kids will love the two guest bedrooms w/shared bath. Park your cruiser (year round deep water) & enjoy the day on your dock in this superb cove!
New quarantine measures introduced by the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka with effect from 7 July 2021.

For further information

Circular issued by DIrector General Health Services in English

Circular issued by Civil Aviation Authority in EnglishCircular issued by Civil Aviation Authority in English
Thiruvananthapuram, July 8: Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continue to rage in Kerala, state Health Minister Veena George on Thursday said Zika virus cases have been detected in the state.

"This is the first time that Zika virus has been reported in Kerala, a 24-year-old pregnant woman reported at a hospital in the state capital district with fever, headache and rashes last month. The first results showed a mild positive sign of Zika virus and later from 19 samples tested, 13 also showed Zika positive. All the samples have now been sent to NIV Pune," she said. COVID-19 Vaccination in India: Nearly 36.48 Crore Vaccine Doses Administered So Far, Says Health Ministry

"The Health Department and the district authorities are seized of the issue and have taken measures by collecting samples of the Aedes species mosquitoes, which transmits it to people through its bite. All the districts have been alerted about this and measures have started," George added.

Zika virus can create complications for pregnant women.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2021 07:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Vivo, the Chinese smartphone maker is rumoured to launch its V21 SE smartphone soon. Ahead of its launch, specifications of the device have been reportedly spotted on the AI Benchmark website. The company launched its V21 Series in April 2021 as the successor to Vivo V20 Series. The smartphone was reportedly spotted on Geekbench and Google Play Console websites which suggest Snapdragon 720G as its processor. Vivo V21 SE is expected to sport similar specifications as that of Vivo V21 but with a lower price. Vivo V21 5G Now Available for Online Sale via Flipkart & official Vivo Website, Check Offers Here.

In terms of specifications, Vivo V21 SE is likely to feature a 6.58-inch full HD+ waterdrop notch display with a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels. As mentioned earlier, as per certification websites, the handset will come powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G with at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

For optics, it will come equipped with a triple rear camera system comprising a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2MP depth shooter. At the front, there could be a 32MP snapper for selfies and video calls. Vivo V21 SE might be fuelled by a 4,100mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2021 03:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Authorities stated that a 77-year-old woman in Phoenix died Tuesday after being mauled to death on her front porch by her neighbor's dogs.

The man was arrested Tuesday morning after police stated that his dogs attacked and killed his neighbor in south Phoenix.

According to AZCentral, Phoenix police stated that at around 7 a.m. Tuesday, officers responded to reports of a woman being attacked by four large Staffordshire Terrier dogs just outside of her home near Sixth Street and Broadway Road. Officers and fire crews who responded at the scene found the woman, who was later on identified as 77-year-old Maria Ruiz. Ruiz suffered multiple wounds on her body.

Authorities immediately transported Ruiz to a local hospital. However, based on the statement from the Phoenix police, she later died from her injuries.

Moreover, a neighbor who asked for identity not to be disclosed stated that the dogs escaped several times. The neighbor also shared that they called the police in the past with the same related incident.

The neighbor added that the dogs have been violent and unruly before, and now, she has to grieve her neighbor's death. The neighbor stated that she was terrified by the incident because the victim was just sitting on the porch and wasn't even walking.

Another neighbor shared that situation related to the dogs has been so bad. She stated that she had to quickly pull her 2-year-old daughter inside. The neighbor added that she picked her daughter up by one arm and literally dragged her and ran inside the house while the dogs came and tried to attack the fence, AZ Family reported.

ALSO READ: Florida Condo Collapse Leaves Pet Owners Desperate Over Their Missing Emotional-Support Animals

The Dog Owner

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control captured and took custody of his dogs. The MCACC stated that the four large Staffordshire Terrier dogs belonged to 33-year-old Alejandro Hernandez. Based on MCACC, they were called out in February 2020 after five of Hernandez's dogs broke loose. At the time, he was issued seven license warnings for the dogs on the property. Then in April this year, Animal Care was called out again when two of Hernandez's dogs escaped. The Animal Care even told him at least once to fix a gate to keep the dogs inside his yard.

During an interview, the owner of the dogs, Hernandez, told police that his dogs had a history of escaping and attacking neighbors in the past. Hernandez was arrested and booked into county jail on suspicion of negligent homicide. The case is under investigation. Arizona state law defines it as causing the death of another person with criminal negligence.

In 2011, Arizona passed a law that penalizes people who knowingly own aggressive dogs with a history of biting people. Owners can face felony charges if they "know or have reason to know that their dog has a history of biting or a propensity to cause injury" to another individual.

RELATED ARTICLE: 10-Month-Old Baby Dies After Being Mauled by Family's 2 Rottweilers

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Written by Jess Smith

WATCH: Woman on porched mauled to death in south Phoenix - azfamily powered by 3TV & CBS5AZ


Haiti's President Jovenel Moise has been assassinated after an attack on his home in the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince based on the statement of the country's interim prime minister Claude Joseph.

Based on Claude Joseph, the president's home in Port-au-Prince was stormed by unidentified armed men at around 01:00 local time (05:00 GMT). Haiti's First Lady Martine Moise was also injured in the attack.

According to BBC, interim prime minister Claude Joseph stated that they have done all measures to guarantee the continuance of the state. Joseph confirmed that the president was fatally shot in the 'heinous, inhuman and barbaric act.' Despite the news that shocked the whole country, the Haitian prime minister called for the public to remain calm.

ALSO READ: U.S. to Increase Travel Restrictions to 80% of the World to Curb COVID-19 Transmission

A Rocky Presidential Term

His predecessor, Michel Martelly, stepped down in February 2016, The 53-year-old Haitian President Jovenel Moise had been in power since February 2017.

However, during his time in office, Moise faced a number of corruption accusations. The Haitian President was challenged by waves of protests violently done by anti-government groups. There were widespread protests in Port-au-Prince and other cities earlier this year, as people demanded Moise's resignation.

Also, Haiti's opposition stated that Mr. Moise's five-year term should have ended on February 7, 2021. It was exactly five years to the day since Martelly stepped down in his presidential seat.

However, Moise insisted that he had one more year to serve as he did not take office until after a year. The delay in his term was caused by allegations of electoral fraud, which eventually saw the result of the 2015 election being annulled and fresh polls being held, which were won by Moise.

On February 7, during the day that his opponents said his term should have ended, the Haitian President stated that a "coup to overthrow his government and assassinate him" had been foiled.

U.S. Dubs Moise's Assassination a 'Horrific Crime'

The United States condemned the assassination of Moise calling it a 'horrific crime'. The White House announced on Wednesday that the US is still assessing the attack and added that U.S. President Joe Biden would be briefed of the assassination.

In a report by Reuters, Jen Psaki, press secretary of the White House told MNBC that they are still gathering information and assessing what happened in what she called a 'tragic tragedy'.

Moreover, Psaki expressed that the U.S. government supports the people of Haiti during such a difficult time. She also added that the U.S. is ready to provide any assistance that Haiti may need.

Psaki also emphasized that the U.S. Embassy will be in touch with Haiti's State Department for any development about the attack. She also added that Haitians should know that the U.S. will stand ready to provide aid.

The U.S. has been accused by Haiti's opposition of being tolerant of Moise's policies because of his support for U.S. foreign police. The U.S. is also known to be Haiti's top foreign donor.

RELATED ARTICLE: Haiti Prime Minister Steps Down As Country Faces Political Crisis, President Appoints New PM

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Jess Smith

WATCH: Haiti president Jovenel Moise assassinated (Prime Minister office)  FRANCE 24 English
Robert Downey Jr., the popular actor behind Iron Man, is currently confusing "Marvel" fans after he unfollowed his MCU co-stars on Instagram. As of the moment, the "Avenger" actor is only following a total of 43 people on the giant social media platform.

On the other hand, he still has more than 50 million followers. The ones he is still following include Damien Hirst, one of the band members of "The 1975," and other well-known names.

As of the moment, Robert Downey Jr. still hasn't commented on the recent activity of his IG account. Since this is quite a serious matter for many MCU fans, some of them shared their thoughts on Twitter.

"In addition to dusting Thanos and his army out of existence, Robert DowneyJr. dusted his #Marvel co-stars on Instagram," said one of the Twitter users via Yahoo Movies.

"I wasn't ready for RDJ to unfollow the whole Marvel cast, it's like the end of an era," added another one.

Why Robert Downey Jr. Unfollows His MCU Co-Stars?

According to Digital Spy's latest report, Robert Downey Jr. still follows his "Marvel" co-stars on Twitter. These include Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Holland, and Chris Evans.

On the other hand, these actors also did not comment on the Instagram issue that MCU fans are going crazy about. Aside from this, Comicbook reported that Robert Downey Jr. is not actually the one that unfollowed the "Marvel" actors.

READ MORE: HBO's 'The Last of Us' Star Pedro Pascal Reacts on Nico Parker's Casting

Some rumors claimed that he is not the one currently handling his IG account. Since this is the case, there's a high chance that Robert Downey Jr.'s manager is the one that did the unfollowing activity on Instagram.

Another thing that makes this more believable is that his manager currently prefers to focus on the current projects of Downey instead of looking back into the past days in Marvel Cinematics Universe.

Currently, Robert Downey Jr. is working as an executive producer on Netflix, together with his wife, Susan. The actor also hasn't commented yet if there's a chance that he would return to MCU.

Other Issues Of Downey

Aside from unfollowing MCU co-stars, Robert Downey Jr. also had a more serious issue since it includes sexualization. CBR reported that the producer of "Iron Man 2" was not really happy with how he sexualized Black Widow.

Producer Victoria Alonso also shared her feelings regarding Downey's inappropriate behavior towards Black Widow, saying she is not a thing. The issue happens after Tony Stark or Iron Man started to scroll his eyes through Black Widow or Natasha Romanoff and then said "I want one," which clearly means that he describes her as an object.

READ NEXT: Ben Simmons Seen Kissing His New Girlfriend at Wimbledon

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Former U.S. President Donald announced that he is filing a lawsuit against Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and their respective Big Tech CEOs over issues concerning censorship.

The lawsuit alleges that the social media companies have violated Trump's First Amendment rights in suspending his accounts, according to The Daily Wire report.

He also argued that Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube should no longer be considered private companies but "a state actor."

Trump said during a press conference in New Jersey that they are asking the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to immediately halt social media companies' "illegal and shameful" censorship of the American people.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Slams Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Over Border Crisis, Hints at 2024 Run in Ohio Rally

Big Tech Lawsuit

The suit is being filed by nonprofit group America First Policy Institute. It focuses on aiding Trump's policies, according to a Washington Examiner report.

AFPI President and CEO Brooke Rollins and board chair Linda McMahon had both accompanied Trump during the announcement of the lawsuit.

The class-action lawsuits will let Trump represent a larger group of affected people that he says have been unfairly censored by content moderation policies.

Trump noted that they are demanding to end the shadow-banning, to stop the silencing, blacklisting, and canceling, Tech Times reported. He added that they are standing up for the freedom of speech of all Americans, may it be Republican, Democrat, or independent.

The First Amendment's freedom of speech protections does not apply to private organizations and platforms like Facebook or Twitter.

The former president is completely banned from Twitter. In addition, he is banned from Facebook for another two years, according to an Axios report.

Facebook and Twitter had refused to comment regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, social media platform Parler lauded the president's move against the Big Tech companies and their CEOs. Parler said in a statement that there is something very wrong about the platforms' biased "authoritarian content-moderation policies," adding that people should not be outsourcing their critical thinking skills to anyone, according to a Fox News report.

The right-wing platform also noted that they believe some form of government intervention is needed to rectify the situation.

Parler is a favorite among Trump supporters and was the target of Big Tech when it was de-platformed by Amazon, Apple, and Google after the January 6 Capitol riot. It was later reinstated by Apple on its app store after Parler was forced to revise its user policy.

Trump Accounts Suspended

A Twitter senior executive said in February that Trump's ban on the social media platform is going to be applied even if he runs for the White House again and even if he won.

Twitter's chief financial officer, Ned Segal, said that when someone is removed from the platform, they are removed from the platform based on the way their policies work, according to The Guardian report.

Segal added that this applies whether someone is a commentator, a CFO, or a former or public official. He said that their policies are designed to make sure people are not inciting violence.

Meanwhile, Facebook announced in June that Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts may be reinstated in January 2023. The company said in a blog post that they will evaluate external factors such as instances of violence, restriction on peaceful assembly, and other markers of civil unrest, according to a CNBC report.

Facebook said that if Trump is allowed back on the platform, there will be a strict set of sanctions if the former president further violates the company's content moderation rules.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asks Joe Biden to Pass a Message to Old Friend Vladimir Putin Whom He Says He Trusts More Than U.S. Intelligence

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Written by Mary Webber

WATCH: Trump is suing big tech: Facebook, Twitter, & Google calling for end to 'un-American' cancel culture - from The Sun






Haitian authorities said they had arrested and killed some of the "presumed assassins" responsible for the murder of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise.

Jovenel Moise was killed in an assassinated attack at his home in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, July 7. Haiti's Communications Secretary Frantz Exantus announced the arrest on Twitter, adding that the details of the apprehension would follow, The New York Times reported.

The president's wife, Martine Moise, was also shot during the assassination, the interim prime minister Claude Joseph said in a statement. Martine Moise was transferred to a hospital in southern Florida for treatment.

Joseph said a group of unidentified people attacked the private residence of Jovenel Moise. He added that some of the members of the group were speaking Spanish.

Haitian officials said in a press conference that two were arrested while police fatally shot four suspects, Axios reported.

Meanwhile, the three police officers held hostage by the suspected gunmen were freed, according to the chief of Haiti's National Police, Leon Charles. Police and military forces are in control of the security, according to Joseph.

The Haitian ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, said foreign mercenaries and professional killers executed the attack, Associated Press reported.

Edmond added that the killers disguised themselves as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

READ NEXT: Haiti President Assassination: Armed Men Fatally Shot President Jovenel Moise at His Home

Upheaval in Haiti

Before Jovenel Moise was assassinated, organized crime leader Jimmy Cherizier called on gangs to take on the government over its failures to address poverty.

Jean-Max Bellerive, a former Haitian prime minister, said that what happened looks like execution and not a coup d'etat, Business Insider reported.

Bellerive noted that it could start looking like a coup d'etat if the interim prime minister starts taking charge of everything without trying to achieve consensus.

The Dominican Republic said that it was closing the border and ramping up its security.

Political Turmoil in Haiti

The main opposition parties said they were greatly dismayed about the killing, adding that it condemns the heinous crime against democratic principles.

Alex Dupuy, a Haiti-born sociologist at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, said that Joseph is likely to lead Haiti for now.

Governments in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe expressed their concern about Haiti's situation. The president was killed after he nominated Ariel Henry as the new prime minister.

Joseph said he had spoken three times with Henry, and they agreed that Joseph would be in charge for now. Joseph said that he was the one who was a prime minister in office, noting that this is what the law and constitution state.

However, Henry appears to be in contrast to what Joseph was saying. AP News reported that Henry said there was a bit of confusion and that he is the prime minister in office.

Opposition leaders had claimed Jovenel Moise was seeking to increase his power, which includes approving a decree that limited the powers of a court that audits government contracts.

Jovenel Moise was also reportedly seeking to create an intelligence agency that answers only to the president.

Gang violence was also increasing in Port-au-Prince, with food and fuel becoming scarcer. The country has 60 percent of the population making less than $2 a day.

READ MORE: Haiti Gang Led by an Ex-Cop Declares 'Revolution' as Violence Surge Fueled by Poverty

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WATCH: Haiti President Jovenel Moise Assassinated By 'Highly Trained and Heavily Armed Group' - From CNBC Television
The Los Angeles County marked a historic bust of more than $1 billion worth of illegal marijuana in areas connected to Mexican drug cartels.

Despite the large amount, authorities said the seized marijuana was only a fraction of the illicit grows in the region, Fox News reported.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva made the announcement in a press conference held on Wednesday, July 7, in which Villanueva detailed the 10-day operation that the officers underwent.

The operation confiscated about 373,000 marijuana plants and some 33,480 pounds of harvested pot with a value of nearly $1.2 billion, NBC Los Angeles reported.

READ NEXT: Over $50M Worth of Meth Tied to a Mexican Drug Cartel Seized, Florida Sheriff Says

Fox News reported that the authorities made at least 131 arrests during the course of operation in Antelope Valley, located in the north of Los Angeles. At least 65 vehicles were also confiscated, and at least 180 animals were rescued.

Villanueva noted that they wanted to send a message to the drug cartels and anyone who operates in the high desert that their days are over, and they are coming after the operators of the illegal marijuana-growing areas.

Los Angeles Officials Discovers Marijuana Growing Areas Tied to Mexican Drug Cartels

Villanueva noted that the proliferation of illegal marijuana in the area of Mojave Desert posed dangers as many of the illegal marijuana farms in the area were connected to Mexican drug cartels and other organized crime groups.

California Representative Mike Garcia echoed what Villanueva said as he described the discovered areas during the operations as a large-scale illegal operation that different drug cartels ran in their land.

Authorities noted that armed groups ran the illegal operations in multiple greenhouses, and they expanded on the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, Villanueva said that about 150 illegal marijuana-growing areas were identified in Antelope Valley. This year, an additional 500 were discovered by the officials.

The operation held by the Los Angeles officials demolished around 205 illegal grows of marijuana, which amounted to 40 percent of the 500 that were discovered this year.

"I saw hundreds, if not thousands, of these illegal nurseries throughout our desert being manned by primary illegal immigrants," said Garcia, adding that 90 percent of the folks who serve in the said farms were servants.

Implications of the Illegal Marijuana Growing Areas in Los Angeles County

Officials underscored that illegal marijuana grows in remote areas can affect the environment and the farmers and residents in the area.

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger noted that the amount of trash, debris, pesticides, and chemicals go to the environment and enters the food chain.

"The trash is strewn for miles and the wind carries it throughout the desert and the impact of it is incalculable," Barger noted.

Apart from the environment, Villanueva noted that crime has also grown in the growing sites of marijuana, stating the murder victims in July of the previous year "discovered adjacent to an area of illegal marijuana growth."

In the press conference, the Los Angeles Sheriff further noted that another murder victim was recently found buried in the desert of Los Angeles, where the suspect was connected to an illegal marijuana growth in Lake Los Angeles.

Los Angeles authorities said that illegal marijuana growers steal millions of gallons of water through illegal wells or take them under cover of night from the wells maintained by local alfalfa, potato, and carrot farmers.

READ MORE: 'Rules are Rules': Says President Joe Biden on Sha'Carri Richardson's Tokyo Olympics Suspension

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WATCH: $1.19 Billion Worth of Marijuana Seized in Massive Drug Bust in California - From CBS News
Authorities said at least 71 people have gone missing on the so-called "highway of death" in Mexico this year, and it's being linked to Mexican drug cartels.

It was the local media that dubbed the highway between Mexico's industrial hub of Monterrey and the border city of Nuevo Laredo as the "highway of death."

Relatives of the victims earlier estimated that at least half a dozen of those missing are U.S. residents. They had also placed the number of disappeared so far this year at around 50, Associated Press reported.

Most of the missing are men who are driving trucks or taxis on the "highway of death," according to Karla Quintana, head of Mexico's National Search Commission.

Women and children driving private cars are also missing. Quintana said the disappearances might be linked to turf wars between the Jalisco Cartel and Northeast Cartel.

READ NEXT: 2 Men Found 'Crucified' in Mexico as Jalisco Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel's Bloody Turf War Goes On

Mexico's 'Highway of Death'

According to another AP News, activist Angelic Orozco said it is no longer between clashing Mexican drug cartels as the groups already involve and attack the public.

One of those who disappeared is Jose de Jesus Gomez. Gomez was from Irving, Texas, and was reported missing after he set off on the "highway of death" on June 3.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office in San Antonio, Texas had earlier issued a bulletin seeking information on the disappearance of a Laredo, Texas woman. She was identified as Gladys Perez Sanchez, who was missing with her 16-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter.

They were also last seen passing on the highway on June 13. They visited their relatives in Sabinas Hidalgo and were returning to Texas when they disappeared.

In the past months, activists said some men reappeared alive and badly beaten after being abducted on the "highway of death." Most of them said that armed men forced them to stop on the highway and took their vehicles.

On June 23, officials of Nuevo Leon state, where Monterrey is located, warned people against traveling on the highway. They have also increased policing and security in the area and are searching for missing people.

According to Quintana, investigations are focusing on the area near where the highway enters Nuevo Laredo, where the Northeast Cartel has long dominated.

Orozco said the disappearances mark the comeback of a dark age during Mexico's drug war. In 2011, drug cartel gunmen in the neighboring state of Tamaulipas dragged passengers off the buses.

The gunmen then forced each of them to fight each other to death with sledgehammers. In May, United Forces of Our Disappeared issued a press release, cautioning the public of the dangers on the "highway of death."

The Jalisco Cartel

Jalisco Cartel is a criminal group that emerged after Mexican security forces killed former Sinaloa Cartel capo Ignacio Coronel in July 2010.

Since then, the group has been associated with the use of extreme violence. Homicides, force disappearances, and discoveries of mass graves had increased in Jalisco state.

The Jalisco Cartel had also claimed responsibility for a 2011 massacre which included 35 people in Veracruz state, Insight Crime reported. Security forces had recovered another 30 corpses that apparently were victims of the group a month later.

Recently, the Jalisco Cartel had resorted to targeting and killing police officers at their homes in Guanajuato, which is considered Mexico's most violent state and most dangerous area for police.

Jalisco Cartel members were showing at officers' homes on their days off and murdered them in front of their families, Business Insider reported.

The Northeast Cartel

Former members of the Zetas cartel created the Northeast Cartel. They were behind the attack in Villa Union in the northern state of Coahuila, which is considered one of the bloodiest shootings in 2019. Four police officers, 17 criminals, and two civilians were among the reported casualties.

Security forces had also rescued several people who were earlier kidnapped by members of the Northeast Cartel. Two Texas hunters were found to have been abducted and later released by the gunmen.

Security expert Alejandro Hope previously said that the Northeast Cartel is led by Juan Gerardo Trevino Chavez, known as "Huevo."

READ MORE: Clashing Mexican Drug Cartels Leave 2 Police and 7 Others Dead in Mexico

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WATCH: Disappearances Rise on Mexico's 'Highway of Death' to Border - From News Pilot






The U.S. Senate eyed to take up a bipartisan infrastructure deal on the floor by July 19. Politico reported that the information came from multiple House and Senate Democratic sources with knowledge of the matter.

The source said the Senate could move both the budget resolution and bipartisan bill through the Senate as soon as the week of July 19. The bipartisan group of negotiators was still working on their eight-year framework into legislation amounting up to $1.2 trillion, The Hill reported.

The news of taking up the bipartisan infrastructure deal came as the Senate was in the middle of the two-week July 4 recess.

READ NEXT: Bipartisan Senate Committee Proposes $304 Billion Road Bill That Addresses Climate Change

Senate Eyes to Take Up Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal by July 19

As operations in the Senate resume on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer of New York vowed to move both the budget resolution and the bipartisan deal during the upcoming week, when lawmakers were scheduled to stay in town until the first week of August.

"Our plan continues to have a budget resolution and a bipartisan bill on the floor of the Senate in July," said Schumer.

He noted that they plan to both have a budget resolution and a bipartisan bill on the floor this month, and everyone in the caucus knows that they can't do one without the other.

In an email, Politico reported that a White House official who was not identified said the process could begin as early as the week of July 19, based on their understanding. The official noted that it would be a mistake to think of July 19 as "anything more than the opening of a window."

The Hill reported that the bipartisan group has been working behind the scenes in trying to craft their legislation. Senator Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona noted that they were working "to craft this into legislation that is lean and effective." Sinema is leading the efforts with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio.

Although the bipartisan framework gained their 22nd Senate supporter with Senator Jacky Rosen from Nevada, the senate group behind the framework still faces hurdles as they try to garner 60 votes needed for the infrastructure bill to be passed in the Senate.

Despite the effort to take up the bipartisan infrastructure deal on the Senate floor, the Senate group faces criticism over some of the proposed pay-fors for their agreement.

Republicans have also warned against the bill as it was linked to the separate, significantly larger package that Democrats will try to pass along party lines.

President Joe Biden Stops in Illinois to Push for Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

The news about the targeted timeframe of Senate comes as President Joe Biden visited Illinois on Wednesday, July 7, to push for the bipartisan infrastructure deal agreed by a bipartisan group of senators and the White House.

Joe Biden earlier issued a statement regarding his stand on the infrastructure deal, as he acknowledged that his previous message created an impression of a veto threat.

Fox News reported that the president visited McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, which is located in the district of Democratic Representative Lauren Underwood.

Joe Biden went to the district to promote his "Build Back Better" program agenda. According to veteran columnist and political analyst Lynn Sweet, the area is "one of the redder parts of one of the bluest states in the nation."

READ MORE: House Democrats Unveil Plan To Make $300 Monthly Checks to Parents Permanent

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Watch: Biden, Bipartisan Group of Senators Reach Deal on Infrastructure Bill - From ABC News
Some Jalisco cartel hitmen in Mexico had shown their faces in public as a way of showing they are confident that security forces are powerless to stop them as they continue to engage in criminal activities.

Several gunmen without masks and wearing bulletproof vests with Jalisco New Generation Cartel initials or CJNG could be seen in some photos released by the photo agency, Cuartoscuro.

Mexico News Daily reported that some heavily armed hitmen of the Jalisco cartel stared directly at the camera. The photographer asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation.

The photos were taken during a military-style march last week in Aguililla, Michoacan and the images display the immense firepower of the Jalisco cartel.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is known for its public relations campaigns aside from its aggressive use of violence. The group is posting photos and videos on social media. However, its members are usually seen wearing face coverings.

Aguililla, from which Jalisco leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes hails, is a violence-plagued municipality in the Tierra Caliente region. It has become a battleground for the CJNG, which has been fighting the Carteles Unidos over control of the territory.

Some reports noted that the CJNG had already gained control of Aguililla earlier this year. However, violence has continued to persist in the municipality, leading many residents to flee.

READ NEXT: 2 Men Found 'Crucified' in Mexico as Jalisco Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel's Bloody Turf War Goes On

The Jalisco Cartel Hitmen

Insight Crime reported that to be a sicario or hitman for the Jalisco cartel, one must learn that escaping from the camp was to leave "in a body bag."

In three months, potential sicarios would be taught how to handle short and long weapons, ambush enemies, respect the rules, and learn how to kill.

One hitman, who was only named Francisco to protect his identity, earlier told Telemundo that he saw how "they kill people, taste human flesh, you live in terror."

Francisco, who spent three months inside a CJNG camp, said he had to endure physical and psychological resistance tests and loyalty tests.

He said his connection with the Jalisco cartel started in April 2018, when a stranger approached him and told him that he had run out of money and needed a ride.

Francisco took the man to his car and took him to an ATM area. The man had asked for his cell phone number and said that he was going to call him. He only knew the stranger's identity later on. The stranger was one of the children of Jalisco cartel leader, El Mencho.

The cartel member had called him and offered him a job as a private security guard in Villahermosa, with a payment worth around $180, on top of daily allowance and expenses.

When he arrived at the destination, one of the men in charge told them that they would not be a security guard, but they will be working for the Jalisco cartel.

Francisco said one of the men protested, and the man in charge said the only way to get out of there was in a body bag. At the time, Francisco noted that he decided to stay as he thought about his son.

Jalisco New Generation Cartel is Getting More Violent

Last April, the CJNG had launched an attack on police enforcement using explosive drones. Three officers have been injured in the incident.

The officers were clearing the roads leading to Aguililla as the cartel has blocked it so law enforcement could not enter the area, BBC News reported. Hundreds have been fleeing the city in fear.

According to The Guardian, the Jalisco cartel gunmen were also responsible for attempting to assassinate Mexico City's secretary of security, Omar Garcia Harfuch, last year.

At least three people have been killed after the assassins masked themselves as road workers. Harfuch was driving to work when gunmen ambushed him.

READ MORE: Jalisco Cartel Boss El Mencho's Daughter, La Negra, Asks U.S. Judge to Free Her

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WATCH: Honest Interview with Drug Cartel Hitman | Meet The Drug Lords: Inside The Real Narcos - From Channel 4 Documentaries
Whistleblowers have detailed how migrant kids housed in one of the Biden administration's largest shelters for unaccompanied migrants in Texas are experiencing poor hygiene care.

According to NBC News, the two federal workers, who have come forward to file a whistleblower complaint to Congress, also alleged that the migrant kids are being watched over by contractors with no Spanish-language skills or experience in child care.

The said contractor for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Servpro, specializes in the cleanup after water, fire, and storm disasters.

There is no record of having a contract related to child welfare before it started to take care of almost 5,000 children, who were housed at the facility in Fort Bliss, Texas last May.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said that Fort Bliss had fewer than 800 children. The Texas site had been under repeated allegations of improper childcare.

Kim Brooks, a spokeswoman for Servpro, said they immediately advised the franchise operator that these are not approved Servpro service offerings.

Brooks added that they had been informed that the franchise operator is no longer providing the said services through the Servpro franchise. Servpro Industries, however, did not provide the name of the franchise.

READ NEXT: Guatemala President Blames Joe Biden's Policies for Border Crisis, but Kamala Harris Says Climate Change Drives Increased Migration

Poor Hygiene Care for Migrant Kids at Texas Shelter

The whistleblowers detailed that children were not given enough clean underwear, were forced to sleep in dirty tents, and often had "a foul odor," Roll Call reported.

The whistleblowers noted that in reality, the children are now under U.S. custody, adding that the HHS must act to ensure that the children were treated safely and humanely.

The whistleblowers were identified as two lawyers named Laurie Elkin and Justin Mulaire. They worked at the said shelter from mid-May to early June.

Elkin and Mulaire said the contractors seemed to see their job more as a crowd control than child care. They further noted that there were instances wherein the contractors woke children up at 6 a.m. with a bullhorn.

Children were also not given prompt health care when experiencing health crises, citing an incident with one girl who had a panic attack after learning that her older sister was dying, and another one who did not have a period for months started bleeding heavily.

According to Border Report, David Seide, senior counsel at the Government Accountability Project, said their clients had seen new examples of deficiencies in the care of the children.

Migrant children sheltered at Fort Bliss have been constantly monitored for self-hard, escape attempts, and panic attacks.

Meanwhile, a White House official earlier said that President Joe Biden did not order a formal investigation, CBS News reported. The official noted that HHS has already been looking into Fort Bliss, and many conditions have been improved.

Symone Sanders, a spokesperson for the vice president, said the administration is taking the issue very seriously.

El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar said she would rather wait for improvements at a migrant children's center in Fort Bliss than see it closed, according to another Border Report. Escobar added that she would continue to push for improved conditions at the shelter.

READ MORE: Biden Administration Owes More Than $200,000 to a Texas Hospital Treating Migrant Children

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WATCH: Whistleblower Alleges Poor Treatment Of Migrant Children At Fort Bliss - From MSNBC






The COVID-19 continued to wreak havoc as the global death toll related to the deadly disease topped four million on Wednesday, July 7.

According to the Peace Research Institute Oslo, the compiled number of deaths recorded by Johns Hopkins University was about equal to the number of individuals killed in all of the world's wars since 1982, Associated Press reported.

READ NEXT: Pres. Joe Biden Voices 'Serious Concern' Over Delta COVID Variant, Says More Americans Will Die From It

COVID-19 Vaccine Race and Death Toll

The report described COVID's death toll globally to equal the population of Los Angeles and Georgia. As of midnight of July 8, Johns Hopkins University's data showed that there were at least 4,001,920 deaths related to COVID globally. However, the Associated Press reported that the number was widely believed to be an "undercount" due to deliberate concealment or overlooked cases.

The Johns Hopkins University data also revealed that the United States had the highest number of deaths globally, totaling 606,218. Brazil follows the U.S. with its death toll of 528,540. India placed third with 405,028 deaths.

Despite the increase in the number of deaths globally, New York Post reported that deaths per day dropped to nearly 7,900 from a high of over 18,000 a day in January due to the vaccine rollout.

However, the vaccination drive globally was still uneven as the world's poorest corners are facing vaccine shortages, such as in Africa. Globally, Johns Hopkins University revealed that more than three billion vaccine doses were administered around the world.

Delta COVID Variant Poses Challenges

The vaccine shortage is not the only challenge the world faces, as the Delta COVID variant began wreaking havoc in a different part of the globe. The Delta variant, first identified in India, was able to infect individuals even in countries with high vaccination rates.

Top immunization official from the World Health Organization (WHO), Ann Lindstrand, said the relaxation of precautions, lack of access to vaccines, and the variants such as Delta, are a "toxic combination" that is very dangerous for the people.

The WHO earlier warned the world leaders and public health officials about the Delta COVID variant, emphasizing the role of vaccines in protecting the people against the variant that is known to be more transmissible with claims of "more severe symptoms."

This week, Britain reported 30,000 new COVID cases for the first time since January. However, it was not clear whether the Delta variant caused those infections.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the Delta variant represented 51.7 percent of new COVID cases in the country, making it more dominant than the Alpha variant with 28.7 percent of the country's new cases.

In response to the emergence of the Delta COVID variant, other countries have reimposed their preventive measures, and authorities are rushing to step up and quicken the vaccine rollouts, Associated Press reported.

However, Lindstrand noted that officials need to realize that it is a "worldwide problem that needs worldwide solutions."

READ MORE: Dr. Fauci Addresses Anti-Vaxxers as U.S. Fell Short of President Joe Biden's Vaccine Benchmark

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WATCH: Highly Contagious Delta Variant Now Dominant Covid Strain in the U.S. - From CNBC Television
After a week of covert investigation, at least two top officials of the extremist ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) cult, Lev Tahor, were arrested in a joint operation by the FBI and the local police in Guatemala, Israeli and Jewish media reported Tuesday.

Ultra-Orthodox Community

The Guatemalan police, together with the United States Forces, raided the compound of Lev Tahor, arresting the cult leaders.

According to The Jerusalem Post, multiple sources confirmed that the local authorities in Guatemala and FBI arrested cult members in question, Yoel and Shmuel Weingarten, who reportedly have arrest warrants in the U.S. for kidnapping and child abuse. The suspects were identified in the report by local Guatemalan media.

In addition, sources who have escaped from the cult described the two as the "brains" of Lev Tahor based on the Kikar Hashabbat website, the Hebrew-language Israeli news website directed toward the Haredi audience, Times of Israel reported.

ALSO READ: Whistleblowers Claim Migrant Kids Experience Poor Medical and Hygiene Care at Texas Shelter

In recent years, the U.S. and Guatemalan forces have performed several raids on the cult's leaders and members. The reason behind numerous operations was the kidnapping and child abuse charges committed by the cult.

In March, cult leader Yaakov Weinstein was arrested. In 2019, four members were indicted for the kidnapping of two children. Their mother had taken the children, wanting to return them to Lev Tahor. One of the minors was married to one of the defendants, Jacob Rosner.

Based on local reports, the operation started last week when an FBI agent, along with two PNC or National Civil Police agents, infiltrated the compound of the cult on a farm. The said compound was located in the village of El Amatillo, in Oratorio, Santa Rosa.

The raid included 100 police officers and 40 police cars. The authorities deployed the large troop out of fears that the cult members would riot to open an escape route for the suspects.

Meanwhile, the cult's spokesman shared to the local media that the raid was illegal and that the detainees were Guatemalan citizens. The senior official whose name was not mentioned stated that the FBI has no authority to operate in Guatemala.

Kikar Hashabbat stated that there were also unconfirmed reports of an exchange of gunfire between members of the cult and law enforcement.

The cult has been accused of forcing girls as young as 12 years old into marriages with much older men within the sect. The cult was founded in New York in the late '80s, Lev Tahor, and later on, settled in Canada in 2003.

The group's founder Slomo Helbrans was convicted for kidnapping a child that he was tutoring in the early '90s in New York but was released after only two years of imprisonment.

After being deported to Israel in 2000, the group's founder took his movement to Canada in 2003. The cult had remained for ten years before alarming Canadian authorities. After the heated situation in Canada, they collectively fled to Guatemala.

In 2017, Shlomo Helbrans drowned in Mexico, leaving the control of the group in the hands of his son Nachman and some associates who were believed to be even more extremist.

RELATED ARTICLE: Jalisco Cartel Hitmen Reveal Faces in Photos, Flaunt Their Strength in Mexico's Aguililla Town

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WATCH: A Survivor of 'Pure Heart', a Jewish Ultra-Orthodox Cult, Speaks Out - Hear His Story - from: i24NEWS English
After the trial of the 2017 mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs in Texas, a federal judge ruled that the United States Air Force bore most of the responsibility for the deadliest mass shooting in the Lone Star state's history.

Texas' Deadliest Mass Shooting

Based on the ruling, the Air Force failed to enter the criminal history of the shooter into the federal background check database prior to the purchases of the gun used in the mass shooting.

According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez of the Western District of Texas made the decision Wednesday after a civil lawsuit was filed by the survivors and families of victims of the massacre at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs. The mass shooting took the lives of 26 individuals. The 26-year-old gunman former Airman Devin Kelley, killed himself shortly after the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history.

Moreover, Judge Rodriguez stated in his decision that the Air Force carried 60% of the responsibility for the shooting incident. Rodriguez also ordered parties in setting a trial plan in the span of 15 days to assess monetary damages for the families of the victims and the survivors in the case.

In his decision, Judge Rodriguez wrote that the trial conclusively established that there's no one knew as much as the U.S. Air Force about the violence that Devin had threatened to commit and was capable of committing, even his own parents or partners.

In addition, Rodriguez added that the evidence showed that if the government had done its job and properly reported the information regarding Kelly into the background check system, things might be different. The federal judge wrote that it is more likely that Kelley would have been deterred from carrying out the Church shooting.

ALSO READ: 8 Individuals Injured in Fort Worth Car Wash Shooting Incident

In 2012, former Airman Devin Kelley had been convicted by a general court-martial on two counts of domestic assault on his wife and their child and was sentenced to a year in a military jail. The charges on Kelley should have barred him from legally buying a gun, CNBC reported.

However, the U.S. Air Force never entered his conviction into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which serves as a database for gun dealers in checking for criminal records before selling an individual with a firearm. As a result, after being thrown out of the military, Kelley was able to purchase a rifle at a gun store, which he later used in the mass shooting.

On the other hand, during the shooting incident, authorities stated that Kelly was clad in black and wearing a ballistic vest when he opened fire at a Baptist church in Sutherland Springs. Based on the police report, the former Airman fled the scene after the mass shooting and was later found dead in his vehicle.

Court records showed that Kelley served in the U.S. Air Force prior to the incident but was court-martialed in 2012 when he received a bad conduct discharge. Kelley was sentenced to confinement for 12 months and a reduction in rank to E-1.

RELATED ARTICLE: Texas Man Dies on Fatal Shot by San Antonio Police After Allegedly Firing at Family Members and TV News Crew

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WATCH: Judge says U.S. Air Force mostly to blame for 2017 church shooting - CNBC Television
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Eau Claire makes list of Wisconsin's most charming towns

Staff photo by Dan Reiland Dustin Cournoyer of Eau Claire bikes across Phoenix Park's former railroad bridge recently in downtown Eau Claire. The city's outdoor recreation opportunities were highlighted in a recent travel video blog about Eau Claire that has attracted more than 80,000 views. Staff photo by Dan Reiland Kayaking Eau Claire waterways was highlighted in a recent travel video blog about the city by Eric and Allison Bieller. Pictured is a family kayaking last summer on Half Moon Lake.

EAU CLAIRE  The city of Eau Claire recently received more outside accolades, this time for its charm and as a travel destination.

Travelmag.com just included Eau Claire on its list of the 10 most charming towns and small cities in Wisconsin  locations it characterized as dripping with character and charm.

The recognition came on the heels of Eau Claire being highlighted in a video blog by well-known international travel bloggers Eric and Allison Bieller. The video, which has racked up more than 80,000 views since it was posted June 21, is titled Our PERFECT Weekend in Wisconsin!  Food & City Tour of Eau Claire!

The Biellers incorporated dramatic drone shots of the citys rivers and footage of downtown sculptures, murals, local eateries and breweries into the video they posted on their YouTube channel, The Endless Adventure, which has nearly a half-million subscribers.

The duo raved about the citys bridges, unique rooms including record players at The Oxbow Hotel, breakfasts at The Nucleus, the cool vibe at SHIFT Cyclery and Coffee Bar, beer at Lazy Monk Brewing, albums at Revival Records, cheese curds at Northern Tap House and the nature they spotted while kayaking in the Eau Claire River, including a deer that waded across the river right in front of them.

After their visit, the Biellers concluded, We may have found Wisconsins most charming city.

How can you go wrong? Allison said in the video. Amazing nature, small-town vibe but in a city, great beer, great food, walkable, all the things we love.

Benny Anderson, executive director of the marketing organization Visit Eau Claire, said the vlog provided great recognition for the city considering the large following for The Endless Adventure.

I think we will get a lot of good traction out of it and many people will see that Eau Claire is not just a one faction tourist stop, Anderson said, noting that visitors want food, nightlife, shopping, music, outdoors activities and other attractions when they visit a destination.

Travelmag.com highlighted Eau Claires culture as well as its natural resources.

This bustling university town has gained a reputation for its indie music and arts scenes, driven by its youthful demographic whose fingers never veer far from the cultural pulse, Travelmag wrote. Lovers of the great outdoors are drawn here too, not least by the water-based opportunities afforded by the two rivers (Eau Claire and Chippewa) that converge in the heart of downtown. Museums, breweries, public sculptures, parks and a diverse food scene contribute further to the towns magnetic attraction.

Eau Claire has been recognized by a host of publications in recent years as a top tourist destination, college town, place to live and place to do business.

The other Wisconsin cities to make the new most charming list are: Ashland, Baraboo, Bayfield, Cedarburg, Fish Creek, Lake Geneva, Mineral Point, Mount Horeb and Sturgeon Bay.

Anderson said most charming is a nice new label for Eau Claire to add to its marketing resume because it reinforces the image he likes to present of the city as the biggest small town in America.

The description calls attention to Eau Claires revitalized downtown, its collection of interesting mom and pop shops and its friendly people, Anderson said.

Its all about the people running the shops and living here, he said. Theres a lot of truth to that Midwest nice reputation, especially in Eau Claire.

That hometown feel was on full display last month when Anderson hosted 15 national travel writers for a tour of several sites around the Chippewa Valley. With the group having an emphasis on culinary writing, he gave them a taste of several local establishments emphasizing agricultural tourism or farm-to-table offerings.

Anderson is optimistic the visit will lead to another round of rave reviews down the road.

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A CORK man told Tullamore District Court he feared for himself when an Offaly businessman raised a steel tube in his presence during heated exchanges over a 140,000 debt.

Seamus Kane, 55, Holmshill, Blueball, Tullamore was convicted of producing an article capable of inflicting injury and likely to intimidate another, in the course of a dispute at Palfinger Ireland Ltd, Church Road, Tullamore on June 28, 2019.

Mr Kane had previously pleaded not guilty to the offence, resulting in a day-long hearing before Judge Catherine Staines at the District Court on Monday.

Sixty-year-old Eamonn Brien, Kinsale, Co Cork, director of shopfitting business Storefit, told the court he called to Mr Kane's place of business on the date of the offence because he was owed 140,000 since the previous year.

Mr Brien said he had previously been abused verbally over the phone by Mr Kane about the matter and numerous meetings had been cancelled.

The debt related to work done by Storefit at a Spar shop owned by Mr Kane opposite the GAA pitch in Tullamore. Mr Brien said the work had been completed in 2018 to the satisfaction of the BWG group (owners of the Spar group).

He and Mr Kane had quite a heated discussion the evening before about the debt and the accused told Mr Brien he could not meet him because he would be driving a truck to the UK.

Mr Brien said he decided to drive to Tullamore on June 28, 2019 to meet Mr Kane and when he arrived he was told that the accused was at a meeting down town but was expected back.

Mr Brien waited in his car across the road and less than an hour later when he saw Mr Kane arriving he entered the building and was told by the ladies he had spoken to earlier that the defendant was not yet back.

Mr Brien said it was possible they had not seen Mr Kane return. He said he was brought to the workshop by another man and he saw Mr Kane there near a truck but the accused did not recognise him because they had only met on one or two occasions previously.

Mr Brien introduced himself, saying he was from Storefit and he wanted to discuss the debt.

He said he was told by the accused to get the f... out of here and was threatened by Mr Kane who stood less than two feet away from him with an iron bar.

He said he told Mr Kane he was some big fellow threatening an older man with a four-foot long iron bar and said he feared for himself the way he was wielding it behind his head.

Mr Brien was cross-examined by Alan Toal, BL (instructed by Patrick Fox, Hoey & Denning solicitors) who put it to him that there were issues with the job done by Storefit, for which Storefit had initially been paid a 25% deposit and Mr Kane was holding back the balance.

Mr Brien said there were no issues with either the franchisor or Storefit and the franchisor had signed off on all the work. He said he had no snag list in relation to the store.

Mr Brien also said he had previously worked with Mr Kane on a Spar shop at Patrick Street in Tullamore for a smaller contract in the order of 25,000 and everything went very well and it was done properly and paid for, unlike the second job, which was done properly and not paid for.

He rejected a suggestion from Mr Toal that the bigger job had not been done properly and said there were no records of any faulty workmanship.

He said that on one occasion Mr Kane had instructed that the Storefit invoice be made out to a different company so that he could pay the full amount the following day.

Mr Brien said they checked that company with the Companies Office and found that it was practically worthless. He said there is a civil case pending in relation to the debt dispute.

When Mr Toal asked if he had made a statement to the gardai, Mr Brien said he had gone to the gardai first on June 28 and told them he had been physically threatened and notified them that he was going to Mr Kane's premises to collect money peacefully.

When the guard he spoke to asked if someone should be sent with him, Mr Brien declined and said he should be fine.

Mr Toal put it to Mr Brien that a woman working in accounts at Palfinger, Yvonne Warren, met him at the premises and would say he had been abrupt and brisk. Mr Brien replied that he may have been possibly slightly agitated because he was surprised to be told Mr Kane was not back yet, even though he had seen him return.

In further cross-examination by Mr Toal, Mr Brien said Mr Kane had gone to a different part of the metal fabrication workshop and then came back and held the iron bar over his head.

When Mr Toal put it to him that CCTV did not support that claim, Mr Brien said he had not seen the footage but the bar was held over his head.

Evidence of a court warrant being obtained on July 24, 2019 so gardai could obtain CCTV footage from Palfinger was given by Sergeant Pamela Nugent.

Sergeant Nugent said that two days later gardai went and met Mr Kane, the proprietor of Palfinger, and the CCTV was downloaded to a USB stick by Garda Darren Hughes, with the assistance of Mr Kane's electrician.

Garda Hughes told the court he kept the CCTV evidence locked in his own locker at Tullamore Garda Station. At a later date Mr Kane handed him a third file of CCTV from a different angle.

Judge Staines then viewed footage on a laptop and said she saw a person pointing out Mr Kane to Mr Brien and when they were speaking to each other a truck obstructed the view of both of them.

In the first clip, Mr Kane could be seen walking over to a pile of iron bars, picking one up and then walking over to Mr Brien but because of the truck, what transpired could not be seen.

Mr Kane could then be seen throwing the iron bar away and it was clear that both parties were remonstrating with each other.

Judge Staines said a second clip showed Mr Kane lifting the bar up, raising it over his head and banging it. This did not happen beside Mr Brien but in her view Mr Kane had raised the bar in a very threatening way.

A third recording was from a different angle and Judge Staines said Mr Kane could be seen walking over with the iron bar, remonstrating with Mr Brien and then throwing the bar away.

The CCTV was then viewed by Mr Brien and Mr Toal and when defence counsel said the witness had abused Mr Kane back when they were speaking, Mr Brien stated he did ask one of the employees present if they got paid that week because there was a possibility his staff would not get paid because of the amount of money outstanding.

He rejected an assertion from Mr Toal that he had threatened Mr Kane or mentioned that he knew where the accused and his family lived.

Mr Brien said during the exchanges he had mentioned another man from a different Midlands county who was in the news at the time, saying that he would make the accused look like Cinderella.

Mr Toal then questioned Mr Brien about legal proceedings which had been issued and the witness said they had been issued to Seamus Kane because the accused had been seeking to change the invoices to Cayenne Holdings. Another company, Coco Fuels, had also been added to the proceedings after receipt of an affidavit from Mr Kane.

When Mr Toal put it to Mr Brien that he had stood his ground during the exchanges in the workshop, the witness said he had not run out the door but he had been very much intimidated by what had happened and it was still affecting him months later.

He also said he had not given as good as he got because he did not have an iron bar in his hand.

Mr Toal then introduced text messages and emails in relation to the matter, including a text from Mr Brien to an executive at BWG Spar head office on June 27, the day before the offence, referring to Mr Kane owing 144,000 and a list of problems at Spar in Tullamore.

In the text, which he copied to Mr Kane, Mr Brien said he was most surprised to hear this and he asked the recipient of the text to forward to him anything he was aware of.

Mr Brien told the court that the first time he was told about issues with the store was on June 27 when he had a phone conversation with Seamus Kane.

He also said he sent a message in the Irish language to Mr Kane at 11.10pm on June 27 following a phone conversation at about 9pm where the accused said he wouldn't be in Tullamore the following day because he was driving a truck to the UK.

Mr Brien said the English translation of the text was

Good night Seamus, I hope your head sleeps easy on your English pillow and he had sent the text in Irish because in an earlier conversation the accused had thrown in one Irish word.

The next witness for the prosecution, Garda Hughes, gave evidence of Mr Brien making a statement of complaint to him about an alleged offence committed by Mr Kane on June 28, 2019.

Following on from that, on July 26 Mr Kane made a voluntary cautioned statement in which he said there had been ongoing difficulty with the workmanship of Storefit at the Spar store and the money owed to the company would be quantified when the work was satisfactorily completed.

Mr Kane said he started receiving phone calls and texts from Mr Brien on May 29, 2019 and the accused told him he did not appreciate receiving them in an abusive manner.

On June 27, after he had not answered a call from Mr Brien, he received two calls from private numbers and decided to answer because he thought there might be something wrong at home up the north where he usually received calls from a private number.

Mr Kane said he did not call Mr Brien a c... which was alleged later and in a call they agreed to meet on July 2 but abusive texts went on until 11.10 that night.

At 5.05pm on June 28 he tried to ring him but he didn't answer and he then texted him and asked him to stop the late night texts and the foul language during phone calls.

Mr Kane's statement also said that on July 1 Mr Brien called to Mr Kane's office and hopped out of his car and shouted abuse at him and barged his way into the office and abused staff and gained entry to the production floor, though he had no right to be there.

Mr Kane said Mr Brien shouted Did all you guys get paid from this f.....? and following further comments the accused asked him to leave.

He said he was down at the steel cutting machine and had steel in his hand, which he either threw at a stand or on the ground. He then escorted Mr Brien to the gate and later he told gardai he wanted to lodge a statement of complaint about Mr Brien and the intimidating messages from him.

Mr Kane also said he had been threatened by Mr Brien who referred to the individual from the other county and stated the Storefit director said he would get the accused kneecapped on the 28th.

Garda Hughes then gave evidence of a memorandum of interview made by Mr Kane when he voluntarily attended at the garda station on July 30.

In that interview, Mr Kane said Mr Brien had entered a restricted area at the Palfinger workshop and had trespassed on the premises.

He said Mr Brien had introduced himself in a threatening manner and Mr Kane said you're the person who likes texting and emailing late at night and at the weekends.

Mr Kane also said he gave gardai emails and texts which he and his family found intimidating, disrespectful and not in a businesslike manner.

Returning to the incident on June 28, Mr Kane said Mr Brien shouted I'll see you in court and while the accused was lifting steel tubes from the cutting machine Mr Brien shouted that he knew where he and his family lived.

Mr Kane admitted having a piece of steel tube in his hand and said he may have raised it up and hit some sort of steel stand but he did not raise it over his head or try to strike Mr Brien with it but instead was holding it like a walking stick.

Mr Kane said he walked away from Mr Brien on a number of occasions and the defendant then threw the tube into a stockpile. Mr Brien left when Mr Kane said he would call the guards.

In the interview Mr Kane also asked why Mr Brien did not leave the premises if he felt threatened.

A voluntary statement made by Mr Brien on August 16 was also read into evidence by Garda Hughes and in it Mr Brien denied saying anything about Mr Kane's house or address or making a threat to him. He also said the texts and emails he sent were courteous and during 40 years in business he had never made threats to get money. At the workshop, he used the word pathetic a lot to describe Mr Kane during the very heated conversation.

Yvonne Warren, who was working in Palfinger on the day of the offence, said in evidence that a man came in and walked very fast and asked to speak to Seamus Kane. When the man was told he had gone into town he moved his car from a Palfinger parking space to a space across the road, a move Ms Warren thought was strange.

About an hour later the man returned and was more brisk and asked where Mr Kane was and when he was told he had not come back he stormed off and might have accused Ms Warren of lying, or said right, fine and she felt he did not believe her because the man also said he is here. Ms Warren said she did not know at the time that Mr Kane had come back.

Another Palfinger employee, Ian Fleming, gave evidence of a man coming into the yard looking for Mr Kane and he sent him upstairs.

Later that afternoon when he was working on a truck the same man approached him when he was speaking to Mr Kane and he then heard them shouting and roaring at one another.

Mr Fleming said he heard the man saying he knew where Mr Kane and his family lived and also heard him asking if any of them got paid that week.

The witness also said that Mr Kane had a bar but had it down by his side and he didn't see him hitting anything with it.

The final witness for the prosecution, Adrian Hapak, said he was working in the workshop on June 28 and was asked by the man where Seamus Kane was. Mr Hapak said he then went outside and he heard shouting but he had no interest in what happened after that.

With the case for the State concluded, Mr Toal sought a dismissal on the grounds of reasonable doubt. He said while there was no doubt that there had been a confrontation, it had been verbal and when Mr Kane struck the bar against something he was a good distance back from Mr Brien.

Mr Kane had been working in an industrial premises and he only reacted by hitting the bar when his family was mentioned by the other man. Mr Kane had not risen the bar above his head as Mr Brien had said and it was a case of two men behaving like schoolboys.

Judge Staines said she was not acceding to the application because there was a prima facie case to be answered. She said it was clear from the CCTV and accepted by both parties that a very heated exchange had taken place and Mr Kane was almost in Mr Brien's face.

He was not very far away from Mr Brien when he rose the bar in the air and banged it down in a very aggressive way and she thought that was intimidating.

Mr Toal then called Seamus Kane who outlined how Storefit had been contracted to work on the Spar shop on the Arden Road and a deposit of 45,000 was paid and the job was done and the store opened on December 8, 2018.

Mr Brien's workers were still on site after the store opened and in January Storefit was told of different issues and meetings took place with a Spar representative and with Insomnia because the Insomnia coffee station was fitted the wrong way around.

He said Mr Brien knew of the snags six weeks before he came to Tullamore because another man from Storefit had been told about them. Mr Kane said he had no problem if Mr Brien repaired what had not been done and quantified what he was owed.

Mr Kane said a civil case had been taken against himself and Cayenne Holdings, a development company which rents the properties out. He added that an error had been made by Storefit who invoiced Cayenne Holdings instead of Coco Fuels but that had been rectified.

He said he was getting abusive phone calls from Mr Brien late at night in the lead up to June 28, including one where he was going to cut my head off and shit down my neck.

When Judge Staines said that specific allegation had not been put to Mr Brien, Mr Kane said he did not know why because he had told Garda Hughes about it.

Mr Kane said that phone call was followed up with the text message in Irish. Mr Kane said because he did not speak Irish he put the message into Google translate and it said I hope your head sleeps well on your ears.

Mr Kane further said he told Mr Brien he was going to England with a truck a few days later and gave him the shipping docket, which Garda Hughes also had. He emailed Mr Brien saying he would meet him on July 7.

Turning to what happened in Palfinger on June 28, he said he had been at the steel cutting area and then went down to ask Ian Fleming a question about a truck, where he saw Mr Brien and he told him he would meet him on July 7 because he would be in England before then.

He said Mr Brien continued to harass him and he asked him to leave and then returned to the steel cutting area. He said he got annoyed and was angry and picked up the steel when Mr Brien said I know where you and your family live.

He threw the steel into the pile and Mr Brien then started talking about the other man from the other county. Mr Kane also said the steel cutting area was 18 metres from where Mr Brien was standing. He denied holding a bar above Mr Brien's head and though he was close to him he never touched him.

Mr Kane said he had been in Tullamore for close to 40 years and he had never sat in the court in a similar position. He had sat in the court because he had four licensed premises in the town, the Spar shops, Zambrero and Eddie Rocket's and had never come to the attention of the gardai or the courts or even got a parking ticket.

He said it was not his intention to threaten or intimidate Mr Brien but he had received messages in the morning and late at night and had been told by Mr Brien that he was recording conversations he was having with him.

Mr Kane also said he had spoken to Garda Hughes who told him it was his recommendation to the DPP that Mr Brien be prosecuted for threatening and abusive behaviour and trespassing.

In relation to the money owed to Mr Brien, Mr Kane said he had a lot of businesses and probably turned around close to 30m a year and had a lot of suppliers to pay. On the first Thursday of each month himself and his partner Luke Carberry did the cheque run.

Judge Staines told him the fact that he paid his bills on time was irrelevant because in this case he had not paid the bill because he did not think the work was done right.

Replying to Sergeant O'Sullivan, Mr Kane denied telling Mr Brien to f... off out of the premises and instead he had said Can you please leave? and pointed to the door.

With the evidence concluded, Mr Toal told Judge Staines that though there had been an argument, it had not got out of hand to a criminal extent and the matter was a civil one. It was imprudent to pick up the bar but there had not been criminal intent.

Judge Staines said Mr Kane had the tube and banged it down during what was a highly aggressive encounter and though she did not believe Mr Kane was going to assault Mr Brien, and nor did he raise the bar above the other man's head, she was convicting the accused of the charge.

Asked if he wished to make a victim impact statement, Mr Brien said the incident had shaken his confidence for a number of months and he wondered what he was doing in the business. However he had overcome most of the effects since.

Judge Staines adjourned consideration of a penalty to September 15 next for a restorative justice report and Mr Toal said his client would engage in that process.
Vaccinated inmates at Portlaoise Prison are set to enjoy a the return of physical visitors to the high security Laois jail.

The Irish Prison Service physical visits to prisons will take place on a phased prison by prison basis with visits resuming seven days after prisoners have been fully vaccinated.

A vaccination programme commenced on June 9, on a prison by prison basis, with vaccinations being administered by the National Ambulance Service, supported by Irish Prison Service health care teams to all prisoners, and unvaccinated staff under 40 years of age. While the schedule is agreed with the HSE it is subject to change and outside the control of the Irish Prison Service.

It says the recommencement of physical visits to prisons is aligned to the schedule of the vaccination programme currently being rolled out across all prisons in our estate.

A state3ment said physical visits would recommence in Wheatfield Prison on July 14 and in Portlaoise Prison on July 16.

The Irish Prison Service said it is implementing a new Framework for the Unwinding of Prison Restrictions which is informed by the recent Government Plan for reopening our society, and set out in Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead.

"The Irish Prison Service fully appreciates how important contact with family is to prisoners and is committed to the early return of physical visits," said a statement.

The service added that the recommencement of visits will be subject to ongoing risk assessments and will take account of Public Health advice; the range of Government restrictions in place and other factors, including the prevailing transmission rate in the community.

It said all visitors will continue to be subject to the Covid-19 screening procedures which have been in place since March 2020. MORE BELOW LINK.

The service says visitors are requested not to attend a prison in the following circumstances:

If you have any Covid-19 symptoms;

If you t have been in contact with a person who requires a Covid-19 test;

If you have tested positive for Covid-19 and have yet to be cleared from isolating by your doctor;

If you have been abroad in the preceding fortnight to the scheduled visit.

The service said all prisoners will be entitled to receive one physical family visit per fortnight, of not more than 15 minutes duration.

Prisoners may opt for two 20 minutes video visits if preferred. Prisoners who avail of a physical visit, will be also be entitled to one video visit of not more than 20 minutes duration per fortnight.

Physical visits will be limited to two visitors one adult and one child (under 18 years of age). No property or cash will be accepted during prison visits.

In order to prevent the potential spread of infection, the service says all visitors will be behind Perspex screens and visitors will be required to wear a face covering at all times.

Physical contact between prisoners and family members will be permitted.

All visitors who are clean shaven will be issued with a prison issue surgical mask prior to entry to the prison.

If any visitor is not clean shaven a higher specification of PPE is mandatory  an FFP2 mask must be worn and covered with a surgical mask, a visor must also be worn.

If any visitor refuses to comply with the wearing of prison issue PPE they will not be allowed entry to the prison.

The Service says the operation and frequency of visits will be kept under ongoing review guided both by HSE, Public Health advice and a desire to support as much contact as possible between prisoners and their families. Detailed information for families in relation to the operation of visits and booking system is available on the Irish Prison Service website www.irishprisons.ie.

MORE BELOW LINK

The Irish Prison Service is aiming to resume physical visits by the end of July for the following prisons, Loughan House, Arbour Hill, Shelton Abbey, Mountjoy, Dochas and Castlerea Prisons. This will be dependent on the rollout of the vaccination programme and the infection levels of Covid-19 with in the community.
Laois-Offaly TD Brian Stanley has called for reforms to the grant scheme for the upgrading of household septic tanks in the wake of stark new figures from Ireland's environment watchdog.

Deputy Stanley believes the figures from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) show the current failure rate for household wastewater systems or septic tanks also highlights the fact that the grant scheme for upgrading these tanks need to be reformed.

The Sinn Fein TD believes the high failure rate also underlines the need for a better awareness campaign to assist householders in keeping their wastewater treatment systems in good order. He said this is essential to protect the supply of water from polluting wells serving rural Ireland.

The recent EPA (Environment Protection Agency) report shows us that over half of septic tanks which were inspected across the state in 2020 failed. A further 23% were found to be at risk to human health or the environment. In Offaly the failure rate of 63% was recorded. 47% of the number that were inspected in Laois last year failed the test. This compares with the national average across the State of 54% failure. The number of inspections done in Laois last year was 15 with just 8 done in Offaly," he said.

In a statement, the TD said the registration and inspection system for septic tanks was introduced in 2013 and councils are required to inspect a certain number each year. He said a grant system, up to maximum of 5,000 was introduced at the same time to replace or upgrade domestic wastewater systems. To apply for the grant a system must be inspected by a local authority official and must fail the inspection.

"The fact that the system has to fail before you can apply, and the level of grant funding is clearly an issue. This needs to be looked at immediately," Dep Stanley said.

Many of the problems that arise are of a minor nature such as the need for desludging, surface water entering the tank or just general maintenance. There is a need for greater awareness campaigns to be run by the Department of Environment on this.

"Fixing the septic tanks that fail inspection is a priority and the open cases that are with the local county councils must be completed in a timely manner. However it is essential that adequate grant assistance is available to assist householders to upgrade, in particular those on low incomes," he said.
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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD begins a nationwide sectoral dialogue today 7th July.

The Minister will visit farmers, fishers, foresters and food producers across farming and coastal communities beginning by visiting Howth harbour and fishers and Whytes farm in north Co Dublin and ending in Galway on 30th July.

The Minister will visit ports and harbours such as Castletownbere and Greencastle as well as farming and food producers who play a critical role in Ireland's 14bn export sector.

Minister McConalogue said: "It has been a difficult but historic year for our farmers, fishers, and food producers. I pay huge tribute to everyone in the sector for keeping food on our tables while also ensuring that our world class export sector continues to grow and flourish. We have had Covid-19, Brexit and reforms of the CAP while also contending with our climate change ambitions.

"Ireland is the sustainable food capital of the world and this would not be possible without those who catch the fish, milk the cows, lamb the ewes and harvest the crops. Now that restrictions allow, I am taking the opportunity to meet people in person, to personally thank them and to hear how I can help make their lives easier.

"As has been a hallmark of my time as Minister, I will spend the summer listening to as many people in our great sector to get their views and opinions. It is their sector and I want to hear as many opinions as possible."

Our farmers, fishers, foresters and food producers are the backbone of our rural economies and it is crucial for rural Ireland that our Government considers their views and supports them he concluded.
The international space station is the largest multi-national project that we have ever put into space and is still in operation. In 1984, US president Ronald Reagan at his state of the Union address directed NASA to construct a space station within the next 10 years.

It wasnt until November 1998 that the first segment of the ISS launched by a Russian proton rocket named Zarya with the first US built components launching 2 weeks later in December 1998, named Unity, it was the first space shuttle mission which was dedicated to the assembly of the station.

From 1998 to 2011, the main construction of the station was completed. In 2001, a US Lab Module was added with the European Columbus lab joining the ISS in February 2008. A month later in March 2008 the first Japanese Kibo laboratory module becomes part of the station.

The main purpose of the ISS has always been research with a number of scientific research programmes being completed aboard the station. Experiments have utilised cells, tissues and small organisms as a way of developing our knowledge of biological processes in microgravity.

The station itself is very large and comprises of six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a gym and the famous 360 degree view bay window. The solar array wingspan is 109meters long, is longer than the worlds largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. A total of eight miles of wires connect the electrical system aboard the station. A total of eight spaceships can be connected to the space station at any one time.

The first crew landed on the space station in November 2000, with Astronaut Bill Shepherd and cosmonauts Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev residing onboard the station, staying several months and it has been continually occupied since.

In 24 hours, the ISS makes 16 orbits of the Earth travelling at a speed of 7.66kms per second. You can view the Passover of the ISS from thousands of places around the world.

It is visible in the night sky over Limerick numerous times throughout the year. Over the summer, due to the brighter nights its only possible to see it in the middle of the night but these times change.

Check out spotthestation.nasa.gov and get the ISS Passover times for your area over the coming weeks.

For more from Limerick Astronomy Club email limerickastronomyclub@gmail.com.
A JUDGE has refused jurisdiction in the case of a Limerick man who is accused of threatening two people by leaving them a large number of sinister voicemails.

John Bendon, aged 59, who has an address at Mahon House, William Street in the city centre appeared before Limerick District Court charged with harrassment and making threats to "kill or cause serious harm" to two named individuals.

The offences are alleged to have occurred at an unknown location in Limerick on dates between July 12, 2018 and October 8, 2018.

Referring to a transcript of one of the voicemails, Inspector Liam Wallace said it will be alleged Mr Bendon threatened to "cut every bit" of the one of alleged victim's body.

He is alleged to have further stated that she would suffer a slow death and that her coffin would be closed as he would cut her "into small pieces".

Judge Patricia Harney was told a total of 40 voicemails were left on the phones - 24 targeting the woman and 16 a man.

Having considered the matter, the judge said she was declining jurisdiction given the serious nature of the allegations.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan was assigned to represent the defendant and the matter was adjourned to the end of October to facilitate the preparation of a book of evidence.

The matter will then be sent forward for trial at Limerick Circuit Court.
The High Court has disqualified the founder and former Managing Director of the collapsed fundraising service Pembroke Dynamic Peter Conlon from being a company director or officer for sixteen years.

The period of disqualification is one of the longest ever handed down by the Irish courts.

In a judgement Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said that in light of Mr Conlon's grave conduct when running Pembroke, a disqualification period of 18 years was merited to reflect the gravity of the wrongdoing.

"It is difficult to conceive of a more egregious and reprehensible fraud that the diversion of charitable donations from their intended purpose," the judge said.

The judge said that when mitigating factors, including Mr Conlon's age, the fact he spent time in prison in Switzerland, and his settlement of proceedings brought against him by the firms' liquidator, were taken into account a discount of two years should apply.

The Judge said that given Mr Conlon's actions he was "strongly of the view" that a substantial period of disqualification was required.

It was required in order to protect the public and provide a deterrent against any similar future frauds, he said.

The judge said that what had happened in this case amounted to "a shabby and repugnant fraud", resulting in charities being denied of significant donations for a sustained period of time.

"The loss of the funds in this instance resulted in a serious depletion of resources for charities, with the victim of such actions being the vulnerable persons whose interests' charities represent," he said.

The previous experience and sucess of Mr Conlon made his conduct "all the more reprehensible" the judge said. He added that the businessman could not suggest that his actions were down to "inexperience or naivety."

Pembroke Dynamic's liquidator Myles Kirby, represented by Rossa Fanning SC, had argued that a lengthy period of disqualification should apply in this case.

Mr Conlon's lawyers had asked for leniency on grounds including that Mr Conlon is a 67 year-old separated father of four adult children and lives on 400 per week.

He had been an award-winning businessman who set up the platform in 2008 in an attempt to give something back. The platform was successful for some time before it started to experience difficulties.

Mr Conlon accepted that some monies were loaned to the company from the charitable foundation to keep Pembroke going.

He had hoped to bring in external investment to the company that ultimately would have saved the day and resulted in the loans being repaid.

He accepted that the reality was he would never be a company officer again.

Last month proceedings brought by Mr Kirby against Mr Conlon were settled. As part of that agreement Mr Conlon accepts that the he is responsible for Pembroke Dynamic's debts of up to 2m.

Mr Conlon has also consented to a judgement of 2m being made against him in favour of the liquidator, and that the court was entitled to make order disqualifying him from being a company director.

Mr Kirby accepts that Mr Conlon did not personally benefit from the misappropriated monies, the court heard.

Other terms of the settlement agreement include that freezing type orders preventing Mr Conlon reducing his assets below a sum of 2m, which have been in place since 2018, are to remain in place for a period of three years.

Monies held in several bank accounts, totalling 371,000 are also to be given to the liquidator. Thise funds, along with any other assets received by Mr Kirby under the terms will distributed to Pembroke's creditors by the liquidator.

The court that it was accepted was that some 4m donated to several national and international charities via Pembroke platform had been misappropriated.

Mr Kirby claimed that monies were moved from the charitable trust or foundation set up by Mr Conlon to the company, Pembroke Dynamic, that operated the platform.

The platform allowed persons to donate to various charities over the internet.

Money donated through Pembroke's platform was supposed to be given to the individual charities via the foundation, with the company receiving a commission.

Following Mr Kirby's forensic examination of Pembroke's books and records it was evident that there were no financial controls in place to prevent the mixing of monies between the company and the foundation, it was claimed.

Monies that supposed to go to the charities were used by the company to pay for things including staff wages and rent, without the knowledge or consent of the charities or the donors, the court heard.

Mr Conlon was the founder and head of Pembroke Dynamic Internet Services Ltd, and related companies Ammado Technology Limited, and the Ammado Foundation, which were put into liquidation following an application by Revenue in 2018.

Mr Kirby subsequently brought proceedings against Mr Conlon as part of his probe into what happened to donations made to dozens of charities misappropriated by Pembroke.

In 2018, Mr Kirby secured an injunction freezing Mr Conlon's assets, including any bank accounts he held.

The court previously heard that Mr Conlon's only assets are properties in Ballsbridge, Dublin, which he co-owns with his former wife, and are in negative equity to the tune of 4m.

He also claims he has significant liabilities to various parties of over 10m. Mr Conlon was jailed in Switzerland in 2018 after he pleaded guilty to the embezzlement of monies which were to fund his technology company.

In total he spent a year in solitary confinement before his release from custody.
THE newly-elected mayor of Limerick Daniel Butler has urged government to appoint a new chairperson of the Shannon Group immediately.

The group, which comprises of Shannon Airport, Shannon Heritage, Shannon Commercial Properties and Shannon IASC has been without a chair for 11 months following Rose Hyness departure from the role in August 2020.

Aaron Forde had been appointed to the position, but this was cancelled hours later over disparaging remarks he made about the Traveller community, something which the first citizen described as an unfortunate debacle.

Mayor Butler said: It is almost a year now since Rose Hynes stepped down as chair of the Shannon Group, and it is crucial the government acts immediately. The Shannon Group is a key organisation for the entire region. The aviation sector has been decimated due to the Covid-19 pandemic and we need someone who is visionary and innovative to take the helm of the Shannon Group to help rebuild the sector in the mid-west.

He has called on the Transport Minister to act straight away to ensure the region can plan for the future with clear objectives and goals.

The Shannon Group is already undergoing some major changes, with King Johns Castle and its other Shannon Heritage sites currently under its remit in the process of being transferred the local authorities. Now is the time for the government to act, he concluded.
Amazon India on Thursday launched its first Digital Kendra in Gujarat's Surat under its initiative to digitise micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The centre was inaugurated by state Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who has expressed confidence that the initiative would prove beneficial for around 41,000 MSMEs operating in Surat city.

"I would like to congratulate Amazon India for having taken this initiative that will help equip MSMEs with the right knowledge, skills and support to benefit from technology adoption and e-commerce," said Rupani in his virtual address.

"This is even more important as MSMEs look at reviving and rebuilding their businesses from after the recent challenges. Initiatives like these have a multiplier effect in enabling our MSMEs to play a big role in taking India towards its vision of being a $5 trillion economy," he added.

Rupani also exuded confidence that the digital centre would open new avenues of opportunities for locally made handicrafts and other traditional products made by tribals.

On the occasion, Amazon India's country head Amit Agarwal informed the audience that the company has already digitised 25 lakh MSME units and helped in creating around 10 lakh employment opportunities in India till now.

"Last year at Smbhav, we had announced that Amazon will invest $1 billion in India to help digitize 10 million Indian MSMEs by 2025. And today, we take one more important step towards that goal as we open our first Amazon Digital Kendra in Surat," he said.

"This is an earnest endeavour to bring the right tools, support and services infrastructure closer to where MSMEs are based and help them benefit from e-commerce. Amazon Digital Kendra will help MSMEs grow their business with the adoption of technology and play an even more important role in the revival and growth of the Indian economy," added Agarwal.

Last year, at the inaugural Smbhav Summit, Amazon had announced three important commitments - to digitally enable 10 million MSMEs, enable e-commerce exports worth $10 billion and create 1 million additional jobs in India between 2020 and 2025.

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The US and Japan have objected to Indias frequent ban on onion exports at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), claiming that such prohibitions without prior notification put importing countries in great difficulty.

The countries have asked India to clarify its actions and give reasons why it has not opted for an export quota, which would allow a certain amount of exports.

At the WTOs committee of agriculture meeting last month, both countries said India was requested to explain its onion exports prohibition. However, India failed to provide any specific answer, only answering that it was temporarily in force," they said.

Both countries then went on to ask India to provide an explanation as to why the notification was not made before the measure was taken when prior notification is required per Article 12 of the Agreement on Agriculture. Please explain how India has given due consideration to the effects of the measure on importing members food security. Please provide the reason why India resorted to the export prohibitions on the products rather than an export quota, which would allow a certain amount of exports," Japan and the US said jointly.

In September, the government banned exports of all varieties of onions, anticipating a shortfall as exports shot up 30% in the April-July period.

The sudden export ban drew protests from onion farmers as well as neighbouring countries, such as Bangladesh and Nepal, which depend heavily on Indian onions. In October, the commerce ministry partially eased the curbs, allowing exports of Bangalore rose onions and Krishnapuram onions up to 10,000 tonnes each with immediate effect. From 1 January, the government lifted all restrictions on onion exports, with its prices starting to ease in the domestic market after the arrival of the new crop.

Restrictions on onion exports have become an annual affair at the beginning of winter, with unseasonal rain sometimes destroying the onion crop leading to the sky-rocketing price of the politically sensitive staple food. In FY20, India even imported onions worth $80 million from Afghanistan, Turkey and Egypt to cool prices.

The ban on onion exports even become an irritant in the bilateral trade relationship with Bangladesh in 2019, with the countrys prime minister Sheikh Hasina raising the matter at a business forum meeting in Delhi.

We are facing some problems because of the ban on onion exports from India. I dont know why you banned the export. It would have been better if you had alerted us in advance. We could have sourced onions from other countries. You banned it suddenly, and it became a problem for us," she told an India-Bangladesh Business Forum, adding in jest that she had asked her cook not to use onions in the kitchen.

In FY21, India exported $378 million worth of onions, 15% higher than the previous year. The top exporting destinations were Bangladesh ($101 million), Malaysia ($62 million), the United Arab Emirates ($44 million) and Sri Lanka ($42 million).

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Hundreds of young starlings, blue jays, grackles and other birds in the eastern U.S. are dying from a mysterious illness. It has the makings of an avian epidemic, but to fight it, scientists first have to find the cause.

So far, scientists have ruled out some of the most common culprits of bird die-offs, including Salmonella and Chlamydia . But the actual cause remains frustratingly elusive. Several scientists contacted by Live Science declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigations.

This mysterious illness was first reported in Virginia; Washington, D.C.; and Maryland in May but has become much more widespread in the past two months. Wildlife rescue organizations in an area that stretches from Kentucky to Delaware and as far west as Wisconsin are seeing the bird illness.

Related: The 10 weirdest medical cases in the animal kingdom

"In May, we started to realize that something unusual was going on," Chelsea Jones, a spokesperson for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Virginia, told Live Science. At that time, concerned volunteers started bringing in birds blinded by a white crust that sealed their eyelids. Many of the affected birds were disoriented, lethargic and unable to fly, which suggested the illness affected its victims neurologically. Most of the bird victims were young, often fledglings or a little older.

"We have received 300 birds so far," Jones said. "But that is just counting the deceased birds; the real total is much higher."

Several of the deceased birds from her organization have been sent to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for testing. Now, the DWR is working with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which has enlisted the help of several diagnostic laboratories to try to diagnose the disease.

"To date, all of the findings have either been inconsistent or inconclusive," Lisa Murphy, an associate professor of toxicology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, told NPR . Murphy is the co-director of Penn State's Wildlife Futures Program, one of the laboratories performing postmortem analysis on affected birds along with the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, the University of Georgia Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study and the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Purdue University.

However, the USGS is narrowing the list of bacterial, parasitic and viral suspects. So far, the scientists have ruled out Salmonella, which was responsible for an avian epidemic across the western U.S. earlier this year, and Chlamydia, which is often carried by birds and transmitted to humans, according to the CDC . The agency has also ruled out avian influenza , West Nile virus , herpes viruses, poxviruses and viruses that cause yellow fever. And none of the birds analyzed so far have tested positive for Newcastle disease virus, which can cause conjunctivitis in birds, according to the USGS. However, some environmental toxicology and microbiology tests are still ongoing.

The illness is sweeping through bird populations, but at this time, there is no evidence that this illness is transmissible to humans, according to USGS spokesperson. However, out of an abundance of caution, officials suggest keeping pets away from sick birds.

At this time, the USGS and state agencies recommend a feathered form of social distancing in areas where the illness has been reported. Just as pathogens spread easily among humans in bars, schools and restaurants, rapid disease transmission is possible among birds congregating at feeders. Therefore, experts recommend taking feeders down until the mystery illness subsides.

Originally published on Live Science.
Early Tuesday morning (July 6), a bear attacked and killed a woman while she was camping in western Montana. Local authorities are still searching for the animal.

The attack took place near Ovando, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) northwest of the state capital Helena, according to KGVO News . A statement from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) noted that, prior to the attack, a video camera at a local business caught footage of the animal, which appeared to be a grizzly bear . Grizzlies are common to Ovando and the surrounding Blackfoot Valley, according to the statement.

As of late Wednesday (July 8), the bear had still not been found, The Washington Post reported. The camper has now been identified as Leah Davis Lokan, a 65-year-old resident of Chico, California, who was passing through the area on a long-distance biking trip. She was accompanied by her sister and a friend, who heard Lokan being attacked by the bear at about 3:30 a.m. local time and drove the animal away with bear spray. The bear initially passed by their campsite about a half-hour earlier, waking the campers and prompting them to secure their food before going back to bed.

"The bear basically came back into the campsite. It wandered into a campsite a couple different times," Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles told The Associated Press .

Based on an examination of the bear's footprints and the descriptions of its behavior, FWP determined the animal is likely male and weighs about 400 pounds (181 kilograms), the Post reported. DNA collected at the scene will be used to identify the bear should it get caught in one of the five traps the agency has set so far, according to The Daily Montanan . In addition, helicopters equipped with infrared sensors have already been deployed three times to search for the animal, the agency stated.

Once caught, the bear will be killed, making it the second grizzly to be killed by FWP this summer for fatally injuring a human, FWP official Greg Lemon told the Daily Montanan.

It's not clear why the bear sought out the campsite or attacked Lokan, but Tuesday's attack does not represent "normal bear behavior," Lemon said. "Usually, human and bear conflicts stem from bears protecting food, female bears protecting cubs or surprise encounters that result in the bear feeling threatened and attacking the person.  Going into a campground and attacking a person is not a natural instinct."

This is the second deadly bear attack to occur in the region in recent months. In April, backcountry guide Charles Mock sustained fatal injuries from a male grizzly outside West Yellowstone, The New York Times reported. After the April attack, FWP spokesperson Morgan Jacobsen told the Times that the likelihood of human-grizzly encounters will likely rise as the population of federally protected bears grows and the bears expand their territory. At the same time, the number of people living in the region continues to grow.

In general, conflicts between grizzlies and humans have increased in the Northern Rockies over the past 10 years, as the local bear populations have slowly recovered, according to The Associated Press. Ovando sits at the southern edge of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, where an estimated 1,000 grizzly bears live; in total, fewer than 1,500 grizzlies live in the U.S. south of Canada, according to the National Wildlife Federation . (About 31,000 live in Alaska.)

In the last 20 years, there have been about 20 incidents near the Continental Divide in which people required hospitalization after being injured by bears, the AP reported. And in the past 50 years, 11 fatal bear attacks have taken place in the region, making the occurrence fairly rare. Tuesday's attack counts among those 11, while the April attack took place in the nearby Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which hosts a separate population of bears, the Washington Post reported.

Originally published on Live Science.
Scientists have found evidence of a rare, gargantuan stellar explosion, dating to the earliest days of the universe  less than a billion years after the Big Bang .

Known as a "magneto-rotational hypernova," this ancient explosion would have been roughly 10 times brighter and more energetic than a typical supernova (the violent death that awaits most stars in the universe, including Earth 's sun), leaving behind a strange stew of elements that helped fuel the next generation of stars.

Stars that go boom like this must be massive (dozens of times the size of the sun), spin rapidly and contain a powerful magnetic field , according to a study published July 7 in the journal Nature . When a honkin' star like this dies, it goes out with an enormously powerful bang  collapsing into a dense, energetic husk that fuses the progenitor star's simple elements into a "soup" of ever-heavier stuff, lead study author David Yong, an astronomer based at Australian National University in Canberra, said in a statement .

"It's an explosive death for the star, [and] no one's ever found this phenomenon before," Yong said.

Now, Yong and his colleagues have found a distant star on the fringes of the Milky Way that contains a bizarre chemical cocktail that can only be explained by this elusive type of explosion, the study authors wrote. The star, named SMSS J200322.54-114203.3 (but lets call it J2 for short) and located about 7,500 light-years from the sun in the halo of the Milky Way, formed about 13 billion years ago, or less than 800 million years after the birth of the universe, according to the researchers. Stars like these are the oldest still in existence.

In their new study, the researchers closely analyzed the star's chemical composition based on the wavelengths of light it emits, using special instruments on the Giant Magellan Telescope in the Atacama Desert, Chile. They found that, unlike most other known stars dating to this early era, J2 contains extremely low amounts of iron , while boasting unusually high amounts of heavier elements such as zinc , uranium and europium .

Mergers between neutron stars (collapsed husks of giant stars that pack a sun's-worth of mass into an area the size of a city) can explain the presence of these heavier elements in similar stars from the early universe  however, the researchers said, J2 contains so many "extra" heavy elements that even the neutron star merger theory doesn't fit.

The only explanation for all the extra heavy elements is an extra-huge explosion  a hypernova amplified by rapid rotation and a strong magnetic field, according to the authors.

"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," study co-author Chiaki Kobayashi of the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K. said in the statement. "It is the only thing that explains the results."

This discovery is more than a sparkly spectacle; such an incredible explosion must have occurred during the earliest stages of galaxy formation to result in the birth of J2. This fact suggests that hypernovas may have been an important method of star formation in the early universe, the study authors concluded. The detection of similarly old, oddly composed stars is needed to further flesh out these results.

Originally published on Live Science.
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After Yang takes place far enough in the future that it doesnt seem unusual for a family to have acquired a virtual big brother for their adopted Chinese daughter. The robot  or techno-sapien, as such advanced appliances are politely referred to in the race-blind, android-accepting society writer-director Kogonada neatly imagines  has ceased to function, and the man of the house (Colin Farrell) has the tricky task of getting him fixed. You cant flush a surrogate sibling the way you might a dead goldfish, but tinkering with it yields profound, thought-provoking results for the family, and audiences too, in this subtly crafted sci-fi parable.

Liberally adapted from a short story by Alexander Weinstein, After Yang doesnt oversell the conceptual stuff, the way a Philip K. Dick project might. Kogonada uses innovation not to alarm, but as license to ruminate on how certain human functions work, among them memory, attachment and what we think of as individuality. Tonally, the results arent far from Spike Jonzes Her, though there are elements of A.I. Artificial Intelligence in there too  except that in Kogonadas Pinocchio update, the robot already got to be a real boy, and his owner is only just discovering what a special entity the family has been living with all along.

After Yang is not at all the sophomore feature admirers might have expected from the creator of 2017s Columbus, a well-respected if somewhat stiff examination of relationships, inherited versus organic, which asked audiences to consider architecture and design as crucial components of how people connect. That film felt like the live-action equivalent of a Chris Ware comic strip: smart, a little schematic, a lot melancholy, its every frame seemingly mapped out on graph paper in advance.

This film is similarly precise, with its desaturated palette, meticulous framing and near-mathematical cutting style (consider the opening-credits dance contest or the sly way one shot lingers on an empty room long enough to discover an intruder). And yet, Kogonadas concerns remain fundamentally human. The movies pulse seldom rises above resting, but the director invites audiences to dive as deep as they want to go into the films themes, to read subtext into body language, silence and the space between characters.

Its there in the clipped video calls between Farrells character, Jake, and his wife, Kyra (Queen & Slim star Jodie Turner-Smith), who calmly expresses concern while giving her husband room for the epic journey of sorting out whats wrong with Yang (Justin H. Min), 90% of which happens in his head. Farrell, who typically comes across agitated and aggressive, has never given such an understated performance, and Kogonada dials it down even further by shooting the actor from a distance and from semi-inscrutable angles  a trick he lifted from Ozu.

Jakes an old-school, Eastern-minded soul  he runs a loose-leaf-tea shop and maintains a Japanese-furnished, open-concept Eichler home  living in a world of self-driving cars and gleaming skyscrapers, wisely relegated to the half-obscured background of a select few shots. But his daughter, Mika (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjajazu), isnt quite so patient, and her non-comprehending childlike demands threaten to disrupt his investigation.

Weinsteins Saying Goodbye to Yang opens with the android plunging his head into a bowl of Cheerios. Thats how the malfunction manifests, and one can imagine it being hard for young Mika  who calls her companion Gege  to process. In the film, Yang simply stops working, but the dead eyes can be just as disturbing.

Its a typically male impulse for Jake to deal with the situation by looking to fix Yang. But when the technicians at the local repair store say hes basically kaput, Jake is obliged to seek out someone a little less conventional, locating a crackpot specialist who hacks bots from his garage. The guy has all sorts of wild conspiracies, ranting about how these techno-sapiens are essentially spyware, infiltrating unsuspecting homes and collecting data on everything they see.

Thats one way of looking at it, but Jake is more taken by the more professional opinion he gets from an expert (Sarita Choudhury) at the local A.I. museum, whos excited by the sugar cube-size memory bank theyve extracted from Yangs core. She rigs a pair of viewing specs for Jake to access what his robot might have recorded, and before long, this mild-mannered father is taking melancholy trips through Yangs most precious moments  arranged as a kind of memory forest, a glowing grid from which short snippets play like so many TikTok videos.

The music, which sets a mellow undertone for most of the film, tends to soar whenever Jake goes for one of these VR-style strolls into Yangs subconscious. Thats fair: Jakes having his mind blown as he discovers what mattered most to this mysterious family member, who wasnt programmed to experience emotion. (Or maybe his owners werent programmed to recognize it.) Yangs recordings are touchingly naive, documenting a sunbeam or a smile the way an appreciative puppy might, for future recall.

Turns out, Yang had an entire life before he joined their household  possibly even several of them  as Jake traces the roots of things this secondhand android taught (or implanted in) Mika. Yang even took the initiative to connect with someone on the outside, Ada (Haley Lu Richardson), a barista whose significance remains an enigma until nearly the end.

Another storyteller might have treated these revelations as sinister, but Kogonada avoids thriller cliches. The director  a Korean-born, America-based formalist who has studied and deconstructed the visual poetics of auteurs ranging from Wes Anderson to Robert Bresson in a series of film-geek video essays  is swiftly finding his own voice, though its still early enough in his career that were only starting to realize what hes capable of. Columbus may have gotten our attention, but after Yang, anything seems possible.

Reviewed at Christine 21, Paris, July 3, 2021. (In Cannes Film Festival  Un Certain Regard.) Running time: 101 MIN.

Production

Producers: Theresa Park, Andrew Goldman, Caroline Kaplan, Paul Mezey. Executive producer: Philipp Engelhorn.

Crew

Director: Kogonada. Screenplay: Kogonada, based on the short story Saying Goodbye to Yang from the book Children of the New World by Alexander Weinstein. Camera: Benjamin Loeb. Editor: Kogonada. Music: Aska Matsumiya.

With

Colin Farrell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, Jutin H. Min, Orlagh Cassidy, Ritchie Coster, Sarita Choudhury, Clifton Collins Jr.

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The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office told a judge on Wednesday that it is ready to bring Harvey Weinstein to trial within four months on charges of rape and sexual assault.

Weinstein is still in prison in upstate New York, where he has been fighting his extradition since April. A judge in Buffalo, N.Y., gave approval on June 15 to move Weinstein to Los Angeles, with the transfer expected sometime in July.

But Weinsteins lawyers have continued to pursue their objections, this time in Los Angeles. In a petition last month, Weinsteins lawyers said he is suffering from a severe cataract in his right eye and an active lesion in his left eye, and that in order to avoid going blind, he needs treatment that could take six to nine months. They have asked that the extradition be delayed until after the treatment is over, when they say he will be medically ready for the transfer.

Under the law, Los Angeles prosecutors have 120 days to bring Weinstein to trial once he is transferred. Weinsteins lawyers argue that the D.A.s office knows it cannot bring Weinstein to trial within that time frame because of his health problems.

In their response filed this week, prosecutors said that the L.A. County Sheriffs Department can provide adequate care, and that the D.A.s office has no problem with the 120-day deadline to start the trial.

The People are ready to bring Petitioner to trial, wrote Deputy District Attorney Cassandra Thorpe.

Weinsteins lawyers argue that the D.A.s position forces Weinstein either to forgo the treatment, and risk going blind, or waive his right to a speedy trial once extradited.

Weinstein was convicted in February 2020 of rape and sexual assault, and was sentenced to 23 years in prison. He is facing 11 additional counts, pertaining to five women, in Los Angeles.

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Michael Avenatti was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Thursday after being found guilty in February 2020 of all three charges stemming from his Nike extortion trial.

Federal guidelines recommended a prison sentence of between nine and 11 years, while Avenatti argued for a six-month prison term followed by one year of home detention. The judge ultimately sentenced the disgraced celebrity lawyer to just two-and-a-half years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Prior to sentencing, Avenatti  who rose to fame after representing high-profile clients like Stormy Daniels and some of R. Kellys alleged sexual assault victims  apologized for his actions.

Every father wants his children to be proud of him. But I want mine to be ashamed. If they are ashamed, it means their moral compass is exactly where it should be, Avenatti said. All the fame, notoriety and money in the world is meaningless. TV and Twitter, your honor, mean nothing. Everyone wants to ride in a limo with you, but very few are willing to sit next to you on the bus. Even fewer are willing to take your calls from prison.

I and I alone have destroyed my career, my relationships, my life, he added, fighting back tears. There is no doubt that I deserve to pay, have paid and will pay a further price for what I have done.

Mr. Avenattis conduct was outrageous, said U.S. District Court Judge Paul Gardephe said during sentencing, NBC reported. He hijacked his clients claims, and he used him to further his own agenda, which was to extort Nike millions of dollars for himself. He outright betrayed his client. Mr. Avenatti had become drunk on the power of his platform, or what he perceived the power of his platform to be. However, the judge  in handing down the light sentence  noted that Avenatti had shown severe remorse, while also criticizing federal prosecutors for not pursuing charges against Avenattis alleged co-conspirator in the Nike extortion plot.

Avenattis lawyer Danya Perry also noted to the court, Its impossible to discern a distinction between Mr. Avenattis conduct and that of Mark Geragos, who they did not charge at all.

The celebrity lawyer was previously found guilty on federal charges of transmission of interstate communications with intent to extort, attempted extortion, and honest services wire fraud. In March 2019, Avenatti was arrested for his attempt to extort Nike for $25 million, threatening to expose the sportswear giant for their alleged role in helping Nike-affiliated colleges secure high school athletes.

Prior to his conviction, in January 2020, Avenatti was also rearrested in California for committing additional crimes while out on bail. He also faced accusations that he stole millions from a paraplegic client in California, embezzled from a divorce settlement set aside by then-Miami Heat player Hassan Whiteside and financial crimes related to his representation of Stormy Daniels. Charged with tax crimes and financial fraud, Avenatti will face one trial in California beginning next week. A second case in which he was accused of stealing $300,000 from a book written by Daniels will go to trial in early 2022.
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Nadav Lapid was used to mining the past. With 2014s The Kindergarten Teacher, he worked childhood poems into the script, while basing his Berlinale winning follow-up, Synonyms, on his early days in France after leaving Israel.

But with Aheds Knee, which premieres on July 7 in competition at Cannes, the filmmaker confronted uncharted terrain: his present day.

This movie was one trembling gesture of urgency and movement  a kind of ode to the present, to the here and now, Lapid said. It took me two-weeks-and-a-half to write the script, whereas Synonyms took me over a year. More than any other of my movies, this one is one unbroken gesture; its one movement, one brushstroke.

Lapid poured his professional, political, and personal misgivings into the livewire film, which follows a filmmaker over the course of one day as he struggles with his mothers imminent death while dealing with government officials hostile to his work.

On the one hand, its my simplest movie, he said. Narratively, its like a Western: someone arrives at [a remote desert outpost], influences the place and is influenced by it, and then leaves. But formally, its the wildest thing Ive done. Its like a raw nerve, thrumming with emotional, political, ideological and aesthetical vibrations.

The filmmaker began writing the project shortly after his Berlinale win in 2019, and kicked off production less than ten months later. Producer Judith Lou Levy and I wanted to respect the urgency of the project, even at the expense of additional financial resources, Lapid said.

[At the outset,] we set a deadline to start shooting and decided not to apply for any financing that would force us to miss it, he continued. And in January 2020, we shot the film over the course of 18 days. I dont think theres any other movie in the Cannes competition that shot for only 18 days!

For all the ease with which the film came together, the shoot proved more difficult for Lapid.

I suffered a lot on the set, he said. The movie is connected with the death of my mother, so in a way showing up on set each day felt like coming for a funeral. Theres something about [shooting in the] desert that reinforces this feeling of a blank canvas that you have to fill with all your chaos.

Lapid felt an additional sense of whiplash when, after editing the project over the course of five short weeks, he delivered a nearly finished version in March 2020  right as the world shut down. I felt like Usain Bolt, running 95 meters in record time and then having to slow down for a year to finish the last 5, he said. I felt lost. I had an enormous shout strangled in me, and for one year I felt it inside.

Sitting with a finished feature over the past 16 months, Lapid shot the short film The Star, which will play as a special screening at Cannes this year, and began work on both a new screenplay as well as a potential TV project.

Of the latter, he said: Its an adaptation of an American novel initiated by an important American TV producer. If it happens it will be my first experience in TV, my first experience in the U.S.  two things I know nothing about.

For the time being, hes readying his Cannes competition debut  to be voted upon by a juror with a personal connection to the filmmaker.

Maggie Gyllenhaal [who starred in and produced the US remake of The Kindergarten Teacher] is going to be on the jury, Lapid said. Its one of the strangest situations in this life. Someone who remade one of my movies, who recited the poems that I wrote when I was 4 years old, is now going to evaluate what I did 40 years later.

But hey, she can see if theres been any progress, he added. Shes in a very good position to evaluate it.

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Alex Tarrant and Enver Gjokaj have joined the cast of NCIS: Hawaii at CBS, Variety has learned.

The duo join previously announced cast members Vanessa Lachey, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Jason Antoon, Noah Mills, Tori Anderson, and Kian Talan. In the show, the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor (Lachey) and her team balance duty to family and country, investigating high-stakes crimes involving military personnel, national security and the mysteries of the island itself.

Tarrant will star as Kai. Kai provides the team with a unique superpower: he can blend into any part of the islands. Thats because hes a local. But while he grew up riding twenty-footers and serenading the wahine with his uke, cultivating a charm that still oozes from every part of him, hes spent most of his adult life running away from his home. Now returned to Hawaii as an NCIS agent to tend to his sick father, he struggles to reconcile his past as he navigates the high-stakes crimes on the islands he knows so intimately.

Tarrant graduated from New Zealands drama school Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aoteraroa in 2012. He has been featured in shows such as When We Go to War, Tatau, and Filthy Rich. His feature credits include The Other Side of Heaven and Night Raiders. He is repped by Auckland Actors and Management 360.

Gjokaj will star as Navy Capt. Joe Milius, a high ranking commander of Pacific Fleet who arrives when a top secret experimental aircraft crashes into a cliff, killing the pilot. He maintains that it was an accident  intent on protecting the honor of the dead officer. While Milius clashes with Tennant (Lachey) and is resistant to her taking control of the crash investigation, he cant help but respect her ability as a leader.

Gjokaj previously starred in the ABC series Agent Carter as well as the series Dollhouse. His other TV credits include Agents of Shield, The Rookie, and The Walking Dead. He is repped by Suskin Management and Gersh.

NCIS: Hawaii was ordered to series at CBS back in April. Matt Bosack, Jan Nash, and Chris Silber are co-writing and executive producing NCIS: Hawaii, with Larry Teng attached to direct and executive produce.

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Sometimes the peace-and-love message has to be celebrated in near-drive-by status, at least when theres still a pandemic going on and youre a Beatle trying not to draw a crowd. And so Ringo Starrs annual birthday celebration happened in somewhat furtive fashion Wednesday, as he met with press and posed for photos in front of his peace-sign statue in the park at the corner of Santa Monica and Canon in Beverly Hills.

Starrs birthday gatherings are usually bigger, pre-announced affairs, with a lot more than the 20 fans who had sussed out the location and were watching from behind a barricade Wednesday. Probably more fans were staking out the Capitol tower in Hollywood, where the star(r) led global peace and love shouts at noon Pacific time in 2014-17 and 2019. (Last year, the event was online-only, and in other years, itd been based at Hard Rock Cafes around the world.)

He was turning 81 Wednesday, but said he didnt pay any mind whether it was an odd number like that or last years major round number. Birthdays are birthdays, you know  youve got to live with it, you know? he told Variety before posing with guests including in-law Joe Walsh and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather. I mean, emotionally, sometimes Im 18. We were laughing in the car saying Im 18 today because its 81 in reverse.

As it turned out, Starr and his wife Barbara Bach had stopped by the statue last year at this time, but without any fans or press in attendance, as attention turned toward the streaming special he presented in lieu of a live countdown. Actually, last year, at the height of the pandemic, Starr said, because we live here, just Barbara and I ran down here to do it, to keep the tradition up, by the hand. And today weve got quite a few more. I do have a mask here if anyones complaining, he joked, pretending to reach inside his jacket for complimentary faceguards. It is what it is today. Two years ago we were at Capitol Records with a lot of guests playing for me and hundreds of people outside. But things have changed.

What had he been doing to celebrate turning 81? I woke up this morning, he said, drawing laughs.

He had, in fact, heard from Paul McCartney already: He just called me. We still say hi to each other. Im still waiting for the gift.

And how does he look better at 81 than most of the attendees decades younger, someone asked? I dont know, he said at first, before deciding to reveal his secret: I dont wear a hat, thats why.

Starr, who recently released an EP, Zoom In, is expected to put out a follow-up EP later this year, and will be seen in Peter Jacksons Get Back Beatles TV docu-epic this fall.

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The position of Saudi women as second-class citizens receives a potent metaphoric visualization in Saudi helmer-writer Shahad Ameens parable-like debut drama, Scales. Revealing more through imagery than dialogue, the tale unfolds on a barren island where tradition dictates that each family sacrifice a daughter to the sea maidens to ensure the local fishermen a good catch. , with the taut first third particularly strong. But the narratives momentum and clarity dissipate in the middle and final sections even as the visuals continue to impress. Still, the boldly inventive Scales marks Ameen as a talent to watch.

Variance Films is releasing Scales in New York and Los Angeles on July 9. A wider rollout will follow. The 2019 production had a prize-winning festival run and was chosen as the Saudi entry for the best international feature Oscar.

In the harsh, dystopian world that Ameen creates, femininity is repressed and masculinity is all powerful. Women remain at home, behind closed doors, except on those full-moon nights when the ritual sacrifice is performed to the beat of drums. Bare-chested men hold blazing torches and sing on the beach as frightened young girls wade into the depths and fathers drop their swaddled female infants into the water.

Here, boys are the privileged gender. By day, they follow their fathers to the edge of the sea, where they clean the villages fishing boat, mend nets and practice spearing a catch. Their workspace is framed by barbed wire, a further separation of the sexes and perhaps a suggestion of the harshness and rigidity of the islands traditions.

The films protagonist, rebellious 12-year-old Hayat (Basima Hajjar), is an outcast and a source of shame for her mother (Fatima Al Taei). Shes the girl who wasnt supposed to get out of the water.

A powerful prologue shows Hayats father, Muthana (Yagoub Alfarhan), reclaiming her from the sea when she is just a baby. For this act, he is considered a weakling by the other men and not allowed to join the fishermen. Instead, his job is to clean, cut and distribute shares of their catch.

When Hayats mother gives birth to a boy, Hayat once more must face the cruel waters. But like a cat with nine lives, she returns to her fathers house, dragging her own catch. Now audiences can see exactly what was in the duffel bags that the fishermen previously delivered. A symbolic act of blooding marks the end of the films first third, allowing Hayat to somehow transcend her gender.

Up to this point, the film is, er, awash in provocative ideas about gender roles, tradition, repression and the wild female power of the sea. Spoiler alert: Not only are the village women mere commodities in this patriarchal society, but it appears that they are also edible ones. Unfortunately, the horrific boldness of this concept feels a tad underdeveloped in the films final two thirds. Also left rather rudimentary is the physical metamorphosis of Hayat, who can see fish scales on one foot and up one of her legs.

Now the villages alpha male, Amer (Ashraf Barhoum), allows Hayat to train with the boys and sail on the fishing boat, despite the fact that some of the older men consider her bad luck. But shes not completely comfortable in the role of hunter and refuses certain orders. In another memorable example of Ameens unique visual imagination, a melancholy sea maiden is trapped in the fishermens nets and loosed on the deck before being shot.

The final section of the film feels dream-like, with editing that defies continuity rules. Hayat ventures into the water on her own terms and returns again to her community as an agent of change. After she strikes a blow for the dignity of her sex, the sea rises over the rocky landscape as if in salute.

Scales marks an expansion of some of the ideas in Jeddah-born, London-trained Ameens prize-winning 2013 short Eye and Mermaid. It benefits immensely from the mesmerizing monochrome lensing of Portuguese director of photography Joao Ribeiro and the timeless look of its dramatic location in Musandam, Oman.

Reviewed online, July 6, 2021. Running time: 76 MIN. (Original title: Sayyedat al-Bahr)

Running Time: Running time: 76 MIN.

Production

(Saudi Arabia  UAE  Jordan  Iraq) A Variance Films release (in the U.S.) of an Image Nation Abu Dhabi presentation of a Film Solutions, The Imaginarium Films production in association with Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji Prods. (World sales: AGC Intl, L.A./London.) Producers: R. Paul Miller, Stephen Strachan, Rula Nasser. Executive producers: Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji, Majid Al Ansari, Ashraf Barhoum, Yagoub Alfarhan, Fatima Al Taei, Haifa Al-Agha, Hafssa Faisal, Abdulaziz Shtian.

Crew

Director, writer: Shahad Ameen. Camera: Joao Ribeiro. Editors: Shahnaz Dulaimy, Ewa Johansson-Lind, Ali Salloum. Music: Mike and Fabien Kourtzeer.

With

Ashraf Barhoum, Basima Hajjar, Yagoub Alfarhan, Fatima Al Taei, Hafssa Faisal.

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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.
MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Contestants from 14 of Mexicos 32 states at a Miss Mexico contest tested positive for the coronavirus, a health official in the northern Mexico border state of Chihuahua said Tuesday.

State Health Secretary Eduardo Fernandez Herrera told local media that all the contestants had all submitted negative tests before the pageant in the state capital.
MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP)  The United States is making a big bet on the role that farmers can play in mitigating climate change.

President Joe Biden said he wants American farmers to be the first in the world with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. How they might achieve that goal is still unclear  but one idea getting a lot of attention involves paying farmers to store carbon in the soil.

Its called carbon banking, and some see it as one way to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. While the concept has been around for decades, its still finding a foothold in ag-heavy states like Minnesota.

Its definitely a change in management. And it definitely requires more management, said A.J. Krusemark, who farms with his wife and parents near the southern Minnesota town of Trimont, about an hour southwest of Mankato.

The idea is that by changing farming practices, carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere, converted and stored as soil carbon. Farmers can then earn credits for the carbon that they store, and companies can offset the pollution that they cause by buying those credits.

Krusemarks family was already committed to the type of agriculture thats focused on developing healthier soil  including many of the same practices that make them eligible to sell carbon credits.

Our goal is to be as regenerative as possible in our farming practices, he said.

Krusemark is an engineer by training. He moved back to the farm eight years ago and started learning about regenerative agriculture, a set of practices that, in part, increases the amount of carbon in the soil, Minnesota Public Radio News reported.

I spend a lot of time reading, especially in the winter when we are a little bit slower, he said.

Regenerative agriculture involves four primary principles: Limiting disturbance of the soil; keeping the soil covered throughout the growing season by planting cover crops; grazing livestock on the land; and planting a more diverse mix of crops.

Krusemark plants cover crops to keep roots in the soil after the cash crops are harvested. He doesnt till the soil as much. Cattle graze on his fields periodically, and hes added peas to the traditional crop rotation of corn and soybeans.

Those changes qualified the Krusemarks to be paid for carbon credits through Truterra, a subsidiary of the Minnesota-based agriculture giant Land OLakes.

Companies that pay farmers to bank carbon take several different approaches in calculating a farm operations carbon storage. Some look back, some look ahead. Either way, its an imprecise science, based on calculations and estimates.

Truterra currently bases the price of its credits on the past five years of a farms practices. It calculates the projected impacts of certain farming practices on the land and pays farmers accordingly.

The company contends this look-back approach will result in a higher quality carbon storage program, because the essential farming practices  which often require a costly conversion when farmers move from more traditional practices  are already established, and farmers are more likely to maintain the practices.

Truterra is one of several carbon bank startups. Other carbon banking companies pay farmers for future farming practices, asking them to commit to regenerative approaches over a period of time.

Truterra President Jason Weller said hes seeing a lot of interest in his companys program.

Microsoft was the first buyer of Truterra credits, purchasing 100,000 tons of carbon earlier this year. Truterra wont say how many farmers or how many acres of land are enrolled in the program.

But, Weller said, farmers arent going to participate just for the money. Its not enough.

What were offering today is $20 a ton for carbon, he said. When you put that on a per-acre basis, maybe youre looking at half a ton per acre, per year. So you kind of do the simple math, that works out to be 10 bucks an acre.

That per-acre payment alone wont sell farmers on storing carbon, Weller said. It might cost a farmer $40 or $50 an acre to buy the necessary equipment and make the changes needed to convert to no-till regenerative farming.

Once the farmers kind of pencil it out, you know, scratch their head a little bit, theyre like, That actually doesnt really make a lot of sense, because its a lot of expense in order to get a low return, he said.

So instead, Truterra focuses on convincing farmers that there is value in the healthier soil and other effects of changing how they farm.

The carbon credit money is then simply an incentive to stick with those practices for the long term  and thats an essential element for storing carbon in the soil.

Once the farmer is really locked in and has a functioning soil carbon sequestration system, theyre more likely not to drop out of the system, said Weller. We need these farmers to maintain the soil-health systems for 10, 20, 50 years  over multiple generations.

Even carbon banking skeptics like Ben Lilliston, the director of climate strategies at the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, like the idea of encouraging farmers to make a long-term commitment to improving soil health.

But they say it lets companies off the hook for their own pollution. If they can offset harmful practices by buying carbon credits, they no longer have an incentive to lessen their impact on the environment.

We do know some carbon is being sequestered under certain practices and certain farming systems. Thats good. Lets support that, said Lilliston. But lets not use that as an excuse for companies (not) reducing their own emissions.

Lilliston agrees that the work and money farmers like A.J. Krusemark invest to store carbon will have long-term benefits for the environment. But he argues that all that work wont do much to help mitigate climate change if big companies are then allowed to buy those carbon credits to offset their own pollution.

One of the things that were concerned about is a company saying, Hey, look, weve paid for some carbon (to) be sequestered over here. So we dont have to reduce our own emissions over here, our own pollution, Lilliston said. And that kind of trading, that kind of offset of pollution, is what that is called, is a real problem.

Skeptics of carbon banking practices say that, in order for it to have real climate impact, the carbon storage must come in tandem with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions  not as a replacement for that pollution.

And then there is the complication of how to accurately measure the amount of carbon stored in a particular plot of land.

Weller said the science and practice of carbon soil storage is still an evolving process, but its important for regenerative agricultural practices to take hold, even if the process of carbon banking and measuring isnt perfect.

Climatologists tell us were running out of time, he said. And we need every tool in the toolbox to be tackling the climate challenge.

Krusemark knows that some farmers are skeptical about regenerative agriculture, thinking perhaps its just a passing fad.

But hes committed, and he wants others to think about what hes seeing on his farm: Healthier soils, less pollution and long-term cost savings from using less fertilizer and pesticides.

This is not a one-size-fits-all solution, he said. You need to figure out what works for you. Because, I think, if you want to make a very simple definition of sustainability, it has to be something youre able to continue to do.

Truterra is betting its business model that farmers will adopt regenerative practices.

And thousands of farmers will need to find the solution that works for them, if regenerative agriculture and carbon farming are going to make a difference in climate change.
The U.S. Postal Service's plan to raise mailing rates could present one more damaging blow to community newspapers already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic and advertising declines, a trade group says.

Rates on periodicals would increase by more than 8% as of Aug. 29, according to agency filings. The price jump is part of a broad plan pushed by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to overhaul mail operations.

The impact of the periodical rate increase is expected to be felt most by small daily and weekly newspapers, as well as rural newspapers, which depend on the Postal Service since they have shifted from using independent contractors for deliveries.

In response, publishers potentially could be forced to further reduce staff or forgo home deliveries entirely and instead send papers to communal news racks, or even shutter their papers, said Paul Boyle, senior vice president at the News Media Alliance, a trade association representing nearly 2,000 news organizations in the U.S.

It is one of several nicks and slashes that can damage the bottom line, especially if you are an independent publisher who is operating at break even or in the low single digits of profitability. And most are, said Penelope Muse Abernathy, a Northwestern University professor who has extensively studied the decline of the news industry.

For some, it could be the tipping point for survivability, Boyle said.

The News Media Alliance, in comments opposing the rate increases, told the independent Postal Regulatory Commission that the plans ultimately harm the public interest while doing little to improve the Postal Services financial condition.

In a statement, Postal Service spokesman David Partenheimer said the agency's leaders are committed to judiciously implementing a rational pricing approach that helps enable us to remain viable and competitive and offer reliable postal services that are among the most affordable in the world.

While the price newspapers pay varies based on how they prepare and enter their papers into our system, the average proposed price increase for newspapers for local delivery is from 10.6 cents to 11.4 cents or 0.8 cent, less than one cent, he said.

The newspaper industry has struggled greatly over the past two decades. Advertising has dried up due to the internet and readership has fallen. More than 2,100 newspapers in the United States have closed in the past 15 years, the majority of them weeklies that serve local communities, according to research by the University of North Carolina.

In the same period, regular newspaper readership has fallen by one-half, the researchers said.

Newspaper newsroom employment stood at 74,410 in 2006, the last year that figure grew over the previous year, according to the Pew Research Center in a study released last week. In 2020, there were 30,820 people in newsrooms.

DeJoy, along with Ron Bloom, chairman of the agency's governing board, presented the 10-year plan for the Postal Service in March, arguing that significant changes would be necessary to stem a projected $160 billion loss over the next decade.

The strategy includes relaxing delivery standards on first-class mail going to the farthest reaches of its network, from a one-to-three-day benchmark to a one-to-five-day goal. Postal officials have said 70% of mail would still be delivered within three days. Postal leaders are also moving to increase the price of a first-class stamp from 55 cents to 58 cents, and want to consolidate underused post offices and invest in new delivery vehicles.

Democrats have criticized the plan as an unacceptable decline of mail service and have renewed calls for the removal of DeJoy, a major Republican donor who has been engulfed in controversy since taking over the agency last year.

DeJoy, a wealthy former logistics executive who has also donated to former President Donald Trump, drew national scrutiny last year when he put in place a series of operational changes that he said were intended to improve efficiency yet caused widespread delivery delays before the 2020 election as millions of people prepared to vote by mail. He was also blamed for a steep decline in on-time deliveries around the holiday season last year.

After Trumps defeat, Democrats pushed again for DeJoys ouster. The Senate in late May approved three new appointees, nominated by President Joe Biden, to the Postal Service's governing board, giving Democratic appointees a majority on the board.

Still, DeJoy has maintained that he intends to stay in the post and told members of Congress at a hearing this year, "Get used to me. Bloom has stood by DeJoy, telling lawmakers in February that the postmaster general was doing a good job.

___

Izaguirre reported from Lindenhurst, New York. Bauder reported from Ithaca, New York.

___

Associated Press coverage of voting rights receives support in part from Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
A man has been detained following a four-hour standoff in central Laredo, authorities said.

At about noon Wednesday, Laredo police officers responded to a report of a barricaded subject in the 2500 block of Guatemozin Street.

Authorities contained the scene of the incident but set up a perimeter as a precaution, according to police.

Negotiators and the LPD SWAT team also responded to the scene.

By 3:40 p.m., the man was in custody after SWAT team members went inside the home and located him in the attic.

Authorities identified him as Alejandro Vela, 23. He was taken to a hospital as per procedure.

Police said they will release more information as soon as it becomes available.


The height of the speed bump in Woodcocks Road is just one of the issues that One Mahurangi has been involved in over the past year.

Few could have predicted the challenges that the One Mahurangi business association would face in the first year of the Warkworth Business Improvement District (BID), introduced on July 1 last year.

The BID is funded by all business property owners in and around Warkworth and last year collected $134,000 through an Auckland Council targeted rate. This moved the association from a voluntary membership and sponsorship model to a position where all businesses who benefited from its work contributed.

Association chair Mark Macky says the first 12 months were very interesting, trying to support members through a Covid environment.

Its certainly had some challenges, but we believe that weve come through it well, he says. Its great to see many of our businesses doing well and were still working to support those who have some challenges. Weve continued to run events to connect our members, providing opportunities to share learnings and experiences.

Association manager Murray Chapman says last years lockdown saw the association facilitating a lot of information for businesses about the wage subsidy and other employment issues.

Obviously all events were cancelled and we are only just starting to put an events calendar back in place, he says. A programme of networking events is also warming up.

An issue on the horizon is the impact the opening of the new motorway will have on Warkworth retailers next year.

Murray says that in the short-term, it probably wont be favourable, as most people wont want to turn back to come into town.

We will need to come up with ways to make the town a destination in its own right, so One Mahurangi will be talking to retailers about how to make this happen. Events will be a key part of this strategy.

Mark Macky says One Mahurangis advocacy efforts continued strongly over the year.

We still have many concerns about the lack of investment in infrastructure as our town grows. Hill Street has taken a lot of focus and Dave Stott, our deputy chair, has been working hard with various local groups, Auckland Transport and NZTA.

We hope to have good news on the funding for Hill Street in the coming weeks.

Mark says there are still many other issues to work on  tolling on NX2, a centre plan development for Warkworth, reverse sensitivity issues with future urban land, and more roading issues with a southern off-ramp for the motorway, the Sandspit link road and also traffic volumes through Matakana.

Warkworth businessman Alistair Mason, who has been a long-time supporter of the principle of a BID, says Covid has underlined even more the reason why One Mahurangi is needed.

When times are tough, thats when you need advocates to press our case, he says.

Ive belonged to a lot of trade organisations and with anything like this, its not one single achievement that you point to, but the progress made over time.

If you dont keep the squeaky wheel turning on issues like Hill Street then nothing happens.

ITSS director Hugh Harvey says it is good to see new blood joining the One Mahurangi committee.

We have a good team and the association is a huge asset to the town, he says.

It might not always be obvious what One Mahurangi is achieving because a lot goes on behind the scenes. For instance, the speed bump in Woodcocks Road is being remodelled thanks to our efforts, although we would have preferred to see the work done at night. It will be pretty congested when traffic is diverted up Morrison Drive and down Glenmore.

Weve also been meeting with Auckland Council about the existing industrial boundary and the new residential areas.

Covid has made a difference, but I think the association is definitely heading in the right direction.
Lockport, NY (14094)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low near 65F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Lockport, NY (14094)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Longford publicans have heaped fresh pressure on government bosses to devise a clear roadmap for the long awaited return of indoor hospitality.

Local vintners representatives reacted with fury this week after Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed that most indoor socialising will remain off the menu for several more weeks.

Longford publican Michael Murphy of Murph's Bar, said the decision was one which has left an industry already struggling to regroup from 16 months of enforced closure, in limbo.

There is no roadmap and there is no clear indication as to when we can (reopen indoor hospitality), he said.

A bar owner for more than two decades, Mr Murphy said there were concerns among industry officials over how the Government planned to proceed with the continued reopening of hospitality services.

He said the mooted introduction of rapid antigen tests to screen people for Covid-19 as well as a new vaccine ID system for indoor dining had raised more questions than answers.

We don't know how it will work, he said.

Will it be this new testing system or will they be allowing fully vaccinated people only to come inside.

It just looks like it is going to be very hard to manage.

Those anxieties were given further credence over the weekend with senior vitners officials demanding social distancing be scrapped for indoor dining if vaccine passes are introduced.

Under the current Covid-19 restrictions, tables must be kept two metres apart if customers are staying longer than 105 minutes.

For the likes of Mr Murphy, the return to indoor services can't come soon enough.

We are only just ticking over with the outdoor, he said.

Chairman of Longford Vitners Association Gerry Lynn wasted little time in underlining those sentiments.

I don't know where we (publicans) are really at, he said.When you look at it, these are people's liveihoods which are at stake and it just looks like nobody cares.

It's a feeling which a lot of especially rural publicans share.

Those comments come as talk intensifies around the speculated introduction of digital Covid Certificates.
A state of the art skatepark, a public amenity area in the centre of Longford town and a community warden-just some of the chief targets set out by new County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Peggy Nolan last week.

The long serving Fine Gael local politician assumed the chain of office from predecessor Cllr Paul Ross at the local authority'a annual general meeting last Wednesday.

It was the third time in Cllr Nolan's 22 year career in local politics to occupy the council's top position.

And true to form, the mother of the chamber as described by Cllr Seamus Butler wasted no time in rhyming out a string of targets over the next 12 months.

It's (skateboarding) now an olympic sport and it behoves us to put in place a skatepark, she told elected members.

And we need to acquire land to put in place amenities that are badly needed in the centre of our county town.

Cllr Nolan also alluded to Longford's ongoing regeneration drive, saying the onus was now on the council to back up a series of ambitious projects which have beenearmarked for the county.

We (councillors) know what's in train but the public don't and it's time now that regeneration is very visible in town, she added.

Cllr Nolan gave a firm undertaking to do her level best to improve the quality of life of all citizens over the next 12 months.

She also revealed her impact in the council hot seat was one that she was relishing as she paid tribute to her party colleague and outgoing cathaoirleach, Cllr Ross.

Every time there was an issue, you were there for local and national media, she told the father of three, terming his year as first citizen to be nothing short of exceptional.

She added, in turning to her fellow members: I am only as good a leader as you allow me to be.

I care about every elected member and all of the people who elected me.

This is my home town, it's my home county and to me it's like my extended family.

That's not said to garner votes or to get headlines, it's how I feel.

What affects the people of this county, affects me and affects all of us.

Cllr Nolan's elevation to the summit of Longford County Council ensured Fine Gael occupied both cathaoirleach and Leas cathaoirleach positions, courtesy of the election of Cllr Paraic Brady.

Whatever you need and whenever you need it, I will be there, he told councillors at last week's annual general meeting.
Abbey Road Artists Studios is delighted to introduce its newest resident artist, Ciara Tuite, a visual artist and writer who originates from County Longford.

Tuites background in fine art, performing art and journalism informs her multi-disciplinary approach in creating works rich in words and imagery that explore dark yet real elements through a colourful, serene lens.

Tuites practice is greatly informed by her extensive travels and experiences from living among aboriginal artists in Australia to observing the Butoh dancers in Scandinavia.

Her work tells the story of where she has been, what she has seen and what she has learned through her extensive research of refugee camps in Palestine and during her residency in Cill Rialaig Artist Retreat, Co. Kerry.

Abbey Road Artists Studios is managed by Athlone Arts and Tourism, the company also responsible for managing Luan Gallery and Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.

Manager, Carmel Duffy, said, We are delighted to welcome Ciara to the Abbey Road Artists Studios and we look forward to supporting her and watching her practice grow and develop during her studio residency.

Tuites large-scale abstract paintings are characterised by her use of bright tones on multi-layered background and are influenced by a sense of place, displacement and our natural environment.

Light and dark, stillness and movement play a dominant role within Ciaras visual arts and writing practice. Her work has been exhibited widely and is held in private collections in Ireland and abroad.

Tuites writing has been published in various online magazines and she was selected to be a guest reader at the Maria Edgeworth virtual Literary festival in May 2021 where she recited her new work based around the life of an artists during lockdown intertwined with travel, nature and personal discourse.

Tuite is currently working on a non-fiction novel, a collection of poetry and is scheduled to showcase her work in a solo exhibition in the Backstage Theatre, Atrium Gallery, Co. Longford later this year.

Further information on the artist can be found on www.ciaratuite.com.

Enquiries about residencies at Abbey Road Artists Studios can be submitted to info@luangallery.ie.
A witness has told a murder trial that two days before he died, his friend said he "hit the jackpot" by winning over 2,500 at a casino using a 2 coin he had found.

Marian Dumitru also told the Central Criminal court on Tuesday that his friend, Romanian national Ioan Artene Bob, was drunk and had asked him for a knife on the night before he was found badly beaten in a Dublin park.

Mr Bob (49), a construction worker, was found in a park in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on the morning of April 13, 2018, and later died in hospital due to his injuries.

Feri Anghel (40), who is charged with murdering Mr Bob at a location in Co Dublin on the same date, has pleaded not guilty to the charge at the Central Criminal Court.

The court has heard that Mr Bob died from extensive blunt force trauma, with multiple fractures and bruising to his lungs and the outer surface of the heart.

The jury have heard that the infliction of blunt force trauma suggested that there had been multiple blows of a fist, kicks and "stamping-type" injuries to the deceased's body, while some of the injuries were inflicted when the deceased was "curled up and lying down".

In his opening speech, Paul Greene SC, for the prosecution, said that Mr Bob was found "in physical distress" by passers-by in Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght after being seriously assaulted and sustaining "extensive blunt force trauma".

On Wednesday, a friend of Mr Bob told Mr Greene that he got to know Mr Bob through his work as a labourer.

Marian Dumitru said that Mr Bob was "decent" and "a very good friend for me" and that he had given the witness food and money.

Mr Dumitru said that Mr Bob had been sleeping in his car but that on his first day at work, the deceased had given him lunch.

The witness said that Mr Bob had his car seized by gardai and then had to move into another car which he parked near Busaras in Dublin 1.

Mr Dumitru said that Mr Bob had an eight year-old daughter in Spain at the time and that he sent money to her to support her.

The witness said that Mr Bob ended up sleeping in a sleeping bag that he would hide during the day in the area of the docks.

Mr Dumitru told counsel that two days before Mr Bob died, the deceased told him that he had "gotten lucky" when he found 2 and went to a casino where he hit the "jackpot".

The witness said that Mr Bob told him that he had gone to a casino on Eden Quay with the 2 and won "over 2,500".

Mr Dumitru said that he saw Mr Bob when he was outside a casino on O'Connell St, Dublin 1, the night before he was found in the park. Mr Bob was with friends and was drinking, said the witness.

Mr Dumitru said that he went to a nearby "Indian shop" for some food and was joined by Mr Bob. He said that Mr Bob then asked him if he had a knife, to which the witness said he did not and thought at the time that it was for food.

Mr Dumitru said he left the shop and met up again with Mr Bob on Moore Street, where Mr Bob was "drunk with friends from Romania". However, Mr Dumitru soon left because "Mr Bob did not speak nice to me".

At 11pm the night before Mr Bob died, Mr Dumitru phoned Mr Bob but it rang out.

Subsequent calls "to see if he was ok" did not ring and went to voicemail and Mr Dumitru learned of Mr Bob's hospitalisation and death the next day from co-workers.

The trial continues before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of eight men and four women and is expected to last five weeks.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: July 08 2021

The project will construct two four-story buildings in Glen Cove with 55 apartments.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the start of construction on a $32.3 million affordable housing development that will further revitalization of an underused stretch of waterfront in the Nassau County city of Glen Cove. Financed through the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the project at Garvies Point will provide 55 energy-efficient homes for working families, including nine units adapted for individuals with mobility, hearing or visual impairment.

"An important component of building back our state better than it was before is ensuring that all working families have a safe, affordable place to call home," Governor Cuomo said. "This project will provide critical affordable housing in Glen Cove, while also continuing the city's ongoing effort to transform this once-underutilized swath of waterfront into a vibrant community."

The project will construct two four-story buildings with 55 apartments that are affordable based on the area median income. Developed by Georgica Green Ventures, LLC, the project includes six units that will be fully adapted for individuals with a mobility impairment and three units adapted for tenants with a hearing or visual impairment. The United Spinal Association and Cleary School for the Deaf will provide tenant referrals for the accessible units.

Amenities will include laundry rooms, bike storage, a children's playroom, gymnasium, community room, and on-site parking. The development's design is consistent with the historic character of the neighborhood's waterfront area while also meeting Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and US Green Building Council LEED Silver Certification.

State support for the project includes the allocation of federal low-income housing tax credits that will generate about $13.4 million in equity and $7.7 million in subsidy from the state Homes and Community Renewal. Additional financing includes an $8.4 million subsidy from Barings and $900,000 in Nassau County HOME funds.

The development continues the city's larger revitalization effort already underway to create new housing, retail, and recreational space on the underutilized Glen Cove waterfront. Surrounding the development are additional condominium and rental units, an amphitheater, retail stores, restaurants, and recreational space.

The project is also part of Governor Cuomo's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year affordable housing plan. The Governor's plan will provide all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested $366 million in Long Island to create or preserve nearly 3,000 affordable homes.

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Our $32.3 million investment in this new development at Garvies Point will enable 55 households to live affordably along Glen Clove's revitalized waterfront area. Affordable and energy-efficient rental housing for working families is key to sustaining thriving local economies and promoting inclusive, healthy communities. Congratulations to Georgica Green Ventures for bringing this new development to fruition."

Georgica Green Ventures LLC President David Gallo said, "Affordable, quality housing is desperately needed throughout Long Island and has a place in all communities. It's exciting and satisfying to bring this project to the vibrant City of Glen Cove, as part of an ambitious revitalization of the waterfront. Georgica Green Ventures, LLC believes that affordable housing options like this one, build a strong community. We hope that Georgica's Garvies Point development can serve as a model to other cities, towns and villages, demonstrating living well on Long Island is a reachable goal for everyone."

Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine said, "I am very proud of this project which will provide affordable housing and a boost to the North Shore economy. It is yet another stepping stone in the continuing evolution of a revitalized Garvies Point waterfront."

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said, "This project is a great example of how government can partner with the private sector to provide affordable places for people to live while delivering much needed economic development for our communities. I look forward to continuing our revitalization efforts and attracting more investments into Glen Cove."

Glen Cove Mayor Tim Tenke said, "Georgica Green, under the leadership of Dave Gallo will be developing 55 units of rental housing for low-moderate income families here at beautiful Garvies Point. Residents will be able to enjoy acres of public amenities and waterfront access right in their backyard, within walking distance of the City's vibrant downtown. Units will remain affordable for decades to come, securing housing for all sectors at the Glen Cove Waterfront."
Business & Finance

By Chris Boyle Published: July 08 2021

Weekly unemployment claims in New York increased by 38.83% compared to the same week in 2019.

New York is having a somewhat successful recovery from new unemployment claims, with last weeks claims lower than at the start of 2020, according to WalletHubs updated rankings for the States Whose Unemployment Claims Are Recovering the Quickest

Key Stats:

Weekly unemployment claims in New York increased by 38.83% compared to the same week in 2019. This was the 23rd smallest increase in the U.S.

Weekly unemployment claims in New York decreased by 55.50% compared to the start of 2020. This was the 6th biggest decrease in the U.S.

Weekly unemployment claims in New York decreased by 77.78% compared to the same week last year. This was the 19th biggest decrease in the U.S.

Q&A

How might the upcoming 4th of July holiday affect unemployment?

The upcoming 4th of July holiday should contribute to reducing unemployment. Around 84% of Americans will celebrate the holiday this year, according to the National Retail Federation, and collectively they will spend billions of dollars on food, fireworks and patriotic goods  plus travel to the festivities. This spending bump will provide an influx of revenue to retailers that will give them the resources to hire more, said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. This 4th of July will be far more impactful than last year, as states have largely reopened and a recent WalletHub survey found that more than a third of Americans plan to spend more money than they did in 2020.

Some states are proposing paying bonuses to people who go back to work. Is this a good idea?

It is a bad idea for states to pay bonuses to people who go back to work. The government has already done its job to get the pandemic under control with shutdowns and the vaccine, and it supported people and businesses with multiple stimulus packages, said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. Now that COVID-19 cases have dropped dramatically and the country has largely reopened, its time for the free market to function again.

If the U.S. fails to reach herd immunity, what could that mean for unemployment?

If the U.S. fails to reach herd immunity, that wouldnt be ideal, but it also wouldnt prevent us from getting things back to normal. A significant portion of the population is getting vaccinated, which will still greatly reduce the transmission rate and threat of the disease. As a result, we should see a continued decline in unemployment, said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. The U.S. has already made big strides toward a full reopening. The more people who choose to get vaccinated, the smoother that reopening will be and the greater companies hiring capabilities will be.

Do you expect companies to require getting the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition for employment?

It is likely that some companies will require getting the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition for employment, with obvious exemptions for people who are medically unable to receive it, said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. Companies should be able to have a COVID-19 vaccine requirement because they need to do everything in their power to keep their workers and customers safe. In addition, the more companies that require employees to get a vaccine, the faster we will be able to achieve a full reopening.

How do red states and blue states compare when it comes to recovery?

With an average rank of 30 among the most recovered states, blue states had a worse recovery from unemployment claims last week than red states, which rank 22 on average, said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. The lower the number of the ranking, the bigger the states recovery was.
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(Alliance News) - Lloyds Banking Group PLC's insurance division has been fined GBP90.7 million for misleading customers over their home insurance renewal quotes.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority said the bank sent out 9 million letters to existing customers between 2009 and 2017 claiming that renewal quotes were offering a "competitive price".

But the bank would be offering lower quotes to new customers for the same product and did not check the accuracy of the messaging, the FCA found.

The fine is the second largest handed out to a non-investment, or retail, bank in the FCA's history. The largest was also to Lloyds at GBP117 million in 2015 for for PPI mis-selling.

So-called "loyalty" fees, where insurers charge higher rates for loyal customers through renewals compared with new customers, are being cracked down on by the regulator, with new rules coming into force from January that will ban the practice.

Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said: "Firms must ensure their communications with customers are clear, fair and not misleading. LBGI (Lloyds Bank General Insurance) failed to ensure that this was the case.

"Millions of customers ended up receiving renewal letters that claimed customers were being quoted a competitive price which was unsubstantiated and risked serious consumer harm."

The FCA accepted that the bank started removing the "competitive price" phrase from 2009 but found that a substantial number of renewals continued to include the wording.

Around 87% of renewals were agreed to by customers who received letters with the misleading wording, although the FCA could not say how much impact the wording had.

However, the FCA said this "caused a risk of harm for the majority" of Lloyds' insurance customers "because it was likely that the premium quoted to them at renewal would have increased when compared to their prior premium".

It added: "Renewal premiums offered to customers would also likely have been higher than the premium quoted to new customers, or customers that chose to switch insurance provider.

"This was particularly likely to be the case for customers who renewed repeatedly."

Separately, the FCA found that around 500,000 customers were told they would receive a discount based on "loyalty" or being a "valued customer", but the discount was never applied.

Bosses at Lloyds only changed this once the FCA's investigation was launched.

Lloyds has since made voluntary payments of around GBP13.5 million to customers who received the letters about a discount that was never applied and this was taken into account when deciding the size of the fine, the FCA said.

The FCA has been cracking down on insurance premiums, having found between 2018 and 2020 that most existing customers would receive a higher quote for the same product than a new one.

Insurers have previously enticed new customers with loss-making discounts in the hope of turning them into longer-term customers where higher renewals can be charged in the future.

The loss-making deals would be offset by charging higher prices to existing customers.

A Lloyds spokesperson: "We're sorry that we got this wrong. We've written and made payment to those customers affected by the discount issue and they don't need to take any further action.

"We thank the FCA for bringing this matter to our attention and since then we've made significant improvements to our processes and how we communicate with customers."

By Simon Neville, PA City Editor

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Telecommunications proviver BT PLC said Thursday it has reached an agreement with its largest union on issues including pay and voluntary redundancies.

London-based BT said the agreement with the Communication Workers Union covers how it will push ahead with its modernisation plans over the coming years.

A statement said: "The new set of principles, covering areas such as pay and redundancy, will ensure our colleagues continue to be treated fairly and with respect as we focus on growth, simplifying customer journeys, reducing the number of systems we have and transforming our offices into future fit workplaces."

BT said it is committed to giving a pay increase next year, although the amount will be determined nearer the time.

The company said it has agreed to look at the timing and location of some of the sites it is proposing to close in order to minimise the impact on workers.

"During the next 12 months we'll only propose to close buildings where we anticipate colleagues can relocate to an alternative location," it said.

"Once our proposed modernisation programme is complete, we'll be a leaner, simpler and more agile organisation with fewer people.

"As much as possible, this will be achieved through natural attrition as around 10,000 colleagues choose to leave BT a year.

"In areas where we may need to look at reducing roles, we've made a commitment to consider steps to avoid compulsory redundancy where we reasonably can.

"Where appropriate we'll do this by seeking volunteers through the broader use of voluntary paid leaver schemes, supporting colleagues to move to new roles by retraining and reskilling, and helping them to move to new locations."

A CWU spokesman said: "We are pleased that BT Group have recognised the role of the CWU in this new agreement.

"Through the support of our representatives and members we have managed to secure several concessions from the employer.

"The true test of this settlement will be in the coming months. We are willing to play our part in the modernisation of the company a as we have always done a but that cannot be to the detriment of our members' terms and conditions."

By Alan Jones, PA Industrial Correspondent

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Air Partner PLC - Gatwick-based aviation services provider - Expects earnings to beat management forecasts for the 2022 financial year ending January 31. Trading in the first five months of financial 2022 was strong and is now well ahead of pre-pandemic levels, driven by US private jets and charter flights.







Avingtrans PLC - Cambridgeshire-based engineering equipment maker - Results for year ended May 31 will be at least in line with market expectations, an upward revision from the previous update in February. Final dividend will include an amount to reflect the non-payment of an interim dividend. Current financial year is expected to include interim and final dividends.







Active Energy Group PLC - London-based biomass energy company - Says it is pleased with initial performance at the Ashland facility and is working to increase the production rate of CoalSwitch to three tonnes per hour. Completes procedural formalities to list on the OTCQB Venture Market.







Diaceutics PLC - Belfast-based data analytics company - Expects to report GBP6.0 million revenue in the first half of 2021, up 13% year-on-year from GBP5.3 million. 30% of revenue came from the DXRX platform, beating the full-year target of 20%.







Deltex Medical Group PLC - Chichester-based medical probes maker - Revenue in first half of 2021 was GBP1.1 million, down 8.3% year-on-year from GBP1.2 million, as there were few elective surgeries during the pandemic. Expects revenue to climb in the second half as the number of elective surgeries rises.







Central Asia Metals PLC - Base metals miner in Kazakhstan - Copper production in the first half of 2021 falls 5.9% year-on-year, to 6,214 tonnes from 6,607 tonnes. Zinc production falls 7.5% to 11,292 tonnes from 12,203 tonnes. Lead production falls 8.8% to 13,807 tonnes from 15,140 tonnes.







Mode Global Holdings PLC - London-based digital bank - Signs contract with THG enabling shoppers to pay with Mode and earn bitcoin rewards. Contract follows from memorandum of understanding announced June 14.







Caledonia Mining Corp PLC - gold miner in southern Africa - Pursues listing of depositary receipts on Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, Zimbabwe, to raise USD3.0 million. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.







Shanta Gold Ltd - gold miner in Tanzania - Provides drilling results from Bauhinia Creek East Area 1 target at the New Luika gold mine. Drilling indicates 39,786 ounces of indicated resources graded at 4.74 grams per tonne. Results "further underline the resource potential at New Luika, with an additional 116,247 ounces of gold being added to [New Luika's] indicated resources in the first half of this year," Chief Executive Eric Zurrin says.







Altus Strategies PLC - mining royalties investor - Announces encouraging drilling results from the Tabakorole gold project in Mali. "Of particular significance is the discovery of a new zone of mineralisation 3km to the southeast of the main deposit. This discovery represents just one of numerous targets that have been defined to date, based on soil and geophysical anomalies, and underscores our confidence that the deposit at Tabakorole will continue to grow," Chief Eecutive Steven Poulton said. Altus holds a 49% stake and 2.5% net smelter return royalty in Tabakorole.







By Ivan Edwards; ivanedwards@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Children and adults who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus will not have to quarantine on their return from amber list countries to England from July 19.

Airlines welcomed the plans as a positive step to open up foreign holidays after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps made the announcement to MPs on Thursday.

Holidaymakers from the UK who have received two jabs from the NHS will no longer be required to self-isolate for 10 days on their return to England from destinations on the amber list from that point.

Shapps said under-18s will also be exempted from the requirement and that the guidance not to travel to countries on the amber list will be lifted from July 19, when the majority of restrictions are expected to be eased in England.

He said people returning from holidays from amber destinations, such as France, Spain and Portugal, will still be required to take a Covid-19 test three days before returning.

They will also have to take a test on or before the second day of their return, but will be exempted from the day eight test.

He told the Commons: "In essence, this means that for fully vaccinated travellers the requirements for green and amber list countries are the same."

Airlines welcomed the changes, which the Transport Secretary said "may differ" in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye said: "This is excellent news that will give a much-needed boost to millions of people across Britain looking forward to a more normal summer and reuniting with family and friends abroad."

While the announcement is for UK residents only, Shapps said ministers are "working to extend our approach to vaccinated passengers from important markets of holiday destinations later this summer, such as the US and the EU".

Johan Lundgren, easyJet PLC's chief executive, said: "We have always said that vaccination is the key to unlocking travel and now millions will finally be able to reunite with family and loved ones abroad or take that long-awaited trip this summer.

"But with unnecessary testing staying in place, more needs to be done. We do not want to see a return to flying being a preserve of the rich, and expensive testing could sadly make travel out of reach for some this summer."

International Consolidate Airlines SA British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle welcomed the "common sense approach", but said "there is more work to do".

"While the quarantine requirement for amber countries is being lifted for fully vaccinated UK travellers, the government needs to quickly extend this to all vaccinated travellers, agree a reciprocal deal with the US, add more countries to the green list and reduce the need for unnecessary, expensive tests," he added.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of the Airlines UK industry body, welcomed the announcement as a "positive move towards the genuine reopening" for the ailing sector.

"The summer season essentially starts here," he added.

Among the technicalities for the move as it stands is that the exemption will only apply to those who have received their vaccines from the NHS.

The prime minister's official spokesman said: "It does need to be a vaccine administered through the NHS rollout so you would need to have received your vaccine through the NHS rather than in a different country."

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson continued to defend his plan to delay the lifting of the self-isolation requirement for Covid contacts who have received both jabs until August 16.

With this coming a month after most of the remaining restrictions are expected to be lifted, there are concerns that vast numbers of people could be forced into quarantine.

During a visit to energy company Bulb's central London headquarters, the prime minister told broadcasters: "I know how frustrated people are about this and I know that people are obviously fed up with Covid restrictions.

"What we want to do is just keep going for a little bit longer so that we can get even more vaccinations into people's arms, give ourselves even more protection.

"But as the Health Secretary has said, we are moving now from self-isolation, from quarantine approach, to test and release approach.

"The day is not too far off."

By Sam Blewett, PA Deputy Political Editor

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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Hundreds gathered in Wilson Theater to welcome Col. Andrew Q. Jordan as he assumed command of U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Campbell from Col. Jeremy D. Bell on June 28 during a change of command ceremony.

From soldiers and families to Department of the Army civilians and community partners, attendees showed their support for the incoming and outgoing garrison commanders as they look to the installations future.

We are truly blessed with the opportunity to return and serve alongside the best team that the Army has to offer, said Jordan, who has previously served at Fort Campbell in 5th Special Forces Group. We look forward to serving the Soldiers, Families, Army professionals and the communities of the greater Fort Campbell area to make this a great place to live and work.

Jordan enlisted in 1995 and served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard while attending Oklahoma State University.

He was commissioned as a distinguished military graduate in 1998 and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina before eventually reporting to 5th SFG.

Our history with this world-class installation and the communities that make it our home began 17 years ago, Jordan said. Our family, like many others, weathered some of the darkest days of the Global War on Terror here at Fort Campbell. And the team and the community that surrounded us provided care, comfort and a home for our Family, for which we are forever grateful.

During his time at Fort Campbell, Jordan distinguished himself as the battalion executive officer for 1st Battalion, 5th SFG, and the commander of 5th SFGs Group Support Company, among other leadership positions. He drew on those leadership skills to command U.S. Army Garrison-Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, from 2016-2018.

Jordan also served with Special Operations Command Central or SOCCENT as the chief of staff for the Special Operations Joint Task Force-Iraq and in his most recent assignment as SOCCENT Director of Strategy, Plans and Analysis.

Col. Andrew Jordan is a proven leader, said Brenda Lee McCullough, director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. He is ideally suited to the Fort Campbell team as they support the priorities and requirements set by Maj. Gen. JP McGee and the IMCOM priorities set by Lt. Gen. Douglas Gabram.

Jordan plans to work alongside the installations civilian workforce to build on recent successes, from improving on-post housing and eliminating World War II buildings to innovating training systems and investing in infrastructure.

Bell oversaw significant progress in those areas after taking command in 2019 while simultaneously responding to multiple crisis events. He credits the garrisons workforce for making it possible to move forward under conditions ranging from the Armys housing crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After two years in this command, I can say with 100% certainty that what makes Fort Campbell special is the garrison workforce, he said. Theyre recognized worldwide for what they do, they drive change IMCOM-wide, they have the best practices that all try to emulate, they push the limits of whats possible, they innovate and theyre professionals who come to work each and every day to serve others.

Bells next assignment will take him to the Pentagon to work for the G-3/5/7, which is responsible for planning, coordinating, synchronizing and executing pre- and post-mobilization training and validation of the Armys Reserve Component forces in the U.S.

That move marks the latest step in Bells career, which began when he was commissioned as an armor officer from the United States Military Academy in 1997. His initial assignment brought him to Fort Stewart, Georgia, as an armor and mortar platoon leader in 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment.

Bell then served on two separate occasions with 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, Colorado in a variety of leadership positions, deploying four times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, once in support of Operation Joint Guardian and on several occasions to Africa.

After his assignments at Fort Carson, Bell worked on the Joint Staffs Deputy Directorate for Special Operations and Counterterrorism as an operations officer and executive assistant. He later commanded 1st Battalion, 5th SFG, at Fort Campbell from 2015-2017, and served as the executive officer to the commanding general, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School Special Operations Center of Excellence at Fort Bragg.

He has trained through many years and lots of experience to deal with diverse sets of people and multiple different tribes in Iraq and Afghanistan, McGee said. I think when he came here, his expertise working with different tribes really came to the forefront ... he really showed himself to be an agile and adaptive leader who was able to take this post and not just handle crises, but really take it to a much higher level.

Despite coming into the job with extensive leadership experience, Bell said commanding the garrison provided plenty of opportunities for personal growth.

Ive learned so much from my workforce  theyve changed me, and Ill never see the world the same way, he said. It reminds me of a quote by Vince Lombardi. In essence, he said the measure of who we are is what we do with what we have. If thats the measure of a garrison, then we stand among giants today ... its been my honor to serve this installation and our community these last two years.

Jordan aims to stand behind the garrisons workforce and provide a steady hand as they work to push the installation even further over the next two years.

For the team of Army professionals who make up Fort Campbell, I dedicate myself to you, he said. [You have] my total support and my commitment to making this a great place to come to work and to accomplish our mission ... we look forward to serving this community, the soldiers, the families and the team.
(TNS) The delta variant is the new pandemic scare story. Its spread into the U.S. hasnt led to a surge in deaths or packed hospital wards, but the news of its existence rained on the Fourth of July parades.

Public health specialists have responded with a baffling spray of contradictory recommendations, conflicting information and seemingly inconsistent scientific facts. The result, as in earlier phases of the COVID-19 scourge, has been needless confusion and rage. Should vaccinated people wear masks? It depends whom you ask. Can economic life return to normal? Expert opinions vary.

Some say it depends on local conditions. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House medical adviser, says everyone should mask up in Alabama, which has a low vaccination rate and climbing cases.

Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommended indoor masking for any community with a vaccination rate under a third. But Los Angeles County wants vaccinated people to wear masks despite a relatively high vaccination rate.

Delta, first detected in India, is even more transmissible than the super-transmissible variant now called alpha (previously B.1.1.7 and originating in the U.K.), which prompted calls for double masking just last spring.

The delta variant arose as a threat around the same time that public health authorities in the U.S. were encouraging individuals to make their own decisions about coronavirus safety instead of urging uniform standards of behavior. In May, the CDC relaxed its masking recommendations and Walensky declared that fully vaccinated people can start doing the things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

That shift was prompted by availability of highly effective vaccines, which appear to work against all forms of COVID-19, including the delta variant. But a shift to a focus on personal responsibility is also a political and ethical change. So its unsurprising, if also unsatisfying, that recommendations and rules vary: the World Health Organization joins Los Angeles County in saying that vaccinated people should wear a mask in most indoor settings, but the CDC maintains that mask decisions should be up to regions, businesses and individuals.

Walensky explained that vaccines are much more available in the U.S. than in most parts of the world and are more widely used in some U.S. states than others. So the CDC and WHO recommendations both can be said to have scientific support. But science also shows that vaccinated people are highly unlikely to get seriously ill even if infected by the delta variant, and are extremely unlikely to infect others in the grocery aisles.

Thats why the science isnt, by itself, a prescription for sound public health policy. Virology and epidemiology can give people an estimate of how risky something is, but cant tell people how much risk is too much, or which mitigation measures impose too much burden.

Communication separating the scientific from the political hasnt been clear, and unease about unmasked faces showed in the comments section of a recent Boston Globe article telling people in Massachusetts they should respect but not fear the delta variant.

The story quotes Shira Doron, hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center saying, There is no scientific reason why a vaccinated person should wear a mask anywhere, except for their own comfort. Outraged commenters reiterated a belief that masks are the best way to protect others.

Much of the publics continued fear, and the public health guidance that reflects it, she said, might trace back to misguided warnings early in the vaccination campaign that vaccines didnt protect others.

Now theres data showing that the risk of getting infected at all drops by 60% to 80% after becoming fully vaccinated, said Muge Cevik, an infectious disease doctor at the University of St. Andrews in the U.K. And those who do get a breakthrough case have lower odds of transmitting it to others. That doubtless explains why hospitals didnt become overwhelmed when the delta variant became dominant there, and why deaths arent surging.

Who still got infected? Cevik said it was primarily younger people who hadnt been vaccinated, as well as a few vaccinated people with what she considers the highest risk occupations  taxi and bus drivers and people in the hospitality industry. The risk comes from long-duration indoor exposure to a large number of people every day. And remember: Hardly any of the infected vaccinated people became seriously ill.

Proponents of universal masking considered it a worthwhile strategy in 2020, when cases were rising and vaccines werent widely available, but how much masks helped is still not well quantified.

Two of the doctors who pushed hard for mask-wearing back then told me it was no longer needed in the U.S. by May of 2021. One of them, Monica Gandhi of the University of California, San Francisco, said that vaccines are so effective that she wouldnt recommend going back to universal masking unless test positivity rate climbed above 8%  much higher than the current rate in Los Angeles.

Cevik said the biggest trouble from delta is going to show up in countries with low vaccination rates. The main effect in the U.S. will be on the unvaccinated, because its increased transmissibility will mean they are less likely to be indirectly protected by herd immunity.

But in the states where more than half the population is vaccinated, and with rates among those with vulnerabilities of age or disease much higher, experts dont expect a new wave of deaths or overcrowded intensive-care units.

Its still theoretically possible for some vaccinated people to develop long-term complications from a mild case, or that some serious cases will show up among people taking immune-suppressive drugs. So the risk hasnt been eliminated. But delta isnt setting us back to 2020, either.

The confusion comes from the fact that this shift to personal responsibility wasnt made clear, any more than the shift away from it was made clearly enough back in the spring of 2020.

There was a political element to the shift both times  and thats fine as long as its informed by good science and its what people want.

Faye Flam is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and host of the podcast "Follow the Science." She has written for the Economist, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Psychology Today, Science and other publications.
MANISTEE  Manistee is joining a list of other entities receiving Department of Natural Resources 2021 Waterways grants.

The DNR announced late last month that more than $4 million in grant funding will be awarded to 23 communities throughout the state to boost recreational boating.

According to the non-emergency repair applications section of the recent grants listing, the Manistee Municipal Marina is receiving a grant for phase 2 dock replacements.

The total Manistee project amount is listed as $416,700. The community share portion is listed at $213,700 and the grant amount requested was $203,000.

The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Divisions waterways grant program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state.

The system includes more than 1,300 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes.

Water and boating are at the heart of Michigan, said Ron Olson, Parks and Recreation Division chief. We have residents who live on the water, those who travel all over the state to boat and visitors who come here from around the world because its the Great Lakes State.

Olson said its of utmost importance that the DNR helps invest and fund Michigans harbors and boating access sites for the benefit of all.

Local units of government and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grant assistance for recreational boating improvements and development at grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites.

RELATED: Manistee council to consider agreement worth $1.5M in state grants, loans

The grant-in-aid program provides matching funding to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of required funds.

In 2020, when lake levels were at record highs, many facilities had emergency needs.

Because of this, the waterways grant program was strongly focused on assisting communities that had emergency infrastructure needs.

With lake levels receding this year, the grants have been able to focus on more typical infrastructure improvements, such as engineering studies, design and infrastructure improvements.

This year, projects in Manistee, Alger, Alpena, Baraga, Berrien, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Dickinson, Emmet, Houghton, Huron, Leelanau, Marquette, Mason and Wayne counties were approved for projects that include emergency seawall replacement, skid pier replacement and overall marina improvements.

The grants are funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived primarily from boat registration fees and a portion of Michigans gas tax that supports the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.

The application period for the next round of Waterways grant funding are due Friday, April 1, 2022.

More information on the grant program and application materials at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.

RELATED: New harbor master: Improved marina docks a boon in Manistee
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 
Barcelona have issued a statement apologising to their Japanese fans and club partners over the video that has recently come to light involving Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele.

The video, which was taken during Barcelona's pre-season tour in 2019, shows the pair mocking the hotel staff in Japan, and has been interpreted by some as a racist incident.

The video has particularly enraged the CEO of Rakuten, the club's main sponsor, as well as Konami, one of the club's key partners, with the latter cancelling their contract with Antoine Griezmann.

"FC Barcelona deeply regret the displeasure amongst Japanese and Asian fans and partners of our Club caused by a video that appeared a few days ago on social media in which two first team players [Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann] displayed a lack of respect in their attitude towards several employees in the hotel in which they were staying," read Barcelona's statement.

"This attitude in no way coincides with the values that FC Barcelona represents and defends.

"The values of the Club and its partners should be something that FC Barcelona protects, and this belief is present at all levels of the organisation, from the Board of Directors and executives to the players in the Club's various sporting teams.

"The Club is committed to improving its education on questions of race, discrimination and diversity. At FC Barcelona there is no place for racism or discrimination.

The club went on to state that they are committed to ensuring that such an incident never happens again.

"FC Barcelona would like to apologise publicly to all the Club's fans and partners who feel unhappy about this event from the summer of 2019, a time when the Club's responsibilities fell to a Board Directors and executive team previous to the current," continued the statement.

"The Board of Directors that today manage the Club are committed to making sure episodes of this nature do not repeat themselves.

"The players have already shown their regret and have apologised to Japanese fans and partners, something that the Club values.

"Nevertheless, FC Barcelona reserve the right to take the internal measures that it considers appropriate."
Teresa Kay Briggs, 46, of McAlester, passed away Thursday, July 8, at her home. The family will host a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at the Krebs Baptist Church on Sunday, July 11, at 3:00 p.m. They ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Teresa Briggs Scholarship Fund 
McAlester, OK (74501)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 91F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low near 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  In the wake of a new documentary that questions the way celebrity conservationists acquire exotic animals, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says it has been making changes that address allegations raised in the film and has cut ties with wildlife vendors who do not follow certain animal-care standards. "We made some mistakes. There's no doubt about it," said zoo board chairman ...
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at 573-751-2459. You may write me at Holly Rehder, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Rm 433, Jefferson City, MO 65101, send an email to Holly.Rehder@senate.mo.gov or visit www.senate.mo.gov/Rehder.
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The city of Atlanta is moving forward with its strategy on how it will spend the $170.9 million its getting in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
MARTA is partnering with New York-based Goldman Sachs for a $100 million program to finance new development at or within a mile of MARTA rail 
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Bob Barr represented Georgias Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. He served as the United States Attorney in Atlanta from 1986 to 1990 and was an official with the CIA in the 1970s. He now practices law in Atlanta, Georgia and serves as head of Liberty Guard.
Lonely older adults are expected to live a shorter life than other older adults because the perception of loneliness influences the health expectancy.



A new study by scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School (Singapore) categorically quantified the impact of loneliness in old age on life and health expectancy for the first time.

The impact of loneliness in old age on life and health expectancy needs to be handled seriously with correct measures.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society show that people aged 60, who perceive themselves to be sometimes lonely or mostly lonely, can expect to live three to five years less compared to peers who perceive themselves as never lonely.



Similarly, at ages 70 and 80, lonely older persons can expect to live three to four and two to three years less compared to non-lonely peers.



The researchers explained that the perception of loneliness has a similar impact on two types of health expectancy, either living the remaining life in a self-rated state of good health or living the remaining years of life without being limited to daily life activities.



Singapore is a country with a rapidly aging population, and a collectivistic culture, where relationships and the interconnectedness between people are important.



Even the previous studies have reported that loneliness levels are higher in collectivistic societies, suggesting a more detrimental impact in Singaporean society.



Transitions in Health, Employment, Social Engagement, and Intergenerational Transfers in Singapore (THE SIGNS) study in 2016 and 2017 looked into factors influencing health, well-being, and activity and productivity levels in older Singaporeans.



This study showed that 34 per cent of the older population perceived themselves to be lonely. This proportion increased with age. More males (37 per cent) were lonely than 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.



Combining The SIGNS study and the new study findings, the population health impact of loneliness, and the importance of identifying and managing it among older adults are very important.



In 2018, the UK launched a national strategy for tackling loneliness and, in 2021, Japan appointed a 'Minister of Loneliness'.



As a result of pandemic control measures, older persons at potentially greater risk of loneliness aroused the need for more policies from governments to tackle loneliness. .







Source: Medindia The study findings published inshow thatSimilarly, at ages 70 and 80, lonely older persons can expect to live three to four and two to three years less compared to non-lonely peers.The researchers explained thatSingapore is a country with a rapidly aging population, and a collectivistic culture, where relationships and the interconnectedness between people are important.Even the previous studies have reported that loneliness levels are higher in collectivistic societies, suggesting a more detrimental impact in Singaporean society.Transitions in Health, Employment, Social Engagement, and Intergenerational Transfers in Singapore (THE SIGNS) study in 2016 and 2017 looked into factors influencing health, well-being, and activity and productivity levels in older Singaporeans.This study showed that 34 per cent of the older population perceived themselves to be lonely. This proportion increased with age. More males (37 per cent) were lonely than 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.In 2018, the UK launched a national strategy for tackling loneliness and, in 2021, Japan appointed a 'Minister of Loneliness'.As a result of pandemic control measures, older persons at potentially greater risk of loneliness aroused the need for more policies from governments to tackle loneliness. .Source: Medindia

Research Project Professor Yasuhiko Saito, from the College of Economics, Nihon University, a senior co-author of the study, said, "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" .
Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham coming together for a film has already piqued the curiosity of viewers as it will be interesting to see the two sharing a single frame. We have heard a lot about Shah Rukh Khans character and even his look was leaked on social media. Now, there are reports that John will be playing the character of a freelance terrorist in this Shah Rukh Khan starrer.

John plays the role of someone who works for money. He doesnt have a nationality; he is ruthless with his only religion being money. Its more like a freelance undercover terrorist. In Pathan, he works for the Russian mafia, who are running a covert gun racket in India, revealed a trade source to Bollywood Hungama.

With this information, we are sure that there will be many fight sequences between the two actors.

John Abraham has already started prepping for his role and a picture of him with director Siddharth Anand at Yash Raj Films studio surfaced on the internet. A source had earlier said, Siddharth Anand is mounting this film as the biggest action extravaganza that India has seen and they are being extremely protective about information coming out. There is a shroud of mystery around this project and producer Aditya Chopra and Siddharth Anand want to keep it that way. Its a huge film and they want to reveal details at the right moment.

The two actors started to shoot their action sequences on April 2. An insider confirmed to Indianexpress.com, Its confirmed that John will be playing an antagonist in Pathan. He has been busy with other films all this while and now he is preparing for Pathan. The actor will start shooting at YRF studios from April 2. SRK and John will shoot for multiple action sequences.

Pathan also stars Deepika Padukone who will start shooting for the film later this month. The film will also see superstar Salman Khan in a special role.

The details that are coming out in public have made people excited about its release. Are you looking forward to this one as eagerly as us? Let us know in the comments section below.
It is no surprise that Indias situation in the last few months while fighting the pandemic was a big blot of sad reality of how our healthcare system crumbled and how badly we struggled. Since the situation is a little under control and even though our fight against covid continues, the state governments have finally relaxed lockdown conditions around the country to ensure normalcy returns and businesses can go back to functioning.



Some citizens of this country have taken it as a personal moral duty to ensure that they make full use of these relaxations and beat the blues with a small vacation before the third wave sets in.

As many people on social media complained about Himachal Pradesh being choked with tourists and flouting social distancing norms, a new visual from Mussoorie has surfaced where our lovely citizens are seen enjoying the pleasure of the cool Kempty Falls.

The clip has gone viral on social media and for obvious reasons, so many people are mad at this.

Ek anaar so bimaar : Covid third wave coming pic.twitter.com/rFiSfvnzfu  desi mojito  (@desimojito) July 8, 2021

We were just seeing the kempty falls video of Mussoorie, my friend said "log nange takra rahe hai ek doosre se" it's so damn unsettling to watch  Renee (@idgeeffoc) July 7, 2021

Now direct #Tsunami..

Not 3rd wave or 12th Wave...https://t.co/CuWtvs79xE https://t.co/eC70xf7fdC  ADITYA DAYANAND SINAI BHANGUI  (@Bhangui) July 8, 2021

But just like every coin has two sides, some people, like the tourists you see in this video, tried justifying this behaviour.

So poor people. They were trapped at their houses for so long. Now they got a chance to enjoy their life. It is very difficult for them to be trapped in their houses if govt ask them to fo so, as they need to enjoy as well. Go corona go  Galaxy25 (@GalaxyX63345710) July 8, 2021

Repeatedly, I have told the Govt that sitting in the house does not guarantee that you will not get Corona. My family and I got infected inspite of the fact that we did not go anywhere and my husband took the 1st dose. I totally understand what it feels being cooped up.  Aditi (@aditisampat) July 8, 2021

It is baffling to see that less than two months ago people were fighting and running for oxygen and hospital beds. So many people lost their family members and friends to Covid, and yet, as a nation that is crippling right now, we have zero sense of responsibility. It is really sad to know that a third wave might be inevitable if this continues.
Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Executive Director Loren Khogali Steps Down

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Executive Director Loren Khogali Steps Down

July 8, 2021 - Today, the Michigan indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) announced plans to search for a new Executive Director following the resignation of current Executive Director, Loren Khogali.

"Under Loren's Leadership, local public defense systems across the State have grown exponentially and some of the most important social justice reforms that Michigan has ever seen have been accomplished," said LARA Director Orlene Hawks. "Her work helps ensure that those who cannot afford to hire an attorney have access to legal assistance when they need it. I want to thank Loren for her commitment, passion and for championing these initiatives."

Khogali joined the MIDC in 2018 and led the MIDC staff and the Commission to many accomplishments. During her tenure, Khogali led the implementation of the State's minimum standards, including mandated annual training for indigent defense attorneys statewide and creating pathways that provide indigent defendants access to experts and investigators. Recently, she oversaw the process of approving Standard 5, requiring all indigent defense programs to be independent from the judiciary. Under Khogali's leadership, 20 new public defender offices, including regional defender offices, and 40 managed assigned counsel systems have been established and secured substantial funding each year from the Legislature to fund the submitted compliance plans from across the state. Khogali's last day as Executive Director of the MIDC will be July 22, 2021.

"The MIDC thanks Loren Khogali for being a true Champion of Public Defense," said MIDC Chair Jeffrey Collins. "Her vision, dedication and inspiring leadership has enhanced our state's public defense system. In the midst of a global pandemic she took steps to ensure the rights of indigent defendants to receive effective representation was not compromised. Loren Khogali earned the utmost respect from the Commission, the MIDC staff and public defense stakeholders statewide."

MIDC is committed to a smooth transition of leadership to ensure public defense in Michigan continues to improve. During a special Commission meeting today, the MIDC established guidelines for selecting a new Executive Director and named Marla McCowan, MIDC's Director of Training, Outreach and Support to serve as Interim Executive Director, effective July 23, 2021

In her role as Director of Training, Outreach and Support, Marla worked with trial court funding units to facilitate implementation of new continuing legal education requirements for over 2,000 attorneys accepting assigned criminal cases in Michigan. Prior to joining the MIDC, Marla served as a public defender at the appellate level for over 16 years at the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office, nearly four of which included overseeing training for indigent defense practitioners around Michigan. Marla graduated from Eastern Michigan University and University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

To learn more about the MIDC, please watch this 4  minute video.
Lateral Entry Recruit School

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is now accepting applications from licensed law enforcement officers to join the 141st Trooper Recruit School, anticipated to begin in March 2022.

Eligibility Requirements:

Two years or more of full-time experience as a Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) licensed officer in good standing

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before receipt of a conditional offer of employment

Why MSP?

Opportunity for advancement

Variety of career paths and specialty assignments

Opportunites for training and professional development

Possibility to work anywhere in the state

Only 35 Spots Available in this Recruit School



Apply Now! Applications are processed as they are received.

Lateral Entry Training Experience:

This 10-week recruit school recognizes the experience and value that prior law enforcement service brings to an agency and offers applicants an accelerated training opportunity that rewards that experience. MSP troopers are full-service police officers with enforcement authority throughout the entire state. Recruits will complete the training program (approximately 10 weeks), as well as other course work and physical training intended to provide the knowledge and skills required to function as a State Police Trooper. Those participating in our lateral entry school receive over 460 hours of hands-on, lecture, and scenario-based instruction in:

Firearms

Patrol Techniques

First Aid

Criminal Law

Crime Scene Processing

Precision Driving

Water Safety

Defensive Tactics

Report Writing

Ethics

Cultural Diversity

Implicit Bias

On Duty:

Recruits are asked for their top 3 post assignment preferences, and are provided their post assignment prior to recruit school beginning. After graduation, as troopers at their posts, they are responsible for investigating and deterring crime, apprehending criminals and fugitives, conducting traffic enforcement to increase traffic safety, and participating in community outreach and prevention services activities.

Career Paths:

After successful completion of the probationary period and two years of service, troopers are eligible to apply for specialty assignments including:

Detective

Forensics

Computer Crimes

Emergency Management

Aviation

Fugitive Teams

Bomb Squad

Narcotics Teams

Canine Unit

Marine Services Team

Motorcycle Unit

Tactical Bicycle Team, and many more

More Information
Plymouth Man Faces Arson Charges After 2019 House Fire

Plymouth Man Faces Arson Charges After 2019 House Fire

Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746 Attorney General

July 8, 2021

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has charged a Wayne County man with arson following a 2019 house fire.

Patrick Nolan, 40, was arraigned in Wayne County 35th District Court last week on the following charges:

one count of arson of an insured dwelling, a felony punishable by life in prison and/or $20,000 or three times the value of the property, whichever is greater; and

one count of second-degree arson, a felony punishable by 20 years in prison and/or $20,000 or three times the value of the property, whichever is greater.

The Attorney General worked alongside the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit to investigate this case.

In the early hours of Jan. 1, 2019, the Plymouth Township Police and Fire Departments responded to 50081 Shefield Court for a house fire. Nolan owned the home, which was insured for loss caused by fire.

Two investigations, one by Michigan State Police and the other by EFI Global, determined arson was the cause for the following reasons:

the fire originated in three separate unconnected areas identified as the master bedroom, basement storage room and the common hall at the top of the basement stairs;

the first material ignited was ignitable liquid vapors identified by laboratory analysis as gasoline;

the source of ignition was an open flame igniting gasoline vapors; and

the fire was human caused.

Review of the infotainment system in Nolan's truck found he was parked at the residence less than two hours before the fire was reported by a neighbor.

"When one person tries to take advantage of insurance coverage through criminal acts, it affects all of us," Nessel said. "I appreciate the investigative coordination between my office and DIFS that resulted in these serious criminal charges."

Nolan's bond was set at $250,000, 10 percent, with the conditions he must forfeit all weapons, his passport and will be placed on a tether if released.

"Mr. Nolan is accused of committing a serious and potentially dangerous crime, and I am pleased with the work of investigators in law enforcement, the DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit, and the Attorney General's office in this matter," DIFS Director Anita Fox said. "Insurance fraud costs all of us in the form of increased premiums, and Michiganders who suspect fraud in the insurance or financial services industries are asked to report it online at Michigan.gov/ReportFraud2DIFS or by calling 877-999-6442."

The next court date is a probable cause conference on July 16. The preliminary exam is set for July 23.

The DIFS FIU investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets and works with the Attorney General and other law enforcement to prosecute these crimes. Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to DIFS safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or online by visiting DIFS' website.

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Treasury: Be Alert for Summer Tax Scams

Treasury: Be Alert for Summer Tax Scams

July 8, 2021

Now that it's July and the beginning of summer, the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) encourages Michiganders to remain alert for scammers impersonating tax officials through phone calls or emails - or even fake letters through the U.S. Postal Service.

In the summer, the state Treasury Department typically observes scams where criminals claim to be government officials and ask for cash through a wire transfer, prepaid debit card or gift card. These scammers tend to make "urgent" and "aggressive" requests through robocalls, emails or fake letters.

"Scammers don't take summer vacations," said Deputy Treasurer Glenn White, who oversees Treasury's Revenue Services programs. "Taxpayers have rights. If you have questions about an outstanding state tax debt, please contact us through a verified number so we can talk about options."

Scammers often alter their identity to portray themselves as the state Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service or another government agency. They tend use employee titles, a person's name, address and other personal information to seem official.

The state Treasury Department does not:

Demand an immediate payment using a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, Treasury will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes, outlining peaceful steps to be taken to resolve a debt.

Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.

Threaten to seize a taxpayer's property  including bank accounts, wages, business assets, cars, real estate and cash  if the debt is not settled.

Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone or through email.

Taxpayers should hang up immediately if they receive a call from a scammer. Emails should be deleted immediately.

Individuals who have questions about their state debts should call Treasury's Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265. A customer service representative can log the scam, verify outstanding state debts and provide flexible payment options.

To learn more about the state Treasury Department, go to www.Michigan.gov/Treasury or follow @MiTreasury on Twitter.

# # #

Press Contacts: Danelle Gittus or Ron Leix, Treasury Public Information Officers, at 517-335-2167
PHOTOS: Gov. Whitmer Highlights Historic $150 Million Investment in Local Parks and Trails

PHOTOS: Gov. Whitmer Highlights Historic $150 Million Investment in Local Parks and Trails

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

PHOTOS: Gov. Whitmer Highlights Historic $150 Million Investment in Local Parks and Trails

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer traveled to St. Clair Shores today to promote her proposal to invest $150 million in federal relief dollars from President Biden's American Rescue Plan to address critical needs in local park systems. The proposed investment would be administered as a grant program by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and would support the economies, health and recovery of communities across the state.

Last month, Whitmer announced a similar proposal to invest $250 million of American Rescue Plan funding in parks and trails managed by the State of Michigan.

"Michigan is famous for its natural beauty and superb outdoor recreation spaces," said Governor Whitmer. "We now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our local parks and trails, and take concrete action to protect and enhance the natural spaces that our great state is known for. This will improve quality of life for our residents, and promote tourism to Michigan, which will jumpstart our economy and support our local businesses."

One measure of recreational needs in local communities is the number of grant requests received each year by the DNR that go unfunded. Over the last five years, the average of development grant applications to the DNR for three primary grant programs - the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Recreation Passport Grants and Land and Water Conservation Fund - has approached $40 million annually. Nearly $20 million of those annual requests could not be met because of lack of available funding. Governor Whitmer's proposed investment would close this gap, and ensure that every community has safe, clean, and beautiful outdoor recreation spaces that every resident can enjoy.

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Gov. Whitmer announces historic $150 million investment in local parks and trails

Gov. Whitmer announces historic $150 million investment in local parks and trails

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 6, 2021

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer announces historic $150 million investment in local parks and trails

Together with proposed investment in state parks, the plan would provide $400 million to revitalize communities across Michigan

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced an historic investment in community parks and recreation facilities, proposing $150 million in federal relief dollars from President Biden's American Rescue Plan be dedicated to addressing critical needs in local park systems. This investment will create good-paying, blue collar jobs across the state as we jumpstart our economy and get Michigan back to work.

Whitmer announced the proposal at the Idema Explorers Trail in Ottawa County, an example of a recreation property that could benefit from the new funding. The proposed investment would be administered as a grant program by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and would support the economies, health and recovery of communities across the state.

Last month, Whitmer announced a similar proposal to invest $250 million of American Rescue Plan funding in parks and trails managed by the State of Michigan.

"These two new investment programs, totaling $400 million, mark a once-in-a-generation chance to improve quality of life for our residents, support local economies and bring people back to Michigan as the state continues its recovery from the effects of the pandemic," Whitmer said. "These investments will ensure our children and grandchildren continue to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of natural beauty and outdoor spaces so prized by Michiganders. I look forward to working with the Legislature to secure this investment for our communities."

"Local parks are a critical part of the network of recreational opportunities throughout Michigan," said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. "People just want good parks, and they don't usually care who manages those parks provided the work is done well. Our local community partners do an outstanding job and we continue to support their work through a variety of means, including our Recreation Passport Grant program, which provides a portion of money generated by state parks to local communities for their park development. This new program would generally be modeled on our Recreation Passport grants to help local communities develop the recreational assets they need for the next generation."

"Infrastructure needs in the state's estimated 4,000 local parks are substantial," said Emily Stevens, president of mParks Michigan Park and Recreation Association. "Local parks saw an influx of visitors in the past year as people sought safe, socially distanced outlets for recreation during the pandemic."

"We have been singing about the benefits of our local parks, trails, and greenspaces for years, however the investments have not always matched those benefits," said Stevens. "This monumental funding will address the needs at our neighborhood parks and community gathering places to make them safer, more accessible and inclusive."

Tourism to Michigan parks generates value for surrounding communities, creates jobs, and sustains small businesses. Michigan's outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state Gross Domestic Product and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in the state. On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit.

"Vibrant public parks and trails are essential to healthy communities, and they allow local economies to thrive," said Jill Martindale, advocacy director for Velocity USA, a bicycle rim manufacturer in Grand Rapids. "This funding will support companies like ours that rely on these public spaces to help keep people employed. Besides, having access to beautiful parks and trails just makes our work more fun."

One measure of recreational needs in local communities is the number of grant requests received each year by the DNR that go unfunded. Over the last five years, the average of development grant applications to the DNR for three primary grant programs - the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Recreation Passport Grants and Land and Water Conservation Fund - has approached $40 million annually. Nearly $20 million of those annual requests could not be met because of lack of available funding.

"As residents recognized during the pandemic when they flocked to our parks, natural spaces should not be considered a luxury, but a necessity for our wellbeing," said Jason Shamblin, director of Ottawa County Parks and Recreation. "The cost of acquiring natural spaces; designing, permitting, and building park infrastructure; and maintaining these facilities is consistently increasing. To keep providing this critical access to the outdoors through parks and trails, additional funding is an urgent need."

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month to highlight Michigan's abundance of state, county and location community parks, as well as the many opportunities for outdoor recreation that residents can enjoy in every county across the state.

View full proclamation here.

###
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

REED CITY  A man from Reed City was arraigned Tuesday on charges stemming from a vehicle pursuit and foot chase with law enforcement officials over the holiday weekend.

According to a news release from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office, deputies attempted a traffic stop about 6:30 p.m., Sunday along 16 Mile Road in Colfax Township. The driver, Cameron Woodard, 27 of Reed City, failed to stop, and led deputies on an eight minute pursuit, driving through fields, two tracks, fences, residential lawns and yards into Grant Township, before fleeing on foot from his vehicle. He later was located hiding in a swamp.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexicos National Institute of Indigenous Peoples called on the U.S. retailer Anthropologie on Wednesday to stop copying a design used by the Mixe Indigenous community.

The institute said in a statement that Anthropologies Marka embroidered shorts copy a Mixe embroidery design from the poor village of Tlahuitoltepec, which is in the hills east of the capital of Mexico's southern state of Oaxaca.
The Midland County Sheriffs Office is investigating a two-vehicle fatal traffic crash that claimed the life of a 69-year-old Gladwin County man and his 75-year-old wife.

The crash took place at 2:46 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of North Sturgeon and East Shaffer roads in Mills Township.

The office's investigation indicates that Lawrence Malnar, of Gladwin County, was driving his green 2002 Ford F-150, westbound on East Shaffer Road. His wife, Janet Malnar, also of Gladwin County, was a passenger. Lawrence Malnar stopped at the stop sign for North Sturgeon Road, then failed to yield the right of way and was struck on the drivers side by a black 1997 Ford L-Series dump truck that was heading northbound on North Sturgeon Road. The dump truck was driven by Brian Brabaw, 57, from Midland.

All three involved parties were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. The front air bag deployed in Malnars vehicle.

Lawrence Malnar was pronounced dead at the scene. Janet Malnar was in critical condition when she was transported to Mid-Michigan Medical Center in Midland, but was pronounced deceased. Brabaw was uninjured.

While there is no evidence to indicate that alcohol or drugs may have been a factor in this crash, the Sheriff's Office is waiting for toxicology reports for a final determination. This report will be forwarded to the Midland County Prosecutors Office for review once it has been completed.

Midland County Sheriffs Office personnel were assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police and their Third District Accident Reconstruction Team, Mills Township Fire Department, Mid-Michigan EMS, and the Midland County Road Commission.
JERUSALEM (AP)  A Palestinian man held by Israel without charges will be released from custody and transferred to a Palestinian hospital in the occupied West Bank after being on a hunger strike for more than two months, his supporters said Thursday.

Amjad al-Najjar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Prisoners Club, said Ghadanfar Abu Atwan, 28, will be released from an Israeli hospital in the coming hours and transferred to a hospital in Ramallah, where the Palestinian Authority is headquartered.

A lawyer for Abu Atwan had earlier said that his client's condition had deteriorated in recent days and that he wanted to be transferred from Israel's Kaplan Hospital.

Medical records dated July 7 and reviewed by The Associated Press show that Abu Atwan has gone through several periods where he refused to drink water or fluids with sugar, salt or vitamins.

The records described him as noticeably weak, almost unable to speak and unable to move his lower limbs.

The case has drawn renewed attention to administrative detention, a controversial Israeli policy in which it holds Palestinian suspects without charges for months at a time. The policy has drawn criticism from human rights groups.

Attorney Jawad Boulos said Abu Atwan was arrested in October, released and arrested again, but never charged.

He said Abu Atwan's administrative detention was recently suspended by Israel's Supreme Court due to his dire health condition. But the court's ruling left him sick and captive in the hospital, Boulos said.

His only demand today is that he be released immediately and return to his home free, or that he be transferred to a Palestinian hospital, so that he can complete his treatment there, Boulos told the AP earlier Thursday.

Israel's Shin Bet internal security service said Abu Atwan is a member of a Palestinian militant group but is no longer seen as a threat because of his health condition. It confirmed he was being transferred to the Palestinian Authority for treatment at a Palestinian hospital.

It added that if Abu Atwan is once again deemed a threat, required actions would be taken.

Under the administrative detention policy, Israel holds Palestinians without charges on suspicion of undisclosed security offenses. The detention orders are renewable and have generated stiff blowback from groups that allege the practice violates the right to due process.

The Palestinian Prisoners Club, an advocacy group that represents the thousands of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, said Abu Atwan began his hunger strike May 5 in prison and was subject to abuse and assault. It alleged that he was then transferred to several prisons, beaten and sprayed with a substance that made it hard to breathe.

On June 21, the organization said, Abu Atwan's health seriously deteriorated and he required urgent medical attention.

The hospital refused to comment on his condition, citing privacy laws.

___

Bentov reported from Rehovot, Israel. Associated Press writer Joseph Krauss in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  A passenger on a small plane bound for a tiny western Alaska community said he tried to end his life when he took control of the plane's yoke and caused it to nosedive before the pilot was able to regain control and safely land the aircraft, Alaska State Troopers said.

The incident occurred Wednesday on a flight between Bethel and Aniak, which is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Bethel. Troopers said a preliminary investigation indicated that an 18-year-old passenger got up from his seat and took control of the yoke before the pilot was able to regain control of the plane with help from passengers.

The man told Trooper Jason Bohac he tried to end his life while on the plane and indicated he had spoken with behavioral health officials before but felt it hadn't helped, according to an affidavit by Bohac that accompanied assault and attempted assault charges.

The state's online court records system showed an arraignment was held Thursday. A message seeking comment was left for the public defender agency, which is listed as representing the man.

The Cessna Caravan had six people on board, with all five passenger seats occupied, said Austin McDaniel, a troopers spokesperson. The plane landed safely in Aniak, and the 18-year-old was arrested, troopers said.

McDaniel said by email that the man had asked the pilot to fly the plane earlier during the flight and initially asked to sit in the unoccupied co-pilot seat. Both requests were denied by the pilot.

McDaniel said the aircraft had no barrier between the rest of the aircraft and the pilot and co-pilot seats. Barriers are not typical in this type of aircraft in Alaska, he said.

The plane was in the process of landing when the incident occurred, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the airport, McDaniel said.

Federal authorities also were notified, he said.

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorneys office in Alaska said any federal charges would be determined by the outcome of the investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration, in a statement, said it was aware of the incident and investigating.

According to the affidavit, the pilot, who was identified as Joshua Kersch, said about 10 miles from Aniak, the man asked if he could fly the plane and Kersch refused. About five miles later, Kersch said he felt the yoke go forward and saw the man over the co-pilot seat pushing on the yoke. He said he thought the man was trying to point the plane toward the ground.

Kersch said he was scared and concerned for the others onboard but said his biggest concern was trying to maintain control of the plane, according to the affidavit.

Several passengers who spoke to Bohac said they feared for their lives. One passenger, identified as Alice Samuelson, told Bohac the man seemed to have anxiety before boarding the plane.

During the incident, she said a woman grabbed the man after the pilot pushed him away from the controls and that passengers held him down, according to the affidavit.

Another passenger described the man as being held in his seat while the pilot landed, the affidavit states.

Lee Ryan, president of Ryan Air, the company that operated the flight, said the passenger was in the second row of seats and kind of just reached over the copilot seat and briefly grabbed control of the aircraft.

The pilot moved the passenger back and retook control of the airplane, Ryan said.

Other passengers Id say restrained the unruly passenger. But he wasnt necessarily trying to do anything at that point, Ryan said.

Ryan said the pilot handled the matter very professionally.

We have different types of training and security training and different procedures, and he said he just moved him back in and landed without further incident, got on the radio and let our company know what was going on, Ryan said.

He said safety is the air carrier's highest priority, and he was glad "this ended without further incident.

Changes could arise as a result of what happened, Ryan said.

All of us airlines share information when it comes to safety, and I think that collectively there might be some safety improvements that come out of this, he said.

___

Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.
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Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media

MIDDLETOWN  Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner has been chosen to sit on the National American Rescue Plan Committee, which is charged with developing recommendations and insights as schools move toward a safe reopening following the pandemic.

School districts across the nation will be making critical decisions regarding the implementation of funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, according to a press release.
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.
Be jaded, be absent minded, be selectively attentive, but the third time you hear something, listen. Do this, and you may find yourself cruising down an arrow-straight length of Highland Avenue in Cheshire  like a bookmark holding its place at the midpoint between Waterbury and Meriden  and see nothing in particular, until you do.

Viron Rondo Osteria is bold. The first impression is someone has chosen to place the clubhouse of a country club on a long valley road dotted with low, commercial buildings. The scale of the restaurant is striking. On a perfect Thursday evening when I visit after taking some advice this spring, people have flocked there.

The space is landscaped and green, and multiple layers of patios with an outdoor bar make up the outworks. Enter through doors which could comfortably accept mounted cavalry, and youll be shown to a table in one of the dining rooms or the lounge area, where a square bar surrounds a chandelier the size of a small hot air balloon. The space you see is the dream of its owner, Viron Rondos.

Rondos moved to New York from his native Greece, and has been in hospitality his entire life, previously owning restaurants in Avon and Litchfield before opening the original Viron Rondo Osteria at the same location in 2014.

We always had great food, but the space was not good enough, he says, talking about his previous limitations while swirling a glass of wine at a table in the lounge. Now, after a 14,000-square-foot expansion which cost him nearly $8 million, he supposes he has what he needs.

Hes quick to credit everyones contribution to making the Osteria a reality when it reopened fully in October 2019: Litchfield County-based French designer Martine Longhi who conceived the interior and exterior spaces, Mueller American lighting of Collinsville, the artisans who restored the chandelier, which had hung in the theater of the New York Film Academy from 1969 to 2017, and his staff. I have the best people working here, anywhere in the state. I absolutely believe this.

We had a small kitchen, a small bar, it sat 13 people. Now, our kitchen  here he pats the air with his hands, palms facing down  it is underneath where our parking lot used to be, we built on top of it. There is room for everyone to work.

Viron Rondo Osteria 1721 Highland Ave., Cheshire 203-439-2727, vironrondoosteria.com Hours: Lunch and dinner daily Wheelchair accessible See More Collapse

I ask him what the capacity of the restaurant is now. Six hundred and fifty, Rondos says quickly, like he hasnt just quoted the manifest for a small cruise ship.

And then the shutdown happened, I say, and he nods.

The patio saved us last summer, and the community, Rondos says. So many came here for takeout, everyone has been so supportive from the very beginning. I want to make everyone here feel like they are in my home, to give them the best food, the best atmosphere. We source food from local farms, butchers  they came when we opened just to give us their food and welcome us here.

Thomas Crawford, a native of Rocky Hill, joined Viron Rondo as co-executive chef in March 2021 from Bricco Trattoria in Glastonbury. He immediately set to work tweaking both the kitchen and menu.

I was out here picking selections from farms, he says of my first course, a Greek salad with cucumber, onions, bell pepper, a flat of deeply tangy feta the size of my palm, and small, halved tomatoes Id remarked were shockingly good, considering it was mid-May in Connecticut. Those came from March Farm in Bethlehem.

He rattles off a few other local sources  Gutt Family Farm in Glastonbury, Middle Acres in Rhode Island  before finishing the thought: Wed come up with dishes that were all about the ingredients, the menus evolving. Viron gave me a great challenge with the volume especially. Well do 1,000 covers on a weekend night, and my goal is to have it organized so the food will be good for everyone. With the volume of the place, you cant just say this is how its going to be and it happens. You have to have everyone working together.

The menu is primarily Italian, from salads and antipasto, to meat and seafood dishes served as plates or family style, carbonara and clam sauces, but Crawford plans Greek and other variations.

My second course is grilled octopus, served over a charred white bean puree, with chorizo, Taggiasca olives, and chimichurri. It can be a tricky protein, but the octopus is grilled just right, bites alternating between the herbal, garlicky chimi, and the heat of the chorizo punched up with an addition of Calabrian chilis in the bean puree, smoothed out with a drizzle of sweet balsamic vinegar.

Anyone looking for something simple to share cant go wrong with VRs brick-oven pizzas, if the margarita I had with fresh mozzarella and sweet, fresh tomato sauce is an indicator.

Everyone I could see in the lounge area, at least 60 people, socially distanced, were there to eat. A few paused on the way in or out to speak  often in Greek  to Rondos or Dimitrios Zahariadis, one of the more famous mixologists in Connecticut, and the head of Viron Rondos bar program.

Zahariadis is a recognizable face from his time running Highland Brass Co. cocktail bar in Waterbury, to the industry as a founder of Connecticuts chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild, and to a national audience from his appearances online and on television as The Cocktail Chemist. His line of canned cocktails by the same name have been picked up by Mohegan Sun, and are available in a few varieties at Viron Rondo. Ask for Something Good and his version arrives made with gluten-free American vodka, fresh lemon juice, cane sugar and subtle hints of elderflower and violet.

My pick from Viron Rondos cocktail menu is the Meli Manhattan, made with Old Forester bourbon, sweet vermouth, chocolate bitters and a spiced honey liqueur Zahariadis says is popular in Greece. The alcohols heat is rounded smooth by the confluence of mellow notes of the oak barrel flowing together with the cocoa and honey.

If your travels this month take you through central Connecticut, if youre looking for a night in the open air, or a cocktail under the star cluster of that chandelier, heres your island getaway.

This article originally appeared in Connecticut Magazine. You can subscribe here, or find the current issue on sale here. Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest and greatest content from Connecticut Magazine delivered right to your inbox. On Facebook and Instagram @connecticutmagazine and Twitter @connecticutmag.
Gregorio Borgia/AP

ROME (AP)  The Italian Senate on Thursday approved lowering the age voters must reach before they are eligible to elect senators from 25 to 18.

Voters who are 18 or older can already cast ballots in national elections for the lower house of Italy's Parliament, the Chamber of Deputies. The Senates consent paves the way for some 4 million young adults to get the right to vote for the upper legislative chamber as well.
Toni L. Sandys/AP

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  The owner of a grant-writing business who narrowly missed a runoff for a congressional seat on Thursday became the fourth candidate to enter the U.S. Senate race in Alabama to replace retiring Sen. Richard Shelby.

Jessica Taylor introduced herself to state voters with a video that stressed conservative themes and, like other candidates in the race have done, emphasized her fealty to former President Donald Trumps agenda as well as her dislike of President Joe Biden's administration. Speaking of Vice President Kamala Harris, Taylor said she would be Kamalas worst nightmare.
The United States this month will start moving thousands of Afghans who served as interpreters and in other support jobs along with their family members to locations outside of Afghanistan, where they can wait safely while their visas are processed.

But it still is unknown where they will go and what the evacuation process will be.

"Our message to those women and men is clear," President Joe Biden said Thursday. "There is a home for you in the United States if you so choose, and we will stand with you just as you stood with us."

Read Next: Dreaming of America, Fearing Taliban Takeover: As US Withdraws, Afghan Interpreter Waits for Visa

In a White House address, Biden said that his administration has accelerated the process for approving Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan workers who assisted the U.S. The government has approved about 2,500 such visas since his inauguration, he said, adding that less than half have accepted the visas and flown to the United States. The others decided to stay in Afghanistan.

However, those numbers amount to less than 14% of the backlog of roughly 18,000 Afghans awaiting visa approval.

Biden said his administration is working with Congress to further streamline the visa approval process and has identified American facilities outside the continental United States, as well as locations in third countries, where thousands of Afghans can wait for their visas. Flights to relocate those who choose to leave, along with their family members, will begin later this month, he said.

Biden did not identify those facilities, but some advocates pushing the U.S. to act faster to relocate Afghans have urged the government to house them on Guam, where Andersen Air Force Base is located. Reuters reported last week that the U.S. is negotiating with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, all located near Afghanistan, to take in the Afghans temporarily.

In a briefing with reporters, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the evacuations could begin in the next three weeks and might include the use of State Department-chartered or commercial aircraft. The military is also able to provide transportation capability, he said, adding there has been no indication that will be needed.

The government is looking at "a range of options" for housing the Afghans, Kirby said, but he declined to identify which overseas military installations are being considered. Some are on U.S. territory, he said, and others are facilities used by the U.S. in host nations. The government is also looking at locations in other countries that the U.S. is not currently using.

-- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StephenLosey.

Related: White House Will Evacuate Afghans Who Helped US to Third Country for Visa Processing
TEHRAN, Iran  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.
BAGHDAD  Rockets landed in and around the heavily fortified Green Zone in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, which houses the U.S. Embassy, causing material damage early Thursday, Iraqi security forces said.

Two Katuysha rockets fell near the national security building, and in an open courtyard inside the Green Zone. A third rocket fell in a nearby residential area, damaging a civilian vehicle, the statement by the Iraqi security media cell said.

The attack which came shortly before daybreak followed two separate attacks on bases housing U.S. troops in western Iraq and across the border in Syria, where U.S-led coalition forces are based. The drone attack Wednesday in eastern Syria was foiled while 14 rockets landed in Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq, lightly wounding two personnel.

The attacks come as tension is on the rise between U.S. troops and Iran-backed fighters as Baghdad and Washington negotiate a timeline for foreign troop withdrawal from Iraq.

The U.S. has blamed Iran-backed militias for attacks  most of them rocket strikes  that have targeted the American presence in Baghdad and military bases across Iraq. More recently, the attacks have become more sophisticated, with militants using drones.

Late last month, U.S. warplanes hit facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups which the Pentagon said support drone strikes inside Iraq. Four Iraqi fighters were killed in the June 27 airstrikes.

A previously unknown group claimed responsibility for the Wednesday attack on Al-Assad Air Base, saying it was a message to U.S troops in Iraq: We will force you to leave our lands defeated.

A drone attack on Tuesday was reported on Irbil airport in the northern Kurdish-run region, near where U.S. forces are based. In Syria, the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces said they foiled the Wednesday attack that was using drones on the al-Omar oil field in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour. 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.

A statement from the Security Media Cell, affiliated with Iraqs security forces, on Thursday said these attacks endangers the lives of citizens and targets diplomatic missions and will be faced forcefully. Iraqs government had called Wednesdays attack a terrorist one that violate Iraqi laws.

Also on Thursday, the spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Wayne Marotto said these attacks undermine the authority of Iraqi authorities, the rule of law and Iraqi National sovereignty.
A tornado with winds that reached about 120 miles per hour struck Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, on Wednesday afternoon, causing injuries and damage, the National Weather Service said Thursday.

Damage from the tornado, which touched down around 5:45 p.m. local time, was focused on a recreational vehicle park on the Navy base, which is the East Coast home for the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.

Lt. Stu Phillips, a spokesman for the base, said that a total of 12 RVs were damaged, with one even ending up in the water.

Read Next: Air Force Releases a New Peek at the Stealthy B-21 Raider

Ben Nelson, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, Florida, said that the park sustained "significant damage."

"A truck got completely flipped over and tossed for a pretty decent distance," he said. "There's debris just kind of scattered all over the park with RVs toppled over and flipped over."

Nelson said that the service received reports of "somewhere between 15 and 20 people" suffering injuries during the storm.

Phillips said that 10 people were transported to a local hospital but noted that none of the injuries was life-threatening. It's still not clear how many of the injured are service members, dependents or civilians, he added.

Although damage assessments are ongoing, Phillips noted that some buildings on base also suffered damage. However, he added that there was "no damage to our submarines or any sensitive military equipment."

"While the situation here is still very dynamic, I want to thank all of our first responders and Camden County first responders for their quick actions," Capt. Chester Parks, the base's commanding officer, said in a statement. "Their quick response most certainly helped."

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said he spoke with Parks on Wednesday night and pledged "to provide any necessary Congressional assistance," according to a statement.

Ossoff added that affected families can contact his office for help.

The tornado was the result of Tropical Storm Elsa, which made landfall along the north Florida coast Wednesday morning.

"We see tornadoes with landfalling tropical systems, but we usually don't see EF2-type tornadoes," Nelson explained. "This is a pretty significant type of event."

The Enhanced Fujita or "EF" scale is used to assign a tornado a rating based on estimated wind speeds and related damage. It ranges from EF-0 to EF-5.

Kings Bay is the latest base to suffer damage from natural disasters in recent years. Hurricane Florence caused catastrophic flooding near Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in September 2018. A month later, Hurricane Michael devastated Tyndall Air Force Base and damaged multiple F-22 Raptor fighters when it struck Florida. Wildfires and flooding have also damaged bases in recent years.

The latest Defense Department budget request specifically asked for $617 million in new investments to help it prepare for and respond to climate change. The money would be used to renovate installations to improve their ability to operate during severe weather conditions and be able to recover more quickly after disruptive natural or man-made emergencies.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: Climate Change, Extremism Among Military Threats Targeted in DoD Budget Request
When we talk about regrets in military life, no one ever mentions the queen size box spring that didn't fit up the stairwell in Germany -- who could guess?

They don't regret the job with the crazy boss. That was a learning experience.

They don't regret that PCS move with a newborn during a deployment. That had to be done.

When it comes to regret, military spouses most often say they regret their choices regarding education. Do they regret what they studied? Do they wish they had tried harder? Finished sooner? Got better grades?

We reached out to military spouses to ask them directly what they would do differently if they had another go at their education.

One wife said she would have waited until she was done with school to be with her soldier.

Another lamented that she must forgo the degree she wants because she and her husband can't afford the gas to school. The only school in the region that offers her degree program is 45 minutes away.

Still another spouse said that she regrets the limits of online education. She's done the most she can and is having a hard time finding work.

All of these challenges are certainly regrettable, but they are also ones you can plan for -- and work around. Here's how.

Plan wisely

This one seems like a no brainer -- after all, planning your educational path is as logical as eating breakfast. But a lot of us skip breakfast because we are in a hurry, and even more of us fail to think through the long view of our education before we get started.

"I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for college," says Karen, an Air Force wife who was delighted to move in with her husband after he proposed. She was shocked to learn that picking up school in Florida wasn't as easy as she hoped it would be.

"I figured I'd just sort of start over," she said. "But it didn't work like that at all."

If you are planning to go to school, plot out the next few years on paper the best you can. Is your spouse likely to be stationed at the same place for the duration of your education? If so, sink into your local opportunities.

If there is a move you are guessing about in the near future, think about options that can travel: Classes that can count for credit at another school, degrees that another college is likely to have.

"If you'd told me that 10 years ago," Karen says, "I would have thought you were crazy. Of course, it would all work out. Now, I get what you're saying."

Really investigate your school

Planning for college is more than just laying out your academic plan, though. You need to spend some time thinking hard about which school is right for you.

"I didn't really understand about accreditation," Karen says. She attended a small, Christian school in rural Michigan. "It was the local college," she explains, "and I was just really happy I got in."

What Karen didn't realize was that the school was not accredited by the regional association of colleges.

"I just thought all accreditation was the same," she said. "I mean, it said COLLEGE. I thought that meant they're all the same. But this one wasn't a real college, like real' accredited, and so I couldn't transfer any of my hours or use the time toward another degree."

College accreditation is a tricky thing. For schools, it's a complicated process to prove that they really do deserve to stick the word "college" in the title.

For students, it's a guidepost for whether they should devote their time and money to the institution and the degrees it offers.

Attending an unaccredited school -- or a school accredited by lesser standards -- can mean trouble with transfers, certifications or applying to advanced degree programs.

Look for schools accredited by the regional associations of colleges and schools like the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, the Middle States Association of Schools and College, the New England Association of Schools and College, the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Another wife explains she made the opposite mistake: As a prospective student for an online, for-profit institution, she just assumed that since the school accepted MyCAA, that meant it was a good school.

"What I learned was that the online university I was encouraged to attend and everyone I knew was going to just wasn't that great," explains Leslie. "I thought it was going to be as good as our local college, but employers just aren't looking at it that way."

Leslie is a Navy wife who lives in San Diego. She was really excited about going back to school and enjoyed her time and classes.

"I took a psych class in my pajamas," she laughs. "It was great!"

Employers didn't agree. "I was looking for basic admin jobs -- secretary, something like that," she says. "But they wanted recommendations from teachers who could say that they saw how organized and efficient I was in person and talk about my personality. My teachers didn't know me that way."

If you are considering an online program, take some time to look beyond the degree.

Can you do any networking in the program? Can you meet people who will help you get jobs? Will your teachers really know you and be willing to give references for you?

"That's what I should have thought of," Leslie said. "That's what I would change."

Think about the job you want most

We know that for many spouses, sometimes a job, any job is really what you need.

But to get any job, you need to know what job you want specifically -- the one that is best suited to your skills, personality and sensibilities.

To get the most out of your education, you need to think about that too. Does the degree you are getting actually help you get that job? Does the job require specific training, certification or higher education you will need to attain after your degree? Will your degree put you on the right track for that?

"Whatever you do, find a major that can help you get a job for real," advises Army wife Kaylen. "I majored in poetry, which is good because I teach English. I could have never majored in 'General Studies' though. No one would know what that means. What can you do with that?"

Kaylen is a middle school English teacher in Washington. She loves her job, and she is grateful for the education that got her to it.

"I wish I had focused on something else. I'm teaching English only because it's what I studied, not because it's what I want."

Kaylen plans to go back to school to teach high school history, but she is having a difficult time applying to graduate history programs as an undergraduate poetry major.

"Think it through while you still can," she says. "You don't want to spend more time and money going back to school to get a better major later just because you wouldn't spend some time thinking it through about what job you really want when you started out. It's worth it."

Come up with a Plan B

No amount of planning, however important it is, can escape the inevitability of Murphy's Law. Orders might surprise you. The craziness of school or the subject matter of your degree might be more demanding than you planned to accommodate. So before you are knee-deep in tuition bills and babysitters, come up with a catch-all backup plan. Ask yourself: If this degree isn't for me, what other options does my school offer? What is the admissions process? Will these credits apply to another school someplace else?

"I quit college six times," confesses Karen. "Six times. If I had asked myself these things, I would have finished on time."

Regretting your education choices does not have to happen to you. Take some precautionary steps when you are first starting out, and you will be able to move forward, confident that you made the right choices along the way.
When it comes to your college application essay, you probably are not going to write about the three months you spent "finding yourself" in the Seychelles. The value of your spring break trip through Patagonia seems equally doubtful.

We're guessing you won't even be writing about the 107 cats you saved from that burning building last year.

Why? Because that is not your life. The military is. And you want to know how to use your military life experience in your college essay.

What to write for college essays?

For many prospective students, the essay required by colleges and graduate schools can be the most difficult part of the application process.

"I have no idea what to write about and these suggestions don't make any sense to me," said Rebecca, a college-bound Air Force spouse I met thumbing through essay help books at her local Barnes + Noble.

"If everyone else is writing about priceless, incredible adventures or their plans to free the world from AIDS by 2018, what would writing about military life add?"

We asked military spouses (including some former military brats) for their experience, and we found out that for many, writing about military life added a lot of heft to their application.

Rebecca was hesitant. "What am I supposed to do? Talk about the time I parked in the wrong parking spot? Or didn't know about colors? Or that PCS where everything broke?"

Maybe you are thinking about the deployment when everything went wrong: the washer broke the day he left, and your car died on the way to the hospital with you, in labor, inside it. Or maybe you will be writing about the challenges your family has faced with budget cuts, sequestration and looming layoffs. Perhaps you will even open up about PTSD.

But no matter what aspect of it you choose, leveraging military life in your college application can lift your application from the stacks of mundane, boring essays and bring it to the top.

Open up to stories about your real life

"I applied to a distance learning program at a Boston liberal arts college," says Bethanny, an Army wife. "Writing that application felt like the hardest thing I've done. But I'm pretty sure I was the only one who wrote about dealing with three girls, a PCS, and a husband facing PTSD."

The idea of opening up about her personal life frightened her, Bethanny admits, but her topic was open-ended: Tell us about a moment when you applied something you learned in school to a real-life event.

"I spent a lot of time thinking about that, and the first idea I thought of was persistence," she explains. "Yeah math is hard and you have to stick with it. But learning that in second grade, you don't realize you'll be using it one day in your own family."

This was an early lesson, but an invaluable one. Persistence has carried her through every challenge her family has faced, she said, and it's the hallmark of her experience as a military spouse.

"I try to tell my oldest girl that when teachers say "you'll use this later," it's not about actual fractions or multiplication tables. It's about what you're learning about yourself when you struggle with those."

Bethanny poured her heart out in her application, and when she was finished with her last draft, she knew she had successfully made her point.

"Military life is harder than anybody's summer internship at a hospital or your mission trip to Zambia," she says. "That's pretending to know real life. I'm living it."

Focus on a powerful story

That real-life experience is something that can help you stand head-and-shoulders above the other applicants. But to use it to your advantage, you have to make sure you focus your military experience into a powerful, personal story.

According to the experts, the best way to make your essay count is to focus it on personal experience, keep it unique, and use it as an opportunity to really express your own voice. It is your one chance to tell the admissions committee something about you they do not already know.

"View it as an opportunity," encourages the admissions team at Carleton College. "The essay is one of the few things that you've got complete control over in the application process, especially by the time you're in your senior year. You've already earned most of your grades; you've already made most of your impressions on teachers; and chances are, you've already found a set of activities you're interested in continuing. So when you write the essay, view it as something more than just a page to fill up with writing. View it as a chance to tell the admissions committee about who you are as a person."

Consider the joys and hardships of military life and how they have shaped the person you are today. Those are not things shared by every candidate in the admissions pool. What kind of experiences has the military granted you that no one else will have had?

"I knew living in Germany was unique, but I know plenty of other kids probably visited in high school on some expensive trip and would be writing about that," says Marine Corps wife Robin.

Robin is as military as it comes without putting on a uniform herself: She and her husband have been together for over a decade, and she grew up in the Marine Corps, too.

"I didn't attend a typical college after graduation because I got married so young," she said. "I did an associate's degree, and I didn't think I would ever need more schooling than that."

Now that she wants her bachelor's, she is excited about school, but the application process has made her more than a little nervous.

"The essay is really scary," she says.

Robin had a travel prompt: Talk about a trip you've taken and the impact it had on you.

"I was afraid if I wrote about military life, they would think it's boring. My mom encouraged me to do it. I think what makes my story so different is it isn't about just taking a trip, it is all about dealing with real life overseas. Not being able to work. Trying to make ends meet without my income. Figuring out I needed to do something for me like going back to school, and that it would help my family too."

Robin is right: Her essay is honest, personal and tells the reader about who she is as a person.

Sure, her story isn't unique in the military world. Plenty of spouses face these challenges every day and find their own solutions to them. But in a sea of admissions essays, her story does something powerful: It tells you more about who she is in two pages than the rest of her application could put together.

"You don't know I'm a military brat or a military wife. You just know I have a broken employment history and a community college degree," she says. "In my essay, I can tell you who I am. This is who I am, and a lot of its military."

If you are trying to make your military life experience work in your college or graduate school essay, try following these simple do's and don'ts from military wives like yourself:

Do's and Don'ts From Military Wives

DO:

Talk honestly about the challenges of military life. -- Army wife Bethanny

Be open about adversity. Sometimes the hard stories are the best stories. -- Army wife Erin

Challenge assumptions about military life! -- Marine Corps wife Monica

Show who you are outside of your husband's job. -- Marine Corps wife Mary

DON'T:

Whine about how hard it is. You have to use a challenge to your advantage. If you are just whining, it should be in an email to mom. -- Navy wife Rachel

Assume they know the lingo. They don't. Take the time to spell things like FRO out. -- Marine Corps wife Robin

Expect them to understand military life is hard. You have to tell them about it. If they aren't in the military world, they won't know. -- Navy wife Christine

Use your thesaurus the whole time! You are smart enough as you are. Use the words you really know. -- Marine Corps wife Barbie

If you have leveraged your military experience in your college essay, we want to know. Do you think it was an asset to your application? What did you write about?

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The "meet cute" might be losing pole position among military couples. These days, we are becoming more MeetUp, Match.com and eHarmony. Are we losing something with online matchmaking?

Personally, Ive always enjoyed a good military flavored "meet cute." If you havent heard that term, the "meet cute" is that bit of a romantic comedy where the main characters meet in some adorable, entertaining way so you know that they will be together forever. As Eli Wallach explains in "The Holiday:

"Say a man and a woman both need something to sleep in, and they both go to the same mens pajama department. And the man says to the salesman: 'I just need bottoms'. The woman says: 'I just need a top'. They look at each other, and that's the meet-cute."

In the military, our meet cutes are along the lines of "she spilled milk on me in third grade," and "he fixed my flat tire on I-64 in his whites," and "we both lived in San Diego but we had to go to Afghanistan to meet each other.

Lately, though, Ive been hearing fewer "meet cutes" among military couples and more "met onlines."

In the least scientific method possible (posting a question on Facebook), we asked our readers how they met. The most common response was that couples met in school. But the second most popular way for military couples to meet was not through family or friends or at work, but online.

It was silly of me to be so surprised. After all, we Americans live much of our lives online -- shopping, communicating, working, entertaining ourselves. Why wouldnt we find partners online?

According to a new study out of Stanford, it looks like we should expect that even more military couples will meet online in the future because of the way military life is constructed.

The researchers found that the Internet is displacing other avenues to meet partners. This was especially true for Americans who are in a thin market -- one in which where fewer partners are available due to age (everyone is already married) or sexual orientation (fewer gays and lesbians in the population than heterosexuals.)

For those in a thin market for partners, the Internet is remarkably efficient at bringing to light possible partners. Im wondering if that means that we should expect more and more military couples to form their bond online in the future?

Surely military members would qualify as being in a thin market for partners. After all, only 15 percent of all military members are female. So by the numbers, meeting at work is less likely. (In our unscientific survey, meeting at work in the military was the fourth most popular choice.)

Military members also inhabit a thin market because they deploy and are not in the presence of available partners very often. Their frequent moves mean that their local social networks are periodically broken. Even after we marry, military couples still conduct a lot of their relationship by cell and text and email and Facebook.

Is this the death of the "meet cute?" I doubt it. It just means the meet cute will start sounding like, I knew when I got back from Kabul that I had to start dating other people, so I got on eHarmony. Right when I was ready to give up, her picture in this blue sweater popped up. And I just knew. ... 
At some point in their transitional period, veterans will have to switch off some of the things that readily identify them as veterans.

This isnt because people dont want to hire veterans or that military service is a turn-off to potential employers; in fact, just the opposite is true. Many companies seek out veterans because of the positive perceptions of their work ethic and leadership abilities, among other reasons.

Veterans have to get the job before they can display those better qualities, though. The way the civilian job-search world works just doesnt mesh well with some habits of military life. Here are a few examples.

1. Using Written Jargon.

There are many, many areas where the militarys descriptions of things will make so little sense to a civilian that even context clues cant help them form a clue of what is being said. This goes double for Navy-speak because the other branches have no idea what the Navy is saying most of the time.

For example, I was not sent to 1CTCS as a 3V0X3 between 03MAR03 and 05MAY05, I was a combat camera operator with the 1st Combat Camera Squadron between March 2003 and May 2005. Many civilian HR professionals will want to help veterans, but no one can do that after reading this on a resume.

2. Using Spoken Jargon.

Speaking in milspeak is just as bad as writing it in your resume. Youre there to make an impression on an interviewer, and while military bearing and professionalism are good things, you dont want to seem like you cant leave your past behind. Youre trying to be part of a new team, and businesses want someone who will integrate into their existing team.

This is not to say that you shouldnt use these terms at all. Theres a good chance that 90% of veterans reading this have responded to a request with roger that within the past year. Once in a while, that actually makes civilians smile. But your job interview should not be filled with an alphabet soup of acronyms and radio lingo.

3. Telling Sea Stories.

At least, for a while. While describing your liberty exploits in Thailand or Korea may be the best stories for you to tell your military buddies, telling your potential new coworkers at Penetrode Software, LLC may not have the effect you want. Same goes for any gruesome war stories, no matter how big of a hero you are at the end. And definitely dont use these stories to answer interview questions.

If you really are dying to tell your new coworkers about how heroic and/or silly you are, thats what happy hour is for. Once you already have the job and any probationary period has passed, youll be able to tell them. After a few drinks, you might even show them. But at least youll already have a job.

4. Wearing Uniform Items to the Interview.

Dress blues look great, theres no doubt about it, but you are trying to impress upon an interviewer that you are ready to come into work as a professional civilian now. So even if youre allowed to wear uniforms to the interview, dont.

Get a civilian suit and have it tailored to you, if possible. And make sure you get shoes for it; dont wear your corfams.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

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American military veterans are a powerhouse of economic activity just waiting to be unleashed on the world. The only thing that can stop a veteran entrepreneur, it seems, is not getting started in the first place.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), veterans are 45% more likely to start a business than non-veterans, and an overwhelming 85% of veteran-owned businesses were started (not purchased or inherited) by the veteran who runs them.

So where does a veteran with a good idea go when he or she just needs a way to get started? Here are some programs that provide training, access to capital or both.

1. Boots to Business

This program is an educational program designed for transitioning service members, including guard and reserve members, as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program. Its also available to military spouses of transitioning members.

The Boots to Business program is training from the SBA, so theres no catch, no fees and no hard sale at the end of the two-day training class. It does offer follow-on training through other SBA and associated classes, but the Boots to Business class is the SBAs foundational program. Visit SBAvets.force.com to learn more.

2. Boots to Business Reboot

The Reboot class is also from the Small Business Administration, but its designed for veterans and their spouses to explore owning a business, establishing a foundation for business knowledge and helping develop a business plan.

Boots to Business Reboot (or B2BR) also provides resources for veterans looking for access to capital for their start-up cost, technical help and even some partners with opportunities to get right to work. Check out the SBAs Reboot Page for more information.

3. Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) was designed to teach disabled post-9/11 era veterans how to manage their own small business. It also offers online training for family members of those veterans who qualify, at no cost to them.

EBV was developed at Syracuse University in upstate New York but is hosted at different schools around the country. Conducted in three phases, the first phase is a 30-day online program, followed by a nine-day residency at one of a handful of universities around the country. The third and final phase is a 12-month support plan, as veteran entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses.

To learn more about the EBV and its various iterations (including an accelerated version), visit the program page at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

4. Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs is a nonprofit organization that not only has built a nationwide network of affiliated locations, but also a nationwide network of alumni. These alums are veterans and spouse entrepreneurs who have gone through the process of forming an idea and creating a business and are looking to help others do the same.

The nonprofit has a number of programs for would-be veteran business owners, including its online interactive learning program, networking sessions, residencies for military and veteran entrepreneurs (including workspaces), opportunities to meet with veteran CEOs and even a national tour to promote and empower veteran businesses.

Military members, veterans and their families can find out more about these opportunities at BunkerLabs.org.

5. InVetIt

Navy veteran, entrepreneur and design guru Thomas Theriault and his team want to help veteran entrepreneurs get their business off the ground, using some of the best e-commerce practices around. The InVetIt Team has helped dozens of veteran entrepreneurs increase awareness and revenues through solid design and marketing.

The team will meet with veteran business owners, discuss their product and goals, and develop a plan to grow sustainably. They create a customized suite of services and a timeline to build the brand, grow awareness and increase sales. Then they implement that plan, responding to a predetermined set of performance metrics.

This program is for veterans who already have a product or service, but anyone interested in discovering brand growth and marketing plans should check out the InVetIt website.

6. VETRN

VETRNs entrepreneurship training is a six-month program designed to instruct military veterans in business strategy, planning and financial management. Unlike many academic regimens, VETRN -- which stands for Veteran Entrepreneurial Training and Resource Network -- is a tuition-free program that provides a college-level business education.

While only 12 veterans are accepted into each cohort, each of the students is provided with a mentor to help work through the classes and the days after completion of their business studies.

Even if veterans dont qualify to be part of the VETRN entrepreneurship program, the organization still provides educational opportunities in everything from computer literacy training to preparing resumes or even mentoring. To learn more, visit the VETRN website.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

Want to Know More About Veteran Jobs?

Be sure to get the latest news about post-military careers as well as critical info about veteran jobs and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.
The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) arrives at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. for a scheduled homeport shift.
Information Warfare Training Command Virginia Beachs Commanding Officer Cmdr. James Brennan discuss the Navys information warfare community accession training pipelines and life as an information warfare officer with Midshipmen 1st Class from the United States Naval Academy.
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Though the sixth ship bearing the name USS Relief since 1836, she was (and still is) the ONLY naval vessel ever constructed from the keel up as a floating hospital.
The Dodgers announced this morning that theyve selected the contract of lefty Darien Nunez and optioned right-hander Mitch White to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Their 40-man roster is now full.

Nunez, 28, signed with the Dodgers out of Cuba back in 2018 and has consistently posted solid numbers out of the bullpen as hes risen through their system. Hes gotten his first experience at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2021, pitching to a combined 2.70 ERA with a 35.3 percent strikeout rate and a 12.6 percent walk rate in 30 innings. Obviously, the Dodgers will hope his control of the strike zone improves  hes also hit a batter and tossed three wild pitches  but its a generally encouraging showing for the lefty.

Nunez has never ranked among the Dodgers best prospect, perhaps in part due to his age, but hell nevertheless get his first look at the MLB level. Since hes only just been selected, hell be optionable for all of this year and each of the two subsequent seasons, which could make him an up-and-down bit of depth while he looks to establish himself. The Dodgers frequently turn over the edges of their pitching staff  as White, who has now been optioned five times in 2021 aloone, can attest. Nunez will now be part of that churn for the foreseeable future, and hell give manager Dave Roberts a third lefty alongside David Price and Garrett Cleavinger while Victor Gonzalez is on the injured list due to plantar fasciitis.
2:50pm: Dipoto revealed in an appearance on 710 ESPN Radio today that Sheffield has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his left forearm but also a Grade 2 oblique strain (Twitter link via 710s Shannon Drayer). The oblique injury is the more significant of the two, and based on the fact that its a Grade 2 strain, it seems fair to expect Sheffield to be absent from the Seattle rotation for a rather notable chunk of time. Even less-severe Grade 1 oblique strains can sideline players for around a month at a time.

10:20am: After slipping a few games below .500 in mid-June, the Mariners have rallied back with a 14-7 showing that has them three games over .500, at 45-42. That still places them nine games back in a tough AL West, but theyre only three and a half games down in the Wild Card standings. Seattle has looked like one of the many teams whose deadline trajectory could very well be determined by how the team fares in its next 10 games or so, but manager Scott Servais suggested in an appearance on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that he expects the front office to operate as buyers (Twitter link, with audio).

Weve got a ton of prospect capital, and weve got young players in our system  our minor league system has improved so much, Servais told hosts Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette. Our Major League team is moving in the right direction, so the possibility to add players to help this year and to help going forward is really important for us. Im sure [GM Jerry Dipoto] and [assistant GM] Justin Hollander are talking to everybody out there and seeing what they can do to better us now and then also take a look into 2022 and beyond.

Asked about specific areas of need, Servais said with a chuckle that every manager out there says he needs more pitching. While that was something of a tongue-in-cheek comment, the rotation is a fairly obvious area of focus if Dipoto and the front office do indeed look to add to the roster. The Mariners have received solid results from Yusei Kikuchi, Justin Dunn, offseason signing Chris Flexen and top prospect Logan Gilbert, but on the whole, their starters are 23rd in the Majors with a 4.76 ERA.

Opening Day starter Marco Gonzales missed more than a month with a forearm injury and hasnt looked like himself when healthy enough to take the mound. The typically steady left-hander has posted a career-worst nine percent walk rate, which has been exacerbated by the fact that hes been one of MLBs most homer-prone pitchers in 2021 (2.29 HR/9).

Fellow left-hander Justus Sheffield, meanwhile, has recently struggled through a brutal stretch  a slump that looks all the more alarming after the Mariners announced last night that he was headed to the injured list with a forearm strain of his own. No timetable for the southpaws return was provided.

The 25-year-old Sheffield pitched to a 4.17 ERA and 3.97 FIP from Opening Day 2020 through June 3 of this season and looked to be settling in as a reliable member of the Seattle rotation. But over his past five starts, Sheffield has managed only 19 1/3 innings and been hammered for 24 runs on 33 hits (seven homers) and 12 walks. His velocity hasnt dipped in that time, but its still the worst stretch of his young career  one thats ballooned his 2021 ERA to 6.48 in short order.

Looking long-term, the Mariners have some high-end arms still on the way. Recent first-rounders George Kirby and Emerson Hancock were both drafted as polished college arms, but theyre currently pitching at Class-A Advanced and arent immediate options to help round out the MLB group. The Mariners have some depth options in Triple-A  Robert Dugger is already on the 40-man roster  but theyve also lost a lot of their depth to injuries. Dunn is currently on the IL with a shoulder strain. James Paxtons return to Seattle lasted just 1 1/3 innings before he required Tommy John surgery. Righty Ljay Newsome also went down with a UCL tear, and lefty Nick Margevicius underwent thoracic outlet surgery earlier in the year.

Given that slate of injuries and new concerns surrounding Sheffield, itd only be natural for the Mariners to look for some help on the trade market. And while thatll be especially likely if they remain within arms reach of a postseason berth, the Mariners are the type of team that could look to add longer-term pieces to their MLB group even if they begin to fall back in the standings. Servais foreshadowed as much when mentioning [taking] a look into 2022 and beyond  a nod to the possibility of acquiring a pitcher with multiple years of club control remaining.

Regardless of how the Mariners finish in the standings this year, the offseason expectation will be that theyre going to start adding to the roster via free agency and trades. Much of the teams young core has either emerged in the big leagues already or will do so over the next calendar year. Acquiring a pitcher with multiple years of club control would only serve to jumpstart that process for Dipoto & Co.

Then again, as Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times points out, theres at least some degree of uncertainty surrounding the organizations top decision-maker himself. Dipoto is in the final season of a three-year contract right now and has yet to sign a new deal. Divish reports that the Mariners have floated the idea of a one-year extension for the 2022 season, which would give Dipoto a chance to finish off his rebuild and ownership the chance to take a look at a more finished product, so to speak.

For the time being, however, Dipoto is approaching a pivotal trade deadline with no guarantee hell still be at the helm this coming offseason. Its still possible that ownership will get something done this month  Dipotos last three-year extension was signed in early July, 2018  but its not clear whether theres been any formal offer made.
I dont support the whole concept. Im not going to be a part of it, said San Juan County Commissioner Bruce Adams.
[July 08, 2021] Atos and IBM to Collaborate to Build a Secured Infrastructure for the Dutch Ministry of Defense PARIS and ARMONK, N.Y., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Atos and IBM (NYSE: IBM ) today announced their plans to collaborate to build a new, highly-advanced digital infrastructure for the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The Dutch Ministry of Defense plans to use advanced technologies, infrastructure services, and expertise from Atos and IBM Global Technology Services to construct new data centers, safeguard its IT system, and build a proprietary broadband mobile network to help ensure classified government information remains protected. "Our work on Groundbreaking IT (GrIT) marks our continued commitment to building secure infrastructures that help global customers accelerate their digital transformations," said Peter `t Jong, Head of Atos in The Netherlands. "By collaborating with IBM, a world-class partner with deep experience in helping government organizations across the globe modernize with advanced technology, we will help enable the Ministry to build an agile organization based on a reliable, secured, future-ready and flexible digital infrastructure." Atos and IBM announced the expansion of their strategic global alliance in January 2021 with the goal of transforming digital acceleration, increased productivity, and reduced operting costs for their customers. Today's announcement reinforces the companies' collaboration and mutual commitment to helping customers use open hybrid cloud and AI to accelerate digital transformation. "Collaborating on GrIT with Atos, one of our sustainability-focused global ecosystem partners, reinforces our mission to build secure infrastructures using open hybrid cloud to help customers make their organizations future ready," said Evaristus Mainsah, GM, IBM Hybrid Cloud and Edge Ecosystem. "Together, we're helping customers, like the Dutch Ministry of Defense, accelerate their digital transformations by streamlining operations and increasing productivity in a most secured environment." 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 SE (Societas Europaea), listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. The purpose of Atos is 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 About IBM IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. For more information, visit www.ibm.com Press contact: Marion Delmas | marion.delmas@atos.net | +33 6 37 63 91 99 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atos-and-ibm-to-collaborate-to-build-a-secured-infrastructure-for-the-dutch-ministry-of-defense-301327845.html SOURCE IBM

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Following a major reshuffle in the Union cabinet on Wednesday, 50-year-old Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Rajya Sabha member from Odisha, has been appointed as the new minister for railways, as well as electronics and information technology (IT), besides helming the affairs in the ministry of communications. The ministries he is allocated were headed by two heavyweights from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), namely, Piyush Goyal and Ravi Shankar Prasad, respectively. While Mr Goyal is still in the Cabinet, Mr Prasad has had to resign in the reshuffle.

Mr Vaishnaw has an MBA degree from Wharton School, Pennsylvania University, and an MTech degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. He has also taken up leadership roles in major global companies such as General Electric and Siemens.

In 1991, he received a gold medal in the electronic and communications engineering course from the MBM Engineering College (JNVU) at Jodhpur in Rajasthan and then completed his MTech from IIT Kanpur, before cracking the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) in 1994 with an all-India rank of 27.

A former officer from the 1994 IAS batch, Mr Vaishnaw handled important responsibilities over the past 15 years and was particularly known for his contribution to the public-private-partnership (PPP) framework in infrastructure.

Mr Vaishnaw served as a collector in Balasore and Cuttack districts. He worked in Odisha till 2003 before being appointed as deputy secretary in the office of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. After his brief stint in the prime minister's office (PMO), where he contributed to creating the PPP framework in infrastructure projects, Mr Vaishnav was appointed as Mr Vajpayees private secretary after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) lost the general elections in 2004.

On completing his MBA, Mr Vaishnaw returned to India and joined GE Transportation as managing director. Then, he joined Siemens as vice president for locomotives and head of the urban infrastructure strategy department.

In 2012, he quit the corporate sector and set up two automotive components manufacturing units in Gujarat namely, Three Tee Auto Logistics Pvt Ltd and Vee Gee Auto Components Pvt Ltd.

Since 28 June 2019, he is a member of the Parliament of India representing the state of Odisha in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house. He won the Rajya Sabha election unopposed with the help of Biju Janata Dal members in Odisha.

As an MP, Mr Vaishnaw was appointed as a member of the Parliamentary committee on subordinate legislation and petitions and on the committee on science and technology, environment and forests.

He is taking charge of the ministries of railways, IT and communications at a very crucial time.

The IT ministry has been at loggerheads with social media platforms, especially 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 adjusted gross revenues (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 the former IAS officer.

Ravi Shankar Prasad was handling the IT ministry since the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government came to power in 2014, besides holding the communications portfolio since 2019. He resigned from the Cabinet just before the reshuffle.

Piyush Goyal, who was handling several portfolios had to give away the railway ministry to Mr Vaishnaw. Mr Goyal retains the ministries of commerce and industry and consumer affairs and food and public distribution and will take over the textiles ministry from Smriti Irani. Ms Irani is the new minister of women and child development.
UK's Cairn Energy has secured an order from a French court to seize about 20 properties in Paris belonging to Indian government for recovering a portion of $1.2 billion from India against the backdrop of the arbitration victory of the company. In December 2020, an international arbitration tribunal ruled that India's tax claim of Rs10,247 crore in past taxes over internal reorganisation of Cairn's India business was not a valid demand and had awarded damages of $1.2 billion along with interest and costs to the UK energy company.

According to the people in the know and reports, French courts completed the legal process on Indian asset takeover on Wednesday that started last month when it had ordered the takeover in favour of the energy company.

Cairn Energy told CNBC-TV18 that its strong preference remains an agreed, amicable settlement with the government of India. In the absence of settlement, will take all actions to protect international shareholders interest, it adds.

Cairn's claim was brought under the terms of the UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty, the legal seat of the tribunal was The Netherlands and the proceedings were under the registry of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

In 2010-11, Cairn Energy had sold Cairn India to Vedanta. Post the merger of Cairn India and Vedanta in April 2017, the UK company's shareholding in Cairn India was replaced by a shareholding of about 5% in Vedanta issued together with preference shares.

Along with attaching its shares in Vedanta, the income tax (I-T) department from India seized dividends of around Rs1,140 crore due to it from the shareholdings and set off a Rs1,590-crore tax refund against the demand.

In 2015, Cairn initiated an international arbitration to challenge retrospective taxation.

The British energy company has said that it may file lawsuits across several countries to make government firms and banks liable to pay the dues.

The company is targeting assets abroad of more State-run companies in a bid to recover dues from the Indian government.

Cairn Energy already moved courts in the US, UK, Canada, France, Singapore, The Netherlands and three other countries to register the December 2020 arbitration tribunal ruling that overturned the Indian government's Rs10,247 crore demand in back taxes and ordered New Delhi to return $1.2 billion in value of shares it had sold, dividends seized and tax refunds withheld to recover the tax demand.

After reports of identification of Indian assets overseas worth $70 billion by Cairn for potential seizure came out, government sources said that India is aware of its legal rights and will defend its case in courts if such proceedings materialise.

Official sources told IANS that the Indian government is confident of winning its appeal in The Hague.

Sources further pointed out that Cairn Energy did not pay a single rupee tax anywhere in the world in respect of the impugned transactions. Cairn had also lost its appeal before the income-tax (I-T) tribunal in India.

In September last year, Vodafone Group Plc had also won an international arbitration case against the Indian government.
The Supreme Court on Thursday said Facebook has the "power of not simply a hand but a fist, gloved as it may be", as these platforms employ business models having potential to polarise public debates.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy said: "These platforms are by no means altruistic in character but rather employ business models that can be highly privacy intrusive and have the potential to polarise public debates.

"Facebook has the power of not simply a hand but a fist, gloved as it may be."

These platforms have become power centres themselves, having the ability to influence vast sections of opinions, it added.

The bench observed that developments around the world reflect rising concerns across borders. "The concern is whether the liberal debate which these platforms profess to encourage has itself become a casualty," it said in its 188-page judgment.

The bench held that for intermediaries to say that they can sidestep this criticism is a fallacy, as they are right in the centre of these debates.

"It has to be noted that their platform has also hosted disruptive voices replete with misinformation. These have had a direct impact on vast areas of subject matter which ultimately affect the governance of states," it observed.

In this modern technological age, it would be too simplistic an intermediary like Facebook to contend that they are merely a platform for exchange of ideas without performing any significant role themselves - especially given their manner of functioning and business model, it stressed.

The bench observed that governments have expressed concern for necessity of greater accountability by these intermediaries which have become big business corporations with influence across borders and over millions of people.

It said algorithms, which are sequences of instructions, have human interventions to personalise content and influence opinions as part of the business model.

"As such, their primary objective is to subserve their business interests. It is first a business and then anything else. As per their own acknowledgement, they would only appear before any committee if it served their commercial and operational interests, as it did when they appeared before the parliamentary committee. But if their business interests are not served, they seek a right to stay away," said the bench, stating this is completely unacceptable.

Facebook today has influence over a third population of this planet. In India, Facebook claims to be the most popular social media with 270 million registered users.

The bench said the business model of intermediaries like Facebook, being one across countries, they cannot be permitted to take contradictory stands in different jurisdictions. For example, in the US, Facebook projected itself in the category of a publisher, giving it protection under the First Amendment of its control over the material disseminated on its platform. This identity allowed it to justify moderation and removal of content.

"Conspicuously in India, however, it has chosen to identify itself purely as a social media platform, despite its similar functions and services in the two countries," noted the bench.

The court's judgement came on a writ petition filed by Facebook's Vice President Ajit Mohan, challenging validity of the summonses by the Delhi Assembly's panel in connection with Delhi riots. The Peace and Harmony Committee, headed by AAP MLA Raghav Chadha, was formed on March 2, 2020, following the Delhi riots, issued the summons as "serious questions have been raised on the role of Facebook platform as a mechanism to disseminate hate and divisiveness".

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
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.

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
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With the new year upon us and a legislative session (under way), let us resolve to be the bright light that shines through the darkest night for the smallest and most vulnerable of angels.
Lansdale, PA (19446)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High around 90F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
After last year's lockdown, Wilson was in the physical shape she wanted to be, but her performance as an athlete was affected, even losing her period for four months.

Wilson weighed herself up to six times a day to ensure she didn't put on weight during New Zealand's national lockdown.



Even though Wilson is now in a healthier shape, the battle with her self-image hasn't gone away, with the 21-test Silver Fern seeking professional help to get her through the crisis.



"I hate the way I look, she says. I constantly feel fat, and even though I know I'm healthier and performance-wise i'm in a better state to do my job, I hate the way I look.



"I know I'm not alone. I'm still coming to terms with feeling comfortable in my body.


The city of Lorain will not go forward buying the Cotton Club bar in South Lorain, said Mayor Jack Bradley.
Moultrie, GA (31768)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun with a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. High 89F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Proposed legislative changes that would ban non-European ownership of Polish media have angered critics who say they target the U.S. company Discovery Inc., owner of the TVN broadcaster that's openly critical of the right-wing government.

The changes were published on Poland's parliament website late Wednesday and were proposed by lawmakers from the governing Law and Justice party that has been taking steps to control the media ever since winning power in 2015. Critics say the party has turned state TVP broadcaster into its mouthpiece, while party leader and strategist Jaroslaw Kaczynski says he wants to limit media ownership and influence by foreign investors.

Earlier this year, state-owned oil and fuels giant PKN Orlen bought regional media group Polska Press from its German owner Verlagsgruppe Passau. Party loyalists have been appointed to top managerial positions.

The TVN broadcaster's all-news TVN24 channel that exposes alleged irregularities and scandals within the government has long irritated the Law and Justice party.

TVN was launched as a commercial broadcaster by the private Polish media group ITI in 1997. It was Polands third most popular broadcaster in 2020, according to specialized surveys.

A top Law and Justice figure and European Parliament member, Joachim Brudzinski, argued that TVN journalists lack objectivity, often taking the side of the governments opponents.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stood by the unexpected draft changes Thursday, saying they are to prevent "outside bodies ... influencing the media debate, influencing public opinion ... without the approval of the Polish regulator.

Every serious country should have such instruments, Morawiecki said.

Morawiecki defined outside bodies as being from outside the European Economic Area that includes the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein.

TVN, which had a 7.5% share in Poland's media market in 2020, responded with a statement saying that the proposed changes were intended to silence us and to deprive the viewers of their right to choose.

Under the false pretense of a fight against foreign propaganda, an attempt is being made to limit the freedom of the media, the TVN statement said. We will not surrender under any pressure and we will remain independent in acting on behalf of our viewers.

The U.S. embassy said it was following the TVN licensing process with rising concern.

TVN has been an essential part of the Polish media landscape for over 20 years. Unfettered press is crucial for democracy, the Embassy's charge daffaires Bix Aliu said on Twitter.

Poland's government policies on media but chiefly on taking control of the justice system have put it on a collision curse with the EU that says they undermine the principles of democracy.

The proposed changes come as Discovery Inc. has been waiting for over a year for the extension of TVN24s license that expires Sept. 26. Licenses for some other TVN channels such as TVN24 BIS run until 2027.

Discovery bought the broadcaster in 2018 from another U.S. media concern, Scripps Networks Interactive, and manages TVN though Polish Television Holding BV, registered in the Netherlands.

The head of Poland's media regulator, Witold Kolodziejski, confirmed the body was in talks with TVN24 over its concession and was analyzing opinions by experts, but also said he favors the interpretation of the law that requires non-European investors to own no more than 49% stakes in Polish media companies.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Marcin Horala insisted on Onet Rano news portal that the proposed changes are not about closing TVN. He suggested that the current owner could sell some of the shares to a European investor if its license is to be extended.

The proposal, for which the ruling party's coalition partners say they had no advance warning, has drawn vehement criticism.

A lawmaker for the opposition The Left party, Joanna Senyszyn, said on Twitter that Law and Justice lawmakers have filed a draft law that is aimed at eliminating TVN and TVN24 from Poland's media market. We give no consent to that.
State Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) has responded to questions from Odessa Headlines regarding the state budget provision that directs $15 million to be spent toward expanding the runway at Schlemeyer Airport at the expense of capital improvement projects for local airports across Texas.

After DPS officials issued a statement shooting down a story, Landgraf told Ector County officials that the funding was sought by DPS to establish border security operations at Schlemeyer, Odessa Headlines reached out to Landgraf asking him to explain who told him that DPS was involved.

Landgraf responded by email now revealing that the head of Texas Aero, the airport Flight Base Operator (FBO) met with Landgraf during the legislative session seeking his support for the budget provision, and it was then that Landgraf was told the DPS story.

The head of Texas Aero met with me to ask for my support in the states budget to give the Ector County Commissioners Court the option to secure matching funds (where the county would have to escrow 10% of the awarded amount) from TxDOTs airport improvement program for the purpose of extending the main runway at Schlemeyer Field. Landgraf wrote.

At that time, I was told that the longer runway would be helpful to Texas DPS aircraft in their mission to help secure the border with Mexico, a responsibility that the State of Texas has undertaken as a result of the Biden administrations policies, Landgraf wrote, continuing on saying, Further, I was told that a longer runway would make Schlemeyer eligible for more FAA grant funds.

Landgraf also added in a follow-up email that the head of Texas Aero also told him that the cheaper fuel at Schlemeyer was a major factor in DPSs consideration in basing their border security operations at Schlemeyer.

These latest statements appear to contradict what he told local officials at a joint meeting of the Ector County commissioners and airport board officials.

In an audio recording of the June 16 meeting, Landgraf is asked point-blank if [Landgraf] met with anybody in the past over the extension of the runway?

No, I havent. And that was mainly a DPS driven part of the discussion Landgraf responded.

Throughout the meeting, Landgraf went into detail on the DPS border security plans, describing how DPS will be obtaining larger airplanes that need the longer runway, and that while the funding was appropriated to TxDOT, this is really DPS money.

So, as I was telling the judge, this is technically TxDOT money but its really part of a border security operation for DPS, Landgraf told the officials. DPS officials have since said they have nothing to do with the appropriation.

Landgraf also went on to say he had already received blowback from other parts of the state who were jealous of the funding that was obtained for Ector County, and how the jealous communities were asking the Governor to line-item veto the measure.

Ive gotten a little bit of blowback as some of this has come to light cause some other airports think they are not getting some money because of this Landgraf said.

There are other communities in the state, some may be close and some may be far away that would love nothing more than to see our community not get, I mean lets face it this is a big windfall for the county and other folks get jealous and they dont want to see other people get that Landgraf stated.

Local officials in other parts of Texas are upset because they are discovering that the Ector County runway funding provision redirects money from the state that would have been distributed among numerous local airports to help with capital improvement projects  using up nearly the entire fund.

Rounding off the explanation to his constituent officials regarding how the $15 million budget provision magically appeared in the budget, Landgraf said at the end of the day, hes a politician.

Another thing is at the end of the day Im a politician and I like to do things that make my constituents happy, and I get that no one asked for this, so I am not trying to take a victory lap for it. Or anything Landgraf said, noticeably neglecting to mention how Texas Aero asked for his support of the provision during the session.

Ector County officials have since noted that the runway expansion would result in unfunded mandates and expenses that would further burden local taxpayers and have signaled that they are unlikely to accept the money.

During the meeting, Ector County Judge Debi Hays can be heard asking Landgraf for his contact at DPS, because the county needed to speak with DPS and obtain more details regarding their plans for the airport.

Landgraf answered saying My interactions have been mainly with the appropriations committee members who were the ones having the conversations with DPS, I got involved just because it happened to be the district, I servebut I will work to get a DPS contact.

In light of the recent revelations from Landgraf regarding Texas Aeros involvement in lobbying the legislature, Judge Hays told Odessa Headlines that since the DPS border security story appears to have originated from Texas Aero, and that since the FBO lobbied the Texas Legislature for a provision that has had such a negative effect statewide behind the backs and without the consent of the county, she is directing the county attorney to review the FBO contract and relevant laws to see what actions can be taken against Texas Aero.

Odessa Headlines has made numerous attempts to contact Texas Aero and the Austin-based lobby group Hillco Partners they hired to lobby the legislature for comment.

The head of Texas Aero, Billy Meyer, and Hillco Partners lobbyist Kelly Barnes have not responded to our requests for comment.

One remaining mystery in the airport story is how the provision made its way into the state transportation budget and what member of the legislature made it happen.

Landgraf has repeatedly maintained that he didnt author the provision, although he now acknowledges he supported it in the legislature.

And while he previously told Odessa Headlines that House Appropriations Chairman Greg Bonnen (R-Angleton) carried the amendment at the request of DPS after being pressed to clarify which member carried it, he now says he doesnt know who authored the provision in the budget conference committee.

Online: https://odessaheadlines.com/
Former Midland County Assistant District Attorney Ralph Petty has surrendered his law license after an order from the Texas Supreme Court because of professional misconduct during the Clinton Young capital murder trial.

According to an order from the Texas Supreme Court on April 13, Pettys bar card was canceled, and he is now prohibited from practicing law in the state of Texas. Petty surrendered his license in lieu of further disciplinary action, the order states.

Petty is at the center of an appeal case for Young, who was convicted for the murders of Doyle Douglas, 41, and Samuel Petrey, 52, in 2003 for the use of their vehicles during a 48-hour crime spree. Young has been on death row since his conviction, but his lawyers have argued that his right to due process was violated.

While working on Youngs prosecution, Petty also moonlighted as a judicial clerk for the same trial. This created conflicting roles and gave Petty access to confidential information for the defense, according to an opinion from the Midland County 385th District Court recommending a new trial.

Judge Sid Harle, who was sitting by assignment in the Midland County 385th District Court, recommended in April that Youngs conviction be overturned because of Pettys dual role, which he said demonstrated that Youngs right to a fair proceeding had been violated.

Young was convicted of killing Douglas and Petrey to steal their vehicles as part of a methamphetamine-fueled crime spree with three other men, according to news reports. Petrey was kidnapped in his hometown of Eastland and killed in an oilfield near Midland.

Midland County District Attorney Laura Nodolf, who took office in January 2017, said in a previous statement to the Reporter-Telegram that she was not aware of Pettys conflicting roles until after he retired in 2019. She said she immediately disclosed the information to Youngs lawyers after she learned of it.

As part of Pettys disbarment, he must immediately notify his current clients and opposing counsel for ongoing cases, according to the Texas Supreme Court order. He must also notify each justice of the peace, judge, magistrate and judge in courts where he has pending matters.

The writ filed by Youngs attorneys in September 2020 is the fifth writ Young has submitted seeking relief from a judgement of death. The recommendation by the 385th District Court will be considered by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will have a tough primary, giving many Texans what they wanted.

Ever since Abbott acted like an executive during the COVID pandemic, there have been Republicans ready for a change. We now know the leading change agents  former GOP Chair Allen West and former member of the Texas Legislature Don Huffines.

Anyone connected with Texas politics knows the former. The other is more unknown to Texans living outside the Metroplex. What they have in common is a hope to connect with the Republicans wanting someone different. Next spring, we will see how large of a contingent that is.

Right now, I dont see it.

Abbott is the most conservative governor out state has known. He surely is the most conservative in my lifetime. He single-handedly carried Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick across the finish line (to wins) in 2018, spending his political capital during the last few weeks of that general election to get voters out for those two Republicans.

Sure, there are times he is frustrating  even to Midlanders. There is no suitable explanation for his veto of House Bill 4218, which was authored by Midland Republican Tom Craddick and addressed bad faith washouts on oil and gas leases. He probably owes his backers here in the Permian Basin an explanation about that one the next time he is collecting checks.

But it is going to take one heck of an argument about why Huffines  literally a community developer  or West, who has lived in Texas around 6.5 years, is a better choice than Abbott. At this point it is hard to imagine that either will gain much traction with a COVID-response argument, not when former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind the governor. Trumps endorsement wasnt necessary for Abbott to win a primary nomination, but it likely guarantees he wont lose.

A Dallas Morning News poll earlier this month showed Abbott with a 24-point spread over Huffines.

Abbott also has already shown himself able to connect with Hispanic voters, winning 42 percent of those voters in 2018. That is a higher percentage than Trump garnered in November. It almost seems difficult to imagine Huffines or West building their support in that area in such a short period of time, especially without the support of Abbott or Trump. Republicans will hear over and over that the party must grow. One candidate has shown the ability to do that  Greg Abbott.

But again, the problem for West and Huffines heading into this primary is the path to victory argument. They arent running against a lackluster political figure like Ted Cruz did, beating David Dewhurst for a U.S. Senate seat in 2012.

Its hard to envision a grassroots argument when both Huffines and West are having to beat each other as well as Abbott.

Abbott has reportedly around $40 million in campaign funds available, and the larger donors appear committed to Abbott and so does the states political class.

As well, Abbott would be a commanding favorite in a general election. The Dallas Morning News poll from this month also shows Abbott as a 12-point favorite over Democrat Beto ORourke.

And ultimately, the pick of Republicans is not just who they prefer in the primary but which candidate has the best chance in November. We are talking about the top of the ticket, the person who will be required to have long enough coattails to carry a party to victory. Democrats havent won a statewide election since 1994, and Republicans want to keep it that way.
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Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com.
When it came to recruiting international students to Coastal Carolina University, foreign students didnt always realize that South Carolina was its own state with its own opportunities.

Some knew of North Carolina, or were under the impression that the Carolinas were all one place, but we werent always recognized as our own individual state, said Leisha DeRiso, director of international recruitment and admissions at CCU.

DeRiso said faculty had had discussions among themselves more than a year ago about forming a consortium because of this lack of awareness about the state.

Tina MacDonald, director of international admissions at College of Charleston, suggested to DeRiso and Frank McClary, director of international recruitment and admissions at the University of South Carolina, that they should work together to create a consortium. In March 2020, they then presented the idea of the Study South Carolina consortium, with the support of the U.S. Department of Commerce, to the South Carolina Association of International Educators (SCAIE).

The SCAIE was interested and in a years time, it brought the partnered universities into their charter. The consortium wrote its bylaws and began recruiting interested institutions.

According to MacDonald, who serves as president, there are currently 13 educational institutions that have partnered with Study South Carolina:

Anderson University

Ashley Hall

Ben Lippen School

Bob Jones University

Charleston Southern University

Coastal Carolina University

College of Charleston

Furman University

Greenville Technical College

Lander University

Trident Technical College

University of South Carolina  Columbia

Winthrop University

Not long after the initial meeting, the COVID-19 pandemic began, but the three schools persevered with the project.

I think that really shows the dedication the three founding parties had to continuing the conversation, organizing this, meeting virtually, DeRiso said. The fact that we were still able to make this happen, and get our first members to join at the beginning of this year, was a significant achievement.

DeRiso said the consortium offers them a wider range of recruitment opportunities. For instance, the members represented through Study South Carolina are able to participate in events sponsored by various organizations, such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, for free. In effect, its a tenfold increase in recruitment from what they used to be able to do, DeRiso said.

When we all volunteer to meet, especially during these virtual events, instead of one of us trying to meet with four or five people in one day, 10 of us can meet with four or five people in one day, talk about the state, talk about all the benefits, international connections with businesses, opportunities for internships, different programs across all the member institutions, DeRiso said.

She also said one particular benefit is that it allows institutions to function as a united voice to maximize exposure for their schools and provide the best fit for a students interests. Each school would be able to market what they do uniquely well, such as CCU with its marine science program.

Weve already reaped benefits from the organization, definitely, in a very short time, DeRiso said. I think all the members would agree.
Dozens of west-central Illinois school superintendents are joining the chorus of voices urging the state to avoid a cookie-cutter approach to pandemic-related restrictions when classes resume.

The Illinois State Board of Education passed a resolution in mid-May supporting requiring schools to open their doors in the fall and limit the use of remote learning. Since then, the state has ended pandemic restrictions that had been in place for more than a year.

Whats missing, school officials said, is guidance about such things as requiring masks and social distancing when students and staff start the new school year.

Letters to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state Superintendent of Education Carmen I. Ayala, signed by almost 200 school superintendents across the state, are intended to be a proactive step by superintendents to demonstrate that we are working for our communities to bring back control locally.

In the letters, the superintendents ask for help in meeting what they said are unique academic and social needs in all districts.

We believe that local boards of education and superintendents are best positioned and capable of planning reasonable and safe approaches to educate the students of our communities, the letter said. The past 16 months have provided us with ample experience and knowledge to lead locally with your support.

The superintendents maintain that district implementation of policies would best promote student safety and well-being, including non-discrimination and inclusion.

The guidance provided must not be a one-size-fits-all solution, they said. Illinois is a large, diverse state filled with diverse school districts that educate students with unique needs and different barriers to learning. A plan that may be sensible and effective in one school district may not be sensible and effective in other districts.

Paris school administrators Jeremy Larson and Danette Young initiated the letters to the state officials. Some superintendents have expressed concern that they still are waiting on direction from the state, with schools scheduled to reopen as early as next month.

Among west-central Illinois school district superintendents who had signed the letter by earlier this week are: Tracey Fair, Four Rivers Special Education District; Kevin Bowman, Greenfield and Northwestern; Thad Walker, Meredosia-Chambersburg; Beau Fretueg, Schuyler-Industry; and Mark Scott, North Greene.

One of the largest questions looming is whether masks will be required. Guidance from the state and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those who have not been vaccinated still wear a mask. Since the vaccine is available only to those 12 or older, that could include thousands of Illinois schoolchildren.

Ayala said she is working with Illinois Department of Public Health officials and recommendations are expected soon.
BEARDSTOWN  Police have arrested a Beardstown man on charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and production of child pornography.

Omar Hernandez-Santiago, 21, of Beardstown was being held Thursday in the Schuyler County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Illinois State Police initiated the investigation against Hernandez-Santiago in March after a report he was involved in a sexual relationship with a minor. Agents were able to confirm the information after finding evidence that supported the report, police said Thursday.

The Cass County States Attorney Office subsequently filed an eight-count information charging Hernandez-Santiago with three counts of production of child pornography, one count of dissemination of child pornography, one count of criminal sexual assault and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Hernandez-Santiago was arrested Thursday by Beardstown Police officers.

Beardstown police, the Cass County Sheriffs Department, the Advocacy Network for Children, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Illinois Attorney Generals Office Internet Crimes against Children Task Force assisted in the investigation.

Police ask that anyone who might have information about the case contact investigators at 217-782-4750.
Pierce Bergschneider of New Berlin has been named to the spring semester presidents list at Illinois Central College in East Peoria.

To earn president list honors, a student must achieve a perfect grade point average.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican whose state is struggling with a resurgence in coronavirus cases and lagging vaccinations, called combatting vaccine resistance a priority as he took over as head of the National Governors Association.

Hutchinson was elected Thursday as the association's chairman, moving into the role as the delta variant of the virus causes a resurgence in red states like Arkansas. Hutchinson's state has been at or near the top of the country in new cases per capita, and Arkansas this week saw its biggest one-day jump in hospitalizations since the vaccine became available.

We have much work to do to overcome vaccine hesitancy, but we can do it together," he said at the group's summer meeting, which was held virtually for the second year in a row because of the pandemic.

Hutchinson is taking the reins from New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is leaving the chairmanship at a time he's facing multiple probes. They include allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment, whether he unethically used state resources for a $5 million deal for his COVID-19 memoir, and his administrations manipulation of data about COVID-19 outbreaks among nursing home residents.

Cuomo said the pandemic highlighted the importance of governors, as the federal government left it largely up to states to set up massive testing regimes and purchase scores of masks, ventilators and others supplies. He commended Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, a former NGA chairman, for speaking truth to his own party even when it was hard. Hogan had said former President Donald Trump left his state vulnerable amid the pandemic.

Governors have a new credibility, governors have a new status, Cuomo said. Let us use it well, and let us use it to do well.

The NGA chairmanship is the latest national spotlight for Hutchinson, who has gained attention for distancing himself from former President Donald Trump and his state's embrace of Trumpism. Hutchinson has appeared frequently on cable news and Sunday shows, also talking about the state's increasingly ominous COVID-19 situation.

Hutchinson warned that Arkansas' experience could be a grim preview of what awaits other states.

What I see that were experiencing in Arkansas right now with the surge of the Delta variant is going to be a likely experience in the coming months in other states as well, Hutchinson told The Associated Press in an interview.

Hutchinson this week kicked off a series of town hall-style conversations" he'll hold around the state aimed at encouraging people to get vaccinated. The first one began Thursday in Lonoke County, a rural county outside Little Rock where a little over a third of the population is fully vaccinated.

As in other red states, Arkansas ability to impose new restrictions because of the latest surge have been curbed by lawmakers angry about restrictions imposed last year. The measures approved by the majority-Republican Legislature include a ban on mask mandates or vaccine requirements by government entities, including schools.

The forums follow other efforts to encourage vaccinations that have had limited success. That included an incentive  offering lottery tickets or gift certificates for hunting and fishing licenses for those who get the shots  that so far has had few takers.

There's not much more I can do from a weekly news conference or a daily news conference from the state Capitol," he said. I want to get out in the community because it's each community and local leadership that can greatly expand on what we're trying to do at the state and national level."

One way to build confidence at the national level, Hutchinson said, would be for the Food and Drug Administration to grant final approval for the vaccines. That would eliminate the justification used by some who haven't gotten vaccinated yet, he said.

Hutchinson said the NGA's role in responding to the pandemic will primarily remain communicating with the White House and the federal government, and advocating on behalf of the states. But he said they can also share ideas on how to increase vaccination rates.

What we've learned as governors is communicating between the red and blue states, communicating between the governors, helps us all get the best ideas to address it, to be more innovative," Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said governors also need more flexibility from the Biden administration on how they can use funding from the latest round of coronavirus relief funds, and clarity on how they can be used.

The NGA will also likely play a major role in promoting the bipartisan pared-down infrastructure deal. But Hutchinson said there's not agreement among the association's members for a second, more expansive package backed by Democrats.

Hutchinson said he'll also use his chairmanship to promote computer science education in public schools, an initiative he's advocated at the state level in Arkansas. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, was also elected as the association's vice chairman.

___

Associated Press Writer Marina Villeneuve in Albany, New York contributed to this report
The Journal-Courier has filed a lawsuit against South Jacksonville over its denial of the release of records it had sought under the Freedom of Information Act.

The civil complaint filed late Wednesday in Morgan Circuit Court challenges a June 21 decision by the village to withhold records sought by reporter Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree. On June 4, she filed a request for any police incident reports involving South Jacksonville Mayor President Tyson Manker or Jason Hill, as well as records for any calls for police service or assistance to Village Hall [since] May 1.
The Midwests sometimes-contrasting roles in slavery and civil rights will be examined during a two-day virtual event that begins today and will feature the New Philadelphia settlement in Pike County as part of the national discussion.

Race, Slavery and Freedom in the Midwest will include panels on historical sites, the history of race and slavery in the Midwest, and the experiences of Blacks in the decades before the Civil War.

From the time Europeans arrived in the late 17th century, the Midwest was a site of dispossession and enslavement. Even when the region became part of a new nation founded on the democratic principle that all men are created equal, racist attitudes and laws persisted and proliferated  yet the region has also been a site for crucial struggles for freedom and equality that transformed communities and the nation as a whole, according to organizers.

The first panel will be from 2 to 3:45 p.m. today and explore the 18th and 19th centuries and how the stereotypical vision of the early Midwest as white space has led us to neglect the experiences of people of color and what can be done to challenge incomplete histories and avoid inaccurate binaries such as white/Black, slave/free and racist/anti-racist, according to organizers. It will feature Kate Masur of Northwestern University, Christopher Bonner of the University of Maryland, Christy Clark-Pujara of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Scott Heerman of the University of Miami.

It continues Friday, with Race Slavery and Freedom in the Midwest: Contending with History on the Ground from 2 to 3:45 p.m. Panelists Tim Townsend of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Justin Blanford of State Historic Sites Springfield, Christian McWhirter of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Gerald McWorter, Abdul Alkalimat and Kate Williams-McWorter of New Philadelphia will examine the role of historical sites in shaping understanding about the past.

New Philadelphia, once a community near Barry in Pike County, was the first town in the nation platted and registered by a Black man before the Civil War. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historic Landmark, and efforts are ongoing to make it a part of the National Park Service.

A representative of the New Philadelphia Association said they were honored to be a part of the national discussion.

The free event is being co-sponsored by the National Park Services Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program and will be closed-captioned. Registration is required by going to bit.ly/3AF2SbZ.
LONDON (AP)  Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday that most British troops have left Afghanistan, almost 20 years after the U.K. and other Western countries sent troops into the country to engage in what they described as a war on terror.

Johnson stressed that the threat posed by al-Qaida to the U.K. has substantially diminished, but he sidestepped questions about whether the hasty military exodus by his country and its NATO allies risks undoing the work of nearly two decades or leaves Afghanistan vulnerable to the Taliban, who have made rapid advances in many northern districts.

The prime minister declined to give details about the troop withdrawal, citing security reasons. But he said that all British troops assigned to NATOs mission in Afghanistan are now returning home, adding that most of our personnel have already left.

Most U.S. and European troops have also pulled out in recent weeks.

We must be realistic about our ability alone to influence the course of events. It will take combined efforts of many nations, including Afghanistans neighbors, to help the Afghan people to build their future," Johnson said. But the threat that brought us to Afghanistan in the first place has been greatly diminished by the valor and by the sacrifice of the armed forces of Britain and many other countries.

He stressed that Britain remains committed to helping achieve a peace settlement in Afghanistan through diplomacy.

We are not walking away. We are keeping our embassy in Kabul, and we will continue to work with our friends and allies, particularly with the government of Pakistan, to try to bring a settlement, Johnson said.

Britain will continue to fund education, especially girls' schooling, in Afghanistan, he said. The U.K. will also back the Afghan government with over 100 million pounds ($138 million) in development aid this year, as well as 58 million pounds for the Afghan security forces.

A total of 150,000 British servicemembers have served in Afghanistan over the past 20 years, and 457 have died  a much higher death rate compared to the U.K. involvement in Iraq. Britains last combat troops left Afghanistan in October 2014, though about 750 remained as part of a NATO mission to train Afghan forces.

Britains Defense Ministry has said the withdrawal of the last troops would be complete within a few months. A small number of U.K. military personnel will stay on temporarily as part of the transition to the new phase of British support to the country.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced in April that the last 2,500 to 3,500 U.S. soldiers and 7,000 allied NATO soldiers would depart Afghanistan.

On Tuesday the U.S. military said 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 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.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has said the U.K. had been put in a very difficult position to continue the mission once the U.S. announced its decision to leave.

Gen. Nick Carter, head of the British Armed Forces, said Thursday there was now a danger of state collapse" as half of Afghanistan's rural districts are now under Taliban control, but he said he did not believe the Taliban could gain complete control of the country.

He held out hope that the Afghan government could work with the Taliban to reach a political settlement.

It is entirely possible that the Afghan government defeats the Taliban for long enough for the Taliban to realize that they have to talk, he said. I think the Taliban recognize that they cant rule all of Afghanistan without a compromise.
With apologies to the poet e.e. cummings: Its Indictment Day, and the world is mud-luscious 

Do you feel as jaunty as I do? Maybe not. Maybe you think that the first indictments against the Trump Organization are chump change. Maybe you think that the 15 felony counts  featuring alleged tax fraud, conspiracy, grand larceny and fake business records  are no big deal. Nailing the Trump CFO and the company itself for stuff like that may seem a tad trivial given the stench that continues to waft from the Former Guy.

But it always helps to remember that Al Capone was finally brought down not for murder, but for unpaid taxes. And these indictments are just the beginning. The New York grand jury is sitting for six months, and the Manhattan district attorney, working with the state attorney general, has only begun to unroll evidence of criminality. The financial consequences alone could be devastating for Trumps bunco empire.

Granted, he deserves far worse for being a Russian stooge and for his incitement of violence (the latter crime against America is ongoing). And granted, his cultists will dismiss the indictments  the first ever targeted at a former president of the United States  with their usual magical thinking: Nah, this is just some radical left woke partisans persecuting his top executives, but not him personally, which proves he did nothing wrong, which is why he deserves to be president again, so he can drain that swamp, etcetera ad infinitum.

But just look at all the potential collateral damage. A volley of indictments in the summer and autumn could seriously damage the company hes been bragging about for so long. Banks and other business partners may well be reluctant to loan money to, or engage at all with, an outlaw outfit accused of committing financial crimes. Many banks may even be banned by laws and regulations from working with Trump.

A full-scale legal assault will also cost a bundle to defend, precisely when he needs money the most  all while hes presumably running for president again, except this time hed be stripped of his fake reputation as a business genius.

Daniel Goldman, a former assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted mob families and white-collar crooks, tweeted the other day: I cant underscore enough how devastating an indictment would be to the Trump Org. Every lender would call their loans and no way Trump Org can pay them all, likely leading to bankruptcy  because, according to a 2020 report by Forbes magazine, the company is already at least $1 billion in debt.

Lest we forget, this whole probe started when Trump was outed for paying illegal hush money to two women during the 2016 presidential campaign. His personal attorney, Michael Cohen, went to jail for that.

Witnesses from inside his crime scene now stand ready to testify about how the organization long engaged in rampant fakery  inflating or deflating its real estate assets for ill-gotten financial gains  and Id even look forward to Trump explaining how the things his company does are standard practice throughout the U.S. business community and in no way a crime. Thats what he said in one of his propaganda broadsides; lets hear his lawyers argue that in court. Indeed, four prominent legal experts  including a former Reagan-Bush deputy solicitor general and deputy attorney general  have concluded in a new report that Trump is at serious risk of eventual criminal indictment.

Those legal experts acknowledge, as I did earlier, that some people will perceive politicization in any criminal or enforcement action that may be taken against Trump and his company. However, as the lead law enforcement officials in the locale where Trump has for decades centered his business dealings, (the Manhattan DA and the state attorney general) bear the greatest public responsibility for the integrity of the law enforcement process as it concerns nearly all the dealings apparently at issue. Ultimately, they must choose between acting, or leaving the actions of Trump and those associated with him beyond public accountability .While one should take extreme caution before pursuing charges against high-profile politicians and their associates, in principle the law applies equally to prince and paupers alike.

Im skeptical that Trump will ever be jailed. But itd be some measure of justice if the prince were to become a pauper.

Dick Polman, a veteran national political columnist and a Writer in Residence at the University of Pennsylvania, writes at DickPolman.net. He can be reached at dickpolman7@gmail.com.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A man who shot and wounded a Las Vegas police officer fired the officers holstered gun, according to police, prompting the department to review whether it needs to discontinue using that style of holster.

The 28-year-old man was arrested early Sunday during a concert at Allegiant Stadium and was being taken to a holding room at the stadium by two officers when he accessed the gun, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Sheriff Laz Chavez said.

Chavez said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that as the officers were adjusting the mans handcuffs, the man slid his finger into an officers holster and pulled the trigger on the gun, firing a shot.

The officer was shot in the leg and another officer was hit by shrapnel and injured. Both officers have been released from the hospital after receiving treatment.

The suspect faces charges of battery with use of a deadly weapon, resisting an officer and other charges and is being held on $100,000 bail. He was visiting Las Vegas from San Diego and was hospitalized for erratic behavior, Chavez said. He did not offer more details but said the man was still hospitalized Tuesday afternoon.

Chavez said the man was involved in some kind of disturbance at the stadium and pushed a security guard and ran away. Officers who were working as security chased him and took him to the holding cell.

Police body camera footage and surveillance video from a stadium elevator released by police show the man being pinned in a corner by officers, The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. The officers in the footage can be heard telling the man to relax at least four times before a gunshot is heard and an officer says: Hes got your gun, and Youve been shot.

Chavez said he had been reviewing different holsters and was concerned about the mans ability to reach the guns trigger.

Were going to look at that and make some determinations of whether or not we need to discontinue the use of some of these holsters and then certainly go into training, he said.

The concert Saturday from electronic dance music star Illenium was the first to be held at the new stadium.
Don Pedro Lake View Photo

The Excessive Heat Warning, issued for the Mother Lode, the Central Sierra Nevada foothills, the Central Sierra Nevada below 5,000 feet, the western slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada below 5,500 feet, and the Northern San Joaquin Valley, will expire at 9 PM tonight.

The afternoon high in the Mother Lode and the Central Valley will range from 102 to 114 degrees.

The afternoon high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains below 5,500 feet, will range from the 90s to 105 degrees.

Such extreme heat significantly increases the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Federal murder charge filed in shooting of Indiana officer View Photo

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  The gunman accused of fatally shooting an Indiana police officer threw a Molotov cocktail at an FBI field office before the deadly encounter, according to a federal court document.

The criminal complaint released Thursday by the U.S. attorneys office in Indianapolis charges 44-year-old Shane Meehan with premeditated murder of a federal agent.

The complaint gives no possible motive for the Wednesday afternoon attack outside the FBI office in Terre Haute that killed Terre Haute police Detective Greg Ferency, a 30-year department veteran who had been a federal task force officer since 2010.

Meehan ran as an independent candidate for Terre Haute mayor in 2019, the (Terre Haute) Tribune-Star reported. He told the newspaper that he took early retirement from the U.S. Penitentiary at Terre Haute and was running to take the city back to the basics.

He called Terre Haute a poor town (with) a lot of money going out and said we could use a little bit better government in city officials and communications with the general public. Meehan received less than 1% of the general election vote.

Authorities have described the shooting as an ambush that happened after Ferency stepped outside the office. The federal complaint said Ferency fired shots at Meehan, as did an FBI agent who ran outside after the shooting began. Meehan was shot twice but drove away from the scene to a Terre Haute hospital, where he underwent surgery for his wounds.

Paul Keenan, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Indianapolis office, said earlier Thursday that the suspected gunman was in FBI custody at a hospital. Keenan wouldnt say whether Ferency knew the gunman or was targeted for some reason.

Were still looking at motive and were leaving all avenues open at this time, Keenan said during a news conference in Terre Haute, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Indianapolis.

Kennan described the shooting as an ambush attack on Ferency without any apparent warning.

The suspect showed up there before Detective Ferency came out of the building, Kennan said. That was the reason we used that word.

The criminal complaint said Meehan drove a pickup truck near the Terre Haute FBI office repeatedly Wednesday afternoon before stopping near its parking lot gate and throwing a Molotov cocktail incendiary device toward the building.

A search of the pickup truck after it was found at the hospital turned up a loaded handgun and three more Molotov cocktails, the complaint said.

A search of online court records showed no federal criminal cases against Meehan and no felony charges having been filed against him in Indiana courts.

Dozens of police vehicles from multiple departments joined a procession past the Terre Haute police headquarters as a hearse carrying Ferencys body was moved Wednesday evening to a hospital for an autopsy.

Terre Haute police Chief Shawn Keen said Ferency was the father of two adult children. Ferencys police experience included work on drug and human trafficking investigations and providing violence risk assessments for churches.

He was absolutely dedicated Keen said. Theres not anything that he did that he didnt put 110% into.

Ferency is the third Terre Haute police officer fatally shot in the past decade. Officer Brent Long was killed in 2011 and Officer Robert Pitts died in 2018  both in shootings that happened as they and other officers were attempting to make arrests. Authorities determined both gunmen died from self-inflicted wounds.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb called Ferencys shooting senseless.

Our heart breaks for Detective Greg Ferencys family, loved ones and those who served with him every day protecting the residents of the Wabash Valley, Holcomb said in a statement.

By TOM DAVIES

Associated Press
BERLIN (AP)  A court in Germany said Thursday that it wont decide before the countrys national election in September whether the domestic intelligence agency can put the far-right Alternative for Germany party under observation due to suspicions of extreme-right sympathies.

The Cologne administrative court said it also wont rule before the Sept. 26 election on the partys bid to prevent the intelligence agency from publicly specifying how many people belong to its officially dissolved hard-right faction, known as The Wing.

The court said it originally planned to rule in early July, a sufficient distance from the election, but the complexity of the case and other factors got in the way. Therefore, out of respect for voters decision, it now plans to rule in the first quarter of 2022.

Alternative for Germany, or AfD, entered Germanys national parliament with 12.6% of the vote in 2017 and is currently the biggest of several opposition parties.

It has moved steadily to the right over the years while retaining a solid core of support; recent polls rate it at 10-12%. The party benefited from anger over Chancellor Angela Merkels decision to allow large numbers of refugees and asylum-seekers into Germany in 2015. More recently, AfD has portrayed itself as a champion of resistance to coronavirus restrictions.

In March, judges ruled that AfD could not be classified or treated as a suspected case of extremism until a decision was made on an emergency brief submitted by the party, after it alleged the intelligence agency broke a court order not to make such a classification public. Thursdays announcement keeps that ruling in place.

AfD co-leader Joerg Meuthen welcomed the courts new timetable, arguing that an unjustified observation by the intelligence agency would become public and massively damage AfD, particularly in the election campaign.
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.
Dave Yaccarino, House Republican Senior Whip, applauded the passage of the biennium budget on a bipartisan basis through the House of Representatives and State Senate for the first time since 2017.

The North Haven Republican explained that the budget, while not perfect, stayed within the spending cap and did not include new tax increases. It also fully funded education for the biennium and increased municipal funding to North Haven.

I am especially proud that this budget fully restores the Research and Development Tax Credit program and will phase out the Connecticut State Income Tax on IRA pensions. Im also thrilled that it keeps the promise made to teachers regarding their retirement benefits by honoring the 50 percent deduction on Connecticut income tax, Yaccarino said in a press release.

The announcement states, This budget passed maintains the states Rainy Day Fund, which has reached a historic high thanks to the policy changes the Republican caucus championed in 2017  and even allowed for money to be set aside for the next generation. For the first time in 75 years, Connecticut made a bulk payment of $63 million toward unfunded pension liabilities, protecting future taxpayers and lawmakers from inheriting fiscal repercussions of past generations. The budget that just passed forecasts the next payment into the starving pension fund to be over $1 billion at the end of the biennium.

According to the release, the budget dedicates an additional $50 million for non-profits that provide health and human services, funds a grant program to provide legal representation to survivors of domestic violence who do not have an attorney but need a restraining order, and increases the states Earned Income Tax Credit from the current 23 percent of the federal income tax to 30.5 percent.

I am proud to have supported this budget that does a lot of good for a lot of people, and it was even better to see Republicans and Democrats come together to do whats best for our constituents. As always, Im grateful for the opportunity to represent North Haven in the State House of Representative, Yaccarino said.

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora stated: The fact that Connecticut has a compromise budget without new income or property tax increases pushed by many Democrats is good news considering the remarkable level of partisanship we experienced during the session through the combination of their General Assembly majority and a governors administration that operated with broad emergency powers.

Meanwhile, Democratic state Sen. Mary Daugherty Abrams stated, "As our state continues to emerge from the pandemic, this budget puts us in prime position to not only recover from the adverse effects of the pandemic, but also to thrive for years to come.

"As Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, I am pleased to see funding for healthcare and support for our nursing homes and nonprofits, she said. As a former educator, I am proud to vote for a budget that provides our schools, educators and all students the supports they deserve. The previous year was no doubt a challenging one, however, this budget represents an investment in our state's recovery, residents and future."
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BTS will takeover NBCs The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on July 13 and 14.

On July 13, the K-pop sensation will present the American television debut of the upcoming song Permission to Dance and will sit down with titular host Fallon to discuss everything going on with the band. The next night, BTS will perform their smash hit Butter, which has spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

This marks BTS first performance on The Tonight Show since the special BTS Week last September, which amassed over 230 million digital views and featured performances of Idol, Home, Black Swan, Mikrokosmos and Dynamite.

Last week, Spotify listed Butter as one of its predicted songs of the summer, generated using streaming numbers, current trajectory and future forecasting. With Butter, the K-pop crew became the first international group ever to have a new song added at every reporting Top 40 station in a songs first week of release.

Today, WWD reported that BTS will appear in a Louis Vuitton film wearing looks designed by Virgil Abloh. The reveal follows a deal formed between BTS and Louis Vuitton last April which promised exciting projects to come.

Continuing the K-pop frenzy, the past few months have seen the BTS limited-edition branded McDonalds meals hitting countries worldwide. In June, McDonalds locations in Indonesia faced overwhelming demand from the BTS Army, causing Jakarta police to order closures for 32 stores violating health protocols by failing to limit capacity to 50% and enforce social-distancing measures.

Watch BTS announcement about the return to The Tonight Show below.

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One of San Antonio's favorite South Side coffee shops is here to stay.

After more than a year of scrambling, Cafe Azteca finally found a space where it can get its business back on track. Owner Tyler Ybarra tells MySA he plans on moving and opening his new location at 502 W Mitchell Street on July 17. However, getting to this moment wasn't easy, he says.

It's been a whirlwind of constant change since the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020. Ybarra says the shutdown forced him to close up and leave his 1409 E Commerce Street shop  a location he first opened in 2019. The shop specializes in classic Mexican and Latin American dishes, as well as coffee beverages.

READ ALSO: Abbott includes voting restrictions, critical race theory on special legislative session agenda

"March was supposed to be one of the busiest months we've ever had," Ybarra explains as he scheduled sold-out coffee-crafting classes every day. "We went from planning for our busiest month in history to moving into a new location all within the span of 20 days."

Ybarra set up his business inside Southside Craft Soda at 359 Bustillos Drive, about four miles south of its original location. The 28-year-old says it was the only option feasible to survive. Ybarra tapped into his mobile roots, launching a coffee truck in October at 1112 S St. Mary's Street.

On June 16, Ybarra announced the closure of Bustillos on Instagram, writing how exciting news will soon follow, which was the opening of Mitchell Street, about 3 miles north from where it was during the pandemic.

"We are excited to announce our move to our new location," Ybarra says. "It's a bigger location with a larger roasting capacity ... This move will allow us to roast larger orders for wholesale clients and still be a company in the South Side."

Ybarra adds he's blessed and happy to put the worst of the pandemic days behind him, saying he's glad to be back on track to be the coffee company they would have been before all the coronavirus madness began.
A local pop-up spot will gain a new cocktail bar near downtown San Antonio.

The Pink Hill cocktail bar is settling into pop-up spot at 2012 Broadway Street, allowing it to bring its cocktails along with space to showcase small shops and new food concepts.

Bronte Treat, one of the partners behind The Pink Hill, said the bar and its property is an extension of Broadway News at 2022 Broadway Street, a shopping center and food truck spot just a block down the road.

Broadway News was conceptualized by Mario Guajardo, who is joining Treat and Paul Hunt.

3 1 of 3 Courtesy of Danielle Becknell Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy of The Pink Hill Show More Show Less 3 of 3





"We are creating a corridor between Broadway News, Pink Hill, and Pearl. This will enhance the walking culture that has already started on Broadway," Treat said in an email.

RELATED: Irving-based shawarma franchise looking to expand with planned San Antonio location

Treat said Pink Hill will house multiple independent brands all located within micro spaces on the property, but she added that she couldn't reveal the brands just yet. Treat hopes to open Pink Hill in two months.

"There will be vintage clothing, a health and wellness company, multiple up and coming food concepts and more," Treat wrote in a statement.

Pink Hill has been hosting food pop-ups at 2012 Broadway Street. since March. It has showcased local concepts like local Filipino food truck Jeepney Street Eats and Reese Bros Barbecue.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)  On a sweaty recent Thursday afternoon, Alex Berrios is instructing his team on how to get people to register to vote. Extend your hand, he says; it makes folks more likely to stop. Smile a lot, that works, too. But immediately take no for an answer so you dont seem too pushy.

Berrios, co-founder of a new nonprofit, Mi Vecino, or My Neighbor has a lot riding on developing the right pitch. His group, which works out of a cramped office in the shadow of Disney World, is targeting Latino would-be voters. He is role-playing how best to approach them in front of Walgreens, amid games of dominoes at a senior center or outside El Bodegon, a supermarket chain specializing in Colombian products.

Fifteen months before the midterm elections, groups like his are mobilizing across the country  both Democrats who have enjoyed a historic Latino allegiance and Republicans emboldened by gains in 2020  all trying to lock down the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.

Were not selling cars here, said Berrios, a onetime boxer who has fighter tattooed on his arm and is now vice chairman of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party. Were not going anywhere. Were in the community and were staying.

Even as Joe Biden flipped heavily Hispanic Arizona to Democratic to clinch the presidency last November, he underperformed with many Latino voters elsewhere. And his party lost congressional seats where Spanish is often more common than English, from Miamis Little Havana to South Texas sparsely populated borderlands to the high desert north of Los Angeles.

Nationally, Biden won Latinos by a 59-38 percent margin over Donald Trump, but that was 17 percentage points lower than Hillary Clintons 66-28 percent margin in 2016, according to Pew Research Center data.

Republicans say they gained ground with Latinos because Democrats, with their increasingly left-leaning positions, are proving soft on issues like socialism and border security.

But Democrats say a problem for them was that they waited until just before the election to intensify outreach to Latino communities.

Its very transactional. Campaigns, they come and they start 30-60 days before an election, then theyre gone, said Berrios, who left Bidens campaign after raising concerns about lagging engagement with Hispanic voters.

Berrios says Mi Vecino is trying to change that. And the party has begun an expensive, intensive effort to reach Latinos and other voters of color long before the 2022 elections.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is investing more than $1 million on 48 organizing directors around the country designed to bolster strategic outreach and build trust with minority communities in midterm battleground districts, including in Florida and Texas.

Matt Barreto was the Biden campaigns pollster in charge of Latino message and research and noted that he was only brought on last July. He and other top Democratic advisers are now leading Building Back Together, a play on Bidens Build Back Better post-pandemic campaign slogan, to promote the administration through television and digital advertising.

The initiative first targeted Arizona and Florida as well as two other states with sizeable and growing Latino populations, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

Barreto pointed to recent Gallup polling putting Bidens approval rating among Hispanics higher than that of all voters, suggesting the campaign is working.

Others, though, are less optimistic.

The truth is, the money, it hasnt come as early as it needs to come, said Giulianna Di Lauro, Florida director of the Hispanic political advocacy group Poder Latinx.

Cecilia Gonzalez was one of Berrios trainees and moved to Kissimmee four years ago from Barinas, Venezuela. She said the U.S. could be on a similar path toward her homelands collapse, if we dont stop electing the wrong people and giving them too much power.

Republicans arent just sitting quietly and watching.

The Republican National Committee says its making a seven-figure commitment for outreach to communities of color, including opening regional engagement centers in key congressional districts. The first was inaugurated last month in Orange County, California.

Hispanics all across the country are Republicans, said Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who heads the GOPs campaign arm for the 2022 midterms. If Republicans reach out to them, were going to win.

Abel Prado, executive director of the Democratic advocacy group Cambio Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, said selling empathic positions like expanding health care access is often tougher than simply boasting about disrupting traditional politics as Trump did.

With Trump not on the 2022 ballot, many of his supporters may simply stay home, he said.

Prados organization estimates that getting voter turnout to 65% of registered Rio Grande Valley voters is a 16-20 month endeavor, which means it should have started already  but it largely hasnt.

There are conversations about talking about how to start changing, Prado said with a laugh.

In the meantime, some conservative groups already have achieved the kind of ever-active Latino outreach campaigns Democrats envision. The Libre Initiative has offices in South Texas and around the country, including near Orlandos airport.

It advocates for issues like increased school choice and free market economics under the slogan Limited Government, Unlimited Opportunities and conducts continuous door-knocking efforts to identify would-be voters. Libre also provides nonpartisan civic assistance, offering free English classes, as well as Spanish-language instruction on health, obtaining U.S. citizenship and entrepreneurship.

Prado said Democratic activists in Texas have begun trying to emulate some of Libres work through deep canvassing, a process that seeks to have longer, ongoing conversations with people to find out what motivates them  both politically and otherwise.

Thats the kind of multi-year campaign former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams launched in Georgia, which saw both of its Senate seats flip Democratic in January.

But such efforts take time and arent cheap  neither of which delight donors looking for immediate results, Prado said: This isnt the stock market where you buy 500 shares of something and triple your money in three weeks.
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.
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.
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Just got a seven day Facebook ban for quoting the declaration of Independence: pic.twitter.com/pDCvdA3VkK  Irami Osei-Frimpong (@IramiOF) July 5, 2021



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The basic idea here is to move antitrust cases faster to the Supreme Court. Why would that matter? Theyll just rule for big tech faster. https://t.co/lSvIqLEvUK  Matt Stoller (@matthewstoller) July 7, 2021



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Antidote du Jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
I began my journalism career in Nashville in 1990, with my current position with Nashville Post having evolved since October 2000 (when I was with the now-defunct The City Paper, a sister publication of the Post starting in 2008).

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(Natural News) A number of analysts said China has started building more than 100 new missile silos in the northwestern province of Gansu. Satellite images revealed construction work being done at identical sites across square miles of desert near the city of Yumen. The new missile silos would symbolize Chinas renewed pivot toward expanding its nuclear capabilities.

Commercial satellite company Planet took the satellite images showing 119 nearly identical construction sites. It turned the images over to researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California. The silos had features seen in existing launch facilities for Chinas arsenal of nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. They covered parts of a desert basin that stretched to the west and southwest of Yumen city, which lied along the ancient Silk Road trade route.

Experts said the project could provide China with another means of concealing its most powerful weapons. They added that if completed, the missile silos at Yumen would represent a historic shift for the communist country. China is believed to possess a relatively modest stockpile of 250 to 350 nuclear weapons.

The silos were spaced about two miles from each other, with many being concealed by a large dome-like covering. The use of domes to cover missile silo construction followed a practice done in other silos across China. Construction crews excavated circular-shaped pits in the desert in areas without the dome. Another area being constructed appeared to be a partially built control center.

The researchers also noted that while the actual number of new missiles to be stored in the silos may be unknown, it could be smaller. China has deployed decoy silos in the past, they added.

Researcher and Chinese nuclear arsenal expert Jeffrey Lewis said the incredible construction boom suggests a major effort to bolster the credibility of Beijings nuclear deterrent. If the silos under construction at other sites across China are added to the count, the total comes to about 145 silos under construction, he said.

China is bolstering its nuclear capability

Lewis added: We believe China is expanding its nuclear forces in part to maintain a deterrent that can survive a U.S. first strike in sufficient numbers to defeat U.S. missile defenses. He continued that major excavation work on the sites began early this year  albeit with preparations underway for months.

According to the nuclear arsenal expert, the silos are probably intended for the Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The DF-41 can carry multiple warheads and reach targets as far away as 9,300 miles, which potentially puts the U.S. mainland within its reach.

But Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of the Chinese newspaper Global Times, quickly assumed a defensive stance. In a July 2 op-ed, he slammed Lewis as an amateur and said the DF-41 is not the kind of ICBM that is stored in a silo. In reality, DF-41 is [a] solid-fueled road-mobile [ICBM] and one of its biggest advantages is its mobility and vitality. There is no point to put it inside a silo, Hu wrote.

The Global Times editor-in-chief nevertheless emphasized the importance of silos in the nuclear program of different major powers, saying that China certainly has reasons to build these sites. Hu added: However, real silos are often built at the same time as decoy silos. The actual distribution of silos is a top secret of nuclear powers. (Related: China pushes for expansion of its nuclear arsenal, braces for nuclear showdown with US military.)

The discovery of the 119 missile silos by Lewis and his colleagues followed recent warnings by Department of Defense officials regarding Chinas rapid nuclear advancement. Adm. Charles Richard, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, warned back in April of Chinas breathtaking expansion of its nuclear capability.

Richard told lawmakers that the communist country procured additional ICBMs and mobile missile launchers that can be easily concealed. He added that the Chinese navy also introduced submarines capable of nuclear weapons to its fleet. The four-star admiral told the House Armed Services Committee: This is a breathtaking expansion. We are seeing a very rapid expansion of Chinese [nuclear] capabilities. (Related: China exploiting Caribbean nations to build military and missile bases that can threaten the continental United States.)

Pentagon spokesman John Supple declined to comment on the satellite images or discuss intelligence assessments of Chinas nuclear program. He nevertheless noted that analysts and Pentagon reports have previously raised concerns about missile silos sprouting across the country. Defense Department leaders have testified and publicly spoken about Chinas growing nuclear capabilities, which we expect to double or more over the next decade, Supple said.

Visit NationalSecurity.news to read more articles about the threat of Chinas nuclear arsenal to the U.S.

Sources include:

MSN.com

GlobalTimes.cn

WashingtonTimes.com
(Natural News) Tesla CEO Elon Musk is back in hot water again after it was revealed that he buddied up to the communist Chinese regime in an attempt to shield his multinational corporation from criticism on social media.

Musk reportedly begged the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to censor all online content that threatens Teslas image, which some would argue amounts to market manipulation.

Since the tens of billions of dollars he already has are apparently not enough, Musk has sought to artificially prop up the Tesla brand online so as to create the illusion that everyone is happy with their Tesla vehicles.

Musk clearly wants to keep out of the limelight the fact that Tesla vehicles are spontaneously bursting into flames and veering off the road for no apparent reason while on auto-pilot.

Previously focused on state-run media, Tesla is now trying to build relationships with auto-industry publications and influencers on platforms such as Weibo and WeChat, for example by inviting them on factory tours, and conducting group discussion sessions with policymakers, consumers, and media outlets, reports indicate about Musks cronyism.

According to people familiar with the matter, its also complained to the government over what it sees as unwarranted attacks on social media, and asked Beijing to use its censorship powers to block some of the posts.

Musk adopts CCP tactics to save face

In essence, Musk has become a communist Chinese asset who is now adopting as many of the regimes tactics of deception as possible in order to save face  or as Zero Hedge puts it, Musk is desperate to keep holding the narrative together concerning his financial interests.

The CCP has apparently played a vital role in boosting Teslas success over the years, hence why Musk has nothing but praise for the regime. Back in early 2021, for instance, Musk publicly announced that he believes the Chinese government is more responsible to its citizens than the U.S. government.

While the U.S. government is certainly corrupt and no longer legitimate, the CCP is hardly any better. And yet Musk continues to praise communist China as a global leader.

In April, Musk had a small spat with his CCP buddies after a Chinese protester stood on top of a Tesla vehicle at the Shanghai Auto Show and declared the companys brakes to be inadequate and unsafe. The Chinese media proceeded to call the situation a blunder, suggesting that it could inflict serious damage on Teslas business operations in China.

Since that time, however, Musk has gotten back in good graces with China by hyping up random cryptocurrencies on Twitter while flip-flopping about the legitimacy of Bitcoin.

The CCP responded to this by publishing a propaganda piece claiming that work at Teslas Shanghai Gigafactory is going smoothly  in other words, communist China approves of Musks behavior.

In late June, Musk thanked China by tweeted that its economic prosperity is truly amazing, especially the infrastructure!

I encourage people to visit (China) and see for themselves, the government grifter further added.

Tesla would not even exist, by the way  and Musk would certainly not be a multi-billionaire  were it not for the government welfare he received on the backs of American taxpayers, who have unknowingly made Musk filthy rich with corporate subsidies.

Were probably just seeing the teeny tiny tip of a giant, ugly iceberg, wrote one Zero Hedge commenter about Musks ongoing lifestyle of corruption.

Woe to those who didnt first consider all the potential consequences. A river of tears is likely to start flowing by fall.

More related news about the corruption of billionaires like Elon Musk can be found at Technocrats.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) People in Singapore who received the COVID-19 vaccine made by Chinese company Sinovac Biotech Ltd. wont be exempted from pre-event testing, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday, June 30.

COVID-19 vaccines not included in Singapores national vaccination program may lack sufficient documentation of how effective they are at protecting people against COVID-19, particularly the Delta strain of the virus that causes it, the MOH added. Sinovac has only qualified for Singapores special access route.

Therefore, individuals who received Sinovac may not be regarded in the same manner as those vaccinated under the national vaccination program. But the MOH announced in March that those who are fully vaccinated are exempted from pre-event testing before attending events, like live performances, meetings and weddings.

The Delta strain is a more infectious mutation of the coronavirus that first surfaced in India. Last month, Delta made up more than 20 percent of COVID-19 cases in the United States, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to label Delta as a variant of concern.

Health experts cast doubt on Sinovacs efficacy

Early last month, Singapore allowed 24 private health clinics to administer the Sinovac vaccine after the World Health Organization (WHO) authorized it for emergency use. But health officials continue to cast doubt on the vaccines effectiveness even though the demand for the vaccine appears to be strong.

Officials say one reason why Singaporeans choose Sinovac is that theyre from mainland China or plan to travel there. Chinese state media organizations have been waging a misinformation campaign against vaccines manufactured by American pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer and Moderna.

In fact, China announced in March that it is resuming visa processing for foreigners from certain countries, but only if they have been vaccinated with a Chinese-made vaccine. The move has raised questions about the Chinese governments motivations since its vaccines are not approved for use in many countries.

So far, China is open to foreigners from Hong Kong, the U.S., the United Kingdom, India, Israel, Iraq, Thailand and the Philippines, to name a few. Prospective entrants must have taken either a single dose of a Chinese-made vaccine at least 14 days before traveling or a full two-dose course of a Chinese-made vaccine.

But health experts are uneasy about Chinese-made vaccines. Kenneth Mak, Singapores director of medical services, said hes worried about reports from other countries of people getting COVID-19 after getting injected with the Sinovac vaccine.

Mak cited cases in Indonesia of healthcare workers who received the Sinovac vaccine and were hospitalized. It does give the impression that the efficacy of different vaccines will vary quite significantly, he told The New York Times.

However, there have been reports of severe COVID-19 in people who have been fully vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the only vaccines used in Singapores national vaccination program.

Meanwhile, other studies indicate that infections in people injected with Chinese-made vaccines, including Sinovac, are more common than in people injected with either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. (Related: Study finds Pfizer coronavirus vaccine puts people at HIGHER risk of covid variants.)

Chinese-made vaccines like Sinovac are generally considered to be effective against severe COVID-19 infection. However, scientists have warned that developing nations that choose to use those vaccines could end up lagging behind countries that use the vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

In June, Singapore averaged at about 20 new COVID-19 cases daily. More than a third of the city-states 5.7 million people have been fully vaccinated while nearly half have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Authorities expect to complete vaccinations by the end of the year.

Learn more about how governments are using COVID-19 vaccines to control citizens at Conspiracy.news.

Sources include:

Bloomberg.com

StraitsTimes.com

NPR.org

NYTimes.com

TheGuardian.com
(Natural News) On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security under Alejandro Mayorkas leaked yet another internal bulletin fearmongering about how white extremists may be planning to carry out mass shootings in the run up to July 4th.

(Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com)

Federal authorities are deeply concerned about the possibility of domestic terror and violence, including mass shootings, as the Fourth of July holiday approaches and the summer season gets fully underway, ABC News said.

If you managed to read past ABC News headline, youd see the feds admit theres no specific threat and their only evidence of a possible threat is some online chatter (that was probably put out by their own agents working to entrap gullible saps and the mentally disabled).

The bulletin came out just days after a black extremist shot a Daytona Beach police officer in the head.

JUST IN  Othal Wallace, wanted for shooting a DBPD officer, was taken into custody early Saturday in a wooded area outside of Atlanta that is associated with the black nationalist militia NFAC. pic.twitter.com/YTGjK2gBJc  Disclose.tv  (@disclosetv) June 26, 2021

The last time Attorney General Merrick Garland, Mayorkas partner in crime, issued a similar warning about white extremists was right after another black extremist went on a shooting spree targeting white men.

AG Merrick Garland Declares 'White Extremists' Greatest Threat As Black Extremist Goes On Shooting Spree 'Targeting White Men' https://t.co/LKiC9XOqoz  Chris Menahan  (@infolibnews) June 16, 2021

Mayorkas has issued multiple of these fearmongering bulletins warning of imminent mass death and always leaks them to ABC News who reports on it every time as though it was the first time and never points out how their past leaks were total bulls**t.

ABC News together with Mayorkas hyped the hell out of the notion that Q-Anon extremists were going to attack the Capitol on March 4 yet literally nothing happened.

Glenn Greenwald recently detailed how theyre issuing such fearmongering bulletins every few weeks. This appears to be the fifth such bulletin this year.

Though no white extremists carried out any mass shootings as they were predicting, there were multiple mass shootings in Chicago over just the past week.

From WGN 9, Baby among 20 shot in Chicago as holiday weekend gets underway:

A baby girl was among 20 people shot in Chicago as the holiday weekend gets underway. A 1-month-old baby girl was one of seven people shot Thursday night in Englewood. Police said three gunmen got out of a Jeep and started shooting in multiple directions around 8 p.m. on the 6500 block of South Halsted Street.

The infant was shot in the head and taken to Comer Childrens Hospital in critical condition. The other people who were shot ranged in age from 15 to 46. All of them were listed in good condition. Hours earlier, a 9-year-old girl was shot in the head in East Chatham in a double shooting around 2:45 p.m. on the 800 block of East 79th Street. A 61-year-old man was shot in the foot. Chicago police Supt. David Brown said they were caught in gang crossfire. The 9-year-old was in critical condition.

According to Chicago police, 172 children have been shot and 25 kids have been murdered so far this year, ABC 7 Chicago reports.

Heres video of the mass shooting where a 1-month-old baby girl was shot in the head (it appears shes going to survive as her brain wasnt hit):

Video of the mass shooting tonight at 66th/Halsted. Seven shot, including a one-month-old girl, by gunmen who emerged from a black Jeep Cherokee with rifles. #Chicago pic.twitter.com/39evfBmnN9  CWBChicago (@CWBChicago) July 2, 2021

HeyJackass is reporting there were 131 people shot in Chicago in just the past week:

A woman was killed and an 8-year-old girl and another woman were wounded early Thursday in Roseland on the Far South Side, ABC 7 Chicago reported.

Two men (who were not white extremists) were filmed last week getting out of their car at a traffic light and opening fire on a vehicle ahead of them with automatic weapons (where is the ATF?).

There were two mass shootings within two hours on Sunday:

People are also getting carjacked and robbed all over the place:

How many of these crimes and mass shootings were carried out by white extremists?

The answer is zero.

If its not a white extremist doing the shooting, the feds couldnt care less.

Perhaps community leaders in Chicago could get creative and start a crowdfunding campaign to pay so-called white extremists to come to their neighborhoods in the hopes the feds will finally pay them some attention?

As it stands now, the feds are happy to just watch the slaughter from the sidelines while they focus on disarming middle America, entrapping white extremists and hunting down every last grandma who walked into the Capitol on Jan 6.

Read more at: InformationLiberation.com and Shootings.news.
(Natural News) A number of companies and educational institutions have required employees and students to get the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. However, some students and staff members have filed lawsuits challenging these mandates. The lawsuits argued that COVID-19 vaccines should not be mandatory as they have not been fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to an article by Childrens Health Defense (CHD), mandating the use of products approved under an emergency use authorization (EUA) violates federal law. It added that all COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 tests and masks are only permitted for emergency use and their long-term safety and efficacy have not been proven. EUA products are considered experimental by definition, which requires people to be given the right to turn them down.

CHD President and General Counsel Mary Holland and attorney Greg Glaser earlier stated that federal law prohibits employers from mandating all COVID-19 products under EUA. They wrote: If a vaccine has been issued EUA by the FDA, it is not fully licensed and must be voluntary. A private party  such as an employer, school or hospital  cannot circumvent the EUA law, which prohibits mandates.

In one instance, eight students from Indiana University (IU) sued the institution over its policy requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the students June 21 lawsuit, the mandate violated the Fourteenth Amendment by infringing on the right of personal autonomy and bodily integrity and the right to reject medical treatment. It also mentioned that the IU vaccination mandate flouted a new state law banning COVID-19 vaccine passports.

According to the universitys website, strong consequences await those refusing to get vaccinated. Students who turn down the COVID-19 vaccine will have their class registration canceled, be barred from accessing campus facilities and systems and will be prohibited from joining on-campus activities. Meanwhile, faculty and staff members who turn down the vaccine will no longer be allowed to remain employed with the university, the website said.

Many are voicing their displeasure toward mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations

In spite of the lawsuit against it, the university remained adamant and said it will not change its policy. IU spokesman Chuck Carney said in a statement: The requirement for all [IU] students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated before the return to school in August remains in place. As part of IUs response to the ongoing pandemic, the vaccine mandate is helping to support a return to safe and more normal operations this fall.

Over at the East Coast, students and parents protested against a New Jersey universitys mandatory vaccination order. An Epoch Times article reported that students and parents gathered on May 21 to protest Rutgers Universitys COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Turning Point USA, Young Americans for Liberty and medical freedom advocacy group NJ Stands Up organized the protest. Some Republican state lawmakers who attended the rally exhorted the participants to stand up and fight for their health freedom.

Rutgers ordered all students enrolled for in-person classes during the fall semester to get vaccinated against COVID-19 back in March. However, the mandate also allowed for exemptions on medical or religious grounds. Rutgers students enrolled in fully remote online programs are not required to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, Rutgers spokeswoman Dory Devlin told Epoch Times in an email that its position on vaccines aligns with the legal authority supporting this policy. She added: We are committed to creating a safe campus environment in fall 2021. [To] support the health and safety for all members of the Rutgers community, the university has updated existing immunization requirements for students to include the COVID-19 vaccine.

Employees failed to overturn the COVID-19 vaccine mandate at Houston Methodist

In another incident, 117 employees of the Houston Methodist hospital system in Texas filed a lawsuit challenging its mandatory vaccine rule. The May 28 lawsuit accused the hospital system of illegally requiring its employees to be injected with an experimental vaccine. It added that the hospital is forcing staff members to be human guinea pigs as a condition for continued employment.

The lawsuit accused Houston Methodist CEO Marc Boom of threatening to terminate 26,000 staff members unless they get vaccinated before June 7. The suits lead plaintiff and registered nurse Jennifer Bridges said: Im totally prepared to get fired if I have to. We will hold [Houston Methodist] accountable for what theyre doing, she said.

However, Reuters reported that a U.S. federal judge dismissed the employees lawsuit. In her five-page decision issued on June 12, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes upheld Houston Methodists mandatory vaccination rule as a choice made to keep staff, patients and their families safer. She wrote: [Houston Methodist] is trying to do [its] business of saving lives without giving them  COVID-19.

Furthermore, the magistrate did not find merit in Bridgess argument. According to Hughes, Texas law only protected employees from termination for refusing to commit an illegal act and that the vaccine requirement aligned with public policy. Bridges can freely choose to accept or refuse a COVID-19 vaccine. However, if she refuses, she will simply need to work somewhere else, the magistrate wrote.

MedicalTyranny.com has more articles about students and employees pushing back against mandatory COVID-19 vaccination.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

TheDenverChannel.com

IU.edu

TheEpochTimes.com

Rutgers.edu

TheFreeThoughtProject.com

Reuters.com
(Natural News) In a throwback to 1930s Germany, Joe Biden and Jen Psaki are launching a new door-to-door outreach program aimed at coercing more Americans into getting vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

Since tens of millions of Americans are just saying no to experimental drugs from Big Pharma, Hunters dad is trying to get creative in how he approaches educating the public on the benefits of Chinese Virus injections for flattening the curve.

We need to go community-by-community, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and oft times door-to-door, literally knocking on doors to get people vaccinated, Biden rambled during a recent We Can Do This press conference.

Psaki talked about the new scheme during one of her press conferences, revealing that the White House is starting out with targeted areas where injection rates are low. It would appear as though all resisters are being put on lists, just like what happened in 1930s Germany.

(Jacky) Rosen will outline five areas his team is focused on to get more Americans vaccinated, Psaki said.

One: targeted community door-to-door outreach to get remaining Americans vaccinated by ensuring they have the information they need on both how safe and accessible the vaccine is. Two: a renewed emphasis on getting the vaccines to more primary care doctors and physicians.

Kamala Harris urging blacks to pester their neighbors about getting a Fauci Ouchie

A few weeks back, Kamala Harris pulled a similar stunt in Atlanta, calling on her sparse audience of all black people to harass their unvaccinated neighbors about getting a Fauci Flu shot.

Harris offered up ideas about how to twist the arms of hesitant people, including offering to take them to a nearby mass vaccination clinic, some of which are being kept open for 24 hours a day to accommodate people who work the night shift.

In a hilarious fake southern accent, Harris went on to urge everyone listening to be a good corporate citizen, which was perhaps a Freudian slip. Or maybe the regime is now blatantly showing its true colors because it no longer cares whether or not people figure out that this is all part of the final solution.

Think about where you were last year, where you are today, Biden himself bumbled in a threatening tone during his recent speech to the nation. What you were able to do last year at this time and do today  We cant get complacent not.

Please, please get vaccinated, he added.

It is clear, at this point, that Operation Warp Speed did not quite go as planned. China Joes effort to inject at least 70 percent of the country by Independence Day failed miserably, and now the regime is scrambling to fill the gap as quickly as possible.

Why do they want us all vaccinated so badly? It obviously has nothing to do with our health, so what is the true purpose of the shot? Is it simply depopulation, or is there more to it than that?

While I dont think this is the event where they will arrive with swat and forcibly inject you  I do think that these people will act as census takers and they will note whatever they can about you, commented one reader at Citizen Free Press.

Maybe its your Trump flag, or your AR-15 bumper sticker, or maybe its the attitude you gave them when you answered the door. But sure enough, they will be taking notes for the 2nd visit.

This same commenter added a quote that states:

First they ask

Then they push

Then they shove

Then they make it law

Then they come by force

To keep up with the latest news about the Biden regimes efforts to mass-vaccinate America for Chinese Germs, visit ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

CitizenFreePress.com

Twitter.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The Biden administration plans to employ the same tactic used by Turkey to get people vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19). President Joe Biden on Tuesday, July 6, said that the federal governments vaccination efforts will shift from mass vaccination sites to literally knocking on doors in some instances.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been labeled a dictator by foreign leaders and other prominent names in the international community so Biden is essentially copying the strategy of a country that is being led by a tyrant.

We are continuing to wind down the mass vaccination sites that did so much in the spring to rapidly vaccinate those eager to get their first shot and their second shot for that matter, if they needed a second, Biden said. Now we need to go to community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, and oft times door to door  literally knocking on doors  to get help to the remaining people protected from the virus.

Turkey has been using the door-to-door initiative to target people reluctant to get vaccinated for months now.

Since February, Turkish doctors and healthcare workers have been calling people in age groups already eligible for the vaccine to ask why they have not come to clinics for appointments. Equipped with cooler boxes full of vaccine vials, they fan out across the rural area to visit patients who are still reluctant.

The theory is that a face-to-face conversation will help change peoples minds.

After proving to be a resounding success in local communities, the door-to-door initiative has become a national program. The mobile door-to-door units have been operational in several Turkish provinces since April. At local health offices, more government workers reach people by phone in an attempt to change their minds.

Bidens door-to-door remark comes after falling short of goal

Bidens remark came after he fell short of his goal of vaccinating 70 percent of U.S. adults with at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose by July 4. The figure currently stands at just over 67 percent. (Related: CGI-Biden announces that American families are NOT PERMITTED to gather together in their own yard, not now or for July 4th, unless everyone is Covid vaccinated.)

The Biden administration hopes to address concerns causing vaccine hesitancy with its more targeted approach to communities. But its unclear how the door-to-door strategy will be received  especially among the 10 percent of unvaccinated adults who cited conspiracy theories or misinformation about the vaccines, skepticism of drug companies or general antigovernment or antivaccine sentiment in a Morning Consult poll that asked why they wont get the shot.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 55 percent of the entire U.S. population is at least partially vaccinated against the coronavirus.

But Biden urged more people to get the shot as the highly transmissible Delta variant spreads. The variant makes up about 25 percent of new coronavirus cases in the U.S. and is expected to become the dominant strain in the coming weeks.

Right now, as I speak to you, millions of Americans are still unvaccinated and unprotected, Biden said. 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 said the variant should cause everybody to think twice but specifically the young people who may have thought that they didnt have to be vaccinated. Future federal efforts to get people vaccinated during the summer will put a focus on communities, including making the shots available at local pharmacies, family doctors offices and worksites when possible.

Texas Republicans vow to fight Bidens door-to-door plan

Some Texas Republicans vow to fight Bidens plan to go door-to-door to vaccinate more Americans.

Not on my watch! Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted in response to the presidents comments on Tuesday.

Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican from San Antonio, tweeted that he found the door-to-door push unconstitutional because such an approach was really considered in the Constitution only for the census.

The pushback came when Biden gave a speech Tuesday calling on more Americans to get vaccinated. Do it now for yourself and the people you care about, for your neighborhood, for your country, said Biden. It sounds cheesy, but its a patriotic thing. (Related: Biden forces working taxpayers to foot bill for those injured, killed by Covid-19 vaccines.)

Health experts have said that because of its size, Texas is a big contributor to the countrys slower progress in vaccination, even though providers in the state have given nearly 26 million doses. With just over 50 percent of Texans eligible for vaccination fully vaccinated, Texas lags behind other populous states like Florida, New York and California.

But Texas is not alone. The nationwide vaccination campaign has slowed significantly in recent weeks. On Tuesday, July 7, providers were delivering an average of about 0.87 million doses per day  a 74 percent decrease from the high of 3.38 million doses reported April 13, according to the New York Times.

Follow Immunization.news for more news and information related to coronavirus vaccines.

Sources include:

MSN.com

USNews.com

DailyPoliticalPress.com
(Natural News) Daniel Perry, a former Fort Hood Army sergeant, has been indicted on murder charges after he shot a Black Lives Matter (BLM) terrorist who was menacing his vehicle with a rifle during the George Floyd summer of 2020.

(Article republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com)

It is important to note that the standard of proof required for an indictment is significantly less than the standard of proof required for a conviction, said Perrys attorney Clint Broden in a statement to the Associated Press.

Before the fatal encounter, the BLM thug Garrett Foster could be seen speaking about his support for left-wing terror while armed at the sprawling protest in Austin.

The media describes mobbing his car and pointing a gun towards him as "motioned with the assault rifle for Mr. Perry to lower his window", as if one could tell that https://t.co/Wf6dT9txMw Shortly before being killed Garrett made it clear why he was therepic.twitter.com/0vQFahoJWj  AntifaWatch (@AntifaWatch2) July 1, 2021

Video evidence seems to clear Perry and show that he was acting in self-defense:

Side-by-side video with both angles, you can see Perry come to a complete stop before having to defend himself from the mob and Garrett Foster Might be worth mentioning as well, Foster was a BLM allied boogpic.twitter.com/eYAoq9BzX9  AntifaWatch (@AntifaWatch2) July 1, 2021

Travis County district attorney Jose Garza is a member of the radical Left who is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America. He is likely prosecuting Perry as a message to the common people that the low IQ mob is untouchable and the rule of law is no more under the new diverse and multicultural regime.

DSA Member Jose Garza won a resounding victory for the Austin working class over the criminal justice establishment tonight. We have a mandate to reimagine justice and to end the oppressive criminalization of skin color and poverty. https://t.co/Z1fxsFzsfM pic.twitter.com/pN0wnkizdN  Austin DSA (@austin_DSA) July 15, 2020

Big League Politics reported on the instance shortly after it happened as the streets devolve into war zones due to the work of the BLM terror movement:

Another shooting occurred at a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin, Texas on Saturday night.

Footage of the event showed shots ringing out as protests blocked a public roadway. One vehicle was surrounded by the mob of the protestors, and some have suggested the shots could have come from the cars motorist

Its still unclear what set off the shooting, but reports indicate that one protestor was critically wounded in the incident. The video suggests that two weapons were fired, making it possible that there was an exchange of gunfire between two individuals

Austin Police confirmed that the individual who was shot in the exchange later died, and that he was carrying an AK-style rifle when he approached the vehicle seen in the camera footage of the incident.

Its unclear to what extent the roadblocking protestor may have targeted or threatened the driver who engaged him. Preliminary reports indicate that the driver stepped out of his blue vehicle, shortly before gunfire was exchanged between the two men.

Roadblocking riots and protests continue to lead to tragedies on an almost predictable basis, as armed scofflaws block the public roadways without any fear of accountability from law enforcement.

Perry deserves to be acquitted, but the jurors will likely be intimidated by the mob to prosecute him as well. The rule of law is dead. This is the United States of Somalia now.

Read more at: BigLeaguePolitics.com and BlackLies.news
(Natural News) Renowned spoon bender Uri Geller claimed he has been secretly working with the Americans for years to contact aliens.

He claimed to have met German rocket engineer Wernher von Braun at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and was shown a piece of crashed unidentified flying object (UFO). When von Braun joined the U.S. military and space programs after World War II, he quickly became one of the foremost scientists credited with developing the ballistic missile.

When I met him, Wernher von Braun took an object from a safe and presented it to me. He said it was a piece from a crashed UFO, Geller recalled. He wanted me to tell him what I felt from the material. I felt it wasnt terrestrial  it was metallic, elongated and had a hue I have never seen before.

Geller said the material felt like it was alive and breathing, and that the surface had a pearl-like quality that almost seemed to be in three-dimensional color.

Gellers revelations come following Pentagons UAP report to Congress

The Israeli-British psychic made the revelations after the Pentagon released its long-awaited unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) report to the Congress on June 25, revealing unexplained encounters with the military of UAPs and not ruling out a possible alien origin. The military has rebranded UFO as UAP in part to avoid the stigma that has been attached to claims of aliens visiting the Earth.

Geller said for years the Pentagon has known UAPs are real. They may suggest they are secret technology from China or Russia, but believe me, they know much more than this, he said.

In a new biography, Geller recounted his own experience with UFO, or UAP, when he was just three years old on Christmas Day of 1949 near the working-class neighborhood in Israel where he grew up.

The young Geller wandered into their backyard after hearing kittens when a bright light suddenly appeared above and struck him, apparently activating his powers. Later in life, Geller was subjected to a series of bizarre secret experiments that aimed to weaponize psychic abilities as revealed by documents from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

During the experiments he was asked to sit in a sealed and monitored room. One of the tests involved drawings. A word was selected at random from a dictionary. The researchers concluded Geller demonstrated his paranormal perceptual ability in a convincing and unambiguous manner.

For years I had to deny my true mission and camouflage my work, Geller said. Few people know the truth. I presume all world leaders  Obama, Trump, Netanyahu  do [know] we are communicating with ET. (Related: UFO expert: Extraterrestrial contact will happen soon and from water rather than air.)

Pentagons UAP report does not reveal much

The report presented to Congress didnt reveal much. The findings were based on the review of 144 UAP reports involving observations made by military aviators between 2004 and 2021, but mostly from the last two years.

The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF), which has standardized the collection and reporting of UAP sightings, considered but opted not to focus on a range of information on UAP described in U.S. military and intelligence community reporting, for its lack of sufficient specificity.

Of the 144 reports, the task force could only determine an explanation for one  a deflated balloon. The rest remain unexplained.

In a total of 18 events, witnesses reported unusual UAP movement patterns or flight characteristics. According to the report, that unusual behavior included UAP that appeared to remain stationary in winds aloft, move against the wind, maneuver abruptly or move at considerable speed without discernible means of propulsion. In 11 instances, U.S. aviators reported dangerous near misses with UAP.

The nine-page report concluded that there is currently no evidence that any of the objects are related to a secret U.S. weapons program or were developed by foreign adversaries; the clustering of sightings near U.S. military bases may just be the result of several kinds of collection bias; most of the UAP probably were physical objects, since most were detected in multiple ways, including via radar, infrared, electro-optical, weapon seekers and visual observation; there are probably multiple types of UAP; objects exhibiting unusual flight characteristics (like the ones which appeared to demonstrate advanced technological capabilities) could also be the result of sensor errors, spoofing or observer misperception and require additional rigorous analysis; UAP clearly pose a risk to flight safety in the increasingly crowded skies and may pose a challenge to national security, particularly if the UAP were developed by foreign adversaries; and the U.S. needs to collect and analyze more information, consolidate reporting and develop a more efficient way of screening and processing the reports.

In response, the military will set up an X-Files office and make recommendations to military bases.

In a letter to military chiefs, Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said: All members of the department will utilize these processes to ensure the UAPTF, or its follow up activity, has reports of UAP observations within two weeks of an occurrence.

Follow UFOs.news for more news and information related to UFOs or UAPs.

Sources include:

The-Sun.com

NYMag.com
(Natural News) A human rights YouTube channel is leaving the video-sharing platform. The channel co-founder said YouTube, which is owned by Google, has been harassing his channel for criticizing China. His channel has been suspended, and at least a dozen of his videos have been taken down.

Mainstream news organization Reuters recently reported that YouTube recently took down the channel known as Atajurt Kazakh Human Rights. It also took down at least 12 videos in the channel and hid many more videos from public view.

Atajurt was co-founded in 2017 by Serikzhan Bilash, an ethnic Kazakh born in Chinas northwestern and supposedly autonomous province of Xinjiang. He is also currently running the channel with a small team.

Since 2017, the channel has published nearly 11,000 videos and amassed over 120 million total views. Thousands of the videos feature people from Xinjiang talking about their friends and relatives who they say have disappeared without a trace. Xinjiang is known by human rights groups as a place where over a million mostly Muslim people have been detained in labor and reeducation camps.

Atajurt was taken down on June 15 supposedly for violating YouTubes guidelines. This occurred after 12 videos in the channel were taken down supposedly for breaching the websites cyberbullying and harassment policies.

The channel has since been restored after human rights groups asked questions about why the channel was taken down. Some of the videos that were censored have also been reinstated.

According to YouTubes report, some of the videos that were taken down are not going to be reinstated supposedly due to the websites policy that bans personal information in videos that could lead to harassment.

Some of the videos contained people holding up Chinese government-issued identification cards. Bilash explained that the people did this to prove they are not lying and that they are related to the people who are missing.

YouTube has asked Bilash to blur the ID cards, but he and the other people running Atajurt are hesitant to do so. They are concerned it could jeopardize the trustworthiness of their videos.

Atajurt Kazakh Human Rights migrating to smaller video-sharing platform

Bilash is concerned that if he does not comply with YouTubes pro-China policies, his channel could be taken down again and even more of his videos could be deleted. He and his team have decided to back up their content to Odysee, a smaller free-speech-oriented video-sharing website.

Odysee is built on a blockchain protocol called LBRY. This protocol is designed to give creators more control over their channels. Bilash has already moved nearly 1,000 videos in the channel. He added that he will continue posting videos on YouTube.

We will never delete it, said Bilash, citing the immense following Atajurt has been able to accrue.

The day YouTube deactivated our channel, I felt Id lost everything in the world, Bilash added. The new channel does not have so many subscribers, but it is safe.

Bilash noted that he was arrested multiple times for his advocacy for the people of Xinjiang. He was told by Kazakh government officials on multiple occasions to stop using the word genocide to describe the situation in Xinjiang. He is certain this order came from the Chinese government. (Related: CCP relying on social media platforms like Facebook to spread Xinjiang propaganda.)

Theyre just facts, said Bilash. The people giving the testimonies are talking about their loved ones.

In 2020, Bilash was approached by Kazakh authorities who demanded he stops working with Atajurt. Bilash refused, and as a result, he received multiple death threats. He was forced to flee to Istanbul, Turkey late that year.

A lot of his equipment, including mobile phones used for recording videos and hard drives used for storing material, were confiscated.

Until he can migrate all of his videos to Odysee, YouTube is currently the only place where Atajurts entire video collection is located. Hopefully, Bilash and his colleagues can move all of their videos fast enough before YouTube makes another move.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Reuters.com

FoxNews.com
(Natural News) Many cities have strived to become smart by involving 5G and the internet of things (IoT). However, a new study has pointed out a number of issues involving smart cites. Researchers found that issues such as electronic waste generation and cybersecurity threats could arise from cities adopting smart building structures. It also noted the harmful effects of 5G radiation on people.

In a June 10 study published in Buildings, two United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) researchers examined more than 40 studies about smart cities from different sources worldwide. They managed to find five major issues that arise with smart cities: excess data centers, proliferation of undersea cables, accumulation of e-waste, cybersecurity threats and electromagnetic pollution from 5G energy.

The researchers challenged the notion of 5G as energy-saving and reducing CO2 emissions. They noted that 5G can only transmit wireless data for a 10-mile distance, compared to 4G which can transmit data for around 1,000 miles. Because of this shorter distance, more relay towers and antennas are needed to transmit 5G.

They also touched on the proliferation of data centers for smart cities. Data centers house the servers used for cloud computing and IoT. However, the researchers noted: Unlike other large buildings, these structures require a large cooling demand and powerful HVAC systems to keep the equipment safe. According to a 2012 paper cited by the researchers, an average data center utilizes only 70 percent of its energy for work  with the remaining amount being converted to carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases being emitted.

In addition, another paper from 2007 cited by the researchers said that data centers emitted about 23 percent of global CO2. This shot up to 69 percent in 2020  three times that of 2007 levels, they added. (Related: Landmark study highlights health threats of 5G on people + planet.)

Cities going smart impacts humans and the environment

The two UAEU researchers noted how the proliferation of undersea cables could threaten marine life by undermining fishes and the surrounding water. The toxic chemicals which these cables contain  such as arsenic, zinc and mercury  could leach into ocean water and poison fishes and other creatures. Furthermore, electromagnetic fields from the undersea cables could affect different marine species as they are sensitive to either electric of magnetic fields.

5G and IoT are expected to create exponential growth in the undersea cables as they are developed to handle more data speed and volume. [This] can worsen the already severe environmental issues caused by these cable networks, they said.

The researchers said that aside from marine life, land-based organisms are also under threat from 5G and IoT. They cited the collapse of bee colonies due to wireless radiation negatively impacting the insects navigation system. This rendered the bees unable to return to their hives or find food. In another study, trees situated near cellular base stations were also affected by radiation  with the damage worsening as time passed.

The researchers noted the different health issues related to 5G frequencies such as headaches, insomnia, eye and nerve damage, hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues and tumors. A number of studies by other researchers found that high frequencies can cause significant changes in heart rate, cell DNA and hormone levels. According to a 2015 study the researchers cited, electromagnetic frequencies could also worsen health conditions linked to oxidative stress.

The researchers concluded: While technological companies advertise the benefits of smart buildings and smart cities, there is an equal need to understand the demerits behind developing these. They reiterated the importance of scrutinizing the pros and cons of 5G, given that it can directly affect the individual, biologically and mentally. The researchers ultimately emphasized that the impact of 5G and IoT on human health, environment and climate change must be regarded as a top priority before the technologies are deployed on a global scale. (Related: Major cities are fighting cancer-causing 5G technology.)

Theodora Scarato, executive director of the nonprofit Environmental Health Trust, said the UAEU researchers paper should be a call to action for  city planners and elected leaders worldwide. She continued: A cradle to grave analysis of so-called smart cities should be a pre-requisite before we leap into 5G. The word smart is being used to describe a tsunami of infrastructure and technology that is harming our environment and threatens human health.

Visit EMF.news to read more about the negative effects of 5G radiation used in smart cities.

Sources include:

GlobalResearch.ca

MDPI.com
According to information released on July 7, 2021, German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has officially been commissioned to build six identical Type 212CD (Common Design) submarines. The procurement organizations of Norway and Germany signed the corresponding contracts on July 7, 2021. Worth approx. 5,5 billion Euro, the order comprises the delivery of two submarines to the German Navy and four to the Norwegian Navy.

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Official signature ceremony for the construction of six Type 212CD submarines for German and Norwegian Navies. (Picture source TKMS)

On 6 July 2021, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and its Norwegian industrial partner Kongsberg signed a cooperation agreement. Industrial cooperation between Germany and Norway is a cornerstone of the 212CD (Common Design) project  ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems relies on the Norwegian company Kongsberg for this project and for other projects on the world market. After signing the contract with Kongsberg on 7 July 2021, CFO Paul Glaser commented: With Kongsberg, we have a strong partner with whom we will continue to realize many projects together in the future. The contract with Kongsberg is by far the largest part of the 212CD project  a sign of how close the connection between Norway and Germany really is.

Norway and Germany had already entered into cooperation in 2017 that goes beyond the construction of six new HDW Type 212CD submarines, as a new generation of the Type 212A. The design of the Type 212A submarine, which has proven itself in service with the German and Italian navies, will be further developed with the integration of advanced technologies to expand the U212 family in Europe. This project is another important step towards deepening and expanding European cooperation in the field of defence.

Construction of the first boat will begin in 2023. Delivery of the first submarine for the Norwegian Navy is expected for 2029, while the delivery of the two boats for the German Navy is scheduled for 2032 and 2034. In preparation for the order, ThyssenKrupp has already initiated investments of around 250 million in 2019. The aim is to further develop ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems at the Kiel location into an international centre of competence for the construction of conventional submarines. Construction of a new shipbuilding hall has already begun, and progress is clearly visible at the shipyard site. With the order now placed in the Norwegian-German strategic cooperation project U212CD, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will consolidate its partnership with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA), which has already existed since 2017 and expand its value-adding industrial partnerships in Norway and Germany.



The 212CD submarine is an improved version of the Type 212A that will integrate new advanced technologies. The submarine will be equipped with a new naval missile developed in Norway but also in service with the United States that will give new anti-ship capabilities. The 212CD will use stealth technologies as the Type 2121A with extended range, speed and endurance.
Weather Alert

...DRY AND BREEZY TO WINDY CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE IN THE COLUMBIA GORGE, COLUMBIA BASIN TODAY... .Increasing westerly winds coupled with low relative humidities today will create critical fire weather conditions in the Columbia Basin, Columbia Gorge, and Central Oregon. The strongest winds are expected to redevelop in the mid to late afternoon and persist through this evening. While cooler temperatures today 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 THIS EVENING 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. &&
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Dec. 6. 1492  Christopher Columbus lands on a Caribbean island that the Indigenous Tainos called Quisqueya. The Spanish enslave the Tainos and rename it Isla Espanola, shortened to Hispaniola.

1697  Spain cedes the western third of the island to France.

Jan. 1, 1804  Following a lengthy slave revolt and war of independence, the former French colony officially becomes Haiti  the world's first Black-led republic and the second independent republic in the Americas after the U.S.

April 17, 1825  France finally recognizes Haitis independence  but demands 90 million gold francs in compensation. The United States recognizes Haiti only in 1862.

July 28, 1915  The assassination of Haiti's president prompts U.S. President Woodrow Wilson to send U.S. Marines to Haiti; the occupation ends in August 1934.

Oct. 22, 1957  Francois Papa Doc Duvalier is inaugurated as president. A medical doctor turned dictator, he promoted Noirisme, a movement that sought to highlight Haitis African roots over its European ones while uniting the black majority against the mulatto elite in a country divided by class and color.

April 21, 1971  Duvalier dies and his 19-year-old son Jean-Claude Baby Doc succeeds him as the worlds youngest president.

Feb. 7, 1986  Duvalier flees to France amid a popular uprising. A military junta assumes power under Gen. Henri Namphy.

Feb. 7, 1988  Leslie Manigat is sworn in as president in an army-organized election. He's ousted by Namphy a few months later. In September, Namphy is ousted as well and Prosper Avril assumes power.

March 10, 1990  Avril resigns amid a popular revolt.

Feb. 7, 1991  Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former Roman Catholic priest and pro-democracy activist, becomes president after election.

Sept. 29, 1991  Aristide is ousted by a military junta.

Oct. 15, 1994  Aristide returns to Haiti with the support of U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Feb. 7, 1996  Rene Preval, a prime minister under Aristide, is inaugurated as president following election.

Feb. 7, 2001  Aristide takes office for a second elected term, which is marred in part by the international community blocking hundred of millions of dollars in aid.

Feb. 29, 2004  Aristide is ousted by an armed rebellion and goes into exile.

May 14, 2006  Preval is inaugurated for a second term and becomes the only democratically elected president in Haiti to win and complete two terms.

Jan. 12, 2010  A magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastates Haiti, killing thousands and prompting massive promises of aid.

May 14, 2011  Michel Martelly, a former pop star with close ties to the military junta that first toppled Aristide, becomes the elected president.

October 4, 2016  Category 4 Hurricane Matthew strikes Haiti and kills hundreds of people.

Feb. 7, 2017  Businessman Jovenel Moise, Martellys hand-picked candidate, becomes president following a second election, the first having been annulled by fraud.

Feb. 7, 2021  Moise announces 23 people arrested in coup plot. Courts later dismiss claim and free them.

July 7, 2021  Moise is killed in his home after years of mounting unrest and allegations of corruption.
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.
DETROIT (AP)  Toyota has reversed itself and now says its political action committee will no longer contribute to the Republican legislators who voted against certifying Joe Biden's presidential election victory.

The move by the Japanese automaker comes after a social media backlash over the contributions, including threats to stop buying the company's vehicles.

We understand that the PAC decision to support select members of Congress who contested the results troubled some stakeholders, Toyota said in a statement Thursday. "We are actively listening to our stakeholders, and at this time, have decided to stop contributing to those members of Congress who contested the certification of certain states in the 2020 election.

Last week the website Axios reported that Toyota led companies in donations to the 147 members of Congress who voted in January against certifying election results on the false grounds that the election was stolen from then-President Donald Trump.

The Axios report, based on data gathered by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said that Toyota donated $55,000 to 37 Republican objectors this year. That number was more than double the amount donated by the second-highest donor, Cubic Corp., a defense contractor in San Francisco, Axios said.

Toyota will not seek refunds of contributions it already has made, spokesman Scott Vazin said Thursday in an email. He said the company hasn't decided if or when it will resume the contributions.

Immediately after Toyota's spending was reported, the company defended it, saying it did not believe its appropriate to judge legislators based only on their electoral certification vote.

The company took input from employees and government officials, Vazin said. But the most important factor was customer feedback, he said. That really drives our decision making, he said.

Contribution data showed that 34 companies donated at least $5,000 to the campaigns and leadership political action committees of one or more election objectors this year, Axios reported.

In addition to criticism on Twitter and elsewhere, the Lincoln Project, a group opposed to Trump, released an internet ad urging people to call Toyota to get the company to stop contributing to the GOP members of Congress.

Shortly after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, dozens of big companies, citing their commitment to democracy, pledged to avoid donating money to the 147 lawmakers. It was a striking gesture by some of the most familiar names in business but was largely an empty one.

Six months later, many of those companies have resumed funneling cash to political action committees that benefit the election efforts of lawmakers whether they objected to the election certification or not.

Walmart, Pfizer, Intel, General Electric and AT&T are among companies that announced their pledges on behalf of democracy in the days after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a violent bid to disrupt the transfer of power. The companies contend that donating directly to a candidate is not the same as giving to a PAC that supports them.
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
FILE - In this Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, center, speaks to supporters of President Donald Trump as they demonstrate outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., after Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump to become 46th president of the United States. Mastriano, said in a statement Wednesday, July 7, 2021, that, as chair of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, he issued letters to several counties, requesting "information and materials needed to conduct a forensic investigation of the 2020 General Election and the 2021 Primary."


Minister's UK 'cross-walk' comes to Norwich Minister's UK 'cross-walk' comes to Norwich

With a large cross of witness to Jesus at the shoulder, Revs William Porter and Paul Critchley continued their pilgrimage across 51 cities, and were in Norwich on Monday July 12.



After a memorable walk from Stoke-on-Trent to Westminster, London, in 2019, William heard the instruction not to put the cross away. Then, as this year unfolded, there were further prompts to walk through 51 cities, in what has become a month-long ministry, covering each city centre with the sign of the cross.

The purpose of the 'Crosswalk' is to pray for an outpouring of the grace of God after the trauma of the pandemic, to release blessing over people and places in this new season and to herald a fresh moving of the Spirit in our land.



Following an early start at 8.30pm outside the Forum, they were joined by a small group of prayerful supporters, who accompanied them in their walk towards the north, south, west and east of the city centre, physically signing the area with the cross and praying at various places. Shortly after 10.30am, they were on their way to pray in Ely, keeping to time before a third cross-walk in Cambridge by the end of the day.



Nigel Fox said, "It was a privilege to join with these obedient servants as they continue to fulfil this distinct call to bear witness to Jesus, and administer His blessings along the way. We look forward to seeing the fruit of such praying."





For more information about the 'cross-walk', see beaconhop.org/crosswalk21



Follow Rev Porter's journey on facebook



Pictured right: Paul Critchley and William Porter with the cross in Norwich

Helen Baldry, 12/07/2021


YMCA Norfolk names John Lee as its new CEO YMCA Norfolk names John Lee as its new CEO

YMCA Norfolk has named its new CEO as John Lee, who has worked with the Matthew Project and Spurgeons Norwich Connect and is a senior leader with Proclaimers church in Norwich. Keith Morris reports.

John, who is based in Norfolk, currently works with Spurgeons Norwich Connect where he set up, led and tested the pioneering "Whole Picture, Whole Family" approach to domestic abuse  a national pilot facilitating direct responses to the voice of victims.



He joins YMCA Norfolk with a wealth of experience within Norfolks third sector  having previously worked as the Head of Services and Quality at the Matthew Project, leading their work with young people and veterans affected by substance misuse. At the Matthew Project his role included governance, risk management and safeguarding.

While at Norfolk Family Carers, John set up Norfolks first Young Adult Carers service supporting young people to achieve their goals while providing unpaid care for a family member.



John said: "At a time when the challenges young people and their families face are increasing, the mission of YMCA Norfolk to enable the transformation of young people is absolutely vital. The barriers to young people and families accessing housing, education and employment support have increased due to Covid-19.



I am honoured to lead YMCA Norfolk's response to breaking down the barriers which hinder young people from reaching their full potential. YMCA Norfolk has an incredible legacy over the last 175 years and most recently under the leadership of Tim Sweeting. I look forward to working with the team and building on this legacy to ensure that young people have a hope filled future."



John says he is passionate about breaking down the barriers for young people and families accessing support and enabling them to reach their full potential. He has previously served as a trustee for YMCA Norfolk between 2015 - 2018, where he took on the role of governance lead for safeguarding. He is on the senior leadership team at Proclaimers church in Norwich.



Philip Macdonald, who led the recruitment process on behalf of the board of trustees, said: As a Board of Trustees, we are very excited to have appointed John Lee to lead the YMCA forward in this next season. His broad range of skills and passion to make a difference to the lives of young people shone through in an intensive selection process involving a national field of candidates.



There are huge pressures on Norfolks young people and families, and the YMCA is needed more than ever to support their wellbeing as we emerge from lockdown. With this key appointment, we are confident that we will be in a great position to make a difference at this critical time.



John will work alongside YMCA Norfolks board of trustees and directors, as well as over 100 staff members, to lead and develop the charity which has experienced a period of exciting growth in recent years - allowing them to expand their services and increase the impact of operations.



Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, YMCA Norfolk says it has demonstrated a year of unprecedented progress through the opening of its brand-new community hub on Aylsham Road, Norwich. The multi-service facility has already proven to be a huge success with the local community, offering a 90-place Ofsted registered nursery alongside Explorers Soft Play and Williams Kitchen  praised as a much-needed asset to the local area.



Tim Sweeting, current CEO of YMCA Norfolk, will be taking up the position of Diocesan Secretary with the Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance (NDBF) in September this year.



Pictured above is John Lee.


By now youve heard about the kerfuffle surrounding Windows 11 and its requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, which is not standard on the majority of PCs and threatens to leave many newer Windows 10 PCs blocked from being upgraded.

Normally the issues around a new version of Windows are system requirements, but here, the issue is the TPM chip. TPM is a specially designed chip that assists with security surrounding credentials. It ensures that boot code thats loaded, such as firmware and OS components, havent been tampered with. It can also encrypt the drive contents to protect against theft. Microsoft is mandating that systems have TPM based on 2.0 specifications but few PCs do. Those that do ship with it have it turned off by default but it is easily activated.

Its an issue because Windows client and Windows Server share a whole lot of code. Thats why Patch Tuesday fixes almost always apply to the Windows 10 client (Windows 7 is no longer supported) along with Server 2019 and 2016. The main difference between client and server is the services wrapped around the core operating system. So what happens to one usually happens to the other. But not in this case.

Microsoft server details

Computerworld has been covering this story from the client side, so we will focus on the server side. And as it turns out, Microsoft handled the server software a lot better than it did the client.

Jim Gaynor, lead analyst with Directions on Microsoft, says the TPM module is a non-issue because on June 11, 2020, Microsoft announced that Windows Server hardware certification would require UEFI and TPM 2.0 hardware for new server platforms introduced to market after January 1, 2021. If you missed that news, join the club. I think we were all a little distracted back then.

Servers that shipped with what was then being called the next major Windows Server release (which is now knows as Windows Server 2022) preinstalled would have to have Secure Boot enabled by default.

As a result, the portion of the industry focused on Windows Server host hardware has fully expected Windows Server 2022 to require those capabilities, since Microsoft requires them for hardware certification, he told me via email.

He hypothesizes that for customers who are still on-premises and keeping up with the latest Server OS versions, they likely already have server hardware with UEFI and TPM support. For other customers, if theyre not keeping up with the latest, then its likely a non-issue. They wont be adopting 2022 anytime soon. Theyll adopt 2022 (if they arent still considering 2019) with a hardware refresh, he said.

Microsoft made a lengthy blog announcement detailing its plans and intentions last June, and the OS isnt due until next year. So the Server team gave customers a lot more running room and just handled the whole thing much better than the client team.

Competing With Apple

So why did Microsoft drop this bombshell on its Windows user base? Ashish Nadkarni, group vice president in IDC's Worldwide Infrastructure Practice believes its because Apple had a similar security chip, the T2, in its Macs.

They are being beat up by Apple [over the T2] making it a hardware conversation. By forcing people to use TPM they can say they have a similar feature, Nadkarni said.

IDC did a study for Dell of what features customers wanted in a server, and TPM was at the bottom of the list. The reason he says is that TPM has not found much favor in servers because the server side had better drive security features like Dells iDRAC and self-encrypting hardware in general.

Nadkarni notes that TPM only works if drive is physically compromised. For a stolen laptop, thats an issue. An unencrypted drive could be removed from the laptop and its contents compromised. So thats valuable to a Windows client.

But how many hard drives get stolen from a data center? Some, Im sure, but its nothing compared to laptop theft. So for servers, TPM is low on the list of priorities.
By Online Desk

Hours after Britain's Cairn Energy Plc secured a French court order to seize 20 Indian government properties in Paris to recover a part of the USD 1.7 billion due from New Delhi following an arbitration panel overturning the levy of retrospective taxes, the Modi government on Thursday said that it has not received any notice, order, or communication, in this regard, from any French Court.

"There have been news reports that Cairn Energy has seized/frozen State-owned property of the Government of India in Paris. However, Government of India has not received any notice, order, or communication, in this regard, from any French Court," the Finance Ministry said in its statement.

"Government is trying to ascertain the facts, and whenever such an order is received, appropriate legal remedies will be taken, in consultation with its Counsels, to protect the interests of India," it said.

"Government has already filed an application on March 22, 2021 to set aside the December 2020 international arbitral award in The Hague Court of Appeal. Government of India will vigorously defend its case in Set Aside proceedings at The Hague," it explained further.

"The CEO and representatives of Cairns have approached Government of India for discussions to resolve the matter. Constructive discussions have been held and Government remains open for an amicable solution to the dispute within the countrys legal framework," the statement read.

The centrally located properties mostly comprise flats valued at more than EUR 20 million and were used by the Indian government establishment in France, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The French court, Tribunal judiciaire de Paris, on June 11 agreed to Cairn's application to freeze (through judicial mortgages) residential real estate owned by the Government of India in central Paris, they said adding the legal formalities for the same was completed on Wednesday evening.

While Cairn is unlikely to evict the Indian officials residing in these properties, the government cannot sell them after the court order.

A three-member international arbitration tribunal that consisted of one judge appointed by India, had in December last year unanimously overturned levy of taxes on Cairn retrospectively and ordered refund of shares sold, dividend confiscated and tax refunds withheld to recover such demand.

With the Indian government refusing to honour the award, Cairn has moved in multiple overseas jurisdictions to enforce the award by seizing Indian assets.

Last month, Cairn brought a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York pleading that Air India is controlled by the Indian government so much that they are 'alter egos' and the airline should be held liable for the arbitration award.

Similar lawsuits are likely to be brought in other countries, primarily with high-value assets.

The arbitration award has been registered in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Mauritius, France and the Netherlands.

Cairn has identified USD 70 billion of Indian assets overseas for potential seizure to collect the award, which now totals USD 1.72 billion after including interest and penalty.

While the finance ministry did not immediately offer comments on the matter, a Cairn spokesperson said: "Our strong preference remains an agreed, amicable settlement with the Government of India to draw this matter to a close, and to that end we have submitted a detailed series of proposals to them since February this year."

"However, in the absence of such a settlement, Cairn must take all necessary legal actions to protect the interests of its international shareholders," the spokesperson said without elaborating.

Sources said the French court order affects some 20 centrally located properties, belonging to the Indian government, as part of a guarantee of the debt owed to Cairn.

"This is the necessary preparatory step to taking ownership of the properties and ensures that the proceeds of any sales would be due to Cairn," one of the persons said.

Last month, Cairn filed a petition with the courts in the Southern District of New York, seeking judicial confirmation that Air India, the national carrier, can be classed as the alter ego of the Indian state and thereby jointly liable for the arbitral award.

Air India has time till mid-July to file a plea contesting the Cairn lawsuit, sources said.

The Government of India, which participated in the arbitration proceeding over four years, has not accepted the award and has filed a 'setting aside' petition in a court in the Netherlands - the seat of the arbitration.

The move by Cairn is similar to a court in the British Virgin Islands ordering in December last year hotels in New York and Paris owned by Pakistan International Airlines to be used to settle a claim against Pakistan's government by a Canadian-Chilean copper company.

Crystallex International Corp had brought a similar lawsuit to attach the property of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A (PDVSA), the state-owned oil company of Venezuela, in Delaware a couple of years back after the Latin American country failed to pay the firm USD 1.2 billion that an arbitration tribunal had ordered to pay in lieu of the 2011 seizing gold deposits held and developed by the firm.

In 2012, Elliott Management, a buccaneering American hedge fund that held distressed Argentine bonds, seized a handsome tall ship belonging to Argentina's navy.

Recently, French courts ruled that a stifled creditor could seize a business jet belonging to the government of Congo-Brazzaville while it was being serviced at a French airport, as well as USD 30 million from a bank account of the country's state oil company.

In May, the finance ministry said that the tribunal "improperly exercised jurisdiction over a national tax dispute that the Republic of India never offered and/or agreed to arbitrate".

The ministry called the 2006 reorganisation of Cairn's India business for listing on the local bourses as "abusive tax avoidance scheme that was a gross violation of Indian tax laws, thereby depriving Cairn's alleged investments of any protection under the India-UK bilateral investment treaty".

The Scottish firm invested in the oil and gas sector in India in 1994 and a decade later it made a huge oil discovery in Rajasthan.

In 2006 it listed its Indian assets on the BSE.

Five years after that the government passed retroactive tax law and billed Cairn Rs 10,247 crore plus interest and penalty for the reorganisation tied to the flotation.

(With PTI Inputs)
By ANI

NEW DELHI: French pharmaceutical company Sanofi and its British partner GSK (GlaxoSmithKline plc) received approval for their Phase 3 clinical study in India, to assess the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of their adjuvanted recombinant-protein COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

The global, randomised, double-blind Phase 3 study will include more than 35,000 volunteers aged 18 years and older across sites in the US, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

As COVID-19 vaccination becomes available, study participants are encouraged to receive an approved COVID-19 vaccine during the study, if they wish to do so. As part of the study design, all participants including the control group will be offered the study vaccine as soon as it is determined to be safe and effective.

"India is participating in Sanofi Pasteur's pivotal Phase 3 study, and subject to subsequent approvals, we should soon begin enrollment of study participants in the country," said Annapurna Das, Country Head, Sanofi Pasteur India.

"As the virus continues to evolve, we are anticipating what will be needed in the coming months and years, and accordingly, have adapted our vaccine development program. We believe our COVID-19 adjuvanted, recombinant vaccine can make a significant contribution to the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and are committed to initiating our clinical program in India, at the earliest" she added.
Sanath Prasad By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Failures come and go, but one has to come back stronger to achieve what they dream. This is what drives Revathi Raju, the newly-appointed chairperson of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) FLOs Bengaluru chapter. The true-blue Bengalurean admits that she missed the bus to pursue her dreams during her younger days. But not stopping herself now, Raju has a finger in every pie- education, entrepreneurship, and social service.

I was a Kuchipudi dancer. But I come from a very conservative family and had little scope to express my talent on stage. When I was growing up, a woman performing on stage was not accepted. Even today I miss being a dancer, says Raju, who is in her 50s. But life had different plans for her. Before donning the hats of an educationist and a business person, in the early 2000s, she was part of Innerwheel, an international organisation linked to the Rotary Club, which was improving the infrastructure in Hebbal. From setting up water facilities to lighting the streets, I was part of the communi ty development project, says Raju, who later assumed the role of managing director at the family-run Vyasa International School in 2008.

From being a homemaker to taking on an administrative role has been a challenge.It was difficult to shift gears. However, my father guided me and I learnt all the tricks of the trade. Getting into the education sector was a different ball game, but I enjoyed every bit, says Raju, who took over as board member of Atria Education Trust and Atria Hotel in 2015.

Not having been able to pursue her dreams at a young age, she is ensuring that other women have an opportunity to take their passions forward. At FICCI FLO, we have lined up a series of startup incubation programmes, mentoring sessions to reach out to women entrepreneurs who are struggling during the pandemic, says Raju who has been part of the Bengaluru chapter for six years now. In the coming days, Raju plans to airdrop over 5 lakh seedballs (a blend of manure, seeds and red soil) prepared by kids.

This, to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, she will be taking over a project that FICCI FLO took on last year. Theyhad adopted a village in Mandya to introduce skill-based development programmes to rural women and children. We are introducing an organic farming model. This year we are also starting English and computer classes for women and children. Moreover, the village grows a lot of tomatoes and as a result we are looking to collaborate with a local NGO to set up a tomato processing unit. This initiative is aimed at amplifying skills in education, environment and sustainability for better livelihood, says Raju, who is also planning to form clusters in south India to train women in textiles and crafts.
Bosky Khanna By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: To handle cases better in the even of a third wave of Covid-19, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is now planning to have a bottom-up approach. The BBMP is keen on decentralising the Covid-19 management to the grassroot level at the primary health centres (PHCs). And the first step in this direction is to study each of them and strengthen them.

Palike Special Commissioner (health) D Randeep told The New Indian Express that they are working towards having a PHC-driven approach. But first there is a need to strengthen and assess each of them, and the exercise has started, he said. The officer and two doctors from his team are visiting each PHC to assess details of staff, if any training is required and how they need to be empowered.

Randeep said a discussion on this will also be held with the BBMP Covid-19 expert committee and, after their nod, the exercise of decentralising the whole process from the zonal level to the PHC level will be start. The target is to strengthen every PHC by July-end and be prepared ahead of the third wave, he said. Explaining the process, another BBMP health official said handling 20,000 cases is better when it is divided among 198 wards, instead of being managed from the head office or from the eight zonal offices.

It is a calculated risk which we are willing to take and, if it does not click, then it can be easily reversed and the zonal head offices can take control again, because the existing structure will not be dismantled. The need for this arose when it was found that Covid-19 cases assessed at the PHC level were different from those at the zonal and head office level. It was also seen that while in some areas, people were more confident at the PHC, in other areas, the PHC was totally aloof from what was happening. But for immediate medical attention in case of Covid, the first place where citizens and even private hospitals would turn too was PHC for verification, the official said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday warned the people of Delhi to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour while stepping out otherwise another wave of the pandemic could occur in the national capital.

I appeal to the public that while activities are being opened, the people of Delhi should follow social distancing and take the right precautions, else Covid-19 might spread again. Complaints of markets being overcrowded are there, said the chief minister at the inauguration of the SARS CoV2 Genome Sequencing facility at LNJP hospital on Wednesday.

The facility would be able to sequence 5 to 7 samples in a day with a turnaround time of about 4 to 5 days. It will detect the lethality of the coronavirus variants and help the government prepare accordingly.

According to the government, the facility will be mainly for surveillance and public health purposes as identification of variance of concern in interest would be done.

This genome sequencer facility will be an asset not only for Delhi but for entire northern India. People will highly benefit from this machine, said Kejriwal. Health minister Satyendar Jain was also present on the occasion. The lab is the third such facility in north India, Kejriwal stated. He added that through this machine, identifying and analysis of all the variants of Covid-19 for any future waves or spreads in Delhi will be done.

This is part of the AAP governments preparation before the probable third wave hits the national capital. The previous wave of the pandemic left the city broken with tremendous loss of lives mainly due to insufficient health infrastructure which could not cope with the patient load. Kejriwal government is preparing for any probable third wave and in order to avoid the mistakes made in the past, two profile committees have been set up to provide the government with a strategy to deal with the high number of cases.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to a man who was allegedly involved in the violence and vandalism at the Red Fort during the farmers' protest rally on the Republic Day this year.

Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau granted bail to Boota Singh, who allegedly played an active role in the farmers' agitation, after hearing the contentions of both the prosecution and the accused's counsel.

Absconding for over five months, the 26-year-old had a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head and was arrested from Punjab's Tarn Taran region on June 30.

Singh was part of the riotous mob which attacked the police personnel, ransacked, sabotaged, and robbed the public property and the Red Fort on the Republic day, according to Delhi Police.

The police secured his custody from the court for five days to take him to Tarn Taran for interrogation and ascertaining the source of funding of the alleged conspiracy.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee's (DSGMC) legal team is pursuing the matter.

Advocates Jaspreet Rai, Ravinder Kaur, VPS Sandhu, Jasdeep S Dhillon, Kapil Madan, Nitin Kumar, and Gurmukh Singh represented the accused in the matter.

On January 26, protesting farmers had clashed with police during the tractor rally against three farm laws and stormed into the Red Fort, hoisting religious flags on its domes and injuring scores of policemen.

An FIR was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, Epidemic Act, and Disaster Management Act.

Actor-activist Deep Sidhu is accused of being the key conspirator of the violence and is currently out on bail.

The court had recently taken cognizance of the charge sheet in the case and summoned all the accused on July 12.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Hundreds of nurses, who were recently sacked from various government hospitals, protested outside the Chief Minister Camp Office in Hyderabad's Begumpet, on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, and demanded their reinstatement.

The hour-long protest was thwarted by stringent police action. More than 100 nurses were detained and sent to various police stations across the city.

The protest, however, continued at Liberty Junction, where the remaining nurses demanded justice.

We had left our jobs in corporate hospitals that paid up to Rs 50,000- Rs 70,000, to work in the government sector, in hopes of getting job security. However, the opposite has happened and we have been turned away like dogs. At 11.30 pm, on July 5, they (the State government) issued a notice to the hospital superintendents to terminate us and by the next morning, at 6 am, those of us who turned up at hospitals for routine duty were rudely sent away. Is this how you treat Covid-19 warriors, asked a protesting nurse.

The nurses said that CM K Chandrasekhar Rao has betrayed them as he had promised that no outsourced staff hired for Covid-19 work will be sent away. The government hospitals in Telangana still have around 4,000 vacancies for nurses. We want a confirmed notification that we will be taken for those jobs just as the CM had assured us when he came to Gandhi Hospital in May. Until that is confirmed, we will not stop our protest, said Ajay E, a nurse who worked at Gandhi Hospital.

Several nurses demanded reinstatement not just for job security but for the closure of losing family members due to the risky task. I contracted Covid twice, once in August 2020 and once in April this year. In April, my mother also got Covid because I could not afford to stay in a hostel. Within 10 days, before my mother could recover, I had to join duties, said Kavitha Mantri, another nurse.

The unrest is likely to grow bigger as terminated staff from seven colleges in Adilabad, Mahbubnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal districts will pour into Hyderabad on Thursday, July 8, to join the protest.
By PTI

MUMBAI: "Fast and Furious", the latest film in the Vin Diesel-starrer franchise, is all set to release in India on August 5 in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada languages.

Directed by Justin Lin, "F9" is the ninth installment in the popular "Fast & Furious" series, and has already been released in the US, Canada, China, Russia, Korea, Hong Kong, and the Middle East.

Besides Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Chris Bridges (aka Ludacris), Nathalie Emmanuel, Helen Mirren and Charlize Theron will reprise their roles.

ALSO READ | Would love to see more Jakob: John Cena on future of his 'Fast and Furious' character

As far as the fresh faces go, John Cena joins Cardi B and Ozuna to add up to the star-studded line-up, according to a press release.

The Universal Pictures film is co-written by Lin and Daniel Casey.

It is the sequel to "The Fate of the Furious" (2017), the ninth main instalment, and the tenth full-length feature to release overall in the franchise.

WATCH TRAILER:

"The Fast and Furious" saga started as a story about illegal street racing and evolved into the tale of a close-knit team involved in heists and espionage.

It is one of Hollywood's most successful franchises in India and has collected over USD 5 billion worldwide since the first film released in 2001.

READ MORE | Vin Diesel's son to make acting debut in 'Fast and Furious 9'

The movie has also collected more than USD 500 Million with its worldwide release.

In the latest chapter, Dom (Diesel) and Letty (Rodriguez) are seen enjoying a quiet life with a young son when they are asked to help thwart a dangerous plot.

This time the action and drama are going to get grandeur, car chases will be extra thrilling especially when a rocket propels a car into space.
By ANI

WASHINGTON: 'Gully Boy' star Alia Bhatt has recently signed a contract with one of the leading international talent management agencies, William Morris Agency (WME), leaving fans wondering if she is eyeing opportunities in Hollywood.

As per Deadline, the actor has signed with William Morris Agency in all areas as she is planning to go big by spreading her wings internationally.

WME is one of the longest-running talent agencies, which manages sports, events, media and fashion. The agency had also signed actor Freida Pinto, who went on to act in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' and 'Immortals'.

Alia, the daughter of filmmaker-producer Mahesh Bhatt and actor Soni Razdan, has won four Filmfare Awards in a career that began as a child actor. Most recently she took her third Best Actress award for 'Gully Boy', which also became India's submission for the 2020 Oscar race.

The actor, who was last seen in 'Sadak 2', will next feature in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which is expected to arrive in theatres later this year.

ALSO READ: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt to lead Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'

She will also be seen in the upcoming movie 'Brahmastra' alongside rumoured beau Ranbir Kapoor. The movie is directed by Ayan Mukerji and also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna, and Mouni Roy.

The 'Highway' actor will also feature in the multi-starrer magnum opus 'RRR', helmed by S.S. Rajamouli. It also stars NT Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn and Olivia Morris.

Alia is currently shooting for the upcoming dark comedy 'Darlings', in which she is starring and producing via her Eternal Sunshine Productions banner.

She also has 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', 'Baiju Bawra' and 'Takht' in the pipeline.
Shilajit Mitra By

Express News Service

We fell, head first, for Dilip Kumars smile. Theres Dilip, leaping up a window in Azaad (1955). In Kohinoor (1960), hes a gently grinning prince stuck on Meena Kumari. His prankish nature is well documented by friends and colleagues. Theres nary a public photo of him without that trademark smile. Tragedy King is a moniker best suited for history books. Dilip Kumar, who passed away at 98 in Mumbai after a prolonged illness, never missed a good laugh.

To understand the Dilip Kumar story is to get a guided tour of the subcontinents past. He was born Mohammed Yusuf Khan in Peshawar in British India. In the 1930s, his family relocated to Bombay, where his father set up a fruit export business. Though Bombay would forever be Dilip Kumars city, he also lived in Deolali and Pune for a while. His career, meanwhile, trailed past the confines of the Hindi film industry. He shot a number of his films in Chennai, and moved to Kurseong near Darjeeling for the 1970 Bengali film Sagina Mahato.

ALSO READ | What's in a name? How Yousuf Khan became Dilip Kumar

Known for his acute, realistic performances, Dilip Kumar is credited for introducing method acting in Indian cinema. He went to incredible lengths to inhabit a character psychologically. His naturalistic style created a fascinating friction with the era-defining films he starred in. Its startling, even now, to watch him refuse to chew up scenery in Mughal-E-Azam, or go irredeemably over-the-top in Ram Aur Shyam or Aan. I never think of a character as a different person, he told BBC Hindi in a 1969 interview. If Im offered a character aged 30, but the script doesnt have the data for the 29 years of his life, I try to fill that in within the framework of the story

As with any great star, Dilip Kumars legacy is inextricably tied up with other legends of his time. He was given his screen name by Devika Rani, the Bombay Talkies-head who offered him his first acting job (he debuted with Jwar Bhata in 1944). Since his family was close to the Kapoor clan, he formed a lasting friendship with Raj Kapoor, attending Khalsa College together and later collaborating in the 1949 romance Andaz.

In a career spanning six decades, he rarely repeated directors, but when he did it was nothing short of event. Three of his best films  Devdas, Yahudi, Madhumati  were with Bimal Roy. Mehboob Khan punctuated the triangular romances of Andaz and Amar with the swashbuckling Aan. Late in his career, he became a favourite of Subhash Ghai, appearing in blistering blockbusters like Karma and Saudagar.

ALSO READ | Dilip Kumar's musical talent: Listen to the only song the legendary actor sang in his life

Equally iconic were his collaborations with some of the greatest female leads of Indian cinema. Given their contrasting onscreen personas, he was paired regularly with Vyjayanthimalatheir natural chemistry and funny banter, a battle half won for nervy producers.

Dilip Saab later emerged as a staunch Nehruvian in his working years

Though they did around seven films together, it was his partnership with Madhubala that would come to rule the headlines. The Mughal-E-Azam co-stars had a fiery romance and were set to get married. However, it fell apart when Dilip Kumar refused to have his career dictated by Madhubalas producer father, an episode discussed with painful brevity in his autobiography Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow. T heres an amusing story about how Dilip Kumar came to marry Saira Banu.

While shooting for Azaad in Coimbatore, he was told by an astrologer that he would marry a girl half his age, who belonged to the same profession. The prophecy did turn true, with a young Saira Banu growing up in London with dreams of her favourite star. The couple were married in 1966 and have no children. From the first time I met him, I found him to be so simple, unassuming, Saira Banu says in an old interview.

He even dresses so modestly, despite owning a treasured collection of suits, ties and handkerchiefs  Reading The Substance and the Shadow earlier this year, I was struck by the chapter set in Poona. In it, Dilip Kumar details how a combustible speech he gave at Army Club landed him in jail for a night, cooped up with Gandhi-adherents like Sardar Patel in the adjoining cells. From an accidental Gandhian, Dilip Saab emerged as a staunch Nehruvian in his working years.

The former Prime Minister took a keen interest in Kumars career, finding their shared ideas of secularism and nation-building reflected in his movies. And in 1962, Dilip Kumar led a troupe of artists to boost the morale of soldiers defeated in the Indo-China War. Other honours were to follow. In 1980, he was appointed the sheriff of Mumbai, and was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke award (he also held the record for the highest number of Filmfare Best Actor wins). T he bristling intensity Dilip Kumar brought to his roles would set the bar for all.

Growing up in Allahabad, Amitabh Bachchan would repeatedly watch Ganga Jamuna to understand how a Pathan was effortlessly playing a rustic character of UP. In the 90s, another Pathan rose from a non-film background to immaculate stardom. The most Kumar-rite of modern actors, Shah Rukh Khan, would reprise his most iconic character in Bhansalis Devdas (2002). And when his contemporary Aamir Khan signed on for Lagaan, he was perhaps assured by the success of Naya Daur, the 1957 Dilip Kumar starrer it was adapted from. These influences arent just trivia. If cinema exists in a continuum, the legend of Dilip Kumar will continue to grow. Such was his greatness and ferocity of craft. Rest in glory, Yusuf Saab!

Dilip Kumar (Muhammed Yusuf Khan) 11 December 1922 - 7 July 2021
By PTI

MELBOURNE: Actor Richa Chadha and filmmaker Onir have been announced as the jury members for short film competition at the 2021 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

The festival organiser said that theme for this year's short film competition is modern slavery and equality.

The theme was decided with the aim to address the threats to the principles of equality, freedom and inclusion in the contemporary world.

Chadha is no stranger to the IFFM as her critically-acclaimed feature "Love Sonia" had opened the 2018 edition of the festival.

The 34-year-old actor said she is glad to be back at the festival as a judge this time.

"Being a part of IFFM Short Film Festival 2021 as a jury member is an incredible feeling.

To be back here again, but as a judge this time, is very exciting.

"We are sure to expect some astounding short films on the theme of modern slavery and equality, both of which are complex subjects," Chadha said in a statement.

The actor, who had featured in Arati Kadav's short film "55 km/sec", said she is aware how difficult it is to make a short feature.

"Speaking from experience, I am aware of how difficult it is to tell an entire story within a short amount of time, that too on such an important theme.

So I'm really looking forward to all the short film entries this year," she added.

Onir, 52, who has been associated with the IFFM since its inception, said he was fascinated and impressed by the depth and diversity of the short films.

"I think that modern-day slavery runs in streams throughout our present world and the severe exploitation of people comes in many forms.

And while our Constitution says that every single person has the Right to Equality, is that really the case in reality? "This year's theme gives filmmakers a chance to explore these sides of society which reflect the kind of humanity we have in present times.

I am excited to see what the filmmakers come up with," the "I Am" director said.

IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange said she is excited to have Chadha and Onir as the judges for the short film competition.

"They are exactly the kind of judges who not only inspire others but have a huge body of supreme work to represent their expertise and flair in their respective fields and we are honoured to have them as our esteemed judges at the 2021 festival," she added.

The physical format of the prestigious festival will run from August 12 to 20, while its digital edition will run from August 15 to 30 across Australia.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Malayalam superstar Fahadh Faasil says he wants the audience to watch his films as soon as they are ready to be released as he believes storytelling being an evolving process can render the content stale if held on beyond a point of time.

That's why the team of his upcoming Malayalam film "Malik", which was primarily designed as an out-an-out theatrical experience, unanimously decided to release the crime drama on the streamer Amazon Prime Video as theatres remained close due to the pandemic.

Faasil, known for Malayalam films "Bangalore Days", "Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum", "Kumbalangi Nights" and Tamil movie "Super Deluxe", said he is looking forward to the film's digital world premiere on July 15.

"I truly believe that every narrative has an expiry date. I'm personally very impatient with my films. I just want people to see it, no matter where they see it.

WATCH | 'Malik' trailer out, Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil says film is "very special" to him

"They'll experience 'Malik' in a very good quality experience. It's a world premiere with 240 countries streaming it. I'm excited about it," the National Award-winning actor told PTI in an interview.

Written and directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film chronicles the journey of Sulaiman Malik (Faasil), a charismatic leader bestowed with unconditional love and loyalty from the people of his community who leads a revolution against authoritative forces that try to encroach on the lives of his people.

Two of Faasil's recent films "C U Soon", also directed by Narayanan, and "Joji", directed by Dileesh Pothan, had their digital premieres on Amazon.

"Irul" released on Netflix in April.

While the two platforms -- theatres and streamers -- offer two different experiences to the audience, the actor said the latter marks the beginning of a new culture of convenience, which is advantageous during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"'Irul' and 'C U Soon' were designed with an intention for streaming that people are sitting with the remote in their hand.

'Malik' was not like that. (But) then again, it's a new culture, new type of convenience."

Faasil, 38, said one must make films they believe in, pandemic or not.

"Nothing should be like in anyone's face. Everyone should do the kind of films they believe in and I don't think it should change for any pandemic or any given situation. You should just shoot what you're excited about. The idea is to entertain and not scare people. In any which way, people should see it like that."

Spanning different time periods, "Malik" is a compelling story of a past ridden with crime, death and pain that is recounted to Freddy, a juvenile criminal, who has been assigned to eliminate his estranged uncle Sulaiman while behind bars.

The team of "Malik" had finished shooting for the film before the pandemic, which served as a scenario for Faasil's "Joji", which was an adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy "Macbeth".

The most exciting aspect about featuring in the Dileesh Pothan film was the fact it was set during the pandemic, the actor said.

"'Joji' is the present Macbeth. I don't know how many people noticed or discussed the details. The idea is not to make these details evident. But people who picked it up can discuss it. It's just a detail that you give to the audience."

Faasil said the attempt is to not to force anything into the narrative.

"It has to flow. There's a huge difference between raining and pumping water through a mono pump. It has to be organic," he added.

"Malik" will see the actor play the protagonist through different ages -- young, middle-age to old.

Faasil said while the character arc remained the same, the physical transformation came as a challenge.

"But we shot the film in the reverse order. First we shot the old portions, then followed them by the middle age and youth sequences. So we had ample time to work on our looks and transform our body."

It was purely an author-backed role, he said, adding there was a kind of familiarity to the character of Malik.

"I just had to go there and do it. It's all given to you and you just have to do justice to what's given to you. But at some point while I was doing this film, I had this feeling that I've known someone like Sulaiman. I've met him. He could be someone from my family."

This is the actor's third project with longtime friend and director Narayanan after "Take Off" and "C U Soon".

They reunite for his next "Malayankunju", on which Narayanan serves as writer and cinematographer.

Faasil said working with the director is a "matter of convenience" as they are transparent with each other courtesy their friendship.

"We can shoot a film very easily and very fast. We have that vibe, we sort of complement each other. Every time Mahesh pitches an idea, I pick it up like that. I know the film that I'll eventually see. He keeps surprising me. I like Experimenting with him."

Asked if he would like to take up light-hearted dramas or comedies after consecutively playing grey roles, the actor said he would love to do a film in the space of the Hindi blockbuster "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" (DDLJ).

"I want to do a 'DDLJ' but this is what I get. In the case of 'Joji' and 'Irul', the character's graph is itself very dark. But 'Malik' is not dark, it's very real."

Produced by Anto Joseph, "Malik" also stars Nimisha Sajayan, Joju George, Vinay Fort, Dileesh Pothan, Jalaja, Salim Kumar, Indrans, Sanal Aman, Dinesh Prabhakar, Divya Prabha and Parvathy Krishna.
Gopinath Rajendran By

Express News Service

There were many attractions for veteran Hollywood actor James Cosmo, when he decided to do Jagame Thandhiram (JT) among them, his love for Indian food. It is the National food of Scotland, where I grew up. Everyone there loves Indian cuisine. I have it every week and I thought I had sampled it all, but when I came down to Rajasthan, I tried the meals. All I can say is, my family missed out on it! says James, laughing.

Connecting over a video call from Budapest, Hungary, where hes shooting for Tom Clancys Jack Ryan, James says he didnt really know what he was signing up for, when he took on JT.

ALSO READ | 'Jagame Thandiram' review: Too frivolous to be serious, too serious to be fun

Things just happen in my career. I have always been fascinated by the process of filmmaking across the globe, and Ive worked with actors from America, Europe, Japan I wish I were able to work in India for a couple of months to get a feel of the place. Nonetheless, it was a great experience, he adds.

Excerpts:

There were rumours that your agent wasnt keen on you doing an Indian film.

The agent always has a better plan, and mine deals with the UK and America clients all the time. When JT came around, she asked why I would want to do an Indian film. My reply was, Why not? I wanted to know about another industry and how they interpret storytelling. It also gave me the chance to visit India. Karthik came down to London and met me at my club in Soho. As many Indian directors do, he had written the story himself.

He narrated the film shot by shot, from beginning to the end. He also had a storyboard that was quite unlike what we get in the UK this was detailed and like a work of art. I wanted to buy and frame it on my wall (laughs). I remember thinking that the film would surely look amazing. He had sat on this story for almost four years; its very close to him. My character, Peter, is this horrible racist gangster. Hes a nasty guy but something within him makes him like the character played by Dhanush. He sees a bit of himself in this other guy and they share this warmth.

How important is this subject of racism in todays world?

Let me tell you a story that I havent told many people before. A few years ago, I went to a restaurant called Mother India in Glasgow. A middle-aged Indian came up to me and said, Can I have your order, James? I thought he recognised me as an actor. He then asked if I didnt remember him. When I said I didnt, he identified himself as Vijay from Shish Mahal in Glasgow, a restaurant I used to frequent 30 years ago. Vijay was the main waiter there back then and I used to see him twice a week at least.

He surprised me by remembering my home phone number from 30 years ago, from where I would call and place my takeaway orders. We got to speaking and he said he had just been a waiter all these years. His daughter, I learned, is a cardiologist in Manchester and his son, a surgeon in London. You are not just a waiter! I told him. This man who came to my country, has left a legacy that is incalculable. It moved me.

Now that you have worked in the Tamil film industry, how did you find it to be different?

Its more utilitarian and labour-intensive. In the West, technology, to some extent, has separated the actor from the director. Directors today sit in what we now call a video village, with cameras and monitors, and are away from you. In Indian films, it feels more hands-on. The director is very much part of the process. I got treated so well that it was embarrassing sometimes (smiles).

You must have been the big celebrity actor on the sets?

Oh, theres Dhanush too. He is a lovely young man and we got on really well together. We had a few laughs, and it was great fun. I dont know if its a good or a bad thing to be the senior actor in

the film (laughs). Perhaps being the second or third senior actor might have been better.

Michael Madsen, your co-star from the first Narnia film, made his Indian film debut last year with Silence, and now, you have made your debut as well. Is the distance between all these film industries reducing?

Did he, now? I have another friend who was about to start working in an Indian series, but it has been postponed because of the pandemic. There are so many stories to be told and they are all crying out for collaboration. Im glad to hear about Michael Madsen; hes a great actor. Its like a door being opened: first, its one person, and then, another. This is good, not just for the film industries, but also for our countries and cultures.

My favourites in your filmography are your action films: Braveheart, Troy, Ben Hur, and theres, of course, Game of Thrones. Is action a genre that excites you?

When you are young, big, and strong, you get typecast and its hard to get out of that (smiles). Id rather be on a horse for a scene in a film than be in the driving seat of the car. I have enjoyed action films and mythical stories. Joseph Campbell, writer and philosopher, was big into the myth of the heros journey, which, of course, is now the basis for any story. I have been comfortable with that arc in my films.

With a new prequel series being made for GoT, is there a chance for your character, Jeor Mormont, to return?

(Laughs) I dont think so. I dont know if I want to reprise that part. It was wonderful and a privilege to play that character; he is a man of absolute integrity, honour, courage, and decency. We all need such courageous figures.

In a career spanning more than 50 years, you have done TV shows, films, web series and now, been part of a direct OTT release.

I have seen huge changes since I first entered the industry. I was talking to John Krasinski (actor and director of films like A Quiet Place) about Braveheart and how it has a timeless quality to it. I think an important reason is how it was one of the last films to not rely on CGI; we had 3,500 extras for the battle scenes. In todays industry where video games are being made into films and vice-versa, theres something unworldly... Perhaps they dont have the same impact. Technology has to be used judiciously. After finishing Jack Ryan, I will be heading to work in the wilderness for six weeks, wi th a Finni s h director for a project that wouldnt even cost a weeks budget of Jack Ryan. But the idea is to tell a story and share the human experience. That is most important.
By PTI

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav accused BJP leaders and workers on Thursday of indulging in anarchy and violence during the process of filing nominations for the election to the posts of chairpersons of kshetra panchayats and making a mockery of democracy.

"The ruling BJP has held the law and order of Uttar Pradesh hostage. The people belonging to the ruling party are openly throttling democracy and the police administration is watching this murder of democracy as mute spectators. The ruling partymen indulged in anarchy and violence during the nomination-filing process held on Thursday and made a mockery of democracy," he said in a release issued by the SP.

Yadav said former Uttar Pradesh Assembly speaker Mata Prasad Pandey's car was damaged in Siddharthnagar district's Etwa block.

He also said the nomination papers of his party candidate in Hardoi's Sandi block were torn while in Sambhal, Basti Ka Gaur, Jhansi's Baragaon block, Sitapur's Kasmanda block, Kanpur's Bilhaur and Shivrajpur, Bulandshahr, Lalitpur, Unnao, Ghazipur, Gorakhpur, Mahrajganj's Siswa, Paratawal, Paniyara, Sadar, Deoria's Bhatni, Chitrakoot's Manikpur and Karvi, Etah's Marhra, BJP workers created hurdles in the nomination-filing process of the SP-backed candidates.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister cited similar cases in Bahraich and Mahrajganj, where he said SP workers were beaten up when they protested against such tactics and were injured.

Journalists were beaten up and taken hostage in Kannauj while covering the nomination process, he said, alleging that the administrative officers are working as the agents of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"This is an act of polluting the democratic system," Yadav said.

The SP chief also demanded fresh arrangements to give another opportunity to the candidates who have not been able to file their nominations or that the entire process is carried out again.

"The BJP has done a lot of harm to democracy. Constitutional rights are being violated in Uttar Pradesh. Candidates are being threatened. In many districts, the BJP did not allow the nomination process. The nomination papers of the SP candidates were snatched," he alleged.

"There is a huge public anger against the BJP, they will do full justice in the Assembly polls in 2022," Yadav added.

The State Election Commission (SEC) had on July 5 issued the notification for the election to the posts of chairpersons of the kshetra panchayats in the state for which nominations were filed between 11 am to 3 pm on Thursday.

The last date to withdraw the candidature is July 9.

Voting will be held on July 10 from 11 am to 3 pm and the counting of votes will be held the same day after 3 pm.

The chairpersons of the kshetra panchayats (block-level) will be elected members of the kshetra panchayats.

The kshetra panchayat of Mujhena in Gonda district will not be participating in this election as more than six months of its tenure are left, a senior SEC official said.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday questioned activist Saket Gokhale for putting out alleged defamatory tweets against former Assistant Secretary-General at the United Nations Lakshmi Puri, without verifying the facts from her or approaching any government authority.

Gokhale, in his tweets On June 13 and 26 made reference to certain property purchased by Puri in Switzerland and also referred to her husband Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Observing that right to reputation is recognised as a fundamental right, the high court asked Gokhale, also a freelance journalist, as to how he can vilify people, particularly when the tweets put out by him were prima facie incorrect.

The court was hearing a defamation suit filed by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri seeking Rs five crore damages from Gokhale and also a direction against him to take down or delete the tweets, wherein false and factually incorrect, per-se defamatory, slanderous and libellous statements / imputations have been made by him against her and her family.

"Show me before you put out tweets, you sought to clarify these facts from the plaintiff," Justice C Hari Shankar asked Gokhale's counsel who responded in negative while adding that there was no such requirement under the law and that he had tagged the finance minister in one of the tweets itself.

"So according to your understanding of the law, any Tom, Dick and Harry can write anything against anyone on Internet irrespective of the fact that it destroys and damages the reputation of a person," the judge said and reserved its order on the suit for July 13.

"You tell me what exercise you have carried out with public authorities before putting out the tweets on social media," the judge asked.

The court said before putting out anything in public, one has to exercise due diligence and asked whether Gokhale was ready to take down the tweets? To this, his counsel Sarim Naved responded in negative.

During the arguments, senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing Puri, contended that the tweets were defamatory, malicious and based on false information and that Gokhale was nobody to put questions to her. "It is a case of ex-facie per se defamation. If I may use a Hindi phrase, 'Ulta chor kotwal ko dante'. When I sent him a legal notice, he said he was being harassed," the counsel argued.

He said Puri does not hold any public office for these details to be put in public domain and if he was putting her name in public, he should have the minimum civility to ask her before he publishes this which was deliberately ignored.

"I have made out a prima facie case and the balance of convenience is in my favour. There is conclusive evidence of defamation and harassment having taken place. People who have served the country with utmost integrity are being accused by people who are nothing. These materials which destroy the honour and integrity of a person shall not be allowed to stay," Singh argued.

Naved said as a citizen, Gokhale has the right to go into the assets of public functionaries. He also said Puri's husband is a union minister and that assets of such persons along with spouse should be in public domain but in this case, the money received from their daughter is not in public domain.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted two weeks' to Twitter Inc to file an affidavit, notarised in United States, on compliance with the new Information Technology (IT) Rules here and made it clear that it was not extending any protection to the micro-blogging platform.

The high court said that Central government was free to take action against Twitter Inc in case of any breach of the new IT Rules.

"It is made clear that since this court has not passed any interim order, this court has granted time to Respondent No 2 (Twitter Inc) to file affidavit, no protection is granted. It is open to Centre to take action against the Respondent 2 in case of any breach of the Rules," a bench of Justice Rekha Palli said while listing the matter for further hearing on July 28.

Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Twitter, told the court that it was not seeking any protection either. "The consequence (of non-compliance) is that the protection to intermediaries falls off. I'm not seeking any protection," he said.

The high court also directed that affidavits on compliance with the rules be also filed by the officers appointed by Twitter under the new IT Rules.

"Twitter prays for two weeks' time for filing notarised affidavit of competent official of respondent nos 2 (Twitter Inc). Two weeks time is granted. Scanned copies to be filed by Tuesday, July 13," the high court said after Poovayya submitted that he would get notarised affidavit from the US and the same would require some time.

The high court on July 6 had directed Twitter to inform it by July 8 as to when it will appoint a resident grievance officer (RGO) in compliance with the new IT Rules.

Poovayya told the court that pursuant to the direction, a note was filed, clarifying the status of appointment of the interim chief compliance officer (CCO), interim RGO as well as a nodal contact person on interim basis.

While an interim CCO has already been appointed on July 6, an interim RGO and interim nodal contact officer will be appointed by July 11 and within two weeks, respectively, Poovayya told the court and said that Twitter was "actively recruiting for permanent position".

He said that usage of "interim" would not lessen the responsibilities imposed on these officers to ensure compliance with the new IT Rules. The high court, however, said "tomorrow you may take benefit of 'interim'. This (your stand) is neither in the letter (to the Centre) nor on an affidavit".

Poovayya explained that since Twitter was in the process of setting up a liaison office in India, it could not appoint "permanent employees". "Interim does not take away the responsibility of the officer under the rules. Permanent employee without a liaison office would have tax issues etc. There is no difference in obligation," he told the bench.

Poovayya added that presently, the contact address of Twitter Inc was that of a legal counsel in Bengaluru and that he was "unable to put a date" as to when the liaison office would be established in India. "It is admittedly not done in three months. COVID and a lot of other precipitative things happened. By the end of this week, we will file a compliance report," he explained.

The senior advocate clarified that compliance was without prejudice to Twitter's right to challenge the new IT Rules. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for Centre, objected to the absence of any affidavit and affirmation from Twitter.

With regards Twitter's stand that it would "endeavour in good faith" to comply with the rules and appointment of officers was via a third party contractor, the law officer said that he sought accountability from the micro blogging website.

"This is not diplomatic parlance. We want accountability, full accountability of great servitude. It can't be left in half-way house via third party," Sharma said.

Poovayya explained that the word "endeavour" was used to avoid being in contempt of court in case of non-compliance, to which the court responded, "you are already in contempt.Now you are trying to salvage the situation".

The court nonetheless added that it would take Twitter has the bonafide intent to comply with the rules. The Centre said in its affidavit that Twitter has failed to comply with India's new IT Rules, which could lead to its losing immunity conferred under the IT Act.

The affidavit had said that Twitter has failed to comply with the IT Rules, 2021 as on July 1 for the following reasons -- chief compliance officer has not been appointed; the positions of RGO and nodal contact person are vacant, and the physical contact address, which was shown to be there on May 29, is not available again on Twitter website.

Petitioner-lawyer Amit Acharya, represented through Senior Advocate G Tushar Rao and advocate Akash Bajpai, said in his plea that he came to know about the alleged non-compliance when he tried to lodge a complaint against a couple of tweets.
By PTI

SRINAGAR: Four militants were killed in two separate gunbattles with security forces in Kulgam and Pulwama districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, police said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Zodar area of Kulgam district following information about presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened firing on the security forces, who retaliated.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants have been killed in the operation which was going on till last reports came in.

In another operation at Puchal in Pulwama district, two militants have been killed, the official said, adding that further details were awaited.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will hear on July 20 the Amazon plea against the Delhi High Court verdict which stayed the directive by its single-judge and paved the way for the multi-billion dollar deal to amalgamate Future Retail Ltd (FRL) with Reliance Retail.

A bench of Justices RF Nariman, KM Joseph and BR Gavai was informed by senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the Future group, that a Singapore tribunal will commence hearing on the issue from July 12 and requested that the proceedings on the appeals be adjourned for a week.

Senior advocate Gopal Subramanian, appearing for the US-based e-commerce giant, said he had no problem if the hearing on the appeals was adjourned by a week, as they will be busy next week before the tribunal.

The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on July 20. On February 22, the top court had asked the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) not to pass the final order on the amalgamation. The Future group had moved the tribunal seeking regulatory approvals to the Rs 24,713 crore deal with Reliance.

Amazon moved the top court against the order of the Delhi High Court division bench which paved the way for the Reliance-FRL deal. On February 8, the division bench had stayed the single judge direction to FRL and various statutory authorities to maintain status quo on the mega deal.

The interim direction was passed on FRL's appeal challenging the February 2 order of the single judge. The high court division bench had also declined Amazon's request to keep its order in abeyance for a week so that it can explore appropriate remedies.

In August last year, the Future group had reached an agreement to sell its retail, wholesale, logistics and warehousing units to Reliance. Subsequently, Amazon took FRL into an emergency arbitration before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) over an alleged breach of contract by the Future group.

Amazon had first filed a plea before the high court (single judge) for enforcement of the October 25, 2020 Emergency Arbitrator (EA) award by SIAC restraining FRL from going ahead with its Rs 24,713 crore deal with Reliance Retail.

The high court division bench had however said that it was staying the single judge order as FRL was not a party to the share subscription agreement (SSA) between Amazon and Future Coupons Pvt Ltd (FCPL) and the US e-commerce giant was not a party to the deal between FRL and Reliance Retail.

It had further said it was of the prima facie view that the shareholding agreement (SHA) between FRL and FCPL, the SSA between FCPL and Amazon and the deal between FRL and Reliance Retail "are different" and "therefore, the group of companies doctrine cannot be invoked".

Another reason given by the court for its interim order was that there was prima facie no reason to seek a status quo order before the single judge. The high court had said there were a lot of contentious issues involved in the matter and it was not going to adjudicate on them at this stage.

It had also said that its observations were only prima facie and the single judge ought not to be influenced by them when pronouncing the order on Amazon's plea for enforcement of the EA award by SIAC restraining FRL from going ahead with the deal.

FRL, in its appeal, had claimed that if the February 2 order was not stayed it "would be an absolute disaster" for it as the proceedings before the NCLT for approving the amalgamation scheme have been put on hold.

It had contended that the single judge's status quo order will effectively derail the entire scheme which has been approved by statutory authorities in accordance with law.

In its suit before the single judge for enforcing the EA award, Amazon has sought to restrain FRL from taking any steps to complete the transaction with entities that are a part of the Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani (MDA) Group.

Amazon has also sought detention of the Biyanis, directors of FCPL and FRL and other related parties in civil prison and attaching of their properties for alleged "wilful disobedience" of the EA order.

After the SIAC's EA order, Amazon wrote to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), stock exchanges and CCI, urging them to take into consideration the arbitrator's interim decision as it is a binding order.

FRL thereafter moved the high court to restrain Amazon from writing to Sebi, CCI and other regulators about SIAC's order, saying it amounts to interfering with the agreement with Reliance.

A single judge on December 21 last year had on FRL's plea passed an interim order allowing Amazon to write to the statutory authorities, but also observed that prima facie it appeared the US e-commerce giant's attempt to control Future Retail was violative of FEMA and FDI rules.

Against the observation, Amazon moved an appeal before a division bench and during its pendency, it filed the suit for the enforcement of the EA award.
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Having burnt its fingers because of sluggish response during the initial stages of the Covid second wave, the first meeting of the recast Cabinet presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought to quickly address challenges from the anticipated third wave by rustling up a Rs 23,123 crore healthcare package.

The package aims to create paediatric units in all 736 districts because of the apprehension that the third wave could affect children. The Centre also intends to build synergy with state governments while implementing the package as against the policy of passing the buck to states during the second wave.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya said the Centre and the states will work as a team to implement the package between July and March, for which consultations will be held with each state government on ways to strengthen their medical infrastructure. The nine-month span is the upper limit for executing the plan, he assured.

Mandaviya stressed that the government will expedite work on addressing critical issues based on the lessons learnt from the second wave, like augmenting oxygen beds, adding ambulances and ensuring availability of critical medicines.

The Rs 23,123 crore package is a follow up to the Rs 15,000 crore package provided by the Centre last year to deal with the first wave of the pandemic. Making it clear that the government does not want to take any chances with the third wave, Mandaviya said the spread and sweep of the package will include creation of field hospitals with 5,000 bed capacities, ICU and oxygen beds, buffer stock of critical medicines worth `1 crore in each district and setting up 10,000 litre oxygen plants.

Also, the Centre will work with states for uniformity in the manner in which trained human resources like resident doctors, interns, final year MBBS students and paramedics are roped in for emergency services for a fixed duration with standardised compensation.

The plan includes augmenting 20,000 ICU beds in the public healthcare system, out of which 20% will be reserved for children. For rural, peri-urban and tribal areas, creating pre-fabricated structures for adding additional beds at the existing CHCs, PHCs and SHCs (6-20 bedded units) and support would also be provided to establish bigger field hospitals (50-100 bedded units) depending on the needs at tier-II or Tier-III cities and district HQs will be part of the package. It will also provide for adding 8,800 ambulances to the existing fleet in the public sector.

Outreach to restive farmers

The Union Cabinet also sought to address concerns of the agitating farmers by allowing inclusion of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Cooperatives (mandis) in the Rs 1 lakh crore interest subvention scheme unveiled in the Union Budget for creation of agriculture infrastructure
By PTI

NEW DELHI: India and Gambia on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen and promote bilateral cooperation in personnel administration and governance reforms.

The cooperation in improving performance management system in government, implementation of contributory pension scheme and e-recruitment in government form part of the areas to be covered under the MoU, a statement issued by the Personnel Ministry said.

"It was mutually decided that towards formation of work plan, a meeting of joint working group would be held soon," it said.

The MoU was signed by Sanjay Singh, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, and Lamin E Singhateh, Charge d'Affairs on behalf of the Public Service Commission of the Gambia, the statement said.

The signing ceremony was attended virtually by senior officers of the Gambian Public Service Commission, Ministry of External Affairs and the Ambassador, Embassy of India, Senegal, which is accredited to the Gambia, it added.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: India's education system has taken a giant leap with the introduction of the new National Education Policy (NEP), newly-appointed Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Thursday.

Pradhan was given the education portfolio in a reshuffle-cum-expansion of the Union Council of Ministers on Wednesday. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Subhas Sekhar and Annapurna Devi were appointed Ministers of State for Education.

In his first meeting as Education Minister, Pradhan said, "India has got a new education policy after a period of 34 years. With the introduction of the National Education Policy-2020, the Indian education system has taken a giant leap in fostering an environment for a future-ready 21st century India."

"We are committed to making students and youth the primary stakeholders in propelling India towards an equitable knowledge society. The policy has not only been welcomed in India but also foreign countries," he said.

The meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attended by heads of centrally-funded technical institutions, including IITs and IISc. Pradhan emphasised that the NEP will be instrumental in meeting the expectations of the prime minister from innovators, researchers and scientists.

"The government will continue to set new benchmarks in integrating education with employment and making it more inclusive, holistic, multi-disciplinary and at par with global standards," he said.

During the interaction, Govindan Rangarajan of IISc Bangalore, Subhasis Chaudhuri of IIT Bombay, Bhaskar Ramamurthi of IIT Madras, and Abhay Karandikar of IIT Kanpur, gave presentations to the prime minister and highlighted various ongoing projects, academic work, and new research being done in the country.

Modi was apprised about Covid-related research being done that encompasses developing new techniques for testing, Covid vaccine development efforts, indigenous oxygen concentrators, oxygen generators, cancer cell therapy, modular hospitals, hotspot prediction, ventilators production, efforts in the fields of robotics, drones, online education, battery technology.

The prime minister was also informed about new academic courses, especially the online courses that are being developed, as per the changing nature of the economy and technology.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee is an "incidental beneficiary" of the highly polarised West Bengal assembly elections and not the "only anti-Modi face" capable of taking on the BJP in the next Lok Sabha polls.

Chowdhury also defends his frequent criticism of the TMC supremo, calling it the right decision for the benefit of his party.

Talking about the prospects of a broader anti-BJP coalition ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2024, the leader of the Congress party in the House, insists no opposition front can succeed without Congress' participation.

"The elections in West Bengal this time were highly polarised on communal and regional identity. The people of the state who did not want the BJP en masse voted in favour of the TMC. The communal rhetoric and the threat and intimidation politics of the BJP leadership only helped Mamata Banerjee. Without taking away the credit for the fight she put up, I would say she is an incidental beneficiary in these elections," Chowdhury told PTI in an interview.

Acknowledging that the TMC's victory was "magnificent", the Congress veteran, however, said many regional opposition leaders had helmed their parties to triumph over the BJP. "It's true that she has put up a fight against the BJP and its election machinery. It's a magnificent victory, no doubt about it. But at the same time, she is not the only regional leader who has defeated the BJP. Arvind Kejriwal, Lalu Prasad Yadav, M K Stalin, Pinarayi Vijayan, too, have done the same. So, saying that she is the only (credible opposition) face (who could take on the BJP's might) would be an injustice to others," he said.

The West Bengal Congress chief rejected suggestions by a section of his partymen that he was more vocal against Banerjee than the BJP. "I have been vocal against both the TMC and the BJP. Yes, I had to attack the TMC when I saw they were destroying my Bengal unit by poaching our representatives. Whatever I have done, I have done for my party. I don't have any personal animosity with Mamata Banerjee," he said.

He chose not to respond to a question as to why the top Congress leadership desisted from attacking Banerjee and largely stayed away from the election campaign. However, Chowdhury said if the Congress party forges an alliance with the TMC in future, the state unit will "lower its tempo" against Banerjee.

Responding to a query about some opposition parties intending to ally against the BJP, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) member asserted, "No opposition alliance will succeed without the presence of Congress in it."

"The political landscape of our country is such that no opposition alliance against the BJP can succeed without the Congress. The Congress is still the biggest opposition party in the country with a pan-India presence," he said.

On his party's rout in the assembly polls in West Bengal, where it drew a blank, Chowdhury said the elections were completely polarised along communal and regional lines but hoped that the Congress, which ruled the state for more than two decades since independence, will revive soon.

Chowdhury noted that the Sitalkuchi incident in Coochbehar, where firing by central forces led to the killing of four Muslims during the polling, polarised minority voters. "The Sitalkuchi incident led to further polarisation as voters in Malda, Murshidabad (considered Congress strongholds) also voted for the TMC," he said.

The Congress had fought the assembly polls in alliance with the CPM and Muslim cleric Abbas Siddiqui's ISF. Except for ISF, which bagged one seat, the CPM-led Left Front and the Congress failed to open their account for the for the first time in assembly polls.

When asked whether the Congress will form alliance with with CPM and the ISF in future, too, Chowdhury categorically said, "No relations with ISF". "We never had any relations with the ISF. It was CPM which shared their seats with them. The ISF had pitched candidates against us in many seats. We will have no relation with the ISF in the future, too," he said.

Replying to a question about the recent media reports that former Congress president Rahul Gandhi will likely replace him as the leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, Chowdhury said he is not aware of any such move.

"I am not aware of any such development. I am a loyal soldier of the party. Whatever duty it assigns me, I would do my best. If Rahul Gandhi replaces me as the leader of our party in Lok Sabha, I would be the happiest person," he said.

Lauding Rahul Gandhi's leadership qualities, Chowdhury said the BJP deliberately tries to discredit him as it is "afraid of him". "Every time there is a failure, everybody starts questioning Rahul Gandhi. The fact is that these failures are a collective responsibility. The Congress party has been on the decline since the 1989 Lok Sabha polls. So why single out Rahulji?" he said.

Speaking about Congress leaders leaving the party, with former President Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit being the latest addition, Chowdhury wondered whether their deserting or joining a party would make any difference.

"Everybody is free to make their own decisions. But Abhijit Mukherjee leaving the party won't have any impact. He was chief of the state's campaign committee during the polls. You can't show me a single statement from him criticising the BJP or the TMC during the elections," he said.
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A dozen Union Ministers on Wednesday seemingly paid the price for the perceived erosion of Brand Modi within the BJP, in the wake of the ferocious second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Harsh Vardhan, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar led the pack of ministers axed from the council of ministers, with BJP leaders attributing these ousters to their failure during the second wave, which ravaged all parts of the country, with heavy toll of the people.

Vardhan had been in the line of fire apparently for not anticipating the second wave of the pandemic, even while the ministers and the BJP leaders made a chorus to hail the leadership of the Prime Minister for victory against the pandemic despite Maharashtra, Kerala and a few other states giving warning signals.

He headed the Group of Ministers on Covid-19. Yet, India was seen wanting in the vaccination drive, besides flip-flop on vaccine procurement policy. Then, the West Bengal Assembly elections and Kumbh Mela celebrations in Haridwar were attributed for the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases.

ALSO READ | All you need to know about newly-inducted ministers in Narendra Modi's cabinet

The BJP leaders claimed that Prasad, 66, as the Union Minister for Law and Justice, also faced axe from the Cabinet due to the Centre facing embarrassing moments in the courts. There were times when the government was sweating out to explain its vaccine procurement policy and oxygen management when people struggled to get hospital beds in various parts of the country. The BJP leaders, while explaining the axing of the senior ministers, claimed that Brand Modi took a hit, with the Central government seen in the eyes of the people as passing the buck to the state governments in the management of the second wave of the pandemic.

Javadekar, 70, being the Information and Broadcasting Minister, is seen within the BJP to have failed to deliver as the governments first spokesperson, while the image of the Centre took a beating during the second wave of Covid-19. He was seen as distant from the media, while the government got much of the bad press during the pandemic, said a senior BJP functionary.

While Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank had been admitted in the AIIMS for post-Covid complications, BJP leaders said that the Ministry of Education needed a little more dynamism. Sadananda Gowda, again, was seen not active in the government. Gowda was made the Minister for Railways by the Prime Minister in his first term, but he had to shed the portfolio due to lack of dynamism. Santosh Gangwar, Babul Supriyo, Sanjay Dhotre, Rattan Lal Kataria, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Debasree Chaudhary were among the Ministers of State who lost their positions in the council of ministers.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with directors of centrally-funded technical institutions and stressed on the need to adapt higher and technical education to the changing environment and emerging challenges.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Modi noted that technological and R&D institutions will play a major role in the upcoming decade, which, he added, is also being called as "India's Techade".

Interacting with over 100 heads of institutions via video-conferencing, Modi highlighted the need to focus on developing futuristic solutions in the fields of education, healthcare, agriculture, defense, and cyber technologies.

He also lauded the research and development work done by these institutions towards meeting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciated the efforts of young innovators towards providing quick technological solutions.

In a tweet, Modi later said, "Had an enriching interaction with Directors of leading IITs and @iiscbangalore during which we exchanged thoughts on a wide range of subjects including making India a hub for R&D, innovation and popularising science among the youth."

Had an enriching interaction with Directors of leading IITs and @iiscbangalore during which we exchanged thoughts on a wide range of subjects including making India a hub for R&D, innovation and popularising science among the youth. https://t.co/x5vajvz3gf  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2021

Emphasising the need to adapt to changing environment and emerging challenges, Modi said this requires the institutions to reinvent and reevaluate themselves, develop alternative and innovative models in accordance with the present and future needs of the country and society.

The PMO said that h stressed that the country's higher educational and technical institutions need to prepare the youth for continuous disruptions and changes, keeping in mind the fourth industrial revolution.

He underlined the need to progress towards education models that are flexible, seamless, and are able to provide learning opportunities according to the requirements of the learners. He said that access, affordability, equity, and quality should be the core values of such education models.

Appreciating the improvement in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education in the past few years, Modi said digitalization of higher education can play a big role in increasing GER, and students will have easier access to good quality and affordable education.

He also highlighted the need to develop an ecosystem of technological education in Indian languages and translate global journals into regional languages. "Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan" (Self-reliant India campaign) will form the basis of dreams and aspirations of India in the coming 25 years when it celebrates 100 years of Independence, he said.

Newly appointed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Ministers of State for Education were present during the interaction. During the interaction, Prof Govindan Rangarajan of IISc Bangalore, Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri of IIT Bombay, Prof.

Bhaskar Ramamurthi of IIT Madras, and Prof Abhay Karandikar of IIT Kanpur gave presentations to the prime minister and highlighted various ongoing projects, academic work, and new research being done in the country.
By PTI

SHILLONG: Thirty-nine days after five miners were trapped in a flooded coal mine in Meghalayas East Jaintia Hills district, the state government has called off the rescue operation due to incessant rainfall, an official said on Thursday.

After three bodies could be retrieved from inside the mine since mid-June, the district administration was forced to take the decision given the increasing water level at the illegal rat-hole mine due to continuous rainfall in the area for the past many days, the official said.

"Due to heavy rains, the water level rose inside the 152-metre-deep pit hampering diving operations in the mineshaft for the retrieval of bodies," deputy commissioner E Kharmalki told PTI.

Since the suspension of the operation on Tuesday night, rescuers from the Indian Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF0 and the Fire Services have left for their respective places of posting, the official said.

The team from the Indian Navy left the district on Wednesday.

"Considering the onset of the monsoons, the diving teams are required for rescue operations elsewhere in the country," the deputy commissioner said.

The services of the NDRF and SDRF have also been de- requisitioned with effect from Wednesday evening, he said.

The rat-hole mine at Umpleng, about 20 km from Khliehriat, the headquarters of East Jaintia Hills district, was flooded trapping five migrant workers four from Assam and one from Tripura- after a dynamite explosion on May 30.

Six co-workers of the trapped miners escaped the tragedy as they were outside the mine at the time of the incident and they were escorted to their homes.

The police had arrested the owner of the coal mine, Shining Langstang, and charged him with violation of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order banning unscientific mining and transportation of coal.

"The 'Sordar' (mine manager) is on the run and a lookout notice has been issued since he was the one who brought the workers from Assam and Tripura to work in the illegal mine," a senior police officer had said.

In 2018, a similar accident had taken place at Lumthari in the same district, about 20 km away from the coal mine at Umpleng.

Hazardous rat-hole coal mining is not permitted in Meghalaya after the NGT banned it in 2014.

A deep vertical shaft is dug till coal seams are found in the rat-hole mining.

Once the seams are found, coal is taken out through small holes along the horizontal line of the coal seams.
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

PATNA: Did Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, sacrifice the second ministerial berth of JD-U quota to end the nascent political career of Chirag Paswan? According to political experts, the JD-U sacrificed the second ministerial berth in order to accommodate Pashupati Kumar Paras of the LJPs splinter group in order to prevent the entry of Chirag Paswan from the LJP quota.

Lok Janshakti Party leader Pashupati Kumar

Paras leaves his residence for swearing-in

ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi

on Wednesday | Pti

In fact, political experts believe that the inclusion of Paras in the Union Cabinet was possible only when the JD-U sacrificed on its behalf. For this, Nitish played a big role to bring Paras to Delhi. Sources said Chirag was supposed to be the PMs natural choice because he is still considered to be close to Modi. The JD-U had allegedly engineered a spilt in the LJP with five MPs headed by Paras.

And with the vertical split in the LJP, the next strategy began to teach a lesson to Chirag, who had played politics against the JD-U in the last years Bihar elections. With the sacrifice of a second ministerial berth, JD-U succeeded in killing two birds with one stone ousting Chirag from the NDA fold and damaging the BJPs Paswan votes.

It goes without saying that JD-U might have got only one ministerial berth, but it has succeeded in playing politics against both Chirag and BJP. Now, a strong message has gone among the Paswan community that the BJP just used and threw Chirag, said a political analysts, adding that politics will take an unprecedented turn in Bihar now with which way Chirag goes ahead. It is speculated that Chirag will join the Mahagatvandhan which, the observer said, will end up damaging the BJP in the eastern state.
By Express News Service

LUCKNOW: With an eye on the 2022 Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inducted a maximum seven new ministers from Uttar Pradesh in the Union Council of Ministers. Knowing well that the non-Yadav OBC and non-Jatav Scheduled Castes (SC) had played an integral role in BJPs historic 312 seats in 2017, the Wednesdays Cabinet expansion kept in mind addressing the caste arithmetic of UP, as barring one new minister, Ajay Kumar Mishra Teni, all others hailed from the OBC or the SC segment.

With the Patel (Kurmi) caste being second only to Yadavs in numbers in the OBC, two new inductees Pankaj Chaudhary and Anupriya Singh Patel are from the same caste, which has traditionally aligned with

the BJP. The return of Anupriya (daughter of powerful Kurmi community leader late Sonelal Patel) in Team Modi is being seen as a timely effort by the BJP to keep Apna Dal (S) in good humour.

The third OBC leader to make to the Union Cabinet is BL Verma. He belongs to the influential Lodh Rajput community which has a strong presence in central UP and Braj region.The three new SC inductees are Kaushal Kishore (who is considered close to Amit Shah), five-time MPs Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma and SPS Baghel.

Through the re-induction of powerful SC leader Dr Virender Kumar (presently the third time MP from Tikamgarh) of Madhya Pradeshs Bundelkhand region, the BJP has tried to strike a chord with the SC voters of adjoining Bundelkhand region of UP also.

Keeping Brahmin vote in mind, the NDA inducted two-time MP from Lakhimpur Kheri seat Ajay Kumar

Mishra Teni.The Cabinet expansion, however, didnt have any new minister from the Jat caste which is at the forefront of the nationwide farmers agitation.

NISHAD Party gets raw deal from Centre

Apart from the Jat community which did not find place in the revamped Union Council of Ministers, another notable exception was BJP ally NISHAD Party, whose president Sanjay Nishad has recently tried to play pressure politics with the BJP, demanding that he be declared deputy chief minister face of the ruling alliance while going into the 2022 polls.
By PTI

AURANGABAD: Shiv Sena leader Chandrakant Khaire on Thursday said the induction of Aurangabad BJP leader Dr Bhagwat Karad into the Union cabinet will have no impact on the civic polls and the Sena will have an upper hand in the elections.

The civic body polls, which were supposed to take place in April 2020, were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the poll dates have not been declared yet, political parties have started making statements. "I have congratulated Dr Bhagwat Karad on his induction into the Union cabinet as a minister of state in the Ministry of Finance," the former MP said.

Although Karad has been made a minister in the Central government, this will have no impact on the Aurangabad civic body polls, he said. "The Sena will come to power in the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation and we will have our mayor. We have a strong cadre here and the party is preparing for elections although the dates are yet to be declared," Khaire said.
By PTI

KOLKATA: BJP MLA Ashok Lahiri said on Thursday that the Trinamool Congress government has fared well in terms of the development of West Bengal as compared to the previous Left Front government.

Lahiri, a well-known economist who has served as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, made the comment when asked about the performance of present Finance Minister Amit Mitra and his predecessor Asim Dasgupta.

"This is a very difficult question to answer. I know both of them so well. But, I believe that West Bengal is doing better under the present Trinamool Congress government in terms of development," he told reporters at the state Assembly.

It was Lahiri's first day at the Assembly after winning the state elections from the Balurghat seat.

Speaking on the state Budget in the House, he said the West Bengal government has devised several welfare schemes for the people but should make the list of beneficiaries public.

Audit of the accounts of the state government by CAG should also be done to reflect the real financial picture of the various departments, he said.

The state government should also divulge the details of the Centre-sponsored schemes which are in force in West Bengal, Lahiri said.

Meanwhile, BJP skipped the Business Advisory Committee meeting after their adjournment motion over the dubious vaccination camps case was not admitted by Speaker Biman Banerjee.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikary said, "We did not boycott the meeting but remained absent since our adjournment motion was not admitted by the speaker. We did it for the sake of the common people. Everything should be reciprocal."
By PTI

BENGALURU: Twitter India Managing Director Manish Maheshwari on Thursday sought the quashing of a notice issued by the Uttar Pradesh police seeking his physical presence in connection with a case registered for uploading and circulating a "communal sensitive" video on the platform.

Appearing on behalf of Maheshwari before the single bench of Justice G Narendar in the Karnataka High Court, his counsel CV Nagesh contended that the notice under Section 41 -A of the CrPC was issued "without jurisdiction, without the sanction of law".

He claimed that the first notice was issued on June 17 under Section 160 of the CrPC. The legal obligation under Section 160 of the CrPC is based upon a person who resides at a place which is located within the territorial jurisdiction of the police station where the crime is registered, the counsel argued.

After the notice under Section 160 was issued, Maheshwari told the investigators that he did not know anything about the issue, Nagesh said. He added that even if Maheshwari appeared before them in person, the reply would be the same. "The IO (investigating officer) was not satisfied because there was a hidden agenda. Then what he (IO) did is, he invoked the powers under Section 41-A of the CrPC, which is not right," he alleged.

"Law does not empower him (the IO) to do so. It is an act which has been done without the sanction of law," the counsel argued. The Twitter MD resides in Bengaluru, and his office is located in the city, Nagesh pointed out.

Maheshwari had earlier indicated that he was prepared to cooperate with the investigation through video conference. The case has been posted for further hearing on Friday. The Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) police issued the notice under Section 41-A of the CrPC on June 21 asking him to report at the Loni Border police station at 10:30 AM on June 24.

Maheshwari then approached the Karnataka High Court as he lives in Bengaluru in Karnataka. On June 24, the High Court, in an interim order, restrained the Ghaziabad police from initiating any coercive action against him.

Justice Narendar had also maintained that if the police wanted to examine him, they could do so through virtual mode. The Ghaziabad Police on June 15 booked Twitter Inc, Twitter Communications India Pvt.Ltd.

(Twitter India), news website The Wire, journalists Mohammed Zubair and Rana Ayyub, besides Congress leaders Salman Nizami, Maskoor Usmani, Shama Mohamed and writer Saba Naqvi. They were booked over the circulation of a video in which an elderly man, Abdul Shamad Saifi, alleges he was thrashed by some young men who also asked him to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' on June five.

According to police, the video was shared to cause communal unrest.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: "Long and repeated battles" between the Union and the Delhi government came under scanner of the Supreme Court which on Thursday said both of them seemed to have adopted "my way or the high way" approach making governance and needing collaboration difficult.

The observations on the continuing face off between the two governments came in a judgement by which the top court held that the Delhi Legislative Assembly and its committee have the power to compel attendance of members and outsiders.

It also dismissed the plea of Facebook India Vice President and MD Ajit Mohan and others challenging the summons issued by the house for failing to appear before it as witness in connection with the north-east Delhi riots last year.

"No governance model requiring such collaboration can work if either of the two sides take a 'my way or the high way' approach - which both seem to have adopted," said a bench comprising justices S K Kaul, Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy.

The power tussle between Centre and the Delhi government has been going on since 2014 and a five-judge Constitution bench headed by the then CJI Dipak Misra in July 2018 had ruled that the Lieutenant Governor has no independent power to take decisions and is bound by the elected government's advice.

In today's judgement, the top court advised the Centre and the Delhi government on collaborative governance and asked the AAP government to recognize the constitutional scheme of division of powers.

Simultaneously, it said that the Centre is required to work in tandem with a different political dispensation.

"The political dispensation which is in power in the State has to recognize the constitutional scheme of division of powers in Delhi which circumscribes their ability to work only within those powers. When they got elected, they knew what they were getting elected for  not what they thought should be the division of powers.

"On the other hand, the Central Government is required to work in tandem, albeit with a different political dispensation. Maturity is required from both sides and we have to reluctantly note the absence of such maturity in this important inter- relationship," it said.

To work well, the Central Government and the State Government have to walk "hand in hand or at least walk side by side for better governance," it said.

"The failure to do so is really a breach of their respective electoral mandate, the seven Lok Sabha seats are all held by the powers that be in the Central Government but a very different result came in the Assembly Elections. This has seen a repeat," it said.

It is a reflection of the maturity of the electorate which has chosen to put one dispensation in power in the Centre while seeking to choose another in the State as the roles are divergent, it said.

The two governments "unfortunately do not seek to recognize this aspect," it said, adding that it is the bane of this structure requiring collaboration and concurrence and unfortunately, it has become an endeavour to score points over the other.

Writing the 188-page verdict, Justice Kaul said an unfortunate violent incident had erupted and "the need to go into this incident both from a legal and social perspective cannot be belittled."

It is in this background that the Assembly sought to constitute a peace and harmony committee , the verdict said.

"However, we may note that the long and repeated battles between the State and the Centre appear to have cast a shadow even over the well-meaning intent of the Committee to assess peace and harmony as reflected in the Terms of Reference," it said while holding that the Delhi assembly and its panels have the right to summon a member and others to come and depose.

The top court referred to the unique history related to collaborative administration of the national capital and said the "my way or the high way" approach, seemingly adopted by both the governments, have made the governance difficult.

"We may record that the Central Government and the State Government have been unable to see eye to eye on governance issues in Delhi. This has been responsible for a spate of litigation and despite repeated judicial counsel to work in tandem, this endeavour has not been successful," it said.

"There is little doubt that the constitution of the governance model in Delhi is somewhat unique" it said adding that "this itself flows from Delhi being the capital of the country and it has had a history of having an assembly replaced by a model of Union Territory governance through executive councillors".

"There were long years of tussle to have a Legislative Assembly with commonality of objectives across the primary political space, but whoever was in governance found it difficult to let go," it said.

The model that came into being had somewhat of a hybrid character, giving an expanded role to the Central Government, it said.

"The arrangement worked well for many years even with different political dispensations in power in the Centre and the State. But the last few years have seen an unfortunate tussle on every aspect with the State Government seeking to exercise powers as any other Assembly and the Central Government unwilling to let them do so," it said.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Several ministers, who took charge after a major Cabinet reshuffle, on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and vowed to realise his vision for the country.

Newly appointed Union ministers and those elevated in the Cabinet reshuffle, including Ashwini Vaishnaw, Anurag Thakur and Mansukh Mandaviya, took charge of their respective ministries on Thursday.

Bureaucrat-entrepreneur-turned-politician Vaishnaw, took charge as the country's new railway minister, while Thakur who was elevated as Information and Broadcasting Minister also assumed office. Vaishnaw also holds two other important portfolios of Communications and Electronics, and Information Technology.

"I thank the honourable prime minister for the great opportunity he has given me to serve the nation. Telecommunications, IT and Railways. There are lots of synergies in the three and I will be working to ensure that his vision is implemented," Vaishnaw told reporters.

"Excellent work has been done in the railways over the past 67 years. I am here to take the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi forward," he said while taking charge.

Interacting with reporters after assuming charge as the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Thakur said that Prime Minister Modi has given him a huge responsibility and he will make best efforts to fulfil it.

He said reaching out to the masses through the Information and Broadcasting Ministry will be his main area of focus. "Modi ji has done fantastic work in the last seven years. My endeavour will be to meet his expectations, reach out to maximum people and take the legacy of my predecessors forward," Thakur said.

Late last night, Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was sworn in as a Cabinet minister, thanked Prime Minister Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda and the party leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility to serve as Civil Aviation Minister. "Looking forward to working under the guidance and vision of the PM to build a strong aviation sector for Aatmanirbhar Bharat!" Scindia tweeted.

Bhupender Yadav, who assumed charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and as the Labour Minister, said, "I am grateful to the prime minister. I have already taken charge as labour minister. Now I take charge as environment minister. I will put my best foot forward to fulfil the responsibility given to me by the PM and the confidence he has shown in me."

Mansukh Mandaviya, who took charge as the country's new health and family welfare minister, said he is committed to realizing Prime Minister Modi's dream of a healthy India. John Barla, who took charge as the Minister of State for Minority Affairs, thanked Prime Minister Modi for entrusting him with this assignment and said he would make all efforts to fulfil his responsibilities.

Subhas Sarkar, who took charge as the new Minister of State for Education, expressed his commitment to devote himself to fulfil the vision of the prime minister.

Bureaucrat-turned politician Raj Kumar Singh, who assumed charge as the Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, expressed gratitude to Modi for giving him the responsibility, and said the prime minister has shown great confidence and "we will live up to that".

In his brief interaction with the media after assuming charge, Singh said, "We have achieved targets of electrification set by the prime minister well before the schedule and will strive to ensure that the benefits of power and energy sector reach the common man.

In a major Union Cabinet makeover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dropped 12 ministers including Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, IT and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar and brought Sarbananda Sonowal, Narayan Rane and Scindia and 33 other new members to his government.

Apart from 15 Cabinet ministers, 28 Ministers of State, comprising new faces and those elevated, were sworn in at a ceremony which was held in the Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: A youth in Nagaland wielded a gun in public to win over a woman after a tiff but landed in jail.

The incident was reported from the commercial hub Dimapur. Police arrested the accused, Torin Tikhir, 25, and produced him in a local court. It sent him to judicial custody.

He chose the Gun instead of a Rose to woo his girlfriend but the neighborhood was least impressed with the gun slinging Romeo. One person arrested for illegal possession of a .22 caliber pistol from Padumpukhuri area. Case registered in East PS, the Dimapur Police tweeted.

Dimapur Police spokesman Relo T Aye said the accused, who is a truck driver, had some trouble in his relationship.

He had an argument with his girlfriend, so he comes with a pistol and starts the drama that he will shoot himself if she does not patch up. We arrested him after being alerted by the locals, Aye said.

He said the pistol was not licensed. The accused had borrowed it from a friend.

We are investigating how the friend of the accused managed to get hold of the gun. We will take action against him as well, the police spokesman added.

Gunrunning thrives in Nagaland. The weapons are smuggled from neighbouring Myanmar. A section of insurgents, lying low following their signing of ceasefire agreements with the Centre, runs the show.

The illegal arms market is organised and on a larger scale in Dimapur. There have been numerous incidents when illegal weapons, procured by elements from Dimapur, were seized by the police in Assam.
By PTI

RANCHI: The Jharkhand government on Thursday rescued 26 boys and girls of the state from various parts of Delhi where they had been trafficked, an official said here.

The children, most of whom were working as domestic help, were being brought back to Jharkhand.

Altogether 47 children of the state have been rescued from Delhi so far in July.

The official said that the state government's Integrated Rehabilitation-cum-Resource Centre in Delhi, with the help of local police, rescued the 26 children.

After they reach Jharkhand, they will get help from various state government schemes.

Earlier this month, 21 other children have also been rescued from Delhi and the national capital region.

They were residents of Sahibganj, West Singhbhum, Gumla, Dhanbad, Simdega and Bokaro districts of Jharkhand, the official said.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren recently said that his government has vowed to end the menaces of human trafficking and migrant workers' exploitation.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over the sight of crowded places with people not following COVID-19 norms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that there should be no space for carelessness or complacency and that a single mistake would have far-reaching impact and may weaken the fight against the pandemic.

This is not a pleasant sight and it should instill a "sense of fear in us", Modi said referring to pictures and videos of crowded places doing the rounds as he interacted with members of the Council of Ministers a day after he reshuffled and expanded it.

People are seen without wearing masks or following the social distancing norms, he said, according to sources.

ALSO READ: Actively pursuing enhancement of COVID vaccine availability through imports - Government

He stressed India's fight against the pandemic is underway with full vigour with the vaccination programme going on steadily and testing numbers also consistently high.

"He added that in such a time, there should be no space for carelessness or complacency. A single mistake would have far-reaching impacts and weaken the fight to overcome COVID-19," a source said.

"The PM said that with the Covid infection numbers being fewer than what they were in the recent months, people may want to venture out. However, everyone must remember that the threat of COVID-19 is far from over. Many other nations are seeing surges in infections. The virus is also mutating," he added.

ALSO READ: COVID situation in India vastly improved, hope countries would ease travel restrictions - MEA

Modi told the ministers that the aim should not be to instill fear but to request people to keep taking all possible precautions so that the nation is able to move beyond this pandemic in the times to come.

In the meeting, he expressed concern at the persistently high number of Covid cases coming from Maharashtra and Kerala, the sources said.

He also asked his ministers to reach office on time and channelise all their energy into their ministerial work, saying their focus should be on helping the most deprived people.

He said the new ministers can meet their predecessors and learn from their experience, the sources said.

He told the new ministers that those no longer part of the government have made contributions and newcomers can learn from them, the sources said.

In a word of advice, he said it is the work that only matters and the ministers should not get trapped in the vicious circle of grabbing media attention.

He said ministers should avoid making unnecessary statements.
Atanu Biswas By

While some digital media companies are in confrontation with the Government of India, this may be part of a bigger battle worldwide that the Silicon Valley companies will have to face as more governments around the world are challenging their so-called principles on online freedom. In an interview on BBCs Andrew Marr Show in March 2017, Amber Rudd, the then UK Home Secretary, condemned end-to-end encryption, which protects the privacy of WhatsApp users. Rudd was of the firm opinion that there should be no place for terrorists to hide. Then, in an opinion piece in The Daily Telegraph in July 2017, Rudd said that real people are not really interested in security features that stop the government and criminals from reading their messages. Although some critics called her claim dangerous and misleading, her idea persists. Subsequently, in July 2019, senior ministers from the group Five Eyes, comprising the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, said encryption should not come at the expense of public safety. The Five Eyes are united that tech firms should not develop their systems and services, including end-to-end encryption, in ways that empower criminals or put vulnerable people at risk, said British Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Meanwhile, Russia is increasingly pressuring Google, Twitter and Facebook to adhere to the Kremlin internet crackdown orders or risk restrictions inside the country. A Russian court recently fined Google six million rubles for not taking down a piece of illegal content. President Vladimir Putin recently signed a law ordering Facebook and Twitter to store all data on Russian users within the country.

We know that the influence of these online platforms on society is tremendous. The Cambridge Analytica episode would keep haunting us for many more years to come. As these tech platforms are becoming instrumental in many activities of national and international importancefrom election campaigns to organising various types of protestsnot to ignore several kinds of criminal acts as well, it is not surprising that they will be pressured to abide by the rules and guidelines of the lands.

This, however, is just one side of the coin. The other side is no less important. While the US is trying to protect Big Techs business interest in the international arena, there is every sign that it is trying to clip their wings at home. This June, when Joe Biden appointed 32-year-old Lina Khan as a commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission, Elizabeth Warren, who ran on breaking up Big Tech in her 2020 presidential campaign, described Khans appointment as tremendous news. And Financial Times reaction was: Khan, the New Antitrust Chief taking on Big Tech! Yes, Khan emerged as the leader of the hipster antitrust movement among young scholars since her paper titled Amazons Antitrust Paradox was published in the Yale Law Journal in January 2017. A small group of private executives are setting the rules of who gets to use the infrastructure and on what terms, Khan said in a recent BBC interview.

Australias recent face-off with Facebook has tremendous potential to reshape the future of the tech giants grip on this planet. Australian news outlets complained about the role of the digital giants in destroying their business model. Consequently, the Australian parliament got engaged in the process of passing a law that would force Facebook and Google to pay publishers if they host their content. Reportedly, both Google and Facebook put forth the argument that their platforms enhance the visibility of news content, and also that the proposed rules would expose the Internet companies to unmanageable levels of financial and operational risk.

The two companies, however, have responded in different ways. While Google has agreed to multimillion-dollar contracts with some major Australian news outlets, Facebook retaliatedit banned Australian users from sharing or viewing such content on the platform. It intensified the bitter war. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his country would not be intimidated by an American tech company. They may be changing the world, but that doesnt mean they run it, Morrison said. Did Morrison sound similar to Khan?

Facebooks tussle down under may be a changing point in the history of the digital world that would redefine the relationships of big tech companies with society. The rest of the world keenly watched the face-off, and a bigger war might be brewing. Countries such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines being home to the most Facebook users outside the US, it would be a completely different ball game if such issues pop up in some of these nations in the near future. In any case, after a series of talks between Australia and Facebook, a concession deal was struck and Facebook restored Australian news pages after Canberra offered four amendments to the proposed law. Still, that may be the beginning of a war in the broader perspective. Microsoft had urged Joe Biden to bring in similar legislation in the US. There are signs that countries such as the UK, Canada and nations of the European Union are impressed with the Australian law.

Overall, is an opening of floodgates in different countries on the cards then? There might well be a paradigm shift in the business model and type of functioning of the tech giants due to all these issues.

Atanu Biswas

Professor of Statistics, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata

(appubabale@gmail.com)
Recently, the Madras High Court issued two orders related to the accessibility of public facilities for persons with disabilities. In the first, it pulled up the state for purchasing buses that are inaccessible to disabled persons despite repeated HC orders mandating that all the buses be accessible. In the second order, it stressed that all public buildings must be made accessible to disabled persons and must have disabled-friendly toilets. That the court has had to repeatedly order the state to do what it is already bound to do by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 is a damning indictment of Tamil Nadus treatment of disabled persons. Of course, TN is hardly alone in this. From the Union governments websites to the very court buildings from which such orders are made, few, if any, of Indias facilities are accessible to persons living with disabilities.

The pandemic, which has affected everyone over the past two years, has further marginalised persons with disabilities, many of whom are already caught in a vicious loop of illiteracy and poverty, the direct results of an inaccessible environment. The irony is that most people will experience disability in some form or the other at some stage of our lives and most of us will experience the disabilities brought on by old age. Yet, be it bollards on sidewalks that make them inaccessible to wheelchair users or jails refusing a person with Parkinsons a sipper, the needs of the disabled are too often an afterthought.

An accessible environment must not be seen as a sop or concession made to a proportion of our population but as a right that allows a person to live a full life. It is high time that planners and policymakers begin to centre the experiences of those pushed to the margins and build infrastructure that incorporates their needs. Such infrastructure will benefit and provide a better quality of life to all people.
Photographs and reports of thousands of tourists enjoying the salubrious climes of hill stations unnerved the government to such an extent that on Tuesday, it had to remind the public that the Covid-19 pandemic was not yet over and they must not drop guard. Prolonged lockdowns and restrictions on social activities such as eating out, weddings and public gatherings have perhaps led to this. But as the government has warned, the footloose tourists must remember that health and safety come first, and leisure and fun can come later. While public health lies in the domain of the government, the people, too, have responsibilities that they owe to themselves. Every citizen has a duty to perform by following strict regimens required to control and stave off the virus. The job of controlling the disease cannot be left only to the government. Those thronging the hills to escape the heat of the plains must remember that the heavens will not fall if they skip a vacation; rather, falling prey to the virus can potentially be life-changing. Irresponsible behaviour is not limited only to the tourists. In Delhi, popular markets have had to be shut down after reopening as they failed to follow the norms of social distancing. The complaints by traders and market associations that it is the job of the authorities to enforce the norms are clearly misplaced. It is equally incumbent upon the shopkeepers to ensure that their customers wear masks, keep a healthy distance and not overcrowd.

While the government was quite quick to raise the red flag on the tourists, it must be remembered that it failed during the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar and the Assembly elections recently, both of which contributed to the second wave in no insignificant manner. While the government was silent on the Kumbh because it felt that cancelling the event would hurt religious sentiments, it repeatedly maintained that the elections were a constitutional requirement. It turned a blind eye solely because the BJP felt it had a good chance to wrest power in West Bengal. This sort of double standards will not help its own cause of controlling the pandemic.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: There was relief for Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday as the Special Court to hear cases against people's representatives dismissed a private complaint against him and eight others.

The complaint was filed by TJ Abraham, president of the Anti-Graft and Environmental Forum, seeking an order for an investigation into alleged corruption by the CM and others.

The complaint was filed against the CM, his son and BJP state Vice-President B Y Vijayendra, grandson Shashidhar Maradi, son-in-law Virupakshappa Yamakanmaradi, besides Sanjay Sree, son-in-law of Yediyurappas daughter Padmavathi, Cooperation Minister ST Somashekar and others.

The complainant had alleged that crores of rupees had exchanged hands, Yediyurappas family had received illegal gratification and the proceeds of the crime had been routed to Kolkata through a few shell companies to firms owned by Yediyurappas family members.

The court, which had reserved the orders after hearing arguments, dismissed the petition on Thursday.
Express News Service

MANGALURU: Two-time Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlajes induction into the Union council of ministers will bring her to the forefront of Karnataka politics once again after a gap of seven years. By replacing D V Sadananda Gowda, a fellow Vokkaliga, in the cabinet, 54-year-old Shobha will be one of the prominent Vokkaliga faces of the BJP to take on KPCC president D K Shivakumar and former chief minister and JDS leader H D Kumaraswamy.

Soon after her first election as MLA from Yeshwantpur in 2008, she had emerged as one of the important ministers in the first BJP government headed by B S Yediyurappa and later on by Jagadish Shetter, holding important portfolios like RDPR and Energy. But after she returned to BJP from KJP in 2014 along with Yediyurappa and became Lok Sabha MP, she did not get much prominence in the state politics and was mostly confined to Udupi-Chikkamagaluru. Sources said she had made a strong bid to return to state politics during the last Assembly election, but her attempts were thwarted by party leaders opposed to Yediyurappa.

In 2019, many within the party tried to ensure that she misses the ticket to contest again from Udupi-Chikkamagaluru by foisting false accusations that she is rarely found in her constituency, but they didnt succeed in their plan. There were constant efforts to cut her to size and it became more intense after Nalin Kumar Kateel became the partys state president, said a close confidante of Shobha.

As a Union minister now, Shobha, who hails from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada, is likely to regain her control over the party in the coastal region along with Old Mysuru and Malnad where she enjoys significant clout as a Vokkaliga leader. The people of Mysuru still remember her achievements as district minister. Dakshina Kannada BJP chief M Sudarshan said they can now expect her to bring a lot of development to the region.

Shobha Karandlaje (54)

Dakshina Kannada

2nd term Lok Sabha MP from Udupi-Chikkamagaluru

Was Minister in Karnataka Government with portfolios of Food and Civil Supplies, Power, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj

MA in Sociology from Mangalore University

Quit BJP in 2013 along with B S Yediyurappa and rejoined in 2014

Replaces DVS as Vokkaliga face in the cabinet
Dhinesh Kallungal By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The arrival of Covid-19 had raised fears of the remittance-dependent economy of Kerala, which is already under severe stress, suffering a jolt through reverse migration. However, data available with the NoRKA Roots Department and Airport Authority of India indicates that such fears might be unfounded.

The numbers show there is steady emigration  both fresh and repeat - to overseas destinations from Kerala amid the pandemic.

As per data available with NoRKA Roots on July 3, 2021, as many as 15,01,326 persons came back to Kerala since the outbreak of the pandemic via evacuation flights, private chartered flights, and flight services under the air-bubble agreement between various countries. Of this, 10,73,673 returnees cited job loss as the reason for their return to Kerala.

The traffic, though, was not all one way. Airport Authority of India stats that during the May 2020May 2021 period, as many as 28,40,303 people boarded flights to various destinations from the four airports in Kerala.

S Irudaya Rajan, chairman of the International Institute of Migration and Development, said, "First of all, I don't think the 15 lakh people who returned to Kerala were overseas job seekers. Of the 15 lakh who reached here, around 10 lakh people were original emigrant workers and the rest of them were their dependents like children, spouses, parents etc. In my analysis, close to 50 per cent of them had already returned to their job destinations when the flight services resumed, while around 30 per cent are getting ready to fly back once the air restrictions are eased."

ALSO READ | Kochi airport India's third busiest for international traffic during January-May 2021

Similarly, the 28 lakh air passengers who flew from here included the people who were left stranded by the first lockdown, and stuck tourists, transit passengers and passengers from neighbouring states etc.

"A detailed study is required to assess the actual number of people who returned and to find out how many of them had gone back to their job destinations and what is the status of those remaining. Moreover, I don't think the pandemic will give a severe jolt to the emigration from Kerala, he said.

CEO of NoRKA Roots Harikrishnan Namboothiri K said, "The figures indicate that a good number of people who returned here from various destinations have now gone back. Now we are in the process analyzing the real picture of the re-migration, fresh migration and reverse migration etc by juxtaposing these stats."

Numbers that tell the tale

Returnee Status as on 03.07.2021

Country No. of Returnees

UAE 890485

KSA 173561

Bahrain 44246

Kuwait 52032

Oman 136445

Qatar 147917

Others 56640

Total 1501326

Reason for Return

1 Loss of Job ** - 1073673

2 Others (including visa expiry) - 296240

3 Children below 10 years - 84154

4 Senior citizens - 30704

5 Pregnant women - 13641

6 Spouse of pregnant women - 2914

Total 1501326

ALSO WATCH | Kerala's Covid-19 fight: A tale of two waves | TNIE Documentary
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday criticised the government for not controlling the overcrowding and sinuous queues in front of Bevco outlets amidst the pandemic. The court observed that the dignity of persons standing in the long queues should be considered by the state. "You seem to be selling your product, not like a commodity, but like contraband. Though there was an order to provide adequate facilities in 2017, the government has not taken any action. There is a systemic failure on this issue," observed the court.

"It is the duty of the corporation to make sure that sufficient facilities are given to their customers so that they can make their choice of purchase of liquor in a civilised manner like any other commodity and then leave the counters without their self-respect being compromised," held the court.

Justice Devan Ramachandran issued the order on a petition seeking to initiate a contempt of court case against the Excise Commissioner and others for not implementing the order issued in 2017.

ALSO READ: Amid rising COVID TPR in Kerala, Bevco outlets likely to turn super spreaders

The court said that it was rather distressing that the factual situation at the ground level has not been altered at all, and on the contrary, it has become far more perilous. "At the time when the court had delivered the judgment, the COVID pandemic was not even in our contemplation or wildest imagination. The surge of the pandemic has now made the equation far more complicated," observed the court.

Kerala now contributed one-third of India's COVID cases and the test positivity rate is not coming down. "You cannot have more than 20 people for a wedding or the funeral, but you can have more than 500 people in the queue. The people standing in the queue are not following social distancing," observed the court.

With great infrastructural and logistical support, a larger number of counters would be required and Bevco ought to have considered this in the last four years. "This is more so because, after the first lockdown we faced, Bevco was certainly aware of the pressure of demand that was on its outlets but they did not do anything even then. This cannot be countenanced any further when we are facing the cataclysmic prospect of a third wave and consequent lockdown," observed the court.

The endeavour of the court is not to merely find fault, but to ensure that the agonizing predicament which this state has been confronted with for the last several years be resolved most effectively.

When customers line up in front of liquor shops and spill over to public places and roads, it certainly is an affront on the collective dignity of society as a whole, observed the court. The customer is put to a great amount of humiliation, which he is forced to endure because the sale of liquor is virtually a monopoly at the hands of Bevco. Hence, sufficient facilities should be provided by the corporation. "However, what we now see, which is not confined to the factual scenario of this case alone, is that every counter of the Bevco or at least most of them have these sinuous queues of people, waiting for hours to obtain their quota of beverage," pointed out the court.

The surge of COVID has added a new dimension to the ominous problem. This was because the pandemic spreads primarily through droplet transmissions. It is internationally accepted that unless people maintain a distance of at least one metre from each other, it could be the cause of a further surge. "We are going through the second wave of the pandemic and if this situation is allowed to continue, in the manner it is presently tolerated, the third wase may not be far away," observed the court.

As per the direction, S Anangthakrishnan, Excise Commission, Yogesh Gupta, Managing Director, Kerala State Beverages Corporation and others attended the virtual hearing. The court also directed them to present on the next hearing date -- July 16.
Unnikrishnan S By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The number of fresh Covid cases in Kerala has been increasing for the past few weeks, raising concerns about the trajectory of the pandemic situation. A steady rise in cases over the past two weeks after a drastic drop since the end of May has also put a question mark on the containment measures adopted by the state. Health experts have cautioned about the compounding effect of the steady rise in the number of patients infected by the virus everyday.

The state on Wednesday reported 15,600 new cases  14% higher than the previous week. With 148 more Covid deaths being confirmed on the day, the total toll in the state crossed the 14,000-mark. The state tested 1,50,630 samples in the last 24 hours, 20,000 more than the previous day. Yet, the test positivity rate stood at 10.36%.

Kerala has the highest number of new cases among the states and more TPR than bigger states. Experts said the present situation is prime for further uptick, if not another wave. Daily cases are likely to touch the 20,000-25,000 mark soon, as the curve is still rising steeply. A large section of the susceptible population and low reach of vaccination have made the situation vulnerable for an increase in cases. The trend was, in fact, evident from the close examination of data from the past two weeks, said immunologist and public health expert Dr Padmanabha Shenoy.

The dynamic nature of the pandemic calls for a dynamic strategy on the part of the government. The number of tests conducted per day and contact tracing have come down after crossing the peak of the second wave. While most districts have been given fixed targets for testing, the strategy has been criticised as unsuitable to deal with a pandemic situation.

The spread has increased due to low number of testing and poor contact tracing measures. We have not been able to crush the curve. Instead, the flattening of the curve resulted in the high number of new positive cases and high TPR. The number of people with serious illness has not come down as we expected, said Indian Medical Association state secretary Dr Gopikumar P.

Health economist Rijo M John said a TPR above 10% calls for more testing to be done. By increasing the number of tests, you can always find more cases and isolate them more. It will help in controlling the spread. It is still a mystery why Kerala has high plateauing, he said.The high plateauing of new Covid cases and TPR in the state has prompted the Union health ministry to send an expert team to monitor the situation. The two-member central team also suggested measures to strengthen contact tracing and quarantining on the first day of their visit on Monday.

The plateauing of TPR at 10% is due to the high infectivity of the virus as compared to the plateauing of around 5% in the first wave. It is likely to decrease by the fourth week of July. But we are expecting a third wave by August, said Dr S S Santhoshkumar, deputy superintendent, Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.

ALSO WATCH | Kerala's Covid-19 fight: A tale of two waves | TNIE Documentary
T Muruganandham By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: BJP State president L Murugan on Wednesday took the next step in his political ladder by joining the Union Cabinet as a Minister of State. He was elevated after a 16-month stint as the partys Tamil Nadu unit president. Two months ago, the 44-year-old had missed the opportunity to become a member of the State Assembly from Dharapuram constituency by a margin of just 1,393 votes.

Murugan, along with the four BJP MLAs from Tamil Nadu, had been camping in New Delhi for the past few days. They called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi first and then, many senior leaders and ministers of the party at the national capital. Clad in a white dhoti and shirt, Murugan on Wednesday took the oath of office and oath of secrecy in English by swearing on God.

Later, speaking to reporters, he said, It is a rare opportunity to serve the people of Tamil Nadu. What is given to me is not a responsibility but a service. During his stint as the State unit president, the BJP opened its account in the Tamil Nadu Assembly after a long gap.

Ahead of elections, Murugan had also caused widespread discussion by a Vel Yatra, taken out throughout the State. Murugan is also the second leader from Dalit community to head the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP, after SP Kirubanithi held the post two decades ago.

Annamalai in contention for top post

A functionary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during his college days, Murugan had unsuccessfully contested the Assembly elections from Salem (Reserved) Constituency in 2011.



Meanwhile, as Murugan has assumed office as an Union minister, there are many names doing the rounds for the next president of the State unit. The names include former IPS officer and State vice-president K Annamalai, BJPs legislature party leader Nainar Nagenthran, another vice-president Karuppu M Muruganandam and former president of the State unit CP Radhakrishnan.

Sources said unlike the past when the BJP high command took nearly eight months to appoint L Murugan as State chief after Tamilisai Soundararajan became Telangana Governor, the BJP is likely to announce the successor to Murugan within a few days. Sources added that the leadership wants young blood to take over the reins in the State, to keep the party in the limelight throughout the year.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation said on Thursday that the term 'Union government' will be used in place of 'central government' in textbooks.

Dindigul I Leoni, who has taken over as the chairperson of the corporation, told reporters that the term 'central government' would be replaced during a reprint for the next academic year. The DMK government has been ardent on the usage of the term 'Union government' (Ondriya Arasu in Tamil), which is used in the Constitution, instead of 'central government' (Madhya Arasu).

The use of the term 'Union government' is aimed at reiterating the federal nature of the country, according to the DMK. The term 'central government', which was in common currency in colonial India, is indicative of state governments being subservient to the Centre, claims the party.

Chief Minister MK Stalin had recently spoken in the Tamil Nadu Assembly about the use of the term Union government by the DMK. He had said that they had used it in the past and would continue to use it. This had evoked opposition from leaders of the BJP and AIADMK who said they suspect the motive behind the use of the phrase.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: While informing the High Court that no Covid-19 Delta Plus cases have so far been reported in Telangana, the State government apprised the court on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, that it is ready to tackle the possible emergence of the new variant. In a report submitted to the court on the measures being taken to rein in Covid-19, Director of Public Health Dr G Srinivasa Rao said that there was no scientific evidence to show that Delta Plus variant was more virulent than the Delta variant.

All beds in government hospitals would be provided oxygen facility within a month just in case Covid-19 third wave strikes the State, the DPH informed the court. Referring to complaints about the private hospitals charging exorbitant fees for Covid-19 treatment, Dr Srinivasa Rao said that they had received 694 such complaints against 231 hospitals and with the intervention of the Health Department, several hospitals had refunded a total of Rs 82.64 lakh to the patients in respect of 38 complaints.

Regarding the ongoing vaccination drive, he informed the court said that so far 1.14 crore doses of vaccines were administered to the people, which include 16.39 lakh second doses.


By PTI

COLOMBO: Basil Rajapaksa, the youngest of the Rajapaksa siblings, was sworn in as Sri Lanka's Finance Minister on Thursday, marking the further consolidation of the family's power within the government.

Basil, 70, became the fourth Rajapaksa brother after President Gotabaya, Prime Minister Mahinda, Agricultural Minister Chamal to enter the Cabinet.

With the entry of Basil in the Cabinet, there are as many as 7 family members in the top echelons of the government.

The Finance Ministry until Thursday morning was under Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Mahinda has now been given a new portfolio of economic policy and plan implementation.

Namal, the elder son of Mahinda, is the Cabinet minister of sports, while Shasheendra the son of Chamal is a state minister.

Nipuna Ranawaka, a government backbencher is the nephew of the big four.

Basil was seen as the livewire and the intellectual pillar in the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration between 2010 and 2015.

A dual citizen of the US and Sri Lanka, Basil headed all key task forces from economic management to environment under the current administration of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Basil, who did not contest the last parliamentary election in August 2020, entered parliament through the national list of elected parliamentarians.

A ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP or Sri Lanka People's Front) national list MP resigned this week to make way for Basil to enter parliament.

Only the members of parliament are eligible to become ministers.

The ruling SLPP believes that Basil's entry as a key political strategist would revive the government's fortunes amidst the pandemic.

The government of late has come under the hammer for sluggish economic performance, rapidly dwindling foreign reserves, a huge external debt portfolio and its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By PTI

DUBAI: An explosion inside a container on a ship docked at the Dubai port caused a massive fire on the vessel and shook the gleaming commercial hub of the UAE, authorities said on Thursday.

The blast occurred in the container aboard the vessel, preparing to dock away from the Jebel Ali Port's main shipping line at around midnight on Wednesday.

There were no reported deaths or injuries and the fire is under control, authorities said.

There were 14 sailors aboard the ship, who were evacuated safely.

"A fire caused by an explosion within a container onboard a ship at Jebel Ali Port has been brought under control; no casualities have been reported," Dubai Media Office said in a tweet on their official account.

A fire caused by an explosion within a container on board a ship at Jebel Ali Port has been brought under control; no casualities have been reported. pic.twitter.com/oMTaJhgEYd  Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 7, 2021

Director-General of Dubai Civil Defence Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi said the Jebel Ali Port fire has been brought fully under control and the cooling process is underway.

Teams took 40 minutes to control the blaze.

The blaze sent up giant orange flames on the vessel at the Jebel Ali Port, the ninth-largest port in the world and the biggest in the region.

The blast was heard across parts of Dubai, with residents hearing a loud explosion, according to witnesses.

Panicked residents filmed from their high-rises as a fiery ball illuminated the night sky.

Residents from Marina, JVC, and Emirates Hills said that they heard a loud explosion that shook their doors and windows.

The Dubai Media Office posted a video of firefighters putting out the blaze at the port.

Lt General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-In-Chief at Dubai Police went to the fire site and said the fire occurred on a cargo ship at dockside 14, Gulf News reported.

Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri: According to initial information, the fire in Jebel Ali Port broke out on board a small-sized container ship. No casualties were reported. pic.twitter.com/iqZV2x2YhR  Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 7, 2021

"The ship was carrying 130 containers. Three containers contained flammable materials. There were no explosives inside it or radioactive materials," Lt Gen Al Marri said.

An investigation is ongoing to determine the reason behind the fire.

Jebel Ali Port Authorities said they took all necessary measures to ensure the normal movement of ships in the port.

Operated by the Dubai-based DP World, the port can berth some of the world's largest ships.

The port is not only a critical global cargo hub but a lifeline for Dubai and surrounding emirates.

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 issue any public statement on the blast.

Port Jebel Ali was constructed in the late 1970s to supplement the facilities at Port Rashid.

Dubai is the region's trade, business and tourism hub.

The city is also one of the safest cities in the world.
By PTI

JOHANNESBURG: Former South African President Jacob Zuma has handed himself over to authorities to begin his 15-month prison sentence, ending a tense standoff between his armed supporters and the police.

Zuma turned himself over to the authorities on Wednesday just minutes before the midnight deadline ended for the police to arrest him.

He had earlier been found guilty of contempt of court by the country's apex court after he repeatedly refused to return to the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, where witnesses have implicated him in corruption.

He is accused of enabling the plunder of state coffers during his nearly nine-year stay in office from 2009 to 2018.

The Constitutional Court had given Zuma until Wednesday to hand himself in or face arrest by the police, but he was adamant that he had been unfairly treated.

On Tuesday, Zuma's legal team put in a last-ditch attempt to get the High Court to rescind the Constitutional Court ruling.

The High Court will rule on the matter on Friday, but law experts concurred that there was a slim chance of any success, as the High Court could not overrule the apex court.

A convoy of vehicles was reported leaving Zuma's rural Nkandla homestead compound about 45 minutes before the police were supposed to arrest him despite the blockade, which was led by his son Edward.

Edward had repeatedly told the media for the past few days that police would pass the gate and arrest his father only if they killed him first.

In a terse statement just before midnight on Wednesday, the Jacob Zuma Foundation confirmed that he was on his way to prison, but did not give any further details except to say that a full statement would be released later.

South African Police Ministry spokesperson also confirmed this a few minutes later in a tweet: "the Police Ministry can confirm that former President of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma was placed in @SAPoliceService custody as in compliance with the @ConCourtSA judgement."

[JUST IN] The Police Ministry can confirm that former President of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma was placed in @SAPoliceService custody as in compliance with the @ConCourtSA judgement.  Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) July 7, 2021

In confrontational scenes at his residence for the past few days, there were tense standoffs from which police had to retreat when scores of armed Zuma supporters blocked the entrance to his home.

Some fired shots into the air.

There was huge public outrage that the supporters were breaking current COVID-19 lockdown regulations that prevented public gatherings and required compulsory masks.

Police Commissioner Bheki Cele later said that police had withdrawn to avoid bloodshed.

Zuma is expected to be incarcerated in special facilities due to his old age and having unspecified health conditions.

Legal experts said that he could serve out only three months of his sentence before being allowed out on parole.

Zuma had on Sunday said that sending him to jail during the COVID-19 pandemic at his age would tantamount to a death sentence.

"Sending me to jail during the height of a pandemic at my age is the same as sentencing me to death.

The death sentence was declared unconstitutional in South Africa in 1995," he said.

Various witnesses at the commission have implicated Zuma in corrupt activities, especially because of his alleged close relationship to the three Indian-origin Gupta brothers - Atul, Ajay and Rajesh - who are now wanted for looting the country's state and parastatal coffers of billions of rands.

The Gupta family is believed to be in self-exile in Dubai, with South Africa having initiated the extradition process to return them for trial.
By Associated Press

BANGKOK: A week into an ambitious but risky plan to open the Thai resort island of Phuket to vaccinated visitors, signs were encouraging that the gambit to resuscitate the decimated tourism industry was working, even as infections elsewhere in the country surged Thursday to record highs.

After seeing fewer than 5,000 foreign travelers over the first five months of the year, the island off Thailand's southwest coast, whose economy is 95% reliant on the tourist industry, welcomed 2,399 visitors during the first week of July.

The so-called Phuket sandbox plan relies on a strategy of vaccinations, testing and restrictions, measures that officials are hoping are strict enough to mitigate any COVID-19 threat, while still providing enough freedom for tourists to enjoy a beach vacation.

In the week before the sandbox started on July 1, Phuket saw 17 new cases of the coronavirus.

The numbers climbed the first week, but remained low at 27 new cases.

At the same time, Thailand as a whole has seen a spike in infections, with a record 7,058 cases reported Thursday with 75 deaths, which has made many skeptical about pursuing the Phuket reopening at this time.

ALSO READ | Pandemic tourism: Thailand launches Phuket 'sandbox' plan

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has come under personal fire for his handling of the surge, and political cartoons have depicted him sitting on the beach enjoying himself while Thais die from the virus.

Prayuth was also forced to self-isolate this week after a businessman he had contact with at the sandbox launch tested positive for COVID-19.

Last-minute issues with the program meant some cancelations before it even began, and the initial target of 30,000 visitors for July was reduced to 18,000.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of Phuket Tourism Association, said now that the program is up and running he expects 30,000 visitors from outside Thailand in August.

There's still a lot of ground to make up to get back to the 2 million foreigners Phuket saw in the first five months of last year as the pandemic was beginning.

"The COVID-19 situation might affect the overall picture of the country, but I believe that the visitors will understand that Phuket is safe enough for them so it should not affect their travel plans," he said.

Liron Or, a tourist from Israel, decided on a 10-day trip to Phuket with her husband and five children when she first heard about the sandbox plan three weeks ago.

They arrived on day one and she said the opportunity to relax on holiday has outweighed any of the mandated precautions.

"The process is not too difficult," she said.

"And this trip gives our children such big joy. There are not too many tourists here at the moment on the beaches."

Travelers arriving elsewhere in Thailand are subject to a strict 14-day hotel room quarantine, but under the sandbox plan, visitors to Phuket can roam the entire island, the country's largest, where they can lounge on beaches, jet ski and eat out in restaurants.

Visitors are only permitted from countries considered no higher than "medium" risk. Most so far have come from the U.S, Britain, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Adult foreign visitors must provide proof of full vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before departure, and proof of insurance that covers virus treatment, among other things.

Once on the island, they have to follow mask and distancing regulations and take three COVID-19 tests at their own expense, about $300 total and show negative results.

After 14 days, visitors can travel elsewhere in Thailand without further restrictions.

Ahead of the program's launch, some 70% of the island's approximately 450,000 residents received at least one vaccine dose, and all front-line workers in restaurants, hotels and elsewhere were fully vaccinated.

So far, only one visitor has tested positive for the coronavirus; a man from the UAE who was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Angela Luxy Smith, a Briton who works in Qatar and had been a regular visitor to Thailand in the past, leapt at the chance to return.

She and her husband plan to take full advantage of the program, staying in Phuket for the initial 14 days and then traveling to other places in Thailand, before returning to Phuket for another week to wrap up a 40-day holiday.

She and her husband were amazed at how many restaurants were open in some areas that cater more to residents, but said much remains closed at beaches more popular with tourists.

"It's so strange, quiet and closed, so sad for many people who rely on tourism," she said.

"We hope people come back very soon."

Phuket currently has 131,809 room nights booked for July, with 9,745 booked for August and 1,094 booked for September.

Before the pandemic, some 20% of Thailand's economy was related to the tourism industry and other areas in the country are closely watching the Phuket experiment as they look to gradually reopen themselves.

For Richard Van Driel Vis, his trip that began this week in Phuket was the first time he'd left the Netherlands since the pandemic started.

He said getting together the documentation and fulfilling the prerequisites for the trip was "difficult and stressful" but in the end, "totally worth it."

"I am sitting here in the bar looking at the beach, in a nice warm weather," he said.

"It's Phuket or stay home so I came here," he said wryly.
By PTI

LONDON: A UK court presiding over the extradition case of Sanjay Bhandari, an accused arms dealer wanted in India on money laundering and tax evasion charges, on Thursday set the trial date in the case for February 2022.

District Judge Michael Snow heard that the case involves two extradition requests from the Indian authorities for Bhandari, the first related to money laundering and the second to tax evasion.

The 59-year-old, who was present in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London for the case management hearing, spoke only to confirm his name and to say that he does not consent to being extradited to India.

He will remain on conditional bail until the extradition hearing next year, with some relaxed bail conditions agreed by the court on Thursday.

"This is a substantial case with a significant number of documents which require a length of time to be assessed," Judge Snow told Bhandari as he confirmed the extradition hearing dates next year between February 21 and March 9.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), appearing in court on behalf of the Indian authorities, ran through the charges faced by the accused businessman, now based in London.

Besides money laundering, Bhandari is accused of not declaring all his worldwide assets to the Indian tax authorities including covering up with falsified documents that he owned a property in the British Virgin Islands.

"He did not avail of the opportunity to voluntarily declare his assets overseas for which he is liable to be taxed in India," said CPS barrister Ben Lloyd.

The defence barrister, Mark Summers QC, made an application for a more relaxed bail regime to allow Bhandari to be able to take some holidays with his family within England and Wales.

"He has complied with all the extremely stringent conditions and the delay faced in the case is not of his making. It would be reasonable to allow him some breaks without residence restrictions, with sufficient advance notice to the CPS," said Summers.

The judge agreed to relax the bail conditions, which remove the requirement for Bhandari to report to a local police station on a regular basis.

His electronically tagged curfew hours are scheduled between midnight and 6 am, when he must be at his declared London residential address.

He is also allowed to stay at an alternative address, where the curfew would not apply, as long as he seeks advance notice from the CPS for occasional family breaks.

Meanwhile, other conditions such as the bail security provided to the court of around GBP 120,000 and the surrender of his passport remain in place.

Bhandari is sought by the Indian authorities for prosecution for money laundering contrary to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.

He faces cases against him in India filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The Indian government's extradition request for Bhandari had been certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel on June 16 and he was arrested a month later in London on July 15 last year.
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A decade's worth of data shows that neonatologists are shifting the type of respiratory support they utilize for preterm infants, a move that could lead to improved health outcomes.

Using two large national datasets that included more than 1 million preterm infants, researchers in a new Vanderbilt-led study found that from 2008 to 2018 there was a greater than 10% decrease in the use of mechanical ventilation for this patient population. Concurrently, there was a similar increase in the use of non-invasive respiratory support, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), for these infants.

The study, "Changes in Use of Respiratory Support for Preterm Infants in the U.S.," published July 6 in JAMA Pediatrics.

It's a pretty big success story for the field of neonatology. We've been able to keep a lot of babies off mechanical ventilation and potentially spare them of lung injury and injuries to other organ systems as well." Dupree Hatch, MD, MPH, Senior Study Author and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

For preterm infants, mechanical ventilation can have adverse pulmonary and neurodevelopmental outcomes. To reduce these risks, neonatologists over the past two decades have been exploring and researching non-invasive respiratory support options like CPAP therapy for these infants. Much of the shift in mechanical ventilation seen in the study coincided with a large study released in 2010 that showed mechanical ventilation was not superior to non-invasive ventilation, and in fact may involve more risks.

"In multiple studies mechanical ventilation has been associated with adverse outcomes. There are several studies that show for every week you stay on a ventilator as a preterm baby, your odds of having adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes go up," Hatch said.

"Since large studies were published in 2008, 2010 and 2011 showing the effectiveness of non-invasive respiratory support, we thought that respiratory support patterns in preterm infants had likely changed, but no one had really quantified that, or looked if it was widespread across the entire country or if it was just in pockets."

Hatch and colleagues examined two large national datasets, confirming the changes in practices. They looked at data collected over an 11-year period on the type of respiratory support used for infants born between 22 weeks' and 34 weeks' gestation.

In one of the study datasets that included admissions to over 350 NICUs in the U.S., they found that mechanical ventilation utilization in preterm infants decreased from 29.4% in 2008 to 18.5% in 2018. Nationally, the study authors wrote, the changes were associated with about 30,000 fewer infants receiving mechanical ventilation during the study period. As the number of infants on mechanical ventilation went down, the duration of time that ventilated babies spent on mechanical ventilators also went down.

Also, in their findings, researchers discovered that the total number of days on non-invasive respiratory support went up across all gestational ages from 13.8 days to 15.4 days. Hatch said more research is needed to understand the implications of spending more time on non-invasive respiratory support therapies.

"We need to figure out if the increase in duration of respiratory support is a good thing, and what does that do to NICU length of stay and overall resource utilization for preterm infants in the U.S. It raises more questions," he said.

Additionally, they saw an increase in the number of extremely preterm infants, 22 to 24 weeks' gestation, being placed on mechanical ventilation as there has been increased intervention and improved survival for this age group. Hatch notes that the respiratory support strategies for this particular population of infants needs more examination.

"The field of neonatology has worked really hard to examine our practices and get better. I am proud of how quickly some of the landmark respiratory care studies have penetrated our clinical care," said Hatch. "Care in the NICU is becoming less invasive and gentler because it is the right thing to do for babies' long-term outcomes."
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 Children's 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." Robert Berkowitz, MD, co-lead investigator, emeritus professor at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Weight and Eating Disorders Research Program at Children's 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 children's 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 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
A new study examining why young South Asian heart attack patients have more adverse outcomes found this patient population was often obese, used tobacco products, and had a family history of heart disease or risk factors that could have been prevented, monitored for or treated before heart attacks happen. The study will be presented at the ACC Asia 2021 Together with SCS 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting Virtual being held July 9-11, 2021.

South Asians tend to have multiple co-morbidities including diabetes and obesity at younger ages which is different from the white population. This can impact the complexity of coronary lesions and success of revascularization. Moreover, due to lack of awareness and system delays, a significant proportion of patients present to the hospital late translating into adverse outcomes." Salik ur Rehman Iqbal, MBBS, Cardiologist, Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, and study's lead investigator

Researchers examined heart attack patients less than 45 years old who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention between 2013-2019. Patients with previous heart attack or revascularization were excluded, leaving a total of 165 patients. The patient population was:

90.3% male

48.3% obese

45% tobacco-users

48.4% positive family history of Ischemic Heart Disease

For patients with delayed presentation at the hospital (more than four hours), 27.3% experienced delayed discharge of more than five days. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was seen in six patients. According to the researchers, learning more about the common clinical, prognostic features and differences in young South Asian heart attack patients could have important clinical, as well as quality of life implications, for this patient population. Iqbal said more than 90% of the young patients with STEMI in this study were males, who are often the sole breadwinners of their families.

"This can translate into a significant impact on their families and dependents," Iqbal said. "Moreover, these same patients will be at risk for recurrent heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. This will also put a great burden on our health budget. Targeting these modifiable risk factors, creating awareness and decreasing system delays should be our goals towards reducing the cardiovascular risk in this population."

Iqbal noted another important aspect particular to South Asians is the presence of abnormal lipids, due to mutations, like higher Lipoprotein-A and Apo B-100. Studies focusing on these abnormal lipids are lacking and identification and treatment of dyslipidemia may be a significant future step, he said.

In another study being presented by the investigators at ACC Asia 2021, the researchers examined 23 young South Asian women who presented with heart attack at Aga Khan University Hospital between 2013 and 2020. The median age was 41 years, 53% had uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes and 50% were obese. A positive family history of ischemic heart disease was found in a third of the patients as was a history of high blood pressure. No patients reported smoking.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is able to recognize the biological activity of natural products in a targeted manner, as researchers at ETH Zurich have demonstrated. Moreover, AI helps to find molecules that have the same effect as a natural substance but are easier to manufacture. This opens up huge possibilities for drug discovery, which also have potential to rewrite the rulebook for pharmaceutical research.

Nature has a vast store of medicinal substances.

Over 50 percent of all drugs today are inspired by nature." Gisbert Schneider, Professor of Computer-Assisted Drug Design at ETH Zurich

Nevertheless, he is convinced that we have tapped only a fraction of the potential of natural products. Together with his team, he has successfully demonstrated how artificial intelligence (AI) methods can be used in a targeted manner to find new pharmaceutical applications for natural products. Furthermore, AI methods are capable of helping to find alternatives to these compounds that have the same effect but are much easier and therefore cheaper to manufacture.

Target molecules of natural substances are potential drug targets

And so the ETH researchers are paving the way for an important medical advance: we currently have only about 4,000 basically different medicines in total. In contrast, estimates of the number of human proteins reach up to 400,000, each of which could be a target for a drug. There are good reasons for Schneider's focus on nature in the search for new pharmaceutical agents. "Most natural products are by definition potential active ingredients that have been selected via evolutionary mechanisms," he says.

Whereas scientists used to trawl collections of natural products on the search for new drugs, Schneider and his team have flipped the script: first, they look for possible target molecules, typically proteins, of natural products so as to identify the pharmacologically relevant compounds. "The chances of finding medically meaningful pairs of active ingredient and target protein are much greater using this method than with conventional screening," Schneider says.

Tested with a bacterial molecule

The ETH chemists tested their concept with marinopyrrole A, a bacterial molecule that is known to have antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, there had been limited research into which proteins in the human body the natural substance interacts with to produce these effects.

To find possible target proteins of marinopyrrole A, the researchers used an algorithm they developed themselves. Employing machine learning models, the algorithm compared the pharmacologically interesting parts of marinopyrrole A with the corresponding patterns of known drugs for which the target proteins to which they bind are known. Based on the pattern matches, the researchers were able to identify eight human receptors and enzymes to which the bacterial molecule could bind. These receptors and enzymes are involved, among other things, in inflammation and pain processes and in the immune system.

Laboratory experiments confirmed that marinopyrrole A did in fact generate measurable interactions with most of the predicted proteins. "Our AI method is able to narrow down the protein targets of natural products with a reliability often in excess of 50 percent, which simplifies the search for new pharmaceutically active agents," Schneider says.

So we have the effect: now to create a cheap alternative

But the work of Schneider's research group was not over. If the findings about the target proteins of marinopyrrole A are to result in a useful treatment in the future, it is necessary to find a molecule that is easy to manufacture. After all, marinopyrrole A - like many other natural substances - has a relatively complicated structure, which makes laboratory synthesis time-consuming and expensive.

To search for a simpler chemical compound with the same effect, the ETH researchers used yet another algorithm they designed themselves. This AI program was tasked with being a "virtual chemist" and finding molecules that have similar chemical functionalities to the natural model despite having a different structure. According to the constraints of the algorithm, it also had to be possible to make the molecules in a maximum of three synthesis steps, ensuring easy, low-cost production.

New chemical structures with the same effect

To define the synthesis path, the software had access to a catalogue of over 200 starting materials, 25,000 purchasable chemical building blocks and 58 established reaction schemes. After each reaction step, the program selected as the starting material for the next step the variants that matched marinopyrrole A most closely in terms of functionalities.

In total, the algorithm found 802 suitable molecules, based on 334 different scaffolds. The researchers synthesized the best four in the laboratory and discovered that they actually behaved very similarly to the natural model. They had a comparable effect on seven of the eight target proteins identified by the algorithm.

Subsequently, the researchers investigated the most promising molecule in detail. X-ray structure analyses showed that the compter-generated compound binds to the active centre of a target protein in much the same way as known inhibitors of this enzyme. Despite its different structure, then, the molecule found by AI works using the same mechanism.

Effects on pharmaceutical research

"Our work proves that AI algorithms can be employed in a targeted manner to design active ingredients with the same effects as natural substances, but with simpler structures," Schneider says, adding: "This helps not only to manufacture new drugs, but also places us on the cusp of a potentially fundamental change in medical-chemical research." That is to say, the ETH research group's methods make it possible to find drugs that do the same things as existing drugs but are based on different structures. This could make it easier in future to design new unpatented molecular structures. There is currently intense debate regarding both the extent to which AI could be used to systematically circumvent patent protection and the possible patenting of molecules designed by "creative" AI. In any case, the pharmaceutical industry will have to adapt its research approach to a new rulebook.
When a parent takes an infant to the Children's Health Center in San Francisco for a routine checkup, a pediatrician will check the baby's vitals and ask how the child is doing at home.

Then Janelle Bercun, a licensed clinical social worker, who is also in the room, will look at Mom or Dad and pipe up: What is this like for you? Your frustrations? Joys? Challenges? And she stays to work with the parent long after the pediatrician has left.

The facility's team-based treatment is a pilot project, funded by philanthropies. Yet the approach, which California may soon incorporate on a large scale, could hold the key to fostering a healthy home environment where children thrive, child development experts say. Incorporating therapy for the parents, they say, can lower a child's risk of future mental disorders stemming from family trauma and adversity.

Pediatricians' offices generally don't offer formal counseling or guidance to a child's guardian because they can't bill insurance for these services. That could soon change for the roughly 5.4 million children on Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program for low-income residents, and their parents.

The 2021-22 state budget, which Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign by Monday, dedicates $800 million, half of it in federal funds, to this new behavioral health benefit over four years. Experts say it would make California the first state to pay for "dyadic care," treating parents and children simultaneously.

"A baby is not showing up by themselves to the pediatrician's office. The caregiver is coming in with their own strengths and stressors," said Dr. Kathryn Margolis, a pediatric psychologist who launched the initiative at the Children's Health Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

"Without a healthy caregiver, we can't have a healthy baby," Margolis added. "It is the most obvious thing in the world. It is unbelievable it has taken this long to pay for this service."

The new program is among a suite of behavioral health initiatives included in the nearly $263 billion state budget negotiated between Democratic lawmakers and Newsom, who has made mental health services a signature issue.

The state will spend the next year drafting guidelines for the services that could be covered and working with insurance providers on new billing codes for the new benefit. Beginning July 1, 2022, caregivers who enter a clinic or pediatrician's office with a child up to age 21 for routine well visits will be matched with a social worker or behavioral health specialist. They may be screened for depression, treated for tobacco and alcohol use, or offered family therapy, said Jim Kooler, assistant deputy director of behavioral health at the California Department of Health Care Services. New mothers will get postpartum care; parents could also get help obtaining food vouchers, housing or other help.

"It's a pretty amazing array of services that will be available," Kooler said. "It's things we wouldn't necessarily think about right away, but the health of the young person is impacted."

States including New York and Colorado fund programs that offer holistic care to parents and children together. But California will be the first to offer the service as part of Medicaid pediatric care, said Jennifer Tracey, senior director of growth and sustainability for Zero to Three. The nonprofit organization runs HealthySteps, a program that supports babies and toddlers with integrated care in 24 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Getting the benefit funded in the nation's most populous state was a "groundbreaking" win for children's advocacy groups, Tracey said.

"We haven't seen any other state make this kind of investment," she said. "I hope we'll see other states following California."

Newsom and lawmakers this year had a $76 billion budget surplus and $27 billion in federal aid to fund an array of new programs, but they won't come cheap. New outlays include up to $1.3 billion a year to expand health care to undocumented immigrants age 50 and older; $12 billion for homeless programs over the next two years; $4.4 billion in behavioral mental health for people up to age 25 over five years; and $300 million to bolster the state's public health system beginning next July.

Critics say the spending commits Californians to programs that could be hard to fund in the future. And while offering a new Medi-Cal benefit might be worthwhile, California lawmakers would be better off fixing flaws in the government insurance program, said Susan Shelley, vice president of communications for the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

For example, the state pays physicians who participate in Medi-Cal among the lowest rates in the nation, she said. And a January 2020 report by the California State Auditor found that just under 48% of children enrolled in Medi-Cal went to the doctor for a preventive visit in 2016-17.

"It's unwise to commit taxpayers to this," Shelley said. "All these little kids are going to grow up and have one huge tax bill."

Offering caregivers preventive behavioral treatment has proven to save money by avoiding bigger health problems down the road, according to legislative budget documents. An analysis by HealthySteps of its sites in New York, Colorado, Arizona and Kentucky showed average annual savings to Medicaid of 204% for patients enrolled in their program. The group reports that children were eight times more likely to receive developmental screenings and twice as likely to go to well visits when their parents participated in the HealthySteps program.

"It's a realization that it's not just about providing services today, but it's about thinking about the services that will help defer costs down the road by doing the right things today," Kooler said.

Making a visit to the pediatrician's office more welcoming to parents, and getting mothers screened for depression and other behavioral issues, could improve California's dismal rate of child developmental screenings, said Sarah Crow, managing director of First 5 Center for Children's Policy.

"California, if it really wants to prioritize children's health, then we really need to pull out all the stops and start thinking of new, culturally relevant ways to serve our families," Crow said.

At the clinic in San Francisco, Bercun, the social worker, visits with caregivers for as long as they need, usually about half an hour but sometimes up to an hour. She counsels a mom about a job loss, shows a dad how to soothe his crying infant and guides another mom to lovingly say no to a toddler on the verge of a tantrum. She has helped caregivers develop safety plans if there is violence in the home and has connected them to community resources.

And then there's the pandemic: She talks families through the isolation so many have felt.

"It's working through these moments and feeling less alone and building confidence," Bercun said. "It's about holding space to explore feelings. My hope is that one day all families could benefit."

This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
As COVID-19 continues to devastate much of India, a group of international researchers led by Monash University have developed an oxygen conversion unit that can be built from local materials, enabling doctors to provide life-saving oxygen treatment.

Manipal University's Professor Abishek Sharma with the oxygen conversion unit. Image Credit: Monash University

Due to the large numbers of COVID-19 cases in India, the supply of oxygen tanks has not been able to keep up with demand.

Oxygen conversion units strip the nitrogen from the atmosphere, leaving the oxygen gas behind. India has the capacity to produce liquid oxygen, however providing it for medical use has been difficult to sustain as it needs to be transported on refrigerated tracks, which are in short supply.

Professor Paul Webley, from Monash Universitys Department of Chemical Engineering, recognized the need for an urgent, low-cost solution and designed an oxygen conversion unit that can be built from materials found at local Indian hardware stores.

Any technician with the units design specifications would be able to build it from scratch, load it onto the back of a truck and take it to village hospitals to help patients suffering from COVID-19. The unit is also easy to repair, tough, relatively cheap to make and able to run on a diesel generator.

The conversion unit which weve developed has the capacity to produce oxygen on the spot, wherever it is required. When I saw the catastrophe unfolding in India, I just knew that I needed to do something, said Professor Webley.

Dr Tejas Bhatalia, a Research Fellow at Curtin University and Professor Abishek Sharma, a Chemical Engineering professor from Manipal University in Jaipur, joined forces with Professor Webley to develop the unit.

After three months of virtual collaboration, Dr Bhatalia built a small test unit in Perth, and Professor Dr Abhishek Sharma assembled a larger production version at Manipul University, Jaipur where testing is now underway. The original design by Professor Webley was slightly adapted to suit the materials that were readily available in Jaipur.

Were currently in the process of ensuring the oxygen purity is sufficient. Were currently getting about 70 per cent purity and our aim is to get this up to 90 per cent. The team and I are working on changes to make this happen and are confident well be able to do so soon, said Professor Sharma.

The researchers have been in contact with local hospitals in the area to secure a test site for the unit to see whether it will meet the hospitals specifications and standards. If these tests prove successful, the researchers will develop more units.

Portable oxygen conversion units already exist for patients with chronic respiratory problems  they can be set up in the home, and are either purchased outright or leased from a hospital.

This particular DIY conversion unit is different because it is designed to supply oxygen to 10, 20 or 30 patients at a time and has been developed specifically in a way that locals can also build the unit from readily available materials.

My main goal was to help Indian engineers do this themselves. Can I teach them how to do this so that they can duplicate them and make thousands and become completely self- sufficient?. Paul Webley, Professor in Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University

The only specialist ingredient in the unit is the molecular sieve, a form of silicon, which filters out the nitrogen. However, it is inexpensive and relatively easy for chemical engineers to obtain and purchase.

The oxygen unit produces a similar amount of oxygen to that which would be obtained from an oxygen bottle. The pressure is lower, however, in hospitals patients arent breathing in high pressure gas. Instead, its an intermediate pressure and some hospitals have advised the researchers that the oxygen obtained from their unit is efficient and compatible to hook up to their existing systems.

The researchers have also approached engineers in Brazil, where oxygen is also desperately needed. The unit could also be adapted for other countries requiring more oxygen units.

The researchers are now looking for collaborators to help promote the design, development and deployment of the technology to India and other countries affected by the pandemic.
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. 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." David Marcozzi, MD, Study Lead Author and Professor, Emergency Medicine, UMSOM

Marcozzi is also Chief Clinical Officer/Senior Vice President at UMMC.

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, PhD, 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, PhD, 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.
Support for carers of people living with dementia will be bolstered under a new and innovative patient-centered approach led by Flinders Caring Futures Institute researchers.

Flinders University Professor Lily Xiao, Resthaven Executive Manager, Community Services Sue McKechnie and Gillian Schulze, Dementia Educator at Resthaven and past informal carer of an elderly neighbour with dementia. Gillian was also involved in the early trial of iSupport. Image Credit: Flinders University

The Partnership in iSupport Program is designed to improve quality of life and health for informal carers and people living with dementia by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to cope with the disease.

The program has been awarded $1.4 million in support over four years in the Medical Research Future Funds Dementia and Aging and Aged Care Mission round. It is expected to reduce the burden on hospital wards and emergency departments, and to keep people living with dementia in their own homes for as long as possible.

Internationally recognized dementia caregiving researcher Professor Lily Xiao from Flinders University says informal carers of people living with dementia can experience significant negative impacts on their emotional, psychological and physical health.

There are 200,000 informal carers of people living with dementia in Australia.

They receive less education and limited ongoing support than professional carers do, and this can leave them feeling socially isolated due to the time spent caring for their loved one, stigma and the lack of quality social networks, Professor Xiao says.

Carers experience stress, poor health and poor quality of life, and this can contribute to the person they care for being permanently admitted to a nursing home earlier than they would if greater support for them existed.

The Partnership in iSupport Program involves three key interventions; one providing carers of people living with dementia with a link worker who can assist the carer to navigate and access services.

Carers would also have access to the Australian iSupport for Dementia program, an online resource led by Prof Xiaos team, helping them to develop coping skills, self-care and assertiveness when seeking help from others.

Virtual carer support groups will reduce social isolation among carers and allow them to reach out for support among a social network.

Professor Xiao says these interventions are expected to significantly improve mental health and wellbeing among carers and the people living with dementia.

We expect improved quality of life, improved self-efficacy and social support and reduced stress for carers. The person with dementia will also experience benefits including improved quality of life, reduced dementia related symptoms, and unplanned hospital visits. Lily Xiao, Professor, Flinders University

Professor Xiao is launching a study to prove the effectiveness and economic viability of the new program. Caring Futures Institute Foundational Director Professor Alison Kitson and health economic expert Professor Julie Ratcliffe are also involved in the project.

Carers engaged through aged care community service provider Resthaven and support organizations throughout the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Bolton Clarke Victoria, and Canberra Health Services will take part.

Upon conclusion of the study, its expected that researchers will recommend to the government that the program be included in home care packages or in the Medicare benefits schedule.

Professor Xiao has already led a pilot study of the Partnership in iSupport Program with 25 carers of people with dementia in collaboration with Resthaven.

The program was widely accepted by carers and the care service provider.

Sue McKechnie, Resthaven Executive Manager, Community Services, says having more support and education opportunities for carers of people with dementia benefits both the carer and the person with the condition.

Resthaven is excited to participate in the next stage of this evidence-based consumer research that aims to prepare carers to actively participate in the development of care plans of people with dementia to ensure they receive high quality services that meet their needs, she says.
LGM Pharma today announced the launch of its new Analytical Services offering that provides analytical testing and stability services to pharmaceutical developers and manufacturers, including compounding pharmacies. The company, which already conducts analytical services as part of its integrated contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) activities, now is offering its analytical services expertise and facilities as a standalone contract service for pharmaceutical industry clients.

We are delighted to be able to offer our first-rate analytical and stability testing services to the broader community of drug manufacturers and developers, said Shailesh Vengurlekar, Senior Vice President, Quality & Regulatory Affairs at LGM Pharma.

Our acquisition last year of Nexgen Pharmas CDMO business significantly expanded our physical infrastructure and our pool of scientific talent, including specialized facilities, equipment, and staff with extensive expertise in analytic and stability testing. As a result, we now are able to provide a full suite of these services as a standalone option. Shailesh Vengurlekar, Senior Vice President, Quality & Regulatory Affairs at LGM Pharma

Mr. Vengurlekar continued, Our innovative approach to analytical and stability testing focuses on translating our deep understanding of data into actionable results. It is complemented by our ability to craft individualized frameworks for our client relationships, spanning one-time projects, preferred vendor relationships, comprehensive drug development and manufacturing partnerships, and everything in-between. We welcome both new and returning clients to learn more about our Analytical Services.

With a network of CGMP facilities in California, Colorado, and Texas, state-of-the-art chromatography and spectroscopy equipment, and over 60 QA, QC, and analytical staff members, LGM Pharma is well-positioned to deliver high-quality, precise, client-specific, and timely analytical and stability testing and reporting for drug substances, excipients, and drug products. Its services include comprehensive analytical method development and validation processes that follow the highest standards and meet all CGMP requirements and ICH guidelines. LGM Pharma analyzes samples using accepted pharmacopoeia methods and provides comprehensive, high-quality stability services using the companys on-site stability chambers maintained per ICH guidelines. It takes an innovative approach to developing and validating stability-indicating methods for all forms of drug substance and drug product. LGM Pharma also provides the evidence needed to support shelf-life claims for FDA regulatory filings. For more information on the companys extensive Analytical Services, visit https://lgmpharma.com/analytical-services/.

LGM Pharma also announced it will participate in the virtual DCAT Week, July 12-16, 2021. CEO Prasad Raje, PhD, will discuss the companys transformational integration of the CDMO business of Nexgen Pharma, which it acquired in July 2020. That presentation will be available to DCAT members starting July 12 via the DCAT member portal. For more information, visit https://dcatweek.org/MemberAnnouncementForum.
When the number of covid-19 cases among inmates in Pennsylvania state prisons last fall topped 1,000 and staff cases hovered in the hundreds, the union representing 11,000 corrections officers began lobbying to get prison staffers to the front of the line for vaccinations.

John Eckenrode, president of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, pressed state officials for months to give prison workers the same status as hospital staff members, first responders and teachers.

"This is a health and public safety crisis," Eckenrode said in a January statement. It's time to prioritize vaccinating staff, so they can do their jobs and also not worry about bringing the virus home to their loved ones."

Yet, after the lifesaving shots became widely available, Pennsylvania prison guards have not rushed out to get them  even though the corrections department has had more than 4,700 staff members test positive over the course of the pandemic and eight die.

By mid-June, 22% of Department of Corrections employees were inoculated, according to voluntary reports collected by the department. At one prison, just 7% of staffers had received shots.

Meanwhile, more than 75% of the 39,000 men and women incarcerated in Pennsylvania's 24 state prisons have had the shots, according to the department.

That disparity is evident across the country. While a majority of inmates in most states are fully vaccinated, prison staffers are not, according to data on 36 states and the federal Bureau of Prisons compiled by the Prison Policy Initiative using information from several prison advocacy and journalism groups.

That report  released in April, when the vaccine was becoming more easily accessible  found 48% of prison staff members nationwide had received at least one dose, although in some states rates were in the teens or lower.

Eckenrode declined to comment to KHN. But he recently told WHYY, the NPR member station in Philadelphia, that he believes many more officers are vaccinated and not reporting their status to prison officials.

He acknowledged reluctance among his members. "I think that no matter what kind of demographic you look at, there's vaccine hesitancy," he said. The vaccines were "approved under experimental conditions, and I believe that it should be an individual choice."

One officer with the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, which reported last month that it had vaccinated 43% of inmates, compared with 30% of staffers, said he waited until late June because he and his wife had survived a bout of covid and felt they had natural protection from the virus.

Some colleagues have been spooked by internet videos from anti-vaccination groups showing doctors talking about vaccine-related deaths or stoking concerns that the Food and Drug Administration's emergency use authorization for the vaccines  rather than formal approval  means they are less dependable, said the officer, who asked to remain anonymous because corrections staffers are not authorized to speak to reporters. He added that a sense of "I don't want people to think I'm weak" machismo and right-wing politics play into the decision-making.

"There are a lot of conspiracy theorists," the New York guard said.

Covid has taken a high toll inside prisons. Two news organizations, the Marshall Project and The Associated Press, have found nearly 400,000 covid cases in U.S. prisons and more than 2,700 inmate deaths. Among staff members, more than 114,000 cases and more than 200 deaths have been reported nationwide.

Staff vaccination statistics often do not give the full picture, since states generally don't require corrections staffers to report their status.

In California, which has the nation's second-largest prison system, a reform group is suing over low staff vaccination rates, arguing that unprotected prison workers put vulnerable inmates at risk.

State tallies show that in late June52% of prison staffers had been fully vaccinated versus 71% of inmates. In its court filing, the Prison Law Office said that, despite efforts by California officials encouraging vaccinations, "infected and unvaccinated staff members continue to pose a significant threat to incarcerated communities."

Health experts say prison staff members also endanger surrounding communities.

Unvaccinated officers are a common cause of infection, because they go back and forth between the prison and the community, said Dr. Anne Spaulding, an associate professor in epidemiology at Emory University and former medical director at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

Spaulding also pointed to the "downstream effects" of unvaccinated staffers  especially corrections officers (known as COs), who are in daily close contact with inmates  on the inmates' mental health.

"If it passes from CO to CO, what does that mean with staff shortages? More lockdowns, less programming," she said. "It's going to affect the mental health of those incarcerated, who already have restricted lives."

Kirstin Cornnell, social services director with the Pennsylvania Prison Society, which advocates for reforms, said lockdowns resulting from sick staff members could lead to suspension of family visitation, disrupting connections critical to inmates mental health.

"We have really serious concerns about how low the rate of staff vaccination is," said Cornnell. "This increases tension in an already stressful situation."

Pennsylvania Corrections Secretary John Wetzel and officials in other states say that, while they are not considering making the shots mandatory, they are pressing employees to get vaccinated.

"We continue to educate our staff and encourage them to get vaccinated for their own protection, but also for those around them," said Wetzel. "Everyone knows that prisons are breeding grounds for infectious diseases like covid-19, largely because inmates live so close together."

While union officials in several states did not respond to queries, prison officials said their employees have the same concerns as the general public: religious or other objections, false conspiracy theories about the vaccines, worries about a new shot that was developed quickly.

"They want to see how it plays out with others who are vaccinated," said John Bull, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety in North Carolina  where 6,607 department employees, or roughly half the staff at 55 facilities, have been vaccinated through prison clinics. "They didn't want to be guinea pigs."

Incentives, such as gift cards, cash lotteries and paid time off, have boosted staff rates in some states, officials said. But Chris Gautz, a spokesperson for the Michigan corrections department, said his state will not provide incentives, despite having only about 15% of staffers vaccinated. He said his agency decided disease prevention was a better motivator.

"The benefit of not dying is not dying," he said. "A $5 gift card to Frosty Boy is not going to put someone over the edge."

The Prison Law Office and other groups are advocating for mandatory prison staff vaccinations, but the potential face-off with powerful prison worker unions has thwarted that idea in some states.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a May news conference that he had no plans to make vaccinations mandatory and would instead urge the corrections officers union to persuade its members to get the shots.

Health experts point to other public institutions, such as schools and colleges, that require vaccination.

"States have the ability to mandate vaccination when it puts someone at risk," said Joseph Amon, an epidemiologist and director of the Office of Global Health at Drexel University in Philadelphia. "This is a case that makes sense. There could be limited exemption, but there should be an expectation that all staff be vaccinated."
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."

OGM promises to greatly improve cytogenetic testing in patients with hematological malignancies." Dr. Marian Stevens-Kroef, Clinical Laboratory Geneticist, 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."
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. 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." Toni K Choueiri, MD, Study Co-Senior Author and Director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
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. 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." Sarah Tevis, MD, Study Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor of Surgery in Breast Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

"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."
Current methods of limiting the spread of COVID-19 infection in schools are unsuited for controlling outbreaks, with research indicating that regular monitoring measures may be better suited.

Classroom Transmission. Image Credit: Paul Tupper

Simulations of classroom dynamics show current preventative measures are inadequate to control COVID-19 outbreaks

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of schools occurred frequently and was a common measure to avoid larger outbreaks. Such closures are costly for the students and teachers, and many countries have recently reopened schools whilst using a suite of potential control measures.

Moreover, an important area of uncertainty relating to the study of COVID-19 infection is just how transmissible the virus is between people occupying public areas. Classrooms are characteristically spaces of frequent interactions between people, with limited opportunities to implement social distancing, preventative hygiene, and largescale testing. As a result, many schools have experienced rapid and severe outbreaks, and have implemented control measures in response.

Preventative measures vary between countries, but typically involve body temperature measurements, PCR tests for COVID-19 infection if students have traveled, as well as classroom closures if a student has tested positive.

However, a new study by Paul Tupper, from Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada, and Caroline Colijn from the Department of Mathematics at Imperial College London, London, UK, has shown that current methods may be inadequate.

The study published in PLOS Computational Biology uses mathematical models to simulate classrooms and examines the factors that underlie COVID-19 outbreaks in schools. Simulations included differences between infected individuals in how easily they can transmit the disease to others, and differences in transmission rates for different environments and activities to determine how these two qualitative factors may affect outbreak control.

Infection rates vary across scenarios but are only mitigated using regular monitoring

The simulations showed that in a classroom with 25 students, anywhere from 0 to 20 students might be infected after initial exposure, depending on even small adjustments to transmission rates for infected individuals or environments.

Then, researchers simulated the effects of different protocols to prevent large clusters of infection across classrooms and found that in scenarios with high transmission rates, preventive actions (such as closing down a whole class) that only took effect after a student developed symptoms and tested positive were too slow to prevent large outbreaks.

Simulations clearly showed that large outbreaks could only be prevented with regular monitoring of everyone in the setting, for example with pooled rapid testing on site.

We found that waiting until a student develops symptoms and tests positive is too slow a response, even though this was the method used in many jurisdictions to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Screening students without symptoms works quite well in our model and could also be applied in workplaces or shared living accommodations." Tupper

The findings, therefore, show that a large outbreak can only be prevented with regular monitoring of everyone in the school setting. From these results, the researchers are planning to include more data and expand models to explore further preventative strategies once a positive infection is detected. These models can be used to examine these factors under a classroom environment, but will also be extended to other settings at risk, including public spaces, shared accommodation, or offices.
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to spread across the globe. With the progression of the pandemic, our understanding of the post-COVID-19 syndromes continues to expand.

There is evidence to suggest that death rates from COVID-19 are higher in men than in women. On the other hand, women seem more likely to suffer the disease's long-term effects and experience negative social and economic consequences.

To better understand post-COVID sequelae, researchers at the University Hospital Basel and the University Hospital Zurich conducted a multicentre prospective observational cohort study.

The study, which appeared in the pre-print server medRxiv*, highlights the sex and gender-specific risk factors of post-COVID-19 syndrome in Switzerland.

COVID-19 and long-term consequences

Some people who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience signs and symptoms even after they recovered from the illness. Called long haulers or long COVID, these individuals may experience fatigue or tiredness, difficulty thinking or concentrating, headache, dizziness when standing, palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath, and the loss of smell or taste.

Identifying risk factors

In the current study, the researchers aimed to determine if women are at a higher risk of developing long-term complications.

They conducted a multicenter prospective observational cohort study (Swiss COGEN Cohort study) of more than 5,800 people in Switzerland who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA from February to December 2020. About 2,799, who are survived, completed a follow-up questionnaire.

The primary outcome of measure is the persistence of at least one COVID-19 related symptom for more than 60 days. The secondary outcome measures included the current quality of life compared to before the COVID-19 disease diagnosis, being readmitted to the hospital, and the nature of persistent symptoms. These symptoms included difficulty of breathing, physical weakness, chest pain, joint pain, loss of smell or taste, skin changes, palsy, visual problems, excess salivation, memory problems, and headache, among others.

In the patient cohort, the most common risk condition was hypertension, followed by obesity. Meanwhile, cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease, was present in 304 patients. On average, men were older than women in the cohort.

Of the 2,799 people who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and survived, 2,336 were outpatients, 16.5 percent were inpatients, where 165 women and 117 men were admitted to an intermediate or intensive care unit (ICU).

Women at higher risk

During the mean follow-up time of 197 days, 36.8 percent of the individuals reported at least one persistent symptom. Also, of the 152 people hospitalized at least once for persistent symptoms, 66 were women and 86 men.

An estimated 43 percent of women and 32 percent of men reported at least one persistent symptom months after their acute infection. The number of symptoms per individual was higher in women. Further, pre-existing mental health conditions and cardiovascular risk factors increased the risk of post-COVID-19 syndrome in women but not in men.

Obesity was an independent predictor of post-COVID-19 syndrome in men, but not in women. Domestic stress level and self-assessed gender identity heightened the likelihood of long-term COVID-19 complications in women. On the contrary, pregnancy during the acute COVID-19 illness and responsibility for taking care of the children seemed to protect women from post-COVID-19 syndrome.

"Our data indicate that post-COVID-19 sequelae and their predictors differ between men and women, suggesting that a tailored and sex- and gender-sensitive approach of healthcare services may be required to support their needs," the team explained in the study. "Sex- and gender-specific research on the underlying pathophysiology of post-COVID-19 syndrome is now urgent to better understand symptom development and identify targets for intervention," they added.

*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.
Pell City, AL (35125)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable.
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

Mostly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
Jimmy Howell and his wife know when theyre being scammed, but the retired law enforcement officer said there are a lot of elderly out there w
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(Newser)  In a 10-day operation in California's Antelope Valley, sheriff's officials said they seized 373,000 marijuana plants and 33,480 pounds of harvested marijuana. The estimated street value of the pot is more than $1 billion, officials said, making it the biggest haul ever in Los Angeles County, KNBC reports. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies were involved, and Sheriff Alex Villanueva showed photos of the large operations at a news conference Wednesday. Using 205 search warrants, he said, deputies made 131 arrests, seized 65 vehicles, destroyed 30 marijuana grows, and removed 180 animals. Several weapons and thousands of dollars in cash were also taken, per KTTV. Recreational marijuana sales have been broadly legal in the state since 2018. Black market operations are still booming, though, partly because of substantial taxes placed on legal products.

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About 500 illegal marijuana growing areas have been spotted in the Palmdale-Lancaster area so far this year, and officials listed several ways they do harm. Most of the large operations are connected to Mexican drug trafficking organizations and Asian and Armenian crime groups, Villanueva said. "Over 90% of the folks working these farms are indentured servants of some form," said Republican US Rep. Mike Garcia, adding, "these are not mom-and-pop or legal operations that we are fighting." Crime in the area is up. Remote grows often use banned pesticides and hazardous chemicals that can get into streams and ground water. Water is being stolen at night from farmers' wells. "What we want to do is send a clear message to the cartels and anyone doing illegal operations in the High Desert," Villanueva said. "Your days are over, and we are coming for you." (Read more marijuana stories.)
(Newser)  The search for a teenage California couple missing for almost a week came to a tragic end Tuesday when two bodies were found in an SUV that had plunged hundreds of feet off a winding mountain road. The mangled vehicle was spotted by a volunteer with a search and rescue team using a drone, KTLA reports. Sophia Rayanne Edwards and Ethan Manzano, both 19 years old, were last seen in the early hours of July 1 driving a 2007 Isuzu Ascender on the Angeles Crest Highway in the Angeles National Forest, reports People. Relatives say the couple had planned to move to Colorado over the holiday weekend.

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The bodies found in the vehicle haven't been formally identified by the coroner, but authorities have confirmed that the wrecked vehicle is the couple's Ascender. Detective Matthew Pereida with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Missing Persons Unit tells NBC Los Angeles that the friend the couple had been visiting said "their demeanor was normal, nothing out of character for them." Pereida says there were no guardrails in the crash area and the couple may have accidentally driven off the mountain road. "You're surrounded by trees and other things that cover what you can see with the naked eye," he says. (Read more missing teen stories.)
(Newser)  In an effort to win the extradition of Julian Assange, the US has told Britain the WikiLeaks founder would not be sent to the Supermax prison in Colorado if convicted. Along with others, the assurance was part of an appeal of a ruling by a British judge in January blocking extradition to the US, the Wall Street Journal reports. The judge has said Assange was likely to commit suicide if held in such conditions, including solitary confinement. The Justice Department also offered to let Assange serve his sentence, if he's convicted, in Australia, his native country. That's unusual, an extradition expert said, because such a request typically is made after conviction under the international prisoner transfer program. The US assurances were revealed by the British court when it announced it will take up the appeal. No date for the hearing was announced.

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The US concessions appear to be an effort to wrap up the long battle over whether Assange will be tried on espionage charges by addressing the court's objections. He's wanted in the US on 18 counts, as well as conspiring to hack a military computer, a case launched during the Trump administration. Stella Moris, Assange's fiancee, called on the Biden administration on Wednesday to drop the extradition request and let the case go, per the New York Times. "This case should not be dragged out for a moment longer," she said in a statement. "End this prosecution, protect free speech and let Julian come home to his family." British prosecutors and the US Justice Department declined to comment on the case. The US told the court it would still put Assange in a Supermax cell if he were to do something to warrant it. (Read more Julian Assange extradition stories.)
(Newser)  President Biden said Wednesday he would "deliver" a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the latest ransomware attacks targeting American businesses, setting up a test of Biden's ability to balance his pledge to respond firmly to cyber breaches with his goal of developing a stable relationship with Russia. The administration faces few easy options for a ransomware threat that in recent months has emerged as a major national security challenge, with attacks from Russia-based gangs that have targeted vital infrastructure and extorted multimillion-dollar payments from victims, the AP reports. The White House says the damage from the latest attackaffecting as many as 1,500 businesses worldwideappeared minimal, though cybersecurity experts said information remained incomplete.

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The malicious intrusion exploited a powerful remote-management tool run by Miami-based software company Kaseya. It occurred weeks after Biden made clear to Putin that the US would not tolerate attacks. Biden met Wednesday with Vice President Kamala Harris and top national security aides to discuss the problem. As he departed the White House to travel to Illinois, Biden was opaque when asked what exactly he would convey to Putin. "I will deliver it to him," Biden told reporters. A White House National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday that combatting ransomware remained a priority, but that the years-long threat "wont just turn off as easy as pulling down a light switch." "No one thing is going to work alone and only together will we significantly impact the threat," the statement said.

(Read more cyberattack stories.)
Search and rescue team members depart after working the debris field of the 12-story oceanfront condo, Champlain Towers South, Wednesday in Surfside, Fla. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald via AP)

Search and rescue team members depart after working the debris field of the 12-story oceanfront condo, Champlain Towers South, Wednesday in Surfside, Fla. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald via AP)
(Newser)  An elderly Austrian man had an unpleasant surprise waiting for him while answering nature's call early Monday: a python, in his toilet. The man, identified by the BBC as 65-year-old Walter Erhart, tells the broadcaster that he "went to the toilet as usual" in his Graz apartment around 6am on Monday, "switched on the light, turned, sat down as I always did"and then "suddenly felt a nip" in his genital area. Police in the province of Styria say that nip was from a 5 1/4-foot albino reticulated python hanging out in the bowl, an escapee from the apartment of Erhart's 24-year-old neighbor, per the AP. A reptile expert retrieved the python from Erhart's toilet, cleaned it up, and returned it to its owner. Erhart was said to have suffered just minor injuries.

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Police think the python may have ended up in the drainpipes of its owner's apartment and then made its way into Erhart's bathroom. They note that the neighbor keeps a total of 11 nonvenomous constrictor snakes, as well as a gecko. He's under investigation on suspicion of causing bodily harm by negligence. Meanwhile, back in the States, the public is breathing a sigh of relief in Baton Rouge after a Burmese python named Cara was found early Thursday, two days after she escaped from her enclosure inside Louisiana's largest shopping mall, per WPLG. Cara, described as a "nonpoisonous" and "very sweet" snake, slithered out of her home in the Mall of Louisiana's Blue Zoo on Tuesday; the zoo shut down during the search for Cara, though the mall remained open. She was recaptured just after 4am on Thursday. (Read more python stories.)
(Newser)  No former South African president has ever served time following his termuntil early Thursday, reports the BBC. With the clock ticking on the midnight deadline to arrest him, Jacob Zuma left his Nkandla home late Wednesday in a convoy of vehicles and turned himself in, complying with an order from the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court, that he should serve a 15-month sentence for contempt. Zuma was sentenced last Tuesday for failing to testify at an inquiry into corruption that allegedly occurred during his nine years as president, which ran from 2009 to 2018. The Zuma Foundation said simply: "President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order," and South Africa police confirmed the 79-year-old was in custody.

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For how long is unclear. The Constitutional Court will on Monday hear his application to rescind his sentence. The AP gives context on Zuma's fall from grace:

Decades ago Zuma developed a reputation as a staunch opponent of apartheid and was jailed for 10 years ending in 1973 at the Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was held. By the time South Africa legalized the African National Congress party in 1990, Zuma had become a higher-up in the party and helped negotiate the political settlement that led to the countrys first democratic elections in 1994.

Fast forward to present day: The judicial inquiry into corruption during his term as president heard "damning testimony," with former Cabinet ministers and executives of state-owned corporations saying Zuma allowed his associates, members of the Gupta family, to influence his Cabinet appointments and win lucrative contracts.

The read on the situation from the BBC's Farouk Chothia: "It is an ignominious end to Mr. Zuma's political career, but a proud moment for South Africa's democracy. It shows that no one is above the lawnot even a former president."

(Read more Jacob Zuma stories.)
(Newser)  Persistent Bill Cosby fans will be cheered by this update from his publicist; those who have soured on him, maybe not so much: In an interview with the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, Andrew Wyatt said the 83-year-old is currently with his family following his release from prison last weekbut that he won't be staying out of the public eye for long. Wyatt says Cosby intends to retake the stage in the US, Canada, and London in the near future (no date was given), with an act that will be "inclusive of human rights and civil rights" as a result of his own prison experiences.

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Wyatt tells TMZ that Cosby's camp has started reaching out to comedy clubs and promoters, and that the response was encouraging. "In his physical appearance, he's exuberant. In his mental state, he's exuberant. In his feelings and humor, he's exuberant," Wyatt said. He's "more powerful than we've ever seen." A book and docuseries are also in the works. (Read more Bill Cosby stories.)
(Newser)  Rudy Giuliani is experiencing the domino effect. CNN reports that after temporarily losing his license to practice law in New York, his law license was on Wednesday suspended in Washington, DC, "pending [the] outcome" of a full disciplinary proceeding in New York. CNBC reports the New York decision automatically triggered the DC suspension. Indeed, the brief order begins with, "On consideration of a certified copy of an order of the Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department..." A side note from the AP: "The practical impact of the DC court ruling is questionable, since Giuliani's law license in Washington was already inactive."

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A New York appellate court on June 24 found "uncontroverted evidence" that Giuliani "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." The five-judge panel handed Giuliani an interim suspension that Politico describes as "an action taken only in the most serious cases of alleged misconduct." (Read more Rudy Giuliani stories.)
(Newser)  If you've noticed a recent drop in spam calls, thank the Federal Communications Commission. As of June 30, major US phone providers must use caller ID authentication meant to block spoofed robocalls, costing Americans some $10 billion annually, and help "law enforcement track bad actors," according to the FCC. "We believe this is the most meaningful regulatory action ever taken to attack robocalls," Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog at the US Public Interest Research Group, tells the Detroit Free Press. To cut down on spoof calls claiming to be from a government agency, bank, or business, carriers must verify a customer and phone number before an outgoing call goes through. This is done using the Secure Telephone Identity Revisited and the Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs standards technology, or STIR/SHAKEN.

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Scam calls may continue on a smaller scale as "some smaller voice carriers and others do not have to implement the change until possibly a year or two from now," per the Free Press. And calls from scammers using verified numbers will likely still get throughas with legitimate robocalls from schools or pharmacies. But "if the display says the call is coming from a 313 area code, it should actually be coming from a 313 area code, not someplace in the Philippines," says Murray. Call-blocking app YouMail describes 22 billion scam calls already in 2021, with about 12 calls per cellphone user in the month of May, per the Free Press and CBS News. Verizon, which implemented the technology by December, says it blocked more than 10 billion calls by late June. Wireless companies that don't comply may face penalties, perhaps including having their calls blocked, per CBS. (Read more robocalls stories.)
(Newser)  A gunmaker sued in 2014 by nine Sandy Hook families has spent seven years pulling together tens of thousands of documents for discovery proceedings, claiming it was using "extensive resources" to do so. Now, in a complaint filed last week in Connecticut Superior Court, lawyers for those families allege that of the 46,000 or so documents handed over by Remington Arms, 18,465 of them were "random cartoons" (including of Santa Claus and a sliced-up Minion from Despicable Me); 15,825 were images of such things as people riding dirt bikes and go-karts; and 1,657 were videos and GIFs that included ice bucket challenges and gender reveal parties. "When the seemingly random cartoons, images, videos, [duplicate catalogs], and other items noted are accounted for, Remington, it would seem, has spent the better part of seven years producing 6,606 potentially useful documents in response to the plaintiffs' requests," the complaint notes, per the Connecticut Post.

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The bizarre documents, Remington's filing for bankruptcy, and other delays are all part of a stall tactic, the families allege, as the company "is desperate to avoid a true review of the internal and external communications detailing its abusive marketing practices," per the complaint. Shooter Adam Lanza used a Bushmaster AR-15 made by Remington in the 2012 massacre, and the families allege the company's marketing of the rifle to civilians was wrong. The complaint adds that "Remington has treated discovery as a game" and that "there is no possible reasonable explanation for this conduct." A Remington lead attorney tells the Post that the company "will respond to this motion in the coming weeks, and point out what it believes are incorrect representations, numerous half-truths, and important omissions by (families') counsel." Jury selection for the case, which is headed back to trial court after being turned down by the US Supreme Court, is set for September. (Read more Sandy Hook stories.)
(Newser)  Wednesday began with gunmen assassinating Haitian President Jovenel Moise; the country's national police chief said the day ended with four suspects dead and two more arrested. "The police [are] still in combat with the assailants," Leon Charles said in a televised briefing, per the Guardian. Of the suspects who remain at large, "They will be killed or captured," he said. Charles added that three police officers who had been held hostage were freed by police, reports NBC News. The AP quotes Haitian ambassador to the US Bocchit Edmond as saying the "well-orchestrated" attack on Moise "was carried out by foreign mercenaries and professional killers" who were pretending to be US Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

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The AP notes there is a DEA office in Port-au-Prince from which US agents assist with counternarcotics programs. Haiti has reportedly sought US help with the investigation into Moise's murder, with Edmond saying it's possible some involved could have fled the country by crossing the land border into the Dominican Republic. Moise's wife, Martine, who was wounded in the 1am attack, was on Wednesday afternoon flown to Miami for treatment. The Hill reports the 47-year-old was taken to Jackson Health Systems Ryder Trauma Center. (Read more Haiti stories.)
(Newser)  A Frenchman obsessed with a supposed stash of gold hidden from the Nazis has been sentenced to 30 years for murdering and dismembering four family members. Investigators say there is no sign the treasure ever existed. Prosecutors said Hubert Caouissin thought his brother-in-law Pascal Troadec had concealed gold bars that the Bank of France had hidden during the German occupation in World War II, the Guardian reports. Caouissin spied on the family and when he was disturbed while trying to listen to a conversation through a stethoscope at a window, he killed Troadec, his wife Brigitte, and their children, 18-year-old Charlotte and 21-year-old Sebastian.

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Caouissin believed Troadec's father, a construction worker, had found the stash in the basement of a building in 2006 but his wife and Troadec's sister, Lydie Caouissin, had not received her share. During a 16-day trial, he claimed the killings were an "accident." Prosecutors said he killed the family members with a crowbar, dismembered the bodies, and buried them on his farm. Some 379 body parts were found on his property. One of his lawyers argued that he suffered from a "chronic paranoid delusion," Euronews reports. Lydie Caouissin was sentenced to three years for helping her husband dispose of the bodies. (American treasure hunters say the FBI is cheating them out of a Civil War gold stash.)
(Newser)  "Baby Mary Anne" would have been 14 this year, had she not been killed as a newborn and dumped in a trash bin at a Pennsylvania YMCA. Now, justice may be around the corner, thanks to DNA evidence that has helped along yet another cold case. PennLive.com reports that the infant's mother, 44-year-old Tara Brazzle (known in 2007 as Tara Indrakosit), was arrested Friday, after what Lancaster County DA Heather Adams said Wednesday was an "exhaustive" probe into the baby's death. The baby, who authorities say was born alive between 35 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, was found Sept. 24, 2007, in a dumpster at a Lancaster YMCA, swaddled in a blood-stained towel and multiple plastic bags, inside a canvas bag with the placenta and umbilical cord. The baby, who was found to have suffocated, was named Mary Anne by a woman who helped set up her burial, and hundreds of people showed up at her November 2007 funeral service, per the Washington Post.

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After interviewing at least two dozen women in hopes of finding the mother, the homicide case went cold. That is, until Sgt. Randell Zook took over the probe in 2016, submitted DNA from the crime scene to a lab, and put together a "reverse family tree." Evidence eventually pointed to Brazzle, and cops interviewed her Thursday at her current home in Valparaiso, Ind. They say she admitted knowing she was pregnant, not seeking prenatal care, and dumping the baby after the birth. Officials didn't arrest Brazzle on Thursday, as they continued to look into who else may have been involved, but they took her into custody Friday after they found out she'd flown to California. WGAL notes she's set to be extradited to Pennsylvania. Investigators say they've also interviewed the baby's apparent father, though it's not clear what, if anything, he knew. Brazzle has been charged with one count of criminal homicide and is in the custody of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office without bail. (Read more cold cases stories.)
(Newser)  Last week, Tucker Carson of Fox News caused a stir by accusing the National Security Agency of spying on him and trying to get his show off the air, allegations the NSA denied. Now, a report from Jonathan Swan at Axios appears to shed light on the controversy. It seems Carlson had been trying to arrange an interview with Vladimir Putin and reached out to Kremlin intermediaries in the US. As Swan notes, that in itself is not unusual. So how did we get from there to Carlson's allegations of spying? Swan writes that it's unlikely the NSA had made the Fox News host a target. "A more plausible scenario is that one of the people Carlson was talking to as an intermediary to help him get the Putin interview was under surveillance as a foreign agent." If that were the case, Carlson's texts or emails to the intermediary might have been "incidentally collected."

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Swan has reached out to the NSA for an explicit denial that this is what happened, but the agency is so far sticking with what Swan describes as its "carefully worded" initial statement. If Carlson's messages were incidentally collected, his identity would still have been masked, and it could have been unmasked only at the request of a US government official. Carlson, meanwhile, is continuing to make his case that some in the agency are out to get him. "Yesterday, I learned that ... the NSA leaked the contents of my emails to journalists in an effort to discredit me," he told Fox's Maria Bartiromo on Wednesday, per the Hill. "I know because I got a call from one of them saying, 'Oh, this is what your email was about.'" That in itself seems like a "significant leak," writes David Harsanyi at the National Review, who wonders if journalists from non-Fox outlets get similar treatment. (Read more Tucker Carlson stories.)
(Newser)  Eleven people have been convicted of the online harassment of a schoolgirl who posted rants against Islam, in a controversial case out of France. The girl identified only as Mila changed schools and underwent police protection after receiving what her lawyer said was more than 100,000 abusive messages, including threats of death and rape, in response to viral videos critics viewed as Islamophobic, per the Guardian. "Islam is s---," the openly gay atheist, then 16, said in an initial video posted to Instagram in January 2020. She said she posted it after a boy criticized her sexuality "in the name of Allah." This and later videos prompted a debate over what is protected free speech, similar to that seen in France after satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo began publishing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.

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President Emmanuel Macron defended Mila, saying French citizens "have the right to blaspheme, to criticize and to caricature religions." It's illegal to incite hatred of a group based on religion, but not to insult religious beliefs under French law. "I don't like any religion, not just Islam," Mila testified at a Paris court, adding the response to her videos made her feel as if she'd been "condemned to death," per Al Jazeera. She celebrated Wednesday's ruling, saying "I want us to never again make the victims feel guilty," per the Guardian. Thirteen people, aged 18 to 30, were tried and 11 convicted of harassment. One said he'd seen Mila's comments as "racist" and "blasphemous." Judge Michael Humbert handed down $1,770 fines and suspended prison sentences of four to six months to each of the convicted, who will only serve time if convicted of other crimes. (Read more France stories.)
(Newser)  Former President Trump went after Facebook, Twitter, and Google on Wednesday with class-action lawsuits that accuse them of censoring conservative views by banning him and others. The consensus in coverage is that the lawsuits stand little chance of succeeding, but that might be OK with Trump. Coverage:

An analysis at BuzzFeed notes that the suits are filled with arguments that have been previously rejected by courts, including the Supreme Court. For instance, Trump's legal team argues that the companies are so big they are in effect "state actors" that violated the First Amendment. But multiple courts have rejected efforts to pin the "state actor" label on social media companies.

The lawsuits are claiming that the former presidents First Amendment rights were violated by the decision to suspend his account, when in fact that is exactly backwards, says Caitlin Vogus of the Center for Democracy & Technology. The First Amendment strongly protects the decision by these companies to make content moderation decisions.

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An analysis by Robby Soave at Reason also predicts the lawsuits are "going absolutely nowhere" because they are based "on this backward reading of the First Amendment." The piece cites a quote from Steve DelBianco of NetChoice: "The First Amendment is designed to protect the media from the President, not the other way around."

At the Week, Bonnie Kristian digs into the suit against Facebook in particular and agrees with the above sentiment that the legal strategy is not sound. "Its real value for Trump is indirect," she writes. "These don't seem to be lawsuits designed to succeed in court so much as tools of public relations and fundraising. They are strategic, performative, sometimes downright silly, and almost certainly legally doomed."

On that note, Forbes reports that GOP fundraising committees immediately capitalized on Trump's move to send out texts to potential donors. "IT HAPPENED, wrote the Senate GOP fundraising arm, the NRSC, in one such text. Trump announced he is fighting CENSORSHIP by SUING Big Tech companies. The text promised a "5X MATCH" for donations. The Trump campaign sent out a similar message.

The Trump team also is arguing that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects tech companies in regard to content posted by third-party users, is unconstitutional. But legal experts tell Axios that this, too, is not a winning strategy here because it's irrelevant. "The defendants in Trump's cases will not assert Section 230 defenses," says one. "They will instead argue that they are not state actors. The courts will agree that the services aren't state actors. This is not a close call."

At the American Spectator, John Jiang supports the view that the tech giants are biased against the right, but he thinks Trump blew it by waiting until he was out of office to file the lawsuits. "Unfortunately, his big move against Silicon Valley" is "too little, too late."

(Read more President Trump stories.)
(Newser)  The six people arrested in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise include at least one American, a government official said Thursday. James Solages is a US citizen of Haitian descent, the Washington Post reports, and an official said he believes another detainee is, as well. Solages' LinkedIn page says he works at a senior home in Florida as a plant operation director and is chairman of an educational charity in Haiti. Another official said the detainees are foreigners. Police have not released any information linking them to the assassination, but Mathias Pierre, the elections minister, said they're being held at a Port-au-Prince police station. "The special units are trying to protect the police station, because the population is very mad and is trying to get to them, to burn them," Pierre said. "We're trying to avoid that."

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Some Haitians have taken it upon themselves to locate suspects, per the New York Times. Five vehicles thought to have been used in the plot have been recovered, but three of them were burned by crowds before police could collect evidence from them, the nation's police chief said. "We can't have vigilante justice," Leon Charles appealed to the public. "Let us do our work." Police had the bodies of three of the four suspects who have been killed, he said, calling them "visibly foreigners." Officers had two buildings surrounded where other suspects had fled, a UN official said. "I'm asking everyone to go to their homes," said the interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, on Thursday at a news conference. "The police have the situation under control." Martial law has been declared in the nation, per NPR. (Read more Haiti stories.)
Access to cash is fast disappearing though. Hawkesby said a quarter of all bank branches have closed in the past two years, and half of those still left are running reduced hours and staffing.

"I think cash is a challenge for the banking system, and it's partly because it is a big piece of infrastructure - running the cash system costs money, you need branches, you need ATMs, you need security vans travelling around the country," said Hawkesby.

"As people use less physical cash it becomes more costly to keep that infrastructure going - you can see the way that banks have been closing branches, closing ATM machines. That sort of reflects those changes."

A much cheaper alternative could be a digital-only currency that doesn't have a real-world physical version. Many central banks around the world are looking into setting up what's known as a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), though what form they might take remains to be seen.

According to Investopedia, CBDCs have been inspired by the rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Existing cryptocurrencies are unregulated, their values fluctuate wildly and they've become closely associated with the black market - making them largely unsuitable as official currencies.

CBDCs would "act as a digital representation of a countrys fiat currency, and will be backed by a suitable amount of monetary reserves like gold or foreign currency reserves".

"Each CBDC unit will act as a secure digital instrument equivalent to a paper bill and can be used as a mode of payment, a store of value, and an official unit of account.

"Like a paper-based currency note that carries a unique serial number, each CBDC unit will also be distinguishable to prevent imitation," wrote Investopedia's Shobhit Seth.

"Since it will be a part of the money supply controlled by the central bank, it will work alongside other forms of regulated money, like coins, bills, notes, and bonds."
It comes after the ministry announced on Tuesday that two mariners on a ship off the coast of Taranaki had tested positive for COVID-19.

Whole genome sequencing of the first of these mariners has shown they are carrying the Delta variant. It also shows the infection is not linked to any other cases in New Zealand.

"An All of Government response has been set up, led by Customs," the ministry says.

"Health is working closely with the All of Government response, border agencies, port authorities and the shipping company to address the health needs of crew members and to determine the next steps for the vessel.

"It is not yet clear which port the ship will return to. On their return to New Zealand, 15 of the 20 crew members disembarking - including the two COVID-19 positive mariners - are expected to go into a managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facility."

The Ministry of Health says this facility is likely to be at the port they return to - though as there are no MIQ facilities in New Plymouth, the ship will need to disembark somewhere else.

"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."

On Thursday, one new coronavirus case has been detected in New Zealand - but there's still no evidence of community transmission after last month's COVID-19 scare in Wellington.

The case was detected during routine testing on day zero, the Ministry of Health announced in their latest update on Thursday afternoon. They had flown into Auckland from Russia via the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, July 6.

There are now 41 active cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand, and a total of 2408 confirmed cases recorded here since the start of the pandemic.

On Wednesday, 7011 tests were processed across the country. The total number of tests processed by laboratories to date is 2,336,504 - though this does not include the full number of tests processed by Waikato DHB, due to the cyber attack.
Rural latrines fared even worse. While most of the thrones looked at were in cities - predominantly Wellington, Hutt City and Porirua - the researchers also dropped into some elsewhere in the country when they travelled for other reasons.

In these "convenience samples", which were mostly in provincial and rural areas, loos were 12 times more likely to have no water than in the city and more than twice as likely to be without soap.

"Only one council that we could identify had increased the provision of soap in response to the pandemic," said Dr Wilson. "Clearly it's really not a good situation, far from ideal."

The overall results weren't much better than in a previous study conducted in 2012. While soap was slightly more prevalent in 2020 than eight years earlier, there was no improvement in the number of wharepaku without water.

"From a qualitative perspective, we noted that several COVID-19 signs in tourist areas were in Chinese language, and a few handwashing signs included te reo Maori," the study, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal on Friday, said.

"We also noted that some automatic water and soap dispensers took some time to activate and then dispensed too little soap or too little water for a satisfactory handwash (ie, repeat activation was required)."
By Alexander Gillespie for The Conversation



Bruised by its divorce from the EU, the UK is busy getting out more, making new friends and renewing old acquaintances.

Serenaded with promises of cheaper cars, whiskey and marmite, Australia was first to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK - but New Zealand is not far behind.

The National Party opposition was quick to criticise the Labour Government for being too slow with a UK deal, but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responded pointedly by saying New Zealand wanted "quality over speed". The significance of the Australian deal has also been downplayed, with the credit rating agency Moody's saying, "the economic impact of the trade deal is negligible".

Others have argued the deal is more about demonstrating post-Brexit sovereignty than economic gain.

Yet there's no denying the UK needs to diversify its markets to offset the negative economic impacts of Brexit. New Zealand, too, is keen to grow trade after the pandemic disruptions and diversify its trade markets beyond China.

With a deal expected this August, the big questions are: what's really in it for New Zealand, and what considerations will have guided negotiations?

Much has changed since the UK joined the old European Common Market and cut the colonial apron strings. New Zealand is a different country now and can cut a deal on its own terms.
Folic acid, which has been proven to prevent serious birth defects, is set to be added to bread.

The announcement was made Thursday morning.

"This is about protecting babies," said Food Safety Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall. "Low folate levels in mothers cause neural tube defects that result in the death of babies, or lifelong disability."

Folic acid, a B vitamin also known as folate, was set to be added to bread in 2009 under a joint Australia-New Zealand plan negotiated by the previous Labour-led Government, but it was scrapped by National.

In 2012 new research showed since mandatory fortification of bread, pasta and cereal in the US, there had been a significant decline in childhood brain and kidney tumours - even more so in newborn infants.

But Food Safety Minister at the time, Kate Wilkinson, sided with the food industry, which said fortification would be costly. The NZ Organisation for Rare Disorders at the time said the decision would condemn 20 babies a year to either serious disability - this was backed up in 2019 when the Ministry for Primary Industries estimated up to 171 neural tube defects in babies such as spina bifida could have been prevented if the 2009 policy had gone ahead.
Singapore is one of the most advanced cities in the world and it prides itself on that. So it should come as no surprise that they are amongst the leading peloton in the race to post-COVID-19 'new normality'.

So far, 5.8 million vaccinations have been administered and 2.2 million people are fully vaccinated. That's 38.4 percent of the population.

This week the government launched its next line of publicity defence against the pandemic: A pop song entitled 'Together, towards a new normal.'
The 53-year-old president's wife, Martine Moise, was also shot in the attack at around 1am local time at the couple's home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Joseph said in a statement. She was receiving medical treatment.

"Early information suggests it was a group of people who spoke English and Spanish. They were armed with high-caliber weapons," Joseph said in his address to the nation. He said the assassination was a "barbaric act".

In videos circulating on social media that Reuters was not yet able to verify, the gunmen claimed to be members of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as they entered Moise's guarded residence. A DEA spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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 Wednesday morning after the attack and intermittent gunfire overnight.

The international airport of Port-au-Prince was closed, according to local media. The airport director could not immediately be reached for comment.

But 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 Caribbean 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.

Leaders worldwide condemned the assassination and appealed for calm.

"We stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti," said US President Joe Biden, denouncing the killing as "heinous" and calling the situation worrisome.

Joseph called for the United Nations to hold a Security Council meeting as soon as possible. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres did not immediately reply to his appeal but said the world body would "continue to stand with the government and the people of Haiti."

Diplomats in New York said the 15-member council was likely to meet in the coming days to be briefed on the assassination.

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 Justice - another contender for the job underHaiti's constitution died 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, and has grappled with a series of coups and foreign interventions.

A UN 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. In recent years, Haiti has been buffeted by a series of natural disasters and still bears the scars of a major earthquake in 2010.

After taking office as president in 2017, Moise, a banana exporter-turned-politician, faced fierce protests over corruption allegations and his management of the economy.

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 that he said would finally fix the problems causing Haiti's instability.

The US Embassy said it would be closed on Wednesday due to the "ongoing security situation".

The United States is assessing the "tragic attack", White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in Washington.

"We stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that's needed," she said. "Of course our embassy and State Department will be in close touch but it's a tragedy. We stand with them and it's important that people of Haiti know that."

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 the Haitian government to counter a proliferation of gangs and violence.

Reuters
A New Zealand-born woman in Australia has avoided a stint in prison after throwing her partner's wallet off a balcony, setting fire to his clothes and then breaking into her ex-boyfriend's house.

Jessica Mary O'Brien, an executive assistant, appeared in the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday on one charge of endangering a property by fire.

The court heard how the 32-year-old was in a "volatile" relationship with a man 17 years her senior, the Daily Mail reported.

On June 13, 2018, the couple had drunk three bottles of wine and consumed some Prozac tablets when they got into an argument over O'Brien's male friend.

O'Brien threw her partner's wallet off their apartment's balcony before he retaliated by tossing her phone over too.

When he left the complex, she then set some of his clothes on fire and told two people on the street to call the fire service.
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Felix Pedro discovered gold on July 22, 1902, near the site of this memorial on the Steese Highway in Fox. His discovery led to the founding of Fairbanks. Eric Engman/News-Miner
Residents gather in the gym in Arctic Village on June 29 to listen to a talk on suicide prevention through following traditional lifestyle.
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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The US Embassy in Bahrain yesterday said they were excited to eventually welcome a new Ambassador to Bahrain.

Responding to reports on the arrival of the new US Ambassador, Embassys Deputy Public Affairs Officer David Whitted said that Steven Craig Bondy was still a nominee and that they were awaiting the final official confirmation on the new appointment by the US Senate.

NOB had reported the nomination of Bondy for the post of US Ambassador to the Kingdom. On 15 April 2021, US President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Bondy as the US Ambassador to Bahrain. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Bondy, from 2017-2020, was the Charge dAffaires and Deputy Chief of Mission at US Embassy Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Before that, he handled several roles of increasing responsibility at the US Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan, US Embassy Baghdad, Iraq and other areas. Bondy had demonstrated his ability to lead diverse interagency teams effectively and provide strong leadership even in extreme security environments. These skills, coupled with his extensive Middle East experience, including in Bahrain, make him an excellent candidate to be the US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, US Embassy said.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

A Bahraini man was found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the death of a police officer during a patrol vessel accident last May. The Lower Criminal Court sentenced him to four years in prison.

Three other Asian men were implicated in the case but were sentenced to one month behind bars each. All the defendants were also fined BD1,000. The Asian men were on the shrimp fishing boat which barged into a patrol vessel, killing a policeman and injuring several others, as it attempted to avoid inspection by Bahraini Coast Guards.

The incident occurred in the early morning of May 6, 2021, when the Coast Guard crew noticed a boat sailing along a suspicious course in Bahraini waters. The crew contacted the boat and ordered them to stop, but the suspects made no response and continued their course. When required to comply with the instruction, the boat changed its course without warning and rammed into the patrol vessel in an attempt to escape, said the Interior Ministry in a statement.

The impact, the Ministry said, resulted in the martyrdom of a policeman and injuring two Coast Guard officers. A policeman died and two injured when a boat crashed into a marine patrol while attempting to escape, the Interior Ministry tweeted.

The injured coast guard officers were transferred to a nearby hospital by the national ambulance crew. The suspects then fled the scene and continued to the coast of Shahrakan. Coast guard officials later said they were intercepted and taken into custody.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Lower Criminal Court will announce today its verdict in the case of a Bahraini man accused of insulting the judicial authority on social media platforms. After the defendants lawyers presented their closing argument, the judges decided to adjourn until today before disclosing its decision.

The Public Prosecution revealed that it had received an official request from the judicial authority to criminally investigate the defendant after he published a video on social media and it included insults against the judicial authority. As a result, he was summoned up and was questioned. The accused admitted to sharing the videos but denied he intended to insult the judicial authority.

He said that his aim was to raise awareness of cases published in newspapers. The defendant had been accustomed to inappropriately comments on verdicts issued by courts. He published videos on his social media accounts that included insults said inside courtrooms. He also deliberately hurled false accusations against the authority, the Public Prosecution said in their closing argument.
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PM Modi has widened the net of talent and tried to get some good technocrats, bureaucrats, lawyers, PHDs, MBAs from Harvard, Stanford and Wharton on board.

In a major overhaul, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday brought in 36 new faces to his Union Cabinet and promoted seven existing ministers. Meanwhile, 12 top ministers have been dropped from the Cabinet. The new ministers will meet BJP chief JP Nadda later today. Forty-three ministers, including seven who were elevated as cabinet ministers, took the oath of office at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan held with protocols related to Covid-19.

Before the cabinet reshuffle, Padma Shri awardee Mohandas Pai wrote that technocrats as ministers can help PM Modi deliver better on jobs. He said that for the next three years, the governments big focus should be achieving high economic growth, lowering the barriers to growth and creating good-quality jobs so that quality of life and ease of living goes up. For that to happen, we need people in the government who have worked outside the government, are connected to the industry, can independently assess the effectiveness of policies in peoples lives, and can work to bridge the gap between people and policies.

Thus, understanding the need of the hour, PM Modi has widened the net of talent and tried to get some good technocrats, bureaucrats, lawyers, PHDs, MBAs from Harvard, Stanford and Wharton on board to work with some critical ministries so that there can be a greater push for growth and a greater push for better-quality jobs. New union cabinet is very diverse. With field experts and techies roped into governance to deliver goods to boost efficiency and formulate grassroots policy reforms, lets see how PMs delivery model works out.

According to sources, PM began work with the new ministers, just a day after cabinet reshuffle. The Prime Minister interacted with Directors of centrally funded technical institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur & IISc Bangalore via video conference today. New Education Min Dharmendra Pradhan was also present.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden said Wednesday he would deliver a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the latest ransomware attacks targeting American businesses, setting up a test of Biden's ability to balance his pledge to respond firmly to cyber breaches with his goal of developing a stable relationship with Russia.

The administration faces few easy options for a ransomware threat that in recent months has emerged as a major national security challenge, with attacks from Russia-based gangs that have targeted vital infrastructure and extorted multimillion-dollar payments from victims.

The White House says the damage from the latest attack  affecting as many as 1,500 businesses worldwide  appeared minimal, though cybersecurity experts said information remained incomplete. The malicious intrusion exploited a powerful remote-management tool run by Miami-based software company Kaseya. It occurred weeks after Biden made clear to Putin that the U.S. was growing impatient with cyberattacks emanating from Russia.

But Biden finds himself in a difficult position as he seeks to press Putin to crack down on Russian cyber gangs targeting U.S. and international business for financial gain and dial back Kremlin-connected cyber espionage. The administration is mindful that punitive actions against Russia can escalate into tit-for-tat exchanges that heighten tensions between nuclear superpowers.

The latest hack also comes after some Republicans accused the Democratic president of showing deference to Putin by meeting with him and making America weaker in the process. Biden has faced criticism of being too soft on Putin even though former President Donald Trump declined to blame Russia for hacks and interference in the 2016 election despite U.S. intelligence community findings.

Biden met Wednesday with Vice President Kamala Harris and top national security aides to discuss the problem. As he departed the White House to travel to Illinois, Biden was opaque when asked what exactly he would convey to Putin.

I will deliver it to him, Biden told reporters.

A White House National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday that combatting ransomware remained a priority, but that the years-long threat wont just turn off as easy as pulling down a light switch.

No one thing is going to work alone and only together will we significantly impact the threat, the statement said.

U.S. officials say they've preached to the private sector about hardening cybersecurity defenses, worked to disrupt channels for ransomware payments and scored a success last month with the recovery of most of a multimillion-dollar payment made by a fuel pipeline company. But they've been cautious about carrying out retaliatory offensive cyber actions for fear it could quickly spiral into a greater crisis. There are also practical limits to what the U.S. can do to thwart Russian cyber gangs.

Biden and top administration officials repeatedly said around last month's meeting with Putin that their goal was building a predictable, stable relationship. An all-out cyberwar would seem to work against this goal.

Its a very fine line that they have to walk as far as providing some kind of consequence for that behavior without it escalating to where cyberattacks are out of control, or increase it to a conflict that goes beyond the cyberspace, said Jonathan Trimble, a retired FBI agent and cybersecurity executive.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that Russian and U.S. representatives were meeting next week and would discuss the matter. She said administration officials used Wednesday's meeting to discuss building resilience to attacks and other efforts to combat the problem, and also addressed policies on payments to hackers.

The administration has yet to attribute the latest major attack to Russians hackers. Psaki did not directly answer how Biden might respond, but said he has "a range of options, should he determine to take action.

Cybersecurity experts swiftly identified REvil as responsible for the attack, and the notorious Russia-linked gang appeared to admit it publicly by offering on its dark web site to make available a universal decryptor that would unscramble all affected machines if paid $70 million in cryptocurrency.

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.

The U.S. has other tools at its disposal. Assuming it can gather the evidence it needs to identify the hackers, the Justice Department can bring indictments  though absent the defendants voluntarily departing Russia, there is little chance of them facing justice in American courts. Hacks not only from Russians but also the Chinese have continued even after indictments.

Theres also the chance investigators in at least some cases can recover from criminals ransom that has been paid. The Justice Department clawed back a portion of the $4.4 million forked over to a Russian-linked cyber gang responsible for the attack on Colonial Pipeline, an attack that stymied the gasoline supply in the southeast U.S. for days.

James Lewis, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the U.S. has been for too long in a defensive crouch when responding to ransomware attacks. The administration's options for assertiveness against ransomware criminals could include limiting their access to financial networks or hacking their command and control infrastructure.

These are all tough choices and the default position is to be cautious, which is why we keep getting whacked, Lewis said.



Associated Press writers Frank Bajak in Boston and Alan Suderman in Richmond contributed reporting.
Contributed photo

Just weeks after closing on the sale of seven of its convenience stores and gas stations in Connecticut, Waterbury-based Mercury Fuel is preparing to sell additional elements of its portfolio.

Mercury Fuel notified the state Department of Labor on July 1 that the company is selling an unspecified portion of its assets and will lay off 112 workers on or about Sept. 3, which is when the deal is expected to close. Michael Devino, president of the company, did not specify in the letter to state officials to whom the assets were being sold or why the layoffs were a necessary component of the sale.
The best pizza city in America is...Portland, Ore.?

That's according to the authors of the upcoming book "Modernist Pizza," Bloomberg reported Wednesday. Authors Nathan Myhrvold and Francisco Migoya reportedly ate 400 pies across the country in areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Seattle, St. Louis, New Haven, Jersey City, New York (multiple boroughs), Chicago, Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois, Phoenix and Philadelphia.

Myhrvold told Bloomberg he and Migoya were "shocked" at how good the Portland pizza was, and that its pizzerias offered "genius in multiple styles."

Myhrvold says to be "wary of places that tell you they are working secret family recipes," and according to Bloomberg, the "Modernist Pizza" team found New Haven's pies "notably lame, though the book does include a section on why that citys pizza might be the closest America has to the Naples original."

The backlash was swift.

"Imagine thinking this when #NewHaven exists," Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who has weighed in on previous Connecticut "apizza" debates, tweeted in response to the Bloomberg link saying Portland reigned supreme.

"There, I fixed it," Gov. Ned Lamont tweeted with a screenshot of the Bloomberg tweet that showed "city" and "Portland" hastily digitally scratched out and "Connecticut" typed in its place.

"This is a joke," a post read on the Facebook page for "Pizza, A Love Story," the documentary from Gorman Bechard about New Haven's famed pizzerias.

The official Twitter account for the state of New Jersey, named the No. 1 pizza state by Food & Wine magazine in April (with Connecticut coming in at No. 2) kept its response to two letters.

In case you need a refresher:

Here's an inside look at some of New Haven's most famous pizzerias

Some picks for Connecticut's most underrated pies

Square up: Where to find Detroit-style, grandma pies and Sicilian pizzas in Connecticut
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.
ANSONIA  Police asked residents to be alert and keep children and small animals inside Wednesday after a bear sighting.

The department said around 3:30 p.m. that officers were in the area of Rockwood Avenue and Granite Terrace investigating a report of a bear.

Police asked anyone living in the area of those roads, as well as Ellis Street, Woodbridge Avenue and other surrounding streets, to report any sightings of the bear. The department also urged residents to keep their kids and any small animals inside for safety until the bear cleared the area.

Officials with the police department did not immediately return request for comment Thursday regarding whether the bear was tagged or if there were any issues reported involving the animal.

For some, especially those living in the states cities, bear sightings might feel out of the ordinary or worrisome. But the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said theres no need to be concerned.

Its important for Connecticut residents to know that the range of the states bear population has expanded, said agency spokesman WIll Healey in an interview back in June after multiple bear sightings in Trumbull.

Years ago, bears would only mostly be found in the states northwestern corner. Now, Healey said, sightings cover pretty much the entire western part of the state, with sightings in cities like Danbury and Hartford and even along the coast in Westport and Old Saybrook. He said even if residents dont see bears, they should take precautions and assume they could be in the area.

Bears spotted wandering through yards are often either making their way to a wooded area or on the hunt for food. DEEP urges residents not to leave an easy meal for bears  garbage, livestock or pet food, bird feeders, to name a few.

Any garbage or food should be secured or kept inside, locked up and away from hungry bears. Bird feeders should be removed from trees and yards between April and November. And with a mystery ailment killing songbirds in the area, residents have even more motivation to take those feeders down.

Click here to view DEEPs interactive map on bear activity statewide.
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
WASHINGTON (AP)  A month after approving a controversial new Alzheimers drug, U.S. health regulators on Thursday signed off on new prescribing instructions that are likely to limit its use.

The Food and Drug Administration said the change is intended to address confusion among physicians and patients about who should get the drug, which has faced an intense public backlash since its approval last month.

The new drug label emphasizes that the drug, Aduhelm, is appropriate for patients with mild symptoms or early-stage Alzheimer's but has not been studied in patients with more advanced disease. That's a big change from the original FDA instructions, which said simply that the drug was approved for Alzheimer's disease in general.

Drugmaker Biogen announced the change in a release Thursday, stating that the update is intended to clarify the patient group studied in the company trials that led to approval. The FDA first approached the company about narrowing the label and OK'd the language.

Hearing these concerns, FDA determined that clarifications could be made to the prescribing information to address this confusion, the agency said in an emailed statement. Despite the update, the FDA added that some patients may benefit from ongoing treatment if they develop more advanced Alzheimers.

When the drug was first approved, a top FDA official told reporters the drug was relevant to all stages of Alzheimers disease.

The FDAs OK last month quickly sparked controversy over Aduhelm's $56,000-a-year price-tag and questionable benefits. Three of FDAs outside advisers resigned over the decision with Harvard researcher Dr. Aaron Kesselheim calling it the worst drug approval decision in recent U.S. history.

On Thursday, Kesselheim tweeted that the change was a welcome step but added that the FDA and Biogen should do much more to combat misperceptions about this drug.

Sweeping changes to drug labels are rare, particularly only a few weeks after approval.

Its a responsible move by both the FDA and Biogen to maximize the safety while giving the drug the best chance to work, said Dr. Ronald Petersen of the Mayo Clinic, who has consulted for Biogen and other drugmakers. The drug's side effects include brain swelling and bleeding.

Aduhelm hasn't been shown to reverse or significantly slow the disease. But the FDA said that its ability to reduce clumps of plaque in the brain is likely to slow dementia. Many experts say there is little evidence to support that claim.

Biogen is required to conduct a follow-up study to definitively answer whether the drug slows mental decline. Other Alzheimer's drugs only temporarily ease symptoms.

Because of its price and broad approval some analysts have worried that Aduhelm could add tens of billions in new expenses to the U.S. health care system, particularly the federal government's Medicare program. Alzheimers affects about 6 million Americans, the vast majority old enough to qualify for Medicare.

Two congressional committees in the House have launched an investigation into the FDA's review of the drug. And lawmakers in the Senate have called for hearings into the drugs cost and impact on federal spending.

The narrower label may ease some of those concerns by shrinking the number of patients likely to get the drug, which requires monthly IVs. Many hospitals have already stated that they plan to limit the drug's use to patients with earlier stage disease. Doctors could still prescribe the drug for more advanced patients, though insurers might refuse to pay for it, citing the FDA label.

It was pretty troubling that the previous label was so broad and included groups of patients in whom the drug had never been tested, said Dr. Suzanne Schindler of Washington University in St. Louis. I think this is a positive change because it better reflects the patients in whom the drug was actually studied.

Wall Street analysts said the change wouldnt significantly impact projected sales for Biogen. Michael Yee of Jefferies said in a research note that the company already planned to target the drug for the 1 million to 2 million Americans with mild Alzheimer's.

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Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A Las Vegas Metro Police officer has died from complications of COVID-19, authorities said Thursday.

Police officials said Jason Swanger died on June 24.

The 41-year-old Swanger joined the police force in 2013 and was a field training officer assigned to the Enterprise Area Command.

Its unclear how Swanger might have contracted the virus, but police officials say the death will be considered to have occurred in the line of duty.

Swanger is the second Metro police officer to die from COVID-19 complications in less than a year.

Lt. Erik Lloyd, who had a nearly 30-year career with Metro, died July 29 at a hospital in Las Vegas at age 53.

His death was also classified as in the line of duty.

Lloyds wife attended a burial service for Swanger on Thursday at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City.
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.

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This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Debra Gravert's name.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Republican North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate Pat McCrory on Thursday announced he raised more than $1.2 million in his first fundraising period since he entered the primary in April.

The former Charlotte mayor who lost a pair of general election gubernatorial bids in 2008 and 2016 but won in 2012 got support from 8,000 donors between April and June, according to his campaign.

The veteran politician is marketing himself as a Washington outsider and hopes his track record in North Carolina politics will set him apart from his two main GOP opponents, who have both served in Congress.

Weve proven that we are the only candidate with the record of accomplishments and the ability to marshal the resources necessary to win a statewide primary and general election against the well-funded far-left, McCrory said in a news release. Im especially encouraged by the deep level of small-dollar donations we received.

McCrorys campaign did not release information on the average donation size, but said about 94% of contribution were $250 or less. More data will be shared publicly when McCrory files his fundraising numbers with the Federal Election Commission by July 15. McCrorys two main competitors seeking the Republican nomination, U.S. Rep. Ted Budd and former Rep. Mark Walker, have not yet said how much they raised over the three-month period.

The top two Democrats in the race, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and state Sen. Jeff Jackson, announced earlier this week that they raised about $1.3 million and $700,000, respectively, between April and June.

Former President Donald Trump shook up the Republican primary last month when he endorsed Budd at the state partys annual convention after Trumps daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, announced she would not seek the seat Republican Sen. Richard Burr is vacating in 2022. The former president took aim at McCrory while while the former governor was seated in the very same room.

You cant pick people that have already lost two races, Trump told the crowd during his speech. You cant pick people that have already lost two races and they do not stand for our values.

McCrory replied in a tweet, The audience reaction was telling: the president got bad advice in picking a Washington, D.C. insider.

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Follow Anderson on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BryanRAnderson.

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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.
PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP)  Five officers have sued the Silicon Valley city of Palo Alto, saying it allowed the creation of a Black Lives Matter mural with anti-police images that constituted harassment and discrimination against law enforcement.

The mural was painted last June in the street across from City Hall following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin. It was to remain on the street for up to a year but it was gone by November, according to The Daily Post in Palo Alto, which first reported the lawsuit Wednesday.
DECATUR, Ala. (AP)  The young man had a compelling story: His father died in the 9/11 terror attacks, his mother had just one leg, he had no other living relatives and he was stranded in Alabama with no way to make the nearly 600-mile (965-kilometer) trip home to Indiana after being robbed.

Moved to help, police officers from six agencies gave him food, money and a connection for a ride back north.

It was only later, police said, that they discovered much of the man's tale was fiction: His name was fake, both his parents are alive, his mom has both legs, and there were several other relatives. But no charges are planned after what police described as a good-faith effort to help someone in need went awry.

Regardless of the situation, he was stranded and didnt have anybody. In that regard, we were happy to help get him him back up there, Mike Swafford, a spokesman for the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, said Wednesday.

The sheriff's office, which initially shared the story on Facebook, said a man claiming to be Willinaus Bolin, 23, of Indianapolis told police in Montgomery that he was on the way to Florida with friends when they pushed him out of the car, robbed him of money he made mowing lawns and left him with nothing over the Fourth of July weekend.

A Montgomery police officer took the man about 80 miles (129 kilometers) to a Waffle House restaurant in the Birmingham suburb of Vestavia Hills. Police there tried to get him a flight home, but none was available. So officers from different agencies kept giving him rides north toward home.

A Vestavia Hills officer took the man to Fultondale, and an officer there drove him to Cullman, about 40 more miles. Sheriff's deputies from Cullman, Morgan and Limestone also helped out, and a truck driver finally took over for police in Nashville, Tennessee, for the final leg of the trip to Indianapolis.

The story began traveling around social media, and Swafford said police soon started hearing from relatives of the man, who turned out to actually be Sangre Bolin, the brother of Willinaus Bolin. Relatives told officers that the claims about the man's father dying on Sept. 11, 2001, and his mother having only one leg weren't true, Swafford said.

Neither Sangre Bolin, 29, nor his brother immediately responded to messages sent through Facebook.

Breezy Stamps, a sister of Sangre Bolin, told WTHR-TV in Indianapolis that he has autism and mental health problems and likely gave police the wrong name because he violated a home detention order by leaving. Sangre Bolin has been arrested multiple times in Marion County, Indiana, on charges including fraud, WHNT-TV reported.

Swafford said the man really was broke, but authorities don't know exactly how he got to Alabama or whether he was robbed. Police had no way of knowing whether any of his story was true since he had no identification and gave them a name that checked out as real, he said.

While officers gave the man a little cash and bought him a few meals along the way, Swafford said, no one has announced plans to file charges.

We give courtesy rides all the time; all law enforcement does that," Swafford said. "Were traveling those roads anyway. Granted this had more of a concentrated, coordinated effort.
NEW HAVEN  After Tropical Storm Isaias did major damage to the city last summer, New Haven Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana said the city is preparing as though Tropical Storm Elsa could be just as bad  just to be sure.

We have to prepare as if it will be a significant tropical storm, he said. If for some reason the storm brushes by and doesnt cause any widespread damage, well scale back, and thats what we do.

Fontana said winds are forecast to reach up to 40 mph by mid-morning Friday.

We can expect heavy rainfall to cause minor to moderate flooding, and now a flash flooding chance as well. Although showers will begin late Thursday afternoon, much of the heavier rain is expected Friday. ... We will prepare for some power outages, localized flooding, and impacts expected from TS Elsa, Fontana said in a Thursday afternoon update. The forecast is indicating the storm to move very quickly tomorrow and leave our area around noon.

As a result, Fontana said the city is canceling Fridays youth summer camps and its federal Edgewood Park vaccination clinic.

We do not want to have 3,500 kids at risk in our parks, so theyll be asked to enjoy a safe weekend, Fontana said.

According to the National Weather Service, theres a 20 percent chance of weak tropical storm-force winds  35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph possible  across Long Island and southeastern Connecticut late Thursday into Friday morning.

When the storm reaches the area, it is expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, tropical storm-force winds, very rough seas and dangerous rip currents, the weather service said. Roughly 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected to fall, with locally higher amounts possible, from Thursday afternoon into Friday. Most of the rain will fall between about 2 a.m. and noon Friday.

In August 2020, Tropical Storm Isaias downed more than 200 trees in New Haven and led to the loss of power of more than a quarter of the states electricity customers.

Well bring all our folks in and make sure all our systems are up and ready, but were preparing all our vehicles to have barriers over the road with flooding signs, and well be communicating with the public, asking them to make sure theyre prepared, Fontana said.

Fontana said there are three things residents should do before a storm: make a plan, build a kit and stay informed.

Its a tropical storm with the widespread chance of flooding, so people need to make sure not to drive through flooded areas, he said. Dont drown, turn around.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said the city will be communicating with residents as the need arises.

We will have extra tree crews available and are in close communications with United Illuminating to respond to potential power outages, he said.

Tom McCarthy, West Havens commissioner of public works, said that city was preparing all the well-known things such as readying the citys catch basins.

We are sweeping streets to get as much stuff off them as we can, he said. We are prepared for a more aggressive storm  were not anticipating that right now, but if it does happen we have extra crews of people scheduled.

McCarthy said a scheduled West Haven Centennial celebration event  a 7 p.m. concert at Old Grove Park on Friday  is expected to run as planned.

We anticipate [the storm] to be over at 2 p.m. tomorrow, he said.

Hamden Mayor Curt Leng said the town had been preparing during (the) week in anticipation of the storm.

We, fortunately and unfortunately, have gotten a very good deal of experience dealing with and being prepared to respond to severe weather events in Hamden, he said. Leng said Hamden officials were scheduled to meet Thursday to share information and be in contact before the storms arrival.

Leng said he was concerned about the effects the storm might have on the soil, and therefore the towns trees.

Its even more of an issue in the summer because the leaves on the tree provide additional pull that can result in down trees and wires, he said.

Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey said the towns relevant emergency response departments were cooperating on preparations.

We are prepared to, if necessary, operate an emergency shelter system, he said, first at the towns community center and then at Guilford High School if necessary. He said the town has 120 cots for its community center and can request more from the state if needed.

Our public works crews are very well versed in this and have been doing this for quite some time. Occasionally we will need to bring in the tree service companies for some of the more difficult work our public works guys cant do, but that would be the only assistance we traditionally get, Hoey said.

East Haven Mayor Joseph Carfora said in a statement that storms are a concern for shoreline communities such as East Haven.

Expect heavy winds, rain and isolated flooding. We expect that there may be the danger of falling trees due to the recent rainfall and saturated ground along with sustained winds associated with the storms. This may bring isolated power outages but my administration has already been in contact with United Illuminating to review our storm plans, he said.

Branford public works employees have been working to ensure the drainage system is clear town-wide and especially in shoreline areas prone to flooding, as well a low lying areas and low underpasses in town, according to Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove.

It goes by neighborhood by neighborhood - theres a whole lot of areas that are prone to flooding that also limit access, Cosgrove said. If we need to have a mass sheltering, our first shelter will be Branford High School. We havent made a decision to open that yet at this time.

In a Thursday press event, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., urged power company Eversource Energy to be prepared to respond, warning against the potential for a repeat of the devastation to the state caused by Isaias.

We appreciate Senator Blumenthals concerns; however, these rabble-rousing comments create unnecessary fear for our customers, Eversource officials said in a statement. We are intensely focused on preparing our response to Tropical Storm Elsa and we can assure our customers that we are ready.

Eversource Electric Operations President Craig Hallstrom elaborated on those efforts in a later statement.

We have hundreds of crews - including out-of-state crews that continue to arrive - ready to respond to any damage or outages this storm may cause. Since last week, weve been checking supplies and preparing. Now were prepositioning crews and equipment based on the latest storm information available and well adjust our approach if necessary, he said. We cant control the weather and amount of damage the system will take, but were ready to respond as soon as we see an impact.

Engineering experts with the University of Connecticuts Eversource Energy Center predicted 25,000 to 50,000 power outages during the storm statewide Thursday morning, with the heaviest impact expected in the eastern part of the state.

Tara ONeill and Sue Braden Hull contributed to this story. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
The latest developments in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise:

UNITED NATIONS  The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is urging the international community to put a high priority on dealing with the political crisis and insecurity in its neighbor.

The Dominican ambassador to the United Nations told reporters Thursday that the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise can only lead to further destabilization there.

Ambassador Jose Blanco says Haitis instability can no longer be ignored. He says Haiti should be subject to permanent monitoring, not only for the region, but also for all of the international community.

He criticized the U.N. Security Council for holding a private meeting on the Haiti crisis Wednesday and also for not inviting participation by the Dominican Republic, saying its own security is directly impacted by this situation.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  Haitis elections minister says a U.S. citizen is among the suspects arrested in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Mathias Pierre told The Associated Press on Thursday that James Solages, a Haitian American, is among those arrested.

He did not give further information about Solages or about the nationality of the five others reportedly detained so far.

On a website for a charity Solages started in 2019, he describes himself as a certified diplomatic agent, an advocate for children and budding politician. The charity is meant to assist residents of the small coastal town of Jacmel in Haiti.

Solages also says he previously worked as chief of bodyguards at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti.

Calls to the foundation and Solages associates at the charity either did not go through or were not answered.

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UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. special envoy for Haiti says the Haitian government has requested additional security assistance as well as help in investigating the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Speaking from Haitis capital Thursday, Helen La Lime told U.N. correspondents that Haitian officials havent yet specified what kind of security assistance they want.

La Lime says that in the meantime, the United Nations needs to use the technical assistance that is part of its political mission in Haiti in a more dynamic way.

In her words, weve got to be really working in the most effective way to ensure that this investigation moves forward and that the perpetrators of this horrible crime are brought to justice. Thats exactly what we intend to do.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  A Haitian judge involved in the investigation of the presidents assassination says that Jovenel Moise was shot a dozen times and his office and bedroom were ransacked by the gang that attacked him, according to a Haitian newspaper.

The French-language Le Nouvelliste on Thursday quoted Judge Carl Henry Destin as saying investigators found 5.56 and 7.62 mm cartridges between the gatehouse and inside the house. It said Destin had been to the presidential residence as part of the investigation.

Moises daughter, Jomarlie Jovenel Moise, hid in her brothers bedroom during the attack, he said, and a maid and another worker were tied up by the attackers who shouted DEA operation as they entered the property early Wednesday, the judge said, citing witnesses.

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WASHINGTON  White House press secretary Jen Psaki says the U.S. believes Haiti should hold an election this year, regardless of concerns by some that the current situation in the country has made an election untenable.

We called for an election this year, or were continuing to call for one, because we feel that supporting democratic institutions, the democratic process, is something that would be in the interest of the people of Haiti, she told reporters at the White House on Thursday.

Psaki said that the White House had been in touch with the acting prime minister and of course the administration is worried about, and closely monitoring, the security situation in Haiti. And she reiterated the administrations pledge to support the nation however needed.

We stand ready to provide support, provide assistance, in any way that is formally requested by the government there. We are looking forward to hearing from them on what they would request and how we can help them through this period of time, she said.

Meanwhile, the U.N.'s special envoy for Haiti, Helen La Lime, said in New York that interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph had told U.N. officials he plans to maintain the scheduled Sept. 26 election date. She said the U.N. is working with Haitian officials to look at the issues and to do our utmost to meet this date.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  At least two suspects in the killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise were found and roughed up by civilians in the capital of Port-au-Prince and were then turned over to police.

Journalists saw scores of people gather around the men on Thursday, grabbing the suspects by their shirts and the back of their pants, pushing them and on occasion slapping them. People in the crowd said they had found the two hiding in bushes.

Police arrived shortly afterward to arrest the men, who were sweating heavily and were wearing clothes that seemed to be smeared with mud. Officers placed them in the back of a pickup truck and drove away as the crowd ran after them to the nearby police station.

Once the crowd arrived, some began to chant: They killed the president! Give them to us. Were going to burn them!

The crowd later set fire to several abandoned cars riddled with bullet holes that they apparently believed belonged to the suspects. The cars didnt have license plates and inside one of them was an empty box of bullets and some water.

National Police Director Leon Charles told Radio Metropole on Thursday that six people have been arrested, seven were killed and police are still looking for more of those responsible for the early Wednesdays raid in which the president was shot to death and his wife, Martine, critically wounded.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  Police say they have arrested four more suspects in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, bringing the total to six detained and seven killed.

National Police Director Leon Charles told Radio Metropole Thursday that police are still looking for more of those responsible for the early Wednesdays raid in which the president was shot to death and his wife, Martine, critically wounded.

Officials havent given any details about the suspects, including their nationalities, nor did they suggest a motive for the attack, which they said was carried out by a highly trained and heavily armed group, whose members spoke Spanish or English.

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ROME  Italy has strongly condemned the attack on the heart of Haitian institutions" following the shooting death of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

The foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday that also expressed hope that those guilt of this crime be quickly brought to justice. Italy appealed to all actors and all the Haitian political forces so that they may preserve the delicate political equilibriums, prevent tensions and assure the institutional stability of the country and the security of the population.

It urged the international community to support those efforts  even guaranteeing a constitutional referendum and elections.

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DALLAS  Airlines canceled flights to Haiti for a second straight day on Thursday due to the closure of Haitian airports following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Under U.S. regulations, passengers are entitled to refunds. American Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines waived costly fees for passengers who are booked on flights still scheduled over the next few days but who want to delay their plans until mid-July. The terms vary by airline.

Tracking service Flightaware said 28 flights, the vast majority of scheduled departures and arrivals at the main airport in Port-au-Prince, had been canceled by midday Thursday. The airport director had said Wednesday that only humanitarian and diplomatic flights would be allowed.

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JIMANI, Dominican Republic  Dozens of trucks were backed up Thursday at the Dominican Republics border with Haiti, a crucial passage closed to most traffic following the assassination of Haitis president.

Journalists saw three trucks with Dominican license plates and two buses allowed through the Mal Paso crossing, but most were held back  frustrating hundreds of Haitians with baskets and carts on the other side who were waiting for the usual daily shipments of food and other cargo.

Dominican President Luis Abinader ordered the closure on Wednesday and also beefed up security along the border after Haitis government reported that a team of gunmen had assassinated Jovenel Moise.

The president of the Dominican Association of Exporters, Elizabeth Mena, said she was worried that the closure could have serious repercussions for the Dominican economy.

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ROME  Pope Francis has sent condolences to Haiti following what he said was the heinous assassination of President Jovenal Moise.

Francis, who is recovering at a Rome hospital from intestinal surgery, condemned all forms of violence as a means of resolving crises and conflicts, according to a telegram signed by the Vatican secretary of state on Thursday.

The message said Francis was praying for the Haitian people and for Martine Moise, the wife of the slain president who also was critically injured in the Wednesday attack at their home.

Prime Minister Claude Joseph assumed leadership of Haiti and decreed a two-week state of siege following Moises killing, which stunned the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation.

Francis said in the telegram that he wishes for the dear Haitian people a future of fraternal harmony, solidarity and prosperity.

Moise met with Francis in 2018 for talks on social problems afflicting the Caribbean nation, and in 2015, Francis convened a special conference on Haiti to mark the fifth anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed more than 100,000 people.
Tropical Storm Elsa moved up the Atlantic Coast Thursday and was expected to hit Connecticut early Friday, bringing the threat of strong winds and heavy rain that could cut power to thousands of homes.

The Eversource Energy Center at the University of Connecticut predicted Thursday that Tropical Storm Elsa could produce 20,000 to 40,000 customer outages from 350 and 600 trouble spots statewide. The centers report says the trouble spots will be focused along the eastern side of Connecticut.

This is about a year ago that Isaias hit us, Gov. Ned Lamont said Thursday evening. I want you to know, Elsa should be much less severe, both in terms of wind and in terms of flood damage.

He added: I also want you to know, we better be a lot better prepared than last time.

Lamont urged residents to charge their phones, gather enough food for up to four days, and check in on neighbors particularly the elderly.

As the storm was moving up the coast Thursday, a tropical storm warning was issued for northern and southern New London County, along with, southern Middlesex and southern New Haven counties, according to the National Weather Service.

The good news is it looks like the track is going to be a little further east, which should cut back on the wind, said Gary Lessor of the Connecticut Weather Center at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Though the state saw some thunderstorms Thursday night, the worst of Elsa should begin to hit Friday morning, according to Lessor.

NOAA.gov

We are looking now for effects of the storm to reach southwestern Connecticut around 6 a.m. and be gone by noon or 1 oclock, or at least winding down by noon or 1, he said.

The storm is forecast to track northeast, inland through the mid-Atlantic states Thursday night, before moving off the New Jersey coast and near or over the tri-state coast Friday morning, meteorologists said.

The weather service said there is a potential for wind blowing at 39 to 57 mph, but locally it is expected to gust at around 30 mph.The forecast could fluctuate depending on the exact location of wind gusts and heavy rain, as well as how the storm tracks across the state, meteorologists said.

Tropical Storm Elsa, the first named storm of the season to threaten Connecticut, immediately drew parallels to Tropical Storm Isaias, which battered the state with wind and rain on Aug. 4 of last year and left some 750,000 utility customers without power.

Eversources response to that storm drew widespread condemnation from public officials, and prompted state utility regulators to impose a $30 million fine on the company last month. Most of the fine, the maximum amount that could be applied under the law, would be returned to the utilitys customers through credits.

Both Lamont and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, said Thursday that utility companies had better be prepared for Fridays storm following the issues with response to Tropical Storm Isaias.

During a news conference Thursday afternoon at the Eversource Work Center in Hartford, a top Eversource official maintained that the company was well-equipped to address damages from Tropical Storm Elsa.

I think the message we have for everybody here today is: were ready, said Craig Hallstrom, Eversources president of regional electric operations. He admitted that you cant help compare Tropical Storm Isaias to todays event, but said that after that storm the company took a very critical look at ourselves and our performance.

Hallstrom also highlighted improvements in getting information up out of the field from crews on the ground to communities and customers.

All I can say is we are ready, we have crews in place, and I think the biggest lesson for me is how do we get information faster and more granular, so people understand what were doing, how we prepare and when theyre lights are going to come on, he said, speaking in front of one of the companys white bucket trucks.

Hallstrom said the utility company has about 250 tree crews on hand along with about 700 line crews, but could bring in more through mutual aid as the weather unfolds. The company is preparing for a level 4 storm, meaning up to 380,000 customers could be left without power.

A spokesman for United Illuminating, which supplies electricity for a swath of communities in lower Fairfield and New Haven counties, said the company has doubled its line crews leading up to the storm, with around 100 extra line workers brought in from around the region.

The crews were being briefed a little after noon on Thursday and are being strategically pre-staged throughout our service area so they can respond quickly when needs arise, said Bob Brown, the UI spokesman.

When the storm reaches the area, it is expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, tropical storm-force winds, very rough seas and dangerous rip currents, the weather service said. Roughly 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected to fall, with locally higher amounts possible.

The strongest winds are forecast to sweep across the south shore of Long Island and across southeast Connecticut.

The weather service said the strong winds could cause damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, unsecured objects and mobile homes that are not anchored. The gusty winds could break off large tree limbs or cause trees to be uprooted.

Tornadoes are also possible when Elsa hits, especially across southern Connecticut.

With Elsa, an isolated tornado or water spout is possible to the east of its track Friday morning into afternoon, the weather service said in a Thursday morning briefing on the tropical storm. At this point, this low risk would be mainly for Long Island, extreme southeastern Connecticut and surrounding waters. A shift of storm track to the west would shift the tornado threat westward as well.

With the storm still on the horizon Thursday, the weather service urged residents in the path of the storm, or near it, to be prepared. The weather service said residents should listen to local and state officials, secure property and closely monitor the storm.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the state Commission on Fire Prevention and Control issued a joint statement Thursday to remind residents to be smart at the storm approaches, especially with the possibility of power outages.

Portable generators, candle usage for temporary lighting, street flooding and downed power lines cause hazards in our homes and neighborhoods, said Alan Zygmunt, public education coordinator for the Connecticut Fire Academy, the teaching arm of the CCFPC.

Since the storm could bring flooding, officials reminded residents not to drive through standing water since its never clear how deep it is.

The officials said anyone who might be outside or driving during the storm should be aware of the potential for downed power lines, which often get tangled in trees and might not be easily visible.
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.
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NORTH BRANFORD  The town will receive $1 million to update its Emergency Operations Center in the federal governments fiscal 2022 Homeland Security appropriations bill through the efforts of U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, according to her office.

DeLauro, the House Appropriations Committee chairwoman, secured the funding in the latest appropriations bill for a new, state-of-the-art operations center, she said in a release. The center will replace outdated technology the town currently uses.
Niagara Falls, NY (14301)

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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 86F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph..

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Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low near 65F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Haiti Police says four persons who assassinated its President, Jovenel Moise have been killed. The police said the suspects were kil...

Haiti Police says four persons who assassinated its President, Jovenel Moise have been killed.

The police said the suspects were killed in a shootout with the security forces.

BBC reports that two other suspects have been detained, while officers are still in combat with some remaining suspects in the nations capital Port-au-Prince.

The Police chief Leon Charles was quoted to have said They will be killed or captured,

Recall that unknown gunmen on Tuesday assassinated President Jovenel Moise of Haiti at his private residence.

A statement by the Countrys interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, said Moise was fatally wounded by the unidentified men.

His wife who also sustained injuries during the attack has been flown to Florida where she is receiving treatment and is reported to be in a stable but critical condition.
Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, on Thursday, said that the fight against corruption in Niger...





Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, on Thursday, said that the fight against corruption in Nigeria requires all hands to be on the deck for it to be won.

Bawa also expressed optimism that Nigeria would get out of its present predicament, occasioned by corruption.

The EFCC boss stated this during an anti-corruption sensitisation at Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa.

Bawa, represented by the Head, Public Affairs unit of Ilorin Zonal Office of EFCC, Ayodele Babatunde, said that other forms of crimes, such as kidnapping, armed robbery and cybercrime, also contributed to the countrys problems.

He said that once Nigerians, both in the private and public sectors, embraced the culture of accountability, service, hard work and national pride, things would be better for the country.

The anti-corruption crusade was part of the preventive measures by the commission to sensitise Nigerians on the ills of corruption and win public support for the fight, he said.

Bawa, whose address centred on: EFCC and the Role of the Youth in Curbing Cybercrime, bemoaned the effects of drug abuse and internet fraud.

Bawa urged Nigerians to ensure that the love of the country was paramount in their heart, especially while discharging their duties.

According to him, only a patriotic mind will have the capacity to resist and fight corruption in his/her sphere of influence.

EFCC believes that the fight against corruption requires all hands to be on the deck for it to be won.

Therefore, it is within your powers to secure a corruption-free system for Nigeria, if you so desire.

I will urge you to take up this challenge today as we work together to take Nigeria to greater heights, the EFCC chairman said.

He noted that the failure of Nigerians to stop corruption at the initial stage had made the country to be struggling with its debilitating pain.

As consequences of our lack of proactive response, we are now burdened by a dwindling economy, infrastructure problem, ineffective health system, problematic academic system, unemployment and insecurity, he said.
Darius Ishaku, governor of Taraba state, says the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme should be a two-year programme so that corps ...

Darius Ishaku, governor of Taraba state, says the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme should be a two-year programme so that corps members can undergo military training.





Speaking during a programme on Channels Television on Wednesday, the Taraba governor said at the end of the military training, ex-corps members would be able to carry guns to defend themselves.

He noted that since the government cannot provide adequate security, citizens should be engaged to protect themselves.

If you leave me, the NYSC, I will say it should be two years  one year for compulsory military training and the other year for the social works that they are doing now, he said.





[This is] so that anybody who graduates as an NYSC person can know how to handle a gun, can know how to defend himself, just like it is done in other countries like in Israel, Lebanon and other places.

You must engage your citizens to be proactive when you cannot provide the security. You must allow them to protect themselves. Constitution or no constitution, you must first be alive.

The governor also asked the federal government to train those residing in border communities on how to use guns so that they can protect themselves against banditry and kidnapping.





Ishaku said such communities should not be left to the whims and caprices of gunmen, if the government cant protect them.

I will still request the federal government that those who are at the border regions and those villages that are hard to reach, they must teach them how to use guns to protect themselves, he said.

You cant leave human beings like that  at the whims and caprices of somebody who moves with an AK-47. This is wrong. They should train 10 or 20 people in each village along the axis of the boundaries.
Some bandits on Wednesday stormed a village in Jibiya LGA of Katsina State around 11pm, killing two Immigration officers and rustling hundre...





Some bandits on Wednesday stormed a village in Jibiya LGA of Katsina State around 11pm, killing two Immigration officers and rustling hundreds of cattle.

It was gathered from a reliable source, that the bandits surrounded Kadobe village, close to Immigration checkpoint, after they got information that many cows were sited in the village.

The bandits, the source said, decided to engage the immigration officers at the Kadobe checkpoint in a gun duel and succeeded in killing two officers while trying to escape with the rustled cows.

The immigration officers, sensing their large numbers and the likelihood of being overpowered, called for reinforcement from the military.

The reinforcement team equally ran into an ambush setup by the bandits but were able to repel them. One soldier was injured in the incident.

However, the source said many bandits were also killed in the gun duel but the bandits took their remains along with the rustled cows back to their hideouts.

The bandits got information that some people brought cows to the village yesterday and you know that the immigration checkpoint is there. So they came in the night and started exchanging fire with the immigration officers. They succeeded in killing two immigration officers and injured one soldier.

Many of the bandits too were killed but they took away the corpse with the cows, the source said.

It was reliably gathered that the corpse of the immigration officers killed in the incident have been deposited in the mortuary while the injured soldier is receiving attention at the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina.

Calls put through to the NIS PRO and the Police were yet to be responded to at the time of filing this report.
Christopher Pycroft, development director of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), says the rise in conflict situations...

Christopher Pycroft, development director of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), says the rise in conflict situations across Nigeria may destabilise the countrys democracy in the run-up to the 2023 elections.





He stated this on Thursday at the launch of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Peace and Inclusive Security Initiative (PISI).

Pycroft blamed the frequent crises across the country on impunity and weak justice institutions, adding that conflicts represent an existential threat to Nigerias unity and its development.

According to him, the proliferation of small arms and weapons and the weaponisation of social media, are part of the drivers of conflict and instability.

He, however, noted that peace and stability can be achieved when the causes of conflict are managed through strong, fair, and responsive mechanisms at different levels of government.

The rise in conflict risks destabilising Nigerias democracy in the run-up to the 2023 elections, he said.

There is an active insurgency in the north-east; farmer-herder conflicts are extending across the country; resource conflicts in the Delta; tension in the south-east; and banditry in the north-west.

Conflict destroys lives, destroys livelihoods, destroys hope and ambition for the future. Conflict represents an existential threat to Nigerias unity and its development.

Pycroft explained that though the use of the police and army has been helpful, it is only a part of the solution.

He, instead, called for greater emphasis on reconciliation, mediation, arbitration, and access to justice  all vital components of a vibrant, resilient, and effective social contract.

The development director also advised on the need to create jobs for young Nigerians, so they have a stake in a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.





He pledged the UKs support in Nigerias fight against insecurity, adding that the British government recognises the important role the NGF plays in promoting peace and security.
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue, on Thursday, said he is working towards inviting President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects he r...

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue, on Thursday, said he is working towards inviting President Muhammadu Buhari to commission some projects he recently executed in the state.

The governor made this known on Thursday while briefing newsmen in Makurdi the state capital shortly after he returned from a trip to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, his administration has executed several projects since he was elected in 2015, stressing that some other projects are waiting for commissioning.

I have performed very well since 2015 and that was why the Benue people renewed my mandate for the second time.

I won the 2019 election because of my outstanding performance. If I had not performed my people would not have voted me in 2019.

Governor Ortom said the commissioning of the project would silence his critics who believe he has not performed well.

He also noted that his administration would not be distracted by the activities of Those who do not believe in his government saying, They will still castigate you in order to portray you in bad light.
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A Buds Broiler burger is basic and incredibly specific all at once. Its style is the old school antithesis of overly fancy gourmet burgers and it's the granddaddy of the modern smash burger trend.

Most of all though, it is Buds, a collection of steps and standards that makes it precisely what Buds backers expect each time they get one.

All that is in evident across the latest Buds Broiler location, and also explains why it has been so highly anticipated.

This new Buds opened at 5101 Canal Blvd. on Thursday (July 8). After months of pandemic-related delays, owners Melvin and Becky Ziegler opened the doors without fanfare. But that hardly mattered. By noon, people were filing in with their personalized burger orders at the ready.

The opening marks a return to New Orleans proper, and to the old neighborhood. The oldest and best-known location of the local brand sat for generations just a few blocks away on City Park Avenue.

This latest Buds shares its newly-built complex with another beloved New Orleans food brand, the Morning Call Coffee Stand, the beignet parlor that had been without a home for two years before it opened at the same Canal Boulevard address this spring.

+4 Ian McNulty: At the new Morning Call, beignets carry something more than powdered sugar Of course, I was wearing dark clothing when I bit into that first beignet at the new home of Morning Call Coffee Stand. And of course, some of

Buds has a half-dozen locations around the suburbs. Some shut down in the pandemic, but Melvin Ziegler said all are slated to reopen eventually. This New Orleans outpost has a special significance, thanks to its location.

Its near City Park, and its where people have been coming for a long time, where they have memories, he said. "People who came to Bud's as kids are coming in now with their own grandkids. We had to get back here."

Founder and namesake Alfred Bud Saunders was an Austin, Texas native who opened the first location in 1952 at the corner of Cleary Avenue and Airline Drive (then airline highway) in Metairie. As Ziegler tells the story today, he chose the location because it was next to a bar and he figured the prospect of beer and burgers would complement each other.

That location eventually closed, but in 1956 Sanders opened the location that for many would set the template for Buds at 500 City Park Ave. With a ramshackle, angular shape and old neon signs glowing over its door, it had a throwback vibe in line with its no-nonsense approach to burgers.

But this location closed in 2018 during a legal dispute between Ziegler and franchisee Shannon McGuire, who owns the property at 500 City Park Ave. By 2019, local rapper Curren$y announced plans to open his own burger spot in the location, though those plans never progressed. McGuire said new plans for a new business at the property are taking shape, though she was not ready to discuss them.

Building a new Bud's

Just around the corner, Buds found a new home next to Morning Call, at a busy intersection where the Canal streetcar line ends between a complex of cemeteries.

With banks of glass walls looking over a veranda, the new restaurant has a modern look. But everything within it is tailored to that Buds process.

The starting point is a brick-lined charcoal pit, mounted just behind the counter. You can see the burgers cooking on its grates as you order. Its not that much larger than a good-sized backyard barbecue rig, but it is the workhorse for the restaurant.

When new staff come on, they learn to cook the Buds way, explained Becky Ziegler. They flip the patties just once and they always flip them against the grain of the grill racks, a simple step that prevents burgers from slipping through.

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Its in the way we prep things, how we build them, its been like this since 1952 so something must be working, she said.

Then theres the by-the-number ordering system, another hallmark of Buds. Seemingly minute differences to the toppings result in a different numbered burger, and each of those numbers corresponds to cravings among the many and varied Buds faithful.

Perhaps the ultimate Buds signature is the hickory smoke sauce, an earthy, dark, mellow-sweet barbecue sauce that works in concert with the charcoal flavor of the burgers.

It only goes on certain number of sandwiches at Buds, but the sauce is an expansion mode.

Buds now serves wings, which can be ordered tossed with the sauce. Just this year, Buds began selling bottles of the sauce at the restaurants and in groceries. It has even made the leap to other restaurants. Buds hickory smoke sauce sits on the counter at the Metairie diner Tic-Toc Cafe, next to the ketchup and hot sauce, ready to go on anything.

Getting Buds fruit-filled hand pies back in rotation is still a work in progress. Since some key personnel in pie production retired, the sweet treat has been on hiatus. The Zieglers say they will return eventually though.

This new Buds seemed ready to open for months, but getting to the finish line has meant contending with the familiar travails of the hospitality business right now. Staffing has been tight, prices for kitchen staples have shot up and new equipment has been slow to come.

This new Buds is opening in phases, with limited hours to start. However, Melvin Ziegler said the restaurant was designed for 24-hour service and thats how it will operate eventually.

In the meantime, the pieces of the operation the owners can control have received a lot of attention. The ice for soft drinks had to be flake ice, with its softer texture and irregular shape, which assuredly makes a difference to some Buds regulars even when they sip their soda through a straw.

And then there are the tables, burly wooden picnic tables common to all Buds locations. The difference here is that no one has carved their initials into them, yet. Marking up the tabletops is another customer ritual at Buds, and Melvin Ziegler knows its inevitably one that will continue here. Hes just hoping that this, too, lives up to the Buds standard, with initials carved in the wood with a key, not simply drawn with a marker.

If youre going to do it, do it for real, he said.

Buds Broiler

5101 Canal Blvd.

Initial hours: Thu.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

For other locations, see budsbroiler.com

+7 Pop-up hit Bubs Burgers opens Mid-City restaurant, with gratitude for a lost friend Bubs Burgers opened its new restaurant in Mid-City on June 8 with a short menu of smash burgers and a remarkable story of a business that has
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.

Some of those voids did exist, mostly in the basement and the parking garage, but no survivors were found. Instead, they recovered more than a dozen additional victims. Because the building fell in the early hours of June 24, many were found dead in their beds. The death toll as of Wednesday was 46, with 94 people unaccounted for.

No one has been pulled out alive since the first hours after the 12-story building fell.

'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

Twice during the search operation, rescuers had to suspend the mission because of the instability of the remaining part of the condominium building and the preparation for demolition.

After initially hoping for miraculous rescues, families have slowly begun bracing themselves for the news that their relatives did not survive.

"For some, what they're telling us it's 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 Fire Rescue firefighter and paramedic Maggie Castro, who has updated families daily at private briefings.

Authorities are launching a grand jury investigation into the collapse and at least six lawsuits have been filed by Champlain Towers families.
Georgia Stewart was driving home on Easter of 2020 when an 18-year-old driver for the app-driven delivery service Waitr, hydroplaned on Collins Boulevard in Covington and crashed into her head-on.

Now, her three children are suing Waitr, a Lafayette-based company, and its insurers in 22nd Judicial District Court, claiming that Stewart, a 78-year-old grandmother who died the next day, would still be alive if the company had adequately reviewed Tony Monk's driving record, insurance coverage and the road-worthiness of his vehicle -- because they wouldn't have hired him.

But the lawsuit also raises another question: where does a gig-economy employer's responsibility for its workers end? Waitr and its insurers are arguing that it stops when the driver drops off an order to a customer.

The plaintiffs say that position doesn't hold up under Louisiana law. "Louisiana courts have clearly held that a delivery driver returning from a delivery is still on a mission for his employer," the lawsuit claims.

The collision that killed Stewart that evening happened as Monk, a Covington resident, was driving home after dropping off an order. Monk, who is also named as a defendant, faces a criminal charge of negligent homicide to which he has pleaded not guilty.

The suit says that Waitr Inc., of Louisiana, Waitr Holdings, Inc. and Delivery Logistics, LLC -- all named as defendants -- function as a transportation network company similar to Uber and Lyft, and as such "must provide insurance during each phase of the transportation delivery services, from start to finish."

It accuses the defendants of violating the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act, which carries with it the potential for triple damages. The case has been assigned to state District Judge Vincent Lobello.

Waitr's policies require their drivers to have been licensed for at least one year, have a clean driving record, a current valid driver's license and insurance, the suit says, but the company failed to spot problems with Monk's application.

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Monk submitted a driver's license and proof of insurance to the company, but the insurance document didn't have his name on it or list his vehicle, the suit says, nor did he disclose that his license had been suspended four months earlier for failing to appear in court after getting a traffic citation and that he had held his current license for only three months.

The lawsuit alleges that Waitr did nothing to verify that Monk had insurance and that by denying responsibility for his actions has "essentially outsourced the initial automobile liability insurance as the responsibility of their fleet of poorly vetted drivers," in order to reduce its own burden.

The suit accuses Waitr of putting policies and procedures in place that are partly intended to avoid Louisiana laws that require mandatory insurance for drivers, thereby endangering motorists.

The only reason Monk was out driving that night was to make a delivery that he accepted through Waitr's app, the suit said. "But for the collective actions of the Waitr defendants and Tony Monk Jr., Georgia Stewart would have made it home safely to her family," the suit said.

Attorney for one of the defendants, Fair American Select Insurance Co., declined comment, and attorneys for the other plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Covington attorneys Rene Paul Frederick and Rachael Catalanotto, who represent the plaintiffs, said that companies like Waitr have poorly vetted, unregulated drivers who increase risk to the public across the state. They profit off of the risk to the public and wash their hands of their drivers when its convenient, Frederick said.

Monk's criminal attorney, Matthew Champagne, said that it is unusual to see a charge of negligent homicide and pointed out that his client was not arrested at the scene.

The decision to charge him was made by the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office and was based on the condition of the car's tires, he said. But Champagne said that there is evidence that the wear on the tires did not exceed the manufacturer's specifications for safety.
Newly installed Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams launched his project to undo split jury verdicts with a flourish: a speech on the courthouse steps and a hearing where 22 men had their convictions tossed.

Williams' initiative included hundreds more convictions that he said were tainted by the Jim Crow lawmakers who first crafted the states unusual non-unanimous jury law in 1898.

But since then, amid pushback from some crime survivors and a key U.S. Supreme Court ruling, a process that started as a 100-meter dash has slackened into a walk. Twice as many people had convictions overturned at that first hearing, on Feb. 26, than have gotten relief in the days since.

A top official in Williams' office acknowledged that the process has slowed, but she promised that prosecutors still plan to work through the more than 300 additional split-jury cases. "We are still absolutely committed to doing this," said Emily Maw, chief of the district attorney's civil rights division.

Louisiana's split-jury ban is retroactive under state law, Calcasieu Parish judge finds A Calcasieu Parish judge on Friday ruled that a ban on non-unanimous jury verdicts is retroactive under state law, in the case of a Florida ma

All three leading candidates for district attorney last year promised to do away with procedural obstacles for prisoners seeking to overturn their split jury convictions. When elected, Williams took on the project with gusto.

During his second month in office, his office engineered a hearing before Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Nandi Campbell to undo a swath of convictions.

None of the 22 prisoners appearing via video conference that day had benefited from an April 2020 U.S. Supreme Court finding split jury convictions to be unconstitutional, because that decision only applied to cases pending on appeal.

U.S. Supreme Court refuses to make Louisiana ban on non-unanimous juries retroactive The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to make its recent ban on non-unanimous juries retroactive, denying relief to as many as 1,500 Louisi

Yet Williams argued that even without a court mandate, he had the ability to use his discretion to reverse a practice that was originally designed to silence dissenting Black jurors.

The first batch of cases included convictions for murder, rape and robbery. Some defendants were quick to plead guilty to identical or lesser charges and receive shorter sentences, while others were slated to go on trial again.

Almost immediately, pushback began. A man whod been shot in the face complained that prosecutors never contacted him. The mother of a slain New Orleans police officer said she was blindsided when she learned the shooters accomplice was being released from prison.

Meeting with progressive allies at an April 8 forum, Williams sought to address those criticisms, saying he was boosting the size of his victim-witness assistance division and outreach efforts to crime survivors. Still, he promised to methodically work through sections of Criminal District Court to undo old split verdicts.

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But more mass court hearings never came. By May 17, the number of vacated convictions had risen from 22 to 31, out of roughly 340 people with finalized split jury convictions from Orleans Parish.

That day, the U.S. Supreme Court demolished state prisoners hopes for a sweeping ruling against final split-jury convictions, which were only allowed in Louisiana and Oregon. Instead, the court let their convictions stand. Advocates have now turned their hopes to a ruling based on Louisiana law from the state Supreme Court.

Maw denied that crime victims' complaints had anything to do with the slowdown in reversing convictions. Instead, she said, the U.S. Supreme Court decision removed the threat that justices would suddenly push hundreds of vacated cases onto an already swollen court docket, and allowed the office to proceed more deliberately.

Meanwhile, she also pointed to the case of a man named Jermaine Hudson, who was set to plead guilty in exchange for a shorter sentence after his split-jury conviction was tossed. Days before he could do so, his original accuser came forward to admit that the entire crime was a fabrication. Prosecutors almost allowed an innocent man to plead guilty. "Jermaine Hudson really made us realize we need to do this more thoroughly in each case," Maw said.

Nevertheless, the slowdown looked like wavering to some defense attorneys. Jamila Johnson, an attorney with the Promise of Justice Initiative, which has helped inmates convicted by non-unanimous verdicts file appeals, said she was especially concerned by a June 4 letter from Maw, which seemed to attach conditions to tossing split decisions.

Williams had never said he would limit which cases he reversed. But in the letter, Maw said that the office would reverse verdicts "if our review of any case leads this office to the conclusion that the non-unanimity of the verdict was based upon the non-consenting jurors concerns about the strength of the states case or the length or mandatory nature of the sentence imposed."

In the interview, Maw said the office couldn't adopt a blanket policy, because there might be other reasons jurors voted against a conviction. One example: If the jury convicted a defendant of a lesser, included charge, but there were signs that dissenters wanted to convict on a higher, original charge. There are some cases where the office may attempt to reach out to jurors in order to divine their intentions, Maw said.

Johnson said the letter was frustrating, and the potential exceptions are still unclear to her.

"In 48 other states it wouldnt have mattered why a juror voted," she said. "I still hold out hope that this administration will see that there should not be exceptions."

Johnson also thinks that people shouldn't have to wait in prison for the effort to tease out wrongful convictions like Hudson's when the "real, historic, systemic, racially based harm" of the split-jury conviction is obvious. Still, she's been encouraged by her conversations in recent weeks with the District Attorney's Office.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision, two more convictions have been reversed. Maw said about 30 more cases are under "active" review. Meanwhile, she said, the slower pace has given her small division time to address other priorities like reviewing potential wrongful convictions and excessive sentences.

"The process feels more built and sustainable, but most certainly slower than we thought at the start," Johnson said.
According to a Fox4 television report in Kansas City, Missouri, some residents of a neighborhood called Manheim Park are frustrated with Hollywood superstar Brad Pitts Make It Right Foundation. In 2012, Make It Right reportedly contributed $2.3 million dollars to the renovation of a century-old, unused school building into 50 affordable housing apartments. According to a 2016 story in the Kansas City Star newspaper, Make It Right also planned to build as many as 50 more new residences in the neighborhood.

In a 2013 YouTube video Pitt explained that, having grown up in Missouri, he was happy to expand Make It Rights mission from the flood-ruined 9th Ward of New Orleans to Kansas City. Aiding in the renovation of the old school building had been a great experience Pitt said, and we at Make It Right look forward to expanding our work there.

But based on a Fox4 video, eight years later the five lots that Pitts nonprofit bought in the Manheim Park area are apparently home to weeds, not Kansas Citians. Area residents applaud Pitt and his organization for helping increase affordable housing in 2012. But some are reportedly calling on Make It Right to take responsibility for the fallow properties that it purchased.

The trouble is, residents and journalists long ago discovered that the Make It Right Foundation has done a disappearing act  failing to communicate regularly, to maintain a website, or even file tax returns for the past several years.

+12 Brad Pitt, others can be sued over shoddy New Orleans 'Make It Right' homes, judge rules Actor Brad Pitt will remain as a defendant in a lawsuit that alleges shoddy construction of some of the homes his foundation helped build in t

Weedy lots in the Midwest may be the least of Pitts problems where Make It Right is concerned.

When the philanthropic enterprise began in 2007, Make It Right was seen as the salvation of a flood-ravaged, lower-income neighborhood, and Pitt was seen as an off-screen hero. Relying on his star power to solicit donations, Pitt eventually raised $65 million to construct 109 energy-efficient homes in the Lower Ninth Ward, designed by some of the worlds great architects and sold at bargain prices to former residents. But, as busloads of tourists circulated through the neighborhood to behold the eye-catching dwellings, rumors of poor construction began seeping out.

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In 2018  the 10th anniversary of the groundbreaking  one of the newer Make It Right buildings had so deteriorated that it had to be demolished. That same year, a New Orleans attorney brought a class action lawsuit against Make It Right for shoddy construction practices that could eventually cost Pitt and his partners in the philanthropy millions and millions.

There seems to be little question that the construction of some of the homes was indeed inept, because when Make It Right was sued, lawyers for the nonprofit immediately sued the New Orleans architect who oversaw the project for $20 million, blaming him for the flaws in the homes. In April 2021, Make It Right also sued its former director Tom Darden III and others for mismanaging the charity while keeping the Hollywood star who originated the enterprise in the dark.

An attorney representing Make It Right declined to comment on the Kansas City situation.

+14 Watch: Brad Pitt Make It Right house gets demolished in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward The teeth of a backhoe bit into the blighted house at 1826 Reynes St. in the Lower 9th Ward on Tuesday afternoon. The avant-garde dwelling, de

+27 Architect says it was 'shocking and insulting' to be sued by Make It Right In a written statement, New Orleans architect John C. Williams fired back at Make It Right, his client for the past 12 years. Brad Pitt's Make
A 64-year-old woman was riding her bicycle on the Tammany Trace Sunday when she was sexually assaulted, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office said.

The attack is prompting St. Tammany Parish government and the Sheriff's Office to increase security measures on the popular, 31-mile recreational trail that runs from Slidell to Covington.

Rene Murrell, 46, was arrested Tuesday and booked into St. Tammany Parish jail on counts of first-degree rape and resisting arrest. He remains in jail with a total bond of $3 million.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office was notified of the assault at 6 p.m., a spokesperson said. An investigation led deputies to an address in the 61000 block of Shady Pine Road in Lacombe, where Murrell was taken into custody.

The Trace, which draws some 300,000 visitors per year, is patrolled by rangers who work during the hours it is officially open, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. But in a statement Wednesday, Parish President Mike Cooper said that the rangers will now be equipped with "tools for crime prevention."

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The parish is "actively researching" what those tools will be, according to a parish spokesperson.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office has also committed to increase patrols in the area, Cooper said.

Rangers were on duty on July 4 when the attack took place, the parish spokesperson said.

"While we feel this was an isolated incident and the accused perpetrator has been apprehended, both parish government and the Sheriff's Office are taking steps to ensure the safety of the Trace," Cooper said.

Murrell is listed on the Louisiana sex offender registry and has two prior convictions, both for attempted forcible rape, from 2008 and 1998.
The Jefferson Parish School Board approved settlements Wednesday of two federal lawsuits brought by students who were suspended during the pandemic for handling BB guns at home while in virtual lessons. School officials hope the decision will put to rest months of criticism that Jefferson has faced for the punishments.

Under the terms of the deal, the family of Harvey fourth grader Ka'Mauri Harrison will receive $92,500 and that of Grand Isle sixth grader Tomie Brown will get $72,500. The disciplinary records of each student will be changed to reflect that they were suspended for disruptive conduct and any reference to weapons will be removed.

+3 Settlement reached in the Jefferson Parish BB gun student's federal lawsuit, records show The Jefferson Parish School System and the families of two students suspended after they were seen handling BB guns inside their homes during 

The agreements end a 10-month controversy that erupted when news reports of Ka'Mauri's suspension spurred a torrent of criticism from across the political spectrum. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry criticized the public school system for possible violations of privacy and Second Amendment rights, and the ACLU and others noted that the Jefferson system has been criticized in past years for disproportionately disciplining students of color. Harrison is Black.

Attorneys for the School Board and the students released a joint statement Wednesday night to cite the difficulties presented by conducting virtual school under the changing dynamics of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The Jefferson Parish School Board and the families truly appreciate having the opportunity to work together on the important practical and legal issues that were raised and ultimately resolved," the statement said. "The School Board and Harrison-Williams and Brown families are pleased that they were able to reach a resolution and can now refocus on the education of Jefferson Parish students in an orderly, safe and welcoming environment in both virtual and non-virtual classroom settings."

The saga for the students began in September, just weeks after Jefferson schools launched an ambitious in-person and virtual school program designed to mitigate the dangers of the pandemic. Both Ka'Mauri and Tomie were in virtual classrooms - at home interacting via computer with remote teachers - but their actions were visible to other students and the instructors. Both admitted handling BB guns during a virtual lesson.

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Following policy related to weapons on school grounds or at school-sponsored events, administrators recommended both for expulsion. A school system hearing officer later decided instead that suspensions were appropriate.

The firestorm generated by the case was immediate and intense. National media took aim at the school system, and groups such as the NRA offered to assist Ka'Mauri in his legal defense and other litigation. Tomie's case was less publicized.

The Louisiana Legislature also took notice, calling Ka'Mauri and his family to testify and take photos. Members unanimously passed a bill that required school systems to develop virtual education-specific policies and afford extra levels of appeal to students who are recommended for expulsion, even if they are only suspended in the end. Crucially, the Legislature also made the law retroactive, so it would apply in both Jefferson cases.

Both students filed suit in state court, though the cases were later moved to federal court.

Throughout the criticism, school administrators and most board members remained steadfast in their determination to fight the case, even asking the federal judge to rule the Legislature's bill unconstitutional and toss the students' suits.

Some dissented, though. Board member Billy North tried to get the School Board to rescind the students' suspension, a move that went nowhere.

In June, however, things changed. The two sides advised U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown that they had reached an agreement, and she ordered the them to write up an order of dismissal pending School Board approval of the settlement.
Former WWL television anchor Sally Ann Roberts will replace Oliver Thomas on the "Good Morning Show" on WBOK-AM as Thomas leaves to pursue a seat on the New Orleans City Council, station owners said Thursday.

Thomas announced this week that he would challenge City Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen for the District E seat. Qualifying starts July 14.

Roberts will start on July 15, and will host the show at least through mid-November.

"This is an incredible opportunity for WBOK and an incredible opportunity for our audience," said Jeff Thomas, one of the station owners.

Roberts, who retired from WWL in 2018 after a 40-year broadcast career, said she's excited about the chance to return to the air.

"My mission at this stage in my life ... is with whatever I have left, to be a beacon of light and love in this community," Roberts said. "And I want to invite all my friends I've made in my 40 years of television to please tune in, and share their ideas, and join the discussion."

+6 Oliver Thomas, former New Orleans Councilman felled by bribery scandal, eyes District E seat Former City Councilman Oliver Thomas, the popular New Orleans politician widely seen as a future mayor before a bribery scandal ended his poli

WBOK has seen big changes in recent years under the leadership of Equity Media, a consortium formed in early 2019 by actor Wendell Pierce and a group of local businessmen, including Jeff Thomas, Cleveland Spears and Troy Henry.

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The station, which serves a largely African American audience, moved from its longtime home near the Fairgrounds Race Course to the Xavier University campus in May, and has launched a partnership with that school. It has also revamped its website and programming lineup.

The station's "Good Morning Show" frequently features politicians, journalists, health experts and other leaders who discuss issues that are important to Black residents. And Oliver Thomas, as its host, provided a unique take on various challenges, drawing from his 13 years in city government.

He will face Nguyen and at least two others in the Oct. 9 primary.

After joining the council in 1994, Thomas resigned his at-large seat in 2007 and pleaded guilty to taking nearly $20,000 in bribes five years earlier from a businessman who was trying to keep a parking lot contract. He was sentenced to 37 months in prison, shocking residents who generally considered him an effective leader and an eventual candidate for mayor.

He later admitted to a gambling addiction that influenced his actions.

Thomas has said he hopes voters can look past that time in his life. He said he is returning to politics because he wants to help District E, which includes New Orleans East and the Lower 9th Ward, attract more businesses.

"Most of the people in the community said they were looking to go in a new direction with someone who knows how to fight for the area," Thomas said.
Political strategist James Carville was heading to an event Wednesday night with friends when they had a very New Orleans moment - getting their car stuck in a large pothole hidden in a puddle.

"Yeah, it was an experience," said Frederick Bell, who was driving. "Luckily not too much damage was done."

He shared photos of the situation on Instagram, calling it the "most New Orleans thing ever."

They got stuck around 6 p.m. on Girod Street near Camp Street (map) in the Warehouse District, near where Carville and his wife Mary Matalin recently moved into a new $2 million condo.

Bell said he and his girlfriend picked up Carville and were heading to a fundraiser for New Orleans City Councilmember Helena Moreno when they saw a big puddle on Girod.

"An SUV in front of us drove in and did fine," Bell said.

But, his 2013 Hyundai Sonata was no match for the pothole lurking below the surface of the murky water.

They went in slowly, Bell said, and then heard a "donk." He tried gassing it but nothing happened. They got out to investigate and found broken pieces of wood that Bell suspects were covering the road hazard at one point.

But, he noted, there were no barricades or cones.

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"Why is there a big trench in the middle of the street?" he asked Thursday.

The car was stuck and the two men partook in another routine New Orleans activity - pushing a stuck vehicle to safety.

"That would have been a funny sight," Bell said, wishing he had gotten pictures.

Carville was Bell's professor at LSU and they've kept in touch, he said.

"He's been a really wonderful teacher and friend," Bell said.

Unfortunately, the car didn't budge and Carville needed to get to the fundraiser. So, Bell said, Carville left and had someone from Moreno's staff call him and connect him with a tow truck. The driver arrived and got the Sonata out of the water.

Luckily, the car was drivable, Bell said, but he's still assessing for damage. He also wants to know who is accountable for the pothole and who would be responsible if his vehicle was damaged.

"Now that I have personal experience, I'll be looking for those answers," Bell said.

He also took matters into his own hands after his car was free. He said walked down the block, found an orange cone and put it by the pothole to warn other drivers. A city worker, he said, later came and put a barricade by the hole.
Norman, OK (73070)

Today

Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
July days in Pennsylvania often fuse together with deep humidity and staunch heat.

July 17, 1996, was no different. But for Montoursville locals, that particular day feels like a fever dream. Unlike the fusion of most summer days, July 17 has left a different and indelible impression in the memory of Lycoming County locals.

Montoursville Area High School students and chaperones were embarking on a summer excursion to Paris, sponsored by the schools French Club that day in 1996. For many, this would be their first time out of the country, exploring a different corner of the world, teeming with new and exciting culture.

The students and chaperones traveled to New York together for the flight that would be taking them to France. Around 8:31 that evening, nearly 12 minutes after take-off, TWA Flight 800, embarking to Paris from Kennedy International Airport, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Long Island.

Of the 230 occupants, all lost their lives, including 21 Montoursville residents. Sixteen of those 21 were high school students.

David Winner, a Lycoming County native, was asked to be a driver for the NBC News correspondents that week. I was called at 3:30 in the morning, asked if I heard about the crash, he recalled.

I picked up the NBC news correspondent a few hours later from the airport. And already by then everyone knew. It was devastating, he said. And to have to re-live it every day with the media here...to see the scenes outside of the high school...it was just heart-wrenching.

5K Cross Country race and Memorial Walk 5K Cross Country Race Race registration: 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m. start 3.1 wheel-measured miles. Flat course with start and finish at Indian Park in Montoursville. 2.1 Mile Memorial Walk Registration 9:30-11:30 a.m. From Indian park in Monotursville to the Flight 800 Angel memorial, Broad St., Montoursville More information here.

July 17 has since served as a day for the community to perform 21 random acts of kindness - one for each life lost. This year, as the community prepares to recognize the 25th anniversary, there will be a 5k Cross Country race, as well as a 2.1 Mile Memorial walk through Indian Park in Montoursville.

The race will support ThinkBIG, a charity which helps families battling pediatric cancer. Stephanie Bedison, an organizer of the event said, As we have received responses to the event, we are reassured by the number of people grateful that we are not forgetting what happened on TWA Flight 800 and our losses.

There has been an ardent response to the Memorial Run/Walk with a great number of registered participants. I believe it shows the spirit of Montoursville, Bedison said with regards to the generous support.

The memory of those lost in TWA Flight 800 lives on and exists beyond July 17. But each year this particular day gives the public a unique time to cherish and honor their lives in a communal, collective way.

Montoursville Mayor Steve Bagwell reflected, Every anniversary of Flight 800 brings reflection, loving memories, and mourning... In some communities they use terms like, 'we hope' and 'we think' about how they might act and treat each other in a time of unimaginable loss. Montoursville knows without doubt who we are and that is kind and loving people who will never let each other down.

As we near the 25th anniversary of Flight 800, it bodes well to communally remember and honor what was lost, but also to cherish the bond the community shares.

Mayor Bagwell continued, Montoursville is a great community that has always been closely tied together and always will be. The days after Flight 800 made that more apparent, but it was always there. Anyone living in Montoursville at the time is bonded in another way that we pray no future generation will be.

In memory ~ Jessica Aikey, Daniel Baszczewski, Michelle Bohlin, Jordan Bower, Monica Cox, Deborah Dickey (chaperone), Douglas Dickey (chaperone), Carol Fry (chaperone), Claire Gallagher, Julia Grimm, Rance Hettler, Amanda Karschner, Jody Loudenslager, Cheryl Nibert, Kim Rogers, Judith Rupert (chaperone), Larissa Uzupis, Jacqueline Watson, Monica Weaver, Eleanor Wolfson (chaperone), Wendy Wolfson ~
Williamsport, Pa. - One of five men has been accused of assaulting a 19-year-old woman in Jersey Shore. He entered a plea agreement Wednesday afternoon at the Lycoming County Courthouse.

Jordan Michael Hockenberry, 21, Milton, pled guilty to second-degree misdemeanor assault and third-degree invasion of privacy for his role in the assault.

Judge Marc Lovecchio looked at Hockenberry and said, Youre going to have to do six months in jail.

Youre really at a crossroads," Lovecchio added, in reference to Hockenberrys decisions which led him to Wednesdays court appearance.

Related reading: Charges dropped against 1 of 5 in Linden group sexual assault case

He was sentenced to six months at the Lycoming County Prison with one year of probation to run concurrently. Both felony charges of sexual assault and criminal solicitation were dismissed.

Hockenberry, was accused of non-consensual sexual intercourse with a female near the 1000 block of Northway Rd., Linden, on April 16, 2019.

One co-defendant pled guilty in the case.

Lynn Kyle, 22, plead guilty to a misdemeanor indecent assault on Aug. 18, 2020. He was sentenced three to twelve months confinement in state prison.

Another co-defendant, Donte Harris, 22, Williamsport, had his case dropped.

Despite Harris' case being dropped, he is currently serving a state prison sentence in an unrelated sexual assault. That sentence is four to eight years.

Harris is registered as a sex offender.

Docket Sheet
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Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.
Napoleon, OH (43545)

Today

Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
According to The Elec, it may be possible for Apple to use low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) OLED panels across its iPhone range from 2022 onwards. Currently, Apple equips iPhones with low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT OLED panels, although it is expected to switch to LTPO panels for this year's Pro models. The change would bring high-refresh-rate displays to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, a feature that it markets as 'ProMotion' on its iPad Pro tablets.

Apparently, Apple will source LTPO panels from Samsung Display this year, with LG Display continuing to supply LTPS panels for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini. However, The Elec alleges that LG Display plans to transition its LTPS panel production lines to LTPO so that it can supply Apple with 120 Hz panels.

The Elec adds that LG Display has already contacted Avaco about supplying the equipment needed to manufacture LTPO panels. Reportedly, LG Display is awaiting Apple's approval for switching its production lines from LTPS to LTPO.

The switch would mean that both of Apple's primary display suppliers could produce LTPO panels, leaving open the possibility that all iPhone 14 will support high-refresh rates. Reportedly, Apple will move away from the notch next year too, albeit only for its Pro models. In March, Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple plans to adopt a punch-hole display similar to many modern Android smartphones. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 13 series in September.

Purchase the iPhone 12 mini (Purple) on Amazon
There have been plenty of rumours that Samsung plans to release two foldable smartphones globally this year, with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 succeeding the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G, respectively. However, The Korea Herald alleges that Samsung has a third foldable in the pipeline, too.

Apparently, Samsung will release two clamshell smartphones under the Galaxy Z Flip brand. One will be the already-leaked Galaxy Z Flip 3, and the other the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Lite. Unsurprisingly, The Korea Herald expects the Lite to be a cheaper answer to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and, by extension, the Galaxy Z Fold 3.

The Korea Herald notes that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Lite will be a 'mass-market model'. The website has not detailed any specifications for the Flip 3 Lite. However, it implies that the device has a 1.9-inch cover display, as has been shown with the Galaxy Z Flip 3.

Additionally, The Korea Herald expects Samsung to reveal the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Lite simultaneously alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Watch 4 series. Reportedly, Samsung has scheduled its next Galaxy Unpacked event for August 11 at 14:00 UTC. The South Korean company is yet to confirm this, though.

Purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G on Amazon
Koos Hussem (CEO & President, Founder of X-CAGO), Natascha Thomas (Deputy Managing Director of PMG Presse-Monitor), Ingo Kastner (Managing Director of PMG Presse-Monitor) and Erik Hommersom (CTO X-CAGO). All rights: PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH - PMG PRESSE-MONITOR GMBH

 PMG takes another step towards becoming a central data hub for publishers

 Higher standard of quality for converting publishers content

 Secondary digital marketing becomes easier and cheaper for publishers

Berlin / News Aktuell. PMG Presse-Monitor has acquired the software house X-CAGO. This company, originally from the Netherlands, is known the world over for converting and standardising a wide variety of content formats, as well as for its established digital archive solution, which many leading publishers also use as a content distribution platform.

A central data standard for format-independent distribution of content

We are combining X-CAGOs and PMGs extensive expertise in converting and distributing high-quality digital content, explains Ingo Kastner, Managing Director of PMG, about the acquisition of X-CAGO. This has enabled us to create a centralised and higher-quality data standard for the publishing industry, one which is suitable for all future formats. We can offer publishers a fast and cost-effective data conversion and archiving solution that delivers maximum quality and ensures legally compliant use of the content. The new data standard enables format-independent distribution of content in its original layout, which will open up new marketing channels for publishers.

With this acquisition, PMG is expanding its portfolio of content and rights marketing services for publishers and strengthening its position as a content management provider for media houses and monitoring companies.

Centralised data conversion offers publishers further growth from secondary marketing

Converting print and online content into uniform, high-quality digital formats suitable for other digital products is far from easy, but is an absolute necessity for publishers, explains Koos Hussem, CEO and founder of X-CAGO.

Publishers distribute their content over a wide range of different channels, both internal and external. This makes data conversion complex, time consuming and error prone, which can negatively impact content quality and the commercial success of content marketing, in both the B2C and B2B sectors.

By combining their expertise, X-CAGO and PMG will give publishers access to proven technologies and structures in order to unlock new growth opportunities from expanded content marketing. The benefit for publishers is twofold: First, they benefit from fast, cost-effective and high-quality conversion of their content, which facilitates broad secondary exploitation via digital channels. Second, they do not have to build and maintain an expensive infrastructure themselves.

Koos Hussem and Ingo Kastner will jointly manage X-CAGO B.V. going forwards.

About X-CAGO

Founded in 2000, X-CAGO B.V. is a leading software developer in the media industry, with headquarters in the Netherlands (Roermond) and offices in the United States and Australia.

X-CAGO supports online publications and content distribution systems for national and international newspaper and magazine publishers, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Reed Business, Bauer, Axel Springer and Gruner + Jahr, among others.

Key services in X-CAGOs portfolio include the conversion of PDF-based print content from newspapers, magazines and books into efficient and digital XML and/or JSON files, and its enterprise content management platform Archive ExPress. The company captures, stores, researches, publishes, distributes and syndicates content from both print media (newspapers, magazines, books, catalogues, etc.) and digital media.

About PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH

With the largest up-to-date press database in the German-speaking area, PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH is a leading provider for digital media monitoring, press review creation and media evaluation.

PMG markets the content and rights of about 850 newspaper and magazine publishers with over 4,000 print and online sources. Around 2500 of these are available in the PMG press database in digital format. From its Berlin headquarters, the company delivers its services to over 5,000 customers from businesses, associations and public bodies, as well as media monitoring services and PR agencies.

Founded in 2001, PMG is a joint venture of various German newspaper and magazine publishers with the following shareholders: Axel Springer, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Gruner + Jahr, Handelsblatt Media Group, Hubert Burda Media, Spiegel-Verlag, Suddeutsche Zeitung, the German Newspaper Publishers and Digitalpublishers Association, and the Association of German Magazine Publishers.

Press contact:

Roger Dormeier

Marketing | Communication | PR PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH

Phone: +49 30 28493 118

Fax: +49 30 28493 200 Email: roger.dormeier@presse-monitor.de
This content is provided by Travel Leaders / Fly Away Travel, located at 1445 W. Harvard Avenue in Roseburg. Call 541-672-5701 for information.
Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 82F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low around 55F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Macy's is hiring about 300 people at its seven stores in Indiana, including at Southlake Mall in Hobart.

The New York City-based retailer is hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Macy's said it offers employees competitive pay, the opportunity to earn bonuses, a merchandise discount on in-store purchases, a bilingual workplace and access to flexible scheduling.

Macys is strongest when we represent the many communities we serve, said Shannon Clark-Williams, Macys northwest region senior principal of human resources. As an iconic retailer at a moment where the marketplace is evolving faster than ever before, it is our colleagues  rooted in equality and driven by purpose  that form the foundation of this innovative retail company and drive our transformation strategy forward as a digitally led omnichannel retailer.

Macy's plans to have a national hiring event from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 15 at 500 stores, including at Southlake Mall in Hobart and River Oaks Center in Calumet City. The River Oaks Macy's is looking to hire about 50 workers, a company spokesperson said.

The 160-year-old department store chain encourages candidates to apply online in advance. Job seekers can apply, interview and fill out an assessment online 24/7 in a process that takes about 30 minutes.
Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Zeigler Automotive Group, which recently bought International Subaru of Merrillville and rebranded it Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville, donated more than $24,000 to help people with disabilities chase their dreams.

Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville gave $24,208 to Chasing Dreams Inc., a Region nonprofit that helps the disabled learn skills to live more independently. It was part of the recent Subaru Share the Love event in which the auto manufacturer gave $250 and the dealer $50 for every vehicle sold or leased.

"It was a very heartfelt experience presenting the check to Denise and her team. We're humbled by the opportunity to support Chasing Dreams Inc. and honored to be able to give back to such a great cause," said Kyle Faiman, Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville's general manager.

Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville said it decided to give to Chasing Dreams Inc. because of a lack of support for people with disabilities. The charity provides no-cost programs that help people with special needs learn, grow and become more independent by building their self-confidence and empowering them to achieve their potential. It said it never turns anyone away, regardless of age or disability.
A positive test in the ER confirmed RSV. The infant developed a rapid heart rate and had to be hospitalized overnight. His 16-month-old sister, Lulabelle, also contracted the virus but was not as sick and didn't need hospitalization.

St. John said she wondered if it might be COVID-19 because it's the wrong season for RSV.

"I can't say I was relieved, because I know RSV is just as bad,'' she said.

Children infected with either virus usually develop only mild illness but for some, these infections can be serious.

Among U.S. kids under age 5, RSV typically leads to 2 million doctor-office visits each year, 58,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 deaths  higher than the estimated toll on kids from COVID-19.

Among adults aged 65 and up, RSV can lead to pneumonia and causes almost 180,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths yearly. Cases in kids and adults usually occur in fall through early spring.

Off-season cases in Australia were a tip-off that the same might happen in the United States, said Dr. Larry Kociolek, an infectious disease specialist with Chicago's Lurie Children's Hospital.
GARY  Two men were found shot to death within less than two hours Wednesday night, police said.

Ja Quon, 22, of Gary, was killed in the 1200 block of East 35th Court, according to the Lake County coroner's office.

Gary police said they responded about 5:45 p.m. to the intersection of East 36th Place and Tennessee Street, where they found a man with gunshot wounds lying on the ground.

About 4 p.m., Gary police responded to a home in the 300 block of West 39th Avenue for a report of a gunshot victim.

Donte Denson, 42, of Gary, was pronounced dead at the scene, a coroner's release said.

The two homicides came after Gary police recorded several shootings  none of which were fatal  over the long July Fourth weekend.

Gary Police Chief Brian Evans said Tuesday the city was fortunate that gun violence didn't claim any lives over the holiday weekend.

Violence and guns are an epidemic across the nation, Evans said.

The two homicides Wednesday were the 23rd and 24th in the city so far this year, according to police and coroner's records.
Defense attorney Lemuel Stigler repeatedly asked Calvin Lofton if he had any recollection of Victor Lofton taking his gun or his car between July 12 and 15, 1992. Calvin Lofton repeatedly answered, "No."

However, Calvin Lofton said he didn't lock the door to the room where he stored the gun and wasn't with his brother 24/7. Victor Lofton never introduced him to a single friend while staying with him, he said.

Calvin Lofton agreed with Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Christopher Bruno that "the appropriate answer" to questions about whether Victor Lofton took his gun or car was "I don't know."

A now-92-year-old man who lived in the same building as Felicia Howard testified Wednesday he noticed a vehicle parked outside the building around the time of the homicides. It might have been a Chevrolet, he said.

The 92-year-old testified he caught a glimpse of a man inside Howard's apartment the night before she and her daughter were found dead, but the 92-year-old could not identify Victor Lofton as that man.

Calvin Lofton testified he sold the pistol in 2018 or 2019.

Bruno told the jury in opening statements earlier this week the pistol recently was recovered.
CROWN POINT  Police asked Thursday for tips on the whereabouts of a rapist who failed to show up for part of his trial, was convicted and sentenced in his absence to 120 1/2 years in prison.

Montrelle Deprice Dubose, 52, should be considered extremely dangerous, the Lake County Sheriff's Department said.

He was described as black, about 6 feet tall and 225 pounds.

Dubose was convicted in April of kidnapping a woman from the Gary Metro Center in 2019, repeatedly raping her and forcing her to drive around naked during a five-hour ordeal.

Dubose posted a $10,000 cash bond July 14, 2020, and was released from the Lake County Jail to await trial.

He attended the first two days of his trial in April, but failed to show up starting the third day. The jury convicted Dubose of 13 criminal counts.

When Lake Criminal Court Judge Samuel Cappas sentenced Dubose in absentia in May, the judge said Dubose is "the worst of the worst."

"Frankly, Mr. Dubose is the epitome of the definition of a sexual predator," Cappas said.

The sheriff's Warrants Division is looking for Dubose, who also has a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender.
Attorney Mark Gruenhagen, who defended Silva along with attorney John Cantrell, said when contacted Thursday for comment, "Unfortunately at this point we do not have any definitive answers, however we will continue to engage the Porter County prosecutor's office with an acceptable resolution."

Prosecutors told jurors during closing arguments that Silva sat in the basement as a backup man, holding a handgun and waiting to ambush as his friend Kerner attempted to carry out a robbery that ended with the two Lake County teens murdered.

"The defendant did much more than just sit there and let things happen," Hammer said.

But the defense attempted to paint their client as scared and hiding in the basement of Kerner's grandparent's Boone Township home on Feb. 25, 2019, after seeing Kerner with a gun and realizing things were becoming "real."

Out of that fear and in hopes of distancing himself from the unexpected turn of events, Silva recorded the six gunshots echoing from the garage above and sounds of one of the victims moaning in pain, Gruenhagen said. That recording was played last month for jurors.

Kerner summoned Silva following the shootings to help clean up while Kerner finished killing Grill by beating him with a pipe wrench, police said.
CROWN POINT  An 18-year-old man charged in two homicides and the robbery of a pizza delivery driver in Gary in 2019 could face a jury this fall.

Melvin M. Brown, of Gary, has pleaded not guilty in all three of his cases.

He's charged with murder in the Oct. 26, 2019, shooting death of Rico's Pizza delivery driver Phillip Hearne, 60, of Gary, in the 3500 block of Pierce Street.

He's facing a murder charge in the Jan. 12, 2020, shooting death of Marcelis Stevenson, 21, of Gary, in the area of 35th Avenue and Fillmore Street.

He's also accused of robbing a Domino's Pizza driver Oct. 25, 2019, in the 3500 block of Pierce Street.

Prosecutors last week dropped a murder charge against Arshield Honeycutt, 18, of Gary, who was Brown's co-defendant the Hearne homicide. The state could not meet its burden to prove the case against Honeycutt beyond a reasonable doubt, court records state.

The charges against Honeycutt were largely based on the word of Brown, who allegedly told police in an interview that his friend Honeycutt worked with him during the Hearne homicide and Domino's robbery.
GARY  A man was found shot dead at a residence in Gary Wednesday afternoon, police said.

He was identified as Donte Denson, 42, of Gary, according to a news release from Lake County Coroner Merrilee Frey.

Officers were called at 4:01 p.m. to a home at Jackson Street and 39th Avenue, said Gary Police Department Cmdr. Jack Hamady.

Police reported that a man was found dead with an apparent gunshot wound.

The Lake County coroner's office and the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide Unit were called to the scene to investigate. Gary Fire Department/EMS also responded.

The man's identity has not yet been released.

Authorities asked anyone with information on the shooting to call the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide Unit at 219-755-3855.

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Lancaster police Sgt. Randell Zook researched databases, police records and genealogy resources to construct a family tree, which ultimately led to Brazzle, police said.

On July 1, Zook and Lancaster Detective Jessica Higgins interviewed Brazzle at her home in Valparaiso.

There, police said Brazzle admitted to being the deceased baby's mother. She said she gave birth to the girl at her former home in Ronks in Lancaster County.

Brazzle said she knew she was pregnant, did not seek prenatal care and did not give the baby medical care after giving birth, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office. Brazzle allegedly said she placed the baby in a trash dumpster behind the YMCA several days later.

Brazzle was not immediately arrested after the interview, as police continued the investigation and worked to determine if anyone else was involved in the baby's homicide or disposal.

However, when police learned that Brazzle boarded a plane to California the day after the interview, they obtained an arrest warrant. The woman was arrested by the San Jose police at the airport once she got off the plane.

She is being held without bail at the Santa Clara Sheriff's Department and is pending extradition to Pennsylvania.
EAST CHICAGO  The City Council continues to try to settle on an attorney.

Alfredo Estrada had been hired in January to replace John Bushemi, who had served as City Council attorney since January 2018. But time constraints resulted in Estrada's departure, and Adam Mindel was chosen to replace him in March.

Now the council is looking to hire a new attorney, and may even change its meeting dates to accommodate a preferred candidate.

Council President Emiliano Perez, D-at large, said the workload the position requires was a lot for one person to handle and Mindel had offered to step away from the position.

At the most recent council meeting, Councilman Robert Garcia, D-5th, made a motion to add to the agenda an ordinance that would change council meeting dates from Mondays to Wednesdays.

Councilwoman Gilda Orange, D-6th, asked Perez what the reason for the ordinance was and he said meeting dates would have to be changed for the council to hire an attorney the majority of the council would want.

"We've done the second and fourth Mondays for years, and all of a sudden now it's a change and I think it's just to get that one attorney that you happen to want," Orange said.
But students will be allowed to remove their masks while eating lunch and during class time when they are all seated facing the same direction and spread out.

For those who take the bus, masks will be required at bus stops and while riding.

Students should bring their own masks to school every day or use the one provided in the Cardinal Wellness Kit the district plans to provide to each student. The kit will contain a mask, thermometer and hand sanitizer. If a student forgets to bring a mask, he or she should ask for one; classrooms will be supplied with replacements, the plan states.

The guidelines for when masks are and aren't required would be the same if the school were to move to the yellow level, but the plan states there would be additional precautions in place and potentially a hybrid schedule with students divided into two teams for two days of e-learning and two days of in-person instruction. If a particular school needed to close because of positive cases, it would switch to e-learning.

Moving to the red level would close school buildings in the district.
"There are raccoons that come out on the roof. There are large holes in the roof, many unsecured windows. There are loose boards hanging from the exterior that blow in the wind. There's no fence around the property."

Donaldson said stray cats live in the sheds on the property "that are in total disrepair and caving in," and bats live in the church.

"We need some fixed deadlines in place for something to happen. This isn't going to be ... the greenhouse project, where it goes on for 12 years," Donaldson said. "At this point, it's a public nuisance. It's a private nuisance to the residents."

Crown Point Mayor David Uran asked if Bryan could put the timeline presented Wednesday into writing to the city's legal department for it to be shared with neighbors of the church so they can see action is taking place.

"If not, then there's going to have to be some proactive approach by the city here. We're kind of caught in the cross hairs of both sides here," Uran said. "We sympathize with the neighbors. We understand the historical significance to the Crown Point community."

Uran said if action isn't taken at the church without an explanation by its July 21 meeting, the board's course of action could change.
Porter County doesnt currently have any TIF districts of its own.

Summers estimated the process would take about six months. We have deadlines because one of the developers leaves Northwest Indiana in the wintertime, he said.

A second proposed TIF district would be in Morgan Township, for the proposed Cherokee Trail industrial and commercial park. Thats a smaller property that would include the first convenience store in the area, consultant Matt Reardon said.

The 20-acre property near the Family Express headquarters needs utilities extended to it, Reardon said. Pretty clearly theres some improvements that need to be made, he said.

The site currently generates $1,300 annually in property taxes. Once the property is developed, the county would receive an additional $250,000, Reardon said.

Bus route in the works

Plans are clearer, but not yet concrete, for a bus route that would transport workers from South Haven to the Portage/Ogden Dunes train station for the South Shore Line, to the steel mills and to Porter Regional Hospital.
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.
GARY  Gary Community Partnership will host a Back2Health Initiative at the end of July to promote healthy living and school readiness.

The event is designed to get Gary residents on track with their health, according to a news release. It will be free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon July 31 at U.S. Steel Yard, One Stadium Plaza. Attendees can expect COVID-19 vaccinations, health screenings, interactive educational sessions and a 3K Run, Jog, Walk with prizes.

The city of Gary's Constituent Services will sponsor school supplies to be handed out to children on a first-come, first-served basis.

GCP Director Jeffery Edwards is hopeful the event will challenge Gary residents to add healthy habits to their lifestyle as they reflect on living through a pandemic, the release states.

"The onset of COVID-19 caused people of color to suffer disproportionately due to underlying health conditions," he said. "Our Back2Health Initiative is designed to empower Gary residents to get healthy from the inside out and not only extend their lives  but their quality of life."
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.
Theyre been spending 12-hour shifts searching for missing persons in the rubble, spending the whole time on their feet or digging, he said. We are lucky to get three to four hours of sleep.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 86 people were unaccounted for, and the death toll was at 54. Officials said Wednesday the search would turn to a recovery operation.

Lazowski and Cusack are among the five handlers and their dogs who are a part of Indiana Task Force One sent to the Champlain Towers site.

Cusack is accompanied by his Labrador retriever, Jake, and Lazowski has Orion, her black Lab, at her side for the deployment. Crown Point Fire Rescue Chief Dave Crane commended Cusack as the leading K-9 coordinator for Indiana Task Force One. Lazowski has been a civilian volunteer with Indiana Task Force One for 8 1/2 years, ever since Orion was a puppy.

Jake and Orion are trained to find survivors buried in rubble, however, the team also includes cadaver dogs, which are trained to find dead bodies.
This is in response to "Milley needs to go" (July 1). In his letter to the editor, the writer starts off with an untruth: Critical Race Theory theorizes that white people in this country are in rage due to the existence of non-whites in our society. Obviously, he didnt read the Times very good piece entitled The buzz behind critical race theory (June 29). It states exactly what I read of CRT when I was in grad school: [CRT is] simply about telling a more complete story of who we are. This quote is from Kimberle Crenshaw, the executive director of the African Policy Forum. She and several others wrote, "Words that Wound", which is a good starting place as to what is CRT.
Millions of people are in the country through no fault of their own. Many are brought here against their will. Many as children. They are in America but are not citizens of America. Some people want to send them back to where they came from. Others want to make them American.

That was the situation for many Black people in this country in the wake of the Civil War, when they had been freed and slavery outlawed, but they were not truly citizens. Black people were the United States original Dreamers. For three years the dilemma lingered until my home state, Louisiana, along with South Carolina, voted to ratify the 14th Amendment on July 9, 1868, 153 years ago this Friday.

(In all candor, Congress required these Southern states to ratify it as a condition of regaining representation. This wasnt receptivity, it was ransom.)

Among other things, the amendment stated forthrightly, All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.
Arranged about the space are barrels and boxes of dried fruit: jumbo prunes; luscious figs; sliced dried persimmon and blood orange; white dried mulberries, which look like little pieces of human brain. Try this, it will change your life, says Abramson, who is holding out a fat orange-gold Uzbekistani apricot with a pair of tongs to me. Sweet and succulent, it conveys the essential nature of the fruit. Kalustyans was indeed something of a lifesaver, if not an all-out life changer, during lockdown, when people took to cooking as if to hang on to their sanity. I needed green cardamom for a curry recipe I was tinkering with, says the publicist Sarah Hermalyn, who works in the food world. I knew Kalustyans would have it, and of course they did and obviously I had to grab some Medjool dates and Sicilian pistachios on the way out.

As I move farther into the shop, I encounter Alam, who mostly oversees financial and infrastructural issues, while Osmani is in charge of research and development. And the store is truly a family affair: Alam introduces me to his wife, Rubina, who manages the boxed tea department and cookbooks, among other things.

In 1968, when Alam arrived in New York, there werent many other Bangladeshis in the city. He had earned a diploma in mechanical engineering in Chittagong, where he was born, and would study the same subject at New Yorks City College. He graduated in the early 70s, when the job market wasnt great, but he saw a gap in the spice market. And so he rented a small space on the corner of East 29th Street and Lexington Avenue  that once-Armenian part of the city just south of Murray Hill that was by then increasingly home to Indian city dwellers (and is now often jokingly referred to as Curry Hill)  and began selling spices and sweets.
Any combination of those techniques could be used again. Dmitri Alperovitch, a founder of the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, and now the founder of the Silverado Policy Accelerator think tank, has argued that until Mr. Biden moves to cut significantly into Russias oil revenue, he will not get Mr. Putins attention.

But so far those steps have proved insufficient to deter further attacks. The question for the White House now is whether REvils recent attacks come close enough to the red line set by Mr. Biden in Geneva that he cannot let the moment pass, even if the damage to American interests was limited.

If it did, we need to follow through, and we have not been great at following through in the past, said Chris Painter, who served in the State Department as the top diplomat negotiating rules of the road for cyberspace with other nations.

We cant set a red line and just not do anything about it when were breached continuously, he said. I dont think we can afford to just sit there and wait for the next attack to happen and the next attack after that, because clearly they are not stopping.

Whenever counterstrikes are debated in the White House, veterans of those debates note, an air of caution eventually settles in. The United States may possess what Mr. Biden calls significant cybercapability  made clear more than a decade ago when, as vice president, he participated in the meetings on the Stuxnet cyberattacks on Irans nuclear centrifuges. But it is also more vulnerable to cyberattacks than most nations because it is so digitized and most of its critical infrastructure is owned by businesses that have not adequately invested in their digital defense. Thus, any escalation risks blowback.

In recent days, however, a growing number of experts have argued that the United States is now facing such a barrage of attacks that it needs to strike back more forcefully, even if it cannot control the response.

You dont want escalation to get out of control, but we cant be so afraid of that that we bind our own hands, Mr. Painter said.
He also said the amount of time a person can survive without air, water or food affected the decision. Sound sensors, cameras and dogs had not detected any potentially living victims since the initial hours of the collapse, he said.

Officials had pledged they would continuing searching as long as any chance of rescue remained at the Surfside, Fla., complex, which collapsed on June 24. When the tally of the missing was first announced, it stood at 159, and the death toll at four. By Wednesday evening, the death toll had risen to 54, with as many as 86 people unaccounted for.

We have all asked God for a miracle, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava of Miami-Dade County said at a news conference. So the decision to transition from rescue to recovery is an extremely difficult one.

The mission will officially transition to recovery at midnight, officials said, adding that they expected to be working their way through the rubble for several more weeks.

The shift was announced on the same day that survivors of the collapse visited the site. They went there for closure, Ms. Levine Cava said, and what they realized is how fortunate they were to be alive, to have been rescued from that building.
More than three months after one of the worlds largest container ships blocked the Suez Canal, the vessel, the Ever Given, finally began its journey out on Wednesday, after Egyptian authorities reached a compensation agreement with the ships owners.

The ship had been impounded and was sitting, with many of its crew onboard, in part of the Suez Canal known as Great Bitter Lakes as the Suez Canal Authority and the ships Japanese owner were embroiled in a protracted argument over losses.

Its departure ends a saga that began March 23, with the grounded ship disrupting the global supply chain and drawing in insurers, lawyers, shipping bodies and much of the internet. People around the world closely watched for updates after the quarter-mile long vessel got mired in the canal, and memes followed, including some that saw the stuck ship as a metaphor for the state of the pandemic world.

The ship was refloated after six days of nonstop efforts, but reaching a deal to let the ship leave was an operation of a different kind, said Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority at a ceremony on the eastern bank of the canal on Wednesday that was attended by Masaki Noke, Japans ambassador to Egypt.
LONDON  A tiny Leonardo da Vinci sketch sold on Thursday at Christies for 8.9 million with fees, or about $12.2 million, a record price for a Leonardo drawing at auction.

Leonardos delicate silverpoint study Head of a Bear, measuring just under 3 inches by 3 inches, and thought to date from the early 1480s, was included in Christies summer Exceptional Sale of high-value historical works of art assembled from a range of collecting categories.

Estimated to sell for 8 million to 12 million, or $11 million to $16.5 million, the drawing was bought by a single bid from an as-yet-unidentified buyer in the auction room. There was no competition from any telephone or internet bidders. The final price of $12.2 million was marginally better than the $11.5 million given in 2001 for Leonardos slightly larger silverpoint study Horse and rider, the previous auction high for a drawing by the artist.

These prices are absurd, said Jean-Luc Baroni, a dealer in museum-quality old master drawings, based in London and Paris. Baroni said that if he had been asked to price the work, he would have valued it at about $2 million. Youre buying a name. Its nothing to do with the love of drawings.
Also poolside are the newlyweds Shane (Jake Lacy) and Rachel (Alexandra Daddario), on a honeymoon that his wealthy family paid for. While she wonders if shes rushed into a marriage in which shes a second-class citizen, he becomes obsessed with the suspicion that Armond has put them in a premium suite thats slightly less premium than the one they booked.

Shane is a jerk about it, but hes not mistaken, and the escalating, passive-aggressive battle between him and Armond becomes the snaky heart of The White Lotus. Armonds usual blandishments are no match for the relentless lacrosse stick of Shanes entitlement. Lacy, who has often played bland nice guys, is whinily magnificent, and Bartlett plays the manager as a coiled spring who spends the week disastrously unwinding.

Their conflict is not about a room, or the coveted plunge pool that Shane has been denied, or even, ultimately, the money. Shane knows that he has the power in this dynamic, and his insistence on getting his pound of sashimi-grade flesh becomes a sadistic quest. (Our society lacks a male equivalent for a Karen, shorthand for the privileged white antagonist who would like to speak to your supervisor, but after this series, it might just be a Shane.)

These serpents-in-Eden themes are familiar for White. In his two-season masterpiece, Enlightened, Amy Jellicoe (Laura Dern) undergoes a wobbly journey from nervous wreck to social-justice crusader, after a rehab stint in Hawaii where she has an epiphany while swimming with sea turtles  an image that The White Lotus reprises. (Another possibly salient credit was Whites stint as a contestant on Survivor: David vs. Goliath, in which underdogs and overdogs competed on a tropical island.)

Whites signature tone is sardonic and sincere at the same time. He has an ear for how people can weaponize idealism; he understands how the language of self-care and self-help can gussy up plain old self-interest. The flip side of this is that he is a generous enough writer to find the vulnerability in even his most grating characters.
Statovci is himself a former refugee, brought to Finland as a child by his Kosovan parents. The protagonist of his superb third novel, Bolla, is an aspiring writer and young husband who, shortly before the outbreak of war in Kosovo, starts an affair with a man, a Serbian medical student named Milos. Since Kosovo is deeply conservative and Arsim an Albanian in a world run by Serbs, this is a doubly forbidden love.

Statovci, in Hackstons eloquent translation, evokes the affair with delicacy and precision. In one scene, Milos, studying, asks Arsim to lie on the floor so he can explore his chest with chilly, metallic fingers at the exact point where he would make an incision in a coronary bypass operation. Likewise, Statovci nails Arsims marriage to the tenacious, ultimately indomitable Ajshe, who practices a sort of conjugal aikido, calmly absorbing and assimilating transgressions that ought to estrange her, and are meant to.

Forced to flee Kosovo, Arsim and his young family find refuge in an unnamed city of millions where they live in a high-rise among identical-looking buildings and Arsim works in a nondescript factory. The unspecific, spectral nature of this existence is apt; in his heart, Arsim still inhabits Kosovo and mourns Milos.

Italicized passages punctuating the main story indicate Milos has not forgotten Arsim either. But these are the febrile ruminations of a man destroyed by atrocities both committed and sustained: How quickly the mind can crack, how suddenly evil can take the place of good, and how easy killing is then.

When Arsim is arrested after an online hookup gone wrong, then declines to defend himself, we sense hes hoping for deportation, both to escape his marriage and to find Milos. In the chapters that follow, surprise follows surprise; none feels willed or fanciful but rather received, as if Statovci is no longer the storys author but its amanuensis. An occasional surfeit of similes is the proses one minor flaw. Bolla is a splendid achievement and Statovci a major talent.
Four killed by police after Haiti assassination

Four people suspected of being involved in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise of Haiti were shot dead by the police and two others were arrested, Haitis police chief said late last night.

A group of assailants had stormed Moises residence on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, early on Wednesday, killing him and wounding his wife, Martine Moise, in what officials called a well-planned operation that included foreigners who spoke Spanish.

During his time in office, Moise, a former banana exporter, was widely seen as behaving like a strongman who tried to consolidate power. He was also accused of using powerful, violent gangs to suppress political opposition.

Context: In recent months, as poverty and hunger rose, protesters had called for Moise to step down. Armed gangs had taken greater control of the streets, terrorizing poor neighborhoods and sending thousands fleeing.
Those attitudes have helped make the five volumes of The Selected Works of Mao Zedong popular again. Photos of fashionably dressed young people reading the books on subways, at the airports and in cafes are circulating online. Students at the Tsinghua University library in Beijing borrowed the book more than any others in both 2019 and 2020, according to the librarys official WeChat account.

Ill definitely reread the Selected Works again and again in the future, a young blogger named Mukangcheng wrote on Douban, a Chinese social media service focused on books, film and other media. It has the power to make a person searching in darkness see the light. It makes my weak soul strong and broadens my narrow worldview.

Mukangcheng, who declined to give me his real name, uses an email account named Left Left. His portrait is a red Mao badge. His posts concern high pork prices and lack of money for his phone bills. In 2018, when he visited the site of the Communist Partys first national congress in Shanghai, he wrote on the visitors book, quoting Mao, Never forget class struggle!

Others commenting online about Selected Works said they saw themselves in the young Mao, an educated village youth from a backwater province trying to make it in the early 1900s in the big city then known as Peking. They usually call Mao teacher, a term he preferred to call himself.

Many social media users like to quote the first sentence of the first volume. Who are our enemies? Who are our friends? Mao wrote in 1925. This is a question of the first importance for the revolution.

Many say their biggest enemies are the capitalists who exploit them. The biggest target of their ire is Jack Ma, the co-founder of the Alibaba e-commerce empire. He was once cheered as the embodiment of the Chinese dream. Now they jeer at his comments supporting the 996 work culture and saying business itself is the biggest philanthropy.

Workers are only moneymaking tools for people like him, said Xu Yang, 19, who went as far as to say people like Mr. Ma need to be eliminated physically and spiritually. Mr. Ma later walked back his remarks, saying he wanted only to pay tribute to workers who put in long hours out of love for their jobs.
On the crowded waterside quay of Dublins Silicon Docks neighborhood, Googles European headquarters tower above the skyline. Facebook and Twitter are neighbors. The European bases of Apple, Pfizer and hundreds of U.S. multinationals are implanted around the country, symbols of the commerce produced by Irelands famously low corporate taxes.

But the model that has fueled the so-called Celtic Tiger economy for decades is in peril, as a coalition of 130 nations works to overhaul a global tax system that Ireland depends on to lure businesses looking to reduce the taxes they pay.

As ministers from the Group of 20 major economies gather Friday in Venice for a two-day summit to hash out details for a historic accord that would limit tax dodging by multinational firms, Ireland is hunkering down to battle what amounts to a major threat to its livelihood.

Ireland is very much a tax haven operating in Europe, so it makes sense that Ireland will resist this as hard as they can, said Alex Cobham, the chief executive of the Tax Justice Network, an advocacy group that fights tax avoidance. The Celtic Tiger is something to be proud of, and if the model is breaking they need to look like they are defending it as much as possible.
The Delta variant of the coronavirus can evade antibodies that target certain parts of the virus, according to a new study published on Thursday in Nature. The findings provide an explanation for diminished effectiveness of the vaccines against Delta, compared with other variants.

The variant, first identified in India, is believed to be about 60 percent more contagious than Alpha, the version of the virus that thrashed Britain and much of Europe earlier this year, and perhaps twice as contagious as the original coronavirus. The Delta variant is now driving outbreaks among unvaccinated populations in countries like Malaysia, Portugal, Indonesia and Australia.

Delta is also now the dominant variant in the United States. Infections in the country had plateaued at their lowest levels since early in the pandemic, though the numbers may be rising. Still, hospitalizations and deaths related to the virus have continued a steep plunge. Thats partly because of relatively high vaccination rates: 48 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated, and 55 percent have received at least one dose.

But the new study found that Delta was barely sensitive to one dose of vaccine, confirming previous research that suggested that the variant can partly evade the immune system  although to a lesser degree than Beta, the variant first identified in South Africa.
Viruses evolve. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, is no exception. So the emergence of variants is no surprise, and not every new genetic mutation poses a serious threat.

But in recent weeks, a growing drumbeat of news coverage has started to raise alarm about Lambda, a variant first detected in Peru late last year. The variant, initially known as C.37, has spread rapidly through parts of South America. On June 14, the World Health Organization designated it as a variant of interest, meaning, essentially, that experts suspect it could be more dangerous than the original strain.

Lambdas prevalence and its mutations, which resemble those found in several other highly contagious or worrisome variants, mean that it is worth watching, scientists said. But much remains unknown, and it is not yet clear how much of a risk it poses.

I think some of the interest is just based on the fact that theres a new variant, and it has a new name, said Nathaniel Landau, a microbiologist at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine who is studying the new coronavirus variants.
At a news conference on Thursday announcing the settlement, the attorneys general from Massachusetts, New York and Minnesota pointedly noted that they had asked the Sacklers for years to admit culpability and to apologize, but that family members refused.

The government lawyers said that rather than spend years in pursuit of more money to address the dire needs created by the opioid epidemic, they agreed to stand down to free up funds more swiftly.

Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney, Democrat of New York, and Mark DeSaulnier, Democrat of California, have introduced legislation they call the Sackler Act, which would allow states to pursue owners of companies in bankruptcy proceedings, which the attorneys general said they strongly supported. But even if Congress were to pass such a bill, the attorneys general added, the Sacklers and Purdue would almost certainly have long concluded this case and escaped the bills reach.

According to the overarching bankruptcy proposal, Purdue as such will cease to exist, re-emerging as a new company that would produce limited quantities of OxyContin and overdose reversal drugs. It would be overseen by an appointed board. Profits would seed payments to funds for far-flung plaintiffs that would mainly support drug treatment and prevention programs.

Lawyers involved in the negotiations underscored the import of the public document repository, which is almost unparalleled in its breadth and depth. Although Purdue has already produced 13 million documents during the course of the litigation, it will now add 20 million more. The scope of documents from this one company rivals that revealed by the entire tobacco industry, a much-desired consequence of the Big Tobacco litigation some 20 years earlier.

The Purdue documents will include depositions, emails and letters reaching back two decades. They are expected to reveal granular details about Purdues behind-the-scenes contacts with federal investigators and officials with the Food and Drug Administration as the company staved off harsher penalties for abetting turbocharged sales that promoted OxyContin as effective and non-addicting. Experts anticipate that the musings and mandates by Dr. Richard Sackler, a former Purdue president and chief executive, would also be laid bare.

In the briefing on Thursday, Maura Healey, the attorney general of Massachusetts, who was the first to sue individual Sacklers, said that the document trove stood as a promise kept to families of opioid victims. It will tell the whole story, all the conversations, all the discussions, all the planning, all the ways in which they were going to make money and evade accountability and regulation, she said.


Clare Peploe, a director and screenwriter who liked to merge genres in her films, and who also made significant contributions to some of the movies of her husband, the celebrated filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci, died on June 24 in Rome. She was 79.

The cause was cancer, said Alessandra Bracaglia, her assistant.

As a director, Ms. Peploe made a quick impact with her first effort, a comic short called Couples and Robbers, about newlyweds who commit a robbery, which she wrote with Ernie Eban. It was nominated for the short-subject Oscar in 1981.

In this comedy-thriller she has demonstrated that in her very first film she is a talent to be reckoned with, Richard Roud wrote in The Guardian Weekly when the film played at the Berlin Film Festival in 1982. The casting and direction of actors is superb. If someone doesnt finance a feature film by her, it will be a great shame.

Ms. Peploe, though, found financing to be a struggle, especially since her films defied easy categorization, and when she did set a project in motion, she worked at a deliberate pace. As a result, her oeuvre was limited. Her first feature, High Season, wasnt released until 1987, and there would be only two others, Rough Magic in 1995 and Triumph of Love in 2001.
Honestly, thats the biggest factor as to whether we are able to execute the things that we campaign on, Ms. Caban said. Will we have a speaker that is going to prioritize that agenda?

The ranked-choice results released on Tuesday are not yet official; there are still affidavit votes to be counted, as well as 880 defective absentee ballots that voters can still resolve within the next week. In races where margins are tight, those votes could shift the outcome, and The Associated Press has not yet called three Democratic City Council primaries.

The victors in Democratic primaries will also all have to compete in the general election. But in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly seven to one, most of them will be heavily favored.

In those races where Democrats are heavily favored in November, 26 of the likely future Council members are women. Three more women are leading in races that have not yet been called. Only 14 women currently serve on the Council.

One of the closest contests is in a primary in Harlem, where Kristin Richardson Jordan, a poet and teacher, came from a 525-vote deficit in first-choice votes and ended up 100 votes ahead of the incumbent, Bill Perkins, after a ranked-choice tabulation was run.

In a district in Queens where Democrats are hoping to flip the boroughs sole Republican seat on the Council, women are likely to be on both sides of the ballot. Felicia Singh, a former teacher backed by the Working Families Party, was just 440 votes ahead of her opponent, Michael Scala, in the most recent tally. The winner of that primary will face off against Joann Ariola, the chairwoman of the Queens Republican Party.

If Ms. Singh and Ms. Jordan were to win, they would join more than 20 women of color who are expected to take seats in the next City Council.
Getting your parents to tolerate your choices may be enough.

The parents of Adriana Ramirez are still not fine and will never be fine with her life as a poet, she told me. But they simply tolerate my choices because they love me.

Truthfulness is overrated.

Then theres the strategy that Zia Haider Rahman, a writer, advises: Lie.

Sometimes thats the only way to avoid a pointless confrontation. I have lied often to my parents, in words or by omission. For example: My father is a devout Catholic who goes to church every day, and I am an atheist, but when I come home to visit, I take him to church and say nothing about what I believe. (Our parents have probably lied to us, too.)

The belt-and-suspenders approach.

Pursue your dreams, but prepare a backup plan  a double major for example (one major for your parents, one for yourself). This is also good preparation generally for a creative life. Thats what I did by pursuing academia for my day job, in the hope that one day I could call myself a writer.

Be patient.

While young people often want immediate answers, the road to acceptance from parents might be a long one. We may have to gradually wear down our parents, as Matty Huynh did. Instead of declaring I was going to be an artist, I made art, he said. By the time he left law school, his parents had gotten used to climbing around frames and boxes of books in their garage. Continuing to make art had become mundane, an inconvenience, he said, but eventually it became an inevitability.

Assert your independence, respectfully.

Parents, especially immigrant parents, have often worked incredibly hard to create opportunities for their children. Still, some parents have to learn that their childrens lives are not theirs, no matter what they sacrificed. Respect is the key, says Kavita Das, a writer: It comes down to helping them understand that we are not throwing away all their hard work but honoring their hard work, because it allowed us to pursue our dreams.

Mr. Huynh suggests putting less weight upon your parents approval: It might sound aggressive to say one shouldnt ask for permission, but its kinder not to expect a blessing from people who have no experience and only anxieties about your moonshot dreams.
More than a century of German denial has left much of the world unaware of the massacre. Today the sites of former concentration camps, such as those in Swakopmund and Luderitz, are tourist destinations rather than memorials. While the Museum of Natural History in New York continues to conduct research on the human remains Germany stole, Herero and Nama have been denied for generations the opportunity to bury their loved ones. Many Nama and Herero live on unproductive soil, barred from the land taken from their ancestors. Most are disenfranchised minorities within Namibia or spread across the diaspora.

Some 30 years after the massacre in German South West Africa, Nazis murdered six million Jews. The two genocides are related. For it was in southern Africa that Eugen Fischer, later a prominent Nazi eugenicist, pioneered the pseudoscience about racial hygiene used to justify the slaughter of people Germans saw as an obstacle to Lebensraum  first the Herero and Nama, and later the Jews. Some techniques of slaughter, too, were first used in the colony: Victims were sent to concentration camps in cattle cars, tattooed and issued numbers, as they later were in Europe. Between the two atrocities, despite their differences, is a continuum in method and motive.

Germanys response to this history, however, has been starkly different. Seven years after the Holocaust, in 1952, West Germany signed an agreement with 23 Jewish organizations and the Israeli government to pay reparations for the material losses suffered by Jewish individuals and people. In the years since, school curriculums, museums and memorials have placed the Holocaust at the center of national remembrance. Though insufficient, and unable to eliminate anti-Semitism, Germanys efforts provide a baseline model for how to make amends for a historical atrocity.

As it did with Jews after World War II, Germany should meet with representatives from Herero and Nama communities to design reparations, taking into account both the material damages of genocide and the psychological and spiritual suffering caused by more than a century of denial.

These could take many forms: Germany could commit to direct compensation, work to return the land robbed from Herero and Nama people and return the skulls of those killed in German concentration camps. Germany could also integrate the Namibian genocide into its national narrative, through public education and commemoration, and build memorials at the sites of former concentration camps.

But to truly seek forgiveness and address the disaster it caused, Germany must first do something simple: Look Herero and Nama people in the eye, and listen to what they say.
To the Editor:

Re Maybe Trump Wasnt the Worst President Ever?, by Mark K. Updegrove (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, July 1):

James Buchanan has long occupied last place in the rankings of U.S. presidents, but thanks to Donald Trump, it looked as if he was on the verge of surrendering that ignominy. After all, Mr. Trump seemed to be the strongest candidate in the last 100 years to displace Buchanan. Unfortunately for Buchanan, the 142 presidential historians who participated in C-SPANs just released 2021 Presidential Historians Survey decided otherwise.

Apparently, Buchanans encouragement of the Supreme Courts decision upholding slavery in the Dred Scott case, endorsement of fraudulent election results in the Kansas territory to support its admittance to the Union as a slave state, and failure to respond to states seceding from the Union were viewed as more egregiously incompetent than Mr. Trumps being the only president to stand in the way of the peaceful transfer of power and mishandling a pandemic that led to more than 600,000 deaths in the United States so far.

For the countrys sake, there will hopefully be no future contenders for the title of Worst President Ever.

Gene Harrington

Ellicott City, Md.

To the Editor:

With the passage of time, historians have become more generous in their evaluations of the performance of Republican presidents, such as Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan. But time will not be as kind to Donald Trump.
Is this the media future we want?

The Substack model has no shortage of skeptics. A robust press is essential to a functioning democracy, and a cultural turn toward journalistic individualism might not be in the collective interest, Anna Weiner argued in The New Yorker last year. It is expensive and laborious to hold powerful people and institutions to account, and, at many media organizations, any given article is the result of collaboration between writers, editors, copy editors, fact-checkers and producers. Most of the journalism that thrives on Substack is commentary, which is often cheaper than news to produce.

But that doesnt mean that traditional news organizations are somehow safe from the competition. As Will Oremus writes in Slate, commentators have historically acted as subsidies for the more expensive and less glamorous work of local reporting  and, I would add for news operations like this one, international coverage.

The Timess digital success has been built partly on a major expansion of its opinion section; magazines such as The Atlantic and Mother Jones have relied on their best-known columnists to support their originally reported features and investigations, Oremus writes. Its those personalities that Substack is going after and poaching.

As a result, the paid subscription newsletter business is likely to favor writers who already have a national platform. If you visit Substacks website, Clio Chang wrote for The Columbia Journalism Review last year, youll see leaderboards of the top 25 paid and free newsletters; the writers names are accompanied by their little circular avatars. The intention is declarative  you, too, can make it on Substack. But as you peruse the lists, something becomes clear: The most successful people on Substack are those who have already been well served by existing media power structures.

Its doubtless a good deal for that small coterie of writers. But whether the citizenry will benefit in the long run is another question. Sarah Roberts, a professor at the School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, has gone so far as to call Substack dangerous and a threat to journalism.

People not inside journalism or media may not know the specifics, but they often have a nebulous sense that there are norms  independence, disclosure of compromise, editorial oversight and vetting of the reporting, she tweeted in February. By decamping to an independent newsletter, An investigative reporter who has earned her bona fides in a newsroom and under both strict editorial and journalistic principles, has just cashed out and turned herself into an opinion writer.
I have written already about how the pandemic should prompt a rethinking of air travel. This is most true in the business world. Sure, theres something magical about meeting face to face, but in an age of pretty good videoconferencing, there isnt magic enough to justify the extreme environmental costs of routine flight. But flying is so carbon intensive  your share of the emissions from a single round-trip trans-Atlantic flight is almost enough to wipe out the gains you might get from living car-free for a year  that its worth considering limiting leisure plane trips, too. Some people can afford to travel to Europe every year, maybe even several times a year. Im not one for flight shaming, but that level of indulgence ought to earn some measure of social opprobrium.

Cruises present an even better target for radical reform, if not outright prohibition. The early days of the pandemic highlighted the cruise industrys vulnerability to contagion, but getting disease under control should be just the first step for this most polluting of conveyances. According to one study, a midsize cruise ship can emit as much particulate as one million cars. One cruise company alone, Carnival, was responsible for 10 times as much sulfur oxide as that emitted by the roughly 260 million passenger cars on European roads in 2017, a 2019 analysis found.

This week I called Rick Steves, the travel writer and tour operator, to ask about the future of travel on a warming planet. For most of his life, he visited Europe at least once a year. Last summer was the first time in decades that he didnt go, and hes staying home again this year.

Steves told me that time at home has given him a new perspective on travel  both its liberating psychic possibilities and its heavy costs.

Ive gained an appreciation for the fragility of the environment and the importance of people and nations to not be afraid of each other but work together, he told me. Like the battle against climate change, fighting the pandemic required coordination among politicians, scientists, regulators and businesses around the world. That kind of coordination is fostered by the trust and empathy gained by global travel, Steves said. The rub is that travel itself is worsening the crisis  and because the industrys impact has been so loosely policed by the worlds governments, it has little incentive to make difficult changes to its operations.

To mitigate the environmental cost of his European travel business, Steves has turned to carbon offsets. For each of the 30,000 or so passengers the company takes to Europe in an ordinary year, the company contributes $30 for environmental initiatives meant to curb the costs of climate change. Many airlines now offer passengers the chance to pay for emissions offsets.

But because all these programs are voluntary, their impact seems limited. And at the moment, there is little political incentive to impose new regulations on struggling travel companies.
Monks once hoped to turn lead into gold through alchemy. But consider the cauliflower instead. It takes just two genes to transform the ordinary stems, stalks and flowers of the weedy, tasteless species Brassica oleracea into a formation as marvelous as this fractal, cloudlike vegetable.

This is the true alchemy, says Christophe Godin, a senior researcher at the National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology in Lyon, France.

Dr. Godin studies plant architecture by virtually modeling the development of the forms of different species in three dimensions. He wondered what genetic modification lurked behind cauliflowers nested spirals and the logarithmic chartreuse fractals of Romanesco, a cauliflower cultivar that could almost be mistaken for a crystal.

How is nature able to build such unexpected objects? he asked. What can be the rules behind this?
Sea otters run hot. Its not just a manner of speaking: Scientists have found that the furry mammals metabolisms work at a rate three times what might normally be expected from a creature their size, burning swiftly through calories.

They seem to be using much of that energy to generate heat, keeping themselves at a toasty 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit in the frigid ocean, where staying warm is a matter of life and death. But the details of their conversion of food and oxygen into vast reserves of heat have been obscure. Now researchers studying sea otters muscles report that the feat involves using the mitochondria in their muscle cells in an unexpected way. Their study was published Thursday in the journal Science.

Unlike whales and polar bears, sea otters dont have a thick insulating layer of blubber, and their celebrated fur  the thickest in the world, with up to 2.6 million hairs per square inch  is not enough on its own to keep them alive in an ocean that can hover on the edge of freezing. Muscles generate heat as they contract, but scientists have known for some time there is another way that muscles can help animals keep warm, a cellular process with the delightful name of proton leak.

Inside almost all animal cells, little pill-shaped organelles called mitochondria break down sugar molecules to extract energy. (Mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of the cell.) During the final stage of this process, protons pop through a membrane. In biology textbooks, the protons helpfully trickle through tiny spinning pores, driving them like water wheels to make adenosine triphosphate, a compound that serves as the molecular battery powering cellular processes.
PARIS  The ivory carpet was back. So were the ivory walls, with scroll bas-reliefs framing each curtained door; the marble staircase; the strict, anticipatory, hush in the air. Ssshhh. Take your seats. Respect the artist.

Fifty-three years after Cristobal Balenciaga closed the doors of his couture salon for the last time, Demna Gvasalia was reopening them, recreating the rooms as precisely as possible, picking up where the man generally known as the greatest couturier of them all had left off. Mr. Gvasalia didnt even call what he was showing One  though it was not only his first couture, but the first one under the houses current owner, Kering. He called it 50.

Sitting on one of the gold ballroom chairs, where a single crimson carnation had been placed precisely on the diagonal on each seat, it was hard not to think: The walls are probably freaking out.
They had dinner the following evening, during which Mr. Lawson shared that he had been in Alcoholics Anonymous for two years and that his second marriage had lasted 90 days. They also had a couple differences: He is Jewish, she is not; he is 15 years her senior. Mrs. Lawson was unfazed by all of it. They started dating immediately.

In Sept. 1991, she moved into his apartment on Sutton Place in Manhattan. That Thanksgiving they got engaged and started planning for a July wedding.

In February 1992, the pair were in Las Vegas for a shoe show. While out to dinner with friends, Mrs. Lawson whispered into Mr. Lawsons ear that she thought she was pregnant. I hadnt felt well all day, she said. We bought a test at a drugstore that night and in seconds a line appeared. Their July wedding was moved up to April.

The Wedding

The couple were married on April 26, 1992, in front of 100 guests at Le Club, a private member club located under the 59th Street Bridge in New York. The wedding, which was planned in two months, had an air of Murphys Law. The dry cleaner ruined my Yves Saint Laurent dress the day before, said Mrs. Lawson, who was able to borrow a gown from a friend.

Additionally, Billys father left early because he wasnt sitting at the head table. I hated our wedding song, which was from Beauty and the Beast; Billy loved it. And we never made a photo album because I hated the dress.

Nevertheless, the couple had a good time. We had a great DJ and our favorite people danced with us all night, she said. The couple still live on Sutton Place. They have two sons: Peter, 28, and David, 26.
When gallerist Alex Tieghi-Walker was growing up, his grandmother had a collection of cups that were off-limits to anyone she didnt trust (including him). Now that he has his own collection  several hundred by his estimate, sourced on his extensive travels  he delights in doing the opposite, serving anyone who stops by his Los Angeles home with the one that suits them best. That ritual helped inspire the first in a new series of single-object group commissions by his contemporary folk art gallery, Tiwa Select: 10 pairs of Mezcal cups (known as copitas) made in partnership with the mezcal brand Yola Mezcal by 10 Tiwa artists, including Vince Skelly, Simone Bodmer-Turner and Jim McDowell. Tieghi-Walker was drawn to the copita for its spirit of simplicity and spontaneity: They were originally made from small gourds, and youd shove them in your pocket so that if you bumped into someone, you could have a mezcal with them, he says. They were also porous, so theyd absorb the flavor of each mezcal they held. I appreciate objects that are ever-evolving, he says. The project itself is taking on new form: Originally conceived as a one-off, Tieghi-Walker will be making limited editions of Skelly and Matt Fishmans cups available on his website, followed by quarterly explorations of other objects, like teapots and platters, also meant to be enjoyed among friends. From $140, tiwa-select.com.
The cast is constantly filmed, with less precise editing than in Kingdom, and most of Dogvilles twists and turns are recreated, but Jatahy also finds some distance from her source material. Bernat and others address the audience directly at several points, and they break character to explain the movies ending. After that, they elaborate on what they see as the rise of fascism in Brazil and elsewhere.

There is dark subject matter, and then there is Fraternity, Caroline Guiela Nguyens much anticipated follow-up to her 2017 hit, Saigon. Fraternitys supernatural premise is similar to that of the HBO series The Leftovers: a portion of humanity (in Fraternity, 50 percent) has simply vanished, leaving their loved ones reeling.

Unlike The Leftovers, however, Fraternity is in no way subtle in exploring grief. Over three and a half hours, it drains and badgers viewers emotionally: Many around me cried at least once. After so many people have died of Covid-19 in the past year and a half, this is dangerous territory, and Guiela Nguyen addresses peoples sense of loss like a bull in a china shop.

The action takes place in a Center for Care and Consolation, designed for survivors to process grief by leaving video messages for the departed. These are performed by a laudably diverse group made up of professional and nonprofessional actors from around the world. (Multiple languages are spoken in Fraternity, with rather clumsy live translations by other performers.)

Perhaps because the amateurs are still finding their feet, the acting often feels one-note, with much yelling and little in the way of emotional arcs. The plot revolves around the idea that peoples hearts slowed almost to a halt after the Great Eclipse, as the disappearance is known, which in turn slowed down the universe. Some related sci-fi developments soon grow silly, especially when an oversize plastic heart is brought in to absorb the survivors memories of their lost partners and relatives, in a bid to keep the planets moving.
In June, the European Union officially recommended its member countries reopen their borders to American tourists after more than a year of tight restrictions. The United Kingdom has also placed the United States on an amber list, which means American travelers are allowed in, but must quarantine for 10 days and show proof of a negative coronavirus test.

But residents of Europes Schengen area  spanning 29 countries, city-states and micro-states  as well as those in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are still barred from traveling to the United States, unless they are a U.S. citizen or they spend 14 days before arrival in a country that is not on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions prohibited list. Certain family members are also exempt.

The restrictions were first put in place in March 2020. Although President Donald J. Trump briefly ordered an end to the ban on European travelers during his last week in office, President Biden quickly rescinded the move.

Discussions about when to resume inbound travel have been opaque. In late June, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was too soon to say when the United States would lift travel curbs for European Union citizens.
We are standing here today because we want the Jewish community to know that we believe this was rooted in anti-Semitism, Ms. Rollins said. We are going to call that out and charge that specifically, and we want them to know they are safe.

Mr. Awad, an Egyptian who was in the United States on a student visa, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to his lawyer, Stephen J. Weymouth, who said the new hate crime charges were based on some very weak evidence.

Theres no evidence that any comments were made during the course of the attempted robbery, Mr. Weymouth said in an interview. There wasnt any yelling or screaming, as you would expect, I hate Jews.

Mr. Weymouth said he had asked the court to have a doctor examine Mr. Awad and the doctor had recommended that Mr. Awad be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital. Mr. Awad will be held there for the next 20 to 30 days to determine whether he is competent to stand trial and whether he has mental health issues that could have affected his ability to determine right from wrong on the day of the attack, Mr. Weymouth said.

Mr. Weymouth said that some mental health issues, which he was unable to immediately describe, may very well be the explanation here.

The stabbing came after an outbreak of anti-Semitic threats and violence across the United States this year stoked fear among Jews in small towns and major cities.

During two weeks of clashes in Israel and Gaza in May, the Anti-Defamation League collected 222 reports of anti-Semitic harassment, vandalism and violence in the United States, compared with 127 over the previous two weeks.
But the state has a new attorney general, Rob Bonta, who was most recently a lawmaker. One of the laws that he helped pass requires the office he now runs to independently investigate police shootings that result in the death of unarmed Californians and decide whether to prosecute the officers involved.

Image Attorney General Rob Bonta last month in San Francisco. Credit... Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

On Wednesday, Bonta laid out his plan for complying with that law, a measure he said would help build trust between communities of color and law enforcement.

Its been a humbling experience to work to make this happen, he said in a virtual news conference. I know what the stakes are for getting this right.

Assembly Bill 1506, as the legislation is known, was one of the relatively few police reform efforts spurred by last years protests to become law. It takes effect not long after local prosecutors in California declined to charge officers in high-profile shooting deaths of unarmed people, like that of Stephon Clark, who was gunned down in his grandmothers backyard in Sacramento.

Lawmakers said they wanted to remove local authorities from a process in which they may have conflicts of interest because of connections with local law enforcement. Bonta added that his offices protocols to comply with the law will boost transparency, including by clearly publishing policies for interacting with law enforcement officers and victims families, and for sharing information with the news media.
President Biden made an impassioned case on Thursday that the United States could no longer afford the human cost or strategic distraction of fighting the war in Afghanistan, arguing that the United States had achieved its initial objective  routing Al Qaeda from the country and hunting down Osama bin Laden  and that Afghanistans government and forces must be responsible for their own future.

In a half-hour long talk, Mr. Biden was by turns defensive about his decision to leave the country and angry at his critics, at one point asking whether they would send their sons and daughters to fight in what has devolved into a civil war. He said all American combat troops would be out of the country by Aug. 31, and made the case that the American drawdown is proceeding in a secure and orderly way prioritizing the safety of our troops as they depart.

We did not go to Afghanistan to nation-build, Mr. Biden said from the East Room of the White House. And its the right and the responsibility of Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run their country.

Mr. Bidens speech, just days after the U.S. pulled out of Bagram Air Base, which was the operations center of the 20-year war, marked his formal acknowledgment that the U.S. could not alter the countrys course.
WASHINGTON  The nations intelligence agencies are looking for ways to increase their expertise in a range of scientific disciplines as they struggle to answer unexplained questions  about the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, unidentified phenomenon observed by Navy pilots and mysterious health ailments affecting spies and diplomats around the world.

Traditional spycraft has failed to make significant progress on those high-profile inquiries, and many officials have grown convinced that they require a better marriage of intelligence gathering and scientific examination.

Intelligence officials in the Biden administration came into office pledging to work on areas traditionally dominated by science, like studying the national security implications of climate change and future pandemics. But as the other issues have cropped up, the spy agencies have had to confront questions that are as much scientific mysteries as they are challenges of traditional intelligence collection.

The White House has given the intelligence community until later this summer to report the results of a deep dive into the origins of the coronavirus, including an examination of the theory that it was accidentally leaked from a Chinese lab studying the virus as well as the prevailing view that it was transmitted from animals to humans outside a lab.
Oppression is a theme: Ms. Johnson said she understood  though, she hastened to add, did not condone  violence by beleaguered conservatives. Mr. Norton suggested that transgender women were driven by mental illness to lop off body parts, and yet it was only those who objected who were ridiculed. Larry Eberly, the organizer of the Festival of Truth, warned the crowd that were being manipulated into accepting coronavirus vaccines, bellowing to cheers, I will die first before they shove that needle into my arm.

In the end, none of this may matter to the composition of Congress. The anti-incumbent vote may be badly split, allowing Representatives Meijer and Upton to survive their primaries and sail to re-election.

Mr. Meijers district had been held for a decade by Justin Amash, a libertarian-leaning iconoclast who was fiercely critical of Mr. Trump and was the first House Republican to call for his impeachment. Amid the backlash, Mr. Amash left the Republican Party in 2019 to try to run as a libertarian. Then, when Mr. Amash found no quarter, he retired.

But Mr. Meijer will have his name, the support of the Republican apparatus and a formidable money advantage.

The question vexing him is not so much his own future, but his partys. That is where he looks wistfully to Ford.

Was he necessarily the leader on moving the Republican Party in a direction? I cant speak to what his internal conversations were, Mr. Meijer said. But in terms of giving confidence to the country that Republican leadership could be ethical and honest and sincere, I think he hit it out of the park.
Four state attorneys general have begun looking into the online fund-raising practices of both political parties, specifically seeking information about the use of prechecked boxes to enroll contributors in recurring donation programs that spurred a wave of fraud complaints and demands for refunds last year.

The attorneys general for New York, Minnesota, Maryland and Connecticut have sent letters to WinRed, which processes online donations for Republicans, and ActBlue, its Democratic counterpart, asking for documents related to the practices, according to court documents and people familiar with the matter.

WinRed revealed the existence of the letter from the attorneys general in a Federal District Court filing this week, as the firm is seeking to stop any state-level investigation, arguing federal law should pre-empt any such effort.

The letters were sent in late April, shortly after a New York Times investigation showed how the Trump operation had deployed  and then obscured with extraneous text  prechecked boxes that automatically enrolled contributors into recurring donation programs, taking out money as often as every week. A second prechecked box took out what the campaign called a money bomb donation.
So far this year, Democrats have been unable to halt Republican state legislatures from passing new laws, and have failed to force through new federal voting legislation in Congress or successfully challenge any of the new G.O.P. laws in court.

The Texas bills are the first new pieces of voting legislation to be introduced by a state legislature since the Supreme Courts decision last week to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona, a ruling that gave states greater latitude to enact voting limits.

Texas follows several other major battleground states controlled by Republicans that have passed substantial overhauls of their election laws and enacted new voting restrictions this year. Since January, at least 22 bills to make voting more difficult have been signed into law in 14 states.

After the unsuccessful attempt to pass the legislation during the spring session, Republican leaders in the Legislature have signaled an accelerated schedule for the voting bills in the special session. Both the House and the Senate have scheduled committee hearings for Saturday.

Though the special session of the Legislature will take place in a condensed 30-day period, the legislative process remains the same, with the bills needing to wind their way through each chamber in the hopes that one of the two can be agreed upon. If neither chamber can agree on a bill, then it is likely to go to a conference committee, where the final details of the legislation would be hashed out behind closed doors by a select panel of lawmakers.

In a possible attempt to appease some Democrats, the House bill includes two provisions that are liberal priorities: one for curing rejected absentee ballots and another that would make it no longer a crime to file a provisional ballot from a voter who was unknowingly ineligible to vote (known as the Crystal Mason provision, after a Texas voter who was sentenced to five years in prison for voting provisionally in 2016 when she was on supervised release for a federal conviction). The Senate version also includes a curing provision.

Nonetheless, the bills were swiftly denounced by Democrats, civil rights groups and voting rights advocates.
Though Mr. Podestas firm had disclosed the client under less-detailed congressional lobbying rules and retroactively registered with the Justice Department, that did not stop the special counsels office from subpoenaing the records and employees of his firm and others that worked with Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates.

Mr. Podesta questioned the motives and methods behind the special counsels investigation. He referred to one of the investigations lead prosecutors, Andrew Weismann, as Inspector Javert, the police character in Les Miserables who became obsessed with ensuring the capture and punishment of a parolee who had been convicted of stealing bread to feed his family.

I didnt even steal a loaf of bread, Mr. Podesta said, asserting that he was targeted at least partly because the special counsel thought it was a good idea to have a Democrat, clearly.

Mr. Podesta said his firms finances were stretched thin, partly because it paid as much as $5 million in legal fees for employees who were subpoenaed by prosecutors, and partly because the investigation spooked clients, who left the firm.

Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates were charged with unregistered foreign lobbying, tax fraud and other crimes in October 2017. The indictment identified the Podesta Group and a firm with which it worked on the Ukraine effort, Mercury Public Affairs, though not by name, as having worked as part of a scheme with Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates to gain support for Mr. Yanukovych, while evading foreign lobbying disclosure requirements.

Within a day, the Podesta Groups bank, citing the special counsels investigation and the draining of the firms accounts to pay the staffs legal fees, canceled its credit line, rendering the firm illiquid, Mr. Podesta said.

He told his employees in a staff meeting that he was stepping back from the firm, citing attacks from Mr. Trump and his allies in the conservative media as making it impossible to run a public affairs shop, according to people in attendance.
Two Americans are among at least 20 people who have been detained thus far, Haitian officials said. The ambassador, Mr. Edmond, described the assailants as well-trained professionals, killers, commandos.

At a news conference at National Police Headquarters, the American men were identified as Joseph Vincent, 55, and James J. Solages, 35, Florida residents of Haitian descent.

A Florida-based doctor, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, 63, was also detained. Officials described him as a central figure in the case who had ambitions to become president and hired a private Venezuelan security firm, CTU, based in the United States. A university professor who met with Dr. Sanon recently said he had spoken then of being sent by God to take over Haitis presidency.

During a raid on his home, the authorities said, the police found a D.E.A. cap  the team of hit men who attacked the president falsely identified themselves as Drug Enforcement Administration agents  six holsters, about 20 boxes of bullets, 24 unused shooting targets, and four license plates from the Dominican Republic.

The Haitian authorities have also implicated at least 20 Colombians, most of them former soldiers, in the plot. It is unclear what part the Colombians played in the operation, and two of the Colombian men are dead.

Clement Noel, a judge who is involved with the investigation, said on Friday that Mr. Vincent and Mr. Solages claimed that they had not been in the room when Mr. Moise was killed and that they had worked only as translators for the attackers.

The judge said that the two had met with other members of the hit squad at a hotel in a suburb of Port-au-Prince to plan the attack, which they said was plotted out over a month. The men, according to the judge, said that the goal had not been to kill the president but to bring him to the national palace.
The political struggle unfolded as Haitian security forces hunted for the attackers who killed the president. On Thursday, Haitian authorities said they had arrested 17 suspects so far, including two American citizens, and that three foreign nationals had been killed, adding to Haitian assertions that foreigners had been involved.

Little was known about them, but officials identified the Americans as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55, Florida residents of Haitian descent. Another 15 suspects were described as Colombians

Joanne Ou, a spokeswoman for Taiwans foreign ministry, said on Friday that security personnel at Taiwans Embassy in Port-au-Prince had discovered a group of heavily armed people holed up on the embassy grounds on Thursday morning. By the afternoon, the Haitian police had arrested 11 people on the embassy grounds, she said, adding that the authorities were still investigating whether those people had any links to the presidents assassination.

Haiti is one of only 15 nations to have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by China. According to the website of Taiwans foreign ministry, its embassy is in the suburb where the president was killed.

Angry civilians joined in the search for the assassins, capturing some suspects themselves, setting fire to vehicles thought to have been used in the attack and calling for vigilante justice. Burn them, one person cried in front of a police station.

Haiti had already been reeling over the question of who should be running the country. For months, angry protesters had accused the president, Mr. Moise, of overstaying his term in a drift toward autocracy.

Now, with his assassination, the leadership question grew even murkier, especially since the nations democratic institutions have been severely hollowed out, leaving few legitimate arbiters in the country to oversee a legal transfer of power.
The following report compiles all significant security incidents confirmed by New York Times reporters throughout Afghanistan for the month. It is necessarily incomplete as many local officials refuse to confirm casualty information. The report includes government claims of insurgent casualty figures, but in most cases these cannot be independently verified by The Times. Similarly, the reports do not include Taliban claims for their attacks on the government unless they can be verified. Both sides routinely inflate casualty totals for their opponents.

Analysis in previous reports refers to pro-government forces in order to include casualties for U.S. and coalition forces. Because America and NATO are withdrawing, The Times has stopped using this phrasing. It will continue to identify militias aligned with the security forces as pro-government to differentiate them from independent militias operating in Afghanistan.

July 1-8, 2021

At least 161 Afghan security forces and 24 civilians were killed in the first eight days of July, as the Taliban continued their offensive to capture territory. The Taliban pushed their way into Qala-e-Naw, the provincial capital of Badghis in Afghanistans northwest on Wednesday, freeing prisoners there and threatening to overrun the city itself. A convoy of Afghan security forces was ambushed by The Taliban while on their way to Qala-e-Naw, leaving roughly 65 dead and 14 others wounded, though the exact number is unclear. Forty-three troops were abducted. The convoy was retreating from Moqor district when it was attacked. In Badakhshan, the Taliban attacked security outposts last Friday in the Eighth Police District in Faizabad, the provincial capital, killing seven soldiers and 14 pro-government militia members. Four pro-government militia commanders and two army commanders were among the victims. Twenty-five other security forces were abducted by the Taliban and the police district was captured.

[Read the Afghan War Casualty Report from previous weeks.]

July 8 Herat Province: two police officers killed

Two police officers were killed and two more wounded when the Taliban attacked security outposts in Gozarah district.
The streets of Haiti had been clogged for months with angry protesters who burned tires, stormed banks and robbed stores. Gangs, with the sometimes tacit permission of the police, have been kidnapping nuns, fruit vendors and even schoolgirls for ransom.

And then on Wednesday, the country slid deeper into turmoil, when a convoy of gunmen brazenly rumbled up to the home of the president, Jovenel Moise, in the middle of the night and shot him dead.

Almost every time Haitians think their circumstances cannot get any worse, it seems the nation takes another ominous turn, and it is now teetering on the verge of a political void, without a president, a Parliament or a functioning Supreme Court.

The countrys morass has for decades put it near the top of a list of nations, such as Afghanistan and Somalia, that have captured the worlds imagination for their levels of despair. In the shadow of the richest country in the world, people wonder: How could this happen to Haiti?
At least seventeen people, including fifteen Colombians and two American citizens, were detained in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Haitian officials said Thursday night as they paraded the suspects before the news media and asserted that foreigners had been involved in the brazen attack.

At a news conference at National Police Headquarters with the interim prime minister, the American men were described as being of Haitian descent and were identified as Joseph Vincent and James Solages.

Haitian security officials had earlier described Mr. Solages as a resident of South Florida who had been apprehended on Wednesday during the manhunt for the assailants. A Canadian government official said that Mr. Solages was briefly employed as a reserve bodyguard by a security company hired by the foreign affairs ministry in 2010.

At least eight more suspects were on the run, authorities said.

We are pursuing them. We are asking the public to help us, said Haitis police chief, Leon Charles, before a phalanx of politicians and police.
Brian Nick

Fox Corp. has recruited Brian Nick, who was VP-communications of Coca-Cola Consolidated bottler operation in Charlotte, as executive VP & chief communications officer.

He will move to Los Angeles and report to Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch.

Prior to joining Coca-Cola's biggest bottler, Nick was senior director of corporate communications at Walmart, leading its crisis response and national media outreach.

He also has strong ties to the Republican party, earned as communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and chief of staff to former North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole.

Nick called Fox a unique and powerful voice in the marketplace with a compelling story to tell and I look forward to being a part of that."
Tullamore woman, Fiona OMalley, who is part of the Climate Case Ireland group, is calling on the gGovernment to form a Citizens Assembly on biodiversity emergency before the Dail recess on the 16th July.

OMalley, with the Climate Case Ireland group, delivered an open letter to the Department of Communication, Climate Action, and the Environment, calling upon Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party to announce the date for a Citizens Assembly and also called for the Assemblys agenda to include the possible recognition of a Constitutional right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, and the principles of a Just Transition.

Friends of the Irish Environment made international headlines when they won their historic legal case Climate Case Ireland against the Government in July 2020, becoming only the second case in the world in which a Governments overall level of mitigation ambition was successfully challenged in court.

Campaigners behind Climate Case Ireland are now calling on Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and the Green Party, to follow through on the promise it made more than two years ago. On 9th May 2019, the Dail declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and called for the Citizens Assembly to examine how the State can improve its response to the issue of biodiversity loss.

In the Programme for Government agreed in June 2020, the Government Parties committed to progress the establishment of a Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity, but so far, no visible progress has been made.

In March 2021, Ireland  alongside 68 other countries  submitted a statement to the UN Human Rights Council stating that a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is integral to the full enjoyment of human rights.[1]

In their open letter, Climate Case Ireland call upon the Government to:

Treat this like a real emergency and announce the date for the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss before 16th July 2021 (the beginning of the Dails summer recess);

Ensure that the following points are included on the Citizens Assemblys agenda when it considers biodiversity loss:

The possible recognition of a constitutional right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment; and

the principles of a Just Transition[2] to ensure that action taken to address the biodiversity crisis is consistent with these principles.



The Dail declared a climate and biodiversity emergency more than two years ago and promised to convene a Citizens Assembly to examine how the State should respond to the biodiversity crisis. Fiona OMalley said, It now needs to follow through on this promise and announce a date for the Citizens Assembly before Dail recess on July 16th. The Citizens Assembly should be tasked with discussing possible recognition of a Constitutional right to safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Over the past 15 years, the amount of heat the planet traps has roughly doubled since 2005, contributing to more rapidly warming oceans, air and land.

Amongst the thousands of negative impacts of climate change, the World Health Organization has estimated that about 250,000 additional people will die as a result of climate change each year from 2030 to 2050. This is a problem we are facing now, not tomorrow, now. The impacts of climate change are being and will be felt in our time, and they can be counted in millions of unnecessary and preventable deaths.

According to the Environmental Protection Agencys annual air quality report for 2019, air pollution caused 1,300 premature deaths in Ireland last year  up from 1,180 in 2018. Fiona said, To put that into perspective, the 2019 figure is almost ten times the death toll of 141 on Irish roads last year. Climate change is a monstrous crisis to tackle but whilst the clock is ticking, we still have time to fix this, but time is of the essence. We cannot sit by and do nothing because indecision is, in itself, a decision. We need the government to announce the date for the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity before the Dail recess on the 16th July.
A CORK man told Tullamore District Court he feared for himself when an Offaly businessman raised a steel tube in his presence during heated exchanges over a 140,000 debt.

Seamus Kane, 55, Holmshill, Blueball, Tullamore was convicted of producing an article capable of inflicting injury and likely to intimidate another, in the course of a dispute at Palfinger Ireland Ltd, Church Road, Tullamore on June 28, 2019.

Mr Kane had previously pleaded not guilty to the offence, resulting in a day-long hearing before Judge Catherine Staines at the District Court on Monday.

Sixty-year-old Eamonn Brien, Kinsale, Co Cork, director of shopfitting business Storefit, told the court he called to Mr Kane's place of business on the date of the offence because he was owed 140,000 since the previous year.

Mr Brien said he had previously been abused verbally over the phone by Mr Kane about the matter and numerous meetings had been cancelled.

The debt related to work done by Storefit at a Spar shop owned by Mr Kane opposite the GAA pitch in Tullamore. Mr Brien said the work had been completed in 2018 to the satisfaction of the BWG group (owners of the Spar group).

He and Mr Kane had quite a heated discussion the evening before about the debt and the accused told Mr Brien he could not meet him because he would be driving a truck to the UK.

Mr Brien said he decided to drive to Tullamore on June 28, 2019 to meet Mr Kane and when he arrived he was told that the accused was at a meeting down town but was expected back.

Mr Brien waited in his car across the road and less than an hour later when he saw Mr Kane arriving he entered the building and was told by the ladies he had spoken to earlier that the defendant was not yet back.

Mr Brien said it was possible they had not seen Mr Kane return. He said he was brought to the workshop by another man and he saw Mr Kane there near a truck but the accused did not recognise him because they had only met on one or two occasions previously.

Mr Brien introduced himself, saying he was from Storefit and he wanted to discuss the debt.

He said he was told by the accused to Get the f... out of here and was threatened by Mr Kane who stood less than two feet away from him with an iron bar.

He said he told Mr Kane he was some big fellow threatening an older man with a four-foot long iron bar and said he feared for himself the way he was wielding it behind his head.

Mr Brien was cross-examined by Alan Toal, BL (instructed by Patrick Fox, Hoey & Denning solicitors) who put it to him that there were issues with the job done by Storefit, for which Storefit had initially been paid a 25% deposit and Mr Kane was holding back the balance.

Mr Brien said there were no issues with either the franchisor or Storefit and the franchisor had signed off on all the work. He said he had no snag list in relation to the store.

Mr Brien also said he had previously worked with Mr Kane on a Spar shop at Patrick Street in Tullamore for a smaller contract in the order of 25,000 and everything went very well and it was done properly and paid for, unlike the second job, which was done properly and not paid for.

He rejected a suggestion from Mr Toal that the bigger job had not been done properly and said there were no records of any faulty workmanship.

He said that on one occasion Mr Kane had instructed that the Storefit invoice be made out to a different company so that he could pay the full amount the following day.

Mr Brien said they checked that company with the Companies Office and found that it was practically worthless. He said there is a civil case pending in relation to the debt dispute.

When Mr Toal asked if he had made a statement to the gardai, Mr Brien said he had gone to the gardai first on June 28 and told them he had been physically threatened and notified them that he was going to Mr Kane's premises to collect money peacefully.

When the guard he spoke to asked if someone should be sent with him, Mr Brien declined and said he should be fine.

Mr Toal put it to Mr Brien that a woman working in accounts at Palfinger, Yvonne Warren, met him at the premises and would say he had been abrupt and brisk. Mr Brien replied that he may have been possibly slightly agitated because he was surprised to be told Mr Kane was not back yet, even though he had seen him return.

In further cross-examination by Mr Toal, Mr Brien said Mr Kane had gone to a different part of the metal fabrication workshop and then came back and held the iron bar over his head.

When Mr Toal put it to him that CCTV did not support that claim, Mr Brien said he had not seen the footage but the bar was held over his head.

Evidence of a court warrant being obtained on July 24, 2019 so gardai could obtain CCTV footage from Palfinger was given by Sergeant Pamela Nugent.

Sergeant Nugent said that two days later gardai went and met Mr Kane, the proprietor of Palfinger, and the CCTV was downloaded to a USB stick by Garda Darren Hughes, with the assistance of Mr Kane's electrician.

Garda Hughes told the court he kept the CCTV evidence locked in his own locker at Tullamore Garda Station. At a later date Mr Kane handed him a third file of CCTV from a different angle.

Judge Staines then viewed footage on a laptop and said she saw a person pointing out Mr Kane to Mr Brien and when they were speaking to each other a truck obstructed the view of both of them.

In the first clip, Mr Kane could be seen walking over to a pile of iron bars, picking one up and then walking over to Mr Brien but because of the truck, what transpired could not be seen.

Mr Kane could then be seen throwing the iron bar away and it was clear that both parties were remonstrating with each other.

Judge Staines said a second clip showed Mr Kane lifting the bar up, raising it over his head and banging it. This did not happen beside Mr Brien but in her view Mr Kane had raised the bar in a very threatening way.

A third recording was from a different angle and Judge Staines said Mr Kane could be seen walking over with the iron bar, remonstrating with Mr Brien and then throwing the bar away.

The CCTV was then viewed by Mr Brien and Mr Toal and when defence counsel said the witness had abused Mr Kane back when they were speaking, Mr Brien stated he did ask one of the employees present if they got paid that week because there was a possibility his staff would not get paid because of the amount of money outstanding.

He rejected an assertion from Mr Toal that he had threatened Mr Kane or mentioned that he knew where the accused and his family lived.

Mr Brien said during the exchanges he had mentioned another man from a different Midlands county who was in the news at the time, saying that he would make the accused look like Cinderella.

Mr Toal then questioned Mr Brien about legal proceedings which had been issued and the witness said they had been issued to Seamus Kane because the accused had been seeking to change the invoices to Cayenne Holdings. Another company, Coco Fuels, had also been added to the proceedings after receipt of an affidavit from Mr Kane.

When Mr Toal put it to Mr Brien that he had stood his ground during the exchanges in the workshop, the witness said he had not run out the door but he had been very much intimidated by what had happened and it was still affecting him months later.

He also said he had not given as good as he got because he did not have an iron bar in his hand.

Mr Toal then introduced text messages and emails in relation to the matter, including a text from Mr Brien to an executive at BWG Spar head office on June 27, the day before the offence, referring to Mr Kane owing 144,000 and a list of problems at Spar in Tullamore.

In the text, which he copied to Mr Kane, Mr Brien said he was most surprised to hear this and he asked the recipient of the text to forward to him anything he was aware of.

Mr Brien told the court that the first time he was told about issues with the store was on June 27 when he had a phone conversation with Seamus Kane.

He also said he sent a message in the Irish language to Mr Kane at 11.10pm on June 27 following a phone conversation at about 9pm where the accused said he wouldn't be in Tullamore the following day because he was driving a truck to the UK.

Mr Brien said the English translation of the text was

Good night Seamus, I hope your head sleeps easy on your English pillow and he had sent the text in Irish because in an earlier conversation the accused had thrown in one Irish word.

The next witness for the prosecution, Garda Hughes, gave evidence of Mr Brien making a statement of complaint to him about an alleged offence committed by Mr Kane on June 28, 2019.

Following on from that, on July 26 Mr Kane made a voluntary cautioned statement in which he said there had been ongoing difficulty with the workmanship of Storefit at the Spar store and the money owed to the company would be quantified when the work was satisfactorily completed.

Mr Kane said he started receiving phone calls and texts from Mr Brien on May 29, 2019 and the accused told him he did not appreciate receiving them in an abusive manner.

On June 27, after he had not answered a call from Mr Brien, he received two calls from private numbers and decided to answer because he thought there might be something wrong at home up the north where he usually received calls from a private number.

Mr Kane said he did not call Mr Brien a c... which was alleged later and in a call they agreed to meet on July 2 but abusive texts went on until 11.10 that night.

At 5.05pm on June 28 he tried to ring him but he didn't answer and he then texted him and asked him to stop the late night texts and the foul language during phone calls.

Mr Kane's statement also said that on July 1 Mr Brien called to Mr Kane's office and hopped out of his car and shouted abuse at him and barged his way into the office and abused staff and gained entry to the production floor, though he had no right to be there.

Mr Kane said Mr Brien shouted Did all you guys get paid from this f.....? and following further comments the accused asked him to leave.

He said he was down at the steel cutting machine and had steel in his hand, which he either threw at a stand or on the ground. He then escorted Mr Brien to the gate and later he told gardai he wanted to lodge a statement of complaint about Mr Brien and the intimidating messages from him.

Mr Kane also said he had been threatened by Mr Brien who referred to the individual from the other county and stated the Storefit director said he would get the accused kneecapped on the 28th.

Garda Hughes then gave evidence of a memorandum of interview made by Mr Kane when he voluntarily attended at the garda station on July 30.

In that interview, Mr Kane said Mr Brien had entered a restricted area at the Palfinger workshop and had trespassed on the premises.

He said Mr Brien had introduced himself in a threatening manner and Mr Kane said you're the person who likes texting and emailing late at night and at the weekends.

Mr Kane also said he gave gardai emails and texts which he and his family found intimidating, disrespectful and not in a businesslike manner.

Returning to the incident on June 28, Mr Kane said Mr Brien shouted I'll see you in court and while the accused was lifting steel tubes from the cutting machine Mr Brien shouted that he knew where he and his family lived.

Mr Kane admitted having a piece of steel tube in his hand and said he may have raised it up and hit some sort of steel stand but he did not raise it over his head or try to strike Mr Brien with it but instead was holding it like a walking stick.

Mr Kane said he walked away from Mr Brien on a number of occasions and the defendant then threw the tube into a stockpile. Mr Brien left when Mr Kane said he would call the guards.

In the interview Mr Kane also asked why Mr Brien did not leave the premises if he felt threatened.

A voluntary statement made by Mr Brien on August 16 was also read into evidence by Garda Hughes and in it Mr Brien denied saying anything about Mr Kane's house or address or making a threat to him. He also said the texts and emails he sent were courteous and during 40 years in business he had never made threats to get money. At the workshop, he used the word pathetic a lot to describe Mr Kane during the very heated conversation.

Yvonne Warren, who was working in Palfinger on the day of the offence, said in evidence that a man came in and walked very fast and asked to speak to Seamus Kane. When the man was told he had gone into town he moved his car from a Palfinger parking space to a space across the road, a move Ms Warren thought was strange.

About an hour later the man returned and was more brisk and asked where Mr Kane was and when he was told he had not come back he stormed off and might have accused Ms Warren of lying, or said right, fine and she felt he did not believe her because the man also said he is here. Ms Warren said she did not know at the time that Mr Kane had come back.

Another Palfinger employee, Ian Fleming, gave evidence of a man coming into the yard looking for Mr Kane and he sent him upstairs.

Later that afternoon when he was working on a truck the same man approached him when he was speaking to Mr Kane and he then heard them shouting and roaring at one another.

Mr Fleming said he heard the man saying he knew where Mr Kane and his family lived and also heard him asking if any of them got paid that week.

The witness also said that Mr Kane had a bar but had it down by his side and he didn't see him hitting anything with it.

The final witness for the prosecution, Adrian Hapak, said he was working in the workshop on June 28 and was asked by the man where Seamus Kane was. Mr Hapak said he then went outside and he heard shouting but he had no interest in what happened after that.

With the case for the State concluded, Mr Toal sought a dismissal on the grounds of reasonable doubt. He said while there was no doubt that there had been a confrontation, it had been verbal and when Mr Kane struck the bar against something he was a good distance back from Mr Brien.

Mr Kane had been working in an industrial premises and he only reacted by hitting the bar when his family was mentioned by the other man. Mr Kane had not risen the bar above his head as Mr Brien had said and it was a case of two men behaving like schoolboys.

Judge Staines said she was not acceding to the application because there was a prima facie case to be answered. She said it was clear from the CCTV and accepted by both parties that a very heated exchange had taken place and Mr Kane was almost in Mr Brien's face.

He was not very far away from Mr Brien when he rose the bar in the air and banged it down in a very aggressive way and she thought that was intimidating.

Mr Toal then called Seamus Kane who outlined how Storefit had been contracted to work on the Spar shop on the Arden Road and a deposit of 45,000 was paid and the job was done and the store opened on December 8, 2018.

Mr Brien's workers were still on site after the store opened and in January Storefit was told of different issues and meetings took place with a Spar representative and with Insomnia because the Insomnia coffee station was fitted the wrong way around.

He said Mr Brien knew of the snags six weeks before he came to Tullamore because another man from Storefit had been told about them. Mr Kane said he had no problem if Mr Brien repaired what had not been done and quantified what he was owed.

Mr Kane said a civil case had been taken against himself and Cayenne Holdings, a development company which rents the properties out. He added that an error had been made by Storefit who invoiced Cayenne Holdings instead of Coco Fuels but that had been rectified.

He said he was getting abusive phone calls from Mr Brien late at night in the lead up to June 28, including one where he was going to cut my head off and shit down my neck.

When Judge Staines said that specific allegation had not been put to Mr Brien, Mr Kane said he did not know why because he had told Garda Hughes about it.

Mr Kane said that phone call was followed up with the text message in Irish. Mr Kane said because he did not speak Irish he put the message into Google translate and it said I hope your head sleeps well on your ears.

Mr Kane further said he told Mr Brien he was going to England with a truck a few days later and gave him the shipping docket, which Garda Hughes also had. He emailed Mr Brien saying he would meet him on July 7.

Turning to what happened in Palfinger on June 28, he said he had been at the steel cutting area and then went down to ask Ian Fleming a question about a truck, where he saw Mr Brien and he told him he would meet him on July 7 because he would be in England before then.

He said Mr Brien continued to harass him and he asked him to leave and then returned to the steel cutting area. He said he got annoyed and was angry and picked up the steel when Mr Brien said I know where you and your family live.

He threw the steel into the pile and Mr Brien then started talking about the other man from the other county. Mr Kane also said the steel cutting area was 18 metres from where Mr Brien was standing. He denied holding a bar above Mr Brien's head and though he was close to him he never touched him.

Mr Kane said he had been in Tullamore for close to 40 years and he had never sat in the court in a similar position. He had sat in the court because he had four licensed premises in the town, the Spar shops, Zambrero and Eddie Rocket's and had never come to the attention of the gardai or the courts or even got a parking ticket.

He said it was not his intention to threaten or intimidate Mr Brien but he had received messages in the morning and late at night and had been told by Mr Brien that he was recording conversations he was having with him.

Mr Kane also said he had spoken to Garda Hughes who told him it was his recommendation to the DPP that Mr Brien be prosecuted for threatening and abusive behaviour and trespassing.

In relation to the money owed to Mr Brien, Mr Kane said he had a lot of businesses and probably turned around close to 30m a year and had a lot of suppliers to pay. On the first Thursday of each month himself and his partner Luke Carberry did the cheque run.

Judge Staines told him the fact that he paid his bills on time was irrelevant because in this case he had not paid the bill because he did not think the work was done right.

Replying to Sergeant O'Sullivan, Mr Kane denied telling Mr Brien to f... off out of the premises and instead he had said Can you please leave? and pointed to the door.

With the evidence concluded, Mr Toal told Judge Staines that though there had been an argument, it had not got out of hand to a criminal extent and the matter was a civil one. It was imprudent to pick up the bar but there had not been criminal intent.

Judge Staines said Mr Kane had the tube and banged it down during what was a highly aggressive encounter and though she did not believe Mr Kane was going to assault Mr Brien, and nor did he raise the bar above the other man's head, she was convicting the accused of the charge.

Asked if he wished to make a victim impact statement, Mr Brien said the incident had shaken his confidence for a number of months and he wondered what he was doing in the business. However he had overcome most of the effects since.

Judge Staines adjourned consideration of a penalty to September 15 next for a restorative justice report and Mr Toal said his client would engage in that process.
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.
Rahan based photographer, Tom OHanlon collected his runner-up award last week in the inaugural Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

His winning image, North Star Jesuit House, is a series of tacked images, taking in The North Star, which demonstrates the Earths rotation, captured at Tullybeg House  the former Jesuit boarding school in Rahan.

The image was selected as a runner-up by an expert judging panel following a rigorous judging process of over 180 entries.

In addition to Toms success with this image, one of his other entries Skytrain Lough Boora was also selected to feature in an exhibition of the judges 20 top-rated images.

Toms two images will feature as part of the exhibition, which will run online initially, launching on the DIAS website, www.dias.ie this week.

An outdoor exhibition at DIAS's premises on Burlington Road, Dublin is planned for the coming weeks, followed - later in the summer - by an exhibition at DIAS Dunsink Observatory.

Tom, who worked for five years as staff photographer with the Tullamore Tribune, said the award winning image took one hour and 15 minutes to capture.

I used the Plough to find the North Star using lasers, Tom told the Tribune this week.

He took a series of photographs over the one hour 15 minutes time span which he stacked on Photoshop to show how the earth rotated around the sun.

You have to be very careful about camera eqipment getting very hot in such circumstances, said Tom who used an electric blanket to ensure there was no build-up of condensation.

The winning image was taken on a clear night in late October last year when temperatues were at freezing pont, he recalled.

Josh Mathews from Moyard, Co. Galway was selected as the overall winner of the competition, for his image, To the Waters and the Wild, while Ciaran P. ODonnell from Newtownabbey, Belfast, Co. Antrim was also announced as a runner-up for his submission, Cygnus Mosaic in Hubble Palette.

Commenting on the top three images, Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS and a member of the judging panel for Reach for the Stars, said: The standard of entries to the competition was excellent, and the judging panel had a very difficult job making our final selection. The chosen images showcase a variety of striking and impressive astronomy scenes, and capture the talent of astrophotographers in Ireland.

Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times and a member of the judging panel, said: Im simply in awe of the talent, perseverance and technical ability applied to accomplish these wonderful images. The winning photographs are not only astonishingly beautiful and a well-balanced images, but are perfectly executed. It is evident that the photographers have immense technical knowledge and patience.

Fellow judge Martina Quinn, Managing Director of competition sponsors Alice PR & Events, remarked on how the Irish landscape provided a striking backdrop for the astro-photographs.

It was fantastic to see peoples creativity in capturing beautiful Irish landscapes whilst also showcasing astronomical features to stunning effect, she said.

From Neolithic tombs to beaches and urban parks, there were entries from all corners of the country. It was also great to see such variety in the range of skill and creativity  from professional photographers and seasoned astronomers to people with an interest in astronomy or photography just as a hobby. The competition certainly captured peoples imaginations, which is what it was all about.

Speaking about the entries overall, John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society and member of the judging panel, added: I was blown away by the entries to the competition  the level of skill, imagination and creativity shown. Many of the images captured very complex astronomical features that are extremely difficult to photograph, and require great skill and patience. It is great to see such interest in astronomy from both amateur and experienced photographers and astronomers across the country.

Commenting on the success of the competition, Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS said: I would like to congratulate the winners of the competition on their achievements and thank them and indeed all entrants for sharing their creativity.
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Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia:

European investment major Eurazeo has closed its fourth secondaries program on 1bn ($1.18bn).

The capital raised includes 700m for Idinvest Secondary Fund IV, exceeding its initial target of 600m, and 300m of additional secondaries capital raised from private individuals, said a press release from the asset manager in private markets.

"This fourth secondary program received strong demand from institutional investors from around the world including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, family offices, and individuals," it said.

Christophe Simon, Managing Partner and Head of Secondaries at Eurazeo, said: "We are very grateful for the support and trust of our investors in such unusual times and are proud to have exceeded our initial fund-raising target."

Christophe added: "We believe the growth of our secondary activity reflects the increasing client demand of our niche positioning in the European mid-market and our recognized expertise in arranging sophisticated GP-led transactions, and the benefits brought by the unique sourcing and execution capabilities of the Eurazeo platform."

Christophe Baviere, Senior Managing Partner, Member of the Executive Board, said: "This fourth secondary program saw strong demand from investors and successfully closed above target despite the pandemic. This current secondary program is already 36% deployed into mature secondary transactions in the European......................

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DETROIT (AP)  Stellantis is a little late to the global electric vehicle party, but on Thursday it pledged to catch up and pass its competitors.

CEO Carlos Tavares says that by 2025, 98% of its models in Europe and North America will have fully electric or plug-in gas-electric hybrid versions. He says the company that combined Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot is developing four fully electric vehicle platforms with ranges from 500 kilometers (311 miles) to 800 kilometers (497 miles).

It also will have three electric drive modules to power all of its vehicles, and Stellantis will take advantage of its scale to reduce electric vehicle costs. The company expects to reduce battery costs by more than 40% from 2020 to 2024 with two new battery chemistries. It plans to introduce solid-state battery technology by 2026 that can store more energy than current versions.

The models include a fully electric Ram pickup in 2024 and a hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee later this year, as well as small cars. There even will be an electric Dodge muscle car. The company says it will use its electric commercial vehicle expertise from Europe to build EV models worldwide. It says Jeeps, known largely for going off road, will have zero-emissions electric vehicles in every market segment by 2025.

Tavares says Stellantis will spend no less than 30 billion euros ($35.6 billion) over the next five years on EVs. It will build five battery factories in the U.S. and Europe. By 2030, 70% European sales and 40% of U.S. sales will be full electric or plug-ins. he said.

We are already in the race, Tavares said during a 2 1/2 hour electric vehicle day presentation via a transatlantic webcast on Thursday. We are on a rolling start and we are now accelerating full speed.

This year, he said the company will have between 30 and 40 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles for sale globally through all 14 of its brands. The bulk are in Europe, and at present there are no fully electric vehicles for sale in the U.S., the world's second-largest market.

Of the fully electric and hybrid vehicles, no fewer than 80% of them will run on batteries alone, Tavares said.

Stellantis says the Opel brand will go fully electric in Europe by 2028, with 100% of its vehicles in China being electric. It will bring back the Manta sports car with a fully electric version by the middle of the decade.

Tavares said Stellantis would convert plants that now build internal combustion engines and transmissions into battery cell factories. Of the five battery plants, three will be in Europe, including conversion of the Termoli plant in Italy.

The company said its pretax operating profit margin for the first six months of this year would exceed previous guidance of 5.5% to 7.5%, due to higher prices for vehicles and despite lower sales from production cuts. Stellantis and nearly all major global automakers have had to trim production due to a shortage of computer chips. It also expects negative cash flow in the first half due to capital spending and lower production.

Tavares expects sustained double-digit operating profit margins around 2026 and says synergies should bring electric vehicle costs down to those of internal combustion vehicles, even without government incentives.

____

This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the Termoli powertrain factory in Italy, which will be converted to make battery cells.
LPGA vet Kirk making most of opportunity at GLBI Dow Ambassador and 18-year LPGA Tour player Katherine Kirk is making the most of her opportunity...

Northwood issues economic outlook Just over 607,000 Americans have died of the COVID-19 virus, with roughly 33.85 million Americans...
(Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

Debris cleanup on a stretch of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail in Sanford will begin some time this month, Midland County and the Village of Sanford announced in a news release on Wednesday.

In conjunction with the Four Lakes Task Force and with funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Midland County and the Village of Sanford will begin debris cleanup of the Rail Trail and surrounding properties from the Tittabawassee River Bridge in Sanford to the M-30 pedestrian tunnel, with an estimated time of two weeks to complete.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Activists in Hungary erected a 10-meter-high (30-foot-high) rainbow-colored heart opposite the country's neo-Gothic parliament on Thursday, vowing to wage a civil disobedience campaign against a new law that they say discriminates against LGBT people and that has raised questions about what values the European Union stands for.

The law, which came into effect Thursday, prohibits the display of content depicting homosexuality or sex reassignment to minors  but critics say its goal is to marginalize and stigmatize the LGBT community as the country marches steadily to the right under Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The law has drawn intense opposition in Hungary and from the EU and has become a significant battleground in the fight over what the bloc represents.

Orban and some other right-wing leaders of member states have been at the forefront of that fight, challenging the EU's traditional liberal consensus by refusing to accept migrants, cracking down on media plurality and limiting the independence of their judiciaries.

At the Thursday demonstration, rights groups said the Hungarian law denies thousands of LGBT young people crucial information and support, and violates national and international human rights standards.

"We think that the only path we can pursue is civil disobedience, and we will not change anything about our activities, Luca Dudits, a spokesperson for Hatter Society, Hungarys largest LGBT advocacy group, told The Associated Press.

One provision in the law bans organizations from holding educational programs on sexual orientation in schools unless they are approved by the government. But Dudits said Hatter Society will continue to provide teachers with training and educational materials, and offer their services to anyone regardless of age.

Dudits added that the law "stigmatizes LGBTQ people and actually puts LGBTQ youth more ... in danger of bullying and harassment in schools and in their families as well.

Many European leaders have demanded the laws repeal, saying it violates the blocs values.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday that the law was a disgrace.

In a resolution adopted Thursday, EU lawmakers condemned in the strongest possible terms the new legislation in Hungary and said it constitutes a clear breach of fundamental rights.

They said the law is not a one-off case, but rather constitutes another intentional and premeditated example of the gradual dismantling of fundamental rights in Hungary. The parliamentarians urged the European Commission to take swift action against Hungary unless it changes tack.

Speaking earlier in the day in Belgrade, Orban dismissed the EU criticisms, characterizing the controversy as a debate about who decides how we will raise our children.

"Brussels bureaucrats have no place here, Orban said.

The debate over the law reflects a larger one within the 27-member EU, where a handful of countries are led by populist leaders who have pressed ahead with laws and policies that many in the bloc feel are anti-democratic or violate its founding values. On the one hand, critics of those polices want the EU to take action to protect their vision of the bloc as a progressive institution; on the other, such action raises uncomfortable questions about how much power Brussels should have over member states own parliaments.

Orbans government  which next year faces elections expected to be the most competitive since his party returned to power in 2010  is one of the faces of this rift. A champion of what he calls illiberal democracy" and a conservative religious worldview, Orban has depicted his rejection of immigration as a fight to preserve Christian civilization, and has taken increasing control over Hungary's higher education system in an effort to instill conservative values.

Along with Poland, Hungary's closest EU ally, Orban has repeatedly challenged the bloc over issues like migration, corruption and the rule of law. Last year, the two countries held up passage of the EU's budget and COVID-19 economic recovery package over provisions that would allow the withholding of payments to countries that fail to uphold democratic standards.

David Vig, director of Amnesty International Hungary which co-hosted Thursdays demonstration, called the recent legislation fundamentalist, and echoed the European Parliament's call for action against Hungary's government, including the possible freezing billions of dollars in funding to the nation.

We expect EU institutions to act firmly and the European Commission to start an infringement procedure ... because this is in clear contradiction not just with EU values, but also with binding EU law and the commissions LGBTQ strategy, Vig said.

But he said that must be done in way that "does not affect the human rights of everyday Hungarians.
Review: Netflixs Sophie: A Murder in West Cork Examines One of Irelands Most Brutal Unsolved Crimes

By Kayleigh Donaldson | TV | July 7, 2021 |

In 1996, just before Christmas, the French television producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier was brutally murdered outside of her holiday home in the countryside near Schull, County Cork. The case gripped and terrified the nation with Madame du Plantiers death being referred to as the first murder in the region in over a century. As the press swarmed the tight-knit community and fingers were pointed, the Irish Police, known as the Garda Siochana, focused in on one Ian Bailey, an English journalist covering the story. Over the course of close to 25 years, the interest in du Plantiers death hasnt lessened, nor has Baileys insistence on his innocence.

Sophie Toscan du Plantiers death has been the subject of much true crime fascination lately. A podcast, West Cork, dug deep into the case and found new information, and ended up becoming Audibles most listened-to podcast series of all time. In the UK, director Jim Sheridan, perhaps best known for My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father, produced and fronted a five-part series for Sky Crime called Murder at the Cottage. Theres even a new book on the subject written by someone who was a long-time friend of Bailey. A quarter of a decade after her passing, Madame du Plantier has become yet another statistic. To Netflix, shes another beautiful white woman to hang an entire genre upon.

Going into Sophie: A Murder in West Cork as someone with a lot of experience with both this genre and Netflixs particular handling of it, its hard not to feel somewhat skeptical about what will unfold. While the streaming service has some true masterpieces of true crime under its belt  most notably The Keepers  its also all too prone to moments of pure exploitation under the guise of glossy infotainment. Their recent series on the Night Stalker and Son of Sam murders relished in the violent and needlessly conspiratorial nature of their subsequent cases, presuming that the gore and scaremongering were why these cases warranted such interest in the first place. Other series, from Dont F**k With Cats to Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, tried to dress up their leering eye with self-aggrandizing moralizing, which only served to heighten how queasy their intent was. And then theres Tiger King, a show that dropped all pretenses of documentarian legitimacy the moment its director knew a good meme when he saw one. Sophie: A Murder in West Cork is, mercifully, not in those leagues, but still, even this four-parter cant help but rely on those tropes that Netflix has made their true-crime bread and butter.

Toscan du Plantier was a successful producer with a 13-year-old son and semi-celebrity husband who enjoyed the solace of Ireland and the freedom from her life her holiday cottage gave her. The documentary takes its time in showing Sophie to be more than a victim, with several of her family members offering often brutally honest testimony. They explain her frequent bouts of morbidity and melancholy, as well as her dissatisfaction with her marriage and career. One aunt refers to her as having an Alice in Wonderland quality. Many of Sophies family were also remarkably open to the press, with her mother offering journalists access to her daughters diary and private papers. As with all victims in the vein of Sophie  those beautiful cishet white women who are catnip to the press and documentarians such as these ones  every aspect of her life became news. In the series, one journalist confesses to feeling eager to know more about Sophie after seeing this beautiful French woman on the front page of a newspaper. Others admit to reading those diary excerpts and feeling chilled by what they saw, unable to stop themselves from connecting such words to her gruesome death. Eventually, articles began claiming that Sophie had lots of male visitors to her cottage and that she saw ghosts on the moors and other such assertions. These details came from Ian Bailey, the English freelance journalist who happened to live in the area and was the first on the scene when Toscan du Plantiers death was announced.

Bailey is a man who could most generously be described as an eccentric. He rambled on to every local who would listen that he believed Sophie was murdered by a contract killer hired by her husband. Eventually, as the Garda made him a person of interest, bundles of notable details emerged. A police tip named Bailey as a man seen near the scene of the crime in the very early hours of Toscan du Plantiers death. Various testimonies claimed that Bailey had confessed to the killing, including a local teen who remembered hearing Bailey tell him that he bashed Sophies head in with a rock. There was never enough tangible evidence to convict Bailey or put him on trial for murder. Hes quick to remind the documentary makers about that detail.

Yes, Ian Bailey is here, and by the final two episodes of this series, he has soaked up the lions share of the narratives focus. He still lives in West Cork, browses the town where multiple residents accused him of murder, and writes poetry of questionable merit on his emotional strife. Mostly, however, he seems eager to just have someone to talk to, a quality that many of the featured talking heads roll their eyes at. He brags that the Garda zeroed in on him as a person of interest because he was more educated than the usual murder suspect. As the show moves forward, we spend more time focusing on his many legal battles, including unsuccessful libel suits and an attempt at taking on the Garda. Eventually, the French courts step in to try Bailey for murder in absentia, a decision with fascinating geopolitical ramifications that exposes the ways that the definition of justice varies from nation to nation. While Toscan du Plantiers family is ever-present during these moments, its clear that the series as a whole isnt as interested in her anymore. A Murder in West Cork becomes yet another 21st-century true crime documentary obsessed with trying to extract some sort of confession out of its subject, or, at the very least, in showcasing an accused criminals suspicious behavior.

Its tough to not be taken in by such framing. Regardless of whether or not you think Bailey did it, you find yourself taking sides and thinking more about him than Sophie Toscan du Plantier. There are certainly some damning moments here, such as Baileys history of violence against his partner and the way he tries to justify his actions with an it takes two to tango analogy, but it seems as though the series wants its spluttering Robert Durst moment more than anything else. It comes at the expense of both the victim and the more tangled elements of this story that seriously require some scrutiny.

The alleged corruption and ineptitude of the Garda is mentioned but not dwelled upon, and the same goes for the ethical and legal questions surrounding the French court battle. The Irish system requires that guilt be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, while in France, the courts only require what the series refers to as a bouquet of evidence to convict. Essentially, if theres enough evidence and its compelling enough, that gets the job done. The French case included testimony that had been recanted and certain details that never would have stood up to the scrutiny of the defense in Ireland, but they still found Bailey guilty (hes been fighting extradition demands ever since.) That this very messy and complex issue is given about half of the final episode feels like a rush job. After such a promising start, A Murder in West Cork exposes its own disinterest in the case beyond the lurid surface. Im not sure why I felt so disappointed by this U-turn. It felt so horribly inevitable for a Netflix true-crime special.

Its made all the more aggravating by how genuinely interesting and often enlightening the series is in its first half. Interviews with Schull locals offer a rich portrait of a town forever traumatized by Toscan du Plantiers death and mired in theories and paranoia surrounding her murder. The cultural gap between Ireland and France is exposed, as is another disheartening recurring feature of this genre, police incompetence. You watch that first episode and you feel confident that Sophie: A Murder in West Cork can stick the landing and avoid the genres pitfalls. And then it dives headfirst into them.







Sophie: A Murder in West Cork is now available to watch on Netflix.

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Kayleigh is a features writer and editor for Pajiba. You can follow her on Twitter or listen to her podcast, The Hollywood Read.

Header Image Source: Netflix
Photo: (Photo : Pexels)

There is a widespread misunderstanding that the most effective approach to fostering creative thinking is to stand back and express themselves. While it is true that children are inherently interested and curious, they need assistance in developing their creative abilities and realizing their full actual abilities.

The list is structured around five components: imagining what they want to accomplish, creating projects via play with tools and materials, sharing ideas and products with others, and reflecting on their experiences.

Imagine

Provide illustrations to stimulate thought: A collection of examples may catalyze creativity. When we do Scratch workshops, we always begin by demonstrating example projects - to show the possibilities (inspirational projects) and offer guidance on how to get started (starter projects). We exhibit a wide variety of projects to connect with the workshop participants' interests and passions.

Naturally, there is a possibility that youngsters may simply imitate or replicate the examples they observe. That is OK as a starting point, but only as a starting point. Encourage them to alter or enhance the models.

Encourage experimentation: While most people believe that creativity occurs in the brain, the hands are essential. To assist youngsters in developing project ideas, we often urge them to begin experimenting with materials. Children generate fresh ideas when they play with LEGO bricks or experiment with craft supplies. What started as an idle pastime develops into the beginning of a larger project.

Create

Provide a diverse selection of materials: Children are profoundly affected by the toys, tools, and materials found in their environment. To encourage children to participate in creative activities, provide them with diverse materials for sketching, constructing, and creating. While new technology such as robotics kits and 3-D printers may broaden what youngsters make, conventional materials should not be overlooked. A coordinator of a Computer Clubhouse was ashamed to confess to me that her members were creating their dolls using "nylons, newspapers, and birdseed," but I thought their creations were fantastic.

Different materials are advantageous for various purposes. LEGO bricks and popsicle sticks are excellent for creating skeletons, felt and the fabric is perfect for creating skins, and Scratch is ideal for creating moving and interactive objects. Pencils and markers are helpful for sketching, while glue guns and duct tape help secure items. The larger the variety of materials available, the more innovative ideas are possible.

Be open to various forms of creation: Different youngsters have varying interest levels in several types of creating. Some people love constructing homes and castles out of LEGO bricks. Some people like using Scratch to create games and animations.

For instance, if your kid is interested in photography, he or she can utilize paper sketching or online sketching resources to produce cool photos. Furthermore, he may use it as his Whatsapp DP to tell friends. It fosters children's creativity and encourages them to think differently.

Play

Emphasize the process, not the result: As youngsters work on projects, emphasize the process rather than the result. Inquire youngsters about their methods and sources of inspiration. Encourage experimentation by recognizing both successful and unsuccessful efforts equally. Allow students to describe their projects' intermediate phases and discuss what they want to accomplish next and why.

Extend the duration of projects: Children need time to concentrate on creative tasks, particularly if they are continuously trying, experimenting, and exploring new ideas (as we hope they will). Attempting to fit projects into a regular 50-minute school session - or even a few 50-minute periods over a week - contradicts the whole concept of project-based learning. It inhibits exploration and prioritizes quickly arriving at the "correct" solution within the given time. Schedule multiple intervals for projects to effect gradual change. To achieve a more dramatic shift, designate certain days, weeks, or months (or even months) when kids concentrate only on school assignments.

Share

Become a collaborator: Parents and mentors may get too engaged in their children's creative endeavors, instructing them what to do or seizing the keyboard to demonstrate how to solve a problem; other parents and mentors stay entirely out of their children's creative projects. However, parents should maintain a balance between helping while children are doing the creative work when adults and children work together on projects effectively. When both parties are dedicated to collaboration, everyone benefits.

Reflect

Contribute your thoughts: Youngsters must understand that thinking is complex for everyone-adults and children alike. Additionally, it is beneficial for youngsters to hear your methods for completing tasks and problem-solving. Children will be more receptive to reflecting on their thoughts after hearing your reflections, and they will have a better example of how to do so. Consider the youngsters in your life as creative thinking apprentices; by showing and sharing how you think creatively, you are assisting them in becoming creative thinkers.
Photo: (Photo : Dmitry Feoktistov\TASS via Getty Images)

In Galveston, Texas, a community church has issued a public statement to confirm that some 125+ students and adults who attended their four-day church summer camp have returned home with positive COVID-19 results.

Bruce Wesley, the lead pastor of the Clear Creek Community Church, posted on Facebook that they have to temporarily cancel in-person services and other activities in the coming days in light of this development. He also said that "hundreds more" were likely exposed to the virus as the community cooperates with the Galveston County Health District's detection and contact tracing.

More than 400 people joined the church summer camp for 6th to 12th graders at Camp Creek in late June. When the families returned, the county health officials initially confirmed 57 individuals as COVID-19 positive, where 10 of the cases have been children below 12 years old.

Read Also: Parents in Georgia School District Want Face Mask Mandate Restored

However, the health officials also learned that the kids at camp didn't wander out or leave the campgrounds during their stay. They also had no contact with camp counselors who were not from their church. The Clear Creek Community Church was the only group at Camp Creek when the outbreak happened.

A Reminder: Take Precautions

According to ABC, at least 90 people who self-reported their positive results were not residents of Galveston County. It was not clear if the church required the participants to be vaccinated before they signed up for the camp.

However, the lead pastor said they observed strict safety protocols since the beginning of the pandemic and only resumed in-person worship without face masks in April 2021, complying with the state guidelines.

Dr. Philip Keiser of the Galveston County Health District said that this superspreader event is a stark reminder that taking precautions is still important when many people have yet to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The health official also urged other camp attendees to get tested for the virus as soon as possible.

Delta Variant Cases

Galveston County Health District's bulletin cited that at least three samples from the first group of positive cases were infected with the Delta variant, which is more transmissible. On the other hand, six people have been classified as "breakthrough cases" since they were infected with the virus despite completing their second COVID-19 vaccine weeks before the church summer camp.

The news comes as Texas has been slowly easing restrictions, allowing summer camps to return to traditional activities to relieve kids who had to deal with online classes and quarantines for a year.

As of the end of June 2021, data from the health district showed that 44 percent of Galveston's general population are fully vaccinated. More than half of the children above 12 years old have had their first vaccine shot. Meanwhile, children under 12 years old are not yet cleared to get the vaccine in the U.S., but trials are being fast-tracked for its emergency use by the time the new school term begins.

Related Article: Pfizer Kids Vaccine Against COVID-19 for Below 12 Could be Ready for Approval by Fall
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Altogether, the 18 billionaires from Africa this year are worth $73.8 billion, slightly more than the $73.4 billion aggregate worth of the 20 billionaires on last years list of Africas richest people.





In Africaas elsewhere in the worldthe wealthiest have come through the pandemic just fine. The continents 18 billionaires are worth an average $4.1 billion, 12% more than a year ago, driven in part by Nigerias surging stock market. For the tenth year in a row, Aliko Dangote of Nigeria is the continents richest person, worth $12.1 billion, up by $2 billion from last years list thanks to a roughly 30% rise in the share price of Dangote Cement, by far his most valuable asset.

The second richest is Nassef Sawiris of Egypt, whose largest asset is a nearly 6% stake in sportswear maker Adidas. At number three: Nicky Oppenheimer of South Africa, who inherited a stake in diamond firm DeBeers and ran the company until 2012, when he sold his familys 40% stake in DeBeers to mining giant AngloAmerican for $5.1 billion.



Read Full Story .... forbesafrica.com >>> :

















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Mr Eric Pongo, lawyer for Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli, on trial with nine others for high treason, has told the High Court that the second prosecution witness roped his client in the case due to a misunderstanding he had with his client.



In a cross-examination of Brigadier General Nicholas Peter Andoh, Director General of Defense Intelligence of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the lawyer alleged that Colonel Gameli and Mr Andoh were on a Peace Keeping Mission in Nigeria some time ago when the misunderstanding ensued between them, hence, roping him into the crime.



However, Brigadier General Andoh told the Court that he did not recall that they went on such a mission together, adding that I dont bear him any grudge and he knows.



Mr Pongo also told the prosecution witness that unlike the others, no surveillance was done on Colonel Gameli that was why he was not arrested with Dr Frederick Mac Palm, Donyo Kafui alias Ezor and Bright Allan Debrah but Brigadier General Andoh answered that he (Gameli) was arrested after a whatsapp chat between him and one Kalister (Mac Palms nurse) established his involvement.



Brigadier General Andoh said Colonel Gameli also confessed to the crime in his presence, four other colonels and an operative of the National Investigative Bureau (NIB), formerly BNI before he was handed over to NIB for further investigations.



Mr Pongo challenged the prosecution witness that the team had the recording (audio and video) of the confession but the witness referred him to the NIB for such records as the first confession done before his colleagues, the Brigadier General and the NIB operative was not on record, the Court heard.



Mr Anthony Lartey, lawyer for Mr Johannes Zikpi, civilian employee of GAF, in his cross-examination, defied the assertion that it was Zikpi who proposed for the acquisition of Gota phones to conceal their conversations and said it was rather a soldier who suggested that.



As a civilian employee, Zipki entered into the service of GAF with advance certificate in office equipment from the Accra Technical Training College and that he did not have the expertise in communication.



On the other hand, Brigadier General Andoh told the Court that he knew Zikpi as an expert in the signal regiment who was introduced to Dr Mac Palm by Colonel Gameli for the nefarious deal, adding that he worked with the signal regiment whose specialty is communication and Information Technology and was expected to be equipped as an expert in the field.



Mr Lartey put it to Mr Andoh that his client did not take part in the alleged high treason plot but refuted it and said Zikpi had confessed his participation in the Take Action Ghanas activities leading to the plot, especially when he confessed being introduced to Dr Mac Palm at the Citadel Hospital by Colonel Gameli.



Zikpi, Brigadier General Andoh said, confessed to advising for the acquisition of jamming equipment to jam all radio stations except the one to be used for the announcement of the coup detat and took practical steps to contact other personnel to acquire Gota phones for the intended purpose.



Dr Mac Palm, Donyo, Debrah, Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Korsi Agordzo, Warrant Officer Class ll Esther Saan, Colonel Gameli, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Lance Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon and Johannes Zipkui, a civilian staff at GAF are facing charges including conspiracy to commit high treason, high treason and abetment but have all have denied the offences and they have all been granted bail.



They are being tried by a three-member-panel of judges: Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, Justice George Oppong and Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, presiding.

Source: GNA









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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.

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The Commanding Officer of the 4th Infantry Battalion responsible for military operations in the Ashanti Region, Lieutenant Colonel Kwesi Ware Peprah has stated that his men fired to only maim but not kill protestors during the disturbances on June 29 in Ejura.



According to Lt Colonel Kwesi Ware Peprah who was giving his evidence before the Committee of enquiry into the Ejura shooting incident today, the Commander on the ground informed him that after firing warning shots to disperse the protestors, they were fired at and had to return fire.



He said the Regional Police Commander and Deputy Regional Police Commander asked him for military assistance to restore order in the town because the youth had driven the police from Ejura town.



"Then again, I called the patrol responsible for Mamponteng to go and assist. When they got to the police station, they were briefed by the Ejura Police Commander and then they decided to move to where the protesters were approaching from.



"According to the Commander on the ground, they fired a couple of warning shots and in the process they were fired at from weapons suspected to be pump-action and locally-manufactured weapons and therefore they had to return fire to maim, unfortunately, we lost two of the protestors in the process".



He said the military team continued with their patrols and withdrew to the police station.



Background



On Saturday, June 26, 2021, social media activist Macho Kaaka was attacked by some unknown assailants in front of his house around 1:30 a.m., leaving him in critical condition.



He was rushed to the Ejura Government Hospital, from where he was referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital around midday on June 28, 2021.



After news broke about his death, the youth of Ejura decided to go on a demonstration that Monday, but that was quelled by the police, with assistance from the military.



However, on their return from the cemetery after burying Kaaka on June 29, 2021, the youth decided to demonstrate for justice for the murder of Macho Kaaka.



In the process, they clashed with the security, leading to the death of Yussif and Mohammed.



On July 1, 2021, the Minister for the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, constituted a three-member committee to investigate the shooting incident and make recommendations to the government.











Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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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









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The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) had covered almost half of the expected households to be enumerated as of last Sunday, seven days into the 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC).



Data received from 99.2 per cent of enumeration areas in all 16 regions and 272 statistical districts indicate that an average of 42.1 per cent of the expected households have been enumerated.



The completion rate ranges from 27.09 per cent in the Greater Accra Region to 63.89 per cent in North East Region.



In nine out of the 16 regions, enumeration completed on day seven (first week) of the 14-day exercise is in excess of 50 per cent.



The exercise has been smooth over the past one week, the Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, told the Daily Graphic last Monday.





The assessment, he said, was based on systems for monitoring, which included the enumeration tracking dashboard, consistency checks and edit specifications.



He said the assessment also relied on reports from key officials on the ground, such as field officers, district data quality management teams, national monitors and international observers.



He said the seamless transition from listing to enumeration and the identification of areas needing support for the completion of listing also contributed to the smoothness of the exercise.



Challenges



Prof. Annim said the challenges encountered so far had all been anticipated, including the inability to meet respondents during the day time due to people leaving early for work and returning late in urban areas and in rural farming communities people leaving early for their farms and returning late.



Others were flooding, which prevented enumerators from accessing some communities and crossing to island and over-bank communities, the discovery of extinct and emerging localities, challenges with synchronising data and accidents involving field officers, he added.



Refusals



In some communities, the enumerators also encountered refusal by residents to participate in the exercise, he said.



Those places were in the Jaman North and the Kassena Nankana West districts as well as the Kassena Nankana municipality, the Government Statistician said.



Timelines



Census undertaking is always characterised by mop-ups. However, GSS is confident that the exercise will be completed within the stipulated time, except for pockets where the challenges outlined above will delay the completion of work, Prof. Annim said when asked whether the exercise could be completed within the stipulated time frame, looking at the work done so far.



The GSS, he said, was deploying targeted interventions in those areas to speed up the pace of work.



The measures included the deployment of support enumerators and engagement with opinion leaders and community members to persuade their neighbours and people to avail themselves for the exercise, he said.



Given the current completion rate in the Greater Accra, Central, Eastern and Western regions, additional days will be needed to complete enumeration in the relatively large enumeration areas, Prof. Annim stated.



Accidents



The Government Statistician said the issue of accidents was a concern and that the management of the service had been working to address since the start of data collection, saying it had been cited in briefings to Parliament and the Chair of the National Census Steering Committee during the listing exercise.



He said in his public pronouncements, he had been urging field officers to exercise caution, particularly when riding, as motorbike accidents were the leading cause of the injuries reported.



Prof. Annim indicated that funds for the purchase of Wellington boots had been made available to field officers working in areas where they needed to protect themselves from snake and dog bites.



An online accident reporting form is being used for monitoring the number of accidents across the country and the severity of the injuries to field officers involved for the necessary actions to be taken, he pointed out.



Monitoring



The Government Statistician noted that the 2021 PHC aimed at complete coverage and quality data, and that the GSS had put in place several real-time data monitoring and field supervision mechanisms to ensure that those objectives were achieved.



However, he said, the support of the public was required to complement those efforts.



Members of the public are thus urged to call the census call centre to report if their households have not been enumerated by July 8, this year.



The call centre numbers are 0800-426-426, 059-147-6893, 020-685-0157, 055-162-5567 and 059-147-6895, Prof. Annim indicated.









Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, has expressed happiness over Police acceptance for the NDC 'March for Justice' protest held in Accra on Tuesday.



Coronavirus has since its outbreak in Ghana a year ago threatened lives and economic progress of the nation.



Thousands of Ghanaians have been infected by the virus with hundreds unfortunately passing away after contracting the disease.



Due to the impact of the viral disease, restrictions have been placed on public gatherings.



Despite the COVID-19 cases, members and sympathizers of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 hit the streets in protest against recent killings in the nation.



Kweku Baako has commended the Police and organizers of the protest for a peaceful demonstration saying, "I salute the Police, Ghana Police. I salute the organizers of the demonstration as well; fantastic job done!"



"I was pleasantly happy when I heard the Police had agreed to allow the organizers of this NDC youth demo to come off on the 6th and these are the routes . . . I was damn happy and what is more is it was also peacefully done," he added.



Although there are fears over the spread of the virus, particularly with Ghana recording Delta variant, the most contagious Coronavirus, Mr. Baako believes it's about time Ghanaians learned to live with COVID-19.



"We have to begin also to learn how to live with this virus. Very soon, across the world, we will see. I've even heard that, in UK, very soon they're going to be told to learn how to live with the virus and a lot of things will happen.



''We have to fight this virus. We're stronger than it, but at the same time, we must protect ourselves here and there. It's a very tight rope that I'm walking right now making this submission I'm making. I have to be very honest. It's not an easy situation but we will do it as a nation, as a people. Humanity, we will defeat this virus by all means," 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.

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The UNs childrens fund, Unicef, says that the attacks, abuse and abductions of children in west and central Africa have created a spiraling protection crisis for children as the region is on the brink of catastrophe.



Unicef chief Henrietta Fore said incidents appeared to be increasing in frequency, raising fears for the safety and wellbeing of children. She made reference to events in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Niger and the Democratic Republic of Congo.



The latest UN report on children in armed conflict says a third of victims of grave violations have been in west and central Africa.



In Nigeria, the UN estimates that at least 950 students have been abducted from their schools by armed men since December.



Over the past six weeks alone, nearly 500 children were abducted in four separate incidents across the central and northwest parts of the country.



Many of these children remain in captivity.



Unicef says these attacks have hampered humanitarian efforts and calls on armed groups to allow aid agencies to reach vulnerable children in the region.

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.

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The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) has described the late President of Zambia, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, as a deep thinker, who served his people selflessly till his death.



The Party said the late Dr Kaunda was a committed freedom fighter, who contributed greatly to free the entire continent of Africa from colonial rule.



Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, the 2020 Flagbearer of the Party, in a tribute, said the late Dr Kaunda was the last iconic African leader, who fought for the liberation of the continent together with Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Samora Machel, Jomo Kenyatta, Patrick Lumumba, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Mandela and Sekou Toure.



Mr Greenstreet was speaking at a photo exhibition and eulogy organised by the CPP in celebration of the Late Dr Kaunda, the last leader of Africas liberation era and founding President of Zambia.



The late Zambian leader was born on April 28, 1924, at Lubwa Mission Bear Chinsali in Northern Rhodesia.



He helped to establish the African National Congress (ANC), the first major anti-colonial organisation in Northern Rhodesia and was its Secretary-General from 1953 to 1958 under the ANC President Harry Nkrumbula.



Committed to his non-violent principles of Indias Mahatma Gandhi, he broke with Nkrumbula and became the President of the Zambia African National Union from 1958 through 1959.



When civil disorder led to the banning of this Party, Kaunda was jailed for nine months and on his release, became the President of the new United National Independence Party in 1960.



On October 30, 1962, he was elected to the Legislative Council, where he formed a Coalition government with Nkrumbulas ANC and served as a Minister of Local Government and Social Welfare in 1962.



In October 1964, the new nation of Zambia was born, with the late Dr Kaunda as its President.



Mr Greenstreet noted that the activities of Dr Kaunda and his liberation fighters were towards the improvement and betterment of their nations.



They were real individuals who came not to serve themselves but to serve the interest and wellbeing of the society and their nation, he added.



The 2020 CPP Flagbearer said one could draw inspiration from their activities and conduct, which was the type of inspiration the current crop of African leaders needed to guide in the service of the people.



Nana Akosua Frimpomaa, the CPP Chairperson and Leader, said Dr. Nkrumah once said: The Independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked with the total liberation of the African Continent."



She said the inspiration in that statement connected the CPP to Dr. Kaunda, one of the last of a generation of African liberation leaders.



She said it seemed that with the departure of the last of the freedom fighters, achieving the total liberation of Africa was well and truly cut out for the Continent.



Nana Frimpomaa said the Continent must ensure a new awakening in themselves and the younger generation with the goal of leading them to achieve intellectual maturity, by thinking for themselves to improve their lot.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Wednesday said Ghana looks to deepening diplomatic relations and bilateral ties with the Swiss Confederation.



That is why he said, said Ghana was cooperating with the Swiss Government in the areas of energy, climate change, education, trade, among others areas of common interests.



The President said this when he hosted a former Swiss President, Simonetta Sommaruga, for a working lunch at the Jubilee House, Accra.



Madam Sommaruga, who is the current Swiss Minister for Environment, Traffic, Energy and Communications, is in Ghana as part of two-nation tour of Africa, which has also taken her Senegal.



President Akufo-Addo recalled the relations between the two states, which dated back to when Swiss missionaries settled in Ghana in the early days of Christianity in the country.



He said that country and its people had in no small measure contributed to what Ghana was today.



"We all know the very positive impact of Swiss nationals on our national development, he stated. They have a lot to do with the fact that, today, about 70 percent of Ghanaians are Christians...much of the initial work (Christianity) was done by the Swiss, Since then, we have had a strong relationship."



The President also emphasised the dominance of Ghana's cocoa in the relations between both nations, and commended the continuous interest of Swiss chocolate companies to purchase Ghanaian cocoa.



He expressed gratitude to the Swiss Sovernment for supporting Ghana to increase renewable energy, and was hopeful that with that cooperation, the country could achieve its goal of having at least 10 percent of renewable energy in its energy mix in the next decade.



On her part, Madam Sommaruga also lauded the longstanding, good and close contacts between Switzerland and Ghana.



She recalled President Akufo-Addo's reciprocal visit to Switzerland in 2020, which according to her, had strengthened the bonds between the nations.



The Swiss Minister talked about the President about the Climate Protection Agreement signed between the country and Ghana, which would see Switzerland assume its responsibility in international climate policy.



The Agreement wwould enable Switzerland reduce its carbon emissions, partly abroad, through climate protection projects in Ghana.



It is the second agreement of its kind worldwide under the Paris Climate Accords (Paris Agreement). Switzerland concluded a similar agreement with Peru in October 2020.



Parliament is to soon ratify the agreement to pave way for its full implementation in Ghana.



Ghana is Switzerlands second biggest African trading partner, after South Africa. Ghanas main exports to Switzerland include gold and cocoa.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said the Government has endorsed a comprehensive National Integrated Maritime Strategy to enhance inter-agency cooperation on the sea to halt piracy.



He, therefore, urged regional and continental navies and security agencies to step up collaboration of inter-agency procedures, enhance information and intelligence-sharing to tackle the insecurities in the Gulf of Guinea.



He said the increasing incidences of piracy and kidnapping for ransom in the Gulf of Guinea by the Pirate Action Groups and organised crime groups were threatening regional and continental trade and called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to halt the menace.



Vice-President said this at the opening of the Second Edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference in Accra on Wednesday.



The three-day programme is on the theme: "Maritime Security and Trade: the Nexus between a Secure Maritime Domain and a Developed Blue Economy."





It brought together more than 300 delegates from 70 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia to discuss and network towards tackling the challenges in the maritime sector for sustainable exploitation of the blue economy.



Vice President Bawumia said it was important for regional navies to work through coordinated maritime law enforcement to suppress insecurities in the sector.



He urged the maritime security architecture to dismantle the piracy and kidnapping for ransom networks and unravel the identity of the negotiators and facilitators of the crime.



The Vice President said government was acquiring offshore patrol vessels, fast patrol boats and crafts for the Navy as well as provide funding for the timely completion of the Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo in the Western Region to protect Ghanas maritime territory.



Reports along the Gulf of Guinea in recent times signal a surge in attacks by Pirate Action Groups with most incidents occurring along the coasts of Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin and Ghana.



A total of 79 actual and attempted attacks were recorded in 2020 representing 34 per cent increase over that of 2019, which recorded 59 attacks.



Similarly, there was a rise in kidnapping for ransom and hostage-taking. For instance, 22 separate attacks were recorded in 2020, with 130 out of 135 persons kidnapped globally reportedly abducted in the Gulf of Guinea alone.



That represents 95 per cent of all kidnapping cases with Nigeria recording 62, Benin 29 and Ghana six.



Vice-President Bawumia noted that the situation had become even more precarious considering that over the past two months, about 10 crew members of two Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessels were abducted in separate incidences along the Gulf of Guinea.



He said 2021 had begun with challenges with the first half witnessing greater piracy threats and activities with more than 30 cases recorded.



Those incidences led to some renowned maritime security institutions issuing warning notices to all vessels plying the Gulf of Guinea, which he said was detrimental to the security and economic interest of the Region.



Vice President Bawumia expressed worry over the evasion of counter-piracy measures by the criminals, making them emboldened, thereby scaling up the insecurity and threat profile in the coastal nations.



More disturbing was a report from the Centre of Maritime Law and Security Africa indicating that Kidnapping for Ransom has developed into an Improved Business Module, which attracted criminal groups to shift from theft and robberies, he said.



"I am informed that the network, which sustains this module of piracy, is larger than the traditional case of piracy of cargo stealing, Dr Bawumia said.



"This network now involves negotiators, intermediaries, facilitators and racketeers as well as individuals acting in official or professional capacities such as insurance and risk analysts, professional negotiators and security companies.



"These new dimensions bearing on insecurities in the maritime domain is a wakeup call that, indeed all of us gathered here have a lot of work to do.



He said the maritime sector was the pillar of the Ghanaian economy as the ports serve as the gateway for over 80 per cent of international trade and a source of revenue to the State.



The offshore oil and gas sector with its associated industries contribute significantly to the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP).



The fishing industry employs about 10 per cent of the populace and accounts for up to 60 per cent of the protein intake of Ghanaians.



Dr Bawumia said protecting the maritime domain was, therefore, a fundamental agenda for all countries in the Gulf of Guinea and the rest of the world adding that the President Akufo-Addo-led Government had resolved to modernise the Ghana Navy to lead in making that a reality.



He said government would see to the training and welfare of the Naval Personnel to remain professional in the discharge of their duties.



The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the fisheries and oil and gas sectors were also being supported to work to meet set standards, he said.



The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Yakubu, in his welcome remarks, said 80 per cent of the global goods or merchandise were carried through the seas.



He expressed the hope that the forum would come out with a common regional and international framework to deal with the insecurities in the maritime sector.



The conference was organised by the Ghana Navy in collaboration with the Ghana Airforce and Great Minds Event.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Brigadier General Joseph Aphour, the General Officer Commanding (GOC)the Central Command, Ghana Armed Forces, has told the Ministerial Committee probing the Ejura shooting incident that the action of the military was the best they could take under the circumstance.



He said but for the action taken by his men on the field, there would have been more casualties on that fateful day, alleging that some of the civilians were wielding guns.



"But for what we did, I bet you there would have been more deaths in Ejura," he told the Committee on Wednesday.



Appearing as the third witness before the Committee Brig. Gen. Aphour said his men fired live bullets because they heard gunshots in the crowd.



Asked if it was part of the military's standard operating procedure to fire live bullets during crowd control, he affirmed that when the need arise they were permitted to do so.



He said in situations where the crowd charged on the military after giving verbal and warning shots, the military could use live bullets to bring the situation under control.



He said the military had to step in with a minimum force as the rampaging crowd charged on the Police in the heat of the demonstration.



The Committee chaired by Justice George Kinsley Koomson is investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting of two civilians at Ejura, following the burial of one Ibrahim Mohammed, who was a social media activist at Ejura.



It was put together by the Interior Minister, Mr Ambrose Derry on the instruction of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to get to the bottom of the tragic event.



More witnesses are expected to appear before the Committee on the second day of the hearing.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A newly discovered critically endangered frog species found nowhere else in the world beyond the Atewa Range Forest Reserve has been described and published.



With the common name Atewa Slippery frog, the new species has been named Conraua sagyimase after the community of Sagyimase at the foot of the Atewa Forest that has supported work on the frog.



The Akan common name for the new species is kwae mu nsutene apnkyerne, meaning the frog of the forest streams.

This discovery comes on the back of the recent global designation of Atewa Forest as an Alliance for Zero Extinction site (AZE), a designation that means the area is now a No-Go Area for companies and banks adhering to the International Finance Corporations Performance Standards for project financing.



Earlier this year, another new frog species named Afia Birago Puddle Frog gave rise to this AZE designation.



The Conraua sagyimase is found only in five streams in the northern part of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. The scientists, who include Ghanaian Scientist Dr Caleb Ofori-Boateng from the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) -Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), highlighted that the new frog species occupies relatively pristine upland evergreen forest habitats within an elevation range of ~ 500750 meters above sea level.



It occurs in rocky, clear, generally fast-flowing streams and waterfalls, although some individuals have also been recorded in slow-flowing streams.



In a statement signed by Mr Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Coordinator of A Rocha Ghana, an Environmental Non-Governmental Organization and copied to the media said, in the published paper, Dr. Caleb Ofori-Boateng said the name of the new species has been chosen in order to honor the people of the Sagyimase community.



The statement said Dr Ofori-Boateng revealed that the Sagyimase community supported the research of the scientists as well as the anti-mining campaigns during 20062007, and continue to do so even now, We hope that the naming of this endemic species will further encourage the community in their fight for an intact Atewa Range.



It said the discovery again highlights the importance of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve as a critical conservation area within the Upper Guinean biodiversity hotspot, lending further support to the national and international advocacy campaign to make Atewa Range Forest a National Park in its entirety.



The statement said new frog species adds to the more than ten other species of wildlife, including butterflies and other insects, frogs, spiders, plants and trees, found nowhere else in the world other than the Atewa Forest.



In November 2020, the International Union on the Conversation of Nature (IUCN) Resolution 087 was passed, asking for global action to make Atewa Forest a National Park to secure this invaluable collection of biodiversity as well as its crucial water provisioning services for over five million Ghanaians.



More than ever before, it is evidentially clear that the Atewa Range Forest Reserve needs to be managed as a National Park to preserve its biocultural assets, as reiterated by the Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II in a recent meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority.



The names of the other endemic species are Aframomum atewae, Monanthotaxis atewensis, Rinorea kibbiensis, Ochna kibbiensis, Anthene Atewa, Mylothris Atewa, Anansus Atewa, Ricinoides Atewa, Pseudoneureclipsis Atewa.







Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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An estimated 3.1 million Ghanaians, representing 10 per cent of the estimated 31 million population of Ghana, have one form of mental disorder or the other, with 16,000 having severe cases.



Sourcing the data from the WHO and the Ghana Mental Health Authority, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, the Health Minister, told Parliament that:

It is clearly established that 41 percent of Ghanaians have psychological distress - mild, moderate, severe - and this costs the nation 7 percent GDP loss



He was responding to a question by Mr Christian Corletey Otuteye, the MP for Sege, who wanted to know what plans the Ministry had to address the plight of persons with mental health problems in Ghana.



The Minister categorized persons with mental health problems into four: those on the street, those at treatment facilities, which include psychiatric and general health facilities, those in the traditional and faith healing centres, and those in their houses and organisations who do not recognise their mental health illness or who recognise but are not doing anything about it.



The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 10 per cent of the population of Ghana has one form of mental disorder or the other. Thus, with an estimated 31 million population in Ghana, we have an estimated 3.1 million with mental disorders, he said.



The Mental Health Authority did a rapid assessment, a mini census of persons with severe mental illness on the streets a few years ago and they got 16,000 people in our cities, towns and villages all over the country.



Mr Agyeman-Manu assured the House that the Ministry and its allied institutions including the Mental Health Authority, the Ghana Health Service and others, knew the size of the problem and had the human resources to address it.



What we are doing now is to spread mental health services nationwide, integrate into the general health care such that wherever we treat malaria, mental health can be treated. This will help to access care, he said.



Mr Agyeman-Manu said under the Agenda 111 programme of government, two new psychiatric hospitals were to be built in the northern and middle belts, adding that the sites had been identified, drawings made, and contractors being chosen.



He said until recently, psychiatric medications were not readily available, but they were now available through budgetary allocations and donor support adding that more psychiatrists had also been trained, from 10 to 45 at the moment.



He solicited the support of the Speaker to find more money to address mental health issues and announced that the Ministry was working on how to establish a Mental Health Levy.



The Minister advocated an increase in budgetary allocation to enable mental health patients on the streets to be taken in small numbers at a time for treatment and sent back home to their communities.



In relation to a question on anti-snake serum asked by Mr Daniel Nsala Wakpai, MP for Kpandai, Mr Agyeman-Manu announced that the Ministry had included Anti-Snake Serum in the Framework Contract for Essential Medicines.



Under the Framework, qualified firms are selected to supply Anti-Snake Serum, which is allocated and distributed to regional medical stores (RMS) and teaching hospitals across the country.



The Ministry allocates the quantities to the RMS and the teaching hospitals based on their consumption and replenishes as the stocks reach their reorder level, he said.

Source: BBC









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The public is advised to continue taking precautions against potential hazards of heavy rains as the rainy season is not yet over.



"We expect the northern sector to continue to have thunderstorms and rains. Towards the south, we expect some rains, but not as vigorous as that of the north," Mr Michael Padi, Senior Meteorologist, Ghana Meteorological Agency, said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.



He said though the rainy season was still pending, certain weather determinants had reduced rainfall frequency within the eastern coast of the country.



Mr Padi said the eastern coast could, however, expect some rains towards the coming weekend.



He said mist or fog patches would appear over forest and high grounds and reminded the public to continue taking all precautions needed to mitigate the side effects of heavy rains such as flooding.



The country is currently having its major rainy season.

Source: GNA









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Rear Admiral Issa Adam Yakubu, the Chief of Naval Staff, has underscored the need for a regional and international framework to deal with maritime security in the sub-region.



He, therefore, called for continuous collaboration towards building the capacities of enforcement agencies in the sub-region to combat the threats of maritime security, including drug smuggling, human trafficking, piracy and armed robbery at sea.



Rear Admiral Yakubu said this on Wednesday at the second edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference in Accra, hosted by the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Airforce.



The Conference was on the theme: Maritime Security and Trade, the Nexus between a Secured Maritime Domain and a Developed Blue Economy.



It brought together participants from Africa's maritime industry to share ideas and deliberate on maritime security issues facing the Gulf of Guinea Region, which has witnessed a surge in threats to maritime security in recent times.



The conference is also to strengthen regional cooperation and interoperability and to promote inter-agency approaches to curbing maritime security.



Rear Admiral Yakubu said more than 80 per cent of global trade was moved by sea, but sadly the Gulf of Guinea had been touted as the most dangerous waters in the world due to maritime insecurity.



He said the Ghana Navy in March, this year, organised a training exercise christened: Obangame Express 2021, aimed at building the capacities of Navies in the sub-region to maintain a safe and secured maritime environment.



The exercise, Rear Admiral Yakubu said, was designed to involve stakeholders in Ghanas maritime industry to ensure interoperability between the Navies and as well focus on information sharing between the participants.



He stated that since the beginning of 2021, the Gulf of Guinea had recorded 18 maritime cases, stressing that the menace must be considered holistically for effective solutions.



He said the conference would engender cooperation among stakeholders in the Gulf of Guinea to unify efforts to fight the threats of maritime security in the region.



Rear Admiral Yakubu said the conference would emphasise the practical implementation of some laid down inter-agency procedures towards managing maritime security threats.



Admiral Admiral Oumar Wade, the Senegalese Naval Chief of Staff, said the conference would build strong partnership to create a more secured world by learning from best practices in the maritime sector.



He said maritime security required a coordinated action between agencies and that there was the need to work together and strike the balance and develop efficient models in fighting maritime security in the sub-region.



Rear Admiral Awal Z. Gambo, the Chief of Naval Staff of Nigeria, called for continuous collaboration to reinforce the relationships among member states to learn from best and worse practices and ensure the safety of all in the sector.



He called for a regional collaboration in improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Source: GNA









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Huawei Technologies Ghana in collaboration with Ghanas Ministry of Energy have organized an ICT workshop for staff and management of the Ministry. The 3-days workshop which benefitted (50) fifty civil servants from the Energy Ministry took place focused mainly on highlighting Digital Transformation trends in the Energy sector as well as building the ICT skills capacity of participants.



The workshop is this years curtain raiser for the Huawei Ghana Hi-Class (Huawei Intelligent Ghana Hub Class) initiative which is part of the HIT (Huawei ICT Training) program targeted at benefiting 10,000 Ghanaians by 2024.



At a brief opening ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, stressed the Ministrys desire to build the ICT capacity of the staff. All around the world economies are bracing themselves for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and at the core of these preparations is Digital Technology or ICTs. It has therefore become imperative for industries to embrace Digitalization in order to remain competitive in this new era and as a Ministry we are committed to building the capacity of our human resource to boost ICT literacy he said.



The Deputy Minister also commended Huawei for the initiative and called for more cooperation. He said; I would like to commend Huawei for organizing this workshop for the Ministry. I hope that the workshop will go a long way to facilitate the digitalization processes of the sector. As an industry leader in ICT, the Ministry will also look forward to engaging Huawei to leverage on your [Huaweis] global experience to transform the energy sector in Ghana.



Speaking on the importance of digitalizing the energy sector, Mr. Robin Liu Executive Vice President, Global Energy Business Unit, Enterprise Business Group at Huawei Global Headquarters said, All over the world, the Energy industry remains the bedrock of Economies and Industries. Almost every industry relies on Energy or Power to function properly in one way or the other and this makes the sector the anchor of many economies and it is therefore important that in going digital, the energy sector should be of critical interest for all. Mr. Liu added that, Huawei has helped many countries to digitalize key industries in the energy sector, mainly, Oil and Gas, and the Electricity or Power sectors and through the workshop, the company will its expertise and experience to help propel the digitization of these industries in Ghana.



The Deputy Managing Director at Huawei Ghana, Mr. Kweku Essuman Quansah said, The workshop forms part of activities geared towards fulfilling a commitment we made to the Government of Ghana through the President of the Republic to build the ICT skill capacity of up to 10,000 Ghanaians by the year 2024. He added that Huawei as an industry leader believes that in order to fully achieve a digital Ghana and world at large, the ICT skill gap of countries and industries must be closed, hence as a socially responsible organization, the company will continue to invest resources to achieve this goal.



During the workshop, expects from Huaweis global Headquarters, industry leaders and resource persons both local and international were engaged by Huawei Ghana to handle various sessions according to their area of expertise.



The Participants were taken through the 10th  14th 5-Year Plans of the China National Petroleum Company (CNPC) spanning from the year 2000 to 2025. A well planned journey that has seen CNPC increase production by 300% (i.e. from 20M barrels to 60M barrels). The workshop also took participants through how digital transformation helps Electric Power Companies to Transform and Upgrade as well as maximize and improve return on investment (ROI) to help these enterprises explore new business models while seizing the best business opportunities.



To draw the curtains down on the Digital Transformation for the Energy Sector, the participants were taken through how power companies can aid the Fibre rollout processes by leveraging on the synergies between Power and Telecom fixed networks thus making it easy for infrastructure sharing. Huaweis Industry leading solutions and Business Models for this approach was also shared and backed by successful case studies from advanced economies like Saudi Arabia, Italy and Ireland.



The second and third days were however dedicated to the practical ICT skill workshop on the Microsoft Office Suite. This session helped participants to advance their knowledge and efficiency in using the program, while getting familiar with the new and enhanced features across all applications in the MS Office Suite, 2016.



Participants also got the opportunity to embark on a virtual tour of Huaweis ultramodern Enterprise Digital Transformation Exhibition Center to witness real-time application of digital technologies that is transforming the energy industry.



Huawei Ghana is undertaking several initiatives under the HIT (Huawei ICT Training) Program which is in three segments namely the Hi-Class Program (Huawei Intelligent Ghana Hub Class), ICT Academy (University Talent Program) and the Technology-enabled Open Schools System (TOSS) which will benefit Public servants and Industry Professionals, Tertiary and TVET students and Basic Schools respectively.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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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 >>> :

















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The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah says the concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress during the March for justice protest were already being addressed by the government.



The Youth Wing of the NDC hit the street of Accra on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, to protest what they say is injustice in Ghana under the watch of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



The protest started from the Accra Mall area at Tetteh Quarshie interchange and ended at the Parliament house.



They submitted a petition to the presidency as well as the leadership of parliament.



Speaking on Accra-based Radio station Citi FM Tuesday evening on the protest, the minister said The substance of the issues they raised, economic hardships, security challenges, among others, are things that the government has already been speaking about.



He explained that If you take economic challenges, in March 2020, the President forewarned us that despite the growth and gradual improvement that we were seeing, we were going to sacrifice some things to protect lives and livelihoods because we know how to bring the economy back to life, but we do not know how to bring people back to life.



He said the Akufo-Addo led government has already put in place measures to revive Ghanas economy.



We literally had to throw away all the gains we made three years into our first term to protect lives. Today, it has come to the point Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu foretold when reading the budget in Parliament that we are going to go through a difficult phase of recovery. Things are not the same as they were, not just in Ghana, but around the world. We have already put in place measures to revive the economy, he defended.



Hundreds of Supporters of the NDC joined the march to call on the government to fix several issues in the country, including an end to the brutalization of citizens by security agencies.



Touching on the growing concerns of insecurity in the country, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said the government has launched a National Security Strategy which seeks to address such concerns.



Those who are tagging the phenomenon of excesses of security as new are not being truthful. What is the government doing about it? We have launched investigations and are looking at getting the report and recommendations to nip the phenomenon in the bud, he added.

Source: graphiconline.com









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NDCs General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia has backed his partys MP for Ningo Prampram constituency, Sam Nartey Georges threat to the military.



He could not confirm that his party had intel of the military plot to distract the demonstration night before the scheduled date, but said he will not doubt the lawmakers assertion.



The military involvement in an uninvited demonstration has been going on for some time now. So, the warning from the MP was timely, he said.



Sam Nartey George gave a strong warning to the military over the latter's planned involvement in the partys ongoing demonstration dubbed March For Justice.



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".







Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Ningo Prampram constituency, Sam Nartey George will be heading to court to challenge the governments decision to pay wives of the President and Vice President.



He said the decision is unnecessary  claiming the state needs money for other important things.



Spouses of the President and Vice President will officially enjoy salaries from the state.



This was after the government adopted a recommendation by an emolument committee which was approved by the seventh parliament.



Sam George in an interview on NEAT FMs morning show, Ghana Montie said an agreement was never approved by the seventh parliament.



"As far as I am aware there was no arrangement for that, the President's wife and the vice President's wife are not article 71 holders."



"I am a Member of Parliament, I personally do not subscribe to that, whether it is an NDC President or an NPP President, your wife is not a Public Officer, you wife is your wife. Are we also going to say that the Spouse of the Chief Justice , the spouse of the Speaker must also be paid? Where do we draw the line. Already they get allowances, they get protection from the state at the expense of the taxpayer and I don't have a problem with that . . . there are certain things that the political parties we must think . . ." he argued.



" . . I am against it, I am not in support for it . . . we will go to court on this matter . . . it is unquestionable," he emphasized.



The recommendation for payment of allowances to current and former first and second ladies started when the 4th Republic came into being, but was not made official.



However, the Akufo-Addo government, acknowledging that the practice was good, sougth to make it formal, thus seeking the approval of both sides of the House, which was given.



According to the Information Ministry, Lordina Mahama, Ernestina Naadu Mills, Matilda Amissah-Arthur, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Faustina Acheampong, Fulera Limann, Christiana Afrifa, Theresa Kufuor, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama, Emily Akuffo, plus the current first and second ladies were being paid monthly allowances by the state.



This is contrary to the recent brouhaha about payment of salaries to only Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Samira Bawumia.







Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Interior Minister Mr Ambrose Dery has appealed to the man whose CCTV cameras captured the robbery attacks on a bullion van leading to the killing of a police officer and another person to release the video to the Police to assist in arresting the criminals.



Mr Dery told TV3s Dzifa Bampoh in an exclusive interview that the Police had informed him about the unwillingness of the man to release the CCTV video to help arrest the robbers.



I want to emphasize that I told the Police each death is equally important. It mustnt be a police, it mustnt be a prominent politician, each death is equally important.





This matter should be dealt with quickly as possible. It happened in the day time but they raise an issue that I think I want to use this forum to appeal. They say there is person who owns a CCTV in the vicinity.



The Police are asking that they be given the recording of the CCTV but there was resistance from the owner. I want to use this medium to appeal to him to cooperate and to appeal to all those person who were in the vicinity to assist the Police on whatever description or whatever information that they have to enable us track them.



But Mr Dery who was commenting on the killing of a police officer in a robbery attack on a bullion van in Jamestwon said :What we call bullion vehicles in Ghana are just ordinary vehicles with plates on them which are not armoured.



They dont give the police and the cash any protection and so it is easy for bullets to go through them so they are not bullion vans, he said.



We have taken steps to protect our police men and women when they go on such operations. We provided a number of bulletproof vest and helmets.



The first consignment that came in, about 4000 of them came in just before we experienced the deaths of a number of policemen in these past few years . The police officers were encouraged because we then issued those vests for them and also made provision for them to carry side weapons to protect themselves.



5000 is not adequate, we are dealing with over 40,000 police officers and for those who have interest such as banks and financial institutions , we do not think that the limited resources that we have for the protection of the general public should be allocated to that special needs. So we expect that in those cases they should make a contribution to protecting the Police that we allocate to them.



The banks dont get held responsible when we lose policemen , the government does, I do. And I dont think that the Bank of Ghana fixing 2023 is acceptable, it is not. So is it a deaths sentence for those Police we are going to assign?







Source: 3news.com









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A group of people behind the old Victory Church shelter in March. The province has said the shelters value in protecting the marginalized population outweighs its impacts on neighbours.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Gov. Mike Dunleavy said Thursday he has vetoed from a state spending package this years dividend check for residents, calling the amount a joke.

The budget lawmakers voted on last month proposed a roughly $1,100 dividend but tied part of the funding to reserve accounts that required three-fourths support in each the House and the Senate. But the vote failed, leaving the dividend at $525, the lowest since the mid-1980s.

Dunleavy said that is less than two days worth of per diem that lawmakers can collect. His office said he cut $2 million from the Legislat...
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YAOUNDE  Thousands of young female Africans have begun camping in Cameroons capital city of Yaounde since Monday to develop coding skills for closing gender gaps and fighting poverty.

The initiative dubbed the Connected African Girls Coding Camp offers training in animation, gaming, web development, robotics, internet of things (IoT), and 3D printing, etc., according to officials from the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

The camp is about making women and girls future creators of employment. To have more than half of the population, who are women, not active economic actors and yet are as capable as the other half is a luxury we cant afford, Antonio Pedro, director of the ECA Sub-regional Office for Central Africa told reporters at the start of the workshop.

More than 8,000 girls are taking part in the 12-day workshop in Yaounde with a decentralised connection to the countrys tech hub of Buea and the economic capital of Douala, and also via a virtual platform, according to ECA officials.

The gender gap in the ICT sector is at least 12 percent in disfavor of women. Its time for governments, parents and the private sector to bring back our women to the fore of ICTs beginning with coding, said Cameroons Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng.

The ECA organized the camp in partnership with the Government of Cameroon, UN Women, International Telecommunication Union, and UNESCO.

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Chad Eveslage Wins WPT Venetian for $910,370; Leads POY Race

July 08, 2021 Will Shillibier

After what was a historic final table at WPT Venetian, Chad Eveslage has become the latest player whose name will adorn the Mike Sexton Champions Cup after defeating a 1,199 player field to win $910,370.

Eveslage also picked up 1,400 points in the Player of the Year standings, overtaking WPT Seminole Hard Rock Tampa winner Brian Altman, WPT Online Series Main Event winner Christian Rudolph and WPT Venetian runner up Mike Liang.

"I guess I think pretty highly of myself sometimes," Eveslage told the WPT Live Updates after his win. "People better than me have played more and not won, so I'm pretty fortunate.

"This whole tournament I kept going all in and winning. I think I'm really good but anybody would have won with my luck. It feels like I'm in the Twilight Zone, where the guy is in the casino and he can't lose."

WPT Venetian Final Table Payouts

Rank Player Country Payout (USD) 1 Chad Eveslage United States $910,370 2 Mike Liang United States $606,890 3 Kyna England United States $448,755 4 Tim McDermott United States $335,200 5 Daniela Rodriguez Colombia $252,945 6 Kitty Kuo Taiwan $192,855

Final Table Recap

Three women came into the final table hoping to become only the second female player to win an open World Poker Tour title after Ema Zajmovic in 2017.

Related: Ema Zajmovic Makes History, Wins WPT Playground

However, Kitty Kuo was heading to the exit after only a couple of orbits. Daniela Rodriguez had doubled through her on hand five, and although the Natural8 Ambassador would double herself, she was eliminated by Eveslage.

Not going to hide my sad feeling, lose JJ << ATss, I hate keeping waiting next time, but I guess I have no choice . https://t.co/fj3Ym5PnMo  kitty kuo (@kittykuopoker)

Despite her double, Rodriguez was the next player to go after losing a flip with pocket sixes against the big slick of Eveslage who was now well clear of the chasing pack. The last remaining female player at the final table was Kyna England, who enjoyed a memorable triple-up to stay alive, her pocket jacks holding three ways to move clear of the bottom rung.

That helped her avoid the exit door, as Tim McDermott eventually fell in fourth place at the hands of Mike Liang. This helped boost Liang's chip counts, and England was unable to battle against the two stacks of in excess of 100 big blinds.

She fell in third place after failing to crack the tens of Eveslage and the tournament was heads-up with Liang holding a slight chip lead of only six big blinds over Eveslage.

Key Hand

The key hand of the final table came in only the second hand of heads-up play between Liang and Eveslage.

The WPT Live Updates explain how in a three-bet pot the players saw a flop of . Eveslage called a bet from Liang and the turn was the . Liang bet again and Eveslage called. The river was the and Liang moved all in, covering his opponent. Eveslage called with for a king-high straight, beating the trips of Eveslage and taking a huge chip lead.

Despite doubling up, the 20:1 chip lead was too much for Liang to overcome and Eveslage closed out victory with pocket queens, earning himself his very first WPT title and $910,370 in prize money. Liang would have to settle for second place and $606,890.

Recent World Poker Tour Results

WPT Venetian marks the third Main Event of the WPT Season 19 after the WPT Online Series on partypoker and WPT Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, won by Brian Altman.

It's been a busy few months for the World Poker Tour, so why not check out this list of event recaps right here on PokerNews!

*Lead image courtesy of the World Poker Tour/Joe Giron
Five years after Charleston airport officials celebrated the $200 million overhaul of the passenger terminal, they have now settled one of the lawsuits stemming from the nearly half-decade-long construction project.

The Charleston County Aviation Authority and the lead contractor, a joint venture between Texas-based Austin Commercial and Hitt Contracting of Virginia, agreed to a payment by the agency of $2.125 million.

The contractor had originally claimed it was owed several million dollars more, but both parties agreed to the settlement to avoid rising legal costs amid the long-running dispute.

The Aviation Authority sued the Austin-Hitt venture in 2018 after firing the company earlier that year, alleging construction flaws, leaks, missed deadlines and unfinished work.

According to the lawsuit, the lead contractor failed to keep up its end of the deal over dates set for completion of certain work phases and didn't turn over documents related to the project.

The airport agency also pointed out a contract extension included a clause that said Charleston International was not responsible if the builder missed deadlines.

The contracting firms fired back, saying the airport owner kept making changes and adding terms to the extensive terminal makeover that prevented the joint venture from meeting deadlines and avoiding cost overruns in a project that bled into five years.

The contractor claimed the airport was withholding the final $7.15 million of the $165 million contract. The joint venture also was seeking another $2.15 million for work performed outside the scope of the original deal, items the builder said the Aviation Authority was responsible for funding.

The airport acknowledged early on that it owed Austin-Hitt money  about $2.7 million. The Aviation Authority said it paid the contractor in March 2018 after deducting costs for the alleged unfinished work, repairs, liquidated damages and other expenses.

Like any compromised settlement, both parties walked away with less than they sought.

The Aviation Authority doesn't have to pay the contractor all of the disputed amount, but it paid enough to satisfy Austin-Hitt.

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"The disputed claims were resolved to the parties' mutual satisfaction," the contractor said in the agreement.

The lead contractor also agreed to pay any outstanding debts to subcontractors as part of the deal. One of the subcontractors had sued Austin-Hitt over nonpayment, but that legal filing was folded into the larger lawsuit.

"It's a real good settlement," Charleston airport CEO Elliott Summey said. "It's good to get it behind us. There were some issues we had to work through, but the renovation is beautiful, and we are ready to move ahead."

The accord came after the airport board authorized a negotiated settlement in mid-June, but the Aviation Authority had to wait for the Austin-Hitt legal team to sign off on it.

The compromise does not affect the pending lawsuit that was filed later in 2018 over the installation of a cable system that controls airport operations. The Aviation Authority is seeking at least $1.5 million related to the work.

The agency sued Fentress Architects of Colorado and subcontractor Burns Engineering of Pennsylvania, alleging they modified drawings to eliminate four telecommunication cable rooms from one floor and relocate them to the ground-floor apron level.

That, according to the lawsuit, required the low-voltage lines to exceed the maximum 295 feet to meet performance requirements. The airport said it identified seven areas were the cables were too long.

The Aviation Authority had already paid for the work, but the agency said it filed the lawsuit to recoup the cost to redesign the cable installation and construction expenses along with any business interruption costs.

"The cable runs everything, and it's too long," airport attorney Arnold Goodstein said. "Right now we don't have any trouble with it, but we might."
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.

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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  The July 4 holiday meant a surge of returning passenger traffic at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

On several days during the holiday period, more than 3,000 passengers per day flew in or out of the airport, more than three times the daily average in 2021, according to data from Kim Jamieson, its director of marketing and air service development.

Were pleased with the return of air travel, said Mike Gula, the airport's executive director.

May, the last month for which numbers are complete, shows how much air travel has increased over the peak of pandemic lockdowns yet still has more room to recover.

The number of travelers boarding flights in Columbia rose to 36,384 in May, a monthly high at the airport this year. In May 2020 amid the pandemic, just 7,737 fliers boarded planes, the second-worst month of last year.

But the boarding numbers were well below May 2019's 60,921 passengers.

Airline executives have said that leisure travelers largely have returned this summer while business travel lags behind.

Gula hope the positive momentum will keep up through the year.

Projections and trends are showing that the business market and business traveler will rebound later this year, and were looking forward to that happening," he said.

The airport has restored all of its pre-pandemic connections except for service to New York's LaGuardia Airport by Delta and American airlines.

One American nonstop flight to Miami was restored in June, and that service could grow, according to the airport.

Silver Airways, which launched service from Columbia in December, continues to offer nonstop flights to three Florida cities: Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale.

Columbia long had sought a low-price carrier to keep airfares competitive. Silver's route network is focused on vacation destinations in Florida and the Bahamas. Silver continues to do well in Columbia, Jamieson said.

Columbia continues to go without Southwest Airlines, which this summer is adding service to Myrtle Beach to its longtime business in Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg.

Flyers should continue to arrive at the airport two hours before departure times and bring a mask, as federal travel rules requiring them will be in effect at least through September, according to the airport.
One cant help but wonder how many educated and intelligent people out there, or the percentage thereof, would ever have taken the concept of UFOs  oops, excuse me, in the official jargon, UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena)  seriously. Simply considering the laws of physics as we understand them and given the relatively brief lifespan of human beings renders them inconceivable, if not preposterous.

Albert Einsteins special theory of relatively famously dictates that no known object can travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum, which is 186,000 miles/sec, or 299,792 km/sec. (Certain modern-day physicists theorize that spacecraft in a warp bubble could travel faster than light. Thus far though, from what I can tell, no one has demonstrated a mechanism by which one could accelerate a warp drive beyond the speed of light.)

Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our own star, the sun, is 4.25 light years away. The more famous Alpha Centauri is 4.35 light years away. Our sun and those two neighbors are at the relative periphery of the Milky Way, our massive celestial galaxy that is some 100,000 light years in diameter. Although other smaller galaxies are closer, the awe-inspiring Andromeda galaxy is the closest spiral galaxy to ours. Anybody care to guess how long it would take to get there? Answer: 2.5 million light years.

There are an estimated 125 billion galaxies in the observable universe, the radius of which is estimated to be about 45 billion light years. If these unimaginably vast figures and distances dont reduce most folks to quivering masses of existential uncertainty, I dont know what would.

When contemplating UFOs, one needs to consider that our planet Earth is not exactly where the action is within our own galaxy, an average-sized large galaxy with an estimated 200 billion to 400 billion stars, and the Milky Way is not necessarily where the action is in terms of the universe. In other words, we are not at the center of the universe, if its true that the universe is finite. And yet not everyone believes it is finite.

Thus far, astronomers have discovered more than 3,200 stars with planets orbiting them throughout the Milky Way galaxy. They have further uncovered evidence of planets orbiting stars in distant galaxies. Given the large number of known stars within our own galaxy with orbiting planets and the presumed huge number outside of it, one can easily imagine the presence of intelligent life somewhere among them.

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Its much more difficult to imagine and understand how or why intelligent life from so far away would hone in on planet Earth as a destination point  much less actually get here. Accordingly, we tend to dismiss all that as outrageously impossible and laugh at all the goofy cartoon renderings and obviously photoshopped pictures that have shown up over the decades.

But now were seeing in recent weeks that a lot of very smart people from such lofty publications as Reuters, New York magazine, The New Yorker, Barrons and top newspapers have written detailed analyses of evidence pertaining to UFOs and specifically those 144 sightings by U.S. government personnel and other sources between 2004 and 2021  sightings that often were made during military training exercises. (Only one of the 144 sightings was ever satisfactorily explained.)

And then the U.S. government, once openly dismissive of UFO sightings that for decades have sparked popular imagination, issued a report on June 25 with the rather stunning admission that defense and intelligence analysts lack sufficient data to determine the nature of mysterious flying objects observed by American military pilots, including whether they are advanced earthly technologies, atmospherics or of an extraterrestrial origin. According to the report, unusual behavior exhibited by the UAPs involved the ability to remain stationary in high lofted winds, move against the wind, maneuver sharply or move at considerable speed without discernible means of propulsion.

The report therefore marks a turning point for the government after spending decades deflecting, debunking and discrediting observations of UFOs and flying saucers that date back at least to the 1940s. In a lead-up to the report, the Department of Defense made clear that they take the issue seriously, although sidestepped questions about any potential extraterrestrial origins. The report draws no firm conclusions and says nothing about aliens. It does list five possible explanations for UAP (airborne clutter, natural atmospheric phenomena, U.S.-developed technology, foreign technology and other).

Skeptics tend to believe that what people are seeing is technology we already understand. However, in The New Yorkers exceptionally long story detailing the history of the movement to take UFOs seriously, a former Pentagon official pushed back against the skeptics, saying (they) dont have the whole story. Theres data (they) will never see  theres much more than I would include in a classified document.

I dont know ... Include me among the skeptics  but not so skeptical as to not be just a little creeped out by the Pentagons report.
GEORGETOWN  The West End of Georgetown, and how to restore and revitalize it, has been a topic of conversation in the city for years. Through the next three months, though, the city will partner with real estate experts to brainstorm ways to do just that.

Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors and its parent company, the National Association of Realtors', Transforming Neighborhoods program will provide the city of Georgetown with resources to help preserve the West End of the city.

Transforming Neighborhoods partners with the nonprofit, Center for Community Progress, to offer educational and technical opportunities to address challenges and costs imposed by vacant properties "with a focus on equity, inclusion and resiliency," according to its website.

The Center for Community Progress' co-founder, Frank Alexander, will be on the ground in Georgetown in August, he said. There, Alexander will meet with residents of the West End in person, over the phone and any way that works best for them to study city codes and ways to make them work for existing residents.

"It's not another program where we're going to have a study that sits on the shelf," said Madison Cooper, Vice President of Government Affairs for the local Realtors assocation.

Since the program was established in 2019, Alexander said the most important thing to him has been listening to residents' concerns.

"Part of the work I do is to get as much data as I can about the neighborhood in question, and that involves looking at it from a real estate law perspective: who owns the property, who lives on the property, how is it divided between owner occupied and rental occupied," Alexander said. "And then I shift to the question of the concerns: listening to the concerns of the existing residents, occupants and owners."

The West End is home to International Paper Co., and the currently-paused Liberty Steel mill. While many residents in the city desperately want to see the West End given new life, they also worry about the area being gentrified and becoming unaffordable to its current residents.

Cooper said avoiding this issue is top of mind not only to Alexander, but to the Transforming Neighborhoods program as a whole.

"We want to assure the residents that this is not some sort of takeover (where) they see Realtors and maybe they think 'Oh my goodness, someone's trying to come in and market the community for development' ... that is absolutely not the case," Cooper said.

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Sheldon Butts, a former city councilmember and West End native, is one of the concerned residents. He said while he appreciates the help that this partnership could bring, he hopes Alexander won't just try to reinvent the wheel.

The West End Redevelopment Plan was adopted by Georgetown City Council in 2003, but Butts said it has since sat without much action other than streetscaping. The plan spells out in detail, Butts said, the key issues affecting the community  poverty, dilapidated structures, heirs properties and more  and not only how to fix them, but how to budget in the years following to address the issues.

Butts left Georgetown in 1990 and said when he returned in 2014, the West End was nothing like it was before. The more than 60 Black-owned businesses and nice homes that once sprinkled the blocks were now gone or run down. And he had no clue why nothing had been done when the plans were already in place.

So in 2016, Butts helped form the West End Redevelopment Subcommittee to reenergize the cause of improving the West End. He said since then, the committee has educated residents on things such as heirs property, or land that lacks a clear title due to generations of families passing down the property without a clear title or will. It also has tried to learn about grants that can be applied for to help demolish some of the structures that are too far gone and replace them with homes that are livable and affordable.

Butts said the only way a partnership like this can work is if as many entities as possible are allowed a seat at the table, including Habitat for Humanity, the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments, Georgetown County School District, the city and the county.

"All of these entities will play a vital role in what happens and what survives in this community," Butts said. "They all need to be sitting down at one table at one time to discuss this stuff right here that was thrown on the shelf for almost 17 years."

The West End Redevelopment Plan is something Alexander is familiar with, he said, and while he still needs to vet it, as it is nearly two decades old, he said it sets a strong foundation of ideas he hopes to build off of.

"I think that report was superbly written and detailed," Alexander said. "One of the things I want to find out is what happened in the follow up, if anything, since the issuance of that report."

In the coming months, Alexander said he hopes to have as many conversations with stakeholders of the West End and residents as possible. City administor Sandra Yudice said the city is excited for the partnership, and hopes it brings back the vibrancy that the West End once had.
More than 8.2 million coronavirus tests have been administered by the state health department since the start of the pandemic.

Of those, the Palmetto State has seen 493,913 confirmed cases and 104,598 probable, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

DHEC reports confirmed cases and probable cases as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

A confirmed case is an individual who had a confirmatory viral test performed by way of a throat swab, nose swab or saliva test and that specimen tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.

A probable case is an individual who has not had a confirmatory test performed but has a positive antigen test or clinical criteria of infection and is at high risk for COVID-19 infection.

On July 8, nearly 6 percent of the tests reported were positive. South Carolina recorded 119 more confirmed cases of the coronavirus and one new death.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 119 confirmed, 138 probable.

Total cases in S.C.: 493,913 confirmed, 104,598 probable.

Percent positive: 5.8 percent.

New deaths reported: 1 confirmed, 0 probable.

Total deaths in S.C.: 8,661 confirmed, 1,183 probable.

Percent of ICU beds filled: 65.4 percent.

S.C. residents vaccinated

DHEC's vaccine dashboard shows that 48.8 percent of the state's residents have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

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Hardest-hit areas

In the total number of newly confirmed cases, Horry County (15), York County (13) and Richland County (12) saw the highest totals.

What about tri-county?

Charleston County had eight new cases on July 8, while Berkeley County had eight and Dorchester County had five.

Deaths

The death from COVID-19 confirmed July 8 was an individual age 65 or older.

Hospitalizations

Of the 127 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of July 8, 35 were in the ICU and 14 were using ventilators.

What do experts say?

Prisma Health will host a mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. July 10 at Grace Christian Church in Columbia. The church is at 5010 Monticello Road.

Fist and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available.

No appointment or insurance is required. Spanish translators will be available on-site.
A South Carolina soldier killed during the Korean War has finally been accounted for after his recovered remains were confirmed by the Pentagon.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said Army Pfc. Louis N. Crosby, 18, of Orangeburg was accounted for on April 21, some 70 years after he died during combat near the Chosin Reservoir.

His remains were among 55 boxes purported to contain those of American service members that North Korea gave the U.S. in July 2018 following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.

In late 1950, Crosby was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.

The battle became famous as U.S. and United Nations forces tried to slow the advance of Chinese troops in the rugged, snowy mountains, earning the nickname Frozen Chosin.

Following the battle, Crosby's body could not be recovered, the Pentagon said in its July 8 announcement.

The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on Aug. 1, 2018, where they were moved to the DPAA for identification.

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Crosbys remains were confirmed using anthropological analysis, "circumstantial evidence" and mitochondrial DNA, the Pentagon said.

Crosbys name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Crosby will be buried Aug. 18 in his hometown of Orangeburg, the announcement said.

Crosby's nephew, Henry Crosby, of Cordova, S.C., told The Post and Courier the confirmation was aided by a DNA test that Crosby's father, Harry M. Crosby Sr., gave a few years ago to the military and kept on file. Harry Crosby is still alive and is 92 years of age, as is his wife, Crosby's aged mother.

"We're really excited he's coming home," the nephew said.

The family knew of the confirmation more than a year ago, but the full process was delayed because of the COVID pandemic.

The comingled remains of at least 76 U.S. service people have been confirmed so far in the 55 boxes the North Koreans turned over, the Pentagon said.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston will host a special Mass on Sunday to celebrate its 200th anniversary.

Bishop of Charleston Robert E. Guglielmone will be joined by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, for the service at 4 p.m. on July 11 in Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

The Mass will mark the close of the dioceses bicentennial anniversary celebration.

Due to the COVID pandemic, the closing commemoration service could not take place last year. Still, the diocese hosted some events, including a Vigil Mass in Columbia on July 11, 2020. The Charleston Diocese was joined then by Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer of Atlanta.

The diocese's history points to a wide range of efforts to spread the Christian message and establish religious and educational institutions throughout the state.

John England was the diocese's first bishop. He launched the church's Catholic Miscellany periodical, and created the Seminary of St. John the Baptist (currently the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist).

However, it was the archdiocese of Baltimore which founded the diocese on July 11, 1820, under the authority of Pope Pius VII.

At the time of its formation, the diocese's jurisdiction included North Carolina and Georgia. The jurisdiction now covers all of South Carolina and is the seventh-oldest Roman Catholic Diocese in the U.S.

Over the course of two centuries, it has established more than 30 diocesan high schools, private high schools and parochial schools. It also oversees Catholic Charities, which conducts food distribution, financial assistance and other services to those in need.
MOUNT PLEASANT  There's been an explosion of public art throughout the town where less than five years ago murals were regulated as business signs, prompting a legal fight.

These days, the town not only allows murals but encourages and subsidizes some of them. That's in addition to town-supported sculptures, art used to decorate traffic-control boxes and oversized fiberglass oyster shells decorated by local artists.

But where public art goes, controversy often follows, particularly when public money is involved.

In Greenville earlier this year, some religious conservatives objected to the Wings of the City sculpture exhibit, prompting the county to withhold some funding. The public responded by donating far more money than the county had taken away.

In Mount Pleasant this month, an art installation of large black-and-white animals and children peering over a subdivision privacy fence prompted some debate on social media.

The installation, for which the town paid $10,000, went up during the week of June 21 at the Liberty Hill Farm subdivision just off Rifle Range Road. It prompted a lively conversation on the Friends of Mount Pleasant Facebook page. Some called the art strange and tacky, while others said it's fun and made them smile.

Art is very subjective," said Nicole Harvey, Mount Pleasant's special events manager. "Some people are going to love some pieces, and hate some pieces, but everybody will love some pieces."

"I love it, but some people don't," Harvey added of the latest features at Liberty Hill, which the town funded.

The Liberty Hill installation, "Larger Than Life" is by Gretta Kruesi of Isle of Palms. She's nationally known for her murals, and internationally for her professional kite-surfing. She's also the daughter of novelist Mary Alice Monroe.

Kruesi said the privacy fence, which stands 8 feet tall with horizontal slats, wasn't right for a traditional mural. After some thought, she came up with the idea of black-and-white images on plywood extending over the fence  including two based on dogs her mother and brother owned.

I think its fun and funny," she said. I feel like this project went from something that would be super-challenging to being one of my favorite pieces.

Opinions about art are rarely consistent, but one certainty is that Mount Pleasant has dramatically changed direction since 2016, when town officials objected to public murals as sign ordinance violations.

The mural that eventually prompted a settlement with the town and change in rules was created on the side wall of a Moe's restaurant by internationally known artist Sergio Odeith of Portugal and featured portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Al Capone and John Lennon.

The controversy surrounding that mural sort of started it," Harvey said. The town revised its ordinance on public art, which was a wonderful thing that came out of that."

Cary Chastain owned the Moe's on Houston Northcutt Boulevard until 2018. He said the conflict over the town's zoning rules happened at a time when cities around the nation were embracing murals and he's glad the town now encourages them.

"I think it's great," he said. "I still drive by the old Moe's and I still love the mural."

There's an online map of public art in Mount Pleasant that shows the locations of town-sponsored and private art in public locations. It includes 13 "art on the half shell" pieces, eight sculptures, eight murals  not counting the Liberty Hill installation  and more than two dozen wrapped traffic boxes.

The town's art-related expenses are small but enough to encourage and subsidize some work. Artists get $750 for the fiberglass oyster pieces, $250 if they are chosen for a traffic box wrap and budgets that vary for murals.

For our last round of oysters we had, I think, 110 pieces of art submitted," said Harvey, and there were less than a dozen winners.

For sculptures, the town chooses two College of Charleston student sculptures each year, paying them $750 for materials. Those go to a park at Moultrie Middle School.

Kruesi said her "larger than life" installation cost more than the town paid her, and called it a labor of love.

The murals can be more challenging because of the space required. For those, the town sometimes partners with businesses that agree to keep them up for at least a year. One well-liked mural, of a large colorful fish at the former Fulton Street Hair business, was painted over after the business was sold.

The town still draws a line, though, at murals that could be considered advertising.

For example, we couldnt paint goldfish and puppies on the side of PetSmart," Harvey said.

Kruesi was surprised to hear there were some negative reactions to her "larger than life" installation on Facebook but said, "If people have a reaction to it, that means I accomplished my job."
A South Carolina soldier killed during the Korean War has finally been accounted for after his recovered remains were confirmed by the Pentagon.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said Army Pfc. Louis N. Crosby, 18, of Orangeburg was accounted for on April 21, some 70 years after he died during combat near the Chosin Reservoir.

His remains were among 55 boxes purported to contain those of American service members that North Korea gave the U.S. in July 2018 following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.

In late 1950, Crosby was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.

The battle became famous as U.S. and United Nations forces tried to slow the advance of Chinese troops in the rugged, snowy mountains, earning the nickname Frozen Chosin.

Following the battle, Crosby's body could not be recovered, the Pentagon said in its July 8 announcement.

The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on Aug. 1, 2018, where they were moved to the DPAA for identification.

Crosbys remains were confirmed using anthropological analysis, "circumstantial evidence" and mitochondrial DNA, the Pentagon said.

Crosbys name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Crosby will be buried Aug. 18 in his hometown of Orangeburg, the announcement said.

Crosby's nephew, Henry Crosby, of Cordova, S.C., told The Post and Courier the confirmation was aided by a DNA test that Crosby's father, Harry M. Crosby Sr., gave a few years ago to the military and kept on file. Harry Crosby is still alive and is 92 years of age, as is his wife, Crosby's aged mother.

"We're really excited he's coming home," the nephew said.

The family knew of the confirmation more than a year ago, but the full process was delayed because of the COVID pandemic.

The comingled remains of at least 76 U.S. service people have been confirmed so far in the 55 boxes the North Koreans turned over, the Pentagon said.
The Swank Company celebrated joining the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce during a ribbon cutting ceremony July 7.

The boutique, which started in 2004, features locally made women's clothing and accessories like hats, sunglasses and a wide selection of jewelry. Located in Riverside Village at SRP Park, this is the Swank Companys third retail location.

It opened its doors to the public on Black Friday in 2020 but is now getting the chance to celebrate with the community.

Pretty much as soon as SRP Park was going to open, we knew we wanted to put a Swank here, owner Hannah Bassali said. We love North Augusta and the small town feel and how much they emphasize community and they really are small business friendly and they have so much vision for the town of North Augusta. We knew we wanted to be a part of that.

We are so excited that we can have events like this now, Bassali continued. It almost seems surreal and it's kind of emotional to get everyone together after what everyone has been through in the past year.

Mayor Briton Williams and Council member Jenafer McCauley were also in attendance at the ribbon cutting. Emerald oX, a local coffee shop in Augusta, provided complementary cold brew.

I think it's great when the community comes out and supports you and it just feels local and at home and it's exciting to see everybodys support, McCauley said.

North Augusta Chamber of Commerce CEO Terra Carroll hopes for their success along the riverfront.

We are really excited to have them, Carroll said. We look forward to their growth and other opportunities with other ventures that they have.

While opening a storefront during a pandemic was difficult, The Swank Company said they are looking forward to the future and everything it has to offer.

We want to grow. We want to grow our online sales, we want to grow our in store sales and with joining the Chamber it will connect us with so many other local businesses, Swank employee Katy Arrowood said.

The Swank Company has three locations, one at SRP Park, one off Fury's Ferry Road in Augusta and another at Surrey Center in Augusta. A fourth retail location is expected to open in fall 2021.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Mostly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
In South Carolina, judges can face allegations of misconduct, conflicts of interest or criminal activity in secret.

The Disciplinary Counsels office, an investigative arm of the state Supreme Court, receives more than 200 complaints against the states judges each year, but rarely do the office's investigations lead to the removal of judges or even to public reprimands.

As weve discussed on our episodes about The Post and Couriers ongoing Uncovered series, South Carolina's systems for holding public servants accountable often lack transparency. But there are few systems as cloaked in secrecy as the state's method for overseeing judges.

On this week's episode, reporters Joey Cranney and Avery Wilks explain how South Carolina judges have been able to remain on the bench for years, despite serious questions about their character and impartiality.

Listen now for more.

Understand SC is a weekly podcast from The Post and Courier that draws from the reporting resources and knowledge of our newsroom to help you better understand South Carolina. This episode was hosted by Emily Williams and edited by Emily Williams.

How to listen:

Related reading:
Advocates for bringing to Afghan interpreters who helped American troops into the United States await President Joe Biden's announcement this week, and are hoping these evacuees will be moved to Guam temporarily.

"I hope he says the words, 'we're going to get them to Guam.' Guam is the best place to bring these people," No One Left Behind co-founder Matt Zeller told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.

Zeller, who served in Afghanistan and is a Truman National Security Fellow, is among leading advocates wanting to make sure Afghan allies are sent to U.S. territories, particularly Guam, while their special immigrant visas to relocate to the U.S. are being processed.

Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes also is looking forward to Biden's announcement, which could happen Friday Guam time, to "evacuate Afghans to the United States."

"I am heartened that there are reports that President Biden has agreed that Afghans who have worked alongside our U.S. military forces in Afghanistan will not be left behind while the U.S. finalizes its withdrawal from the country," the senator said.

Members of Congress and advocates including Zeller said there's already precedence on the use of Guam for mass evacuations.

In 1975 and 1996, the U.S. evacuated more than 110,000 Vietnamese and more than 2,000 Kurdish allies, respectively, to Guam, while their permanent visa applications were processed.

As of early Thursday night, the governor's office had yet to receive any word from the White House about any such plan to use Guam in the Afghan allies' evacuation, Adelup said.

The U.S. military is withdrawing completely from Afghanistan on Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks that drew America into its longest war.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero wrote to Biden in June, pledging support to host Afghan allies should the U.S. decide to evacuate them to the U.S. territory.

"We want him (Biden) to say 'we'll get them to Guam.' We don't want him to say that we're going to move them to some Third World country that we have to negotiate a refugee camp that might end up being there in perpetuity. We want them on U.S. soil where they belong, safely so we can process their asylum cases without having to worry about the Taliban death squads there hunting them right now," Zeller told MSNBC.

Human Rights First and Veterans for American Ideals said they "strongly condemn" the Biden administration's decision to ask Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to temporarily house approximately half of the 18,000 Afghan allies who assisted U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Zeller spoke weeks ago to Guam officials and private citizens via Zoom on the organizations' continuing advocacy for Afghan allies.

Barnes hosted that call with groups advocating the relocation of refugees to the United States, and she started the meeting with the question, "How can Guam help?"

"As a U.S. territory, our island has a history of hosting refugees who were either victims of war or were allied with the purposes of democracy for which our military sons and daughters were fighting for  the Afghan refugees are no different. I applaud the Biden administration for taking this action and join other leaders on Guam, like Gov. Leon Guerrero, who will make it a point to work hand in hand with U.S. military officials should Guam be chosen to host the Afghan refugees," the vice speaker said in a statement.

She also asked the community, nonprofit organizations and others "to make yourselves available in answering the call in response to Guam possibly hosting Afghan refugees.

"Families on Guam are closely associated with the U.S. military; in mine alone, we have U.S. veterans who have served our country honorably. The Afghan refugees worked alongside our U.S. military and both from a patriotic and humanitarian standpoint, we should do all that we can if they are transitioning through Guam," Barnes said.
The Guam Visitors Bureau is reconsidering its initial plan to offer tourists shopping money and is now weighing the possibility of paying for tourists' COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test before they return to their home country.

GVB's earlier proposal to offer a $500 debit card that tourists can only use on Guam to help local restaurants, retail stores, tour groups, taxis and other businesses, has been drawing negative criticism locally, officials said.

Guam Recovery Task Force Chairman Sam Shinohara on Wednesday proposed a reconsideration of the shopping incentive plan and suggested replacing it with the option of paying for tourists' return PCR test.

"It would be much easier for us to administer, whereby the clinic will give us an invoice and we reimburse them for the cost of PCR test," Shinohara said at the task force meeting. "It's probably a much more simplistic approach but with the same objective."

Each PCR test costs $150 to $200, depending on the health care provider.

Indirectly, Shinohara said, the money that visitors would otherwise pay for the PCR test could be used to buy goods and services on Guam.

GVB Vice President Gerry Perez and other task force members supported a review of the testing subsidy proposal, which was an offshoot of GVB President Carl Gutierrez's earlier proposal to waive some vaccination and vacation package tour costs for visitors.

"I think money could be better spent on paying for the PCR test on return," Perez said, adding that it's a basic need for tourists.

Money allocated for the shopping incentive program could be easily shifted to pay for PCR testing, Perez said.

Perez also said GVB is still in discussion with three banks on the initial shopping incentive program proposal and one of the banks is looking at the legal aspects of the program.

"By and large, our goal is to get this thing done by the first of August," Perez said.

At this point, he said, GVB is also still determining who is considered a "visitor" or tourist to qualify for a shopping incentive.

Even without GVB's shopping incentive program in place, on Tuesday Guam already welcomed its first charter flight full of tourists since the pandemic started. It was an Eva Air flight out of Taiwan with 153 passengers.

Most of them are here both for vacation and to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

'Things looking up'

Gutierrez, who was among the GovGuam officials to personally welcome the arriving passengers, told the task force that the arrival of a big group of tourists bodes well for the island's tourism and hopes that other airlines and tourists would do the same.

Gutierrez hopes that tourism-related businesses that have not reopened will be inspired to see that tourists are now coming back, albeit at a smaller number than Guam had before the pandemic.

More than 2,000 tourists from Taiwan have so far booked flights to Guam from July to mid-August, GVB said.

"So things are looking up for us," Gutierrez said. "The next thing we're going to do is try to emulate this whole process with the Korean market."

Perez believes that Taiwan and Korea would be leading the way in terms of pumping up arrivals to Guam once again, as Japan remains challenged with COVID-19 outbreaks and lack of vaccinations.

GVB is also still pursuing incentives for airlines, tour operators and tourism-related businesses.

Perez said the biggest "thank you" goes to the people living on Guam who got fully vaccinated, for helping the island move closer to its herd immunity goal so that tourism can restart and the economy to start recovering.

Guam's goal is to vaccinate 80% or 96,031 of adults 18 years old and older by July 21. It's so far at 76.16% or 91,426 adults.

Vaccination at GVB office

At the task force meeting, Perez said the GVB conference room in Tumon will be used as a vaccination site for tourists who have not made arrangements to get vaccinated in their hotel room.

Perez said it's "too costly" for GVB to rent a space at commercial areas.

The GVB vice president also said while the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance helped those in the tourism industry, it's also creating an unintended consequence.

"Another problem is hiring people because of PUA funded benefits have made it difficult for a lot of businesses to hire back, even the employees that had been working for them because of that generous benefit from the federal government," Perez said.

At least 41 businesses are ready to provide goods and services to tourists now, he said, based on a preliminary survey.
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Carl Hessler Jr. is a multi-media reporter who writes about crime and justice from the Montgomery County Courthouse for 21st Century Media Newspapers Greater Philadelphia area publications. Follow Carl on Twitter: @MontcoCourtNews
Politico reports a stunner today: the climatistas are begging President Biden not to be too tough on China for human rights violations, or anything else, because . . . it might be bad for the climate!

Bidens new Cold War with China will result in climate collapse, progressives warn

As a new Cold War takes shape between the U.S. and China, progressives fear the result will be a dramatically warming planet.

Over 40 progressive groups sent a letter to President Joe Biden and lawmakers on Wednesday urging them to prioritize cooperation with China on climate change and curb its confrontational approach over issues like Beijings crackdown on Hong Kong and forced detention of Uyghur Muslims. . .

The progressive organizations, including the Sunrise Movement and the Union of Concerned Scientists, call on the Biden administration and all members of Congress to eschew the dominant antagonistic approach to U.S.-China relations and instead prioritize multilateralism, diplomacy, and cooperation with China to address the existential threat that is the climate crisis, their letter reads. Nothing less than the future of our planet depends on ending the new Cold War between the United States and China. . . .

Progressives . . . already see the broader U.S.-China spat bleeding into the climate-change effort. In June, for example, the US banned the import of solar panel material from a Chinese company over forced labor allegations.
Axioss Jonathan Swan reports that Tucker Carlson was talking to U.S.-based Kremlin intermediaries about setting up an interview with Vladimir Putin shortly before Tucker accused the National Security Agency of monitoring his electronic communications for nefarious purposes  according to sources familiar with the conversations. Draw your own conclusions from this:

The NSAs public statement didnt directly deny that any Carlson communications had been swept up by the agency.

 Axios submitted a request for comment to the NSA on Wednesday, asking whether the agency would also be willing to categorically deny that the NSA intercepted any of Carlsons communications in the context of monitoring somebody he was talking to in his efforts to set up an interview with Putin.

 An NSA spokesman declined to comment and referred Axios back to the agencys earlier, carefully-worded, statement. In other words, the NSA is denying the targeting of Carlson but is not denying that his communications were incidentally collected.

Whats next: Experts say there are several plausible scenarios  including legal scenarios  that could apply.

 The first  and least likely  scenario is that the U.S. government submitted a request to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to monitor Carlson to protect national security.

A more plausible scenario is that one of the people Carlson was talking to as an intermediary to help him get the Putin interview was under surveillance as a foreign agent.

 In that scenario, Carlsons emails or text messages could have been incidentally collected as part of monitoring this person, but Carlsons identity would have been masked in any intelligence reports.

 In order to know that the texts and emails were Carlsons, a U.S. government official would likely have to request his identity be unmasked, something thats only permitted if the unmasking is necessary to understand the intelligence.

In a third scenario, interceptions might not have involved Carlsons communications. The U.S. government routinely monitors the communications of people in Putins orbit, who may have been discussing the details of Carlsons request for an interview.

 But under this scenario, too, Carlsons identity would have been masked in reports as part of his protections as a U.S. citizen, and unmasking would only be permitted if a U.S. government official requested that his identity be unmasked in order to understand the intelligence. And its not clear why that would be necessary here.

The intrigue: Two sources familiar with Carlsons communications said 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.

 This is relevant because if one of them was a foreign national and on foreign soil during the communications, the U.S. government wouldnt necessarily have had to seek approval to monitor their communications.
At AmericanExperiment.org, my colleague Isaac Orr deals a double-barreled blow to the fantasy of green energy. First, after all of the hype surrounding wind and solar energy, where did Americans actually get their energy in 2020? This chart tells the story:

All renewable sources together account for only 12% of our energy consumption, but the details make the story even worse:

It is very interesting to note that burning wood, which is the oldest form of energy consumption in the country, is still producing more useful energy than solar power, despite the billions of dollars that have been spent propping up the industry.

What an utter failure.

Second, why does wind power supply so little electricity, despite the many billions that have been spent on it? The most basic reason is that 60% of the time, a given wind turbine produces nothing. The liberals response to this fact is to advocate massive overbuilding of capacity, on the theory that the wind must be blowing somewhere. Unfortunately, that isnt true:

Advocates of wind turbines often argue that their unreliability can be offset by building even more wind turbines and transmission lines to distant areas because the wind is always blowing somewhere. But last week, electricity generation from wind turbines was low throughout the entire 15 state power grid to which Minnesota belongs, the Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator (MISO), even though electricity demand was very high. The graph below shows data from the United States Energy Information Administration for wind generation in the regional electric grid on an hourly basis from June 24, 2021, through July 5, 2021.

There is, obviously, an enormous difference between the nominal capacity of installed wind turbines and their actual production of electricity. On windy days, they might occasionally produce nearly as much as their rated capacity, but on other days they may produce nothing at all, even across a broad geographic area.

At midnight on June 24, 2021, wind turbines were operating at about 80 percent of their capacity factor, but by 11 am on June 30, 2021, all of the wind turbines in the 15 state regional grid were generating just 0.71 percent of their potential output.

If we were so foolish as to depend on wind for our electricity, we would suffer frequent blackouts no matter how many turbines we pay for. But of course we dont do that. We continue to maintain dispatchable (i.e., reliable) power plantscoal, natural gas and nuclear as well as hydropower. Wind and solar are expensive and irrelevant add-ons to an electric grid that was working perfectly wellbetter, in factbefore they came along.

Isaac Orr concludes:
Who knew that that hottest new thing in the early 21st century would be an old thingthe nation state? Nationalism acquired a foul odor in the 20th century, but ever since Brexit and Trump upset the cosmopolites from Berkeley to Brussels, the idea of nationalism has crept back into favor, at least with many conservatives.

Ive written my own short overview of the issue a couple years ago now, but was delighted to spend some time talking with Samuel Goldman of George Washington University about his new book, After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of Division. Sam offers three portals into thinking about the character of American nationalism, and ends up settling on roughly the same answer I dothat a sensible American nationalism is best anchored in the creedal principles of the country, including especially the Constitution and all that has gone into our constitutional traditions. Needless to say, this legacy is under massive attack today.

Sam is the executive director of the John L. Loeb, Jr. Institute for Religious Freedom and director of the Politics & Values Program at George Washington University. His first book, Gods Country: Christian Zionism in America, was published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 2018. In addition to his academic research, Goldman is literary editor of Modern Age: A Conservative Quarterly and a contributing editor at The American Conservative. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications.

So you can listen here, or if you are a rootless cosmopolitan, you can wander over to our hosts at Ricochet. No COVID test required.
Yes, no matter what

Yes, but it depends on variety

No, for medical reasons, uncertainty

No, principle

Vote

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Global food commodity prices fell in June for the first time in 12 months, led by vegetable oils, cereals, and dairy, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has said.

Details of this were highlighted in the FAO Food Price Index report released on Thursday.

The index tracks the international prices of the most commonly traded food commodities.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 124.6 points in June 2021, down 2.5 per cent from May, but still 33.9 per cent higher than its level in the same period last year.

The decline in June marked the first drop in the Index following twelve consecutive monthly increases, it said. The drop in June reflected declines in the prices of vegetable oils, cereals and, to a lesser degree, dairy prices, which more than offset generally higher meat and sugar quotations.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 157.5 points in June, falling by 9.8 per cent from May and marking a four-month low.

The sizable month-on-month drop mainly reflects lower prices of palm, soy, and sunflower oils.

After rising for twelve consecutive months, international palm oil quotations retreated in June, chiefly influenced by prospective seasonal production gains in leading producing countries and a lack of fresh import demand.

Meanwhile, subdued global import demand also exerted downward pressure on soy and sunflower oil prices, it said.

In the case of soy oil, expectations of lower-than-earlier anticipated uptake from biodiesel producers in the United States of America further weighed on prices.

By contrast, international rapeseed oil quotations withstood the downward overall trend in vegetable oil prices, underpinned by prospects of recovering demand in the European Union on easing lockdown measures, the report said.

According to the report, the FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 129.4 points in June, down 2.6 per cent from May but still 33.8 per cent above its June 2020 value.

After reaching their highest level in May since January 2013, international maize prices dropped by 5.0 per cent in June, yet remained over 72 per cent higher than in the same period last year.

Maize prices in Argentina fell with increased supplies from recent harvests as a result of higher-than-earlier expected yields.

Despite drought damage, ongoing harvests also put downward pressure on maize prices in Brazil.

In the United States of America, maize prices fell towards the end of the month as rainfall improved crop conditions in some areas.

Among other coarse grains, international barley and sorghum prices also softened in June, falling by 2.2 per cent and 4.9 per cent, respectively.

International wheat prices declined slightly (by 0.8 per cent) in June, but remained above last years values by over 31 per cent, it said.

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It said a favourable global outlook supported by improved production prospects in many key producers outweighed upward pressure from dry conditions affecting crops in North America. International rice prices also fell in June, hitting fifteen-month lows, as high freight costs and container shortages continued to limit export sales.

In the report, the FAO Dairy Price Index averaged 119.9 points in June, down 1.0 per cent from May, ending twelve months of uninterrupted increases.

At this level, the index value stood 22.0 per cent above its value in the corresponding month last year.

In June, international quotations for all dairy products represented in the index fell, with butter registering the highest drop, underpinned by a fast decline in global import demand and a slight increase in inventories, especially in Europe.

Whole milk powder prices declined on reduced purchases by China and lower demand for spot supplies, while global export availability remained adequate to meet existing orders.

International quotations for cheese and skim milk powder declined slightly also on reduced global import demand amid somewhat higher export supplies from major producing regions, the report said.

The report said the FAO Meat Price Index averaged 109.6 points in June, up 2.1 per cent from its revised value for May, continuing the increases for the ninth consecutive month and placing the index 15.6 per cent above the corresponding month last year, but still, 8.0 per cent below its peak reached in August 2014.

In June, price quotations for all meat types represented in the index rose, primarily underpinned by firm global import demand, as increases in imports by some East Asian countries compensated for a slowdown in Chinas meat purchases, especially of pig meat.

Tightening export supplies also provided price support across all meat products, reflecting multiple factors, including low poultry meat inventories in the United States of America, limited supply of slaughter-ready animals in Brazil and Oceania, and some recovery in food services sales in major exporting countries, it said.

According to the report the FAO Sugar Price Index averaged 107.7 points in June, up slightly by 0.9 per cent from May, marking the third consecutive monthly increase and reaching a new multi-year high.

Forecast

Meanwhile, the FAO said the World cereal inventories are expected to rise for the first time since 2017/18.

It said global cereal production in 2021 has been lowered marginally to 2 817 million tonnes.

The report said that the world cereal utilisation in 2021/22 has been lowered by 15 million tonnes from the previous month to 2 810 million tonnes, nevertheless still 1.5 per cent higher than in 2020/21.
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Nigerian stocks dipped 0.08 per cent on Thursday, its first time in eight days, as the benchmark index came under pressure from enormous sell-offs of large-cap bank equities.

Access, UBA, Guaranty Trust Holding Company and Stanbic IBTC Holdings, four of Nigerias biggest bank by market value led the slide in a retreat that also saw liquidity drop by a fifth.

Market breadth, the barometer for determining the faith of investors in the market, closed negative, with 16 losers reported, relative to 12 advancers. It is probable, however, that that will swing back to positive on Friday if profit-taking efforts in bank stocks cease and the level of interest in other stocks is sustained.

The all-share index shed 31.44 basis points to close at 38,469.87, while market capitalisation edged down to N20.043 trillion.

The index has been down by 4.47 per cent since the start of the year.

TOP FIVE GAINERS

NEM led gainers, appreciating by 10 per cent to close at N2.20. Courteville added up 9.52 per cent to end trade at N0.23. NAHCO advanced by 5.71 per cent to N2.59. Caverton rose to N1.89, notching up 4.42 per cent. Transcorp completed the top 5, climbing up by 4.40 per cent to N0.95.

TOP FIVE LOSERS

Prestige topped the losers chart today, declining by 10 per cent to close at N0.45. Pharma Deko shed 9.70 per cent to end trade at N1.21. UPL fell to N1.52, losing 7.88 per cent. Universal Insurance slumped to N0.56, recording 5.08 per cent depreciation. Mutual Benefits closed at N0.41, going down by 4.65 per cent.

TOP FIVE TRADES

In total, 238.244 million shares valued at N2.582 billion were traded today in 3,927 deals.

Transcorp was the most active stock with 34.438 million of its stocks worth N32.136 million traded in 149 deals. Courteville had 26.368 million shares, priced at N5.892 million, exchange hands in 48 transactions. Zenith traded 23.658 million shares valued at N590.347 million in 353 deals. Fidelity traded 20.448 million shares estimated at N47.420 million in 142 transactions. Chams traded 15.115 million shares valued at N3.023 million in 28 deals.
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Multichoice says it has complied with Nigerian tax laws and will prove that to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, which accused the South African digital television company of tax fraud.

The company said this in a statement Thursday after the FIRS said the DSTV owner had dodged tax and had an outstanding of N1.8 trillion.

The tax body said it has engaged commercial banks to freeze and recover the amount from the bank accounts of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and MultiChoice Africa.

The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Muhammad Nami, said Multichoice and its unit in Nigeria consistently failed to promptly respond to correspondences, lack data integrity and continually deny FIRS access to their records.

Particularly, MCN has avoided giving the FIRS accurate information on the number of its subscribers and income, he said.

The companies are involved in the under-remittance of taxes which necessitated a critical review of the tax-compliance level of the company.

It is important that Nigeria puts a stop to all tax frauds that had been going on for too long and all companies must be held accountable and made to pay their fair share of relevant taxes including back duty taxes owed especially VAT, he said.

In a short statement Thursday, Multichoice said the company had complied with the tax laws of Nigeria. He said the company had not received any notification from the tax office.

We have read the media reports and the statements made by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the statement said.

MultiChoice Nigeria has not received any notification from FIRS. MultiChoice Nigeria respects and is comfortable that it complies with the tax laws of Nigeria.

We have been and are currently in discussion with FIRS regarding their concerns and believe that we will be able to resolve the matter amicably.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has demanded a full and unconditional return of the 1,130 Benin Bronzes that were looted from the African nation in the 19th century and domiciled in German museums.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, made the demand in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, during separate meetings with the German Minister of State for Culture, Monika Grutters, and the German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas.

Reacting to comments by Mr Grutters that Germany was ready to make a substantial return of the 1,130 looted artefacts, Mr Mohammed, who led the Nigerian delegation to the talks, said the return should be whole rather than substantial.

He also said the issue of provenance, which has to do with the place of origin of the artefacts, should not be allowed to unduly delay the repatriation of the art works, adding, That they are known as Benin Bronzes is already a confirmation of their source of origin (which is Benin).

No conditions

Later, at a meeting with the German Foreign Minister, Mr Mohammed, said there should be absolutely no conditions attached to the return of the artefacts, which he described as an idea whose time has come.

Saying there was the need for the parties to commit to definite timelines for the return of the Benin Bronzes, the Minister of Information and Culture said it was necessary to conclude all necessary negotiations in a very short term.

He said the ongoing discussion between Nigeria and Germany on the return of the art works is not just the end of an era but the beginning of a new vista of stronger relations, pivoted by cultural diplomacy, between both countries.

Mr Mohammed thanked the Government of Germany for taking the lead in the global efforts to repatriate all artefacts that were looted from Nigeria and indeed from the African continent.

We see Germany as a leader in the efforts to take practical steps to repatriate our stolen artefacts, and we hope Germany will sustain that lead, he said

The Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, who was also a member of the Nigerian delegation, said a transformational museum is being built in Benin city to house the artefacts upon their return, as part of a new cultural district in the city.

Mr Obaseki said he was attending the talks to demonstrate the strong partnership involving the Federal Government of Nigeria, the (Benin) royal family and the people of Edo State.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tuggar, said the issue of the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes should be seen as an opportunity to take the cooperation between Nigeria and Germany to a greater height.

This is an opportunity that must not be missed. Minor issues should not delay the repatriation, he said, commending the government of Germany for taking the lead in the repatriation process.

Earlier, the German Minister of State for Culture, said the way we deal with the issue of Benin Bronzes is important to addressing our colonial past, describing the issues as a an important personal concern.

She disclosed that the 1,130 artefacts would be returned to Nigeria from the beginning of 2022.

Mr Gutters noted that the fact that Germany has twice sent delegations to Nigeria for talks over the planned repatriation is an indication that both sides have moved beyond mere talks, saying every museum in Germany holding Benin Bronzes have agreed to cooperate.

The Nigerian delegation, which also included the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monument (NCMM), Abba Tijani, and the Benin Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Ezelekhae Ewuare, was later taken on a guided tour of the Humboldt-Forum, a royal palace turned museum in the heart of Berlin that houses art works from around the world.

History

The artefacts are those taken from the Benin Royal Court following the British incursion in 1897. On January 12, 1897, Rear-Admiral Harry Rawson, commander of the Royal Navy forces at the Cape of Good Hope and West Coast of Africa Station was appointed by the Admiralty to lead a force to invade the Kingdom of Benin, capture the Benin Oba and destroy Benin City.

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The operation was named the Benin Punitive Expedition.

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About 40 per cent of the art was accessioned to the British Museum, while other works were given to individual members of the armed forces as spoils of war, and the remainder was sold at auction by the Admiralty. Most of the Benin Bronzes sold at auction were purchased by museums, mainly in Germany.

The Benin art was copied and the style integrated into the art of many European artists and thus had a strong influence on the early formation of modernism in Europe.

Several aspects of the expeditions have been featured in Nigerian movies like The Mask (1979), starring Eddie Ugbomah; and Invasion 1897 (2014), directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen.
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The National Art Theatre workers have debunked an online publication that claimed that they accused the management of the theatre of looting.

They said that the publication with the caption National Theatre workers accuse top management staff of looting, selling government properties, was deceptive.

The workers made the denial in a communique they issued at the end of a meeting they held over the publication.

The publication is one-sided and does not represent the interest and opinion of the staffers of the National Theatre. The entire workers of the National Theatre wish to distance themselves from the publication in view of the fact that the publication is nothing but a fallacy. It is a figment of the writers imagination, their communique read.

Rebuttal

The workers described the publication as false and malicious.

They said that they had enjoyed industrial harmony and mutually beneficial industrial relations practises since the assumption of office by Sunday Ododo, as the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the government establishment.

Our Treasury Single Account remittance has improved tremendously over and above what it used to be since the new management came on board in spite of the ongoing renovation of the complex.

The staff and management of National Theatre will not tolerate any form of sponsored publication aimed at tarnishing the good image of the workers, the management and the general manager in the eyes of the public, they said.

They also said that the National Art Theatre did not cause indiscriminate parking by tanker drivers at the theatre.

The workers said that the management of National Art Theatre had leased a place for tankers to be a parking lot.

The land is around the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), they said.

The workers also added that they did not kick against the renovation of the National Art Theatre as claimed by the publication.

They then urged the general public to disregard the anonymous publication, which they said, lacked merit and did not conform to reality.

They held the meeting on the platform of Joint Union Congress (JUC), National Theatre Chapter. The JUC is made up of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and Radio Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU).

The communique, made available to NAN on Saturday, was signed by Ogechi Ibeto and Collins Olawuiye, Chairperson and Secretary, respectively, AUPCTRE, National Art Theatre Chapter; and Augustine Agada and Habib Usman, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, RATTAWU, National Theatre Chapter.

(NAN)
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A popular Yoruba actress, Motilola Adekunle, has revealed the reason she decided to end her union which lasted 10 years.

Ms Adekunle, who is famous for her role in Kunle Afods 2014 movie, Imo, inferred that her marriage to her Air force officer husband, was dissolved due to irreconcilable differences.

Adekunle, who bagged her debut move role in the movie Bashorun Gaa by Adebayo Faleti, revealed this in a pensive Instagram post which took many especially her fans, by surprise.

Divorce rumours trailed the actress in 2015 after her wedding and engagement ring was noticeably missing when she was spotted at several shows and events.

The stylish actress shut down the viral reports at the time.

Adekunle, who also said they are parting ways on good terms, also said It feels very odd that I have to share this kind of news with everyone as I am a staunch believer in the marriage institution.

Her statement read: But the decision to share is a consequence of my belief in being transparent and not giving room to rumours or unverified speculations.

After years of marriage, we have come to the hard but pragmatic realisation and conclusion that we are much better apart.

Let me dispel any rumors that might emerge about the split. Its very simple: It just didnt work out.

There is no anger involved. Difficult? Absolutely. But it is the best decision in the circumstances.

Privacy

The Ondo-born actress, who has been in the industry since 2000, also asked that the now-estranged family of four should be accorded privacy over the issue.

Let me reiterate that we are parents first and foremost, to two incredibly wonderful children and we ask for their (and our) space and privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

We have always conducted our relationship privately, and we hope that as we consciously uncouple and coparent, we will be able to continue in the same manner.

She met her husband, who is an Air Force officer, during her service year in Kaduna in 2008.

The marriage produced two children.

She has featured in numerous Yoruba movies including,  Onikaluku, Mirage, Ariwo Oja, Adaaba and Apo.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, granted N200 million bail to Dibu Ojerinde, a former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who is being prosecuted on fraud charges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) had charged Mr Ojerinde with 18 counts of fraud.

In the case marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/97/21, ICPC accused the former chief executive officer of committing the offences while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO) at different times.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Earlier on Tuesday, the judge, Obiora Egwuatu, refused to entertain the defence teams oral bail application and ordered his remand till Thursday.

The defence subsequently filed a written bail application which was opposed by the prosecution through a written address with counter-affidavit.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how prison authorities produced Mr Ojerinde late for the bail hearing on Thursday with the judge having to warn ICPC against delays in the matter.

After listening to the parties arguments, eventually, the judge granted the bail application.

Bail conditions

Putting the bail bond at N200million, Mr Egwuatu ordered Mr Ojerinde to produce two sureties one of whom must be a professor in a federal university, as part of the bail conditions.

The judge also ruled that the professor surety must provide documented evidence of professorship, letter of appointment, and staff identity card.

He also said the other surety must own a landed property in Abuja worth the bail sum, and must be verified by the court registrar.

The judge, who ruled that the sureties must produce the evidence of three years tax clearance, ordered that the certified true copy of the defendants travel documents being held by a court in Minna, Niger State, should be brought.

Why ICPC opposed bail

Earlier, defence lawyer, Peter Olorunnisola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, informed the court the court he filed a bail application for his client on June 29.

He said that the defence also filed processes on July 7 in response to the counter affidavit of the prosecution.

Mr Olorunnisola urged the court to grant his client bail in line with section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Section 35(1) of the Nigerian constitution.

ICPCs lawyer, Ebenezer Shogunle, opposed the bail application claiming that Mr Ojerinde breached the conditions of the administrative bail granted him prior his arraignment in court.

Asked by the judge to describe how Mr Ojerinde violated the bail conditions, Mr Shogunle said that after he was granted the bail, he promised to produce some of the suspects listed for investigations, some of whom were members of his (Ojerindes) family, but failed to do so.

So how does that amount to breaching the administrative bail? the judge queried.

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Responding, Mr Shogunle said if granted bail, the defendant would interfere with the investigation as well as intimidate witnesses.

But the defence lawyer, Mr Olorunnisola, who countered him, said granting bail was at the discretion of the court.

The senior lawyer further argued that the anti-graft agency had already concluded its investigation, therefore, keeping him in detention endlessly would not be in the interest of justice.

How ICPCs objection was dismissed

Delivering his ruling, the trial judge, Mr Egwuatu, held that there was no evidence before the court to prove that the defendant jumped administrative bail, interfered with investigations, or intimidated witnesses.

He added that the prosecution had already concluded its investigation of the matter.

Granting the bail application, the judge said the issue of bail is a matter of the courts discretion.

He adjourned the matter till July 22 and 23 for trial.

(NAN).
After a 20-year journey, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) on Thursday crossed a major landmark as the two chambers of the National Assembly considered the reports of their respective committees on the bill.

The beginning of the bill could be traced to the Oil and Gas Reforms Committee (OGRC) constituted by former President Olusegun Obasanjos administration. The report of the committee formed parts of the bill which was first introduced to the National Assembly by former President Umar YarAduas administration in 2008.

Mr YarAdua had constituted a committee on the implementation of the OGRC report. A subcommittee chaired by Yinka Omorogbe drafted the bill but that particular bill was marred by controversy. Segun Adeniyi, the spokesperson of the late president, detailed some of the controversies that bedevilled the bill in his book: Power, Politics and Death.

One of the controversies was the sponsorship of some senators to a seminar in Ghana by the Oil Producer Traders Section (OPTS). Eleven senators attended the seminar. According to the book, the bill languished in the 6th Assembly without making any headway.

It was again reintroduced in 2012 by former President Goodluck Jonathans administration. It was passed by the House, just a few days to the end of that administration, but the Senate failed to pass the bill.

In the 8th Assembly, lawmakers decided to introduce the PIB in parts. The bill was broken down into the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill, Host Communities Entitlement and Protection Bill and the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill.

Several lawmakers introduced different versions of the bills, but the PIGB sponsored by Tayo Alasoadura and Pally Iriase, was the version passed by both chambers and harmonised. The bill was transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari but he rejected it.

Although the two chambers reconsidered and passed the bill again, it was still not assented to by Mr Buhari, until that House adjourned sine die.

The Present bill

Unlike in the 8th Assembly, this bill is an Executive Bill. The bill was sent to the National Assembly in September 2020.

Breakdown of the bill

The bill can be divided into fiscal, administration, governance and institutions, and host communities components.

Under governance, the bill seeks to establish Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, which will be responsible for regulating the upstream sector. The commissions functions are divided into technical and commercial functions.

The commission will be headed by a chief executive officer, who will be nominated by the president and subject to the approval of the Senate. This commission will be taking over the functions of the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Petroleum Inspectorate.

The original bill proposed first line charge funding for the commission but the House deleted the provision. Furthermore, the commission will also have a special investigative unit to carry its regulations.

Frontier Exploration Fund: 30 per cent of NNPC Limited profit

The bill is seeking the establishment of a fund for the exploration of unassigned frontier basins. The bill proposed 10 per cent of rents on petroleum prospecting licences and petroleum mining lease, however, the committee on PIB proposed 10 per cent of rents on petroleum prospecting licences, 10 per cent rents on prospective mining lease and 30 per cent of NNPC Limiteds oil and gas profit and the recommendation was adopted.

The funds are to be used for the exploration of some of the basins across the country. Some of the basins are the Benue Trough, Chad Basin and Sokoto Basin.

Part IV of the bill is proposing Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority. As the name implies, it will regulate the midstream and downstream sectors, replacing the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and other regulators in the downstream and midstream.

Midstream Infrastructure Development fund

The midstream authority will be responsible for administering a midstream infrastructure development fund. Section 33(y) of the bills is proposing the fund which will be funded by fines from gas flaring in the downstream sector.

33(y) reads that Any other matters as may be determined by the authority pursuant to this bill which includes the imposition of gas flare penalty arising from midstream operations which shall be for the credit of the midstream gas infrastructure fund, and shall be utilised for midstream gas infrastructure investment within the host community of a designated facility.

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The provision of this section was opposed by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who argued that the money is a penalty for bad behaviour and should be invested in the region, not to be invested in midstream infrastructure.

We dont want it invested in midstream gas infrastructure. This is a penalty. Gas flaring is harming people. We want the penalty to be used for remediation, investment and development in the communities, he said.

What happens to NNPC?

The bill is seeking to create an entity called the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, a corporate entity incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. This must be done six months after the commencement of this bill by the Minister of Petroleum.

Section 53(3) provides that the ownership of all shares in the incorporated NNPC shall be vested with the government, and the Ministries of Finance and Petroleum shall hold the shares on behalf of the government. The shares are not transferable.

Sections 53 (7,8) provides that NNPC Limited must operate as an efficient profit-making entity, declare dividends and also pay all fees, rents, royalties, profit oil share taxes and other requirements on any lease or licence.

All assets, interests and liabilities of NNPC are to be transferred to NNPC Limited within 18 months of incorporation. At the end of the transfer, NNPC shall cease to exist. The government is to take over all interests, liabilities and asset not transferred to NNPC limited. Sections 55 and 56 provide the process of managing the transition.

Employees of NNPC

Section 57 provides that all employees of NNPC are to be deemed employees of NNPC Limited as soon as the latter is incorporated. Their conditions and terms must not be less favourable than when they were in the NNPC.

Its CEO and board will still be appointed by the president. However, this is to change when the government is owning part of the corporation, not whole. The appointment of the board will be done by shareholders.

As part of its responsibilities, NNPC Limited will manage all petroleum sharing contracts on behalf of the government, lift and sell royalty and tax oil on behalf of the commission and will be vested with the right to natural gas under the production sharing contracts entered into, prior to the commencement of the bill.

Host communities

This section has been the most contentious part of the bill. At the House of Representatives public hearing, different factions of the association of host communities engaged in a brawl to determine the right representative.

For people in the oil-producing area, the question of funding of the host communities development was the most important issue. The draft PIB proposed 2.5 per cent of the operating expenditure of the Settlor (operator of an oil licence) to fund development in the area.

However, the House Committee on PIB recommended 5 per cent which was adopted by the House. The Senate proposed the same but Sani Kaita (APC, Katsina) moved an amendment for it to be reduced to 3 per cent. This amendment will have to be harmonised at the joint committee of the National Assembly.

Mr Monguno had told Journalists that the committee will insist on the 5 per cent that the House adopted for the host community.

Clause 240 (1) proposes that Each settlor, where applicable through the operator, shall make an annual contribution to the applicable host community development trust fund an amount equal to 2.5 per cent of its annual operating expenditure in the immediately preceding calendar year in respect of all operations affecting the host communities for which applicable host community development trust was established.

However, some stakeholders from the regions want a 10 per cent equity share in the lease or licence to operators. During the public hearing by the Senate joint committee, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, described the 2.5 per cent Opex as fair during his presentation on the bill.

The 2.5 per cent as proposed in the PIB is fair and of course, I speak as a member of a host community. But if you have to look at it properly, you will see that 10 per cent of profit is different from 10 per cent of operating expenditure.

Before now, you had a provision of 10 per cent of profit and profit means that if I dont declare it, you dont have anything, he stated.

Summary of the Host communities component in the bill

The bill provides that each settlor must set up a development trust fund and appoint a Board of Trustee which must apply to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register the trust as a Host Communities Development Trust.

Clause 236 of the bill gives the time frame for the registration of a trust fund for oil asset. For existing leases and existing designated facilities, the period for setting up the fund is within 12 months of the bill coming into effect.

Existing prospective licences must set up the Fund before application for the field development plan. And failure to comply with setting up of the trust fund in line with the Act, a holder risks revocation of the applicable licence.

The licensed operator will determine the membership of the board, subject to the approval of the regulator, and each member can serve for a period of four years and can be re-appointed for another four years and no more.

Clause 242 gives the licence holder the powers to determine the procedure of meeting, discipline, qualification remuneration, suspension and removal of members of the board of trustees. Furthermore, board members may not necessarily be from the host community.

The board will have the power to set up a management committee for the host community. Each community will have a representative as a non-executive member, while the board will appoint Nigerians of high integrity and professional standing, who may not necessarily be from the host communities.

The management will run the day-to-day activities of the Trust and have the power to nominate a trust manager for the fund, subject to the approval of the board of trustees.

Revenue/expenditure

Asides the five/three per cent operating expenditure, the host community can also take grants, donations, gifts, honoraria and profits and interest from the investment.

For expenditure, 75 per cent of the fund will go into capital expenditure, 20 per cent reserve funds will be invested by the Trust manager and 5 per cent for running cost of the Trust.

Clause 256 exempts the Host Communities Development Trust from tax. Also, Clause 257 provides that in the event of vandalism, the host community trust will forfeit its entitlement to the extent of the repairs of the damages to oil asset within their domain.

Wherein any year, an act of vandalism, sabotage, or other civil unrest occurs that causes damage to petroleum and designated facilities or disrupts production activities within the host community shall forfeit its entitlement to the extent of the cost of repairs of the damage that resulted from the activity with respect to the provisions of this Act within a financial year, provided that the interruption is not caused by technical or natural cause, Clauses 257 reads.

Fiscal framework

This is the component the International Oil Companies expressed the most concerns about. The part provides the framework on laws governing taxation, royalties, rents and other incentives. The IOCs under the OTPS had at the hearing expressed reservations on the tax regime, describing it as globally uncompetitive.

Total Nigeria had described the fiscal regime proposed in the new bill as globally uncompetitive, warning that it would hurt several deep offshore investments in the country.

Mike Sangster, the Chief Executive Officer of Total Nigeria, had presented the position of the oil companies under the cluster of Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) at the hearing. His position was adopted by other oil giants.

The investments made by Total and OML 130 partners will be excessively penalised by the new PIB as drafted today, particularly the recent Egina project which has been in production for around two years. The proposed changes in the fiscal framework undermine our investment in Nigeria and are unfair and contrary to the spirit of the contract between the FGN and the Egina investor group. Moreover, the bill will endanger the viability of further developments on the block, Mr Sangster had said at the House hearing in January.

Perhaps as a way of compromise, the House committee heavily amended this part of the bill as against what the Executive proposed. Several sections were deleted by the lawmakers.

A total of 107 amendments were made in this section. For instance, section 267 provides the guideline for chargeable tax.

The government proposed the following; 42.5% of the profit from crude oil for onshore areas for petroleum mining Leases selected pursuant to sections 93(6)(b) and 93(7)(b) of this Act;

(b) 37.5% of the profit from crude oil for shallow water areas for petroleum mining leases selected pursuant to sections 93(6)(b) and 93(7)(b) of this Act.

For the 42.5 per cent tax for onshore area mining lease and licence, the committee reduced it to 30 per cent, while 15 per cent was adopted for a prospecting mining lease in shallow water.

Others in the section were deleted by the committee, including the deep offshore tax regime. It would be recalled that Mr Sangster had in January said the bill in its current form will discourage investment in the deep offshore, including the Egina project.

Speaking on the fiscal regime, a member of the ad hoc committee, Kingsley Chima, said the lawmakers resolved to give incentives for investors to continue to invest in the sector.

To encourage the investors to participate in the oil and gas sector, the National Assembly has a right, in consultation with experts, to do away with such sections. I dont see it as a compromise, what we tried to do is to make the best law that will meet international standard. Let me tell you why the National Assembly is so much in a hurry to pass this bill.

You may be well informed that almost all the countries in Africa today are finding oil in commercial quantity. If we are not in a hurry to provide an enabling environment and good governance arrangement, by way of law to encourage investors, we may end up keeping our oil like we have our coal today. We have coal in Enugu, Benue, Kogi and other places, who is going to buy coal? We are trying to use this law to encourage IOCs and other investors.

According to Mr Chima, the lawmakers made the amendments in consultation with experts and the Executive.

The two chambers still have to harmonise the two versions, while the country waits to see the position of President Buhari on the bill.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has engaged some commercial banks as agents to freeze and recover N1.8 trillion from accounts of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited And MultiChoice Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by Abdullahi Ahmad, Director, Communications and Liaison Department of FIRS in Abuja on Thursday.

Multichoice is the owner of the satellite television, DSTV, a popular subscription-based platform in Nigeria.

The FIRS explained that the decision to appoint the banks as agents and to freeze the accounts was as a result of the groups continued refusal to grant FIRS access to their servers for audit.

The service said it discovered that the companies persistently breached all agreements and undertakings with the Service.

The Executive Chairman FIRS, Muhammad Nami, was quoted as saying, the companies would not promptly respond to correspondences, they lacked data integrity and are not transparent as they continually deny FIRS access to their records.

Particularly, MCN has avoided giving the FIRS accurate information on the number of its subscribers and income.

The companies are involved in the under-remittance of taxes which necessitated a critical review of the tax-compliance level of the company, Mr Nami stated.

The service added that the groups performance did not reflect in their tax obligations and compliance level in the country.

The FIRS further noted that the level of non-compliance by Multi-Choice Africa (MCA), the parent Company MCN was very alarming adding that the parent company, which provided services to MCN had never paid Value Added Tax (VAT) since its inception.

The issue with Tax collection in Nigeria, especially from foreign-based Companies conducting businesses in Nigeria and making massive profits is frustrating and infuriating to the FIRS.

Regrettably, Companies come into Nigeria just to infringe on our tax laws by indulging in tax evasion. There is no doubt that broadcasting, telecommunications and the cable-satellite industries have changed the face of communication in Nigeria.

However, when it comes to tax compliance, some companies are found wanting. They do with impunity in Nigeria what they dare not try in their countries of origin, he said.

The chairman stated that Nigeria contributed 34 per cent of total revenue for the Multi-Choice group, and the next to Nigeria is Kenya with 11 per cent and Zambia in third place with 10 per cent.

According to him, the rest African countries where they have presence account for 45 per cent of the groups total revenue.

Information currently at the disposal of FIRS has revealed a tax liability for relevant years of assessment for 1.8 trillion and 342.5 million dollars.

FIRS is empowered in Section 49 of the Companies Income Tax Act Cap C21 LFN 2004 as amended, Section 41 of the Value Added Tax Act Cap V1 LFN 2004 as amended and Section 31 of the FIRS (Establishment) Act No. 13 of 2007.

With these relevant sections all bankers to MCA and MCN in Nigeria are therefore appointed as Collecting Agents for the full recovery of the aforesaid tax debt.

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In this regard, the affected banks are required to sweep balances in each of the above-mentioned entities accounts and pay the same in full or part settlement of the companies respective tax debts until full recovery.

This should be done before the execution of any transaction involving the companies or any of their subsidiaries. It is further requested that the FIRS be informed of any transactions before execution on the account, especially transfers of funds to any of their subsidiaries.

It is important that Nigeria puts a stop to all tax frauds that had been going on for too long and all companies must be held accountable and made to pay their fair share of relevant taxes including back duty taxes owed especially VAT, he said. (NAN)
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The Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the screening of Lauretta Onochie for the position of national commissioner for INEC.

Ms Onochie, a Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in October last year.

The committee is also screening four other nominees appointed by the president. They are Kunle Cornelius, Saidu Ahmad, Sani Adam and Baba Bila.

The screening exercise, already underway, is being chaired by Kabiru Gaya.

The nominees are being screened one after the other. Messrs Sani and Cornelius have been screened while the other nominees, including Ms Onochie, await their turns.

On the agenda, Ms Onochie was listed as the last nominee to be screened.

She was appointed by the president to represent Delta State  an appointment which had triggered outrage among Nigerians as many described it as unconstitutional.

The president, in a letter to the Senate, sought the lawmakers confirmation.

Many have called on the president to withdraw the nomination on grounds that Ms Onochie is partisan and so it would be undemocratic for her to be appointed into such an office.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, had on June 9, directed the Senates INEC committee to screen Ms Onochie and five other nominees.

The Senate spokesperson, Aibola Basiru, had said Nigerians, who feel Lauretta Onochie is not qualified to be INEC commissioner, should write a petition to the Senate panel.

Many civic groups including Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism and YIAGA Africa have written a petition to the Senate opposing Ms Onochies appointment.

The PDP had also protested against the move.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how her appointment violates Section 14(2a) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution as amended which states that a member of the commission shall be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity.

More details later
The Personal Assistant to the President on New Media, Lauretta Onochie, has claimed she is not partisan. Well, not anymore.

Ms Onochie, who said she is out of politics, described herself as Madam Due Process.

She stated this on Thursday when she appeared before the Senate Committee on INEC to be screened for the position of national commissioner for the electoral umpire.

Ms Onochie, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2020 as an INEC commissioner to represent Delta State  an appointment which triggered outrage among Nigerians as many described it as unconstitutional.

The president, in a letter to the Senate, sought the lawmakers confirmation.

Many have asked the president to withdraw the nomination on grounds that Ms Onochie is partisan and so it would be undemocratic for her to be appointed into such an office.

Civic groups including Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism and YIAGA Africa jointly wrote the Senate opposing Ms Onochies appointment.

The PDP also protested against the move.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how her appointment violates Section 14(2a) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution as amended which states that a member of the commission shall be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity.

But the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on June 9, directed the Senates INEC committee to screen Ms Onochie and four other nominees.

The Screening

The committee, chaired by Kabiru Gaya (APC Kano), commenced the screening of Ms Onochie and the other nominees on Wednesday. The nominees are Kunle Cornelius, Saidu Ahmad, Sani Adam and Baba Bila.

During their screening, other nominees spoke on their goals for the new position, their integrity as well as their being non-partisan.

On the agenda, Ms Onochie was listed as the last nominee to be screened. And when it was her turn, almost all the panel members questioned her integrity and partisanship.

The lawmakers referred to petitions and documents that showed she is partisan. This includes an affidavit she signed affirming her membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In her response, she said the petitions against her nomination are because she follows due process.

I have seen the petitions against me but I stand for justice and fairness. Thus nobody has anything to fear. I am Madam Due Process and this is the reason behind my attacks, because I follow the law and due process.

I have no partisanship bone in my body until I was invited to come and work with President Muhammadu Buhari, she said.

A member of the panel, Seriake Dickson, stated that Ms Onochies appointment would be less problematic if she was nominated to be in the presidents cabinet.

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He also noted that INEC already has a national commissioner from Delta State, from where Ms Onochie hails. He asked her to justify why she should be confirmed.

Since Buhari was elected as president for the second term, I have removed myself from everything politics. Since 2019, I dont have anything to do with politics. As I am sitting down here, I am not a member of any political party in this country, was her response.

She also explained that the INEC commissioner currently representing Delta State, Ms Agbamuche Mdu, represents Cross-River State because she married someone from Cross River and so she is not representing Delta state.

More grilling

A dissatisfied Ike Ekweremadu, a former deputy senate president, said he knows that Ms Onochie does everything to support the president. He also expressed worry about the concerns raised by CSOs in different petitions to the Senate calling for the rejection of her nomination.

He also referred to a letter written by Ms Onochie to the committee chairman in July where she said in paragraph five that a register was opened and we all put our name as members of the Buhari support organization.

Mr Ekweremadu did not give full details of the letter.

He, however, urged Ms Onochie to emulate former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and reject the nomination to protect the integrity of the president.

Ms Adeosun had resigned as a minister after a PREMIUM TIMES report exposed her for presenting a forged NYSC exemption certificate to Nigerin authorities as part of her credentials.

Next was Plateau senator, Istifanus Gyang, who produced a court affidavit where Ms Onochie swore to being involved in politics and also being a member of the APC. But again, Ms Onochie insisted that she removed herself from politics in 2019.

She admitted to working with Mr Buhari but has stopped anything related to politics since 2019.

I swore an affidavit saying Im involved in politics and a member of APC when I just returned to the country, she said.

Those on the other side

Then there were senators Yahaya Gumau (Bauchi South) and Bamidele Opeyemi (Ekiti North) who saw no reason Ms Onochies past should be used against her.

Mr Gumau stated that all the allegations against Ms Onochie are based on sentiments.

While Mr Bamidele argued that the current INEC Chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu, had worked for Mr Buhari in different capacities in the past and it did not count against him. Thus working for President Buhari should not account against Ms Onochie, he said.

The committee is expected to present their report to the Senate on another legislative day. The report will contain recommendations either confirming or rejecting the appointments of Ms Onochie and the other nominees.
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Residents of Unguwan Gimbiya in Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna State on Thursday narrated their horror as bandits attacked their community and kidnapped many people.

Among the victims kidnapped in the attack that began at 11 p.m. on Wednesday

were a landlord and his tenants.

According to a resident, the bandits announced their arrival in the community by shooting sporadically into the air to scare the residents.

The bandits broke walls to gain access to houses. They Kidnapped tenants and house owners, Eunice Kasu, a resident of the area, told our reporter.

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The whole community is in total disarray now. We are all afraid and tired. Three days after the jidnapping of Bethel Baptist Secondary School students, we witnessed another big kidnapping.

Other residents narrated similar ordeals.

On Thursday, residents of the area held a protest march, calling on the state government to provide security to the people of the area

The protesters blocked the Sabon Tasha road that leads to the Kaduna metropolis.

The police spokesperson in the state, Muhammed Jalige, did not respond to messages sent to him as of the time of writing this report.

Also the states commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, did not answer calls made to his phone.

Earlier in the week, over 100 students of Bethel Baptist Secondary School were kidnapped in Kaduna.

The police said 26 of the students have been rescued but the others remain in the captivity of the bandits.

Many other students abducted from schools in Kaduna as well as in Niger and Kebbi States are also being held by their captors.

The state governments have vowed not to pay ransom but have also failed to devise measures to safeguard schools against raids by bandits and to free kidnapped pupils.
The Nigerian government has said a case of the dangerous delta variant has been recorded in a traveller in the country.

A statement issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday night, noted that the development raises a grave concern.

About Delta Variant

Tagged SARS-CoV-2, and also known as lineage B.1.617.2., the delta variant has been described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the most transmissible variant.

According to the global body, the variant is responsible for the spike in about 98 countries across the world where it has been reported.

Speaking on June 26 on the variant, the WHOs director-general, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said a surge in cases translates to more hospitalisations, which he noted has continued to stretch healthcare workers and health systems while putting more at risk of death.

Mr Ghebreyesus acknowledged that new variants were expected, saying thats what viruses do, they evolve. He said that by preventing transmission, we can stem the emergence of variants.

Its quite simple: more transmission, more variants. Less transmission, less variants, he said, noting that it is even more urgent today to prevent transmission by consistently using public health and social measures along with vaccines.

The Nigerias disease centre said it is not yet confirmed how the new variant reacts to the vaccines in circulation.

Delta variant in Nigeria

In its statement on Thursday night, the NCDC authorities said it was able to identify the variant through the countrys concerted efforts to combat the spread of the pandemic in the country.

The statement by the NCDC said it was recorded in a traveller to Nigeria at its national reference laboratory in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The statement reads in full:

08 July 2021 | Abuja  Confirmed Case of Delta Variant Detected in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has detected a confirmed case with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2. The variant was detected in a traveler to Nigeria, following the routine travel test required of all international travelers and genomic sequencing at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.

The Delta variant is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant of concern, given its increased transmissibility. The variant has been detected in over 90 countries and is expected to spread to more countries. The variant has also been linked to a surge in cases in countries where it is the dominant strain in circulation. There are ongoing studies to understand the impact of the variant on existing vaccines and therapeutics.

As part of Nigerias COVID-19 response, NCDC has been working with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), African Centre for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), and other laboratories within the national network, to carry out genomic sequencing. This is to enable the detection of variants of concern, and initiate response activities. All data on variants from Nigeria have been published on GISAID, a global mechanism for sharing sequencing data. Given the global risk of spread of the Delta variant, positive samples from international travelers to Nigeria are sequenced regularly.

The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) has initiated several measures to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. This includes the introduction of travel restrictions from countries where there is a surge in cases associated with widespread prevalence of variants of concern. The national travel protocol which includes compulsory seven-day self-isolation and repeat test on the seventh day after arrival, are in place to reduce the risk of spread of the virus. It is very important that this is strictly adhered to, to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria.

Given the high transmissibility of the Delta variant and following its detection in Nigeria, NCDC urges all Nigerians to ensure strict adherence to public health and social measures in place. Proven public health and social measures such as physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and proper use of face masks, prevent infections and save lives. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and offers protection against the disease.

Additionally, states are urged to ensure sample collection and testing for COVID-19 is accessible to the public. Public settings such as schools with accommodation facilities, workplaces and camps should utilise the approved Antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for rapid testing of their population.

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According to the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Although we have seen a low number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria in the last eight weeks, it is incredibly important that we do not forget to be careful. The surge in cases in countries across the world and Africa is an important reminder of the risk we face. Please protect yourselves and the people you love by adhering to the known public health and social measures, getting vaccinated if you are eligible and getting tested if you have symptoms.

The recommended control measures to limit the spread of the Delta variant continue to be testing, following the existing public health guidance and abiding by the current travel and public restrictions.
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A coalition of civil society groups has criticised the decision of federal lawmakers to include in the newly-passed Petroleum Industry Bill a clause punishing host communities in the events of pipeline vandalisation.

The Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa stated their position in a joint statement on Wednesday.

After years of stalling, the Senate and House of Representatives, last week, passed the PIB which proposed that host communities be held responsible pipeline vandalisation in their domains.

According to the Bill, wherein any year, an act of vandalism, sabotage or other civil unrest occurs that causes damage to petroleum and designated facilities or disrupts production activities within the host community, the community shall forfeit its entitlement to the extent of the costs of repairs of the damage that resulted from the activity with respect to the provisions of this Act within that financial year. Provided the interruption is not caused by technical or natural cause.

Although civil society organisations and host communities raised concerns about that section of the bill, it was, nonetheless, passed by the lawmakers.

As you are probably aware, oil theft is the major reason for puncturing oil pipelines. This illicit activity is carried out mainly by armed cartels(and not poor community people), suspected to be working in close collaboration with oil company officials and the military stationed in those communities to protect oil installations, the groups said in the statement issued during a press conference in Lagos.

Placing the responsibility of protecting oil installations from armed gangs on unarmed communities is simply an unrealistic expectation. Again, this proposal stems directly from the erroneous view which has been peddled by oil companies that communities are responsible for sabotage on pipelines and oil theft.

However, these are views that have been debunked by the NNPC and even the United Nations Environment Programme.

Attempting to criminalise oil-producing communities in this regard is an unfortunate and cunning ploy. If this provision is upheld it could result in consistent denial of benefits which could, in turn, engender regular conflicts. We, therefore, recommend a total deleting of this clause.

The passage of the bill by the National Assembly received commendations as well as condemnations from Nigerians. While the former group argued that it finally drew the curtains on draft legislation that was first introduced into the parliament in 2008 by the then president, the late Umar YarAdua; the latter group criticised several sections of the bill.

On Monday, governors in Nigerias southern states rejected the three percent share for host communities proposed in the bill, choosing to back the five percent share proposed in one of the earlier drafts of the bill.

A former minister and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Edwin Clark, described the bill as satanic.

The civil society groups at Wednesdays press conference condemned the section of the bill which gives oil companies power to nominate all members of the Board of Trustees of a petroleum host community development trust with only an obligation to consult host communities.

The trust is a framework for the transfer of development benefits to petroleum host communities.

The groups described it as a clear indication that the PIB intends to continue the historical treatment of host communities as oil colonies under the control of profiteering companies.

It also indicates that the government still holds the erroneous and unfortunate view that communities, where crude oil is extracted from, do not have the capacity to direct their affairs. This is not only untrue; it is also insulting.

It is our recommendation that in the harmonization of the PIB, the Host Communities Trust be incorporated and governed by members of each host community. We also recommend that contrary to what is in the PIB currently, the oil companies should not be the ones to determine who is a host community.
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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lucky Irabor, says the Armed Forces is developing new capabilities essential in tackling the security challenges across the country.

Mr Irabo stated this Wednesday night at a dinner held in honour of officers of Senior Course 43 of Command and Staff College Jaji, Kaduna State.

Our involvement in containing asymmetric security threats in the past few years has highlighted the need to acquire new operational capability of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deal with emergent threats.

As you are aware, asymmetric warfare encourages the use of non-traditional military tactics, for which our previous training and operational doctrines, were not well suited.

Accordingly, we are developing new capabilities in intelligence and surveillance, which are critical for staying ahead of terrorists and insurgents, and other criminal elements in the society, he said.

He explained that the Defence Headquarters, as well as the Services, were utilising their Special Forces Units, which had been force multipliers.

He said this approach had proven to be critical in asymmetric warfare because of several unique capabilities it could bring into combat.

The CDS said that to achieve this, curriculum of training within the services of the Armed Forces was constantly reviewed to accommodate new platforms.

He maintained that the involvement of the Armed forces in managing internal crises required a complex interplay of factors that military and security practitioners needed to focus on.

He noted that as the students advanced from junior to middle level commanders, they may be deployed to units and formations in the frontlines, where they would be expected to play roles in operations across the country.

He enjoined them to understand the dynamics of asymmetric warfare, especially in a complex security environment.

He pointed out that a major success determinant in winning asymmetric war, was for the officers to have a thorough understanding of the dynamics that defined the crises, so as to enable them take decisions effectively.

He reminded them of the need to remain apolitical and neutral in taking decisions aimed at addressing emerging security threats.

The defence chief also advised the officers on the need to engage the media, which according to him, is key to the success of their operations, and avoid the misuse of social media.

The CDS enjoined foreign students to maintain close contact with their counterparts, adding that such partnership was needed in tackling global security challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants of Senior Course 43 underwent 11 months training at the College.

NAN also reports that hghlight of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving students and some members of directing staff.(NAN).
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The House of Representatives has asked its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to inspect the Data Centre where registration of farmers is processed.

The House took the resolution following a motion brought by Shehu Koko, a member from Kebbi State.

In his motion, Mr Koko, who represents Maiyama/Koko/Besse federal constituency of the state, said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development did not inform the farmers of the registration and failed to communicate with the state government.

He said the ministry engaged private enumerators for the exercise who also did not inform the Government and people of Kebbi State.

Mr Koko called for an investigation into the ongoing exercise.

After debate on the motion, which was adopted, the House resolved to mandate the committee to inspect the data centre where the registration of farmers is being processed.

Also, the committee was asked to interface with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to ascertain the criterion used to appoint the enumerators that registered the farmers as well as the fertilizer subsidy regime for farmers in Nigeria.

The committee is to report back to the House on Tuesday.

Briefing journalists after the plenary, Mr Koko accused the ministry of peddling fake data in the ongoing farmers registration for the fertilizer subsidy programme.

He said the ministry registered about 95,000 farmers instead of over one million farmers in the state.
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has called for peace following the suspension of six House of Assembly members in the state.

The APC spokesperson in the state, Cajetan Duke, made the call in an interview with reporters in Owerri on Thursday, while reacting to the suspension.

Mr Duke described the Assembly as an independent organ of government.

He called on the suspended lawmakers to desist from acts capable of jeopardising their public image and the legislative House.

He said as law abiding persons, the party would not only respect the independence of the assembly but also align with any decisions taken by its leadership.

APC respects the independence of the House of Assembly and supports any disciplinary measures that make for decorum.

We urge the suspended lawmakers to resolve issues using internal resolution mechanisms, he said.

He said the nature of the suspension was an indication that it was not a case of political witch-hunt against any political party.

Six members of the Imo House of Assembly were suspended by the Speaker, Paul Emeziem, for alleged unparliamentary conduct.

Four of the suspended lawmakers are members of the ruling APC, while the other two are of the Peoples Democratic Party.

NAN reported that the suspension led to a rowdy session as the suspended lawmakers reacted violently.

(NAN)
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By John Allen

Cape Town  South Africas former president, Jacob Zuma, is on his way to hand himself over to prison authorities, his foundation said late Wednesday.

In a statement issued on Twitter minutes before the deadline imposed for his arrest by South Africas highest court, the JG Zuma Foundation announced that President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order issued by the countrys Constitutional Court last week.

He is on his way to hand himself into a Correctional Services Facility in KwaZulu-Natal, the foundation added. A full statement will be issued in due course.

The court ordered Zuma jailed for 15 months for refusing to obey a court order to appear before a commission of inquiry into the high-level government and private sector corruption which flourished during his presidency.

It gave him five days  until last Sunday night  to report to a prison, and ordered police to arrest him within another three days  by midnight South African time on Wednesday  if he failed to hand himself over.

Tensions and uncertainty rose around Zumas homestead at Nkandla in rural KwaZulu-Natal province during Wednesday evening as it appeared he might resist arrest. His lawyers asked the provinces High Court on Monday to suspend the Constitutional Courts order, but that court is expected to issue a decision only on Friday.

Zumas lawyers will also appear before the Constitutional Court next Monday to ask the judges to rescind their order that he be jailed for contempt of court. However, as the countrys apex court, its decision is final in South African law and the grounds on which it can rescind a decision are narrow. Constitutional lawyers rate his chances of success on Monday as slim.

However, it is unlikely that the former president will serve anything close to 15 months. Prisoners usually qualify for a one-third remission of sentence for good behaviour, and a remission of two-thirds can be earned.

In addition, the prison authorities are currently releasing older prisoners early because of the risks of Covid-19 infection. In May, Parliament in Cape Town was told 14,000 prisoners had been released under a special Covid-19 parole scheme. Zuma is 79 and has cited health issues in his bid to keep out of prison.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also has discretion to grant a pardon. While opposition politicians would raise an uproar in this event, such a step would send a clear political signal to those Zuma followers remaining in the governing African National Congress that Ramaphosa is firmly in charge of the party and the country.
Four suspects have been killed and two others arrested after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, police said Wednesday evening.

Three police officers were temporarily captured but have since been released, police chief Leon Charles said in a TV broadcast.

Further details on the manhunt for the assailants were not made public.

Moise was killed in the early hours of Wednesday in a middle-of-the-night attack on his residence near the capital Port-au-Prince.

A group of unidentified people, some speaking Spanish and English, attacked the home and shot Moise dead.

His wife Martine was injured and has been taken to the U.S. city of Miami for treatment, Haitis ambassador to the U.S. Bocchit Edmond told international media.

Haitis embassy in Washington described Moises killing as a well-coordinated attack by a highly trained and heavily armed group.

The embassy called the 53-year-old president, who critics derided as an autocrat, a true statesman  dedicated to progressing our countrys democratic transition and fighting corruption. It said he had died in defence of democracy.

Local media reported that assailants had posed as officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Reports of DEA involvement were absolutely false, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Haiti has been mired in a deep political crisis for years, with protests against Moises rule repeatedly paralysing the country.

He had been ruling the country by decree since his administration failed to hold legislative elections in October 2019.

Haiti has not had a parliament since the start of the new legislative period in January 2020.

It was not immediately clear who would succeed Moise as president, or who was calling the shots in the country.

In a sign of the political chaos even before the assassination, this Monday Moise had appointed Ariel Henry as the seventh prime minister of his term  succeeding Claude Joseph.

But, like Joseph before him, Henry could not be confirmed as head of government due to a lack of quorum in parliament, as Haitis constitution requires.

Joseph has identified himself as acting or interim prime minister.

He is also the countrys foreign affairs minister.

Joseph earlier condemned the assassination as a hateful, inhumane and barbaric act and said security forces had the situation under control and appealed to Haitians to remain calm.

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Democracy and the republic will win, he said.

The Haitian government declared a 15-day state of siege as well as 15 days of mourning, with Joseph signing decrees for both on Wednesday.

The state of siege allows the government to use the military for police duties and restrict civil liberties.

Presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as a constitutional referendum, are scheduled for September 26 in the Caribbean state.

Haiti is considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and is still living with the impact of the catastrophic 2010 earthquake that left some 200,000 people dead.

Moises killing drew condemnation from around the world and worries about the islands stability.

In a statement, U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the heinous act, offered his sincere wishes for First Lady Moises recovery and offered Washingtons support to Haiti.

Joseph spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, both sides announced.

Joseph promised he would have a dialogue with Haitian opposition leaders to maintain peace and to make sure the elections are held according to the agreed timetable.

He also met with what is known as the Core Group of the international community in Haiti, including Germanys ambassador, Josephs office said.

He assured them that through his leadership of the council of ministers, he could guarantee the state would continue to function and that he had the situation under control, his office said in a statement.

Fighting by gangs for control of parts of the capital Port-au-Prince has driven almost 15,000 people to flee since the beginning of June, according to UN figures.

It is an open secret in the former French colony that the gangs have ties to politicians.

Violence also repeatedly emanates from security forces.

Moise was not the first Haitian head of state to be killed in office.

The first ruler of the independent country after the revolution of self-liberated slaves, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, met the same fate in 1806.

Some 4.4 million Haitians, of the population of 11 million, are in need of humanitarian aid.

Furthermore, the number of cases of the coronavirus and deaths has also increased significantly. (dpa/NAN)
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The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, warned the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) its manner of handling the prosecution of Dibu Ojerinde, a former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Obiora Egwuatu gave the warning following the inability of ICPC to produce Mr Ojerinde in court 40 minutes after the case was called.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Ojerinde, who is being prosecuted by the ICPC, is the sole defendant in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/97/21.

The ICPC said that the former chief executive officer allegedly committed multiple frauds, while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO).

NAN also reports that the court had, on July 6, rejected the defendants bail plea after taking his plea on the 18-count charge preferred against him by the anti-corruption commission bordering on abuse of office and fraud to the tune of N5 billion.

The rejection followed the argument of prosecuting counsel, Ebenezer Shogunle, that his application for a temporary bail was unknown to the law.

The court then ordered the former JAMB registrar to be remanded in a correctional centre. He was remanded in Suleja Prison.

Thursdays hearing

When the matter was called on Thursday, Mr Shogunle apologised to the court, that the officers of the Suleja Correctional Centre were yet to bring him to the court due to the distance and the traffic congestion along the road.

He prayed the court to stand down the matter for about 30 minutes or an hour.

Defence lawyer, Peter Olorunnisola, did not oppose the request and the judge stood down the matter for other cases to be heard.

However, after taking other matters scheduled for the day, the judge asked if Mr Ojerinde had been produced, but Mr Shogunle gave a negative answer.

The judge, who was unhappy over the development, said, I dont take this. Maybe if you are not ready to prosecute the matter you should let us know. Court sits by 9 a.m. Let this be the last time you will be doing this.

The judge then rose and entered his chamber.

(NAN)
Except there is a last-minute change, the amended version of the Electoral Act which the National Assembly is poised to pass in the coming days gives tremendous power to electoral officers and less power to the Independent National Electoral Commission even if the former erred in its judgement.

Analysts have said this provision plays into the hands of politicians who have perfected the art of claiming electoral victories either by hook or crook, a euphemism that defines how the nations politicians use corruption, force and violence to snatch victory at the polls, a concern INEC has rallied to address by liaising with the National Assembly through its recommendations to amend the electoral act.

However, despite several recommendations by the commission seeking powers to be able to withhold the certificates of return for candidates declared election winners under duress or due to corruption, the National Assembly has finished paperwork to reject the request, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

The passage of the amended law is one many Nigerians are looking forward to with the hope that it would address the electoral malpractices which are often rife, and all eyes would be on federal lawmakers this week as they brace up to pass the bill.

The Electoral Bill 2021, which aims to repeal the Electoral Act 2010, is seen as a watershed in the nations nascent democractic lifespan. Much to the consternation of a delightful nation, a copy of the final bill obtained by PREMIUM TIMES shows that certain provisions in the bill have been manipulated and is at odds with the version which represents INECs and citizens demands.

A striking example is the removal of INECs power to review results declared under duress or in contravention of electoral laws and guidelines as contained in section 65 of the proposed legislation reviewed by this newspaper.

This has elicited heavy pushback by many Nigerians, including some lawmakers themselves, as well as civil societies.

INEC should be empowered to review results declared under duress so as to reduce the level of electoral malpractices that have become so common in our country, a coalition of womens groups said in a statement Sunday. If the mainstream political parties and candidates are prevented from manipulating election results, smaller parties and women candidates will stand a better chance at winning elections.

Likewise, the chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Falalu Bello, in a statement on Monday, also condemned the provision of the new law saying it would embolden corrupt politicians to buy off returning officers, unchecked.

If this section is left as currently is, politicians in future elections would very likely be even more brazen in either buying off Returning Officers or literally putting guns to their heads to get them to declare fraudulent results while INEC watches helplessly, as was the case in Imo State, the statement read.

Returning officers as pawns

In 2019, while announcing the results for Imo West (Orlu) senatorial district elections, the returning officer for the district, Izuchukwu Ibeabuchi, a professor at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), told journalists that he was detained at the centre for days and coerced by the supporters of Roachas Okorocha to declare the result in favour of Mr Okorocha.

I have been held hostage here for days so Im trying to ease off and take my life home back to my children and for the sake of that I am calling these results under duress, Mr Ibeabuchi said.

Convinced by the account of its official, INEC withheld the certificate of return presented to Mr Okorocha. Displeased, the former Imo State governor pressed charges against the commission.

In the end, an Abuja court ruled against INEC, saying that the electoral body had no such powers to withhold the certificate of return.

In the bid to prevent such a situation in future elections, INEC asked the National Assembly to grant it such powers in the amended electoral act, because the declarations and returns must be made voluntarily and not through duress and other unwholesome practices.

Also in 2019, after INEC discovered that some of its ad-hoc staff colluded with politicians to frustrate the last presidential and National Assembly elections, the commission sacked all its trained collation and returning officers and replaced them with fresh hands a fortnight later.

Meanwhile, a High Court in Akwa-Ibom State sentenced Peter Ogban, a professor of soil science at the University of Calabar who served as the returning officer during the 2019 senatorial election in Akwa Ibom North-West District, to three years in prison and fined N100,000, for election fraud.

He was convicted of fraudulently manipulating election results, publishing and announcing false results at two local government areas  Oruk Anam (where some 5,000 fake votes were added to the votes of the All Progressives Congress) and Etim Ekpo.

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Mr Ogban who is now appealing the verdict had previously told the court how the results of the election were falsified to give the All Progressives Congress (APC) an unfair advantage over its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Before he was eventually sacked by a court order, Godswill Akpabio, now the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, was the APC candidate declared the winner in the election. He was seeking a return to the Senate after he defected from the PDP.

Unwilling National Assembly

Despite these cases of infractions, the National Assembly would not budge to give the INEC headquarters the powers to checkmate unscrupulous officials and politicians.

By failing to give credence to INECs recommendations despite clear evidence of its importance, some observers have said that the federal lawmakers are unwilling to let go of their propensity to compromise electoral processes by disarming politicians from interfering with the electoral process.

Although House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has denied the accusation, the public perceives the decision as ill-intended by federal lawmakers whom some see as corrupt due to the litany of high profile indictments and scandals that have sprung out from the two chambers over the years.

More than this, many members of the public, according to a survey published by the Centre for Democracy and Development, with respondents picked from six selected states from each geopolitical zones and in the FCT, also nurse fears that INECs ad-hoc officials on the field have the proclivity to manipulate election results to suit the ruling party.

In response to the observation,  I feel INEC staff gave undue advantage(s) to agents of the ruling party during the 2019 presidential elections, 59 per cent said No, the highest of whom were respondents from Lagos State (74 per cent) and lowest from Enugu State (44 per cent).

Also, in response to the proposition, INEC staff gave undue advantage(s) to agents of the ruling party during the 2019 governorship elections, about 60 per cent of the respondents answered in the negative (No). The highest negative answer (73 per cent) was from Bauchi State, while and the lowest negative answer (48 per cent) was from Enugu State.

This means that while the majority trusted the conduct of election officials at the state and presidential elections, at least two in every five Nigerians did not have such trust.

That fear, even if less than what was found out in the report, could be doused by not giving absolute powers to the returning officers as contained in the bill before the National Assembly, the director of CDD, Idayat Hassan, said.

The fact that the ad-hoc returning officers, mostly professors from higher institutions, could have allegiance with local politicians and ruling powers make them susceptible to unscrupulous acts, Mrs Hassan noted.

Except their powers to checkmate them lies with the highest authority in INEC, then whatever the National Assembly passes as the electoral act is flawed, she added.

(This report is a collaboration between Premium Times and the Centre for Democracy and Development to help improve the integrity of elections in Nigeria).
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, has said Sunday Igboho, an agitator for a Yoruba nation, is using wrong methods to demand self-determination.

Mr Adams said rather than engage traditional rulers peacefully and get their support, he focused on propaganda.

He made his position known in a video that went viral on social media on Wednesday.

His spokesperson, Kehinde Aderemi, did not respond to calls and text messages seeking clarification on the place and time the video was made.

Mr Adams said Mr Igbohos threat to forcefully reopen the borders and claims that 1,000 policemen would not return if they invaded his house were reckless.

Most of Sunday Igbohos methods are wrong. I told him that his methods are wrong. But God has used him in the agitation for Yoruba Nation. He has played his own role and he will still play more roles. We should not let him be killed or persecuted.

He should caution his talkative followers so that they wont put him into trouble. I told him some time ago that those people surrounding him are agents of a politician in Lagos. I told him it is better to train your trusted soldiers than to hire mercenaries who will later go for the highest bidder.

Dont cause more damage to this freedom fight. Let the elders wade in. Even if any Oba or leader talks against you, dont abuse them. Lets begin to preach our gospel to win more souls. You said you wanted to go and open the borders. That will be the beginning of war. You dont need to say that. It will be counterproductive.

You dont have war materials, you were molesting the Army. You said if 1,000 policemen visited your house, 100 would hardly return safely. You dont need all that. Propaganda should not be too much in self-determination.

The Aare Onakankanfo, however, pleaded with traditional rulers, top politicians and other leaders in the region to ensure that Mr Igboho escapes persecution.

I beg the Ooni of Ife, the Alake of Egba and all other Yoruba leaders. If a son offends his father, the father will forgive him. Let us unite to use another method for our liberation. We are not saying we should adopt Sunday Igbohos method.

As the Aare Onakakanfo, I am begging you. Assuming he and his followers had not insulted me before, you will say that is why Im saying this. But a leader without the spirit of forgiveness is an enemy of God. I beg the governors too.

At this position I am now, I cant be jumping up and down like him. But any statement I issue is more powerful than that in 10 years. I sit on a strategic institution in the entire Yoruba and I must be conscious of my behaviour so that I will not disappoint the institution. The institution has been in existence in the past 500 years. Our youths, lets be coordinated, lets be strategic, he said.

Mr Igboho, while speaking at a meeting with the Yoruba in Diaspora, last February described some prominent Yoruba leaders, including the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, former governor of Lagos, Bola Tinubu; Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde; and Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, as Fulani slaves.

He later sought the forgiveness of Mr Ogunwusi. The Ooni forgave him.

The SSS raided the home of Mr Igboho last Thursday, destroying vehicles, including his G-wagon, Prado Jeep, and some valuable properties including furniture, and windows.

The attack occurred barely 72 hours before the planned rally in Lagos by Mr Igboho and others to further canvas a Yoruba nation.

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The spokesperson of the SSS, Peter Afunaya, who confirmed the raid in a press conference in Abuja said seven AK 47 rifles were recovered, alongside pump action guns and 5,000 rounds of ammunition including other weapons.

He said security operatives recovered the weapons after a hot gun duel between them and Igbohos guards.

The SSS also admitted that two of Igbohos men were killed in the process while a security agent was shot on the right hand and is currently responding to treatment.

Mr Igboho was also declared wanted by the secret police. He has, however, since denied the report on recovered weapons.

Many Nigerians have since then demanded the release of those arrested but they are still in SSS custody.
Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court, Calabar, on July 1, struck out terrorism and cybercrime charges against a Nigerian lawyer, Joseph Odok.

Mr Odok was arrested by the police in September 2019 in Abuja where he had fled to because of the fear for his life. He was brought back to Calabar, Cross River State, by road, arraigned and then taken into Calabar prison.

The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, was said to be behind Mr Odoks travails because of the latters constant criticisms of his administration, but the governor had denied the accusation.

Mr Odoks trial coincided with the arrest and the treason trial of Agba Jalingo, a newspaper publisher and another critic of Governor Ayade.

In 2020 an application by the police to withdraw the charges against Mr Odok was rejected by the court which ruled that it was the attorney-general of the federation, and not the police, that had the power to do so.

More than two years after his arraignment, the case was eventually struck out after the attorney general of Cross River State informed the court that they were no longer interested in prosecuting Mr Odok.

I am not excited (about the striking out of the case) because I knew I was innocent, Mr Odok said on Tuesday, while confirming the development to PREMIUM TIMES.

For those who saw me in the prison custody, I was always smiling.

Apart from his incarceration in Calabar prison, Mr Odok said he spent huge resources traveling regularly from Abuja to Calabar to appear in court for the trial when he was released on bail.

My wife lost her job because when they were trying to arrest me, they infiltrated her office (in Abuja).

In all of these, I am not excited about the court judgement because it ought to have come since. I was not even supposed to sleep in the prison, he said.

The lawyer said he was not going to seek redress because this government is becoming fearful.

Mr Odok, who had also lost his lecturing job at the University of Calabar, said he had realised that Nigeria is not worth dying for.

I am afraid of Nigeria because in all of my ordeals, I went there alone and came back alone. Everybody that I felt was around me left me to dance the dance, so I will just be quiet.

There was an attempt to assassinate me in Calabar.

There was a point I was no longer sleeping because of Nigeria, there was a point I was no longer sleeping because of Cross River, he said.

Mr Odok had been consistent in his political support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buharis administration.

On Governor Ayades defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, Mr Odok said he welcomed the governor to the APC but that he still has problem with him because of his incarceration.

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I have never talked to Ayade since I was born, I have never seen him since I was born. I saw him pass in a convoy once.

I have stopped thinking about Nigeria, now I can sleep well, he said.
The government of Plateau State, North-central Nigeria, has said not less than 14 people have died of Cholera disease within the last two months of the outbreak in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The states commissioner for health, Nimkong Lar, who disclosed this on Wednesday shortly after the cabinet meeting, added that a total number of 953 cases have been recorded within the same period.

The report noted that a total of 910 patients have so far been discharged while 29 are still receiving treatment at various health facilities across the state.

The commissioner said the disease, which was previously recorded in Jos North Local Government, has spread to 13 local government areas.

He said the development requires concerted efforts to address.

Cholera outbreak

The diarrheal disease, which is notorious for killing within hours if not promptly treated, is endemic in Nigeria, with outbreaks reported as far back as the 1970s.

Earlier in June, PREMIUM TIMES had reported that a total of 289 Nigerians have died from the disease between January and June, 2021.

The report was based on a statement by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

According to the disease centre, about eight states of the federation were then being ravaged by the diarrheal disease.

It then listed the affected states as Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara, Bayelsa and Kaduna.

However, the situation has since further degenerated with more than 13 states now being ravaged.

Situation in Plateau

According to NAN, the commissioner listed Jos North Government Area as the most impacted with 484 cases.

Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas follow with 307 and 57 cases respectively, he said.

NCDC to the rescue

Mr Lar said the NCDCs representatives visited the state to lend a helping hand.

He said a total of 100,154 doses of vaccine were administered in the state out of the 105,600 doses supplied by the federal government.

He said 5,000 doses of the vaccines were returned the the federal government as they had expired on June 28.

No COVID-19 vaccine

Meanwhile, NAN said the commissioner has also disclosed that the state no longer has vaccine doses for coronavirus pandemic

He said the state, with confirmed cases of 9,068, and 57 deaths, has discharged 9,008 persons with the infection.

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The commissioner said requests would have to be made for allocation of more doses for those who are yet to receive their second jab.

He said: As regards COVID-19 cases, the state has so far tested 73,177 people with confirmed cases of 9,068, discharged 9,008 and recorded 57 deaths, he said.

Also speaking, the commissioner for information and communication, Dan Manjang, said the executive council at Wednesdays meeting also approved the procurement of some hospital equipment.

He listed the equipment to include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines and 64 slides of Computed Tomography (CT) Scan machines.

Others are digital X-ray machines and 4D ultrasound machines, for the use at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.

Mr Manjang said a total of N1.7 billion was approved for the procurement of the items, saying the machines would facilitate access to quality and affordable healthcare service delivery to the residents of the state.

Other approvals

NAN further reported that the information commissioner also said the council approved the re-award of the construction of the 13-kilometre Mangu byepass road of more than N2.8 billion, and that approval was given for the construction of some road projects.

He said the road projects were mostly revised estimate cost following increase in scope of work and variation of price for materials.

There was also an approval for the full and final settlement of the buy-out of Jos Inland Dry Port Heipang, from Duncan Maritime Ventures Nig. Ltd, by the state government at the cost of N2.2 billion, he said.

He said the council also approved the furnishing of the new high court complex at the cost of N695 million and the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) Centre for about N34 million.

The commissioner also said contracts a total of N65 million was awarded for renovation and remodeling of the state primary healthcare board and provision of office furniture; and the renovation of the governor and deputy governor lodges in Kaduna.

The states commissioner for finance, Regina Soemalat, said the projects would be funded with bank loans.

She said the state has never defaulted in its loan commitments.

The commissioner, however, did not state whether the loans had been procured or not. (NAN)
The legal team of Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on Thursday, took a prosecution witness to task over pieces of phone evidence tendered against him in his ongoing corruption trial.

Fatima Umar, a deputy head of Digital Forensic Laboratory of the EFCC, who earlier gave her evidence-in-chief as the third prosecution witness in March, was cross-examined by Mr Lawals defence team on Thursday.

Mr Lawal and his co-defendants are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja, on amended 10 counts of criminal conspiracy, fraud, and diversion of over N544million belonging to the federal government.

The defendants were accused of fraudulently converting the N544million proceeds of the grass-cutting contracts which Mr Lawal, as then SGF, allegedly awarded to the companies in which he had interests.

Mr Lawal is being prosecuted along with his co-defendants, comprising his younger brother, Hamidu Lawal, Suleiman Abubakar, Monday Apeh, and two companies  Rholavision Engineering Ltd and Josmon Technologies Ltd.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were re-arraigned on November 30, 2020, before the new trial judge Charles Agbaza, who was assigned the case after the first one died last year.

Mr Lawal, the first SGF appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, was removed from office because of the scandal in 2017.

Evidence

Ms Umars evidence-in-chief, in essence, tried to link Mr Lawal to one Musa Bulani, whose roles in the transactions leading to the charges are not immediately clear.

The EFCCs digital analyst tried to achieve this examining an iPhone 7 collected from Mr Bulani.

She told the court how she received a request from the anti-graft agencys investigation team to search for deleted SMS, iMessages, phone logs, documents and any other item that could have been possibly deleted on the device.

She described how she used manual and logical extraction to extract the deleted items, adding that she came across the name SGF using the cellebrite camera.

The results of the extraction were burned into a CD using the HP workstation, printed out using the HP LaserJet Pro m402dn, and handed over to the investigators, she said.

Cross-examination on hacking

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Mr Lawals legal team led by Akin Olujinmi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, suggested while cross-examining Ms Umar that the phone analysed by her could have been hacked and data implanted into it.

Fielding questions from the defence lawyer, Ms Umar confirmed that as a digital expert, she knew that the internet offered various possibilities in terms of use.

She admitted being aware of the activities of hackers on the internet and their ability to take over a third partys device without physically touching it or obtaining the consent or authorisation of the owner.

Ms Umar, however, said that before a device could be hacked and data transferred into it using Bluetooth facility, pairing of devices must be achieved first. She said this ultimately meant that the owner of the device would have knowledge of the transfer.

Mr Olujimi also asked Ms Umar to confirm if there is a possibility of such pairing and subsequent transfer of data happening when the device is in the possession of another person without the knowledge of the owner.

She confirmed the possibility, but said it was not the case in the suit.

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More questions on hacking

The defence lawyer noted that the phone which was taken from one Musa Bulani by one Ibrahim Ahmad, an EFCCs operative in November 2017, did not get to Ms Umar until March 9, 2018.

He then asked Ms Umar to confirm the chain of custody of the device during the period and confirm if the phone was not tampered with and incriminating evidence planted in it during the period.

Responding, Ms Umar confirmed that the phone was in perfect condition when it was brought for data extraction and analysis, accompanied by consent, specific analysis and chain of custody forms.

Ms Umar said she had to interact with the owner of the phone as he needed to be brought to the laboratory because the phone had a pass code.

He was brought to the lab because in the consent form which was supposed to know the state and information of the device, whether it had a password or not and in this case.

In filling the form, he included a password that was wrong, so I requested him to be brought to give the correct password, she explained.

Mr Olujinmi, in response, pointed out that the evidence about the phone being passworded was not in any document tendered before the court.

In conclusion, Mr Olujinmi asked Ms Umar if she could hack into another persons phone with her knowledge as a digital forensic expert. She answered in the affirmative, but added not in this case.

Adjournment

The judge, Mr Agbaza, on Thursday, adjourned the matter till October 6 and 7 for cross-examination of the witness by the remaining four defence lawyers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the previous proceedings in June, the court rejected some documents tendered by the prosecution following the objection raised by the defence.

Agreeing with the defence, the judge ruled that the documents failed to meet the conditions of admissibility.

(NAN)
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Bandits on Wednesday killed two immigration officers and left a soldier injured as they raided a village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident occured in Kadobe community, which lies about 25 kilometres from the local governments headquarters, a local source told PREMIUM TIMES.

The source identified the deceased immigration officers as Sani Abubakar, who hailed from Dutse, Jigawa State, and Yusuf Adam, an indigene of Kano State.

The two fallen oficers are superintendent of the Immigration service.

The outlaws attacked the community at about 11: 30 p.m, killing the Immigration officers at their duty post.

The village head of Kadobe, Surajo Wakili, told PREMIUM TIMES that the bandits rustled many livestock from the community but some of the animals found their way back home in the morning.

He said residents of the area are living in fear due to frequent bandit attacks. He appealed for the deployment of more security agents to the area.

The comptroller of Immigration in Katsina, Abdulrazak Muazu, confirmed the attack by bandits but declined further comments.

Were now mourning the deaths and receiving condolence messsgrs. For now, it is not a time for media briefing, we will do so at the right time, Mr Muazu said.

Meanwhile, colleagues of the slain officers alleged poor condition of operations of the service in border communities.

The officers, who asked not to be named for fear of sanction, complained of poor accommodation and lack of operational vehicles, which they said make them vulnerable to attacks.

At the Immigration check point at Babban Mutum Control Post, in Baure LGA, there is no single operational vehicle, with many illegal migrants taking advantage of the restricted movement of immigration officers to sneak into Nigeria, an officer who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said.

The official said the police, other security agents and Immigration officers were operating illegal checkpoints to extort migrants who are taking to bush paths to avoid extortion by the officers.

There are 13 such illegal checkpoints between Babura LGA in Jigawa and Babban Mutum control post in Baure LGA of Katsina State. The border area linking Nigeria to Damagaram in Niger Republic also has many illegal routes.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the governing council of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, to prioritise the appointment of the institutions 9th substantive vice-chancellor.

Mr Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly appointed chairman of the governing council and 12 other reappointed members.

The governor also personally appealed to the chairman of the council, a veteran accountant and former accountant general of the state, David Sunmoni, to ensure that all conflicts on the campus are resolved.

About the new council

The inauguration of the governing council came about seven weeks after Mr Sanwo-Olu, who is the Visitor to the institution, dissolved the Mr Adebayo Ninalowo-led governing council on the recommendation of a visitation panel that probed the controversies surrounding the selection of a substantive VC for the university.

The reappointment of 12 of the dissolved council into the new one and the replacement of Mr Ninalowo by the governor is said to be based on the recommendation of the visitation panel which was led by a former vice-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Bamitale Omole.

The governor said there were wide consultations with relevant stakeholders before the former members were reappointed and the former chairman replaced. He urged the members to strictly adhere to due process, extant laws of the school and to be fair to all contenders for the vice-chancellorship position.

Tasks before the council

The governor said; Inauguration of the new governing council signals a new chapter of progress and resolution of issues surrounding the appointment of a substantive VC for the university. As the supreme governing authority of the university, I charge you to give top priority to implementation of quality policies and programmes that will accelerate its pace of development and growth.

One of the key responsibilities of the Council which requires your urgent attention is the activation of the process for the appointment of a new VC for the university. In performing this responsibility, I urge you to be guided by the lessons from past events and ensure strict adherence to relevant laws, guidelines and procedures.

He also urged them to work tirelessly to sustain and improve existing peace and industrial harmony in the university, saying the progress of the school was the only way to justify the confidence reposed in them.

He charged them to come up with innovations, programmes and policies that would move the university forward and maintain its academic excellence, while assuring the council members of his administrations continuous support.

Mr Sanwo-Olu noted that special consideration was given to the appointees pedigrees, competencies, work experience and their contributions to the development of the state and the country as a whole.

The special adviser to the governor on education, Tokunbo Wahab, said the council members appointments were made in pursuant of the powers conferred on the governor by the enabling laws of the school.

He said the ceremony became imperative in order not to create a vacuum in the governance of the school.

Chairman speaks

Responding on behalf of other members, Mr Sunmoni promised to work harmoniously with other members and the university administration to make the school a citadel all stakeholders would be proud of.

The chairman, who is described as the only official in the history of civil service in the state to have served as both auditor general and accountant general until his retirement, said his appointment is a unique opportunity to serve the people more.

He pledged that the council under his watch would do its best to take the university to a greater height.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the universitys acting VC, Adedamola Oke, and the acting registrar, Emmanuel Fanu.

Other members of the council are Tolagbe Taiwo, Moronke Williams, Tolani Sule, Hakeem Adetugbobo, Anuoluwapo Eso, Adebayo Akinsanya, Foluke AbdulRazaq, Shaffideen Amuwo, Adenike Yomi-Faseun, Adekunle Soname, Karl Toriola, and Ifeanyi Odii.

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The Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has appointed Mahmoud Balarabe as acting chairperson of the states Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Agency following the suspension of Muhyi Magaji.

The governors spokesperson, Abba Anwar, in a statement, on Thursday said Mr Balarabe was the Director for Public Prosecution in the states Ministry of Justice.

The appointment of an interim boss for the agency followed the suspension of Mr Magaji by the state House of Assembly

The House asked Mr Magaji to step aside for a month over his alleged opposition to the posting of an accountant to the agency from the Office of the Accountant-General of the state.

The suspension, according to the states assembly, followed a letter of complaint sent to the house over the matter by the Office of the Accountant-General of the state.

Mr Anwar said the new appointment is with immediate effect.

It directed the acting Executive Chairman to discharge his duties diligently, according to the laid down procedures establishing the Commission.

Face-off

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported Mr Magaji saying he was facing interference and intimidation from government officials in his work.

Mr Magaji, who did not give names, however, said that will not deter him from bringing corrupt government officials to justice.

He had said, The challenges from government officials are enormous. Some of the officials see the agency as government-owned, thus, there are certain areas that need to be overlooked. But that cannot happen because I am not afraid to lose the job.

I was arrested and charged for contempt because I am investigating a particular case. But that did not deter me from performing my duties because I am doing the job with passion.

I want those in the government to understand that I am not doing the job for myself or for any material gain. Anyone that thinks that is deceiving himself.

Even if I leave the states anti-corruption agency, Nigerian law allows for private detective (work). I can work in any capacity to serve Nigerians as a certified lawyer. The struggle will forever continue.

Starved of funds?

He added that the government did not cater for the needs of the agency.

Mr Magaji said this made him launch an appeal fund for hundred thousand dollars for the commission.

He said anybody willing to donate to the fund can do so but vowed that the agency cannot be compromised under his watch.

He was later suspended by the lawmakers.

The anti-corruption agency was established in 2008 by a former governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, with the mandate to check bribery and corruption in government and private institutions in Kano State.

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The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has expressed concerns over the Ogoni clean-up.

The concerns were raised on Thursday, during the interactive session with some federal regulators.

PREMIUM TIMES had investigated the project and discovered that Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), the agency coordinating the cleanup, had given the contract to 16 companies who have no prior experience in remediation projects.

During the session, Ben Kalu (APC, Abia), asked the Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Idris Musa, to give an assessment of the clean up thus far.

With the work that is being done there, are you satisfied because I was there myself with my teamI am of the climate change committee I was there and the communities were complaining about the remediation programme going on now. And Im saying, as the regulator, are you satisfied? Mr Kalu asked.

In his response, Mr Musa said so far with those that have been closed out, the ones that have been completed, we are satisfied with that.

Definitely the entire process is slow, let me use that word. Because from UNEP recommendation, it should have taken us five years to do the remediation and another 25 years for nature to handle the rest, to restore the environment.

He added that scientifically, the work done so far has been satisfactory.

Mr Kalu, who was obviously not satisfied with the response from the DG, said three years after, residents of the affected communities are still unable to drink water or fish from the rivers.

If we are spending money for the cleaning up exercise, and the people cannot drink from their water and cannot farm on their land, they cannot fish from their waters, what is the essence of the clean-up? And I asked you can people can now fish in their water, you are not able to answer that question.

Do we say you are regulating well in that instance or there is still something that is not done because the villagers dont want to hear about that your scientific analysis, they want to go back to their farms, they want to fish whether raining season or dry season. For an exercise that is going on for a number of years, we cannot confidently say that by now our people can go back to the farm. Im from Niger Delta, if my people cannot go to the farm they cannot fish and drink their water and they are still falling sick, then there is something wrong, so the regulator, are you regulating well?

Mr Musa responded that he appeared before the committee to talk about safety and regulations, noting that he would have appeared before the committee with the director in charge of the clean-up.

The representative of the Minister of Transportation, Mercy Ilori, was also questioned on the non-implementation of the National Road Safety Policy.

Ms Ilori responded that the policy is still at the draft stage at the Office of the Vice President.

Resolutions

The committee resolved that NOSDRA should present all relevant documents on oil spills and compensation to communities in the area.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), the agency coordinating the clean-up, had given the contract to 16 companies who had no prior experience in remediation projects.
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.

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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.

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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.
The plot to elongate Buharis tenure by fanning the embers of crisis did not start today. It began earlier in his regime, when he attempted to rekindle the zeitgeist of the Biafran war with the hope of regaining any semblance of popularity, using the Igbo as the escape goat. Upon assumption to power, Buhari quickly disavowed his oath of office by deploying the worst form of political vendetta against the Eastern Region

The abduction of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the recent terrorist attack on the leader of the movement for Odudua Nation, Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho), by the Muhammadu Buhari regime, did not come as a surprise.

In a recent piece, calling for the removal of the president from office, I had alerted the world that, Anyone thinking that Muhammadu Buhari will hand over power at the end of his tenure is daydreaming. The incorrigible dictator cannot and must not be trusted. This is a man who assumed power, preaching integrity, virtue, and righteousness, only to gain the power to embrace the worst form of corruption, utter disregard for the rule of law, and gross abuse of office as a way of governance. There is no way Buhari can be entertaining the thoughts of a peaceful transition of power, while at the same time waging war against some sections of the country.

Therefore, the abduction of Kanu and the terrorist attack on Ighoho constitute the plum plot to plunge the country into deeper crisis to elongate Buharis tenure in office. Nothing more!

The reason is not far-fetched. The despot is in a desperate need of more time to deepen his evil policies. Buhari cannot, and understandably so, imagine any of the civilians currently being touted as his successor whether from the North or South  who will be naive enough to prolong his policies or protect him once out of power, without risking a full-blown war. Even Governor Nasir el-Rufai, the twin terrorist brain of Buhari, knows not to try. Besides his pestilent personality, which irritates both friends and foes, el-Rufai remains on the Global Terrorist Watchlist for threatening to slaughter foreign election watchers during the 2019 Nigerian polls.

Forget the recent statement of the Southern governors demanding power shift to their region in 2023! Such a demand is sadly laughable and lame. If these self-serving governors could not stand up against Buharis terrorist activities in their different states, where citizens are maimed and murdered on a daily basis, one wonders how they can muster the courage to question his choice of a successor. If Buhari cannot deem a Southerner, including his deputy, worthy of participation in any strategic decision-making throughout the period of his regime, one wonders how he would suddenly make a u-turn and surrender the reins of the entire government to the same South.

Therefore, having failed in his clandestine bid to influence the Senate leadership to elongate his tenure, one may not rule out a palace coup, especially considering Buharis fast-fading health. In this scenario, the dictator would step aside, while his military loyalist takes over. The scheme is similar to how Ibrahim Babangida paved the way for Sani Abacha. The army boys did not trust M.K.O Abiola as a potential successor. They wanted and got one of their own in Abacha, who not only protected the military oligarchy but also helped to tighten their grip on the Nigerian state.

There and then, the IPOB  which had remained lay low  vaulted and said enough is enough. But they had fallen into the trap. Buhari capitalised and hastily turned the native Igbo cities in the South-East and South-South regions into a semi-war zone.

The plot to elongate Buharis tenure by fanning the embers of crisis did not start today. It began earlier in his regime, when he attempted to rekindle the zeitgeist of the Biafran war with the hope of regaining any semblance of popularity, using the Igbo as the escape goat. Upon assumption to power, Buhari quickly disavowed his oath of office by deploying the worst form of political vendetta against the Eastern Region for the simple reason that the people voted en masse for their native son, Goodluck Jonathan, in the 2015 election  similar to the electoral gestures accorded to Buhari himself by his native Northern Region in the 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019 electoral cycles.

Buhari followed by ensuring that virtually all segments of the national security architecture  from land, sea, and air  are firmly under the control of the militant cadre of his ethnic group.

Worst still, the president made certain that his personal army, the foreign Fulani herdsmen  an organisation stamped worldwide as a terrorist group since 2014  are fully armed and strategically dispersed to all nooks and crannies of the Nigerian space.

Yet, the president did not leave anyone in doubt that his target was the Igbo.

There and then, the IPOB  which had remained lay low  vaulted and said enough is enough. But they had fallen into the trap. Buhari capitalised and hastily turned the native Igbo cities in the South-East and South-South regions into a semi-war zone.

Unfortunately, the dictator is a lowbrow. Buhari did not  and is not expected to  realise that the world has turned.

To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done. Yes! The unity of Nigeria must take precedence over the 2023 elections. After all, Nigerias call obey. But I have bad news for Muhammadu Buhari: Nigerian masses, home and abroad, are ready. We are prepared to defeat the despot!

The Igbo have become more sophisticated and know not to fall to the cruel antics of a bad leader. The Nigerian people, too, have become wiser. They know that the problem is neither the Igbo nor those who voted for Jonathan. They know the problem has nothing to do with Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB. The world knows that the problem is a brazen dictatorship in the land, and the solution is justice.

Enter Omoyele Sowore, Nigerias foremost anti-corruption crusader, democracy activist, and a presidential candidate in the countrys 2019 election, who is also known never to turn a blind eye to injustice. In an attempt to use his #RevolutionNow movement to protest the gross misrule in the land, Sowore was arrested and detained by General Buhari.

In the piece, IPOB, Sowore, and the Audacity of a Primitive Dictator, I warned that the continued detention of Sowore was a recipe for disaster: Only a poon ignores the potential of the heavily funded but regional IPOB, with a worldwide membership, fusing with a broad-based national outfit like #RevolutionNow.

But Buhari knew what he was doing. He craves a crisis. However, with Sowore in the struggle, and constantly being harassed and tortured by the terrorist regime, a nationwide crisis was imminent.

Today, there is a crisis in the North-East. There is a crisis in the North-West. The people of the Middle Belt are being slaughtered daily by Buharis personal army. Today, secession from Nigeria is no longer an Eastern or Igbo palaver. The Yoruba, under the leadership of Igboho, also want to leave the union.

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To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done. Yes! The unity of Nigeria must take precedence over the 2023 elections. After all, Nigerias call obey. But I have bad news for Muhammadu Buhari: Nigerian masses, home and abroad, are ready. We are prepared to defeat the despot!

SKC Ogbonnia, a 2019 APC presidential aspirant, writes from Houston, Texas, USA.
What we have seen is that when politicians try but fail to gut their party and gorge themselves on its entrails, they create imaginary crisis, improvise factions and declare that they have moved. And they do so without shame, remorse or consequence, while retaining all the benefits of the platform on which they came to office.

If the defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continue at the current pace, the only people left in the opposition may be those to pack and return the chairs to storage before the next general elections in two years time.

Its not funny. Apart from Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, who bucked the trend one year ago when he moved from APC to PDP on the eve of an off-season election, the drift has been the other way.

In eight months, three governors  Dave Umahi, Ebonyi; Ben Ayade, Cross River; and Bello Matawalle, Zamfara  have jumped on the gravy train, abandoning the platforms on which they were elected.

Apart from the mass defection of governors in 2014 that sealed the fate of the ruling PDP at the time, the recent defections of three governors indicate, yet again, that democracy is not only still in its infancy, its also in very poor health.

The point at issue is not about freedom of association. The constitution is clear that strange bedfellows can flock together all the way to Fools Paradise and back, as long as they are not infringing other peoples rights.

Except if politicians have chosen to read the Constitution upside down, as could well be the case, they know that it is illegal to stand election on the platform of a party and later invent convenient excuses to jump ship.

The salient condition under which defection is permissible under the Constitution is when there is evidence that a party has become irredeemably factionalised, threatening not just its own existence but also the wellbeing of its members.

What we have seen is that when politicians try but fail to gut their party and gorge themselves on its entrails, they create imaginary crisis, improvise factions and declare that they have moved. And they do so without shame, remorse or consequence, while retaining all the benefits of the platform on which they came to office.

A politician in the South-East once described politics as another business franchise. His cousin in the North-Central and former governor of Niger State, Aliyu Babangida, improved on that transactional description. He reportedly said, in January 2015, that, Politics is not about morality. If youre talking about politics or morals, go and become an Imam or a pastor.

Babangida should know. This veteran of defection brinkmanship was among those who plotted one of the deadliest defections in Nigerias recent history, only to relent and stay put in his party at the eleventh hour.

On his part, Ayades defection speech will make you cry and laugh at once. The inventor of bombast and theatrics offered yet more kinetic shambolism, which in effect means, his only reason for defecting was self-interest, first, and self-interest, last.

Same for Umahi and Matawalle  insecure and opportunistic politicians who dressed their defections in patriotic national colours.

By the time the conventions of the APC and PDP are over, the two parties would have been so consumed, almost beyond recognition, by defections and infighting, there would probably only be the ragged ends of their party flags left for their funeral.

In between these three major defections there have been other smaller different defections, which have left the rest of us mere mortals wondering the kind of politics and politicians we are blessed with in this country.

After the 2015 general elections, the ruling party, APC, had 24 governors, while the PDP had 12.

But, of course, internal bickering and strife took their toll on APC and in no time, the party was left with only 19 governors, after losing five to PDP. And then, thanks partly to court-determined elections and defections, the tide is turning again.

With Umahi, Ayade and Matawalle joining the fold, APC has 22 governors, but the scorecard is not settled. Insiders told me that the current wave of defection is largely the scheme of one of the legacy parties  the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)  to secure its hold on power ahead of the APC convention.

By the time the conventions of the APC and PDP are over, the two parties would have been so consumed, almost beyond recognition, by defections and infighting, there would probably only be the ragged ends of their party flags left for their funeral.

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There are two types of politicians in the world: Nigerian politicians and others.

And since 1999 when the country returned to democracy after 16 years of military rule, its becoming ever more evident that our politicians are a special but unlimited edition. If shamelessness was a person, it would be a Nigerian politician.

But we shouldnt be surprised.

The entire thing is almost like a joke but unfortunately, the joke is on the rest of us who have become active and passive spectators as these politicians enjoy their shameless dance in the village square.

Defection is not new. It precedes Nigerias independence in 1960. It began in 1951 when some lawmakers in the defunct Western House of Assembly, who were members of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons (NCNC), defected to the Action Group (AG), just so Obafemi Awolowo could become Premier of the Western Region, instead of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe of the NCNC.

It wasnt any different in the Second Republic.

Samuel Ladoke Akintola, who was Premier of the now defunct Western Region, had also defected from the AG to form a new party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).

Faced with a similar situation, India introduced an anti-defection law. Its tempting to try that, except that in Nigeria, laws tend to multiply transgressions. Some have argued that the pathetic lack of ideology may be responsible for the flux.

This was after he fell out with Awolowo.

In the same vein, the political rivalry between Azikiwe and Dr Kingsley Mbadiwe in the Eastern Region forced the latter out of the NCNC to form a new party, Democratic Party of Nigerian Citizens (DPNC).

The Second Republic (1979-1983) also witnessed the defection of Akin Omoboriowo from the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) to the then National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where he became NPNs governorship candidate for Ondo in the 1983 general elections.

We all know that it ended in tears.

That was also the period Abubakar Rimi defected from his party, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), to the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP).

Defections have since risen to dizzying heights, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the modern poster child.

We watched in 2014 when Bukola Saraki and his fellow travellers walked out on President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP to join the newly formed APC. Thereafter, he became the Senate President on the platform of the APC, only for him and a few other members of the National Assembly to defect again to PDP, momentarily creating an interlude of partisan math that kept the country spellbound.

Unlike in South Africa where the African National Congress (ANC) had the so-called juggernaut effect, sucking the oxygen in the political space, because of the partys role in the freedom struggle and its ideological leaning, PDP and APC are descendants of the infamous leprous fingers of one hand, as Bola Ige once described them. Like Tweedledum and Tweedledee, very little separates them.

Faced with a similar situation, India introduced an anti-defection law. Its tempting to try that, except that in Nigeria, laws tend to multiply transgressions. Some have argued that the pathetic lack of ideology may be responsible for the flux.

Perhaps that may have some residual effect. But around the world, ideology is waning and politics is claiming middle ground; not because politicians want it that way but because, thanks to the power of technology, citizens are getting more involved and holding government accountable.

Until we do our share of the slug, we shall continue to endure the unhealthy choice between rotten palm kernel and the broken mortar.

Azu Ishiekwene editor-in-chief of LEADERSHIP.
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The Bayelsa Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and other Related Offence has awarded N21 billion to victims of extra-judicial killings perpetrated by the police and other security operatives.

Chairman of the Panel, Young Ogola, disclosed this while submitting the report to the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri in Yenagoa.

Mr Ogola, a retired judge, said the panel received and determined 50 petitions and made recommendations based on their findings.

Out of the 50 cases, he said 11 police officers were recommended for prosecution, one for dismissal, and four for demotion, while eight cases were struck out and two adjourned.

The chairman explained that the N21 billion was awarded in damages out of the 40 cases fully determined, adding that the amount included compensation to communities razed by the Nigerian Army.

Receiving the report, Governor Diri thanked the panel for doing a thorough job and promised to set up a government committee to look into the report with a view to implementing its recommendations.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the government would look for ways to bring relief to the victims and families within available resources.

Although no amount of compensation can bring back some of the deceased, the compensation will ameliorate the suffering of the victims and families caused by the excesses of misguided security agents, he said.

While acknowledging the enormous task of the security agencies to secure lives and property, Mr Diri called on security personnel to enforce the law within the confines of the law.

The panel was set up to get to the root of injustice, violation of human rights and the best way with which police and other security agencies in the country will discharge their duties professionally with human face.

The issues you have raised will be looked into. The N21 billion awarded is appropriate, but for the security agencies to pay is another thing.

We will within the limits of available resources and procedures see how these victims will get reprieve.

While the law enforcement agencies have to protect lives and property, they also have a duty to do that within the confines of responsibility and protection of human rights of all citizens, he said.

The panel was inaugurated on October 28, 2020, after the #EndSARS nationwide protest.

Other members of the panel are Y.B. Ogola, Alaowei Opokuma as Secretary, A.T. Ambaowei, Fortune Godson, Perelade Demanche, both represented civil society, and Russell Newman who represented the National Human Rights Commission.

(NAN)
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The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed 30 filling stations and eight Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) outlets for various offences in Akwa Ibom.

The state Operations Controller of DPR, Victor Ohwodiasa, disclosed this on Thursday when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket.

Mr Ohwodiasa said the filling stations and LPG outlets were sealed for offences ranging from under dispensing, operating without valid sales and storage license, poor housekeeping, poorly sited and illegally operating in the state.

I can authoritatively tell you that we have sealed 30 filling stations and eight gas outlets for operating illegally in the state.

We cannot continue to allow illegality because we dont need accidents to occur first, we just have to be proactive instead of being reactive.

It is going to be a continuous fight because people are constrained because of the environmental condition, economic hardship, they want to cut corners and that is why we have regulators to check them, Mr Ohwodiasa said.

He said the sealed filling stations were located in Eket, Uyo and Onna local government areas of the state.

We are drawing a plan to touch all the 31 local government areas of the state, cutting across not just filling stations but gas outlets so that they can have the feel of our presence in the state, Mr Ohwodiasa said.

He said the department would be proactive in order to ensure that gas retail outlets and gas plants were operating within safety procedures that govern the oil and gas industry.

He said DPR would sensitise retail outlets operators and gas plants because some of them ventured into the business ignorantly.

Nobody will want to go into business without conducting due diligence, feasibility study or safety audit to ensure that what are the safety implications of my actions or inactions.

We need to educate them because nobody wants to kill himself, nobody wants to invest in a facility and allow the facility to go down overnight.

So, we need to continue to educate them on the safety implications of what they are doing wrongly and the need for them to correctively do it, so that we will not have ugly incident in the state, he said.

Mr Ohwodiasa said the department would partner with town planning authorities in the state to discourage the building of gas or filling stations in residential areas.

He urged residents to report any perceived illegal activity in filling stations and gas plants to DPR for further action.

(NAN)
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The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has directed the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) to reinstate a final year student of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Iniobong Ekpo who was expelled for insulting him on Facebook

The decision on the students reinstatement was taken at the State Executive Council meeting in Uyo, on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information in the state, Ini Ememobong said in a statement.

EXCO (Executive Council) reviewed the AKSU expulsion case of Iniobong Ekpo and directed the university to immediately recall the said student, the statement said.

The student, Mr Ekpo had used a pseudonym, Afrosix Jaara, to make a Facebook post in 2019 in which he accused the governor of reneging on a promise he allegedly made in 2017 to give financial reward to the then graduating students of the university.

Its 2 years and 166 days since he promised, yet none of the graduands received a naira even the first class graduands were unattended to when they went to his office, Mr Ekpo wrote in the Facebook post, adding that Mr Emmanuel may have scammed the students.

The authorities of the Akwa Ibom State University considered the article as derogatory and defamatory to Mr Emmanuel who by virtue of his office is the Visitor to the university which is owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Mr Ekpo, through his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, challenged his expulsion and demanded N20 million from the university as general damages and gross breach of his fundamental human rights.

The controversy that followed the expulsion, especially on social media, prompted Mr Emmanuel to set up a committee headed by the Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebiet, to review the universitys action.

The directive for the students reinstatement may have been based on the committees recommendation, apparently.

Reinstatement not enough

Mr Ekpos lawyer, Mr Effiong said there were other demands the university would have to meet, besides reinstating the student.

My position is that we had our demand clear to the university that he should be reinstated immediately, compensated with N20 million for damages and that he should also be given a special concession to write all his courses and tests that he couldnt write on account of indefinite suspension and expulsion.

Those are essentially the main demands that I made in my reaction notice to the university, Mr Effiong told PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday night.

Mr Effiong said the university should give a guarantee that his client would not be victimised.

The lawyer said the student had been subjected to trauma and mental torture on account of unconstitutional decision by the University Senate.

He said he did not rule out going to the court to enforce the other demands.

PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately reach the student for comment as his phone line was switched off as of the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom State University, Akaninyene Ibanga, said the university would act when the government decision is communicated to it.
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The Ebonyi State Government has confirmed three deaths from the cholera outbreak in Amachi-Igwebuike Village, Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.

The acting Commissioner for Health, Richard Nnabu, confirmed this on Thursday while briefing reporters in Abakaliki.

He said the deaths recorded were due to the victims refusal to visit the hospital for treatment.

Twelve cases were recorded from the outbreak, according to Mr Nnabu who, however, said the situation was under control.

We have directed that the affected persons be treated at no cost and residents should immediately report suspected cases to the health facility nearest to them.

Drugs had been adequately provided for treatment and we assure the people of the governments readiness to check the outbreak, he said.

Mr Nnabu further said the state epidemiology team had visited the area and that the cases were being handled at the General Hospital.

He said: We have intensified sensitisation of the people on ways of preventing further spread.

These include keeping the environment clean, drinking of clean water and safe preservation of food items.

A resident of the village told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the village drinks water from ponds due to non-availability of pipe-borne water.

Government and well-meaning organisations should assist us in this regard and also provide other amenities for improved living conditions in this place, Mr Nnabu said.

(NAN)
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The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) says five persons lost their lives in a traffic accident around Christopher University on Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Thursday.

Olusola Ojuoro, the Mowe-Ibafo Divisional Commander of TRACE, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun, said that four other persons sustained various degrees of injuries.

Mr Ojuoro explained that the accident, which involved a truck and a passenger bus, occurred at 9.15 a.m. due to wrong overtaking.

He said nine persons, six males and three females were involved in the accident.

Mr Ojuoro noted that three females and two males lost their lives in the accident.

He said that corpses of the victims had been deposited at the Idera Hospital, where the survivors were receiving treatment.

Mr Ojuoro said the two vehicles involved in the accident had been evacuated with the help of TRACE personnel, Federal Road Safety Corps and other sister agencies.

The commander, who said normalcy had returned to the expressway, advised motorists to always exercise patience and desist from wrong overtaking, to avoid accidents and unnecessary loss of lives.

The accident happened exactly one month after 14 people lost their lives in an accident on the Long Bridge axis of the expressway.

(NAN)
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The Ogun State House of Assembly has summoned two Chinese firms over alleged inhuman treatment of their employees, which resulted in physical assault and injury.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the affected companies are Italy Ceramics Company Limited, located on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and CCETC Suk Power Company Limited.

The speaker, Olakunle Oluomo (Ifo 1), issued the summon in response to a petition submitted by Olakunle Sobukanla (Ikenne) during the plenary.

Mr Oluomo directed the representatives of the two companies to appear before the Assemblys Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investments on Monday, at the assembly complex by 10:00 a.m.

The speaker emphasised that though the state was committed to attracting investors, it would not tolerate the maltreatment of the people of the state.

Earlier, Mr Sobukanla informed the assembly that the Chinese-owned companies had inflicted injuries on some of their employees.

The petition partly reads, the company did not consider it necessary to provide medical attention for the injured employees, neither did they show any remorse for the injury inflicted on the workers.

It is not good enough for foreigners to be so accommodated in the state and Nigeria at large and such investors will not be able to reciprocate the kind gesture extended to them, but instead, maltreat their hosts and employees inhumanly.

In another development, the assembly called on the Omala of Imala, Moses Olabode, to encourage the developmental projects currently being undertaken by Olorunda Community in Abeokuta North local government.

The assemblys decision followed the adoption of the report of the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as presented by its Chairman, Bolanle Ajayi (Yewa South).

Mrs Ajayi, thereafter, moved the motion for its adoption, seconded by Sikirat Ajibola (Ipokia) and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote.

The assembly also pointed out the need for the state ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs to step up measures toward addressing chieftaincy-related issues in the affected communities.(NAN)
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday swore in Biliaminu Agunbiade as the new Chairman of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Mr Sanwo-Olu urged the new chairman to ensure a successful end of the tenure of his predecessor.

He also charged him to work with the leadership of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), at the state and local government levels to secure total victory for the party in the July 24 council elections.

Mr Agunbiade, a former Vice Chairman of Eti-Osa East LCDA, became the new council chairman following the demise of the immediate past chairman, Abdul-Rafiu Olatunji, who died on June 21.

The governor said that there was the need for continuity of good governance in Eti-Osa East LCDA, hence, urging Mr Agunbiade to carry on with the good works that the former chairman started in the council.

I want to congratulate you, Hon. Biliaminu Samson Agunbiade, on this occasion marking the formal transfer of mandate of leadership of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area to you.

This event is taking place barely 15 days to the local government elections.

I have listened to you and I have heard your commitment at ensuring that come July 24, you will do everything within your power to ensure that our party, APC becomes successful at the forthcoming elections.

Your major responsibility therefore, is to ensure a successful end of the tenure and more importantly, work together with the leadership of our party both at the state and local government levels to secure total victory for our party on July 24, 2021 as a befitting tribute to the memory of Hon. Abdul-Rafiu Olufunmi Olatunji, he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu described the late Olatunji as energetic, competent, illustrious son and one of the shining beacons in Eti-Osa.

I know him (Olatunji) personally. I know he was one of our shining beacons. His death was quite painful.

It occurred at the twilight of his first tenure of four years and on the verge of securing another term, having won the primary election to contest the July 24 local government election on the platform of our great party.

We commiserate with his family and the good people of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace, he said.

Giving a vote of assurance, Mr Agunbiade, who said his emergence as chairman was divine and the will of God, assured the governor that he would continue where his predecessor stopped.

He promised to discharge his duties diligently and abide by the rules and regulations of governance and also the APC manifesto.

I am going to pick it up from where my chairman stopped and I assure you that I am going to deliver my local government to our party, APC come July 24 local government elections.

We will also protect the lives and property of our indigenes and non-indigenes across the local government.

Mr Governor, I want to appreciate your effort and good job you have been doing in Lagos State. May the Lord in His infinite mercy continue to guide you and bless you in future endeavours.

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Continue the good job you have been doing in Lagos State; the entire Lagosians are fully behind you, Mr Agunbiade said.

(NAN)
,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.
THE COLONY, Texas, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom O'Brien, 68, CEO and founder of Eclipse, unexpectedly passed away on July 3, 2021.

Mr. O'Brien founded Eclipse in 1993. He held the position of Chief Executive Officer from that time until his passing. Mr. O'Brien had been in excellent health and had been overseeing Eclipse's long-term strategic direction and day-to-day operations for the better part of three decades.

Prior to founding Eclipse, Mr. O'Brien spent his career in sales and leadership positions within the medical device industry.

Eclipse leadership issued the following statement: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tom O'Brien. Tom was a true visionary in the world of medical device sales and through his efforts was able to build Eclipse into the industry leader it is today. The Company's directors and employees mourn his loss, both as the inspirational leader that he was, but also as the generous friend to so many. Our thoughts and sympathy are with the O'Brien family at this most difficult time."

Tom was wise to make provision for a straight path forward for Eclipse in the case of a tragedy such as this. His younger brother and Eclipse Co-founder, Paul O'Brien will be stepping into the position as CEO. Tom's sons Michael and Shane O'Brien have been with Eclipse 14 and 10 years respectively, and support Paul fully during this difficult circumstance and transition. The three of them are united in their commitment to continuing Tom's vision for the company.

Paul, Michael and Shane provided this statement:

"Tom was a visionary and he built something special here at Eclipse. The people he put in place and the products that he helped develop will continue to empower medical professionals to provide the best care for their patients for years to come. We will miss our brother, father, leader and mentor every day of our lives. Please pray for our family and know that Eclipse is on solid ground moving forward."

For Tom's Obituary and information on the service please visit Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park's website: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/colleyville-tx/thomas-obrien-10258407

MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Summerville, 800.759.6876, [email protected]

SOURCE Eclipse Med
PHILADELPHIA, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ENRICH in the USA is pleased to announce the winners of the Funding Summit during BIO Digital 2021. A total of 10 global startups participated at the pitch competition following a strict selection process.

The speakers and judges (20) were well-known investors (angel networks, early-stage venture capital firms, and R1 university incubators and accelerators), as well as city, state and US/EU governments/agencies representatives.

The top winner (best score of the two Zoom rooms) won US$500.

The top three startups in each category won a direct access to the ENRICH in the USA Virtual Landing Program (no interview and first month offered) at top US research universities. These universities include Temple University (PA), George Mason University (VA), UC Berkeley (CA), Cal Poly University (CA), and Purdue University (IN).

Biotech & Medtech:

(First place) Keto Swiss - Basel, Switzerland | Biotech | www.keto.swiss | Keto Swiss is a Swiss biotechnology start-up that develops "brain fuels", a product that improves brain energetics ("MigraKet"), as 1) nutraceuticals (supplements) and 2) pharmaceuticals for the therapy of migraines. MigraKet is safe and contains a human identical metabolite, close to the root cause of migraine, and according to proof-of-concept data is also efficacious and without adding intolerable side effects. In later stages of development, the portfolio can be extended to other neurological diseases characterized by metabolic dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's Disease. The company is currently looking for US$10 million (possibly in two tranches of US$3 million and US$7 million ) for further clinical trials, product development & go to market | Elena Gross , CEO/CSO.

| Biotech | | is a Swiss biotechnology start-up that develops "brain fuels", a product that improves brain energetics ("MigraKet"), as 1) nutraceuticals (supplements) and 2) pharmaceuticals for the therapy of migraines. MigraKet is safe and contains a human identical metabolite, close to the root cause of migraine, and according to proof-of-concept data is also efficacious and without adding intolerable side effects. In later stages of development, the portfolio can be extended to other neurological diseases characterized by metabolic dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's Disease. The company is currently looking for (possibly in two tranches of and ) for further clinical trials, product development & go to market | , CEO/CSO. (Second place) PlasFree - Nazareth , Israel | Medtech | www.plas-free.com | Plas-Free is a clinical stage company specialized in the development and commercialization of vital fluid absorbent devices for blood purification. The company has as strategic partner, one of the world leaders in dialysis, apheresis, blood transfusion products - Asahi Kasei Medical (AKM). Plas-Free's goal is to provide improved treatment to patients with its proprietary extracorporeal plasma adsorbent device. Plas-Free's first two products target two main clinical indications with clear unmet needs: (1) CLearPlasma for massive internal bleeding and (2) AAPC-300 for HyperAmmonia (liver cirrhosis). Plas-Free is a private medical device company founded in 2017. | Zeev Dvashi, CEO.

| Medtech | | Plas-Free is a clinical stage company specialized in the development and commercialization of vital fluid absorbent devices for blood purification. The company has as strategic partner, one of the world leaders in dialysis, apheresis, blood transfusion products - Asahi Kasei Medical (AKM). Plas-Free's goal is to provide improved treatment to patients with its proprietary extracorporeal plasma adsorbent device. Plas-Free's first two products target two main clinical indications with clear unmet needs: (1) CLearPlasma for massive internal bleeding and (2) AAPC-300 for HyperAmmonia (liver cirrhosis). Plas-Free is a private medical device company founded in 2017. | Zeev Dvashi, CEO. (Third place) Brenus Pharma - Lyon, France | Biotech | https://brenus-pharma.com | The company develops allogeneic cellular vaccines to treat cancer thanks to its unique, patented and scalable technology. The unique platform allows derisking strategies with multiple candidate generation, cost and time effective scale-up, non-competitive market entrance in combination with standards of care, strong IP worldwide spread and a highly skilled team backed by world-renowned MD oncologists from top cancer institutes in the EU and US. | Sebastien Petitet, CBDO.

Electronic Medical Devices and Equipment:

(First place) HeartKinetics - Charleroi , Belgium | EMD | https://heartkinetics.com | Developing OKCARDIO, https://www.okcardio.com/ | OKCARDIO is a smartphone application and cloud artificial intelligence for cardiac monitoring and diagnostic. Allows patients with potential heart failure to be diagnosed and become engaged with regular monitoring to ensure daily treatment follow-up and improve the quality of their daily life. | Pierre-Francois Migeotte , CEO/Co-Founder.

| EMD | | Developing OKCARDIO, https://www.okcardio.com/ | OKCARDIO is a smartphone application and cloud artificial intelligence for cardiac monitoring and diagnostic. Allows patients with potential heart failure to be diagnosed and become engaged with regular monitoring to ensure daily treatment follow-up and improve the quality of their daily life. | , CEO/Co-Founder. (Second place) IVis Technologies - Taranto, Italy | EMD | www.ivistechnologies.com | The iVis Suite, consists of hardware (Precisio, pMetrics and iRes) and software products (CIPTA, CLAT and iVerify). iVis Suite utilizes cutting edge technology to execute full automated, no-touch, remote controlled, customized refractive surgery to optimize vision quality and minimize surgical invasiveness for the treatment of corneal pathologies and refractive diseases. | Giuseppe D'Ippolito, CEO.

| EMD | | The iVis Suite, consists of hardware (Precisio, pMetrics and iRes) and software products (CIPTA, CLAT and iVerify). iVis Suite utilizes cutting edge technology to execute full automated, no-touch, remote controlled, customized refractive surgery to optimize vision quality and minimize surgical invasiveness for the treatment of corneal pathologies and refractive diseases. | Giuseppe D'Ippolito, CEO. (Third place) Adiposs - Geneva, Switzerland | EMD | https://adiposs.com Adiposs develops medical imaging products and technologies for early detection of cachexia, a fatal body wasting syndrome. | Andrej Babic , CEO.

"We are excited to recognize and celebrate again this unique online format as the selected high growth startups from Europe (and associated countries) showcased this time innovative breakthroughs in the health space," said Sebastien Torre, Director of San Francisco-based ENRICH in the USA Center. "I also want to thank Invest EU, Enterprise Europe Network, Green & Spiegel and Angel Launch for their great support and partnership. See you at our next virtual/hybrid Funding Summit!"

"In terms of deal scouting, I prioritize finding qualified healthtech companies that are in the correct stage with a clear competitive advantage in the US marketwhich can be tricky. ENRICH's Funding Summits are so valuable, and even more so in context of the health and life science focus of bio, because they help address two of the most critical areas in a company's successful entry in the US: streamlined connections with relevant investors and entry into a network of soft-landing centers to maximize capital efficiency. Coming from the investment and business side, this considered approach means we see some of the most phenomenal technologies across Europe," added Elizabeth Jennings, Board of Directors, SWAN Impact Network; VP, SWAN Impact Fund; Principal, Venture Atlas Labs.

"The ENRICH events provide an excellent occasion to promote the opportunities of new Invest EU program among US investors and institutions, and to learn more about US ecosystems," said Michael Feith, Policy Officer, European Commission, DG ECFIN L2  InvestEU Governance.

About ENRICH in the USA

Launched in April 2017, the mission of ENRICH (European Network of Research Innovation Centres and Hubs) in the USA ( ENRICH in the USA ) is to provide collaboration and commercialization support services to European researchers and innovators (from the EU and Associated Countries), and facilitate their access to university centric Soft Landing ecosystems, to maximize their chances of success in the United States.

ENRICH in the USA, funded by the European Commission through Horizon 2020, is represented in the USA by Temple Small Business Development Center - Fox School of Business, based in Philadelphia, PA, and NCURA based in Washington, DC.

Maura Shenker, Director of the Temple University Small Business Development Center, added "Temple SBDC is proud to be supporting this outstanding group of successful entrepreneurs from Europe participating at BIO Digital 2021, and we look forward to our strong collaboration with ENRICH in the USA to offer more transatlantic services and connections."

About Temple University, SBDC

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are the only statewide, nationally accredited program providing high quality, one-on-one consulting, training and information resources to empower new and existing businesses. The SBDC program is a public/private partnership with the US Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and 16 universities and colleges across the Commonwealth. The Temple University SBDC is an outreach center of the Fox School of Business and Management at Temple University that has been serving Philadelphia and the surrounding communities since 1983. the highly trained and experienced staff provides startup and small businesses with professional knowledge and assistance. Its mission is to help small businesses grow and succeed.

Media Contact:

Neal Leavitt

Leavitt Communications

(760) 639-2900

[email protected]

SOURCE ENRICH in the USA
HEALDSBURG, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan O'Connell, Spiritual Director for Enso Village, a collaboration between San Francisco Zen Center, the largest residential Zen Buddhist community in the West, and Kendal, a visionary Quaker-based provider of retirement community services, announced today that the Healdsburg, CA-based property has won the prestigious Gold Nugget Award presented by Builder Magazine. Enso Village, designed by Oakland-based HKIT Architects along with Seattle-based Mithun Architects and being built by The Weitz Company, was selected from more than 600 entries for grand and merit winners in categories including single-family, multifamily, and custom residential. Now in its 58th year, the Gold Nugget Awards have raised the bar for innovative architecture, planning, and construction concepts that solve fundamental building industry needs. A full list of winners can be found here.

"San Francisco Zen Center and Kendal are both 50 years old and share a commitment to deep listening and active collaboration," said Susan O'Connell, Spiritual Director for Enso Village. "It is great to see the spirit of collaboration and consensus be embodied in the process of creating Enso Village - even before breaking ground."

Focused on mindfulness and living fully in the present moment, the property will be built with cornerstones including closeness to nature, environmental stewardship contemplative care and healthy life choices. The Zen-inspired 275-unit property involves a wine country-contemporary campus with seven gable-roof buildings "wrapping" four courtyards connected by breezeways and covered walkways. Gold Nugget judges noted the project's quiet, unapologetic Northern California brand of intentionality in function and form.

Enso Village will offer 221 independent living, 30 assisted living and 24 memory support residences set among rolling hills in wine country. The community will offer a Zendo for meditation, healthy dining options, and will focus on living lightly on the land, while contributing widely to the greater Healdsburg community. Opening is anticipated in late 2022.

"For everyone, Gold Nugget is the place to take inspiration from design, planning, and development achievements that range from a jewel box custom home to lavish destination environments to affordable housing to intricate infill neighborhoods and leading-edge prototypes," says Lisa Parrish, judging chair and Gold Nugget ceremonies administrator. "And while entering is easy, winning is hard, so whether it's the first time or 58th in the Gold Nugget spotlight, taking a merit or grand is undeniably sweet."

Attention to detail surrounds sustainability from resource use from construction through continued operations both economically and socially. The North Village will offer services to more than one income bracket and will benefit working families, seniors, local businesses, and travelers passing through or vacationing in Healdsburg. It will be socially sustainable by spanning generational divides. Within the Village, working adults, families, retirees, and the elderly will all be represented. These uses will have an integral connection and engagement with the Healdsburg community with employment opportunities, housing, social programs, and active and passive transportation connectivity.

About Enso Village: Enso Village is a Life Plan Community in Healdsburg, CA, with a focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, environmental stewardship, contemplative care and healthy life choices for adults 60+. The property is located at 435 Allan Court Healdsburg, CA 95448. For more information visit https://enso.kendal.org or call 707-756-5036.

About the Weitz Company: Founded in 1855, The Weitz Company is a national, full-service general contractor, design-builder and construction manager that serves all 50 U.S. states. Weitz is one of the oldest general contractors in the United States and an industry leader in lean construction; senior living; sustainable building; and virtual design and construction. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, The Weitz Company annually ranks in the top tier of Engineering News-Record's Top 400 Contractors and Building Design+Construction's Giants 300 Contractors lists.

Media Contact:

Marcus Young

415-505-2524

[email protected]

SOURCE Enso Village
LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric Sanchez, CEO of Los Angeles-based ERB North America (ERB), unveiled their highly anticipated new division, ERB Wealth. In just over two years, ERB's Employee Benefits group has grown to be the #1 Employee Benefits firm on the west coast. A need for financial planning and wealth management was apparent in the market. With plans to meet and exceed their aggressive growth projections, ERB North America now will more than double those projections with the addition of this new division ERB Wealth, a wealth management group.

Link  ERB - https://employeeretentionbenefits.com/products-services/

Eric Sanchez, CEO of ERB North America, said, "Our client offering is now unparalleled in the industry. We have been incredibly successful for our corporate clients by reducing the systems needed to implement a full employee benefits program. And, for the end-user, we now have a full financial planning firm to assist our clients through retirement."

Link- ERB - https://www.linkedin.com/company/employee-retention-benefits-inc/

Sanchez added, "ERB has brought together the best team in the industry to serve our clients. We hold ourselves to a high level of accountability, and customer satisfaction is our main priority. At our core, we are a team of problem solvers, and helping our clients is what we do best. Our client's success means everything. ERB North America now rounds out our customer service continuum with the addition of ERB Wealth. These are exciting times for our company and our clients."

About ERB North America:

ERB North America is a group of companies dedicated to a full spectrum of employee benefits and wealth management services. ERB has established itself as the 1 employee benefits firm on the West Coast. ERB offers world-class employee benefits enrollment services, and now ERB Wealth provides personal financial services for Unions, Associations, and large and small businesses. Their flagship service is customized benefit programs tailored to specific needs and specific industries. Clients typically experience employee retention, reduces costs, and tax savings. ERB also features the only enrollment team in the nation where all agents are trained and certified as Certified Virtual Incurance Professionals (CVIP).

For more information, contact Eric Sanchez, CEO ERB North America

SOURCE Employee Retention Benefits (ERB)

Related Links

https://employeeretentionbenefits.com/products-services/


LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the first commercial labs to deliver COVID-19 testing, Eurofins Viracor, Inc. continues to innovate with the launch of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 inSIGHT T Cell Immunity testing. Viracor's inSIGHT T Cell Immunity test delivers an understanding of a patient's response to viral antigens providing critical insight to aid in treatment decisions. The test measures CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins to independently evaluate cell-mediated immunity to Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19.

Utilizing flow cytometry and intracellular cytokine staining, SARS-CoV-2 inSIGHT testing could be an important tool for evaluating immunological memory to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and even indicate a level of protection from further infection.

SARS-CoV-2 inSIGHT testing joins a robust menu of COVID-19 testing, including the recently-launched cPASS Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody test. When used in combination with the Neutralizing Antibody test, results from the tests could help physicians evaluate two areas of our adaptive immune system that can indicate immunity. When neutralizing antibody response begins to diminish months after exposure to the virus or vaccine, the presence of T cell immunity may signify long-term immunity.

A leader in infectious disease testing for over 35 years, Viracor has launched molecular and serological tests to aid in the evaluation of naturally infected or vaccinated individuals. To see the full list of testing, visit https://www.eurofins-viracor.com/clinical/our-testing/covid-19/. Furthermore, Viracor's SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay offers the best sensitivity of the 117 laboratories that have submitted results to FDA's SARS-CoV-2 Reference Panel, with a limit of detection of 180 NAAT Detectable Units/mL1,2.

1 This test has not been cleared or approved for diagnostic use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories. This test has been authorized only for the detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 virus and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, not for any other viruses or pathogens. This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus and/or diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection under section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C.  360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

2 https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-reference-panel-comparative-data

To learn more, please visit: https://www.eurofins-viracor.com/clinical/news-and-events/categories/news/

About Viracor

Eurofins Viracor has over 30 years of diagnostic expertise in infectious disease, immunology and allergy testing for immunocompromised and critical patients. Eurofins Viracor is a subsidiary of Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), a global leader in bio-analytical testing, and one of the world leaders in genomic services. For more information, please visit https://www.eurofins.com/ and https://www.viracor-eurofins.com/clinical-diagnostics/.

About Eurofins  the global leader in bio-analysis

Eurofins is Testing for Life. With over 50,000 staff across a network of more than 800 laboratories in over 50 countries, Eurofins' companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods.

Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.

SOURCE Eurofins Viracor LLC
"We are honored and delighted to be recognized for our customer experience efforts in this year's Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," declared Daniel Richardson, Chief Technical Officer at Exclaimer. "At Exclaimer, we understand that it is important to deliver an exceptional quality of customer service alongside outstanding email signature management solutions. This is why our Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) is consistently above 97%, well above the industry average for other SaaS solution providers. We truly believe this is one of the principal reasons why so many choose Exclaimer as their email signature solution vendor of choice."

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various of categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Exclaimer was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Customer Experience.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards acknowledge outstanding successes and innovations by partners in over 100 countries and in a wide variety of categories, including partner competencies, cloud to edge technologies, entrepreneurial spirit and social impact. The Customer Experience Partner of the Year Award recognizes a partner who is dedicated to building and responding to customer interactions in a way that meets or exceeds customer needs, expectations, and satisfaction.

"I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. "These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer."

About Exclaimer

For 20 years, Exclaimer has been the recognized category leader in email signature solutions for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Exchange. Exclaimer solutions enable companies to manage their employees' email signatures centrally and deliver consistent branding, promotions, disclaimers and compliance statements, while substantially cutting admin overheads.

Headquartered just outside of London and with regional offices worldwide, Exclaimer's solutions are used by over 45,000 customers in 150+ countries with some companies holding licenses for over 300,000 users. Its diverse customer base includes renowned international organizations such as Sony, Mattel, NBC, Bank of America, Sonepar, Greif, 10 Downing Street, the BBC, the Government of Canada, the Academy Awards, and many more organizations of all sectors and sizes.

The company has been the recipient of multiple industry awards over the years and was the first company of its type to successfully achieve the ISO/IEC 27001 Certification for its cloud-based signature management service.

For more information on Exclaimer, visit www.exclaimer.com.

Media contacts

Maria Dahlqvist Canton

VP Marketing

Exclaimer Group

Phone: +44 (0) 1252 53142

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Exclaimer
FORT MILL, S.C., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast Growing Trees ("FGT"), a portfolio company of Summit Park, is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Planting Tree, an e-commerce direct-to-consumer ("DTC") provider of trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials to customers located across the continental United States. Since its founding in 2014, The Planting Tree has developed a strong brand and a loyal customer base due to its broad assortment of high-quality products and rapid fulfillment capabilities.

Headquartered in Fort Mill, SC, FGT is the market-leading e-commerce DTC provider of live goods  predominantly trees and shrubs  going to market under its Fast Growing Trees and Brighter Blooms brands. Summit Park invested in FGT in February 2018.

Adam Smith, CEO of Fast Growing Trees, said, "We are excited to add The Planting Tree's strong brand and loyal customer base to the FGT platform. The Planting Tree will allow FGT to grow its product portfolio and reach new customer demographics. Throughout our 17-year history, the Fast Growing Trees brand name has been known for unmatched quality, assortment, and customer service, and we are looking forward to providing this same level of service to The Planting Tree customers."

Mike York, a Principal at Summit Park, added, "We are very pleased to add The Planting Tree to our portfolio of DTC brands in the live goods industry. The Planting Tree's products are highly complementary to FGT, and we are optimistic that we can leverage our marketing and customer service capabilities as well as our supply chain to materially accelerate the brand's growth."

About Fast Growing Trees

Fast Growing Trees offers consumers a broad variety of high-quality trees and shrubs through its websites fast-growing-trees.com and brighterblooms.com. The company provides customers with a best-in-class e-commerce experience and access to over 1,100 products that are available for delivery, typically within two days of placing an order. FGT sources its products from a geographically diverse network of trusted suppliers and has built a reputation in the marketplace for offering high quality products and superior customer service. The company's differentiated consumer experience is disrupting traditional channels in its large and steadily growing category. For more information, visit www.fast-growing-trees.com.

About Summit Park

Summit Park is a Charlotte, NC-based private investment firm focused exclusively on the lower middle market. The firm invests across a range of industries, including business and consumer services, light manufacturing, and value-added distribution in the Eastern half of the United States. The firm's capital can be used to facilitate a change in ownership, to support expansion and growth, to provide partial liquidity to existing owners, or to support an industry consolidation plan. For more information, visit www.summitparkllc.com.

Point of Contact: Liz Kettler, [email protected]

SOURCE SPP Management Services

Related Links

https://www.summitparkllc.com


NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International law firm McDermott Will & Emery announced that Edward (Ted) Diskant has joined the Firm's New York office as a partner in its Litigation Practice. Ted is the former head of the Public Corruption Unit in the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, where he led a team of approximately 20 senior prosecutors conducting some of the Office's most sensitive and high-profile matters, including the investigation of Rudolph Giuliani and the prosecutions of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, Stephen K. Bannon, Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Michael Avenatti.

"As courts reopen and government enforcement activities continue to rise, Ted will provide critical counsel to clients engaged in high-impact matters and seeking to navigate risks inherent in regulated activities," David Rosenbloom, global head of McDermott's Litigation Practice Group, said. "Ted brings a record of noteworthy trial experience and outstanding achievements that will expand our team and our ability to defend high-stakes white-collar defense and government investigation matters."

Ted spent nine years with the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, where he first served as an Assistant US Attorney and then rose to Chief of the Public Corruption Unit. He led dozens of investigations into a wide variety of white-collar criminal offenses, handling matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-bribery laws, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, domestic and international money laundering and tax offenses, as well as matters involving violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and US sanctions laws. While at the US Attorney's Office, Ted successfully tried 10 jury trials to verdict and briefed or argued more than a dozen cases before the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

"McDermott has a strong tradition of counseling companies and individuals through some of the most sensitive and complex government and regulatory matters, and the Firm's litigation practice enjoys an international reputation for excellence," Ted said. "I am excited to become part of a team that has distinguished itself with its wise strategic counsel, strong trial skills and deep substantive knowledge across industries."

Ted received both his BA (magna cum laude) and his JD from Yale University, where he was an Articles & Essays editor of the Yale Law Journal.

McDermott is expanding its litigation footprint across the United States and around the globe. Since the beginning of 2021, we have welcomed nine litigation partners and their supporting teams, including Kenji Price and Julian Andre in the US and Simon Airey and Michael Darowski in London.

About McDermott

McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effectiveand often unexpectedsolutions that propel success. More than 1,200 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.



SOURCE McDermott Will & Emery

Related Links

http://www.mwe.com


DETROIT, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Gravity Software (Gravity), a business accounting software provider, has announced its position as a 'High Performer' on the G2 Crowd 2021 Summer Grid Report for Accounting Software. In addition to this recognition, Gravity has also been named a G2 'High Performer in the Small Business Accounting Software category.

Gravity is a trusted leader in cloud accounting software used by growing businesses to track and manage financial data throughout their entire organization. Built with the needs of small and medium businesses in mind, Gravity provides expansive capabilities that enable growth by creating greater efficiencies and productivity. With features like multi-entity accounting capabilities, dimensional reporting and access to powerful business intelligence tools like Microsoft Power BI, Gravity offers businesses a better way to run their core operations.

G2 is a peer-to-peer review site, leveraging client feedback to rank the best business software solutions. The Summer 2021 Grid Report is based on G2's unique algorithm, which calculates user satisfaction and market presence scores. The acknowledgement from G2 is based on product reviews from verified clients and data collected from online sources and social networks.

The key highlights of Gravity's customer feedback show:

94% of users rated Gravity 4 or 5 stars

users rated Gravity's ease of use a 9.0 out of 10

users rated quality of support a 9.5 out of 10

Kadidia Cooper, Controller at MyDocPlus, a healthcare company reviewed Gravity stating, "Where to start? Multiple companies with a single login, multiple budgets, cross-company reporting, cross-company posting, integrated billing, purchasing and inventory solutions, sophisticated reporting, many steps up from QuickBooks, but not as bulky, difficult or expensive as Sage Intacct / NetSuite / Microsoft Dynamics BC."

The distinction from G2 adds to the momentum that Gravity has experienced this year. Recently, Gravity was named as a top accounting solution provider in CFO Tech Outlook's July 2021 edition and also earned a position as High Performer in the Spring and Winter 2021 G2 Accounting Software Grid Reports.

"It is an honor to have earned a spot in the G2 quadrant and earned two high performer badges. This recognition solidifies our position in the market and competitive accounting landscape. We are also thrilled to receive such positive user feedback. We continuously place our clients first, learning from their needs to drive the future development of Gravity Software. We appreciate our clients and partners that have consistently placed their trust in Gravity," said John Silvani, President, Gravity Software. "

About Gravity Software

Gravity Software, LLC (Gravity) is a cloud based accounting software for small to mid-market businesses looking to replace their entry-level or legacy application. Gravity has robust capabilities like bank book management, multi-entity accounting, multi-location inventory, purchasing automation and much more, but without the expensive cost of larger cloud ERP software. Written exclusively on the Microsoft Power Platform (aka Dynamics 365), Gravity can automate your accounting operations to ultimately drive better financial performance and increase efficiency for your business. Gravity Software  Better. Smarter. Accounting.

About G2

G2 is the largest and most trusted software marketplace, helping 5.5 million people every month make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews. Thousands of companies partner with G2 to build their reputation, manage their software spend, and grow their business. To support its mission to become "the place for software," the company has raised $100M in funding from IVP, Accel Partners, LinkedIn, Emergence Capital, Pritzker Group, Chicago Ventures, Hyde Park Ventures, industry leaders and founders. Founded in Chicago, the company now operates globally with offices in San Francisco, London, Bangalore, and Singapore.

Gravity Software and the Gravity logo are trademarks of Gravity Software LLC. All other company and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Mandy Vogt, Director of Marketing, Gravity Software

Email: [email protected]

Direct Line: (248) 564-3122

SOURCE Gravity Software
BOGOTA, Colombia, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Ikanik Farms, Inc. (CSE: IKNK.U) (FSE: DFMA) (the "Company" or "Ikanik Farms") is pleased to announce that its wholly owned, Colombian subsidiary Pideka SAS ("Pideka"), is pleased to announce its CBD Foaming Skin Cleanser has received product registration approval in Poland, classified under "cosmetics".

"This registration enables us to sell our CBD Foaming cleanser across the EU, in the near future." said Brian Baca, CEO of Ikanik Farms. "The Cleanser is the first of our 6 plant-derived, natural ingredient-based products, under the Pideka brand being launched by the end of 2021."

"We are excited for this milestone and look forward to serving the European market with our high content CBD product suite in the coming months." said Borja Sanz de Madrid, President of Ikanik Farms International, Inc.

About Ikanik Farms

Ikanik Farms is a California based, Multi-National Operator (MNO) who is building a dynamic portfolio of brands, inspired by its passion for health and wellness, action sports, and supported by its vertically integrated retail, distribution and cultivation in CA and its medical grade cultivation and laboratory in Colombia. The company's leadership brings decades of expertise in R&D, cultivation, retail, branding, and corporate finance. Ikanik Farms' operation in Colombia, through its pharma division Pideka, holds both GMP-PHARMA and (GACP) Good Agricultural and Collection Practice certifications for its Casa Flores operating facility.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws (together, "forward-looking information). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future is forward-looking information. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "believe", "should", and similar expressions, are forward-looking information.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: changes in laws, a change in management, the inability to obtain additional financing, increased competition, hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and, regulatory or political change.

There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in the forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and the Company does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Ikanik Farms Inc.

SOURCE Ikanik Farms Inc.

Related Links

https://ikanikfarms.com/


Based in Chesterland, Invisible Fence of Northeast Ohio has been an authorized, full-service dealership of genuine Invisible Fence products and services since 1984. With the addition of seven counties, Invisible Fence of Northeast Ohio will now serve more than 34,000 satisfied customers.

"Since 2001, Invisible of Canton has been passionate and diligent in giving confidence to pet owners. This team has truly changed the lives of pets and their parents," Said Ed Hoyt, Director of Invisible Fence.

"Expanding our footprint allows us to extend our customer service hours and offer new and innovative solutions that will help customers enjoy their pets even more  all while providing the same high-level of attention customers have come to expect."

Acquiring Canton is the company's sixth acquisition of the year and the second expansion for Invisible Fence of Northeast Ohio. At the end of 2020, the dealership expanded into Western Cleveland and now with over 240 authorized dealers, Invisible Fence has the largest support network for pet containment in the US and Canada.

"We're excited for the opportunity to directly serve more pet owners in Canton as we continue to provide a premium experience to our customers and their beloved pets," said Hoyt.

Invisible Fence offers the most premier dog fence on the market including professional installation, Perfect Start Plus Training and exclusive Boundary Plus Technology. Highly recommended by veterinarians, dog trainers, animal behaviorists and other pet experts, Invisible Fence offers pet fences that can be customized for clients' unique needs.

Growing dealerships allows Invisible Fence to continue to support and be involved in their communities. Local animal shelter donations, adoption events and the Project Breathe Program are among some of the ways Invisible Fence of Northeast Ohio will continue to contribute to local pet wellness.

For additional information or questions, customers can call 1-800-578-3647, visit InvisibleFence.com, and follow Invisible Fence of Northeast Ohio on Facebook.

About Invisible Fence Brand

Invisible Fence pioneered the pet containment industry in 1973, making it their mission to provide safe boundaries inside and outside of the home. The Radio Systems Corporation owned company predominantly sells pet containment, avoidance and access solutions across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to offering award-winning products like Boundary Plus Technology, Authorized Dealers provide professional installation, Perfect Start Plus Training and integrated solutions that have protected more than three million pets to date. Invisible Fence also founded the Project Breathe Program in 2006, donating more than 32,000 pet oxygen masks to fire departments and first responders. For more information on Invisible Fence or to find a local dealer, visit InvisibleFence.com or follow the company on Facebook.

SOURCE Invisible Fence Brand

Related Links

http://InvisibleFence.com


Following the success of last year's event that hosted millions of viewers from five continents and 177 countries, the event will be broadcast live in an extended three-day summit where Iranians and resistance supporters from 50,000 locations across 105 countries and throughout Iran will join members of the Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK/PMOI) in Ashraf 3.

Simultaneously, thousands of Iranians will gather at Brandenburger Tor in Berlin and hold assemblies in 16 capitols and major cities around the world, including Paris, Washington, D.C., London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Oslo, Vienna, Rome, Budapest and Geneva.



In attendance at the summit will be 1,029 political dignitaries and over 250 lawmakers from Europe, Canada and the Middle East and North Africa region, along with 30 members of the U.S. Congress, 11 prime ministers and presidents, 70 former ministers from Europe and the Middle East, and 30 senior U.S. officials.



Event attendees and speakers will unite to call for equality, justice and human rights in Iran. Some are also expected to publicly call for the prosecution of heads of the mullahs' regime, Ali Khamenei and recently appointed Ebrahim Raisi following Iran's controversial election.



"Installing as president a mass murderer and a criminal against humanity reflects the regime's desperation [and] foreshadows the overthrow of the ruling theocracy. Raisi must face justice in an international tribunal," said NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi in response to the election's results.

The livestreamed experience will begin at 9 a.m. EDT and is free and open to a global audience at any of the following online locations:

Twitter: @Iran_policy, @NCRIArabic, @hambastegi_meli

Facebook: @IranNCR, @NCRIArabic, @HambastegiMeliIranian



About Free Iran World Summit 2021

The Free Iran World Summit is an annual event organized by Iran Freedom, a global grassroots network of Iranian expatriates, human rights defenders and more than 300 allied organizations supporting freedom, equality and human rights in Iran. For more information, visit https://iranfreedom.org/en/freeiran.

Contact:

Sarah Rahimi

Tel: +1 (571) 281-7167

Iran Freedom

[email protected]



SOURCE Free Iran World Summit

Related Links

http://www.iranfreedom.org


The introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is another step toward expanding electrification and strengthening the Jeep brand's vision of "Zero Emission, 100% Freedom" in a year in which the Jeep brand celebrates 80 years of achievements and innovations.

Jeep Brand

Built on 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Jeep is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Jeep brand: www.jeep.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep

YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

-###-

For more information, please visit the Stellantis media site for North America at https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com.

SOURCE Stellantis

Related Links

http://www.stellantis.com/


IRVING, Texas, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After an extensive search, the OneShare Health Board of Directors has named Jeff Gary, its former Chief Growth Officer, as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer. A highly experienced health care executive, Gary will lead an expanding leadership team and a growing ministry poised to become a world-class organization.

OneShare Health

Gary previously served as OneShare's Chief Growth Officer, leading top-line revenue growth and creating beneficial go-to-market strategies to drive new business. He takes over from Interim CEO Buddy Combs, who will continue his leadership position as Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel at OneShare Health. In his new role as CEO, Gary will lead the organization as it forges ahead with new initiatives and formulates solid plans to reach even more people with OneShare's unique health care model.

Before coming to OneShare Health, Gary spent more than 25 years in the health care industry and was the founder and CEO of The JMG Group, a full-service health care consulting firm based in Austin, Texas. Throughout his career, Gary has focused on organizational assessments, change management, strategic planning, go-to-market strategies, and new business development.

Gary's impressive career highlights to date include generating over $130 million in new business revenue, increasing profitability by more than $440 million for his clients, creating organizational compensation and incentive programs, implementing successful cost containment strategies, and managing and negotiating successful strategic development relationships.

Looking to the future, Gary said, "My philosophy is quite simple: lead by example based on hard work, mutual trust, and respect. Treat others as you would like to be treated, and empower team members while guiding them through unique challenges."

He is excited about creating cohesive and successful teams at OneShare, he said, and sharing in wins and losses together  a philosophy that echoes the organization's guiding principle of Better Together.

"We will build an organization based on transparency, accountability, collaboration, consensus building, and execution," Gary said. "And together, we will celebrate wins, those that are deeply rooted in our mission of member satisfaction."

Read more about Jeff Gary's background and service with his introduction at OneShare Health.

For Press Inquiries, Contact:

Buddy Combs

OneShare Health

1-888-940-8291

[email protected]

Related Images

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OneShare Health Appoints Jeff Gary as CEO

SOURCE OneShare Health
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the United States will soon be home to a mixed-use modern development in the heart of its downtown, thanks to a loan secured for its developers by Kennedy Funding.

The Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey-based direct private lender announced today that it has closed a $3.456 million land loan to Essex Modern City, LLC. Loan proceeds will be used toward the development of a mixed-use development on an 8.0-acre site in downtown San Antonio, Texas. Loan proceeds will be used toward cashing out the current loan, funding to advance the planning and engineering stage of the site, and completing quiet zone construction in partnership with the city of San Antonio and Union Pacific railroad.

The loan is secured by seven parcels of vacant land located at 51 Essex Street in downtown San Antonio.

"San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States: Real estate values in the metro area have appreciated 40% since 2015, and coupled with low unemployment and a growing population, this makes the Alamo City an excellent place for new construction that will be home to living, working, and recreation for its residents and visitors," said Kevin Wolfer, CEO, Kennedy Funding.

Essex Modern City's website describes the development as "a social experiment that believes that good design and technology can create a more enriching way to live," with the intent of building community and commerce in a rapidly developing area of San Antonio.

Plans for Essex Modern City call for 80,000 square feet of retail space, 80,000 square feet of commercial office space, and approximately 800 residential units of varying sizes, including parking spaces and an open park area. The project was re-zoned Infill Development Zone (IDZ) and approved for mixed-use in 2016.

"When it came to Essex Modern City, the time to develop in San Antonio could not have been more ideal," Wolfer said.

Wolfer added that the entitlement process for the development is in its final phases, and the developers are currently working on completing a map of the forthcoming development.

"All Essex Modern City needed was the funding  everything else was in place," Wolfer said. "Seeing a clear plan for the site and the city's support, we were able to quickly process and approve their loan application."

Essex Modern City's site is in the heart of downtown San Antonio, minutes from the Jose Lopez Freeway and I-37, among other major thoroughfares. Labeled the nation's "fastest growing city" in 2018, the San Antonio metro area has undergone exponential growth, attracting newcomers interested in the growing community, its rich bicultural history, and economic opportunity.

"San Antonio has been quietly growing in recent years, and mixed-use development like Essex Modern City will be a great resource for the people moving there," Wolfer said.

About Kennedy Funding

Kennedy Funding is a global direct private lender specializing in bridge loans for commercial property and land acquisition, development, workouts, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. Kennedy Funding has closed more than $3 billion in loans to date. Their creative financing expertise provides funding up to 75% loan-to-value, from $1 million ($3 million international) to more than $50 million in as little as five days. The company has closed loans throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and Central and South America.

www.kennedyfunding.com

For media inquiries:

Contact Bill Grindler

[email protected]

201-288-7888

SOURCE Kennedy Funding
SURFSIDE, Fla., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami residents experienced a tragedy on June 24 when Champlain Towers South fell. The 40-year-old building fell at 1:30 a.m., resulting in individuals and families missing. Sadly, there were 60 deaths reported along with 80 people who have been unaccounted for. Rescue operations have been ongoing for several weeks now. There are many people at the site of this tragedy who have lost their loved ones, and they need comfort and answers. Some listlessly watch rescue and construction crews sift through the fallen condo wreckage. La Granja Restaurants has volunteered to be a helping hand and extension of aid to those working at the site for long hours. They are delivering meals onsite to first responders.

La Granja Restaurants

President Joe Biden and Governor Ron DeSantis visited the site to offer condolences and hope for the families. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has frequently been updating the major media outlets on the excavation progress made. "The demolition of the building is going to proceed based on the recommendations of the engineers," she said. "It's going to take, most likely, weeks."

La Granja Restaurants was more than happy to provide 500 meals to those who are working around the clock to find survivors, providing hope and comfort in a warm meal.

Ivan Tucker, also known as The Chicken King of Miami, along with the La Granja family worked together to prepare the meals that were welcomed with much love and gratitude from the first responders. La Granja just opened this restaurant last year at 6144 S Dixie Highway in Miami, just south of SW 72nd Street.

La Granja's staple meal is 1/4 Chicken with rice and beans, which is the complete meal of choice most popular for lunch and dinners. Fried plantains and soda can also be added to these meals. La Granja's Menu includes Lomo Saltado, Chicken, Ceviche, Jalea, and Caribbean Whole Snapper.

A favorite dish at La Granja is its traditional Rotisserie Peruvian Chicken called "pollo a la brasa," slow roasted for two hours on a rotisserie machine.

La Granja at 6144 S. Dixie Hwy is open for lunch and dinners. Delivery is available via DoorDash and GrubHub. Call (786) 558-8702.

La Granja Restaurants are located throughout Florida from Orange County to Miami Dade County. La Granja owes their expansion to their delicious cuisine, outstanding customer service and affordable prices. Over the last 20 years, they have opened their doors in several locations including Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Beach, Downtown Miami and Orlando. La Granja has won awards such as "The Best Family Style Peruvian Restaurant". They offer authentic affordable Latin cuisine. Customers love their grilled steak, grilled chicken, and fajitas.

Related Images

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La Granja Delivers Meals at Surfside

SOURCE La Granja Restaurants
SANTA ROSA, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Anish Shah, MD of Siyan Clinical, the North Bay's largest outpatient psychiatric treatment center, offers a successful and cost-effective modality for treatment of clinical depression, particularly in individuals whose depression has been treatment-resistant. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in an area of the brain found to be underactive in people with depression. Dr. Shah reports, "We have treated over 180 patients. Our response rate is 80%, remission rate is 35% - exceptional results. Even during the pandemic people have experienced profound change." TMS stimulates an area of the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is well-tolerated, drug-free, without negative side-effects, and generally fully covered by insurance. Find out about Dr. Shah's work at https://siyanclinical.com/tms-treatment-for-depression/ or call 707-310-8213.

The pandemic has shown us how tenuous the grip on our nation's mental health has become and left many previously untreated people with depression scrambling for a solution to this worsening crisis. Pre-pandemic, the National Institute of Health (NIH) estimated that 16.2 million American adults have experienced a major depressive episode, with 1 in 10 people reporting depressive episodes from January-June of 2019. During the pandemic, that number jumped to 4 in 10. For those who had already struggled with clinical depression, the effects of the pandemic have made management even more challenging, with serious and even life-threatening health consequences. This highly promising therapy is needed now more than ever. The FDA approved TMS for the treatment of resistant depression in 2009 (Valente & Fisher, 2012). TMS is found to have a significant elevation of the patient's mood and decrease the frequency and duration of depressive symptoms. Because it is not a depression drug TMS Therapy does not have the same side effects that are associated with traditional antidepressant medications. To qualify as a candidate for the course of 36 30-minute sessions, a patient must have tried more than two antidepressants without success.

Siyan Clinical, established by Dr. Shah in 2012, is one of the most prominent outpatient mental health offices north of San Francisco serving Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Mendocino, and Marin Counties. Siyan Clinical values its staff and their care provided to the community as a mental health office. Dr. Shah explains, "Our values aren't just words on a page - we learn to live them every day, measure our success, and continuously evolve. We work together as a team to achieve the organization's mission and vision." The clinic has 14 clinicians (psychiatrists, therapists, and four mid-level providers) and cares for more than 5,500 registered patients. The most substantial behavioral health concern among the patient population is generalized anxiety disorder.

About Dr. Shah & Supporting Covid-19 Efforts

The devastating COVID-19 outbreak in India has claimed thousands of lives and has brought attention to the severe shortages of essential medical supplies in the region. During this time, Dr. Shah has taken a personal role in this crisis close to his heart and has tirelessly worked from his offices in California to deliver aid and support to impacted patients, colleagues, and partners in India. Dr. Shah has volunteered himself to provide treatment consultations to several COVID-19 patients in India. He consults on the Samvedana Charitable Trust's initiative, which involves providing free meals to families impacted by COVID-19, distributing Oxygen, COVID home monitoring tools and increasing vaccine awareness.

Dr. Shah has practiced psychiatry in Northern California for over 19 years, gaining experience in several behavioral health settings, including Lake County Mental Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Sonoma County Mental Health. He served as the Medical Director of Napa State Hospital and managed a $4 million medical services budget, leading a staff of 220 medical professionals.

Dr. Shah collaborates with leading experts in psychiatric treatment, has published numerous papers and articles on bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, clinical depression, and opiate dependence treatment, chronic pain and overcoming wildfire trauma. He is active in the community as a behavioral health expert, as well as conducting continuing education programs in all these areas as well. Dr. Shah has extensive experience as a researcher leading clinical trials investigating therapeutic modalities for treating patients with major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder.

Contact: Jenny Kaplan

415-342-2209

[email protected]

SOURCE Siyan Clinical Corporation

Related Links

www.siyanclinical.com


LAS VEGAS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The who's who of culinary talent will converge at the 12th Annual Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival. Celebrity Chefs from over the world take part at this annual event from the Las Vegas strip to Downtown Las Vegas and Summerlin.

The event will be headlined by James Beard Foundation Award winning chefs including the likes of Chef Katsuya Uechi, Chef Todd English, Chef Francois Payard, just to name a few.

Week of Food & Wine Veuve Clicquot Dinner

Some of these talented individuals will showcase their skills by bringing you deeper in the world of creations within the live culinary demonstrations.

Who is ready for spectacular desserts? There will be a plentiful number of mouthwatering treats you will getting seconds of as well as making your fellow foodies jealous. The desserts are almost too pretty to eat, but you won't be able to resist so be sure to dig in.

Tickets are now on sale and range from $100-$150. Tickets include a special tasting of world-class wines, beers, spirits, and delicious food. Individuals interested in attending are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible due to popular demand.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit VegasFoodAndWine.com.

Social Media

Instagram: @VegasFoodWine

Facebook: VegasFoodAndWine

Twitter: @VegasFoodWine

About Tivoli Village

From dancing in the streets to yoga on the Piazza, old-world elegance blends seamlessly with today's active lifestyle at Tivoli Village. Anchored by Restoration Hardware's RH Las Vegas, The Gallery at Tivoli Village, the outdoor center is complemented by a curated collection of retailers ranging from luxury brands to one-of-a-kind boutiques. Enticing restaurants range from local favorite, Echo & Rig Butcher and Steakhouse, to national standout, Brio Tuscan Grille, while David Barton Gym and Dance With Me serve as upscale experiential destinations beyond traditional retail and dining options.

Located in one of the most affluent sections of Southern Nevada, Tivoli Village is 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, conveniently situated near the Summerlin Parkway. The center proudly boasts 370,000 square feet of retail and restaurants and 300,000 square feet of Class A office space.

Complimentary valet and covered parking are provided. Restaurant and store hours vary. For more information on events at Tivoli Village visit www.tivolivillagelv.com follow Tivoli Village on Instagram and Twitter, or like Tivoli Village on Facebook. Get social with Tivoli Village by following them on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TivoliVillageLV.

Barcelona Enterprises is a premier experiential marketing company striving to positively influence the culinary landscape. For over sixteen years, we have delivered memorable events compiling of life's simple yet greatest joys, food and wine. Our destinations have spanned across the US and even on an international level in Cairo, Egypt, Berlin, Germany and Malta. Our clients include some of the most prestigiously known corporations within the advertising, financial services, media, arts and consumer production fields. For more information, visit www.barcelona.la

Contact: Alan Semsar, (818) 288-4050, [email protected]

SOURCE Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival

Related Links

http://www.VegasFoodAndWine.com


SOLNA, Sweden, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Loomis AB has signed a five-year credit agreement of approximately EUR 265 million. It is a syndicated revolving credit facility of USD 140 million, SEK 945 million and EUR 55 million. The facility will replace an existing revolving credit facility due in June 2022. The facility can be used for financing of working capital, investments and other general corporate purposes.

The lead arrangers are Bank of America, Le Credit Lyonnais, Danske Bank and Nordea Bank.

July 8, 2021

CONTACT:

Kristian Ackeby

CFO

Mobile: +46 70 569 69 98

Email: [email protected]

Anders Haker

Chief Investor Relations Officer

Mobile: +1 281 795 8580

Email: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/loomis-ab/r/loomis-signs-a-five-year-credit-facility-of-approximately-eur-265-million,c3381958

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/51/3381958/1442612.pdf Loomis signs a five-year credit facility of approximately EUR 265 million

SOURCE Loomis AB
MOORESVILLE, N.C., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) announced today that David M. Denton, chief financial officer, will participate in a virtual fireside chat hosted by Evercore ISI.

What: David Denton to participate in virtual fireside chat hosted by Greg Melich from Evercore ISI



When: 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, July 15, 2021



Where: Visit Lowe's Investor Relations for the audio webcast at ir.lowes.com A link will be displayed under "Events and Presentations"



How: Listen live online  the archived webcast will be available for one year at the same location approximately 24 hours after the conclusion of the live event

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company serving approximately 20 million customers a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2020 sales of nearly $90 billion, Lowe's and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

LOW-IR

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.

Related Links

www.lowes.com


SAN RAFAEL, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix American is pleased to announce its new client partnership with real estate investment management firm Bonaventure. Phoenix American will support Bonaventure with its industry-leading investor services platform featuring the STAR-XMS shareholder management / transfer agent system as well as integrated fund accounting services. Bonaventure will benefit from Phoenix American's combination of advanced technology, focus on customer service and long experience with the unique operational requirements of real estate investment funds.

Phoenix American Bonaventure

Customized Back-Office Services

"We selected to partner with Phoenix American for their customized suite of solutions," said Dwight Dunton, Bonaventure Founder and CEO. "Their advanced technology and financial reporting capabilities complement our approach to investor relations."

Located in Alexandria, VA, Bonaventure is a fully integrated real estate investment management firm focused on multifamily and senior housing properties that deliver superior return on investment for all parties. With over $2.25 billion in transactions, $500 million worth of HUD loans, and over 6,000 units owned, Bonaventure brings expertise, intuition, and creativity to the investment process. The company offers a full suite of investment capabilities as a transaction specialist in multifamily and senior housing. Phoenix American will onboard a series of legacy Bonaventure funds as well as support new fund offerings.

Advanced Operational Solutions

As alternative real estate investment funds continue to grow in variety and sophistication, advanced operational solutions are critical to the success of today's fund sponsors in the face of increasing demands from investors and regulators. Phoenix American has combined the most advanced systems and efficient back-office processes in alternative investments since its origins as a fund sponsor in 1972. Phoenix American's industry leading STAR-XMS investor management / transfer agent system and its integrated fund accounting capabilities are the result of the company's direct experience as a fund sponsor as well as decades of experience as an administrator for alternative investment funds.

"Bonaventure is a smart successful company with a long history of forging the right partnerships," said Andrew Constantin, Senior Vice President, Operations for Phoenix American. "We're thrilled that for transfer agent and investor services they chose to partner with us. We look forward to working together."

About Phoenix American

Phoenix American Financial Services, Inc. provides back office outsourcing, fund administration services and sales and marketing reporting services to fund companies in the alternative investment industry. The Phoenix American Aviation ABS group, including its Irish subsidiary, PAFS Ireland Ltd, provides managing agent services for asset backed securitizations (ABS) in the commercial aircraft and aircraft engine leasing industry. The company is an affiliate of Phoenix American Incorporated along with Phoenix American SalesFocus Solutions. Phoenix American has five offices worldwide, was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in San Rafael, CA.

Media Contact

David Fisher

310-621-7822

[email protected]

SOURCE Phoenix American
LOS ALTOS, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RenovoRx, a biopharmaceutical company and innovator in targeted cancer therapy, today announced the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent No. 11,052,224. This new patent extends the Company's extensive coverage of its novel RenovoRx therapeutic Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (RenovoTAMP) therapy platform. The newly issued patent provides additional coverage of the RenovoTAMP method of more efficiently delivering a chemotherapeutic agent to treat a tumor in conjunction with pre-treatment with radiation to modify the tissue microenvironment. This is RenovoRx's seventh U.S. patent.

"We are pleased with this seventh U.S. patent issuance as it marks an important achievement in our patent portfolio with its additional coverage for the RenovoRx therapy platform. Our primary goal with RenovoTAMP is to offer cancer patients an innovative targeted therapy that offers a potential option to achieve an extended and better quality of life," said Shaun Bagai, Chief Executive Officer at RenovoRx. "This addition to our patent portfolio has the potential to continually increase value for our investors further demonstrating our commitment to expand opportunities for patients through our therapy platform."

RenovoTAMP is the Company's novel therapy platform designed to deliver well-established and de-risked chemotherapeutic agents for targeted treatment of solid cancer tumors and is under investigation to increase survival and improve quality of life. This platform technology will enable physicians to isolate the anatomy and micro-perfuse targeted tissue with small molecule chemotherapy. RenovoRx has already secured Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for Intra-Arterial gemcitabine for the treatment of pancreatic and bile duct cancers.

The TIGeR-PaC clinical trial is a randomized study utilizing the RenovoTAMP platform to evaluate RenovoRx's first product candidate, RenovoGem (intra-arterial gemcitabine [chemotherapy] in combination with the proprietary RenovoCath delivery system). TIGeR-PaC is currently enrolling locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer patients. In clinical studies conducted to date, gemcitabine delivered directly via the pancreatic arteries using the RenovoTAMP platform with its treatment regime was associated with more than half the patients living over two years.

The randomized TIGeR-PaC trial is enrolling unresectable locally-advanced pancreatic cancer patients. To learn more, visit https://renovorx.com/clinical-trial/.

About RenovoRx, Inc.

RenovoRx, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, has developed a therapy platform targeting difficult-to-treat tumors. Targeted therapy via the proprietary RenovoRx Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (RenovoTAMP) platform safely and without transmission to non-targeted areas, is the primary focus.

RenovoRx's patent portfolio includes seven U.S. patents for its technology. The Company also has secured two separate Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA for intra-arterial gemcitabine including pancreatic cancer and bile duct cancer. The RenovoTAMP therapy is being studied in the Phase III TIGeR-PaC trial for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

RenovoRx won the Drug Delivery Technology category of the Fierce Innovation Awards  Life Sciences Edition 2020 for its RenovoTAMP technology.

Learn more by visiting the RenovoRx website or following us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding RenovoRx's future expectations, plans and prospects and are based on RenovoRx's current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. RenovoRx disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise.

SOURCE RenovoRx

Related Links

http://www.renovorx.com


CHICAGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A promising new research study published today in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open demonstrates that two newly developed computerized adaptive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment tools can be used among military Veterans to rapidly and validly diagnose PTSD and measure symptom severity.

Developed by researchers at The Veterans Administration, The University of Colorado, The University of Pittsburgh, The University of Chicago, and Adaptive Testing Technologies, the Computerized Adaptive Diagnostic (CAD-PTSD) and the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT-PTSD) assessment tools outperformed traditional and longer PTSD measures. Specifically,:

The CAD-PTSD is a diagnostic screener that can reproduce the clinician administered CAPS-5 PTSD diagnosis, currently the gold standard for diagnosing PTSD, with "outstanding" diagnostic accuracy, without the need for a trained clinician to administer the assessment tool. Using adaptive administration, a reduction in veteran and clinician burden was noted.

The CAT-PTSD measures the severity of PTSD symptoms and was found to outperform a commonly used measure (PCL-5) in half the time.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.1 PTSD is common among Veterans and recognized as one of the signature injuries of the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, with a prevalence of 23 percent among those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF).2

"These findings suggest that the CAD- and CAT-PTSD could be used to facilitate assessment procedures necessary to encourage evidence-based treatment," said Lisa Brenner, Ph.D., Director, Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain MIRECC, Rocky Mountain Regional Medical Center Aurora, CO, Vice Chair of Research, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Professor of PM&R, Psychiatry, & Neurology, University of Colorado, and lead author of the study.

Adaptive Testing Technologies' Computerized Adaptive Diagnostic (CAD) and Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT-MH) assessment tools, including the CAD-PTSD and CAT-PTSD tools, were developed by Robert Gibbons, Ph.D., Blum-Riese Professor at the University of Chicago. They are validated for use with a variety of mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis, substance use disorder, suicidality, ADHD, and also assess Social Determinants of Health. They use a unique algorithm based on multidimensional item response theory and machine learning to adaptively select an optimal set of questions for each person, tailored to that person's level of severity at that point in time, thereby increasing the precision of measurement and accuracy of diagnosis. The tests are cloud-based, HIPAA compliant, administered remotely or on-site, self-guided, and can easily be integrated into electronic health records for immediate review by health care providers.

"The CAT-MH, which includes adaptive diagnostic screeners (CADs) and adaptive severity measures (CATs) for numerous mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and suicide risk, represents a paradigm shift in mental health screening and measurement. Adding PTSD to this list is enormously important for our nation's public health and the health of our Veterans and active military," said Professor Gibbons. "We believe the future of mental health measurement will be based on adaptive screening and measurement since they provide more rapid, less burdensome, and more accurate diagnoses and severity measurements that benefit patients, their providers, and the overall health care system."

About the Study

Conducted at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the study included 713 military Veteran participants who completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), a standard PTSD-symptom assessment. Further, a sub-sample of 304 Veterans were interviewed using the gold standard for PTSD diagnosis, the Clinician Administered Scale for PTSD for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). After the researchers created CAD-PTSD and CAT-PTSD, they cross validated them with the PCL-5 and CAPS-5.

About Adaptive Testing Technologies

Adaptive Testing Technologies (ATT) is the leader in the design, testing, and implementation of large-scale, cloud-based mental health assessment tools based on Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and Computerized Adaptive Diagnostic (CAD) technologies. These tools are utilized by health professionals to assess a variety of mental health conditions  including depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis, PTSD, substance use disorder, suicide risk, ADHD, and assess Social Determinants of Health. The CAT-MH and K-CAT represent the first and only validated, comprehensive, multidimensional item-response-theory-based adaptive screening and measurement systems in the world. They provide levels of precision and accuracy that is far beyond what can be achieved using traditional fixed-length mental health assessment scales and can be administered anywhere at any frequency, in or out of the clinic, to any sized population. ATT's tools are currently being utilized in emergency departments, psychiatric and primary care clinics, telemedicine, student health clinics, perinatal medicine clinics, child welfare settings, substance use disorder programs, federal and state mental health programs, employee assistance programs, and the judicial system. The tools are available worldwide and are currently being used in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, India, and Chile.

SOURCE Adaptive Testing Technologies
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Restoration Builders, Inc. ("Restoration Builders" or "The Company") announced today it has added Steve Fulgham to its ESG and Technology Group. He will provide guidance on exterior building material products and technologies which meet the companies environmental, recyclable, and sustainable policies.

Steve Fulgham is the Founding Partner and President at abcSAGE, Inc., a diverse construction and renewable energy company based in Murietta, CA. He brings forty years of construction industry experience with a specialization in solar and renewable energy systems and five California State Contractors Licenses to the company. He is double-certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners [NABCEP], is a registered Subject Matter Expert for the State of California, and serves the California State Contractors Board by helping craft licensing curriculum.

Mr. Fulgham is Co-Founder of The Veteran Asset, a non-profit organization which assists U.S. military veterans obtain careers in the renewable energy sector. The organization recruits, facilitates top-notch Solar PV training and provides placement services for veterans seeking a career in the solar industry. He was selected by the U.S Department of Energy as the official "Solar Ready Vets" trainer for Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Prior to those positions, Mr. Fulgham served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ambassador Energy, Inc. and was a Senior Vice President of Sales for Computer Associates, Inc. He graduated the University of Washington with a BA in Business Management.

"We are committed to offering solutions which are renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Steve is a well respected industry expert who is uniquely qualified to help expand The Smart Healthy Home program," said John Lorenz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "His values are well aligned with the company's values, especially in our mutual commitment to respect and honor our nation's veterans. Steve has excellent leadership skills with direct experience in renewable energy systems and construction. I am delighted to extend him a warm welcome to our ESG and Technology Group."

About

Restoration Builders, Inc was formed in 2017 and is now the premier exterior building material services company providing roofing, siding, windows and gutters to residential and commercial customers in 32 states. RBI has and continues to disrupt, innovate and transform the sector. RBI is bringing to you and your family "The Smart Healthy Home."

For Further Information:

Janet Carnell

[email protected]

(425) 999-6508

SOURCE Restoration Builders
JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ElectrifAi, one of the world's leading companies in practical artificial intelligence (AI) and pre-built machine learning (ML) models, announced today its collaboration with St. Barnabas Hospital, the flagship of the SBH Health System, a teaching institution caring for an underserved population in the Bronx.

The collaboration will rapidly bring SBH operational efficiencies, cost savings, spending control, increased revenue and risk reduction. SBH will leverage ElectrifAi's pre-built machine learning models for spend, contract, revenue capture, claim denials, patient engagement and leakage, and many other applications.

SBH can now leverage vendor terms, uncover inappropriate charges, missed discounts and additional findings by transforming contracts into a strategic digital asset. SBH will receive detailed views of spend by doctor, physicians group, facility and other fields as discovered through spend analytics from various data sources. SBH will also be able to audit identified missed charges for billing and re-bill opportunities by uncovering missed charges from a vendor's revenue cycle management system.

ElectrifAi's 17 years of practical machine learning expertise with spend analytics, contract management, customer/patient engagement and machine learning models devoted to patient claims denials can help optimize and improve the operations of SBH and make SBH the trailblazer of the greater Tri-State medical community.

"For years, our customers in financial services, telecom and retail have improved their business processes though our practical machine learning technology. Now our clients in healthcare are benefitting from our integrated pre-built machine learning models tailored to the business of running hospital systems more cost-effectively," said Ed Scott, CEO of ElectrifAi. "Now, SBH Health System and its peers can accelerate implementation of machine learning to drive revenue uplift, reduce costs, increase profit and improve general performance amid a fast-changing business environment. We are thrilled about our collaboration with SBH," Scott added.

"We are very excited about our collaboration with ElectrifAi. The challenges of running a hospital system efficiently in today's fast-paced world can be daunting; but through the help of ElectrifAi's leading-edge practical machine learning models, we look forward to rapidly implementing operational efficiencies that will help us keep pace and continue to serve our patients and community at the highest levels," says Dr. Eric Appelbaum, Chief Medical Officer of SBH.

About ElectrifAi

ElectrifAi is a global leader in business-ready machine learning models. ElectrifAi's mission is to help organizations change the way they work through machine learning: driving revenue uplift, cost reduction as well as profit and performance improvement. Founded in 2004, ElectrifAi boasts seasoned industry leadership, a global team of domain experts, and a proven record of transforming structured and unstructured data at scale. A large library of Ai-based products reaches across business functions, data systems, and teams to drive superior results in record time. ElectrifAi has approximately 200 data scientists, software engineers and employees with a proven record of dealing with over 2,000 customer implementations, mostly for Fortune 500 companies. At the heart of ElectrifAi's mission is a commitment to making Ai and machine learning more understandable, practical and profitable for businesses and industries across the globe. ElectrifAi is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices located in Shanghai and New Delhi. To learn more visit www.electrifAi.net and follow us on Twitter @ElectrifAi and on LinkedIn.

About SBH Health System

St. Barnabas Hospital is the flagship of the SBH Health System, a teaching institution which cares for an underserved population in the Bronx. A major provider of ambulatory care services, with more than 200,000 outpatient visits annually, the 422-bed hospital includes a Level II trauma center, a stroke center and a hemodialysis center. SBH is also a major provider of behavioral health services through its various programs designed to support and meet the mental health needs of adults, teens and children in the borough.

SOURCE ElectrifAi

Related Links

electrifai.net


CLEVELAND, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sherwin-Williams received triple honors in the J.D. Power 2021 Paint Satisfaction Study, earning the top spot in customer satisfaction in the categories of Exterior Paints, Exterior Stains and Paint Retailers.

"Sherwin-Williams is proud to receive the highest ranking across three J.D. Power Paint Satisfaction categories for another consecutive year," said Steve Revnew, senior vice president of product innovation, Sherwin-Williams. "As an industry leader for more than 150 years, we are honored that our customers recognize our commitment to providing the best solutions in service, as well as the most innovative products as possible."

The J.D. Power Paint Satisfaction Study is based on four key drivers of satisfaction: application, offerings, durability and price. The study examined the experience of 5,804 customers who purchased and applied paint or stain in the previous 12 months.

Sherwin-Williams has earned top honors three years in a row for #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Exterior Stains and #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Paint Retailers. This is the second year in a row that Sherwin-Williams has earned this recognition for #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Exterior Paints.

For more information on Sherwin-Williams, visit www.Sherwin-Williams.com. For more information on the J.D. Power Paint Satisfaction Study and Results, visit www.jdpower.com/business/home/paint-satisfaction-study.

Ask Sherwin-Williams

For more than 155 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation's largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,300 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Contact:

[email protected]

Regine Labossiere

[email protected]

SOURCE Sherwin-Williams

Related Links

http://sherwin-williams.com


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


MONROVIA, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SuperZoo, North America's leading pet retail trade show, will welcome pet industry professionals from around the world for the one-of-a-kind opportunity to reconnect in person. Produced by World Pet Association (WPA), SuperZoo will take place August 1719, with education sessions beginning August 16, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Pet professionals will have access to new features including the most comprehensive collection of upcoming trends, educational offerings and the latest grooming techniques that will help them stand out from the competition.

"This year, SuperZoo will welcome thousands of attendees including more than 70 big-name buyers and over 800 exhibitors who have two years of new products and innovation to put on display," said Vic Mason, president of WPA. "From networking sessions and expert-led educational seminars to unmatched grooming competitions and hot-new product showcases, SuperZoo is the only place where pet professionals can safely reconnect in 2021more than that though, it's known as the industry's favorite event."

SuperZoo 2021 Highlights and New Features

In his keynote, Bar Rescue 's Jon Taffer will break down how (and why) businesses should operate and communicate differently in the post-pandemic world. He will discuss insights into the opportunities and share how business owners can set their pet retail businesses apart from the competition. His session is on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 8 am .

will break down how (and why) businesses should operate and communicate differently in the post-pandemic world. He will discuss insights into the opportunities and share how business owners can set their pet retail businesses apart from the competition. His session is on at . The 300,000 sq. ft. show floor will encompass more than 800 debut items in the New Product Showcase and Innovation Incubator , two must-see features dedicated to the best fresh-on-the-scene products and emerging brands. A panel of five industry experts will select the winners of the New Product Showcase on Tuesday, August 17 .

and , two must-see features dedicated to the best fresh-on-the-scene products and emerging brands. A panel of five industry experts will select the winners of the New Product Showcase on . PetSmart and Petsense founder Jim Doughtery will hold a live Q&A session in the New Product Showcase to discuss all-things pet retail on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 11:30 am .

and will hold a live Q&A session in the New Product Showcase to discuss all-things pet retail on at . More than 70 expert-led sessions designed for groomers and pet retailers will focus on topics like time management, e-commerce and digital marketing. New this year, SuperZoo will offer a diversity course, panel discussions covering CBD-related research and pet nutrition and an advanced course on the hair and skin recipe for success.

designed for groomers and pet retailers will focus on topics like time management, e-commerce and digital marketing. New this year, SuperZoo will offer a diversity course, panel discussions covering CBD-related research and pet nutrition and an advanced course on the hair and skin recipe for success. With more than $35,000 in winnings at stake, SuperZoo's grooming sessions and competitions provide an area to connect with the grooming community and celebrate the talent and trends. Two new contests will take center stage this year. The Wahl Clipper Classic will feature groomers competing with just clippers and The Model Dog contests, sponsored by Artero, will showcase a wide variety of breed and skill presentations.

in winnings at stake, SuperZoo's provide an area to connect with the grooming community and celebrate the talent and trends. Two new contests will take center stage this year. The Wahl Clipper Classic will feature groomers competing with just clippers and The Model Dog contests, sponsored by Artero, will showcase a wide variety of breed and skill presentations. Pet stylists will have access to education sessions that will help them prepare for the Professional Groomer Credential (PGC) exam. Earning the PGC demonstrates a pet groomer's expertise and dedication in providing the best care and services to clients.

exam. Earning the PGC demonstrates a pet groomer's expertise and dedication in providing the best care and services to clients. Industry professionals can network and mingle with friends at the Networking Event on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 5 pm with music, happy hour and hors d'oeuvres.

on at with music, happy hour and hors d'oeuvres. Part business solutions center, part marketplace and part learning hub, WPA365 will have on-site services for exhibitors to enhance their online booth and will unveil special features that benefit attendees of all segments.

For more information and to register, visit www.superzoo.org .

About SuperZoo

Produced by World Pet Association (WPA), SuperZoo boasts the most buyer participation of any trade show for the pet retail industry in North America. Leading-edge education and access to the most comprehensive array of market-ready products for a hands-on experience allows retailers to competitively differentiate themselves.

CONTACT:

Julie Franks

[email protected]

SOURCE World Pet Association

Related Links

http://www.superzoo.org


WASHINGTON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling the Taliban "the enemy of all human rights," American Legion National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford expressed his organization's "deep disappointment" that the White House isn't offering a better plan to evacuate interpreters, family members and other Afghan allies who closely assisted U.S. military troops during the war.

"We welcome an end to 'forever wars,' but withdrawal must be conducted in an orderly and honorable manner. This falls short on both counts. Abandonment of those who assisted us is literally an issue of life or death," Oxford said. "Any veteran who has worked with Afghan interpreters will tell you how valuable these brave heroes were to our mission there. It is precisely because of their dedication to our cause that they are primary targets for barbaric retribution by Taliban terrorists. Their families are also targets. They have already undergone extensive security screening and further processing can occur in Guam or other region safely out of harm's way. It is a moral imperative that we offer them immediate and safe passage away from the enemy and to the United States. If we abandon such friends, how could we expect any assistance by potential allies in future missions?

"The president said today that his administration approved 2,500 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan nationals since January 20," Oxford said. "Yet estimates of the backlog run as high as 18,000. If you include close family members, the administration should be prepared to quickly evacuate as many as 70,000. We saved many more lives when we left Vietnam, and even that wasn't enough when you consider how many were left behind and slaughtered after our departure. A great nation such as the United States does not abandon its friends."

Oxford also lamented that time is running out, in spite of the letters that he sent to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in April which raised alarms about the dangers faced.

"The American Legion passed a national resolution in 2018 asking the president and Congress to prioritize SIVs for our Afghan and Iraqi allies," Oxford said. "This is not a new or recent issue. The American Legion is calling on the White House to immediately institute a better plan and evacuate our friends now. Delay means death for many of these brave people."

About The American Legion

The American Legion is the largest veterans service organization with nearly 2 million members in more than 12,000 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans.

Contact: John Raughter, Media Relations

[email protected] or 317-630-1350

SOURCE The American Legion

Related Links

http://www.legion.org


MIAMI, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fetal Institute, Miami, which specializes in the assessment, counseling, and management of patients with high-risk pregnancies, is conducting a clinical trial of fetoscopic repair in open spina bifida, a minimally invasive procedure developed by doctors at the Institute and the USFetus in collaboration with colleagues in Brazil.

"This minimally invasive technique does not require opening the uterus," says Dr. Eftichia Kontopoulos, co-investigator. "As a result, not only can we treat the fetus, but the mothers are also able to deliver vaginally, not just for the affected pregnancy, but for all future pregnancies."

Open spina bifida (OSB), a birth defect that occurs in approximately 1 in 1,500 births in the United States, results from failure of the spine to close at some point along its length during fetal development, leading to injury and loss of spinal cord tissue at and below the defect.

Nowadays, fetal surgeons can correct OSB before the baby is born, preventing further damage as the pregnancy continues. However, with the open fetal surgery technique currently in use, the mother is at risk for rupture of the uterus (uterine rupture) that can be dangerous and requires delivery by cesarean section for the affected and any subsequent pregnancy.

Doctors at The Fetal Institute and the USFetus, in collaboration with colleagues in Brazil, have developed a minimally-invasive (fetoscopic) technique to treat fetuses with OSB that does not require opening the uterus. This allows the doctors to treat the fetus while allowing the mother to deliver vaginally and avoid complications, such as the risk of uterine rupture. The doctors are currently conducting an FDA-monitored clinical trial to validate this new fetoscopic technique for OSB repair.

To learn more about The Fetal Institute or to inquire about participating in this clinical trial, please click here or call (786)-971-2303.

About the Fetal Institute

The Fetal Institute provides patients with the latest and most advanced resources in the field of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Fetal Therapy, including high-resolution ultrasound imaging, non-invasive serum screening and prenatal testing (NIPT), as well as comprehensive invasive prenatal diagnostic and therapeutic techniques Fundamental to the Institute's philosophy, all diagnostic and therapeutic options are performed using either a non-invasive or a minimally invasive approach, which results in better pregnancy outcomes.

Contact:

Ruben Quintero, MD

786-971-2303

[email protected]



SOURCE The Fetal Institute
TEL AVIV, Israel, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tikun Olam-Cannbit (TASE: TKUN), an Israeli leading medical cannabis company, known for marketing of Clinicaly studied inflorescence and medical cannabis products, has signed this week an agreement with Maccabi Healthcare Services, Israel's second-largest HMO. As part of the agreement, Tikun Olam-Cannbit will offer Maccabi members whom hold a medical cannabis license discounts on company products and a package of services that include consulting, training, dispensing and distribution of its products to the patient's home, training on how to use a vape, webinars on research issues.

This important agreement follows an agreement recently signed with the HMO, Meuhedet Health Services, that in addition to delivery, consulting and patient training services also includes training of Meuhedet physicians and medical staff.

These agreements join the five-year agreement signed recently with one of Israel's largest hospitals, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, including the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Research Center on the medical center campus in Tel Aviv in conjunction with the hospital's Medical Research Infrastructure and Health Services Fund.

Tikun Olam-Cannbit will conduct six clinical studies with operational and funding collaboration of the research center as part of its joint activity, three of which will be conducted within 5 years, and the rest within 10 years of the inception of the contract.

The Study Fund will examine the possibility of developing analytical tools to identify blood endocannabinoid levels, receive access to analysis to examine active ingredients, provide one or two preclinical studies during the term of the agreement, publish joint academic publications and collaborate on one or two projects using the hospital's biobank.

Tikun Olam-Cannbit will provide its cannabis strains for studies that will be conducted at the research center free of charge and will provide strains at a discount for clinical and preclinical studies for the other studies that will be conducted at the research center. All this will be accompanied by information sharing, consulting, and data reports required for the studies.

Avinoam Sapir, CEO of Tikun Olam-Cannbit, said, "The agreement signed with Maccabi Healthcare Services comes on the heels of the agreement that was recently signed with Meuhedet Health Services and the agreement to establish the research institute with Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. They all demonstrate the faith of the medical establishments in the therapeutic efficacy of medical cannabis based on clinical research. I welcome this important partnership and the selection of Tikun Olam-Cannbit for the second time by a leading medical institution.

The fact that another HMO has decided to include cannabis as part of the treatment services it offers and chooses to do so with Tikun Olam-Cannbit at this point testifies to the professional faith in our clinical knowledge and abilities to provide support throughout the medical cannabis value chain, based on proven clinical research and recognition of Tikun Olam-Cannbit as a pharmaceutical company."

FOR MORE INFORMATION: [email protected]

SOURCE Tikun Olam-Cannbit
WALTHAM, Mass., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, today announced that Alan Sachs, who has served as chief scientific officer (CSO) since 2016, will assume the newly established role of chief medical officer (CMO) and will be succeeded by Karen E. Nelson, previously president of the J. Craig Venter Institute. Both will join the company leadership team in August 2021.

"As we continue expanding our capabilities for customers who develop groundbreaking medicines and diagnostics, we have a growing responsibility to support their efforts and serve science overall through our own innovations," said Marc N. Casper, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Thermo Fisher. "With Alan in the newly created role of CMO and Karen joining as CSO, we are reinforcing our commitment to help customers push the boundaries of science and improve patient outcomes."

Alan Sachs is a physician-scientist who earned his medical and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford Medical School and has decades of experience supporting product development and clinical research in both therapeutics and diagnostics. In his new role, he will help identify and promote adoption of new technologies that benefit customers in the clinical space, and he will lead the company's medical affairs program.

"This is an exciting time in our industry, and the establishment of a chief medical office underscores the importance of clinical expertise and leadership to our customers," said Sachs. "I look forward to leading this effort and to working closely with Karen on the leadership team to ensure our scientific and clinical efforts are well aligned around future customer needs."

Karen E. Nelson joined Thermo Fisher on July 6. Nelson who pioneered the human microbiome field, received her Ph.D. from Cornell University. She has authored or co-authored more than 220 peer reviewed publications, edited three books and is currently editor-in-chief of the journals Microbial Ecology and the newly formed PNAS Nexus. Nelson is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology.

"Our industry is experiencing a technological revolution, and Thermo Fisher is in a unique position to accelerate progress by working closely with its customers to ensure that R&D aligns with their future needs," said Nelson. "I am excited to join this talented team and work with customers to develop the next generation of products that will enable even greater discovery and advance science."

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $30 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 80,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Media Contact Information:

Ron O'Brien

Phone: 781-622-1242

E-mail: [email protected]



Investor Contact Information:

Rafael Tejada

Phone: 781-622-1356

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific

Related Links

http://www.thermofisher.com


Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially stressful or traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. ACEs can lead to increased probability of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and stroke as well as a greater chance of depression, anxiety, and suicide. About two out of three adults have at least one ACE which includes childhood abuse, neglect and household challenges, such as having a parent or caregiver with mental illness, or substance dependence. The life expectancy of individuals with six or more ACEs is 18 years shorter than that of individuals with none.

The Story of Your Number is a national public awareness campaign inviting visitors to NumberStory.org. This digital information and resource hub, available in both English and Spanish, bursts with eye popping animations while sharing easy to grasp information about ACEs and other types of childhood adversity and directing visitors to resources for healing and prevention. The science of ACEs is also featured.

Over July 4th weekend, thousands of New York City locals and visitors lined up at the whimsical, vintage ice cream truck to receive free Number Story-branded ice cream sandwiches. The weekend pop up grabbed plenty of eyeballs. NumberStory.org site visits jumped 179% last Saturday alone vs. the previous Saturday. That number adds to the more than 150,000 site visits already since the campaign launched in mid May.

This Saturday and Sunday, July 10th and 11th, the ice cream truck returns to Times Square, just south of the TKTS stairs, for a final bow from 8 AM to 7 PM both days.

"We felt nostalgic memories of ice cream would remind adults of their own childhoods and encourage them to think about how experiences from their youth can still impact them today," said Sarah Marikos, MPH, Executive Director of the ACE Resource Network. Marikos spent the weekend in Times Square and noted emotive responses from many passersby and people enjoying the free ice cream. "Some people told us their stories; some people thanked us for sharing this information. Even in Times Square on the 4th of July, people were interested in learning about ACEs, connecting with others, and finding hope for better futures for themselves and their kids."

For more information, visit www.NumberStory.org .

Media Contact: Eric Lindbom

[email protected]

323-497-0151

SOURCE ACE Resource Network
DETROIT, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Two industry market leaders are joining forces to creatively shape the future of sound and A/V production. Grove Studios, a fast-growing rehearsal and A/V production startup, and Three Squared, Inc . (TSI), the leader in Cargo Architecture, are designing, constructing, and installing compact rehearsal and recording studios built from shipping containers.

"We are expanding the way we support the marketplace, and we are thrilled to support the creative industry through this incredible product with Grove Studios," said Leslie Horn, CEO of Three Squared.

Grove Studios

Known as GrovePods, these innovative 320-square-foot studios allow creatives to develop their own projects anytime, anywhere. They provide an instant, convenient space for people looking to record music, podcasts, and more.

"Part of that vision includes scaling our current studio location to 200-plus creative communities worldwide using 24/7 access, modern cargo architecture, innovative design and construction methods, and Internet of things technologies," said Rick Coughlin, Grove Studios' Chief Vision Officer and Co-founder.

Portable and Soundproof

GrovePods are 100% portable and can be built quickly and deployed to most locations. They're constructed inside a controlled factory environment where the containers are modified before being delivered.

"With careful coordination, we can erect the structure of a building in several hours instead of weeks or months. It's quite a spectacle to see a building take shape in just one day," said Breck Crandell, Three Squared's Director of Design.

GrovePods serve as the optimal space for trapping recorded sounds inside and blocking unwanted outside noises. As wind- and water-tight boxes, these studios keep sound from escaping while their sheer mass helps control the acoustics.

"The weight of the containers helps isolate the sound, so nearby pods won't be bothered by loud performances within each studio unit. We make sure the sound inside the box is perfect for creatives," said Coughlin, who launched Grove Studios with Crandell and Erich Friebel, Chief of Operations/Co-founder, in 2016.

Lucrative and Versatile

With the ease of relocation and off-grid power solutions, GrovePods are versatile. They can be a stand-alone product or integrated into a larger development venture to form a creative community.

Grove Studios plans to launch future locations supporting multiple GrovePods, the first of which will be in Detroit. It also intends to make units available to individuals, companies, and nonprofits for purchase.

"You can order one to put in your backyard as your personal recording haven, or you can put one next to your Airbnb to generate additional income. As secure, self-service units with 24/7 access, GrovePods can be rented out at an hourly cost. We've run the numbers multiple ways, and even if we consider 50% capacity, the units pay for themselves within two years," Crandell said.

Three Squared and Grove Studios are taking pre-orders for GrovePods, and anticipated delivery of the units will come later this summer. Unit renderings are available on Three Squared and Grove Studios' websites and social media.

Grove Studios

Grove Studios is a 24/7 self-service rehearsal, recording, and content creation start-up located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Clients can book music, DJ, podcast, photography, video, and livestreaming space and purchase monthly subscription packages online. Grove Studios is providing portable, self-contained recording studios built from shipping containers in conjunction with Detroit's Three Squared.

Three Squared

Three Squared, Inc. is a Detroit-based architecture and design firm whose revolutionary technology uses steel intermodal shipping containers to build eye-catching, resilient mixed-use spaces, condominiums, and apartment complexes faster than traditional construction. They help developers create profitable real estate projects whose design and style are only limited by imagination - not budget.

Media contact:

Rick Coughlin

Chief Vision Officer & Co-founder - Grove Studios

[email protected]

734-417-3603



Related Images

grovepod-exterior-rendering.png

GrovePod - Exterior Rendering

grovepod-interior-rendering.jpg

GrovePod - Interior Rendering

SOURCE Grove Studios
BELLEVUE, Wash., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Viome Life Sciences, a mission-driven systems biology company aiming to help individuals improve their health, today announces the creation of a Health Sciences division and has renamed itself to Viome Life Sciences. The company has strategically split its business into two divisions: Viome Consumer Services, focused on growing its established consumer products inclusive of tests, nutrition plans, and supplements; and Viome Health Sciences, devoted to advancing its precision diagnostics and therapeutics platform focused on chronic diseases, cancer, and aging.

Viome Life Sciences has built a team of world class clinicians, life scientists, and data scientists to establish the new Health Sciences division. This includes strategic hires such as Dr. Emmanuel Hanon, the former Global Head of Research and Development for GSK's vaccine group, and Denis Sirringhaus, a former business development executive at Roche and Genentech. They are now joining Dr. Momo Vuyisich (Chief Science Officer), Dr. Guru Banavar (Chief Technology Officer and Head of AI/ML), and Dr. Damon Tanton (Chief Medical Officer), to lead Viome Life Sciences' research, clinical trials, discovery, and therapeutics efforts.

Viome's Health Sciences division efforts will focus on four key initiatives:

Prediction : Using advanced AI methods to discover host/microbial biomarkers that predict the risk of developing severe chronic conditions, including cancers.

: Using advanced AI methods to discover host/microbial biomarkers that predict the risk of developing severe chronic conditions, including cancers. Early Diagnostics : Using host/microbial biomarkers to diagnose severe chronic conditions including cancers at the earliest possible stage. Early diagnosis will enable earlier treatment which often is associated with higher efficacy.

: Using host/microbial biomarkers to diagnose severe chronic conditions including cancers at the earliest possible stage. Early diagnosis will enable earlier treatment which often is associated with higher efficacy. Prognostics : Leveraging host/microbial biomarkers to develop companion diagnostics to predict drug effectiveness and further improve responsiveness of patients by proposing AI-guided modulation of the microbiome.

: Leveraging host/microbial biomarkers to develop companion diagnostics to predict drug effectiveness and further improve responsiveness of patients by proposing AI-guided modulation of the microbiome. Therapeutics: By targeting the root cause of specific chronic diseases with prophylactics or therapeutics such as drugs, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, phages, or other appropriate modalities.

"Most of today's drugs work to suppress symptoms and not cure chronic diseases," said Naveen Jain, CEO and Founder of Viome Life Sciences. "That's exactly the problem we have set out to solve. We're working to uncover the root causes of diseases and cancers, predict their development, diagnose them at the earliest stage, and develop effective precision therapeutics to cure them. Every day, Viome brings people closer to living in a world where chronic disease and cancers are a thing of the past."

Viome Life Sciences is currently conducting clinical research trials in partnership with GSK to develop therapeutics targeting chronic diseases and cancers. Additionally, the company has received FDA Breakthrough Designation for its mRNA technology and AI platform to detect oral cancer and throat cancer at an early stage. This FDA approval validates Viome's mRNA analysis technology and state of the art AI platform that powers Viome's at-home Health Intelligence Test designed to offer consumers deeper health insights about their own health.

Viome Consumer Services has a platform with more than 250,000 samples harnessing the power of mRNA (messenger RNA) to analyze people's health and receive precision nutrition recommendations. The company's Health Intelligence Tests and Precision Supplements allow consumers to take control of their own health, using food as a medicine. The company has also expanded its consumer division with the hires of John Blanchard as Chief Operating Officer (ex-Amazon and Groupon) and Rodrigo Hutt as General Manager of Consumer Group (ex Mercado Libre, Pfizer, and Merck).

Viome has recruited members for its Scientific Advisory Board, which include Dr. George Church (Harvard Medical School), Dr. Alessio Fasano (Harvard Medical School), Dr. Sanjiv Chopra (Harvard Medical School), Dr. Emeran Mayer (UCLA), Dr. Andrew McCaullum (University of Massachusetts Amherst), Dr. Salomon Amar (New York Medical College), and Dr. Gilles Guillemin (Macquarie University) to create a firm scientific foundation for its platform that powers both the consumer division and the health science division. Additionally, Viome has brought on Stanley Lapidus (Founder of Exact Sciences and Cytyc), Dr. Deepak Chopra, MD, Dr. Edward Zuckerberg & Dr. Karen Zuckerberg (Entrepreneurs), Tom Hopper (Actor and entrepreneur) and Vishen Lakhiani (Founder of MindValley) to join the Business Advisory Board.

About Viome Life Sciences

Viome Life Sciences was founded in 2016 with a mission to make illness optional by predicting and preventing chronic diseases through a deeper understanding of an individual's biology at a molecular level.

Viome's Consumer Services provides the industry's only direct-to-consumer healthcare test that analyzes microbial and human gene expressions (mRNA), with technology exclusively licensed from Los Alamos National Lab, in order to provide individuals with health insights and the nutrition they need.

The company's Health Sciences division will focus on four key initiatives including prediction, early diagnostics, prognostics, and precision therapeutics to help people live a disease free life. With their state of the art artificial intelligence platform, they are able to analyze data from the world's largest and richest gene expression database in order to identify the root causes of chronic diseases and the mechanisms of action to be able to prevent and reverse these diseases.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Viome
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hydration Room, Southern California's leader in vitamin IV and injection therapy, celebrates the opening of its 15th location in Rancho Santa Margarita. Located inside Antonio Plaza Shopping Center at 22451 Antonio Parkway, Suite A-350, Hydration Room will bring their proprietary nutrient solutions to a new location in the greater Orange County area.

Hydration Room focuses on health and wellness at the cellular level with vitamin IV and injection therapy. Created by owner and founder Dr. Brett Florie and administered by registered nurses, their products are of the highest quality, customized for patient's specific needs and delivered in a relaxing and pristine environment.

"We've grown to 15 locations and over 65,000+ patients treated since opening our first door in December 2014," said Dr. Florie. "Which only speaks to the effectiveness of our IV and injection therapies."

The opening comes on the heels of plans of new locations in the South Bay and further expansion into Los Angeles and San Diego counties for 2022 and beyond.

"Whether a patient comes to Hydration Room for increased energy, an immune system boost, stress relief or treatments to help with a chronic illness, they expect and deserve the absolute best care," said Dr. Florie. "Vitamin IV and injection therapy is a powerful way to achieve that while maintaining optimal health  inside and out."

Hydration Room will be offering their menu of 25+ different vitamin IV and injection therapy blends, in addition to the cutting-edge longevity treatment NAD+ IV Therapy and regenerative medicine therapies.

Business hours at the new location will be Monday through Friday 8 A.M. to 6 P.M., Saturday 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Sunday 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. To learn more about Hydration Room, visit www.hydrationroom.com or www.instagram.com/thehydrationroom.

ABOUT HYDRATION ROOM

At Hydration Room, a vitamin IV and injection therapy wellness brand, we support our patient's health with nutrient solutions created by physician Dr. Brett Florie and administered by professionally trained registered nurses. At the Hydration Room, we don't use generic ingredients. We don't use mass-produced solutions. We don't believe in cutting corners or one-size-fits-all healthcare. Welcome to your healthy place.

Media Contact: Shaun Hayward

[email protected]

SOURCE Hydration Room

Related Links

hydrationroom.com


EIGHTY FOUR, Pa., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 84 Lumber, the nation's largest privately held building materials supplier, is launching a recruitment effort to fill immediate openings in the Lenexa area. The company will host a Hiring Event on July 15th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the company's Lenexa location (8940 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, KS 66215).

At the event, job seekers will learn more about the company culture and get the opportunity to be interviewed for open positions in the area that include manager trainee (MT), non-CDL truck driver, door manufacturer, and warehouse associate. Qualified job seekers may receive an offer of employment during the event. Candidates who attend the event and then get hired as a result of it may be eligible for a one-time sign-on bonus.

"We're growing along with the growth in the construction industry  here in the Lenexa area and across the nation. We're looking for people seeking a fresh start. 84 Lumber is seeking to fill 15 open positions in the region," said Jorge Espinoza divisional vice president at 84 Lumber.

Espinoza went on to detail the available positions:

Manager trainees (MTs) hired by 84 Lumber enter an intensive, one-on-one, on-the-job training program that teaches them about the company's business and puts them on a path to become a future leader within the enterprise. Starting compensation for manager trainees is $43,000 per year plus an $840 sign-on bonus.

hired by 84 Lumber enter an intensive, one-on-one, on-the-job training program that teaches them about the company's business and puts them on a path to become a future leader within the enterprise. Starting compensation for manager trainees is per year plus an sign-on bonus. Door manufacturers need no prior experience and perform essential behind-the-scenes functions in the manufacturing process of doors. These associates can expect a starting pay of up to $16 per hour plus a $500 sign-on bonus.

need no prior experience and perform essential behind-the-scenes functions in the manufacturing process of doors. These associates can expect a starting pay of up to per hour plus a sign-on bonus. Warehouse associates need no prior experience and perform essential functions behind the scenes  from the management of supply shipments to the operation of forklifts and other equipment. These associates can expect a starting pay of up to $16 per hour plus a $500 sign-on bonus.

need no prior experience and perform essential functions behind the scenes  from the management of supply shipments to the operation of forklifts and other equipment. These associates can expect a starting pay of up to per hour plus a sign-on bonus. Non-CDL truck drivers load trucks and deliver materials to customer job sites. Drivers are responsible for building loads for deliveries; maintaining a safe, clean, and well-organized lumber yard; and loading and unloading lumber and building supplies. Hourly pay for drivers is up to $15 per hour.

Espinoza added that 84 Lumber expects it might find the right fit from all types of candidates  an individual with no construction experience, military veterans ready to embark on their next career challenge, or people with some previous work experience who seek to redirect their career.

"We are a family-owned company, which means we are committed to helping our employees build and cultivate a career with us. In fact, 95% of our store managers started in our manager trainee program," Espinoza said. "As we see it, 84 Lumber recruits individuals with a can-do attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to learn. Once we find these people and they join the company, we teach and train them and find ways for them to grow with us."

Candidates interested in participating in the Hiring Event are asked to pre-register. To sign up, go to 84 Lumber's Hiring Page and complete the form. Once you are registered, you will receive an email from 84 Lumber with the link to apply for the desired position. To save time, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for positions online before they attend the event.

NOTE: 84 Lumber continues to follow CDC safety guidelines with regard to COVID-19. We ask that those attendees who are not yet fully vaccinated wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

To learn more about 84 Lumber, follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

ABOUT 84 LUMBER

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Company is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. The company operates nearly 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking and drywall. A certified national women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy Knox, 84 Lumber was named by Forbes as one of America's Largest Private Companies in 2018 and one of America's Best Large Employers in 2019. For more information, visit 84lumber.com or join us at Facebook.com/84lumber and linkedin.com/company/84-lumber .

Contact: Jeff Donaldson, BLD Marketing

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (412) 347-8039

Photos: http://www.bldpressroom.com/84lumber/lenexa-hiring-event

SOURCE 84 Lumber

Related Links

https://www.84lumber.com/


MEXICO CITY, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeromexico S.A.B. de C.V. ("Aeromexico") (BMV: AEROMEX) today reported June 2021 operational results.

Grupo Aeromexico transported 1 million 407 thousand passengers in June 2021 , an increase of 3.6% versus May 2021 . Passengers carried were at 80.2% of June 2019 levels - domestic at 98.5% and international at 52.2%.



, an increase of 3.6% versus . Passengers carried were at 80.2% of levels - domestic at 98.5% and international at 52.2%. Domestic capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs) has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, increasing by 1.6% compared to June 2019 . International ASK recovery reached 48.4% of 2019 levels. Aeromexico's total capacity increased by 1.3% compared to May 2021 and was at 62.3% of June 2019 .



. International ASK recovery reached 48.4% of 2019 levels. Aeromexico's total capacity increased by 1.3% compared to and was at 62.3% of . Demand measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs) has also fully recovered in the domestic market, increasing by 2.1% compared to June 2019 . International demand is at 40.9% of 2019 levels improving by 20.1% versus May 2021 . Total demand increased by 8.3% compared to May 2021 and was at 56.7% of June 2019 .



. International demand is at 40.9% of 2019 levels improving by 20.1% versus . Total demand increased by 8.3% compared to and was at 56.7% of . Aeromexico's June load factor was 78.1%, an increase of 1.0 p.p. versus May 2021 and a 6.8 p.p. decrease versus June 2019 . Domestic load factor was 83.8%, an increase of 0.6p.p. versus May 2021 and a 0.4 p.p. increase versus June 2019 .



and a 6.8 p.p. decrease versus . Domestic load factor was 83.8%, an increase of 0.6p.p. versus and a 0.4 p.p. increase versus . During June 2021 , Aeromexico increased its capacity to Europe by 25% month-over-month as various European countries opened their borders to fully vaccinated Mexican tourists. Aeromexico is now serving Madrid twice per day, Paris once per day, and Amsterdam once per day.



June

YTD June

2021 2020 2019 Var vs

2020 Var vs

2019

2021 2020 2019 Var vs

2020 Var vs

2019























RPKs (itinerary + charter, millions)





















Domestic 969 242 948 299.6% 2.1%

5,386 2,974 5,712 81.1% -5.7% International 1,117 123 2,732 808.8% -59.1%

5,038 6,455 15,249 -22.0% -67.0% Total 2,086 365 3,681 471.0% -43.3%

10,424 9,430 20,962 10.5% -50.3%























ASKs (itinerary + charter, millions)





















Domestic 1,155 357 1,137 223.3% 1.6%

6,581 4,177 6,985 57.6% -5.8% International 1,546 748 3,196 106.7% -51.6%

8,283 10,029 18,279 -17.4% -54.7% Total 2,701 1,105 4,334 144.4% -37.7%

14,864 14,206 25,264 4.6% -41.2%























Load Factor (itinerary, %)





p.p. p.p.







p.p. p.p. Domestic 83.8 67.9 83.4 15.9 0.4

81.8 71.3 81.8 10.5 0.1 International 73.7 57.2 85.5 16.5 -11.8

65.4 75.4 83.4 -10.0 -18.0 Total 78.1 64.0 84.9 14.1 -6.8

73.0 74.1 83.0 -1.1 -10.0























Passengers (itinerary + charter, thousands)





















Domestic 1,046 214 1,062 388.8% -1.5%

5,587 3,223 6,453 73.4% -13.4% International 361 29 691 1127.2% -47.8%

1,539 1,485 3,838 3.7% -59.9% Total 1,407 243 1,753 478.1% -19.8%

7,126 4,708 10,291 51.4% -30.8%

















































Figures may not sum to total due to rounding.

The information included within this report has not been audited and does not provide information on the Company's future performance. Aeromexico's future performance depends on many factors and it cannot be inferred that any period's performance or its year-over-year comparison will be an indicator of similar future performance.

Glossary:

"RPKs" Revenue Passenger Kilometers represent one revenue-passenger transported one kilometer. This includes itinerary and charter flights. The total RPKs equals the number of revenue-passengers transported multiplied by the total distance flown.



Revenue Passenger Kilometers represent one revenue-passenger transported one kilometer. This includes itinerary and charter flights. The total RPKs equals the number of revenue-passengers transported multiplied by the total distance flown. "ASKs" Available Seat Kilometers represent the number of available seats multiplied by the distance flown. This metric is an indicator of the airline's capacity. It equals one seat offered for one kilometer, whether the seat is used.



Available Seat Kilometers represent the number of available seats multiplied by the distance flown. This metric is an indicator of the airline's capacity. It equals one seat offered for one kilometer, whether the seat is used. "Load Factor" equals the number of passengers transported as a percentage of the number of seats offered. It is a measure of the airline's capacity utilization. This metric considers the total passengers transported and total seats available in itinerary flights only.



equals the number of passengers transported as a percentage of the number of seats offered. It is a measure of the airline's capacity utilization. This metric considers the total passengers transported and total seats available in itinerary flights only. "Passengers" refers to the total number of passengers transported by the airline.



refers to the total number of passengers transported by the airline. Grupo Aeromexicos investors presentation is available in the following link: https://www.aeromexico.com/en-us/investors



Grupo Aeromexico confirms that its voluntary process of financial restructuring under Chapter 11 of the legislation of the United States of America , will be carried out in an orderly manner while it continues operating and offering services to its customers with the same quality that characterizes it, contracting from its suppliers the goods and services required for its operation. The Company will use the advantages of Chapter 11 to strengthen its financial position and liquidity, protect and preserve its operations and assets, and implement the necessary adjustments to face the impact of COVID-19.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of the Company and its management with respect to its performance, business and future events. We use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect,", "intend," "target," "estimate," "project," "predict," "forecast," "guideline," "should" and other similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, but they are not the only way we identify such statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in this release. The Company is under no obligation and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Grupo Aeromexico

Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, has its main operations center in Terminal 2 of the Mexico City International Airport. Its destination network has reach in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia and Europe. The Group's current operating fleet includes Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft, as well as the latest generation Embraer 190. Aeromexico is a founding partner of SkyTeam, an alliance that celebrates 20 years and offers connectivity in more than 170 countries, through the 19 partner airlines. Aeromexico created and implemented a Health and Hygiene Management System (SGSH) to protect its clients and collaborators at all stages of its operation.

www.aeromexico.com

www.skyteam.com

SOURCE Grupo Aeromexico S.A.B. de C.V.

Related Links

http://www.aeromexico.com


Regarding the news release, Affinity Empowering and Eurofins Clinical Broaden COVID-19 Testing Events in Connecticut as Part of Operation Expanded Testing, issued 07-Jul-2021 by Affinity Empowering, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the COVID-19 testing event has been postponed due to Tropical Storm Elsa. An updated announcement follows:

Operation Expanded Testing Media Event in Connecticut Postponed Due to Tropical Storm Elsa

FAIRFIELD, Conn. and ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Affinity Empowering, Inc., a leading provider of the most sophisticated and secure occupational, behavioral, and direct-to-consumer health services, and Eurofins Clinical Enterprise, Inc., a Eurofins Scientific company, today announced that the COVID-19 testing event with the Horizons at Sacred Heart University (SHU) program has been postponed, due to Tropical Storm Elsa. Media will be reinvited to SHU on Friday, July 23, to cover the COVID-19 testing program with Horizons, the first organization in the country to offer no-cost tests through Operation Expanded Testing (OET). OET is a federal program to increase COVID-19 testing capabilities throughout congregate settings including K-12 schools and summer school programs, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and select, nonprofit community centers. The OET program was created in agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and Affinity Empowering is coordinating OET program implementation on behalf of Clinical Enterprise, Inc., a Eurofins company.

Affinity, Clinical Enterprise, and Horizons at SHU will issue an updated media invitation ahead of the event on July 23.

About Affinity Empowering

Affinity Empowering is a leading occupational health, population, and disease management life sciences organization that specializes in providing technology-based solutions and support for overall health and wellness endeavors. In addition to providing occupational health, mental health, and cutting edge, wrap-around substance use support, they also have become a major provider of COVID-19 testing. Their Return to Normalcy program provides COVID-19 consultation, support, and conducts thousands of onsite and at-home testing options to safely screen, monitor, and test populations. They currently support numerous business partners in various fields, ranging from government contracts, universities, top Fortune 100 companies, and major film and television production companies.

For more information, please visit https://safercommunities.affinitytesting.com.

Media Contacts:

Scott Stachowiak

Russo Partners, LLC

(646) 942-5630

[email protected]

Kim Swartz

Sacred Heart University

(203) 396-8047

Email [email protected]

SOURCE Affinity Empowering, Inc.

Related Links

https://safercommunities.affinitytesting.com


GLENSIDE, Pa., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcadia University will lead research on how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) interdisciplinary learning impacts 7th- through 12th-grade student understanding through a grant from the National Science Foundation, in collaboration with La Salle University, Villanova University, and St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pa., along with Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa.

This collaborative research is funded through a NSF grant for $2.8 million, of which $2,031,108 is awarded to Arcadia University. "Collaborative Research: Understanding STEM Teaching through Integrated Contexts in Everyday Life" provides a series of professional development programs for educators at the middle and high school levels to encourage connections between curriculum topics.

"What if we get students involved in the context of data, like should speed limits be reduced in Philadelphia?" said Arcadia University Associate Professor of Education Dr. Augusto Macalalag, who will lead the research project. "Instead of saying let's calculate the velocity or speed, let's engage them in something where they have context such as what is the basis of speed limits in areas of Philadelphia, where are accidents predominantly happening and why, what are the cultural practices with regards to driving and speeding, and who decides the speed limits. There is a context of why STEM is being learned and taught beyond learning science and mathematics."

The first professional development cohort of educators from the School District of Philadelphia, Cheltenham School District, American Paradigm Schools in Philadelphia, Simon Gratz High School Mastery Charter Schools in Philadelphia, and Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School in Philadelphia will participate in a weekly series of in-person and online workshops.

About Arcadia

Arcadia University is a top-ranked private university in Greater Philadelphia and a national leader in study abroad and international education. The Institute of International Education named Arcadia University #1 in the nation for undergraduate students studying abroad for 10 of the past 11 years (2010-18, 2020), while U.S. News & World Report ranks Arcadia among the top regional universities in the north. The University's Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs are nationally ranked in their respective categories by U.S. News & World Report. Arcadia University promises a distinctively global, integrative, and personal learning experience that prepares students to contribute and lead in a diverse and dynamic world. Visit www.arcadia.edu .

SOURCE Arcadia University

Related Links

https://www.arcadia.edu


CHICAGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts , a leading accredited provider of online and campus-based culinary training and education, today announced the launch of their ramped-up Escoffier Connect Platform with the addition of a new real-time talent matching tool designed to connect employer partners with 12,000+ Escoffier students and alumni. This new online Career Center gives Escoffier direct access to 10,000 current positions including industry-insider externships and career opportunities and is designed to match a candidate's level of training and credentials with employers seeking to hire skilled staff for long-term culinary careers.

The announcement comes as the National Restaurant Association reports almost half of culinary establishments are operating with 20 percent less staff than pre-pandemic employment levels and, as accommodations and food service job openings spiked to nearly 1 million in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

"Now more than ever, our employer partners are looking to us to help them find qualified candidates and not just for a short-term fix," said Escoffier's vice president of Student and Career Services, Patricia Souza. "Our partners know they're getting professionally trained culinary candidates who can hit the ground running and are invested in career growth and development at their establishments. Our students benefit from insider access to positions that match their credentials and culinary growth plans."

Escoffier employer partners are represented from all seven segments of the culinary industry including: lodging, catering, restaurants, retail food, institutional and commercial dining, leisure and recreation and food manufacturers/wholesalers.

"Escoffier provides a real-world flexible learning environment allowing for relevant, hands-on training in our hotels in addition to their online educational component," said David Harker, corporate executive chef, Omni Hotels & Resorts. "Escoffier students, alumni, and Omni associates all benefit from this professional partnership. Engaged associates and team members are vital to our success, and Escoffier has been a big supporter of this philosophy and worked closely with us over the last few years. Escoffier has truly been a collaborative, forward-thinking partner."

The institution's Escoffier Connect platform was originally established with an alumni association that quickly grew as a way to connect alumni with students for volunteer support such as mentoring. Now with an emphasis on making connections between students, alumni, and employers, Escoffier's new Career Center is free and available to Escoffier students and graduates for the lifetime of their professional careers. In addition to the Career Center, Escoffier's advisors partner with students to provide one-on-one, industry-specific resume writing and portfolio assistance, interview preparation, and career planning and self-evaluating tools.

For additional details on Escoffier's Career Services Platform and new direct access to employer partners, visit https://www.escoffier.edu/career-center/

About Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is a leading accredited provider of culinary training and education. Escoffier is the only U.S. accredited institution, through its Boulder campus, to offer 100% online culinary degrees and diplomas which include culinary classes and real-world industry externships. Ranked in the top 10 culinary schools in the United States by USA Today and number one in the world by Chef's Pencil, the school's professional programs offer the proven combination of a classic and contemporary approach to modern industry skills training as well as a sustainability-centered and business-focused curriculum. Professional programs in Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts are available online and on ground through Escoffier's Boulder, Colorado campus and on ground through its Austin, Texas campus. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is a Great Place to Work-Certified institution and its Boulder campus is designated as a Military Friendly School.

Contact: Patti Thomas, 312-919-0898

SOURCE Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The Investment was part of an internal funding round into a convertible note that can be converted at any time. Investinor, a Norwegian government funded LP, is also a co-investor in Arbaflame. AVG is focused on investing into power producing technology across a variety of green alternatives. AVG finds strategic technology that can help build the bridge between fossil fuels and the next age of energy supply, also known as the energy transition. "Arbaflame fits strategically into our Nordic ESG and Impact theme, while delivering a well needed alternative solution to the coal industry," states Karl Andersen, CEO of AVG.

Arbaflame AS

Arbaflame started in 2010 with testing solutions for substituting coal. Through extensive research, Arbaflame was able to find a low cost solution utilizing bio-feedstock (sawdust) to create the pellets required to replace or supplement coal. The process of conversion is a fraction of the cost of converting to white pellets and should serve the coal market well. The first plant is now running with offtake agreements from Onyx Power (Netherlands), for the pellets and TFC (Belgium) for the biproduct of Furfur (alcohol) that is produced in the process. The biproducts, called ArbaRaf, consists of a variety of other bio-products that have a ready commercial market.

AVG Group Sarl

AVG manages the Nordic ESG and Impact Fund SCSp (the "Fund"). The strategy is to invest in energy transition technology (Climate Solutions) from fossil fuels to green alternatives. AVG invests into the local companies and then scales them globally. With offices in New York, Oslo and Luxembourg, the team delivers a global approach to ESG and Impact investing.

SOURCE AV Group Ltd.
PARIS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bambuser today announced their participation in La Maison des Startups LVMH, an accelerator program created by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). As part of the multinational luxury goods conglomerate's commitment to innovation, the program fosters collaboration between innovative startups and LVMH's portfolio of 75 brands, known as "Maisons."

Recently named the overall winner of the 2021 LVMH Innovation Award by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Arnault, Bambuser will receive dedicated office space in Paris' STATION F, the world's largest startup facility, for six months. During this time, Bambuser executives will collaborate with counterparts from the Maisons to develop innovative solutions and discover new business opportunities for the brands and the luxury market overall.

Now in its sixth season, La Maison des Startups LVMH is an important part of the company's Open Innovation Ecosystem, a strategy for catalyzing innovation through interaction between the Maisons, entrepreneurs and innovators. Bambuser, whose Live Video Shopping solution enables Maisons such as Parfums Christian Dior and Make Up For Ever to engage with customers across digital channels, is one of just 28 companies selected for the program out of 850 applicants this season.

"Since launching Live Video Shopping, we have been dedicated to transforming the e-commerce experience and offering shoppers inspiring and entertaining online experiences. We are honored that LVMH has recognized the power of our platform and is supporting us with invaluable expertise as well as the resources to help further our mission," said Maryam Ghahremani, CEO of Bambuser. "We are excited about the many opportunities our participation in the accelerator will create, both for us and for the LVMH Maisons."

Contact information

Corporate Communications, Bambuser AB | [email protected]

Certified Adviser

Erik Penser Bank AB | +46 8 463 83 00 | [email protected]

Bambuser is a software company specializing in interactive live video streaming. The Company's primary product, Live Video Shopping, is a cloud-based software solution that is used by customers such as global e-commerce and retail businesses to host live shopping experiences on websites, mobile apps and social media. Bambuser was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters in Stockholm.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/bambuser/r/bambuser-joins-la-maison-des-startups-lvmh--growing-collaboration-with-world-s-largest-luxury-goods-,c3381785

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/15749/3381785/1442468.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/bambuser/i/la-maison-des-startups-lvmh,c2934443 La Maison des Startups LVMH https://news.cision.com/bambuser/i/maryam-ghahremani,c2934444 Maryam Ghahremani

SOURCE Bambuser
MINNEAPOLIS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Hills IP (BHIP), the nation's leading provider of fully automated docketing services for intellectual property attorneys, announces the release of DocketSaver, an easy-to-use verification tool that ensures docket entries are made as expected and helps eliminate docketing errors.

With minimal setup time, DocketSaver automatically verifies that correspondence downloaded from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) docketing portal led to an expected docket entryand that the correct docketing code was used. This helps eliminate docketing errors, which remain the most common source of major liability in patent practice.

"Essential items falling through the cracks before they make it onto a docket is one of the most common reasons why docketing deadlines get missed," according to Russ Slifer, CEO of BHIP and former Deputy Director of the USPTO.

Some 80 percent of docketing mistakes are due to human errors, which can be expensive. For example, in 2004, a leading IP law firm was ordered to pay $30 million for legal malpractice after failing to file a foreign patent application. Last September, another IP law firm and a contractor it retained for docketing were sued for missing a PCT national phase deadline due to a docketing error and allegedly costing a client millions of dollars.

"The best protection against a malpractice claim for patent firms and departments is not insurance  it's sound docketing practices with no opportunities for a single-point-of-failure," says Ann McCrackin, president of BHIP. Adding the cost of DocketSaver to one's operations, "is a small fraction of what the typical patent firm spends on malpractice insurance, yet our service provides far superior protection against the most devastating malpractice events."

BHIP's DocketSaver ensures items downloaded from the USPTO's correspondence portal make it onto the docket and do not get lost in the shuffle, such as when a docketer accidentally deletes or forgets an item. This service also identifies ante-dated portal correspondence that can be overlooked.

Once connected to a law firm's private USPTO account, DocketSaver trains itself based on the firm's docketing practices. The learning process takes about a month based upon volume but can be accelerated if needed. BHIP's proprietary automated algorithms then verify the firm's docketing actions each week to make sure all items received through the USPTO resulted in expected docket entries. DocketSaver also verifies there were no discrepancies or sends a report noting any that were found.

About BHIP

Minneapolis-based Black Hills IP is the nation's leading provider of fully automated docketing services for intellectual property attorneys. The firm processes an average of more than 40,000 docketing transactions every month, with half of them fully automated and requiring no human assistance. More than 200 IP law firms rely upon BHIP technology to accurately make thousands of docketing decisions within seconds, while working seamlessly with patent offices in the U.S., China and dozens of other countries.

For more information, contact:

Dale Kurschner

763-567-9241

SOURCE Black Hills IP
FOSHAN, China, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited ("Bright Scholar," the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE: BEDU), a global premier education service company, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2021, on July 21, 2021, after the US market closes.

The earnings press release will be available on the investor relations page at http://ir.brightscholar.com.

Conference Call

BEDU's management will host a conference call at 8:00 am US Eastern Time (8:00 pm Beijing/Hong Kong Time) on July 22, 2021, to discuss its quarterly results and recent business activities.

To participate in the conference call, please dial the following number five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time:

Mainland China: 4001-201-203 Hong Kong: 852-301-84992 United States: 1-888-346-8982 Canada Toll Free: 1-855-669-9657 International: 1-412-902-4272

* No passcode is needed for the call. Please request to join Bright Scholar Education Holdings Ltd.'s call as you dial in.

The Company will also broadcast a live audio webcast of the conference call. The webcast will be available at http://ir.brightscholar.com/.

Following the earnings conference call, an archive of the call will be available by dialing:

United States: 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Canada Toll Free: 855-669-9658 Replay Passcode: 10157851 Replay End Date: July 29, 2021

About Bright Scholar Education Holdings Limited

Bright Scholar is a global premier education service company, dedicated to providing quality international education to global students and equipping them with the critical academic foundation and skillsets necessary to succeed in the pursuit of higher education. Bright Scholar also complements its international offerings with Chinese government-mandated curriculum for students who wish to maintain the option of pursuing higher education in China. As of February 28, 2021, Bright Scholar operated 95 schools across twelve provinces in China and eight schools overseas, covering the breadth of K-12 academic needs of its students.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company's business plans and development, which can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

IR Contact:

GCM Strategic Communications

Email: [email protected]

Media Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +86-757-6683-2507

SOURCE Bright Scholar Education Holdings Ltd.
NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader, today announced that Keir Gumbs has been appointed Chief Legal Officer, effective July 27, 2021. Gumbs will succeed Adam Amsterdam, who will be retiring after nearly 30 years of leading Broadridge's Legal function. As part of a long-planned transition, Amsterdam will step into a Senior Advisor role.

"I want to thank Adam for 30 years of dedication and his unwavering commitment to developing a world-class legal function that has been vital to enabling Broadridge to operate in an increasingly complex and dynamic legal and regulatory landscape," said Tim Gokey, Broadridge's Chief Executive Officer.

Gokey continued, "As we continue to drive Broadridge's evolution, I am excited to welcome Keir to Broadridge. His accomplishments and expertise in corporate governance are certain to be an asset to our company and our clients, and I am confident our leadership team will benefit from his impressive experience and vision."

Gumbs will oversee the legal, compliance and physical security teams for Broadridge, will help lead Broadridge's policy efforts and will serve as the primary legal advisor for senior management and the Board of Directors. Additionally, he will join the Broadridge Foundation Board, Risk Committee, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) committee.

Gumbs is a noted thinker and speaker on Corporate Governance issues. He was a Partner at Covington & Burling LLP for many years, where he represented a cross-section of clients in governance, securities, and transactional matters. Previously, he held positions with the Securities and Exchange Commission over six years, including serving as Counsel to an SEC Commissioner.

Gumbs joins Broadridge from Uber Technologies, where he served as Deputy Corporate Secretary and Deputy General Counsel, overseeing Uber's Corporate Governance, Securities, ESG, Marketing, Payments, M&A, and Real Estate teams. He helped Uber transition to a public company, executing more than $18 billion in financing and M&A transactions, and helped build its ESG and corporate governance programs.

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.

Contact Information:

Investors:

W. Edings Thibault

Investor Relations

(516) 472-5129

Media:

Gregg Rosenberg

Corporate Communications

(212) 918-6966

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.broadridge.com


SAN FRANCISCO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- btrax is working in collaboration with Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Co., Ltd. to launch i-PRO Future Design Challenge. This newly launched international design competition program is to provide opportunities for up-and-coming problem solvers or futurists to win the prestigious award for innovative design excellence.

i-PRO Future Design Challenge was born out of both btrax and i-PRO's belief in the power of design to solve problems. This competition calls upon young, creative and talented engineers and designers around the world to present their fresh ideas, thoughts and designs on the theme of "solving crimes in a future society where technology has become too advanced."

2021 Theme

"Solving crimes in a future society where technology has become too advanced"

Schedule

Application period: July 8-Aug. 31, 2021

Judging period: Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2021

Announcement of award winners: Nov. 18, 2021

Award

Prize money: 300,000 JPY (Approx. $2,700 USD ) for 1 person or 1 group, 100,000 JPY (Approx. $910 USD ) for 2 people or 2 groups

) for 1 person or 1 group, 100,000 JPY (Approx. ) for 2 people or 2 groups Meeting with i-PRO engineers for potential prototype creation

Mentoring sessions with one of the judges

Featured in media

Judges

Bjoern Eichstaedt , Managing Partner/Co-Owner of Storymaker GmbH

, Managing Partner/Co-Owner of Storymaker GmbH Mariko Nishimura , CEO/Producer of HEART CATCH Inc

, CEO/Producer of HEART CATCH Inc Casey Lau , Co-Host of RISE and Web Summit Tokyo

, Co-Host of RISE and Web Summit Tokyo Brandon K. Hill , CEO/Founder of btrax, Inc.

For more details, please come and check our website at https://i-pro.futuredesignchallenge.com.

About i-PRO  Organizer

Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Co., Ltd. is a global leader of advanced sensing technologies in the fields of Intelligent Surveillance, Public Safety, and Industrial/Medical Imaging. Established in 2019, i-PRO was built on a legacy of over 60 years of innovation with Panasonic.

https://ipro.panasonic.com/en/

About btrax  Supporter

btrax is a design agency that specializes in bridging the gaps between cultures, businesses, and mindsets by creating experiences for brands' future to nurture their fan base. Based in San Francisco and Tokyo, btrax provides design services to companies and brands that are struggling to expand their customer base.

https://btrax.com/

EDITORIAL CONTACT

i-PRO Future Design Challenge Press Room

e-mail: [email protected]

Related Images

i-pro-future-design-challenge.png

i-PRO Future Design Challenge

SOURCE btrax Inc.

Related Links

https://btrax.com/


Global nod follows two back-to-back wins of Microsoft Canada's Partner of the Year | Modern Workplace Award (2019 & 2020)

AUSTIN, Texas, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - BULLETPROOF, a GLI company today announced it has won the Security 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

"There is no shortage of virtual high fives and wide smiles among the Bulletproof team today," said Chris Johnston, Bulletproof CEO. "Being recognized with the Security 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award at the global level is an incredible honor that truly validates the significant impact Bulletproof's end-to-end security solutions are having in driving value (and peace of mind) for Microsoft customers. Thank you, Microsoft, for your ongoing collaboration, inspiration, and support; and for this exciting and entirely humbling recognition. And to all the 2021 award winners, finalists, and partners at large who enabled and supported customers through the accelerated digital transformation we have seen this past year, we applaud you."

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Bulletproof was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Security. The complete list of categories, winners and finalists is available here.

The Security Partner of the Year Award recognizes a partner who is doing an exceptional job of providing customers with end-to-end security solutions based on Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity capabilities in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure Security.

"This new solution provides full endpoint support through Bulletproof's managed services", said Walter Coleman, Group Lead: Information Technology with Trevali Mining Corporation. "They continuously monitor all our firewall information; all the traffic and activity happening on an environment. And they have the ability to immediately triage and segregate affected environments and areas, as well as threats and incidents related to specific user identity or user activity. What that allowed my local teams to do is focus on adding value to the business and other areas. Seeing the backing that Microsoft gives Bulletproof in providing the solutions to us makes me confident that our investment and partnership with Bulletproof was the right choice."

"I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Rodney Clark, Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. "These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer."

Bulletproof has also been named a finalist in two categories of the 2021 Microsoft Canada IMPACT Awards: Security Impact Award and Covid Response Marketing Impact Award. Winners will be announced during during the Canada Keynote & Awards Celebration at Microsoft's largest annual partner event, Inspire, on July 15th.

About BULLETPROOF, a GLI company:

Bulletproof is headquartered in Canada with offices across the United States and around the world. The company's footprint now includes users on six continents trusting Bulletproof to secure their identities, networks, data, and devices in all industries including top gaming operators, suppliers, regulators, lotteries, etc. Named Security Microsoft Partner of the Year globally in 2021 and Partner of the Year | Modern Workplace by Microsoft Canada in 2019 and 2020, Bulletproof is proud to be a long-standing Microsoft Gold Partner with twelve gold competencies, a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), and holder of the Microsoft Threat Protection Advanced Specialization.

For more information on Bulletproof visit our website (bulletproofsi.com) and join us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

SOURCE Bulletproof, A GLI Company

Related Links

www.bulletproofsi.com


GLENDALE, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- California Credit Union has launched a school backpack drive to benefit local elementary and middle school students in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs in Boyle Heights, Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Pacoima.

Through July 23rd, California Credit Union invites community members to make a difference in a student's life by dropping off a school backpack to any of its branch locations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Donated backpacks should be new and appropriate for elementary/middle school students. A complete list of California Credit Union locations is available here.

"We encourage everyone to pick up an extra backpack while doing your back-to-school shopping and bring it to one of our branches to help us give local students the tools they need to succeed in school," said California Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "Starting the school year with a new backpack filled with supplies is a rite of passage that many families in our community are challenged to provide. Together, we can make sure every child is prepared for a successful school year ahead."

The credit union will fill all donated backpacks with essential school supplies for distribution to students through the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood, Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley in Pacoima, Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club, and Variety Boys & Girls Club in Boyle Heights on July 30th, in time for the fall school year.

More information about California Credit Union's School Backpack Drive in partnership with these local Boys & Girls Clubs can be found here.

About California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of over $4 billion, California Credit Union has 25 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Visit ccu.com for more information, or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @CaliforniaCreditUnion.

SOURCE California Credit Union

Related Links

https://www.ccu.com/


SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Basing a decision upon procedural and technical grounds, United States District Court Judge, Hon. William B. Shubb, United States District Court, Eastern District of California, granted the motion by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) to dismiss the lawsuit filed by California Insurance Company II against the CDI. In granting the CDI's motion to dismiss, which furthers the CDI's effective efforts to circumvent due process, Judge Shubb acted in a manner consistent with his previous decision in the Applied Underwriters, Inc. case. California Insurance Company (CIC) has indicated it will file an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as Applied Underwriters did in a prior federal case for an eventual return to argue the merits of its dispute with the CDI. While CIC's conservation was put into place almost two years ago in an ex parte hearing where CIC was not even present to defend itself, CIC has still not been granted a hearing in court to hear the actual merits of the case including the legitimacy of the conservation. Judge Shubb's decision again puts off CIC's "day in court," whereupon it will argue against CDI's arbitrary and illegal imposition on 'A' rated CIC of a conservatorship, an action exclusively reserved for financially distressed insurers. This decision will forestall temporarily the deposition of CDI staff and the examination of its internal processes and decision making. The court declined in this instance to interfere with an ongoing departmental procedure, leaving aside any arguments as to its unusual misapplication of conservatorship powers or other related issues.

"Point is, this narrow decision was based on technicalities and did not weigh the merits of the case, a prospect that will be enabled when we pursue any of our available actions and appeals in the next round to set the path to a judgement on the actual merits," stated CIC's General Counsel, Jeffrey Silver, Esq. He continued, "CIC will raise issues of constitutional law in its effort to terminate the conservatorship imposed by CDI after it agreed with CIC's planned move to New Mexico, then suddenly reversed its position and used the conservatorship in what is arguably an illegal manner." Mr. Silver added, noting that CIC has vowed to pursue its constitutional rights to protect the Company, its policyholders and, as a by-product, the integrity of the insurance regulatory environment itself: "We have yet to be heard on the merits of this case, stymied temporarily on procedural matters as put in our path by the CDI, designed to extend the reach of the CDI well beyond its charge and to damage CIC needlessly."

Mr. Silver explained: "The CDI has used every possible bureaucratic, intricate technical means to block our re-domestication to New Mexico, a move that was approved by New Mexico, Texas, Iowa and California itself, before its inexplicable reversal, a move that many in the media and in the insurance field see as a vendetta against CIC possibly related to some insiders' unlawful agenda. That's why we believe that the CDI is fearful of the discovery process that could prove damaging to CDI and to specific individuals employed there. We are not alone in being stymied by the CDI in the discovery process and wonder what it is that they are hiding. Our vow to fight to the finish is spurred by the clear-cut issue of justice itself in this case, as CDI staff insiders ride roughshod over the rights of insurers with no open airing in court. Our next step in what has become a needless round-by-round battle started by the CDI and funded with taxpayer monies will be to bring the CDI's actions and actors to light, getting well past the obstructionist technicalities that threaten our access to due process. That done, we are confident CIC will be fully vindicated and able to operate its long-standing 'A' rated business in its new, chosen home, New Mexico. New Mexico State's Attorney General has filed a brief supporting our position. We have many rounds to go, but we are ready and determined to stay the course."

For further information contact: Ryan Gerding, Public Relations, at +1 (913) 602-8531 or at [email protected].

About California Insurance Company (www.nacasualty.com)

California Insurance Company (CIC) holds an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of 'A' (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of 'a' (Excellent). The rating pertains to CIC and the seven insurance companies collectively referred to as North American Casualty Group (NAC). According to the ratings agency, "the ratings reflect NAC's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management." The companies with the affirmed ratings are: California Insurance Company, Continental Indemnity Company, Illinois Insurance Company, and Pennsylvania Insurance Company, domiciled in New Mexico; Texas Insurance Company, domiciled in Texas; Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Company, domiciled in Oklahoma; and Florida Casualty Insurance Company, domiciled in Florida.

About Applied Underwriters (www.auw.com)

Applied Underwriters is a global risk services firm that helps businesses and people manage uncertainty through its business services, insurance and reinsurance solutions. As a company, Applied Underwriters has been distinguished by its innovative approaches to client care and by its strong financial strength. Applied Underwriters operates widely throughout the US, UK, EU and Middle East. Its operational headquarters is located in Omaha, Nebraska.



SOURCE California Insurance Company
Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the major market threats?

The pressure from substitutes and a high level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the moderate bargaining power of suppliers.

The pressure from substitutes and a high level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the moderate bargaining power of suppliers. What is the expected price changes in this market?

The Carbon Black Market is expected to have a CAGR of 5.48% during 2021-2025.

The Carbon Black Market is expected to have a CAGR of 5.48% during 2021-2025. Who are the top players in the market?

Cabot Corp., Birla Corp. Ltd., Orion Engineered Carbons SA, International CSRC Investment Holdings Co. Ltd., Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black Co. Ltd., Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd., Omsk Carbon Group OOO, Phillips Carbon Black Ltd., Asahi Carbon Co. Ltd., and Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp., are some of the major market participants.

Cabot Corp., Birla Corp. Ltd., Orion Engineered Carbons SA, International CSRC Investment Holdings Co. Ltd., Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black Co. Ltd., Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd., Omsk Carbon Group OOO, Phillips Carbon Black Ltd., Asahi Carbon Co. Ltd., and Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp., are some of the major market participants. What are the pricing models followed by buyers?

Volume-based pricing and Spot pricing are the widely adopted pricing models in Carbon Black Market.

SpendEdge suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. SpendEdge's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports.

Request for a FREE sample to access the definite purchasing guide on Carbon Black procurement.

Related Reports on Materials Include:

Synthetic Resins - Forecast and Analysis : The synthetic resins will grow at a CAGR of 5.09% during 2021-2025. The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the moderate bargaining power of suppliers.

The synthetic resins will grow at a during 2021-2025. The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the moderate bargaining power of suppliers. Plastic Bags and Pouches Sourcing and Procurement Report : This market's prices will increase by 3%-5% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a moderate bargaining power in this market.

This market's prices will and suppliers will have a moderate bargaining power in this market. Dyes and Pigments- Sourcing and Procurement Intelligence Report: This report evaluates suppliers based on processing capacity, geographic presence, existence of documented production processes and quality control systems, and production capabilities and product portfolio.

www.spendedge.com/report/carbon-black-market-procurement-research-report

To access the definite purchasing guide on the Carbon Black that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis:

Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Carbon Black TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable?

How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes?

Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities?

Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions.

Contacts

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us

SOURCE SpendEdge

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ATLANTA , July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CTT) will release its second quarter 2021 earnings on Thursday, August 5, 2021, following the market close. The company will host a conference call and live webcast at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, August 6, 2021 to discuss these results.

Investors may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-347-1165 for U.S/Canada and 1-412-902-4276 for international callers. Participants should ask to be joined into the CatchMark call. Access to the live webcast is also available at www.catchmark.com or here. A replay of this webcast will be archived on the company's website immediately after the call.

About CatchMark

CatchMark (NYSE: CTT) seeks to deliver consistent and growing per share cash flow from disciplined acquisitions and superior management of prime timberlands located in high demand U.S. mill markets. Concentrating on maximizing cash flows throughout business cycles, the company strategically harvests its high-quality timberlands to produce durable revenue growth and takes advantage of proximate mill markets, which provide a reliable outlet for merchantable inventory. Headquartered in Atlanta and focused exclusively on timberland ownership and management, CatchMark began operations in 2007 and owns interests in 1.5 million acres* of timberlands located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas. For more information, visit www.catchmark.com.

* As of March 31, 2021

SOURCE CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.catchmark.com


Taking the summer season by storm at the height of the cheese board trend, the latest varietals feature perfectly paired trios of new and fan-favorite Cello cheeses. Cello's cheese connoisseurs have expertly developed each flight to include an ideal combination of flavors, removing all the guesswork from building the perfect board. With bright and warm tasting notes throughout, the new flights include:

Cello Breeze: Crafted for the cheese lover with a sense of adventure, the Cello Breeze cheese flight couples Cello's classic English Cheddar with two never-before-released offerings, Cello Blueberry Lemon Fontal and Cello Red Wine Soaked Goat Cheese. Altogether this flight provides an incredible combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.

Crafted for the cheese lover with a sense of adventure, the Cello Breeze cheese flight couples Cello's classic English Cheddar with two never-before-released offerings, Cello Blueberry Lemon Fontal and Cello Red Wine Soaked Goat Cheese. Altogether this flight provides an incredible combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Cello Sunrise: With a wealth of sweet yet spice-filled flavors, the Cello Sunrise cheese flight features Cello's Cheddar Gruyere enhanced with roasted red and black peppers, a 10-month aged Asiago, and a classic favoritethe Cello Hand-Rubbed Tuscan Fontal.

"At Cello, we make it our mission to equip cheese lovers with the products and knowledge that will enhance every eating occasion," said Mike Currie, Marketing Director at Schuman Cheese. "We are thrilled to continue offering them even more ways to enjoy cheese through these exciting new flavors and flight pairings."

All Cello Cheese Flights include additional pairing suggestions directly on the packaging to help consumers Cheese Confidently and identify the perfect accompaniments. This feature is just one of the many ways Cello encourages more enjoyable cheese-filled experiences. In addition to the exciting new flight varietals, Cello is excited to continue connecting with cheese lovers everywhere through its ongoing Instagram Live series, the latest of which centered a how-to on Mother's Day cheese board-making. As a staple in homes nationwide, Cello remains committed to producing quality products that help make life's warmest moments even tastier.

Cello Summer Breeze and Summer Sunrise cheese flights are available starting this month at Kroger for $12.99. For more information on Cello, visit www.cellocheese.com. To connect on the latest launches, events, and more, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

About Cello

Maker of the signature Copper Kettle cheese, Cello is a handcrafted, specialty cheese brand breathing new life into Old World cheese-making. The brand produces everything from traditional favorites like Asiago and Romano to flavored hand-rubbed Fontina and specialty cheese flights. Beyond the diverse product portfolio, Cello aims to make the process of learning about cheese as easy and enjoyable as eating it. With over 75 years of cheese making experience, Cello's cheese connoisseurs are taking generations of knowledge and offering it to cheese lovers everywhere through accessible resources that offer insight into pairings, recipes, and more.

About Schuman Cheese

Founded in New York in 1945, Schuman Cheese has grown into a highly lauded leader in the cheese industry worldwide. The family has set the standard for integrity, excellence, and loyalty for four generations, exemplified by their premium cheeses and lasting partnerships. Today, decades since their first import, Schuman's team of skilled cheesemakers craft their world-class cheeses in Wisconsin, adding to their robust import business. At Schuman Cheese, they take pride in the products offered and remain committed to the mission and values established by Arthur Schuman. Discover their distinctive cheeses and latest innovations Schuman Cheese delights in sharing at SchumanCheese.com

For more information about Schuman Cheese, please visit https://www.schumancheese.com/our-cheeses.

SOURCE Schuman Cheese
MECHANICSBURG, Pa., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Former COVID-19 patients may benefit from additional clinical support, including tailored physical and mental health rehabilitation services, according to a study released today by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with Select Medical. The findings, based on data from 1,295 post-COVID-19 patients, published today in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) examined the rehabilitation needs and outcomes of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Study data was obtained from the electronic health records of patients referred to Select Medical's national network of more than 1,800 outpatient rehabilitation clinics from January 2020 - March 2021.

The CDC examined patient-reported measures of health, physical endurance, and health care utilization. It compared patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and a control group of patients needing rehabilitation for a current or previous cancer diagnosis. This control population was chosen because they completed the same initial evaluations as did patients referred for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. The latter group had not experienced COVID-19.

Compared with control patients, postCOVID-19 patients had higher odds of reporting worse physical health, and difficulty with physical activities after adjusting for age and sex. Post-COVID-19 patients also experienced decreased physical endurance, measured by a six-minute walk test compared with control patients. The study concluded that among patients referred to outpatient rehabilitation, those recovering from COVID-19 had poorer physical health and functional status than those who had cancer.

The full CDC study results can be found here.

"We were excited to partner with the CDC on such an important clinical study regarding the long-term impact of COVID-19," said Diane Brozowsky, senior vice president of clinical operations of outpatient rehabilitation at Select Medical, and a co-author of the MMWR paper. "These findings indicate that patients recovering from COVID-19 could benefit from additional personalized rehabilitation services aimed at both physical and mental health. As the nation's largest provider of outcomes-based, innovative physical therapy, we are expertly positioned to guide those who need extended care among the 33.5 million post-COVID-19 patient population."

COVID-19 Recovery and Reconditioning Program

The CDC study also validates Select Medical's Recovery and Reconditioning Program which was developed in partnership with leading physicians, including physiatrists, pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists as well as physical and occupational therapists and speech language pathologists (SLPs), to focus on specific deficits in patients recovering from COVID-19 as well as other illnesses and conditions.

Following evidence-informed program guidelines, licensed therapists tailor a plan of care to address patients' specific needs and goals to resume pre-COVID activities and routine. The program, which launched in June 2020 amid the pandemic, is available across Select Medical's national network of outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 37 states, many of which are "direct access" and do not require a physician referral to receive care. To find a location and schedule an appointment, click here.

About Select Medical

Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics and occupational health centers in the United States. As of March 31, 2021, Select Medical operated 99 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 30 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,809 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Select Medical's joint venture subsidiary Concentra operated 519 occupational health centers in 41 states. At March 31, 2021, Select Medical had combined operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia and employed more than 48,000 people. For more information, visit www.selectmedical.com .

Media Contact

Shelly Eckenroth, 717-920-4035 or [email protected]

SOURCE Select Medical Corporation

Related Links

http://www.selectmedicalcorp.com


JACKSON, Mich., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today it will provide 2021 second quarter results along with a business and financial outlook at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, July 29, 2021.

A webcast of the presentation will be available on CMS Energy's website, cmsenergy.com. An audio replay will be available approximately three hours after the webcast and will be archived for 30 days on CMS Energy's website in the "Investor Relations" section.

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy provider featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy

SOURCE CMS Energy

Related Links

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"I have been working in sustainable agriculture for a long time now, and it is rare to see the level of dedication that the Columbine Vineyards team brought to their recent Sustainably Grown audit," says Kevin Warner, Manager of Sustainable Agriculture at SCS Global Services. "They committed ten solid months to audit preparation and integrated the best practices of sustainability into every facet of their operation. What gets me really excited is the impact they are having in terms of environmental protection and the fair treatment of farmworkers."

Columbine Vineyard's new Sustainably Grown certification focuses on three areas of responsibility:

Environmental Stewardship - An emphasis on water conservation, including a comprehensive approach to irrigation management, maximizing water efficiency with the latest technology and impeccable ground level implementation. Columbine also focuses on soil health using an innovative soil-fortifying initiative to introduce diversified bacteria and fungi on the microbiological level to revive dead soil.

- An emphasis on water conservation, including a comprehensive approach to irrigation management, maximizing water efficiency with the latest technology and impeccable ground level implementation. Columbine also focuses on soil health using an innovative soil-fortifying initiative to introduce diversified bacteria and fungi on the microbiological level to revive dead soil. Social Responsibility - Growing safe, quality food while promoting farmer welfare and giving employees access to health resources ensures a safe, hygienic working environment. Also included is a COVID-19 vaccine accessibility program.

Growing safe, quality food while promoting farmer welfare and giving employees access to health resources ensures a safe, hygienic working environment. Also included is a COVID-19 vaccine accessibility program. Economic Stability - Columbine Vineyards continues to explore how the community interacts with the business, and how the business interacts with the community in order to support future generations of farmers.

"This new certification brings commitment and accountability to Columbine Vineyard's existing growing practices," says Vincent Sorena, Vice President of Compliance at Columbine Vineyards. "When shoppers see the new Sustainably Grown certification mark on our Holiday grapes this season, they can be confident they are choosing a brand that prioritizes environmental, social, and economic sustainability."

The certification comes just ahead of the Holiday grapes' highly-anticipated 2021 season, which returns late August through December. These red grapes have been loved by fans over the years for their extra-large, seedless berry size with a crisp yet juicy texture that "pops" in your mouth delivering a full, ultra-sweet flavor. They are hand-harvested and distributed fresh-from-the-vine. Holiday grapes are packed with immune-boosting nutrients and antioxidants. Once ripe, they are hand-harvested and distributed fresh-from-the-vine resulting in an unforgettable table grape experience perfect for breakfast, snacks, desserts and beverages.

For more information please visit https://www.columbinevineyards.com/sustainability/ and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest and YouTube . Engage with the Columbine Vineyards digital community and share your own snackable creation using #ColumbineVineyards and #HolidayGrapes.

ABOUT COLUMBINE VINEYARDS

Columbine Vineyards started in 1926 with a single vine and a love for grapes. Founder Marin Caratan and his brother chose to plant their first vines in the San Joaquin Valley, an ideal area for producing the finest quality grapes. Their legacy of dedication, hard work, and love continues to this day through stewardship of soil and sustainable growing practices that regenerate natural resources. Columbine has always been at the forefront of advancements in energy-saving technologies and resource conservation, and recently became the first Sustainably Grown certified table grapes producer in the US. Their unique breeding program continues to bring over 15 varieties of delicious, fine quality table grapes including Holiday and Milano varieties to stores. Each year, the grapes are carefully selected from vines at the peak of their maturity, skillfully hand-picked by growers seeking the sweetest and freshest grapes.

Taste the love.

ABOUT SCS GLOBAL SERVICES

SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, and more. Now in its 30th year, SCS is a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practice.

SOURCE Columbine Vineyards
CHICAGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Concentric Equity Partners ("CEP"), the direct investing arm for Financial Investments Corporation, and Northaven Capital Partners ("NCP") announce a partnership with Sunbelt Waterproofing & Restoration, LLC ("Sunbelt" or the "Company"), a provider of commercial waterproofing and restoration services in Dallas and Houston. CEP and NCP will be partnering directly with Sunbelt's CEO, Calvin Carter, to support and facilitate his long-term growth plan.

Headquartered in Dallas, TX and employing more than 190 people, Sunbelt is the leading commercial restoration and waterproofing provider for complex marquis projects throughout Texas. Sunbelt provides quality Masonry Restoration, Facade Restoration, Structural Repairs, Waterproof Coatings and Sealants, Sealant Replacement, Roof Repair and Maintenance, among other specialized construction related services in Texas.

CEP and NCP are excited to partner with Calvin Carter and the existing Sunbelt team to leverage the Company's established reputation for top quality work and customer service to pursue their shared growth vision in greater DFW and Texas.

The Company's CEO and key shareholder, Calvin Carter, said, "Finding partners like CEP and NCP who share Sunbelt's vision for growth and focus on serving our customers and employees was a key driver in our decision-making process. We wanted a long-term growth partner to help existing ownership take the Company to the next level and CEP and NCP are an ideal fit."

Sunbelt Waterproofing & Restoration:

Since 2010, Sunbelt has been led by Mark Ostrander and Calvin Carter and operating out of the Dallas and Houston markets. Sunbelt provides quality Masonry Restoration, Facade Restoration, Structural Repairs, Waterproof Coatings and Sealants, Sealant Replacement, Roof Repair and Maintenance among other construction related services. As the Texas skyline ages, Sunbelt restores the old exterior building facades in the commercial market, and as the Texas construction market grows, Sunbelt provides and installs below-grade waterproofing systems, joint sealants, damp proofing, and water repellents. Sunbelt has built key relationships over the past 37 years and will take full advantage of our relationships and market. Sunbelt is trusted by engineers, architects, and consultants for complex marquis waterproofing and restoration jobs.

About Concentric Equity Partners:

Concentric Equity Partners is a private investment firm that partners with leading middle market companies by providing capital and strategic advisory to accelerate long term value creation. Concentric's approach is simple: support entrepreneurs and operators by providing the resources required to achieve extraordinary results. The firm's investment team is made up of individuals with distinguished track records as operators and professional investors across a variety of growth oriented middle market companies.

Concentric Equity Partners is the direct investing arm of Financial Investments Corporation, a private asset management firm and family office with over $2 billion in investment commitments under management. Financial Investments Corporation was founded in 1994 by father and daughter Harrison and Jennifer Steans and has been partnering with private companies for more than 25 years.

About Northaven Capital Partners, LLC:

NCP is a multi-family office backed Texas investment firm focused on management buyouts, partner buyouts, and growth capital investing both control and minority equity. Northaven Capital is an operationally focused firm investing in lower middle market companies with strong potential for growth. We focus on collaborative partnerships with experienced, driven, and ethical management teams to build alignment and drive value. Our principals have deep experience as operators and deal professionals across various industries and transaction sizes. Northaven Capital has a long-term investment horizon to support meaningful, long term growth.

You can learn more at www.sunbeltllc.com, www.ficcep.com, and www.NorthavenCapital.com.

SOURCE Concentric Equity Partners

Related Links

ficcep.com


HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Connext Global Solutions (Connext) is helping mid-sized businesses tackle the workplace shortage head on with their innovative remote staffing solutions. Connext's mission is to provide their clients with the services of talented offshore professionals, work tools, and operating facilities to solve staffing challenges and enable growth.

As the nation starts the process of recovering from the pandemic and senses a return to a more "normal" status, businesses of every size, spanning every industry, across the entire country are instead having to scale back operations because they can't find enough employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there were 9.3 million vacant job openings in the United States in April 2021. This is a record high numberup more than 600,000 from February. There are now half as many available workers for every open job (1.4 available workers per opening) as there have been on average over the past 20 years  and the ratio continues to fall.

"Businesses that restructure and redefine their workflow to increase productivity will create an advantage relative to competitors," remarked Tim Mobley, CEO of Connext. "This is where we step in. Our mission is to help mid-market businesses find the opportunity and pivot their operations by providing staffing and process solutions that meet the demands of the new labor market that COVID has created."

Connext provides a completely tailored solution that supplements their client's current staff with highly-qualified offshore team members that the client personally selects. The company chose the Philippines as the location for remote staffing because it makes more sense for supporting US-based businesses due to time overlap and similar cultural demographics. Plus, with a population of over 110 million people there is a wide talent pool to pull from.

Hiring an overseas workforce to outsource certain business functions can lead to:



lower overhead;

increased growth; and

greater focus and service quality with a fully-staffed employee roster.

Popularity of outsourcing continues to climb. The market opportunity is estimated at over $100 billion between 2020-2024. Deloitte recently polled 40 executives across their clients and discovered that 70% surveyed said that outsourcing was used as a cost-cutting tool and another 40% said outsourcing provided the flexibility to deal with the changes stemming from the pandemic, remote work, and fast-paced digitalisation and automation.

"We always go above and beyond in our commitment to client growth and satisfaction," said Taylor Goucher, Direct of Client Services for Connext. "What makes us different is that we provide our clients with highly-focused personalized solutions, on-the-ground focused management (a 1:25 manager to staff ratio), exceptional centralized implementation support, and integration of automation tools to supplement remote staffing."

Connext offers a large array of remote staffing services to healthcare, real estate, finance and accounting departments, HR departments, customer service, IT and web development, back office support, and creative departments. Their dedicated staff members work in multiple function areas for clients that include: medical claims processing, QA and business analytics, real estate, full-spectrum accounting, customer engagement specialists, back office staff, IT developers and support, graphic designers, social media, and more.

About Connext Global Services

Connext is a back-office Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) that has one mission: help enable client growth. The Connext model allows us to work hand in hand and build high functioning outsourced teams for clients who have never outsourced before or have had a previously poor outsourcing experience. Since 2014, over 40 clients have charged us with enabling their growth through highly talented remote staff, white glove service delivery and management, and targeted process improvement. Connext has the unique ability to thrust local and regional companies into the national stage and compete with significantly larger counterparts. Established Honolulu to support Hawaii clients, Connext has become a global enterprise with a growth rate exceeding 80%. Their Phillipinne-based client support centers are located in Angeles City, Pampanga and Clark Freeport Zone.

To learn more about Connext Global Solutions , please visit their website .

SOURCE Connext Global Solutions
Information and resources for both the public and for pharmacists and doctors to help support their conversations on the topic can be found on the new campaign website  www.letstreatitright.com .

With more people now treating themselves at home, increasing numbers have questions and concerns when it comes to using over the counter medicines the right way. The issue was highlighted by a recent study supported by GSK2 which revealed that 80% of Europeans accept that it is their responsibility to manage their own health and are willing to do so,3 yet only two in ten feel confident to actually do this.3 Supporting this, in the past two years, searches for 'self-care' and 'treat at home' have risen by 33% and 58% respectively1, highlighting the need for improved patient resources regarding health self-management.

One area of health that is particularly in focus is the management of pain. According to The Global Pain Index, over three quarters (77%) of people asked wished they could control their pain better.4 Back pain and shoulder pain are also among the top three most common causes of virtual doctor visits.5 But, confusion about the responsible use of medicines extends beyond pain to all areas of everyday health and improved public understanding could reduce the burden on health systems, for example in helping to manage the number of doctor visits.2 As a direct result of the pandemic, positive change is already being seen in this area of self-care with almost half of Europeans (41%) planning to consult their pharmacists more often6, rather than wait for a doctor's appointment.

At launch, Let's treat it right is focussed on the responsible use of pain medicines with the vision to extend to other areas of everyday health over the next year. Pain is one of the most common medical areas in which people seek information about ways to self-manage with medication. The campaign, supported by the makers of trusted healthcare brands Panadol and Voltaren, aims to provide clear and practical advice to the public about the right use of pain medicines, including individual needs, how much is right to take, and how to dispose of and store their pain medication safely and correctly.

The campaign contains information on four key topics  The Right Need, The Right Dose, The Right Storage and The Right Disposal  available on the website and to be shared on social media channels.

As well as supporting the public, Let's treat it right is also intended as a resource for health experts on the frontline, the millions of pharmacists and doctors who prescribe and support responsible medicines' use for patients and customers.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and Clinical Director of Patient.info says, "As a GP, I get many questions about the right way to use everyday medicines that are available over the counter. You can find a lot of information online, but it is not always easy to know which sources to trust. That is why I welcome the launch of initiatives like Let's Treat it Right. The campaign provides people with trusted information and advice, for example answering the concerns of parents who have questions about medicine dosage for their children, and elderly patients who are taking medicines for other health conditions. This will allow people to better manage their pain themselves and do so in a responsible manner. I believe that this approach to pain management will help to relieve pressure on healthcare systems and have a positive impact on society globally."

Lars-Ake Soderlund, Executive Committee Member, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), commented: "The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more people taking responsibility for managing their own health and seeking information in order to do so. Pharmacists, as trusted healthcare professionals who are most accessible to the public, are the first (and often preferred) source of reliable, evidence-based advice and care. Seeking support from pharmacists on over-the-counter pain management is highly beneficial and recommended."

Theresa Agnew, Global Head of Pain Relief Category at GSK Consumer Healthcare said: "Accelerated by the global pandemic, we find ourselves in charge of our health and wellbeing like never before. We want to empower and support consumers when it comes to the responsible use of medicines and support the millions of pharmacists and doctors in their crucial role in this. We need to bridge the knowledge gap and rolling out the Let's treat it right campaign is an important step towards achieving that."

Notes to editors

The campaign is funded by GSK Consumer Healthcare, the maker of trusted brands Panadol and Voltaren. Anyone using our products should always use medicines as directed in the product label. If in any doubt, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted for advice.

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com/about-us

1 Google Trends Data. June 2021. Last accessed June 2021. https://trends.google.co.uk/trends/explore?date=2019-06-01%202021-06-10&q=self%20care,Treat%20at%20home

2 The Health-Economic Benefits of Self-care in Europe. Published by Vintura. Supported by GSK. https://assets.gskstatic.com/corporate/Health-Economic-Study/GSK_report_summary-FINAL.pdf. Last accessed June 2021.

3 The EPOSSI Barometer: Consumer Perceptions of self-care in Europe. EPPOSI, 2013. Available at: https://epposi.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/EPPOSI-Self-Care-Barometer-Report-2013-EN.pdf. Last accessed June 2021.

4 GSK Global Pain Index (GPI) 4 Report, March 2020. Last accessed June 2021. Promotion PM-GL-VOLT-20-00166.

5 What Covid-19 Taught Us About Telemedicine; The pandemic gave doctors a crash course in what does and doesn't work. Among the lessons: a good webside manner is crucial. The Wall Street Journal, 28 March 2021. Last accessed June 2021.

6 COVID-19 prompts increased focus on self-care. GSK Consumer Healthcare and IPSOS. July 2020. Last accessed June 2021: COVID-19 prompts increased focus on self-care | GSK

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559452/LTIR_Homepage.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559451/LTIR_Logo.jpg

SOURCE GSK Consumer Healthcare
NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Key takeaways

Digital learning propels technology spending With retailers offering more tech-enabled shopping tools, consumers begin to adopt Pandemic-influenced shopping habits here to stay

With clarity about the upcoming school year and consumer sentiment continuing to rise, back-to-school spending will be at its highest level in recent years, reaching a collective $32.5 billion for K-12 students, or approximately $612 per student ; back-to-college shoppers will spend $26.7 billion, or approximately $1,459 per student.

reaching a collective for K-12 students, or approximately per student will spend billion, or approximately per student. The pandemic propelled education into the digital age, fueling a 37% increase in technology spending for K-12 students and 17% increase for college students , creating a new baseline for how and what parents purchase.

and , creating a new baseline for how and what parents purchase. A year of supply chain challenges and lingering concerns about stockouts pulls spend forward with 59% of K-12 planned spending to occur by the end of July .

. Shopping behaviors first adopted due to safety will continue as a desire for convenience takes over. Parents of K-12 students plan to shop more frequently at online retailers and dollar stores , while 34% of consumers plan to leverage services such as BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store) and curbside pickup more frequently.

, while of consumers plan to leverage services such as (buy online, pick up in store) and more frequently. While online shopping continues to rise, parents of K-12 students are twice as likely as parents of college students to use emerging technology to complete their purchases.

Why this matters

After navigating an uncertain year filled with anxiety and fluctuating school formats, the vaccine rollout and subsequent reduction in COVID-19 cases is giving parents and students hope for a return to normalcy this fall. The overall outlook heading into the fall is bright, with 55% of K-12 parents and 46% of college parents more confident about the economy's prospects (up from 17% and 14% respectively, in 2020), and household financial situations holding steady with 78% of K-12 parents and 75% of college parents in similar or better shape than last year. As a result, parents are ready to spend, and the digital acceleration that occurred in the past year has created a new baseline for tech integration in the education system, altering not only the types of products needed for both virtual and in-person learners, but also how parents shop for them. Parents of college-age children are planning to spend more as well, with spending poised to reach record levels particularly among middle-income families and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

As consumer sentiment improves and digital adoption increases, they will continue to impact not only how consumers approach back-to-school and back-to-college shopping, but how and what they purchase.

Back-to-school spending is bright for technology

As many K-12 parents anticipate a more normal return to the classroom, back-to-school spending is expected to reach $32.5 billion, averaging $612 per student in grades K-12. This represents a 16% increase from 2020, which is the highest in recent years and greater than pre-pandemic levels.

Overall spending will increase across categories with 40% of K-12 households planning to spend more on back-to-school items (up from 22% in 2020), including clothing, supplies, computers and electronics. The majority of these parents cite their children's need for more items this year, as a reason for the increased spend.

Spending on technology products (personal computers, smartphones, tablets, wearables, etc.) is set to increase 37% over 2020 to $11.8 billion , as parents adjust to the realities of a more digitally oriented education system. Wearable technology will see the biggest gain.

, as parents adjust to the realities of a more digitally oriented education system. Wearable technology will see the biggest gain. Because their children are using more digital technologies in and out of the classroom, 44% of households plan to purchase fewer traditional back-to-school supplies.

However, 58% will spend the same or more on online learning resources such as e-learning platform subscriptions, online courses, educational tool licenses and online tutors to supplement classroom learning.

Key quote

"As Americans anticipate a more traditional return to the back-to-school season, the good news is that parents are ready to spend more and earlier to ensure their children have what they need to be successful. This includes increased spending on technology for both K-12 and college students, demonstrating a shifting focus on how students learn as well as how parents are shopping for these necessities. We've entered a new era of schooling where traditional back-to-school supplies are fading in favor of tech, while consumers expect certain conveniences and competitive prices. Retailers that demonstrate their resiliency during this time will appeal to shoppers and be better positioned to capitalize on growing consumer sentiment."

- Rod Sides, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP, and U.S. retail, wholesale and distribution leader

Digital preferences accelerate online shopping

Technology isn't just impacting what parents buy for back-to-school, it's driving how they complete their transactions. The level of online spend for back-to-school remains high (39% compared to 37% in 2020), while in-store spending is flat at 43%, demonstrating a fundamental shift in consumer shopping patterns.

K-12 families plan to spend $12.5 billion online this back-to-school season, up from $10.4 billion last year.

online this back-to-school season, up from last year. A majority of consumers plan to use personal computers (67%) or smartphones (58%) to shop, up from 64% and 46% in 2020, respectively.

Additionally, the survey notes that social media is an integral part of the shopping journey for 41% of K-12 parents, up 25% from 2020. Among those using social media, 42% are visiting retailers' social media pages not only to assess their products, but to get a sense of their personality and purpose, compared to 30% in 2020.

Further, 44% of consumers plan to leverage tech-enabled shopping tools offered by retailers for their back-to-school purchases. Shopping using a voice assistant is the most preferred offering (20%) followed by digital wallets (17%); and "buy" buttons on social media, virtual reality and chatbots (each at 15%).

COVID-19 continues to influence shopping behaviors

Despite consumer optimism and better clarity about the upcoming school year, pandemic-influenced shopping habits are affecting timing and preferences for the back-to-school season. And while online spending continues at high levels, 18% of K-12 households remain undecided about where they will do their shopping, representing a $6 billion opportunity for retailers.

After a year of supply chain challenges, 50% of shoppers are concerned about stockouts, especially for tech items. Consumers plan to shop earlier as a result; 59% of back-to-school spending will occur by the end of July (versus 45% in 2020).

Although mass merchants remain the most popular retail format to visit (74%), online-only stores are the preferred format for tech purchases. Overall, more people expect to shop at online retailers (49%) and closer to home at dollar stores (41%) compared to last year.

Fast-fashion and thrift store visits are also on the rise as interest in athleisure (61%) and fashionable clothing (57%) elevated among higher-income households.

When selecting where to shop, K-12 parents continue to seek a good deal for their purchases (51%), but they also expect improved product quality (48% versus 43% in 2020).

Consumers expect the conveniences they adopted during the pandemic to remain available; 34% plan to use BOPIS or curbside pickup more frequently for back-to-school shopping.

Further underscoring the need for convenience, the popularity of preconfigured kits is on the rise with 4 in 10 planning to purchase from PTAs or charities, doubling since the pandemic and providing an opportunity to support their local communities.

Back-to-college spending driven by confidence in the return to campus

As most colleges plan to fully reopen this fall, parents are less anxious about the return to campus (34% versus 62% in 2020), and more than three-quarters of parents (78%) expect their college-age children to be vaccinated by September 2021. Back-to-college parents plan to spend $26.7 billion, or approximately $1,459 per student, up 5% from last year.

The pandemic spurred digital integration for higher education, with expected tech category growth of 17%. Meanwhile, spending on traditional college supplies is down 9% to $6.8 billion .

. More than one-third (34%) of college families expect to spend more on college-items this year. Middle-income families' spending is set to rebound and surpass pre-pandemic levels. Further, their estimated spend is more than that of higher-income families in computer hardware, while dorm and apartment furniture and electronic gadgets are also seeing renewed investments.

Pandemic shopping trends linger for college families as well, as they plan to spend $9.4 billion online this fall.

online this fall. Despite the preference for online shopping for back-to-college purchases, the overall use of tech shopping tools like digital wallets and voice assistants is lower for back-to-college shoppers (30%) than for back-to-school consumers (44%).

Similarly, the back-to-college consumer is half as likely to use social media to assist in their shopping than those purchasing items for back-to-school (22% versus 41%).

Key quote

"Like other industries, higher-education was forced into the digital realm during the pandemic, with colleges instituting hybrid formats seemingly overnight, originally planned to rollout in a matter of years. This acceleration of digital learning spurred an even greater investment in the tech category. The increase in tech spending, combined with stimulus checks, child tax credits and improving consumer sentiment, are providing additional opportunities for retailers this year as consumers have the confidence to up their spend and shop earlier. Those that can capitalize on the impacts the pandemic has had on consumers  how, what and when they purchase  should be well positioned."

- Stephen Rogers, executive director, Deloitte Insights Consumer Industry Center, Deloitte LLP

Connect with us on Twitter at @DeloitteCB or on LinkedIn @RodSides and @StephenRogers .

About the surveys

The "2021 Deloitte Back-to School Survey" was conducted online using an independent research panel between May 27 to June 5, 2021 and surveyed 1,200 parents who have at least one child attending school in grades K-12 this fall.

The "2021 Deloitte Back-to-College Survey" was conducted online using an independent research panel between May 28 to June 17, 2021. The survey polled a sample of 961 parents of children heading to colleges and universities this fall.

About Deloitte

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 and more than 7,000 private companies. Our people come together for the greater good and work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today's marketplace  delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthier society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Building on more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's more than 330,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

SOURCE Deloitte

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ABI Research releases its Mobile Network Operators' Enterprise 5G Offerings competitive ranking report

LONDON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent competitive assessment by tech market advisory firm ABI Research compares and ranks 20 mobile network operators and their enterprise 5G offerings based on an extensive set of criteria to assess both innovation and implementation capabilities. While Deutsche Telekom, China Unicom, Orange, China Mobile, and Vodafone are clear leaders in this space, the full scope of the assessment consists of the following operators from different geographical regions:

Market Leaders: Deutsche Telekom, China Unicom, Orange, China Mobile, Vodafone

Mainstream: Verizon, Telefonica, Telia, AT&T, Singtel, BT

Followers: KT, KDDI, LGU+, NTT-Docomo, STC, Etisalat, Bharti Airtel, Telstra, Softbank

Deutsche Telekom came out as the overall leader because it offers the most diversified product portfolio, supporting four different deployment models to cater to very heterogeneous enterprise requirements and provide flexible pricing models. Close runners-up are China Mobile, Orange, and Vodafone. China Mobile is recognized particularly for its involvement in a number of network slicing trials and its contribution to enterprise-specific standardization work. Orange is particularly notable for its several ecosystem partnerships with a range of different players. Vodafone scored particularly high as it works toward developing a complete digitization platform in attractive business models, which are particularly easy to deploy.

"Our assessment clearly identifies key aspects that network operators should consider to realize their enterprise 5G ambitions," says Leo Gergs, Senior Analyst for Telco Enterprise Strategies and Private Networks at ABI Research. "At the heart of this, carriers need to understand that enterprises do not see value in deploying 5G connectivity as such, but in the applications it will enable. Therefore, network operators need to integrate cellular connectivity into a much wider technology platform, including Artificial Intelligence and data storage and device management capabilities. To be able to offer this in an attractive pricing structure, it is imperative that network operators depart from a connectivity-focused business model and fully embrace either a Network-as-a-Service or Platform-as-a-Service model."

To assess operators' innovation and implementation capabilities, a total of 12 criteria were used, including the customizability of the offering, and the number of supported deployment models. Scalability and modularity evaluated whether and how 5G connectivity is included in a comprehensive end-to-end digitization platform. To assess the flexibility of business models, the number of monetizable services was considered, while the total of joint-innovation labs determined ecosystem influence. To assess standardization and technology contributions, the competitive ranking evaluated the number of network slicing trials per operator and contributions to 3GPPs Working Group SA6 (responsible for mission-critical applications).

To benchmark implementation capabilities, the ranking considers each operator's regional reach, the targeted enterprise verticals, ease of implementation, number of ecosystem partnerships, early 5G enterprise deployments and the existence of enterprise LTE offerings.

"This assessment serves as a critical call to action to mobile network operators around the globe. For the operators considered in this assessment, it highlights critical aspects that need to be refined in their enterprise strategy. For remaining operators, it should act as a wake-up call to get their enterprise offerings in place sooner rather than later," says Gergs. "Enterprises are still waiting for the 5G enabled capabilities that were promised to them more than 2 years ago. This disappointment makes them consider non-cellular technology alternatives. Carriers must therefore understand that the window of opportunity is closing for CSPs to gain traction in the enterprise 5G world," Gergs concludes.

These findings are from ABI Research's Mobile Network Operators' Enterprise 5G Offerings competitive ranking report. This research is part of the company's 5G Markets research service, which includes research, data, and analyst insights. Based on extensive primary interviews, Competitive Ranking reports offer comprehensive analysis of implementation and innovation strategies, to offer unparalleled insight into a company's performance and standing in comparison to its competitors.

About ABI Research

ABI Research provides actionable research and strategic guidance to technology leaders, innovators, and decision makers around the world. Our research focuses on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces today. ABI Research's global team of analysts publish groundbreaking studies often years ahead of other technology advisory firms, empowering our clients to stay ahead of their markets and their competitors.

For more information about ABI Research's services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific or visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info:

Global

Deborah Petrara

Tel: +1.516.624.2558

[email protected]

SOURCE ABI Research

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NEW YORK and LONDON and HONG KONG, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Enfusion, the leading provider of cloud-based investment management software and services, announced today that they have formed a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) in China (Enfusion (Shanghai) Co., Ltd "Enfusion Shanghai"), marking the first official step in the firm's expansion into mainland China.

Establishing Enfusion Shanghai reaffirms Enfusion's long-term commitment to serving investment managers in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and positions Enfusion to support the increasing demand among institutional and alternative investment management firms for robust digital platforms to support domestic and global investments. APAC investment managers are committed to enhancing their technology stacks with solutions that mitigate risk and unlock efficiencies across their enterprise, as evident from Enfusion's signing and onboarding of 24 new fund managers in APAC so far this calendar year, including 10 offshore funds of Chinese investors. Operating through Enfusion Shanghai, Enfusion will be able to extend its best in class SaaS product to serve mainland investment managers as well.

"After a record year of growth in the APAC region, Enfusion established Enfusion Shanghai to respond to the increasing demand for innovative, digital solutions among mainland Chinese and global investment managers," said Thomas Kim, CEO of Enfusion. "We have been catering to the offshore Chinese market for years, helping our clients solve evolving and complex challenges with our cloud native-platform and managed services solutions. We are thrilled to be taking this next step in our journey and bring our best in class offering, which has been disrupting the global asset management ecosystem, to the mainland."

The market size and sustained growth of the mainland China market has established itself as a priority region in the global capital markets. At the same time, regulation in China continues to open up, encouraging onshore investors to extend their footprint globally and attracting offshore investors. As such, a new wave of operational challenges has emerged where many Chinese and global managers now find their systems unable to accommodate the diverse nature of their onshore and offshore investments, forcing them to use disparate systems which are cumbersome, error-prone, and take valuable time away from the investment process. Enfusion has proven to be uniquely positioned in addressing such challenges globally, and will serve the Chinese market with the front-to-back office SaaS offering that provides the accuracy, transparency, and efficiencies needed to support rapid international expansion.

Driving the entry into the Chinese market, including the setup of Enfusion Shanghai, is Iris Xinwei Wang, who recently joined Enfusion as Global Head of Strategy. Iris will oversee Enfusion's global strategy and leverage her native expertise to grow Enfusion's client base and partnership in mainland China. Wang brings with her over twelve years of strategy expertise, including six years at Bridgewater Associates in strategy and business planning, and prior with Boston Consulting Group on market entry and global growth strategies. Wang has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Fudan University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

About Enfusion

Enfusion's investment management software-as-a-service platform removes traditional information boundaries, uniting front, middle and back-office teams on one cloud native system and across one golden data set. Through our industry-leading software, analytics, and middle/back-office managed services, we create enterprise-wide cultures of real-time, data-driven intelligence, boosting agility, and powering growth.

As a Fintech leader and pioneer in developing innovative solutions, Enfusion partners with 600+ investment managers from nine global offices spanning four continents. In 2020, HFM named Enfusion as the "Best Overall Technology Firm", "Best Trading & Execution Technology", "Best Integrated Solution" and "Best Managed Services Provider". For more information about its technology and Managed Services capabilities visit: https://www.enfusion.com/ .

SOURCE Enfusion Systems

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ATLANTA, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) will announce its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, in a release to be issued on July 21 after the market closes.

Equifax will host a conference call at 8:30 am ET on July 22 in which senior management will discuss financial and business results for the quarter. Related presentation materials will be published on investor.equifax.com on July 22 at 6:30 am ET.

Conference Call:

US/Canada: (877) 559-1190

International: (201) 389-0916

Please dial the appropriate number 5-10 minutes prior to the call to complete registration. Name and affiliation/company are required to join the call.

Webcast:

To view the webcast and slide presentation, please click the link and enter your information to be connected. The link becomes active 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available on investor.equifax.com beginning on July 23.

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC.

At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employees, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 11,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION

BEN SHEIDLER

[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

Related Links

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BANGALORE, India, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Essential Oils Market is Segmented by Product Type (Orange, Eucalyptus, Cornmint, Peppermint, Citronella, Lemon, Lime, Clove, Spearmint, and Others), Application (Food and Beverages, Medical, Cleaning and Home, Spa and Relaxation and Others) and Distribution Channel (Direct Distribution, MLM Distribution and Retail Distribution). The report covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecast 2026. It is published on Valuates Reports in the Food & Drink Category.

The Essential Oils Market size was valued at USD 8,008.6 Million in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% to reach USD 15,618.8 Million in 2026.

Major factors driving the growth of essential oils market size are:

Usage of essential oils in various applications such as flavor & fragrance, aromatherapies, and others.

Healing benefits of essential oil are expected to be instrumental in governing peak sales paving the way for essential oils market growth.

Wide-scale adoption of essential oils in industrial, commercial, and household applications also drive the global market

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF ESSENTIAL OILS MARKET SIZE

An increase in demand for aromatherapy is expected to drive the growth of the essential oil market. Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. The surge in demand for aromatherapy can be ascribed to a number of causes, the most prominent of which is the general increase in income over the last decade. Consumer tastes and preferences have changed toward more complex products as earnings have increased.

Essential oils have become a critical ingredient of choice for food processors as the global food and beverage industry undergoes a gradual but major transformation in terms of ingredient compositions, owing to the growing customer preference for natural and organic products.

As consumer awareness about the harmful health effects of synthetic chemicals used for flavor applications grows, manufacturers are encouraged to use natural ingredients such as essential oils to improve the aesthetic appeal of food products while also improving the nutritional and functional properties. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of the essential oil market.

Regulations encouraging the use of ecologically friendly substances in cosmetics and the food and beverage industries have piqued people's interest in seeking out natural products. The demand for 100 percent plant-based oils that are free of synthetic scents and animal-derived components has skyrocketed in recent years. As a result, the vast majority of people are turning to organic products to improve their health. This is further expected to increase the essential oil market size.

Browse the Table of Contents and List of figures at: https://reports.valuates.com/reports/ALLI-Auto-1Z62/essential-oil

ESSENTIAL OILS MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

Based on product type, The orange segment was the highest contributor in the global essential oils market share, with USD 3,058.7 Million in 2018, and is estimated to reach USD 6,217.5 Million by 2026, at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period.

This is due to its eco-friendly and non-greasy properties, which make it acceptable for use in home cleaners, pesticides, and therapeutic treatments. Furthermore, the growing demand for orange essential oil in the fragrance industry paves the way for the expansion of this market sector.

Based on application, the food & beverage category was the most significant segment in the essential oils market. This is due to government rules governing food safety and limiting the use of synthetic tastes and essences in food products. The widespread use of essential oils as a natural element in food preparation is a major driving force.

The cleaning and home segment would witness the fastest growth, registering a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast. The surge in consumer preference for chemical-free cleaning solutions might be ascribed to the segment's growth. Furthermore, the pleasant aroma of essential oil-based cleaning solutions makes them more appealing to a wide range of customer profiles.

Based on region, North America was the dominant regional market growing at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2019-2026. This is due to a growth in the use of essential oils in medications and food and beverage products. Asia-Pacific, on the other hand, is predicted to develop at the fastest CAGR during the projection period. The strong growth rate in this segment can be due to the wide range of essential oil applications as well as the large consumer base in the region.

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The players in the essential oils industry have adopted product launch and acquisition as their key development strategy to increase profitability, and to improve their stance in the essential oils market. The key players have also relied on business expansion to stay relevant in the market. The key players profiled in the report include doTERRA International, Biolandes, Sydney Essential Oils Co. Pty Ltd., Young Living Essential Oils, Farotti SRL, The Lebermuth Company, Essential Oils of New Zealand, H.Reynaude & Fils, Moksha Lifestyle Products, and West India Species, Inc.

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SIMILAR REPORTS

- Organic Essential Oil Market contains segmentation By Type (Pure Essential Oil, Compound Essential Oil), By Application (Skin Care, Health Care, Other)

- Essential Oil Soap Market contains segmentation By Type (Lavender, Sandalwood, Ilan, Other), By Application (Cosmetics Industry, Retail Industry, Other)

- The global Plant Extracts market size was valued at USD 14160 Million in 2019 and it is expected to reach USD 38770 Million by the end of 2026, growing at a CAGR of 15.3% during 2021-2026.

- Natural Food Flavors and Colors Market contains segmentation By Type (Vegetable Flavor, Fruit Flavor, Spices, Natural Food Colors, Caramel Color. Lutein, Capsanthin, Others), By Application (Beverage, Sweet, Savory, Others). Natural food flavors are mainly derived from plants, and are used to make food more delicious. Which can be divided into vegetable flavor, fruit flavor, spices, and others for about four types by its raw materials. The market share for each of them is 10.41%, 12.33%, 74.29%, 2.97% in 2015.

- Phytogenic Feed Additives Market contains segmentation By Type (Essential Oils, Herbs & Spices, Oleoresins. Mucilage. Echinacea, Others), By Application (Poultry, Swine, Ruminant, Aquatic, Equine, Others)

- In 2020, the global Food Animal Eubiotics market size was USD 5382.7 Million and is forecast to reach 5513.2 Million USD in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 0.4% during the 2021-2027. In this study, 2020 has been considered as the base year and 2021 to 2027 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Food Animal Eubiotics.

- The global Oleoresins market size is projected to reach USD 1540.5 Million by 2027, from USD 1312.9 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 2.7% during 2021-2027.

- Eucalyptus Essential Oil Market contains segmentation By Type (Organic, Conventional), By Application (Pharmaceutical industry, Cosmetic industry, Others)

- Bergamot Organic Essential Oil Market contains segmentation By Type (Pharmaceutical Grade, Food Grade, Cosmetic Grade), By Application (Medicine, Food, Cosmetics, Others)

- Global Spearmint Essential Oil Market Insights and Forecast to 2026

To see the full list of related reports on the Essential Oils

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SOURCE Valuates Reports
STOCKHOLM, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hygiene and health company Essity expands its partnership with United Nations (UN) Foundation by joining a cross-industry group that brings together corporate experts in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Essity is a global provider of hand hygiene and wound care solutions, essentials in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, one of the greatest global public health threats predicted to be responsible for 10 million annual deaths worldwide by 20501. Essity has been a partner to the United Nations Foundation since 2017.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and other microorganisms change in ways that make medication ineffective and infections persist in the body. The main causes of AMR are lack of clean water and sanitation, inadequate infection prevention/control and antibiotic misuse. The World Health Organizations (WHO)2 outlines reduction of the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention as one of the key measures in tackling AMR. Essity research3 shows that 73% of the general public agree that AMR is a threat to global health and 47% are worried or very worried about AMR.

"To preserve life-saving antibiotics for current and future generations, we need to take action on a global level. As a hygiene and health company with sales in 150 countries, Essity addresses issues where hygiene and health are part of the solution. Working together with the public sector and other companies makes it possible to accelerate change with higher impact in the fight against AMR," says Magnus Groth, President and CEO of Essity.

When it comes to fighting AMR, Essity's expertise is in improved hand hygiene solutions through its Tork brand and infection prevention and management. With the brands Cutimed Sorbact and Leukomed Essity provides wound care dressings, that use an innovative approach to reduce bioburden in wounds without using any chemically active agents, which may help reduce the excessive use of antibiotics.

"Essity's expertise and experience from driving antimicrobial stewardship will be a great asset to this group of companies that will contribute policy and practical input to the United Nations-led efforts to fight antimicrobial resistance" says Kate Dodson, Vice President, Global Health Strategy, UN Foundation, which hosts the cross-industry working group through its Business Council for the UN.

To learn more about how Essity fights AMR through infection prevention, please listen to the episode "Resisting the Resistance" from the podcast series "Essential Talks".

More information about the Business Council for the UN at the UN Foundation, and the Cross-Industry Expert Working Group on AMR, please contact Ilze Melngailis, Senior Director, BCUN [email protected]. The Cross-Industry Expert Working Group on antimicrobial resistance is a first of its kind gathering of leading corporations from human health, agriculture, animal husbandry, veterinary services, the financial sector and other industries driving anti-microbial stewardship and solutions in lockstep with UN-led global efforts.

1

WHO (2019) New report calls for urgent action to avert antimicrobial resistance crisis

2

WHO (2015) Global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, World Health Organization

3

Essity (2020) Essential Initiative Survey 2020-2021, a global study amongst general public in 15 countries around everyday hygiene and health behaviors, stigma's and worries.

CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:

Karl Stoltz, Media Relations Manager, +46 8 788 51 55

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/essity/r/essity-joins-united-nations-foundation-expert-group-in-tackling-antimicrobial-resistance,c3381687

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/15798/3381687/1442479.pdf Essity joins United Nations Foundation expert group in tackling antimicrobial resistance https://news.cision.com/essity/i/essity-antimicrobial-logo-new-version,c2934455 Essity antimicrobial logo NEW VERSION

SOURCE Essity
DUBLIN, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Automated Fare Collection System Market 2021-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

MARKET OUTLOOK

As per this research on the automated fare collection system market in Europe, it is estimated that the market would register growth at a compound annual growth rate of 10.93% during the years 2021-2028. The United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Russia, Germany, and the Rest of Europe form the region's market.

The Paris transport travel card in France permits unlimited travel on bus, metro, tramway, and RER networks. This enables commuters to travel across the city without facing challenges with payments during the journey. Additionally, Navigo Easy, a new prepaid travel card, aims to reduce paper coupon metro tickets across the city. Here, the easy ticket card, along with cards for tourists, will assist in contactless and easy payments. Hence, the growing adoption of smart cards will widen the scope and growth of the automated fare collection system market across France over the forecast period.

On the other hand, Metrobus Card is a monthly or annual subscription card valid for unlimited trips on public transport networks across the city of Rome in Spain. Here, commuters can recharge the cards with a monthly balance across any retail outlets equipped with POS. Additionally, the Province of Bolzano has set up an electronic ticketing system on all public transport networks, which supports easy payment and travel across all modes of transport. Thus, these factors are likely to open new avenues for the automated fare collection system market within Spain in the upcoming years.

COMPETITIVE OUTLOOK

Some of the prominent companies in the automated fare collection system market are Cubic Transportation Systems Inc, Atos SE, Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH, Lecip Holdings Corporation, and Omron Corporation.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Europe Automated Fare Collection System Market - Summary



2. Industry Outlook

2.1. Market Scope

2.2. Key Insights

2.2.1. Train Transport Systems Prominently Apply the Automated Fare Collection System

2.2.2. Smart Card is a Majorly Utilized Technology in the Automated Fare Collection System Market

2.2.3. Hardware Segment is Gaining Momentum in the Market

2.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

2.3.1. Threat of New Entrants

2.3.2. Threat of Substitute

2.3.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

2.3.4. Bargaining Power of Buyers

2.3.5. Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

2.4. Market Attractiveness Index

2.5. Vendor Scorecard

2.6. Market Drivers

2.6.1. Reduction in Frauds and Counterfeiting

2.6.2. Growing Use of Smartphones

2.6.3. Flexible Fare Plans

2.6.4. Growing Need for Efficiency

2.7. Market Restraints

2.7.1. High Capital Investment

2.7.2. Incomplete Projects Due to Delay and Funding Shortfall

2.8. Market Opportunities

2.8.1. Infrastructural Upgradation

2.8.2. Growing Preference for Contactless Payment

2.9. Key Strategic Developments

2.9.1. Merger & Acquisitions

2.9.2. Product Launch & Developments

2.9.3. Partnership, Contract/Agreement, & Collaboration

2.9.4. Business Expansion

2.10. Value Chain Analysis

2.11. Impact of Coronavirus on Automated Fare Collection Market

3. Europe Automated Fare Collection System Market Outlook - by Component

3.1. Hardware Component

3.1.1. Validators

3.1.2. Turnstiles

3.1.3. Ticket Vending Machines

3.1.4. Other Hardware Components

3.2. Software

4. Europe Automated Fare Collection System Market Outlook - by Application

4.1. Bus

4.2. Train

4.3. Toll

4.4. Car

5. Europe Automated Fare Collection System Market Outlook - by Technology

5.1. Smart Card

5.2. Ocr (Optical Character Recognition)

5.3. Nfc (Near Field Communication)

5.4. Other Technologies

6. Automated Fare Collection System Market - Europe

6.1. United Kingdom

6.2. Germany

6.3. France

6.4. Spain

6.5. Italy

6.6. Russia

6.7. Rest of Europe

7. Competitive Landscape

8. Research Methodology & Scope

Companies Mentioned

LG Cns

Omron Corporation

Samsung Sds

Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH

Cubic Transportation Systems Inc

Atos Se

Dormakaba Holding

Lecip Holdings Corporation

NXP Semiconductors

Thales Group

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3t8ph

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets

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WATERTOWN, Mass., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Explora BioLabs , the nation's largest provider of preclinical vivarium research space, opened its first East Coast facility in Boston on June 15. This is the 12th facility to open in Explora's nationwide vivarium network, with four (4) more facilities scheduled to open by the end of 2021 and already two (2) scheduled to open in early 2022.

The new Explora BioLabs facility provides the Boston biotech sector with a robust offering including turnkey, fully managed contract vivaria and support services, onsite contract research services, onsite animal quarantine, and more. Clients can get their research started in as little as two weeks supported by Explora's husbandry, regulatory, and Ph.D.-backed technical staff. This facility offers the largest vivarium and procedure rooms in the market with options for shared, private, and suite rooms.

"The early and mid-stage biotech company faces enormous challenges to discover, identify targets, test safety, and prove efficacy," said Sandy Paige, Explora BioLabs' CEO. "Developing a new drug is hard enough. There is no need to also worry about building and running an expensive vivarium and manage complex regulatory components. The smartest biotechs are co-locating within reach of our network of facilities to accomplish their work faster, flexibly, efficiently, and in a more repeatable manner."

The Boston space allows researchers to focus on their studies while Explora handles all of the in vivo management, logistics, and compliance requirements. Explora's facilities feature state-of-the-art operations and equipment, such as an onsite IVIS Lumina III imager and a dedicated cell culture room, and are validated through AAALAC accreditation, NIH/OLAW assurance, and best-in-class health monitoring.

"We jump-started our preclinical research program by stepping right into pre-built, pre-staffed, regulatory-compliant vivarium space," said Ivana Djuretic, a co-founder at Asher Biotherapeutics and a user of Explora BioLabs' facilities. "Developing a fully compliant vivarium would have taken us anywhere from six to eight months. We were able to start with Explora within two weeks. And when we need more space, they'll be there for us."

Explora's nationwide network of 18 facilities and growing is designed for biotechnology companies that are not yet ready for investment in their own facilities, as well as those that have outgrown their current research space. Explora has been driving the contract vivarium industry growth and innovation for the past 17 years helping researchers initiate in vivo studies quickly with the support they need to stay focused on the science. Explora's vivarium design allows clients to easily introduce additional instrumentation and personnel in order to maximize the number of programs and get good data more quickly.

"We are thrilled to welcome Explora BioLabs to the greater Boston area," said Robert K. Coughlin, former president and CEO of MassBio. "Explora's turnkey, state-of-the-art vivarium and CRO services will support Massachusetts's biotech community with the infrastructure it needs to meet today's demanding drug development milestones. It's MassBio members like Explora that help make Massachusetts the number one life sciences cluster in the world."

"We will be opening additional vivarium facilities in the Boston area in the coming 2-3 years," said Paige. "We're already well-known as the national leader in other biotech hubs, including San Diego and San Francisco, for both contract vivaria and experienced management services to private vivaria. Our new Watertown facility, paired with our recent acquisition of Novalex Biotech Resources, positions us aggressively to service a wide range of in vivo preclinical needs for Boston-based biotechs."

About Explora BioLabs

Explora BioLabs provides Ph.D.-backed Vivarium-as-a-Service solutions for preclinical vivaria, compliance, husbandry, and research services for over 100 clients through a network of facilities in San Francisco, San Diego, and Boston. Explora manages dozens of additional facilities for OnSite clients who have their own existing vivarium but prefer the ease of utilizing Explora's expertise in vivarium management and regulatory oversight. Explora's preclinical CRO team in each biotech market hub also services the study design and execution needs of clients who choose to outsource preclinical work in oncology, metabolism, toxicology, pain, and a variety of other common therapeutic areas.

For more information, visit explorabiolabs.com .

Media Contact:

Krystina Feucht, Marketing Manager

Explora BioLabs

(858) 768-2100

[email protected]

SOURCE Explora BioLabs

Related Links

http://www.explorabiolabs.com


MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AliveCor , the global leader in FDA-cleared personal electrocardiogram (ECG) technology and services, today announced it received 510(k) clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for healthcare professionals to use the KardiaMobile 6L device to calculate patients' QTc interval. This FDA action follows the enforcement policy for non-invasive devices issued by the agency in March 2020 that allowed for manual QT measurement by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With this new FDA-clearance, in just 30 seconds healthcare professionals can use the KardiaMobile 6L device to obtain an ECG which they can use to manually measure their patients' QT interval. Obtaining an ECG through this device is fast, easy, and convenient as it can be done by the healthcare professional in the office or anywhere remotely by the patient. KardiaMobile 6L is the first and only hand-held ECG device that is FDA cleared for measurement of QTc.

"Patient safety is paramount, and this is why we are proud to offer physicians the ability to monitor QTc through the convenience and quality of our device," said Priya Abani, CEO, AliveCor. "It is our hope that this important FDA clearance will help healthcare professionals identify and save patients from this potentially life-threatening condition."

In addition to allowing medical professionals to calculate QTc, AliveCor now offers InstantQT, a service that measures QT intervals quickly and accurately through FDA-cleared, ECG processing software. The InstantQT service can assist healthcare professionals in detecting potentially dangerous QT prolongations in patients.

Medicines known to cause QT prolongation are commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals, who may not have ECG capabilities readily available. Some physicians view QT prolongation as a barrier to prescribing these potentially life-saving medicines. AliveCor continues to partner with biopharmaceutical companies who market medicines with this potential side effect to ensure patient safety.

About QTc

The QTc is a heart rate corrected interval that reflects the integrity of the heart's electrical recharging system. QT prolongation can stem from congenital long QT syndrome, many disease states or electrolyte abnormalities. Patients with a prolonged QTc are at greater risk for their hearts to go into a potentially dangerous arrhythmia called Torsades de Pointes which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. More commonly, QT prolongation is a potential side effect of more than 100 FDA-approved medications including certain antiarrhythmic medicines, cancer therapies, antifungals, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antibiotics, multiple sclerosis (MS) medications, and opioids, among other categories.

About AliveCor

AliveCor, Inc. is transforming cardiological care using deep learning. The FDA-cleared KardiaMobile device is the most clinically validated personal ECG solution in the world. KardiaMobile 6L provides instant detection of Atrial Fibrillation, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, Sinus Rhythm with Supraventricular Ectopy, Sinus Rhythm with Premature Ventricular Contractions, Sinus Rhythm with Wide QRS and Normal Heart Rhythm in an ECG. Kardia is the first AI-enabled platform to aid patients and clinicians in the early detection of atrial fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia and one associated with a highly elevated risk of stroke. AliveCor's enterprise platform allows third party providers to manage their patients' and customers' heart conditions simply and profitably using state-of-the-art tools that provide easy front-end and back-end integration to AliveCor technologies. AliveCor protects its customers with stringent data security and compliance practices , achieving HIPAA compliance and SOC2 Type 1 and Type 2 attestations. AliveCor is a privately held company headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. "Consumer" or "personal" ECGs are ECG devices available for direct sale to consumers. For more information, visit alivecor.com .

SOURCE AliveCor, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.alivecor.com


All reported mineral resources occur within a pit shell optimized using values of US$1,550 per ounce of gold (" Au "). The Indicated and Inferred MRE are undiluted and constrained within an optimized pit shell, at a 0.5 gram per tonne (" g/t ") lower cut-off. The MRE comprises an Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.94 million tonnes at 1.02 g/t Au for 749,800 oz of gold, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 7.68 million tonnes at 1.01 g/t Au for 250,300 oz of gold (Table 1). The MRE covers a surface area of 400 by 500 metres, extends down to a depth of 180 metres below surface, and remains open on strike to the north, south and west as well as at depth.

Commenting on these results, Will Randall, President and CEO of Freeman, stated, "This maiden resource estimate for Lemhi establishes the Lemhi Project as one of the few remaining undeveloped large, high-grade oxide gold deposits in the United States. The estimate exceeds our expectations, bringing several decades of work together, and setting the foundation for further drilling and engineering to both expand the resource and move it closer to the ultimate goal of establishing a low cost producer in a top ranked jurisdiction."

Table 1: Lemhi Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate Constrained with US$1,550 per ounce of gold Pit Shell at various Cut-Off Grades (effective as of June 1, 2021)

Au Cut-off (grams per tonne) Tonnes (1,000 kg) Avg Au (grams per tonne) Au (troy ounces) Class 0.2 35,970,000 0.78 900,200 Indicated 0.3 32,341,000 0.84 870,000 0.4 27,490,000 0.92 815,500 0.5 22,939,000 1.02 749,800 0.6 18,683,000 1.12 674,700 0.8 12,038,000 1.36 526,500 1 7,812,000 1.61 405,300 0.2 13,952,000 0.72 322,600 Inferred 0.3 12,233,000 0.78 308,700 0.4 9,875,000 0.89 282,100 0.5 7,683,000 1.01 250,300 0.6 5,823,000 1.16 217,600 0.8 3,528,000 1.47 166,900 1 2,348,000 1.76 133,200

1. Contained tonnes and ounces may not add due to rounding. 2. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Indicated and Inferred MRE is undiluted and constrained within an optimized pit shell constructed using a gold price of US$1,550 per oz. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. There is no certainty that Mineral Resources will be converted to Mineral Reserves. 3. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to the Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. 4. The Mineral Resources in this news release were estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council. 5. The constraining pit optimization parameters were US$2.1/t mineralized and US$2/t waste material mining cost, CIL processing cost of US$8/t, US$2.4/t HL processing cost, US$2/t G&A, 50-degree pit slopes with a 0.50 g/t Au lower cut-off.

A cross section of the Lemhi gold deposit/2021 block model and a plan view of the Lemhi Project are shown below as Figures 1 and 2, respectively.

Figure 1  East-West schematic cross section of the Lemhi gold project, looking North, showing drilling and the 2021 block model with estimated gold grades.

Figure 2  Plan view of the Lemhi Project with drill collars, grade estimation boundaries and US$1,550/oz Au pit boundaries.

Estimation Methodology

The Lemhi Project database contains a total of 444 drill holes with 50,712 sample intervals in a sample database with 49,313 samples assayed for gold. The Lemhi Project MRE utilized 364 drill holes (64,391 m) with 277 drill holes completed between 1983 and 1995, and 87 drill holes completed between 2012 and 2020. Inside the mineralized domains there is a total of 15,555 samples analyzed for gold. Standard statistical treatments were conducted on the raw and composite samples resulting in a capping limit of 27.1 g/t gold applied to the composites. The current drill hole database is deemed to be in good condition and suitable for use in ongoing MRE studies. Mr. Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., President of APEX, is an independent qualified person (QP) and is responsible for the MRE.

Modeling was conducted in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate space relative to the North American Datum (NAD) 1983, National Spatial Reference System 2011, and State Plane Idaho Central, (EPSG:6448). The mineral resource block model utilized a block size of 3 m (X) x 3 m (Y) x 3 m (Z) in order to honour the mineralization wireframes. The percentage of the volume of each block within each mineralization domain was calculated and used in the MRE. The gold estimation was completed using ordinary kriging (OK) utilizing 7,565 composited samples within the interpreted mineralization wireframes. The search ellipsoid size used to estimate the gold grades was defined by modelled variograms. Block grade estimation employed locally varying anisotropy, which allows structural complexities to be reproduced in the estimated block model.

There are two dominant styles of gold mineralization at the Lemhi Gold Project. The primary mineralization occurs as a halo around an intrusion with secondary mineralization along shallow dipping foliation and faults. Both styles of mineralization generally occur as stacked parallel sub-horizontal sheets.

A total of 8,015 specific gravity samples were available and utilized to determine the bulk density. No significant variation of the density was observed between the geological units or mineralized versus un-mineralized zones. The overall average bulk density was 2.62 g/cm3 and was applied to all blocks for the Lemhi Gold Project MRE.

The resource is classified according to the CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines" dated November 29, 2019, and CIM "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" dated May 10, 2014. A National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") technical report disclosing the Lemhi Gold Project MRE will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days. APEX believes the Lemhi Gold Project has the potential for future economic extraction.

About the Lemhi Gold Project

The Lemhi Gold Project lies within the Idaho-Montana porphyry belt, a northeast-trending alignment of metallic ore deposits related to granitic porphyry intrusions that extend north-easterly across Idaho related to the Trans-Challis fault system, a broad (20-30 km wide) system of en-echelon northeast-trending structures extending from Boise Basin more than 270 km into Montana. At Lemhi, gold mineralization is hosted in Mesoproterozoic quartzites and phyllites within a series of relatively flat-lying lodes consisting of quartz veins, quartz stockwork and breccias. The mineralized lodes are associated with low angle faults, folding and shear zone(s). The mineralized zones have varying amounts of sulphides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, molybdenum, and occasionally arsenopyrite) and free gold is common. The mineralization remains open at depth and in multiple directions.

All rock samples were sent to ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Vancouver, Canada, an independent and fully accredited laboratory (ISO 9001:2008) for analysis for gold by Fire Assay and multi-element Induction Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (select drill holes). Freeman has a regimented Quality Assurance, Quality Control (QA/QC) program where at least 10% duplicates, blanks and standards are inserted into each sample shipment.

The technical content of this release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P. Geol., VP Exploration of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About the Company

Freeman Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the development of its 100% owned Lemhi Gold project (the "Lemhi Project"). The Lemhi Project comprises 30 square kilometers of highly prospective land. The mineralization at the Lemhi Project consists of shallow, near surface primarily oxide gold mineralization that has seen over 444 drill holes but remains open at depth and in multiple directions.

On Behalf of the Company

William Randall, President & CEO

Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, which may include, but are not limited to statements relating to the filing of an NI 43-101 technical report within 45 days and to other future business plans. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company 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" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Freeman Gold Corp.

Related Links

https://freemangoldcorp.com/


SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- *** UPDATED DELIVERY SCHEDULE *** On July 7, 2021, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) issued a press release announcing the completion of the first MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. In the press release, we stated the aircraft would be delivered to the RNLAF in early 2022 following acceptance testing. The actual anticipated delivery to the Netherlands is late 2021. The press release that follows reflects the revised information.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced yesterday the completion of the first MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and Ground Control Station (GCS) for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). GA-ASI and RNLAF commemorated the occasion with a special roll-out ceremony at GA-ASI's corporate headquarters in Poway, Calif., and the event was simulcast to the Netherlands.

The aircraft will begin its acceptance testing later this year at GA-ASI's Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility near Palmdale, Calif., and the aircraft will be delivered to the Netherlands before the end of 2021. The total Foreign Military Sales agreement includes four MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft and four mobile Ground Control Stations, along with associated support equipment.

"We are proud to begin this new relationship with the Royal Netherlands Air Force," said Linden Blue, GA-ASI CEO. "With millions of hours of proven performance under its wings, the MQ-9 is ideally suited to support their nation's ISR needs. The Netherlands now joins the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Spain as NATO countries operating our advanced RPAs, with Belgium coming online in the next few years."

With unmatched operational flexibility, MQ-9A Block 5 has endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 KTAS and can operate up to 50,000 feet. It has a 3,850 pound (1,746 kilogram) payload capacity that includes 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of external stores. It provides a long-endurance, persistent surveillance capability with Full-Motion Video and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A Block 5 is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and triple redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. With close to seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Predator, Lynx, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

CONTACT:

GA-ASI Media Relations

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

+1 (858) 524-8101

[email protected]

Related Images

image1.jpg

SOURCE General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced today the completion of the first MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and Ground Control Station (GCS) for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). GA-ASI and RNLAF commemorated the occasion with a special roll-out ceremony at GA-ASI's corporate headquarters in Poway, California, and the event was simulcast to the Netherlands.

GA-ASI and the RNLAF commemorated the completion of the RNLAF's first MQ-9A Block 5 on July 7, 2021. From left to right: GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, Vice Adm. Arie Jan De Waard, Lt. Gen. Dennis Luyt, and GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

The aircraft will begin its acceptance testing early next year at GA-ASI's Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility near Palmdale, California, and the aircraft will be delivered to the Netherlands soon after. The total Foreign Military Sales agreement includes four MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft and four mobile Ground Control Stations, along with associated support equipment.

"We are proud to begin this new relationship with the Royal Netherlands Air Force," said Linden Blue, GA-ASI CEO. "With millions of hours of proven performance under its wings, the MQ-9 is ideally suited to support their nation's ISR needs. The Netherlands now joins the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Spain as NATO countries operating our advanced RPAs, with Belgium coming online in the next few years."

With unmatched operational flexibility, MQ-9A Block 5 has endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 KTAS and can operate up to 50,000 feet. It has a 3,850 pound (1,746 kilogram) payload capacity that includes 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of external stores. It provides a long-endurance, persistent surveillance capability with Full-Motion Video and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A Block 5 is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. With close to seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Predator, Lynx, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

CONTACT:

GA-ASI Media Relations

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

+1 (858) 524-8101

[email protected]

Related Images

image1.jpg

SOURCE General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
PORTLAND, Ore., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Gas Meter Market by Type (Basic Gas Meter and Smart Gas Meter) and End User (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212028". As per the report, the global gas meter industry was pegged at $5.8 billion in 2020, and is estimated to generate $9.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2021 to 2028.

Major determinants of the market growth

Rapid industrialization in emerging economies and strong support from governments across the globe have boosted the growth of the global gas meter market. However, high installation costs and integration of complex technologies hinder the market growth. On the contrary, favorable policies and subsidies from industry players are estimated to open lucrative opportunities for the market players in the future.

Download Sample PDF (291 Pages PDF with Insights): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/11718

Covid-19 scenario:

The Covid-19 pandemic severely affected the demand for gas meters due to shutdowns in the industry sector. In addition, lockdown across several countries delayed the installation of a large number of smart meters. Moreover, the prolonged lockdown disrupted the supply chain.

However, the trend toward work from home and rise in residential energy consumption has increased the installation of gas meters in residential end-users.

The smart gas meters segment to portray the highest CAGR through 2028

By product type, the smart gas meters segment would register the highest CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period, due to rise in emphasis of smart meter devices in commercial and large industrial areas. Moreover, the segment held the largest share in 2020, accounting for more than two-thirds of the global gas meter market. The report includes an analysis of the traditional gas meters segment as well.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Gas Meter Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/11718?reqfor=covid

The residential segment held the lion's share

By end user, the residential segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2020, contributing more than two-fifths of the global gas meter market, and is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is due to rise in disposable income and changing in lifestyle coupled with rise in demand for smooth and steady power solutions. However, the industrial segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 7.2% from 2021 to 2028, due to surge in demand for smart and efficient gas supply in the industrial sector.

Europe, followed by North America, dominated the market in terms of revenue

By region, the market across Europe, followed by North America, held the largest share in 2020, contributing to more than two-fifths of the market, due to surge in concern toward energy conservation and government regulation regarding energy management. However, the global gas meter market across Asia-Pacific is anticipated to portray the highest CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period, owing to rise in demand for smart metering devices in the region.

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Key market players

General Electric

Elster

Itron

ABB

Landis+Gyr

Badger Meter

Aclara

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the official logistics partner of the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF), Gebruder Weiss is transporting the globally unique mission equipment as well as 16 international science experiments to the test site in Israel. After the date had to be postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preparations for the transport from Austria to the Israeli Negev Desert are now officially underway. From Oct. 4-31, the OeWF and international research partners will carry out the simulated astronautical Mars mission "Amadee-20."

Apprentices Organize Transport

Gebruder Weiss trainees organize transport for the OeWF Mars Analog Mission. From Oct. 4-31, the OeWF and international research partners will carry out the simulated astronautical Mars mission 'Amadee-20.'

Young professionals at Gebruder Weiss are taking an active role in organizing the transport. Under supervision, four trainees will be taking over all logistic tasks, customs clearance, and the transport of mission equipment. Under the hashtag #marsmonday , they will be regularly providing personal insights into this extraordinary project on social media.

About Amadee-20

From Oct. 4-31, the OeWF will be leading the international Mars Analog Mission "Amadee-20." Experiments from Austria, Germany, France, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the USA will be carried out by six specially trained OeWF analog astronauts. The mission equipment will fill two sea freight containers that Gebruder Weiss will then transport from Innsbruck, Austria, to the mission site in the Negev Desert in Israel  a site closely resembling the surface of Mars.

During the mission, the experts wear the spacesuit simulator "Aouda," which was developed by OeWF. Currently, only five organizations worldwide are working on an equally complex spacesuit simulator. The analog astronauts (field crew) in Israel will be supported by the Mission Support Center in Innsbruck, where several teams will be responsible for supporting the field crew with conducting scientific research, preparing the mission schedule, securing the collected data, and monitoring the health of the field crew. "Amadee-20" is the 13th Mars Analog Mission of the OeWF. Find out more at: https://oewf.org/en/portfolio/amadee-20/.

About Gebruder Weiss

Gebruder Weiss, a global freight forwarder with a core business of overland transport, air, and sea freight and logistics, is the world's oldest transport company, with a history that dates back more than 500 years. The family-owned company employs more than 7,400 people worldwide and boasts 170 company-owned locations. The business established a presence in the United States in Chicago in 2017 and has since expanded its North American locations to include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Developing and changing with its customers' needs during its long history, Gebruder Weiss is also a pioneer in sustainable business practices, having implemented myriad ecological, economic, and social initiatives. The company's voyage into North America, along with its continuous growth, illustrates the need for highly experienced providers of global solutions through an international network of supply chain experts. Customized solutions with a single point of contact provide customers with an exceptional service experience focused on reliable and economical solutions. Visit GW-World.com for more information.

About the Austrian Space Forum

The Austrian Space Forum is one of the world's leading institutions conducting Mars analog missions, thus, paving the way for the future human exploration of the Red Planet. Experts from a broad variety of disciplines as well as the spaceflight sector constitute the core of the OeWF's continued endeavors that, on a regular basis, include national and international institutions from science and industry to work at the cutting edge of scientific research. On doing so, the Austrian Space Forum is using its excellent contacts to opinion leaders, politics and media to further and internationally propagate Austrian top-level research. The Austrian Space Forum also contributes significantly to inspiring and educating young people in the sectors of science, technology and engineering. The OeWF offers internships to students and pupils and its experts supervise scientific papers on a regular basis. www.oewf.org

Contact

Media Relations USA

Karolyn Raphael

[email protected]

T 312.494.0422

Gebruder Weiss Corporate Communications

Merlin Herrmann

[email protected]

Bundesstrasse 110, A-6923 Lauterach

T +43.5574.696.2169

F +43.5.9006.2173

www.gw-world.com

www.gw-world.com/de/news

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gebr-der-weiss-trainees-organize.png

Gebruder Weiss trainees organize transport for the OeWF Mars Analog Mission.

Gebruder Weiss trainees organize transport for the OeWF Mars Analog Mission. From Oct. 4-31, the OeWF and international research partners will carry out the simulated astronautical Mars mission 'Amadee-20.'



SOURCE Gebruder Weiss
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) ("Genesco" or the "Company") today issued the following statement in response to the Glass, Lewis & Co. ("Glass Lewis") report regarding the election of directors to Genesco's Board of Directors at the Company's 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual Meeting"), scheduled to be held on July 20, 2021:

"The Glass Lewis recommendation unfortunately ignores the series of decisive changes Genesco's Board has initiated and implemented across the Company to sharpen our focus on our industry-leading footwear platform and the positive results these changes are producing for shareholders," said Mimi Vaughn, Board Chair, President and CEO of Genesco. "Genesco's nine director nominees collectively bring a wealth of leadership experience, financial, strategic and retail expertise, and strong track records of building enduring brands and creating sustainable value for shareholders."

Genesco strongly disagrees with Glass Lewis's conclusion and has serious concerns about Legion's candidates Dawn Robertson and Hobart Sichel, who lack the track records, experience and commitment to serve on Genesco's Board.

Dawn Robertson has a reputation for short tenures and value destruction at companies  she has held nine different jobs in 15 years  and she does not have substantial experience in eCommerce or footwear.

has a reputation for short tenures and value destruction at companies  she has held nine different jobs in 15 years  and she does not have substantial experience in eCommerce or footwear. Hobart Sichel, who has no prior public board experience, was considered as a potential candidate for Genesco's Board in the fall of 2020 and did not move forward given his narrowly focused marketing experience.

The Company does concur with Glass Lewis's comment1 that Legion's case "fixates on peripheral items which seem to offer limited utility" and with the advisory firm's negative view of repeat Legion nominees Marjorie Bowen and Margenett Moore-Roberts. Glass Lewis noted that:

The reelection of Marjorie Bowen to the Genesco Board would not be expected to yield substantial value.

to the Genesco Board would not be expected to yield substantial value. Margenett Moore-Roberts's principal experience does not speak to the Board's current needs.

Shareholders are urged to evaluate the Glass Lewis report in the context of last week's analysis by the nation's leading proxy advisor, ISS, which recommended that Genesco shareholders vote " FOR ALL " nine of the Company's director nominees, stating:1

"In light of GCO's recent board and management changes, and given that Legion's nominees do not appear demonstrably superior to the directors whom they would replace, shareholders are advised to support the board's nominees at this annual meeting."

Genesco Urges Shareholders to Vote "FOR" its Slate of Highly Qualified and

Experienced Director Nominees

Genesco continues to urge shareholders to protect the value of their investment by voting the BLUE proxy card today " FOR ALL " nine of the Company's highly qualified directors at the Company's Annual Meeting scheduled to be held on July 20, 2021. The Company's proxy statement and other important information related to its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders can be found at www.GenescoDrivingValue.com .

PLEASE VOTE TODAY!

To make sure your vote is processed timely, we are encouraging all

shareholders to vote online or by telephone if possible

just follow the easy instructions on the enclosed BLUE proxy card.

You may also sign, date and return the enclosed BLUE proxy card.

If you have any questions or need help voting your BLUE proxy card, please call the firm assisting us with the solicitation of proxies:

Innisfree

1 (877) 825-8772

(toll-free from the U.S. and Canada)



+1 (412) 232-3651

(from other locations)

REMEMBER:

Please simply discard any White proxy cards

you may receive from Legion, as voting on a White card,

even in protest, will revoke any previous proxy you submitted using

the BLUE proxy card. Only your latest-dated proxy counts.

The Company's proxy statement and other information related to its 2021 Annual Meeting can be found at www.GenescoDrivingValue.com.

About Genesco Inc.

Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based specialty retailer and branded company, sells footwear and accessories in more than 1,455 retail stores throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, principally under the names Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Little Burgundy, Schuh, Schuh Kids, Johnston & Murphy, and on internet websites www.journeys.com, www.journeyskidz.com, www.journeys.ca, www.littleburgundyshoes.com, www.schuh.co.uk, www.johnstonmurphy.com, www.johnstonmurphy.ca, www.nashvilleshoewarehouse.com, and www.dockersshoes.com. In addition, Genesco sells footwear at wholesale under its Johnston & Murphy brand, the licensed Levi's brand, the licensed Dockers brand, the licensed Bass brand, and other brands. For more information on Genesco and its operating divisions, please visit www.genesco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, including those regarding the performance outlook for the Company and all other statements not addressing solely historical facts or present conditions. Forward- looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as "intend," "expect," "believe," "should," "anticipate," "optimistic" and similar terminology. Actual results could vary materially from the expectations reflected in these statements. A number of factors could cause differences. These include adjustments to projections reflected in forward-looking statements, including those resulting from the effects of COVID-19 on the Company's business, including COVID-19 case spikes in locations in which the Company operates, the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and the public's acceptance of the vaccines, additional stores closures due to COVID-19, the timing of the re-opening of our stores, the timing of in-person back-to-work and back-to-school and sales with respect thereto, weakness in store and shopping mall traffic, restrictions on operations imposed by government entities and/or landlords, changes in public safety and health requirements, and limitations on the Company's ability to adequately staff and operate stores. Differences from expectations could also result from stores closures and effects on the business as a result of civil disturbances; the level and timing of promotional activity necessary to maintain inventories at appropriate levels; the imposition of tariffs on product imported by the Company or its vendors as well as the ability and costs to move production of products in response to tariffs; the Company's ability to obtain from suppliers products that are in-demand on a timely basis and effectively manage disruptions in product supply or distribution, including disruptions as a result of COVID-19; unfavorable trends in fuel costs, foreign exchange rates, foreign labor and material costs, and other factors affecting the cost of products; the effects of the British decision to exit the European Union and other sources of market weakness in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland; the effectiveness of the Company's omni-channel initiatives; costs associated with changes in minimum wage and overtime requirements; wage pressure in the U.S. and the U.K.; weakness in the consumer economy and retail industry; competition and fashion trends in the Company's markets; risks related to the potential for terrorist events; risks related to public health and safety events; changes in buying patterns by significant wholesale customers; retained liabilities associated with divestitures of businesses including potential liabilities under leases as the prior tenant or as a guarantor; and changes in the timing of holidays or in the onset of seasonal weather affecting period-to-period sales comparisons. Additional factors that could cause differences from expectations include the ability to renew leases in existing stores and control or lower occupancy costs, and to conduct required remodeling or refurbishment on schedule and at expected expense levels; the Company's ability to realize anticipated cost savings, including rent savings; the Company's ability to achieve expected digital gains and gain market share; deterioration in the performance of individual businesses or of the Company's market value relative to its book value, resulting in impairments of fixed assets, operating lease right of use assets or intangible assets or other adverse financial consequences and the timing and amount of such impairments or other consequences; unexpected changes to the market for the Company's shares or for the retail sector in general; costs and reputational harm as a result of disruptions in the Company's business or information technology systems either by security breaches and incidents or by potential problems associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems; the Company's ability to realize any anticipated tax benefits; and the cost and outcome of litigation, investigations and environmental matters involving the Company, and the impact of actions initiated by activist shareholders. Additional factors are cited in the "Risk Factors," "Legal Proceedings" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of, and elsewhere in, the Company's SEC filings, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC website, www.sec.gov, or by contacting the investor relations department of Genesco via the Company's website, www.genesco.com. Many of the factors that will determine the outcome of the subject matter of this release are beyond Genesco's ability to control or predict. Genesco undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Forward-looking statements reflect the expectations of the Company at the time they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such statements.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

Genesco has filed a definitive proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") and accompanying proxy card in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the 2021 annual meeting of Genesco shareholders (the "Annual Meeting"). INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders may obtain the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement and other documents filed by Genesco with the SEC for no charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Copies will also be available at no charge in the Investors section of Genesco's corporate website at www.genesco.com .

Participants in the Solicitation

Genesco, its directors and certain of its executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Genesco shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of Genesco's directors and executive officers and certain other individuals and their respective interests in Genesco by security holdings or otherwise is set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Genesco for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021, and in the Proxy Statement. To the extent holdings of such participants in Genesco's securities have changed since the amounts described in the Proxy Statement, such changes have been reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC.

1Permission to use quotations neither sought nor obtained from ISS or Glass Lewis.

SOURCE Genesco Inc.

Related Links

http://www.genesco.com


ORLANDO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Cyber-Security Firm GLESEC announces the launching of its Ransomware Protection Solution to address a growing concern for organizations of all types. The unique offering stems from the orchestration of related cybersecurity services to respond to the risk of Ransomware by taking a preventive and comprehensive approach. The combination of advanced technologies and expert personnel and the integration of a wealth of information that provides actionable context allows GLESEC to address and mitigate this threat around the clock 365 days a year.

we can help - https://www.glesec.com/ransomware-protection-solution/

One thing is clear:

Ransomware attacks are on the rise and will impact you at some point in time, it is not about "if" but about "when".

Your anti-virus will not protect you.

protect you. You can't buy a tool that will protect your organization.

Paying ransom does not guarantee that the systems and/or data will become available.

that the systems and/or data will become available. Paying ransom does not guarantee that there will not be a follow up attack to you.

that there will not be a follow up attack to you. The best protection is preparedness , be ready with your security monitoring, platforms, processes, and business around the clock every day of the year.

GLESEC's Ransomware Protection Solution takes all the practical actions ahead of time so that when an organization is attacked, we will be able to address the threat and mitigate the risk. This is done by addressing real threats, quickly, professionally and at minimum cost to the client's organization.

At the core of this solution is GLESEC's Endpoint Detection and Response Service, which once deployed in an organization enable us to detect any suspicious activity and trigger GLESEC's Operation Centers' response to investigate and mitigate the threat. GLESEC's BigData platforms combine this information with other sources of included services and information from the client in such a way that this provides more context and helps to eliminate false alerts, investigate, and mitigate risk in an efficient manner.

Clients are alerted by GLESEC's Orchestration platform and service where they can visualize the state of Cybersecurity, the risk conditions that have been created by the Ransomware attack, any potential vulnerabilities in the organization that can make the case of higher risk and the workflow of vulnerability and threat mitigation activities. From here, our team will analyze malware, investigate, conduct threat hunting activities, and implement all the necessary actions from proven playbooks and based on priorly agreed playbooks with the client.

Our unique adaptive-security-as-a-service model enables our clients to get the most out of the tools and personnel that they have and complement with what they do not have as-a-service, with no capital outlay and achieving the most optimum balance to address risk in a cost-effective manner.

"GLESEC's orchestration as applied to Ransomware Protection Solution is unique and provides clients with an effective and pro-active solution to protect against Ransomware, peace of mind, visibility, and reporting for senior management as well as the optimal interaction between the client and GLESEC's teams" says Sergio Heker, GLESEC CEO.

The benefit of GLESEC's approach is:

Consolidation of various tools, services, processes, and personnel by Orchestration

of various tools, services, processes, and personnel by Scalability relates to the ability to grow with the more than 30 service modules in GLESEC's portfolio as your organization needs this.

relates to the ability to grow with the more than 30 service modules in GLESEC's portfolio as your organization needs this. Optimization of all resources

of all resources Using best-in-kind services and technology without capital investment

services and technology without capital investment We work around the clock , every hour of the year with expert personnel and best-practices.

, every hour of the year with expert personnel and best-practices. GLESEC's International operations provides you a blanket to cover all your international business under a single contract and consistency across borders.

GLESEC continues its on-going process of innovation to provide more value to its clients while leading the market with the largest and most organized set of cyber-security, cyber-compliance, and cyber-training services in the industry.

About GLESEC

GLESEC is an "adaptive security as a service" company, creator of the Cybersecurity Orchestrator and the Seven Element Cybersecurity Model (7eCSM). It has been delivering world-class cybersecurity since 2003 to organizations across the Americas. GLESEC's portfolio offers a full suite of orchestration services, pentesting, auditing, regulatory compliance, threat mitigation and vulnerability handling. This includes compliance monitoring, protection, and countermeasure services using best-of-breed, emerging technologies, and managed and intelligence security services and professional services. Having consolidated this unique set of capabilities under a single orchestration umbrella, reducing the inherent risk of disjointed teams and multitude of tools and bringing about the process, expertise and capabilities that our clients seek. GLESEC, a privately held company, has Worldwide Headquarters in Orlando, Florida and operates in both the United States and across Latin America. Our clients' range from large organizations to multinationals across the Americas.

Marketing Department

GLESEC

+1(321)430-0500 extension 108

+507-836-5355 x108

[email protected]

www.glesec.com

SOURCE GLESEC

Related Links

http://www.glesec.com


Always considered among the best organized and easiest to use of the fire design reference manuals, GA-600 Fire Resistance and Sound Control Design Manual is referenced by the International Building Code , and The National Fire Codes (NFPA). Many state and local jurisdictions in the US and Canada also rely on GA-600 as a source document for fire-resistance and sound-control rated designs.

While GA-600 is the Association's flagship publication, GA-216 Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products is colloquially known as the "Drywall Hanger's Bible." GA-216-2021 provides detailed information about hanging interior gypsum panels of every type and under a wide variety of circumstances commonly encountered in the field. Where other GA publications provide greater detail or clarity on the issue, GA-216 directs readers to those publications, many of which are free to the public.

Consulting GA-253 Application of Gypsum Sheathing is essential when installing this increasingly popular exterior gypsum glass mat substrate. A free GA publication, GA-253-2021 describes the minimum requirements for application of gypsum sheathing for use as a substrate as well as appropriate methods of handling and storage. Useful tables include one listing minimum fastener lengths and one devoted to shear values.

The GA partnered with The ATP Group, Inc., to produce these publications, which can be found in the Associations bookstore at gypsum.org.

All GA publications steadily evolve. As codes, design expectations, and construction practices change, the Gypsum Association and its member companies are dedicated to increasing both solutions and information for the A/E/C community.

The Gypsum Association is in its 91st year of service as the technical, promotion, and information center of the gypsum industry. Representing companies located throughout the United States and Canada, the Association is based in Silver Spring, MD.

SOURCE Gypsum Association

Related Links

http://www.gypsum.org


DENVER and HOUSTON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawkwood Energy LLC ("Hawkwood"), an independent exploration and production company, announced today that is has entered into definitive agreements to be acquired by WildFire Energy I LLC ("WildFire"), an independent energy platform company. The transaction attributes an enterprise valuation to Hawkwood of approximately $650 million. Following the transaction Hawkwood's existing shareholders will retain a ~50% equity interest in WildFire, alongside ~50% held by WildFire's management team and private equity sponsor Kayne Anderson.

Hawkwood Energy is an independent exploration and production company focused on economically developing oil and natural gas resources, with current liquids-weighted production of approximately 15,000 gross equivalent barrels per day spanning 160,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford Basin of East Texas. WildFire Energy is an independent energy platform company formed to acquire and optimize production-weighted oil and gas assets, and is led by CEO Anthony Bahr, President/COO Steve Habachy and CFO Drew Cozby. The combined entity will retain the WildFire Energy name. Post-closing, the WildFire team will operate the assets and bring to bear extensive experience in the Eagle Ford, having previously managed WildHorse Resource Development Corp. until its sale to Chesapeake Energy in 2019 for nearly $4 billion.

In addition to pairing a world-class operating team with Hawkwood's assets, a significant equity investment from Kayne Anderson and WildFire Energy's management team will substantially de-lever the company. "Enabled by its strong balance sheet, WildFire will actively pursue attractive risk/reward opportunities both through the drill-bit and via accretive acquisitions. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the WildFire team as they enter this next stage," said Mark Teshoian, Managing Partner at Kayne Anderson.

"We are proud of what Hawkwood has accomplished since entering the Eagle Ford and believe that joining with WildFire is the next logical step in our evolution," said Jim Addison, CEO of Hawkwood. "We are impressed by the team's extensive knowledge of and experience in this basin and are excited for the opportunities that lay ahead."

"We look forward to leveraging our prior experience as neighbors to Hawkwood to continue the team's track record of efficient, profitable operations," said Anthony Bahr, CEO of WildFire. "The improving environment for oil and gas presents exciting opportunities for WildFire and we are pleased to have the backing of our sponsors to go pursue them."

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021.

About Hawkwood Energy

Hawkwood Energy is an independent exploration and production company focused on economically developing oil and natural gas resources in East Texas. Based in Denver, Hawkwood was founded in 2012 with a line-of-equity commitment from lead investors Warburg Pincus and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. Hawkwood entered East Texas in 2014, since then accumulating over 160,000 net acres of high quality, contiguous Eagle Ford acreage. Today Hawkwood operates approximately 360 wells with gross production of approximately 15,000 boe/d. Hawkwood was ranked by Hart Energy's Oil & Gas Investor (July 2019) as a top 100 private E&P and the #3 private Operator in the Eagle Ford play in terms of production.

About WildFire Energy

WildFire Energy is an independent energy platform company pursuing production-weighted oil and gas assets in onshore US basins, seeking to efficiently optimize and develop reserves using modern technologies and its extensive operating experience. WildFire Energy was formed in 2019 with funding from Warburg Pincus, Kayne Anderson, and management.

Media Contact:

Drew Cozby

CFO, WildFire Energy

[email protected]

SOURCE WildFire Energy I LLC
Hippo Premium Packaging was selected by Hi-Klas to redesign its entire packaging line. Hippo designed a stunning new look for Hi-Klas to position the brand as upscale, as well as command attention, and generate sales.

Jacob Glick, Director of Wholesale Operations and Sales of Hi-Klas, said it was a joy working with the team at Hippo.

"We knew our packaging had to be outstanding. We looked at packaging we admired from other brands, and discovered that Hippo was the company behind some of the looks we loved the most," he said. "It quickly became clear that Hippo had the talent and experience to take our product line and turn it into the best looking brand in the market."

Kary Radestock, CEO of Hippo Premium Packaging, said the team put its extensive knowledge about printing, design, and packaging to work for Hi-Klas.

"We knew this brand needed something really special, so we pulled out all the stops," Radestock commented. "Because our team comes from the printing and packaging industry, we know a bit more than the average 'Johnny-come-lately' cannabis packaging company, and were able to create a packaging line that conveys superior quality, and shows each product in a unique, but coordinated manner."

The new packaging will be unveiled on July 10 at select dispensaries throughout Arizona.

"Our new color coding system gives a unique look to each individual strain, and allows budtenders and customers to find exactly what they want, quickly and easily," Glick added. "We think our customers are going to love it."

For more information on Hippo Premium Packaging, call: 619-269-0939, or visit: www.hippopackaging.com.

For more information on Hi-Klas, visit: www.hi-klas.com

About Hippo:

Hippo Premium Packaging provides unique and innovative packaging and branding solutions to the cannabis and hemp industries. Winners of many international awards, Hippo creates powerful packaging solutions that build successful brands.

CONNECT:

Facebook: facebook.com/hippopackaging

Twitter: @HippoPackaging

Instagram: instagram.com/hippopackaging

YouTube: youtu.be/DMC5D5dLW-4

Website: www.hippopackaging.com

MEDIA:

[email protected]

SOURCE Hippo Premium Packaging

Related Links

http://www.hippopackaging.com


NAPA, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Homeowners at a luxury wine country resort destroyed in a 2020 wildfire sued Auberge Resorts for breach of contract, negligence, violation of California law, and constructive fraud today, saying the management company dramatically reduced insurance coverage on the property four months before the blaze  and never informed them.

The plaintiffs owned units at Calistoga Ranch, a unique, world-famous resort nestled in a private canyon off Silverado Trail. A management agreement between homeowners and Auberge assigned the company the duty to maintain fire insurance sufficient to rebuild the resort in the event of a fire  a duty made all the more critical after a series of wildfires ravaged the region beginning in 2017.

Instead, Auberge secretly adjusted fire coverage limits downward by $75 million, leaving the resort woefully underinsured. In addition, the company included two of its own, unrelated resorts, Solage and Auberge du Soleil, on the same insurance policy. According to the insurers, that action substantially diluted the coverage available for Calistoga Ranch and was done without the knowledge of the plaintiffs.

As a result of Auberge's deceptive and negligent actions, the homeowners have little hope of recovering their losses  and it is highly unlikely the resort can be rebuilt.

"Watching a wildfire destroy your beloved home is a profoundly painful experience," said Nancy Serrurier, a Calistoga Ranch homeowner since 2015. "But learning that Auberge secretly reduced the insurance coverage we needed to recover and rebuild? That was truly devastating. We placed our trust in Auberge, and the company violated it."

Opened in 2004, Calistoga Ranch was a premiere destination resort tucked away on 157 acres graced with ancient oak trees, a stream winding through the property, and miles of hiking trails. The serene property included 48 freestanding guest lodges, a working vineyard, a world-class spa with mineral spring waters, a fitness center, a private restaurant, retail shops, and other luxury amenities.

On September 27, the Glass Fire broke out nearby and quickly exploded in size, destroying homes, landmarks, wineries, and restaurants throughout the region. Tearing through the Calistoga Ranch canyon, it leveled everything in its path, including the homeowners' units and all resort amenities.

When homeowners turned to Auberge to file an insurance claim after the blaze, they learned of the company's deceptive actions, and discovered that the insurers claimed that fire policy limit had been reduced to less than $39 million  far below the insurance level specified in the resort's governing documents, and inadequate to cover rebuilding of Calistoga Ranch.

Filed in Napa County Superior Court, the lawsuit seeks at least $100 million in compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages, based on four causes of action, including breach of contract, negligence, violation of California law, and constructive fraud. Among other allegations, the complaint says that Auberge:

Breached its management agreement with homeowners by failing to maintain insurance sufficient to cover full replacement costs for the resort;

Acted negligently, and in violation of its duties to homeowners, by failing to maintain sufficient insurance coverage;

Knew, or should have known, that the insurance was insufficient, and failed to disclose it to homeowners;

Failed to disclose to homeowners that the policy also included two other wholly unrelated Auberge properties as named insureds, an action not authorized by the management agreement; and

Failed to disclose that the insurance procured for the 2020 fiscal year was substantially changed from prior years, providing dramatically lower coverage limits and significantly higher deductibles for fire losses.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the homeowners by the law firm of Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP. For more information, please contact Doug Elmets at 916-206-8662 or [email protected].

Contact:

Doug Elmets

(916) 206-8662

SOURCE Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP
"These two local authorized Invisible Fence dealerships have been committed to improving the way pet owners live with their four-legged family members since 1984." Said Ed Hoyt, Senior Director of Invisible Fence.

Acquiring Greater Louisville dealers is the company's fifth acquisition of the year, followed by five acquisitions in 2020; the most recent being the acquisition of Invisible Fence dealers in Southern Maryland and the Bay Area. With over 240 authorized dealers, Invisible Fence has the largest support network for pet containment in the US and Canada.

"We're excited for the opportunity to directly serve pet owners in Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana while continuing to provide the innovative solutions and same high-level of attention customers have come to expect," said Hoyt.

Invisible Fence offers the premier dog fence on the market including professional installation, Perfect Start Plus Training and exclusive Boundary Plus Technology. Highly recommended by veterinarians, dog trainers, animal behaviorists and other pet experts, Invisible Fence offers pet fences that can be customized for clients' unique needs.

In addition to serving over 11,000 pet owners in the Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana region, the local Invisible Fence dealers were also actively involved in their communities. Local animal shelter donations, adoption events and the Project Breathe Program are among some of the ways that Invisible Fence of Louisville will continue to contribute to local pet wellness under new management.

For additional information or questions, customers can call 1-800-578-3647, visit InvisibleFence.com .

About Invisible Fence Brand

Invisible Fence pioneered the pet containment industry in 1973, making it their mission to provide safe boundaries inside and outside of the home. The Radio Systems Corporation owned company predominantly sells pet containment, avoidance and access solutions across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to offering award-winning products like Boundary Plus Technology, Authorized Dealers provide professional installation, Perfect Start Plus Training and integrated solutions that have protected more than three million pets to date. Invisible Fence also founded the Project Breathe Program in 2006, donating more than 32,000 pet oxygen masks to fire departments and first responders. For more information on Invisible Fence or to find a local dealer, visit InvisibleFence.com or follow the company on Facebook .

Contact: Tricia Everett

(865) 235-8791



SOURCE Invisible Fence Brand

Related Links

http://www.InvisibleFence.com


GUILDFORD, England, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Over one third (36%) of USA organizations have decreased their investment plans in IoT and 33% have cancelled their IoT initiative altogether as a result of COVID-19, a figure considerably higher than their UK counterparts (19%), according to a new State of IoT Adoption Study commissioned by global IoT connectivity specialist, Eseye.

Surveyed USA respondents had fewer large IoT projects underway, with only 13% having deployed more than 10,000 devices, which highlights that the market may not have matured as quickly as parts of Europe. This lack of maturity may be why some USA respondents decreased investment plans and are cautious about IoT success. 41% of USA respondents cited security as a top challenge when implementing IoT, compared to 36% in the UK. Likewise, 41% of USA respondents said device onboarding (i.e., device set up, configuration and design), testing and certification was also a key issue, compared to only 29% of UK respondents. As a result, IoT projects have failed to reach their full potential according to three quarters of USA enterprises who have embarked upon an IoT initiative in the last 12 months.

The Study was undertaken by independent research organization, Opinion Matters, among 250 UK and 250 USA-based senior decision makers and implementers of IoT strategy within five vertical markets. It explores the current state of IoT adoption; the challenges, opportunities and untapped potential of IoT; the impact of COVID-19 and how this has affected adoption plans; and the criticality of intelligent connectivity to fuel future growth.

Key USA IoT adoption findings:

88% of USA respondents said IoT is a priority for their business.

respondents said IoT is a priority for their business. 46% of respondents are planning further projects in the next two to three years.

86% are planning budget increases for IoT initiatives; 46% plan to boost spending by between 51 and 100%.

98% said that COVID-19 has impacted their IoT plans; for 25% it has accelerated development of their IoT initiative,31% said they had increased investment plans, while 36% said they had decreased investment plans and 33% have cancelled their IoT initiative all together. This compares to 19% for UK respondents.

77% of USA respondents said that their IoT project was at best only somewhat successful in meeting expectations and realizing benefits.

respondents said that their IoT project was at best only somewhat successful in meeting expectations and realizing benefits. Security and device onboarding were cited as top challenges; 41% said this for both issues, while for 37% managing the estate and device contracts had proved difficult.

Cellular IoT deployments have still not reached anywhere near critical mass; most USA respondents (87%) had deployed fewer than 10,000 devices.

IoT at a tipping point

The Study found the larger the project, the faster the acceleration as organizations embrace IoT. The more devices respondents have in the field, the more they are planning to deploy in the coming twelve months. This indicates a tipping point in IoT projects in terms of scale. However, of 250 US respondents only 13% had deployed between 10,001 devices and 100,000 in the field and only 2% had deployed more than 100,000 devices.

Disrupting markets and business models

IoT projects are undertaken by innovative organizations to disrupt traditional business models and deliver tangible business benefits. When asked about the benefits their IoT initiative has or is predicted to deliver, USA respondents scored higher on entering new markets (36%) versus 34% in the UK and delivering new lines of business, with 35% versus 29% in the UK.

Nick Earle, CEO, Eseye comments: "These findings suggest that USA respondents are choosing to harness IoT for innovation; to break into new geographies and conduct market research with new products. However, security of device and device onboarding was more of a significant challenge for USA respondents than the UK. This device onboarding issue may point to more stringent device certification programs in the USA compared with the UK. However, the need for intelligent connectivity was not such an issue in the USA as it was in the UK. This could be because historically USA deployments tend to be domestic, rather than international. However, as Enterprise organizations based in the US deploy IoT globally, this becomes a much bigger issue due to permanent roaming and other cellular connectivity restrictions."

Technology drivers

Cloud and remote access were cited as the top technology drivers by 45% of USA respondents which, given the events of the past year, is not surprising, as many businesses look to accelerate their digital transformation plans with IoT initiatives. USA respondents rated LPWAN technologies (45%) and Intelligent Edge hardware (44%) higher than 5G (35%), whereas 5G was the second highest technology driver for UK respondents.

Intelligent connectivity

USA respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed with the statement, "I think the evolution of intelligent connectivity is going to be critical to continue to fuel adoption of IoT?" Interestingly, USA respondents were less concerned about this issue, with only 21% strongly agreeing with this statement, compared to 33% in the UK. In fact, nearly one-quarter of USA (23%) respondents were ambivalent towards this statement, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Earle continues: "When looking to the future 88% of USA respondents said that IoT is a priority, which was higher than the UK, with 85%. Likewise, we found that USA organizations were more concerned about management of the device and contracts, which could mean that they are starting to think about bigger, more global deployments which mirrors what we are starting to see in the market. Recently Eseye has been working with four of the Global Fortune 500 Enterprises, on some major global IoT programs so the tide is turning."

Eseye's 2021 State of IoT Adoption Report offers detailed analysis of the IoT challenges and trends affecting businesses in the UK and USA and examines the variation between vertical markets including: Smart Vending; Supply Chain and Logistics; EV Charging and Smart Grid; Manufacturing; and Healthcare and Medical Devices. It contains recommendations for actions and strategies that organizations should prioritize to improve business outcomes and the value derived from such initiatives. Download the full report here.

About Eseye

Eseye empowers businesses to embrace IoT without limits. We help them to visualise the impossible and bring those solutions to life through innovative IoT cellular connectivity solutions that enable our customers to drive up business value, deploy differentiated experiences and disrupt their markets.

Our pioneering IoT cellular connectivity solutions, versatile hardware, technical consultancy and round-the-clock support allows businesses to overcome the complexity of IoT design, development and deployment. We guide them every step of the way, so they can move forward with IoT projects without the fear of getting it wrong.

Supported by our unique AnyNet Secure SIM technology, Connectivity Management Platform and a powerful partner ecosystem, we help more than 2,000 customers to seamlessly connect millions of devices across 190 countries, agnostic to over 700 available global networks.

Find out more at www.eseye.com

Media Contacts

Julie Skinner

C8 Consulting for Eseye (USA)

[email protected]

+44 (0) 7950 899130

SOURCE Eseye
BALTIMORE, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- iPure Labs, Inc. (OTC: IPLB) announced today that the company has signed a Definitive Memorandum of Understanding with Mark Vogel Acquisitions, LLC to partner on commercial real estate opportunities in Maryland and surrounding areas.

CEO Thomas Fore stated, "Mark Vogel has 30+ years of real estate development experience, mostly in the state of Maryland and we could not be more pleased with the agreement that we recently signed with his company. Today, we are announcing that our main subsidiary, Sora Ventures, will work in conjunction with Mark Vogel Acquisitions, LLC to joint venture multiple real estate development deals. Several are now on our radar and are being vetted by both parties."

Mr. Fore went on to say, "We recently announced that our subsidiary, TideRock Development has been engaged by RealTex Development of Austin, Texas. RealTex is a leading affordable housing developer with more than 20 years of experience in low income tax credit affordable housing in the Southeastern United States. This new agreement with Mark Vogel Acquisitions, LLC engages our main subsidiary, Sora Ventures putting the entire IPLB operation on a path toward success in calendar year 2021 and beyond and we are just getting started."

Mr. Fore finished up with, "Our first three press releases have been put together in order to give our shareholders a general synopsis of our company, its subsidiaries and examples of how each will generate revenue. Our next few releases will go into more detail on specific projects. We look forward to sharing more developments with you in the coming weeks. Thanks to each of you for your ongoing support."

About iPure Labs, Inc.: The company is a Real Estate related operation focused on multi-million dollar "develop to own" projects through its subsidiary, Sora Ventures. The company also offers Real Estate Advisory Services via its subsidiary, TideRock Development.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate.

Contact:

Thomas B. Fore

CEO

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (800) 791-8433

SOURCE iPure Labs, Inc.
EXTON, Pa., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- J.W. Pepper & Son, Inc., the world's largest retailer of sheet music, has announced the acquisition of BandSavvy, LLC, creators of the popular FlipFolder App used by top college marching bands across the country. The FlipFolder App enables marching bands to distribute digital sheet music to their members efficiently and securely via their smartphone, as they perform.

BandSavvy was founded by Marcus Dubreuil in 2018 while he was still a student at the University of Pittsburgh. Marcus has a double major  music composition and computer science  and also played trombone in the Pitt Marching Band. While at Pitt, Marcus realized there must be a "better way" to distribute sheet music among the marching band than traditional paper-based folders, and as a result, he created the FlipFolder App for mobile phones.

The Pitt Marching Band was the first customer for the FlipFolder App, and based on its' success the software was quickly adopted many other NCAA Division 1 marching bands. Marcus has continued to build and support the product since he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in December 2019. Today, the FlipFolder App is used by more than 45 universities across the country. To further support these clients, BandSavvy has also designed a series of heavy duty clips that connect mobile phones to the most popular marching band instruments.

According to Marcus Dubreuil, founder of BandSavvy, "We are grateful to be joining with J.W. Pepper to help expand the use of the FlipFolder App to even more universities, colleges, high schools and community marching bands. With our proven technology and their great marketing and customer service, we are looking forward to the next chapter of our growth!"

"We are excited to add this technology to our portfolio of sheet music products and services. For over 145 years, we have specialized in the discovery, curation, management, and distribution of sheet music and the FlipFolder App is an ideal solution for our customers with marching bands," said Glenn Burtch, J.W. Pepper's Chief Executive Officer.

For more information about Pepper, please visit jwpepper.com.

About J.W. Pepper & Son, Inc.

Founded in 1876, J.W. Pepper & Son, Inc. is the world's largest retailer of sheet music, celebrating over 145 years of customer service and devotion to music and music education. Pepper offers choral, band, orchestra, church, classroom, instrumental, piano, and vocal sheet music to directors, teachers, and other professional and amateur musicians around the world. The company is privately held and is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania with field offices across the country, and distribution warehouses in Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Contact:

Bob Cooper

610-648-0500 x2031

[email protected]

SOURCE J.W. Pepper & Son, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.jwpepper.com


About the Fox River Belt and Kenorland's Fox River Property

The Fox River Belt (FRB) forms a portion of the Circum-Superior Belt in Northern Manitoba, Canada which is analogous to Manitoba's world class Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB) and the Cape Smith Belt (CSB) of Northern Quebec, host of the Ragland Nickel sulfide (NiS) deposits. Similar to the TNB and CSB, the belt is composed of sedimentary rocks intercalated with thick sequences of komatiitic basalts, and associated ultramafic intrusive rocks which formed along the margin of the Superior Craton during the Paleoproterozoic.

Within the belt, the Fox River Sill is comprised of a layered mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex. Geochemical analysis of the sill indicates the potential for economic concentrations of Platinum group element (PGE) within the belt. This is supported by areas of notable PGE occurrences and highlights the prospectivity of the sill for significant undiscovered PGE deposits. Additionally, the basin assemblages of the Superior margin are host to world-class NiS districts such as the Thompson and Raglan Nickel camps. Geochemical evidence, particularly the incorporation of sulfur (S) from rift related sediments into the mantle derived rocks of the Fox River Sill suggest the FRB to have high prospectivity for magmatic NiS deposits, like those found in the TNB and CSB.

Kenorland has applied a two-pronged approach to nickel targeting utilizing continental scale area selection coupled with high resolution geophysical direct detection of massive sulfide bodies to identify drill ready targets. This approach has led to the acquisition of Kenorland's FRB and Thompson South nickel projects (figure 1, inset). Kenorland's tenure in the FRB consists of three ~5000 hectare mineral exploration licenses (MEL), named the T-Bone, Vector and Feeder Zones. Each of Kenorland's MEL cover coincident magnetic and electromagnetic (EM) anomalies derived through geophysical inversion, re-processing and interpretation of data, which cover geology prospective for NiS and PGE mineralisation which remain untested.

Zach Flood, President and CEO, states, "This transaction represents one of the ways Kenorland is able to create shareholder value and upside through its generative efforts, which does not require significant capital expenditures through direct exploration on the ground. We are very excited to see what Superior Nickel will discover in the Fox River Belt, a vastly under-explored, yet highly prospective geologic feature within the Circum-Superior Belt."

Figure 1. Map of the Fox River Belt geology highlighting Kenorland's Fox River Belt project

About Kenorland Minerals

Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSX.V KLD) is a mineral exploration Company incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia and based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Kenorland's focus is early to advanced stage exploration in North America. The Company currently holds three projects in Quebec where work is being completed under joint venture and earn-in agreement from third parties. The Frotet Project is held under joint venture with Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. (SMMCL), the Chicobi Project is optioned to SMMCL, and the Chebistuan Project is optioned to Newmont Corporation. The Company also owns 100% of the advanced stage Tanacross porphyry Cu-Au project as well as an option to earn up to 70% from Newmont Corporation on the Healy Project, both located in Alaska, USA.

Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com

Kenorland Minerals Ltd.

Zach Flood

President and CEO

Tel: +1 604 363 1779

[email protected]



Kenorland Minerals Ltd.

Francis MacDonald

Executive Vice President

Tel: +1 778 322 8705

[email protected]

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects', "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance 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 times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable 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.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Kenorland Minerals Ltd.
BOSTON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lovepop , leading designer of magical pop-up cards and gifts, announces today the opening of a brand new store in Boston's Harvard Square, marking the fourth location in the company's hometown and the fifth new retail opening in the U.S. since the start of 2020.

New brick-and-mortar store in Boston's Harvard Square signals future growth for designer of 3D cards and gifts, Lovepop. Tweet this Lovepop Harvard Square Harvard Square is Lovepops largest retail location and will stock the companys full range of 3D product offerings.

Since the beginning, Lovepop has used an omnichannel sales approach to maximize its reach and engagement with customers. Continuing to prioritize physical retail in addition to e-commerce in 2020 led to the company closing out the year with 44% year-over-year growth and more than 500 times the revenue earned in its founding year.

"While we continue to see significant success as a digitally native brand, physical retail was our fastest-growing channel pre-pandemic," said Wombi Rose, Co-Founder and CEO of Lovepop. "As we build towards our mission of creating one billion magical moments, retail continues to be a core channel for expansion and the most immersive brand experience for Lovepop."

Previously occupied by competitor greeting card company Papyrus, which shuttered all of its brick-and-mortar stores in 2020, the new 1,200 square foot space in Harvard Square is Lovepop's largest retail location and will stock the company's full range of 3D product offeringsfrom cards to flower bouquets and giant pop-up gifts.

"Every aspect of this new store is intended to facilitate connection and engagement with the community," said Colin Spillane, Head of Retail at Lovepop. "From the layout of the space to the design of the product displays, we are encouraging customers to experience the magic of our pop-up art and share their reactions in real-time. We hope they'll be inspired to do something special for the people they love."

The selection of Harvard Square was not only a strategic business decision, but also a nod to the company's history. While on a Harvard Business School trip to Vietnam, naval architects Wombi Rose and John Wise discovered the incredible paper art form of kirigami and were inspired. The duo took their engineering background and combined this ancient art with the sliceform structure used in ship design. In 2014, Lovepop was born in a basement in Harvard Square and went on to receive investment from Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary in December of 2015.

About Lovepop

Lovepop is on a mission to create one billion magical moments. Founded by naval architects, Lovepop combines art and engineering to stretch the bounds of the imagination and create magical cards and gifts that bring people together. Whether you're celebrating a holiday, an important milestone, or an everyday moment, Lovepop's thousands of unique designs make it easy to share love with meaning, creativity, and fun. For more information visit lovepop.com .

SOURCE Lovepop

Related Links

https://lovepop.com


Understanding the functionality behind local marketing platforms can take years to master and requires expertise that many tech firms don't cultivate. "Powered by" is built on MatchCraft's 20+ years of expertise and is continually optimized to ensure the technology is up to date and includes functionality that is most important to SMB advertisers. "Offering tech providers access to MatchCraft's battle-tested local ad technology opens up new opportunities for both MatchCraft and our industry. "Powered by" enables platforms to expand revenue streams into channels that may otherwise be unattainable," states CEO Sandy Lohr.

New features across multiple channels are continually in development and integrated into "Powered by", giving partners access to new opportunities as soon as they are available. Earlier this year, Google announced that support for the current AdWords API will sunset on April 27th, 2022 making "Powered by" a perfect solution for platforms that are unable to make the transition to the Google Ads API. The engineers at MatchCraft have been using the Google Ads API since its beta availability in 2018 and provided feedback throughout the development process.

MatchCraft welcomes the opportunity to discuss our "Powered by" solution. Schedule a demo with us or get directly in touch with our Business Development team: in the US or APAC call Brad Petersen, at +1 888 502-7238, In EMEA or LATAM call Jeff Chew at +31 10 3100 881. We look forward to learning more about your digital marketing needs and how we may be a match for you to scale your business with the efficiencies and performance of "Powered by".

About MatchCraft

MatchCraft provides a best-in-class marketing platform that enables companies to successfully sell and manage search, display, and social campaigns for their advertisers. Unlike other marketing technology platforms, MatchCraft's platform adVantageTM helps organizations efficiently manage campaigns of all sizes, enabling clients to deliver spectacular results to their advertisers. MatchCraft's sophisticated real-time bidding algorithms, and a team of digital marketing enthusiasts, work relentlessly to deliver exceptional ROI for merchants around the world. MatchCraft is a fully remote company with team members across the US, Europe, Mexico, and India. For digital marketing news, advice and to stay in the loop on product rollouts, follow MatchCraft on Facebook , MatchCraft on Twitter , MatchCraft on LinkedIn or visit www.MatchCraft.com

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE MatchCraft

Related Links

https://www.matchcraft.com/


HONOLULU, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson, Inc. ("Matson" or the "Company") (NYSE: MATX) today announces preliminary second quarter financial results, provides a business update and announces that its second quarter earnings call date will be held on July 29, 2021.

"Matson's Ocean Transportation and Logistics businesses continued to perform well in the second quarter as the U.S. economy further recovers from the pandemic," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Matt Cox. "Within Ocean Transportation, our China service continued to see significant demand for its expedited CLX and CLX+ ocean services as volume for e-commerce, garments and other goods remained elevated, and was the primary driver of the increase in consolidated operating income year-over-year. Currently in the Transpacific tradelane, supply chain congestion continues, and consumption trends remain elevated. We expect these conditions to remain in place and lead to a high level of demand at least until Lunar New Year in the first quarter of 2022. As a result of the exceptional level of demand for our expedited Transpacific services, we recently announced the initiation of our CCX service as a seasonal string with Matson-owned vessels from China to the U.S. West Coast with Oakland as the first call. Consequently, we expect our vessels in the CLX, CLX+ and CCX to be operating at capacity at least until Lunar New Year next year."

Mr. Cox added, "In our domestic ocean tradelanes, we continued to see strong demand as the local economies further reopen with meaningfully higher year-over-year volumes compared to the pandemic volume lows in the second quarter of last year. In Hawaii, we experienced elevated westbound freight demand as the state's tourism and economy rebounded sharply from the pandemic lows. In Logistics, operating income increased year-over-year compared to the pandemic low operating income achieved in the year ago period as we continued to see elevated goods consumption and inventory restocking in addition to favorable supply and demand fundamentals in our core markets. As a result, Matson expects second quarter operating income for Ocean Transportation of $197.0 to $202.0 million and Logistics operating income of $12.0 to $13.0 million. We also expect second quarter 2021 net income and diluted EPS to be $156.9 to $163.6 million and $3.58 to $3.73, respectively."

Second Quarter Tradelane Volume (Forty-foot equivalent units (FEU)) (1)(2):

For the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020 and on a FEU basis:

Hawaii container volume increased 9.9 percent primarily due to higher retail and hospitality-related demand due to the reopening of the Hawaii economy compared to the pandemic low in the year ago period as a result of the state's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, including restrictions on tourism;

container volume increased 9.9 percent primarily due to higher retail and hospitality-related demand due to the reopening of the economy compared to the pandemic low in the year ago period as a result of the state's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, including restrictions on tourism; Alaska volume increased 15.2 percent due to higher northbound volume primarily due to higher retail-related demand compared to the pandemic low in the year ago period as a result of the state's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, higher southbound volume and the addition of volume from the Alaska -to-Asia Express service;

volume increased 15.2 percent due to higher northbound volume primarily due to higher retail-related demand compared to the pandemic low in the year ago period as a result of the state's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, higher southbound volume and the addition of volume from the -to-Asia Express service; China volume was 59.1 percent higher primarily due to incremental volume from the CLX+ service in addition to higher volume in the CLX service as a result of our increased capacity in the tradelane. The total number of eastbound voyages in the China service increased by nine year-over-year;

volume was 59.1 percent higher primarily due to incremental volume from the CLX+ service in addition to higher volume in the CLX service as a result of our increased capacity in the tradelane. The total number of eastbound voyages in the service increased by nine year-over-year; Guam volume was 35.7 percent higher primarily due to higher retail-related demand compared to the pandemic low in the year ago period as a result of the island's COVID-19 mitigation measures as well as volume attritutable to a competitor's schedule issues; and

volume was 35.7 percent higher primarily due to higher retail-related demand compared to the pandemic low in the year ago period as a result of the island's COVID-19 mitigation measures as well as volume attritutable to a competitor's schedule issues; and Other containers volume increased 33.3 percent primarily due to higher volume in Okinawa .











(1) Approximate volumes included for the period are based on the voyage departure date, but revenue and operating income are adjusted to reflect the percentage of revenue and operating income earned during the reporting period for voyages in transit at the end of each reporting period. (2) Other containers includes containers from services in various islands in Micronesia and the South Pacific, and Okinawa, Japan.

Subsequent Event

On July 7, 2021, a subsidiary of Matson entered into an agreement to terminate the outstanding operating lease on the Maunalei for approximately $95.8 million including accrued lease interest, thereby acquiring the vessel. The Company paid for the termination with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings on the revolving credit facility. As a result of the transaction, the Company expects approximately $6.0 million in lower cash operating costs in the second half of 2021 as a result of the elimination in lease expense.

A slide presentation that accompanies this press release is available on the Company's website at www.matson.com, under Investors.

Teleconference and Webcast

A conference call is scheduled on July 29, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. ET when Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Wine, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss Matson's second quarter results.





Date of Conference Call: Thursday, July 29, 2021 Scheduled Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 a.m. HT Participant Toll Free Dial-In #: 1-877-312-5524 International Dial-In #: 1-253-237-1144

The conference call will be broadcast live along with an additional slide presentation on the Company's website at www.matson.com, under Investors. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call through August 5, 2021 by dialing 1-855-859-2056 or 1-404-537-3406 and using the conference number 6564633. The slides and audio webcast of the conference call will be archived for one full quarter on the Company's website at www.matson.com, under Investors.

About the Company

Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia. Matson also operates two premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California, provides service to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific, and operates an international export service from Dutch Harbor to Asia. The Company's fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout the continental U.S. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, Asia supply chain services, and forwarding to Alaska. Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation those statements regarding performance and financial results, operating income, net income, earnings per share, demand for our expedited Transpacific services, seasonality of the CCX service, supply and demand dynamics in the Transpacific tradelane, supply chain congestion, consumption trends, demand for e-commerce, garments and other goods, tourism levels, economic growth and drivers in Hawaii, Alaska and Guam, and the financial effects of the Maunalei transaction. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties relating to repeal, substantial amendment or waiver of the Jones Act or its application, or our failure to maintain our status as a United States citizen under the Jones Act; regional, national and international economic conditions; new or increased competition or improvements in competitors' service levels; fuel prices, our ability to collect fuel-related surcharges and/or the cost or limited availability of low-sulfur fuel; delays or cost overruns related to the installation of scrubbers; our relationship with vendors, customers and partners and changes in related agreements; the actions of our competitors; our ability to offer a differentiated service in China for which customers are willing to pay a significant premium; the imposition of tariffs or a change in international trade policies; the magnitude and timing of the impact of public health crises, including COVID-19; any unanticipated dry-dock or repair expenses; any delays or cost overruns related to the modernization of terminals; consummating and integrating acquisitions; changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; competition and growth rates within the logistics industry; freight levels and increasing costs and availability of truck capacity or alternative means of transporting freight; changes in relationships with existing truck, rail, ocean and air carriers; changes in customer base due to possible consolidation among customers; conditions in the financial markets; changes in our credit profile and our future financial performance; our ability to obtain future debt financings; continuation of the Title XI and CCF programs; the impact of future and pending legislation and regulations, including regulations related to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental laws and regulations; government regulations and investigations; relations with our unions; satisfactory negotiation and renewal of expired collective bargaining agreements without significant disruption to Matson's operations; war, terrorist attacks or other acts of violence; the use of our information technology and communication systems and cybersecurity attacks; and the occurrence of marine accidents, poor weather or natural disasters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This release should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our other filings with the SEC through the date of this release, which identify important factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this release. We do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements.









Investor Relations inquiries:



News Media inquiries: Lee Fishman



Keoni Wagner Matson, Inc.



Matson, Inc. 510.628.4227



510.628.4534 [email protected]



[email protected]

SOURCE Matson, Inc.

Related Links

http://matson.com


MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

WHO/WHAT: Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, will join Console the Soul, an interfaith musical gathering in support of the victims and families of the Surfside condominium collapse, presented by the Temple Emanu-El Cultural Arts Center and Miami Beach Music Festival Orchestra. The gathering will take place on Thursday, July 8th at 8:00 PM at the Temple Emanu-El Cultural Arts Center, where we welcome the community into a space for unity and healing. The evening will consist of soothing orchestral and vocal classical music, under the direction of Michael Rossi, interlaced with inspirational texts from our religious community leaders including:

- Rabbi Marc Philippe (Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El)

- Reverend Juan J. Sosa (Pastor of St. Joseph Church Miami Beach)

- Rabbi Fred Klein (Greater Miami Jewish Federation)

- Reverend Timothy P. Carr (All Souls' Episcopal Church)





Musical selections being presented embody melodies and messages that offer solace, healing, and support to all, including works such as Mendelssohn's Hear ye, Israel!, Verdi's "Va, pensiero", and Mahler's Symphony No. 5, (Adagietto).





During the gathering, monetary donations will be collected to provide relief to the victims and families of the Surfside tragedy through the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Federation together with its partners  Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) and Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support  is providing financial assistance, chaplaincy support, crisis counseling, and social services to people impacted by the tragedy.





The Surfside tragedy has affected the community at large, our hope is to offer a musical and spiritual balm to bring Light and blessings into our lives. This musical gathering is free and open to all, please RSVP to reserve your seats: www.consolethesoul.eventbrite.com





A livestream option will be available during the gathering at: www.tesobe.org





For more information, visit: www.miamimusicfestival.com



WHEN: Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 8 p.m.



WHERE: Temple Emanu-El Cultural Arts Center

1701 Washington Ave

Miami Beach, FL 33139

ABOUT MIAMI BEACH CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL:

Since its 2013 inception, Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF) has been proud to establish Miami as a premier destination for elite young classical musicians to train and perform. While the next generation of classical artists come to Miami to receive instruction from an assembly of world-class faculty, the community benefits from accessible public concerts featuring top talent alongside many of classical music's greatest living performers in repertoire rarely heard in South Florida.

With training institutes in Orchestra, Opera, Piano and Conducting, MMF development also includes an Alumni Division, pre-college program, a pioneering Career Institute, and the Professional Miami Wagner Institute. MMF receives nearly 1,500 international applicants each season, selecting around 300 participants through a rigorous audition process. MMF has welcomed students and faculty from over 25 countries and many of the world's most esteemed music institutions. The festival attracts internationally sought-after performers and teaching-artists eager to identify and cultivate the pre-professional careers of talented young musicians.

After unprecedented growth in its eight years, MMF continues to build on its success by expanding programming, increasing community outreach, and creating unique classical opportunities that bring pride to our vibrant and cultured city.

ABOUT TEMPLE EMANU-EL:

Temple Emanu-El is the oldest Conservative congregation on Miami Beach and is considered one of the most beautiful synagogues in America. Its impressive and eclectic Byzantine and Moorish architecture features a rotunda building and copper dome that stands more than ten stories tall. Temple Emanu-El's congregation has a long and venerable history as a spiritual home to the Jewish residents of the Beach for more than seven decades.

The synagogue's iconic facade and distinctive architecture serve as a testament to the strength and longevity of its leadership of Miami Beach's Jewish community. Temple Emanu-El's contributions to the beauty of South Beach were celebrated by the Miami Beach Beautification Committee which bestowed the 2010 Beautification Award on the synagogue. The congregation continues to be a vital part of the Jewish communal landscape of South Florida.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Angelica Perez

[email protected]

SOURCE Miami Classical Music Festival

Related Links

https://www.miamimusicfestival.com


MIAMI, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami-based start-up, GathR Virtual Studios Inc, completed a pre-seed round to fund its innovative take on the widely used two-dimensional home-office meeting "apps" made popular during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Bypassing the cumbersome VR goggles, the easy-to-use platform was built to emphasize realistic, 3D experiences capable of hosting multiple users. Any real space a customer needs can be easily incorporated into a permanent digitally-created setting.

Avatars with live hologram faces meetings 3D Interactive Asset--private jet

First applications have attracted enterprise customers with digital job simulations for retail as well as for showrooms and tradeshows where 3D assets and products are displayed in the detail-rich digital settings. Easy to use avatars with unique hologram technology navigate training venues and trade show floors seamlessly (Video Here).

"When the pandemic shut the world down business as usual was no longer usual. I started thinking how can I provide more value to core customers. Live-events of every kind were being shut down. Staring at flat faces on screens and evaluating people's choices of home decoration were just not what modern business was supposed to be," explains co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Jaime Lopez.

"It was clear that business would be different even in a post-pandemic world but the technology had to be more engaging than 2-D and more flexible," added Kenneth Landau, co-founder & CEO. "Jaime and I shared a vision to create an ecosystem that would bring people together and keep users engaged, and also be useful to businesses which are always looking for a better mousetrap and a way to improve productivity and cut costs."

The two partners took their vision to an experienced group of investors and within a few weeks a $2.7 million pre-seed round was fully subscribed, led by Ken Moelis, Charles Fabrikant, Hope Taitz and Alberto Peisach among others and a board of experienced entrepreneurs was established.

Charles Fabrikant, investor and director, explains the attraction of the platform, "During my 30 years as CEO I was always on the lookout for ways to improve our operations. I was impressed by the early iteration of the GathR platform and its potential to facilitate many different functions retaining the intimacy of in person experience and also save costs."

The raise is earmarked for the hiring of an executive team and the further development of the next gen technology. The next product-release is scheduled for this summer promising to make the whole experience a more seamless one. "A perfect hybrid for business going forward," Landau elaborated.

Once the executive team is in place, the company plans to raise a seed round this Fall for the purpose of both deepening customer experience and expanding the library of "on demand spaces and assets" in the GathR metaverse.

About the GathR

Founded in 2020, Miami-based GathR Virtual Studios, Inc. was formed to meet rising demand for 3D, digitally-visualized, hybrid work spaces. As a fully immersive ecosystem using Epic Games Unreal Engine, GathR utilizes dynamic experiences for job simulations, interactive meetings and 3D asset-rich showrooms. Thanks to a hardware-agnostic approach, GathR enables users from anywhere to enter using only their browser on their PC or Mac. Coming soon will be the GathR mobile version allowing users to engage us anywhere, anytime, all the time.

For More Information, please contact:



Brian Kean

VP of Marketing

1-(305)-336-0548

SOURCE GathR Virtual Studios Inc.

Related Links

http://letsgathr.io/


WASHINGTON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ninety-eight percent of U.S. public schools with fourth- and eighth-graders were offering instruction in classrooms by the end of the academic year, according to the final data from the 2021 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) School Survey released today by the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Sixty-three percent of U.S. public schools were open for full-time in-person instruction for all students, and only two percent of U.S. public schools offered only remote learning for students.

"The overall numbers from May are better than anyone could have reasonably expected when we launched this survey earlier this year," said Mark Schneider, the director of IES, the research, statistics, and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Education. "But reopening schools and welcoming back students was the first step, but the hardest work is still to come. We must do all we can as a nation to ensure that all students, especially the most high-need students who have already borne the brunt of the coronavirus and its effects, recover from any learning losses."

At the close of the school year, about 73 percent of fourth- and eighth-graders were enrolled in at least some in-person instruction, and about half of the nation's fourth- and eighth-graders were attending school full-time in-person.

"While the overall numbers are the best we have seen, disparities in enrollment remain," said Peggy G. Carr, acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, which administered the survey. "The majority of Asian fourth- and eighth-graders are still receiving remote-only instruction, while the majority of Black and Hispanic students were receiving some form of in-person instruction by the end of year, though rates of in-person enrollment for all of these groups trailed White students. We have a lot of work ahead to recover from these disparities by student groups."

In August of this year, IES will launch a new study designed to gather information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. The IES School Pulse Panel (SPP) will survey school and district staff drawn from 1,200 public elementary, middle, and high schools to provide data on student enrollment in various instructional modes, as well as other indicators such as strategies to address pandemic-related learning needs; safe and healthy school mitigation strategies; mental health and special education services; and information on staffing.

"The IES School Pulse Panel survey will be a wealth of timely, credible information focused on school reopening efforts as reported directly by school and district staff working in American schools and school systems," said Chris Chapman, NCES associate commissioner for sample surveys, the division responsible for the upcoming study. "We will report key findings from the panel each month to inform federal and state response and recovery planning as the country grapples with the long-term effects of the pandemic."

KEY FINDINGS

Other findings from the survey include:

In May, nearly all98 percentpublic schools with a grade 4 or 8 were open for some form of in-person instruction (hybrid or full-time in-person) to at least some studentsup 2 percentage points since April, and 21 points from January, when 77 percent of public schools offered some form of in-person instruction.

Sixty-three percent of public schools were open for full-time in-person instruction to all studentsup 4 points since April, and 16 points from January, when 46 percent of public schools offered full-time in-person instruction to all students.

Only two percent of schools offered no in-person instruction (were full-time remote only)down 2 points since April, and 21 points from January, when 23 percent of public schools offered only remote instruction.

There were regional variations in the availability of full-time in-person instruction. Schools in the West offered full-time in-person instruction to fourth- and eighth-graders at a lower rate than schools in the other regions, with 37 percent of schools in the West offering in-person instruction compared to 58 percent of schools in the Northeast, 72 percent of schools in the Midwest, and 75 of schools in the South.

Seventy-three percent of public school fourth- and eighth-graders were enrolled in some form of in-person instruction (hybrid or full-time in-person) in Mayup 2 points since April, and 21 points from January, when 51 percent of fourth- and eighth-graders were enrolled in some form of in-person instruction.

Forty-nine percent of students were enrolled full-time in-personup 3 points since April and 16 points from January, when 33 percent of fourth- and eighth-graders were enrolled full-time in-person.

Twenty-seven percent of students were enrolled in full-time remote learningdown 2 points since April and 19 points from January, when 46 percent of students were enrolled in full-time remote learning.

Twenty-four percent of fourth-graders and 30 percent of eighth-graders were enrolled in full-time remote learning.



For fourth-graders, the percentage of students enrolled in full-time remote learning declined 1 point from April, when 26 percent of fourth-graders were enrolled in full-time remote learning, and 19 points from January, when 43 percent of fourth-graders were enrolled in full-time remote learning.



For eighth-graders, the percentage of students enrolled in full-time remote learning declined 3 points from April, when 30 percent of eighth-graders were enrolled in full-time remote learning, and 18 points from January, when 48 percent of eighth-graders were enrolled in full-time remote learning.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is the independent and nonpartisan statistics, research, and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Education. Its mission is to provide scientific evidence on which to ground education practice and policy and to share this information in formats that are useful and accessible to educators, parents, policymakers, researchers, and the public.

The National Center for Education Statistics, a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, is the statistical center of the U.S. Department of Education and the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S. and other nations. NCES, located within IES, fulfills a congressional mandate to collect, collate, analyze, and report complete statistics on the condition of American education; conduct and publish reports; and review and report on education activities internationally.

CONTACT:

Beth Greene, Institute of Education Sciences, [email protected]

SOURCE National Center for Education Statistics
NOIDA, India, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive overview of the neuromodulation devices market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The neuromodulation devices 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 neuromodulation devices market. The neuromodulation 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 neuromodulation devices market at the global and regional levels. Neuromodulation devices market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2021-2027 to exceed US$ 11.7 billion by 2027.

Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://bit.ly/3hpjj4C

Market Overview

Even during the pandemic demand for neurostimulation devices have witnessed growth as respiratory stimulations like vagus nerve stimulations have a chance to be a valuable treatment for the respiratory disease that has caused the pandemic. 20.4% adults were suffering from chronic pain in the United States in 2019, and 7.4% of them had chronic pain that effected their daily lifestyle. Neuromodulators are promising long term pain management for chronic conditions. By dosing patients with different amplitudes, pulse forms and frequencies of electrical currents, neuromodulators can be beneficial for all kinds of chronic pains. Additionally, unlike side effects from painkiller drugs, neuromodulation is reversible and typically harmless to the nervous system. All these features are increasing the popularity of the neuromodulation device market and successful clinical trials are also boosting people's confidence. Taking all these factors into account, the market is estimated to grow at its highest during the forecasted period.

COVID-19 Impact

The neuromodulation devices market is expected to grow after the COVID-19 outbreak as the pandemic is causing a rise in chronic diseases like spinal problem, epilepsy, depression etc. within the population. Even though the market was predicted to grow even before the covid pandemic, this pandemic has only helped the neuromodulation devices market to grow. The vagus nerve stimulation is one of the highest used application to treat covid related respiratory problems. According to a report by Narayana Health 14% of all Covid infected patients will have pneumonia (an inflammation due to infection in one or both lung's air sacs). This treatment involves delivering electrical pulses to the vagus nerve to cure the acute respiratory disease. Due to this there is a huge rise in investments in both private and public hospitals for neurology applications to help treat the illness.

Ask for Price & Discounts @ https://bit.ly/3hpjj4C

Neuromodulation devices market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated.

By Technology, the market is primarily segmented into

Spinal Cord Stimulators

Deep Brain Stimulators

Sacral Nerve Stimulators

Vagus Nerve Stimulators

Transcranial magnetic Stimulators

Others

The spinal cord stimulators 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 Application, the market is primarily segmented into

Pain Management

Hearing Loss

Depression

Parkinson's Disease

Epilepsy

Others

Amongst application, the pain management segment of the neuromodulation 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.

Neurostimulation Devices Market Geographical Segmentation Includes:

North America (US, Canada , and Rest of North America )

(US, , and Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , France , Italy , Spain , UK and Rest of Europe )

( , , , , UK and Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Australia , and Rest of APAC)

( , , , , and Rest of APAC) Rest of World

Based on the estimation, the North America region dominated the neurostimulation devices market with almost XX% revenue share in 2020. North America also sae the highest CAGR of XX% in the forecast period due to the lifestyle choices and increase in neurological diseases in the region.

Ask for Report Customization @ https://bit.ly/3hpjj4C

The major players targeting the market includes

Abbott Laboratories

Boston Scientific Corporation

Medtronic PLC

Nevro Corporation

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

Neurosigma Inc.

Neuronetics Inc.

LivaNova PLC

Nuvectra

Cyberonics

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 neuromodulation 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 neuromodulation devices market?

Which factors are influencing the neuromodulation devices market over the forecast period?

What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the neuromodulation devices market?

Which factors are propelling and restraining the neuromodulation devices market?

What are the demanding global regions of the neuromodulation devices 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 [email protected] https://bit.ly/3hpjj4C

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
LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- California is going through the worst drought in the last 1,200 years. Unfortunately, the drought will only worsen as the largest Californian reservoir, Shasta Lake, fell to half of its typical levels in June 2021. The state is fighting a losing battle with this brutally persistent dry period unless its residents step in and save water. This is where the HDC water treatment device, HydroHeat, can help Californians reduce water loss from their pools by a whopping 70% with its patented and lab-tested technology.

HydroHeat Pristine pool using HydroHeat

There are over 1.18 million residential pools in California, the addition of commercial pools, spas, and fish ponds further increases this count. An average pool evaporates by a half to 2 inches every week, resulting in 1625 gallons of water loss every month. The experts at HDC Products USA targeted a severe problem and produced a straightforward solution; reducing water evaporation from pools by utilizing hydrodynamic cavitation. The device was certified by IAPMO on 2nd June 2021 to effectively cut water loss by 70%, which can quickly save California billions of gallons of water a month.

That means 15.87 billion gallons of water can be conserved every year!

The best part of using HDC is that it doesn't just conserve water; it reduces the need for chlorine by 41% and Chloramines by 36%, saving homeowners and pool builders the cost of water and chlorine. Furthermore, its filtering capabilities significantly reduce pathogens, carcinogens, bacteria, human bodily fluids, and parasites in the water. All of this leads to a safer and healthier swimming environment.

MSRP is $1,995.00. Our Summer Special is $1,495.00, a $500 savings. FREE shipping in all 50 states, with a 3-week delivery time.

To order the product, receive a quote or ask questions, please call HDC Products USA toll-free number (855) 602-5800 or visit their website https://www.hdcproductsusa.com.

Media Contact:

Name: Scott Jack

Company Name: HDC Products USA

Email: [email protected]

Contact No: (855) 602-5800

Address: 3200 Airport Avenue #2, Santa Monica, California 90405, United States

Website: https://www.hdcproductsusa.com

SOURCE HDC Products USA

Related Links

http://www.hdcproductsusa.com


SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union has launched a school backpack drive to benefit local elementary and middle school students in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego.

Through July 23rd, North Island Credit Union invites community members to make a difference in a student's life by dropping off a school backpack to any branch location in San Diego County. Donated backpacks should be new and appropriate for elementary/middle school students. The credit union will fill all donated backpacks with essential school supplies. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego will distribute the stuffed backpacks to students in need on July 30th, in time for the fall school year. A complete list of North Island Credit Union locations is available here.

"We encourage everyone to pick up an extra backpack while doing your back-to-school shopping and bring it to one of our branches to help us give San Diego students the tools they need to succeed in school," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "Starting the school year with a new backpack filled with supplies is a rite of passage that many families in our community are challenged to provide. Together, we can make sure every child is prepared for a successful school year ahead."

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego changes lives through quality youth programs and guidance in a safe, affordable and fun environment. The Clubs serve kids ages 5-18 at 20 community-based sites countywide, making a difference in the lives of San Diego's future leaders  today's youth. Through its Back 2 School Drive, its members receive all the basic necessities to start the school year off right.

More information about North Island Credit Union's School Backpack Drive in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego can be found here.

About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of over $4 billion, California Credit Union has 25 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu .

SOURCE North Island Credit Union
LONDON, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Orchard Global, a leading alternative assets manager, today announced that Rachit Prasad is joining as a Portfolio Manager focused on advancing the firm's strategies in the collateralized loan obligation (CLO) space.

Mr. Prasad comes to Orchard Global from Deutsche Bank, where he served as a Director on the highly regarded European ABS research desk covering leveraged loan CLOs and residential mortgage-backed securities. Having helped to develop and establish the bank's research product for CLOs, his analysis of CLO 2.0 equity performance as well as pandemic-focused insights on ratings risk and default performance have been sought after by investors.

"In both current and prior roles, our leadership team at Orchard Global has been instrumental in establishing the modern CLO market, and we are proud of our firm's strong CLO track record going back over 15 years," said John R. Young, Chief Investment Officer. "As we look to continue to leverage recent regulatory changes and advantageous shifts in the CLO landscape to provide superior risk-reward for our clients, we're confident that Rachit will bring the same deep expertise that clients and the broader investment community have come to rely on."

"Orchard has built a distinctive approach to identifying and capturing opportunities in the CLO market as well as offering strategic risk retention solutions to global CLO managers," said Mr. Prasad. "I look forward to joining their first-rate structured credit team to advance these efforts and continue to deliver for our clients."

Mr. Prasad will be joining Orchard Global's structured credit team in London overseen by Shawn Cooper, who was formerly a Portfolio Manager at Brevan Howard and head of structured credit trading for Deutsche Bank.

SOURCE Orchard Global
Finalists exemplify creative excellence and breakthroughs in pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing within the industry Tweet this

Selected by an exceptional jury, comprising the most respected and experienced health care professionals across the United States, the finalists exemplify the best creative excellence and breakthroughs in pharmaceutical and health care marketing and communications within the industry.

The 2021 finalists are as follows:

Aesthetics/Dermatology

CDMP  Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.

Fingerpaint  Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd.

Cardiovascular

Nexus Pharmaceuticals

PAC Media Group/Pangaea Creative House  Amarin Pharma

Devices

Fingerpaint  AngioDynamics

Propeller  Ethicon, Inc.

Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness  SOLO

Direct-to-Consumer  FDA-Regulated

Fingerpaint  Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd.

Tikkun Olam Makers: TOM  Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness

Direct-to-Consumer  Unregulated

Hearts & Science  Amgen Inc.

Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness  Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Truth Serum NTWK  Athenex, Inc.

Direct-to-Patient  FDA-Regulated

CultHealth  Novo Nordisk Inc.

Direct-to-Patient  Unregulated

Fingerpaint  Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd.

Medscape Education  Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. , Inc. and Lundbeck

, Inc. and Lundbeck PAC Media Group/Pangaea Creative House  RB Health

AC Media Group/Pangaea Creative House  Amarin Corporation

Hematology

CDMP  Bristol Myers Squibb

Centron  Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Tim Peters and Company, Inc.  Bio Products Laboratory U.S.A. , Inc.

Immunology

Syneos Health  ADMA Biologics, Inc.

Tim Peters and Company, Inc.  Bio Products Laboratory U.S.A. , Inc.

and Company, Inc.  Bio Products Laboratory , Inc. Zantzoo  Pharming Group NV

Metabolic

Fingerpaint  DSM

H4B Chelsea  Vifor Pharma, Inc.

Oncology  FDA-Regulated

Biolumina  Pfizer

Brick City Greenhouse  Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Splice Agency  Puma Biotechnology

Oncology  Unregulated

Biolumina  AstraZeneca

Truth Serum NTWK  Athenex, Inc.

Ophthalmology

Elevate Healthcare Marketing  Eyevance Pharmaceuticals

RevHealth LLC  Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

QBFox Healthcomm  Kala Pharmaceuticals

Rare Disease  FDA-Regulated

CrowdPharm  Zogenix, Inc.

CultHealth  PTC Therapeutics

Synchrony Healthcare Communications, Inc  Harmony Biosciences

Rare Disease  Unregulated

Centron  Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Reservoir Communications Group  Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Synchrony Healthcare Communications, Inc  Harmony Biosciences

Syneos Healthcare Communications, Inc  ADMA Biologics, Inc.

Respiratory

Cadent Medical Communications  ADMA Biologics, Inc.

GLOW Interactive  Covis Pharma US

Glue Advertising  ATS: American Thoracic Society and CHEST: American College of Chest Physicians

Surgery  FDA-Regulated

Fingerpaint  AngioDynamics

Fingerpaint  Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Nexus Pharmaceuticals

Women's Health  FDA-Regulated

H4B Chelsea  Reckitt Havas Health & You

H4B Chelsea  TherapeuticsMD, Inc.

LevLane  Agile Therapeutics

Splice Agency  Avion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Women's Health  Unregulated

Hearts & Science  Amgen Inc.

Truth Serum NTWK  Athenex Inc.

The 2021 Pharmaceutical Executive APEX Award gold winners for each of the 19 specialized categories will be announced on September 9, 2021, in New York City.

For the full list of categories and finalists, click here.

About Pharmaceutical Executive

Pharmaceutical Executive is a multimedia platform that offers news, opinion, analysis, features and executive profiles. The magazine and its website serve as a forum for industry leaders to exchange views, experiences and insights about innovative business and marketing ideas, strategies and tactics. Pharmaceutical Executive 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.

Pharmaceutical Executive Media Contact

Alyssa Scarpaci, 609-250-4356

[email protected]

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Executive

Related Links

https://www.pharmexec.com


BALTIMORE, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Baltimore based company Pinpoint, which provides software solutions to keep communities safe, announces a partnership with the Carroll County Health Department to provide residents vaccinated for Covid-19 a free and secure digital version of their vaccination card. The VaccineCheck Program evolved out of the collaborative partnership and vision for technology solutions aimed at community safety and wellness with Maryland's local health departments.

VaccineCheck LLC VaccineCheck LLC

"VaccineCheck gives people an easy, convenient way to access their CDC vaccine card," said Amanda Haugh, Administrative Program Manager at the Carroll County Health Department, who helped bring the program to Carroll County. "People call us every day to say they lost or damaged their paper card, and this is a great alternative. The Health Department has worked hard to make COVID-19 vaccinations easy and accessible, so we are happy to be able to offer this program to make it easy for people to get a digital version of their vaccination cards as well."

The VaccineCheck multi-factor verification program using blockchain technology that enables residents to verify their immunization records through the Maryland vaccine registry. After the records have been verified, residents can save a digital copy of their vaccine card using the online platform and accessible through a smartphone. Carroll County residents can also use the program to upload a copy of their paper vaccine card for safekeeping on our HIPAA-compliant platform. The digital vaccine cards are available to residents of Carroll County, anyone who was vaccinated in Carroll County and any residents that have been vaccinated in other jurisdictions especially bordering states.

"We are extremely excited about working with the Local Health Departments throughout Maryland. By offering free digital vaccine cards, we are giving vaccinated Maryland residents a safe, convenient, and accessible way to digitally store their vaccination cards," says Chris Nickerson, VaccineCheck Managing Partner. "The ongoing dedication to the community and responsiveness of the Local Health Departments in Maryland have really put them out in front of any state-wide operated program in the country," adds Nickerson.

The VaccineCheck Program is available in many states across the country. The Carroll County Health Department does not require that residents get vaccinated or verify their vaccine status. Still, the program offers a safe and easy solution for those who want another way to keep their vaccination cards on a secure digital platform.

For more information about the VaccineCheck program, visit VaccineCheck, LLC at https://VaccineCheck.us

About VaccineCheck.

VaccineCheck is the industry leader in innovative solutions for digital health card issuance, management & verification. The Verified Digital Vaccine Card powered by VaccineCheck enables individuals to present a verified digital vaccination card without ever losing control of their medical information. It can be shown at any venue, scanned using any connected device to show proof of vaccination. VaccineCheck creates a personalized digital version of a CDC vaccine card after verifying an individual's COVID-19 vaccine history through immunization registries. Data uploads and verification of vaccine history are conducted using a HIPAA-compliant platform. Learn more at https://vaccinecheck.us/

Media contact:

Abigail Chandler

[email protected]

888-750-2247

SOURCE VaccineCheck LLC
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Public support for real estate development grew significantly during the pandemic, according to a survey by coUrbanize , a technology company that powers community engagement in development and planning.

The survey , the second in what will become an annual series, revealed notable shifts in sentiment between March of 2020 (the onset of the pandemic) and May/June of 2021 (the pandemic's decline). Most of the shifts favored development, although many respondents raised concerns about overcrowding and affordable housing, even while decrying a lack of housing affordability.

Below are select highlights from the survey report, which is available for download here :

Development viewpoints and priorities

58% of the 2021 respondents identified themselves as "pro-real estate development," compared to 49% in the 2020 survey.

Respondents who described their community as "urban" or "diverse" were more likely to support development (nearly 62% in both cases).

Only 40% of respondents supported added density through new apartments or taller buildings, although that percentage rose to 54% among the respondents who identified themselves as "pro-development."

Affordable housing

Many more respondents identified affordable housing as a benefit of real estate development in this year's survey, bringing it from the fifth-most named benefit in 2020 (at 32%) to the second-most named benefit (at 46%). The most commonly named benefit in both surveys was economic growth, selected by nearly 58% of 2021 respondents and nearly 48% of 2020 respondents.

Support for affordable housing varied according to its beneficiaries. Respondents were most welcoming of affordable housing for veterans in their neighborhood (nearly 71%) followed by senior citizens (nearly 70%). "Low-income housing" was far less popular, welcomed by only 52% of respondents. Meanwhile, only 38% characterized their community as affordable.

The limited success of virtual public meetings

More than 60% of respondents agreed that virtual community meetings are more convenient than traditional, in-person meetings, and 57.17% said the virtual format would make them more likely to attend. But despite this, only 36.22% of respondents have attended a virtual community meeting since the start of the pandemic.

87% of respondents said they'd prefer to offer their feedback about development projects without having to attend a public meeting, whether virtual or in-person.

When respondents were asked about where they obtain information about community developments in their neighborhood, the most selected response (over 30%) was social media.

"Like so many things, people's feelings about development clearly changed during the pandemic, and I view many of these changes as positive," says Karin Brandt, CEO and founder of coUrbanize. "For example, more respondents recognize the economic impact and improved quality of life that development can bring to a neighborhood when done thoughtfully."

She continues: "Despite the general positivity, however, the survey shows that NIMBYism around affordable housing and density exist even among proponents of developments, and indicates that public meetings are not the best way to address these concerns. I recommend that developers explore less-traditional methods of educating local communities while allaying concerns about issues like overcrowding and traffic. Technology empowers more people than ever before to participate in the process. The greater the participation, the greater the benefits to developers, municipalities, and the communities they serve."

Methodology



This year's survey, which was conducted over a two-week period in May and June, garnered 1,087 responses from U.S. residents across a wide range of demographic categories. The previous survey took place during a two-week period in early March of 2020 and garnered 1,073 responses.

About coUrbanize



coUrbanize gives people a way to share their feedback and have a voice in a development or public planning process without having to go to a meeting - by simply posting a comment online or texting in their ideas - and having a two-way dialogue with the project team. More than 400 development and real estate teams have used coUrbanize to scale public outreach in a more inclusive way, have more productive conversations with the community, and ultimately build critical support for their projects. For more information, please visit www.courbanize.com .

Media Contact



Rachel Antman

Saygency

212-362-5837

[email protected]

SOURCE coUrbanize, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.courbanize.com


SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Realty Income Corporation (Realty Income,NYSE: O), The Monthly Dividend Company, today announced the pricing of its debut green bond offering, a public offering of 400 million of 1.125% senior unsecured notes due July 13, 2027 (the "2027 Notes") and 350 million of 1.750% senior unsecured notes due July 13, 2033 (the "2033 Notes"). The public offering price for the 2027 Notes was 99.305% of the principal amount for an effective semi-annual yield to maturity of 1.242% and the public offering price for the 2033 Notes was 99.842% of the principal amount for an effective semi-annual yield to maturity of 1.757%. Combined, the new issues of the 2027 Notes and the 2033 Notes have a weighted average term of approximately 8.8 years and a weighted average effective semi-annual yield to maturity of approximately 1.48%.

The Company intends to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from this offering to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, new or existing eligible green projects in the categories outlined in the Company's green financing framework, which is designed to align with the International Capital Markets Association (the "ICMA") Green Bond Principles 2021. Pending the allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering of the notes to eligible green projects, the Company may temporarily use all or a portion of the net proceeds to repay any outstanding indebtedness or for liability management activities, or invest such net proceeds in accordance with its cash investment policy. As of July 7, 2021, Realty Income had identified approximately 300 million of potential eligible green projects.

This offering is expected to close on July 13, 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The active joint book-running managers for the offering are Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Barclays, Citigroup, Credit Suisse and Wells Fargo Securities.

MiFID II and UK MiFIR  professionals/ECPs-only / No PRIIPs or UK PRIIPs KID  Manufacturer target market (MiFID II and UK MiFIR product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No PRIIPs or UK PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as not available to retail in EEA or UK.

A copy of the prospectus supplement and prospectus, when available, related to this offering may be obtained by contacting: Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by telephone at (866) 471-2526 or by email at [email protected]; BofA Securities, 200 North College Street, 3rd Floor, NC1-004-03-43, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, by telephone at (800) 294-1322 or by email at [email protected]; Barclays, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at (888) 603-5847 or by email at [email protected]; Citigroup, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at (800) 831-9146 or by email at [email protected]; Credit Suisse, Attention: Prospectus Department, 6933 Louis Stephens Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560, by telephone at (800) 221-1037 or by email at [email protected]; or Wells Fargo Securities, 608 2nd Avenue South, Suite 1000, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention: WFS Customer Service, by telephone at (800) 645-3751 or by email at [email protected].

These securities are offered pursuant to a Registration Statement that has become effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities are only offered by means of the prospectus included in the Registration Statement and the prospectus supplement related to the offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, the offer, solicitation, or sale of these securities would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause the company's actual future results to differ materially from expected results. These risks include, among others, general economic conditions, domestic and foreign real estate conditions, client financial health, the availability of capital to finance planned growth, volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets and broader financial markets, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, property acquisitions and the timing of these acquisitions, the structure, timing and completion of the announced mergers between us and VEREIT, Inc., if consummated, and any effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the announced mergers, including the anticipated benefits therefrom, charges for property impairments, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to limit its impact, or the effects of other pandemics or global outbreaks of contagious diseases or fear of such outbreaks, on the company's clients' ability to adequately manage their properties and fulfill their respective lease obligations to the company, and the outcome of any legal proceedings to which the company is a party, as described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as reflections of the company's current operating plans and estimates. Actual operating results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in this press release. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date these statements were made.

SOURCE Realty Income Corporation

Related Links

http://www.realtyincome.com


LAS VEGAS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Realty ONE Group, a modern, purpose-driven lifestyle brand and ONE Of the fastest growing franchisors today, is reporting outstanding growth in the first half of 2021 with sales volume up nearly 100% over last year and new offices opening at a record pace, up nearly 200% in the second quarter of the year alone.

"We've invested significantly in ensuring we can sign new offices. opening them quickly and efficiently to jumpstart our Broker/Owners and our Realty ONE Group real estate pros' success," said Kuba Jewgieniew , CEO and Founder of Realty ONE Group. "And it's their success that keeps the industry talking and fuels our substantial growth, feeds our COOLTURE and open new doors for so many people within Realty ONE Group and in communities globally."

The UNBrokerage, as it's known in the industry, also reports transaction count up 61% in Q2 (54% YOY), and new real estate professionals added up 25% year over year with 3,336 joining Realty ONE Group this year. The company has also sold 46 new franchises this year, announcing in the last few months that it will also launch in Singapore and Spain.

"More than just the numbers, it's that we continue to find the right business partners who believe in our business model, brand and COOLTURE and together, we're only strengthening our global network," said Vinnie Tracey, Realty ONE Group's President.

The UNBrokerage has more than 16,000 real estate professionals in more than 300 offices in 45 states, Washington D.C. and Canada and just announced it has sold the franchise rights to Singapore and Spain. As a sign of its appeal and record growth, the company was named a Top 50 Franchise for Women by Franchise Business Review and was once again named the No. 1 Fastest Growing 100%-Commission company on Entrepreneur's Fastest Growing Worldwide Franchise list of 2021.

Learn more at www.OwnAOne.com .

About Realty ONE Group

Founded in 2005, Realty ONE Group is an industry disruptor, radically changing the face of real estate franchising with its unique business model, fun coolture, technology infrastructure and superior support for its real estate professionals. The company has rapidly evolved to include more than 16,000 real estate professionals in over 300+ offices across 45 U.S. states, Washington D.C. and Canada. Realty ONE Group ranks in the top one percent in the nation by REAL Trends, has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top 5 Real Estate Franchise and has been on Inc. 500's list of the Fastest-Growing Companies for seven consecutive years. Realty ONE Group is surging ahead, opening doors, not only for its clients but for real estate professionals and franchise owners. To learn more, visit www.RealtyONEGroup.com.

SOURCE Realty ONE Group

Related Links

http://www.RealtyONEGroup.com


"Retailers are responding to competitive market threats with strong demand for Replenium's shopper auto-replenishment platform," stated Jeff Williams, Head of Commercial for Replenium. "Marcia's retail and CPG expertise will enable her to build key relationships across CPG manufacturers and define industry-leading strategies to best pair auto-replenishment with brands' changing customer needs."

Prior to joining Replenium, Webb was Vice President of Retail Intelligence (National Accounts) for NielsenIQ, where she helped hundreds of clients develop a deeper understanding of their strategic opportunities in the market through merchandising and media strategies utilizing data and analytics. During her 25 years with Nielsen, Webb supported both established and emerging channels of retail growth. Before NielsenIQ, she worked in category management leadership for Kraft-General Foods.

"We are excited to welcome Marcia to our growing commercial team under Jeff's leadership," stated Tom Furphy, CEO of Replenium. "As shoppers turn to auto-replenishment to service more of their routine shopping needs, she will provide important support for brands and retailers to build programs to collaborate more deeply, improve customer service, drive higher sales and increase profitability. In today's increasingly competitive retail space, the timing could not be better."

About Replenium

Replenium is the world's most powerful, flexible, and intelligent product auto-replenishment platform that enables any retailer or brand to harness the power of frictionless shopping. Shoppers, who are comforted knowing they will never run out of the products they need, discover products through a machine-learning engine and schedule product replenishments based on recommended and historical usage. They can easily manage preferences, set schedules, manage IoT demand signals, skip orders, update payment options and more. Participating brands enjoy locked-in product loyalty with improved marketing ROI. Retailers benefit from larger baskets, higher customer retention and frequency, and vastly improved ecommerce economics. Replenium's leadership team led large scale businesses at Amazon and the creation of several shopping innovations, including Recommendations and Subscribe & Save before founding Replenium in 2015. See www.replenium.com for more information.

SOURCE Replenium

Related Links

replenium.com


SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The yearly Super Lawyers publication for Northern California has been released, and local law firm Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn is proud to announce the inclusion of 5 of its team members. While any lawyer can be nominated for the award, only 5% of practicing lawyers in any given region are honored each year. This year's listees include Bay Area attorneys:

John M. Feder

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff



Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff



Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff

Timothy G. Tietjen

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff



Professional Liability: Plaintiff



Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff

Cynthia McGuinn

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff



Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff



Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff

June P. Bashant

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff



Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff



Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff

Robert Igleheart

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff

Super Lawyers publishes annually, and listees are re-evaluated each year to ensure they meet the organization's high standards. Despite that, Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn has a long-standing presence in the Northern California list: Attorney McGuinn has been listed every year since 2005, and Attorneys Feder and Tietjen every year since 2006.

All Super Lawyers awardees are evaluated in a 3-step process that looks at a dozen indicators of professional quality, including verdicts and settlements, pro bono and community service, bar activity, peer evaluations, and more. After all, being an outstanding attorney is not just about winning in court; it is about providing excellent client service, going above and beyond to serve your community, and sharing your knowledge with the next generation.

This year's Super Lawyers listees from Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are honored to see their efforts appreciated and recognized. However, they believe the reward of seeing a client's life change for the better outstrips any professional recognitions or honors one can earn.

Since its founding in 1980, Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn has built a national reputation for its tough advocacy and personalized services. The firm has secured over $500 million for its clients, including multiple 9-figure verdicts and settlements. Operating out of the Bay Area, the lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn have held national corporations and businesses accountable for negligently harming the general public. To schedule a free consultation, visit the firm online at rftmlaw.com. To learn more about Super Lawyers, go to superlawyers.com.

SOURCE Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn

Related Links

https://www.rftmlaw.com


In the fall of 2021, Rritual will be introducing two new superfood latte powder mixes to promote skin-deep beauty and to boost energy & cognitive performance.* Rritual's plant-based formulation, deploying Tremella, allows the skin to retain moisture and enhance collagen fibers to keep skin healthy and supple  beauty from within.

NEW Superfood "Remodel" Latte Blend Highlights:

Flavor  Blushing Rose Chai

Product Description - A hot mushroom latte powder mix formulated with tremella, or snow mushroom extract, reishi and an array of botanicals and berries known to promote healthy and hydrated skin, nails, and hair*

Key Active Ingredient - Tremella fuciformis fruiting body extract 1200 mg, an antioxidant-rich mushroom known to help maintain levels collagen which helps to keep skin hydrated, toned and youthful*

"At Rritual we are driven to create innovative plant-based health solutions that are not only pure and effective, but can easily fit into people's lifestyle and routines," says Stacey Gilllespie, Rritual's Chief Innovation Officer. "We are excited to develop and deliver a high potency of tremella mushroom with other skin-quenching botanicals and superfoods to create a plant-based beauty latte solution and without the need for animal-derived collagen or dairy products. Not only is this a more sustainable and animal-friendly option, but it also works to promote hydrated, toned and youthful looking skin."

Rritual Latte powders are caffeine-free, low in sugar, and delicious prepared as a nourishing ritual beverage you and your body will love.

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.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease.

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.
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Coronavirus lockdowns, travel restrictions and trade disruptions made for a challenging year, but according to the most recent report from Simba Information, a leader in media and publishing intelligence; these factors did not keep the scientific and technical publishing market from posting underlying growth.

The report Global Scientific & Technical Publishing 2021-2025 found that total sales increased 0.4% to $10.5 billion in 2020. However, currency exchange fluctuations deflated growth. Simba Information estimates growth without the currency impact at 2.8%.

"The findings stand in stark contrast to forecasts of doom and gloom related to COVID-19's impact and the move to open access," said Dan Strempel, senior analyst of professional publishing at Simba Information. "Print books continue to fall, but that spending is migrating to e-books and other types of online content, databases and tools. Research spending and output, in terms of journal articles, both continued to grow."

The number of articles published with funding from 33 key research organizations tracked by Simba Information grew 10.7% to 525,042 articles in 2020, according to information in the Crossref database.

The National Natural Science Foundation of China is the leading funder, backing 268,588 articles in 2020a 9.2% increase from 245,966 in 2019. The U.S. National Institutes of Health is the No. 2 funder of articles with 71,951 in 2020, an 8% increase. The European Commission has a strong hold on the No. 3 position in the index, growing the number of articles funded by 18.6% as the Plan S open access mandate builds momentum. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and Japan's Science and Technology Agency both showed growth in articles funded in excess of 20% in 2020.

There have been more reports of university libraries canceling their journal subscription packages in 2020 and 2021, but most are still subscribing to individual journals based on usage/importance to the researchers and faculty. As individual institutions choose to purchase subscriptions a la carte, their total spend with the large commercial publishers is reduced, but the market leaders are replacing it with the growth of revenue from open access fees. Others are signing transformative agreements, which support the growth of open access.

Pure open access publishers MDPI, PLOS and eLife were also found to be publishing significant numbers of articles backed by the world largest research funding bodies. The European Commission funded 6,304 articles published by MDPI, 13.3% of all articles funded by the EC in 2020. MDPI also has a strong link to the National Research Foundation of Korea, which funded 2,829 articles published by MDPI in 2020  12.3% of all the articles funded by the foundation. PLOS and eLife are strongly linked to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, publishing 1,125 and 944 articles respectively in 2020 that were financially backed by that agency.

Global Scientific & Technical Publishing 2021-2025 provides detailed market information for scientific and technical publishing, segmented by delivery medium: journals, books, online content, abstracting and indexing, and other activities (audio, video and CD-ROM). It analyzes trends impacting the industry and forecasts market growth to 2025. The report includes an in-depth review of 10 leading scientific and technical publishers, including Elsevier, IHS Markit, Springer Nature, Clarivate Analytics, John Wiley & Sons, American Chemical Society and others.

About Simba Information:

Simba Information is widely recognized as the authority for market intelligence in the media and publishing industries. Its extensive information network delivers top quality, independent perspectives on the people, events and alliances shaping the industry. Simba routinely assists clients and the press with publishing and media industry analysis. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Please direct all media inquiries to:

Dan Strempel

[email protected]

SOURCE Simba Information
DAVIS, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Finding Balance in Chaotic and Stressful Circumstances is not easy for anyone. However, according to a public health research study published today in the Scientific Reports , even during the most stressful situations, the Tamarkoz method of meditation is a scientifically sound solution.

Stress is affecting the health and well-being of many Americans, costing America $1 billion a day in medical costs. High stress is correlated with poor sleep quality, depression, anxiety, suicide ideation and heart disease. The American Heart Association projects that by 2035, nearly half of the U.S. population will have some form of heart disease and costs associated with it will skyrocket to $1.1 trillion.

According to the study , the Tamarkoz method significantly decreases high levels of chronic stress and heart rate, while it significantly increases positive emotions (i.e., love, joy, pride, contentment, amusement, awe, compassion), and daily spiritual experiences compared to two control groups with a diverse population. 57% of the study population were atheist or agonist. The practice is not limited to those who declare a religious affiliation.

The study also emphasizes that for well-being to ensue, it's not enough to just reduce negative feelings. But rather it is important to actively work on increasing positive feelings simultaneously. Spiritual-based practices help strengthen positive emotions. Positive emotions help people cope with stress, in that they reduce focus on negative emotions, and thereby reduce the body's physiological response to stress. Furthermore, they induce creativity in problem solving which improves the way people cope during crises.

The Tamarkoz method is defined as the art of self-knowledge through concentration and meditation. It is a 1400-year practice of Sufism and in its current form is unique to M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi, School of Islamic Sufism. Tamarkoz entails deep breathing techniques, mind relaxation, movement balancing meditation, deep relaxation and concentration, guided visualizations, and heart-focused meditation. Currently, it is offered for-credit at University of California, Davis and Berkeley. In addition to available exercises on the Tamarkoz App, Free IG Live Tamarkoz sessions are provided daily in 11 languages.

UC students who have taken Tamarkoz classes for credit have described it as life changing: "I've never felt this much peace within myself, and I believe that everyone would benefit from trying the practice."

For more information, visit https://rdcu.be/cnYwR or www.tamarkozapp.com .

SOURCE MTO Tamarkoz Association

Related Links

https://www.tamarkozapp.com


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of The Charles Schwab Corporation ("Charles Schwab" or the "Company") (NYSE: SCHW). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Charles Schwab 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 July 2, 2021, Charles Schwab disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that the Company "has been responding to an investigation by the [SEC] arising from a compliance examination" and that "[t]he investigation largely concerns historic disclosures related to the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios (SIP) digital advisory solution." Accordingly, Charles Schwab disclosed that "[g]iven the investigation's status, Schwab's second quarter 2021 financial results will include a liability and related non-deductible charge of $200 million."

On this news, Charles Schwab's stock price fell $2.03 per share, or 2.79%, to close at $70.77 per share on July 6, 2021, the next trading day.

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


Why: The latest Back to Office analysis from Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. highlights recent trends in state law requirements related to mask mandates, vaccine passports, and employer liability.

Mask Mandate: As of July 8, 2021 , of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia , and the five U.S. territories, 20 jurisdictions have some form of mask mandate in place, while 36 jurisdictions have no mask mandates, either because no mandate was imposed, or because a mandate was lifted or allowed to expire. Guam plans to remove its mask mandate on July 21 .

As of , of the 50 U.S. states, the , and the five U.S. territories, 20 jurisdictions have some form of mask mandate in place, while 36 jurisdictions have no mask mandates, either because no mandate was imposed, or because a mandate was lifted or allowed to expire. plans to remove its mask mandate on . Vaccine Passport: In addition, as of July 8, 2021 , only three jurisdictionsHawaii, Louisiana , and New Yorkhave implemented a COVID-19 vaccine passport, while 19 jurisdictions have banned all or some proof of vaccination requirements. Nine states have enacted legislation prohibiting proof of vaccination, while the other ten states have banned proof of vaccination through executive order, with most of the prohibitions applying only to government agencies. However, there are broader prohibitions in Texas and Florida , where private businesses are barred from requiring proof of vaccination.

In addition, as of , only three jurisdictionsHawaii, , and New Yorkhave implemented a COVID-19 vaccine passport, while 19 jurisdictions have banned all or some proof of vaccination requirements. Nine states have enacted legislation prohibiting proof of vaccination, while the other ten states have banned proof of vaccination through executive order, with most of the prohibitions applying only to government agencies. However, there are broader prohibitions in and , where private businesses are barred from requiring proof of vaccination. Employer Liability: As of July 2021 , 39 U.S. jurisdictions have enacted legislation or issued an executive order imposing some limitations on liability for COVID-19 transmission. Perhaps the most common feature of these laws is to provide a shield against liability for ordinary negligence and require that a plaintiff show gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Who: Cathleen Calhoun, Legal Analyst; Pamela Wolf, Sr. Legal Analyst

Cathleen Calhoun, J.D., is a health law legal analyst at Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. with areas of expertise in health care compliance, Medicare benefits and coverage, health care reimbursement and more. Cathleen can give insight on the importance of keeping track of state law requirements and ways to keep employees safe, healthy and comfortable when returning back to office.

Pamela Wolf, J.D., is a senior employment legal analyst at Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. who tracks and analyzes employment issues including White House and federal agency developments, federal regulations, court decisions, state and federal legislation, and labor and employment trends. Pamela can discuss the important steps and questions employers should consider when it comes to developing back to office COVID-19 policies and protocols for their employees.

Quote: "Mask mandates are in decline and the trend appears likely to continue." Cathleen Calhoun, Legal Analyst.

"With the increasing spread of the Delta variant, employers should carefully monitor for changes in state and local masking mandates, as these may be tied to potential liability, even in states that have coronavirus liability shields."Pamela Wolf, Sr. Legal Analyst

"As workplaces across the nation continue to reopen, it's very important that employers, especially those with multistate operations, understand state and local laws when developing and implementing COVID-19 policies and protocols, particularly as to vaccination requirements in the employment setting." Pamela Wolf, Sr. Legal Analyst

Contact: To arrange an interview with Cathleen Calhoun or Pamela Wolf on Back to Office trends or other legal experts from Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory, U.S. on this or any other legal related topics please contact Linda Gharib at [email protected] .

About Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the healthcare; tax and accounting; governance, risk and compliance; and legal and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Linda Gharib

Director, Brand & Communications

Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Tel: +1 (646) 887-7962

Email: [email protected]

*Permission for use granted with attribution to Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S., graphic available upon request

SOURCE Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.
OSTERSUND, Sweden , July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to rehabilitate sections of the Pulaski Skyway in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. The contract is worth USD 161M, about SEK 1.4 billion, which will be included in the US order bookings for the second quarter 2021.

The contract includes the rehabilitation of sections of the Pulaski Skyway carrying Routes 1 and 9 in Jersey City, New Jersey, and includes the structural rehabilitation and painting of thirteen spans of the Skyway steel truss and superstructure. The contract also includes bearings replacement and pier reconstruction.

Construction began in June 2021 and is scheduled for completion in December 2026.

Skanska is one of the leading construction- and project development companies in the 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.

For further information please contact:

Brittany Felteau, Communications Director, Skanska USA, tel +1 617 574 14 85

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-rehabilitates-sections-of-the-pulaski-skyway-in-jersey-city--new-jersey---usa--for-usd-161m-,c3381805

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/95/3381805/1442485.pdf 20210708 US Pulaski Skyway

SOURCE Skanska
NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Clean beauty company Soapbox will unveil the world's biggest bottle of soap in Times Square on July 15, 2021, marking the launch of a multi-city tour aimed at raising awareness for the importance of hand hygiene. Soapbox will donate 147,900 personal care products to communities in need during the tour. July 15 is both National Clean Beauty Day and National Give Something Away Day.

Clean beauty company Soapbox will unveil the worlds biggest bottle of soap in Times Square on July 15, 2021. The metal and fiberglass bottle will measure 21 feet tall and weigh 2500 pounds.

The 21-foot tall, 8.5-foot diameter, 2500-pound metal and fiberglass bottle will then travel to 15 other cities: Boston, Mass. (July 16); Manchester, N.H. (July 17); Buffalo, N.Y. (July 18); Chicago, Ill. (July 20); Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. (July 21); Bentonville, Ark. (July 23); Dallas, Texas (July 24); Austin, Texas (July 25); Atlanta, Ga. (July 27); Rockville, Md. (July 29); Virginia Beach, Va. (July 31); Raleigh, N.C. (August 1); Washington, DC (August 2); Philadelphia, Pa. (August 3) and Pittsburgh, Pa. (August 4).

Soapbox, which operates on a buy-one-give-one model  every product sold donates a bar of soap to someone in need  will donate pallets of soap and personal hygiene kits to local charities at every stop, including 144,000 bars of soap and 3,900 hygiene kits to Comfort Cases , an organization dedicated to providing hope and dignity to youth in foster care. During the tour, Soapbox will attempt to earn a world record for the most hygiene products donated within a week. A formal announcement on the world record will be made on July 15.

Retailers Walgreens, Wegmans, Sally Beauty, Hannaford, Hy-Vee, Rite Aid, Giant Food, Giant Eagle, Lowes Food, and H-E-B will welcome the world's biggest bottle of soap at select stores. Shoppers and community members are invited to take photos, enter a raffle for product giveaways, and assist with assembling hygiene kits that will be donated to children in the foster care system within their local community.

"The COVID pandemic has helped highlight the importance of handwashing, but as mask mandates go away, we can't let our guard down," says Soapbox co-founder and CEO David Simnick. "People around the world get sick and die every day because they can't properly wash their hands due to lack of access to soap and water."

"In the U.S., food stamps don't cover personal hygiene products like soap," continues Simnick. "We hope this tour brings attention to that important issue as well."

Simnick was inspired to launch Soapbox in 2010 after an internship with USAID exposed him first-hand to communities lacking soap and clean water. To date, the company has donated more than 22 million bars of soap worldwide.

"We are honored to be a part of this tour," says Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer, whose charity provides backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items to youth entering the foster care system. "Teaching children the importance of handwashing, particularly in under-served communities, can be a lifesaver."

According to the United Nations , handwashing with soap is one of the most effective barriers to the spread of diseases. Around 297,000 children under five  more than 800 every day  die annually from diseases due to poor hygiene, poor sanitation, or unsafe drinking water.

About Soapbox

Washington, DC-based Soapbox was founded in 2010 with a mission to empower consumers to change the world through everyday, quality purchases. For each thoughtfully crafted Soapbox product that is purchased, the company donates a bar of soap to someone in need, either in the United States or abroad. The company has donated more than 22 million bars of soap to date. Soapbox's naturally-derived personal care line includes hair color-safe shampoos and conditioners, hair oils, scalp treatments, nourishing body washes, liquid and foaming hand soap, lotions, bar soaps, body scrubs, bath bombs, and hand sanitizers. All products are vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and silicone-free. Soapbox products are made in the USA and sold in stores like Sally Beauty, Rite Aid, Wegmans, Walgreens, and many other chain stores across the United States, as well as online on Amazon, Boxed.com, and Grove.co. For more information, visit soapboxsoaps.com.

About Comfort Cases

Comfort Cases is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Rockville, Md. Rob and Reece Scheer established the charity in October 2013 on a mission to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to youth entering the foster care system by providing them with backpacks filled with personal items such as toothbrushes, pajamas, soap, shampoo, conditioner, blankets, and other necessities. To date, the charity has distributed more than 100,000 cases to children in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit comfortcases.org .

For interviews and more information please contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Soapbox

Related Links

https://www.soapboxsoaps.com


MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sparx Therapeutics announced a plan to build a 1,200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Yangzhou, China, inching closer to becoming a commercial stage biopharma. Dr. Gui-Dong Zhu, the CEO of Sparx, signed a 20-year lease agreement with the landlord, Yangzhou Economic Zone today.

Sparx is an emerging biotech power best known for its multi-specific antibody and antibody drug conjugate (ADC) discovery platforms. Sparx leverages artificial intelligence to drive its proprietary target mining engine, allowing identification of cellular targets which can best be leveraged for optimal and synergistic biological activity. This sophisticated target discovery platform is combined with an integrated multi-component SAILING antibody optimization system and four cutting-edge ADC technologies to markedly improve the success rate of empowered antibody drug development. "The global pharmaceutical market is growing with strength and empowered antibody discovery is taking the center stage in driving these efforts", said Dr. Zhu. "The current cGMP pilot plant is not able to meet our development needs and the planned facilities, with a total bioreactor capacity of 80,000-liters, will provide sufficient quantities of drug substances and drug products to support preclinical and clinical development and ultimately commercial launch"

Located east of Shanghai, Sparx's Yangzhou manufacturing site plans to build a 400,000-square-foot cGMP cleanroom on a 10-acre parcel of land. The total bioreactor capacity of 80,000-liters in separate cleanroom suites is able to support the manufacturing needs of 5 commercial products in parallel and the CMC needs for more than 12 programs in clinical trials at various stages of development. The facility is projected to be in operation by the end of 2022.

About Sparx Therapeutics, Inc.

Sparx Therapeutics is an integrated biopharmaceutical company based in Chicago. Since its incorporation in 2018, Sparx has built a sophisticated multi-specific antibody drug discovery platform and identified 6 IND-ready drug candidates. The SMARTOP and LEMMA technologies allow the expedite discovery of multi-functional biologics with favorable drug-like properties. An AI-based target identification algorithm feeds a constant stream of novel targets and target counterparts. Sparx also constructed in-house GMP facilities in both Chicago and China to produce clinical and commercial drug substances. For further information, please visit www.sparxbio.com.

SOURCE Sparx Therapeutics
ORLANDO, Fla., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida's Hometown Airline is leading the Orlando International Airport's resurgence with newly-announced plans to offer more than 80 departures per day at MCO by the end of 2021. Today South Florida-based Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) unveiled the largest schedule it has ever operated from Orlando, including new flights to destinations stretching from New Hampshire to the Dominican Republic along with reinstating the balance of its international operation.

Photos and video available HERE

Spirit confirmed plans to restore pre-pandemic flights to Cartagena, Colombia (CTG); Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA); Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ); Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP) and San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL) while increasing San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) to daily service. The airline's full reinstatement of its international schedule comes on the heels of a complete reactivation of its domestic network from MCO that was finished in time for the summer travel season. New domestic options include Louisville (SDF); Manchester, N.H. (MHT); Miami (MIA); Milwaukee (MKE) and St. Louis (STL).

Spirit Airlines New & Resumed Service at MCO: Destination: Flights Available: Effective: Cancun (CUN) NEW Daily Immediately Louisville (SDF) NEW Daily Immediately Milwaukee (MKE) NEW Daily Immediately Punta Cana (PUJ) NEW 3x per week Immediately Santo Domingo (SDQ) NEW 4x per week Immediately St. Louis (STL) NEW Daily Immediately Manchester, NH (MHT) NEW Daily Oct. 7, 2021 Miami (MIA) NEW Daily Nov. 17, 2021 Cartagena (CTG) RESUMING 2-3x per week Sep. 10, 2021 Guatemala City (GUA) RESUMING 4x per week Sep. 9, 2021 Montego Bay (MBJ) RESUMING 3x per week Sep. 9, 2021 Port-au-Prince (PAP)* RESUMING 3x per week Nov. 18. 2021 San Salvador (SAL) RESUMING 3x per week Nov. 19, 2021 San Jose, CR (SJO) MORE FLIGHTS Increases to daily Nov. 17, 2021

Altogether, Spirit Guests will have roughly 20 additional flights and 10 new destinations to choose from each day compared to two years ago. The airline's Orlando operations will be 45 percent larger than they were at the end of 2019 once the new routes and resumptions come online.

"Florida's Hometown Airline continues to invest at Orlando International Airport by offering daily flights to new domestic and international destinations," said Spirit Airlines Vice President of Network Planning John Kirby. "With over 80 flights each day to more than 50 cities, Spirit Airlines provides our Central Florida Guests even more nonstop options including 16 popular vacation destinations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean."

Spirit's Investment in Orlando

Spirit's growth at Orlando International makes it the airport's largest international airline and second largest airline overall, which means more jobs at the airport and behind the scenes.

Last month the airline opened its second Operations Control Center (OCC), which brings another 75 positions to Orlando and joins an existing South Florida facility that manages the flow of planes throughout the carrier's network 365 days a year. The Orlando OCC joins Spirit's existing crew base and state-of-the-art inflight training facility at MCO.

and joins an existing facility that manages the flow of planes throughout the carrier's network 365 days a year. The Orlando OCC joins Spirit's existing crew base and state-of-the-art inflight training facility at MCO. This year, 16 new fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo planes will join the airline's Fit Fleet, which is among the youngest in the industry. Next year, Spirit plans to accept another 21 new planes.

Spirit is welcoming Guests back to MCO with a refreshed ticket lobby featuring a bold new look and digital signage to help international and domestic travelers find the right check-in counter quickly. The airline worked with Synect Media to update the space and ensure a smooth journey from curb to gate as it continues to grow in Orlando .

Spirit's Elevated Guest Experience

The Orlando expansion arrives alongside Spirit's continuing commitment to invest in the Guest, which entails a number of initiatives aimed at delivering the best value in the sky.

An all-new cabin interior with ergonomically-designed seats and more usable legroom, featuring the best deal in the sky with our unique Big Front Seat

Fast onboard Wi-Fi that allows Guests to watch content from their favorite streaming services**

Top-tier on-time performance

Spirit's Signature Service

The new Free Spirit loyalty program with the fastest way to earn rewards and status***

Recognition

Spirit continues to garner awards and recognition in 2021. Spirit is one of only three U.S. airlines listed on FORTUNE's 2021 list of World's Most Admired Companies, which measures companies with the strongest reputation within their industries. The carrier is a Gold Stevie Award winner for its groundbreaking self-bag drop system with biometric photo matching, which speeds the check-in process and reduces face-to-face contact. Spirit also earned "Platinum" status in the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) Health Safety initiative powered by SimpliFlying.

Guest Safety

Spirit's commitment to Safe Travels includes enhanced cleaning, advanced air filtration and a health acknowledgement at check-in. Airlines and airports remain subject to federal law requiring Guests to wear an appropriate face covering at airports and on flights. Please visit Spirit's COVID-19 Information Center for more information on safety enhancements.

*PAP is temporarily closed. Guests should check for travel advisories on Spirit.com when planning a trip to Haiti.

**Available on select aircraft. Fleetwide availability estimated in early 2022.

***Based on points earned on published fares (excluding sale fares) and optional services using the Free Spirit Credit Card (the "Card"), and includes status qualifying points earned by spending on Spirit and everyday purchases using the Card.

About Spirit Airlines:

Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose  like bags, seat assignments and refreshments  something we call A La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities. Come save with us at spirit.com .

SOURCE Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.spirit.com


SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kershaw, Cook & Talley is a complex litigation and personal injury practice, nationally recognized for its groundbreaking work on behalf of individuals injured by negligence. The latest of this acclaim comes from Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters company, which has recognized three of the firm's attorneys in its 2021 register for the area of Sacramento:

William A. Kershaw (Super Lawyers 2005-2021)

(Super Lawyers 2005-2021) Class Action/Mass Torts: Plaintiff



Consumer Law



Employment Litigation: Plaintiff



Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff

Stuart C. Talley (Super Lawyers 2015-2021)

(Super Lawyers 2015-2021) Class Action/Mass Torts: Plaintiff



Employment Litigation: Plaintiff



Consumer Law



Elder Law



Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff

Ian J. Barlow (  Rising Stars 2015-2019; Super Lawyers 2020-2021)

( Rising Stars 2015-2019; Super Lawyers 2020-2021) Class Action/Mass Torts: Plaintiff



Consumer Law



Employment & Labor: Employee

No more than 5% of all the nation's practicing attorneys are honored in Super Lawyers every year. To earn a listing, attorneys must be nominated by a third party and pass two rigorous reviews: one by Super Lawyers and one by their top-rated peers. Categories on which attorneys are evaluated include past case results, representative clients, pro bono work, education, work experience, and more.

Super Lawyers designed its patented multiphase selection process to curate a high-quality directory of vetted attorneys for those in need of legal representation. As such, it lists attorneys from more than 70 areas of legal practice, as well as from small, medium, and large firms. Due to its high standards and unbiased nature, Super Lawyers is well respected in the legal community. It is, therefore, a great honor to be repeatedly selected to Super Lawyers.

Attorney William "Bill" Kershaw has been listed in Super Lawyers since 2005, its second edition. As the managing partner of Kershaw, Cook & Talley, he has helped countless clients over his more than 40 years of practice. Attorney Stuart Talley is also a partner at the firm and has been selected to Super Lawyers since 2015. He has confidently guided clients through complex litigation time and again, obtaining the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. The newest firm partner, Attorney Ian Barlow, has been honored by Super Lawyers for a second consecutive year due to his premier skill in advocating for injured clients. He was previously honored with Rising Stars recognition, the Super Lawyers register reserved for early career attorneys, from 2015 to 2019.

Located in Sacramento, Kershaw, Cook & Talley puts clients' needs first. No case is too big or too small for its attorney team. To date, the firm has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for its clients. Visit kctlegal.com to learn more about how Kershaw, Cook & Talley can help you. Find more information about Super Lawyers at superlawyers.com.

SOURCE Kershaw, Cook & Talley
CHICAGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the medical assisting profession, will host its 65th Annual Conference from Sept. 24-27 at the Westin Galleria Houston in Houston, Texas. The conference will provide hundreds of medical assistant professionals from across the country with networking opportunities and educational sessions on the latest in both patient careincluding administrative and clinical topicsand the profession of teaching.

American Association of Medical Assistants

"This year's conference slogan, 'Over the Moon,' can do so much more than express our excitement over celebrating the AAMA's 65 years of dedication to the medical assisting profession," says Debby Houston, CMA (AAMA), CPC, 2019-2021 president of the AAMA. "I think it can serve as inspiration for what each of us can do. Medical assisting is a career growing much faster than average, and our educational sessions will provide those professionals with innovative strategies and updates on the latest in both patient care and clinical topics."

The AAMA Annual Conference will feature numerous sessions including:

CMA (AAMA)  Knowledge Bowl

 Knowledge Bowl Language Matters: Communication Strategies to Help Promote Alcohol-Free Pregnancies

Update on the Latest Chemotherapy Drugs

Cancer Prevention: Screening for Lung and Esophageal Cancer

Microlearning for Professional Development

For a complete list of speakers and sessions, please visit http://www.aama-ntl.org/docs/default-source/conference/conference-registration-brochure.pdf.

Medical assisting is one of the nation's careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)or CMA (AAMA)credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the AAMA.

For more information, please visit www.aama-ntl.org or call the AAMA directly at 800/228-2262.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANTS

The American Association of Medical Assistants, the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the medical assisting profession, was established in 1956 and serves the interests of more than 92,000 medical assisting professionals. The American Association of Medical Assistants provides quality resources and educational opportunities for medical assistants by offering certification, advocacy for quality patient-centered health care, credential acknowledgment and scope-of-practice protection. For more information, visit www.aama-ntl.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Francesca Llanos, Public Relations and Marketing Manager

[email protected]

773/590-5524

Related Images

65th-aama-annual-conference.jpg

65th AAMA Annual Conference

SOURCE American Association of Medical Assistants
NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Paley Center for Media is pleased to announce that the Paley Center Salutes Shark Week will launch on Sunday, July 11 on the Paley Center's website, paleycenter.org, to celebrate the highly anticipated summer television event Shark Week, airing Sunday, July 11 - Sunday, July 18 on Discovery and discovery+. In addition, Shark Week will be streaming all summer on discovery+. The yearly Paley Center tradition and immersive experience, in partnership with Discovery, features an engaging and interactive salute containing expertly curated clips of some of the best moments in Shark Week history. Audiences will enjoy thrilling videos and information about one of nature's most fascinating creatures while being educated, entertained, and inspired by the dynamic content.

"We are incredibly excited to once again team up with Discovery to offer a special look at one of television's longest-running summer franchises," said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center's President & CEO. "This iconic and beloved annual event has not only had an enduring impact on television and popular culture, but has used the lens of TV to inform the public and raise awareness for conservation issues impacting sharks."

Shark Week has evolved from an innovative television programming concept into a powerhouse franchise that involves A-list celebrities. The annual event uses its platform to inform the public and raise awareness for conservation issues impacting sharks while reaching a global audience in seventy-two countries. The Paley Center Salutes Shark Week coincides with the much-anticipated premiere of Shark Week on Discovery and discovery+.

Paley Center's content will include excerpts from Best Thing About Summer (2021), as well as classics including Little Bitty Boats and Big Sharks Don't Mix (2014), Sharkzilla: The Nightmarish Megalodon (2012), and more. New this year, Discovery and its partner Oceana will air a public service announcement to raise awareness of the role sharks play in keeping the ocean vibrant and healthy. Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation.

For more information on the Paley Center's Shark Week, visit paleycenter.org.

Media Contacts:

Joanna Scholl, The Paley Center for Media, [email protected], 212-621-6612

Jake Mendlinger, ZE Creative Communications, [email protected], 516-639-3373

About The Paley Center for Media

The Paley Center for Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms, drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the media community. The general public can participate in Paley programs in both New York and Los Angeles that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. The public can also access the Paley Center's permanent media collection, which contains over 160,000 television and radio programs and advertisements. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit paleycenter.org.

SOURCE Paley Center for Media

Related Links

http://www.paleycenter.org


James said: "I can't believe I've won! All the bartenders were incredible and to be chosen as this year's winner, after the year we've all had is unbelievable. When I started my journey in bartending I never thought it would lead me here. I was simply inspired by the community and creativity of everyone around me, it was infectious and soon I had fallen in love with the craft and opportunities. It gave me the drive and determination to seek out the best in the business to learn from and that's what got me here today. I want to thank all those who have been part of that journey and now I want to inspire up and coming bartenders to find a career and a creative outlet in the extraordinary world of bartending."

A virtual competition didn't mean the challenges were any less ambitious with the finalists tasked to create a Johnnie Walker highball that reflected the flavours and culture of their home city; host a masterclass for making a World Class Tanqueray No. Ten cocktail at home; design a Ketel One vodka cocktail that had a positive environmental impact and a sense of community at its core, and produce an original subterranean-inspired Don Julio serve. The week was rounded off with a special edition 'Malts' speed round challenge using The Singleton and Talisker, that not only tested the finalists' efficiency but also the quality and design of their cocktails.

Simon Earley, Global Head of Diageo World Class, said: "Our first-ever virtual World Class Global Final has been a huge success and has resulted in one the most innovative and creative competitions we have ever seen. The judges were blown away by James' creativity and originality, creating serves that were amazing to experience visually, virtually and in person. They are a fully deserving winner and I'm really excited to start working with them as a World Class ambassador in the year ahead."

Innovation was at the heart of this fully virtual competition, with a production and broadcast hub based in a London studio alongside a selection of our locally-based judges, and avatar bartenders assigned to mix each competitor's cocktails while the on-screen finalist made and presented the drinks to the judges live from their own country. This novel idea allowed for the expert judging panel of former winners, award-winning mixologists, drinks writers and journalists to taste and critique the cocktails in real time and experience these creations just as they would have in a real-life event.

During the week, as well as a live stream of the competition, there was a packed itinerary of immersive virtual experiences that viewers could engage with online. The content ranged from actor and Tanqueray No. Ten global partner, Stanley Tucci meeting his World Class match with World Class judge and Director of Mixology at the Connaught, Ago Perrone; to a dynamic panel discussion between some of the industry's leading movers and shakers on the future of socialising, featuring Diageo's Global Head of Digital Innovation, Benjamin Lickfett and drinks trailblazer, Ryan Chetiyawardana, a.k.a Mr Lyan.

Diageo Global Reserve Director, Pedro Mendonca said: "World Class is an extraordinary festival of creativity and experiences. From the competitors to the virtual Taste of the Future experiences, we got to see how drinks culture is evolving and it's exciting. It was also fantastic to see such commitment from our finalists, judges and friends to championing positive drinking, a key focus for Diageo and all its brands across everything we do."

This year's winner, James, is the twelfth bartender to enter the World Class Hall of Fame, and today marks the start of an exciting 12 months that will see them judging World Class national heats; inspiring 2022 hopefuls and crowning regional champions.

Simon Earley added: "For more than 12 months the hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit, but what this year has shown is the creativity, innovation and camaraderie that lives within our bartender community and we are delighted that we were able to showcase just some of this spirit within the World Class Competition.

Since its launch in 2009, Diageo World Class has played a significant role in inspiring better drinking and transforming cocktail culture around the world. Over 400,000 bartenders across the globe have been supported, trained and inspired by World Class since its inception.

For more information on World Class and to keep you up to date with the latest drinks, trends and training, visit www.diageobaracademy.com/en_zz/world-class-/ and follow @WorldClass

SOURCE Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals
"Georg's experience in helping build the Amazon ecosystem in Europe will be invaluable as we accelerate international growth for our current and future brands," says Danny Boockvar, President of Thrasio. "He was part of Amazon DE's founding team--he knows what it takes to make brands successful on Amazon in Europe and drive growth across all of our core categories, so we know he will help us offer great exits and earn outs for European sellers. We're excited to have Georg at the helm in such an important region for us globally."

Hesse launched, built, and ran Amazon categories in Europe for sixteen years and was responsible for hardlines seller and retail businesses as group director in Germany, including businesses within the Home Living category which had the largest marketplace seller activity. Following his time at Amazon, Hesse was CEO of publicly listed online travel company HolidayCheck Group AG and advised a series of startups.

"I am thrilled to join Thrasio in this phase of its international expansion," reveals Hesse. Hesse continued, "I had a front row seat for the incredible speed at which Amazon grew, and Thrasio is on a similar trajectory. There has never been a better time for sellers and customers in Europe, but I think the best is still to come and Thrasio is a big part of that story. I have been amazed by the Thrasio team's deep expertise, big-picture thinking, and agile culture. We are committed to building the best team in Europe to acquire and grow brands on Amazon and beyond."

"There's no question that Europe is crucial to our global growth, especially the UK and German markets which alone make up over 20% of the world's larger Amazon Private Label Sellers," adds co-founder and co-CEO Carlos Cashman. "We have great momentum and a first mover advantage around the world. This appointment is our commitment to the strategic importance of Europe"

Thrasio continues to make history as one of the fastest growing profitable companies in history. What started in 2018 as an idea to aggregate Amazon native brands has become a global company with a team of 1300 investing in and accelerating brands across multiple channels, including retail, direct to consumer, Amazon & other marketplaces.

About Thrasio

Thrasio is the consumer goods company reimagining omnichannel commerce and consumer products, and boasts an innovation engine that brings high-quality products to market across digital marketplaces, channels, and retailers globally. With the experience of evaluating 6,000 Amazon companies, data on consumer preferences from more than 125 brands, and the operational scale of more than 22,000 products, Thrasio is the largest acquirer of Amazon FBA brands. Thrasio builds these brands to compete with top household names, offering consumers more choice and exceptional value. Thrasio brands include the Vybe Percussion deep tissue massage gun , Circadian Optics bright light therapy lamps , and skincare products from Sdara Skincare . For more information, visit https://thrasio.com .

SOURCE Thrasio

Related Links

https://www.thrasio.com


"The crypto market is never at a standstill and even the downturn we are currently witnessing is merely a cyclical occurrence. Nevertheless, I believe that a bearish market is a perfect opportunity for projects and companies involved in the sector to lay low and focus on the development of new products and opportunities" - Boris Smitski thinks.

The Golden Cash was originally designed to increase sales in the jewelry industry. The platform connects jewelry brands, producers and buyers to facilitate their interaction. It helps producers and brands optimize commercial processes using blockchain technology. At the same time, token holders get the opportunity to increase their investments.

Boris Smitski said that tokens will not meet any competition in the jewelry industry. This will ensure interest in the payment system and thus demand and profit. He also mentioned that tokens have evolved from utility tokens or security tokens to exchange, governance and liquidity pool tokens. It is necessary to keep in mind that tokens are volatile, just like the entire cryptocurrency market.

"If cryptocurrencies were not volatile, no one would be willing to trade them. There would be no monetary incentive. It is vital for the market to remain cyclical and stay as far away as possible from centralization or regulation in accordance with what is being described as "civilized behavior." The crypto market has plenty of room for development and volatility will be playing a key role in this movement", - Boris Smitski assured.

Boris Smitski is an international businessman with vast experience in investment, consulting and banking. He is known for investing in gold production and mining, as well as founding an international jewelry brand Golden Cash. He was one of the first to invest in Bitcoin. He also consulted the PaPa Coin project during its launch.

The Golden Cash platform ensures a networking environment to connect key players in the jewelry industry and ensure their seamless interaction. Its main goal is to build a powerful and mutually beneficial community for producers, brands and sellers.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560192/Boris_Smitski_CEO_Golden_Cash.jpg

SOURCE Golden Cash
ATLANTA, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UC Asset LP (OTCQX: UCASU) announces the company has closed the acquisition of Rufus Rose House, the oldest historical building and cherished landmark in downtown Atlanta, on July 07, 2021. UC Asset plans to fully refurbish and restore the house to preserve its historic legacy, and to work alongside city leaders and influencers to promote the diverse and socially inclusive future of Atlanta.

UC Asset's plans were sanctioned by Atlanta Preservation Center, a private non-profit preservation organization founded in 1979 to promote the preservation of Atlanta's architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings, neighborhoods and landscapes. Atlanta Preservation Center, along with several other organizations concerned with the preservation of Atlanta history, discussed collaborating with UC Asset prior to the acquisition. On Wednesday, the day before closing of Rufus Rose House acquisition, UC Asset's management team and Atlanta Preservation Center met to further discuss the upcoming restoration plans.

"UCASU has committed to preserve this house, and this represents the continued renaissance of downtown Atlanta through visionary partnerships. The Atlanta Preservation Center is very excited to participate with UCASU in seeing this part of our city's story both return and welcome future generations to Atlanta," says David Yoakley Mitchell, the center's executive director. "Rufus Rose House was our headquarter for years. That adds yet another reason for my personal commitment to this project."

The Rufus Rose House is one of the oldest buildings in metropolitan Atlanta, and currently the only standing Victorian mansion in the central district. Known as the "Rose on Peachtree", the property is a late Victorian Queen Anne style home built in 1901 and nestled in the heart of the city. The stunning image of the late Victorian red-brick house stands out against a backdrop of modern steel-concrete skyscrapers on Atlanta's busiest and most famous street, Peachtree Street. The refurbished Rose on Peachtree is posed to attract the attention of the 50-60 million visitors/tourists to Atlanta every year.

Rufus Rose house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (since 1977) and is designated as a Landmark Building Exterior (since 1989) by the City of Atlanta.

"We are working very hard to put together a plan that will not only be loyal to history and beneficial to the current community, but will also provide good investment return to our shareholders." Vowed Larry Wu, founder of UC Asset.

About UC Asset LP

UC Asset LP is a limited partnership formed for the purpose of investing in real estate with value-added strategies, concentrating in metropolitan areas of Atlanta, GA. For more information about UC Asset, please visit: www.ucasset.com

Disclaimer:

This News Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from any these statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any those forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this news release. None of such forward-looking statements should be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the objectives and plans set forth in this News Release will be achieved or be executed.

For More Information Contact:

Christal Jordan | Investor Relations Director, UC Asset LP

[email protected] | 678-499-0297

SOURCE UC Asset LP
Today, the global employment nonprofit organisation Generation publishes Meeting The World's Midcareer Challenge, a research report based on a survey of 3,800 employed and unemployed people, and 1,404 hiring managers to reveal global employment trends.

The report sheds light on the reality of the jobs market for those aged 45-60 in seven countries  Brazil, India, Italy, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States  with a particular focus on those seeking or working in entry-level and intermediate roles with no formal post-secondary educational background and low income levels. The findings highlight the stark unemployment challenges faced by midcareer workers across the world, offering insight into why they struggle.

These trends existed before the pandemic, but this research also demonstrates that COVID-19 has harmed employment opportunities and worsened employment conditions for midcareer workers. 37% of those switching jobs in their midcareer and over 50% of those seeking work, say that COVID-19 has had a major impact on their employment status.

Employers view age 45+ job candidates as having weaker skills relative to younger candidates, despite age 45+ employees at the same company having equal or better on-the-job performance to their younger job peers.

The survey shows that people age 45+ face persistent and rising pressure in the global job market, and their age is one of the greatest barriers to their finding a job, with 71% of current seekers seeing their age as a major obstacle. Those from underrepresented communities face even greater hurdles: they engage in 53 percent more interviews than their peers to get a job offer.

The research also finds strong evidence that perceptions of ageism are well-founded. Hiring managers hold negative perceptions of age 45+ job candidates, stating that only 17% are application ready, 18% have relevant skills or experience, and 15% have the right fit with company culture.

However, these perceptions are disconnected from reality, and the same hiring managers who expressed concerns about midcareer candidates acknowledge that 87% of their age 45+ hires perform on the job as good as, or better, than younger employees. The research also finds that hiring managers say that 90% of their age 45+ employees have as much or more potential to stay with a company over the long term in comparison to younger peers.

Employers and employees alike value reputable training, but the midcareer job seekers age 45+ who need it the most are hesitant to pursue it.

The survey shows that training works: across the seven countries, 74% of midcareers who have successfully switched to a new career see the skills they learned in training as being instrumental in securing new jobs. And 3 in 4 employers point to training and certifications as providing the equivalent of relevant experience when hiring.

Yet, the age 45+ unemployed whose job prospects would most benefit from training are the most hesitant to pursue it; 57% express reluctance and only 1% say that training increases their confidence while looking for jobs. This group of age 45+ job seekers would most benefit from training  70% of them struggle to meet daily needs and 63% have a secondary school education or less. Possible reasons for this belief include the perception that training is a luxury they can't afford or negative past experiences with formal education.

Key recommendations:

Solving the challenges that face midcareer job seekers and workers will require a number of initiatives. The report proposes four starting points.

Improving national and global employment statistic tracking and reporting to reflect narrower age brackets that better illuminate the unique issues faced by the 45+ population. Linking training programmes directly to employment opportunities and providing stipends to support age 45+ individuals who are hesitant to engage in training. Changing hiring practices to suppress potential age biases and better assess the potential of age 45+ job candidates by allowing them to show their skills through demonstration-based exercises. Rethinking current employer training approaches to make it easier to fill new roles with existing age 45+ employees, versus relying solely on new hires.

Mona Mourshed, Global CEO of Generation, said: "Hearing employers that have hired job-seekers aged 45 and above say that those workers tend to outperform their younger counterparts is encouraging, but also accentuates the tragedy of today's employment landscape.

"We tapped into the voices of midcareer job seekers and workers in seven of the countries in which Generation runs programmes to inform this powerful report. We hope this new research spurs governments and employers alike to take steps to counter rampant agesim and to include this forgotten age-group in their recovery efforts."

The specific problem of midcareer unemployment has received little attention globally. This research marks a pivotal point for Generation, the global nonprofit that has placed over 43,000 people in fulfilling careers over the past 6.5 years. In 2018, Generation expanded its programs from youth to include midcareer individuals; and, it has served ~900 midcareers to date. Working across 14 countries and 30 professions, Generation places 83% of graduates in jobs within three months of program completion and is committed to helping employers to recruit midcareer candidates.

The survey, commissioned by Generation, took place between March and May 2021. The 3,800 respondents spanned both employed and unemployed people aged 18 to 60. The survey classed respondents either as seekers or switchers. Seekers are those that were carers, unemployed or employed part-time and looking for full-time entry-level or intermediate roles. Switchers were midcareer individuals who are currently employed full-time, having been employed in an entry-level or intermediate job in a new sector within the past three years.

For the perspective from hiring managers, the survey reached 1,404 respondents across Brazil, India, Italy, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All hiring managers were responsible for recruiting entry-level or intermediate job applications, having done so at least three times in the past year and having hired at least one midcareer switcher in the past three years.

About Generation

Generation is a nonprofit that transforms education to employment systems to train, place, and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible.

To date, more than 43,000 people have graduated from Generation programs, which prepare them for meaningful careers in 14 countries. Generation works with more than 4,000 employer partners and many implementation partners and funders.

To find out more, visit www.generation.org .

SOURCE Generation
URBANA, Ill., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has launched a new AI in Medicine Certificate program through an interdisciplinary partnership between the department of bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. This self-paced online certificate program will equip healthcare professionals with a conceptual understanding of AI and its applications through real-world medical case studies using machine learning models. The cost for this program is $750 and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are available upon completion issued by the Carle health system and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign launches first-of-its-kind AI in Medicine Certificate program for healthcare professionals.

Artificial intelligence is poised to make a significant impact throughout healthcare systems. Current applications of AI in healthcare include disease diagnostics, health monitoring, enhancing electronic healthcare records and clinical decision support. However, existing AI training courses on the market are largely targeted at students with coding skills and who plan to develop AI tools. The purpose of this course is to familiarize clinicians with the key concepts and applications of AI in medicine. This course is intended for physicians, physician assistants, medical students, nurse practitioners, veterinarians and veterinary technicians. "We have created this program to meet an urgent need for AI training in the healthcare community," said Mark A. Anastasio, Donald Biggar Willett Professor in Engineering and head of the department of bioengineering.

The AI in Medicine program is divided into six modules and delivered by Dr. Kevin R. Teal, a staff neurosurgeon at the Carle Foundation Hospital:

Module 1 - Establish key concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning and recognize their differences.

- Establish key concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning and recognize their differences. Module 2 - Deep dive into subfields of machine learning and statistical learning grounded in clinical examples.

- Deep dive into subfields of machine learning and statistical learning grounded in clinical examples. Module 3 - Understand how to train artificial neural networks to learn from data through deep learning.

- Understand how to train artificial neural networks to learn from data through deep learning. Module 4 - Consider the value of medical data and the role of clinicians in the development and training of machine learning tools.

- Consider the value of medical data and the role of clinicians in the development and training of machine learning tools. Module 5 - Examine ethical, regulatory and legal topics while using machine learning models in clinical settings.

- Examine ethical, regulatory and legal topics while using machine learning models in clinical settings. Module 6 - Explore real-world applications of AI in medicine for diagnosing diseases, interpreting tests and processing electronic healthcare records.

By the end of this course, students will be able to read literature related to artificial intelligence in medicine, understand how data-driven decisions are made and assessed, identify and define different types of artificial intelligence tools and techniques used in medicine and actively participate in the selection and purchase of AI-based medical software. This program empowers healthcare providers to more effectively partner with computer science professionals and interact with vendors.

"The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a global hub where technological innovations meet medical advancements," said Anastasio. One such example is the formation of The Carle Illinois College of Medicine in 2018, the first engineering-based medical school in the world that seeks to educate the next generation of physician innovators to bridge technology with healthcare delivery.

Illinois is a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. Within the department of bioengineering, faculty are leveraging AI to assemble digital biopsies, diagnose diseases, and synthese novel materials. Significant federal and private investments have also been made to further accelerate AI-related breakthroughs at Illinois including a 10-year $200 million investment from IBM to launch the Discovery Accelerator Institute.

As part of this certificate, students will have exclusive access to connect with artificial intelligence experts at the university through weekly virtual office hours. "Our goal is to prepare students in this program to lead the future of medicine," said Anastasio.

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.

About The Carle Illinois College of Medicine

At Carle Illinois College, we harness engineering and innovation to improve the human condition. As the world's first engineering-based college of medicine, we are leveraging advanced technology to train physician-innovators who will deliver better, more compassionate and accessible care to patients worldwide. Engaging creative minds in a case-driven, problem-based, active learning curriculum with early clinical immersion is just one way we're setting a new bar for medical education.

About The College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine is dedicated to educating future veterinarians and biomedical scientists, making discoveries that improve animal, human, and environmental health, facilitating the production of a safe food supply, and delivering outstanding clinical and diagnostic care for animals at a full-service teaching hospital, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, and regional clinics.

For more information, please visit vetmed.illinois.edu.

Media Contact:

The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Huan Song (Department of Bioengineering)

[email protected]

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SOURCE University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Grainger College of Engineering
SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help bolster the economic strength and recovery of the region, the University of San Diego School of Business is taking an innovative approach to providing its faculty and staff with Child Care options.

Under the leadership of Dean Tim Keane, the USD School of Business will offer staff and faculty access to thousands of high-quality Child Care programs, nannies, and after-school programs in the region through TOOTRiS.

University of San Diego School of Business partners with TOOTRiS to provide on-demand Child Care for faculty & staff. Visit https://tootris.com to learn more

TOOTRiS, a first-of-its-kind, on-demand Child Care platform, connects all stakeholders in the Child Care process - parents, Child Care providers, employers, and service organizations. The platform provides a real-time inventory of program availability to parents while providing Child Care providers an easier solution to manage the enrollment process and automate the administrative functions of running their small business - all accessible online via a desktop, tablet, or an app on a mobile device.

USD School of Business - ranked among the top business schools in the United States and the world - is the first private university to utilize TOOTRiS.

Since joining the USD School of Business in January 2020, Keane, a former Fortune 500 executive and technology entrepreneur, has been instrumental in strengthening ties between the university and the business community to fuel the region's economy, especially as it moves past the pandemic.

"Affordable, quality Child Care is a critical support service that empowers students, facility and working families," Keane said. "In our vision to be a model of outstanding global education and a leader in high-quality business research, we're excited to partner with TOOTRiS and provide our people access to this innovative, real-time Child Care service. Organizations offering Child Care as a benefit recognize that their people are the most valued asset they have, and their people's most valued asset is their family."

TOOTRiS' platform enables USD School of Business faculty and staff to look near their home or work, using filters to find Child Care that fits their needs and budgetary requirements - even for temporary slots or drop-ins.

"I applaud Dean Keane's progressive approach to providing USD School of Business staff and faculty with robust Child Care options," said TOOTRiS CEO Alessandra Lezama. "Offering on-demand early childhood education through TOOTRiS perfectly aligns with USD's leadership role in the economic development and quality of life of our region."

About the University of San Diego

The University of San Diego sets the standard for an engaged, contemporary Catholic university where innovative Changemakers confront humanity's urgent challenges. With more than 9,000 students from 69 countries and 50 states, USD is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. The university's eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. USD's Envisioning 2024 strategic plan capitalizes on the university's recent progress and aligns new strategic goals with current strengths to help shape a vision for the future as the university looks ahead to its 75th anniversary in the year 2024.

About TOOTRiS

TOOTRiS is reinventing Child Care, making it convenient, affordable and on-demand. As the world shifts to digitalized services, TOOTRiS helps parents and providers connect and transact in real time, empowering working parents - especially women - to secure quality Child Care, while allowing providers to unlock their potential and fully monetize their program. TOOTRiS is creating a new digital economy that promotes entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals with passion and talent to become Child Care providers, improving their quality of life while increasing the much-needed supply of Child Care across the state. TOOTRiS' unique technology enables employers to provide fully managed Child Care Benefits, giving their workforce the flexibility and family support paramount to regaining employee productivity and increasing their ROI. Visit tootris.com for more information.

Press/Media

[email protected]

(858) 529-1123

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TOOTRiS On-Demand Child Care

University of San Diego School of Business partners with TOOTRiS to provide on-demand Child Care for faculty & staff. Visit https://tootris.com to learn more

SOURCE TOOTRiS
NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Uptime.com -- a top-rated website-monitoring software that provides peace of mind to thousands of customers like Apple, Microsoft, IBM, Palo Alto Networks, Kraft, and BNP Paribas -- announced the hiring of Mike Welsh as Chief Executive Officer. Welsh brings more than two decades of sales and revenue leadership experience to Uptime.com, driving growth for a number of public and private software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies.

"With Uptime.com already serving thousands of happy customers and growing more than 100% year-to-year, not to mention the top-rated monitoring product and support in the space, joining Uptime.com is a once-in-a-career opportunity," Welsh said. "With so much clutter and slick marketing in the space, it's really exciting to be part of Uptime's elegant tech, best-in-business support and thoughtful approach. These will continue to anchor our vision moving forward."

Welsh's vision for Uptime.com includes four major executive goals:

Keep the customer experience a top priority.

Assemble a world-class senior leadership team within the organization.

Create a unique and innovative company culture.

Scale Uptime.com's revenue and customer base.

Before joining Uptime.com, Welsh served as chief revenue officer at Inspired eLearning, where he led Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success as a member of the executive management team through its sale to J2 Global in November 2020.

From 2016 to 2019, Welsh served as vice president of sales at Chargify, where the company more than doubled total revenue during his tenure. Welsh built Chargify's consultative sales force from the ground up, scaling up to enterprise-level operations before its successful sale to Battery.com.

Welsh also started sales at Mosso, eventually becoming the Rackspace Cloud, a pioneering cloud-computing service, which he helped build, sell and scale from zero to $80 million during his 11-year tenure. Today, Rackspace Cloud boasts an active user base of over 13,000 customers.

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SOURCE Uptime.com
MIAMI, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OKY, a Hispanic-owned and founded U.S.-based fintech platform, today reported a banner first year after the launch of its unique fintech platform, offering e-commerce that is helping to build economic prosperity for immigrant communities in the United States and across Latin America. With over 20,000 active users, OKY now offers over 1,000 points of sale across 176 U.S. cities in 23 states where app users can connect with more than 100 retail partners in Latin America to make purchases without the need for credit cards or bank accounts.

As the only financial platform designed to give immigrant communities the ability to digitize cash for cross-border e-commerce, users can send funds directly to their relatives in their homeland to make purchases at participating retailers. Given the platform's success, it is currently on track to launch in six more countries in Latin America over the coming year, beginning with El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico.

Language, financial, and technological barriers continue to remain a challenge for immigrants and other underserved communities in the United States. Through OKY, they can not only provide more efficiently for their families back home but also partake in the day-to-day necessities, allowing them to be part of their family's daily life experiences and building closer emotional bonds from far away.

"Our commitment is to those hard-working immigrants, our brothers and sisters, who continuously provide an economic lifeline of support via the value they send back home. Even at a distance, they seek to remain actively present and involved in the lives of loved ones who they left behind," said OKY CEO and Founder Victor Unda. "Allowing senders to buy from the US, with cash, goods and services for their friends and relatives abroad is the core of our offering"

In a time of continued uncertainty, OKY delivers a strategic and results-driven solution that ensures sustained sales growth and reduces customer attrition through dynamic digital incentives. Its booming success, after raising more than three and half million dollars to fund the early stages of the startup, has positioned OKY to pursue an active and successful Series 'A' funding round, which will be open to investors later this quarter.

OKY's founders, who hail from the world of business and technology, launched the company in 2019 to improve the lives of immigrants and uplift their communities through the use of technology. Together, they built an innovative fintech approach for cross-border transactions and competitive digital solutions that help promote the economic development of immigrants and their families back home. Through OKY, they provide the only cross border e-commerce platform in the United States that can be used through the simple use of an active smartphone.

For more information or interview requests, please contact Julio E. Ligorria at [email protected] or at 305-916-1757

ABOUT OKY

OKY was founded in 2019 for immigrants and by immigrants, with the vision of helping underserved communities achieve financial equity and overcome common financial barriers through the use of technology. OKY achieves this by enabling users to make e-commerce transactions without the support of financial institutions, which often impede the immigrant community from attaining financial stability. Today, OKY users across the United States and other countries have access to a marketplace that connects the Central American region including retail service providers in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and also some offerings for Mexico. For more information, please visit the company's website, https://okyapp.com/en/

Media Contact:

Julio Ligorria

[email protected]

SOURCE OKY

Related Links

https://okyapp.com


LAS VEGAS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. (OTC: VRTB) announced today the voting results from its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on July 2 in Baltimore. Approximately 69 percent of shares were voted, or 862 shares of 1,250 total shares outstanding.

A total of 797 votes were cast in regard to proposal 1, the election of Michael V. Shustek, who also serves as chief executive officer and president of VRTB, as a director, representing approximately 63.76 percent of all shares. Of those voting, 100 percent voted in favor of Shustek's appointment.

With regard to proposal 2, an amendment to the company's bylaws to expand its investment policy, approximately 92.44 percent voted in favor of the amendment, while approximately 7.55 percent voted against it.

The closely held company is majority owned by Shustek, who owns 52.16 percent of outstanding shares.

About Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc.

Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc., formerly Vestin Fund II, LLC, invests in loans secured by real estate through deeds of trust or mortgages and as defined in our management agreement as mortgage assets. In addition, we invest in, acquire, manage or sell real property and acquire entities involved in the ownership or management of real property. We commenced operations in June 2001. Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. is traded on the OTC pink sheets under the symbol "VRTB," with headquarters located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Please visit: http://vestinrealtymortgage2.com/.

This press release contains statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects of the management of Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections and management assumptions about Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. These statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans, "seeks," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements which are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess. Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. has no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

Contacts

Julie Leber Damon Elder Spotlight Marketing Communications Spotlight Marketing Communications 949.427.1391 949.427.1377 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc.

Related Links

http://vestinrealtymortgage2.com


DUBLIN, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Refrigerated Snacks Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Type and Distribution Channel" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The refrigerated snacks market was valued at US$ 52,042.62 Million in 2021 and is projected to reach US$ 73,768.51 Million by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2021 to 2028. Refrigerated snacks are defined as those forms of snacks that require refrigeration to keep their food quality intact and expand their shelf life. Such types of snacks are prepared and kept under certain temperature conditions to preserve their overall authenticity and provide convenience in food consumption to the final consumers. The refrigerated form of snacks are cheese-based snacking, yogurt snacks, snack bars, specialty desserts, dips, and spread, among others. With the shift in consumer lifestyle, along with change in working demographics, and growing preference toward natural and fresh food, the demand for refrigerated snacks is set to rise, mostly among millennials.



Based on type, the global refrigerated snacks market is segmented into baked goods & confectionery, fruits and vegetables, yogurt, meat snacks, sandwiches & savory snacks, and others. The fruit and vegetable segment is one of the lucrative segment and is dominating the refrigerated snacks market in 2021. Fruits and vegetables are enriched with the vitamins and antioxidants that savvy shoppers nowadays are looking for. When choosing a snack, around 60% of consumers look for additional health benefits above and beyond simple nutrition. They look for snacks that contain vitamins and minerals. Also, the millennials are willing to pay a bit more for convenient or refrigerated snacks like ready-to-eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The fruit snack is usually a sweet confectionery. Fruit snacks are quite a similar item to gummy candies. The main content found in fruits snack is sugar, particularly refined sugar obtained from concentrated white grape juice as well as apple juice. Some fruit snacks contain more sugar than gummy candies, and they regularly have less protein. Fruit snacks are gaining popularity due to their convenience, candy-like taste, and the positioned the product gained as being healthier compared to candy.



Geographically, the refrigerated snacks market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South America (SAM), and Middle East & Africa (MEA). In 2020, Europe contributed to the largest share of the market. Fresh snacks, those that require refrigeration, have become an essential aspect of this new way of eating because freshness exudes a sense of healthfulness that shelf-stable snacks often do not. Besides, recent advancements in refrigeration methods and techniques ensure that the products do not lose their nutrient value. Increasing consumer awareness about protein-rich food, rise in demand for convenience foods, and growing popularity of the refrigerated snacks are the major factors bolstering the growth of the refrigerated snacks market in the Europe.



The COVID-19 outbreak disrupted the refrigerated snacks market as there was a slowdown in the production of raw material, restrictions on supply chain and trade movements, decrease in construction demand, and decline in new projects. However, since the economies are planning to revive their operations, the demand for refrigerated snacks is presumed to rise in the coming months. In addition, most people are now working from home, and this change in lifestyle has further inspired families to buy food products online and store for a longer time. People are looking for sustainable refrigerated snacks for healthy snacking option; this is further giving an opportunity to the market players to recover their loss and to grow business through online platforms. According to the report published in the American Journal of Agriculture Economics in November 2020, the demand for fresh fruit & vegetables, grains, and frozen foods increased the most during the pandemic, which benefited small farms over agribusinesses.

This increased sales by 5.7% and the number of customers by 4.9%. The variety of food products are sold on the e-commerce platform with an increased ratio, which suggests the concentration of sales on niche products could rise as more consumers are drawn to online platforms. However, despite the difficulties faced by food shoppers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including food stockouts, limited public transportation, and reduced hours mainly at supermarkets & grocery stores, most of the shoppers in developed countries such as the US have maintained adequate access to food (according to the US Food and Drug Administration 2020). Also, food processing companies are taking extra precautions to diminish person-to-person contact. Some of the safety measures followed by the companies include limiting direct contact with truck drivers & visitors, strengthening and communicating proper hygiene practices, and conducting complete sanitations and eliminating personnel contact during shift changes. With all these factors, it can be presumed that in post-pandemic times, the demand for refrigerated snacks is further expected to rise.



Mondelez International, Inc.; Nestle, S.A.; General Mills Inc.; The Kraft Heinz Company; Ohi Bar; Pepsico; Conagra Brands, Inc; Mars Incorporated; Danone S.A.; and Hormel Foods Corporation are among the well-established players operating in the global refrigerated snacks market.



Reasons to Buy

Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.

The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the global refrigerated snacks market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long-term strategies.

Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.

Scrutinize in-depth the market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.

Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation, and industry verticals.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction

2. Key Takeaways



3. Research Methodology

3.1 Scope of the Study

3.2 Research Methodology

4. Refrigerated Snacks Market Landscape

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 PEST Analysis

4.2.1 North America

4.2.2 Europe

4.2.3 APAC

4.2.4 MEA

4.2.5 SAM

4.3 Expert Opinion



5. Refrigerated Snacks Market - Key Market Dynamics

5.1 Market Drivers

5.1.1 Increasing Consumer Awareness Towards Protein-Rich Food

5.1.2 Rise in Demand for Convenience Foods

5.2 Market Restraints

5.2.1 Food Safety and Quality Issues Associated with Refrigerated Snack

5.3 Market Opportunities

5.3.1 New Product Launches

5.4 Future Trends

5.4.1 Growing Demand for Fresh Snacks and Plant-Based Refrigerated Snacks

5.5 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints



6. Refrigerated Snacks - Global Market Analysis

6.1 Refrigerated Snacks Market Overview

6.2 Refrigerated Snacks Market -Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

6.3 Market Positioning - Global Market Players



7. Global Refrigerated Snacks Market Analysis - By Type

7.1 Overview

7.2 Global Refrigerated Snacks Market Breakdown, by Type, 2020 & 2028

7.3 Baked Goods and Confectionery

7.3.1 Overview

7.3.2 Baked Goods and Confectionery: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.3.3 Baked Goods and Confectionery: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.4 Fruits and Vegetables

7.4.1 Overview

7.4.2 Fruits and Vegetables: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.4.3 Fruits and Vegetables: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.5 Yogurt

7.5.1 Overview

7.5.2 Yogurt: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.5.3 Yogurt: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.6 Meat Snacks

7.6.1 Overview

7.6.2 Meat Snacks: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.6.3 Meat Snacks: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.7 Sandwiches and Savory Snacks

7.7.1 Overview

7.7.2 Sandwiches and Savory Snacks: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.7.3 Sandwiches and Savory Snacks: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.8 Others

7.8.1 Overview

7.8.2 Others: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

7.8.3 Others: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)



8. Global Refrigerated Snacks Market Analysis - By Distribution Channel

8.1 Overview

8.2 Global Refrigerated Snacks Market Breakdown, by Distribution Channel, 2020 & 2028

8.3 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

8.3.1 Overview

8.3.2 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

8.3.3 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

8.4 Convenience Store

8.4.1 Overview

8.4.2 Convenience Store: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

8.4.3 Convenience Store: Global Refrigerated Snacks Market, Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

8.5 Online Retail

8.5.1 Overview

8.5.2 Online Retail: Refrigerated Snacks Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)

8.6 Others

8.6.1 Overview

8.6.2 Others: Refrigerated Snacks Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 (US$ Million)



9. Refrigerated Snacks Market - Geographic Analysis



10. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Refrigerated Snacks Market

10.1 Impact of COVID-19 on Refrigerated Snacks Market

10.2 North America: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic

10.1 Europe: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic

10.2 Asia Pacific : Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic

10.3 Middle East and Africa: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic

10.4 South and Central America: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic



11. Industry Landscape

11.1 Mergers & acquisition

11.2 Product Launch

11.3 Company News



12. Company Profiles

12.1 Mondelez International, Inc

12.1.1 Key Facts

12.1.2 Business Description

12.1.3 Products and Services

12.1.4 Financial Overview

12.1.5 SWOT Analysis

12.1.6 Key Developments

12.2 Nestle S.A

12.2.1 Key Facts

12.2.2 Business Description

12.2.3 Products and Services

12.2.4 Financial Overview

12.2.5 SWOT Analysis

12.2.6 Key Developments

12.3 General Mills, Inc.

12.3.1 Key Facts

12.3.2 Business Description

12.3.3 Products and Services

12.3.4 Financial Overview

12.3.5 SWOT Analysis

12.3.6 Key Developments

12.4 The Kraft Heinz Company

12.4.1 Key Facts

12.4.2 Business Description

12.4.3 Products and Services

12.4.4 Financial Overview

12.4.5 SWOT Analysis

12.4.6 Key Developments

12.5 OHi Bars

12.5.1 Key Facts

12.5.2 Business Description

12.5.3 Products and Services

12.5.4 Financial Overview

12.5.5 SWOT Analysis

12.5.6 Key Developments

12.6 PepsiCo

12.6.1 Key Facts

12.6.2 Business Description

12.6.3 Products and Services

12.6.4 Financial Overview

12.6.5 SWOT Analysis

12.6.6 Key Developments

12.7 ConAgra Brands, Inc.

12.7.1 Key Facts

12.7.2 Business Description

12.7.3 Products and Services

12.7.4 Financial Overview

12.7.5 SWOT Analysis

12.7.6 Key Developments

12.8 Mars Incorporated

12.8.1 Key Facts

12.8.2 Business Description

12.8.3 Products and Services

12.8.4 Financial Overview

12.8.5 SWOT Analysis

12.8.6 Key Developments

12.9 Danone S.A.

12.9.1 Key Facts

12.9.2 Business Description

12.9.3 Products and Services

12.9.4 Financial Overview

12.9.5 SWOT Analysis

12.9.6 Key Developments

12.10 Hormel Foods Corporation

12.10.1 Key Facts

12.10.2 Business Description

12.10.3 Products and Services

12.10.4 Financial Overview

12.10.5 SWOT Analysis

12.10.6 Key Developments



13. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6mjgtk

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RALEIGH, N.C., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Camp Corral, a leading provider of support, advocacy, and enrichment opportunities for the children and families of this nation's wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes, is honored to announce Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW has joined the Camp Corral Research Advisory Panel as its inaugural Advisor. The work of the Research Advisory Panel informs Camp Corral's advocacy efforts for the children of wounded warriors and helps bridge the gaps in data-driven understanding of the very real hardships faced by these children and their families.

Camp Corral

"Dr. Kavanaugh brings with her an extensive background of research regarding youth as caregivers. This experience, as well as her advocacy for the mental health needs of these youth, will be a tremendous asset to the multi-disciplinary advisory group as they work to help Camp Corral proactively support children of wounded warriors," said Camp Corral Chief Program Officer, Hannah Hutler-Boyd. "This panel of experts provides recommendations and guidance related to research topics, instrumentation, and data collection methodology which will help drive the growth of Camp Corral's resilience-focused programming."

Since its inception as a national non-profit organization in 2011, Camp Corral has served nearly 29,000 children from every state in the nation with resilience-based programs focused upon the unique attributes and challenges shared by military-connected children across the country, many of whom serve as caregivers in their households.

Dr. Kavanaugh developed an evidence-based intervention for youth caregivers, "YCare", which is a multidisciplinary youth caregiving skills and support protocol for youth in families where a family member has neurological disorders. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Associate Professor in Social Work at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She was previously the social worker at the Huntington Disease Society of America Center of Excellence at Washington University in St. Louis, which informed her applied research on children and youth in neurological disorders.

She has presented her work both nationally and internationally, and has written several books for children, young adults, and families living with ALS. "We are excited to bring this heightened level of professional expertise to our research team because we know that with it we increase our abilities to offer pinpoint programming that meets the specific needs of the children and families we support through our camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs," said Boyd.

For more information on the Camp Corral Research Advisory Panel contact Chief Impact Officer, Hannah Hutler-Boyd at [email protected].

Camp Corral is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of children of this nation's wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes. For more information, visit www.campcorral.org.

Media Contact:

Anthony Popiel

Dalton Agency

[email protected]

404-876-1309

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VANCOUVER, BC, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Zacatecas Silver Corp. ("Zacatecas Silver" or the "Company") (TSXV: ZAC) (OTC: ZCTSF) (Frankfurt: 7TV) is pleased to announce it has completed access agreements with all landowners at the San Gill Breccia Zone and San Gill Vein System. Furthermore, Zacatecas has submitted its environmental study on the San Gill-San Manuel area to SEMARNAT as a final requirement for drill permitting in this area of its large land package in Zacatecas, Mexico.

The Company, as previously reported, has also successfully negotiated access agreements to its Panuco Deposit where 10,000 metres of angled diamond drilling is initially planned. An environmental study for Panuco was submitted to SEMARNAT which is now at the final stages of review.

Highlights:

Land access permits now in place for the Panuco Deposit, the San Gill Breccia Zone and the San Manuel Vein System.

An environmental report for Panuco was submitted to SEMARNAT and the review is targeted to complete within 15 days with drilling expected to start prior to the end of July.

was submitted to SEMARNAT and the review is targeted to complete within 15 days with drilling expected to start prior to the end of July. An environmental report for San Gill-San Manuel has been completed and was recently submitted to SEMARNAT as a final stage for drill permitting. SEMARNAT endeavour to complete their review within 4 weeks.

Zacatecas are drill ready at the Panuco Deposit, the San Gill Breccia and the San Manuel vein system.

are drill ready at the Panuco Deposit, the San Gill Breccia and the vein system. Zacatecas have commenced the environmental study of El Cristo and expect to submit this report to SEMARNAT by end July. Zacatecas are currently negotiating land-owner access at El Cristo.

Dr Chris Wilson, Zacatecas Silver Chief Operating Officer and Director, comments, "I am delighted in our progress to date as we prepare for the imminent start of drilling in multiple areas of our large land package. The process of moving from field mapping and drill targeting, to a permitted drill program, often involves a number of steps including environmental studies. Our field geologists and consultants have been extremely efficient in completing all studies and have now secured 3 to 5 year landowner, community and municipality agreements. Submission of environmental studies to SEMARNAT represents the final stages of the drill permitting process. Despite the added pressure that COVID-19 has placed on everyone, SEMARNAT have continued to process these applications rapidly".

Zacatecas previously reported (see news release dated May 6, 2021) that it has engaged Major Drilling ("Major") for an initial 10,000 metre drill program. Zacatecas are planning to commence drilling by the end of July 2021.

Panuco

The Panuco Silver Deposit has an historic inferred mineral resource of 19,472,901 ounces Ag Eq. (cut-off 100 g/t Ag Eq.) from 3,954,729 tonnes at 153.2 g/t Ag Eq (136 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Au, 0.012% Pb, 0.11% Zn) (the "Historical Estimate"). See "Historical Resource Estimate Information" set forth below. Zacatecas have verified historical drill data by re-sampling and re-assaying approximately 15% of drill intercepts used in the historical resource, re-surveying drill collar locations, and completing metallurgical test-work on Panuco drill core (see news release dated June 15, 2021). A current resource estimate for Zacatecas is currently being prepared.

Silver, gold, and base metal mineralization at the Panuco deposit is hosted in breccia veins, banded, crustiform and colloform quartz-calcite veins, and quartz vein stockwork within zones of strong argillic alteration  as is typical of the intermediate sulphidation veins throughout the Zacatecas region. Mineralization is open in all directions.

San Gill  San Manuel

San Gill Breccia is located in the southern part of the main Zacatecas concessions and is approximately 2 kilometres to the southwest of the Veta Grande vein. It is a zone of intense brecciation and quartz veining with an abundant matrix of iron oxides after sulphides. Veins are multiphase  as evidenced by breccias, quartz vein stockworks, and crustiform and collaform banding. Remnant mineralized zones that have not been fully oxidized to iron oxides include galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and argentite  consistent with the styles of mineralization at other similarly oriented mineralized systems in the Zacatecas region.

The San Gill Breccia Zone passes westwards into the San Manuel vein swarm. The San Gill-San Manuel mineralized system covers an area of approximately two square kilometres and is characterized by multiple, northwest to southeast and west-northwest to east-southeast oriented, steeply-dipping, quartz-carbonate-silver-base metal mineralized veins. Individual veins are locally up to 7 metres wide and up to almost one kilometre in strike length.

The San Gill Breccia Zone and San Manuel Vein System are extremely robust exploration targets with strong surface silver-base metal anomalism. The cumulative strike length of all breccias and veins exceed 10 kilometres  yet they remain largely unexplored. Zacatecas plan to commence drilling at San Gill-San Manuel as soon as permits are issued.

El Cristo

The El Cristo vein system is in the central part of the Zacatecas Property. It is the northwest extension of the well-known Veta Grande vein and is defined by multiple vein outcrops, and extensive historical workings and shafts. Mapping by Zacatecas has defined near surface historical workings and vertical shafts that are more extensive than previously thought. There are a large number of veins that have never been drill tested or channel sampled  yet have extensive surficial workings and historical shafts consistent with the presence of mineralization. To date Zacatecas have defined over 12 kilometres of outcropping veins defining a number of high value drill targets.

Zacatecas has completed structural mapping at El Cristo and is currently completing an environmental report as the final requirement for drill permits.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Dr. Chris Wilson, B.Sc (Hons), PhD, FAusIMM (CP), FSEG. Chief Operating Officer and Director of Zacatecas Silver, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.

About Zacatecas Silver Corp.

The Zacatecas Silver property is located in Zacatecas State, Mexico, within the highly prospective Fresnillo Silver Belt, which has produced over 6.2 billion ounces of silver. The company holds 7826 ha (19,338 acres) of ground that is highly prospective for low and intermediate sulphidation silver-base metal mineralization and potentially low sulphidation gold-dominant mineralization.

The property is 25 km south-east of MAG Silver Corp.'s Juanicipio Mine and Fresnillo PLC's Fresnillo Mine. The property shares common boundaries with Pan American Silver Corp. claims and El Orito which is owned by Endeavour Silver. There are four main high-grade silver target areas within the Zacatecas concessions: the Panuco Deposit, Muleros, El Cristo and San Manuel-San Gill. The Property also includes El Oro, El Orito, La Cantera, Monserrat, El Penon, San Judas and San Juan silver-base metal vein targets. These targets are relatively unexplored and will be the focus of rapid reconnaissance review.

On behalf of the Company

Bryan Slusarchuk

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Historical Mineral Resource Estimate Information

In 2019 Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. completed an updated historical resource estimate as set forth in the technical report titled "Technical Report  Veta Grande Project, Zacatecas State, Mexico" dated 20th of August 2019. The report was prepared by Van Phu Bui, P. Geo and Michael O'Brien, P. Geo, and filed on www.sedar.com ("2019 Panuco Historical Resource"). The 2019 Panuco Historical Resource reported 3,954,729 tonnes at 153 g/t Ag Eq. (136 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Au, 0.012 % Pb, 0.11% Zn) for a total of 19,472,901 ounces Ag Eq. (cut-off 100 g/t Ag Eq.). The 2019 Panuco Historical Resource used "inferred mineral resources", which is a category set forth under CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves adopted on May 10, 2014.

The 2019 Panuco Historical Resource was calculating using 75 drill collars, 866 down hole surveys and 2,607 assayed samples. A surface trench database totalling 183 trenches with 1,813 samples was used. Resource blocks were defined using with dimensions of 20 m along strike and down dip, and 1 m across strike. Grades for gold, silver, lead and zinc were interpolated into blocks using the following estimation algorithms: central  ordinary kriging and NW and Tres Cruces  inverse distance squared. Assumptions used in the 2019 Panuco Historical Resource include the following metal prices: gold price of US $1,350/oz, silver price of US $16/oz, lead price of US $0.90/lb and zinc price of US $1.10/lb. The 2019 Panuco Historical Resource assumed recovering similar to the Veta Grande System being: gold at 52.2%, silver at 62.1%, lead at 87.9% and zinc at 78.6%. The Company considers the 2019 Panuco Historical Resource relevant due to its identification and modelling of the Panuco deposit.

The Company has not done sufficient work to classify the 2019 Panuco Historical Resource as a current mineral resource or mineral reserves, and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Although the historical resource estimate is considered reliable, 8% of the drill core intervals used in the resource calculations was re-sampled and submitted these to ALS for independent assay. Further, additional data verification including resurveying of select diamond drill holes collars; review of graphic drill core logs, comparison of these logs with remaining half-cut core, and a cross-check of select geological logs agonist database entries; and a check of original ALS assay certificates against the assays and drill hole database. Remodelling of the current Panuco resource is ongoing pending receipt of check sample assays.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zacatecas Silver cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zacatecas Silver's limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on is Zacatecas Properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. 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, Zacatecas Silver does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Neither 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 release.

SOURCE Zacatecas Silver Corp.
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
( ) ( ) (FRA:9EM) is seeking to become a major global tin producer to support an electric tomorrow with its two wholly-owned world-class tin projects in Spain and Australia.

The company has two tin projects  its flagship Oropesa Tin Project in Andalucia, Spain, and its Cleveland Tin Project in Tasmania, Australia - with large JORC resource bases and further exploration potential in mining-friendly (non-conflict) jurisdictions.

An economic study completed in May 2020 positioned the Oropesa Project as a low-cost, globally significant new tin development with a prospective annual production of 2,440 tonnes of tin-in-concentrate over a 14-year mine life.

The company is seeking to further optimise the potential financial returns at Oropesa  one of the worlds largest, undeveloped, open-cut minable tin deposits with access to world-class infrastructure.

Amid surging tin prices, Elementos resumed exploration activities at the Cleveland project in February 2021 to assess the potential for additional tin resources and identify drill targets.

Five value catalysts

The company is embarking on five value catalysts. They are:

Oropesa Tin Project drilling and program to re-define JORC mineral resource estimate;

Oropesa feasibility fevelopment programs: On-ground, laboratory and engineering programs to support feasibility study;

Finalise Oropesa environmental and permitting;

Feasibility study completion, declare maiden JORC ore reserve, finalise offtake and financing; and

Unlock value from the Cleveland Tin Project in Tasmania via drilling and engineering development.

Oropesa Project on track to deliver

Elementos exploration drilling program at its Oropesa Project is on track to deliver on its stated goals, with 37 holes completed, one currently underway and six remaining.

The continued confirmation has led to the recent announcement by the company to commence feasibility development programs on the project whilst the drilling program is in its final stages.

New zones of mineralisation have been interpreted and the best results include:

3.6 metres at 0.77% tin from 22.9 metres;

13.6 metres at 0.32% from 31.5 metres;

7.6 metres at 0.53% from 119.5 metres; and

1.1 metres at 0.63% from 134.0 metres.

Elementos chief executive Joe David said the new assay results accomplished two of the companys stated program goals for the project.

This data confirms the existence of relatively shallow mineralisation in the middle of the resource and increases the confidence of the previously modelled deeper mineralisation.

These positive results continue to enthuse the project team, reinforcing their understanding of the geology, the project and its development strategy.

The company believes Oropesa represents an opportunity to create a value-uplift potential for shareholders as the project is advanced towards development.

It has started feasibility development programs consisting of a series of on-ground investigations, supported by laboratory test-work and engineering studies.

The four key feasibility programs include:

Pilot-scale metallurgical test-work  Wardell Armstrong (UK) Geotechnical works program Hydrogeological (groundwater) works program Variability metallurgical test-work

The company said that although the economic study outcomes were positive, there were a number of geological goals identified that had the potential to enhance the projects economics.

Three key areas of optimisation potential include:

New drilling  add to and increase confidence in mineral resources. Investigate reducing cut-off grade to include tin halo into the JORC Resource Model  near-surface halo mineralisation has the potential to reduce operating costs and increase tin production. Remodel existing drill core and geological interpretation

The project has the potential to be bottom quartile cash cost.

Cleveland co-funded by Tasmanian Government

Elementos was awarded a grant of up to A$70,000 - $50,000 to co-fund direct drilling costs and $20,000 for helicopter support, if required - under the Tasmanian Governments Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI) program.

Its proposed drilling program, which consists of four diamond drill holes for a total of 1,000 metres will test for tin and copper mineralisation along strike and to the northeast of the historical tin mine.

The drilling will test for tin and copper mineralisation along strike and to the northeast of the historical tin mine.

Initial reconnaissance geological confirmation mapping and rock chip sampling in February confirmed the prospectivity of the untested anomalies, which were first identified by a Self-Potential (SP) geophysical survey in 1954.

Four of the five rock chip samples that were collected contained visible sulphide mineralisation with the most significant assay being 0.7% tin, 0.57% copper and 13.4% zinc.

The nature of the mineralisation observed during the reconnaissance fieldwork program is similar to that observed during the 2017 Cleveland diamond drilling program targeted shallow resources above the existing resource.

A standard work program approval application has been lodged with Mineral Resources Tasmania for the drilling program.

Elementos has conducted tendering for work packages and on approval of the works will award the contracted packages and commence the program.

Tin prices near historic highs

Tin prices increased in 2021 on the back of declining stockpiles and strong industrial demand, particularly for semi-conductors and electronics.

Tin spot prices have remained above US$30,000 for nearly two months.

Tin 3-month forward prices remain above historic highs of US$30,000.

The near-term supply gap can only come from new production or an expansion or restart of historic mines.

The global tin demand is steadily increasing as it services the technology revolution, with electronics, communications, IT, renewable energy, and electric vehicles all crying out for more tin.

Further, there are very few low-risk, environmental, social, governance (ESG) projects in the global pipeline, with existing tin mines mostly producing from lower-grade, diminishing reserves.

New supply is limited as potential projects are either high capex underground mines, low-grade open pit mines or located in risky jurisdictions.
A fresh round of results from the latest diamond drilling at Tabakorole are in but Marvel claims that a reconnaissance aircore program that uncovered gold beyond the projects existing resource is particularly encouraging.

Artisanal workings near the newly identified zone of mineralisation at Tabakorole.

Marvel Gold Ltd (ASX:MVL) (FRA:GR2) has updated the market on its 3,400-metre diamond drilling campaign across the Tabakorole Gold Project in Southern Mali.

The gold explorer recently received assays for six of the programs drill holes, uncovering a 13-metre intersection grading 2 g/t gold.

Interestingly, an aircore campaign at Tabakorole encountered gold mineralisation roughly 3 kilometres southwest of the projects resource.

Ultimately, the company believes the discovery of additional mineralisation beyond Tabakoroles existing deposit bodes well for the broader prospectivity of its 830-square-kilometre landholding.

Results from the diamond drilling campaign, combined with the previous 5,400-metre reverse circulation and 900-metre diamond programs, will feed into an upgraded JORC resource estimate expected in late September 2021.

Additional mineralisation particularly encouraging

Marvel Gold managing director Phil Hoskins said: We continue to be pleased with our resource expansion drill program, with these results expected to enhance the resource in the central zone ahead of an expected resource upgrade in September.

Particularly encouraging is the discovery of additional gold mineralisation some 3 kilometres to the south of Tabakorole.

This demonstrates that gold mineralisation is now proven to exist in at least two places on the Tabakorole permit outside of the existing resource.

These zones of mineralisation, together with numerous targets generated through soils and geophysics programs, continue to reinforce the prospectivity of our growing landholding and give us confidence in making additional discoveries going forward.

Diamond drilling underway

Todays findings come from the part of the southern Mali projects permit that forms a joint venture (JV) with Altus Strategies PLC ( ) ( ) (OTCMKTS:ALTUF).

Under this JV, Marvel holds a 51% stake in that section of the Tabakorole permit.

The Mali-focused gold explorer detailed assays from six diamond drill holes in an ASX announcement, covering 1,128 metres within the broader diamond drilling campaign.

The best intersections included:

13 metres at 2 g/t gold from 174 metres;

4 metres at 3.9 g/t from 110 metres and;

4 metres at 2.8 g/t from 29 metres.

Ultimately, Marvels broader 3,400-metre diamond program is targeting resource growth in the central and northwest zones of the Tabakorole deposit.

Specifically, the latest campaign is working to infill mineralisation previously drilled in the central zone and add definition to the north-west zone, where previous exploration intersected 16 metres at 2 g/t gold from 75 metres and 6 metres at 5.8 g/t from 61 metres.

Aircore drilling points to further mineralisation

In addition to the diamond campaign, Marvel Gold has also uncovered some promising results through an aircore reconnaissance program.

The exploration campaign covered 5,148 metres, targeting Tabakorole extensions and three potential regional targets based on historical geochemistry and ground magnetics.

This program intersected 4 metres at 1.3 g/t gold from 8 metres and 4 metres at 2.7 g/t from 20 metres and one hole ended in mineralisation.

According to Marvel, nearby artisanal workings reinforce the potential prospectivity of this target.

The gold explorer maintains the new mineralisation was targeted in an area of moderate gold in soil anomalism because of a historical hole, drilled in 2005, which intersected 12 metres at 1.2 g/t gold and was never adequately followed up.

Diagram outlines new mineralisation relative to multi-element soil geochemistry.

Based on these soil sampling results, Marvel claims numerous areas with multi-element anomalism present as better geochemical targets than the newly identified mineralisation, which shows only low-level pathfinder support.

Overall, this is highly encouraging for the regions prospectivity and increases the likelihood Marvel will make further discoveries that complement the growing resource at Tabakorole.
London, July 8 : Britain has reported another 32,548 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, the highest daily increase since January, according to official figures released on Wednesday.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 4,990,916, the Xinhua news agency reported.

The country also recorded another 33 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 128,301. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

More than 45.5 million people in Britain have received the first jab of Covid-19 vaccine and over 34 million people have received two doses, the official figures showed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday that most Covid-19 restrictions are set to end on July 19 as part of the final step of England's roadmap out of the lockdown.

This will be confirmed on July 12 following a review of the latest data by the British government.

The plans were greeted with mixed reactions.

Leader of the main opposition Labour Party Keir Starmer accused Johnson of putting the country on course for a "summer of chaos and confusion" with his plans, Sky News reported.

But when answering questions at the parliament, Johnson said that the government was taking a prudent approach by "moving away from self-isolation towards testing over the course of the next few weeks", according to media reports.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Russia, the US as well as the European Union have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Stockholm, July 8 : 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, the Xinhua news agency reported.

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.
Srinagar, July 8 : Four terrorists were killed in two separate nocturnal gunfights in South Kashmirs Pulwama and Kulgam districts, officials said on Thursday.

Police said that two terrorists were killed in an encounter at Puchal area of Pulwama district during a joint operation by the police and the army while in a second encounter two terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT were neutralised in a joint operation of Kulgam police and 01 RR at Zodar area of Kulgam.

Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar has congratulated security forces on successful anti-terror operations that has led to the elimination of five terrorists in last 24 hours.

"Five terrorists killed in 24 hours in Kashmir. Congratulations to Police and Security Forces for conducting operations without collateral damage," IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said.
Sofia, July 8 : The authorities in Bulgaria have detected 43 new Covid-19 Delta variant cases, bringing the total number of new infections in the country to 51, the Health Ministry said here on Wednesday.

The National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases has analysed 95 samples taken in half of the country's regions in the period between June 1 and June 25, the ministry said in a press release.

Of these, 49 cases were of the Alpha Covid-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom; 43 were of the Delta variant first identified in India; and one was of the Beta variant first identified in South Africa, the ministry said.

Three people infected with the Delta variant of Covid-19 have died, the ministry said, calling on Bulgarian citizens "to take a responsible approach to their own health and that of their loved ones, and get vaccinated against Covid-19", the Xinhua news agency reported.

However, despite repeated appeals by the authorities and abundant supplies of vaccines, vaccination in Bulgaria is still progressing at a very slow pace, with only 11,712 doses administered in the past 24 hours. According to the University of Oxford-based Our World in Data project, the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in Bulgaria per 100 people is 26.06, and thus the country ranks last in the European Union.

Meanwhile, according to the country's Covid-19 information portal, the numbers of active cases and hospitalizations fell to 8,196 and 961, respectively, the lowest figures since last October 13 and October 6.

The first case of the Delta variant was identified in Bulgaria on June 17, followed by seven more cases on June 28.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Shimla, July 8 : Congress veteran and six-time Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh passed away on early Thursday at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) here after a three-month long battle with post-Covid complications, doctors said. He was 87.

IGMCH Senior Medical Superintendent Janak Raj said that Virbhadra Singh died at 3.40 a.m., was the sitting legislator from Arki in Solan district, once the pocket borough of the BJP.

He had twice recovered from Covid-19.

He had suffered from heart attack on July 5 and was in the critical care unit of the IGMCH.

Later, he was put on ventilator after he had breathing problem.

His cremation is likely to take place at his native place Rampur.

Popularly known as 'Raja Saab' as he was born heir into the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr, Virbhadra Singh was in active politics for over 50 years.

In the last decade of his political career, he was in a regular target of the top BJP leadership, who pointed to his being out on bail and facing corruption charges during the time he was the Union Steel Minister 2009-11.

In his every elections -- be it the Assembly or the parliamentary -- Virbhadra Singh single-handedly campaigned and conducted 15 to 20 meetings every day.

Political observers say his death will a big vacuum for the Congress leadership.

He was the nine-time legislator and five-time MP.

In the last assembly elections in 2017, Virbhadra Singh and his son Vikramaditya Singh won in their constituencies, even as their Congress party lost power.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
United Nations, July 8 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has 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, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for Guterres, said in a statement on Wednesday, Xinhua reported.

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.
New York, July 8 : The global Covid-19 death toll has surpassed the 4 million mark, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Argentina registered 457 more deaths from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, raising the total death toll from the pandemic to 97,439, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

In the same period, tests detected 19,423 new cases of infection, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4,593,763, Xinhua reported citing the ministry.

Southwest China's Yunnan Province reported two locally transmitted Covid-19 confirmed cases, both in the city of Ruili, on Wednesday, the provincial health commission said on Thursday.

The two confirmed cases were previously found and categorized as asymptomatic infections in the all-inclusive nucleic acid testing in Ruili, the commission said.

Meanwhile, Brazil registered 1,648 more deaths from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 528,540, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

A total of 54,022 new infections were detected, raising the total caseload to 18,909,037, the ministry said.

Chile reported less than 2,000 Covid-19 cases for the second consecutive day, continuing a gradual decline in infections prior to a lifting of a lockdown, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Health Minister Enrique Paris said that in the last 24 hours, 1,892 Covid-19 infections were reported, bringing the total number to 1,576,336.

Cuba registered a new record of daily Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, with 3,664 cases, for a total of 214,577, along with 18 more deaths to total 1,405.

National director of hygiene and epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health Francisco Duran reported that of the total number of new cases, 3,622 were from community transmission.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
July 08 : Veteran actor Saira Banu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the condolences shared by him on the death of her husband, legendary actor Dilip Kumar. The iconic actor passed away on Wednesday at the age of 98 years after battling cancer. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Juhu Qabrastan in Santacruz Mumbai.

Taking to Dilip Kumar's official Twitter handle, Saira Banu shared a post that read, "Thank you hon ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi ji for your early morning gracious phone call and condolences. -Saira Banu Khan."

On hearing the news of the sudden death of Dilip Kumar, the Prime Minister had tweeted, "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."

Thank you hon ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi ji for your early morning gracious phone call and condolences. -Saira Banu Khan  https://t.co/85N7DYOL48  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021

Saira Banu also thanked the Prime Minister and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for giving state honours to Dilip Kumar for his funeral. "Thank you @PMOIndia and @CMOMaharashtra for according Dilip Sahib burial with state funeral protocols. - Saira Banu Khan," she wrote.

Thank you @PMOIndia and @CMOMaharashtra for according Dilip Sahib burial with state funeral protocols. - Saira Banu Khan  https://t.co/ZofMEdUGmB  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021

The Indian cinema stalwart was cremated on Wednesday with full state honours in Mumbai. The veteran actor was laid to rest around 4:45 pm in the presence of family, including wife Saira Banu. 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.

While not more than 25-30 people were allowed inside the Qabrastan, the venue was crowded with media persons and fans of the late star. Several people were also seen standing on their rooftops to get a glimpse of the legendary actor.

After the funeral, megastar Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan visited the Juhu Qabrastan to pay their respects to Dilip Kumar.
New Delhi, July 8 : E-commerce aggregation platform Shiprocket on Thursday said it has raised $41.3 million (about Rs 305 crore) in Series D1 funding co-led by PayPal Ventures, the corporate VC arm of PayPal.

The latest infusion of capital brings Shiprocket's total funding to $94.3 million.

The New Delhi-based company said that it aims to leverage these funds to fuel product development for both existing and new products, to invest in research and development, continue market expansion and accelerate overall growth.

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) commerce forms roughly 15 per cent of the overall e-commerce market in India and this is projected to grow to 30-35 per cent in the next five years.

"Shiprocket is democratizing best-in-class experiences for hundreds of thousands of eCommerce brands that are shipping millions of items per month through our platform today," said Saahil Goel, CEO, and Co-Founder of Shiprocket.

A part of the funds will also be directed towards the platform's new strategic initiatives, including global expansion starting with the Middle East, the company said.

Existing investors Bertelsmann India Investments and Info Edge Ventures, March Capital and Tribe Capital also participated in the round.

The funding round also saw participation from strategic partners, such as Razorpay and Innoven Capital, and entrepreneurs including Cred founder Kunal Shah and Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal.

"Shiprocket has excelled by focusing on building products that solve major logistical problems for businesses as they scale, much like PayPal has supported merchants with payments," said Marc Donnadieu, Director, PayPal Ventures.

Over 100,000 online sellers in India are using Shiprocket to streamline their post-checkout process, starting from logistics to warehousing to COD management.

"The goal is that as Shiprocket expands its capabilities and tools for sellers, anyone with a product to sell should be able to avail of Shiprocket's suite of products and services at one click to get their business off-the-ground with an Amazon-like one-day delivery experience", said Kitty Agarwal, Partner, Info Edge Ventures.

Founded in 2017, Shiprocket became profitable in FY18-19 and is on track to close this financial year at $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).

Shiprocket currently processes more than 5 million monthly shipments.
Port-au-prince, July 8 : Four persons suspected of assassinating Haiti's President Jovenel Moise have been killed in a shootout with the security forces, police said.

Two others have been detained, while officers are still in combat with some remaining suspects in Haiti capital Port-au-Prince, the BBC reported citing officials.

"They will be killed or captured," police chief Leon Charles said.

Moise, 53, was fatally shot and his wife was injured when attackers stormed their home early on Wednesday.

The unidentified gunmen entered the private residence in Port-au-Prince at 1 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT). Moise was killed, but First Lady Martine Moise survived and has been flown to Florida where she is receiving treatment.

She is reported to be in a stable but critical condition.

"Four mercenaries were killed (and) two were intercepted under our control," Charles said in a televised statement late on Wednesday. "Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered." "We blocked (the suspects) en route as they left the scene of the crime," he added.

"Since then, we have been battling with them." Speaking after the killing, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph called for calm and declared a nationwide state of emergency.

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.

US President Joe Biden offered condolences to the people of Haiti for the "horrific assassination". UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, called it "an abhorrent act" and also appealed for calm.

Moise became president of Haiti in 2017, but in recent times faced widespread protests demanding his resignation.

Coups, political instability, widespread gang violence and natural disasters have plagued the country for decades and rendered it the poorest nation in the Americas.

Joseph said 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 who carried 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".
Chennai, July 8 : While several heavyweight ministers like Dr Harsh Vardhan, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar were removed from the rejigged Narendra Modi government, a low profile yet politically suave leader, L. Murugan was inducted in the Union cabinet.

The induction of Murugan is seen as a reward for his stellar performance as the BJP state president in Tamil Nadu after he assumed office in March 2020.

Murugan, a lawyer by profession and coming from the SC community after becoming the BJP state chief immediately tried some social engineering modes and went on to conduct the "Vetrivel Yatra" which was considered as a tit for tat reply to the "Karuppu Kootam" who had tried to insult Lord Murugan.

While the yatra could not develop into a mass movement owing to the organisational weakness of the BJP, it evoked a response among the people of the state and as Murugan hails from the SC community.

S. Sivasankar, journalist and political analyst from Madurai told IANS, " Murugan in his short period of one year and three months worked hard for the BJP in Tamil Nadu and gave a face of an aggressive political party to the BJP. He will now have to prove himself among the people of Tamil Nadu as to what he would do for the state and its people." In the recent Assembly elections, the BJP won four seats, and this huge show of the party added credence to Murugan and thus was considered for a slot of Minister of State in the Modi government. While he lost narrowly by 800 odd votes in Dharapuram constituency, the BJP state president was aggressive in his postures and in public statements against the DMK government.

Another feather in his cap was the smooth alliance he had undertaken with the AIADMK even though the decision for a political alliance with the Dravidian party was taken at New Delhi among the top BJP brass. However, as a person who executed at the grassroots level, Murugan's performance received praise from senior AIADMK leaders, including K. Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam.

L.Murugan while speaking to IANS from New Delhi said, "I am thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modiji and the senior leaders of the BJP for considering me for this top post."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Shenzhen, July 8 : Chinese conglomerate Huawei has reached a patent license agreement with a supplier of Volkswagen Group. According to reports, it was Luxembourg-based Rolling Wireless.

Huawei expects more than 30 million vehicles to be licensed under its patents based on existing license agreements.

The deal covers 4G connectivity in the vehicles.

The agreement includes a license under Huawei's 4G standard essential patents (SEPs), which covers Volkswagen vehicles equipped with wireless connectivity.

This agreement marks Huawei's largest licensing deal in the automotive industry, the company said on a statement late on Wednesday.

"As an innovative company, we own a leading patent portfolio for wireless technologies, which creates great value for the automotive industry. We believe this license will benefit worldwide consumers with our advanced technology," said Song Liuping, Chief Legal Officer of Huawei.

Over the past 20 years, Huawei has entered into more than 100 patent license agreements with major global companies across Europe, the US, Japan, and South Korea.

After facing US sanctions, the company has said it needs to diversify in order to reverse a revenue decline.

In April, the company reported first quarter sales were down 16.5 per cent, largely because Huawei sold off its Honor smartphone brand.
Mathura : , July 8 (IANS) The priests in Mathura have 'banned' the entry of politicians and officials in all religious ceremonies, following their failure to clean the Yamuna River.

The priests have put up a huge banner on the Ghats of the river, saying "They all are liars who swear on Yamuna ji. They are only seen when elections are near. These culprits of mother Yamuna and officials are banned from roaming around the Yamuna River and performing puja." A local priest, Radhey Shyam, said, "Several political leaders visit the Yamuna River during elections but disappear after winning polls. But this time we will not let that happen and are making our intentions clear through this banner." He further said, "Political leaders have assured us time and again that Yamuna would be cleared of pollutants but nothing has changed on the ground." National president of Akhil Bhartiya Teerth Purohit Mahasabha, Mahesh Pathak, also said that the river water was getting worse every day despite the fact that a party, which claims to understand the Hindu sentiments attached to the river, was in power in the state." Meanwhile, members of district Congress have sent a jar of "polluted Yamuna water" to President Ram Nath Kovind through the local administration.

Former leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Pradeep Mathur, said, "This is meant to convey the poor quality of water that is being consumed by local residents. Devotees are also forced to take a dip in such polluted waters." He alleged that the BJP government in the state and at the Centre, had done nothing in this regard so far.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Mathura-Vrindavan Municipal Corporation Anunay Jha, told reporters that soon all drains emptying into Yamuna will be diverted to the sewage treatment plants.

He said, "Out of 35 drains in Mathura and Vrindavan that go into the river, 20 have already been connected to sewage plants and work on the remaining will finish by October." Last month, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had said that sewage and industrial effluents were still being discharged in the Yamuna River from Kosi and Vrindavan and directed the Uttar Pradesh government to take remedial steps.

The NGT had cited a water quality analysis conducted by the UP Pollution Control Board for January 2021 which found biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels, coliform bacteria and fecal coliform in the river water several times higher than the maximum permissible levels.
Washington, July 8 : Frustrated at the social media ban, former US President Donald Trump has sued Twitter, Facebook and Google-owned YouTube, saying they violated his First Amendment rights by restricting him from their respective platforms. Media reports, however, said on Thursday that the lawsuits are all sound and fury with "little legal substance to back them up".

Trump has filed proposed class-action lawsuits against the companies as well as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.

The lawsuits come six months after Trump was permanently or temporarily suspended from the three platforms.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Trump referred to the cases as "a very important game-changer for our country." Trump's lawsuits have also asked courts to declare Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act "unconstitutional".

The social media platforms are protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act in the US.

The suits alleged that Twitter, Facebook and YouTube violated Trump's First Amendment rights.

"But the First Amendment is intended to protect citizens from censorship by the government -- not private industry. The irony that Trump himself was the uppermost figure in the federal government at the time probably won't be lost on whoever's lap this case lands in," reports TechCrunch.

The lawsuits claimed that the tech companies colluded with "Democrat lawmakers," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Dr Anthony Fauci, director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director.

In the press conference, Trump cited an email thread between Zuckerberg and Fauci from March 2020, which was during Trump's own presidency, reports The Verge.

"We're not looking for a settlement. We don't expect a settlement," Trump said in response to a question.

Trump opened fight with social media firms well before he was banned from them in January after the Capitol Hill attack.

As president, he signed an executive order asking federal agencies to reduce Section 230's protections, but the order was revoked by President Joe Biden a year later.
Dubai, July 8 : A huge explosion has rocked Dubai's Jebel Ali Port just before the midnight on Wednesday, resulting in a large cloud of flame and causing a shock wave that rattled windows of buildings several kilometres away.

According to initial reports, there was, however, no loss of lives.

The explosion took place on a small ship at Jebel Ali Port.

Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri said: "The fire in Jebel Ali Port broke out on board a small-sized container ship. No casualties were reported." Director General of Dubai Civil Defense, Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi told Dubai Media Office that the fire was brought fully under control some two and a half hours after the incident and the cooling process had started.

An official told a local TV channel that the crew had managed to evacuate in time before the fire caused one of the containers to explode. The nature of the material in the container is not known at the moment.

Indian expat Vishal Bathija, who lives relatively closer to Jebel Ali Port, was watching the England-Denmark match when the blast took place.

"My TV room faces towards the port. The sound was very loud and it caused our windows to rumble," said the 49-year-old from Mumbai.

Another Indian expat, Madhuri Bhandari, said she could hear the blast nearly 35 km away inside Dubai Mall, despite a fairly crowded environment in the mall.

Jebel Ali is one of the biggest ports in the world on the northern end of the city.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 8 : Two-time MP from New Delhi parliamentary constituency, Meenakshi Lekhi on Thursday took charge as new Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Culture.

Expressing her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief J.P. Nadda and the entire team, Lekhi said, "they prioritised meritocracy and hard work and gave positions to everyone".

Lekhi further praised Prime Minister Modi for giving women leaders big responsibilities in his Cabinet 2.0, saying. "People used to speak of women empowerment, but PM Modi made it possible that the country be led by empowered women. This is praiseworthy," she said.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed Lekhi and Rajkumar Singh to the team of Ministry of External Affairs.

Expressing his wishes through his Twitter account, Jaishankar said: "Delighted to welcome @M_Lekhi and @RanjanRajkuma11 to #TeamMEA. Confident that together, we will promote India's interest abroad effectively. Congratulate all my new ministerial colleagues and look forward to working with them."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Pune, July 8 : The second wave of Covid-19 has been devastating, with some families losing multiple people to the virus. The scenario could have been just as tragic for Ashok Rohidas Jagtap, a farmer from Pune district.

The 21 members of his joint family comprising four generations, however, overcame the ordeal with love, care and timely medical intervention.

Hailing from Mandavgan Farata village in Shirur taluka, 100 km from Pune city, Ashok tested positive on April 21. As the remaining members of his family include four people aged over 65, the village panchayat decided to conduct a Covid test on all of them.

Following Ashok, 20 members of the family tested positive, with just three spared from the infection. The youngest patient included a one-and-a-half-year-old boy and the oldest, a 75-year-old man.

Ashok, who is a member of the gram panchayat of Mandavgan Farata, said his family is big as his father, his uncle and their families all live together. The 24 members include eight women, seven men, and nine children.

As a melon-farmer, he was the only member of the family who used to step out of the house during the pandemic in order to sell the family's farm produce. He said he would quarantine himself in a separate room to keep the rest of the family safe from the infection.

The 53-year-old used to visit the market yard in Pune and came in contact with adatdars (brokers), other farmers, vendors, as well as customers. "During the week (before I was tested), I had fever and body pain, but I ignored it as I thought it may be because of exhaustion.

"When the pain increased, I visited a family doctor, who suggested a Covid test. On April 21, my report came positive. As I was serious, my doctor suggested I get admitted to a private hospital," he said.

Ashok's diagnosis left the entire family worried. That is when the gram panchayat decided to test everyone. Of the 20 other family members who tested positive, 15 had mild symptoms and five were admitted to the Covid-19 centre in Mandavgan Farata.

Ashok, on coming to know that nearly all of his family had been infected, was overwhelmed with guilt. "I felt I would be the only one responsible if any of them succumbed to the virus. I could not have forgiven myself if anything had happened to them," he said.

All the household and family responsibilities then fell on the three who were not infected -- Pooja Suraj Jagtap, Adika Santosh Jagtap and Akash Bapusaheb Jagtap. Pooja and Adika were busy in the kitchen most of the time, cooking immunity-boosting food for the patients. Akash would deliver the food to the Covid centre and hospital.

When he would get time, Akash would go to the fields, but he could not finish many of the tasks as the farmworkers hired by the family refused to come to work out of fear of catching the virus.

Ashok's son, Suraj Subhash Jagtap, 27, said that his wife, Pooja, and brother's wife, Adika, looked after the whole family. "My one-year-old son Aditya lived with us, and without his mom, for more than 10 days. We were all scared at first, as negative news was pouring in from outside. But our grandfather and grandmother motivated us, they never showed any kind of anxiety. All the time, they would talk to us and tell us that nothing would happen. Their positive words inspired all of us," he said.

Kantabai Rohidas Jagtap, 70, Ashok's mother, said they were scared, but did not show it. "Everyone started to take care of each other. Daughters, sons-in-law, nephews, and other relatives also helped us. With the love and support of each other and our relatives, we got through the hard times. I have seen humanity in this critical situation. Now, senior members of the family will take the vaccine and others will too," she adds.

Ashok's uncle, Subhash Mahadev Jagtap, 70, said the family's farm suffered losses as workers stayed away from their farm and Akash could not harvest the melons or water the crops alone. "It is a big loss to the family, but at least all of us are together," he said.

Manoj Bhosale, a doctor at the Varad Vinayak Hospital, Mandavgan Farata, said it is important for patients to stay optimistic. "A doctor tries to save every patient, but patients should also believe in themselves. This is the thing I saw in the Jagtap family.

"As a farming family, they had strong immunity. But also, no one in the family panicked in this critical situation. They took care of each other. This is when I saw the benefit of a joint family. Their love for each other makes them strong. Now I always give the example of the Jagtap family to every patient," he said.

Looking at the prediction of a third wave in India, Ashok said the virus is bound to infect everyone eventually. "The key is not to delay treatment, be optimistic and love each other. Also, get vaccinated. We are getting the jab too." (The author is a Pune-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
July 08 : The entire Bollywood fraternity is saddened by the sudden demise of the legendary actor Dilip Kumar. As a tribute to the departed soul, Karisma Kapoor today shared a throwback picture on her Instagram handlethe picture is not only rare but unseen, too.

Taking to social media, Karisma shared a black and white picture that captured the three legends of Indian cinemaDilip Kumar, Dev Anand and her grandfather Raj Kapoor. It is a rare picture where the three iconic super stars can be seen in the same frame.

While Raj Kapoor passed away in 1988 at the age of 63, Dev Anand was 88 when he died in 2011, and Dilip Kumar breathed his last on July 7, 2021. He was 98. Together the three stars ruled Bollywood in the 50s and 60s, and were known as the Triumvirate of the Hindi film industry. Sharing the picture, Karisma captioned it as "The legendary trio.

Kareena Kapoor Khan has also shared a rare picture of Dilip Kumar and her grandfather Raj Kapoor in the same frame. In Dilip Kumar's autobiography, The Substance and the Shadow, he wrote how Raj Kapoor and he were friends in school days. He also mentioned that while on-screen they were rivals, off-screen they shared a great relationship.

The three legendsDilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand belonged to the undivided Punjab of pre-Partition India. Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor were neighbours in Peshawar, now in Pakistan. They grew up together in the same neighbourhood and went to the same school. Dev Anand, on the other hand, was born in Gurdaspur.

Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor's acting careers started within a time difference of a year or two. Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar co-starred in the 1949 Andaz, which was a hit film.
Moscow, July 8 : Russia has offered North Korea Covid vaccines once again, amid reports that a harsh lockdown is leading to extreme hunger.

Pyongyang has refused vaccines and aid from a number of countries. It has instead sealed borders to try and keep the virus out but that has affected trade with China. It relies on Beijing for food, fertiliser and fuel, the BBC reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has acknowledged that the country is facing food shortages, describing the situation as "tense".

He made the comments last month and also told citizens to prepare for the "worst ever outcome" which has invoked comparisons to a deadly famine in the 1990s.

International trade sanctions are believed to have further put pressure on food supplies.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said that the country could face significant shortages as early as next month.

In a report, the FAO projects North Korea will not be able to produce enough grain to feed its population this year.

Without "commercial imports and/or food aid, households could experience a harsh lean period from August to October," the UN body said.

Russia has previously told North Korea that "not everyone can endure unprecedentedly strong, overarching restrictions", and on Wednesday Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Moscow has offered Pyongyang vaccines on a number of occasions.

He also repeated the offer to provide vaccines should the country require them.

North Korea says it has no Covid cases, a claim doubted by experts.

Last week a high ranking official was fired over an unspecified "grave incident" believed to be related to the virus.

North Korean media later named him as Ri Pyong Chol, a top-ranking military official.

Kim Jong-un also berated top officials over lapses related to Covid-19, North Korean state media report last month.

It was a rare sign of the pandemic's severity in North Korea.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
July 08 : Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to pass any order to stop further circulation of the film Nyay: The Justice, which is reportedly based on the life of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, and has been released on a website on June 20.

A bench of Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice Talwant Singh rejected the application of Sushant Singh Rajputs father Krishna Kishore Singh, who sought that the film Nyay: The Justice should not be further released on other digital platforms. The High Court will hear the case on July 14.

Senior Advocate Jayant Mehta, who appeared for Krishna Kishore Singh, stated that the film had been released on Lapalap Originals website and sought an order restraining its release on other platforms.

Jayant Mehta argued that he was not seeking that the film is unreleased, but that it should not be re-published or further circulated on any other platform. Senior advocate Chander Lall, who appeared for the films director, Dilip Gulati, opposed the plea saying the film carried a disclaimer that it was not based on anyone living or dead.

Last month, the High Court had refused to stay the release of the film noting that the events surrounding the actor's death were already in the public domain and posthumous privacy right is not permissible.

Sushant Singh Rajputs father has challenged the order and also sought to restrain anyone from using his sons name or likeness in movies. KK Singh had said in his plea that the films were taking advantage of the situation and trying to encash this opportunity for ulterior motives.

Nyaay: The Justice is a biographical drama film directed by Dilip Gulati and produced by Sarla A. Saraogi and Rahul Sharma. The film features Zuber K. Khan and Shreya Shukla in the lead roles. The film has been made under the banner of Vikas Productions.

Nyay: The Justices trailer was released a few days before the actors first death anniversary. The film also stars veterans like Asrani, Shakti Kapoor and Sudha Chandran. The trailer, which has included the media coverage after Sushants death, received negative comments.

Apart from Nyay: The Justice, there are three other films in the making on Sushant Singh Rajputs lifeSuicide or Murder: A Star Was Lost, Shashank, and an untitled crowd-funded movie.

Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery
New Delhi, July 8 : Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to Saira Banu, wife of legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar saying that 'with his passing away the "Golden Age" of Indian Cinema has come to an end'.

In her condolence letter to Saira Banu, Sonia Gandhi said, "With the passing away of your beloved husband Dilip Kumar, the Golden Age of Indian Cinema has finally come to an end." Recalling the achievements of the veteran actor, Sonia Gandhi said, "Dilip Kumar was a legend in his lifetime and will remain a legend in the future too, as generations of film lovers will continue to watch him with admiration in films that his superb acting skills turned into evergreen classics." The Congress leader said, "Who can forget the realism, the emotion and power that he brought to his roles in films as diverse as 'Ganga Jamuna', 'Daag', 'Deedar', 'Mughal-e-Aazam', 'Naya Daur', 'Madhumati', 'Devdas', 'Ram aur Shyam' and so many, many more." She said that in all his films he kept his audience entranced, inspired and deeply moved.

The Congress leader further added that Dilip Kumar lived a long and fulfilled life, and left us a "priceless legacy" through his rich contributions to the world of art and culture.

"His loss will be deeply mourned by his countless fans, and India will always honour his memory," she said.

Her remarks came after Dilip Kumar breathed his last on Wednesday morning due to age-related illness. He was 98. He died at the private Hinduja Hospital where had been admitted for certain breathing issues.

The 'Kohinoor' of Indian Cinema, Mohammed Yusuf Khan, known to the world by his screen name Dilip Kumar, was laid to rest in a Mumbai cemetery amid full state honours on Wednesday evening.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 8 : The lockdown has been hard in many ways with travellers itching to get out and explore again. This pause has led us to reflect on our impact on the environment and local communities for when we do start taking trips again. According to Booking.com's 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, 88 percent of respondents revealed that it has encouraged them to travel more sustainably in the future and 75 percent of Indian travellers believe that people have to act now to save the planet for future generations.

Luckily, making sustainable choices has become easier and more affordable than one expects. There are many simple ways we can limit our environmental impact, and better support and engage with local communities during our upcoming trips. To help make it easier for everyone to travel more sustainably, Booking.com shares 7 handy tips to create a positive impact on your next trip, when it is safe to do so again.

Choose a sustainable accommodation option Picking a more sustainable place to stay for your next trip is a great place to start -- and it doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money. There are plenty of sustainable options for every budget and taste. In fact, 98 per cent of Indian travellers from say that they want to stay in a sustainable accommodation in the upcoming year. One of the easiest ways to confidently book a more sustainable property is to check and see if it has an established eco-label or third-party sustainability certification. There are numerous, reputable third-party sustainability certifications that properties can work towards and achieve.

Get off the beaten track The pandemic has influenced 72 per cent of Indian travellers to avoid popular destinations and attractions to ensure they aren't contributing to overcrowding. Being mindful when choosing your next trip can help reduce over tourism, which can be a major issue for fragile environments, ecosystems and local communities. Consider travelling to lesser-known destinations or a location just outside a busy sightseeing area. Alternatively travel during off-peak seasons when there are fewer other visitors.

Bye Bye, plastic! Limiting single-use plastic is arguably one of the greatest environmental challenges we face. With an estimated 91 percent of plastic not being recycled, most of it ends up either in the ocean or landfills. Many properties have taken numerous steps to either reduce or eliminate single-use plastics from their operations, but travellers can also take simple steps like using reusable water bottles instead of buying plastic bottles of water while on vacation or packing your own reusable toiletry bottles with your favourite products from home. An alternative to single-use plastic are steel water bottles which are more durable and can be used for years. This will not only reduce your consumption on holiday but you can also bring it home with you -- helping you become more sustainable in your day-to-day life.

Book virtuous activities that give back to the community When planning activities for your trip, look for tour companies that give back to and empower the local community, and also engage in ethical tourism practices. According to Booking.com's recent report* respect for the local community is high on the list of Indian travellers with 74 percent wanting to have authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture when they travel, and 91 percent mentioning that increasing cultural understanding and preservation of cultural heritage is crucial. By supporting these companies, local communities can directly and equally benefit from the travel industry.

Pick up one item of rubbish when you leave A good rule of thumb for travelling more sustainably, is to try and leave the places you visit better than when you found them. A simple way to do this is to pick up a discarded item of rubbish that isn't yours when you leave- a small but important step in taking care of our environment. And every action counts -- just picking up one piece of plastic on a beach means one less piece ending up in the sea.

Buy Locally When you travel, one of the best ways to support the local economy and limit your carbon footprint is to shop locally and eat food from street vendors or restaurants that use sustainably sourced produce. Avoid eating at popular fast-food chains that usually import produce from all across the globe and eat in local restaurants that likely use local produce instead. And if you're cooking for yourself, try to purchase from local markets, too. This is also in line with the Indian traveller sentiment where 74 percent of Indian travellers want to have authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture when they travel.

Bring good habits with you on vacation Many are already conscious at home about turning off the lights when we are not using them, or being careful about when and how high we use the air-conditioning. However, 59 percent of Indian travellers believe it's harder to make sustainable choices on vacation. A sustainable first step could be as simple as remembering to carry those mindful habits from home along when you travel. While switching over to LED light fixtures or having keycard controlled power in the room aren't things you can control as a guest, travellers can ensure they switch off the lights when they step out of their room, reuse their towels or forego daily linen changes and being more mindful of the length of the showers they take.

No matter whether you're already a superstar sustainable traveller or just looking for a few tips to be a little more mindful during your next trip, there is always a next step to take. This can ultimately make travel that's truly beneficial to the planet, the places we love to visit and the people who live there, the norm (N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 8 : Anisha Dixit also known as 'Rickshawali' is a girl-centric comedy influencer and YouTuber popularly known for the spin she brings on to the day to day activities of Indians and most importantly women, through her sketches and comedy vlogs. With fast-growing followers and subscribers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, Anisha is one of the top female influencers on the digital platform with 2.7 million subscribers on YouTube and 500k Instagram followers.

Dixit's main motive is to inspire girls, joining hands with United Nations Women and It's a Girl Thing to help them with their campaign for #GenerationEquality. Anisha speaks to IANSlife about the campaign and raising awareness among little girls and women about equality.

Q: Tell us about your journey into content creation? A: It's been a roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs but yet an amazing journey. Everything comes with its own pain and pleasures. There have been some terrible times in the journey but also there have been great times too. The best part is I'm grateful that I am able to do what I love.

Q: Tell us about your collaboration with UN Women on the #GenerationEquality campaign? How do you aim to raise awareness among little girls and women about equality with this? A: Honestly, I am extremely honoured to be a part of this amazing campaign and to get the opportunity to work with UN Women. Since the beginning of my channel, my goal has always been to empower and inspire girls. This opportunity helped me to be closer to my goal.

I raised awareness through my social media, wherein I made a video asking my followers to take part in the #GenerationEquality campaign and the response was really massive. I am so happy that people are now aware and also actively want to reduce the gap between the genders. It was a great success.

Q: What do you think should be done towards creating a more equal country? A: Personally, I feel we should remove the idea that girls and boys, men and women are different. Yes, each have their own strengths and capabilities which God gave them but overall we are all the same. Seeing oneself in everyone and everyone in oneself, this idea should become universal. This way Gender disappears, once and for all.

Q: The main aim of your channel is to inspire girls. Can you elaborate on that? What kind of inspiration or motivation and how do you work to achieve it one video at a time? A: Yes, my main aim has always been to speak about problems women go through and try to raise awareness about the same. Also at the same time, I try to inspire them in whatever ways possible. I mean if we move our heads around and see, there is still a huge difference between masculine and feminine in every society. Even though we are in 2021, a lot of problems that we women go through are not addressed upfront. Out of my 2.7 million subscribers, 60 per cent are female. So, in my videos, I always try to speak up about the issue we women go through, and at the same time, I spread a message so I can help empower the girls who are watching my videos.

Q: Tell us about your meeting with former U.S President Obama? A: Meeting Barack Obama personally is one of the BIGGEST highlights of my life and I will never forget it. YouTube India and Google India gave me that opportunity to meet and interact with President Obama. I will share one funny incident from my experience: we were all lining up to meet him one by one and everyone was only shaking hands and smiling for the camera and left. When it was my turn to meet him, I ran towards him and directly hugged him. His security was taken quite aback by my actions thinking I might be someone crazy but the coolest thing was that Obama hugged me back and that is when the security chilled out. I told him that I love him and Michelle Obama and that they both inspire me a lot. Thankfully, he also said he loves me back so this situation didn't become too awkward.

Obama is super awesome. I will never forget this special moment.

Q: Your future plans? A: I can't say much right now because there are some big plans ahead and they are still in the beginning process but once it's finalized I will be happy to share more details, so make sure you follow me on Instagram @anishadixit to stay up to date.

(N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 8: Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) have been victims of the worst kind of theft in their entire history.

Never before were they denied the right to choose their way of life and never before were they deprived of their natural resources, rivers and forests. Since October 22, 1947 when the Pakistan army along with the tribals of north western Pakistan attacked our land, our right to freely express our religious, political and cultural views have been ruthlessly curtailed.

In PoGB the Anti-Terrorism Act commonly referred to as ATA was introduced under Schedule four under which any individual who disapproved of the two-nation theory of Muhammed Ali Jinnah, who was responsible to partition India into Bharat and Pakistan, is booked immediately. In PoJK, a similar law, crushing human rights was imposed in 1974 under the guise of an interim constitution commonly referred to as Act 74. According to this legislation, people of this occupied territory have been denied the right to dissent.

Besides, Pakistan has been engaged in systematic plunder. Large swathes of forests in PoJK have been cut down by the Pakistan military in collaboration with the local timber mafia and transporters, robbing us of Rs 51.84 billion each year. According to one estimate forest wood worth Rs. 480 billion has been stolen by Pakistan so far.

Flowers worth Rs 3 billion are looted by Pakistan annually. This does not include the herbs and roots of plants that Pakistan steals form us for medicinal purposes. According to research scholar Shabbir Chaudhary, Pakistani corporations earn approximately Rs one billion rupees from herbs and roots of plants that are looted by Pakistan. Bellies of our mountains from Neelum to Muzaffarabad and Hunza have been brutally cut open to plunder precious stones and minerals by the Pakistan army. From minor minerals such as gravel and sand to major minerals like marble, coal, gypsum, graphite and Bauxite to metallic minerals like iron ore lead, zinc, silver and copper to non-metallic minerals like soap.

According to figures obtained from Shabir Chaudhary, stone and limonite, to precious stones such as ruby, diamond, emerald and garnet are being stolen without impunity. Our women are kidnapped by the army personnel on a daily basis to quench the thirst of the local military commanders of the Pakistan army stationed at 'sensitive' locations. Heroes like Arif Shahid, Syed Haider Shah Rizvi and Ghulam Abbas are poisoned and shot on their door steps for raising their voice against human rights abuses that we incur in the aforementioned occupied territories.

Yet, it is India that is portrayed as an evil and enemy of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The truth is that if it was not for Indian soldiers who bravely fought, pushed back and eventually defeated the Pakistani invading armies in 1947, the fate that we are enduring in PoJK and PoGB today, would have also doomed the people from Srinagar, Rajauri, Baramulla and Uri to Leh and Kargil. The UN resolutions based on the reports of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) declared Pakistan and not India, which was an aggressor in the first war between India and Pakistan.

The resolution demands that Pakistan withdraw its men in uniform and all aliens from our territories. Pakistan has not only defied to act, but on the contrary, it has systematically increased its military presence ever since. Currently it has up to 12 army brigades stationed in PoJK. Pakistan never let go of an opportunity to continue adding to its security forces in our lands. Most recently Pakistan federal government sanctioned a further deployment of Punjab police and Rangers in the guise of providing assistance during the general elections due on July 25. An extra force comprising 40 platoons of Pakistan army's para military wing the FC and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been ordered to move into PoJK to provide security at the polling stations.

The list of atrocities, human rights abuses and lack of freedom of speech and the theft of our resources committed by Pakistan is too long to be included in this short piece.

However, my people are becoming aware of the development projects, the freedom of speech and respect for human rights that the people of the union territories of both Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh enjoy since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35 A of the Indian constitution. The more my people become aware of the actuality of our reality, more forcefully will they reject the policy of systematic plunder which Pakistan has set in motion. The people of PoJK and PoGB have seen through the hollowness of the false narrative of the two nation theory and do not anymore buy the anti-India propaganda that Pakistani foreign minister and Prime minister so carelessly and ceaselessly spew.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Lucknow, July 8 : AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi met Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar in Lucknow on Thursday to reiterate their political alliance and said that the issue of seat sharing would be resolved soon.

Talking to reporters, the two leaders said that their Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha would form the next government in Uttar Pradesh.

Rajbhar took a dig at the BJP without taking names and said, "If they go with Mehbooba, it is ras-leela, and if I go with Owaisi, it is character dheela. The BJP has been fooling the OBCs and they stand exposed. What have they done for OBCs? We are certainly not going with the BJP." The two leaders met at a five-star hotel, before the AIMIM chief proceeded on his onward journey to Bahraich. Owaisi has already announced that he would contest 100 seats in Uttar Pradesh.

Owaisi, meanwhile, took on the Congress and said that if the literacy level was low among Muslims, it is the Congress that is responsible.

He also slammed Congress leader Digvijay Singh and said that wherever he goes, he makes sure that his party sinks to the bottom.

Owaisi later left for Bahraich where he is scheduled to visit a dargah and then inaugurate his party's office. He will return later in the evening.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 8: A grand geopolitical drama with seismic implications is unfolding in Afghanistan. The United States is leaving Kabul with its mission largely unaccomplished.

Pakistan-backed Taliban fervently wants to fill the emerging vacuum left behind by the departing American and NATO forces.

But if the Taliban succeeds in driving the formation of a new government, the real winner would be China, accepted by Pakistan after considerable internal quarrels, as its unrivalled boss.

For long, the Chinese have wanted to play a leading role in Afghanistan, buoyed by support from neighbouring Pakistan, and with the Taliban as the frontline. Way back in 2016, when the Americans were giving early indications of their departure, a leading Chinese think tanker had told The Hindu, that after the Americans leave, China would be the custodian of Afghanistan's destiny.

"The killing of Osama bin Laden was a benchmark, as it marked the Obama administration's policy to scale down American presence in Afghanistan. Ever since, China has given more and more importance to its bilateral ties with Afghanistan. China has to plug the resulting vacuum because no one else would. This is necessary to secure One Belt One Road (OBOR). Then there are compulsions of safeguarding the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Xinjiang's stability is another big concern," said Hu Shisheng, a South Asia expert with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) What are China's strategic objectives in Afghanistan?

First, China wants to pivot Afghanistan in its direction and dock Kabul with Beijing's Belt and Road projects. That structural change is possible by extending the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. Right now, CPEC starts from the Arabian sea port of Gwadar in Pakistan and the heads to Kashgar in China's Xinjiang province. But it can be further extended into Afghanistan, the gateway to Uzbekistan and the heart of Central Asia.

"We can vouch that China will fund the rebuilding of Afghanistan through the Taliban via Pakistan," the Financial Times quoted an Indian official as saying. "China is Pakistan's wallet." FT quoted another diplomat in the region as saying: "China at the request of Pakistan will support the Taliban." China is no stranger to the Taliban. Taliban delegations have been making regular visits to Beijing, and China has feted them across the country with lavish excursions.

"China wants to extend the BRI network in Afghanistan and has been in contact with the Taliban since 2014. It recently pledged a road network and various energy projects for Taliban in exchange for peace but nothing concrete has been heard from the Taliban," geopolitical analyst Mark Kinra told India Narrative.

Second, by drawing Afghanistan in new structural networks, the Chinese want to wean away Kabul's dependence on India and the West, thus, geopolitically positioning the country firmly into Eurasian multilateral structures.

Third, once Afghanistan enters the "new era," China is expected to gun for Afghanistan's vast natural resources including lithium and rare earths which go into everything from new energy vehicles, cell phones to missiles. Gwadar and Karachi would become natural gateways for transporting this raw material to industrial hubs, from where they are marketed and sold across the world at high profits.

But China's gameplan in partnership with the Pak-Taliban nexus is not a done deal. Russia is bound to oppose Chinese inroads into Central Asia, which has been traditionally Moscow's backyard. India is unlikely to accept a situation where hostile forces converge, Pakistan gets its coveted "strategic depth" against New Delhi, and the country is exposed to terror exports.

Fourth, China wants to stop the use of Afghan territory as the launchpad for ethnic Uyghur fighters who are part of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). "China's lure for investment is also to restrict Islamic militants from crossing into China. The ETIM aligned with Taliban has been active in Badakhshan province bordering China, where the Taliban has recently been closing in with attacks in various districts of the province," adds Kinra.

The key to reversing the China's diabolic gameplan of being the masters of Eurasia lies in making air power available to the Afghan government forces, which have boots on the ground to block the Taliban's march to Kabul. The Pakistanis have refused to provide the Americans any airbases to mount an anti-Taliban air campaign. India and Russia, with considerable heft in the air may like to consider a plan-b to check China's regional advance, routed through Afghanistan.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, July 8 : BJP national president J.P. Nadda on Thursday met party national office bearers who were made union ministers in the cabinet reshuffle, at his residence.

Union minister Bhupender Yadav, Annapurna Devi and Bishweswar Tudu met BJP chief Nadda at his residence.

BJP vice president Saudan Singh, general secretary (organisation) B.L. Santhosh, general secretary Dushyant Gautam and joint general secretary (organisation) Shiv Prakash were also present in the meeting which lasted for nearly an hour.

Devi is vice president of party and Yadav is general secretary. Tudu is national secretary of the BJP.

Sources that it was a courtesy meeting in which national office bearers, who are made ministers, are congratulated for their new responsibilities.

A party insider said that soon these national office bearers will be freed from their organisational responsibilities as per 'one man, one post' formula.

After meeting Nadda, Yadav tweeted, "Before taking charge as Union Minister, had the privilege of meeting BJP President J.P. Nadda ji. Also, met my organisational colleagues. I offer my thanks to each one of them for their trust and guidance." Several new ministers, meanwhile, reached party headquarters and met Santhosh. Union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Manshuk Mandaviya, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Meenakshi Lekhi are among those who reached party headquarters.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Noida, July 8 : In a shocker from the Uttar Pradesh city here adjoining the national capital, a 12-year-old boy was apprehended and sent to a juvenile center for allegedly raping and impregnating his own 16-year-old sister.

According to police officials, the matter came to their notice after the girl's employers found out about the pregnancy and informed the Childline.

Sub-Inspector Usha Kushwaha said that the minor accused was produced before the child welfare committee on Monday and sent to a juvenile shelter home on Tuesday, while the minor girl has also been sent to a shelter house.

Kushwaha said that the girl is second among the five siblings while the boy is third.

She said that both were unaware of the consequences of their actions.

The police officer said that a case has been registered against the minor boy under IPC sections 376 (rape) and sections 5/6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Kushwaha also said that the girl will be taken for ultrasound test to ascertain the status of her pregnancy.
New Delhi, July 8 : Condoling the death of six- time chief minister of Himachal Pradesh and veteran party leader Virbhadra Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday said he has left behind a legacy of service rendered for nearly six decades to the people of Himachal Pradesh.

In her message, Sonia Gandhi expressed deepest condolences on the passing away of veteran Congress leader Virabhadra Singh and said, "Virbhadra Singh leaves behind a legacy of service rendered for nearly six decades to the people of Himachal Pradesh and the nation." She said that a six time chief minister and former union minister, he had the opportunity of working with many "stalwarts" through different generations.

"Popular for his affable and grounded nature, he remained close to people and brought about far reaching positive changes through his administrative acumen. He was one of the tallest stalwarts of the Congress Party and remained a dedicated Congress person throughout," she said.

Sonia Gandhi said that his contribution to the party, as indeed to the state and the country will be valued and cherished forever.

Virbhadra Singh passed away on early Thursday at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) after a three-month long battle with post-Covid complications. He was 87. He had twice recovered from Covid-19.

He had suffered from heart attack on July 5 and was in the critical care unit of the IGMCH. Later, he was put on ventilator after he had breathing problem.
Cape Town, July 8 : South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma has handed himself in to police to begin serving a 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court.

He was admitted to Estcourt Correctional Centre in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday, the BBC reported.

Police had warned that they were prepared to arrest him if he did not hand himself in by midnight.

Zuma, 79, was handed the jail term last week after he failed to attend a corruption inquiry.

The sentencing sparked an unprecedented legal drama in South Africa, which has never seen a former president jailed before.

Zuma had initially refused to hand himself in, but in a short statement on Wednesday, the Jacob Zuma Foundation said he had "decided to comply".

His daughter, Dudu Zuma-Sambudla, later wrote on Twitter that her father was "en route (to the jail) and he is still in high spirits".

Zuma was sentenced on June 29 for defying an instruction to give evidence at an inquiry into corruption during his nine years in power. He has testified only once at the inquiry into what has become known as "state capture" - meaning the siphoning off of state assets.

Businessmen have been accused of conspiring with politicians to influence the decision-making process while he was in office. But Zuma has repeatedly said that he is the victim of a political conspiracy.

Though he was forced out of office by his own party in 2018, the African National Congress (ANC), he retains a loyal body of supporters, especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

On Sunday, crowds formed what they called a human shield outside Zuma's palatial home in an effort to prevent his arrest. Similar crowds gathered before he handed himself in on Wednesday.
New Delhi, July 8 : G. Kishan Reddy took charge as Union Minister of Culture and Tourism in the Transport Bhawan here on Thursday amid the chanting of 'mantras'.

The outgoing Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel greeted and handed over charge of the ministry to the Secunderabad MP (BJP) from Telangana -- G. Kishan Reddy.

Before taking over, a special 'puja' was performed and 'mantras' were chanted by a group of around a dozen 'pujaries' (priests).

Dressed in traditional attire (Hyderabadi Lungi and shirt), Reddy took over the charge as Tourism Minister. However, he did not speak to the press.

The Media department in the Tourism Ministry said the official statement of the newly appointed Tourism and Culture Minister will be issued later.

MoS (Tourism) Ajay Bhatt and Shripad Naik and MoS (Culture) Meenakshi Lekhi were also present at the office.

Reddy has become the first Cabinet minister from Telangana after the formation of the state in 2014. The former Union Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy was elevated as the Union Cabinet minister and appointed as Minister of Culture & Tourism and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region.

"I express my deep sense of gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the trust reposed in me. I will sincerely make an endeavour to live up to his expectations and that of my people," he stated on Wednesday expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Reddy had vociferously campaigned for the formation of a separate state of Telangana.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, July 8 : A prominent face from the northeast in the Modi government, senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju on Thursday took charge as new minister of Law and Justice.

After assuming charge of office at 11.30 a.m. at Shastri Bhawan, Rijiju said he looks forward to fulfilling this new responsibility with dedication and commitment.

"It is a huge responsibility for me to work as a Minister for Law and Justice. Fulfilling public expectations will be my priority. We will always try to be transparent," Rijiju said.

Rijiju was on Wednesday elevated as a Cabinet minister in a major reshuffle and expansion of the Union Council of Ministers.

The minister takes over the key ministry from Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was ousted from the Modi cabinet on Wednesday and resigned from the government.

The Law Ministry plays a key role in transfer, posting and elevation of the Supreme Court and High Court judges as well as to defend the government in various courts through its law officers and help ministries draft bills and key documents.

Rijiju has been elevated to the cabinet minister rank. Earlier, he had been serving as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Ayush portfolios.

The Minister presently represents Arunachal Pradesh West constituency in Lok Sabha and holds a law degree from Delhi University.

Soon after the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, Rijiju took to Twitter to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him a new responsibility and said, "I will work in a dedicated manner to fulfilling Prime Minister's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat".

Rijiju was first elected to Lok Sabha after the 2004 general election. He lost the election in 2009 and was re-elected in 2014 and 2019.

The Minister has also served as Minister of State for Home Affairs. He is among six Union Ministers who have been promoted to the cabinet in Wednesday's mega reshuffle.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, July 8 : The Tamil Nadu police has arrested M Ramesh Babu, nephew of AIADMK leader and former social welfare minister of the state V. Saroja for allegedly duping several job seekers in Villupuram. According to police, Ramesh Babu was arrested late on Wednesday night from his Ashok Nagar residence after police received complaints that he had duped people to the tune of Rs 35 lakh.

The police special team said that a complaint was lodged against Ramesh Babu by V. Gunasekaran of Vikrvandi in Villupram district. He complained that he met Ramesh Babu through a common acquaintance in Chennai and that he was promised the job of a noon meal organizer at an Anganwadi.

In the complaint, he said that Ramesh Babu promised him the job and took Rs 35 lakhs from him and 16 other people and transferred the money in multiple instalments to the bank accounts of his wife and her uncle in Villupuram.

After the promise of the jobs was not met, Gunasekaran and others who had paid money asked for the money to be returned but Ramesh Babu threatened them with dire consequences. They then lodged the complaint with the police.

A special police team led by Sub-Inspector G. Senthil Kumar arrested Ramesh Babu from his Ashok Nagar residence on the directions of N. Shreenatha, Superintendent of Police, Villupuram. He was produced in court and remanded to judicial custody.
New Delhi, July 8 : New Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday did not waste any time to make it crystal clear how he wants things to pan out in the ongoing Twitter-Centre face off as he assumed office as the Union Minister for Railways, Communication, Electronics & IT.

"Everyone have to follow law of the country," Vaishnaw said during his first visit to the party headquarters after being made cabinet minister in the Modi government.

When questioned about Twitter not complying to the new IT law, the Minister hinted that everyone have to follow new guidelines.

He thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation as Union Minister. "There is no words to say thanks to the Prime Minister for giving me such a big opportunity to serve the country," the Minister said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 8 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has been given additional charge of the newly created Ministry of Cooperation, has long been associated with the cooperative societies in Gujarat.

His Gujarat model in the cooperative sector has hogged headlines in the past, as he was once called the father of the cooperative movement in the state. His work in the cooperative sector in Gujarat is remembered even today.

The ministry of cooperation has been created to provide a separate administrative, legal and policy framework to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country and will help deepen cooperatives as a true people based movement reaching up to the grassroots.

The ministry is likely to have the same importance as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Amit Shah has been the convener of the Bharatiya Janata Party's National Cooperative Cell (SAIL) in Gujarat. He was also the youngest chairman of the Ahmedabad District Co-operative Bank (ADCB) at the age of 36. During his stint, in just one year, Shah not only broke even the bank's loss of Rs 20.28 crore but also brought in a profit of Rs 6.60 crore. For this achievement in the cooperative sector in Gujarat, Amit Shah was called the father of the cooperative movement.

Some states have cooperative departments, but till now there was no separate ministry for this at the central level. The Ministry of Cooperation is likely to streamline the 'Ease of Doing Business' processes for cooperatives.

The country has cooperative based economic development model, according to which every member works with his own sense of responsibility. A senior official of the government said, "The formation of the Ministry of Cooperation will bring prosperity in the agriculture and rural sector. That is why the government has taken this historic decision to realize the dream of people. It will work towards the welfare of farmers and making their businesses self-reliant."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, July 8 : The trial in the murder of Special Sub- Inspector of Police S. Wilson, who was shot dead by two youths Abdul Shameem and Thowfeek on January 8, 2020, will start soon at the special NIA court in Chennai.

This was revealed by the Special Public Prosecutor in the Wilson murder case, CSS Pillai while speaking media persons on Thursday. The trial will begin immediately as the main conspirator in the case Khaja Moideen, a radical Islamist who was involved in several murders and radicalization of youths, was brought to the Chennai jail on Tuesday night from Tihar jail in Delhi where he was lodged.

Wilson was shot dead while he was on duty at the Kaliyakkavilai market road check-post near the Kerala, Tamil Nadu border on January 8. The arrested suspects, Abdul Shameem and Thowfeek, had deposed before the NIA, who took over the investigation, that they murdered him "as part of waging jihad".

While Shameem and Thoufique were directly involved in the murder, a total of six people were charge-sheeted by the National Investigation Agency in the case.

Those charge-sheeted are Abdul Shameem, Y Thowfeek, Khaja Mohideen, Mahboob Pasha, Ejas Pasha and Jaffer Ali. They were charged under the Unlawful Atrocities Prevention Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the NIA charge-sheet, Khaja Mohideen is the key accused in the case, and that he was involved in the radicalization of both Abdul Shameem and Thowfeek, creating hatred in them and resulting in the murder of Wilson. The charge-sheet also mentioned that the accused had planned to kill SSI Wilson not on the basis of any personal enmity but to create fear in the minds of people including policemen.

The NIA also found that Khaja Mohideen was a member of the Islamic State, Daesh and that he was waging a war against India by killing a public servant.
Lucknow, July 8 : Widespread violence was reported on Thursday from various districts, including Siddharthnagar, Sitapur, Gorakhpur, Sambhal during the nomination of papers for the block pramukh elections.

Majority of the incidents took place when the opposition candidates were prevented from filing their nomination papers.

In Siddharthnagar former Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker, Mata Prasad Pandey was assaulted.

In Sitapur, three people received bullet injuries when an independent candidate Munni Devi arrived to file her nomination in Kamlapur.

She was prevented from going in and unidentified persons opened fire in the presence of the police. Her supporters created a ruckus and some people lobbed crude bombs.

Munni Devi's supporters blocked the highway in protest.

In Ambedkar Nagar, some miscreants snatched the nomination papers form the hands of former BSP minister Lalji Varma leading to violent clashes.

"It is BJP leader Tejaswi Jaiswal who snatched the papers which led to tension and clashes," said Varma.

In Kannauj, SP and BJP supporters clashed. SP leaders alleged that they were being prevented from filing nomination papers.

A journalist with a news channel was beaten up while he was filming the incident.

Similar incidents were reported from Fatehpur where some people brandished firearms in the presence of the police and tore up the nomination papers of some candidates. Journalists were also roughed up.

SP MLC Sunil Kumar Sajan, in Unnao, alleged that the police were working actively to prevent non-BJP candidates from filing nominations.

"This is state sponsored terrorism and certainly not what is expected in a democracy. We strongly condemn this," he said.
Srinagar, July 8 : Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday arrested five girls for allegedly indulging in immoral activities in Srinagar city.

Police sources said a woman living in a rented accommodation in Tengpora area of Srinagar was being visited by a number of male and female visitors on a daily basis.

"A team from Batmaloo police station raided the house and arrested five girls including the tenant.

"They have been booked under different sections of prevention of immoral traffic act," sources said.

The accused have been lodged at the women's police station in the Rambagh area.

Police said the owner of the house has also been arrested.

"Investigation has been started and nothing would be revealed unless supported by irrefutable evidence," police said.

It must be recalled that Jammu and Kashmir was rocked by a sex scandal in 2006 in which 57 people were allegedly involved including some ministers, senior bureaucrats and police officers.
Amaravati/Hyderabad, July 8 : Scores of political leaders in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana fondly remembered and celebrated former united AP chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on his 72nd birth anniversary on Thursday.

Current Andhra chief minister and Rajasekhara Reddy's son Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy paid his tributes to the departed leader and recollected the virtues his father taught him.

"You shared the weapon of undisturbed smile, you gave me the strength of fighting spirit. You taught me the lesson of not failing to keep up the word and I inherited your ambitions. Happy birthday, daddy," said Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Continuing to reminisce his father, the chief minister said he sees him in the happiness of people and remembers his footsteps in every aspect of ruling the state.

Similarly, recently elected Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy participated in YSR birth anniversary celebrations in Tirupati town.

"Tributes to our beloved leader, former chief minister of AP Rajasekhara Reddy on his jayanti today," said Gurumoorthy.

Hailing the former CM, Industries Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy said Rajasekhar Reddy will stay forever in the hearts of the people.

Likewise, S. Rajiv Krishna, advisor to AP government fondly recalled his family's 35-year association with YSR and said that he was one of the most wonderful human beings.

Chilakaluripeta MLA Vidadala Rajini said, "My humble tribute to the great leader whose life has been a message to all in public life. On YSR Jayanti today, I bow before the legend who has inspired me and holds a special place in all our hearts." Meanwhile, in Telangana capital Hyderabad, several Congress leaders celebrated YSR's birth anniversary near his statues located at major traffic intersections such as Panjagutta and near the City Centre mall in Banjara Hills.

Newly crowned Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Revanth Reddy paid his respects to YSR at Panjagutta centre near the Central Mall and also at another place.

"My tributes to former chief minister of united AP YSR on his 72nd birth anniversary," he said.

Likewise, former MP Anjan Kumar Yadav garlanded Rajasekhara Reddy's statue at the same place and said, "Remembering staunch Congressman, former CM of AP Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on his 72nd birth anniversary, he will always live in our hearts."
Bengaluru, July 8 : Homegrown social ecommerce startup DealShare on Thursday said it has raised $144 million in their latest funding round led by Tiger Global.

The company said it will utilise new funds in improving and scaling up its operations rapidly.

The latest round marks the third funding for the company in a span of seven months, with the valuation increasing nine-fold on the back of high-growth momentum.

With the current round, the total funding raised by DealShare stands at $183 million.

"We would utilise the funds primarily to invest in AI-driven innovations in our user experience leading to a highly personalised, fun-filled and gamified experience," said Vineet Rao, CEO and Founder, DealShare.

"Our monthly active users already use our app over 40 times a month making it the most engaging ecommerce app and we will continue to add more innovative capabilities and services to serve a wider range of user needs," he added.

The company expects its footprint to increase from current 20 warehouses across five states to over 200 warehouses across 10 states by the end of year.

The latest round was co-led by WestBridge Capital, Alpha Wave Incubation (a venture fund backed by ADQ, and managed by Falcon Edge Capital) & Z3Partners with participation from Partners of DST Global, Matrix Partners India, and Alteria Capital.

DealShare has built a new retail model for India with a focus on the affordability and price component for the mass consumers.

Founded by Rao, Sourjyendu Medda, Sankar Bora and Rajat Shikhar, DealShare provides a curated assortment at competitive prices and has built an innovative community leader driven ultra-low-cost delivery mechanism.

"DealShare's unique approach combines discovery-led social sharing, group buying, and a gamified shopping experience with a simple consumer interface. They are well positioned to power the next wave of Indian ecommerce growth", said Griffin Schroeder, Partner at Tiger Global.
Los Angeles, July 8 : Actor-filmmaker Robert Downey Sr., father of Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., has passed away aged 85. Downey Sr. is best known for films such as "Putney Swope" and "Greaser's Palace".

Robert Downey Sr. died on Tuesday night after battling Parkinson's disease, his son Robert Downey Jr. confirmed in a post late on Wednesday night according to India time.

He wrote: "RIP Bob D. Sr. 1936-2021...Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson's ..he was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout.." The "Iron Man" star also shared a picture of his late father on the photo-sharing website.

He concluded: "According to my stepmoms calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years. Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and our thoughts and prayers are with you." Downey Sr. is survived by son Downey Jr., daughter Allyson Downey and wife Rogers, reports usatoday.com.

Born in New York City, Downey Sr. is best known for directing "Putney Swope" (1969), which follows an African-American activist taking charge at an advertising agency.

His other behind-the-camera credits include "Balls Bluff," "Babo 73," "No More Excuses," "Pound," and "Greaser's Palace." He also went on to appear in films such as "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia" and "The Family Man."
Nairobi, July 8 : 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, 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

"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 African Green Revolution Forum (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.
San Francisco, July 8 : Google allegedly used anti-competitive practices to "preemptively quash" Samsungs Galaxy Store in order to prevent it from becoming a viable competitor to its own Play Store, a new multi-state antitrust lawsuit in the US has claimed.

The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of 37 attorneys general co-led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, also alleged that Google is forcing consumers into in-app payments that grant the company a hefty cut.

"Google felt deeply threatened when Samsung began to revamp its own app store, the Samsung Galaxy Store," the lawsuit alleged.

It described Google's approach to the competing Samsung Galaxy store as "a threat it needed to preemptively quash." The lawsuit claimed that Google used revenue share agreements with Android phone manufacturers that "outright prohibited" pre-installing some other app stores.

It then made "a direct attempt to pay Samsung to abandon relationships with top developers and scale back competition through the Samsung Galaxy Store." In a blog post late on Wednesday, Google called it "a meritless lawsuit that ignores Android's openness." "It is strange that a group of state attorneys general chose to file a lawsuit attacking a system that provides more openness and choice than others," said Wilson White, Senior Director of Public Policy at Google.

"This complaint mimics a similarly meritless lawsuit filed by the large app developer Epic Games, which has benefitted from Android's openness by distributing its Fortnite app outside of Google Play," he argued.

Google said that Android and Google Play provide openness and choice that other platforms simply don't.

"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," the company emphasised.

The company said that as of February 2020, developers had earned over $80 billion through Google Play.

In 2020, the Android app economy, including Google Play, helped create nearly 2 million American jobs.

In December last year, 35 states filed a separate antitrust suit against Google, alleging that the company engaged in illegal behaviour to maintain a monopoly on the search business.

Earlier in October, the US Justice Department and 11 states sued Google for antitrust violations, alleging that it weaponised its dominance in online search and advertising to kill off competition and harm consumers.
Gonda : , July 8 (IANS) Seventeen government doctors, including Additional Chief Medical Officer (ACMO) Dr Ajay Pratap Singh, have resigned in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district, accusing District Magistrate Markandey Shahi of using abusive language.

Those who have resigned include 16 community health centre superintendents.

The doctors have made serious allegations against Shahi.

In their resignations sent to the Chief Medical Officer and the UP Health Minister, the superintendents have accused the District Magistrate of using inappropriate language in the review meetings.

The doctors have said that during the meetings, Shahi used offensive words to address them, and that they were deeply hurt by the behaviour of the District Magistrate.

"We have been going through this agony for a long time. The District Magistrate uses unparliamentary and inappropriate language for us in review meetings. But in view of the Covid pandemic and vaccination, we were providing services to patients uninterrupted," the doctors said.

The doctors have said in their resignations that during the review meeting held on July 6, the ACMO had asked for details of medical kits and medicines, but the District Magistrate scolded them and silenced them, saying: "Who are you to ask for accounts." "Instead of being respected as Corona warriors, we are being insulted." All efforts to contact the District Magistrate proved futile and there was no reaction from the government either.
Gandhinagar, July 8 : Gujarat Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja on Thursday announced that the state government has decided to permit the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra with provision for curfew on the route and a ban on Prasad distribution on July 12.

"With the constant efforts of the health department officials and the Gujarat government, we have been able to bring down the number of corona infections in the state. Right now the recovery rate is more than 98.54 percent and the positivity rate is 0.1 percent. We had only 65 positive cases in the state and not a single death reported yesterday. During the last 24 hours, there were only 2 positive cases in Ahmedabad and the recovery rate was 98.5 percent," Jadeja told reporters.

"Looking at all these and understanding the sentiments of the public to carry on the ancient ritual, we have decided to permit this year's Rath Yatra in a limited fashion," said Jadeja.

"Although, the Gujarat government has given the permission for the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, we request the public to stay indoors and have 'Darshan' watching it live on television," added Jadeja.

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend Mangala Aarti at the Mandir in the morning, while Chief Minister Rupani will perform Pahind ceremony in the presence of Deputy CM Nitin Patel and only a limited number of people will be allowed," said the minister.

Jadeja informed that only five vehicles consisting of 'Nishan', 'Danka', three Raths and the Mahant/Trustee's vehicle will be allowed to participate in Rath Yatra.

"Khalasi youths, who conventionally pull three Raths, will be required to be vaccinated and RTPCR negative," said Jadeja, adding that a total of sixty youths will be pulling the three chariots.

Elephants, tableau trucks, akhada, bhajan mandlis etc are not permitted to participate in Rath Yatra procession this year.

"Local authorities will ensure a strict curfew along the entire shortened 19 kilometre route of the Yatra which will have to be finished in five hours," added Jadeja.
Chennai, July 8 : Senior leaders of the AIADMK, including K. Palaniswami and O.Panneerselvam met online on Thursday from different parts of Tamil Nadu to take measures to prevent the exodus of party cadres.

A senior leader of the party privy to the meeting told IANS that the meeting was necessitated following the recent joining of several functionaries of the party to the DMK in Salem district. Those who left the party and joined DMK included C. Chelladurai, district secretary of the party's farmer's wing. It is to be noted that Palaniswami is the district secretary of the Salem district of AIADMK.

In Theni, the home district of former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, a section of the party leaders have opted for the AMMK and some for the ruling DMK. This has given a jolt to the AIADMK leaders as Theni and the Thevar community have been a stronghold for the AIADMK.

The outbursts of the Villupuram district secretary of the AIADMK, C.Ve. Shanmugham on Tuesday night at a public function organised that the party lost the Assembly election due to its alliance with the BJP, has created a flutter. The former minister said that because of the alliance with the BJP, the traditional minority Muslim voters of the AIDAMK shifted their position and the party lost even in its strongholds.

While senior leaders, including party coordinator Panneerselvam immediately stepped up and announced that the opinion aired by C.Ve. Shanmugham was in his personal capacity and not as an office-bearer of the AIADMK.

The AIADMK is also facing stiff opposition in the northern parts of the state with several of the middle and senior level cadres not happy with the alliance partner, the Pattali Makkal Katchi(PMK). The erstwhile AIADMK government had announced a 10.5 per cent reservation for the Vanniyar community in the Most Backward Caste(MBC) quota thus benefitting a huge number of students of the community getting admission to professional colleges including medicine and engineering. The north part of the state has Vanniyars in majority.

The party had expelled its spokesman, V. Pugazhendi in June for criticizing the PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss and the AIADMK cadres at the grassroots level are unhappy with the decision.

V.M. Sundarapandyan, an AIADMK functionary in Arkonam told IANS, "Our party's leadership must ponder over its relationship with the PMK as we know that at the grassroots there is great friction between the cadres. PMK is behaving as if they are not in our alliance." In the online meeting , the AIADMK leadership decided to conduct a one-day workshop of all the district secretaries and will also direct the district units to conduct grassroots meetings and workshops to chalk out protest programs on the failures of the DMK government.
New Delhi, July 8 : Zomato Ltd will open its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on July 14, and will close it on July 16.

A company statement said that the price band of the offer has been fixed at Rs 72 to Rs 76 per equity share. Bids can be made for a minimum of 195 equity shares and in multiples of 195 equity shares thereafter.

The IPO consists of fresh issue aggregating up to Rs 9,000 crore (fresh issue) and an offer for sale by Info Edge (India) Ltd aggregating up to Rs 375 crore (offer for sale).

This offer includes a reservation of up to 65 lakh equity shares for purchase by eligible employees, on a proportionate basis and such portion not exceeding 5 per cent of the post offer equity share capital of the company.

The company may, in consultation with the selling shareholder and the managers, allocate up to 60 per cent of the Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB) portion to anchor investors on a discretionary basis in accordance with the SEBI ICDR Regulations, out of which one-third shall be available for allocation to domestic mutual funds only.

Further, 5 per cent of the QIB Portion (excluding the Anchor Investor Portion) shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to mutual funds only, and the remainder of the QIB portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to all QIB bidders other than anchor investors, including mutual funds, subject to valid bids being received at or above the offer price.

However, if the aggregate demand from mutual funds is less than 5 per cent of the QIB portion, the balance equity shares available for allocation in the mutual fund portion will be added to the remaining QIB portion for proportionate allocation to QIBs.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Ltd, Morgan Stanley India Company Private Ltd and Credit Suisse Securities (India) Private Ltd are the global co-ordinators and the book running lead managers (GCBRLMs) to the issue.

BofA Securities India Ltd and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Ltd are the book running lead managers (BRLMs) to the offer.
New Delhi, July 8 : A day after the reshuffle of the Union Cabinet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started working with the new batch of ministers and initiated the move with Directors of centrally funded technical institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur and IISc Bangalore.

New Education Minster Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Education Annapurna Devi, the first time MP from Koderma, was present during the interaction via video conferencing in which Prime Minister lauded the Research and Development work done by these institutions towards meeting the challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of young innovators towards providing quick technological solutions during the interaction which was joined by more than 100 heads of institutions.

In the meeting, Modi stressed on the need to adapt higher education and technical education to keep in tune with the changing environment and emerging challenges, adding "this requires the institutions to reinvent and re-evaluate themselves, develop alternative and innovative models in accordance with the present and future needs of the country and society." The Prime Minister emphasized that Indian higher educational and technical institutions need to prepare youth for continuous disruptions and changes, keeping in mind the fourth industrial revolution.

Underlined the need to progress towards education models that are flexible, seamless, and able to provide learning opportunities as per the requirements of the learners, the Prime Minister said that access, affordability, equity, and quality should be the core values of such education models.

Prime Minister appreciated the improvement in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education in the past few years and emphasized that digitization of higher education can play a big role in increasing GER, and students will have easier access to good quality and affordable education.

Prime Minister also lauded the various initiatives taken by the institutions to increase digitization such as that of online bachelor and master's degree programmes and added that we need to develop an ecosystem of technological education in Indian languages and translate global journals into regional languages.

Prime minister said that 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' will form the basis of dreams and aspirations of India in the coming 25 years when we celebrate 100 years of Independence. He added that technological, R&D institutions will play a major role in the upcoming decade, which is also being called as "India's Techade".

He further emphasised to focus on developing futuristic solutions in fields of education, healthcare, agriculture, defense, and cyber technologies.

Highlighting the importance of good quality infrastructure in higher educational institutions to ensure that products associated with Artificial Intelligence, smart wearables, augmented reality systems, and digital assistants reach the common man, the Prime Minister emphasized to focus on affordable, personalized, and AI-driven education.

During the interaction, Prof Govindan Rangarajan of IISc Bangalore, Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri of IIT Bombay, Prof Bhaskar Ramamurthi of IIT Madras, and Prof Abhay Karandikar of IIT Kanpur, gave presentations to the Prime Minister and highlighted various ongoing projects, academic work, and new research being done in the country.

The Prime Minister was apprised about the Covid related research being done that encompasses developing new techniques for testing, Covid vaccine development efforts, indigenous oxygen concentrators, Oxygen generators, Cancer Cell Therapy, Modular hospitals, Hotspot prediction, Ventilators production. The Prime Minister was also informed about new academic courses, especially the online courses that are being developed, as per the changing nature of the economy and technology.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 8 : Flows into global gold ETFs were mostly flat in June, with slight inflows of 2.9 tonne, worth $191 million.

A report by World Gold Council (WGC) said that inflows into North American and Asian funds were primarily offset by outflows from European funds.

"Overall, the positive flows came in spite of significant gold price weakness in the latter half of the month on the heels of a relatively hawkish Federal Reserve (Fed) outlook, suggesting that investors may have taken advantage of the lower price level to gain long gold exposure," it said.

Global Assets Under Management (AUM) stands at 3,624 tonne ($206 billion), approximately 7 per cent shy of the October 2020 record high of 3,909 tonne.

US funds, as well as low-cost gold ETFs in Europe, were the primary source of inflows, while larger European funds, particularly in the UK and Germany, led outflows. North American funds added 10.5 tonne ($646 million) in contrast to European funds, which saw outflows of 9.4 tonne.

Low-cost gold ETFs contributed $222 million (3.8 tonne) to the combined flows seen in North America and Europe.

Asian-listed funds reversed a recent trend to post inflows of 1.7 per cent (2.3 tonne, $136 million) supported by positive flows in India and China, while fund flows in 'Other' regions fell by 0.8 per cent.

After dropping 6 per cent in the second week of June following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting, gold finished the month 7.2 per cent lower at $1,763 per ounce, erasing price gains from May.

Gold daily trading averages fell during June to $163 billion per day compared to $176 billion in May, led by lower COMEX volumes. Trading volume during the month remained in line with the year-to-date average of $165 billion per day, but below the 2020 average of $183 billion.

Net long positioning, via the recent Commitment of Traders report for COMEX gold futures, fell to 522 tonne ($29 billion), near April-end levels and in line with its historical weekly average net long positioning of around 500 tonne ($31 billion).

As gold prices rebounded throughout most of the second quarter, flows into gold ETFs followed suit, led by North American and European funds which added a combined 43.8 tonne over the period.

In Europe, German funds represented nearly half of all European inflows (27.2 tonne), led by Xtrackers IE Physical Gold which gained $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, Amundi Physical Gold ETC in France added $583 million to help French-based funds grow by 20 per cent over the quarter.

In North America, SPDR Gold Shares and SPDR Gold MiniShares led inflows, adding $615 million (1.1 per cent) and $225 million (5.7 per cent) respectively, while Sprott Physical Gold Trust added $124 million (2.8 per cent), and iShares Gold Trust gained $100 million (0.4 per cent).
Colombo, July 8 : Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's younger brother Basil Rajapaksa was appointed the Finance Minister of the island nation on Thursday, a day after he was made a National List MP on Wednesday.

The long speculated Finance Minister's post was given to Basil, which was earlier held by his elder brother and former President and present Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

With his entry to the Cabinet, all four Rajapaksa brothers now hold important portfolios in the present government.

Basil is the younger brother of President Gotabaya, Prime Minister Mahinda and Irrigation Minister and State Minister of National Security & Disaster Management Chamal Rajapaksa, the eldest sibling in the family.

Basil, the architect of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) or Sri Lanka People's Front, who is a duel citizen of the US and Sri Lanka, could not contest the last general elections as the Constitution banned duel citizens from entering politics.

However, after the landmark victory of the Rajapakas in 2019, the Constitution was amended in October last year to allow duel citizens in the Parliament.

The ban on duel citizens was imposed with the 19th Amendment introduced by the previous regime. Gotabaya, who too was a US citizen, had renounced his US citizenship prior to contesting the Presidential elections in 2019.

The analysts had earlier said that the changes to the duel citizenship clause was introduced purely to allow Basil to enter the Parliament.

The youngest Rajapaksa sibling had entered politics in 1970 as a secretary to his brother Mahinda, who then won his first Parliamentary seat from his hometown Tangalle in southern Sri Lanka.

Having been in both the two main political parties in the country, Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United National Party, Basil had left for the US in 1997 before returning in 2005 after his brother Mahinda was elected the President.

Soon after the 2015 election defeat, Basil left for the US, only to return and form a new party -- SLPP. He was the mastermind behind the 2019 landslide election victory, which paved the way for his two brothers to become President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

There are seven politicians in the close Rajapaksa family, including four Rajapaksa brothers and two of their sons -- Namal and Sashindara -- as ministers. One of their nephews, Nipuna, is an MP.
Mumbai, July 8 : Actress Kangana Ranaut took to social media on Thursday to share a photograph that shows her performing yoga.

"Dhaakad level fitness," she captioned the photo.

Kangana is currently shooting for the action thriller "Dhaakad" in Budapest along with actor Arjun Rampal.

"Got my passport.... Thanks to everyone for their concern and best wishes ... Chief I will be with you all soon @razylivingtheblues #Dhaakad," Kangana recently posted on Instagram before flying to Budapest.

Kangana will be seen as Agent Agni in the Razneesh Ghai directorial, while Arjun will be portraying the antagonist Rudraveer.

The film's first schedule was shot in Madhya Pradesh.

Kangana also has the Jayalalithaa biopic "Thalaivi", the period drama "Manikarnika Returns: The Legend Of Didda", and the action film, "Tejas" lined up.

She will don the director's hat for "Emergency", a film based on the life of India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Thiruvananthapuram, July 8 : Even as the Covid pandemic continue to rage in Kerala, state Health Minister Veena George on Thursday said Zika virus cases have been detected in the state.

"This is the first time that Zika virus has been reported in Kerala... a 24-year-old pregnant woman reported at a hospital in the state capital district with fever, headache and rashes last month. The first results showed a mild positive sign of Zika virus and later from 19 samples tested, 13 also showed Zika positive. All the samples have now been sent to NIV Pune," she said.

"The Health Department and the district authorities are seized of the issue and have taken measures by collecting samples of the Aedes species mosquitoes, which transmits it to people through its bite. All the districts have been alerted about this and measures have started," George added.

Zika virus can create complications for pregnant women.
Islamabad, July 8 : The head of the Islamic bloc -- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) -- met the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and discussed a number of issues concerning the situation of Muslims in India, along with the Jammu and Kashmir dispute with Pakistan.

The OIC Secretary General, Yousef Al-Othaimeen, also told the Indian Ambassador, Ausaf Sayeed, about the possibility of a meeting between Pakistan and India, "stating that the General Secretariat stands ready to assist if the two parties would so request".

Al-Othaimeen met Ausaf Sayeed on July 5 at his office in Jeddah. Sayeed had paid a courtesy visit to him.

During the meeting, the Secretary General discussed "relevant UN and OIC resolutions opposing any unilateral actions on the issue".

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Office has reacted to the meeting stating that OIC's Secretary General underscored its clear and principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to the Indian envoy.

In a statement issued in response to media queries about the meeting, Pakistan Foreign office stated that the OIC CFM rejected "India's unilateral actions since August 5, 2019".

"The meeting between the OIC Secretary General and the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia on July 5 at the OIC's General Secretariat in Jeddah took place in the context of the mandate afforded by Resolution 10/47-Pol of the 47th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. The Secretary General underscored the OIC's principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute during the meeting," read a statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office.

"The OIC CFM in Niamey in November 2020 categorically rejected India's unilateral actions since August 5, 2019. It also demanded that India rescind its illegal actions and respect the inalienable rights of the Kashmiri people to self-determination, as promised by numerous UNSC resolutions," the statement added.

Highlighting the resolutions of the OIC, the statement maintained that "the OIC resolutions, inter alia, call on the Secretary General to dispatch a fact-finding mission to IIOJK to ascertain the situation on ground and report its findings to the next CFM. The CFM resolutions also call on the Secretary General to take up the matter with the Indian authorities".

Pakistan maintains that India has ignored various OIC resolutions and "evaded its responsibility of protecting the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people".

However, it was the first time that the "principled position of the 57 OIC member states has been duly conveyed to India".

"India should review its policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and fully implement UNSC and OIC Resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," the Pakistan Foreign Office statement read.

"The Jammu and Kashmir dispute has been among the longest standing issues on the OIC's agenda. Indian illegal and unilateral actions in IIOJK and the continued violation of human rights of the Kashmiri people have been a top priority of the OIC. Pakistan appreciates OIC's consistent and longstanding support for the Kashmir cause and legitimate rights of the people of IIOJK," the statement concluded.
New Delhi, July 8 : As monsoon is just at the national capitals doorstep, the Reliance Infrastructure-led BSES discoms are geared up to supply power ensuring all safety measures required during the rainy season.

Some of the unique problems during the rainy season are water-logging, strong winds uprooting trees, and falling branches that damage electricity installations, resulting in power outages.

In order to safeguard human lives and electrical equipment, it also becomes necessary to switch off the electricity supply to an affected area as a precautionary measure.

Adhering to the simple safety guidelines and maintaining social distancing from electricity infrastructure, the BSES and its consumers together can help ensure a safe and incident-free monsoon season, said a company statement.

Explaining the monsoon plans, a BSES spokesperson said: "We are geared up to ensure reliable power supply to our 45 lakh consumers while taking all safety measures that are required during the rainy season. Consumers can play a very important role in ensuring an incident-free monsoon by following simple safety guidelines." To ensure that over 45 lakh consumers and 1.8 crore residents enjoy incident-free power supply, the BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) are undertaking all possible measures.

The discoms' monsoon action plan has an integrated and proactive approach, which is not only aimed at ensuring consumers' safety, but is also aimed at minimising the down time of power supply arising out of exigencies during monsoon.

BSES discoms are fully geared for the monsoons by undertaking extensive preventive measures. To reduce the incidence of moisture related breakdowns, active measures have been taken to minimise the accumulation of moisture in the grids and panels.

BSES has recommended that people should stay away from electrical installations like electricity poles, sub-stations, transformers and streetlights, among others.

Children should be cautioned from playing near electricity installations, even if they are barricaded and they should be advised to not play in parks that are water logged, the BSES said.

It has suggested that the consumers should get the entire wiring in their premises thoroughly checked and tested by the licensed electrical contractor.

"Put off the main switch in case there is water logging or leakage observed in the meter cabin. Put on the main switch only on ensuring that all faults have been rectified properly," it said, among other recommendations.
Kochi, July 8 : A special private jet sent by the Telangana government will on Friday carry estranged Kerala businessman Sabu Jacob and his team for discussions on setting up his proposed Rs 3,500 crore unit in the state.

Interacting with the media on Thursday, Jacob, who heads Kitex - one of Kerala's biggest industrial groups, said they will leave on Friday on the private jet sent by the Telangana government to have discussions with them.

"By now, I have already completed a few rounds of discussions on this with the Telangana Industries Minister (K.T.Rama Rao) and his top officials over telephone. We are going to have more discussions and we will return back on Saturday," he said.

Kitex Garments, the second-largest children's apparel manufacturer in the world, has announced the scrapping of the Rs 3,500 crore project for which it had signed a memorandum with the Kerala government at the 'Ascend Global Investors Meet' in Kochi in January 2020.

As part of the project, an apparel park was to be opened in Kochi, besides the establishment of industrial parks in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Palakkad.

Voicing his ire against his home state's government, Jacob said: "I was hunted as an 'animal' here by various officials. 76 cases was registered against us by various agencies." Early this week, Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeev held discussions with various departmental heads and after that, he sought to clarify that the state government did not suo motto take up any probe against Kitex and they only looked into certain complaints that came before the various government departments.

Kitex fell on the wrong side of the political establishment in Kerala after Jacob floated a political outfit named 'Twenty 20' -- which was earlier registered as a non-profit organisation -- and wrested power in the Kizhakkambalam panchayat in Ernakulam district.

In the recent Assembly elections, Twenty 20 contested six seats but could not win any.

Jacob has gone on record to state that the Kerala government is not providing any subsidy, including for power, noting that it is all profit for the state government and there is no professional interest being envisaged by it.

He had also alleged that things are at the mercy of the local level leaders here, and even an upper division clerk in the state can scuttle the prospects of an industrialist.

Kerala is lagging behind in industrial growth and the attitude of the rulers and the bureaucracy is the reason behind this, he had said.

Jacob and his establishment saw 11 teams of officers from various departments raiding the company in the past one month. The company employees were also grilled for hours.

It was then that Jacob had announced that he will move out of the state, following which offers poured in from nine states.
Mumbai, July 8 : The Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone-starrer "Fighter" will be India's first-ever aerial action genre film.

Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film will be shot using the latest technology and filming techniques, and at locations across the world. "Fighter" is slated for release in 2022.

"'Fighter' is a dream project and I am glad to have someone with Ajit's vision to be partnering this with me. With this film we aim to put Indian films on the map for action-loving global theatrical audiences who crave for spectacle and the big screen experience," said director Anand about Viacom18 COO Ajit Andhare's participation in the project.

The film will be produced by Viacom18 Studios, Mamta Anand, Ramon Chibb and Anku Pande.

Speaking about the project, Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios, said: "An aerial action film offers a unique cinematic experience. It has never been done in India. Being a 'Top Gun' fan, I have been looking for a script for years that explores aerial action and has a story rooted in India. 'Fighter' is the answer. Siddharth understands this genre and brings a unique flair to his films. I am excited to collaborate with him in building this franchise."
London, July 8 : The judge of a UK court has denied Pakistan the right to level corruption allegations as a defence and challenge the jurisdiction of an arbitral tribunal in the Reko Diq mines case.

Judge Robin Khowles of the High Court of Justice, who was hearing the case 'Province of Balochistan vs Tethyan Copper Company' (TCC), rejected Balochistan's position.

Balochistan, referring to a Supreme Court decision, contended that the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal lacked jurisdiction in the Reko Diq case as the underlying agreement was void due to corruption.

However, it was not sufficient to validate that the accusations of corruption had been raised before the tribunal.

As per the decision, the UK arbitration law stops parties from raising issues before the court, which had not been mentioned during the arbitration.

Balochistan has been maintaining that the mining company opted for illegal means and bribed government officials to get advantage in securing licence in the province.

However, the UK judge highlighted that even though the Supreme Court of Pakistan had declared the joint venture void, its decision was not based on Pakistan's allegations that the agreement had been secured through bribes.

"Descriptions of or references to corruption are insufficient. The question with which the corruption allegation is concerned is whether the Supreme Court of Pakistan found that the [agreement] and related agreements were void due to the existence of corruption," Knowles maintained.

"In my judgment, it did not. If the province has evidence relating to corruption that was not before the ICC tribunal... then it is for the province to seek to address those matters with the arbitral tribunal; it does not make it legitimate for the province to raise them with the court as a challenge to the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal," the judge said.

This is the second time that Pakistan's claims have been rejected in the case. In 2019, the International Centre of Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) had rejected Pakistan's allegations that former the Chief Minister of Balochistan province, Nawaz Aslam Raisani, was offered a bribe of $1 million by the Tethyan Copper Company in relation to the Reko Diq mines in 2009.

TCC is a joint venture of Barrik Gold Corporation of Australia and Antofagasta PLC of Chile. The Reko Diq district in Balochistan is well known for its mineral wealth, including gold and copper.

The dispute was taken up by the ICSID tribunal after TCC claimed $8.5 billion when the mining authority of Balochistan rejected its application for a multi-million dollar mining lease in the province in 2011.
New Delhi, July 8 : A whopping 90 per cent of people -- young and old alike -- feel that technology brought neighbourhood communities together during the Covid pandemic, making it easier for them to address community issues seamlessly, cutting down time and efforts, according to a report by community app MyGate.

The report titled 'Trust Circle' by MyGate involved participants from over 2,867 Indians of all ages across Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune.

People depended on technology to keep up strong relations. WhatsApp video, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom and Google Meet added a new meaning to staying connected and combating pandemic-induced loneliness.

Nearly 43 per cent of the respondents were over 45 years of age (28 per cent) as millennials (27 per cent) and Gen Z (27 per cent) admit that after the Covid pandemic, they would continue to use technology to stay connected with their ecosystem showcasing the acceptance of technology usage across generations, the report showed.

"While technology has long been used to bring together people separated by large distances, in the pandemic it brought neighbours closer together," Shreyans Daga - CTO & CoFounder, MyGate, told IANS.

"While technology has been in place in housing societies for some time, its usage was pretty limited to practical purposes like learning society rules or raising a complaint. In the pandemic, though, we've seen big changes in this regard. Participation in critical decisions, elections, society celebrations, events and even in civic matters, most of these done virtually, are at an all-time high. In our research, 90 per cent of respondents have said that technology has been crucial to bringing their community together," Daga added.

Men (62 per cent) were found more often to rely on technology in their neighbourhood for any help or information they need compared to women (40 per cent).

About 44 per cent of respondents said they would turn to technology to verify/validate the credibility of service providers such as an electricians, plumbers, etc.

"In the uncertainty of the pandemic, it led to the strengthening of local communities, which has been a very positive development. If technology, as a support system, begins to overtake others then surely it can be cause for concern, as numerous studies have shown. However, our research currently points to the opposite, with strong acknowledgement of the role people play in our lives and the need for human connection," Daga said.

According to the report, while the degree or depth may differ, the emergence of neighbourhoods as a pillar of the 'Trust Circle' has become a national phenomenon, cutting across age groups, regions and nature of dwelling.

Over 75 per cent of respondents' 'Trust Circle' now includes people from the neighbourhood as well, while 81 per cent claim that they would be more likely to depend on their neighbours as compared to pre-Covid-19 times.
Mumbai, July 8 : Actor Varun Dhawan took to social media on Thursday evening to inform that the shoot for his upcoming film "Bhediya" about to end, with just one's work left.

Varun shared photos on Instagram flaunting long hair and beard as he stands in front of a mirror.

"Last day. Filming our last key scenes on #BHEDIYA in the next 24 hrs. Since we are not allowed to put out any stills from the film this was the last time I starred in the mirror and kinda had to say it's time to say goodbye to my long hair, beard and the changes my director @amarkaushik has made me make for this character. Although something tells me this is not the end but a new beginning," the actor wrote.

The Amar Kaushik directorial is a supernatural thriller co-starring Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee and Deepak Dobriyal in key roles. The film is slated to hit the screens on April 14, 2022.

Apart from "Bhediya", Varun features in the upcoming film "Jug Jugg Jeeyo", also starring Anil Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor and Kiara Advani.
In the cabinet expansion just one ministry was given to alliance partner Janata Dal United (JDU). Only Ram Chandra Prasad Singh (RCP Singh) was inducted and given the steel ministry, but Nitish Kumar did not congratulate him publicly on social media.

Patna, July 8 (IANS) By the looks of it, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar does not seem to be pleased with the cabinet reshuffle carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the cabinet expansion just one ministry was given to alliance partner Janata Dal United (JDU). Only Ram Chandra Prasad Singh (RCP Singh) was inducted and given the steel ministry, but Nitish Kumar did not congratulate him publicly on social media.

As per the trend in Indian politics these days, after every development including the birthday of leader leader, a flurry of congratulatory messages hit the social media like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram etc. Nitish Kumar, a day after RCP Singh become a Union minister, has so far not posted any congratulatory message for him on social media.

Political analysts believe that the JDU wanted at least 2 cabinet minister posts -- one for RCP Singh and another for Nitish Kumar's closest aide Lalan Singh. As Modi has included just RCP Singh, he did not want Lalan Singh to get angry.

"At present RCP Singh is holding the post of national president of JDU while Lalan Singh is the MP from Munger. These two are the closest aides of Nitish Kumar. They are supposed to be occupying the number 2 slots in the party. There is a political rivalry between them and Nitish Kumar does not want any of them to get angry. Lalan Singh was the one who was reportedly instrumental in breaking the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP)," said a JDU senior leader requested anonymity.

"Nitish Kumar may have congratulated RCP Singh personally but has not expressed the same publicly," he said.

RCP Singh has already given a statement about Lalan Singh and said: "There is no difference between Lalan Singh and me. He is the senior leader of the party." "There is a buzz inside the JDU that RCP Singh was given the responsibility to bargain with the BJP to bag at least two cabinet ministers' posts and two posts of state minister. But Singh failed and just got one ministry for himself," another senior leader said.

He added that if the JDU needed only one post, than why did it not accept it in 2019? Why did it delay for two years? Meanwhile, supporters of the JDU and RCP Singh have put up new posters and banners at the CM's residence, the JDU office and other places in Patna to congratulate Singh.
Kolkata, July 8 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a surprise visit to BCCI President Sourav Ganguly's residence in Behala on Thursday and wished the former India captain on his 49th birthday.

Banerjee stayed at Ganguly's residence for nearly 45 minutes and exchanged pleasantries with all the family members.

Banerjee went to Ganguly's house at around 5 p.m. and presented him flowers and sweets on his birthday, wishing him a healthy and long life.

Sources in the family said that the BCCI President, who shares a good rapport with the Chief Minister, also gave gifts in return.

Later, Ganguly told the media, "I am fit and fine and there is no problem. In this Covid times it is better to keep as quiet as possible. It is not only about yourself, but it is about the people around yourself. The family members have arranged something and it is a small celebration." Wishing his former opening partner on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar said, "My beloved Dadi. Happy birthday. Wishing you a healthy and happy year ahead." The likes of Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif were also among the many who wished their former captain on his birthday.

"Few could match Dada ka Junoon, Dada ka Iraada. May you be in good health and spirits always Dada. #HappyBirthdayDada," Sehwag said in a social media post.

Like every year, a number of Ganguly's fans gathered near his residence to wish him on his birthday. And the former India skipper didn't dishearten them, as he not only exchanged pleasantries with his fans, but also took selfies with them.
Guwahati/Agartala, July 8 : The BJP's allies in the northeast had a mixed response as the region saw a record number of ministers, including two of cabinet rank, figure in the Narendra Modi government after Wednesday's reshuffle.

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 northeast has risen to five, which is highest so far.

Kiren Rijiju (Arunachal Pradesh), who was elevated to Cabinet rank, and Rameswar Teli (Assam), were the incumbent ministers from the region.

The presence of two Cabinet ministers -- Sonowal and Rijiju -- from the northeastern region at the same time is also a record.

However, all the five ministers, are all BJP leaders and belong to four northeastern states - Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, ruled by the BJP.

There was no presence from the other four states ruled by allies - the Mizo National Front-ruled Mizoram, the National People's Party-led alliance ruled Meghalaya, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party-ruled Nagaland and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha-ruled Sikkim.

NPP state President W.R. Kharlukhi said that it is the Prime Minister's prerogative to include any one into his ministry. "We have no grievance for non-inclusion of any MP in the Union ministry," he said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP's national President Conrad K. Sangma, however, thanked Prime Minister Modi for inclusion of three more ministers from the region, tweeting the state and "the whole of North East is elated" and the reshuffle "proves inclusivity and diversity which is the essence of a New India".

The NPP has a Lok Sabha and a Rajya Sabha member, and so does the MNF in Mizoram.

MNF President and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga refused to comment on the expansion, and NDPP President and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) leader and state Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also followed suit.

Political experts said that the BJP ignored its allies in the northeastern region while choosing the central ministers, but this would not lead to any backlash.

"Though the BJP ignored its allies in selecting the central ministers, the junior partners would not express their any adverse reaction as they need the support of the NDA government at the Centre in running their governments in the states.

"That's why they have been maintaining a lukewarm strategy in this regard," renowned political commentator of Assam, Bikash Talukdar told IANS.

The eight northeastern states have 25 Lok Sabha Members and 14 Rajya Sabha Members. Of the 25 LS members, the BJP alone has 14 members while its allies have five members. Of the 14 RS members, the BJP has four and its partners have eight members. A Rajya Sabha seat in Assam is lying vacant and the BJP sources said that Sonowal expected to be nominated for it.

BJP's central leadership had decided to include Sonowal, 59, in the Union Cabinet when Himanta Biswa Sarma was named the new Assam Chief Minister after the saffron party-led alliance stormed back to power in the March-April Assembly elections.

Of the others, teacher-turned-politician Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, a BJP Lok Sabha member from Inner Manipur, and Pratima Bhowmik, who was elected to the Lok Sabha from Tripura West, are first-time ministers.

Political observers believe that Singh, a popular leader among both tribals and non-tribals, was included in the Union Ministry with an eye on next year's elections to the 60-member Manipur Assembly.

Bhowmik is the BJP's Tripura Vice President. After unsuccessfully contesting Assembly elections several times, she was elected to the Lok Sabha from the West Tripura constituency in 2019.

A science graduate, Bhowmik, known as Tripura's "didi", had played a vital role in the party's sweep to power in the 2018 Assembly elections, delivering a crushing blow to the CPI(M)-led Left Front, which had been ruling the state for 25 consecutive years.

She is the first central minister from Tripura and lone woman Union Minister from the northeast.

Earlier, Congress' Santosh Mohan Deb and Triguna Sen represented Tripura in the Union Cabinet but they did not belong to the state. Deb was from Assam's Silchar and Sen, a former Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University, from West Bengal.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in)
Agra, July 8 : Lawyers in Agra have renewed their long-pending demand for a High Court bench in the Taj city, after local MP S.P. Singh Baghel was sworn in as Union Minister of State for Law and Justice.

The demand for a bench of the Allahabad High Court has been hanging fire since the Janata Party rule in 1977. A number of agitations have been held, including one that led to police firing.

Baghel himself had been supporting the demand for a long time.

Lawyers said now that they have their own minister at the Centre, it would be possible to implement the Jaswant Singh Commission report which had recommended the setting up of the HC bench at Agra.

However, the powerful Meerut lobby which also wants a bench, could queer the pitch. The lawyers in Allahabad have also never supported the proposal for new benches.
Chandigarh, July 8 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar called upon Hyundai Motors India Managing Director Seon Seob Kim here on Thursday. During the meeting, he was invited by the company to inaugurate its newly-established India headquarters in Gurugram.

Keeping the future in mind, the company also expressed its desire to set up a new state-of-the-art facility in the state.

Khattar has accepted the invitation of the company, saying that soon a time will be given to the firm in this regard.

The Chief Minister told the Hyundai Motors India official that Haryana is a fast growing state in the industrial sector and for setting up industries in the state, a single-window system has been created, on which all approvals can be easily obtained.

He said that India is performing well in the ease-of-doing business and the ease-of-living index and Haryana is considered the fastest in both these respects.

Khattar also said that Haryana is one of the favourite destinations for global investors.
July 08 : Arjun Kapoor and Tara Sutaria resumed shooting for their upcoming film Ek Villain Returns in Mumbai. Director Mohit Suri shared a picture from the sets during the first days shoot.

The first schedule of the action thriller was shot before the lockdown with John Abraham and Disha Patani, and the second schedule was filmed with Arjun and Tara in Goa. It seems that Goa id Mohits favourite location in India as he shot Malang, Aashiqui 2, some others in Goa, too. Arjun and Tara resumed shooting for the next schedule on Wednesday.

Mohit Suri took to Instagram and shared a picture from the film's set, as he wrote, "Ek Villain Returns on set! It's good to be back." In the picture, Mohit can be seen in a mask with a clapperboard in front of him. Tara reposted the picture on her Instagram account, and wrote, Villain Mode On! #EkVillainReturns shoot resumes," Commenting on the post shared by Tara, Arjun wrote "Aye villain."

Tara took to her Instagram stories and shared another picture, giving a glimpse of a mic. On the photo, she wrote, "Days spent behind this are days well spent! Back to filming Villain 2 and the villainy has only just begun."

Jointly produced by Bhushan Kumars T-Series and Ekta Kapoors Balaji Telefilms, Ek Villain Returns is slated to release on February 11 next year. The film went on floors on March 1 in Mumbai.

Arjun had earlier worked with Mohit in Half Girlfriend in 2017. Disha had also collaborated with the filmmaker in Malang. However, Tara will be working with Mohit for the first time. Tara will reportedly sing a song in the film, besides essaying one of the lead roles. Ek Villain Returns is the sequel of the 2014 Bollywood film Ek Villain which featured Sidharth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor, and Riteish Deshmukh in the lead roles.
Mumbai, July 8 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued an advisory asking banks to prepare for the transition out of London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).

In August last year, the RBI requested banks to frame a Board approved plan, outlining an assessment of exposures linked to LIBOR and the steps to be taken to address risks arising from the cessation of LIBOR, including preparation for the adoption of the Alternative Reference Rates (ARR).

"Banks and financial institutions are encouraged to cease, and also encourage their customers to cease, entering into new financial contracts that reference LIBOR as a benchmark and instead use any widely accepted ARR (Alternative Reference Rates), as soon as practicable and in any case by December 31, 2021," an RBI circular said on Thursday.

The directive comes with the objective of orderly, safe, and sound LIBOR transition and considering customer protection, reputational and litigation risks involved, banks or financial institutions.

While certain US dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published till June 30, 2023, the extension of the timeline for cessation is primarily aimed at ensuring roll-off of USD LIBOR-linked legacy contracts, and not to encourage continued reliance on LIBOR.

"It is, therefore, expected that contracts referencing LIBOR may generally be undertaken after December 31, 2021, only for the purpose of managing risks arising out of LIBOR contracts (e.g. hedging contracts, novation, market-making in support of client activity, etc.), contracted on or before December 31, 2021," it said.
Mumbai, July 8 : Equity-linked mutual fund schemes saw a net inflows of over Rs 5,000 crore in June.

As per the data furnished by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) on Thursday, the net inflows stood at Rs 5,988.17 crore.

In May, the net inflows had stood over Rs 10,000 crore, while in April, they were Rs 3,437 crore.

In March, the equity-linked mutual fund schemes' net inflows stood at Rs 9,115.12 crore.

Besides, the contributions through systematic investment rose on a sequential basis last month.

The SIP inflows at the end of June rose to Rs 9,155.84 crore from Rs 8,818.90 crore reported for end of May.

AMFI Chief Executive N.S. Venkatesh said: "The mutual fund industry is witnessing sharp rise in the number of new investors, which has doubled in last four years to 2.39 crore unique investors. Many new investors are seen embracing mutual funds through the SIP route, over other traditional investment avenues." "SIP AUM is at an all-time high and now forming almost 15 per cent of total industry AUMs and number of SIP accounts breaching 4 crore mark for the first time ever, is reflective of continued retail investor confidence in the mutual fund asset class."
Kolkata, July 8 : A division bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising justices Soumen Sen and Harish Tandon on Thursday expressed concern over the huge financial involvement in the infrastructure development of the government-aided 'women and child care homes' in the state.

The court also sounded doubtful as to whether there is any involvement of a cut-money racket in the whole process.

The bench was hearing a suo moto petition on Thursday where the state health department and the women and child welfare department had submitted a report showing that Rs 3.41 crore has been spent for the infrastructure development of the ground floor of a particular home in the state.

Surprised at the huge financial involvement for the development of the ground floor of the home, Sen said, "What is the condition of the homes? If Rs 3.41 crore has been spent for the development of the ground floor, then why is it in such a pathetic state? Is there any cut-money racket active?" The court then asked the state government to submit a detailed report of the condition of all such homes in the state.

The high court also asked the state government to arrange for age-wise Covid vaccination for the inmates of all the 71 women and child care homes in the state.

The order came after an orphan child died at a home in the state on June 2.

After the incident, following the instructions of the Supreme Court, the Calcutta High Court had initiated a suo moto case where the state health department and the women and child welfare department were asked to submit a report before the court detailing out the condition of all the homes in the state. The state submitted its report on Thursday.

According to the report, inmates of 30 homes have been infected by Covid till June 14. The court then asked the state government to arrange for vaccination of the inmates immediately. The report of the vaccination will have to be submitted before the court during the next hearing.

The state government will also have to submit a detailed report of the tendering process, the financial details and the steps taken for infrastructure development of all the homes in the state.
Mumbai, July 8 : Senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Eknath Khadse was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for over 8 hours before he was allowed to go home late on Thursday.

Emerging from the ED office, he got into his SUV without interacting with the waiting media persons and it was not clear whether he will be summoned again for probe in the alleged corruption cases against him.

"The case against me is politically motivated. My and family members and I are being targeted politically to defame us. However, I am cooperating fully with the probe agencies," said Khadse this morning, before going to the ED office for the probe into the Pune land deal case.

The ED summoned Khadse, 68, for the second round of probe - a day after arresting his son-in-law Girish Chaudhary in connection with the alleged money-laundering and other irregularities in the purchase of a plot of land in 2016.

Khadse added that entire Maharashtra is witnessing what is going on, as the case has already been probed five times, the Anti-Corruption Bureau had given him a clean chit, yet it is being investigated again.

The ED has contended that Khadse and Chaudhary had bought the government-owned plot at Bhosari near Pune for Rs 3.75 crore against the prevailing market rate of over Rs 31 crore.

The agency also suspects that Khadse, as the then Revenue Minister in the BJP-led government, had reportedly misused his official position to force the officials concerned officials on the transaction for his family, and contended that the source of funds for the deal was not genuine as the money had been routed through shell companies.

A former de-facto No 2 in the state government, Khadse, a former Bharatiya Janata Party minister, was shunted to the political wilderness for almost five years following political differences with the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and he joined the NCP in October 2020.

"I left the BJP and joined the NCP, that's why I am being harassed like this. It's a political conspiracy," Khadse hit out in a brief interaction with the media outside the ED office.

Meanwhile, after intensive interrogation on Wednesday, Chaudhary was produced before a special PMLA court in Mumbai which sent him to the ED's custody.

Khadse is the second prominent NCP leader besides former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and his family facing the ED heat for alleged corruption.
Mumbai, July 8 : A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried out what is considered his biggest-ever Cabinet reshuffle, the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi allies in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress, slammed the Centre and the BJP for the exercise, here on Thursday.

Shiv Sena farmer leader Kishore Tiwari, who has been accorded MoS status, said the new Cabinet constitution makes it clear that the BJP's ideological mentor, the Nagpur-headquartered RSS, is slowly being "nudged out of proximity to power".

"A majority of the ministers in Team Modi now are without RSS roots, many have been imported from different parties, while others with strong RSS links have either been sidelined, cut to size or ejected outright.

"The RSS was not consulted before the reshuffle... The message is out loud and clear that the BJP no longer needs any bosses in Nagpur," Tiwari stated.

State Congress President Nana Patole, who launched a state-wide 10-day long 'bicycle agitation' protesting against the rising fuel prices, termed the Cabinet rejig as "a mere eyewash intended to hide the failures of the government in the past seven years".

"Not only the ministers, even the Prime Minister needs to be changed now," said Patole, who kicked off the bicycle agitation in Nagpur amid pouring rain while the party's working president Naseem Khan led the protests simultaneously in Mumbai.

Taking a potshot at the BJP, Sena chief Spokesperson and MP Sanjay Raut said that the BJP should thank Sena-NCP for giving it "human resources" to fill up the central berths in the PM's Cabinet.

He said that of the four new ministers inducted in the Cabinet on Wednesday, two Ministers of State are ex-NCP (Kapil Patil and Bharti Pawar), while Cabinet minister Narayan Rane was earlier with the Shiv Sena which made him the Chief Minister before he went to the Congress and then left to float his own party and later joined the BJP in mid-2019.

NCP state President Jayant Patil expressed hopes that Union Minister Amit Shah, who has now been handed the charge of the Cooperation Ministry, would work to give justice to the cooperative and banking sector.

On the PM's reported instructions to his entire team not to move out of New Delhi till August 15, Tiwari wondered what's 'cooking' in the government, especially after these desperate Cabinet changes, barely months ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled next year.

"People are wondering whether the BJP will now eye the Constitution, or some such big action... The Cabinet shake-up clearly indicates that the PM is now feeling shaken ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. So they may resort to any face-saving trick to divert public attention," claimed Tiwari.
Srinagar, July 8 : A terrorist associate was arrested as police busted a terrorist hideout at Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, officials said on Thursday.

"Today at about 1530 hrs (3.30 p.m.), based on credible input regarding presence of terrorists in Ganai Mohalla Doabgah, Sopore police, along with 22 RR and 179 Bn CRPF, launched a cordon and search operation in the said area," police said.

"During search in the area, one hideout of proscribed terror outfit HM was found in the basement of a single storied house belonging to one person, (name withheld)," it added.

Incriminating materials including huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the busted hideout, which was destroyed on spot in presence of an Executive Magistrate, police said, adding that in this connection, one terrorist associate was also arrested.

All the recovered materials have been taken into police custody for the purpose of investigation.
Herat, July 8 : With the US withdrawal inching closer, Taliban continued to make quick captures of major territories in Afghanistan, putting the Afghan security forces under extreme pressure and intensifying confrontations.

In the latest move, the Taliban claimed to have entered and captured Qala-e-Naw, the first regional capital to face an all-out offensive by it. The Afghan government has flown in its commandos to push back the Taliban and take control of the provincial capital in northwestern Badghis province.

The fight between the Taliban and the Afghan commandos has entered into the second day with President Ashraf Ghani stating that his security forces had the capacity to defeat the Taliban, even after the complete withdrawal of the US troops.

The locals of Qala-i-Naw were forced to either flee the city or barricade themselves in their homes as fighting continues to intensify with each passing hour.

The Taliban have launched a major assault since the US has fast paced the withdrawal of its troops. Pentagon claims that the pullout of troops from Afghanistan is 90 per cent complete. Taliban, on the other hand, have started capturing new territories and are making fast forward movements into claiming major provincial capital like Qala-i-Naw, prompting serious concerns that Afghan forces may not be able to handle the Taliban assault without the American air support.

President Ghani admitted that the transition, of the shifting of power and control from the foreign troops to the Afghan government, has entered into the most complicated stage.

"What we are witnessing is one of the most complicated stages of the transition. Legitimacy is ours; God is with us," he said during a speech in Kabul.

The withdrawal of the US and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops from Afghanistan, that also after two decades, seems to have vitalised the Taliban, who now seem to be moving towards claiming complete victory over the Afghan forces and the Ghani government.

Badghis provincial capital Qala-i-Naw has come under a serious Taliban offensive in the past 48 hours, with fighting continuing and intensifying.

"The Taliban have resumed their attacks from several directions with light and heavy weapons," said Badghis Governor Hessamuddin Shams.

"Our security forces are bravely fighting them and the enemy is being pushed back. They are fleeing. We will give a hard blow to the enemy," he added.

This is happening at a time when Taliban delegation and the Afghan government representatives have met in Tehran in a first surprise, but significant meeting, hosted by Iran.
New Delhi, July 8 : Having watched Rishabh Pant in action as skipper of Delhi Capitals, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh is mighty impressed. He thinks the young wicket-keeper has a shrewd mind behind his chirpy, carefree attitude and could be a candidate to take over as India captain someday.

Though Virat Kohli has been the undisputed leader of the Indian team since he took charge from MS Dhoni in 2017 -- and there seems to be no threat to his leadership -- Yuvraj has put forward an early successor to take over once Kohli's tenure comes to an end.

Pant took charge of Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2021 and helped them win six out of eight games, thus finishing on top of the points table before the league was suspended.

"I also see Rishabh as a potential Indian captain. Because he is jumpy, chirpy, and talks around. But I feel he surely has a smart brain as well because I saw him when he was captaining in the IPL for Delhi Capitals. He did an incredible job. So, people should look at him as the next captain of the Indian team in the coming years," Yuvraj was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Since making his India debut in 2017, 23-year-old Pant has cemented his place in the squad after initially facing some questions over his wicket-keeping.

Latest updates on IPL 2021
Bengaluru, July 8 : Irked over anti-Yediyurappa camp's routine outbursts, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa's Political Secretary M.P. Renukacharya on Thursday said that the time has come for the pro-Yediyurappa camp to meet party high command and seek expulsion of those who are speaking against the state leadership.

Outspoken BJP leader Renukacharya's statement assumes significance as he has been openly leading the signature campaign in favour of Yediyurappa and had been an open critic of state Tourism Minister C.P. Yogeshwar ever since he was sworn-in as minister on January 13. Till then, even Yogeshwar was considered to be the blue-eyed boy of Yediyurappa.

After remaining quiet for some time, senior BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal and Yogeshwar have been making claims about possibility of a leadership change in the state for the last one week and even set the new deadline on August 15 for Yediyurappa being dropped as Chief Minister by the party high command.

Renukacharya told reporters that the members of the anti-Yediyurappa group must be expelled from the party with immediate effect.

"Unlike some leaders (Yogeshwara), Yediyurappa is not a ready-made food. He has toiled hard to build and nurture this party. Critics must know that ridiculing Yediyurappa is the same as criticising the BJP," he said.

Renukacharya also warned that he would soon be releasing documents related to scams and corruption Yediyurappa's critics are involved in. "I have several documents to show that those who are talking against Yediyurappa are involved in corruption and scams. I will release them at an appropriate time," he said.

Last week, nearly a week after his visit to Delhi to meet the BJP high command, Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra had termed the speculations of leadership change in the state as a "closed chapter", claiming that no one was talking about it anymore.

Karnataka BJP leaders including MLC A. H. Vishwanath and others had accused Vijayendra of interfering in the affairs of the government and receiving kickbacks in various projects.
New Delhi, July 8 : Ahead of a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Centre during the first meeting of the new-look Cabinet on Thursday decided to set up paediatric units in all the 736 districts of the country, besides establishing a Paediatric Centre of Excellence (Paediatric CoE) in each state/UT.

It is feared that the possible third wave of the pandemic will impact the children more. Keeping all this in view, the Centre on Friday announced a Rs 23,000 crore second emergency Covid package to improve the facilities in the health sector across the country.

"The Centre aims to set up 20,000 ICU beds in the public healthcare systems, out of which 20 per cent will be pediatric ICU beds," said newly-appointed Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

To provide better healthcare to the people, particularly in the rural, peri-urban and tribal areas, it has been decided to create pre-fabricated structures for adding additional beds at the existing CHCs, PHCs and SHCs (6-20-bed units).

Support would also be provided to establish bigger field hospitals (50-100-bed units), depending on the needs in the Tier-II and Tier-III cities and district headquarters.

It has also been decided to ramp up the existing fleet of ambulances by adding 8,800 ambulances under the Covid relief package.

Apart from this, it has been decided to engage undergraduate and post-graduate medical interns and final year MMBS, BSc and GNM nursing students for effective Covid management.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Patna, July 8 : An Indian army soldier, who was allegedly drunk, was arrested in a raid in the Bihar capital, police said on Thursday.

Khusrupur SHO Tri Chandra Bhanu told IANS that the police personnel went on a raid in plain clothes.

"We had a tip-off about the illegal trade of liquor in the area. A team of police personnel in civil dress went there for a raid. As the activities of the soldier named Subodh Kumar looked suspicious, he was nabbed by them," he said.

"During breath analysis, the alcometer has detected high liquor levels. Subsequently, he was booked under relevant sections of the prohibition act," Bhanu said.

On the other hand, Subodh Kumar's relatives claimed that he was sitting outside his house when a police team came there and beat him after he asked them why they were there.

"We have also captured the video and photographs of the incident where 4 police personnel in civil dress were involved in assaulting Subodh," said one of the relatives who did not wish to be named.

"The police personnel framed him on the charge of liquor consumption. When we went to the police station, they also misbehaved with us and used abusive language," he said.

The SHO, however, denied the allegations.

"We have no personal enmity with that person. Our personnel did not even know that he was an army personnel. We later learnt that he is an army personnel. He was found drunk and our police personnel have acted accordingly to make area liquor-free," the officer said.

Subodh Kumar was deployed in the Ladakh region and recently came to home on leave.
Bengaluru, July 8 : Karnataka is contemplating to adopt the Union government's Model Tenancy Act in order to end the continuous tenant-owner disputes besides revitalising the rental housing sector, state Revenue Minister R. Ashoka said here on Thursday.

After reviewing revenue department schemes here, Ashoka told reporters that the state government wants to simplify the existing Tenancy Act. "This is still at a proposal stage and we are also expecting feedback from the public before officially introducing this in the state," he said.

He added that earlier, the state government had a role in fixing the rent but with the new Act the state government now aims to propose that the rent should be fixed by both the parties - owner and tenant. "After reaching an agreement, they need to finalise it legally and upload it onto the government's portal," he explained.

The minister said that most house owners, especially in Bengaluru, ask tenants to cough up 10 months of rent as advance. "If the proposed new tenancy law is adopted, owners cannot collect more than two months' rent as advance," he said.

According to the minister, the Act gives supremacy to the rental agreement and stipulates the formation of a Rent Authority to address disputes.

He added that in the event of any dispute, the concerned officials will resolve it within 60 days.

"We are also mulling that the disputes should be settled within 60 days and even if anyone plans to postpone the hearing, there won't be more than three hearings," Ashoka claimed.

He observed that wary of disputes, many owners keep their houses vacant without renting them. "At present at least two to three lakh houses are vacant in Bengaluru alone. We hope that once this Act is implemented, owners will get their tenants while the rents may also come down," the minister explained.
Itanagar/Agartala, July 8 : Following a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to allow only vaccinated people to enter the bordering state, officials said here on Thursday.

A health official said that Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar during a virtual meeting on Wednesday told Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla that the state has been ensuring that anyone who is keen to visit Arunachal Pradesh must be vaccinated prior to their entry into the state.

Kumar informed the Bhalla that the state government has also undertaken aggressive testing for Covid-19.

Over 68 per cent of the people aged 18 years and above have received their first dose of the vaccine in the state.

The Chief Secretary said that the state has adopted a three-prong strategy to prevent the spread of the virus, which include extensive tracking and testing, enforcement of Covid appropriate behaviour and vaccination.

"The state needs an additional three lakh vaccines in a bid to achieve 100 per cent coverage of beneficiaries in the 18-plus and 45-plus age groups," Kumar said.

Till Thursday, Arunachal Pradesh reported 38,283 Covid cases, including 184 deaths with 34,736 people have recovered from the disease.

The northeastern state's recovery and fatality ratio stood at 90.73 per cent and 0.48 per cent, respectively.

The Centre had recently deputed multi-disciplinary teams to Kerala, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and three northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Manipur -- in view of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases being reported from these states.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dhaka, July 9 : At least three workers, including two women, died and 26 others were injured in massive fire at a juice factory on the outskirts of Dhaka on Thursday evening, officials said.

The fire broke out at the multi-storey building of the Shezan Juice Factory of Hashem Foods Ltd in Bhulota Karnagop area in Narayanganj around 5 p.m. and 15 units of fire services are still struggling to contain it, fire service and civil defence media official M. Rayhan told IANS.

The deceased have been identified by police as Swapna Rani, 34, of Sylhet, and Mina Akter, 33, of Rupganj while another deceased man was yet to be identified. The injured were sent to hospital, Superintendent of Police, Zayedul Alam, said.

The firefighters rescued 12 workers who were trapped on the second and third floors of the building after the fire erupted, Upazila Chief Executive Shah Nusrat said.

The number of injuries and deaths may rise as a large number of workers were inside the factory, some injured workers told IANS.

Of the injured, 10 were sent to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital and 16 were admitted to US Bangla Medical College Hospital at Rupganj.
London, July 9 : British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday the withdrawal of all British troops from Afghanistan, signalling the end of Britain's military mission in a two-decade long conflict.

"All British troops assigned to NATO's mission in Afghanistan are now returning home," Johnson told the House of Commons, lower house of the British parliament.

The Prime Minister would not disclose the exact timetable of the departure for security reasons, but added that most of the 750 remaining British troops had already left, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Over the last two decades, 150,000 members of Britain's armed forces served in Afghanistan, 457 of whom died, according to Johnson.

Britain's move follows the announcement by US President Joe Biden in April that all US troops would leave Afghanistan before September 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that drew the United States into its longest war.

Johnson said that Britain will use "every diplomatic and humanitarian lever" to support Afghanistan's development and stability, including over 100 million pounds (about $138 million) of development assistance this year, and 58 million pounds for the Afghan national security and defence forces.
"When we open that hatch, we will open a new chapter and raise the flag on a new era of space exploration beyond low Earth orbit.

A decade ago, NASA Astronauts Ron Garan and Mike Fossum, conducted the sole spacewalk of the STS-135 mission. That mission was the last flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis and the last flight of the Space Shuttle Program. The spacewalk was a significant event as it signified not only the closing of one chapter of our nations space program but also the opening of a new chapter that will see astronauts leave Low Earth Orbit to explore the moon, Mars, and beyond.

In a televised speech from the International Space Station commemorating the last flight of a space shuttle, Ron Garan shared these words,

Behind us right now is the hatch that leads to Atlantis. Thirty-five space shuttles have docked to the mating adapter that is just beyond that hatch. During the course of the International Space Station construction, all those space shuttles left behind the legacy of this incredible orbiting research facility that not only is a stepping stone toward the exploration of the rest of the solar system, but its also improving life on our planet. When we close the hatch, we will close a chapter in the history of our nation. But in the future, when another spacecraft with crew members on board docks to that hatch and when we open that hatch, we will open a new chapter and raise the flag on a new era of space exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit.

We have begun this new chapter!

In the Livestream event, Ron will:



Share a firsthand account and answer all your questions about the significance of that last spacewalk

Look back at how far we've come and share hope for what lies ahead

Discuss how space exploration can improve life on earth

During the Livestream, Ron will also mark the launch of his latest book Floating In Darkness: A Journey of Evolution which will be published the same day. https://www.floatingindarkness.com/

Floating in Darkness is the true story of the life journey of a combat fighter pilot and astronaut. An adventure that illuminates a path toward understanding the meaning of life and our place in the universe.

Humanity faces an unprecedented crisis that threatens all life on Earth. Desert Storm fighter pilot and NASA astronaut Ron Garan addresses this head-on in Floating in Darkness: A Journey of Evolution, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed first book, The Orbital Perspective: Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles.

Ron takes us on an extraordinary journey through outer space and inner space. He explores the dancing, intersecting orbits of religion, spirituality, and science while grappling with his own role in the violence of combat and the effects of war on all aspects of human life. We witness Ron struggling with mortality while also basking in the sheer wonder and beauty of our world and beyond.

From this perspective, Ron maps out a viable path forward--to solve our crisis, we need a giant leap in humanity's evolutionary process. We must transcend individual and collective ego and embrace the true nature of our interdependence with this fragile planet and all life within its biosphere. Ron shows us how to discover our purpose, detoxify our divisive culture, and become a "white blood cell" in a growing immune response to heal our world.

Floating in Darkness is a blueprint to build a restorative and positive future for all.

To register for the Livestream go here: https://www.rongaran.com/the-last-spacewalk-event-july-12-2021/

Based out of Boulder, Colorado, Ron Garan is a former NASA astronaut, author, and keynote speaker. Ron left space with a call to actionto share a perspective of our world that has profound implications for how we solve problems, how we treat our planet, and how we treat each other. https://www.rongaran.com/

For media inquiries and interviews please contact Tarver Lowe  770-315-2117  tarver@rongaran.com
PrecisionAg Alliance Partner organizations include the American Soybean Association, Bushel, EFC Systems, Nevonex, Proagrica, Raven Industries, South Dakota State University, Topcon Agriculture, and Yara International.

The 2021 Awards of Excellence recipients will be honored during a special ceremony at the Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo in Des Moines on July 21.

The 2021 recipients include:

Crop Adviser/Entrepreneur Award

Michael Ott, Rantizo

Michael Ott grew up in rural northeastern Iowa, where his family owned a restaurant. The restaurant business was, in some ways, another world from the sophisticated precision ag company he founded many years later. Yet, the lessons he learned there never lost their relevance or value.



Everyone says, know your customer. In our restaurant, my dad literally knew everyone that was coming in, and many times he knew what they were going to order, he says. When you truly know them that well, its a great lesson. Thats what we want to do at Rantizo.

As founder and CEO, Ott set his sights on harnessing autonomous drones to apply crop protection products, beginning with his home state of Iowa. The Rantizo system was approved by the state in July 2019, and year later gained nationwide approval for swarming multiple drones for spray application.

Beyond the application itself, Ott through Rantizo has led the development of an end-to-end system focused on integrated and automated solutions for optimized drone-based aerial application. This system includes proprietary technology enhancing the spraying capabilities of the drone, mixing and filling of chemicals into the drone, transport of an entire in-field setup for drone applications, and integration with imagery providers for efficient identification of field issues and rapid deployment of Rantizo application services.

Today, the Rantizo application system allows users to broadcast cover crop seed into crops at all stages without damage and has proven beneficial for spot spraying to ease resistance pressure and applying over acreage in difficult terrain.

Rantizo's success, with Michael at the helm, presents new opportunities for precision agriculture to win, adds Carlson: It yields new ways for ag retailers to provide better and more robust services to their customers, and it provides farmers with new opportunities for profitability in their operations. This success facilitates wider and more open-minded adoption of precision ag practices and technology which benefit the industry, the businesses, the farmer, and the land.

Educator/Researcher Award

Nicholas Uilk, South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University made history when it launched the first four-year precision agriculture degree in 2016. Nicholas Uilks efforts to infuse precision agriculture disciplines into SDSUs Agriculture Systems Technology major classes was a critical contributing factor to the creation of the new offering.



Nic Uilk is one of the most skilled and appreciated instructors on the South Dakota State University campus, says Dr. Van Kelley, Head of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at SDSU. We are fortunate that he is passionate about teaching students the precision agriculture skills they will need to help farmers be more profitable or to be successful farmers themselves.

Uilk, who grew up on a traditional corn and soybean farm in southwestern Minnesota, still revels in working in the trenches to build and grow the precision agriculture accreditation in his role as teacher and program ambassador. Along with teaching a wide range of classes, from introductory precision agriculture to upper-level machinery, Uilk is the first choice of instructors to meet with prospective students and families.

Uilk has continued to bring strong ideas and innovation to the program. In 2016, he convinced the University leadership to purchase eight Kubota UTVs and secured industry support from Raven to outfit each machine with GPS and autosteer to use for student instruction. The units allow 16 students at a time to gain real world experience running, troubleshooting, and repairing precision hardware and software.

He also launched a multi-disciplinary project supported by Pheasants Forever, which puts together students from precision agriculture and wildlife and fisheries science with farmers to improve habitat for wildlife while increasing return on investment for the farm operation.

He also says he stays on top of developments in the fast-changing precision agriculture space by talking to companies and getting out to industry shows as often as he can.

Being in communication with the industry has been important to me since the day I started, to stay on top of whats being utilized out there, and make sure students are aware of new products and how to best utilize them in production ag for their someday customers, says Uilk.

Farmer Award

Wade Wilson, Olney, IL

At the core, the farmers mission is to produce the raw materials that help feed the world. But the practice of farming  trying new techniques and technologies in search of the best approaches to crop production  is how the profession continues to evolve and improve.

For Southeast Illinois farmer Wade Wilson, raising all boats through the testing and implementation of technology on his own farm  and sharing those learnings with others  was a central focus of his operation over nearly two and a half decades of experimentation.

Wades son, Jeremy, who took over the family farm operation in 2019 upon his fathers retirement, says his dad has never been the least bit tech-savvy himself, but that never mattered. What drove him and continues to drive him, he says, is Dads deep burning desire to help somebody else. If my five to 10 minutes can help you guys figure out something else in the technology space that makes other peoples lives easier, Im all in, he says of his dads mindset.

Wade Wilson started with grid sampling in 1995 and installed the farms first yield monitor in 2001. In the late 90s, he sought to gain a better understanding of hybrid and variety performance by collecting Veris electrical conductivity data, looking for correlations between yield and multiple variables like soil type, hybrid, variety, and fertility. In 2012, advanced planter controls helped next real leap in the farms precision ag journey.

In 2014 a partnership with Dr. Joe Tevis sought to advance real-time yield data calibration, and to begin working to tie grain loads back to actual as-harvested data. This project has provided key foundational work on proving the concept of grain traceability with AgGateway.

His willingness to share his farm operation and practices for the greater good and his passion for quality in every aspect of farming demonstrate the tremendous benefits of collaboration and cooperation in agriculture.

Wade knew good things would come from this work, and that this was a way for him to contribute something that would benefit producers everywhere, says Don Bierman, CEO of Crop IMS, an Illinois agronomy and technology consulting firm. This is what we celebrate today: his selfless commitment to improving the profitability of farming.

Legacy Award

Dan Frieberg, Premier Crop Systems

The farm technology boom of the late 1990s created a lot of excitement in the industry and forged a new generation of professionals eager to put these emerging tools to work on the farm. Iowa native Dan Frieberg was among these early pioneers who saw the potential and co-founded Premier Crop Systems to help create and unleash the power of field data to provide reliable, consistent recommendations for farmer clients.

Friebergs career is diverse, spanning wholesale fertilizer sales, retail management, business consulting, and association work, having served as CEO of the Iowa Fertilizer and Chemical Association and later the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. But it was the power of putting data to work that ultimately forged is future career aspirations.

I knew that putting all that data together would be potentially something powerful, he says. In 1999, Frieberg and a likeminded group of retailers founded Premier Crop LLC, and over the years developed a software platform that provides analytics and variable rate prescriptions.

After working with numerous companies and agronomists Dan kept hearing the term scientific trials and therefore patented, with his team, Enhanced Learning Blocks (ELB). Enhanced Learning Blocks are trials within a field that are replicated and randomized in order to find the right rate within a field. This is all done through a prescription and technology so a farmer doesn't have to stop and can continue to farm at their own pace while the technology does the work for them.

Today, that small start-up in Des Moines now serves close to 8 million acres, helping to improve farm profitability, sustainability, and efficiency.

Dan is passionate about the grower. Everything he does in the eye of the grower operation and how he can make a grower more successful, says his nominator, Renee Hansen. He knows how difficult it is to raise a crop, to understand and use all the data, and he knows how complex agronomy is, yet accepts the challenge to combine it all together and benefit the grower.

About the PrecisionAg Alliance  The PrecisionAg Alliance, an initiative of Meister Media Worldwides PrecisionAg Global brand, is a consortium of industry organizations who seek to increase and broadcast technology adoption success amongst agribusiness and grower channels. Through membership, partner organizations gain new market data points, and their combined resources and expertise reveal best practices and improved ag technology solutions from the farm-gate to the dinner plate. Partner organizations include the American Soybean Association, Bushel, EFC Systems, Nevonex, Proagrica, Raven Industries, South Dakota State University, Topcon Agriculture, and Yara International. For more information visit PrecisionAgAlliance.com.

About Meister Media Worldwide

Meister Media Worldwide offers business solutions designed to cultivate a sustainable world through the power of knowledge. It accomplishes this through a host of integrated print, digital and data product offerings, and a variety of in-person events with a singular focus: to further specialized agriculture globally. In addition, its business services division utilizes Meister Medias wealth of knowledge, combined with the latest technology, to develop strategic business services from concept planning through development and delivery. An industry leader, Meister Medias mission is to be your trusted partner, empowering the business of global agriculture to grow a better world. With headquarters in Willoughby, Ohio, Meister Media Worldwide was founded in 1932 and operates out of offices throughout the United States and around the world. MeisterMedia.com
"We are confident that Transformation Accelerator will significantly ease strategic planning efforts and provide the platform needed for Advanced360s clients to take bold ambitions from concept to reality. - Kevin McCaffrey, CEO, Tr3Dent

Ireland-based Tr3Dent, the leading global provider of an intuitive, end-to-end strategic planning platform that empowers digital transformation, and Advanced360 Solutions, a U.S.-based professional services corporation built on decades of experience in developing and delivering agile business services and advanced technology solutions, today announced a new global partnership. Facilitated by Enterprise Ireland, Irelands trade and innovation agency, the strategic partnership delivers the power of Tr3Dents strategic planning platform, Transformation Accelerator, to North American organizations.

New research from Boston Consulting Group reveals that 70% of digital transformations fall short of their objectives, often with profound consequences. Tr3Dents Transformation Accelerator empowers teams to collaborate, organize and clearly communicate complex information in a visually appealing and interactive way to drive engagement and fuel strategic planning success. With this partnership, Tr3Dent enables Advanced360 Solutions to easily build comprehensive business models relative to their clients distinctive ecosystem and deliver customized strategic plans that support digital transformation success.

We believe that strategic planning is an essential ingredient for any companies success. Those that have plans in place dramatically increase their chance for success compared to those that do not, said William Carter, founder, Advanced360 Solutions. The failure of planning efforts is often related to lack of communication, collaboration among stakeholders and clarity of what success looks like. Tr3Dents Transformation Accelerator has improved how our company brings corporate stakeholders to the table and collaboratively work on the creation of well thought out strategic plans. Digitally transforming their approach for developing business goals, SWOT analysis, critical success factors and operational governance has benefited our customers tremendously.

Digital transformation efforts can be time-consuming, complex and will typically fail without the right strategic focus, said Kevin McCaffrey, CEO, Tr3Dent. We are grateful to Enterprise Ireland for helping us along the path to landing this excellent new partnership. We are confident that Transformation Accelerator will significantly ease strategic planning efforts and provide the platform needed for Advanced360s clients to take bold ambitions from concept to reality.

We were so privileged to facilitate this partnership between Tr3Dent and Advanced360 Solutions, said Lane Patterson, senior vice president of telecom and IoT, Enterprise Ireland. The pandemic sped up digital transformation and technologies, and by utilizing Tr3Dents Transformation Accelerator, Advanced360 can help their clients stay ahead of the curve by identifying new revenue streams, driving significant business growth, enhancing the customer experience and improving productivity. We are always looking to help innovative Irish companies such as Tr3Dent to expand and grow in global markets, and we are confident they will make a huge impact in North America.

For more information on Tr3Dents Transformation Accelerator, please visit https://www.Tr3dent.com/information-technology/.

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About Tr3Dent: Tr3Dent empowers organizations of all sizes to quickly, easily and confidently navigate their digital transformation journey. Leveraging its expertise in visualization technology, Tr3Dents intuitive, end-to-end strategic planning platform, Transformation Accelerator, enables cross-organizational productivity and collaboration while simplifying the organization, design and management of the complex information required to enable successful digital transformations. Founded in 2014, Tr3Dent serves more than 500 organizations and partners around the world across a variety of industries, including management and IT consulting, technology, education, telecommunications, insurance, healthcare, supply chain and retail. Headquartered in Galway, Ireland, Tr3Dent also maintains operations in Toronto, Canada. For more information on Tr3Dent, please visit http://www.Tr3dent.com.

About Advanced360 Solutions: Advanced360 Solutions is a business and technology services firm offering expertise in digital transformation, cloud services, data analytics, financial modeling and vendor management. The firms customer base spans a wide range of industries, sizes and scope to deploy innovative solutions that ensure business objectives are successfully achieved. With guiding principles deeply rooted in a commitment to people, integrity, process and technology, organizations can rely on Advanced360 Solutions to help turn insurmountable challenges into achievable opportunities. For more information on Advanced360 Solutions, please visit http://www.advanced360solutions.com.

About Enterprise Ireland: Enterprise Ireland is the Irish State agency that works with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets. Enterprise Ireland partners with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland's international trade, innovation, leadership, and competitiveness. For more information on Enterprise Ireland, please visit https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/About-Us/.


Angela Reddock-Wright, Esq., AWI-CH Employment Mediator, Arbitrator, Investigator "My mission in life is to help employers and employees to create great workplaces so it is rewarding to receive recognition for something I am so passionate about. - Angela, Reddock-Wright

The Reddock Law Group is pleased to announce that its Founding and Managing Partner, Angela Reddock-Wright, also an employment mediator and arbitrator with Judicate West, was named a Finalist in the Los Angeles Business Journal's Women's Leadership Council & Awards "Community Impact Advocate of the Year" category.

Reddock-Wright was among some wonderful company, including Christina Gagnier of Carlton Fields, Teena Hostovich of Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC, Lizbeth Nevarez of Green Hasson & Janks, and the winner, Gwendolyn Givens-Jones of Bank of America. The Reddock Law Group and Angela Reddock-Wright congratulate all of this years nominees, finalists, and honorees!

Reddock-Wright said, "My mission in life is to help employers and employees to create great workplaces so it is rewarding to receive recognition for something I am so passionate about.

About the Los Angeles Business Journals Womens Leadership Awards:

The Los Angeles Business Journals Womens Leadership Awards took place virtually on June 23, 2021. The event honored and celebrated the achievements of accomplished and inspirational women leaders who have made a difference throughout Los Angeles. The finalists and honorees are all women who lead by example, successfully blending effective business vision with a passionate commitment to positively making a difference, both in the world of business and in the communities they serve.

About Angela Reddock-Wright, Esq:

A practicing attorney for 25 years and named a Best Lawyer in America for employment and labor law, Angela Reddock-Wright is an employment and labor law mediator, arbitrator, workplace, and Title IX investigator, and the Founder & Managing Partner of the Reddock Law Group based in Los Angeles. In addition to her own firm, Angela is on the panel of mediators and arbitrators at Judicate West, a private dispute resolution firm. She also is on the mediation panel for the United States District Court, Central District.

In recent years, Angela has worked on numerous projects of consequence to the Los Angeles ecosystem, including serving as a co-Administrator for the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the City of Inglewoods So-Fi Stadium; in the wake of the Me Too movement, serving as a consultant to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) on critical revisions to its member policies relating to the reporting and investigation of claims of sexual harassment; and serving as the Compliance Manager for the multi-billion dollar LAMP construction project at LAX.

Angela also has been the lead investigator and mediator in numerous national and international cases this past year resulting from the #BlackLivesMatter movement, the #MeToo Movement, and the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the video gaming and other industries.

In addition to her life as a lawyer, Angela is committed to public and community service and has served on numerous government and public agency boards, including the State of California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology, the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission & Local Government Oversight Commission, and the City of Los Angeles Transportation Commission. She also is a past president for the Southern California Mediation Association and a former Member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Board of Trustees.

Currently, Angela serves on the board of the Los Angeles Urban League and Women In Non-Traditional Employment Roles. She also is a past member of the Board of her high school alma mater, the Brentwood School.

Angela considers herself a global citizen and travels abroad frequently both in her business and personal life. She has been fortunate to be a part of travel delegations as a German Marshall Fellow to Europe and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles Fellowship to Israel.

Angela is a frequent speaker, published author, blogger and go-to legal analyst on national and local television on employment law and workplace issues and trends.

For more information about Reddock-Wright:

https://www.reddocklaw.com/

https://www.judicatewest.com/adr/angela-reddock-wright

https://angelareddock-wright.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelareddock/

If you would like to speak with Reddock-Wright or her publicist:

Angela Reddock-Wright, Esq.

Mediator, Arbitrator, Investigator

Email: info@reddocklaw.com

Phone: 213.996.8474

Lisa Elkan

Lisa PR

Email: LisaElkanPR@gmail.com
Best Sanitizers, Inc. The products and guidance we provide food processors is making a big difference in their ability to reduce cross-contamination in their facilities.

Best Sanitizers, Inc. will be participating in the virtual 2021 Solution Exchange at IFTs new virtual event, Food Improved by Research, Science & Technology (FIRST) July 19-23, 2021. New this year, attendees will be able to connect with suppliers by scheduling a one-on-one virtual meeting.

To sign up for IFTs FIRST digital experience at no charge, visit Best Sanitizers.

Finding the right cleaning and sanitation solutions for a food processing facility can be a challenge. Best Sanitizers, Inc. is focused on the food processing industry and has been assisting facilities with their hygiene and sanitation needs for over 25 years. Time spent in a short meeting with a Best Sanitizers, Inc. regional manager will allow attendees to ask questions and find the best solutions for their facilities.

This years online IFT event will focus on science, research, insights of the industry, and an opportunity to connect with suppliers providing products and services for food processors. Through the Solution Exchange, attendees will be able to schedule a targeted 20-minute meeting with Best Sanitizers, Inc. Whether a facility needs to find a quality surface sanitizer for food contact surfaces, improve their hand hygiene program, or implement a more effective footwear sanitizing system, Best Sanitizers, Inc. can help!

Best Sanitizers, Inc. offers a complete line of hand hygiene and surface sanitation products, which includes their Alpet brand of E2-rated hand soaps, E3-rated hand sanitizers, and D2-rated surface sanitizers. These products are designed specifically to meet the tough requirements of the food processing industry. When looking for ways to improve their current sanitation program, Best Sanitizers customers can feel confident in the products they are using.

Additionally, Best Sanitizers HACCP SmartStep2 Dual Footwear Sanitizing Unit is the newest innovation in footwear sanitation. It is a foot-operated system that requires no electricity and uses compressed air to deliver an atomized spray of Alpet D2 Surface Sanitizer and Alpet D2 Quat-Free Surface Sanitizer to the bottom of footwear soles. Each application provides ample coverage to footwear soles yet uses only 0.4 ounces of chemical (0.2 oz per sole), which minimizes chemical waste and improves moisture control.

Combining the HACCP SmartStep2 with Alpet D2 or Alpet D2 Quat-Free Surface Sanitizer creates an effective solution to reduce cross-contamination from footwear. Both Alpet D2 and Alpet D2 Quat-Free are alcohol-based surface sanitizers that are ready-to-use, highly evaporative, and ideal for water sensitive equipment. They both have a 10 second kill claim on non-food contact surfaces, including rubber footwear. Alpet D2 and Alpet D2 Quat-Free have a 60 second kill claim on food contact surfaces, including gloves, meaning minimal down time for production.

For processors running organic lines, Best Sanitizers Alpet D2 Quat-Free Surface Sanitizer is OMRI listed and approved under the Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Food Program.

Best Sanitizers attained the emerging pathogen wording for SARS-CoV-2 on our Alpet D2 Surface Sanitizer product label, making it an approved chemical against the coronavirus. Alpet D2 Surface Sanitizer is now approved by the EPA for use against SARS-COV-2.

The products and guidance we provide food processors is making a big difference in their ability to reduce cross-contamination in their facilities, added April Zeman-Lowe, Best Sanitizers Sales Director  Food and Beverage Division.

We look forward to meeting with you soon, please visit Best Sanitizers at IFTs FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) event.

About Best Sanitizers, Inc:

Since 1995, Best Sanitizers, Inc. has been providing the Food Processing, Janitorial Sanitation and Healthcare industries with the highest quality hand soaps, hand sanitizers, surface sanitizers and dispensing options available. In addition, Best Sanitizers offers cleaning and sanitizing equipment including boot scrubbers, footwear sanitizing units, doorway foamers, drain foaming accessories, and proportioning and dispensing equipment. You will find our products helping processors large and small reduce the risk of pathogens throughout the U.S.

Best Sanitizers was the first company to achieve an E3 rating for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and the first to achieve a D2 rating for an alcohol/quat-based surface sanitizer for food contact surfaces. Best Sanitizers continues to explore new and innovative ways to deliver hand hygiene and surface sanitation solutions to the United States and Canada.
Binance Pool Joins Bitcoin Vault (BTCV) Mining This is another step we have taken in the decentralization of Bitcoin Vault mining. We are glad to be able to cooperate with such a trusted and well-recognized partner in the crypto industry

Bitcoin Vault (BTCV) is taking another step towards decentralization. Based on the Proof-of-Work consensus algorithm SHA-256, the cryptocurrency project will now also be mined through the Binance Pool, one of the biggest crypto mining pools in the world.

As a comprehensive service platform dedicated to improving miners income, Binance Pool provides services focusing on Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake mining. An essential part of the Binance ecosystem, Binance Pool makes full use of its advantages in technology, capital, the exchange business, industry resources, and other areas.

It offers the community the ultimate mining experience and a one-stop hub for mining-trading services. Now, Binance Pool users will be able to join Bitcoin Vault (BTCV) mining.

This is another step we have taken in the decentralization of Bitcoin Vault mining. We are glad to be able to cooperate with such a trusted and well-recognized partner in the crypto industry, says Radek Popiel, Chief Communication Officer of Electric Vault, the blockchain development house behind BTCV. As Bitcoin Vault developers, we have committed to releasing 10% of BTCVs mining to trusted external partners until the end of 2021, and we have fulfilled this goal.

Since its introduction to the market in April 2020, Binance Pool has quickly become one of the main choices for those looking to combine resources to mine cryptocurrency. It has a proven track record in consistently earning block rewards in the highly competitive mining industry despite the fluctuations in network hash rates.

Binance Pool has built its credibility upon delivering the best possible mining payouts to its members. Additionally, it offers a convenient and user-friendly interface for mining pool services and regularly monitor the activity of an individual miner.

When it comes to the share of hash power of prominent cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, Binance Pool stands among the top mining pools. Its current hash power for SHA-256 (BTC/BCH/ BSV) is ~10.1 EH/s, while for Ethereum, it is ~8.73TH/s.

Road to decentralization

The Bitcoin Vault team is fully committed to the decentralization of BTCV mining. The release of hash rate to the Binance Pool is another milestone, following the opening of mining for BTC.com pool members. After achieving the goal of releasing 10% of the hash power to external partners before the established deadline of the end of 2021, the developers currently retain 90% of control over the mining pools. Further decentralization depends on the overall global mining market condition, adoption level, and potential new partnerships. The general plan for complete decentralization will be executed until the end of 2024.

About Bitcoin Vault

Bitcoin Vault (BTCV) was launched in 2019 as an alpha chain. It was heavily focused on development between December 2019 and November 2020, which sprung the release of its key feature enabling reversible transactions on the blockchain.

Bitcoin Vault is the worlds first cryptocurrency that allows users to cancel transactions after being posted to the blockchain. This revolutionary approach is possible thanks to a customized blockchain protocol that confirms payments within 144 blocks (or around 24 hours). This feature protects the community from losing their funds in common key thefts, user mistakes or errors, and bugs.

Social Links

Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoin_Vault

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaultbitcoin

Medium: https://medium.com/bitcoin-vault-btcv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bitcoinvaultofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinvaultofficial/

Github: https://github.com/bitcoinvault
Catalyte wins Microsoft Partner of the Year Inclusion Changemaker Award for 2021 This Inclusion Changemaker award is validation of Catalyte's ability to discover, train and advance talent from unexpected places. - Jacob Hsu, CEO of Catalyte

Catalyte today announced it won the Inclusion Changemaker 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

As an Inclusion Changemaker, Catalyte believes that aptitude is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. Catalyte creates universal uplift, allowing companies to do the best thing for their business and the right thing for their communities, while helping individuals from unexpected and often overlooked places enter into new tech careers. Catalyte provides companies with access to diverse Microsoft-skilled talent at a time when inclusion is paramount to business success.

Microsoft is a leader in changing how the tech industry identifies and sources talent, said Jacob Hsu, CEO of Catalyte. Were proud to be aligning efforts with them to create more opportunities for people historically excluded from the industry to advance their careers and become the next generation of amazing software engineers. This Inclusion Changemaker award is validation of our ability to discover, train and advance talent from unexpected places. Together with Microsoft, we can create tech workforces that look like our great country and that help build a more inclusive future.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Catalyte was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in the Inclusion Changemaker category.

The Inclusion Changemaker Partner of the Year Award recognizes a Microsoft partner organization that excels at providing innovative and unique services or solutions based on Microsoft technologies that help customers solve challenges of diverse representation, economic access, digital inclusion and/or accessibility. Inclusion changemakers drive digital transformation toward a more inclusive and equitable world. Diverse representation, broad economic access, digital inclusion and accessibility have grown in strategic importance for organizational and business performance as well as innovation and market value. To enable more inclusive economic growth, Microsoft looks to solutions and services that help organizations optimize ideas, skills, experience and resources from all facets of talent contribution and market opportunity.

I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer.

Catalyte is a longtime Microsoft partner, with Gold competencies in multiple technologies, including: application development, application integration, cloud platform, cloud productivity, security, data platform and data analytics. You can find a detailed description of our Inclusion Changemaker workforce development offer in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.

Catalyte can help companies in the Microsoft Partner Network diversify and expand their tech workforces without having to poach talent from each other, said Bill Gilbert, executive vice president at Catalyte. We expand the overall talent pool of Microsoft-trained technologists. More developers means more opportunities for companies to grow and innovate. And our developers now have a solid background in Microsoft technologies, skills that are portable and marketable across many industries. It provides them a foundation to build a successful career.

For more information on how Catalyte can supply you diverse, cost-effective, local and Microsoft-trained junior software developers, please contact us at info@catalyte.io.

About Catalyte

Catalytes ability to discover, train and advance tech talent from non-traditional backgrounds simultaneously solves the overall tech talent shortage and helps employers diversify their technology workforces. Its data and technology platform predictably creates new, high-performing software developers. Catalytes national network of companies provides on-demand access to exceptional software engineering experts at all levels, allowing clients to flexibly scale technology resources when and how they need them. Catalyte is headquartered in Baltimore and has talent hubs in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix-Scottsdale, Portland, Ore., Columbia, S.C. and Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit http://www.catalyte.io.
The mobile clienteling platform and app built specifically for Retail

Clientbook, the leader in retail clienteling technology, announced a new strategic funding round of $4.5 million. The round was led by Aries Capital Partners with support from Clientbooks current investors Kickstart Fund and Florida Funders.

This funding round comes following Clientbooks triple digit year-over-year growth. Despite the challenges presented to everyone in 2020, Clientbook actually grew and helped our retail customers to build even stronger relationships with their clients, says Brandon Wright, CEO and co-founder of Clientbook. This round will position us for the next growth stage of Clientbook by letting us expand our team, enter new verticals, and add some incredible new product features to the Clientbook mobile app and platform.

This investment in Clientbook will further its vision of helping retailers to build long-lasting relationships with their clients and drive repeat business, even while those customers arent within the four walls of their stores.

Strategic investor Jason Reading, who has invested in and sold numerous businesses and served as a board advisor to a variety of portfolio companies will advise Clientbook and represent Aries Capital Partners on the Clientbook board of directors. Investing in Clientbook was an easy decision because their platform provides incredible value to retailers, which are all eager for technology to help them drive repeat business, says Reading. We're excited to work with the Clientbook team as they continue their exciting growth trajectory.

Florida Funders, Clientbooks seed investor, also contributed to this round. Clientbook has done a fantastic job since we invested in them a little over a year ago, says Ryan Whittemore, Chief Investment Officer. We see more potential growth for them in a variety of areas, so we felt it was wise to further invest in our relationship with them.

About Clientbook

Clientbook is a platform and mobile app that facilitates easy clienteling by high-ticket retail sales associates. By using Clientbook, retailers gain visibility and control over the customer experience, resulting in more store visits, better sales conversion rates, and higher average dollar sales. Clientbook also drives relationship building by keeping track of the details in a clients life so that the sales associate can focus on the relationship and give the guidance clients want. To learn more, visit: http://www.clientbook.com

About Aries Capital Partners

Aries Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The firm makes equity investments in growing companies across a variety of industries. Our investment team draws upon excellent operating and investment experience as we seek to partner with talented leaders and entrepreneurs to build successful companies. All of the capital we invest comes from within our firm, allowing us flexibility to align our interests with our partners. For more information, please visit:

http://www.ariescapitalpartners.com

About Florida Funders, LLC

Recognized as the top VC in the Southeast region by Pitchbook, Florida Funders is a hybrid of a venture capital fund and an angel investor network that discovers, funds, and builds early-stage technology companies in Florida and beyond. In order for Florida to evolve from the Sunshine State to the Startup State, we ensure there is as little friction as possible in the ecosystem, that investors have access to meaningful deal flow, and entrepreneurs have access to a wide range of accredited investors, capital, and experience. Florida Funders educates our community of investors, provides transparency during the funding process, fosters communication across the ecosystem, and empowers the strategic relationships that drive investments. Our team is composed of serial entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and experienced angel investors singularly focused on uncovering Floridas next breakout technology companies. To learn more, visit: http://www.floridafunders.com.

Kickstart Fund

Kickstart Fund is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Salt Lake City, UT. Kickstarts mission is to help build great companies in the Wild West by backing the boldest entrepreneurs with capital, community, and expertise for the journey. Since raising its first fund in 2008, Kickstart has invested in more than 100 companies. For more information, visit http://www.kickstartfund.com.
Raytelligence is a world-class sensor technology vendor, and there is strong synergy between our data fusion platform and the sensors Raytelligence produces. We look forward to building this collaboration with them" - Carine Zeier, CEO Dele Health Tech

Leading Fall technology vendor Dele Health Tech and sensor producer Raytelligence today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU signals the companies intention to build an increased business and technology collaboration.

Over time, the partnership between the organizations is anticipated to involve collaboration on technology integration, exploring mutually beneficial business opportunities, and joint marketing.

Dele Health Tech CEO Carine Zeier made the following statement regarding the MoU:

"As a hardware-agnostic solution, Dele is able to partner with the best and most relevant sensor partners in the global market," she said.

Raytelligence is a world-class sensor technology vendor, and there is strong synergy between our data fusion platform and the sensors Raytelligence produces. We look forward to building this collaboration with them, she said.

Raytelligence CEO Klas Arvidson said the following regarding the agreement:

"We are pleased to have signed this MoU with Dele Health Tech. Deles innovative new approach to fall detection and fall prevention aligns with our own philosophy towards solving the problem of falls, he said.

There is high potential for our technologies to complement each other. We look forward to collaborating with the Dele team, he said.

About Dele Health Tech

Dele Health Tech is a technology company that's revolutionizing healthcare with innovative data fusion for dignified fall management.

Founded in Norway and operating in the US and Europe, the companys AI-based solution fuses room-sensor data with individual-level electronic health data to provide exceptional detection accuracy, nurse call integration and commercially viable scalability for multiple healthcare and senior living scenarios.

Dele Health Tech: Data Today, Prevention tomorrow.

http://www.delehealth.com

http://www.linkedin.com/company/dele-health-tech

About Raytelligence AB (publ)

Raytelligence is a Swedish innovation company, based in Halmstad that offers products for monitoring vital parameters, i.e., breathing, heart rate and movement patterns, based on the company's own 60 GHz radar technology.

http://www.raytelligence.com
LovBe Half Bezel Set Emerald Cut Engagement Ring We are very excited to move into the next phase of our companys development, shared LovBes CEO and founder, Margit Reinson. The initial response to our value-driven collection has exceeded our expectations and we feel these new initiatives will propel our growth to the next level.

LovBe, the e-commerce brand known for its high-quality lab grown diamonds at unbeatable value, has launched several new programs to continue their record growth since launching last year.

A first for the brand, LovBe has partnered with Rakuten, the global affiliate marketing powerhouse, to develop publisher relationships and sales incentive programs. Offering the highest commissions in the jewelry industry, LovBe believes the Rakuten network of publishers will reach an untapped consumer audience, introducing them to all the brand has to offer. For those interested in joining the jewelry affiliate program powered by Rakuten, you can find more information here.

In addition, the company is launching LovBe Shared, a consumer-facing referral program, targeted to existing customers who could earn unlimited rewards by sharing a unique referral code with friends and family. By using the referral code, new LovBe customers will receive $100 off their purchase. Once the code is redeemed, the original existing customer will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card. The unique referral code does not expire, nor is there a limit to the number of referrals made.

We are very excited to move into the next phase of our companys development, shared LovBes CEO and founder, Margit Reinson. The initial response to our value-driven collection has exceeded our expectations and we feel these new initiatives will propel our growth to the next level.

LovBe has also announced its partnership with ID.me, the online identify verification network, offering a 5% discount to those serving in the armed forces, veterans and first responders who qualify for the program. The program includes all LovBe engagement rings, including those in the LovBe Exclusive Collection, as well as the brands fine jewelry offerings.

With free shipping and a 60-Day money back guarantee, coupled with a lifetime warranty on all jewelry and a lifetime diamond upgrade, consumers have little in the way of concerns when purchasing from LovBe. The brands Diamond Concierge, a team of seasoned diamond experts who act as customers guides during the custom design and purchasing processes, further ensure a faultless experience. With a 4.8 score on Trustpilot, consumers clearly agree.

About LovBe:

Founded in the dawn of a new decade, LovBe exists solely to provide its customers with the highest quality, most brilliant lab grown diamond for the best value available. An e-commerce DTC brand, our customers ultimate happiness is at the forefront of LovBes journey. From customized designs, to unparalleled customer service, your LovBe experience will be as refined as your chosen diamond. LovBe offers free shipping (US and Canada), as well as 60-day returns on purchases. Let LovBeyour guide to the perfect engagement ring at lovbe.com.
This was based on four volumes principally concerned with representing the visible world or Imitating Nature. The intention was to treat drawing and coloring together, since the two skills are inseparably linked.

I rediscovered my earlier work at the tender age of 83 and was inspired to revisit my artistic experience. I also found poetry and prose that I wrote as a young man. Looking back in time proved to be a rewarding experience, Dr. William Clark states.

New Horizons In Life, Art & Poetry: Imagination and Innovation A Personal Perspective (published by AuthorHouse UK) is an expression of Clarks appreciation and passion for the arts, including personal experience in drawing, painting, poetry and prose with observations on the human condition in contemporary society, presented with humour and homespun philosophy.

I am not an artist and have no formal training in art. My experience in art dates back to the 1980s when I followed the first part of a correspondence course on drawing and painting by the Paris ABC School of Art. This was based on four volumes principally concerned with representing the visible world or Imitating Nature. The intention was to treat drawing and coloring together, since the two skills are inseparably linked, Clark says.

When asked what he wants readers to take away from this book, Clark answers, I hope they will enjoy this trip down memory lane and my combination of art and poetry. For more details about this book, please visit https://www.authorhouse.com/en-gb/bookstore/bookdetails/815291-new-horizons-in-life-art-poetry

New Horizons In Life, Art & Poetry: Imagination and Innovation A Personal Perspective

By Dr. William Clark

Softcover | 8.5 x 8.5 in | 196 pages | ISBN 9781728355269

E-Book | 196 pages | ISBN 9781728355252

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Dr. William Clark is recognized worldwide as a teacher and innovator in orthodontics. He founded the first full time orthodontic practice in Scotland in 1965 and went on to develop major innovations in orthodontics and functional therapy to improve patients appearance and prospects in life.

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.
Messer Cutting Systems, a leading global manufacturer of oxyfuel, plasma, and fiber laser thermal cutting machines, will be located in Booth A4968 at this years Fabtech Expo located at McCormick Place, in Chicago, Illinois, September 13-16, 2021. We warmly welcome you to our booth to experience the quality, precision, durability, reliability, and innovative strength of Messer Cutting Systems.

Our Applications Engineers will be running two cutting machines and demonstrating the latest in plasma bevel cutting and oxyfuel cutting techniques.

We will be displaying the new globally designed Element 400 cutting machine, the latest innovation from Messer Cutting Systems where form follows function. Included onboard is a new controller, the Global Connect, with redesigned HMI software and integrated OmniFab compatibility. This configuration features improved realtime transparency on maintenance, downtime status, and production reports that are transmitted through the controller, via a PC, or tablet. This machine can be equipped with many flexible options like plasma bevel cutting, oxyfuel cutting, marking, and cutting tables. Come see the new Delta Skew Plasma Rotating with cutting up to +/- 45 degrees, a high-acceleration drive with a C-axis 460 rotation, for maximum production and efficiency. For more information about this new machine, please visit us at the show.

In addition, we will be showing the MetalMaster Evolution, a unitized cutting machine with a downdraft table, and the compact Bevel-R Rotator. This high-speed plasma beveler can cut up to +/- 45 degrees designed to save costly secondary operations to meet the demands of a modern fabrication shop.

We are excited for this years show because we are going to focus on a holistic approach to improving productivity through the entire workflow of the thermal cutting process. There are many pieces to the manufacturing puzzle of the cutting process and one of the pieces is production software. Our IT professionals will be demonstrating the latest OmniFab 2021 production software, with Machine Insight. This is a tailor-made solution for order-related production to increase efficiency. It integrates Messer engineering technology into our customers workflow from the office to production on the factory floor, typically used in conjunction with material handling. There will be many print and video displays showing this functionality.

Part of the manufacturing puzzle includes showing our customers the added benefit of after-sales and service support. These displays will highlight new service and new process tools and equipment, which will save our customers production time and money. Our solutions will come together as a final puzzle piece, making Messer Cutting Systems the complete package for thermal cutting.

MESSER CUTTING SYSTEMS offers unique equipment options including plasma/oxyfuel beveling units, markers, drills, fiber lasers, and material handling solutions. Messer has sales and service throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Kristie Behrle, Founder of Facet Realty Ive always managed my clients transactions with the utmost professionalism and efficiency so they could enjoy the process of buying or selling a home without worry

Facet Realty today announced its partnership with Side, the only real estate technology company that exclusively partners with high-performing agents, teams, and independent brokerages to transform them into market-leading boutique brands and businesses. The alliance will ensure that Facet Realty, a firm raising the bar in Tampa real estate with its client-centric focus, is powered by the industrys most technologically advanced platform.

Facet Realty was founded by Kristie Behrle, who has earned a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable agents in the Tampa Bay area. During her 21 years in the industry, Behrle has been honored with top producer awards, including her previous brokerages prestigious Gold Award, which placed her in the top 3% of its agents nationwide. She also holds many designations, including Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Commitment to Excellence, and At Home with Diversity. Facet Realty serves buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region.

Partnering with Side will ensure that Facet Realty remains on the cutting edge of the evolving real estate market while continuing to deliver premium services to its clients. Side works behind the scenes, supporting Facet Realty with a one-of-a-kind brokerage platform that includes proprietary technology, transaction management, branding and marketing services, public relations, legal support, lead generation, vendor management, infrastructure solutions, and more. Additionally, Facet Realty will join an exclusive group of Side partners, tapping into an expansive network from coast to coast.

Ive always managed my clients transactions with the utmost professionalism and efficiency so they could enjoy the process of buying or selling a home without worry, said Behrle. I designed Facet Realty around that philosophy, and I partnered with Side so our clients and agents would always have world-class support, marketing, and technology.

Side is led by experienced industry professionals and world-class engineers who develop technology designed to improve agent productivity and enhance the client experience. Based on its belief that homeownership is a fundamental human right, Side is on a mission to improve the public good by providing top-performing real estate agents, teams, and indie brokerages with the best system, support, service, experience, and results.

About Facet Realty

Facet Realty is a full-service real estate company driven by a client-first philosophy. Protecting clients interests, offering steadfast support, and expertly negotiating are just some of the ways Facet Realty provides clients an elevated, easy experience. The team represents buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the Tampa Bay area. To learn more, visit facetrealty.com.

About Side

Side transforms high-performing agents, teams, and independent brokerages into successful businesses and boutique brands that are 100% agent-owned. Side exclusively partners with the best agents, empowering them with proprietary technology and a premier support team so they can be more productive, grow their business, and focus on serving their clients. Side is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://www.sideinc.com.
First Centennial Mortgage Ranked 2020 Top IHDA Mortgage Lender Our team went the extra mile during one of the most challenging years in the industry to help hundreds of families achieve homeownership across the state of Illinois.

First Centennial Mortgage is listed as a 2020 Top IHDA Mortgage Lender by the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The company ranked #3 in the Chicagoland area which includes Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, La Salle, McHenry, and Will counties in Illinois.

We are honored to receive this award from IHDA, said Steven McCormick, President of First Centennial Mortgage. Our team went the extra mile during one of the most challenging years in the industry to help hundreds of families achieve homeownership across the state of Illinois.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) offers a variety of programs designed to help Illinois residents afford homeownership. To get an IHDA loan, and up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, lenders must participate in IHDA training. The First Centennial Mortgage listing and complete results of the 2020 IDHA Lender Awards can be found at https://www.ihdamortgage.org/awards.

About First Centennial Mortgage

First Centennial Mortgage is a residential mortgage lender headquartered in Illinois, founded by brothers Steven and David McCormick. Family-owned, the company strives to deliver an extraordinary experience to the communities it serves through an extensive portfolio of mortgage products and services.

The company has been named one of the Top 100 Mortgage Companies by Mortgage Executive Magazine, one of the Top Mortgage Lenders by Scotsman Guide, and one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine. For more information, visit http://www.goFCM.com.
Fulcrum Equity Partners led a $10 million Series B growth equity round for Full Measure Education, a student engagement platform for higher education based in Washington, D.C.

We are excited to begin the next phase of growth with the team at Fulcrum, says Greg Davies, Founder and CEO of Full Measure. Our mission is to deliver personal, curated moments of support and celebration to students everywhere. With Fulcrums help, we aim to expand our product offering and team to enter into new markets that will take our vision to new heights.

Full Measures platform helps colleges and universities attract and retain students through personalized content. Their initial product customizes student acceptances and helps schools show excitement for the candidates, which differentiates them from other acceptance letters and ultimately leads to registration and matriculation in the fall. New products include valuable tools to support student life resources, financial aid, and graduation ensuring students are getting the most out of their experience. In 2020 in collaboration with partner institutions, Full Measure celebrated 35,000 graduates and 275,000 newly admitted students  with over 5 million moments of social and mobile engagement. In 2021 they already welcomed half a million new students and celebrated over 250,000 graduations.

There has been an acceleration of digital adoption of various software solutions in the EdTech space and Full Measure is leading the charge in student engagement from initial application to graduation and beyond, says Fulcrum Partner Frank X. Dalton. Backed by an experienced team of EdTech operators, Full Measure enables institutions to launch powerful student experiences that have proven to improve outcomes at each stage in the student lifecycle. We look forward to a promising partnership.

With this most recent investment, Full Measure plans on expanding their platform offering through product development, making several key executive hires, and ramping up their product, engineering, and customer success teams. Fulcrums extensive network and deep experience in growing SaaS companies will aid in their expansion endeavors and elevate the Company to the next level.

About Fulcrum Equity Partners

Fulcrum Equity Partners is an Atlanta-based growth equity firm with over $600 million under management and provides expansion capital to rapidly growing companies led by strong entrepreneurs and management teams. Fulcrum targets companies within healthcare services, healthcare IT, B2B software, and technology-enabled services. Fulcrums initial target investment is $5 million - $25 million to provide financing to meet a wide range of needs, including internal growth initiatives, acquisitions, divestitures, shareholder liquidity and recapitalizations. The partners have over 140 years of relevant experience in Fulcrums target markets, including significant operating experience in senior executive positions at companies that grew rapidly and enjoyed successful exits. Additionally, Fulcrums limited partners include over 100 current or former business owners/CEOs of leading companies in a wide variety of industries that provide a rich resource for the firm and portfolio companies. Learn more at http://www.fulcrumep.com.

About Full Measure

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Full Measure Education powers personalized mobile experiences at over 300 institutions across the country. The Full Measure platform was built as a solution for schools to ensure that the steps are clear and the path is ready for students to change their lives through higher education. Full Measure Education has invested years into building a platform that brings the student enrollment cycle into the digital age, blending mobile messaging channels with rich, personalized content experiences designed to amplify the moment, provide support and access to all students, and measure, track, and share successes. Today, Full Measure offers a full suite of experiences to guide and motivate students as they progress through the student lifecycle - from initial inquiry and admission, to retention and student support services, to graduation and beyond. Learn more at https://fullmeasure.io/.
Hitachi Soultions America, Ltd. has won the Dynamics 365 Field Service 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award.

Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd., a leading provider of global industry solutions powered by cloud services from Microsoft, today announced it has won the Dynamics 365 Field Service 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. Hitachi Solutions was also named finalists for the Dynamics 365 Customer Service Partner of the Year Award and the Dynamics 365 Marketing 2021 Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide.

Despite the challenges of last year, Hitachi Solutions remained laser-focused on providing clients with Microsoft-first, industry-driven solutions designed to turn their business strategies into digital realities, said Hideji Morita, CEO at Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd. We are so pleased that Microsoft recognized our dedication, expertise, and achievements, and honored us with such prestigious awards.

As the Microsoft D365 Field Service Partner of the Year, Hitachi Solutions America excelled in delivering robust solutions that provided North American field service clients with greater visibility and insights, optimized operations and service, drove more business, and served as a solid foundation for growth. As finalist for the Microsoft D365 Customer Service Partner of the Year and the Microsoft D365 Marketing Partner of the Year, the company was also recognized for automating, streamlining, and speeding customer service support, and for modernizing and enhancing marketing initiatives, for our clients in North America.

I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customers  from cloud-to-edge  and represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer.

Hitachi Solutions America has a long history with Microsoft and has received Partner of the Year awards almost consecutively since 2004. This year brings our award count to 45, an impressive legacy of success, said Tom Galambos, President and COO at Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd. This continuous recognition is also validation of our strong commitment to Microsoft, and to being our clients digital transformation partner for life.

On the global stage, Hitachi Solutions UK team was named a 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year finalist in the Government category and the Asia Pacific team was recognized as a finalist for the Dynamics 365 Sales award.

About Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd.

Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd. helps its customers successfully compete with the largest global enterprises using powerful, easy-to-use, and affordable industry solutions built on Microsoft cloud services. Hitachi Solutions America provides global capabilities with regional offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, India/Middle East, Japan, and Asia Pacific. For more information, call 1-888-618-1521 or visit: http://global.hitachi-solutions.com.

About Hitachi Solutions, Ltd.

Hitachi Solutions, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a core member of the Information & Telecommunication Systems business of Hitachi Group and a recognized leader in delivering proven business and IT strategies and solutions to companies across many industries. The company provides value-driven services throughout the IT life cycle from systems planning to systems integration, operation, and maintenance. Hitachi Solutions delivers products and services of superior value to customers worldwide through key subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Asia Pacific. For more information on Hitachi Solutions, please visit: hitachi-solutions.com.
Even if a driver is considered high-risk, he should still be able to obtain affordable car insurance. There are many specialized providers that are waiting to insure high-risk drivers., said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that explains what a high-risk driver is and how to get cheaper car insurance.

For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/how-to-get-better-car-insurance-rates-even-if-you-are-a-high-risk-driver/

For average drivers, car insurance can seem to be expensive. However, drivers that are labeled as high-risk, are the ones that have to pay the most for their car insurance premiums. These drivers are very risky and oftentimes expensive to insure. This is because the chance of the insurance provider having to pay for repairs, medical bills, and property damage is much higher.

Insurance providers label the following types of drivers as high-risk:



DUI/DWI offenders. Drivers who have a DUI or DWI in the last 10 years are likely to be considered high-risk by auto insurers. To increase the chances of finding an auto insurance policy, these drivers can take driver improvement classes and alcohol or addiction classes.

Young drivers with bad driving records. Younger, inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents that cause injuries and/or high amounts of property damage. Also, many young drivers are more likely to receive tickets. A young driver with a number of tickets and accidents on his record is considered high-risk. To save money on their insurance, young drivers can take defensive driving and/or drivers ed classes.

Drivers of fast, expensive vehicles. Even if they have a clean driving record, owners of fast, expensive cars are likely to be labeled high-risk by their insurance providers. Drivers of these types of vehicles can save money if they install additional safety features.

High-risk drivers looking for insurance should check the following insurance companies:

Bristol West. This provider is a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance. This provider is highly regarded and offers affordable premiums. They also provide options for low down payments on liability coverage, as well as payment options that are flexible and can meet a drivers specific needs.

Geico Casualty. This is a subsidiary of Geico that is known for using a clear and very easy to understand point system that will help high-risk drivers figure out how much are going to pay for their premiums.

Progressive. Progressive first started as a provider exclusively for high-risk drivers. Also, they were the first to allow drivers to pay premiums in installments instead of in a lump sum. This carrier has received outstanding reviews for customer services, as well as claims processing.

Titan Insurance. As a subsidiary of Nationwide, this carrier is known for offering insurance coverage for high-risk drivers that other carriers would never consider covering, like DUI convicted drivers. They also provide the drivers they cover with SR-22 paperwork. Also, they offer discounts, such as the one offered for driving a vehicle with anti-lock brakes.

State Farm. Besides offering affordable plans for drivers who are considered high-risk, they also offer their specialized Drive Safe and Save program, which helps them determine how safe a high-driver is in order to offer them discounts based on the information they collect.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
By partnering with HeartIT, were enabling our customers to tap into advanced visualization and reporting capabilities while increasing ROI and improving patient outcomes.

Today, Intelerad Medical Systems, a global leader in medical image management solutions, announced its acquisition of Heart Imaging Technologies (HeartIT), the leader in clinical workflow automation. Headquartered in the Raleigh-Durham area, HeartIT provides web-based medical image management technology and services to health systems, large hospitals and private clinics, as well as drug and device companies sponsoring multi-center clinical trials. The acquisition will significantly expand Intelerads ability to provide enterprise imaging and insights while also deepening cardiovascular expertise.

Founded in 2000, HeartIT has been developing innovative medical image viewing and reporting software for more than two decades. Today, the company provides secure web browser access to over one billion medical images. Most notably, the company was one of the first to offer an FDA-cleared zero footprint medical image workstation, setting the precedent for others seeking approval.

The challenges healthcare providers were facing prior to the pandemic are now even more critical, and technology is key to overcoming them, said Mike Lipps, Intelerad President & Chief Executive Officer. Our goal at Intelerad is to improve efficiency, productivity, and the user experience for providers. By partnering with HeartIT, were enabling our customers to tap into advanced visualization and reporting capabilities while increasing ROI and improving patient outcomes.

In February, Intelerad announced its acquisition of LUMEDX, a leading provider of healthcare analytics and cardiovascular information systems, which was preceded by the Digisonics acquisition in December 2020. The addition of HeartIT further supports Intelerads journey to provide software solutions that seamlessly manage medical images, workflows, and data, and ultimately help improve patient care. We are thrilled to welcome HeartIT and are excited about Intelerads continued expansion on their path to being the global leader in medical image management, said Jean-Baptiste Brian, Intelerad board member and Partner at HG.

HeartIT spent over 20 years developing and improving software that allows a bare bones web browser to display diagnostic-quality medical images quickly and conveniently, including overcoming the technical challenges associated with simultaneously displaying multi-modality movies of the beating human heart side-by-side, said Robert Judd, Ph.D, President of HeartIT. Our commitment to overcoming these technical challenges has improved physician workflows and enabled us to continue to grow and reach new heights. Were thrilled to join forces with Intelerad as we seek to integrate our technologies and provide a broader depth of enterprise imaging and analytics capabilities.

Currently, Intelerad staffs nearly 60 employees in the Raleigh area. Today, the company is aggressively hiring across all divisions, and further plans to expand its Raleigh presence by opening an office space in the fall.

To learn more about Intelerad and its solutions, visit http://www.intelerad.com or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Intelerad

Founded in 1999, Intelerad offers healthcares most comprehensive imaging and analytics platform. Headquartered in Montreal, Intelerad has approximately 500 employees located in nine offices across six countries. The company empowers over 1,000 healthcare organizations around the world with the speed, scalability, and simplicity needed to increase business performance while, most importantly, improving patient outcomes. Intelerads modern enterprise solutions have been acknowledged by a Best in KLAS recognition, ranking #1 for PACS Asia/Oceania in the 2021 Best in KLAS: Global Software (Non-US) report. To learn more, visit http://www.intelerad.com and follow Intelerad on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About HeartIT

Headquartered near North Carolinas Research Triangle Park, Heart Imaging Technologies was the first company to offer an FDA-cleared zero footprint medical image workstation, which has become the precedent for other companies seeking FDA clearance. HeartIT provides web-based medical image management technology and services to health care systems, large hospitals, and private clinics as well as drug and device companies sponsoring multi-center clinical trials. Worldwide, HeartIT solutions provide secure web browser access to over one billion medical images. For more information visit http://www.heartit.com.

About HG

Hg is a leading European investor in software and services, focused on backing businesses that change how we all do business. Deep technology expertise, complemented by vertical application specialisation and dedicated operational support, provides a compelling proposition to management teams looking to scale their businesses.

Hg has funds under management of over $31 billion, with an investment team of over 120 professionals, plus a portfolio team of more than 30 operators, providing practical support to help our businesses to realise their growth ambitions. Based in London, Munich, and New York, Hg has a portfolio of over 30 software and technology businesses, comprising over 35,000 employees across the UK, US, and Europe. For further details, please visit the Hg website: hgcapital.com.
These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer. -- Rodney Clark, Corporate Vice President

LawToolBox today announced it has been named a finalist of the 2021 Microsoft Commercial Marketplace Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Carol-Lynn Grow, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of LawToolBox, said, Our recognition as finalist of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award is an honor which facilitates adoption and fosters awareness of our offer as a best-in-class deadline and matter management solution in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint for legal professionals, corporations, and governments worldwide."

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various of categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. LawToolBox was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in the Microsoft Commercial Marketplace.

I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, said Rodney Clark, Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer.

Click below to learn more about LawToolBox and get started with a free trial of the award-winning court date calculator and matter management suite in Microsoft Teams and Office 365.

LawToolBox helps legal professionals increase productivity with its patented Deadlines and Matter Management solution for Office 365. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado with global customers including governments, corporations, and law firms, LawToolBox provides a suite of collaboration tools that empowers organizations to improve workflows and streamline legal operations using Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint.

For additional information:

Carol-Lynn Grow, 1-888-958-6657 clg@lawtoolbox.com
Families are seeking a strategic skill set. They want investors, not allocatorsleaders who inspire people, not managers. Organizational charts are less hierarchical, flatter with a strong emphasis on trust.

Linda Mack of Mack International was a panelist at the 2021 virtual summit for the Family Office Leadership Program held June 7-9 on a session entitled Talent in Demand. The summit was sponsored by CITI Private Bank. Linda was joined by fellow panelist, Trish Botoff, Managing Principal, Botoff Consulting and moderator, Alexi Coscoros of CITI Private Capital Group.

The virtual Family Office Leadership Program (FOLP) was attended by some of the worlds top family office executives and family members who are clients and prospects of Citi Private Bank. Attendees generally include CIOs, CEOs and other key personnel who are responsible for private investment companies, family enterprises, investment portfolios, real estate, and day to day administrative/legal and financial affairs of their principals and families.

As family offices take a more institutional approach to investing, the demand for specialized talent is increasing. Leaders who align with a family office culture are poised to shape and set the stage for future generations. The topic focused on family office executive hiring and compensation trends. Linda, described by Alexi. Coscoros as a pioneer in executive searches and trusted advisor for both family offices and associated professionals was asked about how services of principals have changed. Linda replied that the biggest trend over the last 20 years is family offices and family investment firms have become more strategic and professional in terms of systems and operating platforms. You are now seeing increasing movement of talent from public and institutional markets to family offices. This is driving more competition. Families are seeking a strategic skill set. They want investors, not allocatorsleaders who inspire people, not managers. Organizational charts are less hierarchical, flatter with a strong emphasis on trust.

Services have broadened and evolved according to Linda. Investment oriented Family Offices continue to become more sophisticated both in their scope and level of services and reporting. Passive investments are being outsourced while direct activity is coming in-house.

It was noted that single Family Offices have seen substantial growth in north America. Is this pattern being repeated globally? Linda cited common threads of accelerated pace continuing internationally despite the pandemic. One exception being the UK with consequences of Brexit making their direction less predictable.

Compensation continues to be a hot topic for Family Offices. Trish Botoff discussed long term incentives and the expectations of candidates to be offered seriously competitive packages. Linda emphasized her role on educating and enlightening families who dont have a pulse on the market yet seek top notch talent. We encourage families to view every person they hire as a return on investment. It is not a cost. It is a value-add. If they want long term commitments and specific skills and attributes, the content of the job will benchmark the compensation range and total package. Boundaries put on compensation ranges have significant implications on our ability to recruit the best candidate. Be thoughtful of your goals and objectives and tie incentives to those performance metrics.

The session closed with Lindas parting advice on both hiring and retaining. The best strategic leaders are expert generalists who not only have knowledge across the horizontal spectrum of all the wealth management disciplines but also understand the interconnectivity between each. Nothing happens in isolation and each decision has implications across multiple disciplines. Once you find the ideal leader, consider how you will stimulate and motivate that individual. Compensation is important but factors such as apportioning resources and authority commensurate with accountability as well as formalized governance and succession plans are also crucial to both attracting and retaining talent. Without these in place, people leave.

About Mack International

Mack International is the premier boutique retained executive search and strategic management/human capital consulting firm serving national and international clients in the family office, family business enterprise, and the wealth management industries on a national and international basis. Founded in 2002, the firm has achieved an exceptional track record of success as evidenced by its unmatched industry expertise, in-depth market knowledge, and unparalleled track record of success. Founder and President, Linda C. Mack has established proprietary methodologies such as the Mack 360 and is credited for having coined the term expert generalist in the industry.
Matthew Carswell Matthew is relentless in his dedication to clients. He is steady and calm under pressure, navigating high-stakes situations with confidence and skill, said Red Banyan CEO Evan Nierman.

Red Banyan, a crisis management firm focused on managing complex, high-stakes crisis communications issues, has promoted Matthew Carswell to Senior Account Executive. Based in the Fort Lauderdale, FL office, Carswell will be responsible for handling high-stakes crisis PR accounts, media relationship development, content creation, digital marketing and project management.

Carswell holds a bachelors degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where he studied English and communications.

Matthew is the ultimate team player. He is always ready to help, has a great attitude, and an uncanny ability to handle complex, challenging client issues, said Red Banyan Chief Operating Officer Robbin Lubbehusen.

Carswell said the autonomy and support he gets at Red Banyan makes the firm a perfect fit.

I am thrilled to be part of Red Banyans fast-growing team of media experts and look forward to taking on new challenges in the field of crisis PR and strategic communications, Carswell said. It is exciting to work with such a knowledgeable and accomplished group of professionals on the front lines of the nations most urgent issues.

Added Red Banyan CEO Evan Nierman: Matthew is relentless in his dedication to clients. He is steady and calm under pressure, navigating high-stakes situations with confidence and skill.

Established in 2010, Red Banyan is renowned nationally and internationally as the go-to option for crisis communications. Headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Red Banyan also has offices in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles and Omaha. Its LA hub was recently launched in September 2020 to better serve celebrity crisis clients and others on the West Coast. Red Banyan also provides litigation support, media relations and other strategic communications services.

About Red Banyan

Red Banyan is a specialized communications firm and crisis management firm focused on solving complex, highly sensitive and mission-critical communications challenges. Specializing in crisis communications, corporate public relations, government relations, and legal PR, Red Banyan provides an integrated approach to communications rooted in strategy. Learn more at https://redbanyan.com, become a fan on the Red Banyan Facebook page and follow the firm on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) announced Scott Nickerson, Senior Vice President, US Manufacturing, Moderna, Inc., as a newly confirmed keynote for the hybrid 2021 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference, taking place on 2829 September in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Nickerson joined Moderna in May 2016 as Head of Quality accountable for all aspects of GxP Quality. Before Moderna, he was with Alexion Pharmaceuticals serving as Vice President of Quality Assurance and Quality Control. There, he supported biotech manufacturing for both commercial and clinical products. Nickerson led quality efforts supporting commercialization of two new rare disease therapies in multiple countries.

The opening keynote session COVID's Impact on Pharma Facilities of the Future will take a high-level look ahead at global pharmaceutical manufacturing and related regulatory systems. Nickerson will discuss the impact of COVID on the industry and the applications of future manufacturing operations.

Additional keynote speakers include:

David Churchward, Deputy Unit Manager, Inspectorate Strategy and Innovation, MHRA

MHRA Response to COVID19: Taking Learning into Future Regulatory Systems

Louis Schmukler, President, Global Product Development & Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb

An Introduction to ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference from the Beginning: A Visionarys Perspective

In addition, representatives from BARDA, Operation Warp Speed, Vaccines Manufacturing & Innovation Centre (VMIC-UK), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and more will round out a compelling line-up of expert speakers.

Featuring technical presentations from regulatory authorities and industry leaders already planning and building facilities of the future, the 2021 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference will explore topics such as the of patient-specific cell and gene therapy facilities, new developments in the use of artificial intelligence, innovations in treatment and the transforming technologies that produce them, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 era.

To ensure this experience is accessible to all, this will be a hybrid event with virtual componentsdelivering thought-provoking learning and global networking opportunities whether attendees choose to join us in-person or virtually.

Explore the agenda and register at ISPE.org/FOF21.

About ISPE

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) is a not-for-profit association serving its Members through leading scientific, technical, and regulatory advancement across the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle. The 18,000 Members of ISPE are building solutions in the development and manufacture of safe, effective pharmaceutical and biologic medicines, and medical delivery devices in more than 90 countries around the world. Founded in 1980, ISPE has its worldwide headquarters and training center in North Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and its operations center in Tampa, Florida, USA. Visit ISPE.org for more information.

For more information, contact:

Amy Henry

Director, Marketing and Communications

International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)

Email: ahenry@ispe.org

ISPE.org
The School of Education at Monroe College is proud to earn CAEP accreditation. Earning CAEP approval is a testament to the strength of our program, our student learning outcomes, the career-readiness of our graduates, and the dedication and excellence of our amazing faculty and field partners. We take great pride in this monumental achievement.

Monroe College, a national leader in educating urban and international students, today announced that its School of Education had earned CAEP accreditation, a prestigious acknowledgement of program quality and outcomes.

CAEP -- the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation -- has a comprehensive and rigorous accreditation process. Approval is only granted to those who meet five comprehensive standards encompassing curriculum, a selective admissions process, strength of school-based partnerships to support excellence in clinical training, the impact of graduates as teachers, as well as an infrastructure that supports continuous improvement.

"We are extraordinarily proud to earn accreditation from CAEP, which is the absolute standard-setter for teacher preparation programs, said Anne Lillis, dean of the School of Education at Monroe College.

Earning CAEP approval is a testament to the strength of our program, our student learning outcomes, the career-readiness of our graduates, and the dedication and excellence of our amazing faculty and field partners. We take great pride in this monumental achievement, she noted.

As CAEP explains on its website: Educator accreditation is a seal of approval that assures quality in educator preparation. Accreditation makes sure that educator programs prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students, and have the clinical training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively

Monroes School of Education received accreditation approval in May. It is granted for seven years. The School will seek re-accreditation in 2028.

Dean Lillis and her team began the formal accreditation process with a self-study in March 2020. The process culminated last December with a two-day virtual site visit that enabled the CAEP team to meet with college administrators, School of Education faculty and students, as well as others from the College community.

Dean Lillis further commented: We are so proud of the outcomes our program achieves. Our diverse candidates and graduates continually demonstrate understanding and application of both theory and best practices in Early Childhood Education across multiple measures, including edTPA pass rate, NY State certification rate, employment as a teacher and retention in the field.

ABOUT MONROE COLLEGE

Founded in 1933, Monroe College is a recognized leader in urban and international education. The College is proud of its innovative programs to increase college access, affordability, and completion outcomes, especially among first-generation students.

Monroe educates 8,000 students each year, offering Certificate, Associate, Bachelors, and Masters degree programs from New York campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, as well as in the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. Students may also pursue degree programs through Monroe Online.

Programs are offered through Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business and Accounting, Criminal and Social Justice, Education, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and Nursing, as well as through its King Graduate School. Liberal arts and continuing education programs are also available. For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http://www.monroecollege.edu.


P2 Science Inc., a green chemistry company, announced that Vivek Bulbule has joined the company as a process chemist, based at the companys R&D headquarters in Woodbridge, CT.

Bulbule has extensive experience in the fields of chemical process scale-up and optimization. He comes to P2 from Adesis where he was a senior chemist in the areas of process and manufacturing. Bulbules prior experience includes stints at Nanoviricides, Inc. and Adesis Inc.

Bringing Vivek onto the P2 team gives us the enhanced capability to move our unique process chemistry from the lab and pilot stage to commercial production, said P2 CEO, Neil Burns. He has the skills, experience and attitude to help us accelerate our delivery of new high-performing green ingredients to our customers.

Bulbule graduated with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from The National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, India, and completed post-doctoral work at Kochi and Osaka University, Japan under the Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS) fellowship.

Its great to work in such an exciting and innovative company said Bulbule. Im looking forward to helping commercialize a whole range of new products using world-leading technology.

Bulbule is based at P2s Woodbridge, CT facility and reports to Ted Anastasiou, VP of Research and Development.

About P2 Science:

P2 Science is a green chemistry company, co-founded by Professor Paul Anastas, head of the Yale Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering and Dr. Patrick Foley. P2 has developed and patented technologies for converting renewable feedstocks into high-value specialty products. Investors in P2 include BASF Venture Capital, Xeraya Capital, Elm Street Ventures, Connecticut Innovations, Ironwood Capital, HG Ventures and Chanel. The company started up its first manufacturing plant in September of 2018 which produces novel renewable aroma chemicals and cosmetic ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.p2science.com


On behalf of all of us at PKF OConnor Davies, Id like to congratulate Dawn for receiving this well-deserved award, said Kevin J. Keane, Managing Partner at PKF OConnor Davies.

PKF OConnor Davies, LLP, one of the nations largest accounting, tax, and advisory firms, is proud to announce that Dawn Perri, the Firms Chief Human Resources Officer, has been named a 2021 Ovation Award winner in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category by the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA). The category honors those who work passionately to make the accounting and finance profession open, welcoming, and fair to encourage and promote initiatives and change, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, disability status, or other dimension of diversity.

On behalf of all of us at PKF OConnor Davies, Id like to congratulate Dawn for receiving this well-deserved award, said Kevin J. Keane, Managing Partner at PKF OConnor Davies. Always one to lead by example, Dawn has worked tirelessly to ensure the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion remain integral pillars of our Firms culture. She is a mentor to all, and the support she eagerly provides to her colleagues contributes to the Firms longstanding commitment to a supportive, collegial work environment.

Perri, the Firms CHRO since 2016, has been specifically recognized for the monthly heritage and cultural celebrations initiative she pioneers at the Firm, as well as her implementation of other company-wide DEI initiatives. In addition to her efforts cultivating a welcoming and encouraging work environment, she remains committed to her community, serving on a nonprofit board that serves underrepresented communities.

Since I launched my career in human resources over 25 years ago, Ive believed the best workplaces are those that foster collaboration, fairness, and respect for all people. By pioneering various DEI initiatives over the course of my tenure with PKF OConnor Davies, Ive worked to deepen those values across the Firm, Perri said. Im honored to be recognized by the NJCPA for this work in making each and every one of my colleagues feel valued, welcomed, and supported.

The NJCPAs annual Ovation Awards recognize those whose exemplary efforts and stellar achievements are advancing New Jerseys accounting profession. The awards celebrate the high achievers who are emerging leaders, innovators, champions of diversity, educators, volunteers, notable women, and other individuals who have made a substantial impact in accounting. The awards were announced on June 17 at the NJCPA Virtual Convention and distributed in seven categories: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Emerging Leaders; Exceptional Educators; Impact; Innovation; Lifetime Leader; and Women to Watch.

About PKF OConnor Davies, LLP

PKF OConnor Davies, LLP is a full-service certified public accounting and advisory firm with a long history of serving clients both domestically and internationally. With roots tracing to 1891, 14 offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida, and Rhode Island and more than 1,000 professionals led by over 100 partners, the Firm provides a complete range of accounting, auditing, tax, and management advisory services.

PKF OConnor Davies is a top-ranked firm, according to Accounting Todays 2021 Top 100 Firms list and was recently recognized as one of Americas Best Tax Firms by Forbes. In additional 2021 rankings, PKF O'Connor Davies was named one of Vault's Accounting 50, a ranking of the 50 best accounting employers to work for in North America and ranked among the top 50 most prestigious accounting firms in America in a complementary Vault survey. The Firm is the 12th largest accounting firm in the New York Metropolitan area, according to Crains New York Business, and the 10th top accounting firm in New Jersey according to NJBIZs 2019 rankings. PKF OConnor Davies is enrolled in the AICPA Peer Review Program and has central memberships in the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC), Government Audit Quality Center (GAQC), and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).

By consistently delivering proactive, thorough, and efficient service, PKF O'Connor Davies has built long-lasting, valuable relationships with its clients. Partners are closely involved in the day-to-day management of engagements, ensuring a high degree of client service and cost effectiveness. The Firms seasoned professional staff members employ a team approach to all engagements to provide clients with the utmost quality and timely services aimed at helping them succeed. Continuity of staffing and attention to detail in all client engagements make the Firm stand out among its competitors.

PKF OConnor Davies is the lead North American representative of the international association of PKF member firms. PKF International is a network of legally independent member firms providing accounting, tax, and business advisory services in over 400 locations in 150 countries around the world. With its tradition, experience, and focus on the future, PKF OConnor Davies is ready to help clients meet todays ever-changing economic conditions and manage the growing complexities of the regulatory environment. For more information, visit http://www.PKFOD.com.
Dr. Richard W. Schneider will be honored for his work promoting the ideals of the citizen soldier at the Pritzker Military Museum & Librarys 2021 Liberty Gala. Dr. Schneider's tenure and dedication to sacrifice and service... showcases his embodiment of the citizen soldier ideals. We are proud to honor his legacy, stated Susan Rifkin, COO of Philanthropic Activities at the Pritzker Military Foundation.

Pritzker Military Museum & Library is proud to announce that Dr. Richard W. Schneider will be the recipient of the Pritzker Military Museum & Librarys 2021 Citizen Soldier Award. The award will be presented when Dr. Schneider is honored at the 2021 Liberty Gala, to be held on October 21. This annual event is the non-profits main fundraiser each year.

The Citizen Soldier Award stands to honor a person who exemplifies the traditions of the citizen soldier set by George Washington; a person who served the nation as a leader in war and in peace, for the betterment of the common good. Dr. Schneider personifies these qualities through both his service in the military and his achievements on the home front.

Dr. Schneider led Norwich University honorably and furthered the development of the citizen soldier, stated Susan Rifkin, Chief Operating Officer of Philanthropic Activities. His tenure and dedication to sacrifice and service, both at this higher education institution, which is the birthplace of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), and as a member of the military community, showcases his embodiment of the citizen soldier ideals - duty, sacrifice, service before self, courage, and patriotism. We are proud to honor his legacy and achievements.

Now in its second year, the Citizen Soldier Award is bestowed upon a person who has lived the mission of the citizen soldier. The recipient has a national or international reputation and has served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, active, guard or reserves, and is either active or honorably discharged. The honoree also displays a commitment to non-partisan issues and demonstrates the ability to bridge political divides. The Citizen Soldier Award recipient is selected by a committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors and non-Board volunteers of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library and by Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), Chair and Founder of the Museum & Library.

Through the years, my work at Norwich University has aligned with the ideals and mission of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, stated Dr. Schneider. I am pleased, humbled and honored by this recognition of my efforts and contributions to bettering societys understanding of the values of the citizen soldier and in commissioning thousands of future officers to serve our nation.

After graduating from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1968, Dr. Schneider served eight years on active duty including a tour in Vietnam. He then entered the Coast Guard Reserve. His multiple military awards include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal, and numerous campaign decorations for his service in Vietnam. Schneider retired after 30 years of active and reserve duty as a Coast Guard Reserve Rear Admiral in 1998.

He became the 23rd President of Norwich University in 1992, serving in the position for 28 years. Under his leadership, Norwich University grew annual enrollment 62%, established five institutes and centers of excellence, raised $272 million over five campaigns, built or renovated 97% of all academic space, and prepared thousands of students to become leaders in the military and civilian fields. Four of its colleges now offer 39 different undergraduate majors, six of those degree completion programs are now offered online. In 2020, after 28 years as President, he retired from Norwich University and currently serves as President Emeritus.

In advancing the promises of the next generation of the citizen soldier, Dr. Schneider has stood with us as a dedicated partner, stated Pritzker Military Museum & Library Founder, Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired). His commitment to the principles of sacrifice and service, both in himself as well as in the next generation, showcases why he truly deserves the Citizen Soldier Award.

The 2021 Liberty Gala, to be held on October 21 at 6 p.m., will celebrate the work of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, and honor the service and stories of the U.S. Armed Forces citizen soldiers, past and present. This year, the hybrid event will be hosted at the Museum & Library and feature in-person, virtual, and video segments. The 2020 inaugural recipient of the Citizen Soldier Award was Senator Bob Dole.

For more information on the Liberty Gala or to make a donation to the Museum & Library, visit the website at PritzkerMilitary.org.

ABOUT THE PRITZKER MILITARY MUSEUM & LIBRARY

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library aims to increase the publics understanding of military history, military affairs and national security by providing a forum for the study and exploration of our military - past, present, and future - with a specific focus on their stories, sacrifices, and values. With national and global reach, these spaces and events aim to share the stories of those who served and their contributions as citizen soldiers, helping citizens everywhere appreciate the relationship between the armed forces and the civilians whose freedoms they protect. A non-governmental, non-partisan organization, the Museum & Library features diverse collections, scholarly initiatives, and public programs from its flagship center in downtown Chicago to its world-class research center and park currently under construction in Somers, Wisconsin. To learn more about the Museum & Library, visit pritzkermilitary.org.
Reagan Dillard, a college student who hopes of one day becoming a forensic pathologist as well as a widely known author, has completed her new book Ruined in Darkness": a riveting sequel to Revived in Gold, where the making of monsters is revealed, and the truth behind Heligdom and Sodom is told.

Dillard writes, The king bent down and grabbed one of the golden coins, but it scorched his hand as if it was made of fire. Your desire for wealth will be your curse, the Mother had said. He fell to his knees once more, realizing what he had done. His people would pay for his sins for eternity.

Published by Page Publishing, Reagan Dillards exciting tale details how the day Prince Joram met Princess Vashti in the woods, both of their lives became intertwined.

With a new presence, the blind obedience he had embraced began to crumble. The prince was allowed to dream with the princess, and together, they imagined a future where the Fey and Schaduwen werent on the verge of war. However, both young royals never thought the price of that future would be so high. With the Fey and Schaduwen marching toward the battlefield, the prince and princess are forced to shake off their childhood shackles to put on their crowns. Children no longer, Prince Joram and Princess Vashti realize how brutal and relentless the world can be.

Readers who wish to experience this epic book can purchase Ruined in Darkness" at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at

http://www.pagepublishing.com.
The ACE recognition will only further help students get a leg up, with the ability to access a culinary education on their own terms through our robust online platform.

Rouxbe, the leading online culinary school, today announced that the American Council on Educations Learning Evaluations has reviewed and recommended college credit for six courses.

ACE, the major coordinating body for all the nations higher education institutions, seeks to provide leadership and a unifying voice on key higher education issues and to influence public policy through advocacy, research, and program initiatives.

Over the past 15 years, Rouxbe has provided students with a thorough foundation of culinary skills that have provided the education needed to kickstart their careers, advance within their organizations, and fulfill lifelong dreams, said Ken Rubin, Chief Culinary Officer at Rouxbe. The ACE recognition will only further help students get a leg up, with the ability to access a culinary education on their own terms through our robust online platform.

ACE Learning Evaluations helps adults gain academic credit for courses and examinations taken outside traditional degree programs. Colleges and universities consider ACE recommendations in determining the applicability of coursework and examination results to their courses and degree programs. For more than 70 years, colleges and universities have trusted ACE to provide reliable course equivalency information to facilitate their decisions to award academic credit.

For more information, visit the ACE Learning Evaluations website at http://www.acenet.edu/credit.

Rouxbe courses that have been recommended for college credit by ACE Learning Evaluations include Culinary Foundations, Professional Cook Certification, Professional Plant-Based Certification, Essential Vegan Desserts, The Cooks Roadmap and Seafood Literacy. For more details and a complete listing of these courses, please visit the ACE National Guide website at https://www.acenet.edu/National-Guide/Pages/.

About Rouxbe

Rouxbe, the worlds leading online culinary school, was founded in 2005 to train people of all abilities to become better, more confident  even healthier  cooks in kitchens around the world. With high definition videos, world-class instructors, peer support and interactive assignments, Rouxbe has set the bar as the new standard in culinary education, providing certificate-level instruction not only to quality restaurants and hospitality organizations but also to serious home cooks and career changers. Rouxbes revolutionary online platform delivers cutting edge e-learning solutions that drive and measure learning outcomes and engagement while providing effective, lower-cost alternatives for training professional cooks. Rouxbe programs are also recognized by both the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation and by WorldChefs as approved training programs. For more information, please visit http://www.rouxbe.com.

About ACE

Founded in 1918, ACE is the major coordinating body for all the nations higher education institutions, representing more than 1,600 college and university presidents and more than 200 related associations nationwide. It provides leadership on key higher education issues and influences public policy through advocacy. For more information, please visit http://www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on Twitter @ACEducation.
Join Shady Grove Fertility's virtual events this July to learn about fertility treatment options and conceiving with ovulatory disorders from physicians like Dr. Emily Barnard and Dr. Anate Brauer. Accounting for nearly one-third of all infertility diagnoses in women, PCOS is the most common ovulatory disorder in women of reproductive age. Its important to keep in mind that PCOS is highly treatable."

Individuals and couples struggling with infertility are invited to join Shady Grove Fertility's (SGF) four, free virtual events this July where they can expand their knowledge on a mix of topics including what one's menstrual cycle says about their fertility, getting pregnant with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and what to expect when beginning fertility treatment.

To kick off the July events, Valerie Libby, M.D., who sees patients at SGFs Atlanta - Northside office, will host the Menstrual Cycle and Your Fertility webinar on July 9, 2021, at noon. Dr. Libby will review the basics of menstruation and ovulation, explain irregular vs. normal cycles, and describe who should not wait to seek help from a fertility specialist.

However, for women who do not have a regular menstruation and ovulation cycle and suspect complications, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be present. Join Anate Brauer, M.D., of SGFs Manhattan office for the Getting Pregnant with PCOS webinar on July 13 at noon.

Accounting for nearly one-third of all infertility diagnoses in women, PCOS is the most common ovulatory disorder in women of reproductive age, explains Dr. Brauer. Its important to keep in mind that PCOS is highly treatable. During this event, Ill walk through how we approach treatment plans for patients with PCOS to optimize pregnancy success rates.

Since SGF opened its doors 30 years ago, it has welcomed more than 85,000 SGF babies and counting into the world. While not all these babies were the result of in vitro fertilization (IVF), IVF is a very popular and effective fertility treatment. SGF is among the premier IVF centers in the country, and Emily Barnard, D.O., who treats patients at the Towson and K Street offices, will shed more light on the advanced treatment during her IVF webinar on July 20 at noon.

During the webinar, Dr. Barnard will cover the ins and outs of IVF at SGF, including:



what to expect during the IVF process,

IVF success rates,

and exclusive SGF financial programs, like SGFs hallmark 100% refund program for IVF and donor egg treatment.

Breakthroughs in treatment, like in vitro fertilization, offer the possibility of children to many people who would otherwise not have the opportunity without this technology, explains Dr. Barnard. While IVF is not always the first line of treatment for fertility patients, there are instances where it provides the greatest chance of success.

Rounding out the month of events is the Fertility 101 webinar hosted by Robert Setton, M.D., who sees patients at SGF's Manhattan office in addition to the Brooklyn office that is coming soon, on July 28 at noon. During this informative presentation, Dr. Setton will review what patients can expect during their first appointment including the fertility evaluation, SGF's stepped approach to treatment, and their unique financial programs.

July2021 Virtual Fertility Events at a Glance



While SGF fertility webinars are complimentary, interested parties must register to attend by visiting the SGF calendar of events. For more information, visit SGFs growing resource library for free, on-demand webinars, E-books, and other education resources on topics such as endometriosis, PCOS, low-tech treatment options, weight and infertility, and much more. Follow SGF on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and events.

For people struggling to conceive, it may be time to consult a fertility specialist. Contact the SGF New Patient Center at 1-888-761-1967 or complete a brief online request form to schedule a virtual fertility consult with an SGF physician. A virtual consult is the first step toward pursuing a pregnancy with the help of SGF.

About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)

SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 85,000 babies born and 5,000+ 5-star patient reviews. With 40 locations, including new locations in Colorado and Norfolk, VA, as well as throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C. and Santiago, Chile, SGF offers patients virtual physician consults, delivers individualized care, accepts most insurance plans, and makes treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including 100% refund guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. SGF is among the founding partner practices of US Fertility, the largest physician-owned, physician-led partnership of top-tier fertility practices in the U.S. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
The global pandemic provided us with a launchpad for growth and uncovered an opportunity for our customers to improve the productivity of their meetings and workforce driven by innovative AI technology

Sonero, a technology company that helps businesses increase efficiency of meetings through AI-driven insights and workplace productivity support, announces today that it has raised $300k in funding.

The shift from in-person to remote meetings during the global pandemic offered the ability to capture and analyze conversations at a scale never seen before. This provided Sonero Founder and CEO, Kanish Raajkumar, the unique opportunity to help businesses drive more productive meetings. Utilizing cutting-edge AI technology, Sonero captures and transcribes company meetings into intelligent summaries covering key takeaways and action items. Sonero delivers actionable insights, a centralized knowledge base, and the ability to share and collaborate with their team providing a robust and scalable solution to drive efficiency.

To accelerate growth and product innovation, Sonero has completed a $300k pre-seed round led by serial entrepreneur and angel investor, Jeff Wald. Other notable investors include Eddie Lou, Co-Founder of Shiftgig and Board Director at The Mom Project; Lance Neuhauser, President of Mediaocean and Former CEO of 4C Insights; Talbott Simonds, Managing Director at Tondern Capital; and Paul Childerhose, Founder of Maple Peak Group.

COVID-19 has transformed the way people work. Many companies have accepted that knowledge workers will not return to the office five days per week, said Wald. Sonero will support collaboration and productivity for its customers as they grow their remote workforces.

According to a recent Future Workplace Pulse Report by Upwork predicts that by 2025, the number of remote workers will nearly double to what it was prior to COVID-19. Our technology is positioned to help companies find ways to standardize their meetings and offers customers smart and collaborative agendas in addition to actionable insights and meeting recaps, said Kanish Raajkumar, Founder and CEO of Sonero. Many of Soneros customers have also utilized its technology to drive more productive client meetings as well as manage projects. We believe we have identified a significant market opportunity and are excited to further enhance our product.

The global pandemic provided us with a launchpad for growth and uncovered an opportunity for our customers to improve the productivity of their meetings and workforce driven by innovative AI technology, says Raajkumar. Soneros customers include the Royal Bank of Canada, Brand Together, Ignition Capital, and Pure Leaf Farms.

About Sonero:

Sonero is an AI-driven meeting insights technology company. Through its Zoom integration, Sonero transcribes company meetings into intelligent summaries covering key insights and action items. Sonero provides employees actionable insights, a centralized knowledge base, and expanded ability to share and collaborate post-meeting. To trial Soneros technology for free, click here: https://sonero.ai
Tamara Pow, Partner at Strategy Law said, Jack and I are proud to be named to the Northern California 2021 Super Lawyers List. It is always an honor to be recognized by our peers.

The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5% of attorneys in each state to receive this honor.

Tamara Pow, a business and real estate attorney and Partner at Strategy Law, LLP, has once again been named to the Northern California Super Lawyers list. Ms. Pows legal practice focuses on business and real estate transactions. She has spent 25 years representing companies, individuals and real estate investors and helping them with their business and real estate transactions. Her goal is to protect her clients from liabilities so they can focus on their business. She was instrumental in forming Strategy Law, LLP, and growing the firm to its current size. In addition to her law degree, she also has an MBA and a real estate brokers license.

Jack Easterbrook, a Partner at Strategy Law, LLP, has been named to the 2021 Northern California Super Lawyers list. Mr. Easterbrook represents private and institutional lenders, businesses and individuals in matters concerning secured loan transactions, commercial debt financing, problem loan workouts and liquidations, insolvency, and creditors rights issues. His practice includes structuring and documenting complex loan transactions and financings secured by real estate, intellectual property, or business assets. Jack also has extensive experience in negotiating commercial and construction contracts.

About Strategy Law, LLP

Strategy Law, LLP is a business and real estate law firm located in downtown San Jose with clients throughout the Bay Area, the State of California and internationally. The firm focuses on Business and Entity Formations, Business Transactions, Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, Mergers and Acquisitions, Problem Loans and Insolvency, Real Estate, Technology Transfer and E-Commerce, and Employment Law.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from over 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. See more information about the competitive selection process at https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html

For more information about Strategy Law, LLP, please go to http://www.strategylaw.com.

Gail DSilva

Strategy Law, LLP

(408) 478-4100

http://www.strategylaw.com
NiOS eBonded with ATT EIS OSS Platform Our implementation of EIS requirements and VA-specific configurations is helping VA lead the way among federal agencies in managing its telecom resources more efficiently and at lower cost.

Turning Point Global Solutions today announced that it successfully implemented an electronic handshake - called eBonding - between its telecommunications enterprise management system (TEMS) solution called NiOS and telecommunications carrier ATT. The work was performed on behalf of the Veterans Administration (VA) in support of transitioning telecom services to the GSA Enterprise Infrastructure Services (EIS) contract. eBonding is a software integration method that allows for the automatic exchange of data between two business applications. The use of eBonding is a new requirement in EIS, a best-in-class GSA contract vehicle all federal agencies use to contract with telecommunications carriers.

Through eBonding, VA can now seamlessly exchange ordering, notifications, and billing information between the VA's TEMS solution (NiOS) and ATT's business support systems. This capability allows for more efficient transmission of business-to-business data leading to reduced errors, smoother transactions, and faster business processing. The VA can now synchronize its inventory, ordering, and billing information in a more timely way than was possible when using predecessor GSA contracts.

Managing Partner David Hughes said NiOS's eBonding success, working as a subcontractor to B3 Group, represents a significant value for the VA.

"TurningPoint established the connections and did significant testing to make this interface happen," said Hughes. "Our implementation of EIS requirements and VA-specific configurations is helping VA lead the way among federal agencies in managing its telecom resources more efficiently and at lower cost."

TurningPoint is currently in testing with Lumen, another EIS telecom carrier, and has plans to complete eBonding with all other EIS vendors at VA and other agencies in the coming months.

ABOUT TURNING POINT GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

Headquartered in Rockville, MD, TurningPoint provide telecom lifecycle and expense management software and services for wireless and wireline services, with a focus on federal and other public sector organizations. TurningPoint is recognized by the General Services Administration (GSA) as a preferred supplier under its Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) wireless services program. TurningPoint also provides software engineering and professional IT services for a diversified group of commercial and government customers. TurningPoint is appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5 under CMMI Development 2.0 Model and CMMI Maturity Level 3 for Services. For more information, visit http://www.tpgsi.com.
Register for this webinar to learn about three historical cases, how NGS technology shaped the course of the investigation, and how NGS can strengthen and streamline your approach to contemporary casework.

Historical forensic investigations, or the identification of historical remains, involve some of the most challenging conditions. Records are inconsistent, incomplete or missing, making accurate reconstruction of a story difficult. The poor condition of associated skeletal remains can restrict the types of analyses that can be done, or evidence may be in such limited quantities that strategic decisions must be made on which types of analyses will be most informative and which will be excluded.

These challenges make resolution incredibly difficult, and cases often remain unsolved. Though often considered a specialty field, the approach to resolution bears many similarities to contemporary cases, and analysts are faced with similar questions: how can you narrow down identities for a complete or partial set of remains with limited reference information? How do you advance a case with a perfect autosomal STR profile but no DNA database for comparison? What is the most efficient and humanitarian approach to identification of remains? What options are available to clarify confounding information or to generate additional investigational leads?

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides a more efficient way to uncover more high-resolution data from cases that would otherwise have gone cold with traditional technologies. Register for this webinar to learn about three historical cases, how NGS technology shaped the course of the investigation, and how NGS can strengthen and streamline your approach to contemporary casework.

Join Angie Ambers, M.A., M.S., PhD, Associate Professor (Forensic Genetics), Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences; University of New Haven Assistant Director, in a live webinar on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 11am EDT (4pm BST/UK).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit Using NGS to Improve Investigations of Historical and Contemporary Human Remains.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/


Woodhouse Day Spa Our team is ready to bring Woodhouse Day Spas brand message up to the level of the services their customers receive, states LRXD CEO Kelly Reedy.

LRXD, the original health and happiness agency has been appointed agency of record by Woodhouse Day Spa. LRXD will create a total brand refresh for Woodhouse Day Spa, including brand positioning, in store visualizations, and national, regional and seasonal broadcast, print and online advertising campaigns.

Founded in Victoria, Texas in 2001, The Woodhouse Day Spa operates as a high-end day spa franchise that brings a resort experience to a neighborhood setting. Woodhouse prides itself on providing its guests with a tranquil and transformational spa experience with well-appointed amenities, luxurious relaxation spaces, high-end retail and several signature services such as its age-defying, award-winning Minkyti Facial; Four-Handed Massage; Hand Retreat manicure; and Seaweed Leaf pedicure.

In 2021, Woodhouse Day Spa was acquired by Radiance Holdings, the recently formed parent company of Sola Salon Studios, with corporate headquarters in Denver, CO.

Following our acquisition by Radiance Holdings, we realized we needed to bring in fresh eyes who would quickly help us achieve our growth goals, stated Christina Russell, Radiance Holdings CEO. The team from LRXD has demonstrated that they understand our brand space. We are excited to experience their creative energy and output.

As the health and happiness agency, LRXD looks for brands to work with that fit into their corporate culture. Our team is ready to bring Woodhouse Day Spas brand message up to the level of the services their customers receive, states LRXD CEO Kelly Reedy. We believe in promoting a life well-lived, and through our brand work, we will validate how time spent at Woodhouse Day Spa can show off the best you can be in life.

LRXD is Woodhouse Day Spas first agency-of-record. They will collaborate on the foundational work needed to take the business to the next level of awareness and brand stature. Understanding the needs of the franchise owners and executive team, LRXD will develop new strategies and messaging, create new service campaigns, and provide experiential and social media strategies. LRXDs initial focus will be Brand Strategy Platform Development. The first campaigns are expected Fall 2021.

ABOUT RADIANCE HOLDINGS

Radiance Holdings represents a collection of premier brands in the beauty, wellness and self-care sector. Led by Christina Russell, CEO, Radiance's current brand portfolio includes Sola Salon Studios, the world's largest and fastest growing salon studios franchise, and The Woodhouse Day Spa, the largest premium day spa brand in the U.S. Radiance is committed to investing in its brands, driving innovation, and helping their franchisees and their community of independent beauty professionals grow their businesses and improve their lives.

ABOUT THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA

Founded in Victoria, Texas in 2001, The Woodhouse Day Spa provides each guest with a tranquil, transformational environment that's both memorable and rooted in wellness. From beginning to end, dedicated spa team members ensure that each visit enhances the guest's well-being. The Woodhouse luxury brand features individually franchised locations that offer a full-service menu of treatments including massage therapies, skincare, nails, waxing, full-body treatments and more. Guests in 21 different states can enjoy the same high-quality signature services across more than 70 locations. For more information, please visit http://www.woodhousespas.com.

About LRXD

LRXD is the Original Health & Happiness Agency. For over 50 years, we have worked with the leading and emerging global brands in the health, mental wellness, organic & plant-based food & beverage, restaurant, sustainability and social impact spaces. https://www.lrxd.com/
Zogo Finance (Zogo), the financial technology company committed to empowering the next generation of financial decision makers, today announced that it signed a record number of 15 new financial institution partners in June. These most recent signees, which include credit unions and banks of various sizes, bring Zogos total number of partners to 116.

This continued strong momentum underscores the strong appetite for Zogos offering, particularly in the wake of an economic shock that has exposed the grave need for financial resilience and preparedness. Now a trusted partner to financial institutions in all 50 states, Zogo offers bite-size learning modules that seek to make financial literacy education fun, simple and social. Its app-based solution helps young adults to enhance their understanding of key financial concepts while simultaneously enabling banks and credit unions to better engage their fastest-growing customer segment.

Among Zogos newest partners is Stearns Bank National Association, a $2.2 billion, independently owned financial institution with locations in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona. Through its Stearns Bank app and mobile banking platform, also known as StearnsConnect, Stearns Bank will offer more than 300 co-branded financial literacy modules that explore key concepts such as saving for retirement, using credit responsibly, creating a budget, and more. This engaging educational content, approved by financial professionals, was developed by Zogos Gen Z and millennial team members to reflect younger generations predilection for technology-aided microlearning. As users progress through a module, designed to take around two minutes each, they also accrue points that can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers such as Amazon or Starbucks.

Stearns Bank is driven by a passion for helping others achieve their greatest ambitions, and we believe that financial literacy is foundational to this core mission, said Kelly Skalicky, president and CEO of Stearns Bank N.A. Through this partnership with Zogo, we look forward to helping our valued customers acquire the money management skills they need to reach their personal and financial goals. Were confident that Zogos rewarding, gamified approach to financial literacy will prove appealing and valuable to individuals of all ages.

Josh Hofer, Stearns Banks chief risk & information security officer, added: We were particularly impressed by the maturity of Zogos solution and the ease with which it integrates into our electronic banking platform. As a forward-looking financial institution, we are always on the lookout for robust tools that will enable us to better serve our customers and help them thrive. Zogos modern and accessible approach is particularly compelling.

Bolun Li, founder and CEO of Zogo, commented: Were on a mission to promote financial wellbeing, and are thrilled that so many financial institutions have taken up the charge alongside us. Banks and credit unions are uniquely positioned to assume a leadership role when it comes to boosting financial literacy in their communities, deepening their relationships with customers in the process.

About Zogo:

Based in Durham, N.C., and created by young adults for young adults, financial technology company Zogo is on a mission to promote financial wellbeing. Backed by scientific research, its award-winning app offers bite-size modules and tangible incentives to make financial literacy education accessible, fun, and rewarding. The company partners with financial institutions in all 50 U.S. states to help them educate, engage and empower the next generation of financial decision makers. Key Zogo investors and advisors include seed accelerator Techstars, a former Sageworks CEO, and various Duke University faculty. To learn more, visit zogofinance.com or follow us on Instagram @zogofinance.

About Stearns Bank

Minnesota-based Stearns Bank National Association is a $2.2 billion, independently-owned financial institution with locations in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona, and over 35,000 small business customers nationwide, in every U.S. state. Recognized as one of the nations top-performing banks by American Banker and once again ranking in the top 10 highest performing banks in the nation among banks with more than $1 billion in assets based on a 3-year average return on assets as reported by the Independent Community Bankers Association in their 2021 Best of the Best ranking. Stearns Bank specializes in nationwide construction lending, SBA and small business lending and equipment financing, consistently among the top 20 most active SBA lenders and top 50 largest equipment finance companies in the nation. Driven by a passion to help others achieve their greatest ambitions, Stearns Bank gets the job done! For more information, visit StearnsBank.com.
ZorroSign, or dont sign. Congress must tackle this issue head-on and the Improving Digital Identity Act is a critical leap forward.

Shamsh Hadi, CEO of ZorroSign, Inc. - a technology company based in Phoenix, AZ, today endorsed legislation introduced last week in the U.S. House of Representatives to establish a government-wide approach to improving digital identity. This important legislative initiative will help facilitate the modernization of our countrys digital identity infrastructure which is lagging behind our global competitors, said Hadi, who is also a founding member of the Association for Data and Cyber Governance (ADCG).

The bi-partisan bill, the Improving Digital Identity Act of 2021, was introduced on June 30, 2021 by U.S. Reps. Bill Foster (D-IL), John Katko (R-NY), Jim Langevin (D-RI), and Barry Loudermilk (R-GA). The bill would establish a task force to bring together key federal agencies with state and local government representatives to develop secure methods for government agencies to validate identity attributes to protect the privacy and security of individuals, and support reliable, interoperable digital identity verification tools in the public and private sectors. The bill, H.R. 4258, would also direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a new framework of standards to guide government agencies when providing digital identity verification services  placing an emphasis on privacy and security. Finally, the bill would establish a grant program within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to allow states to upgrade the systems they use to issue drivers licenses and other types of identity credentials, and to support the development of secure, interoperable state systems that enable digital identity verification in accordance with the framework developed by NIST.

Congressman Foster, Katko, Langevin and Loudermilk are to be applauded for their strong leadership in Congress on the vital issue of digital identity verification, noted Hadi. As the CEO of a company that lives and breathes privacy and security, I appreciate the vital nature of this legislative effort. Congress must tackle this issue head-on and the Improving Digital Identity Act is a critical leap forward.

Hadi asserted that enactment of this bill into law will ensure that the United States remains a world leader when it comes to online privacy and security. Indeed, the future of our economy depends on the U.S. government tackling this issue and doing everything possible to ensure that the United States is on the cutting edge when it comes to digital identity verification services.

For the text of the H.R. 4258, click here.

About ZorroSign

ZorroSign, Inc. is a leader in digital signature technology and the global provider of ZorroSign DTMa secure platform delivering digital signature and digital transaction management. ZorroSigns patented 4n6 (forensics) technology offers post-execution fraud detection, verification and authentication of legally binding electronic signatures, digital signatures and documents using proprietary blockchain tokenization. ZorroSign DTM streamlines end-to-end digital transactions with bank-grade protection and security certificates that never expireallowing governments, corporations, and individuals to eSign documents, request signatures on documents and forms, build workflows, automate approval processes, and more leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence. ZorroSign, or dont sign. For more information visit, zorrosign.com

Trademarks

ZorroSign, ZorroFill, ZorroSign (patented) 4n6 Token, and JustZSign, are registered trademarks of ZorroSign, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All other trademarked names or terms used in this document are the property of their respective owners.
Leni Klum has signed to CAA Fashion.

The 17-year-old daughter of German supermodel Heidi Klum and musician Seal has joined the roster of the elite Hollywood agency.

It comes months after Leni landed her first magazine cover appearance alongside her mom for Vogue Germany late last year.

Meanwhile, Heidi is in a legal battle with her father over her daughters name.

The Americas Got Talent star and her father, Gunther, are at loggerheads over commercial deals for Heidis eldest daughter Leni, 17, who is a model.

Gunther, 75, has trademarked Lenis name and registered his paperwork with the European Union in March this year, where he also trademarked Lenis nickname Mausekatze, which means mouse cat.

However, 47-year-old Heidi has fired off a legal challenge to try and win the rights to Lenis name herself.

German lawyer Stephan Ruben told Bild newspaper: Should Gunther Klum violate the rights of third parties he will be threatened with an injunction which, if granted, will cost him 250,000 or six months of jail.

"So far there is no injunction but the lawyers threatened him with it. Thats why he sent a letter [posted on his Instagram] and wrote you are even threatening me with jail time.

Gunther has also insisted he has always dealt with family trademark rights, and because Leni is named after his own mother, he believes the rights to her trademark should belong to him.

He said: I requested the trademark of Leni months ago. She has her name from my mother Leni. The rights to the trademark Leni Klum are with me.

Heidi was previously managed by her father until they reportedly fell out in 2019 after she tied the knot with Tokio Hotel rocker Tom Kaulitz.

Meanwhile, Heidis ex-husband Seal  with whom she has Leni, as well as Henri, 15, Johan, 14, and Lou, 11  recently said he wasnt happy about his daughter following Heidis footsteps into modelling.

He said: "Thats a precarious road to take."

But the Kiss From A Rose hitmaker admitted his kids arent interested in his own career.

He added: We never really talk about my music at all.
City Comptroller Scott Stringer raised concerns over the rate at which the DOE is carrying out lead remediation.
A bill named the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution Act, which passed both houses of the state Legislature in June, would increase the fines on mufflers customized to be as loud as possible.
Worthing Homes has over 3,783 properties housing 10,000 customers in the Sussex coastal area. It aims to provide affordable rented homes, key worker accommodation, low-cost shared ownership, sheltered housing and new homes for local people.In the partnership, former altnet turned largest independent gigabit broadband provider CityFibre is investing 25 million to bring gigabit connectivity to the area, meaning residents living in properties owned and managed by Worthing Homes will gain access full-fibre broadband connectivity capable of gigabit speeds. The rollout will commence in the West Sussex towns of Goring, Tarring and Salvington will be among the first to access full-fibre services, with plans to progress build towards the Broadwater area of east Worthing in the latter half of this year.CityFibre expressed confidence that once the entire build has been completed in 2023, almost every home and business in Adur and Worthing will have access to full-fibre broadband. It also said that it has continued to make swift progress on the district-wide rollout and to reach social housing sites as well as other homes and businesses in the area.  Over the last year, our broadband connections have truly been a lifeline as we adapt to new ways of working, socialising and entertaining, said adrian smith, cityfibres city manager for Adur and Worthing.We are looking forward to connecting more and more members of the community to our network so they can reap benefits that come with a first-class and future-proof full-fibre connection. This agreement with Worthing Homes will help us to take the next step forward in the digital transformation of the area, making it one of the best-connected districts in the country. I must say, its heartening to hear feedback from residents already benefiting from gigabit-speed connectivity and seeing first-hand the difference it can make to their lives.CCN Communications Ltd is delivering the project on CityFibres behalf. The team is working closely with CityFibre, Adur & Worthing Council and West Sussex County Council to manage any disruption and using modern build techniques to ensure a fast and efficient rollout. Companies providing broadband services to the first residents connected to the new CityFibre network in the Adur & Worthing region include Zen Internet, TalkTalk and No One, Giganet and the residential offering from Trunk Broadband. Other internet service providers (ISPs) are set to join the network soon.
Food

Frozen favorites

What's new in ice cream around Berks County

In honor of National Ice Cream Month, here's a look at what's new around Berks County.
Naya Rivera's mom, Yolanda Previtire, is sharing her sorrow and her hopes for the actress' legacy one year after Rivera's death.

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Previtire and Rivera's sister, Nickayla Rivera, remembered the Glee actress in an interview with Good Morning America published Thursday.

Rivera died of an accidental drowning at age 33 in July 2020 during a boating outing with Josey, her son with Ryan Dorsey. Rivera was reported missing July 8, 2020, and found dead following a five-day search.

On GMA, Previtire said her family's grief over Rivera's death sometimes becomes too much to bear.

"Sometimes we're afraid of the sorrow being so heavy that we're afraid for our own self, 'cause this is hard," Previtire said. "There are no words to describe what we're going through. All we know is we have each other."

Previtire said her family is in therapy to help with the trauma of Rivera's death. Nickayla Rivera said they have gotten through by taking things "one day at a time."

"And taking that one day at a time and living it to the fullest, loving each other to the fullest, and not regretting anything. Because I know if we could go back, we'd hug a little bit harder," Nickayla Rivera said.

Previtire said her message to fans on the anniversary of Rivera's death is for them to "love life." She hopes Rivera's legacy will be one of love and living life to the fullest.

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"I would like my daughter Naya's legacy to be one that teaches people to love, to care. If something is not right, try to fix it or speak up. And to just live life," Previtire said. "God has given you one life. You are your own person. Love who you are, 'cause you don't get another life."

Rivera played Santana Lopez on the Fox series Glee. The show's cast, including Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz, paid tribute to Rivera on social media following her death last year.
Swedish crime drama The Hunt for a Killer, based on a true story, is coming to the U.S. through streaming services Sundance Now and AMC+ on Aug. 12.

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The show follows detectives Pelle i kesson (Anders Beckman) and Monica Olhed (Lotten Roos) as they search for the killer of 10-year-old Helen Nilsson.

Nilsson's murder took place in March 1989 and took 15 years to solve, shaking Sweden to its core.

"The Hunt for a Killer" is a story about a region left behind, class inequalities and social exclusion, but it's also a story about a man of intergirty who pushed back against the authorities, revolted against corruption and never gave up," reads the synopsis.

All six episodes of the series will be available on Sundance Now and AMC+ at launch.

Mikael Marcimain (Gentlemen & Gangsters) serves as director, based off a script by Lotta Erikson (Ikon) and Helene Lindholm (Majken).
Traverse City, MI (49684)

Today

Rain showers this morning with mostly cloudy conditions during the afternoon hours. High near 75F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Some passing clouds. Low 57F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Kenansville, NC (28349)

Today

Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds light and variable..

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A few clouds. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.
Greenville, NC (27833)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Partly cloudy skies. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
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.
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.
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 
BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP)  Amtrak's Downeaster passenger rail service is steaming toward pre-pandemic norms as the coronavirus recedes in New England.

Ridership for June will exceed 25,000 passengers, compared to 48,284 riders in June 2019, but just 768 in June 2020, said Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.

Were at 54% of where we were and are very confident that were going to have a good summer and be in good shape going into the fall," she told the Times Record.

Masks are still required on-board the train and at the station, in accordance with federal guidance. But there are no travel restrictions and capacity limits have been lifted for the train.

It's a far cry from a year ago. In May 2020, the train that offers service from Brunswick to Boston halted operations to meet Gov. Janet Mills Stay Safer at Home COVID-19 directive.

Beginning in July 2020, the train offered four round trips from Brunswick to Boston, and in early May of 2021 the Downeaster restored the pre-pandemic schedule of five daily round trips.

Going forward, Quinn hopes that in a year from now the train will see near-2019 level ridership.

Were trying to remain optimistic and expect that ridership will continue to grow and increase, Quinn said, noting that marketing efforts have increased in the last few months.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP)  A Washington man has been sentenced in multimillion fraud schemes that involved grass seed at facilities in Albany and Jefferson, Oregon.

Christopher Claypool, of Spokane, was sentenced Wednesday to three years in federal prison and three years of supervised release, the Albany Democrat-Herald reported. Claypool under the terms of his plea deal already has paid almost $8.3 million in restitution and agreed to forfeit nearly $7.8 million in criminally derived proceeds from his schemes.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP)  A West Virginia woman has been sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole after 15 years in the fatal abuse of her 5-year-old grandson.

Michelle Lynn Boggs, 49, of Lost Creek, was sentenced Wednesday by a Harrison County circuit judge for her April conviction on a charge of knowingly allowing death of a child by parent, guardian or custodian by child abuse, The Exponent Telegram reported.
Living in the mountains doesn't mean heading out to Colorado or Wyoming - not when a former farm on the market in Salisbury sits in the Taconic Mountains.

Known as Bingham Brook Farm, the home on 85 and 83 Scoville Ore Mine Road sits at an elevation of about 1,100 feet in the Taconic Range, according to the property's website. Now listed for $4.3 million, the nearly 62-acre property contains two historic properties: the Josiah Curtis House, which was originally built in 1780 in Wethersfield, the property's website notes, as well as the Elijah Marshal Barn (built in 1838), both of which were acquired and relocated to the property in the 1980s.

The property itself has connections to the Salisbury's roots in the early American iron industry, according to the property's website, with the land "punctuated by remnant charcoal pits scattered throughout the property."

Between the Elijah Marshal barn and the Josiah Curtis House, the property has five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms spread over 5,500 square feet, the listing notes. Billed as a property "not for those seeking only the ultra-modern or the contemporary chic," the listing adds that it has "panoramic views" of the Litchfield Hills, as well as close proximity to Great Barrington, Mass. and The Berkshires.

Take a look around the Salisbury property.
Lebanon, IN (46052)

Today

Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
From concerts to parades, festivals and more, the Miami County Republic is the place to find out about events in the community.

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HARRISBURG  Pennsylvanias General Assembly is headed into a long summer recess after a flurry of legislative activity. But several key issues remain unresolved and will have to wait until lawmakers reconvene in the fall.

Democrats have indicated they want to see more government spending to address economic fallout from the pandemic. Republicans who control both legislative chambers hope to focus on election reform and facilitating economic growth by extending pandemic regulatory waivers and spending federal dollars prudently.

Here are the issues to watch.

Election reform

Gov. Tom Wolf recently vetoed a Republican-written election reform bill, saying it would result in voter suppression. GOP lawmakers countered it would provide extra security measures while also expanding access to the ballot box.

The measure included more stringent voter ID requirements, earlier deadlines to apply for a mail ballot and a plan to introduce early voting by 2025.

Republicans are expected to resurrect the issue upon their return. Jason Thompson, spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre, said that election reform will be one of our top priorities when the legislature reconvenes.

Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, introduced a bill in June that would give counties the ability to begin processing mail ballots before Election Day and move up the deadline to apply for a mail ballot. The bipartisan County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania has lobbied for these reforms, arguing that they are needed to avoid delays in reporting results  an issue they faced in the November 2020 election.

With Wolfs veto, Republican lawmakers this fall may consider standalone bills with a better chance of winning the governors signature while also pursuing a route that takes more controversial issues directly to the voters.

Earlier, a key Republican  Rep. Seth Grove of York County  voiced his support for bypassing Wolf and expanding voter ID in Pennsylvania through a constitutional amendment. A resolution passed the state Senate in June and was sent to the House for consideration.

The General Assembly must approve the measure in two consecutive two-year sessions to send the question to the voters. The earliest the question could appear on the ballot is 2023.

$5 billion in federal relief dollars

Pennsylvanias $40 billion budget package directed $2 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds toward human services, highway construction, nursing homes and higher education. But the state still has $5 billion in relief money at its disposal.

Democrats want to see those funds spent on more financial relief for Pennsylvanians. Senate Democratic spokesperson Brittany Crampsie told Spotlight PA that lawmakers will advocate for putting those dollars toward rental assistance, public health initiatives and worker training programs.

Whatever legislative process we need to go through to get this money towards people the way that it was intended, thats what were gonna do, Crampsie said.

But Democrats are certain to run into Republican resistance.

GOP lawmakers are wary of spending the federal money too quickly, pointing to a budget shortfall more than a decade ago after Pennsylvania used one-time stimulus dollars to increase basic education funding. If the state uses relief money to increase funding for a program or create a new one, lawmakers will eventually have to find another source of revenue  perhaps necessitating a tax hike.

Despite what Democrats have been saying, when you start a program, you can almost never get rid of it, House Republican spokesperson Jason Gottesman said. Our main priority was to use that money ... prudently over the long term to ensure that were not going back to taxpayers to continue funding programs.

To boost Pennsylvanias economic recovery, Republicans would rather consider extending some regulatory waivers. Before lawmakers voted to end Wolfs pandemic emergency declaration in June, the Legislature extended many of the orders regulatory waivers until September. Those waivers relaxed state regulations on telemedicine, out-of-state nurses and unemployment benefit requirements.

I think that were moving in a positive direction with a lot of (emergency declaration) mandates being removed, and as we get a little bit closer to the fall thats gonna be our focus  which waivers we want to keep and which ones we want to let expire, said Thompson, Cormans spokesperson.

States have until 2024 to spend the federal money, meaning that the clock is ticking.

Cocktails to-go

Despite bipartisan support, lawmakers failed to extend a popular pandemic-era provision that allowed bars and restaurants to sell cocktails to-go.

The ability to sell premade cocktails for takeout stopped when the Legislature voted to end Wolfs emergency declaration.

The House passed a bill in May, with bipartisan support, that would make permanent the sale of to-go cocktails. But an amendment to the bill by Sen. Mike Regan, R-York, expanded the measures scope and lost the support of Democrats, including Wolf.

Regans proposal would have allowed private retailers to compete with state-owned stores by selling canned cocktails. Under current law, state liquor stores are the only retailers permitted to sell them in Pennsylvania. Regan has familial ties to the industry.

The House stripped the amendment from the bill and sent it back to the Senate, which declined to act before the Legislature recessed for the summer. Restaurants are now barred from selling cocktails to-go, and wont be able to again unless lawmakers pass legislation in the fall.

Lobbying reform

Top Republican lawmakers have indicated that lobbying reform will be a priority for them this session. Thompson, Cormans spokesperson, told Spotlight PA the senator plans to unveil a lobbying reform bill any day now to be voted on in the fall.

In a May statement, Corman said he hopes to address lobbyist transparency, ethical conduct, and limiting influence on the General Assembly. Some proposed changes include requiring lobbyists to disclose client conflicts, prohibiting campaign consultants from being registered lobbyists, and requiring lobbyists to complete ethics training.

Separately, several lobbying reform bills have already been introduced in the House.

Cannabis legalization

Pennsylvanians may see debates on cannabis legalization on the House and Senate floor this fall. Recreational cannabis is legal in the District of Columbia and 18 states, but Pennsylvania isnt one of them.

Though more Democrats have championed legalization than Republicans, the issue enjoys some bipartisan support. Sen. Sharif Street, D-Philadelphia, and Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, introduced a bill last February to legalize adult use.

Wolf has thrown his support behind legalization, too, saying it would bolster potential economic growth and much-needed restorative justice. But the measure faces pushback in the GOP-controlled legislature, leaving its fate uncertain.
2 men involved in tractor-trailer crash

HAMBURG  Two Connecticut men were seriously injured when the tractor-trailer they were in was involved in a crash in the westbound lane of Interstate 78, at mile marker 29.7 in Tilden Township, Berks County, around 5:10 a.m. Monday.

State police at Hamburg said Freddie Jones, 56, of Vineland, New Jersey, was driving a 2019 Volvo VNL tractor-trailer west in the right lane at a drastically reduced speed followed by a 2016 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Robinson DeJesus, 29, of Danbury.

Police said DeJesus came up on the Jones truck and he applied his brakes but was unable to slow down and stop, and he ran into the back of the trailer being pulled by Jones.

Both DeJesus and his passenger who was in the sleeper portion of the truck  Raphael Tavera-Castro, 33, also of Danbury  were trapped in the cab, removed by firefighters and then flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest for treatment of, what police called, suspected serious injuries.

Jones was not injured and, police said, charges against DeJesus are pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Assisting were Hamburg EMS, Northern Berks EMS and firefighters from Hamburg, Shoemakersville, Strausstown and Bernville.

Police said the crash closed the westbound lane of Interstate 78 for about seven hours, reopening around noon that day.
100 years ago  1921

The balance of the county treasury took a drop of $50,000 during the month of June, the balance for July showing $944,000 listed as against $988,000 on June 1.

75 years ago  1946Over 60 reserve officers of Schuylkill County held their first meeting last night in the ballroom of the Necho Allen Hotel. Capt. Edgar R. Kodel, Deputy Director of Organized Reserve Activities for Eastern Pennsylvania, spoke to the assembled officers concerning future plans for maintaining the proficiency in training of the reservists.

50 years ago  1971MAHANOY CITY  The proposed Solid Waste Management Plan for Schuylkill County received another jolt Wednesday night when the North Schuylkill Landfill Association directors unanimously rejected the plan. The day before Mahanoy City had rejected the countys plan.

25 years ago  1996HEGINS  A broken toe sidelined Miss Pennsylvania 1996, GiGi Gordon, from her dance routine Saturday at the 20th Annual Hegins Community Day. However, the gracious Gordon greeted Hegins Park visitors and signed more than 100 autographs after sharing the stage with Tri-Valleys own Jennifer Eshelman Shaffer, Miss Pennsylvania 1983. The pair met in 1994 during Gordons first attempt for the state crown in Easton. Shaffer served as a judge during that pageant when Gordon placed fourth-runner-up. She caught my eye immediately. She had such stage presence, said Shaffer, who encouraged her successor to vie for the title again in a few years. She said she saw the potential in me and to keep trying, Gordon said. And about that broken toe? She flashed a smile to the capacity crowd as she told what happened. She was hurrying to meet the current Miss America, Shawntel Smith, in Hershey 2 1/2 weeks ago when her foot hit the bedpost. Her doctor suggested she avoid dancing for six to eight weeks until the toe mends. Instead of dancing, Gordon, 23, spoke about eating-disorder education, sparked by the trials of a fellow Penn State cheerleading friend who sufffered from the disease.
POTTSVILLE  The county will offer a breakdown of the allocation of its $12.7 million in CARES Act money at next weeks commissioners meeting.

Commissioners Chairman Barron L. Hetherington, in response to public comment at Wednesdays commissioners work session, said that Mark Morgan, director of Susquehanna Accounting & Consulting Solutions, Harrisburg, will talk during a press conference about the countys use of its Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security funds received last year.

Jeffrey Dunkel, of Palo Alto, asked during public comment for transparency on how the funds were spent.

Can you tell me where the $12.7 million of the CARES Act money went? Dunkel said. I formally asked you nine times, via email, Right to Know request or in public meeting, for a copy of where the $12.7 million went.

Dunkel said that at a previous meeting, Commissioner Gary J. Hess also asked how the money was spent. Hess said Wednesday he was glad to hear that it will be discussed, and he believes the spending should be made public.

I have asked a number of times during the CARES Act where we were spending the money on certain things, and never did get it, Hess said. I know we need to send a report in to the state verifying how all the money was spent.

In other business, the commissioners voted to approve an agreement with NEPA Alliance for the administration of the county Community Development Block Grant Economic Relief Program.

Hetherington said it is a small-business relief program run through the Department of Community and Economic Development. There will be specific guidelines on which businesses qualify.

Gary R. Bender, county administrator, said more information will be coming in a press release, and the commissioners will hold an informational webinar on July 28.

In prison matters, the commissioners voted to approve the following:

 A contract with McClure Co., Wilkes-Barre, to install a new expansion tank on the domestic hot water piping system for $22,396.

 A contract with McClure to install three new control valves for baseboard heat in the administrative area for $8,765.

 A contract with McClure to install direct digital control monitoring of the domestic hot water heater for $2,594.

 A contract with Mechanical Service Co., Pittston, to install a 1,000 gallon double-wall skid tank and provide direct digital control monitoring for the new fuel tank and existing day tank for $35,396. Hetherington said the tank will provide fuel for the emergency backup generator.

For the Emergency Management Agency, the commissioners approved an amendment to the 2019 Homeland Security Grant Program in the amount of $1,693,465 for the South Central Task Force.

The funds will be used for planning, organization, equipment, maintenance and training as part of the multicounty task force in the event of catastrophic events or acts of terrorism.

Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. said the county joined the task force a year and a half ago and has greatly benefited from it.

Along with Schuylkill, the other counties in the group are Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York.

Among the task force projects are notification and incident management systems, and a business and industry committee.

The last is particularly valuable in Schuylkill County for cybersecurity and other programs.

In finance, the commissioners approved budget adjustments in the amounts of $1,886 for the commissioners office; $2,000 for the courts; $16,000 for mental health/developmental services; $33,753 for the prison; and $41,232 for the drug and alcohol agency.

They also approved supplemental budget appropriation of $45,415 from the capital projects fund to complete power washing of the courthouse exterior.

Paul E. Buber, financial director, said the washing began last year and was part of the 2020 budget, but it was not completed due to COVID-19 and weather delays.

The $45,415 will cover the remaining work to be done under this years budget.

At next weeks meeting, the commissioners will vote on various demolition projects to be done as part of the countys $2 million in state demolition funding.
SOUTH TAMAQUA  For eight decades, Central Spring Service Inc. has been a pillar of the business community in the Tamaqua and West Penn Township area.

The truck suspension repair business at 1050 West Penn Pike is now in the hands of third-generation owner Edward R. Tite III and his son, Andrew, the fourth-generation owner.

The business was honored Wednesday during a presentation that included citations from state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township; Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township; and Schuylkill County commissioners Chairman Barron L. Hetherington.

Edward Tite said that his grandfather Edward R. Tite came to the United States from Italy with nothing and started the business in 1941 in a small two-bay garage in Tamaqua, behind where the Burger King restaurant and a car wash now stand.

As business grew, a new shop was built at the current location and run by his grandfather and father, Edward J. His grandfather passed away in 1993.

Tite said that his father then ran the business until he died in 2015, at which time he took over and shortly thereafter was joined by son Andrew, now 23.

Edward Tite is proud the business has stood the test of time and that his son has taken an interest in running it after he is gone.

It is nice to know it is staying in the family, he said.

The West Penn Pike location was originally a two-bay garage with three employees until it was expanded in 2019.

The business now has five full-time and two part-time employees, Tite said.

Edward Tites wife, Sara, said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Spring Service was allowed to remain open.

We were deemed an essential business, she said.

Andrew Tite said he was excited about joining his father and plans on being a part of keeping the business in the family for years to come.

Also on hand was Alice Tite, Edward Tites mother.

She too was excited that her son and grandson chose to keep the business going.

This is something my husband would want, she said.

Argall said the fact that the business has been in operation for 80 years is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the family.

It doesnt happen too often, so theyre obviously doing something right, he said.

Knowles echoed Argalls sentiments and added that the Tites should be proud of the eight-decade accomplishment.

It is a tribute that any business can sustain itself for 80 years, he said. Few other businesses can claim that.

Hetherington recalled his father, Burton, taking his farm vehicles to the business to have damage to the springs repaired.

He would love to overload them and they (Central Spring) were always there to take care of him, Hetherington said.

The commissioner said that small businesses like this are the heart of America.
POTTSVILLE  A young student at a city dance school is taking her moves to New York City this summer.

Lila Maley, who dances at Crimson Academy for the Performing Arts, will attend intensives, or rigorous programs, at the Broadway Dance Center on July 24 and 25, and the Joffrey Ballet School on Aug. 2 through 6.

The 9-year-old West West Terrace resident will dance for six hours each day for both programs. At Broadway Dance Center, Lila will take classes in jazz, contemporary, modern, tap and ballet, while the ones at Joffrey will be in jazz and contemporary, which she said is her favorite type of dance.

Its a mixture of different styles in just one dance, she said.

Auditions were required for both programs and took place in May. Lilas mother, Leandra Maley, submitted a video of her daughter dancing for Broadway Dance Center and Lila auditioned in-person for the Joffrey program at its studio in New York that month. She learned she got into them a few days after auditioning.

Lila, who has been dancing at the studio since the age of 3, said auditioning for the Joffrey Ballet School was a lot of fun as it gave her a chance to meet new teachers and girls. She also enjoyed seeing the sights in the Big Apple.

We got to see tons of things in New York that we havent seen before, Lila said. We got to go to new restaurants, shops and FAO Schwartz.

Her mom said that Lila auditioned for the summer intensives on a whim as a way to get experience in auditioning. In the Joffrey one, she learned routines in ballet, contemporary and jazz with four to five other girls and performed them in front of a teacher.

As both auditions were her first, she wasnt expecting to get in but was happy when she learned she did.

I was really excited when I heard I was accepted, Lila said with a smile.

Being accepted into the programs, she said, is a chance to try something new and to meet new people. Both intensives will be taught by Joffrey Ballet and Broadway Dance Center faculty, some of whom have appeared on So You Think You Can Dance.

Lila hopes to continue dancing in the future and wants to become a Rockette when she is older, having seen the dance troupe perform at Radio City Music Hall when she was 6. She currently takes eight classes in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary and tumbling three days a week at the studio on West Norwegian Street.

Leandra Maley, the studios co-owner, said that her daughter is the first Crimson Academy student to get into the programs. She hopes Lila being accepted inspires other students to try them out in the future.

I was very proud of her as a teacher and a mom, she said. We cant wait for her to go.
Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra's elder brother and producer Vir Chopra is no more. This news was confirmed by Vidhu's wife and film critic Anupama Chopra as she posted an emotional note in the memory of Vir Chopra on Instagram. Vir Chopra died on July 5 after battling with COVID-19. He was reportedly undergoing treatment at Mumbai's H. N. Reliance hospital after contracting the virus during his Maldives trip.

Anupama, in her post, mentioned how his memory will be their blessing. The post has a throwback picture of her husband Vidhu with the late Vir Chopra at the premiere of the movie 3 Idiots. "Vinod always said that Vir was his better version - nice to a fault, highly educated (PhD from London School of Economics) and measured instead of volatile. They looked so alike that when VC and I first got married, people would congratulate Vir. Forever now, his memory remains our blessing. Photo taken at the premiere of 3 Idiots," she wrote.

Vir had worked with brother Vidhu Vinod Chopra on successful movies like Munna Bhai M.B.B.S, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and 3 Idiots. He is survived by his son Abhay and his wife Namita Nayak Chopra. Several social media users and industry insiders wrote condolence messages for Vir Chopra. Fashion stylist Anaita Shroff Adjania commented, "So sorry for your loss." Other famous personalities like Shanoo Sharma, Pooja Dhingra among others also expressed their heartfelt condolences.

Famous personalities who succumbed to the second wave of COVID-19

The country has lost some notable personalities to the virus in recent months. From filmmaker KV Anand to music composer Shravan Rathod, several celebrities have lost their lives. Here are some of them-

Pandit Rajan Mishra

Filmmaker KV Anand

Bollywood actor Satish Kaul

Music composer Shravan Rathod

Actor Bikramjeet Kanwarpal

TV news anchor Rohit Sardana

Dadi Chandro Tomar

Marathi actor Vira Sathidar

International bodybuilder Jagdish Lad

Marathi actor Kishore Nandlaskar

Kannada producer Ramu

Tamil film director Thamira

TV actor and anchor Kanupriya

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.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will meet Russia's Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov on July 9, to hold talks on bilateral cooperation at various multilateral forums on major global and regional issues. EAM Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to Russia from July 7 and he is scheduled to meet the Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov along with other high level Russian delegates.

The Russian Embassy in India informed that both Ministers are expected to discuss key directions of the Russian-Indian relations, taking into account the previously reached treaties and the upcoming contracts.

An official statement by Russian Embassy read, "Russia and India share similar vision of a model of an emerging more fair and equitable polycentric world order. Our countries demonstrate the similarity or proximity of positions on the most important issues of peace and security. They stand for compliance with international law, strengthening the collective principles of interstate communication, as well as adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign states, and respect for the cultural and civilizational identity of peoples."

The statement sealed the notion that interaction between Russia and India has been successfully developing in areas in line with a special and privileged partnership, "including political dialogue, security, trade and economic, military-technical, scientific, cultural and humanitarian ties."

According to the statement, the two ministers are expected to discuss key directions of the Russian-Indian relations, taking into account there are "effective mechanisms of interstate and interagency cooperation as well as business and expert circles" of the two countries.

Dr Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart are set to "compare notes" on cooperation at the United Nations, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) platforms, in the RIC format. They will also exchange dialogues on major regional and global issues including the political process in Afghanistan, settlement in Syria, the situation around the Iranian nuclear program in order to create a reliable security architecture in Pacific and Indian Oceans.

"Dr. S. Jaishankar will deliver a speech on "India-Russia ties in a Changing World at the prestigious Primakov Institute of World Economy & International Relations, Moscow," MEA's statement read

Russia and Indian to hold talks on Afghanistan

Reportedly, the visit is a continuation of the frequent high-level visits between two sides and deliberation on making Afghanistan a self-reliant country is on the cards. Interestingly, India is a major stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan, and has been supporting an Afghan-led, owned, and controlled national peace and reconciliation process. In 2020, Indian delegates 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 with US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Doha and exchanged dialogues over the war-torn State and its temperament.

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 its troops ending Washington's 18-year long war with the 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.
Downplaying Pakistan's pointed accusations at India in the recent Lahore bomb blast outside Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's residence, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) downright rejected the allegations levied, terming it as 'baseless propaganda'. The MEA, instead, highlighted Pakistan's credentials in harbouring terrorists which is well-known to the international community. The Ministry's statement comes in response to Pakistan NSA Moeed Yusuf's claims of India's hand in the Lahore blast which has snapped 'back door' talks with New Delhi.

When asked for New Delhi's position on Pakistan's accusations in the press briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi scoffed in response. The MEA Spokesperson also took a dig at the current government in power in Pakistan which has acknowledged the country's active participation in harbouring terrorists. The Indian Spokesperson was referring to PM Imran Khan's recent address where he had referred to former Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, who for long was hiding in Pakistan's Abbottabad, as a 'martyr'.

"It is not new for Pakistan to engage in baseless propaganda against India. Pakistan would do well to expend the same effort in setting its own house in order and taking credible and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from its soil and terrorist sanctuaries there," the MEA spokesperson said.

"International community is well aware of Pakistan's credentials when it comes to terrorism. This is acknowledged by none other than its own leadership which continues to glorify terrorists like Osama Bin Laden as martyrs," Bagchi added.

On the issue of the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, the MEA said that it is closely monitoring the developments while the Indian embassy and the two consulates there remain functional. "We are carefully monitoring the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and its implications on the safety of Indian nationals there. Our responses will be calibrated accordingly," he said. The MEA spokesperson also said that New Delhi continues to encourage countries to accept indigenously manufactured COVID-19 vaccines.

Pak PM pins blame on India

In yet another act of shambolic hypocrisy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday drew India's link to the blast outside UN-designated terrorist and Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's residence in Lahore. Playing the victim card, PM Imran Khan accused India of sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan while making no mention of Hafiz Saeed, accused of being the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, who resides untroubled in Lahore. Calling for support of the global community, the Pakistani PM sought mobilisation of international institutions against India's 'rogue behaviour'.

However, he blatantly ignored FATF's recent ruling, which denied taking Pakistan off its grey list, and maintaining that the country needs to take coercive steps to curb money laundering and terror financing. In a series of tweets on Sunday, Imran Khan said that he has instructed his team to brief the nation on the findings of the blast outside Hafiz Saeed's residence, which according to local reports earlier, was caused by a gas pipeline explosion.

"This coordination led to identifying the terrorists & their international linkages. Again, planning & financing of this heinous terror attack has links to Indian sponsorship of terrorism against Pak. Global community must mobilise int (international) institutions against this rogue behaviour," Khan had tweeted.

Following the accusations, Pakistan asserted that it had called off the rumoured backchannel talks with India. Speaking to a private channel on July 3, Pakistan's National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf claimed that it was India that had approached his country expressing willingness to talk on all issues including Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, "We clearly conveyed them our demand i.e. reversal of August 2019 move, for resumption of talks,"
Inviting the business community to actively participate in efforts to boost development, trade and growth in the Indo-Pacific region, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described it as the new economic centre of gravity of the globalised world.

On Wednesday, Goyal gave the keynote address at the CII's Special Plenary with the Indo-Pacific Trade Ministers on "Developing a Road Map for Shared Prosperity," saying that India's track record should give countries confidence that it will be their "natural" and "most reliable ally in years to come."

'New economic centre of gravity': Piyush Goyal

Goyal said, "We talk of shared prosperity we must remember that shared prosperity is impossible without shared commitment". He explained that it is a commitment that includes sharing problems, opportunities, risks, and rewards.

In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, he stated that despite the pandemic's misery, there is a silver lining: a developing feeling of brotherhood across nations to support one another. He emphasised that more than anything else, the spirit of brotherhood has established a solid basis "on which we have a chance to build promising partnerships."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the Indo-Pacific was summed up in one word in 2015, SAGAR, (Security And Growth of All in the Region) as stated by Goyal. It must serve as a guiding principle for all nations in the region, he said, because a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region equals peace and prosperity for everyone.

Yoon Sung Roh, Chairman of the Presidential Committee of the Republic of Korea; Betty C. Maina, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise Development, Republic of Kenya; and Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Minister in Charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, United Arab Emirates, were among those who attended the event.

Ministers of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport of the Republic of Fiji, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, and Bandula Gunawardana, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Sri Lanka, also spoke at the event.

During his speech, Goyal stated that the Indo-Pacific region is where the world looks for resilient supply chains.

As the globe shifts away from over-concentrated and dangerous supply chains, he told them that India will give a diverse range of investment and industrial options.

India supports the principle of having a transparent, trustworthy, dependable, and reliable supply chain, he said. He also added that more friendly countries may be included in the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, which was established in September 2020 as a decisive move toward developing resilient supply chains.

According to Goyal, the Indo-wealth Pacific's trade agreements has resulted in a decrease in tariff rates over time. Non-tariff barriers, on the other hand, are a big trade hurdle in the region, according to him. The movement of goods across borders can be made easier using trade facilitation.

Going through India's strengths, Goyal stated that no supply chain was permitted to be affected even during the early months of the pandemic when the country was under lockdown.

In the IT industry, it was ensured that the country satisfied all of its international service commitments. He added, Our track record should give confidence to our friends that India will be their natural and most reliable ally in years to come.

Goyal, speaking on "Aatmnirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India), stated that India is at a critical moment in which it must build its own destiny and that of its 130 billion people. He stated that Aatmnirbhar Bharat is about engaging with the world with a competitive spirit and from a position of strength, rather than gazing inward.
After the Delhi High Court reserved its order in the defamatory case filed by former Indian Assistant Secretary-General at the UN, Lakshmi Puri against RTI activist Saket Gokhale, Managing Partner of Karanjawala & Company Raian Karanjawala in an exclusive conversation with Republic Media Network on Friday stated that the defendant had been warned about the consequences. However, when Gokhale refused to budge, the present defamation suit was filed, Karanjawala informed.

Saket Gokhale refused to take down the tweets

Throwing light on the proceedings of the case that took place earlier in the day, Raian Karanjawala pointed out that the matter came up before Justice Harishankar, who heard the matter 'patiently' and in 'great depth'. "Appearing for Puri was Malinder Singh, former Additional Solicitor General of the Union of India and Senior Advocate, briefed by a team of Karanjawala & Company while Gokhale was represented by Advocate Naved," he said.

He further added, "Gokhale and his counsel were asked whether they would wish to withdraw the tweets, but they declined and so the matter was then heard fully."

Talking about the case, Karanjawala opined that as a citizen of the country, Gokhale sure does have the right to monitor the assets, and if something feels fishy, he has the right to investigate. "This flat in question has been purchased in 2006. My client's husband has faced two Rajya sabha elections, and his assets have all been in the public domain. You can always verify with us and say, look, I see you have purchased this particular asset. I feel this contradicts your source of income, so how did you purchase it? "he said.

"He would have explained it and the matter would have been over. You just chose to fire a tweet, perhaps the timing was political because things were happening. There was a rumor of the cabinet reshuffle. I don't know and I am not attributing motives to him but it's something like that, and now he faces the consequences," he added.

Stricter laws for defamation

Reminiscing the old times, Karanjawala pointed out that defamation meant making a statement in a group of five people, most of who perhaps did not hear, and even if they did, they forgot about it later on. Another type of defamation in old times, he pointed out, was submitting a press release, which again was monitored by the press, and only on finding it suitable, was published. "When you are on social media, every individual is a television channel. There is no filtering system, deciding what he should or should not say. this is the problem," he said talking about the present times and underlined the need for stricter defamatory laws.

The defamatory case

In a series of tweets in June 2021, Congress supporter Saket Gokhale had alleged that Lakshmi Puri bought a house worth $2.5 million in Switzerland, for which the couple did not have enough legitimate sources of income. He further claimed that Lakshmi and Hardeep Singh Puri took a loan of CHF 1.6 million for the house, and as 20% of the loan amount had to be covered by the borrower, the wife had to show an income of CHF 3,00,000, which, according to Gokhale, was not possible as she was drawing Rs 8.4 lakh with Rs 1.4 lakh grade pay as an IFS officer, which as per his lousy calculations summed to Rs 10-12 lakh per year. He had also claimed that a down payment of CHF 5,40,000 (Rs. 4.3 crores) must have been made, which according to him, is not possible with the known incomes of the Puris.

This had not gone unnoticed by Puri, and she had taken to her official Twitter handle to issue a clarification. She had stated, Get your facts right, Saket Gokhale & there is no mystery. I was an International Civil Servant from 2002 to Feb 18. Drew a tax-free UN salary of over US $200,000 annually when I bought the apartment in Geneva. She further added, All facts declared to concerned authorities. Prepare to be sued.

'Saket Gokhale faces the consequences'
Prime Minister Stefan Lofven was reinstated in the Sweden Parliament within a few weeks after he was ousted in a no-confidence vote. Lofven won a majority of 117 IN 349 seats on July 7 when he resumed. Head of the Social Democrat's Party, Lofven was supported by lawmakers to form a new government after leading the country in a caretaking capacity since late last month, reported AP.

No-Confidence Vote

The 63-year-old member of the Social Democratic Party of Denmark was ruled out of the Parliament on June 21 after he lost a no-confidence vote called by the right-wing populists Sweden Democrats Party. At least four political parties in Sweden announced at the parliament that they will back a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Stefan Lofvens government on Monday to topple it out of power, resulting in a snap election over the disputes of rent control for the newly constructed apartments. Following the vote, it was up to Lofven to either resign or call for a snap vote. However, on June 28 Lofven decided to resign leaving the coalition-building process under the supervision of Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen.

Back with a blow

Norlen tried to form a new government with the head of Swedens center-right opposition Moderates party, Ulf Kristersson. However, he failed since Kristersson was only able to get 174 lawmakers to support him. Even after the resignation of Lofven, the Left Party and its alliance failed to restore the housing shortage and rent control issues. As reported, the Left Party and other critics saw easing rent controls were fundamentally at odds with the Swedish social model and posed threat to tenants' rights. Lofven reached a deal with the Centre and Liberal parties, which agreed to abstain from voting against him, letting him reinstate his throne. Moderates leader Kristersson took Facebook to announce that they had tried but failed to win the support of the lawmakers for a new central administration. After being accepted by the majority of MPs, Lofven decided to form a two-party Cabinet with Greens. He has served as the head of the Swedish government since 2014 and shall remain a caretaker PM until the next elections, which are scheduled for September 11, 2022.

(Input: AP)
A huge diamond weighing 1,174.76-carat has been unearthed in Botswana. The diamond was discovered by diamond company Lucara in June and it was presented to the country's President and the cabinet on July 7. Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi welcomed the increasing frequency of diamond discoveries in the country.

Huge diamond unearthed in Botswana

Lucara Diamond company has discovered a 1174.76-carat diamond from its Karowe diamond mine in Botswana. The diamond measuring 77x55x33mm, has been described as a "clivage gem of variable quality with significant domains of high-quality white gem material", according to the company. The huge diamond is the third-largest diamond in the world which weighs more than 1000-carats, according to the company.

I am pleased that in the diamond narrative being developed, young people are finally becoming part of the story!



Today during the @LucaraDiamond presentation of the 1.174-carat diamond, I made an announcement that HB Antwerp has offered to house in Belgium, pic.twitter.com/zcaPwQQJgT  Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi (@OfficialMasisi) July 7, 2021

       

Botswana is once again on the international news for positive developments. Lucara Diamonds presented 1,174 carats diamonds to President, Dr. @OfficialMasisi & the Cabinet. pic.twitter.com/KLncgADDlc  Office of the President| Republic of Botswana. (@BWPresidency) July 8, 2021

The 1,174.76 carat diamond was discovered in the MDR (Mega Diamond Recovery) XRT circuit. Eira Thomas, the CEO of Lucara diamond informed that the discovered diamond is the third diamond which is over 1,000 carat, a world record for Karowe. "Although complex, these diamond recoveries do contain large domains of top colour white gem that will be transformed through our partnership with HB Antwerp into valuable collections of top colour polished diamonds, very much in high demand in the market today", Thomas said. Karowe has produced 17 diamonds greater than 100-carats, which included five over 300-carats.

PRESS RELEASE: Lucara has recovered a 1,174 carat #diamond from the Karowe Mine in Botswana.



The 1,174 carat diamond represents the third +1,000 carat diamond recovered from the South Lobe of the AK6 kimberlite since 2015.



Read the news for more details#LucaraDiamond $LUC  Lucara Diamond Corp (@LucaraDiamond) June 22, 2021

Last month, Botswana had unearthed the worlds third-largest diamond weighing 1,098-carat. One of the largest precious stones in terms of gem quality was excavated at the countrys Jwaneng mine, about 75 miles from the capital, Gaborone. The diamond which is the third-largest in the world after the first and second that was discovered in South Africa and Lucara Botswana respectively was discovered on June 1 from Jwaneng mine's South Kimberlite pipe, the government of Botswana announced on Twitter.

      



President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has commended Debswana's recent 1,098.3 carat diamond discovery. pic.twitter.com/m2eR40KwFN  Botswana Government (@BWGovernment) June 16, 2021

IMAGE: OfficialMasisi/Twitter
A 65-year-old Austrian man, who visited the toilet at 6 am at his home, was unaware that a horrific day had been waiting for him. He "felt a 'nip' in the genital area" shortly after sitting on the toilet. He then looked into the toilet and discovered that he was bitten by a 5-foot python.

According to the reports, the pet python apparently had escaped from the apartment of the mans 24-year-old neighbour, who has 11 non-venomous constrictor pet python and a gecko in his apartment. The pet python was cleaned and handed back to its owner.

Man is already facing 40 charges

As per Austrian reports, the man is facing 40 charges in connection to his escaped zebra cobra and other venomous snakes kept in the basement of his parent's home. The cobra was reported outside a home about a half-mile from his on June 28 and captured by Raleigh animal control officers the following Wednesday. Before it was captured, officials warned anyone who saw the snake to stay away and call 911, warning that it could spit and bite if cornered.

Venomous snakes are legal to own in North Carolina

One of the misdemeanour charges says the man did not notify law enforcement of the snakes escape, as required by state law. Another 36 misdemeanour counts accuse him of keeping venomous snakes in improper enclosures, and three misdemeanour charges involve snakes in containers that were mislabeled. It is worth noting that venomous snakes are legal to own in North Carolina, but they must be kept in escape-proof, bite-proof enclosures and owners must notify law enforcement if one escapes.
The small and strategically important mountainous country of Nepal sits at the crown jewel of the Himalayas. It houses a diverse territory ranging from altitudes of 60 meters to 8,848 meters above mean sea level within its border of under 150,000 square kilometres.

According to the National Biodiversity Strategy of 2002 Nepal encompasses 118 different types of ecosystems. Home to big cats and one-horned rhinoceros, it is also home to nearly 12,000 different species of flora, and as such Nepal is positioned as one of the most unique nations in the world sandwiched between China and India with an abundance of natural resources.

Among its many marvels, wildlife conservation is an undeniable pride of its culture, heritage and national policy. However, this wasn't always the case as Nepal during colonial times actively advocated for hunting diplomacy.

What is hunting diplomacy?

Hunting Diplomacy was a common practice in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, that existed in the form of gifts and monetary loans as means to strengthen bilateral relations. It is a well-documented fact that Rhinoceros Diplomacy in particular was famous for increasing foreign relationships and foreign diplomacy.

Nepal's royal connection

Nepal's royalty had an intimate connection with wildlife and often translated into means of developing international relations. An invaluable diplomatic tool that it was, served as expeditions with the sole purpose of impressing foreign dignitaries. It allowed diplomacy to be conducted on an informal yet important scale. Nepal's royal family would host elaborate hunting trips in Chitwan and Tarai jungles-although a leisure activity, it was an attempt to bridge connections with high-profile British visitors from India and elsewhere.

After the 1814-1816 war between the British empire and Nepal which ended in the latter losing a big chunk of territory to a colonial superpower, Nepal's foreign policy was distant and hazy, until the 1850s. It was then that Nepal reached out to the British in hopes that a friendly alliance was more suitable to maintaining Nepali sovereignty.

What is the origin of Nepal's wildlife diplomacy?

In the backdrop of a volatile 20th century with empires rising and falling, Nepal's shikar campaigns offered the most spectacular hunting challenge. As "game stocks" depleted around the world, Nepal's Terai jungles and lowlands reached mythical status among British hunting elites. From Prince Albert to other British colonial elite frequented the country's lush hunting grounds and Nepal allowed it, as it stopped them from politically contaminating the leadership or instrumenting a divide as they did in India.

Most notable European figures who hunted in Nepal

Duke of Portland in 1884, Prince of Wales in 1890, Prince France Ferdinand in 1893, Viceroy of India Lord George Curzon in 1901, were just some of the famous names involved in Nepal's hunting diplomacy.

Nepal's affinity with the British continued well beyond wildlife diplomacy from thereon when it offered them 10 battalions of Nepal finest army men to fight in the First World War. It also facilitated the recruitment of nearly 60,000 Nepalis into the various Gurkha battalions of the British which originated before the first great war as a means to avoid being pulled into the war directly or being taken over by either the British, Russians or Japanese kingdoms.

According to historian Pratyoush Onta, notably, over 1 lakh Nepali soldiers were taken into supporting non-combative roles in units like the Army Bearer Corps and Labour Battalions. However, before this generous offer for the First World War, in which over 20,000 Gurkha soldiers were killed, King George V also visited Nepal for the 1911 great hunting expedition.

Between 1900-1938, it is estimated that over 700 tigers, hundreds of rhinos, sloth bears and elephants were slaughtered, and if that wasn't enough, Nepal closed a deal to send over 2 lakh soldiers to serve in the British units during Second World War. Hunting diplomacy was so popular in Nepal-almost as a way of life to maintain sovereignty and out of British wrath that almost all of the "Big game" are endangered in the country now. In 1972, hunting was outlawed, except in one reserve in the Himalayas-however, the damage to megafauna may already have been done.
Kenya, on Wednesday, voiced concern over plans by an animal charity to fly a herd of elephants from a British zoo to the African country for rewilding. Previously, the Kent-based Aspinall Foundation said that it plans to take a total of 13 elephants on a Boeing 747, dubbed the Dumbo Jet, from Southern England to their new home 7,000 kilometres away. Additionally, it said that it would also work with anti-poaching teams to help ensure the long lives of the transported animal herd, which also includes three calves.

Kenyas objection

However, the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife denied being notified about the relocation and 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 they nor the Kenya Wildlife Service has been contacted or consulted on this matter," the ministry said. Additionally, it also added that relocation and rehabilitation were not easy and expensive affair.

However, the Aspinall Foundation remained adamant about it and asserted that the operation was planned for next year and it would be the first time a breeding herd of elephants will have been rewilded. The Foundation, which works to promote wildlife conservation, is headed by Boris Carrie Johnson, wife of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Speaking to media reporters about the project, Carrie emphasized that the rehabilitation would bolster Kenyas economy following the pandemic. Additionally, she also said that Africa was where the tuskers belonged and it would be great for all the 13 animals. Life in Kent is pretty good for these elephants, all things considered. But Africa is where they belong," she said in an article published in the British media.

Rewilding is a concept to reverse the behaviour of the animals which normally reside in the close vicinity of human habitation, according to experts. The aim is to reaccustom them to the wild habitat.

Image: Pixabay
Volunteers in Romania have been working under the Ambulance for monuments project to restore a centuries-old castle. The 16th-century Brukenthal Castle is situated in a broad valley of the Carpathian Mountain basin. The castle was once home to influential aristocrats and it was also used as a primary school at one time, according to AP.

Ambulance for monuments in Romania

The castles interior has an area of around 6,460 square feet but now the building is not in good condition. The roof of the castle has been leaking, its timbers crumbling and part of a wall that supports has been damaged, according to news agency AP. Under the ambulance for monuments projects, dozens of volunteers have been working to preserve the heritage building. Eugan Vaida, a Romanian architect who has launched the Ambulance for monuments noted that the castle is one of several hundred monuments in Romania which are not in good condition. Vegan told The Associated Press that the building is in "advanced state of degradation" and added that "Heritage is not renewable."

"Its in an advanced state of degradation and its a monument of national importance, Vaida, who in 2016 launched the Ambulance for Monuments project", AP quoted Eugan Vaida as saying. "It probably would have gotten to a stage where it could barely be saved, it would have gotten to a ruin, and a ruin you cannot build again", Vaida told The Associated Press.

The Ambulance for monuments project was launched in 2016 to revive heritage-listed buildings in Romania. The goal of the project is to save the heritage buildings which are in a state of decay. The Ambulance for Monuments has revived 55 local, national and World historical sites, which includes medieval churches, historic fortification walls, old watermills and ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Eugen Vaida told The Associated Press that poor state management and lack of community support has led to the buildings being in a state of ruins.

"In the last 30 years, its not just that communities have abandoned buildings, but also the support of the state was very, very low," Vaida told The Associated Press.

IMAGE: AP

Inputs from AP
Taiwan on July 7 not only reiterated the commitment to safeguard its sovereignty but also called on China to cease military coercion and political oppression against the self-ruled democratic island. While Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to reunify Taiwan during an event celebrating 100 years of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accused the CCP of tightening its dictatorship veiled as national rejuvenation internally. It further accused the ruling party in the mainland of attempting to alter the international order with its hegemonic ambitions externally.

Taiwans MAC said in a statement, Democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law are the core values held dear by the Taiwanese society; these democratic values completely contradict the authoritarian political system of mainland China. The key to maintaining cross-Strait relations lies in mutual respect, goodwill and understanding. The 23 million people of Taiwan have already rejected the CCP's unilateral "one China principle and "1992 Consensus" a long time ago.

The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is consistent in its determination to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, democracy, and freedom in Taiwan and to strive to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We call on the Beijing authorities to face up to the cross-Strait reality and respect the steadfast stance of Taiwans public opinion on the future development of cross-Strait relations, it added.

China's 'one country, two systems' principle 'facade'

Meanwhile, Taiwan has termed Chinas one country and two systems as a facade noting that it is really intended to annexe the self-ruled democratic island. Taiwanese governments remarks came after it recalled at least seven representative officials from Hong Kong citing unreasonable political preconditions. The one country, two systems concept allows the Peoples Republic of China to practice the two systems within its sovereign state.

However, during a televised interview, Chiu Chui-cheng, the Deputy Minister of Taipei's Mainland Affairs Council stated that the Hong Kong government was reassuring Taiwans representative offices in Hong Kong and Macau to sign a one China commitment letter.

As per news agency ANI, the signing of the commitment letter would have provided validity to Chinas principle that Taiwan finds unacceptable, said Chiu. Even though China has not ruled Taiwan in over seven decades, Beijing claims the full authority of the democratic island of around 24 million people off the southeastern coast of mainland China. Further weighing in on the Taiwanese governments decision to recall its representatives from Hong Kong and Macau, Chiu noted that the Hong Kong government failed to require other foreign embassies to sign such a document.

IMAGE: AP
Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has warned that Myanmar might descend into civil war as the civilian population grows increasingly dissatisfied in the aftermath of the country's military coup on February 1.

According to VOA, Bachelet's report is being debated in the UN Human Rights Council as part of a special interactive dialogue on Myanmar. According to Bachelet, what began as a military coup in Myanmar has quickly devolved into an attack on the civilian population.

Myanmar's transitional democracy derailed by military

Myanmar's budding democracy has been derailed for more than five months by the country's military leaders. Since the February military coup in Myanmar, which deposed the democratically elected government led by civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and arrested other important lawmakers, security forces have killed hundreds of civilians.

According to President Bachelet, approximately 900 people have been killed and 200,000 people have been displaced as a result of increasingly violent military attacks on communities and villages. She worries that the widespread and systematic attacks on people risk escalating into a wider civil conflict. According to VOA, she claims that despair is on the rise.

"Some people, in many parts of Myanmar, have taken up arms and formed self-protection groups. These newly formed armed opposition groups have launched attacks in several locations, to which the security forces have responded with disproportionate force. I am concerned that escalation in violence could have horrific consequences for civilians," she stated.

Myanmar's political crisis, according to the High Commissioner, has turned into a multi-faceted human rights disaster. This, she claimed, is bringing incalculable pain to the populace and jeopardising the country's long-term growth possibilities.

According to VOA, Bachelet is urging the world community to put pressure on Chile's military to cease attacking its people and return the country to democracy.

"ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus is an important starting point for the way forward, but I urge swift action to advance this process before the human rights situation in the country deteriorates further. This should be reinforced by Security Council action. I urge all states to act immediately to give effect to the General Assembly's call to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar," Bachelet stated.
British PM Boris Johnson on July 7 said that he was apprehensive about the future of Afghanistan as the United States announced that its withdrawal from the country was now more than 90 per cent complete. While addressing the House of Commons, Johnson said that he doesnt feel happy about the current situation in Afghanistan. He also added that the situation is fraught with risks which makes him apprehensive about the future of the country.

"I'm apprehensive, the situation is fraught with risks. We must hope the parties in Kabul can come together to reach an agreement," Johnson said.

Further, the British PM hoped that the blood and treasure spent by the United Kingdom over decades in protecting the people of Afghanistan has not been in vain and the legacy of their efforts is protected. It is worth noting that over 400 British troops died in action in Afghanistan after the country joined the coalition intervention in 2001. Back in 2014, the British mission in the country shifted from a combat operation to one focused on supporting Afghan national forces, with the conflict costing the country around 40 billion.

"The people of Afghanistan have been the beneficiaries of decades of UK support and investment, we've done our level best to help the stability, security and peace of that country," said the UK PM.

He added, It has been a huge, huge commitment. Johnson even went on to say that his government will do as much as possible with American friends to encourage peace. He said that he would make a statement in parliament on Thursday.

Taliban launches attack

Meanwhile, Johnsons comments come after the Taliban launched a major assault on Qala-i-Naw in Afghanistan's northwestern Badghis province on Wednesday. With foreign troops nearly out of the country, the ever emboldened insurgents seized police headquarters and offices of the National Directorate of Security. The attack by the Islamist group has been seen as an escalation of its assault on the west of the country after the US military began its drawdown of troops.

Responding to the same, Afghanistan's 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.

(Image: PTI/AP)
COVID-19 cases are on the spike once again in the US as the Delta variant takes hold and vaccines remain stagnant. The infectious coronavirus strain has spread among the unvaccinated people. The situation is alarming health experts and prompting people from specific areas to continue wearing masks even in indoors.

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the seven-day average of new cases was 13,859 on Tuesday, July 6, which came up 21% from two weeks earlier. According to the CDC, the Delta variant, which is more transmissible than any previous strain, accounted for approximately 52 per cent of cases in the last two weeks ending Saturday, July 3. Because of the reporting lag following the holiday weekend of Sunday, July 4, cases attributed to the most recent days may rise more.

Vaccination rates on decline

The United States of America has one of the greatest vaccine availability rates of any country but despite that fact, their immunisation campaign has been on the decline since April. Lower vaccination rates in the Midwest and South are leading to greater case rates than high vaccination rates in the Northeast, a trend that has become increasingly apparent in recent weeks. President Joe Biden had a goal of having 70% of adults vaccinated at least partially by Independence Day but he has failed in that, with the current figure showing only 67 per cent.

Delta variant

An official of Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Amesh Adalja stated that the trajectory they are going to see in the United States is two different flavours of the pandemic, first where the more concerning thing is the places where the number of unvaccinated individuals is high. While in the other regions of the country, the pandemic will be treated more like any other virus. Even if Delta is the dominant strain, Adalja believes there will be a 'decoupling' of hospitalizations and casualties due to an increase in cases in highly vaccinated areas which were seen in Israel. Experts argue that evidence shows that the Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca vaccinations have retained high efficiency and that the Moderna vaccine will almost definitely do the same.

Inputs from AP News
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They want the strongman to show sympathy for scores of jailed environmental, social, and political activists.

Qi Xiao (L), the owner of a defanged lion, looks at the big cat upon its controversial return to his home in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 5, 2021.

Cambodian opposition activists have lambasted Prime Minister Hun Sen for returning a confiscated illegal pet lion to its Chinese owner to raise at home, though he continues to refuse to release detained political and environmental activists so they can reunite with their families.

The 18-month-old cub named Hima, which weighs 70 kilograms (154 pounds) and is declawed and defanged, was trafficked into Cambodia from abroad, news agencies reported.

Authorities raided the villa of Chinese national Qi Xiao and confiscated the lion on June 27 after videos of the animal playing on the grounds were seen on the video app TikTok, saying that it was illegal to keep lions as pets in Cambodia.

But they returned Hima to its owner on Monday after Hun Sen intervened in the matter. He had written on his Facebook page that because people took pity on the plight of the lion, he discussed the matter with Cambodias Minister of Agriculture Veng Sakhon and decided to return the animal as long as Qi kept it in a cage to ensure the safety of people in the house and the neighbors.

Hun Sen said he released the animal because this was a special case of an lion being raised by a human since it was a cub.

The family members of detained political opposition activists didnt see it that way, however.

They said the incident shows that the Cambodian government, which ramped up its persecution of opposition activists on politically motivated charges in recent years, cares more about satisfying an animal and a Chinese national than it does about its own people who try to promote reforms in the country.

Prum Chantha, wife of imprisoned CNRP member Kak Komphear, said that while the release of the lion was to satisfy the Chinese pet owner, she wants the government to apply the same sentiment to detained political, social, and environmental activists and allow them to reunite with their families.

Authorities imprisoned Kak Komphear and his 16-year-old autistic son, Kak Sovanchhay, on bogus charges, she said. The latter was arrested in June and charged with incitement and insulting public officials.

He does not care, Prum Chantha said of Hun Sen. If he did, he would not have arrested my husband and my son and put them in jail like that. Their arrest and imprisonment contradict both national and international laws.

Prum Chantha is a member of the Friday Wives group of women who have held weekly protests demanding the release of their husbands jailed on incitement charges for expressing views critical of Prime Minister Hun Sens leadership.

The lives of our husbands are not equal to that of the lion, she said about her spouse and other men arrested by authorities for being political opposition activists.

Qi Xiao (C), the owner of a defanged lion, strokes the big cat upon its controversial return to his home in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 5, 2021. Credit: AFP





No support, no encouragement

Phan Satha, daughter of detained CNRP member Lim San, said the government is trying to show to the public that it has taken pity on the lion owned by a Chinese national, while it imprisons its own citizens for working to protect and support social justice and national interests.

Authorities arrested Lim San for participating in protests on Oct. 23, 2020, the 29th anniversary of the signing of Paris Peace Agreements, calling on the Cambodian government to respect the landmark accords that ended the Vietnam-Cambodia conflict. She and two others were charging her with incitement to commit a felony.

She said she regrets that the government cares more about a lion owned by a Chinese person living in Cambodia than about its citizens who routinely deal with injustices.

My mother has been in prison for eight months without a trial or bail, Phan Satha said. She should not have been imprisoned like that. For a number of Chinese and powerful people, they were allowed out on bail.

Thach Thida, mother of jailed human rights defender Chhoeun Daravy, a member of Khmer Youth Thavarak movement, said her daughter has been in jail for 11 months, and that the government has not shown any gesture of support and encouragement for young people.

Chhoeun Daravy, who has been involved in calling attention to rights issues concerning the environment, was arrested in August 2020, for participating in peaceful protest in Phnom Penh. She and was part of a larger group of protesters who had gathered outside the municipal court to demand the release of recently arrested human rights defenders.

Thach Thida called on the government to release her daughter and other activists because she is concerned that they will contract the COVID-19 virus in prison.

I request that the prime minister consider releasing my daughter and other youths because they were just working to protect the environment and national resources, she said.

RFA could not reach Srey Vuthy, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, or Chin Malin, spokesman for the Justice Ministry for comment.

Some social media users have reacted strongly to Hun Sens action, saying that raising wild animals at home is against the law and that if the prime minister can release seized lions, then detained young people who work to protect the environment and natural resources, and conserve forests and wildlife should be released as well.

CNRP Vice President Eng Chai Eang said on his Facebook page on Wednesday that Hun Sen has shown compassion for a lion by ordering authorities to release it to its owner, but has failed to show the same sentiment to political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, including Kak Sovanchhay.

Cambodian authorities confiscate a male lion from a private residence where it was being raised as a pet in Phnom Penh, June 27, 2021. Credit: AFP/Cambodia's Ministry of Environment



Sentimental factors

San Mala, senior advocacy officer at the Cambodian Youth Network, said he believes that Hun Sens decision could affect wildlife policy by encouraging people to raise wildlife at home, which is against the law.

He added that the government should draw upon the same sentiment to free young imprisoned environmentalists and drop charges against them so they can return to their families.

Some people feel sorry that the lion was separated from its owner when it was taken away from the Chinese man and asked the government to return [it], he said.

The government made a decision based on sentimental factors, he said. Therefore, [it] should have the same sentiment for young people working for the common good of the nation and to drop the charges against them and set them free in accordance with the law.

Cambodian authorities have arrested and jailed about 80 political, environmental, and social activists, charging many of them with incitement.

The families of detainees along with national and international organizations and major democratic nations including the United States, have condemned the arrests, saying that they were made without legal justification.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Wang Aizhong's wife says she won't keep quiet, while the wife of fellow activist Ou Biaofeng dismisses claims he wants a government-appointed lawyer.

Guangzhou human rights activist Wang Aizhong (left) is shown with his wife Wang Henan (right) in undated photos.

Authorities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong have formally arrested rights activist Wang Aizhong on charges of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," RFA has learned.

Wang, 45, was detained at his home in Guangdong's provincial capital Guangzhou at the end of May, while his apartment was searched by police, who confiscated reading materials and computer devices.

"They told me very clearly that Wang Aizhong has been formally arrested," Wang's wife Wang Henan told RFA after a meeting with two state security police officers earlier this week.

"They told me the notification document had been mailed to me by the procuratorate and that I should have received it already," she said. "They said they had come to see me to gauge my attitude."

"I told them that I won't be quiet until he is released," Wang Henan said. "They said they weren't trying to get me to stay quiet, almost as if they didn't care any more."

Wang was a key activist during protests in Guangzhou in January 2013 that were sparked by the rewriting of a New Year's Day Southern Media Group editorial calling for constitutional government.

Activists, journalists, and academics faced off with the authorities for several days after the Southern Weekend newspaper was forced to change a New Year editorial calling for political reform into a tribute praising the CCP.

The protest was one of the first overt calls by members of the public for political freedom since large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations were crushed in a military crackdown in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989.

He was later detained in 2014 on suspicion of the same charge, shortly before the 25th anniversary of the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen massacre.

Wang said she hadn't received the notice of formal arrest at the time of her meeting with the state security police.

"They told me face-to-face, but I hadn't gotten the notice yet, so I was still in suspense," she said. "I felt as if they were trying to torture his family members."

Another rights activist detained

Fellow rights activist Ou Biaofeng has been detained in Hunan province for seven months on suspicion of "incitement to subvert state power," his wife told RFA.

He is currently being held in the Zhuzhou Detention Center, and his case has yet to be referred to the state prosecutor for trial, Wei Huanhuan said following a similar meeting with Zhuzhou municipal state security police.

She said they had claimed that her husband had asked the government to appoint a lawyer for him.

"They claimed that Ou Biaofeng did this on his own initiative," Wei said. "They said if the family was cooperative, and if he showed a good attitude, then the case could be resolved very quickly."

The acceptance of state-appointed lawyers, a video "confession," and family silence in the face of media inquiries are often mandated by police and prosecutors if defendants in political cases wish to get a more lenient sentence.

"I asked them if they wouldn't just let us hire him a lawyer, and [the leader] said 'what's the point of doing that if this way he gets a lighter sentence?'," Wei said. "He said it was up to us."

"Even if [Ou Biaofeng] actually did write something like that, it would only be because he has been held there in isolation for a long period of time, and brainwashed and threatened by them," Wei said.

"It's not really compatible with his legal rights, and in that sense can't really be considered a choice on his part," she said.

Wei said the authorities don't want genuine human rights attorneys involved in political cases, because they make the process harder at every step.

"Once the case goes to the procuratorate, the defender can get involved and read the case files," she said. "But if it's all under their control, they can do the whole thing behind closed doors."

She said she wouldn't accept the police claim that Ou had asked them to find him a lawyer.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Wang Yu and Wang Quanzhang have been prevented from lodging appeals and complaints, either for themselves or for clients, since losing their licenses.

Chinese human rights lawyer Wang Yu (right) poses for a photo with her husband legal activist Bao Longjun (left) and their son Bao Zhuoxuan in a file photo.

Six years after Beijing police raided the offices and key members of the now-defunct Beijing Fengrui law firm, rights attorneys Wang Yu and Wang Quanzhang say their profession no longer really exists in the wake of a prolonged crackdown by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The July 9, 2015 raid on Fengrui and the arrests of Wang Yu, Wang Quanzhang, and dozens of other rights attorneys, law firm staff, and associated activists launched a nationwide operation targeting the profession on an unprecedented scale.

Less than a decade later, attorneys who continue to take on cases deemed politically sensitive by the CCP can expect to lose their business licenses, which are subject to annual review, or are themselves detained, harassed, or sentenced to jail.

Wang Yu, who was honored by the U.S. as an International Woman of Courage (IWOC) this year, was once again held incommunicado in March after failing to attend an online award ceremony.

The award came as she and her husband Bao Longjun were assisting in the case of Niu Tengyu, who is currently serving a 14-year jail term for allegedly posting a photo of Xi Mingze, daughter of CCP general secretary Xi Jinping, to meme site Zhina Wiki, an act that was later blamed by police on Niu's Vulgar Wiki.

She says there are still multiple restrictions on her daily life, despite having been released in the wake of the 2015 crackdown.

"I dont have a passport nor can I apply for one," Wang told RFA in a recent interview. "My ability to travel, even in China, is often subject to restrictions."

"For example, when I went to Guangdong, the Guangdong state security police put me under surveillance, and I was detained by state security police when I went to Shanghai," she said.

"Its hard for me to get back to living a normal life," Wang said. "This is not just a question of unfairness; their behavior is completely illegal."

Threats from authorities

When Wang Yu, who has been stripped of her license to practice law, tries to help defendants in the capacity of personal agent, instead of as their lawyer, the authorities impose far more requirements on her than they would on a regular member of the public, she said.

She has also tried to assist detained Chongqing billionaire Li Huaiqing, who is being held on suspicion of "incitement to subvert state power."

But doing so comes at a high cost, including threats from the authorities that she could be jailed herself if she doesn't stop getting involved in human rights cases.

"When we assisted in these two cases, we used the law to fight for the rights of the parties, but in the process, we just kept running into a brick wall and couldn't get justice at all," she said.

"We have also been personally threatened and suppressed, and other lawyers [who work with us] have been warned that they will lose their licenses if they don't withdraw from the cases," Wang Yu said.

"Chinese laws are useless, and just there to look pretty," she said. "They are never used to curb the government or anyone in a position of power: they are there to rein in anyone who disobeys."

She added: "We lawyers are struggling to survive, and to work, but there is less and less room to do that, and we can barely keep our heads above water."

'More effective action'

Fellow rights attorney Wang Quanzhang, who was held incommunicado for around three years following the 2015 crackdown and later sentenced to jail, said he hasn't given up trying to help people battling China's legal system, which remains in the stranglehold of the ruling CCP.

"When I share my experience with new victims, I will talk about how to respond if they are arrested, how to communicate with a powerful department, and if their relatives are arrested, to support them from outside," he said.

"That way, they can take more effective action, and make those who have been detained safer," Wang Quanzhang said.

"They consider my experience, and the fact that I am a tenacious human rights defender, and they also need my support and encouragement."

But Wang Quanzhang has run into impassable obstacles when trying to pursue justice on his own account, in the form of appeals and complaints about his treatment during his incommunicado detention.

"I wrote some petitions and complaints, but when I went to the court to file a civil case, they said I couldn't file a lawsuit because I was blacklisted," he said.

Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway Project has worsened air quality, clogged canals, and damaged homes of people living along the 89-mile stretch of the future line.

A worker pushes a wheelbarrow near the Walini tunnel construction site for the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway in West Bandung, Indonesia, Feb. 21, 2019.

An ongoing China-backed high-speed railway project in Indonesia has worsened air quality, clogged canals, and damaged homes of many people who live along the 89-mile stretch of the future line, residents told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail projects cost has shot up as well  from an estimated U.S. $6 billion to as much as $7.9 billion, according to a government official.

Some of those residents affected by the project said they had been threatened for airing their concerns, but a consortium of Chinese and Indonesian companies building the rail line denied any intimidation or environmental damage. The consortium noted it had appointed consultants to comply with construction regulations.

Sri Rama Aryadhana, who lives in a gated neighborhood in Bandung, said his house developed cracks because of the construction project.

In November, they started piling and drilling, using heavy equipment. Since then, there has been damage not only to my house, but also other residents houses in this neighborhood, Rama, 44, told BenarNews.

Residents attempts to hold a dialogue with the company had been unsuccessful, Rama said.

At the beginning of the project, they even sent security forces, who said anyone who obstructed the project would be dealt with, he said.

Rama and his neighbors then complained to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), which has summoned the management of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the consortium building the railway, to appear for questioning later this month.

Since construction began in 2017, the Jakarta-Bandung rail project, the countrys first high-speed rail, has been dogged by criticism about its impacts on surrounding areas, as well as concerns about rising costs.

Launched by President Joko Jokowi Widodo in 2016, the rail line is expected to shorten the travel time between the Indonesian capital and Bandung to 40 minutes from three hours, officials said. But it has seen cost overruns of as much as $1.9 billion, according to Deputy State-Owned Enterprises Minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo.

The company has blamed the overrun on unexpected expenditure including land acquisition.

Agung Budi Waskito, the chief executive of PT Wijaya Karya, which leads the consortium of local companies that holds a 60 percent stake in the rail project, said in April it was negotiating for China to increase its stake in the project, because of the cost increase.

It is the flagship Indonesia project of Chinas One Belt, One Road, Beijings estimated U.S. $1 trillion-plus infrastructure program to build a network of railways, ports and bridges across 70 countries.

Governments response has been slow

Meiki Paendong, executive director of the environmental group Walhi in West Java province, said residents complained about how the project had created social and environmental harm.

Complaints from residents in areas affected by the project include clogged sewers, water and air pollution, flooding during the rainy season, and excessive noise.

Their neighborhoods were flooded because drainage channels were blocked by backfill and the company did not build alternative drainage, Meiki told BenarNews.

In addition to flooding, a 25-acre rice field in West Bandung regency was damaged because the irrigation canal had been clogged, Meiki said.

In Cimahi town near Bandung, residents are worried about threats of landslides after soil there developed cracks because of blasting method used in tunnel construction, said Meiki.

In February 2020, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) ordered the contractor to suspend construction on the entire project for two weeks to allow the company to address safety and environmental issues.

The suspension came after huge traffic disruptions on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road caused by floods.

But Meiki said the problems affecting residents remained unresolved.

The government is only concerned about the impact on the toll road, but not on the residents. Because up to this day, there has never been a fair solution for the residents, said Meiki.

Many affected residents dont make formal complaints, he said

There is skepticism [among the residents] because the governments response has been slow, and they were subjected to intimidation, said Meiki.

Cracks are seen on the floor of Sri Rama Aryadhanas house, which he said has been damaged by construction work on the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway project in Bandung city, Indonesia. [Photo courtesy Sri Rama Aryadhana]

Either we move, or they move

Komnas HAM said it had summoned the chief executive of KCIC to appear before the commission on July 22.

This summons is related to the masterplan for the construction of the high-speed train, the environmental impact analysis and their measures to prevent violations of human rights, Komnas HAM Commissioner Beka Ulung Hapsara told BenarNews.

Bandung citys Rama said complaints had also been lodged with other institutions, but there had been no resolution.

A meeting with representatives of KCIC facilitated by the West Java Environmental Agency did not yield any results, he said.

The impacts [of the construction] are real and theres evidence. What we want is for them to acknowledge that we have suffered from the impacts, take responsibility, and buy our land, Rama said.

Its either we move, or they move.

KCIC will answer the summons and is ready to hold dialogue with the residents, company spokeswoman Mirza Soraya said.

PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China is cooperating and ready to sit down with residents to discuss environmental impact-related complaints submitted by the community, Mirza said in a statement to BenarNews.

Mirza said the cause of damage to houses could not yet be established and that residents in the Bandung neighborhood rejected a survey requested by the company before the project started.

KCIC and contractors did not obtain comparative data on the conditions of the buildings before and after the work was carried out, said Mirza.

Mirza also claimed noise that residents complained about was not from the rail project work alone.

Noise has increased because the project location is adjacent to a toll road. However, noise levels gradually decrease as construction progresses, she said.

Mirza also denied accusations that the company had resorted to intimidation.

The presence of security personnel from the military and police at the construction site is not intended to intimidate residents, but part of standard security procedures involving national strategic projects.

Project progress

The 143-km (88.8-mile) Jakarta-Bandung rail line was scheduled to start operations this year, according to a report in The Jakarta Post in April 2020.

But it is 74 percent finished and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, Deputy State-Owned Enterprises Minister Kartika said.

Jodi Mahardi, spokesman for the coordinating ministry of maritime affairs and investment, said the government was committed to completing the project by next year.

We will see to it that the critical paths and targets can be achieved so that the goal to begin operations in December 2022 can be realized, Jodi told BenarNews.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Officials are warning that no 'fake patriots' will be allowed to run for political office in the city.

Acting Hong Kong chief executive John Lee (right) toasts with Chinese officials following a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain, July 1, 2021.

Dozens of democratically elected district council members in Hong Kong are resigning amid government plans to screen and disqualify them through a new political vetting system and compulsory oaths of allegiance.

The government will likely tell members of the District Council this month that they will be required to take a pledge of allegiance to the government, and up to 230 pro-democracy members elected in a post-protest movement landslide in 2019 could lose their seats, according to local media reports.

While the pro-democracy camp took control of all but one of the city's 18 councils in November 2019, 49 councilors resigned this week, citing a law requiring them to take oaths that was passed in May.

Some also face "subversion" charges under a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the CCP from July 1, 2020, for taking part in a democratic primary in the same summer.

Shatin district councilor Yau Man-chun was among those to resign on Thursday, telling reporters that they were "frustrated" at constant obstruction by government officials.

"The main reason is that I am disappointed, and I need to take some time to calm down and rest," Yau told reporters. "We have experienced this sense of powerlessness actually since the very start of the current term of the District Council."

"It has made it very hard to follow up on issues affecting my district."

Yau's colleague and deputy chairman of Tai Po District Council, Lau Yung Wai, said he would hang on a while longer, to see if he can make some difference.

"I respect my colleagues' [decision to quit] but I hope that those who do choose to stay on will keep trying [to make a difference]," Yau said.

But he added: "I don't yet know if I can keep going ... we can't predict what will happen about the reported lists of members to be disqualified."

'No fake patriots'

The uncertainty over the last pro-democracy politicians to remain in post in Hong Kong comes as chief secretary for the administration John Lee warned that no "fake patriots" would be allowed to run in elections in the city.

A vetting body for would-be election candidates set up under the national security law, which will be supervised by the national security apparatus, will aim to screen out people who are only pretending to be patriots, Lee told reporters on Wednesday.

"We will be considering individual cases on their own merits, taking into consideration all the factors and the information that is available to hand," Lee said in comments reported by government broadcaster RTHK.

The vetting body also includes former police chief Chris Tang.

Tang also warned on Wednesday that the authorities investigate claims that the Falun Gong spiritual movement, which has long been outlawed in mainland China as an "evil cult," broke the national security law.

Pro-CCP lawmakers have asked why the group hasn't already been banned in Hong Kong.

"Law enforcement agencies will definitely be looking into this matter more closely," Tang said.

"Any acts that may endanger national security and any such organisation engaging in such acts would face the full force of the law, including rigorous investigation, gathering of evidence, and if needs be, enforcement action will be taken," he said.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Filipino fishermen are being driven from their traditional fishing grounds by China's presence in Manila-claimed territories in the South China Sea.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave to journalists after a welcome ceremony at Malacanang Palace, 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, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

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.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Government labels starving people who forge bills as anti-socialist traitors in league with the countrys enemies.

In this Feb. 6, 2017, file photo, a portrait of late leader Kim Il Sung is seen on North Korean banknotes.

North Korea has labeled counterfeiters of the countrys currency as traitors who are aligned with external enemies as starving citizens forge notes worth less than a dollar to buy food and other necessities, sources told RFA.

The coronavirus pandemic added to the economic squeeze of U.S. and UN nuclear sanctions, making an already bad economy even worse. The closure of the Sino-Korean border in January 2020 and the suspension of trade with China has made it harder for North Koreans who rely on the countrys nascent market economy to support themselves.

Now with food prices skyrocketing and no way to make money by trading smuggled goods from China, many citizens are resorting to small-time counterfeiting to make ends meet.

The North Korean won has an official exchange rate of about 900 to the U.S. dollar, but it is actually worth a fraction of that.

The black-market exchange rate for the currency as of Thursday is about 5,800 won per dollar according to the Osaka-based Asia Press outlet that specializes in North Korean news. The price of a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of rice in North Korea was about 6,300 won ($1.08).

Sources told RFAs Korean Service that the government discovered hundreds of counterfeit 5,000-won ($0.86) notes, the countrys largest denomination.

Counterfeit bills copied by a computer printer have been discovered among local market merchants since the middle of last month and have been reported to the authorities, a resident of the capital Pyongyang told RFAs Korean Service.

The central government ordered law enforcement agencies to regard making counterfeit bills as an anti-socialist crime against the government system and says strong measures should be taken against such crimes, said the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

According to the source, the Pyongyang counterfeiting cases are among dozens of others nationwide.

There are many cases of the counterfeit bills being used at marketplaces or at street food vendors during the late-night hours, said the source.

RFA reported in September that authorities arrested two people for using fake money in local markets. In one of those arrests, the counterfeiter made purchases with the fake bills from elderly merchants at nighttime, when the notes were harder to detect.

The Pyongyang source said thousands of counterfeit bills were discovered in June at national banks after collecting money from factories and businesses, including over 100 counterfeit 5,000 won notes and 70 fake 2,000 won.

The central government has been saying that when the public sentiment is at an all-time low due to economic difficulties, using the counterfeit bills is an unforgivable act of making public sentiment even worse, thereby helping our enemies, said the source.

And they emphasized that those who make or use counterfeit bills are traitors who are aligned with external enemies, so they should be tracked down and rooted out, the source said.

Authorities in North Hamgyong province in the countrys northeast have also declared an emergency over counterfeiting, a resident told RFA.

It is difficult to catch counterfeit bill users because they mainly target vendors who sell food on the streets near the market rather than the merchants at market stands, said the second source, who requested anonymity to speak freely.

People are using counterfeit money more these days because the economic situation is getting more difficult each day because of the coronavirus and the border closure. As the number of starving houses who cannot even afford food for the day goes up, some are making and using counterfeit bills as a last resort, even though they know it is a felony.

Though North Korea is now trying to punish citizens for their small-scale counterfeiting during dire economic times, not long ago the government was notorious for forging foreign currency on a massive scale. For decades under a sophisticated counterfeiting program, Pyongyang printed almost perfect $100 bills which U.S. officials classified as supernotes.

Experts believe that North Korea at times printed $25 million in supernotes per year since the 1970s, but after a string of arrests in the mid-2000s, counterfeiting of notes sharply decreased.

But in 2017, AFP reported that a new supernote had been found by forgery experts in Seoul, who suspected that the notes were North Korean in origin.

Reported by Myung Chul Lee for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Jinha Shin. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
The move halts cross-border trade with China, leaving over a thousand trucks stranded on the Myanmar side.

The Manwaing Gate border crossing between Myanmar's Muse region and China is shown in a 2021 photo.

China on Thursday closed the last two of its 10 border crossings with Myanmar amid a recent surge in cases of COVID-19 infection, suspending cross-border trade and leaving more than 1,300 trucks stranded on the Myanmar side, sources in Myanmar said.

The gates at the Muse-Wanding-Qing Xian Jiao and Wanding-Pansai border crossings closed at 1:00 p.m., a Myanmar border official named Maung Maung told RFA on July 8.

We closed both gates, and trucks have not been able to get across now for a long time, the official said. The trucks had been moving before under a shunting system where the drivers were held on this side of the crossing, but now these trucks cant move either and have been stranded.

Around 1,300 trucks carrying rice, beans, onions, and dried fish are now stuck at Qing Xian Jao, a rice merchant on the Muse border said.

Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in Muse on the Myanmar side had led to a rise in the number of cases of infection in the Chinese border towns of Ruili and Jiegao, and traders said that a 21-day lockdown was already in force in those towns.

Than Gyaw, joint secretary of the Myanmar Eels Entrepreneurs Association, said that Myanmar fishermen are now facing huge losses as China had given no advance warning that the gates on the border would be closed.

It was about two days ago that some of the highways from Ruili to the [Chinese] mainland were locked down, and now with Qing Xian Giao closed, the goods from this side cant get to the mainland at all, he said.

All the trucks that went up yesterday had to come back today and will now have to go back to Mandalay.

Fishermen had already suffered losses before the last gates closed, with the more than 50 tons of eels exported each day to China before 2019 cut back to only 40 tons a day after the start of the pandemic, Than Gyaw said.

Apart from the five crossing points on the border in Musethree of which had been shut down earlierMyanmar has two border gates in Kachin state, and two in Kokang and another in Mong-ko in northern Shan state. The frontier between the two countries is 2,130 km (1,320 miles) long.

Following Wednesdays shutdowns, all those gates are now closed, traders said.

Trade had already dropped

Cross-border trade had already slowed, almost coming to a halt in recent days as the border gates shut down one by one, Min Theinvice chairman of the Muse Rice Commodity Exchangesaid, adding that the closing of several trading posts in early July had reduced trade volume to 80 percent of what it had been in previous months.

Now, almost the entire flow of goods has come to a standstill, he said.

The Chin Shwe Haw-Laukkai border crossing connecting China to Kokangand used mainly for exports of rice, green peas, rubber, and other commoditieshad already been closed since the beginning of the year due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

Before the gate was closed, between 200 and 300 12-wheeler trucks carrying peanuts and seafood crossed into China each day, a Myanmar trader named Ma Moe said.

The Muse trade zone on the Chinese border accounts for around 70 percent of Myanmars total trade revenue, with Myanmar newspapers now controlled by the military junta saying cross-border trade with China had reached U.S. $3 billion in fiscal year 2020-21, up from the previous year.

Attempts to reach Muse border trade officials for comment Thursday were unsuccessful.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Myanmar's young will continue the fight against military rule so that future generations will not suffer as they have, marchers say.

Protesters march in Yangon to demand an end to military rule on the anniversary of a 1962 massacre of students by Myanmar's military, July 7, 2021.

Hundreds of young people turned out in cities across Myanmar on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of a 1962 student uprising against a military coup, calling on citizens to continue the decades-long struggle against the army, which again overthrew civilian rule in February.

The July 7, 1962 protest in Myanmars then-capital Yangon led to the massacre by the army of more than 100 students, providing a model of sacrifice and resistance to this years Feb. 1 coup that ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, marchers said on Wednesday.

Military forces overthrew Aung San Suu Kyis elected government based on accusations that November 2020 landslide elections won by Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) were marred by voter fraud.

The junta, which has not produced evidence of fraudulent elections, has led a violent crackdown on protesters opposed to its rule that has killed 900 people.

Today, July 7, is the day when students started the first uprising against the military dictatorship in Myanmar when Ne Win took power in 1962, Maung Seint, one of Wednesdays protesters, said in Yangon, where around 100 young people marched holding banners calling for the return of civilian rule.

It can be said that todays situation is very similar to the situation then. They had student protests following a military coup, and today we students are taking to the streets against a coup, Maung Seint said.

In the spirit of July 7, 1962, we are taking to the streets to continue the fight, he said.

Security was tight in Yangon, with soldiers and police checking roads in the early morning, and the protest lasted only a few minutes. No one was arrested, Maung Seint said, contradicting reports from other sources that several people had been taken into custody.

In Myanmars second-largest city Mandalay, more than 100 students took part in a march. And in Sagaing regions Monywa citywhere many young people were arrested or shot, and others killed, by soldiers and police in recent protestsmarchers also held a protest to commemorate the July 7, 1962 massacre.

As in Yangon, soldiers and police patrolled the citys streets, but the march proceeded peacefully.

'We are determined to oppose the coup'

Khant Wai Phyo, a Monywa student who took part in the rally, said the young people of Myanmar reject military rule and will continue to fight against it.

For generations, young people in our country have never bowed down to injustice, and we rebel against it in any way that we can. In the same spirit, we cannot accept a coup detat in this country for any reason at all, he said.

We, the youth, are determined to oppose the coup till the very end, he said.

Writing on social media from an undisclosed location on July 7, Myanmars shadow National Unity Government (NUG) praised the spirit of the countrys young who had fought in 1962 for truth and justice and are continuing the struggle in the present day, the opposition group said.

In Yangon, Min Han Htetpresident of the citys Dagon University Students Unionsaid strong efforts must now be made to overthrow the military junta that took power in Myanmar on Feb. 1.

We have to make a strong commitment this July, he said.

If we dont eradicate this 60-year-old dictatorship now, we cant imagine how many more years it may remain in our land. We dont want future generations to suffer like we have, he said.

The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar writing in a statement Wednesday said, The people of Myanmar have long strived for freedom, democracy, and peace. We honor all those who died on July 7, 1962, as well as the hundreds killed since February 1 who sought a return to democracy and the right to exercise their basic fundamental freedoms.

At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, called for an Emergency Coalition for the People of Myanmar to be swiftly set up to stop what he described as the military juntas reign of terror in the country of 54 million people.

The international community is failing the people of Myanmar, he said.

Andrews proposed coalition would include nations willing to stand with the people of Myanmar through meaningful, coordinated action, he said.

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.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Prisoners listen to President of States amnesty decision at Hoang Tien Detention Center in Hai Duong Province in a file photo.

Inmates angered by the spread of COVID-19 at a detention center in Vietnams largest city started a disturbance during a medical examination this week, drawing attention to the healthcare situation in the countrys prisons, state media reported.

During the examination at Ho Chi Minh Citys Chi Hoa Detention Center, 81 people tested positive for the coronavirus, including 45 staff members and 36 detainees.

An account of the incident appeared on Wednesday morning in Tuoi Tre, but the countrys largest newspaper took down the report by mid-day.

Video obtained by RFA showed gunshots fired at the detention center as staff attempted to gain control over the uprising. There were no reports of casualties resulting from the incident.

According to reports in other media outlets and the Ministry of Healths website, the first infection at Chi Hoa was recorded on June 27, when an officer of the detention center tested positive at a local hospital.

Ho Chi Minh City Police tested the rest of the centers employees and prisoners on June 28, but news of the uprising did not appear until Tuesday after the disturbance was finished.

Police reported Tuesday night that a 26-year-old male detainee died of respiratory failure, septic shock and pneumonia. A quick test showed that he had been COVID-19 positive, but the death was not recorded in Ministry of Health records as a coronavirus-related death.

The man had been transferred to Chi Hoa on May 2. After the medical examination, he was sent to his cell for quarantine in accordance with health regulations.

A COVID-19 infection was also detected in nearby Binh Duong provinces Bo La Detention Center on June 28. The prisoner who tested positive had arrived from Chi Hoa on June 23.

Local media and authorities have not provided information on the coronavirus situation in Bo La or other detention centers.

Family members of political prisoners told RFAs Vietnamese Service that they are concerned about the inmates health.

I am very worried after learning there is a confirmed infection at the Bo La Detention Center, said Nguyen Mai, the wife of Le Quy Loc, a detainee at nearby An Phuoc Detention Center.

I am not only worried for my husband, but also for the other prisoners, she said.

Prisoners pass through Bo La before moving to other centers in the province.

Nguyen Thi Hue, the mother of prisoner of conscience Huynh Duc Thanh Binh who is detained at Xuan Loc Detention Center in Dong Nai Province, told RFA that an outbreak of the virus in a prison would be frightening.

Food there is insufficient, and prisoners' health could be compromised, said Hue.

I think not only me, but all families of prisoners are gravely concerned, she said.

In addition to the risk of contracting COVID-19, the harsh prison conditions often lead to serious health issues including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that could cause complications when combined with a COVID-19 infection.

Hue called on prisons to enact necessary policies to ensure the safety of inmates.

To protect the prisoners health, I agree that families should not be allowed to see them. However, families should be allowed to send in food and gifts for them, she said.

I also think that prisoners should be allowed to call home twice per month instead of only once, so that families like us can be updated on their health.

Mai said that she hoped authorities would provide prisoners families with timely information about the COVID-19 situation at detention centers.

The situation should be updated daily for the media, so the people have access to information. The authorities should not be silent, she said.

Amnesty International urged Vietnam to be more transparent about the coronavirus system in the countrys prisons.

We call on the Vietnamese Government to make public the information about infections at Chi Hoa and other detention centers, Ming Yu Hah, Amnestys deputy regional director for East and Southeast Asian and the Pacific, told RFA in an email.

The Government should take immediate actions to protect the detainees lives and health, she said.

Hah also called for the release of prisoners of conscience and keeping the prison population at minimal levels.

Amnesty also called on Vietnam to ensure detainees have access to regular testing and treatment, as well as vaccines.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Anna Vu. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
San San Aye of Dagon township in Myanmars Yangon region has four sons on death row in Insein prison. They were among 18 people convicted by court-martial for the alleged killing on March 29 of Zaw Min, a pro-military resident. Junta-controlled media said Zaw Min was killed by knives and machetes by a group of 40 people from the same ward, and his body was thrown into a fire pit on the street on March 29. San San Aye insists her sons are innocent. With all of her sons whom she relied on imprisoned, she is struggling for her own survival and to visit her sons regularly in prison. She described to RFAs Myanmar Service an ordeal shared by an increasing number of mothers in the Southeast Asian country since the Feb. 1 military coup:

Three cars arrived at our home on the first day after Burmese New Year. They asked for my kids. They asked if Khine Myae is home. Their father said he is. Then they entered the home. At that time, my younger son (Khine Myae) was combing his hair. They yelled, Khine Myae. Come down here.



My son said, My name is not Khine Myae. It is Gold Fish. They said Come down here. Gold Fish.



My two other sons were asleep as they were assigned as night guards in the neighborhood. They asked them to come out. So two of them came out. They asked his name. My son said his name is Aung Myo Linn.



They said, Raise your arms. Another one said, Sir. Aung Myo Linn is not included. They said, Raise your hands anyway. I know there is another one inside. Come out, or I'll gun you down!

San San Aye holds photos of two of her four sons on death row in Insein prison. Credit: RFA Another son also came out. They asked, What is your name. My son said his name is Soe Pyae Aung. They asked him to raise the hands the same way. They asked him to be still.



I was folding clothes at that time. I was terrified by them. They entered into my home. They asked, Who is it? I said this is my oldest son. He is not very healthy. They asked his name. He said Htet Naung Linn.

They said, Come down. Htet Naung Linn. Then, my son said, I am Khine Myae who you are looking for. They said, Come down.



I thought they only wanted Khine Myae for interrogation. But they took all four sons in their car in handcuffs.

I asked why they arrested my sons. They said they have to interrogate them. I expected they would be released after interrogation. But that didnt happen.

On May 24th, the military court at Insein prison gave them the death sentence.



San San Aye holds a photo of one of her four sons on death row in Insein prison. Credit: RFA In the morning, the next day, I wondered why they gave them the death penalty. Article 505 does not carry a death sentence. I tried to inquire. The next day, I learned from the news that they had been charged with Article 302 for murder. They were given this sentence for a murder that occurred at Ward 56. They didnt get a chance to defend or explain.



On the day when they said the murder occurred, all of my four sons were right in front of this home on security guard duty for the neighborhood.



I remember it was the day we made chicken and gourd fruit curry for my sons. When I heard about the murder in the street, I told all of my sons not to go there. The authorities had been shooting residents in the neighborhood. When everything calmed down at night, my sons went there to take a look.



As a parent, I am absolutely confident in saying that my sons were not among these who committed that murder.



San San Aye weeps when she discusses the plight of her sons on death row. Credit: RFA My sons said that they will be home soon because they are not the ones who did the killing. They are not among the murderers.



They did go there to see what happened. They were involved in the protests. So I said they could be charged with Article 505(A) for their activities and they will be released soon. They told me, Dont worry, Mom. We will be back.



This death sentence is totally unexpected. My sons didnt murder anyone. I never heard of something like that. The first time I heard of someone getting a death sentence was when my own sons got it.



I dont know what to say. This is totally unacceptable. This is not the way its supposed to be. My sons didnt commit any murder. I want to appeal to the authorities that this sentence is not fair.



My sons have their entire future ahead of them. My sons are young adults with a promising future. But I cant imagine what their future will be like after they are ruined by this death sentence.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Matthew Pennington.
Belarus has blocked the website of the country's oldest newspaper and raided the offices of several regional newspapers as authorities moved to silence nonstate media outlets critical of Alyaksandr Lukashenka amid a continuing crackdown on dissent following the strongman's reelection last year that the opposition and the West say was fraudulent.



Nasha Niva, which covered the protests in the wake of the election, said on July 8 that security forces had raided its office and detained its editor-in-chief, Yahor Martsinovich.



Nasha Niva had published videos showing police brutally detaining protesters during the antigovernment demonstrations.



Since the election in 2020, security forces have cracked down hard on journalists, rights defenders, and pro-democracy demonstrators, arresting more than 35,000 people and pushing many activists and most of the top opposition figures out of the country.



Several protesters have been killed in the violence and some rights organizations say there is credible evidence of torture being used by security officials against some of those detained.



Leading opposition figures have been either jailed or forced to leave the country.



The Belarusian Association of Journalists said that besides Martsinovich, Nasha Niva journalists Andrey Skurko, Andrey Dynko, and office accountant Volha Rakovich were brought in for questioning.



The move comes after authorities in May cracked down on top independent news portal Tut.by, whose website was blocked and 12 of its journalists were also arrested. Also in May, authorities intercepted a Ryanair flight from Athens to Vilnius and forced it to land in Minsk where they detained dissident blogger Raman Pratasevich and his girlfriend who were on board.

Nasha Niva was founded in 1906 and is the oldest and most authoritative Belarusian media outlet, with an online audience of more than 100,000.



Both Nasha Niva and Tut.by extensively covered months of protests against Lukashenka, which were triggered by his reelection to a sixth term in an August 2020 vote that was widely seen as rigged.



Agents of the KGB, the Belarusian state security agency, also searched two regional media outlets, the Brest Gazette in the city of Brest on the border with Poland and Intex-Press in the city of Baranovichi.



In the eastern city of Orsha, authorities detained Ihar Kazmerchak, the editor of the Orsha.eu news portal, and searched the home of photographer Dzyanis Dubkou. In Bobruisk, also in the east, the KGB detained Alesya Latsinskaya, a journalist who worked for the independent Bobr.by news portal.



In the northeastern city of Vitebsk, freelance journalist Vital Skryl was detained and authorities raided the apartment of another local journalist, Dzmitry Kazakevich.



Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in the election, who says she actually won the poll and fled the country after the vote under official pressure, said in a video message released on Twitter on July 8 that the regime was trying to silence the voice of the democratic opposition.



"The regime continues the crackdown on independent media. It is so afraid of the truth that more than 20 major media like TUT.by were already attacked," Tsikhanouskaya said.



"Nasha Niva is not just a website, it is the oldest Belarusian newspaper mentioned in every schoolbook on the history of Belarus. And this is how the regime treats our history. The regime tries to silence us and hide the truth about the fraudulent presidential election, about violence, tortures, and repressions. But we remember," Tsikhanousakaya said.



She also called on the international community "to provide practical support" for Belarus's independent media and journalists.



"I ask you to consider launching an emergency program, include in the plan legal aid to repressed journalists, technical assistance for media outlets, assistance to those media and reporters forced to flee Belarus and continue their work, support for Telegram and YouTube channels. They are creating the modern history of Belarus," Tsikhanouskaya said.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, AP, AFP, and Reuters
Activists led by the Hungarian office of Amnesty International have protested against a controversial law banning materials that could be seen as promoting homosexuality or gender change to minors, as opposition to the legislation continues to grow.

The protesters gathered on July 8 in front of Hungary's parliament, which last month passed the legislation prohibiting the display or promotion" of homosexuality or gender reassignment in television shows, films, and sexual education programs to kids in schools.

The law has sparked widespread condemnation. Critics have slammied the law as an attack on the rights of LGBT people, saying it stigmatizes sexual minorities and seeks to stifle discourse on sexual orientation.

We protest at Hungarys Parliament and stand with the 100,000 LGBTQ youth who will face the terrible consequences (because of the law), Amnesty International said in a tweet.

Survey shows: majority of Hungarians are against the law and stand for equality! it added.

Some EU leaders have blasted Prime Minister Viktor Orban over his claims that the law isn't against homosexuality and is necessary to ensure that the sexual education of children under 18 is the sole domain of parents.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on July 7 called the law a disgrace. Lawmakers from the bloc are scheduled to address the legislation at a session of the EU parliament on July 8.

But Orban on July 8 vowed not to give in to EU pressure.



"The European Parliament and the European Commission want that we let LGBTQ activists and organizations into the kindergartens and schools. Hungary does not want that," Orban said on his official Facebook page.



"Here Brussels bureaucrats have no business at all, no matter what they do we will not let LGBTQ activists among our children." The issue was one of national sovereignty, he added.

The law has caused anxiety in Hungarys LGBT community and added uncertainty to life under Orbans nationalist government, which has stepped up its campaign against LGBT people ahead of elections next year.

Orban, in power since 2010, has grown increasingly radical on social policy in what he portrays as a fight to safeguard traditional Christian values from Western liberalism.

The law has sent a chill across the countrys educators, who fear they could face punishment if LGBT issues come up in school.
PRISTINA -- Dragica Gasic called it a "wish fulfilled."



Early last month, she became the first Serb returnee to the city of Gjakova, in western Kosovo, since the 1998-99 war that started the countdown to Kosovo's declared independence nearly a decade later.



But by June 30, following weeks of harassment by her ethnic-Albanian neighbors, Gasic had retreated to her sister's property near their childhood home about 30 kilometers away.



She fled after police prevented her from installing a security door on her apartment. And if it weren't for the police protection she got within days of her arrival, Gasic insisted, she might not have gotten out of the town alive.



Now, Gasic has returned to her old-new home in Gjakova and is bracing for the legal fallout as officials file suit to annul her lease and stoke petition drives to keep her -- and, seemingly, other ethnic Serbs like her -- out of their midst.



I notified the police that I'm coming, the police came [and] the apartment was all alright, nobody touched anything," she told RFE/RL's Balkan Service after her latest relocation on July 8. "Police asked me if I had any problems, I said I didnt. So, I just came. No problems for now."



Her stop-and-start case in Europe's newest independent state highlights thorny minority issues in a region ravaged by ethnically fueled wars in the 1990s that remain an obstacle to Balkan reconciliation.



It also amplifies international concerns that the successor states of the former Yugoslavia remain hostage to enmities that could reignite to threaten Europe's future.



Gasic told RFE/RL that the Office for Kosovo Affairs in neighboring Serbia will help her in a court battle to keep her lease in Gjakova.



Bigger Questions



Gasic originally came to Gjakova from a neighboring town when she was just 18 years old, and says she spent the best years of her life there.



Some of her detractors in Gjakova's overwhelmingly ethnic Albanian public cite Gasic's work for Serbia's national police force during the war.



She says she was merely a cleaning woman.



"I know I never did anything ugly to anyone," Gasic said of her two decades in Gjakova before she crossed a now-partly recognized international border into Serbia amid rising violence in the late 1990s. "I gave birth to two children here."



Her case quickly drew in the Serbian government, which still does not recognize Kosovo's independence and has extended public support to Gasic -- reportedly including their donation of the security door that Gjakova police confiscated rather than allowing it to be mounted in a municipal building.



The head of the Serbian government's office for Kosovo, Petar Petkovic, emerged from a highly publicized meeting with Gasic on June 28 vowing that Serbia and President Aleksandar Vucic would "do everything possible to enable a dignified, human life for Dragica Gasic."

Petkovic later said that Gasic's case was raised at a meeting of the Brussels dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina, highlighting its potential to increase regional friction.



The Kosovar government has been mostly silent, aside from one member of the cabinet who holds a post traditionally set aside for ethnic Serbs in this landlocked country of around 1.9 million people.



Goran Rakic, Kosovo's minister for returns and communities, called the case "shameful and unacceptable."



"In the 21st century, this treatment of returnees and the return process is clearly an intention to completely stop the process and render it meaningless," Rakic said via Facebook.



Mostly Staying Away



Many ethnic Serbs left during or after the 1998-99 war, which famously included the NATO bombing of Yugoslav targets and ushered in a UN interim administration.



The UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, says that nearly 29,000 voluntary minority refugees -- that is, non-ethnic Albanians -- have returned to Kosovo since 1999.



Those numbers surged in the years around Pristina's 2008 declaration of sovereignty from Serbia but have since ebbed to under 500 returnees a year since 2016.

It is unclear how many of them are ethnic Serbs, and the Kosovar government did not respond to RFE/RL queries about plans for the return of displaced Serbs to Kosovo.



But Gasic is, by all local accounts, the first Serb to come back to Gjakova.



She returned on June 6, after the Kosovo Property Agency had approved and implemented her longstanding request to evict the current occupants of her old apartment so that she could be allowed to live there herself.



She was met with local outrage and confrontation.



Gasic said she had been verbally abused and signs and pictures had been hung on her door, strangers had pounded on the door, and she even claimed to have been shot at.



"I really have no words," she told RFE/RL's Balkan Service last month, before she fled the nearly constant harassment.



"Why would I come back to my apartment if I didn't think I'd stay here?" Gasic said. "I speak Albanian, I know how to get around. So just don't harass me."

The city's mayor, Adrian Gjini, told local media that Gasic registered the apartment in question as hers in 1997. In an allusion to the ethno-nationalist violence that was brewing ahead of the war, Gjini called it a contentious period.

The mayor said that, while he understood the grief of the relatives of missing persons, he talked to police about ensuring peace and the dispute would have to make its way through legal channels.



There has been pushback also from groups like the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) Kosovo, an independent Pristina-based group that promotes transitional justice to contribute to peace- and state-building.



Every displaced person deserves a right to return to their property and their previous home, if they so choose, according to HLC Kosovo's Bekim Blakaj.



"I fully understand the families of the victims in Gjakova, and I understand that in Gjakova there is an extremely large number of killed and missing and that their families have not yet seen justice," Blakaj told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. "However, the return of persons to their own properties, to their own apartments, should not be conditioned [on anything else]."



He said that appeared to be Gasic's case, and he urged Kosovo's security institutions, "first and foremost, to provide her with security and ensure that no one bothers her."



'Wounds Still Open'



Gjakova's mostly Muslim residents suffered heavily during the conflicts of the 20th century, from a grisly "gallows alley" during the First Balkan War to mass expulsions and killings cited at the war-crimes trial of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.



Some 6,500 people were still missing after Kosovo's guerrilla war for independence from Serbia in 1998-99.



Numerous mass graves in Kosovo and in Serbia have been discovered to contain about 70 percent of those individuals' remains.



But around 1,600 more, most of them ethnic Albanians, are still unaccounted for.

Those include some of Gjakova's 1,000 or so victims of the Milosevic era.

The relatives of some of the area's ethnic Albanians who disappeared are bitter about Gasic's return.



In all, 11 NGOs in the municipality have pledged themselves to a petition drive to ensure that Gasic is forced to leave.



Some of them tried to organize a protest in front of her apartment late last month but abandoned those plans after talks with Mayor Gjini.



Gjini's office has declined on multiple occasions to respond to RFE/RL questions about the case, but Gjini reportedly told the would-be protesters that Gasic wasn't in the apartment.



Later, Gasic confirmed that she had temporarily left the apartment on June 30 out of concern for her safety. Instead, she was staying at her sister's house about 20 kilometers away.



Nysrete Kumnova, who represents a support group for women who lost husbands or children in the war called Mothers' Calls, insists that they won't allow a single Serb to resettle in Gjakova.



"She is not going to live here," Kumnova told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. "All [Serbs] committed crimes and the wounds are open."



Kumnova is still searching for her own son, who was abducted from his home along with five other ethnic Albanian men by Serb forces in 1999.



The remains of the other five have been identified from among those in a mass grave.



"And for her to come here to live? Right. And not only that, but we don't allow any Serbs" to return here, Kumnova said.

Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by Bekim Bislimi and Sandra Cvetkovic
The U.S.-based watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) on July 8 repeated its call for a "thorough, independent" investigation into the death in custody one year ago of Kyrgyz rights activist Azimjon Askarov after prison authorities concluded that he had died of COVID-19 complications and wasn't mistreated.

Askarov's case has been described by UN officials as "a stain" on the post-Soviet Central Asian country's rights record.

COVID-19-related complications may have been a factor in how Askarov died, but what really led to Askarovs death was his wrongful imprisonment for 10 years, as well as the Kyrgyz authorities sustained negligence and denial of adequate medical care, HRW quoted its Central Asia researcher, Syinat Sultanalieva, as saying.

The authorities have an obligation to conduct an effective -- meaning genuinely independent -- investigation into all the circumstances of his death and to hold accountable those responsible for the decisions and actions that contributed to them.

Askarov died in a Kyrgyz prison in July 2020 of what was initially listed as respiratory problems.

His lawyer said the activist had shown symptoms of COVID-19 before his death.

Askarov had been convicted of creating a mass disturbance and involvement in the murder of a police officer during deadly ethnic clashes between local Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in the southern cities of Osh and Jalal-Abad in 2010.

During Askarov's 10 years in custody, appeals had been lodged on his behalf by international and domestic rights organizations, the UN Human Rights Committee, the European Union, and individual governments who all pointed out violations of Askarovs rights from the time he was detained until his death.

The Kyrgyz State Penitentiary Service's own investigators concluded in May after a 10-month process that in light of the challenging epidemiological situation at the time, there was no "body of crime" and no one should be held responsible for his death, HRW said.

It cited a copy of the report that was provided to the Bir Duino group representing Askarov's widow.

The group said Kyrgyz prison service investigators failed to interview key witnesses and muzzled Bir Duino with a nondisclosure agreement.

Mary Lawlor, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, called Askarovs death a stain on the human rights record of the Kyrgyz government.

A Bishkek city court in August upheld a lower-court verdict that the Kyrgyz government didn't violate Askarov's rights.

Ahead of a trip to Central Asia by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in November, HRW pressed the European Union to exert pressure for a "genuinely independent inquiry" into Askarov's death.

It also urged Brussels to make clear that greater support for Central Asia is tied to genuine human rights reforms.
Canada's Centerra Gold says it has filed additional arbitration claims against the Kyrgyz government as it battles for control of the Central Asian countrys Kumtor gold-mine project.

The companys amended Notice of Arbitration seeks to hold the Kyrgyz government and Kyrgyzaltyn JSC responsible for any and all losses and damages that result from their coordinated campaign to seize the gold mine in violation of long-standing investment agreements and without compensation to Centerra, Centerra said in a statement dated July 7.

The giant Kumtor gold project has been the focus of international attention in recent months after the government moved to temporarily take over operations at the mine -- which is run by Centerra Gold -- for what President Sadyr Japarov said was a necessary move to remedy environmental and safety violations.

In May, the government approved a law allowing it to take control -- for up to three months -- of any company that operates under a concession agreement in Kyrgyzstan if that firm violates environmental regulations, endangers the local environment or lives of people, or causes other significant damage.

Centerra's Kyrgyz subsidiary, Kumtor Gold Company (KGC), Kyrgyzstan's biggest taxpayer, is the only firm in the former Soviet republic that operates under a concession agreement.

Centerra has called Kyrgyzstan's actions "wrongful and illegal" and in May initiated binding arbitration to enforce its rights under long-standing investment agreements with the government.

It also accused Kyrgyz law enforcement of intimidation, including police visits to the homes of several senior KGC managers and a May 15 raid of KGC's office in Bishkek.

Rather than honor its commitment to arbitrate any disputes in a transparent manner in a neutral forum, the government and those acting in concert with it have proceeded to expropriate the Kumtor mine, placing Centerras investment and the livelihoods of thousands of Kyrgyz workers at risk," Centerra President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Perry said in the statement.

"Centerra would much prefer to resolve this dispute in a constructive dialogue with the Kyrgyz authorities, but their repeated refusal to engage leaves us no choice but to seek effective remedies through arbitration and other legal means,

he added.

Japarov's sudden rise to power in October 2020 after being freed from jail in the midst of a political crisis was particularly bad news for Centerra.

As an opposition politician during the past decade, Japarov had led an unsuccessful bid in parliament and on the streets to nationalize the mine.

He oversaw several chaotic rallies against the company, including a 2013 rally in which a provincial governor was kidnapped, the basis of Japarov's 2017 arrest and 11-year prison sentence on hostage-taking charges.

Canada, Britain, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have all criticized Kyrgyzstan's moves against Centerra.
BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz officials have denied claims they colluded with Turkish intelligence to abduct a Turkish-Kyrgyz educator who disappeared from Bishkek last month.

Turkeys latest extrajudicial rendition is causing blowback in Kyrgyzstan, where parliament grilled security officials and the government on July 7 about their complicity or incompetence in the case of Orhan Inandi.

Inandi, the head of the Sapat educational network in Kyrgyzstan, went missing in the Kyrgyz capital late on May 31 under mysterious circumstances. His wife has suggested he was being held at the Turkish Embassy.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 5 said agents from the MIT intelligence agency had abducted Inandi and brought him to Turkey, describing a genuine and patient operation.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, the Turkish president described Inandi as a top Central Asian leader of a movement led by U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, a friend-turned-foe of Erdogan whom Ankara blames for a deadly 2016 coup attempt.

Turkey has cracked down hard on alleged members of the Gulen movement, which it considers a terrorist organization, arresting tens of thousands of people and purging the civil service and military. It has also pursued the Gulen movement abroad. Erdogan admitted more than 100 people with alleged links to the Gulen movement had been brought to Turkey from other countries.

Human Rights Watch said in a statement on July 7 that Turkish and Kyrgyz authorities abducted, forcibly disappeared, and extrajudicially transferred a dual Turkish-Kyrgyz national living in Bishkek to Turkey.



That Inandi, a dual Turkish-Kyrgyz national, could be abducted and missing for weeks on Kyrgyz soil only to be illegally removed from the country by Turkeys intelligence services, suggests the Kyrgyz government is either unwilling or unable to stand up to Ankara or directly colluded with them, said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Erbol Sultanbaev, a spokesman for Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, denied authorities were involved in the abduction, calling the charges completely absurd." In a statement, the presidents office said they had issued a formal complaint to the Turkish ambassador about the issue. It added that there had been three prior attempts to kidnap the educator and all had been thwarted.

During a parliamentary questioning on the kidnapping, lawmaker after lawmaker expressed concern about the abduction and grilled top security officials about the failure. Several lawmakers called on officials to resign.

"If the intelligence agency of some country is working on our territory, we definitely know about this. There were no Turkish agents in Kyrgyzstan," said Interior Minister Ulan Niyazbekov.

The head of the border service told deputies he had no idea how Inandi was shuttled out of the country, adding that every plane arriving and departing from Kyrgyzstan was checked.

Inandi, 53, has lived in Kyrgyzstan since 1995 and holds dual Turkish-Kyrgyz citizenship.

In June, Kyrgyzstans deputy foreign affairs minister, Aibek Artykbaev, told a parliament hearing that in 2019 the Turkish government had requested Inandis extradition. But the Kyrgyz government refused at that time because of Inandis Kyrgyz citizenship.

Following his disappearance, protests demanding an effective investigation took place almost daily in the Kyrgyz capital.

Human Rights Watch said last month that if Inandi were returned to Turkey, he would face arbitrary detention and an unfair trial on terrorism charges, as well as possible ill-treatment and torture.

During the past five years, Turkey has called on dozens of countries to shut down hundreds of schools and educational institutions linked to the Gulen movement, including those in Kyrgyzstan.
The European Union's envoy in Moscow was quoted on July 8 as saying that the bloc has proposed discussing possible joint recognition with Russia of their respective COVID-19 certificates.

A deal could unclog travel, tourism, and trade channels stifled by ongoing coronavirus outbreaks on both sides of the Russian-EU divide.

EU ambassador Markus Ederer said current EU legislation would enable the possibility of recognition of foreign certificates, too, according to the Russian news agency TASS.

"In that spirit, we have approached the Russian Ministry of Health and proposed discussing whether Russia would be interested in such a process," it quoted Ederer as saying.

The QR-coded EU Digital COVID Certificate went into official use throughout the 27-member bloc on July 1.

Russia has its own certificate to allow for travel, dining out, and even working in the office, but investigative reports suggest counterfeits are routinely offered on the Internet for as little as $40.

None of Russia's four approved vaccines -- including the Sputnik V shot that's being used in dozens of countries -- has been approved by the EU drugs regulator for use among member states.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Coverage Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

Russian regulators have not approved any foreign vaccines for use in that country.

Russia's mass vaccination effort has run into considerable headwind from vaccine hesitancy or skepticism, a problem that has also plagued many European states.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate testifies -- for travel and other purposes -- that the bearer has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has recovered from it, or has received a negative test result for infection by the coronavirus that causes it.

Russia's leading COVID-19 shot, Sputnik V, also known as Gam-COVID-Vac, has faced skepticism over early disclosure and evidentiary problems since it became the world's first nationally approved vaccine in 2020.

It has since been approved in at least 67 countries. But neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor Western regulators outside of Hungary have approved its widespread use.

Sputnik V's developers have complained that politics have stood in the way of broader approval in the West.

A report in Nature Magazine this week asserted that "mounting evidence suggests [the] Sputnik COVID vaccine is safe and effective."

With reporting by Reuters and TASS
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrived in Belgrade, Serbia, for meetings with President Aleksandar Vucic. The July 8 conference came the day after the coming into force of a controversial Hungarian law banning materials that could be seen as promoting homosexuality or gender change to minors. Speaking on July 7, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Hungary would face the full force of EU law if it did not repeal the legislation. 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.
Editor's Note: This is an ongoing series which runs each Thursday morning titled the Richland Chronicles by author Paul Lintern. It is set in 1831 and tells the story of Richland County through the eyes of a young girl.

Among the guests that entered the Oakland Inn each night were some rather unusual characters, as Amelia saw them.

Women dressed in buckskin coats and pants. Men as big as a bear and just as furry, some with beards as long as their arms. Indians dressed in suit coats and breechcloths. People speaking English with every twang and twist imaginable.

She had heard a variety of speaking styles while growing up in Boston, but when they were placed in the middle of the woods, it sounded to her like so many coyotes. However, nothing had prepared her for the person she was about to encounter.

His pants were frayed just below the shins, held up by a piece of rope. A muslin coffee bag was his shirt. The arm and neck holes were cut in shapes that almost made it seem like he had been running somewhere while he cut them. His dark straight hair hung over his shoulders, and, was that a tin pan on his head?

His name was John Chapman, but many around here called him Appleseed John. His feet were bare, not unusual for this time of year, but Amelia noticed that his toes were rather grey and as leathery as she had ever seen.

This was someone her mother would have pulled her away from if she had seen him walking toward her, but here everyone seemed to be running up to him -- Autumn, Elizabeth, Isaac, a couple of the guests outside.

What news have you? Elizabeth asked. News straight from Heaven, John replied. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.

Where have you been? Isaac asked. We havent seen you since autumn.

Thats right, since me, Autumn smiled.

Ive been to paradise, to the gates of Heaven, to the glories of Gods creation, but mostly to Ft. Wayne, to visit my sister, he said with a smile. And to tend my trees.

How many do you have now? Isaac asked.

None, they all belong to God.

Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed, Elizabeth said.

John looked at her.

Sister Elizabeth, that is profound. I will carry that with me and pass it along.

Elizabeth blushed. To Amelia it seemed funny that a woman would fuss over this strange character. Still, she was inviting him to sit for supper, and he was happy to accept.

Soon, several of the guests had stepped out to greet John. These seemed to be people who knew him from somewhere, and as Amelia listened she heard them recounting for John when they had met in the past.

You sold me some saplings down in Licking County, back in 15. Great producers, all.

We met you at the Miller place over in Galion, when you passed through about 10 years back.

Those herbs you planted for us over in Upper Sandusky have really helped us fight the winter diseases.

One fellow, older than John, said, I was in one of the houses you stopped at in 12, on your way from Mansfield to Mt. Vernon, when you thought the Indians were hostile. You may have saved our family.

Amelia looked at this Appleseed John. Who is he that people speak so well of him? John noticed Amelia.

And you, child, I dont recognize you. Did Zeiters graft another daughter?

I am Amelia, Pendergast, from Boston.

Boston? I was born not far from there, in Leominster. My father was one of the Minutemen, at Concord and Lexington.

How did you get here?

God sent me to plant seeds of the Word of God, and to plant trees of the apples of God. Look in an apple blossom and you will see a sermon. Now, Amelia, how did you get here?

My parents sent me.

And what seeds will you plant in Ohio? he asked.

Me? Amelia had no answer.

Seeds of music, Elizabeth said, playing an imaginary fiddle.

Seeds of wisdom, Katherine said, opening an imaginary book.

Seeds of swimming, Isaac said, making an imaginary dive. Autumn smacked him with a towel.

Sounds like a fine start. And perhaps after supper we shall regale each other with stories of our journeys, John said, reaching for the plate of potatoes, carrots and strawberries Elizabeth had prepared for him.

He doesnt eat meat, Autumn explained quietly, before Amelia could ask about the missing beef. He doesnt ride horses, he doesnt believe in hurting any animal, even a mosquito or a rattlesnake.

I heard he once put out a campfire because bugs were flying into the flame and dying, Isaac said.

And once a rattlesnake bit him, and he killed it without thinking, then felt bad for weeks, Autumn said.

Everyone feels bad after a rattler bites them, Isaac said.

You know what I mean, Autumn said.

Is he really that poor, Amelia asked.

Are you kidding? He has hundreds of acres of apple orchards all over Ohio and Indiana, Isaac said. But he gives a lot of it away. He often buys lame horses to keep them from slaughter, he doesnt think shoes are necessary, and he wont sleep in a bed, Autumn said.

Why wont he sleep in a bed? Amelia asked, apparently a bit too loudly, because John stopped his conversation with Elizabeth and turned his attention to the children.

Amelia, child, there are no beds in Heaven, and so I dont want to be tempted by the comfort of a bed here. It might let my eyes stray from my journey to Heaven, he said.

Why are there no beds?

Because there is no reason to sleep in Heaven, he said, eyes sparkling. As Amelia lay down in her bed, that night, Johnny was lying on the floor of the tavern, reading aloud from the old worn books he carried in his shirt. His eloquent, deep voice sent the words drifting through the shelter, to everyones benefit. Maybe I should not be sleeping in a bed, if there are no beds in Heaven, Amelia thought to herself, but she didnt stay awake long enough to decide.
Real-estate developer William Barber moved to Mansfield in 2017 from Alaska. With three companies under his belt, he needed to build a personal relationship with a bank that was willing to do whatever it took to work with him.

Unfortunately, it wasnt so easy in the beginning. He bought a nine-unit multi-family property and when speaking to some local banks in the area, they would not give him a chance because he wasnt from around the area. At one point he even traveled down to Columbus to find a bank.

I had to go through a third party lender on a property that should have been no problem getting a loan on, Barber said.

After a long period of frustration, Barber received a referral from Chris Dirt Excavation to give a call to Travis Smith, a commercial banker at First Federal Community Bank.

Chris and Travis have had a long-term relationship business for the last 15 to 20 years and he's like, man, youve got to give them a chance, they're willing to work with you, Barber said.

Barber was not disappointed. After his first meeting with Smith, he completed the project. Smiths communication, flexibility and availability were all good signs that pointed Barber toward banking with First Federal for the long haul.

 I can get a hold of Travis anytime I want. It doesn't matter what time of day or what time of night, and I don't have to go through 50 different loan officers or wait on the line to call to get a hold of one guy I'm trying to talk to, Barber said. Smith helps Barber mostly with refinancing in his company, Alaska's General Contractor. As cash buyers, Barber and his employees try to work with a bank that's willing to work with them to do cash-out refinance or a line of credit. Now, after joining First Federal, Barber can buy the properties he wants, use cash out-refinance or pull out a line of credit in 30 to 60 days. He also has a fulfilling and trustworthy relationship with a local bank that understands the market. Their understanding of what the actual value is is huge, Barber explained. And its because they're local. They understand the market, where a lot of times I couldn't get a whole lot of local banks to understand the market because they weren't really involved in it as much.

Travis, in particular, is who I work with mostly, and he's extremely personable, Barber continued. At First Federal, theyll do just about anything they can within their power to make sure that you get the deal through. To learn more about the services First Federal Community Bank has to offer, check out their website for more information or call 419-562-7055.
Written By

Joe Schulz served as the reporter of the Green Laker in 2019 and 2020, before being hired as a reporter for the Commonwealth in October 2020. He is from Oshkosh and graduated from UW-Oshkosh in December with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

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In its first five years of existence, Scottsdales Museum of the West has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institution, received accolades in local and national media and attracted the $300-million Museum Square redevelopment slated to be built next door in the next several years.
WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (AP)  Gov. Tony Evers signed the Republican-written state budget Thursday, enacting a two-year spending plan that includes a $2 billion income tax cut while making 50 largely minor partial vetoes, saying unfinished business still needs to be addressed.

The budget will also cut property taxes for the owner of an average home by $100 next year, ends a University of Wisconsin tuition freeze in place for eight years, increases salaries for state employees and basically holds K-12 funding flat.

Evers also announced that schools will be receiving $100 million more in federal funds to use as they wish.

Both Evers, who signed the budget, and the Republicans who wrote and passed it took credit for the tax cut made possible by a revenue surplus.

Evers, a Democrat who is running for reelection next year, cast it as a bipartisan effort even though the tax cut was added to the budget by Republican lawmakers. Only seven Democrats out of 49 voted for the budget. Evers' original budget would have raised taxes, primarily on manufacturers and the wealthy, by more than $1 billion.

I could have vetoed that," Evers said of the GOP tax cut proposal. "I made a promise to the taxpayers, to the state, we would reduce middle class taxes by 10% and we did 15%. It is a bipartisan effort.

Republicans reacted angrily to Evers taking credit for the tax cut, with the GOP co-chairs of the budget committee calling it laughable.

Gov. Tony Evers deserves NO credit for signing our budget," Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said in a statement. This was not a bipartisan process of colleagues sharing ideas. He got boxed into a corner and rather than fight for his unpopular budget and risk a political knockout, he and his team threw in the towel and signed our responsible budget.

The average person earning $61,000 a year will see an income tax cut of $488 this tax year and $975 over the next two years, state Revenue Secretary Peter Barca said at the bill signing ceremony at a suburban Milwaukee elementary school.

Evers opted to sign the budget rather than take the unprecedented move of vetoing the entire plan. Evers said he didn't veto it because that would have jeopardized $2.3 billion in federal coronavirus relief funding for K-12 schools. That money only comes to the state if funding for schools increases enough to meet federal requirements, which the budget as signed would do.

Evers also vetoed a bipartisan bill to eliminate a property tax paid by businesses, saying the measure as proposed would have unintended negative consequences. Evers kept money in the budget to pay for it, saying he hoped the Legislature would pass a better bill to eliminate that tax.

Two years ago, Evers issued 78 partial vetoes and four of them were challenged in court. The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down three of them, but its ruling did not directly address a governors veto authority going forward.

Evers said that court ruling absolutely limited his ability to make more sweeping vetoes this year.

This budget isnt good enough for our kids," Evers said, surrounded by elementary school children. "Republicans could have and should have done more.

Evers wanted to spend more on schools, but Republicans essentially held funding flat. Evers was able to tap $100 million in federal COVID-19 funds for schools outside of the state budget.

Republicans also directed about $650 million to schools but did it in a way that the money must be used to reduce property taxes, rather than go toward new spending by the schools.

Republicans stripped hundreds of Evers proposals from the $87.5 billion spending plan, which takes effect immediately and runs through the middle of 2023. The budget Evers signed does not expand Medicaid, legalize marijuana, reinstate collective bargaining rights for public workers, raise taxes on the wealthy, increase the minimum wage cap enrollment in private voucher schools or enact gun control measures as Evers had proposed.

The budget ends an eight-year tuition freeze on University of Wisconsin System undergraduate resident tuition. But even with the new freedom to raise tuition, the UW Board of Regents on Thursday voted against doing so in the next academic year.

The budget cuts income taxes by $2 billion over two years, mostly by lowering one tax bracket from 6.27% to 5.3%. It would apply to individuals making between $23,930 to $263,480 and married couples filing taxes jointly who earn between $31,910 and $351,310.

Evers did veto changes to the income tax withholding tables, meaning that the state wont reduce how much is taken out of each paycheck but instead will square up after a person files their taxes. That amounts to $700 million the state will collect and ultimately return.
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BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP)  A man in his late teens or early 20s was shot and killed Wednesday night in the parking lot of an AMC theater in Bellevue, police reported.

Officers were called to the west parking lot of AMC Factoria 8 on Factoria Boulevard Southeast around 8:30 p.m., where they found the man with gunshot injuries, Bellevue police spokesperson Meeghan Black said.
3 1 of 3 CLAIRE MAULDING, SPECIAL TO THE SEATTLEPI Show More Show Less 2 of 3 CLAIRE MAULDING, SPECIAL TO THE SEATTLEPI Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Seattle foodies finally have an event to put on their calendar again: Sunset Supper is returning to Pike Place Market on Friday, August 20. Not only is this the returning events 25th anniversary, but its also the first event to take place at Pike Place since the state lifted its COVID-19 restrictions.

Sunset Supper is an outdoors, vaccine-required event at Pike Place Market. This year, all proceeds will go to the Market Foundations Recovery Fund. Their mission is to help keep the Market community healthy and stable following devastating losses from the pandemic.
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Its no secret that the Bay Area has more jobs than housing.

But a new analysis of 20 metropolitan areas in the U.S. reveals just how much wider that gap is getting here compared with other major employment hubs, adding fuel to political and legal clashes over the regions notorious unaffordability and strict building rules.

For every new home permitted in the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas from 2009 to 2019, there were more than three jobs created, according to a report released Wednesday by libertarian-leaning think tank the Manhattan Institute. In San Francisco/Oakland/Hayward, home to the worst jobs-housing mismatch of the cities studied, there were nearly 3.5 new jobs for every new home. In San Jose/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara, it was 3.2 jobs.

Outside California, each new housing permit equated to 1.7 jobs in Denver, 1.5 in Austin, Texas, and 1 in Durham, N.C.

Many of the successful metros are struggling to shift housing patterns to permit higher density, wrote Manhattan Institute senior fellow Eric Kober, the studys author. Actions are increasingly being taken at the state and local levels to lift the many regulatory impediments that stop new housing from being built.

Still, the disconnect between jobs and housing has proved lucrative for some in the Bay Area. Housing prices, rents and average incomes increased more here than in most other cities during the same period.

The pressure is mounting, however, for households bringing in less than $75,000 a year. Workers in the San Jose and San Francisco metro areas are forced to spend more of their incomes on housing than those in almost any other place, Kober found  a tenuous balancing act that could jeopardize the economic future of both the Bay Area and the rest of the country.

When high-wage, high-productivity metros exclude many of the workers who would want to work there, but cant find housing that meets their needs and that they can afford, Kober wrote, the national economy grows less than it could have.

The idea of dense development has long been controversial in much of the Bay Area. Concerns about traffic, greenhouse gases and neighborhood character abound in many of the same single-family neighborhoods that have seen home prices surge to record highs during the pandemic. For a new generation of Yes In My Backyard housing advocates, the question is how much longer homeowners should be allowed to keep gaining while would-be buyers and renters remain locked in cutthroat competition.

As the Manhattan Institute report shows  with its eagerness to point out the pitfalls of regulation  housing anxiety has gotten so extreme that its blurring ideological lines. In the Bay Area, pro-growth urbanists and anti-regulation libertarians now routinely square off against longtime homeowners, environmentalists, real estate agents and residentialist politicians over where to build housing that most agree is badly needed.

You end up with this collective action problem, said Laura Foote, executive director of pro-housing lobbying group YIMBY Action. Every city wants to say, Well, make the next city over do it.

A housing shortage isnt a quick or easy thing to fix  and its also getting worse in top destinations for Bay Area transplants, such as Austin. But the tension is set to boil over in the coming months, as the process of coming up with local housing plans to meet new state building targets moves ahead.

State officials are currently calling on the Bay Area to plan for an unprecedented 441,176 new homes from 2023 to 2031 as part of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation program. As part of that program, the Association of Bay Area Governments then doles out local housing mandates for cities, towns and counties.

At least a half dozen local governments are already weighing their options to appeal their mandates in a bid to build fewer homes. Its uncharted territory after the state program was strengthened in recent years to require cities to affirmatively further fair housing, and to enact new penalties for noncompliance  a prospect that Palo Alto Mayor Tom DuBois has warned could prompt a revolt of cities.

Advocates like Foote want to up the pressure on California cities that have fallen short of new housing goals for decades, and instead skew toward building new high-income housing or tying up controversial projects in long review processes.

Its like moving the broccoli around on your plate, Foote said. We cant let it continue.

One such battle over local building plans came to a head Tuesday night in the North Bay suburb of Corte Madera, where the Town Council voted to appeal its current direction to build 725 new homes. The town already approved more housing than it was required to in the last six years  270 new homes, 195 of them catering to high-income residents, town records show  so officials argue that the town should only be required to build 500 homes this time around.

Corte Madera has proven its commitment to thoughtfully plan for, facilitate, and integrate new housing development into our community, helping to address the regions affordability and equity issues, the Town Council wrote in a letter to state housing officials. The letter also cited a lack of public transit, flood risks and a projection that the city could actually lose jobs in the coming years to justify the appeal.

Even renters who can afford Corte Maderas $4,000-a-month average rent are increasingly vocal about a lack of long-term options in a city where the median home now sells for $1.7 million, according to the National Association of Realtors. Despite the environmental concerns raised in Corte Maderas housing appeal, research by the Bay Area Council shows that workers priced out of inner suburbs often commute greater distances for affordable housing, adding to traffic and emissions.

While the political gears turn, YIMBY Action is part of a pro-housing coalition training 400 volunteer housing element watchdogs across the state to keep an eye on their own cities housing plans. The advocacy group is also suing the state to increase housing requirements, and supporting state and local efforts to eliminate single-family zoning  an increasingly common proposal to help address decades of housing segregation.

With statewide housing reforms slow to materialize in a state famous for its deference to local control, Foote expects a tangled web of bureaucratic appeals, lawsuits and activist campaigns as Bay Area cities chart a path forward.

Now were living through the local control way, she said.

Lauren Hepler is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hepler@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LAHepler
Good morning, Bay Area. Its Thursday, July 8, and for Bay Area residents who are immunocompromised, a vaccine isnt a sure thing. Heres what you need to know to start your day.

Imagine this: You get an alert that a giant earthquake has hit Alaska and a tsunami is on its way south toward California and the Bay Area. Where do you go to get to safety?

If a once-in-a-millennium tsunami hit the Bay Area, waves could inundate more of the waterfront than scientists previously feared. The new tsunami hazard maps are based on new lidar mapping technology and knowledge gained from major events like Japans catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

While alarming, the maps, created by the California Geological Survey, are aimed at showing people how to find out if theyre in a vulnerable area and how to get to safety  that often means only walking a few blocks.

Tara Duggan reports on these worst-case scenario maps and why efforts to protect the coast from sea level rise could also help limit tsunami damage.

Too much for my heart to handle

Courtesy Angie Brey/

Gregory Turnage Jr. went for a Mothers Day walk and died on an Oakland sidewalk after being hit by a car. For two months, Turnages partner Angie Brey has fought for justice after the driver fled the scene on foot, leaving his wife in the cars passenger seat.

On Wednesday, nearly two months after the crash, Alameda County prosecutors charged Timothy Hamano in Turnages death. Matthias Gafni reports on what happened  and the agonizing wait for Brey and their son.

Coronavirus Updates

Brian Feulner/Special to The Chronicle

Swimming is a solitary, heart-thumping meditation for Rachel Eaton, a 57-year-old high school teacher from Concord. Advanced kidney disease once meant she was too fatigued to swim. An organ transplant three years ago had begun to restore her life.

But Eaton isnt going to be swimming in public for a while. As most Californians are stepping out of their pandemic shells, Eaton and other people with weakened immune systems are retreating a little further into theirs.

Shes vaccinated against COVID-19, but the medicine she takes to prevent her body from attacking her new kidney may also be stopping her immune system from producing a robust enough response to fully protect her against the coronavirus. Julie Johnson reports.

 Bay Area COVID deaths plunge to near zero, thanks to high vaccination rates.

 California Capitol reinstates mask mandate after coronavirus outbreak among staffers.

 One Bay Area transit operator's pandemic recovery plan: More service, cheaper rides.

Around the Bay

The Chronicle

 Just in time for summer: Food critic Soleil Ho has updated the Top 25 Restaurant list with new picks for the best dining in the Bay Area.

 Heat and drought: Bay Area, state hit 126-year lows for rainfall this year and predicted triple-digit temps trigger excessive heat warning for Northern California areas.

 These delays are deadly: S.F.s hopes for a safe drug-injection site postponed until at least 2022.

 Jobs-to-housing mismatch: San Francisco's jobs-to-housing ratio is disturbing. Here's how wide the gap is getting.

 Charges are up to this office, and nobody else: California Attorney General Bonta's office to take lead role in investigating deadly police shootings.

Chronicle Travel

Tom Stienstra/Special to The Chronicle

Just a few paddle strokes gets you into Californias only exclusive boat-in state park, a matrix of natural lakes and streams fed by underground volcanic springs in the states far north.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is located in remote northeastern Shasta County near McArthur in the Fall River Valley. Writer Tom Stienstra says theres no better place in Northern California to combine kayaking and canoeing, camping and history.

Read more.

Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com, and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com.
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The politics of housing may be slowly changing. But in the Bay Area, the reality isn't. The regions median price recently hit $1.3 million, while a new report finds that for every one new home permitted in the San Francisco and San Jose metro areasin 2009-19, more than three jobs were created. On this episode of the Fifth & Mission podcast, reporter Lauren Hepler discusses the tension between NIMBYs and YIMBYs, the surprising impact of the pandemic on housing, and who is left out when communities become more and more unaffordable.
A former Genentech scientist and her husband, a co-worker, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal confidential drug formulas from the South San Francisco biotechnology company and deliver them to competitors.

Xanthe Lam, a scientist at Genentech from 1986 to 2017, and Allen Lam, a former Genentech quality control worker, both admitted conspiring to steal trade secrets from the company, starting in 2009, and providing the information to scientists working for companies working on similar but cheaper products.

Prosecutors said their plea agreement was filed Tuesday and made public Wednesday in federal court in San Francisco. The two were indicted in 2018 and have been free on bond.

One of the companies was JHL Biotech, based in Taiwan with offices in China and Rancho Santa Fe, a suburb of San Diego. Allen Lam worked as a consultant for the company after leaving Genentech.

JHL, now called Eden Biologics, cooperated with prosecutors in an investigation that lasted nearly three years and will not be criminally charged, said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds. Genentech said it reported the thefts to prosecutors after learning of them and cooperated in the investigation.

Xanthe Lam also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit computer fraud, and Allen Lam admitted filing false tax returns. U.S. District Judge William Alsup scheduled their sentencing for November. Another former Genentech employee, James Quach, pleaded guilty last year to a misdemeanor computer-fraud charge and was placed on probation. Charges are pending against another former co-worker, John Chan.

In a statement Wednesday, defense lawyers said the couple are scientists who have helped save countless lives through their work developing biologic medicines to combat cancer, cystic fibrosis, and many other diseases. They have taken full responsibility for the errors in judgment underlying the charges to which they have pled guilty and are cooperating with the government and Genentech.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
A judge says victims of the 2019 synagogue shooting in San Diego County that killed one worshiper and wounded three can sue the manufacturer of the semiautomatic rifle and the gun shop that sold it to a teenager.

A 2005 federal law shields gunmakers from damages in most cases for crimes committed with their weapons, but allows lawsuits if the manufacturer was negligent or knowingly violated a state or federal law. In this case, victims and families in the Poway synagogue shooting have adequately alleged that Smith & Wesson, the nations largest gun manufacturer, knew its AR15-style rifle could be easily modified into a machine-gun-like or an assault weapon in violation of California law, San Diego County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Medel said Wednesday.

Medel said the plaintiffs may also be able to sue on their claims that Smith & Wesson negligently marketed the rifle to youths on social media and video game-style ads. And he said San Diego Guns could be sued for selling the weapon in April 2019 to John Earnest, who was 19 and lacked a hunting license that would have exempted him from Californias 21-year minimum age for owning long guns.

The day after the purchase, which was the last day of the Jewish holiday Passover, Earnest entered the Chabad of Poway synagogue and opened fire, killing 60-year-old Lori Gilbert Kaye and wounding three others, including the congregations rabbi and an 8-year-old girl. An anti-Semitic letter bearing his name was posted online shortly afterward.

Earnest drove away but later called police and surrendered. A college nursing student with no previous criminal record, he faces state murder charges carrying a potential death sentence and federal hate-crime charges.

The ruling is a victory for all Americans who believe that the gun industry is not above the law, said Jon Lowy, chief counsel for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which sued on behalf of the victims.

Lawyers for Smith & Wesson were not immediately available for comment.

The Supreme Court allowed a similar suit in 2019 against Remington Arms, manufacturer of the AR-15-style rifle that Adam Lanza used in 2012 to kill 20 first-graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Families of the victims said Remington violated Connecticut law by selling and promoting a military-style weapon. The company filed for bankruptcy shortly afterward but still faces the lawsuit.

On Tuesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the nations first state law designed to sidestep the federal restrictions and allow suits against gun manufacturers and sellers for distributing products that harm the public.

In Wednesdays ruling, Medel said the plaintiffs had also alleged that Smith & Wesson had ignored its promises of new safety measures in a publicized settlement it reached in 2000 with the federal government, under President Bill Clinton, and several cities that were seeking to sue gun makers. Those allegations, if proved, could justify punitive damages, the judge said.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
A woman filed a lawsuit against the city of San Jose on Wednesday after saying a police officer used excessive force during a confrontation over her attempt to get a refund for her ticket at a 2019 Paul McCartney concert at SAP Center.

In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, Deborah Whiting says she decided to leave the concert because the volume was uncomfortably loud. Before leaving, the suit alleges she spoke with a staff member from the SAP center in San Jose, where the concert was held, to ask about a refund.

Because of the loud volume, she and the employee moved into a stairwell to continue their conversation, where they were allegedly followed by San Jose Police Officer Jenni Byrd.

Once in the stairwell, Whiting requested a refund again, and the SAP employee left to ask a supervisor about her request, leaving Whiting and Byrd alone.

At that point, Byrd began to ask Whiting about the refund, and according to the suit, Whiting ignored her. Then, the suit says, Byrd became agitated, berating Whiting and then grabbing her from behind and throwing her against the stairs.

The San Jose Police Department and the city declined to comment on pending litigation.

After the alleged incident, Whiting asked for the officers name and badge number, and left the concert without a refund. According to Whitings complaint, Whiting posed no physical threat to Byrd.

The force used by Officer Byrd against plaintiff was unwarranted and not reasonable under the totality of the circumstances, the suit said.

Whiting purports to have suffered great physical and mental pain, shock and distress, according to the lawsuit.

Whiting said she filed a complaint to SJPD about the incident, including the departments internal affairs unit and the San Jose Independent Police Auditor.

The suit demands a jury trial and seeks unspecified damages and attorneys fees.

Emma Talley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: emma.talley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EmmaT332
Whenever I'm traveling, if I happen to be in a place where wine is produced, I always go out of my way to try the local wines. Although this has resulted in many pleasant discoveries in faraway lands (like Japan!), often the exercise ends up being more about the novelty factor than anything else. Not all wine, I'm sorry to say, is good.

On a recent road trip that took me through Idaho, though, I was genuinely blown away by a few of the wines I tasted. I knew the state has a thriving wine scene, and I was determined to try some of the local product. Idaho made this easy on me: Many wineries operate urban tasting rooms just minutes away from downtown Boise  the vibe reminded me a little of the industrial winery scene in West Berkeley.

Among the highlights were two Rieslings  one still, one sparkling  from a producer called Coiled Wines. Ordering Riesling can be a high-risk-high-reward proposition: When it's good, it's so good, but it can also be made in an excessively sweet, acrid style. But when I sat down at Coiled's tasting bar and stuck my nose into a glass of its 2018 still Riesling, I was immediately entranced: It smelled like lime zest and what wine geeks often refer to as "petrol"  that haunting gasoline aroma that many of us have come to adore in this pungent, highly aromatic grape variety.

Coiled's sparkling Riesling, a cuvee called Rizza (there's a snake theme here), was equally delicious, with flavors of apricot and yuzu and a bracing, generous texture. It's made in the Champagne method, but winemaker Leslie Preston disgorges  removes the dead yeast cells  early, in order to emphasize the wine's primary fruit characteristics rather than the secondary, yeast-driven notes that can come from a later disgorging.

Later, I called Preston, who went to UC Davis and worked at California estates including Stag's Leap Winery before moving back to her home state. She explained to me why she believes Riesling is especially well suited to Idaho, which can have both extreme heat and extreme cold throughout the growing season. "It's a really robust grape that can take the hard winters," she said.

Because Idaho's main wine region, Snake River Valley, has a high desert climate that can get pretty hot, the Riesling grown there doesn't reach screeching-high acidity levels. That allows Preston to ferment it to a greater degree of dryness, since she doesn't have to balance out a searing acid profile with sweetness, as is common in cooler Riesling regions like Germany's Mosel. (Preston's 2018 Riesling has 1.6 grams per liter residual sugar, which presents as completely dry.)

It makes sense that Idaho would be a good place for wine grapes. It's quite close to some of the inland growing regions of Oregon and Washington, such as the well-known Columbia Valley. In fact, two of Idaho's three wine appellations straddle those states' borders. The state does have difficult weather years that can significantly reduce the yields  but frankly, inclement weather (some of it likely exacerbated by climate change) has had a deleterious impact lately on even some of the world's most vaunted wine regions. Look at what happened last year in California with wildfire smoke. Many parts of Europe including Burgundy have been plagued by hail and frost issues in recent years, reducing its crop by as much as 50% in some areas.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

The risky nature of growing grapes in Idaho means that there aren't a lot of farmers willing to invest in vineyards here. The state's wineries vastly outnumber its vineyards. That's a big challenge, Preston said: There often isn't enough fruit to go around, forcing many winemakers to buy grapes from Oregon, Washington and other states to supplement their Idaho-grown output.

The fact that most of the wineries here are small-scale, too, has meant that the local industry has stayed relatively quiet. "We haven't had our version of Chateau Ste. Michelle," Preston said, referring to Washington's largest winery, whose marketing power helped raise visibility for the smaller producers surrounding it. She's surprised, she said, that larger companies from places like California haven't yet grabbed up Idaho vineyard land.

For now, enterprising winemakers like Preston can take advantage of the fact that this wine region's identity is still being formed. "I came here because it felt adventurous and kind of a blank slate," she said. From what I tasted, there's a lot of potential in the soil here.
They described it as a homecoming.

Old friends embraced, seeing each other for the first time in almost 16 months. They raised their pints of West Coast IPAs to toast the occasion. Outside, on Sixth Street in SoMa, it might have looked like a regular Tuesday afternoon, but inside the Rumpus Room, it was a full-on celebration  marking the first time this beloved dive bar was reopening since the original COVID-19 shutdown on March 16, 2020.

By 3:30 p.m., a dozen or so people had populated bar seats. Beyond the bar, a spinning disco ball was providing sparkly flashes inside the dim, red-lit room, a dark oasis from the bright afternoon sun outside.

Its my home away from home, said Erik Parra, who had ordered a beer and a mezcal shot. Hed started coming to this bar when it was under its previous ownership, known as the Showdown, since his office was just around the corner. It was his after-work drinking spot about four times a week, he said. Tuesday was his first time being inside a bar without a mask since the pandemic began. It felt surreal.

Mike Amaral, a longtime regular, moved from the Bay Area to Las Vegas in May. Hed flown back to San Francisco just for the Rumpus Rooms reopening day.

We all became involuntarily connected, he said of the community that had formed within the bar. We may not have all worked in the same industry or had much in common, but we all loved it here.

When he moved to Las Vegas, Amaral had worried that some of his favorite San Francisco establishments might not make it.

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I kind of assumed everything would close forever, he said. Being back now, sitting at the bar among his friends, felt like a relief.

That the Rumpus Room would eventually see this day was not a given. During the past year and a half, dozens of bars and restaurants in San Francisco have permanently shuttered, unable to withstand the financial strain of temporarily closing. The Rumpus Room was in a particularly difficult spot: It cant serve food, so couldnt offer takeout cocktails or open for in-person service until recently. And with a capacity of 49, the bar is so small that owner Roxzann De Marco said it didnt make sense to reopen until she could do it at full capacity.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

So there was a sense of triumph in getting the Rumpus Room up and running again on Tuesday  triumph not just for De Marco and her staff, but for the larger community of San Francisco dive bars, whose survival had begun to feel threatened even before the pandemic due to ever-higher rents, staffing challenges and the encroachment of upscale craft-cocktail lounges.

Regulars describe the Rumpus Room as a classy dive bar.

Theyve got good mezcal, good Tequila and they make a great cocktail, said Parra.

In addition to dive bar staples like PBR, Tecate and Miller High Life, the Rumpus Room serves local craft beers like Ghost Town IPA, Moonlight Death & Taxes and Scrimshaw Pilsner. The tap handles have always included a local wine and a house-made Moscow Mule. Unlike some old-school dives where ordering a manhattan might be met with an exasperated stare, the Rumpus Room can mix a proper drink.

De Marco opened the Rumpus Room in 2018, stepping into a long line of bars that had occupied this space since at least the 1930s. Before it was the Rumpus Room, it was known as the Showdown, the Matador, the Arrow, Club Charleston and other names. De Marco remembers coming here when it was the Matador, while she was a college student.

It was a dark, sweaty DJ place, she said.

Under her stewardship, its a little less dark and a little less sweaty, but she still hosts DJs and other live performances, including drag shows.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

After sending her employees home on March 16, 2020, De Marco told them to file for unemployment, and she began collecting unemployment herself. She got lucky, she said, with an accommodating landlord and a small Paycheck Protection Program loan.

That was a godsend, because we were able to send the landlord something, she said.

So far, that something has been enough for the landlord, but she knows that those back payments are looming.

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Eventually, she caved and got an administrative job. The money was helpful, though the experience revealed that shes much better suited to being a bar owner than an office worker, she said.

Office workers have long been the Rumpus Rooms main clientele, due to its location at Sixth and Market. Were a happy hour bar, De Marco said. Groups of coworkers would always descend at 5 p.m., guzzling palomas and pina coladas. Will they return, now that many city residents are working from their homes, far away from the buzz of SoMa? No one knows, least of all De Marco.

She still felt nervous, she said, even as she was reveling in the joy of getting the doors open again. With so much of downtown San Franciscos future still in flux, the long-term fate of the Rumpus Room, to some extent, remained out of her hands.

But that underlying wariness did not tarnish any of the joy that De Marco and her customers felt on Tuesday afternoon.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

I knew people would show up, said Chris Harrison, whom bartenders refer to as the mayor of the Rumpus Room. He holds the distinction of having the most check-ins on the app Foursquare, a measurement of how many times hes visited the bar. According to Foursquare, hes been here 187 times, though he was careful to note that he doesnt use the app every time he comes.

I worried. I didnt know how the bar was going to deal with all these months of closure, Harrison said.

But as soon as he walked back in, he said, it felt like no time at all had passed. It was like riding a bike. All the people Id expected to be here  they were here.

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley
Alameda County has seen an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since lifting most pandemic restrictions last month, health officials said Thursday.

The county hit pandemic lows for cases and hospitalizations in early June, with a reported average of 28 daily infections. But it is now seeing more than 70 new cases a day, and the total has topped 100 on some days recently, county data shows.

We expect to see more COVID-19 with reopening, but the rate of this increase is concerning, Dr. Nicholas Moss, Alameda Countys health officer, said in a statement.

He said most new infections are happening in areas of the county with the lowest vaccination rates. A similar pattern has developed in neighboring Contra Costa County, which releases data among vaccinated and unvaccinated people that shows most of those being infected have not been inoculated.

Health officials are urging those who have not yet received their shots to do so, especially with the threat of the highly infectious delta variant, which is now responsible for more new infections in California than any other variant.

The delta variant is spreading in California and its simply more infectious than the virus we had earlier in the pandemic, Moss said.

State and local health officials had predicted a rise in new cases after June 15, when California lifted nearly all pandemic restrictions on public life. Case rates are still considered low, at just over 3 new infections per 100,000 people statewide and in the Bay Area. In January, during the worst of the winter surge, there were nearly 100 new cases a day per 100,000 people statewide.

Moss recommended that everyone carry a mask when leaving home, regardless of vaccination status, and noted that unvaccinated people are supposed to continue wearing masks in indoor public settings.

If you are still deciding about vaccination, continue to follow COVID safety precautions to keep from catching or spreading the virus, Moss said. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please get tested and if youre positive, stay home until you have completed your isolation.

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
The Bay Area appears to be holding its own against the delta coronavirus variant  but while experts say the region is unlikely to see major spikes like those occurring in less-vaccinated hot spots across the U.S., they are watching the key metrics that would spell trouble ahead.

To those casting a worried eye toward places like Israel and Japan, which have tightened some restrictions due to the delta variant, experts say a return to widespread shutdowns in the Bay Area and California is unlikely  though indicators could reach levels that prompt some renewed health measures, such as mask mandates.

The delta variant has become the dominant coronavirus strain in the U.S. and California. The variant, first detected in India, is estimated to be 50% more transmissible than the U.K.-originating alpha variant, which was 50% more transmissible than the original strain from Wuhan, China. Currently, data is limited on whether the variant can cause more severe disease.

Warner Greene, an infectious disease expert with the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco, calls the delta variant the the most sophisticated attack the virus has thrown at us. He said anyone who is unvaccinated should be worried, but if youre fully vaccinated, theres no need to start panicking.

The vaccines are effective in terms of keeping you out of the hospital and keeping you from dying, he said. There will likely be mild infections but the vaccines are still holding in terms of serious disease and hospitalizations.

Key metrics: Positive test rates, hospitalizations, deaths

However, experts are monitoring the variant spread and coronavirus data closely to see what happens.

Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at UCSF, said she would watch metrics carefully using the CDCs definition for increased transmission, which is a 5% positive test rate and 5 hospitalizations per population of 100,000.

San Francisco, a city of about 875,000 residents, currently has a 0.7% positive test rate and 1.7 cases per population of 100,000  compared to about 5% and 40 per 100,000 during the worst of the winter surge in mid-January.

As of July 4, 16 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in San Francisco, six of them in intensive care.

Gandhi pointed out the recent promising news that the Bay Area has seen COVID-19 deaths plummet. The Bay Area is highly vaccinated, Gandhi said. I dont think we need to worry yet.

Peter Chin-Hong, also an infectious disease expert at UCSF, said the most important metrics to watch are hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths caused by COVID-19, which would then be investigated to determine the proportion attributable to the delta variant.

I dont expect we will prevent all infections, even among the fully vaccinated, he said. What I would hope still happens is that the vaccines still avert serious disease and death from COVID-19. From the data emerging around the world, it appears that this will be the case.

John Swartzberg, an infectious disease expert at UC Berkeley, said the R-effective, which represents the average number of people an infected person is likely to pass the virus on to, will be higher for the delta variant than the alpha variant, which in turn was higher than the original strain.

He said hospitalizations are the key metric, with health officials seeking to avoid a situation like the winter surge, when health facilities were overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients.

While I dont want to see anyone sick, its those that are so sick that require hospitalization that we worry about, he said. As long as people are not requiring hospitalization, we will not be in trouble.

Possible scenarios

Swartzberg said those who are fully vaccinated are unlikely to get infected, and if they do, they will likely be asymptomatic or exhibit effects similar to a mild cold. He added that its unlikely vaccinated people will produce sufficient viral particles to effectively transmit the virus to someone else.

I dont think people should worry, but they should be cautious, he said. Theres little question that it will continue to out-compete the other variants. In the U.K. it accounts for about 90% of all the isolates.Thats where were heading.

Swartzberg said the worrisome scenario is the increase in hospitalizations occurring particularly in unvaccinated pockets across the country. He is optimistic that the high rate of vaccination in the Bay Area and California will avert what we saw in the winter or even summer of last year  but still has some concern.

What people should worry about is the emergence of a variant that can resist the immunity we get from our vaccines, he said. And, of course, the way to prevent this is to get vaccinated.

There is some concern for children, particularly those under 12 who are not yet eligible to receive vaccines, and immunocompromised individuals who may not have comparatively robust protection after inoculation.

Chin-Hong said children under 12 are still less likely to acquire and transmit the coronavirus, so he doesnt think kids need to wear a mask when outdoors with family members. But indoors, especially for longer periods of time such as going to the movies, he encourages children to wear masks and parents to do the same to model the behavior.

Greene said the best thing parents can do is try to create a vaccine barrier around their children and make sure everyone around them is vaccinated.

Immunocompromised family members present a potentially thornier issue given that we do not know if the vaccines have resulted in protective antibodies for them, Chin-Hong said. At this time, until there is more guidance around boosters, I would advise them to mask up and maintain social distance as much as possible in public settings.

The future of restrictions

If pervasive spread of the delta variant and more breakthrough infections occur, Greene said he could envision a statewide mask ordinance reimplemented.

But he doesnt imagine sweeping shutdowns will return.

The vaccine provides sufficient immunological armor that protects us and allows us to keep our society open, he said.

Chin-Hong also said a mask mandate could be a possibility.

Continue to focus on increasing vaccine uptake in the community, he advised. It is inevitable that if cases increase, there will be a pulling back on some liberties...but hopefully that would only be temporary if hospitalizations and deaths remain stable and low.

Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KellieHwang
A single dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or previous coronavirus infection offer little protection from the delta variant that is spreading through California and the rest of the U.S.  but the standard two-shot regimen is highly effective, according to a study published Thursday in the scientific journal Nature.

The peer-reviewed report from researchers at Frances Pasteur Institute found that the variant has mutations that allow it to evade some neutralizing antibodies, increasing the importance of getting both shots.

Although the study indicated that two shots block most delta infections, Pfizer said Thursday that it would soon seek emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity against variants of the virus.

In the French study, blood drawn from patients who received a single shot of Pfizer or AstraZeneca, a two-dose vaccine being administered in many countries but not the U.S., showed that one dose barely inhibited variant delta. The research showed similar results for those who produced natural antibodies after infection.

A second dose, however, prevented infections in 88% of cases for the Pfizer vaccine and 60% for AstraZeneca, the study said.

Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

The good news tucked into this is there is protection if you are fully vaccinated, said John Swartzberg, an infectious disease expert at UC Berkeley.

The study by the French researchers did not examine efficacy rates against the delta variant for the other vaccines being used in the U.S.  a two-shot vaccine made by Moderna and the single-dose vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson. The companies have said their vaccines provide strong protection against the variant.

The delta variant is believed to be 75% more contagious than the original coronavirus. It is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Estimates show that 51.7% of new cases in the country were linked to the variant as of July 3.

It is also the dominant strain in California, accounting for 35.6% of the states new cases, according to samples collected by the state Department of Public Health. It is likely to be responsible for a 20% increase in new cases recorded in the Bay Area and statewide after California lifted pandemic restrictions on most areas of public life on June 15.

Skipping second doses is an issue in California and the U.S. as a whole. In May, about 10% of people nationally who had received their first shot had not gotten their second shot within the recommended six-week window, according to the CDC. Californias skip rate was 8%, the state Department of Public Health said.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP / Getty Images

In the Bay Area, the rates of people who had gotten their first dose but missed their second ranged from 3% in Contra Costa County to roughly 15% in Solano and Alameda counties, according to county estimates.

The parts of this to emphasize is that a single dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca or prior immunity are not particularly protective in this laboratory study, said Dr. George Rutherford, an infectious disease expert with UCSF. You need to get fully vaccinated, even if you have been infected before.

One unknown since the vaccines emerged late last year is how long they will provide protection against COVID. Many signs have been encouraging: For example, participants in the trials that led the FDA to grant emergency authorization for the vaccines use have not been getting sick at rates that would suggest vaccines are failing.

But Dr. Mikael Dolsten, Pfizers chief scientific officer, told the Associated Press on Thursday that early data from the companys booster study suggest that peoples antibody levels jump five- to tenfold after a third dose, compared with their second dose months earlier. He said the company could seek FDA emergency authorization in August.

There are no guarantees the FDA would grant it, given efficacy studies that show two doses are working well and the millions of shots that are still needed for Americans who have yet to be inoculated.

Swartzberg said that while it is good that pharmaceutical companies are developing plans to combat the delta and other variants, there is no need for booster shots until signs emerge of waning immunity in fully vaccinated people or there is evidence that variants can escape the two-dose regimen.

Were seeing a gradual tendency where the virus can escape immunity from natural infection and vaccines, but it hasnt happened yet, he said. At this point, we dont need a third jab.

Only about 48% of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated  and some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, places where the delta variant is surging. On Thursday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.

This rapid rise is troubling, she said.

That concern is being echoed in the Bay Area. Health officials said Alameda County has seen an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since lifting most pandemic restrictions last month.

The county hit pandemic lows for cases and hospitalizations in early June, with an average of 28 daily infections. But it is now seeing more than 70 new cases a day, and the total has topped 100 on some days recently, county data shows.

We expect to see more COVID-19 with reopening, but the rate of this increase is concerning, Dr. Nicholas Moss, Alameda Countys health officer, said in a statement.

Moss said most new infections are happening in areas of the county with the lowest vaccination rates. A similar pattern has developed in neighboring Contra Costa County, which releases data among vaccinated and unvaccinated people showing that most of those now being infected have not been inoculated.

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
Judging by the number of lives lost, San Franciscos overdose crisis dwarfs its COVID danger. The official response  not so much.

An Assembly committee this week bottled up legislation by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, to allow life-saving supervised injection sites in San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles, promising at least six more months of deadly dithering over a bill Wiener and local officials have advocated for years.

Assembly Member Jim Wood, the Santa Rosa Democrat who chairs the chambers Health Committee, said he wanted to give U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland more time to formulate a position on the legality of the facilities, calling it the prudent thing to do. But theres nothing prudent about the state and federal failure to take a small political risk with lives on the line.

Seven hundred people died of drug overdoses in San Francisco last year, more than twice the number lost to COVID-19 during that period and a 59% increase over the previous years toll. The most recent statistics suggest this years losses could be greater. The rapid growth of fatal overdoses is driven by use of the powerful opioid fentanyl, the spread of which threatens more cities in California and the West with comparable losses.

Safe injection sites provide users with access to addiction treatment and medical assistance as well as an alternative to train stations and city sidewalks. Despite the qualms of misguided moralists and drug warriors, research has shown they prevent overdose deaths and disease without promoting more drug use. They have been legal in Canada, Australia and Europe for years.

Former Gov. Jerry Brown nevertheless vetoed a bill to allow the sites in San Francisco in 2018, while the Trump administration threatened to prosecute anyone who opened a site. President Biden is expected to be less hostile to the idea, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he is open to it, though neither appears to be going out of his way to change policy. The mayors of San Francisco, Oakland and other cities have urged the Biden administration to clarify its position to no avail.

In signing the first state law clearing the way for safe injection sites this week, Rhode Islands governor provided an example of leadership that California policymakers should emulate. Given the danger to their constituents, waiting for official permission from Washington is tantamount to waiting for more people to die.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
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.
It was over 100 degrees in Sacramento, and the air conditioner at the Jack in the Box where I work had been busted for days. It was so hot inside the store that some of my co-workers were getting headaches or feeling dizzy. Others were on the verge of fainting.

But when my co-workers and I approached our manager to talk to her about the heat, she said we were exaggerating. We were hot because of menopause.

Really? Menopause? It had nothing to do with the rows of hot fryers and ovens and having no AC in the middle of a heatwave?

It was hard enough approaching her in the first place. Often when we raised concerns with her, she called us names like son of a bitch and stupid idiots. But when she blamed the heat on menopause, we knew we had to do more than speak up.

We had to go on strike.

On June 29, we walked off the job to send a message: The workers this country called essential during the COVID-19 pandemic finally deserve to be treated like it.

Fast-food cooks and cashiers like me in California and across the country never stopped working, even during the height of the pandemic. We kept flipping burgers and serving fries, even as our employers often failed to give us masks.

Millions of essential workers like us got sick with COVID-19. Over 10,000 workers died in California alone in 2020.

Now that things are starting to re-open, its obvious that some people would like to pretend we were never quite so essential in the first place. Big corporations want to keep paying us low wages and ignore our concerns about basic workplace safety.

My colleagues and I went on strike because we refused to let that happen, and because we know when we work together and speak with one voice, we have the real power.

And guess what  our strike worked.

The day after we went on strike, the Jack in the Box district manager stepped up and approved a permanent fix for the air conditioning in our store. We also learned that our menopause manager is no longer working with Jack in the Box. One of our co-workers who went on strike is being promoted to fill her spot.

I hope that our victory will inspire other fast-food cooks and cashiers to take action.

Our story is just one example of the countless problems fast-food workers are facing across the country. Its more than excessive heat and broken AC units. We face the threats of wage theft, sexual harassment, violence on the job and more.

Our strike showed that when workers join together, we can force big corporations like Jack in the Box to take notice. But workers shouldnt be forced to strike just so that we dont pass out at work during a heatwave. Here in California, fast-food workers are united in demanding that our lawmakers make major policy changes to empower us with a real voice in the workplace.

Thats why my colleagues and I are calling on California lawmakers to pass AB 257, the FAST Recovery Act, when it comes up for a vote in the State Assembly next year. The FAST Recovery Act would create a statewide committee to give workers like me a seat at the table to develop new health, employment and safety standards that will help fix the many issues we still face on the job.

With this bill, we would be able to sit down with franchisees, state officials and representatives from big corporations to equitably discuss solutions to the issues that for decades have prevented fast-food jobs from providing loyal workers with a middle-class living.

We could also come up with plans to make sure that the next time we face a crisis like COVID, there are rules and protections in place to avoid the same kind of devastation the virus caused to essential workers, especially in Black and brown communities.

All around the country, fast-food restaurants are struggling to hire workers because no one wants a job where they arent paid enough to raise a family or where their complaints about the heat are dismissed as menopause. Companies like McDonalds are even offering $1,000 signing bonuses or new iPhones to try to attract new workers.

But theyre ignoring the obvious solutions to their labor shortage: paying people a living wage and giving workers a seat at the bargaining table.

Workers need an economic recovery that includes us too  and were ready to keep speaking out, protesting and striking until we win it.

Leticia Reyes is a Jack in the Box worker who lives in Sacramento.
SACRAMENTO  As a heat wave exacerbates Californias drought, Gov. Gavin Newsom asked residents Thursday to voluntarily cut their water use by 15% and extended an emergency drought declaration to nearly every Bay Area county.

Those measures were the latest in a series of modest steps Newsom has taken to encourage Californians to conserve and to make it easier for state regulators to curtail use for farmers and water agencies.

Newsom said urgent action is needed because conditions in the state continue to devolve, with sparse rainfall and higher-than-normal temperatures  and a heat dome forecast to scorch the West Coast this weekend.

Nevertheless, the governor stressed there are no mandatory reductions in water use for individual customers, unlike the last drought, when then-Gov. Jerry Brown ordered people to conserve.

Not here as nanny state, Im not trying to be oppressive, Newsom said during a news conference along the receding banks of Lopez Lake in San Luis Obispo County, which is at about 34% capacity. Again, these are voluntary standards.

Newsom signed an executive order urging people to voluntarily reduce their water use. He offered tips to help conserve: water lawns less often, take shorter showers and wait until dishwashers and washing machines are full before running a load.

The governor has come under pressure from legislators in both parties in recent months, whove argued he should have declared a statewide drought emergency months ago.

On Thursday, Newsom said his latest proclamation was driven by conditions on the ground. Three Bay Area counties were added to the list: Santa Clara, San Mateo and Marin. Combined, eight of the regions nine counties are under drought declarations  with the lone exception of San Francisco.

Statewide, the proclamation means 50 of Californias 58 counties are now in a drought emergency. The drought-designated counties include about 42% of the states population.

California faces a gripping drought after two years of minimal rainfall. The state experienced its driest rainy season on record this year, with average statewide precipitation reaching 126-year lows, according to Golden Gate Weather Services.

During the rainy season, California got 11.46 inches of rainfall on average, about 49% of its normal amount of about 23.61 inches. So far, the delta watershed has been among the hardest-hit areas.

State regulators have already told thousands of farms and utilities that rely on flows from the vast Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed to stop drawing water from rivers and creeks, an order that affects junior water rights holders, hitting many farmers the hardest.

California is facing a drought crisis just a few years after it emerged from the last one. Former Gov. Brown issued the last statewide drought declaration, in 2014, and kept it in place for three years.

Newsoms drought proclamation gives the state Water Resources Control Board, the agency charged with regulating state supplies, the power to more quickly curtail some users rights to divert water from rivers if there is a shortage and allows state agencies to more easily transfer water for priority uses.

But Newsoms order doesnt mandate rationing. Local water districts will probably decide whether to set voluntary or mandatory restrictions on use for individual customers.

In the Bay Area, several districts are asking customers to conserve, including the Contra Costa and Santa Clara Valley water districts. The Marin Municipal Water District was the first to impose mandatory restrictions in April.

In Marin County, most residents will only be able to use their sprinklers on one assigned day a week, as per a rule passed by the district on Tuesday. Those who violate the rule can face a fine of up to $250. The decision was made out of concern that the district may run out of its reservoir supplies by next summer, according to the agency.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Annie Vainshtein contributed to this report.

Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner
A former high-ranking official at San Francisco Public Works was arrested this week for allegedly concealing more than a quarter-million dollars in income from his wifes merchandising company, which secured no-bid agreements with Public Works.

Gerald Jerry Sanguinetti, a former bureau manager for the department, was charged with five felony counts of perjury and two misdemeanor counts of failure to file financial disclosure statements, San Francisco prosecutors said Thursday.

Sanguinetti is accused of omitting a total of $262,947 from his mandatory financial disclosures from 2013 to 2019.

Public employees must serve the public, not use their position for their own financial gain, said San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, whose office investigated the case for the past nine months and is pursuing charges. Failing to disclose financial conflicts of interests while profiting at the citys expense violates public trust.

Most city workers are required to disclose sources of outside income, business investments and their spouses income each year in a statement of economic interest, which they must attest to under penalty of perjury.

Sanguinettis side earnings allegedly came from SDL Merchandising, a company that sold wares like custom-made hats and T-shirts, and was nominally owned by Sanguinettis wife, prosecutors said.

While Public Works employees submitted orders to SDL, the merchandising companys payments came through an account Public Works held with the San Francisco Parks Alliance, a nonprofit organization.

Investigators said they found that SDL Merchandising received $262,947 in payments from the Parks Alliance, and confirmed this figure through bank records of payments invoiced by Gina Sanguinetti, Sanguinettis wife. These funds were paid out in checks and deposited into four bank accounts controlled by the couple, prosecutors said.

Sanguinetti could not be immediately reached for comment.

Parks Alliance CEO Drew Becher said in a statement that, in working with Public Works, it was the department that raised the funds, selected the vendors and approved all reimbursements. Under the terms set by the city, SFPA had neither the authority nor the visibility to second-guess vendors chosen by Public Works.

Becher added that the Parks Alliances partnership and nonprofit status were exploited by specific individuals within the Department of Public Works.

The details and nature of Public Works financial relationship with the Parks Alliance was not immediately clear.

Witnesses said purchases from SDL were no-bid agreements, and that the merchandise cost as much as twice the price other vendors quoted, according to prosecutors. When one Public Works employee tried to instead buy from another vendor, a supervisor allegedly indicated that the director wouldnt like that, referring to former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, prosecutors said.

The charges come in the wake of a sprawling City Hall corruption scandal that has embroiled former department heads, city contractors and nonprofit organizations. Nuru, who is facing unrelated federal fraud charges signed off on some of the SDL merchandise payments, prosecutors said.

The City Controllers Office flagged some of the inappropriate dealings between the nonprofit and Public Works in a September report, laying out how Nuru allegedly used the Parks Alliance to circumvent the citys purchasing protocols and direct funding to favored vendors. The report, which was connected to a larger public integrity investigation led by the City Attorneys Office, said Nuru solicited donations from private sources and funneled them into the Parks Alliance.

The controllers report mentioned SDL Merchandise by name, highlighting the company as one of the high-paid beneficiaries of Parks Alliance funding. SDL was paid $164,885 from April 2016 through May 2019 for various shirts, caps and merchandise, but the Public Works log failed to detail any justification for the costs, the report stated.

The report noted that SDL Merchandising was owned by a former Public Works employee who was still employed at the time the payments occurred, but did not identify Sanguinetti by name.

Absent an additional employment approval, it is inappropriate for city employees to do business with the city, the report stated.

It is unclear whether Nuru knew that Sanguinetti had a financial stake in SDL Merchandising. Prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing.

Nurus attorney could not be immediately reached for comment.

Jerry Sanguinetti was arrested Wednesday by district attorney investigators and officers with the San Mateo Police Department and is scheduled to be arraigned next month.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
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Just a few paddle strokes gets you into Californias only exclusive boat-in state park, a matrix of natural lakes and streams fed by underground volcanic springs in the states far north.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is located in remote northeastern Shasta County near McArthur in the Fall River Valley. Those who know the park simply call it Ahjumawi. In the native language of the Pit River Tribe it means where the waters come together.

There is no better place in Northern California that puts together kayaking and canoeing, small power boats, camping (first-come, first-served), bird watching, trout fishing and history. Launch for free from a primitive boat ramp into miles of flat-calm waterways, views of Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak, and a symphony of calls from migratory songbirds.

Unlike the states reservoirs, the lakes here are always full. Hidden surprises include a series of tribal stone fish traps.

Though many visitors may be wary about drifting smoke from the north states wildfires, by Monday it was pristine at dawn, hazy by late afternoon. The hot afternoons, expected to hit the 100s again this weekend, are the bigger concern. To cool off, paddle to the edge of a spring-fed channel and enjoy the crystal-pure waters that flow throughout the park.

Getting there

Nobody ventures to Ahjumawi by accident. Its a long drive for most  roughly 300 miles from San Francisco  and you need a boat to access it. Come prepared to camp ($15 per night) and rely solely on yourself.

The heart of the Fall River Valley is a web of connected waterways, where Fall River, Tule River, Ja-She Creek, all spring-fed, flatwater streams, are connected to Big Lake and Horr Pond. The surrounding landscape is oak woodlands edged by endless water, a primary habitat for migratory songbirds, shorebirds and bald eagles.

Many shallow areas are off limits to larger powerboats. In addition, the drive to the boat ramp passes over several narrow cattle guards, where larger trailers can catch a wheel, ripping off your trailer axle. (It has happened at least a half dozen times, according to a local auto shop.)

Tom Stienstra

In the town of McArthur, you turn left on Main Street and drive about a half-mile out of town (the road turns to gravel) to a fork. Take the right fork onto Rat Farm Road, drive over a canal, and continue 3 miles to the end of the road to a parking area and a hard-packed dirt boat ramp called Rat Farm. Theres no dock, just a chemical toilet and an information billboard.

Note: If using Google Maps, use Rat Farm, McArthur. Do not use the directions to Ahjumawi  they are incorrect and will guide you to a gated road that has been closed for years.

Load your boat with supplies at the ramp then push off from shore and away you go. As with most state parks, no dogs are allowed.

From the boat ramp, you head out through a channel adjoined by marshlands a few hundred yards to the primary waterway. You should then turn left (west). As you propel ahead, youll pass a shoreline, where the land on your right then curves in a half moon and to a series of smaller points and coves.

On your right is Horr Pond Campground, named for rancher Henry Horr who, with his wife, Ivy, owned 6,000 acres here in the 1940s. There is a boat ramp here and beyond the second point in the next deep cove is Crystal Springs Campground. Just beyond that in a narrow cove is Ja-She Creek Campground.

Plan to boil water for cooking, using a gas-powered stove. For drinking water, bring a water purifier to extract water from the cool springs. Pack out all of your trash. The Horr Pond Campground includes wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Hiking, fishing, birdwatching

On the water by boat, its common to see bald eagles and ospreys, plus grebes, egrets, herons and white pelicans.

On land at camp, the air is often filled with a symphony of sound from the calls of the migratory songbirds. At Horr Pond, for instance, we landed our boat on the far eastern shore of the cove, hiked up a short distance to the shade of an oak for a picnic, and sat there for lunch in wonder for an hour, taking in the calling birds.

In this time of drought, the huge expanses of water here can refresh the soul. With the air again clearing this week, the long-distance views from the water are drop-dead beautiful. To the west, 5,500-foot Soldier Mountain towers over the Fall River Valley. On the horizon, 14,179-foot Mount Shasta rises up to the northwest and 10,457-foot Lassen Peak to the south.

For fishing, some venture here to fly-fish exclusively for catch-and-release wild trout. The best spots are at the edge of the channel of the Tule River, upstream at the convergence with the Fall River and in the vicinity of Big Lake Springs.

The water is often crystal clear, which requires very long leaders, often 12 to 15 feet or longer, and delicate casts where your fly lands gently as if no line is attached. A rich aquatic food chain here is known for the hex hatch, midges and mayflies.

The best hike is from Ja-She Creek Campground, where a trail is routed west to the Historic Ranch House. There are also levee trails throughout much of the area, including walks available from each side of the Rat Farm boat launch.

In ancestral times, the Ahjumawi, a band of the Pit River Tribe, built 10 rock fish traps along the shore of the area near springs. Fish, mainly suckers, will swim into these pools enclosed by rocks for capture. According to a study by biologist Peter Moyle, trout may also occasionally swim into the traps, but can leap the stone walls and escape to freedom.

For more information about Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, go to www.parks.ca.gov. Ahjumawi is managed by McArthur-Burney Falls State Park, 530-335-2777.

Tom Stienstra is The Chronicles outdoor writer emeritus. Email: tomstienstra2021@gmail.com. Twitter: @StienstraTom.
Liz Hafalia/Associated Press

Of the three major recall efforts of interest to San Francisco residents (Gov. Gavin Newsom, District Attorney Chesa Boudin and three members of the San Francisco Board of Education) it seems the third has the highest chance of success  if organizers can collect enough signatures.

A series of polls from Bay Area-based EMC Research shared by the San Francisco Chronicle's Heather Knight found that S.F. residents do not hold their school board in high regard after more than a year of distance learning, widely panned school renaming efforts and one member's racist tweets. (SFGATE and the San Francisco Chronicle are both owned by Hearst but operate independently of one another).
Alumnae of Mills College in Oakland filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging they were blindsided by the colleges recent announcement to shutdown or merge with Northeastern University.

The complaint, which was filed June 7 in Alameda County, claims that the college withheld information and documents from alumni trustees on the board of trustees, "thereby stifling [the] Plaintiffs' ability to fulfill their fiduciary duties to Mills."

The group is seeking at least 60 days to review the college's books in order to better comprehend the options on the table.

In March, the historic women's college announced it would stop admitting first-year students and grant its last degrees in 2023 due to financial problems. Two months later, Mills said it was pursuing a merger with Northeastern University, a private, nonprofit, Boston-based research university. Under the proposal, the college would welcome all genders at the undergraduate level.

According to a FAQ section on Mills' website, the preliminary proposal from Northeastern "was so compelling," the Board of Trustees authorized Mills to begin formal negotiations.

Under the proposed agreement, current Mills students could complete their degrees at Mills or Mills College at Northeastern University. They would also have the option of transferring to Northeastern at no additional cost prior to the finalization of the alliance.

The College is pursuing negotiations with Northeastern because its leaders understand and support the vital contributions Mills offers, and because we share a vision of what education can and must be in the coming decades," President Elizabeth L. Hillman said in a message sent to the Mills community on Tuesday. "The missions of Mills and Northeastern are aligned through our shared commitment to access, social justice, and urban engagement.

Cherlene Wright, an appointed member of the Alumnae Association of Mills College Board of Governors and a 1992 graduate of the college, said she and the board sat in multiple meetings with Hillman and the possibility of closing the college was never raised until the public March announcement.

"We absolutely have known that the college is struggling financially ... We absolutely have been offering help with fundraising, with recruitment," Wright said. "Never in any of these board meetings was shutting the college down even raised as a possibility."

"The Northeastern thing is secondary because we didn't even know that we needed a partner," Wright continued. "We've not been shown any of the information that would tell us that Mills was in a position to need a partner. I feel like this is a forced marriage when I haven't been told why it is I need to be married. I haven't even really considered the merger because my focus is getting to the truth of what's going on with Mills."

In a statement sent to SFGATE Thursday, President Hillman called the lawsuit "a factually incorrect and legally mistaken effort to undermine confidence in the leadership of the College." Hillman noted that two of the plaintiffs are withdrawing from the lawsuit, and one plaintiff's term expired on June 30.

"All other Mills College alumnae on the Mills College Board of Trustees agree that they reviewed more than sufficient information to make all decisions made on the future of the College," Hillman said.

She went on to urge the Alumnae Association to "rededicate its resources to supporting our students and Mills College rather than funding a costly legal fight."
NEW YORK (AP)  Deep in the ocean, surrounded by sharks, Tiffany Haddish stayed cool. She drew on her land-based survival skills.

I was as frightened around them as I am around like a pack of pit bull dogs, she said in an interview. I feel like animals pick up on your energy. If youre in there being scared, theyre like, Well, what you got? Why are you scared? It's like being in the hood.

Haddish is among the celebrities signed on for this year's Shark Week, with a record 45 hours of programming on the Discovery Channel and streaming on discovery+ between July 11-18.

Joining Haddish are Brad Paisley, William Shatner, Eric Bana, Snoop Dogg, Eli Roth, Robert Irwin, Ian Ziering, Tara Reid and cast members from Jackass. For Shark Week's 33rd year, there are documentaries, many specials and even a reality series for shark fans to sink their teeth into.

Howard Swartz, a senior vice president at Discovery Channel, said Shark Week was born as a counterpoint for those who developed a fear of sharks and a desire to eradicate them after seeing Jaws.

What has evolved over the last three plus decades is to show that theyre not these mindless killing machines, that sharks are amazingly intelligent animals, Swartz said. Equally important is how critical they are to the ecosystem, how critically important they are to the health of the oceans and therefore to life on our planet.

Star Trek star Shatner boldly went where he really didn't want to go  diving with sharks. He suffers from galeophobia, a persistent fear of sharks, but he overcame it in Expedition Unknown: Shark Trek.

I think its very healthy to be afraid of an animal that has an 18-inch jaw with three sets of teeth, he said in an interview. Its designed to eat, not you necessarily, but to eat. And if youre mistaken to be part of its food chain, thats your problem.

Eli Roth, the horror filmmaker behind the bloody classic Hostel, joined the documentary Fin to explain why millions of sharks have died to feed the continued demand for shark fin soup and other dishes. Bana narrates the doc Envoy: Shark Cull, which focuses on official controversial shark control programs used in Australia.

Noah Schnapp from the sci-fi series Stranger Things suits up to search for the strangest sharks in the ocean, while Irwin comes face-to-face with a Great White for the rst time. Even the online television and video star known as Dr. Pimple Popper is getting in on the act: Dr. Sandra Lee will explore the world of shark skin and see if it can help human skin issues.

Paisley puts his musical talents to the test to see how sound can attract or repel sharks, and Snoop Dogg narrates crazy shark moves  like the beasts making eye-popping leaps out of the water, prompting the rapper to call them thirsty as hell  in Sharkadelic Summer 2.

For Haddish, her special about the reproduction of sharks  did you know female sharks have two uteruses?  will hopefully show how important to the planet sharks really are.

We all need each other. Its like The Lion King  the circle of life. We keep each other alive, she said. No one on this planet for no reason.

Swartz says inviting celebrities onto Shark Week is a bit like when Sesame Street has on famous guest stars  they help attract a wider, intergenerational audience.

At the end of the day, what the celebrities do for us is to bring people into the tent who might not normally come to Shark Week, he said. Having said that, I will say you might be surprised at how many celebrities are fans of Shark Week.

Dr. James Sulikowski, a professor at Arizona State University, has been on Shark Week before but this time does something no one has ever done  perform an ultrasound on a wild tiger shark.

It was necessary since scientists are still trying to pinpoint where in the Bahamas tiger sharks give birth and how humans can protect the area. But first they needed to find a pregnant shark and that's where Sulikowski came in, calmly pushing his sonogram onto a shark's belly at the bottom of the ocean while dozens of her friends came to inspect.

It was so many emotions all at once, he said in an interview. Its chaos. Its terrifying. Its exhilarating. Youre doing something that no one has ever done before. Youre pushing the envelope. And right in the back of your mind its like, You know what? I could be eaten.

Mothersharker  Sulikowski's wonderfully titled show  reveals another side to the often misunderstood animals. These sharks are moms, he said. These are animals that are nurturing their young, theyre carrying them, theyre protecting them. Its an aspect that most people dont realize.

Other shows include a special about an attempt to tag the last known South African Great White breeder and another that attempts to answer why in 2017 an entire Great White population disappeared overnight around South Africa's Seal Island. If you've ever wanted to see a submersible mechanical shark in action, you're in luck with MechaShark.

Discovery is also marking the debut of its first Shark Week series. In Shark Academy, eight men and women begin a six-week crash course to secure a crew spot on a shark expedition. And it wouldn't be Shark Week without a scientific look at Sharknado  Ian Ziering and Tara Reid explore whether a shark tornado is really possible.

Discovery's Shark Week has a rival  its programming coincides with National Geographics SharkFest, which has 21 hours of new content and 60 hours of enhanced and archival footage over six weeks, with Chris Hemsworth the biggest draw.

Both ventures share a common theme: To tease out at least a grudging respect for sharks. Or, as Shatner said, These animals require our respect and an intelligent fear, but not the panic.

___

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  A former federal corrections officer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for taking bribes to smuggle forbidden items to inmates in Mississippi.

On Thursday, federal prosecutors dropped three counts accusing Ashley Lovett of making false statements during the investigation, online federal court records show.
PIERRE, S.D. (AP)  The South Dakota Attorney General's Office says law enforcement should honor tribal-issued medical marijuana identification cards held by non-tribal members off the reservation, a view not shared by Gov. Kristi Noem's administration and the state Highway Patrol.

Last week, Noems administration guided law enforcement officers not to honor Native American tribes medical marijuana ID cards if they are not issued to tribal members. The governors office said troopers who encounter 3 ounces or less of marijuana in the field would still make arrests of non-tribal members with tribal-issued medical marijuana cards.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP)  An Alabama police officer is still getting paid two months after he was convicted of murder.

Huntsville officer William Ben Darby was stripped of his law enforcement certification after a jury May 7 found him guilty of murdering Jeff Parker, a man who told police he was suicidal. Darby is free on bond while awaiting sentencing Aug. 20 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Documents obtained through an open records request show that Darby remains employed by the police department and has been paid about $2,100 before taxes every two weeks since his conviction, AL.com reported Thursday.

The records show Darby, since his conviction, has been on paid sick leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the federal law that requires employers to give workers extended time off for medical or family reasons.

An email sent to Huntsville police officers from the address of Police Chief Mark McMurray on May 20 asked officers to donate unused leave time to an unnamed employee. City officials declined to say whether the request was made for Darby. McMurray denied sending the email, saying his secretary may have sent it on behalf of the city's human resources department.

I would never send out any email asking for donations from my office, McMurray said.

Huntsville's police department and city council have supported Darby ever since the fatal shooting. An internal police review board cleared the officer of wrongdoing. And the city council voted to pay for Darby's criminal defense with public money.

Following Darby's conviction, McMurray and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle released statements disputing the jury's verdict.

In 2018, officers were dispatched to Parker's home after he called 911 saying he was suicidal and had a gun. Two officers found Parker, who was white, sitting on a couch and holding a gun to his own head when they arrived, according to evidence presented at Darby's trial.

One officer told jurors she was talking to Parker, 49, when Darby entered the house, ordered Parker to drop his weapon and shot him with a shotgun within seconds.

Prosecutors argued that Darby had no justifiable reason to open fire. Darby testified that he shot Parker in defense of himself and other officers because he feared Parker might shoot them. The gun Parker had was later revealed to be a flare gun.

Darby faces a prison sentence of 20 years to life, prosecutors have said.
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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Louisiana, which has beaten back several spikes of the coronavirus disease, is seeing troubling new upticks in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as the state struggles to persuade people to get vaccinated and the highly contagious delta variant increases its spread.

The increases are nowhere near the height of previous outbreaks, when more than 2,000 COVID-19 patients in Louisiana were hospitalized at a time and dozens of people died from the disease each day. But health care officials Thursday worried Louisiana could be headed in that direction as the more virulent delta variant takes hold and becomes the dominant virus strain regionwide.

COVID is increasing throughout the state, and the risk of being exposed to COVID when one goes about their day-to-day to activities is higher now than it was two weeks ago. Theres also very little doubt this is because of the delta variant, said Dr. Joseph Kanter, Gov. John Bel Edwards' chief public health adviser.

In a five-state region that includes Louisiana, 59% of all new COVID-19 cases are the delta variant, Kanter said in a conference call with reporters.

The state is starting to see hundreds of new COVID-19 cases confirmed each day  and has never seen a day without a COVID-19 death reported  since the first outbreak started 16 months ago, according to state health department data. On Thursday, the agency reported 351 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, a number that has been growing steadily in the last few weeks and that Kanter called troubling.

Still, while Kanter said Louisiana may be entering another surge of coronavirus cases, it's too soon to determine if he'd recommend a return to the mask mandate, business restrictions and other mitigation measures that the Democratic governor ditched in May. Of a return to those kind of rules, Kanter said: Nobody wants to do that.

Kanter and Dr. Gina LaGarde, the state's regional medical director for St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston, St. Helena and Washington parishes, said available vaccines continue to be a good match to ward off serious illness and hospitalization from the delta variant, if only people would get them.

The single most important thing to ending this pandemic is to be vaccinated, LaGarde said.

Louisiana lags nearly every other state in vaccine distribution. Its vaccination rate per capita exceeds only that of Mississippi and Alabama, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Slightly more than 1.8 million people, 39% of Louisianas total population, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to state health department data. More than 1.6 million people have been fully immunized, nearly 36% of the population.

The state has launched a widespread grassroots outreach effort that brings the shots directly to neighborhoods, churches and homes, and it's offering residents who have gotten vaccinated a chance to win a share in $2.3 million in cash prizes and college scholarships. The first drawings for $100,000 in cash and a $100,000 college scholarship for those ages 12 to 17 will be held July 14.

But immunizations against COVID-19 continue to increase at a glacial pace across Louisiana, with polls showing a wide array of residents nervous about the shots' side effects or outright hostile to the idea of the vaccines. Interest in the vaccines is so low the state has drawn down very little of its federal allotment of the shots available for months now.

Kanter said Louisiana has seen a little bit of a bump in vaccination rates because of the lottery, but he'd like to see much more.

There really never has been more urgency than now because of what delta is doing across the state, he said.

___

Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak. Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte.
ALGONA, Iowa (AP)  Authorities on Wednesday night identified three people found dead in the northern Iowa city of Algona on Monday as two young brothers who were shot to death and another person who killed himself.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety identified the boys as 6-year-old Logan Phelon and 3-year-old Seth Phelon. The boys died of gunshot wounds, and investigators said their deaths were considered homicides.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  The Arkansas Board of Education on Thursday lifted the last remaining restrictions on the Little Rock School District, returning it fully to local control nearly six and a half years after a state takeover.

Arkansas took over the 21,000-student district in 2015 over lagging test scores at several schools, dissolving the local school board. The state in 2019 returned control to a new board that was elected in November, but kept some limits on its authority.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  New protocols announced Wednesday by California Attorney General Rob Bonta seek to provide more transparency around one of the most emotional and disturbing areas of policing: the fatal shooting of an unarmed civilian.

Investigations into such cases have previously been handled by the local police agency involved, with local district attorneys deciding whether the shootings were legally justified.

But a new California law adopted last year amid civil unrest over the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis officer turns that responsibility over to Bonta's office under the premise that the states top law enforcement officer can be more removed from local pressures.

So, going forward, teams of investigators from the California Department of Justice will respond to the 40 to 50 times annually when a civilian without a weapon is shot to death by an officer. They will work independently from the local agencies, which still will conduct their own investigations.

Bonta was in the Assembly when he co-authored the law that took effect July 1. It was narrowed from a broader version that would have allowed local officials to also request state investigations where armed suspects were killed after Bonta's predecessor raised concerns about the cost and workload. And it doesn't apply to deaths other than by shootings.

One of the most important tasks ahead for public safety and our society is building and maintaining trust between our communities and law enforcement," Bonta said Wednesday. "Impartial, fair investigations and independent reviews of officer-involved shootings are an essential component for achieving that.

The shift in responsibility drew mixed reactions from police and use-of-force experts as Bonta released five documents outlining how his office will handle its new role. The law's primary author, Democratic Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, previously said five other states have variations on independent reviews of deaths caused by police.

Law enforcement as a whole, theyre not progressive, they dont like change, said Timothy T. Williams Jr., a Black police tactics expert who spent nearly 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. Theres going to be a lot of folks that dont like it. But change is whats needed, and change is going to happen, whether you support it or not.

Williams was happy the investigations are going to the attorney general's office and that Bonta is taking a progressive approach. The training requirements outlined in the protocols for the state investigators are awesome, Williams said, and should correct slipshod investigations he has seen at the local level.

But Eugene ODonnell, a former New York City police officer and professor of police studies at New Yorks John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said he thinks the change is the latest step in undermining policing in California.

For officers, the new No. 1 is I could go to prison for doing my job,  he said.

Theyre being officially told, basically, by the Legislature and by the AG, to wait until theyre fired upon, ODonnell said. And of course, the major message it sends is the best way to not be in a police shooting is to not engage anybody in the first place.

Under Bonta's program, two newly established state teams, one based in Northern California and the other in Southern California, will have a combined 33 special agents and supervisors who can call on crime analysts, forensic experts and others as needed.

The state teams will focus solely on whether the shootings were legally justified, sending their reports to the California Department of Justices Special Prosecutions Section for a decision. The department will ultimately either file criminal charges or release a written report outlining why they weren't warranted, Bonta said.

Local investigators will meanwhile review whether the officer followed departmental procedures or if there is any civil liability, as well as review any suspected crime that may have led to the shooting.

The attorney generals new protocols themselves recognize the fraught nature of the offices new duties. They describe the investigation of officer-involved shootings as "often the most complex and demanding law enforcement responsibility because it involves death, intense public scrutiny and emotional impact.

Brian Marvel, president of the rank-and-file Peace Officers Research Association of California, said he expects some initial hiccups but was hopeful Bonta's office took his organization's suggestions in developing its new protocols.

If so, its a good step in the right direction, he said.

The vast majority of officer-involved shootings are justified, and I just think this is another layer of oversight, Marvel said. I think the AGs office is going to find what were finding on the local level  that officers, they do it right and they dont use officer-involved shootings unnecessarily.

Police unions in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose said such shootings already go through a transparent and exhaustive investigative process.

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, they said in a joint statement.

Bonta said he does not anticipate any problems or pushback from local law enforcement agencies or police unions, but he will be prepared if it happens.

We expect collaboration, we expect cooperation, we expect commitment to a full, complete and thorough investigation, and we will have people on the scene that will make sure that that will happen, Bonta said.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)  On a sweaty recent Thursday afternoon, Alex Berrios is instructing his team on how to get people to register to vote. Extend your hand, he says; it makes folks more likely to stop. Smile a lot, that works, too. But immediately take no for an answer so you don't seem too pushy.

Berrios, co-founder of a new nonprofit, Mi Vecino, or My Neighbor has a lot riding on developing the right pitch. His group, which works out of a cramped office in the shadow of Disney World, is targeting Latino would-be voters. He was role-playing how best to approach them in front of Walgreens, amid games of dominoes at a senior center or outside El Bodegon, a supermarket chain specializing in Colombian products.

Fifteen months before the midterm elections, groups like his are mobilizing across the country  both Democrats who have enjoyed a historic Latino allegiance and Republicans emboldened by gains in 2020  all trying to lock down the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.

The stakes are high, particularly for Democrats who are counting on Latino votes as a vital part of a winning coalition for cycles to come. And few places are as central to that effort as Florida.

Were not selling cars here, said Berrios, a onetime boxer who has fighter tattooed on his arm and is now vice chairman of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party. Were not going anywhere. Were in the community and were staying.

Even as Joe Biden flipped heavily Hispanic Arizona to Democratic to clinch the presidency last November, he underperformed with many Latino voters elsewhere. And his party lost congressional seats where Spanish is often more common than English, from Miami's Little Havana to South Texas' sparsely populated borderlands to the high desert north of Los Angeles.

Nationally, Biden won Latinos by a 59-38 percent margin over Donald Trump, but that was 17 percentage points lower than Hillary Clinton's 66-28 percent margin in 2016, according to Pew Research Center data.

Republicans say they gained ground with Latinos because Democrats, with their increasingly left-leaning positions, are proving soft on issues like socialism and border security.

But Democrats say a problem for them was that they waited until just before the election to intensify outreach to Latino communities.

Its very transactional. Campaigns, they come and they start 30-60 days before an election, then they're gone," said Berrios, who left Biden's campaign after raising concerns about lagging engagement with Hispanic voters.

Berrios says Mi Vecino is trying to change that. And the party has begun an expensive, intensive effort to reach Latinos and other voters of color long before the 2022 elections.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is investing more than $1 million on 48 organizing directors around the country designed to bolster strategic outreach and build trust with minority communities in midterm battleground districts, including in Florida and Texas.

Matt Barreto was the Biden campaigns pollster in charge of Latino message and research and noted that he was only brought on last July, a few months before the election.

We did what we could, Barreto said.

He and other top Democratic advisers are now leading Building Back Together, a play on Bidens Build Back Better post-pandemic campaign slogan, to promote the administration through television and digital advertising.

The initiative first targeted Arizona and Florida as well as two other states with sizeable and growing Latino populations, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

Barreto says the always on approach relentlessly communicates with Latinos and has tailored messages for those from different backgrounds, including distinct narrator accents for audiences in different parts of the country.

He pointed to recent Gallup polling putting Bidens approval rating among Hispanics at higher than that of all voters, suggesting the campaign is working.

Others, though, are less optimistic.

The truth is, the money, it hasnt come as early as it needs to come, said Giulianna Di Lauro, Florida director of the Hispanic political advocacy group Poder Latinx.

Once these people are registering, we need to find a way to plug them in and engage them on the issues that we care about," said Di Lauro, whose group is now leading community meetings around key issues.

Democrats say that's especially vital along Florida's I-4 Corridor, which runs 130 miles from Tampa to Daytona Beach and bisects theme-park dotted Orlando and Kissimmee. It's heavily Puerto Rican but also Colombian-American and, most recently, has seen an influx of Venezuelan immigrants fleeing their country's political and economic upheaval.

Florida's surging population could also see the area gain a congressional seat  making it an even more important battleground.

Cecilia Gonzalez was one of Berrios' trainees and moved to Kissimmee four years ago from Barinas, Venezuela. She said the U.S. could be on a similar path toward her homeland's collapse, if we dont stop electing the wrong people and giving them too much power.

We've got to stop being a plate on the table and get a seat at the table, Gonzalez said of Latino voters.

Republicans aren't just sitting quietly and watching.

The Republican National Committee says it's making a seven-figure commitment for outreach to communities of color, including opening regional engagement centers in key congressional districts. The first was inaugurated last month in Orange County, California.

Hispanics all across the country are Republicans," said Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who heads the GOPs campaign arm for the 2022 midterms. "If Republicans reach out to them, were going to win.

Scott was governor before winning his Senate seat and advocated for Puerto Ricans leaving the island after Hurricane Maria's devastation in 2017 to settle in Florida over objections from party officials in Washington who warned the new voters could make the state more blue. Republicans have only done better in statewide elections since.

More Latino voters aren't always a boon to Democrats in other parts of the country, either. Abel Prado, executive director of the Democratic advocacy group Cambio Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, said selling empathic positions like expanding health care access is often tougher than simply counting on Trump's personality and his boasting about disrupting traditional politics.

With Trump not on the 2022 ballot, many of his supporters may simply stay home, Prado said.

His organization estimates that getting voter turnout to 65% of registered Rio Grande Valley voters is a 16-20 month endeavor, which means it should have started already  but it largely hasn't.

There are conversations about talking about how to start changing," Prado said with a laugh.

Still, some conservative groups already have achieved the kind of ever-active Latino outreach campaigns Democrats envision. The Libre Initiative has offices in South Texas and around the country, including near Orlandos airport.

It advocates for issues like increased school choice and free market economics under the slogan Limited Government, Unlimited Opportunities and conducts continuous door-knocking efforts to identify would-be voters. Libre also provides nonpartisan civic assistance, offering free English classes, as well as Spanish-language instruction on health, obtaining U.S. citizenship and entrepreneurship.

Democrats have treated Latinos, for a while now, as get out the vote targets and took them for granted, used them as props," said Libre Initiative President Daniel Garza.

Prado said Democratic activists in Texas have begun trying to emulate some of Libre's work through deep canvassing, a process that seeks to have longer, ongoing conversations with people to find out what motivates them  both politically and otherwise.

That's the kind of multi-year campaign former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams launched in Georgia, which saw both of its Senate seats flip Democratic in January. Ex-Senate and presidential candidate Beto ORourke heads an organization trying to emulate Abrams' success in Texas.

But such efforts take time and aren't cheap  and that doesn't delight donors looking for immediate results, Prado said: This isnt the stock market where you buy 500 shares of something and triple your money in three weeks."
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP)  Criminal proceedings were suspended Thursday for a man charged with killing four people in a shooting at a Southern California office complex pending a mental competency evaluation, his attorney said.

Kenneth Morrison, assistant public defender, said he told the court that Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez was not mentally competent to assist in his own defense and might not understand the charges against him. It was the first time his client was brought to court since he was charged more than three months ago, Morrison said.
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP)  A man has been accused of drunken driving following a crash into a parked Portsmouth Police Department cruiser that had its emergency lights on, police said.

Police were investigating a multi-car crash Wednesday night and an officer was outside of the cruiser directing traffic. The officer saw a vehicle that wasn't slowing down and tried to signal the driver to stop, but the vehicle didn't stop. The officer was able to run away from the cruiser, which was struck by the vehicle, police said in a news release.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has picked from an original list of finalists an Anchorage Superior Court judge to serve on the state Supreme Court, after last week asking the council that screens and nominates judicial applicants for a new slate of candidates.

Jennifer Stuart Henderson was among three finalists advanced by the Alaska Judicial Council for consideration by Dunleavy. She is a former assistant district attorney and was a District Court judge before serving as a Superior Court judge, according to her bio.

The council in a statement dated May 25 said it had nominated Henderson and Anchorage Superior Court judges Dani Crosby and Yvonne Lamoureux as the most qualified applicants for the Supreme Court seat. The statement said Dunleavy had 45 days to make an appointment from among them.

Dunleavy, in a letter to the council last week, questioned why Kotzebue Superior Court Judge Paul Roetman had not been advanced. He cited Roetmans time as a judge and experience in rural Alaska.

Roetman, one of seven applicants for the Supreme Court seat, was recently pushed by Kristie Babcock, a Dunleavy appointee to the council.

The council had not responded to Dunleavy's letter by the time he announced Henderson's appointment, council executive director Susanne DiPietro said by email Thursday.

Council bylaws state the council will not reconsider the names submitted to the governor after nominees are submitted unless the disability, death, withdrawal or unavailability due to appointment to another position of one or more of them leaves the governor with less than two names.

Spokespersons for the governor did not respond to questions about the appointment, including why Dunleavy had requested additional names given council bylaws.

Dunleavy, early in his term, raised questions about the selection process for a Superior Court judgeship but eventually filled the seat with a council nominee after meeting with then-Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger. The group seeking to recall Dunleavy had listed the failure to make a timely appointment as one of its grounds for seeking a recall election.

Dunleavy told reporters last week when asked about the Supreme Court seat: Well follow the constitution, and well follow the law.
NORFOLK, Va. (AP)  Edwards Virginia Smokehouse, a family business that has spanned four generations, will be sold to Missouri-based Burgers Smokehouse, officials announced this week.

Burgers Smokehouse will pay Edwards Virginia Smokehouse for use of Edwards trademark and recipes, The Virginian-Pilot reported. Sam Edwards III, president of Edwards Virginia Smokehouse, said the agreement includes a noncompeting clause preventing Edwards from making country ham, bacon and sausage for four years.
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union handed down $1 billion in fines to major German car manufacturers Thursday, saying they colluded to limit the development and rollout of car emission-control systems.

Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen along with its Audi and Porsche divisions avoided competing on technology to restrict pollution from gasoline and diesel passenger cars, the EU's executive commission said. Daimler wasn't fined after it revealed the cartel to the European Commission.

It was the first time the European Commission imposed collusion fines on holding back the use of technical developments, not a more traditional practice like price fixing.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said that even though the companies had the technology to cut harmful emissions beyond legal limits, they resisted competition and denied consumers the chance to buy less polluting cars.

"Manufacturers deliberately avoided to compete on cleaning better than what was required by EU emission standards. And they did so despite the relevant technology being available, Vestager said. That made their practice illegal, she said.

According to Vestager, the companies agreed on the size of onboard tanks containing a urea solution known as AdBlue that is injected into the exhaust stream to limit pollution from diesel engines, and also on the driving ranges that could be expected before the tank needed refilling. A bigger tank would enable more pollution reduction.

Vestager said cooperation between companies is permissible under EU rules when it leads to efficiency gains, such as the faster introduction of new technologies. But the dividing line is clear: Companies must not coordinate their behavior to limit the full potential of any type of technology, she said.

Volkswagen said the investigation had ended with a finding that several other forms of cooperation under review were not improper under antitrust law.

The (EU) Commission is breaking new legal ground with this decision, because it is the first time it has prosecuted technical cooperation as an antitrust violation, the company said in a statement. It is also imposing fines even though the contents of the talks were never implemented and customers were therefore never harmed.

Volkswagen said that the tank sizes produced by all the carmakers involved were two to three times bigger than discussed in the talks. It said it was considering an appeal to the European Court of Justice.

BMW said that discussions on the AdBlue tanks had no influence whatsoever on the companys product decisions. The company said it was significant that that the fine notice found there was no collusion involving earlier allegations of using software to restrict AdBlue dosing.

BMW said it set aside 1.4 billion euros ($1.7 billion) based on the commission's initial accusations but reduced the set-aside in May due to more serious allegations in the case not being substantiated.

The case wasnt directly linked to the dieselgate scandal of the past decade, when Volkswagen admitted that about 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide were fitted with the deceptive software, which reduced nitrogen oxide emissions when the cars were placed on a test machine but allowed higher emissions and improved engine performance during normal driving.

The scandal cost Wolfsburg, Germany-based Volkswagen 30 billion euros ($35 billion) in fines and civil settlements and led to the recall of millions of vehicles. The Volkswagen vehicles in the scandal did not use the urea tanks but relied on another pollution reduction technology.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday vetoed a bipartisan bill designed to help save two shuttered paper mills and another measure criticized by open records advocates to create a human resources office for the Legislature, saying it would shield documents from public release.

Evers signed bills to eliminate the need for a barbering or cosmetology license to practice natural hair braiding; allow designated local officials to shoot beaver and muskrats within 50 feet of a public road and allow 15 year-olds to obtain an instructional driving permit, six months earlier than is currently allowed.

In his veto message to lawmakers, Evers said he vetoed the paper mill bill because it would tap federal COVID-19 relief funds to pay for loans to purchase the closed Verso paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids and the mill in Park Falls formerly known as Flambeau River Papers.

Evers said state money should be used instead and that using the federal coronavirus money for the loans may not be allowable. Evers said there is ample state money to support coming up with a funding mechanism for the loans.

Republican supporters of the bill had argued that federal money could be used for the loans.

The bill came after a year of discussion with state, local and federal officials about how to save the Verso mill, which closed in June 2020 after more than a hundred years of operation. It employed 900 people.

The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, would have made $50 million available for purchase of the Verso mill and $15 million for the one in Park Falls.

Evers said he vetoed the bill creating the human resources office because as written it would shield records about misconduct by public office holders from the state's open records law.

The proposal said the office shall at all times observe the confidential nature of records, requests, advice, complaints, reviews, investigations, disciplinary actions, and other information in its possession relating to human resources matters.

Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, had raised alarms about that wording, saying it gave the office the ability to withhold records.

Evers agreed, saying the people of Wisconsin have the right to know about misconduct by public officials and employees, including those in the legislature.

The bill came after The Associated Press and three other news organizations sued the Legislature seeking access to all records related to allegations of sexual harassment made against a Democratic legislator. A judge last week sided with the media outlets, ruling that Assembly leaders misapplied a balancing test, erroneously finding that the complainants privacy outweighed the publics interest in the documents.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP)  A former Columbia police officer who accidentally hit and killed a 4-year-old girl was sentenced Thursday to two years of supervised probation.

Andria Heese pleaded guilty in June to misdemeanor reckless driving in the death of Gabriella Curry outside Battle High School on Jan. 4, 2019. She was given a 180-day suspended sentence and also ordered to serve 40 hours of community service.
HONOLULU (AP)  A former epidemiologist for Hawaii's health department alleges in a lawsuit that she was fired in retaliation for speaking out about the state's COVID-19 contact tracing program.

Last year, Jennifer Smith accused the department of lying about how many contact tracers were on staff, saying the number was much lower than officials claimed.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Firefighting boats on Thursday poured cascades of water on a container ship that had erupted in a fiery explosion at Dubai's main port the previous night, rocking the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates.

Satellite images captured by Planet Labs Inc. and analyzed by The Associated Press showed that intensive efforts to cool the Ocean Trader were continuing some 12 hours after the blast at Jebel Ali port, as fireboats doused the area with water. Authorities said the explosion caused no casualties and they were still investigating the cause.

The photos also showed a thin sheen of what appeared to be an oil-water mix spreading from the vessel into the gulf. Dubai authorities reported a leakage from the ship, without elaborating. They said the ship had been carrying containers full of unspecified flammable materials."

The blast, which sent a giant fireball skyward late Wednesday and shook homes and high-rises in several neighborhoods across Dubai, was powerful enough to be seen from space by satellite. Panicked residents filmed the eerie orange glow over Dubai's futuristic skyline, reporting trembling walls and windows over 15 miles away from the port.

Dubai authorities vigorously sought to stem the fallout from the explosion, praising the record time it took firefighters to contain the flames and stressing the crucial port operations had not experienced any disruption. The port is running seamlessly," celebratory headlines in state-linked media declared.

The state-run media office and Dubai police did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the incident. Authorities restricted media access to the area, citing the ongoing investigation. In aerial footage of the aftermath released by the government Thursday, the stricken vessel is visible for just a few seconds before the camera pans to the rest of the vast port. The small container ship appears charred, with thick plumes of gray smoke still billowing from its containers and blackened debris littering the terminal.

The Ocean Trader, sailing under a Comoros flag, is operated by the Dubai-based Inzu Ship Charter. At the firm's office in Al Qasis, a dusty residential area near Dubai airport, employees said a company official was cooperating with authorities in the investigation at the scene of the explosion. They said the official was very stressed and it wasnt clear whether he was free to leave the terminal. They declined further comment pending the results of the probe.

The state-owned operator of the port, DP World, told the AP that international maritime protocol directs all crew and staff present before the explosion to give statements, which will allow the investigators to piece together all available evidence and therefore an accurate conclusion.

This takes time, the company added.

The container ship docked in Dubai Wednesday from the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. Over the past year, the ship has primarily moved back and forth between the Jebel Ali and Sharjah ports, while making a handful of trips to the Pakistani port of Karachi, according to log data from ship-tracking website MarineTraffic.com.

Few other details have emerged from the scene of the container explosion. The UAEs state-linked newspaper The National, citing an unnamed official, reported minor injuries"  mostly bumps and scrapes  as the crew fled from the ship and the area was evacuated." The paper said the sailors fled after spotting smoke rising from one of the ship's containers.

The Jebel Ali port, on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, is the biggest port in the Middle East and busiest port of call for American warships outside the U.S. It's not only a critical global cargo hub, but a lifeline for Dubai and surrounding emirates, serving as the point of entry for essential imports.

The explosion occurred around 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, as Dubai's temperature hit 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), with heat and humidity along the coast approaching summer peaks.

___

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Hamilton, Ohio, contributed to this report.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  A St. Louis-area Democrat said Thursday he plans to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner.

Ben Samuels, 30, of Creve Coeur, is the first Democrat to enter the race for the suburban St. Louis seat.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Former Alaska state Rep. Les Gara said Wednesday he is considering a run for governor.

The Anchorage Democrat said he hoped to make a decision by the end of this summer. The primary is in August 2022.
ATLANTA (AP)  A Georgia regulator is getting closer to issuing licenses to grow medical marijuana, but isn't quite there yet.

The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission voted Wednesday to finalize scores given to grower applications. Those scores will be used to award licenses, but the commission stopped short of awarding them.

After nearly two hours of closed executive session, the commission chair addressed members of the public who had tuned in to the virtual meeting to say they would not award licenses yet, while acknowledging tension over the pace of the application approval process.

Please do not blow up the phone of staff or anybody else, or commissioners, said Commission Chairman Dr. Christopher Edwards. Let them go home to their families.

Joshua Littrell, CEO of Veterans for Cannabis, said he's eager for the commission to issue licenses.

We are so very close, but still so far away, Littrell said. At this time, they know the winners, so what are we waiting on? No one is going to withdraw their application. These businesses didnt tie up millions of dollars to then just back out at the last minute.

Nearly 70 companies have applied for six licenses to be issued.

The commission previously promised to issue licenses by June 30. Patients and applicants have grown frustrated by the wait.

Edwards, who is unpaid as chair, said the commission will publish intent to award information at the next meeting, but did not indicate when that will be.

The commissions next step is to contact applicants to find out interest or extensions or responses or withdrawals, as necessary, Edwards said.

Georgia legalized low-THC oil and products for people with medical conditions in 2015, but didnt create a legal framework for production until last year.

Zane Bader, co-founder of the Georgia Cannabis Trade Association, has said applicants have voiced concerns about the process, and whether the agency has the staffing or ability to answer questions about complexities of the application requirements. Hundreds of questions have been submitted by businesses and published in a document on the commissions website, many of them answered with the phrase: The Applicant should determine its approach without an expectation for Commission guidance on business processes.

As a trade association, one of the things were trying to do is make sure that the commission has the resources to adequately do their job, and all the businesses have an environment where they can actually thrive and excel, Bader said. I think that there are going to have to be changes to the way the program is set up to make that happen.

The commissions executive director, Andrew Turnage, hasnt responded to questions about the commissions timeline, funding or staffing.

According to the commissions annual report, Turnage is the only paid staff member.

The Governors Office of Planning and Budget originally recommended the commission receive a startup budget of $1.2 million. Instead, lawmakers allocated $225,000 for the 2020 budget year. The commission reported that funding didn't cover its basic expenses. For the just-concluded 2021 budget year, the commission requested $531,000 to fund operating expenses and add an attorney. It received $352,137.

Former Republican state Rep. Allen Peake of Macon was a leading supporter of legalizing low THC oil when he was in the General Assembly. He has continued to work with what he characterized as an underground network to bring the oil from out of state to Georgia families. Importing the oil is illegal. He has applied for a processing license.

Were two years from passing a bill that said you could grow, process and distribute medical cannabis oil in our state, he said. But we dont have the licenses issued to folks to allow them to do that yet.

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This story was produced by Fresh Take Georgia, a news service of the Center for Sustainable Journalism at Kennesaw State University. The reporter can be reached at aceballos@freshtakegeorgia.org
BERLIN (AP)  A court in Germany said Thursday that it won't decide before the country's national election in September whether the domestic intelligence agency can put the far-right Alternative for Germany party under observation due to suspicions of extreme-right sympathies.

The Cologne administrative court said it also won't rule before the Sept. 26 election on the party's bid to prevent the intelligence agency from publicly specifying how many people belong to its officially dissolved hard-right faction, known as The Wing.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  Rhode Islands governor has signed into law a bill authorizing the opening of so-called harm reduction centers where people dealing with addiction can take heroin and other illegal drugs under the supervision of medical professionals.

The Wednesday signing by Democratic Gov. Daniel McKee makes Rhode Island the first to enact such a statewide measure to combat the opioid epidemic.

The American Medical Association on Thursday applauded the move, which comes after there were 384 accidental overdose deaths in Rhode Island last year.

By enacting the nations first law in support of a pilot harm reduction center, Rhode Island is taking an important step to save lives from drug-related overdose and death, said Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a Michigan doctor who chairs the organization's opioid task force.

Canada and other countries have long operated harm reduction sites, which are also referred to as safe injection sites or supervised injection sites, but none exist in the U.S. as they remain illegal under federal law.

New York, Philadelphia and the Boston suburb of Somerville are among the American cities that have been trying to open the centers in recent years. Massachusetts lawmakers are also weighing a bill creating a 10-year pilot program with at least two sites.

Rhode Islands law, which takes effect March 1, creates a two-year pilot program allowing for the opening of the centers with local approval.

Supporters say harm reduction sites have proven effective in preventing fatal overdoses and connecting people with substance abuse treatment, recovery support and other health services.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  The Idaho Supreme Court has a new online tool to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords that could help renters avoid becoming homeless.

The court announced the tool Wednesday ahead of the ending of an nationwide eviction moratorium put in place by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help tenants unable to make rent payments during the pandemic and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The moratorium ends July 31.

The tool gives landlords and tenants in new eviction cases the opportunity to resolve their disputes outside court. It uses software that guides parties through a negotiation process and offers referrals to agencies that provide rental assistance.

The court plans to test the new tool in Ada County, which includes Boise, before making it statewide.

Partly, this is about getting ahead of a number we dont know much about: How many evictions are not being filed because the federal moratorium expires at the end of the month? Idaho Supreme Court Communications Manager Nate Poppino told the Idaho Statesman.

Poppino said Idaho court officials sought advice from a handful of other states, including Florida, New Mexico and Iowa, that were using dispute resolution tools, though not always for renter-landlord disputes.

Idaho has so far spent about $21 million of the $190 million received in federal coronavirus rescue money to help with outstanding rent, utility payments and other expenses.

But homeless advocates say documentation and a lack of internet access to participate in online court hearings have stymied many renters. Those evicted face a tough housing market as home prices and rents have risen sharply with Idahos rapid population growth.

Jesse Tree is a Boise nonprofit that provides rental assistance. Its executive director, Ali Rabe, said some renters owe thousands of dollars in rent dating back to the beginning of the pandemic.

From my experience, when landlords take tenants to court, they want to get paid, Rabe said. That will definitely continue to be a challenge.

Rabe said eviction filings in southwestern Idaho have averaged 20 to 30 a month despite the moratorium.
SRINAGAR, India (AP)  Eight suspected rebels and two Indian soldiers were killed in a series of counterinsurgency operations in disputed Kashmir, police said Thursday, as many shops were shut in parts of the region to mark the fifth anniversary of the death of a popular rebel commander whose killing triggered open defiance against Indian rule.

The deaths in five separate incidents starting Wednesday came as violence in the Himalayan region has increased in recent weeks.

India's military said two soldiers and two insurgents were killed Thursday in a clash along the Line of Control, the highly militarized de facto frontier that divides Kashmir between nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and India.

The fighting erupted after soldiers intercepted a group of militants who crossed into the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir from the Pakistani side of the territory, the military said in a statement.

It called the incident a fierce encounter in which two foreign terrorists from Pakistan have been killed.

Earlier, the Indian army said its soldiers killed a suspected militant who was infiltrating into the Indian-administered side of Kashmir on Wednesday.

They were first such incidents reported since Feb. 25, when the two nations agreed to reaffirm their 2003 cease-fire accord.

Four suspected militants were killed in two separate gunfights with Indian troops in southern Kashmirs Pulwama and Kulgam districts early Thursday, the Indian army said. It said soldiers recovered two rifles and two pistols from the sites of the clashes.

On Wednesday, troops apprehended a senior rebel, Mehraj-ud-din Halwai, in the northwestern Handwara area, and after an interrogation he led them to a hideout where he was killed in a firefight, police said in a statement.

At the hideout, Halwai picked up his hidden AK-47 rifle and started firing indiscriminately upon the joint search party which led to an encounter, the statement said.

Police said Halwai was wanted for several killings of police and village officials.

It was the second such incident in 10 days.

On June 29, police said a suspected rebel commander being held in custody was killed during a gunfight between government forces and another militant after he was taken to a house where he allegedly had concealed a rifle in the regions main city, Srinagar.

Many militants have been killed in the past when they were taken by government forces to recover weapons, in what rights groups and residents have called extrajudicial killings.

On Thursday, many shops and businesses in the Kashmir valley, the heartland of the anti-India rebellion, remained shut to mark the fifth anniversary of the death of a popular rebel commander.

Government forces patrolled streets and sealed off Burhan Wanis hometown in anticipation of anti-India protests. Wani was killed along with two associates in a brief battle with Indian troops in 2016.

Separatist leaders called for a general strike to honor Wani, whose death led to months of massive protests and clashes in the region. At least 100 people, mostly young men, were killed and thousands wounded, including many who were blinded by shotgun pellets fired by Indian troops.

Wanis death gave new life to the militant movement, which had declined to only about 100 fighters in scattered rebel groups. Officials say that since his killing, hundreds of young men have joined the rebels ranks.

There was no independent confirmation of any of the five incidents.

Rebels in Kashmir have been fighting Indian rule since 1989. Most Muslim Kashmiris support the rebel goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and most Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle.

Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Body cameras have been distributed to nearly one-third of front-line Indiana state troopers almost a year after the governor announced the step as part of the states response to racial injustice concerns, state police officials said Thursday.

Distribution of the body and in-car cameras started last month and should be completed in late August, officials said. Cameras have so far been distributed to some 230 agency personnel of the nearly 800 who are set to receive them. Those include uniformed troopers and sergeants assigned to patrol duties, Capitol Police officers and some Special Operations units.

The camera system, which is estimated to cost about $15 million to operate over five years, includes sensors that automatically turn on the cameras whenever a troopers handgun is drawn or a patrol cars emergency lights are activated, state police Superintendent Doug Carter said.

The fail safes are really there to get that on at the appropriate time, Carter said.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said last August that he wanted all front-line troopers to have body cameras by this spring. He made that announcement during a Statehouse speech several weeks after protests over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota turned violent in Indianapolis and left behind widespread damage to downtown businesses. Floyd, a Black man, was killed in May 2020 after then-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin pressed a knee on his neck.

Carter said the process of selecting the camera vendor and purchasing them was complex, including finding ways to have those cameras connected to the internet in rural areas of the state. The camera system includes a router installed in patrol vehicles which improves connectivity in areas with limited cell phone coverage.

The rural part of the state has always been a problem with internet connectivity, Carter said. The technology that we currently have really does explode that connectivity."

The state police cameras are coming after state legislators earlier this year approved a new law with misdemeanor penalties for police officers who turn off body cameras with intent to conceal. That was a provision of a bill that won unanimous House and Senate approval and included for mandatory de-escalation training, bans on chokeholds in certain circumstances and establish a procedure for the law enforcement training board to decertify officers who commit misconduct.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel on Thursday demolished the family home of a Palestinian-American man accused of carrying out a deadly attack on Israelis in the occupied West Bank, rejecting pleas from his estranged wife that he rarely lived in the house, which she shared with their three children.

The demolition drew a rebuke from the United States, which is opposed to punitive home demolitions and has taken a more critical line toward Israel's policies in the occupied West Bank since President Joe Biden took office this year.

The home of an entire family should not be demolished for the actions of one individual, said U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price. There is a critical need to lower the temperature in the West Bank. Punitive demolitions exacerbate tensions at a time when everyone should be focused on principally ensuring calm.

Price said Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue with a senior Israeli counterpart.

Israeli forces moved into the village of Turmus Ayya overnight and surrounded the home. Troops leveled the two-story home with controlled explosions.

Israel says Muntasser Shalaby carried out a May 2 drive-by shooting that killed Israeli student Yehuda Guetta and wounded two others. He was arrested days after the attack.

His wife, Sanaa Shalaby, said they were estranged for several years and that he spent most of his time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he had married three other women in unofficial Islamic ceremonies. The entire family has U.S. citizenship.

She said she had little contact with him in recent years, though he would return to the home each year for a month or two to visit his children.

Shalaby said she knew nothing about the attack and had no indication he was planning anything. Whoever committed the crime should be punished, but its not the familys fault, she told The Associated Press in an interview last month.

She appealed the demolition order with the help of an Israeli human rights group, but Israel's Supreme Court upheld it last month.

The case drew attention to Israels policy of punitive demolitions of the homes of alleged Palestinian attackers. Israeli officials say the demolitions deter future attacks, while rights groups view them as a form of collective punishment.

In a break from its predecessors, the Trump administration rarely criticized Israeli actions in the West Bank, which Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war and is claimed by the Palestinians as part of a future state. But the new Biden administration has taken a tougher stance.

The U.S. Embassy in Israel said all sides should refrain from any steps that undermine efforts to revive a peace process leading to a two-state solution. This certainly includes the punitive demolition of Palestinian homes, it said.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office said "he acts solely in accordance with the security considerations of the State of Israel and to protect the lives of its citizens.
FREDERICK, Md. (AP)  A Maryland judge has ruled that a former pediatrician charged with sexually abusing minors is not competent to stand trial.

News outlets report that Frederick County Circuit Court Julie Stevenson Solt ordered Wednesday that Ernesto Cesar Torres continue to be held in a state psychiatric hospital. His competency will be reviewed in 90 days.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP)  The chairman of the Kansas House Redistricting Committee is running for reelection to his legislative seat next year after considering a run for Congress.

State Rep. Chris Croft, an Overland Park Republican, filed the necessary paperwork this week with the Kansas secretary of state's office to seek another two-year term in the Kansas House.
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (AP)  A Lake Havasu City man who has been missing since June 19 has been found dead in southwestern Mohave County, authorities said.

The family of 62-year-old William Michael Lewis called the county Sheriffs Office last Thursday to report finding his vehicle parked at a scenic overlook south of Lake Havasu City.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Three of Idaho's largest medical care providers announced Thursday that they would require COVID-19 vaccines for eligible employees.

The mandates from Primary Health Group, Saint Alphonsus Health System and St. Luke's Health System are an effort to keep staffers and patients safe ahead of the busy cold and flu season and as coronavirus variants continue to spread in parts of the U.S.

Primary Health Group CEO Dr. David Peterman made the announcement to staffers in a company meeting. Primary Health has 21 family medicine and urgent care clinics in southwestern Idaho that see about 500,000 patient visits a year. About 130 of its more than 600 employees havent yet been vaccinated, Peterman said.

This is the right thing that needs to be done today, Peterman said. If you think in terms of a billion vaccine doses being given all over the world  and the serious side effects are extremely rare  you begin to see that its our obligation to make sure our clinics are safe.

The company has required its staffers to be immunized against other contagious diseases for a decade, including an annual influenza vaccine, with exceptions made for employees with medical or religious exemptions. Requiring a COVID-19 vaccine for workers is the next logical step for keeping clinics open and employees and patients safe, Peterman said.

Several hospital systems nationwide have mandated COVID-19 vaccines for workers, but Peterman said he believes Primary Health may be the first independent medical group to require the vaccine.

The employees took the news well, some asking questions about the medical exemption process but none voicing opposition, Peterman said. Within a few hours of the announcement, however, profane calls and emails from people unconnected to the company  yet still upset about the new policy  began coming in. Most callers directed their ire at the staffers who answered the phones, something Peterman said was just not right.

There's been many positive comments from outsiders, and from within our own employees, Peterman said. Not surprisingly, we've gotten nutty phone calls as we try to take care of our patients, you know, just ridiculous stuff."

Similar mandates elsewhere have met pushback. More than 100 employees at a Houston hospital system sued over its requirement that staff be vaccinated after they were suspended without pay for failing to follow the rule. Last month a federal judge threw out the lawsuit against Houston Methodist Hospital system, telling the employees that they were free to seek employment elsewhere if they wanted to skip the vaccine, but that a basic part of any job is that employers can place limits on worker behavior in exchange for pay.

Peterman said he accepts that some of his own workers may find the requirement unacceptable. Staffers with documented medical exemptions or religious exemptions wont be required to get the vaccine, but they will have to wear masks and eye protection while in clinics, he said.

This has nothing to do with politics. Its not meant as any kind of statement, he said. Our intent is to be prepared for whats coming in the fall.

Schools in the region open in mid-August. Every year, the clinic sees a rise in viral illnesses about a month after schools open, Peterman said. With children under 12 still unable to receive the vaccine and low vaccination rates among older kids in Idaho, unvaccinated staffers would have to quarantine with coronavirus exposures or symptoms  which can mimic other viral illnesses.

Peterman said he fears a repeat of last year: At one point, 30% of his employees were out because of a positive coronavirus test or exposure, forcing seven clinics to temporarily close. For more than two months, National Guard workers mobilized by order of Idaho Gov. Brad Little helped staff Primary Health facilities, triaging patients and directing them to the right location.

The key to prevention, the key to treatment, the key to vaccination is primary care clinics, Peterman said. So it is absolutely imperative that our clinics are safe and have employees there that can meet their needs. We dont know what is coming this fall or this winter.

The new faster-spreading delta variant, first detected in India, of COVID-19 has been moving through some regions, including in the neighboring state of Utah. Health officials there said Wednesday that the delta variant now represents about 80% of cases in that state.

Idaho has lagged far behind some other states in testing for coronavirus variants, with limited capacity to do the genetic sequencing tests that can identify concerning mutations like the delta variant. State public health leaders announced last month that they were working to increase testing for variants, however.

More than 195,000 cases of coronavirus have been detected in Idaho since the pandemic began, and more than 2,000 people have died from COVID-19.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden said he would deliver a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the latest ransomware attacks targeting American businesses, setting up a test of Biden's ability to balance his pledge to respond firmly to cyber breaches with his goal of developing a stable relationship with Russia.

The administration faces few easy options for a ransomware threat that in recent months has emerged as a major national security challenge, with attacks from Russia-based gangs that have targeted vital infrastructure and extorted multimillion-dollar payments from victims.

The White House says the damage from the latest attack  affecting as many as 1,500 businesses worldwide  appeared minimal, though cybersecurity experts said information remained incomplete. The malicious intrusion exploited a powerful remote-management tool run by Miami-based software company Kaseya. It occurred weeks after Biden made clear to Putin that the U.S. was growing impatient with cyberattacks emanating from Russia.

But Biden finds himself in a difficult position as he seeks to press Putin to crack down on Russian cyber gangs targeting U.S. and international business for financial gain and dial back Kremlin-connected cyber espionage. The administration is mindful that punitive actions against Russia can escalate into tit-for-tat exchanges that heighten tensions between nuclear superpowers.

The latest hack also comes after some Republicans accused the Democratic president of showing deference to Putin by meeting with him and making America weaker in the process. Biden has faced criticism of being too soft on Putin even though former President Donald Trump declined to blame Russia for hacks and interference in the 2016 election despite U.S. intelligence community findings.

Biden met Wednesday with Vice President Kamala Harris and top national security aides to discuss the problem. As he departed the White House to travel to Illinois, Biden was opaque when asked what exactly he would convey to Putin.

I will deliver it to him, Biden told reporters.

A White House National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday that combating ransomware remained a priority, but that the years-long threat wont just turn off as easy as pulling down a light switch.

No one thing is going to work alone and only together will we significantly impact the threat, the statement said.

U.S. officials say they've preached to the private sector about hardening cybersecurity defenses, worked to disrupt channels for ransomware payments and scored a success last month with the recovery of most of a multimillion-dollar payment made by a fuel pipeline company. But they've been cautious about carrying out retaliatory offensive cyber actions for fear it could quickly spiral into a greater crisis. There are also practical limits to what the U.S. can do to thwart Russian cyber gangs.

Biden and top administration officials repeatedly said around last month's meeting with Putin that their goal was building a predictable, stable relationship. An all-out cyberwar would seem to work against this goal.

Its a very fine line that they have to walk as far as providing some kind of consequence for that behavior without it escalating to where cyberattacks are out of control, or increase it to a conflict that goes beyond the cyberspace, said Jonathan Trimble, a retired FBI agent and cybersecurity executive.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that Russian and U.S. representatives were meeting next week and would discuss the matter. She said administration officials used Wednesday's meeting to discuss building resilience to attacks and other efforts to combat the problem, and also addressed policies on payments to hackers.

The administration has yet to attribute the latest major attack to Russians hackers. Psaki did not directly answer how Biden might respond, but said he has "a range of options, should he determine to take action.

Cybersecurity experts swiftly identified REvil as responsible for the attack, and the notorious Russia-linked gang appeared to admit it publicly by offering on its dark web site to make available a universal decryptor that would unscramble all affected machines if paid $70 million in cryptocurrency.

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.

The U.S. has other tools at its disposal. Assuming it can gather the evidence it needs to identify the hackers, the Justice Department can bring indictments  though absent the defendants voluntarily departing Russia, there is little chance of them facing justice in American courts. Hacks not only from Russians but also the Chinese have continued even after indictments.

Theres also the chance investigators in at least some cases can recover from criminals ransom that has been paid. The Justice Department clawed back a portion of the $4.4 million forked over to a Russian-linked cyber gang responsible for the attack on Colonial Pipeline, an attack that stymied the gasoline supply in the southeast U.S. for days.

James Lewis, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the U.S. has been for too long in a defensive crouch when responding to ransomware attacks. The administration's options for assertiveness against ransomware criminals could include limiting their access to financial networks or hacking their command and control infrastructure.

These are all tough choices and the default position is to be cautious, which is why we keep getting whacked, Lewis said.

___

Associated Press writers Frank Bajak in Boston and Alan Suderman in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report.
BARNSTABLE, Mass. (AP)  A four-year legal battle over injuries suffered by 15 people when a high-speed ferry struck a breakwater on Cape Cod in 2017 has come to a close, according to court documents.

All claims for injuries have been settled, and U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton ordered the case dismissed in May, the Cape Cod Times reported Thursday.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday announced that Smart USA Co. is locating its U.S. headquarters in Nashville.

According to a news release, the London-based retirement technology company will create nearly 130 new jobs and invest $2.2 million over the next five years.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  A Louisiana appeals court has again upheld a mans murder conviction and life sentence for the heroin overdose of his girlfriend.

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal refused Tuesday to grant a new trial for Jarret McCasland or allow him a hearing on his claim that his girlfriend, Flavia Cathy Cardenas, died from an accidental overdose in Baton Rouge in 2013.

McCasland, 32, was prosecuted under a Louisiana law that allows authorities to charge someone with murder for distributing or dispensing an illegal drug that directly causes a death. The statute doesn't require prosecutors to prove that the accused intended to kill the overdose victim.

Attorneys for McCasland argued in an April appeal that his 19-year-old girlfriend died of an accidental overdose at her mother's home after she willingly bought drugs, on her own from a third-party, and willingly and knowingly ingested those drugs, The Advocate reported.

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, said Jim Boren, one of McCasland's attorneys.

The 1st Circuit court rejected McCasland's first appeal in 2017. The Louisiana Supreme Court declined to review the case in 2018 and 2019 because his lawyers filed their appeals too late.

His requests have been heard by other courts, all of which have denied relief, said East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III, whose office prosecuted McCasland.

Moore said the 1st Circuits denial of McCaslands latest appeal was completely appropriate."

McCaslands trial attorney, Rodney Messina, argued to the trial jury in 2015 that Cardenas purchased the heroin and injected herself with a fatal dose. But a friend of Cardenas testified she saw McCasland inject Cardenas with heroin and cocaine earlier that evening.

McCasland didn't testify at his trial. But he previously told sheriffs detectives he injected Cardenas with cocaine the evening before she died but had not injected her with heroin. Medical examiners determined Cardenas died with numerous drugs in her system.
MANSFIELD, La (AP)  A 23-year-old Louisiana woman is accused of selling information from state and federal law enforcement databases while working as a city police dispatcher.

Destiny Allen of Mansfield was arrested Wednesday on a charge of malfeasance in office, a Louisiana State Police news release said.
LUXEMBOURG (AP)  Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel left the hospital Thursday after four days of tests and treatment for a persistent case of COVID-19 that forced him to delegate some of his work, the country's government said.

The Luxembourg government said that because of the improvement of his health," Bettel will reclaim his full functions as prime minister on Friday. Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna had taken over some of the prime minister's duties earlier in the week.
PHOENIX (AP)  An Idaho man accused along with his wife of conspiring to commit murder in the killings of her two children will not face criminal charges in Arizona in the earlier shooting death of his wifes former husband.

Prosecutors in metro Phoenix declined to file a charge against Chad Daybell in the July 2019 killing of Charles Vallow, saying there was no reasonable likelihood of winning a conviction. Daybells wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, was charged late last month with conspiring to commit murder in Vallows death.

She is already at the center of a complicated criminal case in Idaho, where prosecutors allege she conspired with Chad Daybell to kill her son 7-year-old Joshua JJ Vallow, daughter 17-year-old Tylee Ryan and Daybells late wife, Tammy Daybell. Lori and Chad Daybell hold apocalyptic religious beliefs that prosecutors claim they used to justify the killings.

Police say they didnt find any obvious communications between Lori and Chad Daybell that showed Chad Daybell was involved in the planning of Vallows killing.

John Prior, attorney for Chad Daybell, declined to comment on the decision not to prosecute his client in Arizona.

Police say Vallow was fatally shot nearly two years ago by Lori Daybells brother, Alexander Lamar Cox, when Vallow went to pick up his son at his estranged wifes home in Chandler, Arizona.

Cox told police he killed Vallow in self-defense and wasnt arrested. He died five months later from what medical examiners said was a pulmonary blood clot.

Coxs account of the shooting has since been called into question by investigators.

They say Cox waited about 43 minutes to call 911 after shooting Vallow  and records show during this time that Cox called his sister Lori.

Investigators say Daybell acted as if he performed life-saving measures on Vallow, when it didnt appear he had performed emergency aid.

And Cox claimed he shot Vallow twice while Vallow was standing, but forensic evidence shows Vallow was already on the floor when the second shot was fired, police said.

Lori Daybell, her daughter Tylee and Cox claimed Vallow started a physical dispute that led Daybell to leave the home with both her children. Tylee and Lori reported hearing a gunshot as they were leaving, police said.

Police say Daybell took Vallows rental car and cellphone. GPS data showed she went to get fast food for her son and got flip flops at a pharmacy before returning home.

Nearly two weeks before he was killed, police say Vallow found a fictitious letter that his estranged wife had sent to someone. The discovery triggered plans by Vallow to stage an intervention on her behalf.

The letter, written as if it came from Vallow, asked Chad Daybell to come to Arizona to assist him with writing a book.

Vallow accused his estranged wife of writing the letter as an excuse for Chad to visit her and demanded she come clean about her relationship with Chad Daybell  or he would tell Daybells wife about it, police said.

The intervention was to occur the day before Vallow was killed, but Lori found out about the plan and warned three other people about it, including Cox.

The day before Vallow was killed, police say Lori asked someone to cancel her plans to attend a wedding in Utah, saying that We both need to stay her to defend ourselves and Its coming to a head !

Four months before his death, Vallow filed for divorce from his wife, alleging that she had become infatuated with near-death experiences and claimed to have lived numerous lives on other planets before her current life.

He also alleged she had threatened to financially ruin and kill him, according to court records, which noted that Vallow sought an order of protection and a voluntary evaluation of his wife at a mental health facility.

The Idaho case against Lori Daybell is on hold while she undergoes treatment at a mental health facility. A judge had her committed last month after determining she wasnt competent to assist in her defense. Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After Vallows death, Lori Daybell and the children moved to Idaho, where Chad Daybell lived. He ran a small publishing company with his wife, Tammy Daybell, and released several of his own books  doomsday-focused fiction loosely based on the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tammy Daybell died in October 2019, and her obituary said she died in her sleep of natural causes. But authorities grew suspicious when Chad Daybell married Lori Daybell just two weeks later.

Police began searching for Tylee and JJ after relatives raised concerns. Police say the Daybells lied to investigators about the childrens whereabouts before quietly leaving Idaho.

Months later, they were found in Hawaii without the children, whose bodies were eventually found buried on Chad Daybells Idaho property.
CHICAGO (AP)  A former Illinois death row inmate whose exoneration became an incentive to end the death penalty in the state has died, his attorney announced Wednesday.

Attorney Jim Montgomery told WBBM Radio that Anthony Porter, 66, died this week. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office said Porter died from anoxic brain injury, probable opioid toxicity, and ruled the death an accident.

Porter was exonerated in 1999 and released from prison after another man confessed to the Aug. 15, 1982 fatal shooting of two people as they sat in a park on Chicagos South Side.

Alstory Simon confessed to the crime during an investigation of the murders by a team of journalism students from Northwestern University. Simon was later convicted and sentenced to 37 years in prison.

The Cook County States Attorneys Office re-examined Simons conviction in 2013 after he recanted his confession. Simon alleged he was coerced into making it by a private investigator, working with the journalism students, who he says promised him he would get an early release and a share of the profits from book and movie deals.

In 2014, States Attorney Anita Alvarez noted the investigation of the case was corrupted and her office could no longer maintain the legitimacy of Simons conviction. Alvarez would not say if she believed Simon was innocent.

Simon was released from prison in October, 2014.

Porters case helped lead former Gov. George Ryan to halt all executions in Illinois. Ryan declared a moratorium on executions in 2003 and cleared death row by commuting the death sentences of more than 150 inmates to life in prison. Illinois, led by Gov. Pat Quinn, abolished the death penalty in 2011.

Porter was arrested in 2011 for stealing deodorant from a Chicago pharmacy. He pleaded guilty to retail theft and was sentenced in 2012 to one year in prison.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP)  The U.S. Air Forces new B-21 Raider bomber will be stationed first at a base near Rapid City.

The bomber will be stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base sometime in the mid-2020s, the Rapid City Journal reported Wednesday. According to the Air Force, the bomber will be tested at Edwards Air Force Base in California before it becomes active at Ellsworth.
Andy Kropa/Andy Kropa/Invision/AP

NEW YORK (AP)  Actor Jeff Daniels will narrate a new documentary, 9/11: Inside the President's War Room, that will tell the story of the attacks through the eyes of the Bush administration.

Apple+ and the BBC will collaborate on the project, which will debut in September near the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Both the streaming service and BBC One will show the project.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Dozens of Louisiana law enforcement officers called Thursday on state lawmakers to keep the current concealed carry requirements in place and uphold Gov. John Bel Edwards' veto of a bill that would scrap the training and permit needed to carry a concealed handgun.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said unfettered access to concealed weapons without the current permitting process not only is going to endanger the law enforcement community, it will endanger the general public as well.

Edwards struck down legislation by Republican Sen. Jay Morris of Monroe that would have allowed gun owners 21 and older in Louisiana to carry concealed firearms without needing nine hours of training on gun safety, a background check and payment of a fee.

There is simply no good reason why the State of Louisiana should provide for concealed carry of weapons for people that have no training on how to properly use a gun, Edwards wrote in his veto message.

Lawmakers are expected to meet later this month for an historic veto session to try to overturn the Democratic governor's rejection of that measure and other legislation from the regular session that was jettisoned by Edwards.

Thursday's event featured police chiefs, sheriffs and their deputies. It was aimed to undermine a veto override of the concealed carry bill, putting GOP lawmakers in the uncomfortable position of possibly voting against some of their own police chiefs and sheriffs. The news conference included law enforcement leaders from Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Iberville Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, St. Gabriel and other locations around the state.

But even the law enforcement community is divided about Morris' legislation.

The Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police opposed the bill and objects to an override, but the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association didn't take a position on the bill. Only a dozen of Louisiana's 64 sheriffs attended the news conference opposing the veto override, and the sheriffs didn't publicly try to kill the bill as it was moving through the House and Senate.

Morris said his police chief in West Monroe supports the removal of the permitting requirements.

Lawmakers passed the legislation with bipartisan, veto-proof majorities, but its unclear if all the lawmakers will agree to override Edwards decision. Lawmakers have only overturned two gubernatorial vetoes  and have never held a veto override session  under the current state constitution enacted in 1974. Though the veto session appears likely, Republicans who are in the majority don't have enough votes alone to override a veto.

Supporters of Morris' bill call the measure a protection of gun owners 2nd Amendment rights and individual liberties. Among the legislation's supporters are the NRA, the National Association for Gun Rights and other gun owners' organizations.

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Louisiana Legislature must overturn the governors veto and restore the God given rights of law-abiding gun owners," Dudley Brown, president of the National Association for Gun Rights, said in a statement Thursday.

He said the organization is mobilizing members across Louisiana to encourage legislators to join its neighboring states" and become the 22nd state to pass the permit-less concealed carry legislation.

Opponents of the bill say removal of the permitting requirements could lead to more unnecessary shootings and deaths. Webre, the Lafourche Parish sheriff, said it could embolden untrained people to act like citizen vigilantes, unnecessarily escalating minor incidents into deadly ones.

I'm a strong 2nd Amendment person, but I don't agree with this bill whatsoever, said East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, calling it a dangerous, dangerous bill.

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The bill is filed as Senate Bill 118.

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Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  Authorities say a suspect was killed during an encounter with Santa Fe County sheriff's deputies responding to a reported stabbing in a residential area.

The shooting occurred Wednesday in an area north of Santa Fe and was under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
ROME (AP)  Pope Francis on Thursday sent his condolences to Haiti following what he said was the heinous assassination of President Jovenal Moise.

Francis, who is recovering at a Rome hospital from intestinal surgery, condemned all forms of violence as a means of resolving crises and conflicts," according to a telegram signed by the Vatican secretary of state

The message said Francis was praying for the Haitian people and for Martine Moise, the wife of the slain president who also was critically injured in the Wednesday attack at their home. Authorities said that during the gunbattle, police killed four suspects, detained two others and freed three officers being held hostage.

Prime Minister Claude Joseph assumed leadership of Haiti and decreed a two-week state of siege following Moises killing, which stunned a nation grappling with some of the Western Hemispheres highest poverty, violence and political instability.

Francis said in the telegram that he wishes for the dear Haitian people a future of fraternal harmony, solidarity and prosperity.

In January 2018, Moise met with Francis and Vatican officials for talks on social problems afflicting the Caribbean nation, especially regarding young people, the poor and the most vulnerable," the Holy See said at the time.

In 2015, Francis convened a special conference on Haiti to mark the fifth anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed more than 100,000 people.

Francis has been recovering at a Rome hospital since undergoing intestinal surgery Sunday. The telegram was sent in his name and signed by his deputy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
CURTIS BAY, Md. (AP)  A Baltimore police officer told police looking for his stepson that the teen wasnt at his home, but charging documents state that officers subsequently found the teens body in a hole in a bedroom wall when they searched the residence.

The stepfather is charged in an attack on a responding Anne Arundel County police officer and was denied bail at a hearing Thursday, news outlets report. Assistant States Attorney Jason Miller said Eric Banks Jr. had moved and hidden his stepsons body and made statements that he is homicidal and suicidal.

He admits to officers that he moved his sons body from one location in the home, and secreted it in another, Your Honor, Miller said. He has shown that he is not afraid to resort to violence.

The cause of 15-year-old Dasan Jones death is under investigation and will be determined by the state medical examiner, county police said.

Police responded to Banks home in the Curtis Bay neighborhood on Tuesday to investigate a complaint that Jones was being held against his will. At first, Banks told police Jones wasnt there and had left his packed bags at the back door. After Banks gave police permission to search the home, officers saw a hole in the wall with a cover and Banks said it was his gun safe. Officers looked inside and saw a body, according to charging documents.

Banks was arrested and after he was handcuffed he asked to kiss his kids and have his handcuffs adjusted, then made a clear attempt to disarm an officer, trying to take her handgun from its holster, the officer wrote.

Mr. Banks stated multiple times youre gonna have to end this as we were wrestling over the firearm, the officer wrote. Banks was charged with assault, resisting arrest and other offenses.

At a bail hearing Thursday, Banks attorney asked for his client to be released to home confinement, but the judge denied bond, saying he poses a flight risk and a potential harm to himself, his family and the community. He is being held in protective custody as a potential suicide risk, officials said.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said Banks police powers were already suspended based on a previous incident and he was suspended without pay after he was charged with a felony. Police did not say what the previous incident was.

Banks wife had complained of stalking and emotional and mental abuse last month in a petition for a protective order from him and sought custody of the 15-year-old stepson and their two sons. The petition was denied.
HERAT, Afghanistan (AP)  The Taliban on Thursday seized another key Afghan border crossing, this time with Iran, according to an Afghan official and Iranian media. The seizure is part of a Taliban surge as American troops complete their pullout from Afghanistan.

It was the third border crossing the insurgents have taken in the past week, after previously seizing crossings with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The development came as President Joe Biden said the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on Aug. 31.

The Taliban wins have caused some countries to close their consulates in the region, while Tajikistan has called up reservists to reinforce that countrys southern border with Afghanistan.

An Afghan official said the Taliban on Thursday took control the Islam Qala crossing point in western Herat province. The official, who is in Herat, spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information to reporters.

Afghan soldiers in the border area of Islam Qala  a major transit route between Afghanistan and Iran  fled from their positions, crossing into Iran for refuge, Iranian media reported. The crossing is around 120 kilometers (75 miles) west of the city of Herat, the provincial capital.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted to confirm the taking of Islam Qala and said that Taliban fighters entered the Islam Qala town itself, and were greeted warmly by the local residents. Mujahid also posted a video purporting to show Taliban riding on the back of trucks in Islam Qala and shooting off into the air in celebration as a crowd of men cheered on.

Afghanistan has seen a Taliban surge as the American and NATO pullout stepped up over the past few months. On Tuesday, the U.S. Central Command said 90% of the withdrawal of U.S. troops and equipment from Afghanistan is complete. The U.S. says the last troops will be gone by August.

On Sunday, the Taliban seized control of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan.

Since mid-April, when Biden announced the end to Afghanistans forever war, the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. On Thursday, Biden said he didnt trust the Taliban but trusted the capacity of the Afghan military to defend the government. He also urged the Afghan government to reach a peace deal with the Taliban.

But their most significant gains have been in the north, a traditional stronghold of the U.S.-allied warlords who helped defeat the Taliban in 2001. In Badakhshan province, many districts fell without a fight. The consulates of Turkey and Russia have reportedly closed in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, and Afghanistans fourth-largest city.

The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centers in Afghanistan. Their victories are also putting pressure on provincial cities and taking away government control of key transportation routes.

Islam Qala made headlines in February, when a massive fire erupted following an explosion of a fuel tanker. At least 20 people were injured and hundreds of trucks lined up at the crossing carrying natural gas and fuel were engulfed in the blaze. It took firefighters from both countries three days to put out. There was no suggestion of Taliban involvement in the explosion.

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Faiez reported from Kabul, Afghanistan. Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.
ROME (AP)  Italy on Thursday agreed to allow the disembarking of 572 rescued migrants following a charity ship's desperate plea that food was running short and tensions rising on the crowded Ocean Viking.

Hours earlier, Luisa Albera, search and rescue coordinator of SOS Mediterranee, launched an urgent appeal from the Ocean Viking, which was then located between Malta and the Italian island of Lampedusa, south of Sicily. She said five requests to maritime authorities to assign a port of safety had gone unmet.

But after nightfall, the organization tweeted with immense relief that Italy had given permission to the Ocean Viking to disembark passengers at the port of Augusta, Sicily.

It was unclear when the rescue vessel would reach port.

Among those aboard the Ocean Viking are 369 migrants rescued on July 4 from a boat that the group said was in danger of capsizing in the Mediterranean.

Making survivors wait on the deck of our ship, exposed to the sun and elements, is inhumane, Albera said.

She said on Wednesday evening a man in acute psychological distress jumped overboard, was rescued and brought back on ship. Albera had also predicted that by Friday the crew would run out of pre-packed 24-hour food kits.

With over 570 survivors accommodated on the aft deck of the Ocean Viking, all available space is being used, she said, making it impractical to prepare cooked meals and distribute them, she said.

Italy and Malta insist that other European Union nations also take a share of the migrants after they reach European shores. They insist it's unfair to leave the two central Mediterranean nations to care for them while they apply for asylum. Because most in recent years are economic migrants, many are found ineligible for asylum, and their homelands are often reluctant to take them back.

During the pandemic, Italy has taken to quarantining rescued migrants aboard out-of-service commercial passenger ferries until they can be transferred to asylum processing centers in Sicily or on the mainland. While many migrants reach Italy after rescue at sea by charity boats, cargo ships or military vessels, others make it to Italy's southern shores unaided after they set out from Tunisia or Libya.

Separately, the death toll from the sinking of a migrant boat near Lampedusa on June 30 rose to 16 late Thursday, after the Italian coast guard said another nine bodies had been spotted in or near the wreck of the wooden fishing vessel.

A coast guard statement said an underwater robot found the wreck some 90 meters (300 feet) deep. Inside the wreckage, one body was spotted while those of eight other migrants were located nearby on the seabed.

The packed, 8-meter (25-foot) boat capsized just as coast guard rescue crews were arriving, and seven bodies were soon pulled from the sea, while 46 people were rescued.

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Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
SUMTER, S.C. (AP)  A South Carolina sheriff is investigating the slaying of a man shot at a mobile home park.

Authorities found 29-year-old Xavier Javon Ballard shot Wednesday night at a mobile home park in Sumter near Shaw Air Force Base, The State reported. Ballard died after being taken to a hospital, Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker said in a news release.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and Democratic U.S. Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri visited Denver Thursday to investigate a program that has mental health care professionals and social workers respond to some emergency calls without police backup.

Denvers Support Team Assistance Response (STAR) program handled more than 1,300 911 calls last year without sending police officers, according to a news release.
ALBANY  The parent company of St. Peters Health Partners, one of the Capital Regions largest employers and one of two dominant health care providers in the region, has mandated that all of its employees get a COVID-19 vaccination.

The news came down Thursday from Michigan-based Trinity Health, the national not-for-profit Catholic health care system that operates St. Peters.

That is the mandate that we are currently operating under, St. Peters spokesman Robert Webster said. In April, the hospital reported that over 90 percent of their employees in their acute care facilities were vaccinated to the Department of Health, said Webster. The Trinity memo said most employees would have to be vaccinated by Sept. 21.

At this point the colleagues within our system who are refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccination and dont receive an approved exception, whether its for strongly held religious beliefs or medical condition, those colleagues will no longer be employed by our organization," said Webster.

In addition to the Albany hospital, St. Peters Partners also runs an array of medical practices, senior service providers such as The Eddy, as well as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. They employ about 11,000 people.

Safety is one of our Core Values. We know these vaccines are safe and reduce the chance that members of our community could become seriously ill or end up in one of our hospitals, said Dr. James Reed, president and CEO of St. Peter's Health Partners, in a statement. "We have an obligation to those we serve to provide the very best care. This decision represents the next step in our continuing efforts to do all we can to provide healing, compassionate care, while recognizing our vital role in ending this pandemic.

Another major provider, the Albany Medical Center system, does not currently have such a requirement, but it is actively developing a plan to require vaccinations in the future to further protect the staff and others from the virus, wrote Sue Ford, Albany Med's director of communications, in an email.

At Ellis Medicine in Schenectady vaccines are also not required, said hospital spokesman Philip Schwartz. "There are discussions right now (about a vaccine requirement). We haven't made a decision yet. We are still exploring the options," said Schwartz.

Nearly 90 percent of Ellis Medicine's approximately 3,000 employees are vaccinated, said Schwartz.

Both AMC and St. Peters have over the years acquired a number of formerly independent practices and facilities  a trend occurring in health care nationally.

St. Peters employees were scheduled to learn details of the new policy during a Town Hall meeting later Thursday.

"We have strongly encouraged vaccination for all colleagues, and our communities since the first vaccine for COVID-19 was approved for Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But as a health care system, we have a responsibility to do more," read a memo sent to St. Peter's Hospital employees from Trinity Health on Thursday.

In the memo, Trinity Health said about 75 percent of their employees nationwide have been vaccinated with at least one dose.

The current total number of St. Peter's employees that have been vaccinated has not been recorded yet, said Webster. Now that a COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory, the human resources department will start tracking it.

"This decision is not going to resonate with all colleagues," said Webster. But we have been considering this for several months and we have really come to the decision this is the right move we need to make as a health care organization in the Capital Region.

News of the mandatory vaccination policy comes as COVID-19 has waned, although health experts remain concerned about mutations such as the Delta variant and the Lambda variant from Peru, which could pose renewed threats, especially to those who arent vaccinated.

Statewide, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on July 6 said that 70 percent of New Yorkers 12 years old and above had gotten at least one dose of the vaccine.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Just over $450 million for nine new Ohio K-12 building projects was announced Thursday by the state commission that oversees funding of school construction, the second of two major spending packages for school construction and renovation as the coronavirus pandemic has eased.

The projects announced by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission include $117 million for Cleveland city schools, which will use the money to build two new pre-K through eighth grade buildings and a new high school, and to renovate a middle school. The Cleveland project includes $37.5 million in local funding.
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)  A union representing electrical workers, more than a half-dozen mayors and one of the state's largest employers wants Democratic Gov. Janet Mills to veto a bill that would scrap Central Maine Power and Versant Power and replace them with a consumer-owned utility.

But the proposal's sponsors on Thursday held out hope of convincing her to sign the bill and let Mainers vote on it in November.

If that fails, they vowed to be part of a push to collect signatures to put the proposal on the ballot next year.

Either way, Maine voters will have a say in our shared energy future, Rep. Seth Berry, the lead sponsor, said Thursday.

Support in the Maine Legislature fell short of a two-thirds majority needed to overturn a potential veto by Mills, who called the proposal a rosy solution to a very complicated series of problems.

The leadership of Bath Iron Works and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers both want her to veto the proposal.

We are concerned with the ability of a consumer-owned utility to undertake the enormous responsibilities associated with delivering electricity to the companies which power Maines economy and to light our homes, Jon Fitzgerald, the shipyard's general counsel, wrote to a lawmaker.

The electrical workers' union wrote to the governor to cite concerns about pension investments, retirement benefits and a potential revolving door" of private grid operators.

The mayors of seven communities, meanwhile, told the governor that they remain concerned despite an amendment to the bill.

The proposal is one of the most significant, costly and risky pieces of legislation that the Maine Legislature has ever considered, wrote the mayors of Auburn, Augusta, Biddeford, Gardiner, Lewiston, Saco and Westbrook.

On Thursday, the bill's sponsors  Democratic Rep. Seth Berry and Republican Sen. Rick Bennett  gathered in the town of Bryant Pond in western Maine, in front of a giant memorial to a hand-cranked phone, to urge support for a consumer-owned utility.

A consumer-owned Pine Tree Power would be more responsive to Mainers' needs than a pair of utilities whose owners are thousands of miles away, supporters say. Central Maine Power's corporate parent is based in Bilbao, Spain. Versants owner is in Alberta, Canada.

The foreign ownership model has been a disaster  draining money from Maine while leaving us with the most outages, the longest outages, the worst customer service, and among the highest rates in the country, Bennett, R-Oxford, said Thursday.

The bill comes at a time of frustration with CMP, the states largest electric utility, over a botched rollout of a billing system, slow response to storm damage and power outages, and a controversial utility corridor that would be a conduit for Canadian hydropower.

A double-digit rate increase that's due to go into effect on Aug. 1 has served to further fuel customers' anger.

Berry, D-Bowdoinham, said it's time for Mainers to turn away from broken, antiquated business models and instead lift ourselves up by our own faith and confidence in ourselves.

They say Pine Tree Power would keep rates low, respond faster to outages and support clean energy projects.

Critics accused supporters of underestimating the cost of buying out the utility companies. Supporters have predicted that buyout would cost roughly $5 billion, but opponents have warned the bill could end up saddling ratepayers with $13 billion in debt after lengthy court challenges.

Berry said Mainers deserve to have the final say, and he said that will happen either on the November ballot if the governor signs the bill or in 2022 through a citizen initiative process.

A coalition called Our Power is prepared to lead a push to collect signatures for a referendum in 2022, Berry said. The coalition intends to take this to the ballot, one way or the other, he said.
BOSTON (AP)  A man already charged with stabbing a rabbi outside a Jewish school in Boston now faces additional hate crime offenses, prosecutors said Thursday.

Khaled Awad, who is originally from Egypt, arrived in the U.S. with biased views against Jews, Christians and American culture, Suffolk Assistant District Attorney Margaret Hegarty said during a court hearing.

Witnesses who knew or interacted with Awad told investigators he would become angry if his views were challenged, she said.

The witnesses also noticed that the suspect would stereotype various differences in racial groups and behavior, which included whites, Blacks and that he was especially harsh on Jews, the prosecutor said.

Awad, 24, who has been living in Boston, was charged Thursday with a civil rights violation causing injury and intimidation with bodily injury, prosecutors said. He has already pleaded not guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and six other charges in connection with the July 1 stabbing of Rabbi Shlomo Noginski outside the Shaloh House in the city's Brighton neighborhood.

We believe this was rooted in antisemitism, District Attorney Rachael Rollins said outside court.

Noginski, an Israeli citizen with 12 children, was stabbed multiple times in the arm and was released from the hospital the day after the stabbing.

Awad was seen acting suspiciously near the Shaloh House the day before the attack, when he first demanded Noginski's car keys, Hegarty said. In addition, Noginski was wearing a yarmulke and Awad had to walk past a Menorah, suggesting that he targeted Jews, the prosecutor said.

The attack has been condemned by Boston's Jewish community.

Awads court-appointed attorney, Stephen Weymouth, requested a competency evaluation. A court clinician told the judge that Awad has been diagnosed as bipolar and has not been taking his medications while in Massachusetts.

Competency could be an issue, Weymouth said in court. He also dismissed the idea that the stabbing was a hate crime, and said it was more likely a crime of opportunity in an effort to steal a vehicle.

Awad was ordered to undergo further psychiatric evaluation at a state hospital.

A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday was postponed until July 29, after the evaluation.
MOSCOW (AP)  A delegation of the Taliban visited Moscow on Thursday to offer assurances that their quick gains on the ground in Afghanistan do not threaten Russia or its allies in Central Asia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the Kremlin envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, met with the Taliban delegation to express concern about the escalation and tensions in northern Afghanistan. The ministry said Kabulov urged the Taliban to prevent them from spreading beyond the countrys borders.

We received assurances from the Taliban that they wouldnt violate the borders of Central Asian countries and also their guarantees of security for foreign diplomatic and consular missions in Afghanistan," the ministry said.

Earlier this week, Taliban advances forced hundreds of Afghan soldiers to flee across the border into Tajikistan, which hosts a Russian military base. Tajikistan in turn called up 20,000 military reservists to strengthen its southern border with Afghanistan.

Russian officials have expressed concern that the Taliban surge could destabilize the ex-Soviet Central Asian nations north of Afghanistan.

In comments carried by the Russian state Tass news agency, Taliban spokesman Mohammad Sohail Shaheen said their delegation came to Moscow to assure that we wont allow anyone to use the Afghan territory to attack Russia or neighboring countries.

We have very good relations with Russia, he was quoted by Tass as saying, adding that the insurgents remain committed to a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan.

Moscow, which fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with Soviet troops withdrawal in 1989, has made a diplomatic comeback as a mediator, reaching out to feuding Afghan factions as it has jockeyed with the U.S. for influence in the country.

It has hosted several rounds of talks on Afghanistan, most recently in March, that involved the Taliban  even though Russia has labeled them a terrorist organization.

Russia this week expressed readiness to support Central Asian nations that are part of the Moscow-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization.

We will do everything, including using the capacity of the Russian military base on Tajikistans border with Afghanistan, in order to prevent any aggressive moves against our allies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned Wednesday.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP)  Maryland officials are offering younger residents another reason to get vaccinated against COVID-19: a chance to win a $50,000 scholarship.

Gov. Larry Hogan announced the $1 million VaxU Scholarship Promotion on Wednesday. It aims to motivate 12- to 17-year-olds to get vaccinated.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Volkswagen, which is now subject to Ohio anti-tampering laws that carry the potential of hundreds of billions of dollars in damages, wants time to stop a state lawsuit seeking such damages, the automaker said in a Thursday court filing.

At issue is the 2015 scandal in which the automaker was found to have rigged its vehicles to cheat U.S. diesel emissions tests. The company ultimately paid more than $33 billion in fines and settlements.
PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP)  The co-founder of the We Build The Wall" project aimed at raising money for a border wall has been indicted on a second tax charge in Florida, adding to an earlier tax charge and fraud charge.

A federal grand jury in Pensacola indicted Brian Kolfage on Tuesday on a charge of filing a false tax return. He was previously charged with a separate count of filing a false tax return and a count of wire fraud related to the electronic filing of his tax return.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Western nations headed to a likely Friday showdown with Russia over the delivery of humanitarian aid from Turkey to rebel-held northwest Syria, where the U.N. says 3.4 million people are in desperate need of food and other assistance while the current mandate for cross-border deliveries expires Saturday.

The key issue is whether the U.N. Security Council should authorize deliveries through the Bab al-Hawa crossing for another year as the West, U.N. and humanitarian groups want or for just six months as Russia, Syrias closest ally, is insisting on.

The council is expected to vote Friday, and Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told reporters Thursday that 12 months doesnt fly.

Norway and Ireland have put up for a vote their draft resolution that would authorize a one-year extension of deliveries through Bab al-Hawa to Syria's Idlib region. They say a year's extension is essential to ensure the flow of aid, while six months would require another vote in January and could potentially leave millions of Syrians without aid in the middle of winter.

Russia circulated a rival resolution Thursday that would authorize a six-month extension with the anticipation of renewal subject to a report from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on transparency in aid deliveries and progress on sending aid directly across conflict lines within Syria.

Nebenzia told the Security Council two weeks ago that aid moving across conflict lines is the only legitimate option for a humanitarian operation to deliver assistance. He accused Western nations of wasting the past year that could have been used to find a seamless and constructive solution and an optimal balance of Idlibs procurement through both Bab al-Hawa and domestic channels.

He also claimed that some aid was going to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the strongest militant group in Idlib, and not to needy Syrians. He demanded greater transparency in the cross-border operation.

Nebenzia was asked why Russia agreed to a one-year extension last year but is opposed this year.

We did accept one year last year. Nothing was happening. Nothing was happening. Were offering more or less the same, so its now for the other side to decide, he said. Whatever happens, there is a decision tomorrow.

The issue of cross-border aid to Syria was taken up by U.S. President Joe Biden at his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month and has generated other high-level interventions aimed at keeping at least Bab al-Hawa operating.

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 the crossings to just Bab al-Hawa.

Ireland and Norway initially proposed to also reopen the Al-Yaroubiya border crossing from Iraq to Syrias mainly Kurdish-controlled northeast. But last week, Nebenzia called that idea a non-starter, so Norway and Ireland revised their proposal to just keeping the Bab al-Hawa crossing open.

Acting U.N. humanitarian chief Ramesh Rajasingham told the Security Council in late June that a failure to extend the mandate for Bab al-Hawa would disrupt lifesaving aid to 3.4 million people in need across the northwest, millions of whom are among the most vulnerable in Syria.
You might think that finding solitude in Tahoe in the middle of the summer is downright impossible. Millions of people come to the Tahoe Basin every year  Tahoe sees magnitudes more people than Yosemite National Park. And because the Lake Tahoe Basin is mostly water, thanks to that big lake in the center of it, the sliver of land around Tahoes edges is prone to crowding.

But Im here to tell you that it is possible to escape the crowds. Think of it like a shorebreak. You have to get through all the whitewater and chaos before you can paddle out to smooth water and find that perfect wave. Trailheads are often the most crowded places on a hike. But once youre out on the trail, people space out and youll find your own tempo.

Which trail, though, actually turns out to be hugely important, especially since youll likely find everyone at the first few trails served up on a Google search. Thats why we created a list that lists the mega Google search ones alongside some lesser-known hikes in Tahoe that are just as epic, if not more so. Locals may get very angry with me for sharing some of these places. These are trails well-known among locals, for good reason. But to them I say, lets spread people out. And hopefully, its a win-win for everyone.

Patricia Chang / Special to SFGATE

Emerald Bay

Vikingsholm, the castle in Emerald Bay, is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Tahoe. The hike to the castle is an easy out-and-back stroll on a wide dirt road, and its a crowded walk. But when you get to the bottom, veer left and continue on the trail toward the mouth of the bay.

Lesser known: The Rubicon Trail leads north along the shoreline from Emerald Bay to D.L. Bliss State Park. The farther you hike, the fewer people youll see. And the views get better, too. This part of Lake Tahoe features sheer cliffs that drop into one of the deeper parts of Lake Tahoe. The water takes on so many different shades of blue, and the forest is quiet. Its a great trail for a car-shuttle, so plan to leave another car at Bliss State Park (and get there early, because day visits to the state park are capped and sell out first thing in the morning).

Julie Brown / SFGATE

Michael Marfell/Getty Images

Desolation Wilderness

Desolation Wilderness spans almost 100 square miles just southwest of Lake Tahoe. The entire expanse is woven with trails and many serene lakes. Eagle Lake is one of the most accessible hikes into Desolation Wilderness, and its incredibly popular and crowded for good reason. Its a great hike for families with young children. There are waterfalls and a beautiful freshwater lake at the end. But the trail is often one never-ending line of people, especially at the height of summer.

Lesser known: However, if you are up for hiking a little bit farther, there are many, many lakes in Desolation Wilderness.

If youd like to avoid the mega-crowds at the Eagle Lake Trailhead, drive a bit farther north and start at Meeks Bay Trailhead. The gateway to Desolation Wilderness is a few miles down the trail. Hike through Meeks Meadow and up along the ridge to a series of lakes. The first youll come across is Lake Genevieve, but keep going until you reach Crag Lake. This one sits beneath a triangle-shaped peak. Boulders make for great diving boards to cool off.

Julie Brown / SFGATE

Peaks

Getting up high in the mountains around Lake Tahoe is a lot easier when you can drive most of the way. Mount Rose is one of the most popular and busy mountain passes. Cars are often parked on both sides of the road, summer and winter. It is a launch point for recreation in all seasons, and Chickadee Ridge is certainly a worthy walk through the woods to a magical view with a one-of-a-kind nature experience.

Lesser known: But if youre looking to go somewhere new thats slightly off the beaten path, head to the other side of the lake. The road up Blackwood Canyon on the West Shore crosses a creek and then climbs up Barker Pass. Its a paved Forest Service road, and so it is much less traveled than the state highway over Mount Rose. This is also why Barker Pass is a popular climb for road cyclists.

Just getting to the top of Barker Pass will reward you with incredible views, but bring your hiking shoes and head south along the Ellis Peak Trail. The first leg of the hike is a brutal, steep climb. But then youre on a ridgetop full of wildflowers and the views are unrivaled, both toward Lake Tahoe and also facing west. You can see the Sierra Nevada drop down toward the foothills. Ellis Peak is a rocky ledge, with many ideal spots to eat a PB&J and get inspired by the view.

Julie Brown / SFGATE

North Tahoe

Everyone knows about Shirley Canyon. Or at least a lot of people do. The waterfalls and cold pools on this hike beckon to many on hot summer days. Shirley Canyon is a must-do hike in Tahoe, but theres another hike nearby that will also cool you down, with far fewer people.

Lesser known: Along Alpine Meadows road, the trail to Five Lakes climbs up the backside of Squaw Valleys KT-22. The trail switchbacks up a slope covered in manzanita and then opens up to a more exposed section of the hike with big views of Alpine Meadows ski resort. At the top, the trail passes into the Granite Chief Wilderness, and here is where it skirts along a series of quiet, wooded lakes that are this hikes namesake.

Julie Brown / SFGATE

Truckee

Donner Summit is the eye of the needle in the northern Sierra Nevada. This rocky mountain pass is loaded with history  hello, the Donner Party. But also, think of the Chinese laborers who built the section of the transcontinental railroad over Donner Pass, which became an important link in the history of the United States. Today, Donner Summit attracts many thousands of people for its opportunities to recreate. You can swim in the lake, climb its rocks, ride a bike up the winding road and hike north or south along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Lesser known: But recently, the Truckee Donner Land Trust opened up another new trail to a stunning landscape nearby. Carpenter Valley has been hidden from the public for more than a century, until now. Come for the peace and quiet. Boardwalks lead through pristine meadows dotted in bright color from all the wildflowers. A creek makes idyllic horseshoe bends between willows. And the views are long and green.

But the best part of this hike  and all of these hikes  is seeing someplace new for the very first time.
A marine biologist in British Columbia estimated that 1 billion sea creatures in the Salish Sea off the coast of Vancouver died amid unrelenting temperatures that broiled the Pacific Northwest and western Canada late June into early July.

Chris Harley told the Toronto Star that small sea animals like mussels, clams, sea stars and snails were cooked to death.

Its (like) leaving a car in a hot parking lot, Harley, a marine biologist at the University of British Columbia, told the Star. It gets a lot hotter than the air does. So thats what happens to the shoreline when its out in the sun and low tide.

A similar scenario was observed along the Northern California coast amid a June 2019 heat wave.

UC Davis researcher Jacqueline Sones noticed massive numbers of mussels clinging to the rocky shores and cliffs of the Bodega Marine Reserve were being cooked to death. She estimated that 30% of the mussels along this stretch were killed off, with the total number of dead specimens in the tens, maybe even hundreds, of thousands.

"The recent event in British Columbia appears very similar to the mussel die-off in Bodega Bay in 2019, although the effects in British Columbia appear to have been more severe likely due to even higher air temperatures," Sones wrote in an email to SFGATE. "We have not observed a similar die-off in Bodega Bay since 2019, but we have been on alert for heat waves that might impact marine animals."

A heat wave in the Pacific Northwest and western Canada sent temperatures soaring to unfathomable highs. In Portland, where temperatures soared to 116 degrees, street car service was suspended after power cables melted.

Roads in Washington state expanded in the sweltering heat, causing pavement to buckle and pop loose, including on Interstate 5 in Seattle. The small town of Lytton in British Columbia set Canadas heat record at just over 121 degrees on June 27; the next day, a wildfire engulfed the town, forcing residents to flee.

Climate experts said the "heat dome" over the Northwest was yet another example of how human-caused climate change is leading to more extreme weather events and more severe drought.
I got in my car this afternoon, and quite literally couldnt breathe. The heat this year has been stifling, to say the least, and as I drove a
Thanks to the creative talents of Phil Horn, Newburg has a new, updated Little Library. Horn is a talented wood craftsman who wanted to give b
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While companies and their employees have been enduring workplace closures due to the pandemic for well over a year, most HR teams have been imagining and planning for the physical reopening of their office spaces.



Decisions about this significant, symbolic event have been months in the making. HR professionals, working in tandem with their C-suites, have taken into account state and federal guidelines, employee sentiment, the company's bottom line, and the value of in-person employee and customer interactions.

Policies vary based on geographic region, including urban versus suburban locations; the size and scope of the office; and whether the company focuses on services or manufacturing. Hybrid-work and flexible-scheduling arrangements have never been more prominent or necessary for many employers. Others have determined that mandating a full-time return to the physical office is most appropriate.

Gartner reported that 1.1 billion employees worldwide worked from home in 2020, more than triple the 350 million who did so in 2019. Gartner said 60 percent of companies around the world are developing a permanent hybrid-work model (no more than three days in the office per week) as the pandemic wanes.

The record number of people quitting their jobs, combined with more jobs becoming available as the economy reopens, has made getting this right even more crucial for executive teams faced with attracting new talent and retaining their most valued workers.

Employers also are cognizant of what their team members need to care for their children, even as many summer camps and day care centers are not operating at full capacity. Employers are aware this presents commuting and logistical challenges for many of their workers, something that must be factored into their reopening decisions.

"Zoom fatigue" has truly set in. Employees miss each other, and many have not met new co-workers in person. Clients are ready to conduct business face to face, either in an office or elsewhere.

Based on its study of 10 major metropolitan areas, office access software provider Kastle Systems reported that 31.5 percent of employees returned to the office the week ending June 9, up from 29 percent the week prior and 28.1 percent for May 19.

Within that cohort, Texas markets led the way by a considerable amount (Dallas, 49.7 percent; Austin, 48.7 percent; and Houston, 47.7 percent), perhaps because it has some of the least restrictive COVID-19 laws in the country.

Kastle also found that the legal industry is returning to the office at rates 10 percentage points higher than other businesses. The study is based on card swipes to enter commercial office buildings.



SHRM Resource Hub Page

Return to Work



Speed of Change: Crawl, Walk, Run

Stacey Berk, founder and managing consultant at Expand HR Consulting in Rockville, Md., noted that her clients' progression back to the office either began in late June or will start in September.

"Discussions and planning have been very different this spring and early summer versus during earlier planning stages in the pandemic," Berk said. "Employers have been taking a much more assertive approach than before. CEOs are driving the spirit of going back to the office to regain the company culture and teamwork.

"There's more cover for employers with the updated EEOC [Equal Employment Opportunity Commission] guidance [on asking about or requiring COVID-19 vaccinations]," she continued. "With the successful vaccine rollout and schools restarting in a traditional format this coming September, we have noted that there is a sense of acceptance with employees and a willingness to move forward and get back to the office environment. On the other hand, some employees who have moved away from their main office location or enjoyed the flexibility work from home [WFH] brings are not embracing the return. The risk is that they may quit if a substantial reason for WFH is not agreed upon with the employer."

Giving workers flexibility has become table stakes for technology companies, where competition for talent remains fierce.

Kevin Rooney, chief administrative officer at West Monroe Partners, a national technology consulting firm based in Chicago, said his company's approach to reopening can be described as crawl, walk, run.

"I can gladly say we are transitioning from the walk stage to more of a jog stage," Rooney said. "We have already learned how to operate safely and effectively by using [software and technology] tools. We will move to the run stage once we fully define our return-to-office policy. We are close to defining expectations to ensure that we blend flexibility and career equity in our approach. We aim to communicate the finalized approach to our people within the next six weeks.

"With the constant stage of change we're all in, we'd like to stay flexible," he added. "Up to now, it has felt a bit like building a plan on quicksand."

Prior to the pandemic, West Monroe consultants typically performed their work at client sites and returned to the office once a week on Fridays, according to Rooney. "But the new way of working will be noticeably more flexible," he noted. "We envision that we will be traveling less and performing more work in our home markets, so it may look fairly different."

All of West Monroe's eight offices are open, Rooney said. The firm decided the best time to ask employees to come back to the office more regularly is toward the end of the summer, typically marked by Labor Day and the start of the school year.

"Right now, we're focused on creating an environment where people want to come in and are treating this summer as a transition period because we realize this is not going to be an overnight change," he said. "People have formed new habits during the past 14 months working from home, and it will take change management and a transition period for what we're calling 'reboarding.' "

By the end of the summer, Rooney said, "we will be able to focus on getting back to what our new-normal, hybrid-work environment looks like, where we can welcome everyone back for both social events and collaboration work."

Flexible Philosophy

Global technology firm Nintex says its stance on returning to the office is more of a philosophy than a policy. It has more than 800 employees in 13 offices worldwide. Its headquarters is in Bellevue, Wash.

"Flexibility is our biggest priority," said Chief People Officer Nellie Thompson. "We're working on a model that allows our team members to work productively, remain connected and drive successful business outcomes, regardless of their physical location."

Nintex is not requiring that employees return to the office, she said, but it will continue to maintain its global office spaces "because we acknowledge the value that they bring to providing an in-person opportunity for alternative workspaces as creative and collaboration centers, and as celebration and social hubs. Tactically, our internal requirement is that masks and face coverings are not required when local regulations permit gatherings of at least 50 percent capacity."



Before the pandemic, telecommuting was seen as a perk but not a necessity, Thompson said. "However, that paradigm is shifting as working professionals continue requesting more flexibility in the workplacerecognizing the need for more flexibility and autonomy with their work schedules," she noted.

Thompson said Nintex trusts its team members to determine where they will do their best work and to choose their workplace accordingly. "We have seen in the past year, with high engagement scores and record business performance, that being physically in the office is not a requirement to do our best work," she said.

Nintex also will develop a curriculum for management teams specifically focusing on well-being, empathy and learning agility, which have been increasingly more important over the last year, Thompson said.



With the constant stage of change we're all in, we'd like to stay flexible. Up to now, it has felt a bit like building a plan on quicksand.



Meanwhile, manufacturing firms have operated on a different plane, with many having been classified as essential employers by their states. Their office staff size tends to be small. Manufacturing company Darnel, based in Monroe, N.C., is one example. Chief People Officer Robert L. Guy, SHRM-SCP, said his company's office staff worked from home from April 2020 to March 2021.

"We invited all to return in March 2021 once COVID vaccinations became available for essential workers," Guy said. "We only had one office employee who asked to extend time away for one additional month until they became fully vaccinated. As we have seen in all areas, our employees were eager to come back to the office to be able to see each other again and make the most of collaboration, which suffered slightly in the virtual work world."

Acuity is a global industrial technology company based in Atlanta with 12,000 employees, about one-third of whom are office workers. The majority of its manufacturing jobs are in Mexico.

It launched Acuity Anywhere, a hybrid-work model with all jobs classified as onsite, flexible or remote. Onsite associates work within Acuity facilities, flexible associates split their time between an Acuity facility and a home office, and remote associates work primarily from home. Acuity Anywhere allows associates to contribute, grow professionally and achieve results whether they work onsite or remotely.

"The pandemic proved to be a proof point for us," said Chief Human Resource Officer Dianne Mills. "Working remotely worked out really well for us. We spent the past few months when planning for this policy asking ourselves, 'How will we explain to our workers who performed so well during the pandemic that they will have to go back to the previous office policy?' They aren't interested in going back to a 1.5-hour commute when they can use that time to be even more productive at home."

Employees 'Mature Enough' to Decide

Maria Clyde, SHRM-SCP, director of human resources at BHI in Newark, Del., said one of her professional services clients whose workforce was entirely remote told its employees they will need to start working two or three days each week in the office by July 15 to better satisfy client and team needs.

"The thought is that employees are professionally mature enough to know when it's best to work in the office versus work from home," Clyde said. "Unfortunately, that isn't always the case, so there's a caveat in the policy that the team manager makes the final call and may ask you to come into work due to business need."

Clyde said other BHI clients won't allow work from home on Mondays and Fridays.

"This is smart during the summer," Clyde said. "It helps to avoid loss of productivity and any distractions from 'long' weekends."

Remote Work Has Its Benefits

Jennifer Tyrrell, SHRM-SCP, vice president of HR at Centurion Health in Vienna, Va., has not yet settled on a return-to-office policy. Her parent company has a structured process in place, but as a subsidiary to it, she is looking at a different approach.

"We are currently working under the direction of a Sept. 13 return-to-office [date], and right now we have left it to our department heads to determine what the expectations of their separate teams will be," Tyrrell said. "Nothing is formalized at this point. We are in discovery and discussion phase."

Tyrrell said her assumption is that Centurion will be more open to work-from-home or remote-work arrangements than has historically been the case, especially for those employees in nonexempt positions. "There are concrete benefits that we've seen from this new working model," she noted.

Tyrrell said she's read that some employees are comfortable with earning less pay if they can work from home because it allows them to save on things like commuting time, wardrobe expenses, and pet-sitting and pet-walking costs. One research effort found this to be true: 64 percent of respondents would choose to work from home permanently over receiving a $30,000 raise, according to a survey of employees at 45 of the largest U.S. companies by professional network Blind.

"We have also seen steady-to-increased productivity during the pandemic, though also more burnout," Tyrrell said.



SHRM Resource Hub Page

Remote Work



Employee Feedback During Changing Situations

West Monroe's Rooney said employee feedback is "very important to us in any type of decision-making we do at the firm. We have conducted one-on-one discussions and 11 employee focus groups [made up of] people at all levels to understand what is important to our employees and how we can maintain a sense of culture."

Dendreon is a biotechnology company headquartered in Seal Beach, Calif. Its COVID-19 task force, which is made up of several executives and representatives from the health and safety, communications, and legal departments, meets twice a week to evaluate changes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local agencies, and child care and school groups.

Nintex's Thompson gathers team members' sentiments with a weekly survey.

"We will assess productivity with a predefined objective and results measurement," Thompson said. "We will assess working practices to be sensitive to any team member's feelings of seclusion, helplessness and more."

Many HR teams say their policies are fluid. The summer is an opportunity to test and learn about a policy's effectiveness, according to Rooney.

"It's a mistake for companies to think they're ever finished," he said. "We are continually working on our culture and our ways of working to ensure that our employees are fulfilled. We recognize that 15 months is a long time in which new habits have been formed. We see this opportunity as a new 'moment that matters' in our employee life cycle."

Rooney is proud of how West Monroe and its employees have met this moment together.

"We have been nimble and positioned ourselves to continue to grow the next generation of leaders," he said. "Constant communication and continued listening to both our people and our clientscombined with a willingness to be responsivewill serve us well into the future. It has not been easy for anyone, and we recognize the toll it has taken on many. We will continue to adjust to meet the needs of our people and clients."

Paul Bergeron is a freelance writer based in Herndon, Va.
The National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases has analysed 95 samples taken in half of the country's regions in the period between June 1 and June 25, the ministry said in a press release.

Sofia, July 8 (IANS) The authorities in Bulgaria have detected 43 new Covid-19 Delta variant cases, bringing the total number of new infections in the country to 51, the Health Ministry said here on Wednesday.

Of these, 49 cases were of the Alpha Covid-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom; 43 were of the Delta variant first identified in India; and one was of the Beta variant first identified in South Africa, the ministry said.

Three people infected with the Delta variant of Covid-19 have died, the ministry said, calling on Bulgarian citizens "to take a responsible approach to their own health and that of their loved ones, and get vaccinated against Covid-19", the Xinhua news agency reported.

However, despite repeated appeals by the authorities and abundant supplies of vaccines, vaccination in Bulgaria is still progressing at a very slow pace, with only 11,712 doses administered in the past 24 hours. According to the University of Oxford-based Our World in Data project, the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in Bulgaria per 100 people is 26.06, and thus the country ranks last in the European Union.

Meanwhile, according to the country's Covid-19 information portal, the numbers of active cases and hospitalizations fell to 8,196 and 961, respectively, the lowest figures since last October 13 and October 6.

The first case of the Delta variant was identified in Bulgaria on June 17, followed by seven more cases on June 28.

--IANS

int/rs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi affected a significant overhaul of the Union cabinet. Among the new ministers who were inducted into the Union Cabinet are BJPs 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, LJPs Pashupati Paras, and Apna Dals Anupriya Patel.

The seven ministers of state who were promoted are Anurag Thakur, G Kishan Reddy, Paroshottam Rupala, Kiren Rijiju, Hardeep Singh Puri, Mansukh Mandaviya and Raj Kumar Singh.

Meanwhile, ahead of the much-anticipated reshuffle, twelve ministers resigned. Among the big names to resign are IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar.

Other ministers who are out of the Cabinet are Babul Supriyo, Sadananda Gowda, Debasree Chaudhuri, Rattan Lal Kataria, Sanjay Dhotre, Thawarchand Gehlot, Pratap Chandra Sarangi (MoS) and Ashwini Chaubey (MoS).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also in-charge of: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space; All important policy issues; and All other portfolios not allocated to any Minister

Here is the complete list of ministers who were newly inducted into the Union

CABINET MINISTERS

Raj Nath Singh - Minister of Defence Amit Shah - Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation Nitin Jairam Gadkari - Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nirmala Sitharaman - Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs Narendra Singh Tomar - Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar - Minister of External Affairs Arjun Munda - Minister of Tribal Affairs Smriti Zubin Irani - Minister of Women and Child Development Piyush Goyal - Minister of Commerce and Industry; Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Minister of Textiles Dharmendra Pradhan - Minister of Education; and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Pralhad Joshi - Minister of Parliamentary Affairs;Minister of Coal; and Minister of Mines Narayan Tatu Rane - Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Sarbananda Sonowal - Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; and Minister of AYUSH Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi - Minister of Minority Affairs Dr Virendra Kumar - Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Giriraj Singh - Minister of Rural Development; and Minister of Panchayati Raj Jyotiraditya M. Scindia - Minister of Civil Aviation Ramchandra Prasad Singh - Minister of Steel Ashwini Vaishnaw - Minister of Railways; Minister of Communications; and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Pashu Pati Kumar Paras - Minister of Food Processing Industries Gajendra Singh Shekhawat - Minister of Jal Shakti Kiren Rijiju - Minister of Law and Justice Raj Kumar Singh - Minister of Power; and Minister of New and Renewable Energy Hardeep Singh Puri - Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Mansukh Mandaviya - Minister of Health and Family Welfare; and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Bhupender Yadav - Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey - Minister of Heavy Industries Parshottam Rupala - Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying G Kishan Reddy - Minister of Culture; Minister of Tourism; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Anurag Singh Thakur - Minister of Information and Broadcasting; and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports

MINISTERS OF STATE

Shripad Yesso Naik - Minister of State in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism Faggansingh Kulaste - Minister of State in the Ministry of Steel; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development Prahalad Singh Patel - Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries Ashwini Kumar Choubey - Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Arjun Ram Meghwal - Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture General (Retd) V K Singh - Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Krishan Pal - Minister of State in the Ministry of Power; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries Danve Raosaheb Dadarao - Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways; Minister of State in the Ministry of Coal; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Mines Ramdas Athawale - Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti - Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan - Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Nityanand Rai - Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Pankaj Chaowdhary - Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Anupriya Singh Patel - Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry S P Singh Baghel - Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice Rajeev Chandrasekhar - Minister of State in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Shobha Karandlaje - Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma - Minister of State in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Darshana Vikram Jardosh - Minister of State in the Ministry of Textiles; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways V Muraleedharan - Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi - Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture Som Parkash - Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Renuka Singh Saruta - Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Rameswar Teli - Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment Kailash Choudhary - Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Annpurna Devi - Minister of State in the Ministry of Education A Narayanaswamy - Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Kaushal Kishore - Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Ajay Bhatt - Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism B L Verma - Minister of State in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Cooperation Ajay Kumar - Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Devusinh Chauhan - Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications Bhagwanth Khuba - Minister of State in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Kapil Moreshwar Patil - Minister of State in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj Pratima Bhoumik - Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Subhas Sarkar - Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad - Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh - Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar - Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Bishweswar Tudu - Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti Shantanu Thakur - Minister of State in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Dr Munjapara Mahendrabhai - Minister of State in the Ministry of Women and Child Development; and Minister of State in the Ministry of AYUSH John Barla - Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr L Murugan - Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Nisith Pramanik- Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Meet Bengalurus Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar

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.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, an agency under the State Governors control, has reversed its decision to ban open water swimming at Walden Pond. The about-face occurred less than a week after a decision banning open water swimming created a semi-major public backlash, and front page news in metro-Boston.



It turns out a lot of the State's legislators are open water swimmers, and triathletes, including State Representative Jim Hawkins, who penned a letter representative of the concerns of affected swimmers.



The popular destination for the states triathletes and open water swimmers will be open to open water swimming from 5am to 10am and from 6pm to 8pm on weekdays. On weekends the Pond is open from 7am to 10am and from 6pm to 8pm.

The full text of the advisory is available here. The hours for open water swimming are specifically designed to avoid the times lifeguards are on duty. To ensure that DCR lifeguards can focus exclusively on the safety of visitors in the designated swimming area, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, open water swimming is permitted during park hours only before and after lifeguard shifts.



A list of new rules have been drafted that swimmers must obey, such as, Swimmers must stay at least 50 feet away from a boat or fisherman to avoid interference. (Entangling fishing lines is a violation of state regulations.)



Readers can form their own conclusions, but the advisory appears to me to contain thinly veiled grievance over the blowback to the original rule. Lifeguards, waders, visitors, boaters, fishermen are all listed as protected elements. Open water swimmers are not visitors. They are  what?  non-native species introduced into the Pond?



Open water swimming is an inherently dangerous activity, says the advisory. To that I say, the lack of activity is an inherently dangerous activity.



The fate of the bill introduced by the Governor, to increase the fine for profligate and lawless open water swimming to $500, is unknown, at least unknown to me. The person named as the contact for the original, and for the new, advisory is still not taking telephone calls. (Which invites the question of why a contact name and phone are listed on these advisories.) However, it is possible emails are getting answered and I may yet receive an answer to mine.
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The Australian Banking Association has announced a national support package for business and home owners, including loan deferrals and fee waivers, as COVID-19 lockdowns continue to cause financial hardship for many Australians.

The ABA unveiled on Thursday evening a suite of policies aimed at supporting businesses and mortgage holders as growing COVID-19 cases in Sydney cast doubt over when the city will come out of lockdown.

The federal government announced earlier in the day it would extend COVID-19 support, including $500 per week payments and scrapping the $10,000 liquid asset test, amid calls for a revival of the JobKeeper wage subsidy.

The Australian Banking Association has launched a new suite of support for businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19. Credit:

NSW recorded its highest number of daily cases on Thursday during the latest outbreak, with 38 new infections, as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to plague the city.
Billionaire retailer Solomon Lew has rejected department store Myers offer for a seat on the board alongside its current directors and has called for Myers three remaining non-executive directors to resign, in a further escalation of tensions between the two businesses.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon by Mr Lews investment company Premier Investments, the company said it had nothing to gain by spending time working with the current Myer board.

Solomon Lew has said he is not interested in working with the remaining Myer board. Credit:Paul Jeffers

The failure to appoint a permanent chairman or any additional non-executive directors seems to indicate that no credible company director would accept an offer to work with the current Myer board, Premier said.

The only thing Premier will accept from the current Myer board is the resignation of its three remaining non-executive directors.
Defectors invariably paint their erstwhile regimes in the grimmest of colours. Cai Xias forensic broadside on the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CCP) is as grim as it gets.

Professor Cai taught for 15 years at the Central Party School, the sanctum sanctorum of the Communist elite and the motor engine of revanchist doctrine. The cadres learned that there can be no modus vivendi with American imperialist wolves.

Her long essay on the CCPs ideological reflexes published by the Hoover Institution should be read with caution but it is nevertheless a seminal text for our time. It is both an expose of the incorrigible character of this totalitarian beast but also an indictment of Western wishful thinking over 40 years of failed strategic engagement.

The Communist Party of Chinas 100th anniversary show last month: The regime is implacably hostile towards the West. Credit: AP

You cannot engage with the CCP. The party is implacably hostile, because it sees the foreign democratic virus as a threat to its own internal control of China. The two conflicting systems cannot be reconciled, and they cannot indefinitely coexist, she says.
The other was a former law student who complained to the court in September. On receiving the first complaint, Judge Alstergren appointed three former Supreme Court judges  Julie Dodds-Streeton, QC, David Habersberger, QC, and Katharine Williams, QC,  to conduct an investigation. Industrial law barrister Tessa Duthie was appointed as counsel assisting the committee. All parties were offered legal counsel and support. The court employee was embarking on her legal career but has been on extended medical leave since the inappropriate conduct occurred, her solicitor Josh Bornstein said. The judge emailed her repeatedly and made inappropriate comments before his conduct escalated to two instances of unwelcome physical touching.

Mr Harman has resigned. He has been on leave since the commencement of the court investigation in August 2020 and is believed to be suffering poor mental health. Following the judges conduct to her, Mr Bornstein said the employee made a verbal complaint, in a state of distress, to court management. She was allegedly told words to the effect, theres not much you can do about it because hes a judge. A Federal Circuit Court of Australia spokesperson said: Within two days of the Chief Judge having received the formal complaint from the CEO of the Federal Court Entity, the complaint was referred to an independent committee for investigation. Following the alleged rebuff, the employee sought legal advice from Mr Bornstein.

Mr Bornstein wrote to the court requesting an internal inquiry similar to the one instituted by the High Court following claims of sexual harassment against former High Court judge Dyson Heydon. During the Federal Circuit Court inquiry, which was finalised in April, it came to light that another woman had complained of inappropriate conduct by the same judge. Neither woman was aware of the others experience. The Committees investigation found ... the [complainants] allegations were substantiated and that the Judge had engaged in conduct ... that was sexualised in nature and otherwise inappropriate, the court said in its statement. The conduct the subject of the complaints, principally, involved inappropriate communication that occurred in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020. One complaint also involved two unwelcome hugs.

The Committee found that neither the Judges medical condition nor his workload could justify or excuse his inappropriate conduct towards either of the complainants. The committee recommended the complaints be referred to federal Attorney-General Michaelia Cash. The court has also appointed workplace specialist lawyer Stephen Price to review whether anyone else was subject to inappropriate behaviour from the former judge. After receiving the committees report, Mr Harman submitted further medical evidence but the committee did not change its findings. The Judges conduct is of great concern to the Court, as is the harm caused to these young women, Judge Alstergren said.

The Court is ashamed that such conduct could occur, especially by someone of such standing and responsibility as a serving Judge and in circumstances where he held a position of trust in respect to each of the complainants. The behaviour was totally unacceptable and inexcusable. But Mr Harmans erratic behaviour was well known in legal circles, said several solicitors who spoke to the Herald and The Age, and, in 2011, Mr Harman was barred from courtroom duties after two judgments criticising his decisions. In the first case, Mr Harman convicted a man of contempt of court on the spot. The man, who allegedly had dementia and was using an interpreter in court, was being questioned on the proceeds of the sale of his family home.

Mr Harman told the man: I want [him] to tell me where the $200,050 is and, if he either refuses to tell me or he genuinely no longer has the money, he starts a jail sentence today. On appeal, the then-Chief Justice of the Family Court, Diana Bryant, found Mr Harman had failed to follow proper procedure to convict or imprison the man. There had been no formal plea to the charge, no evidence, no findings, no conviction, no sentence imposed, she said. In the second case, Mr Harman dismissed an application to disqualify himself from hearing a case involving a solicitor with whom he had had a personal relationship that had broken down in an extremely hostile way. The appeal court found this was most irregular and the rules of procedural fairness had been clearly breached.

Following these two critical appeal decisions, Mr Harman was restricted to non-sitting duties for one month and made to undertake judicial education and counselling. Mr Harman was appointed to the court in 2010. He was known as a progressive judge well versed in domestic violence matters, who could be erratic but was an excellent jurist. In 2005 he received a NSW Premiers Stop Domestic Violence award and in 2013 he was a finalist for the Australian Human Rights Law Award. He was a very good judge to draw if you had a case involving domestic violence, said one solicitor who regularly appeared before the former judge. He is very smart and a very good lawyer, and very educated on coercive control.
The revelations of repeated sexual harassment by Dyson Heydon during his tenure as a High Court judge had a profound effect on the legal profession. One of the most powerful lawyers in the country, a judge who administered the law in the highest court in the land, betrayed his oath by mistreating young associates. The legal profession has been forced to confront the reality that its deeply hierarchical structure and culture of patronage render courts and tribunals as high risk environments for bullying and sexual harassment. The courts are leading the charge for change with a range of measures to make their workplaces safer including further judicial education and new policies and processes.

It comes just days after the airing of allegations of sexual harassment against an unidentified cabinet minister in the Morrison government by former Liberal Party politician, Julia Banks. To date, no action has been announced to address these allegations.

The outcome of a year-long investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against a judge of the Federal Circuit Court is yet another reminder that the struggle for gender equality has a long way to go. The investigation found that the judge had engaged in unwelcome sexualised conduct towards two women, one employed at the Federal Circuit Court in Sydney and the other a former law student.

In June 2020, I wrote to the Federal Circuit Court on behalf of my client to detail her complaint of sexual harassment by a judge. The response was swift and decisive. Chief Justice Alstergren determined that the complaint was serious and constituted a committee made up of three former judges to investigate it. The committee commenced its investigation promptly. Its final report, delivered in April, upheld many of the allegations made by both my client and another complainant finding that the judge had engaged in inappropriate sexualised conduct which could amount to sexual harassment.

In the interests of transparency, the Committee also recommended that the Court release a public statement about the investigation and its outcome. The Federal Circuit Court has also established a further investigation to determine whether there has been any other inappropriate conduct by the judge.

Former High Court justice Dyson Heydon denied the sexual harassment allegations. Credit: Anna Kucera

In complete contrast to the handling of the sexual harassment allegations against judges by both the High Court and now the Federal Circuit Court, the Morrison government is committed to doing nothing about Julia Banks allegations. The government continues to inhabit another dimension: an alternative reality that favours secrecy over transparency and obfuscation over accountability. The revelations by Julia Banks of her experience of sexual harassment merit a similarly decisive response from Prime Minister. He should constitute an independent investigation and if Julia Banks allegations are upheld, invite any other women with similar complaints to come forward. The outcome of the investigation should be made public.

In the wake of recent scandals about the mistreatment of women in Parliament House, the Prime Minister agreed that Parliament should be setting the standard, adding unequivocally that sexual assault is not only immoral and despicable and even criminal, but  it denies Australians, especially women, not just their personal security but their economic security by not being safe at work.
Cienan Muir is a Yorta Yorta and Ngarrindjeri man and... Im a nerd.

They were two parts of his identity. But with next months official launch of his company Indiginerd, he hopes to bring them together and build a bridge between traditional and pop culture.

Cienan Muir founded the first Aboriginal comic convention. Credit:Eddie Jim

Theyre going to get together at Fortress Melbourne, the citys huge video games venue, on August 20. There will be a welcome to country, some games of Overwatch (for the non-nerds, thats a popular online first-person shooter video game). There will be giveaways and some chat about comics and gaming.

Just a bunch of deadly black businesses, showing us what theyre doing in the space, says Muir.
Its not like going home to your parents place, says Tkay Maidza from her new apartment in Los Angeles.

Its been a month since the 25-year-old singer and songwriter moved into the building, having spent the first half of 2021 in temporary lodgings after moving to LA.

Tkay Maidzas blossoming music career has taken her from Adelaide to Los Angeles. Credit:

The entertainment mecca has already been a hit with Maidza, who scored the first of four ARIA nominations so far with her breakthrough debut album in 2017. Four years on, shes just released Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3, the third and final instalment in her impressive EP trilogy.

Its been a little chaotic but its been great, she said about life in her new neighbourhood. Ive been having a lot of writing sessions and Im helping other artists write songs for their albums which is so cool. Ive definitely gone out too much the last five days but usually no one sees me from Monday to Friday, then I come out on the weekend.
Coalition and Labor MPs have accused Greens senator Lidia Thorpe of being disrespectful during a hearing into the Juukan Gorge disaster after she publicly claimed she was silenced by committee members during this weeks hearings.

Senator Thorpe on Wednesday said she was silenced during her questioning of the Minerals Council of Australia during an inquiry held by the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia into the destruction of the 46,000-year-old caves in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Senator Lidia Thorpe during debate in the Senate at Parliament House. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Senator Thorpe claimed the dispute was centred on her role on the committee as a First Nations woman, and said the committee was a boys club.

Being the only Blak Woman on the Juukan Enquiry, my time is limited due to the boys club. #NotOk, Senator Thorpe posted on Twitter.
NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds has warned the National Disability Insurance Scheme faces serious sustainability issues ahead of a meeting with the states on Friday to discuss a controversial overhaul of the scheme.

Senator Reynolds said a report released by the National Disability Insurance Agency on Saturday provided greater insight into sustainability pressures. It forecast NDIS expenditure to grow to $40.7 billion in 2024-25, $8.8 billion above estimates.

These are serious sustainability issues that we face and there is no single lever to pull to place the scheme on a sustainable long-term growth trajectory, Senator Reynolds said.

NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

However there is some scepticism among the states about the projected figure given the agencys 2019-2020 annual report said scheme projections for the current financial year were in line with the estimates shown in the 2017 Productivity Commission report.
Employees at a Sydney council were made to sign declarations that they werent supervising their children while working from home.

Workers at Bayside Council, in Sydneys south-east, filled out forms during the initial stage of the latest three-week citywide lockdown, declaring I will not have primary care responsibilities for child/children aged 7 years or below while working from home.

More people are juggling childcare with working-from-home commitments.

Following NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklians announcement on Wednesday that the lockdown would be extended by another week, the council sent an email to its staff saying working from home and supervising home learning is not permitted.

The email said parents should make other arrangements for their childrens supervision, or take annual or long-service leave.
The item from John Loveridge about the smells of Broadway (C8) reminded Laurie Wilson of Allambie Heights of being a Sydney University undergraduate in the 1960s. You could tell the wind direction from the smells: brewery hops meant an easterly from the Kent Brewery, strawberry jam meant a southerly via the IXL jam factory and chocolate biscuits meant a westerly via the Westons Biscuits factory.

In the aroma wars of Parramatta Road (C8), for John Hepworth of Haberfield biscuits beat booze any day of the week. Ill see your hops on Broadway, and raise you the smell of Wagon Wheels at the Westons biscuit factory on Parra Road, and whatever biscuits Peek Freans were baking where Bunnings now has its Ashfield store.

For Peter Riley of Penrith, travelling north from Central on a red rattler with all doors and windows open on a hot summers afternoon was an olfactory adventure (C8). The Arnotts biscuit factory at Strathfield, followed by a paint factory at Concord West and then the mysterious emissions from the ICI chemical plant at Rhodes. Even the Parramatta River at Meadowbank was a bit whiffy at times. But nothing quite matched the pong from the occasional tightly packed livestock train heading for the Homebush abattoir in the opposite direction.

When it comes to lost odours of old Sydney (C8), there are those whose loss is not much lamented  particularly those emanating from the ICI and Union Carbide factories at Rhodes, and the smell from the tanneries of ORiordan Street. Ken Barnett of Armidale remembers that the most unpleasant, stomach-churning odour of all was that encountered at Rhodes, but that when he infrequently found himself in the car with his dad driving down ORiordan Street in Botany, Dad would invariably wind the window down and instruct: Sniff up, plenty for everyone! Dont stint yourselves!

Helen Chisholm (C8) may actually have reason to be worried, according to David Gordon of Cranebrook. Central Australia was once the ocean bed, and the waters may have lapped the western side of the Great Dividing Range ... so Mudgee could be in trouble if the Australian continent suddenly was submerged. What does her insurer know that she doesnt?
Public school teachers and principals could be without access to their online learning materials and email accounts until next week, after a cyber attack hit the NSW Education Department just hours after the state government directed schools to return to remote learning.

Educators have been locked out of the departments online portal and unable to access their calendars, remote learning resources and communications since Wednesday evening, when the department deactivated its systems as a precaution while investigating the attack.

The error message on the departments portal.

On Thursday, department secretary Georgina Harrisson said she was confident online access would be restored by the start of term three, which begins on Tuesday, and assured families home learning would not be impacted.

Teachers have warned of rising stress levels and say they cannot prepare for the first day back until their systems and online materials are accessible. Year 12s studying for their HSC trials and distance education students have also been unable to log in to their accounts, where some store their study notes.
Coat-trailing to soften up the public for deep cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme has reached a crescendo. It began in May, when the Prime Minister announced the scheme would cost more than expected this year. Later that month, the Minister for the NDIS, Linda Reynolds, turned it up a notch, announcing the scheme would be $10 billion over budget projections. Then last week a bombshell NDIS budget interim update revealed it would blow out to $60 billion by 2030.

If that forecast is accurate (more on that later), its a shocking number. It is more than the cost of Medicare. Its more than what the Commonwealth currently spends on defence and school education combined.

Illustration: Simon Letch Credit:The Sydney Morning Herald

If those numbers terrify you, then mission accomplished. These escalating revelations are designed to scare the public and prepare the ground for what comes next: a plan to slash scheme costs and cut the care provided to Australians with a disability.

But before we allow ourselves to be spooked, its worth pausing to scrutinise the forecasts being used to justify these cuts. You see, the NDIS is fast getting a reputation for being the boy who cried wolf, producing alarming forecasts of budget blowouts, only to reverse them years later.
Women could be tempted to get unnecessary fertility treatment or be lured into a false sense of security about how long they will be fertile by claims made on many IVF clinic websites about the so-called egg timer test.

The anti-Mullerian hormone test is offered as a way for women not experiencing infertility to learn about the number of fertile years they have left and as a snapshot early on so a decision can be made on when to start trying for a baby and when to access fertility treatment, research by experts from several Australian universities found, but many of the marketing claims were not evidence-based.

The so-called egg-timer test is being promoted as being able to predict future fertility for women who are not experiencing infertility. Credit:Shutterstock

The researchers said would-be parents might also be prompted to have costly and invasive egg-freezing procedures based on common statements on Australian and New Zealand fertility clinic websites, which suggest the test could gauge a womans fertility and predict the age of menopause.

The results could cause women with no need for fertility treatment to consider it, or believe they had time-pressure on their fertility decisions, said Dr Tessa Copp, senior research fellow at the University of Sydneys School of Public Health, who was involved in the research.
Six years ago, real estate agent Rosemary Jamonts adopted an unusual practice that raised the eyebrows of her competitors.

She started advertising the reserve price of vendors properties the second they were listed for auction.

Real estate agent Rosemary Jamonts is calling for reserve prices to be published ahead of auctions Credit:Jason South

We believed it was transparent, honest and the right thing to do, the director of Raine & Horne Williamstown said.

As concerns grow about underquoting in Australias booming property market, an outspoken group of real estate agents and buyers agents are calling on the Victorian government to make it compulsory to advertise reserve prices before auctions.
We have read a lot in recent weeks about the decline of our urban centres and our main streets.

From Fremantle to Perth, Subiaco to Armadale we are hearing similar stories: empty shops, anti-social behaviour, streets that often feel desolate and sometimes scary.

Millions of dollars have been invested in precincts in the Perth CBD and in other areas, but they have failed to fire. Why? Credit:David Prestipino

These stories are frequently exaggerated but as they say: perception is reality.

There is a real danger that our urban centres are finding themselves in the downward spiral that results from declining visitation  further decline in retail, anti-social behaviour, visible disadvantage and homelessness, leading to further decline in visitation as people retreat to the perceived safety of shopping malls, and so it goes on.
Home quarantine for vaccinated Australians returning from overseas will be examined in a national cabinet meeting on Friday as the nations leaders also consider vaccinations for fly-in, fly-out workers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also encouraged those living in Greater Sydney to get their second AstraZeneca dose after eight weeks instead of the recommended 12 weeks. The federal government confirmed it got health advice from Chief Health Officer Professor Paul Kelly that earlier jabs would allow people to be fully immunised faster in those outbreak zones.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said NSW will receive 300,000 further doses this week as the state fights a growing outbreak. Credit:James Brickwood

Given the risks to people in that area we believe its important to get the second dose of AZ as soon as possible, Mr Morrison said on Thursday.

National cabinet will discuss a paper on Friday from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee on alternative quarantine arrangements for vaccinated Australians, focusing on home quarantine. Last Friday, Mr Morrison revealed a trial of home quarantine for returned travellers, starting in South Australia, for residents who had been immunised.
The mother of a navy sailor who took his own life is promising to come out swinging at the federal government if it allows more cover-ups, demanding whistleblowers get protection if they give evidence to a royal commission probing veteran suicides.

Former deputy commissioner of NSW Police Nick Kaldas will lead the national Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicides, which was formally created on Thursday. The commissioner will be aided by James Douglas QC, a former Queensland Supreme Court judge and Peggy Brown, a consultant psychiatrist.

Julie-Ann Finney campaigned for a royal commission in veteran suicides after her son David took his own life. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

But Julie-Ann Finney, who led the push for a royal commission after her son David took his own life in 2019 after a two-decade career with the Royal Australian Navy, was worried the inquiry would not be transparent.

I am concerned there will still be cover-ups, or people not talking about the issues that have caused some of the suicides, she told the ABC radio on Thursday afternoon.
With Kerber seemingly on an inevitable path to claiming the set second at 5-3 up, Barty was not the sort of opponent who should be given a small window of opportunity. More than once in the second set, with Barty trying to find a way to seize back the initiative, the world No.1 pounced on her chances. In the ninth and 10th games of the second set, Barty didnt lose a point, first in breaking back and then a superb service game to consolidate. On the way to the tiebreaker, there were still hopes for Kerber. But they were quickly quashed by the unrelenting Australian. She secured six match points and, yes, it took until the fourth to close it out, but Barty reminded all and sundry why her charge to the Wimbledon title almost seems predestined.
Port-au-Prince: Haitian authorities have called for international assistance in the manhunt to find the eight remaining suspects in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, after they escaped a gun battle with the police that lasted well into Thursday morning local time.

Moise, 53, was fatally shot early on Wednesday at his home by what officials said was a group of heavily armed foreign commandos, pitching the poorest country in the Americas deeper into turmoil amid political divisions, hunger and widespread gang violence.

Police Chief Charles Leon paraded 17 men before journalists at a news conference on Thursday evening local time (Friday morning AEST), showing a number of Colombian passports, plus assault rifles, machetes, walkie-talkies and materials including bolt cutters and hammers.

Two suspects in the assassination of Haitis President Jovenel Moise are dragged into the police press conference. Credit:AP

Foreigners came to our country to kill the president, Leon said. There were 26 Colombians, identified by their passports  and two Haitian Americans as well.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The government of Sint Maarten is facing great challenges with regard to the (multi-annual) budget. The budget for the current year 2021 reveals a deficit of approximately 20 percent of the Gross Domestic Product and has still has not been adopted by the Governor. Sint Maarten will have to work actively and methodically to reduce the budget deficit and create a surplus. This way the standards of the Kingdom Act on financial supervision (Rft) can be met and a start can be made on paying off the country's very high debts. In order to make health care and social security sustainable, structural reforms aimed at limiting expenditure are inevitable. The Board of financial supervision (Cft) again urges to put the financial management in order and to timely adopt the budgets and annual accounts. Only this way can the government and parliament get in control again.

Halfway through the year Sint Maarten has not yet adopted the 2021 budget. According to the Rft, this should already have been the case on December 15th of the previous year. The Board considers this situation as one of concern; by now all attention should be focused again on the 2022 budget. In this budget, a plan on how to convert budget deficits into surpluses should be included.

In order to limit the deficit in the budget as much as possible, measures must be taken to increase revenues and reduce expenditure. One of the options for this is to align the health insurance premium for civil servants with that for employees in the private sector. A second possibility is to raise considerably the wage limit for health and accident insurance. A third option is to make politicians pay as well for their health insurance and pension.

Tax compliance needs significant improvement. In this way, fair burden-sharing amongst citizens and companies, the ending of unfair competition and the limiting of the deficit in the national budget can be achieved.

The Final Act for the 2020 budget stipulates amongst others that the unemployment pay period for political authorities will be shortened from 2 to 1 year. The Cft appreciates this as a step in the right direction.

The members of the Cft Curacao and Sint Maarten visited Sint Maarten from July 5th to 7th where they held talks with the Governor, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, and the Finance Committee of Parliament.

Sint Eustatius

On July 5th, the Cft Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba visited Sint Eustatius and had conversations with the Government Commissioner, the Acting Government Commissioner, the Island Council, the Head of Operations, and the Head of Finance. The Cft is impressed by the number of ongoing and completed projects and the improvements in financial management since its previous visit in 2019.
PARIS:--- Annick Petrus, Senatrice of St. Martin in a press release has condemned the decapitated administration. Our territory is going through difficult times. Our administration is decapitated and abused which greatly reduces our operating capacities and hinders the quality of service due to our citizens.

Despite my alerts at the first signs, I was not heard.

The reform of our administration, however necessary it may be, cannot be done through blunders, lies, wickedness, humiliation, contempt, stigmatization, disrespect, repeated absences,

patronage, favoritism, and squandering of public money.

I give my support to those who denounce this situation because when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a necessity.

I am worried because the beheading of the DAF, for example, once again leads to the paralysis of public procurement and therefore the end of public procurement. Thousands of hours of employment are on hold. Some concern our job seekers, as many of our markets have social clauses.

I, therefore, appeal to the responsibility of those responsible for this chaos, so that the administration regains a certain form of serenity lost for two years and necessary for the pursuit of

his mission."
PHILIPSBURG:--- It is with great sadness and shock that the Council of Ministers learned about the tragic assassination of the President of Haiti, Honorable Jovenel Moise at his residence early this morning. The assassination of President Moise is a loss not just for Haiti but for its diaspora.

The Government of St. Maarten stands in solidarity with St. Maartens Haitian community and wishes them much strength during this turbulent time. A speedy recovery is extended to Haitis First Lady Martine Moise who was injured during the attack. We pray for peace and understanding and that the situation will go back to some level of calm as they resolve their internal challenges, stated Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs.
MARIGOT/GREAT BAY, St. Martin:--- Caribbean Literature Day has a new logo, just in time for the annual celebration on July 12, 2021, said Lasana M. Sekou, projects director at House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).

The pan-Caribbean day symbol for the regions world-class literature was designed by award-winning graphic artist Carole Mauge-Lewis, said Sekou.

The design composes land, sea, air, sky, and sun, rendered spaciously in red, green, yellow, blue, black, and white. Sea waves appear as stylized pens. Seven languages of the region state the date in a detachable part of the logo. All are among iconic elements that wind through Caribbean Literature like silver linings, said Sekou.

The discussion with Carole drew references found in oratures and literatures across the language zones of our Caribbean, said Sekou. A writer himself, Sekou had launched the day on behalf of HNP at St. Martin Book Fair 2020 (https://bit.ly/36jKXd1).

From the beginning, folks asked about a unique identifying logo or symbol. Firstly, we wanted the symbol to be recognizable by people, widely.

Secondly, it had to somehow illustrate overarching aspects that our writers at home and abroad write about consciously and perhaps unconsciously or subconsciously.

Derek Walcott was not the first to articulate this foundational point of the logo, but he might have said it best. Im probably paraphrasing his eloquence poorly, that: To stand on a rock in the Caribbean places you at one with land, sea, and sky, said Sekou.

Universities, lit fests, and book clubs in Jamaica, Trinidad, and St. Martin have already announced on social media activities for July 12, 2021, celebrating the second annual Caribbean Literature Day.

The new logo, commissioned by HNP, is free for all to use when celebrating Caribbean Literature Day in their very own individual or group activity on July 12, said Sekou. HNP received the logo last July 1 and launched it on Facebook on July 2, 2021.

Logo designer Mauge-Lewis is a professor at the College of the Arts, Kennesaw State University, USA. The Howard University alumna, who has conducted graphic design workshops for children at St. Martin Book Fair, was born in Trinidad and Tobago.

Sekous wrap up article about the literary days inaugural year 2020, listed the Caribbean Literature Day activities in the Caribbean, Colombia, Kenya, France, UK, Canada and the USA (https://bit.ly/3wHkpO6).
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie welcomes the statement of The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which outlines the importance of the constitutional role of the British Virgin Islands elected Government.

Premier Fahie said, I am heartened by the solidarity expressed by CARICOM. As the regional body that stands up for democratic values, human rights and the rule of law across the CARIBBEAN and beyond, they want the BVI Constitution to be respected and for self-governance to be upheld and maintained. We will remain engaged with CARICOM and keep them updated on our situation.

CARICOM has issued a statement on the British Virgin Islands as part of their communique at the conclusion of the 42nd Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government from July 5 to 6.

According to the statement, The Caribbean Community has noted the ongoing Commission of Inquiry in the British Virgin Islands announced in January 2021, backed by the UK Government. It notes with concern some indication that the democratic political institutions in the British Virgin Islands have not been allowed to fully perform their constitutional functions. It recalls its dismay as expressed at its Thirty-Second Inter-Sessional Meeting held in February 2021, at the manner in which the Commission of Inquiry was established with no consultation, or prior communication, between the UK government and the duly-elected government of the BVI.

The statement goes on to say, As a Region committed to democracy, transparency, and the rule of law, the Caribbean Community salutes the full cooperation of the Government of the BVI with the Commission of Inquiry. Heads of Government urge that every effort be made to ensure that the constitutional functions to be carried out by the Government can be undertaken without hindrance. They look forward to an early conclusion of a COI that will lead to a just outcome.

Deputy Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley attended the meeting on behalf of Premier Fahie. Commenting on the outcome, Dr. the Honourable Wheatley said, This was a very important CARICOM meeting that covered many issues facing the region, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, tourism, financial services and other matters. It is a difficult time for the Caribbean and we stand in solidarity with our neighbours as a part of the CARICOM family, just as they are standing with us here in the BVI during our period of challenge.

The Deputy Premier was joined by Financial Secretary Mr. Jeremiah Frett, Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Ms. Dwynel Davis and Special Envoy of the Premier Mr. Benito Wheatley.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 the parliament members of the Finance committee had a closed-door meeting with the CFT to be informed of the position of the CFT on the financial situation of the island.

A presentation was made by the chairman of the CFT showing some of the financial issues we are facing, the recovery progress, the vaccine level not being up to par for the industry, the stayover numbers, the cruise numbers etc.



Also discussed was the amended 2020 budget deficit of some 197 million guilders or about 20% of our GDP.

The budget 2021 presently has a deficit of some Naf 228 million and is awaiting ratification by the governor once the Ombudsman gives it a clean bill of health. The deficit is above 20% of the GDP and thats something that requires our attention. More than Naf 400 million deficit in the past 2 years alone while our economy is only projected to grow 4% this year and 14% next year. I hope its more but thats what the IMF has projected.

Considering the above, the discussion centered around finding low-hanging fruits to make cuts and also to create revenue-generating programs.

This caught my attention as the low-hanging fruits to cut spending were primarily in health care and in having the people pay more pension premium in line with the private sector. I informed the CFT that while this sounds nice, they should recognize that the persons that are paying pension premiums are mostly civil servants, employees of government-owned companies, and several other strong businesses.

To impose higher premiums on the people will only diminish their buying power and slowly wipe out the middle class on the island. Remember the strong businesses pay more than the civil service. Also, to make personnel cuts in line with other Caribbean countries was a vague proposal of bits and pieces, and it is in direct contradiction to the fact that government currently suffers of a shortage of Human Resources necessary to do the work required to meet all the conditions we are expected to live up to.

While I fully support the aspect of making cuts to safeguard the health care system and pension fund, I asked members of the CFT what their position was on national health Care or their thoughts on one of their equal partners in the Kingdom joining the Dutch national health care system so we all can be receive equal health care. The response was a smile.

To increase revenue the CFT proposed to follow the advice of the IMF to impose the land tax, the correct taxing of the gaming industry, and lastly to ensure tax compliance.

I am against just imposing a land tax because thats the one asset that St. Maarteners still have thats theirs. I am a proponent that luxury homes owned by NON-residents used as AIR BNB be taxed accordingly seeing we have no AIR BNB agreement.

I also informed them that tax compliance is something that needs to happen but let's be honest and also ask why the tax reform was moved from the Trust fund last year in June to the so-called COHO that still isnt operational. We presently have put Naf 22 million on capital expenses to start ourselves. CFT should be here to help us understand our shortcomings and advice the Kingdom Council of Ministers on how to assist us and not how to cripple us. Last year the CFT fell short of advising the Kingdom Council of Minister not to stop the funding for the tax reform and the Financial Management projects, but today is critical that no improvements have been made.

I also questioned them on all the bullet loans we continuously are taking from the Dutch government at 0% for a duration of 2 years that they full well know we cannot repay in 2 years. Presently we are already in the hole for some 250 million guilders for 2020 and 2021 after we get the funds for this year.

If we are following the IMFs advice we should receive grants and not loans. An interesting question is what the legal bases for all these loans are considering only loans for capital investments are regulated by law.

I questioned why CFT isnt addressing the aspect of the serious problem the country has with undocumented persons and the strain that places on our healthcare, social and educational infrastructure. This group does not participate and thus does not contribute to cost cutting efforts. As this group does not form part of the formal economy, they make no contribution towards the solutions, but they are part of the problem. Dont misunderstand me, undocumented people do contribute informally to economic activity, but they stress the social infrastructure to such an extent that we cannot carry it and it impacts the level of healthcare, education etc., of those who are properly documented.

I ask whether CFT would support St. Maarten to reopen the offshore sector as a diversification of our economy and not boggle us down with all sorts of money laundering and terrorism financing stories, while in the Netherlands this is a very big money-making industry. Again smiles, but no answer.

Finally I hoped to receive a position or opinion from CFT about all these loans the country is taking from the Netherlands during the pandemic as equal partners in the kingdom, opposed to grants given by the Netherlands to their EU partners. Once again, smiles but no answer.

In the overall I believe we had a very frank and open discussion based on mutual respect and hopefully a better understanding of the countrys dynamics. Whats possible on paper isnt always workable in practice.
PHILIPSBURG:---Lion Alphons Gumbs has been appointed as the new District Zone Chairperson of Zone 2B for the Sint Maarten Lions Club for the Lionistic year 2021-2022. The announcement was made on Saturday, June 26th at the Paradise Event Hall, Cay Hill as the curtains came down on the celebration of the 50th Anniversary year of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, under the theme 50 years of dedicated service and commitment to our community, with the Installation Ceremony of the Board of Directors of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, St. Maarten Alpha Leo Club and Sint Maarten South Omega Leo Club.

Lion Alphons Gumbs will be serving on the Cabinet of the District Governor as the Zone Chairperson for Zone 2B which consists of the islands of St Maarten, Saba, St Eustatius, and Anguilla. When asked to comment on his new role, Past President Lion Alphons Gumbs remarked I am looking forward to working closely with the Presidents of each Club in our Zone not only to guide their Clubs in leadership development and growth of its members but also ensuring that the Clubs are functioning optimally while promoting service activities in their communities.

During his farewell address as President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club for the year 2020- 2021 to the large audience observing Covid 19 protocols and comprising of his fellow Lions, Leos, representatives from Lions Club Ile de St Martin, Lions Club Oualichi, Lions Club Fort Louis and other invited guests, Past President Lion Alphons Gumbs expressed deep satisfaction with the many achievements of the Lions Club under his leadership during the past Lionistic year.

He stated that it was indeed a pleasure to have served in this capacity. We were forced to serve in a difficult time due to the Covid 19 pandemic and find innovative ways to serve and raise funds in order to continue meeting the expectations of our community. This Lionistic year will be remembered by all for years to come as we had to charter through rough waters. Due to the pandemic and social distancing guidelines, many of the Clubs larger Projects had to be canceled or postponed, one such Project being the annual Lion Wally Havertong Christmas Bingo that is popular among the community.

He continued The year 2020- 2021 has seen the Sint Maarten Lions Club membership rise to the occasion as we had to serve in uncertain times, but the rewards of the service we offered by far outweighed the challenges we faced.

Past President Lion Alphons Gumbs elaborated As part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations, our Club partnered with several NGOs, Service Clubs and Organizations on Projects, 3 with the Rotary Clubs on St Maarten and 1 from the Netherlands. A joint Project on Prostate Cancer Awareness was organized with the Positive Foundation and Electrolytes Foundation during Mens Health Month and a Partnership Initiative with the Vision Centre provided us with more than 50 eye screening tests for our youth. Some other Projects included the road signs which have been re-erected in several Districts and the Cottage Round-about on the A.T Illidge Road which was decorated during the Christmas Holiday Season with assistance from the business community. The Club was also recognized by District Governor Sub District 60B, Lion Maureen Graham, PMJF for having the best Sustainable Project within the 20-island District. This Project was the donation of a mixer, baking accessories, and pastry books to Ms. Aisha Genaro, a young entrepreneur in Pastry and Baking.

Two major highlights for the year as President of the Club was the election of Lion Claudio Buncamper PMJF to serve as District Governor, Sub District 60B, making history as the 4th District Governor from the Sint Maarten Lions Club and the accomplishment of the South Omega Leo Club to produce the first Leo President of the District in the person of Leo Nichelle Smith-Abreu. Both persons would be serving in these roles from the new Lionistic year starting on July 1st.

Past President Lion Alphons Gumbs went on to say that he was particularly proud to announce that several Lion members had graduated from the Lions University Bachelors and Masters Programs while 6 new members were welcomed to the Club. He congratulated the Sint Maarten Lions Club for hosting the annual Sub-District 60B Convention and the Opening Ceremony of the Multiple District 60 Convention at which our Hon. Prime Minister, Ms. Silveria Jacobs was the keynote Speaker. Both virtual Events were a huge success.

In closing, Past President Lion Alphons Gumbs again thanked the Lions and Leo membership for their commitment and dedication to service and their unwavering support under his leadership. Teamwork makes the dream work, he concluded, referring to a quote from Walter Reuther, There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.
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.
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Historical Society dedicates Genealogy Center in memory of longtime volunteer

Zimprich

Carson Hughes / By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com The family of Shirley Zimprich stands next to the new sign outside the Elysian Genealogy Research Center dedicating the building in her memory. Zimprich built up the Genealogy Center and is responsible for creating its obituary database. (Photo courtesy of Le Sueur County Historical Society)

In her nearly 24 years with the Elysian Genealogy Research Center, longtime volunteer Shirley Zimprich tracked the history of countless Le Sueur County families, laid the foundation for the future of the Genealogy Center and even reunited distant relatives.

On July 4, almost three years after Zimprichs death in 2018, the Le Sueur County Historical Society honored her legacy by dedicating the Elysian Genealogy Center in her name. Visitors to the center will now see the words In Memory of Shirley Zimprich on the Genealogy Research Center sign described as an L.C.H.S. Friend and Volunteer.

The dedication was long overdue, said Le Sueur County Historical Society Board members Ruth Collins, Rich Bennett, Dean Pettis and Mike Fredrick. Zimprichs work was foundational for the Elysian Genealogy Research Center, and the volunteer created the Historical Societys obituary database. Today, the building features a library stocked with index cards of family information and binders full of newspaper clippings detailing local births, marriages and obituaries cut and pasted by Zimprich herself.

The Genealogy Center wouldnt be where it is today without Shirley, said Pettis.

Historian

Zimprichs careful cataloguing was driven by a passion for local history. She enjoyed tracking her own family tree and wrote a 30-year newspaper column History of the Hill informing her local community about their history. Working at the Genealogy Center was a dream job and one she continued well into her retirement.

Working at the Genealogy Center was more than just a job, said Zimprichs grandson Johnathan Zimprich. She got to help people have the same the same feeling about genealogy and the love of history that she had. She liked sharing that with everyone she met up with. She liked the hunt and she liked helping people  The hours were part-time, but she put in more time than that.

Carson Hughes / By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com Shirley Zimprich sits behind her desk at the Elysian Genealogy Research Center. Zimprich carried a passion for local history and shared her appreciation in and outside of her role with the Le Sueur County Historical Society. (Photo courtesy of Le Sueur County Historical Society)

History was also how Zimprich bonded with friends and family. As the face of the Elysian Genealogy Research Center, she made many friends through her work. Family members volunteered with her over the summer, and she took her grandchildren out on trips to explore local history.

A few times we had local history trips  places like Le Center, New Ulm, Fort Ridgely and places out west that she just enjoyed sharing local history stuff with us, said Johnathan Zimprich. We would go on arrowhead walks out through the fields, looking for arrowheads and stuff like that. Those are some of the better memories I had with her.

That enduring passion made the Elysian Genealogical Center a welcoming place for visitors. Mary Lou Ihrke, a resident of Madison Lake who delivered the dedication speech in Zimprichs honor, said that the Elysian center is her favorite genealogy center to visit. When she began the work of tracking her own family history, Ihrke found immense help from the notebooks of obituary clippings. Zimprich was also willing to help and seemed to always have more information for Ihrke when she returned for her next visit.

The Genealogy Center for Le Sueur County is one of the best ones I have ever visited, said Ihrke. I appreciate the clippings of the obituaries. Most other places have them on microfilm, which is very hard on the eyes after a while. Having the obituaries all indexed was very helpful for me.

Because of Zimprichs efforts, Ihrke was able to connect with a distant relative from North Dakota who was writing a book on the family she was researching. Ihrke finally met the relative at their home shortly before they died. Zimprich even continued to send information to Ihrke while she was staying in North Dakota.

I couldnt think of a person that I would rather give a tribute to, said Ihrke. Shes right up there in my book as far as people that have influenced me.

Wide impact

Zimprich also lent her talents to help other passionate local history buffs like John Dalby. Dalby is a member of the Rice County Genealogy Society and created the Dalby Database, an online database containing over two million records from cemeteries, churches, census data, obituaries, cities, books, newspapers and more. Dalby started recording the history of Rice County, but now the website features records from other counties in southern Minnesota such, as Le Sueur, Nicollet, Waseca, Blue Earth, Scott, Sibley and Steele.

Carson Hughes / By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com Left to right: Ruth Collins, Mary Lou Ihrke, Rich Benett, Dean Pettis, Bryce Stenzel and Mike Fredrick stand next to the Genealogy Research Center sign dedicated to Shirley Zimprich. All are Le Sueur County Historical Society Board Members except for Mary Lou Ihrke who gave the dedication speech. (Photo courtesy of Le Sueur County Historical Society)

Dalby indexed the cemetery records by going on cemetery walks throughout various counties with his wife Jan Dalby. Zimprich assisted with the project and went on the walks, as well, to add to the database. After the two met, Dalby found that he was related to the Zimprich family using some of the genealogical data they had collected.

Shirley was a good person. I worked quite a few years with her, said Dalby. She loved the job and she was dedicated to it.

But Zimprichs time with the Elysian Genealogical Research Center was abruptly cut short several years ago when Zimprich said she was forced to retire by the Le Sueur County Historical Society Board of Directors amid increasing tensions between leadership and society members. Disputes over board decisions to close and sell historical buildings, cease repairs on historic properties, and a lack of financial transparency led to a lawsuit against the board by 16 members of the Historical Society seeking access to financial records and new board elections. The board was terminated in 2019 following the year-long lawsuit and a new set of directors have since aimed to restore trust in the Historical Society.

The July 4 dedication not only celebrated Zimprichs work with the Genealogy Center, it also came three days after the building officially opened to the public on July 1. The building had been closed to the public year-round due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now the records are available for in-person viewing. Today, the research center is headed by volunteer Carol Richter, who was mentored by Zimprich.

Carson Hughes / By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com The new Elysian Genealogy Research Center sign features a dedication to longtime volunteer Shirley Zimprich. (Photo courtesy of Le Sueur County Historical Society)

The impact Zimprich had on the community was apparent from the crowd alone. Around 50 people attended the dedication, including some two dozen family members. In her quest to help other people find their family history, Zimprich had to take time away from researching her own. But her family aims to build the family tree she would have wanted.

She focused so much on helping other people finding theirs, in her later years unfortunately [the family tree] is not as much as she would have liked to have seen, Im sure, said Johnathan Zimprich. Thats something I have inherited. I worked up there with her for several years learning the tricks of the trade and just how to do genealogy and what it all means.
Weather Alert

...PATCHY DENSE FOG THIS MORNING ACROSS PARTS OF MINNESOTA... Patchy dense fog will linger this morning across Minnesota this morning. Drivers should use their headlights, slow down, and leave extra space between the car in front of them.
PARAMOUNT+ RENEWS HIT ORIGINAL SERIES "EVIL" FOR A THIRD SEASONThe First Three Episodes of Season Two of "EVIL" Are Currently Available to Stream on Paramount +; New Episodes Drop Weekly on SundaysParamount+, the streaming service from ViacomCBS, today announced that its hit original series, EVIL, was renewed for a third season. The first three episodes of season two of EVIL are currently available to stream on Paramount+. This season is already one of the service's top acquisition drivers, with viewership growing week over week compared to the first season. New episodes of the 13-episode long second season drop weekly on Sundays, exclusively for Paramount+ subscribers.EVIL is a psychological mystery that examines the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion. The series focuses on a skeptical female psychologist who joins a priest-in-training and a contractor as they investigate the church's backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and hauntings. Their job is to assess if there is a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work.The second season brings evil closer to home. Kristen struggles with her darker nature, while David suffers temptation as he gets closer to his ordination. Meanwhile, Ben is visited by night terrors that prey on his greatest fears.EVIL stars Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Christine Lahti, Kurt Fuller, Brooklyn Shuck, Skylar Gray, Maddy Crocco and Dalya Knapp. EVIL is produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions. Robert King, Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Rockne S. O'Bannon and Nelson McCormick serve as executive producers. The series is distributed worldwide by ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.
Chahid ElHafed, July 06, 2021 (SPS) - Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Salek on Monday called on France and the European Union to play a positive role because peace and security in North and West Africa are linked to peace in Western Sahara, urging Morocco to respect the borders of its neighbors.

Speaking on the program 'African guest' on RFI, Ould a Sakel said "we are counting on a country like France and the European Union to play a positive role because peace and security in North and West Africa are linked to peace in Western Sahara ".

"Morocco must respect the borders of its neighbors, moreover, as we have seen, the prolongation of this conflict can create difficulties including for the European Union, warned the head of the Saharawi diplomacy. SPS

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STAMFORD  The Board of Representatives has OKd a replacement for Marc Aquila, a Democrat who resigned at the end of last month as a representative for District 17.

Robert Bobby Pavia, who was recommended by Aquila, will take over the spot until Aquilas term ends later this year. His appointment was approved by a voice vote at this weeks Board meeting.

Neither Aquila nor Pavia could be reached for comment Wednesday.

Aquila, who won election to the board in 2017, wrote in a resignation letter to the board that he planned to move out of District 17, which covers much of Springdale, in the next several weeks and then out of state next year.

I want to thank all of you who have made my time on the board over the past 3-1/2 years time I will never forget, Aquila wrote. It is comforting to know we made a positive difference to the City of Stamford and I enjoyed helping my constituents when called upon.

As a candidate, Aquila was part of a group of Democrats called Reform Stamford, which claimed the city had an entrenched political system that needed to be changed.

In his resignation letter, Aquila noted that Pavia, a fellow Democrat who lives in District 17, is a Stamford native and has worked in special education for Stamford Public Schools for a decade. Pavia is also an actor.

I believe Robert will be a great asset to the Board of Representatives and trust he will do his due diligence as my replacement, Aquila wrote.

Pavia must seek election to keep the seat once Aquilas term is completed.

The president of the board, Rep. Matthew Quinones, D-16, assigned Pavia to the Parks and Recreation Committee of which Aquila had been a member. Quinones said an additional committee assignment would be announced at a Steering Committee meeting.

Aquila was also the vice chair of the Education Committee.

Aquila is the second board member to resign in less than two months. Tom Pendell, who had been a representative of District 15, stepped down in mid-May. Pendell was also elected in 2017. The board approved Belltown resident James Fleischer as his replacement last month.
STAMFORD  As Tropical Storm Elsa raced toward the Northeast, officials warned residents to secure their property and hunker down.

Ted Jankowski, the citys director of public safety, health and welfare, said sporadic power outages were possible and there was a chance that some trees may come down.

The main threats from Elsa are heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding (and the) potential for strong wind gusts with associated marine and coastal hazards, his department said in an email blast to residents Thursday evening.

Tropical Storm Elsa was expected to hit Connecticut early Friday, with a tropical storm warning issued for New London County and southern Middlesex and southern New Haven counties, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast called for the storm to hit the eastern coast of the state as it moves up the East Coast.

Impacts are expected to be more severe in eastern, southeastern Connecticut, but everyone should be diligent in their storm awareness in the event the storm track changes, said Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson.

Stevenson said the best advice is to stay home during the storm and avoid low lying areas that typically flood like the railroad underpasses on the Post Road, Leroy Ave. and Raymond Street.

Because of the impending weather, several COVID-19 vaccine clinics have been canceled. The walk-up clinics at Mill River Park, Rippowam Park apartments and the Stamford Dog Park will not be occurring Friday, according to a Tweet from the Stamford Department of Health.

Stamford officials also said the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers will be manning the Hurricane Barrier on the East Branch of Stamford Harbor in order to close the huge sea door if needed.

In neighboring New Canaan, First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said the towns Emergency Operations team held a call at 1 p.m. Thursday in preparation for the storm. He said the group would be on standby, and will be ready if needed.

Moynihan said he suspects there may be some flooding in the area, but the inland town would be less impacted than coastal communities like Stamford and Darien.

If that changes, we will open (an Emergency Operations Center) at the police station, he said.

Like New Canaan, Stamford held an Emergency Management meeting early Thursday morning. Stamford officials said if residents have experienced flooding previously with similar weather events, they should be prepared to experience the same this time.

When Tropical Storm Isaias battered the region last year, Stamford, Darien and New Canaan were all hard hit.

In Stamford, more than 140 roads were at least partially blocked, roughly 9,000 households and businesses lost power and a 65-foot sailboat that broke loose was thrown on the rocks on the east side of Dolphin Cove during and immediately after the storm.
STAMFORD  The Stamford Government Center will reopen to the public next week, Mayor David Martin told city representatives.

There will be rules for the public as they enter, but thats what were planning, Martin said as he delivered a State of the City address to the Board of Representatives on Tuesday that largely focused on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the public will be required to wear face coverings inside the center, according to an executive order Martin signed Wednesday.

Fully vaccinated government employees wont have to wear masks unless they are interacting with the public, according to the order.

The center, at 888 Washington Blvd., will reopen Monday, said Rachel LaBella, Martins spokesperson. For more than a year, the building has only been open to visitors who have an appointment.

However, residents have been allowed to enter the first floor, where the tax collection office is located, LaBella said.

Those who come to the building without an appointment will be able to make one at kiosks that have been set up in the lobby, she said.
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.
Crime is notorious for not taking a holiday.

It doesnt take time off during pandemics either.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday that $5 million of federal pandemic relief funding will be dedicated to crime prevention and gun violence.

I think our No. 1 responsibility to you is to keep you safe, keep you healthy and keep you out of harms way, Lamont told his audience at Mondays announcement.

Lamont might have used the same words any day of the last 16 months in talking about the states approach to the pandemic. In recent weeks there has finally been a sense that this first-time-in-a-century peril is ending.

But crime and violence never go away completely. So we welcome Lamonts willingness to publicly acknowledge we are not immune (again, in reference to crime, not the coronavirus) and could see a continued surge.

Some of the funding is expected to be spent on enhancing enforcement of laws governing firearms dealers. The more intriguing investment is in people.

That includes young residents in urban cities who need jobs, as well as people who have served time in prison.

Lamont amplified his thoughts on crime and punishment during a meeting with the Hearst Connecticut Media Editorial Board Wednesday.

He noted that Connecticuts tough gun laws dont stop weapons from flowing into the state from the likes of Vermont and Georgia.

But his focus seems to be on identifying troubled youths before they can become career criminals.

The first time you commit a crime they have to have some consequences, Lamont said. Its not jail, its not incarceration. But we need to have something so the 16-year-old knows were paying attention and he sure as hell better not do it again.

The governor isnt just trying to draw the attention of the prospective criminal, but to get local elected and police officials as well as legislators to collaborate on a focused search for solutions. That includes staff from nonprofits, who often have relationships with challenged teenagers they are working to guide in the right direction.

We going to get these folks together and look at what some of the best ideas are, Lamont suggested.

Its the right place  and the right time  to start. Even the average student of trends would predict a crime wave given the financial challenges associated with the pandemic, though it seemed to come as a surprise in some quarters. Theres a seemingly endless number of drivers in lower Fairfield County whose cars were stolen after they neglected to lock the vehicles.

The Office of Policy and Management identified three hot spots for crime during the pandemic. Car thefts was one of them (so just lock those doors). The other two were violent crime and drug overdoses.

Crime trends may shift again now that the days of social isolation are essentially over. But its important for leaders to remain steadfastly committed to intervention efforts. The last thing Connecticut needs in the waning days of COVID-19 is a crime epidemic.
Amy Goodman is the host of Democracy Now!, a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on more than 1,400 stations. She is the co-author, with Denis Moynihan and David Goodman, of the New York Times best-seller Democracy Now!: 20 Years Covering the Movements Changing America.
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 
A number of 112,800 doses of Moderna vaccine and 64,800 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine will arrive to Romania on Thursday, the National Coordinating Committee for activities on vaccination against COVID-19 announced.

The doses of Moderna vaccine will be stored in the warehouse of the National Company "Unifarm" SA, and those of Johnson & Johnson will arrive at the "Cantacuzino" National Institute for Medical-Military Research and Development.

Both shipments are provided by the manufacturing company, and the doses of vaccines will be brought to Bucharest by land.To date, 1,366,800 doses of Moderna vaccine have been received, and 718,578 have already been used to immunize the population.Also, so far, Romania has received 922,900 doses of vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson, and 329,357 have already been used to immunize the population.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, said, during his intervention on behalf of Romania during the Ukraine Reform Conference, organized in hybrid system, in Vilnius, that Romania continues to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

On this occasion, Minister Aurescu reiterated Romania's support for the European aspirations of Ukraine and for a comprehensive and inclusive reform process, on the basis of commitments assumed through the Association Agreement of Ukraine with the European Union, Romania being the first EU member-state that ratified this document, in 2014.

"As a sign of the profound concerns of Romania regarding the challenges of the military presence of Russia, Ukraine was invited, for the first time, at the Trilateral meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers from Romania, Poland and Turkey, which we hosted on April 23. At the same time, Romania had a strong message in what regards the security interests of Ukraine, at the 'Bucharest 9' Summit, hosted by the Romanian President, on May 10, which was also attended by President Biden. Romania also supported the aspirations of Ukraine at the recent NATO summit," said the Romanian minister.

At the same time, he referred to Romania's position regarding Ukraine.

"I will take advantage of this occasion to reiterate the undaunting support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for our commitment to not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea," Aurescu showed.

In this context, Aurescu spoke of the topic of "prolonged conflicts and their profoundly negative implications on the welfare of citizens and on the prosperity, security and positive development of the country."

"Romania grants strategic importance to the discussion and we are very active and vocal in what regards placing it as high on the European agenda as possible, but also at the Euro-Atlantic level," Bogdan Aurescu emphasized.

Furthermore, a MAE release sent to AGERPRES shows, the Romanian Minister emphasized the importance of increasing the efficiency of the reform process and the need to promote the durable character of economic and social development, with the involvement of all components of Ukrainian society, including persons belonging to the Romanian minority.

Foreign Minister Aurescu also emphasized the central role of the Association Agreement of Ukraine with the European Union, including the free trade component, the potential of which must be used in full. Additionally, he showed that reform must focus on citizens, to respond to the legitimate needs they have regarding welfare and security, increasing thus internal cohesion and societal resilience. He emphasized the importance of investments in human capital, "through an efficient and qualitative educational system, which offers opportunities to each student, regardless of ethnicity and language."

The Minister emphasized that Romania, as a neighboring country and EU member-state, is ready to use all its opportunities to increase physical connection with Ukraine, infrastructure investments being essential.

The Ukraine Reform Conference is an international event organized annually in support of the reform process in Ukraine, launched in 2017 and now at its fourth edition. The previous three editions took place in London (2017), Copenhagen (2018) and Toronto (2019).

The conference represents a platform that brings together Ukrainian officials and partner states of Ukraine, representatives of the EU, NATO, G7, of the business community, and of the civil society. Among the main objectives of the conference are the presentation of the status of the reform process in Ukraine and the priorities of the Kiev Government for the next year, the promotion of involvement of the international community in support of the reform process and encouraging investments in the Ukrainian economy.
Minister of Internal Affairs Lucian Bode welcomed on Thursday the resolution voted by the European Parliament whereby the European Council is requested to approve Romania's accession to the Schengen area, emphasizing that our country has an "essential" role in the architecture of EU security.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) welcomes the European Parliament's resolution, and the debates that preceded the vote highlighted, once again, the support of this institution and of the European Commission for Romania's accession, as well as Bulgaria and Croatia's to the Schengen area.

"I am confident that we will take concrete steps towards the adoption, as soon as possible, of the decision on our accession to the Schengen area. Romania has a key role to play in the EU's security architecture. A fair balance is needed between the obligations that each Member State assumes and the rights they enjoy. As you well know, Romania fulfills all the conditions for joining Schengen and continues to maintain at the highest level the way the Union's legislation is enforced," said Lucian Bode.The European Parliament adopted on Thursday, with 505 votes in favor, its resolution on the Annual Report on the functioning of the Schengen area.According to the MAI, the Resolution reiterates the well-known position of the EP on the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area and provides "expressly": "Further to its numerous requests for the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria and Romania, [Parliament] urges the Council to honour its commitment and take an immediate decision on the abolition of checks at internal land, sea and air borders and thus allow those Member States to rightfully join the area of free movement without internal border controls (...) considers that solidarity and responsibility are for all, and that the future of the Schengen area must be without fragmentation;".Along with other members of the European Parliament, rapporteur Tanja Fajon (SI/S&D) and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson stressed the need to "complete" the Schengen area, being high time that Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia become part of this unique space of freedom, security and justice.
The Minister of Justice, Stelian Ion, had a new meeting with David Muniz, the charge d'affaires of the United States of America in Bucharest, the discussions aiming at the "imminent" reforms that Romania "needs".

"I thank Mr. Muniz for his tireless work in strengthening cooperation between our countries in the field of justice. We discussed the problems facing the judiciary today in Romania and the imminent reforms our country needs," said Stelian Ion, according to a Ministry of Justice press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday.

He added that the US will always be alongside Romania in the process of strengthening the rule of law, key-institutions for our country, such as DNA and DIICOT, and "finalizing" the reforms undertaken."In a broader sense, we are perfectly aligned with the idea that the evolution of corruption is inversely proportional to that of economic development," the justice minister said.
President Klaus Iohannis promulgated on Thursday the law on the celebration of May 10 as Romania's National Independence Day.

"May 10th will be celebrated every year as Romania's National Independence Day, a national holiday, working day. Parliament, the President of Romania, the Government, the other central public authorities, as well as the local public administration authorities will organize cultural-artistic events to celebrate this day. The funds necessary for the organization of the events on the occasion of the celebration of May 10 can be provided from the local budgets or from the budgets of the central public authorities, as well as of the public institutions, within the approved budgetary allocations," the law shows.

At the date of entry into force of this law, Law no. 103/2015 for the declaration of May 10 as a national holiday is repealed, so as to avoid legislative parallelism.
The Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF) will host this year in Cluj the National Conference on Media and Cinematographic Education, aimed at developing film education in schools.

"Education professionals and audiovisual opinion leaders meet at the National Conference on Media and Cinematography Education organized during the 20th Transylvania International Film Festival (July 23 - August 1). The event scheduled for July 26 and 27 at Hotel Platinia in Cluj-Napoca approaches the usefulness of implementing an optional course in the school curriculum, as well as the development in schools of education through cinema, as a way of learning. Children in Romania need audiovisual education - is the driving message of the event initiated by the Romanian Film Promotion Association (APFR), through the EducaTIFF program, in partnership with the European Film Factory," the festival organizers said in a release.

TIFF has been carrying out educational projects since 2009, they go on to say.

"TIFF has been running projects dedicated to students, parents and education professionals ever since 2009, under the EducaTIFF banner, the first and amplest educational program of its kind in Romania, that typically sees about 3,000 participants every year. Continuing efforts to promote a solid and consistent agenda of dedicated curricula, TIFF hosts again this year the National Conference on Media and Cinematographic Education, which will debate important aspects for the implementation of an optional course in Romanian educational institutions. The guest experts will address topics such as the usefulness of non-formal education in the general education process and will present successful models in audiovisual education. The conference will be moderated by Stefan Teisanu, director of the Cluj Cultural Center, and the guests include Her Excellency, Mrs. Laurence Auer, Ambassador of France to Romania, and Secretary of State in the Education Ministry Radu Szekely," the cited document reads.

European Film Factory, the main partner of the conference, offers teachers and students, through the platform europeanfilmfactory.eu, films picked especially for each age group and appropriate teaching materials.

"Yet again, this EducaTIFF edition will run a children's program featuring nine films that include the multi-award winners Wolfwakers, The Crossing, the adventure film Spaceboy, the fantasy animation Nahuel and the Magical Book, the Romanian films Strajerii Deltei/The Delta Guardians directed by Liviu Marghidan, and Scena/The Stage - a short by Cristian Ples," the cited document states.

Other EducaTIFF activities include new workshops for children and teachers.

"Together with the Cluj-Napoca German Cultural Center, TIFF invites high schoolers, but also teachers and parents, to an Anti-Bullying Workshop where they will discuss with German media educator Alia Pagin about how to prevent and manage aggressions of this type, starting from two films that address this topic. The workshop will take place in English, on two different days: July 28 is dedicated to the young students who will be shown examples, will participate in practical discussions and solutions (venue - the History Museum); on July 29, the teachers and parents who register will be given a training session at the premises of the German Cultural Center," the document informs.
The anti-COVID vaccine also offers protection against the Delta variant, and without increasing the vaccination rate it will be very difficult to avoid later an increase in the number of SARS-CoV-2 virus infections, the head of the National Committee for the Coordination of Vaccination Activities against COVID-19, Valeriu Gheorghita, stated on Wednesday.

"Vaccination reduces transmission by reducing the risk of asymptomatic infection by 50pct to 70pct, which means that, even if a vaccinated person tests positive, we have very clear data showing that after at least one dose transmission is reduced by about 30 to 50pct. Thus, even if a person tests positive after the first dose of vaccine the risk to pass the infection to those we come into touch with decreases by 50pct. (...) It is very clear that without increasing the vaccination rate, without increasing the number of vaccinated people, it will be very difficult to avoid an increase in the number of cases later. (....) By vaccinating we are safe in the face of this Delta variant. (...) A person who tests positive, a patient who is infected with this Delta strain can generate another 6-7 secondary cases. This means a very high attack rate of the disease among the population and especially among the unvaccinated population," the military doctor told Digi 24 private television broadcaster.

According to him, there is currently no question of administering a third dose of vaccine."At the moment there is no question of a third dose due to the lack of data and the fact that so far the vaccines have maintained their benefits, they maintain protection. Even if the protection is slightly lower in the case of the Delta variant, for asymptomatic infection and milder cases, it still functions when it comes to moderate-severe, critical, serious forms that reach the hospital," the CNCAV representative showed.He stated that currently in Romania the dominant variant of the virus is the British one, but the data show at this moment that there are many countries in which the Delta strain has become dominant."At the moment the dominant strain in Romania is the Alpha strain - the British strain. We have it in entire Europe, in 84pct of the sequences performed the result is the British Alpha strain. However, the data show at this time that there are many countries in which the Delta strain has become dominant," Valeriu Gheorghita also said.He recalled that more than 3.2 billion doses of the vaccine had been administered worldwide."There are more than 3.2 billion doses of vaccine given, but developing countries have up to 1pct of the population vaccinated," said the chairman of the National Committee on Vaccination Against COVID-19.
The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Ludovic Orban, sent a message on Thursday regarding the early parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, in which he expresses his support for the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) and conveys to Moldovan citizens that each vote guarantees the progress of this country, as well as "a stable, honest, pro-European government."

"Dear citizens of the Republic of Moldova, in November you took a step towards a prosperous future through the decisive vote in the presidential elections. On July 11, I am convinced that this decision of the majority will be strengthened by a decisive victory of the Action and Solidarity Party. I support PAS because it is a guarantee that the vision of President Maia Sandu will be implemented. Your each vote guarantees a stable, honest, pro-European government, guarantees the progress of the Republic of Moldova. The victory of the Action and Solidarity Party means, in fact, the victory of the Republic of Moldova. Dear citizens of the Republic of Moldova, decide on July 11 the future of your country because Moldova deserves more," Orban says in a video message posted on his Facebook page.

Early parliamentary elections will be held in the Republic of Moldova on Sunday.
The government on Thursday adopted a decision regarding the donation of over 100,000 doses of anti-COVID vaccine to the Republic of Moldova and over 10,000 to Georgia, Prime Minister Florin Citu informed.

"The Romanian Government has approved a decision to provide free humanitarian aid to the Republic of Moldova and Georgia to manage the COVID-19 epidemic. The humanitarian aid to the Republic of Moldova consists of 100,620 doses of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19, out of the number of doses purchased by the Romanian Ministry of Health. Georgia will receive 10,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 out of the number of doses purchased by the Ministry of Health," the Prime Minister stated at the Victoria Palace.

He mentioned that the transport of vaccine doses will be provided by the Ministry of Interior, through the Department for Emergency Situations, or by the Ministry of National Defence.
The colorful carp draw in enthusiasts with their calming demeanor and distinctive features: all googly eyes and gaping mouths; in a rainbow of shades, some shimmery, some matte. Japanese koi, from the Cyprinidae family, have been bred for certain pigments and patterns since the 18th century and now come in 120 varieties. In the right environment, they can grow to 3 feet and live for decades. The oldest known koi, Hanako, died in 1977 at age 226, according to scientists who counted the rings on her scales.

When Pam Jokerst was a kid, she kept an aquarium. So did her future husband. After they got married, they graduated to outdoor fish. Their landscaping became more intricate. One pond turned into three. Waterfalls were added. The couple took trips to Japan and learned more about bloodlines and breeding.

Their best koi swim in temperature-controlled water and eat from an automatic feeder that doses handfuls of pellets seven times a day. But the club welcomes entry-level koi-keepers, too, said Jokerst. Theres something for every budget.

In the koi world, you will have the Bentleys and Rolls-Royces down to the Chevys, she said.

$1.8 million
Pugh deadpans much of this, nailing the Russian accent and embracing the humor. Shes good at fighting, too, and has several mirror sequences that seem more spectacular than ones done with CGI.

Over the course of this relationship, we learn about the Red Room, which trained women to become elite assassins known as Black Widows. The two share the background and wonder about a third.

Black Widow has a fairly lengthy middle section that involves talking and taunting. Theres the threat of brain surgery (how long has it been since weve seen that?) and the return of a man who could be a friend or a master foe.

While the action sequences are typical for Avengers films, this one could have tossed a few and still retained its cred. Because characters wear plenty of Iron Man-like masks, its quite clear this is a competition for stunt performers, not an acting exercise.

What helps is the music by Lorne Balfe, which suggests what mood the viewer should be in at any given time. It enforces what Shortland is doing with her spy thriller.
You need better studies to be able to assert that. It isnt just neutralizing antibodies, Topol said.

Pfizer plans to launch soon a placebo-controlled efficacy trial of the booster with 10,000 participants. That study will run throughout the fall, Dolsten said, meaning it will not be completed ahead of the companys filing with the Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University medical Center, said even if Pfizer succeeds in getting its booster approved for use by the FDA, that is only the first step. The booster would still need to be reviewed and recommended by advisers to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Its not automatic by any means, he said. Schaffner said realistically, most of the public health bandwidth in the United States is still focused on encouraging Americans to get their first and second doses of the vaccine.

The FDA declined to comment on Pfizers plans.

Because boosters will drive increasing demand for vaccines as much of the world is still unvaccinated, Dolsten said Pfizer is looking at ways to boost production.
WASHINGTON  Federal officials pushed back Thursday after Gov. Mike Parson said he doesnt want federal government employees going door to door to compel vaccination, even as a COVID-19 outbreak overwhelms some of his states hospitals.

Missouri asked for help last week from newly formed federal surge response teams as the state combats an influx of cases that public health officials are blaming on the fast-spreading delta variant and deep-seated concerns about the vaccine.

After President Joe Biden mentioned the possibility of door-to-door promotion of the vaccine, Parson on Wednesday night tweeted: I have directed our health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR a welcome strategy in Missouri!

But a White House official on Thursday quickly rebutted the governors characterization, saying door-to-door outreach is not being done by federal agents  and nobody is being compelled to get vaccinated.

Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, said the outreach work is led by local trusted messengers like doctors, faith leaders and community leaders, and anybody mischaracterizing that effort is doing a disservice to the country.
Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger 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

Like the rest of America, it seemed, I celebrated the latest COVID-19 milestone by heading to Yellowstone. The timing of our first real family vacation in nearly two years, meant as our personal celebration of the end of the pandemic, turned out to be odd, and not just because the park was crowded.

Turns out, the pandemic wasnt over.

When I made the flight reservations for the trip, our children had just received their first dose of vaccination. Soon, wed be an entirely vaccinated family, fulfilling the goal President Joe Biden set for a July 4 barbecue with extended family in Colorado  after a week in the jewel of the American national park system.

Then the delta variant came to Missouri. Right around the time we were donning our masks at the airport, ominous headlines returned to the Show-Me State: DELTA HEIGHTENS WORRIES screamed the lead headline in the Post-Dispatch on the day we left.
A corrections officer at the City Justice Center is accused of opening a jail cell so that two inmates could go inside and beat a fellow inmate on March 22, 2021. Surveillance video from inside the jail appears to show the officer watching the beating and not intervening.

ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday for the 2019 robbery of a south St. Louis bar that became notorious for the reaction of a patron.

Kevin Jerome Moore, 39, still faces a charge related to accusations that he attacked a St. Louis jail inmate with the assistance of a jail guard in March.

Both incidents were captured on video.

Moore pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday to one count of robbery and a gun charge. He admitted robbing five patrons and an employee of Behrmann's Tavern on Aug. 28, 2019. He stole a total of $62 and a cell phone from the patrons and the employee and $200 and an uncertain amount of change from the cash register, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel said during the hearing.

Moore was carrying a semiautomatic rifle, which he used to poke several patrons.

The robbery became known for the reaction of one of the patrons, who sipped a beer while other patrons were ducking for cover or raising their hands, grabbed his cellphone back from Moore and then calmly lit a cigarette.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed a brief Thursday opposing a measure that gives Kansas City more control over the police departments budget.

Schmitt argued that state law gives the Board of Police Commissioners control over the police department and its budget.

Attempts to defund the police will deprive Kansas City residents of a needed police presence and exacerbate homicide and violent crime rates plaguing Kansas City and major cities across Missouri and the country, Schmitt said in a news release.

The police board filed a lawsuit in May in Jackson County Circuit Court after the City Council approved a measure cutting the police budget back to 20% of the citys general fund, the minimum required by state law.

The savings of $42.3 million would be reallocated to a newly devised community fund to address mental health, conflict resolution and crime prevention strategies.

The City Councils move was lauded by local organizations who said it would give the community a voice in spending taxpayer dollars.

However, the police board has said it would disrupt services and has said the measure is an effort at defunding the police.
Low-income students were most affected by the pandemic, and courses became less of a priority for them, Vice Chancellor Christine Davis said in October. Campus leaders are counting on students to return this fall when they expect to fully reopen.

But even before the 2020 slide, community colleges nationwide faced growing financial trouble because of a long-term decline in birth rates and state budget cuts. Enrollment at St. Louis Community College has declined by more than one-third since 2013, when more than 24,000 students were enrolled full or part time.

The tax increase will fund new bonds worth $350 million for infrastructure projects to upgrade and modernize facilities to help attract new students, according to the college.

Passing Proposition R will lift to everyones attention just how important the educational opportunities are for preparing people in our community for high quality jobs that exist and will expand into the future, said Mark Wrighton, former chancellor of Washington University and co-chair of the Invest in St. Louis Community College committee that launched Wednesday.
JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Mike Parson has turned back an attempt by Missouri lawmakers to boost the pay for frontline workers handling child abuse and neglect cases.

As part of a series of budget cuts inked by Parson last week, the governor slashed $2.1 million that had been inserted into the spending plan to boost the salaries of workers in the childrens division of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Parson said lawmakers should not single out specific agencies when attempting to boost the pay of the nations lowest-paid state government workforce.

In order to ensure equity across departments and divisions, specialized pay plans should be part of a comprehensive pay evaluation, Parson said in his veto message.

As governor, Parson has attempted to increase employee pay in the state, calling on the Legislature to approve incremental 2% raises for all state workers during his tenure.

Thats important to me, Parson told reporters Wednesday. We are way behind in paying these people to do their jobs.

We want to take care of state employees. Weve got to have them, he added.
The landlord offered to help take the bikes to the alley, but Van Der Tuin said that the nonprofit still isnt sure what can be done with bicycles covered in lead dust absent more time and money to clean them.

I dont know given the timing if were going to have the ability to salvage them, he said. Without them being properly cleaned up, were not going to contaminate another space with these bikes.

Palamand and a lawyer representing him, Brandon Copeland at law firm Brown & James, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Van Der Tuin said the building owners have not allowed the charity to access the BWorks space, still a pile of rubble at Cherokee and 18th streets, because its unsafe. The owners have said they will remove the bikes if BWorks has not by Monday.

Our concern is more the dust and exposing people to that dust, Van Der Tuin said. So we have great concern that theyre going to potentially put them out on the curb.

Van Der Tuin said the nonprofit is still considering its legal options.
Then the zoo places the pairs in buckets with soil and the dead quail. The beetles bury the carcass and dig an adjacent chamber where the female lays her eggs. They strip the feathers from the bird and spread it with antimicrobial secretions from special oral and anal glands to keep it fresh.

They turn the quail into more or less a preserved meatball, Garcia said.

After the eggs hatch, the parents bring meat from the quail to feed their larvae as they grow.

American burying beetle broods are small, the parents provide an unusual level of care and attention. Both the male and female feed their larvae, clean them and even communicate back and forth by squeaking.

Zoo scientists, in cooperation with the department of conservation, the Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, first released zoo-reared beetles in 2012 on western Missouris WahKon-Tah Prairie, a site with a large quail population near wild beetles in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

They packed beetles in individual plastic containers, surrounded them with ice packs to keep them cool and drove them four hours across the state.
No, it wasnt the virus. It was beauty  ornamental stone actually  that closed the Compton Hill Water Tower.

For the third straight season, the 124-year-old landmark is closed to visitors who want to hike up the interior spiral staircase to the top and enjoy what is arguably the best view of St. Louis.

The problem is not with the (core of the) tower itself, but with the stone decorations about 15-25 feet above the ground, said John Maxwell, co-founder and president of the Water Tower and Park Preservation Society.

Before it closed in April 2019, visitors could pay $5 to walk to the top on the first Saturday of each month, and on evenings with full moons from March through November.

But that stopped abruptly when chunks of the stone began crashing to the ground. Stones still fall from time to time.

Alderman Christine Ingrassia, D-6th Ward, said she is working with the society and the city water department to find some solution.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A Turkish journalist who is critical of President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government and has been living in exile in Germany said he was attacked and injured outside his home in suburban Berlin by three men who reportedly warned him to stop writing.

Erk Acarer, a columnist for Turkeys independent Birgun newspaper, said in a video posted on Twitter that the attack occurred late Wednesday in the courtyard of his home. The 48-year-old sustained some swelling on his head and was kept at a hospital for several hours for observation.

Berlin police confirmed the assault and said three people attacked Acarer on Wednesday night in the Rudow area of southern Berlin.

These men attacked him in the yard of a house; two allegedly punched and kicked him, while one secured this whole scene," Berlin police spokesperson Patricia Braemer said.

Braemer said: Following first investigations, which started yesterday, it cannot be excluded that his job as a journalist is the background for this assault.

In a video posted on Twitter, Acarer said that one of his attackers warned him in Turkish: You will not write."

The journalist posted a photograph of himself earlier and said he was attacked with fists and knives.
Authoritarians around the world have been celebrating breakdowns in the rule of law, representative government and civil society in the United States. They tout the lack of respect for well conducted elections, the efforts in states to make voting more difficult for those likely to vote against the party in power, and the attempt to interfere with the orderly transfer of power by partisan violence reminiscent of banana republics.

These actions have damaged the cause of freedom everywhere. Our enemies and aspiring autocrats present them to their populations as proof that democracies simply do not work. Moreover, our legislators frequently act as independent contractors dedicated to the maintenance of their positions rather than of representatives of the voters. For one major party the interests of party have come to trump those of country.

These threats to democracy are driven in part by money. Given recent Supreme Court rulings, politicians can largely ignore voters needing only to maintain the support of donors. With enough money, they can prevail by purchasing sufficient TV and internet propaganda to airbrush their images and tarnish those of their opponents. Truth-telling is not required; arousing passions is.
After nearly two decades of failure, in the last year, France has finally found European customers for their latest jet fighter; Rafale. The latest customer is Croatia, which will buy a dozen used, but updated to the recent Rafale F3-R standard, fighters for a hundred million dollars each. Deliveries will begin in 2014.

In late 2020 Greece agreed to buy 18 Rafale fighters for $3 billion. Deliveries will begin in mid-2021 and be completed by 2023. The purchase price for both Croatia and Greece included training, tech support, spare parts and long-term logistical support. France will also buy back 18 of Greeces French-built Mirages. Greece obtained the Mirages in the late 1980s even as it was expanding its growing fleet of F-16s. Currently 80 percent of Greek fighters are American, most of them F-16s.

Greece was persuaded to buy the Rafale because it wanted to replace its 42 Mirage 2000 jets with an affordable and similar modern jet. Buying French had a lot of political and air force support, but only if France could offer economic incentives. France did and Greece bought the Rafale. To keep the cost of all this down, twelve of the Rafales will be used aircraft currently serving in the French air force. The other six will come off the production line. Currently only 230 Rafales have been built or are on order. Rafale thus remains an expensive aircraft to build because there are no economies of scale for fighters that are not built by the thousands. To keep Rafale cost competitive for export customers the manufacturer has to be creative and the French taxpayers have to contribute as well.

Since the 1970s, there have been only three jet fighter manufacturers in Western Europe. One was a multi-national consortium that delivered Tornado (990 built) in 1979 and Typhoon (571 built so far) in 2003. The others were France and Sweden, which has built 271 of its Gripen fighters since 1996. After World War II European nations, except for Britain, Sweden and France, found it cheaper and more convenient to buy American jets. The remaining European manufacturers found themselves less and less competitive compared to several American firms supplying the U.S. military, which was the largest user of high-tech warplanes. By the 1970s only Sweden, because it was neutral, and France, which was fond of being independent, paid the cost of developing and manufacturing their own fighters. Sweden and France put a lot of effort into obtaining export sales from non-European countries and were successful enough to keep both in business. But it was always a struggle to keep French and Swedish fighters up-to-date and competitive in terms of capabilities.

For example. in early 2017 France decided that they had obtained sufficient export orders from India, Qatar and Egypt to justify the cost of another major upgrade of electronics and weapons systems in their new Rafale jet fighters. This latest upgrade is called F4. The first Rafales were F1s and equipped only for air combat. It was not until F2 appeared in 2005 that Rafale could handle smart bombs and ground attack in general. The F3 standard followed in 2008 and added more weapons capabilities, including nuclear bombs. F4 adds more communications capabilities, especially with foreign aircraft and those equipped to exchange digital data quickly and automatically. There will be many changes to the electronic systems in general that will make it easier to develop and install future upgrades. F4 is not expected to enter service until 2025 and it will take longer because F4 involves improving engine performance as well as extensive electronics modifications.

Although it entered service in 2001, Rafale didnt get any combat experience until 2007 when six were sent to Afghanistan. Three French Air Force Rafale F2s operated from Tajikistan. From there, the Rafales could fly down to Afghanistan and make themselves useful. Three navy Rafale F2s arrived on the carrier Charles de Gaulle, which was operating off the Pakistani coast. These F2s were the first Rafales with the hardware and software required for precision bombing (laser or GPS guided smart bombs). In 2011 Rafale carried out combat missions over Libya followed by service over Mali in 2012. Since 2014 Rafale has been active in Syria and Iraq. Rafale has performed well during all of these combat operations.

The export sales were difficult to obtain initially, the first two orders (both for 24 aircraft) came in 2015 with the third (for 36) in late 2016 when India finally signed a contract for 36 Rafale fighter jets with an option to buy 18 more in three years.

At the time of the first export sale France was the only user with 180 Rafales ordered and about 130 delivered. As of early 2017 180 had been delivered and 45 more are on order because France could now afford to build 225 for itself.

The Rafale design is a further evolution of the Mirage 2000, from the same manufacturer, and has the Delta Wing configuration common with the Mirage designs but with canards, a small forewing positioned ahead of the main wing, added. Rafale has a maximum speed of 2,450 kilometers an hour and a range of over 3,700 kilometers. It is equipped with a 30mm cannon and can carry nearly ten tons of weapons. It is now a battle tested aircraft and none have been lost in combat but four were destroyed in accidents. There is a naval version of Rafale that has operated off French and American carriers.

By 2017, after 20 years of trying, the Rafale went from an export zero to export hero in 45 days. France has had nothing but hard times trying to find export customers and had to cut the production rate to 11 aircraft a year, but now they will have to do the opposite. There is also a growing interest in French made fighters and among potential buyers in the Middle East and Asia. A few years later that led to European buyers as well. Persistence pays off eventually.
Boston-based fintech Circle announced it is going public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Concord Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: CND), in a business deal that will value Circle at $4.5 billion.

After the transaction is closed, Circle will make its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "CRCL".

"Circle is the true pioneer of trusted digital currencies, an increasingly critical part of the global financial system. The firm has earned its exceptionally strong reputation building highly innovative blockchain-enabled products and services within the regulatory perimeter, said Bob Diamond, Chairman of Concord Acquisition Corp and CEO of Atlas Merchant Capital.

Circle's world-class leadership team, its track record of delivery, and extraordinary ambition help position the firm as one of the most exciting companies in the transformation of finance.

The transaction includes $415 million in capital commitments at $10.00 per share, including participation from leading institutional investors Marshall Wace LLP, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, Adage Capital Management LP, accounts advised by ARK Investment Management LLC ("ARK"), and Third Point.

We've made huge strides towards realizing this vision, and through this strategic transaction and ultimate public debut, we are taking an even bigger step forward, with the capital and relationships needed to build a global-scale internet financial services company that can help businesses everywhere to connect into a more open, inclusive and effective global economic system. We are thrilled to partner with Concord's executive and investment team, drawing on their decades of operating experience growing financial services businesses around the world, commented Jeremy Allaire, Circle's co-founder and CEO.

The deal will provide the combined company with $691 million in gross proceeds, including the $415 million PIPE investment and $276 million of cash held in the SPACs trust account.
Boulder, CO, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ColdQuanta, the leader in Cold Atom Quantum Technology, today announced it has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its Quantum Computer by trapping and addressing 100 qubits in a large, dense 2-D cold atom array. On track to be available later this year, the digital gate-based quantum computer (code named Hilbert) will be among the most powerful in the world using pristine qubits that have the stability of atomic clocks to massively scale qubit count beyond what is possible with other quantum computing approaches.

The successful achievement of this milestone demonstrates the potential for the ColdQuanta platform to rapidly scale towards solving real world problems with commercial impact. The scalability of Hilbert will enable ColdQuanta to solve important customer computation problems more rapidly and with greater efficiency in environments where optimization is critical such as financial services, logistics and pharmaceuticals (drug discovery), as well as the mainstream delivery of quantum computing as a cloud service (QCaaS). During testing, these qubit counts and connectivity scaled extremely well wherein large, dense 2-D arrays of qubits were trapped and manipulated with lasers.

Todays continued progress represents the completion of a critical step in bringing our Cold Atom Quantum Technology to market and showcasing its potential to support a variety of practical use cases, said Paul Lipman, President of Quantum Computing at ColdQuanta. Our Cold Atom Method stands out among other modalities by demonstrating the potential for unmatched qubit scalability. We are on the brink of delivering a compelling platform and on the doorstep of commercialization.

Hilbert is based on pioneering work over the last several decades by Mark Saffman, ColdQuantas Chief Scientist for Quantum Information and professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cold Atoms are natures qubits. Their pristine characteristics enable control of their quantum state with a clear pathway to rapidly scaling to multiple thousands of qubits, said Mark Saffman.

This latest milestone adds to a number of advancements the company has achieved since the beginning of 2021, including several key leadership appointments with the addition of Paul Lipman as President of Quantum Computing, Rushton McGarr as Chief Financial Officer and Dan Caruso as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman. This year, ColdQuanta has also been awarded multi millions of dollars in U.S. government contracts and announced participation in the High-BIAS2 (High Bandwidth Inertial Atom Source) project wherein ColdQuantas Cold Atom Quantum Technology serves as the foundation for the projects gyroscope and Quantum Positioning System (QPS).

About ColdQuanta

ColdQuanta is the leader in Cold Atom Quantum Technology, the most scalable, versatile, and commercially viable application of quantum. The company operates three lines of business - Quantum Computing, Devices and Machines, and Quantum Research-as-a-Service. The Quantum Computing division will launch Hilbert, a cloud-based 100 qubit quantum computer, in late 2021. The Devices and Machines division provides products for quantum computing companies and quantum lab environments. Quantum Research-as-a-Service supports the government and enterprises in developing quantum inertial sensing, radio frequency receivers, and networking technologies, including high precision clock prototypes which will be available in late 2022. ColdQuanta will engage commercial customers across all three divisions in late 2021. ColdQuanta is based in Boulder, CO with offices in Madison, Wisconsin and Oxford, UK. Find out more at www.coldquanta.com.

The name ColdQuanta and the ColdQuanta logo are both registered trademarks of ColdQuanta, Inc.

Attachment

Karli Barokas ColdQuanta 206-264-8220 coldquanta@barokas.com

Source: ColdQuanta
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 IannitelliInvestor Relationsir@psyence.com

Media Inquiries: media@psyence.comGeneral 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.

Source: Psyence Group Inc.
SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Creek Residential, a leading developer and operator specializing in premier rental communities across the U.S., today announced the start of preleasing at Modera San Diego, a luxury apartment community in the city's eclectic downtown area.

The seven-story community, which features 368 apartment homes and an array of deluxe amenities, sits at the corner of 14th Street and K Street and represents Mill Creek Residential's first development community in downtown San Diego. The community is within walking distance of Petco Park, Quartyard Events Plaza and the city's ultra-popular Gaslamp Quarter. Move-ins will begin later this summer.

"Downtown San Diego is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic living destinations in southern California, and we're thrilled to join the neighborhood," said Sam Simone, senior managing director of development in Southern California for Mill Creek Residential. "We believe the community's pedestrian-friendly location and best-in-class design will connect our future residents to a thriving downtown in a way that will set a new standard for a quality living experience in the area."

Situated at 1445 K Street, Modera San Diego boasts a superb Walk Score of 93 and is within moments from the beach, the charming Little Italy neighborhood and across the street from the award-winning Mission Brewery. Residents are within two blocks from a San Diego Trolley station, which offers connectivity to the greater downtown area and links to Amtrak regional lines.

The downtown San Diego area continues to emerge as a hip-and-trendy destination featuring a multitude of breweries, coffee shops and nightlife options. The neighborhood's growing creative office base, which has created abundant job opportunities in the design and technology fields, has boosted the area's burgeoning employment market.

Modera San Diego, which offers studio, one- and two-bedroom homes with various loft plans on the penthouse level and den layouts, features three distinct architectural styles designed to complement the neighborhood. Community amenities include two meticulously landscaped outdoor courtyards, a 5,100-square-foot sky lounge with resort-inspired pool and spa, fireside gathering areas, two outdoor kitchens with brick pizza oven and spectacular views of the bay and downtown skylines. Residents at the pet-friendly community also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness studio, co-working spaces, executive conference rooms, a resident clubhouse, bowling lounge with two regulation lanes, lobby lounge, 24-hour package storage lockers, a dog run with grooming basins, bike storage and controlled-access garage parking.

Apartment interiors are equipped with a variety of high-end finishes, including two distinct color schemes, nine-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, smart-home features including Nest thermostats and programmable lighting, wood plank-style floors, quartz countertops with matching backsplashes, custom cabinetry and soaking tubs with tile surrounds. Select homes feature kitchen islands, soaking tubs with tile surrounds, walk-in closets with built-in shelving, digital appliances and private patios or balconies.

About Mill Creek ResidentialMill Creek Residential Trust LLC is a national rental housing company focused on the development, acquisition and operation of rental communities in targeted markets nationwide. The national company, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida proactively develops, acquires, constructs and operates communities through its seasoned team of real estate professionals in offices across the United States. Mill Creek is building its portfolio in many of the nation's most desirable markets in Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, Southern California, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Boston. As of March 31, 2021, the company's portfolio is comprised of 98 communities representing over 26,700 rental homes that are operating and/or under construction. For more information, please visit www.MillCreekPlaces.com.

Media ContactStephen UrseryLinnellTaylor Marketing303-682-3945stephen@linnelltaylor.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mill-creek-announces-start-of-preleasing-at-modera-san-diego-301327572.html

SOURCE Mill Creek Residential
Vice Adm. Karl Thomas salutes after taking command of the 7th Fleet at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Aron Montano/U.S. Navy)

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  A familiar face has taken the helm of 7th Fleet, a command he described as a supremely credible and integrated naval force that gives the United States and its allies an upper hand over its rivals in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vice Adm. Karl Thomas assumed command of 7th Fleet on Thursday during a ceremony at Yokosukas Fleet Theater. He relieved Vice Adm. William Merz, who had led the nations largest overseas fleet since September 2019.

Thomas most recently served as assistant deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy at the Pentagon, but previously served as the commander of 7th Fleets Task Force 70 and Carrier Strike Group 5.

This is oddly, and pleasantly, very familiar, he said during the ceremony. Less than two years ago, my family and I left Yokosuka and wondered if wed ever serve our Navy in this spectacular country again  and I certainly hoped that we would,

Merz noted the novel challenges that arose during the last half of his tenure at 7th Fleet, primarily those resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemics onset was followed shortly by our dramatic shift from our port-to-port routine to a new, no-port-at-all routine, he said. Through that, we learned some things about what it truly means to be a command ship.

Merz, Thomas and several guest speakers took a moment during the otherwise upbeat ceremony to reflect on the critical nature of 7th Fleets mission in the Pacific.

Operating with up to 70 ships and submarines, 150 aircraft and approximately 20,000 sailors, the fleet routinely engages in bilateral and multilateral exercises with U.S. allies. It also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols and other operations designed to uphold international law or keep the peace.

Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, left, greets Vice Adm. Bill Merz during a change-of-command ceremony for 7th Fleet at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Amanda Kitchner/U.S. Navy)

Another speaker, Vice Adm. Phillip Sawyer, deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy, outlined the numerous forces at play in the region.

7th Fleet operates [in] the worlds most consequential waters  it poses a collection of security challenges not seen anywhere else: strategic competition with China, an increasingly assertive Russia, an unpredictable North Korea, coupled with regional weather impacts, violent extremists, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Adm. Hiroshi Yamamura, chief of staff for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, highlighted the importance of Japans relationship with the U.S. and 7th Fleet.

As the security environment becomes more severe on the Korean peninsula, in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, we believe that strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance is even more important than ever before, he said. Security issues important to both of our navies are increasing, such as the growing activity of Chinese Coast Guard ships around the Senkaku islands and the militarization of the reefs of the South China Sea.

Yamamura also said peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is very critical to Japan, the U.S. and the region as whole.

The odds of U.S. warships encountering Chinese vessels are set to increase along with tension across the strait and the frequency of U.S. freedom-of-navigation patrols in the South China Sea, Bo Kong, co-director of the Institute for US-China Issues at the University of Oklahoma, told Stars and Stripes in an email this spring.

Likewise, Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University Japan, in an email to Stars and Stripes on Wednesday, said Thomas will face the ongoing escalation of tensions in the region related to a rising and more assertive China.

Kingston said rising tension surrounding Taiwan, the Senkaku Islands and Chinas expansion in the South China Sea would keep Thomas busy and require a cool head.

Merz is being reassigned as deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy at the Pentagon  replacing Sawyer, who plans to retire, according to 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. Mark Langford.

Alex Wilson
A "Cootie" replica, WACO's first plane, on display at the WACO Air Museum in Troy, Ohio. (Susan Glaser, cleveland.com/TNS)

TROY, Ohio (Tribune News Service)  Dayton gets all the credit as the birthplace of aviation, but the industrys early influencers extended well beyond city borders into several Southwest Ohio communities.

In Troy, 20 miles north of Dayton, the WACO Aircraft Company was once the largest producer of civil aircraft in the world. A history museum in town celebrates the company and its aircraft, with several early planes and other artifacts that tell the story of WACO (rhymes with taco).

Originally called the Weaver Aircraft Company, the company started in Lorain, moved to Medina and finally landed in Troy in 1923, in part to be near Orville Wright and other early innovators.

The WACO museum, including a working airfield, is part of the National Aviation Heritage Area, a National Park Service corridor that includes 10 destinations across five counties, from Wapakoneta to Dayton to Urbana (see www.visitnaha.com)

In its 28 years in business, WACO produced a variety of aircraft, from the heavy and hard-to-fly Cootie, WACOs first plane, produced in 1919, to its most popular model, the WACO 10, with more than 1,200 sold between 1927 and 1931.

The 10 was the best-selling plane. It put them on the map, said Gretchen Hawk, executive director of the museum.

A 1929 WACO Taperwing, on display at the WACO Air Museum in Troy, Ohio. (Susan Glaser, cleveland.com/TNS) Photographs showcase the many WACO planes built over the years in Troy, Ohio. (Susan Glaser, cleveland.com/TNS)

Among the aircraft on display here: a Cootie replica, a Model 9 and a restored 1929 WACO Taperwing owned by famous stunt pilot Joe Mackey.

During World War II, WACO won the contract to design and produce engine-less gliders, which were used to transport troops behind enemy lines.

They served the war well, but they werent always the safest thing, said Hawk. You were pretty much defense-less.

Indeed, the exhibit on gliders includes this gem from veteran war correspondent Walter Cronkite, who was transported in a WACO glider during the 1944 invasion of Holland: Ill tell you straight out: If youve got to go into combat, dont go by glider. Walk, crawl, swim, parachute, float  anything. But dont go by glider!

About 1,100 gliders were made in Troy, with thousands more produced elsewhere.

Numerous gliders hadnt been shipped by the end of the war, so they were sold in the community for $50. The people who bought them didnt want the planes, they wanted the shipping crates.

Wood was at a real premium, said Hawk. Even today, she said, there are sheds, chicken coops and other structures around town made from WACO wood crates.

The company shut down in 1947, after the war, and the factory was eventually purchased by the Goodrich Corp. Today, Collins Aerospace manufactures aerospace wheels, brakes and other parts in Troy. Its cool the property is still used to produce aircraft, said Hawk.

The museum is located about a mile from the original company site, which is still in use .

Years ago, an unrelated company that calls itself the WACO Aircraft Corp. started making a contemporary version of the WACO biplane from its facility in Battle Creek, Michigan.

One of those planes, the Sunny, was donated to the museum several years ago and is available for public rides.

The plane holds two passengers, plus the pilot. Cost for a 30-minute ride for two is $350, and must be booked in advance. A shorter, 10- to 12-minute ride is available for $200 on select weekends; see wacoairmuseum.org/sunny.

The Sunny will travel to Cambridge Municipal Airport on July 17, as part of the John Glenn Centennial celebration. Glenns first flight, in 1929 at age 8, was in a WACO plane.

Visit wacoairmuseum.org for more information.

2021 Advance Local Media LLC.

Visit cleveland.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
People rest on a beach in the National Park of Calanques, France, on June 12. (Sandra Mehl/The Washington Post)

In one of Europes most picturesque national parks, officials have embraced a surprising goal: They want to make the site appear less stunning.

Standing next to wind-bent pine trees reflected in the turquoise water of the Mediterranean on a recent day, Calanques National Park ranger Alain Vincent did his best to talk the place down. There are too many people and no trash cans, he said, indicating the beach packed with swimmers and sunbathers taking selfies with their dogs.

Every beautiful photo of this bay, Vincent said disapprovingly, is one too many.

As tourism professionals around the world eagerly await the return of visitors, Calanques, in southern France, has a different message: Please, most of you, stay away.

Except during lockdowns, the coronavirus pandemic did not stop people from coming here; in fact, restrictions on foreign travel prompted a surge of domestic arrivals. The parks caretakers say the burgeoning crowds, on the beaches and in the water, threaten the sites sensitive biological equilibrium.

In response, they have forged ahead with an initiative that many other European destinations considered before the pandemic but few acted on: a de-marketing campaign aimed at reducing the number of visitors the park attracts.

To that end, officials have begun asking Instagram influencers to take down photos of Calanques picturesque bays. The parks website advises that the water is often cold and the beaches are difficult to access, cramped and invaded by crowds. Upon arrival, visitors may soon face a ticketing system.

People rest on a beach in the National Park of Calanques, France, on June 12, 2021. (Sandra Mehl)

The changes will likely please locals and some of the rangers, who have long wanted to see nature lovers rather than swimmers and yachtsmen, more people who are mindful of biodiversity and fewer binge drinkers, more who are interested in the growth patterns of pine trees and fewer who want to jump off tree branches into the sea.

It is, in some ways, a pioneering effort, said Jurgen Schmude, a researcher at the University of Munich. Other destinations have to get there, too.

As the worlds top international tourism destination, France has in recent months prioritized such moves to balance a recovery of the industry with strides toward greater sustainability. In parts of southern France, for example, a popular GPS navigation software has been programmed to suggest alternatives to overcrowded top destinations.

The crisis has certainly accelerated the thought process, Frances junior minister in charge of tourism, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, said in an interview. The pandemic has caused a lot of distress, he said. But this is also a moment of reinvention - we must not miss out on it.

Experts worry, however, that despite the changes underway in southern France and other places, some of the European destinations most affected by overtourism are lagging behind. They say that barring a major resurgence of the coronavirus, overcrowding could again become a problem on the continent as early as this summer, as Europeans embark on annual vacations and vaccinated Americans are welcomed.

Many people cant wait to get on a plane again, said Jeroen Klijs, a professor at Breda University of Applied Sciences researching the social impacts of tourism. Its almost like revenge tourism - people want to get their holidays back.

Jan van der Borg, a tourism management and applied economics researcher affiliated with multiple institutions, said that major tourist draws such as Venice and Prague have largely failed to recognize the pandemic as an opportunity for more sustainable models. Cruise ships have returned to Venice, Pragues notorious bar crawls are back, and budget airlines have resumed touting deals.

Im quite disappointed, van der Borg said.

Still, while many hotel and restaurant owners would be pleased to see a surge in arrivals, tourists may meet more local resistance than in the past.

As Venices canals emptied of traffic, encouraging dolphins to return, and the streets of Amsterdam were reclaimed by locals last year, many wondered what it would take for it to stay that way.

Suddenly, residents meet again on the street, drink a cup of coffee together on the sidewalk, Amsterdam residents wrote in a petition last summer for a ban on holiday rentals and other measures. Its actually bizarre that these normal neighborhood scenes feel strange.

In Venice recently, authorities launched a competition for ideas on how to keep cruise ships and other large vessels away from the historical city center, after years of complaints that the ships are damaging the foundations of buildings. UNESCO recently said Venice may be put on its list of endangered world heritage sites unless action is taken.

In Calanques, Vincent, the ranger, can spot the impact of overtourism from miles away. From a hilltop overlooking the national park, he pointed to a bay below that was once encircled by dense stands of pines.

Visitors settle in for the day in the National Park of Calanques, France. (Sandra Mehl)

The pine trees gradually disappear. There are almost none left, he said, blaming erosion caused by visitors.

The destruction of the natural habitats can be irreversible, cautioned Zacharie Bruyas, who is responsible for the parks communications.

Calanques has long attracted visitors, though historically on a more manageable scale. But as the nearby city of Marseille became increasingly popular in recent years, the park saw visitor numbers rise, too. Widely shared posts on social media drew more.

Laurent Lhardit, Marseilles deputy mayor for the economy, described the influx of tourists last year as close to an explosion, overwhelming the city and the adjacent national park.

Officials hope that better crowd control will also benefit visitors and allow them to have a better experience. Some may discover new areas, such as the hilltop offering a panoramic - and peaceful - view of the white rocks, steep cliffs and green trees below.

The beach was beautiful, said Yasmine Bounguab, 24, while leaning against a rock with a friend. But the crowds were too much for them.

We had to go somewhere else, she said.

For Schmude, the University of Munich researcher, the most promising trend in efforts to combat overtourism may be a change in consumer behavior. A part of the population will travel more consciously, he said, predicting fewer plane journeys and higher ticket prices as a result.

Alain Vincent, a national park officer, in the National Park of Calanques, France. (Sandra Mehl)

Klijs, the Dutch researcher, agreed that after an initial period of what he called revenge tourism, questions raised during the pandemic could prompt a rethink. But he warned that leaving the debate up to consumers and the tourism industry will not be sufficient.

Government officials should embrace this moment to get people to reconsider, he said.

Calanques National Park may serve as an example that change is possible - but it wont happen overnight. As Vincent and his colleagues move around the park by speedboat or car, they encounter rule violators wherever they look, from parking offenders to fishermen threatening them with violence.

It takes time, he said. Whats needed is a change of mind-set.
The Samaria Gorge in Crete is a 10-mile, one-way downhill adventure. (iStock)

With the sun glaring down on exposed rock surfaces, a summertime hike to a mountain top can easily turn into a brutally hot proposition. Keeping ones cool is much easier when selecting a trail running through a canyon or gorge. Throw in a waterfall or two, and the pause will really refresh! Here are some beautiful hikes through terrain that should help beat the heat.

Crete: The Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the southwest corner of the Greek islands White Mountains, is wildly popular with hikers, who highly rate this 10-mile, one-way hike for its ever-changing terrain, colorful wildflowers, chances to swim and availability of drinking water. Theyre also impressed with the final destination: a coastal village that cant be reached by any road. Upon completion of the overwhelmingly downhill hike, walkers can enjoy time on the beach before boarding a ferry. As taking public transportation to the starting point near the village of Omalos is a complicated proposition, many elect to experience the hike as part of a guided tour. The hike can be completed from May to October. Entry to the gorge costs 5 euros. Online: tinyurl.com/wmmadxc

France: The Verdon Gorge in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of southeastern France has a unique defining feature: waters in a stunning shade of green, thanks to mineral-rich glacial waters. The 15-mile canyon between the towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie features limestone walls rising some 2,300 feet above the riverbed. Most hikers elect to pass along the Blanc-Martel trail, accessible from the village of Rougon. Hiking season runs from April to mid-November. Rock climbing and kayaking are alternative ways in which to absorb the areas stunning surroundings. Online: tinyurl.com/nm4bhx4v

Germany: The Breitachklamm in Oberstdorf counts among one of the most popular attractions in southern Germanys Allgau region. The deepest rock canyon in Central Europe beguiles visitors with its rumbling waters and interplay of dark and light, warm and cool. Easily accessible, secured paths make the experience suitable for almost all ability levels. Visits to the gorge are also possible during the winter months, when massive icicles and frozen waterfalls create a fairy-tale ambiance. The walk is generally accessible from either of its ends, which are in Tiefenbach and Kleinwalsertal, but in keeping with present Coronavirus control measures, the walk must be started in Tiefenbach, and online ticket booking in advance is essential. Adult tickets go for 6.50 euros. Online: breitachklamm.com

The Partnachklamm in Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers sensory overload in the form of sheer rock faces, dark tunnels and the sound of water rushing by at a furious pace. A safe and easy trail makes this walk a hit with all ages and fitness levels, although this has changed in the time of COVID-19. The trail is presently walkable only in once direction, and upon approaching its southern exit, one must hike back by way of the Vordergraseck, a fairly challenging climb that passes by the Partnachalm. During the winter months, guided tours by torchlight are offered. The gorges entrance can also be reached by means of a horse-drawn wagon. Adult entry costs 6 euros. Online: tinyurl.com/rpsfr7av

The Wutachschlucht is a shady 20-mile stretch of narrow valley cutting through the Black Forest. A narrow, muddy and fairly challenging trail zigzags alongside steep cliffs as it mirrors the route of the Wutach River. Three gorges, each with their own unique geographical features, are found along the route. Walkers here are well catered to, with a convenient Wanderbus running on weekends from April through October. The shuttle bus service links up the western trail entrance at Schattenmuhle near Loffingen with the easterly trailhead by the Wutachmuhle near Doggingen. Online: wutachschlucht.de

Spain: The famous El Caminito del Rey footpath is only some 15 miles north of Malaga city, but another world entirely. This cliffside path running high above the waters of the Guadalhorce River is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo. The original path built in 1905 had fallen into such disrepair it was closed to the public in the 1980s, but as of 2015, walkers can enjoy this scary but safe trail through the El Chorro Gorge. The mandatory ticket, purchasable online in advance at a cost of 10 euros, helps authorities to control walker numbers. Online: tinyurl.com/2fvvjrnj

Switzerland: The Aareschlucht is found in the Berner Oberland, roughly in the middle of the country, between the towns of Meiringen and Innertkirchen. The countrys most visited gorge is some 600 feet deep and 40 inches wide at its narrowest point. An easy, mile-long trail runs alongside the opaque waters of the Aare River. The attraction is open from April through October, and costs 10 Swiss Francs to enter. On Friday and Saturday evenings in July and August, visitors can experience mystical illuminations, an Alpine buffet and folk music in the Aareschlucht restaurant. Online: aareschlucht.ch/en
The Setouchi Lemon and Citrus Frappuccino has a soft pink color that promotes peace and love, according to the Starbucks Japan website. (Jonathan Snyder)

To celebrate its 25th anniversary in Japan, coffee giant Starbucks has released 47 new jimoto, or local, Frappuccino flavors that pay homage to every one of the countrys prefectures.

Each of these sweet, coffee-based blended drinks will be available only in the prefecture they represent, so youll have to travel around the country to try all 47. They cost 669 yen, or about $6, for a 12-ounce portion, and will be available until Aug. 3.

Buy Photo The Okinawa Chinsuko Vanilla Caramel Frappuccino includes a traditional shortbread-like cookie, called a chinsuko, thats popular in the southern island prefecture. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

The beverages feature ingredients special to their prefectures. For example, Starbucks shops in Hokkaido are offering the Creamy Corn Frappuccino.

People in the nations capital, including those stationed at Yokota Air Base in the prefectures western suburbs, can try the Tokyo Coffee Jelly and Caramel Frappuccino. Jelly or tapioca pearls are popular additions to coffees and teas in Japan and other Asian countries.

The coffee jelly is the center of this drink, with nearly every sip containing some. I think its an enjoyable sensation, like eating and drinking a treat simultaneously, but it can be a bit of an acquired taste to people who are not already a fan of jelly drinks or boba teas.

The flavor for nearby Kanagawa prefecture  home to several U.S. military bases  is the photogenic Kanagawa Summer Blue Cream Frappuccino. Its bright blue colors represent the Pacific Ocean and the regions many trading ports.

Buy Photo The Kanagawa Summer Blue Cream Frappuccino from Starbucks in Japan represents the Pacific Ocean and the regions many trading ports. (Daniel Betancourt/Stars and Stripes)

Stars and Stripes reporter Daniel Betancourt, who works out of Yokosuka Naval Base, said it takes some vigorous mixing to blend the citrus drizzle into this vanilla-flavored beverage, but the taste is rewarding once everything is combined. It also contains a butterfly pea tea syrup that adds to the citrus flavor.

Yamaguchi prefecture, home to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, is offering the Sesame Matcha Frappuccino, and uses black sesame and green tea to somehow represent the way the prefecture connects Honshu and Kyushu islands.

The drink for nearby Hiroshima prefecture, dubbed the Setouchi Lemon and Citrus Frappuccino, has a soft pink color that promotes peace and love, according to the Starbucks Japan website, which suggest people sip on it while visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

Hiroshima is famous for lemons, and other ingredients include passion fruit tea and sweet whipped honey. Reporter Jonathan Snyder, based at MCAS Iwakuni, said the drink is a refreshing choice for the summer heat that boasts a pleasant balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Shops in Nagasaki prefecture, home to Sasebo Naval Base, are offering the Castella Coffee and Cream Frappuccino. Castella is a popular cake introduced by Portuguese traders during the Edo period. This drink also uses white chocolate, milk and honey.

People in Aomori prefecture, home to Misawa Air Base, can try the Buzzing Apple Strawberry Frappuccino, which pays homage to the prefecture being the countrys No. 1 apple producer.

The Okinawa Chinsuko Vanilla Caramel Frappuccino includes a traditional shortbread-like cookie, called a chinsuko, thats popular in the southern island prefecture.

Buy Photo The Okinawa Chinsuko Vanilla Caramel Frappuccino includes a traditional shortbread-like cookie, called a chinsuko, thats popular in the southern island prefecture. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

This sweet and salty treat uses a vanilla base and caramel sauce, with chinsuko is blended into the beverage. Its topped with whipped cream and crumbled chinsuko. Reporter Matthew M. Burke, based out of Camp Foster, said it has a nice cookie-dough taste and is very filling.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary in Japan, coffee giant Starbucks has released 47 new Frappuccino flavors that pay homage to every one of the countrys prefectures. (Jonathan Snyder)

Japans first Starbucks opened in Tokyos fashionable Ginza district in 1996. Since then, it has expanded to over 1,000 locations across the country, including a reserve roastery in Tokyo and an Edo-style storefront in the historic city of Kawagoe.

STARBUCKS JIMOTO FRAPPUCCINOS

Locations: Unique flavors can be found at Starbucks locations in all 47 of Japans prefectures.

Hours: Most shops are open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Prices: About $6 for a 12-ounce serving

Dress: Casual

Information: Online: www.starbucks.co.jp/cafe/jimoto_frappuccino
The U.S. Navy has one paramount mission: prepare to defend our nation and our national interests through the application of violence at sea. Getting and staying ready to do just that is pretty much a full-time job, leaving little time to dabble in politics.

The U.S. Navy has one paramount mission: prepare to defend our nation and our national interests through the application of violence at sea. Getting and staying ready to do just that is pretty much a full-time job, leaving little time to dabble in politics.

So why has the Navys senior-most officer, Adm. Michael Gilday, insisted on including politically charged books on his officially endorsed reading list for all naval personnel? Its especially confounding when one considers the lack of evidence suggesting that the Navy has a diversity problem.

Gildays refusal to address congressional concerns about his list and his subsequent fact-free assertions of racism are leading Americans to question whether the Navy is being politicized.

During a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing, Gilday refused to acknowledge feedback pouring in from sailors troubled by what they perceive as woke diversity training. When pressed on why he included Ibram X. Kendis problematic book How To Be An Antiracist on his Professional Reading Program, he offered little in the way of explanation.

His nebulous response  I am the chief of naval operations, not a theorist  answered nothing. Rather, he merely doubled down on the righteousness of his decision.

Coming from the man who stands at the pinnacle of the Navys hierarchy, Gildays endorsement carries enormous weight. Many sailors who might wish to raise uncomfortable but respectful questions about woke instruction fear doing so would risk ostracism and negative career consequences.

Thats what prompted two veterans, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, to establish a new whistleblower hotline. Judging from the litany of troubling complaints flooding in, it was sorely needed.

Gilday told lawmakers he included Kendis book and Michelle Alexanders The New Jim Crow because he wanted his reading list to present a diversity of thought. Yet the premises of these books are not contested in any other book on the list. Nor has Gilday expressed any reservations about them.

So what was Gilday thinking?

Undoubtedly, he was motivated by forces outside the Navy. A July 1 memo cites the turmoil inflamed by a contentious presidential campaign and the death of George Floyd. He responded first by forming a group called Task Force One to look into diversity and equity in the Navy.

Task Force Ones final report sadly provides little raw data, only anecdotal or subjective opinion surveys. Among its few factual findings:

Minority junior officers enjoy higher retention rates than white officers.

Retention rates for female officers are rising.

There is no disparity in promotion rates up to midgrade level officers, while minorities receive senior enlisted promotions at a higher rate than whites.

The report did find a racial disparity favoring whites in senior officer promotions and junior enlisted promotions. It infers racism as the reason but offers no analysis of promotion boards to justify that conclusion.

The report acknowledges, however, that since 2000 the Navy has made significant strides at increasing its racial, gender and ethnic diversity. Its enlisted population today is 60% more racially diverse, 56% more gender diverse, and over 300% more ethnically diverse than 20 years ago.

Separately, regarding discrimination, there is nothing among the recorded complaints that suggests a major problem. Since 2016, only between four to 10 cases of actual discrimination have been reported annually in an organization of more than 600,000 uniformed and civilian members. Either the Navys reporting system is flawed, or actual discrimination is very rare. Determining which was true should have been a job of Task Force One.

At the direction of the secretary of defense, the Navy conducted a single day anti-extremism stand-down earlier this year. Was this necessary? The Navy has been unable to provide historical records regarding past members separated from the Navy for extremism, and the Department of Defense still struggles with legally defining the term.

There is, however, an internal report that describes a military largely free from extremist activity. The 2018 Gang and Domestic Extremist Activity Threat Assessment recorded only three interactions with police and service members having extremist associations, while 80 cases in the same time period had gang affiliations, which had the highest year-on-year growth rate increase. Moreover, responding to a 2018 request from then-Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the Department of Defense reported only 27 incidents of extremist activity over the previous five years.

Gilday and other Navy leaders should course-correct to steer the service out of a political morass. A good first step would be to stop defending indefensible books like Kendis.

Finally, and most importantly, focus on facts before making future assertions of discrimination, systemic racism or extremism in the ranks. Those in uniform have no business stoking politically charged rhetoric devoid of facts. It serves no one well, nor does it serve our national interests.

Brent Sadler is a senior fellow for naval warfare and advanced technology at The Heritage Foundation.
Hardly a week goes by when U.S. troops and contractors in Iraq and Syria are not taking defensive measures to protect themselves from rocket and drone attacks.

In what has become a troubling pattern in both countries, Shiite militia units stocked to the gills with a seemingly unending supply of lethal projectiles and explosive-laden drones targeted U.S. military facilities yet again on Wednesday and Thursday. Two rockets were fired toward Baghdads Green Zone early Thursday, with one landing close to the U.S. Embassy. Hours earlier, on Wednesday afternoon, al Asad Air Base in western Iraq, one of the critical Iraqi facilities hosting U.S. forces in the country, came under attack by 14 rockets. U.S. forces took defensive precautions and retaliated, neutralizing the source of the rocket fire near the town of al-Baghdadi. On the same day in next-door Syria, U.S. soldiers stationed near the al-Omar oil field also came under threat from a drone, which was destroyed before it could cause any damage. By the time the day was over, two coalition troops in Iraq were nursing minor injuries.

Fortunately, nobody died in this episode. The trend line, however, is increasingly worrisome. Despite the Biden administrations latest series of airstrikes against Shiite militia facilities in Iraq and Syria late last month (strikes U.S. defense officials insisted would reintroduce deterrence into the equation), the rocket and drone attacks from these very same militias have continued unabated. Veteran Middle East correspondent Joyce Karam reported there have been a total of five attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria within 72 hours. Nafiseh Kohnavard, a correspondent for the BBC, counts 12 Shiite militia attacks between Tuesday and Wednesday. The Biden administration is drawing an even harder-line than the Trump administration did, promising swift retaliation regardless of whether a U.S. soldier or contractor has been killed.

Thus far, the U.S. has been incredibly fortunate to escape fatalities. But one is left wondering if Washington is tempting fate. The rocket attacks wont be ending anytime soon. The Shiite militias, many of which have been included in the official Iraqi security forces, appear to be impervious to tough talk from U.S. officials. The kind of normal deterrence that works against the likes of North Koreas Kim Jong Un and Russias Vladimir Putin doesnt seem to be effective with these nonstate armed groups. If they were, the rockets would have stopped after the Biden administration conducted its first military action in February.

Logic would suggest that the longer U.S. forces are deployed in Iraq and Syria, the more likely one of these flying rockets or harassing drones will eventually claim the life of an American. President Joe Biden would have to respond militarily in such a situation, which would in turn be highly likely to draw even more hostile fire from Shiite militias that (lets face it) are now an integral part of Iraq and Syria whether we like it or not. The probability of a full-scale confrontation is not a scenario U.S. officials can casually dismiss. Nor can they assume more airstrikes on yet more militia storage facilities and weapons depots produce the calm the U.S. desperately wants. If precedent is any indication, a stronger U.S. military response would generate the very full-blown confrontation the U.S. rightly hopes to avoid.

U.S. policymakers back in Washington are using the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria to justify continuing the mission when the original mission itself  eliminating Islamic States territorial caliphate  ended the moment hundreds of ISIS stragglers surrendered their last patch of territory more than two years ago. Rather than admitting success and removing the troops, however, U.S. officials refused to take success for an answer and chose to hand the U.S. military an altogether different mission-set that is as discombobulated as it is disconnected to direct U.S. national security interests: help create a perfect Iraqi army; hold Syrias eastern oil fields so the Syrian government cant get hold of them; ensure every last Iranian boot leaves Iraqi and Syrian soil; and help the Iraqis and the Syrian Kurds kill every last ISIS fighter on the planet. If these goals arent the definition of expansive and unattainable goals, I dont know what is.

Its well past time for U.S. officials to start asking what many Americans have already asked: What exactly is the purpose of the U.S. troop presence in Iraq and Syria? What are U.S. troops truly being asked to risk their lives for? What is the U.S. objective? Is this objective even realistic, or is it meant to rationalize a de facto permanent U.S. force posture in two nations that will remain unstable and violent for a long time to come? Do the risks outweigh the rewards? And are there any rewards to begin with?

Right now, U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria are, in practical terms, sitting ducks. If the Biden administration is deeply serious about ending forever wars and extricating U.S. troops from the Middle East, then it needs to go beyond an unsustainable, downright dangerous status quo that is becoming more unjustifiable with each passing day.

Every argument Biden cited to conclude Washingtons 20-year war in Afghanistan also applies to U.S. operations in Iraq and Syria. There is no reason for Americans in uniform to be stationed in either country  particularly when the risks include being sucked further into a region the U.S. should take pains to get out of.

Daniel R. DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist at Newsweek.
Police walk among protesters during a protest against the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise near the police station of Petion Ville in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Joseph Odelyn/AP)

MIAMI  The last time Haiti was thrust into turmoil by assassination was 1915, when an angry group of rebels raided the French Embassy and beat to death President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam, ushering in weeks of chaos that triggered a nearly two-decade U.S. military intervention.

With the era of gunboat diplomacy long over, the U.S. is unlikely to deploy troops in the aftermath of the brazen slaying Wednesday of President Jovenel Moise in an overnight raid at his home.

But the Biden administration may nonetheless find itself dragged into the country's increasingly violent political conflict, one that has been building  if largely ignored by Washington  for months and which is now expected to deepen further, with the immediate path forward blurred by intrigue.

"This will get the U.S.' full attention and that's already a big deal," said Amy Wilentz, the author of multiple books on Haiti. "Up until now, no matter who went to the Americans about Haitian governance and its problems under Moise, they weren't interested in interfering in any way except to support him."

Moise was a little-known banana exporter until former President Michel Martelly, barred by the constitution from seeking reelection, tapped him to run as his heir in 2015 elections marred by allegations of fraud.

Seen by many as a stand-in for Martelly's eventual comeback, he had been ruling by decree for more than a year after repeatedly postponing elections in a bitter standoff with opponents while desperate Haitians suffered at the mercy of violent gangs whose power has proliferated in recent years.

He nonetheless appeared to be on his way out, having set Sept. 26 to hold elections for president and parliament. The electoral timetable was backed by the Biden administration, though it rejected plans to hold a constitutional referendum currently scheduled for the same day  that has been opposed by critics who say any vote organized by the government will be fundamentally flawed and lack credibility.

The Biden administration gave no indication of its next policy moves in the aftermath of Moise's murder other than to say it will support an investigation to determine who was behind the slaying. So far, there are few clues.

But Moise's allies say the president's recent decision to go after Haitian "oligarchs" who grew rich on state contracts in the electricity and other sectors earned him enemies who have the means to carry out such a well-organized attack, one that authorities say involved Spanish and English-speaking mercenaries posing as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

Late Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph, a protege of Moise, to offer his condolences.

"It is still the view of the United States that elections this year should proceed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

The U.S. has influenced political events in Haiti throughout its history  deploying troops, funding development projects and boosting would-be leaders.

Its intervention following Sam's assassination in 1915 kicked off a ruinous, nearly two-decade U.S. occupation that saw the introduction of Jim Crow racial segregation laws in what was the first country in the world to ban slavery. The U.S. stood by anti-communist ally Francois Duvalier during his reign of terror during the Cold War. And Bill Clinton brokered a deal to restore President Jean-Bertrand Aristide following his removal in a 1994 coup.

In addition, members of the Haitian diaspora concentrated in the U.S. send home more than $3 billion in remittances yearly, or around a third of the nation's gross domestic product.

But despite $13 billion in international aid spent on state-building since the devastating 2010 earthquake, the country's democracy remains fragile, corruption rampant and inequality that has left millions struggling to eat is growing worse.

"The United States, for reasons that elude me, does not see that," said Monique Clesca, a Haitian writer and retired United Nations official from her home in the hills above the capital, not far from where the president was killed. "It's to the point that  I think I tweeted yesterday  is it because we are Black?"

To underscore her criticism of the U.S.' frequent neglect, Clesca referred to a shooting rampage just last week in Haiti's capital that was met with silence by Haiti's international partners. Fifteen people, including a journalist and a well-known political activist, were among the dead.

"I didn't hear Joe Biden. I didn't hear Boris Johnson," she said. "Where were they?"

Biden said he was shocked and saddened by Moise's murder, condemning it as "heinous" act. But in a long Senate career focused on foreign policy, he showed little interest in getting bogged in Haiti's quagmire politics, taking distance from fellow Democrat Clinton's threats of an invasion to restore Aristide.

"If Haiti, a God-awful thing to say, if Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldn't matter a whole lot in terms of our interest," he said in a 1994 interview with then PBS host Charlie Rose.

Wilentz said that absent a migration crisis, the Biden White House is likely to limit any involvement.

The Haiti turmoil comes as the US is withdrawing from Afghanistan and it would be hard if not impossible to get support for fresh US troops anywhere in the world right now, especially in a place like Haiti where there's little expectation that U.S. engagement would lead to political stability.

Still, Wilentz said U.S. officials should keep an eye on Joseph to see if he has the wherewithal and interest in organizing a democratic transition that brings stability to average Haitians.

"If not, they should be pushing him pretty hard to name an interim government and get out of the way," she said.

Her biggest fear, besides Martelly or another strongman stepping in to fill the void, is that the U.S. officials once again lose interest.

"The problem," she said, "is you can't do it with the Americans and you can't do it without them."

___

AP Writers Matt Lee in Washington and Trenton Daniel in New York contributed to this report.
A Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jet fighter pilot prepares for take off at the Siauliai air force base in Lithuania on Thursday, July 8, 2021. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were meeting at the air base Thursday when fighter jets were launched following an alert of two unidentified aircraft flying over the Baltics. (Mindaugas Kulbis/AP)

HELSINKI, Finland  A news conference at a NATO air base in Lithuania featuring Lithuania's president and Spain's prime minister got abruptly cut off Thursday when the pair of Spanish fighter jets serving as the leaders' backdrop were scrambled to monitor errant military aircraft in the skies above the Baltics.

The Spanish government said an unidentified plane prompted the alert and briefly interrupted remarks by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Spanish media reported that the plane was Russian, but the government's statement didn't specify.

A NATO official who spoke on customary condition of anonymity told The Associated Press later Thursday that Spain's jets took off "to identify two aircraft flying into the Baltic Sea area." The planes were two Russian Su-24 combat jets heading northeast, the official said.

"Those two Russian jets did not file a flight plan, did not have their flight transponder on, or talk to traffic controllers," the official said.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the two Su-24 bombers flew a regular training mission over neutral waters of the Baltic on Thursday. "The flight was performed in strict accordance with international rules of using airspace and without violation of any country's borders," the ministry said in a statement.

Amid Russia-West tensions, both Russia and NATO have regularly scrambled fighter jets to identify and shadow the other party's aircraft.

Nauseda and Sanchez were speaking with two Spanish air force Eurofighter Typhoons behind them at the base in the town of Siauliai when security officials suddenly interrupted the leaders as crews scrambled to get on the fighter jets, live footage from the press conference showed.

"Our press conference was interrupted by a real call....You see, everything works great. I can confirm that the fighter jets took off in less than 15 minutes" of receiving the alarm, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT quoted Nauseda as saying after the incident. "Thanks to Pedro (Sanchez), we have really seen how our air policing mission works."

Sanchez told reporters when the news conference resumed: "We have seen a real case of what usually happens that precisely justifies the presence of Spanish troops with the seven Eurofighters in Lithuania."

The three Baltic nations  Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  joined NATO in 2004 and have no fighter jets of their own. NATO has the responsibility of policing their airspace on a rotational four-month basis from the base in Siualiai and in Amari, Estonia.

Aircraft that member nations assign to NATO missions are on standby around the clock every day of the year. They were scrambled about 400 times in Europe last year, mostly in response to movements by Russian warplanes.

"This demonstrates once again the importance of NATO's air policing mission, which has been running for 60 years to keep our skies safe. It also shows the skills of our pilots and the close coordination among NATO allies," NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas confirmed that an alarm signal was triggered at the base in his country and posted a video on Facebook of one of the departing Spanish fighters.

Sanchez is on the final day of a three-day trip to the Baltic region and earlier met with officials in Estonia and Latvia.



Cook reported from Brussels. Aritz Parra in Madrid and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.
Kosovo lawmakers vote for the Draft Resolution on Srebrenica during the parliament session in Pristina, Kosovo on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (Visar Kryeziu/AP)

PRISTINA, Kosovo  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 Kosovos 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 parliaments official condemnation of the genocide needs to be undisputable so that it wont happen again.

Kosovos 1998-1999 war followed Bosnias 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.
Journalists watch a broadcast feed of the start of the meeting between Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, second right, and U.S. President Joe Biden, second left, Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, right, and Antony Blinken, U.S. secretary of state, left, in Geneva on June 16, 2021. (Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg)

President Joe Biden said he gave his Russian counterpart a tough message on the need to stop cyberattacks when they met in Geneva last month. Vladimir Putin said he couldn't agree more.

But less than a month later, hackers from Russian military intelligence were breaching the computers of the U.S. Republican National Committee, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday.

The Kremlin denied involvement in the latest attack, as it has in all previous ones, but that did nothing to relieve the pressure on Biden from critics of his efforts to repair relations with Russia.

For Moscow, cyber weapons are just one of the tools used in the increasingly fierce standoff with the U.S., and warm words at a presidential summit aren't enough to change that, according to former officials and analysts.

Just last week, Putin signed off on a new National Security Strategy that called for the use of such "asymmetric" tactics in response to "unfriendly actions" of other nations. A Russian law passed earlier this year formally categorizes the U.S. as unfriendly.

"Hacker attacks are the simplest tool for Moscow to deploy," said Gleb Pavlovsky, who worked as a Kremlin political adviser during Putin's first decade in power until 2011. While sophisticated operations to breach computer security take time to prepare "they could have been ready, just waiting for the go-ahead at the right time," he said.

Russia's U.S. Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said Wednesday that Moscow wasn't involved in hacks against U.S. infrastructure and that cybersecurity issues are likely to be a topic of discussion when U.S. and Russian officials meet as soon as next week for another round of dialogue.

"Don't forget there is a lot of mistrust between the United States and Russia, there are a lot of problems," Antonov said on Bloomberg Television's "Balance of Power" with David Westin. "We are in close contact with various agencies of the United States."

There is "ongoing high-level engagement from our national security officials with the Russian government" about cyber attacks, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Wednesday.

Putin on June 30 accused the U.S. of playing a role in the U.K.'s decision to send the destroyer HMS Defender into Black Sea waters claimed by Russia, triggering threats of military action from Moscow.

"This provocation was full-scale, it was carried out not only by the British but by the Americans too," he said on national television.

The hacking attacks may have been a kind of retaliation, according to Pavlovsky, the former Kremlin aide.

While Russian military capabilities are far below those of the U.S., "in the eyes of the Kremlin and the security hawks who have a big role in geopolitical policy, cyber-instruments are a new weapon in their arsenal," said Tatiana Stanovaya, founder of political consultancy R.Politik.

Moscow hopes to reach a broad truce with Washington, said Sergei Markov, a political consultant to the Kremlin. Still, "Russia is very actively preparing for a cyber-war with the U.S., so that if the U.S. declares such a war on it, Russia can carry out a retaliatory strike."

What Moscow may see as defense or routine intelligence work can be cast as offense in Washington.

"So soon after a summit in which Biden was trying to get the Russians to stop being actively meddlesome and police their own community this will become a political issue," said Mark Galeotti, senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London. "The news is now about malign Russian cyber-activity and this poses a challenge to Biden."
Khairullah Khairkhwa, former western Herat Governor and one of five Taliban released from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay in exchange for U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl, listens during a joint news conference in Moscow, Russia, March 19, 2021. (Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool/AP)

MOSCOW  A delegation of the Taliban visited Moscow on Thursday to offer assurances that their quick gains on the ground in Afghanistan do not threaten Russia or its allies in Central Asia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the Kremlin envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, met with the Taliban delegation to express concern about the escalation and tensions in northern Afghanistan. The ministry said Kabulov urged the Taliban "to prevent them from spreading beyond the country's borders."

"We received assurances from the Taliban that they wouldn't violate the borders of Central Asian countries and also their guarantees of security for foreign diplomatic and consular missions in Afghanistan," the ministry said.

Earlier this week, Taliban advances forced hundreds of Afghan soldiers to flee across the border into Tajikistan, which hosts a Russian military base. Tajikistan in turn called up 20,000 military reservists to strengthen its southern border with Afghanistan.

Russian officials have expressed concern that the Taliban surge could destabilize the ex-Soviet Central Asian nations north of Afghanistan.

In comments carried by the Russian state Tass news agency, Taliban spokesman Mohammad Sohail Shaheen said their delegation came to Moscow to "assure that we won't allow anyone to use the Afghan territory to attack Russia or neighboring countries."

"We have very good relations with Russia," he was quoted by Tass as saying, adding that the insurgents remain committed to a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan.

Moscow, which fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with Soviet troops' withdrawal in 1989, has made a diplomatic comeback as a mediator, reaching out to feuding Afghan factions as it has jockeyed with the U.S. for influence in the country.

It has hosted several rounds of talks on Afghanistan, most recently in March, that involved the Taliban  even though Russia has labeled them a terrorist organization.

Russia this week expressed readiness to support Central Asian nations that are part of the Moscow-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization.

"We will do everything, including using the capacity of the Russian military base on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan, in order to prevent any aggressive moves against our allies," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned Wednesday.
Israelis tour along the Jordan River near the Israeli village of Menahemia on Jan. 17, 2017. (Oded Balilty/AP)

AMMAN, Jordan  Israel's new prime minister met secretly with the Jordanian king last week, an Israeli official confirmed Thursday, as the two countries announced new agreements on water and trade.

The agreements, concluded during a meeting between their foreign ministers, signaled improved relations with Israel's new government following years of strained ties under former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Under the deal, Jordan will purchase an additional 50 million cubic meters of water from Israel and increase its exports to the occupied West Bank from $160 million a year to around $700 million, the two countries announced in official statements.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid  the guiding force behind the new government formed last month  met at the King Hussein Bridge between Jordan and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Thursday.

The deals came in the wake of a secret meeting last week between Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman, the Jordanian capital. Bennett took office last month, ending Netanyahu's 12-year rule.

The Israeli news site Walla, which broke the story, described the meeting as positive and said the two leaders agreed to open a "new page" in relations. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter on the record, confirmed the meeting had taken place.

Jordan said technical teams will iron out the details of the trade deal in the coming days, and that talks on implementing the export ceiling will be held among Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian officials.

Safadi called for renewed efforts to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for Israel to halt "illegal" measures that undermine such efforts.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem that is under Jordanian custodianship. He also said it would be a "war crime" to evict Palestinian families from their homes in east Jerusalem. Both issues fueled tensions that helped ignite an 11-day war in Gaza between Israel and the territory's militant Hamas rulers in May.

Lapid called Jordan an "important neighbor and partner," and said Israel would work to strengthen ties and expand economic cooperation. He had highlighted the importance of mending fences with Jordan when he took office last month.

Gidon Bromberg, the Israeli director of EcoPeace Middle East, a Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli environmentalist group, said the deal marks a "dramatic increase" in water exports from Israel, which he said had not exported more than 10 million cubic meters per year until now.

He said Jordan still faces a water deficit of 500 million cubic meters a year and would have to import considerably more to ensure a continuous supply for all its needs. Jordan is one of the driest countries on earth and its water shortages are expected to worsen with climate change.

Israel and Jordan made peace in 1994 and maintain close security ties, but relations have been strained in recent years over tensions at Al-Aqsa, Israel's expansion of Jewish settlements in war-won lands and the lack of any progress in the long-moribund peace process.

Both Jordan and the Palestinians were adamantly opposed to the Trump administration's Mideast plan, which would have allowed Israel to annex up to a third of the occupied West Bank. Israel captured east Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war, territories the Palestinians want as part of their future state.

Abdullah is set to visit the White House later this month. The Biden administration has called on all sides to take steps that could help lay the groundwork for a resumption of possible peace talks. Israel and the Palestinians have not held substantive peace talks in more than a decade.

___

Associated Press writers Ilan Ben Zion and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on infrastructure spending at McHenry County College, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Crystal Lake, Ill. (Evan Vucci/AP)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Thursday announced the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will end by Aug. 31 and his administration will start to move thousands of Afghan translators to several other countries as they await visa approval to enter the United States.

Our message to those women and men is clear. There is a home for you in the United States.  We will stand with you, just as you stood with us, Biden said.

Biden made the announcements during a speech that largely offered a defense of his decision in April to withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan and end Americas longest war. At that time, Biden set the withdrawal deadline for Sept. 11.

As I said in April, the United States did what we went to do in Afghanistan: to get to terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 and deliver justice to Osama bin Laden. And to degrade the terrorist threat to keep Afghanistan from becoming a base from which attacks could be continued against the United States. We achieved those objectives. Thats why we went. We did not go to Afghanistan to nation-build, Biden said.

As part of the drawdown, Biden in late June committed to evacuate many Afghans who assisted U.S personnel for nearly 20 years as interpreters, lawyers, teachers and other contract jobs. His decision came after weeks of mounting pressure from lawmakers and advocates to do so. At the time, he did not offer details on where they would be relocated and in what time frame.

Biden said Thursday that his administration has approved 2,500 Special Immigrant Visa applications this year that offer safe passage to the U.S. for these Afghan partners. A point person in the White House and a State Department-led task force are coordinating these efforts, he said.

He also said the administration has already dramatically accelerated the processing time for visa applicants to reach the U.S. safely. In concert with Congress, the Biden administration is also reviewing different ways to boost the number of slots available. This is typically done through the National Defense Authorization Act, which annually sets policy and funding for the Defense Department. But that could take until December to become law.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters earlier Thursday that for security reasons, the administration would not announce which countries and possible U.S. territories will temporarily host these U.S. allies as they await for their visa applications to be approved.

However, Psaki confirmed the U.S. will start to conduct flights this month for translators to these locations ahead of the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Biden presented his defense of his decision for U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan as news outlets in recent weeks have reported the Taliban has taken control of a growing number of districts throughout the country. His remarks also follow the U.S. announcement last week that American forces have completely vacated Bagram Airfield, which was a focal point for military operations in the country for nearly two decades.

Biden said extending the Afghanistan mission, which began in 2001, beyond 2011 would not change the result, only potentially cost more U.S. casualties.

"How many thousands more Americans, daughters and sons are you willing to risk?... I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome, he said.

However, critics of the move have warned that Afghanistan again could become a safe haven for terrorists once U.S. forces leave, and the Taliban could eventually return to power in the country.

Gen. Scott Miller, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, recently said in an interview with ABC news that a civil war could erupt following the U.S. departure. He also voiced concern over reports of Taliban fighters taking over dozens of Afghan districts throughout the country.

But Biden on Thursday remained steadfast that Afghanistan will not collapse. Afghanistan's 300,000 trained troops have the capacity to prevent about 75,000 Taliban soldiers from overthrowing the government, he said.

Biden, who met two weeks ago with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and High Council for National Reconciliation Chairman Abdullah Abdullah, said he stressed Afghan leaders must display unity to drive toward a future that the Afghan people want and they deserve.

He also said he told Ghani that the U.S. diplomatic presence in Afghanistan will endure and the U.S. will provide civilian and humanitarian assistance, including to protect the rights of women and girls.

When Biden announced the departure from Afghanistan in April, he said about 650 troops will remain to protect the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, while others might be deployed to protect the capitals airport alongside Turkish troops.

The only way to achieve peace and security in Afghanistan is for the government to reach an agreement to co-exist peacefully with the Taliban, and they make a judgment as to how they can make peace, Biden said.

Though Biden said Thursday that he does not trust the Taliban, its leaders plan to present a written peace proposal to the Afghan government as soon as next month, Reuters reported this week.

Those negotiations also will not alter the Pentagon plan to support the Afghan military after U.S. troops leave the country from a distance by employing over-the-horizon capabilities. But it remains unclear what those capabilities are.

Chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters Thursday that the Defense Department is working with the State Department on how to conduct counterterrorism efforts from elsewhere in the region without troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

Kirby said the U.S. will maintain an aircraft carrier strike group in the region, along with other military facilities located throughout the Middle East. Contractors are also still providing support to the Afghans and the Afghan air force, he said.

We continue to explore additional over-the-horizon capabilities with neighboring nations, Kirby said. I do want to make sure that it's very clear to the American people that we already have in place robust, capable, over-the-horizon capability to continue to get at the terrorist threats that are affecting the homeland.

Kirby also confirmed Thursday that the Taliban has taken dozens of district centers in Afghanistan and they intend to target provincial centers.

Biden said the U.S. will continue to provide funding and equipment to Afghan National Defense and Security Forces and "ensure they have the capacity to maintain their air force."

He said the over-the-horizon counterterrorism capabilities will "allow us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on any direct threats to the United States in the region, and act quickly and decisively if needed."
The statue of Confederate Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith is shown in the U.S. Capitol (Architect of the Capitol)

(Tribune News Service)  When the Civil War ended, Confederate Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith, the first native Floridian appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the last Southern general to give up the fight, fled his fractured homeland for Mexico, fearing he was marked as a man wanted for treason.

Who wants him now?

After Lake County commissioners voted, 4-1, a year ago against bringing the generals 2,762-pound bronze statue to their historical museum once its evicted from the U.S. Capitol, no other county asked permission to take in Smiths uniformed military figure, said Mark Ard, Florida Department of State spokesman.

In an email to the Orlando Sentinel this week, Ard said the 98-year-old figure will be relocated and transported to the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee and we anticipate loaning the statue to another museum in the future to be made available for public display in Florida.

The general, born in St. Augustine to a slave-owning family, will soon be replaced by a sculpted figure of Black educator, stateswoman and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune in the Capitols National Statuary Hall, where each state is represented by statues of two prominent citizens.

Floridas other figure is Dr. John Gorrie, dubbed the father of air conditioning, though his room-cooling idea never got hot in his lifetime.

Save Southern Heritages David McCallister, an advocate for keeping Confederate monuments in public places, doesnt want Smith moved.

I think this is all part of the cancel-culture movement, he said in a phone interview about booting the general out for Bethune.

There is no compromising, McCallister said when asked if there would be a suitable new home for Smiths statue. This man was a U.S. veteran, a nationally prominent hero, the most highly ranked military Floridian ever and he needs to be in Washington, D.C., where hes been. End of story.

Bob Grenier, former curator of the Lake County Historical Museum, likened the generals statue to King Tut when state authorities chose Lakes proposal in 2018 to display the Jim Crow-era relic in a military wing of the small museum on the ground floor of its historic courthouse in Tavares.

Grenier said then he didnt see any issue with bringing the statue to the county where notoriously racist Sheriff Willis McCall loomed large from 1945 to 1972 and emerged as a central villainous figure in the racially unjust Groveland Four case. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned convictions in the trial of the young Black men accused of kidnapping a 17-year-old white housewife from a rural roadside in 1949 and raping her.

In 2019, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his cabinet pardoned the four  all now dead  but their descendants want them to be exonerated.

Lake commissioners informed state authorities last July the courthouse was not an appropriate location for this particular artifact. In a letter to the governor, the board also noted the division and strife created in our community over the decision to place the Smith statue in this particular location.

The committee authorized to pick the statues future home wanted the new host to have a publicly accessible site and to be financially capable of paying to transport and install the figure. They promised to give preference to proposals that convey the locations historical significance to the subject matter, namely General Smith himself and the statues sculptor C. Adrian Pillars.

Pillars also sculpted the figure of Gorrie.

Thomas Graham, professor emeritus of history at Flagler College, told the selection committee in 2018 that St. Augustine had the best connections: both the general and Pillars had at one time lived in the historic coastal city while neither Smith nor Pillars had any obvious link to Lake.

But St. Augustine is an unlikely landing spot, Graham said this week.

Last September, after debate and protest, the city removed its 150-year-old Confederate Memorial Obelisk from Plaza de la Constitucion in the center of town and relocated the 100,000-pound reverential monument listing names of local men who served the Southern cause to Trout Creek Fish Camp.

Calls to move the monument followed local and national protests over the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd, a Black man killed by a white Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on Floyds neck and back for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. Floyds death also fueled protests in Lake over Smiths statue.

Though Smiths boyhood home  the house in which he was born  is operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society, the property already has a statue of the military leader but he is depicted in a professorial robe, an homage to his later years as a mathematician at the University of the South.

Titled Sons of St. Augustine, the statue was sculpted by Maria Kirby Smith, the generals great-granddaughter, and depicts an imagined meeting between Smith the professor and his former slave, Alexander Darnes, the first Black physician in Jacksonville and the second in the state.

Putting another Kirby Smith statue in their courtyard might complicate things a little bit, Graham said. It would be simpler just to keep the statue theyve already got there. Hes not in his Confederate uniform and is not in any way triumphal so that statue has never aroused any opposition whatsoever.

Wherever it goes, the statue should be accompanied by an interpretive statement, which places the figure in historical context, Graham said.

The state of Florida picked Kirby Smith as one of its representatives at the height of Lost Cause triumphalism, the period from 1890 to 1920, when most of these statues around the South were erected, long after the Civil War, he said. It was a time when white supremacy and segregation and racism were in the ascendancy in the South and in fact in the whole country.

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BOISE, Idaho (Tribune News Service)  A group containing former Idaho residents accused of illegally altering and shipping guns across state lines  while also trying to organize a "modern-day SS" over a neo-Nazi message board  now faces additional gun charges.

A grand jury in North Carolina returned a superseding indictment in June against several people, including three former Boise men, Paul Kryscuk, Liam Collins and Jordan Duncan. Justin Hermanson, a North Carolina resident, was charged during the initial round of indictments.

Prosecutors say Collins and Duncan are former Marines who were previously assigned to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. At the time of the alleged crimes, Hermanson was still enlisted in the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune.

A superseding indictment takes the place of a previous indictment in a criminal case and often contains new details of a case and additional charges.

A new name in the case appeared in the indictment: Joseph Maurino, a New Jersey resident and member of the Army National Guard. News of Maurino's indictment was first reported by The Daily Beast.

The indictment outlines multiple instances where the group used personal bank accounts to buy altered guns. Kryscuk allegedly used gun solvent traps to make suppressors, which are heavily regulated in the United States.

Solvent traps are attached to a gun's muzzle and used to capture cleaning solvent. The attachments resemble silencers and can be converted into silencers.

In May 2020, Maurino allegedly offered to sell an "untraceable" Glock handgun to an unknown person for $600. The group allegedly sent modified weapons through the mail from Idaho to other parts of the country.

The superseding indictment indicates that Maurino, Duncan, Kryscuk and an unnamed person met in Boise for live-fire weapons training somewhere outside of the city in July 2020. Duncan drove to Idaho and was seen unloading heavy boxes at Kryscuk's home somewhere in Boise, according to federal officials. At that time Kryscuk was living in Boise and Duncan was living at an Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas.

During the training, prosecutors say, the group made a video while shooting short barrel rifles and assault-style rifles. At the end of the video, the four are seen giving a Heil Hitler sign and are wearing skull masks associated with the Atomwaffen Division, a terrorist neo-Nazi organization that is connected to multiple murders in the United States. The last frame of the video featured the phrase come home white man.

Previous court filings showed the men began organizing over Iron March, a now-defunct neo-Nazi message board online. In 2016, Collins posted on the website to organize a paramilitary group, what he described as a "modern day SS." The SS was a cold-blooded paramilitary group for the Nazi Party. Collins later posted on Iron March that he had recruited members to his group, and that they planned to "buy a lot of land" in the Northwest.

In previous court filings, reported Instagram messages exchanged between Kryscuk and Duncan showed the two discussed shooting protesters at Black Lives Matter rallies in Boise. The two also discussed "the end of democracy." The Instagram messages also revealed that Kryscuk applied and was interviewed for taxpayer-funded jobs in the Boise area with Idaho prisons.

With the superseding indictment, Kryscuk and Collins each face multiple counts of conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship interstate, interstate transportation of firearms without a license, and transportation of a firearm not registered as required.

Hermanson faces two counts each of conspiracy to manufacture firearms and transporting firearms without a license. Duncan was charged via complaint, and he faces two counts of conspiracy to manufacture firearms and ship interstate.

Federal authorities say that Kryscuk was present at a Black Lives Matter rally at the Boise State University campus in July 2020, as well as another rally on Aug. 18, 2020.

Collins, Kryscuk and Duncan are all being held in the custody of a North Carolina jail pending a trial, which has not been scheduled. It was not clear if Hermanson or Maurino were being held in jail as of Wednesday.

(c)2021 The Idaho Statesman (Boise, Idaho)

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(Wikicommons)

Justice
Julian Assange (David G Silvers/Wikimedia Commons)

LONDON  Should he be convicted of espionage in Virginia federal court, the United States has offered that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could serve his sentence in Australia, a British court said Wednesday.

The assurance came as the Justice Department seeks to extradite Assange from London, where he is currently in custody.

A judge in Britain blocked his transfer to the United States in January, ruling that he was at extreme risk of suicide and might not be protected from harming himself in a federal prison.

Now, the United States has been granted an appeal before Britain's High Court, on the grounds that the lower-court judge did not hear assurances of how Assange would be treated in American custody.

According to the High Court, the United States consented to transferring Assange to his native country of Australia to serve any prison sentence. Should he serve time in a U.S. facility, the government pledged that Assange would not be held in total isolation or imprisoned at a "Supermax" facility in Colorado.

No date has been set for the hearing. The United States could also argue that the lower-court judge misapplied extradition law in how she weighed Assange's health.

The 50-year-old Australian publisher and hacktivist remains in London's Belmarsh prison, where he has been held 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 say 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 Chelsea Manning, who as an Army soldier exposed classified information through WikiLeaks in 2010.

Thordarson in the article also does not deny involvement in the 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 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 and had sought absolution from a priest, and that a razor blade was found hidden in his cell.

She said that if Assange were convicted of espionage, he could be sent to a federal supermax prison, the Administrative Maximum Facility 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 that the appeal process was not over and Assange "still has an incentive to abscond."

Nick Vamos, a former head of extraditions for the Crown Prosecution Service and 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 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.
South Dakota National Guard Soldiers from the 153rd Engineer Battalion of Huron greet Gov. Kristi Noem at Barnes Canyon Camp during Golden Coyote training exercise in Custer State Park, S.D., June 14, 2019. Noem announced Tuesday, June 29, 2021, that she will join a growing list of Republican governors sending law enforcement officers to the U.S. border with Mexico. (Breanne Donnell/Army National Guard)

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.  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.

Noem faced backlash last week after using a $1 million donation from a billionaire GOP donor to send up to 50 troops to Texas, though she has defended the move as a way to defray the cost to taxpayers. The latest National Guard deployment will be paid for with federal funds.

"I am hopeful that this mission indicates the Biden Administration is waking up to the devastating situation at the border," Noem said in a statement.

Republicans have harped on President Joe Biden as illegal border crossings have increased this year. But both Abbott's state-backed border security push, as well as Noem's ploy to send troops funded by a donation from a private foundation, have been criticized as political theater.

The National Guard troops and law enforcement officers sent by Republican governors to answer Abbott's request for help will likely be dwarfed by the federal force amassing at the border. About 3,000 Guard members from several states are involved in the federal mission.

The governor's office said the National Guard members will provide non-law enforcement support to U.S. customs agents, but did not provide further information about their duties, citing security.
Purdue Pharma headquarters stands in Stamford, Conn on Oct. 21, 2020. In an agreement disclosed late Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in a filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y., more than a dozen states have dropped their objections to OxyContin maker Purdue Pharmas reorganization plan, edging the company closer to resolving its bankruptcy case. (Mark Lennihan/AP)

More than a dozen states have dropped their longstanding objections to OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma's reorganization plan, edging the company closer to resolving its bankruptcy case and transforming itself into a new entity that helps combat the U.S. opioid epidemic through its own profits.

The agreement from multiple state attorneys general, including those who had most aggressively opposed Purdue's original settlement proposal, was disclosed late Wednesday night in a filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y. It followed weeks of intense mediations that resulted in changes to Purdue's original exit plan.

The new settlement terms call for Purdue to make tens of millions of internal documents public, a step several attorneys general, including those for Massachusetts and New York, had demanded as a way to hold the company accountable.

Attorneys general for both states were among the 15 who agreed to the new plan, joining about half the states that had previously approved it. Nine states and the District of Columbia did not sign on.

Purdue sought bankruptcy protection in 2019 as a way to settle about 3,000 lawsuits it faced from state and local governments and other entities. They claimed the company's continued marketing of its powerful prescription painkiller contributed to a crisis that has been linked to nearly 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the last two decades.

The court filing came from a mediator appointed by the bankruptcy court and shows that members of the wealthy Sackler family who own Purdue agreed to increase their cash contribution to the settlement by $50 million. They also will allow $175 million held in Sackler family charities to go toward abating the crisis.

In all, Sackler family members are contributing $4.5 billion in cash toward the settlement.

In addition, the agreement prohibits the Sackler family from obtaining naming rights related to their charitable donations until they have paid all the money owed under the settlement and have given up all business interests related to the manufacturing or sale of opioids.

Attempts late Wednesday and early Thursday to reach representatives of the Sacklers, Purdue and attorneys general were unsuccessful.

Purdue's plan also calls for members of the Sackler family to give up ownership of the Connecticut-based company as part of a sweeping deal it says could be worth $10 billion over time. That includes the value of overdose-reversal drugs the company is planning to produce.

Money from the deal is to go to government entities, which have agreed to use it to address the opioid crisis, along with individual victims and their families.

The broad outlines of the plan are similar to what they were nearly two years ago when Purdue first sought bankruptcy protection.

Most groups representing various creditors, including victims and local governments, had grudgingly supported the plan. But state attorneys general until now were deeply divided, with about half of them supporting the plan and half fighting against it.

The attorneys general who had opposed the plan said they didn't like the idea of having to rely on profits from the continued sale of prescription painkillers to combat the opioid epidemic. They also said the deal didn't do enough to hold Sackler family members accountable or to make public documents that could help explain the company's role in the crisis.

Last month, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who was the first to sue Sackler family members along with Purdue, told The Associated Press, "The Sacklers are not offering to pay anything near what they should for the harm and devastation caused to families and communities around this country."

The support from additional states comes less than two weeks before the deadline to object formally to Purdue's reorganization plan and about a month before a hearing on whether it should be accepted.

With just nine states and the District of Columbia remaining opposed to the plan, it makes it more likely the federal bankruptcy judge will confirm the deal.

Activists also dislike it, and two Democratic members of Congress have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to oppose it. Reps. Carolyn Maloney of New York and Mark DeSaulnier of California said the deal would wrongly grant protection from civil lawsuits to members of the Sackler family. The Justice Department has not weighed in.

Last year, the company pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges that included conspiracy to defraud the United States and violating anti-kickback laws. Under the deal, the company agreed to pay $225 million to the federal government. Penalties of more than $8 billion were to be waived if the company enters into a bankruptcy settlement that works to fight the opioid crisis.

In a separate civil settlement announced at the same time, Sackler family members agreed to pay the federal government $225 million, while admitting no wrongdoing.

The opioid crisis includes overdoses involving prescription drugs as well as illegal ones such as heroin and fentanyl. Purdue's bankruptcy case is the highest-profile piece of complicated nationwide litigation against drugmakers, distribution companies and pharmacies.

Trials against other companies in the industry are playing out in California, New York and West Virginia, and negotiations are continuing to settle many of the claims.
Pennsylvania State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, speaks in Harrisburg, Pa., on Nov. 7, 2020. (Julio Cortez/AP)

HARRISBURG, Pa.  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 Julys 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. Arizonas 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 states 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 Bidens 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 Mays 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 Arizonas 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 Mastrianos is not one of those.

Mastrianos letter, Perez said, shows a lack of experienced professionalism in post-election audits and doesnt 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 Bidens 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.
The Alabama Veterans Museum began talks of growing its space six years ago and initially anticipated adding onto the existing facility, shown, a reconverted L&N freight depot which is a century old. (Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives Facebook)

ATHENS, Ala. (Tribune News Service)  The military medals Army veteran Jim Ripley viewed recently at the relocated and expanded Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives held special meaning to him. They were his own.

Ripley was one of many who donated memorabilia to the museum, which veterans say is unique in that it focuses more on individual soldiers than on U.S. wars at large.

"I'm proud of this museum," said Ripley, of Harvest. "The people who worked the hardest to make this happen were people who were ... with people in the military, dependents and family members that really pushed to make this happen. It's amazing what they do for the veterans around here, making sure that people come in and see the equipment we used."

Photos of Ripley on horseback and on an all-terrain vehicle in the Middle East as well as his Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star Medal are just a few of the items in the Alabama Veterans Museum's larger collection at its new facility, which opened its doors to 550 attendees July 1 following a ribbon cutting from Gov. Kay Ivey.

"This is a very patriotic community," said Jerry Crabtree, president of the museum's board of directors.

Retired Army Lt. Col. James Walker also contributed to the museum's collection for the new space  gifting his treasured uniform, now on display clothing a mannequin  and said he was pleased to see the final product of the expansion.

"It is an amazing upgrade," said Walker, who was a JROTC instructor at Austin High School for 23 years before retiring. "This represents Alabama well, and in fact to be truthful it represents the nation well. It's a hallowed ground, a place where we can celebrate our heroes."

Crabtree said the Alabama Veterans Museum began talks of growing its space six years ago and initially anticipated adding onto the existing facility, a reconverted L&N freight depot which is a century old. It was later that the Limestone County Commission allowed the board of directors to take over the Limestone County Event Center as a new location.

"After speaking with them a couple times and talking back and forth, the Limestone County Commission 100% voted to deed us this building," Crabtree said.

Jim Watson, 78, has served as a tour guide for the museum since its original opening at its first location and said he hopes the move will allow the museum to educate visitors for years to come in a better constructed building with more storage space.

"The main thing that has really helped is more room," Watson said. "The other building had 12-by-8-foot rafters that ... were holding up the ceiling. We had so much stuff upstairs ... and no place to put it."

Kent Davis, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and an Army and Navy veteran, was present at the opening ceremony. He said he hopes the museum will be not just a tourism stop but a destination for visitors to Athens because of improvements in the new facility.

"It's important to have a museum like this and talk about the sacrifices that some of these folks made, some of them with their lives," Davis said. "I know (the original location) was getting a little cramped so this is nice that they've got more space, they can spread out a little bit and they can actually expand. It's a great example of so many groups coming together to make this happen."

Ripley said the museum has come a long way from its initial opening in 2000 and expressed optimism about future opportunities for growth because of the museum's increase to 8,000 square feet of display space.

"(My wife's) cousins were big on helping build the (original) museum," Ripley recalled. "We were still in the Army, and we came down to visit with them, and they were trying to chase pigeons out of the rafters to get this thing started."

One thing that didn't make the move from the original location, Watson said, were murals painted by local artist Karen Middleton in the restrooms that couldn't be removed as this would have jeopardized the integrity of the building. Museum director Sandy Thompson said Middleton has shown interest in painting new murals in the museum's second location.

Given the facility's previous use as an event space, Crabtree said the Alabama Veterans Museum is hoping to make use of the new building for Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies as well as for other military-focused activities.

"We had 400 here for our Memorial Day program," he said. "Any good museums have a place for people to come together. That brings people into a museum."

One feature of the renovated facility is a large glass wall with a sliding garage-style door separating the display space from an event room, which Crabtree said is by design.

"We put windows in that on purpose because if you come here on Saturday night for a social event, the museum is locked down, but you can still see over into it," he said. "We're hoping that will make people think, 'Hey, I'll come see this next week when it opens.'"

The new location will also feature a virtual reality experience placing museum guests on the battlefield, which Crabtree hopes will capture the interest of younger guests.

Crabtree, an Alabama National Guard veteran who served from 1971-74, said the response to the upgraded museum has been one of "shock and awe."

"We exhibit what the soldier wore on his back in battle, the letters he got from home or wrote to home," he said. "People can relate to that and ... it brings back memories."

(c)2021 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.)

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(Facebook)

WASHINGTON  The Black Veterans Project filed a federal lawsuit this week against the Department of Veterans Affairs, claiming the agency did not hand over records that the group believes will reveal systemic racial discrimination.

The Black Veterans Project is a nonpartisan organization that aims to shift racial, economic and social inequalities that Black veterans face in the United States. The group filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act in February, seeking records of racial discrimination complaints and information on racial disparities across the benefits system, the group said.

The VA turned over some information but failed to be fully forthcoming in producing the requested data, the lawsuit alleges. The Black Veterans Project filed the lawsuit along with the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress, a veterans organization based in Connecticut that works to secure benefits. Theyre being represented in court by the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at Yale Law School.

VAs delayed and incomplete responses to our clients requests frustrate the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act, which is to ensure that the public can know what our government is up to, said Melanie McGruder, a law student working at the Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

In response to questions about the lawsuit, VA spokeswoman Gina Jackson said Thursday, VA does not comment on pending litigation.

The Black Veterans Project asked the VA for data showing the approvals and denials for disability benefits going back to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They wanted the data broken down by race and gender. The group also sought discrimination complaints, as well as anti-discrimination policies and training for VA employees.

The lawsuit claims that the VA has not conducted adequate searches for records and didnt respond to some of the requests.

We must have complete and honest accounting of the discrimination that has taken place so that it can be fully addressed, now and moving forward, said Conley Monk, director of the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress.

Richard Brookshire, executive director of the Black Veterans Project, argued that Black veterans get approved for benefits at lower rates than for veterans overall. He claimed it amounted to obstruction and anti-Black racism and discrimination by the VA.

Generations of Black veterans have been denied benefits owed to them and their families for their service and sacrifice to our nation, Brookshire said. Acquiring this data is but a starting point for a public reckoning around racial inequity and the injustices faced by Black veterans across the United States.
Ralph C. Battles (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency)

BOAZ, Ala. (Tribune News Service)  Nearly 80 years after perishing at Pearl Harbor, the remains of an Alabama sailor are returning home to be buried.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Fireman 2nd Class Ralph C. Battles, 25, of Boaz, was accounted for on Feb. 12 following testing.

He is scheduled to be buried in Boaz on Aug. 28.

Battles was one of the more than 2,000 Americans killed in the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941.

On that day, Battles was assigned to the battleship U.S.S. Oklahoma, moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. As Japanese aircraft attacked, the Oklahoma sank in the first 10 minutes after multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. It is not known where Battles was on board the ship, which saw 429 crewmen die.

Following the battle, through June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the crew, which were then interred in the Halawa and Nuuanu Cemeteries in Hawaii.

In September 1947, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks for possible identification. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identity of 35 men from the Oklahoma at that time.

The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. A military board in 1949 classified those who could not be identified, which included Battles, as non-recoverable.

Then, in 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the unknown remains of U.S.S. Oklahoma sailors for analysis. To identify Battles remains, scientists used anthropological analysis, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis.

Battles name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Punchbowl. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

In 2018, the remains of a sailor from Athens who died at Pearl Harbor on the Oklahoma were also accounted for.

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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Henry Parham (Archive: U.S. Secretary of Defense Facebook)

(Tribune News Service)  Before 2009, the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, Henry Parham got little recognition for his role as an African American soldier in a segregated Army during one of the most important  and bloodiest  battles of World War II.

When writers and historians figured out that the Wilkinsburg man was likely the last surviving African American combat veteran of D-Day, as his wife, Ethel Parham, puts it, "All hell broke loose."

"We were just plain, simple people; we weren't looking for awards and all that stuff. Then all of a sudden, people got interested when they heard his story," said Ethel Parham, his very sprightly wife of 47 years. "Every Tom, Dick and Harry called here and wanted an interview, interview, interview. Before that, nobody really bothered. But after the 65th anniversary, people's eyes were really opened."

A veteran of the 320th Anti-Aircraft Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-Black unit to land on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, Parham died Sunday of bladder cancer. He was 99.

His loss marks the end of an era.

The son of a sharecropper in Emporia, Greensville County, Va., Parham was raised primarily by an aunt while his mother worked out of the home and his father spent his days in the fields, growing everything from corn and cotton to peanuts and soybeans.

Parham's education was typical of that era in the Jim Crow South, his wife said.

"In Virginia in 1921, if you were Black, you went to a one-room schoolhouse, where the teacher taught all ages, all day long," Ethel Parham said. "The highest education they had in Emporia, Va., was 7th grade for Black folks."

At 17, Parham moved to Richmond, Va., where he found work as a porter for National Trailways bus lines.

He was drafted into a segregated U.S. Army at 21 and trained at Camp Tyson, Tenn., with the 320th, before shipping out to England in 1943 for additional training in anticipation of the Allied invasion of Northern France.

D-Day was his first combat experience.

Parham's unit landed at Omaha Beach  by far the deadliest landing spot on D-Day among the five beaches used for the invasion  at 2 p.m., as part of the third wave.

His unit was spared the massive casualties that were encountered by the first wave of infantry, Parham said in an August 2012 interview for the Veterans Breakfast Club.

Parham shared vivid memories of seeing comrades drown and Nazi air bombardments above him as he and his unit waded ashore, while landmines and other obstacles planted by the Germans forced the soldiers out of their boats and into the surf.

"We landed in water up to our necks," Parham said, recalling a shorter man in his unit who had to be carried onto the beach because the water was over his head and he couldn't swim. "Once we got there, we were walking over dead Germans and Americans on the beach, it was so heavily mined. While we were walking from the boat to the beach, bullets were falling all around us."

His unit dug foxholes on the beach during the day and used the cover of darkness to launch helium-filled barrage balloons over the combat area, forcing German bombers to fly at higher, less effective altitudes.

From the balloons hung steel cables, fitted with small packs of explosive charges, which could  and did, even on that first night of June 6  destroy the wings and propellers of aircraft that became ensnared in the cables.

"We only flew them at night, between dusk and dawn," he said in the VBC interview at the Gettysburg Room in the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Oakland.

Parham's unit spent the next 68 days on Omaha Beach, where they deployed improvised winches to raise and lower the balloon defense system, ensuring that reinforcements and supplies made it through, while preventing German strafing attacks on the beach.

"I was fortunate that I didn't get hit. There was no place to hide," Parham said in a 2013 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story marking his elevation as a "Chevalier"  a recipient of the Legion of Honor by the French government.

The highest military distinction in France, the Legion of Honor was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and in recent years has been awarded to World War II soldiers who participated in one of the four major campaigns in France: Normandy, Provence, Ardennes or Northern France.

"First, my sincere condolences to the Parham family," Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett said. "I am grateful for his legacy of not only military service, but public service that Mr. Parham exemplified in this region and nation. In 2019, I had the honor of recognizing Mr. Parham with a proclamation noting his outstanding service to our country.

"He forever will be a hero."

After Normandy, Parham's unit moved on to Sherburne, France, where it provided defense for Gen. George Patton's 3rd Army.

He returned to the U.S. in November 1944  11 months after landing in England. His unit resumed training, this time for fighting in the South Pacific.

"We were supposed to be in Okinawa, but the boat we were on broke down, and we missed the convoy," Parham told the PG in August 1998 during a local screening of "Saving Private Ryan."

"We missed that battle, and before we could see battle again, V-J Day happened," he said. "I wasn't exactly disappointed about that, though."

When he returned to Virginia, Parham wasn't surprised to find that African Americans were still treated as second-class citizens, despite serving their country and even dying for it.

"I wasn't disappointed because I grew up under those conditions," he said in the Veterans Breakfast Club interview.

Parham got his job as a porter back after the war and came to Pittsburgh in 1949, where he spent 34 years as a heavy equipment operator at the Buncher Co. before his retirement at age 65.

He met fellow southerner Ethel Perry in Pittsburgh in the 1960s while she was working in a restaurant and studying to become a certified nursing assistant.

"I was a waitress, and he ate his breakfast and his dinner at the restaurant where I was working," Ethel Parham recalled, her soft Louisiana drawl still detectable.

The couple married in October 1973 and made their home in East Liberty for 27 years before moving to Wilkinsburg 20 years ago.

Ethel Parham began volunteering at the former Veterans Affairs Hospital on Highland Drive in Lincoln-Lemington more than 40 years ago and convinced her husband to join her when he retired.

"We were a husband-and-wife team at the VA on Highland Drive, then after it closed, we continued to volunteer at the Oakland VA," she said. "I've been volunteering longer than him, but who's counting? The only thing that's important is that you bring joy to these patients' bedside. You talk, you make them laugh and forget their troubles."

Parham was a 67-year member of the American Legion Post 577 in Squirrel Hill and also volunteered for many years with the Saint Mary Magdalene Parish in Point Breeze.

Her husband had no regrets, Ethel Parham said.

"He lived a good life. He was well taken care of, and we traveled and had a beautiful life," she said. "I thank God that he lived long enough to get these accolades. He deserved it."

Despite not knowing how to swim, Pfc. Parham wasn't afraid that he would drown that day 77 years ago on the beaches of Normandy, he told CNN in 2019.

"I prayed to the good Lord to save me," he said. "I did my duty  I did what I was supposed to do as an American."

Parham was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Sayles and Timothy Parham.

His public viewing will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Rose Funeral Home, 10940 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills, where the American Legion will conduct a service at 7 p.m.

Funeral services will begin Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a graveside service at Allegheny Cemetery.

(c)2021 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com

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The Knox County Health Department is still vaccinating upwards of 100 people per week, its COVID-19 nurse and vaccine clinic coordinator Betty Lankford reported to members of the local board of health on Wednesday.

The health departments COVID-19 vaccine clinic moved from its temporary, larger site at Community United Methodist Church on Hart Street Road to its own facility on South Fifth Street in late May after the demand for the vaccine began to decrease.

It also joined with the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Good Samaritan.

Initially, the health department said it would look to do different vaccines on different days  and likely phase out Moderna altogether  but the demand for all three, she said, remains.

So every day, were offering Moderna or Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson, whatever people say they want, she told the board.

Were not really doing set (vaccine) days anymore, she added. They come in, well do it.

On average, she said theyre doing about 100 doses of the vaccine per week. Daily totals range anywhere from just a handful to nearly 50.

And they continue to do off-site clinics; some are successful, she said, referencing one recently held at Rivet Middle High School to target migrant workers and their children, while others, like another at a church in Bicknell, are not. At the former, they did more than 20  the latter just one.

County health officer Dr. Alan Stewart said, according to state data, which does seem to lag behind a bit, about 70% of those 70 years of age and over have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

In populations younger than that, the exact number in Indiana is more difficult to pinpoint. Hes estimating, he told the board, that the entire county is about 60% vaccinated at this time.

As a result, the number of reported COVID-19 cases in Knox County continues to decline, and its still marked as blue on the states dashboard.

There have been just three cases reported here so far this month.

The board did, however, hear from local pastor Sandy Ivers and Shawn Vidiella, an Oakland City woman who has launched a social media campaign after she claims to be suffering from adverse side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, which she received back in January as a health care worker.

A video posted months ago of her having tongue spasms has been viewed, so far, more than 11 million times on Facebook.

The tremors, she told the board, have since spread throughout her entire body and were visible as she spoke to members Wednesday.

She has garnered a large social media following in the months since that initial video was posted, and she claims there are thousands more like her.

Shes seen physicians spanning the country, she said, but has struggled to find a diagnosis beyond the tremors being caused by anxiety and stress.

Her story, too, was featured in an article published in January in the Evansville Courier & Press. The newspaper reached out to the CDC, which issued a statement saying most side effects from the vaccine tend to be mild to moderate and go away quickly.

The statement issued to the newspaper also encouraged people to get the vaccine, saying it will prevent people from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.

Ivers, Vincennes, came armed with folders full of articles she said were written by scientists and physicians speaking out against use the COVID-19 vaccine  which was granted emergency authorization by the FDA  but not being featured by the main steam media, and she encouraged all of them to give the documents careful consideration.

She said her research was meant to eliminate fear and bring hope to our community, and told the board they were responsible for the overall health of the community.

Board members listened but did not respond to either Ivers or Vidiellas claims, save but member and Good Samaritan nurse Heidi Hinkle who did ask to clarify a couple of points made along the way, specifically in combatting claims that anyone here was being forced to get the vaccine or not being educated about the relatively unknown risk of side effects.

Ivers said their mission isnt, however, over and that they plan to appear as a group  there were about a dozen in attendance at the health board meeting  before other governing bodies, specifically the county council and county commissioners.

We just ask that you would take this information and begin discussing it, Ivers told the board.

In other business Wednesday, the board discussed briefly the possibility of offering birth certificates at no charge in the event that someone cant pay.

Local physician Caroline Steinman said she recently had a patient who had lost her house and everything in it. She needed a new ID to find housing, but to get a state-issued ID, she needed a new copy of her birth certificate.

And she said she didnt have the $10 to get it from vital records, Steinman said, to which the group collectively shook their heads.

So I think its important for us to have a policy for waiving that fee in the event people cant afford to pay it, she said.

Board members agreed as did Stewart, but he didnt want to place the responsibility with who should pay and who shouldnt with whoever happened to be working the front desk at the health department that day.

Instead, the board discussed a possible policy, and legal counsel Bryan Jewel suggested something similar to that used by the court system. When someone claims not to be able to afford an attorney, they fill out a relatively simple form listing available income and assets.

Its then up to the judge  or in the health departments case, the health officer  to say yay or nay to whether or not that person receives a public defender.

Stewart said he was fine with making the determination one way or another on whether or not the fee is levied, but the board decided to table it and pick back up discussions when it meets again, possibly with a form drafted by Jewel for review.

The board also heard from Stewart that, due to some recent personnel changes, the county no longer has a licensed vector control person  or the employee that oversees and operates the mosquito truck, among other duties.

That person typically only spends about ten hours per week on vector control issues, Stewart said, so a full-time position likely isnt necessary.

Instead, the board will look to likely privatize the service.
Knox County Commission President Trent Hinkle offered an update to his fellow commissioners on Tuesday regarding the countys pending application for a portion of the $500 million in state appropriated READI grant funds.

Hinkle referenced a group of folks that have been meeting now for a couple of months as they look to compete for funds. The group, the members of which Hinkle didnt clearly spelled out, submitted a Letter of Intent just last week to partner with Pike, Spencer, Perry and Harrison counties in the regional endeavor.

We spent the first couple of months trying to decide who was best for the county to partner with, Hinkle told the commissioners, adding that the group has met about 20 times so far.

Its been crazy, he said. A whole lot is going to happen, and there are a lot of moving parts and pieces and individuals and organizations making it happen.

Its a herculean effort, he told his fellow commissioners, but hopefully well be able to put together an application with lots of projects and at least get some money for this county and region that has banned together in this.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, earlier this year, announced the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, which intends to accelerate the states economic growth by making regions across the state magnets for workforce talent.

The idea is for communities to utilize READI grant dollars to make quality of life and place improvements, therefore attracting and retaining workforce talent across a broad range of professions.

For decades, many midwest towns and cities have suffered the economic ramifications of losing potential workforce talents to the lure of larger cities, and Chris Pfaff, president of Knox County Indiana Economic Development and a member of the local group of officials leading the READI effort, called that the states primary motivation behind one of the largest grant programs ever launched in Indiana.

To be eligible for funding, however, cities and counties cannot apply independently. Instead, the state is asking neighboring counties to work in partnership to create programs, projects and initiatives that will meet the specific needs of that particular self-identified region.

Hinkle said a 15-person committee will now spearhead the effort; Knox County, as will the other four, have three appointees each, a representative from a Local Economic Development Organization (or LEDO), like Knox County Indiana Economic Development, as well as a government official and private resident, Hinkle said.

That committee will then have subcommittees within each county to look at individual projects, he further explained.

The regional group will work with a consulting firm  Rundell Ernstberger & Associates of Indianapolis  to create the Regional Development Plan of projects and initiatives, Pfaff said last week, which must be submitted to the states office of economic development by Aug. 31.

State officials will announce the first round of funding in December, with each self-identified region eligible for up to $50 million in READI grant funds.

The Indiana Economic Development Commission does, however, expect regions to match any state dollars received. The $50 million, for example, would represent only 20% of the total investment expected in each region. Local governments would then be expected to match the amount, with the remaining 60% of project funding coming from private investment.
Winston Watusi

Music Plus

Ive been thinking this week about community; a couple of events on July 24 show again that its happening and growing all around us.

First of all though, I must mention an upcoming Bob Dylan concert, which has the Bob fan community positively buzzing. For someone who has played over 100 concerts each year since the 1980s, the past year has been unusually quiet for Uncle Bob, aside from, that is, an album counted as amongst the best of his 60-year career.

Now Dylan is live streaming. Or something like that. Some sort of concert. Its hard to tell. Not exactly a live stream since 30 seconds of the song Watching The River Flow appeared on the Rolling Stone site.

What we know is its some sort of online concert stream, at 9am on Monday, July 19 (in New Zealand). It is being streamed on a service called Veeps, via: bobdylan.veeps.com

It costs US $S25 plus fees and you can watch until 6:59pm on July 21. That is absolutely all I know except that I bought a ticket and the system seems easy to use!

Okay. Back to the real world community as opposed to the online one. The Tauranga Acoustic Music Club (TAMC) is currently celebrating 25 years of existence.

Originally called Tauranga Unplugged Unlimited Folk, the club first met on Wednesday, July 15, 1996 at the Soul Kitchen, upstairs on The Strand, which was its initial home. Amongst the original members were Jacqui Lamont, Robbie Laven, Marion Arts, Steve McCurley, Averil Jarlov, Russ Heyes and Mike Kirk.

Clubbing

Im a big fan of clubs like this, which become little communities in their own right. There are many: The Katikati Folk Club, several country clubs, the Jazz Society, the Film Society - groups following their passions and creating their own individual communities. The TAMC met once a week, alternating jam sessions with blackboard concerts, and they still do that today, 25 years later.

There have been periods when they arranged concerts for touring artists; more recently they have left that to the Katikati club, deciding members most enjoy the social aspects of the club, playing with and listening to each other.

Over the years theyve moved all over, to Flannagans Irish Pub, Fahys Tavern, Bureta Park Motor Inn and various hostelries on The Strand. Currently theyre at the Tauranga RSA in Greerton every Tuesday from 7pm with anybody welcome, from complete beginners to professional musicians or just listeners.

This year, to mark the 25th anniversary, they are presenting a concert at Baycourt X Space theatre on Saturday July 24, with Aucklands Harmonic Resonators supported by Taurangas own bluegrass exponents Kaimai Express.

The Resonators are renowned for highlighting New Zealands own folk music with lush harmonies, soaring yodels, Waiata Maori, popular favourites and your classic after-party songs. There are still tickets left for the general public, priced at $22 from Baycourt or: ticketek.co.nz

Te Puna

Meanwhile I also note an outpouring of community in Te Puna which is, somewhat surprisingly, becoming a bit of a food and art hub. There is a growing little centre of interesting shops and more and more people seem to be noticing what has been seen for many years as pretty much a wide spot in the road with a garage and cafe

Now, in addition to long-standing Nourish Cafe, there are boutique accessory and fashion shops and across the road the village boasts the very good Te Puna Deli, innovative butcher Naked Meats, and the White House restaurant which comes complete with its own recently-opened art gallery (its big too!).

The new Te Puna Hall  now behind the garage  is also up and running and has seen shows by the Army Band, the Packhouse Experience and more. If you're looking for an alternative to the Harmonic Resonators on July 24 youll find local favourites Kokomo at Te Puna Hall, from 8pm, promising a good old knees-up.

There'll be a support set from classic retro rockers Play Misty and then a bunch of dancing just like in those old country hall dance days. More community. Tickets are $20 from Eventfinda.co.nz or Te Puna Motors.
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In this file photo from July 2019 tomatoes are on display at the Lawton Farmers Market 8th Annual Tomato Festival. This years event will be held at Cameron University stadium parking lot from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
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Tahlequah, OK (74464)

Today

Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High around 90F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
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 SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
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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.
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Podcasts provide advertisers with microtargeted pitches that engage listeners more effectively than other outlets, observed Maury Rogow, CEO and creative director of Hollywood's Rip Media Group in an exclusive interview with the E-Commerce Times.

Most podcast listeners are educated, have disposable income, and are open to hearing advertising. Microtargeting of a podcast-streamed ad insertion is delivered in real time and provides trackable data on the number of listens.

Podcast streaming can be audio or video format. The video element often consists of a single static image or a video recording of the podcast hosts and guests.

This advertising format offers marketers an effective way to deliver focused messaging to a tightly defined audience that shares a commonality. They have a high similarity in tastes and interests compared to the audiences provided by other media outlets.

The most effective podcast advertising is delivered by the host. This makes many marketers extremely uncomfortable. But such risks can pay off incrementally because the targets will listen and remember the message, Rogow countered.

Capitalizing on podcast listeners' strong relationships with their favorite hosts is the primary benefit to the advertiser. Host-read advertising copy produces the best results, he said.

"Let the hosts be themselves. Let them do their things. That is why people are listening," he added.

Newer Ad Medium

Podcasts became a new outlet in the early 2000s. They now are reaching a mass market audience. This widespread audience growth has made advertising on podcasts a very viable opportunity to broaden vendors' e-commerce footprints.

Numerous reports by Reuters, The Podcast Consumer, Podcast Trends Report, Nielsen Marketers Guide to Podcasting, and IAB Podcast Ad Revenue Study show that podcasting is a growth medium with steadily expanding audiences.

According to various industry reports, about 25 percent of all listeners started in the past six months. Podcasts continue to attract new listeners to their existing audience of 90 million people monthly. Nearly 63 percent of respondents said they listen to more podcasts now than they did a year ago.

Edison Research in February announced the top 50 most listened to U.S. podcasts of 2020. This list ranks the podcasts based on audience size as determined by the Podcast Consumer Tracker, a service that measures the relative audience size and demographics of all podcast networks.

The methodology employed by Edison was to continuously collect data by surveying weekly podcast consumers ages 18 and older. The survey tracked which podcasts participants listened to in the previous week, along with demographic, psychographic, and purchase behavior information.

Rogow remarked that "Podcasts are just ubiquitous. A podcast is this weird thing hidden inside your computer or smartphone. You can hear them on Amazon Prime, download them from Audible, and Spotify. Every music platform is picking up podcasts."

Podcast advertising satisfies two primary goals. It provides a highly effective means for podcasters to monetize their programs. It also offers e-commerce merchants a way to advertise to targeted listeners to expand the advertising reach, he said.

Podcast Popularity Overview

The ongoing industry surveys sampled over 10,000 podcast listeners and tracked which shows they listen to, what they buy, and the demographic profiles for every leading network and top podcast, according to Edison Research senior vice president Tom Webster. His organization's published report lists these top 10 podcast offerings:

1. The Joe Rogan Experience

2. The Daily

3. Crime Junkie

4. This American Life

5. My Favorite Murder

6. Stuff You Should Know

7. Office Ladies

8. Pod Save America

9. Planet Money

10. Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!



The top 10 podcasts for 2021 tracked by Podtrac ranks many of the same shows as other lists, although not in the same order:

1. The Daily -- The New York Times

2. NPR News Now -- NPR

3. Up First -- NPR

4. Dateline NBC -- NBC News

5. The Ben Shapiro Show -- Daily Wire

6. Stuff You Should Know -- iHeartRadio

7. This American Life -- This American Life

8. Call Her Daddy -- Barstool Sports

9. Pardon My Take -- Barstool Sports

10. CNN News Briefing -- WarnerMedia



TopPodcast also presents a collection of (you guessed it) top podcasts. The website additionally offers tabs listing top networks, top podcast apps to download, top influencers, and more.

The Balance Small Business website provides a list of their best business podcasts.

Podcast Advertising Cheat Sheet

The industry average rates for podcast advertising are $15 CPM for a 10-second ad, according to AdvertiseCast. CPM as applied here is the price of an ad insertion in 1,000 podcast downloads.

A 30-second advertising spot averages $18 CPM. A 60-second ad spot averages $25 CPM.

Anchor sponsors pay on a CPM or "cost per mille" basis as well. Ad rates can extend to $50 CPM.

There are three primary types of podcast ads, with the following durations and placements:

Pre-roll ads, which are usually 15 to 30 seconds long and run before or after the show's intro;

Mid-roll ads are 30 to 90 seconds and are placed about halfway through an episode; and

Post-roll ads, which last 15 to 30 seconds and play right before or after the closing credits.

Depending on the skills set of the entrepreneur, self-written content is the least costly to create. Otherwise, producing professionally crafted content complete with voiceovers and sound effects is the domain of advertising agencies and media companies, noted Rogow.

A related strategy is obtaining sponsorships. Podcast sponsors provide a revolving door of recurring financial backing.

Advertising and sponsorships can go a long way to monetize a podcast. Improve Podcast claims that two million podcasts are available globally. They draw regular recurring audiences of 90 million people monthly. The trend of podcast ad revenue is on the rise, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).

Be proactive in finding advertising and sponsorship opportunities for your podcast, Rogow recommended. One of the most effective ways of finding advertisers and sponsors is to work through podcast ad networks.

These networks are a collection of podcasts that are produced, distributed, or made available to advertisers through a single company or network. They can handle all the tasks from finding advertisers and negotiating rates to getting the script. Another approach they use is to seek an offer from the podcast host.

Making Ad Content Matter

Rogow applies two sets of strategies to his advertising content. Both approaches are good guides for the do-it-yourselfer.

His first ad-writing formula is a four-step process he calls the epic story. It starts with engaging the audience with empathy. That is the introductory story he tells to set the tone for a problem his product can solve.

"For instance, get engaged with some empathy problem. Then go into the details and the solution," he explained.

The next part of his system to create a podcast ad involves story-telling the details to make the situation believable. Next, talk about the integrity of the product as a solution. The last step is the call to action.

"Remind the listeners how this product or solution can impact them. Provide the website, the contact details, where to get it, etc," he offered.

Rogow's second formula is far more creative and abstract. He includes in his ad content as many of the five human emotions as he can draw from to engage the audience. He uses the acronym STUF to explain his approach:

S is for something sexy or engaging;

T is for touching the heart;

U brings in something unique or totally unexpected about the product or solution;

F gets the audience to take action out of fear of missing out on the product or its solution.

Base ROI on the KPI

So how do you know when your podcast ads have hit the ROI sweet spot and not just cost you a whole lot of time and wasted money?

Rogow's answer was short and direct. "Just watch the KPI or Key Performance Indicators," he said. "They are different across industries. The funding needs and goals are different for everybody too."

So that response brought our discussion to the last question in our discussion about monetizing podcasts. What should somebody getting into this business expect as an advertisement return?

Don't Expect a Sudden Windfall

Financing your podcast through advertising works as part of a viable business plan, Rogow replied. But starting out, do not expect to strike it rich, at least right away.

"It is the long game that works reliably," he cautioned. "The income dollars are a lot less at first. But the really cool thing is you can microtarget. It is all about microtargeting."

For instance, if you advertise a business tool for SMBs, find a podcaster who attracts small business people. That gives you access to an audience where 80 to 90 percent of the listeners are really interested. The others are browsers.

Focus on the common theme of the listeners. Are they entrepreneurs? What is their connection to the podcast content?

"Knowing your audience lets you target the folks that are listening to the podcast and the hosts that are the best fit for your product line or your message. You really need to focus on the long game and not the short game," Rogow advised.

Jack M. Germain has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His main areas of focus are enterprise IT, Linux and open-source technologies. He is an esteemed reviewer of Linux distros and other open-source software. In addition, Jack extensively covers business technology and privacy issues, as well as developments in e-commerce and consumer electronics. Email Jack.


A hot potato: Microsoft rushed to release a fix for the recently discovered 'PrintNightmare' vulnerability, pushing it as a mandatory security update for several Windows versions. Although the patch bolstered protection with the added requirement of admin credentials during installation of unsigned printer drivers on print servers, a security researcher and developer reverse engineered a Windows DLL to bypass Microsofts check for remote libraries and was able to exploit a fully patched server.

Update (9 July): With questions hanging around the effectiveness of Microsoft's latest out-of-band patch for PrintNightmare, the company has posted a clarified guidance on the issue following demonstrations of security researchers bypassing the fix.

Our investigation has shown that the OOB security update is working as designed and is effective against the known printer spooling exploits and other public reports collectively being referred to as PrintNightmare. All reports we have investigated have relied on the changing of default registry setting related to Point and Print to an insecure configuration.

Microsoft strongly advises users to update to the latest patch and make sure to review system registry settings by going through the following steps:

In ALL cases, apply the CVE-2021-34527 security update. The update will not change existing registry settings

After applying the security update, review the registry settings documented in the CVE-2021-34527 advisory

If the registry keys documented do not exist, no further action is required

If the registry keys documented exist, in order to secure your system, you must confirm that the following registry keys are set to 0 (zero) or are not present:

- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\PointAndPrint

- NoWarningNoElevationOnInstall = 0 (DWORD) or not defined (default setting)

- UpdatePromptSettings = 0 (DWORD) or not defined (default setting)

In related news, the PrintNightmare patch (KB5004945) has caused problems for Zebra printers, with the company releasing the following statement to The Verge:

We are aware of a printing issue caused by the July 6 Windows KB5004945 update affecting multiple brands of printers. Microsoft has investigated this issue and plans to release an update addressing the issue within the next 12 business days. An immediate way to address the issue is to uninstall the Windows KB5004945 update or uninstall the affected printer driver and reinstall using Administrative credentials. Long term, we encourage the use of the newer Windows update Microsoft is planning to release. Customers who need assistance regarding Zebra printers may contact our Technical Support Team.

PrintNightmare allows a remote attacker to take advantage of a flaw in the Windows Printer Spooler service and execute arbitrary commands with escalated privileges. Microsoft quickly addressed the critical vulnerability - found on all Windows versions - with an out-of-band security update.

However, it now looks like the exploit could be turning into an actual nightmare for Microsoft and IT admins following a demonstration of how the fix could be bypassed to leave a fully patched server vulnerable to PrintNightmare.

Dealing with strings & filenames is hard

New function in #mimikatz to normalize filenames (bypassing checks by using UNC instead of \\server\share format)



So a RCE (and LPE) with #printnightmare on a fully patched server, with Point & Print enabled



> https://t.co/Wzb5GAfWfd pic.twitter.com/HTDf004N7r   Benjamin Delpy (@gentilkiwi) July 7, 2021

Benjamin Delpy, a security researcher and developer of the Mimikatz security tool, notes that Microsoft employs a "\\" check in the filename format to determine if a library is remote or not. However, it can be bypassed by using UNC, which allowed Delpy to run an exploit on a fully patched Windows Server 2019 with Point and Print service enabled.

Microsoft also notes in its advisory that using the 'Point and Print' technology "weakens the local security posture in such a way that exploitation will be possible." The combination of UNC bypass and the PoC (removed from GitHub but circulating on the web) potentially leaves room for attackers to cause widespread harm.

Speaking to The Register, Delpy described the issue as "weird from Microsoft," noting that he believed the company did not test the fix for real. It remains to be seen when (and if) Microsoft can permanently patch 'PrintNightmare,' which has already begun disrupting workflows for organizations globally.

Many universities, for example, have started disabling campus-wide printing, while other internet-connected institutions and businesses that don't use remote printing still need to ensure that appropriate group policy settings are in place since 'PrintNightmare' is under active exploitation.
What just happened? Google is facing its fourth antitrust lawsuit brought by the US government in a year after attorneys general from 36 states and one district sued the company over anti-competitive practices related to the Play Store. In response, Google says the suit is meritless as Android allows apps to be downloaded from rival stores or directly from a developers website, unlike iOS.

Google has been slammed with antitrust lawsuits from both the US government and in Europe in recent times. The latest, filed Wednesday, alleges that Google makes it difficult for app developers to distribute their Android apps anywhere other than its Play Store. This ensures Google receives its 30% commission on app purchases. Devs also say they are forced to use the Play Store because Google has targeted potentially competing app stores.

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Google has or has tried to secure agreements with handset makers like Samsung and network operators such as Verizon to preload its apps on their devices and to not open their own competing app stores. It also alleges Google tries to keep users away from other stores by warning them they may contain malwarenot that the Play Store is free of such things.

Once again, we are seeing Google use its dominance to illegally quash competition and profit to the tune of billions, New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. Through its illegal conduct, the company has ensured that hundreds of millions of Android users turn to Google, and only Google, for the millions of applications they may choose to download to their phones and tablets. Worse yet, Google is squeezing the lifeblood out of millions of small businesses that are only seeking to compete. We are filing this lawsuit to end Googles illegal monopoly power and finally give voice to millions of consumers and business owners.

Google posted a response stating the ability to sideload apps and the fact that many Android devices ship with two or more app stores preloaded makes the suit meritless. If you dont find the app youre looking for in Google Play, you can choose to download the app from a rival app store or directly from a developers website. We dont impose the same restrictions as other mobile operating systems do.

So its strange that a group of state attorneys general chose to file a lawsuit attacking a system that provides more openness and choice than others. This complaint mimics a similarly meritless lawsuit filed by the large app developer Epic Games, which has benefitted from Androids openness by distributing its Fortnite app outside of Google Play.

Google also notes that Android devices such as the Amazon Fire tablet come preloaded with a competitive app store and no Google Play Store.

This lawsuit isnt about helping the little guy or protecting consumers. Its about boosting a handful of major app developers who want the benefits of Google Play without paying for it, Google concluded. Doing so risks raising costs for small developers, impeding their ability to innovate and compete, and making apps across the Android ecosystem less secure for consumers.
The big picture: The beauty of what Visa is offering with its card program is the fact that everyday merchants like grocery stores and coffee shops dont have to directly accept cryptocurrencies to do business with those holding digital currency. So long as they accept Visa cards, which some 70 million merchants worldwide now do, theyre good to go.

Visa has announced a partnership with 50 of the top crypto platforms, including Coinbase, FTX and CoinZoom, thatll make it easier for users to convert and spend their digital currency at millions of merchants around the globe.

It will be the same as any other Visa transaction to them, Visa crypto boss Cuy Sheffield told Business Insider. But on the backend, the crypto assets are instantly converted into fiat.

Crypto is increasingly being used not only as a store of value, but as tradeable currency. In the first half of 2021 alone, Visa said more than $1 billion was spent on crypto-linked Visa cards. Furthermore, a quarter of the companies participating in Visas Fintech Fast Track program are working to issue Visa plastic linked to a crypto platform.

You have this growing number of consumers with assets on crypto platforms, trading crypto, holding crypto - and then millions of merchants who don't really understand crypto. They don't want to have to update their point of sales and terminals and figure out what a blockchain is.  Cuy Sheffield, Visas head of crypto.

One of the perks that Visa highlighted is a rewards program that allows consumers to spend fiat and earn crypto rewards, similar to how traditional rewards programs issue airline miles or hotel points for spending money. Visa believes such a program could help it win long-term customer loyalty among both new and seasoned crypto enthusiasts.
A giant 3D cat just popped up on a billboard in Tokyo's Shinjuku district, and it's got a lot of people talking.

Called "Shinjuku Cross Vision," the giant 3D cat looks down on humans (as a cat should) from atop the east exit of the Shinjuku Metro station, reports DesignBoom. It is projected on a massive 4K LED screen that works for around 18 hours a day, which can project the 3D image of the cat from a certain viewing point.

Apparently, the billboard also makes it seem like the giant 3D cat is "waking up" at the start of the billboard's workday and "going to sleep" at the end of it. To see how that works, you can watch a live stream of the billboard on YouTube right now:

According to CNN, the billboard with the giant 3D cat was the brainchild of the company Cross Space. But since the 3D effect can only be viewed the right way from a certain angle, Cross Space warns everybody who wants to see the cat look at it from there, or the 3D effect will look awkward.

Cross Space further says that the billboard's purpose is to bring "surprise, laughter, and healing to nearby users." By that, they likely mean the average of 190,000 people passing through the Shinjuku Metro station every day.

Read also: This MIT Invention Brings Glasses-Free 3D To Movie Theaters

Giant 3D Cat: The Future of Advertising?

Frankly, who wouldn't be surprised and forced to stare at a giant 3D cat looking at you from high atop a building? And if you were interested enough to stare at it, then the billboard would've done its job as an advertisement should.

As such, is the tech behind the giant 3D cat the future of advertising? Possibly. Just look at many futuristic settings in popular media, and you can see that huge billboards projecting 3D images to an almost holographic level of quality are everywhere.

Furthermore, the technology to make the likes of the giant 3D cat more widespread is already here. And you can trace the development of the said tech as recently as seven years ago. You see, the 3D projection used to only be possible if you view it through specialized 3D glasses. But as far back as 2014, 3D without the glasses is already achievable.

And if the tech does find its footing, maybe the coming years will see major cities sporting billboards with 3D imaging that you can view from any angle. For now, the tech only allows for a limited type of view because it's taking advantage of an optical illusion. It's also worth noting that holographic projection, a relatively similar type of tech, is still in its rough early stages and not quite made for advertising just yet.

What's Next for Giant 3D Cat?

For now, there's not a lot of comments from Cross Space as to how long the billboard stays there. If you want to see it but can't go to Shinjuku in person, then you can stick with the YouTube live stream mentioned beforehand.

Related: Zoom-Like 'Holographic Communication' Is Coming Real Soon But You Need $60,000 For A Machine to Make it Work!

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Hubble is still offline, and NASA can't come up with a fix fast enough to get the space telescope working again.

According to a report by Space.com, the legendary Hubble Space Telescope is experiencing its worst technical issue in a decade, and NASA still hasn't found a way to fix it. It has been offline since June 13, when it abruptly stopped working.

Initially, engineers thought it was only a broken memory module, which makes sense given the age of Hubble--it's already 31 years old. But upon careful investigation, the folks at NASA knew this wasn't an ordinary hardware glitch, but much more. But exactly what caused the problem, they still don't know.

The last time Hubble was repaired was back in 2009, when a group of astronauts replaced two scientific instruments and repaired any wear-and-tear damage. The thing is, troubleshooting a problem in space is a lot trickier compared to doing it on the ground. It's not always possible to send a human repair team up to where Hubble is orbiting, so control teams on the ground have to rely on instruments to get details.

Despite the problem, though, there is still more than enough confidence that Hubble won't go into retirement so easily, writes the Scientific American. That's because, according to the most recent tests, ground control has determined that memory errors are only a symptom and that there's another hardware issue causing the glitch.

So far, NASA has failed to fix Hubble three times, proving that the saying "third time's a charm" doesn't always pan out.

Read also: NASA Hubble Discover 'Deep Space' Radio Signals, FRBs From Distant Galaxies Which Are Still Forming

Hubble Space Telescope On The Way to Retirement?

The Hubble Space Telescope is 31 years old. For humans, that's still pretty young. But tech-wise, Hubble might as well be a centenarian.

When it launched on April 24, 1990, NASA's original plan for the telescope was to keep it technologically updated. And it made sense at the time, given that reusable spacecraft like the Space Shuttle existed. It's as easy as sending up a new crew every few years to upgrade the telescope, right?

Well, that obviously didn't pan out. NASA retired the Space Shuttle program in 2011, which forced astronauts to get to space aboard Russian rockets. As a result, repairing and/or upgrading Hubble became far more difficult and costly. It's become so hard for ground control to try and fix it, that one former astronaut now says Hubble is irreparable. Of course, NASA denies this and keeps trying to fix the telescope.

A Worthy Replacement

No other telescope can hope to match the legacy that Hubble will be leaving behind once it retires. But in the event that it does, it has a worthy replacement in the James Webb telescope. Despite already experiencing multiple launch delays, Webb is still well on the way before the year ends if things turn out well.

Related: NASA, ESA Declare James Webb Space Telescope Launch Date's Delay: What Issues Are Seen?

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Fake Android cryptocurrency mining applications were discovered. Specifically, these malicious apps were categorized into two kinds: BitScam, with more than 80,000 installations, and CloudScam that received only more than 9,000 downloads.

These two types of malicious Android applications offered around 172 paid apps, which the online attackers advertised to victims as cloud cryptocurrency mining providing services.

On the other hand, California-based cybersecurity firm Lookout, the one who discovered the fake Android crypto-mining apps, confirmed that 25 of these applications were offered in the official Google Play Store.

This is currently a serious matter since smartphone giants, especially Google and Apple, claimed that their app stores are now integrated with security features to avoid malicious apps. But, you also need to remember that cybercriminals and hackers are also improving their methods.

Anti-Fake Android Crypto Apps' Details

According to Bleeping Computer's latest report, scammers behind the malicious Android applications were able to steal more than $350,000. This amount came from thousands of victims across the globe, who bought the paid apps and installed the free fake ones for non-existent upgrades and additional services.

Also Read: Apple App Store Bitcoin Scam App Costs iPhone User $600,000: Epic CEO Calls Store 'Full of Scams'

"These apps were able to fly under the radar because they don't actually do anything malicious. They are simply shells set up to attract users caught up in the cryptocurrency craze and collect money for services that don't exist," said Ioannis Gasparis, one of the mobile app security experts at Lookout.

On the other hand, the security firm explained that the involved hackers said that the apps could offer more crypto income and other upgrades if the users install them. Since Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies are becoming more popular than ever, thousands of people were easily fooled.

"Both CloudScam and BitScam also offer subscriptions and services related to crypto mining that users can pay for via the Google Play in-app billing system," said Lookout.

How Can You Avoid Them?

Toms Guide reported that there are several things that fake Android crypto apps have in common. These include lots of ads when after installing, as well as unbelievably offered increase digital currency income.

On the other hand, if you already installed one of them, you need to delete it by going to the Settings and then accessing the "Apps & Notifications" option. After that, you need to click the suspected apps individually.

If you already used your email address to create an account for the fake app, then you need to change its password as well since there's a high chance that it's already compromised.

For more news updates about Android apps and other related stories, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Scammers are Selling Fake Crypto Wallets that Can Steal Coins | Ledger Customers Targeted

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Richard Branson is going to launch with Virgin Galactic's six crew flight on July 11, but what are exactly the risks that the CEO would face, once he is up there in the skies or as they descend.

Despite being a well-tested spacecraft that was approved by regulatory bodies, a lot could still go wrong, and will the risks be worth it?

The CEO is known to go ahead of Blue Origin's New Shepard launch which was scheduled for July 20, and near successfully go ahead of Jeff Bezos, which would also join his crew's launch to orbit.

Richard Branson: Spaceflight Risks

Going to space would always entail risks, and even long-time astronauts are tied with it, despite doing everything they can to prevent it, as has been revealed in numerous studies. However, not all of these risks are potentially fatal, as there is a small percentage that the passenger or astronaut would die aboard a failed launch or explosion.

That being said, these are one of many potential risks that Richard Branson would face, especially as he is only days away from going abord the launch of his first as a civilian tourist in Virgin Galactic's launch.

Initially, Branson is a civilian, which has not trained his body for years of astronaut training programs, like the ones offered within NASA or universities. Despite being physically fit or training his body through sports, it would not be enough as spaceflight is a whole other ball game.

Having trained for it one or two years before the launch, his body might be in condition, but it might not be enough for the rigorous situation he would put his body into, especially when going 2,400 mph as the rocket propels.

According to Space Review, former astronaut Rick Hauck said before that there is only a four percent chance of dying due to space launches, but that risk has risen in recent studies.

Read Also: Jeff Bezos Retirement: What is Next for the CEO? Blue Origins and Executive Chair at Amazon Still at Play

Virgin Galactic Launch to Orbit

Launching to orbit would put the crew of Virgin Galactic to the outer edge of Earth's atmosphere, meaning that it would be in the place where external harmful factors may reach humans.

This would be Virgin Galactic's first fully crewed launch of its crew ship, which has only carried test flights that included human volunteers to orbit.

The Unity 22 launch would be live-streamed to the public, having the chance to witness the event for themselves.

Space Tourism is Risky

If individuals that train and are physically fit will still face risks when venturing to outer space, what more for regular humans which do not train or are not physically conditioned for a flight. That is the main dilemma of space tourism, which is now an up-and-coming venture of most companies, including Virgin Galactic, Blue Origins, SpaceX, and more.

These companies should study more of what the risks would be, especially what they would subject people to, once they step foot in the rocket, with hundreds of liters of jet fuel underneath them.

Related Article: Space Tourism: Richard Branson Believes Space Market Has Room for '20 Companies'

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Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Google has been presented an Antitrust Lawsuit that targets the 30 percent commission of the Play Store for every in-app purchase or app payment from user payments. Attorney generals from multiple states of the country have gone together to raise this case to the courts, and it is similar to what Apple faced against Epic Games and "Fortnite."

This is Google's fourth Antitrust case over the past year, and it has been piling for the Mountain View giant, for different reasons and lawsuits.

The antitrust laws probe the malpractices and monopolistic tactics which a company has allegedly done, and it may be brought up by the Federal Trade Commission themselves, other companies, or individuals.

Google Play Store's Antitrust Lawsuit

A total of 36 states in the country has been listed as plaintiffs in the case, including that of Columbia and Vermont, and is led by the State of Utah, which they filed early Wednesday. The case was filed in the Northern District of California, which also include Google's home state to sign on the case against them.

According to CNBC, Android's Play Store has its prices to a thirty percent commission for each purchase of a consumer. This means that a 70 to 30 split is happening, with the majority going to the app developer, and 30 for the publisher which is Google Play Store, and was viewed as an anticompetitive behavior by the complainants.

While there are some which have their split with Google at half the percentage at 15 percent, there are still left in the 70-30 split, which is for massive developers and popular applications.

Read Also: Apple and Google to Undergo Antitrust Investigation in Japan for Their Business Practices

Google Play's Control on Android Apps

The antitrust has looked into Google Play's massive distributing percentage over the Android platform, which is also from Google, distributed as an open-sourced operating system. Currently, Google Play Store distributes 90 percent of Android applications on the market, which is a massive stake for the internet company.

Other Android app distributors do not reach or exceed five percent of its market distribution rates, signifying that Google has almost complete control over it.

Apple App Store Same as Google Play?

In 2020, Epic Games sued Apple for kicking it off the platform, especially as "Fortnite" offered a direct purchase that would be cheaper than the in-app purchases from the App Store for its in-game money. For Epic, the 70-30 split is too much for them to accept, hence the external option, and Apple banning them from the platform.

It is almost the same for Google, but in Apple's case, it was ruled by the judge as fair as it was the agreed numbers when Epic Games put their applications under the App Store.

Related Article: Android Apps Will No Longer Track Users Who Opted Out of Ads Thanks to Google's Latest Strict Policy

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Commons.Wikipedia.org) Conan O'Brien Talks About Crypto and Catches Attention of Dogecoin Creator

Conan O'Brien, the last host of Conan noted that he spent an hour talking about crypto. It's always a sight for crypto traders when more and more people are talking about cryptocurrency. In fact, Conan O'Brien's tweet caught the eye of the Dogecoin founder himself!

Conan O'Brien's Career

Conan O'Brien has just recently retired from Conan after an extremely long involvement with the show. The host was born on April 18, 1963 as an American TV host, writer, comedian, producer, and performer who started out as a writer for SNL from 1988 up to 1991.

According to SNL fandom, Conan left SNL back in 1991 and worked as a writer and producer for one of the most popular Fox animated series, the beloved The Simpsons. He then left The Simpsons back in 1993 only to return to NBC as the host of the late 12:35 series Late Night which also featured Jim Downey in the past and would later on be hosted by none other than Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.

He then briefly hosted The Tonight Show from the year 2009 to 2010 making him the very first person to serve as the permanent host for both of the NBC programs. He then hosted his very own TBS late-night talk show Conan ever since November 2010 until recently retiring.

Dogecoin Founder Replies to Conan

Conan O'Brien has been taking it to Twitter to talk about his experiences post-Conan. When announcing that he has spent an hour talking about cryptocurrency, which meant that he officially doesn't have a job, the founder of Dogecoin replied to the tweet.

According to the creator of Dogecoin on Twitter, Shibetoshi Nakamoto, cryptocurrency is actually something that a whole bunch of people that actually have no idea what they are talking about like to talk about, as the account described, "incessantly." The Dogecoin founder basically noted that there are a lot of people talking about cryptocurrency lately without even understanding much of it.

How to Start Investing In Crypto

For those wishing to get into cryptocurrency, it might be better to take a step back instead of going all in on altcoins and really understand Bitcoins before anything else. Bitcoin, or known as the first cryptocurrency, follows a concept new investors must understand before investing.

The Bitcoin market cycle is something that new investors might want to learn in order to understand why the prices of Bitcoin are how they are as of the moment. CryptocurrencyFacts talks about the Bitcoin market cycle and its importance.

Read Also: Stock Market Today | Should You Buy Nintendo or Activision?

Bitcoin Market Cycle

The crypto market cycle starts off by the whales buying huge quantities of cryptocurrency. Once the prices start going up, this is where other buyers come in and GREED takes over the market. Finally, new heights have been reached and crypto whales start selling off huge chunks of Bitcoin.

Once crypto whales sell huge chunks of Bitcoin, the prices start going down again. This is where FEAR takes over the market and more people start selling as well. Once a lot of Bitcoin has been sold, the price starts to plateau at the bottom and this is where crypto whales start buying again.

Related Article: Tether $USDT Has More Deposits than 'Many U.S. Banks' | Learn More About this Stablecoin

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Parler Website) Parler Makes Comeback on App Store | Apple No Comment?

Parler is back on the Apple App Store! The conservative social media service known as Parler is once again back on the official Apple iOS App Store after it had been taken down following the previous Jan 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol.

Parler is Back on the App Store

According to CNet, the more updated version of the app would include some enhanced threat and incitement reporting tools. This was seen on the listing on the Apple App Store.

The new updated iOS app is stated to also reportedly filter out certain posts, according to The Washington Post, on iPads and iPhones that could be labeled as "hate" according to Parler's moderation system. These ports, however, will still be available to view on some other devices and directly through the web.

Parler Back on the App Store

Parler did not directly respond to CNET's request for a comment but gave a statement to The Washington Post noting that the company is seeking to find a common ground with them and Apple. The chief policy officer at Parler, Amy Peikoff noted that at Parler, they embrace the whole First Amendment which means freedom of expression as well as conscience being protected.

Parler has long been removed from the Apple App Store due to its allegedly controversial nature. However, the website for the social network officially returned back in February. As of July 5, 2021, the app was then made available yet again on Apple's very own virtual storefront.

What is Parler?

According to the app's description on the official App Store, Parler is a particular viewpoint-neutral social media that is dedicated to the freedom of expression, user privacy, and even civil discourse. The description then prompts users to enjoy news as well other content in real time.

Users will be able to enjoy what Parler noted as a "unadulterated," and chronological feed. Parler's description also states that users can then apply modern tools in order to filter content according to their very own preferences.

The tagline Parler uses is for people to "empower" themselves and control their very own online social media experience by joining and using Parler.

Read Also: iPhone 13 Release Date Predictions Suggest the Phone 'Might' Launch This September 2021

Apple's Previous Plans to Bring Back Parler

As of the moment, Apple has not yet given any comment regarding Parler's recent addition to the official iOS App Store. According to an article by CNBC back in April, 2021, Apple was already expected to allow the controversial social media app Parler back on the official iPhone App Store.

Apple's senior director for government affairs, Timothy Powderly, wrote in a recent letter that Apple now anticipates that the updated Parler app will finally become available upon Parler actually releasing it. Mark Meckler, Parler interim CEO noted that they have worked in order to put certain systems in place.

The new systems are expected to help users better detect certain unlawful speech and also allow users to be able to filter out content that they deem undesirable. It was also noted that this can be done while still maintaining their strict prohibition directly against content moderation based on their viewpoint.

Related Article: Windows 10 on 'High Alert' as Microsoft Issues a Serious Update Warning

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Pexels Official Website) COVID-19 2nd Jab Skipped by Almost 15 Million Americans Amidst Rise in Partygoers | Vaccine Sites on the Beaches

The COVID-19 2nd jab was skipped by almost 15 million Ameicans while the number of partygoers started to significantly increase. Sentara Healthcare is taking vaccines to the people in order to help bring the number down.

CDC Says 15 Million Americans are Skipping their 2nd COVID-19 Shot

Sentara Healthcare is taking vaccines to the people to bring that number down. They're setting on beaches and at parties with some live music. According to 13NewsNow, the CDC is saying that about 15 million Americans have skipped their second shot of COVID-19. This is one in 10 people!

Jillian Carpenter, along with the Sentara Family and Internal Medicine, the second shot really does help users by providing them full immunity against COVID. A single dose will give the recipient about 80% protection against the virus.

Sentara Healthcare Tries to Encourage People to Get Their Shots

Sentara Healthcare workers are now setting up across the whole Hampton Roads in order to encourage even more people to get their second shot. On Wednesday, they stationed at the Paradise Ocean Club along with some music and vaccines.

Gaylene Kanoyton, along with Celebrate Healthcare, noted that they have to go where the people are. It was stated that it is very important that people are now seeing vaccine distribution everywhere!

COVID-19 Delta Variant Spreading

Sherman Kittrell noted that he was initially hesitant when it came to the COVID-19 vaccine but then ultimately decided to go for it and even came back for round two. He stated that he wanted to make sure that he was safe for the community and also to protect his family and make sure that they would not get the coronavirus.

Carpenter also noted that with the new delta variant rapidly spreading, people should really get their shots. Through that way, they would no longer end up in the hospital or even in the ICU or even from other life-sustaining treatments that could be encountered from not being able to fully receive the vaccine.

Read Also: Sinovac Vaccine Chief Scientist in Indonesia Dies, Suspected to be a COVID Fatality

Vaccination Sites on the Beach

Kanoyton also mentioned that they do not plan to stop. It was stated that they have been on Buckroe Beach and they will probably go to the Virginia Beach, picnics, parties, and that they will be where the people actually are. It was noted that where the people are, the vaccine will also be there.

They are also sponsoring the "Live Music Wednesday @ the Beach" every Wednesday of July in order to make getting a shot fun. The CDC also considers a second dose "missed" if over 42 days have passed since the individual got their initial shot.

The number of people that are skipping out has actually increased by about 10 million since April. People who miss the window for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose of Moderna or Pfizer won't need to start over, according to the CDC. In the end, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Related Article: Gov. Inslee Boosts COVID-19 Vaccination by 24% with 'Shot of a Lifetime,' A Lottery with $250,000 Prize

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Spencer Davis from Unsplash)

There are several vaccines against the novel coronavirus that are being rolled out around the world today. Among them is Sinovac's CoronaVac.

However, the CoronaVac is only 66% effective compared to Pfizer's 92.6% efficacy rate in preventing COVID-19 based on new research.

Research Data Shows

The study was conducted in Chile as Sinovac Biotech Ltd. was pitted against Pfizer Inc.

The results in the country show that Sinovac is less effective in countering the coronavirus disease compared to Pfizer. The data shows that the former only had a 66% effectiveness as compared to the latter's 93%, which is a significant lead.

More than 10 million citizens were given the inactivated inoculation in the country.

However, fully vaccinated individuals were still being hospitalized or ended up dying after receiving the two doses. Pfizer's mRNA vaccine was administered to less than half a million people. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday, July 6.

The research involved the months of February up until May, just as the alpha and gamma strains of the virus showed up, deeply concering Chile's government.

The preliminary results seen in April identified that CoronaVac was only 67% effective in preventing fully vaccinated individuals to show symptoms of COVID-19, and prevented 80% of fatalities.

Read More: COVID-19 2nd Jab Skipped by Almost 15 Million Americans Amidst Rise in Partygoers | Vaccine Sites on the Beaches

Sinovac Still Used by Many

There are still a lot of countries that rely on CoronaVac to counter COVID-19.

As reported by CNBC, six countries have a high inoculation rate. However, five of those countries have high infection rates, and they are using CoronaVac as part of their inoculation campaign.

Countries like Mongolia have reported that in May, they received 2.3 million doses of Sinopharm vaccines. A very large difference in comparison to Pfizer only sending out 255,000 doses. Russia's Sputnik V only consisted of 80,000 doses.

The UAE and Seychelles heavily depended on the Sinopharm vaccine in the beginning but have since then welcomed other vaccines. Sinovac is still one of the most-used jabs to prevent COVID-19 alongside Pfizer-BioNTech's mRNA vaccine.

Still The Best Option for Most

Despite the stats from the study, experts agree that countries should not stop using COVID-19 vaccines that come from China, most especially while the supply of the vaccines is limited to the low and middle-income nations.

Sinovac has been present in most developing nations and still provides resilience to COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved vaccines coming from Sinovac and Sinopharm to be used for emergencies. Sinopharm vaccines have an efficacy rate of 79%, but for people aged 60 and older, its effectiveness isn't clear. Sinovac has a rate of 50% to 80%, depending on the countries where trials were held.

Both Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines expose the body to an "inactivated" virus, which then triggers an immune response. The method has been done for vaccines for decades already.

However, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not rely on these methods. Instead, they have created a messenger RNA that tells the body to make the necessary viral proteins for the body to trigger an immune response.

Read More: Lambda Strain COVID-19 Update, Experts Have Mixed Opinions About Delta vs. Lamda Being Worse

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Written by Alec G.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Nora Official Twitter Account) UAE Welcomes Their First Ever Female Astronaut Nora Al-Matrooshi as She Starts Her Training

UAE welcomes the first ever Arab woman, Nora al-Matrooshi, as she starts training to be an astronaut. She ended up as one of two Emiratis that were picked from a vast thousands of applicants as the Gulf nation is now looking to the stars.

Nora al-Matrooshi - UAE's First Female Astronaut

According to FirstPost, Nora al-Matrooshi is a 28-year-old mechanical engineer hailing from Sharjah, one of the seven emirates included in the UAE, and she has been dreaming about space ever since she was just a girl while learning about planets and stars at school.

While there are currently no space missions scheduled, she still hopes to one day have the opportunity to visit outer space. This would continue the long tradition of exploration begun by her ancestors as sailors.

al-Matrooshi Comes from a Family of Explorers

Al-Matrooshi shared that her mother's side of the family were sailors. She then noted that they had explored the oceans and that the term "astronaut," in Greek, means "star sailor." Matrooshi is set to follow her fellow countryman, Mohammad al-Mulla, aged 33, expected to head to the United States later this year in order to train at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

They will both be joining Hazza al-Mansoori and Sultan al-Neyadi in the Emirati fellowship of astronauts. The two Emiratis are, as of the moment, training in-house in the emirate of Dubai. This includes lessons from speaking Russian to flying lessons.

UAE's First Emirati into Space

The UAE is still a newcomer to the world of space exploration. Despite being new, however, it is quickly making its mark. In September 2019, the popular oil-rich country had finally sent the very first Emirati into space as part of a solid three-member crew that reportedly blasted off a Soyuz rocket coming from Kazakhstan for a solid eight-day mission.

In February, it's very own "Hope" probe was able to successfully enter Mars' orbit on a journey that was to reveal the secrets of the Martian weather. This made history as the very first interplanetary mission for the Arabs.

Read Also: SpaceX Starship: Two Tethered Spacecraft May Launch for Artificial Gravity; Musk Reveals Other Purposes

Where to Follow Nora al-Matrooshi Online

In September 2020, Abu Dhabi announced that it planned to launch an unmanned rover directly to the moon come 2024 which would be the very first trip to Earth's own satellite made by an Arab country. Matrooshi noted that if a person is really passionate at what they are doing, they should work hard for it and also look for opportunities.

For those inspired by Nora al-Matrooshi and want to follow her on social media, she has a Twitter account as well as an Instagram account. As for the future space missions, stay posted as TechTimes will cover further missions to space potentially involving the new female astronaut Nora al-Matrooshi and other space voyages. For now, this is a big achievement for the UAE and for the Arabs in general!

Related Article: Hubble Space Telescope Remains Offline; Major Glitch Still Not Fixed

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The most powerful quantum computer is claimed to be made by Chinese developers, which reportedly outperforms the previous supremacy holder, Google.

Chinese researchers have been boasting a great feat -- a monumental milestone for the development of quantum computers.

As you may know by now, traditional computers using binary exist alongside a significantly more powerful one. The quantum computer replaces classical "bits" with "qubits," which works by following the same law of quantum mechanics, Scientific American reported.

Most Powerful Quantum Computer

To prove the outstanding and fascinating performance of the Chinese quantum computer, the researchers had to calculate its processing power.

The Zuchongzhi quantum computer features a whopping 66-qubit in total, as per TomsHardware. It is important to note that the performance of the machine drastically increases by adding more qubits.

However, doing so is a tedious task for computer engineers as the process of including qubits into the chips is complex. Plus, the effort to make it work smoothly sans the errors is another hurdle that developers crucially face.

Read Also: Scientists Claim Simple Tweak Can Make Quantum States Last 10,000 Times Longer

Most Powerful Quantum Computer: Chinese Developers Beat Google's Performance

So, aside from being one of the most powerful, the Chinese computer also beat the Sycamore chip of Google that only flaunted 53 qubits. Not to mention that IBM also has its counterpart, the System One chip with 20 qubits, which the China computer beats as well.

Meanwhile, it is not the first time that Chinese researchers claimed to have outpowered the Google Sycamore.

On December 4, 2020, the research group from the Univesity of Science and Technology of China Department of Modern Physics revealed that the Chinese computer is 10 billion times faster than Google's.

When Google launched its Sycamore in 2019, the tech giant boasted that it only took 3 minutes and 20 seconds to do a task that other supercomputers will need 10,000 years to do.

Most Powerful Quantum Computer by China: Performance

Furthermore, the researchers revealed that the Zuchongzhi only took about 1.2 hours or 70 minutes to take on a task that other counterparts will take eight years to complete.

It was also noted that the task used to test the Chinese quantum computer is a hundred times more difficult when compared to what the Google Sycamore has encountered.

In hindsight, what sets the performance of quantum computers from the classical binary machine is that it goes over all the possibilities to solve a problem simultaneously, Scientific American included in the same report.

Meanwhile, IBM is further studying the application of powerful quantum computers in our daily lives.

Related Article: Can We Finally Build a Time Machine? Physicists Use Quantum Computer to 'Reverse Time'

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A robotic system envisions automating and revolutionizing the process of harvesting mushrooms in farms.

As per Street Insider, the developers of the robotic harvesting system aim to answer the labor shortage that mushroom farms face on a global scale. As such, the next technology easily integrates into the existing agricultural landscapes around the world.

Robotic System to Automate Harvesting Mushrooms

Mycionics, an Ontario-based automation firm, spearheaded the advanced robotic solution, Design Engineering reported.

Meanwhile, the Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) announced its support for the endeavor by allocating about $4.2 million, helping the deployment of the said technology.

The project will initially be implemented on the mushroom farms of Mycionics, namely the Piccioni Brothers Mushroom Farm and the Whitecrest Mushrooms. It will further explore how the system works commercially.

Robotic Mushroom Harvesting: How It Works?

Mycionics stated that the system it prides in is made possible by the collaboration of machine learning and artificial intelligence, alongside data analytics. The company also claimed that the endeavor marks the pioneering attempt to make the end-to-end mushroom harvesting process entirely automated.

As such, the machine could do the harvesting task 24/7. So, the process significantly accelerates in comparison to when humans do the job, which was limited to eight hours of labor.

Plus, data analytics plays a crucial job in the overall robotics system, ensuring that diseases are quickly identified. Thus, the new-gen harvesting also contributes to maintaining the safety of the food supply.

The harvesting system is involved until the fresh produce is ready to be transported to the market. To be precise, the tech harvests the mushroom, loads it up in its packaging, and ensures that it weighs accurately.

Read Also: Robot Police Dog: NYPD Ends Contract with Boston Dynamics Due to 'Aggressive Tactics' of the Device

Mycionics and NGen

The CEO of Mycionics, Michael Curry, welcomed the generous funding of NGen, saying that the move further propels the commercialization of the robotic system.

Additionally, NGen also funded other projects that help push for the commercialization of tech projects aimed at the manufacturing sector of Canada. That said, the non-profit organization plans to allocate another $358 million to other similar endeavors.

Meanwhile, Mycionics is a company that spends its time creating an automated system specifically meant for the tedious process of harvesting mushrooms.

Aside from the labor shortage, the endeavor further aims to provide more high-tech jobs opportunities and ramp up the ecosystem of manufacturing.

In other agriculture related tech, this robot could impressively pick 120 weeds per minute! And, a Silicon Valley robotic farm started selling their fresh produce to the public.

Related Article: Boston Dynamics vs. BTS: Robot Challenges Kpop Boy Group to a Dance-Off in Viral Video

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Elon Musk tweeted Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta 9 release date and time, which has been long-awaited by its users.

The next update for Tesla's Full Self Driving is officially coming!

It is important to note that the last beta release for the Full Self Driving features has already spanned months. TechAU said that the official update experienced constant delays, making it a dose of laughter for some as memes about it started sprouting like mushrooms.

Fans of the electric vehicle anticipated the Beta 9 even more as the Tesla CEO teased that it will immensely improve the current Full Self Driving feature.

The current version already allows automated driving in roundabouts and while turning left or right. So, going beyond this is definitely something to look forward to.

Additionally, users look forward to receiving the "button" that will serve as the gateway to sign up for the beta program of Tesla. Upon enabling it, owners will get to experience the latest FSD Beta 9.

Tesla's Full Self Driving Beta 9: Release Date and Time

The official release date of the FSD Beta 9 was unveiled on Twitter as the Tesla boss responded to a group of owners of the electric vehicle.

The Twitter account named the Tesla Owners Silicon Valley wrote that they are excited for what is yet to come to the FSD feature. Musk then responded by saying that the Beta 9 is releasing on Friday, July 9, at exactly midnight in California time.

Beta 9 will start uploading at midnight California time on Friday. Bear in mind, it is still just a beta!  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 8, 2021

The Tesla boss hinted earlier that the "Beta V9" is happening by the end of the current week. Another Twitter user who goes by the name Whole Mars Catalog clarified what Musk means: "THIS WEEK?!? Or next week. The CEO swiftly responds to say "Saturday."

Nevertheless, we now have the exact date and time for the actual release.

Read Also: Elon Musk Tweets Inviting People to Visit China, Praise Infrastructure of Tesla's Next 'Biggest Market'

Tesla's Full Self Driving Beta 9: What to Expect?

Now that we are certain about the release of the FSD Beta update, here's what you should expect from it.

As per Teslarati, Musk said that the update will welcome an FSD screen improvement, which shares the "mind" of the electric vehicle. However, it is still unclear what that actually means, but it could prompt a dramatic improvement for the overall visuals of the interface. To add, the users might get a glimpse of what the car sees as it self-drives.

Furthermore, the latest update is getting the fix for cornering and bad weather obstacles. The Beta 9 also debuts the dependence of the feature to "pure vision," sans the radar.

Tesla's Full Self Driving Beta 9: What Now?

How well the FSD beta 9 goes further raises the actual potential of releasing the FSD to general users before 2021 comes to an end, TechAU noted in the same report.

So, the success of the latest update is likely to affect the release to non-beta users in the coming months.

Related Article: Elon Musk Tweets About Shiba Inu - How Will This Affect the Meme Coin?

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
4chan community members allegedly harassed and stalked the developer of Audacity, the editing app recently accused of being a spyware software. Because of this, "cookieengineer" is forced to abandon the latest software alternative for Audacity called Tenacity.

My issue is that they're building off Audacity's "Brand", which, if I may boil it down, is "open and free audio editor that is a little clunky but gets the job done and has a very small footprint and even cool filters for the audio you're editing".



Cute, popular, 20 years old. pic.twitter.com/oBiPOnplJF  Jason Scott (@textfiles) July 5, 2021

The anonymous developer released Tenacity on GitHub earlier in the first week of July. He did this even though the consumers of Audacity are a backlash against the editing software's privacy policy changes.

Another issue that made 4chan community members show adverse reactions is that Tenacity is also built atop the source code of Audacity. On the other hand, it also effectively rolls back the editing application to an output that leads to controversial updates.

This just shows that there's also a high chance that Tenacity could also be considered spyware since it has the same characteristics as Audacity.

4chan Community Members Harass Audacity's Developer?

Now, it seems like the unnamed developer doesn't want to connect with the popular app since he claimed that some of the members of the 4chan community harassed and stalked him.

"As the first people were literally arriving at my place of living, where they knocked on my doors and windows to scare us, I am hereby officially stepping down as a maintainer of this project," he said via his official GitHub post.

I saw what happened to Audacity... Glad I'm using the older version of the software



For context, Audacity 3.0.0 or later is now spyware & they can listen through ur mic. If you wanna use the software, better download the older versions from sources other than their site pic.twitter.com/vmbnR5jqLY  FarmerBrassico COMMS OPEN! (3/5) (@fluffy_elastico) July 5, 2021

Also Read: Kaseya Ransomware Attack: Experts Suggest that America Might Face a Future of Cybercrime Spree

"I give up. I don't care. The safety of my family is worth more than an open-source project. They found out my address via a YouTube video where someone was posting my nickname combined with my real legal name (which meanwhile got taken down due to my asking)," he added.

TechRadar also reported that the developer of Audacity was also threatened by 4chan members using illegal butterfly knives. However, the community members claimed that the accusations are not quite true since the exact address of the developer still remains unknown.

Right now, different spyware and ransomware are circulating in various parts of the world. These include REvil's ransomware, as well as the recent fake Android crypto-mining apps.

But, Audacity's case is different since it was originally one of the favorite editing apps of many individuals, especially those who can't afford Adobe Audition and other paid editing software.

What is 4chan Community?

4chan community is one of the groups that offer crack versions of various paid applications. Aside from this, they are also responsible for leaking various inappropriate photos and videos of different celebrities.

It is also one of the largest providers of Audacity providers on the internet. This could also be the reason why they are not happy after Audacity is rumored to be a spyware editing software.

For more news updates about Audacity and other related stories, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: [UPDATED] Muse Group Causes Concern Over New Privacy Policy for Audacity App

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pixabay/HutchRock) Amazon online shopping

Amazon has blocked another manufacturer from selling products on its platform as the e-commerce giant continues to investigate the business practices of its sellers.

Amazon Removes Choetech from Site

Amazon shoppers have shared stories on community boards about companies promising discounts and gifts in exchange for five-star reviews on the e-commerce site.

The practice is frowned upon and considered fraudulent since the reviews posted on Amazon are not real. It is just a tactic to get ahead of the competitors, especially when it comes to product searches.

To prevent deception and to promote the fair game, Amazon has been investigating incidents on its platform. Unfortunately, a couple of companies were found guilty of manipulating their ratings.

Also Read: After Fake Reviews, Amazon Goes After Counterfeit Products

The latest company to get the boot on Amazon is Choetech, a Chinese tech accessory brand from China. As of July 8, the Chinese company has been completely delisted from the platform.

While Amazon has not released an official statement about its decision to discontinue its partnership with Choetech, The Verge reported that Choetech was caught in the crackdown on paid reviews.

Amazon has stringent guidelines, especially when it comes to product reviews. The e-commerce company prohibits sellers from posting reviews of their products, paying for five-star reviews, or offering money or gifts to entice users to leave positive reviews.

Amazon has been clear about its zero-tolerance policy for violations of its guidelines. The guidelines also state that any company caught going against the rules will be immediately removed from the platform and will no longer be given a chance to sell on Amazon again.

Removing products from companies that pay for positive reviews is a win for Amazon consumers. They are assured that everything they read regarding the items is true and coming from other consumers.

Other Tech Firms Caught in the Crackdown

In May, Amazon shoppers were surprised to find out that Aukey and Mpow were missing from the site. The two electronics sellers have disappeared without warning, and consumers were not notified about what happened.

Aukey, a major seller of portable batteries, chargers, and other tech accessories, was the first to go. Mpow, a major seller of headphones, car mounts, and other gadgets, became unavailable a couple of hours later.

Amazon did not confirm nor deny the suspicion that the companies were caught manipulating their reviews, but the e-commerce company did release a statement regarding the issue.

Amazon pointed out that they are strict when it comes to protecting the integrity of their site and are always making sure that each product is authentic, all reviews are genuine, and that the products meet the consumers' expectations.

In 2020, Amazon blocked more than 10 billion suspected bad listings before they were published on the site.

Antivirus review website SafetyDetectives revealed how some Amazon vendors found a way to solicit and pay for false five-star reviews.

Although Amazon refuses to comment further on the issue, SafetyDetectives found two accounts describing how Mpow used review-soliciting tactics, including a post from XDA Developers that revealed how Aukey offered $!00 in exchange for a five-star review.

Related Article: Amazon Pinpoints Social Media Companies as Spreaders of 'Fake Reviews' | Underground Fake Review Industry

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The missing snake that's been loose inside the Mall of Louisiana this week has been found, officials said Thursday morning.

Cara the 12-foot Burmese python was found inside a high crawl space and pulled out safely, according to a video posted by the Blue Zoo aquarium.

Watch the video of her rescue below (Can't see it? Watch here.):

"We couldn't be more excited to share with you that the search is over!" the Blue Zoo posted on Facebook at 5:37 a.m. Thursday. "[Cara] has been found, safe and healthy!"

Cara was found in the ceiling of the zoo just before 4:30 a.m. Thursday, according to Ronda Swanson, a Blue Zoo spokeswoman.

"She did the snake thing, where she coiled up and sat down and hunkered down," her caretaker, Victoria, told WBRZ.

She was taken to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to be checked out, Swanson said.

'Good girl'

In the video, two people are seen coming out of a hole cut into the drywall at the top of a tall interior wall. One of the people has the yellow snake in their hands and over their shoulder while they climb down a ladder.

A third person stays in the wall and continues to slowly hand down the long python, while someone on the ground can be heard asking for help preparing a blanket for Cara the python.

At one point, the snake is wrapped loosely around the person on the ladder and the tail of the long python is dangling past their feet. Someone on the ground then holds onto the tail and slowly moves it to the ground.

"Good girl," a woman can be heard saying affectionately as Cara safely reaches the ground. "Hey, you."

Missing since Monday

Cara has been missing since 2 a.m. Monday from the aquarium inside Louisiana's largest mall, according to the St. George Fire Department.

Her handlers searched all day with no luck. When night fell Tuesday, and Caras handlers thought the nocturnal snake would be more active, more help was called in. Still no luck.

Then Tuesday morning, WBRZ said, a worker from the Blue Zoo called and requested help from animal control and firefighters. Listen to the phone call.

Where's Cara the snake? Search for missing mall python ramps up with goggles and snake experts The Blue Zoo Aquarium inside the Mall of Louisiana has ramped up the search for Cara, the missing python, as they approach nighttime.

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Air conditioning companies and security camera companies were also called in, the Blue Zoo said on Facebook. A specialist from the Blue Zoo, which has two other locations in the U.S., was flown in to help with the search, WBRZ said. They had located trails and scales that helped then narrow down the search and then Thursday morning, they found Cara.

Conflicting stories

Some details about Caras great escape differed from the aquariums initial accounts.

Blue Zoo first said the snake escaped Monday night, but the St. George Fire Department later said she slipped away Monday morning.

The aquarium initially blamed an electrical issue for its closure Tuesday, but an SGFD spokesman revealed the real reason  an escaped snake  about 30 hours after the python snuck out.

The aquarium also said the Baton Rouge Zoo was involved, but a zoo official said that was news to them.

Escape artists

Snakes are known for being escape artists, said Chris Austin, the director of the LSU Museum of Natural Science and a local herpetologist. Their strength, he said, typically allows them to open enclosures with ease.

Pythons can wield a lot of power. The Burmese variety is one of the worlds largest snakes and can grow up to 20 feet long.

Theyre native to southeast Asia, Austin said, and considered an invasive species in Florida. Louisianas cold winters prevent them from running amok in Baton Rouge.

In addition to their impressive escape-artistry, snakes are good at hiding, Austin said. They can fit into openings barely larger than their circumference and tend to slither into unexpected spots to coil up. They can hide for months at a time and go up to a year between meals.

What they arent good at, though, is moving fast. A breakneck pace for a python? About 1 mph. And they dont tend to reach that speed unless theyre hunting down prey.

What is the Blue Zoo?

The Blue Zoo opened earlier this year in a 16,000-square-foot space that had been occupied by Hollister Co., Gameware and Nawlins Sports. It's on the first floor near Dillard's.

The first Blue Zoo opened in Washington in August 2019, while the Oklahoma City location followed in July.

Initial plans called for the Baton Rouge location to have 38 exhibits, with animals such as sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, seahorses and toucans. Guests at Blue Zoo can touch a stingray and pick up a starfish, along with interacting with birds.

People need to buy a day pass and annual family passes to visit the Blue Zoo.

Staff writer Timothy Boone contributed to this story.
Editor's note: This story contains descriptions of sexual abuse of children.

An appeals court said Wednesday that next week's trial of a former Livingston Parish sheriff's deputy on sex-crime charges should be delayed because his lawyer is also scheduled to represent a woman in a murder trial in a different parish on the same day.

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal said Judge Erika Sledge of the 21st Judicial District abused her discretion by not rescheduling Dennis Perkins' trial because his lawyer, Jarrett Ambeau, was double-booked and Perkins' trial had not been subjected to any previous delays. The trial had been set to start Monday in Livingston.

The judges, in a 2-1 decision, said Ambeau "demonstrated that the trial of the instant matter (Perkins) and a first degree murder trial in another parish, in which he is also counsel of record, are commencing on the same day." Chief Judge Vanessa G. Whipple and Judge Jewel E. "Duke" Welch voted to delay the trial. Judge Elizabeth P. Wolfe would have denied the request, but didn't offer a written reason.

The decision offered a degree of resolution to weeks of logistical wrinkles that have thrown the circumstances of the high-profile trial into question. The uncertainty stemmed from whether Dennis Perkins and his now-ex-wife, Cynthia Perkins, a former Livingston Parish school teacher, should be tried together and when their trials should begin.

Former Livingston deputy and ex-wife accused of sex crimes can be tried separately, judge rules LIVINGSTON  A judge has ruled that a former Livingston Parish sheriff's deputy and his ex-wife, who together face a slew of sex crimes charge

Dennis Perkins, 45, and Cynthia Perkins, 36, together face 150 felony charges alleging rape, child pornography, sexual battery of a child, video voyeurism and tainting pastries that children later ate at school. Their alleged victims include two children, two adults and a dog.

Ambeau first asked Sledge to delay the trial in early June as Dennis Perkins sought a plea deal with the attorney generals office. A month earlier, Ambeau had asked that the couples trial be severed because he believes Cynthia Perkins testimony could prejudice a jury against her ex-husband if they are tried jointly.

The couple was indicted on the same court document after their 2019 arrest, setting them up to go to trial together.

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Sledge ruled at a motions hearing last month that the couples trial should be severed, after new evidence surfaced supporting Ambeaus complaint that Cynthia Perkins would seek to pin blame on her ex-husband on the witness stand.

The judge declined, though, to delay the trials start date, prompting Ambeau to appeal to the high court.

Separately on Wednesday, the state attorney general's office failed in its effort to re-attach Dennis Perkins trial to Cynthias. The Appeals Court denied the prosecutor's request because the attorney generals office failed to consider all of the evidence considered by the trial court in ruling on the motion to sever when it appealed to the high court.

After having her case separated from her ex-husbands, Cynthia Perkins trial was left on the court calendar for Monday, but her lawyer has also requested a delay. A ruling has not yet been made on that request.

Dennis Perkins trial could now begin as late as 2022, Ambeau said in an interview Wednesday.

The extra time will give his client more opportunities to reach a plea bargain with the attorney general's office, he said  an offer prosecutors have not made.

We will continue to defend my client and will continue to work on a possible plea, Ambeau said.

The Attorney Generals office stands ready to get justice for the victims, said Emily Fuson, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor, no matter the date or time.
Within three days of taking over LSU, System President William F. Tate IV already has begun rearranging the top leadership at the states flagship.

Executive Vice President & Provost Stacia Haynie, LSU's de facto second in command, was removed from the position Thursday and will return to teaching at the College of Humanities & Social Services.

As provost, Haynie has been in charge of academics and curricula since 2018 and is one of the four top executives at the university.

Haynie joined the Department of Political Science in 1990 and studies judicial politics with a special emphasis on comparative appellate court decision-making.

+9 On first day, LSU's new president embraces coronavirus vaccines, less so New Orleans Saints On his first day as LSUs new president and chancellor, William Tate IV implored students to get the coronavirus vaccine, said he wants to com

Setting us on a new, strategic direction may sometimes require that we seek a fresh start in certain areas, Tate wrote faculty and staff. It is not meant to imply that things arent going well in those areas. In fact, there may be many positive things happening that we can and should continue to build on while also going in a different direction.

When hired by LSU Tate had been provost at the University of South Carolina, where he took the lead on academics and curriculum development as well as being second in command overseeing the 13 schools and colleges.

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Prior to moving to South Carolina last year, Tate had spent 18 years at the elite Washington University in St. Louis becoming Dean of the Graduate School and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Tate says he has been spending most of time  before and after his official start at LSU  talking with faculty, staff, and the community. I am also in the process of formulating a longer-term, strategic vision for LSU that will further position us to do great things, he said.

Tate has said in a recent interview that his immediate goal is what he calls scholarship first, which will include upgrades in research and a focus on making some of LSUs programs among the best in the nation, including engineering, environmental, coastal, and human health studies. He also wants to raise more money for scholarships and research.

Tate thanked Haynie for her work navigating the challenges inherent in providing an outstanding student experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Support Services Matt Lee will take over as provost while LSU conducts a national search for the permanent leader of the academic community.
Crown Resorts executive chairman Helen Coonan has denied trying to interfere with Victorias royal commission into the group when she wrote to the gaming minister to warn findings against its Melbourne casino licence would be a huge problem for the government too.

The letter Ms Coonan and her lawyers at Arnold Bloch Leibler sent to gaming minister Melissa Horne on July 2 requesting an urgent meeting was read out at the royal commission on Thursday, its second last day of public hearings.

Crown Resorts executive chair Helen Coonan giving evidence to Victorias royal commission into the casino giant via video link on Thursday.

Counsel assisting Adrian Finanzio, SC, said the letter argued it was not in the public interest for Crown to fail and explained the consequences for Crown and stakeholders that would arise from a certain outcome of the commission.

The exact outcome was redacted, but it appears to reference a finding that Crown is unfit to run its sprawling Southbank casino  a finding an inquiry in NSW made in relation to its new Sydney casino earlier this year. Crown Melbourne is Victorias largest single-site employer and major taxpayer.
Pfizer plans to request US emergency authorisation in August for a third booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, based on early data showing that it can sharply increase immune protection against the coronavirus.

The company has received initial data from an early human study showing that a third dose of its existing coronavirus vaccine is safe and can raise neutralising antibody levels by 5 to 10 fold compared with the original vaccine, Pfizer research head Mikael Dolsten said in an interview.

Pfizer is about to seek US authorisation for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Once more data is in hand, Pfizer plans to ask the US health regulator FDA to authorise a booster shot that could be given six to eight months after the original two doses, Dolsten said. The drugmaker is also talking with regulators in other countries and the European Union about the new results, he said. Pfizer produces the vaccine in partnership with Germanys BioNTech.

Dolsten said the company is going public with its plans because the early data looks convincing and because of increasing concern about mutations of the virus, including the ultra-transmissible Delta variant that is spreading in numerous countries including Australia.
Question: I went through a ghastly experience at work and went straight to our HR team. They said they would treat my experience with the utmost seriousness, but were not sympathetic or helpful. It was clear from the very start they didnt believe what I was saying and intended to side with the person who caused me such grief, no matter what.

I spoke with a friend about it who said words to the effect HR departments arent there for employees. Theyre there for the company.

Its been months and Ive finally had the issue resolved separate from the HR department. I dont work for the company anymore. But my question is, is my friends advice true? Is going to HR a waste of time no matter where you work, or was this just a bad HR team?

Illustration by John Shakespeare Credit:

Answer: Im sorry for what youve been through, the experience itself but also the promise of remedy that has gone unfulfilled.
The octopus with pickled tomatoes at Frederics is pretty as a picture. Credit:Paul Jeffers When my parents separated, [Georges] said to me, Your mother is moving out, I am going overseas, you run the restaurant. Id just matriculated, and thought, Well this sounds more interesting than going to university. So, at 17 or 18, I had 35 staff. It was unbelievable. It sounds like a crazy baptism by fire. We grew up in the restaurant, but yeah, I was shitting myself, absolutely, he says with a laugh. My father came back a couple of months later, after Mirka had moved out, and said, This is all going well, and he went back [overseas] again. Having such an outlandish mother, especially as a self-conscious tween, was not always ideal. Growing up with Mirka was very hard, because she loved to embarrass people and was notorious for flashing her boobs. Whenever there was a cake she would plunge her hand into it, he says. The children were aware that at any moment, anything could happen, and he sometimes thought, Here we go, Mums going to jump on the table and do the can-can.

Mirka made her own clothes, sometimes fashioning a blanket into an outfit by cutting a hole in the middle and tying a ribbon around it. She looked really stylish but it was only into our teens that we started to appreciate how wonderful her difference was. At one stage, he and Tiriel dragged her along to Myer and made her buy a twinset to wear when she picked us up from school. Loading Mora tells these stories lovingly, aware of just how extraordinary his mother was. He sees her joie de vivre and lack of inhibition, now so celebrated, through very different eyes to his childhood self. Other issues posed challenges for the Mora children. Georges worked long hours in the restaurant and was a wanderer (His idea of a holiday was to leave the family at home and go travelling) and his mother prioritised her work. Mirka put her art first, she was very open about that. Now, she is such a beacon to joy and exploration of life. All of that was obviously part of dealing with the horrific experience of escaping the Holocaust.

The Mora family in Mirkas Studio at Tolarno in 1967. From left to right: Philippe, Mirka, William, Tiriel (on ladder) and Georges Having narrowly avoided being sent to Auschwitz, Mirkas family spent three years of the war hiding in the woods in France. At the same time, Georges worked with the French Resistance, smuggling orphaned Jewish children to safety, at times disguised as a nun. The couple met in Paris and married in 1947. Mora says his parents rarely spoke about the atrocities of war, focused instead on carving out a new world. The eyes that dominate so many of Mirkas works are inspired by those looking out from the trains that carried the Nazis victims to their fate. Her work is a joyous celebration of humanity, a clear rejection of such evil. Loading Researching MIRKA, an exhibition now showing at the Jewish Museum in St Kilda, which he co-curated, Mora unearthed a treasure trove of material from his mothers home. Basically every artist in Australia in the Moderns and the Sydney school had written letters to Mirka.

An incredible hoarder, she had saved work, diaries and all manner of correspondence. Her son used to warn visitors that they would end up with oil paint on their jackets from works stacked up around the place. Mora hopes to convert her Richmond apartment  which includes her studio  into a museum of sorts, so school groups and others can visit and learn more about her extraordinary practice. Since 1999, his mother lived beside him and his wife Anna Mortley, also manager of Mora Galleries, and then their nine-year-old daughter, Carlotta; he has two children from his first marriage, Fred, 29, and Lily, 31. Continuing family tradition, Lily recently set up Sunday Salon for emerging artists. As we tuck in to dessert, a classic souffle for him, and my mousse which riffs on a Cherry Ripe, two dessert wines arrive, courtesy of nearby diner Michael Bartlett, chairman of the Australia Club. In a role seemingly at odds with his bohemian upbringing, Mora sits on the clubs art committee. He curates a show a year for them, including a teaming of Fred Williams with Paddy Bedford and more recently Mirka. Receipt for lunch with William Mora at Frederics. Since his mothers death in 2018, Mora has devoted much time and energy to ensuring her legacy continues. Three big museum shows this year have Mirka at their heart: the Jewish Museum exhibition, which tells her life story, starting with her childhood in France; Know My Name, a celebration of 100 years of female artists at the NGA in Canberra; and House of Ideas, Modern Women, now showing at Heide. Opening next week at Mora Galleries is Mirka Mora - A Rare Selection of Early Charcoals, Pastels and Neon Inks.
Does Graham identify as a black person? I dont know how he identifies, but hes the most relaxed, unburdened man youll ever meet in your life. Hes so cool. They are my favourite actors: Sean Bean (Mark Cobden) and Stephen Graham (Eric McNally) in Time. If you tell me Sean Bean is that, I wont believe you! Oh Seans not black, McGovern says, misunderstanding me. Seans a white working-class Yorkshire man. But if youre about to tell me hes completely chilled and relaxed  No, hes OK Sean  hes a lovely man. I love him to bits, like. He says that a series he workshopped for nine months in Australia  Redfern Now in 2012  was the most rewarding thing Ive ever done in my life. It was just a buzz from start to finish. McGovern was invited over by the Australian writer Mac [Wolf Creek] Gudgeon when they met at a writers guild conference on the West Coast of America. In Australia he met Sally Riley, who went on to become the ABCs Head of Drama, Comedy and Indigenous and was a great fan of McGoverns The Street and hoping to recreate it in Australia. Instead, something original was worked up to become the first series commissioned, written, acted and produced by Indigenous Australians. It won a multitude of awards and was developed into a second series. McGovern meets with Indigenous writers working on the ABC series Redfern Now in 2010, from back, left to right, Adrian Wills, Steven McGregor, Tamara Whyte; middle row, Dennis Simmons, Danielle MacLean. front row, Jon Bell, Jimmy McGovern and Michelle Blanchard. Credit:James Brickwood

A non-Indigenous Australian, the British writer believes, wouldnt have been able to do and say the things he did and said: I realised I was asked because of what I didnt know about the Aboriginal experience; I was an ignorant bum! He had what he describes as an absolute ball but was less impressed by some aspects of the Australian way of life. He was in Paris doing a screenwriters thing and I remember saying If you think England is a racist country or France is  go to Australia! There was an Aussie in the audience who took great exception to what I said but I think its true. I love Australia and I love Australians but I dont think Ive ever been in such a racist society. Loading McGoverns interest in and knowledge about prisons has deepened over the years; early on in his writing career, when he first moved from teaching to scripting, he was invited to conduct workshops in prisons. More recently, he has spent time working with the Sycamore project, under the auspices of the prison chaplaincy, led by volunteers teaching the principles of restorative justice by focusing on victim awareness. As someone who works in prisons, myself, with Liberty Choir UK, the charity I co-founded with my wife seven years ago , I was struck by how accurately Time captures the inhumanity of life in prison  what civilised society would tolerate conditions that you wouldnt accept for animals, where two men in a tiny cell, built in Victorian times for one prisoner, are forced to eat and defecate virtually on top of one another? Time captures the inhumanity of life in prison. Sean Bean plays a teacher who has killed a man while driving drunk.

But I was also touched by how McGovern caught those rare, surprising moments of grace that can and do offer tiny shafts of light in a very dark place: as when an educated prisoner discreetly teaches an illiterate but proud fellow inmate to read and write, the kindness and concern that can manifest itself, how a caring and imaginative chaplain (such as the one played by Siobhan Finneran; the cast is a roll call of great British television actors) can transform the intolerable into something almost transcendent when she offers a prisoner the chance to experience a virtual funeral after he is denied the right to attend his fathers in person. Jimmy McGovern has been working as a volunteer on a restorative justice program. Credit:Colin McPherson/Corbis via Getty Im really proud of that scene, he says. Im so glad you picked that out. I loved that sequence. Ive never seen that done before, have you? It came to me and its amazing, isnt it? I have witnessed similar moments of reprieve in prison: how hard men can show emotion and even weep if they feel safe  alongside terrible events, more terrible because of how commonplace they are: suicide and self-harming, which has increased by 24 per cent in female prisons during COVID-19. Mental health, which has always been a major problem in prisons, has dramatically deteriorated with the further restrictions imposed because of the virus: the deprivation of fresh air, education, work, exercise, visits from family and none of the activities, such as our choirs, that offer relief from despair and can give prisoners the strength to survive another week.

McGovern, of course, sings from the same songbook  although not literally; he insists his voice is terrible, so much so that it is hard at times to remember that this is supposed to be an interview, not a meeting between like-minded people who are searching for a solution to an inhumane institution that is no longer fit for purpose. The main answer to making prisons work better is to empty them, he says: If you decriminalised drugs, you would have empty prisons. And Id do something about the cells; you shouldnt eat and shit in the same room. If you decriminalised drugs, you would have empty prisons. And do something about the cells; you shouldnt eat and shit in the same room. Jimmy MGovern There should also be a lot more meaningful activity, education and training. If only there was some way of altering the minds of the British public when it comes to sentencing. Its so easy for any political party to say tough on crime and get elected. Its ridiculous. The dynamic between Eric, the prison officer, and Mark, the prisoner  both trapped in different ways  came to McGovern for his script early on. During his research and in his various stints working in prison, he never encountered what he calls a real baddy of a prison officer. I thought they were people doing shitty jobs in shitty circumstances with very little money, and so I can see the temptation is there. But I never came across an out and out bastard  thats probably because I wasnt allowed to see the out and out bastards! he grins.  I didnt want to write an easy villain. And yet stuff does get into British prisons through staff. That is one way it does get in, and I had that story early on.

And the Sean Bean story is my kind of story  a man who needs to atone and cant even begin to atone, paralysed with guilt and grief and suffering. And then of course he gets picked on. And the only thing he does know about prison  having seen what happens to the other grass [who gets scalded horribly]  is that he knows he cannot grass. Stephen Graham is prison officer Eric McNally, who is forced into corruption to protect his son. In one of several hard-to-stomach scenes, one prisoner bites the ear off another inmate: Yes. I always had that in mind  the kind of level youve got to sink to in order to protect yourself. The brutalising nature of being in the belly of the beast, as prison has been called, is conveyed by the deafening cacophony of heavy doors slamming, men shouting at the top of their voices, banging of metal bars  and this is given an arresting counterpoint by the gentle, melancholic music of Elgar-like strings, suggesting the sadness, confusion and regret that is nearly always present when the men are alone in their cells, unmasked from the bravado and bluster of their strut in the wings. McGovern knew what prison drama cliches he was going to avoid, along with creating a multi-layered, subtle portrait of a prison officer who is a man of honour and integrity until he cant be, some of which are not even based on reality. You know how they always show a riot in the prison canteen? I have a very good friend who Ive known for 50 years and only the other day I said to him You do know that prisoners dont eat in canteens. And he was shocked when I told him that they pick up their food and take it back to eat in their cell  one person sitting on the lavatory and the other one on the lowest bunk. He was absolutely gobsmacked, you know.

And the other cliche I wanted to avoid was scenes of violence or homosexual rape in the showers.  There are some viscerally graphic scenes around self-harm in the first episode; how did he feel when he saw them? Its funny because it always happens to me and maybe to all writers  what we see in our minds eye is often less graphic that what appears on the screen. Having said that, I was served by a brilliant director [Lewis (Des; Broadchurch) Arnold] so Im not knocking him on this, but it was maybe a little more graphic than I envisaged it to be, but not that much more. Liberty Choir holds regular concerts in non-COVID-19 times in prisons (where the prisoners perform with the volunteers who come together for weekly sessions in a mixed choir) in front of an audience of prisoners families and friends. The dynamic in the hall with children running up to hug their fathers and where partners and wives, parents, grandparents or just supportive friends get to see their loved one in a different, joyous light, transforms a harsh environment. Time shows a similarly radiant moment when a child runs across the room at visiting time and everything changes in an instant: Its a beautiful meeting scene that, isnt it? All you see is love. Or when Marks mother  his parents visit him regularly  played by Sue Johnston says: Youre here as punishment, not for it. Is that yours? No, its not mine. Ive heard it said before about British prisons and I cant remember where but I clocked it when I heard it. He is talking on Zoom set up by Eileen  they have recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, he tells me  in his office across the lawn from their home. Behind him is a blue plaque that he takes down to show me, which says: JIMMY MCGOVERN Grandad since 2002 Health & Safety Expert Lives Here. The McGoverns have three children now in their late forties, Nicky, Joanne and Jimmy, and four teenage grandchildren: Hannah, Nancy, Tom and Jimmy jnr. Im a typical granddad, he says. Every time they come, I worry about their safety, so they call me the Health and Safety Expert.

Despite the serious subjects we tackle, there is often an air of merriment to the proceedings because of McGoverns frequent laughter and the twinkle in his eyes. The short vowels and Scouse thud are still very much intact, as is the occasional ghost of his childhood stutter, when the odd word stubbornly sticks. McGovern wanted to avoid the cliches of prison-based dramas. He talks about his memories of the 11 members of his family living in their little house, four boys to a bedroom until he was 10, thinning out as his older siblings married and left home: Me Mam would be singing Nat King Coles When I Fall in Love [he breaks into song, tunefully  despite his earlier protestations] as she washed the oilcloth over the table. Greenside is still there, he says, but now its got these pretty little houses built by the much-maligned Militant Tendency [of the Labour Party] in the 80s. Hes sensitive to the criticism that has been made of him reinforcing the negative stereotype of the Scouser: You know, What do you call a Scouser in a suit? The Accused. What do you call a Scouser in a big house? A burglar. When a drama works, its because its about flawed characters, and because I shoot in this city, giving jobs to my own people, I get accused of reinforcing that negative stereotype by our paper the Liverpool Echo, who cant even be arsed to print here, which is unfortunate.

I love this city, and the older I get, the more I love it. The architecture is second to none and you walk along the river and you see a proper river. Im sorry, but Manchester hasnt got a river like the Mersey, you know what I mean? He reads each of his characters lines out so they have a Scouse inflection, and I dont think Ive ever written a character who hasnt been part of me. Even the psychopaths in Cracker would be some deep and horrible part of me. He may have drunk more and smoked more to get into the head of Robbie Coltranes criminal psychologist Fitz, but the gambling addiction wasnt a stretch at all: I was a terrible gambler. I nearly lost everything to gambling. Loading McGovern used to pride himself on his discipline for writing, but now he can be distracted by the smallest things, such as fixing his lawn. Is it because, at 71, he gets tired easily? I dont know, he smiles, with a sort of rueful bemusement. I think its a lack of hunger. Im more successful now than I was  when youre younger you want success and appreciation. I dont particularly go after that now. I dont really go for the baubles.
Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes

Binge, on demand



The most extraordinary thing about the fall of Harvey Weinstein may not be how a Hollywood power player got away with what he did for so long, but rather how he got away with it for so long while hiding in plain sight.

Ronan Farrow in Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes. Credit:HBO

In one of the clip packages contained in Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes there is a flash back to 2005 when singer/actress Courtney Love is asked this on a red carpet: Do you have any advice for a young girl moving to Hollywood? Love, without a moments hesitation, replies: If Harvey Weinstein invites you to a private party at the Four Seasons, dont go.

The complex web of reporting that formed around Weinstein in the last decade follows an erratic path. Though this is the story of Ronan Farrows reporting for The New Yorker and, later, his book Catch and Kill, some credit belongs too, in broad terms, to New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who broke the story and shared the 2018 Pulitzer for public service with Farrow. (Twohey and Kantor do not appear in this documentary.)
In February I was standing in a very long queue. We were all taking a chance, hoping to be vaccinated that day. After about an hour of waiting a security guard came down the line and pulled out the seniors, health care workers and  teachers.

I smugly went to the front of the line. So, this was what it felt like to be the teachers pet. You see, I was an educator in Los Angeles and at long last being a teacher was paying off. I was finally being seen as an essential worker, crucial not only to its social infrastructure but also to the economy of the state.

There are calls for teachers to be prioritised in Australias vaccine rollout. Credit:AP

Next week the students of Sydney will be taught remotely. Teachers will be writing the lesson plans, delivering the curriculum, and Zooming in from their makeshift studios (read: living rooms); parents will be supervising (read: begging) their children to learn online. (Im sure most parents wouldnt have predicted that the hardest part of battling a global pandemic would be teaching long division.)

The following week teachers will be expected to arrive at school, optimistic and positive, and hide all the concerns they have about catching  or spreading  the highly virulent Delta variant of COVID-19. Unlike my experience in LA, teachers here are not given frontline worker status and, with it, priority in the queue for vaccination. Many will be unprotected.
The NSW government is facing its most difficult decision of the pandemic with senior ministers cautiously canvassing abandoning a zero local transmission strategy and accepting the Delta strain of COVID-19 will circulate in the community.

Three senior ministers, who would not speak publicly due to cabinet confidentiality, have acknowledged the state has reached a fork in the road where it must choose between a lockdown to eliminate COVID or living with the virus.

The discussions will intensify in the coming days as NSW battles to contain the growing outbreak in south-west Sydney, which has much lower rates of vaccination in its elderly population than the rest of the state.

NSW Police will launch a major operation in south-west Sydney on Friday, sending in at least 100 officers to enforce the stay-at-home orders in a desperate bid to lower the rates of transmission in a host of suburbs.
Police investigating the slaying of bikie boss Mick Hawi found an unrelated gun in a car park air conditioning duct after a covert listening device picked up a suspect showing the revolver to other people and describing it as a cracker, a court has heard.

Yusuf Nazlioglu, 39, a member of the Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gang, was under investigation in August 2018 for the shooting of Mr Hawi, the former national president of the Comancheros, who was executed as he left a Rockdale gym six months earlier.

Yusuf Nazlioglu pictured in 2018. Credit:Seven News

A jury found Nazlioglu not guilty of Mr Hawis murder in September 2020, after his barrister told a court there were a lot of people who had motives to kill Mr Hawi.

During the investigation, detectives bugged a rental car which picked up Nazlioglu saying to two other men: see that, is that a cracker or what brother. One of the men responded, look at the gun you got.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has pointed the finger at NSW after a mans efforts to enter the state to rush to his dying mothers side were denied.

Anthony McCormick, originally from Cairns, raced home from Canada to see his dying mother in a Brisbane hospital after she was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago.

Anthony McCormick rushed from Canada to be by his mothers side in a Brisbane hospital but was unable to get entry to Queensland before she died. Credit:Nine/Today

After flying into Sydney, he was reportedly granted a NSW exemption to leave hotel quarantine if he produced a negative COVID test, but told Nines Today his mother died on Wednesday night before he was able to get entry to Queensland.

We thought we might get another week out of that, Mr McCormick said, choking back tears.
Australias health watchdog has ordered a Melbourne pub to stop offering free beer to customers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Tom Streater, the publican of the Prince Alfred hotel in Port Melbourne, said he was contacted by the Therapeutic Goods Administration on Wednesday and reprimanded for giving vaccinated customers a free pint.

Publican Tom Streater from the Prince Alfred hotel in Port Melbourne was reprimanded by the Therapeutic Goods Administration this week for handing out free beers to vaccinated customers. Credit:Scott McNaughton

He was directed to rules on the authoritys website which state that businesses cannot offer alcohol, tobacco or medicines as incentives to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

We are going to have to discontinue the free booze incentive, Mr Streater said.
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.
Indigenous and human rights advocates have accused the federal government of cowardice after it told the United Nations it shares responsibility with the states and territories for raising the age of criminal responsibility.

Children as young as 10 can be held criminally responsible for their actions and jailed in Australia, below the United Nations recommended age of 14.

Cheryl Axleby said the federal government lacked the courage and decency to show leadership by deflecting responsibility to the states.

31 member states of the UN  including Canada, Sweden, and Spain  urged Australia to raise the age during a UN Human Rights Council universal periodic review process in January.

In its response on Thursday, Australia noted the international recommendations but did not support or reject them.
Two Liberal backbenchers have accused Telstra of betraying its customers by allocating only a small slice of its $2.8 billion tower sale to fixing regional connectivity issues while returning half the proceeds to shareholders.

The decision by Telstra to sell a 49 per cent stake in its InfraCo Towers business, a network of about 8200 towers, has complicated the governments $200 million grant to Telstra to construct 894 towers under the blackspot program.

Sydney-based Liberal MP Julian Leeser, a vocal critic of the telecommunications giant, said Telstras decision to allocate $75 million - less than 3 per cent of the $2.8 billion sale proceeds - to fixing blackspots was a drop in the ocean.

Berowra MP Julian Leeser has criticised Telstras decision prioritise returns to shareholders in the $2.8 billion partial sale of mobile towers business while reinvesting just $75 million in improving connectivity issues in the regions.

Telstra is paid taxpayer dollars subsidised through the mobile blackspot program to put up towers. They sell half their tower business and yet what are they doing with the money? Theyre not ploughing into serving the customers theyve already got. Theyre paying it to their shareholders, Mr Leeser said.
Victorian health officials are actively considering shutting the border to travellers from all of NSW, as epidemiologists warn against any delays to pulling that trigger while the coronavirus crisis in Greater Sydney deepens.

Urging Victorians not to cross the Murray, Health Minister Martin Foley said on Thursday that his government was growing increasingly concerned about the potential of COVID-19 leaking out of Sydney into regional NSW.

COVID testing in Fairfield, in Sydneys west on Thursday. Credit:Kate Geraghty

While Victoria recorded its eighth consecutive day of no COVID-19 cases on Thursday, Greater Sydney recorded 38 new local cases, including 20 who were in the community while infectious.

Were concerned that the situation is clearly not heading in the direction that all Australians want NSW to be. The risk grows, and the threat grows, Mr Foley said.
Victorians have been urged to avoid crossing the Murray River as the state government considers a hard border with NSW after Greater Sydney recorded 38 new local cases of coronavirus.

Health Minister Martin Foley said he would not rule out the measure and warned more local government areas could be declared red zones as Sydneys coronavirus crisis deepened.

The risk grows, and the threat grows and having worked so hard to get to this level that we had in Victoria, we do not need Victorians entering and coming back from NSW, so please do not travel to NSW from Victoria, Mr Foley said during Thursdays COVID-19 update.

Mr Foley said the states traffic light travel permit system was working, and described Victoria Polices border control operation as highly visible, highly mobile, and technologically driven.
You have fallen short against the top-four sides? Where are you lacking?

Like you said the last couple of times we have been in this position where the information is accurate and we get beaten in the contest more than anything. We have not been able to make the ground we would like but that does not mean we will not keep trying. In particular, Melbourne mainly got it off their intercept metres. They could take the ball off us and we were able to get more entries at our end compared to them but they were more efficient when they took the ball from us and scored.

Todd Marshall flies highest for a mark. Credit:Getty Images

It seemed really messy, getting the ball into the forward 50.

That is accurate. We could not get any clean ball going into our forward half and they could get pressure on us and they could get pressure on us and they were able to get enough pressure and as I said the intercept stuff was the bit that probably set them apart from us particularly in the first three quarters and I think the last quarters and I think the last quarter they dominated. And going the other way when they took it out of their defensive 50, not enough blocks on them at times. They could get too many metres off the play and they were able to execute better, way better than we could over the course of the night.

Did you have too few good performers?

I think that is probably fair. I think we have had a few people who have not been at their best form or the most consistent form. I think we have been OK, clearly we have been OK at times because we are fifth. But to beat the best teams, you have to have numbers in your favour than against. As you said, we are leaving too much to too few.

How is Zak Butters?

Yes, his knee got a sprain and it looks like maybe his medial, we will wait and see. We will not make any calls until we get the information back. It is his first game back. A bit like us. We have been banged up a bit. We have not been able to play with the consistency we would like with the group we would like. A lot of teams have had those challenges. We need to get some pieces in there together and let them play some football. Im very optimistic that if we can get them together, they can play at a high level.

You feel for Zak Butters given how much she loves footy.

That is what happened. He has had too many bad runs. He has had both shoulders done. He is starting to get a few. It goes against you. That is what happens. You get back and you are excited and all of a sudden the first game, something happens.

How much does that inside 50 efficiency down to what you are doing versus how well Melbourne is setting up?

Clearly, both. Melbourne have shown over the last few weeks they have been a bit. They have been as good as anyone at setting up behind the ball very well. The pressure on the ball very well. The pressure on the ball and the ability to use that ball and the ability to use that ball cleaner was the bigger factor tonight more than what Melbourne were able to do behind the ball. We thought that we could not get any clean ball at all going forward. They were able to get a couple.

That is 12 times this year you have activated the sub, is that bad luck?

We feel like our sub gets used a bit. Sometimes, very early. That is the challenge we have had this year. That is just a challenge. It is not something that stops you. It is not something that stops you. It challenges you. We need to keep searching for the right answers and the right response to the challenges if its the sub or injury or the opposition. We will keep searching and improving and getting better.
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.
Brussels: The European Union handed down $1 billion in fines to four major German car manufacturers on Thursday, saying they colluded to limit the development and rollout of car emission-control systems.

Daimler, BMW, VW, Audi and Porsche avoided competing on technology to restrict pollution from gasoline and diesel passenger cars, the EUs executive commission said. Daimler wasnt fined after it revealed the cartel to the European Commission.

German car manufacturer BMW is among the car manufacturers fined by the EU. Credit:AP

It was the first time the European Commission imposed collusion fines on holding back the use of technical developments, not a more traditional practice like price fixing.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said that even though the companies had the technology to cut harmful emissions beyond legal limits, they resisted competition and denied consumers the chance to buy less polluting cars.
Buh-Bye Third-Party Used Car Dealers? Honda Finance Will No Longer Allow End-Of-Lease Vehicles Returned To Non-Franchised Dealer







SEE ALSO: Honda To Eliminate Support Of Wall Street Funded Independent Digital Used Car Dealers

TORRANCE, CA. July 8, 2021; American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) announced it will direct customers to return all leased vehicles to authorized Honda and Acura dealers only in accordance with their lease agreement. The measure comes as global parts supply issues and congestion at various ports have led to new vehicle inventory challenges for auto dealers and increased consumer demand for pre-owned vehicles.

AHFC will notify lease customers nearing their end of term that, in accordance with the terms of the AHFC lease agreement, lease customers can purchase their leased vehicle but are otherwise required to return or trade-in the vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer only.

In this unusual market environment, our goal is to make sure our dealers have access to quality pre-owned Honda and Acura vehicles to satisfy the needs of new and returning customers. Customers continue to have the option to purchase their leased vehicle as indicated on their lease agreement, said Petar Vucurevic, vice president of AHFC.

Honda is the latest automaker to enact such a policy. The policy will be reassessed at the end of the calendar year.

About American Honda Finance Corporation

American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC), operating as Honda Financial ServicesSM and Acura Financial Services, helps to satisfy the financing needs of consumers of Honda and Acura products including automobiles, sport utility vehicles, minivans, motorcycles, powersport products, marine engines and power equipment. For more information, visit hondafinancialservices.com or acurafinancialservices.com.
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.
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Zimmerman trail as it winds up the rim rocks on the West end of Billings, Montana.
Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo waits to speak at a news conference announcing his candidacy for governor of Nevada, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Las Vegas.
New Hampshire executes plans for federal relief funds while still angling for right to cut taxes
Strong Foundations Charter School students explore their new iPads on Jan. 3, 2012, as then-presidential candidate Jon Huntsman (right) visits their school in Pembroke, New Hampshire.
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.
Texas Supreme Court rules Facebook can be held liable for sex traffickers who use its platform
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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
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NYPD cars are seen in Times Square in New York City, on March 22, 2020. (Kena Betancur /AFP via Getty Images)

16-Year-Old Surrenders Himself for Times Square Shooting That Injured Marine

A 16-year-old surrendered himself to police on Wednesday after a shooting in New Yorks Times Square, in which a stray bullet injured a 21-year-old Marine, authorities said, according to local reports.

The teen, accompanied by his mother, presented to the Midtown South Precinct station house where he turned himself in.

He was charged with attempted murder, as well as assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon, reported the New York Daily News. According to the outlet, the teen has three prior felony arrests, with one being a gun possession charge.

The NYPD will not be identifying the suspect because of his age, reported Spectrum News.

The shooting occurred on June 27 near the Marriott Hotel, after an argument broke out between rival breakdancers. Police said one of the men then pulled out a gun and started firing.

One bullet, which had ricocheted off the ground, hit the back of innocent bystander Samuel Poulin, a newly-commissioned Marine Corps officer from upstate New York who was visiting the city with his wife and family.

WANTED for an Assault: On Sunday June 27, 2021 at approx. 5:15 P.M., in the vicinity of West 47st. and 7th Ave. @NYPDMTS a unknown individual shot a 21 year old innocent bystander causing serious injury Call @ 800-577-TIPS or DM NYPDTips Reward up to $3500 pic.twitter.com/j199kR3iYj  NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) June 28, 2021

Video released by the New York Police Department on June 28 showed the alleged gunman.

Video obtained by PIX11 showed that Poulin was able to stand up after being shot, before he was taken to hospital in an ambulance. The outlet reported, citing police sources, that Poulins brother-in-law removed the bullet on the scene.

Poulin was released from hospital later in the day, the New York Post reported, citing an unnamed NYPD official.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on June 28 that at least 50 additional police officers had been deployed in Times Square in an effort to deter further shootings. The effort includes uniformed and undercover officers. The area already had a heavy police presence.

The move was in response to the June 27 shooting as well as another separate shooting that took place within the same block on May 8, when a 4-year-old girl and two other adults were hit by stray bullets to their legs.

A suspect, 31-year-old Farrakhan Muhammad, was arrested in Florida and extradited to New York where he faces charges of attempted murder, assault, criminal use of a firearm, and reckless endangerment.

Recent data released by the NYPD for the month of June showed that the department made 361 gun-related arrestsa 99.4 percent increase compared with the same period last year. There was a decrease in shooting incidents, at 165 compared to 205 last year, representing a 19.5 percent decrease.
A police car is seen in Chicago, Ill., on June 18, 2021. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

3 Chicago Undercover Agents Shot While Driving Unmarked Vehicle Onto Freeway

Three undercover agents were shot in Chicago early on Wednesday while they were seated in an unmarked police vehicle conducting an undisclosed investigation.

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said at a press conference the officers were fired upon around 5:50 a.m. while trying to enter onto an expressway near the intersection of 119th Street and the ramp onto Interstate 57 on the citys south side, which is also located near the 22nd District police station.

One of the wounded agents is a senior law enforcement officer with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the two other officersalso seniorsare agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Brown said.

One of the ATF agents was shot in the hand, the other was hit in the upper-body area and the CPD officer was grazed in the back of the head by a bullet. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

One ATF agent is a male, the other is a female. All three officers are being treated at Advocate Christ Medical Center. No further information regarding their identities was immediately released.

Brown said detectives are working toward capturing those involved as soon as possible. No details surrounding a potential suspect or information on the investigation were made public.

The shooting comes just one day after police reported that more than 100 people were shot in the Illinois city amid yet another bloody Fourth of July weekend that also injured two police officers who were trying to break up a crowd early on Monday during a holiday gathering.

With Wednesdays latest 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, the superintendent 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 another 70 were wounded.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli (L) is seen inside the P4 laboratory in Wuhan, capital of China's Hubei province on Feb. 23, 2017. The P4 epidemiological laboratory was built in co-operation with French bio-industrial firm Institut Merieux and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images)

4 Ethics-Breaking Biological Experiments Touted by Chinese Scientists as World Firsts

Throughout the world, scientific research and experiments involving ethical issues must first pass the scrutiny of ethics committees. In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has conducted many experiments in the field of biomedical and genetic engineering that break human ethical boundaries.

China began implementing the Ethical Review of Biomedical Research Involving Humans on Dec. 1, 2016. However, 122 Chinese scientists who co-signed an open letter in 2018 to oppose gene-edited babies criticized Chinas biomedical ethics review as a sham.

In the United States, as ethical and moral regulations on animal research have become stricter, budgets and funding have tended to decrease in recent years, making China the most attractive place for such experiments. For example, in 2014, the U.S. government imposed a funding pause of gain of function research involving influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronaviruses. In 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would stop conducting or funding studies on mammals by 2035.

In 2011, the CCP made it a national development goal to create primate disease models through cloning and other biotechnologies. According to the 2020 China Biomedical Industry Development Report published by Chinese Venture, the overall biopharmaceutical market in China increased from $28.7 billion to $49.6 billion from 2016 to 2019, at a CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 20 percent. It is expected to reach $130.2 billion in 2025.

Below are four experiments conducted by Chinese scientists that Chinese state media touted as world firsts.

Experiment 1: A Rat Model of Male Pregnancy

On June 9, researchers from Chinas Naval Medical University published a preprint paper on a rat model of male pregnancy on the non-peer-reviewed site BioRxiv.

The paper describes a specific method for getting a male rat pregnant at the expense of three female rats.

First, a castrated male rat was sutured back to back with a female rat to create a female microenvironment for the male rat, forming a heterosexual parabiotic pair. The uterus of another female rat was transplanted into the conjoined male rat. Finally, blastocyst-stage embryos developed in the third female rat were transplanted into the grafted uterus of the male parabiont and the native uterus of the female parabiont. After 21.5 days, 27 of the 280 male embryos were normally developed and 10 well-developed pups were delivered by cesarean section. At least 46 male rats and 138 female rats were used in the experiment.

Chinese web portal Sina, reported the story under the headline Are men still far away from giving birth?, saying that Chinese scientists have performed a miracle and broken the universal law of nature since the beginning of the time.

However, the experiment has been questioned and criticized by some experts.

Emily McIvor, senior science policy adviser for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, described the experiment as vile. She said that animals should not be treated as disposable objects.

Animals deserve to be respected and left in peace, not bred in laboratories, experimented on, and treated like disposable objects, she said to Mail Online.

Surgically joining two sensitive ratswho endured mutilation and weeks of prolonged sufferingis unethical and in the realm of Frankenscience, she added.

She also said she believes that these shocking experiments are driven solely by curiosity and do nothing to further our understanding of the human reproductive system.

Experiment 2: Human-Monkey Chimeric Embryos

On April 15, a research team from Kunming University of Science and Technology in Yunnan, China, and the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences in the United States published a paper on the Cell website, announcing that they had successfully grown the worlds first human-monkey chimeric embryos, i.e. embryos with both human- and monkey-derived cells.

Scientists injected human stem cells into the monkey embryos in the hope that the organs grown in the monkeys could be transplanted into humans. This has led to widespread ethical controversy.

Dr. Anna Smajdor, lecturer and researcher in biomedical ethics at the University of East Anglias Norwich Medical School, told the BBC the study posed significant ethical and legal challenges.

The scientists behind this research state that these chimeric embryos offer new opportunities, because we are unable to conduct certain types of experiments in humans. But whether these embryos are human or not is open to question, she said to BBC.

Prof Julian Savulescu, director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics and co-director of the Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, told the BBC the research opens Pandoras box to human-nonhuman chimeras.

However, the projects Chinese leader, academician Ji Weizhi of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that human-monkey chimeric embryos just created an environment in which human stem cells are developed, reproductive chimerism does not inherently occur, and that it is definitely not a human-monkey hybrid, so it does not have ethical issues.

In 2019, the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology in Beijing created the first pig-monkey hybrid by adding monkey cells to pig embryos.

The two hybrids died after only two weeks and the research was criticized by scientists from around the world as morally and ethically shocking.

Experiment 3: Gene-Edited Babies

In December 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced at a major academic conference in Hong Kong the birth of twin gene-edited baby girls who were immune to AIDS. He claimed it was the first case in the world.

He said his team used CRISPR technology to edit out the CCR5 gene in embryos so that the babies might have a natural ability to fight AIDS in the future.

The case sparked widespread condemnation from the global scientific community, with experts concerned that altering the genome of an embryo could cause unexpected harm, not only to the individual being modified, but also to future generations who pass on these same changes.

Krishanu Saha, a bioengineer at the University of WisconsinMadison, a member of a group investigating the safety of the technology, told the BBC, So lets say we are injecting a genome editor into the brain to target neurons in the hippocampus,  she adds, how do we make sure that those genome editors do not travel into the reproductive organs and end up hitting a sperm or egg? Then that individual could potentially pass the edit on to their children.

An international committee of scientific institutions investigating the issue released a report on Sept. 3, 2020, saying that once the genome of a human embryo is edited, it should not be used for reproduction until there is solid evidence that genomic changes in the sperm survivor can lead to reliable results and do not cause unintended changes. No genome editing technology has been able to meet this standard.

Even in China, 122 scientists signed an open letter warning of the risks of such experiments and criticizing the authorities ethical biomedical review as a sham.

The Chinese authorities opened an investigation shortly after the news was announced, saying that there were problems with the ethical review documents involved in the study.

CCP mouthpiece Peoples Daily also changed its tone after praising the research as a historic breakthrough, and published an article titled Technological Development Cannot Leave Ethics Behind.

On Dec. 30, 2019, a Chinese court ruled in a secret trial that He Jiankui will spend three years in prison and pay a $430,000 fine for illegally carrying out the human embryo gene-editing experiments. Two others involved were also sentenced.

Experiment 4: Gain-of-Function Experiments on Coronaviruses

Bat Woman Shi Zhengli, a scientist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, sparked an ethical and moral debate by conducting a gain-of-function (GOF) experiment in the course of her research on the CCP virus, which causes COVID-19.

In 2015, Shi, together with her collaborators, published a paper in the journal Nature Medicine on the genetic modification of a SARS-like virus (SARS-CoV) bat coronavirus to allow it to infect humans with greater infectivity.

This GOF study, in which the virus was genetically modified to make it more lethal or transmissible, amounted to the creation of a new strain of the virus that was expected to cause an outbreak in humans, the so-called potential pandemic pathogen (PPP).

After the publication of the article, many scientists around the world questioned the potential dangers and ethical issues of the experiment.

Because the risk of widespread or even global spread of virulent pathogens that could result from GOF/PPP research far outweighs the benefits of the research, such research has raised widespread ethical concerns and has been deemed inconsistent with the Nuremberg Codes requirement for broad ethical principles of fruitful results for the good of society, unprocurable by other methods, and proportionality of risk to humanitarian benefit.

In 2014, the U.S. government suspended funding for GOF research involving influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus.

In August 2020, Michael J. Imperiale, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan, and Arturo Casadevall, professor and chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, co-authored an article saying that we are not concerned with the notion of gain-of-function experiments writ large  Rather, we are specifically talking about experiments involving pandemic pathogens.

They added, One should not be performing GOF experiments simply to see what would happen without strong evidence that it could happen naturally. In other words, just because an experiment can be done does not mean that it should be done.

In an email to the New York Times on June 15, Shi argued that her experiment was different from GOF because her goal was not to make the virus more dangerous but to understand how it spreads across species.

Dr. Sean Lin, former lab director of the viral disease branch of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, told The Epoch Times Chinese-language edition that the cross-species experiment itself would create new viruses that are not found in nature, making them not only more virulent or infectious, but also helping the virus mutate and leading to cross-species mutations.
Haitians demonstrate during a protest to denounce the draft constitutional referendum carried by the President Jovenel Moise in Port-au-Prince on March 28, 2021. (Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Images)

4 Presumed Assassins of Haitian President Fatally Shot by Police, 2 Others Captured

Four presumed assassins of Haitis president Jovenel Moise were shot by police and two others were captured, the countrys police chief said on Wednesday.

Haitis police chief, Leon Charles, said in a statement that three police officers were held hostage and subsequently freed in the operation.

Four mercenaries were killed, two were intercepted under our control. Three policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered, Charles said.

Direction Centrale de la Police Judiciaire (DCPJ) police patrol the area with forensics, as Judge Carl Henry Celestin (C) looks on outside of the presidential residence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 7, 2021. (Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Images)

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph confirmed the killing of the four suspected killers of 53-year-old Moise, who was killed early Wednesday during an overnight raid of his home.

The presidents wife, Martine, was also wounded in the attack, and was reported to be in critical condition. She was taken to Miami for treatment, government officials said.

Joseph earlier said the president was assassinated in a highly coordinated attack by a highly trained and heavily armed group.

The killing of Haitis president comes amid growing chaos in a country already enduring gang violence and political instability.

Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to the United States, said the attack was carried out by what he described as by well trained professional commandos and foreign mercenaries.

They needed Haitian automobiles to get to the presidents house, he said.

Edmond declined to comment on possible suspects or a possible motive but said 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.

Edmond said that Haiti has asked the U.S. government for assistance in their investigation of the assassination, which is being led by the Haitian national police.

Meanwhile, Joseph, in an interview with The Associated Press, called for an international investigation into the assassination, adding that elections scheduled for later this year should be held. He pledged to work with Moises allies and opponents alike.

We need every single one to move the country forward, Joseph said. He alluded to enemies of the president and described Moise asa man of courage who had opposed some oligarchs in the country, and we believe those things are not without consequences.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that he was shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination, and condemned the 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.

Unrest in Haiti has intensified in recent months. Moise, who was elected by a narrow margin in 2016, only took office in 2017 due to unrest. Opponents argued that his term legally ended in February this year but he refused to leave office, arguing that his term should end later because he was delayed in assuming office.

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 called on Haitians to be extremely vigilant.

Before his death, Moise was pushing for a referendum to reform Haitis constitution, with proposals that included restructuring the government.

He said the revisions were to streamline the countrys divided government by removing the position of prime minister, and replacing it with a vice president who answers to the president. It would also eliminate the Senate, replacing it with a single legislative body elected every five years.

Although Moises approach had received backlash, many Haitians say a new constitution is needed.

We need a system that works, Moise had told the New York Times in a telephone interview in March. The system now doesnt work. The president cannot work to deliver.

The 1987 Constitution enshrined many gains, but has had its day, he said in a Twitter post in March. We must have the courage to adopt another which, through futuristic arrangements, will lead Haiti to a more balanced political regime less likely to cause instability.

The Biden administration had opposed the effort to make reforms to the constitution and urged Moise to schedule a date for presidential and legislative elections.

That is the position of our government; were making that position known, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the House Foreign Affairs Committee last month when asked if he thought a constitutional referendum should be held.

Earlier, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters that the United States will not provide financial assistance for a constitutional referendum in Haiti, although it is contributing to the presidential and legislative elections.

We have repeatedly stated that constitutional reform is for the Haitian people to decide. Weve emphasized to the Haitian government that the U.S. government will not provide financial support for a constitutional referendum, Price said in April.

A constitutional referendum had been scheduled on June 27, but it was postponed to Sept. 26 amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Members of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2021 salute during their graduation ceremony at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., on May 26, 2021. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

Air Force Academy Professor Defends Teaching of Critical Race Theory

A professor at U.S. Air Force Academy is arguing that Critical Race Theory (CRT) should be taught to cadets of all military schools, so that they have a sensitive understanding of inequality supposedly embedded in the Constitution, to which they have sworn to defend.

Lynne Chandler Garcia, who teaches political science at the USAFA (U.S. Air Force Academy) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Tuesday published an op-ed in the Washington Post, in which she voiced support for Chairman Of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark Milley. During a June 23 hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, the 4-star general said he didnt see an issue with service members studying Marxism or CRT, which is rooted in Marxist theory of class struggle but with a focus on race.

I teach Critical Race Theories to our nations future military leaders because it is vital that cadets understand the history of the racism that has shaped both foreign and domestic policy, Garcia explained, adding that CRT helps cadets in her class learn about an alleged duality in Americas founding ideals, as expressed in documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

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 wrote. Critical Race Theory provides an academic framework to understand these nuances and contradictions.

Garcia also claimed that George Washington, the first Commander in Chief of the U.S. military, was racist because he is said to have initially opposed the recruitment of black soldiers into the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

In other words, racism was ingrained in the system from the beginning, and the military still struggles with these issues, she added.

Garcia concluded by saying that future USAF officers will be leading racially diverse units, therefore they need to have a comprehensive understanding of racism and be able to think critically and read broadlyan argument used by Gen. Milley during his Congressional hearing.

Last month, Milley was questioned by Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), a former Army Green Beret, about whether the U.S. military is becoming woke as military schools, such as the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, incorporate CRT into their teaching.

What is wrong with understandinghaving some situational understandingabout the country for which we are here to defend? he replied, adding that he finds it offensive when military officers are called woke for reading about theories that are out there, and that reading works of Marx, Lenin, and Mao didnt make him a communist.

I do think its important, actually, for those of us in uniform to be open-minded and be widely read, Milley said.

Former President Donald Trump, who appointed Milley to replace Ret. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford as the highest-ranking military officer in 2019, is calling on him to resign.

I watched his statements and it was pathetic, Trump told Newsmax two days after the Congressional hearing.

They didnt talk that way when I was around, he said. They didnt talk that way or I would have gotten rid of them in two minutes.
A woman receives a dose of Sinovac's Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine during a vaccination drive in Banda Aceh, Indonesia on July 7, 2021. (Chaideer Mahyuddin/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia Dispatches 2.5M Vaccine Doses to Reinforce Indonesias Pandemic Battle

The Australian government has stepped in to assist Indonesia in its battle to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country, pledging 2.5 million doses of the locally manufactured AstraZeneca vaccine.

Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, is grappling with a second wave of the pandemic.

Since March, the country has recorded an average of four to five thousand new infections per day. However, in June, the rate began to climb, reaching a record high of 31,189 cases on July 6.

The Australian government will deliver $12 million worth of oxygen-related and other medical equipment, including 1,000 ventilators, over 700 oxygen concentrators, and more than 170 oxygen cylinders, as well as other medical supplies.

Australia will also be sending 40,000 rapid-antigen test kits, following in the footsteps of the U.S. governments pledge to deliver four million doses of the Moderna vaccine in early July.

Australia stands with our close partner and neighbour Indonesia as it responds to a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement on July 7.

Today, I spoke with my friend and counterpart, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and confirmed immediate health support to Indonesia, in its response.

So far, Indonesia has recorded 62,848 deaths from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

Included in the tally is 946 health workers. In June, new data revealed 350 Indonesian health workers, including doctors and nurses, had been hospitalised with COVID-19 despite many of them receiving Chinas Sinovac vaccine.

People wait before receiving a dose of Sinovacs Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine during a vaccination drive in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on July 7, 2021. (Chaideer Mahyuddin/AFP via Getty Images)

The Indonesian government has administered 47.4 million vaccine doses to its population so far. It has contracts to receive AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Novavax vaccines. However, Sinovac has dominated the vaccine supply so far.

Questions have been raised over the efficacy of Sinovac after the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved emergency use of the vaccine in June.

A woman receives the AstraZeneca Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine at a makeshift mass vaccination clinic in Denpasar on Indonesias resort island of Bali on July 6, 2021. (Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP via Getty Images)

Late-stage clinical trials show Sinovac had a reported efficacy of 50.4 percent, just above the 50 percent threshold set by the WHO.

The Indonesian government is now considering booster shots to bolster the fight against the virus.

Dr. Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist from Griffith University, said the efficacy of Sinovac was dropping as new variants entered the country.

In July, the number of cases began increasing, and thats exactly around six months after Sinovac vaccinations began in January. So, it seems that at a certain level Sinovacs efficacy has been decreasing, he told The Epoch Times.

And it seems that the efficacy against the Delta variant is not as strong as what it was against the previous variant, he added, noting that booster shots were needed for the public.

Budiman welcomed the aid being provided by the Australian government, saying it was a great contribution and that it would strengthen bilateral ties between Australia and Indonesia.

Its sending a message to the world that we cannot deal with this pandemic only regionally or nationally, but that we need global collaboration. And the vaccine is one strategic tool to deal with this pandemic, he said.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks with people after the wreath laying ceremony at Mound of Glory war memorial marking Independence Day, on the outskirts of the capital Minsk, Belarus, on July 3, 2021. (Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarus Government Blocks Media Outlet, Detains Reporters

KYIV, UkraineBelarusian authorities blocked the website of a leading online media outlet, detained several of its journalists, and conducted searches involving three other media organizations Thursday, the latest moves in a sweeping clampdown on dissent and independent media in the ex-Soviet nation.

Belaruss Information Ministry said it has blocked Nasha Nivas website after the prosecutor generals office had accused it of posting unspecified unlawful information.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists, or BAJ, said that the authorities conducted searches at Nasha Nivas offices, detained chief editor Yahor Martsinovich and editor Andrey Skurko, and searched their apartments. Another four Nasha Niva journalists couldnt be reached, the BAJ said.

Agents of the Belarusian state security agency, which still goes under its Soviet-era name, KGB, also conducted searches Thursday at two regional media outlets, the Brest Gazette in the city of Brest on the border with Poland and the Intex-press in the city of Baranovichi.

And in the city of Orsha in eastern Belarus, authorities detained Ihar Kazmerchak, the editor of the Orsha.eu news portal, and searched the apartment of photographer Dzyanis Dubkou.

Belarusians hold banners and shout slogans as they wait for Belaruss exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Warsaw, Poland, on June 3, 2021. (Omar Marques/Getty Images)

Nasha Niva journalist rtsem Harbatsevich likened the clampdown to the authorities earlier action against another top independent news portal, Tut.by, which saw its website blocked and 12 of its journalists detained in May.

Its a crackdown on the editorial office in the worst Soviet-era tradition, Harbatsevich told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Minsk.

Nasha Niva, which was founded in 1906, is the oldest and the most authoritative Belarusian media outlet. Its online audience exceeds 100,000.

Both Nasha Niva and Tut.by extensively covered months of protests against Belaruss authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, which were triggered by his reelection to a sixth term in an August 2020 vote that was widely seen as rigged.

The authorities responded to demonstrations with a massive clampdown that saw more than 35,000 people arrested and thousands beaten by police. Leading opposition figures have been either jailed or forced to leave the country.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in the election, fled the country after the vote under official pressure. She urged Belarusians Thursday to subscribe to media channels on a popular messaging app to support independent media.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya speaks during her news conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 7, 2021. (Mindaugas Kulbis/AP Photo)

The regime is so much afraid of the truth that it blocks all independent media, denies accreditation to foreign journalists, shuts editorial offices, blocks editorials, and puts editors behind bars, Tsikhanouskaya said. They hope that if they abduct journalists and close media outlets people will forget about falsifications, violence, and repressions by the regime. But our memory and the truth are stronger than that.

The European Union and the United States have responded to the clampdown by slapping Belarus with sanctions. They have imposed new, tougher restrictions after Belarus diverted a passenger jet on May 23 to arrest an opposition journalist.

Speaking Thursday to graduates of military academies, Lukashenko accused the West of trying to deprive us of our sovereignty and enforce external governance.

But we will not come down on our knees, he said. We are defending ourselves, our families, our children, and our land.

Overall, 27 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists.

The crackdown on independent media in Belarus is continuing, said the association head, Andrei Bastunets. The authorities have decided that they can deprive millions of citizens of information. The authorities see journalists and independent information as their main enemies.

By Yuras Karmanau
Health Secretary Becerra: Absolutely the Governments Business to Know Who Gets Vaccinated

HHS secretary later says earlier comments were 'wildly taken out of context'

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra argued that the federal government is entitled to know who has been vaccinated against COVID-19, responding to concerns over a recently announced White House plan to send teams door-to-door.

Perhaps we should point out that the federal government has had to spend trillions of dollars to try to keep Americans alive during this pandemic, so it is absolutely the governments business. It is taxpayers business if we have to continue to spend money to try to keep people from contracting COVID and helping reopen the economy, Becerra told CNN on Thursday.

Becerra claimed that knocking on a door has never been against the law and you dont have to answer, but we hope you do. He added, Because if you havent been vaccinated, we can help dispel some of those rumors youve heard and hopefully get you vaccinated.

In a later tweet, Becerra said his comments to CNN were taken wildly out of context.

To be clear: government has no database tracking who is vaccinated, he tweeted. Were encouraging people to step up to protect themselves, others by getting vaccinated. Its the best way to save lives and end this pandemic.

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden and White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced a plan to send teams door-to-door to provide information about vaccines in areas with relatively low vaccination rates.

The president pledged to go community by community  and oftentimes door to door, literally knocking on doors in an effort to get people vaccinated. This drew anger from Republican lawmakers, who argued that the government doesnt have the right to know who is or isnt vaccinated.

How about dont knock on my door. Youre not my parents. Youre the government. Make the vaccine available, and let people be free to choose. Why is that concept so hard for the left? Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) wrote on Twitter. In 2021, the nine most terrifying words in the English language: Im from the government, have you been vaccinated yet? wrote Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.).

Other Republicans made even worse predictions.

Door to door to vaccinate Americans this year door to door to confiscate guns next year? asked Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) on Twitter.

Both Biden and Psaki, during their respective press conferences Tuesday, provided few details about the door-to-door outreach program. Its not clear when the program will start, if the outreach teams will ask questions, or how long it will last.

The plan is part of the governments COVID-19 response after the White House fell short of its self-imposed July 4 deadline to get 70 percent of American adults at least one vaccination shot. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 67 percent of American adults have received at least one shot, and more than 157 million people are fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines have become a flashpoint in the current culture wars. Some have argued that vaccine passport-type systems would imperil civil liberties and violate the landmark 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA.
Biden Says US Will End War in Afghanistan by End of August

President Joe Biden says the United States will complete the war in Afghanistan by Aug. 31, and the military will continue to provide funding, equipment, and humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.

Afghan leaders have to come together to drive toward a future that the Afghan people want and deserve, Biden said during a July 8 news conference in Washington.

The statement from the president comes as the Taliban terrorist group has made significant advances in recent weeks following the United States decision to withdraw. Biden announced the full withdrawal from Afghanistan in April, essentially ending the longest war the United States has fought.

The Pentagon stated that more than 90 percent of the withdrawal process has been completed so far. But at the same time, the Taliban for the past several weeks has made major battlefield advances and has captured U.S. military vehicles that were being used by the beleaguered Afghan army.

During his speech, Biden said that more than 300,000 members of Afghanistans military have been trained by U.S. forces over the past 20 years and that they have all the tools and training equipment of any modern military.

We did not go to Afghanistan to nation-build, the president said. It is the right and the responsibility of Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run their country.

Biden was asked by a reporter whether he believes the Taliban will fully take over Afghanistan. In response, Biden said he doesnt believe that will happen because Afghanistans military is equipped against against something like 75,000 Taliban, and it is not inevitable the group will take over.

The president said relocation flights for Afghan translators and contractors who worked alongside the U.S. military will be provided in the near future. As for where they will go, the administration has identified facilities outside of the U.S. and in third countries, Biden said.

A member of the Afghan security forces stands guard after the American military left Bagram Air Base, in Afghanistan, on July 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Italian Army soldiers of the last Italian troops withdrawing from Afghanistan walk in the airport in Pisa, Italy, on June 29, 2021. (Italian Defense Ministry via AP)

The Talibans leadership over the country was toppled in 2001 after the U.S. invasion after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The group was accused of harboring terror mastermind Osama bin Laden, who was killed during a raid about 10 years later in neighboring Pakistan.

The United States did what it went to do in Afghanistan, Biden said, referring to the killing of bin Laden.

Meanwhile, Afghan forces on July 8 took back control of a western provincial capital stormed by the Taliban a day earlier. Some fighting continued on the fringes of Qala-e-Naw, the capital of Badghis Province, which borders the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan, officials told Reuters.

The city is fully [back] under our control, and we are conducting operations against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city, Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said.

Taliban advances have been especially dramatic in northern provinces where they had long been kept at bay. Stop-start peace talks between the government and insurgents remain inconclusive.

Separately, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on July 8 that most British troops have left the country, arguing that the threat posed by al-Qaeda has been substantially diminished.

We must be realistic about our ability alone to influence the course of events. It will take combined efforts of many nations, including Afghanistans neighbors, to help the Afghan people to build their future, Johnson said during a news conference. But the threat that brought us to Afghanistan in the first place has been greatly diminished by the valour and by the sacrifice of the armed forces of Britain and many other countries.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Canadian and American flags fly near the Ambassador Bridge at the Canada-USA border crossing in Windsor, Ont., on March 21, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Rob Gurdebeke)

Bipartisan Group of 75 House Members Calls on Biden to Reopen USCanada Border

A bipartisan group of 75 House lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to reopen the U.S.-Canada border and lift other pandemic-related travel and entry restrictions.

Due to the progress our country has made to defeat COVID-19, we respectfully urge your administration to begin taking science-based, data-driven steps to safely reopen international travel to the United States, a July 6 letter (pdf) to Biden signed by Republicans and Democrats reads.

By taking these steps, your administration can both protect public health and safety and accelerate economic recovery and rehiring in the hard-hit travel industry.

The land ports of entry to Canada are currently closed to non-essential travel. The restrictions dont apply to air, rail, or sea travel.

The lawmakers stressed that high vaccination rates in both the United States and Canada have paved the way to a safe reopening. More than half of U.S. adults are fully vaccinated and more than 59 percent of the population in Canada has had at least one dose of vaccine, the letter says.

The Canadian COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel has recommended dropping quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that fully vaccinated people can safely resume travel.

Both governments should follow the science and drop all travel restrictions for travelers between the United States and Canada who are fully vaccinated travelers or provide proof of a negative PCR test, the letter reads.

The lawmakers are also urging the White House to lift restrictions on travel to and from the United Kingdom. The letter cites research from the Mayo Clinic, which suggests that the risk of a passenger infected with the CCP virus boarding a flight from the UK to the United States to be one in 10,000. The study also shows that the chances of an infected passenger transmitting the virus to another passenger are one in 1 million.

Prior to the pandemic, international inbound travel to the U.S. contributed $234 billion in export income to the U.S. economy, generated a trade surplus of $51 billion, and directly supported 1.2 million American jobs, the letter reads.

However, the steep decline in travel in 2020 resulted in the loss of $150 billion in export income. If nothing is done to lift entry restrictions, the U.S. is projected to lose 1.1 million jobs and an additional $175 billion by the end of this year.

The lawmakers also urged the president to increase visa processing capacity for business and tourism visas, citing data from April 8 showing that only 57 of 237 visa processing sites were fully operational, and more than three-quarters of the consulates were either fully or partially closed.

Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) appeared at the top of the list of the signatories.
Chicago Concealed Carry Holder Shoots Gunman Who Killed 1, Injured 2: Police

A concealed carry permit holder shot a gunman who allegedly opened fire at a Fourth of July party near Chicago over the weekend.

Calvin Gonnigan, 34, is accused of opening fire at the party, killing a woman, and injuring two more. The deceased victim was identified as 45-year-old Janina Ford, officials told the Chicago Sun-Times.

After he opened fire, an unnamed man who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon shot Gonnigan in the hip and both arms, police and prosecutors told the paper. According to officials, after Gonnigan was shot, he still allegedly shot Ford as she was trying to render aid to the other victims.

Gonnigan was charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of aggravated assault with a firearm, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Prosecutors said that Gonnigan got angry after he was told to stop shooting his gun in the air as children played outside, the newspaper reported. Officials said he was previously convicted on felony charges, including unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and aggravated robbery.

At one point during the incident, Gonnigan allegedly approached one of the victims, stood over him, and shot him around 10 times as he lay on the ground, officials said in the report.

The names of the other victims and the concealed carry permit holder werent identified. The two injured victims were identified as a 32-year-old male and a 49-year-old male.

The shooting was part of a paritcularly violent Fourth of July weekend in Chicago that saw more than 100 people get shot, including 19 fatally, in separate incidents.

Chicago police work at the scene of a mass shooting in a file photo (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

About 13 children were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy injured by gunfire in a single incident, and a 5-year-old girl shot in the leg, according to a tally from the Sun-Times.

Theres been a lot of large crowd gatherings tonight, a lot of celebratory fireworks going off, kind of spontaneous, police Superintendent David Brown said about the weekend violence. They were dispersing a crowd when they heard shots and felt pain.

On Wednesday, three undercover police officers were shot while driving onto an expressway on Chicagos South Side, police told The Associated Press.

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. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening. No arrests have been reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chief Judge Defends Bail Reform Amid Chicago Crime Wave

CHICAGOFollowing Chicagos most violent weekend of the year, the chief judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County has defended his bail reform policy, saying it didnt contribute to the citys continued crime wave.

During the Fourth of July weekendbetween midnight on July 2 and the early morning of July 622 people were killed and 91 were injured. So far, the city has seen 380 homicides in 2021, slightly higher than the same period in 2020the pandemic year that saw a sharp murder surge in Chicago and other U.S. cities.

When confronted about the trend at a July 6 press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said much of the blame should be directed at the court system, which keeps sending violent offenders back into the community.

He cited a Chicago Tribune analysis that found the number of violent suspects released on electronic monitoring ballooned from hundreds four years ago to thousands this year. By mid-May, more than 90 suspects charged with murder were released on electronic monitoring; four years ago, that number was about 30.

Some of these suspects soon recommitted violent crimes, including murder, Brown said. On June 21, 20-year-old Dominique Johnson, while on electronic monitoring, killed his girlfriend on the South Side of Chicago.

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans refuted Browns reasoning in a July 6 statement, arguing that Brown blew a small number of tragic cases out of proportion and failed to look at the complete picture of the bail reform. Evans spearheaded the reform in 2017, which has since drastically lowered the bail amounts for a large majority of defendants.

According to Evans, Cook County judges released 181 people charged with murder, attempted murder, and reckless homicide prior to trials between October 2017 and December 2020. Out of the 181 defendants released, 11, or 6 percent, were charged with a new crime while waiting for trial; of those 11, two, or 1.1 percent, were charged with a violent crime.

Evans said that he wouldnt jail more people charged with murder simply for the slight risk of reoffense. He argues pre-trial jail time makes it hard for inmates to prepare for trials, earn income, and take care of their families.

Much of Evanss defense relies on research conducted by the Center for Criminal Justice Research, Policy, and Practice at Loyola University Chicago (pdf), which found no statistically significant change in crime after the 2017 bail reform. That research was funded by the McArthur Foundation, whose criminal justice grant guidelines set a stated goal to safely reduce jail populations in the United States and pursue racial and ethnic equity within the system.

Since its publication in November 2020, the research has often been cited in local debate over criminal justice reform, and it paved the way for Illinois lawmakers to pass the gradual abolishment of cash bail earlier this year.

According to the research, before the bail reform, 17 percent of released defendants recommitted a crime while waiting for trials and 3 percent committed violent crimes. These two percentages remained the same after the reform, so it was concluded that the reform didnt bring about a statistically significant change in crime.

But since the number of released defendants has increasedin the first six months of the reform, 500 more defendants were releasedeven though the percentage of reoffenses has remained the same, the overall number of reoffenses did increase after the reform.

On July 2, a Chicago lawmaker also used the Loyola research to refute Browns reasoning. Brown replied that there was too much advocacy on behalf of the criminals and too little on behalf of the victims in the courts.

When you say a few people recommitted crimes, to the victims, thats everything, Brown said. A few people are problematic in our neighborhood. A few people committed a murder-suicide this month. A few people stabbed someone to death this month. That few people, for the victims, is everything.
A woman (R) being swabbed for nucleic acid testing for the CCP virus at a hotel in the city of Ruili in China's southwestern Yunnan province on July 8, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

China Puts a High Vaccination Rated City Into Lockdown, Delta Variant Detected

A concerning increase in recent CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus infections seen in Chinas highly inoculated city Ruili and in neighboring Burma, forced the city back into lockdown after easing restrictions for four months.

Ruili Citys health department confirmed that the Delta strain was detected in the gene sequencing of seven cases. Another 16 CCP virus cases, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, are under investigation, the authorities said during a July 7 press conference.

Fifteen cases were identified in the new round of mass testing, launched on July 4, after three locally transmitted CCP virus cases were reported, according to the Health Commission of Yunnan Province.

This marks the fourth outbreak of virus in the southwestern city since September 2020.

Ruili authorities launched a campaign on April 2 to vaccinate all 300,000 residents within five days following the last wave at the end of March. Chinese media reports said that most of the population had received at least one dose of China-made vaccine.

At least half of the population in Ruili received the single-dose CanSino vaccine, which claims to provide protection against the CCP virus after 14 days.

The Yunnan provincial government dispatched over 150,000 CanSino vaccines to Ruili, which were expected to be administrated before April 6, according to state-backed Huanqiu.

The local health authorities did not specify which vaccines it uses. But the Ruli government said the one-jab CanSino is available to all residents over 18 years old, including Burma nationals, according to a June 2 notice.

Workers load a container of the first batch of Chinas Sinovac Biotech CoronaVac vaccine for COVID-19 onto a truck at a cargo terminal on February 19, 2021 in Hong Kong, China. (Kin Cheung  Pool/Getty Images)

Recently, there have been growing doubts about the efficacy of Chinese vaccines.

Singapore said on July 7 that people who received China-made vaccines would not be regarded as vaccinated because of the lack of data showing efficacy of the Sinovac vaccine against the Delta strain.

Chinese expert Shao Yiming told domestic media on June 7 that Chinese-made vaccines are for prevention of symptom development, instead of preventing infections.

Lin Xiaoxu, a former virology researcher at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, told The Epoch Times last month that there was insufficient data on the infection rate of fully vaccinated people, because the Chinese regime did not collect such data.

Currently, citizens in Ruili stay at home because the authorities have forced them to self-isolate. People are warned they will be punished for going out without permission.

On the morning of July 7, the southwest China city expanded the lockdown to the whole region, shutting down all non-essential businesses and public institutions, according to the notice.

Jiegao Bridge, the main point of entry to Burma (also known as Myanmar), was closed to traffic in and out of the city on June 5.

Luo Ya contributed to this report.
Chinese Firm Harvests Genetic Data From Women

Gene data, taken during prenatal tests on pregnant women around the world, has been sent to a Chinese company. The firm is linked to the Chinese military, but it has partnered with U.S. healthcare institutes.

The White House says it supports a strong unofficial relationship with Taiwan, but not Taiwanese independence. Its the Biden administrations first public comment on the island, following a hardline speech from communist Chinas leader.

TikTok owner ByteDance reconsiders its plans to list in the United States amid Beijings crackdown on its own tech giants who seek to join the American market.

China opens up about its views on Australia. For the first time, Beijing publicly admits that tariffs on Australian goods were designed as economic punishments. But the nation down under is still profiting off exports to China.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China.

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.
French President Emmanuel Macron (C) gestures next to German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) following their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris on March 26, 2019. (LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinese State Media Alone Claim France, Germany Support Unfreezing EU-China Investment Deal

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a video summit on July 5 with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emanuel Macron. In their coverage of the event, Chinese official media claimed that both French and German leaders expressed support for unfreezing the EU-China Investment Agreement as soon as possible. However, there is no mention of such support in the statements issued by both Germany and France.

Chinese regimes official media Xinhua and CCTV, viewed by hundreds of millions of Chinese viewers, released the same official transcript on the summit between the leaders of Germany, France, and China. The report cited French President Macron saying that France is committed to continuing to advance cooperation with China in a pragmatic manner, supporting the ratification of the EU-China investment agreement, World Trade Organization (WTO) reform, and communication with China on climate change and biodiversity issues. The transcript also said that Chinese companies were being welcomed to invest in France.

Chinese official media also claimed that German Chancellor Merkel cited EU-China relations as highly important, with mention to many areas of consensus and cooperation. Chinese transcripts said the countries agreed to respect each other and strengthen dialogue to reduce differences, adding that Germany supports reconvening bilateral leaders meetings as soon as possible in the hopes that the EU-China investment agreement can be ratified as soon as possible.

However, there was no mention of the EU-China investment deal in the statement issued by the German Chancellors Office regarding the summit. It only stated that the three parties exchanged views on EU-China relations, international trade, climate change, and biodiversity. According to Germany, the dialogue also revolved around the fight against the epidemic, global vaccine supply, and international and regional issues.

The statement regarding the summit issued by the French Presidential Palace not only didnt mention the EU-China investment deal, it expressed serious concerns over Chinas human rights issues and strong opposition to forced labor issues in China.

The Chinese regimes eagerness to push forward the frozen EU-China investment deal comes at a time when the United States and European leaders are strengthening cooperation in economy and regional security to contain the communist China following the G-7 summit.

On May 20, the European Parliament overwhelmingly approved to freeze the process of ratifying the EU-China investment agreement, with 599 votes in favor, 30 votes against, and 58 abstentions, until the Beijing regime lifts the retaliatory sanctions it imposed in March against members and entities of the European Parliament.

The Chinese communist regimes counter-sanctions against EU representatives and the EU human rights committee came after they sanctioned several Chinese communist officials over human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The move angered many EU parliament members.

BERLIN, GERMANY  JUNE 18: French President Emmanuel Macron speaks as he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel give a news statement on June 18, 2021 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Axel Schmidt  Pool/Getty Images)

The EUChina investment deal had been championed in the EU by Merkel for its promise to open up more sectors of the Chinese economy to EU investment and proposed benefits for European carmakers manufacturing out of China, despite domestic opposition. Macron had supported Merkels efforts over the objections of several EU countries, which also caused backlash domestically.

The agreement was signed in December after seven years of negotiations but must be ratified by the EU Parliament to take effect.

Merkel is stepping down in September, while Macron is seeking re-election at the end of the year.
The hole knocked in the wall surrounding the Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on July 5, 2021. Kidnappers used the hole to take kidnapped students out of the compound. (Luka Binniyat/The Epoch Times)

Christians Accuse Nigerian Government of Complicity in Kidnappings

KADUNA, NigeriaOn July 7, evangelical leaders in Nigeria and the United States accused Nigerian authorities of complicity in terrorism, in response to the recent kidnapping of 121 students of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna state.

The abductions bring the number of students kidnapped for ransom this year to more than 1,000.

A group of more than 30 men carrying automatic rifles breached the high school compound around 12 a.m. on July 4, according to an eyewitness who spoke on condition for anonymity. The bandits forced open the main gate and overpowered the unarmed security man, the witness said.

Without a shot, they went into the girls hostels and brought out the girls, who were still in their nightclothes. They took them toward the inner side of the school fence and made them lie face down on the damp grassy ground, the eyewitness told The Epoch Times.

Florence Tugga, principal of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State, Nigeria, at the high school on July 5, 2021. (Luka Binniyat/The Epoch Times)

I was standing outside that night because my baby was crying and I came out so that we could take fresh air, when they arrived, said the person, whose husband is a staff member of the school, where they reside.

I ran and hid behind some shrubs so I could see them from afar, and luckily my baby fell asleep, she said.

They came to the boys hostels and started bringing out the boys also, she said. I saw them and their guns, but not a shot was fired.

She said they also gathered the boys and took them to where the girls had been forced to lie down.

She said she started hearing gunshots shortly after as they were moving the students away into the night.

They later saw that the bandits had knocked a large hole in a cinder-block wall, through which they exited the school with their captives.

Some of the abducted students escaped during the march into the surrounding forest. After being herded across bushes, through valleys, and over hills in the thick of the night at gunpoint for hours, Saph Dominic Bodam, 15, and a handful of other teen students escaped in the confusion and returned to the school after daybreak.

The principal of the school, Florence Tugga, told The Epoch Times just hours after the abduction that shed had a premonition of the attack.

Our final-year students have started their exams. My resolve was that we shall move the students into town by next Friday, she said.

I had a feeling that something terrible may happen here, she said, especially with the rumors going around. They [the bandits] came shortly before 12 a.m., Sunday night [July 4], I called all the security agents I could, but help came late, she said.

Now it has happened, and I am just much crushed with sorrow, she said.

Government Complicity Claimed

Saph Dominic Bodam, 15, who escaped from kidnappers and returned to Bethel Baptist High School, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on July 5, 2021. (Luka Binniyat/The Epoch Times)

The kidnap of the Students of Bethel Baptist High School is an ongoing agenda by enemies of Christianity to visit terror on us and diminish Christianity in the state, Rev. Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, told The Epoch Times on July 6.

The government is complicit in this. When we speak against the terror unleashed on the church and against our members, we are hounded into detention, or the state hires people to speak and attack us as people who foment trouble.

Look, now the kidnappers of the Bethel Baptist school children are even daring to ask that we send a large quantity of foodstuffs for them to be cooking for our children. Does that not tell you that they feel safe and are comfortable where they are camping and holding our children?

Does that not show you that they are not in a hurry to leave? Are they not sure that no one will challenge them?

Has any kidnapper or killer of Christians been apprehended and paraded and prosecuted in this state? I dont know of any.

Government and media sources frequently report that more than 60,000 lives have been taken by the complex insurgency and terrorist crisis in Nigeria since 2010. Nigerian politician Femi Fani-Kayode and clerics in Nigeria have told The Epoch Times that the true number of fatalities exceeds 500,000.

Christians, who form the majority of citizens in the southern part of Kaduna State, are trapped between mercenaries on one hand and state policies on the other, according to several Christian leaders interviewed by The Epoch Times.

The mass kidnapping of Christian students in Kaduna state is an orchestrated agenda to discourage Christianity in Kaduna state, using the prevailing lawlessness in the country, according to Yunusa Nmadu, the national secretary of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), an evangelical Christian denomination.

There is a sponsored agenda to cripple Christianity in Kaduna State hiding under the cover of insecurity in Nigeria, Nmadu told The Epoch Times.

Rev. Joseph Hayab (Courtesy Rev. Joseph Hayab)

In ECWA, we have to shut down more than 100 churches in Kaduna State after many Christian villages and churches were attacked and burned and some of our members killed, kidnapped, or fatally wounded in the past two years.

It is the same with other denominations. Christianity is under siege in Kaduna State. The most annoying aspect is that its the resources taken from us after plundering our communities and from the ransoms we pay, that the armed bandits use to buy more arms and recruit more hands to carry out more invasions.

Look at how long the students at the Federal School of Forestry inside Kaduna were held, and God knows the millions that were taken from their parents. Again, [look at] the trauma that the kidnapped students at Greenfield University, Kaduna, went through after five of the schoolmates were killed. The bandits required a payment of U.S. $40,000 before they were released. They were all Christians.

But when Muslim students in Zamfara, Katsina, or Niger State were kidnapped, a Muslim cleric went into the bush, negotiated, and in no time, the students were released without the payment of ransom.

This is a very trying time for Christians in Kaduna State and the entire Middle Belt of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Gov. Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has ordered the compulsory closure of 13 Christian schools, including Bethel Baptist, citing their vulnerability to attacks as the reason.

This is intolerable, Rev. Kevin Jessip, an evangelical leader in the United States and founder of Global Strategic Alliance, told The Epoch Times.

Based upon my conference call today with 15 evangelical and government leaders in Nigeria, I was told this: The president of Nigeria, the army, and the police are complicit with Boko Haram and radical terrorist gangs, he said. The denominational leaders are asking for an international response to the genocide wiping out of hundreds of villages.

They are asking churches to raise money to purchase weapons for defense measures.

The U.S.-based International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) also expressed concern.

The situation in Nigeria continues to deteriorate, Kyle Abts, co-founder of ICON, told The Epoch Times in a text.

The West is guilty of not giving attention to the crisis nor helping address the situation in Nigeria,  Abts wrote. Instead of focusing on the ethno-religious issues that are destroying lives and communities, they focus on issues such as climate change or farmer-herder conflicts, which are not the direct causes of the violence.
Demonstrators clash with riot police during a protest against the government in Medellin, Colombia, on June 28, 2021. (Joaquin Sarmiento/AFP via Getty Images

Colombia Is Under Siege by Marxist Narcoterrorists

If the top U.S. ally falls, so goes Latin America

Commentary

Organized guerrillas and a totalitarian regime are attempting to overthrow the legitimate government of Colombia, the most crucial U.S. ally in Latin America.

Funded by narco-dollars and motivated by power and Marxist ideology, this terrorist alliance has propagated a misperception: that its mass violence in Colombian cities, which spiked on April 28, began as spontaneous opposition to a tax proposal. President Ivan Duque rescinded the reform on May 2, but the illegal blockades and police-station attacks did not skip a beat.

The guise went unchallenged in a July 1 congressional hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. What participants in the hearing failed to comprehend was the barbarism, competence, and cunning of the enemy. Antifa and Seattles Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone are childs play compared to hardened guerrillas, wealthy drug cartels, and anti-American regimes. Most recently, they blockaded Cali, a city with over 2 million residents. That halted 90 percent of public transport, and access to the airport and the Buenaventura Port.

The Venezuelan Connection

The impetus for the violence in Colombiafollowing similar uprisings in Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuadorcomes especially from the dictatorship in Venezuela, whose misery has wrought Latin Americas largest ever exodus. The regime has long eyed domination of Colombia, and in 2004 Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Fidel Castro of Cuba created the Bolivarian Alliance as a counterweight to U.S. regional influence.

Now under Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan regimes first goal is the overthrow of the Duque administration. The second goal is a constitutional assembly similar to Venezuelas in 1999 and Chiles this year. The third is the installation of political frontmen for narcotraffickers and guerrillas such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). On April 7, Diosdado Cabello, vice president of Venezuelas ruling United Socialist Party, warned, We are going to wage war on your territory.

Colombia is no stranger to Marxist terrorists and narcotraffickersoften one and the sameand nearly succumbed to them from the 1980s through the early 2000s. The U.S.-backed Plan Colombia, initiated in 1999, and an assertive President Alvaro Uribe, in office 20022010, forced the narcoterrorists to retreat.

In 2016, Colombian voters rejected any deal with the FARC, who deserve nothing but punishment. However, then President Juan Manuel Santos caved to the guerrillas and rewarded them with amnesty and perks, even congressional seats, for publicly laying down their weapons. The FARC deal conveyed the message that violence works, and the so-called dissident FARC picked up right where their peers left off. The FARC 2.0 has expanded operations and found safe haven in Venezuela, as has the ELN.

Negotiating with terrorists was a mistake then, and it would be a mistake now. However, Colombian institutionsespecially the police and the anti-riot squadare overwhelmed. Colombia is facing a war, not just because of the violence but because of the economic toll. The Finance Ministry estimates daily losses from the uprising, now in its second month, at $125 million$2.8 billion in total.

Fake News Foments Enemy Narrative

As noted by Joseph Humire of the Center for a Secure Free Society, This is a threat Colombia cannot solve alone. The international problem compels an international solution, which requires defeating misinformation in the media.

This is where deep-pocketed foreign entities have backed the uprising. In three days from the April 28 calls for protests, more than 7,000 bots from Russia and Bangladesh swarmed social media and amplified the socialist narrative. They distorted reality by creating hundreds of fake news stories, including doctored videos, to pit human-rights organizations against the police.

In addition to calling for police reforms, aggressive labor unions pounced on the outrage and garnered international sympathy with the rhetoric of progressive proposals: a universal basic income, tuition-free university, and modern monetary theory, among others.

Duque has already backed police reforms, so they are a non-sequitur. They cannot happen in a day, and beating up on the police when theyre literally being fire-bombed is a recipe for undermining the rule of law entirely.

Drug Money Pays the Bills

Behind the smokescreen of these proposals and events is narcotrafficking. Maduro, according to U.S. authorities, leads the Soles drug cartelthe regions most powerful, backed by the Venezuelan state. Narcotraffickers intend to unify their operations over a territory spanning the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which means taking over Colombia.

Illicit flows by land, amid lawlessness akin to Venezuela, would increase significantly. If Colombia falls into the hands of narcotraffickers, it will undermine the entire regions security.

Colombia is under siege by a mafia of urban guerrillas shielding themselves behind a mirage of progressive protests. While international media have failed to present the situation accurately, lawmakers cannot afford to observe Colombia with a blind spot towards the usurpers.

Fergus Hodgson is the director of Econ Americas. Maria Fernanda Cabal is a Colombian senator.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Completely Betrayed: Victim of Hospital Sexual Assault Speaks Out

A woman who says she was sexually assaulted while being treated at a Mission Viejo, California, hospital is urging other victims to come forward.

Zoe Cooksey, 22, said she was violated at Mission Hospital on March 31 while receiving treatment for injuries suffered in a car crash.

I was completely betrayed by Mission Hospital, Cooksey told reporters on July 8 during a tearful statement outside the hospital. This has been one of the worst experiences of my life, and Im not sure that I will ever be the same again.

When Cooksey arrived at the hospital in late March, she was under the care of a male nurse who escorted her into a secluded room, insisting that she needed a catheter that never appeared in medical or billing records, she said.

She contacted her mom to express her concerns, but before the mother arrived, she said the nurse inserted the catheter and sexually assaulted her simultaneously.

Her lawyer, Shawn Steel, told reporters that he believes the nurse overheard Cookseys conversation with her mother and proceeded to administer morphine to his patient. When the mom arrived, her daughter was heavily sedated and unable to communicate, Steel said.

About an hour later, Cooksey was given another 10-milligram dose of morphine, according to the lawyer.

Before being discharged, Cooksey was taken for a CT scan and X-rays before being diagnosed with a concussion.

Paul Alden Miller, 56, of San Clemente, Calif., was arrested and faces charges in connection with three alleged sexual assaults at a Mission Viejo hospital. (Courtesy of the Orange County Sheriffs Department)

When the morphine wore off, Cooksey said she was able to better articulate her experience.

Her family called Orange County Sheriffs Department to report the incident, and the hospital was informed of the allegations made against its nurse.

Steel said a hospital spokesperson said that they immediately terminated the nurses position. He was later charged with assaulting two other women at the hospital.

The Orange County Sheriffs Department arrested 56-year-old Paul Alden Miller, of San Clemente, on June 30 for sexual elder abuse and sexual battery. Police said they had received reports of sexual assaults at the hospital, including the one recounted by Cooksey.

In April, a 68-year-old woman said she was assaulted at the hospital in the same location. A 56-year-old woman came forward with a third sexual assault allegation in June.

Miller had worked at Mission Hospital since January 2017. He had previously been employed at the El Centro Regional Medical Center from January 2016 to January 2017, and at Sharp Hospital in Chula Vista from December 2014 to May 2015.

Police believe there could be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to call 714-647-7419. To leave an anonymous tip, dial 855-847-6227.
Conservative Group Launches Fight Against College Vaccine Mandates

Conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA has announced the launch of a campaign to fight COVID-19 vaccine mandates across the nations college campuses.

Im not anti-COVID vaccination, and Im not pro-COVID vaccinationIm COVID vaccine agnostic, said Turning Point founder and president, Charlie Kirk, in a Thursday statement. But I am 100 percent against mandating this vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccines have become a flashpoint in the culture war now gripping America, with opponents of vaccine mandates, vaccine passports, and many other pandemic-related restrictions viewing them as an unacceptable violation of civil liberties, while supporters tend to see them as necessary inconveniences to protect vulnerable populations and, more broadly, get the outbreak under control faster.

As part of its effort to fight vaccine mandates, Turning Point has launched a dedicated webpage that includes a link to a list of schools that are requiring a COVID-19 vaccine.

TPUSA is fighting the battle on 2,500+ campuses where rogue administrators are trying to thwart students educational goals and force them to publicly share their medical history, the group says on the webpage. The government has taken many strides to ease their way into private citizens lives, and mandatory vaccinations are the newest way in which they can do so.

Kirk argued that, at its core, this issue is not about the vaccine. This is about freedom and information. No person should be forced to get the vaccine against their will or hindered in participating in society for not receiving it.

Pointing out that most students are at low risk of serious complications from COVID-19, Kirk said it is unacceptable for educational institutions to require students to get the shot to be eligible for in-person learning.

This is a false choice, Kirk said, and its time Americas students had someone in their corner fighting for their freedom to choose.

It comes as the Biden administration has ramped up its COVID-19 response efforts after the White House fell short of its self-imposed July 4 deadline to get 70 percent of American adults at least one vaccination shot.

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden and White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced a plan to send teams door-to-door to provide information about vaccines in areas with relatively low vaccination rates.

Biden pledged to go community by community  and oftentimes door to door, literally knocking on doors in an effort to get people vaccinated, drawing the ire of Republican lawmakers, who argued that the government doesnt have the right to know who is or isnt vaccinated.

How about dont knock on my door. Youre not my parents. Youre the government. Make the vaccine available, and let people be free to choose. Why is that concept so hard for the left? Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) wrote on Twitter.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 67 percent of American adults have received at least one shot, and more than 157 million people are fully vaccinated.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arrives to address the media about the 12-story condo tower that partially collapse in Surfside, Fla., on June 24, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

DeSantis Wont Commit to Statewide Review of Aging Florida Buildings

By Mary Ellen Klas

From Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday that condominiums in Florida are kind of a dime a dozen, particularly in southern Florida, but he would not commit to any state action to address concerns about the aging buildings, suggesting that Champlain Towers South had problems from the start.

Speaking after a briefing on Tropical Storm Elsa at the state Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, the governor would not say if he supports calls to require that aging buildings throughout the state be recertified to assure residents of their structural integrity in the wake of the deadly collapse of the 136-unit high rise in Surfside.

The building was going through its 40-year recertification process when it crumbled at about 1:20 a.m. on June 24. Experts say the tragedy has exposed weaknesses in the states building inspection process, and some state legislators, structural engineers and insurance agents have suggested that its time for the state to update laws that apply to coastal high rises.

A Miami-Dade County Police boat patrols in front of the Champlain Towers South condo building, where search and rescue efforts continue more than a week after the building partially collapsed, in Surfside, Fla., on July 2, 2021. (Mark Humphrey/AP Photo)

We obviously want to be able to identify why did this happen, DeSantis said. Is this something that was unique to this building? Is it something that was unique to the person that maybe developed itbecause 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.

The governor was then asked about the impact of the condo collapse on the states soaring condominium real estate market. While the exact cause or causes of the collapse of the 40-year old structure probably wont be known for some time, real estate experts warn that the tragedy has become a concern for would-be buyers of waterfront condos in older buildings.

I can just say, just having talked with people whove been on the scenepeople whove done stuffI think this building had problems from the start, lets just put it that way, the governor answered.   So 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.

Miami-Dade County and several coastal cities in the county have launched their own review of aging buildings since the Surfside tragedy.

On Friday, the city of North Miami Beach ordered the evacuation of Crestview Towers Condominium after a building inspection report found it to have unsafe structural and electrical conditions, and on Saturday firefighters ordered residents to evacuate a low-rise condominium complex in Miami Beach after a building inspector flagged a flooring system failure in a vacant unit and damage to exterior walls.

The city of North Miami Beach has ordered that Crestview Towers Condominium be immediately closed and evacuated Friday, on July 2, 2021, in the evening after a building inspection report found it to have unsafe structural and electrical conditions, city officials announced. (Daniel A. Varela/Miami Herald)

Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the only Florida counties that require aging high-rises to go through a reinspection after they reach 40 years of age. No other Florida counties mandate routine inspection after a building is built.

Call for More Condo Scrutiny

Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Miami Democrat whose district includes Surfside, said the state needs to update its reinspection process to include more factors, especially for buildings close to the shore line and flood zones. With exposure to corrosive sea salt and and vulnerability to sea level rise, coastal condominiums should be the subject of increased scrutiny in Florida, he said.

The Surfside condo collapse is expected to dampen sales of existing condos in Miami, particularly in older buildings, experts said. According to the Miami Association of Realtors, sales of existing condos had been driven primarily by U.S. buyers from other states and in May jumped a whopping 286 percent year-over-year, from 563 to 2,176.

Experts say it may take years for a forensic investigation to single out the source of the failure of Champlain Towers South. A 2018 engineering report done for the buildings condominium association detailed abundant cracking in concrete columns, beams and walls and said that the lack of proper drainage under the pool deck had caused major structural damage.

Six engineering experts interviewed by the Miami Herald said that, based on the publicly available evidence, it appeared that a structural column or concrete slab beneath the pool deck likely gave way first on June 24, causing the deck to collapse into the garage below. That may have formed a crater beneath the bulky midsection of the tower, which then caved in on itself, the experts said.

Documents from the Champlain Towers South condo association show that board members disagreed over the assessment for its building repairs, which first were estimated at $9 million and, within two years, grew to $15 million.

In the absence of broader state and county regulation, the insurance industry in Florida has begun its own the assessment of its liability in the condominium market. Insurance companies sent letters to owners of condominiums 40 years and older in South Florida last week, asking for proof that their buildings have passed all inspections or they will lose their coverage.

The destruction of the Surfside condo has rattled the insurance industry that had already considered older condos on the coastwith their hurricane exposure, their common ownership structure and reputation for delaying maintenancea high risk, experts said.

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)

A Deep Wound

Meanwhile, DeSantis has focused his attention on the rescue and recovery efforts. He spent most of the 13 days since the condo collapse at the building site meeting with leaders of the rescue mission and families of the people still missing.

On Wednesday, the governor said the tragedy will not be forgotten and spoke of the determination of the rescue teams and the outpouring of community support.

Its going to be a deep wound for a long time, he said. But as tragic as its been, I think the outpouring of support has shown a lot of great parts of our community.

He said the members of the rescue teams from across the country are leaving a very impressive legacy.

They get very invested in it and, so to see that, and to see that that singularity of purpose, has really been heartening.

He concluded: 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.

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.

2021 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Devastating Situation: South Dakota Governor Sends More Troops to Border

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has announced that additional state National Guard members will be sent to the U.S.Mexico border to assist immigration enforcement efforts.

According to Noems office, the deployment will add 125 members to the 50-strong South Dakota troops that are deployed there, bringing the total to 175. Noem, a Republican, is one of several governors who have sent law enforcement or National Guard members to the border following a request from the governments of Arizona and Texas for assistance, although Noem said theyre being sent to the border at the request of the federal government.

Our South Dakota National Guard is the very best in the country, and they are prepared for the sustained response the national security crisis at our southern border requires, Noem said in a July 7 statement. I am hopeful that this mission indicates the Biden administration is waking up to the devastating situation at the border.

The Guard members will be deployed to the border for up to nine or 12 months, according to her office.

In elaborating on the move, Noem said the Guard will provide non-law enforcement support to U.S. customs agents who are enforcing federal immigration law.

The request for South Dakota Guard members came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Guard Bureau, her office said. About 3,000 Guard members from several states are involved in this federal mission. For security reasons, additional information about the Guard members duties will not be provided.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, both Republicans, requested all other states send extra law enforcement to the border in light of what they described as a historic surge in illegal immigration. Several states, including Florida and Nebraska, responded to the request and have sent or will send law enforcement to the border.

The deployment comes in the midst of a Republican-led campaign to denigrate the Biden administrations immigration policies, describing them as weak and ineffective.

Starting from his first day in office, President Joe Biden has signed dozens of orders that have rescinded rules that were implemented during the Trump administration. Notably, the president has diverted funding away from the construction of the wall along the southern border, has done away with the remain in Mexico mandate, and has restarted lateral flights that include the transportation of illegal immigrants from one part of the border to another, among other measures.

Noem confirmed in late June that a private donor has partially funded the earlier National Guard deployment to the border. Ian Fury, a spokesman for Noem, told Politico that it will help alleviate the cost to South Dakota taxpayers.

Editors Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Noems deployment would add 75 members to the 50-strong troops at the border. The state is adding 125 in addition to the 50. The Epoch Times regrets this error.
Veteran Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar (R) receives a Lifetime Achievement award at the 54th National Film Award ceremony in New Delhi, India, on Sept. 2, 2008. (Gurinder Osan/AP Photo)

Dilip Kumar, Bollywoods Great Tragedy King, Dies at 98

NEW DELHIBollywood icon Dilip Kumar, hailed as the Tragedy King and one of Hindi cinemas 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 ..

Kumars body, draped in the Indian flag, was accorded a state funeral led by a police band. He was buried in Mumbai city.

Major Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, visited Kumars residence to pay their respects.

Its the end of an era, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said.

Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan 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.

Bollywood film actor Dilip Kumar (L) and his wife Saira Banu pose on the red carpet at the premiere of the Hindi film Jab Tak Hai Jaan in Mumbai, India, on Nov. 12, 2012. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Kumars 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 charactersa romantic hero in Andaz, a swashbuckler in Aan, a dramatic drunkard in Devdas, a comic role in Azaad. But his portrayal of a 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 the 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 the Indian Parliament after being nominated for a six-year term.

Kumar is survived by his wife, actress Saira Banu.

By Ashok Sharma
The UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps giving evidence to the Commons Transport Select Committee on July 7, 2021. (House of Commons via PA)

Double-Jabbed Brits Returning From Amber List Countries to Be Exempt From Self-Isolation in England

From July 19, UK residents who have been fully vaccinated by the National Health Service (NHS) will no longer have to self-isolate after their holidays from amber list countries, the government has confirmed.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson detailed the fourth step of his road map to reopen the country, which is due on the same day if the ministers give a final go-ahead on July 12.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the change to the governments traffic light system for international travel in Parliament on July 8.

I can confirm today that from the 19th of July, UK residents who are fully vaccinated through the UK vaccine rollout will no longer have to self-isolate when they return to England, Shapps told MPs.

Theyll still be required to take a test three days before returningthe pre-departure testdemonstrating theyre negative before they travel, and a PCR test on or before day two, but they will no longer be required to take a day eight test, he said.

In essence, this means that for fully vaccinated travellers, the requirements for green and amber list countries are the same.

Shapps clarified that a full vaccination means 14 days have passed after receiving the final dose of a vaccine, and that rules in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may differ, since the devolved administrations make their own decisions.

He also detailed the exemption for children, since the UKs medicines regulator is not recommending them to be vaccinated at this time.

Children under 18 returning from amber list countries will not have to isolate on their return nor take a day-eight test. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 will only need to take a day-two test. And, as before, children 4 and under will be exempt from all testing and isolation requirements.

The plan has a sunset clause on July 31, when ministers will review the rule change.

Passengers in the arrivals hall at Heathrow Airport, London, on Aug 22, 2020. (Aaron Chown/PA)

Under current rules, all adult arrivals are required to take a pre-departure CCP virus test. People who travel back from red list countries have to pay for a 10-day quarantine in a managed hotel as well as two tests; amber list arrivals have to pay for the tests and self-isolate for ten days, while green list arrivals only have to take one more test two days after arriving.

With only a handful of places currently on the green list, most of Britains favourite holiday destinations remain on the amber list.

The travel industry is jubilant after the announcement, although some question the necessity of keeping the tests and urged the government to extend the exemption to people vaccinated in other countries.

Brittany Ferries Chief Executive Christophe Mathieu said it was the news we have been waiting for all year, after hearing the announcement.

Finally, the storm clouds are lifting and the sun is beginning to shine, he said.

We expect an avalanche of demand in the weeks ahead, and my message to our customers is clear: We have availability, so now is a great time to book a holiday, and we cant wait to serve you all.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, said the move is a positive move towards the genuine reopening the sector has been looking for.

He urged the government to continue this momentum by adding many more countries to the green list next week and removing onerous testing requirements at its next review on 31 July, thereby opening up more non-quarantine travel to all.

British Airways planes at Heathrow Airport, West London, on May 17, 2021. (Steve Parsons/PA)

Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye welcomed the excellent news, but urged the government to go further.

To really kickstart the UKs economic recovery, global Britain needs to get trading again, he said. U.S. business can get to the EU, but the UK remains cut off.

Holland-Kaye said that the UK should open up travel to fully vaccinated people from more countries by the end of July, particularly the United States.

On the foreign travel announcement, British Airways Chief Executive Sean Doyle said, Were pleased to see this common-sense approach which is already working safely for many other countries, but there is more work to do.

Asked about accepting vaccination proof from other countries, Shapps said the changes announced on July 8 would prioritise those vaccinated in the United Kingdom.

We want to welcome international visitors back to the UK and are working to extend our approach to vaccinated passengers from important markets and holiday destinations later this summer, such as the United States and the EU, he said, adding that he would update MPs in due course.

Responding to Shappss announcement of the rule change on Twitter, some criticised the rule as being unfair, as it discriminates against younger adults who havent been offered the second dose of a vaccine, people who have contracted COVID-19 and therefore have natural immunity, and people who choose not to be injected with CCP virus vaccines.

PA contributed to this report.
A woman leaves flowers where Dutch celebrity crime reporter Peter R. de Vries was shot and reported seriously injured in Amsterdam on July 7, 2021. (Eva Plevier/Reuters)

Dutch Crime Reporters Shooting Is Nightmare Come True: Son

AMSTERDAMThe shooting of journalist Peter R. de Vries is a nightmare come true for his family, his son said on Wednesday as support flooded in for the top Dutch crime reporter who was critically injured in an attack.

De Vries, 64, was shot on an Amsterdam street on Tuesday evening. He was taken to a hospital, where he was fighting for his life, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said.

His son, Royce de Vries, said on Twitter: Our worst nightmare came true yesterday. We as a family are surrounding Peter with love and hope during these hard times.

Much is uncertain, he said, giving thanks for the outpouring of public support.

Police officers conduct a search in the area where Dutch celebrity crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, known for his reporting on some of the most renowned criminals in the Netherlands, was reportedly shot and seriously injured, in Amsterdam on July 6, 2021. (Eva Plevier/Reuters)

Police on Wednesday said two men arrested on a highway shortly after the shooting, one of them a Polish national, would remain in custody, while a third person had been released.

Gun violence is rare in the Netherlands, but killings linked to the drug trade have become a fixture as underworld figures compete for territory. In 2019, a lawyer in a high-profile drug case in which De Vries was acting as an adviser to the star witness was gunned down in front of his Amsterdam home.

Heineken Kidnapping

Well-wishers laid flowers and lit candles at the scene of the attack, just outside a downtown Amsterdam television studio where De Vries had been giving an interview about a recent case.

De Vries began as a newspaper crime reporter and became known for his 1987 book The Heineken Kidnapping reconstructing the abduction of beer magnate Freddy Heineken.

Kidnapper Willem Holleeder was convicted in 2014 for threatening De Vries, who helped the police solve cases for which Holleeder was ultimately sentenced to life in prison.

De Vries also won an international Emmy Award for his work investigating the disappearance of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway in Aruba in 2005.

For 17 years he had his own television program, in which he often worked with victims families and tirelessly pursued unsolved cases.

The Netherlandss King Willem-Alexander condemned the shooting as an attack on democracy that had shocked him deeply.

This is an attack on journalism, a cornerstone of our rule of law, King Willem-Alexander told reporters during a state visit to Berlin. And as such it is an attack on our constitutional order.

The Dutch royal house does not generally comment on individual incidents, so the kings remarks were a sign of De Vriess standing.

The attack also drew outrage throughout Europe.

European Council President Charles Michel called it a crime against journalism and an attack on our values of democracy, while European Parliament President David Sassoli said attacks against journalists are attacks against all of us.

Natalee Holloways mother Beth, who worked closely with De Vries on the investigation of her daughters disappearance, told Dutch broadcaster SBS she was devastated by the news of the attack.

I am trying desperately to get through to his family, she said. I am shocked.

By Bart H. Meijer, Toby Sterling, and Anthony Deutsch
Catholics pray at Our Lady of Sheshan Basilica Catholic church in Shanghai, China, on May 24, 2013. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images)

Elderly Chinese Persecuted for Their Faith: CCPs Evildoing Will Not Be Tolerated

In cultures across the world, including the traditional Chinese culture, the older generations are revered for their moral integrity rooted in their unwavering faith. However, in todays China, under communist rule, those same virtues are attacked, putting the elderly at risk of being persecuted.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), infamous for its draconian atheistic ideologies that originated from Marxism, has shown no leniency in persecuting even senior citizens on account of their spiritual beliefs.

The vulnerable elderly Christians, Buddhists, Uyghurs, and Falun Gong adherents are constantly monitored, harassed, detained, deprived of their pension, beaten, and at times, even tortured to death.

The CCPs sophisticated internet censorship and surveillance make it hard to obtain the exact data on the ongoing genocidal abuses and human rights violations, but experts and independent investigations have warned that the situation is grim.

Financial Persecution

Due to the CCP virus pandemic, the worlds economy has been severely affected, including Chinas. While ordinary people are facing the brunt of financial hardship, the communist regime is benefiting in extorting money and subsidies from its elderly citizens.

For years, not only have many retirees faced rampant persecution for upholding their faith but have also had their pensions suspended.

In April 2020, a poor Christian woman in Henan province had her poverty alleviation aid scratched. The officials even removed all religious couplets and symbols from her home, reported Bitter Winter, an online magazine that reports on religious freedom and human rights in China. In another incident, officials from Jiangxis Yingtan city scrapped the financial aid of a local immobile Christian woman because she hosted religious meetings at home.

The CCP extorted over $1.12 million in 2020 alone from the families of 401 Falun Gong practitioners, roughly averaging $2,800 per person. In addition, at least 161 retired practitioners were forced to pay back the pension they received during the time they were illegally imprisoned and persecuted, according to incomplete data collected by Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website dedicated to reporting on the persecution of Falun Gong in China.

Over 3,020 elderly practitioners were targeted between 2018 to 2020. Last year alone, a total of 1,334 practitioners older than 65 years were persecuted. Despite their age, they were physically and mentally abused, and some were even persecuted to death, reported Minghui.org. Falun Gong is an ancient, spiritual meditation practice based on the universal values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It is freely practiced all around the world but has been violently persecuted in China by the communist regime since 1999.

In 2020, the cases of elderly spiritual believers pensions being suspended emerged throughout China, from northeastern Liaoning province to southwestern Sichuan province. And there is no sign of it stopping in 2021. Data recorded on Minghui.org shows that from December 2020 to January 2021, another 27 practitioners have had their pensions suspended for upholding their beliefs.

Catholics pray at Our Lady of Sheshan Basilica Catholic church in Shanghai, China, on May 24, 2013. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images)

Bitter Winter reported that in September 2019, a Catholic meeting venue in Jiangxis Poyang County was ordered to cease religious activities. The local officials threatened that elderly congregation members would have their retirement pensions revoked if any further meeting was held. The officials removed the churchs cross and a painting of the Virgin Mary and displayed portraits of Xi Jinping and Mao Zedong.

In an incident in 2017, four house Christians in their 70s were forcibly taken to the local police station in Sichuan province and detained until 8 p.m. in the evening. One among them, who was also arrested in 2010, was warned that if he continued to believe in God, they would cancel his subsistence allowance and veteran benefits, reported the magazine.

Desperately worrying about the safety and wellness of his bedridden wife in the case that communist officials would detain him again and cancel his subsidy, the elderly man attempted suicide; he was later revived in the hospital.

Harassment, Constant Surveillance

Elderly believers of all faiths are forced to live under the constant fear of being harassed by the Chinese police and authorities.

In July 2020, crosses were forcibly removed from numerous state-approved Three-Self church venues in Lanling County. One of the town officials told onlookers that crosses must be removed from all churches because Christianity does not belong in China, reported Bitter Winter.

In the first half of 2020, crosses were removed from many Three-Self churches across Anhui province. (Courtesy of Bitter Winter)

In March 2019, a Catholic church in Nanyang city, Henan province, deemed illegal by the CCP, was raided by seven local communist officials, the magazine said in another report.

The officials caused a lot of damage, including smashing tables, chairs, and the Church podium, as well as ransacking the priests residence. Over 400 Bibles, loudspeakers, and valuables were also ransacked. Witnessing the wreck caused in the church, a man in his 70s, who was the person in charge, reprimanded the CCP officials for acting so brutally, the report said.

Angered by his reaction, one of the officials raised his fist to attack the elderly man. However, when an onlooker commented, God is watching what humans are doing, and CCPs evildoing will not be tolerated, it stopped the officer.

In another incident, in 2017, an elderly, hearing-impaired Christian man in his 70s who suffers from diabetes and tuberculosis was detained by police and beaten all over his body, with his feet tied to a bed. When his family members inquired, the CCP officials only alleged that he had opposed the Party, according to the Bitter Winter report.

In another instance, the communist officials resorted to lies and fumbling with the rules in order to arrest an octogenarian Falun Gong adherent.

According to Chinese criminal law, those above the age of 75 are given more leniency. The age of 75 sets the bar. However, according to The Epoch Times report, the Chinese regime arrested 80-year-old Chen Guifen by altering her date of birth, claiming that she was five years younger.

Guifen was illegally arrested while distributing informational flyers to raise awareness about the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong. Wu Shaoping, a former human rights lawyer in Shanghai, said that the authorities purposely changed her age so that they could give her a harsher punishment.

Manipulating peoples date of birth is in itself a breach of the law, he said. Especially given that their goal is to throw innocent persons into jail.

Catholics pray at Our Lady of Sheshan Basilica Catholic church in Shanghai, China, on May 24, 2013. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images)

Persecuted to Death

In addition to unlawful arrest and financial extortion, the Chinese regime hasnt hesitated in torturing elderly spiritual believers to death.

On Sept. 19, 2014, Zhang Peibi, an 82-year-old Christian woman from Taian town, Wanzhou District, Chongqing, was forcibly taken to an ideological and political education class in the towns primary school for faith conversion, according to another report by Bitter Winter.

After the night-long indoctrination and sleep deprivation, and no food, the elderly lady collapsed in the afternoon on her way back home. Her son took her to a hospital, but despite the efforts and money spent, she passed away on Sept. 22just three days after the intense indoctrination.

A 77-year-old Falun Gong adherent, Li Shaochen from Tianjin, was arrested on Dec. 7, 2016, and sentenced to 4 1/2 years in Binhai Prison by the Hongqiao District Court in October 2017, according to a Minghui report.

Since May 2019, the prison in which Li was sentenced has been carrying out a campaign to force Falun Gong adherents to renounce their faith. Different forms of physical torture as well as sleep and food deprivation are used to torture these adherents. As a result of the abuse faced in prison, Li lost his life in March 2020.

A 92-year-old retired military officer, Fu Yishuan, was subjected to two decades of persecution before he passed away in September 2020. Fu, from Nanjing city, Jiangsu province, saw a dramatic improvement in his health after taking up the spiritual practice of Falun Gong. However, after the persecution of Falun Gong began in 1999, Fu was constantly harassed and brainwashed by the police. The mental pressure was so unbearable that Fu once fainted and had to be resuscitated in the hospital.

Due to the persecution, Fu was unable to live in a military-assigned apartment any longer, so he moved to live with his family to hide from the police. He was never able to come back home before he died, Minghui.org reported.

Arshdeep Sarao and Dorothy Li contributed to this report.
Ben is a Hero enthusiast and Newport Beach junior lifeguard Dylan Gabriele with fellow junior lifeguard participants during the July 6 Ben Carlson Day in Newport Beach, Calif. Carlson died July 6, 2014, while attempting to save a distressed swimmer. (Courtesy of Jake Janz)

Fallen Lifeguard Leaves Lasting Legacy

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.For seasoned Newport Beach lifeguard Ben Carlson, July 6, 2014, marked the end of a busy July 4 weekend.

The swells pealing in from a tumultuous, white-capped ocean were larger than usual, driven by an offshore hurricane pounding the coast. Large crowds were gathered on the beach to witness the huge waves.

Red flags, the most serious of all beach warnings, whipped violently in the wind, advising swimmers of serious hazards in the waters along Newports 6 1/2-mile coastline.

As Carlson arrived at the lifeguard headquarters for his shift, rescue calls steadily streamed over the radio. An unusually heavy undertow was wreaking havoc in the water.

Highly trained and experienced with difficult rescues, Carlson had been a Division 1 collegiate water polo player at University of CaliforniaIrvine, and a strong competitive swimmer. His parents had instilled in him a love and appreciation of the ocean during a lifetime of beachgoing, surfing, and sailing. A true waterman, being a lifeguard was his dream job.

In all, Newport Beach lifeguards made 562 rescues that holiday weekend. But what none of the lifeguards on duty that day anticipated was the call that one of their own was in trouble.

At 5:15 p.m. Carlson and fellow Newport Beach lifeguard Gary Conwell were patrolling beyond the large surge in their rescue boat when they spotted a distressed swimmer. Carlson leaped off the vessel and swam toward the man, making contact, but as they began to make their way back to the boat, a large wave hit them, taking them over the falls.

Ben Carlsons family visits the Ben Carlson Memorial Statue in Newport Beach, Calif., on July 6, 2021. July 6 was officially designated by the city as Ben Carlson Day, memorializing his 2014 line-of-duty death. (Courtesy of Jake Janz)

The distressed swimmer emerged at the surface and was rescued, but Carlson was missing. Soon, a three-hour search ensued involving members from seven different agencies, including the Newport Beach Lifeguards, as well as Newport Beach Police and Fire, Orange County Sheriffs Harbor Patrol, Huntington Beach Lifeguards, Laguna Beach Lifeguards, and California State Parks.

Carlson, 32, had lost his life in the frothing ocean and was found at 8 p.m., more than a half-mile away from the original rescue location. The distressed swimmer survived, one of more than 278 people rescued by Ben and 75 of his fellow guards on duty that day.

He was the first and only lifeguard in Newport Beach history to die in the line of duty since the service was formed in 1923. More than 5,000 friends, colleagues, elected officials, members of the community, and lifeguards from around the world attended Carlsons funeral, held on the beach he had once patrolled.

Creating a Legacy

After Carlsons death, the Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation was established by his friends, family, and fellow guards. Plans were made for a memorial statue designed by his brother-in-law, Jake Janz. Through community support, private donations, and the sale of Ben Did Go merchandise, the foundation successfully raised the necessary funds.

A larger-than-life statue of Carlson was gifted to the city of Newport Beach by the foundation and erected in the center of Newport Beachs McFadden Square adjacent to the now-named Ben Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters. On July 6, 2016, the statue was unveiled by his family during a ceremony that attracted thousands.

Since then, the foundation has developed and published child water safety educational tools and booklets that are distributed at no cost to educators, and established an annual scholarship program, each year awarding three $10,000 scholarships to applicants studying and training to become lifeguards.

The foundation also formed a grant program, sending lifesaving rescue equipment, supplies, educational materials, and uniforms to under-resourced lifeguards around the world including recent donations to the Mexican coastal cities of Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, and Puerto Escondido.

There are lifeguards out there that we reach out to who literally have no equipment or resources to work with when they are working to save lives, Carlsons father, Chris Carlson, told The Epoch Times.

This year, the organization is planning its second annual California Water Safety Summit, a collaborative conference attended by first responders, medical professionals, and data analysts aimed at reducing drowning and aquatic-related injuries through studies and sharing valuable information.

Weve been working on ocean safety guidelines that we hope will set standards across California and then potentially on a national basis, the senior Carlson told The Epoch Times.

An announcement on that initiative is scheduled to take place July 16.

Passing the Torch

Ben Carlson was a group leader for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program, each year taking his A-Group of kids through his specified drill that included swimming the pier, a beach run, and then swimming the pier again.

On July 6, the 2021 A-Group participated in the same annual swim in memory of Carlson.

Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles said that keeping Carlsons memory alive with kids who were just babies when he died is an important message the guards convey to the young crowd.

I am just so impressed by how this program went from humble recreational beginnings 30 years ago, to today with over 1,600 kids participating, Boyles told The Epoch Times. Its part of the fabric of this community, were seeing generation after generation now, and Bens story helps us impart the many lessons the kids learn in the program.

This program helps teach the kids the gravity and seriousness of what the ocean brings with it, it brings a lot of pleasure and fun, all kinds of things to different people, said Boyles. But it also brings dangers, quite a few dangers, and what Ben went through helps us to better understand those dangers and how to handle them better. Its important to keep telling Bens story to these next generations.

As the junior guards charged down the beach toward the water, one of the instructors shouted from his bullhorn: Ben would love to see you junior lifeguards out there.

Surrounding lifeguards and kids chanted: Ben did go!

The fallen lifeguards dad watched as hundreds of children dressed in red swimsuits lined up on the beach and park for drills.

If he had to die saving another, look at this legacy he left behind. We think Ben would be really proud of every single kid here today, he said.
Falun Gong practitioners take part in a march in Hong Kong on April 27, 2019. (DALE DE LA REY/AFP via Getty Images)

Falun Dafa Association Decries Pro-Beijing Lawmakers Attempt to Ban Spiritual Practice in Hong Kong

Several pro-Beijing lawmakers in Hong Kong took aim at the spiritual practice Falun Gong on July 3, urging the government to ban the discipline under the citys controversial national security law.

Their call was met with condemnation by the citys Falun Dafa Association, which called it an attempt to extend the Chinese regimes decades-long persecution of the practice outside the mainland.

It comes as freedoms in the financial hub have seen a dramatic fall in the aftermath of Beijings imposition of a draconian national security law last summer. Since then, the law, which criminalizes acts deemed by the Chinese regime as subversion, secession, terrorist activities, or collusion with foreign forces, has been used to decimate the citys pro-democracy forces. Dozens of prominent figures critical of Beijing have been charged or jailed under the law or similar offenses.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, involves meditative exercises and a set of moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The discipline has been systematically suppressed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for 22 years in mainland China, but not in Hong Kong. Since 1999, millions of adherents have been detained or imprisoned, where they suffer torture, abuse, and even forced organ harvesting.

Lawmakers in the United States, the European Union, and elsewhere have adopted resolutions condemning the persecution. Most recently in June, Texas officially adopted a resolution to curb the regimes forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners, describing it as murder.

Targeting Falun Gong

During a Legislative Council session on July 7, pro-Beijing Hong Kong politician Elizabeth Quat claimed that the spiritual group was involved in spreading subversive opinions through its public activities in the city and called on authorities to ban the practice.

The activities in question included setting up street counters and staging exhibitions, distributing publications, and conducting parades, which Quat claimed promoted anti-China ideology.

Falun Gong practitioners in Hong Kong, as well as many other cities around the world, can often be seen distributing materials to passers-by in a bid to raise awareness about the CCPs persecution and human rights abuses and to elicit public support for an end to the suppression.

Another pro-Beijing politician, Wong Kwok-kin, asked the government to investigate the source of Falun Gongs funding and freeze its assets if necessary.

In response to these questions, Hong Kong Security Secretary Chris Tang said authorities would probe the matter, without going into specifics.

Whether Falun Gong has violated the Hong Kong national security law, there are numerous accusations in the society. The law enforcement agencies will definitely look at them closely. These allegations could possibly lead to certain legal proceedings. So I shall not comment publicly on an individual organization, Tang said.

Any acts that may endanger national security and any such organization engaging in such acts would face the full force of the law, including rigorous investigation, gathering of evidence, and if need be, enforcement action will be taken.

Condemnation

The citys Falun Dafa Association denounced the campaign mounted by the pro-Beijing lawmakers.

Sarah Liang, spokeswoman for the association, said that for more than 20 years, local practitioners have used nonviolent and peaceful ways to expose Beijings persecution.

She dismissed accusations of illegal fundraising activities, saying that Falun Gong practitioners act as volunteers, and adding that all of the practices books are available to download for free online.

The Falun Dafa Association is also legally registered in the city, and adherents are protected by Hong Kongs mini-constitution, which guarantees freedom of belief, she said.

Also during the Legislative Council session, several pro-Beijing politicians including Quat, without any evidence, sought to tie a recent lone wolf attack on a police officer to the local Falun Gong organization.

On July 1, a 50-year-old Hong Kong man stabbed a policeman in the back and then stabbed himself in the chest with a knife. The attacker was sent to the hospital but died about an hour later. The policeman received surgery to repair a punctured lung at the hospital.

The assailant, Leung Kin-Fai, a purchasing director at local beverage company Vitasoy, has not been identified by police or others as affiliated with Falun Gong.

Liang wasnt surprised by the groundless accusations linking Falun Gong to the knife attack.

The CCP often uses very nonsensical ways to distort and slander Falun Gong, she said, adding that the falsity of the claims was self-evident.

The actions of the pro-Beijing lawmakers were the first step in a premeditated pressure campaign targeting Falun Gong, according to Feng Chongyi, an associate professor in China Studies at the University of Technology in Sydney.

Everything might appear to be done in accordance with the law, Feng told The Epoch Times. But beneath it was a step-by-step plan to make Falun Gong disappear in Hong Kong. This is obvious.

For an official to openly target a religious group without sufficient evidence reveals a high degree of bias and is a cause for alarm, said Tseng Chien-yuan, a professor at the National Central University in Taiwan and board member at the nonprofit group New School for Democracy.

It raises questions of whether you would go so far as to fabricate crimes to accuse this group to make you sound consistent, Tseng told The Epoch Times.

Years of Harassment

Falun Gong practitioners in Hong Kong have long been targeted by local groups backed by the Chinese regime.

The CCP began its harassment of practitioners in the city around 2011 through its front group called the Hong Kong Youth Care Association (HKYCA). Since then, members of the group have repeatedly vandalized roadside information booths set up by practitioners or harassed individuals manning these booths.

When practitioners held rallies and marches to raise awareness of the continued persecution in China, HKYCA members would gather in nearby locations trying to disrupt these public events. In January 2016, an HKYCA member was spotted at a local hotel where a Falun Gong conference was to be held, after which the event was canceled due to a hoax bomb scare.

Practitioners have also been assaulted by HKYCA members or people associated with other pro-Beijing groups in Hong Kong.

Roadside information booths have continued to be targeted this year, despite the fact that the HKYCA was reportedly disbanded at the end of 2020.

Since the security law took effect last July, Falun Gong practitioners in the city have expressed concern that it would be used to extinguish freedom of belief. Some worry about their personal safety, while others fear they could be subjected to torture or forced organ harvesting, as mainland practitioners are.

The devolving political climate in Hong Kong has troubled Liang, who cited the recent forced closure of the citys largest pro-democracy newspaper and the ongoing clampdown on pro-democracy groups.

In fact, how much freedom is left in Hong Kong? she said.

Luo Ya and Eva Fu contributed to this report.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki holds a press briefing the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington on July 8, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Federal Government Does Not Have Database of Who Has Received COVID-19 Vaccine: White House

Door-to-door vaccination effort started in April, press secretary says

The White Houses effort that involves people going door-to-door to try to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates does not rely on a database, the Biden administrations press secretary said Thursday.

The federal government does not have a database of who has been vaccinated. That is not our role, press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters in Washington. We dont maintain a database along those lines. And we have no plans to.

White House officials, as well as President Joe Biden, said Tuesday that a key focus in the coming weeks was knocking on doors to deliver information about COVID-19 vaccines to Americans.

We need to go to community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, and oftentimes, door to doorliterally knocking on doorsto get help to the remaining people, or those who have not received a vaccine, Biden said in remarks from the White House.

The plan triggered staunch pushback from Republicans, with Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich warning the administration against using medical records to ascertain which Americans have not gotten a jab.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson added on Thursday that he informed the states health department to let the federal government know that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR a welcome strategy in Missouri!

Psaki told reporters in Washington that the effort will utilize data on where vaccination rates are lagging and that the messengers are not government employees.

These are grassroots voices across the country. They are not members of the government. They are not federal government employees. They are volunteers. They are clergy. They are trusted voices, and communities who are playing this role in door knocking, she said. So in our view, this is is a way to engage and empower local activists, trusted members of the community.

The best people to talk about vaccinations with those who have questions are local trusted messengers. Doctors, faith leaders, community leaders. As part of our efforts, trusted messengers may go door to door, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeffrey Zients said in a separate, virtual briefing.

The comments came on the same day a top administration official, Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, argued on television that the federal government has the right to know who has been vaccinated and who has not.

The door-to-door knocking actually started way back in April, White House officials are saying. A network called the Community Corps was launched then by the Department of Health and Human Services. The announcement did not detail volunteers going to door-to-door, but said the corps would be provided with public health information and resources so they could help get friends, family, and followers vaccinated.

A volunteer listing told prospective applicants that they would get fact sheets on vaccine safety, tips on how to talk with friends and family about the importance of vaccination, and hints for planning and attending community events.

A smattering of local news stories later detailed how some volunteers were knocking on doors to promote vaccination. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told volunteers on a phone call last month that hed heard from students who were knocking on doors, CNN reported. And the Biden administration said in a fact sheet in early June that the administration would mobilize people to make calls and texts to those in areas with low vaccination rates, as well as going door to door to try to get Americans to visit nearby clinics to get a jab.

Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson (L) accompanies volunteers and staffers during a door-knocking outreach effort to inform residents about an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination event in Birmingham, Ala., on June 30, 2021. (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images)

Still, the remarks this week, especially Bidens, set off a firestorm after appearing to some to be a new program.

President Biden wants to send people to knock on your door to bully you into taking an optional vaccine. Anyone who wants a vaccine is able to get one. Leave everyone else alone! Americans dont need the federal government telling them how to live, Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.) wrote on Twitter.

The Biden Administration wants to knock on your door to see if youre vaccinated. Whats next? Knocking on your door to see if you own a gun? added Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).

Approximately 47 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated, with another 7.5 percent getting at least one dose as of July 7, according to federal data. The two most widely used vaccines in the United States require two doses.

Experts differ on what percentage of the population needs protection to reach herd immunity, especially given the variants that keep emerging. Some point to a growing body of evidence showing those who have had COVID-19 and recovered enjoy a level of immunity similar to that provided by a vaccine.

Door knockers will merely present people with details on vaccines but will not try to compel them to get a shot, White House officials have said.

I will say the thing that is a bit frustrating to us is that when people are critical of these tactics, its really a disservice to the country and to the doctors, faith leaders, community leaders, and others who are working to get people vaccinated, Psaki said. This is about saving lives and ending this pandemic.
Container ships dock at the Dubai Port in the Jebel Ali Free Zone about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Jan. 3, 2010. (Kamran Jebreili/AP Photo)

Fiery Explosion Erupts on Ship at Major Global Port in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesA 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.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, and it was unclear what triggered the blast.

The blaze sent up giant orange flames from a vessel at the Jebel Ali Port, the busiest in the Middle East. Jebel Ali sits on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula and is also the busiest port of call for American warships outside the United States.

The combustion unleashed a shock wave through the city of Dubai, causing walls and windows to shake in neighborhoods as far as 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from the port. 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.

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 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 combustible substance. 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 the 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.

By Isabel Debre and Aya Batrawy
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)

Florida Grand Jury to Probe How to Prevent Disasters Like Champlain Towers Building Collapse

A grand jury in Florida will explore ways to prevent future disasters like the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers condo building last month, which left dozens of people dead.

In a July 7 statement, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said she has called on members of the Spring Term Miami-Dade County Grand Jury to look 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.

My Statement regarding the Grand Jury and Champlain Towers. pic.twitter.com/2prN9o2Y9h  Kathy Rundle (@KathyFndzRundle) July 7, 2021

Rundle said the grand jury probe would come pending the conclusion of a long-term investigation that will determine the cause of the June 24 Champlain Towers South building collapse. She noted that Florida law requires the work of the grand jury to remain confidential, and so we will not be able to share with you any specifics of what they are doing, but a report from the investigation would be presented at the end of the grand jurys term. The report could recommend criminal charges or needed reforms.

It comes as the quest to learn why the building collapsed has moved to the legal system, with authorities opening criminal and civil investigations into the disaster, which has killed at least 60 people and left 80 missing as of July 8. 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 July 6 news conference. Everyone, she said, wants to know what could have been prevented and how we make sure it never happens again.

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 July 2 hearing, 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.

Neither condominium association board members nor their attorneys responded to emails seeking comment.

A Florida grand jury is still reviewing the 2018 collapse of a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University that killed six people.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
High Crime Wave in Oakland During July 4 Weekend 12 Hours of Nonstop Chaos

The city of Oakland saw a wave of violence over the Independence Day holiday weekend, said an official from the California city east of San Francisco.

Chief LeRonne Armstrong said that the Oakland Police department had to take action on seven shooting incidents in their area from Sunday night to Monday morning.

It was 12 hours of nonstop chaos, Armstrong told KTVU. That is what is concerning. The level of celebratory gunfire is something we havent seen before.

Does this department need resources? Clearly, we do. We were clearly outnumbered, he noted. Our city has not seen this level of violence in many years.

The announcement came a week after a press conference where Armstrong criticized the city council for redirecting around $18 million from the police budget.

The shootings started at around 6 p.m. on Sunday, leaving one person dead and several others critically wounded, police said.

Noel Gallo, a city council member, told local media that the crime witnessed over the weekend in Oakland is a safety emergency, according to KPIX5.

I grew up here in Oakland and East Oakland, and it is the worst Ive ever seen, Gallo said. And not only dealing with the sideshows, dealing with the fireworks, but also the violence on the streets. But the reality is that we need greater enforcement.

He thinks that the local police should cooperate better with other authorities, including the FBI, to hold illegal guns, drugs, and fireworks in check.

Celebratory gunfire has no place in our City and there is no such thing as legal fireworks in Oakland.

OPD & @OaklandFireCA are working together to limit the impact of illegal firework activity through July 4.

To report fireworks call the Fireworks Tip Line at (510) 238-2373. pic.twitter.com/fjCUzUHlaJ  Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 4, 2021

If you look at where the fireworks are coming from, the drug activity is coming from, its coming from outside of the city and in some cases outside the state of California, Gallo told the news outlet.
Logos of the Big Tech giants are displayed on a tablet on Oct. 1, 2019. (Denis Charlet/AFP via Getty Images)

House Republicans Outline Their Antitrust Agenda for Tech Giants

Lead Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and his fellow GOP Representatives on Wednesday laid out their framework for reining in Big Tech companies control over the public discourse.

The document outlined steps to rein in Big Tech and end their practices that have resulted in the infringement on the free speech of Americans. The proposal comes a couple of weeks after the House Judiciary Committee voted to advance six bipartisan antitrust bills.

Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) praised the passage of the bills. By reining in anti-competitive abuses, our legislation ensures there is a space for opportunity and innovation to thrive online, Nadler said.

But Jordan said he does not believe the anti-trust legislation will bring benefit to Americans or protect free speech.

He said the bills advanced by the Judiciary Committee do not address tech monopolies and free speech issues, and instead give Congress the power to regulate Big Tech Companies, making the government more powerful.

I think what these bills do, very clearly, is they marry up big government with big tech, and I think its going to make the situation worse, Jordan told Fox News last month.

The Ohio congressman said that he only supported a couple of the bills in the package, and that the package as a whole, is bad and most of the legislation in the package, certainly for these bills, [are] very problematic.

Democrats want to use the power of the regulatory state the power of big government, particularly the Biden administration to further control the economy and limit speech, he said.

The empowerment they give to the Federal Trade Commission to run companies, and the one bill has secret committees that arent subject to any type of transparency.

What we need to do is take away their liability protection and break them up, two simple things. Thats what Republicans are going to focus on doing, he added of where the GOP bills differ. Weve introduced that first piece of legislation last week as well. So thats where we need to go, but I dont think Democrats want the same objective that you do, your viewers do, and most of America does.

Jordan and Republican lawmakers say conservatives are a target of Big Tech censorship and bias, and their framework will help create laws that will hold Big Tech accountable.

The Republican proposal is divided into three key parts: speed, accountability, and transparency.

By speed, the GOP members proposed requiring a faster process for hearing antitrust cases against Big Tech and empowering Attorney Generals to use fast-track anti-trust cases.

Under accountability, Republicans are seeking to reform techs protection from legal liability for content on its platforms under Section 230. They also want to create a statutory basis for Americans to directly challenge Big Tech in court for any censorship they experience. The GOP congress members also want to consolidate antitrust enforcement within the Department of Justice so that it is more effective and accountable.

The framework will require that large platforms list clearly and openly content moderation decisions and rules for censorship on a publicly available website. Failure to do so would result in a huge fine.

In a letter to House Republicans, leader Kevin McCarthy said the framework is only a starting point from which legislation will be written and introduced.

We will work with our members, committees, and newly formed task forces to turn this framework into legislation, and we will fight for floor consideration. Conservatives and our ideas have been targeted by Big Tech for too long. We must step up because make no mistake, the Democrats continue to demonstrate no interest in addressing fairness when it comes to conservative viewpoints. And theyll continue to use Big Tech to do so, he wrote.
Pieces of furniture are seen inside a classroom at Bethel Baptist High School in Damishi, Kaduna, Nigeria, on July 7, 2021. (Bosan Yakusak/Reuters)

Kidnappers Demand Food for Children Seized in Nigeria School Raid

KADUNA, NigeriaKidnappers who abducted more than 100 students from a boarding school in Nigerias 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.

Footwear of the abducted students of Bethel Baptist High School in Damishi, Kaduna, Nigeria July 7, 2021. (Bosan Yakusak/Reuters)

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 childrens 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 300,000400,000 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.
The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill is reflected in a window in downtown Ottawa on March 26, 2019. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

Lawyer for Christian University That Won Court Challenge of Summer Jobs Program Says Issue Of Concern to Everybody

A lawyer representing a Christian university in a case against Ottawa regarding its student hiring program says everyone should be concerned when government funds are conditional on adherence to state-imposed ideas.

Its about whether or not the government can dictate what people believe, and what beliefs are appropriate and what beliefs are not, Albertos Polizogopoulos, a lawyer for Hamilton-based Redeemer University, told The Epoch Times.

It ought to be of concern to everybody.

On June 29, Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley ruled that the federal government breached its procedural fairness obligation when it denied Redeemer Universitys 2019 application for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program without giving Redeemer the chance to provide evidence that its beliefs did not result in discriminatory practices.

Administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the CSJ program provides wage subsidies to charities, not-for-profit groups, and small businesses to create summer jobs for young Canadians aged 15 to 30 years to allow them to gain work experience and transition into the labour market.

Polizogopoulos said that when Redeemer applied for the 2019 CSJ program, it submitted proof of a workplace free of discrimination as well as its 35-page anti-discrimination policy, but it was refused funding. The government never provided Redeemer with the opportunity to respond, or to alleviate any concerns or explain their position, he said.

Justice Mosley notes in his ruling that Redeemer holds and affirms the Reformed Christian understanding of sexual morality that sexual activity is only permitted within the context of an exclusive, lifelong, marital union between a man and a woman.

He noted that while Redeemer requires its faculty and other staff to be Christian or to abide by certain religious beliefs, the university does not make that requirement for its Canada Summer Jobs positions. He also said that in its 2019 CSJ application, the university targeted LGBTQ2 youth for hiring.

The judges June 29 decision concluded that Redeemer Universitys grant application was not rejected due to contents of the colleges application, but because of an ESDC program officers cursory search of the Internet for information about Redeemers policies and practices. He also noted the government didnt give the college an opportunity to demonstrate how the beliefs it adheres to did not result in discriminatory practices.

If the concern of the decision maker [ESDC] was that Redeemer discriminated based on sexual orientation, there was no contemporaneous evidence of that in the file, Mosley wrote.

Mosley also ordered the government to pay Redeemers full legal costs totalling $102,000.

The judge noted that while he made his ruling based on procedural fairness rather than evaluating the Charter issues involved, the government ministry should take no comfort from this conclusion.

There is no evidence in the limited record of the decision-making process that the [ministry] made any overt attempt to consider Redeemers rights to freedom of religion, freedom of expression or freedom of association in considering its application, Mosley wrote.

Such institutions must be treated not just with procedural fairness but also with respect for their Charter-protected rights.

The Epoch Times reached out to ESDC for comment but did not receive a response.

History

Redeemer University had successfully applied for and received CSJ funding from 2006 until 2017. Then in 2018, the program became the centre of a freedom-of-religion controversy after the Liberal government effectively excluded anti-abortion groups from accessing the funding.

The government announced in late 2017 that all organizations applying for a 2018 CSJ grant would be required to make a compulsory attestation that they respect individual human rights in Canada, including reproductive rightsa move that led to a public outcry.

It was a huge controversy, particularly for religious organizations, many of which [previously] got such funding, because they kept saying we cant and we wont make an attestation saying we support  rights to abortion, Polizogopoulos said.

When Redeemer applied for the 2018 CSJ grant, it omitted signing the attestation, resulting in its application being denied, the court filing states.

Redeemer, along with a number of religious or pro-life organizations, challenged the new attestation policy in court. This 2018 case is a separate case that has yet to be heard by the Federal Court.

Facing several other court actions across Canada also challenging the attestation, the government abandoned the policy at the end of 2018. However, when the 2019 CSJ program was released, a new mandatory question was added, requiring applicants to specify how your organization will be providing a safe, inclusive, and healthy work environment free of harassment and discrimination.

Strong Message

Redeemers interim president David Zietsma told The Epoch Times in an email that the institution is pleased with the outcome of the court ruling.

Even though the court did not need to decide on the Charter issues raised here, the decision sends a strong message to the government about remembering the Charter rights of faith-based institutions, he said.

This is very important in the context of religious freedom. Canadian citizens and organizations hold varying religious views. So long as they are legal, the government should remain neutral and those views should not disqualify them from programs or benefits.

Zietsma said Redeemer applied for CSJ funding for the summer of 2020 but was only found eligible in December that year, by which time summer had passed and there were no funds left in the program.

Redeemers application for the 2021 CSJ was not approved until June 17, some two months into the summer for university students. Zietsma said the university anticipates that only one position will be filled this summer.
Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade in Flushing, New York, on April 18, 2021, to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the April 25th peaceful appeal of 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners in Beijing. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times)

Leaked Documents Reveal How the CCP Uses Chinas Judicial System to Enforce Persecution

Official documents that The Epoch Times recently acquired shed light on how the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) uses the countrys judicial system as a tool to implement nationwide persecution of people deemed by the Party as threats. The obtained documents were issued internally to judicial branches by The Dandong City Committee of Political and Legislative Affairs (CPLA) and its affiliated CCP organizations.

In China, CPLAs are a functional department of the CCP that leads and manages the judiciary branch, an important organization to realize the Partys leadership of the judiciary system, according to newly published official CCP regulations. From the national to the municipal level, the CPLAs are the actual leaders of the judicial branches including the courts, the Procuratorate, and law enforcement.

The leaked documents include: a 2019 midyear work summary and plans (pdf) of the CPLA of Donggang city; its 2020 priorities summary and the Responsibilities for Social Stability and Security Agreement (pdf) that the CPLA issued to the citys Intermediate Court, the Procuratorate, the Public Security Bureau, and the local military unit; and a summary of documents issued by the CPLA in the first two quarters of 2020 (pdf). The documents show that the CPLA focuses heavily on enforcing suppressive efforts against religious groups, ethnic groups, political dissidents, and others that the CCP deems as a potential threat to stability. Because of its reach in the judicial system, the military, and all governmental bodies, it can push suppression and persecution into every cell of the society.

The summary of the CPLA-issued documents shows that out of 20 documents issued by the municipal CPLA of Chinas northeastern city Dandong, Liaoning Province, in the first half of 2020, six indicate a focus on suppressing Falun Gong, Uyghurs, Christians, government petitioners, and even AIDS and mental disease patients. Four of the other documents contain information about efforts to crack down on gangsters. In the past two decades, campaigns in the name of cracking down on gangsters often target local private businesses, and in many cases ended in the government throwing business owners in jail and confiscating their company and personal assets.

Targeting Falun Gong

The spiritual practice Falun Gong is a primary target of the CPLAs suppression, according to the documents. Exact quotas for persecuting Falun Gong are assigned to and by the CPLAs. In a summary of its 2019 accomplishments, the Dandong CPLA declared its goal of transforming 20 Falun Gong practitioners by the end of the year. In the CCPs language, transforming Falun Gong practitioners means to force them to sign papers to denounce their belief and promise to stop practicing, according to FalunInfo.net.

In its 2020 Priorities (pdf), the CPLA ordered the judiciary branches to empty the inventory of unconverted Falun Gong practitioners through a variety of methods, ranging from 24-hour surveillance of Falun Gong practitioners and closely monitoring their thoughts and actions, to more severe punishments. The CPLA also forces local neighborhoods to subscribe to its anti-Falun Gong materials and organized propaganda campaigns to incite the publics hatred of the practice, according to the documents.

Each judiciary branch and the military unit in the area are required to sign responsibility agreements for carrying out the requirements and goals of the CPLA. The Epoch Times obtained the 2017 Responsibility Agreements for the Dandong Municipal Procuratorate, Dandong Public Security Bureau, and Dandong Intermediate Court. All three units specified Falun Gong as a target of suppression. The agreements say that the Dandong CPLA will examine and evaluate each branchs effectiveness in executing the orders, and the assessment results are used to determine each branchs incentives or punishments. Officials are rewarded with financial incentives and promotions for meeting their quota, and risk losing their job if they fail to meet the quota.

Such measures motivate and force the judiciary system to adopt a wide range of abusive methods to convert Falun Gong practitioners. Commonly used methods include detention in jails and other facilities, forced brainstorming sessions, physical torture, deprivation of employment and schooling for the practitioners and their families, and more, according to FalunInfo.net.

Gao Rongrong (L) before the Falun Dafa persecution campaign was launched. Gao Rongrong (R) 10 days after her face was shocked repeatedly with electric batons for more than seven hours by guards at the Longshan Forced Labor Camp, simply because she practiced Falun Dafa. (Minghui.org)

Brutal Persecution

Because the majority of Falun Gong practitioners refuse to transform, extreme abuse often happens. Falun Gongs official website Minghui.org recorded 4,343 confirmed deaths due to the persecution by September 2019, and 519,000 cases of torture, according to Minghuis book The 20-Year Persecution of Falun Gong in China (pdf). These statistics are believed to be far lower than the actual numbers.

Wang Changlong, a Falun Gong practitioner and former government worker of Donggang, a subordinate city of Dandong city, described his horrifying experience with torture as a punishment for his refusal to convert: [The police] shocked me with high-voltage batons and targeted the most sensitive areas of my body, Wang said in a statement in 2015. The shock from the batons went through my head, eyes, mouth, neck, armpits, heart, belly button, sides, lower abdomen, genitals, groin, soles of the feet, back, and anus  They went in circles like that, again and again, for over 20 minutes. The pain almost killed me. Wang was illegally detained, sentenced to three years in a labor camp, and later secretly sentenced to three more years in jail.

Also from Donggang city, Falun Gong practitioner Song Jiwei died in August 2016 at age 60 due to nine years of torture and abuse. Song was arrested four times and imprisoned in the Dandong Labor Camp and Xihu Prison. He suffered various types of torture including beatings, shocking with electric batons, burning with cigarette lighters and cigarettes, being soaked naked in cold water for 24 hours, needle pricks, sleep deprivation, and other forms of torture. According to Songs statement published on Minghui, the guards in the labor camp put him in a meditation posture, tied his legs tightly together, bent his head towards his feet, and then sat on his back.

Reenactment of the tying up in lotus torture. (Minghui.org)

In Donggang city alone, from 1999 to 2019, the police launched at least eight large-scale waves of kidnapping Falun Gong practitioners and numerous smaller-scale ones. The kidnappings resulted in over 500 practitioners being captured, according to Minghui.org records. Among them, 16 are confirmed to have died from torture, and many more were disabled or severely injured physically and/or mentally. There are 64 known jail sentences, 176 labor camp sentences, and 190 illegal detentions, according to incomplete statistics from Minghui.org. This data does not necessarily include all of the cases due to the CCPs strict censorship making it difficult for Falun Gong practitioners to send out information.

The CCP-driven persecution model is executed at every administrative level and across the nation. According to official rules, CPLA orders override all laws, regulations, and common sense, and are expected to be executed without questions. In a similar shion, the CCP controls other government functions and businesses including media, the education system, and the private sector.
Naomi Wolf attends the "Fed Up" premiere at Museum of Modern Art in New York on May 6, 2014. (Rommel Demano/Getty Images)

Liberal Author, Censored by Twitter and YouTube After Questioning Fauci, Joins Trumps Lawsuit

Womens health and civil liberties author and journalist Naomi Wolf had her Twitter account suspended and her YouTube channel frozen after she raised questions regarding the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, the constitutionality of lockdowns, and the candor of Anthony Fauci, head of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Already considering legal action, Wolf decided to join the class-action lawsuit started by former President Donald Trump.

Her original plan was to sue Twitter on her own. She was then approached by Trumps legal team, she told The Epoch Times.

Trump announced last week that he has filed a lawsuit against Twitter, Facebook, and Google, which owns Youtube. His lawyers argued that Trumps rights were denied when the social media companies banned his accounts.

Wolf hasnt been given any explanation as to which of her content specifically triggered the suspension, despite her multiple attempts to reach out to both Twitter and YouTube, she said. In fact, she received no explanation whatsoever from either platform. Instead, Twitter told the media that she was spreading vaccine misinformation. She considers that both false and defamatory.

Neither Google nor Twitter responded to requests for comment by press time.

Wolfs case highlights the escalation of social media censorship over the past several years. While the giant tech companies started with purges of voices that the establishment considered right-wing fringe, such as radio host Alex Jones and activist Laura Loomer, the list of taboo topics has now expanded so far that censors are coming after people like Wolf, a liberal feminist and life-long Democrat who used to be published by the establishment press, in newspapers including The New York Times and The Guardian.

Her Twitter account was suspended around June 4, shortly after she posted a video of her husband, a private investigator, reading a publicly available curriculum vitae (CV) of Professor Ralph Baric, a coronavirus researcher. The bio indicated that Barics projects have received tens of millions of dollars in funding from NIAID.

Fauci testified to Congress that NIAID didnt fund any gain-of-function research, referring to experiments that enhance viruses, such as by modifying them to infect a different species. But Barics CV listed several NIAID grants that have been disclosed as a source of funding for gain-of-function research in a 2015 paper co-authored by Baric. That paper describes an experiment in which a bat virus spike protein that didnt work on humans was grafted onto the SARS virus, resulting in a new virus that was capable not only of infecting humans, but was also resistant to treatment. The research was also funded by the EcoHealth Alliance group, which in turn received millions of dollars in funding from NIAID.

Some of Barics research has been conducted in partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), which also received some EcoHealth Alliance funding. A leak from the WIV facilities has been identified by a number of experts as a possible origin of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus that causes the COVID-19 disease and has claimed more than 3 million lives over the past 15 months, according to official statistics.

Fauci at first dismissed the lab-leak theory, but recently as the story gained more traction, he said hes no longer ruling it out.

Shortly after Wolfs Twitter account was suspended, YouTube blocked her from accessing her channel, called Daily Clout. Its not clear why YouTube took the action and why at that time. Much of the channels content over the past year has been dedicated to criticism of COVID-19 lockdowns and the prospect of vaccine passports. The channels last video was posted in late May, more than a week before YouTubes action.

Wolf said shes read carefully the terms of service of both Twitter and YouTube and isnt aware of breaking them.

Inconvenient Voice

As a former political consultant for campaigns of former Vice President Al Gore and former President Bill Clinton, Wolf sees her line of inquiry crossing vital interests of her own party.

Dr. Fauci is clearly  an important part of the Democrats brand and their reelection strategy, right? Theyre going to run on having beaten coronavirus and hes being made the face of that, she said.

While shes not alone in asking pointed questions, her reputation as a liberal makes her criticism particularly inconvenient, Wolf said.

The talking point of the administration is, this is a Republican attack, political attack on Dr. Fauci. Well, its not a political attack coming from me. Im being a reporter and asking questions all serious reporters should be asking. So I think that makes me not a convenient voice to have in the mix, she said.

Media Blitz

Within a few days of Wolf getting censored, several media outlets ran stories labeling her as being anti-vaccine and said she was deplatformed for posting misinformation about vaccines. She denies those allegations, noting that both she and her children are vaccinated.

She called the reports extremely inaccurate and defamatory, noting that her social media posts were quoted way out of context.

It seemed to her that the articles all used the same source information, as if from a press release, though she didnt want to elaborate further in order to avoid speculation.

It was a very Stalinistic experience, Wolf said.

Except for the Times of London, no outlet reached out to her for comment, she said. Even publications like The Guardian and The New Republic, which have previously published Wolfs writings, ran their pieces without asking for her side of the story. Both publications didnt respond to requests for comment by press time.

One claim against Wolf was that she called a COVID-19 vaccine a software platform, though she said her software reference wasnt meant to be taken in a literal sense. Her Twitter post referred to the Moderna website, which calls the mRNAa core functioning element of the pharmaceutical companys COVID-19 vaccinethe software of life.

In another tweet, Wolfe suggested that perhaps the excrement of vaccinated people needs to be separated from general sewage, as it may contain the spike protein produced by their bodies due to the vaccination, which may then enter drinking water supplies. The comment was based on a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) document regarding the monitoring of potential shedding of gene therapy products by individuals receiving such treatment (pdf).

Wolf called the document terrifying.

It defines gene therapy as products that mediate their effects by transcription and/or translation of transferred genetic material and/or by integrating into the host genome and that are administered as nucleic acids, viruses, or genetically engineered microorganisms.

The mRNA vaccines use nucleic acids carrying genetic material to prompt the translation of a spike protein by human cells. The protein then triggers the human immune system to develop antibodies that help the body fight off COVID-19.

Viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) can be detected in wastewater.

However, the FDA document says that transmission to untreated individuals [via shedding] is an extremely low probability event.

Responding via email, Wolf said that her describing being personally alarmed isnt vaccine misinformation.

I think its clear that when I said the white paper was terrifying, that I personally found it terrifying, she said. I think these are fair questions to explore and honest emotions for me to share. Im not a medical doctorI am a citizen who has long written about the human body and the need to take care of it and to respect it.

Concerns about spike protein shedding have so far been dismissed by experts.

In another tweet, Wolf recalled overhearing an Apple employee saying that the company was working on a technology that could deliver a vaccine with nanoparticles that let you travel back in time.

Wolf said she almost immediately deleted the tweet. She thought that she probably misheard what the person was talking about. Theres a product on the Apple Watch called Time Travel that allows the user, among other things, to go back in time to review ones biometric readings. Theres also an emerging field of developing bio-digital interfaces, imagining a future where we will wear or ingest bio-digital technology to monitor and enhance our health and lifestyle, according to MIT.

Uncontrolled Conversation

Wolf has received a number of warnings from Twitter over the past several months regarding COVID-related content.

It resembled behavior modification, in her view, as the language used conveyed a very demeaning way to treat any customer.

It was like the platform was training a 4-year-old.  This is your second warning and You have a time out, like youre sent to your room, she said.

One piece of content that was flagged by the social media company was Wolfs reporting that a number of women have complained about menstrual irregularity after receiving the vaccine. The topic has since been broadly picked up by the media, quoting experts as saying the vaccines are still safe, but also acknowledging that theres a lack of research on this issue.

Wolf suggested that social media companies need to be more transparent about the extent to which they stifle discussion.

If people are not supposed to engage in thoughtful discussion or even joking discussion or rhetorical questions and theyre not supposed to raise public health concerns, then people should know because Im quite sure that would lead to an exodus to platforms where people can say, Hey, I heard that post-menopausal women are bleeding, or I experienced this myself. I mean, we have to be able to educate each other as human beings, or else we dont live in a free society, she said.

In the past, her reporting helped to identify subpar or even dangerous health products that government authorities initially considered safe. Each time, the investigation started with informal, anecdotal reports from patients and consumers.

A lot of really important information that made breast implants better or made contraceptives pills better or took vaginal mesh off the market arose in uncontrolled discussions, Wolf said.

She said she can no longer pursue certain leads with the same intensity now.

Every day, I get women emailing me testimony of menstrual disorders, like really dramatic ones. Im scared to even report them because then I lose the last few platforms I have, she said.

Wolf stressed that she doesnt believe this was the reason for her deplatforming.

I mean, I talked about vaccines and womens health and myocarditis [as a side effect of the COVID vaccines in some people] for the duration of the pandemic, she said.

Its no secret that I was very critical of lockdowns, of what they were doing to the economy, to childrens mental health, transfer of wealth. I mean, Ive been very vocal about all these things. Thats not when I was deplatformed. I was deplatformed when I posted Dr. Barics CV.

Update: The article has been updated with information regarding Naomi Wolfs joining the lawsuit of former President Donald Trump.
Lockdown Impact on Card Spending Muted in NSW Compared to Victoria

The recent lockdown restrictions in New South Wales (NSW) have had a lower impact on spending activity in the state compared to the recent Victorian hard lockdowns.

Both Commonwealth Bank and Westpac Bank data revealed that overall household card activity had not made any significant drops in NSW after the first week of restrictions.

Commonwealth Bank data found that credit and debit spending in the week ending July 2 dropped by 1.2 percentage points in NSW compared to the 21 percentage point drop in the first week of Victorias lockdowns.

Similarly, during the first week of the respective lockdowns, Westpacs Card Tracker Index (pdf) for NSW fell by 0.3 points, compared to the 13.5 point drop in Victoria.

What this data shows is that the type of lockdown matters for spending as does the community response, Commonwealth Bank Senior Economist Belinda Allen said.

When Victoria entered its four-week lockdown on May 28, the restrictions prohibited all citizens in the state from leaving their homes unless it was for one of five reasons, including attending authorised work or study. A 5 km travel limit was also imposed for exercise and shopping.

A food delivery worker rides in the central business district of Sydney as Australias largest city entered a two-week lockdown to contain an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant on June 26, 2021. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

The Sydney lockdown, which began on June 26, only allowed people to leave homes for similar reasons as in Victoria. However, people were able to attend work and study without authorisation required and groups no larger than 10 people were also able to gather outside.

In addition, regional NSW did not receive stay-at-home orders but had venue capacity limitations and social distancing rules.

The lockdown in Greater Sydney has covered around 70 percent of the NSW population, given the lockdown did not extend to regional NSW, Allen said. The sharpest falls in spending in NSW have been clothing and footwear, general retail, personal care, transport, and of course eating and drinking out.

Westpac Senior Economist Matthew Hassan said that while lockdowns had clear negative impacts, card data suggests that peoples spending habits are evolving to become more resilient.

Assessing the impact of COVID lockdown measures is becoming increasingly difficult, Hassan said. There are signs that consumers are learning and adapting to restrictions with similar-sized shocks to mobility producing more muted impacts on card activity during recent lockdown measures.
Metal Detectorist in UK Discovers 2 Rare Gold Coins That Date Back to the Black Death Period

A metal detectorist in England discovered two very rare and valuable gold coins near Reepham, Norfolk, in late June.

The coins unearthed consisted of a 23-carat leopard gold coin and a noble gold coin; both were found folded in half, buried, and were located 150 meters (approx. 500 feet) apart from each other.

The leopard coin weighs 3.51 grams (0.12 ounces) and is of the third coinage period issued in 1344 during the era of King Edward III.

The noble gold coin, which weighs 7.69 grams (0.27 ounces), was issued between 1351 and 1352, and is of the fourth coinage period, which coincides with the times of the Black Deaththe plague that claimed the lives some 25 million Europeans.

According to archeologist Helen Geake, the value of the coins is equivalent to 12,000 pounds (approx. US$16,500) in todays currency, and are believed to have been owned by someone of high social standing.

At the time of the discovery, not all the coins details were visible, though they do not have much wear aside from some scuffing caused by agricultural activity.

The leopard was struck as one of the first three denominations through which Edward III sought to introduce a gold coinage to England early in 1344, Portable Antiquities Scheme stated.

The publication adds that the coinage of this currency failed because the mint charges were too high and the value assigned to the coins overvalued gold against silver.

New coins were introduced to replace them from July 1344, in a process of adjustment that went on until 1351, the statement added.

During those months, a little over 30,000 pounds of gold coin were produced; there are very few surviving examples today in public collections and museums.

The standard for the coins gold content exceeded 23 carats, with a purity of 96 percent.

It seems likely that both coins went into the ground at the same time, either as part of a purse loss or as part of a concealed hoard, they added.

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Minneapolis Federal Reserve president Neel Kashkari, who at the time served as Interim Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability, speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, on Dec. 8, 2008. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Minneapolis Fed Imposes COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Employees

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis will require its 1,100 employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of August, according to the institutions President and CEO Neel Kashkari.

Kashkari said in a post on the Minneapolis Fed website on Wednesday that the new policy would require all employees to get the shot as a condition of continuing employment, with accommodations only provided to those who cannot get vaccinated due to medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs. He added that the policy will also be in effect for new hires.

While some staff may be unhappy with this new requirement, we believe most will appreciate the actions we are taking on our collective behalf, Kashkari said.

Touching on the legal aspects of such a mandate, the chief of the Minneapolis Fed noted that recently updated guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission indicates that employers can legally require staff physically entering the workplace to be vaccinated for COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

COVID-19 vaccines have become a flashpoint in the culture wars now gripping America, with opponents of vaccine mandates, vaccine passports, and other pandemic-related restrictions viewing them as an unacceptable violation of civil liberties, while supporters tend to see them as necessary inconveniences to protect vulnerable populations and, more broadly, get the outbreak under control faster.

Expounding on the rationale for mandating COVID-19 vaccines, Kashkari cited the need for the Minneapolis Fed to shift away from remote working arrangements and for staff to come back into the office.

But there is no way for us to bring a critical mass of our staff back into our facilities and maintain social distancing. Hence, we need our employees to be vaccinated, he said, arguing that people who can get the vaccine but choose not to put other staff who cannot be vaccinated due to health conditions at unnecessary risk.

To date, over 82 percent of employees at the Minneapolis Fed have been fully vaccinated, including the entire senior leadership team, Kashkari said.

Most of the remaining 18 percent have not told us their vaccination plans, and a small percentage have indicated they do not plan to get vaccinated, he added.

While there remains a lot that experts dont know about COVID-19, the science is clear that everyones safety is enhanced the closer we can get our vaccination rate to 100 percent, he added.

The Biden administration has ramped up its COVID-19 response after the White House fell short of its self-imposed July 4 deadline to get 70 percent of American adults at least one vaccination shot.

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden and White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced a plan to send teams door-to-door to provide information about vaccines in areas with relatively low vaccination rates.

Biden pledged to go community by community  and oftentimes door to door, literally knocking on doors in an effort to get people vaccinated, drawing the ire of Republican lawmakers, who argued that the government doesnt have the right to know who is or isnt vaccinated.

How about dont knock on my door. Youre not my parents. Youre the government. Make the vaccine available, and let people be free to choose. Why is that concept so hard for the left? Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) wrote on Twitter.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 67 percent of American adults have received at least one shot, and more than 157 million people are fully vaccinated.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Louis Mapou, who was just elected as president of New Caledonia, speaks with the President of the Congress Roch Wamytan (Union Caledonienne) as they attend the elections to form the 17th government of New Caledonia, in Noumea, on Feb. 17, 2021. (Theo Rouby / AFP via Getty Images)

New Caledonia Elects New President

New Caledonia has elected Louis Mapou as its first pro-independence president since a 1998 deal with Paris to grant more political power to the French Pacific territory, Radio Australia reports.

The election comes a few months before the third and final referendum that the island can legally take on whether to secede from France under the 1998 agreement, known as the Noumea Accord.

Prior referendums in 2018 and 2020 failed to win a majority in favour of independence, but support for remaining as part of France dropped from 56.7 percent in 2018 to 53.26 percent in 2020.

Mapou sits on the board of directors of Frances Eramet, which runs nickel mines, the Doniambo ferro-nickel plant near the port of Noumea, and a refinery that produces a type of nickel that can be used in electric vehicle batteries.

He also worked as the director general of New Caledonias Rural Development and Land Development Agency from 1998 to 2005.

The nickel-rich territory has been seeing fresh interest from international companies searching for materials to fuel the ongoing electric vehicle boom.
New Zealand flags fly in front of The Beehive during the Commission Opening of Parliament at Parliament on Oct. 20, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

New Zealander Asks PM, Foreign Minister, Others to Pressure Beijing for Release of His Father

A Chinese refugee who has been taken in by New Zealand has written to New Zealands prime minister, foreign minister, and others, asking for their help in pressuring Beijing to immediately release of his father, a human rights activist who remains detained in his homeland China.

Xing Jian, a new permanent residence in Wellington, New Zealand, wrote to 110 New Zealand MPs, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta, on June 29, urging them to request that Beijing unconditionally release his father, Xing Wangli. He also urged them to keep voicing their concerns about Chinas abysmal human rights record under Chinese Communist Party rule.

On July 5, Xing Jian told The Epoch Times that his father is being held by Chinese authorities on suspicion of libel. He is detained in the Xixian County Detention Center, Xinyang city, in central Chinas Henan province.

Human rights activist Xing Wangli in 2020. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

What led to the arrest, Xing revealed, was his parents visit on April 20 to Chinese human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong, who has been under house arrest for more than two years at Xinyang citys Lingshan town in Luoshan county. Jiang is viewed as a sensitive figure by the communist authorities for his legal assistance to vulnerable groups.

Following their visit, three days later, on the morning of April 23, the couple were tricked by local officials into going to the village government of Caoyuan in Huaihe sub-district under the pretext of addressing their years-long complaints.

There, Xings parents met with Huaihe Police Station director Zhang Zhenhua and deputy director Fang Tao; and Jiang Cheng, an official from Huaihe sub-district. The three admonished them for visiting the rights lawyer and warned them against any unacceptable behavior in the future.

Dissatisfied by the threats, Xings father set out to travel to Beijing that very afternoon in the hopes of appealing his grievances to higher government agencies.

On April 27, Xings father was intercepted by police officers from Qianmen Police Station in the name of checking personal ID after he posted letters to official agencies. With just one data search, police quickly learned that he had a history of petitioning. They then arrested and transferred him to the Beijing office of his home county government, and the latter sent him back to the Xixian Detention Center.

Xings father was originally given 15 days of administrative detention, which was then extended to criminal detention.

A Notice of Arrest sent by Xixian county police to the home of human rights activist Xing Wangli in China, on June 18, 2021. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

Essentially, they [local police officers] are retaliating against my father for his continued rights efforts, Xing told The Epoch Times. They hate him most because hes been so dedicated to protecting our familys legal rights, exposing local judicial corruption, and assisting his fellow activists.

Xings father had been placed under detention numerous times for his peaceful human rights activism.

In August 2016, while held in the Xixian county detention center, Xing Wangli was subjected to torture and suffered a comminuted fracture in the skull from a severe beating. He narrowly escaped death after losing consciousness for more than 20 days and needing treatment in the ICU.

Speaking of his father, Xing said: My father is not offender. Instead, he is a hero. Any rights activist advances the society.

A Reply

On June 30, Xing received a reply from Arderns office saying that it had received his letter and had forwarded it to New Zealands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consideration.

Other MPs also replied to Xing, expressing their sympathy over his fathers situation, adding that they had also forwarded his letter to the offices in charge of foreign affairs.

One reply expressed on behalf of MP Chloe Swarbrick said that New Zealands Green Party strongly condemns human rights abuses in China and has called for meaningful action by the New Zealand government.

Xing told The Epoch Times that he will also write to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to seek further support for his fathers release.

Xing was born and brought up in China. Since childhood, he has witnessed and participated in his familys petitions, including in 2004, a tour to Beijing with his mother Xu Jincui and sister Xing Mei.

In 2015, disillusioned by the reality he faced in China, Xing began considering how he could seek political asylum in a foreign country. Fortunately, soon after, he was able to secure a passport. He then outwitted those in charge of daily surveillance over his family and secretly left his hometown on a flight for Thailand where he applied for protection through the United Nations.

When authorities realized that Xing had fled the country, police of Lianshui County in southeastern Chinas Jiangsu Province declared him a runaway criminal who was wanted in a judicial corruption case. The local police flew to Bangkok and attempted to extradite him back to China.

With the help of Chinese dissidents and activists in Thailand, Xing finally got out of danger and was accepted as a U.N. convention refugee.

In January 2020, he landed in Auckland to begin his new life in New Zealand.

Xing told The Epoch Times that since arriving in New Zealand, he has been deeply concerned in witnessing the seeping influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its communist ideologies into democratic institutions around the world.

Communism does not benefit mankind; on the contrary, it poisons mankind, the survivor of the Chinese regime added.
Pump jacks and a gas flare are seen near Williston, North Dakota, on Sept. 6, 2016. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

North Dakota Sues Biden Administration Over Suspension of Oil, Gas Lease Sales

North Dakota on July 8 sued President Joe Bidens administration over its cancellation of a planned auction of oil and gas leases.

Under the Mineral Leasing Act, lease sales must be held at least once a quarter in each state where eligible lands are available. But the lease sale scheduled for March was canceled and a regularly scheduled sale pegged for June was not held.

North Dakota officials said in the lawsuit, filed in federal court, that the illegal cancellations appeared to be in response to a Biden executive order that directed the secretary of the Interior to pause new oil and natural gas leases provided doing so was consistent with the law.

Ignoring the Executive Orders admonition to act consistent with applicable law, the Federal Defendants actions violated several Federal statutes and exceeded their limited scope of discretionary authority, the 30-page suit states.

The impact of the actions was compounded because the blocked development of federal lands has led to a delay in developing state and private interests, the suit added.

I have taken this action to protect North Dakotas economy, the jobs of our hard-working citizens, and North Dakotas rights to control its own natural resources, said North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, a Republican, in a statement announcing the filing.

The cost of the cancellations is already over $80 million, a number that could enter the billions unless the administrations actions are stopped, Stenehjem asserted.

The Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management, two of the named defendants, declined to comment. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Administration officials have also canceled or postponed lease sales in other states after Bidens order was issued. Biden has said he wants to push the country to adopt alternative forms of energy at a faster pace.

Biden in his order claimed that climate change has become a climate crisis and necessitates urgent action to combat it.

There is little time left to avoid setting the world on a dangerous, potentially catastrophic, climate trajectory. Responding to the climate crisis will require both significant short-term global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and net-zero global emissions by mid-century or before, he wrote.

More recently, Biden said he wants to end tax breaks for oil companies, even as gas prices remain above $3 a gallon in most of the United States.

A federal judge in Louisiana last month blocked the suspension of the sales, ruling in favor of 13 states led by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican.

The Biden administration failed to adequately explain why it was canceling sales, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty, a Trump nominee, said in his ruling.

The omission of any rational explanation in canceling the lease sales, and in enacting the Pause, results in this Court ruling that Plaintiff States also have a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of this claim, he wrote.
NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (July 7)

Donald Trump takes on tech giants Facebook, Twitter, and Google, Haiti is in a state of siege after gunmen assassinated the countrys President Wednesday morning, and a Pennsylvania state senator initiates a forensic investigation of the 2020 election.
A person is inoculated with a vaccine in Chelsea, Mass., on Feb. 16, 2021. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

Ohios Vaccine Lottery Didnt Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Rate: Study

Governor's office disputes findings

A study has suggested that Ohios pandemic-related lottery, in which people who had a COVID-19 vaccine were entered into a $1 million prize drawing, wasnt effective.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has frequently touted the alleged success of the states Vax-a-Million lottery since it was rolled out several months ago. Children who get vaccinated were entered into a drawing for a full-ride scholarship at one of Ohios universities.

Several other states have also offered prizes for individuals who opt to receive the vaccine.

But a new study from Boston Universitys School of Medicine compared Ohio with other states that didnt offer a lottery incentive. Using data procured from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the researchers found that Ohios lottery program was not associated with an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations.

Our results suggest that state-based lotteries are of limited value in increasing vaccine uptake. Therefore, the resources devoted to vaccine lotteries may be more successfully invested in programs that target underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy and low vaccine uptake, author Allan J. Walkey, a professor at the Boston University School of Medicine and a physician at Boston Medical Center, wrote in a statement.

The study authors noted that vaccination rates in other states were used as a control group for Ohios vaccination trends. This allowed them to account for factors besides the Ohio lottery, including the expansion of vaccinations to children around the United States, according to the researchers.

The team behind the study said they want these findings to lead to a shift in focus away from ineffective and expensive lotteries and toward promoting other COVID-19-related policies.

Dan Tierney, a spokesperson for DeWine, told Fox 8 that the study is erroneous.

Governor DeWine saw the study and recognized immediately what the error is. The study is flawed because it is focused on 12- to 15-year-olds, he said.

The state already took into account that age group when compiling data about the lottery program, according to Tierney.

The first week after Vax-a-Million, we saw a 44 percent increase in Ohioans 16 and older getting the vaccine. According to The Washington Post, no other state saw an increase along those lines. We saw a 17 percent increase in those 16 and older in the second week, he said.

There were other benefits associated with the vaccine system, Tierney said.

It got people talking about the vaccine in a way that was fun, less fear.

The spokesman also argued that to get the same media coverage of Ohios vaccine efforts, it would have cost the state $50 million in advertising.
Pastor Brian Gibson speaks at the Women For America First rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 12, 2020. (Leo Shi/The Epoch Times)

Pastor Who Resisted Church Lockdowns Threatened With Death, His Family Intimidated

Pastor Brian Gibson, who has been a target of cancel culture for resisting draconian lockdown measures as well as for exercising his First Amendment rights, has received hundreds of death threats. He and his family have experienced various forms of harassment.

Just for being a vocal proponent of the First Amendment, just for being someone that supported President Trump, and someone that spoke out actively, I received close to 1,500 death threats. People broke into my house, kicked my gate down, hacked all of our accounts, Gibson said on EpochTVs Crossroads program.

Its amazing what they can do and how coordinated some of these intimidation rings can really be. I think I underestimated what that would really be until it happened to me.

Gibson and his family were threatened on social media and received intimidating phone calls or mail. It affected his three kids, aged 9 to 15, the pastor said.

My kids  werent able to go home for over a month. And then  we had to sell that home and relocate.

Gibson took his family to a rather isolated place in the Rocky Mountains to get away, but they were found, even there, and intimidated while spending time in a park.

I didnt know if they were going to try to kill me, Gibson said. So I went into a convenience store, sent my kids out the back through woods to where we were staying, and I went around the other side of a buildingflanked this guy and found out what he was doing there [and] confronted the man.

Resisting Lockdowns

Gibson has multiple churches in Texas and Kentucky. Through his organization Peaceably Gather, he has helped churches to reopen when pandemic-related lockdowns were imposed across the country.

When lockdowns due to the pandemic caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus were in effect, Gibsons church in Kentucky ran a drive-thru Easter egg giveaway for kids. The Health Department told the pastor that his church would be shut down if he continued to pass out eggs.

There were less than 10 people working, gloved and masked, giving an egg to a kid in the name of Jesus, Gibson said, yet the health department had concerns about it.

Theyre letting the liquor stores do drive-thru sales. Theyre letting the fast food places do that. The Lowes is full of people, Home Depots full of people, all the big box stores right? he said.

It blew a fuse in me. I called all the local media [and] told them: Im going to defy the governors orders. Heres when I want to do it, heres how Im going to do it. Have them come arrest me. And I was looking to get arrested for Jesus.

He then started Peaceably Gather and rallied pastors. I think the hand of God was guiding me. God called me for that time. And over the course of the next three weeks, 5,000 churches opened up with us.

Capitol Protest

On Jan. 5, the day before the U.S. Capitol breach, Gibson gave a speech at Freedom Plaza in Washington.

The only thing I did on the fifth is, I preached the gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth in Freedom Plaza, telling people about his death, burial, resurrection, telling people they could be forgiven of their sins, and also standing up and speaking for the First Amendment, he said.

About six months earlier when speaking out in Arizona, Gibson had taken a selfie with a man who stood out in the crowd because he was wearing a large, horned fur hat.

I take a pic with him, post it up on my Instagram, [saying], This guys got the craziest outfit in Arizona today, he said.

It turned out that the man in the picture became one of the people who entered the Capitol building during the breach on Jan. 6 and was later arrested.

Media used the picture to try to frame the pastor, saying that he was one of the masterminds of the Capitol siege, according to Gibson.

I wasnt in the Capitol, but I think what they do when they create these hit pieces, theyre trying to build a narrative against you, build a case against you: No. 1, with the public, and No. 2, they want a legal case against you, he said.

The mainstream media works to try to spin the narrative, and to spin public opinion before theyll ever file charges on somebody.

Do Not Be Afraid

In America, especially in the West, a lot of the churches bought into that the blessing of God will make sure theres no problems in your life, Gibson said. I preach that [God will bless you]I believe that 100 percentbut he also promised people persecution.

In America, weve become so comfortable. We dont want to give up any of our comforts for real truth and real conviction anymore. And thats why the church remained silent during the lockdowns. So thats why so many pastors didnt speak up and push back.

People dont want to speak up against critical race theory or on other issues because they dont want to be labeled a racist, Gibson said.

Stand up for what you believe in. Dont be afraid. Continue to love your enemies, but stand your ground. I think thats really what we need in America, he said.

Gibson advises people, especially Christians, to look at the current situation and issues such as cancel culture from a broader perspective.

Stop being afraid of what somebody might do to you.  The high cost of living is potentially dying, Gibson said. I dont want to die. Dont get me wrong, I dont have a martyrs complex, I want to live a long life, be an old man, see all of my kids kids.

But if someone has such a grip of fear around you, [that] you cant live or be who you are, what good is living anyway? So I really think its time for people to not be afraid.

Pope John Paul II, during his inauguration ceremony in 1978, said, Do not be afraid.

Historians agree that the popes words informed by his faith uplifted peoples spirits and inspired people to stand up to communist oppression leading to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

Dr. Lee Edwards, a leading historian at The Heritage Foundation, wrote for the conservative think tank about John Paul II, The pope spoke firmly for freedom and against tyranny, taking as his text Christs words, Be not afraid.
The screen of a TV is pictured broadcasting a black board and reading "This should be your favorite program" on the TVN channel as a sign of protest against a tax proposed by the new government, in Warsaw, on Feb. 10, 2021. (Wojtek Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images)

Polish Draft Law Threatens US-Owned Broadcaster, Opposition Says

WARSAWA U.S.-owned broadcaster critical of Polands nationalist government could lose its license due to a proposed change in law, opposition legislators said on Thursday, as they voiced rising concern about media freedoms in the country.

Polands ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS) have long argued that some foreign-owned media organizations distort public debate and do not serve Polish interests, but critics say the government aims to increase control over the media and curb free speech.

Opposition lawmakers say the proposed amendment to the Broadcasting Act takes aim at private broadcaster TVN and its news channel TVN24, which are owned by Discovery.

The draft amendment, submitted to parliament late on Wednesday by a group of PiS lawmakers, would prevent companies from outside the European Economic Area from taking control of Polish radio and television stations.

The draft act aims to clarify the regulations enabling the National Broadcasting Council to effectively counteract the possibility of any entities from outside the European Union taking control of RTV (radio and television) broadcasters, including entities from countries posing a significant threat to state security, the justification to the bill said.

There is one aimTVN is to be stolen  like public media, regional newspapers were stolen from Poles earlier, said Robert Kwiatkowski, a member of the Left parliamentary group and the National Media Council.

TVN did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Since PiS came to power in 2015, the opposition says it has turned public television and radio stations into outlets for government propaganda.

In December, state-run refiner PKN Orlen announced it was taking over newspaper publisher Polska Press from a German media group, in what critics said was a bid to increase government control over the regional newspapers it owns.

PKN Orlen says the deal is a simple business transaction.

A serious state cannot be like a passive leaf in the wind, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told reporters. We must have instruments which help to decide whether a given takeover is appropriate in the territory of Poland or not.
OxyContin Maker Purdue Pharmas Exit Plan Gains Steam With Support From 15 More States

OxyContin maker Purdue Pharmas plan to reorganize into a new entity that helps combat the U.S. opioid epidemic got a big boost as 15 states that had previously opposed the new business model now support it.

The agreement from multiple state attorneys general, including those who had most aggressively opposed Purdues original settlement proposal, was disclosed late Wednesday night in a filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y. It followed weeks of intense mediations that resulted in changes to Purdues original exit plan.

The new settlement terms call for Purdue to make tens of millions of internal documents public, a step several attorneys general, including those for Massachusetts and New York, had demanded as a way to hold the company accountable.

Attorneys general for both states were among those who agreed to the new plan, joining about half the states that had previously approved it.

In a statement Thursday, New York Attorney General Letitia James said the deal is not perfect but will help deal with the crisis. Well be able to more quickly invest these funds in prevention, education, and treatment programs, and put an end to the delays and legal maneuvering that could possibly continue for years and across multiple continents, she said.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein noted Thursday that the deal includes about $1.5 billion more than it initially did.

In a statement, members of the Sackler family called the support of more states an important step toward providing substantial resources for people and communities in need.

Still, nine states and the District of Columbia did not sign on.

Purdue said in a statement that it will try to build even greater consensus for its plan.

Purdue sought bankruptcy protection in 2019 as a way to settle about 3,000 lawsuits it faced from state and local governments and other entities. They claimed the companys continued marketing of its powerful prescription painkiller contributed to a crisis that has been linked to nearly 500,000 deaths in the United States over the last two decades.

The court filing came from a mediator appointed by the bankruptcy court and shows that members of the wealthy Sackler family who own Purdue agreed to increase their cash contribution to the settlement by $50 million. They also will allow $175 million held in Sackler family charities to go toward abating the crisis.

In all, Sackler family members are contributing $4.5 billion in cash and assets in the charitable funds toward the settlement. They are not admitting any wrongdoing and no court has found any by a family member.

The agreement also prohibits the Sackler family from obtaining naming rights related to their charitable donations until they have paid all the money owed under the settlement and have given up all business interests related to the manufacturing or sale of opioids.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who had been the first attorney general to sue members of the Sackler family, praised the modified deal in a statement early Thursday. She pointed to the $90 million her state would receive and the way the company could waive attorney-client privilege to release hundreds of thousands of confidential communications with lawyers about its tactics for selling opioids and other matters.

While I know this resolution does not bring back loved ones or undo the evil of what the Sacklers did, forcing them to turn over their secrets by providing all the documents, forcing them to repay billions, forcing the Sacklers out of the opioid business, and shutting down Purdue will help stop anything like this from ever happening again, Healey said.

Purdues plan also calls for members of the Sackler family to give up ownership of the Connecticut-based company as part of a sweeping deal it says could be worth $10 billion over time. That includes the value of overdose-reversal drugs the company is planning to produce.

Money from the deal is to go to government entities, which have agreed to use it to address the opioid crisis, along with individual victims and their families.

Most groups representing various creditors, including victims and local governments, had grudgingly supported the plan. But state attorneys general until now were deeply divided, with about half of them supporting the plan and half fighting against it.

The attorneys general who had opposed the plan said they didnt like the idea of having to rely on profits from the continued sale of prescription painkillers to combat the opioid epidemic. The revised deal lets state and local governments opt out of receiving those funds. Attorneys general also said the deal didnt do enough to hold Sackler family members accountable or to make public documents that could help explain the companys role in the crisis.

Last month, Massachusetts Healey told The Associated Press, The Sacklers are not offering to pay anything near what they should for the harm and devastation caused to families and communities around this country.

The support from additional states comes less than two weeks before the deadline to object formally to Purdues reorganization plan and about a month before a hearing on whether it should be accepted.

With just nine states and the District of Columbia remaining opposed to the plan, it makes it more likely the federal bankruptcy judge will confirm the deal.

Activists also dislike it, and two members of Congress have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to oppose it. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) said the deal would wrongly grant protection from civil lawsuits to members of the Sackler family. The Justice Department has not weighed in.

Last year, the company pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges and agreed to pay $225 million to the federal government.

In a separate civil settlement announced at the same time, Sackler family members agreed to pay the federal government $225 million, while admitting no wrongdoing.

The opioid crisis includes overdoses involving prescription drugs as well as illegal ones such as heroin and fentanyl. Purdues bankruptcy case is the highest-profile piece of complicated nationwide litigation against drugmakers, distribution companies, and pharmacies.

Trials against other companies in the industry are playing out in California, New York, and West Virginia, and negotiations are continuing to settle many of the claims.

By Geoff Mulvihill
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath speaks after the announcement of a three-day lockdown for the Greater Brisbane area in Brisbane, Australia on Mar. 29, 2021. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Queensland Expands Contact Tracing Despite Data Access Concerns

The Queensland government will be greatly expanding its COVID check-in app requirements to encompass almost all sectors of society, including shopping centres, supermarkets, universities, libraries, and places of worship.

This app is all about keeping Queenslanders safe and helping our contact tracers when there has been community transmission of COVID-19 in our community, Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette DAth said in a media release.

Beginning from July 9, the tightened mandate will have grown from its previous iterationwhich originally only encompassed hospitalitydespite increasing concerns and loss of public trust around the usage of data collected via the Check In Qld app.

This follows information released last week by The Brisbane Times, who revealed that Queensland Police Service (QPS) had accessed contact tracing data for an investigation into the theft of a police taser and gun from a pub.

The access was entirely above board as defined by the apps privacy policy, which outlines that data can be used where the use or disclosure is authorised or required by law.

This is in spite of earlier promises by DAth saying the app would only be used if required for contact tracing purposes.

Brisbanes central business district during lockdown in Brisbane, Australia on Jun. 30, 2021. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)

The Queensland Council for Civil Liberties (QCCL) had previously issued a warning regarding the increase in contact tracing requirements, particularly after Western Australias own police were found to have accessed location data last month through its contact tracing app SafeWA.

The QCCL is extremely concerned about the governments decision to make the Check In QLD app mandatory for entry to even more venues without adequate privacy protection, QCCL President Michael Cope said.

Queensland Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said that the QPS data access prompted a directive to be issued that would limit further access of the private location data by police.

Gollschewski said a directive was issued that would only allow data access in very exceptional circumstances, such as terrorism, and, even then, only with the approval of the commissioner or a deputy commissioner, and then subject to legal constraints around that.

When pushed by reporters, DAth said that, unlike Western Australia, Queensland did not have immediate plans to enact legislation that would seek to legally constrain QPS from using the Check In Qld app data.

There is opportunity if need be for us to legislate to make that absolutely clear, DAth said. But the police have already put in place a direction to not access that data. But we have the ability in legislation to make that clear.

However, similar to Western Australias SafeWA dependence on Amazon Web Services, the Check In Qld apps storage is managed by Microsoft Azure Cloud Services, meaning the tech giant may be further subject to international requirements in its release of personal data.

The Check In Qld privacy policy states that Microsoft is subject to both Australian and overseas laws that may require the disclosure of your information (in limited circumstances) to government authorities here and overseas.
A graduating cadet looks back to the audience during the 2019 graduation ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., on May 30, 2019. (Chet Strange/AFP via Getty Images)

Remove Air Force Teacher Who Says She Teaches Critical Race Theory: Members of Congress

A teacher at the U.S. Air Force Academy who boasted in a recent op-ed of teaching critical race theory in her classroom should be removed, members of Congress said this week.

In a piece published by the Washington Post, Lynne Chandler Garcia, an associate professor of political science at the academy, claimed that the Constitution once allowed slavery and that racism has been ingrained in the U.S. military system from the beginning.

As a professor of political science at the U.S. Air Force Academy, I teach critical race theories to our nations future military leaders because it is vital that cadets understand the history of the racism that has shaped both foreign and domestic policy, she wrote.

Garcia referenced how Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley last month told members of Congress who questioned him and others about how critical race theory was reportedly being taught that the academy that he has read Karl Marx, widely seen as the founder of communism, and Mao Zedong, whose policies led to tens of millions of deaths in communist China.

That doesnt make me a communist, Milley said. So what is wrong with understanding  the country which we are here to defend?

But in a letter to Air Force Secretary John Roth made public on Thursday, Rep. Mark Greene (R-Tenn.) said Garcias full-throttled attack on our country and her support for Critical Race Theory render her unqualified to teach in one of our prestigious military academies.

Critical race theory has proven increasingly divisive, with Democrats broadly supporting it and Republicans denouncing it. The theory, which is rooted in Marxist ideas, focuses on race and lumps people together based on their race, and proponents often argue that minorities in America suffer from systemic racism, or racism embedded across various parts of society.

Green said the theory teaches that the only way to right past racial discrimination is with present racial discrimination, adding, This teaching is utterly incompatible with the principles in the Declaration of Independence and the Civil Rights Movementnot to mention illegal.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) also condemned the teaching of the theory at the Air Force Academy.

I read professor Garcias op-ed. Its clear she knows very little about our Constitution, which is so typical of colleges these days. She has no business teaching the Constitution or political science to cadets at the Air Force, he said during an appearance on Fox News this week.

Lawmakers noted that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has claimed in recent congressional hearings that the military does not teach or condone critical race theory, a claim undermined by Garcia.

The Pentagon in an email referred a request for comment to the Air Force. The Air Force and the Air Force Academy did not respond to requests for comment.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel speaks during a press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington on Nov. 9, 2020. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Republican Committees to Intervene in DOJ Lawsuit Challenging Georgia Election Law

The Republican National Committee (RNC) and National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) will intervene in the Biden administrations lawsuit against a popular election reform law Georgia adopted earlier this year, the leaders of two of the organizational and fundraising arms of the Republican Party said on July 8.

The government lawsuit in which they plan to participate was filed on June 25 in federal court in Atlanta. The legal complaint alleges that several provisions of the Georgia statute, known as the Election Integrity Act, are racially discriminatory and calculated to suppress black voter turnout. President Joe Biden and other Democrats have, at times, used inflammatory rhetoric, likening the statute to Jim Crow-era segregation laws.

The right of all eligible citizens to vote is the central pillar of our democracythe right from which all other rights ultimately flow, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said. This lawsuit is the first step of many we are taking to ensure that all eligible voters can cast a vote, that all lawful votes are counted, and that every voter has access to accurate information.

The Georgia law will make it harder for people to vote, he said.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said the lawsuit was born out of the lies and misinformation of the Biden administration, which he says aims to carry out their far-left agenda that undermines election integrity and empowers federal government overreach in our democracy.

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel refuted Garlands argument.

After failing to sell [the proposed For the People Act] to the American people, Joe Biden and Democrats are weaponizing the Justice Department by trying to strong-arm the state of Georgia into making its elections less secure, McDaniel said in a statement.

The legislation failed in the U.S. Senate last month on a procedural vote, but other similar bills remain pending in Congress.

The RNC is intervening in this case because the security of the ballot is more important than Democrat power grabs, she said.

After describing the government lawsuit as incredibly weak, she predicted that it would follow Brnovich v. DNC as another Republican win for election integrity and the rule of law.

In the Brnovich decision, the Supreme Court ruled on July 1 that Arizonas electoral integrity law, which bans ballot-harvesting and out-of-precinct voting, doesnt violate the federal Voting Rights Act.

Democrats in Washington are fighting tooth and nail to strip states of all local election control, and Georgia is their number one target, said Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, chairman of the NRSC.

The Department of Justices frivolous, politicized lawsuit looks to overturn a common sense, popular bill that would protect every Georgians vote, encourage more voting, and restore trust in the process.

Former Justice Department civil rights attorney J. Christian Adams said beating the government lawsuit was hardly a certainty.

The lawsuit is not close to doomed. In fact, there are very serious claims made about racial intent, and the Supreme Court case does not foreclose them.

Anyone who says otherwise doesnt know this area of law very well, Adams, president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), told The Epoch Times.

Adams noted that PILF filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit days before the RNC and NRSC announced their involvement.

This case raises the important constitutional question of whether the Voting Rights Act of 1965 can terminate the power of a state to enact reasonable election integrity laws, the PILF motion reads.

The Foundation suggests that such an application of the Voting Rights Act  as pled by the United States would be wholly beyond constitutional limits and contrary to the plain meaning of the statute.

The announcement by the RNC and NRSC came after the state law, which is also known as SB 202, withstood an activist groups attempt to invalidate it in a separate lawsuit. Kemp signed the measure into law on March 25. On July 7, Atlanta-based U.S. District Judge Jean-Paul J.P. Boulee, a Trump appointee, denied a request in a case known as Coalition for Good Governance v. Kemp for a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of parts of the statute, The Epoch Times reported.

Runoff elections for the state legislature are in progress and granting an injunction at this time would change the law in the ninth inning, Boulee wrote in his order, noting that he reserves judgment regarding the propriety of relief as to future elections and will issue a separate order on this question at a later date.

So far a total of eight lawsuits have been filed against the 3 1/2-month-old Election Integrity Act, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

The newspaper also reported that an April poll of Georgia voters carried out by the University of Georgia found that 65 percent of respondents supported the laws requirement that a drivers license number be provided to verify absentee ballots. A requirement that drop boxes be allowed to be placed only inside early voting sites garnered 55 percent support. Around 60 percent supported reducing the cutoff for requesting absentee ballots from 11 days to four days.

With reporting by Jack Phillips
River Levels Rise to Highest Level in Decades in Northeast China

Floodwaters exceeded safety levels by up to 13.6 feet across 14 monitoring stations in Heilongjiang Province on June 27 at 8 a.m., according to the Heilongjiang Province Hydrology and Water Resources Center. Eleven of the 14 monitoring stations are along the Heilong River, two along the Nen River, and one at the Huma River.

A local authority also confirmed that 5 of the 14 stations were under flood emergency status for exceeding safety levels (the maximum designed flood levels). The Sandaoka, Zhangdiyingzi Township, Changfa Tunjiang section of the Heilong River was the worst, exceeding the warning level by 13.6 feet3 feet higher than the safety guarantee level.

At 11:31 a.m. on June 27, the Songliao River Water Resource Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources reissued an Orange Flood alert, the second-highest in Chinas four-tier flood warning system.

A flood peak of the Heilongjiang River that pushed the water level to 337 feet hit Huma County on June 26 at 8 a.m., exceeding the warning level by approximately 11 feet.

The Heilong and Nen Rivers are the two major rivers in Heilongjiang Province in the northeast of China. The Heilong River, known as the Amur River in Russia, is the tenth longest river in the world. The rivers within Heilongjiang Province have been divided into two parts with flood alerts issued by different authorities, Songliao River Water Resource Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources and Heilongjiang Province Hydrology and Water Resources Center.

Chinas Ministry of Water Resources launched a level III emergency response on June 21 for the first major flood of 2021 on the Nen River.

Lu Yao (pseudonym), a local resident in Tahe County, Heilongjiang, told The Epoch Times that the houses along the river in Tahe County had been soaked by the water and the crops were also flooded. Even if the water had receded quickly, it would have been too late to replant. She believes local grain production will suffer a loss this year, and the price of grain will likely increase.

Lu said that the climate this year was exceptionally abnormal in her hometown. In previous years, it became fairly warm after May 1, but this year it was somewhat cold toward the end of June. In addition, there have been two tornadoes this year, which never occurred in the area before.

Lei Ying (pseudonym), an employee at the local water conservancy department in Heihe City, told The Epoch Times that there had been torrential rains in Heilongjiang this year, causing river levels to rise. Local meteorologists attributed it to the Arctic polar vortex, a rapidly swirling frigid air.

Lei revealed that there was not much rain in the Heihe River basin this year, but the upper reaches of the Mohe River received one months rainfall in one day. As a result, the water that overflowed onto the banks completely destroyed houses and fields along the river. She learned that all 4,642 people from 21 villages in three counties along the river have been evacuated.

The current focus now is preserving water sources from flood pollution by raising the levees, Lei said.

Local government officials are very nervous, because they have to make sure there is no bad news before the Chinese Communist Partys 100th anniversary. Many people have been working day and night for several days in a row to secure the levee. It is exhausting, she said.
Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks during a news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington on Nov. 19, 2020. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Rudy Giulianis Law License in Washington Suspended

A U.S. appeals court ruled on July 7 that Rudy Giuliani cant practice law in Washington, a move that follows the suspension of Giulianis New York law license two weeks ago.

The order (pdf) from the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals comes after Giuliani, who served as the personal attorney for former President Donald Trump, had his law license revoked for making what the New York Supreme Court described as false and misleading statements following the Nov. 3 presidential election.

Giuliani is suspended from the practice of law in the District of Columbia pending final disposition of this proceeding, effective on the date of entry of this order, the July 7 order states.

The filing cites the suspension of Giulianis New York law license and says that his Washington license is revoked pending the result of disciplinary proceedings in New York.

The New York appellate division said on June 24 that the false and misleading statements he made to courts, lawmakers, and the public immediately threatens the public interest and warrants interim suspension from the practice of law.

Giuliani led a legal effort following the results of the 2020 presidential election, alleging that Trump was fraudulently denied victory in key swing states, including Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.

The court said Giulianis incredibly serious misconduct  directly inflamed tensions that bubbled over into the events of January 6, 2021, in this nations Capitol.

One only has to look at the ongoing present public discord over the 2020 election, which erupted into violence, insurrection, and death on January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, to understand the extent of the damage that can be done when the public is misled by false information about the elections, the court said at the time.

The court order noted that the suspension of Giulianis law license is temporary and depends on the outcome of a full formal disciplinary hearing. Giuliani later said he would go to court to fight the ruling.

The former New York mayor argued following the June 24 ruling that none of his comments were a threat to the public.

I made all those statementsnot a single one of them led to a protest, a riot, an incident, an anything, he told Newsmax. Obviously, those statements do not have the impact of creating danger.

America is not America any longer. We do not live in a free state. We live in a state thats controlled by the Democrat Party, by [Gov. Andrew] Cuomo, by [New York City Mayor Bill] de Blasio, and the Democrats.

Giulianis lawyer, Arthur Aidala, didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.
Santa Ana Approves $14 Million in Rental Assistance

The city council in Santa Ana, Calif. approved on July 6 an additional $14 million in emergency rental assistance for struggling residents.

The federal funding will help low-income residents cover past-due rent.

Its definitely much needed in our community, Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza said during the July 6 meeting. Theres a lot of members of our community that are hurting right now and need help, and its going to go a long way.

These are trying times, and our residents are full of anxiety of just being able to pay the rent, and this is extremely important that we try to get this money to them as quickly as possible.

The council approved an initial $9.8 million in federal rental assistance on Feb. 16.

On June 1, we began paying 100 percent of the past due rent for the families who have applied, Judson Brown, Santa Ana housing division manager, said during the July 6 council meeting.

Families with the lowest incomes are being prioritized for the rental assistance, Brown said.

More than 350 applications have been submitted since June 1, Brown said, with another 400 applications being processed.

Brown said families that apply for the rental assistance today could receive the financial help by October or November.

He said $4 million has been approved for allocation to families, however, only $2.5 million has been distributed to applicants due to unresponsive landlords.

The rental assistance normally goes to the landlord directly to recoup the money their tenants owe. However, landlords are not responding to our requests, Brown said.

The city decided to give landlords a week to reply to requests for rental assistance, otherwise, the funds will be distributed to the tenants directly.

Its a very hard deadline, Brown said.

Landlords or tenants that receive the funds will need to fill out a contractual participation agreement that certifies they use the funds only to pay their past-due rent.

Beyond that, the department of treasury doesnt require us to have any additional verification that actual payment was made to their landlord, Brown said.

Families that have been evicted and are residing in motels are not eligible for these funds. However, the city offers other programs, such as Families Forward, which offer motel vouchers to families experiencing homelessness.
A truck from which rockets were launched towards Ain Al-Asad Military Base is seen at Anbar province, in al-Baghdadi, Iraq, on July 8, 2021. (Joint Operations Command Media Office/Handout via Reuters)

Series of Attacks Target US Personnel in Iraq and Syria

BAGHDAD/AMMANU.S. diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks in the past 24 hours, U.S. and Iraq officials said on Wednesday, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting U.S. forces, wounding two American service members.

While there were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attackspart of a wave targeting U.S. troops or areas where they are based in Iraq and Syriaanalysts believed they were part of a campaign by Iranian-backed militias.

Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran vowed to retaliate after U.S. strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month.

Two people were slightly wounded in the rocket attack on the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq, said coalition spokesman U.S. Army Colonel Wayne Marotto. The rockets landed on the base and its perimeter. He said earlier that three people were wounded.

U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two personnel injured were U.S. service members. One suffered a concussion and the other had minor cuts, one of the officials added.

Two rockets were fired at the U.S. Embassy inside Baghdads Green Zone early on Thursday, Iraqi security sources told Reuters.

The embassys anti-rocket system diverted one of the rockets, said one of the sourcesa security official whose office is inside the Green Zone. The second rocket fell near the zones perimeter, security officials said.

Sirens blared from the embassy compound inside the zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, the sources said.

A truck from which rockets were launched towards Ain Al-Asad Military Base is seen at Anbar province, in al-Baghdadi, Iraq, on July 8, 2021. (Joint Operations Command Media Office/Handout via Reuters)

Iraqs Joint Operations Command soldiers inspect the truck and the site from where rockets were launched towards Ain Al-Asad Military Base, at Anbar province, in al-Baghdadi, Iraq, on July 8, 2021. (Joint Operations Command Media Office/Handout via Reuters)

In Syria, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said no damage was done by a drone attack on the Al Omar oil field in an eastern area bordering Iraq where U.S. forces came under rocket fire but escaped injury on June 28.

The Pentagon said a drone had been brought down in eastern Syria and that no U.S. service members had been injured and there had not been any damage.

Iraqi army officials said the pace of recent attacks against bases hosting U.S. forces with rockets and explosive-laden drones was unprecedented.

Iraqi military sources said a rocket launcher fixed on the back of a truck was used in Wednesdays attack and was found on nearby farmland set on fire.

On Tuesday, a drone attacked Erbil airport in northern Iraq, targeting a U.S. base on the airport grounds, Kurdish security sources said.

Three rockets also landed on Ain al-Asad on Monday without causing casualties.

By Ahmed Rasheed and Suleiman Al-Khalidi
A detail of "Saint Matthew," one of the Four Evangelists, 2021, by Cody Swanson. Clay in progress. Chapel of the Holy Cross, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Serving God, Sculpture by Sculpture

The sacred art of Florence-based American sculptor Cody Swanson

Some 18 years ago, Minnesota-born Cody Swanson arrived in Italy on a two-way ticket as a fresh-faced 18-year-old keen to discover more about traditional art. That he did. But his trip wasnt quite what he had envisioned. Hes lived in Italy ever since, having never used his return flight.

Swanson settled in Florence, where he learned sculpture at The Florence Academy of Art. While there, he fell in love with the cityand a fellow student, whom he later married.

His Roman Catholic faith and family are most important to Swanson (the couple have five children), and his wife is one of a number of artists who help him in his studio, he said in a telephone interview.

American sculptor Cody Swanson stands next to his sculpture of Saint John. The sculpture is one of the Four Evangelists hes creating in clay, in preparation for it to be cast in plaster, for the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

After he graduated, Swanson taught at The Florence Academy of Art and also at the Sacred Art School in Florence, which focuses exclusively on serving the Catholic Church.

Now, Swanson concentrates solely on creating sublime sacred art in clay, bronze, marble, and plaster in his private studio. With each and every one of his sculptures, he has one aim: to serve God. To that end, he sincerely hopes that each sculpture brings people closer to God.

His sculptures in Europe can be found in Florence, Madrid, Rome, and London, to name a few cities. Among his major works in Italy are a silver processional cross for the Florence Cathedral and a 13-foot sculpture of St. Emygdius for Foligno Cathedral in the Umbria region of central Italy.

Saint Emygdius Baptizing Polisia, 2012, by Cody Swanson. Plaster. Saint Felician, Cathedral of Foligno, Italy. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

In America, his work can be found in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; the Cathedral of St. Paul in Minneapolis; and the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians at Holy Hill, Wisconsin.

The Transverberation of Saint Teresa of Avila, 2013, by Cody Swanson. Bronze. Basilica and National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians at Holy Hill, in Wisconsin. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

A Classical Art Training Quest

Swanson grew up on Maui, Hawaii, where his father worked as a pilot. In high school, he became interested in the Renaissance and also classical French academic art, that is, realist art defined by the traditions established by the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Keen to become a professional artist, Swanson first began drawing figures during high school, occasionally attending figure-drawing sessions at an art center.

Initially, he looked to study art at a U.S. university but found there were no options available for studying classical figurative art. Disappointed, he began looking at learning opportunities overseas. I thought that maybe the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris still maintained the traditions of the 19th century. The school did still exist, but it wasnt offering any classes that were traditional. It was clear that I had to avoid the university system, he said.

Then he discovered The Florence Academy of Art, a private school in Italy, which was founded by fellow American artist Daniel Graves in 1991. According to The Florence Academy website, the school specializes in teaching the classical-realist tradition rooted in the 19th century as exemplified by three French Academy teachers and master painters Jean-Leon Gerome, Leon Joseph Florentin Bonnat, and Charles Auguste Emile Durand, also known as Carolus-Duran.

The school suited Swanson, so he applied to the academys painting program, only to be told there was a long waiting list. While waiting, he took the opportunity to travel to Italy with his high school, which offered educational tours to Italy and Greece. While in Florence, he said, he just showed up at The Florence Academy [of Art]. Again, the academy staff told him there was a long waiting listabout a year for the painting program.

Swanson was interested in both painting and sculpture, so when the academy told him that he could circumvent the waiting list by entering the sculpture program, he applied straight away. Well, once I started sculpting, I realized thats what I wanted to pursue, he said.

Moving Closer to Christ

Swanson has always been interested in serving God. I was interested in Christian subject matter. But I became very interested in sacred art and much more interested in how I could serve God, as well, with my work, he said.

Angel in Prayer, 2020, by Cody Swanson. Marble. Church of Saint Mary of Mercy, Benedictine Monastery in Norcia, Italy. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

With my art, I would hope that I can uplift people, bring them closer to God, and inspire them. I think beauty is inspirational. I think that beauty is synonymous with truth. Truth and tradition are synonymous, and I think that tradition should be upheld. Beauty is synonymous with truth, and beauty has an origin; It doesnt exist for its own sake, he said.

A School to Serve God

After the three-year program, The Florence Academy invited Swanson to become a principal sculpting instructor, where he taught students for five years. All Florence Academy teachers are graduates of the academy, which allows the school to maintain unity in its standards, Swanson explained.

Through the academy he met Irish sculptor Dony Mac Manus, the creator behind the Sacred Art School in Florence, which Mac Manus founded with Swanson and others in 2012. The two became friends, and Swanson became a principal instructor at the school.

Saint Bellarmine, 2021, by Cody Swanson. Clay in progress. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Of the school, he said: It was very simple. Our mission was to serve the church. The school maintained the academic standards of The Florence Academy of Art, while introducing drapery, iconography, and of course, theological studies to the teaching repertoire, Swanson explained.

Saint Michael, the Archangel, 2014, by Cody Swanson. Bronze with marble pedestal at St. Patricks Church, New Orleans, La. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Swanson also taught idealization at the school, something that artists have done for centuries but that he believes is lacking in art education. Deities, for example, were normally idealized figures in the Greco-Roman tradition, he explained. There was a theological reason,  which in the light of the incarnation in the Catholic Church is very important, because Christ is the son of God, Our Lady was preserved from original sin. They shouldnt look like any ordinary individual, he said.

Our Lady of Cana, 2019, by Cody Swanson. Stoneware. Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Dominic, London. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Personally, I find it quite lazy that people dont attempt idealization, he said. Artists need to apply themselves to create idealized images. Swanson explains that it is not a case of replicating past masters, because you can see in any museum or church where there is classical art that everybody idealized differently. It was actually very personal; it was very liberating for an artist to make aesthetic choices in that regard, he said.

Madonna and Child With Goldfinch, 2020, by Cody Swanson. Carrara Marble. Church of St. Mary of Mercy, Benedictine Monastery in Norcia, Italy. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Swanson was involved with the Sacred Art School up until late last year, when he decided to concentrate on his private art studio work.

Upholding Traditional Art

Swanson said that artists need the foundational basics of art such as observing nature and setting up a live model, for example. But he believes its by looking at the great masters of the past that you learn a lot about yourself and develop taste: Taste is something thats very important, and youre not going to develop taste unless youre really, really well-informed about what kind of art has been produced for many centuries.

Saint Matthew, one of the Four Evangelists, 2021, by Cody Swanson. Clay in progress. Chapel of the Holy Cross, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Following in the footsteps of the masters requires a whole lot of blood, sweat, and tears. A lot of very hard work, and dedication, he said. For instance, it can take him between eight and twelve months to complete a monumental statue with the help of his assistants.

Saint Luke, one of the Four Evangelists, 2021, by Cody Swanson. Plaster. Chapel of the Holy Cross, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Swansons artistic goal is continuity with the past. Hes extensively studied the practices of past masters, and hes specifically drawn to 17th-century art, because of its universal appeal. Im trying to not reproduce, but follow their process. Just as Bernini followed the processes of Raphael and Michelangelo, Im trying to do the same and maintain that continuity,  and continue their legacy, he said.

I think that the Greco-Roman language, which has been really prevalent in Europe for many centuries, is the most universal.  It has a lot to offer all cultures. I think its very approachable. And certainly I find it beautiful. I find it very moving, very inspiring, he said.

Essentially, art should uplift people and take them beyond the fleeting superficiality of one period of time, and it should be something that is relevant and speaks to people in all periods of time, he said.

Saint John, one of the Four Evangelists, 2021, by Cody Swanson. Clay in progress. Chapel of the Holy Cross, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Saint Mark, one of the Four Evangelists, 2021, by Cody Swanson. Clay in progress. Chapel of the Holy Cross, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

The Enduring Strength of Divine Beauty

Swanson has been immensely influenced by 17th-century artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was studying the history of the Catholic Church and was astounded by the spiritual aspects of Berninis work, so much so that he sees Bernini as a huge, huge inspiration.

Its not just the aesthetic of Bernini but also what its connected to as well. As much as his work is so different from Michelangelos, he was very much connected to it, he said. For instance, Bernini was one of the principal architects of St. Peters Basilica in Rome, a role Michelangelo once held in the 16th century. So Swanson said that Berninis work per se was a continuation of what happened in the Renaissance, of looking to the past for inspiration, and therefore his work was a continuation of 16th-century artists Raphael and Caravaggio, for instance.

Madonna and Child With Goldfinch, 2020, by Cody Swanson. Carrara Marble. Church of St. Mary of Mercy, Benedictine Monastery in Norcia, Italy. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

Madonna and Child With Goldfinch, 2020, by Cody Swanson. Carrara Marble. Church of St. Mary of Mercy, Benedictine Monastery in Norcia, Italy. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

He brought it to another height.  He certainly loved Christ and he wanted to serve the church as well.  These artists were men of faith. These were things that they believed.

Swanson finds the Counter-Reformation period fascinating. Of the artists during that time, he said: They fought hard to defend their faith, and they were very good at it. And they did it with beauty. They did it with great, beautiful works of art.

Madonna of Divine Love, 2018, by Cody Swanson. Bianco P marble. University of Itsmo, Guatemala. (Courtesy of Cody Swanson)

He finds the counter-reformation period similar to our current dayessentially the fight against atheism and secularism.

And looking at people tearing down statues everywhere nowadays,  I look at Bernini, and my response to that is I just want to use beauty to fight, he said. Just make beautiful statues, keep putting out beautiful statues, and just make as many beautiful statues as I can.

To find out more about sculptor Cody Swansons work, visit CodySwansonSculpture.com
Migrants wait to disembark from a Spanish coast guard vessel, in the port of Arguineguin, on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, on June 20, 2021. (Borja Suarez/Reuters)

Spanish Police Arrest 2 for Migrant Tragedy in Atlantic

BARCELONA, SpainSpanish police said Wednesday that they have 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 boat carrying the migrants, which spent 13 days adrift before Spanish rescue services reached it on June 30 and found 29 survivors.

Police believe that between 5260 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 en route to 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 250 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 over 2,000 people have died or gone missing trying reach Spain from Africa, with the vast majority (1,922) perishing on the Atlantic route to the Canaries. That is more than the 1,852 fatalities for the same route the aid group counted in all of 2020.

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.

By Joseph Wilson
Sydney Cant Live Reasonably With Delta Strain: NSW Premier

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said that Sydney and surrounds cannot live reasonably with the Delta strain of the CCP virus.

This comes after NSW Health recorded 38 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, in the 24 hours to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

This has been the largest number of daily cases recorded since the first wave last year, with most of the cases being transmitted within households. The state has been recording over a dozen new cases every day for several days now, with the new cases taking infection numbers to almost 400 since June 16.

Of particular concern for NSW Health were the numbers of people who had been in the community while in their infectious period.

Berejiklian implied that the more transmissible Delta variant was making the states bold and courageous approach difficult to continue.

She indicated that Sydney and surrounds will likely remain in lockdown until the current outbreak is significantly curtailed and a significant proportion of the population was vaccinated.

This new variant is a game changerthere isnt anywhere on the planet that has managed to live with this variant, the Delta virus, without having a proportion of the population vaccinated, the premier said. That is why it is so important for us to make sure that people follow the health advice.

Eleven people are in intensive care in NSW, with three ventilated.

She also warned residents in the Sydney suburbs of Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown to limit their movements and mingling in order to avoid breaching health orders, or else face tighter restrictions. This comes after multiple infractions of the social distancing rules were discovered in the past week.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, himself a Sydney resident, has backed Berejiklians call for Sydneysiders to abide by the measures.

Speaking from the prime ministerial residence, Kirribilli House, which is located in Sydney, he said he understood the frustrations caused by the lockdown and urged people to work with the state government to squash the outbreak.

We are having issues with compliance when it comes to casual contact between households, he told reporters. The virus doesnt move itself, people move it.

You just cant go from one house to the next, he said.

Morrison also echoed Berejiklians sentiments on the Delta strain, stating that if Australia tried to open up and live with Delta, the country would face a reality like that in India or Indonesia.

He also noted that despite vaccinations, COVID-19 cases and death rates in other countries still remained high.

People are dying in Indonesia, people still dying in the United Kingdom, people are still dying in the United States, he said. I mean there were more cases yesterday in the United Kingdom than we have had in total in the last 18 months.

The prime minister also announced that the federal government would be providing 300,000 extra AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccinations to those areas affected in Sydney and urged people to go out and get vaccinated.

It is estimated that currently around nine percent of the NSW population is fully vaccinated.

He also announced that those affected by the outbreak will be eligible for financial aid and that the federal government will expand its hot spot payment program by waiving the liquid asset test for COVID-19 support payments of $325 and $500.

The payment can be accessed by contacting 180 22 66.

Business NSW estimated the lockdown will cost the state $1 billion a week. The state government will spend at least $1.4 billion on a small business package, with extended support forthcoming.

AAP contributed to this article.
Taiwan Asks US Not to Cause Misunderstanding After Flag Tweet Removed

TAIPEITaiwan has asked its office in Washington to remind the United States not to cause unnecessary speculation or misunderstanding after the White House deleted a social media post on COVID-19 vaccine donations that included Taiwans flag.

A spokesman for the White House National Security Council called the use of the flag an honest mistake by the team handling graphics and social media that should not be viewed as a shift in U.S. policy towards Taipei, under which Washington does not formally recognize Taiwans government.

The White House COVID-19 Response Team this week posted on Twitter an image giving details of U.S. vaccine donations globally, including last months Moderna shots sent to Taiwan. It showed the islands flag along with those of others getting vaccines.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen re-tweeted it, adding: Thank you to the U.S. for your generosity. Together, we will beat this pandemic.

However, the post was then removed, apparently on Wednesday.

The United States, like most countries, only has official relations with Beijing, which claims Taiwan as Chinese territory, but has pledged to deepen its unofficial relationship with Taipei, which has faced increasing Chinese military and political pressure.

China is invariably angered by any suggestion that Taiwan is, or deserves to be recognized as a separate country.

Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said the ministry had noted that the Twitter post had gone.

Regarding the reason for the deletion of this tweet, as the media has different interpretations, the Foreign Ministry has asked the representative office in the United States to remind the United States not to cause unnecessary speculation or misunderstanding from all walks of life due to the removal of the related tweet, she said.

The NSC spokesman said the tweet was removed when the mistake was realized.

The United States remains committed to our one-China policy, he said. Our policy has been clear for decades and has not changed.

The United States is Taiwans most important international backer and supplier of arms, and the Biden administration has committed to intensifying the relationship.

However, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said on Tuesday that while Washington supports a strong unofficial relationship it does not support Taiwans formal independence.

Ou said that in recent years mutual trust between Taiwan and the United States has been continuously improved, and that Bidens team has shown strong support for Taiwan, including through the vaccine donation.

By Ben Blanchard and David Brunnstrom
Leung Kin-Fai stabbed a policeman on duty in Causeway Bay and then stabbed himself in the chest in Hong Kong, on July 1, 2021. (Bai Ying/The Epoch Times)

The Stabbing of a Hong Kong Police Officer May Result in More Clampdown on Liberties

The stabbing of a Hong Kong police officer on the night of July 1 could result in Hong Kong citizens having even more of their liberties restricted.

July 1 has been the date of the annual pro-democracy march in Hong Kong in recent years. But not this year. After the implementation of the National Security Law, there was no pro-democracy march. However, many citizens walked in the streets, wearing black, protesting in silence.

Hong Kong police dispatched tens of thousands of police officers to patrol the streets. The atmosphere was depressing, according to people at the scene.

At about 10 oclock that night, a man by the name of Leung Kin-Fai stabbed a policeman on duty in Causeway Bay. Leung then stabbed himself in the chest.

According to official statements, upon being rushed to the hospital, Leung had already succumbed to his self-inflicted injuries. The policeman was on the brink of death, having sustained severe injuries to his lungs. Later, his condition improved somewhat, but was still classified as critical.

The incident was quickly described as a lone wolf terrorist attack by Hong Kong police.

More Arrests Made

However, on the morning of July 4, Hong Kong police arrested a man and a woman in connection with the stabbing case for posting provocative remarks on the internet.

The official Facebook page of the Hong Kong police said that, following the Leung Kin-Fai assassination incident on July 1, the police found people posting provocative remarks on the internet. Police subsequently arrested a 20-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman.

The two are not related, according to police. They were suspected of inciting others to murder, inciting others to commit arson, and harboring the intention to incite.

The police statement didnt explain which social media platform they posted on, or what specific remarks they had made that constituted the crime of inciting.

The police also said that the investigation is continuing, and its possible that more people will be arrested on similar charges.

Suicide Note

According to reports, the police found a suicide note on a USB stick Leung carried on his body. There was also information criticizing the Hong Kong police and a statement about the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law undermining the freedom of Hong Kong citizens.

Local Hong Kong media reported that the police also found a lot of content related to the Anti-Extradition Law Movement on Leungs computer as well as newspaper clippings at his home.

Since the commencement of the Anti-Extradition Law Movement a few years ago, Hong Kong police have been strongly condemned by people from all walks of life for their violent suppression of protesters under orders from the CCP.

Hong Kong citizens clearly felt a sense of solidarity with Leung. The day after the incident, many people went to Causeway Bay to leave flowers in memory of Leung. However, police patrolled and intercepted people, and they also cleaned away the flowers. On July 4, police continued to patrol and stand guard at Causeway Bay, preventing people from leaving flowers.

The case has now been taken over by the Hong Kong National Security Agency, an agency controlled by the CCP. After the initial investigation, Hong Kong police claimed that Leung was influenced by false information and inflammatory remarks and carried out the assassination.

Some people working in the Hong Kong media expressed concern that the National Security Agency will use this case to designate certain media outlets or social media accounts as inciting violence to expand the target group.

Li Hengqing, an economist at the U.S. Institute of Information and Strategy, told The Epoch Times that the case is indicative of the desperation of the Hong Kong people as a whole, but one should also think about the CCPs factors behind it.
A teacher reads a story to young students at The Glenleighden School in Brisbane, Australia, May 18, 2017. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Truancy the Roadblock to Closing the Indigenous Achievement Gap

Commentary

The decision to remove attendance targets for Indigenous students shows how policymakers have the wrong priorities for addressing the education gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

Closing the attendance gap is the single greatest lever in closing the achievement gap. Yet school attendance is a glaring omission from newly released data from the government-backed Closing the Gap initiative.

New research from the Centre of Independent Studies (CIS) shows the achievement gap by Year 3 would close by 15 percent if the attendance gap alone were closed. But since national records were first tallied, student attendance has worsened year-on-year.

Only around 36 percent of Indigenous students attend high school every 9 in 10 class daysa measure of school attendance. This is compared to the 66 percent of non-Indigenous students who attend every 9 in 10 days. The disparity is widest in remote schools but is sizeable in cities too.

The issue routinely falls victim to ideological resistance that prevents sustained efforts to turn attendance around, and is too often dismissed as an overly simplistic remedy for education outcomes.

Instead, critics charge that absenteeism is symptomatic of wider structural causes and cant be readily fixed.

The waters are further muddied by spurious claims that absenteeism allegedly has little or no impact on Indigenous students learning. Others deride expectations of regular school attendance entirely, insisting it represents a vestige of oppressive colonialism.

But the truth is there can be no closing of the education gap without addressing the attendance gap. Sure, turning up alone is no guarantee of learning. But, by the same token, there simply cant be any learning if students dont make it to school.

School students arrive for the first day of face-to-face schooling in Brisbane, Australia, on May 11, 2020. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Research clearly demonstrates the link between regular attendance and academic achievement, especially for disadvantaged students. Those who miss more than a day per fortnight are at heightened risk of fallingand permanently remainingbehind. This is most keenly felt in developing the early literacy skills needed to advance into later schooling.

Regular absenteeism has a domino effect on other students too. Additional interruptions and accommodations place hefty demands on time-poor teacherswith spillover effects on the regularly attending students. The burden of keeping pace with a class of students with patchy attendance and highly varied learning progress can be a herculean challenge.

Its true many of the compounding factors come from beyond the school gate. Disproportionately, Indigenous children suffer disruption related to overcrowded housing conditions, frequently changing schools and cultural obligations.

But schools all over Australia combat disadvantage, in many shapes and sizes, from beyond the school gate every day.

Previous CIS research identified common practices and policies of high-performing disadvantaged schools that are overcoming the educational odds. At the Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy, attendance has consistently exceeded that of similar schools for years.

Arresting attendance afflictions is no easy feat, but the fact that some schools are making the mark puts to bed the conventional wisdom of it being a structural and intractable problem.

Students play at recess at Lysterfield Primary School on May 26, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Accommodating contextirrespective of the scale and scope presentedis an expectation of all Australian schools. No school or student should be relegated to the too-hard basket.

Lifting the lid on successful strategies and best practices is needed so that more students have every chance of reaching their potential. That requires shifting focus to what schools can do, rather than be fixated on what they cant control.

As with any educationally disadvantaged school, priorities should include a proactive approach to case management, keeping pace with learning early and engaging parents.

For us to make ground in truly closing the gap, the high rhetoric must be married with policy.

In the 2019 Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Declaration, all Australian education ministers committed to close education gaps and empower all Indigenous students to reach their potential.

The average Indigenous student is around two and a half years behind their non-Indigenous peers by school-leaving age.

Theres no doubt Indigenous educational disadvantage is among Australias most pressing and persistent public policy challenges. Finally, remedying that gap must start with the sophisticatedly simple goal of raising the bar on student attendance.

Glenn Fahey is an education research fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney, Australia and author of Mind the Gap: Understanding the Indigenous education gap and how to close it.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Tucker Carlson Claims He Was Unmasked by NSA After Pursuing Putin Interview

Fox News host Tucker Carlson claimed Wednesday that his identity was unmasked by the National Security Agency (NSA) after he attempted to schedule an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During his popular cable television show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, Carlson confirmed that he contacted a couple of people I thought could help get us an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said he told only his executive producer about the plans, because he figured that any kind of publicity would rattle the Russians, and make the interview less likely to happen.

I wasnt embarrassed about trying to interview Putin, Carlson said. Hes obviously newsworthy. Im 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 figured 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.

The television host claimed that he was informed by a whistleblower that the NSA intended to leak his emails to media outlets in an attempt to paint me as a disloyal American, a Russian operative (Ive been called that before), a stooge of the Kremlin, a traitor doing the bidding of a foreign adversary.

That was the point they wanted to make, Carlson continued. Thats why they planned to leak the contents of my emails to news organizations and yesterday, as noted, we learned they actually did it.

The NSA conducts surveillance on foreign targets.

In the course of monitoring communications with foreign officials, the conversations of U.S. citizens are at times incidentally collected by intelligence agencies. The identity of these people is usually redacted in transcripts or intelligence reports if theyre not the subject of surveillance. Unmasking refers to the process of revealing the name of the U.S. citizen.

Carlsons latest claims come days after the NSA in a rare statement denied that it had been spying on him in an attempt to take this show off the air.

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, the NSA said in a statement on Twitter at the time.

NSA has a foreign intelligence mission. We target foreign powers to generate insights on foreign activities that could harm the United States, the agency added. With limited exceptions (e.g. an emergency), NSA may not target a U.S. citizen without a court order that explicitly authorizes the targeting.

Carlson initially on June 28 accused the agency of having monitored his electronic communications and accessing some of his personal emails.

By law, I should have been identified internally merely as a U.S. journalist, or American journalist. Thats the law, Carlson claimed. But thats 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. In fact, it is precisely what this law was designed to prevent in the first place  We cannot have intelligence agencies used as instruments of political control.

Carlson on Wednesday demanded that NSA Director Gen. Paul Nakasone and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines immediately explain who asked for his identity to be unmasked.

You cant 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, he added. You cant. It doesnt work if you allow that.

The NSA declined to comment on Carlsons latest remarks.
AR-15 style rifles are displayed for sale at Firearms Unknown, a gun store in Oceanside, Calif., on April 12, 2021. (Bing Guan/Reuters)

Tucson Officials Vote to Ignore Arizona State Gun Laws

The Republican legislator who spearheaded Arizonas new Second Amendment Sanctuary law described Tucsons recent passage of a resolution upholding federal regulation of firearms as a political move with no teeth at all.

We have our own [state] constitution. We have our own state laws for a reason. Its unfortunate theyre even taking this stance at all, said Rep. Leo Biasucci.

If they ever tried to enforce it as a city law, it would be challenged in a court and they would lose in a heartbeat, he said.

On June 22, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and the City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 23357, a three-page document that characterizes Arizonas 2nd Amendment Freedom Act as unconstitutional.

The document states that when it comes to firearms, federal law trumps the state constitution, and that constitutional federal laws or regulations that regulate firearms will have full effect within the city of Tucson; and declaring an emergency.

Notwithstanding the provisions [of state law], the Mayor and Council direct the City Manager to continue to allow the use of city personnel and/or financial resources to enforce, administer and/or cooperate with federal actions and/or programs that regulate firearms, unless and until such federal action or program is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to violate the provisions of the United States Constitution, it reads.

Such actions may include background checks, a ban on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, establishing red flag laws, and outlawing so-called ghost guns.

In April, Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law HB2111 (pdf), which prohibits the state and its political subdivisions, including municipalities, from using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with any act, law, treaty, order, rule, or regulation of the United States that is inconsistent with any law of this state regarding the regulation of firearms.

City Council member Steven Kozachik introduced the resolution, which states that the Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land to which all government, state and federal, is subject.

The resolution added that the U.S. Supreme Court has explicitly rejected the idea that states can nullify federal law.

In the resolution, the mayor and council authorized the city attorney to act as an impartial adviser in any legal action relating to Second Amendment sanctuary law in Arizona.

Kozachik and Romero could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Biasucci noted that the resolution lacks the same force as a city ordinance and that any attempt by Tucson officials to pass any law restricting gun ownership would face an immediate legal challenge.

Im interested to see if this goes anywhere. Im not too worried about it, Biasucci said.

At present, 19 states, or jurisdictions within them, have enacted Second Amendment Sanctuary laws that seek to nullify any federal mandate that is deemed in violation of the constitutional right to bear arms.

I think its a temper tantrum being thrown by leftists, said Arizona Rep. Mark Finchem, a Republican. Theyve already lost in court.

Finchem was referring to an Arizona Supreme Court ruling in 2017, which declared that Tucson cannot destroy confiscated guns because it violates state law.

He said the city reportedly confiscated and destroyed 4,800 firearms without the authority to do so, prompting an attorney general investigation in which he was involved.

Finchem said that Tucsons resolution may also violate state law, and by doing so. could put at risk the citys access to state shared revenues.

Were talking hundreds of millions of [dollars] of that revenue that would be withheld, Finchem said.

In a city that has seen wholesale abandonment of the police, they are so understaffed they cannot even respond to emergency calls, let alone non-emergency calls. If the city of Tucson wants to prevent people from defending themselves, and the city police department is unable to defend them, what is their objective? Finchem asked rhetorically.

If the city of Tucson, in their petty dictatorship, wants to interfere with the rights of Tucson residentsnot on my watch, Finchem added. These people should be removed from office. They are violating peoples civil rights. That policy is a violation of peoples civil rights. I cant state that more clearly.

Charles Heller, co-founder of the Arizona Citizens Defense League, a pro-second Amendment advocacy group, said Tucsons latest resolution reflects over 30 years [that] Tucson has been thumbing its nose at state preemption.

Its total virtue signaling, Heller said. First of all, its cowardly. Because if theyre so principled about the constitution, why dont they pass a city ordinance? To paraphrase Shakespeare, this is a great sound and fury, signifying nothing, only the citys virtue.

While Arizona ranks 15th in the nation in gun mortality, Heller said that over 60 percent of reported deaths were suicides.

To conflate that statistic with a crime statistic is inherently dishonest. There are no violent guns. Theres violence done with guns, Heller said.
Unmask Me, NSA (and Axios)! Ive Been Texting With Tucker

Is privacy dead in America?

What could be more obvious?

To paraphrase the great screenwriter-director Preston Sturges, Its not only dead, its decomposed. (Sturges was referring to chivalry.)

James Branford published his The Puzzle Palace back in 1982, detailing the National Security Agencys spying capabilities. They were extensive even then. Now, if we are to believe Edward Snowdenand who wouldntthey are virtually pervasive.

The term unmaskingrevealing, quite often illegally, the identity of American citizens communicating with foreigners under investigationbecame commonplace recently through the behavior of such Obama (and now Biden) appointees as Samantha Power who unmasked nearly 300 people, without any concrete explanation of why she needed this information, according to a Wall Street Journal editorial.

These unmaskings, as I noted, are against the law, and for good reason, but dont expect anyone to be prosecuted for them, especially now under Garlands DOJ. Selective prosecution rules the day as never in our lifetimes.

These previous unmasking were all going on during the Trump-Russia fiesta of lies for which only one minor official has paid any price thus farand that a small one.

Which brings us to Fox News most-watched, and in my view most interesting, host Tucker Carlson who has been unmasked (sacre bleu!) for attempting, evidently unsuccessfully, to obtain an interview with Vladimir Putin.

That might normally be considered doing his job but in our mondo bizarro theres something scandalous about bringing the views of the putative enemy to the public.

As Tucker put it, I wasnt embarrassed about trying to interview Putin. Hes obviously newsworthy. Im an American citizen, I can interview anyone I want, and I plan to.

He added: But still, in this case, I decided to keep it quiet. I figured 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.

(FULL DISCLOSURE: Over the years I have appeared perhaps five times on RT, an international TV network financed by the Russian Federation, during which I said rather unkind things about the Russian dictator but was never, to my knowledge, censored.)

The intention, it seems, is to drive the successful Tucker off the air. This is behavior straight out of the USSR and Communist China and it makes me wonder about the role of the relatively new media company Axios in all this.

Why were they chosen to receive this leak? Has Jonathan Swan, the leak recipient, asked himself that? Friendly journalists were obviously carefully picked for early leaks of the phony dossier that spurred the endless Trump-Russia investigation that ran roughshod over the American public for two years and still has not been resolved.

Does Swan think he might also be playing a role in an evil game, as those others ended up doing, consciously or not?

We are all pawns of the intelligence agencies and have been for decades. We must behave accordingly.

Speaking of which, my other FULL DISCLOSURE: I am friendly with Tucker Carlson and text with him occasionally. Ergo: someone has obviously been reading my mail.

Being the normal paranoid (as in that classic definition: someone who knows all the facts)and to save the NSA, Axios, or whoever some timeI quickly scrolled back over those texts, those I could find anyway, to see whether there was anything potentially damaging.

To my relief, and maybe a soupcon of disappointment, there wasnt much that I havent written here on The Epoch Times or elsewhere or Tucker hadnt said on his showexcept that we dissed back forth about one particular television host we both despise. Not wanting to betray a confidence, I leave that identity to the NSA to unmask, should they so choose. I bet they wont.

Kidding aside, however, the seriousness of this matter cannot be over-estimated. It is my fervent hope that a coming Trump or DeSantis administration, no matter when it comes, immediately chooses an attorney general who promises actually to prosecute the unmaskers, all of them and fully. It would be a first stepand we need manyto regaining our privacy.

Roger L. Simon is an award-winning novelist, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, co-founder of PJMedia, and now, editor-at-large for The Epoch Times. His most recent books are The GOAT (fiction) and I Know Best: How Moral Narcissism Is Destroying Our Republic, If It Hasnt Already (nonfiction). He can be found on Parler as @rogerlsimon

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Haiti's President Jovenel Moise (C) leaves the museum during a ceremony marking the 215th anniversary of revolutionary hero Toussaint Louverture's death, at the National Pantheon museum in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 7, 2018. (Dieu Nalio Chery/File/AP Photo)

US Condemns Heinous Assassination of Haitian Leader, Says It Is Ready to Help

WASHINGTON U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he was shocked by the heinous assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and wounding of his wife in their home, and administration officials said Washington was to ready help investigate what happened.

Moise, 53, was shot dead and his wife Martine left in critical condition after unidentified gunmen opened fire with assault rifles in his private residence overnight, stirring fears of chaos in the impoverished Caribbean nation already reeling from rampant gang violence and facing a constitutional crisis.

We condemn this heinous attack and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moises recovery, 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.

We need a lot more information but its just, its very worrisome about the state of Haiti, Biden told reporters at the White House.

Haitis ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, told Reuters in an interview that his government would welcome U.S. security assistance in the wake of the assassination.

Ambassador Bocchit Edmond pauses as he speaks of the late Haitian President Jovenel Moise, during an interview with the Associated Press in his office at the Embassy of Haiti in Washington on July 7, 2021. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

Edmond said the gunmen falsely identified themselves as agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), citing video footage the government has in its possession, but added, No way they were DEA agents.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said reports the attackers were DEA agents were absolutely false.

Price told a regular press briefing he had no updates to announce in terms of assistance, although Washington was ready and willing to support Haitian authorities investigation.

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, Price said.

Years of Instability

U.S. lawmakers condemned the attack and called for administration action.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) called on Bidens administration to help bring the killers to justice. Rubios home state, Florida, has a large Haitian-American population and he met with Moise in 2019 on a trip to the country.

We cannot allow this cowardly, evil attack to bring even more hardship to the people of Haiti and further destabilize their country, Rubio said in a statement.

The Democratic co-chairs of the Haiti caucus in the House of Representatives said the attack stands as a clarion call for action to bring stability and peace to the country.

We also call for full transparency and an independent investigation into this criminal act, the four lawmakersReps. Val Demings (D-Fla.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Andy Levin (D-Mich.), and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.)said in a statement.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Congress was prepared to help. Congress condemns this barbaric act, and we stand ready to provide support and assistance to the people of Haiti during this challenging time, she said in a statement.

Moise, who entered office in 2017, had faced calls to resign and mass protests over accusations of corruption, his management of the economy, and his increasing grip on power.

Washington sent troops to Haiti in 1994 to oust a military government and return its elected president, former parish priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide, to power. But the country has struggled with political instability and a series of natural disasters since then.

U.S. administrations have since scaled back involvement with Haiti, and a U.N. peacekeeping operation ended in 2019.

By Patricia Zengerle and Daphne Psaledakis
People wave American flags as they ride through the Fourth of July Parade in Alameda, Calif., on Jul. 4, 2016. (Gabrielle Lurie/AFP/Getty Images)

Utah Black Lives Matter Founder Faces Backlash for Calling US Flag Symbol of Hatred

In a Facebook post made on Independence Day, Utahs Black Lives Matter (BLM) Chapter wrote that the American flag is a symbol of hatred and those flying are racist.

When we Black Americans see this flag, we know the person flying it is not safe to be around, the post reads. When we see this flag, we know the person flying it is a racist. When we see this flag, we know that the person flying it lives in a different America than we do. When we see this flag, we question your intelligence. We know to avoid you. It is a symbol of hatred.

Lex Scott, the chapters founder, said she stands by her words about the American flag being a symbol of hate.

If you see that every person that hates you is carrying an American flag how would you feel about that flag? If every message of hate that you receive comes from a person flying that flag, how would you feel when you see that flag, Scott said in a written statement further explaining her July 4 Facebook post. I feel fear. That is not up for debate. I feel like the person flying it is racist because every racist that I have come in contact with is either wearing that flag or flying that flag. I feel as if I should avoid that person because they may be dangerous.

I told the world that the American flag is a hate symbol. And the world erupted in rage, but when Neo N@zis fly that flag you say nothing, you do nothing, Scott continued. If people truly believe that it is a symbol of love, independence, dignity, patriotism. They would defend it, not only when it is critiqued by me, but when it is used for hate. But they dont and they wont.

The national BLM movement was founded on the premise that black people in America are systemically oppressed and that the system of capitalism does not value all lives.

Black Lives Matter is an ideological and political intervention in a world where Black lives are systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. It is an affirmation of Black folks humanity, our contributions to this society, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression, states the BLM Herstory webpage.

Patrisse Cullors, a BLM co-founder said in an interview with Real News Network in 2015, We actually do have an ideological frame. Myself and Alicia [Garza, one of 3 co-founders] in particular are trained organizers. We are trained Marxists. Cullors created the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter and co-founded BLM with Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi in 2013.

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)

In a 2018 interview with Democracy Now, she said her mentor is Eric Mann, a member of the radical-left militant group Students for a Democratic Society and the Weather Underground, which bombed government buildings and police stations in the 1960s and 1970s.

In a December 2020 YouTube post, Cullors said she does not believe capitalism works for most people, adding, but I do believe that we can get to a place where theres a socio-economic system that doesnt oppress some groups of people and only uplifts a few.

Scott said in a 2020 interview that her chapter is not a part of the national BLM network and its primary goal is to reform policing.

While we are an independent chapter, we dont incite violence, we dont destroy property, those are the rules of the chapter. We work on police reform, we have a summer camp for black children, we have a ski camp, we registered inmates to vote, Scott said in a 2020 interview with ABC Utah.

While Scotts chapter does not advocate destroying property, other BLM groups do. The Chicago BLM organizer, Ariel Atkins said that her group 100 percent supports the violent looters and sees their actions as reparations.

A window is shattered at a Timberland store along Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Ill., after it was looted on Aug. 10, 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The whole idea of criminality is based on racism anyway, she told a local NPR station Chicagos WBEZ. Because criminality is punishing people for things that they have needed to do to survive or just the way that society has affected them with white supremacist B.S., she said.

Scott started United Front in 2014, a national civil rights organization, and about three years ago she formed BLM Utah. She said she is focused on getting laws changed to hold police officers accountable, end police brutality and mass incarceration of blacks.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex in Washington, D.C., on June 23, 2021. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Vice President Announces a $25 Million Investment Into Voting Rights Campaign

Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is investing $25 million into expanding a voting rights initiative, I Will Vote.

We want to help to make sure your vote is counted, and that is because our democracy is strongest when everyone participates and  our democracy as a nation is weaker when people are left out, said the Vice President in her speech at Howard University on Thursday.

The announcement comes as Democrats claim that Republicans across the country are trying to limit access to voting because many GOP state legislatures have introduced or passed bills to make their voting system more secure from fraud. Democrats say every vote should count and the GOP says only lawfully cast votes should count.

Vice President Kamala Harris was appointed by President Joe Biden earlier this year to lead the administrations voting rights efforts. The $25 million investment joins a previous commitment from DNC Chair Jamie Harrison in the amount of $20 million. Democratic Party super PAC Priorities USA Action also pledged to spend $20 million to fight back against what they call voter suppression efforts.

Democrats have been calling Republican-led efforts to secure voting systems in their statessuch as requiring photo ID to votevoter suppression, and one of the most criticized was the effort by Georgia.

The Republicans say the reforms in Georgia are to ensure accessible but fair voting, including requiring photo or state-approved identification to vote absentee by mail. The law also mandates that secure drop boxes be placed inside early voting locations, with constant surveillance, and it expands early voting across the state to address a key Democrat concern.

The law, the Election Integrity Act of 2021 (formerly SB 202), also shortens the election cycle for runoffs to four weeks from nine and requires a minimum of one week of early voting before Election Day.

On March 26, during his first solo press conference, Biden criticized the law as a blatant attack on the Constitution and good conscience.

It adds rigid restrictions on casting absentee ballots that will effectively deny the right to vote to countless voters. And it makes it a crime to provide water to voters while they wait in linelines Republican officials themselves have created by reducing the number of polling sites across the state, disproportionately in Black neighborhoods.

The provisions of SB 202 state that no one can use food, water, or material goods to influence voters. However, poll officers can make available self-service water from an unattended receptacle to an elector waiting in line to vote.

Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris addresses the Presidential Forum at the NAACPs 110th National Convention at Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich., on July 24, 2019. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP/Getty Images)

While Harris meets with black leaders, Biden will be having his own meeting with community leaders including representatives from the NAACP, National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, National Urban League, National Action Network, National Council of Negro Women, The Leadership Conference for Civil & Human Rights, and Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Biden shared his reason for meeting with leaders in the black community.

This afternoon, the vice president and I will be meeting with black leaders of legacy civil rights organizations. We have urgent work before usand we are committed to doing everything we can to protect the sacred right to vote and pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Biden said in a social media post on Thursday.

Besides the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Democrats are trying to pass legislation to make sweeping reforms to states voting systems. The For The People Act of 2021 (H.R. 1) would nationalize elections, taking away control of how elections are run by individual states.
A crate of marijuana buds from an illegal grow operation in a residential suburb in Denver, Colo., on Oct. 1, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Villanueva: Antelope Valley Pot Raids Seized $1.19B in Marijuana

LOS ANGELES, Calif.A massive law-enforcement crackdown on illegal marijuana-grow operations in the Antelope Valley last month resulted in more than 130 arrests and the seizure of marijuana with a street value of more than $1.19 billion, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said July 7.

When the raids started June 8, Villanueva called them the largest operation ever to take place in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, and he repeated that assertion July 7.

He said the week-long effort resulted in the seizure of more than 16 tons of marijuana and 65 vehicles, including two water trucks. He said $28,000 in U.S. currency was seized, but that amount was solely that days payroll for the growers. According to the sheriff, 30 grow locations were flattened and 180 animals were rescued.

Los Angeles County has seen a significant proliferation of illegal outdoor marijuana grows, especially in the Antelope Valley, Villanueva said.

Many of these grows have been directly tied to Mexican drug-trafficking organizations and Asian and Armenian organized crime groups.

He said narcotics detectives last year identified 150 of the illegal outdoor marijuana grows in the Antelope Valley, but there was a significant increase this year. Investigators conducted reconnaissance flights, and found more than 500 grows.

The operations have contributed to an uptick in violence in the area, the sheriff said, saying residents and passersby have been subjected to threats of violence. He also said the illegal grows were siphoning water from residents and farmers by tapping into fire hydrants and digging un-permitted wells.

Villanueva also said the operations endangered the environment and wildlife, with the growers using banned chemicals and pesticides on the crops.

He noted that during all of 2020, the sheriffs department seized a total of just over 1 ton of marijuana. The June operation alone collected 16.5 tons.

What we want to do is send a clear and loud message to the cartels and anyone doing an illegal operation in the high desert: Your days are over and were coming for you, Villanueva said.

He also offered thanks to Antelope Valley residents who called in tips to the department.

We want to thank definitely the courageous people of the Antelope Valley and the community who stepped forward, he said. They provided the tips and trusted our law enforcement efforts.
Children and teenagers who illegally crossed the U.S.Mexico border wait to be processed after entering the site of a temporary holding facility south of Midland, Texas, on March 14, 2021. (Eli Hartman/Odessa American via AP)

Whistleblowers Say They Saw Major Problems at Unaccompanied Child Facility in Texas

Workers who helped care for children who crossed into the country illegally say they witnessed gross mismanagement and specific endangerment to public health and safety at a military base in Texas.

Laurie Elkin and Justin Mulaire were temporarily assigned in mid-May by the Department of Health and Human Services to help care for illegal immigrant youth at an emergency site on Fort Bliss, a military base outside of El Paso.

Thousands of unaccompanied children were once housed there in large tents amid a continuing surge of illegal immigration during the Biden era. The site started accepting children in late March. About 800 remained as of late June.

Elkin and Mulaire said in a whistleblower complaint lodged this week that they saw major issues but were discouraged from reporting what they witnessed, including being told to provide no feedback during their first 10 days of work.

The pair, who are attorneys in the Chicago District Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, ignored the warnings and filed complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General. But the concerns were ignored and no remedial action has been taken, they said.

Among the issues was the crowding of children in the tents, making it hard or impossible to see or help children in distress, noise being at an intolerable volume, and the tents being dirty and often having a foul odor like a locker room.

Dust and sand were everywhere. When sandstorms occurred (as they periodically do in El Paso), the air inside the tents became visibly cloudy with dust, which made its way into everyones eyes, ears, and lungs, the whistleblowers said.

Clean bedding and clothes were not regularly provided. Although many children were housed in these tents for as long as two months (or more), it appeared their bedding was never washed; many beds were visibly dirty. The children also reported having insufficient clean underwear and socks, which in turn made them reluctant to exercise or to bathe because they knew they lacked clean clothes to change into. It was not uncommon in the girls tent, for example, for the children to plead for clean underwear so that they could take a shower and have something clean to change into.

The lawyers said the biggest problem was the use of staffers they felt were unsuitable for the job. Contractors with Servpro, whose website states that it is a national leader in fire, water, mold, and other cleanup and restoration services, were placed in charge of some of the children, they said.

Youth care is not in its portfolio. Contractor staff told Ms. Elkin and Mr. Mulaire that they had received no training prior to beginning work and had little guidance about what their role was, according to the complaint, which was sent to members of Congress and the HHS inspector generals office on July 7 by the Government Accountability Project, which is representing the whistleblowers.

Elkin and Mulwaire said in a statement: After witnessing the dire conditions at Fort Bliss, we feel it is our obligation to speak out. Regardless of ones views about immigration policy, the reality is that these unaccompanied children are here now and are in U.S. custody. HHS must act now to ensure the children are treated in a safe and humane manner.

David Seide, senior counsel for the project, said: The time our clients spent at Fort Bliss was alarming. Each day seemed to bring new examples of deficiencies in the care of the children and resulting risks to their health. Instances of gross mismanagement were pervasive.

HHS and Servpro didnt respond to requests for comment by press time.

Activists gather near Fort Bliss to call for the end of the detention of illegal immigrant minors at the facility in El Paso, Texas, on June 8, 2021. (Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters)

Children housed at Fort Bliss and other emergency shelters testified in written statements last month that they were housed in crowded areas, not given clean clothes, and dealt with troubling conditions such as not allowed regular phone calls with families.

A 17-year-old girl from Guatemala said that she was at the Fort Bliss emergency site for two months, starting April 4. During that time, she experienced higher blood pressure stemming from anxiety due to bright lights that made it hard to sleep and having nowhere to be alone or have any privacy.

I spend most of my time here laying down in my bunk, and sometimes crying. I only get up to go to meals or go to the bathroom, she wrote in a document filed in federal court.

Most children who spoke to Dr. Paul Wise, a special expert helping keep tabs on HHS facilities, were positive when describing the basic conditions at the Fort Bliss site, according to a separate filing in the same case. Still, the minors complained about the lack of privacy, significant delays in making calls to family members, and having to wait for weeks between appointments with case management staffers.

After Vice President Kamala Harris visited El Paso last month, her spokeswoman told reporters that the president has instructed top officials to probe the conditions at the Fort Bliss site.

The administration is taking this very seriously. Extremely seriously, spokeswoman Symone Sanders said.

The number of unaccompanied children in HHS custody soared above 20,000 earlier this year after President Joe Bidens administration loosened a number of Trump-era border restrictions. As of July 5, there were 14,539 such children in HHS custody and 928 in the custody of Customs and Border Protection.
Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Ban Private Funding of Election Administration

Wisconsins governor has vetoed legislation that would restrict county clerks and the state election commission from accepting some private funding for administering elections.

Assembly Bill 173 would generally prohibit any county or municipality from applying for or accepting any non-governmental grants or donations for election administration, Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement to members of the assembly.

I am vetoing this bill because I object to restrictions on local governments potentially using supplemental funding for election administration, the Democrat said, alleging that the bill would impose unnecessary restrictions on the use of private funding.

Counties and other jurisdictions received private funding during the COVID-19 pandemic that helped them conduct safe elections under extraordinary circumstances, paying for poll workers and personal protective equipment, according to the first-term governor.

The veto came earlier this month after the state Senate approved the bill 1814 and the state Assembly approved it 6036.

Overriding a governors veto in Wisconsin requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, a Republican, panned the veto in a statement.

Tony Evers had an opportunity to take a stand for free and fair elections in our state by signing this bill, Steineke said. Instead, he chose to stand with Big Tech billionaires and liberal political operatives and allowed this dubious behavior to continue into the future.

Conservatives have criticized the major jump in private funding seen during the 2020 election. Some of the funds came from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, a nonprofit that receives money from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The center gave more than $6 million in grants to five Wisconsin cities last year. A federal judge rejected a request to block the grants, saying they didnt violate state law.

Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook last year that the center is nonpartisan and that the funding went to help counties have proper staffing, training, and equipment.

To be clear, I agree with those who say that government should have provided these funds, not private citizens. I hope that for future elections the government provides adequate funding. But absent that funding, I think its critical that this urgent need is met, he said at the time.

Other bills that would change election rules, passed by the Wisconsin Senate last month, havent yet reached the governors desk. Theyre pending approval by the lower chamber. But Evers has signaled that he will veto any bills he believes would make it more difficult for people to vote.
Wuhan Lab Hid COVID-19 Relative for Seven Years | Truth Over News

In April 2012, six miners working to clear an abandoned mine in Mojiang, southwestern China, became seriously sick with an unknown illness.

Working 200 miles away was a research team led by Shi Zhengli, the director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Shis team rushed to the site, where they would spend the next two years collecting samples at the Mojiang mine.

At some point during their work, Shis team recovered an unusual virus. This discovery and its source would be repeatedly obfuscated.

We look at how a group of independent researchers revealed that Shis discovery came from the Mojiang mine and how the Wuhan Institute of Virology has been in possession of COVID-19s closest relative for nearly a decade.

Welcome to Truth over News with Jeff Carlson and Hans Mahncke.
NORWALK  A veteran New York City educator is set to become Norwalk Public Schools first deputy superintendent of excellence, equity and inclusion.

Thomas McBryde Jr., the superintendent of community school District 19 in Brooklyn, has been selected by Superintendent Alexandra Estrella to fill the newly created role. His appointment is expected to be approved by the city Board of Education at its Thursday meeting.

As the districts deputy superintendent, McBryde will be tasked with promoting and ensuring a culture of inclusion in each of the citys 20 schools. He will also provide leadership for the district in the absence of the superintendent.

Dr. McBryde brings comprehensive experience to the role, having facilitated and implemented equity focused work across all district schools in New York Citys District 19, to provide equal access to education for all learners, while supporting and enabling staff members to identify and address implicit bias, district officials wrote in an appointment letter to the school board.

Located in eastern Brooklyn, District 19 is part of the New York City Department of Education and comprises 36 schools and roughly 20,000 students from pre-K through 12th grade.

McBryde began his career in 2000 as a language arts teacher in Atlanta Public Schools. He then spent several years in Georgia working for Teach for America, a national nonprofit that aims to recruit new teachers, before becoming the co-director of Kipp Achieve Academy and then the assistant principal of eighth grade at Clayton County Public Schools.

McBryde joined the New York City Department of Education in 2010 as resident principal of Esperanza Preparatory Academy, a public East Harlem school founded by Estrella in 2008.

McBryde later served as principal of Mott Hall IV Middle School in Brooklyn and as deputy superintendent of an East Harlem district. He is credited with increasing student performance at or above grade level by 11 percent in English language arts and 10 percent in math on state assessments while leading District 19.

A graduate of Morehouse College, McBryde also holds a doctorate in education from Argosy University, a masters degree in education from Cambridge College and a masters degree in science from Baruch College.

In addition to McBrydes appointment, district officials have named three other educators to serve in administrative roles and a new principal for Fox Run Elementary. But unlike McBryde, each of the educators currently work for the district. The school board is also expected to approve their appointments on Thursday.

Robert Pennington, the current principal of Rowayton Elementary School, will become the districts new assistant superintendent of schools. Pennington, who will report directly to Estrella, will oversee curriculum and instruction, special education, professional learning, counseling, student services and the gifted and talented and visual and performing arts programs.

Meanwhile, Sandra Kase, the districts interim chief academic officer, and Mary-Anne Sheppard, the director of STEM education, have been named the executive directors of leadership development. The two educators, who both previously worked in New York City schools, will provide guidance and direction to principals and assistant principals as a part of their new roles, according to documents submitted to the board.

Lastly, Carla Monteiro-Walsh, the interim principal of Fox Run Elementary, will officially take over as the permanent leader of the school. Prior to joining the school in an interim capacity, she served as the curriculum and site instructor of Tracey Magnet School for three years.

A dynamic, student-centered, and highly accomplished educator with proven experience in a diverse population, Monteiro-Walsh brings with her a strong background in teaching, curriculum and program development, supervision and support, district officials wrote.

richard.chumney@hearstmediact.com
NORWALK  City police are asking for the publics help to identify a driver allegedly involved in a hit-and-run of a person on a bicycle last month.

The bicyclist, a minor, was riding their bike on Taylor Avenue around 8:45 p.m. on June 11 when they were hit by a driver that fled.

About two hours later, the investigating officer went to Norwalk Hospital to speak with the victim and their family about what happened. Sgt. Sofia Gulino said the victim told the officer it happened at the intersection of Connecticut and Taylor avenues as the victim was proceeding through a green traffic light.

The victim told police a vehicle driving in the opposite direction made a left turn onto Connecticut Avenue, hitting the bicyclist. The victim rolled onto the hood of the car before falling to the pavement as the bicycle was run over by the fleeing driver.

The bike initially was stuck under the vehicle. The victim told police the driver went into reverse, dislodging the bike, before leaving the scene headed east on Connecticut Avenue.

The victims injuries were non-life-threatening, Gulino said.

The driver was described as a man in his 60s with a gray beard, wearing a black hat. He was driving a Toyota Rav 4 with orange plates  possible a New York registration. Gulino said the mans vehicle would have front end damage and broken right headlight.

Anyone with information is asked to reach out to the investigating officer at abryce@norwalkct.org. Anonymous information can be shared through the police tips line at 203-854-3111, online at www.norwalkpd.com or by texting NORWALKPD and the information to TIP411.
Its a fortunate coincidence that both America and France celebrate their independence in July. Quite different in style, both occasions revolve around food.

While grilled dogs and burgers washed down with cold beer define our tradition, the French (as you would expect in a nation famous for its food) aim for a higher, if no less relaxed, level of cuisine.

Bastille Day, July 14, is the national day of France, marking the storming of the infamous Bastille fortress to liberate the political prisoners held there. Like our holiday celebrating independence from royal tyranny, Bastille Day commemorates the end of the French monarchy and a turning point in the French revolution.

The day is filled with parades, fireworks and parties, along with lots of food and drink  just like here. Reporting on the 1879 festivities, the newspaper Le Figaro wrote, people feasted much, to honour the storming of the Bastille. It hasnt changed a lot since then.

French restaurants in our area maintain the Bastille Day tradition with special menus and events, so we can celebrate along with them.

Ridgefield has long been a formidable enclave of French dining covering a full range of styles. Bernards offers classic white-tablecloth dining along with the more casual Sarahs Wine Bar; Lucs Cafe is a beloved and authentic bistro; and Sucre Sale serves up a full range of buckwheat crepes, quiche and French favorites. All are hosting Bastille Day celebrations.

Bernards famous Bastille Day dinner is on July 18 this year. Its an extravagant sit down dinner and wine tasting in the best French tradition. Francophiles have gathered at Bernards for the past 22 years for the occasion.

Its lots of fun, co-owner Sarah Bouissou told me. Some of the guests come every year. The party also marks Bernard and Sarahs July 14 wedding anniversary.

The menu includes pates, terrines, rillettes, and Bernards famous cassoulet plus live gypsy jazz. There is the very-French cheese course, and then dessert. Excellent wines with each course are included for $125 per person. Reservations are essential  call 203-438-8282.

In true bistro style, Lucs Cafe will offer a modified menu served all day on July 14, games of Petanque on their boules court, and live music. No reservations are taken. Get there early.

At Sucre Salee chef/owner Frank Bonnaudet has been enthusiastically celebrating Bastille Day since 2015.

People love it, he said. Its a chance for the many fans of French life and culture to gather.

This year the holiday falls on a Wednesday, mussel night at the restaurant. For $28 you get a glass of wine and unlimited moules prepared either marinieres, a la moutarde, orientales, or guinguette, all accompanied by live music. Reservations are suggested.

Bruxelles in SoNo is not strictly a French restaurant, but its French enough to have some Bastille Day festivities. Chef Roland Olahs menu of specials will start on July 9 and run through the July 14 holiday for an extended celebration.

In addition to regular menu items like escargot, beef bourguignon, nicoise salad and croque monsieur, the Bastille Day menu will include French onion soup, mussels Provencal, bouillabaisse, and a French apple tart for dessert. A signature Gin Bowl cocktail made with Nouaison French gin and flavored with ginger, mint, and lemon is just the thing.

If you want to celebrate at home, go see Ken Skovron at Darien Cheese. Hes been helping the local chapter of the Chevalier du Tastevin with the menu for their big Bastille Day affair for years. The club honors the great wine and traditional food of Burgundy by drinking and eating at elaborate banquets and intimate dinners.

For Bastille Day, Ken says, You cant go wrong with a traditional onion soup topped with a crouton and melted Comte cheese. ... Bastille Day is a festive excuse to enjoy the best foods and wine.

A spread of artisanal cheese, pate, and cornichons accompanied by crusty bread and a fine wine completes the menu.

Skovron recommends a range of cheeses for the feast. After all, France is a country with hundreds of beloved varieties. His Comte from the Jura comes to the shop after 18 months and then rests for another six, perfect for the onion soup. On the cheese platter, hed like to see a mild washed rind cheese like Affidelice that is washed with Chablis, a rich, buttery Beaufort Alpage gruyere made from summer milk into a 90 pound wheel, and a cinder-coated Chevre. Hes always eager to talk cheese and recommend whats best in the shop for any occasion.

Bastille Day is a national holiday in France, but for us its an opportunity to indulge in French food and wine while raising a glass to our fellow revolutionaries.
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.
WILTON  New businesses will be afforded the opportunity to introduce themselves to town residents, old and new, at the ninth annual Wilton Street Fair and Sidewalk Sale on July 24.

Executive Director Camille Carriero, who organizes the annual event that will see its first return to Wilton Center since 2019, said the Chamber looks forward to each sale as a way to push locals back toward nearby shopping and dining.

The purpose of (the Street Fair and Sidewalk Sale) is to get residents to go out, shop and to dine in restaurants, Carriero said.

The festivities will occur in Wilton Center, starting at 10 a.m. on July 24, from the Village Market area, near the Town Gazebo, and stretching down to the Stop and Shop shopping center. Due to the event, the street will be closed and there will be no through traffic until after its close at 3 p.m.

Both local small businesses and nonprofits will set up booths along the main Wilton road.

The chambers executive director said new businesses have not had the chance to fully introduce their goods and services to Wilton residents, but will be afforded that opportunity come July 24.

Some of those, like Classically Cates Boutique and YourCBD Store Wilton, have already signed up and will have booths during the event. Registration to reserve a booth during the community event will be up on July 9 according to Carriero.

With any event, your goal is to reach new people. You want to maintain the clientele that you already have, but to (market) to new customers, too, Carriero said.

Part of that introduction will be to residents who have moved to town after July 2019.

We do get a lot of people that come to the event. We are hoping that a lot of the new residents will come out and meet the business owners and nonprofits in town, Carriero said. It is a good opportunity not only for new businesses, but (existing) businesses to showcase what they have been doing and what is new.

Along with the many businesses and nonprofits looking for some community facetime, the Chamber of Commerce has added activities to make the event a family friendly outing.

First, there will be live music performed by both local band School of Rock and the Ridgefield Jazz Giants. There will also be a dance performance presented by the Conservatory of Dance in Wilton on the main stage.

An assortment of animals courtesy of the Woodcock Nature Center will also be present at the event, as well as a pony provided by Rising Starr Horse Rescue.

Children can also interact with the local Wilton Fire Department and Wilton Police Department, as they will bring several of their vehicles to the event.
It was from a colleague of mine at Edwardsville High, Dan Oberle, that I gained an appreciation of the historical and cultural significance of Route 66, once described by John Steinbeck as The Mother Road.

It was said that the whole world traveled down Route 66, but not anymore. Route 66 was decertified as a bona fide highway in January of 1977. This meant that the famed conduit would no longer appear on any official highway maps. The new interstates were billed as a triumph over time and space, but in a sense, it was a Pyrrhic victory. Travelers would now be forced to drive on dull, mind numbing stretches of boring, homogenized concrete that bypassed practically everything. We sold our souls to the devil in return for the ability to arrive at our destination ten minutes sooner. We gave up a road that was like a gift from God  textured by hills, dips and bumps, girder bridges, parallel railroad tracks, S curves, classic billboards with catchy slogans, oddball logos, roadhouses, dancehalls, souvenir stands, truck stops and gaudy neon signs. And for what? It was for nothing more than mind-boggling blandness, bleak as a Dorothea Lange Dust Bowl photo that flimflammers sold to us as progress.

Any other decertified road would have fallen into the dustbin of history and quickly forgotten. Memories of Route 66 soon exerted a powerful grip on our collective imagination. For many of us, that road personified freedom, the wide-open spaces and postwar prosperity that enabled Americans to buy a car and head to Chicago, if you were from southern Illinois, or go out west for an annual family vacation. Disparate images of roadway advertising, courthouses, barbed wire, mom and pop stores and grain silos along the road helped to amplify that perception.

For tourist nirvana while traveling Interstate 55 from Edwardsville to Chicago, pull off at one of those quaint towns along the way to get a true feel for history. Better yet, take a blood oath and dont use I-55 in the first place. Take the road less traveled with those old-fashioned sweeping curves for a slice of Americana and a treasure chest of memories. Sit down with a few old-timers on an old porch swing and soak up some local color. Marvel at some of the vintage architecture. Wander down memory lane, back to Americas glory years of the 1940s and 1950s when commercial buildings had substance and character because they were not cookie cutter images of some franchise in dozens of other towns. Visit one of the classic family-owned eateries. Talk to a long-time resident and discover what it was like back when things were at a slower pace and when we had a greater sense of community. Let them take you back to an era when people took on lifes challenges one at a time and had to figure things out with just their common sense. Drive a bit on an old frontage road that was once part and parcel of the original Route 66. Stop, look and listen. Youll discover through its trappings and ambiance that Route 66 was much more than just a highway. Its a shibboleth from the past, a touchstone that tells us who we are and what we are about.

President Ronald Reagan once said, If we dont know who we are and where we came from, how will we know where we are going? If you close your eyes and conjure up a bit of childhood imagination, you might be able to hear some of the sounds from the roads storied past  the whispers of countless ghosts that made the Colossus of Roads the most famous and nostalgic in all of our history. Then, with the words of guru Bob Waldmire, you can say: I still get my kicks on old Route 66!

Bill Nunes is a retired Edwardsville High School history teacher who lives in Glen Carbon. Look for Bills new book, Southern Illinois, St. Louis, and Route 66 at Jans Hallmark Store this fall.
COLLINSVILLE  Wednesday, a group of 10 superintendents from throughout the state, including the Collinsville School District, launched an email campaign asking for their peer superintendents and school boards to unite in a call for immediate guidance to open schools or to return control to the locally-elected school boards by the governor, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

The campaign is designed to engage more than 850 Illinois superintendents and acknowledge the work that has been done throughout the pandemic to ensure learning is continued in Illinois schools. Skertich said this united group of districts stretches vertically from southern Illinois through the states center to the northern suburbs of Chicago and ranges from very poor to very wealthy.

Since the close of the school year, our guidance has not changed at all, said Dr. Brad Skertich, Collinsvilles superintendent, Thursday. We are still operating as if we are in the middle of Phase 4 while cities and other entities are in Phase 5. Illinois entered Phase 5 on June 11.

With the districts Jump Start program beginning in 2.5 weeks and the start of the new school year about six weeks away, Skertich is worried about the lack of clear direction from Springfield. The new academic year in Collinsville begins Aug. 18.

He said district officials first noticed the lack of guidance earlier this year.

Theres no one-size-fits-all approach, he said, naming his district, District 7 and Triad as local examples. He added that each districts size, student population and community needs are all different.

The email was not sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker or other politicians in Springfield.

An excerpt from the email is below:

There is no question that Governor J.B. Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike are to be commended for their leadership and guidance during the initial and secondary stages of the pandemic. However, each day we draw closer to the start of the school year. The lack of clear, coherent or updated guidance from ISBE, IDPH and the governors office is frustrating and of great concern as we are about to welcome our students back for the 21-22 school year.

It is our belief that, through our partnerships with local IDPH/county health departments and through our layered mitigation protocols, we are able to lead our local districts during the later stages of Phase 5 and the reopening of in-person learning in the schools in August.

Together, we led through the March 2020-June 2021 experiences and with Phase 5, vaccinations for all persons aged 12 years and older, and with low transmission rates, we feel the time is now for clarity with school opening plans.

The mass email that went out Wednesday included a proposed draft board resolution to support their position. This resolution was clear in its position and was not asking for any superintendent or board of education to not follow guidance issued from the state. Instead, the resolution asked for the ability to make decisions at the local level given the absence of timely guidance provided throughout the last several months of the pandemic.

The group of 10 superintendents is:

 Brad Skertich (Collinsville CUSD #10)

 Jennifer Garrison (Vandalia CUSD #203)

 Kristin Humphries (East Moline SD 37)

 Chuck Lane (Centralia High School)

 Dan Cox (Rochester 3a)

 Larry Lovel (TriCo CUSD 176)

 PJ Caposey (Meridian CUSD #223)

 Wes Olson (Bond County CUSD #2)

 Mike Lubelfeld (North Shore School District 1120)

 Gary Tipsord (LeRoy CUSD #2)

Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at 618-659-5735
3 1 of 3 Courtesy of GCS Credit Union Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy of GCS Credit Union Show More Show Less 3 of 3





With the help of over 30 sponsors and 128 golfers, GCS Credit Union raised $30,074 during their Fifth Annual Tee Up Fore Veterans Golf Tournament.

The money raised during this event at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights was donated to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight and 2x4s for Hope  Madison County. The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight received $25,000 of the tournament proceeds. This donation will sponsor an entire flight of veterans on a one day, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials that were built in their honor.
MARYVILLE  The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that intermittent lane restrictions will begin on I-55/70 between routes 157 and 159, starting July 12, weather permitting.

These restrictions will take place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., nightly. One lane in each direction will be open at all times. These restrictions are needed for pavement repairs and are expected to be completed by late July.
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.
Salida, CO (81201)

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Salida, CO (81201)

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Elizabethtown, KY (42701)

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Sunny to partly cloudy. High 89F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

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That release could not be found.
Local fishermen request rule expansion as competition booms

PHUKET: A group of around 100 local fishermen have filed a formal request to the Phuket Governor seeking permission to expand the scope of their allocated fishing area, stating increased competition due to COVID-19 has hindered their catch numbers.

CoronavirusCOVID-19marinenatural-resources

By The Phuket News

Thursday 8 July 2021, 03:13PM

The current law states local fishermen are not permitted to operate beyond a 1.5 nautical mile radius from Phukets shoreline, something members of the local fishing industry claim needs to be revised.

The group, led by Phuket Fishery Association head Somsak Promkaew, gathered at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town around 1pm yesterday (July 7) to air their grievances and present their formal request to Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Panapong.

Several of the group also had placards and signs containing slogans such as Phuket fishermen do not have sufficient area to work in, Be kind to us, and We want our 3 nautical miles back.

As a result of the COVID-19 economic crisis, an increasing number of people have turned to fishing in order to generate an income, Mr Somsak commented.

Before the pandemic there were around only 1,200 boats registered with the Phuket office of the Fishery Department  that figure has grown considerably in the last 12 months.

That is why we are asking authorities to seriously consider our request to increase the catchment area to three nautical miles in order to reduce the congestion.

We always adhere to the standards of sustainable fishing with a focus on protecting and maintaining natural resources. We do not operate in an irresponsible way and always follow the law by fishing away from the coral reef where tourists go diving, he added.

V/Gov Pichet told the fisherman that he will discuss this request with relevant officers and inform them of the outcome accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) have issued a COVID-19 alert for vendors and local residents present at the fish auction site at Sinpaiboonchai fishing pier in Rassada over a three-day period late last month.

Those who went to the pier from June 26-29, between 9 and 10am are considered high-risk people, the alert said.

Please isolate and monitor yourselves and go to get tested for COVID-19 at a hospital near your home or the PPHO office.

For more information, please call 094-3157700, the alert concluded.
Lockdown in sight

BANGKOK: A lockdown may be considered to curb the spread of COVID-19 if new cases continue to surge, National Security Council secretary-general Natthapol Nakpanich said.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 8 July 2021, 09:02AM

Workers prepare sleeping areas for COVID-19 sufferers at Wat Pak Bor in Suan Luang district, Bangkok, on Wednesday. The temple will open its meditation centre to accommodate people with mild symptoms before referring them to treatment facilities. The temple has up to 170 places for sufferers. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul / Bangkok Post

Meanwhile, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) did not rule out the possibility of new cases soaring to 10,000 per day next week given the rapid rise of the highly transmissible Delta variant, reports the Bangkok Post.

Gen Natthapol Nakpanich, head of the CCSAs operation centre, said the CCSA would be willing to consider any proposal from the Ministry of Public Health for a lockdown to contain COVID-19 transmissions.

He said he had heard talk of a lockdown. There was no official proposal so far, but if proposed, the centre was ready to consider it.

People should have a correct understanding of the term lockdown. Measures, which included a curfew, taken by the government in April last year could be construed as a lockdown, but the restrictions imposed afterwards  such as the shuttering of businesses and a ban on movement of people  were not, he said.

Asked whether the matter would be raised at the CCSAs July 12 meeting, Gen Natthapol said it could come sooner if the number of infections and deaths went up.

We may wait for 15 days to assess the situation, Gen Natthapol said. We have to take all factors into consideration.

In the meantime, we have to look into other matters, such as controls on the movement of people and solving the problem of bed shortages. We wont just sit and watch the figures.

Asked whether a lockdown would be imposed only in areas where the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus was rampant, or for the whole country, Gen Natthapol said emphasis would be placed on Bangkok and surrounding provinces, along with the four southern border provinces. Other parts of the country could be put under semi-lockdown.

He went on to say that a total lockdown would have serious impacts on people living hand-to-mouth and those with no permanent income.

According to the Ministry of Finance, nearly B300 billion was spent on remedial measures during the April 2020 lockdown. If we do it again, we would have to find a lot of money to compensate people for their hardships, he said.

Apisamai Srirangson, assistant spokeswoman for the CCSA, said the Medical Association of Thailand had expressed concern about the current rate of transmissions after the Delta variant was found in Thailand last month.

Currently, we have seen the figures rise from 1,000 to 2,000 and 4,000. It is estimated the number may reach 10,000 per day next week [if it continues at this rate], she said.

The majority of infections in Bangkok were now of the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus and it was spreading to provinces, Dr Apisamai said.

Since April, COVID-19 transmissions from Greater Bangkok areas had spread to 40 provinces, carried by people returning to their homes, she said.

She said the CCSAs subcommittee also discussed improving the capacity to move infected people with severe symptoms from their homes to hospitals and to increase the number of beds by setting up a field hospital at Suvarnabhumi airport.

The 5,000-bed field hospital is likely to open next month. Some 1,360 beds will be available for patients with severe symptoms and the rest for patients with less severe conditions.
Phang Nga students studying in Phuket granted vaccinations, free tests

PHUKET: Students living in Phang Nga who need to cross the bridge every day to attend classes in Phuket will be given free vaccinations and COVID tests, Phuket Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong has confirmed.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By The Phuket News

Thursday 8 July 2021, 10:40AM

The move is to protect them and keep other students safe, Vice Governor Piyapong told a provincial meeting on Tuesday (July 6).

More than 4,300 students who are older than 18 years old are affected by the strict measures for people arriving in Phuket by land, Vice Governor Piyapong explained.

We will give them vaccinations, he said. On July 15, Dr Withita Jaeng-iam, Deputy Director of Primary Care at Vachira Phuket Hospital, will work on having them registered to be vaccinated.

For those who are younger than 18 years old, we will swab test all of them once a month, and the test results will be [deemed] valid for one month, he added.

For the students who live in Phuket and study with the students from Phang Nga, we will randomly test about 30% of them every month. The tests will be conducted for three months, Vice Governor Piyapong explained.

Medical staff have already started conducting swab tests among students. While waiting for the test results or to receive a vaccination injection, students will receive a card that must be signed by the intuition head [of where they attend classes] to show to officers at the checkpoint, he added.

From July 16, officers at the checkpoint will have a list of the names of the students to check when they come in and out, he said.

This measure is especially for Phang Nga students, so that they can come to study [in Phuket] like normal. However, they still have to strictly follow the disease control measures, he noted.
Phuket airport taxi fare probe goes nowhere

PHUKET: Tanee Suebrerk, Deputy-Director of the Department of Land Transport, arrived in Phuket from Bangkok yesterday to preside over a meeting with airport taxi operators to investigate and discuss issues regarding taxi fares charged while the COVID economic crisis continues.

tourismtransporteconomicsCOVID-19

By The Phuket News

Thursday 8 July 2021, 05:40PM

At the meeting, held at Phuket Vocational College, airport taxi operators agreed to charging 20% off fares as long as the crisis continues, said a report by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket).

Present at the meeting were Phuket Vice Governor Vikrom Jakthee, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) Chief Banyat Kantha, along with other officials and representatives of local taxi companies.

Also present were representatives from Phuket Mai Khao Sakhu Co Ltd (PMK) and Phuket Limousine and Business Services Cooperative (PBC), the the two companies that have rights to operate taxis at Phuket International Airport under a concession with Airports of Thailand (AoT).

Representatives of the two companies confirmed that the companies had been giving 20% discounts off taxi fares since the effects of the global pandemic started being felt in Phuket, and they asked for cooperation from the Phuket Provincial Government, said the report.

The representatives explained that the fare from the airport to Patong, a distance of about 38.9 kilometres, used to be B800, but right now they were charging only B640, the report added.

Giving another example, the representatives said taxi drivers used to charge B1,000 for travelling from the airport to Kata, a distance they said was about 46km, but their drivers were now charging only B800, the report noted.

At these prices, they may not be able to cover the cost [of operating a taxi] because we need to handle many costs, including insurance, petrol and the concession, said one of the representatives, not named by the PR Phuket report.

However, we will charge these rates as long as the pandemic continues and Phuket does not have the number of tourists like it did before the pandemic, the representative said.

We will discuss again about when we will return to charging the normal rate, he concluded.

It was not explained whether AoT, the Thai public company that resulted from the privatisation of the state-owned Airports Authority of Thailand (AAT), would offer any relief in the concessions to be paid for operating taxis at the airport.

AoT reported gross income of just B7.7 billion for fiscal year 2020 ( October-September), compared with B28.26bn for 2017.
Sandbox bookings strong in Patong

PHUKET: Patong is holding strong as the preferred location on the island for tourists booking hotels to stay under the Phuket Sandbox scheme, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has confirmed.

tourismCOVID-19Coronavirushealth

By The Phuket News

Thursday 8 July 2021, 05:09PM

The breakdown was explained during a meeting on Tuesday (July 6). Photo: PR Phuket

The breakdown was explained during a meeting on Tuesday (July 6). Photo: PR Phuket

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew reported that 37.94% of bookings made under the Phuket Sandbox were for hotels in Patong. Photo: PR Patong

Governor Narong relayed the news to Gen Nattapon Nakpanich, Secretary-General of the National Security Council and operations head of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), during a teleconference meeting held at the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters in Phuket Town on Tuesday (July 6).

Governor Narong explained that, as of Tuesday, 2,113 tourists had landed in Phuket on 39 flights since July 1.

He also reported that 9,483 bookings had been made by tourists staying at SHA+ hotels under the Phuket Sandbox project.

Of those bookings, 3,598, or 37.94% of the total at the time, were for hotels in the Patong area, Governor Narong said.

The second- and third-most popular were Cheng Talay and Karon, respectively, he added.

According to the Phuket Sandbox Daily Report for July 6, issued by Phuket officials, a total of 118,685 room nights had been booked under the Sandbox scheme. Of those, 108,469 (91%) were for July; 8,273 (7%) were for August; and 958 (0.8%) were for September.

The daily report for yesterday (July 7), just 24 hours later, showed an increase of 13,124 room nights booked under the Sandbox scheme, comprising 119,892 room nights booked for July; 9,745 for August; and 1,094 for September.

The July 7 report noted that so far 2,399 tourists had arrived under the Sandbox scheme since July 1. Of those, 2,181 tested negative for COVID, while 108 were awaiting test results. One person, a tourist from the UAE, had tested positive.

DOMESTIC PROTECTION

Governor Narong told Gen Nattapon that COVID protection measures had been increased at the Phuket Check Point at Tha Chatchai, where people are being checked before being allowed onto or off the island.

Measures were being considered in using technology more efficiently to allow faster checking of people passing through the checkpoint, in order to reduce inspection time and prevent violators, Governor Narong said.

Since some people have used forged documents to show to the authorities, there must be a way to prevent such problems. Currently, the DEPA is in the process of working on this problem, Governor Narong said.
Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 90F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
@rachelravina on Twitter

Rachel Ravina is a journalist covering news and lifestyle features in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Blue Bell and graduated from Penn State. She's also a news enthusiast who is passionate about covering topics people want to read.
RIDGEFIELD  This weekend, classic cars and hot rods will drive up to Jesse Lee Church for Memory Lane Cruisers annual car show. The fundraiser benefits an individual or organization each year and returns this Saturday following last years COVID cancellation.

Resident Sarah Leavy was chosen as this years beneficiary and has been attending car shows basically since she was born, her father, Steve, said. After she faced a life-changing diagnosis in May 2019, event organizers decided to dedicate their first car show post COVID in Leavys honor.

At the time Leavy was enrolled at Full Sail University in Florida, but for a week couldnt walk to campus since her feet were badly swollen. I wasnt feeling like myself, she recalled. I was very tired and didnt have the energy I (usually) did.

Unsure of the conditions cause, Leavy went to AdventHealth Winter Park Hospital in her pajamas not expecting to stay overnight. After running tests, doctors there initially thought she had leukemia, she said.

Leavy was then transferred to AdventHealth Orlando where she was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH, a rare genetic disease characterized by inflammatory symptoms.

It freaked me out, she said. I had no idea what it was, how severe it was (or) what the treatment plan was, but they decided to do chemotherapy ... to get my body back to its normal health.

Leavy endured a months-long stay in the hospital that June, undergoing blood transfusions, bone marrow biopsies and spinal taps in addition to chemo. In July she returned to Ridgefield to continue treatments closer to home at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She ultimately re-enrolled at Full Sail but took classes online instead.

I had gotten so adjusted to living in Florida and developing this life there, then everything abruptly changed, Leavy said. It was the first time in my life where I had no control over anything  but I made the best of it.

To retain some normalcy, Leavy volunteered to deejay Memory Lanes 2019 car show as she had done in years past. At this point she was still undergoing treatments and taking seven different medications a day.

This was the one event that I wanted to go to (where) I wouldnt feel like a hospital patient, she said.

Steve founded Memory Lane Cruisers back in the 1980s. Growing up at car shows, Leavy became more interested in the catchy songs she heard there, she said.

Steve recalled that when the family would attend Lead East, a large-scale oldies festival in Parsippany, N.J., they would dress Leavy up in a little poodle skirt that swirled at her ankles as she danced to the music.

People always got a kick out of her, he said.

The father-daughter duos shared love of classic rock music made them the perfect pair to deejay Memory Lanes car show over the years.

Today, Leavy is grateful to be back to normal, she said, and is humbled that the club is holding this years car show in her honor. She plans to donate some of the proceeds to Jesse Lee and St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, which also treats children with HLH.

Even though its for me this year, my biggest excitement is seeing other people enjoy it, she said. Weve done this show for so many years (and) its had an impact on so many people within this town.

Summer Cruisin for Sarah kicks off at Jesse Lee Church (207 Main St., Ridgefield) on Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m.

alyssa.seidman@hearstmediact.com
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

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A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 31C. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 22C. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 31C. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight with light rain possible. Low 22C. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Please note The Sun Chronicle is providing this story and all of our local coronavirus coverage for free so that all readers have access to this important information about the pandemic. Please visit our dedicated coronavirus coverage page for more stories. If you'd like to support our mission, please subscribe.
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.
WASHINGTON (AP)  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 were still gathering information, Biden said. "And Im 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 administrations 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.

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.

Fridays 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 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.

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 victims  they were seeking $45,000 per infected computer  were 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.

Analysts say the chaos ransomware criminals have wrought in the past year  hitting hospitals, schools, local governments and other targets at the rate of about one every eight minutes  serves Putins 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, its 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 Kaseyas 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 sector  though few large companies, the cybersecurity firm Sophos said.

Liedholm, the Kaseya spokeswoman, said the vast majority of the companys 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.

____

Associated Press reporters Darlene Superville and Eric Tucker in Washington and Alan Suderman in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report.
ALTON  Alton Memorial Hospital will host an American Red Cross blood drive 12:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, in the cafe meeting rooms.

This is the first blood drive at AMH open to the general public since the pandemic began.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Belarusian authorities blocked the website of a leading online media outlet and detained some of its journalists and several reporters from other news organizations Thursday, the latest moves in a sweeping crackdown on dissent and independent media in the ex-Soviet nation.

Belarus' Information Ministry said it has blocked Nasha Niva's website after the prosecutor general's office accused it of posting unspecified unlawful information.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists, or BAJ, said that authorities conducted searches at Nasha Niva's offices and detained chief editor Yahor Martsinovich, journalists Andrey Skurko, Andrey Dynko and office accountant Volha Rakovich for questioning. The Belarusian Investigative Committee said it called an ambulance for Martsinovich, who fell ill, but continued his interrogation later.

Agents of the Belarusian state security agency, which still goes under its Soviet-era name, KGB, also conducted searches Thursday at two regional media outlets, the Brest Gazette in the city of Brest on the border with Poland and the Intex-press in the city of Baranovichi.

In the city of Orsha in eastern Belarus, authorities detained Ihar Kazmerchak, the editor of the Orsha.eu news portal, and searched the apartment of photographer Dzyanis Dubkou. In another eastern city of Bobruisk, the KGB detained Alesya Latsinskaya, a journalist who worked for the independent Bobr.by news portal.

In the city of Vitebsk in Belarus' northeast, freelance journalist Vital Skryl was detained and authorities raided the apartment of another local journalist, Dzmitry Kazakevich, who was out during the search. And in the town of Glubokoye in the Vitebsk region, freelance journalist Zmitser Lupach was detained by the KGB in a sanitarium where he resided.

Nasha Niva journalist rtsem Harbatsevich likened the crackdown to the authorities' earlier action against another top independent news portal, Tut.by, which saw its website blocked and 12 of its journalists detained in May.

It's a crackdown on the editorial office in the worst Soviet-era tradition, Harbatsevich told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Minsk.

Nasha Niva, which was founded in 1906, is the oldest and the most authoritative Belarusian media outlet. Its online audience exceeds 100,000.

Both Nasha Niva and Tut.by extensively covered months of protests against Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, which were triggered by his reelection to a sixth term in an August 2020 vote that was widely seen as rigged.

The authorities responded to demonstrations with a massive crackdown that saw more than 35,000 people arrested and thousands beaten by police. Leading opposition figures have been either jailed or forced to leave the country.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in the election, fled the country after the vote under official pressure. She urged Belarusians Thursday to subscribe to media channels on a popular messaging app to support independent media.

The regime is so much afraid of the truth that it blocks all independent media, denies accreditation to foreign journalists, shuts editorial offices, blocks editorials and puts editors behind bars, Tsikhanouskaya said. They hope that if they abduct journalists and close media outlets people will forget about falsifications, violence and repressions by the regime. But our memory and the truth are stronger than that.

The European Union and the United States have responded to the crackdown by slapping Belarus with sanctions. They have imposed new, tougher restrictions after Belarus diverted a passenger jet on May 23 to arrest an opposition journalist.

Speaking Thursday to graduates of military academies, Lukashenko accused the West of trying to deprive us of our sovereignty and enforce external governance."

But we will not come down on our knees, he said. We are defending ourselves, our families, our children and our land.

Overall, 27 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists.

BAJ said that Nasha Niva journalists are accused of organizing mass disturbances and actions violating public order  charges that carry a sentence of up to 15 years.

The crackdown on independent media in Belarus is continuing, said the association head, Andrei Bastunets. The authorities have decided that they can deprive millions of citizens of information. The authorities see journalists and independent information as their main enemies.
EDWARDSVILLE  Madison County Regional Superintendent Robert Werden has announced the winners of the Cahokia Mounds National Park Poster Contest.

The Regional Office of Education asked students to submit both a letter of support and a creative original poster supporting bill HR-2642 with the theme Help Make Cahokia Mounds a National Park.

Werden called upon all Madison County school administrators and teachers to strongly encourage the promotion of Bill HR-2642 campaign. The winners are as follows:

 First place winner: Lily Relleke, 11th grade from Granite City

 Second place winner: Luke Schaible, 6th grade from Highland

 Third place winner: Landon Hancock, 4th grade from Alton.

Werden thanked all of the students who sent in artwork and letters, as well as all administrators and teachers who encouraged students to participate in this contest.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP)  Finalists in the Scripps National Spelling Bee got a visit from one of the nation's most prominent educators: first lady Jill Biden.

The first lady met with spellers and their families before the bee Thursday evening and made brief remarks onstage. She planned to stay and watch the competition.

I wanted to be here personally to tell you that the president and I are so proud of all that you've accomplished, Biden said.

This year's bee was delayed because of the pandemic and all preliminary rounds were held virtually. Only the 11 finalists are competing in person, at an ESPN campus near Walt Disney World in Florida. The finals will be televised on ESPN2.

Biden previously attended the bee in 2009 in Washington. She is an English professor at Northern Virginia Community College, where she also worked during the eight years that President Joe Biden was vice president, and she has her own history in competitive spelling.

In sixth grade I was my school's spelling bee champion. I had a chance to go to the next level, but on the day of the regional competition, I told my mother that I was sick," she told the spellers. The truth was that I was too nervous to go, so I have incredible admiration for each and every one of you.

The first lady has kept a busy schedule, traveling around the country to promote her husband's policies and her own issues and causes.

___

Follow Ben Nuckols at https://twitter.com/APBenNuckols
HOUSTON (AP)  Authorities were searching Thursday for a man accused of shooting a teenager during what they say was a road rage incident that took place as a family was driving home following a Houston Astros game.

The 17-year-old was on life support at a hospital following the Tuesday evening shooting, according to Houston police.

The teenager's father was driving from Minute Maid Park when he exchanged hand gestures with the driver of a white, four-door Buick sedan with a sunroof, according to investigators. The 17-year-old was one of two passengers in a truck driven by his father, police said.

Police allege the driver of the Buick followed the family for several miles before firing several shots at their truck at around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

The teenager was shot in the head.

Authorities have not released the teen's name, but his family in a statement to KHOU-TV identified him as David Castro. His father, Paul Castro, said his family is devastated.

He didnt deserve to get shot, Paul Castro told KHOU. He is innocent. There are no words to convey the deep pain our family feels.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner asked the public for help in identifying and finding the shooter.

It does make you angry because it doesnt make any sense for anybody on the street getting engaged in any sort of situation where you have to revert to pulling a gun and start shooting. Thats totally unacceptable and never defensible, Turner said.
GODFREY  The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that intermittent lane restrictions will begin on Illinois 3 between Homer Adams Parkway in Alton and the Illinois 3/109 intersection on Monday, July 12, weather permitting.

Two-way traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers. These restrictions are needed to do pavement repairs; the work is expected to be completed by the end of July.
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.
EDWARDSVILLE  A Springfield, Illinois man faces felony charges after allegedly trying to run over a Troy police officer and attempting to flee from an Illinois State Police trooper.

Christopher J. Wortley, 35, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged July 7 with aggravated assault, a Class 2 felony, and two counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, both Class 4 felonies.

The case was presented by the Illinois State Police.

According to court documents, on July 5 Wortley knowingly drove a motor vehicle at and in the direction of a Troy police officer. He also allegedly tried to flee from a trooper, reaching speeds in excess of 21 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and damaging the troopers squad car in excess of $300.

Bail was set at $133,000.

Other felony charges filed July 7 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Aron M. Rodgers, 32, of Hamel, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony, and obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Hamel Police Department. On July 6 Rodgers allegedly shoved a Hamel police officer, causing her to fall backwards and furnished false information to the officer. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Christopher E. Hickman, 37, of Alton, was charged with possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated unlawful use of weapons, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On July 6 Hickman allegedly was found to have a loaded and accessible Hi-Point Model JCP .40 caliber handgun in his vehicle without a valid Firearm Owners Identification Card or concealed carry license; and the firearms serial number had been removed or obliterated. Bail was set at $25,000.

 Marcus L. Burns Jr., 25, of Godfrey, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 2 felony, and residential burglary, a Class 1 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On July 5 Burns allegedly entered a home in the 700 block of St. Anthony Drive, Godfrey, to commit theft; and he was in possession of a Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun. It was noted Burns has a prior felony conviction for residential burglary in Illinois, making him ineligible to possess weapons. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Evan L. Williams, 39, of Bethalto, was charged with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Bethalto Police Department. On Dec. 30 Williams allegedly failed to register within three days of moving to a new address. Bail was set at $25,000.

 Desmond D. Howard, 29, of Granite City, was charged with disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On July 6 Howard allegedly reported false report of an aggravated assault to a Granite City police officer. Bail was set at $15,000.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  A U.N. resolution proposed late Wednesday would allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to rebel-held northwest Syria through just one crossing point from Turkey for a year after objections to an initial Security Council draft that would have authorized sending aid through two border crossings.

Last week, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the original proposal by Ireland and Norway to reopen the Al-Yaroubiya crossing from Iraq to mainly Kurdish-controlled northeast Syria was a non-starter. Russia skipped consultations Tuesday on that draft and diplomats said China officially objected to the text with two crossings earlier Wednesday.

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, which is Syrias closest ally, 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 the number to just one crossing at Bab al-Hawa from Turkey to northwest Idlib.

Diplomats said the new draft resolution would keep the Bab al-Hawa crossing open for another year, which the U.N., U.S., many Western countries and humanitarian organizations say is critical.

Acting U.N. humanitarian chief Ramesh Rajasingham told the Security Council in late June that the failure to extend the mandate for Bab al-Hawa would disrupt lifesaving aid to 3.4 million people in need across the northwest, millions of whom are among the most vulnerable in Syria.

The 15 council members have until Thursday morning to object to the new draft, council diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because consultations have been private. The U.N. mandate for using the Bab al-Hawa crossing ends Saturday, and the council is expected to vote on a cross-border resolution Friday, they said.

Two weeks ago, Nebenzia told the Security Council that aid moving across conflict lines within Syria is the only legitimate option for a humanitarian operation to deliver assistance. He accused Western nations of wasting the past year that could have been used to find a seamless and constructive solution and an optimal balance of Idlibs procurement through both Bab al-Hawa and domestic channels.

Nebenzia also said U.S. and European Union sanctions put a heavy burden on every Syrian, saying: You blow the whistle regarding humanitarian access while pretending that the problem of Syrias suffocation with sanctions does not exist.

China said Tuesday it wants the Security Council to not only extend humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria from neighboring countries but to tackle the impact of Western sanctions and the need to expand deliveries across conflict lines, difficult requests with just a few days left before the mandate for Bab al-Hawa ends.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun told reporters after closed council discussions Tuesday that he hopes with more diplomatic efforts we can find a solution -- not just on cross-border aid.

For China, definitely we want to see a solution concerning unilateral sanctions, concerning cross-lines, concerning the transparency of the cross-border. Not just talking about cross-border but about the general situation in Syria, Zhang said.

In early July 2020, China and Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution that would have maintained two border crossing points from Turkey to the northwest. Days later, under pressure from both countries, the council authorized the delivery of aid only through Bab an-Hawa.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield warned after Tuesdays council meeting that Bab al-Hawa is a lifeline to millions of people in Idlib and if the crossing is closed, I think the repercussions are obvious: people will starve to death.

The U.S. initially called for three border crossings into Syria, but Thomas-Greenfield told reporters: We cannot accept less than what we have today, and thats one border crossing for 12 months thats providing support for millions of Syrians.

Whether Russia and China accept keeping Baba al-Hawa open for another year remains to be seen.

French Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere, the current council president, has warned that if humanitarian aid deliveries are allowed only across conflict lines -- and not from neighboring countries -- Western nations that provide 92% of humanitarian relief will stop the funding.
EDWARDSVILLE  Four people were charged with weapons-related felonies in Alton over the Independence Day weekend.

Sedarius D. Miles, 26, of Dallas, was charged July 6 with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated unlawful use of weapons and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, both Class 4 felonies.

According to court documents, on July 3 Miles allegedly was found to be in possession of a loaded and accessible 9 mm Smith & Wesson. It was noted Miles has a felony conviction for assault of a family out of Tarrant County, Texas in 2017, making him ineligible to possess weapons.

He also allegedly attempted to flee from an Alton police officer, reaching speeds in excess of 21 miles above the posted speed limit.

Bail was set at $75,000.

Rishard L. Crockett, 23, of Glenn Heights, Texas, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons, a Class 4 felony. On July 3 Crockett allegedly was found to be in possession of a loaded and accessible Romarm-Cugir Mini Draco AK-style pistol in a motor vehicle. Bail was set at $75,000.

CaiLynn R. Lytle, 23, of Wood River, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons, a Class 4 felony. On July 3 Lytle allegedly was found to be in possession of a loaded and accessible Springfield Armory Hellcat 9 mm handgun in a motor vehicle. Bail was set at $75,000

Jeramie L. Johnson, 24, of St. Louis, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons, a Class 4 felony. On July 4 Johnson allegedly was found to be in possession of a loaded and accessible Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun in a motor vehicle. Bail was set at $50,000.

Other felony charges filed July 6 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Dwayne R. McLemore, 30, of Cahokia, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Madison Police Department. On July 5 McLemore allegedly was found to be in possession of a Taurus Spectrum .380 caliber handgun. It was noted he has a prior conviction for criminal damage to government supported property out of St. Clair County in 2014, making him ineligible to possess weapons. Bail was set at $25,000.

 Ryan H. Smith, 29, of Granite City, was charged with aggravated assault, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On July 5 Smith allegedly pointed a Ruger LCP .380 caliber handgun at another person and in so doing shined or flashed a laser gun sight so the beam struck the victim. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Eric R. Burroughs, 22, of Granite City, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On July 4 Burroughs allegedly struck a family or household member in the face with a closed fist, causing tooth fractures. Bail was set at $75,000.

 Lamonica K. Parker, 20, of Normandy, Missouri, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Madison Police Department. On July 5 Parker allegedly struck a Madison Police Officer with her hand. Bail was set at $50,000.
PITTSTON TWP.  Sorry, you cant take that jar of raw honey in your carry-on bag as you prepare to jet off on vacation this summer. That bottle of marinade is out, too.

With air travel across the nation continuing to rebound as more Americans are vaccinated against COVID-19, the federal Transportation Security Administration is reminding travelers that, unlike some rules about mask wearing, there is one set of restrictions that has not eased  what people can bring with them on an airplane.

On Wednesday, TSA officials at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport laid out four bins filled with forbidden liquids, gels and aerosols that passengers had in their carry-on bags and surrendered to the agency at security checkpoints during the three-day Fourth of July weekend.

The display was part of an effort by the TSA to gently remind travelers who perhaps havent flown since the pandemic began about what is and is not permitted in carry-on bags and to offer an update on security checkpoint protocols.

I think its just when someone is planning a trip they are in vacation mode and they dont give it a second thought sometimes, Michael Kichline, TSAs assistant federal security director for the airport, said of the prohibited items.

The bins, set up on a table in the terminal lobby, held mostly beverages and oversized containers of toiletry items  shampoo, shaving cream, hair gel, toothpaste, hairspray, face and body lotion and sunscreen.

There were also a few oddities: two jars of honey, a bottle of salad dressing, a bottle of marinade, a can of dog food, a jar of preserves and a complete hair coloring kit.

You have to remember each one of these represents a bag check, which means the passenger was detained until we could find them, give them their options, and the folks decided to abandon them, Kichline said. Youre talking an extra two or three minutes of screening time for each item.

One passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols that are 3.4 ounces or smaller through a checkpoint as long as the item fits into a 1-quart-size resealable bag in what is known as the 3-1-1 rule, TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said.

The lone exception is liquid hand sanitizer, she said. A passenger may bring one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in a carry-on bag, though it must be screened separately at the checkpoint.

The TSA offers several ways for travelers to check whether an item is allowed in a carry-on bag, checked bag or either, Kichline said.

Both the agency website, tsa.gov, and the downloadable MyTSA app have a feature  What can I bring?  where a traveler can type in the name of the item and get an answer, he said. The agency will also answer inquiries on Twitter and Facebook Messenger.

Travelers who havent traveled recently from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will also notice some changes at the security checkpoints, including acrylic barriers to separate passengers from TSA workers, Kichline said.

He and Farbstein offered some other tips to make navigating the TSA security checkpoint easier:

Plan to arrive at the airport early. Kichline suggested travelers should get to the terminal at least 90 minutes before their flight.

Be prepared for your screening by knowing whats in your carry-on bag. If you havent used the bag in a year or two, take the extra time to check and make sure there is nothing in there that is prohibited or is a surprise to you when you get to the checkpoint, Kichline said.

Individuals in airports and on airplanes will be required to wear masks until at least Sept. 13, Farbstein said. She suggested packing an extra mask or two in case the need arises.

The TSA is taking steps to reduce touchpoints at checkpoints, and travelers should do the same. When the time comes to walk through the checkpoint screening equipment, travelers should remove keys, wallets, cellphones and all other items from their pockets and place those directly into their carry-on bag instead of the checkpoint bin, Kichline said.
A State Correctional Institution at Dallas inmate was charged Wednesday with murdering another prisoner over a dispute about phone use  while a correctional officer was simultaneously accused of instigating and allowing the deadly confrontation.

Inmate Nafese Antoine Pierce, 25, of Philadelphia, is charged with an open count of criminal homicide in the death of 24-year-old Edgar A. Gearhart. Correctional Officer Osmel Martinez, 25, was charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly laughing when he learned Gearhart had been stabbed and then allowing him to bleed out by purposefully delaying an emergency response.

Its extremely unusual, so I credit the investigators for uncovering this type of incident, Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce said, crediting Pennsylvania State Police and county detectives for their work. Especially, you can imagine, how difficult it is to get statements and evidence in such a circumstance.

According to the complaint, the deadly dispute began in the Jackson Twp. prisons G Block shortly after 7 p.m. Jan. 28, when Gearhart was using the phone.

Witnesses reported Gearhart was agitated and said he was going to slap the (expletive) out of the inmate who runs the phones. Gearhart, who was serving time for third-degree murder, also said he planned to settle the dispute with Pierce in his cell, outside the view of cameras, according to the complaint.

When Gearhart ended his call, Martinez asked if he had just taken a call, prompting Pierce to answer that it had not been his allotted time.

Why are you snitching and acting like a cop? Gearhart asked Pierce, according to the complaint.

Thats when Martinez chimed in, asking are you gonna let him talk to you like that? police allege.

Gearhart and Pierce got into an argument that another inmate broke up, according to the charges. When Pierce later told Martinez he planned to fight Gearhart, Martinez issued some cautionary advice, the complaint alleges.

Not down on the block, the complaint quotes Martinez as saying. Take it up to the cell.

Pierce then went up and got into a fight in Gearharts cell, emerging with a bloody lip, police said. After collecting a shank from another inmate, however, Pierce returned to Gearharts cell and began arguing anew.

Pierce then stabbed Gearhart in the neck and shoulder area before Gearharts cell door closed with Gearhart inside, according to the complaint.

Gearhart spit at Pierce and grabbed his shirt, tearing it down the middle, police said.

Later, Pierce approached Martinez saying he stuck him, prompting Martinez to laugh with him, according to the complaint. Martinez then manually unlocked Gearharts cell at Pierces request, the charges allege.

The complaint alleges Pierce entered the cell to clean up blood with a wet towel, and that he tried plugging the wound in Gearharts neck by packing it with Vaseline.

When an inmate eventually reported that Gearhart was unresponsive and gurgling, Martinez responded by saying, (Expletive) him. Let the next shift deal with it, according to the complaint.

The concerned inmate then told Gearharts cellmate he should report the situation unless he wanted to be locked down with a dead body, police said.

After hearing from the second inmate that Gearhart needed medical attention, Martinez completed a full pipe round  a circuitous tour of the full cellblock  before arriving at Gearharts cell, according to the complaint.

During questioning, Martinez initially told police Gearhart had been drunk on prison hooch and that he immediately called for medical upon discovering him face-down in the cell. Martinez also described Gearhart as being loud and annoying.

During a subsequent interview, troopers confronted Martinez on why he did not reveal he knew Pierce may have been responsible for Gearharts death. Martinez responded that it was just prison talk that he could not confirm, according to the complaint.

The charges allege that by condoning the fight and proposing the location, Martinezs actions recklessly and/or grossly negligently violated his job duties.

He is charged with misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, obstructing justice and unsworn falsification.

Magisterial District Judge Brian James Tupper arraigned Martinez on the charges Wednesday afternoon and set bail at $50,000.

Pierce, meanwhile, was charged with criminal homicide, procuring a weapon as an inmate and tampering with evidence for allegedly flushing the shank and his ripped sweatshirt down a toilet.

Tupper denied him bail due to the nature of the charges.

Both men were jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility with a preliminary hearing set for July 15.

According to court records, Pierce is currently awaiting trial in Philadelphia on forcible rape and sexual assault charges.

Gearhart, meanwhile, had been serving a 10- to 20-year sentence after pleading no contest to charges of third-degree murder and simple assault out of Northumberland County.

Gearhart stabbed and injured his mother, Amy Gearhart, and fatally stabbed her boyfriend Robert Knowledge Blake in Sunbury on March 18, 2015, according to The Daily Item in Sunbury.

He had been at SCI Dallas since June 2019, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

In court Wednesday, Martinez said he has been employed at SCI Dallas for three years.

Maria A. Bivens, spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections, said Martinez would be suspended without pay pending resolution of the case.
July 8, 1946

Mother Cabrini canonized

Mother Frances Cabrini was canonized a saint by Pope Pius XII in a grand ceremony held at the Basilica of St. Peters in Vatican City on July 7, 1946.

Cabrini was born in 1850 in Sant Angelo Logigiano. She founded her religious order, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in 1880.

She came to America in 1889 and started her work of opening schools and orphanages, and creating educational programs for Italian immigrants.

Her work brought her to Scranton in 1899. She would establish a school and convent that would go along with the church the Diocese of Scranton was opening for the citys Italian residents.

The congregation became St. Lucys, with the school and convent opening nearby on Chestnut Avenue. The convent was home to members of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

In 1913, Cabrini made a return visit to Scranton to check on the progress of the school and convent.

She died in Chicago in December 1917 at the age of 67. Cabrini was the first citizen of the United States to be canonized a saint.

In Scranton, the Most Rev. William J. Hafey, bishop of Scranton, said a solemn High Mass on July 7, 1946, in honor of Cabrinis canonization at St. Lucys Church.

The church was decorated with white and gold bunting and a large oil painting of Cabrini was hung over the entrance to the church.

The Mass and evening procession was the culmination of the 10-day novena that St. Lucys Church held in honor of Cabrinis canonization.

The procession featured adult and children groups from St. Lucys, the Cetta Band and a float carrying a new statue of Cabrini.

Butter is pricey, scarce in Scranton

Shoppers in Scranton were dealing with two problems in regard to butter.

The first was that butter was priced between 64 and 85 cents per pound, and second, there was very little to purchase.

The price increase and the limited quantities were believed to be caused by the lifting of the Office of Price Administration controls on the dairy product.

Grocery store chains Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. and Giant Markets both said they would be selling their butter for 64 cents per pound if they had some in stock.

Local A&P and Giant Markets managers said they were told butter was on the way, but they were unsure of what they would have to sell it for.

Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribunes expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden gathered top advisers in the Situation Room Wednesday to develop a strategy to counter increasingly brazen ransomware attacks by Russia-based hackers.

The meeting came as several recent attacks test the red lines set by Biden during his high-stakes summit with President Vladimir Putin of Russia last month.

The White House did not provide a list of attendees to Wednesdays meeting, which was planned for 9:30 a.m., but the key players were from agencies including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.

On Sunday, a Russia-based cybercriminal organization known as REvil claimed responsibility for a cyberattack over the long holiday weekend that has spread to 800 to 1,500 businesses around the world. It was one of the largest attacks in history in which hackers shut down systems until a ransom is paid, security researchers said.

Just days later, the Republican National Committee said Tuesday that one of its technology providers, Synnex, had been hacked. While the extent of the attempted breach remained unclear, the committee said none of its data had been accessed.

Early indications were that the culprit was Russias SVR intelligence agency, according to investigators in the case. The SVR is the group that initially hacked the Democratic National Committee six years ago and more recently conducted the SolarWinds attack that penetrated more than a half-dozen government agencies and many of the largest U.S. corporations.

It was unclear whether the REvil and RNC attacks were related. But they are a test for Biden just three weeks after he held his first meeting as president with Putin, one in which he demanded that the Russian leader rein in ransomware activities against the United States. At the meeting, Biden said later, he presented Putin with a list of 16 critical sectors of the U.S. economy that, if attacked, would provoke a response  although he was cagey about what that response would be.The newest attacks appeared to cross many lines that Biden has said he would no longer tolerate. On the campaign trail last year, he put Russia on notice that, as president, he would respond aggressively to counter any interference in U.S. elections. Then in April, he called Putin to warn him about impending economic sanctions in response to the SolarWinds breach.

The likely SVR breach of Synnex left unclear whether the RNC was the target or whether it was unintended collateral damage in a broader hack that may not have been directed at the Republicans.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
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.
In a bid to prevent the Keystone Sanitary Landfill from accepting 188 billion pounds of garbage over the next 40 years, landfill opponents appealed to the state Environmental Hearing Board this week to revoke Keystones expansion approval.

Citing leachate management, groundwater pollution, compliance issues, governmental oversight, odors, visual impacts, property values and other issues, attorneys for Friends of Lackawanna, a grassroots group formed in 2014 in opposition of the landfill and its expansion, filed an appeal with the hearing board Monday.

The hearing board is an independent, quasi-judicial agency made up of five full-time, governor-appointed judges who have jurisdiction to hold hearings and rule on orders, permits, licenses and decisions of the state Department of Environmental Protection, according to Pennsylvanias 1988 Environmental Hearing Board Act.

The appeal requests that the hearing board vacates the DEPs June 3 decision approving a major permit modification for the landfill in Dunmore and Throops Phase II expansion. The expansion allows the Louis and Dominick DeNaples-owned landfill to continue hauling in waste for the next four decades, totaling 94 billion tons through 2060. Under its modified permit, Keystone now has the capacity to triple its volume of trash.

The approval of the Phase III major modification of the KSL landfill is inconsistent with, and unreasonably infringes on the communitys constitutional right to clean air, pure water and the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment, attorney Mark L. Freed of Doylestown-based Curtin & Heefner LLP wrote in the appeal. Furthermore, the approval fails to protect the air and water natural resources in the area for the benefit of the community and future generations.

DEP spokeswoman Colleen Connolly acknowledged the appeal but said she could not provide additional comment.

The DEP is aware of an appeal filed by Friends of Lackawanna with the Environmental Hearing Board regarding the departments decision to issue a major permit modification to Keystone Landfill for its Phase III expansion in Lackawanna County, she said in an email. This is now a matter of litigation, so the DEP will have no further comment.

Mondays appeal is the second time Friends of Lackawanna has challenged the landfill before the Environmental Hearing Board.

The group appealed the DEPs renewal of the landfills operating permit in 2015. In 2017, the hearing board decided not to rescind the landfills operating permit, though it did require Keystone to prepare a groundwater assessment plan because of contamination a monitoring well had detected for 15 years.

Landfill consultant Al Magnotta argued that the allegations in the new appeal are the same as the allegations the hearing board rejected in 2017. In a written statement, Magnotta questioned the source of Friends of Lackawannas funding for its legal fees.

He pointed out that the group petitioned to be reimbursed for nearly $800,000 in legal fees following the 2017 ruling, and the board awarded them $17,801. He cited their tax exemption filings with the Internal Revenue Service that showed $262,219 in funding from 2014 through 2018.

In America with the Constitutional right to litigate comes the Constitutional right of the defendant to be face to face with the plaintiff, Magnotta wrote.

Pat Clark, a leader of Friends of Lackawanna, said they know the rules of nonprofit filings and follow them accordingly.

It never ceases to amaze me how the landfill likes to focus on the nonsubstantive issues, and our funding is just another example of that, he said. Theyre a billion dollar corporation wondering how a 100% volunteer-based nonprofit organization is fighting them. I take that as a compliment.

Clark said that while they are using many of the same arguments as their previous appeal, the standards are different when appealing an operating permit compared to appealing the expansion.

He said one of the hearing boards core findings in 2017 was that there was no record the DEP to use to deny the landfills permit because the DEP had failed in its obligation to inspect, enforce and record violations.

In the boards 2017 decision, Judge Bernard Labuskes Jr.  who is also assigned to the 2021 appeal  wrote, The (DEP) relies upon formal, memorialized violations in conducting its review of Keystones compliance history, but the department, with rare exceptions, never memorializes any of Keystones violations.

Since then, all theyve done is find problems, and all weve done is help uncover more problems, Clark said. A lot of those same issues have magnified, and all of those issues will exponentially magnify if this expansion is allowed.

Unintentionally coinciding with Friends of Lackawannas appeal, political activist Gene Stilp, a Northeast Pennsylvania native who now lives near Harrisburg, held a protest outside of the landfill Wednesday morning. Stilp, who described himself as a longtime opponent of landfills, said Dunmore police cited him for obstructing garbage trucks trying to enter the landfill.

I think its important to put your actions where your beliefs are  thats why I came up today, he said. It was an honor to support the efforts to block the expansion.
In December, I argued that the coronavirus vaccination campaign would be a test of who had the upper hand in the United States: the geniuses (not all of them American) who invented and produced these safe and effective vaccines in record time or the conspiratorial crackpots who believe internet rumors that vaccines are unsafe and unnecessary.

More than six months later, its evident that the forces of ignorance and irrationality are so strongly entrenched that no amount of scientific evidence and public exhortation will sway them.

The United States missed President Joe Bidens target for administering a vaccination shot to 70% of adults by July 4. Only 67% of adults have received at least one dose. That may not seem so bad, but the United States, after getting off to a fast start in its vaccination campaign, is once again falling behind its peers. According to The New York Times, the percentage of all Americans (not just adults) who have gotten at least one vaccine shot is only 55%  which places us at No. 28 in the world, behind countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and even Hungary.

The Biden administration, in cooperation with the states, has done a superb job of rolling out the vaccines. Pretty much anyone older than 12 who wants a shot can get one. The problem is that a significant percentage of the country refuses to get vaccinated. While young people and African Americans exhibit vaccine hesitancy, the most problematic group by far is Republicans. According to a new Post-ABC News poll, 86% of Democrats have gotten at least one vaccine shot, compared with only 45% of Republicans; 47% of Republicans say they likely wont get vaccinated, compared with only 6% of Democrats.

The states that have the lowest vaccination rates  Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Wyoming  all are Republican redoubts. Its no coincidence that many red states also saw the worst outbreaks of the disease in recent weeks: The average number of daily cases in the past 14 days has surged 145% in South Carolina, 137% in Nebraska and 121% in Arkansas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calculates that 99.5% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths in the past six months were among unvaccinated people.

Whats wrong with the people who arent getting vaccinated? Arent they worried about the far more transmissible delta variant? Data from Israel show that, while the Pfizer vaccine is only 64% effective in preventing delta-variant infection, it is 93% effective in preventing hospitalization. Thats still a powerful argument for vaccination. But 57% of Republicans in the Post-ABC poll say officials exaggerate the delta variants risk, compared with only 12% of Democrats. These Republicans have fallen victim to a virulent strain of misinformation circulating in the right-wing echo chamber.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, she of Jewish space lasers fame, tweeted on June 22, based on outdated guidance, that the WHO says children should not be vaccinated.  (The World Health Organization actually says that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is suitable for use by people aged 12 years and above.)

On July 3, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, tweeted: Ive been contacted by members of our voluntary military who say they will quit if the COVID vaccine is mandated. I introduced HR 3860 to prohibit any mandatory requirement that a member of the Armed Forces receive a vaccination against COVID-19. Numerous veterans pointed out that military members cant simply quit  that would be going AWOL  and that they already receive numerous mandatory vaccinations.

These despicable demagogues dont come out and simply say vaccines are dangerous. Rather, like many conspiracy mongers, they imply it by asking loaded questions. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, for example, recently sent letters to the CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna seeking answers about adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine. His demand for answers was then reported by Fox News, which has emerged as a superspreader of vaccine disinformation.

When Foxs top-rated bloviator Tucker Carlson is not busy fearmongering about immigration, he fearmongers about vaccination. He repeatedly has claimed, for example, that the administrations own data show a massive increase in deaths from coronavirus vaccines. Not quite. He cites uncorroborated reports that can be submitted by anyone. These raw numbers include people who died in car accidents or committed suicide after being vaccinated. Naturally, Carlson wont say if he has been vaccinated himself. He fearmongers for profit and political advantage.

Sadly, roughly one-third of the country is impervious to science and even self-interest. Thats a big problem for the rational rest. Widespread vaccine resistance ensures that COVID-19 will continue circulating as more virulent strains emerge. The only way we are likely to achieve herd immunity now is the hard way  by having a lot more people fall ill and die from the delta variant. The anti-vaxxers have a lot to answer for.

MAX BOOT is a Washington Post columnist.
Editor: President Biden is working on reestablishing and nurturing our relationships with our allies in the world.

We have recommitted the United States to backing our European allies against the influence and territorial ambitions of Russia and NATO is the key organization positioned to block Russian moves in Europe. It is also needed to help combat Russias cyberattacks on our infrastructure.

In Asia, China has significantly expanded its military reach in the South China Sea. Our support of Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan is critical to containing Chinas ambitions in the region. As a counterweight to China, we should probably encourage Japan to embark on a limited buildup of its military forces, especially its navy and missile capabilities. Additionally, we must counter Chinas pilfering of our intellectual property. South Korea needs ongoing support to deter North Korean threats.

In the Middle East, Iran poses a threat to its neighbors and to U.S. interests in the region. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and other countries in the region need our backing to counter Iranian moves. Israel is the only democratic country in the Middle East and it is a high-tech and military bulwark standing in the way of Iran and the Islamic terrorist factions that want to destroy the Western world. Israels survival is strategically important to the United states and the Western world.

We have to continue to support countries in South America and Central America to contain Cuba and Venezuela.

We are back as the leader of the free world.

DONALD MOSKOWITZ

LONDONDERRY,

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Editor: Reports from network television and newspapers indicate that rising sea levels have caused destruction or damage to some of Floridas barrier islands, which results in rising groundwater levels in the states coastal communities.

This double-fisted threat presents a new problem for towns along Floridas coastline. Many people would not at all be surprised if this turns out to be the ultimate cause of the recent condo collapse tragedy in the greater Miami area.

This will further present the case for the established fact that climate change and polar and glacial ice melt are real phenomena requiring immediate, urgent responses from all the worlds governments, especially the largest polluters. The Unites States is one of them, along with China and Russia.

ROBERT F. DeRIGGI

ARCHBALD

Editor: The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the American colonies separation from Great Britain and set an unchartered course in which, for the first time, the radical concept that governments  derived their just powers from the consent of the governed, became a national aspiration.

Patriots who adopted the Declaration of Independence were imperfect individuals, but without their courage the 13 colonies would never have coalesced to create the United States of America.

Yet it is easy to understand why many African and Native Americans, women, generations of immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community and other disenfranchised groups question the celebration of an occasion that set in motion a society that discriminated against them.

Countering those July Fourth critics are the America, love it or leave it and make America great again crowds that yearn for a return to what they perceive as a more utopian time  much of which never existed  when social conflict was curbed and community norms were imposed by a primarily white and Christian-centric culture. What both groups miss is Americas unique experiment in a civilian-sanctioned, representative democracy is a work in progress, constantly evolving as our nation becomes increasingly more diverse.

While unquestionably having provided greater individual freedoms and economic prosperity for more people than any other government in history, hopes to eliminate discrimination and guarantee equal opportunities and voting and other rights for all Americans still have a long way to go.

The 58 courageous signers of the Declaration of Independence agreed to mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor, knowing the penalty for their words and actions would be prison, torture or death if captured.

Sadly, few of our elected representatives would have the unselfish courage to advocate such principled and revolutionary policies and actions to achieve the Declaration of Independences sacred ideals.

DICK NEWBERT

LANGHORNE,

BUCKS COUNTY

Editor: Many years ago, people pledged allegiance to a person, rather than their country.

Fast forward to May 27 in Washington, D.C. Republican members of Congress essentially pledged allegiance to a person rather than the country they swore to serve by blocking the creation of a bipartisan panel to investigate the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

They are firmly determined to shift the political focus away from the violent insurrection by supporters of former President Trump. This is not a personal comparison to anyone today or to anyone in history, because that is something that will never be completely repeated.

But it does seem like just one page out of the history book. If you do not learn from history, you are bound to relive it.

JOE SKINNER

CLARKS SUMMIT
There never was any hope that Pennsylvania lawmakers would relinquish their control over drawing their own legislative districts, as some other states have done in the form of independent commissions comprising citizens rather than self-interested politicians.

Legislators ran out the clock last year on creation of such a commission, which would require a state constitutional amendment and its lengthy approval process. Reform advocates then urged the Legislature to pass the Legislative Congressional and Redistricting Act, which would create some public-interest parameters on redrawing state legislative and congressional districts, and would require much greater transparency.

A Senate committee approved the bill but it was left to die as lawmakers scurried away from Harrisburg for their eight-week summer recess.

When they return, legislators will begin the reapportionment process under the same process that they have used for generations.

If anyone doubts what a lousy process that is, consider that it was so bad a decade ago that the state Supreme Court prevented the implementation of heavily gerrymandered state legislative districts in 2012, and threw out the equally gerrymandered congressional map in 2018.

There is some hope this time, but it is because of circumstance rather than law or policy. Unlike a decade ago, when a single party controlled the legislative and executive branches, today there are Republican majorities in the House and Senate and a Democratic governor, Tom Wolf. Should the map have to be resolved by the Supreme Court, it has a Democratic majority.

The redistricting commission comprises the four Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate, and an independent chairman. This year, the chairman is Mark Nordenberg, former chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, who has vowed to conduct a transparent process.

Thats all to the good. But after the reapportionment, lawmakers should begin the amendment process for an independent commission. There will be no time constraints, and a fair process a decade from now will not affect most current legislators, who no longer will have to worry about choosing their own voters.
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.
Jet2 has revealed it slumped to a thumping 373.8million loss last year as Covid-19 forced it to ground its planes for months on end.

The airline said it had endured 'unparalleled operational and financial challenges' and only carried 1.32million passengers, marking a 91 per cent drop on the year before, when it carried over 14million people across its network.

The group had 370,000 package holiday customers travel on its planes last year, while the year before more than 3million people hopped on board for a break.

Details about how and when fully vaccinated travellers can return from certain countries without having to quarantine are to be set out later today by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Keen to move on: Steve Heapy, the boss of Jet2, called for 'openness and transparency' on coronavirus data

In its financial update today, Jet2 said it had accessed 1billion in additional funding through shareholder and bank support last year to help it survive the pandemic.

The holiday and travel sector has been weighed down by travel bans, uncertainty and rapid rule changes in the past year, prompting, in many cases, mass job cuts, and dwindling sales and profits.

Holidaymakers in England are currently following a traffic light system which dictates if they have to quarantine when they return home, and how many coronavirus tests they have to take.

Shares in the Leeds-based firm have fallen this morning and are currently down 1.05 per cent or 13.00p to 1,225.00p.

A year ago the group's share price was 763.50p, meaning it has risen by around 60 per cent since then.

Looking ahead, Jet2 said it was optimistic that the summer of 2022 would see a 'considerable improvement' in sales, when compared against last year and this year.

It said: 'We are confident that once normality returns, our Customers will be determined to enjoy the wonderful experience of a well-deserved Jet2 holiday and that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will continue to have a thriving future, taking millions of UK holidaymakers annually, to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and to European Leisure Cities and that Jet2 plc will emerge from this crisis an even stronger company.'

Last month, the cost-cost airline pushed back the resumption of flights and holidays from 24 June to 1 July, following government changes to travel lists, including switching Portugal from the 'green' list to 'amber'.

The firm's boss, Steve Heapy, called for 'openness and transparency' on coronavirus data so that the industry could better understand decisions affecting airlines and their customers.

But, remaining upbeat, Jet2 said today: 'We believe opportunities for a financially strong, resilient and trusted operators will only increase.'

Stinging loss: Jet2 slumped to a whopping 373.8m loss last year, today's figures show

Jet2's chairman, Philip Meeson said: 'Unsurprisingly given the continuing short-term uncertainty, customers are booking significantly closer to departure for summer '21.

'Bookings to date for winter '21/22 are satisfactory, they have slowed more recently given the ongoing speculation around international travel.

'Bookings for summer '22, for which package holiday bookings are displaying a materially higher mix of the total, are encouraging and with the vaccination progress being made, we are optimistic that summer '22 will be a considerable improvement.'

Neil Shah, director of research at Edison Group, said: 'With the past year being one of the hardest for the airline industry in the recent future, it is no wonder that Jet2 has reported a mixed set of results today.'

He added: 'With the majority of the UK anticipating positive news regarding foreign travel in the near future, Jet2, like many other airlines, will be looking to capitalise.

'However, it still looks that there may be some uncertainty regarding government restrictions, and a complete return to normality could be some way away.

'Undoubtedly there is a demand for tourists to head to the continent in the near future, however, with no firm rules from the UK government, and some form of restrictions looking likely to continue for the next month or so, this summer may not have the surge in popularity airlines like Jet2 were hoping for.'
Angelina Jolie wants to unfreeze the assets so she can sell her stake in Nouvel LLC

Angelina Jolie has asked a judge to let her sell her share of a wine business she owns with ex-husband Brad Pitt.

The filmmaker and campaigner wants to unfreeze the assets so she can sell her stake in Nouvel LLC, a Luxembourg-based company with interests in the Chateau Miraval vineyard, which she and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood star Pitt, 57, bought in France in 2011.

Jolie, 46, said she has an interested buyer but she claims to be worried they might back out if the assets remain frozen while Oscar-winner Pitts team considers the matter.

The actress has therefore filed a petition in Los Angeles calling for the temporary restraining order on their assets to be removed.

Jolie and Pitt, 57, were declared legally single in 2019.
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.'
Carrollton, GA (30117)

Today

Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.


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Nearly $4 billion in unclaimed property waiting to be claimed by Pennsylvania residents
Mountain Empire Transit riders in the Norton and Wise area will see a new brand on two of the system's METGo! vans.
Webster Groves, MO (63119)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 92F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Whats longer than the Leaning Tower of Pisa and has had residents around Kingston dreaming of St. Barts? An $83 million luxury yacht owned by billionaire George Argyros, a real estate investor who used to own the Seattle Mariners and was a U.S. ambassador to Spain.

The pleasure boat had locals buzzing in recent weeks as it sailed the Hudson and made stops along the coast near Kingston.

The Hudson River has long been a playground and passageway for boats  from kayaks and sailboats to tugboats and cargo ships  but a 248-foot luxury yacht with a gross tonnage of 2,200 definitely stands out against a landscape of dinghies and jetboats.

While Argyross ship wont be mistaken for Jeff Bezos $500 million superyacht, the vessel certainly knows how to bring the luxury all the same.

Formerly known as the Bella Vita, the Huntress costs about $765,000 to charter for one week, including a crew of 22, according to YachtCharterFleet, a comparison booking site thats similar to Kayak.com but for luxury yachts. Put your Black Amex away  this yacht isnt open for charters right now as Argyros checks out the Hudson Valley.

A Kingston resident who went to school with the yachts Woodstock-based captain, Lenny Beck, told Times Union: Hudson Valley that the Argyros yacht was sightseeing up and down the river, checking out some little towns for a couple of months.

The yacht has its own helipad and can accommodate 12 guests in six spacious cabins. Keep boredom in check by taking in the sights from one of the Huntress six decks, or perhaps indulge in its outdoor hot tub, movie theater, gym, beauty salon, or many water toys like jet skis and scuba diving equipment.

Overdo it on shrimp cocktail and champagne? If so  or even if not  skip the stairs and let the ships elevator whisk you to your cabin.

The Huntress is seaworthy: she can reach speeds of 24 knots and cover 7,000 miles. But why go all the way across the world when you can glide along the Hudson and take in the sights of Kingston and Saugerties?
HONG KONG (AP)  Nine people, including six secondary school students, were arrested in Hong Kong on Tuesday for allegedly plotting to set off homemade bombs in courts, tunnels and trash cans as political tensions rise in the city where China is tightening its grip.

Police said they were detained on suspicion of engaging in terrorist activity under a harsh national security law that Beijing imposed a year ago as part of a crackdown on dissent in the former British colony that has long enjoyed freedoms not seen on the Chinese mainland.

Hong Kong authorities have used the law, enacted in response to anti-government protests that rocked the city in 2019, to arrest many of the citys prominent activists. Others have fled abroad as a result.

If the allegations are true, the group appears to represent a more radical fringe of the protest movement, which has demanded broader democratic freedoms for Hong Kong just as its liberties are under threat. Police said the group was attempting to make the explosive triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, which has been widely used in bombings in Europe and elsewhere, in a makeshift laboratory in a hostel.

Police accused the group of planning to use the explosive to bomb courts, cross-harbor tunnels, railways and trash cans on the street to maximize damage caused to the society.

Since the 2019 anti-government protests, Hong Kong police have arrested several people over alleged bomb plots and for making TATP, including 17 detained that year in overnight raids that also seized explosives and chemicals.

Nine people between 15 and 39 years old were arrested Tuesday, according to Senior Superintendent Li Kwai-wah of the Hong Kong Police National Security Department.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam said at a weekly news briefing that she hopes the members of the public will openly condemn threats of violence.

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. They should not be influenced into thinking that they can find excuses to inflict violence.

Authorities said they seized equipment and raw materials used to make the TATP, as well as a trace amount of the explosive. They said they also found operating manuals and about 80,000 Hong Kong dollars ($10,300) in cash.

Police froze about 600,000 Hong Kong dollars ($77,200) in assets that they say may be linked to the plot. Authorities said all nine planned to set off the bombs and then leave Hong Kong for good.

The arrests come as China is increasing its control over Hong Kong, despite a promise to protect the city's civil liberties for 50 years after the citys 1997 handover from Britain. In the most glaring example of that campaign, police arrested at least seven top editors, executives and journalists of the Apple Daily newspaper, which was an outspoken pro-democracy voice, and froze its assets, forcing it to close two weeks ago.

Also Tuesday, Lam also said that an envelope of white powder had been sent to her office. Police said the substance was still being analyzed but that they did not believe it to be dangerous.
ALBANY  Albany County is preparing to pay more than $1 million to settle two separate lawsuits, including a second payment over allegations of brutality at the county jail.

The County Legislature is expected to approve the payments at its Monday meeting.

The larger of the two settlements will pay $750,000 to 11 New York City men to settle claims that county jail employees beat and abused the men who were transferred to the jail from Rikers Island in early 2018.

Representatives for the county and the legislature declined to comment ahead of the settlements being approved. An attorney for the 11 men and Sheriff Craig Apple did not return a request for comment on the jail lawsuit.

The settlement for former Rikers Island inmates is the second time in two years the county has agreed to pay out over the practice of accepting allegedly violent and problematic inmates from the New York City corrections system. In August 2019, the legislature approved a $960,000 settlement, which the county split with New York City. It was not immediately clear whether this second settlement imposed additional conditions on the practice of sending Rikers Island inmates to upstate jails.

The men who filed the lawsuit were among 24 Rikers inmates who were transferred to Albany County jail in 2018. Records indicate several of the inmates were sent to the upstate jail because they were accused of violence at Rikers or other jails.

The allegations in the second lawsuit mirror those of the four men who previously settled their claims in 2019. The men were transferred from Rikers Island with no notice to Albany County jail. When the men arrived, they were met by members of the jails Correctional Emergency Response Team who then allegedly beat them, hit them with stun guns and threatened to kill them unless they gave up any contraband they had hidden on them.

Jail records indicated makeshift weapons were recovered from some of them, according to previous Times Union reports.

The men also claim a jail nurse refused to treat their injuries, which allegedly included rectal bleeding, severe bruising and lacerations, beyond giving them over-the-counter pain medication. A previous Times Union investigation called into question the extent of the men's injuries, based on jail records.

The men were then placed in a special housing unit in solitary cells for 23 hours a day, including some who spent more than a year in the unit. Sheriff Apple previously said that it was the jails policy to put any inmate who had ever attacked a correctional officer anywhere into the special housing unit.

Attorneys for the men believe New York City officials shipped them to upstate jails to get around rules that limited solitary confinement for younger inmates in the citys jail system.

Albany County sheriff's officials have not disputed that physical force was used against many of the Rikers inmates. But they allege the officers' use of Tasers and "hand strikes" was justified when the inmates refused orders or allegedly attacked and spit at them, according to previous Times Union reporting.

Attorneys for the men have stood by their allegations.

That any of the Rikers detainees chose to spontaneously assault multiple officers wearing helmets and full riot gear while locked in a confined space is entirely unlikely. That all of them did so rises to the level of systematic fabrication, the second lawsuit states.

Debris injury claim

The second settlement the legislature is expected to approve will pay $385,000 to resolve allegations that county workers were negligent when they cleared ice and snow off the county courthouse roof in January 2019.

According to a copy of the complaint, Maureen Conley and her husband, Thomas Daley, were walking into the building on Lodge Street when the debris came crashing down near them.

Conleys lawsuit claims she fell trying to avoid the ice and snow and hurt her arm. Conley said she lost the use of her arm and that county employees did not block off that area of sidewalk or give any kind of warning that they were clearing off the roof.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  On Tuesday afternoon, as reporters and onlookers waited for Black Lives Matter activists to begin a press conference, the downtown of this city was buzzing.

Tourists with children in tow ambled past building adorned with American flags. Diners sat at outdoor tables, soaking in the summer sun and the surrounding scene. Residents strolled to downtown apartments. Workers exited their offices for the journey home.

It was the Saratoga we celebrate, the city that, with its downtown supermarket and glorious bookstore and packed restaurants, is the region's urban success story.

Thank you for reading! This is an excerpt from Chris Churchill's weekly newsletter. Sign up here, and it will arrive in your inbox every Friday.

But all is not as shiny and happy as it seems.

"Saratoga Springs is no longer the small city in the country where you can escape the big-city problems and violence," said Assistant Police Chief John Catone last week at a press conference called to address what he and Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton described as a crime wave, including a Caroline Street brawl that led to a stabbing.

Catone spoke with emotion about the violence, pausing as he choked up. He made an impassioned plea for more police on the streets, noting that the number of officers hasn't kept up with the city's rising popularity. He said combating crime required a communitywide effort and an all-hands-on-deck approach.

If Catone had stopped there, he might have done his police department and city some good. But Catone said more, much more.

"Why are we here today?" he asked. "We're here today because we have become a city at times filled with lies and hate and misinformation, a city where the voices of a few have created a narrative that label the men and women of this department as racist killers who should be defunded. And there are some people who are running for office in this city who have attached themselves to that narrative."

See what Catone did there? He essentially blamed criticism of the police department  speech, in other words  for crime, the reason we're here. It's quite an allegation, and what Catone said next was just as remarkable.

"I will in my final eight months on the job pull out every connection my family has made over the last 130 years and I will stop your narrative," he said, later adding: "You're either with us or you're not. And if you're not, you're part of the problem."

Judging by those words, Catone doesn't seem to understand that police in a free and open country don't prevent speech or stop narratives. (Police in totalitarian countries do that.) He doesn't get that Americans have the right to criticize their government, even in ways that are ugly and unfair.

And by asserting that you're either with us or you're not, Catone assumes it's impossible to simultaneously criticize and support police, just as Americans can love and question their country. In reality, little good comes from blind allegiance. Pointing out problems leads to solutions.

None of this is to say that Catone doesn't have the right to defend the police or argue on their behalf. It can't be easy to hear your colleagues and profession demonized, their work disregarded. (Journalists know something about that.)

But Catone threw gasoline on simmering tensions. He hardened feelings.

"You caused more division in this city," said Black Lives Matter activist Lexis Figuereo at the aforementioned press conference, called to address the assistant chief's comments. "We are here to fight for the underdogs and we're going to continue to do so," Figuereo added. "No threats are going to keep us from our mission."

Catone blew an opportunity, really. The success of former police captain Eric Adams in New York City's Democratic primary and Gov. Andrew Cuomo's new gun violence state of emergency are evidence of rising concern about crime. The public, I think, wants fair, good, honest and effective police.

Yet at times last week, Catone evoked a Deep South police chief confronting the civil rights movement. He spoke, for example, about "the silent majority" and "a narrative from a national stage." While he didn't explicitly blame outside agitators for the city's problems, his repeated references to gang members from Albany and his family's 130-year Saratoga Springs history certainly had an us-versus-them quality to it.

Maybe that isn't what Catone intended. But he has not, to my knowledge, expressed any regret in the nine days since his comments. I emailed him Wednesday to ask if there was anything he wanted to clarify or if his words had been misconstrued, but didn't hear back.

Meanwhile, there has been no pushback from Mayor Meg Kelly or Police Chief Shane Crooks, neither of whom returned requests for comment by deadline.

Kelly bizarrely tried to silence those agreeing with police critics during Tuesday nights City Council meeting. Crooks, it turns out, was camping in the wilderness when Catone made his inflammatory remarks as Dalton, the public safety commissioner and a mayoral candidate, nodded and amplified his words.

It's a little odd, when you think about it, that an assistant chief is speaking so aggressively while Kelly and Crooks stay quiet. The scenario suggests a leadership vacuum, and that crime on Caroline Street is hardly the only problem facing Saratoga Springs.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
SCHENECTADY  A protracted search for a new school leader exacerbated by a pandemic and other setbacks ended Wednesday with the unanimous appointment by the Board of Education of Anibal Soler Jr. as the districts new leader.

His selection follows an exhausting 16 months that began in March 2020 with the sudden resignation of Larry Spring, hundreds of layoffs and a failed search for a new leader. At that time, Spring was among the top paid school superintendents in the region, earning $204,061 annually.

Before the regular board meeting, Soler was introduced to a small crowd at the high school and fielded questions from the media.

In brief remarks, Soler, who has served since January 2020 as the superintendent of the Batavia school district, tackled a wide range of issues, including his leadership style.

This isnt a top down approach, I wont bring that type of approach, Ill be collaborative, but Ill always be grounded and centered around whats best for the kids, he said.

He acknowledged some healing has to occur in Schenectady. Soler also talked about the importance of equity and specifically racial equity in the pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 district of about 10,000 students that is planning to return to full in classroom instruction when school reopens in September.

We have a majority students of color in this district, we need to make sure they have access to high quality programs, that we have opportunities for them, said Soler. When we talk about racial equity, we have to make sure that we are having some tough conversations around our students of color and their achievements, and it isnt to place blame, but its to identify a challenge or an opportunity of growth and figure out what supports we can put in place.

He starts July 19 and will start off earning $215,000 a year. The four-year contract provides for yearly salary increases starting next year and a $7,500 moving expense to relocate to the Electric City .

Outgoing Board President John Foley said we wholeheartedly agree that we found the right leader for our district.

"Its been a long road to get here, but we are confident that our school community will agree with us, that it was well worth the wait and we finally arrived at the point that weve been hoping to get to for quite some time, said Foley. It has been a long challenging process, a long road that was impacted by the pandemic.

He said the guiding principles were what our school community told us they wanted, what they think is most important and will lead to the success of children overall.

Foley detailed the first hybrid search that included surveys, several focus groups, including students, parents, and faculty and staff that he said ultimately gave school officials a clear picture of what the community wanted in a leader.

Over last summer, he said, they reviewed candidate information and resumes and about two dozen community leaders had a chance to participate in interviews with the final candidates.

Earlier this year, contract negotiations with Spring's would-be successor Pedro Roman, the finalist in a search spearheaded by Capital Region BOCES, fell apart. Roman, a former Schenectady administrator, is an assistant superintendent in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.

Aaron Bochniak, who has led the Schenectady district since March 25, 2020, is leaving to take a job as an assistant superintendent with the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES. His last day is Aug. 31.

Once that happened, Foley said there was a sense of urgency to find a permanent superintendent.

That urgency played a critical role in our decision-making ... I think it was important that when we found the right person we took the action that we took to negotiate with them, he said.

In March, they launched a new search for a permanent superintendent while simultaneously beginning a confidential search for an interim.

He said they still had all the feedback from the first search and were not back to Square One and that Soler emerged as the top choice from an impressive pool of highly qualified candidates that Cathy Lewis later pegged at eight.

While Lewis said the selection process was not rushed, incoming Board Member Jamaica Miles said that roughly about half of the 38 individuals she spoke with over the weekend even knew there was a superintendent search.

I personally am not completely happy with the process, I believe there are far too many people in our district who were not aware of the process, and as recently as June, the conversation, there wasnt a decision made, and here we are just weeks later we have a candidate that well be voting on tonight, said Miles.

In introducing Soler, Lewis said he comes from the a small high needs district of Batavia in Genesee County, touting his accomplishments.

He has successfully moved schools that were designated by New York state as struggling or failing to schools in good standing, she said.  He is passionate about education and is an experienced leader in urban education, he is an advocate for equity, and he recognizes the vital need for strong and vigorous curriculum.

Before Batavia, Soler's online resume shows he was an assistant superintendent in Buffalo's public school system. Soler also has worked in the Rochester city school district.

Lewis was later elected the new board president and Bernice Rivera the vice president during the reorganization meeting that preceded the regular board gathering.
ALBANY  A former prosecutor testified Wednesday that a state correction officer told him he planted a weapon on an inmate in Auburn Correctional Facility in 2015 as part of a larger effort among prison officers to rid the jailhouse of gang members.

Brian Leeds, a former assistant district attorney in Cayuga County, told a civil jury in U.S. District Court in Albany he was preparing for an inmate's trial when Officer Matthew Cornell divulged the startling admission on Dec. 9, 2016. Leeds said Cornell told him officers in the maximum-security prison had boated a lot of the gang members from the prison by planting weapons on them.

What he told me was that he had put a weapon on a particular inmate, testified Leeds, now a public defender in Ontario County. I was internally shocked. It was not something that I was expecting to come out. To be honest, I didnt know how to process it.

The allegation surfaced at a civil trial where former Auburn inmate Donnesia Brown  not the person whom Cornell allegedly claimed to frame  is suing Cornell, alleging the officer deprived him of a fair trial.

The 52-year-old Brown testified Tuesday that on Jan. 21, 2016, Cornell planted a more than eight-inch sharpened toothbrush on him. Brown, who was serving time for second-degree robbery, said he later pleaded guilty to first-degree promoting prison contraband because he did not want to risk being convicted at trial. That carried the possibility of being a persistent felony offender, which carries a possible life sentence. He ended up serving nearly five months more in prison. His plans to get married were canceled.

Leeds said Cornell made the admission, then quickly backtracked and told Leeds he had misunderstood what he said.

Did you believe that Mr. Cornell just admitted to a crime? Browns attorney, Richard Levy asked Leeds.

Yes, Leeds responded.

Leeds' then-boss, District Attorney Jon Budelmann, wrote a letter to Cayuga County Court Judge Mark Fandrich telling the judge he would not oppose a motion to vacate the verdict in Brown's case because of "credible evidence" of evidence tampering based on Cornell's admission. It was one of nine cases in which Cornell was expected to be a critical witness. Budelmann did not oppose vacated guilty pleas in any of them.

Cornell, who graduated from Dryden High School in Tompkins County in 2002, joined the Army and served two tours in Iraq, took the stand later Wednesday, denying any planting of evidence or other wrongdoing. In at times colorful testimony, the former correction officer said Brown handed him the weapon, which Cornell said the inmate had been hiding in his buttocks.

An incredulous Levy asked Cornell if he was claiming that Brown walked more than 75 feet with the weapon lodged in his backside.

"Yes," Cornell insisted. "They do it all the time -- trust me! They call it sandwiches."

Levy grilled Cornell on his alleged admission that he and other officers planted evidence to "boat" gang members from Auburn.

"No, I would not boat them out," Cornell replied. "Never happened."

Cornell told Levy: "That's not how it works."

"Well, how does it work?" Levy asked the former officer.

"I don't know. I was just an officer," Cornell replied.

Levy asked Cornell why contraband, including a jigsaw blade, was discovered in his locker and his car. Cornell replied that it "wasn't a big deal."

And the lawyer confronted Cornell with statistics that showed he wrote 19 misbehavior reports on inmates for carrying weapons in 2015 and 23 such reports in 2016. The next closest officer in Auburn had written nine in 2015 and seven in 2016.

"Can you explain the discrepancy?" Levy asked Cornell.

"Without trying to boast," Cornell replied. "I was pretty good at my job."

Cornell, who resigned in 2018, faced no charges. He testified that he is now residing in his mother's home.

Assistant Attorney General Aimee Cowan, representing Cornell, told the jury in her opening statement on Tuesday it was "pretty absurd" to believe that Cornell would admit to an assistant district attorney that he had planted evidence.

On cross-examination, Cowan asked Leeds if there was any recording of the conversation.

She asked Leeds if he had any evidence that Brown had been in a gang  which officers were allegedly trying to get out of the prison.

No, Leeds replied.

The jury was expected to begin deliberations Thursday following closing arguments and instructions from U. S. District Judge Mae DAgostino.
ALBANY  A civil jury in U.S. District Court on Thursday cleared a former state correction officer of the allegation he planted a weapon on an inmate in Auburn Correctional Facility in 2016.

The six-member panel of three women and three men delivered its verdict to U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino in favor of former Auburn prison Officer Matthew Cornell after roughly five hours of deliberation.

The plaintiff, Donnesia Brown, 52, had sued Cornell, arguing his right to a fair trial was violated by the officer's alleged planting of evidence on him in the maximum-security prison in Cayuga County on Jan. 21, 2016. Brown, who was serving time at the prison for second-degree robbery, testified that Cornell planted a more than eight-inch sharpened toothbrush on him.

Brown, who later pleaded guilty to first-degree promoting prison contraband, was sentenced to two to four additional years in prison. Brown testified the additional time cost him nearly five more months in prison and cost him plans to get married.

Brown's contraband conviction was tossed after former Cayuga County prosecutor Brian Leeds revealed in December 2016 that Cornell had allegedly told him he planted evidence on a separate inmate at the prison in 2015. Leeds, now a public defender in Ontario County, testified Wednesday that Cornell told him that correction officers at Auburn had planted evidence on inmates to rid the lock-up of gang members.

The admission led Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann to inform Cayuga County Court Judge Mark Fandrich his office would not oppose a defense motion to vacate the verdict in Brown's case because of "credible" proof of evidence tampering based on Cornell's remarks. Brown's case was one of nine in which Cornell was expected to be a critical witness. Budelmann's office did not oppose vacated guilty pleas in any of those.

Cornell, a Tompkins County resident who joined the Army and served two tours in Iraq, testified Wednesday and denied any wrongdoing; he said Leeds was lying. The ex-officer, who resigned in 2018, testified that Brown hid the weapon in his buttocks, then willingly handed it over during a search.

Cornell was represented by Assistant Attorney General Aimee Cowan. Brown was represented by Brooklyn-based attorneys Richard Levy and Harris Marks.
ALBANY  The state is set to receive nearly half a billion dollars in settlement funds related to the opioid epidemic, following the latest $200 million settlement New York Attorney General Letitia James agreed to with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family.

The settlement is a part of a $4.5 billion agreement that includes 15 of 26 states that sued Purdue for its role in fueling the opioid crisis. The case was settled out of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains.

The deal is to get money into the hands of recovery and treatment efforts faster than previously expected, although James and other attorneys general lamented that it is not as much money as they had wanted, and does not include an explicit admission of guilt from the Sacklers for the damage that stemmed from their company's aggressive marketing and distribution of OxyContin.

"Clearly no one is happy with the settlement," James said in a Zoom news conference Thursday. "Can the Sacklers do more? Hell, yeah. They can do a lot more. But it should first begin with an apology."

James, a Democrat who some political observers speculate could run for governor next year, said that while she respects those nine states that have not joined in the settlement, "Litigation can go on for years. ... It was really important for New York to get these resources to them as soon as possible."

The money will flow into the newly created Opioid Settlement Fund, which state lawmakers agreed to this year to try to ensure the money from the settlements goes directly to treatment and other recovery-related services. A 21-member advisory board will have the ability to decide where the funds go.

The bill creating the settlement fund was signed into law by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo last month, but the advisory board is to still be formed.

"The families and loved ones who have been impacted by this crisis deserve justice and this agreement with Purdue is just the first step in affording some measure of accountability for the human and finical toll they have inflicted," Cuomo said in a statement that did not mention James, whose office is overseeing investigations into sexual misconduct allegations against the governor as well as whether state resources were used to produce his COVID-19 memoir.

The settlement shuts down Purdue Pharma; stops the Sackler family from putting its name on institutions such as museums for the next nine years; and compels the company to release tens of millions of documents that attorneys general said will show the intentional role the family played in fueling the opioid crisis.

The sum of at least $200 million from Purdue and the Sacklers joins opioid settlement money of $230 million from Johnson & Johnson and $32 million from McKinsey & Company, Inc., totaling $462 million.

James emphasized Thursday that she hopes to deliver more money from Purdue.

"The families can take some closure in the fact that perhaps we can save some other people in the anguish and heartaches that they went through," said state Sen. Peter Harckham, D-Westchester.

"To the families I speak with, this is really blood money," he added. "They want to see that the heartache that happened to them does not happen to other families."

Harckham, who chairs the Senate committee handling alcoholism and substance abuse, hopes that the advisory board members can commit money to the continuum of care needed for the recovery process  providing housing, medically assisted treatment and targeted treatment for those coming out of the correctional system.

He recalled a mother he spoke with recently who lost her 18-year-old son to an overdose during the coronavirus pandemic, when mental health and substance abuse issues have spiked. Speeding the money into worthy programs reduces future suffering that much quicker, he said.
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.
Elizabeth Jean Lough Batson, age 93 of Metz, WV passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at John Manchin Sr. Assisted Living in Farmington. She was born September 5, 1926 in Marion County, WV, a daughter of the late Samuel Harold Lough and Roxie Arthelia Talkington. She is survived by two siblin
Comedian Bill Cosby, center, and spokesperson Andrew Wyatt, right, approach members of the media gathered outside Cosbys home in Elkins Park, Pa., Wednesday, June 30, 2021, after Pennsylvanias highest court overturned his sex assault conviction.
Today

Areas of dense morning fog. Partly cloudy. High near 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 66F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High near 80F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
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Court: DNR can impose farm conditions, consider well impact

The state Supreme Court says state regulators can impose operating conditions on factory farms and consider high-capacity wells' cumulative environmental impacts when weighing whether to grant permits
Arizona's Democratic secretary of state is asking the Republican state attorney general to investigate whether former President Donald Trump and his allies broke the law in their efforts to pressure Maricopa County officials after the 2020 election
[July 08, 2021] AANA-VirtaMed Collaboration Results in Better Surgical Training

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. "Realistic simulators are a critical part of training for Orthopaedic Surgeons," Joseph C. Tauro, M.D., AANA Board Member explains. "They allow for repetition, show critical steps and give feedback on performance. AANA is leading the way in surgical skills training." Andre Niederberger, PhD, Senior Product Manager for Orthopedics at VirtaMed, noted that "the collaboration between VirtaMed and AANA's 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." 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.



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. 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 (News - Alert) ), and the knee and shoulder joints.

The new hip module will be unveiled at this year's AOSSM-AANA Combined 2021 Annual Meeting held in Nashville, Tennessee, July 7 -11, 2021. Live demonstrations will be held at booth 313 and can be reserved at virtamed.com. ### 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005142/en/

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[July 08, 2021] AFV Beltrame Group decides to invest 250 million euros in an eco-friendly rebar and wire rod factory in Romania, unique in Europe

VICENZA, Italy, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After a comprehensive feasibility study, AFV Beltrame Group, one of the largest producers of steel bars and special steels in Europe, approved an investment of 250 million euros to build an eco-friendly rebar and wire rod factory in Romania. The new production facility will be developed through a greenfield investment. The eco-friendly factory will be designed to generate the lowest emissions in a steel production unit in the world, both in terms of greenhouse gases and suspended dust particles. Also, water consumption will be minimal. The facility developed by AFV Beltrame Group will have a production capacity of approximately 600,000 tons / year. "The steel industry is one of the most polluting, and its current challenge is to meet the targets set by the EU Green Deal in terms of reducing emissions and its overall environmental impact. Developing this high-efficiency production facility is a project in which I invested a lot of work, time and edication, with the vision to drive the industry's progress, in line with future trends and demands. The financial support of the Beltrame Group shows its commitment to achieve environmental goals, harness local resources, and to encourage the circular economy. The internal production of rebar and wire rod has the potential to become a pillar for the Romanian economy," said Carlo Beltrame, Country Manager AFV Beltrame Group in France and Romania.



The innovative technology, developed in the last two years, sets an unprecedented technological progress in the steel sector, in the last decades. It has the potential to set new standards worldwide and to place Romania at the forefront of innovation in the production of 'clean' or 'green' steel. In the construction sector, the internal use of rebar and wire rod amounts to about 1.4 - 1.5 million tons per year. This is expected to increase over the next 10 years at least, mainly due to governmental investments in public infrastructure.

In Romania, AFV Beltrame Group owns the steel plant Donalam, specialized in the production of hot rolled steel bars and special steels, from oil and gas, automotive, large mechanical and hydraulic equipment, to agricultural machinery and equipment. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/afv-beltrame-group-decides-to-invest-250-million-euros-in-an-eco-friendly-rebar-and-wire-rod-factory-in-romania-unique-in-europe-301328160.html SOURCE AFV Beltrame Group

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[July 08, 2021] Astranis Begins Final Assembly of Alaska Satellite Following Successful Test of Software-Defined Radio Payload

Astranis, the company building the next generation of telecommunications satellites, announced today that it has begun final assembly of its satellite for Alaska. The satellite is slated to ship out later this year for launch on a SpaceX (News - Alert) rocket and begin service from geostationary orbit (GEO) in early 2022. This will be the first time Alaska has ever had its own dedicated satellite, providing broadband internet across the state. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005322/en/ Astranis's Alaska Satellite in the cleanroom of their San Francisco facility. (Photo: Business Wire) Beginning final assembly is an important milestone in the manufacturing of Astranis's first commercial satellite, and follows a successful end-to-end payload test that showed a capacity 20% greater than the spec. The end-to-end payload test was an integrated test of the flight payload hardware, across the full receive and transmit chains, including the Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), upconverters, downconverters, Traveling Wave Tube Power Amplifiers (TWTAs), and Astranis's ultra-wideband Software-Defined Radio digital processor. The Astranis Software-Defined Radio is a proprietary technology entirely designed, built, and space-qualified by Astranis over the past four years. It uses the latest technology in digital signal processing to provide frequency flexibility across 2.5 GHz of spectrum, create thousands of independently routable channels, maximize spectral effiiency, and enable reconfiguration on orbit.



Astranis CEO John Gedmark said, "It's hard to overstate the importance of this test of the satellite's performance: we expected to be able to deliver 7.5 Gbps to Alaska, and it looks like we will ultimately deliver as much as 20% more, or around 10 Gbps. That means the Astranis-PDI partnership will bring affordable broadband to that many more people. The Astranis technical team has done an incredible job executing to get us here, and we're excited to start service soon." This end-to-end payload test follows months of rigorous testing and review to ensure the program's success, including a Critical Design Review hosted by former NASA Administrator Dan Goldin, and successful qualification testing of a full-scale prototype, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and acoustic testing.

Given Alaska's rugged terrain and remote population centers, the state has long faced one of the sharpest digital divides in the United States. According to Broadband Now, 39% of Alaskans are underserved when it comes to internet access - the highest rate of any state. The Astranis satellite will roughly triple the currently available satellite capacity in Alaska while also bringing costs down to one third of current pricing for both residential and wholesale customers. Pacific Dataport Inc. CEO Chuck Schumann said, "The PDI team is very pleased with Astranis's steady, methodical progress towards delivering this much-needed and game-changing satellite to orbit. We know Astranis is working around the clock to ensure that this program is a resounding success, and it's inspiring to see such a strong, concerted effort focused on a state traditionally overlooked by major satellite players. This Astranis satellite is built for Alaska, and we are eager to see it head to our orbital location directly in line with Alaska." Astranis's Alaska satellite, named Arcturus after the brightest star in the northern hemisphere, will serve as the first satellite of Pacific Dataport, Inc.'s Aurora system. About Astranis Astranis is building small, low-cost telecommunications satellites to connect the four billion people who currently do not have access to the internet. Each spacecraft operates from geostationary orbit (GEO) with a next-generation design of only 400 kg, utilizing a proprietary software-defined radio payload. This unique digital payload technology allows frequency and coverage flexibility, as well as maximum use of valuable spectrum. By owning and operating its satellites and offering them to customers as a turnkey solution, Astranis is able to provide bandwidth-as-a-service and unlock previously unreachable markets. This allows Astranis to launch small, dedicated satellites for small and medium-sized countries, Fortune 500 companies, existing satellite operators, and other customers. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with a team of over 150, including world-class engineers from SpaceX, Boeing, Skybox, Qualcomm, Apple, and Google (News - Alert) . Astranis has raised over $350M from top Silicon Valley and growth investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Venrock, and BlackRock. About Pacific Dataport PACIFIC DATAPORT INC. (PDI), located in Anchorage, Alaska, is focused on providing affordable middle mile and last mile broadband using the newest satellite technology. PDI clients include telecoms (wired & wireless); health clinics, schools; libraries, governments (Tribal, local, state & federal); and Alaska Native Corporations, Villages, and Tribes. PDI is launching the Astranis GEO HTS satellite as part of the Aurora project designed to bring broadband to all of Alaska. The Aurora Network will increase Alaska's middle mile broadband capacity to deliver more affordable, high-quality broadband to ALL Alaskans, regardless of location. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005322/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Bank of Bird-in-Hand Announces New Branch, Special Cash Dividend, and Future Capital Offering

Bank of Bird-in-Hand (the "Bank") announced that its latest brick-and-mortar branch located at 1795 W. Main Street, Ephrata, PA is expected to open on July 19, 2021. The Ephrata Branch will be the Bank's fourth traditional branch office. In addition, the Bank also operates three mobile bank branches serving 16 locations in Lancaster and Chester Counties. Further, the Bank reported that on June 23, 2021 the Board of Directors of the Bank declared a special cash dividend of $0.22 per share of common stock to shareholders of record as of August 13, 2021, and payable on September 1, 2021. Finally, the Bank revealed that it intends to undertake a common stock offering commencing in September 2021 to further support the Bank's continuing growth and to avail itself of market opportunities. The currently expected range of the offering is anticipated to be between $15 million and $25 million in the aggregate. The offering price per share is expected to be finalized in late August and is currently expected to be in a range of $22.00 to $25.00 per share. Offering terms are expected to be finalized in late August or early September. "We are excited to be able to simultaneously announce the special cash dividend and the upcoming capital raise," remarked Lori A. Maley, CPA, President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Bank. "In addition, our strong overall growth and mounting demand in the Ephrata market warrants opening a traditional branch in the community. It will help us meet the growing needs of our current customers and provide a convenient platform to add new customers." "Furthermore, our remarkable and outstanding financial performance since our founding in December of 2013 provides us the opportunity to declare a special cash dividend. This dividend is a reward to our loyal shareholders based upon the continued growth and profitability of the Bank that reinforces our goal of creating long-term shareholder value through responsible capital allocation. This special cash dividend would not be possible without the steadfast support of our shareholders and the hard work and dedication of all our employees and the Board of Directors," Ms. Maley continued. Kevin J. McClarigan, Chairman of the Board, noted that "Over the past seven years, our Bank has consistently achieved above peer organic growth which the Board of Directors believes warrants us to raise capital to plan for additional future growth. The additional capital will help the Bank maintain a strong foundation on which to grow and provide the resources needed to meet the long-term goals of the Bank which include, among other things, further loan growth and additional unidentified fixed and mobile branch locations." He added, "The entire Board of Directors is very pleased and excited by the community's continued support of the Bank, its mission, our past capital raises, andour unique business model. We are committed to build upon that success and raising additional capital will help us continue to grow and better serve the community."



Bybel Rutledge LLP, Lemoyne, Pennsylvania is serving as legal counsel to Bank of Bird-in-Hand in connection with the stock offering. THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE COMMON STOCK. THE OFFERING IS BEING MADE ONLY BY THE WRITTEN OFFERING CIRCULAR WHEN AVAILABLE.

About Bank of Bird-in-Hand Bank of Bird-in-Hand is a community-owned bank serving Lancaster County and western Chester County with a strong focus on agricultural, small business, and consumer lending. Its main branch and office is located at 309 North Ronks Road, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. It operates additional branches at 3540 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 and 3314 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, PA 17562. The Bank also operates three mobile bank branches called the GELT or Money Buses which have a schedule of hours of operation at 16 locations in Lancaster and Chester Counties. As of June 30, 2021, Bank of Bird-in-Hand had total assets of approximately $665 million, total deposits of approximately $555 million, total net loans of approximately $584 million, and total shareholders' equity of approximately $80 million. A Warning About Forward-Looking Statements In addition to historical information, this document may contain forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (a) projections or statements regarding future earnings, expenses, net interest income, other income, earnings or loss per share, asset mix and quality, growth prospects, capital structure, and other financial terms, (b) statements of plans and objectives of management or the Board of Directors, and (c) statements of assumptions, such as economic conditions in the Bank's market areas. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "intends," "will," "should," "anticipates," or the negative of any of the foregoing or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussion of strategy. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties such as local economic conditions, competitive factors, and regulatory limitations. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. They only reflect management's analysis as of this date. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following: the effects of economic conditions particularly with regard to the negative impact of severe, wide-ranging and ongoing disruptions caused by the spread of and governmental responses to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on current operations and customers, specifically the effect of the economy on loan customers' ability to repay loans; the effects of new laws and regulations, including the impact of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act and Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; effects of short- and long-term federal budget and tax negotiations and their effect on economic and business conditions; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters; the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds and other financial institutions operating in our market area and elsewhere, including institutions operating locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, together with such competitors offering banking products and services by mail, telephone, computer and the internet; technological changes; the interruption or breach in security of our information systems and other technological risks and attacks resulting in failures or disruptions in customer account management, general ledger processing and loan or deposit updates and potential impacts resulting therefrom including additional costs, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses; ineffectiveness of the business strategy due to changes in current or future market conditions; the effects of competition, and of changes in laws and regulations on competition, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; interest rate movements; difficulties in integrating distinct business operations, including information technology difficulties; disruption related to the processing of transactions, making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers and employees, and challenges in establishing and maintaining operations in new markets; volatilities in the securities markets; slow economic conditions; and acts of war or terrorism. The Bank does not revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or changed circumstances. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005149/en/

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[July 08, 2021] CEO Neha Bahl departs Toronto Business Development Centre

TORONTO, July 8, 2021 /CNW/ - Chief Executive Officer, Neha Bahl departs Toronto Business Development Centre after a three-year tenure during which she helped transform the organization into a leading destination for international entrepreneurs exploring global markets. "It was a transformation phase for TBDC to re-establish itself in the international start-up ecosystem," said Bahl. "It was an amazing experience to contribute to economic development in Canada by engaging start-ups from across the world and attracting them to this market." Funded by the City of Toronto and Provinc of Ontario, TBDC is the city's first Business Incubator and a designated organization for Canada's Start-Up Visa program. Since her appointment as CEO, Bahl's strategic vision and vast knowledge in the start-up and entrepreneurial space propelled the progress of TBDC's mandate and the expansion of its programs. Under Bahl's leadership, TBDC approved 100 international start-ups to expand into the North American market. This includes businesses from over 15 countries, in over 20 different sectors. Bahl also secured multiple national and international partnerships, including Startup India, Cisco Launchpad, FICCI, Indigram Labs and more. Most notably, a partnership between TBDC and City of Brampton, which led to the inception of BHive; a Brampton Incubator program assisting international entrepreneurs in entering the Canadian market. Bahl departed TBDC on June 30, 2021 to pursue other opportunities.



Prior to TBDC, Bahl successfully founded Commence Mint, an India-based Accelerator and Pre-Seed fund, that aimed to enable early-stage companies to transform their disruptive technologies into global businesses. Since immigrating to Canada in 2018, Bahl has made a significant impact on the Canadian start-up ecosystem, and will continue to do so through upcoming projects. She is committed to continue helping entrepreneurs compete and grow on a global scale. "There are a lot of gaps to be addressed in the start-up ecosystem while the market borders phase out, and I'll begin my next adventure with a venture fund that will focus on immigrant entrepreneurs looking to establish in Canada for North American Market access" added Bahl.

____________________________________ About Neha Bahl

Bahl is an accomplished leader with expansive knowledge in technology, business, and entrepreneurship. She has over 12 years of experience in strategic planning, business consulting, and marketing. She's worked with over 3000 entrepreneurs and supported start-ups to scale, raise funds, and disrupt global markets. SOURCE Neha Bahl

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[July 08, 2021] Companies from Laurier's Lazaridis ScaleUp program surpass $1 billion in funding

WATERLOO, ON, July 8, 2021 /CNW/ - Lazaridis ScaleUp program companies have surpassed $1 billion in new capital raised. The milestone represents the collective achievements of 62 participating companies since the program began in 2016 at the Lazaridis Institute for the Management of Technology Enterprises at Wilfrid Laurier University. "The Lazaridis Institute is unequivocally and emphatically fulfilling its mission," said Micheal Kelly, dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. "We set out to increase Canada's prosperity by helping Canadian tech entrepreneurs scale and compete internationally. One billion dollars in funding represents a lot of scaling." Lazaridis ScaleUp alumni who have recently attracted significant funding include Calgary's Symend ($124.5M); Maple ($74M) and Essential Accessibility ($92M) in Toronto; Vendasta ($167M) in Saskatoon; and Terramera in Vancouver ($79.6M). Lazaridis companies represent some of Canada's leading scale-ups in sectors ranging from medical devices (Flosonics, ODS Medical) and greentech (Vive Crop Protection, Flashfood, Questor) to software (Symend, Vendasta, Jane) and marketplaces (Dozr, Voices, RVezy). Lazaridis ScaleUp is a national progrm, with alumni companies thriving from Victoria, B.C. to St. John's, N.L. Thirty-four per cent of Lazaridis ScaleUp companies are founded by women.



Lazaridis ScaleUp participants have attracted investments from high-profile Canadian venture capital investors (OMERS Ventures, Real Ventures, iNovia, Garage Capital); top-tier U.S. investors (Greylock, Kleiner Perkins, Y Combinator); and global strategic investors (Nikon, BMW, IKEA). Prominent angels, including Markus Frind, Michelle Romanow and Mark Cuban, have also invested in Lazaridis ScaleUp companies. The Lazaridis Institute was established in 2015 with the generous support of Mike Lazaridis and the Ontario government. The Lazaridis ScaleUp program was launched in 2016 to help high-potential Canadian companies transition from founder-led organizations to scalable businesses that can successfully compete in global markets. Lazaridis ScaleUp is a non-profit and does not charge fees or take equity from participating companies.

"We're honoured to work with these brilliant and ambitious companies," said Kim Morouney, managing director of the Lazaridis Institute. "More than $1 billion in investment in under five years is a strong indication that Canadian scale-ups, with the right support, have the ability to successfully compete anywhere in the world." Morouney points to recent policy research from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy that argues government should prioritize scale-ups as the most effective way to increase productivity, support job growth and bolster post-pandemic economic recovery. "Canada has a vital ecosystem for startups and unlimited potential," said Morouney. "But when startups hit the critical inflection point  when growth rates double, and double again  the support they need has traditionally been much harder to find. Lazaridis ScaleUp addresses that gap by connecting founders with experienced mentors who can help them build the systems and structures they need to sustain rapid growth. With access to our network of experts, Lazaridis ScaleUp companies are showing that they can expand and succeed globally without having to relocate outside of Canada." About the Lazaridis Institute Housed in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada, the Lazaridis Institute combines scholarly research, real-world market analysis and industry best practices to identify obstacles to global competitiveness and optimize the management of high-growth technology companies. The Lazaridis ScaleUp program is sponsored by Borden Ladner Gervais, Boast.AI and Deloitte. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/companies-from-lauriers-lazaridis-scaleup-program-surpass-1-billion-in-funding-301328320.html SOURCE Wilfrid Laurier University

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[July 08, 2021] Evercore Wealth Management Appoints Justin Miller as Partner and National Director of Wealth Planning

Evercore Wealth Management today announced the appointment of Justin Miller as Partner and National Director of Wealth Planning. Mr. Miller will additionally serve as a Senior Wealth and Fiduciary Advisor at the San Francisco office of Evercore Wealth Management and Evercore Trust Company, N.A. Mr. Miller joins Evercore from BNY Mellon Wealth Management, where he worked as a national wealth strategist, advising clients on tax, trusts and estates, charitable planning and family governance. Prior to joining BNY Mellon in 2011, he worked at Wells Fargo (News - Alert) and, earlier, at Sidley Austin, where he began his career as a tax attorney. "Justin is a welcome addition to our growing national team," said Chris Zander, CEO of Evercore Wealth Management and Evercore Trust Company. "His deep industry knowledge, broad professional network and positive attitude make him a terrific fit for our firm." Mr. Miller is an adjunct professor at Golden Gate University School of Law, a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He has served in leadership positions with the American Bar Association, California Bar Foundation, San Francisco Estate Planning Council, and State Bar of California, and is a former editor-in-chief of the California Tax Lawyer. Additionally, he is a past recipient of the Outstanding Conference Speaker Award from the California Society of CPAs and the V. Judson Klein Award from the California Tax Bar. Mr. Miller received a B.A., with honors, from the Universty of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law. He also holds the Accredited Estate Planner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designations and is a member of the State Bar of California.



About Evercore Wealth Management Evercore Wealth Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Evercore, serves high net worth families, endowments and foundations, delivering customized investment management, financial planning and trust and custody services. Evercore Wealth Management is an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, with offices in New York, Minneapolis, Palm Beach, San Francisco and Tampa. The firm manages $10.6 billion in client assets as of March 31, 2021.

Additionally, Evercore Wealth Management offers personal trust and custody services to its clients through its Wilmington, Delaware-based affiliate Evercore Trust Company, N.A. More information about planning, investing and personal fiduciary services at Evercore Wealth Management can be found at www.evercorewealthandtrust.com. About Evercore Evercore (NYSE: EVR) is a premier global independent investment banking advisory firm. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve superior results through trusted independent and innovative advice on matters of strategic significance to boards of directors, management teams and shareholders, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic shareholder advisory, restructurings, and capital structure. Evercore also assists clients in raising public and private capital and delivers equity research and equity sales and agency trading execution, in addition to providing wealth and investment management services to high net worth and institutional investors. Founded in 1995, the Firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices and affiliate offices in major financial centers in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For more information, please visit www.evercore.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005199/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Government of Canada accepting applications to fund clean technology for fisheries and aquaculture industries

OTTAWA, ON, July 8, 2021 /CNW/ - Clean technology and innovation are essential components of the government's plan to boost sustainable economic growth while fighting climate change, including in our ocean sectors. Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, launched the renewed Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP), with an investment of $10 million from Budget 2021 to extend the program for two more years. These additional funds will support Canada's fisheries and aquaculture industries in adopting clean technologies for fish and seafood farming while improving environmental performance and competitiveness. Aquaculture, or raising aquatic animals or plants for food, is a valuable sector that supports increasing global food demand. Building on its previous success, this renewed program will support small and medium-sized businesses in adopting innovative, clean technologies in their operations. Previous projects included converting diesel, gas and hydro components to solar energy technologies, improvements to recirculating and semi-enclosed aquaculture systems and supporting Canada's first diesel-electric fishing vessel. The extended program will also provide funding to pilot test late-stage innovative technologies or process technologies in Canada's aquaculture sector. As of today, interested parties can apply for funding through the DFO website at Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technologies Program. These investments will ensure Canadian producers are well positioned to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of their operations. The adoption of clean technologies and solutions will also help them reduce environmental impacts, including reduced water consumption, decreased energy use and emissions, reduced demands for plastics, reduced waste and accidental catch of non-target fish species. This will in turn contribute to healthy and productive ocans, which are key to developing a prosperous blue economy.



Quotes "Canada's seafood sector generates over seven billion dollars each year and employs thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Through initiatives like the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program, we're supporting small- and medium-sized businesses in the sector to implement clean technologies. Together, we're creating more jobs in our coastal and rural communities, and building a stronger, more sustainable Blue Economy in Canada."

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Quick Facts The Government of Canada is creating a Blue Economy Strategy to keep our oceans healthy while sustainably growing the fisheries and aquaculture industries. The strategy will guide future investments and policies that will shape the future growth and innovation in aquaculture.





is creating a Blue Economy Strategy to keep our oceans healthy while sustainably growing the fisheries and aquaculture industries. The strategy will guide future investments and policies that will shape the future growth and innovation in aquaculture. FACTAP provides funding for up to 75% of eligible project costs, (up to a maximum of $1 million per year). All project proposals submitted for consideration must also include a minimum of 10% cash financial commitment by the applicant.





per year). All project proposals submitted for consideration must also include a minimum of 10% cash financial commitment by the applicant. With an initial investment of $20 million , FACTAP supported 119 projects from 2017-2021. Program recipients reported reductions in energy use, emissions, waste and water use, as well as improvements in productivity and competitiveness.





, FACTAP supported 119 projects from 2017-2021. Program recipients reported reductions in energy use, emissions, waste and water use, as well as improvements in productivity and competitiveness. Expanding the program to support late-stage innovations will help bring more clean technologies to market. Associated Links Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technologies Program

How to apply to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technologies Program (page in development)

Projects funded by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technologies Program (2017-2021) Stay Connected Follow Fisheries and Oceans Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada

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[July 08, 2021] H Venture Partners Announces $10M Debut Venture Capital Fund Backed by Over 75 Consumer and Retail Industry Veterans

H Venture Partners ("H Ventures"), a female founded, owned and controlled venture capital firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio, today announced the close of its debut venture capital fund, H Venture Partners Brand Fund, L.P. ("Brand Fund"), raising over $10 million, becoming one of the few female-led venture capital firms to achieve this milestone. H Ventures is focused on investing in exceptional consumer-essential brands--categories that represent over 90% of consumer spend. Based in the No. 1 consumer test market in the United States, the firm was founded by Managing Partner Elizabeth Edwards, an experienced venture investor who has previously invested in over 30 consumer brands, including Peloton, Bill.com, Freshly, Roots, among others. While 85% of consumer purchasing is done by women, 93% of venture capital is managed by white men. Additionally, consumer purchases represent 69% of U.S. gross domestic product but only 3% of venture capital investments. H Ventures is looking to address this " Trillion (News - Alert) Dollar Blindspot" by focusing on investing in purpose-driven, science-based consumer brands led by experienced and diverse teams. "At H Venture Partners wewant to invest in companies that transform the way people live--and we do that by putting money in the hands of exceptional founders who are launching science-based brands that reflect the diverse needs of our communities," said Elizabeth Edwards, Founder and Managing Partner of H Ventures, "Our mission is to support and grow the next generation of leading brands that are better for human health and the environment."



H Ventures has access to unparalleled expertise in the consumer brands space that other traditional Silicon Valley venture capital funds do not-such as R&D, retail strategy and supply chain, with more than 75 highly strategic founders, entrepreneurs, and investors as LPs, including retired executives from top consumer and retail companies such as Target (News - Alert) , P&G, Coca-Cola, Tyson, Estee Lauder, Clorox, Revlon, and others, half of whom are female. "Elizabeth is a brilliant and driven investor who is passionate about the consumer segment, and is driving change in the venture community. I am honored to serve on the Investment Committee and advise H Venture Partners as they tackle the Trillion Dollar Blindspot," said Kathy Waller, H Ventures investor, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Coca-Cola and current Board Director of Delta Airlines and Beyond Meat.

Backed by a rigorous screening and due diligence process, Brand Fund's initial portfolio is fully identified and includes investments in Cerebelly, Kinship, Felix, Parsley Health, Hazel, Better Booch, Hazel, and Avaline. About H Venture Partners H Venture Partners is a female founded, owned and controlled venture capital firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio, focused on purpose-driven, science-backed consumer brands. Led by a team of consumer experts with unparalleled experience as former consumer executives, the firm was founded by managing partner Elizabeth Edwards, a leading investor who at prior firms was part of investments in Peloton (IPO), Bill.com (IPO), Roots (IPO) and Freshly (acquired by Nestle $1.5B). To date, H Ventures has invested in consumer startups like Avaline, Kinship, Cerebelly, Felix, Hazel, BetterBooch, Parsley Health and Naza Beauty. For more information, please visit https://h.ventures/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005311/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Harris Williams Advises Resource Label Group, LLC on its Sale to Ares Management Corporation

Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces it advised Resource Label Group, LLC (RLG), a portfolio company of First Atlantic Capital (First Atlantic) and TPG Growth, on its sale to Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES; Ares). RLG is a full-service provider of pressure sensitive labels, extended content, shrink sleeve and RFID/NFC technology for the packaging industry. The transaction was led by Patrick McNulty, Brad Morrison, Ty Denoncourt, John Lautemann, Chuck Walter and Neal Quirk of the Harris Williams Industrials Group. "There continues to be strong momentum in the packaging space, and labels continue to be an accelerating focus area amongst investors," said Brad Morrison, a managing director at Harris Williams. "We are excited to represent RLG and its shareholders in achieving a great utcome."



"It was a pleasure working with RLG, First Atlantic and TPG Growth on this transaction, and we are excited to watch RLG continue to thrive under Ares' ownership," said Patrick McNulty, a managing director at Harris Williams. "As an industry leader in highly complex, short and medium run label solutions, RLG has built a terrific business." RLG is a leading pressure sensitive label, shrink sleeve and RFID/NFC manufacturer with diverse product offerings for the food, beverage, chemical, household products, personal care, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, medical device and technology industries. With 19 manufacturing locations across the U.S. and Canada, RLG provides national leadership and scale to deliver capabilities, technologies, systems and creative solutions that customers require. RLG is a long-standing portfolio company of First Atlantic, a New York-based private investment firm, and TPG Growth, the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG. Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, RLG employs 1,400 associates in the U.S. and Canada.

Founded in 1989, First Atlantic is a middle market private equity firm that leverages its extensive consulting and operational experience to acquire middle market companies, seeking to build them up to become market leaders. Since its inception, the firm has completed 86 acquisitions assembling 22 successful platforms in various industries that include plastics and packaging, food and beverage, consumer and industrial products, and business services. Notable investments in the packaging industry include Berry Plastics, Ranpak, Captive Plastics, C-P Converters and RLG. TPG Growth is the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG, the global alternative asset firm. With approximately $12.7 billion of assets under management, TPG Growth targets investments in a broad range of industries and geographies. TPG Growth has the deep sector knowledge, operational resources and global experience to drive value creation and help companies reach their full potential. The firm is backed by the resources of TPG, which has approximately $96 billion of assets under management. Ares is a leading global alternative investment manager operating integrated groups across credit, private equity, real estate and strategic initiatives. Ares seeks to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for its stakeholders and within its communities. By collaborating across its investment groups, Ares aims to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of March 31, 2021, including the acquisition of Landmark Partners, which closed June 2, 2021, Ares' global platform had approximately $227 billion of assets under management with more than 1,600 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. 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 Industrials Group has experience across a variety of sectors, including advanced manufacturing; building products; chemicals and specialty materials; industrial technology; and packaging. For more information on the firm's Industrials Group and other recent transactions, visit the Industrials 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/20210708005867/en/

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[July 08, 2021] HC Introduces New Biobased Growing Containers to the Market

TWINSBURG, Ohio, July 8, 2021 /CNW/ -- The HC Companies  North America's leading manufacturer of horticultural containers  has expanded their sustainable offerings to include a new biobased resin material. HC's BioPax growing containers are a technological marvel for the industry and help support the organization's environmental initiatives. "As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, BioPax offers a new, fit-for-purpose alternative to the customers we serve," says Bob Mayer, President and CEO of The HC Companies. "Plastic containers are still the standard for many growers. However, to better serve our industry, we also believe it is our responsibility to offer our customers an assortment of choices when it comes to growing containers." By incorporating a sustainably sourced wood pulp material with no harmful PFAS or heavy metals in the production process, BioPax growing containers are manufactured using over 50% of renewable biocontent that does not compromise the performance and integrity of the containers growers know and trust. Additionally, they are non-GMO and non-toxic, and the material is part of the USDA's BioPreferred Program, which focuses on developing and expanding markets for biobased products. "HC is proud to offer its customers a comparable and more sustainable alternative to the plastic containers so many growers are familiar with," says Jessica Benoit, Directorof Sustainability Solutions at The HC Companies. "Consequently, consumers can feel positive knowing that their purchase is not contributing to the problems of overburdened landfills. It's a win-win for everyone, and HC is just getting started."



Currently available in 3 inch and 4.5 inch rounds, BioPax growing containers are designed for reuse. In addition, they can be more responsibly disposed of with other waste products as the material naturally breaks down with the aid of microorganisms without leaving behind any harmful microplastics. "Our sustainable focus revolves around four core themes: biodiversity, water use, waste reduction, and education and engagement," says Benoit. "We recognize that each grower and customer differs as to their product requirements. Therefore, BioPax expands our commitment for a full portfolio of containers to accommodate the entire industry with products inspired by one or more of these environmental themes."

To help further differentiate BioPax growing containers in the market, they are offered in what is known as "EcoGreen" coloring. The containers have a unique swirl-like pattern caused by the material being blended into the bio-based color. "Rather than try and conceal the sustainable composition of our BioPax containers by adding colorants for consistency, this unique design, with no two containers looking the same, creates an earthy, untainted appearance which will undoubtedly appeal to today's consumers," adds Benoit. BioPax growing containers will be presented at the upcoming Cultivate'21 trade show held in Columbus, Ohio on July 10  13. If you plan to attend, you can visit The HC Companies at booth #1809 to see BioPax containers firsthand. For more information on HC's BioPax sustainable growing containers, visit hc-companies.com. About The HC Companies, Inc.

The HC Companies is a proud culmination of many legacy brands and continues to transform the horticultural industry through bold leadership, innovative manufacturing, and a comprehensive portfolio of products ideal for greenhouse, nursery, cannabis, retail, and commercial markets. Headquartered in Twinsburg, Ohio, with production facilities throughout North America, HC manufactures growing solutions using the latest technologies and materials to satisfy the challenges of a continuously evolving industry. In addition to their horticultural containers, HC also supports a full line of sustainably sourced solutions including protective packaging, consumer products, growing containers, and more. For information on The HC Companies, visit hc-companies.com (growing containers) or hc-sustainable.com (sustainable products). Media Contact:

Craig Ruvere

Marketing Communications Manager

cruvere@hc-companies.com

330-805-6384 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hc-introduces-new-biobased-growing-containers-to-the-market-301327430.html SOURCE The HC Companies

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[July 08, 2021] Inszone Insurance Services Completes Acquisition of Strachota Insurance Agency, Inc.

Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly growing national provider of benefits, personal, and commercial lines insurance, announced today the acquisition of Strachota Insurance Agency, Inc., providing the 17th acquisition in the state of California. Strachota Insurance Agency is an independent agency that has been serving the Temecula and surrounding communities since 1931. Founded by Carol Strachota during the depression, the agency would eventually come into the Hemme family, when Sylvia Hemme acquired the agency. Sylvia ran the agency for many years, eventually passing the reins of the business over to her son, Jerry Hemme in the '70s. Jerry ran the agency into the '90s and was joined by his son, Bob Hemme 12 years into his tenure. Bob Hemme has now been with the agency for the last 42 years and plans to continue being a part of the team, along with his daughter Deena, who joined the agency 22 years ago. Throughout its 90-year history, the agency has remained a family business, with 4 generations of the Hemme family working along with Principal, Angelica Barnett and th entire Strachota team, to continue to build and maintain the legacy that has been built for generations.



As a part of the acquisition, the Strachota Insurance Agency staff will remain at the current Temecula location, which opened over 43 years ago, and continue to serve Temecula and surrounding communities under the Inszone Insurance name. "With aligned values and a strong commitment to the Temecula community, we are honored to have the Strachota staff join the Inszone Insurance family," says Norm Hudson, Chief Executive Officer at Inszone Insurance Services.

Strachota Insurance Agency brings decades of combined experience in the insurance industry, and their staff will only enhance the Inszone Insurance team. The merger adds growing resources and will continue to strengthen relationships in the area. About Inszone: Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm which provides a broad array of property & casualty and employee benefits solutions. With a strong and experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically as well as through acquisition. With 17 locations across California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, the company is looking to further expand regionally within the western United States. For more information about Inszone, please visit www.inszoneinsurance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005227/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Introducing FlexRule X, the Next Generation of End-to-End Decision Automation Platform: Ready for Early Access

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FlexRule, listed amongst the 10 Australian SaaS Companies to Watch in 2021 presents FlexRule X, the next-gen end-to-end decision automation platform delivers the perfect combination of rule-based decisioning, human workflow, machine learning, and decision robotics for leaders to improve the quality and speed of their key business decisions. FlexRule X is the most advanced and comprehensive end-to-end decision automation platform packed with powerful capabilities required for automating business decisions. FlexRule is giving early access to the platform for you to explore all these features and more. AutoML module to build and productionalize Machine Learning (ML) models with no or less data science skills or experience

Business rules mining to extract and build business decision from data

Single click deployment of business decisions to 3 main cloud providers: Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud

Built-in and seamless integration wit GIT to enable team collaboration

More Data and Apps integration (i.e., Google Workspace, LinkedIn, Twitter and 2FA Security token) for more capable and smarter bots

New and modern UI and UX for the best User Experience





FlexRule X platform democratizes decision automation and enables leaders to use the right AI technology for the right problem, thus ensuring success, maximizing ROI of automation initiatives, and delivering real business values. It empowers business, operation, and technology leaders to improve the speed and quality of key business decisions that are influenced by infinite and frequent changes in regulated environments. About FlexRule FlexRule Advanced Decision Management Suitea powerful, low-code, unified platform, architected for the businesses to make optimized, customer-centric, and situation-aware decisionsenabling organizations to automate end-to-end operational decisions and tactical business decisions across business rules, processes, data, analytics, and robotics. With customers ranging from start-ups to large enterprises to government agencies, FlexRule has delivered game-changing business results across many industries such as Finance, Healthcare, Energy, insurance, banking, telecom, security & risk management, technology & consulting, and supply chain & logistics. Website: www.flexrule.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexrule View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-flexrule-x-the-next-generation-of-end-to-end-decision-automation-platform-ready-for-early-access-301327628.html SOURCE FlexRule Pty Ltd

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[July 08, 2021] LogicGate's Second Annual User Conference Agility 2021 Will Explore What it Means to "Reimagine Risk"

CHICAGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LogicGate ? , a leading provider of transformative risk and compliance solutions through its Risk Cloud platform, today announces details for its annual Agility conference, which will run simultaneously in-person and virtually from the Swissotel in downtown Chicago September 23 - 24. Why "Risk Reimagined"? Because risk isn't stagnant. It evolves daily  and strategically managing risk and compliance has become increasingly complex as a result. Agility empowers attendees to prioritize the flexible, automated, adaptable processes driving business outcomes by reimagining risk. Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, retired) will keynote the event, sharing her thoughts on dreaming big, achieving more and stretching the limits of risk. The first woman to fly with the Air Force Thunderbird aerial demonstration team, Malachowski knows about performing under pressure. The decorated USAF veteran and fighter pilot has flown at the speed of sound, advised the first lady, and provided security for Iraq's 2005 democratic elections. "It's no secret risk is a top concern for business leaders today because it evolves so rapidly," said LogicGate CEO, Matt Kunkel. "At Agility  and through all of our programming  we strive to deliver an engaging community and high-quality education for GRC professionals. That goal includes sharing best practices, recommendations for new technology, tactical information needed to effectively communicate risk organization-wide and a place to inspire, connect and educate. Leaders seeking to educate themselves about risk position themselves and their companies for success. We hope to empower Agility attendees with the insights and practical steps they can use to take their risk programs beyond just asset protection to fuel strategic advantage for their organizations." Agility 2021 celebraes the risk management professionals responsible for managing existing risks, and future-proofing their organizations' approach to risk across multiple industries and verticals. 2020 challenged risk professionals to master business continuity and resiliency. 2021 challenges them to reimagine risk as a strategic advantage. Agility exists to offer risk professionals access to best practices, tools and technology, and use cases to architect the most effective GRC programs for their organizations. The two-day event features sessions led by industry experts, innovative networking opportunities, and a first look at advancements to the Risk Cloud platform. Before the event, the LogicGate customer success team will host a full-day power user bootcamp for Risk Cloud power users looking to skill-up with the Risk Cloud and knowledge of GRC.



Event content will be delivered in a variety of session types including keynotes, panels and breakouts. Attendees will have the opportunity to network live and virtually throughout the event. This announcement follows LogicGate's recognition for excellence in its product and company culture . For more information and to register for Agility 2021, visit agility.logicgate.com .

About LogicGate

LogicGate?, creator of the Risk Cloud platform and Risk Cloud Exchange (RCX), is redefining the way businesses think about risk. Through the proactive management of governance, risk and compliance (GRC) processes via the no-code, agile Risk Cloud and RCX, hundreds of customers rely on Risk Cloud to improve organizational efficiency, reduce costs and enable revenue generation and retention. In addition to earning recognition for its technology innovation from Gartner and G2 , the global company has also received accolades from Crain's Chicago Business , Built in Chicago and the Chicago Tribune for its company culture. For more information, visit LogicGate.com and follow LogicGate on LinkedIn and Twitter at @LogicGate . PR Contact

Kelsey Sowder

BLASTmedia for LogicGate

logicgate@blastmedia.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/logicgates-second-annual-user-conference-agility-2021-will-explore-what-it-means-to-reimagine-risk-301327592.html SOURCE LogicGate

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[July 08, 2021] Makro Brazil and Colombia embrace AI powered Assortment Optimization from Symphony RetailAI

DALLAS AND SAO PAULO, Brazil, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Symphony RetailAI, a leading global provider of integrated AI-powered marketing, merchandising and supply chain solutions for FMCG retailers and manufacturers, today announced that Makro has implemented Symphony RetailAIs assortment optimization solution.

Operating in Brazil since 1972, Makro has always made decisions with the consumer as its top priority. With its new capabilities through the partnership with Symphony RetailAI, the retailer is confident in its ability to offer increasingly more personalized shopping experiences to its shoppers, through improved product assortments that meet their preferences. Understanding shopper behavior is critical in todays new retail landscape. Merchandising practices used by most retailers to gain a competitive advantage are now a matter of survival, not just a measure of success. Makro has historically served both commercial clients, including restaurants and bars, as well as the end consumer. Faced with the need to refine its assortment processes for both types of customers, Makro turned to Symphony RetailAIs AI-powered solution to drive increased relevance and enhance merchandising decisions in each channel. Using machine learning and AI, Symphony RetailAI's prescriptive assortment optimization solution analyzes consumer data, identifies purchase preferences, product affinities, product and brand loyalty, as well as demand transference. Insights are evaluated using machine learning and AI to recommend the optimal product assortments and form of exposure at the location level, tailoring the shopping experience for every Makro customer. Retail success is in the details, and only with enhanced machine learning and AI technology can we be precise in identifying shopping behavior and the preferences of our customers, both commercial entities and the end consumer, said Gustavo Sucre, Director of Strategy, Makro Latin America. In leveraging Symphony RetailAIs prescriptive assortment optimization solution, Makro will be able to attract new consumers to stores while retaining loyal customers." Serving each consumer individual preferences will certainly be a competitive advantage for Makro, said Fabio Silvestri, Vice President LATAM, Symphony RetailAI. We are thrilled to be able to support his transformation.



The consultancy RETAILATAM Business Solutions will offer strategic and consultative support to Symphony RetailAI throughout the training and implementation process for Makros network in Brazil and Colombia. The implementation of the Symphony RetailAI solution will allow Makro to develop a growth strategy based on the implementation of the ideal point of sale, through insights and recommendations to influence the path taken by the consumer, said Daniel Sampietro, founder and CEO, RETAILATAM.

Symphony RetailAI's technology is specialized for food retailing and has been developed and perfected for over 30 years. Through machine learning and artificial intelligence, Symphony RetailAIs solutions leverage data from more than 175 million households and 850 global retailers in 70 countries, including the 25 largest manufacturers and half of the 25 largest retailers in the world. Learn more about Symphony RetailAIs assortment optimization solution.



About MAKRO

Founded in 1968 and in Brazil since 1972, Makro is a company of the Dutch group SHV (Steenkolen Handels Vereeniging) and operates in 4 countries in South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, currently with more than 100 stores. With large stores strategically located in the country, Makro seeks to meet the needs of all customers, offering a wide variety of products at the best prices on the market. In stores, it is possible to buy in any quantity, small or large volumes and choose from several forms of payment: cash, credit and debit cards and food stamps from the main brands.



About Symphony RetailAI

Symphony RetailAI is a leading global provider of role-specific, AI-powered revenue growth management solutions and customer-centric insights for retailers and CPG manufacturers across the entire value chain. Our proven, industry-leading, AI-enabled software, coupled with the industrys only conversational natural-language AI interface, CINDE, provides key users with proven prescriptive and preemptive recommendations that make it easy to identify end-to-end growth opportunities, activate plans and realize measurable profit and revenue growth. Our solutions are specific to key decision-maker roles focused on profitable growth across the retail value chain from source to consumer. With our strong global partner ecosystem, we serve more than 1,200 organizations worldwide  including 15 of the top 25 global grocery retailers, 25 of the top 25 global CPG manufacturers, thousands of retail brands, and hundreds of national and regional chains  all through the Microsoft Azure Cloud. Symphony RetailAI is a SymphonyAI company. More at Symphony RetailAI. About SymphonyAI

SymphonyAI is building the leading enterprise AI company for digital transformation across the most important and resilient growth verticals, including life sciences, healthcare, retail, consumer packaged goods, financial services, manufacturing, and media. In each of these verticals, SAI businesses have many of the leading enterprises as clients. SAI is backed by a $1 billion commitment from Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Since its founding in 2017, SymphonyAI has grown rapidly to a combined revenue run rate of more than $300 million and over 2,200 talented leaders, data scientists, and other professionals. About RETAILATAM Business Solutions

Regional retail solutions company, offering AI-based decision platforms, customer-centric solutions and business consulting services, assisting retailers and CPG manufacturers in better business understanding and management. It has the leadership of veterans of the market research and information technology industry, with more than 29 years of experience in global and Latin American retail, shopper marketing, merchandising, category and space management, assortment optimization, business intelligence and retailer data. Media Contacts

Adrienne Newcomb

Ketner Group Communications (for Symphony RetailAI)

adrienne@ketnergroup.com



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[July 08, 2021] MassNAELA Informs Public, Addresses Concerns Regarding MassHealth Estate Recovery Requirements Notice

To provide clarity and answers to the public regarding the Estate Recovery Requirements Notice recently issued by MassHealth, the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA) will host an informational webinar on July 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. EDT, with remarks provided by State Senator Joanne M. Comerford and State Representative Christine P. Barber. The Webinar will include MassNAELA members and other advocates taking questions from attendees. The MassHealth notice was sent in May to persons receiving MassHealth who may meet the requirements for Estate Recovery. MassHealth is required by law to seek repayment for the total cost of care services paid by MassHealth to members aged 55 and older and members of any age receiving long-term care in a nursing home or other medical institution if they leave a probate estate after their death. Any property or assets that are part of the probate estate are subject to Estate Recovery, which may apply whether or not the member is enrolled in a health plan. MassNAELA has developed a seven-minute video explaining the notice, MassHealth Estate Recovery and the probate process, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/QKuMIFb4BJU.



"Several of our members and legal aid colleagues have received inquiries about what this notice means for them," said Pamela B. Greenfield, 2021 president of MassNAELA. "As an advocate for seniors and disabled persons, MassNAELA is driven to ensure the public is as knowledgeable as possible on this matter. However, MassNAELA's goal is to educate the public, not provide legal advice. MassHealth members are urged to contact their attorney or they can find one on the MassNAELA website, www.massnaela.com, if they want to learn more." To register and attend the free webinar with Senator Comerford and Representative Barber, please visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QjM_bIxHR9qaOtv1qOhWOQ.

About MassNAELA The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the premier organization of elder and special needs law attorneys in the country, is dedicated to developing awareness of issues concerning the elderly and those with special needs. Around 450 attorneys are members of the Massachusetts Chapter. Members work directly with the elderly and those with special needs in areas as diverse as planning for catastrophic care costs, disability planning, age discrimination in employment and housing, benefits planning, estate planning, veterans' benefits and more. For more information about MassNAELA, visit www.massnaela.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005158/en/

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Mesa Royalties II Announces Mineral and Royalty Acquisition of Acreage in the Haynesville Shale Play

Mesa Royalties II, LLC ("Mesa II") is pleased to announce it has closed on the acquisition of a mineral and royalty portfolio containing ~15,000 net royalty acres in the core of the Haynesville shale play from an undisclosed seller. The acquired asset contains 472 existing PDP wells, and the projected asset cash flow for the next twelve months is ~$30 million.

Mesa II is a mineral and royalty acquisition company led by Darin Zanovich (President & CEO), Greg Balash (COO & EVP Engineering), Michelle Massaro (EVP Finance) and Josh Wiener (EVP Land). In May, Mesa II announced aggregate equity commitments of $150 million from NGP through NGP Natural Resources XII, L.P. and NGP Royalty Partners, L.P.

Darin Zanovich, President & CEO of Mesa II, commented, "We are excited to acquire this premier Haynesville shale mineral and royalty portfolio. The asset has robust existing cash flow that allows us to egin an immediate distribution plan for our investors. The assets are situated in the core of the Haynesville in north Louisiana, and there are currently 9 rigs drilling on the acreage today. Additionally, ~50% of the active drilling permits in the basin are currently located on this acreage footprint, which will allow the position to continue to have a significant cash flow profile for years to come."







For more information about Mesa II, please visit www.mesamineralsllc.com

About NGP

Founded in 1988, NGP is a premier private equity firm with over $20 billion of cumulative equity commitments organized to make strategic investments in the energy and natural resources sectors.

For more information about NGP, please visit www.ngpenergycapital.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005872/en/
[July 08, 2021] NMS Prime to Host NMS Prime Network Provisioning Tool and Network Management Platform on CableLabs Repository

CHEMNITZ, Germany, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Open Source Network Provisioning Tool and Network Management Platform Company, NMS Prime, have announced that CableLabs will host NMS Prime software in a dedicated online repository. NMS Prime offers easy access to the ISP Market with a range of solutions designed to increase efficiency within teams. The company's dynamic software provides access across multiple access technologies/domains such as DOCSIS, FTTH, FTTx, DSL, and Wi-Fi. It also delivers a seamless user experience across multiple connectivity services. The NMS Prime software is Vendor Agnostic and can be adopted by any ISP (internet service provider). It also reduces complexity for network operators through a simple and easy-to-adapt application marketplace. CEO of NMS Prime, Torsten Schmidt, said: "We started NMS Prime because we wanted to reduce entry barriers for operators and get more people online via an open-source initiative. My experience as a founder of an ISP reflects the pain that many operators are facing: costly and overly complex proprietary solutions. That's why we built it from scratch with a collaborative App store in mind: From ISPs for ISPs."



Commenting on the new initiative, Schmidt, said: "I have always been a big fan of CableLabs; so when we needed a reliable partner to host our open-standards software, we decided CableLabs would be a great fit based on their decades of communication technology expertise, innovation and their track record for reliability." To access the CableLabs Repository visit: CableLabs Repository To learn more about CableLabs, visit: www.cablelabs.com.

About NMS Platform NMS Prime is an Open Source network, provisioning, and management SaaS platform delivering the industry's first App-based Provisioning, Monitoring, Administration, Billing, Ticketing, and Failure Management tool dedicated to supporting ISP Internet, Wireless, and Broadband Service, Providers. NMS Prime's dynamic software provides access across multiple technologies and domains such as DOCSIS, FTTH, FTTx, DSL, Wi-Fi, and 4G/5G and delivers a seamless user experience across multiple connectivity services. NMS Prime technology is Vendor Agnostic and was built from the ground up by leaders in the ISP space seeking to mitigate issues with current available costly, complex, and bloated testing systems. Media contact: Preethi Ganesh Media Relations Tel: +16509899789 E-mail: preethi.ganesh@nmsprime.com Related Images image1.png View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nms-prime-to-host-nms-prime-network-provisioning-tool-and-network-management-platform-on-cablelabs-repository-301327731.html SOURCE NMS Prime

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[July 08, 2021] One Inc Appoints FinTech Leader Elizabeth Hoemeke as Chief Information Officer

FOLSOM, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- One Inc, a leading digital payments platform provider for the insurance industry, today announced the appointment of fintech expert Elizabeth Hoemeke as Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective July 7, 2021. As CIO, Hoemeke will oversee implementation of One Inc's global IT roadmap, development of the overall strategic planning, transformation and innovation initiatives, and technology solutions security. Hoemeke brings more than 20 years of technology and product development experience across the fintech, payments, banking, and energy industries. Most recently as Senior Vice President of Enterprise Engineering and Technology Strategy at U.S. Bank, Hoemeke drove internal change management, supporting enterprise-wide technology modernization and development of an engineering platform to fully enable cloud adoption both internally and externally. Earlier, she served as Senior Vice President of IT Strategy and Global Business Services for the bank's Elavon subsidiary, where she quadrupled the size of the IT team to over 300 and founded and scaled its patent-holding technology innovation lab, The Greenhouse. Hoemeke's tenure at U.S. Bank demonstrates her extensive experience in managing development teams around the world  including US,Philippines, Ireland, Poland, and India.



Before U.S. Bank, Hoemeke held various senior IT leadership roles at First Data Corporation, a leading global payments company, from 2010 to 2012 and at the global data, analytics and technology company Equifax, from 1996 to 2010. "Elizabeth's visionary approach and technology skills have driven breakthrough innovations throughout her career," said One Inc Executive Chairman Ian Drysdale. "We are thrilled to welcome her to the One Inc family, with deep conviction that her payments and fintech experience will fuel our success in an industry in need of largescale technology acceleration."

Hoemeke is strongly committed to technology education in her hometown Atlanta, with a special focus on women in STEAMearning several awards and recognition for her work. She sits on the board of directors for Women in Technology along with the Alma G. Davis Foundation that supports survivors of domestic violence, and is a Georgia Institute of Technology graduate, earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering. She also completed the Innovative IT Leader Program at Stanford University in 2018. "I admire the One Inc team's ability to drive such massive change across insurance and look forward to being a part of the next wave of innovation as carriers and breakthrough insurtechs enter a post-pandemic environment centered around touchless payments," Hoemeke said, "I can't wait to work with the One Inc team and guide our continued pursuit of payments transformation and delivery of a better customer experience." About One Inc

One Inc is modernizing the insurance industry through a unified and frictionless payment experience. Focusing only on the insurance industry, One Inc helps carriers transform their operations by reducing costs, increasing security, and optimizing customer experience. The comprehensive end-to-end digital payments platform provides expanded payment options, multi-channel digital communications, and rapid digital claim payment, even for the most complex insurance use cases. As one of the fastest growing digital payments platforms in the insurance industry, One Inc manages billions of dollars per year in premiums and claims payments. For more information, please visit www.oneinc.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-inc-appoints-fintech-leader-elizabeth-hoemeke-as-chief-information-officer-301327741.html SOURCE One Inc

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[July 08, 2021] OneStream Software Continues Strong Sales and Customer Growth in Second Quarter

OneStream Software, a leader in corporate performance management (CPM) solutions for the world's leading enterprises, announced 188% year-over-year bookings growth in the second quarter of 2021 and 200% year-over-year bookings growth for the first half of 2021. OneStream also reported over 100% year-over-year growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) as of June 30. The company reported 48% year-over-year growth in its customer base, resulting in more than 750 customers globally. New customers added in the first half of 2021 include: Curtiss-Wright (News - Alert) , Dr. Martens, Nordson, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Pendragon PLC, Sherwin-Williams, The Toro Company and Utz Brands (NYSE: UTZ). OneStream has also added 20 new partners in the same timeframe, including Accordion Partners, Performance Architects, PwC Belgium, PwC Romania, PwC UK and Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton (News - Alert) . OneStream has hired over 200 new employees since the beginning of the year, with a total headcount of 850 employees across 17 countries. The company added several new industry experts to the executive team. Beverly van de Velde, Vice President, Global Education Services joined OneStream from Symantec (News - Alert) ; Ryan Berry, Vice President, Software Architect joined OneStream from Microsoft; Jason Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President, MarketPlace joined OneStream from The Hackett Group; and Scott Leshinski, Senior Vice President, Commercial Markets joined from Huron Consulting Group. OneStream's Intelligent Finance Platform continues to replace spreadsheets and multiple legacy applications such as Oracle Hyperion, SAP BPC and IBM (News - Alert) Cognos. Additionally, the platform is replacing cloud-based point solutions to unify financial processes such as financial close, consolidation, planning, reporting and analysis. In April, OneStream secured $200 million in new venture funding from D1 Capital Partners along with Tiger Global and Investment Group of Santa Barbara to accelerate global expansion and innovation across its unified platform and solutions marketplace. Looking ahead to the second half of the year, the company remains focused on product innovation and expanding its geographic footprint to continue supporting growing market demand. OneStream has signed a lease for a new headquarters facility in Birmingham, Michigan with occupancy expected in Q4 2021. "We remain committed to driving 100% customer success, partneringwith clients as we navigate a post-pandemic landscape to continue delivering innovative planning, reporting and analysis solutions," said Tom Shea, CEO of OneStream. "Our continued sales momentum and growth in customers is a testament to the market opportunity as finance teams seek to lead at speed in today's fast-paced and complex business environment."



The company also released new solutions for the OneStream MarketPlace, including the Application Control Manager Solution, helping organizations provide control and governance over application change requests. Downloadable from the OneStream MarketPlace and instantly deployed in the customer's existing application, the solution provides an easy way for end-users to request changes to OneStream applications and provides multi-level approval workflow around change requests. "The disruptions from the pandemic served as an impetus for organizations to digitally transform their finance function, seeking solutions that enable deeper business insights and right-time decision making," said Craig Colby, President of OneStream. "OneStream's unified, cloud-based platform offers digital resiliency for organizations to minimize the impact of future disruptions, manage risk and capitalize on market opportunities to drive improved performance."

In the first half of 2021, OneStream strengthened its position as a leading provider of CPM solutions by receiving several industry recognitions, including: Earned 58 top marks and 34 leading positions across four peer groups, as well as a 100% recommendation score in BARC Planning Survey

Recognized as a market leader in the BARC Score Financial Performance Management Global Report

Received the highest rating among all vendors and recognition as a Gartner (News - Alert) Peer Insights Customers' Choice for Cloud Financial Planning and Analysis Solutions

Recognized as a leader in the 2021 Nucleus Research CPM Technology Value Matrix for the fourth consecutive year

Named a market leader and earned a perfect recommend score in the 2021 Wisdom of Crowds Enterprise Performance Management Market Study by Dresner Advisory Services OneStream was also named to Inc. Magazine's List of Best Workplaces for 2021 as well as named to the United States Top Workplaces 2021 by Energage. The company will host its annual Splash User Conference and Partner Summit in Orlando from August 30 - September 2 with hybrid in-person and virtual attendance options. To learn more and to register for the conference, visit https://splash.onestreamsoftware.com. About OneStream Software OneStream Software provides a market-leading intelligent finance platform that reduces the complexity of financial operations. OneStream unleashes the power of finance by unifying corporate performance management (CPM) processes such as planning, financial close and consolidation, reporting and analytics through a single, extensible solution. We empower the enterprise with financial and operational insights to support faster and more informed decision-making. All in a cloud platform designed to continually evolve and scale with your organization. OneStream is an independent software company backed by private equity investors KKR, D1 Capital Partners, Tiger Global and IGSB. With over 750 customers, 200 implementation partners and 850 employees, our primary mission is to deliver 100% customer success. To learn more visit www.onestreamsoftware.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005164/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Peloton Capital Management Holds Final Closing of First Fund at $550 Million

Peloton Capital Management ( PCM (News - Alert) ), a Canadian private equity firm with a long-term approach to middle-market buyouts in the North American market, announced today that it has closed its first fund at $550 million. The Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO), an Ontario public fund manager with $73.3 billion of assets under management, has invested in the fund alongside Canada's largest banks and Stephen Smith, Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of First National Financial Corporation and Chairman of PCM. In addition, several institutional investors, high net worth individuals and family offices have also made commitments to the fund. Since the firm's inception and launch of its first Fund, PCM has invested nearly 50% of the committed capital across five fast-growing and market-leading companies in the healthcare services and financial services sectors. "The investments we've made to date - of which three were closed amid the pandemic - are all performing well," said Steve Faraone, Managing Partner at Peloton Capital anagement. "We are very pleased with the investment partnerships we have already consummated, and several more attractive opportunities are currently being evaluated."



Differentiated approach to investments Unlike many middle-market private equity firms that take a short-term, generalist approach to investing, PCM differentiates itself through its long-term capital and orientation; deep sector expertise and focus on financial services, health care, and consumer markets; and relationships-first philosophy.

"Our differentiated strategy and approach to investing has proven to be quite powerful in the market. It has enabled us to attract world class investors in the fund and it has positioned us as a very attractive partner to the founders of the companies we are investing in," said Mike Murray, Managing Partner at Peloton Capital Management. PCM aims to build a concentrated portfolio of 7 - 10 platform investments from this first fund, focusing on well-established, profitable companies that have $5 million to $40 million of EBITDA and present compelling opportunities to build long-term, sustainable value. Prioritizing ESG in alignment with PRI Since its inception, PCM has prioritized environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). In support of this philosophy, the firm recently signed the Principles of Responsible Investing (PRI) and will report annually on activities related to the integration of PRI and ESG within its portfolio. PRI is a voluntary and aspirational set of investment principles developed by investors, for investors, with the goal of developing a more sustainable global financial system. About Peloton Capital Management: Peloton Capital Management is a private equity firm that utilizes a long-term investment philosophy and sector-focused strategy to partner with founders and management teams to help build exceptional businesses and create attractive returns for our investors. PCM's primary focus is investing in services businesses within the Healthcare, Financial, and Consumer verticals in North America. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, PCM was founded and is led by a team with extensive private equity experience. For more information please visit: www.pelotoncapitalmanagement.com. About IMCO: The Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO) manages $73.3 billion of assets on behalf of its clients. IMCO's mandate is to provide broader public sector institutions with investment management services, including portfolio construction advice, better access to a diverse range of asset classes and sophisticated risk management capabilities. IMCO is an independent organization, operating at arm's length from government and guided by a highly experienced and professional Board of Directors. Follow us on LinkedIn (News - Alert) and Twitter @imcoinvest View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005254/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Pipedrive Appoints Laurence Capone as the New CFO to Implement Company's Financial Vision

Pipedrive, the leading CRM platform for sales and marketing teams, today announces the recent addition to the executive leadership team, Laurence Capone as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Capone is a seasoned financial executive and brings a wealth of experience to the company with over 25 years in operational finance, accounting and leadership roles. With a proven track record of generating strong performance and leveraging key operational drivers to deliver financial goals, she holds expertise in Software Services, B2B in the SMB, Mid, Large Enterprise and Global Markets. As CFO, she will be responsible for implementing the company's financial vision, leading Pipedrive's financial strategy, planning, accounting and finance operations. "I am thrilled to join the Pipedrive team. I am passionate about driving growth and value creation and believe that Pipedrive has tremendous potential given the strength of its technology, culture and global footprint. As CFO, my focus will be to develop strong business partnerships, as well as cross enterprise alliances, to build scale and securerevenue streams for Pipedrive. I am looking forward to being part of the expansion of such an innovative organization," said Laurence Capone, newly appointed CFO.



"Pipedrive has very ambitious goals growing from a single solution to an intuitive, easy-to-use, yet powerful and beneficial multi-function product. The addition of Laurence will play a significant role in the company's continuous success as we continue to scale our business," said Michael Schrezenmaier, Interim Co-CEO & COO, Pipedrive. Before joining Pipedrive, Capone worked in ADP where she served as CFO across multiple business units and functions over the last 20 years. Her roles included CFO of the Global Enterprise Organization, CFO of Worldwide Sales and Marketing and CFO of Small Businesses Services. She also held leadership roles in the Mid-Market Business Unit and Corporate FP&A Function. During that time, she oversaw the rapid growth of ADP's Workforce Now HCM solution, as well as the scale-up of RUN ADP's award winning HCM solution for small businesses to over 300,000 customers.

Laurence joined ADP through the acquisition of GSI in Paris, France before relocating to the U.S. Prior to ADP and GSI, Laurence was with Arthur Andersen LLP in Paris. She graduated from the Ecole Superieure de Commerce (ESLSCA) in Paris, France. Capone's addition to the Pipedrive leadership team follows the recent appointment of CEO, Dominic Allon. About Pipedrive Founded in 2010, Pipedrive is the first CRM platform developed from the salesperson's point of view. Today, Pipedrive is used by sales teams at more than 95,000 companies worldwide. Pipedrive is headquartered in New York and has offices across Europe and in the U.S. The company is backed by a majority holder Vista Equity Partners, and Bessemer Venture Partners, Insight Partners, Atomico, DTCP, and Rembrandt Venture Partners (News - Alert) . Learn more at www.pipedrive.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005061/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Protiviti Teams with Galvanize to Implement HighBond for Next-Generation Internal Audit, Risk, and Compliance

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galvanize , a Diligent brand and the global leader in SaaS governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software, today announced that Protiviti , a global consulting firm, has chosen Galvanizes AI-powered HighBond platform to streamline audit workflows, improve enterprise risk assessment, and enhance risk controls across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Protiviti has already been working successfully with the technology for many years in Japan. Through the strategic partnership Protiviti can also resell HighBond to its clients for implementation.

Protiviti consults with more than 60% of Fortune 1000 and 35% of Fortune Global 500 companies, and is looking to move beyond manual GRC workflows and unify data at the global organization. HighBond will provide Protiviti with the toolkits and efficiencies to maximize its internal audit system with an automated and systematic methodology. With HighBond, Protiviti will identify emerging risks, monitor controls, and provide data-backed insight to guide its businesses in todays new era of risk. The HighBond platform is the next generation of GRC technology, said Gary Anderson, APAC Managing Director of Protiviti. With HighBonds powerful analytics and automated tools that provide actionable insights for faster decision-making, we can expedite what were previously time-consuming manal processes.



Global organizations like Protiviti need unified GRC solutions that can provide them with comprehensive and actionable data, said Keith Fenner, Managing Director, International at Galvanize. By leveraging innovative technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence, audit functions can strengthen the business as a strategic advisor while simplifying operations. About Galvanize:

Galvanize, a Diligent brand, is the leading provider of award-winning, cloud-based security, risk management, compliance, and audit software for some of the worlds largest organizations. The integrated HighBond platform provides visibility into risk, makes it easy to demonstrate compliance, and helps grow audit, risk, and compliance programs without incurring extra costs. More than 6,300 organizations in 130 countries rely on HighBond to meet their objectives, including many Fortune 1000 and S&P 500 companies, and hundreds of banks, manufacturers, and healthcare and government organizations. Whether managing threats, assessing risk, measuring controls, monitoring compliance, or expanding assurance coverage, HighBond automates manual tasks, blends organization-wide data, and broadcasts it in easy-to-share dashboards and reports.

About Protiviti

Protiviti ( www.protiviti.com ) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach, and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, governance, risk, and internal audit through its network of more than 85 offices in over 25 countries. Named to the 2021 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For  list, Protiviti has served more than 60% of Fortune 1000 and 35% of Fortune Global 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index. Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services. Contact:

galvanize@highwirepr.com



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[July 08, 2021] Strategic Solutions Group (SSG) Attains ITS75 Contract

Strategic Solutions Group (SSG), which has provided technology solutions to public health departments throughout the United States for more than 15 years, has been awarded an ITS75 Multi-State Software and Services contract, allowing the company to sell its technology to public health departments in five Northeastern states that are home to more than 10 million Americans. This is a major milestone for the company, which works with hundreds of local and state governments throughout the United States to improve their ability to meet public health targets ranging from COVID immunizations to lowering the risk of lead poisoning. The ITS75 contract is valid in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont, and allows SSG to sell directly to the state and local public healh departments of those states, as well as major cities including Boston and Providence. ITS75 saves time and money, as it means SSG has already been vetted and approved. This streamlines the procurement process timeline, as there's no need for additional due diligence as there would be for companies without an ITS75 contract.



"ITS75 contract is a major step for us because it allows public health departments to deploy our technology and improve the health of their communities much faster than ever before," said John Schaeffer, Chief Executive Officer of SSG. "We hope our software and services reduce the burden on both health care providers and public health employees in these five states so they can focus on what matters most: keeping people healthy." SSG expects to announce service contracts with the public health departments of several of these states in the near future.

About SSG SSG is dedicated to modernizing the delivery of essential services in our communities. For two decades, SSG has partnered with over dozens of states and municipalities to improve their workflow, data management and IT systems implementation and operation. SSG's flagship product, Casetivity, was purpose-built to automate essential workflows in public health organizations. SSG's solution suite for public health transforms the way these organizations manage and execute their programs through data management and workflow automation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005040/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Sunshine Biopharma Employs mRNA Vaccine Technology to Expand Its Fight Against Multidrug Resistant Cancer

MONTREAL, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunshine Biopharma Inc. (OTC PINK: SBFM), a pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and commercialization of oncology and antiviral drugs, today announced that it has succeeded in inhibiting the activity of Nrf2 using mRNA vaccine technology. Nrf2 is a transcription factor responsible for activation of oxidative stress genes as well as the cancer multidrug resistance genes, MDR1 (p-Glycoprotein), MRP1 and BCRP. By temporarily inhibiting Nrf2 activity with an mRNA injection immediately before or during chemotherapy, the Company hopes to achieve enhanced performance of anticancer drugs and consequently better overall therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients. In separate studies using a small molecule inhibitor of Nrf2, the Company results showed that the activity of a test anticancer drug (Etoposide) was enhanced approximately 4-fold. These studies were performed in MCF-7/MDR, a multidrug resistant breast cancer cell line.

The implications of these results for cancer therapy are enormous, said Dr. Steve Slilaty, CEO of Sunshine Biopharma. We are excited about the prospects of making this discovery a future reality for cancer patients, he added. About Sunshine Biopharma Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 4 million people worldwide since it first appeared in December 2019. There are currently no drugs that can effectively arrest replication of the virus in people who have contracted the illness. Sunshine Biopharma has completed the synthesis of four potential inhibitors of PLpro and subsequently identified a lead compound, SBFM-PL4. On February 1, 2021, Sunshine Biopharma entered into an exclusive license agreement with the University of Georgia for two Anti-Coronavirus compounds which the University of Georgia had previously developed and patented. The Company is currently advancing the development of these two compounds in parallel with its own BFM-PL4 by conducting a transgenic mice study in collaboration with the University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy. The mice being used in the study have been genetically engineered to express the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transmembrane protein in their lungs making them susceptible to lethal infection by SARS-CoV-2. The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses the hACE2 receptor to gain entry into human cells to replicate. The goal of the study is to determine if these protease inhibitors will protect the hACE2-transgenic mice from disease progression and death following infection with SARS-CoV-2. Should these mice studies prove successful, Sunshine Biopharma plans to submit the results to the FDA for authorization to conduct testing on actual COVID-19 patient volunteers in a Phase I clinical trial setting.



In addition, to working on the development of a treatment for COVID-19, Sunshine Biopharma is engaged in the development Adva-27a, a unique anticancer compound. Tests conducted to date have demonstrated the effectiveness of Adva-27a at destroying Multidrug Resistant Cancer Cells, including Pancreatic Cancer cells, Small-Cell Lung Cancer cells, Breast Cancer cells, and Uterine Sarcoma cells. Clinical trials for Pancreatic Cancer indication are planned to be conducted at McGill Universitys Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Canada. Sunshine Biopharma is owner of all patents and intellectual property pertaining to Adva-27a.

Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues statements related to our financial performance, expected income, distributions, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Among other matters, the Company may not be able to sustain growth or achieve profitability based upon many factors including but not limited to general stock market conditions. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements set forth in the Company's most recent SEC filings. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our expansion of our existing as well as new service lines noting there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs in both the near and long term. Additional service offerings may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s) based upon the various geopolitical locations we will be providing services in, the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time. For Additional Information Contact:

Camille Sebaaly, CFO

Sunshine Biopharma Inc.

Direct Line: 514-814-0464

camille.sebaaly@sunshinebiopharma.com

www.sunshinebiopharma.com



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Tysons-based Global IT Company CEO Emmit McHenry to Get Spotlight at Fairfax County EDA Entrepreneurship Workshop

Aspiring entrepreneurs can get start-up tips from Emmit McHenry, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Tysons-based Cycurion, during Fairfax County Economic Development Authority's next Entrepreneurship 101 virtual workshop on Tuesday, July 13.

Held every other month, Entrepreneurship 101, or "E-101," is a virtual workshop that features a panel of small business experts on how to start a business. Participants receive step-by-step instructions on registering a business, permitting requirements, business feasibility and business plan basics, business certifications, financing options and government resources.

In addition, the workshop features an "Entrepreneur Spotlight," with a guest speake who will discuss their entrepreneurial journey and share tips for business success. This session's guest is McHenry, who founded several companies prior to Cycurion, including Archura, NetCom Solutions International and Network Solutions. He is also a former member of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Commission.







To register for the July 13 E-101 workshop, please click here.

Presented by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), the Community Business Partnership (CBP) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the webinar provides an overview of business start-up fundamentals.

All participants who attend the entire webinar will receive a virtual "notebook" of business resource information. Networking opportunities will be provided during the event.

"The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority thanks Emmit McHenry for agreeing to be featured in our next 'E-101' workshop," said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the FCEDA. "Mr. McHenry is an entrepreneurial luminary in Northern Virginia who will provide start-up tips for business success garnered from his many years of experience launching a string of successful information technology firms."

The FCEDA promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons, Fairfax County's largest commercial district, the FCEDA maintains business investment offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore/Mumbai, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv.

The FCEDA is a member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Other members: Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Arlington County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005593/en/
[July 08, 2021] Universal Engineering Sciences Acquires Geotechnology Inc., Establishing A Strong Midwest Presence

ORLANDO, Fla., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), a national leading engineering and consulting company specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting, has acquired Geotechnology, Inc., a leading provider of consulting services in applied earth and environmental sciences; exploration; geotechnical engineering; underground consulting services; soils, rock, and construction materials testing; non-destructive testing; special inspections; geophysics and deep foundation testing in the Midwest and Midsouth regions. The Geotechnology family of firms has been part of thousands of major construction projects, with nearly 300 team members and 10 locations in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. "This partnership expands our presence into seven additional states, making UES a truly national firm." Geotechnology's Ed Alizadeh, a 32-year veteran of the business, will serve as UES President of the Midwest Division. Pat Donovan will continue as President of Geotechnology, LLC overseeing geotechnical, environmental and materials testing services. Jim Howe will continue as President of Geotechnology Exploration, LLC overseeing exploration services throughout the Midwest Division. "We are incredibly excited about the potential this partnership unlocks for us in the years to come," said Ed Alizadeh, Geotechnology CEO and new UES President of the Midwest Division. "We share a common vision of our culture, growth, teamwork and opportunity with UES. We believe we can provide greater impact and better service to our clients and more opportunity for our employees through this partnership. Joining the UES family is an incredible milestone for our business, and a testament to the outstanding team we have assembled, the business that we have run, and the high regard our firm enjoys in the industry from our clients."



With nearly six decades of experience and recognition as the premier engineering and consulting firm in the geotechnical engneering space, UES is well-positioned to serve the needs of commercial, residential and civic customers across the country. Recent mergers with GFA International, Inc., NOVA Geotechnical & Inspection Services, Contour Engineering, Wallace-Kuhl & Associates, Construction Testing & Engineering, SUMMIT Engineering, Laboratory & Testing, P.C., GEOServices, LLC, and McGinley & Associates have made UES one of the largest, most resource-rich organizations of its kind nationwide.



"Geotechnology is an incredible strategic fit for us on several levels," said Brian Kirkpatrick, an executive who partnered with Palm Beach Capital to build the strategy and execute the growth of the UES family of businesses. "This partnership expands our presence into seven additional states, making UES a truly national firm. We have built a strong presence in the Southeast and West and Geotechnology has created great reach throughout the Midwest. Geotechnology has a reputation for excellence, a magnet for incredible talent and a top-notch leadership team, as well as bench strength for further expansion." UES, a privately held company, has made a commitment to growing to $1 billion through strategic acquisition and organic growth. With the addition of Geotechnology to the portfolio, UES' presence includes locations throughout the high growth markets in the South, Midwest and West, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Metro DC, California, Utah, Nevada, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. For more information, visit universalengineering.com.

About Universal Engineering Sciences

Universal Engineering Sciences, headquartered in Orlando, is a rapidly growing engineering and consulting firm with nearly six decades of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting. UES is considered a pioneer of the industry and stands at the forefront of emerging technology, best practices, and influential legislature. Projects include both public and private clients, ranging from transportation and healthcare to commercial and education. UES engineers, geologists, certified inspectors, and scientists offer an unwavering commitment to excellence, approaching each project as an opportunity to cultivate enduring relationships with clients.

UES was recently named number one on the Zweig Group Hot Firm List which honors the fastest-growing firms in the architecture, engineering, planning, environmental and construction (AEC) industry. With 2,500 professionals across 60 branches nationwide, UES consults on projects of all sizes to help deliver needed infrastructure and build safe and successful communities. For more information, please visit universalengineering.com or follow UES on Social Media .

About Geotechnology, Inc.

Geotechnology provides a comprehensive range of consulting services in applied earth and environmental sciences; exploration; geotechnical engineering; underground consulting services; soils, rock, and construction materials testing; non-destructive testing; special inspections; geophysics and deep foundation testing. We can now also provide you with building envelope, occupational health and safety, and building code compliance services. The Geotechnology family of firms has been part of thousands of major construction projects in the Midwest regions and is ranked No. 407 in ENR's Top 500 Design Firms. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Geotechnology has offices in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. For more information, please visit https://geotechnology.com/. Media Contact: media@universalengineering.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-engineering-sciences-acquires-geotechnology-inc-establishing-a-strong-midwest-presence-301328033.html SOURCE Universal Engineering Sciences

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[July 08, 2021] U.S.-Based Fintech Platform OKY Celebrates Ground-Breaking First Year

MIAMI, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OKY, a Hispanic-owned and founded U.S.-based fintech platform, today reported a banner first year after the launch of its unique fintech platform, offering e-commerce that is helping to build economic prosperity for immigrant communities in the United States and across Latin America. With over 20,000 active users, OKY now offers over 1,000 points of sale across 176 U.S. cities in 23 states where app users can connect with more than 100 retail partners in Latin America to make purchases without the need for credit cards or bank accounts. As the only financial platform designed to give immigrant communities the ability to digitize cash for cross-border e-commerce, users can send funds directly to their relatives in their homeland to make purchases at participating retailers. Given the platform's success, it is currently on track to launch in six more countries in Latin America over the coming year, beginning with El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Language, financial, and technological barriers continue to remain a challenge for immigrants and other underserved communities in the United States. Through OKY, they can not only provide more efficiently for their families back home but also partake in the day-to-day necessities, allowing them to be part of their family's daily life experiences and building closer emotional bonds from far away. "Our ommitment is to those hard-working immigrants, our brothers and sisters, who continuously provide an economic lifeline of support via the value they send back home. Even at a distance, they seek to remain actively present and involved in the lives of loved ones who they left behind," said OKY CEO and Founder Victor Unda. "Allowing senders to buy from the US, with cash, goods and services for their friends and relatives abroad is the core of our offering"



In a time of continued uncertainty, OKY delivers a strategic and results-driven solution that ensures sustained sales growth and reduces customer attrition through dynamic digital incentives. Its booming success, after raising more than three and half million dollars to fund the early stages of the startup, has positioned OKY to pursue an active and successful Series 'A' funding round, which will be open to investors later this quarter. OKY's founders, who hail from the world of business and technology, launched the company in 2019 to improve the lives of immigrants and uplift their communities through the use of technology. Together, they built an innovative fintech approach for cross-border transactions and competitive digital solutions that help promote the economic development of immigrants and their families back home. Through OKY, they provide the only cross border e-commerce platform in the United States that can be used through the simple use of an active smartphone.

For more information or interview requests, please contact Julio E. Ligorria at julio@balserapr.com or at 305-916-1757 ABOUT OKY

OKY was founded in 2019 for immigrants and by immigrants, with the vision of helping underserved communities achieve financial equity and overcome common financial barriers through the use of technology. OKY achieves this by enabling users to make e-commerce transactions without the support of financial institutions, which often impede the immigrant community from attaining financial stability. Today, OKY users across the United States and other countries have access to a marketplace that connects the Central American region including retail service providers in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and also some offerings for Mexico. For more information, please visit the company's website, https://okyapp.com/en/ Media Contact:

Julio Ligorria

julio@balserapr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-based-fintech-platform-oky-celebrates-ground-breaking-first-year-301327709.html SOURCE OKY

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[July 07, 2021] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS ARRY, PCT, WISH, UI INVESTORS of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuits

NEW ORLEANS, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits: PureCycle Technologies, Inc. (PCT) f/k/a Roth CH Acquisition I Co. (ROCH)

Class Period: 11/16/2020 - 5/5/2021 and/or were holders of Roth securities entitled to participate in the March 16, 2021 shareholder vote on the merger with PureCycle.

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: July 12, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD, MISLEADING PROSPECTUS

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-purecycle-technologies-inc-common-stock-pct-securities-litigation Array Technologies, Inc. (ARRY)

Class Period: 10/14/2020 - 5/11/2021, or purchase of shares issued either in or after the October 2020, December 2020 or March 2021 public offerings

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: July 13, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD, MISLEADING PROSPECTUS

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-array-technologies-inc-common-stock-arry-securities-litigation



ContextLogic Inc. (WISH)

Class Period: 12/16/2020 - 5/12/2021, or purchase of shares issued either in or after the December 2020 Initial Public Offering

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: July 16, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD, MISLEADING PROSPECTUS

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-contextlogic-inc-wish-securities-litigation Ubiquiti Inc. (UI)

Class Period: 1/11/2021 - 3/30/2021

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: July 19, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-ubiquiti-inc-securities-litigation

If you purchased shares of the above companies and would like to discuss your legal rights and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact us toll-free (844) 367-9658 or visit the case links above. If you wish to serve as a Lead Plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court on or before the Lead Plaintiff Motion deadline. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com



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[July 08, 2021] India's Pioneering, Trusted Online Mental Health Service, HealtheMinds, Expands Offerings

BENGALURU, India, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- India is ranked 139 out of 149 countries in the 2021 United Nations World Happiness Report. People around the country have reported feeling anxiety and fear of losing friends and family to Covid-19, or falling ill themselves, or losing jobs and income, or becoming permanently incapacitated. Harrowing photographs of bodies floating in rivers, overflowing crematoria, overwhelmed healthcare workers, and occasionally insensitive political responses to pleas for help have all had a deleterious impact on the population's mental wellbeing and resilience. It is estimated that over 65% of Indians in the young adult age group (18 to 24 years) suffer from some form of depression. Uncertainties regarding employment, income and stability, a dramatic and tragic increase in domestic violence, and societal prejudices surrounding mental illness have hindered progress. Amid an unprecedented global pandemic and heightened awareness of mental health needs, India's first online mental health service, HealtheMinds, introduces a range of convenient, affordable in-person and online counselling and psychotherapy services for individuals, families and companies. HealtheMinds's counselling and psychotherapy services support individuals, couples, families and groups accomplish mental health, wellness, career and education goals in a collaborative, supportive and non-judgemental environment. With a new, easy-to-use, attractive and informative website, clients can now find the right mental wellness practitioner for their needs, book appointments, manage appointment schedules, make payments and attend counselling or therapy sessions all from the convenience of their preferred location. In addition to its redesigned and rejuvenated website, HealtheMinds has partnered with RxDx (www.rxdx.in) to offer face-to-face therapy and counselling services at RxDx partner clinics across India s Covid-19 restrictions permit. Appointment booking, scheduling and payments can be made online at www.healtheminds.com.



"The COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc on the mental health of the community. Our two decade experience in providing global teleradiology services has shown us that online telecounselling services, so important at this time, can be provided safely and securely to the community from the comfort of their homes, especially at this time when social distancing is necessary," says Dr. Arjun Kalyanpur, Chief Executive Officer, Teleradiology Solutions and Founder, HealtheMinds. A similar view was expressed by one of the HEM client who preferred to be anonymous. The client said, "Last year has been a bit too hard on everyone regardless. It affected me too and I needed help. I took a chance with HealthEminds and Ms. Aparna and really got lucky. She was extremely helpful and paid attention to details that I never noticed. Now I suppose that is what a therapist does but it did take me by surprise to hear it out loud. She helped put things in perspective and made sure nothing I was learning/discovering/unearthing was rushed or unplanned. Although, I did a few sessions with her, it helped me combat my anxiety attacks that seemed to get out of hand with everything 2020 brought. I am grateful for her help. I am also grateful to her for accommodating time slots that matched our time zones".

HealtheMinds is also making its expertise and experience available to companies, government agencies, and academic institutions and other organisations wishing to set up employee assistance programmes (EAPs), whether in an onsite, online or hybrid model, to provide mental wellness support and counselling services to their staff. As the pandemic has made clear, working people are struggling to maintain their equanimity in the face of typical work pressures and the additional burdens imposed by increased child, elder and home care responsibilities. The enforced lack of social contact caused by extended lockdowns has further exacerbated people's feelings of isolation and loneliness. Companies seeking ways in which to support and help their employees through these difficult times can now partner with HealtheMinds to put these essential programmes in place. To further its purpose of raising awareness of the importance of mental health and improving access to mental health services for all, HealtheMinds organises webinars and seminars delivered by members of its expert panel on various aspects of mental health, approaches and treatments. These talks are informational and specific in nature and are intended to inform as well as dispel the stigma that so often surrounds mental wellness issues in India. "Healtheminds, a pioneer in online mental health support, is indeed a 'happy space' for clients and experts. It is the need of the hour for this new pandemic afflicted world order" - opined Dr. Rani Susan Mathew, Consultant, HealtheMinds. Dr. Rani holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Kerala and has over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, counsellor, teacher and special educator in India, USA, Qatar, Brunei and UAE. About HealtheMinds HealtheMinds (www.healtheminds.com), the pioneering mental wellness counselling and therapy company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Bengaluru, has launched an expanded set of safe, supportive, secure and efficient offerings both in person and online with an extended panel of eminent and internationally recognised mental health practitioners with a diverse range of skills and expertise.

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[July 08, 2021] Minister Nitin Gadkari hopes reduction in road accidents, deaths by 50% by 2025-International Virtual Symposium on Vehicle Crash Safety organized by MIT-ADT University, Pune

PUNE, India, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "We hoped that the road accidents and resultant deaths in the country will be reduced by 50 % before 2025, and there should be no compromise on saving the lives of the persons involved in road accidents," said Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari while inaugurating the webinar series of the event International Virtual Symposium on Vehicle Crash Safety organized by MIT-ADT University, Pune. Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Govt. of India, quoted that, "The target is to reduce 50 % of road accidents by 2025 and we can achieve Zero deaths due to road accidents by 2030." The Ministry of Road Transport and The Highway is aimed to make safer roads by providing highways of 4 to 16 lanes and safer vehicles by motivating the Vehicle manufacturer in implementing the technologies for Vehicle Safety. Stating that much people die on roads in India every day, Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari said there is a need to expedite the task of saving the lives of people. He said that the last year, Ministry had participated in a conference in Sweden where a vision was conceptualised to have zero road fatalities in India by 2030. "We had promised that we will reduce deaths and accidents by 50 per cent. Today, we saw the success story of Tamil Nadu. It (Tamil Nadu) has reduced the accidents and deaths by 53 per cent," the minister said. He also said the government has taken various initiatives to put a check to road accidents and the Centre is also working on reducing black spots. Though the International Virtual Symposium on Vehicle Crash and Road Safety, awareness about causes of road accidents and measures to prevent them will be highlighted by organising various activities with school and college students, drivers and all other road users. Vehicular and occupant safety has always been the focus area of all regulations in the past. Vehicle Engineering in the global scenario has matured to a great extent and the awareness of safety is generated through different forms of education. With this Objective, Department of Mechanical Egineering - MIT School of Engineering, MIT ADT University is hosting the International Virtual Symposium on Vehicle Crash Safety from 5th July 2021 to 15th July 2021 in association with SAEINDIA-Western Section, and MIT ADT-SWE Global Affiliate, Pune. Its main objective is to educate the Students, Faculties, Industry Professionals, and Research Organisations on the different aspects of Vehicle Crash Safety and disseminate the Engineering aspects on Vehicular and occupant crash safety from various expertise of Industry and Research organization.



Prof. Dr. Vishwanath Karad, Founder, MIT Group of Institutions, Pune said, Minister Shri. Nitin Gadkari did great work for Sant Dnyaneshwar-Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg. He has been solving many problems of the road safety in India. The country's population and purchase vehicles number are growing. Parking, traffic problems, accidents, and pollution are increasing. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways working towards solution of these problems and they did a great work till date. The event is blessed by Hon'ble Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, and Chief Guest for the Inauguration Ceremony, Shri. Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Honourable Minister, MoRTH, Government of India, Prof. Dr Mangesh T. Karad, Executive President, and Vice-Chancellor, MIT ADT University, Pune and Dr Jayshree Fadnavis, MIT ADT University. Shri. Dinesh Tyagi, Director, International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), Manesar, Haryana, Dr Reji Mathai, Director Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, Dr Rashmi Urdhwareshe, President at Society of Automotive Engineers, SAEINDIA, Patron: Dr Kishore Ravande, Principal, MIT School of Engineering, Dr Sudarshan Sanap, Head, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. Archana Nema, Dr Mathew V K, Anurag Nema ware present during the event.

About MIT-ADT University MAEER's Trust which is known to set the strong precedence for the privatization of Engineering education in Maharashtra had taken a first mover's advantage by establishing the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT-Pune), in 1983, which continues to remain the flagship institute of the group. MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune has been established under the MIT Art, Design and Technology University Act, 2015 (Maharashtra Act No. XXXIX of 2015). The University commenced its operations successfully from 27th June 2016. The University is a self-financed institution and empowered to award the degrees under section 22 of the University Grants Commission act, 1956. The University has a unique blend of Art, Design, and Technology as the core of its academics. Recently, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune has accomplished the following accolades: Ranked 26th for ARIIA 2020 by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India . Received 5 Star rating for exemplary performance by the Ministry of Education's Innovation Council, Govt. of India . Conferred with Best University Campus Award by ASSOCHAM, New Delhi Granted with Atal Incubation Centre under ATAL Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Govt. of India MIT Art, Design and Technology University has been taking a holistic approach towards imparting education wherein the students are being motivated to build a complete winning personality which is "physically fit, intellectually sharp, mentally alert and spiritually elevated". The students are being encouraged to participate in yoga, meditation, physical training, spiritual elevation, communication skills, and other personality development programmes. Currently, we have 7500+ students studying in various schools of higher education under the University viz. Engineering and Technology, Food Technology, Bioengineering, Arts, Design, Marine Engineering, Journalism and Broadcasting, Film and Television, Music (Hindustani Classical Vocal and Instrumental), Teacher Education, and Vedic Sciences. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1479539/MIT_ADTU_Logo.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559877/MIT_ADT_University_Road_Safety.jpg

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[July 08, 2021] Hyloris Announces Launch of Maxigesic IV, a Novel Non-Opioid Pain Treatment, in Key European Markets

Marks first European launches of Maxigesic IV, a well-tolerated and effective non-opioid pain treatment

Liege, Belgium  8 July 2021  Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA (Euronext Brussels: HYL), a specialty biopharma company committed to addressing unmet medical needs through reinventing existing medications, today announces that Maxigesic IV is now available in Germany, the largest European pharmaceutical market, and Austria. Maxigesic IV is a novel, patented, non-opioid treatment for post-operative pain and is a unique combination of 1000mg paracetamol and 300mg ibuprofen solution for infusion. Hyloris partner AFT Pharmaceuticals works together with distribution partners with strong local presence to commercialise the product globally. Maxigesic IV is currently licensed in more than 100 countries across the globe, and it has been registered in 24 countries. Following the launch in Germany and Austria, the product is now available in 5 countries: Australia, New Zealand, The United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Austria. Stijn Van Rompay, Chief Executive Officer of Hyloris, commented: We are pleased that AFT and its partner Ever Pharma have now launched Maxigesic IV in Germany and Austria. We are convinced that Ever Pharma is the ideal partner to make this valuable new non-addictive pain treatment available to patients in Germany and Austria given their strong footprint in key European markets, and their expertise with complex injectables in multiple therapeutic areas, including anaesthesia. We look forward to continuing to update the market as we, and our partner AFT, make further progress in the regulatory activities, launches and further roll-out of Maxigesic IV across the globe. Annually, over 5.2 million surgical procedures are performed in Germany, and the market for postoperative pain in Germany is expected to grow to $166.5 million by 2028 at a CAGR of 11.58% from 2017-2028.1 About Maxigesic IV Maxigesic IV has been developed under the development collaboration agreement signed in 202 between Hyloris and AFT Pharmaceuticals. Maxigesic IV is a unique combination of 1000mg paracetamol and 300mg ibuprofen solution for infusion for use post-operatively. Results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial in 276 patients following bunion surgery demonstrated that Maxigesic IV was well-tolerated and had a faster onset of action and offered higher pain relief compared to ibuprofen IV or paracetamol IV alone in the same doses. Moreover, the superior analgesic effect of Maxigesic IV was supported by a range of secondary endpoints, including reduced opioid consumption compared to the paracetamol IV and ibuprofen IV treatment groups (P<0.005).2 In addition, the safety and tolerability of repeated doses of Maxigesic IV over an extended period was assessed in an open-label, multi-centre, single arm study in 232 patients undergoing orthopaedic or plastic surgery. This extension study demonstrated that Maxigesic IV, administered 6-hourly as a 15-minute infusion between 48 hours to 5 days was safe and well-tolerated, and was perceived positively by study participants, supporting a favourable risk benefit profile.3 Under the terms of the collaboration agreement with AFT, Hyloris is eligible to a high minority share of Maxigesic IV related income generated by AFT, excluding income generated in Australia and New Zealand.



About Hyloris Pharmaceuticals Hyloris is a specialty biopharma company focused on innovating, reinventing, and optimising existing medications to address important healthcare needs and deliver relevant improvements for patients, healthcare professionals and payors. Hyloris has built a broad, patented portfolio of 13 reformulated and repurposed value-added medicines that have the potential to offer significant advantages over available alternatives. Two products are currently commercialised with partners: Sotalol IV for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and Maxigesic IV, a non-opioid post-operative pain treatment. The Companys development strategy primarily focuses on the FDAs 505(b)2 regulatory pathway, which is specifically designed for pharmaceuticals for which safety and efficacy of the molecule have already been established. This pathway can reduce the clinical burden required to bring a product to market, and significantly shorten the development timelines and reduce costs and risks. Hyloris is based in Liege, Belgium. For more information, visit www.hyloris.com and follow-us on LinkedIn.

For more information, please contact Hyloris Pharmaceuticals: Marieke Vermeersch

VP Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

M: +32 (0)479 490 603

marieke.vermeersch@hyloris.com

Disclaimer and forward-looking statements Hyloris means high yield, lower risk, which relates to the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for product approval on which the Issuer focuses, but in no way relates or applies to an investment in the Shares.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified using forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should", and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. These statements relate to future events or the Companys future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Companys control, that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company or its industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. 1 Postoperative Pain Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast  2028. DELVEINSIGHT

2 Daniels et al, 2019, Clinical Therapeutics

3 Gottlieb et al, 2021, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Attachment 210708 Hyloris Press Release Maxigesic EU launch_ENG



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[July 08, 2021] IDnow supports European digital identity ecosystem

IDnow joins IDunion, the network initiative for digital identities funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) MUNICH, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IDnow, a leading European Platform-as-a-Service provider for identity verification, announces its participation in the IDunion network, which aims to build an open ecosystem for decentralised identity management. For the IDunion network, central aspects of implementation are security, cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness and privacy compliant use of identity data. IDnow has joined forces with other industry experts through IDunion to drive a shared vision of digital identities that is aligned with European values and regulations. "We are excited to play a key role in shaping the future of digital identities in Europe with our partners at IDunion and looking forward to working together on secure and economical solutions," says Armin Bauer, Managing Director Technology and Co-Founder of IDnow. "The introduction of a digital identity solution is an important and necessary step for Europe. After the publication of the EU decision on the EU Digital Identity Wallet, we now need to think about a nified infrastructure," adds Armin Bauer.



Since its foundation, IDnow has been working closely with various regulatory authorities across Europe and supporting standardisation working groups such as the FIDO Alliance or ETSI's Special Task Force 588 to develop new standards with its expertise. As one of the European market leaders in the field of digital identification, IDnow is working on a technology to implement digital wallets. With this technology, users' data is stored securely on the user's smartphone in compliance with data protection laws. By means of fingerprint or facial recognition (touch or face ID), the data is released for identification. The user retains control over his or her own data at all times. As a certified identification service ("Registration Authority") according to 24 1 d) eIDAS and as one of the largest providers of eIDs, the online ID function, IDnow is ideally positioned to provide all citizens and companies with an identity within the framework of a digital identity wallet in the future. Within IDunion, IDnow's goal is to make the wallet technology compatible with the standards of the IDunion network.

Over the past few years, IDnow has expanded its role far beyond offering individual ident procedures and has become the overarching platform for digital identities with several million transactions per year. In 2021, IDnow acquired the French market leader in identity technology, ARIADNEXT as well as German identity Trust Management AG. This enables IDnow to expand into new industries and offer its services to a broader customer base in Europe. About IDnow IDnow is a leading identity verification platform in Europe with a vision to make the connected world a safer place. The IDnow platform provides a broad portfolio of identity verification solutions, ranging from automated to human-assisted from purely online to point-of-sale, each of them optimized for user conversion rates and security. The company has offices in Germany, United Kingdom and France and is backed by renowned institutional investors, including Corsair Capital and Seventure Partners. Its portfolio of over 670 international clients, spans a wide range of industries, and includes leading international players such as, Western Union, UBS, Commerzbank, Sixt and Munich Re, as well as digital champions like N26, Solarisbank, wefox and Tier mobility. Press contact IDnow:

Christina Schwinning

press@idnow.de

+49 89 41324 6054 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1342896/IDnow_Logo.jpg

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[July 08, 2021] iMerit Expands By Opening a New Center of Excellence for AI Training Data in Hubballi

- Expert workforce delivers high-quality training data to power machine learning and artificial intelligence KOLKATA, India, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- iMerit, a leading data labeling solutions company, announced the opening of a new Center of Excellence for AI training data in Hubballi, Karnataka. In partnership with the Deshpande Foundation, a social and economic impact nonprofit organization, iMerit will expand their expert workforce for delivering high-quality training data and solutions for machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. iMerit's deep commitment to developing talent and technical skills within underserved communities brings new economic opportunities to the southwestern region of India. "We are excited to expand to Hubballi. The skills and expertise of our workforce are in high demand within Fortune 500 companies because of our ability to help them solve complex data challenges in their AI. Hubballi is the perfect city to continue developing our highly-skilled technical talent of the future," said Radha Ramaswami Basu, iMerit CEO and Founder. "The Deshpande Foundation is an invaluable partner in our mission to create the most talented and skilled workforce for AI in the industry." Deshpande Foundation was founded in 2007 to equip rural youth with education ranging from primary school to college degrees, wit essential hands-on technical skills currently in demand in the digital economy.



"We are looking at Hubballi beyond the lens of Bengaluru, Karnataka. Hubballi was yearning for high-tech jobs for many years and the launch of iMerit is one of the best opportunities the under-resourced community can get. This partnership of iMerit and Deshpande Foundation is an encouraging initiative that an opportunity in Hubballi itself has been created for the youth of rural and semi-urban areas to work on data content used for applications of artificial intelligence, a demanding domain with worldwide scope," said Dr. Desh Deshpande, Co-founder, Deshpande Foundation. "We will extend the best possible support to make iMerit successful in Hubballi. This initiative will encourage more high-tech companies to see Hubballi as their workplace. This partnership will post new challenges and raise the execution excellence on both sides. It is definitely going to set a benchmark in the north-Karnataka region," added Dr. Desh.

iMerit employs more than 4,000 employees across 10 centers in India, Bhutan and the U.S. About iMerit: iMerit is a leading data labeling solutions company providing high-quality data across computer vision, natural language processing and content services that powers machine learning and artificial intelligence applications for large enterprises. iMerit provides end-to-end data labeling services to Fortune 500 companies in a wide array of industries including agricultural AI, autonomous vehicles, commerce, geospatial, government, financial services, medical AI and technology. iMerit employs more than 4,000 full-time data annotation experts in Bhutan, Europe, India and the United States. Raising $23.5 million in funding to date, iMerit investors are CDC Group, Khosla Impact, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and Omidyar Network. For more information visit: imerit.net About Deshpande Foundation: Deshpande Foundation was established in 2007 to bring about a sustainable change by economically empowering rural and semi-urban communities in India. The journey started as a grant-making and skilling organization in Hubballi district of Karnataka state. Over the years, with community trust and increased connection at the ground level, Deshpande Foundation has transitioned to an implementing organization. With the vision to "Create an ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurial mind-sets to impact grassroots problems through innovation, collaboration and sustainability", the foundation is implementing programmes that focus on Micro-Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Edu-Skilling, and Startups (MASS) that it believes are four critical areas among many for catalyzing and anchoring holistic rural and semi-urban impact. During the 14-year journey, the foundation has impacted 1,25,000+ farmers, trained 10000+ students, and supported 4200+ micro-entrepreneurs and 210+ start-ups. The Deshpande Foundation, founded by Jaishree and Gururaj 'Desh' Deshpande, has supported sustainable, scalable social and economic impact through innovation and entrepreneurship in the United States, Canada, and India. For more information, visit: deshpandefoundationindia.org Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559938/iMerit_Technology_Deshpande_Foundation.jpg

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[July 08, 2021] Quantum Metric Appoints Reza Zaheri as Chief Information Security Officer to Advance Industry Standard for Data Security

DIRECTV / AT&T veteran to build on company commitment to data privacy protections in the digital customer experience COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Metric , the pioneer in Continuous Product Design (CPD) that helps organizations build better digital products faster, today announced the appointment of Reza Zaheri as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Bringing over 18 years of experience in cyber security, digital forensics and incident response, Reza will be responsible for maintaining Quantum Metric's commitment to data privacy and security. "As a data-driven company, we understand our responsibility to protect the information of our customers, their brands, and end-users," said Mario Ciabarra, CEO. "Having built security strategies for Fortune 100 brands, Zaheri's industry expertise makes him an invaluable asset, and furthers our mission to evolve digital customer experience through Continuous Product Design. With SOC 2 Type II and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications, Quantum Metric maintains industry standards for data security, and Zaheri will continue to evolve our practices and protocols to meet the changing demands of a digital-first world." For almost a decade, Zaheri led enterprise-wide initiatives in cybersecurity, digital forensics incident response and security awareness for DIRECTV / AT&T. Prior to joining Quantum Metric, he also founded a security training company, 1:M Cyber Security, where he trained over 45,000 people across 127 countries, in-person or via online courses, on cybersecurity awareness. Zaheri has also previously held security positions at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, ACC Capital Holdings/Ameriquest, and the City of Los Angeles.



"Digital enterprises need to know that their customers' data is vigorously protected by Quantum Metric at every touchpoint in the user experience," said Zaheri. "I'm excited to join the Quantum Metric family, and continue to establish security and privacy practices that create new opportunities for digital brands to earn consumer trust and loyalty." Quantum kicked off 2021 as one of the year's first tech unicorns, with a valuation above $1 billion and a $200 million Series B funding round led by Insight Partners. Zaheri is the latest addition to Quantum Metric's rapidly growing leadership team following the appointment of the company's Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Financial Officer in January. He is based between London, England and Los Angeles, and will report directly to Quantum Metric CEO and Founder, Mario Ciabarra.

For more information on Quantum Metric visit: www.quantummetric.com About Quantum Metric

Quantum Metric helps organizations build better digital products faster. Our Continuous Product Design platform gives business and technical teams a single version of truth that's automatically quantified and based on what matters most  your customer's perspective. The result: Teams are aligned, learn faster, and release with confidence. In January of 2021, Quantum Metric secured its place as the first tech unicorn of the year with an above $1 billion valuation and a $200 million Series B funding round. In 2020, Quantum Metric was ranked 124 in the Inc 5000, a list of America's fastest-growing private companies. For more information about Quantum Metric, visit www.quantummetric.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559643/Reza_Zaheri.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559642/Quantum_Metric_Logo.jpg

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[July 08, 2021] Beibu Gulf Port Group selects CyberLogitec's OPUS Terminal to align its operations for Qinzhou Fully Automated Terminal

SEOUL, South Korea, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CyberLogitec, a leading provider of terminal operation solutions, announced that Beibu Gulf Port Group (BGPG) has selected terminal operating system (TOS) by CyberLogitec for its fully automated Qinzhou greenfield terminal. The terminal is expected to be operational by the mid-2022 and once completed, it will be the fifth fully automated container terminal in China with an annual design capacity of 5M TEU. Qinzhou terminal is an important project highly concerned by local government. The significance of the fully automated Qinzhou terminal is that it is the first U-type terminal which pursued the low cost-high efficiency in the world. Meanwhile, it's also the first Sea-Rail terminal in China. It does not only realize the automatic operation of container side loading/unloading, horizontal transportation, and yard loading/unloading but also achieves the goal of saving investment and low operating costs through innovated technology.



According to the process layout of the project, a new type of intelligent terminal operating system (TOS) and equipment control system (ECS) will be developed. And it will support intelligent slider OCR and AR intelligent security systems, applying the latest generation of positioning navigation and neural network technology of intelligent guided car IGV. CyberLogitec will apply IT technologies such as IoT, big data and other state-of-the-art technologies in cooperation with Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), one of the world's largest crane manufacturers. The partnership with BGPG and ZPMC has paved the way for leading the smart port sector.

"The agreement with BGPG is another important step in our growth within China," said Young Kyu Song, CyberLogitec's CEO. "It is a great significance for CyberLogitec to have the first reference site of a fully automated container terminal in China. Based on the latest technology, CyberLogitec plans to implement successful terminal operating system for BGPG automated Qinzhou terminal." CyberLogitec introduces artificial intelligence, IoT, big data, Hyper Automation, and Digital Twin technologies required in the field of smart ports and has several references in automated terminals including TTI Algeciras, Terminal 3 at Jebel Ali, and etc. About CyberLogitec CyberLogitec empowers the global supply chain with innovative technologies that address operational challenges, improve visibility, and meet industry demands. As a worldwide leader in the maritime, port, and logistics industry, our flexible, end-to-end solutions and consulting services help the industry adapt quickly to the market's evolving needs. www.cyberlogitec.com About Beibu Gulf Port Group (sz.000582) Beibu Gulf Port Group, established in February 2007, is a large-scale wholly State-owned enterprise directly under the management of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous regional government. it has been committed to promoting enterprise transformation and upgrading. Currently, the group's business sectors cover five major areas: ports, logistics, industry and trade, real estate and investment. The group also has ports and investment business in Mainland China's Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Brunei and other countries/regions that have developed from a single port enterprise into a comprehensive port group. SOURCE CyberLogitec

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[July 08, 2021] Welcome Bob Bonner to MOBIA

TORONTO, July 8, 2021 /CNW/ - MOBIA, the leading full-suite Canadian systems integrator, welcomes Bob Bonner, Sr. Account Executive as the newest addition to the Ontario sales team. He will be focused on supporting the growing Ottawa-Gatineau region customer base on their digital and technology journeys. Bonner brings 18 years of experience in the IT and services industry and a customer-centric approach. "I couldn't be happier to be part of the MOBIA team," said Bonner. "Their emphasis on taking a consultative approach to helping customers aligns with how I've always approached partnering with my customers. By being part of MOBIA, I now have the ability to elevate the solutions that I can offer them by having access to a world-class development team that can create custom solutions to meet their specific needs. Itis really exciting!"



MOBIA's extensive technical bench, inclusive culture and the opportunity for Bonner to build-up the Ottawa region all played a role in his decision to join the team. "From the start, every person I have interacted with at MOBIA has been exceptionally smart, kind and focused on the customer," said Bonner. "I knew this was a place that I would fit right in at. I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity that MOBIA has provided me to grow our footprint in the Ottawa territory. I know that we'll be able to help businesses in the region accelerate their digital transformations and implement technologies and corresponding culture changes that will take them to new heights." "We are excited to have Bob join MOBIA," said Andrew Gnoinski, Director of Sales in Ontario. "Bob is a consummate IT sales pro who brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Equally important, he embodies the culture and values that we hold deeply at MOBIA."

ABOUT MOBIA

MOBIA, the leading full-suite Canadian systems integrator and one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, helps businesses foster connection and realize their full potential through digital transformation. Focused around five key-areas -- Broadband and Wireless Services, Hybrid Infrastructure Solutions, Managed Services, Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation Services  MOBIA partners with clients to operationalize new technologies and processes, driving business agility and efficiency  and truly transforming the way they work. To learn more, visit MOBIA.io. SOURCE MOBIA Technology Innovations Inc.

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[July 08, 2021] Former Google Executive Dave Botkin Joins Fractal as Strategic Advisor

Dave will help Fractal strengthen its value proposition and expand reach in the Bay Area MUMBAI, India, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fractal, (www.fractal.ai), a global leader in artificial intelligence and analytics, powering decision-making in Fortune 500 companies, today announced that Dave Botkin, former Senior Director - Marketing Analytics at Google, has joined the company as a strategic advisor. Dave will help support Fractal's rapid growth by providing strategic inputs, deepen engagement with marquee clients & expand its reach in the Bay Area. "We are delighted to have Dave join Fractal as our strategic advisor," said Pranay Agrawal, Co-founder & CEO, Fractal. "As we look to our future growth trajectory, it is critical that our company receives timely insights and guidance from industry experts familiar not only with the AI and analytics industry at large, but also have a deep understanding of the market we operate in." "I'm really excited to be joining one of the fastest growing companies in the world of AI and aalytics," said Dave Botkin. "From AI to behavioral science & Design, Fractal's technology is not only leading the way but completely redefining the way these spaces operate and think about the future, and I can't wait to help contribute to the company's impressive growth trajectory."



A former physicist turned data scientist, Dave Botkin built and ran analytics and data engineering teams in startups and Fortune 50 companies until "retiring" in 2018 to focus on Analytics Consulting and Advisory services as Dave Botkin Consulting, LLC. Prior to DBC, Dave was Sr. Director of Marketing Analytics in Google's Ads business, where his teams evaluated marketing program effectiveness and developed machine-learning models to route leads to sales. Before that, Dave led analytics practice at Square, was VP of Analytics/BI at Disney Interactive Games and served as SVP Audience Analytics at CBS Interactive. Dave received his BA and Ph.D. (Physics) degrees from UC Berkeley and his MBA degree from the Haas School of Business.

About Fractal Fractal is one of the most prominent players in the Artificial Intelligence space. Fractal's mission is to power every human decision in the enterprise and brings AI, engineering, and design to help the world's most admired Fortune 500 companies. Fractal's products include Qure.ai to assist radiologists in making better diagnostic decisions, Cuddle.ai to assists CEOs, and senior executives make better tactical and strategic decisions, Theremin.ai to improve investment decisions, and Eugenie.ai to find anomalies in high-velocity data & Samya.ai to drive next generation Enterprise Revenue Growth Management. Fractal has more than 2,300 employees across 16 global locations, including the United States, UK, Ukraine, India, and Australia. Fractal has consistently been rated as India's best companies to work for, by The Great Place to Work Institute, featured as a leader in the Specialized Insights Service Providers Wave 2020, Computer Vision Consultancies Wave 2020 & Customer Analytics Service Providers Wave 2019 by Forrester Research, and recognized as an "Honorable Vendor" in 2021 Magic Quadrant for data & analytics by Gartner. For more information visit fractal.ai.

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[July 08, 2021] Sandbridge Acquisition Corporation Reminds Shareholders to Vote in Favor of the Proposed Business Combination With Owlet Before July 14

Sandbridge Acquisition Corporation (NYSE: SBG) ("Sandbridge") reminds its shareholders to vote in favor of the proposed business combination with Owlet Baby Care Inc. ("Owlet") and the related proposals at Sandbridge's special meeting. The special meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on July 14, 2021, via live webcast at the following address: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SBG2021SM, as further described in Sandbridge's definitive proxy statement/prospectus, dated June 21, 2021 (the "proxy statement/prospectus"). Sandbridge's shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 1, 2021, the record date for the special meeting (the "record date"), are entitled to vote their shares of common stock at the special meeting. Every shareholder's vote is important, regardless of the number of shares the shareholder holds. As such, all shareholders of record as of the record date who have not yet voted are encouraged to do so as soon as possible before July 14, 2021. Sandbridge's board of directors recommends you vote "FOR" the business combination with Owlet and "FOR" all of the related proposals described in the proxy statement/prospectus. These are the two easy ways to vote and they are both free: Vote Online (Highly Recommended): Follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee on the proxy card mailed (or emailed) to you. You will need your voting control number which is included on the proxy card, voting instruction form or notice you previously received to vote online. Vote by Telephone: Follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee on the proxy card mailed (or emailed) to you. You will need your voting control number which is included on the proxy card, voting instruction form or notice you previously received to vote via automated telephone service. If you have any questions or need assistance voting your common stock, please contact Okapi Partners LLC, our proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (844) 343-2623. Banks and brokers can call collect at (212) 297-0720, or by emailing info@okapipartners.com. Additionally, you can also vote by mail: Vote by Mail: Follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee on the proxy card mailed (or emailed) to you. You will need your voting control number which is included on the proxy card, voting instruction form or notice mailed (or emailed) to you in order to vote by mail. For voting by mail, be sure to: Mark, sign and date your proxy card;

Fold and return your proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided; and

Return your proxy card such that it is received prior to the date of the special meeting. FAQ How do I vote my shares? If your shares were held in "street name" (meaning you purchased through a broker, bank or other nominee) as of the close of business on June 1, 2021, contact them immediately to obtain your control number and instructions to vote via the Internet or by telephone. Can I still vote if I no longer own my shares? Yes, if you owned shares as of the close of business on June 1, 2021, the record date for the special meeting, you can still vote your shares even if you no longer own them. Where can I find my control number? Your voting control number is the number provided on the proxy card, voting instruction form or notice that was mailed (or emailed) to you with your proxy materials. If your shares are held by a bank, broker or other nominee and you cannot locate your control number, you will need to contact them to obtain your control number. What if I have other questions? If you have any questions or need assistance voting your common stock, please contact Okapi Partners LLC, our proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (844) 343-2623. Banks and brokers can call collect at (212) 297-0720, or by emailing info@okapipartners.com. How do I attend the special meeting on July 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. ET? The special Meeting will be held on July 14, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, via live webcast at the following address: www.virtualshareoldermeeting.com/SBG2021SM. Please follow the instructions in the proxy statement/prospectus for how to register to attend the special meeting.



What if I want to vote by mail or phone? If you have any questions or need assistance voting your common stock, please contact Okapi Partners LLC, our proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (844) 343-2623. Banks and brokers can call collect at (212) 297-0720, or by emailing info@okapipartners.com.

About Sandbridge Acquisition Corporation Sandbridge Acquisition Corporation (NYSE: SBG) is a special purpose acquisition company with a team that includes experienced industry operators and investors who have partnered with leading high-growth consumer companies, including Thom Browne, Rossignol, The RealReal, Farfetch and Hydrow. An affiliate of Sandbridge Capital and certain private funds managed by PIMCO are members of Sandbridge's sponsor. For more information, please visit www.sandbridgeacquisition.com. About Owlet Baby Care Owlet Baby Care Inc. was founded by a team of parents in 2012. Owlet's mission is to empower parents with the right information at the right time, to give them more peace of mind and help them find more joy in the journey of parenting. Owlet's digital parenting platform aims to give parents real-time data and insights to help parents feel more calm and confident. Owlet believes that every parent deserves peace of mind and the opportunity to feel their well-rested best. Owlet also believes that every child deserves to live a long, happy, and healthy life, and is working to develop products to help facilitate that belief. Additional Information and Where to Find It This press release relates to the proposed business combination between Sandbridge and Owlet. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed business combination. In connection with the proposed business combination, Sandbridge filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) "), which includes a proxy statement/prospectus dated June 21, 2021 and other documents filed in connection with the proposed business combination. These materials contain important information about Owlet, Sandbridge and the proposed business combination. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the proposed business combination have been mailed (or emailed) to shareholders of Sandbridge as of the record date for voting on the proposed business combination. Sandbridge shareholders may also obtain copies of the definitive proxy statement and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a written request to: Sandbridge Acquisition Corporation, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2088, Los Angeles, California 90067. Participants in the Solicitation Sandbridge and its directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Sandbridge's stockholders with respect to the proposed business combination. The names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in Sandbridge is contained in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Sandbridge with the SEC on June 21, 2021 and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Owlet and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Sandbridge in connection with the proposed business combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests is included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination filed by Sandbridge on June 21, 2021. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements, estimates, targets and projections in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or Sandbridge's or Owlet's future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expect", "intend", "will", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "predict", "potential" or "continue", or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Sandbridge and its management, and Owlet and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of any definitive agreements with respect to the proposed business combination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Sandbridge, Owlet, the combined company or others following the announcement of the proposed business combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; the inability to complete the proposed business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of Sandbridge or to satisfy other conditions to closing, including the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following any redemptions; changes to the proposed structure or terms of the proposed business combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or in response to market reaction to the announcement of the transaction; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards at or following the consummation of the proposed business combination; the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Owlet as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed business combination, and as a result of the post-transaction company being a publicly listed issuer; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the regulatory pathway for Owlet products and responses from regulators, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and similar regulators outside of the United States, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain Owlet's management and key employees; costs related to the proposed business combination, including costs associated with the post-transaction company being a publicly listed issuer; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Owlet or the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, regulatory and/or competitive factors; Owlet's estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which Owlet competes; the ability of Owlet to implement its strategic initiatives and continue to innovate its existing products; the ability of Owlet to defend its intellectual property and satisfy regulatory requirements; the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on Owlet's business; the limited operating history of Owlet; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed business combination transaction dated in June 21, 2021 and other documents to be filed with the SEC by Sandbridge. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Neither Sandbridge nor Owlet undertakes any duty to update these forward-looking statements. No Offer or Solicitation This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed business combination. This press release shall also not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005313/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Spire Data Now Available on Carahsoft SEWP V, ITES-SW2 and OMNIA Partners Contracts

Spire Global, Inc., ("Spire" or "the Company"), a leading global provider of space-based data and analytics, and Carahsoft Technology Corp. ("Carahsoft"), The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, today announced a partnership. Carahsoft will serve as Spire's Master Government Aggregator for the Port Solution for Federal, state and local governments by making Spire's industry-leading Automatic Identification System (AIS) maritime data and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) aircraft tracking data available to the public sector through Carahsoft's NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V, Information Technology Enterprise Solutions - Software 2 (ITES-SW2) and OMNIA Partners contracts, as well as Carahsoft's reseller partners. "Spire's comprehensive maritime and aircraft tracking data aims to elevate government missions and help agencies make decisions based on near real-time proprietary data, insights and predictive analytics with global coverage," said Ed Fakler, Federal Channels Director of Spire. "Our strategic partnership with Carahsoft, one of the most trusted Government IT Solutions Providers, will expand awareness and access to this data for more Government agencies and programs and support relationships with new and existing public sector customers." With a large, constantly evolving constellation of nanosatellites, Spire provides worldwide coverage of maritime and aviation activity, including in remote areas, seeking to minimize blind spots and increase safety in navigation. Spire's industry-leading data sets give public sector organizations access to data for logistics decisions and mission success. Spire and Carahsoft believe that access to these data sets will not only allow government end users to save money and time through operational improvements, but also enable them to monitor suspicious activity across the globe. In addition, Spire's flexible, clean and enriched AIS data is formatted to meet each organization's unique needs with scalable, predictive maritime analysis. Similarly, flight tracking and air traffic APIs allow organizations to quickly integrate and query data using tools that fit current workflows. "With the addition of Spire's space-to-cloud data and analytics solutions to our portfolio, our joint public sector customers have access to near real-time global coverage to improve safety and efficiency and maintain complete global situational awareness to make data-driven decisions faster," said Lacey Wean, Manager of Geospatial Solutions at Carahsoft. "We look forward to working with the team at Spire along with our reseller partners to expand Spire's impact in the public sector and make this crucial information available to keep agencies informed." Spire's software and services are available through Carahsoft's SEWP V contracts NNG15SC03B and NNG15SC27B, ITES-SW2 Contract W52P1J-20-D-0042, OMNIA Partners contract #R191902, and Carahsoft's reseller partners. For more information, contact the Spire team at Carahsoft at (703) 673-3570 or Spire@carahsoft.com. About Carahsoft Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, we deliver solutions for Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Open Source (News - Alert) , Customer Experience and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Visit us at our website for more information. About Spire Global, Inc. Spire is a global provider of space-based data and analytics that offers unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth from the ultimate vantage point so organizations can make decisions with confidence, accuracy, and speed. Spire uses one of the world's largest multi-purpose satellite constellations to source hard to acquire, valuable data and enriches it with predictive solutions. Spire then provides this data as a subscription to organizations around the world so they can improve business operations, decrease their environmental footprint, deploy resources for growth and competitive advantage, and mitigate risk. Spire gives commercial and government organizations the competitive advantage they seek toinnovate and solve some of the world's toughest problems with insights from space. Spire has offices in San Francisco, CA (News - Alert) , Boulder, CO, Washington DC, Glasgow, Luxembourg, and Singapore. On March 1, 2021 Spire announced plans to go public through an anticipated business combination with NavSight Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NSH), to be traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "SPIR."



About NavSight Holdings, Inc. NavSight Holdings, Inc. is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. NavSight was organized with the opportunity to pursue a business combination target in any business or industry, with the intent to focus its search on identifying a prospective target business that provides expertise and technology to U.S. government customers in support of their national security, intelligence and defense missions.

Additional Information and Where to Find It In connection with the planned business combination with Spire (the "Proposed Transaction"), NavSight has filed a Form S-4 Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") with the SEC (News - Alert) , which includes a preliminary proxy statement to be distributed to holders of NavSight's common stock in connection with NavSight's solicitation of proxies for the vote by NavSight's stockholders with respect to the Proposed Transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, a prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to the Company's stockholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction, and an information statement to Company's stockholders regarding the Proposed Transaction. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, NavSight will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus, when available, to its stockholders. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety because they will contain important information about NavSight, the Company and the Proposed Transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by NavSight through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: NavSight Holdings, Inc., 12020 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191. Participants in Solicitation NavSight and the Company and their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers and other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Proposed Transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of NavSight is set forth in its Form 10-K/A and Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2021 and May 24, 2021, respectively. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC regarding the Proposed Transaction. Stockholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expectations of accelerating Spire's sales and marketing efforts, expectations of product development and the applicability of such products to Spire's market, the strengthening of Spire's competitive advantage, the importance of Spire's products and capabilities to Spire's target markets, the expansion of Spire's business to new regions and markets, Spire's future growth, estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics, expectations of achieving and maintaining profitability, projections of total addressable markets, market opportunity and market share, net proceeds from the Proposed Transactions, potential benefits of the Proposed Transaction and the potential success of the Company's market and growth strategies, and expectations related to the terms and timing of the Proposed Transaction. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of NavSight's and the Company's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of NavSight and the Company. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including (i) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of NavSight's securities; (ii) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed by NavSight's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by NavSight; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction, including the approval of the Proposed Transaction by the stockholders of NavSight, the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following any redemptions by NavSight's public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; (iv) the inability to complete the PIPE investment in connection with the Proposed Transaction; (v) the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Proposed Transaction on Spire's business relationships, performance, and business generally; (vii) risks that the Proposed Transaction disrupts current plans of Spire and potential difficulties in Spire employee retention as a result of the Proposed Transaction; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against NavSight or Spire related to the business combination agreement or the Proposed Transaction; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of NavSight's securities on the New York Stock Exchange; (x) the ability to address the market opportunity for Space-as-a-Service; (xi) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not generate expected net proceeds to the combined company; (xii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the Proposed Transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities; (xiii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; (xiv) the risk of downturns, new entrants and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive space data analytics industry; and those factors discussed in NavSight's Form S-4/A filed on June 25, 2021 under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents of NavSight filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or the Company's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither NavSight nor the Company presently know or that NavSight and the Company currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect NavSight's and the Company's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. NavSight and the Company anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause NavSight's and the Company's assessments to change. However, while NavSight and the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, NavSight and the Company specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing NavSight's and the Company's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005181/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Chipotle Leverages TikTok Resumes To Help Grow Its Purpose-Driven Workforce

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is among the first brands to leverage TikTok Resumes to recruit purpose-driven Gen-Z applicants and grow its workforce. Moreover, the company will host its second "Coast To Coast Career Day" on July 15 with the goal of hiring an additional 15,000 employees to meet current demand and accommodate future growth. TikTok Resumes

Due to the competitive labor market, Chipotle is continuing to experiment with new methods of meeting its potential applicants where they are. Through TikTok Resumes, Chipotle's prospective applicants can showcase their authenticity and true passions in unique ways outside of a traditional resume or sit-down interview. For Chipotle job listings, examples of standout TikTok video resumes, links to TikTok profiles who create career- or job-related content, and the functionality to apply and submit videos for posted jobs, fans can access TikTok Resumes via the TikTok app or on www.tiktokresumes.com. Candidates must use #TikTokResumes in their caption when publishing their video resume. Chipotle's TikTok Resume program will be accepting submissions through July 31. "Given the current hiring climate and our strong growth trajectory, it's essential to find new platforms to directly engage in meaningful career conversations with Gen-Z," said Marissa Andrada, Chief Diversit, Inclusion and People Officer. "TikTok has been ingrained into Chipotle's DNA for some time and now we're evolving our presence to help bring in top talent to our restaurants."



Coast to Coast Career Day

Applicants can reserve July 15 interview times at Chipotle restaurants across the country, which will feature designated waiting areas for interviewees. Coast to Coast Career Day interviews will take place between 8:00  10:00 a.m. and 2:00  5:00 p.m. local time at participating locations. For more information or to schedule an interview, candidates can visit coasttocoastcareerday.com.

In June, Chipotle increased wages resulting in a $15 average hourly wage and starting wages ranging from $11 to $18 per hour. In addition to best-in-class benefits and a competitive hourly rate, Chipotle's crew members can advance to a Restaurateur, the highest General Manager position, in as little as three and a half years, with average total compensation of $100,000 while leading a multi-million-dollar growing business. Since the start of 2021, Chipotle has hired more than 82,000 crew members and had more than 4,200 promotions among its restaurant staff. ABOUT CHIPOTLE

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 2,800 restaurants as of March 31, 2021, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on the 2021 lists for Forbes' America's Best Employers and Fortune's Most Admired Companies. With over 97,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Founded in 1993, Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM . ABOUT TIKTOK

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chipotle-leverages-tiktok-resumes-to-help-grow-its-purpose-driven-workforce-301327734.html SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

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[July 08, 2021] P&P Optica Secures Series B Funding Round

P&P Optica (PPO), a leader in automated inspection and insights for the food industry, has closed its Series B funding round. The round was led by Ag Capital Canada, with new investor Synovus Family Office as well as existing investors Fulcrum (News - Alert) Global Capital, Export Development Canada (EDC) and others. The financing will be used to accelerate implementation of PPO's detection system in food processing plants across Canada and the US. The funding will be also used to expand development of the company's advanced software and insights for the food processing industry. This includes artificial intelligence (AI) tools that enable processors to collect, view, and analyze detailed information about food composition and quality in real-time. PPO's Smart Imaging System uses hyperspectral imaging to gather rich data on every product it inspects, down to the chemical signature. This means that the system can provide information on quality metrics such as the fat/lean ratio for products like bacon and sausage, measure tenderness of steaks, and identify muscle myopathies such as woody breast in chicken. PPO's system can identify a broad range of foreign material contaminants, including rubber, cardboard and clear plastics that are often missed by other detection methods such as x-rays and metal detectors. Using AI, PPO's system "learns" from what it sees over time, making it very efficient at identifying new contaminants and delivering sophisticated analysis of trends. "We are thrilled to have completed this new round of funding," said Olga Pawluczyk, PPO's founder and CEO. "Processors are the vital link between producers and consumers. PPO is laser focused on providing tools and solutions that increase automation, optimize production, and modernize this crucial industry. The pace of innovation in food processing is accelerating and we are passionate about transforming the industry with data and analytics." "We have been impressed by the quality of insights that PPO's technology provides today and we are even more excited about what this could mean for the future of food production and processing," said John Lansink, General Partner Principal at Ag Capital Canada. "This unique application of AI means we can start to analyze correlations between food quality and multiple variables going back to how crops and animals are raised and processed." "As one of the initial investors in PPO, we have seen how the fast evolution of its dat and analytics has increased the intelligence available to food processors," said Kevin Lockett, Partner, Fulcrum Global Capital. "Advances in imaging, computer processing and AI mean we can now gather vast amounts of data on food chemistry. This has enormous potential. By looking at trends in food composition, we can identify ways to optimize production across the entire food system."



"PPO is a fantastic example of Canadian innovation in action," said Jacqueline Ovens, Director, at Export Development Canada. "The company was named one of our CleanTech 'Ones to Watch' in 2018 and its technology has been proven to deliver important advancements in reducing food waste, while significantly increasing food safety and quality. We are pleased to support PPO as its technology evolves to provide a holistic view of food supply chains and we look forward to seeing the transformational impact it has on the global food processing industry in the long term." This Series B funding round follows earlier investments by Fulcrum Capital in 2017 and EDC in 2018.

About P&P Optica PPO's mission is to help food processors make safer, higher quality food while reducing waste and increasing the sustainability of our food supply. PPO's patented Smart Imaging System uses physics to understand the chemistry of food, telling processors exactly what's in their products. The system automates food inspection tasks, assessing qualities such as tenderness; protein, water and fat content; freshness and more. The same system can identify and remove foreign objects such as plastics, bone and rubber, and detect product flaws like woody breast and hard tail in poultry. Using machine learning, all of this happens at line speed and in real-time, generating insights that processors can use to improve their products, manage their suppliers and optimize their production. PPO is based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. About Ag Capital Canada Ag Capital Canada (ACC) is a private equity fund that invests in Canadian ag and food innovation and small business growth. ACC aims to discover, develop and nurture Canadian agricultural businesses through capital investment, business-management mentorship and entrepreneurial expertise. For more information on ACC, visit www.agcapitalcanada.com. About Fulcrum Global Capital Fulcrum Global Capital (FGC) is an early-stage venture capital fund investing in companies and entrepreneurs disrupting the global food production industry through the agriculture, animal health, and agtech markets. FGC is especially interested in companies with technologies and approaches which increases yields, reduces food waste, and/or makes food safer and more transparent. Based out of the Kansas City area, FGC invests both within the U.S. and across the globe. More information on FGC can be found at www.fgcvc.com About EDC Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage. As international risk experts, we equip Canadian companies with the tools they need - the trade knowledge, financing solutions, equity, insurance, and connections - to grow their business with confidence. Underlying all our support is a commitment to sustainable and responsible business. To help Canadian businesses facing extreme financial challenges brought on by the global response to COVID-19, the Government of Canada has expanded EDC's domestic capabilities until December 31, 2021. This broader mandate will enable EDC to expand its support to companies focused domestically. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005276/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Toronto General Hospital Deploys Vocera Smartbadge to Protect and Connect Care Teams During COVID-19 Patient Surges

Vocera Communications, Inc. (NYSE:VCRA), a recognized leader in clinical communication and workflow solutions, today announced Toronto General Hospital (part of the University Health Network) deployed the wearable Vocera (News - Alert) Smartbadge across three of its intensive care units (medical-surgical, cardiovascular and coronary) to help improve staff response times during surges of COVID-19 patients. The voice-controlled Smartbadge enables clinicians to communicate and collaborate quickly and efficiently even while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). "In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the common challenges staff faced was difficulty in hearing each other over PPE, creating potential barriers in patient care and staff safety," said Linda Flockhart, Clinical Director at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Medical Surgery Intensive Care Unit, University Health Network. "Through an innovative and simple-to-use device, Vocera has brought personal protection and clear communication together." A nurse, doctor, or other care team member wearing a Smartbadge can initiate communication by saying, "OK, Vocera" followed by simple voice commands, like "call anesthesiology" or "call the emergency response team." Clinicians can connect with the right person or group quickly and safely, saving critical time and resources. By simply saying a name, role or team, healthcare workers can collaborate completely hands-free, even in isolation, while scrubbed in, or wearing surgical gloves. "Most of our nursing staff were up and running with the Vocera Smartbadge in a few minutes," said Dr. Andrew Steel, Attending Physician, Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Assistant Professor, University of Toronto. "The Smartbadge is very easy to use, and just what we needed at a time when there were a thousand other things to be learned during the growing challenges of the pandemic.There were new protocols, new technologies, new people, and new procedures. It was a relief to have something so intuitive to keep staff connected."



Purpose built for healthcare, the Vocera Smartbadge combines hands-free capability with smartphone functionality. The device's 2.4" touchscreen enables clinicians to receive prioritized clinical events, read notifications with patient context, and send secure text messages, to accelerate care and improve patient safety. Additionally, the Smartbadge has a dedicated, one-touch panic button so healthcare staff can get help quickly in emergency situations. "Hands-free communication technology can be a lifeline for frontline healthcare workers who need to reach help fast and access resources without introducing the risk of infection," said Brent Lang, Chairman and CEO of Vocera. "It is our mission to help protect and connect care team members, so they don't feel isolated or alone. We are proud to support University Health Network during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond."

About University Health Network University Health Network consists of Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The scope of research and complexity of cases at University Health Network has made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. It has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in cardiology, transplantation, neurosciences, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. University Health Network is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. www.uhn.ca About Vocera The mission of Vocera Communications, Inc. is to improve the lives of healthcare professionals, patients, and families. Founded in 2000, Vocera provides solutions that help protect and connect team members, simplify workflows, increase efficiency, enhance quality of care and safety, and humanize the healthcare experience. More than 2,300 facilities worldwide, including nearly 1,900 hospitals and healthcare facilities, have selected Vocera solutions to enable their workforce to communicate and collaborate with co-workers and engage with patients and families. Mobile workers can choose the right device for their role or task, including smartphones or one of the company's wearable communication devices, and use voice commands to easily reach people by name, role, or group. The hands-free Vocera Smartbadge was named to TIME's list of the 100 Best Inventions of 2020. The Vocera Platform can integrate with more than 150 clinical and operational systems, including electronic health records, nurse call systems, ventilators, physiological monitors, and more. In addition to healthcare, Vocera solutions are found in aged care facilities, veterinary hospitals, schools, luxury hotels, retail stores, power facilities, and more. Visit www.vocera.com to learn more, and follow @VoceraComm on Twitter (News - Alert) . Vocera and the Vocera logo are trademarks of Vocera Communications, Inc. registered in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other trademarks appearing in this release are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005190/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Viken Detection Launches the FOXHOUND-HNA - a Versatile Tri-Mode Handheld Narcotics Analyzer Optimized for Drug Interdiction

Viken Detection, pioneer of x-ray imaging, chemical detection and environmental analytical solutions, today announced the official release of the FOXHOUND-HNA. Featuring tri-mode functionality and design, Viken's handheld narcotics analyzer is optimized for drug interdiction and tailored for wide use in law enforcement operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005263/en/ Viken Detection's FOXHOUND-HNA. (Photo: Business Wire) FOXHOUND-HNA provides users with critical information, able to determine if narcotics are or have been present and identify those substances. As news agencies around the U.S. report an unabated and even growing opioid epidemic, FOXHOUND-HNA is an essential and cost-effective tool for drug interdiction operations as they work to keep the public safe. FOXHOUND-HNA takes a novl approach to high-resolution ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) technology in three modes: vapor, trace, and bulk sampling. Vapor and trace mode are used before substances are found to tell authorities if a narcotic is or has been present, while bulk sampling mode is used when suspicious materials have been found that need to be identified. FOXHOUND-HNA's patent-pending bulk sampling mode is a new feature, designed to handle large amounts of material that would typically overwhelm IMS and Mass Spectrometry systems. FOXHOUND's bulk sampling mode does not require swabs, significantly reducing consumables costs.



"The FOXHOUND-HNA provides a new standard for field chemical detection technology, replacing legacy technology that has languished while the opioid epidemic persists," said Dr. Hanh Lai, Senior VP & GM of Viken's Chemical Detection and Environmental Hazards Business. "The capabilities, design for ease of use, low maintenance, and cost of ownership have all been incorporated, resulting in a handheld narcotics analyzer engineered specifically to address field operation challenges. We look forward to continue to work with law enforcement agencies around the country with our latest tool, the FOXHOUND-HNA." To schedule a product demo, please contact us at sales@vikendetection.com.

For more information about Viken Detection, please visit us at www.vikendetection.com. About Viken Detection

Viken Detection provides enabling security imaging and material identification solutions that help law enforcement and safety inspection professionals keep the public safe from drug trafficking, terrorism and environmental hazardous threats. The company's innovative vehicle scanners, the OSPREY Portal series, and its handheld products, the HBI-120, NIGHTHAWK-HBI, FOXHOUND-HNA and Pb200i are the recognized leaders in their markets. Viken Detection is headquartered just west of Boston, Massachusetts. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005263/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Beneva Selects the FINEOS Platform for Group Benefits Life & Disability Claims Management

FINEOS Corporation (ASX:FCL), a leading provider of core systems for life, accident and health insurers globally, and Beneva, the largest mutual insurance company in Canada, have jointly announced a partnership agreement for Beneva to use the FINEOS Platform as its Group Benefits claims management solution for Disability, Life, AD&D, and Critical Illness. Beneva was created in July 2020 by La Capitale and SSQ Insurance joining forces. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005371/en/ Eric Trudel, Executive Vice-President and Lead - Group Insurance at Beneva (Photo: Business Wire) "Looking to the future success of our organization, we need a modern, agile Group claims management system for Life & Disability benefits that will allow us to provide the very best service and online tools for our plan sponsors and customers," said Eric Trudel, Executive Vice-President and Lead - Group Insurance at Beneva. "We've selected the FINEOS Platform as a long-term solution to simplify our business processs, yield faster turnaround times, and improve our customers' digital experience. Also, the platform will allow us to provide our health continuum concept that goes from prevention, well-being though disability management and rehabilitation and return to work."



Beneva will deploy the FINEOS Platform across their group insurance coverages, including Disability, Life, Critical Illness, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment, providing their staff with a unified view of the customer across all types of claims. The FINEOS Platform is the leading claims processing software for the Life, Accident and Health insurance industry. Used globally by over 60 insurance organizations, the FINEOS tracking software supports both group and individual claims on a single SaaS (News - Alert) platform.

"We're very excited about this new partnership with Beneva and look forward to supporting them in achieving their digital transformation goals," says Michael Kelly, FINEOS CEO. "By leveraging the FINEOS Platform, Beneva will be able to remain competitive in this quickly evolving market which demands that carriers deliver advanced digital capabilities and fast turnaround times." This new engagement with Beneva comes during a year of growth for FINEOS, having just recently completed the acquisition of Spraoi, a leading provider of machine learning capabilities for the Group Life and Employee Benefits industry. The acquisition adds advanced digital and machine learning capabilities to the FINEOS Platform. About FINEOS Corporation FINEOS is a leading provider of core systems for life, accident and health insurers globally with 7 of the 10 largest group life and health carriers in the US as well as 6 of the largest life insurers in Australia. With employees and offices throughout the world, FINEOS continues to scale rapidly, working with innovative progressive insurers in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The FINEOS Platform provides core administration capabilities including absence management, billing, claims, payments, policy administration, provider management and new business and underwriting; all of which are configurable to operate independently or as FINEOS AdminSuite, an end-to-end core administration suite. For more information, visit www.FINEOS.com. About Beneva Beneva was created by the coming together of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance to become the largest mutual insurance company in Canada with more than 3.5 million members and customers. Beneva employs over 5,000 dedicated employees: people looking out for people. Its human approach is rooted in mutualist values that are shared by its employees. With $25 billion in assets, Beneva positions itself as a major player in the insurance and financial services industry. Its head office is located in Quebec City. For more information, please consult beneva.ca. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005371/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Morgan Stanley Private Credit and Onex Falcon Complete Investment in CSS Corp

Morgan Stanley Private Credit and Onex Falcon recently announced the completion of their investment in CSS Corp, a global customer experience and technology services provider. The investment includes both mezzanine financing and equity participation. Additionally, Morgan Stanley Private Credit and Onex Falcon will be involved with the company's board of directors. The investment represents a strong vote of confidence in CSS (News - Alert) Corp's premium service offerings and differentiated value proposition which proactively solve clients' critical business problems. This transaction will enable CSS Corp to continue its industry leading organic growth and expand its capabilities and geographical footprint through strategic alternatives. Bill Gassman, Executive Director of Morgan Stanley Private Credit, said, "We are pleased to partner with Capital Square Partners, Onex Falcon and the executive management team of CSS Corp in this exciting investment. The company is redefining traditional services through an intersection of industry-leading proprietary solutions, resilient operations and innovative business engagement models. With its recent announcement of Sunil Mittal as the new CEO, CSS Corp is well positioned to continue its strong momentum into the future." Sven Grasshoff, Managing Director at Onex Falcon, said, "CSS Corp has carved out a niche for itself in the new age technology outsourcing and support space facilitating the company's substantial growth over the last few years. We have full confidence in CSS Corp, Capital Square Partners, and newly designated CEO, Sunil Mittal, and look forward to contributing to their next chapter of growth." Sanjay Chakrabarty, Managing Partner of Capital Square Partners, said, "We welcome the investment of Onex Falcon and Morgan Stanley Private Credit in CSS Corp, alongside our investment in the company. This latest investment solidifies the company's position as an industry leader and will help fast track its growth."



Sunil Mittal, CEO of CSS Corp, said, "We have outperformed on all fronts, from growth and client satisfaction to employee engagement and operations, and emerged as a strong player disrupting the industry. We could not be more excited to be working with Onex Falcon and Morgan Stanley Private Credit. Their support will help us expand our current capabilities and geographic footprint while providing innovative solutions and customer-centric services under the CSS Corp umbrella in the coming years." CSS Corp has grown revenues consistently through its most recent fiscal year ending March 31, 2021. Capital Square Partners, a Singapore-based Private Equity Fund Manager, acquired a controlling stake in CSS Corp on February 25, 2021.

About Morgan Stanley Private Credit Morgan Stanley Private Credit, part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, is a private credit platform focused on direct lending and opportunistic private credit investment in North America and Western Europe. The Morgan Stanley Private Credit team invests across the capital structure, including senior secured term loans, unitranche loans, junior debt, structured equity and common equity co-investments. For further information, please visit the website at https://www.morganstanley.com/im/privatecredit. About Onex Falcon Onex Falcon is a private credit asset manager that employs an opportunistic approach to originating and executing solution-oriented private credit investments. Onex Falcon was formed in December 2020 through the combination of Falcon Investment Advisors and Onex Credit, combining Falcon's significant experience in specialized private credit investing with the scale, global distribution and diverse investment and origination capabilities of Onex Credit and the broader Onex franchise. Since 2000, the firm has closed over 100 investments and has a reputation for being flexible, creative and responsive. Onex Falcon has approximately $4.0 billion in AUM as of March 31, 2021. For further information about Onex Falcon, please visit http://www.onexfalcon.com. About Capital Square Partners Capital Square Partners (" CSP (News - Alert) ") is a private equity fund manager based in Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). CSP advises funds investing across growth capital and buyouts supporting high performance management teams to build leading digital businesses. With deep sector expertise across technology, media and telecommunications, business services, healthcare, and consumer sectors, CSP has supported management teams to scale businesses across multiple geographies and create transformational value. Additional information on CSP can be found at http://www.capitalsquarepartners.com/. About CSS Corp CSS Corp is a global customer experience and technology services provider, disrupting the industry with a unique intersection of industry-leading proprietary solutions, resilient operations, and innovative business engagement models. The company is a digital transformation partner of choice for its clients, which include the world's top innovators across industries, from mid-market players to large enterprises. Its diverse team of over 9,000 customer-centric thinkers, collaborators, and co-creators across 18 global locations, is passionate about helping clients succeed through intelligent automation-led outcomes. The company has overcome macroeconomic headwinds to become the industry's fastest growing and most awarded company in its revenue range. To know more, please visit https://www.csscorp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005506/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Blackline Collective Welcomes Leading Ohio Asphalt Producer to Its Growing Network of Safety-Driven Organizations

Blackline Safety Corp. (TSX: BLN), a global leader in connected safety technology with a hardware-enabled software-as-a-service ( SaaS (News - Alert) ) business model, today welcomed Kokosing Materials, Inc. (KMI), one of Ohio's leading asphalt producers, to Blackline Collective. KMI, which operates 17 asphalt plants and two asphalt cement terminals across Ohio, shared best practices with the Blackline Collective network that focused on how organizations can adopt a holistic approach to safety to mitigate at-risk behavior. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005523/en/ Kokosing Materials, Inc., one of Ohio's leading asphalt producers, joins Blackline Collective to share best practices on how organizations can adopt a holistic approach to safety to mitigate at-risk behavior. (Photo: Business Wire) To drive desired behavior, KMI prioritizes all aspects of team members' wellbeing, including physical, psychological and emotional health. The company has implemented a family-oriented safety culture that involves managers traveling to all 19 of KMI's sites regularly to check in on team members. Managers aim to speak with every individual, fostering relationships that go beyond the day-to-day job and routine. "Achieving safety and operational excellence starts with treating your workforce as friends and family rather thn a corporate resource," said Michael Farnsworth, Safety Manager at Kokosing Materials, Inc. "During my site visits, we talk with our team members about their work, but also their interests, opportunities and challenges, both professionally and outside of the workplace. This approach has led to a trusting environment where communication and self-accountability come naturally, leading to enhanced health, safety and wellbeing."



KMI utilizes a 24-hour safety hotline where teams willingly report near hits and at-risk behavior, sharing lessons learned with peers and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The KMI approach has delivered meaningful results, as KMI's 142 team members have worked more than one million man hours without an OSHA recordable incident. KMI was also recently recognized by the National Asphalt Pavement Association with the Safety Innovation Award for its incorporation of Blackline's connected safety technology, which team members wear voluntarily knowing it further improves the monitoring of their safety and the safety of their team members. "KMI's approach further demonstrates the importance of our outlook on workplace safety, prioritizing both the physical and mental wellbeing of our people," said Sean Stinson, Chief Revenue Officer, Blackline Safety. "A growing percentage of the global workforce seek to feel protected and connected while on the job in order to operate more productively, safely and with greater confidence. It's a conversation that is no longer just taking place among safety leadership - it's at the top of the agenda for boards of directors around the world. As a result, the practices KMI has shared with the Blackline Collective network can benefit organizations of any industry, size or location."

To learn more about KMI and its best practices for adopting a holistic, human-centered approach to safety, visit Collective.BlacklineSafety.com. About Blackline Safety: Blackline Safety is a global connected safety leader that helps to ensure every worker gets their job done and returns home safe each day. Blackline provides wearable safety technology, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software and data analytics to meet demanding safety challenges and increase productivity of organizations in more than 100 countries. Blackline Safety wearables provide a lifeline to tens of thousands of people, having reported over 140 billion data-points and initiated over five million emergency responses. Armed with cellular and satellite connectivity, we ensure that help is never too far away. For more information, visit www.BlacklineSafety.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005523/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Element adds 5G VoNR testing capability with solutions from Rohde & Schwarz

COLUMBIA, Md., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PCTEST Engineering Laboratory, LLC, which recently became part of the Element Materials Technology Group, is offering 5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR) testing utilizing the R&S CMX500 5G radio communication tester. The R&S CMX500 can simulate a 5G standalone network including IMS services and exercise all critical VoNR functions. The R&S CMX500 is an extremely comprehensive, flexible and high performance VoNR test solution. 5G standalone is the next stage of evolution for 5G networks. VoNR is a mandatory feature for the successful deployment of 5G standalone. The benefit of VoNR is vastly improved voice audio quality by using ultra-high definition codecs. The R&S CMX500 supports all codecs required for VoNR audio quality testing including AMR-NB, AMR-WB, EVS-NB, EVS-WB, EVS-SWB and EVS-FB. 5G VoNR is also playing an important role in emergency services. Emergency calls (E911) on 5G standalone networks will utilize VoNR. Critical to FCC requirements is the continued reliability of E911 voice calls as well as accurate determination of vertical and horizontal location in mobile devices. The R&S CMX500 radio communication tester supports E911 over VoNR along with associated location determination technologies such as A-GNSS and AML/ELS. "The R&S CMX500 is an extremely comprehensive, flexible and high performance VoNR test solution. As 5G pushes the limits of wireless, the R&S CMX500, which can already cover data rates of 6-10Gbps, will be ready for any new testing challenge that comes its way," said Bryan Helmick, Product Manager, Rohde & Schwarz. "Element is fully prepared to support our customers and help them meet the latest and most advanced demands for 5G voice services", said Andrea Zaworski, VP of Indusry & Laboratory Operations, Element. "With our upgraded R&S CMX500 systems, we are confident our voice services testing will meet the increased capacity, higher bit rates and improved media quality that our device & module manufacturers now support."



For further information on Rohde & Schwarz solutions for wireless communications testing, go to: www.rohde-schwarz.com/wireless. Press contacts:

North America: Keith Cobler, Phone: +1 214 663 6394, E-mail: keith.cobler@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com

Europe (headquarters): Christian Mokry, Phone: +49 89 4129 13052, E-mail: press@rohde-schwarz.com Asia Pacific: Wen Shi Tong, Phone: +65 6 307-0029, email: press.apac@rohde-schwarz.com) Contacts for readers:

Customer Support Europe, Africa, Middle East: +49 89 4129 12345

customersupport@rohde-schwarz.com Customer Support North America: +1 888 TEST RSA (+1 888 837 87 72)

customer.support@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com Customer Support Latin America: +1 410 910 79 88

customersupport.la@rohde-schwarz.com Customer Support Asia Pacific: +65 65 13 04 88

customersupport.asia@rohde-schwarz.com Customer Support China: +86 800 810 8228 or +86 400 650 5896

customersupport.china@rohde-schwarz.com About PCTEST Engineering Laboratory, LLC (Columbia, Maryland USA)

PCTEST is a leading 5GNR independent test laboratory offering one-stop conformance, performance, and regulatory testing of wireless devices in accordance with industry and 3GPP/3GPP2 technical test plans. PCTEST is an approved 5G test facility for operator-specific test plans for the major U.S. Operators as well as GCF, PTCRB, and CTIA accreditation testing. For further information, please email info@pctest.com or visit our website at www.pctest.com. About Element

On December 31, 2019 PCTEST became part of Element, one of the world's leading independent providers of materials and product qualification testing, inspection and certification services. For more information regarding Element's testing services, visit www.element.com. Rohde & Schwarz

The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2020, Rohde & Schwarz had around 12,300 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.58 billion in the 2019/2020 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany. R&S is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

All press releases, including photos for downloading, are available on the internet at www.press.rohde-schwarz.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/element-adds-5g-vonr-testing-capability-with-solutions-from-rohde--schwarz-301327571.html SOURCE Rohde & Schwarz

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[July 08, 2021] Lunds & Byerlys Partners with GetUpside to Reach New Customers

Lunds & Byerlys, a Minnesota-based family-owned grocer, announced today that it has partnered with GetUpside, a retail technology company, to make its cash back offers available at all Lunds & Byerlys locations. The partnership with GetUpside is part of Lunds & Byerlys' focus on quality, value, and service. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005556/en/ "We pride ourselves on providing each customer personal attention and exceptional value so they have the best shopping experience possible," said Phil Lombardo, COO at Lunds & Byerlys. "By partnering with GetUpside, we are extending our commitment to personalized experiences while we reach new customers and motivate our current customers to come back more often." Today, GetUpside is live at nearly 30,000 restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores nationwide and works with the nation's most trusted brands. GetUpside connects customers with local businesses and encourages them to transact using personalized cash back offers. Cash back offers are delivered through the GetUpside mobile app and incenivize consumers to visit participating locations and come back more often.



"Lunds & Byerlys and GetUpside share a similar goal-to strengthen our local communities," said Tyler Renaghan, GetUpside's Vice President of Grocery. "We are proud to help Lunds & Byerlys serve their customers in a way that is measurably beneficial for their business." About Lund Food Holdings, Inc.

With 27 locations throughout the Twin (News - Alert) Cities and surrounding area, Lunds & Byerlys is family owned and committed to providing every customer with a sensational shopping experience. The company's extended family of employees has an unwavering focus on exceeding expectations through extraordinary food, exceptional service and passionate expertise. Learn more at www.LundsandByerlys.com. About GetUpside: GetUpside is a retail technology company that uses personalized cash back promotions to bring shoppers more value and proven profit to brick and mortar businesses. As millions of shoppers earn 2 to 3 times more cashback with GetUpside than any other product, businesses nationwide earn more profit without changing their business models. Many other brands use the GetUpside Partner Platform to power their own app experiences, leaning on GetUpside's proven methodology to help shoppers and businesses do better. GetUpside is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has driven hundreds of millions of dollars back into our communities nationwide. www.getupside.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005556/en/

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[July 08, 2021] CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREATES IMMERSIVE FACULTY TRAINING

Kitchener, Waterloo, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global learning technology leader D2L announced today that long-time Brightspace customer, Chattanooga State Community College, has undergone a transformative change in their faculty training. Chattanooga State is committed to providing an educationally purposeful community where faculty, staff, and students share academic goals and strive for high standards that lead to the attainment of degrees, certificates, meaningful careers, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In order to build a community of lifelong learners, Chattanooga State prioritizes faculty training to equip staff with the necessary tools and knowledge needed to make online learning engaging and motivate students to reach their goals. Recently, Academic Resources and the Center for Academic Research & Excellence at Chattanooga State leveraged D2L Brightspace to shift to an individualized, hands-on workshop approach for training faculty. Designed to familiarize faculty with Brightspace and provide instructional design approaches and techniques for developing online courses, the immersive training course fosters an environment of dual learning. These interactive training courses give faculty the opportunity to experience Brightspace tools in an interactive learning environment for an enriched understanding of how the tools work and firsthand experience the online learning techniques and tools that are most effective. Faculty are encouraged to use the course as an example for designing their own online course material, placing an emphasis on a backward design approach where content is broken down into bite-size chunks, making it easier for students to digest and retain lessons. The first cohort of 99 faculty went through this training found they were prepared and gained a deepe understanding of how to design engaging learning materials within Brightspace, said Judy Lowe, Assistant VP, Academic Resources & Testing, Chattanooga State Community College. Faculty confirmed on the evaluation that 97% were satisfied with the instructional design of the course, and would use the information learned to deconstruct content, develop storyboarding and awards/intelligent agents, all elements of Brightspace that make online learning more interactive  and engaging.



Chattanooga State understands the value of building pedagogy into online learning, and were proud to partner with such a like-minded organization, said April Oman, Senior Vice President, Customer Experience at D2L. Chattanooga State is leveraging Brightspace to prioritize the development of their faculty, understanding the ripple effect that this training has on providing the best education possible for students. ABOUT D2L BRIGHTSPACE

D2L Brightspace is a cloud-based learning platform built for people who care deeply about student success and helping to prepare them for what comes next.



It gives faculty across your institution tools theyre going to love, makes it easy to support exceptional student experiences in the classroom or fully online. D2L Brightspace is designed in close collaboration with clients around the world  building a pedagogically rich set of features to improve engagement, retention and learning outcomes. It also makes it easier to do assessment and give feedback.



D2L Brightspace is worry-free with 99.99% reliability. Its highly accessible and looks beautiful on any mobile device, making it easier for educators to reach every learner.



D2L Brightspace has won multiple industry awards, including the #1 LMS Technology for next generation online teaching and learning. To learn more, visit D2L for Higher Education. ABOUT D2L D2L is transforming the way the world learns  helping learners of all ages achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with clients all over the world, D2L is supporting millions of people learning online and in person. Our more than 950 global employees are dedicated to making the best learning products to leave the world better than where they found it. Learn more about D2L for K-12, higher education and businesses at www.D2L.com. D2L MEDIA CONTACT Christine DAngela

Director, External Strategic Communications, D2L Corporation

pr@D2L.com Twitter: @D2L  2021 D2L Corporation. The D2L family of companies includes D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L Asia Pte Ltd, and D2L Brasil Solucoes de Tecnologia para Educacao Ltda. All D2L marks are trademarks of D2L Corporation. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks.



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[July 08, 2021] Anodot Receives U.S. Patent for Its Machine Learning-Based Correlation Analysis Engine

Anodot, the autonomous business monitoring company, announced that it had been granted the US patent US10891558B2 for its Heuristic Inference of Topological Representation of Metric Relationships. The patent covers Anodot's first-of-its-kind machine learning (ML) based correlation analysis that allows enterprises to automatically discover non-obvious cross-siloed anomalies that can impact revenues. Correlation analysis identifies relationships between key performance indicators, which business teams can quickly use to determine the root cause revenue and service impacting events. Without Anodot, companies would have to use time-consuming manual techniques to determine the revenue disruption's underlying cause. By combining anomaly detection with automated cross-siloed correlation analysis, Anodot helps enterprises detect and fix revenue-impacting incidents 80% faster than any other method. "Historically, events that have produced lost revenue or service drops were difficult to detect because the correlating events could be in different places within the enterprise requiring different domain expertise. For example, the team in charge of revenue could notice a drop in sales for a particular selection of items but wouldn't know that the cause of the problem was the slow page load times for items with overly large image sizes," said Anodot Chief Data Scientist Dr. Ira Cohen. "Using Anodot' correlation analysis, the revenue team, which mostly likely does not have in-depth knowledge of web page design, would immediately be alerted to the problem, determine its cause, be pointed to a solution, and minimize revenue loss."



The power of the Anodot platform is its ability to accurately detect and correlate anomalies at scale without the need for any human input. Anodot invented an algorithm called abnormal correlation that groups metrics across silos if they behave abnormally at similar times. The theory is that if two metrics are affected by a common cause, companies should see that pattern repeat itself over time. Anodot uses locality-sensitive hashing (LSH) to scale its correlation techniques to sift through billions of metrics. The combination of abnormal correlation and LSH provide Anodot customers with the fastest time to remediation for events that can impact service and revenue. "Anodot goes beyond mere alerts," said Viacheslav Tsyganov, Chief Information Officer, Vice President, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Tinkoff. "Anodot's correlation analysis not only accurately alerts us when there is a disruption in service, it also shows us why the problem is happening. Because the root cause analysis helps us understand the relationships between anomalies across teams and departments, we fix problems faster and suffer fewer revenue losses."

To learn more about Anodot's Correlation Analysis, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4IKGeRw6wY About Anodot Anodot's Business Monitoring platform uses machine learning to constantly analyze and correlate every business parameter, providing real-time anomaly alerts and forecasts in their context. Fortune 500 companies, from digital business to telecom, trust Anodot's patented technology to reduce time to detection and resolution for revenue-critical issues by as much as 80 percent. Anodot is headquartered in Silicon Valley and Israel, with sales offices worldwide. To learn more, visit www.anodot.com and follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005559/en/

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[July 08, 2021] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Kiwi Insurance Limited

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) of Kiwi (News - Alert) Insurance Limited (Kiwi Insurance) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Kiwi Insurance's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. In addition, the ratings factor in a neutral impact from the company's majority ownership by New Zealand Post Limited (NZ Post), which is a state-owned enterprise in New Zealand. Kiwi Insurance's balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which remains at the strongest level. This reflects the company's moderate underwriting leverage and conservative investment allocation. During fiscal year 2020, the company reallocated a portion of its investment portfolio to fixed income securities from cash and term deposits. Despite this change in investment strategy, the company's bond holdings are typically of high credit quality, and AM Best views the overall investment portfolio as conservative. Over the medium term, AM Best expects full earnings retention to support the company's business initiatives. A partially offsetting balance sheet factor is Kiwi Insurance's modest absolute capital base, which increases the sensitivity of capital adequacy to stress scenarios, as well as to changes in future performance and dividend payments. AM Best considers Kiwi Insurance's operating performance to be adequate. Despite a moderate level of volatility during the past five years, the company achieved a weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 10% over the period (fiscal years 2016-2020). Overall earnings during this period reflect a combination of favourable underwriting performance, coupled with solid investment returns. For fiscal year 2020, operating results weakened compared with the five-year average, driven mainly by higher net claims incurred during the first half of the year. In response, the company has implemented pricing increases for certainaffected products. Prospectively, AM Best expects a robust pricing strategy and controlled expense management to support the maintenance of adequate operating performance over the medium term.



AM Best views Kiwi Insurance's business profile as neutral. The company is a small-sized insurer in New Zealand's life insurance industry, with a market share of less than 1%, based on 2020 gross premiums written. Despite this, the company's business profile assessment factors in its strong affiliated distribution channels, which provide Kiwi Insurance a key competitive advantage. The company's parent, NZ Post, and its sister company, Kiwibank Limited (Kiwibank), have extensive nationwide branch networks that support the distribution of Kiwi Insurance's products. In addition, as part of the NZ Post group, Kiwi Insurance benefits from cross-selling opportunities, controlled acquisition costs and access to shared group resources. AM Best notes that competitive market conditions persist in the New Zealand life insurance sector, and Kiwi Insurance's revenues may be challenged over the medium term due to a weaker sales environment as a result of the economic uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the restructuring of Kiwibank and NZ Post's physical branch network. Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005571/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Ohio Hospital Selects Hicuity Health for Tele-ICU and Telemetry Services

ST. LOUIS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hicuity Health, the nation's leading provider of high-acuity telemedicine services, announced that it has been selected by Knox Community Hospital to provide both tele-ICU and cardiac telemetry services. The addition of these telemedicine services will offer the Joint Commission-accredited healthcare facility 24/7 intensivist care and technology-enabled cardiac monitoring to enable it to expand access to critical care within the community while also supporting Knox clinical staff as they address the around-the-clock challenges of critical care. Knox's search for a telemedicine services partner focused on three primary goals: improving clinical outcomes, extending the hospital's ability to care for higher acuity patients, and enhancing data access to drive quality and patient outcome improvement efforts. Hicuity Health's telemedicine offerings are proven, successfully supporting these objectives across a range of partner hospitals and health systems. "When evaluating potential partners, we were excited by the possibility of collaborating with Hicuity Health, as their team is well-positioned to address our multiple care needs and their model enables us to work together to achieve our clinical and operational goals," said Bruce D. White, Chief Executive Officer, Knox Community Hospital. "We look forward to reaping the benefits of both their tle-ICU and telemetry services to provide greater healthcare access to the community we serve and better support our bedside teams."



"Hicuity Health has evolved as an organization toward our goal of coupling enabling technology with care services to address a wide range of a healthcare organization's care services needs. Our ongoing investments in the expansion of our proprietary technology, our clinical teams, and our operational infrastructure enables us to address the wide range of services and service models that our clients and prospects desire, "said Lou Silverman, CEO of Hicuity Health. "We are pleased to extend multiple telemedicine services to Knox Community Hospital. Our clinical, operational, and technical expertise allow us to meet Knox's current high-acuity care goals, and we look forward to serving the expanded future needs of the hospital as well." Hicuity Health's innovation in delivering telemedicine care and monitoring is highlighted by its proprietary HUB workflow management technology platform, which enables seamless care delivery and informs patient management across 11 clinical care centers that serve more than 100 hospital partners located in 27 states nationwide. The company cares for more than 100,000 patients per year, delivering enhanced patient outcomes, tangible ROI, and expert clinical support for the bedside teams at its partner hospitals.

About Knox Community Hospital Knox Community Hospital is a 99-bed, Joint Commission-accredited, community hospital located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, approximately 40 miles northeast of Columbus. Members of the Knox Community Hospital medical staff represent numerous specialties offering a wide range of clinically excellent services surprising for a community hospital. Our dedicated staff, along with a strong team of volunteers, is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care. Knox Community Hospital's independent, not-for-profit status ensures that all remaining revenue after expenses is committed solely to improving patient services, technology, and facilities for the health of the people of Knox County and surrounding areas. https://www.kch.org About Hicuity Health For more than 15 years, Hicuity Health (the new name for Advanced ICU Care) has pioneered telemedicine innovations. Serving a diverse range of clients and care venues  including health systems, hospitals, and post-acute care facilities  with its expanding line of services that includes tele-ICU, remote inpatient telemetry, virtual sitter, smart device monitoring, and shared services, the company is the leader in delivering expert care on a 24 x 7 x 365 basis to high-acuity patients in high-acuity environments. Our innovation is highlighted by our proprietary HUB workflow management technology platform, which enables seamless care delivery and informs patient management across 11 clinical care centers that serve our more than 100 hospital partners located in 27 states nationwide. Hicuity Health cares for more than 100,000 patients per year, delivering enhanced patient outcomes, tangible ROI, and expert clinical support for the bedside teams at our partner hospitals. To learn more about us, visit: www.HicuityHealth.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ohio-hospital-selects-hicuity-health-for-tele-icu-and-telemetry-services-301327743.html SOURCE Hicuity Health

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[July 08, 2021] IBM to Acquire Premier Hybrid Cloud Consulting Firm

ARMONK, N.Y., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced plans to acquire BoxBoat Technologies, a premier DevOps consultancy and enterprise Kubernetes certified service provider. BoxBoat will extend IBM's container strategy and implementation services portfolio to further advance IBM's hybrid cloud strategy and accelerate Red Hat OpenShift adoption globally. "Our clients require a cloud architecture that allows them to operate across a traditional IT environment, private cloud and public clouds. That's at the heart of our hybrid cloud approach," said John Granger, Senior Vice President, Hybrid Cloud Services at IBM. "No cloud modernization project can succeed without a containerization strategy, and BoxBoat is at the forefront of container services innovation." Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, BoxBoat helps clients establish containers and Kubernetes as core enablers for cloud solutions. Its track record of delivering complex cloud consulting projects includes advising many Fortune 100 and government clients on industry best practices, modernizing existing DevOps solutions, and containerizing mission critical workloads. Reflecting IBM's strong commitment to clients' successful journey to cloud, BoxBoat builds on IBM's ongoing investment in hybrid cloud services and driving growth within the $200 billion cloud professional services market.1 This news follows IBM's acquisition of leading cloud services firms  Nordcloud and Taos  which closed in the first quarter of 2021 and significantly expanded IBM's multicloud transformation, management expertise and capabilities. Kubernetes and Containers Are Leading Drivers of Digital Transformation

Containers and Kubernetes are two of the leading drivers of enterprise digital transformation. Software application containerization makes life easier for developers by further abstracting computing infrastructure, and adoption of enterprise container platforms is on the rise. By 2025, more than 85 percent of global organizations will be running containerized applications in production, which is a significant increase from fewer than 35 percent in 2019.2 At the same time, Kubernetes -- open source software for deploying and managing those containers -- is rapidly becoming the preferred way to build digital services at scale and across clouds. The StackRox "State of Container and Kubernetes Security" Fall 2020 report found that 91 percent of organizations are leveraging Kubernetes to orchestrate containers, and 75 percent of organizations are actively using Kubernetes in production. BoxBoat will join IBM Global Business Services' fast-growing Hybrid Cloud Services business, enhancing IBM's capacity to meet rising client demand for container strategy and the critical people and process components of the cloud transformation journey. BoxBoat delivers a full suite of services that include customized strategies for Kubernetes and Enterprise Container Platform adoption, application containerization, DevSecOps, training and enablement. BoxBoat guides enterprises on the right tooling, business strategy, workflows and processes to meet their DevOps goals. "We founded BoxBoat on the idea that containers and DevOps would become an industry standard with the potential to transform enterprise IT with lightning fast application deployment workflows," said Tim Hohman, CEO and Co-Founder of BoxBoat. "Joining IBM will allow us to realize a shared vision of helping clients innovate by successfully deploying container-based applications on-premise and to the cloud." BoxBoat's team is comprised of highly skilled engineers with an average of nine years of industry experience, active open source contributors, Kubernetes Admins, Kubernetes Application Developers, and automation experts. Their highly skilled workforce holds extensive cloud ecosystem certifications in Amazon Web Services, Docker, GitLab, Google Cloud Platform, Hashicorp, Kubernetes, and Microsoft Azure technologies. The company also holds partnerships with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. BoxBoat was also the first GitLab Certified Professional Services Partner. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. It is expected to close this quarter. About IBM

To learn more about IBM Global Business Services, please visit: https://www.ibm.com/services. About BoxBoat Technologies

BoxBoat Technologies is the premier DevSecOps and digital transformation consultancy, helping commercial and public sector enterprises achieve digital transformation by delivering software faster. BoxBoat's core competencies include aiding customers with a customized strategy for the adoption of Kubernetes, cloud native technologies, and automation. BoxBoat is committed to empowering companies as they embark on their DevSecOps journey, so they can focus on building cutting-edge products. Media Contact:

Jeannine Kilbride

IBM External Relations

jkilbri@us.ibm.com

860-997-6277















1 Estimate based on IDC 2024 projections for cloud managed services and professional services. 2 Gartner, Best Practices for Running Containers and Kubernetes in Production, Arun Chandrasekaran, 4 August 2020.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibm-to-acquire-premier-hybrid-cloud-consulting-firm-301327815.html SOURCE IBM

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[July 08, 2021] Electrolux to acquire French service provider La Compagnie du SAV (CSAV)

STOCKHOLM, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With the acquisition Electrolux, a leading global appliance company, strengthens its service network in France and underlines its commitment to drive circularity and the repairability of appliances. Electrolux today announced it has agreed to acquire La Compagnie du SAV (CSAV), the main French independent service provider (ISP) specialized in repairing domestic appliances. The acquisition is fully in line with the Electrolux Group strategy to offer outstanding experiences to consumers, ensuring they get the most out of their appliances during the complete lifecycle of the product. "With this acquisition we further strengthen our service network in France allowing us to meet the growing market demand in the after-sales service area in the best possible way. I'm confident that this in turn will elevate consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty to a new level", said Chris Braam, Senior Vice President Sales & Services Electrolux in Europe. The acquisition also underlines the strong commitment of Electrolux to drive circularity and the repairability of appliances. The transition towards a circular economy is a key project of the French government and a fundamental part of the European Green Deal. The European Green Deal is a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the overarching aim of making Europe climate neutral by 2050. "Our ambition as a global leader in sustainability is to maximize the life of our appliances while offering consumers dedicated, high-quality and fast-responding services whenever they need it. This acquisition is an important step in our service strategy and our commitment to drive the circularity of our products", explained Pierre Perron, CEO of Electrolux France. "La Compagnie du SAV is a well-established company in the market, and we are very happy to welcome our new colleagues to the Electrolux family", he added. CSAV will be part of the Electrolux Group as from July 8th, 2021 but will continue to fully operate as an independent entity, offering multi-brand services. In a fragmented market, CSAV is a leading French service provider that covers the entire country, offering to consumers comprehensive, integrated, and innovative support and repair services. With almost two million appliances repaired and serviced since 2012, CSAV draws on extensive experience in the field of domestic appliances. The company is headquartered in Lisses, south of Paris, and employs around 200 people. Net sales in 2020 amounted to around EUR 25 million. Laurent Falconieri, Managing Director of CSAV, added: "We are looking forward to become part of the Electrolux Group. The acquisition offers CSAV great opportunities to continue growing in the after-sales service business. It is also a strong recognition of our teams and expertise in delivering high-quality services. We are convinced that we will make lasting contributions to Electrolux's ambition in the field of circularity and repairability of appliances and I am proud for all employees who are part of our company". CONTACT: For further information, please contact Electrolux Press Hotline, +46 8 657 65 07. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/electrolux/r/electrolux-to-acquire-french-service-provider-la-compagnie-du-sav--csav-,c3381581 The following files are available for download:







https://mb.cision.com/Main/1853/3381581/1442309.pdf PR CSAV acquisition

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrolux-to-acquire-french-service-provider-la-compagnie-du-sav-csav-301327997.html SOURCE Electrolux

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[July 08, 2021] Tim Glowa joins Grant Thornton to offer benefits enhancement services amidst war for talent

Tim Glowa has joined Grant Thornton (News - Alert) LLP as a principal and leader of the firm's employee listening and human capital services offerings. In this role, Glowa will expand Grant Thornton's human capital offerings by helping clients define their total rewards packages to make better business decisions about their most critical asset - their people. A marketing leader turned human-resources consultant, Glowa has extensive experience with a wide range of analytical employee listening tools. He applies his in-depth knowledge of marketing and human resources to help save companies money and make employees happier: two goals that have arguably been overlooked. "Tim is a proven human-resources leader with a track record of creating high-performance business solutions that simplify human-capital problems," said Kelli Knoble, National Tax Business Lines leader at Grant Thornton. "People are the lifeblood of any successful business. Tim and his team's approach to employee listening will be vital to our clients' short- and long-term health - both financially and culturally. Organizations that use data and analytics to make smarter decisions about its people will attract and retain top talent." According to a major global study, more than 40% of the workforce is considering leaving their employer this year. This increasingly high turnover rate is the result of multiple factors, but enhanced benefits and a strong desire for flexibility are two of the main drivers. To support the firm's clients, Glowa employs a technique called Employee Preference Optimization. This multi-step process focuses on employee benefits. Glowa and his team measure employee preferences and sensitivities, then use detailed data modeling to show companies how they can save money and enhance their benefits. "We're in the middle of a war for talent," said Glowa, "where employees are seeking companies that are truly committed to their wellbeing, while those same companies are trying to recruit the best talent possible. This is an important time for business leaders to take afresh look and invest in their employees. They should think of employees in the same way they think of their customers and use the best analytical tools available to understand employee attitudes, needs and preferences - and then design cost-effective solutions to address those needs across all stages of the employee life cycle."



Glowa continued by explaining the need for business leaders to consider their employees' preferences when it comes to returning to work following the pandemic. "Many organizations are now struggling with talent attrition. This is only amplified when there is a misalignment between employee desires for increased flexibility in where they work and the organization's focus to get back to normal. The company that strikes the right balance in finding the 'new normal' will come out on top." A published author and recognized thought leader in preference measurement and total rewards strategy development, Glowa specializes in customer and employee research, quantitative and qualitative market research, human capital analytics, marketing science, conjoint, database mining, customer segmentation, concept testing, big data, marketing analytics and total rewards optimization.

Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Glowa was a founding partner in a human capital analytics firm - and most recently served as managing director at Ernst & Young LLP. He received a master's of business administration degree from the New York Institute of Technology and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Calgary. For more information on Grant Thornton's human capital services and employee listening offerings, visit www.grantthornton.com/human-capital-services. And to learn more about the war for talent and approaches to satisfy changing workforce needs, visit www.grantthornton.com/war-for-talent. About Grant Thornton LLP

Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world's leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton, which has revenues of $1.92 billion and operates more than 50 offices, works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations. "Grant Thornton" refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another's acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005604/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Howard Healthcare Academy Awarded National Accreditation

Howard Healthcare Academy, the only school in San Diego strictly dedicated to dental programs, founded by the creators of The Super Dentists, was recently granted its accreditation by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005626/en/ Howard Healthcare Academy (Photo: Business Wire) Announcement of the action was made by Dr. Lois Gackenheimer, Commission Chair, following the June Commission Meeting of the Council on Occupational Education on June 10, 2021. The award of accreditation status is based on an evaluation to demonstrate that the institution meets not only the standards of quality of the Commission, but also the needs of students, the community, and employers. The Commission's evaluation process includes an extensive self-study by the institution and an intensive review by a visiting team of professional educators representing the Commission's member institutions from other states. Howard Healthcare Academy began its self-study in November 2019 and underwent a team visit in February 2021. The visiting team chairperson was Steve Sullivan. The Council on Occupational Education, based in Atlanta, Georgia, offers quality assurance services to postsecondary technical education providers across the nation. "We are thrilled Howard Healthcare Academy has received its accreditation from COE. We've already begun the application process to receive federal and state funding, which in turn, wil help more students finance their career in dental assisting," said Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, co-founder of Howard Healthcare Academy and The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dental practice in San Diego. "Dental Assisting is both in demand right now and is an industry forecasted to have double digit growth in California over the next five years."



According to the Bureau of Labor, dental assisting is expected to grow by 11% between 2018 and 2028, which is a higher rate than many other industries. Organized as a non-profit corporation, the mission of the Council is to assure quality and integrity in career and technical education. Services offered include institutional accreditation (recognized by the U.S. Department of Education), program quality reviews for states and technical education providers, and informational services. Most of the Council's work is carried out by qualified professional volunteers who are experts in technical education. Institutional membership in the Council is voluntary but can be achieved only by becoming accredited.

The Council's current membership makes it unique. Members include postsecondary public technical institutes, specialized military and national defense schools, Job Corps Centers, private career schools, non-profit technical education providers, corporate and industry education units, and federal agency institutions. No other agency accredits and serves the diversity of organizations served by the Council. There are over 500 institutional members at the present time. Due to Howard Healthcare Academy's partnership with The Super Dentists' state-of-the-art facilities, students benefit by getting experience in a practicing dental office. Through real life learning environments, and technical courses, Howard Healthcare Academy prepares students with the practical knowledge they need to land and succeed in a dental assisting position. A leader in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for 25 years, Dr. Hoss, co-founder of The Super Dentists, found a need for highly trained dental assistants, and the demand became more apparent as the company grew. He and his team set out to reinvent and transform the dental education experience. Howard Healthcare Academy is Dental Board of California approved, a certified Continuing Education (CEU) provider, and recently obtained its accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education. Howard Healthcare Academy is located at 9737 Aero Drive in the Serra Mesa area of San Diego (92123). For more information, CALL or TEXT (619) ACADEMY (222-3369), visit howardacademy.com, or email info@howardacademy.com. Dr. Kami Hoss brings decades of experience working in the dental space and has treated more than 10,000 patients. He has served as faculty at the University of Southern California's postgraduate orthodontic program. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Diego Dental Society. With this extensive background, he has served countless clients and developed a reputation for making dental care accessible. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005626/en/

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[July 08, 2021] The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces the Filing of a Securities Class Action on Behalf of DiDi Global Inc. (DIDI) Investors

The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired 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. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. 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 regisrations 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 Twitter (News - Alert) : twitter.com/FRC_LAW. If you purchased DiDi securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than September 7, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you purchased 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 Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com, or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005268/en/

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[July 08, 2021] INSERTING and REPLACING Bunker Labs and JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking Launch Mentorship Program for Military-Connected Executives

Insert after fifth paragraph of release: Learn more and apply at https://bunkerlabs.org/ceo-circle/. The updated release reads: BUNKER LABS AND JPMORGAN CHASE COMMERCIAL BANKING LAUNCH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR MILITARY-CONNECTED EXECUTIVES Seeking nominations for first cohort of CEOcircle program which provides networking, mentorship and master classes for growing, military-connected businesses Today Bunker Labs and JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking announced that applications are open for the inaugural CEOcircle program for military-connected companies. "Veteran-owned companies play a significant role in our economy, making up 9 percent of U.S. businesses and employing nearly 6 million Americans," said Terry Hill, Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking and former U.S. Army Captain. "We're supporting the CEOcircle program to help exceptional military-connected businesses continue to thrive and positively impact our communities." Inaugural CEOcircle The twelve-month program will provide military-connected businesses with targeted educational programming, peer-to-peer networking via monthly group meetings, and financial expertise gleaned from a ten-week mentorship with JPMorgan Chase advisors. To be eligible for the CEOcircle program, businesses must: Have at least one military-connected senior executive,

Operate within the Diversified Industries or Technology & Disruptive Commerce industries,

And have achieved an annual revenue of $5 million+, with high growth potential. Participation in the CEOcircle program is free of charge, as is the application, which is open through August 4, 2021. Learn more and apply at https://bunkrlabs.org/ceo-circle/.



"We're excited to work with JPMorgan Chase to bring new opportunities to more military-connected entrepreneurs," said Blake Hogan, CEO of Bunker Labs. "Our learnings will enable us to grow and serve additional industries and business stages, while building on our continuum of support for military-connected founders." Empowering Veteran-Owned Businesses

Since its founding in 2014, Bunker Labs and JPMorgan Chase have fostered a long-standing relationship through their shared goal of empowering veteran-owned businesses. In 2019, JPMorgan Chase committed $3 million to help Bunker Labs establish chapters in all 50 states, and in 2016 committed $1.5 million to sponsor the Bunker Builds America tour. Since establishing the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs in 2011, JPMorgan Chase has hired more than 16,000 veterans and facilitated more than 680,000 veteran hires through the Veteran Jobs Mission coalition; committed more than $8 million to support veteran-owned small businesses; donated more than 1,000 mortgage-free homes to military families; and enrolled nearly 30,000 veterans and military spouses in the Onward to Opportunity program, a free career training, certification and employment course operated through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, which was co-founded and is supported by JPMorgan Chase. Learn more at: www.jpmorganchase.com/veterans About Bunker Labs Bunker Labs is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission of ensuring that the military-connected community has the network, tools, and opportunities they need to start successful ventures. We accomplish our mission by inspiring members of the military community to see their entrepreneurial potential. We equip our program participants with practical tools, insights, experts, and resources to accelerate their success, and we connect entrepreneurs with a robust community and diverse, relevant networks. About JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. Through its Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries, Corporate Client Banking & Specialized Industries and Commercial Real Estate businesses, Commercial Banking serves emerging startups to midsize businesses and large corporations as well as government entities, not-for-profit organizations, and commercial real estate investors, developers and owners. Clients are supported through every stage of growth with specialized industry expertise and tailored financial solutions including credit and financing, treasury and payment services, international banking and more. Information about JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking is available at www.jpmorganchase.com/commercial. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005120/en/

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[July 08, 2021] American Broadband Announces Executive Leadership Appointments

SULPHUR, La., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- American Broadband Holding Company ("American Broadband" or "the Company"), a leading provider of broadband access in rural markets across the United States, today announced several key executive appointments to support the Company as it embarks on its next stage of growth. Under the new leadership team, the Company will prioritize growing the business through continued investment and innovation in its existing network and operations, as well as expansion through acquisitions and partnerships into new regions. Among the new senior leadership appointments, Christopher Eldredge has joined American Broadband as Chief Executive Officer. Most recently, Eldredge served as President and CEO of DuPont Fabros Technology ("DFT"), where he oversaw the data center provider's expansion strategy, as the company achieved significant growth in sales, profit, and shareholder value prior to its sale to Digital Realty Trust. Eldredge draws upon extensive industry knowledge having worked in the IT infrastructure and telecommunications sector for nearly two decades. Prior to joining DFT, Eldredge was Executive Vice President of Global Solutions at NTT America Inc., and previously held management roles at leading telecom organizations, including Frontier Communications, Cablevision, and The Telx Group. Eldredge succeeds Rich Parisi, who will continue to serve on the American Broadband Board of Directors as Chairman. "I am thrilled to take on the role and responsibility of Chief Executive Officer and help guide American Broadband through this next phase of growth," said Eldredge. "We've assembled an impressive leadership team capable of realizing the clear opportunities ahead by investing in our network, operations, and communities and pursuing strategic acquisitions and other growth opportunities in additional rural markets throughout the country. The Company has a strong foundation in its markets in Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and Alaska from which to build. We have the team in place to make American Broadband the preeminent broadband service provider for rural communities throughout the United States and a company that offers employees even more opportunities for professional development." Additional Key Appointments: George Mack has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Mack will oversee all regional operations, inclusive of the Company's fiber expansion. Mack most recently served as American Broadband's Chief Financial Officer and has played a central role in the Company's growth ince April 1994 . Throughout his tenure, Mack has held various leadership roles, including President and GM for American Broadband's Louisiana / Texas operations and CEO and President and GM of the Company's Nebraska / Missouri operations. In addition, Mack maintains a deep industry network, having held various roles with the Louisiana Telecommunications Association, the Industry Committee of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, Louisiana Broadband Advisory Council, and the Business Emergency Operations Center for the State of Louisiana .







In this role, Mack will oversee all regional operations, inclusive of the Company's fiber expansion. Mack most recently served as American Broadband's Chief Financial Officer and has played a central role in the Company's growth ince . Throughout his tenure, Mack has held various leadership roles, including President and GM for American Broadband's / operations and CEO and President and GM of the Company's / operations. In addition, Mack maintains a deep industry network, having held various roles with the Louisiana Telecommunications Association, the Industry Committee of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, Louisiana Broadband Advisory Council, and the Business Emergency Operations Center for the . Jim Patterson has joined American Broadband as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, Patterson will concentrate on corporate strategy, new product development, and M&A. Patterson brings extensive industry and management experience to this role having held multiple leadership positions in the telecom industry. These include President of Sprint Wholesale, Founder and CEO of Mobile Symmetry, an identity and security software company, Executive VP of Reliance Infotel Broadband Services, and VP/GM of Flash Wireless. Most recently, Patterson served as Founder and CEO of Patterson Advisory Group, a consultancy in the telecom, media and technology services sector.



In this role, Patterson will concentrate on corporate strategy, new product development, and M&A. Patterson brings extensive industry and management experience to this role having held multiple leadership positions in the telecom industry. These include President of Sprint Wholesale, Founder and CEO of Mobile Symmetry, an identity and security software company, Executive VP of Reliance Infotel Broadband Services, and VP/GM of Flash Wireless. Most recently, Patterson served as Founder and CEO of Patterson Advisory Group, a consultancy in the telecom, media and technology services sector. Bob O'Keefe has joined American Broadband as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, O'Keefe will oversee marketing, branding, business development, and customer acquisition and retention. O'Keefe most recently served as SVP and CMO at DuPont Fabros Technology ("DFT"), where he helped reposition the company, drive new revenue opportunities, and expand DFT's presence in new markets. Prior to DFT, O'Keefe was SVP of marketing, business management, and business development at NTT America, Inc. for the data center, cloud, network, and managed services businesses. O'Keefe previously held marketing executive roles at Frontier Communications, SanDisk, and Duracell.



In this role, O'Keefe will oversee marketing, branding, business development, and customer acquisition and retention. O'Keefe most recently served as SVP and CMO at DuPont Fabros Technology ("DFT"), where he helped reposition the company, drive new revenue opportunities, and expand DFT's presence in new markets. Prior to DFT, O'Keefe was SVP of marketing, business management, and business development at NTT America, Inc. for the data center, cloud, network, and managed services businesses. O'Keefe previously held marketing executive roles at Frontier Communications, SanDisk, and Duracell. Jason Nicolay has joined American Broadband as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. In this role, Nicolay will oversee the Company's M&A, ventures, and strategic partnerships across existing and new markets. Nicolay brings nearly two decades of transactional experience, primarily focused on telecom, including broadband, fiber, fixed wireless, mobile, towers, and spectrum. Previously, he served as a Managing Director in Houlihan Lokey's Telecom, Media and Technology Group, principally focused on telecom infrastructure and operators. Prior to Houlihan Lokey , Nicolay started his investment banking career with MVP Capital, a boutique, telecom-focused investment bank. About American Broadband Holding Company American Broadband is one of the leading providers of broadband for Rural America. Its operating telcos provide phone access lines, video, and broadband service to customers in rural communities in Nebraska, Missouri, Alaska, Louisiana, and Texas. The Company's operating brands include American Broadband, Cameron Communications, and TelAlaska. American Broadband's operating telcos partner in the growth and economic vitality of their communities by providing broadband and other advanced services and by contributing to and supporting new business activity and job growth. American Broadband retains local management and staff at each of its local operations to ensure continued superior levels of service to our customers.

American Broadband was recently acquired by Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC ("MDP"), a leading private equity firm based in Chicago, and Catania ABC Partners ("Catania"), a private company founded by industry executive Rich Parisi. More information about the Company can be found at www.americanbroadband.com. Contacts: American Broadband Holding Company

Kristi Boudreaux

337-583-2045 / Kristi.Boudreaux@camtel.com Madison Dearborn Partners / Catania

Jake Yanulis / Deirdre Walsh

Abernathy MacGregor

212-371-5999 / abmacmdcp@abmac.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-broadband-announces-executive-leadership-appointments-301328051.html SOURCE American Broadband Holding Company

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[July 08, 2021] Tokens are in high demand in the jewelry market because of low competition, - Boris Smitski, ??? Golden Cash

DUBAI, UAE, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The cryptocurrency sector is growing even in an unfavorable climate. Although Bitcoin is trading nearly 50% below its all-time high reached in May, institutional investors are showing little interest in buying it and are instead looking for other opportunities. "The crypto market is never at a standstill and even the downturn we are currently witnessing is merely a cyclical occurrence. Nevertheless, I believe that a bearish market is a perfect opportunity for projects and companies involved in the sector to lay low and focus on the development of new products and opportunities" - Boris Smitski thinks. The Golden Cash was originally designed to increase sales in the jewelry industry. The platform connects jewelry brands, producers and buyers t facilitate their interaction. It helps producers and brands optimize commercial processes using blockchain technology. At the same time, token holders get the opportunity to increase their investments.



Boris Smitski said that tokens will not meet any competition in the jewelry industry. This will ensure interest in the payment system and thus demand and profit. He also mentioned that tokens have evolved from utility tokens or security tokens to exchange, governance and liquidity pool tokens. It is necessary to keep in mind that tokens are volatile, just like the entire cryptocurrency market. "If cryptocurrencies were not volatile, no one would be willing to trade them. There would be no monetary incentive. It is vital for the market to remain cyclical and stay as far away as possible from centralization or regulation in accordance with what is being described as "civilized behavior." The crypto market has plenty of room for development and volatility will be playing a key role in this movement", - Boris Smitski assured.

Boris Smitski is an international businessman with vast experience in investment, consulting and banking. He is known for investing in gold production and mining, as well as founding an international jewelry brand Golden Cash. He was one of the first to invest in Bitcoin. He also consulted the PaPa Coin project during its launch. The Golden Cash platform ensures a networking environment to connect key players in the jewelry industry and ensure their seamless interaction. Its main goal is to build a powerful and mutually beneficial community for producers, brands and sellers. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560192/Boris_Smitski_CEO_Golden_Cash.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tokens-are-in-high-demand-in-the-jewelry-market-because-of-low-competition---boris-smitski--golden-cash-301328071.html SOURCE Golden Cash

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[July 08, 2021] American Family Insurance Announces National "Destination: Summerfest Sweepstakes"

Starting today, American Family Insurance is offering a chance for music fans across the country to win a VIP weekend at Milwaukee's Summerfest as part of its "Destination: Summerfest Sweepstakes." The sweepstakes entry period runs from July 8-August 4. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005668/en/ Enter the "Destination: Summerfest" sweepstakes July 8 through August 4 at www.AmFam.com/Summerfest (Photo: Business Wire) American Family Insurance is the presenting sponsor of Summerfest, known as the "World's Largest Music Festival." Summerfest features over 1,000 performances on 12 stages, along with food, beverages and activities, in a world-class festival setting. This year's event will take place over three consecutive weekends: September 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18. Two grand-prize sweepstakes winners will receive: Two tickets to one show of the winner's choosing at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, the festival's main venue featuring music's top acts (tickets located in the floor/100 level). (See the 2021 lineup.)

Two general admission tickets for Summerfest.

Access to The Captain's Deck, a VIP hospitality area with complimentary food and beverages.

Two VIP tickets to shows at the American Family Insurance House. (The American Family Insurance House is located on the Summerfest grounds and features national and local artists performing on an exclusive stage in the house each day of the festival.)

Travel and hotel accommodations.

$500 travel gift card (for foo, beverages, etc.).

Exclusive concert merchandise.



visit the American Family Newsroom. "It's great to have live music back in 2021 and especially Summerfest - an iconic summer event for music lovers - with its incredible lineup of acts performing in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, as well as its many other stages," said Judd Schemmel, American Family associate vice president of community investment and sponsorships. "We encourage everyone to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to experience this great event as a 'VIP' - whether as a first-time attendee or someone who's been here year after year."

The sweepstakes is open to legal residents in all 50 states who are 18-plus years of age at the time of entry. One entry per person. Fans can enter and see official rules at www.AmFam.com/Summerfest. About the American Family Insurance group Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation's 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 232 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. Across these companies the group has more than 13,500 employees nationwide. About Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance has evolved into what is now recognized as "The World's Largest Music Festival" and Milwaukee's cornerstone summer celebration, hosting the music industry's biggest acts, emerging talent, and local favorites along with approximately 750,000 fans, for an unforgettable live music experience. The 53rd edition of the festival will take place September 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18, 2021. Summerfest features over 1,000 performances on 12 stages, along with food, beverages, and activities, all in a world-class festival setting. For more details, visit Summerfest.com, or Facebook (News - Alert) , Twitter, and Instagram: @Summerfest. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005668/en/

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[July 08, 2021] QuickDrain launches design-forward, experiential website

DENVER, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- QuickDrain USA has unveiled a new and completely reimagined website, quickdrain.com, designed to offer the ultimate user-friendly experience to design professionals and their clients. Providing intuitive design, improved navigation and functionality, the new website allows visitors to immerse themselves in the full QuickDrain portfolio and to customize those products through a new and innovative product selector tool. The new website affirms QuickDrain's brand promise; an elegant blend of design, versatility, and functionality. With high-quality, visually appealing, in-use imagery and clear calls to action, the website delivers to designers, architects, installers, and showroom consultants not only a service, but also an experience, offering an abundance of bath-design inspiration, helpful tools and resources. The site incorporates the following enhancements: Product Selector Tool: The new selector tool (located under the Products tab in the navigation menu) allows installers to customize QuickDrain products to meet the needs of their particular application. Designers and their clientele can now configure a QuickDrain shower solution themselves by responding to a series of questions: Curb or curbless? Linear or center point drain? The selector tool also requests details on drain placement, outlet orientation and enclosure dimensions, while offering customers a visual interface where they can change various attributes (drain cover finish, material, parts, etc.). The payoff is a fully customized PDF-outline of the QuickDrain system designed to their specifications.

The new selector tool (located under the Products tab in the navigation menu) allows installers to customize QuickDrain products to meet the needs of their particular application. Designers and their clientele can now configure a QuickDrain shower solution themselves by responding to a series of questions: Curb or curbless? Linear or center point drain? The selector tool also requests details on drain placement, outlet orientation and enclosure dimensions, while offering customers a visual interface where they can change various attributes (drain cover finish, material, parts, etc.). The payoff is a fully customized PDF-outline of the QuickDrain system designed to their specifications. Where to Buy: Quotes and information on where to purchase QuickDrain products are now easily requested through an online form that speeds and streamlines the process. Once the form has been submitted, a member of the QuickDrain Customer Champion Team will contact the customer to walk them through the purchasing and installation process. "Our primary goal during the redesign process was to create a more valuable, user-centric, and responsive resource for QuickDrain customers," says Chris Oatey, General Manager of QuickDrain USA. "Specifically, we wanted to focus on delivering our brand's promise of luxury, while making it easier for users to learn and locate valuable information about our linear and SquareDrain solutions for their particular application or building type." The new website features five key navigation channels: Products, Markets, and Installation, plus Education and Trainin. Besides accessing product and application information, including case studies, visitors can use these channels to access technical documents (submittals, BIM Revit, Code Approvals, etc.) and explore how-to videos and online training opportunities.



The new site at https://www.quickdrain.com/ can be fully accessed through all the major browsers, especially the latest versions of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. Visit QuickDrain's media resources page (https://quickdrain.greenhousedigitalpr.com/new-website) to download high-resolution images.

ABOUT QUICKDRAIN USA AND OATEY CO.

Part of the Oatey family of brands, QuickDrain USA is a premier manufacturer of curbless and curbed shower solutions for showers and wet areas. Balancing elegant design with exceptional performance and universal design, QuickDrain's shower solutions offer best-in-class accessibility, flexibility and ease of installation, making them the ideal choice for healthcare, hospitality and residential renovations and new builds alike. For more information, visit www.quickdrain.com or follow QuickDrain on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply thousands of products for professional builders, contractors, engineers and do-it-yourself consumers around the world. Oatey is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. For more information, visit www.oatey.com, call (800) 321-9532 or follow Oatey on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quickdrain-launches-design-forward-experiential-website-301328083.html SOURCE QuickDrain USA

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[July 08, 2021] Calvin Ellison, Systems Architect of VOXOX, Accepts Invitation to a STIR/SHAKEN Event Panel

SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- VOXOX, a 5G and AI cloud-based communication platform for businesses, today announced that System's Architect, Calvin Ellison, has accepted the invitation from Somos to be a panelist at the 2021 STIR/SHAKEN VIRTUAL SUMMIT. This multiple-day event will focus on solutions around the current challenges and opportunities related to the deployment and successful operation of the STIR/SHAKEN Call Authentication Framework. The STIR/SHAKEN VIRTUAL SUMMIT will discuss issues critical to the reliable and successful deployment and operation of STIR/SHAKEN in today's IP-based network environments, as well as associated topics including discussion of the ramifications of governmental regulatory, legislative and enforcement actions, International STIR/SHAKEN issues and considerations, and critical security issues. Calvin Ellison is a telecommunications industry leader, working diligently to ensure VOXOX and its partners take every step necessary to protect end users from illegal spam and scam calling. He has been invited to speak about RealNumber, a product giving organizations tools to provide verification and protect business numbers from fraudulent calls and illegal spoofing. "I am deeply honored to serve on the STIR/SHAKEN panel alongside other industry giants, who are dedicated to tackling the problem of illegal robocalls and how effective mitigation will profoundly affect businesses in the future," said Ellison. In efforts to protect end users, Ellison and VOXOX have partnered directly with like-minded service providers and organizations such as YouMail, Smos, and SIP Forum, as well as regulatory bodies like the FCC,to revolutionize the way VOXOX consumes, visualizes and acts on statistics related to calling. These efforts have provided world class insights into calling patterns and behaviors, allowing specialists to quickly identify and curb malicious behavior.



STIR/SHAKEN offers a practical mechanism to provide verified information about the calling party while giving service providers the tools needed to sign and verify calling numbers making it possible for businesses and consumers to know, before answering, that the calls they receive are from legitimate parties. VOXOX, uses an Anti-Robocall Filter (SNARF) to block calls using DNO (Do Not Originate) calling numbers and is heavily focused on call analytics that provide a well-known and fiercely guarded point of entry for call centers and traffic aggregators within and outside the USA.

For more information about VOXOX, please visit https://www.voxox.com/ . About VOXOX VOXOX is an innovator in 5G/AI cloud-based communication solutions for businesses. The foundation of the company's offerings is its award-winning Platform as a Service, which enables the company and its customers to build powerful, scalable white-labeled applications and services. For end-users, VOXOX provides an extensive suite of carrier-grade business phone solutions, including VoxDirect, SIP Trunking, and a wide array of wholesale services, such as high-volume SMS. For service provider partners, VOXOX delivers cutting-edge voice and text messaging apps and services, including white-label versions of VoxDirect, a small business solution for global mobile operators. VOXOX is headquartered in San Diego. For more information, please visit http://www.VOXOX.com Media Contact: Staci Wallace

313968@email4pr.com

1-800-350-6187 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calvin-ellison-systems-architect-of-voxox-accepts-invitation-to-a-stirshaken-event-panel-301328093.html SOURCE VOXOX

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[July 08, 2021] Postmedia Reports Third Quarter Results

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. ("Postmedia" or the "Company") today released financial information for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021. "As we emerge from the pandemic, we are cautiously optimistic about early signs of economic rebound as we report a return to double-digit digital advertising revenue growth and our third consecutive quarter of net gains versus the peak impact of the pandemic," said Andrew MacLeod, President & CEO, Postmedia. "We are pleased with the stability of our balance sheet and reduction in first lien debt and grateful for the support of our employees, subscribers, advertisers, investors and government throughout this difficult time. However, the media industry continues to face structural challenges due to the monopolistic dominance of international digital giants. We encourage the government to implement regulatory and legislative change to level the digital playing field." Updates from the Quarter Constraining Costs - In the quarter we realized a 1.1% reduction in operating costs 1 , which includes the impact of initiatives implemented in the quarter that are expected to result in approximately $3 million of net annualized cost savings.

In the quarter we realized a 1.1% reduction in operating costs , which includes the impact of initiatives implemented in the quarter that are expected to result in approximately $3 million of net annualized cost savings. Preserving Liquidity - Cash management, including the impact of cost savings, government assistance and a repayment of $16.9 million of first-lien debt - representing a 70% reduction in first-lien debt since Postmedia's recapitalization transaction in 2016 - has resulted in an unrestricted cash balance of $53.4 million as at May 31, 2021.

Maximizing Revenue - Third quarter revenue was down 0.6% from the same period in the prior year with total advertising revenue up 1.5% showing modest improvement each quarter since the peak of the pandemic in Q4 of fiscal 2020. Third Quarter Operating Results Revenue for the quarter was $111.7 million as compared to $112.4 million in the same period in the prior year, representing a decrease of $0.7 million or 0.6%. Declines were primarily due to decreases in print advertising revenue of $3.2 million or 7.8% and print circulation revenue of $3.0 million or 6.4%. Total digital revenue increased by of $4.7 million or 21.6% with digital advertising revenue up 22.6%. Total operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization, impairment and restructuring increased $12.4 million or 14.0% for the quarter, relative to the same period in the prior year. The increase was the result of increased compensation expenses, which is primarily result of the impact of CEWS and journalism tax credits, partially offset by the implementation of various cost reduction initiatives. Included in the operating expense increase is a decrease in compensation expense recovery of $13.6 million related to CEWS, partially offset by an increase in compensation recovery related to journalism tax credits of $1.2 million. Operating income before depreciation, amortization, impairment and restructuring of $11.1 million in the quarter represents a decrease of $13.1 million relative to the same period in the prior year. The decrease is due to an increase in operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization, impairment and restructuring and a decrease in total revenues. Included in the operating expense increase is the impact of the compensation expense recoveries related to CEWS and journalism tax credits. Net earnings in the quarter ended May 31, 2021 were $8.7 million, as compared to a net loss of $13.8 million in the same period in the prior year. The change was primarily the result of gains on derivative financial instruments and foreign exchange in the three months ended May 31, 2021, decreases in impairment and restructuring expenses, partially offset by the decrease in operating income before depreciation, amortization, impairment and restructuring. Year-to-Date Operating Results Revenue for the nine months ended May 31, 2021 was $334.7 million as compared to $403.2 million in the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $68.6 million or 17.0%. The revenue decline was primarily due to decreases in print advertising revenue of $38.5 million or 24.8% and decreases in print circulation revenue of $14.8 million or 10.2%. Digital revenue declined $12.1 million or 13.9%. Total operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization, impairment, settlement gains and restructuring decreased $54.2 million or 15.4% for the nine months ended May 31, 2021, relative to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was a result of lower compensation expense and newspaper circulation volumes as well as the implementation of various cost reduction initiatives. Operating income before depreciation, amortization, impairment, settlement gains and restructuring of $36.6 million in the quarter represents a decrease of $14.4 million or 28.2% relative to the same period in the prior year. The decrease is due to the decrease in total revenue partially offset by decreases in operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, impairment, settlement gains and restructuring. Net earnings in the nine months ended May 31, 2021 were $62.3 million, as compared to a net loss of $29.6 million in the same period in the prior year. The change was primarily the result of a non-cash settlement gain related to employee benefit plans of $63.1 million, gains on derivative financial instruments and foreign exchange in the nine months ended May 31, 2021, decreases in depreciation, amortization and restructuring expenses partially offset by an increase in impairment expense and the decrease in operating income depreciation, amortization, impairment, settlement gains and restructuring. COVID-19 Update The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in governments worldwide enacting emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus including travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing that have caused disruption to businesses resulting in an economic slowdown. The Company is generally exempt from mandates requiring closures of non-essential businesses and therefore has been able to continue operations, however, advertising revenue declines have accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related government measures. On April 11, 2020, the Government of Canada passed CEWS to support employers facing financial hardship as measured by certain revenue declines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. CEWS currently provides a reimbursement of compensation expense to September 25, 2021, provided the applicant has met the applicable criteria. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021, the Company recognized a recovery of compensation expense of $5.7 million and $18.0 million, respectively, related to CEWS (2019 - $19.3 million) and in total has recognized $58.3 million related to CEWS since the program was announced. As at May 31, 2021, the Company has a receivable related to CEWS in the amount of $4.9 million. Debt Repayment During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021, the Company redeemed $16.9 million aggregate principal amount of first-lien debt including $9.6 million on April 30, 2021 with the net proceeds from the sale of assets and $7.3 million on May 27, 2021 related to the excess cash flow redemption for the six months ended February 28, 2021. As at the end of the quarter, the Company has $66.9 million of first-lien debt outstanding of the original $225.0 million that was issued in October 2016. Business Transformation Initiatives During the three months ended May 31, 2021, the Company implemented initiatives related to compensation expense reductions, real estate rationalization, production efficiencies and other transformation programs, which are expected to result in approximately $3 million of net annualized cost savings. The Company intends to continue to identify and undertake ongoing cost reduction initiatives in an effort to address revenue declination in the legacy print business. Additional Information Additional information, including financial statements and management's discussion and analysis can be found on the Company's website at www.postmedia.com/investors-governance/quarterly-filings or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Note: All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. About Postmedia Network Canada Corp. Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B) is the holding company that owns Postmedia Network Inc., a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 120 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com. Forward-Looking Information This news release may include information that is "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company has tried, where possible, to identify such information and statements by using words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should" and similar expressions and derivations thereof in connection with any discussion of future events, trends or prospects or future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, the implementation and results of the Company's transformation initiatives, continued benefits of historical results into future periods, the realization of anticipated cost savings, the receipt of anticipated government assistance and the identification and undertaking of ongoing cost savings initiatives. By their nature, forward-looking information and statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: competition from digital and other forms of media; the effect of economic conditions on advertising revenue; the ability of the Company to build out its digital media and online businesses; the failure to maintain current print and online newspaper readership and circulation levels; the realization of anticipated cost savings; possible damage to the reputation of the Company's brands or trademarks; possible labour disruptions; possible environmental liabilities, litigation and pension plan obligations; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and the prices of newsprint and other commodities. In addition, we are subject to the risk and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in governments worldwide enacting emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus including travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing that have caused disruption to businesses resulting in an economic slowdown. We are generally exempt from mandates requiring closures of non-essential businesses and therefore have been able to continue operations however, advertising revenues have declined as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and related government measures. The outbreak of contagious illness such as this can impact our operations in a number of ways including quarantined employees, travel restrictions, temporary closure of our facilities, a decrease in demand for advertising, as well as interruptions to our supply chain, including temporary closure of supplier facilities. Given the high level of uncertainty surrounding the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic it is difficult to reliably estimate its potential impact on the financial condition and results of our business. We are continuing to address the current challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and monitoring these challenges as they evolve so as to minimize this risk however it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flow. For a complete list of our risk factors please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" contained in our annual management's discussion and analysis for the years ended August 31, 2020 and 2019. Although the Company bases such information and statements on assumptions believed to be reasonable when made, they are not guarantees of future performance and actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which the Company operates, may differ materially from any such information and statements in this press release. Given these risks and uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of such information or statements. Other than as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update such information or statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such information or statements.







Postmedia Network Canada Corp. Consolidated Statements of Operations (UNAUDITED) (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) For the three months ended For the nine months ended May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020 Revenues Print advertising 37,822 41,023 116,829 155,338 Print circulation 43,022 45,976 130,150 144,973 Digital 27,015 22,225 75,364 87,512 Other 3,889 3,197 12,349 15,420 Total revenues 111,748 112,421 334,692 403,243 Expenses Compensation 38,538 24,734 113,953 128,162 Newsprint 4,132 4,363 13,249 18,501 Distribution 23,684 25,893 71,221 82,133 Production 15,247 12,746 44,720 51,605 Other operating 19,008 20,493 54,933 71,836 Operating income before depreciation, amortization, impairment, settlement gain and restructuring 11,139 24,192 36,616 51,006 Depreciation 2,808 2,879 8,402 8,816 Amortization 2,382 3,382 7,414 11,675 Impairment 700 12,507 21,164 12,507 Settlement gain - - (63,079 ) - Restructuring 100 4,844 4,896 14,549 Operating income 5,149 580 57,819 3,459 Interest expense 7,756 7,756 23,127 22,579 Net financing expense related to employee benefit plans 229 610 1,095 1,829 Gain on disposal of property and equipment and assets held-for-sale (240 ) - (516 ) (16 ) (Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments (2,467 ) 1,447 (14,181 ) 2,364 Foreign currency exchange (gains) losses (8,871 ) 4,572 (13,990 ) 6,328 Earnings (loss) before income taxes 8,742 (13,805 ) 62,284 (29,625 ) Provision for income taxes - - - - Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company 8,742 (13,805 ) 62,284 (29,625 ) Earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders of the Company Basic $0.09 $(0.15 ) $0.66 $(0.32 ) Diluted $0.09 $(0.15 ) $0.63 $(0.32 )

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (UNAUDITED) (In thousands of Canadian dollars) As at May 31, 2021 As at August 31, 2020 Assets Current Assets Cash 53,362 49,795 Restricted cash 437 3,402 Trade and other receivables 54,467 65,548 Assets held-for-sale 17,727 28,229 Inventory 3,181 3,260 Prepaid expenses and other assets 8,695 10,338 Total current assets 137,869 160,572 Non-Current Assets Property and equipment 78,126 90,778 Right of use assets 35,538 40,857 Derivative financial instruments and other assets 9,240 3,338 Intangible assets 28,767 41,334 Total assets 289,540 336,879 Liabilities and Deficiency Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 51,324 48,041 Provisions 3,095 6,856 Deferred revenue 22,215 24,369 Current portion of lease obligations 7,544 9,482 Current portion of long-term debt 5,000 20,372 Total current liabilities 89,178 109,120 Non-Current Liabilities Long-term debt 232,729 252,983 Employee benefit obligations and other liabilities 44,832 101,862 Lease obligations 33,339 37,136 Total liabilities 400,078 501,101 Deficiency Capital stock 810,861 810,861 Contributed surplus 16,449 15,925 Deficit (937,848 ) (991,008 ) Total deficiency (110,538 ) (164,222 ) Total liabilities and deficiency 289,540 336,879 Postmedia Network Canada Corp. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (UNAUDITED) (In thousands of Canadian dollars) For the three months ended For the nine months ended May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2021 May 31, 2020 Cash Generated (Utilized) by: Operating Activities Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company 8,742 (13,805 ) 62,284 (29,625 ) Items not affecting cash: Depreciation 2,808 2,879 8,402 8,816 Amortization 2,382 3,382 7,414 11,675 Impairment 700 12,507 21,164 12,507 (Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments (2,467 ) 1,447 (14,181 ) 2,364 Non-cash interest 5,929 9,694 17,483 20,489 Gain on disposal of property and equipment and assets held-for-sale (240 ) - (516 ) (16 ) Non-cash foreign currency exchange (gains) losses (8,930 ) 4,533 (13,988 ) 6,320 Share-based compensation plans 142 128 524 499 Net financing expense relating to employee benefit plans 229 610 1,095 1,829 Non-cash settlement gain - - (63,079 ) - Employee benefit plan funding in excess of compensation expense (1,399 ) (833 ) (2,717 ) (1,948 ) Net change in non-cash operating accounts 2,848 1,069 3,226 (4,771 ) Cash flows from operating activities 10,744 21,611 27,111 28,139 Investing Activities Net proceeds from the sale of property and equipment and assets held-for-sale 564 - 5,889 96 Purchases of property and equipment (469 ) (287 ) (1,438 ) (2,203 ) Purchases of intangible assets (139 ) (238 ) (177 ) (538 ) Net proceeds from the sale of shares 10,675 - 10,675 - Purchases of shares (1,696 ) - (1,696 ) - Cash flows from (used in) investing activities 8,935 (525 ) 13,253 (2,645 ) Financing activities Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt - - - 95,235 Repayment of long-term debt (16,933 ) - (32,305 ) (94,761 ) Restricted cash 101 - 2,965 13 Debt issuance costs - - - (1,710 ) Lease payments (2,322 ) (1,346 ) (7,457 ) (4,528 ) Cash flow used in financing activities (19,154 ) (1,346 ) (36,797 ) (5,751 ) Net change in cash for the period 525 19,740 3,567 19,743 Cash at beginning of period 52,837 15,467 49,795 15,464 Cash at end of period 53,362 35,207 53,362 35,207 Supplemental disclosure of operating cash flows Interest paid 3,629 41 7,932 4,006 Income taxes paid - - - - 1 Operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and restructuring as adjusted for the impact of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy ("CEWS"). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005735/en/

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[July 08, 2021] CIBC and Microsoft announce strategic relationship to accelerate the bank's transformation and cloud-first approach

Multi-year investment includes cloud technology, infrastructure, security and training for CIBC talent TORONTO, July 8, 2021 /CNW/ - Today CIBC and Microsoft announced a strategic relationship through a multi-year agreement formalizing Microsoft Azure as CIBC's primary cloud platform. CIBC's cloud-first approach will be enabled by Microsoft Azure's vast on-demand computing power, enabling it to scale and modernize its banking platforms, while building in additional resiliency, efficiency and agility. "We're building and investing in leading-edge technology to accelerate our bank's transformation  our investment in cloud technology is a cornerstone of these efforts," said Christina Kramer, Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation, CIBC. "With Microsoft's Azure platform, we will be better positioned to help clients achieve their ambitions, through client-facing services such as digital banking and global remittances, as well as furthering innovative work in areas such as AI and machine learning." Microsoft Azure will help to enable CIBC to support faster, real-time, data-driven decisions, to quickly launch and scale new innovations for an enhanced client experience. In addition to its Software as a Service (SaaS) and private cloud strategies, CIBC's investment in market-leading public cloud technology will also reinforce and expand its critical foundations in data protection and security. "Leveraging cutting-edge technology and ensuring employees have the right digital training are critical for organizations to thrive in the rapidly evolving financial services industry," said Kevin Peesker, President, Microsoft Canada. "We ar proud to support CIBC's ongoing digital transformation through Microsoft Azure, equipping CIBC with the AI, data, cloud and machine learning capabilities to drive innovation, more securely power their infrastructure and deliver superior customer experiences."



CIBC and Microsoft have a longstanding relationship and this agreement is one way the bank is continuing to execute on its client-focused strategy, utilizing technology and innovation to deliver growth. This agreement builds on a successful collaboration between the two organizations with cloud, enterprise software, and enabling CIBC's workforce with Office 365. CIBC has already demonstrated the benefits of cloud technology to unlock the full potential of the bank's team of over 44,000 employees globally. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, CIBC was able to leverage its flexible technology platforms to rapidly deliver relief programs for clients, and connect team members globally through Microsoft Teams.

Teams also served as a platform to leverage advanced AI cloud technologies. CIBC's internal FX Virtual Agent was rolled out nationwide within Teams to help manage the demand of clients' trading requests. Integrated to core banking systems, the FX Virtual Agent is capable of managing a wide range of transactions in seconds, drastically reducing call handling time, while maintaining accuracy. The new strategic relationship announced today will further enhance CIBC's capability to deliver more for clients in a rapidly changing global marketplace. Investments in Microsoft Azure technology will support: Accelerating the migration of hundreds of applications to the cloud, in addition to the many Capital Markets systems already benefitting from improved scalability, agility, and efficiency of Azure;

Scalable computing power for CIBC's enterprise data lake and AI/ML platform to power smart, innovative client solutions;

A secure and resilient foundation for serving CIBC's clients, leveraging Microsoft's expertise, multiple Canadian data centres and global footprint across the regions in which CIBC and Microsoft operate. Cloud engineering, security and related skills are in high demand across Canada, and globally. Through the CIBC and Microsoft relationship, CIBC will also get access to an extensive suite of Microsoft training programs and certifications, to support and continue developing top talent at CIBC. "Investing in leading edge technologies is also an investment in our teams and their capabilities, as we continue building the bank of the future," added Ms. Kramer. About CIBC CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network and locations across Canada, with offices in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/media-centre.html. About Microsoft Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. SOURCE CIBC

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[July 08, 2021] Artificial Intelligence Leader DataRobot to Host Morgantown Job Fair Tuesday, 6/13

DataRobot, the leader in Artificial Intelligence, will host a public job fair from 3-7 p.m. at Morgantown's Erickson Alumni Center on Tuesday, July 13th. In June, DataRobot announced the opening of a new office at Vantage Ventures Morgantown headquarters. The company plans to bring new jobs in the fast growing technology sector to West Virginia through expanded hiring in software engineering, professional services, and customer support. Sally Embrey, DataRobot's vice president of public health and medical technologies, said she is excited the company has the opportunity to help create new careers in the Mountain State and is looking forward to a long-term presence in the region. "Last month's announcement of DataRobot's new Morgantown office has created significant interest in our company both locally and throughout West Virginia. We hope that Tuesday's job fair will help build upon the momentum created by the announcement and showcase the talent available to support technology jobs in the state," Embrey said. The Erickson Alumni Center is located at 1 Alumni Drive in Morgantown. Individuals may register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/160831063039. DataRobot is the leader in Artificial Intelligence, delivering trusted AI technology and enablement services to global eterprises competing in today's Intelligence Revolution (News - Alert) . DataRobot's enterprise AI platform democratizes data science with end-to-end automation for building, deploying, and managing machine learning models. This platform maximizes business value by delivering AI at scale and continuously optimizing performance over time. The company's proven combination of cutting-edge software and world-class AI implementation, training, and support services, empowers any organization - regardless of size, industry, or resources - to drive better business outcomes with AI.



DataRobot has offices across the globe and funding from some of the world's best investing firms including Alliance Bernstein, Altimeter, B Capital Group, Cisco, Citi Ventures, ClearBridge, DFJ Growth, Geodesic Capital, Glynn Capital, Intel (News - Alert) Capital, Meritech, NEA, Salesforce Ventures, Sands Capital, Sapphire Ventures, Silver Lake Waterman, Snowflake Ventures, Tiger Global, T. Rowe Price, and World Innovation Lab. DataRobot was named to the Forbes 2020 Cloud 100 list and the Forbes 2019, 2020, and 2021 Most Promising AI Companies lists, and was named a Leader in the IDC (News - Alert) MarketScape: Worldwide Advanced Machine Learning Software Platforms Vendor Assessment. For more information visit http://www.datarobot.com/, and join the conversation on the DataRobot Community, More Intelligent Tomorrow podcast, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005816/en/

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[July 08, 2021] GM Financial Launches Pilot Program Focused on HBCU Talent

This summer, GM Financial launched its first Sophomore Leadership Program to provide HBCU students with an in-depth, first-person look at the auto finance industry. The program is a component of GM Financial's participation in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Partnership Challenge of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, designed to promote more corporate engagement with HBCUs, develop new career possibilities for students and improve diversity, equity and inclusion across industries. It also marks the start of a joint program between GM Financial and Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU outside of Houston. "This program is part of our ongoing effort to increase diversity and promote inclusion within the company," said Shunda Robinson, Global Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for GM Financial. "Diversity is about the pipeline. We recognized that we needed to broaden the schools we were targeting with our internship programs, so we developed the Sophomore Leadership Program to contribute to bridging this gap." HBCUs currently comprise 3% of the nation's colleges and universities but enroll 10% of all African-American students and produce 20% of all African-American college graduates - and 25% of African Americans graduating with STEM degrees, according to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Dan Berce, President and CEO of GM Financial, said that initiatives like the Sophomore Leadrship Program are critical to the company's success. "We envision this as an ongoing program that adds a new dimension to our continued efforts to increase diversity and build equity within our organization," he said. "We know that by being a company whose workforce reflects the diversity of our customers and communities, we will be better able to understand and serve their needs."



Focus on sophomores In juxtaposition to the company's traditional summer internship program that caters to college juniors and seniors, sophomores were selected for this program because the second year of college often represents a critical retention point in a student's education, especially for HBCU students and students of color.

"Because of socioeconomic barriers and other challenges students of color may disproportionately face, some sophomores are unable to continue pursuing their college degree," Robinson said. "The Sophomore Leadership Program is intended to offer students a highly competitive paid internship opportunity that raises their awareness of the career paths that define our industry, alongside a number of professional development and resume-building opportunities." GM Financial's Sophomore Leadership Program interns started on June 1, with the program concluding on July 23. Their internships will be performed virtually except for one week on-location at Sewell Cadillac of Dallas. During their internships, the students will job shadow team members from various functions such as sales, marketing and pricing. In so doing, they will learn about the company's different job offerings and the core competencies required for each. And they will meet with senior executives, including a session with Berce. GM Financial employees will also lead skill-specific workshops for the interns, covering topics such as networking, personal branding, diversity, equity and inclusion, and personal finance from the KEYS by GM Financial curriculum. General Motors (News - Alert) Financial Company, Inc. is the wholly-owned captive finance subsidiary of General Motors Company and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit www.gmfinancial.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005819/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Global Industrial Inkjet Printers Market (2021 to 2028) - COVID-19 Impact and Analysis

DUBLIN, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Industrial Inkjet Printers Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Technology; End User and Geography" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The industrial inkjet printers market was valued at US$ 9,176.42 million in 2021 and is projected to reach US$ 15,376.76 million by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2021 to 2028.



Industrial inkjet printing uses inkjet technology to print or deposit materials as a part of the manufacturing process of a product on a production line. The idea is similar to that of a desktop inkjet printer, but the scale is vastly different in terms of machine size and speed, as well as the diversity of fluids that must be deposited. The industrial inkjet printers are majorly used for labelling and coding a product. The rising global packaging industry, combined with the faster operating speeds provided by industrial inkjet printers, is anticipated to increase the use of industrial inkjet printers in packaging.



Based on end user, the industrial inkjet printers market is segmented into food and beverages, automobile, packaging, cosmetic, medical, and others. The packaging segment accounted for the largest market share in 2020 and is also expected to register the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. Inkjet printers were initially created for use in packaging coding and labelling applications. Large size inkjet printers are used in the packaging sector to print high-quality labels and containers. Big format printers provide various advantages, including quick turnaround time, inexpensive printing costs, and flexibility. During the packing process, inkjet printers are widely utilized for inline printing of date and lot codes. These printers minimize issues such as blurred or missing prints, as well as holes in films, which are typically created by contact printing methods such as stamping. The use of built-in sensors and optimization can result in flawless and clear marking. Inkjet printers are easy to install on both high-speed production lines and packing machines. When encoders are used with printers, the printing speed is automatically changed to match the film/line speed, ensuring consistent printing.



Based on region, the industrial inkjet printers market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2020, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share in the market. The market growth in this region is mainly attributed to changing lifestyles and increasing influence of e-commerce, which is transforming the shopping culture in the region. Moreover, amid COVID-19 pandemic, the number of online customers in the region is increasing significantly as people are preferring the online mode of shopping than visiting physical stores and crowded areas. Such factors are driving the growth of the e-commerce. Moreover, the increasing influence of foreign manufacturers and their products have raised awareness among the local manufacturers in Asia Pacific regarding the importance of packaging in consumers' purchase decisions. This has significantly propelled the growth of the industrial inkjet printers market, especially in the packaging sector.



A few key players operating in the industrial inkjet printers market are Anser Coding, Beijing Hi-Pack Coding, Citronix, Control Print, Domino, Ebs Ink Jet Systeme, Hitachi, Iconotech, ITW Company, Kba-Metronic, Keyence, Kortho, Leibinger, Linx, Markem-Imaje, Matthews Marking Systems, Squid Ink Manufacturing, United Barcode Systems, Videojet, Weber Marking, and Zanasi.



Reasons to Buy Highlights key business priorities to assist companies realign their business strategies.

Features key findings and crucial progressive industry trends in the global industrial inkjet printers market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long-term strategies.

Develops/modifies business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering from developed and emerging markets.

Scrutinizes in-depth market trends as well as key market drivers and restraints.

Enhances te decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation, and industry verticals.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction

2. Key Takeaways



3. Research Methodology



4. Industrial Inkjet Printers Market Landscape

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 PEST Analysis

4.2.1 PEST Analysis: North American Industrial Inkjet Printers Market

4.2.2 PEST Analysis: Europe Industrial Inkjet Printers Market

4.2.3 PEST Analysis: APAC Industrial Inkjet Printers Market

4.2.4 PEST Analysis: MEA Industrial Inkjet Printers Market

4.2.5 PEST Analysis: South and Central America Industrial Inkjet Printers Market

4.3 Expert Opinions



5. Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Key Industry Dynamics

5.1 Market Drivers

5.1.1 High Demand from Flexible Packaging and Textile Industries

5.1.2 Growing Demand for Multifunctional Inkjet Printers

5.2 Market Restraint

5.2.1 Availability of Various Alternatives in Market

5.3 Market Opportunities

5.3.1 Rising Products Innovation and Technological Advancements in Industrial Inkjet Printers Industry

5.4 Future Trends

5.4.1 High Demand for Industrial Inkjet Printer in Various End-Use Industries

5.5 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints



6. Industrial Inkjet Printers - Global Market Analysis

6.1 Global Industrial Inkjet Printers Market Overview

6.2 Global Industrial Inkjet Printers Market Forecast and Analysis

6.3 Market Positioning - Global Market Players Ranking



7. Industrial Inkjet Printers Market Analysis - By Technology

7.1 Overview

7.2 Industrial Inkjet Printers Market, By Technology (2020 and 2028)

7.3 CIJ Printers

7.3.1 Overview

7.3.2 CIJ Printers: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)

7.4 DOD Inkjet Printers

7.4.1 Overview

7.4.2 DOD Inkjet Printers: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)

7.4.3 TIJ Printers: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)

7.4.4 Others: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)



8. Industrial Inkjet Printers Market Analysis - By End-User

8.1 Overview

8.2 Industrial Inkjet Printers Market, By End-User(2020 and 2028)

8.3 Food and Beverages

8.3.1 Overview

8.3.2 Food and Beverages: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)

8.4 Automobile

8.4.1 Overview

8.4.2 Automobile: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)

8.5 Packaging

8.5.1 Overview

8.5.2 Packaging: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)

8.6 Cosmetic

8.6.1 Overview

8.6.2 Cosmetic: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)

8.7 Medical

8.7.1 Overview

8.7.2 Medical: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)

8.8 Others

8.8.1 Overview

8.8.2 Others: Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Revenue and Forecast To 2028 (US$ Million)



9. Industrial Inkjet Printers Market - Geographic Analysis



10. Industry Landscape

10.1 Overview

10.2 Product Launch

10.3 Business Planning and Strategy



11. Overview- Impact of COVID-19

11.1 Impact of COVID-19 on Industrial Inkjet Printers Market

11.1 North America: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic

11.2 Europe: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic

11.3 Asia-Pacific: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic

11.4 Middle East and Africa: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic

11.5 South America: Impact Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic



12. Company Profile

12.1 ANSER CODING INC

12.1.1 Key Facts

12.1.2 Business Description

12.1.3 Products and Services

12.1.4 Financial Overview

12.1.5 SWOT Analysis

12.1.6 Key Developments

12.2 Beijing Hi-Pack Coding Ltd

12.2.1 Key Facts

12.2.2 Business Description

12.2.3 Products and Services

12.2.4 Financial Overview

12.2.5 SWOT Analysis

12.2.6 Key Developments

12.3 Citronix Inc

12.3.1 Key Facts

12.3.2 Business Description

12.3.3 Products and Services

12.3.4 Financial Overview

12.3.5 SWOT Analysis

12.3.6 Key Developments

12.4 Control Print Ltd

12.4.1 Key Facts

12.4.2 Business Description

12.4.3 Products and Services

12.4.4 Financial Overview

12.4.5 SWOT Analysis

12.4.6 Key Developments

12.5 Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd

12.5.1 Key Facts

12.5.2 Business Description

12.5.3 Products and Services

12.5.4 Financial Overview

12.5.5 SWOT Analysis

12.5.6 Key Developments

12.6 EBS Ink-Jet Systeme

12.6.1 Key Facts

12.6.2 Business Description

12.6.3 Products and Services

12.6.4 Financial Overview

12.6.5 SWOT Analysis

12.6.6 Key Developments

12.7 Koenig & Bauer Coding GmbH

12.7.1 Key Facts

12.7.2 Business Description

12.7.3 Products and Services

12.7.4 Financial Overview

12.7.5 SWOT Analysis

12.7.6 Key Developments

12.8 Iconotech

12.8.1 Key Facts

12.8.2 Business Description

12.8.3 Products and Services

12.8.4 Financial Overview

12.8.5 SWOT Analysis

12.8.6 Key Developments

12.9 Domino Printing Sciences plc

12.9.1 Key Facts

12.9.2 Business Description

12.9.3 Products and Services

12.9.4 Financial Overview

12.9.5 SWOT Analysis

12.9.6 Key Developments

12.10 ITW Company

12.10.1 Key Facts

12.10.2 Business Description

12.10.3 Products and Services

12.10.4 Financial Overview

12.10.5 SWOT Analysis

12.10.6 Key Developments

12.11 Keyence Corporation

12.11.1 Key Facts

12.11.2 Business Description

12.11.3 Products and Services

12.11.4 Financial Overview

12.11.5 SWOT Analysis

12.11.6 Key Developments

12.12 Kortho

12.12.1 Key Facts

12.12.2 Business Description

12.12.3 Products and Services

12.12.4 Financial Overview

12.12.5 SWOT Analysis

12.12.6 Key Developments

12.13 Leibinger Group

12.13.1 Key Facts

12.13.2 Business Description

12.13.3 Products and Services

12.13.4 Financial Overview

12.13.5 SWOT Analysis

12.13.6 Key Developments

12.14 Linx Printing Technologies

12.14.1 Key Facts

12.14.2 Business Description

12.14.3 Products and Services

12.14.4 Financial Overview

12.14.5 SWOT Analysis

12.14.6 Key Developments

12.15 MARKEM-IMAJE

12.15.1 Key Facts

12.15.2 Business Description

12.15.3 Products and Services

12.15.4 Financial Overview

12.15.5 SWOT Analysis

12.15.6 Key Developments

12.16 Matthews Marking Systems

12.16.1 Key Facts

12.16.2 Business Description

12.16.3 Products and Services

12.16.4 Financial Overview

12.16.5 SWOT Analysis

12.16.6 Key Developments

12.17 Squid Ink Manufacturing

12.17.1 Key Facts

12.17.2 Business Description

12.17.3 Products and Services

12.17.4 Financial Overview

12.17.5 SWOT Analysis

12.17.6 Key Developments

12.18 United Barcode Systems

12.18.1 Key Facts

12.18.2 Business Description

12.18.3 Products and Services

12.18.4 Financial Overview

12.18.5 SWOT Analysis

12.18.6 Key Developments

12.19 Videojet Technologies, Inc.

12.19.1 Key Facts

12.19.2 Business Description

12.19.3 Products and Services

12.19.4 Financial Overview

12.19.5 SWOT Analysis

12.19.6 Key Developments

12.20 Weber Marking Systems GmbH

12.20.1 Key Facts

12.20.2 Business Description

12.20.3 Products and Services

12.20.4 Financial Overview

12.20.5 SWOT Analysis

12.20.6 Key Developments

12.21 Zanasi

12.21.1 Key Facts

12.21.2 Business Description

12.21.3 Products and Services

12.21.4 Financial Overview

12.21.5 SWOT Analysis

12.21.6 Key Developments



13. Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/w41n4o Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-industrial-inkjet-printers-market-2021-to-2028---covid-19-impact-and-analysis-301328054.html SOURCE Research and Markets

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[July 08, 2021] Levio & LANDRY and Associates join forces

With this acquisition, Levio consolidates its position as a leader in digital transformation in Canada QUEBEC, July 8, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Levio, an information technology (IT) and organizational management consulting firm, joins forces with LANDRY and Associates, a business management and cybersecurity consulting firm based in Montreal. With now more than 1,350 consultants in Canada, the United States, and Morocco, Levio consolidates its positioning as a leader in digital transformation and continues to accelerate its expansion in Canada. "People at LANDRY and Associates share a common mission. Our respective cultures are based on intrapreneurship, a focus on delivering quality work to our clients, and above all, a strong commitment to delivering value. This sets both of our companies apart from the competition. The combination of our teams positions us advantageously on the market, with the addition of new talent and the diversification of our client base. The unique expertise of the LANDRY and Associates team in cybersecurity and business management, cobined with Levio's expertise, constitutes a key solution for companies wishing to succeed in their digital transformations," said Francois Dion, CEO of Levio.



"For over 13 years, the team at LANDRY and Associates has made a significant difference for many organizations, successfully accompanying them in their technological and business imperatives. Thanks to our exceptional team, we have been able to establish ourselves as a key player in a very competitive market. Today, we have arrived at a pivotal moment in our existence. It is time to join forces with a leading local company with whom we share strong values and the desire to promote the province of Quebec know-how, so that together we can accelerate our growth," stated Claude M. Landry, CEO of LANDRY and Associates.

About Levio Levio is an information technology (IT) and organizational management-consulting firm, ranked as the fastest-growing Canadian IT Company, 2nd overall in the 2019 edition of Canadian Business magazine's Growth 500. The company specializes in helping its clients implement digital transformation programs or large-scale projects. For the past 8 years, Levio has built its reputation on an outstanding team of consultants who deliver high-quality solutions that take advantage of new technologies to help its clients gain in efficiency and profitability. Levio now has more than 1,350 consultants in its eight offices located in Canada, the United States, and Morocco. For more information, visit levioconsulting.com About LANDRY and Associates Founded in 2008, LANDRY and Associates is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in risk and performance management as well as in business management technologies. Our team works to support organizations in the face of business, operational and technological imperatives related to the management, protection and valorization of their assets. Recognized as one of Montreal's Top Employers in 2019, 2020 and 2021, its multidisciplinary team stands out for its certifications and complementary skills in: governance and leadership, risk management, strategic consulting, information technology and cybersecurity, business analysis, sustainable development, project management, etc. For more information, visit landryconsulting.com/en SOURCE Levio

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[July 08, 2021] Conexon launches Construct, innovative splicing business to enhance fiber network construction processes, create more jobs in local markets

DALTON, Ga., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rural fiber-optic network design and construction management leader, Conexon, today announced expansion of its services to include a full-service splicing business, Conexon Construct, and an affiliated training program, to create new opportunities for fiber network construction professionals and ensure a ready supply of best-practice oriented professionals for the ever-increasing number of rural fiber broadband projects. Conexon's latest turnkey service option for electric cooperatives, Construct includes not only job- and project-ready professionals, but a school to train fledgling fiber splicers and prepare crews to begin splicing paths on fiber-to-the-home projects across rural America. More than 50 industry professionals gathered at the facility for a ribbon cutting ceremony in conjunction with a graduation for the first class of splicers trained as part of the program. Within the broadband industry, the demand for splicers continues to increase as federal, state and county funding make more FTTH projects possible. In the past year, Conexon personnel have been responsible for splicing more than 300,000 connections on networks across America  many of the jobs outsourced to construction contractors. Conexon Construct provides an opportunity to train new hires to Conexon standards with a uniform, safety- and quality-oriented approach to methodology and technique. "Training our own splicing crews puts us in control of our projects and allows us to maintain the highest quality of work," said Jeff Fincannon, SVP of Outside Plant at Conexon. "There are not that many trained professionals out there to do this job, and there are few hands-on training opportunities for this position. With Construct, Conexon is helping to create solid, safe jobs in rural markets and providing the hands-on education and experience necessary to excel at it." The new endeavor offers community benefits as well, by sparking economic development with the creation of new jobs in local markets in Georgia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, among other locations. All personnel will train in Georgia/span> and will then be assigned to job sites closer to their home upon completion.



"We've made our commitment to rural broadband clear through the number and breadth of our projects," Conexon Partner Randy Klindt said. "Conexon Construct is another way we can impact the local communities we serve, by introducing jobs and education that wouldn't otherwise be available. Our splicing program helps everyone succeed  our trainees, our co-op clients, and Conexon all benefit from readily available professionals as a resource to improve efficiency and decrease costs on fiber broadband projects nationwide." Splicers who train at Conexon Construct will focus on Conexon's core distributed tap architecture methodology, learning to splice taps during the two-week certification course at the school. They will then will be assigned to a job build to put their new skills to work. Six splicers will be trained every two weeks as the school launches, with the opportunity to expand to 12 splicers per class. The curriculum will be led by lead instructor Jason Bell, who joined Conexon from Ervin Construction with more than 15 years of experience in the business.

"When our new hires leave the training program, they will have everything they need to do the job. We are teaching them the Conexon way," said Paul Marie, Conexon Splicing Division Manager. "They'll leave in a truck with all their tools, supplied by Conexon, so they can go to their first job in their own vehicle and be set up for success from the beginning." Conexon plans to offer advanced splicing techniques coursework as the program grows and is considering making the two-week certification program available to its co-op clients' installers who maintain the lines after network deployment. Within the first year, Conexon Construct expects to certify more than 150 splicers trained to the highest quality standards for fiber construction. "Conexon splicing school has taught me the right skills and techniques in a controlled environment to take the next step in my fiber splicing career to become an experienced professional in every sense of the word," said JP Arango, one of the school's first graduates. Arango, of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., is a splicer starting on Conexon's Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation network build. "It has been a journey to make the vision of Conexon Construct a reality, and I am proud to watch our first class of trainees graduate, knowing they have all the skills the job requires," Fincannon said. "We are changing these people's lives and offering an entirely new perspective for the future they would not have in other jobs in their rural communities." Interested applicants can find out more about Conexon Construct at conexon.us. About Conexon

Conexon works with Rural Electric Cooperatives to bring fiber to the home in rural communities. The company is composed of professionals who have worked in electric cooperatives and the telecommunications industry, and offer decades of individual experience in business planning, building networks, marketing and selling telecommunications. Conexon offers its electric cooperative clients end-to-end broadband deployment and operations support, from a project's inception all the way through to its long-term sustainability. It works with clients to analyze economic feasibility, secure financing, design the network, manage construction, provide operational support, optimize business performance and determine optimal partnerships. To date, Conexon has assisted nearly 200 electric cooperatives, nearly 50 of which are deploying fiber networks, and has connected nearly 500,000 rural Americans to world-class broadband. Overall, the company has secured more than $1.3 billion in federal and state funding for its clients across the country. Cindy Parks

913-526-6912

Cindy.parks@conexon.us View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/conexon-launches-construct-innovative-splicing-business-to-enhance-fiber-network-construction-processes-create-more-jobs-in-local-markets-301327320.html SOURCE Conexon

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[July 08, 2021] Gig Wage Appoints Seasoned Startup Executive Clarisa Lindenmeyer as Chief Brand Officer and Chief of Staff After Raising an Additional $3.25 Million in Venture Debt from Silicon Valley Bank

DALLAS, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Gig Wage, the FinTech payroll platform for the 1099 workforce, today announced the addition of Clarisa Lindenmeyer as Chief of Staff to the CEO and Chief Brand Officer. In this latest addition to the Executive Team, Lindenmeyer will build the Office of the CEO and lead the growth and development of the brand image, experience and promise  both internally and externally. She will do this in support of the mission to build the bank of the gig economy and create a financial safety net for under and unbanked workers. We want the ability... to work how and when we want and we should get paid accordingly. Gig Wage makes this possible. The brand also announced today that it has raised an additional $3.25 million in venture debt from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) as a strategic financial decision to bring on additional financial flexibility at competitive terms that will be used to invest in key growth areas of the business. Lindenmeyer, who will help support this growth, has over 15 years of leadership experience in B2B2C marketing and PR, growth strategy and brand building. Her unique ability to work horizontally across organizations position her well to work alongside Gig Wage Founder and CEO, Craig J. Lewis, in support of his vision for rapid growth and eventual global expansion. "I've known Clarisa since her time at Tech Wildcatters and watched her build a phenomenal business since then," Lewis says. "She has the rare ability to interface with startup, non-profits, global corporations and everything in between while finding unique and impactful ways to drive meaningful improvements and outcomes. I love her unconventional, modern approach to brand building and our shared vision for the importance of the office of the CEO. She's a massive win for the company and me specifically as a CEO."



For the last five years her consultancy, Proximity to Power, has served an impressive list of long-standing clients in the venture/startup, healthcare, commercial real estate and government sectors as well as numerous non-profit roles including: Vice President of Community Engagement on Dallas's The Family Place Board, Board of Directors for Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and Executive Committee for the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator. "It is an enormous opportunity to work alongside the incredible team at Gig Wage, especially now," Lindenmeyer says. "Independent workers and lifestyles are our future. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to the future of work: blended workforces, remote work, on-demand workers. This fluid and interconnected workforce is becoming the norm. We all want the ability to design our lives  to work how and when we want and we should get paid accordingly. Gig Wage makes this possible."

Lindenmeyer, a Mexican American wife and mother of three, is joining the short list of Dallas women holding C-level roles within the technology and innovation community. Furthering Gig Wage's bold DEI goals, she is joining Gig Wage's growing C-Suite alongside Ethan Austin, Chief Strategy Officer and formerly Managing Director of Techstars; Anna Enns, Chief Product Officer; Robert Belsky, Vice President of Finance and formerly of Bloomberg and J.P. Morgan and Rocco Stanzione, CTO; as well as newly hired go-to-market leaders  Brandi Utria, Senior Vice President of Business Development and former Vice President of Business Development at Asure Software; and Desmon Lewis, Senior Enterprise Sales Executive and former Director of Sales at Citi. Gig Wage was founded in 2014 and has raised $16.45 million to-date from Green Dot Corporation, Silicon Valley Bank, Foundry Group, Continental Investors, Techstars, Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund and more. For more information, please contact Brittany Sykes at brittany@brittanysykespr.com or at 323-300-4471. About Gig Wage: Gig Wage is the first FinTech payroll platform created specifically for the 1099 economy and builds comprehensive technology products that take into consideration how money moves through the entire gig ecosystem, not just how it gets to workers. Gig Wage's technology is shaping the modern financial infrastructure for the future of work by tackling the complex challenge of handling contractor payroll, payments, and compliance. Gig Wage considers accounts receivable, banking, accounts payable, consumer spending and, above all, the people that the money impacts. The company's unique technology enables employers to instantly pay 1099 workers with more control, flexibility and scale, while simultaneously offering independent contractors a convenient and efficient way to receive payments. Founded in 2014 by Craig J. Lewis and headquartered in Dallas TX, Gig Wage has raised a total of $16.45 million from Green Dot Corp., Silicon Valley Bank, Foundry Group, Continental Investors, Techstars, Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, and more. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gig-wage-appoints-seasoned-startup-executive-clarisa-lindenmeyer-as-chief-brand-officer-and-chief-of-staff-after-raising-an-additional-3-25-million-in-venture-debt-from-silicon-valley-bank-301327774.html SOURCE Gig Wage

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[July 08, 2021] New Jersey-based BNO Accelerates Growth and Expands Capabilities with Acquisition of Branding and PR Agency in Philadelphia's Historic District

SOMERVILLE, N.J., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Creative agency BNO Inc. (also known as Baldwin & Obenauf), an award-winning, woman-owned business headquartered in Somerville, New Jersey, today announced the acquisition of Garfield Group, a creative marketing and PR agency based in Old City, Philadelphia. The deal includes occupying the 5,000 square feet of office space in Garfield Group's Old City headquarters on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia's Historic District and represents the second geographical expansion in the last 18 months for BNO, whch also opened an office in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2019. BNO employs 70 people and is led by President Trista Walker and Founder Joanne Obenauf.



BNO, with a roster of clients including Johnson & Johnson, Verizon, Aramark, and Mastercard, has been excelling for 40 years in branding, creative, social, search, and analytics capabilities. Garfield adds 33 years of award-winning branding, digital, broadcast video and public relations capability, and clients including Stride Learning, Marlin Capital, Prognos Health, and Clincierge. The integration will take place over the next six months and operate under the name BNO, with plans for the Philadelphia office to house an integrated BNO Garfield team. "We are energized by the new opportunities our relationship with BNO offers," said Matt Pfluger, Vice President of Strategy and Client Services at Garfield Group. "I've known the leadership team at BNO for several years. It's a dynamic agency that is highly complementary to our focus on creating compelling brand experiences for everyone along the customer journey."

Walker enthusiastically concurs. "The combination of our teams and expanded capabilities made this an incredibly attractive move," said Walker, "We expand Garfield's search, media, and analytics capability, and they add Public Relations to ours, exponentially increasing BNO's ability to service current and future clients." The expertise of both agencies is complementary, and therefore no staff reductions are expected. The city's diverse creative talent from well-known, prestigious colleges and universities, and high-tech Fortune 500 companies, creates an opportunity for BNO to expand its staffing furthersomething the agency is already doing. Both BNO and Garfield leadership will retain their current roles in the new company structure. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-jersey-based-bno-accelerates-growth-and-expands-capabilities-with-acquisition-of-branding-and-pr-agency-in-philadelphias-historic-district-301328107.html SOURCE BNO

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[July 08, 2021] University of Phoenix to Host Webinar Exploring Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Post-Pandemic

University of Phoenix is set to host a new webinar discussing diversification and inclusion in the workplace and how it is evolving over time. The "DE&I: A Driving Force for Business" webinar series is hosting a new event titled, "Rethinking and Harnessing the Power of Organizational Diversification in the New Normal." It will center around the idea that leadership and culture play a major role in shaping and eventually changing the current paradigm of diversification, inclusion, and belonging within different organizations. During the webinar, panelists will discuss hiring efforts, socialization of employees and what future opportunities are for organizations that embrace diversification and inclusion. Event organizer Dr. Bob Danielle, Marketing Director, University of Phoenix says this webinar will also take a closer look at how organizational culture and leadership accountability can impact DE&I initiatives. "Making a difference should be more than policies, programs, or headcounts. Very good to great organizations can outperform their competitors by respecting the unique needs, perspectives, and potential of all their team members." The event wil be moderated by Dr. Kimberly Underwood, University Research Chair, Center for Workplace, Diversity & Inclusion, University of Phoenix and opening remarks will be made by Andrea Smiley, VP of Public Relations, University of Phoenix.



Panelists include: Zenovia Harris , CEO Kent Chamber of Commerce

, CEO Kent Chamber of Commerce Tamar Jackson , Director of Community Engagement, WorkForce Central and Founder, Pierce County Community Engagement Taskforce

, Director of Community Engagement, WorkForce Central and Founder, Pierce County Community Engagement Taskforce Dr. Bob Danielle, Marketing Director, Washington & Pacific Northwest, University of Phoenix. The event will be held July 15, 2021 at 9am PST/12pm EST. For more information or to register, please go to the event website.

About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses and interactive learning help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. We serve a diverse student population, offering degree programs at select locations across the U.S. as well as online. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005871/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Qlik Recognized as a Finalist of 2021 Microsoft Analytics Partner of the Year Award

PHILADELPHIA, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qlik today announced it has been named a finalist of the 2021 Microsoft Analytics Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Were honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Microsoft Analytics Partner of the Year Award, said Itamar Ankorion, SVP of Technology Alliances at Qlik. Qlik Data Integration makes it easy for any customer to grow the value of their investment in Azure by seamlessly activating their data for insights. With the ability to onboard data from any source with automated data pipelines from Qlik Data Integration, including key enterprise data sources like Oracle, SAP and mainframes, Azure customers can drive more use and value from all their data across their organizations. The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Qlik was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Analytics for Qlik Data Integrations ability to migrate and replicate data to any Azure Data Services target, drive consumption and enable enterprise wide analytics for customers like Ferguson Enterprises. With Qlik, Ferguson can easily pull data in real time from 80+ sources with automated data pipelines into Azure Data Lake Storag and Azure Synapse, and is now realizing their vision of executing analytics on one platform in Azure.



The Analytics Partner of the Year Award recognizes the partner that has delivered Azure-based data and analytics solution(s) for their customer(s). Partners need to have a co-sell ready offer leveraging one or more of Microsofts Azure Analytics services (Azure Synapse Analytics/SQL DW, Azure Data Lake, Power BI, HDInsight, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Share, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Data Explorer, Azure Data Catalog) to design, develop, and deploy a production analytics solution that provides business value. Qlik Data Integration helps Microsoft clients accelerate analytics and machine learning initiatives with a scalable, high-performance, real-time data integration and automation solution. Qlik has enabled thousands of Microsoft customers to quickly and intelligently migrate their data to Azure. Qlik also goes beyond migration tools to help Microsoft customers drive agility throughout the data and analytics process with automated data pipelines. Together, Qlik and Microsoft Azure improve the availability of information along with related insights that are currently trapped in legacy systems, warehouses, or enterprise applications.

I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer. Learn more about the combination of Qlik and Microsoft in a Deep-Dive session here, which explores how our joint solutions decrease time-to-insights and blend data with other sources like SAP data in Azure. Also covered is Qlik and Microsofts free Proof-of-Value (PoV) that includes software and expertise to remove barriers and accelerate real-time analytics. Interested parties can also request a one-on-one Qlik & Microsoft Azure demo here. About Qlik

Qliks vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private SaaS company, Qlik provides an end-to-end, real-time data integration and analytics cloud platform to close the gaps between data, insights and action.?By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships.?Qlik does business in more than 100 countries and serves over 50,000 customers around the world.??  2021 QlikTech International AB. All rights reserved. All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Media Contact: Derek Lyons

derek.lyons@qlik.com

617-658-5310



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[July 08, 2021] Hyro Named 2021 'Microsoft for Startups' Partner of the Year after its COVID-19 Virtual Assistant Helps Millions; Tops More Than 4,400 Applicants in 100 Countries

NEW YORK, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hyro , a leader in conversational artificial-intelligence (AI) solutions, today announced it has won the 2021 Microsoft for Startups Partner of the Year Award after rapidly creating a free COVID-19 Virtual Assistant that has served over four million patients, alleviating stress on overloaded healthcare organizations while providing actionable, certified information for the public that helped prevent the spread of fake news surrounding coronavirus. The latest award for the dynamic startup after its successful Series A Round , Hyro was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Health organizations typically lag in enhancing digital patient experience and struggle to optimize their own digital channels for revenue-driving and cost-saving purposes. Digital transformation, however, came by force in 2020, so Hyro swiftly created a free COVID-19 virtual assistant to automate FAQs, symptoms triage and risk assessment while delivering up-to-date information from the WHO and CDC. Adopted broadly by industry leaders such as Montefiore Health System, Mercy Health and Austin Regional Clinic after their digital channels were suddenly bombarded by unforeseen spikes in traffic, Hyros plug & play conversational AI enabled healthcare organizations to quickly streamline their processes and messaging across their most critical latforms, services and channelsincluding contact centers, chat solutions, SMS and more. Where it took other intent-based chat and voice solutions four to six weeks, Hyros Adaptive Communications Platform was able to be implemented across organizations within 48 hours thanks to its ease of deployment and ability to rapidly scale.



To support global health organizations and their patients is a privilege we dont take lightly, and in times of crisis we understood this was the necessary action to help health systems cut the red tape that usually surrounds SaaS deployments like conversational AI. Microsoft was pivotal in our efforts, and were grateful to be honored with such a prestigious award, said Israel Krush, Co-founder and CEO of Hyro. We recognized that our clients, partners and friends in healthcare were completely overwhelmed, so we wanted to support them with what we had in our own arsenalour Adaptive Communications Platform. Thats why we made our COVID-19 assistant completely free, aimed at helping with containment and diagnosis. By automating some of the first-line digital touchpoints, we relieved the burden on healthcare support centers, so resources could be allocated where they were needed most, and were thankful for Microsofts support in those efforts. Beyond COVID-19, Hyro was also able to help with vaccination delivery access by automating FAQs surrounding the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. According to Novant Health, that solution is now offloading almost all inbound inquiries for their patient support team relating to eligibility, scheduling and monitoring adverse symptoms. Beyond healthcare, Hyros Adaptive Communications Platform is not limited by use case, customer size, or channel/platform, as its clients span industries including real estate, government, retail and more.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognizes Microsoft partners who exemplify exceptional work in developing and delivering products, services and solutions that positively impact mutual customers. Hyro has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to providing an innovative and unique service and solution to customers that will enable them to more effectively communicate with their customers. I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer. ABOUT HYRO

Hyro is the worlds first Adaptive Communications Platform. Featuring plug & play conversational AI and natural language automation, Hyro enables enterprises to streamline their processes and messaging across their most valuable platforms, services and channelsincluding contact centers, chat solutions, SMS and more. Headquartered in New York, Hyro delights clients like Mercy Health, Novant Health, Carroll, and Contra Costa County with conversational technologies that are quick to deploy, easy to maintain and simple to scaleconserving vital resources while generating better conversations, more conversions, and revenue-driving insights. Hyro was founded in 2018 by Israel Krush, Rom Cohen and Uri Valevski. Learn more at Hyro.ai. Media Contact:

FischTank PR

hyro@fischtankpr.com



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[July 08, 2021] MediaKind Recognized as a Finalist of Two 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards

MediaKind today announced it has been named a finalist of two 2021 Microsoft (News - Alert) Partner of the Year Awards in the 'Media and Communications' and 'Global Independent Software Vendor' categories. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. "We are delighted to fortify our position as a trusted Microsoft partner by being named as a finalist in these two important awards categories," said Matt McConnell, CEO, MediaKind. "Over the past 12 months, we have worked together to develop an innovative video-streaming platform blueprint that has helped deliver several virtual live events, including an independent film festival and a global trade show conference. Being recognized in both the Media and Communications and Global Independent Software Vendor categories respectively is a testament to the exceptional capabilities and results we bring to our clients, such as broadcasters and rights holders. When 2020 called for innovation, Microsoft and MediaKind answered." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various of categories, with honorees chosen from a st of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. MediaKind was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in both the 'Media and Communications' and 'Global Independent Software Vendor' categories.



The Media & Communications Partner of the Year Award recognizes a partner organization that excels at providing innovative and unique services or solutions based on Microsoft technologies to media & communications customers, demonstrating thought leadership in their industry. The Global Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Partner of the Year Award recognizes the Microsoft globally managed ISV that has demonstrated strong customer focus and success by partnering deeply with Microsoft on a global scale. "I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. "These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customers-from cloud-to-edge-and represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer."

ENDS - About MediaKind MediaKind is a global change leader in media technology and services. Its mission is to deliver transformation by building a continuously better media universe alongside its customers and partners. Drawing on a pioneering industry heritage and fueled by innovation, MediaKind embraces and champions new standards, methodologies, and next-generation, immersive live and on-demand media experiences worldwide. Its end-to-end media solutions portfolio includes Emmy award-winning video compression for contribution and direct-to-consumer video service distribution, advertising and content personalization, high-efficiency cloud DVR, and TV and video delivery platforms. For more information, please visit: www.mediakind.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005395/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Exclaimer Recognized as a Finalist of 2021 Microsoft Customer Experience Partner of the Year

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Exclaimer Group today announced it has been named a finalist of the Customer Experience 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. "We are honored and delighted to be recognized for our customer experience efforts in this year's Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," declared Daniel Richardson, Chief Technical Officer at Exclaimer. "At Exclaimer, we understand that it is important to deliver an exceptional quality of customer service alongside outstanding email signature management solutions. This is why our Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) is consistently above 97%, well above the industry average for other SaaS solution providers. We truly believe this is one of the principal reasons why so many choose Exclaimer as their email signature solution vendor of choice." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various of categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Exclaime was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Customer Experience.



The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards acknowledge outstanding successes and innovations by partners in over 100 countries and in a wide variety of categories, including partner competencies, cloud to edge technologies, entrepreneurial spirit and social impact. The Customer Experience Partner of the Year Award recognizes a partner who is dedicated to building and responding to customer interactions in a way that meets or exceeds customer needs, expectations, and satisfaction. "I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. "These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer."

About Exclaimer For 20 years, Exclaimer has been the recognized category leader in email signature solutions for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Exchange. Exclaimer solutions enable companies to manage their employees' email signatures centrally and deliver consistent branding, promotions, disclaimers and compliance statements, while substantially cutting admin overheads. Headquartered just outside of London and with regional offices worldwide, Exclaimer's solutions are used by over 45,000 customers in 150+ countries with some companies holding licenses for over 300,000 users. Its diverse customer base includes renowned international organizations such as Sony, Mattel, NBC, Bank of America, Sonepar, Greif, 10 Downing Street, the BBC, the Government of Canada, the Academy Awards, and many more organizations of all sectors and sizes. The company has been the recipient of multiple industry awards over the years and was the first company of its type to successfully achieve the ISO/IEC 27001 Certification for its cloud-based signature management service. For more information on Exclaimer, visit www.exclaimer.com. Media contacts

Maria Dahlqvist Canton

VP Marketing

Exclaimer Group

Phone: +44 (0) 1252 53142

Email: maria.canton@exclaimer.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560070/Partner_of_the_Year_Certificate.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560069/Partner_of_the_Year_2021_Logo.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1435109/Exclaimer_Logo.jpg

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[July 08, 2021] HashiCorp Recognized as the Winner of 2021 Microsoft Open Source Software on Azure Partner of the Year

SAN FRANCISCO, July 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HashiCorp, the leader in multi-cloud infrastructure automation software, today announced it has won the 2021 Microsoft Open Source Software (OSS) on Azure Partner of the Year award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Being recognized as the winner of the 2021 Microsoft OSS on Azure Partner of the Year award is a reflection of the continued partnership and deep collaboration between HashiCorp and Microsoft, said Burzin Patel, vice president of global alliances at HashiCorp. Enterprises who choose Microsoft Azure public cloud in conjunction with our widely adopted HashiCorp tools look to both companies to play a critical role in helping them more easily adopt Azure services. Were excited about building on our success and delivering more value to the community and our joint customers in the years ahead. The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. HashiCorp was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services for OSS on Azure. HashiCorp and Microsoft have a long-standing collaboration. In 2017, Microsoft committed to a multi-year partnership aimed at further integrating Azure services with HashiCorp products. Today, HashiCorps portfolio of cloud infrastructure automation products, which includes HashiCorp Terraform, Vault, Consul, and Nomad for infrastructure, security, networking, and application delivery automation, scheduling, and workload orchestration, is used by hundreds of enterprises on Microsoft Azure. HashiCorp was named a 2019 Microsoft Partner of the Year for Open Source Applications and Infrastructure on Azure and a finalist for both the 2020 OSS on Azure Partner of the Year and 2020 Alliance Global ISV Partner of the Year. In 2021, the companies have continued their efforts to reduce the complexity of building and operating applications on Azure, with both companies woking to deliver a tightly integrated infrastructure as code solution to the open source community via Terraform while providing collaborative integrated support services to our mutual customers. HashiCorp and Microsoft have also collaborated extensively to deliver the official Terraform module (published by Microsoft to the Terraform Registry) for Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) enterprise-scale, helping customers manage Azure landing zones at scale. The companies also jointly released the Azure DevOps Provider for Terraform, enabling users to manage Azure DevOps resources like projects, CI/CD pipelines, and build policies through Terraform.



I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, global partner solutions, channel sales and channel chief, Microsoft. These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customers  from cloud to edge  and represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer. About HashiCorp

HashiCorp is the leader in multi-cloud infrastructure automation software. The HashiCorp software suite enables organizations to adopt consistent workflows to provision, secure, connect, and run any infrastructure for any application. HashiCorps open source tools Vagrant, Packer, Terraform, Vault, Consul, Nomad, Boundary, and Waypoint are downloaded 100 million times each year and are broadly adopted by the Global 2000. Enterprise and managed service versions of these products enhance the open source tools with features that promote collaboration, operations, governance, and multi-datacenter functionality. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, though 85 percent of HashiCorp employees work remotely, strategically distributed around the globe. HashiCorp is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Franklin Templeton, Geodesic Capital, GGV Capital, IVP, Mayfield, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price funds and accounts, and True Ventures.

For more information, visit hashicorp.com or follow HashiCorp on Twitter @HashiCorp .

All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Media & Analyst Contact

Kate Lehman

media@hashicorp.com



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[July 08, 2021] Protiviti Recognized as a Finalist for 2021 Microsoft Global Partner of the Year Awards

MENLO PARK, Calif., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm Protiviti has been named a finalist of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards in the SAP on Azure category for its solution to a client's need to migrate its enterprise-wide data platform to the cloud. Protiviti was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology during the past year. These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customers. Specifically, Protiviti was recognized for providing an outstanding solution and services in SAP on Microsoft Azure to California-based Graton Resort and Casino that needed to migrate and re-platform its entire enterprise data warehouse. With a compressed schedule to meet, the tribal and casino leadership turned to Protiviti to migrate their legacy data warehouse to SAP HANA on Microsoft Azure. As a result, Graton Resort and Casino was able to make data-driven business decisions and forecasts, including real-time decisions on the casino floor. This allowed for the ability to provide highly customized customer loyalty programs and offers, significantly driving revenue and profitability. The flexibility and elastic nature of Microsoft Azure was the best vehicle to ensure the agility that Protiviti needed for a complex data and content migration under tight timelines. "The SAP o Microsoft Azure solution we developed for our client Graton Resort and Casino is one we believe quickly adapts to the needs of many organizations looking to transition to a cloud-based data environment," said Evelyn Zabo, a Protiviti managing director and Microsoft Alliance lead. "Our strong relationship with Microsoft over more than a decade has been instrumental in our ability to offer and implement agile and innovative solutions for our clients' most pressing technology challenges."



The 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards honorees were chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from over 100 countries worldwide. "I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. "These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer." Protiviti was previously recognized as a finalist for the Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards in 2020 for social impact and in 2019 for diversity and inclusion. Learn more about Protiviti's SAP consulting services and Microsoft consulting services.

About Protiviti

Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, governance, risk and internal audit through its network of more than 85 offices in over 25 countries. Named to the 2021 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, Protiviti has served more than 60 percent of Fortune 1000 and 35 percent of Fortune Global 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index. Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Editor's note: Protiviti photo available upon request View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/protiviti-recognized-as-a-finalist-for-2021-microsoft-global-partner-of-the-year-awards-301327847.html SOURCE Protiviti

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[July 08, 2021] INBRAIN Neuroelectronics and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Collaborate to Develop the Next Generation of Bioelectronic Therapies

INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, a company at the intersection of medtech, deeptech and digital health dedicated to developing the world's first graphene-based intelligent neuroelectronic system, today announced a collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company. The aim of the collaboration is to co-develop the next generation of graphene bioelectronic vagus nerve therapies targeting severe chronic diseases in Merck's KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany therapeutic areas through INNERVIA Bioelectronics, a subsidiary of INBRAIN Neuroelectronics. "We aim to accelerate developments in the emerging field of bioelectronics by boosting the novel modality of selective neurostimulation," said Laura Matz, Chief Science and Technology Officer of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "Today's agreement with INNERVIA Bioelectronics gives our company access to a unique technology that increases energy efficiency in neurostimulators and could therefore become a true enabler for digital personalized treatment of patients suffering from severe and chronic diseases such as inflammatory disorders." Both partners will closely collaborate over the next few years to actively drive this potential paradigm change in treating diseases with high unmet medical needs. With its bioelectronics research facilities, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is well equipped and can build on its data science, clinical, regulatory, and quality expertise to bring novel devices to patients in the near future. INNERVIA will add its technical expertise in the development of graphene interfaces, device development, and signal processing for clinical applications. Initial work will focus on inflammatory, metabolic, and endocrine disorders, using the promising capabilities of graphene for miniaturization, precision, and high modulation efficiency in the vagus nerve. "This partnership highlights the importance of key players in their respective domains joining strengths to develop electronic therapies based on minimally invasive technologies and precise signal coding, enabled by graphene, for patients with debilitating, systemic, chronic conditions," said Jurriaan Baker, CTO of INNERVIA Bioelectronics. "Our shared mission is to improve outcomes for these patients, who live with scarce information about their conditions and little control over their journey," added Carolina Aguilar, Co-founder & CEO of INBRAIN Neuroelectronics. "Bioelectronic devices have the capability to directly communicate with the nervous system. Recording nerve signals and combining them with other accessible physiological datasets will lead to a better understanding of disease conditions and enable personalized treatment regimens," said Robert Spoelgen, Head of Bioelectronics, Innovation Center of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "We are convinced that bioelectronic devices will play a significant role in the future therapeutic landscape." Altered and dysregulated nerve signals occur with many severe chronic diseases. Bioelectronic therapies aim to address a wide range of chronic diseases using small, implantable devices to modulate electrical signals passing along nerves in the body. Furthermore, neurostimulation devices are expected to become increasingly smart as a result of additional features such as continuous readouts, data analysis and data transmission, which will increase the energy use of the device. Yet at the same time, the devices are expected to miniaturize further. These trends are creating significant challenges for the supply of power to these devices. In addition, certain indications have particularly high ad continuous power requirements due to the specific disease characteristics. With current technologies, it is extremely difficult to develop viable neurostimulation therapies for these indications.



Improving the energy efficiency of these devices will play an important role in overcoming this power supply dilemma, since alternatives such as energy harvesting are still in their infancy and are far from practical clinical applications. Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) offers ideal material characteristics for significantly decreasing power consumption while maintaining stimulation efficacy. This is achieved through a high charge injection limit combined with very low impedance compared with all other available electrode materials. Graphene, a two-dimensional material first isolated in 2004, is made of a lattice of carbon atoms only one atom thick and is the strongest material ever tested at roughly 100 times the strength of an equivalent thickness of steel. INNERVIA's technology harnesses the power of graphene, which has unique electrical and thermal conduction properties that are still being explored.1 This partnership announced today aims to push the potential of graphene technology to the next level in the field of bioelectronics. About INBRAIN Neuroelectronics S.L. is a medical device company dedicated to the development and commercialization of graphene-based neural interfaces and intelligent neuromodulation systems. Founded in 2019, the company is a spin-off from Graphene Flagship partners, Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) & ICREA in Barcelona. INBRAIN is developing the least invasive and most intelligent neural interface on the market that will be able to read and modulate brain activity with very high resolution to obtain optimal results in personalized neurological therapies. INNERVIA Bioelectronics, is a subsidiary of INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, is dedicated to the development and commercialization of intelligent graphene systems designed to modulate vagus nerve signals, decoding them into medical solutions. For more information, please visit inbrain-neuroelectronics.com.

Innovation Center of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany To complement existing research and development in the three business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, the company's Innovation Center team aims to create new businesses outside of the current R&D scope. It strives to unlock the untapped potential of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany by leveraging assets and competencies across sectors, generating projects around these assets, and ultimately incubating these ideas into viable new businesses. With Bioelectronics as the latest addition, the Innovation Center of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany now pursues projects in two innovation fields. In the Cultured Meat innovation field - also referred to as cultivated meat - the company focuses on the biotechnology required to produce genuine meat and seafood grown in vitro and aims to become the technology enabler for this emerging industry. Other projects in the Innovation Center include OneZeroMed a 3D printing (laser sintering) solution that will simplify tablet production tremendously, leading to significant cost and time savings during clinical development. All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group Website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register for your online subscription of this service as our geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service. About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics. Around 58,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices - the company is everywhere. In 2020, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of  17.5 billion in 66 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. 1 Cao, K. (2020). "Elastic straining of free-standing monolayer graphene". Nature Communications. 11 (284): 284.

Novoselov, K. S.; Geim, A. K.; Morozov, S. V.; Jiang, D.; Zhang, Y.; Dubonos, S. V.; Grigorieva, I. V.; Firsov, A. A. (22 October 2004). "Electric Field Effect in Atomically Thin Carbon Films". Science. 306 (5696): 666-669. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005886/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Battelle-Supported Metro School Secures Funding to Re-Open Historic Building as STEM School

Metro Schools, founded in 2006 by Battelle and The Ohio State University, was granted state funding today to renovate the historic former Indianola Middle School to expand the school's high-quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focused education. The Ohio State University will lease the school, located at 420 E. 19th Ave. in Columbus, Ohio, to Metro Schools at no cost. Metro Schools will operate the building as a middle and high school, adding a second location to its portfolio of public STEM schools. Metro's application for state funding of the project was approved by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. With this approval, the State of Ohio will match funding by Battelle and the Central Ohio community, up to $15 million. Battelle is the lead philanthropic partner, providing at least $7.5 million to support the expansion. Another $7.5 million in gifts from the Central Ohio community are being sought. "Battelle's investment, and those of our partners, are driven by the conviction that the next generation of diverse Central Ohio innovators will have a transformative impact on our region and world," said Lou Von Thaer, President & CEO of Battelle. "A Metro School education promises to help unlock the full potential of these amazing young people." Metro Schools also operates the Metro Early Cllege High School and Metro Early College Middle School at 1929 Kenny Road in Columbus. After the Indianola building is renovated and opened in 2024, Metro's Kenny Road location will transition to become Metro Elementary School.



"As we grow our Metro Schools family, we expand the opportunity provided by a quality STEM education to more and more students," said Meka Pace, Superintendent of Metro Schools. "Today's investment from the State of Ohio and the support of Battelle, Ohio State, and our other partners will allow us to build a diverse, creative pool of talent benefitting this entire region." Ohio State purchased the former Indianola Middle School in 2017. The school had been vacant since 2010. Under the proposed agreement, Ohio State will lease the school to Metro Schools for 30 years.

"This project fits perfectly with Ohio State's core land grant mission of supporting strong communities in neighborhoods across Columbus and around the state," said Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson. "I am a huge believer in the value of STEM education, and I'm thrilled that bringing Indianola Middle School back to life will provide more opportunities to more students." Once open, the new middle and high school will serve at least 1,200 students; the Kenny Road Metro school currently educates 970 students. Seats will be held for students who reside within the University District, an historic area consisting of neighborhoods and businesses surrounding The Ohio State University main campus. Metro Schools also maintains a student body made up of 50% of students from the Columbus City School district. Interested families can sign up for notification about future enrollment opportunities. Metro's expansion is part of Battelle's philanthropic mission to expand STEM educational opportunities to students in Central Ohio. Metro opened in 2006 as one of the first STEM schools in Ohio through a partnership with Ohio State, Battelle and several Franklin County school districts. Students from across Central Ohio apply to join the school, which has a diverse student body, recorded a 100% graduation rate since opening, and has seen nearly all graduates enroll in college. About Battelle Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005887/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Tech Data Awarded 2021 Microsoft Worldwide Partner of the Year, Indirect Partner Provider

Tech Data today announced it has won the 2021 Microsoft (News - Alert) Worldwide Partner of the Year Award in the Indirect Provider of the Year category. The company was honored among a global field of industry-leading Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of solutions based on Microsoft technology. "We are fortunate to have a key partner in Microsoft who recognizes the value our combined efforts bring to technology ecosystem," said Rich Hume, CEO at Tech Data (News - Alert) . "In partnership with Microsoft, Tech Data provides essential technologies, solutions and services to our global community of customers as they undergo a fundamental digital transformation. We're committed to uniting IT solutions that deliver business outcomes for customers today and unlock growth for the future. Our success in this regard, is due to dedicated partnerships with Microsoft and our broad portfolio of strategic and collaborative relationships with leading technology vendors." "In the past year, we designed and delivered specialized and accessible programs to help Tech Data customers scale their market reach during a time of unprecedented digital transformation," said EVP, Strategy, Innovation, Cloud, and Next Generation Technologies at Tech Data, Sergio Farache. "From enablement to execution, we've helped partners grow their Microsoft business and implement new business models, offer repeatable value-added services around the Microsoft Modern Work and Security stack, deploy automated Click 2 Run  solutions and build new olutions in a practice style methodology."



Awards were presented in several categories, with winners chosen from over a hundred countries worldwide. Tech Data was recognized for providing exemplary solutions and services in the Indirect Provider category. The Indirect Provider Partner of the Year Award recognizes partner excellence in transforming the traditional transactional business model into a value-based, all-inclusive, solution-provider model that reaches resellers at scale to drive usage, consumption, and customer acquisition growth throughout the partner channel.

"I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. "These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customers-from cloud-to-edge-and represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards acknowledge outstanding successes and innovations by partners in over 100 countries across a variety of categories. About Tech Data Tech Data connects the world with the power of technology. Our end-to-end portfolio of products, services and solutions, highly specialized skills, and expertise in next-generation technologies enable channel partners to bring to market the products and solutions the world needs to connect, grow and advance. Tech Data has been named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 11 straight years. To find out more, visit www.techdata.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005730/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Accenture and Avanade Recognized as 2021 Microsoft Canada Country Partner of the Year

Companies also named 2021 Global Alliance SI Partner of the Year TORONTO, July 8, 2021 /CNW/ - Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and Avanade have been named Microsoft's Canada Country Partner of the Year. The companies were honoured for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. In addition to being named the 2021 Microsoft Canada Country Partner of the Year, Accenture and Avanade were also named the 2021 Global Alliance SI Partner of the Year for the 16th time, and received the following awards: Automotive Partner of the Year

Dynamics 365 Customer Insights Partner of the Year

Dynamics 365 Customer Service Partner of the Year

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management & Finance Partner of the Year

Employee Experience Partner of the Year

SAP on Azure Partner of the Year

Ireland Country Partner of the Year "We are honoured to be named the 2021 Microsoft Canada Country Partner of the Year," said Jeffrey Russell, president of Accenture in Canada. "Accenture and Microsoft formed Avanade 21 years go to combine the best in strategy and technology to help organizations unlock more value from Microsoft solutions. We will continue our path of collaboration, delivering world-class services and solutions to help our clients embrace change and accelerate value."



Andre Nadeau, managing director and leader of Avanade Canada said, "We are truly gratified to be recognized by Microsoft. This is a testament to Accenture and Avanade's strategic partnership and leadership in providing successful and innovative digital transformations for our Canadian clients and helping them navigate and respond during the pandemic. With the largest community of Microsoft skilled professionals globally, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses digitally transform through the power of the Microsoft technologies." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,400 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Accenture and Avanade were recognized for providing outstanding transformations across industries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, including transitioning a government agency from a paper-based system with on-site data storage to a responsive system based in the cloud; helping a financial services organization leverage the power of the public cloud; and transforming an outdated phone system for a wellness, mental health and telemedicine service provider to Microsoft 365 E5 in record time to support thousands of employees working from home. Read the Microsoft Canada blog to find out more. https://blogs.partner.microsoft.com/mpn-canada/2021/07/08/a-blueprint-for-the-future-accenture-and-avanade-win-2021-microsoft-canada-partner-of-the-year/

"I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Rodney Clark, corporate vice president, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft. "These remarkable partners have displayed a deep commitment to building world-class solutions for customersfrom cloud-to-edgeand represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer." About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services  all powered by the world's largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 569,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com . About Avanade

Avanade is the leading provider of innovative digital and cloud services, business solutions and design-led experiences on the Microsoft ecosystem. Our professionals bring bold, fresh thinking combined with technology, business and industry expertise to help make a genuine human impact on our clients, their customers and their employees. We are the power behind the Accenture Microsoft Business Group, helping companies to engage customers, empower employees, optimize operations and transform products, leveraging the Microsoft platform. Avanade has 44,000 professionals in 25 countries, bringing clients our best thinking through a collaborative culture that honors diversity and reflects the communities in which we operate. Majority owned by Accenture, Avanade was founded in 2000 by Accenture LLP and Microsoft Corporation. Learn more at www.avanade.com. SOURCE Accenture

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[July 08, 2021] Kaman Announces CFO Transition

Kaman Corporation (NYSE:KAMN) (the "Company") today announced the appointment of James Coogan as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Coogan, who served as the Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development of Kaman, will succeed Robert Starr. Mr. Starr will continue to be employed by the Company through July 31, 2021, as Executive Vice President and will work closely with Mr. Coogan and the Kaman leadership team to ensure a seamless transition. Mr. Coogan joined Kaman in 2008 as Manager of External Reporting and SEC (News - Alert) Compliance, during which time he helped enhance Kaman's SEC reporting systems and controls. In addition, Mr. Coogan served as the Company's Vice President - Investor Relations and Assistant Vice President - SEC Compliance and External Reporting. In addition to serving as the Company's primary contact with the investment community, Mr. Coogan played an integral role in the Company's acquisition of Bal Seal in 2020 and the divestiture of Kaman Distribution Group in 2019. In his new role, Mr. Coogan will oversee financial reporting, accounting, tax, treasury, risk management and financial planning and analysis. He will also continue to oversee the Company's investor relations and corporate development functions. Ian K. Walsh, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "During his 12-year career at Kaman, Jamie has demonstrated deep financial acumen, a strong strategic mindset and proven leadership abilities. He has served in several positions with increasing responsibility across the organization and has played a key role in the development of the Company's growt strategies. Jamie brings a diverse skill set to the CFO role which will prove invaluable as we continue to deliver on our long-term value creation initiatives. Furthermore, Jamie's appointment is a reflection of the strength of our management bench and our focus on providing opportunities for advancement from within. Supported by our strong finance team, we look forward to benefiting from Jamie's expertise as we continue to build on our strong financial position."



"During his 12-year tenure at Kaman, Rob has overseen significant transformation. On behalf of the Board and management, I want to thank him for his contributions to Kaman. I am also personally grateful for his support and partnership during my transition into Kaman. Our dedicated and talented finance team is extremely well positioned to continue transforming the business and delivering on our objectives. We wish Rob all the best in his future endeavors," Walsh added. "Kaman is an outstanding company with a strong financial foundation and significant opportunities for growth and value creation, and I am honored to be named CFO at this important time," said Coogan. "I look forward to working closely with Ian, the leadership team and finance organization to drive growth and enhanced value for all stakeholders."

"It has been a highlight of my career to serve as Kaman's CFO and to have worked with such an outstanding team during a period of significant transformation," Starr said. "I'm proud of all we have accomplished and am confident that Kaman is well positioned for continued success. Jamie is a talented leader well suited for this new role, and I look forward to working closely with him over the coming month to enable a smooth transition." About Kaman Corporation Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, conducts business in the aerospace & defense, industrial and medical markets. Kaman produces and markets proprietary aircraft bearings and components; super precision, miniature ball bearings; proprietary spring energized seals, springs and contacts; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safe and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; restoration, modification and support of our SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters; manufacture and support of our K-MAX manned and unmanned medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. More information is available at www.kaman.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005843/en/

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[July 08, 2021]

QNET'S European Business Accepted into the Spanish Direct Selling Association

HONG KONG, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- QN Europe, the European business of e-commerce direct selling giant QNET, is proud to be welcomed as an official member of the Asociacion de Empresas de Venta Directa (AVD) or Spanish Direct Selling Association, joining the association's extensive roster of veteran members such as Amway, Herbalife, Mary Kay, and more.

Spain is one of the top ten direct selling markets in Europe, charting over 751 million in sales in 2019 with over 250,000 individuals involved in the direct selling industry actively contributing to the region's economic and social growth.

General Manager of QN Europe, Jerome Hoerth, comments, "We are delighted to be accepted as an official member of the AVD. Spain has become one of our key growth markets in Europe as more people are becoming involved in direct selling due to it being a flexible environment that can provide additional income and entrepreneurial opportunities. Direct selling is an industry that is demonstrably resilient amidst tumultuous times, and we believe that it has the potential to fulfil the increasing demand for alternative, or gig-based, opportunities in Spain."







The AVD was established in the 1970s to represent the interests of the direct selling sector in Spain, acting as a body lending accreditation to direct selling through promotion of ethical policies and protecting the interests of those in the direct selling trade.

In Spain, direct selling is regulated by stringent legislation aimed at providing appropriate consumer protection in the trade and retail sectors. All member companies must adhere to the local regulations as well as the European Code of Conduct for Direct Selling imposed by The European Direct Selling Association (SELDIA) which represents 80% of the European direct selling industry members.

"It is a great honour to have QN Europe accepted as a member of the AVD just a few months after their acceptance into the French DSA." Says Malou Caluza, CEO of QNET. "Our European business has made a number of changes this past year to improve their online and digital capabilities as a response to the pandemic. All their efforts are paying off as business is seeing a steady growth. I am confident QN Europe will continue to serve the customers and distributors in Spain with the same high-quality experience they have come to expect, while upholding the highest standards of business ethics."

In March this year, QNET Europe was accepted into the Federation De La Vente Directe (FVD), or Direct Selling Association of France. Globally, QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Associations in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia.

About QN Europe

Founded in 2014, QN Europe is the European business of e-commerce based direct selling company QNET. With a strong emphasis on sustained R&D investment, QN Europe offers a diverse and innovative portfolio of products ranging from home, beauty & wellbeing, to luxury products that meet the highest manufacturing standards in Europe.

QN Europe offers a modern business model that empowers individuals to achieve financial autonomy via a network of independent sales representatives. By equipping representatives with sales and product training that adhere to best business practices, this business model has proven highly successful as it resonates greatly with a growing portion of a population looking for autonomous, flexible, and rewarding work.

For more information, please visit QN Europe's website at https://www.qneurope.com/uk.

About Asociacion de Empresas de Venta Directa

The Spanish Association of Direct Selling Companies (AVD) is a non-profit organization that brings together companies operating in the Spanish market who market a wide range of goods and services through the direct selling system.

AVD was established in the 1970s to represent the interests of the sector in general and of its member companies. Among its objectives are to accredit and give prestige to Direct Selling, and to promote the necessary actions to provide the channel with the highest commercial principles existing in the market. The Board of Directors is the executive governing body of the Association.

For more information on AVD, visit https://avd.es.

media contact: media@qnet.net

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SOURCE QNET
[July 08, 2021] Schwab Announces Its Summer Business Update

The Charles Schwab Corporation announced today that it has scheduled a Summer Business Update for institutional investors on Thursday, July 22nd. This Update, which will be held via webcast, is part of an ongoing series designed to help the investment community keep abreast of recent developments and management's strategic focus. The program is scheduled to run from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. PT, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET. Participants will include Walt Bettinger, President & Chief Executive Officer and Peter Crawford, Chief Financial Officer. The Update will be accessible at https://schwabevents.com/corporation. About Charles Schwab The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) is a leading provider of financial services, with 32.1 million active brokerage accounts, 2.1 million corporate retirement plan participants, 1.6 million banking accounts, and $74 trillion in client assets as of May 31, 2021. Through its operating subsidiaries, the company provides a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiaries, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., TD Ameritrade, Inc., and TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc., (members SIPC, https://www.sipc.org), and their affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; referrals to independent, fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its primary banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank, SSB (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and lending services and products. More information is available at https://www.aboutschwab.com.



TD Ameritrade, Inc. and TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005024/en/

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[July 08, 2021] 1Digital Has Been Named One of the Best BigCommerce Agencies

MIAMI, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For eCommerce businesses looking for a platform that comes with a full suite of tools and room to scale, BigCommerce is the perfect choice. BigCommerce has a lot to offer, but sometimes businesses need a little more utility from their host platform. For businesses who want to get the most out of their site, BigCommerce Partner Agencies like 1Digital? Agency can help. Neil Patel, an expert in all things eCommerce, has listed 1Digital? as the best agency for BigCommerce customization. This accolade should come as no surprise for businesses that have hired 1Digital? to complete their eCommerce customization projects. 1Digital? has been working with eCommerce businesses on platforms like BigCommerce since they first opened their doors in 2012. Their years of working with this incredible platform have led to 1Digital? being named one of the best BigCommerce agencies for enterprise scale businesses. One of the cornerstones of 1Digital?'s eCommerce services is their digital marketing. They have worked on countless SEO and PPC campaigns for a variety of different businesses on different platorms. Knowing the inner workings of different eCommerce platforms and their marketing tools helps the 1Digital? team perform every project they complete with marketing in mind.



BigCommerce comes with a lot of design tools and template options built-in, but sometimes businesses need to push the envelope to make their website stand out. 1Digital?'s team of eCommerce designers know how to bring their client's visions to life with clean and attractive website design. In addition to making their clients' sites look incredible, the 1Digital? also offers custom development services. Sometimes a cookie-cutter option will not be the right fit for what a business needs. Custom development projects include things like custom menus, search features, product builders, and other custom applications that will improve a site's ease of use. 1Digital?'s BigCommerce Developers also work closely with their design team to give custom tools the perfect look and feel.

Now BigCommerce is a great platform for eCommerce businesses who are looking for powerful tools and the ability to scale, but what about businesses on other platforms? When a business outgrows their current platform, 1Digital?'s migration services can help. They have helped plenty of businesses move their data from their original eCommerce platform to more powerful, enterprise scale eCommerce platforms with ease. Migrations involve moving a lot of data, which is why having a team of experts performing the job is essential. 1Digital? is a clear choice for businesses who need a BigCommerce Agency to help them with any facet of their website. No matter what eCommerce services a business needs, working with one of the best agencies in the business can make a huge difference. Just give them a call at 888.982.8269 or send an email to info@1Digitalagency.com to reach one of their BigCommerce experts. Related Images bigcommerce-custom-design.jpg

BigCommerce Custom Design

Designer working on BigCommerce Store View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1digital-has-been-named-one-of-the-best-bigcommerce-agencies-301328264.html SOURCE 1Digital Agency

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[July 08, 2021] BlackSky to Expand Presence in New Mexico

BlackSky Holdings, Inc. ("BlackSky"), a leading technology platform providing real-time geospatial intelligence and global monitoring, today announced it is in the process of establishing a new office space at a facility created by NewSpace New Mexico, a non-profit organization that promotes New Mexico as a leading state in the space industry. The new office and collaboration space would allow BlackSky to expand its footprint and attract local talent in the Southwest region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005946/en/ Caption: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) (center); Casey Anglada DeRaad, Founder and CEO of NewSpace New Mexico (left); and Uyen Dinh, Vice President of Government Relations and Strategy for BlackSky (right) at an event on July 8, 2021, announcing Unite & Ignite Space. Credit: BlackSky "Elected leaders such as Sen. Martin Heinrich understand the importance of building and fostering partnerships between businesses, government and the academic world to drive innovation," said Brian E. O'Toole, CEO of BlackSky. "New Mexico's space industry knowledge and expertise are considerable influences as BlackSky looks to establish a more permanent presence. This new facility would encourage valuable collaboration and enable BlackSky to attract top talent." NewSpace New Mexico is a shared environment that brings together industry, academia and the U.S. Air Force to foster innovation, collaboration and thought leadership. The building space includes large open areas and room for meetings and teamwork. Earlier today, BlackSky attended a ceremony where NewSpace New Mexico and Sen. Heinrich announced Unite & Ignite Space, a co-innovation hub to bring together resources, programming, and workspaces to support the growth of New Mexico's space industry. "I was proud to help secure the funding for this agreement between the Air Force Research Lab and NewSpace New Mexico that will allow us to build the Unite & Ignite Space, a small satellite co-innovation hub right next to Kirtland Air Force Base," said Sen. Heinrich. "We have an incredible opportunity to establish New Mexico as the best place in America for space innovation and the new careers that will create. Our local space innovation ecosystem has already built a strong track record by repeatedly setting the standard for how to develop novel space technologies at the speed of relevance. The Unite & Ignite Space and the overall MaxQ campus will allow us to create the right environment for both established companies who are looking to build a presence in New Mexico and for homegrown companies who want to expand and thrive." BlackSky is actively recruiting for a number of engineering, software development and satellite operations positions. Also, the company recently announced initiatives to accelerate its go-to-market plan including the expansion of its commercial sales force. Current career opportunities with BlackSky can be found on its website at https://www.blacksky.com/careers/. Earlier this year, BlackSky announced a planned business combination with Osprey Technology Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: SFTW). About BlackSky Holdings, Inc. BlackSky is a leading provider of real-time geospatial intelligence. BlackSky monitors activities and facilities worldwide by harnessing the world's emerging sensor networks and leveraging its own satellite constellation. BlackSky processes millions of data elements daily from its constellation as well as a variety of space, IoT, and terrestrial-based snsors and data feeds. BlackSky's on-demand constellation of satellites can image a location multiple times throughout the day. BlackSky monitors for pattern-of-life anomalies to produce alerts and enhance situational awareness. BlackSky's monitoring service, Spectra AI, is powered by cutting-edge compute techniques including machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and natural language processing. BlackSky's global monitoring solution is available via a simple subscription and requires no IT infrastructure or setup. On February 17, 2021, BlackSky entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination (the "Merger Agreement") with Osprey Technology Acquisition Corp. ("Osprey") (NYSE: SFTW) that would result in BlackSky becoming a publicly listed company. For more information visit www.blacksky.com.



About Osprey Osprey is a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, that was established as a collaboration between investment firms HEPCO Capital Management, led by Jonathan and Edward Cohen, and JANA Partners, led by Barry Rosenstein and with its SPAC initiative led by JANA Partner David DiDomenico, who serves as Osprey's CEO, President, and Director. Osprey was formed to consummate a transaction with one or more transformative companies that have developed innovative software delivery platforms. For more information visit www.osprey-technology.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the proposed transactions between Osprey and BlackSky. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the transactions may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Osprey's securities, (ii) the risk that the transactions may not be completed by Osprey's Business Combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the Business Combination deadline if sought by Osprey, (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transactions, including the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of Osprey, the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following redemptions by Osprey's public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals, (iv) the lack of a third-party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed transactions, (v) the inability to complete the PIPE Investment, (vi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, (vii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transactions on BlackSky's business relationships, operating results, and business generally, (viii) risks that the proposed transactions disrupt current plans and operations of BlackSky, (ix) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against BlackSky or against the Osprey related to the Merger Agreement or the proposed transactions, (x) the ability to maintain the listing of Osprey's securities on a national securities exchange, (xi) changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which BlackSky operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting BlackSky's business and changes in the combined capital structure, (xii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transactions, and identify and realize additional opportunities (xiii) the performance of our third-party service providers, including our satellite manufacturer and launch providers, (xiv) risks related to delays or cancellations from current or expected customers, (xv) the risk that redemptions by Osprey's public stockholders may require the combined company to seek additional equity and/or debt financing to fund its business plan, and (xvi) the effects of natural disasters, terrorist attacks and the spread and/or abatement of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, on the proposed transactions or on the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transactions. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Osprey's registration on Form S-1 (File No. 333-234180), the registration statement on Form S-4 discussed below and other documents filed by Osprey from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) "). These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Osprey and BlackSky assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither Osprey nor BlackSky gives any assurance that either Osprey or BlackSky, or the combined company, will achieve its expectations. Additional Information and Where to Find It This document relates to the proposed transactions between Osprey and BlackSky. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. On May 13, 2021, Osprey filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, as amended on June 25, 2021, which included a document that serves as a prospectus and proxy statement of Osprey, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. A proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Osprey stockholders. Osprey also will file other documents regarding the proposed transactions with the SEC. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of Osprey are urged to read the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transactions as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transactions. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Osprey through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed by Osprey with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Osprey's website at https://www.osprey-technology.com or from Osprey upon written request to 1845 Walnut Street, Suite 1111, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. Participants in Solicitation Osprey and BlackSky and their directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Osprey's stockholders in connection with the proposed transactions. Osprey's stockholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and officers of Osprey in Osprey's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the SEC on May 12, 2021, and in Osprey's registration statement on Form S-4, which was filed by Osprey with the SEC in connection with the business combination on May 13, 2021. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to Osprey's stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus on Form S-4 for the proposed business combination, which was filed by Osprey with the SEC in connection with the business combination on May 13, 2021, as amended on June 25, 2021. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the transactions will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus when available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005946/en/

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[July 08, 2021] Vaniam Group LLC announces European and International expansion with addition of new global agency, Vaniam Group Global Ltd

Dr. Louise Verrall appointed to lead Vaniam Group Global Ltd as Head of Europe & International CHICAGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vaniam Group LLC today announced the establishment of Vaniam Group Global Ltd, expanding the company's strategic healthcare communications network footprint into Europe and around the world. Based in the United Kingdom, Vaniam Group Global Ltd is the company's strategically anchored global agency, serving pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients in Europe and other key international markets; its focus is on providing healthcare solutions to companies developing oncology and hematology therapeutics across the world. Vaniam Group Global Ltd has appointed Louise Verrall, MSc, DPhil, as Head of Europe and International. Vaniam Group LLC's expansion into the international market is supported by the company's "virtual-by-design" model, harnessing the talent and expertise of team members without geographic or time-zone constraints. "Vaniam Group Global allows us to tap into the incredible healthcare communications talent in the United Kingdom and beyond," said Deanna van Gestel, CEO and Founder of Vaniam Group LLC. "At the same time, we hope to expand our extensive oncology expertise and deep relationships with international acaemic thought leaders to better serve our existing global-market clients and build new client partnerships."



"The foundation of any new venture is finding the right person to build around, and I could

not be more thrilled to welcome Louise to Vaniam Group as the leader of our strategic global expansion," said Zack Lentz, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Vaniam Group LLC, of Dr. Verrall. "Louise brings an extraordinary blend of business acumen and passion for people and purpose that not only aligns with our culture, but will make an immediate impact for our clients as well." Dr. Verrall holds an MSc and DPhil from the University of Oxford and was awarded Communique Emerging Leader in Healthcare in 2016. She has a track record of building high-performing teams aligned behind a clear vision and authentic culture, and partnering with healthcare clients to create strategic, innovative, and industry-recognized solutions. She joined Vaniam Group LLC in alignment with the company's "For Purpose" business model, with social responsibility goals woven into the DNA of the business.

"I am thrilled to join Vaniam Group Global as Head of Europe and International to expand the company's For Purpose business model overseas," said Dr. Verrall. "I am building a team that will strengthen Vaniam Group's ability to provide strategic healthcare solutions to oncology

and hematology clients worldwide and aligns behind Vaniam's For Purpose business model committing to societal, community, and environmental benefit." Vaniam Group Global Ltd is currently hiring for several key positions to drive medical and scientific advances through clinical development, scientific exchange, and commercialization initiatives. About Vaniam Group LLC Vaniam Group LLC is a people-first, purpose-driven, independent network of strategic healthcare and scientific communications agencies committed to helping clients realize the potential of their oncology and hematology compounds and dedicated to the healthcare community and equitable clinical care in this space. Founded in 2007 as a virtual-by-design organization, Vaniam Group harnesses the talents and expertise of team members around the world. Vaniam Group has been recognized by Inc. Magazine in its list of Best Workplaces in 2021, and as one of the top 5000 fastest growing companies in 2020. Vaniam Group is a WBENC-Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) and certified Evergreen business committed to making a long-term difference in the world and measuring success based on how well they achieve their purpose. For more information, visit vaniamgroup.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1557733/Vaniam_Group_Global_Logo.jpg

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NASHVILLE  The Tennessee Wine and Grape Board will meet July 14, 2021 at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. CDT in the Holeman Building conference room located at 424 Hogan Road.

The meeting is open to the public to attend.

The agenda includes approval of the previous meetings minutes and a quality assurance committee report, along with a Coronavirus Agricultural and Forestry Business Fund update and a consumer research study update.

The Wine and Grape Board is comprised of seven members and their purpose is to support the growth of the wine industry in Tennessee.

For more information, contact the Tennessee Department of Agricultures Business Development Division at 615-837-5160.
Company will create more than 160 new jobs in Hawkins County

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Barrette Outdoor Living officials announced today that the company will expand operations in Hawkins County.

Barrette Outdoor Living is a leading manufacturer of fencing, railing and exterior products. The company will invest $33 million and create 162 new jobs in Bulls Gap, where it has operated since 2001.

With a workforce of more than 700 employees, Barrette Outdoor Living is one of Hawkins Countys largest employers. Barrette will add 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space, including four new extruders, co-extruders and cooling tanks as well as additional fabrication and packaging equipment.

Barrette was founded nearly 100 years ago in Canada and employs approximately 2,000 people today across North America. As the leading North American supplier of exterior home products to the residential market, Barrette Outdoor Living manufactures and distributes vinyl, aluminum, steel and composite fencing and railing, composite decking and other outdoor products.

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported more than 40 economic development projects in Northeast Tennessee, resulting in 4,700 job commitments and $1 billion in capital investment.

QUOTES

Job creation in rural Tennessee is crucial to our states economic success, and I thank Barrette Outdoor Living for its investment in Hawkins County. Northeast Tennessee continues to provide companies with the ideal, business-friendly environment to support growth and success.  Gov. Bill Lee

As one of the top five employers in Hawkins County, Barrette Outdoor Living has established itself as a valuable corporate partner in the Northeast region of our state. These 160 new, family-wage jobs will make a tremendous impact on the areas workforce, and we appreciate Barrette Outdoor Living for its continued investment and job creation in Tennessee. TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

The State of Tennessee along with Hawkins County, Bulls Gap and TVA have been excellent partners in our growth and we appreciate their continued support in the ongoing expansion of our business.  Gary Williams, vice president of Operations, Barrette Outdoor Living

Barrette came to Bulls Gap about 20 years ago and it has been growing steadily over the years. Todays news of such a large investment and another 162 jobs is welcomed by our county and certainly by our citizens, especially the ones who will fill those positions. Id like to thank our partners and TNECD, TVA, and NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership for their work with the Hawkins County IDB in assisting the company so that this could happen.  Hawkins County Mayor Jim Lee

Barrette has been an outstanding corporate citizen in Hawkins County since purchasing the Erwin Industries facility in 2002 and they have continued to grow their operations since converting to vinyl fence production the very next year. This large investment and additional 162 quality jobs announcement is just further proof of the pro-business environment in Northeast Tennessee that we and our partners at NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership tout as Where Tennessee Begins Its Business Day! We couldnt be happier with the news and extend our deepest thanks for their continued growth here.  Hawkins County IDB Chairman Larry Elkins

TVA and Holston Electric Cooperative congratulate Barrette Outdoor Living on its decision to expand operations and create quality job opportunities in Hawkins County. Its always an exciting day when we can celebrate a companys commitment to continued growth in the Valley. We are proud to partner with Hawkins County Industrial Board and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies like Barrette and celebrate this announcement.  John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

I am very pleased to see these 162 jobs coming to Hawkins County. This is a sizable investment, which will strengthen our community. I congratulate Barrette Outdoor Living on their decision to expand in Bulls Gap and all our state and local officials who helped secure these jobs. We will continue to make job creation a top priority.  Sen. Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains)

This is exciting news for Hawkins County. Barrette Outdoor Livings expansion is a continued investment in our resources and skilled workforce. I congratulate the companys leaders and our state and local partners for working to create more jobs for our residents, and I look forward to seeing their continued success.  Rep. Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville)

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

###
NASHVILLE  A woman living in Olive Branch, Mississippi is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with allegedly claiming to live in Tennessee to obtain healthcare insurance benefits through TennCare for herself and her dependents.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a joint effort with the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, today announced the arrest of 40-year old Melanie Kilpatrick. She is charged with TennCare fraud, which is a class D felony, and theft of property more than $10,000.00 but less than $60,000.00, a class C felony. Investigators allege that Kilpatrick resided in Mississippi when she reported a Tennessee residence in state documents which resulted in TennCare paying more than $40,450.00 in fees and claims.

The OIG would like to recognize the joint effort of the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, Inspector General Kim Harmon said. We hope to continue these strong established relationships to ensure that those who choose to abuse our state Medicaid system will be brought to justice.

The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich of Shelby County.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated more than 5,760 criminal cases leading to more than $10.8 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. TennCares budget is comprised of both federal and state dollars, 65% and 35% respectfully. To date, 3,127 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

To access the OIG most wanted list please visit https://www.tn.gov/finance/fa-oig/fa-oig-most-wanted.html, where there is information about reporting tips on one of the subjects.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, toll-free or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read Report TennCare Fraud.
In June a group of Kansas City ministers claimed police committed an "execution" and they had the video to back it up.



It turns out the video they shared didn't prove much and local media was horribly disappointed with their claims.

The group of ministers who made the allegation were naively surprised to find out that police didn't want to work with them any longer.

Today the newspaper takes up their cause and, of course, blames police.

Money line . . .



"They (KCPD) dont have much practice in listening to critics instead of talking over and past them. And no doubt its far more pleasant to listen to the uninterrupted praise of the board of police commissioners, who only tell them theyre the best in the country and anyone who says otherwise is the enemy.



"But the first negative word cant be the last word, and thats where things stand right now: The first time police heard searing criticism from some of the Black pastors theyd been meeting with, they cut off most communication. Theyve also denied cutting off most communication. And did we mention that the point of the group was to improve communication?"

A couple of things . . .

How does the newspaper respond to criticism???

TKC isn't sure, they blocked us on Twitter about 7 years ago.

More importantly . . .

WHEN YOU CALL SOMEBODY A MURDERER IN PUBLIC AND DON'T HAVE THE PROOF TO BACK IT UP . . . DON'T EXPECT THEM TO CONTINUE FRIENDLY CONVERSATION!!!



This seems like a simple rule that most adults would understand. It's applicable in almost every situation.

However, clearly, this bit of etiquette concerning the local discourse needs to be clearly elucidated.

Read more behind the paywall that helps to obscure a print media fantasy land . . .

Kansas City police, now is the wrong time to give Black pastors the silent treatment If the Kansas City Police Department is at all serious about building the trust with the community that's been missing for some time now, in order to curb violence and solve homicides, then its leaders are going to have to do something they haven't tried.

You decide . . .
Right now the most important news for Kansas City is a formal rebuke of controversial Kansas City policy that has sparked months of debate.



And so an elected legal professional who is running for U.S. Senate weighs in against the Kansas City rock chalk law lecturer who recently moved away from his political base and might not have a future in public office.

Here's the money line . . . Whilst we still haven't heared what they planned to do with that 42 MILLION BUCKS.

In the brief filed Thursday by Missouri AG Schmitt, he called (Mayor) Lucas' plan "defunding the police," and said it was "illegal and bad policy."



He also cited a number of reasons as to why the BOPC is correct in their lawsuit.



Schmitt said Missouri law prevents the KCMO City Council from interfering with KCPD's operations.



"Missouri law is clear: the Kansas City Police Department is 'under the exclusive management and control of the board,'" the briefing claims.



Of course we encourage our TKC blog community filled with legal scholars to read more . . .

Missouri AG Eric Schmitt sides with BOPC in KCPD funding lawsuit Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed an amicus brief Wednesday in response to the ongoing lawsuit between the Kansas City, Missouri, Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC), KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and other city officials.

Missouri AG calls city's stance on KCPD funding reorganization 'short-sighted, destructive, and deadly' In a court briefing filed Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt took aim at the stance taken by Kansas City, Missouri, officials in the ongoing battle over funding for the Kansas City Police Department. Schmitt - who is running for Missouri's vacant U.S.

Missouri Attorney General says Kansas City's effort to change police funding is illegal by: Heidi Schmidt Posted: / Updated: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri's Attorney General Eric Schmitt took legal action opposing the effort by members of the Kansas City Council to change the way it funds the city's police department. Schmitt filed an amicus brief Thursday morning in the lawsuit the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners filed against Mayor Quinton Lucas.

You decide . . .
On the topic of lower standards throughout suburbia . . . The place we like to call "Perfect Village" might soon be a more attractive enclave for stoners thanks progressive politicos demanding equity.



Money line . . .



The Prairie Village City Council Committee of the Whole furthered its discussion about marijuana laws at the citys council meeting Tuesday. No votes were taken, but the issue will now be discussed in the citys Diversity Committee.



A legal review of Kansas and Missouri pathways to decriminalization was provided to council members, noting that two options first presented in May would be most viable  remove marijuana possession from the uniform public offense code, or UPOC, or adopt language suggesting that lower fines or penalties should be encouraged and presumed (without mandating such lower fines or penalties), according to city documents.

Read more . . .

Prairie Village City Council discusses decriminalizing marijuana KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Prairie Village is the latest municipality in Kansas City area to consider decriminalizing marijuana. The Prairie Village City Council Committee of the Whole furthered its discussion about marijuana laws at the city's council meeting Tuesday. No votes were taken, but the issue will now be discussed in the city's Diversity Committee.

Prairie Village leaders continue debate over decriminalization of marijuana possession PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. -The debate on decriminalizing marijuana possession continues in Prairie Village. The council began discussions on decriminalization in January. After the meeting on May 3 the council directed city staff to collect additional information on the legality of decriminalizing the possession of marijuana.

Developing . . .
@IsaacAvilucea on Twitter

Isaac Avilucea is The Trentonians main municipal scribe. A two-time prior restraint winner and testicular cancer survivor, he relishes his reputation as the "Mean Girls" reporter that followed his 18-day stay at the now-defunct North Adams Transcript.
Jeff Edelstein is a columnist for The Trentonian. He can be reached at jedelstein@trentonian.com, facebook.com/jeffreyedelstein and @jeffedelstein on Twitter.
Terre Haute, IN (47803)

Today

Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Recent Vigo County law enforcement deaths

Since 1980

 Detective Sgt. James Utz, 40, died Sept. 15, 1981, when his police motorcycle was struck by a vehicle at Third and Mulberry streets. He had served THPD 14 years.

 Detective Harold Rogers, 46, died June 16, 1984, when he was shot during a disturbance at the Wagon Wheel Night Club at Third and Walnut streets. Rogers had served THPD 21 years.

 Sgt. Walter Kevin Artz, died July 1, 1987, when he was shot after responding to a domestic disturbance. He served the Vigo sheriff's department 11 years.

 Correctional Officer Aaron Schoffstall died Nov. 18, 2000, when he fell over a rail of the Wabash River Bridge on Indiana 63 while investigating an accident scene. He served VCSD four years.

 Deputy Enrico Garcia died Sept. 23, 2007, when he suffered a fatal heart attack during a tactical training exercise. He was with VCSD five years.

 K9 Officer Brent Long, 34, died July 11, 2011, when he was shot by a suspect as officers attempted to serve a felony warrant. Long had served THPD six years.

 Officer Robert Rob Pitts, 45, died May 4, 2018, when he was shot while conducting a homicide investigation with other officers as they attempted to apprehend a suspect. He served THPD 16 years.
Terre Haute, IN (47803)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing 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 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
A look at an entrance to the Watervliet Arsenal.
Tucson, AZ (85741)

Today

Widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm this morning. Then partly cloudy. High 94F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 79F. 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.
Over the past day, July 7, six ceasefire violations by Russian-occupation troops were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) area in eastern Ukraine.

In particular, the enemy opened fire from grenade machine guns and small arms near Pisky (11km north-west of Donetsk); 82mm mortars  outside Starohnativka (51km south of Donetsk); tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns, hand-held antitank grenade launchers  in the area of Zolote-4 (59km west of Luhansk); 120mm mortars, grenade machine guns, and hand-held antitank grenade launchers  near Prychepylivka (50km north-west of Luhansk); hand-held antitank grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and small arms  outside Luhanske (59km north-east of Donetsk), the press center of the JFO Headquarters informs.

Ukrainian positions in the area of Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk) came under hand-held antitank grenade launcher fire. One Ukrainian soldier received shrapnel wounds.

Ukrainian troops opened fire in response to the enemy shelling.

As of 07:00, July 8, three ceasefire violations by Russian-occupation troops were recorded.

The Ukrainian side of the JCCC informed the OSCE SMM about the actions of the Russian-occupation troops, using the established coordination mechanism.

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Ukraine and the OSCE called on the Russian Federation to speed up preparations for the next phase of the mutual release of conflict-related detainees.

"The Ukrainian delegation and newly appointed coordinator of the Humanitarian Working Group Charlotta Relander called on Russia to provide by the next TCG meeting the up-to-date lists of detainees to speed up preparations for the next stage of simultaneous mutual release," the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) posted on Telegram.

The Ukrainian side also submitted complaints to the OSCE about ceasefire violations by Russian armed forces and casualties suffered by Ukraine.

Concerns over restrictions in the occupied territories, the freedom of movement of OSCE SMM representatives, and the disruption of Missions technical means of monitoring were expressed during the video conference.

Over the past week, the OSCE SMM's freedom of movement has been restricted 15 times, with all cases taking place in the occupied territories.

The Ukrainian side once again raised the issue of access of the IAEA inspection to the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions to check the condition of nuclear materials at the facilities.

The Ukrainian delegation appealed to the OSCE with a request to facilitate the visit of IAEA inspectors to carry out this mission.

The Russian side again blocked the planned consideration of the issue of mine clearance on nineteen sites agreed in the summer of 2020 as part of the work of the TCG Security Working Group, as well as the opening of entry-exit checkpoints on its part of the contact line.

The Ukrainian delegation continued to focus on the need to:

- Unlock the work of entry-exit checkpoints on the Russian side.

- Restore full and comprehensive ceasefire.

- Agree on a mine clearance plan with the schedule of repair works on infrastructure facilities near the contact line.

- Create safe conditions for the functioning of facilities that meet the needs of the civilian population.

The Ukrainian delegation continues to insist on the need to release all conflict-related detainees as soon as possible and takes all necessary measures to do so.

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The Ukrainian Navy will have a mosquito fleet with anti-ship missiles no later than in 2022.

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Taran said at the Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius on July 7, Ukrinform reports.

I don't want to go into details, but right now we're creating a so-called mosquito fleet. Not just a mosquito fleet without any capabilities. What we are trying to do is to give these mosquitoes modern combat capabilities. I would like to see at least next year anti-ship missiles to be installed on these small ships. It is no secret, especially for the Russians, that we do not have real weapons that can stop an attack from the sea. But very soon, I am sure, no later than next year, we will have, with the help of the United States and Great Britain, several small ships of mosquito fleet but with real combat capability, Taran said.

He said that the Ministry of Defense was also working to create additional capabilities. This year, an order was signed to arm the Ukrainian Navy with a new system of anti-ship missiles which would be based on land. The type of missiles to be installed on a corvette being built in Turkey is being addressed.

"We also try to develop certain capabilities with the involvement of combat helicopters. We prepare new blades for combat helicopters and will equip them with new anti-ship missiles that can be used against the enemy, Taran added.

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The District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw on Wednesday filed additional charges against former Ukravtodor head Slawomir Nowak.

Polish investigators accuse him of receiving bribes in the amount of 315,000 euros during the implementation of public orders for road construction in Ukraine, according to the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

"Today, the prosecutor announced a modified corruption charge against Slawomir N. It includes the acceptance of additional financial benefits in the amount of 315,000 euros for supporting a company in the process of obtaining and performing public orders for the construction and repair of roads in Ukraine," said Aleksandra Skrzyniarz, spokeswoman for the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw.

She added that the charge concerned the period when Novak served as acting chairman at Ukravtodor.

Nowak denied the charges and refused to provide any explanations.

On Wednesday, July 7, Poland's Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) detained a Ukrainian woman in Warsaw on charges of money laundering as part of criminal proceedings against Nowak.

On July 22, 2020, a Warsaw court arrested Nowak for three months on suspicion of committing corruption as head of Ukravtodor. His detention was the result of cooperation between Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and CBA, as well as the prosecutor's offices of both countries. Subsequently, his temporary arrest was extended two more times.

After his release on bail from a Warsaw pretrial detention center on April 12 this year, Nowak said he would not comment on anything in his case so that some careless words could not be used against him. He stressed that now "he is facing a struggle for his good name and truth."

Nowak headed the Ministry of Transport, Construction and Maritime Economy of Poland from 2011 to 2013. He served as acting head at Ukraine's state road agency Ukravtodor from October 2016 to October 2019.
Ukraine and Denmark have signed a new five-year agreement on cooperation as part of the Ukraine-Denmark Energy Partnership Programme (UDEPP), Ukrinform reports with reference to the Ministry of Energy.

The agreement was signed in Vilnius by Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark Jeppe Sebastian Kofod.

"The agreement between the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark will become a new stage in deepening intergovernmental cooperation, which will focus on enhancing the sector of sustainable energy solutions and technologies based on Danish experience and technical assistance. The Danish Energy Agency will contribute to the cooperation in the form of consultations, technical assistance and mutual training for specialists in the Ukrainian energy sector," reads the report.

During the signing of the document, Halushchenko assured that there is significant potential for deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Denmark in developing renewable energy sources and strengthening energy security. As expected, the energy partnership with Denmark will help improve conditions for the introduction of the latest environmentally friendly energy technologies and attract investment in sustainable energy in Ukraine.

As reported, Ukraine and Denmark agreed to deepen bilateral trade cooperation.

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Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said that the situation in Belarus will not affect trade relations between Ukraine and Lithuania, as there are alternatives for transit, in particular, through the European Union.

He said this at a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonyte in Vilnius, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I am convinced that the situation in Belarus will not affect bilateral relations between our countries, first of all, in terms of friendly relations between our countries. Secondly, of course, you can always look for alternative routes for transit, for logistics, they exist - through European countries, through the EU, Shmyhal said.

He also assured that there are no physical or political obstacles to the development of cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania.

According to the Prime Minister, this year the trade turnover between the two counties is expected to return to pre-quarantine levels.

"The trade turnover in both goods and services between Ukraine and Lithuania in 2019 exceeded $1.5 billion. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, it did not decrease much in 2020 - slightly more than $1.3 billion. This year we have the prospect to return the trade turnover in the amount of 1.5 billion [dollars], Shmyhal said.

As reported, Vilnius hosts the fourth Ukraine Reform Conference on July 7-8.

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.

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Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal invited Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonyte to visit Ukraine.

"I would like to take this opportunity to invite Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonyte to visit Ukraine and hold a business forum, during which we will continue to discuss practical issues of strengthening economic cooperation between our countries," Shmyhal said at a joint press conference with Simonyte in Vilnius, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

He stressed that Ukraine appreciated the experience of Lithuania and was ready for a substantive discussion of the possibilities of implementing specific joint projects.

As reported, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal took part in the Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius.

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 convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

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Vice Prime Minister - Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov will visit NATO Headquarters tomorrow, July 7.

This was said in a press release posted on the NATO website.

On Wednesday, 7 July 2021, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will meet with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, Mr Oleksii Reznikov, at NATO Headquarters, the report reads.

During his visit, Reznikov will also attend a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.

There will be no media opportunity.

As reported, at the All-Ukrainian Forum Ukraine 30. International Relations on July 5, Acting Head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO Heorhiy Tolkachov said that a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission would take place this week with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Reznikov, who as a member of the Trilateral Contact Group and a member of the National Security and Defense Council will provide accurate information to the member states about what is happening in certain regions of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

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Ukraine and Canada will work closely to obtain appropriate compensation from Iran for the relatives of those killed in the downing of a Ukraine International Airlines passenger jet.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, the Canadian Foreign Ministry reported this following a meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Canadian counterpart Marc Garneau.

The meeting took place in Vilnius on July 7 on the margins of the Ukraine Reform Conference.

"In their bilateral meeting, Minister Garneau and Minister Kuleba reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate to seek justice, transparency and reparations for the families of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which was shot down by Iranian missiles in January 2020," the statement reads.

It notes that "Minister Kuleba also updated Minister Garneau on plans for the upcoming Crimea Platform Summit."

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that Kuleba and Garneau had discussed steps to deepen the special partnership between Ukraine and Canada in the defense, security, political and humanitarian spheres.

"Marc Garneau reaffirmed his country's readiness to continue to support internal transformation in Ukraine to promote its Euro-Atlantic integration, our country's fight against Russian aggression, in particular in the context of training missions for the Ukrainian military and police," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.

On January 8, 2020, the Ukraine International Airlines plane (Flight PS752) heading from Tehran to Kyiv crashed shortly after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport. There were 176 people on board  nine crew members (all Ukrainians) and 167 passengers (citizens of Ukraine, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK). All of them died.

On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian airliner.

On June 7, the Iranian Embassy in Ukraine said the payment of compensation to the relatives of those killed in the UIA plane crash had started.

Photo: mfa.gov.ua
Turkey supports and will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to implement reforms, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said.

With effective reforms, it will be much easier for Ukraine to overcome the consequences of the crisis around Donbas and Crimea. Ukraine has experienced great difficulties in security and economic issues. Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian government has launched an ambitious program of reforms. These are steps that contribute to Ukraine's efforts to integrate into the Euro-Atlantic family," Cavusoglu said at the International Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius on July 6-7, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to him, reforms should not be complicated, should apply to all levels, and require constant efforts, so sustainability is an important element of their successful implementation.

"Supporting investors' rights through a strong judiciary is extremely important for attracting foreign direct investment to the country, and the fight against corruption is a very important element. The oligarchy continues to be an obstacle for our friend Ukraine," Cavusoglu said.

According to him, continued cooperation between Ukraine and NATO is very important for a strong and independent Ukraine, as well as the support of the European Council and the European Union for the continuation of the reform.

In addition, Cavusoglu welcomed the decision of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to recognize the status of the Crimean Tatar people as indigenous people.

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.

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Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha discussed the course of reforms in Ukraine with Alfred Heer (Switzerland, ALDE) and Birgir Thorarinsson, (Iceland, EPP/CD), PACE co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Ukraine.

The PACE representatives shared their vision of further steps in reform in accordance with the Council of Europe standards and also noted the progress made in recent years in Ukraine's fulfillment of obligations within the membership in this organization, the Presidents Office informs.

For Ukraine, the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly are important partners in promoting high standards of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In this regard, Sybiha pointed out the readiness of the Ukrainian side to implement a wide range of domestic reforms, including the creation of an effective system for preventing and combating corruption and reforming the justice system. This is a key priority and an extremely important condition for the prosperity of the Ukrainian state, as well as strengthening its resilience against hybrid methods of Russian aggression, he stressed.

The meeting participants also discussed the expert assistance provided by the Council of Europe to Ukraine. Close cooperation with the Venice Commission on the implementation of constitutional justice reform and judicial reform according to the best European standards was praised.

Sybiha thanked the PACE for its consistent position in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. An important result of such support was the adoption of a resolution on human rights violations committed against Crimean Tatars in the occupied Crimea during the PACE session in June.

Separately, the interlocutors discussed Ukraine's planned launch of the international coordination mechanism of the Crimean Platform in August, in particular, the promotion of its parliamentary dimension.

As reported, on June 23, the PACE adopted a comprehensive resolution "The situation of Crimean Tatars" which calls on the occupying power  the Russian Federation  to ensure respect for the rights of the Crimean Tatar people, comply with international law and restore Ukraine's territorial integrity against the background of fundamental non-recognition by the world democratic community of the attempt to annex the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

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Lithuania supports a range of targeted projects in eastern Ukraine through direct funding.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said this at a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Simonyte in Vilnius, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The Republic of Lithuania also supports certain targeted projects in Donetsk and Luhansk regions through direct programs and direct funding, and these are one of the most successful projects," he said.

In addition, according to the Prime Minister, Lithuanian partners provide support to Ukraine to combat COVID-19 and other challenges facing the country.

Shmyhal also thanked Lithuania "for the stable, constant, very clear, unwavering support" for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

As reported, Vilnius hosts the fourth Ukraine Reform Conference on July 7-8.

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.

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Moldova will hold early parliamentary elections on July 11, and President Maia Sandu signed a respective decree on April 28. The Moldovan leader's decision is known to have been sparked by a "constitutional coup" in which parliamentarians led by pro-Russian politician Igor Dodon illegally changed the composition of Moldova's Constitutional Court to maintain their political positions. Sandu managed to block the work of judges in their new illegal composition and, in fact, to dissolve parliament and call new elections.

Currently, Moldovan society is actively discussing whether the country's pro-European course will remain unchanged after the elections, or whether the country will "turn" towards Russia.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, historian Marko Shevchenko, spoke in an exclusive interview with Ukrinform about the political mood in Moldova, about a future coalition and about the development of relations with Ukraine after the elections.

THERE ARE MORE MOLDOVANS WHO SUPPORT PRO-EUROPEAN VECTOR OF THEIR COUNTRY'S DEVELOPMENT

Question: Mr. Ambassador, do you see any factors in the election campaign pointing to a possible victory of pro-Western forces in Moldova?

Answer: At the end of 2020, during the presidential election in Moldova, most voters cast their ballots for Ms. Maia Sandu, who spoke under slogans from the pro-European agenda. This year's opinion polls show that the number of citizens who support this vector of the development of the Republic of Moldova is now greater than the number of those who hold the opposite opinion.

At the same time, simple arithmetic laws rarely apply in politics. In particular, the real election winners are usually political parties and blocs that form a majority in parliament and appoint their own government.

Question: What political parties and blocs are leading in the election campaign?

Answer: The main election struggle in Moldova is currently unfolding between pro-European forces, left-wing pro-Russian parties and populists. The pro-European Action and Solidarity Party is in the lead in all ratings. On the other hand, left-wing parties and populists, although less popular than [the Action and Solidarity Party], have the experience of close "friendship against" the incumbent Moldovan president, Maia Sandu, in parliament. On their side is also powerful Russian propaganda, and its activity has not been limited at all in Moldova since the end of 2020.

Question: Votes at polling stations abroad were decisive during the last presidential election. Should this factor be expected to work this time too?

Answer: Yes, experience shows that all electoral calculations will not be realistic if the factor of the Moldovan diaspora is not taken into account (its sentiments are not reflected in opinion polls). The votes of foreign Moldovans were decisive for Maia Sandu's victory in November 2020. And now the main question is whether Moldovan voters abroad will demonstrate on July 11 a level of electoral mobilization similar to the one they showed in the fall of 2020.

CONFIGURATION OF MOLDOVA'S NEW PARLIAMENT AND GOVERNMENT DEPENDS ON MANY FACTORS

Question: Do you have a forecast as to which parties are most likely to join the new coalition after the July 11 elections?

Answer: Opinion polls now do not give any unambiguous answer to even a simpler question: how many parties will be able to send their representatives to the Moldovan parliament? Therefore, independent observers have different views on whether a one-party pro-European government could be formed in Moldova, as well as on a possible coalition and its configuration.

There is also no answer to the question of whether Moldovan left-wing and populist parties will get enough votes to block the legislative initiatives of the pro-European government in the event of its creation.

Will the deputies stop "migrating" between factions on the basis of some behind-the-scenes agreements in the new Moldovan parliament? Have political parties managed to compile their voter lists well enough to protect themselves from such a phenomenon? These are just some of the questions and the answer to them will influence the configuration of the future government in the Republic of Moldova.

UKRAINE AND MOLDOVA WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER

Question: Under what scenarios can Moldova's relations with Ukraine develop after the elections?

Answer: Most citizens in both countries are in favor of the European direction of their development. The interests of both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova on the international stage and in the security sphere largely coincide. We unequivocally support each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. On a bilateral level, we have no contradictions that would be impossible to overcome.

Therefore, regardless of the domestic political situation, the further development of Ukrainian-Moldovan relations will evolve according to a positive scenario. There is no doubt that Ukraine and Moldova will continue to support each other on the international stage, in particular on the path to European integration, develop economic cooperation and trade, tourism and human relations, and implement joint infrastructure projects.

I am also confident that we will also continue our close cooperation on the Transnistrian settlement and various aspects of international and regional security. And, of course, I hope that Moldova will take an active position in a new format initiated by Ukraine - the Crimea Platform. In general, I am optimistic about the future of Ukrainian-Moldovan relations.

Question: What is changing in the approach of the new political elite in Moldova to relations with Ukraine?

Answer: Earlier this year, the presidents of Ukraine and Moldova declared their intention to restart relations between the two countries. After that, the pro-Russian part of Moldovan politicians criticized Maia Sandu for allegedly anti-Russian elements among these intentions. Instead, these plans aroused keen interest among normal thinkers and even somewhat inflated expectations. This became clear only recently when they began to say that a reboot was announced, but where is the promised groundbreaking move forward?

When I hear such remarks, I explain that progress in itself requires the daily, persistent and inconspicuous work of civil servants and diplomats. It is possible to overcome the inertia of certain indifference in recent years only by making efforts on both sides at the same time. This is especially difficult in the face of personal uncertainty among officials at various levels in Moldova, where the government resigned in December 2020, but many leaders, appointed under former President Igor Dodon, remain in office (as acting heads).

It is clear that in such circumstances many issues still have to be resolved, such as the agreement on the construction of the Yampil- Cosauti bridge. But despite all the above, I believe that shortly after the parliamentary elections, the Moldovan parliament will appoint a new government, with which we will be able to resolve all issues relatively quickly.

Russian propaganda in Moldova trying to create new disagreements

Question: How significant is the influence of the Russian Federation on the situation in Moldova today?

Answer: Moscow currently has a serious influence on all spheres of life in this country. Russian propaganda is tirelessly and ingeniously trying to fan old disagreements and create new ones. The Russian Federation controls the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, where a large group of Russian troops subordinated to the Western Military District of the Russian Federation (with all the consequences for the security of both Moldova and Ukraine) is stationed. Political forces that advocate the closest possible relations with the Russian Federation and in whose favor the entire Russian propaganda machine in Moldova works 24/7 remain prominent on the political stage. Russian capital maintains a strong position in the economy of the Republic of Moldova, controlling a number of important industries, including energy.

Question: Despite the Russian influence and the upcoming elections, what forecast for the development of Moldova is the most realistic in the near future?

Answer: I would like to return to where we started this interview. At the end of last year, Moldova preferred the pro-European president, who is making incredible efforts to ensure that life in the country starts changing for the better. We now have reason to hope that our neighbors will soon have a parliament with a pro-European majority capable of launching an ambitious reform agenda announced by President Maia Sandu. The first results of this persistent work to eradicate corruption, improve the justice system, address social issues, etc. will be the best arguments that will make Moldovan citizens not look back at the Soviet past imposed by Russian propaganda, but look confidently to the European future.

Volodymyr Lyvynskyi, Kyiv  Chisinau

Photos from open sources
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has invited Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod to conclude an agreement on the mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination documents, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has said.

According to the report, the ministers met in Vilnius on July 7 on the sidelines of the Ukraine Reform Conference.

Kuleba thanked the Danish government for the decision to provide Ukraine with 500,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, the report said.

He invited his Danish counterpart conclude an agreement between the two countries on the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and COVID certificates to facilitate travel.

"The ministers welcomed the launch of the Danish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Copenhagen, which will help increase trade and investment. Kofod supported Kuleba's proposal to hold a business forum in the near future," the report said.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that both ministers had separately discussed support for anti-corruption reform in Ukraine, strengthening the country's defense capabilities, modernizing the energy sector and introducing renewable energy sources.

"The parties paid special attention to opposing the implementation of the geopolitical project Nord Stream 2," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry added.

The two-day Ukraine Reform Conference started in Vilnius on July 7.

Photo: kiattisakch
Ukrainian writer, translator, and public figure Serhiy Zhadan received the second annual Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry in the United States.

The co-winners of the second annual Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry are Canisia Lubrin for The Dyzgraphxst and Serhiy Zhadan for A New Orthography, the Arrowsmith Press reports.

The winners were selected by poet Major Jackson from a short list of twenty worthy finalists. The winners will split the $1,000 prize.

The devastating and wildly charming poems in Serhiy Zhadans A New Orthography, written in the wake of the Russo-Ukrainian War, once again make a startling case for the predominance of a lyrical imagination, especially during a geopolitical crisis. One might expect such poems to retreat to embittered irony or surreal escape. I am astounded at the large-scale heart of this work, the courageous persistence of an autonomous voice remarking on the dailiness of life in war time with apparent whimsy and an undercutting joy, Jackson commented.

"Many thanks to translators and publishers. Walcott is a really important author for me, his name inspires and allows me to see the meaning in composing lines and rhyming words. Thank you, it is a great honor," Serhiy Zhadan posted on his Facebook page.

Arrowsmith Press, in partnership with The Derek Walcott Festival in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and the Boston Playwrights' Theatre, presents the annual Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry to be awarded to a full-length book of poems by a living poet who is not a US citizen published in the previous calendar year. The book must be in English or in English translation and may have been published anywhere in the world. The prize includes a $1,000 cash award, along with a reading at the Boston Playwrights' Theatre in Boston, and a week-long residency at Derek Walcotts home in either St. Lucia or in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, during the Walcott Festival. In the case of translations, the prize money is to be shared by the poet and the translator.

Sir Derek Alton Walcott was a Saint Lucian poet and playwright. He received the 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature.

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Srinagar, Jul 8 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir police arrested an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of Lashkher-e-Toiba (LeT) and recovered explosive material and detonators in the central Kashmir district of Badgam, a police spokesman said on Thursday.

He said during naka checking at Archandarhama Magam near railway crossing in Badgam, Police intercepted a person carrying a bag under suspicious circumstances. He said when police party approached him, he tried to flee from the spot but was tactfully apprehended by police party.


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Kathleen McAuliffe, a home care worker for Catholic Charities in a Portland, Maine, suburb, helps client John Gardner with his weekly chores. McAuliffe shops for Gardner's groceries, cleans his home and runs errands for him during her weekly visit. (Brianna Soukup/KHN/TNS)
IN JULY of 1957 my family moved from Brooklyn, N.Y. to Lee, New Hampshire. We were escaping gang violence that had made our neighborhood unlivable. Our transition from an all-Black to an all-White environment was a challenge. In the city we had met and interacted with White people. However t
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. (Rob O'Neal/The Key West Citizen via AP)
The highly contagious "Delta variant", the new strain of the Chinese COVID-19 virus, is rapidly spreading across the globe. It has been detected in 92 countries and all 50 states in the United States.


(Photo : Camara Mintz, Former Police Officer Turned Attorney Explains What To Consider When Facing A DUI Arrest)

Camara Mintz is a native Washingtonian who is more than familiar with the inequities of our justice system. He spent 5 years in law enforcement and witnessed plenty of this first hand. His experience led him to pursue a career as a police officer, prosecutor, and now defense and plaintiff's attorney, as a founding partner of Gracia & Mintz, Attorneys At Law. His passion for the pursuit of fairness in our criminal justice system can be seen throughout his entire career.

Because of his background, Mintz brings a unique perspective that motivates him to aggressively defend his clients' rights.

Why did you pursue a career working in the criminal justice system?

Camara Mintz: For me, I do what I do because I've seen how unjust the criminal justice system can be. Many people have no idea what their rights are, and the system takes advantage of that. I want to help people understand what is rightfully theirs. It's my job to protect people's futures, liberty, and freedom no matter what. DUI law in Maryland is of the areas of the law I want to help people understand better.

Can you share some ways to help save your driver's license if you're stopped and suspected of a DUI?

Camara Mintz: I'd be happy to share my tips. Here it goes...

First thing's first, give them as little evidence as possible when they pull you over. When police officers pull you over, they're looking for probable cause to make an arrest. They're trying to see if there's a smell of alcohol on your breath or if the driver has glossy or blood-shot eyes. If you're not talking to him, it will be more difficult for them to think that your breath smells like alcohol, and they may not be able to put that in their arrest report. That's less evidence they can use against you in court.

Second, it's okay to refuse a sobriety test. That's your right. In Maryland, standardized field sobriety tests are voluntary. I always advise people not to submit to them because they can use their observations to arrest you, and those same observations will be used against you as evidence in court. There can be collateral consequences if you refuse the tests, but you still limit the evidence the state will have to use against you. The sobriety test comes with potential consequences to your license from the MVA, but losing your liberty after a conviction for DUI is worse.

My most important piece of advice is to hire an experienced defense attorney. When you get charged with a DUI in Maryland, you usually are facing multiple additional citations as well, many of which carry large fines. The MVA can also suspend your license, so you may end up fighting on two fronts. One being the criminal traffic violation of the DUIand the other the MVA trying to suspend your privilege to drive.

If you're looking for legal help from Attorney Mintz, contact them and learn more through their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciamintzlaw/?hl=en.
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 08th Jul, 2021) The 20th edition of Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition "Dubai Derma", concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre today.

Under the theme "Skin Health is our Concern", the annual global skincare gathering in Dubai, brought leading skincare specialists, top surgeons and physicians from across various countries under one roof to explore the latest technological advancements and medical treatments for different types of skin diseases.

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman, Dubai Derma and Chairman of INDEX Holding, said, "The success of Dubai Derma is a reflection of the UAEs pioneering position as the ideal place to hold conferences, exhibitions, and world-class meetings. We are very proud of the success the 20th edition of Dubai Derma has witnessed, as the number of visitors exceeded the expected number and reached 27,236 visitors from 110 countries, and it gives us immense pleasure to announce that the event concluded with over $156.4 million worth of business deals signed over the past three days, which is a 15 percent increase from the 19th edition. This confirms that Dubai Derma is not only considered an instrumental event for professors, doctors, lecturers and specialists, but it is also a significant platform for international, regional and local companies and brands to seek and nurture business opportunities and long-term partnerships and connections.

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While commenting on the COVID-19 vaccines association with dermal fillers, Dr. Galadari said, "The effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on fillers injected in the face is extremely rare and uncommon. The concern of swelling of injected areas should not be a cause for refusing to get the vaccine."

"The effect is mainly a slight swelling of the injected area, and it should not cause any concern as it is a natural response. Vaccines affect the bodys immune response. This effect on the immune system makes it react to areas where foreign materials are present. This is an uncommon reaction that is transient and can be easily treated. Interestingly, hypertension medications known as ACE inhibitors seem to reverse the reaction. So, get your vaccine shot," he said in conclusion.

The third and last day of the conference discussed many key topics such as artificial intelligence in Dermatology, Filler Injections, Controversies in Laser Hair, Laser Therapy for Pigmented Lesions, and much more.

Dubai Derma is annually organised by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding, in cooperation with the Arab academy of Dermatology and Aesthetics (AADA).
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Noumea, July 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2021 ) :A New Caledonia independence supporter was voted in as president of the French Pacific territory on Thursday, just months ahead of a third and final referendum on a breakaway.

Louis Mapou, 62, said it was "an honour and a privilege" to take up the position.

It is the first time a supporter of independence has held the role since the "Noumea Accord", a decolonisation plan signed in 1998 that granted the archipelago autonomy.

That agreement ended a deadly conflict between the mostly pro-independence indigenous Kanak population and the descendants of European settlers.

It also allowed for up to three independence votes by 2022 if requested by at least a third of the local legislature, the third of which will be held in December.

The first, in 2018, saw 57 percent vote to remain part of France, but a second in October 2020 saw that share decrease to 53 percent.

Pro-independence leaders this year gained a majority in the New Caledonian government for the first time since the Noumea Accord.

But five months of political deadlock followed, as the two pro-independence parties on the executive battled over who should take the role of president.

French overseas territories minister Sebastien Lecornu congratulated Mapou and invited him to meet soon to discuss, among other things, the "structural difficulties of New Caledonian public finances" -- a reference to the territory's budgetary crisis.

New Caledonia has been under French control for almost 170 years, during which it served as a penal colony for criminals and political prisoners, an Allied military base in World War II and a source of commodities, notably nickel.

France, which is more than 16,000 kilometres (10,000 miles) away from the territory, subsidises New Caledonia with around 1.5 billion Euros ($1.75 billion) every year, the equivalent of more than 15 percent of the territory's gross domestic product.

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WELLINGTON, July 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2021 ) :New Zealand reported a new COVID-19 case in recent returnees in managed isolation facilities and no cases of COVID-19 in the community on Thursday.

The newly imported case came from Russia and has remained in a managed isolation and quarantine facility in Auckland, according to the Ministry of Health.

The number of active cases in New Zealand is 41, and the total number of confirmed cases is 2,408, said a ministry statement.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases detected at the border is three, it said.

On Thursday, New Zealand said that the pause on Quarantine Free travel from Australia's Queensland and New South Wales to New Zealand will continue.

This followed a risk assessment by public health officials which determined there was still "a need to get a better understanding of the developing situation and the number, and pattern, of cases being reported in these Australian states," according to the ministry.
Bogota, July 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2021 ) :The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights hit out on Wednesday at Colombia's "disproportionate" and "lethal" response to anti-government protests that broke out just over two months ago.

At least 60 people have died since the protests began on April 28, according to the ombudsman's office.

The Commission's 48-page report, prepared following a June 6-10 visit by its representatives, detailed allegations of human rights violations.

"The Commission finds that repeatedly, in different regions of the country, the State's response was characterized by an excessive and disproportionate use of force. In many cases the action included lethal force," said the Commission president Antonia Urrejola during a virtual press conference from Washington.

Having spoken to 500 witnesses, the Commission issued several recommendations, including that the government respect the right to protest, an "immediate end to the use of disproportionate force," separating the police from the defense ministry, and an end to a ban on "road blocks as a general form of protest." The Commission also called for the protection of journalists, who are often the target of attacks, and to compensate victims.

The protests had been 89 percent peaceful, the Commission said.

Colombia President Ivan Duque insisted he was "respectful of peaceful protest" but not "vandalism, low intensity urban terrorism or road blocks." "No-one can recommend to a country that it tolerates criminality," he added.

Duque has announced a police reform plan, but protesters are angry that it will be conducted by the defense ministry.

The Commission report also included the government's complaint about "infiltrations of the protests by armed third parties." Authorities claim leftist rebels and drug traffickers have infiltrated the protests to wreak chaos.

But the Commission "noted with great concern a climate of polarization ... that is manifested in stigmatizing speeches" that sometimes come from "public authorities." Three weeks ago, the most visible organized protest group suspended its demonstrations for a month.

Protesters are demanding a fairer society in a country where the poverty level has risen to 42 percent of the 50 million population.

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YAOUNDE, Jul 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :The UN late Tuesday strongly condemned armed violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), which has claimed at least two lives and displaced thousands of people.

In a statement, Denise Brown, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Central African Republic, said the attacks also injured a humanitarian worker and led to a significant reduction in humanitarian assistance in the town of Alindao in the south of the war-torn country.

For the last one week, growing insecurity has prevented any assistance to those affected by this upsurge in violence.

At least two civilians were killed during recent attacks by non-state armed group members in Alindao town. They set houses ablaze, looted properties and illegally occupied people's homes, forcing many to flee to the District Hospital and to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) bases.

"For the past week, the lives of thousands of civilians have been in imminent danger due to a series of armed clashes in Alindao where some groups of the population have been particularly targeted.

"These civilians who live from day to day are now cut off from their small source of income, and food is increasingly scarce. They live in fear and are traumatized," Brown said.

She urged all parties to the conflict to stop violence against civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian actors and respect international humanitarian law.

The Central African Republic is one of the world's poorest countries and has been facing one of the 10 most under-reported humanitarian crises for five years in a row.car has been troubled by fierce clashes between armed groups for years.

Violence and insecurity following the December 2020 general election displaced at least 727,000 Central Africans, a level never reached since 2014, according to the UN. At least 2.8 million people - 57% of the population - are in need of humanitarian assistance in CAR.
United Nations, United States, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2021 ) :A UN Security Council vote on extending cross-border aid into war-torn Syria's rebel-held northwest has been postponed to try to soften veto-wielder Russia's stance, diplomatic sources said Wednesday.

"The idea is Friday now," one diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity, with another source saying postponing would allow for "more time to finish the negotiation." The vote originally set for Thursday is on a draft resolution to keep open the only remaining entry point for aid into northwest Syria that bypasses Damascus.

The UN's cross-border aid authorisation, in place since 2014 and sharply curtailed last year under pressure from Moscow, expires on Saturday.

Russia, which holds veto power at the council and is a staunch ally of the Syrian regime, may block the renewal, preferring to see aid delivered across front lines from Damascus and arguing the existing crossing is used to supply arms to rebel fighters.

During a meeting on the issue Tuesday, Moscow had "maintained its position, which has been clear for a long time," a Russian diplomat told AFP.

The draft resolution was presented by non-permanent council members Norway and Ireland in late June and seeks to keep the Bab al-Hawa crossing from Turkey into Syria open for one year.

Some three million people live in jihadist-dominated northwest Syria, more than half displaced by the country's decade-long conflict.

The resolution also calls for reopening a second crossing point, Al-Yarubiyah, which allows supplies to reach Syria's northeast from Iraq.
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PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2021 ) :Secretary Energy and Power, Muhammad Zubair Khan on Thursday said that Daral Khwar Hydropower Project in Swat has started electricity generation of 36.6 megawatts, which would provide hefty revenue of Rs 1.3 billion annually to the province.

Addressing a function in this connection here, he congratulated Chief Executive PEDO, Muhammad Naeem Khan and his team, especially the Project Director, Habib Ullah Shah on successful commissioning and initiation of operational activities of this important project.

He said Daral Khwar Hydropower project was constructed in Bahrain area of Swat district with the assistance of Chinese engineers.

He said that the electricity generated by the project has been added to the national grid system.

The Secretary Power and Energy said Daral Khwar Hydropower Project would prove a milestone in development of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Besides strengthening the provincial economy, he said this project would also create scores of job opportunities.

Later, Secretary Power and Energy presented commemorative certificate to the Project Director Daral Khwar Hydropower, Engineer Habib Ullah Shah and hoped that other power related projects of the province would also be completed well in time.
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Pakistan and Afghanistan on Thursday signed the Protocol-VI of Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) 2010 to extend the agreement for six months beyond 11-05-2021

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2021 ) :Pakistan and Afghanistan on Thursday signed the Protocol-VI of Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) 2010 to extend the agreement for six months beyond 11-05-2021.

The extension was essential to facilitate uninterrupted flow of transit trade between the two countries and to provide sufficient time to technical teams to conclude negotiations on the new APTTA 2021. Advisor to PM on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood and Afghan Minister for Industry and Commerce Nisar Ahmad Faizi Ghoryani chaired a virtual signing ceremony.

Secretary Commerce of Pakistan and Deputy Commerce Minister of Afghanistan also attended the ceremony.

Ambassador of Pakistan, along with Trade & Investment Counselor in Kabul, represented the Government of Pakistan in the ceremony, held at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Kabul, a press release issued by the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul said.

The Ministers appreciated the work of technical teams for the progress, attained so far in the negotiations.

They directed the technical teams to forge consensus on the outstanding issues in the new APTTA 2021, to ensure its conclusion, signing and notification at the earliest for the benefit of trade, transit, investment and connectivity between the two brotherly countries.

The Ministers also agreed to meet in Kabul on the sidelines of 9th Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA) meeting to push forward the negotiations on APTTA 2021 and also to hold business and investment conference in August, 2021.
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WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th July, 2021) Haitian Ambassador to the United States Bocchit Edmond confirmed to Sputnik that some of the alleged killers of President Jovenel Moise been captured and are being interrogated at the moment.

"Yes some of them have been caught," Edmond said.

"They are being interrogated," he said.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th July, 2021) Former President Donald Trump's ex-attorney Rudy Giuliani has been suspended from practicing law in Washington, DC, court documents revealed.

"ORDERED pursuant to DC Bar Rule XI,  11(d), that the respondent is suspended from the practice of law in the District of Columbia pending final disposition of this proceeding, effective on the date of entry of this order," the District of Columbia Court of Appeals said on Wednesday.

The court documents said Giuliani's suspension in Washington will be in effect pending the outcome to his license suspension in the state of New York, which was due to his role in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and for pushing lies about voter fraud.

The 77-year-old Giuliani helped lead Trump's legal challenge to the election won by President Joe Biden, arguing that the vote had been rife with fraud and that counting machines had been rigged. The appellate division of the Supreme Court in New York, hearing the motion brought to de-license Guiliani over the matter, agreed that he had acted without merit.

Giuliani, admitted to the state bar in New York in 1969, was named US Attorney in Manhattan in 1983 and worked for the Justice Department during the Reagan administration. He also served as mayor of New York City for eight years, rising to national prominence during September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the city.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th July, 2021) All British troops are returning to the United Kingdom from Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday, adding that the majority of personnel is already withdrawn.

"All British troops assigned to NATO's mission in Afghanistan are now returning home.

For obvious reasons I will not disclose the timetable of our departure, but I can tell the House [of Commons] that most of our personnel have already left," Johnson told the UK parliament.

The prime minister said that the UK did not underestimate the challenge of the NATO mission in Afghanistan and pledged to continue supporting Kabul after troops' withdrawal.

"The international military presence in Afghanistan was never intended to be permanent. We and are NATO allies were always going to withdraw our forces. The only question was when, and there could never be a perfect moment," Johnson added.
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VIENTIANE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th July, 2021) Laotian Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh on Wednesday invited Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to visit the Southeast Asian country "at any time convenient for him."

The Laotian politician extended the invitation during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is currently on a visit to Vientiane.

"I would like to extend to the head of the [Russian] government, Mikhail Mishustin, an invitation to pay a visit to Laos at any time convenient for him," Viphavanh said.

Laos attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations with Russia, the prime minister noted.

The Russian diplomat, in turn, congratulated Viphavanh on his appointment as prime minister in March.

"The head of the Russian government, Mikhail Mishustin, asked me to convey to you the warmest greetings, wishes for success and stressed his readiness to work with you for the benefit of developing our strategic partnership," Lavrov said.

The top diplomat also expressed hope that the Laotian prime minister's deep knowledge of Russian language and culture and his education in the Soviet Union would help to deepen bilateral ties.
(@FahadShabbir)

KABUL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th July, 2021) The delegations of the Afghan government and the Taliban movement (banned in Russia) agreed during the meeting in Tehran that the decades-long war in Afghanistan must end.

Negotiations began in the Iranian capital on Wednesday morning. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif affirmed Tehran's readiness to provide full assistance to inter-Afghan reconciliation, as well as comprehensive assistance to the political, economic, and social development of Afghanistan after the establishment of peace.

"Both sides agreed on the dangers of continuing the war and the damage it would do to the health of the country, agreeing that war is not the solution to the Afghan problem and that all efforts to reach a political and peaceful solution should be justified," the delegations said in a joint statement.

The negotiation proceeded in a "cordial atmosphere" and covered all issues "in detail and explicitly," as stated by the delegations.

"Both sides decided to discuss issues that need further consultation and clarity, such as establishing a mechanism for the transition from war to permanent peace, the agreed Islamic system and how to achieve it during the next meeting, which will be held as soon as possible," the statement read.

Afghanistan is riven by confrontation between government forces and the Taliban, who have seized significant territories in rural areas and launched an offensive against large cities. Peace talks began in the Qatari capital of Doha in September 2020.
USM Group Participating in Inaugural V-Quad Teams Cohort

Thu, 07/08/2021 - 13:37pm | By: Van Arnold

Dr. Partha Sengupta, assistant teaching professor in the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi, (USM) is leading a team of scientists who are part of the Inaugural Cohort of the Mississippi V-Quad Teams - a Mississippi Energy program for Innovation Clusters.

V-Quads mission is to build an innovative, virtual incubator network to support Mississippi entrepreneurs and innovators launching businesses focused on energy- and agriculture-related technologies.

This program will help new technology companies seeking to commercialize energy- and agriculture-related technologies find the technical assistance and financial networks that have a specific focus in these areas. States like Mississippi have strong agricultural, energy research and industrial activities that have the potential to spawn innovative technologies with the right entrepreneurial ecosystem in place.

The Sengupta teams project is titled: Ramie fibers for biopolymers and marine-friendly plastics. Sengupta points out that during his postdoctoral research on bio-based products in 2008 at North Dakota State University he learned about a plant named ramie that produces the worlds strongest natural fibers.

I also found that despite suitable areas of cultivation in the United States, ramie has never been widely cultivated, nor utilized in creative ways in this country, said Sengupta.

The teams primary objective is to create a bio-based alternative to synthetic plastics in various avenues of usage.

Among those would be clothing items, ropes, nets, firehoses, upholstery, ground cover fabrics for erosion control, level II bulletproof panels, and even banknotes, said Sengupta. The ramie product would be used as green ocean plastics and biodegradable storage containers, as well as marine usage to preserve flora and fauna.

Other team members include Dr. Ahmed Sherif, assistant professor in the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering; Dr. Mac Alford, professor in the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, and Dr. Wujian Miao, professor in the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Sengupta has begun research work on a 3D simulating environment to train drones to monitor plant health and growth. The drone training will subsequently be used in actual drone hardware for precision agriculture. Alford and Miao are working concurrently on procurement of inventory for plant cultivation and downstream processing, while Sherif works on cybersecurity of the autopilot system within the drone.

Ultimately, what Sengupta and his colleagues propose is a new plant cultivation which produces one of the worlds strongest fibers with a growth condition conducive to climatic conditions along the coastal plains of North America. The project involves rapid cultivation of the plant in both Mississippi and adjacent coastal states where luxuriant varieties of the plant can be grown.

Mississippi already has a rich culture of cotton growth and linen, and we wish to introduce ramie as the third significant crop which has stronger fiber quality, longer fiber length and has more resistance to degradation by insects and mildew than cotton, said Sengupta.

To learn more about the Mississippi V-Quad Teams, visit: mississippi.org/vquad/
In Albania, the grant will support the training of layreaders to rebuild a culture of life rooted in love of family. (Church of St. Dominic in Durres, Albania)

The USCCB Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, through the generosity of the American faithful, provides 208 grants in 23 nations in Europe struggling to recover from years of religious persecution.

By Vatican News staff writer

Several Catholic dioceses struggling to recover from decades of persecution in Central and Eastern Europe are set to receive support for ministry and outreach to the tune of $3.56 million from the generosity of American Catholics and the annual collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe taken up each winter.

In June, the US Bishops Conference subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe awarded 208 grants in 23 nations that were once behind the Iron Curtain.

Faith alive in spite of challenges

The Catholics of Central and Eastern Europe kept the faith alive in the darkest of times, at great peril to themselves, and endeavor to pass that very same faith on to their children, said Bishop Jeffrey Monforton of Steubenville, chairman of the subcommittee in a statement on the USCCB website.

The USCCB Subcommittee funds projects in 28 countries to build the pastoral capacity of the Church and to rebuild and restore the faith in countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Many of them have faced a century of hardship under oppressive communist regimes during which time religion and religious practices were openly persecuted. Years after the fall of communism in those regions, these countries are still working to rebuild their political structures, economies and religious life.

Bishop Monforton highlighted that the Catholics who gave to the annual collection are reaching out in love to aid their brothers and sisters who suffered so much for their faith and are helping a new generation to grow spiritually in very difficult circumstances.

Through these gifts, he added, parishes are being renewed, critical social ministry is taking place, and bonds of love are formed between Catholics on opposite sides of the world.

Several projects supported

Among the projects being supported by the 208 grants include helping clergy and lay readers respond to spiritual needs by revitalizing parish life in the Czech Republic, and providing funding for a cathedral and pastoral center in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The grants will also be used to promote pro-life ministries in five countries:

In Albania, for the training of lay readers to rebuild a culture of life rooted in healthy relationships, love for family and a deeper understanding of sexuality. In Georgia, it will provide direct support for pregnant women and new parents. A Romanian Catholic university, hospitals, schools, social services and other ministries will make use of the grant to promote respect for life, strong families and natural family planning.

A grant will also go to support a pregnancy resource center staffed with a professional psychologist and social workers in Slovakia, and in Slovenia, the Church will offer education to different age groups on healthy sexuality.

The gifts of Catholics here in the U.S. to their sisters and brothers in Central and Eastern Europe will save lives, help people discover Jesus, and allow the Church that emerged from the catacombs to give witness to the power of the Resurrection, Bishop Monforton said.
In his telegram of condolences following the assassination of the President of Haiti, Pope Francis condemns all forms of violence as a means of resolving crises and conflicts.

By Linda Bordoni & James Blears

In telegram addressed to the Apostolic Nuncio in Haiti, Pope Francis said "Upon hearing the news of the heinous assassination of His Excellency Mr. Jovenel Moise, President of Haiti, he offers his condolences to the Haitian people and to his wife, who was also seriously wounded and whose life he commends to God.

53-year-old Moise was fatally shot and his wife was injured when attackers stormed their home early on Wednesday. First Lady Martine Moise has been flown to Florida where she is said to be in a critical but stable condition and is receiving treatment.

In the telegram, signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Pope, the Holy Father said his is praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

Condemnation of violence

Expressing his sadness he condemed all forms of violence as a means of resolving crises and conflicts, wishing for the Haitian people a future of fraternal harmony, solidarity and prosperity.

Haitian bishops decry the violence

The Catholic Bishops of Haiti have also condemned the assassination describing it as despicable and unacceptable.

In a note soon after the assassinatio they said the sad event marks an unfortunate turning point in our history as a people, adding that it is unfortunately a result of the deliberate choice of violence by many sectors of the population as a method of survival and resolution of disputes."

Concluding they called for reconciliation and dialogue saying "Violence can only generate violence and lead to hatred. It will never help our country get out of this political impasse."

Developments in Haiti

Meanwhile four assassins who allegedly shot dead Haiti`s President and critically wounded his wife at their home in the Capital Port Au Prince, have themselves been killed by Police, while two more have been arrested.

Haiti`s Police Chief Leon Charles says his officers shot dead four gunmen and detained two more, after they took three of his men hostage. More members of the assassination group are being sought. No names or nationalities are yet being made public.

President Jovenel Moise was assassinated by gunmen who falsely claimed to be Drugs Enforcement Agents. His wife Martine was shot multiple times, but has survived. In critical condition, she`s been airlifted to Miami and is fighting for her life in hospital.

Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who`s declared a State of Siege, is describing the gunmen as mercenaries. He`s condemned their actions as "hateful, inhumane and barbaric." He`s claiming that the situation is under control. Nevertheless, the neighbouring Dominican Republic, has closed its border with Haiti.

Law and order crisis

President Moise started his term in 2017. He should have stood down in February. The United Nations called for free and fair elections, but in spite of widespread protest demonstrations, they`ve yet to happen. A law and order crisis has developed and significantly worsened. Earlier this year, clergy and some of their relatives were kidnapped by a street gang, who demanded a ransom.

This outrage, which appears to have been carefully and ruthlessly planned, has struck right at the heart of Haiti`s fragile democracy, which was already hanging by a thread.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary Tuesday (July 7). VOAs Kane Farabaugh reports on some of the secrets behind the partnership of the longest married presidential couple in U.S. history.
Hundreds of women and girls in Ethiopias Tigray region have reported brutal rapes at the hands of soldiers in a war that is still ongoing, despite last weeks government troop withdrawal. The rape victims who come forward say they are only a small percentage of the women who have been brutalized.
Allegations by various Zimbabwe workers that Chinese companies operating in the country have created slave like working conditions for employees, has created diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

In a recent statement, the Chinese Embassy in Harare accused the largest worker watchdog group, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) of carrying out an organized smear campaign, which it said was damaging Zimbabwe-China relations.

The friendship and cooperation between China and Zimbabwe will not be compromised by defamation or defamation by any individual or force. The move to undermine the good relations between China and Zimbabwe will make us more confident and motivated to develop deep friendships and fruitful corporation between our two countries, the statement read in part.

The ZCTU and the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Union (ZFTU) have named Sunny Yi Feng, a Chinese-owned ceramic tiles company located about 40-kilometers west of Harare as one of the culprits, citing poor pay, over-crowded residences and exposure to dangerous chemicals, causing respiratory complications, as some of the examples of mistreatment.

Added to that are allegations by Collen Guvi, a former worker at another Chinese owned company, Galaxy Plastics in Harare, who told VOA Zimbabwe Service that he lost three fingers at work while manufacturing plastics, but says the owner has refused to compensate him or foot his huge medical bill.

Recounting the accident which took place in February, Guvi said, My hand somehow got entangled and some of my fingers were cut off by the machine. I then went to Suburban Hospital and was told I needed to pay for the surgery to repair the damage. The manager who accompanied me called the owner and who said he did not have that kind of money and I left the hospital without being treated. When I came back to the company premises, he gave me US$50 saying it was enough for the surgery. The next day I went to Parirenyatwa (government hospital), but I was not given money for transport or medication. I needed to pay US$5 a day for dressing wounds. I was not given money to cover that.

Guvi noted that the company eventually barred him from entering the premises.

He told VOA Zimbabwe Service that he then decided to contact the ZFTU, which addresses labor issues, for help in getting his severance pay, but claimed the labor union also took his money.

I then decided to go to the labor union and after a lot of resistance, the owner agreed to give me a gratuity, according to my own estimate, the gratuity was supposed to be about US$1, 176 but what they agreed on after that I do not know, the figure was somehow reduced to US$400. But of that amount, I only got US$166. I then confronted the worker representatives after they again started saying they had received only US$300 and they had deducted their fees for representing me since I was not a member of the union. Attempts to get the money have failed as the union leaders and the employer are not responding to my calls, said Guvi.

Contacted for comment on Guvis claims, the owner of Galaxy Plastics, Xieng Ha, responded via WhatsApp text with a copy of an agreement paper bearing the ZFTU banner as proof of payment of $400.

ZFTU secretary general, Kennias Shamhuyarira, has not responded to the Guvis allegation, but requested a copy of the agreement sent by Galaxy Plastics.

As a follow up to ongoing allegations of malpractice by Chinese companies like Sunny Fi Yeng, Shamhuyarira told VOA Zimbabwe Service that a delegation from the Tripartite Negotiating Forum, comprising business, labor and government had arranged a visit to the Sunny Yi Feng site to investigate alleged labor abuses.

The issue of the Chinese mistreating Zimbabwean workers is a thing of great concern, said Shamhuyarira, adding that the visit is standard practice for such allegations.

So, this is how we handle these issues once they are reported to us just as good as this one, we will be able to act accordingly and promptly.

Meantime, Sunny Yi Feng released a press statement denying allegations of abuse, and accused the ZCTU of fueling tensions with workers.

At first, we welcomed the ZCTU as an organization that had constructive ideas of compliance to the Zimbabwe Labor Act, but later on, their actions turned more of inciting ideas of disgruntlement.

ZCTU secretary general, Japahet Moyo, told VOA Zimbabwe Service that they have received many labor rights abuse reports, with the bulk involving Chinese-owned companies.

As labor, we do not discriminate whether you are Asian or American. We try to assist all workers who are being abused at all companies locally-owned or foreign. We refer them to sector unions, but if we feel it needs government intervention, we engage it. When it comes to alleged abuses at Chinese owned companies, its well documented, there are even several videos circulating on social media of workers being beaten up by employees which is unlawful. The government is aware of these abuses, but we have not seen any serious action being taken yet. But since the government says if there are violations, the law must be followed, we urge all workers to report alleged abuses so that they can be documented and hopefully be resolved amicably.

However, in an interview with VOA Zimbabwe Service, Labor Minister Professor Paul Mavima refuted allegations that government is unwilling to address alleged abuses by some Chinese companies.

On the issue of those being allegedly injured at work and being illtreated by some Chinese companies, we do not dispute that it is happening, said Mavima, adding, we have a labor inspectorate department which monitors companies on compliance on the issue of labor rights. It is a matter that we also discussed in cabinet, I tabled it.

The highest office (president) said all companies that want to invest in Zimbabwe must follow the countrys labor laws, there are no exceptions. When we do these inspections, sometimes we are accompanied by labor representative from the ZFTU, ZCTU and the National Social Authority department of occupational safety and health, to advise companies on what needs to be done. Some employers can be arrested if they endanger workers, and some can be forced to close.

Zimbabwe has increasingly turned to China for financial support after Washington and the European Union imposed targeted sanctions starting in 2003, citing human rights abuses. Political analysts argue that these close ties make it difficult for Harare to censure Chinese companies that violate labor laws. The Chinese are also involved in mining and farming though Harare is not willing to divulge more details on the investments.
Siyabonga Sishi

NKANDLA, South Africa, July 7 (Reuters) - South African former President Jacob Zuma turned himself into 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 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 rural homestead in Nkandla, eastern South Africa, 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.

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
During a debate in the Upper House, on 5 July 2021, Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso was quoted as saying: "If a major incident occurs in Taiwan, its not at all unusual to consider it an existential threat [to Japan]," "In such a case, Japan and the United States will have to work together to defend Taiwan."

The legislation that was pushed through in 2015 to amend the Constitution, allows Japans military to mobilize only if its survival is threatened.

The Peoples Republic of China immediately reacted, accusing Tokyo of interfering in her internal affairs. Last month, when the G7 pledged its military support to Taiwan, China responded by sending 28 fighter planes over the island.

The Pentagon has refrained from any comments considering that Taiwans reintegration as part of a single China would put an end to the civil war from the early twentieth century.

According to the Financial Times, last week the US and Japan conducted joint military exercises and war games as possible preparation for conflict over Taiwan. They were reportedly organized as part of a Pentagon plan developed in 2020, that is, during Donald Trumps mandate.
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A statewide moratorium on disconnecting Vermonters electricity or shutting off their water supply for unpaid utility bills is set to expire July 15, but a second wave of federal coronavirus relief money could help customers catch up.

According to Carol Flint, head of the Department of Public Services consumer affairs division, a second tranche, or portion, of federal relief funds has been allocated to help people out with all manner of utilities.

This allocation to Vermont is $15 million, added to more than $8 million last year.

Its just been the most awful year and a half, Flint said. I hope as this second tranche launches, people will be ready to apply for this.

The new assistance is called Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program and started accepting applications in June. Eligible Vermont tenants can apply for help with up to 12 months of past due or current bills  up to a $10,000 maximum combined total.

Flint said that assistance goes well beyond electric, sewer and water services to include things like wood pellets, back rent, even trash pickup bills. Absent, Flint said, is internet.

The departments home page  publicservice.vermont.gov  is constantly being updated to offer information and links to programs to help. It may become as much of a go-to site as the Health Departments section on COVID-19 updates or the Department of Labors unemployment section. Right now, theres a link to the program, and other assistance programs will be added later.

Our home page is very active, Flint said.

Green Mountain Power, Vermonts largest electric utility, serves the majority of Shelburne  a small portion of the town, at the St. George border, is covered by the Vermont Electric Co-op. According to Green Mountain Power spokesperson Kristin Kelly, the utility has used direct outreach to customers who fell behind on their bills.

Kelly said the power company will extend its moratorium almost two months past the July 15 sunset, ending its moratorium on Sept. 7.

Kristin Kelly Very early on, in March 2020, we voluntarily suspended collections activities, knowing our customers would face financial hardships due to the pandemic shutdown.  Kristin Kelly, Green Mountain Power spokesperson

Very early on, in March 2020, we voluntarily suspended collections activities, knowing our customers would face financial hardships due to the pandemic shutdown, she said Tuesday.

In addition to federal money, Green Mountain Power has a discount for qualified low-income customers, through a partnership with the Department for Children and Families.

Delinquent bills way up

For Vermont utilities, particularly electric departments, the pandemic put a significant dent in their bottom lines, as past due amounts increased significantly with utilities unable to send out disconnect notices.

Flint said she and other public service department officials have heard of individual pandemic-related delinquencies around the state in excess of $10,000.

The Vermont Electric Cooperative serves 32,000 customers in 75 towns, and about half the geographical area of Lamoille County  Morristown, Stowe, Hyde Park and Johnson have their own utilities for at least part of their towns, and Wolcott is fully covered by Hardwick Electric Department.

Increased six-fold According to data compiled by Andrea Cohen, the Co-ops manager of government affairs and member relations, the past-due amount as of mid-June has increased six-fold compared to delinquencies just before the start of the pandemic.

According to data compiled by Andrea Cohen, the Co-ops manager of government affairs and member relations, the past-due amount as of mid-June has increased six-fold compared to delinquencies just before the start of the pandemic.

In February 2020, co-op members had a total of $83,000 in balances that were more than 60 days past due. As of June 14, that sum total was $531,000, a staggering amount compared to previous years, noted the utilitys comments to the Public Utility Commission, calling for an end to the disconnection moratorium.

According to Kelly, Green Mountain Power serves 266,000 customers in 202 towns, 85 percent of them residential accounts. As of this week, roughly 28,500 customers are more than 60 days past due on their accounts. Thats more than double the number of past-due accounts pre-pandemic, when about 13,700 customers owed about $3.9 million.

That sum now? More than $20 million.

Kelly said that figure can often mean more than just late electric bills.

What weve found through this is, if theyre having trouble paying a bill, theyre having trouble doing things like buying food or paying rent, she said.

Push to push back deadline

Although the moratorium on disconnect notices sunsets July 15, it had been recently set to expire June 30, and there was a recent attempt to push it back further. But that received pushback from utilities and the state Public Utility Commission.

On June 11, Vermont Legal Aid and Vermont Public Interest Research Group filed a joint request to extend the moratorium from June 30 to Aug. 31 to allow more time for financial assistance programs to become more readily accessible.

If disconnections occur before the programs can accept and process applications, the goal of preventing disconnection will be thwarted, the request reads. Continuing the moratorium without knowing precisely when both renters and homeowners will have access to assistance is undeniably frustrating for everyone. However, the fact remains that, as of this writing, these programs are not yet fully accessible.

The Public Utility Commission denied that request, but did extend the moratorium two more weeks, plus added a requirement that when it is lifted, there must be consumer protections in place.

Vermont Electric Cooperative filed comments with the Public Utility Commission June 14 in favor of setting a near-term end date for the moratorium. In its presentation, the co-op said when the moratorium was lifted for a month and a half last fall, the number of payment arrangements increased.

The lifting of the moratorium will have a beneficial effect on member engagement and the development of sustainable payment arrangements, the presentation states.

The co-op also laid out steps it will take going forward  notifying customers about any assistance programs; allowing more flexible, long-term payment arrangements for past-due balances built up during the pandemic; and then, ultimately taking the steps to disconnect customers who dont get onto a payment plan or who break their arrangement.

Special circumstances We believe a thoughtful and compassionate transition can accommodate special circumstances and ensure that members access available and new supports.  Vermont Electric Cooperative

We believe a thoughtful and compassionate transition can accommodate special circumstances and ensure that members access available and new supports, the utility noted in its presentation.

We appreciate that these are unprecedented times and the pandemic has imposed severe financial and other stresses on so many in our community. We will continue to work on behalf of all our members in the hope of ensuring a successful path forward.

Green Mountain Power filed comments with the Public Utility Commission June 14 in favor of lifting the moratorium, but outlined a four-phase approach that focuses on residential customers, small commercial customers, dairy farms and a handful of large customers with large past-due balances.

The first phase, which wrapped up June 30, was all about outreach to customers with outstanding balances, providing information on how to apply for assistance.

The second phase, running from the beginning of July through the end of October, deals with the Sept. 7 ending of its disconnect moratorium. The comments note the power company will not pursue disconnection of any customer who has applied for and is awaiting a decision on any state or federal assistance.

On Aug. 1, the utility will restart collection efforts on any closed accounts.

Phase three goes from November through March and involves the utility working under traditional winter disconnection rules to help customers reduce their outstanding balances.

Finally, starting next April, the utility will work to get customers overdue balances back to as close to normal pre-pandemic levels as possible.

The goal is to get that done by the end of 2022.
On-site COVID tests, QR code chaos, and bare faces inside make for an eventful pandemic-era film festival. Photo: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images

How much saliva can you produce in 30 seconds? I admit, this is not a question I had ever asked myself prior to this week, but that was before I came to Cannes for its 74th annual film festival and found myself taking a COVID test via saliva sample every 48 hours, and finding out the answer was: not enough. For those of you familiar with the more jarring nostril-based method, the process goes like this. You move your mouth around for half a minute, like youre chewing without food. This produces saliva, which goes into a test tube. How many times do you have to do this to obtain the required 1 mL sample size? For me, it was three. Not the worst 90 seconds of spit-swapping Ive ever had, but also, not the best.

For American attendees of the 2021 Festival de Cannes, the French event has become an odyssey of spit. The noun, that is; not the verb. Never the verb! Spitting introduces bubbles into the equation, bubbles that increase the volume of your sample and fool you into thinking you have provided the requisite amount of saliva, when in reality you have not. What you are supposed to do is gently drool into the vial, letting the spit escape your lips like a lovers whisper. Thankfully, there are signs that explain all this.

Wash your hands. Photo: Nate Jones

Cannes has always loved a hierarchy, to sort and select among the thousands of supplicants who arrive at the Riviera each year. Indeed, thats part of the whole Cannes experience for journalists, to find out whether you are a striving Pink or a humble Blue. So the news of how the festival would handle the COVID era was a reveal I awaited as anxiously as the full competition slate. Think of the opportunities to categorize  masked or unmasked, vaxd or unvaxd, friendly neighbors from Europe or embarrassing cousins from overseas.

Before Cannes began, rumors swirled among the U.S. press and industry that the festival would not be accepting the American vaccines. This turned out to be true: For the purposes of Cannes, any attendee who lacks an EU Digital COVID Certificate must be treated as functionally unvaccinated. Even the Excelsior Pass, which Andrew Cuomo worked so hard on, doesnt count! Thus the saliva tests, which, as the festivals press office cheerily promised, would be completely free of charge to both French and foreigners, and totally painless to boot. Take one every two days and youre allowed access to the Palais, the festival HQ thats home to press conferences, maps and schedules, and sweet, sweet Wi-Fi  provided you test negative, of course.

This is easier than it sounds. To embark upon this journey is to enter what a film critic might call a darkly comic satire of contemporary techno-dystopia. You cant just walk in and get tested; you need to pre-register online to obtain a QR code. Click the official link provided by the festival, and youll often get a malware warning. (The trick, people say, is to use Safari.) Once you manage to take the test, you should receive your results in an email, but you can only download them as long as you have the password. The password should be the first four digits of your last name and your birthdate in DD/MM/YYYY style, though that doesnt always work. If it doesnt, dont fret: A few hours later youll get another email with the results, which youll access through the web site. You dont get a malware warning this time, but you will have to sign in using two-step verification. Dont get the code sent to your phone number, it simply will not arrive. Instead, have it sent to your email. Arent you already in your email app, and wont leaving it mess up the sign-in process? Yes. Thats why its important to have your computer nearby. Youll get the code on your laptop and enter it on your phone. This will let you finally download the PDF with your results. By this point, its been around 24 hours since your test, which means you get to do it all again tomorrow.

The writer and his spit. Photo: Nate Jones

I can hear the sound of tiny violins playing as I type, so I will add that it is of course very nice to be here. The movies are good and the people are beautiful. I suspect there wouldnt be half as much grumbling from the American contingent if there was a sense that standards were equally strict for everyone, which  welcome to Cannes. Or if they made any sense in general. Why test for access to the Palais, but not access to the actual theaters? Masks are technically required in all indoor settings  many signs mandate as much  nonetheless mask-wearing in theater remains spotty. One example of the chaos that has ensued: As the cast of Annette marched into the Grand Theater Lumiere for Tuesdays opening-night screening, they huddled briefly outside the door, unsure of the protocol. Marion Cotillard fiddled with a mask, but was seemingly persuaded it was unnecessary. They all strode in, bare-faced, among thousands of strangers. In the audience, the vast majority of the leading lights of European arts and culture were sans masks, too. When Cotillard, the worlds most famous moon-landing skeptic, is the only person taking sensible precautions, you know youre in trouble.

(Its worth noting however that at the Annette press screening I attended, almost everyone wore masks, as did roughly 95 percent of the audience at Wednesday nights premiere of Todd Hayness Velvet Underground documentary. And before the lights went down at the press screening for Val, a staffer tapped a maskless guy two seats over and politely told him to put one on. So maybe it was just opening-night fever?)

I could say more, particularly about Canness new pandemic-era digital ticketing process, which has worked well enough for me, but has inspired so much anger elsewhere that I spied one reporter angrily informing festival staffers that he and his colleagues were about to rise up in revolt. But Ive got to go  another date with the saliva vial awaits. Dont you miss the days when the only drooling journalists at Cannes were on the red carpet?
China is not slowing down with its historic tech crackdown.

After hitting at ride-hailing company Didi once the firm went public in the United States, Chinese regulators this week piled even more pressure on the country's tech champions. Authorities announced a slew of anti-monopoly fines on Wednesday, as well as promises to "regulate the irregularities" among payments firms on Thursday.

Investors have been spooked by all of the turmoil. Chinese tech stocks in Hong Kong took a beating on Thursday, contributing to hundreds of billions of dollars in losses that have been mounting for months.

A bunch of antitrust fines

The latest concerns unfolded Wednesday when China's antitrust regulator fined several internet companies  including Didi, Alibaba and Tencent  over accusations that they violated the country's Anti-Monopoly Law while making mergers or acquisitions over the last 10 years, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The regulator said the companies didn't seek approval for the deals, which could have improperly increased the amount of control the firms had over the marketplace.

SAMR investigated 22 merger and acquisition deals  some of them from as far back as 2011  and fined the companies 500,000 yuan ($77,174) for each case. That's the maximum amount allowed by the law concerning such practices.

Those are still incredibly small fines, especially compared with the record $2.8 billion punishment levied on Alibaba earlier this year, when regulators accused the firm of behaving like a monopoly.

But they do come in the wake of a particularly bad run for Chinese tech, including Didi  which was banned from app stores in China on Sunday over a cybersecurity probe. The company was involved in eight of the 22 deals. Alibaba is involved in six.

The rest of the deals belong to Tencent, e-commerce site Suning.com, and food delivery app Meituan.

CNN Business has reached out to the companies for comment on the fines.

The move, which was announced late Wednesday afternoon, hammered tech shares in Hong Kong on Thursday. The Hang Seng Tech Index, which tracks the 30 largest tech firms listed in Hong Kong, tumbled 3.7% to its lowest level since October. Meituan sank 6.4%. Alibaba and Tencent slid 4.1% and 3.7%, respectively.

That contributed to what has been hundreds of billions of dollars lost in market value since Beijing stepped up the crackdown late last year. Alibaba, Tencent, and Meituan have seen a combined $710 billion evaporate in market cap from their peaks.

Regulating 'irregularities'

Separately, China's central bank said Thursday that it will ensure further regulation of Chinese payments companies, referencing its recent, massive overhaul of Ant Group.

"Monopolistic practices do not only exist in Ant Group, but also in other institutions. We will implement the measures that we took against Ant Group on other payment service entities," Fan Yifei, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, said in a press conference on Thursday in Beijing.

"We will continue to regulate the irregularities in the payment market."

The latest regulatory actions suggest Beijing's drive to rein in the country's sprawling tech sector might be far from over.

Late last week, authorities unexpectedly launched a probe into Didi and soon ordered it to be removed from app stores, accusing it of violating laws about data collection and use. It pummeled Didi's shares in New York just days after its $4.4 billion IPO, knocking off some $29 billion from its market value.

Beijing began tightening the screws on some of the country's tech champions late last year. In early November, regulators shelved an IPO for Jack Ma's Ant Group at the last minute. Since then, they have investigated a slew of companies, including Alibaba, Tencent, and Meituan, for alleged monopolistic behavior or breaches of customer rights.

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Rose Long Face was 18 years old when she was taken to the first government-run boarding school for Indigenous children in the United States. Within two years, she died and never returned home.

More than 140 years have passed since the Lakota girl and at least eight other children and young adults with ties to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe who attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. It was part of a campaign to assimilate Native children into White American culture.

For six years, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, also known as Sicangu Lakota, negotiated the return of the remains of 11 children and young adults who have been buried there for generations. Next week, the remains of nine of those children will arrive in South Dakota, just as officials in the US and Canada confront the countries' grim history of Indigenous boarding schools.

"It was a government model... basically, eradicate the Indian in you and replace it with a White man way of thinking," said Rodney Bordeaux, president of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. "'Take the Indian on and save the child' was kind of the talk back then."

"What they forgot is the real resiliency of who we are, how we came about, how we survived and how we're continuing to survive," he added.

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School was the first off-reservation boarding school for Native American children, and was built on the abandoned Carlisle Barracks, according to the National Museum of the American Indian and the US Army War College. The college now occupies the site.

The exhumation, announced last month, is the US Army's fourth disinterment project at Carlisle Barracks, after the Army moved human remains to the post's cemetery from the school's in 1927.

The deceased are among more than 10,000 students, spanning about 50 tribes, who were brought from across the US to the school until it closed in 1918.

The nine children and young adults are part of the more than 180 students buried on the Carlisle Barracks Post Cemetery in named and unnamed burials, according to the Office of Army Cemeteries.

The students were between the ages of 12 and 18 when they arrived at the school, said Russell Eagle Bear, a council member in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Their names, according to the Office of Army Cemeteries, are: Dennis Strikes First (Blue Tomahawk); Rose Long Face (Little Hawk); Lucy Take The Tail (Pretty Eagle); Warren Painter (Bear Paints Dirt); Ernest Knocks Off (White Thunder); Maud Little Girl (Swift Bear); Alvan, aka Roaster, Kills Seven Horses, One That Kills Seven Horses; Friend Hollow Horn Bear; and Dora Her Pipe (Brave Bull).

While some remains have been returned to their families and tribes in recent years, the remains of more than 100 people are still buried on the former school grounds, the OAC said.

It's unclear which tribes the rest of the children came from "due to poor record- keeping by the Indian Bureau during the operation of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School," the OAC said in a statement.

A group of teens fought for the repatriation

Malorie Arrow was a teenager when she and a few other members of the tribe's youth council made a stop on the grounds of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School after a 2015 trip to a conference in Washington, DC.

"It wasn't until we got to the grave sites that... till we got to the parking lot of the grave sites that we all started crying...like we all started crying, we all felt the energy there," said 22-year-old Arrow.

That visit sparked a movement within the tribe, led by youth members on that trip who began asking their elders why they couldn't just bring the children home, said Akichita Cikala Hoksila Eagle Bear, 23, another member of the youth council.

"We got tired of waiting for someone to be our advocate so we had to become our own advocate. We saw a change that we needed so we became the change," said Asia Ista Gi Win Black Bull, 21, a youth council member.

"One little spark of the youth group, visiting Carlisle sparked a whole (Lakota) nation down here," she added.

Next week, a delegation of relatives, tribal leaders and members of the youth council will travel with the remains as they made their journey to the reservation.

Tribal members will then hold a ceremony near the Missouri River, which is the place where officials believe the children took a steamboat and began their trip to Pennsylvania, said Eagle Bear, the historic preservation officer said.

"That's the last time they saw their parents and relatives, not knowing where they were going or what was happening to them," he said.

After relatives and tribe members pay their respects and pray for the children during a wake, the remains of seven of them will be buried at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Veterans Cemetery and two in their family's land, according to Eagle Bear.

US officials will investigate more boarding schools

The children's homecoming is an opportunity for their descendants to heal but also a realization of how many more children are left to be found, Indigenous rights advocates and tribal members say.

Last month, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced the launch of an initiative to investigate the Native American boarding schools that forced assimilation in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Department of Interior will review its past oversight of the school program, assess how it has impacted generations of families and identify boarding school facilities and burial sites across the country, Haaland said.

The initiative was announced weeks after the discovery of unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools in Canada, renewing attention to the systemic abuse of Indigenous communities on both sides of the border.

While the unmarked graves discovered in recent weeks were in Canada, Christine Diindiisi McCleave, chief executive of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, says similar discoveries could also take place in the US.

"If you look at the numbers here from the United States, we had twice as many schools. You can basically just estimate that our numbers will be double what they found in Canada," McCleave said.

Because the coalition has been working for more than a decade in collecting records for the more than 300 boarding schools across the country, McCleave says federal authorities are taking on a challenging task.

For McCleave, the recent discoveries of unmarked graves have brought up pain and trauma for many Indigenous communities, reminding them of their families' grief and how they lost their language and culture over the years.

As the Sicangu Lakota prepare for the children's homecoming, they know there's much more to be done.

"This is the very start of the fire," Black Bull says. There are many children that remain unaccounted for and many former boarding schools that should be investigated, she said.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly characterized Russel Eagle Bear's role in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He is a council member.

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A Decatur company has informed the Alabama Commerce Department that it plans to lay off 62 employees.

National Packaging Company will start the layoffs on Aug. 7, said Pam Werstler, the companys human resources consultant. She also said a rapid response team with the Alabama Commerce Department will be at the company next week to speak with and help employees.

She said the layoffs are part of a restructuring of the food packaging company.

The company will have 94 employees after the layoffs, Werstler said.
The city of Decatur is planning to use some of its $10.8 million in CARES Act funding to improve infrastructure in the area.

"This is a once in a lifetime event for a city to get this kind of funding," Decatur City Council President Jacob Ladner said.

He's excited for Decatur's future.

"I think if we don't grow by 10,000 to 20,000 residents in the next 5-10 years we have not taken advantage of what's going on here in North Alabama," Ladner said. "We're ready to capitalize on that and get people to Decatur."

However, before they can grow.

"I think investing in future infrastructure growth is the most important thing we can do," Ladner said.

City council members say one of the areas they're focusing on is near Highway 20. They say the area already shows a lot of promise of growth, but before that can happen the city will have to expand its sewage system.

"I think it will attract a lot of development and a lot of growth," Ladner said.

City council member Carlton McMasters says sewage is a bare necessity not an incentive. Ladner has seen that first hand.

"Whenever a developer comes, they want to know do you have sewer in these spots," Ladner explained.

But before they spend any of the $10.8 million, they're waiting for final guidance from the federal government to make sure it can be used for their project.

"We really need to make sure we spend this money wisely according to the guidance and take advantage of the opportunity," Ladner said.

That way the city of Decatur will be prepared for the incoming growth.

"I think investing in future infrastructure, especially if sewer expansion is allowed, is definitely something we need to do, so that when development is coming we are ready for it," Ladner said.

It's still unclear when the city will receive the final guidance on how to use the funds. The city has until the end of 2024 to obligate the funds and until 2026 to spend the money.

Earlier this year, the Decatur City Council approved a $165 million plan to fix the city's current sewer lines over the next decade. It's in order to prevent overflows that were seen during heavy rains last year. None of the current CARES Act funding will be used towards this project since the funding can only be used for new infrastructure projects.
The Sparkman High School family is mourning the loss of one of its own.

Jayceon Sims, who completed Sparkman Ninth Grade Academy and was preparing to start at Sparkman High School, died July 4.

The Sparkman Ninth Grade family is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, Jayceon Sims, said Tim Hall, Madison County schools spokesman.

We offer the Sims Family our deepest and most sincere condolences.

A balloon release will be held in Jayceons honor at 7:30 p.m. Friday at New Life Seventh-day Adventist Worship Center, 3912 Pulaski Pike, Huntsville.

His funeral is Sunday, according to his obituary. You can leave you condolences for the family HERE

The family tells WAAY 31 that Jayceon died from injuries received in an accident involving an ATV.
An Owens Cross Roads man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison on gun and drug charges.

Norman David Ray Fischer, 41, was sentenced to 211 months (17 years and 7 months) in prison on Wednesday.

In March, Fischer pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Abdul K. Kallon to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a news release.

As this sentence demonstrates, drug-dealing felons with guns face stiff penalties under federal law, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona said in the news release.

ATFs Crime Gun Intelligence partnerships with the Madison County Sheriffs Office and the U.S. Attorneys Office focuses on the devastating impact of firearms violence and works with the entire community to reduce the potential for violent crime, said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.

The ATF investigated the case along with the Madison County Sheriffs Department Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher prosecuted the case.
Thursday, officials announced no fans will be allowed to attend the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

The news impacts stand out North Alabama native and long jumper Quanesha Burks who has qualified for her first games this year.

Quanesha Burks (Image from her Twitter account) Quanesha Burks (Image from her Twitter account)

Not the ideal Olympics that you would like to attend, but I just went with it on a good show and right now I cant control," Burks said.

"I definitely miss it but honestly my hometown is my support group and I know theyre going to be cheering me on leading up to the Olympics and that right there is enough, Burks said.

Burks Graduated from Hartselle High School in 2013 and headed to the University of Alabama. She qualified in the long jump for Team USA.

Burks will fly out of the USA on July 24th and will compete on August 1st & 3rd.
A Boaz hero who died in defense of his country is finally coming home.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Thursday that Navy Fireman 2nd Class Ralph C. Battles, 25, of Boaz, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Feb. 12, 2021.

Officials used DNA testing and anthropological analysis to identify Battles.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Battles was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft, according to a news release from Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Battles.

Battles will be buried on Aug. 28 in Boaz, almost 80 years after his death.

More from the release:

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nuuanu Cemeteries.

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Battles.

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS Oklahoma Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

To identify Battles remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis.

Battles name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

DPAA is grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of the Navy for their partnership in this mission.
The new KMUN translator in Cannon Beach has finally found it's new home and strength in Cannon Beach. You will now find KMUN at 89.3FM in the Cannon Beach area. The signal should be very strong and clear, as the radio waves are transmitting at 250 watts instead of the 10 watts provided by the old transmitter which was located in a barn, surrounded by trees, east of the highway, in midtown.

The new translator site is at the north end of town, well above the inundation zone atop a 50' tower that is much closer to the tops of the surrounding trees. Beyond KMUNs more powerful broadcast antenna, the tower will also accommodate radio antennas for local HAM, GMRS and City of Cannon Beach emergency radios. Strong emergency communication capacity is a big priority for KMUN.

The success of this project was made possible through the extensive collaboration of KMUN staff and volunteers, City of Cannon Beach employees, members of the Sunset Empire Amateur Radio Club (SEARC) and local contractors. This project received financial support from the Oregon Community Foundation, MJ Murdock Charitable Trust, Pacific Power Foundation and Cannon Beach community members.
Decatur, IL (62521)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW 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 90%.
Decatur, IL (62521)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. 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 90%.
General Motors is recalling more than 331,000 diesel pickup trucks in the U.S. for a second time because the engine block heater cords can short circuit and cause fires. The recall covers certain 2017 through 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 pickups with 6.6-liter diesel engines and optional engine block heaters. GM says in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that shorts can develop in the heater cord or terminals that connect the cable to the block heater.
President Biden should offer Jerome H. Powell a second term as chair of the Federal Reserve to preserve policy stability as the U.S. economy recovers from the pandemic, said former Fed vice chair Alan Blinder. Jay Powell, I think, has done a really outstanding job at the Fed, and if President Biden was asking me  which he isnt  I would advise to keep Jay Powell in place, he said Wednesday on Bloomberg Television. Powell, whose term expires in February, has so far deflected questions in public on whether he would stay in the job if asked, while leaving the impression intact that he would welcome another four years at the Feds helm.
OPECs obituary has been written numerous times over the past few decades, only for the organization to rise up again. The OPEC+ alliance it formed with non-members had seemed irretrievably broken when the 2020 price war erupted, yet it too is still standing. While the UAE made veiled threats last year about quitting OPEC, analysts widely expect this latest confrontation will be resolved in the coming weeks. But it could foreshadow future conflicts that eventually test the alliance to breaking point. The UAEs urge to deploy its new production capacity quickly may reflect concern that time is running out for fossil fuels, as the world transitions to low-carbon energy. If the switch to electric vehicles and renewable energy brings global oil demand to a plateau, OPEC+ nations may decide to break from the alliance and pump all they can.
Scientists pay the most attention to mutations in the gene that encodes the viruss spike protein, which plays a key role in its entry into cells and is targeted by vaccines. The four variants of concern all carry multiple mutations affecting the spike protein. That raises questions about whether people who have developed antibodies to the regular or wild type strain -- either from a vaccine or from having recovered from Covid -- will be able to fight off the new variants. In most instances, the variants of concern do lead to a reduction in vaccine effectiveness of varying degrees, though the shots mostly retain their ability to protect against severe disease, according to the WHO. University of Florida researchers found that for the Covid vaccines being rolled out on a global scale, the alpha strain led to somewhat reduced efficacy compared with the wild strain, while the beta and gamma variants led to considerably lower efficacy, they said in a paper released in May ahead of peer-review, in which research is scrutinized by experts in the same field before publication. As for delta, data from Public Health England indicate that vaccines are less effective at preventing symptomatic disease compared with alpha, especially after only one dose.
Some 56% of the countrys 31 million people are ethnic Malay (defined in the constitution as Muslim), and another 13% belong to other indigenous groups, according to 2019 estimates from the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Collectively they are known as bumiputera, or sons of the soil. There are also large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities who are Christian, Buddhist and Hindu. Government policies give preferential treatment to bumiputera, traditionally seen as disenfranchised, in such areas as public-sector jobs, housing and higher education. Critics say the preferences have fostered cronyism and a dependence on state handouts and have prompted many educated minorities to look for work overseas, draining the economy of talent. But they are something of a third rail in Malaysias polarized politics. Mahathirs appointment of Lim Guan Eng as finance minister, the first ethnic Chinese to hold the post in over four decades, sowed suspicion among Malay nationalists that their benefits would be eroded, costing the coalition support.
Mutu has said that the first conversation all of us have is with our mother, when we are still in utero. (In dedicating a recent talk she gave at the Legion of Honor to her mother, she said: She sculpted me.) So the question, posed by speaker to listener, could be imagined as having to do with the passing on of wisdom from mother to daughter, or more broadly from one generation to the next. It could also, of course, be a question asked of any dominant culture by any oppressed, silenced or subjugated culture.
One way to keep tabletops uncluttered is to add vertical shelves for knickknacks, photos and more. Sometimes it helps to get those things off of your surfaces and put them up on the wall, Hill-Mattauszek says. She recommends installing two or more of these Burrow Index wall shelves ($325 each, westelm.com). Available in a white, walnut or oak finish, the units can be grouped horizontally or vertically to create as much storage as needed.
Meanwhile, some whistleblowers just seem to get more love than others. And some of that love seems to take time. Daniel Ellsberg, reviled when he was first revealed as the source of the Pentagon Papers, is being hailed as a folk hero upon the 50th anniversary of their publication. Edward Snowden is a household name, the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary and best-selling book. Chelsea Manning and Reality Winner became causes celebres, while Jeffrey Wigand and Karen Silkwood became Hollywood heroes.
Studies examining the use of warning labels that alert viewers to doctored images, including those focused on young people, have not been encouraging. Researchers in Austria worked with adolescents to develop a disclaimer for photos, then tested the effect of the disclaimer on another small group of similarly aged participants. They concluded that the method is a rather unsuccessful way of disclosing the lack of realism of media images for tweens and teens, according to results published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Children and Media.
Authorities arrested 19 people, charging them with various drug offenses, after a four-month undercover operation, Prince William County police said Friday.

Police said investigators zeroed in on illegal drugs available to teens and young adults throughout the county.

The operation, which authorities dubbed Growing Pains, began in February and focused on younger drug abusers, a police department statement said. Investigators executed four search warrants, in Bristow, Woodbridge, Manassas and Gainesville. During the operation, they found cocaine, LSD, psilocybin (more commonly known as magic mushrooms), Xanax, marijuana, concentrated marijuana wax and a handgun.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for 26 people. As of Friday, 19 were in custody. Authorities were searching for the others.

During the arrests, those who wanted to address their substance abuse were given help, the statement said. The practice of offering counseling after arrests also was used in a county drug operation last year called Dragon Slayer. In that operation, 53 people were arrested in 19 raids, and six took the help.

Prince William police, who worked with Manassas and Manassas Park authorities, said they hope the operation serves as a reminder to parents that they should not underestimate the prevalence of illegal drug use among teens and young adults.
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Miss Allen, who went by Fay, had emigrated to Britain in 1962 after the death of her father, whom she had looked after for years. Her mother died much earlier. In England, she trained and qualified as a nurse in Britains publicly funded National Health Service, then worked at a geriatric hospital in London for almost six years looking after the elderly or incurably ill.
U.S. Marines occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934, ostensibly to protect American lives and property there, and establishing a pattern of U.S. responsibility for the country. In the Marines wake, a succession of dictatorships and military rulers took power, leading to repeated U.S. suspensions of aid. In 1994, after the Clinton administration sent U.S. warships and troops to restore an ousted president to power, the flow of aid was restored.
Former airman Devin Kelley was convicted of domestic assault years before he opened fire during Sunday morning services, killing more than two dozen people. That military conviction would have prevented him from passing the background check for buying guns, but the Air Force never submitted his criminal record or fingerprints to the FBI, despite having an obligation  and multiple opportunities to do so, according to U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez.
In fact, the crux of the courts decision is that it is imperative to uphold prosecutorial hubris. In the courts telling, about six weeks after Constand first complained to police about Cosby, Castor made the judgment that Cosby was not getting prosecuted at all ever. He never met with or consulted Constand before deciding that her rapist would not be prosecuted no matter what. When Castor issued a news release stating that he would not take Cosby to trial, he did so with the intent to act as the sovereign Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and with the belief that he had the power to remove for all time the possibility of prosecution. In the courts view, Castors confidence in his supreme authority was not misplaced: Indeed, the court declared, its own job was not to question, but to uphold, the prosecutors vast and widely recognized power.
Let me ask those who want us to stay: How many more  how many thousands more Americans, daughters and sons  are you willing to risk? Biden said from the East Room of the White House, standing in front of the flags of the U.S. military branches. I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome.
Hunter Bidens case is much less far-reaching, but experts said it still must be scrutinized. None of this gets close to the magnitude of the Trump problem, Painter said. But that doesnt mean they shouldnt do everything they can to not create the appearance that people are buying art just to ingratiate themselves with the Biden family.
I do not think this president wants history to say that in his presidency, there was the continued weakening of voting rights for people that put him and Vice President Harris in office, he said on MSNBC. He can effectively try to use his power as the chief executive of this country  one with the bully pulpit, two with dealing with Democrats and trying to talk about whether they should go around that 60-vote necessity to really dealing with voting rights.
For a brokerage, the benefit of an office exclusive is the higher probability that the sale will be handled on both ends by an agent within the same company. That way, the brokerage earns the full commission for the transaction rather than just the buyers agents fee or the listing agents fee. Brokerages compete for listings and for buyers in every market, and some use office exclusives as a marketing tool to entice buyers to work with their agents. Some sellers prefer an office exclusive because they are privately marketed rather than allowing anyone to see photos and the price of their home.
Our very existence as members of SASAC puts us at risk. Many of us know those risks all too well from prior brushes with Hindutva hate that have imperiled us and our families. In an effort to balance security concerns with our desire, as academics and activists, for transparency, we name some of the members of our collective with their permission. Both those named and those unnamed stand in solidarity and with the conviction that knowledge and true inclusion are values well worth defending.
The CDF document, approved by Francis, seemed to be an attempt to rein in the discussions taking place in Germany known as the Synodal Path  a series of conferences involving local bishops and laity that has taken a progressive line on questions regarding sexuality and power structures in the Catholic Church. But LGBTQ Catholics in other countries regarded it as a gratuitous slap, and despite the ban from the Vatican, some German clergy have continued to bless same-sex couples.
The spat first popped Friday when a letter from the Russian distribution center of Moet Hennessy, the French maker of venerable names such as Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon champagnes, leaked on Facebook. In the letter, Moet informed its Russian clients that it had suspended deliveries of all champagne to the country because it had not confirmed whether it would change its labels to say sparkling wine for the Russian market.
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 thats not possible because theres effectively no current legislature: The terms of the lower house members have all expired as well as two-thirds of those in the Senate.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem that is under Jordanian custodianship. He also said it would be a war crime to evict Palestinian families from their homes in east Jerusalem. Both issues fueled tensions that helped ignite an 11-day war in Gaza between Israel and the territorys militant Hamas rulers in May.
In January 2020, he told me if you really want to go back to the Philippines, just pay the $500 and you can go back in a week, recounted Ortega. She said she was told that the money was to pay for immigration fines, but that this did not happen. In October, the same staff member requested Ortega pay another $200, she said. The Post has seen the receipts she was provided by the staff member for these payments.
The elephants attracted nationwide attention after they left the reserve in Yunnan province last year and walked more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) north. They reached the outskirts of Kunming, a major city, before turning south again, but still are far from the reserve.
Washington, IN (47501)

Today

Becoming partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Marisa Mecke is a Report for America corps member for Mountain Times Publications. Report for America is a national nonprofit service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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.
Our next step will be to focus on taking action in relation to the insights, the spokesperson said. We are being open and transparent about the results with our staff and will make sure there is ongoing communication, up and down the organisation and through a variety of communications channels. We recognise there are areas for improvement just as there are areas in which we are performing strongly. The survey did also show that staff felt able to be themselves at work and were treated with respect, with positive reports for their direct managers and higher scoring results for physical safety and work process. Yet $25 million in job terminations have left many shaken, particularly in the face of potential litigation, with some termination contracts including a deed of settlement forbidding dismissed staff from disclosing the terms or existence of the deed.

Times Higher Education had contract wording that WAtoday has also seen and confirmed with sources which showed Murdoch Universitys gag clauses prohibited harmful statements by the employee that were likely to injure the universitys commercial reputation. Loading Further, WAtoday has obtained a contract that included the confidentiality obligation that upon termination, privileges may be revoked without notice for ... any behaviour deemed to be against the best interests of the university. Non-disclosure agreements are considered common practice legally yet they add a further layer to any attempts by senior management to quell whistleblowing and information sharing. The National Tertiary Education Union called Murdoch one of the most litigious universities in Australia after it twice sued a previous NTEU division secretary and an NTEU staff member during the last round of enterprise bargaining, including for organising protests.

It also took academic senate member Gerd Schroeder Turk to court in 2019 in a failed attempt to sue for millions of dollars after he blew the whistle on the universitys intake of foreign students who didnt meet basic English literacy standards. Murdoch University has an extraordinary hypersensitivity to external scrutiny, transparency and any criticism, NTEUs then WA secretary, Jonathan Hallett, said at the time. In recent years, it has spent enormous sums in seeking to use the legal system to suppress scrutiny, transparency and criticism. A federal Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency investigation found Murdoch breached their own policies over admissions and the re-registration of the university as a TEQSA provider has been limited to four years rather than the usual seven. Fearful and lonely

Of the 700 professional staff and 456 academics who took part in the staff survey in May, 190 were casually employed with very little afforded workplace protections. Less than half of the 1100-odd staff agreed their workload was manageable, or the stress attached to that workload. I am so sick of Murdochs business model negatively affecting my education. Murdoch student Only one third believed the universitys processes enabled them to effectively meet student needs, with similar results for meeting the needs of outside clients, and internal stakeholders/colleagues. For students, responses seemed to indicate that students were not enthusiastic about the changes to face-to-face learning, the price of units and their learning experience during COVID-19, the guild survey summarised.

Of the 684 students surveyed about their welfare, 73 per cent reported they were struggling to focus on studies, with 59 per cent reporting their course doesnt feel as valuable while studying online and about 54 per cent were struggling to manage their course workload. The vast majority of students surveyed over two weeks in May were in their second and third years, while about 18 per cent were in their first year and 13 per cent in their final years. Nearly all were domestic students, with only 114 international students participating. A Murdoch University guild survey of students undertaken into the impacts of COVID-19 on study. About 72 per cent said they were feeling unmotivated and 68 per cent were feeling stressed. Almost 80 per cent placed their studies as being of the greatest concern, even above finances and mental wellbeing.

And less than 16 per cent found online learning engaging. Among the most damning comments submitted by students included one by a PhD researcher who said the general atmosphere on campus was fearful and lonely. We motivate and encourage one another when facing challenges but this is not the same online because you cannot be too intimate in exchanging personal information with friends online, they said. The atmosphere on campus is like a ghost town and does not feel like being at university. Others complained that online lectures were too difficult to follow over three hours with no opportunity for questions and not all units had tutorials and workshops.

Many said they were missing out on practical components of their degrees and they werent getting adequate education online for what they were paying for. Loading I am so sick of Murdochs business model negatively affecting my education, one student said. The lack of physical labs makes some of my units worthless yet because I am due to graduate I will not be allowed to do the make-up labs scheduled for a later date. But I guess Im still on the hook for the fees for these units even though they were basically worthless to me.
Locked down NSW residents will be able to access Commonwealth coronavirus support without having to run down their bank accounts after the federal government announced it would axe an assets test from the third week of the lockdown.

Only people with less than $10,000 in liquid assets were previously eligible to access the payments but Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that would change from Thursday for the inner Sydney areas that faced restrictions first, followed by the rest of Greater Sydney by Sunday.

People unable to work because of the lockdown are eligible for the federal government payments. Credit:Louise Kennerley

More than 67,000 NSW residents have already applied for federal coronavirus disaster payments of up to $500 a week as the Morrison government resists calls from the state for a revival of the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme.

Claims for Victorias lockdown closed on Friday, by which time data from Government Services Minister Linda Reynolds office showed there had been more than 75,410 claims from residents with 57,730 granted. They totalled $26,593,575 with a small number to be finalised.
Breonna Taylor, 26, was shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police officers serving a search warrant at her apartment on March 13, 2020. Nothing illegal was found at Taylor's apartment, and none of the officers who fired shots into the residence were charged in connection to her death.
The scene of a shooting on July 8, 2021 in the 200 block of South 23rd Street in Louisville's Russell neighborhood.
Reporter

I cover a range of stories for WDRB, but really enjoy tracking what's going on at our State Capitol. I grew up on military bases all over the world, but am a Kentuckian at heart. I'm an EKU alum, and have lived in Louisville for 30 years.
Traveling to a US National Park this summer? These are the odds of dying during a visit
The Russian military on Friday launched sweeping maneuvers in the Mediterranean Sea featuring warplanes capable of carrying hypersonic missiles, a show of force amid a surge in tensions following an incident with a British destroyer in the Black Sea.


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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
At stop lights or freeway on and off ramps, youve probably seen people holding signs and asking for money. It can be tempting to hand over your spare change, but next time you may want to think twice.
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The global death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 4 million Wednesday as the crisis increasingly becomes a race between the vaccine and the highly contagious delta variant.

The tally of lives lost over the past year and a half, as compiled from official sources by Johns Hopkins University, is about equal to the number of people killed in battle in all of the world's wars since 1982, according to estimates from the Peace Research Institute Oslo.

The toll is three times the number of people killed in traffic accidents around the globe every year. It is about equal to the population of Los Angeles or the nation of Georgia. It is equivalent to more than half of Hong Kong or close to 50% of New York City.

The spread of the Delta coronavirus variant in the United States has many experts questioning whether it should be time to start testing even vaccinated people for the virus.

Although health officials have said evidence shows vaccinated people are unlikely to spread the virus to others, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, says it may be important to watch to make sure the more transmissible Delta variant does not evade the effects of vaccines.

Coronavirus concerns plague the Olympics, and some pockets of the U.S. are seeing more cases and considering reverting to mask requirements.
Atlantis thundered into orbit on a cargo run that would close out the three-decade U.S. space shuttle program, and more events that happened on this day in history.

Video 1950: Douglas MacArthur 1972: "The Great Grain Robbery" 1975: Gerald Ford 1989: Carlos Saul Menem 1994: Kim Il Sung 2000: Venus Williams 2010: Oakland 2011: Atlantis 2011: Betty Ford 2016: NATO 2019: Jeffrey Epstein 2020: Brooks Brothers 2020: Donald Trump
Quincy, IL (62301)

Today

Cloudy this morning with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Tom Petty guitarist Mike Campbell says current band The Dirty Knobs will release second album in 2022
Today

Sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Scattered thunderstorms. High 91F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
STAMFORD  Connecticut Attorney General William Tong maintained Thursday his opposition to bankrupt OxyContin maker Purdue Pharmas settlement plan despite 15 other states dropping their longstanding objections to the proposal.

Im a firm no on this proposal, Tong told Hearst Connecticut Media. It does not achieve what I think any resolution should achieve, which is as much justice as possible for victims and their families.

An agreement among the 15 previously non-consenting states, Purdue and the Sackler family members who own the Stamford-based company was disclosed late Wednesday night in a filing in federal bankruptcy court. After negotiations in recent weeks, those states said they were now willing to support a settlement after the Sacklers agreed to contribute more funding and the parties hammered out a framework for Purdue to make public tens of millions of internal documents.

Todays resolution delivers the most important things that weve been fighting for  a reckoning that exposes the Sacklers misconduct, strips them of their power and provides money that will be dedicated entirely to prevention, treatment and recovery, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said Thursday in a virtual press conference, held with New York Attorney General Letitia James and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

In addition to those three states, the others that have agreed to the modified settlement plan are Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Purdue officials said in a statement that they were encouraged by the recent negotiations. Despite denying the lawsuits accusations, the company has offered a settlement plan that it values at more than $10 billion.

The progress made in the third and final round of mediation builds upon the support already publicly expressed by nearly every organized creditor group in the bankruptcy proceedings, the statement said. We will continue to work to build even greater consensus for our plan of reorganization, which would transfer billions of dollars of value into trusts for the benefit of the American people and direct critically-needed medicines and resources to communities and individuals nationwide who have been affected by the opioid crisis.

But Tong remains dissatisfied with the proposed terms. The state filed its lawsuit in December 2018, comprising one of about 3,000 lawsuits consolidated in Purdues bankruptcy that alleges the company fueled the opioid crisis with deceptive OxyContin marketing. Purdue denies those allegations.

California, Delaware, Maryland, Oregon, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia have not accepted the modified plan either.

Sackler family members who own Purdue agreed to increase their cash contribution to the settlement by $50 million, according to the court filing from a bankruptcy court-appointed mediator. In addition, they will allow $175 million held in Sackler family charities to go toward abating the opioid crisis.

In total, the Sacklers are offering to contribute $4.5 billion in cash and assets in the charitable funds toward the settlement. In 2020, the Sackler familys net worth was estimated by Forbes at nearly $11 billion.

Its not nearly enough given their wealth and given the fact that theyve stashed it all away. I dont see any suffering on their part, Tong said. It does not do enough to recognize the harm theyve caused to thousands of Connecticut victims and their families.

Since Purdue filed for bankruptcy in September 2019, Tong has not publicly disclosed a specific settlement amount that he would accept.

He also objected to the inclusion of the Sacklers charitable funds in the settlement and said the proposed multiyear time frame for the Sacklers payments would significantly diminish their value.

As part of the settlement, the Sacklers have agreed to relinquish control of Purdue and let the company be converted into a new public-benefit company focused on using its resources to tackle the opioid crisis.

Representatives of late Purdue founders Mortimer Sacklers and Raymond Sacklers sides of the family said in a statement that this resolution to the mediation is an important step toward providing substantial resources for people and communities in need. The Sackler family hopes these funds will help achieve that goal.

Despite their planned settlement contribution, the Sacklers have denied any wrongdoing related to Purdue. Many of the complaints, including Connecticuts, name the Sacklers who own Purdue as defendants.

Major concerns as bankruptcy continues

A settlement is not a done deal because it still needs to secure the approval of the judge overseeing Purdues bankruptcy. A confirmation hearing for Judge Robert Drain to review the latest plan has been scheduled for Aug. 9.

Most groups representing creditors, including opioid victims and their families, have supported Purdues settlement offer  but often with major reservations.

State attorneys general had been starkly divided until this week, with about half of them supporting the proposal and half opposing it. The opposing attorneys general have largely been Democrats such as Tong, Healey and James.

I dont think any of us this will say this deal is perfect, but we cant let perfect be the enemy of good, James said during Thursdays press conference. This deal gets one of the nations most harmful drug dealers out of the opioid business. And if approved, it would put an end to delays and legal maneuvering that could possibly continue for years across multiple continents. And further, Ive always said my primary goal was to deliver critical funds into communities devastated by opioids, as quickly as possible.

Legal experts such as Robert Bird, a professor of business law at the University of Connecticut, said the growing support for Purdues settlement offer could diminish the companys desire to make further concessions. But they said they also understood Tongs opposition.

Attorney General Tong has powerful reasons not to accept this agreement, Bird said. So much of what many people wanted has been left unacquired. For example, the Sacklers would still walk away with massive personal wealth. The family that has profited so much from this company will not have a direct moral condemnation of their behavior.

While agreeing to the modified settlement plan, Healey and James said they remained unhappy about how Purdues bankruptcy had frozen the pending litigation against Purdue, including the lawsuits that name the Sacklers as defendants, despite the Sacklers not personally filing for bankruptcy.

They expressed support for the SACKLER Act introduced in Congress earlier this year by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, and Rep. Mark De Saulnier, D-California, legislation that seeks to overturn the legal protections that the Sacklers have gained through the companys bankruptcy. Tong also supports the bill.

Its the bankruptcy system right now that allows this bad precedent of having people who are billionaires, who are not bankrupt, come to a bankruptcy court and get relief from their claims and end the ability of our offices to pursue our cases in our own state courts, said Healey, who was the first state attorney general to sue the Sacklers who own Purdue. Congress may not act on that (SACKLER Act) before the conformation hearing, but they still should pass that law so that future billionaires arent able to abuse and manipulate the current bankruptcy process in the way the Sacklers have done.

The Sacklers deny that they have misused Purdues bankruptcy.

Tong said he respected the positions of Healey and James and other attorneys general in the 15-state group, but that he did not think the modified plan would adequately tackle the opioid crisis in Connecticut.

In Connecticut 1,273 people died last year from opioid-involved overdoses, up 13 percent from 2019. There are also many thousands of family members of opioid victims.

The toll of the opioid crisis, particularly the impact of OxyContin, was examined in a recent Hearst Connecticut Media series.

These are the real-life experiences of families and other people in Connecticut who I have sworn an oath to protect, Tong said. It haunts me and everyone else who works in our office. There are many people Ive met face to face, and Ive heard their stories, heard them cry and seen their anguish. These are real people. Theyre people in our communities.

This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.

pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott
SYDNEY  Australian authorities are further tightening restrictions in Sydney after reporting 44 new community cases, the largest number since a coronavirus outbreak began there last month. The city of more than 5 million is already in lockdown.

New South Wales State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said new restrictions would limit the number of people who can exercise together to two in most cases, and exercisers would need to stay close to home. The number of mourners at funerals would also be limited to 10 from Sunday.

Berejiklian said the state was facing its scariest test since the pandemic began and that unless numbers started to come down, authorities would likely extend the lockdown beyond next Friday.

She said the message was that people could not leave home unless it was absolutely necessary.

Authorities also deployed at least 100 extra police officers to ensure lockdown compliance.

The highly contagious delta variant outbreak began after a limousine driver tested positive on June 16. He is thought to have been infected while transporting a U.S. flight crew from Sydney airport.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 Coronavirus vaccines work against delta variant, researchers find

 Japan declares virus emergency lasting through Olympics; local fans banned

 India to spend $3.1B for health care centers

 England fans gear up for Euro 2020 final, more virus cases

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 Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

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HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

SEOUL, South Korea  South Korea will enforce its strongest social distancing restrictions in the greater capital area starting next week as it wrestles with what appears to be the worst wave of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.

The plans, which may bring Seouls thriving nightlife to a standstill, were announced shortly before the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported another new 1,316 cases on Wednesday, breaking the countrys previous one-day record of 1,275 set the day before.

Nearly 1,000 of the cases came from Seoul and nearby metropolitan regions, home to half of the countrys 51 million people, where officials will elevate social distancing restrictions to an unprecedented Level 4 for two weeks beginning Monday.

The measures include prohibiting private social gatherings of 3 or more people after 6 p.m., shutting down nightclubs and churches, banning visitors at hospitals and nursing homes and limiting weddings and funerals to family-only gatherings. Protests will be banned and shopping malls will have to close after 10 p.m.

The surge in infections is a worrisome development in a country where a shortage in vaccine supplies have left 70% of the population still waiting for their first shot.

The countrys caseload is now at 165,344 after adding more than 8,300 cases in July alone.

Critics say the government made things worse by pushing for a premature easing of social distancing over economic concerns.

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OTTAWA  Canadas chief public health officer says there are cases of the latest COVID-19 variant of interest in the country, but its too early to know how widespread it is or what impact it could have.

Dr. Theresa Tam said Thursday 11 cases of the Lambda variant that was first identified in Peru last year have been reported to Health Canada to date. However, the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec said Thursday it has confirmed 27 cases already, all in March and April.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring Lambda to see how it spreads and how it responds to vaccines, Tam said.

Were just trying to gather up some information on who it is thats having the Lambda variant right now, but theres very few cases at this point, she said.

Early studies, including one from New York University published July 2, suggest Lambda may be a bit resistant to antibodies produced by the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, but concluded it is not by enough to cause a significant loss of protection against infection.

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DENVER -- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis lifted his pandemic state of emergency on Thursday and rescinded all related executive orders, citing the states progress in combating the coronavirus.

The Democrat did sign an executive order focusing on pandemic recovery and promoting vaccinations, his office said in a statement.

The announcements come as Denver prepares to host the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Polis has issued more than 300 executive orders since declaring the state of emergency in March 2020.

More than 70% of adults in Colorado have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While the more contagious delta variant has become the dominant strain in Colorado, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 is down.

The state health department says nearly 3 million residents have been fully vaccinated and nearly 3.3 million more have received at least one vaccine dose. More than 7,000 people have died in Colorado and more than 560,000 cases have been reported since the pandemic began.

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PHOENIX  Arizona has reached a coronavirus milestone with 50% of its population, or nearly 3.6 million people, having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

That compares with about 55% nationwide who are at least partially vaccinated.

Arizonas vaccine administration peaked in early April with up to 78,000 a day before dropping by about half in May and even lower more recently.

The state has closed its mass vaccination sites due to the decreased demand and instead promoted availability of vaccines at health clinics, pharmacies and pop-up events.

Arizona reported 725 new confirmed cases Thursday and no additional deaths. Hospitalizations have fluctuated between 500 and 600.

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ROME  Confirmed new coronavirus infections in Italy have topped 1,000 for the second straight day as health authorities voice growing concern over what they say appears to be a trend toward rising case numbers.

Health Ministry figures show 1,394 cases were registered in the last 24 hours compared with daily caseloads in the hundreds in previous weeks.

Virus experts credit vaccination with keeping the number of new ICU admissions low despite the higher caseloads, however.

Italy is stressing the importance of vaccines as the virus' delta variant steadily gains traction.

So far 41% of people in Italy older than 12 and thus eligible to receive the shots are fully vaccinated, while an additional 20% or so have received an initial vaccine dose.

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NEW YORK  New research from France adds to evidence that COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against the delta variant that is spreading rapidly around the world and now accounts for most U.S. infections.

The delta variant is surging through populations with low vaccination rates. Researchers from Frances Pasteur Institute reported new evidence Thursday in the journal Nature that full vaccination is critical.

In tests, a single dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines barely inhibited the delta variant. But after a second dose, almost all experienced a big boost in immunity.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.

A few weeks ago, the delta variant accounted for just over a quarter of new U.S. cases. But it now accounts for just over 50%, and in some places, such as parts of the Midwest, as much as 80%.

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LISBON, Portugal  Portuguese authorities are requiring a negative test or proof of vaccination for people wanting to enter restaurants and hotels at peak periods in areas where the coronavirus is surging.

The government announced Thursday it wants people to use the EU Digital COVID Certificate to patronize such businesses on Friday evenings, weekends and public holidays.

The high-risk areas are mostly around the capital Lisbon and in the southern Algarve vacation region.

The certificates, which can be downloaded to an app, certify EU citizens tests and vaccinations. They also allow them to travel between countries without having to quarantine or be tested.

Portugals coronavirus 14-day incidence rate has risen to 255 per 100,000 people in recent weeks, pushed higher by the more infectious delta variant.

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LOS ANGELES  California workplace safety officials plan to fine the Los Angeles County Superior Court system more than $25,000 for alleged violations involving the COVID-19 pandemic.

The system shut down all but the most essential services in early 2020 but resumed many in-person proceedings in the final months of the year.

About 16 interpreters were exposed to COVID-19, and one died in January 2021. That was followed by two other court employees the same month and another interpreter in February.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the California Division of Occupational Health and Safety found three violations, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Ann E. Donlan, the courts communications director, disputed the alleged violations and said it would appeal.

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COLOMBO, Sri Lanka  The Sri Lanka national cricket teams batting coach has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Sri Lanka Cricket says Grant Flower, a former Zimbabwe international, tested positive on arrival from England with the team after a series.

He has been isolated from the team and given medical attention for slight symptoms of the illness.

Sri Lanka has reported 268,676 confirmed cases and 3,351 deaths.

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NEW DELHI  India will spend $3.1 billion to create new health care facilities in preparation for another possible wave of coronavirus infections.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya says officials will set up 50 field hospitals, 20,000 intensive care unit beds, 700 pediatric centers and storage facilities for medical oxygen in 700 districts within nine months.

Mandaviya says India has already increased the numbers of oxygen-supported beds to more than 400,000 from 50,000 in March 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis government approved the new spending, with the federal government accounting for 65% of it and states 35%.

More than half of Indias reported 400,000 coronavirus deaths, third highest in the world, have occurred in the past two months as the delta variant overwhelmed its health system.

New cases are on the decline after exceeding 400,000 a day in May. Total confirmed cases stand at 30.7 million.

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UNITED NATIONS  U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the grim milestone of 4 million deaths worldwide from the coronavirus shows that it is outpacing vaccine distribution and the pandemic is far from over.

Guterres says most of the world has not received vaccines and more than half the victims of the coronavirus have died this year.

Many millions more are at risk if the virus is allowed to spread like wildfire, Guterres said. The more it spreads, the more variants we see  variants that are more transmissible, more deadly and more likely to undermine the effectiveness of current vaccines.

The secretary-general called for the greatest global public health effort in history to bridge the vaccine gap.

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LIVONIA, Mich.  One of the largest Catholic health care systems in the U.S. is requiring all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19 to guard against infections and protect patients, staff members and their communities.

Trinity Health is one of the first hospital groups to mandate vaccinations. It says its 117,000 employees across 22 states, plus contractors and others doing business in its health facilities, will have to meet a series of rolling deadlines.

By Sept. 21 they must submit proof of vaccination or face termination, though religious and health exemptions are possible. Trinity Health, based in Livonia, Michigan, estimates that nearly 75% of staffers already have received at least one dose.

CEO Mike Slubowski says in a statement that Trinity Health has had workers and patients die of COVID-19 over the past year, and the mandate will help protect those who can't be vaccinated such as young children and immunocompromised people.

Trinity Health serves communities that are home to over 30 million people through its 92 hospitals and 113 continuing care locations.

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TOKYO  Fans are banned from the Tokyo Olympics following a state of emergency aimed at containing rising coronavirus infections in the capital.

The measure from the International Olympic Committee and Japanese organizers excludes local spectators from attending the game, following a ban on fans from overseas that was put in place months earlier.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike says that many people were looking forward to watching the games at the venues, but I would like everyone to fully enjoy watching the games on TV at home.

The state of emergency declared by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Sugawas came the same day as IOC President Thomas Bach's arrival in Japan. Bach will spend three days in quarantine at the five-star hotel that lodges IOC members.

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SEOUL, South Korea  South Koreas spy agency has told lawmakers there is no sign that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been inoculated against the coronavirus and his country has not received any foreign vaccines.

Lawmakers who attended the closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service say North Koreas government is trying to dispel any expectations among ordinary citizens that they will receive vaccines from abroad. It is urging them to boost their anti-virus vigilance.

They added that the agency says Kim does not appear to have any health problem despite recent weight loss, which may have come from dieting to improve his overall condition.

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TAIPEI, Taiwan  Taiwan has received 1.13 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Japan in the second such donation this year.

Taipei has benefited from vaccine diplomacy, receiving near 5 million doses from the United States and Japan following its worst outbreak starting in May.

It has accused China, which claims the self-ruled island as its renegade territory, of intervening to block the delivery of vaccines, something that Beijing denies.

Taiwan had signed commitments to purchase more than 29 million doses, but given global supply constraints and manufacturing delays, it was left with only about 700,000 when the May outbreak hit.

Allies have stepped in to help the island start distributing the shots quickly. About 11% of the population have received at least one dose.

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LONDON  Britains transportation secretary says fully vaccinated U.K. residents returning from travel to most countries will no longer have to quarantine starting in July 19.

Travelers still must take a coronavirus test three days before returning to the U.K., and within two days after their arrival. Secretary Grant Shapps also confirms that children under 18 will not need to quarantine after traveling. The changes do not apply to nonresidents.

The government will also scrap guidance advising against travel to countries on the amber list, such as the U.S. and Spain.

Currently, people are advised not to fly to those countries unless it is for business or exceptional circumstances and are required to isolate for 10 days afterward.

Shapps says there is no change to the hotel quarantine requirement for arrivals from red list countries such as India and South Africa, even among people who are fully vaccinated.
A fast-moving tropical storm heading toward Connecticut could bring parts of the state to a halt and impact others with everything from heavy rain and winds to power outages.

Here are five things to know about Tropical Storm Elsa, the first named storm expected to affect Connecticut in 2021.

Here's where there's a flood warning/watch in effect

The National Hurricane Center says Elsa has reached post-tropical cyclone status, centered over southern New England. That means there is no longer enough strength to meet the thresholds for a tropical storm.

About 2 to 4 inches of rain has fallen so far Friday, with locally higher amounts in some areas. Another 1 to 1.5 inches of rain are possible in the areas under the warning. The weather service said any additional rainfall will exacerbate any existing residual flooding.

Strong northwest wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected through Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. The highest winds will be along the coastline and across higher elevations. The weather service said the strong winds and already saturated grounds will likely cause downed trees and could knock out power lines in the early- to mid-afternoon.

Roads are closed

Some roads are closed due to flooding. In Norwalk, Connecticut Avenue  Route 1  is closed between Scribner Avenue and Rampart Road. In Fairfield, Chambers Street is closed at the Interstate 95 underpass, Johnson Drive is closed from Black Rock Turnpike to Fiske Street, Kings Highway East at Chambers Street is closed in both directions due to flooding.

In Darien, roads impacted are Nearwater Lane, Post Road at Thorndal Circle, Barringer Road, Post Road at Tokeneke Road, Leroy Avenue at West Avenue, Herman Avenue at West Avenue, Heights Road, Hecker Avenue at Frate Court, Renshaw Road, Post Road at Richmond, Raymond Street near the bridge, Post Road at Exit 13, and Sedgwick Avenue at Goodwives.

Over in Bridgeport, nine streets are closed due to flooding: Bishop Avenue at Connecticut Avenue, Lincoln Avenue at Arlington Street, Seaview Avenue at the I-95 exit ramp, Iranistan Avenue at Gregory Street, Gregory Street at Columbia Street, Crescent Avenue at East Main Street, Seaview Avenue at Crescent Avenue, East Washington Avenue at East Main Street, and Seaview Avenue at Third Street.

In Danbury, barricades have been put up by 120 Main St. to reroute traffic away from flooding; the city otherwise has "minor, localized flooding," according to Emergency Management Director Matthew Cassavechia.

Branford Fire Chief Tom Mahoney said there are three roads that are impassable due to flooding: Alps Road at West Main Street, Pent Road at West Main Street, and Red Hill Road.

Outages reported: Check the map

Both United Illuminated and Eversource are reporting power outages among their customers as a result of Tropical Storm Elsa.

As of 12:55 p.m. on Friday, Eversource is reporting 8,052 customers without power. Among the outages are 794 in Durham, 209 in East Haddam, 117 in Groton, 719 in Guilford, 745 in Haddam, 125 in Kent, 247 in Madison, 256 in Manchester, 588 in Monroe, 826 in Warren, 716 in Washington, 109 in Waterford and 582 in Westport.

United Illuminating is reporting 1,863 without power, with 1,363 still out in Milford.

We have hundreds of crews - including out-of-state crews that continue to arrive - ready to respond to any damage or outages this storm may cause, Eversources Electric Operatioms President Craig Hallstrom said in a statement. Since last week, weve been checking supplies and preparing. Now were prepositioning crews and equipment based on the latest storm information available and well adjust our approach if necessary. Trees are the number one cause of outages and winds of 35-45 mph are expected with this storm and will bring down limbs and branches onto electric lines so we encourage our customers to be prepared for outages as well.

Eversource has faced significant criticism in the past over issues with response and restoration times, including following Tropical Storm Isaias last year in which more than 750,000 utility customers were without power. With heavy thunderstorms this week, they have restored power to about 80,000 customers already, they said.

Here's where the flooding is worst

The National Weather Service issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for central Fairfield and northwestern New Haven counties until 12:30 p.m. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain has fallen in the advisory area in the last three hours. Additional rainfall of half an inch to 1 inch are expected in the next two hours, with locally higher amounts possible.

Areas that can expect flooding include: Stamford, Danbury Sherman, Newtown, Cheshire, Ridgefield, Bethel, Wilton, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Redding and Oxford.

In Clinton, officials are seeing minor road flooding as the heavy rain bands pass through, according to Michael Neff, Network and Security Manager for Clinton Public Schools. He urged residents to stay home and not to drive through standing water over the roadway.

Severe flooding is also occurring in some of the state's underpasses. In Darien, police said Post Road is closed at Tokeneke Road at the underpass because of heavy flooding, and in Fairfield, railroad underpasses are closed at Round Hill Road, North Benson Road and Center Street.

New Haven is also experiencing severe flooding, where police say the following roads have significant flooding: Union Avenue, Mill River Street, Humphrey Street, Lombard Street, North Frontage Road, Church Street, Middletown Avenue, Wintergreen Avenue, Whalley Avenue at West Rock Avenue and George Street at Temple Street.

In East Hampton, two roads are covered in water from overfilled creeks: Lake Drive is covered in a few feet of water near where Hales Brook flows into Pocotopaug Lake. Crews are also investigating a flooded portion of Highway 196 south of Highway 16 to determine the depth of the water.

When will the storm clear?

While Elsa has reached post-cyclone status, there is a chance of rain showers and thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. Friday. The forecast indicates itll remain partly sunny, with a high near 83 degrees and wind gusts up to about 30 mph likely.

By Friday night, theres a chance of showers and a thunderstorm before 10 p.m., with some of those storms possibly producing gusty winds. Skies will stay partly cloudy, with a low around 64 degrees.
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.

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. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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.

Elsas winds strengthened Thursday to 50 mph (85 kph), as the storm dropped heavy rains on parts of North Carolina and Virginia, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in an update. Elsa was passing over the eastern mid-Atlantic states on Thursday night and was expected to move near or over the northeastern United States on Friday.

No significant change in strength is expected through Friday, and Elsa is forecast to become a post-topical cyclone by Friday night, the center said.

Tropical storm warnings were in effect along the coast from North Carolina to Massachusetts. 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.

The National Weather Service in Morehead City, North Carolina, tweeted that a tornado was spotted near Fairfield on Thursday afternoon. A tornado warning had been issued for Hyde County and surrounding counties.

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, 2022. 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. (Rob O'Neal/The Key West Citizen via AP)

Elsa seemed to spare Florida from significant damage, though it still threatened flooding downpours and caused several tornado warnings.

Authorities in Jacksonville, Florida, said one person was killed Wednesday when a tree fell and struck two cars. A spokesperson for the Naval Air Force Atlantic Office said Thursday that a sailor assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 16 in Jacksonville was killed.

Forecasters reported 50 mph (80 kph) wind gusts in the city. The tree fell during heavy rains, according to Capt. Eric Prosswimmer of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department.

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. (Ivy Ceballo/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Nine people were injured Wednesday evening in coastal Camden County, Georgia, when a tornado struck a campground for active-duty service members and military retirees at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. Eight of those hurt were taken to hospitals, base spokesperson Chris Tucker said. Some have since been released and others were kept for observation, he said.

The EF-2 tornado flipped over multiple RVs, throwing 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.

Tucker said about a dozen recreational vehicles at the campground were damaged. Some buildings were also damaged on the base, which is the East Coast hub for the Navys fleet of submarines armed with nuclear missiles. Tucker said there was no damage to submarines or any other military assets.

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. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

Sergio Rodriguez, who lives near the RV park, said he raced to the scene fearing friends staying at the park might be hurt.

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.

In South Carolina, a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah crew rescued a family that became stranded on Otter Island on Wednesday after their boat drifted off the beach due to Elsa. A man, his wife and daughter, and three cousins were hoisted into a helicopter and taken to Charleston Executive Airport in good health Wednesday night, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

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. (U.S. Coast Guard via AP)

The hurricane center said rainfall totals between 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) were expected through Friday for eastern Mid-Atlantic states and into New England. Isolated totals up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) were possible. There was a risk of considerable flash and urban flooding.

More than 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain was recorded at a weather station near Gainesville, Florida, the weather service reported.

Scattered power outages were being reported along Elsa's path Thursday night, with about 45,000 homes and businesses without electricity from Virginia to Massachusetts, according to the website poweroutages.us.

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.
OTTAWA - The parliamentary budget officer says extending a pandemic measure designed to avoid layoffs at companies will cost the federal treasury almost $600 million over three years.

A woman checks out a job advertisement sign during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

OTTAWA - The parliamentary budget officer says extending a pandemic measure designed to avoid layoffs at companies will cost the federal treasury almost $600 million over three years.

Most of the extra spending, about $404 million, will take place in this fiscal year under the costing estimate the budget office put out today, with $174 million next year and a final $15 million the year after that.

The extra spending will cover a one-year extension for provisions to make it easier to access the work-sharing program that provides an employment insurance top-up to workers who reduce their hours to avoid layoffs.

The extension will mean that work-sharing arrangements at a company can last up to 76 weeks from the pre-pandemic maximum of 38, not requiring a "cooling off" period between times that companies and workers can access the program, and expanding eligibility criteria.

Budget officer Yves Giroux's report says the decision will push the cost of benefits this year to $882 million, instead of $512 million, and the three-year total to nearly $1.2 billion rather than $643 million.

But the budget office notes the numbers could shift depending on how long it takes the labour market to recover from last year's historic plunge in jobs.

Generally, the work-sharing program follows the path of the economy, meaning a deeper or more prolonged recovery in the jobs market would push up the number of workers and companies looking for the federal help.

April's budget document noted how usage of the work-sharing program has expanded over the last year beyond manufacturing to other areas of the economy like professional, scientific and technical services that include occupations such as accountants, engineers and researchers.

Statistics Canada will provide an update on the labour market on Friday, detailing employment figures for June after two months of job losses in April and May as companies shed staff during third-wave lockdowns.

As of May, the country was about 571,100 jobs, or three per cent, below pre-pandemic levels seen in February 2020, but the statistics agency estimated the actual gap may be larger once adjusting for population growth during the pandemic, which would put the gap at 763,000 jobs, or 3.9 per cent.

April's federal budget estimated that the country would close that first gap by this summer, but the second, larger gap by early next year.

Economist expect the June jobs report to show an increase in employment for the month as restrictions rolled back nationwide, hinting at a summer hiring spree as vaccination rates rise and more parts of the economy reopen.

With conditions expected to improve, federal aid has started to roll back the value of wage and rent subsidies to businesses, and aid to hard-hit workers.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which represents thousands of small businesses nationwide, is asking the government to reverse declines in the wage and rent subsidies until the economy and the border are fully reopened.

"The federal government has been willing to improve and extend the support programs throughout the pandemic. The finish line is in sight but we are just not there yet," president Dan Kelly said in a statement. "Now is not the time to pull support out from under small businesses while they're still finding their feet."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021.
REGINA - Saskatchewan is offering COVID-19 public safety guidance as the province prepares to fully reopen on Sunday.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe registers for his dose of the Pfizer vaccine at a COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru clinic at Evraz Place in Regina on Thursday, April 15, 2021. The province is going ahead with a full reopening on Sunday, but is advising that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people still consider wearing masks. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor

REGINA - Saskatchewan is offering COVID-19 public safety guidance as the province prepares to fully reopen on Sunday.

A public health order requiring masks indoors will be lifted, but the government says unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people should still consider face coverings.

Businesses and other facilities can also require patrons to wear masks.

At Saskatchewan's final scheduled COVID-19 briefing Wednesday, Premier Scott Moe thanked residents for following restrictions and said the province is in "a very good place" as the reopening approaches.

"Outside of wartime, I dont think a government has ever asked so much of its citizens," he said. "This was very difficult for all of us. But it was very necessary, and it does get us to where we are today."

The province reported 53 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, and one more death. There were 64 people in hospital because of the virus.

Additionally, 71 per cent of Saskatchewan residents aged 12 and over have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and half the eligible population is fully vaccinated.

Moe said these vaccination numbers are optimistic, but there is more to be done.

"Today, if you are vaccinated, age is no longer the largest factor in determining your risk from COVID," he said. "If youre fully vaccinated, you are very, very well protected. If youre not vaccinated, youre at risk."

Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan's chief medical health officer, encouraged residents to make an appointment to get their vaccine if they haven't done so already.

"The higher our vaccine rates go now over the summer, the better and safer fall well have," he said. "COVID-19 will continue to find those who arent vaccinated, and with vaccination rates lagging among younger people and in certain parts of the province, we will continue to see cases and clusters."

Moe acknowledged the fight against COVID-19 will continue in the weeks and months ahead.

"There's no 'mission accomplished' banner hanging behind me," he said. "And that's because, although the restrictions are coming to an end, COVID is not."

Moe said the province is relying on vaccines as the first line of defence to keep COVID-19 controlled.

Other restrictions ending on Sunday include visitor limits at care homes.

In long-term and personal care homes, residents will be allowed an unlimited number of visitors. They will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, offered rapid tests and encouraged to wear a mask and physically distance while at the care homes.

Other provincial health-care facilities, including the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, will continue to require screening and masks until further notice.

Moe also thanked Dr. Shahab for his work during the pandemic.

"I want to thank you for your wisdom, for your judgment, for your perseverance, your compassion most certainly, and foremost do I want to thank you for your guidance to myself, to this government and to the broader population of this province," said Moe.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2021.
CALGARY - Canadians who've been vaccinated against COVID-19 want to know just how far that jab will take them before they head out on that first post-pandemic vacation, travel agents say.

The Celebrity Edge is moored at Port Everglades, Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Marta Lavandier

CALGARY - Canadians who've been vaccinated against COVID-19 want to know just how far that jab will take them before they head out on that first post-pandemic vacation, travel agents say.

Industry professionals say their phones are "ringing off the hook" with questions from clients about how their vaccination status may affect travel plans. As of July 5, Canadians who have received a double dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine no longer have to quarantine for two weeks upon their return home. That combined with plummeting case counts is driving an uptick in travel demand, experts say.

But many Canadians appear to still be confused about vaccine protocols they may encounter on their flight or cruise or at their resort or hotel. According to travel agents, some Canadians who are fully vaccinated are looking for assurances that their fellow travellers will be too.

"There's a group of travellers that are just so happy to be able to travel again that theyre not going to be as concerned," said Allison Wallace, Vancouver-based spokeswoman for Flight Centre Travel Group. "But theres definitely a portion of the population thats very concerned."

Already, some tourism operators have developed their own protocols to give vaccinated travellers peace of mind. Norwegian Cruise Line announced this spring it would require full proof of vaccination from travellers before they board. Royal Caribbean has taken a different tack by establishing a two-tiered system on one of its ships this summer. Passengers who can't provide proof of vaccination will be barred from certain areas of the ship, like the spa and casino, and will also have to eat at different times than fully vaccinated passengers.

Wallace said enforcing separate rules for different categories of passengers could prove very difficult.

"Weve already seen people in just regular businesses and stores who dont think they have to abide by the rules. I think youre going to have a lot of confrontations and theres going to be a lot of frustration," she said.

Still, Wallace said travellers are likely to encounter vaccine-based privileges and restrictions for a while, at least until the tourism industry recovers from the economic impact of the pandemic.

"The industry as a whole understands that confidence is key. And if theres big outbreak at a resort or a cruise line, the negative connotations that go along with that . . . can really hurt businesses," she said.

Ken Stewart, owner of Crowfoot Travel Solutions in Calgary, said he is fielding a lot of questions about travelling with children who are still too young to have their vaccinations. He said the answers vary depending on the destination, and he can usually only provide a "best guess" as to what the situation will be next month, or even next week.

"Things change on a daily basis, and sometimes I'm as confused as my clients," Stewart.

One thing that's clear, Stewart said, is that for the immediate future, travelling is going to be much easier for those who are vaccinated than those who aren't.

Lesley Keyter, founder and chief executive of The Travel Lady Agency in Calgary, agrees.

"I heard a story yesterday about some people, unvaccinated, who headed off to Greece on holiday and then couldnt get into any restaurants because they had to show proof of vaccination," she said. "You have to be so careful checking all the requirements before you leave. It's all about the fine details."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Belarusian authorities blocked the website of a leading online media outlet and detained some of its journalists and several reporters from other news organizations Thursday, the latest moves in a sweeping crackdown on dissent and independent media in the ex-Soviet nation.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks with people after the wreath laying ceremony at Mound of Glory war memorial marking Independence Day, on the outskirts of the capital Minsk, Belarus, Saturday, July 3, 2021. (Maxim Guchek/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Belarusian authorities blocked the website of a leading online media outlet and detained some of its journalists and several reporters from other news organizations Thursday, the latest moves in a sweeping crackdown on dissent and independent media in the ex-Soviet nation.

Belarus' Information Ministry said it has blocked Nasha Niva's website after the prosecutor general's office accused it of posting unspecified unlawful information.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists, or BAJ, said that authorities conducted searches at Nasha Niva's offices and detained chief editor Yahor Martsinovich, journalists Andrey Skurko, Andrey Dynko and office accountant Volha Rakovich for questioning. The Belarusian Investigative Committee said it called an ambulance for Martsinovich, who fell ill, but continued his interrogation later.

Agents of the Belarusian state security agency, which still goes under its Soviet-era name, KGB, also conducted searches Thursday at two regional media outlets, the Brest Gazette in the city of Brest on the border with Poland and the Intex-press in the city of Baranovichi.

In the city of Orsha in eastern Belarus, authorities detained Ihar Kazmerchak, the editor of the Orsha.eu news portal, and searched the apartment of photographer Dzyanis Dubkou. In another eastern city of Bobruisk, the KGB detained Alesya Latsinskaya, a journalist who worked for the independent Bobr.by news portal.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya speaks during her news conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

In the city of Vitebsk in Belarus' northeast, freelance journalist Vital Skryl was detained and authorities raided the apartment of another local journalist, Dzmitry Kazakevich, who was out during the search. And in the town of Glubokoye in the Vitebsk region, freelance journalist Zmitser Lupach was detained by the KGB in a sanitarium where he resided.

Nasha Niva journalist rtsem Harbatsevich likened the crackdown to the authorities' earlier action against another top independent news portal, Tut.by, which saw its website blocked and 12 of its journalists detained in May.

It's a crackdown on the editorial office in the worst Soviet-era tradition, Harbatsevich told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Minsk.

Nasha Niva, which was founded in 1906, is the oldest and the most authoritative Belarusian media outlet. Its online audience exceeds 100,000.

Both Nasha Niva and Tut.by extensively covered months of protests against Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, which were triggered by his reelection to a sixth term in an August 2020 vote that was widely seen as rigged.

The authorities responded to demonstrations with a massive crackdown that saw more than 35,000 people arrested and thousands beaten by police. Leading opposition figures have been either jailed or forced to leave the country.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in the election, fled the country after the vote under official pressure. She urged Belarusians Thursday to subscribe to media channels on a popular messaging app to support independent media.

The regime is so much afraid of the truth that it blocks all independent media, denies accreditation to foreign journalists, shuts editorial offices, blocks editorials and puts editors behind bars, Tsikhanouskaya said. They hope that if they abduct journalists and close media outlets people will forget about falsifications, violence and repressions by the regime. But our memory and the truth are stronger than that.

The European Union and the United States have responded to the crackdown by slapping Belarus with sanctions. They have imposed new, tougher restrictions after Belarus diverted a passenger jet on May 23 to arrest an opposition journalist.

Speaking Thursday to graduates of military academies, Lukashenko accused the West of trying to deprive us of our sovereignty and enforce external governance."

But we will not come down on our knees, he said. We are defending ourselves, our families, our children and our land.

Overall, 27 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists.

BAJ said that Nasha Niva journalists are accused of organizing mass disturbances and actions violating public order  charges that carry a sentence of up to 15 years.

The crackdown on independent media in Belarus is continuing, said the association head, Andrei Bastunets. The authorities have decided that they can deprive millions of citizens of information. The authorities see journalists and independent information as their main enemies.
TORONTO - When COVID-19 started spreading through Canada, Resa Solomon-St. Lewis watched business at her Caribbean food company Baccanalle disappear.

With no events or weddings to cater and farmers markers and other artisan shows cancelled, 80 per cent of the Ottawa company's revenue dried up and like many Black restaurant owners, Solomon-St.Lewis was worried about the future.

When COVID-19 started spreading through Canada, Resa Solomon-St. Lewis, shown in this handout image, watched business at her Caribbean food company Baccanalle disappear in record speed. With no events and weddings to cater and farmers markers and other artisan shows cancelled, 80 per cent of the Ottawa company's revenue dried up and like many Black restaurant owners, Solomon-St.Lewis was worried about the future. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Dwayne Brown* MANDATORY CREDIT*

"We were looking at our existing business and thinking this is not going to survive," she recalled.

"I don't think that any Black or minority-owned businesses would necessarily expect... and I didn't expect anybody to come to my rescue."

Black entrepreneurs say that feeling stems from years of being underfunded and facing extra challenges in an industry notorious for low margins, high staff turnover and long hours.

They say the pandemic has made things even tougher and predict that it could be months or even years before they recoup lost earnings, but they're bent on not letting the health crisis get the best of them.

"Black business owners have a hard time accessing capital when it comes to even just starting up their business, and so oftentimes we find that food operators, in addition to owning restaurants, start out with a catering business or as a food truck," said Warren Luckett, a co-founder of Black Restaurant Week, which makes its debut in Toronto on Friday.

"Now one of the largest things that we've been seeing is a labour shortage, being able to find and retain quality labour."

Luckett started Black Restaurant Week in Texas in 2016 with co-founders Falayn Ferrell and Derek Robinson after two Black men, Michael Brown and Alton Sterling, were killed in separate police altercations.

The trio wanted to support Black businesses, so they designed 10-day periods where participating Black-owned restaurants offer specials. Most restaurants saw an increase in sales between 15 and 25 per cent and others reported the event triggered their best week in business ever, Luckett said.

Restaurants Canada estimates that more than 800,000 Canadian workers in the sector lost their jobs or had their hours reduced to zero during the health crisis.

The industry lobby group said as the government's rent and wage subsidies are scaled back this month, most restaurants will struggle to pay staff and suppliers and at least half will have to consider closing down permanently.

Femi Folorunsho's Brampton, Ont. business Kejjis is participating in Black Restaurant Week after being hit hard by the pandemic.

"People would usually come get food for the weekend or for a small party, but when COVID hit everyone started making food at home, so it basically just killed the ordering part of the business," said Folorunsho, whose business specializes in Nigerian food like jollof rice and fried snacks called chin chin.

He tried to be patient and push takeout more, but the pandemic took a toll.

"It's stressful because you wake up and you're not sure you're going to make money," he said.

Solomon-St. Lewis knows that feeling well.

"It's kind of not in our nature so much to say, 'oh, there must be some kind of support out there,'" she said.

"You're going to try and make it, you're going to try and thrive and survive come hell or high water."

Experts have long said Black-owned entrepreneurs tend to be underfunded and research shows many struggle to obtain loans and other financing.

Quantifying how much funding venture capital and private equity Black entrepreneurs in Canada receive is tough because such metrics are seldom tracked, but entrepreneurs and investors estimate it to be on par with  or even worse than  the U.S.

Less than one per cent of the US$543 billion in venture capital offered in the U.S. between 2015 and 2019 was given to Black and African-American founders, according to business information platform Crunchbase.

To keep her business afloat, Solomon-St. Lewis focused on pickup and delivery.

Now that the province has started to reopen, she hopes other revenue streams will return, but doesn't think her business will be back to some semblance of normal until at least 2022.

Meanwhile, Folorunsho estimates it will take two or three years for Kejjis to make back what it lost during the pandemic, but it is starting to see its loyal customers return and bookings for weddings and other gatherings are beginning to trickle in.

"We're ready for it," he said. "People are reaching out. Everyone's getting excited about opening up and I'm happy."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021.
CALGARY - Flair Airlines is entering the U.S. market, part of an ambitious five-year expansion plan for the low-cost carrier.

An airliner cuts through the skies over Montreal, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020/ Low-cost carrier Flair Airlines is expanding into the U.S. market. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

CALGARY - Flair Airlines is entering the U.S. market, part of an ambitious five-year expansion plan for the low-cost carrier.

The Edmonton-based airline announced Thursday it will launch service from Canada to six U.S. vacation destinations on Oct. 31. The new destinations are Fort Lauderdale; Orlando; Phoenix; Hollywood-Burbank, Calif.; Palm Springs, Calif.; and Las Vegas.

Flair Airlines currently operates in 20 Canadian cities and is aiming to take market share from mainline carriers Air Canada and WestJet Airlines along with discount rival Swoop by offering unbundled, bare-bones fares to budget-conscious travellers. The new U.S. routes will start between C$79 and $109 one-way, Flair chief executive Stephen Jones told reporters.

Despite a near-collapse in travel demand in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, privately held Flair has been in aggressive expansion mode this year. The airline has eight planes in this fleet, up from just three in May. Jones said the carrier is set to acquire three new Boeing 737 Max 8 jets this fall, and wants to grow to 50 aircraft within the next five years.

"The growth of Flair is undeniable now," Jones said, adding the company is betting on a quick rebound in travel demand as public health restrictions begin to ease across Canada this summer and into the fall.

"July itself is a transition month. But as we look forward into our future bookings, August, September and October are showing real strength," he said.

Flair will offer its new U.S. routes out of Halifax, Montreal, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Abbotsford, B.C.

A report released by RBC Economics earlier this week said there are signs domestic spending on hotels, restaurants, and travel is increasing as vaccinations accelerate and COVID-19 case counts plummet. However, the report said international travel and business travel will be slower to bounce back, meaning the Canadian tourism industry likely won't recover fully from the pandemic until 2022.

Rivals Air Canada and WestJet have also been bulking up their route offerings in anticipation of loosened public health restrictions and increased travel demand. Calgary-based WestJet launched 11 new non-stop routes to Western Canadian tourist destinations this summer, while Montreal-based Air Canada announced it will launch new Hawaii routes this winter. Both airlines have also begun reinstating some of their existing routes that were suspended due to COVID-19.

Regional carrier Porter Airlines has said it will resume operations in September, after an 18-month shutdown.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021.
SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP)  Dozens of states are taking aim at Google in an escalating legal offensive on Big Tech.

FILE - This March 19, 2018 file photo shows the Google app on an iPad in Baltimore. Dozens of states are taking aim at Google in an escalating legal offensive on Big Tech. This time it's a lawsuit targeting the Google's Play store, where consumers download most of the apps designed for the Android software that powers most of the worlds smartphones. The complaint filed late Wednesday, July 7, 2021 represents the fourth major antitrust filed against Google by government agencies across the U.S. since last October. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP)  Dozens of states are taking aim at Google in an escalating legal offensive on Big Tech.

This time, attorneys general for 36 states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit targeting Google's Play store, where consumers download apps designed for the Android software that powers most of the world's smartphones.

The 144-page complaint filed late Wednesday in a Northern California federal court represents the fourth major antitrust lawsuit filed against Google by government agencies across the U.S. since last October.

The lawsuit also comes against a backdrop of proposed laws in Congress tailored to either break up or undermine the power amassed by Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon. The four have built trillion-dollar empires fueled by the immense popularity of services that people have become increasingly dependent upon.

Much of the latest lawsuit echoes similar allegations that mobile game maker Epic Games made against both Google and Apple, which runs a separate app store exclusively for iPhones, in cases brought last August.

Just as Epic did, the states' lawsuit focuses primarily on the control Google exerts on its app store so it can collect commissions of up to 30% on digital transactions within apps installed on smartphones running on Android. Those devices represent more than 80% of the worldwide smartphone market.

A high-profile trial pitting Epic  the maker of the widely played Fortnite video game  against Apple concluded in late May. A decision from the federal judge who presided over the month-long proceedings is expected later this summer. Epic's lawsuit against Google is still awaiting trial.

Although its app commissions are similar to Apple's, Google has tried to distinguish itself by allowing consumers to download apps from other places than its Play store. Apple, in contrast, doesn't allow iPhone users to install apps from any other outlet than its store.

But the lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges Google's claims that its Android software is an open operating system that allows consumers more choices is a sham.

The complaint contends Google has deployed various tactics and set up anticompetitive barriers to ensure it distributes more than 90% of the apps on Android devices  a market share that the attorneys general argue represents an illegal monopoly. What's more, the lawsuit alleges Google has been abusing that power to reap billions of dollars in profit at the expense of consumers who wind up paying higher prices to subsidize the commissions, and the makers of apps who have less money and incentive to innovate.

Googles monopoly is a menace to the marketplace," said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, who is leading the lawsuit along with his peers in New York, Tennessee and North Carolina. Google Play is not fair play. Google must be held accountable for harming small businesses and consumers."

Google didn't immediately respond to a request for a lawsuit, but it has adamantly defended the way it runs its Play store in its response to the Epic lawsuit and in other instances.

The Mountain View, California, company also is fighting the three other lawsuits that were filed against it last year, including a landmark case brought by the U.S. Justice Department. Those cases are focused on alleged abuses of Google's dominant search engine and its digital ad network that generates more than $100 billion in annual revenue for its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc.

As the scrutiny on their app stores has intensified, both Apple and Google have been taking conciliatory steps. Most notably, both have lowered their commissions to 15% on the first $1 million in revenue collected by app makers  a reduction that covers most apps in their respective stores.

But those measures haven't lessened the heat on any of the major tech companies, nor should they, said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, who chairs a subcommittee that oversees antitrust issues.

This is exactly the type of aggressive antitrust enforcement that we need to rein in the power of big tech and address Americas monopoly problem," she said in a statement.

But fighting Big Tech won't be easy. Besides being able to spend heavily to lobby for their positions, the companies also contend they have the law on their side. Facebook, for instance, scored a major victory last week when a federal judge dismissed an antitrust lawsuit against the social media company by the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of states on the grounds that they hadn't submitted enough evidence to back their monopoly allegations.
WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (AP)  Gov. Tony Evers signed the Republican-written state budget Thursday, enacting a two-year spending plan that includes a $2 billion income tax cut while making 50 largely minor partial vetoes, saying unfinished business still needs to be addressed.

WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (AP)  Gov. Tony Evers signed the Republican-written state budget Thursday, enacting a two-year spending plan that includes a $2 billion income tax cut while making 50 largely minor partial vetoes, saying unfinished business still needs to be addressed.

The budget will also cut property taxes for the owner of an average home by $100 next year, ends a University of Wisconsin tuition freeze in place for eight years, increases salaries for state employees and basically holds K-12 funding flat.

Evers, a Democrat who is running for reelection next year, cast the tax cut as a bipartisan effort even though the plan was added to the budget by Republican lawmakers. Evers' original budget would have raised taxes, primarily on manufacturers and the wealthy, by more than $1 billion.

I could have vetoed that," Evers said of the GOP tax cut proposal. "I made a promise to the taxpayers, to the state, we would reduce middle class taxes by 10% and we did 15%. It is a bipartisan effort.

Evers said signing the budget with the partial vetoes will improve this document and leave resources available to ensure that the unfinished business can be addressed."

The average person earning $61,000 a year will see an income tax cut of $488 this tax year and $975 over the next two years, state Revenue Secretary Peter Barca said at the bill signing ceremony at a suburban Milwaukee elementary school.

Evers opted to go along with the GOP-written budget with some relatively minor changes through his vetoes rather than killing the entire plan, a move that would have jeopardized $2.3 billion in federal coronavirus relief funding for K-12 schools. That money only comes to the state if funding for schools increases enough to meet federal requirements, which the budget as signed would do.

Evers also said he planned to veto a bipartisan bill to eliminate a property tax paid by businesses. Evers was keeping money in the budget to pay for it, saying he hoped the Legislature would pass a better bill to eliminate that tax.

Two years ago, Evers issued 78 partial vetoes and four of them were challenged in court. The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down three of them, but its ruling did not directly address a governors veto authority going forward.

Evers said that court ruling absolutely limited his ability to make more sweeping vetoes this year.

The Supreme Court made it much more difficult to partial veto the budget, he said. "Those decisions play a huge role in this.

The budget was approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature last week, with all Republicans and seven Democrats in support. It increases K-12 funding by $128 million, less than a tenth of what Evers wanted. Evers, Democrats and some schools had argued thats not enough, particularly given that the federal COVID-19 money can only be spent on virus-related expenses and is not distributed equally to all schools.

Evers, a former state superintendent of schools, had wanted to tap the states projected $4.4 billion surplus to spend more on schools. But he said he was signing the budget because he didn't want to jeopardize the federal money.

This budget isnt good enough for our kids," Evers said, surrounded by elementary school children. "Republicans could have and should have done more.

Republicans also directed about $650 million to schools but did it in a way that the money must be used to reduce property taxes, rather than go toward new spending by the schools. That move meets the federal requirement to increase funding. It means the owner of a median-valued home will see their taxes drop $100 next year and increase $30 the next.

Republicans stripped hundreds of Evers proposals from the t$87.5 billion spending plan, which takes effect immediately and runs through the middle of 2023. The budget Evers signed does not expand Medicaid, legalize marijuana, reinstate collective bargaining rights for public workers, raise taxes on the wealthy, increase the minimum wage cap enrollment in private voucher schools or enact gun control measures as Evers had proposed.

The budget ends an eight-year tuition freeze on University of Wisconsin System undergraduate resident tuition. But even with the new freedom to raise tuition, the UW Board of Regents on Thursday was voting to not raise tuition in the next academic year.

The budget cuts income taxes by $2 billion over two years, mostly by lowering one tax bracket from 6.27% to 5.3%. It would apply to individuals making between $23,930 to $263,480 and married couples filing taxes jointly who earn between $31,910 and $351,310. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, a taxpayer making between $40,000 and $50,000 would see a $115 reduction in tax year 2022.

There are no gas tax or vehicle registration fee increases. The budget would authorize the start of the oft-delayed Interstate 94 expansion project in Milwaukee County, as Evers wanted. State employees will receive a 2% raise in both 2022 and 2023.
BANGKOK (AP)  A week into an ambitious but risky plan to open the Thai resort island of Phuket to vaccinated visitors, signs were encouraging that the gambit to resuscitate the decimated tourism industry was working, even as infections elsewhere in the country surged Thursday to record highs.

Health workers collect nasal swabs from local residents for coronavirus testing in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, July 8, 2021. A week into an ambitious but risky plan to open the resort island of Phuket to fully-vaccinated visitors, signs were encouraging that the gambit to help breathe new life into the struggling tourism industry was working, even as coronavirus numbers in the rest of Thailand surged Thursday to new record highs. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK (AP)  A week into an ambitious but risky plan to open the Thai resort island of Phuket to vaccinated visitors, signs were encouraging that the gambit to resuscitate the decimated tourism industry was working, even as infections elsewhere in the country surged Thursday to record highs.

After seeing fewer than 5,000 foreign travelers over the first five months of the year, the island off Thailand's southwest coast, whose economy is 95% reliant on the tourist industry, welcomed 2,399 visitors during the first week of July.

The so-called Phuket sandbox plan relies on a strategy of vaccinations, testing and restrictions  measures that officials are hoping are strict enough to mitigate any COVID-19 threat, while still providing enough freedom for tourists to enjoy a beach vacation.

In the week before the sandbox started on July 1, Phuket saw 17 new cases of the coronavirus. The numbers climbed the first week, but remained low at 27 new cases.

At the same time, Thailand as a whole has seen a spike in infections, with a record 7,058 cases reported Thursday with 75 deaths, which has made many skeptical about pursuing the Phuket reopening at this time.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has come under personal fire for his handling of the surge, and political cartoons have depicted him sitting on the beach enjoying himself while Thais die from the virus.

Prayuth was also forced to self-isolate this week after a businessman he had contact with at the sandbox launch tested positive for COVID-19.

Last-minute issues with the program meant some cancelations before it even began, and the initial target of 30,000 visitors for July was reduced to 18,000. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of Phuket Tourism Association, said now that the program is up and running he expects 30,000 visitors from outside Thailand in August.

There's still a lot of ground to make up to get back to the 2 million foreigners Phuket saw in the first five months of last year as the pandemic was beginning.

The COVID-19 situation might affect the overall picture of the country, but I believe that the visitors will understand that Phuket is safe enough for them so it should not affect their travel plans, he said.

Liron Or, a tourist from Israel, decided on a 10-day trip to Phuket with her husband and five children when she first heard about the sandbox plan three weeks ago.

They arrived on day one and she said the opportunity to relax on holiday has outweighed any of the mandated precautions.

The process is not too difficult, she said. And this trip gives our children such big joy. There are not too many tourists here at the moment on the beaches.

Travelers arriving elsewhere in Thailand are subject to a strict 14-day hotel room quarantine, but under the sandbox plan, visitors to Phuket can roam the entire island  the countrys largest  where they can lounge on beaches, jet ski and eat out in restaurants.

Visitors are only permitted from countries considered no higher than medium risk. Most so far have come from the U.S., Britain, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Adult foreign visitors must provide proof of full vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before departure, and proof of insurance that covers virus treatment, among other things. Once on the island, they have to follow mask and distancing regulations and take three COVID-19 tests at their own expense  about $300 total  and show negative results.

After 14 days, visitors can travel elsewhere in Thailand without further restrictions.

Ahead of the programs launch, some 70% of the islands approximately 450,000 residents received at least one vaccine dose, and all front-line workers in restaurants, hotels and elsewhere were fully vaccinated.

So far, only one visitor has tested positive for the coronavirus; a man from the UAE who was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Angela Luxy Smith, a Briton who works in Qatar and had been a regular visitor to Thailand in the past, leapt at the chance to return.

She and her husband plan to take full advantage of the program, staying in Phuket for the initial 14 days and then traveling to other places in Thailand, before returning to Phuket for another week to wrap up a 40-day holiday.

She and her husband were amazed at how many restaurants were open in some areas that cater more to residents, but said much remains closed at beaches more popular with tourists.

It's so strange, quiet and closed  so sad for many people who rely on tourism," she said. "We hope people come back very soon.

Phuket currently has 131,809 room nights booked for July, with 9,745 booked for August and 1,094 booked for September.

Before the pandemic, some 20% of Thailand's economy was related to the tourism industry and other areas in the country are closely watching the Phuket experiment as they look to gradually reopen themselves.

For Richard Van Driel Vis, his trip that began this week in Phuket was the first time he'd left the Netherlands since the pandemic started.

He said getting together the documentation and fulfilling the prerequisites for the trip was difficult and stressful but in the end, totally worth it.

I am sitting here in the bar looking at the beach, in a nice warm weather, he said.

Its Phuket or stay home so I came here, he said wryly.

Associated Press writer Tassanee Vejpongsa contributed to this report.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Proposed legislative changes that would ban non-European ownership of Polish media have angered critics who say they target the U.S. company Discovery Inc., owner of the TVN broadcaster that's openly critical of the right-wing government.

Warsaw headquarters of Poland's TVN broadcaster that is owned by the U.S. company Discovery Inc., in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, July 8, 2021. Lawmakers of the ruling right-wing Law and Justice party have unexpectedly filed in parliament draft changes to Poland's media law that would ban non-European ownership and are seen as are aimed against Discovery Inc. and TVN broadcaster and its all-news TVN24 channel, openly critical of the right-wing government.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Proposed legislative changes that would ban non-European ownership of Polish media have angered critics who say they target the U.S. company Discovery Inc., owner of the TVN broadcaster that's openly critical of the right-wing government.

The changes were published on Poland's parliament website late Wednesday and were proposed by lawmakers from the governing Law and Justice party that has been taking steps to control the media ever since winning power in 2015. Critics say the party has turned state TVP broadcaster into its mouthpiece, while party leader and strategist Jaroslaw Kaczynski says he wants to limit media ownership and influence by foreign investors.

Earlier this year, state-owned oil and fuels giant PKN Orlen bought regional media group Polska Press from its German owner Verlagsgruppe Passau. Party loyalists have been appointed to top managerial positions.

The TVN broadcaster's all-news TVN24 channel that exposes alleged irregularities and scandals within the government has long irritated the Law and Justice party.

TVN was launched as a commercial broadcaster by the private Polish media group ITI in 1997. It was Polands third most popular broadcaster in 2020, according to specialized surveys.

Warsaw headquarters of Poland's TVN broadcaster that is owned by the U.S. company Discovery Inc., in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, July 8, 2021. Lawmakers of the ruling right-wing Law and Justice party have unexpectedly filed in parliament draft changes to Poland's media law that would ban non-European ownership and are seen as are aimed against Discovery Inc. and TVN broadcaster and its all-news TVN24 channel, openly critical of the right-wing government.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

A top Law and Justice figure and European Parliament member, Joachim Brudzinski, argued that TVN journalists lack objectivity, often taking the side of the governments opponents.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stood by the unexpected draft changes Thursday, saying they are to prevent "outside bodies ... influencing the media debate, influencing public opinion ... without the approval of the Polish regulator.

Every serious country should have such instruments, Morawiecki said.

Morawiecki defined outside bodies as being from outside the European Economic Area that includes the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein.

TVN, which had a 7.5% share in Poland's media market in 2020, responded with a statement saying that the proposed changes were intended to silence us and to deprive the viewers of their right to choose.

Under the false pretense of a fight against foreign propaganda, an attempt is being made to limit the freedom of the media, the TVN statement said. We will not surrender under any pressure and we will remain independent in acting on behalf of our viewers.

The U.S. embassy said it was following the TVN licensing process with rising concern.

TVN has been an essential part of the Polish media landscape for over 20 years. Unfettered press is crucial for democracy, the Embassy's charge daffaires Bix Aliu said on Twitter.

Poland's government policies on media but chiefly on taking control of the justice system have put it on a collision curse with the EU that says they undermine the principles of democracy.

The proposed changes come as Discovery Inc. has been waiting for over a year for the extension of TVN24s license that expires Sept. 26. Licenses for some other TVN channels such as TVN24 BIS run until 2027.

Discovery bought the broadcaster in 2018 from another U.S. media concern, Scripps Networks Interactive, and manages TVN though Polish Television Holding BV, registered in the Netherlands.

The head of Poland's media regulator, Witold Kolodziejski, confirmed the body was in talks with TVN24 over its concession and was analyzing opinions by experts, but also said he favors the interpretation of the law that requires non-European investors to own no more than 49% stakes in Polish media companies.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Marcin Horala insisted on Onet Rano news portal that the proposed changes are not about closing TVN. He suggested that the current owner could sell some of the shares to a European investor if its license is to be extended.

The proposal, for which the ruling party's coalition partners say they had no advance warning, has drawn vehement criticism.

A lawmaker for the opposition The Left party, Joanna Senyszyn, said on Twitter that Law and Justice lawmakers have filed a draft law that is aimed at eliminating TVN and TVN24 from Poland's media market. We give no consent to that.
When Western Glove Works launched Silver Jeans 30 years ago, there was trepidation and anticipation about whether its own line of designer jeans would work, just as there is any time a product is launched.

When Western Glove Works launched Silver Jeans 30 years ago, there was trepidation and anticipation about whether its own line of designer jeans would work, just as there is any time a product is launched.

Bob Silver, 71 and his brother Michael, 63 had the advantage of the company's 70 years of experience in garment manufacturing.

That gamble on its own brand of denim jeans currently accounts for close to 90 per cent of its business as Western Glove Works marks its 100th year in business in Winnipeg.

This year is the parent companys centennial and the Silver Jeans 30th anniversary, both milestones are almost unheard of in the era of disposable fashion.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Brothers Bob (left) and Michael Silver are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Western Glove Works and the 30th anniversary of their Silver Jeans brand.

The company started in the early 1920s by making workwear such as dungarees, jackets and gloves. It grew to become an anchor for Winnipeg's booming garment manufacturing industry, the third-largest in the country after Montreal and Toronto. It's one of the last ones still standing.

Its transition to denim started around the time Bob Silver bought the company from his great-uncle in 1981, along with his cousin Ron Stern, whom he credits to this day as an inspiration. (Silver and Stern are majority owners of FP Newspapers Inc., the owner of the Winnipeg Free Press.)

At the time, the company was making double-knit slacks and leisure suits, something any self-respecting member of the age of Aquarius could not relate to. Western Glove did do some denim, and Bobs first short-lived foray into the company's own jeans brand  wide-legged ones as was the style of the early '80s  was called Ziggy.

"It was my first lesson on trademarks," Silver said. "Loblaws, which had a delicatessen line called Ziggy at the time, came to me and said you cant use that name."

The companys manufacturing prowess started to attract brands that wanted to contract out their manufacturing, starting with Bootlegger, which needed domestic manufacturing capacity in the era of import quotas. (Only a certain volume of imports were allowed into the country from various countries before massive tariffs were added.)

SUPPLIED Western Glove Works in 1921.

The company became experts in the field, eventually making private label blue jeans for the likes of Calvin Klein, Gap International and Nordstrom, and growing its manufacturing operation in Winnipeg to close to 1,200 people by the early 1990s.

However, the writing was on the wall for the end of the quota system and the value of owning their own brand becoming more apparent. So, they staked the future of the company on their own Silver Jeans.

"Luckily, Michael was able to attract a team with the talent that allowed us to do that," said Bob. "Now, Michael is an overnight success that was 30 years in the making."

Michael said at first he told people that if they hit $1 million in annual sales, he would be the happiest guy around. Then it was $5 million in five years. Its now doing about $100 million in wholesale revenue.

"We have grown over the 30 years to a number I never thought we would reach," said Michael.

SUPPLIED Western Glove Works employee picnic in 1928 at Grand Beach.

Theyve made more than 100 million pairs of Silver Jeans in factories in Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka and elsewhere in Asia; the jeans can be found in about 15,000 stores in North America.

It is now the oldest private denim company in North America.

Although the company has tried swimsuits and other leisure wear, those forays into expanded product offering haven't been successful; and the company is happy to concentrate on what it knows best.

"We have tried just about everything," Bob said. "There have been many, many failures. But you learn not just by your successes."

He does attribute some of the success to the avoidance of greed  the brothers have listened to, but have turned down, offers to purchase the company  and a commitment to continually try to improve the brand.

SUPPLIED The shop in 1950.

A case in point was a significant investment in digital infrastructure that has boosted its direct-to-consumer sales by 20 per cent during the pandemic. The pandemic has accelerated consumer demand for online shopping and Silver Jeans was up for the challenge.

The Silver brothers' respect for the product, and their commitment to its integrity, has served it well.

"The denim business has gone through an enormous amount of change over the years," Michael said.

Western Glove/Silver Jeans remained players when the market was dominanted by brands that owned their own retail, such as The Gap and Guess. Then fast fashion purveyors such as Zara and H & M disrupted the market, but Michael believes rising consumer demand for sustainable products has brought things back full circle to a greater appreciation of garments with the right fit and feel, that will also last.

"There has been a nice push back to that from the younger generation, who want products that can last and not cause harm to the environment," he said. "Everyone is saying denim is popular again. Thats great, but now there are 100 more brands who want to get into it."

Michael leads the design, sales and marketing teams in California and New York, but the product development team and head office remain in Winnipeg, where the company has a much leaner staff of 75 in total.

As most Winnipeggers know, Bob spends a lot of time on civic pursuits, probably rivalling anyone not named Richardson or Asper in terms of membership on the boards of community initiatives.

"In Winnipeg, we have to try harder  and we did. We have not stopped trying harder," said Bob. "Many others have succeeded but I dont think they worked as hard or as diligently and cared as much about the people with whom they work in order to have that sustainability as we have."

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  Media mogul and billionaire bison rancher Ted Turner is donating an 80,000-acre ranch he owns in western Nebraska to his own nonprofit agriculture ecosystem research institute and says he might do the same with four other ranches in Nebraskas Sand Hills.

FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2013, file photo, Ted Turner talks with guests at the Captain Planet Foundation benefit gala in Atlanta. Media mogul and billionaire bison rancher Turner is donating an 80,000-acre ranch he owns in western Nebraska to his own nonprofit agriculture ecosystem research institute and says he might do the same with four other ranches in Nebraska's Sand Hills. But he'll continue to pay taxes on the land, much to the relief of local officials and Nebraska leaders, the Omaha World-Herald reported Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  Media mogul and billionaire bison rancher Ted Turner is donating an 80,000-acre ranch he owns in western Nebraska to his own nonprofit agriculture ecosystem research institute and says he might do the same with four other ranches in Nebraskas Sand Hills.

But hell continue to pay taxes on the land, much to the relief of local officials and Nebraska leaders, the Omaha World-Herald reported Thursday.

I believe that local property taxes provide essential support for services on which our ranches and communities depend," Turner, 82, said in a news release last week announcing the new institute. The Institute will continue to pay its share of taxes to support the local communities.

State officials had feared Turner  Nebraska's largest landowner with nearly 500,000 acres of western Nebraska ranchland  might turn over the land to a nonprofit and remove vast tracts of land from property tax rolls.

The prospect of such a large amount of land removed from tax rolls "would be painful, said state Sen. Tom Brewer, of Gordon.

The news release from Turner Enterprises Inc. and Turner Ranches announced the launch of the Turner Institute of Ecoagriculture, which expects to work in conjunction with South Dakota State University to conduct research and develop strategies to conserve ecosystems while raising bison and generating income off grazing lands.

Turners bison ranches already focus on sustainable practices, including rotational grazing. There also has been a focus on studying and preserving endangered species, as well as wildlife habitat projects.

Turner is the founder of 24-hour news cable network CNN. He announced in 2018 that he was suffering from Lewy body dementia. The disease causes Alzheimers-like symptoms along with movement and other problems.
SYDNEY  Australian authorities are further tightening restrictions in Sydney after reporting 44 new community cases, the largest number since a coronavirus outbreak began there last month. The city of more than 5 million is already in lockdown.

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)

SYDNEY  Australian authorities are further tightening restrictions in Sydney after reporting 44 new community cases, the largest number since a coronavirus outbreak began there last month. The city of more than 5 million is already in lockdown.

New South Wales State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said new restrictions would limit the number of people who can exercise together to two in most cases, and exercisers would need to stay close to home. The number of mourners at funerals would also be limited to 10 from Sunday.

Berejiklian said the state was facing its scariest test since the pandemic began and that unless numbers started to come down, authorities would likely extend the lockdown beyond next Friday.

She said the message was that people could not leave home unless it was absolutely necessary.

Authorities also deployed at least 100 extra police officers to ensure lockdown compliance.

A nurse 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)

The highly contagious delta variant outbreak began after a limousine driver tested positive on June 16. He is thought to have been infected while transporting a U.S. flight crew from Sydney airport.

MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 Coronavirus vaccines work against delta variant, researchers find

 Japan declares virus emergency lasting through Olympics; local fans banned

 India to spend $3.1B for health care centers

 England fans gear up for Euro 2020 final, more virus cases

An exterior banner paid for by the State of California encourages residents to wear a mask in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Los Angeles County public health officials have urged people to resume wearing masks indoors regardless of their vaccination status. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

 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 will enforce its strongest social distancing restrictions in the greater capital area starting next week as it wrestles with what appears to be the worst wave of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.

The plans, which may bring Seouls thriving nightlife to a standstill, were announced shortly before the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported another new 1,316 cases on Wednesday, breaking the countrys previous one-day record of 1,275 set the day before.

Nearly 1,000 of the cases came from Seoul and nearby metropolitan regions, home to half of the countrys 51 million people, where officials will elevate social distancing restrictions to an unprecedented Level 4 for two weeks beginning Monday.

The measures include prohibiting private social gatherings of 3 or more people after 6 p.m., shutting down nightclubs and churches, banning visitors at hospitals and nursing homes and limiting weddings and funerals to family-only gatherings. Protests will be banned and shopping malls will have to close after 10 p.m.

England fans react as they stand on the roof of Leicester Square underground station after England won the Euro 2020 soccer championship semifinal match between England and Denmark played at Wembley Stadium in London, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

The surge in infections is a worrisome development in a country where a shortage in vaccine supplies have left 70% of the population still waiting for their first shot.

The countrys caseload is now at 165,344 after adding more than 8,300 cases in July alone.

Critics say the government made things worse by pushing for a premature easing of social distancing over economic concerns.

OTTAWA  Canadas chief public health officer says there are cases of the latest COVID-19 variant of interest in the country, but its too early to know how widespread it is or what impact it could have.

Dr. Theresa Tam said Thursday 11 cases of the Lambda variant that was first identified in Peru last year have been reported to Health Canada to date. However, the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec said Thursday it has confirmed 27 cases already, all in March and April.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring Lambda to see how it spreads and how it responds to vaccines, Tam said.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach gestures on screen at the beginning of the five-party meeting in Tokyo, Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Behrouz Mehri/Pool Photo via AP)

Were just trying to gather up some information on who it is thats having the Lambda variant right now, but theres very few cases at this point, she said.

Early studies, including one from New York University published July 2, suggest Lambda may be a bit resistant to antibodies produced by the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, but concluded it is not by enough to cause a significant loss of protection against infection.

DENVER -- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis lifted his pandemic state of emergency on Thursday and rescinded all related executive orders, citing the states progress in combating the coronavirus.

The Democrat did sign an executive order focusing on pandemic recovery and promoting vaccinations, his office said in a statement.

The announcements come as Denver prepares to host the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Polis has issued more than 300 executive orders since declaring the state of emergency in March 2020.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga speaks during a press conference at his official residence in Tokyo, Thursday, July 8, 2021. Suga declared the fourth state of emergency would go in effect on Monday and last through Aug. 22. This means the Olympics, opening on July 23 and running through Aug. 8, will be held entirely under emergency measures. (Nicolas Datiche/Pool Photo via AP)

More than 70% of adults in Colorado have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While the more contagious delta variant has become the dominant strain in Colorado, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 is down.

The state health department says nearly 3 million residents have been fully vaccinated and nearly 3.3 million more have received at least one vaccine dose. More than 7,000 people have died in Colorado and more than 560,000 cases have been reported since the pandemic began.

PHOENIX  Arizona has reached a coronavirus milestone with 50% of its population, or nearly 3.6 million people, having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

That compares with about 55% nationwide who are at least partially vaccinated.

Arizonas vaccine administration peaked in early April with up to 78,000 a day before dropping by about half in May and even lower more recently.

The state has closed its mass vaccination sites due to the decreased demand and instead promoted availability of vaccines at health clinics, pharmacies and pop-up events.

Tokyo Olympics Minister Tamayo Marukawa speaks during the five-party meeting in Tokyo on Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Behrouz Mehri/Pool Photo via AP)

Arizona reported 725 new confirmed cases Thursday and no additional deaths. Hospitalizations have fluctuated between 500 and 600.

__

ROME  Confirmed new coronavirus infections in Italy have topped 1,000 for the second straight day as health authorities voice growing concern over what they say appears to be a trend toward rising case numbers.

Health Ministry figures show 1,394 cases were registered in the last 24 hours compared with daily caseloads in the hundreds in previous weeks.

Virus experts credit vaccination with keeping the number of new ICU admissions low despite the higher caseloads, however.

Italy is stressing the importance of vaccines as the virus' delta variant steadily gains traction.

People wear face masks to protect against the spread of the coronavirus after the COVID-19 alert raise to level 3 in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

So far 41% of people in Italy older than 12 and thus eligible to receive the shots are fully vaccinated, while an additional 20% or so have received an initial vaccine dose.

NEW YORK  New research from France adds to evidence that COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against the delta variant that is spreading rapidly around the world and now accounts for most U.S. infections.

The delta variant is surging through populations with low vaccination rates. Researchers from Frances Pasteur Institute reported new evidence Thursday in the journal Nature that full vaccination is critical.

In tests, a single dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines barely inhibited the delta variant. But after a second dose, almost all experienced a big boost in immunity.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.

A few weeks ago, the delta variant accounted for just over a quarter of new U.S. cases. But it now accounts for just over 50%, and in some places, such as parts of the Midwest, as much as 80%.

A medical worker administers a shot of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine at a vaccination center in the Luzhniki Olympic Complex in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, July 8, 2021.The Russian authorities have been striving to boost laggard vaccination rates in the country in recent weeks. As of Wednesday, 27 million people in Russia, or just 18.5% of the 146-million population, have received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine, and 18.5 million, or 12.6%, have been fully vaccinated. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

LISBON, Portugal  Portuguese authorities are requiring a negative test or proof of vaccination for people wanting to enter restaurants and hotels at peak periods in areas where the coronavirus is surging.

The government announced Thursday it wants people to use the EU Digital COVID Certificate to patronize such businesses on Friday evenings, weekends and public holidays.

The high-risk areas are mostly around the capital Lisbon and in the southern Algarve vacation region.

The certificates, which can be downloaded to an app, certify EU citizens tests and vaccinations. They also allow them to travel between countries without having to quarantine or be tested.

Portugals coronavirus 14-day incidence rate has risen to 255 per 100,000 people in recent weeks, pushed higher by the more infectious delta variant.

LOS ANGELES  California workplace safety officials plan to fine the Los Angeles County Superior Court system more than $25,000 for alleged violations involving the COVID-19 pandemic.

FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2021 file photo, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address in Jefferson City, Mo. Federal officials are pushing back after Parson said he doesn't want government employees going door-to-door to urge people to get vaccinated. Missouri asked for help last week from nearly formed federal "surge response" teams as it combats an influx of cases that's overwhelming some hospitals. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

The system shut down all but the most essential services in early 2020 but resumed many in-person proceedings in the final months of the year.

About 16 interpreters were exposed to COVID-19, and one died in January 2021. That was followed by two other court employees the same month and another interpreter in February.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the California Division of Occupational Health and Safety found three violations, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Ann E. Donlan, the courts communications director, disputed the alleged violations and said it would appeal.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka  The Sri Lanka national cricket teams batting coach has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Sri Lanka Cricket says Grant Flower, a former Zimbabwe international, tested positive on arrival from England with the team after a series.

A healthcare worker attends to a COVID-19 patient at the Dr. Norberto Raul Piacentini hospital, in Lomas de Zamora, Argentina, Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

He has been isolated from the team and given medical attention for slight symptoms of the illness.

Sri Lanka has reported 268,676 confirmed cases and 3,351 deaths.

____

NEW DELHI  India will spend $3.1 billion to create new health care facilities in preparation for another possible wave of coronavirus infections.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya says officials will set up 50 field hospitals, 20,000 intensive care unit beds, 700 pediatric centers and storage facilities for medical oxygen in 700 districts within nine months.

Mandaviya says India has already increased the numbers of oxygen-supported beds to more than 400,000 from 50,000 in March 2021.

A health worker prepares to administer 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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modis government approved the new spending, with the federal government accounting for 65% of it and states 35%.

More than half of Indias reported 400,000 coronavirus deaths, third highest in the world, have occurred in the past two months as the delta variant overwhelmed its health system.

New cases are on the decline after exceeding 400,000 a day in May. Total confirmed cases stand at 30.7 million.

UNITED NATIONS  U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the grim milestone of 4 million deaths worldwide from the coronavirus shows that it is outpacing vaccine distribution and the pandemic is far from over.

Guterres says most of the world has not received vaccines and more than half the victims of the coronavirus have died this year.

Many millions more are at risk if the virus is allowed to spread like wildfire, Guterres said. The more it spreads, the more variants we see  variants that are more transmissible, more deadly and more likely to undermine the effectiveness of current vaccines.

Thousands gather for the Country Jam music festival in Mack, Colorado, on June 26, 2021. Cases of the delta variant of the coronavirus are spreading quickly in the area, but the public health department said that, by the time the risk had become clear, it was too late to cancel the three-day music festival. (Rae Ellen Bichell/Kaiser Health News via AP)

The secretary-general called for the greatest global public health effort in history to bridge the vaccine gap.

LIVONIA, Mich.  One of the largest Catholic health care systems in the U.S. is requiring all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19 to guard against infections and protect patients, staff members and their communities.

Trinity Health is one of the first hospital groups to mandate vaccinations. It says its 117,000 employees across 22 states, plus contractors and others doing business in its health facilities, will have to meet a series of rolling deadlines.

By Sept. 21 they must submit proof of vaccination or face termination, though religious and health exemptions are possible. Trinity Health, based in Livonia, Michigan, estimates that nearly 75% of staffers already have received at least one dose.

CEO Mike Slubowski says in a statement that Trinity Health has had workers and patients die of COVID-19 over the past year, and the mandate will help protect those who can't be vaccinated such as young children and immunocompromised people.

Trinity Health serves communities that are home to over 30 million people through its 92 hospitals and 113 continuing care locations.

TOKYO  Fans are banned from the Tokyo Olympics following a state of emergency aimed at containing rising coronavirus infections in the capital.

The measure from the International Olympic Committee and Japanese organizers excludes local spectators from attending the game, following a ban on fans from overseas that was put in place months earlier.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike says that many people were looking forward to watching the games at the venues, but I would like everyone to fully enjoy watching the games on TV at home.

The state of emergency declared by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Sugawas came the same day as IOC President Thomas Bach's arrival in Japan. Bach will spend three days in quarantine at the five-star hotel that lodges IOC members.

SEOUL, South Korea  South Koreas spy agency has told lawmakers there is no sign that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been inoculated against the coronavirus and his country has not received any foreign vaccines.

Lawmakers who attended the closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service say North Koreas government is trying to dispel any expectations among ordinary citizens that they will receive vaccines from abroad. It is urging them to boost their anti-virus vigilance.

They added that the agency says Kim does not appear to have any health problem despite recent weight loss, which may have come from dieting to improve his overall condition.

TAIPEI, Taiwan  Taiwan has received 1.13 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Japan in the second such donation this year.

Taipei has benefited from vaccine diplomacy, receiving near 5 million doses from the United States and Japan following its worst outbreak starting in May.

It has accused China, which claims the self-ruled island as its renegade territory, of intervening to block the delivery of vaccines, something that Beijing denies.

Taiwan had signed commitments to purchase more than 29 million doses, but given global supply constraints and manufacturing delays, it was left with only about 700,000 when the May outbreak hit.

Allies have stepped in to help the island start distributing the shots quickly. About 11% of the population have received at least one dose.

LONDON  Britains transportation secretary says fully vaccinated U.K. residents returning from travel to most countries will no longer have to quarantine starting in July 19.

Travelers still must take a coronavirus test three days before returning to the U.K., and within two days after their arrival. Secretary Grant Shapps also confirms that children under 18 will not need to quarantine after traveling. The changes do not apply to nonresidents.

The government will also scrap guidance advising against travel to countries on the amber list, such as the U.S. and Spain.

Currently, people are advised not to fly to those countries unless it is for business or exceptional circumstances and are required to isolate for 10 days afterward.

Shapps says there is no change to the hotel quarantine requirement for arrivals from red list countries such as India and South Africa, even among people who are fully vaccinated.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A top EU official warned Thursday that the potential closure of the only remaining border crossing through which humanitarian aid can enter parts of Syria held by anti-government insurgents would have dramatic" consequences for millions of civilians.

Janez Lenarcic, EU commissioner for Crisis Management, second right, speaks with aid workers at the Bab- al-Hawa border crossing between Turkey and northern Syria, Thursday, July 8, 2021. A top EU official said Thursday that the closure of the only remaining border crossing that allows aid into areas held by Syrian insurgents would have "catastrophic" consequences for millions of Syrians depending on assistance. Lenarcic, EU commissioner for Crisis Management, urged the U.N. Security Council to vote to keep the Bab- al-Hawa border crossing operational and for other border crossings to be reopened. (IHA via AP)

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A top EU official warned Thursday that the potential closure of the only remaining border crossing through which humanitarian aid can enter parts of Syria held by anti-government insurgents would have dramatic" consequences for millions of civilians.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Janez Lenarcic, the EU commissioner for Crisis Management, urged the U.N. Security Council to vote to extend humanitarian access into Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing between Turkey and northern Syria.

He made the comments following a visit to Bab al-Hawa ahead of a crucial vote at the Security Council on whether to keep the crossing open, before its mandate expires on July 10. The crossing is the main point from which international aid is brought into the northwest, home to over 4 million people, most of them displaced.

Syrias government and its ally Russia, a member of the Security Council, want the aid to start coming through government-controlled parts of the war-torn country.

We are still very much hoping that the cross-border resolution will be extended before its expiry on Saturday, Lenarcic said in a Zoom interview from the Turkish border province of Hatay. If its not extended, the consequences will for sure be dramatic for 3.5 million people in north northwest Syria who depend entirely on humanitarian aid.

Russia has come under intense pressure from the U.N., U.S. and others who warn of dire humanitarian repercussions for Syrians in rebel strongholds if the crossing is closed. Russia says aid should be delivered across front lines within Syria, reinforcing the Syrian governments sovereignty over the entire country.

Lenarcic said the EU would support humanitarian assistance coming from government-controlled parts of Syria but insisted there are no viable alternatives to Bab al-Hawa.

This certainly would not be able to replace entirely the huge operation that is now taking place across borders from Turkey to north northwest Syria, he said. This is a huge operation. There are roughly 1,000 trucks sent (across the) border every month."

The Security Council had approved four border crossings when aid deliveries began in 2014, three years after the start of Syrias conflict. But in January 2020, Russia used its veto threat in the council to limit deliveries to two border crossings, and in July 2020 its veto threat closed one more crossing.

Mark Cutts, the U.N.s deputy regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria, said the needs in the enclave are far greater than in 2014, when the Security Council first authorized the cross-border aid.

Weve got a million people displaced last year. There is a severe economic crisis in the country. There is COVID-19. So, the needs have gone up, Cutts told The Associated Press. This is a very vulnerable population. These are civilians trapped in a war zone.

The U.N. children's Agency, UNICEF, said half a million children suffer from stunting as a result of chronic malnutrition. A dire economic crisis in Syria, rooted in corruption, years of conflict and increasing sanctions against the government in Damascus, has made living conditions even more desperate. In the past year alone, prices of food staples have increased by 200%.

The health sector and its infrastructure are particularly in shambles. More than half of the health workers have left the country. Hospitals and medical facilities in opposition areas had been targeted by government forces and its allies. Despite a cease-fire deal in 2020, military operations have not stopped.

Cutts said nothing can replace the current U.N-led aid operation into the northwestern enclave. The U.N. directly provides 70% of all food aid; 100% of the COVID-19 vaccines and all relief assistance. Nearly 1,000 trucks cross in from Turkey a month bringing aid to the area that is still a scene to military operations.

A newly proposed U.N. resolution would allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to northwest Syria through Bab al-Hawa for a year. An initial Security Council draft would have authorized sending aid through Bab al-Hawa and also reopen the Al-Yaroubiya crossing from Iraq to Syria's northeast. But Russia called the resolution a non-starter last week and diplomats said China officially objected Wednesday.

In Syria, the head of the White Helmets organization accused Russia of using humanitarian assistance as a bargaining chip."

Donor countries who fund the humanitarian response in Syria should work with humanitarian workers on the ground to deliver aid based on the needs of people in Syria, said Raed al-Saleh. "Ten years on from the start of the revolution, the humanitarian crisis in Syria is worse than ever  we urgently need the international community to overhaul the way aid is delivered in Syria.

Dr Salem Abdan, the Idlib Health Director, said: "We already lack medicines and with COVID on the increase, any hesitation will cost lives. We need COVID vaccinations and urgent care to stop diseases spreading. Stop political bargaining with peoples lives.

So far, the rebel enclave that includes parts of Idlib and Aleppo provinces, has only received 53,800 UN-secured vaccine jabs delivered through Turkey in April.

Inas Hamam, communication officer of the World Health Organization, said the UN is counting on the Bab al-Hawa crossing to deliver the next batch of vaccines  over 52,800 jabs, by mid-August. She told the AP that the WHO has pre-positioned health supplies, such as protective equipment and surgical kits, to respond to the next four to six months in case of a possible closure to mitigate short-term impact.

But these supplies could be depleted quickly in the case of a COVID outbreak or a military operation, she said.

__

El Deeb and Fay Abulegasim reported from Beirut. Ayse Wieting in Istanbul contributed.
DETROIT (AP)  Toyota has reversed itself and now says its political action committee will no longer contribute to the Republican legislators who voted against certifying Joe Biden's presidential election victory.

FILE - In this Sunday, March 21, 2021 file photo, The company logo adorns a sign outside a Toyota dealership in Lakewood, Colo. Toyota has reversed itself and says its political action committee will no longer contribute to legislators who voted against certifying Joe Bidens presidential election win. The move comes after a social media backlash over the contributions, with threats to stop buying Toyota vehicles. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

DETROIT (AP)  Toyota has reversed itself and now says its political action committee will no longer contribute to the Republican legislators who voted against certifying Joe Biden's presidential election victory.

The move by the Japanese automaker comes after a social media backlash over the contributions, including threats to stop buying the company's vehicles.

We understand that the PAC decision to support select members of Congress who contested the results troubled some stakeholders, Toyota said in a statement Thursday. "We are actively listening to our stakeholders, and at this time, have decided to stop contributing to those members of Congress who contested the certification of certain states in the 2020 election.

Last week the website Axios reported that Toyota led companies in donations to the 147 members of Congress who voted in January against certifying election results on the false grounds that the election was stolen from then-President Donald Trump.

The Axios report, based on data gathered by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said that Toyota donated $55,000 to 37 Republican objectors this year. That number was more than double the amount donated by the second-highest donor, Cubic Corp., a defense contractor in San Francisco, Axios said.

Toyota will not seek refunds of contributions it already has made, spokesman Scott Vazin said Thursday in an email. He said the company hasn't decided if or when it will resume the contributions.

Immediately after Toyota's spending was reported, the company defended it, saying it did not believe its appropriate to judge legislators based only on their electoral certification vote.

The company took input from employees and government officials, Vazin said. But the most important factor was customer feedback, he said. That really drives our decision making, he said.

Contribution data showed that 34 companies donated at least $5,000 to the campaigns and leadership political action committees of one or more election objectors this year, Axios reported.

In addition to criticism on Twitter and elsewhere, the Lincoln Project, a group opposed to Trump, released an internet ad urging people to call Toyota to get the company to stop contributing to the GOP members of Congress.

Shortly after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, dozens of big companies, citing their commitment to democracy, pledged to avoid donating money to the 147 lawmakers. It was a striking gesture by some of the most familiar names in business but was largely an empty one.

Six months later, many of those companies have resumed funneling cash to political action committees that benefit the election efforts of lawmakers whether they objected to the election certification or not.

Walmart, Pfizer, Intel, General Electric and AT&T are among companies that announced their pledges on behalf of democracy in the days after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a violent bid to disrupt the transfer of power. The companies contend that donating directly to a candidate is not the same as giving to a PAC that supports them.
OTTAWA - RoseAnne Archibald of the Taykwa Tagamou Nation in Ontario has become the first woman to serve as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Flags from communities across the country are piled together as the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly comes to an end in Toronto on Thursday, July 19, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michelle Siu

OTTAWA - RoseAnne Archibald of the Taykwa Tagamou Nation in Ontario has become the first woman to serve as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

"The AFN has made her-story today," she said Thursday, using a play on words to outline the historic win.

"Today is a victory, and you can tell all the women in your life that the glass ceiling has been broken. And I thank all of the women who touched that ceiling before me and made it crack. You are an inspiration to me."

Archibald secured victory after her rival, Reginald Bellerose, who has been serving as Chief of Muskowekwan First Nation in Saskatchewan for the last 17 years, conceded.

The election had stretched to a second day and went to a fifth round of voting after neither Archibald nor Bellerose received the necessary 60 per cent of votes to win.

That remained the case when the AFN announced the fifth-ballot results Thursday evening, but Bellerose then withdrew from the race before a sixth round of voting could begin.

Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald speaks with reporters before meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford at Queen's Park in Toronto, on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. RoseAnne Archibald of Ontario will be the first woman to serve as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

In an effort to unify the organization, Archibald made a point in her speech to reach out to the seven candidates who ran against her for the job. The AFN represents 634 First Nations with 900,000 members.

Describing them as akin to "competitive siblings," she called the other candidates brave and applauded them for wanting to serve their communities and First Nations across the country.

She also thanked all the chiefs who voted in the AFN election, even those who did not vote for her, saying she has learned from their guidance and ideas.

"While there are things and differences that divide us, there is much that we share," she said.

"We all want our children to grow up proud and surrounded by love, culture, ceremony and language and safe and vibrant communities. We want a mother earth for them that is not threatened by wildfires and climate change and wildfires and a warming planet. We want to be good ancestors and leave a strong legacy for the seven generations ahead."

Archibald, who previously served as regional chief for Ontario, has been involved in First Nations politics for 31 years. She was the first woman and youngest chief elected to represent her home nation at 23 and went on to become the first woman and youngest deputy Grand Chief for Nishnawbe-Aski Nation in Ontario.

She campaigned on a platform to build a solid post-pandemic recovery plan for First Nations, to increase the involvement of women, youth and LGBTQ and two-sprit peoples in the AFN's political processes, and to support and co-ordinate community-driven solutions to move First Nations beyond reliance on federal dollars toward economic self-sufficiency.

Archibald has also pledged to work with governments to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action, with specific goals of creating community-driven solutions for healing, similar to the former 'Aboriginal Healing Foundation' and to work with nations and survivors to establish memorials to those lost to residential schools.

"With the recent discovery and recovery of our little ones across this country, we are all awake  and what people need to understand and what people need to come to terms with is how settler Canadians have benefited from these colonial practices and how we, as Indigenous people, have been the target of genocide," she said.

"We are going to stare this straight in the face and kick colonial policies to the curb. Change is happening."

In his concession speech, Bellerose said he felt the tide was against him because the AFN chiefs had decided against two back-to-back leaders from Saskatchewan.

Outgoing national chief Perry Bellegarde is from Little Black Bear First Nation in the southern part of the province.

While he admitted he is disappointed, Bellerose also made a point to say he ran a clean campaign, making veiled references to social media posts and comments by other chiefs that may have suggested otherwise.

"I would encourage the chiefs on a go-forward basis that whatever we're going to do on renewal, whatever we're going to do in restructuring, let's add some stability to the election," Bellerose said.

"Let's put some criteria on social media, let's put some criteria on how candidates conduct themselves. That way when people say the AFN chief is irrelevant, no it's not. It's ethical, it's strong, it's fair."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021.
OTTAWA - For years, Inuit have watched a priest they say abused children for decades recline in comfortable retirement in France.

NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq holds a photo of Fr. Johannes Rivoire, who is wanted in Canada for abusing children in Nunavut but now resides in France, as she speaks at a news conference calling on Minister of Justice David Lametti to investigate crimes against Indigenous people in Canada at residential schools, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, July 8, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA - For years, Inuit have watched a priest they say abused children for decades recline in comfortable retirement in France.

Time for that to end, two New Democrat members of Parliament said Thursday.

Nunavut MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq and Charlie Angus, who represents Timmins-James Bay in northern Ontario, called for the federal government to reopen talks to have Oblate priest Johannes Rivoire face trial for his alleged crimes, either in Canada or his native country.

And they demanded the federal justice minister appoint a special prosecutor to ensure that everything done to Indigenous people in all the institutions to which they were taken is revealed  and perpetrators tried.

"Enough is enough," said Qaqqaq.

"Indigenous people need truth and justice, not only about individual abusers like Rivoire but about the hellhole of all genocidal residential school systems. We need a full and independent investigation that has the power to shine a light on every facet of this national crime and has the power to bring perpetrators to justice."

Rivoire, now 90, was in Canada from the early 1960s to 1993, when he returned to France. He worked in the Nunavut communities of Arviat, Rankin Inlet and Naujaat.

He faced at least three charges of sexual abuse relating to his time in those communities and a warrant for his arrest was issued in 1998. But in 2019, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada confirmed those charges wouldn't be proceeding  at least partly due to France's reluctance to extradite its citizens for crimes committed elsewhere.

But the Inuit desire to see Rivoire face trial has never faded. In a June 30 letter to Justice Minister David Lametti, the president of the body that oversees the Nunavut Land Claim demanded the charges be reactivated through new evidence.

"Canada has options available to pursue the matter of Johannes Rivoires," wrote Aluki Kotierk of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

She pointed out France has sent accused criminals to Canada in the past and Canada has extradited citizens to France. She also said France has prosecuted its own citizens for crimes committed in other countries.

"If France refuses to extradite Johannes Rivoire, Canada should aggressively urge France to prosecute him in France," she wrote.

She said her group, as well as two Nunavut premiers, had written letters to various Liberal justice ministers about Rivoire.

"(We) did not even receive either an acknowledgment of receipt of, or the courtesy of a response, on this very serious matter," the letter states.

It's time for Rivoire to face justice, said Peter Irniq, a longtime Inuit leader and childhood friend of a man who said he was one of Rivoire's victims. Marius Tungilik killed himself in 2012.

"I still would like to see that man in Canada," said Irniq. "He needs to be tried."

It's time for all abusers to face justice, said Qaqqaq and Angus. They called for a fully funded prosecutor, with the power to compel testimony and documents, to look into all institutions that affected Indigenous people. That would include residential schools, day schools and tuberculosis sanatoriums  where Inuit were taken in the thousands.

"We cannot trust the Justice Department to do this without an independent special prosecutor and international observers," Qaqqaq said.

Angus said the federal government possesses a "trove" of documents that would extend the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"(The Commission) did not have a mandate to pursue justice, to go after the perpetrators," he said. "Canadians and Indigenous communities are calling for justice."

Justice Canada did not respond to a request for comment.

Qaqqaq, who has announced she won't seek re-election, said crimes committed against Inuit children even decades ago continue to echo through Nunavut communities.

"(Abusers) caused possible generations of trauma," she said.

"Child sexual abuse in Nunavut is rampant. There is a reason for that."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021.

 By Bob Weber in Edmonton. Follow him on Twitter at @row1960
OTTAWA - The federal government plans to launch a national ad campaign aimed at making more white Canadians knowledgeable about systemic racism.

The Peace Tower is framed through the front gates of Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, April 13, 2017. The federal government plans to launch a national ad campaign aimed at making more white Canadians knowledgeable about systemic racism.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - The federal government plans to launch a national ad campaign aimed at making more white Canadians knowledgeable about systemic racism.

Launching a public education and awareness campaign is part of the Liberal government's anti-racism strategy.

That strategy says $3.3 million will be spent on a marketing effort.

Details of what Canadian Heritage is looking for in such a campaign, set to launch later this year, are included in documents posted on the government's procurement website.

The department says its target audience is "non-racialized Canadian middle-aged adults"  defined as between 30 and 44 years old  living in any rural or urban area.

It specifically points out that includes adults living in places such as Hamilton, Thunder Bay and Quebec, considered to be "racism hot spots" because of the high volume of police-reported hate crimes.

According to the documents, the government wants its audience to be taught about "implicit bias," and for the campaign to "weave together an emotionally compelling narrative of contemporary Canadian identity and values as antithetical to racism."

The department says the overall goal is to get more Canadians fighting against systemic racism by making them aware of its impacts through marketing, social media, posters and public engagement.

It notes the campaign should also look at ways to "engage relevant influencers."

"In this COVID-19 context, Canadians are face-to-face with a unique opportunity to reimagine the social contract  in ways that place anti-racism, equity, reconciliation and human rights at the heart of the recovery process," the documents say.

The department cites how data shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous, Black, Asian, Muslim and Jewish communities faced more discrimination and hate crimes.

The issue of systemic racism was brought to the forefront in May 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, a Black man in Minneapolis, by former police officer Derek Chauvin.

His death sparked protests and rallies across Canada calling out racism in this country too.

More recently, the country has been seized by the pain and legacy of the residential school system after First Nations, using ground-penetrating radar, started discovering hundreds of unmarked graves at former school sites where they say Indigenous children were buried.

 With files from The Associated Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2021.
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise on Wednesday, saying Canada would stand by the country and its people in tough times ahead.

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise on Wednesday, saying Canada would stand by the country and its people in tough times ahead.

"It is absolutely unacceptable and not something anyone wants to see anywhere in the world," Trudeau told reporters in Calgary.

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

"Canada has been and will continue to be a close friend to the Haitian people," he added.

"They've had a number of difficult years, including politically. Canada has continued to be there for them and we will continue into the coming difficult months to stand with the people of Haiti and move toward greater stability and greater opportunity for everyone."

A group of gunmen killed Moise and wounded his wife in their home early Wednesday, inflicting more chaos in the Caribbean country already enduring an escalation of gang violence, antigovernment protests and a recent surge in COVID-19 infections.

Moise, 53, had been ruling by decree for months after he failed to hold elections while the opposition demanded he step down. Moise was killed a day after he nominated Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon, as Haiti's new prime minister. Claude Joseph took over the job of interim prime minister in April following the resignation of the previous premier, Joseph Jouthe.

Kevin Edmonds, an assistant professor of Caribbean Studies at the University of Toronto, said Canada and the United States have been involved in cultivating over the long term the current political situation in which the assassination took place.

In February 2004, a military coup overthrew a democratically elected government led by president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. He accused the United States, France and Canada of orchestrating his ousting.

About 500 Canadian troops went to the Caribbean country after the coup "to restore order until a new UN stabilization mission could be well established," according to Veterans Affairs Canada website. It says UN peacekeeping missions in Haiti reached about 7,500 military members and civilian police, from dozens of countries. It also says that at times, over 750 members of the Canadian Armed Forces and 100 civilian police officers have served there.

Since 2004, Edmonds said, a series of fraudulent elections have brought deeply unpopular presidents to power while a UN mission supported them.

Haiti is the largest recipient of development assistance from Canada in the Americas.

Since the January 2010 earthquake, Ottawa has provided $1.5 billion to Haiti, including $345 million in humanitarian assistance and $1.15 billion in development assistance.

Edmonds said Canada played a role in pushing for a national election to be held in 2010, when many Haitian parliamentarians and politicians had lost their lives in the natural disaster. The general election originally scheduled to take in February was put off until November that year and the presidential election was held the following spring.

"Canada and the United States were very insistent that elections happen right away, and a lot of voices within in Haiti, civil society, politicians, the citizens were saying 'let's wait a bit,'" Edmonds said, adding there were concerns about electoral fraud and parties banned from running.

In a 2019 report, Human Rights Watch said the Moise governments elimination of subsidies led to widespread protests that had escalated since July 2018, with opposition groups demanding Moises resignation amid allegations that he had mismanaged government funds designated for social programs.

Edmonds said Moise was "very repressive," but that he was also friendly to foreign investment as he was getting rid of regulations for mining, oil and gas companies and repressing labour unions.

"Having a weak but accommodating centre-right government in Haiti is good for Canadian interests U.S. interests," Edmonds argued.

"I would have thought that Moise would have been tipped off that something's gonna happen but this (assassination) is kind of unprecedented."

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on July 7, 2021.

 With files from The Associated Press.



This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
OTTAWA - The naming of Canada's first Indigenous governor general could give the federal government a timely opportunity to tackle a key recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission involving the Crown, according to an expert.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mary Simon arrive for 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 - The naming of Canada's first Indigenous governor general could give the federal government a timely opportunity to tackle a key recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission involving the Crown, according to an expert.

One of the TRC's 94 calls to action urged the federal government to "jointly develop with Aboriginal Peoples a Royal Proclamation of Reconciliation to be issued by the Crown."

It is the only recommendation from the TRC's list that would specifically involve the participation of the Crown, as represented by the governor general.

Michael Jackson, president of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, says he believes such a proclamation would be a positive step in building a new relationship and working toward reconciliation.

The announcement Tuesday that Mary Simon, an Inuk leader and former diplomat, will be Canada's next governor general provides a unique opportunity to gather together Indigenous leaders make the Crown a place for greater open dialogue and bridge-building, Jackson said.

But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would not commit to the royal proclamation when asked in Calgary during a news conference Wednesday, saying only that his government is moving forward on all 94 calls to action.

That work must include all institutions, he said.

"The designation of Mary Simon and her upcoming installation as governor general will mark a new step on that path to reconciliation, but the work remains," Trudeau said.

"And we will continue to work with all partners, including the governor general, where necessary, as we move towards better reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples towards a partnership we know we need to have in this country."

The Royal Proclamation of 1763, issued by King George III, laid the foundation for a constitutional recognition and protection of Aboriginal title, rights and freedoms in Canada and served as a basis for the treaty-making process throughout Canada.

This proclamation, which is sometimes called the "Indigenous Magna Carta," stated the several nations or tribes of Indians  should not be molested or disturbed in the possession of such parts of our dominions and territories as, not having been ceded to or purchased by us, are reserved to them.

The TRC's call to action number 45 says a new Royal Proclamation of Reconciliation, building on the 1763 decree, should reject the doctrines of discovery and "terra nullius." European officials used these doctrines to displace and control the lives of Indigenous Peoples already living in the place now known as Canada, based on the notion they had racial and religious superiority.

It also says the proclamation should adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and should aim to renew or establish new treaty relationships with First Nations based on principles of mutual recognition, mutual respect and shared responsibility for maintaining those relationships.

The TRC also saw this proclamation as an opportunity to reconcile the legal recognitions that exist between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown to ensure Aboriginal Peoples are full partners in Confederation, including the recognition and integration of Indigenous laws and legal traditions in negotiation and implementation processes involving treaties, land claims and other constructive agreements, the TRC document says.

A new proclamation might be mainly symbolic, but Jackson says it would demonstrate the Crown is an institution that has always been strongly supportive of Indigenous rights.

"Those principles and ideals carry on, even though mistakes have been made along the way. And they remain valid, which is why I hope the Indigenous people will continue to see the Crown as a support and a meeting place for them and the principles of their status in our country," Jackson said.

In fact, three years ago, the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada's founding president John Fraser and then-vice-president Nathan Tidridge, submitted a series of recommendations to several federal ministries, including Crown-Indigenous Relations and Canadian Heritage, and to former governor general Julie Payette, with ideas about how her office could better reflect the traditional relationships that are tied to the Crown in Canada.

"They submitted a brief to Rideau Hall outlining what the office of the governor general could do for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples as a meeting place, as an influence on reconciliation. And they didn't even reply," Jackson said.

In the absence of leadership from Ottawa or the governor general, he says several lieutenant-governors and territorial commissioners, who are the Queen's representatives in the provinces and territories, have been embarking on some of this work, Jackson said.

He credited Ontario Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty especially with advancing these aims, saying they have been "quietly playing that role already: gathering Indigenous leaders together, making the Crown a place for frank talk behind-the-scenes, moving toward reconciliation."

"I think that Mary Simon is going to be very good at that. If you look at her track record and credentials  she's just the right person."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2021.
Much to Namirembe Afatsawos dismay, remote learning wont stop for high-schoolers who study French immersion in The Pas once the pandemic ends.

Much to Namirembe Afatsawos dismay, remote learning wont stop for high-schoolers who study French immersion in The Pas once the pandemic ends.

The 15-year-old has learned that, owing to a shortage of French educators, e-learning is not uncommon at Margaret Barbour Collegiate.

SUPPLIED PHOTO Namirembe Afatsawo was selected to serve on the education minister's student advisory council for the 2021-22 school year.

"One thing for sure Id like to see improved is the French immersion program in rural places," said Namirembe, who just finished Grade 9. "We have a lot of combined classes with mixed grades, so sometimes the classes can be pretty big (and) lots of our teachers actually live in other towns, so we connect through a TV system."

Namirembe would rather talk with teachers face-to-face so she does not have to worry about asking complicated questions over email  which is among the items she wants to discuss with the education minister, as a member of Manitobas new student advisory council.

More than two dozen teenagers have been tapped to advise the minister on public school matters as the province proceeds with its agenda to dismantle divisions, implement new standardized tests, and overhaul the school funding model, among other things.

Starting next month, each student will serve a year-long volunteer term, during which there will be meetings to discuss topics related to schooling and feedback on provincial plans.

Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced Wednesday the province had confirmed 29 students who will serve on its new council, out of 200 applicants who indicated interest in sharing insights about challenges they and their peers face at school.

(One student dropped out last minute, so the province is confirming a final name to bring the council membership to 30.)

"These students come with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives from across the province, including Indigenous, French language, LGBTTQ+, visible minority students and students with disabilities," said Cullen, during his opening remarks at a press conference.

Eleven students identify as visible minorities, four are Indigenous, six said they have a disability, and two are part of the LGBTTQ+ community.

Approximately half of the students selected attend school in Winnipeg, including the daughter of Manitobas chief public health officer. The other participants study in Mystery Lake, Hanover and other rural and northern divisions in between. Five of the members are private school pupils.

Common themes raised in applications include mental health, diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, and regional equality in schooling, Cullen said.

As far as Namirembe is concerned, areas for improvement include creating a French tutoring program for high-schoolers and addressing the immersion teacher shortage in rural areas so upper-level courses, such as biology and chemistry, can be offered in French.

"I was really hoping that I could do (all my courses) in French, just to practise comprehending French in different subjects, but that wont be an option. If we could get teachers to teach those subjects in French, that would be really great," added the student, who plans to study either social sciences or politics after she gets her diploma.

Asked about assurances that the province will act on the council's insights, Cullen said its critical to engage students to make sure the province fully appreciates the barriers to their success.

The youth council details were announced in the wake of parent engagement town halls and the minister's 2021 "teacher listening tour"  both of which critics suggest are merely for appearances, citing the fact Bill 64 ignores the K-12 review's recommendation about public school governance.

The minister named a curriculum review and adjusting the public school funding formula as two of the province's top priorities as it starts to pursue its five-year Better Education Starts Today strategy.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
WINNIPEG - A 33-year-old man is facing charges after a truck was driven onto the steps of the Manitoba legislature.

Politicians, staff and visitors are seen outside the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg after it was evacuated due to a security threat on Oct. 5, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Lambert

WINNIPEG - A 33-year-old man is facing charges after a truck was driven onto the steps of the Manitoba legislature.

Police in Winnipeg say the truck was being driven erratically towards the building Wednesday night.

It went through several safety cones before speeding up towards the main entrance and stopping midway up the stairs.

Police say the driver got out of the truck and was in an agitated state before being taken into custody.

A female passenger was also arrested.

On Canada Day, two statues were toppled on the legislative grounds.

Ropes were tied around the statues and were used to haul them to the ground during a demonstration over the deaths of Indigenous children at residential schools.

The statue of Queen Victoria had its head removed. The head was recovered the next day from the nearby Assiniboine River.

A smaller statue of the current Queen, located close to the lieutenant-governor's residence, was knocked over but left largely intact.

Const. Jay Murray says there is no indication the vandalism and the truck on the stairs were related.

He says there have been heightened tensions around the legislature in the last week.

"Our goal is ultimately to keep the peace," Murray said at a news conference Thursday.

Finance Minister Scott Fielding said he was there when the truck drove up the stairs. He said there are conversations within government about increased security on the grounds.

"We do need to make sure they do have the proper resources to make sure that public spaces like the legislature are secure," he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021.
We all understand, and we should understand, that tearing down is a lot simpler than building up. But building up is what we have to dedicate ourselves to. And I believe that Canada has been, and will always be, I hope, a nation that is an example to those around the world of our dedication to building, to building something better. We are not a perfect country, but were a lot closer than a lot of other countries to being perfect, and we need to dedicate ourselves to that construction project that is Canada.

I want to make some comments in respect to the events of Canada Day.

We all understand, and we should understand, that tearing down is a lot simpler than building up. But building up is what we have to dedicate ourselves to. And I believe that Canada has been, and will always be, I hope, a nation that is an example to those around the world of our dedication to building, to building something better. We are not a perfect country, but were a lot closer than a lot of other countries to being perfect, and we need to dedicate ourselves to that construction project that is Canada.

I would say to those who are choosing to tear down right now, rather than to build up, that that is the wrong choice. I would say to them, let us build together. That is the right choice. Throughout our countrys history, well before we were acknowledged as a country, we were a home of hope to people from around the world, who came from long distances away to pursue a better life for themselves, for their families. And we continue to be that beacon of light for people from around the world. We must be that beacon of light for our Indigenous people in this country, as well. For too long that has not been the case.

The people who came to this country, before it was a country and since, didnt come here to destroy anything. They came to build. They came to build better. To build, they did. They built farms, and they built businesses. They built communities, and churches too. And they built these things for themselves, and for one another, and they built them with dedication and with pride. And so, we must dedicate ourselves to building as well, and yet again. Because what these people have done, our ancestors, is theyve given us a heritage. And heritage is a complicated thing. There are good and bad aspects to Canadas heritage, as there are to any countrys heritage. We had ups and downs in our country. Weve had good times, and weve had bad moments. And Canada Day was one of those bad moments.

But we need to respect our heritage, just as we need to respect one another. Not to find fault, not to tear down, not to highlight every failure, but rather to realize we are a complex country as we are made up of complex people. And so, our failures should not be celebrated, but they should not be repeated, either. There were failures of character on display the other day that need not be repeated. And that are not helpful, and, in fact, are most unhelpful to the struggle for real building and real reconciliation that must be pursued. The truth is what happened in the past, and the truth is coming out on important issues. But reconciliation is what we can make happen in the future, just as weve been dedicated as a government to working on reconciliation projects since we came to government.

Canada is a land of hope. Manitoba is the special heart of Canada. We continue to draw people here, to this centre of our beautiful country, because we are focused on building that hope. We can do better here. You can do better here. You just have to have the will. Here in Canada, and here in Manitoba, we have more tools to build than most people on this planet are given. Tools like public education, and available free health care. These tools and others are important, but they require the will of people to go beyond the basic tools they are given and do something with them. It takes a negative will to tear down. It takes a positive will to build up. And we need to focus on building up. We need to equip all our citizens with more skills. But they need to dedicate themselves as well to building those skills for themselves. We need to help people but people also to have the will also to use the tools they are given.

And in this country we provide through the contributions of our fellow citizens, taxpayers, our friends, our neighbours, the ones who work hard to pay their taxes. We are given the opportunity that so many people around the planet do not have to develop skills, and to earn an income and to become self-sufficient people, and to have the opportunity to build and grow, and so many people do that. So many immigrants to Canada, so many people achieve tremendous success. Our country is known as a country that allows people to move from challenging economic circumstances and find success better than most other countries in the world. Some articles Ive read say were three times as likely to be able, as citizens of Canada, to move from a lower socio-economic category to a middle-income or higher-income category than citizens of the United States are, just an hour to the south.

These are real opportunities. Theyre opportunities we need to build on together. We pay for health care, we pay for education, we pay for each other, because we want this to be the home of hope. And we want equality of opportunity for everyone. And if thats what you want, if you want equality of opportunity, then you have a staunch ally in me and in our government. And I believe in most Canadians. But you have to decide what you want. Then you can start to build.

Never before in our lifetime have we recognized the value of our freedoms more than we do now in this age of COVID, because theyve been restricted. And those freedoms include the freedom to protest. But the most effective protests are not violent ones. They are ones that demonstrate your willingness to dedicate yourself to respect and to peace. Freedoms we used to take for granted, our freedoms of movement, of association, of religion, in fact, even to communicate with one other effectively, have been impeded, to say the least, by this pandemic. But they do highlight for me the vital importance not only of getting them back, but of using those freedoms to advantage. To build something better. Not just for us as individuals, but for us as citizens. For us as friends. As relatives.

Thats what weve been dedicated to doing as a government, to the best of our ability, from the very beginning. To fix our finances, to make us stronger. To repair our services, to make them better and more accessible, and to help rebuild our economy. And we needed to do that because we had fallen far behind other provinces in many respects. Now its time to take that same formula, in the face of these challenges Im referring to and in the face of the challenges of COVID, and build, and to build better than before using all the skills we have together. Dedicated to that task. We have to fix our problems together, we have to repair our relationships together. We have to find new opportunities together.

I have never been more proud of Canada for being the home of hope to people than I am today. Because I believe what we are coming through, in the dialogue about residential schools, these discoveries, not new discoveries but new to many Canadians, most certainly, has created an awareness and I think a greater willingness to pursue equality of opportunity for all Canadians than has existed before. And in the springboard that we hope is coming post-pandemic, greater opportunities for things like skills development, and for jobs and careers for all Canadians.

These opportunities are real and theyre exciting. I have never been more dedicated. And my government has never been more dedicated to making sure that we continue to be that home of hope for all Canadians. And for those that choose to come here, new immigrants to our country, as we move forward. Never more dedicated to advancing the equality of opportunity for all of us. Canada is not a perfect country. There is no perfect country. But I would rather be a Canadian than anything else.

Close
Premier Brian Pallister cant catch a break. No matter what he does, or what decisions he makes about the COVID-19 pandemic, hes always wrong. At least that was the premiers assessment Wednesday during another one of his why-doesnt-anyone-like-me news conferences.

Premier Brian Pallister cant catch a break. No matter what he does, or what decisions he makes about the COVID-19 pandemic, hes always wrong. At least that was the premiers assessment Wednesday during another one of his why-doesnt-anyone-like-me news conferences.

"I havent read a report for a long time about anybody saying 'great job Brian, that was a nice decision you made,'" said Pallister, complaining as he often does about "unfair" media coverage.

No matter what he decides when it comes to reopening the economy, he said, the media always finds fault. The reopening is either too fast or too slow. They never report that he got it right, he said.

"I havent read a report for a long time about anybody saying 'great job Brian, that was a nice decision you made.'"  Premier Brian Pallister

"Pretty much everybody disagrees with me on these things," Pallister lamented.

It bothers him a lot. Pallister claimed during the news conference he has "thick skin," that he can withstand the criticism that goes with the job of being premier. He doesnt. He takes criticism  any criticism, no matter how constructive  like he's been turned down for a date at the prom.

Related Items Click to Expand Articles Jul 8, 2021: Rules to ease early, but premier laments that no one will thank him Carol Sanders

Thats problematic when holding high office. When a politician needs that much external validation, that much reassurance from the people around him, it can blur judgment. It usually means theyre in politics for the wrong reasons. Elected office isnt the place to be to heal deep-seated self-esteem problems. Its not a support club.

What Pallister has never been able to understand throughout his political career is that elected office isnt about the individual, its about the greater good. You're there to serve the public. If you get into politics because you want to be comforted and loved, youre in the wrong business. Its not for the faint-hearted.

Decisions made by premiers are, and should be, subject to the highest level of scrutiny. They make decisions on behalf of society, in some cases life-altering ones. They are given a tremendous amount of power. Along with that power comes the responsibility to justify policy choices. The public has a right to critique those decisions. Pallister sees that as a personal attack.

In politics, criticism goes with the territory. When premiers get it wrong, they are held accountable for their decisions. If they cant handle that, politics isnt for them. When they get it right, as Pallister has sometimes, they get the credit they deserve. They should accept it humbly and move on. (Just for the record, Pallister is wrong: he has received plenty of credit; its been handed out in this column many times).

What Pallister has never been able to understand throughout his political career is that elected office isnt about the individual, its about the greater good. You're there to serve the public.

People who do well in politics understand theyre not always going to get it right; they know they have to take the good with the bad. They learn from their mistakes, admit when they are wrong, consider diverse opinions and take advice from others. Not being the smartest person in the room, or not having all the answers, doesnt bother them. They excel because they draw from the wisdom and experience around them. They check their egos and personal feelings at the door and they make informed, dispassionate decisions for the good of society. They dont whine publicly about their hurt feelings and turn news conferences into therapy sessions. Thats not the kind of statesmanship the public is looking for  especially during a crisis.

Pallisters approval rating has hit rock bottom because he makes himself unlikeable. Hes almost always on the attack, frequently blaming others for his own mistakes and seems to be in a perpetual state of war. Its unappealing. People want enlightenment and adulthood from their leaders, not adolescence.

The premier probably only has a few months left in his political career before he sets off into the Costa Rican sunset. If he wants to elevate his approval rating before he leaves (and not destroy his partys chances at winning the next election) he should try to think less about himself and concentrate more on making good decisions for Manitobans. That means realizing the world doesnt revolve around him.

tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca
A 25-year-old Selkirk man is in custody charged with murder in connection with the slaying of a woman on the weekend.

A 25-year-old Selkirk man is in custody charged with murder in connection with the slaying of a woman on the weekend.

Selkirk RCMP responded to a report of a disturbance at a home around 5 a.m. Sunday and found the 22-year-old woman dead.

Police have not identified the woman or confirmed how she died.

Landace Blair Urbanovitch has been charged with second-degree murder.

Urbanovitch was released on bail last April after being charged with a number of property offences.

In September, he was fined $200 after he was pulled over for a traffic stop and found in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine.

Court heard Urbanovitch has struggled with drug and alcohol addictions since his teens.

"I just want to go to AFM (Addictions Foundation of Manitoba) and try to better myself," he told a judge at the time. "Im never ever going to touch that stuff ever again. Its destroyed my life, really."

Urbanovitchs bail was formally revoked during a court appearance Wednesday. He returns to court Thursday.
When Father Paul Bringleson of St. Anns Roman Catholic Church in Flin Flon preached his Sunday morning homily on June 6, he was not expecting to become the focus of international attention.

When Father Paul Bringleson of St. Anns Roman Catholic Church in Flin Flon preached his Sunday morning homily on June 6, he was not expecting to become the focus of international attention.

The homily, shared after the discovery of the graves at the former Kamloops residential school, went viral online and was published by Macleans magazine.

In it, he called on the Catholic Church to apologize for its role in the schools, admit it did wrong and to listen to those it hurt  "no matter how hard that is."

The homily struck a chord with Catholics, including many clergy. So far, Bringleson, 50, said hes heard from more than 1,000 people from across North America.

Father Paul Bringleson (Facebook)

He was particularly struck by the messages from fellow priests.

"They say, Thank you for your honesty," he said, noting many add, "You said what we are afraid to say, or arent sure we can say."

He admitted he wasnt used to that "level of attention.... I shut down for a bit after it."

What helped him was the support of his congregation and Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas Archbishop Murray Chatlain.

Click to Expand You can hear the full homily on the churchs Facebook page.

"He knows I get a little passionate sometimes," Bringleson said. "My mouth can move faster than my brain. But he is very encouraging of me. Hes a phenomenal man, patient and calm. I wish I could be more like that."

Chatlain said the homily took him aback a bit, but on the other hand, "it wasnt a big surprise" since Bringleson is "very outspoken."

"He speaks from his heart," he said. "Our Church needs to have room for voices and opinions like that."

Bringleson preached his homily after spending time at his fishing cabin thinking about the discovery of the graves in B.C.

"I dont think Ive had a day this week that I havent been sick to my stomach," he told his congregation.

He couldnt explain how it happened, he said. But, he noted, "I dont have to be an expert in church history... to see that we as priests, and as religious  as a church  we did it wrong. And were still doing it wrong, in many ways.

"As a priest, I have a share in that. And that makes me angry."

He acknowledged apologies have been made by some in the Roman Catholic Church, but "it hasnt been enough. Were not getting it right."

"He speaks from his heart. Our Church needs to have room for voices and opinions like that."  Murray Chatlain, Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas Archbishop

Bringleson, a recovering alcoholic, said expressing contrition and saying "I'm sorry" is among the 12 Steps in Alcoholics Anonymous programs.

"And then the very next part is shutting my mouth and allowing the people I hurt to have their say, no matter how long it takes, no matter how humiliating that is. Thats the least we can do as a Church."

That will be hard, he said, but added he is committed to listening to the pain of Indigenous people as long as they want to talk to him.

"I have a moral obligation as a disciple of Christ to be present in that pain," he said, acknowledging he feels inadequate for the task.

"But I know enough to recognize a hurting people. And I know enough now to shut my mouth and listen, to call upon my brothers in the priesthood to do the same."

Speaking to his fellow priests, he asked them to "tell anyone who will listen that youre sorry."

And he said the bishops must participate.

"Take off your robes, your shoes and your rings and your crosses. Sit yourself in a chair. And listen. Listen. Listen until it hurts. And keep listening. Only then, only then will we ever have a shot at healing," he said.

Only then, he said, "will healing truly have a chance of being the reconciliation that the gospel of Jesus Christ demands of us."

And speaking to Indigenous people, he said: "I apologize. We failed you. Its time for us to be truly accountable for that."

Going forward, the church needs to walk with Indigenous people, "accompany them in their anger and let the anger flow. It has to. It has to in order for the real gospel to be felt and to be experienced."

faith@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Brexit has allowed the United Kingdom to establish an independent trade policy outside the expectations of the European Union. European law and treaties signed by the EU no longer apply to the U.K.

Accordingly, the British government signed the Trade Continuity Agreement with Canada. The agreement, which took effect on April 1, maintains the intent of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed with the EU in 2016.

This new trade policy should allow the U.K. and Canada to strengthen their relations through the Commonwealth.

Trade between the two countries is significant, especially from a Canadian perspective. The prominent position of the British in the EU was an asset for Canada.

According to the Canadian government: "The U.K.s GDP represented 18.1 per cent of the EUs total GDP in 2019  the second-largest GDP in the bloc after Germany. Merchandise trade between Canada and the United Kingdom represented 30.1 per cent of total Canadian trade with the EU between 2017 and 2019."

In 2019, the United Kingdom was the second-most popular destination, after the United States for foreign direct investment and Canadian direct investment abroad, with a share of 7.5 per cent and representing a flow of $7.6 billion.

In total, the Canadian stock of foreign direct investment in the U.K. was valued at $107 billion in 2019. In 2020, the U.K. was the third destination for the exportation of Canadian goods, after the U.S. and China, with a value of $4.5 billion in the first quarter.

Canadas trade with the U.K. (with an average value of $27.1 billion between 2017 and 2019) is bigger than the trade with Germany, at $23.9 billion. A large share of this trade is in precious metals such as gold, accounting for 60.6 per cent of total Canadian exports in 2015. Gold is the most valuable mined mineral in Canada, with a production value of $10.3 billion in 2019. Ontario and Quebec accounted for more than 75 per cent of the production in 2019.

The economic bond between the two countries can be reinforced by solid and historic political relations. Brexit can be an opportunity for members of the Commonwealth to strengthen their ties.

This renewed trade agreement can be an opportunity to launch the old idea of the CANZUK (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom).

This proposal, intended to create free trade and free movement between these countries, is supported by politicians like Conservative Party of Canada Leader Erin OToole and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Parliament in New Zealand is also in favour of this initiative.

Some supporters want to have a more integrated zone with economic, political, social and military components to such an alliance.

For now, the British government refuses to explore the options to create a free movement area in CANZUK. Nevertheless, some measures have been taken to improve the mobility of people from these countries in the past. New improvements in this area may come.

This project can also be helpful for its members from a geopolitical perspective. With the rise of European and American protectionism, its more vital for Commonwealth countries to have their voices heard. Strengthening the links between them should be a priority, considering that most of them border the Pacific Ocean, the new centre of economic and political issues.

Of course, the distances between the countries are a severe obstacle. But in a more digital society, some barriers can be removed.

Like the European Economic Area, the ancestor of the EU, free trade is the pillar of cohesion. Canada and the U.K. can push this project to increase their place on the international scene.

Alexandre Massaux is a research associate with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

 Troy Media
Much can be debated about the Pallister governments pandemic reopening strategy, including the speed at which the province plans to ease public-health restrictions. However, there is one significant  and possibly dangerous  omission that requires immediate attention: there are no provisions in the reopening plan to protect unvaccinated children under 12 when they return to school in September.

Much can be debated about the Pallister governments pandemic reopening strategy, including the speed at which the province plans to ease public-health restrictions. However, there is one significant  and possibly dangerous  omission that requires immediate attention: there are no provisions in the reopening plan to protect unvaccinated children under 12 when they return to school in September.

Education Minister Cliff Cullen said the province plans to send most K-12 students back to in-person classes in the fall. Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief provincial public health officer, reaffirmed that on Monday.

"We know how important in-class learning is for schools and were really going to do whatever we can to continue to make that safe," he said.

Premier Brian Pallister (right) and chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

The trouble is, neither Mr. Cullen nor Dr. Roussin has explained to Manitobans how the province plans to make schools safe for unvaccinated children.

While manufacturers such as Pfizer are conducting clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccines for children under 12, they are not expected to be approved by regulators prior to the beginning of the school year. Vaccines for this age group may not be available until 2022. Even if they are approved earlier, it would take months to get most students fully vaccinated with two doses.Dr. Roussin rightly points out that children are at lower risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 and do not transmit the virus as efficiently as adults do. High vaccine uptake among those over 12 also reduces community transmission, which further mitigates risk for children, he said.

"The best way to protect those who cant be vaccinated is for all other people to be vaccinated," Dr. Roussin said.

Those are valid arguments. But less risk does not mean no risk. When unvaccinated kids return to school, there will likely be transmission among students and staff, as there was before in-person learning ended in May. Even though the risk of serious illness among children is low, there are still documented cases of severe outcomes in that age group. There are also long-term effects from COVID-19, which can affect all ages, that are still being studied.

Presumably, most adults who come into contact with unvaccinated children, including family members and school staff, will be fully immunized and therefore largely protected from severe outcomes. However, no vaccine is 100 per cent effective. Infected students can still transmit the virus to vaccinated adults, who may become severely ill  a risk that is particularly significant those with underlying health conditions.

"The best way to protect those who cant be vaccinated is for all other people to be vaccinated;"  Dr. Roussin, chief public health officer

The greater the spread among students, the more difficult it will be to control community transmission. Thats especially true now that the more contagious Delta variant, which is present in all health regions of the province, is circulating more widely. What may have worked to control the spread of the virus in schools prior to the arrival of the Delta strain may be less effective in the fall.

Drafting a comprehensive plan to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 within schools should be a top priority of government. The province needs a plan that includes improved ventilation in school buildings and stricter measures around the cohorting of students. That plan should be made public and implemented immediately. Government has the entire summer to upgrade ventilation systems in schools and put in place a strategy that will better protect children from COVID-19 when they return to class in September.

Failure to do so could have severe consequences.
All mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Manitoba will accept walk-in clients only for first and second doses July 14, as the provinces vaccine rollout shifts to boosting demand rather than fretting over supply.

All mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Manitoba will accept walk-in clients only for first and second doses July 14, as the provinces vaccine rollout shifts to boosting demand rather than fretting over supply.

More than 20,000 shots will be available that day for clients, including about 8,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine which will be available to people age 12 to 17.

The provinces COVID-19 vaccine task force has dubbed the day-long event a "vax-a-thon."

"This has the potential to jump us further ahead on our targets, all on one day," said Johanu Botha, operations and planning lead for the vaccine task force.

Mass vaccination clinics are located in Winnipeg (RBC Convention Centre and 770 Leila Ave.), Morden, Brandon, Steinbach, Selkirk, Dauphin, Gimli, Thompson and The Pas. (Hours of operation are available at protectmb.ca.)

Botha said the task force expects Manitoba will soon, for the first time in the pandemic, have more available vaccine doses than willing arms.

As of Wednesday, 75.3 per cent of eligible Manitobans had at least one dose of vaccine; 52.8 per cent had two.

Still, Botha said the province remains on track to reach its Labour Day vaccination target of 80 per cent of eligible people partially vaccinated and 75 per cent fully vaccinated  though reaching it now depends on the willingness of Manitobans.

"Were steadily inching up on the dose 1 coverage at a rate... that still makes us feel comfortable at the moment that well meet the target for 80 per cent," Botha said.

"What will be really telling is over the next couple of weeks, when weve got more community-hosted clinics running really geared towards areas that are facing barriers to receiving a first dose."

Botha said a dedicated phone line (1-844-626-8222) has been set up for Manitobans to request immunization records and get them updated or corrected to reflect vaccinations so they can apply for a COVID-19 immunization card.

Only one per cent of vaccinated Manitobans have been reporting errors on their immunization records, he added.

The province also announced Wednesday more than 2,523 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given to Manitoba truck drivers in North Dakota, as part of a cross-border vaccination program developed in partnership with the state.

The North Dakota Department of Health has provided nurses and other staff to administer the doses. There is no cost to the state or province. as the U.S. government supplies the vaccine and reimburses the costs to administer, the province said.

Manitoban truck drivers are currently able to get vaccinated at two clinics in North Dakota: Gastrak at 700 W Stutsman St. in Pembina (Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Drayton rest area on I-29 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA - Independent MP Jody Wilson-Raybould will not seek re-election in the next federal campaign, saying in a letter to her constituents on Thursday that Parliament has become "toxic and ineffective" during her time in politics.

Jody Wilson Raybould attends a news conference in Vancouver, Monday, May 27, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

OTTAWA - Independent MP Jody Wilson-Raybould will not seek re-election in the next federal campaign, saying in a letter to her constituents on Thursday that Parliament has become "toxic and ineffective" during her time in politics.

"I have not made this decision in order to spend more time with my family or to focus on other challenges and pursuits," the former Liberal cabinet minister who represents Vancouver Granville wrote in her letter posted to Twitter.

"From my seat over the last six years, I have noticed a change in Parliament, a regression. It has become more toxic and ineffective while simultaneously marginalizing individuals from certain backgrounds."

Wilson-Raybould went on to deride an "increasingly disgraceful triumph of harmful partisanship over substantive action," and promised to carry on her previous work on Indigenous reconciliation, climate change and other issues outside Parliament.

She said she will share more details later.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Wilson-Raybould as Canada's first Indigenous justice minister in 2015, but she was booted from the Liberal caucus four years later after she accused the prime minister of pressuring her to secure a deferred prosecution agreement for SNC-Lavalin.

The former regional chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations had earlier resigned as a cabinet minister over the affair.

In August 2019, the federal ethics commissioner concluded that Trudeau violated the Conflict of Interest Act by improperly pressuring Wilson-Raybould to halt a criminal prosecution of the Montreal engineering giant on corruption charges related to contracts in Libya.

Wilson-Raybould was re-elected as an Independent MP in October 2019.

News of Wilson-Rayboulds decision not to seek re-election was greeted with sadness from other members of Parliament.

NDP MP Randall Garrison wrote in a message to Wilson-Raybould on Twitter: "Some departures diminish the House. This is one of those. Your absence will leave a gap on principle, on policy, and for many of us personally."

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner shared a 10-minute video on Facebook, in which she held up Wilson-Rayboulds criticism of Parliament as proof of the dysfunction afflicting federal politics in Canada, and the need to elect MPs who are bold and have courage.

"Jody brought that to federal politics, she really did," Garner Rempel said.

"And I'm a little emotional because it's rare to come across someone like that in Parliament. And I really appreciate her friendship and her kinship  I really think that our Parliament will be a less vibrant place."

Last month, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett apologized to Wilson-Raybould after appearing to suggest her former caucus colleague was speaking out against a fall election because she was worried about her pension.

Bennett messaged the word "Pension?" in response to a Wilson-Raybould tweet urging the prime minister to quit his "selfish jockeying" for an election and focus, as promised, on reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Her tweet was prompted by the news that a Saskatchewan First Nation that 751 unmarked graves have been found on the site of a former Indigenous residential school in that province.

Bennett's pension reference appeared to suggest Wilson-Raybould was worried she would not be eligible for a pension if she failed to win re-election in a vote this summer or early fall.

Members of Parliament must serve for six years before becoming eligible for a pension and Wilson-Raybould, who was first elected on Oct. 19, 2015, will fall short of that mark if Canadians head to the polls before then.

Wilson-Raybould fired back, publishing Bennett's text on Twitter and calling it both racist and misogynistic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021.
After her eggs have been fertilized, the female returns to the river, where she deposits two white egg packets on the surface. Upon contact with the water, the packets disintegrate and about 4,000 eggs sift slowly downward from each one. Having thus provided for next year's mayfly crop, the adults die within a few hours.

The tiny eggs adhere to the river bottom. If they have landed in a favorable place, they hatch in about 15 days. The newly hatched grub is smaller than the period at the end of this sentence.

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Hexagenia is well adapted for its underwater existence. On either side of its abdomen it has a row of feathery gills for breathing. The front legs are mole-like and they are used as shovels to dig a burrow in the river bottom.

Hexagenia's burrow has both an entrance and an exit. The nymph circulates water in one end of the burrow and out the other by means of undulating gill movements. Eating plant debris and mud, the nymph slowly grows larger

Like all other insects, Hexagenia sheds its skin each time it becomes too tight, and, by the time the nymph has become an inch long it has shed its skin more than a dozen times. The mayfly lives as a nymph in its burrow at the bottom of the river for about a year. The nymphs prefer muddy bottoms and concentrations of 45 nymphs per square foot are not unusual.
In September, the former child was again interviewed by law enforcement and described the interactions in the same way as nearly 30 years earlier.

The complaint does not specify why charges were not pursued in 1995.

Dufour was appointed as a special prosecutor after months of urging by the victim and the victims sibling, according to emails between them and Sauk County officials. In a Feb. 9 email, Victim Witness Coordinator Linda Hoffman wrote she had spoken with District Attorney Michael Albrecht and he did not believe a conflict of interest existed in the case, but wanted to be mindful of past experiences the victims had working with county officials.

Although he does not believe that his office has a conflict of interest in this case he is mindful of both of your concerns with Sauk County and how the investigation was handled in the past and wants to assist with ensuring your confidence moving forward, Hoffman wrote. Because of these concerns he felt that it might be beneficial for you to have a prosecuting attorney for another agency review the case as well.

In a response email, the victims sibling said they were happy to see a request made in July 2020 honored, but were disappointed it took that long for action to be taken and felt like officials had wasted their time.
This isnt to say that theres nothing to discuss, or that the board is now somehow devoid of debate and discussion. There is always a measure of controversy and challenges facing all our units of governmentlocal, county, state, and federal, and there needs to be a continual healthy amount of debate amid actions. Not all agree on the direction the county board has taken, or some of the moves theyve made. We do see there are fewer stories representing discord or potentially embarrassing stories that have cropped up in the past year.

One local entity that has helped to fill the void of controversy is the city of Baraboo. Many residents were taken aback by the citys action to implement a wheel tax and streetlight tax in October 2019, covered in an Oct. 10, 2019, Baraboo News Republic story despite an advisory referendum in April 2018 where the voters rejected the idea of a wheel tax by a 57%-43% vote against.
JUNEAU  A 41-year-old Beaver Dam man was placed on $25,000 cash bond Wednesday for multiple charges, including making over 70 phone calls to Dodge County Dispatch.

John Cowen, who is currently being housed in the Dodge County Jail, faces felony counts of battery or threat to a judge, prosecutor or law enforcement officer and eight felony bail jumping charges. He is charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth degree sexual assault, two counts of resisting or obstructing arrest, two counts of disorderly conduct and one count of unlawful use of a telephone. If convicted of the felony counts, he could face 54 years in prison.

Cowen appeared before Dodge County Circuit Court Commissioner Steven Seim on Wednesday. As conditions of his bond, Cowen must maintain absolute sobriety. He may not make 911 calls without an actual emergency. He may not have threatening or harassing behavior towards anyone. He may not use a telephone that would involve a sexual or threatening behavior of any kind.

According to the criminal complaint, a communications officer contacted Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt on June 28 at 11:30 a.m. after getting a non-emergency phone call to the dispatch center where the caller said, I have a prediction this morning that one of your pigs is going to be shot.
It's time now to welcome the newest members of our Morning Mug Club -- brought to you by Holland Farms Bakery & Deli.

In an effort to help support businesses in Rome, the Project Fibonacci Foundation has launched a downtown scavenger hunt with clues hidden at local stores and restaurants.

The Community Clue Quest runs through Aug. 28, 2021.

Participants can earn points to win weekly prizes, including tickets to the summer concerts at Rome Art and Community Center, gift cards and other rewards. Grand prize gift card bundles will also be awarded at the end of the event in August. First place will receive $250 in gift cards; second place $150; and third place $100.

To get points, contestants can answer weekly riddles on social media to reveal secret locations, attend summer concerts at RACC, or visit any of the participating locations to scan QR codes, with bonus points offered for buying something at each business.

The participating QR Zones include:

Arizona Tacos, 515 W. Dominick St.

Copperccinos, 254 W. Dominick St.

DiCastros, 615 Erie Boulevard West

Engelberts Jewelers, 265 W. Dominick St.

Garys Music, 229 W. Dominick St.

Kekis Citgo, 400 W. Dominick St.

Sugarbeets, 417 W. Dominick St.

The Balanced Chef, 242 W. Dominick St.

The Capitol Theatre, 230 W. Dominick St.

The Copper Easel, 216 W. Dominick St.

Heres how the point system works:

10 points: Solve the weekly riddle or puzzle on the Project Fibonacci Facebook page

15 points: Scan code outside participating business

20 points: Share a picture on social media using #PFCommunityClueQuest

30 points: Attend a concert at RACC and scan the code

50 points: Complete the survey when prompted at any QR location (one time only)

Award winners will be chosen weekly, and then grand prize winners will be announced at the last RACC summer concert event.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)  There's a new concern as schools look to return to a somewhat normal year this fall.

Your child's education may have been affected due to how they had to adapt during the pandemic.

"When we came in, you had kiddos that hadn't been in school since the end of March," said Burnett Creek Elementary third grade teacher Tami Medley.

Medley said the start of the last school year came with a lot of challenges due to the pandemic.

"This year my focus, and I think all educator's focus, was on the emotional and the social aspect of kids first because if we don't get those kids emotionally, academics are never going to come," she explained.

Medley said a gap in time at school and a lot of virtual learning had her rethinking her teaching style.

"I might start at a third grade standard, but I'm really going to have to look at the gaps within my classroom, and I have to differentiate more so than what I would do on a normal school year," Medley said.

Medley said there's always some learning loss due to summer break, but this year was different.

"It was harder," Medley said. "The gaps were definitely deeper."

So, she adapted to make sure her students could catch up if needed.

"Everyone gets the same mini lesson, but how we practice that skill is totally different," said Medley. "They're going to need more hands on."

Lafayette School Corporation Superintendent Les Huddle said they're dealing with a similar situation.

"Every time we shut down schools for the summer for two and a half months we have learning loss, and it didn't seem to be a big thing until we did it for a little longer period," Huddle said.

However, the corporation is planning to make sure students get the help they need when school starts this fall.

"We'll take more of an approach of recovery and discovery, and those options will be open for any student," Huddle added.

Medley said although there seemed to be more of a gap in learning than usual last fall, she said she thinks it will be deeper in the upcoming year.

However, she said that won't stop her from helping her students get the top notch education they deserve.

"Our curriculum and our state standards are not going to change," Medley said. "That's going to be the same no matter what. How we go about differentiating is just going to be deeper."

Medler said there was not an increase in summer school attendance, but she said they normally have both second and third graders participate.

This summer the focus was only on third grade students.
Award-winning astrophotographer and W&M undergrad finds meaning in the outer reaches of space

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Tyler Hutchison is a rising junior and physics major at William & Mary. He is a member of the universitys Astronomy Club and has been an active member of the Richmond Astronomical Society since 2015, serving on the Board of Directors and volunteering at local skywatches and other astronomical outreach events. He is also an experienced astrophotographer and winner of the Astronomical Leagues Horkheimer/Parker Youth Imaging Award and Horkheimer/Smith Outreach Award. Recently, Hutchison has been writing about astronomy for Virginia Public Media. William & Mary News spoke with him about his work. Ed.

I want to start of this conversation by saying Im looking at a collection of your photographs right now and they are truly stunning.

Oh, thank you. Thats really nice to hear. I think astrophotography is different from really any other kind of photography, in that it is inherently very technical. Youre almost exclusively working with very deep exposures and generally need a telescope  or some kind of powerful telephoto lens. It depends on what you're trying to see, of course, but generally, it is a super technical field. There is a lot going on behind the scenes to create those images.

I imagine so. What drew you to astrophotography and how did you develop those technical skills?

Well, its actually an unusual story. I definitely didnt take the typical path. When I was a freshman in high school, my dad and I started going to meetings of various Virginia astronomical societies, meeting all these astronomers all over the state. There was one meeting in which one of the presenters mentioned that he was selling a telescope on behalf of a friend who passed away. We decided to purchase it.

Let me just say, this thing was not a small telescope. It was not really fit for a 15-year-old who did not really know what he was doing, but we didnt know that at the time. It was massive, close to 100 pounds and had an eight-inch diameter on the lense and this giant tripod. I wouldnt say it was a mistake to get it, exactly, because I had a lot of fun with it and learned a lot, but it definitely was far more than I really needed at the time.



I wish I could make some kind of an analogy. Imagine if your first car was a vintage Corvette that required an enormous amount of upkeep and skill to maintain. It was just way too much for the limited knowledge I had at the time. So, yeah, that was my first telescope. This gigantic, ridiculous piece of equipment.

What was it like to actually use it?

Honestly, I could barely handle it myself, but I remember that I dragged it out in the front yard. It had such a big mirror in it, it was such a big telescope, which meant that we could see things extremely far away. One night it was really clear and I was able to see the furthest thing Ive ever seen: the Whirlpool Galaxy. Its more than 20 million light-years away.



Here I am, this teenager, standing in my driveway with this massive telescope looking at a galaxy tens of millions of light-years away. I decided to take a picture. That picture, for a reason I cant really explain, still feels like one of my biggest accomplishments.



Theres really nothing about it that I think anybody would win an award for. Its black and white and very grainy. You can sort of make out the spiral of the galaxy, but its one of my favorite pictures just because of what it represents to me. In some small way, I captured a bit of this light that had traveled from an unfathomable distance away and turned it into a photograph.

Weve talked some about the technical skill required for astrophotography, but Im also curious about the cognitive skills involved. Id like to know how you think about what you shoot, what youre looking for and how you look for it. Youre a student of physics, so you have an understanding of science that informs your work  just like a biologist may take a bird photograph differently than someone who doesnt have the same background. Does that make sense?

Absolutely. To be clear, if someone wants to take pictures of the night sky, they really do just need the technical background, but I believe I get something deeper out of the experience because Ive studied astronomy and astrophysics.



It changes how I see things. I find meaning in small details  and probably the most accessible part is just understanding the sheer scale of how far away some of these things are. One of the things to know about astrophotography is you need different equipment to see different things. Its technical, but you also need to understand scale to know what equipment you will need.



You can take a picture without knowing what it is youre photographing, but I think there is an incredible level of depth that comes with knowing about what youre looking at. Thats absolutely an integral part of amateur astronomy.

What have you been shooting lately?

Well, I didnt take too many photos at the start of college, before the pandemic hit. I was really busy on campus, but also there is the geography aspect of needing to be in a low-light area  and the fact that I didnt have a car. Fortunately, one of my friends had a car at that time, so we were able to make a trip a few miles off campus to College Creek and get some great shots of the stars around the North Star.



I guess one of the things they never tell you about the history of astronomy and astrophotography is that youre always constrained by factors like geography and weather and equipment. There are only certain nights where the stars align, sorry about the pun, and youre able to take these pictures.

What tips do you have for people wanting to stargaze? What should we be looking for up there and what are the best ways to see it?

I think the most important thing to know is that everyone can enjoy the night sky no matter what your major is. Studying physics and astronomy can lead to unique perspectives and open up a lot of doors, but at the end of the day the sky really belongs to everyone. The great thing about astronomy is that there's so many different kinds of things to see, from flashier sights like meteor showers to more subtle targets like constellations, planets and objects in deep space.

Start with whatever equipment you have right now, whether that's a nice telescope, a hand-me-down pair of binoculars or simply your very own eyes. Visiting local astronomy clubs (virtually or in-person) is a great way to meet like-minded individuals of all experience levels and find out when and where the best viewing conditions will be and what to look for.
Woodward, OK (73801)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
The Justice Department has charged Pennsylvania man, Alan Byerly who allegedly attacked an Associated Press photographer and used a stun gun while assaulting police officers during the Capitol insurrection on January 6.
Microsoft is urging Windows users to immediately install an update after security researchers found a serious vulnerability in the operating system.
Wrexham set to welcome Afghan families under threat for working with British forces

Wrexham looks set to welcome in ten families from Afghanistan whose lives are in danger after working with the British armed forces.

The UK Government is urgently seeking to relocate hundreds of Afghans who worked on its behalf, mostly as interpreters, as well as their family members.

The decision has been made due to concerns for their safety with international troops preparing to leave the country.

Wrexham Council was initially asked to take in a total of five families at risk of reprisals from the Taliban as part of the Home Offices Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy.

However, the local authority has offered to provide accommodation for double that amount to ensure people arent left behind.

Cllr Hugh Jones, the councils lead member for people, said: We recognise a particular case for these workers who have done a very important job in supporting our armed forces and our whole presence in Afghanistan.

They put their lives at risk in order to do that and its important that theyre not left stranded.

We feel that apart from our human responsibility to respond to these people, we have a duty of care as they have given service to our country and to our armed forces in particular.

This is why instead of going for five families, weve offered to support with ten.

Families have already begun to arrive in the UK and will continue over the next two months, with frequent flights expected up to September.

Cllr Jones said those housed in Wrexham would be supported to access housing and education.

He added: Weve got a very proud record in Wrexham of resettlement and I think this builds on that.

Were uniquely placed because of the experience weve got.

The scheme has been fully funded by the UK Government with no cost to the council.

An update on the initiative will be provided to executive board members at a meeting being held on Tuesday (July 13, 2021).

By Liam Randall  BBC Local Democracy Reporter
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.
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - Tennessee governors plan to entice people to visit Tennessee isnt being very well received by people in the volunteer state.

The governors Tennessee On Me program is offering plane tickets for people who book a two-night stay in Tennessee at participating hotels. Some Tennessee lawmakers and Tennesseans who dont support the idea say it's not the right way to use taxpayer dollars.

This is not a partisan issue. People across the political spectrum were really surprised and dont appreciate Tennesseans hard earned tax dollars being used to fund vacations for out of state tourists, Democratic Senator Heidi Campbell said.

Governor Lee made the announcement about the Tennessee On Me program on July 4th during Nashvilles Let Freedom Sing event.

Brad Paisley and Gov. Lee team up to encourage travel to Tennessee NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - County music superstar Brad Paisley is teaming up with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to encourage people to come visit Te

I dont feel like this whole program or whatever this is, is an effective way to spend tax payer dollars, Nia Tolbert who has lived in Nashville for 6 years said. The quarantine and everything is over. Were opening up. I think the travelling here has been so broad and everyone is here, she added.

Free plane tickets because theyre booking hotels. That means they were already going to come. theres really no point in doing that , Cordnie Brown who is a Nashville native said. I dont feel thats a productive way to bring people into Nashville. I feel as though Nashville is attracting people here as it is, she added.

Tennessee On Me program offers a $250 airline voucher to the first 10,000 people to book a minimum two-night stay at a participating hotel. The program applies to four major cities in Tennessee: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville.

250,000 people have been laid off since January. And despite what the governor is saying this economy is not back to normal and none sf the underlying issues that make our families vulnerable have been addressed, like health care and child care, Senator Campbell said. So its insulting to send more tax dollars out of state when weve got a big pocket of problems being ignored right here at home, she added.

News 4 reached out to Governor Bill Lees office for an interview, but his office responded saying the governor was not available for an interview today. But, they sent this information:

Tourism is Tennessees second leading industry and a huge economic driver statewide. this campaign will support our states economic recovery and workforce growth

Our tourism industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, saw over $300 million in lost revenue between march and December 2020

This tourist development campaign is a one-time investment of $2.5 million, approved by the legislature in the states fy21-22 budget,

Lee doesnt really care about Tennesseans in my own opinion, Senator Campbell said. He denies us our own tax dollars and federal assistance. Hes denied teachers pay raises. We have department of children service workers drowning in cases and opioids death are skyrocketing. Gun violence is higher than ever. TANIF funds have been banked and not distributed and he is using our funds to buy plane tickets for bachelorette partyers, just wow, she added.

Nashville Native Cordnie Brown said she doesnt feel Nashville necessarily needs this incentive, but smaller cities like Jackson might need it. She also went on to say other means should be used to attract people, and not use tax payer dollars.

You can use things like television or movies to bring people or just other conventions and things like that, and that way you have jobs being made at the same time instead of giving away free money, Brown said.

I think tourism is doing pretty well in Nashville right now. Ill say some of my Republican colleagues are concerned because these dollars going specifically to the major cities in terms of tourism, Senator Campbell said. If we want to incentive the economy and move the economy, lets invest in Tennesseans, Campbell added.

News 4 reached out to the Tourism Commissioners office to ask how this process will work.

They said hotels must be booked through tennesseeonme.com or the Nashville CVC Reservations Center at 800-657-6910 to be eligible for the $250 airline voucher. One airline voucher is provided per package reservation, and will be emailed to the email address provided on the reservation within 48-72 business hours after the booking date.

The offer is available until September 15, 2021 or while supplies last.
FILE - In this April 17, 2007 file photo, exhibitors work on laptop computers in front of an illuminated sign of the Google logo at the industrial fair Hannover Messe in Hanover, Germany. Germanys finance minister on Wednesday welcomed an agreement requiring large companies in the European Union to reveal how much tax they paid in which country. The deal was struck late Tuesday between representatives of the EUs 27 member states and the European Parliament. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer, File)
On Monday, a Honduran court issued the eighth guilty verdict in the March 2016 killing of Berta Caceres, a world-renowned environmental and indigenous rights activist.

David Castillo Mejia, a US-trained military intelligence officer and president of a hydroelectric firm, DESA, was found guilty as an intellectual co-author of the murder. The ruling was largely based on evidence from the electronic communications between Castillo and accomplices that revealed a plot to eliminate any obstacle that interfered with DESAs operations in the Gualcarque River, as charged by the prosecutors.

Supporters of slain Honduran environmental and Indigenous rights activist Berta Caceres protest during the trial against Roberto David Castillo Mejia in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Monday, July 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Elmer Martinez)

The sentence will be announced on August 4. The other seven received prison terms of 30 years.

In a country where less than 5 percent of murders lead to guilty verdicts, including numerous killings of activists and local leaders, the rulings are being presented by the Honduran government and the corporate media as historic and a beacon of light.

The Public Ministry said it was a historic guilty ruling in a public, oral proceeding and pledged to work to identify other intellectual authors involved in the murder of the human rights activist. The official social media of the Judicial Branch live-streamed the reading of the ruling and uploaded several commemorative pictures of Caceres. President Juan Orlando Hernandez had earlier proclaimed the investigation a priority for his administration.

However, the very notion that the sentencing of several minor players in Caceress murder plot can help boost the legitimacy of the authoritarian regime installed by the 2009 coup backed by the Obama administration speaks to the desperate political crisis facing not only the Hernandez clique, but the entire US-backed Honduran oligarchy.

On Monday, Caceress family and the organization she founded, the Civic Council for Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), issued a statement that described the ruling as a victory and a step toward ending the pact of impunity.

However, it then states that Castillo was merely an instrument of the Atala Zablah family, the richest in the country and the majority shareholder of DESA.

It isnt over, the statement says, adding, We demand the immediate cancellation of the concession over the sacred Gualcarque River of the Lenca [indigenous] community and the prosecution of everyone involved in its illegal and corrupt concession. We demand the dismantling of the criminal networks that persist and acted during the trial to promote impunity

As the evidence presented in court itself showed, these networks go far beyond the Atalas and even the Hernandez regime. The Caceres murder exposed the fascistic forces that have been set up over decades by US imperialism to repress opposition to the interests of finance capital and that are aimed chiefly against the working class.

As the Obama administration sought to legitimize the coup regime, with then-vice president Biden carrying out repeated trips to Honduras in leading these efforts, the police, military and associated death squads were unleashed with a vengeance to crack down on the opposition to the 2009 coup and the slew of social cuts, privatizations and profitable concessions that followed, including the Agua Zarca Project.

The Agua Zarca dam, opposed by Caceres and the Lenca community, was being financed by the World Bank, the Chinese state-owned Synohydro, the Central American Bank of Economic Integration, the German companies Siemens and Voith-Hydro, the Dutch Development Finance Company, and the Finnish Fund.

The Atalas on the DESA Executive Board, whose text messages asking the Security Ministry to eliminate those Indians were presented in court, base their fortunes on their role as local administrators of Wall Street and foreign-based corporations, just like the rest of the Honduran oligarchy. For instance, Eduardo Atala sits on the DESA executive board, is president of the Honduran-American Chamber of Commerce, and owns the official distributor of John Deere in Honduras.

Besides David Castillo, who graduated from the US West Point Military Academy, two other members of the death squad that killed Caceres were soldiers trained in the US, including Mariano Diaz Chaves who joined US forces in Iraq.

Mondays ruling takes places amid a worsening humanitarian crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, years of droughts along the Pacific coast and the devastating Eta and Iota Hurricanes of last November. One third of the population of 9.5 million is suffering from severe hunger.

With less than 5 percent of the population fully vaccinated, the arrival of new and more contagious variants of the coronavirus and the refusal of the government to implement any lockdowns is driving an exponential increase in new cases. In what is widely seen as a vast undercount, the country has officially reported 7,149 deaths from COVID-19.

As the Biden White House continues the Trump administrations violation of asylum rights and a militarized crackdown against hundreds of thousands of Honduran refugees with the collaboration of the Mexican, Guatemalan and Honduran regimes, social tensions in Honduras are reaching a boiling point.

At the same time, even as Washington continues its intimate security collaboration and aid, the Honduran regime has been labeled a narco-state by the US Department of Justice amid overwhelming evidence of President Hernandezs ties to drug cartels. With all candidates for the November presidential elections basing their campaigns on worn-out anti-corruption slogans, none offers any solution for the deepening social crisis.

The rulings in the Caceres case are little more than window-dressing for the fact that the Honduran ruling class and its imperialist patrons offer no other response to the crisis than further police-state preparations to crack down on an imminent social explosion.

Dismantling the networks behind Caceress murder and the ongoing repression requires the development of a political movement of the working class, leading behind it all the impoverished and oppressed masses and fighting for the dismantling of Honduran and global capitalism.
According to the Tunisian Red Crescent, 43 refugees drowned off the Tunisian coast near the town of Zarzis on 2 July, when their completely overcrowded boat capsized. Of the 127 on board, only 84 could be rescued. The refugees, who came from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Chad, and Bangladesh, set out last week, near the Libyan town of Zuwarah.

The cemetery for migrants who have died trying to reach Europe, in the village of Zarzis, Tunisia, Saturday June 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Mehdi El Arem)

Four other boat incidents off the Tunisian coast have claimed the lives of almost 50 more refugees in the last ten days alone.

The situation for refugees in North Africa has worsened in recent weeks. The European Union is stubbornly refusing to take in refugees from the horrific, completely overcrowded detention camps in Libya and is not even sending an independent rescue mission to the central Mediterranean. Instead, the EU is cooperating closely with the criminal gangs known as the Libyan Coast Guard, notorious for interning, torturing and enslaving refugees.

The criminal character of the European Union is revealed nowhere more clearly than in its brutal treatment of people seeking refuge.

The 127 refugees had been wandering in the south-central Mediterranean for three days until their boat finally capsized off Tunisia. Those rescued included many minors and even a three-year-old. Quite a few had previously escaped the hellish torments of the Libyan internment camps. A woman from Cameroon who was rescued by the Tunisian Red Crescent reported that they were treated like rubbish and raped there.

A spokesman for the Tunisian Red Crescent, Munji Salim, said Tunisian reception centres were already overcrowded because many more refugees had met with an accident off the Tunisian coast this year while trying to reach Europe. The Italian immigration authorities have already registered nearly 21,000 refugees landing this year, more than three times as many as in the same period last year.

Added to this are almost 15,000 refugees who were picked up by the so-called Libyan Coast Guard in the first half of 2021 and brought back to Libya. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), at least 720 refugees have drowned in the central Mediterranean this year, almost twice as many as at the same time last year, although the number of unreported cases is far higher.

Worrying incidents have been mounting in recent weeks. The Ocean Viking, belonging to the private aid organisation SOS Mediterranee, has rescued 572 people from distress at sea in six missions in Maltese and Libyan waters in the past five days and is now desperately seeking a safe harbour to bring them ashore. Of these, 369 refugees came from a wooden boat rescued in distress in Libyan waters that was in danger of capsizing. In two previous rescue operations in Maltese waters, more than 130 refugees were taken from boats rescued in distress.

Among others, 183 minors are now on board the Ocean Viking. Many of those rescued are suffering from fuel burns, sunburn, dehydration and extreme exhaustion after spending extended time at sea. Despite this, the ports on the European coast are refusing to allow the Ocean Viking to enter to bring the refugees to safety and provide them with medical care.

The Ocean Viking rescue mission exemplifies the European Unions murderous policy towards refugees. The EU is deliberately driving hundreds of people to their deaths as it seals off its external borders.

The Ocean Viking is currently the only boat belonging to a private rescue organisation operating in the central Mediterranean. Other rescue ships are being detained by the Italian authorities on flimsy grounds and prevented from leaving. This currently affects, among others, the Geo Barents of Medecins Sans Frontieres, the Sea-Eye 4 and the Sea-Watch 4. The Sea-Watch 3 has been allowed to sail to its homeport in Spain for repairs.

Since the EU and NATO have also completely stopped their rescue missions, the Ocean Viking is, in fact, the only remaining rescue ship in the central Mediterranean. The fact that the number of refugee crossings has nevertheless risen sharply refutes the EUs claim that the presence of rescue ships constitutes a pull factor and encourages refugees to venture across the sea to Europe. It is the threatening situation in Sudan, Eritrea, Chad, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bangladesh that forces these desperate people to make the life-threatening journey to Europe despite the risks.

Instead of rescuing refugees, the EU is working ever more closely with the so-called Libyan Coast Guard and is handing the refugees back over to the henchmen from whom they had escaped shortly before. The brutal means used by the Libyan Coast Guard against refugees are shown in a film by aid organisation Sea-Watch, which was recorded by the reconnaissance plane Seabird on 30 June.

The Seabird intercepted a distress call from a boat with 50 people on board in Maltese waters. On its way to the refugee boat, the Seabird encountered the Libyan Coast Guard vessel Ras Jadir. The Seabird then informed the Maltese Coast Guard of the threat of the refugees illegal repatriation from international waters to Libya, but the Maltese authorities simply hung up the phone.

When the Seabird spotted the wooden boat with 50 refugees on board, it witnessed a brutal attack by the Libyan Coast Guard. The Coast Guard fired at the refugee boat and only stopped firing after the Seabird had warned them several times. Then it sailed at high speed towards the small wooden boat and threatened to ram it. The refugees lives were in danger, and they were lucky to escape. According to current information, they reached the Italian island of Lampedusa safely.

In the meantime, the public prosecutors office in Agrigento, Italy has started an investigation based on the footage from Seawatch. Chief prosecutor Luigi Patronaggio, however, said the Italian Ministry of Justice would have to agree to the investigation as their target was a foreign authority. The Ras Jadir was provided to the Libyan militias by the Italian government, along with three identical ships.

The responsibility for the violent attacks on refugees by the Libyan Coast Guard lies with the governments in Rome, Berlin and Paris, who want to keep refugees out of the EU at all costs. Deliberately looking the other way and waiting for their Libyan stooges to do the dirty work has now become standard practice.

An incident that occurred on June 13 is significant. A wooden boat overcrowded with 170 refugees in distress at sea sent out a distress call. However, the Maltese and Italian authorities, as well as the European border protection agency Frontex, refrained from taking any rescue action for more than ten hours, although the situation on board was becoming worse.

Finally, the merchant ship Vos Triton, which flies the Gibraltar flag and belongs to a Dutch shipping company, took the refugees on board in international waters. Immediately afterwards, it handed the refugees over to a Libyan Coast Guard vessel, which brought them back to Libya against their will, where they were interned.

It was obviously a set-up. A merchant ship was brought in and secretly ordered to hand over the refugees to the Libyan henchmen. In the process, international maritime law was blatantly violated, and an illegal pushback operation carried out through middlemen. That the European Union simultaneously claims to uphold human rights is cynical and mendacious.

The cooperation with the Libyan militias goes so far that the EU is even indirectly involved in the internment camps for refugees in Libya.

Conditions in these camps are so atrocious that Medecins Sans Frontieres recently withdrew from the last three camps where it had been providing medical care. The aid agencys head of mission in Libya, Beatrice Lau, justified this step by saying that the persistent pattern of violent incidents and serious injuries to refugees and migrants, as well as the danger to our staff, has reached a level that we can no longer accept.

In mid-June, allegations emerged that minors had been sexually abused by guards at a camp run by the EU-funded Libyan Centre for Combating Illegal Immigration. The United Nations has long warned of the inhumane conditions in Libyan detention camps, which are particularly worrying in the Mabani, Abu Salim and Triq al-Sika camps.

The sharp increase in the number of victims and refugees illegally returned to Libya is a direct consequence of the European Unions inhumane refugee policy. It wants to repel refugees from its own borders at all costs and does not shy away from cooperating with the most criminal elements to this end.

The EUs claim to be acting against human traffickers in the central Mediterranean is also just a pretext. In April, the Libyan government released Abdulrahman Milad, one of the most wanted international human traffickers, due to lack of evidence. Now, he earns his living as a commander of the Libyan Coast Guard and serves the EU as a stooge in its restrictive fortress Europe policy.
A memorial service for of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, who was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop, was held Tuesday morning in the auditorium of Beebe High School, in the Arkansas town of the same name, 36 miles northeast of Little Rock.

Attorney Ben Crump stands next to Hunter Brittain's casket at the Beebe High School Auditorium before his memorial service in Beebe, Arkansas on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Demillo)

Brittain was gunned down without warning by a Lonoke County sheriffs deputy, Sergeant Michael Davis, as Brittain exited his vehicle, grabbing a blue antifreeze container. Both the victim and his killer were white.

After an appeal by the family to attorneys and advocates for the family of George Floyd, the black man murdered by police in Minneapolis last year, attorneys Devon Jacob and Benjamin Crump are now representing the Brittains. Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) participated in the memorial service, along with the two lawyers.

Because the family is white, as were most of those attending the memorial service, Sharpton had to largely shelve any racial rhetoric, as both he and Crump spoke at the ceremony.

The issue of policing is not about black and white, said Sharpton at the auditorium, Its about right and wrong.

Most of those who addressed the memorial service were friends and family, who mourned the slain teenager, many issuing eulogies.

Hunters uncle, Jesse Brittain, took to the podium. I want to start off by saying, Hunter, I love you, son, and I miss you. Choking up, he continued, Your life had meaning. Youre loved. Your family will not stop advocating until we have justice for you, Hunter. And also, justice for all our other brothers and sisters dying at the hands of law enforcement hired to protect and serve us around this country.

A huge round of applause followed.

These unjust killings happening around our country demand sacrifice from each of us. Well have to stop all this civil unrest, black and white, people dying at the hands of the police. I will not apologize for these killings because unarmed people die every day, like my nephew, Hunter, without the benefit of a trial. He concluded, Qualified immunity must end for law enforcement officers in this country.

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. Once it happened to my sons best friend, I said it could happen to my son so it was too close to home to not do anything about it.

George Floyd died in May 2020 when Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officeraided and abetted by three other cops, one black, one Asian, and one whiteused his knee to pin the handcuffed black mans neck to the ground. The police murder of Floyd sparked international protests against police brutality and racism. These protests were multi-racial and multi-ethnic in character.

Sergeant Davis has been fired by the Lonoke County sheriffs office, not for the killing of Brittain, which is under investigation by the state police, but for not activating his body camera when making a traffic stop at 1:30 in the morning.

Prior to the memorial, Brittains friends and family called for change at the state level, with petitions urging the state legislature to require police officers to wear body cameras that would be turned on, and remain active, as soon as their shift begins and throughout.

Hopefully, Hunter and his untimely death will finish what Hunters brotherGeorge Floydand his death started, Devon Jacob said, referring to calls during the Floyd case similar to those in response to the killing of Brittain.

Crump and Jacob made mention of others who have perished unjustly at the hands of police, such as Breonna Taylor, a Kentucky woman shot to death in her own home. 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.

Rather than make overtly racialist appealsimpossible under the circumstancesboth Crump and Sharpton appealed instead for protests to state and national politicians, both Republican and particularly Democratic.

Crump said, We came here today to all proclaim a unity that America, President Biden, the governor of Arkansas, and people all over the world will stand up with us and say, Hunter Brittains life matters, whereupon the crowd began chanting the slogan.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, issued a public statement July 2, nine days after Sergeant Davis murdered Hunter Brittain, stating provocatively, Last week, we lost another police officer in the line of duty, and if we could pass a law to guarantee we will never lose another one, then I would pass it and sign it today. He has made no mention of the police killing of Brittain.

President Biden, on the morning Brittain was killed, said it is not a time to turn our backs on law enforcement. Biden is identified with law-and-order politics going back 30 years, when he spearheaded legislation in Congress which led to a dramatic increase in the imprisonment of working-class men and women, particularly African American.

Trying to accommodate his rhetoric to the reality of a young white man murdered by a white cop, Sharpton told reporters before the memorial service, Hunter did nothing wrong, just like we felt George Floyd did nothing wrong, concluding, But if we segregate how we react, then were wrong.

He continued, tacitly admitting the class character of the killing, I dont know if Hunter was in a rich neighborhood, with a certain clothes [sic] on that night, driving a certain car, whether this policeman would have acted that way I dont know what the reason is, but I do know an unarmed 17-year-old young man should have been given the benefit of due process, and not be shot down and not be considered guilty until proven innocent.

NAACP representative Kwami Abdul-Bey, of the Jacksonville, Arkansas branch, responded just as awkwardly during an interview with KATV (Little Rock), when he was asked whether Brittains case would be handled differently if he were a person of color. He responded, We might be having a different conversation, but we would still be having a conversation.

Abdul-Bey continued, We dont need to parse out our fight as this victim was black and this victim was white. If theyre a victim, theyre a victim, and they all need to be respected as victims of police violence. There are some communities who may not have responded in the way that theyre responding now if Hunter had been black. They are able to see what we see every day.

The truth is that more whites are killed by police than blacks or Hispanics, a fact that is generally ignored by the advocates of racial politics. So far this year, 440 people have killed by police, according to Statista.com. Of the 440, 130 were white, 74 black, 39 Hispanic, 4 other, and 193 unidentified. These numbers show that 2021 is well on its way to reaching 1,000 police killings, the yearly average for nearly a decade.
Workers at the Volvo Cars plant in Ghent, Belgium, downed their tools and shut down production Thursday, in a wildcat protest over the companys plans to increase the workweek from 37.5 hours to 40 hours.

The action involved hundreds of workers on the morning shift and was at least partially extended into the afternoon shift. Reports also indicate that the night shift has not reported for work.

According to Belgian news site hln.be, the agreement to extend the workweek had been approved by the trade unions, but was not checked beforehand with the workers. Volvo sent out a letter to workers this week announcing the change.

Volvo Cars workers in Ghent, Belgium walk out over expanded work week

Following the spontaneous protest by workers, the company announced that it was temporarily delaying the change but was determined to move forward. To be clear, the 40-hour week is not up for discussion, declared company spokesperson Barbar Blomme. Our successful model XC40 is in high demand, and that is one of the reasons why we need to increase production. She said that the change would be implemented following further consultations after the summer.

The work action by Volvo Cars workers in Belgium comes on the eve of a vote by 2,900 Volvo Trucks workers at the New River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia, on the third tentative agreement proposed by the United Auto Workers. The Virginia workers have been on strike for just over a month, following the overwhelming rejection of the two previous agreements supported by the UAW.

Volvo Cars is owned separately from Volvo Trucks, but plants for the two companies remain near each other in Ghent.

The spontaneous protest also came only two days after a World Socialist Web Site reporting team campaigned at both Volvo Cars and Volvo Trucks in Ghent, informing workers about the strike in Virginia. Workers in Belgium expressed strong support for their coworkers in the US, which has enormously encouraged the resolve of the striking Volvo workers.

One worker in Virginia said of the support from workers at Ghent: These guys in Europe are dealing with the same thing we have to deal with. We feel their pain, and its nice to know they feel our pain. Its definitely inspirational.

Dont get me wrong, its great to hear from [workers at] Stellantis, Frito-Lay, Ford and other companies in the US, but when its workers from the same company they know the way that the corporation works, the way that it tries to brainwash you. So to get a thumbs up from them is extra special. They are dealing with the same thing just on a different continent. The company has the same mentality there, and they feed these workers the same crap. So having your own people from different plants step up and say We got your back is great.

The worker added that he had sent the video of Ghent workers supporting Virginia workers to others in the plant. Many are in a state of disbelief that the workers in Ghent are supporting us. The timing of the video could not have been better. Right as Volvo is trying to scare us with their public relations machine, right before the vote we see this video and it reignites the fire.
Despite at least 21 deaths and thousands of coronavirus infections among autoworkers in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu just in the past couple of months, the states Dravida Munnetra Kazhakam (DMK) party government has mandated that auto production be carried out essentially at full capacity. The government has declared that any company which exports or supplies to export-oriented industries will be allowed to operate at full capacity as cases have come down.

This policy is entirely in line with that of Indias far-right, pro-big business Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP government is openly encouraging nonessential industries to operate without making even the most elementary health and safety provisions for workers. The Modi government is shamelessly presiding over an unmitigated health and social catastrophe, with more than 400,000 COVID-19 deaths and more than 30 million infections, according to the official gross undercount, and widespread hunger for hundreds of millions.

Some of the Indian autoworkers who have died from COVID-19 (Facebook)

The DMK government has declared the auto industry an essential public utility service. This in effect makes autoworkers frontline workers, as essential for the functioning of society as healthcare, electricity, and water workers.

While utilizing this political subterfuge to force workers into unsafe work environments, the DMK government has issued so-called COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as social distancing, that companies are supposed to implement in their plants. These guidelines are ineffectual and indeed spurious. They are meant to provide a cover for the governments mercenary policy of prioritizing the profit interests of the transnational automakers that successive Tamil Nadu governments have attracted with promises of cheap labour and tax breaks over workers health and lives.

Despite the government having formally classified them as essential workers, its safety measures do not mandate that autoworkers be given priority access to vaccinations. Only 25 percent of the approximately 23,500 autoworkers who work for the three largest multinational automakersRenault-Nissan, Hyundai, and Fordactive in the Detroit of India, an industrial cluster located within 170 km from Chennai, have received one dose.

A noted journalist, Sudarshan Varadhan, reported in a Reuters article entitled India auto hub lets car plants run at full capacity despite few vaccinations that about 4 percent of the COVID-19 cases in the Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu districts, where the car plants are located, was accounted for by autoworkers. According to Microsoft Bing map statistics, the infection rate for the two districts is about 6 percent for the general population. However, Varadhan reported 3,768 infections at the three companies plants. This works out to an astounding 16 percent infection rate among the 23,413 autoworkers.

The two Stalinist parties, the older but smaller Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), were in an electoral alliance with the DMK during the recent state assembly elections. They are continuing to promote the reactionary DMK as a friend of the people. Their trade union apparatuses, the CITU and the AITUC, along with the Maoist AICCTU, which all maintain a sizable presence in Tamil Nadus auto sector, support keeping the auto plants open.

In late May, rank-and-file workers at the Korean-headquartered Hyundai motors, US Ford motors and French-Japanese Renault-Nissan launched a sit-down strike and protests following hundreds of infections in the plants. This rebellion compelled the automakers to shut down their plants for 5 days. However, they rapidly moved to restart production.

Hyundai workers in Tamil Nadu staged a sit-down strike to protest the lack of COVID-19 protections

The Maoist-led Renault Nissan India Thozhilalar Sangam (RNITS) along with the unions at Hyundai and Ford have refused to mount any sustained action to shut down the plants until COVID-19 is brought under control and all workers fully vaccinated. The RNITS merely appealed to the Madras High Court, the states highest judicial body, after the plants reopened following the 5-day shutdown in May.

The union asked the court to order a halt to production, complaining that the company was flouting social distancing norms. It also argued that the poor quality of company-provided health care benefits was unnecessarily risking workers lives. This convoluted argument implies that had the company provided better health care coverage, the RNITS would have countenanced workers risking their lives for the profit interests of Renault Nissan.

The company told the court that it was impossible to increase the distance between workers beyond 2 or 3 feet at some workstations. The DMK government lined up behind the company, telling the court that the nature of auto assembly posed challenges in maintaining social distancing. In other words, workers lives should be sacrificed to produce nonessential vehicles so as to guarantee Renault-Nissans profits, and rich dividends for investors.

In an earlier ruling on a previous RNITS motion, a two-judge High Court panel cynically stated that [while] the health of workers is paramount, if industries go down there will be no place for them to work. For the judges, ordering the company to halt production until the pandemic is brought under control and pay full wages and benefits to the workers during the closure was, of course, totally out of the question.

In mid-June, the court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to have its inspectors visit the Renault-Nissan plant, but not the plants belonging to Hyundai and Ford, observing that the unions at these plants had not raised any objections. Underscoring the courts indifference to workers health, it stipulated that the inspection should take place in July, thereby ensuring that many more workers would be infected before any action was taken.

Prior to the court ruling, the RNITS had already reached a peace deal with the company, citing Renault-Nissan managements acceptance of a minor slowdown in production speed. As the union explained to the press, what this means is that after three cars on the conveyor belt [are assembled], one slot will be empty so that a worker need not move to the next workstation to complete his work. According to the union, this utterly inadequate measure can be accepted as a substitute for the most rudimentary social distancing norms.

The union general secretary, Moorthy, also claimed that management has agreed to provide a job to a family member of each of the workers who have died from COVID-19. It has also pledged to increase the compensation to families from 100,000 Rupees to 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,675.)

These developments underscore once again that autoworkers can advance their interests only through their own independent action. They cannot depend upon either the RNITS union or the courts to protect their health and well-being. This awareness is propelling the Renault-Nissan and other Indian autoworkers to consider an alternative strategy, as shown by the recent discussions held by a group of workers with the WSWS about forming rank-and-file committees. Indian autoworkers should follow the example of striking Volvo Trucks workers in Dublin, Virginia, who formed a rank-and-file committee, recognizing that to assert their class interests they must wage a two-front battle against the transnational Volvo and the pro-company United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

To successfully fight against the giant transnational corporations that dominate the auto industry, a socialist strategy that unites the workers internationally is essential. Indian autoworkers can play a critical role in developing this movement by supporting the construction of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.
Workers in Sri Lanka continue to voice their solidarity with the 3,000 striking Volvo workers in the US. The New River Valley Volvo plant workers in Dublin, Virginia have been on strike for a month, after overwhelmingly rejecting two concessionary contracts pushed by the United Auto Workers (UAW).

The statements published belowfrom workers, artists, students, the Safety Committee of Teachers, Students and Parents (SCTSP) and the Action Committee for the Defence of Freedom of Art and Expression (ACDAE)are another important expression of the growing global support for the Volvo workers. The SCTSP and ACDAE were established with the political assistance of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka.

Teachers protesting in Badulla, April 2021 [Source: Facebook]

The SCTSP is fighting for independent action by teachers, students and parents against premature school reopenings, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and explaining the necessity for a socialist perspective among educators.

As part of a broad fight for the democratic rights of the working class and oppressed masses, the ACDAE has launched a campaign for the release of jailed poet Ahnaf Jazeem, who was falsely accused of promoting Muslim extremist ideologies. He was arrested a year ago, under Sri Lankas draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Safety Committee of Teachers, Students and Parents

The Volvo truck workers struggle marks a turning point in the class struggle in the US and internationally, because the workers have decided to fight Volvos attempts to severely curtail the fundamental rights of workers, and the treacherous actions of the UAW, which is working hand in hand with the company in this attack.

Today, workers around the world are involved in production for companies such as Volvo, Ford and General Motors. Volvo workers are demonstrating the power they have as a class, by stopping production at this large corporation. While the working class faces severe exploitation internationally, the wealth of a handful of corporations and bank owners is growing exponentially. The time has come to put an end to this system.

For more than three weeks, Volvo workers have maintained their courageous strike. The only way to provide workers with the strength to win their demands is to mobilise the support of the working class in the US and internationally, and to fight for a socialist program. At the SCTSP, we have held a broad discussion among teachers, students and parents on the international significance of the Volvo workers struggle.

Education in Sri Lanka has been disrupted for a year and a half by the COVID-19 pandemic. Without facilitating online education, the Gotabhaya Rajapakse government wants to open schools in unsafe conditions, as part of its murderous new normal policy. Education sector unions are not opposing the unsafe re-openings and are pushing teachers and students to follow the governments deadly steps.

Although the media has censored the struggle of Volvo workers around the world, the analysis and reports of their struggles on the World Socialist Web Site have attracted the attention of significant sections of workers internationally. This is a crucial development in building an international alliance of workers.

Action Committee for the Defence of Freedom of Art and Expression

We, the Action Committee for the Defense of Freedom of Art and Expression (ACDAE), stand in solidarity with Volvo workers in Dublin, Virginia. Both the company and the UAW have shown themselves to be representing the same ruling class interests against the workers, who have repeatedly rejected the pro-company contracts backed by the union.

In sharp contrast to the UAWs treacherous role, the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee (VWRFC) is providing a shining example to workers all over the world on how to carry out such a fight. We support its call for workers to vote against the sellout. A democratic process must be initiated so that workers have full access to the contract and all related documents, can hold meetings prior to voting, and arrive at informed conclusions regarding their future.

The assault on workers rights and wages goes hand in hand with the imperialist war drive and the global attack on democratic rights. The show trial against WikiLeaks editor and publisher Julian Assange is at the forefront of this assault. The Sri Lankan government has intensified its assaults on artists, journalists, environmentalists and social media activists. Poet Ahnaf Jazeem has been languishing in prison for over 13 months under bogus charges of promoting extremism as part of this attack.

Throughout the ACDAEs fight, including its struggle for the release of Ahnaf Jazeem, we have emphasised that the assault on democratic rights and freedom of expression can be overturned only by the working class in its international fight for socialism. Creative freedoms and democratic rights are inherently incompatible with capitalism. Therefore, the task objectively rests on the shoulders of the only consistent social force against capitalism.

Volvo workers have shown the strength of this force. What comes next depends on the working class across the US and the rest of the world. The UAWs reactionary role is mirrored by their counterparts in all countries, including Sri Lanka and India. Workers must follow the lead of the VWRFC and establish their own organisations and join with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees called by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI).

Lohan Gunaweera, visual and performance artist

I stand in solidarity with the Volvo truck workers in Dublin, Virginia. Their overwhelming rejection of the pro-company contract, presented by the UAW, is an inspiration to everyone fighting against capitalism. While companies continue to pile up profits, the workers are offered the leftover bones and scraps. The way forward for this struggle, however, is inseparably bound up with the actions of the working class across the US and the rest of the world.

In this context, the ICFIs call for the formation of an International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees is of paramount importance. Volvo workers have taken the first step in a chain of actions that will lead to profound changes in the workers movement. The second and third steps should be taken by workers across the globe by learning from the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee: form their own independent organisations decisively separate from the trade unions, unify them in the form of an international alliance proposed by the ICFI, and take up the fight for international socialism!

A worker from the General Hospital, Kalutara, Western Province

Although the struggle of the Volvo workers is minor news to the capitalist media, it is a great catalyst for the working class around the world. It guides workers to focus on their strength. A group of workers in the worlds most powerful country has begun to show their strength. We must support them in their struggle.

Jayasekera, an agriculture instructor from Rajagiriya, Colombo

I totally condemn the betrayal of the UAW union leaders. In this pandemic, it has increasingly become difficult for workers to survive. They need pay rises to face the rising cost of living and increased health needs. The trade union-company alliance is against that. They only want to maximise profits and so they neglect the lives of workers and their interests. The fight against this reaction must be advanced by expanding the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee and strengthening its collaboration with other workers internationally.

A nurse from Sirima Bandaranaike hospital in Peradeniya, Kandy

As workers, we must not let this strike of Volvo workers be isolated. We should feel it like our own struggle. Workers everywhere, across all national borders, should defend their struggle against the treachery of the company and the trade unions.

I see similarities with the treachery of the health sector trade unions in Sri Lanka. Our unions here also pretend that they are working for us, but what they are doing is forcing the governments agenda on us. I agree that workers should organise independently from capitalist interests and reject the trade unions.

A technology student from the University of Colombo

I wondered whether the workers could take power against big companies and governments, but looking at the growth of the Volvo workers struggle, I realised what would happen if there was a workers unification internationally and the workers took the struggle into their own hands.

The entire production of this world is in the hands of the workers. If Volvo employees around the world were involved in supporting New River Valley workers, it would have a huge impact on the company. If the workers of the world unite, it will be the death knell of the capitalist system.

Vinod, a transport worker

I express my fraternal support for the Volvo workers strike, because I believe it is the harbinger of a revolutionary counter-offensive against the brutal and indecent exploitation of workers by the capitalist class.

I recently began reading the World Socialist Web Site and was surprised to learn from it how the major capitalist companies in Sri Lanka have piled up massive wealth during the pandemic. Hayleys Company, for example, has earned the largest ever profit in its 143-year history, i.e., a net profit of 14 billion rupees.

But what have the owners of those companies said to us? They said that we must be happy that we are receiving salaries, under conditions where the countrys economy is being disrupted by the pandemic. We were not granted any additional allowance because of the pandemic, and had to purchase face masks and sanitisers from our own salaries. Family members were also hit by the pandemic, mainly through infected workers.

When we complained about these issues to the union leaders, they advised us to think practically, because management could not grant all our demands during such difficult economic conditions. The unions in Sri Lanka have prevented us from struggling to win our demands, advising us not to demand a pound of flesh. Like their counterparts at Volvo, they are fighting against workers and defending the companies profits.

The struggle waged by Volvo workers is our struggle. I urge all workers to come forward and support the striking Volvo workers.
When fire erupted on June 28 at the sprawling parts plant in Saline, Michigan, 40 miles west of Detroit, many lines of workers were evacuated immediately as firefighters rushed to the scene to contain the blaze. Others were compelled to stay in the plant, and shifted from place to place to squeeze out the last ounce of production in spite of the imminent threat of toxic fumes, or worse.

The Saline Area Fire Department reported that the fire started from an electrical transformer on the roof and was contained in an equipment room inside the plant.

Rooftop after the fire (source: Saline Area Fire Department)

Little has been reported in the corporate press on the fire outside of initial reports the following day. The Detroit Free Press reported nothing more than a few comments from the Faurecia corporate spokeswoman for North America, Misty Mathews. Everyone is safe, she said. And there isnt an estimate of damages just yet.

A supporter in the plant of the Faurecia Rank-and-File Safety Committee, a group of workers formed last year to oppose unsafe working conditions in the parts companys facilities, told the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter that conditions inside the plant during the fire were far different than suggested by Faurecias bland reassurances. They were moving us all over the plant to keep us in there and keep us busy. But they didnt shut down. Nobody was happy about it.

The Faurecia factory employs around 2,000 people who produce plastic parts such as door panels and dash boards for Ford Motor Company, Stellantis and Tesla. Workers reported to the WSWS that the vast quantities of toxic chemicals which are stored on site pose an enormous hazard in the presence of fire.

But the company made no attempt to explain the cause of the conflagration or what would be done to prevent a recurrence. Predictably, Larry Robinson, the president of the local union UAW 982, and his shop committee did not utter a peep in protest.

The company is notorious for endangering the lives of workers because of its deplorable maintenance and ruthless speed-up.

The roof was never properly done, said Lamont Newton, who was forced out of the plant with medical disabilities in 2019. When I was working there, all the time we had water leaks from the roof, sewage coming up from the ground. No ventilation. It did not stop them from making money. Their whole thing was dont tell anybody, put this mask on and keep working.

When it came to the roof leaking, it was, Get a barrel, put it here and well have a cleaner come and pick up the water. He described working on a wet, oily floor surrounded by electrical machinery on all sides.

In regard to the fire, he said, Its a death mill. They are going to open it back up, bring people back in, and they will give them some sob story about what they are doing to correct the issues. And it still wont get done.

I just got an update, a supporter of the rank and file committee told the WSWS on Wednesday. They were running the presses over the holidays with backup generators because they lost power in the plant. No one has explained if the power outage was caused by the fire, recent flooding in the area or something else.

The supporter had been forced to leave the shop because of the rampant spread of COVID-19, which was being covered up by plant management with the collusion of the local union. The pandemic has resulted in the deaths of multiple workers, several of whom she had known personally.

Fire trucks at Faurecia Saline plant (source: Saline Area Fire Department)

Faurecia has risen to the eighth largest parts supplier in the world by acquiring operations like the one in Saline, formerly run by Ford Motor Company, which the French multinational grabbed in 2012. The company is notorious for slashing wages and benefits and driving workers past the point of exhaustion in its drive to raise profitability.

As with the rest of the auto industry, Faurecia has made massive profits over the course of the pandemic. According to its first quarter financial statement for 2021, Group sales were up by 12.2% on an organic basis, with strong outperformance in all regions. A graph shows a jump in sales revenue of 8.9 percent (from 3,678 or $4.338 billion to 4,005 or $4.724 billion) between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021.

Lamont explained that when people die in the plant, the union supports the companys position that the people did not die because of their brutal treatment, but rather that they had conditions that had nothing to do with the job.

Thats what they do every time. Thats what they tell state regulators. Thats what they tell city officials in Saline, thats what they tell OSHA, thats what they were telling the NLRB.

He described numerous cases of people dying at work. There were no grief counselors. There was nothing there, he said. All you knew is that somebody else had died.

When something goes wrong, Lamont says, you have a union rep telling you, Oh I understand how you feel, blah, blah. Then the same rep would come back and say, Oh, I looked into it and the circumstances are that the job did not cause this death and the person had obviously some medical issues before. Not that the company is working people to death.

The company is notorious for forcing workers to labor seven days straight, 12 hours a day for eight or 10 weeks without a break; and the UAW is in complete solidarity with the company.

I hope that the Volvo strikers are effective in standing up to the union, he concluded. We need to do that here. I lost friends here. People died here that I did not know personally. Other people I did know. There is obviously a class struggle going on here and the union is with the company.
To learn more about how to start a rank-and-file committee, Frito-Lay workers can email fritolayrfc@gmail.com or text (785) 816-1505.

On Tuesday, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 218 revealed that the nearly 600 striking workers at the Frito-Lay snack food production plant in Topeka, Kansas, who walked out Monday, will receive strike pay in the form of $105 per weekstarting next week.

Speaking to news channel WIBW, Brad Schmidt, international representative for BCTGM Local 218, announced the poverty strike pay of $105 would be given out for only 10 weeks. The $420 a month in total strike pay is less than half the poverty level for one person. Workers, moreover, have already had their health insurance cut off by Frito-Lay.

Frito-Lay workers picket earlier this year (Photo: Kansas AFL-CIO)

Schmidt said, Frito cut it off the day we walked, which they can do, but they have to point you in the direction of COBRA health insurance. The company has to make it available to you for 18 months but the cost of it so high people cant afford it, he explained. Theres still Obamacare, we can look into that, try to get that set up and then with Kansans, were trying to see if theyre available for KanCare for their dependents.

Schmidt, whose most recent total annual compensation was $213,803, however avoids the most glaring contradiction: why is the BCTGM handing out paycheckswhich workers have not received yetthat are so low workers are not even able to purchase emergency health coverage such as COBRA?

The BCTGM controls tens of millions of dollars in assets. In 2020, according to the unions LM-2 tax filing, the BCTGM had net assets of over $36,486,164. Its expenditures included a total of $3,473,558 in so-called representational activities, or salaries for the union bureaucracy. Among the top officials, union president Anthony Shelton took home a salary of $288,502 last year, secretary treasurer David Wood made $273,269 and vice president Roger Miller received $222,612. Meanwhile, the total money spent on strike benefits last year was zero.

If the Frito-Lay strike lasts for more than 10 weeks, workers total strike pay would max out at under $630,000, or less than one-fifth of what the national staff of the union makes in a year. While the BCTGM plans to starve workers on the picket lines, it is continuing to pay out thousands of dollars to its staff every week.

The union does not want to strike, and it does not want to spend its money on it. It is seeking to starve the strike by forcing workers to live on poverty wages and force them to accept a concessionary contract.

Chief Union Steward Dan Negrete nervously told KSNT News, Frito-Lay has never seen a strike. From my understanding, the whole time Frito-Lay has been in Topeka, theres never been a strike here. He added, The membership, the body at the plant, the environment at the plant has never been this toxic. The local union was organized in 1973.

After workers rejected four contracts, the union was compelled to call a strike. In doing so, it hopes to let off steam from workers while it conspires behind the scenes to broker another deal with Frito-Lay.

The BCTGM has not publicized the strike. As of this writing, it has not posted about Frito-Lay workers on its national Facebook page and has not published a word on its website. It is keeping its members in the dark out of real fear that if its membership is made aware of the strike, it may spark a rebellion.

This is why this struggle must be taken out of the hands of the union and placed solely into the control of rank-and-file workers. This requires the formation of a Frito-Lay Rank-and-File Committee.

This committee will be the genuine voice of Frito-Lay rank-and-file workers and issue and fight for demands based on their needs, not what the company or union thinks they can afford.

The conduct of the struggle and the negotiations cannot be left in the hands of the BCTGM.

The struggle at Frito-Lay is part of a growth of strikes and class struggle in the US and internationally. From striking Volvo Trucks workers in Virginia, Warrior Met coal miners in Alabama, ATI steelworkers in Pennsylvania and other states, and the St. Vincent nurses in Massachusetts, to striking food delivery workers in Berlin, to name only a few, workers are fighting for better and safe working conditions and higher living standards but confront the resistance of both their employers and the unions.

In order to fight Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo., a multibillion-dollar international corporation with factories across the world, workers need an international strategy and organization of their own. The struggle at Frito-Lay must be placed into the hands of workers and linked up with workers at factories and workplaces in Kansas, across the United States, including striking Volvo workers, and PepsiCo factories across the world.

We urge workers at Frito-Lay to take up this fight and build the Frito-Lay Workers Rank-and-File Committee today.

To learn more about how to start a rank-and-file committee, Frito-Lay workers can email fritolayrfc@gmail.com or text (785) 816-1505.
Stella Moris, the partner of imprisoned WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, spoke outside Britains High Court yesterday warning he is still at risk of extradition after a judge decided the US government can appeal an earlier court ruling that blocked his extradition on health grounds.

The judge also ruled that Assange must remain in prison until the appeal is heard, effectively extending his incarceration for at least many more months.

Stella Moris speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Credit: Twitter/@DEAcampaign)

The ruling underscores the Biden administrations determination to ensure Assanges removal to the US. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, based on excerpts of the judges ruling supplied by the UK Crown Prosecution Service, the US government offered assurances that Assange would not be imprisoned in oppressive conditions and could be permitted to serve any sentence in Australia.

Such assurances are meaningless. Once Assange is in US custody, those pledges will be cast aside. The Wall Street Journal reported: The US said it reserved the right to impose special measures on Mr. Assange, or hold him in a Supermax jail, if he were to do something subsequent to the offering of these assurances that meets the test for applying them.

Assange has been denied bail and remains detained in Londons Belmarsh Prison despite a January decision by District Court Judge Vanessa Baraitser denying his extradition to the US. Assange faces trumped-up charges under the Espionage Act over his exposure of war crimes, illegal mass surveillance and torture by the US and its allies. He has been held captive in the UK for a decade.

Baraitser ruled January 4 that Assanges extradition to a US federal prison would be oppressive because of his compromised mental health and risk of suicide. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) under President Donald Trump immediately appealed Baraitsers decision. Two days later, Trump mounted a fascist coup attempt in Washington D.C. The Democrats under Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris have seamlessly continued US imperialisms political vendetta against Assange.

The WikiLeaks publisher is being held in violation of his First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of the press and in breach of international human rights law.

Britains High Court has reportedly granted a right of appeal to the US on three grounds. The court will decide whether Baraitser applied the Extradition Act correctly; whether sufficient advance notice was given of the courts decision, and whether assurances by the US over mitigating the risk of suicide were properly considered.

A date for the appeal hearing has not been announced, but it will likely take place after the courts summer recess. This leaves Assange imprisoned at Belmarsh indefinitely in conditions long condemned by doctors and human rights lawyers as psychological torture.

In a letter sent yesterday to Biden and US Attorney General Merrick Garland by Doctors for Assange, 250 doctors from 35 countries demanded the dropping of all charges against the WikiLeaks publisher. They denounced his ongoing imprisonment due to the US appeal as amounting to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in the UK.

They noted: Today, the UK High Court granted the US limited permission to appeal the earlier UK ruling against the U.S. extradition request. Crucially, the High Court did not permit the US to appeal findings based on Assanges medical and psychological status, and affirmed the previous judges findings regarding his clinical condition Meanwhile, Mr. Assange continues to suffer serious, life threatening effects of the psychological torture he has been subjected to for more than a decade.

Moris, a human rights lawyer and mother of Assanges two young children, warned yesterday that the High Courts decision meant her partner is still at risk of extradition where he faces a 175-year prison sentence and where according to the magistrate he is almost certain to lose his life.

Her remarks exposed the lawlessness of US efforts to punish Assange, The case is itself falling apart. The lead witness of the US Department of Justice [Sigurdur Thordarson] now admits that he lied in exchange for immunity from US prosecutors. The lawyers of Julian were spied on, their officers were broken into, even our six-month-old baby was targeted while he was in the embassy.

Moris explained: This case is the most vicious attack on global press freedom in history. The US government is accusing a foreign journalist, a foreign publisher who is outside the United States, for publishing true information that incriminated the US military of committing war crimes.

Julian is a freedom fighter. He fights for freedom from torture, freedom from illegal wars, freedom from surveillance and manipulation. That is what the US government is criminalising. Theres no way to stand up for the First Amendment and defend democracy at the same time that you are prosecuting and imprisoning Julian Assange.

Moris described the crippling legal costs borne by Assange as he continues his fight for freedom. Many people dont know this, but the US government is allowed to appeal and have its costs paid by the UK taxpayer. Julian on the other hand has to fund his defence himself. Even though he won in January and the US government has decided to appeal that decision, Julian has to pay for his legal costs every aspect of this case is profoundly unjust. Julian is being punished for doing his job as a journalist.

Earlier yesterday, Moris visited Assange at Belmarsh Prison, accompanied by their eldest son who is four. Julian is very unwell, Moris reported afterwards. Belmarsh prison is a horrible, horrible, place. Just yesterday, another prisoner was found dead in his cell. The suicide rate is three times higher than in other UK prisons. Its a daily struggle.

She continued: He won his case in January. Why is he even in prison? Why is he even being prosecuted? There is no legal case against him. All there is is an indictment based on lies. They recruited a convicted embezzler, a convicted sex criminal [Thordarson] against minors, a man who was diagnosed with sociopathy and that man has now admitted that he lied and that those lies are in the US indictment that is keeping Julian in prison.

Lies are keeping Julian in prison. And now the abuses are just so monumental, and they just accumulate and at some point, sanity has to kick in. They are criminalising journalism. Just look at the indictment, the criminalising of receiving and communicating true information to the public, that no one denies was in the public interest, that evidence war crimes, that evidence torture, that evidenced illegal rendition.

Asked for Assanges reaction to the decision to grant an appeal, Moris replied, I was able to speak to Julian about the decision. Its mixed, because on the one hand its been six months and we havent heard any news, so its like an endless Purgatory. But at the same time, it doesnt end here, and so we have to prepare. We dont know how long this will go on for, and how long hell be imprisoned for in that terrible place.

The US suggestion that it would consent to Assange being transferred to Australia to serve any jail sentence indicates that the WikiLeaks founder continues to face a multi-state conspiracy by the imperialist powers led by the US, Britain and Australia. These assurances are ominous. They are designed to provide the British courts the pretext to extradite Assange despite his medical condition.

No faith can be placed in the sadistic promises and conspiracies of US imperialism and its political accomplices. Assanges freedom cannot be won via moral appeals to the state. The fight to free Assange must be taken into the working class and fused with its worldwide struggles against the pandemic, austerity, social inequality, and the ever-growing threat of war produced by capitalism.
The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and the Committee for Public Education (CFPE) have called an online public meeting for Saturday, July 17, at 4 pm (AEST). It will discuss how to take forward the fight against cuts at Sydneys Macquarie University and nationally.

In response to the ongoing historic assault on university staff and students that saw up to 90,000 jobs destroyed across Australias campuses last year, students from the Macquarie University Mathematical Society have taken up a fight to reinstate a highly-regarded lecturer, Dr. Frank Valckenborgh.

An NTEU rally at Macquarie University in 2020 (WSWS Media)

Valckenborgh was made redundant in a hunger games-style process, in which educators had to compete against each other for a reduced number of positions. Dozens of academics have been retrenched at Macquarie, on top of more than 300 redundancies of educators and professional staff members in 2020. Nationwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has been used as the pretext for an entire restructuring of class relations in education and throughout the working class.

The student-led petition to defend Valckenborgh has received the support of more than 500 pupils and staff.

The petition includes many comments appreciative of Valckenborghs commitment to students and scholarship. The passionate and broad support for the petition also indicates deepening opposition to the cuts to public education over decades by successive Liberal-National and Labor governments. One student wrote: Universities should be places of learning, not money-making institutions and in order to have quality education, we need quality teachers.

Such student-led actions need to be supported and broadened. This means a direct struggle against the staff and student unions, which have suppressed widespread opposition to the destruction of jobs and conditions and blocked any unified struggle by university workers and students.

Far from fighting the cuts, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has repeatedly offered to collaborate with university managements to find ways of saving money, including cutting pay and conditions for staff. This serves to implement the further pro-business restructuring of higher education demanded by the corporate elite and the political establishment, which is being accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The forthcoming IYSSE and CFPE public meeting on July 17 will advance the necessity for students and university workers to establish a network of joint rank-and-file committees, completely independent of the unions. This is essential to initiate a nationwide, unified fight against the assault on jobs and conditions, and link up with students, educators and all workers internationally who are facing similar critical struggles against the impact of the worsening global crisis.

That means rejecting the dictates of the financial elite. It requires a struggle against the capitalist profit system itself, and the turn to a socialist perspective, to reorganise society on the basis of social need, not private wealth accumulation. To participate in the joint online public meeting register here.
In Indonesia, the worlds fourth most populous country, a humanitarian disaster is unfolding similar to what occurred in India in late May. While it is being fuelled by the more virulent Delta strain, the surge in cases is taking place primarily because of the governments lack of preventative measuresin line with the demands of big business.

Official daily deaths on Wednesdayfollowing a string of broken records in the weeks priorcrossed the 1,000 mark for the first time with 1,040 deaths, up from 728 a day earlier. This is seven times what was recorded less than a month ago.

Workers take a break during a busy day at Rorotan Cemetery, which is reserved for those who died of COVID-19, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, July 1, 2021 (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Total daily cases also hit a new record of 34,379, up from 31,189 on Tuesday. The total number of COVID-19 cases is now 2,379,397 and the death toll is 62,908. Owing to the lack of testing and a 1-in-5 positivity rate, health experts are almost certain that the real daily tallies are of orders of magnitude higher.

Only 6 percent of the population of 270 million is fully vaccinated, a rate similar to other oppressed countries which are in dire need of vaccines. According to the World Health Organisation, many health workersincluding 6,000 in Aceh and 5,000 in Papuahave not even had their first dose.

With the country utterly exposed, there is a great danger that the current strain could mutate, threatening to upend vaccination efforts not just for Indonesia but internationally.

Epidemiologists have been scathing in their assessment of the government, which has deliberately fostered a climate of what some have called herd stupidity, whether through downplaying the risks associated with the pandemic, refusing to institute lockdowns, inconsistent health advice and the promotion of quack remedies.

Last May, hundreds of thousands travelled across the country for the Muslim Ramadan celebrations. The government made half-hearted restrictions on participations in the Eid celebrations, while allowing free rein for people to visit tourist attractions.

The absence of compensation for workers has also hampered lockdown efforts, as workers are forced to choose between working and starvation. Of the roughly 120 million working in Indonesia, 70 million earn their livelihoods in the informal sector living a hand-to-mouth existence. As a result, many are driven by desperation to defy lockdown measures.

In the city of Semarang, authorities have reportedly fired water hoses at shops that refused to close. Jakarta governor, Anies Baswedan, ordered dozens of offices to be sealed on Tuesday after some employers ignored work-from-home orders.

Epidemiologist Dicky Budiman, who has worked many years to prepare Indonesias health system, predicts a shocking 300,000 to 500,000 cases a day by August, citing the failure of the government to impose preventative measures early enough.

Restrictions on movement were instituted just last Saturday for the hardest hit islands of Java and Bali, but stopped short of full lockdowns as they were only imposed in designated emergency zones. As of yesterday, the measures were expanded to cover areas on all islands, mostly on Sumatra.

The restrictions are set to continue until July 20 and include the closure of shopping malls, houses of worship and leisure centres including parks. Non-essential sectors designated as those that are not energy, health or security, have been given 75 percent work-from-home requirements. Financial sectors are working at 50 percent capacity.

The impact of the Delta variant has been hardest on the island of Java, where over 150 million Indonesians reside in an area approximately half the size of New Zealand.

Hospitals have been inundated with the sick. Almost all have occupancy rates at full capacity, including the major intensive care wards at Cengkareng Hospital in the west of Jakarta, Bekasi City Hospital in West Java and all hospitals in Surabaya, the second biggest city.

More than a dozen facilities in Surabaya reportedly turned away patients because they could not handle the influx. Were overwhelmed, said a hospital spokeswoman in an interview with SBS. Many of our health workers have collapsed from exhaustion and some are also infected. We trying to get volunteers to help out.

Oxygen tanks have dried up in some areas, prompting the government to urge national suppliers to divert 90 percent of their production to medical needs. On Tuesday, Jakarta reported that 10,000 oxygen concentrators were to be shipped from nearby Singapore. The government is also asking China for assistance.

Daily burials in the capital are up 10-fold since May, with 392 burials on Saturday, overwhelming the cemetery workers involved.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated in a video conference: According to our data, the Delta variant made up 90 percent of new transmissions in Jakarta.

He added that authorities were preparing for much higher daily cases. The number of daily cases can still increase to 40,000 or more. We are taking actions to cope with all possible scenarios in terms of medical supplies, oxygen and hospital capacity.

In other islands, officials have cited significant increases in daily infections and active cases. The occupancy rates for hospital beds treating COVID-19 patients in Lampung, Riau Islands, West Sumatra, East Kalimantan and West Papua provinces have all exceeded 60 percent.

The virus is also spreading among young people. Around 250,000 children have been infected according to official data, or 12.6 percent of all cases. Of the 676 children who have died, about 50 percent were under 5 years old.

There are also long-term health problems associated with the virus, with much still unknown. Doctors have said that six to eight months after recovering from the virus, children may become weaker, experience shortness of breath, hair loss, muscle pain, and have difficulty concentrating at school.

Facing widespread anger over the governments handling of the disease, President Joko Widodo announced an expedited vaccination program on Twitter. Our target this month is 34 million doses, August 43.7 million, September 53 million, October 84 million, November 80.9 million, and December 71.7 million.

With hard work, this target is not difficult as long as there is a vaccine, he said. However, the country has so far received only 119 million shots of Sinovac, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca. More vaccines are being promised from the US, Japan and Australia.

As in other countries, the requirements of dealing with the pandemic are being deliberately ignored by the government to safeguard the economy, which means protecting big business and its profits. Empty promises that prosperity is just around the corner are a desperate and cynical ploy to deflect mounting public anger.
In an extraordinary press conference yesterday, the New South Wales (NSW) Liberal-National state government sought to absolve itself of any responsibility for the escalating coronavirus outbreak in Sydney, instead blaming working-class residents of the citys south-western suburbs for the growing tally of infections being recorded under stay at home restrictions.

Those measures, which fall far short of a genuine lockdown, were set to expire this Friday at midnight. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian had repeatedly stated her intention to terminate the restrictions, regardless of the worsening coronavirus situation, as part of a broader ruling-class campaign for a permanent end to all COVID-19 safety measures.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (Screenshot, ABC News)

Yesterday, however, Berejiklian was compelled to announce a week-long extension of the orders. This followed mounting anger towards her government, including from teachers, who were confronting a full resumption of face-to-face learning next Monday.

It is increasingly clear that the Berejiklian government only extended the measures, because Sydneys outbreak is spiralling out of control.

More than 600 of the citys nurses are reportedly in isolation after having been potentially exposed to the virus, 120 of them at Fairfield Hospital in the south-west and 500 from North Shore Private Hospital. Both facilities have been compelled to curtail their services.

Hospitalisation rates have risen dramatically. Last Friday, there were 17 people undergoing hospital treatment for COVID-19. That figure has risen to 40, more than doubling in less than a week.

The number of young people being severely stricken by the disease is far greater than in earlier outbreaks, when those hospitalised were overwhelmingly elderly. Seventeen of the patients are under the age of 55, with ten of those aged under 35. Eleven are in an intensive care unit, including one in their 30s. Three require ventilation.

The hospitalisation figure is the greatest Sydney has experienced since April 2020. Of even more concern is the inexplicably high rate of those being infected who require serious medical care. There are currently 406 active cases in Sydney. With 40 people in hospital, this would indicate that as many as 10 percent of confirmed infections are leading to serious illness. While this could be the result of the deadly character of the Delta variant, it also suggests broader transmission that is going undetected.

Today, 38 new infections were revealed, the greatest number since the outbreak began. The tally surpassed the previous highs of 35 on Saturday and Monday.

The obvious contradiction is that the circulation of the virus has increased substantially since the introduction of the city-wide stay at home restrictions on June 26. On that day there were 119 active cases in Sydney, little over a week-and-a-half later, the figure has ballooned to 406.

Seeking to square the circle, Berejiklian and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard yesterday insisted that the existing restrictions were appropriate and should have been effective in stemming the spread. The issue was that the guidelines were not being followed by ordinary people, especially in the Local Government Areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown, in the south-west.

This is a contemptible slander, aimed at shifting responsibility for the crisis from where it lies, with the government, to the victims of official policies in the poorest working-class suburbs of Sydney.

The virus entered the south-west because the Berejiklian government allowed it to.

For the first week of the outbreak, after the initial infections were detected on June 16, cases were almost exclusively centred in a handful of relatively affluent eastern suburbs. For ten days, Berejiklians government defied increasingly strident calls from epidemiologists for the imposition of a lockdown, limiting the response to an expansion of mask mandates.

By the time the stay at home measures were put in place, COVID-19 had already spread throughout the city, with dozens of potential exposure sites in every direction. It was only in the past week that significant case numbers began to be recorded in the south-west. In the week to Tuesday, 23 cases were identified in Fairfield, compared with just two the seven days before.

The real issue is the inadequacy of the existing measures. Virtually all retail stores remain open. So do mass shopping centres and clubs, both of which feature on the list of exposure sites.

Work is not restricted to that deemed essential. Instead, the hazy guidelines state that people must attend their places of employment, if they are unable to work from home. In practice, this means that hundreds of thousands of people are going to work each day.

The situation has been compounded by the federal Liberal-National governments withdrawal of the JobKeeper wage subsidy at the end of March. This means that workers, especially those employed on a casual basis, face the prospect of pauperism if their shifts are cancelled. They are eligible for a miserly federal payment capped at $500 per week, tied to a host of criteria and only available after the first week of a lockdown.

While Berejiklian and Hazzard claimed that ordinary people in the south-west were flouting the rules, a charge for which they provided no evidence, it has been demonstrated time and again throughout the pandemic that the coronavirus hits working-class areas the hardest.

Figures published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) today show that in Fairfield and Liverpool, some 20 percent of households are made up of five or more people, compared with 3.7 percent in Sydneys inner-city.

Residents of such working-class areas are far less likely to be able to work from home. Around 11 percent of people in Liverpool are managers or professionals, and less than eight percent in Fairfield, compared with over 30 percent in the eastern suburbs that were previously the epicentre of the outbreak.

None of this was mentioned by Berejiklian or Hazzard. Instead, the claim was made that residents of the three areas were recklessly visiting friends and family. This was presented in thinly veiled racist terms as the result of the high concentration of migrant workers in the suburbs. They were sternly instructed to stay at home, even though in many cases, this is not possible.

Despite the growing crisis, the NSW government is not tightening the restrictions, only extending them for a week. Online learning will be in place from Monday, but schools will be open for the children of essential workers, and others whose parents cannot look after them. Given that so many people are being forced to continue attending their places of employment, teachers, especially in working-class suburbs, will in many instances be forced into overcrowded classrooms.

Hazzard guaranteed that a full resumption of face-to-face teaching would occur on July 19. This was necessary to give parents, teachers and business certainty. In reality, it is a declaration that the current measures, as limited as they are, will end regardless of the COVID situation.

Hazard pointed to another motive for the government demonisation of working-class residents. Asked by a journalist if the Delta variant may be too virulent to control, he stated that if ordinary people continued to break the restrictions, were going to have to accept that the virus has a life that will continue in the community.

Epidemiologists have warned that this is the program for a catastrophe. Speaking to the ABC this morning, Professor Raina MacIntyre of the University of New South Wales, stated: If we let it spread in Sydney, it would impact the whole country and we could end up with a situation like we saw in India in March and April. In those months, India was recording up to 400,000 infections a day along with 4,000 or more deaths. With the world infections over 185 million and the death toll over 4 million people the perspective being outlined by both the Morrison and NSW governments is a recipe for mass deaths.

Hazzards comments form part of a broader discussion in ruling circles about the need to end all lockdown measures for good. At yesterdays press conference, the corporate journalists asked virtually no questions about those hospitalised by the virus, or the hundreds of nurses in isolation. Instead, with real fury, they demanded to know how the government could justify the impact of the current limited measures on big business.

At a national cabinet meeting last Friday, the state and territory leaders, most of them from the Labor Party, adopted a roadmap for ending restrictions presented by the federal Liberal-National government. It outlines a series of phases, to be declared based on vaccination rates that have not yet been decided upon, aimed at ending lockdowns and treating COVID-19 like the flu, in preparation for a return to normal.

Because of Australias shambolic vaccine rollout, the slowest of an advanced country, just nine percent of the adult population is fully inoculated. Political leaders have placed the figure for a phased reopening to begin at 30 or 50 percent, far lower than what would be required to prevent mass outbreaks.

In a warning of what is being prepared, it has emerged that there were divisions within the NSW government over the extension of the current restrictions. At the cabinet meeting where it was discussed, NSW Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet reportedly called for an end to the measures, in the interests of the economy and jobs and business.

This is the homicidal policy of the ruling elite internationally which has resulted in mass deaths to ensure corporate profits. If Berejiklian stopped-short of going as far as Perrottet at this stage, it was only out of fear over the mass anger and opposition that is building up in the working class.
The opposition among striking Volvo Trucks workers in Virginia is continuing to grow against the tentative agreement the United Auto Workers union is seeking to push through in a rushed ratification vote on Friday. Nearly 3,000 workers have been on strike for a month to fight for substantial wage and benefit improvements and to overturn more than a decade of givebacks handed to the multinational company by the UAW.

The UAW has refused workers demands for the release of the full contract and all the side letters of agreement signed by the UAW and Volvo that will dictate their wages and conditions over the next six years. They have also ignored workers demands for the postponement of the vote until workers have sufficient time to study the deal. Local, regional and International UAW officials are frightened of the hostility of workers, who have already rejected two UAW-backed agreements, that they have not even called any mass membership meetings to discuss the contract before the vote.

Opposition at the New River Valley plant has been led by the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee (VWRFC), which issued a series of statements this week calling on workers to reject the latest deal and demanding that the UAW release the full contract, hold mass meetings to answer workers questions and give workers 10 days to study and discuss the deal before any vote. The VWRFC has also called for rank-and-file supervision of the counting of ballots, to ensure that all votes are counted fairly.

The World Socialist Web Site spoke with a veteran Volvo Trucks worker with nearly three decades at the plant about the upcoming contract vote, the role of the UAW and the need to build and expand the network of rank-and-file committees to provide a genuine voice and leadership to the struggle of workers. To protect the worker from company and union retribution, he will be referred to as Jimmy.

I am confident that we will vote this contract down again, but it might be by a narrower margin this time, Jimmy said, citing the economic pressure on workers due to the poverty-level strike benefits from the UAW. Some guys want to get back to work, but the majority will vote against this, he said.

The closer the margin, he warned, the more brazen the UAW will be to throw some no votes into the yes column. They dont start counting the votes until the parking lot is empty and then there is no one left in the building but local and UAW International reps. A lot of workers take pictures of their no votes, but the ballots are generic pieces of paper, which dont have our names on them. I dont trust the union and I dont know of anyone who does. Theres no reason we cant have the ballots counted publicly for the sake of integrity.

What information has been revealed about the contract shows it is little more than a rehash of the two previous ones rejected by workers. Despite claims that the two-tier wage and benefit system had been ended, new hires will have to labor six years before reaching top pay. In an industry with chronic downturns and layoffs, a worker stuck on this six-year in-progression treadmill could, in fact, be forced to work a decade or more before reaching top payif ever.

Increases for higher-paid workers that average 2 percent a year would be more than eaten up by the rising cost of living and sharp increases in out-of-pocket healthcare contributions. This includes a first-ever insurance premium charge for higher seniority Core Group workers.

Ive been working here for almost 30 years, and Ive never paid for healthcare insurance. Now its going to be $100 a month, plus the $70 we pay in dues to the UAW. The new hires have been paying premiums for years, so some of them are saying, Why cant you pay? Im already paying. This is a dividing tactic to split the young and the old. None of us should be paying the premium, Jimmy said, The company should.

Jimmy decried the one-sidedness of the previous UAW-backed contracts, which seemed to be binding only on them, but not on the company. Other NRV workers have reported to the WSWS that UAW officials readily let Volvo modify contract terms whenever it suits them. This includes letting Volvo hire nonunion temporary workers and allowing Volvo to steal overtime pay, supplemental unemployment benefits and vacation time.

During this last contract, Volvo eliminated 30 paint booth cleaner jobs at NRV and replaced them with outside contractors making poverty wages. That was a breach of contract. Some of us were ready to go on strike to defend those 30 workers. They needed us to defend them, and there was no way Volvo could fire all 3,000 of us. But all the UAW said was file a grievance.

A grievance means nothing. Its humiliating. You fight and you think you have something and then its not there. Halfway through the 2015 contract, they yanked the healthcare insurance for retirees who were promised medical benefits. They said the VEBA (Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association, a UAW-run fund for retiree medical benefits) had run out of money.

If you retire after 30 years, you get around $1,500 a month in a pension. You can get by on that if your house and car is paid off. But if you have to pay $800 to keep up your insurance, there is no way a man can live off $700 a month. Everyone who retired under the last contract lost their insurance. The union said this got overlooked in the last contract negotiations.

This is what Volvo and the UAW think of a contract. They change it willy-nilly. If I had a dollar for every secret letter of understanding they signed, Id be able to retire by now. Why should we have to follow the contract if we dont like something in it? But if we didnt, Volvo wouldnt file a grievance; theyd fire us.

Referring to the UAW, Jimmy said, What Ive realized is that the union officials are paid to keep us in line. The local really is not a union at all. Our dues all go to the International. Volvo pays our committee members and basically says, heres your trailer [on the NRV grounds] to go play video games in. The local looks for any reason not to fight for us on any issue.

Ive been through a few contracts at NRV. I have heard the UAW say every time, well get em next time and that next time has yet to come. It really is a two-front war, like you say, against the company and the union.

Unlike the countless strikes the UAW and other unions have isolated and betrayed, the formation of the Volvo Rank-and-File Committee has given workers a voice and a leadership to oppose the sabotage of their struggle. With the assistance of the WSWS, Volvo workers have established lines of communication with Mack-Volvo workers in Pennsylvania and Maryland, autoworkers in Detroit, Chicago and other cities, and Volvo workers in Australia, Canada and Belgium.

If it wasnt for the WSWS there would be no other information about our strike, Jimmy said. The UAW spends more time fighting you guys (WSWS) than they do fighting Volvo. They say the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee wants to divide us. Obviously, the committee is for the workers and against the company. To me it sounds silly when they oppose the rank and file. Thats us! Outside of the VWRFC and the World Socialist Web S ite, there has been no effort to inform workers and unify us, to let others know about our struggle. Meanwhile Local 2069s Facebook page is heavily censored. They tend to delete critical comments and boost the posts of their yes men.

Ive never been on a strike before where you cant even turn to the union for information. The main reason we have gotten this far is because of the rank-and-file committee and the articles from the WSWS. Weve gotten together with the Mack workers and Volvo workers around the world. Anything we win is because of that. Whatever happens on Friday, we are only beginning this fight.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has been declared the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City, two weeks after the June 22 primary election. The delay was the result of the newly-adopted system of ranked-choice voting, in which voters were able to list five candidates in order of preference. About 120,000 absentee ballots also had to be counted.

Adams victory was the culmination of a lengthy and wide-open race to succeed current Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is leaving after the mandated limit of two terms in office. The contest, in which eight major candidates participated in two of the pre-election debates, came down to the top three vote-getters in the primary.

Brooklyn Borough President and a Democratic mayoral candidate Eric Adams greets NYPD officers, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

These were, in addition to Adams, former Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, who had been endorsed by the editorial boards of both the New York Times and the Daily News, and Maya Wiley, who had served as counsel to de Blasio for part of his mayoralty, and who was endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren and other leading left Democrats.

Adams led Wiley, his nearest competitor in the first round of voting, by about nine percentage points. After the redistribution of votes based on the successive elimination of candidates with the lowest votes, however, as well as the counting of about 118,000 absentee ballots, Garcia, who was heavily favored in the wealthy districts of Manhattan, passed Wiley and trailed Adams by 8,400 votes, or only one percentage point.

The small number of outstanding absentee ballots still to be tabulated led the Associated Press to declare Adams the winner, however, and Garcia followed with a concession speech on Wednesday morning.

The victor in the Democratic primary is virtually certain to be elected mayor next November, with Republicans heavily outnumbered among city voters and especially hated after the Donald Trump presidency. The candidate chosen in the Republican Party primary was Curtis Sliwa, longtime right-wing radio personality and founder of the Guardian Angels vigilante group.

Adams promoted his candidacy by pointing to his own background as an African American who had confronted police abuse as a youth and then as a police captain who had campaigned against police misconduct from the inside. His emphasis on law and order included qualified endorsement of the stop-and-frisk tactic that was used against hundreds of thousands of people a year, primarily minority workers and youth, especially during the mayoralties of Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg.

Several elements stand out in the aftermath of the heavily contested mayoral race. First and foremost is the way in which the media and the whole political establishment worked to change the subject from the pandemic, poverty and record inequality to an alleged epidemic of crime.

Amid a small uptick of shooting incidents in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and the conditions of poverty and misery it created and deepened, Adams was able to win a hearing from some voters in working class areas of Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. At the same time, he won the enthusiastic support of the right-wing New York Post, as well as major sections of big business, the real estate industry, charter school advocates and some major unions, including the local of the Transport Workers Union that bargains for 35,000 bus and subway workers.

The media declared with one voice that the public considered crime to be the number one issue, despite the fact that there were mass protests throughout the summer of 2020 against police violence.

The focus of the Adams campaign on law and order also overlapped with similar rhetoric coming from Joe Biden in the White House and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The governor announced a state of emergency over gun violence, on the same day as Adams primary victory.

There is no doubt that gun violence takes a terrible toll, particularly among the young, but this pales by comparison to the catastrophic impact of coronavirus during the same period, with 600 deaths from gun violence compared to 35,000 deaths from coronavirusa massive toll for which Cuomo, de Blasio and the ruling class they represent are entirely responsible.

The governor earmarked $139 million, including some social service spending, but the language of the declaration underscored its main purposeto shift the political agenda away from the social crisis, covering up the ruling class responsibility for the pandemic, both the lives it has claimed and the jobs it has destroyed.

The media also used the mayoral campaign to continue the build-up of identity politics. Voters were constantly reminded that the choice was coming down to the politician who would be the second black mayor of New York City, following David Dinkins between 1989 and 1993, or one of two women who would become the citys first female mayor. This was designed to avoid any serious discussion of the issues facing the working class.

Stressing this element of her campaign, Garcia chose to make her concession speech at the Womens Rights Pioneers Monument in Central Park. For 400 years, no woman has held the top seat at City Hall, she said. This campaign has come closer than any other moment in history to breaking that glass ceiling in selecting New York Citys first female mayor. We cracked the hell out of it, and its ready to be broken, but we have not cracked that glass ceiling.

Another conclusion that emerged from the campaign was the fact that the pseudo-left faction of the Democrats, after it coalesced around the candidacy of Maya Wiley, was unable to make a broader appeal to the working class, including the vast majority who do not vote. Wileys support was concentrated in middle class and upper-middle class precincts of Brooklyn and Queens.

The entire mayoral campaign, for all of its many candidates and supposed choices, highlighted the inescapable fact that the working class is completely disenfranchised politically within the capitalist two-party framework, and the Democrats play the key role in this. Not a single candidate addressed the real issues facing the working class: the continuing loss of jobs, including low-wage service sector jobs that were described as essential during the pandemic; the continuing threat from COVID-19 and the callous indifference and irresponsibility of the political establishment; and the growth of homelessness and lack of affordable housing, along with inadequate and decaying health care and education.

Even when the candidates paid occasional lip service to issues like housing and health care, they did not utter a single word on the urgent need to make the super-rich pay for the crisis of their system. All of them, from left to right, differed only on tactical measures to defend the capitalist system.

Above all, it is necessary to remember that 937,000 voters, barely 25 percent of registered Democrats and not much more than 15 percent of eligible voters, have chosen the next mayor of New York City. This testifies to the alienation of millions from the capitalist status quo.

Adams, for his part, used Twitter to once again pointdemagogically and somewhat ludicrouslyto his alleged working-class credentials. Its extremely exciting right now that just an everyday blue-collar worker, I like to say, is going to potentially become the mayor of the City of New York, he said on CNN.

Whatever his earlier experiences, Adams long career in the New York City Police Department, coupled with his law-and-order appeal and the generous corporate financing of his campaign, show that he represents Wall Street, not the working class. He is certain to confront interlocking crises of poverty, the pandemic and a looming collapse of the latest and biggest speculative bubble on Wall Street. This poses the urgent need for the political independence of the working class, which requires the building of a new revolutionary leadership.
The number of daily new COVID-19 cases is rising again in South Korea, reaching their highest levels in months, including 1,275 infections on July 7. The number of new cases in Seoul the previous day reached 583, the most in the city since the pandemic began. The numbers continue to climb as the more dangerous and contagious delta variant begins to take hold.

However, central and local governments are pushing to remove even the limited measures in place to control the virus. Since the end of January, new cases of COVID-19 in South Korea have ranged between 300 and 700 per day, but plans remain to relax social distancing measures. On June 24, when the government announced it would proceed, despite an uptick in cases, the seven-day national average for new infections stood at 489. As of July 6, the number had shot up to 768. In total, more than 2,000 people have died from the virus.

People wearing face masks as a precaution against the coronavirus walk through a tunnel in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, May 24, 2021 [Credit: AP Photo/Lee Jin-man]

The central government enacted a new 4-tier social distancing scheme on July 1, which ends most of the measures throughout the country, with the exception of the Seoul metropolitan area, where approximately 80 percent of the new infections have been discovered. This region, which includes the capital city, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon, is densely populated and home to approximately half of South Koreas 51 million residents.

The Level 1 restrictions in place for the rest of the country are basically non-existent. The new rules lift curfews on businesses, such as restaurants and bars, so long as they maintain the inadequate 1 meter of space between customers, and allow an unlimited number of people to gather. While provincial and city governments have stated they will maintain a cap of eight people on groups in public, they also plan to remove this restriction by July 14.

Given the surge in cases in the Seoul area, the government postponed the relaxation of social distancing until July 7, and has extended restrictions again for another week. This means public gatherings of five or more people are banned and most businesses must close by 10pm.

The government has also lifted an outdoor mask mandate for those who have been vaccinated, despite the possibility that they can still pass on the virus. This decision was reversed in the Seoul area, but the constant vacillation between what measures are in force or not, has caused confusion among the population.

Even these limited restrictions have been entirely inadequate in bringing down the number of daily cases. Furthermore, the Moon Jae-in administration is essentially sending the message that the pandemic is largely over, and people can disregard safety measures. This has been done specifically to benefit big business, regardless of the consequences for working people.

In daily life, people are expressing concern over the lack of protection. A 35-year-old office worker told the Korea Times, Fears are growing over the highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus, especially in the Seoul metropolitan area, but many workers are still on packed subways and buses, in order to get to work. I don't think the situation will improve this way.

In fact, workers throughout South Korea have been kept on the job throughout the pandemic, in large measure thanks to the unions, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which has refused to address workplace safety outside of token protests. Early in the pandemic, the KCTU made clear it would not take action against the government. In recent weeks, it has also moved quickly to shut down strikes, over conditions in industries such as package delivery, construction, and manufacturing.

Schools have also been kept open, contributing to the spread of the virus. Currently, students attend classes on a rotational basis, with some students studying in person and others online. This is clearly insufficient for keeping students and teachers safe. Demonstrating the danger, as of Tuesday, 23 elementary students at a school in Incheon have tested positive for COVID-19. Similar outbreaks have occurred in recent weeks at other schools and private after-school academies, infecting students, teachers and their families.

The central government, however, is still pushing ahead with plans to re-open schools to full in-person learning in late August, during the second half of the school year. Parents have raised concerns with these plans. One mother of a middle school student wrote in an online forum, Students have yet to be vaccinated, as they come almost last in the list [of those eligible to receive vaccines], and younger ones are not on the list at all. I dont understand why the government is planning to let all students attend in-person classes in this situation.

The governments action on behalf of the capitalist class conflicts with the advice of medical professionals. Son Yeong-rae, a senior health official, warned recently that the delta variant was rapidly increasing, now accounting for 7 percent of new cases, compared to less than 1 percent two months ago. Health experts are urging the government to adopt stricter anti-virus measures, not ease them.

In an interview with the Korea Herald published on June 27, Dr. Paik Soon-young, professor emeritus at the Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, warned of the growing danger.

He said that the public messaging had to pivot from all is normal and enjoy this summer to dont let your guard down until more of us are vaccinated. He continued, Unless the right interventions are undertaken, Korea is too under-vaccinated to withstand the inevitable new variant The more we dont know, the more careful we want to be. But we seem to be doing the opposite.

While South Koreas vaccination program began in February, little more than 30 percent of the population has received a single dose, and only around 10 percent is fully vaccinated. Most of those who have received the vaccine are over 60 years of age, leaving workers, who must work, and young people going to school vulnerable.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A project that's been two years in the making is now being utilized by firefighters.

This new addition to the Honey Creek Fire Department will help save lives!

The Honey Creek Fire Department's training tower has finally been unveiled! This facility will not only help the firefighters but also the community they serve. The property was originally being used as a fuel stop for Vigo County school buses.

this project has cost them around $300 thousand dollars.

"A lot of this couldn't be without the help of our district board and our fire board members our fire protection board members because they made sure we were able to get the funds to put this building up," says Battalion Chief Josh Sittler.

Probationary firefighter Gregory Slaton has only been on the department for a few months so he's pumped about the new facility.

"I think it'll be excellent there's a lot of things we couldn't do prior we have a lot of large ladders we weren't able to lift lots of different training, it can do just about anything we need."

Slaton adds there's always something new to learn on the job.

"Even our guys who are chiefs who have been doing this 20 plus years it can be months in between certain things that we do and even them even if they say they know it all they're lying. Nobody here knows everything and it's always good to sharpen your skills."

Sittler says there are numerous opportunities for different training objectives.

"We can do hose deployments we can set our ladders up we can do firefighter rescues we can do civilian rescues. We can also do live burns on the first two chambers the first two levels were able to do live burns."

The Honey Creek Fire Department hopes that the facility will be used by other agencies around Vigo County and surrounding counties.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP)  An Alabama police officer is still getting paid two months after a trial jury convicted him of murder.

AL.com reports that documents obtained through an open records request show Huntsville officer William Ben Darby is being paid about $2,100 before taxes every two weeks.

The records show he has been on sick leave.

Darby was convicted in May of murder in the 2018 fatal shooting of Jeff Parker, a man who told police he was suicidal and held a gun to his own head.

Darby ran into the house and shot him.

Huntsville officials have supported Darby since the shooting.

He is free on bond awaiting sentencing in August.
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.
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Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He is a senior editor at National Review and a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
David Adler , Ph.D., is a noted author who lectures nationally and internationally on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and presidential power. His scholarly writings have been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts by both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress. Adlers column is supported in part through a grant from Wyoming Humanities funded by the Why it Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Adler can be reached at david.adler@alturasinstitute.com.
A rider herds cattle along the Green River Drift route to Forest Service pastures in the Upper Green River drainage on June 17, 2020. Some of the livestock will inevitably be killed and eaten by grizzly bears while grazing the high country.
A coalition of 36 states and the District of Columbia are suing Google, alleging the tech giant illegally wields monopoly power over its app store.

The suit, filed late Wednesday in California federal court, is the latest in a spate of bipartisan attacks on Big Tech's dominance from lawmaker and regulators. It is the fourth antitrust suit filed against Google by government agencies in the past year.

The latest lawsuit specifically takes aim at Google's Play Store app store. In a complaint that is nearly 150 pages, the state attorneys general argue that "Google has taken steps to close the ecosystem from competition and insert itself as the middleman between app developers and consumers."

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"Unbeknownst to most consumers who own a mobile device running Android, every time they purchase an app from the Google Play Store, or purchase digital content or subscriptions within an app, up to 30% of the money they pay goes to Google," the complaint said. Moreover, the complaint states that to collect and maintain this commission, "Google has employed anticompetitive tactics to diminish and disincentivize competition in Android app distribution."

PHOTO: A Google Play Store logo is seen on an Android portable device on Feb. 5, 2018. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images, FILE)

Many of the arguments in the court documents echo similar sentiments expressed by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games, which has repeatedly taken aim at Apple and Google for their app store commissions. A federal judge's decision regarding Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple is expected to be announced soon.

Wilson White, Google's senior director of public policy, called the latest lawsuit "meritless" in a company blog post.

"We built Android to create more choices in mobile technology. Today, anyone, including our competitors, can customize and build devices with the Android operating system -- for free," White wrote. "We also built an app store, Google Play, that helps people download apps on their devices. If you dont find the app youre looking for in Google Play, you can choose to download the app from a rival app store or directly from a developers website."

Story continues

"So its strange that a group of state attorneys general chose to file a lawsuit attacking a system that provides more openness and choice than others," White added.

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White argues that the lawsuit's allegations that consumers and developers have no option other than to use Google Play is "not correct," noting that device makers and carriers can preload competing app stores alongside Google Play on their devices and that most Android devices ship with two or more app stores preloaded.

Moreover, White stated that developers have earned over $80 billion through the Google Play app store and nearly two million American jobs have been created through the "Android app economy."

"We understand that scrutiny is appropriate, and were committed to engaging with regulators," he added. "But Android and Google Play provide openness and choice that other platforms simply dont. This lawsuit isnt about helping the little guy or protecting consumers. Its about boosting a handful of major app developers who want the benefits of Google Play without paying for it."

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been taking aim at the dominance of America's tech companies in recent years as their size and influence rises. Last month, an outspoken critic of Big Tech's dominance, Lina Khan, was sworn in as the new chair of the Federal Trade Commission, leaving many to speculate if a new crackdown on the industry could be imminent.

3 dozen states file new antitrust suit against Google over its app store practices originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday that the rise of the delta variant in the United States, while expected, has been "troubling."

The CDC says the highly transmissible variant, first identified in India, is now the dominant strain in the U.S, making up 51.7% of all new infections. In some pockets of the country, such as the Midwest and upper Mountain States, that number is closer to 80%, Walensky said at a news conference.

Overall, 31 states had more new infections in the latest week than the week before, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

Because the authorized vaccines largely protect against hospitalization and death from the delta variant, this trend has largely been driven in unvaccinated populations, she said. On Thursday, new research from France reiterated previous findings that the vaccines are effective against delta.

Cases and hospitalizations in the U.S. have risen by nearly 11% and 7%, respectively, in the past week while deaths have declined by 13%, according to CDC data.

"On the one hand we have seen the success of our vaccination programs over the last eight months  and yet on the other hand we are starting to see some new and concerning trends," she said.

The day before her comments, the global death toll from the coronavirus hit 4 million as the surge in variant cases threatens to overtake progress from the vaccines, which are not widely available in many parts of the world.

According to a new study released by Yale University and the Commonwealth Fund, the United States' vaccination program has prevented about 279,000 additional deaths and up to 1.25 million additional hospitalizations. Nearly 48% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

Also in the news:

A booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech extends protection significantly, a new study from the companies shows, and they are developing a vaccine targeted directly at the delta variant.

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Trinity Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the U.S., is requiring all employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to help stop the spread. and protect patients, staff and their communities. Trinity is one of the first hospital groups to mandate vaccinations.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis lifted his pandemic state of emergency Thursday and rescinded all related executive orders, citing the states progress in combating the coronavirus. More than 70% of adults in Colorado have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The first round of winners in Illinois vaccine lottery were selected Thursday, and one person in Chicago claimed the $1 million cash prize while three other people won $150,000 scholarships, the governor's office said.

 Today's numbers: The U.S. has more than 33.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 606,400 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: more than 185.3 million cases and more than 4 million deaths. More than 158.2 million Americans  47.7% of the population  have been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

What we're reading: The pandemic upended parents relationships with school, but when learning moved online, parents also got a front-row seat to daily classroom life, providing many an unprecedented opportunity to partake in their childrens education. Nearly 2 in 3 parents of school-age children became more engaged than ever before in their kids learning, and roughly 8 in 10 respondents said the pandemic opened their eyes to the inner workings of America's schools, a new study showed. Read more here.

Keep refreshing this page for the latest news. Want more? Sign up for our Coronavirus Watch newsletter for updates to your inbox and join our Facebook group.

Study: Full vaccination protects from delta, but natural immunity less so

Full vaccination offers robust protection from the delta variant, underscoring the importance of global inoculation, according to lab tests conducted by researchers at Frances Pasteur Institute.

The new study, published Thursday in the journal Nature, found a single dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines barely inhibited the delta variant. However, a second dose "generated a neutralizing response in 95% of individuals,'' even if it was a little less potent than against earlier versions of the virus.

The researchers also found that immune response from people who had previously been infected with the coronavirus was four times weaker against the delta variant. But a single vaccine dose dramatically boosted their antibody levels, sparking protection against the delta variant and two other mutants. That supports public health recommendations that COVID-19 survivors get vaccinated rather than relying on natural immunity.

COVID-19 vaccination gap by political affiliation getting bigger

America's vaccination polarization continues to grow.

It has been clear for some time that people who voted for Democratic President Joe Biden in the November election are more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19 than those who chose then-President Donald Trump, a Republican.

A new Kaiser Family Foundation analysis indicates the gap is only getting larger. Based on data from the CDC and the election results by county, the KFF found the share of the fully vaccinated population had increased for voters from both sides, but more so in counties that opted for Biden.

"Three months ago, as of April 22, the average vaccination rate in counties that voted for Trump was 20.6% compared to 22.8% in Biden counties, yielding a relatively small gap of 2.2 percentage points,'' the KFF says on its website. "By May 11, the gap had increased to 6.5%, and by July 6, 11.7%, with the average vaccination rate in Trump counties at 35% compared to 46.7% in Biden counties.''

Most of the country's lowest vaccination rates are in Republican-leaning states, especially in the South, leaving their populations at risk for the virus, especially the highly transmissible delta variant.

Genetics may explain different COVID outcomes in similar people

Genetics may help explain why two people in similar circumstances could have such widely different responses to contracting the coronavirus, a new study says.

"The human genome, and not only the viral genome, matters," said Andrea Ganna, one of the lead authors of the study. "Clearly, there is a role of genetics in COVID severity  it's one of the many risk factors."

Ganna said genetics may play an even bigger role in younger people, who are less likely to endure severe health problems from COVID.

 Karen Weintraub

Tokyo Olympics to be held without fans amid COVID state of emergency

There will be no fans at the Tokyo Olympics, organizers said Thursday following the declaration of a new state of emergency in the host city.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the state of emergency for Tokyo is to take effect Monday and last through Aug. 22. The Games begin July 23 and end Aug. 8.

The priority will be to determine safe and secure Games, Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said at a news conference following a meeting with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the government of Japan, the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee.

Organizers had previously announced that foreign spectators would not be allowed at the Games, but until Thursday there was still hope Japanese fans could attend venues at partial capacity.

 Nancy Armour

States spend millions on lotteries to encourage vaccines. Is it working?

As COVID-19 vaccination rates fall, several states have spent millions of dollars on lottery prizes to encourage unvaccinated Americans to get their shots. However, public health experts say while lotteries may nudge some people to get vaccinated, most won't be convinced.

The small chance of winning a big windfall isn't enough to sway the majority of unvaccinated Americans who strongly oppose the vaccine, have safety concerns or don't want their daily lives disrupted by the vaccine's side effects, they said.

For certain segments of the population, (lotteries) can be useful, said Robert Bednarczyk, associate professor of global health and epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. "But it really comes down to, who are you trying to reach and how can you reach them."

Some states already have declared their vaccination lotteries a success, including California and Ohio. But researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found Ohios lottery did not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates when compared to other states without lottery-based incentive systems, according to the study published Friday in JAMA Network.

 Adrianna Rodriguez

Despite worst-ever worker shortages, college grads struggle to find jobs

Millions of newly minted college graduates are looking for work after a year of virtual classes and the loss of an on-campus experience. And while U.S. businesses coping with the direst labor shortages on record need millions of workers, college students who graduated in May are having a hard time finding jobs.

Part of the struggle is driven by competition with both 2020 grads who deferred their job searches during the pandemic and the millions of Americans laid off in the health crisis, experts say. And many of the openings employers are scrambling to fill are lower-wage positions college grads arent seeking.

 Paul Davidson

Federal surge response team heading to hard-hit southwest Missouri

The Biden administration will send a COVID-19 surge response team to provide public health support in southwest Missouri, CNN reported Wednesday.

The "surge response teams," announced in a White House press conference last week, will be dispatched to emerging COVID-19 hotspots around the country, where vaccination rates remain low. They'll aim to boost testing and vaccination rates, as well as track down and treat those who have fallen ill from the virus.

Hospital leaders said Tuesday that the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Springfield, Missouri, has tripled in the last month.

"99.5% of COVID deaths over a 6 month period are unvaccinated," tweeted Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Springfield. "So if you're vaccinated there is a light at the end of a tunnel. If you're unvaccinated that's probably a train."

With low vaccination rates in southwest Missouri and the highly infectious delta variant of the virus taking hold, the situation is expected to get worse.

 Galen Bacharier and Harrison Keegan, Springfield News-Leader

Contributing: The Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: COVID global death toll hits 4M; Tokyo under emergency; delta variant
MESA, Ariz.  An hour into the rally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., is standing in front of the podium, microphone in hand, sways back and forth as she tears into political opponents.

She calls for a Black congresswoman to be expelled from the chamber, brands an openly gay congressman Mussolini and dramatically emphasizes former President Barack Obamas middle name, Hussein.

Then she turns to some favorite targets on the far left, four freshman House members, all women of color: Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is Puerto Rican; Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, both Muslim; and Ayanna Pressley, who is Black.

These women are a disgrace, Greene says, gripping the mic with one hand and waving her finger with the other. They are an embarrassment to the United States Congress. They are terrorists.

A man in the crowd yells back, Send them to Palestine!

Months after President Donald Trump left office, Greene and a cast of other hard-right Republicans, including Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, are pursuing an ambitious effort to sustain the former president's agenda, press the GOP further to the right and bring American politics with them.

Theyve turned to seasoned political operatives to help formulate tactics and play to Trumps most ardent supporters, working to keep energy pumping through that base.

In a parallel effort, some right-wing activists are capitalizing on the world of "dark money" politics, where they can raise cash as groups regulated by the Internal Revenue Service, not the Federal Election Commission, and thus can largely hide their funding sources.

Those groups include the America First Foundation, spearheaded by white nationalist Nick Fuentes, that puts on the America First Political Action Conference, or AFPAC; and Women for America First, led by the mother-daughter duo of Amy and Kylie Jane Kremer. Because the dark money groups face far less stringent disclosure requirements than campaigns, the extent of their fundraising may not be known until after the 2022 midterm elections.

Story continues

A decade ago, the tea party movement, fueled by grassroots enthusiasm, anti-establishment messaging and dark money, pushed the GOP to the right as activists rallied around shrinking the size of government and blocking Obama's agenda.

The America First activists mirror those tactics, focusing on race-based issues and conspiracy theories Trump pushes about a stolen election.

"Ultimately, what we're up against is an ideology or a worldview, and that has not really showed a sign of remission, said Jared Holt, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab. "That seems to be very much still alive and surging in Republican-aligned political circles."

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., address attendees during a rally May 7 in the Villages, Fla.

Greene, Gaetz pair up for fundraising

Greene was a member of Congress for 15 days when members removed her from her committees for comments pushing conspiracy theories and threatening political opponents.

The Georgia congresswoman came barreling back in a campaign fundraising report she filed in mid-April, when she disclosed raising $3.2 million in the first three months of 2021  the highest fundraising total for a freshman lawmaker, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.

Soon after, the political newsletter Punchbowl reported Greene was working behind the scenes to recruit an alliance of lawmakers called the America First Caucus. Its platform defined the USA as a country with uniquely Anglo-Saxon political traditions. The document warned that the country was becoming a magnet for immigrants seeking an expansive welfare state to fall back on when they could not make it in America  at the expense of the native-born.

On international affairs, the paper decried globalist agendas, terminology used in antisemitic conspiracy theories.

On national security, the paper railed against U.S. involvement in foreign wars and sending aid overseas, echoing the World War II-era America First Committee that opposed the country's intervention in Europe, attracting antisemites and fascists into its ranks.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks during a campaign-style rally for Donald Trump in Wellington, Ohio, on June 26.

GOP leaders shot it down. The Republican Party is the party of Lincoln & the party of more opportunity for all Americans  not nativist dog whistles, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote on Twitter.

Greene called off the caucus, saying the policy paper was the work of staffers and an unnamed outside group. She unveiled the next way she would spread her message: aligning with Gaetz to form their Put America First joint fundraising committee, which allows the lawmakers to swap contributors with each other. If a donor who has given the maximum $2,900 to Greene writes a check to the joint committee, the extra money will go to the Gaetz camp, and vice versa.

At the pairs three rallies in May, hundreds of Trump supporters showed up dressed in red, white and blue, some waiting hours to get in. The Mesa event brought about 750 people; one at the Villages retirement community in Florida drew about 500; and a third one in Dalton, Georgia, drew several hundred more. Many made donations to get VIP treatment.

These are candidates who are heavily supported by people that we might consider to be extremists, but they know that these are the people who constitute a large part of their base, said Sharon Wright Austin, a University of Florida political scientist.

Austin described their supporters as ultraconservative and to the right of the right wing.

They still have quite a significant base, and they also have a significant fundraising base, so as a result of that, thats only going to encourage others who have these same types of views to run for office and probably even get elected, Austin said.

Nick Fuentes builds support for his version of America First

As Greene sought to rebound from the rebuke she faced in Congress, Fuentes, 22, a white nationalist, was building a following of young people using his perch as host of an online talk program.

In February, Fuentes  a participant in the Unite the Right white nationalist rally in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia  hosted his second annual forum, the America First Political Action Conference. The AFPAC event in Orlando, Florida, coincided with the timing of the Conservative Political Action Conference, a high-profile gathering of the traditional GOP faithful. Fuentes followers blasted CPAC as too liberal.

Fuentes brought a new ally this year: Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, who railed against illegal immigration and big tech censorship.

Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., right, and Christopher Landau, former ambassador to Mexico, arrive for a panel discussion on the Devaluing of American Citizenship during the Conservative Political Action Conference in the Hyatt Regency on Feb. 27 in Orlando, Fla. Begun in 1974, CPAC brings together conservative organizations, activists and world leaders to discuss issues important to them.

After Gosars keynote speech, Fuentes launched into white nationalist themes.

White people founded this country, he said. This country wouldnt exist without white people. And white people are done being bullied.

Fuentes warned: If America ceases to be this people, if America ceases to retain that English cultural framework and the influence of European civilization, if it loses its white demographic core and if it loses its faith in Jesus Christ, then this is not America anymore.

Fuentes said he sold the event out at $150 a head, hundreds attending in person and thousands watching online. He did not answer questions sent via email by USA TODAY.

Holt, from the Atlantic Council, said Fuentes rhetoric has previously kept him out of mainstream circles, but the apparent acceptance by right-wing conservatives could help to sanitize him with people who might otherwise shun him.

And if we're going to sanitize people with such extreme beliefs, I worry that we'll have what people call the Overton window effect, where more 'normie,' non-hyper-political audiences might not look at that and recognize it as the extremism that it is and the threat that it poses to society more broadly, Holt said.

Gosar used his power as a congressman to pen a letter to the FBI director questioning the legality of a no-fly list on which Fuentes said he was placed. The FBI confirmed to USA TODAY that it received the letter but not whether Fuentes is on the list.

Boasting about Gosars letter during his livestream, Fuentes called it a big deal.

I think that indicates that there is some hope maybe for 'America First' in Congress, Fuentes said.

Fuentes' new America First Foundation is a 501c4 organization, which can raise an unlimited amount of money without paying taxes on it and without disclosing donors.

The groups website says it stands for traditional values, Trumpian populism, and American Nationalism. Much like the failed America First Caucus, the website decries a globalist agenda threatening the group's efforts.

Fuentes created an internship program and a candidate recruitment site that asks political hopefuls to submit resumes to gain his endorsement.

Its time to reject the half-hearted Republican leadership that our party has grown all too complacent with, and inaugurate a new class of America First Conservatives, who will fight to restore the values which once made our nation great, the site reads. The sign-up form asks whether the candidate would willingly and publicly defend and support him if confronted on your connection to Nicholas J. Fuentes/America First.

Its unclear whether anyone running for office has used the site. Fuentes has backed a Washington man named Joe Kent, a challenger to Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, one of 10 Republicans who voted in favor of Trumps second impeachment.

In a statement to USA TODAY, Kent denied working with Fuentes or knowing of the candidate recruitment site. He said that Fuentes should not be on a no-fly list but that his focus was on defeating Herrera Beutler.

Fuentes urged viewers not to vote at all if they cant vote for an America First candidate, calling for a radical new approach and total revolution against the GOP.

More Trump-aligned America First dark money groups pop up

While Fuentes builds up his brand, a separate America First Foundation is set up to receive dark money, this one attached to Women for America First, which put on the rally that preceded the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

In early April, days before news surfaced that Greene was trying to rally support for the America First Caucus, Women for America First hosted a fundraiser called the Save America Summit at Trumps Doral resort in Florida, bringing donors together with Trump-allied lawmakers and aspiring members of Congress.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks during a "Save America Summit" at the Trump National Doral golf resort on April 9 in Florida. Gaetz addressed the summit hosted by Women for America First as the Justice Department investigated the congressman over allegations of sex with a minor and child sex trafficking.

Women for America First framed the three-day event as an exclusive and intimate gathering with members of Congress and other power players. Many topics echoed those of the failed America First Caucus  election integrity, censorship by Big Tech and protecting the First and Second Amendments.

The event featured Greene and Gaetz, who held separate $500-a-plate fundraising dinners, plus other lawmakers: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Reps. Kat Cammack, R-Fla.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Louie Gohmert, R-Texas; and Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas. They mixed in with two candidates for Congress and former Trump administration immigration officials, among others.

At the end of June, Women for America First hosted a town hall on election integrity in the Atlanta area. The event coincided with efforts in several states to mimic the Republican-backed audit happening in Arizona.

This America First Foundation identifies itself as a 501c3 and shares its chairman and executive director with Women for America First, the 501c4 organization that hosted the rally Jan. 6 in Washington to promote the false claim that Trump was the rightful winner of the presidential election in 2020.

Amy Kremer, the chairman of both groups, has described herself as a true Southern belle. On Twitter, she rails against Vice President Kamala Harris and Ocasio-Cortez. Kylie Jane Kremer, the executive director of both groups, has shared tweets criticizing the same coalition of four congresswomen that Greene targets. The tweets call the women bigoted racists who should be expelled from Congress.

The linked 501c3 and 501c4 model is identical to how Amy Kremer built organizations to support the tea party a decade ago. Both are regulated through the IRS, which does not require either to disclose donors, and the 501c4 can spend almost half of its money on political advocacy.

'America First' effort active in the courtroom

Simultaneous to these efforts, a group of former Trump aides uses the federal court system to take aim at the Biden administration's efforts at racial justice.

Stephen Miller, a top former Trump aide who supports hard-line immigration policies, leads the America First Legal Foundation, which files suits to protect white people from what the group considers racial discrimination.

America First Legal won a court order in May that temporarily blocked a Small Business Administration program from distributing $28.6 billion to restaurants with a priority to those owned by women, veterans or the socially and economically disadvantaged.

This order is another powerful strike against the Biden administrations unconstitutional decision to pick winners and losers based on the color of their skin, Miller said in a statement.

The case is pending. The SBA said after the lawsuit was filed that it paused processing priority applications, so all applications could be considered in order, and it distributed funds to the groups Miller represented. America First Legal continues to urge the court to review the legality of the initial priorities.

Another suit targets a U.S. Department of Agriculture subsidy program that seeks to help reverse decades of discrimination against Black farmers. The lawsuit says that white people should be eligible.

Outside the courtroom, the group uses the Freedom of Information Act to find out about the Biden administrations efforts on teaching racial justice and whether those efforts take place within the Department of Defense. The group sends out regular news releases on how it demands such information.

Professional political staffers back the organization: Mark Meadows, Trumps former chief of staff; Matthew Whitaker, former acting attorney general; and Russ Vought, former director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The organization is connected to the Conservative Partnership Institute, a group started by tea party pioneer and former U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint after he was pushed out of the Heritage Foundation. Meadows is also on its staff.

Formed in April, the America First Legal Foundation said it has applied for 501c3 status, which would allow it to receive tax-deductible donations, though it would not be able to create political ads. The 501c3 status does not support political advocacy.

A little swamp left to drain

After their big speeches, Gaetz, Gosar and Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, return to the Mesa stage, stand in front of a semicircle of chairs and wait. They sit down once Greene catches up with them.

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Theyre in the middle of a casual conversation in front of the audience when a man in the crowd shouts Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheneys name. Greene lights up. Thatd be something fun to talk about! she replies.

Nine days before the Mesa event, House Republicans removed Cheney from her leadership post over her repeated criticism of Trump for promoting the false claim of a stolen election. It was a victory for Greene and Gaetz, who want to rid the party of Trump critics.

We had a vote (to remove) our chair early on, a few months ago, and I can tell you the people on this stage voted correctly, Greene says. We were just grateful when the rest of the conference caught up with us and decided to vote a second time to remove Liz Cheney as the chair.

Gaetz tells the crowd that House Republicans should have listened to the four of them earlier about Cheney.

Weve still got a little swamp left to drain in Washington, D.C., Gaetz says, but I think that if youll send us some backup, well stay on.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump-aligned 'America First' groups try to bring nativism mainstream
Republicans from the House Freedom Caucus unveil legislation to stop the teaching of critical race theory (CSPAN)

In Americas never-ending culture wars, a new phrase has begun popping up with ever-increasing frequency: critical race theory .

Senators have spoken out against it. Parents have fought their school boards over it. Fox News mentions it so often that it sometimes refers to it just by its initials, CRT.

One such headline concerned Nicole Solas, a mother in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Ms Solas, who says her young daughter just started school, suspected that it was teaching her the dreaded CRT. She demanded to see the curriculum.

After meeting resistance, Ms Solas filed over 160 public records requests, according to local reports . Exasperated, the school board met to consider suing her to stop. The drama earned her an interview on Fox & Friends.

I have a lot of questions, Ms Solas told the hosts . Theyre teaching something that theyre trying to hide from you Theyre being opaque about it.

What is that something? What school of thought could be so heinous that American parents  and the TV stations they watch  are up in arms over it?

The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines critical race theory as an intellectual movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is  a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of colour.

Officially organised in 1989, the theory essentially acknowledges what modern progressives call systemic racism  discrimination thats not just acted out by individuals, but baked into our societys institutions.

Critical race theorists hold that the law and legal institutions in the United States are inherently racist, the encyclopaedia goes on, insofar as they function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between whites and nonwhites, especially African Americans.

Republicans from the House Freedom Caucus unveil legislation to stop the teaching of critical race theory (CSPAN)

Republican pundits and politicians, however, present it differently. When conservatives complain about critical race theory, they often say it accuses people  not institutions  of inherent racism.

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Critical race theory asserts that people with white skin are inherently racist, not because of their actions, words or what they actually believe in their heart  but by virtue of the colour of their skin, Rep Ralph Norman, South Carolinas Republican congressman, said at a press conference earlier this month.

He was flanked by several other members of the House GOPs Freedom Caucus, including the conservative firebrand Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene , as they unveiled a bill to stop the teaching of CRT.

Rep Lauren Boebert of Colorado put it more simply.

Democrats want to teach our children to hate each other, she said.

Experts say this misrepresents critical race theory, whether or not its on purpose.

Im not really sure that the conservatives right now know what it is or know its history, Andrew Hartman, a history professor at Illinois State University, told NPR .

But that might be beside the point. What critical race theory represents to conservatives, Mr Hartman says, is a threat to the idea that America has already solved its racism problem.

Conservatives, since the 1960s, have increasingly defined American society as a colourblind society, in the sense that maybe there were some problems in the past but American society corrected itself and now we have these laws and institutions that are meritocratic and anybody, regardless of race, can achieve the American dream, the professor said.

Critical race theory gets in the way of that idea, so according to Republican leaders, it must be stopped.

Families did not ask for this divisive nonsense, Senate Republicans wrote in a scathing letter to the US Department of Education. Voters did not vote for it. Americans never decided our children should be taught that our country is inherently evil.

Theres also another, simpler reason for opposing the theory: its a way to get votes.

Christine Matthews, president of Bellwether Research, says President Bidens popularity  polls consistently show more than 50 per cent of Americans support him  means Republicans have to look elsewhere for reasons voters should turn on Democrats. In lieu of a polarising president, the GOP needs an issue as extreme and threatening to white culture as possible. A plot to indoctrinate children with anti-American ideology appears to fit that bill nicely.

I think its just one more addition to the culture war that the Republicans really want to fight and its what they want to make the 2022 midterms about, Ms Matthews told NPR .

So as the 2022 elections get closer, expect to hear the phrase critical race theory more than ever.

Read More

Tucker Carlson calls for teachers to wear body cameras to prevent critical race theory teaching

US teachers union pledges legal action to protect educators from GOP attacks on critical race theory

I teach critical race theory. This is what Republicans trying to ban it dont understand
Peter Butler and James Terry, co-founders of Dishpatch and Angela Hartnett, chef owner of Cafe Murano (Handout)

London tech startups have raised 7.9bn in venture capital funding in the first half of the year, according to a new report on startups around the world.

Figures from the European Startups report show that venture capital raised in the first six months of this year was more than double that raised by the same point in 2020.

The report also shows that London is behind only the Bay Area, Beijing and New York City when it comes to creating unicorns - the fast growing tech companies like Wise, the startup money transfer business which listed directly on the London Stock Exchange this week with a value of over 9bn.

London has 71 unicorns, significantly more than any other European capital. Paris, which is the second European capital for unicorns, has just 21. London-founded startups that reached unicorn status in 2020 and 2021 include Hopin, a live events platform, and Zego, an insurance startup for delivery drivers.

London startups that could soon become unicorns include digital bank Zopa, payments company Curve and pensions platform PensionBee.

The report, compiled by Dealroom for the European Commission, also reveals that those tech companies founded in London in the 31 years since 1990 are now worth a staggering 376bn.

Janet Coyle, managing director of business growth at London & Partners, said: London has the finance of New York, the tech of Silicon Valley and the policymakers of Washington, all within a 15 minute journey by tube. These factors make London one of the worlds most connected global tech hubs in the world, with all the necessary ingredients for startups to succeed, from investors to world-class universities and talent to policymakers  this is our secret sauce.

Globally investors are moving more capital into venture as tech has become a safe asset. More money is flowing from the USA and Asia into European marketplaces in particular, in the wake of the ongoing pandemic and the UK and London look set to be on track for another record breaking year in 2021.

Story continues

In the last six months, according to the Dealroom figures, tech company valuations have ballooned to over $35 trillion (25bn)  a valuation that places their combined value as higher than the whole of the USAs $20.81 trillion GDP in 2020.

However, the report highlights that there is still a shortage in VC funding going to tech firms with at least one female founder; all male teams secured 86% of all venture capital funding.

London meal kit delivery firm Dishpatch raised 10m last month in seed funding from US investor Andreessen Horowitz and London-based investor LocalGlobe. It is one of a number of tech startups that have attracted record levels of venture funding this year.

Tech continues to be a major economic driver, attracting investment and jobs at a time when the rest of the economy slowed down as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, said Yoram Wijngaarde, founder and chief executive at Dealroom.

Investment into startups is at an all-time high because investors see tech as a safe asset and innovation is continuing as entrepreneurs are identifying gaps in the market and are bulging with ideas. This is a huge vote of confidence in Londons tech sector.

Read More

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Watch out for those cobblestones on Coronation Street, Your Majesty!

Three months after husband Prince Philip's death, Queen Elizabeth II has returned to public appearances with beaming smiles, taking a stroll down the set of "Coronation Street" in Manchester Thursday to mark the world's longest-running drama series' 60th birthday.

Then she went to church at Manchester Cathedral to unveil a plaque and to meet people from across northwest England who helped support their community during the last 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Queen Elizabeth II visited the set of "Coronation Street" and Manchester Cathedral in Manchester, northwest England on July 8, 2021.

Dressed in a standout teal coat-and-hat outfit, the queen looked delighted as she met with veteran members of the cast and crew, walked along the famous cobbled Coronation Street (a reference to her 1953 crowning), and visited the studio where the interior of the Rovers Return pub is filmed.

According to the Associated Press and The Guardian, actress Kate Spencer, who plays Grace Vickers, warned the queen the set's cobblestones were hard to walk on in heels, although some of the women the queen met wore very high heels anyway, judging from pictures.

Looking down at her own sensible shoes, the queen replied: No, I know. Ive been told. Probably better not. Organizers rolled out a red carpet for the 95-year-old monarch to walk on.

The queen met actors and crew during a visit to the set of long-running TV series "Coronation Street," including popping into the set's Rovers Return pub, on July 8, 2021 in Manchester.

The queen also popped into the set's pub during the 40-minute visit, her second to the "Coronation Street" set; the first time was in the early 1980s at the show's original studios in Manchester.

She told the cast it was really marvelous you've been able to carry on" during the pandemic as she took time to chat to backstage staff including writers, camera operators, set designers and sound engineers.

Maam, youre the one thats carried on, replied actor William Roache, who holds the record as the worlds longest-serving soap star, having played the role of Ken Barlow since the first episode.

The show's 60th birthday was in December last year when England was locked down due to the pandemic, according to Buckingham Palace, so this was a delayed royal visit. Britain will celebrate the queen's Platinum Jubilee marking her 70th year on her throne next year.

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The people the queen met seemed just as delighted to see her. Roache said the royal visit was a wonderful bit of icing on the cake.

She just smiles. She listens, she always has and she loves to be made to laugh, Roache said. Ive been lucky to meet her quite a few times and shes always charming, and a laugh is never far away."

Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit to Manchester Cathedral on July 8, 2021 in Manchester, England.

The show, which focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary residents of the fictional northern English town of Weatherfield, is Britain's most beloved soap opera series, with a huge fan base built up over 60 years.

"More than 10,000 episodes later, the program has seen 57 births, 146 deaths and 131 weddings," the palace statement on the visit recounted. "'Coronation Street' transmits six episodes a week, filming the equivalent of almost two feature films every week, and is broadcast in 105 countries around the world."

But the queen admitted she doesn't always have time to watch. Talking to cast members, she confessed she was not familiar with all the characters and plotlines.

I have not been able to see it all the time. Are you all nice? she asked one group of actors.

The set visit was the most recent appearance of the queen in public since the death of her husband of 73 years, and since the cautious lifting of some pandemic restrictions in the United Kingdom.

In recent weeks, she has been seen carrying out engagements in Scotland during annual Royal Week, and hosting (with other senior members of the royal family) world leaders, including President Joe Biden, at a Group of Seven summit in Cornwall in southwestern England.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Queen Elizabeth strolls cobblestones on 'Coronation Street' set visit
Jul. 8Federal authorities have fined a North Carolina company almost $56,000 for labor violations linked to a Down East Maine vehicle crash that injured 14 foreign workers four years ago.

Workers for Garcia Forest Service, a tree-trimming company, were injured and hospitalized when their passenger van went off the road on U.S. Route 1 in Harrington in November 2017. Police said no one in the van was wearing a seat belt, according to a report from WABI-TV news at the time.

It is the second time in seven years that Garcia Forest Service has been sanctioned for labor violations involving foreign workers, according to a news release issued Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The workers hurt in the crash were in the United States under the federal H-2B visa program, designed for temporary seasonal labor, and were employed as "fir tippers," a colloquial term for evergreen branch cutters, the Labor Department. All of the workers later recovered from the incident.

"Migrant forestry workers are often among the most vulnerable population in the workforce," said Steven McKinney, acting district director of the Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division, in a statement. "The injuries sustained in this accident were preventable."

A Labor Department investigation found Garcia Forest Service failed vehicle safety standards, allowed underage driving and did not make sure drivers had valid licenses.

In addition, the company did not pay workers on time, did not keep pay records or disclose employment conditions to workers, and violated working arrangements made with workers, the Labor Department said.

Garcia also violated H-2B program rules by failing to keep documents on file, placing workers outside an approved employment area, paying rates higher than advertised when trying to recruit U.S. workers, and hiring foreign workers without necessary expertise.

The company and its owner, Samuel Garcia, paid a total of $55,810 to resolve the violations, the department said. For three years, it also has to hire an outside consultant to assist with filing paperwork for migrant workers and use a third party to help apply for workers under the H-2B program.

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In 2014, Garcia Forest Service was banned from bidding on federal contracts for three years after it was forced to pay back wages and benefits to migrant workers on a government reforestation project in Minnesota.

Over the course of three contracts starting in 2005, the company violated minimum wage laws and did not pay overtime, fringe benefits or holiday pay to H-2B workers.

The company eventually paid 12 workers almost $27,500 in back wages, the Labor Department said at the time.

In an unrelated incident in September 2002, 14 migrant workers were killed when their van careened over the side of a bridge and plunged into the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine.
Scott Olson/Getty

Hes the Trump-annointed candidate running to make the Columbus suburbs MAGA again. But while former energy lobbyist Mike Carey is happy to tout the former presidents endorsement in the GOP primary, hes not quite as eager to talk about his proximity to one of Ohios most expensive corruption scandals.

Careys campaign website touts him as an outsider who spent his career holding politicians accountable and fighting for working class families. But it only vaguely mentions his 20+ year career as an executive in the American energy industry.

For eight years, Carey worked as the vice president of government affairs at Murray Energy Corporation, once one of the largest coal companies and most notorious violators of environmental laws. He was the right hand man of Bob Murray, according to three sources who worked with and against Carey on environmental issues at the Ohio State House. He also currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Ohio Coal Association, which long had close ties to Murray Energy.

Murray Energy filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and has since reemerged as American Consolidated Natural Resources Inc., where Carey currently works and holds the same position.

Bob Murray, the CEO of Murray Energy, died in October 2020.

Neither Carey nor Murray Energy were charged with any crimes in connection to the Generation Now investigation, which resulted in federal charges against several top Ohio power players and, ultimately, the expulsion of former Speaker Larry Householder from the Ohio House.

But as the top lobbyist for Murrayreferred to discreetly as Company B in the criminal complaint against HouseholderCarey had a front row seat to one of Ohios biggest corruption scandals.

Blaine Kelly, Careys campaign manager, said Carey was not in any effort to push HB 6 through.

However, after this story published, an email surfaced from a trove of correspondence provided by the Ohio House to the Department of Justice during their investigation of HB 6. In that email, Carey appears to have visibility into an effort to shape HB 6, including a memo naming certain amendments the Ohio Coal Association wanted in the bill.

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The email dated May 9, 2019, obtained through a public records request by the Energy & Policy Institute and provided to The Daily Beast by the energy watchdog group, came from Ohio Coal Association President Michael Cope with the subject line Ohio Coal Association Memo Re: H.B. 6 possible amendments.

Carey is one of several people copied on the email, which also went out to the committee and subcommittee chairs who had oversight of the bill, as well as a top Householder policy staffer.

We would like to thank Chairman Callender for participating in a phone conference with the Ohio Coal Association yesterday. We truly appreciate his help and openness/ The Chairman suggested we send this to all of you, Cope wrote, referring to Republican Ohio State Representative Jamie Callender, a co-sponsor of the bill.

We are supportive of H.B.6 in general however we believe the attached Memo will articulate our position more comprehensively. If you have questions or comments please let us know, Cope continued.

In an email to The Daily Beast, Cope said the chairman reference was to Callender, not Carey, who chairs OCA.

Neither OCA, nor our member companies took a position on H.B. 6., he said in an email.

When asked to clarifysince his 2019 email said We are supportive of H.B.6 in general"Cope responded, We did not take a position on the final bill.

The Carey campaign did not respond to a request to comment on the email.

The scandal revolves around HB 6, which was a billion-dollar bailout of the states nuclear industry.

At the heart of the case is a $60 million slush fund known as Generation Now, funded primarily by nuclear power company FirstEnergy. According to federal court documents, Householder, with the help of his top aide Jeffrey Longstreth, used the slush fund as a secret piggybank to mount a successful campaign for Householder to become speaker of Ohios House of Representatives in 2018. In exchange for the largesse, according to court documents, Householder used the speakers gavel to pass HB 6.

In the fall of 2018, according to court documents, Householder and his allies focused on using Generation Nows money to make sure candidates supportive of him and his speakership were elected. Towards that end, Householder and his allies orchestrated the creation of a dark money groupidentified by the Columbus Dispatch and Cincinnati Enquirer as Hardworking Ohioans Inc.for a $1.5 million spending spree on negative ads.

Generation Now and FirstEnergy provided the vast amount of funding for the dark money groups commercials. Among the spots paid for by the cutout was an ad that showed Ohio Democrat Dan Foley taking a field sobriety test, yet only receiving a speeding ticket, according to court documents. Foley, who reportedly had a 10-point lead before the ad aired lost his race and media reports credited the [Hardworking Ohioans] ad with tipping the scales, according to an FBI affidavit in support of a criminal complaint.

Court documents show that Murray Energy, where Carey was working as the top lobbyist, kicked in $100,000 worth of funding for the Hardworking Ohioans negative ad spree. Prosecutors referred to Murray, which was not charged in connection with the scheme, as an energy company whose interests aligned with [FirstEnergy].

Though it was a coal company, Murray nonetheless found common cause with FirstEnergy, Householder, and Generation Now; their legislative push for the nuclear industry contained fringe benefits for the coal industry, too.

When Householder and his allies passed the HB 6 nuclear bailout bill, the legislation provided handouts to a struggling Ohio coal plant, which was a key customer of Murray Energys coal supplies.

Careys employer didnt just mix its money and interests with the Generation Now slush fund. It also courted one of the key indicted architects of the larger scheme behind it, top Householder aide and former Generation Now leader Jeff Longstreth.

Two years before the creation of Generation Now, Murray Energy invited Longstreth to a 2015 Republican Governors Association event as the companys guest, according to documents obtained by the corporate watchdog group, Documented.

An August 2020 report in the Cincinnati Enquirer details additional links between Murray Energy and Longstreth including that in 2014, his firm was paid for its work on West Virginia legislative races by a PAC called Moving West Virginia Forward, funded mostly by Murray Energy.

Longstreth pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in October 2020 in connection with his role in the Generation Now scheme.

The Ohio House of Representatives expelled Householder in June. He is still awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty.

Trumps endorsement of Carey in the crowded field vying to replace retired Rep. Steve Stivers could give him a leg-up in a district where support for the former president runs deep. Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has hit the campaign trail for Carey.

But the endorsements are not Careys first interaction with Trumps orbit.

From his perch as an outsider at Murray Energy, Carey joined his boss, Bob Murray, and Andrew Wheeler, then a lobbyist for Murray who later became the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, to push their companys agenda in a meeting with then-Energy Secretary Rick Perry. His presence in three meetings with Trump officials are detailed in documents from Wheelers confirmation hearing.

It was at that meeting where Murray, who donated $300,000 to the Trump inaugural, delivered a wish list of environmental regulatory rollbacks that eventually, according to the New York Times, became a to-do list for the Trump administration.

Murray Energy of course didnt get everything they wanted from the Trump administration.

In 2018, Murray Energy donated $1 million to America First Action, four days after Murray himself asked the White House to use federal funds to save a utility that bought coal from his company. The administration said no.

Careys aggressive advocacy for the coal industry is well known. A 2011 profile in Politico details his involvement in anti-climate campaigns targeting politicians on every level and described him as a national voice in that arena.

A Carey-led group ran ads against then-Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry when he ran for president in 2004 and Barack Obama when he ran for president in 2008. Another group he led, American Council for Affordable and Reliable Energy, ran ads against legislation aimed at curbing the emission of greenhouse gases that targeted Democratic senators from Arkansas to Missouri, according to the Politico profile.

The biggest chuckle is this claim that hes an outsider, said Mark Strickland, who served as former Ohio governor Ted Stricklands energy adviser and had frequent interactions with Carey. You cant be more inside than Mike Carey.

Kelly, Careys campaign manager, said the outsider distinction was fairly obvious.

Hes not a politician, hes never held elected office, Kelly said. Hes certainly not a politician.

Careys attacks, however, are not limited to Democratic adversariesand can be personal.

In 2016, Mike Hartley, a longtime Ohio Republican political operative, found himself on the wrong side of Carey after he worked to kill legislation Carey had been lobbying to pass. Right after the bill was vetoed, Carey asked him to meet with him at his office.

It was basically a meeting to say stay out of my way or I will crush you, Hartley said.

Kelly called the allegation totally false.

Hartley is a serial liar who has publicly backed two of our opponents in this race, Kelly said. This typical insider attack wont move the needle for him.

Still, when Hartley saw Carey had received Trumps endorsement, hed had enough.

Im so sick of these corrupt, jack-booted thug assholes, who think they are above the law and think they can get away with threats, Hartley said. Somebody like Mike Carey is absolutely the last person that should be a member of Congressliterally hes the swampiest swamp creature around.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Yankton, SD (57078)

Today

Areas of dense morning fog. Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 82F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 58F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Volkswagen has announced that, beginning this month, it will begin sending over-the-air (OTA) updates for its ID. family of electric vehicles. According to the automaker, the updates include adjustments and improvements to operations, performance, and comfort. (Volkswagen)
Greensboro, NC (27407)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 90F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
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YORK  York County District Judge James Stecker issued this past week an arrest warrant for Jordan Holbrook, 22, of Lincoln after he failed to appear for arraignment on a methamphetamine-related charge.

This case began when a deputy with the York County Sheriffs Department was on regular patrol in York County on Interstate 80. In the affidavit he filed with the court, the deputy said he witnessed a speeding vehicle which was also missing a rear license plate. A traffic stop was initiated.

The deputy said he deployed his canine and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics.

During a search of Holbrooks person, the deputy allegedly found two bags containing methamphetamine which weighed 1.4 grams. It is also alleged Holbrook had a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue in his front waistband.

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The affidavit says the substances tested positive as methamphetamine.

Holbrook has been charged with a Class 4 felony, which carries a possible maximum sentence of two years in prison with 12 months of post-release supervision, as well as a $10,000 fine.

When Holbrook did not appear for court proceedings this week, York County Attorney John Lyons asked for the warrant to be issued.
4-Hs curriculum is based on a 101, 201, 301, and 401 level system. Each project type has classes and programs that fit into the levels to help children gain experience.

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Most of the students in the cooking program are in the 101 level, or they are between the 101 and 201 level.

Usually, we tell them to start with 101 so they can learn the basic skills, but its really based on what the kids want to do, Hackenkamp said. If they want to continue, they can advance to a level of their choosing. This gives them a chance to get their feet wet.

Each day of the week shows an example of a recipe from each of the four levels. The snickerdoodle recipes are taken from the 101 area, and the caramels would be considered to be in the 401 level.

Besides learning how to cook, the organization tries to stress the importance of food science. Their programs come with a science experiment for the kids to try.

Because of our extension work with UNL, we try to promote the science behind the scenes, Hackenkamp said. Yesterday, we showed them about correct measurements. Today, we talked about yeast and what makes it rise.

4-H offers a variety of projects to choose from if the children decide they dont like a certain program.
New Delhi: Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar departed for his heavenly abode on Wednesday, July 7, leaving behind a rich, irreplaceable cinematic legacy. The actor was known for bringing realism into Indian cinema and one interesting example of the same is his 1970 film 'Sagina Mahato' directed by Tapan Sinha, in which he performed his own stunts! In the Bengali film, the late actor was paired opposite his real-life wife Saira Banu. The plot of the movie revolved around the labour movements of 1942-43 while portraying an unusual love story between the two actors.

According to a Times of India report, the actor had performed his own stunt in the film even though the director had suggested a stunt double. He ran after a speeding train with the harsh winds blowing against his face and guess what? He aced the shot in one take!

"He was a wonderful actor and the first choice for playing Sagina. Baba was attracted towards his versatility and professionalism. He had liked the fact that Dilip Kumar could keep aside his stardom and get deeply into a character," Tapan Sinha's son Anindya told TOI.

The legendary Bollywood icon and doyen of Indian cinema, Dilip Kumar breathed his last on July 7, 2021, at 7.30 am. He was admitted to PD Hinduja hospital in Mumbai. The thespian 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 this had his wife Saira Banu and close friends by his side.

In a career spanning almost 5 decades, Dilip Kumar worked in 65 movies, reportedly.

In 1991, Dilip Kumar was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 1994, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

In 1998, the Government of Pakistan honoured him with its highest civilian award the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
New Delhi: Commenting on news reports that Cairn Energy has seized/ frozen state-owned property of the government of India in Paris, the Union Finance Ministry said the government of India has not received any notice, order or communication in this connection from any French court. However, it said that the government is trying to ascertain the facts, and whenever such an order is received, appropriate legal remedies will be taken, in consultation with its Counsels, to protect the interests of India.

Reports from Paris surfaced on Thursday indicating that Cairn has secured a French court order to seize about 20 Indian government properties in France to recover a part of the $1.2 billion arbitration award.

According to people in the know and media reports, French courts completed the legal process on Indian asset takeover on Wednesday that started last month when it has ordered the takeover in favour of the energy company.

Govt of India has not received any notice, order or communication, in this regard, from any French Court. Government is trying to ascertain the facts, and whenever such an order is received, appropriate legal remedies will be taken, in consultation with its Counsels, to protect the interests of India, a finance ministry statement on the issue said.

The statement added that the government has already filed an application on March 22, 2021 to set aside the December 2020 international arbitral award in The Hague Court of Appeal and India is vigorously defending its case in Set Aside proceedings at The Hague.

The statement also said that the CEO and the representatives of Cairn have approached the Government of India for discussions to resolve the matter.

`Constructive discussions have been held and the Government remains open for an amicable solution to the dispute within the country`s legal framework,` the finance ministry said.

Following up on favourable arbitration order over a case on retrospective taxation on India, the British energy major had earlier said that it may file lawsuits across several countries to make government firms and banks liable to pay the dues.

The company is targeting assets abroad of more state-run companies in a bid to recover dues from the government.

Cairn Energy already moved courts in the US, UK, Canada, France, Singapore, the Netherlands and three other countries to register the December 2020 arbitration tribunal ruling that overturned the Indian government`s Rs 10,247 crore demand in back taxes and ordered New Delhi to return $1.2 billion in value of shares it had sold, dividends seized and tax refunds withheld to recover the tax demand. Also Read: Sensex plunges 486 pts, Nifty slumps below 15,750

Sources, however, pointed out that Cairn did not pay a single rupee tax anywhere in the world in respect of the impugned transactions. Cairn had also lost its appeal before the income-tax tribunal. Also Read: EPFO alert! Employees wont receive PF money if they dont do THIS

(With Agency inputs)
The lockdown has been hard in many ways with travellers itching to get out and explore again. This pause has led us to reflect on our impact on the environment and local communities for when we do start taking trips again. According to Booking.com's 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, 88 per cent of respondents revealed that it has encouraged them to travel more sustainably in the future and 75 per cent of Indian travellers believe that people have to act now to save the planet for future generations.

Luckily, making sustainable choices has become easier and more affordable than one expects. There are many simple ways we can limit our environmental impact, and better support and engage with local communities during our upcoming trips. To help make it easier for everyone to travel more sustainably, the portal shares seven handy tips to create a positive impact on your next trip, when it is safe to do so again. And now with Canada, Germany and Maldives being the three latest countries to have opened up travel for Indian citizens, along with domestic travel that is slowly picking up, keeping these sustainable choices in mind becomes all the more important.

Choose a sustainable accommodation

Picking a more sustainable place to stay for your next trip is a great place to start -- and it doesn`t necessarily mean spending a lot of money. There are plenty of sustainable options for every budget and taste. In fact, 98 per cent of Indian travellers say that they want to stay in a sustainable accommodation in the upcoming year. One of the easiest ways to confidently book a more sustainable property is to check and see if it has an established eco-label or third-party sustainability certification. There are numerous, reputable third-party sustainability certifications that properties can work towards and achieve.

Get off the beaten track

The pandemic has influenced 72 per cent of Indian travellers to avoid popular destinations and attractions to ensure they aren't contributing to overcrowding. Being mindful when choosing your next trip can help reduce over tourism, which can be a major issue for fragile environments, ecosystems and local communities. Consider travelling to lesser-known destinations or a location just outside a busy sightseeing area. Alternatively travel during off-peak seasons when there are fewer other visitors.

Bye Bye, plastic!

Limiting single-use plastic is arguably one of the greatest environmental challenges we face. With an estimated 91 per cent of plastic not being recycled, most of it ends up either in the ocean or landfills. Many properties have taken numerous steps to either reduce or eliminate single-use plastics from their operations, but travellers can also take simple steps like using reusable water bottles instead of buying plastic bottles of water while on vacation or packing your own reusable toiletry bottles with your favourite products from home. An alternative to single-use plastic are steel water bottles which are more durable and can be used for years. This will not only reduce your consumption on holiday but you can also bring it home with you - helping you become more sustainable in your day-to-day life.

Book virtuous activities that give back to the community

When planning activities for your trip, look for tour companies that give back to and empower the local community, and also engage in ethical tourism practices. By supporting these companies, local communities can directly and equally benefit from the travel industry.

Pick up one item of rubbish when you leave

A good rule of thumb for travelling more sustainably, is to try and leave the places you visit better than when you found them. A simple way to do this is to pick up a discarded item of rubbish that isn't yours when you leave - a small but important step in taking care of our environment. And every action counts - just picking up one piece of plastic on a beach means one less piece ending up in the sea.

Buy locally

When you travel, one of the best ways to support the local economy and limit your carbon footprint is to shop locally and eat food from street vendors or restaurants that use sustainably sourced produce. Avoid eating at popular fast-food chains that usually import produce from all across the globe and eat in local restaurants that likely use local produce instead. And if you're cooking for yourself, try to purchase from local markets, too.

Bring good habits with you on vacation

Many are already conscious at home about turning off the lights when we are not using them, or being careful about when and how high we use the air-conditioning. However, 59 per cent of Indian travellers believe it's harder to make sustainable choices on vacation. A sustainable first step could be as simple as remembering to carry those mindful habits from home along when you travel. While switching over to LED light fixtures or having keycard controlled power in the room aren't things you can control as a guest, travellers can ensure they switch off the lights when they step out of their room, reuse their towels or forego daily linen changes and being more mindful of the length of the showers they take.

Live TV
New Delhi: The discovery of a hand grenade inside a gutter in the national capital sent the cops in a tizzy, later the police on site found a corroded grenade with safety on. The discovery was made on Thursday morning and a PCR call was made at 11.55 am from near Sagarpur when a cleaner discovered a grenade while cleaning a gutter under the walkway.

The district ballistic team has placed it safely away from crowded area in an open space. The police has cordoned off the area using makeshift sandbags, while local police guards have been deployed.

A demand for the NSG has been made to ascertain the make and model of the grenade, presently the ballistic expert of district identified it as "HE 36" but other details are not visible. The NSG detachment will be able to ascertain more details.

(This is a developing story, more details are awaited)

Live TV
New Delhi: TV actors Sambhavna Seth and her husband Avinash Dwivedi had recently found themselves in the middle of a controversy after the duo had shared a YouTube video that featured them mocking their househelp. After receiving backlash on it, the couple issued a public apology for the same on Sambhavna's Instagram handle where they mentioned that they never meant to hurt anyone's sentiments and were only being 'humourous'. The duo acknowledged that they were laughing at their house help's language which originates from Jharkhand, however, reiterated that they never had malicious intent.

Sambhavna wrote in her caption, "Apologising to the whole Adivasi community with @imavinashdwivedi We are also hurt because you are hurt. #adivasi #community #acceptourapologies."

Check out their apology video:



The original video, posted on Sambhavna Seth's official YouTube channel, has been deleted now. However, Adivasi activists on Instagram have shared snippets of the video on the photo and video sharing app. An account named 'The Adivasi Post' had taken to Instagram to reshare the video and wrote a lengthy caption detailing all the issues in the couple's video. The page called the video 'racist, abusive and humiliating to the Adivasi community' and demanded a public apology from the actors.

In the video, the duo is seen uncontrollably laughing at a phrase spoken by their househelp in her native language. What irked netizens was that even though the woman tried to explain to them what the phrase meant, they continued making fun of how it sounded.

Here's a snippet from the controversial YouTube video:

Former 'Bigg Boss' contestant and Bhojpuri sensation Sambhavna Seth is quite popular on social media for her YouTube channel - Sambhavna Seth Entertainment. The audiences love her vlogs and chemistry with actor husband Avinash Dwivedi. The camaraderie between the two is adorable and the best part about Sambhavna's vlogs is that it is as real as it can get.

Earlier, in a tragic turn of events, the actress had lost her father SK Seth on May 8, 2021, due to COVID 19 complications. After her father's demise, the actress had alleged that he succumbed to COVID due to 'negligence' on part of the medical staff and had shared a video on her YouTube channel about the same.
Forty-year-old Anupriya Patel, the president of Apna Dal - the BJP's ally in Uttar Pradesh - is all set for her second stint in the central government. A champion of the cause of the backwards and deprived sections, Patel was also a minister in the first tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the Modi cabinet underwent a major reshuffle on July 7, Patel was inducted to the cabinet and she took oath as a Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

A member of Parliament from Mirzapur Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, the seat was won consecutively be her in in 2014 and 2019. She served as the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare between 2016 and 2019. While her not being included in the Cabinet in 2019, when BJP came to power the second time, left her supporters disappointed, some reports claimed that Patel had herself declined the offer to be inducted as a minister of state again.

However, all that is now history as she has been sworn in the second time into Modi cabinet. Her induction in Cabinet, sources say, is signficant ahead of Assembly elections in UP, which will be held next year. The Mirzapur MP belongs to the Kurmi community, and the fact that the Other Backward Classes (OBC) have a sizeable number of voters in the key Purvanchal region, will influence the electoral arithmetic not just in next year's Assembly polls but also the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"We have demanded the formation of a ministry for OBCs on the lines of the Ministry of Minorities to solve the problems of the backward classes," she had said at a meeting of party workers on the 72nd birth anniversary of Apna Dal founder Sonelal Patel earlier this month. She is the daughter of Sone Lal Patel - who founded the Apna Dal party apart parting ways with BSP founder Kanshiram. Patel has been saying that though they are getting their share in the administration, still the gap of inequality is huge. "We have to struggle a lot to bridge it," she said, while making a demand for the setting up of a national memorial to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Delhi.

Her party has been continuously raising its voice in Parliament for resolving the problems of farmers and proper implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations so that they could get a fair price for their produce. The buzz that she could be accommodated in the Union ministry grew louder after she recently met the BJP brass in New Delhi after staying away from the corridors of power ever since the NDA embarked on its second term in 2019.

Patel pursued her higher education from Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, formerly Kanpur University. She holds a master's degree in psychology and also Masters in Business Administration. Before winning the Mirzapur Lok Sabha seat in 2014, in 2012 Patel was elected as the member of Uttar Pradesh assembly from the Rohaniya seat, which falls in Varanasi district.

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Amaravati: After a thorough discussion and taking the opinions of the stakeholders into consideration, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to reopen the schools n the state. As per ANI reports, the Andhra Pradesh government has ordered the reopening of schools in the state from August 16, Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh said on Wednesday (July 7). Suresh said that online classes for the session will begin on July 12. Further, the minister added that the teachers of the state will be trained on workbooks from July 15 to August 15.

At present, the teachers in the state are going to school on alternate days from the beginning of July. The state government had earlier stated that any student having queries in subjects could go to school to clarify doubts from their teachers.

When asked about the consequences of the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP), the state Education Minister said that the policy will be implemented and will not lead to shutting down of schools or the dissolution of posts of teachers.

"Andhra Pradesh government will definitely implement New Education Policy (NEP). The NEP implementation will not lead to shutting down of any schools nor will the post of any teacher be reduced," Suresh told ANI.

Notably, the result for Intermediate (Class 12) students will be issued before the end of July. The state education minister informed that the marks would be announced on the basis of 30 percent of Class 10, and 70 percent of Inter-first year (Class 11) marks.

Andhra Pradesh on Thursday (July 8) morning reported 1911231 total cases of COVID-19, accounting for 1865956 total recoveries and 12919 deaths so far.

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New Delhi: Ashwini Vaishnaw, the bureaucrat-entrepreneur-turned-politician, took charge as the country's new Information Technology and Railways Minister on Thursday, a day after the Union Cabinet expansion.

Railway is a major part of PM Modi's vision. His vision for railways is to transform the lives of the people, that everyone - common man, farmers, the poor - gets the benefit of railway. I will work for that vision: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pic.twitter.com/ad8rtrulYx  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

"Excellent work has been done in the Railways over the past 67 years. I am here to take the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi forward," Vaishnaw said while he took the charge.

Railway is a major part of PM Modi's vision. His vision for railways is to transform the lives of the people, that everyone - common man, farmers, the poor - gets the benefit of railway. I will work for that vision: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pic.twitter.com/ad8rtrulYx  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

A former IAS officer of the 1994-batch, Ashwini Vaishnaw has handled important responsibilities for over 15 years and was particularly known for his contribution to the public-private partnership (PPP) framework in infrastructure, something that will help him in the rail sector.

The former bureaucrat has also held leadership roles across major global companies such as General Electric and Siemens. Vaishnaw has done his MBA from the Wharton School, Pennsylvania University, and M Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.

The 50-year-old will try to step into the shoes of his predecessor Ravi Shankar Prasad, one of the government's loudest defenders, who was locked in a bitter dispute with foreign social media companies over a new law.

Prasad has been in news over the new digital law that required social media firms to remove and identify the "first originator" of posts deemed to undermine India's sovereignty, state security or public order.

Social media companies and privacy activists fear the vagueness of the rules means they could be forced to identify the authors of posts critical of the government.

But the war of words has been sharpest with Twitter, with the microblogging site failing to appoint a permanent compliance officer based in India. Prasad has several times publicly slammed Twitter for not following the new rules, and undermining Indian laws.

His ministry recently told a court that the social media platform does not enjoy an intermediatory status in India, making the company criminally liable for content posted on the platform.

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NEW DELHI: The massive Union Cabinet expansion carried out on Wednesday bears the techno-managerial imprint of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is known to be a hard taskmaster himself and gave preference to experience and qualifications while shaping his new cabinet.

In his first term, PM Modi worked 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. PM Modis new Council of Ministers has 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.

One such highly qualified member of the new Modi cabinet is Ashwini Vaishnaw - a former IAS, ex-IITian and Wharton School graduate. Vaishnaw, the bureaucrat-entrepreneur-turned-politician, took charge as the country's new Information Technology and Railway Minister on Thursday

As a railway minister, it would be one of his biggest challenges to successfully see the operationalisation of private trains on the railway network for the first time in Indian history. He will also be instrumental in overseeing the cadre restructuring, which has already been initiated by his predecessor Piyush Goyal.

Vaishnaw's entry comes at a time when the national transporter has been mulling ways of generating non-fare revenue through different streams, through leasing out its vast pool of vacant land and most importantly, opening up for Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) for its trains and stations.

The railways has been pushing for more and more private investments to upgrade its facilities and to take on competition from domestic airlines, which are nibbling at its AC class passengers.

A former IAS officer of the 1994 batch, he handled important responsibilities for over 15 years and was particularly known for his contribution to the public-private partnership (PPP) framework in infrastructure, something that will help him in the rail sector. Post that, he has held leadership roles across major global companies such as General Electric and Siemens.

He has an MBA from Wharton School, Pennsylvania University and an M.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. Vaishnaw will also hold two other important portfolios of Minister of Communications and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.

The entry of Vaishnaw 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, born in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, is a suave and a 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 ahead 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 frontrunners 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 a 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. He quit government service in 2008 and went to Wharton University in the 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.

(Info sourced from PIB & Agencies)

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NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government on Thursday strongly dismissed Pakistans claim that New Delhi was behind the recent blast near Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief and terrorist Hafiz Saeed's residence in Lahore.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly worded statement in which it called Pakistan's claim baseless propaganda.

It is not new for Pakistan to engage in baseless propaganda against India,'' the MEA said while reacting to the claim that ''India was behind the blast near Hafiz Saeed's home in Lahore.''

It is not new for Pakistan to engage in baseless propaganda against India. Pakistan would do well to expend the same effort in setting its house in order & taking credible action against terrorism: MEA Spokesperson on 'Pakistan NSA blamed India for Lahore bomb blast' pic.twitter.com/FjhGvfmJ3J  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

The MEA statement further said that the global community is well aware of Pakistan's credentials when it comes to terrorism. This is acknowledged by none other than its own leadership which continues to glorify terrorists like Osama bin Laden as martyrs, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a press briefing.

Giving a piece of advice to Pakistan, the MEA spokesperson said that Islamabad should focus on setting its house in order first and take credible action against terrorism.

The strong reactions from the MEA came in response to Pakistans recent claim that India was behind the Lahore blast. Last week, a powerful blast took place near terrorist Hafiz Saeed's home in which three people were killed and 24 others, including a police constable, were injured.

Following the blast, a car mechanic was taken into custody over his suspected involvement in the blast. Sources said intelligence agencies arrested the technician for modifying the interiors of the car that was used in the blast. Hafiz Saeed's residence remained safe, but many other houses and shops falling within a 100 square feet radius of the blast site were damaged.

Later on Sunday, Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf alleged that India's RAW was behind the blast outside the house of Hafiz Saeed in Lahore.

Saeed is the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and chief of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD).

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New Delhi: Widespread violence was reported on Thursday (July 8) from various districts, including Siddharthnagar, Sitapur, Gorakhpur, Sambhal during the nomination of papers for the block pramukh elections. The majority of the incidents took place when the opposition candidates were prevented from filing their nomination papers. In Siddharthnagar, former Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker, Mata Prasad Pandey was assaulted.

In Sitapur, three people received bullet injuries when an independent candidate Munni Devi arrived to file her nomination in Kamlapur. She was prevented from going in and unidentified persons opened fire in the presence of the police. Her supporters created a ruckus and some people lobbed crude bombs. Munni Devi's supporters blocked the highway in protest.

In Ambedkar Nagar, some miscreants snatched the nomination papers form the hands of former BSP minister Lalji Varma leading to violent clashes. "It is BJP leader Tejaswi Jaiswal who snatched the papers which led to tension and clashes," said Varma.

In Kannauj, SP and BJP supporters clashed. SP leaders alleged that they were being prevented from filing nomination papers. A journalist with a news channel was beaten up while he was filming the incident. Similar incidents were reported from Fatehpur where some people brandished firearms in the presence of the police and tore up the nomination papers of some candidates. Journalists were also roughed up.

SP MLC Sunil Kumar Sajan, in Unnao, alleged that the police were working actively to prevent non-BJP candidates from filing nominations. "This is state sponsored terrorism and certainly not what is expected in a democracy. We strongly condemn this," he said.

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New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) said that the states and union territories of India are set to receive over 12 crore COVID-19 vaccines in the month of July.

"Based on the discussion with the manufacturers, the ministry had communicated to all States/ UTs that they will receive more than 12 crore doses of COVID vaccine in the month of July 2021," the press release read.

The release from the health ministry also added that the states are being informed about the incoming COVID-19 vaccine doses in advance.

"Further, all states have also been requested to share likely indicative demand in case more doses of vaccine are required by them in view of increased coverage," the ministry said.

Additionally, the ministry also dismissed media reports alleging a decrease of 32 percent in vaccination coverage in the first week of July as compared to the week preceding it. The ministry said they have clarified, much in advance, the doses that will be available for the states and UTs for the month of July, including the supply to private hospitals.

"The States/UTs have been advised to plan their COVID-19 Vaccination sessions based on the availability of the COVID vaccines," the ministry added.
New Delhi: Enforcement Directorate summoned at least seven IPS officers of West Bengal for virtual interrogation. The IPS officers who have been issued a summon by the ED are senior officers in the rank of ADG, DIG and SP. Some of the officers were already interrogated by CBI in coal and cattle smuggling cases.

Sukesh Jain, Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner has been summoned for the first time in these seven officers.

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New Delhi: The US forces have not yet fully returned from Afghanistan and the Taliban has rapidly occupied a lot of territories. Afghan soldiers are fleeing to the surrounding countries to save their lives. In the last one week, the Taliban has expanded to about 50 percent of the area there. That is, the situation is very serious. And this is not good news for India at all.

Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Thursday (July 8) discussed the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan after US troops retreated and the challenges that arise due to this for India.

There are a total of 398 districts in Afghanistan, of which 193 districts have been captured by the Taliban, 130 districts are in conflict between the Taliban and the Afghan army, and only 75 districts remain under the control of the government. It is being said that 20 years ago, the Taliban was not as strong as it is now.

Afghanistan is a neighbouring country of both India and Pakistan and that is why it is significant for India. Notably, in the Kandahar hijack of 1999, the Taliban helped secure the release of terrorist Masood Azhar from India. Since then, India has invested a lot in Afghanistan to meet the Taliban's challenge.

Why did the US withdraw from Afghanistan?

America's presence in Afghanistan was for about 20 years and during this time it spent two trillion dollars i.e. about 150 lakh crore rupees. Most of this money was spent on the war against the Taliban, and the government of Afghanistan got a lot of money. But then suddenly America started reducing its presence from there by making an exit plan. From the US side, a peace deal was signed with the Taliban in Doha on this. This deal had only one major condition, that is, the Taliban will not allow Al-Qaeda or any other terrorist organization to operate in areas under US control.

Decades ago, during the cold war, in order to weaken the Soviet Union, America strengthened the hands of the Taliban. They even gave weapons including Stinger missiles to the Taliban.

In 1991, when the Soviet Union broke up into 15 countries, the US continued its support for the Taliban. But on September 11, 2001, when Al-Qaeda attacked the World Trade Center in America, its policies changed completely.

At that time the head of the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, was operating from Afghanistan. Hence, the US sent its forces to Afghanistan.

It means that the US was there for its own selfish reasons and now it is leaving the country for its own benefit.

How will the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan and the growing influence of the Taliban affect India?

Here are the challenges before India:

1. The first challenge is terrorism - If Afghanistan comes under the control of the Taliban, then terrorism will be the biggest challenge for India. The situation will go in favour of Pakistan. Pakistan knows that the Taliban can help it to boost terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

2. The second challenge is to save its investment - India has so far kept its hold strong with huge investments in Afghanistan. India has invested 3 billion dollars i.e. 2200 crore rupees in Afghanistan in the last few years. Projects worth Rs 600 crore were announced by the Government of India only last year. But the arrival of the Taliban could have a major impact on India's investment.

3. The third challenge is to maintain its hold over Afghanistan - Although Afghanistan is not rich in natural resources, there is neither fertile land nor large coal, oil and uranium mines, but despite this, Afghanistan has always been a point of interest for the major countries. The reason is its strategic geographical location. The country is crucial for almost all the major trade routes of Asia. China knows this. Afghanistan is an important part of China's One Belt One Road plan. Therefore, China would want control over Afghanistan. After bringing Pakistan with them, now China is also looking to benefit from Afghanistan. And stopping that will be a big challenge for India.

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Kashmir: Two terrorists were killed in a nocturnal encounter that started between security forces and terrorists in Puchal area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir.

On a specific input about the presence of terrorists in the area, a joint team of Police, 55 RR and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Puchal.

A police official said, As the joint searching team of forces cordoned the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon the searching party which was retaliated and an encounter started. He further added that terrorists were given the opportunity to surrender, however they refused the offer.

Kashmir zone police tweeted,  #PulwamaEncounterUpdate: 01 more unidentified #terrorist killed (Total=02). Search going on. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice.

IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that in separate operation which was carried in Kulgam district of south Kashmir two LET terrorists were killed. He said, Two LeT terrorists killed in a brief encounter in Kulgam district.

With the killing of these four terrorists, the number of killed terrorists this year is now 71.

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Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Thursday (July 8) gave approval for carrying out Lord Jagannath rath yatra in Ahmedabad on July 12.

It, however, said that a curfew will be imposed on the entire yatra route to prevent COVID-19 infection from spreading.

The yatra will see limited participation while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines. The government has said that except for three chariots and two other vehicles, no other vehicle, singing troupes, akhadas, elephants or decorated trucks will be allowed during the procession.

To stop people from gathering along the route for a glimpse of the deity, a curfew will be imposed on the entire yatra route from early morning till afternoon, Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja was quoted as saying by PTI.

"This time, we have planned to complete the yatra in four to five hours. There will not be any large gathering in Saraspur for the lunch break. The curfew on the route will be lifted as soon as the chariots return in the afternoon," he added.

Jadeja said Union Home Minister Amit Shah would perform the 'mangla aarti' at the temple on July 12 morning.

He requested people to watch the live telecast of the yartra on Doordarshan and other channels on TV.

Last year, only a symbolic rath yatra was organised within the premises of the Jagannath temple. The Gujarat High Court had denied permission for public procession in view of the pandemic.

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New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) said that the national capital along with other parts of north India continues to reel under the ongoing heatwave with the maximum temperature reaching 42.6 degrees Celsius, which is six degrees above normal for this time of the year. Delhi on Wednesday recorded the third heatwave day in the month of July.

The minimum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory, which provides representative data for the city, settled at 29.5 degrees Celsius. Earlier, the Capital had reeled under a heatwave on July 1 (43.1 degrees Celsius) and July 2 (41.3 degrees Celsius) too.

The weather department also added that isolated parts of north India, including Delhi, are likely to witness similar heatwave conditions on Thursday as well. The highest temperature in north India was recorded in Rajasthans Sriganganagar which witnessed 45.5 degrees Celsius yesterday.

According to IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is more than 40 degrees Celsius and at least 4.5 notches above normal, while a severe heatwave is declared if the departure from the normal temperature is more than 6.5 degrees Celsius.

Earlier, IMD had revealed that the Southwest Monsoon will reach Delhi around July 10 this year, making it the most delayed in the last 15 years. "The monsoon is likely to advance over remaining parts of west Uttar Pradesh, some more parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and Delhi around July 10," the IMD said in a statement.

Normally, the monsoon reaches Delhi by June 27 and covers the entire country by July 8. Last year, the wind system had reached Delhi on June 25 and covered the country by June 29.

The IMD has also issued a heatwave warning on Wednesday in the districts of Jaipur, Bharatpur and Bikaner divisions in the next 48 hours.

The Met department has predicted that the temperatures are expected to drop by three-four notches due to monsoon from July 10. On July 10-11, heavy rain in the districts of Udaipur, Kota divisions is likely. Monsoon will touch Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner and Churu districts of Bikaner division between July 11 and 13.

During July 11 to 15, there is a possibility of rain at most places. Monsoon is also likely to arrive in the districts of the Jodhpur division during July 12-13, according to the MeT department.

Hot weather conditions continued to prevail in Haryana and Punjab on Wednesday, with Gurugram sizzling at 44.5 degrees Celsius. Gurugram, which recorded a maximum temperature that was seven notches above normal, was the hottest place in Haryana.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar undertook an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas in Darbhanga, Madhubani and Samastipur districts. "The state is witnessing flood due to the unprecedented heavy downpour before the scheduled time of monsoon," he said.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi: After several pictures of tourists thronging Manali went viral leading to the central government expressing concern about the violation of COVID-19 norms, the Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday (July 7) took notice of the situation. The state government has instructed local authorities to ensure COVID-appropriate behaviour to stem the transmission of the virus, IANS reported.

The decision was taken at a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in Shimla. Making certain relaxations, the cabinet allowed a maximum of 200 persons in closed spaces. While in open spaces, gatherings are permitted with 50 per cent capacity of the area.

On Tuesday, Joint Secretary of Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal had warned that restrictions can be reimplemented if COVID-19 violation continues in hill stations. "People travelling to hill stations are not following COVID-appropriate behaviour. We can nullify the ease in restrictions again if protocols not complied with," he was quoted as saying by ANI.

After Centres rap, Thakur urged tourists to comply with COVID-19 protocols. He told ANI, "We are also a bit anxious as the tourist influx increased in the state. We welcome tourists but I urge them to follow COVID norms. They should follow social distancing and wear a mask. We have also directed hotels to follow SOP strictly."

Among other decisions taken during the state cabinet meeting, the children who lost both parents in the pandemic will now be covered under Mukhya Mantri Bal Uddhar Yojna, enabling them to get additional monthly assistance of Rs 1,500.

The government has also given consent to increase the additional honorarium of the Accredited Social Health Activist (Asha) workers from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,750 per month, which will benefit 7,964 workers.

The cabinet also decided to keep the schools closed for students till further orders and to continue with online study. The first-year and second-year students of graduation will be promoted 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 start from August 16.

(With agency inputs)

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Srinagar: In a joint operation, the police and CRPF busted a hideout belonging to the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen in Jammu and Kashmirs Sopore on Thursday (July 8).

One over ground worker (OGW) was arrested during the raid. The security said that they recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

Today on specific information a cordon and search operation was launched at Ganai Mohalla Doabgah Sopore by Police Sopore and CRPF. A terrorist hideout belonging to banned terrorist organisation Hizbul mujahideen was busted in the basement of a single-story house, a police handout read.

Inside the hideout, a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, which was to be used to cause a major attack (fidayeen) on the security forces. The hideout was destroyed on spot in presence of Executive Magistrate, it added.

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New Delhi: Amid concerns of the Lambda variant of COVID-19 being identified in over 30 countries in the past four weeks, India can breathe a sigh of relief for now. Lambda, described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a 'variant of interest', has not been found in India so far, ANI reported. Dr Pragya Yadav, head of the National Institute of Virology`s Maximum Containment Facility, confirming the same to the news agency said, So far India has not reported any case of lambda variant.

Further, Yadav said that this new strain is highly transmissible. Lambda variant has been detected in 30 countries. Lambda variant was first reported from Peru, in December 2020. The number of cases reported from this variant is increasing in different countries, indicating it to be highly transmissible. A recent study revealed that the lambda variant is susceptible to mRNA vaccine-elicited antibodies and convalescent serum was able to neutralize the lambda variant, she told the news agency.

On June 14, Lambda strain, previously known as C.37, was identified by (WHO) as the seventh and newest one. WHO said, "Lambda has been associated with substantive rates of community transmission in multiple countries, with rising prevalence over time concurrent with increased COVID-19 incidence".

Lambda, detected in the UK, has been declared much more dangerous than the Delta variant by the UK Health Ministry.

The UK Health Ministry on Monday (July 5) tweeted, "The Lambda strain was reported to have originated from Peru, the country with the highest mortality rate in the world."

Lambda, first found in Peru, accounts for nearly 82 percent of the coronavirus case samples reported during May and June, Euro News reported citing the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

(With agency inputs)

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Srinagar: Two Pakistani terrorists were shot dead in an encounter along the Line of Control while two Indian soldiers were killed in the operation on Thursday (July 8, 2021), a defence spokesperson in Jammu and Kashmir said.

Issuing a press staement in the matter, the defence spokesperson said: "Based on information about infiltration and movement of terrorists in Dadal, Sundarbani sector, Rajouri district, the army had launched extensive search operations on Jun 29."

Further, the information was corroborated on July 8. "A search and destroy patrol seeking proactive engagement with the terrorists, spotted them at Dadal forest and challenged them," he said.

In the operation, Nb Sub Sreejith M and Sepoy Maruprolu Jaswanth Reddy received fatal injuries.

"The terrorists opened fire and lobbed hand grenades, leading to a fierce encounter in which two foreign terrorists from Pakistan have been killed. In the operation, two jawans received fatal injuries. A detailed search of the area continues," he said.

Meanwhile, in a joint operation in Jammu and Kashmirs Sopore, the police and CRPF busted a hideout belonging to the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen. One over ground worker (OGW) was arrested during the raid. The security said that they recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

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New Delhi: After several pictures of tourists flouting COVID-19 norms in the hill station of Manali surfaced, the district administration sprung into action to prevent the spread of infection.

The administration has imposed a fine of Rs 5000 or 8 days in jail for tourists who are found not wearing masks. In the last few days, the police have recovered about Rs 3 lakh from tourists.

We have initiated this drive to make the tourists aware. Those not wearing masks can be punished with Rs 5,000 in fine or 8 days in jail. We have recorded over 300 challans in the last 7-8 days and have recovered Rs 3 lakh, Gurudev Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Kullu was quoted as saying by ANI.

The administration said the COVID-19 awareness campaign was initiated in wake of tourists thronging the state after easing of restrictions.

Reacting to the pictures of crowds from places like Manali and Mussoorie earlier this week, the central government warned that they would impose strict curbs in the hill stations again.

People travelling to hill stations are not following COVID-appropriate behaviour. We can nullify the ease in restrictions again if protocols not complied with Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, said.

"Pictures (from hill stations) are frightening. People must comply with COVID-appropriate behaviour," Dr Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR, said.

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New Delhi: Two new Ministers of State - Meenakshi Lekhi and Rajkumar Ranjan Singh - assumed charge in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, a day after they were inducted into the Union Council of Ministers as part of a massive reshuffle.

With the induction of Lekhi and Singh as MoS in the MEA, the number of deputies to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has increased to three.

Delhi: BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi takes charge as Minister of State in Ministry of External Affairs "I am really thankful to PM, HM & party president JP Nadda for showing faith in my ability, that I can handle this portfolio," says Meenakshi Lekhi pic.twitter.com/qKBUFavDoF  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

V Muraleedharan, an MP from Kerala, has already been serving as a deputy to Jaishankar. Both Lekhi and Singh were welcomed at the headquarters of the MEA by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

Jaishankar, who is on a three-day visit to Moscow took to Twitter to welcome the two ministers to the MEA.

"Delighted to welcome @M_Lekhi and @RanjanRajkuma11 to #TeamMEA. Confident that together, we will promote India's interest abroad effectively (sic)," the External Affairs Minister said.

While Lekhi is an MP from Delhi, Singh is a parliamentarian from Manipur.

"Welcome new Minister of State to Team MEA! Meenakshi Lekhi takes charge as Minister of State for External Affairs," MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

Welcome new Minister of State to #TeamMEA! Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi takes charge as Minister of State for External Affairs. pic.twitter.com/7GdIVtBGhX  Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) July 8, 2021

He also posted another tweet welcoming Singh to the ministry.

Delhi: Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh takes charge as the Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) pic.twitter.com/xecncVt3wv  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

In her brief comments, Lekhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J P Nadda for giving her the responsibility.

India has been attempting to play a bigger role at the global stage and the appointment of the two junior ministers in the MEA appears to be in sync with it.

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New Delhi: The National Testing Agency has cautioned its students against a fake public notice being circulated widely on the schedule of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET 2021) undergraduate examination. The fake notice claimed that the NEET 2021 exam scheduled for August 1 will now be held on September 5. The test conducting body has denied issuing any notice declaring the exam date of NEET 2021 to be September 5.

"The fake/unauthorised public notice has been viewed seriously by the NTA, as it is being circulated by some unscrupulous elements with a motive to misguide the aspiring candidates/parents/guardians/public at large. The NTA is still in consultation with the concerned stakeholders for finalising a suitable date for the conduct of NEET (UG)  2021, keeping in view the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," the official notice read.

The National Testing Agency has advised the aspiring candidates of NEET (UG)  2021/parents/guardians and other stakeholders to not pay heed to such fake notices and be aware of such unauthorised/fake public notice circulated from unknown sources. Candidates are also advised to rely only on the public Notice(s) /information/ dates announced by NTA through its official websites i.e. .nta.ac.in and ntaneet.nic.in only. The aspiring candidates/parents are advised to remain in touch with the above websites for updates and announcements (including the dates on which the online application will be launched and the examination will be conducted), the Agency said.

The Education Ministry on Tuesday announced the fresh exam dates for JEE (Main) April and May sessions 2021. The April session of JEE Main 2021 will be conducted from July 20-25. The fourth and last session of JEE Main 2021 (May session) will be conducted from July 27-August 2. The registration window has been reopened for candidates who could not apply for the exams earlier. Candidates can apply at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

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New Delhi: The Union cabinet Thursday approved a Rs 23,123-crore package for improving health infrastructure to fight COVID-19 as part of which around 2.4 lakh medical beds and 20,000 ICU ones would be created with a special focus on paediatric care.

Addressing a press conference in teh national capital after the first meeting of the Union cabinet following its reshuffle on Wednesday, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the package will be implemented over the next nine months till March 2022.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mandaviya said this is the second phase of the Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package as the Central government had given Rs 15,000 crore earlier for setting up Covid-dedicated hospitals and health centres across the country.

Under the new package, the Centre would provide Rs 15,000 crore and states Rs 8,123 crore, and the plan would be implemented jointly by them across all the 736 districts to improve medical infrastructure at primary and district health centres.

Around 2.4 lakh normal medical beds and 20,000 ICU beds would be created of which 20 percent would be specially earmarked for children, he said. The minister said storage facilities for oxygen and medicines would also be created at district level under the plan.

An official statement said states and UTs would be supported to create paediatric units in all 736 districts and to establish Paediatric Centre of Excellence in each state and UT (either in medical colleges, state government hospitals or central hospitals such as AIIMS, INIs, etc) for providing tele-ICU services, mentoring and technical hand-holding to the district paediatric units.

They would be supported to augment 20,000 ICU beds in public healthcare system out of which 20 per cent will be pediatric ICU beds, it said.

The Phase-II of the package has central sector (CS) and centrally-sponsored schemes (CSS) components.

The statement said that under the central sector components, support would be provided to central hospitals, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, and other Institutions of National Importance under DoHFW for repurposing 6,688 beds for COVID-19 management.

National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would be strengthened by providing genome sequencing machines, besides sanctioning scientific control room, epidemic intelligence services (EIS) and other support, it said.

Support would be provided for the implementation of Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) in all the district hospitals of the country (presently, it is implemented only in 310 DHs), the statement said.

All district hospitals would implement HMIS through NIC-developed e-Hospital and CDAC developed E-Shushrutsoftwares. This will be the biggest impetus for implementation of the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) at the DHs, the statement said.

Support would also be provided for expanding the national architecture of eSanjeevani tele-consultation platform to provide upto 5 lakhs tele-consultations per day from the present 50,000, the statement said.

Support would also be provided for IT interventions, including strengthening the Central War room at DoHFW, strengthening the COVID-19 Portal, the 1075 COVID help lines and Co-WIN platform, the statement said.

Under the CSS components, efforts are aimed at strengthening district and sub-district capacity for an effective and rapid response to the pandemic.

States and UTs would be helped to provide care closer to the community due to the ingress of COVID-19 in rural, peri-urban and tribal areas, by creating pre-fabricated structures for adding additional beds at the existing CHCs, PHCs and SHCs (6-20 bedded units) and support would also be provided to establish bigger field hospitals (50-100 bedded units) depending on the needs at tier-II or tier-III cities and district HQs, the statement said.

They would be given help to install 1,050 liquid medical oxygen storage tanks with medical gas pipeline system (MGPS) with an aim to support at least one such unit per district and augment the existing feet of ambulances, the statement said.

As many as 8,800 ambulances will be added under the package, it said.

Undergraduate and post graduate medical interns and final year MMBS, BSc and GNM nursing students would be engaged for effective Covid management, it added.

In March 2020, when the country was faced with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PM announced a Central Sector Scheme of Rs. 15,000 crore as the 'India COVID 19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package', the statement said.

Since mid-February 2021, the country is experiencing a second wave with spread into rural, peri-urban and tribal areas, the statement added.

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New Delhi: A day after the swearing-in ceremony of various new ministers in the Central government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers will meet the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Jagat Prakash Nadda at party headquarters on Thursday (July 8). As per ANI report, the newly inducted ministers will meet the BJP chief at party headquarters.

Delhi: All new ministers to meet BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda today at party headquarters. (File photo) pic.twitter.com/JwiF7S8vOP  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

The oath ceremony which took place on Wednesday at Rashtrapati Bhavan, witnessed 43 leaders getting inducted into the Union council. The 77-member Council of Ministers includes 30 Cabinet ministers, two ministers of state with independent charge, and 45 ministers of state. Among major overhaul of the ministers, Ashwini Vaishnaw was allocated the Ministry of Railways, Jyotiraditya Scindia took over the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Mansukh Mandaviya was given the Health ministry after senior leader Harsh Vardhan had to step down.

Seven women MPs including Anupriya Patel, Shobha Karandlaje, Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Meenakshi Lekhi, Annapurna Devi, Pratima Bhoumik and Bharati Pravin Pawar took oath as union ministers in the new Cabinet.

Bigwigs incldung Ravi Shankar Prasad, Prakash Javadekar, Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' resigned on Wednesday paving way for the new ministers.

Meanwhile, the council is also expected to meet PM Modi in the evening around 5 today.

(With agency inputs)

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Shimla: President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Virbhadra Singh, who passed away on Thursday morning due to post-COVID complications.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, "Shri Virbhadra Singh Ji had a long political career, with rich administrative and legislative experience. He played a pivotal role in Himachal Pradesh and served the people of the state. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Shri Virbhadra Singh Ji had a long political career, with rich administrative and legislative experience. He played a pivotal role in Himachal Pradesh and served the people of the state. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2021

In his condolence message, President Kovind said that his political career spanning six decades in his roles as chief minister and parliamentarian was marked by his commitment to serve the people of Himachal Pradesh.

"Sad to know that Shri Virbhadra Singh is no more. His political career spanning six decades in his roles as chief minister and parliamentarian was marked by his commitment to serve the people of Himachal Pradesh. Condolences to family and followers," a tweet from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Sad to know that Shri Virbhadra Singh is no more. His political career spanning six decades in his roles as chief minister and parliamentarian was marked by his commitment to serve people of Himachal Pradesh. Condolences to family & followers.  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 8, 2021

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur also expressed grief over the death of Virbhadra Singh and said that that this is an irreparable loss for the state, which will never be compensated.

Taking to Twitter he said that his contribution to the development of Himachal Pradesh is exemplary, which will never be forgotten.

"The news of the death of the senior leader of Himachal, respected Virbhadra Singh Ji, who has been the Chief Minister of Devbhoomi Himachal for six times, is very saddening to all of us. This is an irreparable loss for Himachal, which will never be compensated. His contribution in the development of Himachal is exemplary, which will never be forgotten," tweeted Himachal CM.

He further said that the strong morale, determination, and excellent work of Virbhadra Singh will always be inspiring for all of us. "The strong morale, determination and excellent work of Shri Virbhadra Singh ji will always be inspiring for all of us. May God rest his virtuous soul at his feet and give strength to the bereaved family and followers in this difficult time," he added.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed condolences over the death of the former Chief Minister. "We all have an irreparable loss due to the demise of former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Shri Virbhadra Singh Ji, who had already established himself as giant mountains in politics and took the Devbhoomi Himachal to new heights. May God give place to Shri Virbhadra Singh ji in his feet. Humble tribute," the Congress leader tweeted.

Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to observe three days of state mourning as a mark of respect to former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. The state mourning will be observed from July 8-10. Earlier today, the mortal remains of the former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister were brought to his residence in Shimla.

The Congress leader passed away earlier this morning at Shimla`s Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital. He had post-COVID issues like pneumonia. He also had diabetes and other health issues, the hospital said.

Singh, who is a nine-time MLA and five-time member of Parliament, served as Himachal Pradesh`s Chief Minister for six terms. He was 87.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged Rohtak land deal case in Haryana, during the former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's regime and expressed dissatisfaction over the probe conducted by the Haryana state government.

In the Rohtak land scam, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) had proposed to acquire around 850 acres of land in 2002 in Rohtak. But in April 2003, only 441 acres were acquired and remaining land was released to private builders for developing a colony. The apex court has asked the CBI to investigate the culpability of Haryana government functionaries and officials for granting colonisation licences on 280 acres to real estate developer Uddar Gagan Properties in 2005-06, when Bhupinder Singh Hooda was the CM, media reports stated.

But the Haryana governments decision to release land to the private colonizer was set aside by the Punjab and Haryana high court in 2013 and the Supreme Court in May 2016. The high court had even indicted two senior bureaucrats posted in the office of the then CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda for allegedly favouring the developers.

"The officers of the state government, in their anxiety to help out builders, have completely overlooked the interest of landowners or of the general public to whom thousands of plots could have been allotted at a fairly low price through the aegis of HUDA, the high court had observed in 2013, as per a report in The Times of India.

Now, expressing dissatisfaction with the inquiries conducted by the Haryana government, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Uday U Lalit said it's time to hand over the probe to the CBI.

Supreme Court ordered a CBI probe into the alleged Rohtak land deal case, in Haryana, during the former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's regime & expressed dissatisfaction over the probe conducted by the Haryana state government. pic.twitter.com/kMV8p0KyiZ  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

This court delivered a judgment in 2016, and five years down the line, we are still groping in the dark. We wanted the fraud to be unearthed, and we wanted those involved should be proceeded against. But the whole thing looks like a subterfuge now, observed the bench, reported Hindustan Times.

The HT report also mentions that the apex court lamented that the latest inquiry report by an IAS officer, Anurag Rastogi, flagged just a systemic failure and did not fix anyones responsibility.

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Chennai: An embarrassing incident involving a Tamil Nadu minister has come to light during his official visit to a coastal village in Tiruvallur, 60 km north of Chennai.

Fisheries Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan, accompanied by his officials had gone to inspect the fishing hamlet known as Pazhaverkadu or Pulicat on Thursday (July 8). As he was disembarking after a boat ride, he was carried by a fisherman in barely ankle-deep water, ostensibly to keep his expensive, sparkling white sneakers and dhoti clean. As soon as he was carried back to the shore, the minister stepped back onto the ground.

Watch video:

WATCH: #TamilNadu minister is carried by a fisherman, in barely ankle-deep water, ostensibly to keep his expensive, sparkling white sneakers and dhoti clean. pic.twitter.com/DKSOTeAtjn  Zee News English (@ZeeNewsEnglish) July 8, 2021

The minister was in the region following complaints of boats getting damaged as they entered the water body owing to erosion. To take a tour of the area, the minister went on a boat ride along with the fishermen, but it was a disaster in the making.

The boat that is meant to carry much fewer persons carried more than 30 people. Owing to fears of capsizing or any untoward incidents, some persons were later shifted to another boat.

Many social media users were quick to lash out at the minister for his arrogance and high-handedness. Many asked why he could not just fold his dhoti and remove his shoes, rather than make another adult carry him.

Some pointed out an incident involving former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers K Kamaraj, where he had waded into chest-deep water to get to a village and meet people.

Meeting the fishermen who were making demands and sharing their woes, the minister assured that their DMK government would fulfill all the promises pertaining to the fishing community as stated in their manifesto. He also assured the people of Pulicat that he would ensure the construction of a fishing harbor in their locality.

Also Read: BJP, Congress rally for Jai Hind, corner ruling DMK after row erupts

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Jammu and Kashmir: A terrorist associate was arrested with explosive and incriminating material on Thursday (July 8), said Jammu & Kashmir police. The associate has been identified as Danish Ahmed Dar son of Mohammad Ashraf Dar resident of Check-Sari Singhpora Pattan.

Jammu & Kashmir Police in a statement said, During Naka checking at Archandarhama Magam near railway crossing, Police intercepted one person carrying a bag with suspicious condition, when police party approached towards him, he tried to flee from the spot but was tactfully apprehended by police party. During search of said person, police party recovered Explosive substance weighing 1.2 KG Approx and Electronic Detonator 2 numbers from his bag.

It further read, Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested terrorist associate is involved in providing logistics and other material support to the terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT in various areas of Budgam.

The arrested terrorist associate has been in touch with the PaK terror commanders through various social media platforms and was also in touch with LeT self-styled terror commanders in Kashmir.

In this connection, an FIR under relevant sections of Explosive Substance Act has been registered at Police Station Magam and investigation is underway.

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NEW DELHI: Twitter Inc on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that it has appointed an interim Chief Compliance Officer for India and will make other key appointments soon. The micro-blogging firm further said that it needed eight weeks' time to appoint a grievance officer in India in compliance with the new IT rules.

Twitter tells Delhi HC that it'll, in good faith, make an offer of employment to a qualified candidate to fill Chief Compliance Officer position within 8 weeks. Twitter tells HC that it has appointed a resident of India as its interim Chief Compliance Officer effective 6th July. pic.twitter.com/ac7MrMMzzg  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

Twitter India also said that it will soon designate two other executives for the time being to comply with the country`s new IT rules.

The micro-blogging platform said all this in a court filing on Thursday. "Twitter has posted job openings for all three positions, will try to make an offer of employment within 8 weeks,'' the company said in the court filing.

The Delhi High Court had last week slammed the micro-blogging platform for inordinate delay in making key appointments in compliance with the countrys new digital laws.

Expressing its displeasure over Twitter delaying the appointment of grievance redressal officer, Justice Rekha Palli of Delhi High Court said, "How long does your (Twitter's) process take? If Twitter thinks it can take as long as it wants in our country, I'll not allow that."

The high court clearly stated that ''Twitter is in defiance of the digital law'' for not appointing the grievance redressal officer as necessitated under new IT Rules. It also directed Twitter to explain why no new India-based grievance officer had been appointed after the resignation of Dharmendra Chatur on June 21.

As of now, Twitter Inc does not enjoy liability protection against user-generated content in India as the US micro-blogging giant has failed to comply with new IT rules, the government has recently said in a court filing.

The IT Ministry had told the Delhi High Court that Twitter`s non-compliance amounted to a breach of the provisions of the IT Act, causing the U.S. firm to lose its immunity, according to the filing dated July 5.

Former Union Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had slammed Twitter for deliberately defying the law and said all social media firms must abide by the new rules.

In recent weeks, as acrimony grew between New Delhi and Twitter, at least five cases were filed against the company or its officials, including some related to child pornography and a controversial map of India on its career page. Twitter also landed in legal trouble over child pornographic content on its platform.

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Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused BJP leaders and workers on Thursday (July 8) of indulging in anarchy and violence during the process of filing nominations for the election to the posts of chairpersons of Block polls and making a mockery of democracy. The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister claimed that Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey's car was damaged in Siddharthnagar district's Etwa block.

He also said the nomination papers of his party candidate in Hardoi's Sandi block were torn while in Sambhal, Basti Ka Gaur, Jhansi's Baragaon block, Sitapur's Kasmanda block, Kanpur's Bilhaur and Shivrajpur, Bulandshahr, Lalitpur, Unnao, Ghazipur, Gorakhpur, Mahrajganj's Siswa, Paratawal, Paniyara, Sadar, Deoria's Bhatni, Chitrakoot's Manikpur and Karvi, Etah's Marhra, BJP workers created hurdles in the nomination-filing process of the SP-backed candidates.

"The ruling BJP has held the law and order of Uttar Pradesh hostage. The people belonging to the ruling party are openly throttling democracy and the police administration is watching this murder of democracy as mute spectators. The ruling partymen indulged in anarchy and violence during the nomination-filing process held on Thursday and made a mockery of democracy," he said in a release issued by the SP.

Yadav cited similar cases in Bahraich and Mahrajganj, where he said SP workers were beaten up when they protested against such tactics and were injured. Journalists were beaten up and taken hostage in Kannauj while covering the nomination process, he said, alleging that the administrative officers are working as the agents of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "This is an act of polluting the democratic system," Yadav said.

He demanded that fresh arrangements to give another opportunity to the candidates who have not been able to file their nominations or that the entire process is carried out again. "The BJP has done a lot of harm to democracy. Constitutional rights are being violated in Uttar Pradesh. Candidates are being threatened. In many districts, the BJP did not allow the nomination process. The nomination papers of the SP candidates were snatched," he alleged.

"There is a huge public anger against the BJP, they will do full justice in the Assembly polls in 2022," Yadav added.

The State Election Commission (SEC) had on July 5 issued the notification for the election to the posts of chairpersons of the kshetra panchayats in the state for which nominations were filed between 11 am to 3 pm on Thursday. The last date to withdraw the candidature is July 9. Voting will be held on July 10 from 11 am to 3 pm and the counting of votes will be held the same day after 3 pm. The chairpersons of the kshetra panchayats (block-level) will be elected members of the kshetra panchayats. The kshetra panchayat of Mujhena in Gonda district will not be participating in this election as more than six months of its tenure are left, a senior SEC official said.
New Delhi: Two cases of the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 were detected in Uttar Pradesh, out of which one of the patients lost their life, IANS reported. Confirming the reports, Additional chief secretary (ACS), health and family welfare, Amit Mohan Prasad said, The cases were identified during genome sequencing of samples in the state. Surfacing of Delta Plus virus makes Covid-19 appropriate behaviour very essential."

Citing sources, the news agency reported that these two cases of the new Delta variant, labelled variant of concern, were found in Gorakhpur and Deoria districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Among the two cases, the 66-year-old resident of Deoria died during treatment, while the other patient is a 23-year-old resident doctor at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College, Gorakhpur.

"The elderly patient contracted infection on May 7 and was treated at home till his health deteriorated and he was shifted to the BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur. He died during the course of treatment on May 29. He had no travel history and all 27 contacts tested negative to Covid-19," health department officials said.

The genome sequencing of COVID-19 positive samples which were sent from Uttar Pradesh revealed two cases with the Delta Plus strain. More than 1,000 samples have been sent for genome sequencing from the state to various labs till now, as per the news agency.

In late June, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had asked health authorities to start genome sequencing of RT-PCR samples of passengers coming to UP from states which have reported Delta Plus variant cases.

States including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Karnataka have reported Delta Plus variant cases so far.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress leader Virbhadra Singh passed away in the wee hours of Thursday (July 7, 2021) after battling a prolonged illness. The Congress leader was 87. The veteran political leader breathed his last at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) at 3:40 am, senior Medical Superintendent, Dr. Janak Raj revealed.

The authorities also added that the veteran leader suffered from a heart attack on Monday and was in critical condition. Virbhadra Singh was admitted in the critical care unit of IGMC.

Dr. Janak Raj also said that Virbhadra Singh was put on a ventilator under the supervision of the doctors of the cardiology department on Wednesday after he had a breathing problem.

Mortal remains of former Himachal Pradesh CM & Congress leader Virbhadra Singh being taken to medical college for embalming (medical procedure). Later, the mortal remains will be taken to his residence from Shimla's Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital. pic.twitter.com/Q7RH7wJ4L2  ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021

Virbhadra Singh was a nine-time MLA and five-time MP. He served as Himachal Pradesh's chief minister six times.

Earlier, Virbhadra was tested positive for COVID-19 on June 11 for the second time in two months. He had earlier tested positive for the disease on April 12 and was taken to Max Hospital in Mohali.

Singh had returned home in Holly Lodge here on April 30 from the Chandigarh hospital after getting cured of the first infection. However, he was admitted to IGMC within hours after reaching home, as he complained of cardiac and breathing problems. He was under treatment in the hospital ever since then.

The veteran Congress leader remained chief minister of the state for six times- from April 8, 1983 to March 5, 1990, December 3, 1993 to March 23, 1998 and from March 6, 2003 to December 29, 2007 and for the sixth time from December 25, 2012 to December 26, 2017. Singh also remained the leader of the Opposition from March 1998 to March 2003.

The veteran Congress leader also served as union deputy minister, Tourism and Civil Aviation, minister of state for industries, union minister of steel and Union Minister of micro, small & medium enterprises (MSME).

(With PTI inputs)

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NEW DELHI: Though assembly elections in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh are a few months away, the ruling BJP has begun preparations for the electoral battle since its outcome will have a direct bearing on the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

As part of the BJPs plan to set the roadmap for the upcoming assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a lions share to Uttar Pradesh in the Union Cabinet expansion on Wednesday.

After hours of careful deliberations with the partys senior leaders, PM Modi inducted seven ministers from the state into his cabinet  six of them are from the OBC and other backward castes. Their induction into the Union Cabinet clearly indicates the saffron partys priorities and the significance it attaches to the upcoming UP assembly elections.

It may also be noted that in the previous Modi cabinet, there were 15 ministers from UP. But after Wednesdays cabinet expansion, the total number of ministers from Uttar Pradesh has risen to 16. This is the highest ever representation of UP in the union cabinet.

In order to maintain the regional balance in the politically crucial state where the caste factor plays a major role in determining the outcome of polls, the party has chosen two ministers from the eastern part, two from the western and one from the Bundelkhand region.

Among the newly appointed UP ministers, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal and Pankaj Chaudhary is from the dominant Kurmi (Patel) caste, while BL Varma is from the Lodh community and SP 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 belongs to the Pasi community. Interestingly, the lone upper-caste minister from UP this time is Ajay Mishra, a Brahmin.

The selection further points to the fact that the saffron leadership has carefully chosen non-Yadav OBCs which implies that BJP wants to make a big dent in the traditional OBC and backward vote bank of Samajwadi Party and Mayawati-led BSP.

The induction of Anupriya Patel in the Modi Cabinet points to the BJPs outreach to the Kurmis - a caste most dominant after Yadavs in UP. It should not be forgotten that BJP's impressive victory in the central and Avadh regions of UP was mainly due to the support of the 'Kurmis'. Similarly, the induction of Mohanlalganj MP Kaushal Kishore is also indicative of the partys efforts to reach out to the 'Dalits' as well.

The Union Cabinet expansion also makes it abundantly clear that the BJP has its eyes set on the OBCs and Dalits, who constitute the largest chunk of voters in Uttar Pradesh. There is a thinking in the BJP that the party need not worry about the upper castes since it has a Chief Minister who belongs to the Thakur community and a Deputy Chief Minister who is a Brahmin.

Clearly, in line with PM Modis motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the party has sent a clear signal that it seeks the participation of poor sections of society in corridors of power. The BJPs strategists know that support from OBCs and Dalits, which played a major role in the partys victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha and 2017 assembly elections, will be crucial in the upcoming 2022 polls and the subsequent general elections in 2024 too.

Keeping this in mind the party has given proper representation to these communities in the state as well as the union cabinet. Besides Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs to Lok Sabha, assembly elections are due early next year in Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand and later in the year in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

Except for Punjab, BJP is in power in all these states. But the outcome of elections in UP and the partys performance will hold the key for BJP seizing the power in the state in 2022 and then in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Among other things, the cabinet reshuffle has also triggered speculations about the much-awaited cabinet reshuffle in Uttara Pradesh. According to party sources, the removal of senior ministers at the Centre on grounds of non-performance has made it easier for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take similar action in Uttar Pradesh.

The Chief Minister, for some months now, has been wanting to divest some senior ministers of their portfolios. However, apparently under pressure from the party high command, he was not allowed to do so. However, the manner in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown the door to veterans like Ravi Shanker Prasad, Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank, Prakash Javdekar and Harshvardhan, will now make it easier for Yogi Adityanath to crack the whip.

Moreover, since the majority of the seven new ministers inducted in the union cabinet are from OBC and Dalit castes, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath can easily replace some ministers from these caste groups in the state. According to sources close to him, the chief minister would prefer to induct some new faces who have a jest for performance and can further improve the image of the government.

Insiders feel that CM Yogi Adityanath is the only one working in the government. He would certainly prefer some more `working hands` who can add vibrancy to the government and that can be done through a major shake-up of the state government.

The cabinet reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh is awaited since January and the induction of former bureaucrat-turned-politician, Arvind Kumar Sharma, in the council of ministers has also been long overdue. With former Congress leader Jitin Prasada also joining the BJP, he has also emerged as a strong contender for a ministerial post in the state.

However, it all remains to be seen whether PM Modi's masterstroke of inducting 7 ministers from the OBC and backward communities pays rich dividends to the party in the upcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

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New Delhi: Even as country reels under the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the southern state of Kerala has reported several cases of Zika virus. On Thursday, the state Health Minister Veena George informed that around 13 cases of Zika virus has been detected in the state even as the COVID-19 crisis continues to rage.

"This is the first time that Zika virus has been reported in Kerala... a 24-year-old pregnant woman reported at a hospital in the state capital district with fever, headache and rashes last month," she was quoted as saying to IANS.

"From 19 samples tested, 13 showed Zika positive, though we have doubts about the 13 positive cases. All the samples have now been sent to NIV Pune," she said.

"The Health Department and the district authorities are aware of the issue and have taken measures by collecting samples of the Aedes species mosquitoes, which transmits it to people through its bite," George added.

All districts have been but on alert and adequate measures have been taken.

Notably, In India, the first local outbreak of Zika virus was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadus Krishnagiri district in July, 2017.

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Mumbai: The Chandigarh Police has summoned actor Salman Khan, his sister Alvira Khan and six others following a complaint of cheating lodged by a local businessman.

Apart from the actor and his sister, those called for an inquiry on July 13 to verify facts of the complaint included the Being Human Foundation CEO and officials of Style Qutient (licensee of Being Human Jewellery), police said on Thursday.

Arun Gupta, a local businessman, has complained that he had opened an exclusive store under the brand "Being Human Jewellery, by spending Rs 2 to 3 crore in 2018.

Gupta said he was assured that they would provide all kinds of backup and also promote the brand.

According to his complaint, neither promotion commitments were fulfilled nor goods were delivered to him for his store.

Gupta said it was assured to him that actor Salman Khan will promote the brand but nothing happened.

He said he repeatedly contacted company officials but they refused to keep their promises.

The complainant claimed that the office which was to be used for collecting stock was also lying shut since February 2020.

Gupta further said in his complaint that he was assured that Salman Khan will come himself for the inauguration of the showroom. But his brother-in-law Aayush Sharma came, he said.

Gupta demanded registration of an FIR in this case.
New Delhi: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Soon after he returned home, his younger son Vivaan Shah shared the Instagram story of his father and mother together.

Vivaan Shah posted photos featuring Naseeruddin Shah and his wife Ratna Pathak Shah. The house pictures assured fans about his health.

Wearing an orange t-shirt and track pants, Naseer can be seen finding something from his pouch in the bedroom while in the other picture, wife Ratna is seen sitting on the bed, finding out something.

The 70-year-old actor was admitted to the Khar-based P D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, a non-COVID-19 facility, on June 29, 2021, Tuesday.

His wife and veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah told PTI that the veteran actor had a "small patch" of pneumonia in his lungs and was undergoing treatment for the same.

On the work front, the National Award-winning actor was last seen in the film 'Mee Raqsam'. He was also a part of the hit web series 'Bandish Bandits', where he played the role of a classical musician.

He will be seen sharing screen space with Rasika Duggal in a short film, next.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Government or private sector employees who are subscribers to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will have to link their Aadhaar card with their Provident Fund (PF) accounts by September 1, 2021, to continue receiving funds into their account without any hiccups.

Previously, the last date set by the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to link the 12-digit Aadhaar with PAN card with PF accounts was June 1, 2021. However, the government has extended the last date to link the Aadhaar card with the PF account to September 1, 2021, to provide some respite to the subscribers. Employees won't receive PF money if they fail to link their Aadhaar card with their PF accounts.

The date of implementation for filing ECR (electronic challan cum receipt or PF return) with Aadhaar verified UANs has been extended to September 1, 2021, according to an order issued by the EPFO.

It is important to note that EPFO had issued an office order for the field staff on June 1. The order pointed out that the ECR shall be allowed to be filed only for those members, whose Aadhaar numbers are seeded and verified with the UAN, with effect from June 1, 2021. The last date for the same is now September 1, 2021. Also Read: Income Tax department issues refunds worth Rs 37,050 crore till July 5

Earlier, the labour ministry had ordered EPFO to make it compulsory for EPFO subscribers to link the Aadhaar cards with PF accounts. Also Read: Bajaj Dominar 250 rate slashed by 17,000! Check new price, features and more
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has slapped 14 banks with cash penalties on 14 banks due to their non-compliance with certain provisions. Some of the notable banks which came under the radar of RBI include Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India (SBI), Bandhan Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Credit Suisse AG, Indian Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karnataka Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, South Indian Bank, The Jammu & Kashmir Bank and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank.

The banks were penalised for not complying with RBI directives on lending to non-banking financial companies, bank finance to non-banking financial companies, loans and advances - statutory and other restrictions, among other norms, according to an IANS report.

In total, RBI has slapped a total penalty of Rs 14.50 crore, of which Bank of Baroda is paying the highest amount at Rs 2 crore while the State Bank of India is fined with the lowest amount at Rs 50 lakhs.

"A scrutiny in the accounts of the companies of a group was carried out by the RBI and it was observed that the banks had failed to comply with provisions of one or more of the aforesaid directions issued by the RBI and or contravened provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the RBI said in its statement.

The central bank also noted that the replies that banks gave provided it are duly considered "to the extent the charges of non-compliance with RBI directions or contraventions of provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 were sustained."

As a result, RBI has concluded that it warranted the imposition of cash penalty on the fourteen banks. "In furtherance to the same, `Notices` were issued to the banks advising them to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed for non-compliance with the directions or contraventions of provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949," the RBI said.

Will fine impact customers?

RBI said that the rules related to Central Repository of Large Common Exposures, Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC) reporting in banks, operating guidelines of Small Finance Bank have been compromised by the banks. Also Read: Earned leaves to increase to 300, changes in salary and PF? Big decisions will be taken soon

Banks have also violated section 19(2) and section 20(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, RBI noted. Since the penalties are imposed on banks for lack of regulatory compliance, the fines wont have any impact on the banks' customers. Also Read: Sensex ends above 53K for first time, Nifty rose to record peak

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Dubai: It is said that there is nothing like an overnight success but if one is lucky enough then they can become millionaires overnight. Renjith Somarajan, a 37-year-old Indian turned out to be one of them. Somarajan along with his nine associates from different countries hit a jackpot by winning a whopping 20 million dirham (approximately Rs 40 crore) in a raffle draw in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Originally from Kerala, Renjith Somaraja works as a driver in Abu Dhabi, has been purchasing lottery tickets for the past three years, including winning the jackpot while he was right in front of a mosque, the Khaleej Times reported on Saturday (July 3). He said that that he never dreamed of winning the lottery with first prize, but he only hoped to win the second or third prize.

ALSO READ: After humans, animals take COVID-19 jab! Oakland zoo inoculates its big cats, bears, ferrets

Somarajan's phone is now engaged with congratulatory calls from friends and dear ones. His life has been tough for him so far while hopping jobs in hope of a better salary. "I have been here since 2008. I worked as a driver with Dubai Taxi and different companies. Last year, I worked as driver-cum-salesman with a company but with my salary deduction, it was a difficult life," Somarajan told Khaleej Times.

Somarajan will be sharing the prize money with 9 other people he met recently. While working in the valet parking of a hotel, they bought the ticket under the buy two and get one free offer in which each person pooled 100 dirhams. All the 9 associates of Somrajan are from different countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

ALSO READ: Odisha fisherman catches 7-foot-long python in net, forest department rushes to rescue

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New Delhi: India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, on Wednesday (July 7, 2021), made a halt en route to Moscow. During the brief stopover, Jaishankar held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and also called on Iran's President-Elect Ebrahim Raisi. Jaishakar is the first foreign minister to meet the new president of Iran, who was elected last month.

During his meeting with the Iranian President-elect, he handed over a personal message from Indian PM Narendra Modi. In a tweet after the meet, Indian EAM said, "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

Afghanistan was one of the key topics of discussion during his meet with Zarif, this comes even as the Taliban makes territorial gains in the country. "The two sides also stressed the need to strengthen intra-Afghan dialogue in Afghanistan which leads to a comprehensive political solution," the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Interestingly, hours before Jaishankar reached Tehran, Iran hosted Intra-Afghan talks. The talks saw the presence of both Taliban and Afghan government representatives. While the Afghan government's delegation was headed by Yunus Qanuni, the former foreign minister of Afghanistan, the Taliban was led by Abbas Stanikzai.

"Referring to the ongoing talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Tehran, the Indian Foreign Minister thanked Iran for its efforts to bring the two sides closer to a comprehensive political solution", the Iranian foreign ministry statement read.

During the talks, Vienna talks about the JCPOA or the Iran nuclear deal and cooperation in Chabahar port was also discussed. Iran's Chabahar port has been a key connectivity project that New Delhi has been invested in as it provides connectivity not only to Afghanistan but also to central Asia.

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New Delhi: In a rare development, Indias envoy to Saudi Arabia Dr Ausaf Sayeed and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen held a meeting on Monday (July 5). The meeting, which is being described as a "courtesy visit" in a release by OIC, took place at its headquarters in Jeddah.

According to the OIC release, during the meeting, Secretary-General Al-Othaimeen "conveyed the desire...to dispatch a delegation" to Kashmir and called for a "possibility of a meeting between Pakistan and India" in which the body is "ready to assist if the two parties would so request."

OIC calling for a meet comes even as New Delhi and Islamabad have been engaged in back-channel diplomacy. But recent incidents of a drone attack in Jammu, and drone breaching security of Indian mission in Islamabad have cast a shadow on the positive developments.

The last such engagement between India and OIC took place in 2019 when the then Indian EAM Sushma Swaraj was invited as the "Guest of honor" at the OIC meet. The invite was extended by the host UAE for the OIC annual FMs meet that took place in Abu Dhabi. Islamabad, which sees the grouping as its area of influence was not very happy about it.

OIC and India don't share a very positive relation, with India hitting out at the body a number of times for raking up the Kashmir issue.

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London: Over 100 scientists and medics, including Indian-origin experts, issued a joint letter on Thursday, warning the UK government against a "dangerous and unethical" experiment of ending all legal lockdown restrictions from July 19.

The 122 signatories of the letter published in "The Lancet' medical journal include Dr Chaand Nagpaul, Council Chair for the British Medical Association (BMA), Dr Deepti Gurdasani from Queen Mary University of London, Dr Bharat Pankhania from the University of Exeter, and Professor Sunil Raina from the RP Government Medical College at Tanda in India.

The senior experts warn an exponential growth of the deadly virus will likely continue until millions more are infected, leaving hundreds of thousands with long-term illness and disability.

"The UK government must reconsider its current strategy and take urgent steps to protect the public, including children. We believe the government is embarking on a dangerous and unethical experiment, and we call on it to pause plans to abandon mitigations on July 19, 2021," reads the letter.

Under the current plans laid out by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this week, the government will take a final decision on Monday to remove all legal requirements currently in place to mitigate the spread of coronavirus from July 19.

This will mean an end to the directive for people to work from home where possible, ensure one-metre plus social distance at gatherings and wearing face masks in all indoor settings.

Johnson has said the decision is being made because the link between a positive COVID-19 test and hospitalisations and death has been weakened due to a successful vaccination programme.

"The link between infection and death might have been weakened, but it has not been broken, and infection can still cause substantial morbidity in both acute and long-term illness" the government should delay complete re-opening until everyone, including adolescents, have been offered vaccination and uptake is high, and until mitigation measures, especially adequate ventilation (through investment in CO" monitors and air filtration devices) and spacing (by reducing class sizes), are in place in schools," the letter warns.

Dr Deepti Gurdasani, the epidemiologist who organised the letter, described the government's plans as unethical and unacceptable.

"The government has made a deliberate choice to expose children to mass infection, rather than protect them in schools or vaccinate them. This is unethical and unacceptable. Our young have already suffered so much in the past year, and are now being condemned to suffer the consequences of this dangerous experiment," she said.

The intervention comes as the UK recorded another 32,551 coronavirus cases on Thursday, similar to the number on Wednesday, which marks the highest infection rate since earlier this year. The daily deaths from COVID-19 stand at 35 on Thursday after Wednesday's 33 fatalities.

Johnson has said he wants to move from "government diktat" towards personal responsibility from July 19, dubbed "Freedom Day" as it marks an end to lockdowns within the UK Prime Minister's "irreversible" roadmap.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday (July 7) that European Union's efforts to force Hungary to abandon a new law banning the promotion of homosexuality in schools would be in vain. His government will not allow LGBTQ activists into schools, Orban said. The right-wing leader was speaking on the day the new law entered into force. It bans schools from using materials seen as promoting homosexuality and gender reassignment, and says under-18s cannot be shown pornographic content.

It also proposes setting up a list of groups allowed to hold sex education sessions in schools. European Union chief executive Ursula von der Leyen warned EU member Hungary on Wednesday it must repeal the legislation or face the full force of EU law. But Orban said only Hungary had the right to decide on how children should be raised and educated.

The law, which critics say wrongly conflates paedophilia with LGBT+ issues, has prompted protests in Hungary. Rights groups have called on Orban`s Fidesz party to withdraw the bill. The European Commission has opened an inquiry into it.

"The European Parliament and the European Commission want that we let LGBTQ activists and organisations into the kindergartens and schools. Hungary does not want that," Orban said on his official Facebook page. The issue was one of national sovereignty, he said.

"Here Brussels bureaucrats have no business at all, no matter what they do we will not let LGBTQ activists among our children."

Orban, who has been in power since 2010 and faces a potentially tough election fight next year, has grown increasingly radical on social policy in a self-proclaimed fight to safeguard what he says are traditional Christian values from Western liberalism. The opposition party Jobbik has also supported the bill in parliament.

On Thursday, the NGOs Amnesty International and Hatter society flew a huge heart-shaped rainbow colour balloon over Hungary's parliament building in protest against the law.

"Its aim is to erase LGBTQI people from the public sphere," David Vigh, director of Amnesty International Hungary, told reporters.

He said they will not observe the new law nor change their educational programmes.